13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 83 Camping in the Jungle

At Lake Bliss, Ash has just finished an intense battle with Kiera. Both trainers are slightly winded but smiling.

"That was a good battle, Ash!" Kiera says, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Thanks, Kiera. Your full team is really strong as well," Ash replies, returning the smile.

Kiera smirks, her competitive spirit showing. "Someday, I'll get the upper hand, you'll see! But for now, I think I'm going to explore more of Rikoto. There's still so much left to see, and I'd love to revisit all my favorite places!"

Ash and Alice nod, understanding her wanderlust. "That sounds like a great plan," Alice says. "There's always something new to discover in Rikoto."

With that, Ash and Alice bid farewell to Kiera, waving as they leave Lake Bliss to continue their journey, while Kiera sets off on her own adventure, eager to see what new experiences await her.

As Ash and Alice leave Lake Bliss, Kiera waving them off with a smile, Mallow and Hito watch from a distance, hidden among the trees. Mallow frowns as she observes the scene. "So it seems that girl, Kiera, is also a strong trainer..."

Hito nods thoughtfully, his gaze following Kiera as she walks away. "We have no match for her if we want to battle Ash. Our focus should still be on those two."

Mallow sighs, clearly frustrated by the situation. "Yeah, you're right. But it's not going to be easy."

Without warning, Hito suddenly takes off, his parkour skills allowing him to move swiftly and effortlessly through the trees. He disappears from sight within seconds, leaving Mallow behind.

"Hey! Hito, wait up!" Mallow groans, realizing she has no hope of catching up to him. She's been struggling to keep pace with his fast movements all day, and now, once again, she's left chasing shadows.

Mallow shakes her head in exasperation, muttering to herself as she starts moving again, determined not to lose track of him entirely.

When Ash and Alice arrive at Greenpine City, they make their way to the gym, where they find Bailey sitting at his desk, deeply engrossed in his thoughts. He's muttering to himself, "Yes... Mhm... Now where shall I explore next..."

"Bailey?" Ash calls out, snapping Bailey out of his reverie.

Bailey looks up, a bit startled but quickly smiling when he sees them. "Oh? Pardon me, Ash and Alice. I was wrapped up in my latest research in the jungle! I always have to stay on my toes when it comes to dealing with the dangerous areas of the jungle and the strong Pokémon that live there."

Alice's eyes light up with excitement. "I see, so we're going jungle exploring for the movie filming? That sounds like fun!"

Bailey chuckles, shaking his head. "Well, we are going into the jungle, but the theme for the movie isn't about jungle exploration. It's actually something else entirely."

Ash and Alice exchange confused looks, unsure of what Bailey has planned.

Seeing their puzzled expressions, Bailey smiles and continues, "By the way, Ash, did you bring your Grass Pokémon with you?"

Ash nods. "They're with me. But you asked me to bring 23 Pokémon..."

Bailey laughs softly. "Sorry about that. It's just that I wanted to be sure we had plenty of options. But for now, let's head to the Cascade Waterfalls."

With that, Bailey leads the way, and Ash and Alice follow, curious about what awaits them at the waterfalls and eager to see what Bailey has in store for the next part of their adventure.