>>37162852Already a year had passed since the death of his mother, and the Pokemon League approached.
Despite his efforts however, Ricky was no match for the highly experienced trainers at the league. He was unceremoniously defeated in the group stages, and was left angry. Angry at himself, angry at his poor training skills, and angry at his Pokemon. He didn't realize it was not his fault or the Pokemon's, but simply a lack of experience and preparation. Some trainers spent all their lives with a same group of Pokemon, and still can't get past groups.
With a newfound motivation to become the best trainer, he left all his Pokemon at the Ranch, believing them to be weak. He spent a couple of years arduously training in Mt. Silver, setting strict routines for his Pokemon and non-stop skirmishes and battles to toughen them up.
However one especially bright night, a young boy, no older than 15 stumbled upon Rick. This fella was quite impressed by Rick and asked him to battle, so that his Pokemon could see other great Pokemon in action, and maybe learn from him.
After easily defeating the kid's team he Rick was amazed at the kid's reaction. He was happy, in awe even! At that moment Rick remembered that winning wasn't everything, and remembered the trainer by the name of Ash, who had inspired him so many years ago. He hoped to be someone like that to this young fella, instead of a sour poor loser. Thus he imparted this newfound knowledge on the youngster, and embarked on a journey back to the ranch to see his old friends.
