Capítulo 31: Chapter 31: The Crushing Weight of Victory(Blaze And Ash)
Blaze Ketchum's boots crunched over loose gravel, the weight of his resolve heavy on each step. His amber eyes never strayed from Pewter City's jagged skyline, a silhouette of challenges waiting to be conquered. Tempest, his Lucario, mirrored his pace, every movement a testament to their shared purpose. Behind them, Ash moved with his usual fire, Pikachu alert on his shoulder, while Misty scanned the path ahead, ever vigilant.
The path funneled into a narrow corridor, flanked by towering rocks like the jaws of a beast ready to close in. Blaze's mind churned, calculating. Brock's reputation wasn't built on flukes. His rock-hard defense and unyielding spirit were a fortress, and Blaze knew the only way through was with unrelenting force and flawless execution.
A voice, rough and commanding, cut through the silence like a blade. "Hold it right there!"
Blaze halted, his hand a whisper away from his Poké Balls. An old man leaned against a boulder, his face weathered and lined with the stories of years under the sun. His eyes, though, sparkled with a cunning Blaze didn't trust. "You kids owe me for using my resting spot."
Blaze exchanged a quick, hard glance with Ash before stepping forward. The clink of coins in his palm was the only answer the man would get. "We're not here for souvenirs."
The old man chuckled, the sound rough like sandpaper. He pocketed the money without complaint. "Here for the Gym, then? You'll need more than just enthusiasm, kid." His eyes lingered on Blaze, measuring him with the weight of experience.
Blaze's gaze sharpened, but he offered no reply. Words wouldn't win this fight. Actions would.
The man, who introduced himself as Flint, motioned towards the city. "Better hit the Pokémon Center first. Brock's no soft touch, especially with rookies."
Blaze nodded, jaw clenched in silent determination. Tempest growled low, feeling the tension. The group followed Flint, the peaceful outskirts giving way to the bustling streets of Pewter City. The noise, the people—it all faded into the background. Blaze's focus narrowed, every step bringing him closer to the confrontation that lay ahead.
Inside the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy greeted them with the warm smile of someone who had seen a thousand challengers pass through her doors. Her eyes, however, held a spark of recognition. "Welcome to Pewter City!" she said, her voice bright. "I've been expecting you!"
Blaze's brow knitted together. "Expecting us?"
Nurse Joy's smile widened as she pointed to a poster on the wall. Blaze's eyes followed, landing on an advertisement for the regional championships. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us, Ash."
Ash grinned, ever the optimist. "We'll do it together, Blaze."
Blaze nodded, but his eyes remained on the poster. "This is just the beginning. We need to be better—faster, stronger, smarter. Losing isn't an option."
As their Pokémon were treated, Blaze pulled out his notebook, flipping it open to a fresh page. The pencil moved swiftly across the paper, strategy taking form. "Brock's Rock-types…we counter with speed, precision. Tempest, Scyther, Pidgeotto—key players."
Tempest stood by, its gaze intense, understanding the weight of Blaze's words. Ash and Misty watched in silence, trust evident in their eyes.
Suddenly, the door to the Pokémon Center slammed open, and a group of rowdy trainers barged in. Blaze was on his feet in a heartbeat, stepping in front of Ash, his stance ready for anything. The trainers—scruffy, arrogant—eyed them with sneers.
"What's this? A bunch of rookies thinking they can take on Brock?" one of them taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.
Blaze's eyes narrowed, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "We're here for the Gym battle, not to waste time with you."
Tempest's aura flared, a low growl rumbling from its throat. The air thickened with the promise of violence. For a moment, it seemed the trainers might push their luck, but they backed down, their laughter echoing as they left. Blaze's hand relaxed, but his eyes stayed sharp.
Outside, as they prepared to leave, Blaze turned to Ash, his expression unreadable. "Ash, I want to see how far you've come."
Ash blinked, caught off guard, but his resolve quickly solidified. "I'm ready."
They found an open patch of land near the city's edge, perfect for a practice battle. Blaze's hand moved with practiced ease, releasing Pidgeotto. The bird Pokémon took to the sky, wings slicing through the air with authority. Ash send Pikachu, who landed with a grace born of countless battles, eyes locked on Pidgeotto with fierce determination.
"Let's see if Pikachu's speed can match Pidgeotto's aerial agility," Blaze said, his tone commanding, leaving no room for doubt.
The battle erupted in a flurry of motion. Pikachu lunged forward, electricity sparking, a Thunderbolt crackling from its cheeks. Blaze's eyes tracked every move, his mind a constant stream of calculations. "Pidgeotto, Quick Attack!"
Pidgeotto blurred, dodging the lightning by mere inches. Ash gritted his teeth, pushing Pikachu harder. Blaze's tactical mind whirred, already anticipating the next step. "Steel Wing!" he barked, and Pidgeotto's wings gleamed with metallic strength as it dove.
"Pikachu, Agility!" Ash countered, and Pikachu vanished, reappearing in a blink, its speed unmatched. Blaze's eyes narrowed in approval, impressed. "Pidgeotto, Double Team!" he ordered.
Pidgeotto split into multiple copies, leaving Pikachu disoriented, its strikes hitting nothing but air. The battle intensified, a clash of wills and skills, each brother pushing the other to the brink. Blaze's heart raced, pride swelling as he watched Ash's progress, but his mind remained sharp, analyzing every move.
As both Pokémon began to tire, Blaze called for a halt. "Enough," he said, voice steady but tinged with pride. "You've improved, Ash. But remember, it's not just about strength. You have to be ready for anything—especially with Brock."
Blaze recalled Pidgeotto, giving Ash a nod that spoke volumes. "Tomorrow, we face the Gym. Tonight, we prepare."
---
The streets of Pewter City bustled with the mid-morning crowd, but Blaze Ketchum only had eyes for the looming silhouette of Pewter Gym. His stride was firm, his mind sharp with a single goal: to earn his first Gym Badge. Beside him, Ash struggled to keep pace, his thoughts muddled by Misty's parting words.
"You sure you're ready for this, Ash?" Blaze's voice cut through the din of the crowd, his amber eyes glancing sideways at his younger brother. There was no malice in his tone, only the edge of concern masked by his usual confidence.
Ash tightened his grip around Pikachu's , nodding despite the knot in his stomach. "Yeah, I am. I just... need to prove something."
Blaze didn't press further. He understood the unspoken pressure weighing on Ash. Their rivalry was friendly, but it was still a rivalry—one that pushed Ash to chase after him, to not be left behind. The boys walked in silence, the only sound between them the rhythmic thud of their footsteps against the cobblestones.
They passed by a weathered man lounging against a lamppost, his sharp eyes tracking their movements. Flint, a man whose years of living had etched deep lines into his face, smirked as Blaze strode by with purpose. "Off to challenge Brock, eh?" he called out, amusement lacing his tone.
Blaze stopped, turning to face Flint with a fiery gaze. "That's right," he replied, his voice steady, though a hint of excitement edged it. "And I'm going to win."
Flint chuckled, the sound low and filled with irony. "Good luck," he said, pushing off the lamppost and turning to leave, his laughter echoing down the street. Blaze's fists clenched at his sides, the resolve hardening in his chest as he watched the old man walk away. He would show him—show everyone—that he was ready to conquer whatever challenge lay ahead.
They continued to the Pokémon Center, the familiar, comforting sight of the building a brief respite from the tension that had begun to coil in Ash's chest. Nurse Joy greeted them with a warm smile, her pink hair framing a face that radiated calm and kindness.
"Here you go," she said, handing them their Poké Balls. "Brock's tough, but you two seem like you've got what it takes. Just remember—strategize and stay focused."
Blaze nodded, his mind already racing through potential battle scenarios. "Thanks," he muttered, barely audible, as his thoughts were consumed by plans and strategies. Ash, too, gripped Pikachu a little tighter, drawing strength from the nurse's faith in them.
By the time they reached Pewter Gym, the sun was casting long shadows, making the gym's stone façade appear even more imposing. The cool evening air had a bite to it, a reminder that the day was ending, but their challenge was just beginning.
They stood before the massive doors, their presence commanding and foreboding. Blaze took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with determination. "Ready, Ash?" he asked, his voice steady.
Ash swallowed hard but nodded. "Yeah. Let's do this."
With a grunt of effort, Blaze pushed the heavy doors open, the creaking of the hinges echoing in the stillness. The inside of the gym was dimly lit, the cool, musty air wrapping around them like a shroud of anticipation. They stepped inside, and the doors groaned shut behind them, sealing them into the challenge that awaited.
The lights suddenly flickered on, flooding the gym with harsh brightness. The rocky battlefield was revealed in full, a treacherous terrain of jagged stones and steep pillars. Blaze's eyes quickly assessed the environment, noting the potential obstacles and advantages. His mind worked rapidly, visualizing how his Pokémon would move, how they would attack, how they would defend.
From the shadows, Brock emerged, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression stern and unyielding. "Who goes there?" he demanded, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
Blaze stepped forward, his pulse quickening but his stance firm. "I'm Blaze Ketchum from Pallet Town," he declared. "And I'm here to challenge you for a Gym Badge."
Brock's gaze shifted to Ash, his brow furrowing slightly. "And you?" he asked, his tone carrying the weight of skepticism.
Ash hesitated, then squared his shoulders. "Ash Ketchum, also from Pallet Town," he said with as much confidence as he could muster. "And I'm here to win, too."
Brock's eyes narrowed as he sized up the younger Ketchum. "How long have you been with that Pikachu?" he asked, his voice tinged with doubt.
Ash blinked, taken aback by the question. "About two weeks," he answered truthfully, though his voice wavered slightly.
Brock's lips curled into a faint smirk. "It's in its cutest stage," he said, his tone almost dismissive, "but it can't win."
The words hit Ash hard, like a punch to the gut. His grip on Pikachu tightened, his heart pounding in his chest. But Blaze's presence beside him was a steadying force, a reminder that they were in this together.
Blaze shot Brock a glare, his fists tightening at his sides. He wouldn't let Brock's words shake them—not now, not ever.
Brock unfolded his arms and gestured to the gym field, his voice authoritative and unwavering. "This isn't just any battle—it's a test of your skills, your strategy. If you're not prepared, you won't stand a chance."
Blaze's mind raced with possibilities, scenarios playing out in rapid succession. He listened intently as Brock explained the special rules of gym battles, every word sharpening his focus. The stakes were clear: this was more than a simple battle. It was a trial by fire.
With a subtle smirk, Brock activated a switch on the wall. The gym floor rumbled beneath Blaze and Ash's feet, and massive stone pillars rose from the ground, transforming the battlefield into a treacherous maze of rock formations.
Blaze's eyes widened as he took in the terrain. It was unlike anything he had ever faced before, a battlefield designed to test every skill, every strategy he had honed. But rather than intimidating him, it fueled his determination.
"Stay focused," Blaze muttered to Ash, who nodded, his face set in steely resolve. Pikachu's Poké Ball trembled slightly in his hand, as if the electric mouse was eager to leap into action.
The brothers exchanged a look, the unspoken bond between them stronger than ever. They had come too far, faced too much to back down now. With a final deep breath, Blaze stepped forward, ready to face the challenge head-on.
"Let's see what you've got," Brock said, his voice echoing in the cavernous gym as he prepared to send out his first Pokémon.
Blaze and Ash stood side by side, their hearts pounding with anticipation. The battle was about to begin.
---
The gym lights blazed overhead, casting stark shadows across the rocky battlefield. Blaze Ketchum stood off to the side, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he watched his younger brother Ash step forward. The slight tremor in Ash's hand didn't go unnoticed by Blaze as Ash reached for Pikachu on his shoulder, his fingers lingering for just a moment before sending into the fray. Pikachu landed with a soft thud, its bright eyes immediately scanning the arena. A spark of determination flickered in the Electric-type's gaze, mirroring Ash's own resolve.
Blaze's sharp amber eyes darted to the opposing side of the battlefield where Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader, stood with an air of calm confidence. Brock's hand moved to his belt, drawing a Heavy Ball with a practiced ease before tossing it high into the air. The ball split open with a flash of light, releasing the massive, segmented form of Onix. The ground trembled as the enormous Rock Snake Pokémon materialized, its stone body towering over Pikachu like a mountain.
Ash hesitated, his gaze sweeping up the length of Onix's serpentine body. Blaze narrowed his eyes, already calculating the odds. Onix was a beast of raw power, but its size could be a double-edged sword. For now, though, that wasn't Ash's focus. Blaze could see his brother's confidence waver ever so slightly, and his own jaw tightened. He had to trust Ash to handle this, even if every instinct screamed at him to jump in with advice.
"Pikachu, let's do this!" Ash's voice rang out, cutting through the tension. Pikachu's ears twitched, and it crouched low, ready to spring into action.
Brock's expression remained unreadable as he pointed toward Pikachu. "Onix, use Bind."
Onix lunged with a speed that belied its immense size, its stone coils moving with a frightening precision. Blaze's breath hitched as he watched Onix wrap around Pikachu, the rocky segments tightening in a crushing embrace. Pikachu struggled, its body sparking with desperate electricity, but Onix's grip was unyielding.
Ash's eyes went wide, and his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "Pikachu, Thundershock!"
Pikachu's fur bristled as it unleashed a burst of electricity, the crackling energy surging around Onix. But Blaze knew it wouldn't be enough. The electricity fizzled harmlessly against Onix's rugged exterior, dissipating into the air without leaving so much as a scratch. Blaze's heart sank as Brock smirked, his voice cool and taunting.
"Electric attacks won't work on Ground-types, Ash. You should know that by now."
Blaze's mind raced, searching for a way out for his brother. This was Ash's battle, but watching Pikachu suffer under Onix's crushing grip made Blaze's fists clench in frustration. He could feel the tension building, a tight coil of anxiety in his chest. Pikachu's squeaks of pain echoed through the gym, and Ash's face twisted in desperation.
"Pikachu, hang in there!" Ash's voice was tinged with fear as he reached for Pikachu's Poké Ball, the red beam shooting out only to be blocked by Onix's shifting body. Blaze could see the panic setting in, the weight of the moment pressing down on Ash like a physical force. Pikachu's struggles were weakening, its sparks dimming as the battle dragged on.
"Onix, tighten your grip," Brock commanded, his tone unwavering.
Blaze could barely keep himself from shouting as Onix's coils constricted further, squeezing the air from Pikachu's lungs. The Electric-type's pained cries stabbed at Blaze's heart, and he found himself silently urging Ash to act, to do something before it was too late. But this was Ash's trial, his moment to grow, and Blaze knew he couldn't interfere, no matter how much it tore at him.
Ash's voice cracked as he called out to Pikachu again, desperation seeping into his words. The decision loomed over him, heavy and unavoidable. Blaze could see the thoughts racing through Ash's mind—the bitter thought of surrender, the shame that came with it, and the fear of letting Pikachu down. But Blaze knew better than anyone that sometimes, knowing when to pull back was the mark of a true trainer.
Finally, Ash took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Pikachu's. In that moment of unspoken understanding, Ash's resolve solidified. His voice steadied, even as his heart threatened to break.
"I surrender," Ash called out, his hand dropping to his side in defeat.
Onix's grip loosened, and Pikachu fell to the ground, exhausted but alive. The gym fell into a heavy silence as Ash rushed to Pikachu's side, gathering his injured partner into his arms. Brock stepped forward, a nod of respect in his direction, though the weight of the loss hung thick in the air.
Blaze exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He walked up to his brother, placing a reassuring hand on Ash's shoulder. The sting of defeat was clear in Ash's eyes, but so was the flicker of determination.
"You did the right thing," Blaze said quietly, his voice firm yet supportive. "Every loss is a step toward getting stronger."
Ash nodded, swallowing hard as he looked up at the towering Onix. The fire in his eyes hadn't dimmed, and Blaze could see the promise there—one day, they'd be back, and this time, they wouldn't lose.
Blaze allowed himself a small, proud smile. Ash had made the right call, and that was worth more than any victory. The journey to becoming a Pokémon Master was long and arduous, but today, Ash had taken a crucial step forward. And Blaze would be there, every step of the way, to make sure his brother reached the top.
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