Ace and the girls looked troubled as they gazed at the road ahead leading to Saffron City, which was just 10 kilometers away. However, the path was blocked by police with fences and warning signs. A nearby officer informed them of the lockdown, explaining that there had been reports of Team Rocket activity in the city, including sightings of a Rocket Executive. To ensure public safety, the city and its surrounding area were under strict lockdown, with a psychic barrier created by Gym Leader Sabrina and her Pokémon. Only authorized personnel were allowed to pass through.
"I'm sorry, but no one is permitted to enter," the officer said firmly. "Your best bet is to head west toward Celadon City until the situation here is resolved."
The group exchanged reluctant glances before Ace nodded. "Understood. We'll head to Celadon City for now."
As they pedaled away on their bikes, May sniffled dramatically. "I was so excited to try all the dishes at the Kantonian restaurants in Saffron City," she whined, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Serena sighed, equally disappointed. "And I was hoping to get some pointers on training psychic Pokémon from Sabrina."
Dawn patted their backs sympathetically one at a time while keeping her balance on her bike. "Don't worry, we'll make it to Saffron eventually. Besides, Celadon is known for its fashion stores! Maybe we'll find something interesting there."
Ace sweatdropped at their antics, though he couldn't help but smile. 'This isn't entirely bad. It gives me more time to prepare for the Saffron Gym battle. Plus, Celadon City has the Grass-type Gym, so I can challenge it in the meantime. It's a good opportunity to keep training.'
With renewed determination, Ace tightened his grip on his bike handles. "Alright, everyone, let's pick up the pace. Celadon City, here we come!"
As Ace and the girls pedaled their bikes down the road toward Celadon City, they noticed something unusual. They slowed to a stop when they saw what appeared to be a Hitmonchan punching the air with precision, its fists moving so quickly they almost seemed to blur. Beside the Pokémon stood a middle-aged man, barking instructions in a firm yet encouraging tone.
"Keep your stance steady! Don't let your guard down, no matter what!" the man called out. Hitmonchan nodded and adjusted its stance, continuing its relentless barrage of punches.
However, what caught the group's attention even more was a young girl around their age, standing a short distance away, partially hidden behind a tree. Her face was etched with sadness and hesitation as she watched the man and his Hitmonchan train. The group exchanged curious looks as the man and Hitmonchan wrapped up their training and jogged off down the road. The girl, on the other hand, sank to the ground, leaning against the tree in visible defeat.
Serena leaned in closer to the group and whispered, "Do you think we should ask her if something's wrong?"
May nodded slowly. "She does look pretty upset," she whispered back.
Dawn glanced at the direction where the man and Hitmonchan had disappeared and murmured, "Maybe it has something to do with that old man and his Hitmonchan? She was watching them pretty intensely."
But while the girls speculated quietly, Ace stood still, staring at the girl with a conflicted expression. His mind was racing. 'That old man... I remember him!'
Memories from his previous life flashed through his mind, of an episode in the Pokémon anime where this very man convinced Ash to leave his newly evolved Primeape behind to train for a championship boxing tournament. But the worst part? Ash never returned for Primeape, leaving it forgotten entirely.
Ace clenched his fists, his brows furrowed. 'That old man was famous in the Pokémon community... for all the wrong reasons! There's no way I'm letting history repeat itself, especially not with my Pokémon!'
Noticing Ace's distant look, Serena gently tapped his shoulder. "Ace, you okay? You've been staring off into space."
He shook his head and refocused on the present. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go talk to her. Something's clearly bothering her."
The girls nodded, and the group approached the slumped girl, determined to figure out what was wrong.
The girl jumped slightly when the group approached her, her wide eyes darting between them. Seeing her startled reaction, Serena knelt beside her with a warm smile. "Hey, it's okay. We're not here to bother you. You just looked upset, and we thought you might need someone to talk to."
May crouched beside Serena, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, we'd love to help if we can. You look like you've been carrying a lot on your shoulders."
The girl hesitated for a moment, her gaze falling to the ground. She fiddled with the hem of her skirt, clearly debating whether to open up. Finally, after a deep breath, she looked up at the group.
"My name's Rebecca," she began softly. "That man you saw earlier… he's my father, Anthony."
Everyone listened intently as Rebecca continued, her voice tinged with frustration and sorrow. "My dad is obsessed with winning the P1 Grand Prix. It's this big tournament for Fighting-type Pokémon, and the winner gets a top-tier black belt that boosts Fighting moves. He's entered the tournament three times already and lost every time, but he refuses to give up."
Rebecca's fists clenched tightly in her lap, her words spilling out faster now. "In his obsession with this dumb tournament, he's stopped coming home. My mom has to handle everything at home by herself—cleaning, cooking, Business, everything. She's overworking herself so much that her health is starting to suffer."
The group exchanged concerned glances, but Rebecca wasn't finished. "I've tried to talk to him so many times, but he always runs away before I can say anything! I think… I think he believes I'm going to tell him to give up on his dream, but that's not it at all!" Her voice cracked, and she looked at them with tear-filled eyes. "I just want him to come home, even for a little while, and help Mom. That's all."
May's eyes narrowed in anger, and she crossed her arms. "That's terrible. How can he call himself a father if he's ignoring his daughter and wife for some silly tournament?"
Dawn nodded fiercely, her expression a mix of anger and sympathy. "Exactly! He shouldn't be putting a competition above his family."
Serena placed a comforting hand on Rebecca's shoulder. "We understand how you feel. It's not fair to you or your mom."
Ace, who had been silently listening, suddenly snapped his fingers, drawing everyone's attention. His grin was wide and confident. "I've got it. I know exactly how we can get Anthony to come back home. It's foolproof."
Rebecca, May, Dawn, and Serena all turned to him, their curiosity piqued.
"You do?" Rebecca asked, her voice trembling with hope.
"Yup," Ace said, his grin widening. "Trust me on this one. By the time I am done, your dad will be rushing home to you and your mom in no time."
The girls exchanged uncertain glances, but Ace's confident demeanor sparked a glimmer of hope in Rebecca's eyes.
(Pls give me some power stones!)
(Find out next time on Pokemon:Ace's Adventures!)