13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 74 Pokemon League Part 1

As Ash and Alice arrive at the Rikoto League Village, they both stop in their tracks, taking in the breathtaking sight before them. The village is alive with energy, filled with trainers and their Pokémon from all over the region, each one eager to prove themselves in the upcoming battles. The towering stadiums, adorned with vibrant banners and flags, dominate the skyline, while the air buzzes with excitement.

Alice gazes around, her eyes wide with amazement. "Ash, this place is incredible. I've never seen anything like it. The atmosphere, the scale... it's overwhelming in the best way possible."

Ash nods, equally captivated by the scene. "Yeah, it's like the culmination of everything we've worked for. Every battle, every capture, every challenge we've faced—it all leads to this moment. I've competed in a lot of leagues, but there's something different about this one. It feels... bigger, more important."

Alice smiles, her excitement mirroring Ash's. "I know what you mean. The Rikoto League has such a rich history, and now we're part of it. Just think about it—we're walking the same paths that some of the greatest trainers in the world have walked. It's a bit daunting, but it's also really exciting."

Ash clenches his fists with determination. "And we're ready for it. We've come too far to let anything hold us back now. This is our chance to show just how strong we've become, how much we've grown as trainers."

Alice nods in agreement. "Yeah, and it's not just about winning—though, of course, that's the goal—it's about showing what we and our Pokémon can do. It's about proving to ourselves that all the effort was worth it."

Ash looks around, spotting trainers deep in conversation, others training intensely, and some just soaking in the atmosphere. "Seeing all these trainers here, knowing they've worked just as hard as we have... It's inspiring. But it also makes me want to win even more. Not just for me, but for Pikachu, for all our Pokémon who've given everything to get us here."

Alice smiles warmly. "They've been with us every step of the way. Win or lose, we're going to give it everything we've got, together."

Just then, they hear familiar voices approaching. Rodney and Keira arrive, both grinning as they spot Ash and Alice.

Rodney, slightly out of breath but full of enthusiasm, says, "We finally caught up to you, Ash. Looks like we all made it to the league. I can't wait to win the whole thing."

Keira, equally excited, adds, "Then you'll have to beat me, Rodney! And that also goes for you, Ash."

Ash chuckles, feeling the friendly rivalry in the air. "We'll see about that."

Kiera says, "I've heard we have to go into the stadium and register for the league!"

Rodney, always eager, exclaims, "Alright! I'll be the first!" Without waiting, he dashes off toward the stadium.

Kiera sighs, watching him go, before a slight blush creeps onto her cheeks. "Oh my god... he's so hotheaded... but that's kind of cute, isn't it?" She quickly shakes her head, clearing her thoughts. "Nevermind, I think I'll take a look around the village first. I've heard about a training area with different battlefields. You should check it out too—you've still got some time before the Pokémon League starts! See you on the battlefield, Ash!"

With that, Kiera waves goodbye and heads off to explore the village. Ash and Alice exchange a glance, both feeling the excitement of the upcoming competition.

"Guess we should go register too," Ash says with a determined smile.

Alice nods. "Yeah, let's make it official."

Together, they head toward the registration center, ready to take the next step in their journey toward becoming Pokémon League champions.

Ash and Alice make their way to the stadium, where a large sign indicates the registration center for the Rikoto Pokémon League. The atmosphere inside is electric, with trainers from all over the region excitedly discussing strategies and rivalries. As they approach the registration desk, they see Rodney already there, practically bouncing with anticipation as he finalizes his registration.