13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 79 Good and Bad News

After the ceremony concludes, Rodney and the others gather in the resting room. Rodney rushes over to Ash, his face glowing with excitement. "Wow, Ash! You did it! I knew you could!"

Keira follows closely behind, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "I'm so happy for you, Ash! This is incredible!"

Dawn chimes in, "Your battles are as amazing as always. Congratulations on winning the Rikoto League."

"That makes the second league you've won," Sophocles adds, a note of admiration in his voice.

Professor Pinewood, who has been observing from the sidelines, nods in approval. "Ash, this was an excellent tournament. I never imagined you would come this far, but you've proven yourself to be a truly exceptional trainer."

Rick approaches Ash, his tone respectful despite the frustration of his earlier loss. "Ash, thank you again for that great battle. I'm really proud that I got to face you in the final round."

He pauses, reflecting on his defeat. "I'm heading back to Lizzy's castle to train harder. Maybe one day, I'll win this league too, and then I'll get the chance to battle Rex."

Rick extends a friendly invitation, his earlier competitive edge softened. "You should visit me sometime. I'd really like to battle you again when I'm stronger."

As Rick turns to leave, he adds with a playful smile, "See you again, Rodney! And Ash... I hope we'll meet again soon, beauty!" He winks, causing Rodney to bristle slightly.

Rick continues, "My parents and Lizzy are waiting outside. See you at Rassic Castle, Ash." With that, he excuses himself politely.

After Rick leaves, Insey comments, "I guess he isn't as bad of a person as you said before?"

"Perhaps the loss in the League changed his heart. People do that a lot," Gina sighs, reflecting on the possibility.

Rodney, however, is fuming. "How did that brat dare call Keira 'beauty'?!"

Mark pats his shoulder and says, "Calm down, Rodney. I'm sure he didn't mean it that way."

Keira giggles, teasing Rodney, "He even got your name right, Rodney. Haha!"

Professor Pinewood, observing the exchange with amusement, sighs nostalgically. "Ah, to be young again, even just for a day... But never mind that! Keira, Rodney, and Ash, you all did an incredible job. You started this journey with just one Pokémon, and now look at you—competing in the Rikoto Pokémon League! And Ash, you went on to win it!"

He smiles warmly at the group. "For all your hard work filling the Pokédex, I have a special gift for you. But you'll have to come to my laboratory to receive it!"

"That's fine with us," Ash replies.

Just as they are about to celebrate, Alex and Beacon burst into the room, their expressions serious. "We have urgent news!" Beacon announces.

Delia, sensing the tension, quickly asks, "What's wrong?"

Beacon takes a deep breath before speaking. "First of all, congratulations on your win, Ash. I knew you could do it. But the problem is that those people have arrived in the Rikoto Region!"

"What?" The news causes everyone to gasp in shock and horror. Dawn and Ash's former travel companions begin to shiver, deeply concerned about the possibility of being hypnotized again. Meanwhile, Ash and Alice are visibly furious. For Ash, those nine individuals are the main reason why his Pokémon had to be reborn; for Alice, those same nine bullied her, leading her to drop out of school.

Red steps forward, his voice calm but filled with concern. "How did they get past the mist?"

Alex responds, his tone grave. "They must have been well-prepared, Red. They don't have anything to lose here, which means they survived the ocean by sheer luck."