Capítulo 17: Chapter 17: The Weight of Victory(Rio)
Charmeleon's resolve burned brighter than the flame at the tip of its tail as it launched forward, closing the distance with Onix. The silver light at the end of its tail flared, creating a streak of brightness that cut through the smoky haze that lingered from the Smokescreen. Charmeleon's final strike landed with a force that sent a shockwave rippling through the rocky terrain of the Pewter City Gym. The ground trembled, and even the sturdy stone pillars that lined the battlefield seemed to shudder under the sheer power of the impact.
Brock's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on the Poké Ball in his hand. He had not expected this level of intensity from a new trainer, especially one so young. "Onix, Rock Tomb!" Brock's voice carried through the dust-choked air, steady and commanding.
Onix, battered but not beaten, reared back with a low growl. The ground beneath it heaved as it called forth a barrage of massive boulders, each one cracking through the rocky surface with the weight of a landslide. The rocks hovered for a split second, then plummeted toward Charmeleon, each one promising to crush the fire-type beneath their weight.
But Charmeleon was ready. With a snarl, it darted to the side, its body a blur of orange and red against the backdrop of the Gym. The first boulder smashed into the ground where it had been just a moment before, sending shards of stone in every direction. Charmeleon leaped to avoid a second boulder, then twisted mid-air to narrowly dodge a third. The Pokémon's agility was remarkable, each movement precise and measured, guided by a fierce determination to see this battle through to the end.
Rio's eyes tracked every move, his mind racing. He knew Brock's reputation—this was a man who knew how to turn the tide of battle in his favor with a single command. The Smokescreen had bought Charmeleon time, but it wouldn't last. Brock's Onix was a force of nature, and every second that passed meant another opportunity for the giant Rock-type to regain control. Rio's heart pounded, the weight of the moment pressing down on him, but his voice was steady as he shouted, "Charmeleon, Smokescreen—now!"
Charmeleon inhaled deeply, then exhaled a thick cloud of smoke that quickly enveloped the battlefield. The dark gray mist swirled around the rocks and pillars, cloaking Charmeleon's movements from sight. Brock's expression tightened—he knew what this meant. Smokescreen was a tactic designed to disrupt his strategy, to blind his Onix and force it to fight on unfamiliar terms.
But Brock wasn't the Pewter City Gym Leader for nothing. "Onix, Dig!" Brock's voice cut through the haze, filled with the quiet confidence of a seasoned trainer. Onix didn't hesitate. With a mighty swing of its tail, it smashed a path into the ground and disappeared beneath the surface, leaving only a gaping hole in its wake. The battlefield fell eerily silent, the only sound the faint tremor of Onix burrowing deeper, its massive body carving through the earth like a blade.
Rio clenched his fists, feeling the tremors beneath his feet. He couldn't see Onix, but he could sense it—waiting, watching, ready to strike from below. "Charmeleon, get ready!" His voice was sharp, his mind racing through possibilities. If Onix could strike from anywhere, then they needed to be prepared for anything.
"Dragon Breath, cover the area!" Rio's command was clear, decisive. Charmeleon nodded, its eyes narrowing as it opened its mouth and released a torrent of blue flames that crackled with energy. The Dragon Breath spread across the battlefield, the flames licking at the rocks and smoke alike, creating a web of fire that left no corner untouched.
But the ground shook violently as Onix burst forth, emerging from the earth like a rising titan. It reared up to its full height, rocks cascading from its stone body, its eyes glowing with a fierce determination. Brock wasted no time. "Onix, Rock Slide!"
The command was met with an immediate response. Onix summoned a new wave of boulders from the ceiling, the rocks tumbling down with terrifying speed. They crashed through the Smokescreen, scattering the thick cloud and revealing Charmeleon once more. The flames from Dragon Breath sizzled as the rocks smashed into them, sending plumes of dust and sparks into the air.
But Charmeleon wasn't done yet. Even as the rocks fell around it, it roared, the flames on its tail flaring to a brilliant white. "Flamethrower, Iron Tail—now!" Rio's voice was a mix of desperation and determination.
Charmeleon lunged, the Flamethrower shooting from its mouth, a stream of red-hot fire that tore through the incoming boulders, turning them to molten slag. At the same time, its tail whipped through the air, glowing silver as it sliced through the remnants of the Rock Slide. The combined force of fire and steel collided with Onix, the impact so intense it sent a shockwave rippling through the battlefield.
Onix roared in pain, its massive body trembling under the assault. The Pokémon teetered, its great strength wavering for the first time. Brock's eyes widened, a flicker of concern crossing his usually stoic face. But he wasn't ready to concede—he couldn't. "Onix, one more Rock Throw!"
Onix dug deep, pulling on the last reserves of its strength. It reared back and launched a final barrage of stones at Charmeleon, each one a last-ditch effort to turn the tide.
Charmeleon met the attack head-on. Its tail blazed, glowing white-hot as it swung with everything it had. The Iron Tail struck the incoming rocks, shattering them in mid-air. The collision sent sparks flying, filling the Gym with a brilliant explosion of light and sound. For a moment, everything was lost in a blinding storm of dust and debris.
When the dust finally settled, the battlefield was eerily quiet. Both Pokémon were still, their bodies covered in dust and scratches. Charmeleon's tail flickered weakly, the flame at its tip a faint glow. It was breathing heavily, each breath coming in labored pants.
On the other side, Onix swayed, its massive body unsteady. Brock watched, his hands trembling slightly as he held his breath. Then, with a low groan, Onix's strength finally gave out. Its eyes closed, and the giant Pokémon collapsed onto the ground, the earth shaking with its fall.
Rio stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. He could hardly believe it—he'd actually done it. Charmeleon had won. The realization hit him like a wave, a mix of relief and joy surging through him. But even as he felt the thrill of victory, he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for his Pokémon. Charmeleon was exhausted, its body trembling with fatigue. Rio rushed forward, dropping to one knee beside his partner.
"Charmeleon, you were incredible," Rio murmured, his voice filled with pride and worry. He gently placed a hand on Charmeleon's head, feeling the heat from its battle-worn body. The fire-type looked up at him, a tired but satisfied expression in its eyes.
Brock was already at Onix's side, his hands moving expertly as he checked over his fallen Pokémon. Despite the loss, there was no bitterness in his expression—only respect. He stood slowly, meeting Rio's gaze across the battlefield. "That was an impressive battle, Rio," Brock said, his voice warm and genuine. "You and Charmeleon have earned this victory."
Rio looked up, still catching his breath, as Brock approached him. The battlefield was quiet now, the dust settling from the fierce battle that had just taken place. Charmeleon stood at Rio's side, its flame dimmed but flickering proudly, a testament to its effort and determination.
Brock reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, gleaming object—the Boulder Badge. Its polished surface caught the light, reflecting the rugged aesthetic of the gym, with the symbol of a rocky mountain etched into it. He held it up, pride clear in his eyes. "You've earned this, Rio," Brock said, his voice carrying the weight of the moment. "This badge represents your strength and strategy. You've proven yourself today."
Rio's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and relief. He watched the badge glint in the gym's light, its weight almost tangible in the air between them. Brock stepped forward and placed the badge in Rio's outstretched hand. The metal was cool against his skin, a solid reminder of the grueling battle he and Charmeleon had just fought.
Charmeleon, though clearly exhausted, let out a low, satisfied growl as it looked up at its trainer. Its flame, though weaker than before, danced with a stubborn pride. It had given everything in that battle, and now, it was basking in the hard-earned victory. Rio knelt down beside his partner, wrapping his arms around Charmeleon's neck in a tight hug. The warmth of Charmeleon's tail against his back was a comforting reminder of their bond, one that had only grown stronger through the challenge they had faced together.
"Great job, Charmeleon," Rio whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He could feel the Pokémon's rough scales against his cheek, the rhythmic rise and fall of its chest as it caught its breath. "We did it."
Charmeleon nuzzled its snout against Rio's shoulder, a rare moment of softness from the usually fiery Pokémon. But even as it allowed itself this moment of closeness, its eyes remained sharp, aware. The battle had forged an even stronger bond between them, one built on trust, resilience, and a shared determination to overcome any obstacle.
After a few moments, Rio gently released Charmeleon from the hug. With a soft click, he retrieved Charmeleon's Poké Ball from his belt. "Rest up," he said softly as he held the ball out. A red beam of light shot out, enveloping Charmeleon and pulling it back into the Poké Ball. The sphere vibrated slightly in his hand before falling still, the weight of it in his palm a comforting presence.
With Charmeleon safely inside, Rio stood up and turned to face Brock. The Gym Leader had been watching the scene with a small smile, his expression one of respect. Rio walked over, his steps steady despite the lingering exhaustion. "Thank you for the incredible match," Rio said, his voice steady, though it was clear the battle had taken its toll on him as well. "I've learned so much from battling you. Your strategies, your Pokémon… they were amazing."
Brock's smile widened, a look of pride and responsibility in his eyes. He was a mentor as much as he was a challenger, and seeing a young trainer like Rio grow stronger brought him genuine satisfaction. "You fought well, Rio," Brock replied. "Charmeleon has grown a lot under your care. You've got the makings of a great trainer. Keep pushing forward, and you'll only get stronger."
There was a moment of shared understanding between them, the kind that only those who had battled together could experience. But as much as Brock respected Rio's strength, his concern for his own Pokémon hadn't faded. His gaze shifted to where Onix lay on the battlefield, the massive Rock-type slowly recovering from the intense battle.
Brock moved to Onix's side, his hand already reaching into his bag for a calming potion. He applied it to Onix with practiced care, his hands moving with the kind of gentle precision that spoke of years of experience. Onix's massive body shuddered slightly as the potion took effect, easing its exhaustion and soothing the aches from the battle. Brock stroked Onix's head affectionately, murmuring soft reassurances as the Pokémon's eyes flickered open.
Rio watched the scene with quiet respect. Despite the fierce competition, Brock's genuine care for his Pokémon was undeniable. It was something Rio admired deeply, a reminder that being a great trainer was about more than just winning battles—it was about the bond between a trainer and their Pokémon.
With Onix resting comfortably, Brock stood and turned back to Rio, who had been watching with a thoughtful expression. "Take care of your Pokémon, Rio," Brock said, his tone firm but kind. "They're more than just partners in battle—they're your friends. And they'll carry you through the toughest challenges if you take care of them."
Rio nodded, the words sinking in. "I will," he promised, his voice filled with determination.
Satisfied, Brock gave Rio a final nod of approval. "Good luck on the rest of your journey," he said. "I'm sure we'll meet again, and when we do, I'm looking forward to seeing how much you and your team have grown."
Rio smiled, his confidence bolstered by Brock's words. "Thank you, Brock. I won't let you down." With those parting words, Rio turned and made his way toward the gym's exit. The heavy stone doors loomed ahead, but this time, they didn't seem as imposing as when he first entered.
As he reached the doors, Rio paused and glanced back over his shoulder. "When Ash and Blaze Ketchum come through here," Rio called out, his voice carrying across the gym, "tell them I've already earned the badge. They're a bit behind, as usual." A playful smirk tugged at his lips, a rare moment of levity after the intense battle.
Brock chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'll be sure to pass on the message," he replied, clearly entertained by Rio's competitive spirit. As Rio pushed open the gym doors and stepped outside, Brock's gaze lingered on the young trainer, a mix of admiration and curiosity in his expression. There was something special about Rio, something that made Brock certain their paths would cross again.
Outside the gym, the bright light of day greeted Rio. The sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows on the stone-paved streets of Pewter City. Rio shielded his eyes momentarily, blinking against the sudden brightness. The cool, fresh air filled his lungs, a sharp contrast to the dust and tension of the gym's battlefield.
For a moment, Rio just stood there, letting the reality of his victory sink in. The Boulder Badge was safely tucked away in his pocket, but its presence felt heavy with significance. This was just the beginning of his journey, but it was a beginning he had fought hard to achieve.
Rio found a quiet spot near a small park, a few benches nestled among the trees providing a peaceful place to sit and reflect. He took a seat, pulling out his special pouch—the one his parents had given him, its magic as mysterious as the stories they used to tell. He carefully retrieved the Boulder Badge from his pocket, holding it up to the light. The badge was solid and cool to the touch, its surface etched with the symbol of Pewter City's rocky landscape. It was more than just a piece of metal—it was a symbol of his progress, a testament to the strength and skill he had developed alongside his Pokémon.
As he turned the badge over in his hands, Rio felt a deep sense of accomplishment. But there was also a quiet determination burning within him, a drive to keep moving forward, to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He wasn't just doing this for himself—he was doing it for his parents, for the memory of the family he had lost, and for the future he was determined to build.
With a deep breath, Rio opened his magical pouch and pulled out a small map of the Kanto region. He studied it carefully, tracing the path to his next destination with a focused gaze. There were many more gyms to conquer, each one offering its own unique challenges.
Rio's gaze shifted to the horizon, where the path to his next challenge awaited. He could feel the weight of the journey ahead, but it didn't intimidate him. Instead, it filled him with a sense of purpose, a determination to push forward no matter what obstacles he faced.
With the map folded neatly and tucked back into his pouch, Rio stood up, his resolve solidified.
With one last look at the gym behind him, Rio took a deep breath and turned to face the bustling streets of Pewter City. The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths as he made his way toward the Pokémon Center. His steps were purposeful, but the fatigue from the battle was beginning to settle into his muscles.
As Rio pushed through the glass doors of the Pokémon Center, the familiar scent of antiseptic filled his nose, mingling with the soft, sterile hum of the healing machines. The center was spacious and brightly lit, with walls lined with posters about Pokémon care, safety tips, and trainer guidelines. Nurse Joy, with her signature pink hair tied into neat loops and her pristine white uniform, looked up from the counter as Rio approached. Her warm, welcoming smile made him feel at ease.
"Welcome to the Pokémon Center," Nurse Joy said in her kind, melodic voice. "How can I help you today?"
Rio didn't waste any time. He unclipped Charmeleon's and Pidgeotoo Poké Ball from his belt and placed it gently on the counter. "Charmeleon and pidgeotoo had a tough battle today. Can you heal them, please?"
Nurse Joy's eyes softened with understanding. She took the Poké Ball with a practiced, gentle touch. "Of course. It won't take long. Please, have a seat and relax."
She placed Charmeleon's and pidgeotoo Poké Ball into one of the center's healing machines, and it began to emit a soothing blue light, the hum of energy filling the air. Rio watched intently as the machine worked, the soft glow reflecting in his intense green eyes. For a moment, he allowed himself to relax, letting the tension of the battle drain away as he observed the process.
While he waited, Rio pulled out his special pouch, the one gifted to him by his parents. He opened it, revealing its seemingly endless interior, lined with various slots and compartments. From one of the compartments, he retrieved a stack of Poké Dollars, the crisp bills freshly earned from his victory against Brock. He began to count them, his eyes widening slightly in surprise as the total came into focus. It was more than he had anticipated—enough for a proper celebration.
By the time Nurse Joy returned with Charmeleon's and pidgeotoo Poké Ball, Rio had already planned his next move. "Thank you," he said, pocketing the Poké Ball with a grateful nod.
"Take good care of him," Nurse Joy advised, her tone maternal yet professional. "He's a strong Pokémon, but remember to give him some rest."
Rio smiled, appreciating the advice. "I will."
With his Pokémon healed and his earnings secure, Rio left the Pokémon Center and headed for the restaurant he had heard about, a place where trainers often gathered to unwind after a hard-fought battle. It didn't take long to find it—its polished glass windows and elegant façade stood out against the more modest surroundings of Pewter City. A sign above the entrance read, "The Grand Gourmet," and the aroma of sizzling steaks and fresh seafood drifted through the air, making Rio's stomach growl in anticipation.
Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Rio was led to a table by a window, where he could see the city's stone-paved streets and the fading sunlight. As he glanced over the menu, his eyes widened at the options—this was a far cry from the simple meals he was used to on the road.
When the waiter arrived, Rio ordered with confidence. "I'll have the steak, medium rare, with a side of roasted vegetables. And the seafood platter too, please."
The waiter nodded, clearly impressed by the young trainer's appetite, and disappeared into the kitchen. As Rio waited, he couldn't help but replay the battle against Brock in his mind. The way Charmeleon had stood firm against Onix's Rock Throw, the precise timing of his Flamethrower to exploit a rare opening—all of it had led to this moment. A moment of quiet satisfaction.
The food arrived, and Rio dug in with gusto. The steak was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, each bite a celebration of his hard-won victory. The seafood was fresh and delicately seasoned, served with a variety of sauces that complemented the natural flavors. For a while, Rio allowed himself to simply enjoy the meal, the tension of the day melting away with each savory mouthful.
When he had finished, Rio paid the bill, left a generous tip, and made his way to the nearby hotel he had spotted earlier. The building was tall and stately, its grand lobby filled with elegant décor and soft lighting. He approached the reception desk, where a friendly clerk greeted him with a polite smile.
"Good evening. How can I assist you?" the clerk asked.
"I'd like a room for the night," Rio replied, placing a few Poké Dollars on the counter.
The clerk quickly processed the request and handed Rio a keycard. "Room 204. Enjoy your stay."
Rio nodded his thanks and took the elevator up to the second floor. His room was spacious and well-appointed, with a large bed dressed in crisp white linens, a desk for writing, and a window offering a view of Pewter City under the evening sky. He set his belongings down on the nearby table and took a moment to breathe, appreciating the comfort and quiet.
Unpacking his gear, Rio arranged his Poké Balls and other items neatly on the desk. Charmeleon's Poké Ball sat beside him, the Boulder Badge resting on top. The room was calm, a perfect retreat after the day's excitement.
With a soft click, Charmeleon emerged from its Poké Ball. The Pokémon stretched, its flame flickering softly as it settled down on the floor, curling up on a blanket Rio had laid out. The warmth of the room and the soft bedding seemed to soothe Charmeleon's weary muscles, its breathing steady and relaxed.
Rio sat on the edge of his bed, pulling out the Boulder Badge again. He turned it over in his hands, the cool, solid weight of it a reminder of how far he'd come. His thoughts drifted to his family, the journey ahead, and the challenges that still awaited him. The badge symbolized more than just a victory—it was a step toward becoming the Pokémon Master he aspired to be, and perhaps, finding answers to the questions about his past.
As the day wound down, Rio changed into comfortable pajamas and prepared for bed. He turned off the main lights, leaving a soft lamp glowing on the bedside table. With a final glance at the city lights outside his window, Rio lay down, closing his eyes with a contented sigh. The soft sound of Charmeleon's gentle breathing filled the room, lulling him into a peaceful sleep, his dreams filled with the promise of new adventures and the distant echo of his family's laughter.
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