Chapter 50 Coralite Town

Ash and his friends finally arrive at Coralite Town, and Alice breathes a sigh of relief as she steps onto solid ground. "Finally, we're on a non-sea route," she says, glad to be done with surfing for now.

Gina nods in agreement. "Yeah. First, we went through the swamp, then straight to the ocean. We haven't had much land travel these past few days."

Ash, feeling the weariness of their journey, says, "Right now, I just want to head to the Pokémon Center and rest." The group decides to make their way there.

As they enter the Pokémon Center, they spot Rick waiting for his Pokémon from Nurse Joy. Ash groans inwardly, not pleased to see him. Rick has a habit of calling Ash a loser, despite never having beaten him in a battle.

"You again?" Ash mutters, clearly not thrilled.

Rick, noticing them, grins smugly. "Ah! It's you! Still trailing behind me, I see! Haha! I'm just here healing my Pokémon because I'm going to train at the Battle Cafe."

"Battle Cafe?" Alice asks, intrigued. "Is that something special?"

Rick looks at her as if she's missing out on something obvious. "Haven't you heard of it? It's a place where people from all over the Rikoto Region come to battle and train! After my training, I'm heading to the Coralite Lighthouse. I've heard the keeper on the highest floor is a real challenge and the founder of the Pokémon Flying Service! I doubt you can beat him!"

Ash, unfazed by Rick's taunts, replies coolly, "Is that so? So you think you can beat him, huh? If I can't, then surely you can't either, right? Since you've always lost to me."

Rick's grin falters, and he grits his teeth. "Oh, I will! And when I do, I'll get to use his Flying Service for free! Catch you later, loser!" With that, Rick storms out without another glance at them.

Gina sighs after Rick is out of sight. "What's with that guy? He's really getting on my nerves."

Alice explains everything about Rick, and Gina nods in understanding. Meanwhile, Ash is thinking about Rick's words. "So there's a trainer on the highest floor who's really good at battling?"

Gina smiles, her expression softening. "Of course, he's really strong." But Alice notices a blush creeping up Gina's cheeks and asks, "So, do you know him?"

Before Gina can answer, Delia and Red walk into the Pokémon Center. Delia, with a teasing grin, says, "I think you're talking about your boyfriend, Gina?"

"Mom!" Gina yells, clearly flustered.

Ash, catching onto the situation, can't resist teasing her. "Wait, your boyfriend? Why didn't I know about this?"

Gina glares at Ash, warning him, "Don't you dare tease me, Ash!"

Ash shrugs, trying to act uninterested, though a playful grin lingers on his face.

"Calm down, you two," Red interjects with a chuckle. "Why don't we go visit him? I'm sure Beacon would love to see you as well."

Gina sighs, still embarrassed, but relents. "I guess so."

As they ascend the Lighthouse and reach the top, they find Beacon standing by the window, watching over the sea. Hearing them approach, Beacon turns around with a smile. "Gina, I thought it might be you. And Ms. Ketchum, it's nice to see you again."

"Hello, Beacon," Delia greets him warmly. "How's the Flying Service going?"

Beacon sighs slightly. "Well, I have the service up and running, but I couldn't leave this place... But enough about that. Care to introduce the others you've brought along?"

After Delia introduces Red, Ash, and Alice, Beacon nods politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Beacon, the Lighthouse Keeper. I look after this lighthouse, making sure everything runs smoothly so the light doesn't go out. But that's not all! Gina and I are also the founders of the Pokémon Flying Service."

Ash, curious, asks, "So what does the service do?"

Gina steps in to explain. "Good question. When we were younger and traveling the region, we always thought that HM moves were unnecessary. So we founded the Pokémon Flying Service, which allows you to call one of our Pokémon via a whistle, and they'll fly you to the place you want!"

Beacon adds, "And it's thanks to Gina here that this awesome idea came about. But to use my service, I've decided that only trainers who can handle a battle with me can use it."

Gina smiles confidently. "Believe me, Beacon, Ash, and Alice are strong trainers. I've seen them battle many times."

"Is that so?" Beacon says, intrigued. "Then, Ash, do you mind if we have a battle?"

"Sure," Ash agrees without hesitation.

The battle begins as Ash sends out Pikachu, while Beacon sends out Legenix. Beacon raises an eyebrow in surprise. "A Pikachu? You don't see that Pokémon in this region much these days."

Delia, watching from the sidelines, smiles. "I know. Ash has gained a lot of experience battling in other regions."

Beacon's Legenix starts off by using Sunny Day to boost its Mystical Fire, but Pikachu's speed and evasiveness quickly catch Beacon off guard. Despite Legenix's attempts to use Recover, Pikachu ends the battle with a powerful Volt Tackle, securing the win.

"That was a tough battle," Beacon admits, impressed. "As Gina said, you really are strong." He hands Ash the whistle for the Pokémon Flying Service.

"Thanks," Ash replies, grinning. "You're not bad yourself. I can see why Gina found a keeper." Ash's comment causes Gina to blush furiously.

Beacon chuckles, glancing at Gina. "Even though she likes Ghost-types, she's brave and smart. You might be right about finding a keeper." Then he turns to Gina, "Speaking of which, Gina, the two Pokémon you left in my care…"

"Oh, right," Gina responds, "I'd like to give them to my brother."

Ash is surprised. "Wait, you're giving me Pokémon?"

"Yeah," Gina says, smiling. "Those two are a bit of a headache, so I think they'll be better off with you."

Beacon hands Ash two Repeat Balls, and Ash releases the Pokémon inside. One is a rocky, tombstone-like creature, and the other is a ghostly figure that seems to be sleeping.

Gravole: The Gravestone Pokémon. Ghost and Rock type. Gravole often disguise themselves as tombstones in graveyards. They rest during the day and roam about at night, causing confusion among grave keepers in the past.

Snoozee: The Dreamer Pokémon. Ghost and Fairy type. Snoozee are capable of entering people's dreams. Sometimes, they may accidentally wander into one, only to be forced out when the dreamer wakes.

Alice sighs, half-jokingly. "Great, not only do we have to make sure Phansheet doesn't interrupt our sleep, but now we also have to worry about Snoozee entering our dreams?"

Ash, however, is thrilled. "But it's so cool."

Once they step outside, they find Rick again, standing with his usual air of indifference.

"Oh, you again. So, you battled Beacon... you won?" Rick asks in an uninterested tone.

"Yeah, so what do you have to say?" Ash responds, ready for another taunt.

Rick shrugs. "I suppose that if you beat him, he must not be that strong. It would just be a waste of time if I battled him..."

"Or maybe you don't want to admit that there are people stronger than you," Alice mocks, her tone sharp.

"Whatever. There's no Gym here, so this place is pointless... I'm heading back to my home in Rassic City. My sister, Lizzy, called me, saying that the Dragon Master Rex is there." Rick sighs, clearly unimpressed by the day's events.

"Rex, huh? It sure has been a while since I last saw him," Red says, intrigued.

"He's one of my Elite Four members in this region," Delia adds. "In fact, we traveled together back in the Sinnoh Region."

Rick, unfazed by the conversation, starts to leave. "I'm going back to see if I can challenge him to a battle. Catch you later, loser." With that, he walks away.

Red watches him go and shakes his head. "He is quite rude indeed."

Ash, still frustrated by Rick's attitude, says, "I just hope that whoever Rex is, he can defeat him easily."

"Me too," Gina agrees, sighing. "He's really annoying."

With Beacon's help, Ash and his friends head to the Battle Cafe. There, Ash battles several trainers, and through those battles, some of his Pokémon evolve. He also receives a Mystic Stone, which he uses to evolve one of his Pokémon.

Lavenrina: The Ballerina Pokémon. Grass and Fairy type. Evolved from Lavenbelle when learning Teeter Dance. Lavenrina are graceful and agile. They give off a soothing aroma as they perform ballet, becoming famous for their many ballet shows around Rikoto.

"Now we have a dancer on our team," Ash says, admiring his newly evolved Pokémon. "And it's so cool as well."

Phoxiven: The Pixie Fox Pokémon. Fairy type. Evolved from Phoxy with a Mystic Stone. People say that if you see a Phoxiven, you're very lucky. However, if you manage to capture one, you'll be blessed with good fortune for the rest of your life.

"Blessed with good fortune..." Alice muses. "Seems like your Ninetales is really lucky."

"I know," Ash agrees with a grin. "They can be a great couple just like us."

Alice blushes faintly, nodding. "I know what you mean."

Dinopion: The Martial Pokémon. Fighting and Dragon type. Evolved from Dinomite at LV:34. Dinopion are fierce fighters capable of launching volleys of claw strikes and punches exceeding 100,000 PSI. They use stalagmites in caves as punching bags.

"Wow, it looks like you've gotten even stronger," Ash says to Dinopion, who nods with a twig in its mouth.

Gina notices and asks, "Does he do that often?"

"Yeah," Delia replies with a smile. "Even when it was a Sceptile. I guess it's become a habit."

Billaze: The Goat Pokémon. Fire type. Evolved from Kidlit at LV:34. Billaze are master climbers among Pokémon, known for being able to scale sheer volcanic mountainsides, even during an eruption.

"I remember Billaze being strong when we faced Amber," Ash recalls to Alice. "And now we'll make it even stronger."

Blimpoon: The Blimp Pokémon. Steel and Flying type. Evolved from Irimp at LV:34. People use Blimpoon to transport items and packages to regions far from Rikoto. They are essential to worldwide trade, as Rikoto is rather isolated from other regions.

"Believe me, Blimpoon is really good for our Flying Service as well," Beacon says. "But yours isn't quite big enough yet."

"I see," Ash says, slightly disappointed but understanding.

Blitziglow: The Firework Pokémon. Electric and Fire type. Evolved from Blitzy at LV:33. Blitziglow can cause bright explosions when it's enraged or excited. It's debated whether its fireworks or Scorlit's are more beautiful.

"I prefer Blitziglow over Scorlit if you ask me," Gina comments.

"Well, I like both," Alice retorts with a smile.

Doflap: The Dolphin Pokémon. Water type. Evolved from Porfin at LV:34. Doflap can swim at amazing speeds with great maneuverability. They create water rings for themselves to swim through for fun.

"It seems like a nice Pokémon," Red observes. "Not to mention, it's also fast. You might consider keeping it on your team."

"I know," Delia agrees.

Rockster: The Hard Pincer Pokémon. Water and Rock type. Evolved from Crablue at LV:34. Rockster's claws possess multiple layers of rock shells, allowing them to break through even steel slabs with a single punch. Few aquariums are willing to host them.

Rockster playfully pinches Ash, causing him to wince in pain. "Even when it was a Corphish, it liked doing that..."

"You'll have to get used to all your Pokémon showing affection in different ways," Red advises. "That's vital to becoming a Pokémon Master."

"I know, Dad," Ash says, recalling Rockster into its Pokéball.

"So, that's all of them?" Gina asks, looking impressed. "That's a lot of Pokémon you've evolved."

"Yeah," Ash says with a satisfied nod.

After their battles at the Battle Cafe, Ash and his friends decide to head to the Pokémon Center to take on some quests. The first quest is from a punk guy lounging near the entrance. He greets them with a laid-back attitude. "What's up? I'm just looking for a Trainer who can show me a special Pokémon, but unfortunately, I forgot its name... The only thing I remember is that it has a mohican hairstyle and is a second stage Pokémon... It can have two different abilities, but I'd like to see it with the ability Scrappy! I've heard it would be a perfect Pokémon for a punk like me... Come back if you're sure you've found it!"

Ash frowns, thinking it over. This is the first time he doesn't have a Pokémon that fits the description, so he realizes he'll have to wait until one of his Pokémon evolves to meet the request.

The second person Ash encounters at the Pokémon Center is a Farmer with a concerned look on his face. "Howdy, young trainer! You look like a strong one! I have a special task to ask of you... You see, my son... His head is always full of silly ideas! He's supposed to take over my farm, but instead, he's dreaming about a Pokémon Trainer career... He thinks he's the most talented Pokémon Trainer out there. Actually, he's already headed over to Sailport Town to start his journey. Can you battle him and teach him a lesson so he might reconsider his plans?"

Ash sighs, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Another quest we can't do right away... But don't worry, we'll do it for you."

The Farmer smiles gratefully. "Thank you! Show him that he's not as talented as he thinks for a Trainer career!"

The third person they meet is a lady who seems a bit distressed. She approaches the group with a worried expression. "Ah... Hello... You're a young Pokémon Trainer, aren't you? I was on my way from Sailport Town to Coralite Town. I bought some apples there from a friend of my husband, but I didn't realize that my bag had a hole in it... So I lost all the apples on Route 11 and Route 12... Could you find them for me and bring them back?"

Alice responds kindly, "Sure, we can help."

"Oh... wonderful! I think I bought seven of them..." the lady says, relieved.

As they discuss the quest, Delia notes, "It seems like the quests here can't be completed right away..."

Ash mutters in frustration, "This is a little frustrating..."

Here is a new chapter, there is some slight change in this part of the story from the games, Beacon is Gina's boyfriend and they are the ones who use the Flying Service. Don't worry, it will be in the story since Ash needs to train his Pokemon.

New Pokemon/Evolution: Gravole, Snooze, Lavenrina, Phoxiven, Dinopion, Billaze, Blimpoon, Blitziglow, Doflap, Rockster

Coralite Town:

Surfing: Porfin:60% (LV:31~33), Sharko:30% (LV:31~33), Jellitot:10% (LV:31~33)

Old Rod: Angling:100% (LV:5~15)

Good Rod: Angelish:60% (LV:25~30), Squidart:20% (LV:25~30), Sharko:20% (LV:25~30)