Capítulo 32: Chapter 32: Forged in Stone(Blaze and Ash)
Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader, stood with his arms crossed, a confident smirk on his face. The rocky terrain that surrounded them was his domain, his element. Blaze knew that Brock was no ordinary opponent. His reputation as a rock-hard tactician was well-earned. But Blaze didn't intend to back down—not today, not ever.
"Let's make this quick," Blaze said, his voice cutting through the still air like a blade. He pulled out Pidgeotto's and Scyther's Poké Balls, the polished surfaces gleaming under the gym's harsh lights.
Brock's smirk widened as he reached for his own Poké Balls. "Quick or not, you're in for a rough ride," he replied, his tone carrying a hint of respect for the young challenger's bravado.
The click of Poké Balls releasing filled the gym, followed by a flash of light. Blaze's Pidgeotto materialized, wings spread wide, its sharp eyes locking onto its targets. Beside it, Scyther appeared, its sleek, green exoskeleton glinting, its scythe-like claws ready for battle.
Brock's Pokémon emerged with equal force—Geodude, hovering just above the ground, its rocky fists clenched, and Onix, towering like a mountain, casting an imposing shadow over the battlefield.
Blaze's mind raced as he quickly analyzed the situation. The gym's rocky terrain was no friend to his Flying-types, but he had prepared for this. He had strategies in place, counters ready for whatever Brock could throw at him.
"Pidgeotto, use Feather Dance! Scyther, Double Team!" Blaze's commands were sharp, precise. Pidgeotto took to the air, flapping its wings rapidly. A flurry of soft feathers rained down, blanketing the battlefield, dulling the edge of Geodude's attack power. Simultaneously, Scyther's form blurred, splitting into multiple afterimages that surrounded Brock's Pokémon, making it nearly impossible to distinguish the real one.
Brock's response was immediate. "Geodude, Defense Curl! Onix, Rock Throw!" Geodude curled into a tight ball, its defense skyrocketing, while Onix, with a swift motion of its massive tail, sent a barrage of rocks hurtling toward Pidgeotto.
Blaze narrowed his eyes, already anticipating the move. "Pidgeotto, Aerial Ace! Scyther, Swords Dance!" he barked. Pidgeotto darted through the air with blinding speed, weaving between the rocks with ease before slamming into Geodude. At the same time, Scyther's blades began to glow with a sharp, ominous light, their power increasing with each precise movement.
But Brock wasn't done. "Geodude, Seismic Toss!" The command was followed by Geodude launching itself at Pidgeotto, grabbing hold of the bird Pokémon with its powerful arms, ready to slam it into the ground with a devastating force.
"Pidgeotto, Steel Wing!" Blaze's voice rang out, his command clear and direct. Pidgeotto's wings hardened into a metallic sheen, slashing through Geodude's grip with just enough force to break free, narrowly escaping the Seismic Toss.
Blaze's attention snapped to Onix, who was already winding up for another Rock Throw. "Scyther, X-Scissor, now!" he shouted, his heart pounding. Scyther dashed forward, its scythes glowing with energy as it crossed them in an X-shape, aiming directly for Onix's weak spot. The attack landed with precision, cutting deep into Onix's rocky hide and causing the giant Pokémon to roar in pain.
But Onix wasn't out of the fight yet. It reared back, using its massive body to Bind Scyther, coiling around the smaller Pokémon with crushing force. Scyther struggled, its scythes scraping uselessly against Onix's thick armor.
Blaze's mind raced, searching for a way out. "Scyther, use Air Slash, point-blank!" The command was desperate but calculated. Scyther slashed at Onix with a wave of cutting wind, managing to loosen the Bind just enough to escape the crushing coils.
Brock's eyes narrowed as he saw his opening. "Onix, Rock Tomb on Scyther! Geodude, Rock Polish!" Onix slammed its tail into the ground, causing a wave of rocks to erupt around Scyther, trapping it. Geodude, meanwhile, began to glow, its speed increasing dramatically.
Blaze gritted his teeth, knowing the battle had just taken a turn for the worse. "Pidgeotto, Twister!" Blaze commanded. Pidgeotto flapped its wings with ferocious intensity, creating a swirling vortex that lifted the rocks off Scyther, freeing it and sending debris flying toward Brock's Pokémon.
The battlefield was a chaotic mess now, dust and rocks swirling in a storm of energy. Blaze could feel the strain on his Pokémon, but he couldn't afford to let up. Not when victory was within reach.
"Scyther, Quick Attack into X-Scissor! Pidgeotto, Brave Bird on Geodude!" Blaze's commands were swift, his mind focused. Scyther became a green blur, slashing at Onix once more with lethal precision, while Pidgeotto cloaked itself in blue energy, diving headfirst into Geodude at blinding speed. The impacts were devastating, sending shockwaves through the gym.
Brock's calm demeanor faltered slightly as he ordered a desperate counter. "Onix, Dig! Geodude, use Magnitude!" Onix disappeared underground, while Geodude stomped the ground, causing a tremor that knocked Pidgeotto and Scyther off balance.
The gym floor shook violently, throwing Blaze's strategy into disarray. He struggled to maintain his composure, his mind racing through options. "Pidgeotto, take to the sky! Scyther, use Double Team again!" he commanded, adjusting to the rapidly changing battlefield. Pidgeotto ascended rapidly, avoiding the ground-based attack, while Scyther's image multiplied once more, making it impossible for Brock to land a solid hit.
Blaze knew this was it—the final strike. His heart pounded in his chest, every second feeling like an eternity. Onix resurfaced with a powerful uppercut, narrowly missing Scyther but sending debris flying.
"Now, Pidgeotto, Air Slash! Scyther, X-Scissor, full power!" Blaze's voice was sharp, his commands decisive. Pidgeotto unleashed a razor-sharp gust of wind, while Scyther charged with glowing blades. The combined attack struck Onix and Geodude with full force, sending them crashing to the ground, defeated.
---
The rocky battlefield of the Pewter City Gym was a sight to behold. The air was thick with dust and the echoes of a fierce battle, but now, all that remained were the fallen forms of Brock's Geodude and Onix. The massive rock snake lay coiled, its once-intimidating presence reduced to a slumped, defeated heap. Geodude, barely visible beneath a layer of dirt and debris, was equally lifeless, its eyes shut in unconsciousness.
Blaze Ketchum stood tall, his amber eyes scanning the scene with a steely calm. His Scyther hovered beside him, wings humming softly, while Pidgeotto circled overhead, its feathers ruffled but its spirit unbroken. The crowd that had gathered to watch the battle murmured with awe, their voices a mix of respect and disbelief. Blaze had done it—he had bested Brock, the infamous Rock-type Gym Leader.
Brock, ever the stoic figure, approached Blaze. There was a heaviness in his steps, but his expression remained neutral. His deep-set eyes locked onto Blaze's, studying the young trainer who had just proven his mettle. Without a word, Brock reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, shiny object—the Boulder Badge. The emblem of Blaze's victory.
"You're even better than your brother," Brock finally spoke, his voice carrying the weight of sincerity. A rare smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he extended the badge to Blaze. The metal glinted in the dim light, a symbol of triumph hard-earned.
Blaze's hand closed around the badge with a firm grip, but his expression remained focused, his mind already racing ahead. "Blaze Ketchum," he said, his voice steady. "And my brother is Ash."
Brock's smile faded slightly, his eyes narrowing as if a memory had just surfaced. "So, you're friends with Rio, aren't you?" His tone was curious, almost challenging.
Blaze's eyebrow arched, and he felt a spark of intrigue. Rio—his rival, his friend, a name that always came with mixed emotions. "How do you know Rio?" Blaze asked, his tone direct, recalling the fierce battles and shared moments that defined their relationship.
"Rio already won this badge," Brock replied, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. "He's a strong and skilled trainer. He told me to let you know that both you and Ash are late as usual."
For a moment, Blaze felt a surge of competitiveness, his pulse quickening. But it was more than that—there was a silent promise in his eyes, a vow to catch up to Rio, to surpass him.
Behind them, Ash stood with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, his face a mixture of emotions. The memory of his own recent defeat at Brock's hands was fresh in his mind, and it showed in the slump of his shoulders and the uncertainty in his eyes. Pikachu nudged him gently, but Ash couldn't hide the disappointment.
Blaze, sensing his brother's dejection, turned to him. His expression softened, but his tone remained firm. "You'll get stronger, Ash. We both will."
Ash nodded slowly, though doubt still lingered in his gaze. The words were reassuring, but the sting of loss was not easily shaken.
Brock, observing the exchange, couldn't help but notice the contrast between the two brothers. Blaze's fierce intensity was like a flame, always burning bright, while Ash's uncertainty was a shadow, a weight that held him back. It was clear that the road ahead for Ash would not be easy, but there was potential, a spark waiting to ignite.
With a quick motion, Blaze recalled Pidgeotto and Scyther into their Poké Balls. The click of the mechanisms echoed in the quiet gym as the brothers turned toward the exit. The heavy gym doors creaked open, revealing the fading sunlight of Pewter City. Blaze's Boulder Badge gleamed on his chest, a testament to his victory, while Ash held Pikachu close, the electric Pokémon's energy drained from its earlier battle.
"We've got to keep moving, Ash," Blaze said, his voice firm with determination. The journey was far from over, and the road ahead was long and treacherous.
Ash nodded again, but his steps were slower, the weight of his loss lingering like a shadow.
As they stepped outside, a figure approached them from the shadows, a grizzled man with a weathered face and a knowing look in his eyes. He tipped his hat slightly, revealing a smirk that spoke of experience and understanding.
"Follow me," the Flint said, his voice carrying an air of mystery that piqued Blaze's curiosity. There was something about this —something that told Blaze there was more to him than met the eye.
Blaze exchanged a glance with Ash, who simply shrugged, and the two brothers followed the Flint through the winding streets of Pewter City. The city's stone buildings cast long shadows in the setting sun, and the air was cool with the approach of evening.
The Flint led them to a rustic cabin, its wooden walls weathered by time and the elements. Inside, the air was warm and thick with the scent of wood smoke. Pikachu was laid gently on a soft bed, its breathing steady as it recovered from the battle's toll. Blaze, always focused on his own journey, found himself admiring Pikachu's tenacity. The electric-type had fought valiantly, and it was clear that Ash's bond with it was strong.
"Pikachu's strong, Ash," Blaze commented, his voice carrying a note of respect.
The Flint, as he himself—nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering on Pikachu with a hint of pride. "That's Brock's doing," he revealed, his voice gruff but warm. "He's got the skill to go far beyond just being a Gym Leader."
There was a pause, a moment of shared understanding, before Flint gestured for them to follow him once more. This time, he led them through the backstreets, the path winding and narrow, until they arrived at a modest home. The scent of cooking wafted through the air, filling the street with a welcoming aroma.
Inside, Brock was in the kitchen, effortlessly preparing a meal. His younger siblings played nearby, their laughter a stark contrast to the fierce Gym Leader persona he had shown in battle. Brock's hands moved deftly as he sewed a tear in Suzie's skirt, the needle flashing in the late afternoon light. It was a scene of quiet domesticity, a far cry from the tension of the battlefield.
Ash and Blaze watched, stunned by the difference between the Brock they had battled and the Brock who now stood before them. There was a strength in him, but it was a different kind, one forged by responsibility and love for his family.
Flint pulled Blaze and Ash aside, his expression darkening as he began to speak. His voice was low, carrying a weight of years and hardships as he recounted the tale of Brock's father—a man who had left his family to pursue his own dreams as a Pokémon Trainer, abandoning them to fend for themselves. Blaze's fists clenched at the injustice, his fierce loyalty to his own family making him bristle at the thought.
"And his mother?" Ash asked quietly, his voice tinged with concern.
"Left them too," Flint replied, his tone hard. "Brock's been looking after his siblings ever since. He's a lot more than just a Gym Leader. He's had to be."
Blaze felt a deep respect for Brock rising within him, understanding now the weight of the responsibility he carried. Brock wasn't just a powerful trainer; he was a pillar of strength for his family, a role that demanded more than any battle ever could.
As Flint's story sank in, Ash's earlier dejection began to shift. His eyes, which had been filled with self-doubt, now reflected something else—admiration. He saw Brock not just as an opponent, but as someone to look up to, someone who had faced challenges far greater than any gym battle.
"He's stronger than I thought," Ash murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
Blaze nodded in agreement, his respect for Brock deepening with every word Flint spoke. But more than that, he saw the change in his brother—the way Ash was beginning to understand that strength wasn't just about winning battles, but about perseverance, about standing strong for those who needed you.
Blaze placed a hand on Ash's shoulder, his voice firm yet encouraging. "We'll get stronger, together," he promised, his words carrying the weight of a vow.
Ash looked up at Blaze, and for the first time since his loss, there was a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "Yeah," he said, his voice stronger now, "we will."
As the brothers left Brock's home, the sun had nearly set, casting long shadows over Pewter City. The journey ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges and rivals, but Blaze knew one thing for sure—they would face it together, and they would come out stronger on the other side.
And as they walked side by side into the twilight, the bond between them felt unbreakable, forged not just by blood, but by the shared promise of greatness.
---
The plant loomed in the distance, a colossal, rusted structure that towered over the dried riverbed like a forgotten giant. Its skeletal remains seemed to whisper tales of a time long past, where life and energy once coursed through its now dormant machinery. Blaze Ketchum strode forward, his steps purposeful but tinged with the weight of what lay ahead. His sharp amber eyes darted from Flint's steady gait to the massive water wheel just visible through the broken windows, each step drawing them closer to the crux of their plan.
Flint paused, tension rippling through his broad shoulders as he gestured toward the water wheel. "That's our best bet," he muttered, his voice low, almost swallowed by the wind that swept through the desolate landscape. His finger traced the outline of the wheel and the rusted gears, explaining how they could funnel power from the generator into Ash's Pikachu. Flint's voice wavered with both knowledge and uncertainty as he continued, outlining the delicate balance they had to maintain to avoid disaster.
Blaze's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the machine. His mind whirred, analyzing the worn cables, the weathered bolts, and the tired metal. It would take everything they had to get it running, let alone channel enough electricity to Pikachu without frying the little guy. But there was no room for doubt, not now. Not with Ash depending on him.
Ash gripped Pikachu tightly, the determination in his eyes mirroring Blaze's own. For all his youthful exuberance, Ash understood the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just about another battle or another badge; this was about Pikachu's life. And Blaze knew his little brother wouldn't forgive himself if they failed.
Without another word, Blaze and Ash clambered onto the massive wheel, their hands and feet slipping against the moss-covered metal. The wheel creaked in protest as they heaved, pushing with every ounce of strength they could muster. The cold metal bit into Blaze's palms, the strain of the effort sending tremors through his muscles. But he kept his focus, matching Ash's pace as they struggled to set the wheel into motion.
The first few moments felt like an eternity, the wheel resisting their efforts as if it had forgotten how to move. Blaze's breath came in sharp bursts, his mind refusing to entertain the thought of failure. Then, slowly, the wheel began to turn, its ancient joints groaning in defiance but yielding nonetheless. The generator rumbled to life, a low growl that grew louder with each rotation.
Blaze shot a glance at Ash. His brother's face was a mask of concentration, beads of sweat trickling down his brow as he pushed with all his might. Blaze's own breath was coming in ragged gasps, but he kept pushing, refusing to let his brother down.
Flint's voice cut through the grinding of gears and the growing hum of the generator. "It's working! Keep going, you two!" His words were both encouragement and warning, a reminder of the delicate line they were treading. The dials on the generator spiked as electricity began to flow, the cables connected to Pikachu pulsing with energy.
Blaze could feel the wheel growing more resistant with each turn, the old machinery straining against the demands placed upon it. He looked over at Ash, who was gritting his teeth, his entire focus on giving Pikachu the power it needed. The lights on the connecting cables flickered as the electricity coursed through them, tiny sparks leaping from Pikachu's red cheeks.
Pikachu twitched in its sleep, a faint whimper escaping as the power surged through its small body. Ash's expression turned from determined to worried, his eyes flickering with fear. Blaze could see the toll the process was taking on Pikachu, but they couldn't stop now. Not when they were so close.
"We've got to do this, Ash," Blaze urged, his voice steady despite the strain. "For Pikachu."
The generator's hum grew into a high-pitched whine, the sound of a machine pushed to its limits. The lights overhead flickered wildly, casting erratic shadows across the plant's interior. Blaze's muscles screamed in protest as the wheel grew harder to turn, the old gears groaning with every push.
Flint's voice became urgent. "It's too much! We've got to stop!"
Blaze's sharp eyes caught the pained expression on Pikachu's face, its small body trembling under the intensity of the electricity. He looked at Ash, whose face was etched with fear and determination, torn between pushing forward and the risk of harming his Pokémon.
"Ash, we've got to stop! Pikachu can't take much more!" Blaze's voice cut through the noise, filled with urgency and concern. He could see the battle waging within Ash.
Flint moved with surprising speed, his hands flying over the control panel as he tried to cut the power. The machinery resisted, the dials spinning dangerously into the red zone as the generator teetered on the edge of an explosion. Sparks flew from the panel, the air crackling with tension as Flint cursed under his breath, frantically pulling levers and pressing buttons.
"Come on, damn it!" Flint muttered, his brow furrowed with concentration.
The wheel suddenly jerked to a halt, the gears grinding to a painful stop. Blaze and Ash barely had time to react before they were thrown off balance. Blaze's reflexes kicked in, and he grabbed Ash's arm just in time, pulling them both to safety. They landed heavily on the concrete floor, the impact jarring through their bones.
The wheel groaned one final time before collapsing under its own weight, sending a cloud of dust into the air. Blaze coughed, his lungs burning as he struggled to catch his breath. The plant fell silent, the generator sputtering to a stop with a final, defeated hiss. The lights went out, plunging the plant into darkness.
Misty burst into the room, her eyes wide as she took in the scene. "Blaze! Ash!" Her voice was filled with worry, her gaze darting between them and the fallen wheel. The only sound was the faint crackling of residual electricity in the air.
Blaze's breath came in heavy gasps as he helped Ash to his feet, their silhouettes barely visible in the dim, flickering emergency lights. Flint knelt by Pikachu, his hands gentle as he checked the Pokémon's pulse. Pikachu's breathing was shallow but steady, its small body still crackling with energy.
Flint looked up at Ash and Blaze, offering a reassuring nod. "Pikachu's okay," he said, his voice calm despite the chaos around them. "You two did good, but this was close."
Relief washed over Blaze, the tension in his shoulders finally easing. He glanced at Ash, who was cradling Pikachu in his arms, the relief in his eyes mirroring Blaze's own. They had done it—just barely.
The trio stepped out into the fading light of the late afternoon, the cool air a stark contrast to the heat and tension inside the plant. Blaze's gaze lingered on the plant, the dark silhouette of the collapsed water wheel just visible through the broken windows. This battle was over, but Blaze knew there would be more challenges ahead. And he would be ready.
Ash held Pikachu close, the tension in his body slowly melting away as he whispered words of comfort to his companion. Misty looked at Blaze, her expression one of quiet respect.
"You both did everything you could," she said, her voice soft but firm. There was no judgment in her tone, only recognition of the effort they had put in.
Blaze nodded, his thoughts already turning to their next challenge. "I won't stop until I'm the very best—no matter who stands in my way!" His voice was confident, the fire in his amber eyes burning brighter than ever.
As they walked away from the plant, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the path ahead. The journey was far from over, but Blaze knew one thing for sure—he wouldn't rest until he achieved his dream of becoming the world's greatest Pokémon Master.
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