Chapter 53 Lake Bliss
After their time in the Safari Zone, Ash decides to let Leonite have the promised battle, this time against a Primeape. The battle is intense, but Leonite is ultimately defeated, leaving it satisfied with the challenge.
The group then moves on to Route 12, where they encounter a Pokémon known as Bullson. Ash, ever the thrill-seeker, decides to engage in a rodeo with Bullson. He calls upon Girafire for assistance, knowing he'll need all the help he can get.
As the rodeo unfolds, Girafire begins to glow with an intense light, evolving into Giraflame. With its newfound strength and burning neck, Giraflame helps Ash tame the powerful Bullson.
Bullson: The Rough Pokemon: Normal Type. Riding on a Bullson is a famous sport in the Rikoto region. The stronger the Bullson, the more difficult it is to sit on its back.
Giraflame: The Giraffe Pokemon: Fire Type. Evolved from Girafire at LV:36. Giraflame's neck is constantly burning. While they do not display discomfort in this, the flames can turn trees into ash in mere seconds.
After the rodeo, Alice approaches Ash, her expression a mix of worry and frustration. "Ash, how can you be so reckless?" she begins, her voice filled with concern. Ash, knowing how much Alice cares for him, can only rub his head in embarrassment, a sheepish smile on his face.
Delia sighs softly at Ash's antics, but noticing Alice's expression, she turns to Red and says, "You know, Alice may be a good wife for Ash."
Red nods in agreement. "I agree. She really cares about Ash, just like how you care about me."
As Ash battles trainers along Route 12, his Cuburn reaches a new level of strength, evolving into a powerful new form. The Pokémon now sports a red headband and wristbands, signifying its readiness for battle.
Grizzler: The Grizzly Pokemon: Fire and Fighting Type. Evolved from Cuburn at LV:35. Grizzler looks after its fellow Cuburns, but they would abandon all caution and throw themselves fully into the fight when they are challenged.
"It's a good thing I still have that Fire Stone from Tigacore," Ash says as he retrieves the Evolution Stone from his bag. With a determined nod, he gives the Fire Stone to Grizzler, triggering another evolution.
Magrizzly: The Grizzly Pokemon: Fire and Fighting Type. Evolved from Grizzler with a Fire Stone. Magrizzly's flames and spirit are known to heat up when fighting other Magrizzly. The same extends to Polarpow, even though they are of different colors.
"Polarpow? What's that Pokémon?" Ash asks, curious about the name mentioned in Magrizzly's description.
"Oh, it's an Ice Type bear Pokémon," Alice says, her eyes lighting up with excitement. But then her expression shifts to a frown. "I haven't captured one…"
Ash gives her an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll capture one eventually." Alice nods, reassured by Ash's words.
As Ash continues his journey on Route 12, his Pokémon undergo several evolutions, each gaining new strengths and forms. First, Barball evolves into Barbviral, gaining two hands with spikes.
Barbviral: The Barb Pokemon: Steel and Poison Type. Evolved from Barball by learning Toxic Spikes. Barbviral can shoot out the spikes on it as if they're missiles. To grow the spikes back, it consumes large amounts of minerals and poisonous plants.
"So we have to watch out for this guy too," Ash says, examining Barbviral's new form. "We need to make sure it doesn't hurt anyone with those spikes."
Next, Toxidon evolves, standing on two feet as its body becomes more purple, transforming into Snapike.
Snapike: The Quill Pokemon: Poison and Ground Type. Evolved from Toxidon at LV:36. Snapike are highly intelligent Pokémon who would pick out spikes from its back to make traps. They carefully collect used spikes after battles.
Hottop then evolves, gaining a second chute that produces smoke when it's affectionate, becoming Fizire.
Fizire: The Volcano Pokemon: Fire and Rock Type. Evolved from Hottop at LV:36. Fizire can create smog clouds from the two chutes on its back. Fields where they left their smoke on becoming fertile lands, excellent for farming.
With Gina's help, Ash and the group use the Flying Service to reach Mt. Highpoint, where Fizire further evolves into Volcadon.
Volcadon: The Volcano Pokemon: Fire and Rock Type. Evolved from Volcadon on Mt. Highpoint. Though capable of immense devastation, Volcadon are said to deposit their excess lava at the coasts, enlarging the landmass of Rikoto.
Ash admires Volcadon's strength, glad to have it as part of his team. The next evolution is Aqlarva, which transforms into a mosquito-like Pokémon, Mosliquo.
Mosliquo: The Draining Pokemon: Bug and Water Type. Evolved from Aqlarva at LV:36. Mosliquo sips clean water from swamps and rivers using their long mouthparts. Some Mosliquo also consumes fruits; they ferment inside its abdomen and become fine wine.
"Don't tell me the wine in Rikoto is actually made from Mosliquo…" Alice says, looking queasy at the thought.
Delia reassures her, "It is, but don't worry, they won't harm you."
Finally, Sliboo evolves into Fungerm, taking on a bug-like appearance.
Fungerm: The Congregate Pokemon: Poison Type. Evolved from Sliboo at LV:36. The excess spores that solidify into colonies on its body are known to be extracted by witch doctors for dubious elixirs. These spores also serve as a defense for Fungerm.
After picking up seven apples scattered on the ground, Ash and his group return to the Pokémon Center in Coralite Town to deliver them to the old lady they encountered earlier.
"Ah, you found all of them! Thank you very much!" the old lady says, her face lighting up with gratitude. "For your effort, I will give you this!"
She hands them a Wide Lens, an item known for boosting accuracy in battles. Ash and his friends thank her before heading back to Route 12, continuing their journey north toward Lake Bliss.
Finally, Ash and his group arrive at Lake Bliss, where they spot Keira gazing out at the serene water. As soon as she sees them, she waves and calls out, "Come over here! You have to see this beautiful lake!"
They approach the lake, taking in its tranquil beauty. Keira, with a smile, asks, "Do you know about Lake Bliss?"
Alice nods. "Of course. It's a man-made lake created over 100 years ago. It was built by someone who wanted a safe and peaceful place for people and Pokémon to come to."
Keira adds, "Over time, the lake grew even more beautiful. Now, it's a haven for many Pokémon, and it's blooming more than ever. Have a look around! I'm sure you'll love it!" As she prepares to leave, Ash asks, "What about you?"
"I think I'm going to head to Greenpine City. There's a Gym there, and I heard the Leader uses Grass Type Pokémon. Maybe we'll meet again! Bye!" Keira says, waving as she departs.
Once Keira is out of sight, the group continues to admire the lake. "It sure is a great lake," Delia comments, noting its serene atmosphere. "And it's shaped like a heart."
"Indeed," Gina agrees, squinting at something in the distance. "But there's something in the middle of the lake."
"You're right," Ash says, intrigued. "Maybe we can check it out later."
Ash and Alice are surprised to spot three Pokémon that look remarkably similar. One is green with a happy face, another is blue with a sad face, and the last one is red with an angry expression. Intrigued by the trio, Ash decides to battle them, using Angelish against the angry one, Dynaball against the happy one, and Tortarock against the sad one. As the battles unfold, each of Ash's Pokémon evolves, revealing their new forms.
Angelight: The Angelfish Pokemon: Water Type. Evolved from Angelish at LV:35. Angelight are considered one of the most beautiful Pokémon in the oceans of Rikoto, and yet they do not actively look down on other Pokémon for not being as beautiful.
Explonade: The Exploding Pokemon: Fire and Steel Type. Evolved from Dynaball at LV:36. Explonade detonates itself whenever it feels itself is in danger. Some cities employ trainers to clear out Explonade swarms for safe travels.
Bouldoise: The Tortoise Pokemon: Rock and Ground Type. Evolved from Tortarock at LV:36. Bouldoise's shells are said to be near impenetrable. There have been records of Legenix dropping them from miles above Earth, only to land and walk away unscathed.
Pupetal: The Joy Pokemon: Fairy and Grass Type. Pupetal often frolick in flower fields, attracting other younger Pokémon to join in. Anyone who approaches will be engulfed by the cheery mood.
Pupyro: The Rage Pokemon: Fairy and Fire Type. Pupyro rampage through the fields, picking fights with anything they see. There are tales of the unfortunate left with severe burns after encountering one.
Puplash: The Sorrow Pokemon: Fairy and Water Type. Puplash weeps at the merest provocation, crying for long enough that a large puddle would form around it. Its tears have been said to be incredibly bitter.
"Wow, these three look like they were born from the same Pokémon," Alice observes, amazed by the similarities.
"I agree," Ash says. After a moment, he turns to his parents. "Mother, Father, can I take Alice to the island in the middle of the lake?"
Delia smiles and nods. "Sure," she says, giving her blessing. Ash and Alice then row a boat across the lake, eager to explore the mysterious island together.
"Wow, these three look like they were born from the same Pokémon," Alice observes, still amazed by the trio they encountered.
"I agree," Ash says. After a moment, he turns to his parents. "Mother, Father, can I take Alice to the island in the middle of the lake?"
"Sure," Delia replies with a smile. Ash and Alice then row a boat across the lake, excitement building as they approach the island. Upon arrival, they are greeted by the sight of a heart-shaped statue standing before them.
Ash reads the inscription aloud: "Big journeys begin with small steps. What does that mean?"
"I don't know," Alice responds, puzzled. Suddenly, a thick mist rolls in, and a mysterious Pokémon resembling a fox emerges from the fog.
Ash quickly reacts. "Surfide! Use Low Sweep!" he commands. But to his surprise, the attack passes right through the Pokémon.
"It's no use," Alice observes, watching the ineffectiveness of the attack.
"Well, I guess we'll have to use Water attacks," Ash decides. At that moment, Surfide begins to glow and evolves into Tidude, a humanoid Pokémon with a surfboard. Tidude then successfully hits the Pokémon with a Water Gun, dispelling the mist.
Tidude: The Surfer Pokemon: Water and Fighting Type. Evolved from Surfide at LV:34 while surfing. Because Tidude are almost always surfing, they have achieved amazing balancing skills. They compete to see who can surf on the largest waves.
As the fog clears, a white and purple fox Pokémon becomes visible, but what shocks Ash is that it's wearing Black Glasses.
"Black Glasses?" Ash says in surprise. Tidude then uses Surf, and the wave washes the glasses away, causing the fox Pokémon to panic. Ash quickly retrieves the glasses and gasps as a realization hits him. "Could it be...?"
"Another one of your missing Pokémon?" Alice asks, noticing the familiarity in Ash's voice.
The fox-like Pokémon yells, "Give me back my glasses! I really need them!"
Ash pauses, then asks, "Wait, you're Krookodile, right?"
The fox flinches and says, "How did you know… Who are you?"
"It's Ash, remember?" Ash replies, with Pikachu nodding in agreement beside him. Alice, still puzzled, says, "Krookodile? I don't think I remember this Pokémon…"
Ash steps in to explain. "Krookodile is a Pokémon from the Unova Region. It can see faraway objects as if through binoculars. Its jaws are strong enough to crush a car."
"Wow… so it became a fox instead of a crocodile," Alice remarks, astonished by the transformation.
The fox Pokémon, now recognizing Ash and Pikachu, says, "Ash? No way… I thought I'd never find you…"
"But I found you," Ash says, smiling, with Pikachu agreeing. "But what are you doing here?"
"I was helping a Pokémon…" the fox Pokémon begins, and as he speaks, Pupetal, Pupyro, and Puplash appear, singing together. Their melody summons a pink Pokémon. "What is that?" Ash asks, intrigued.
"I've never seen it before," Alice adds, equally curious.
The pink Pokémon speaks, "Do not fear, chosen ones. I have heard a lot about you from this Parafox here. He was your Pokémon, right?"
"Yes," Ash confirms.
"Good. I also want to join you as well, since you seem to be a good trainer," the Pokémon offers.
"Okay," Ash replies, capturing both the Parafox and the new pink Pokémon.
Felove: The Love Pokemon: Fairy and Psychic Type. Felove roam the lands, resolving conflicts and feuds as they go. The largest war in the history of Rikoto ended with a horde of Felove strolling across the battlefield.
Parafox: The Ethereal Pokemon: Normal and Ghost Type. The presence of Parafox is unusually weak, even for a Ghost type. Sometimes, it may flicker in and out of reality for a split second.
When they return to the others, Gina is surprised to see that Ash found a Parafox, though she didn't know it was originally Krookodile. The group is also pleased that Ash found a Felove. With their exploration of the lake complete, they decide to head east to Sailport Town, their next destination along Route 12.
Here is a new chapter, and this time Ash finds his former Krookodile back. I did this because I can't find any crocodile Pokemon in the Rikoto Region. I hope you like it and the next chapter will be some surprises for Ash.
New Pokemon/Evolution: Bullson, Giraflame, Magrizzly, Barbviral, Snapike, Volcadon, Mosliquo, Fungerm, Angelight, Explonade, Bouldoise, Pupetal, Pupyro, Puplash, Tidude, Parafox, Felove
Route 12:
Land: Bullson:25% (LV:34~36), Phoxiven:25% (LV:34~36), Wormune:20% (LV:34~36), Horshush:20% (LV:34~36), Ecobuzz:10% (LV:34~36)
Headbutt: Weashock:50% (LV:33~35), Paraful:30% (LV:33~35), Aeroma:20% (LV:33~35)
Lake Bliss:
Land: Lavenbell:25% (LV:33~35), Dartoad:20% (LV:34~36), Hummzap:20% (LV:34~36), Horshush:20% (LV:34~36), Pupetal:5% (LV:34~36), Pupyro:5% (LV:34~36)
Headbutt: Budsoar:50% (LV:33~35), Pixilily:30% (LV:33~35), Aeroma:20% (LV:33~35)
Surfing: Angelish:60% (LV:33~35), Swellegent:30% (LV:33~35), Merkid:10% (LV:33~35)
Old Rod: Angling:100% (LV:5~15)
Good Rod: Angelish:60% (LV:25~30), Weedsea:20% (LV:20~25), Merkid:20% (LV:20~25)