章 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.
クリエイターの想い 
Vivid_Horizons
Vivid_Horizons "If you enjoyed this story, please add it to your library and vote. If not, thank you for reading! Your comments and suggestions for future changes are welcome!"
章 33: Chapter 33: The Thunder Within(Blaze and Ash)
As the morning sun broke through the dense trees surrounding Pewter City, Blaze Ketchum and his younger brother, Ash, walked side by side. The warm light filtered down, casting long shadows over their path as they approached the Pewter Gym. Pikachu, trailing alongside Ash, sparked with energy, small bursts of electricity crackling from its cheeks as if it could sense the challenge ahead.
Blaze's sharp amber eyes remained fixed on the gym's towering silhouette. He could feel the weight of Ash's determination radiating beside him. It wasn't just another battle—Ash had been here before, defeated, and now he returned with the drive to win. Blaze tightened the straps on his backpack, feeling the comforting weight of his Poké Balls resting on his belt.
"Remember what we talked about last night," Blaze said, his voice steady but carrying a tone of urgency. "Pikachu's speed and adaptability are key. Geodude's tough, but it's slow. Stay agile, stay focused, and hit where it can't defend."
Ash glanced up at him, his face set in grim determination. "I know, Blaze. This time, I'm ready. I've got Pikachu, and I won't let Brock beat me again."
Pikachu mirrored Ash's energy, small sparks flicking around its yellow fur. Blaze watched the two with a mixture of pride and concern. He knew Ash was capable, but Brock wasn't an easy opponent. This was a battle that would test Ash's growth as a trainer—and as a brother, Blaze wanted him to succeed.
As they stepped into the cool interior of the Pewter Gym, the dim lighting contrasted sharply with the bright morning outside. Brock stood at the center of the arena, arms crossed over his broad chest, his face calm, almost indifferent. The gym leader's confidence was palpable, as if he'd already decided the outcome of the match.
"Back again, Ash?" Brock's deep voice echoed through the large space. He reached for his first Poké Ball with a casual flick of his wrist. "I hope you're ready, because this battle's going to end the same way."
Ash stepped forward, positioning himself across from Brock. His hand hovered over his Poké Balls before grabbing Pidgeotto's. Blaze and Misty moved to the high rafters, looking down on the battlefield from above. Blaze leaned forward, eyes locked on the arena. His mind was already working, analyzing the matchup, ready to offer advice if needed.
Misty nudged him slightly. "He's determined, but so is Brock. Do you think he's really ready?" Her voice was soft, concerned.
Blaze's gaze didn't waver from the battlefield. "He has to be. Pikachu's the key. If Ash can trust in Pikachu's strength, they'll have a chance."
The battle started with a flash of red light as Brock's Geodude materialized. The rocky Pokémon floated above the ground, its fists clenched and ready. Ash's Pidgeotto soared into the air with a powerful flap of its wings, the gust from its ascent sending a few loose pebbles scattering across the gym floor.
"Pidgeotto, use Gust!" Ash commanded, his voice sharp with intent.
Pidgeotto responded instantly, whipping up a swirling vortex of wind aimed directly at Geodude. But the rock-type Pokémon barely flinched, its heavy, stony form too solid to be bothered by the attack. Blaze narrowed his eyes. Ash needed to change tactics quickly—Geodude wouldn't be fazed by mere gusts of wind.
"Geodude, use Rock Throw!" Brock ordered, his tone casual, almost bored.
Geodude clenched its fists, hurling chunks of rock toward Pidgeotto with startling speed. The bird Pokémon dodged, barely, its wings flapping erratically to avoid the projectiles. But it was losing altitude fast—Blaze could see it wouldn't last much longer in the air.
"Pidgeotto, return!" Ash called out, his voice laced with frustration. The red beam of light from the Poké Ball shot out, recalling Pidgeotto just before another rock crashed where it had been moments ago.
Ash's hand trembled as he reached for Pikachu's Poké Ball. Blaze watched closely, his brow furrowed. This was the moment that would decide everything.
Pikachu materialized on the battlefield, landing lightly on its feet. It looked up at Geodude, its cheeks sparking with electricity, eyes narrowed in determination.
"Pikachu, Thundershock!" Ash yelled, his voice tight with anticipation.
The electric mouse unleashed a surge of electricity, a bright bolt of energy arcing across the battlefield. The electricity struck Geodude head-on, and to everyone's surprise, the rock Pokémon faltered. Its rocky form crackled with residual energy before it slumped to the ground, defeated.
Brock's eyes narrowed as he recalled Geodude. "Impressive, Ash. But let's see how you handle my Onix."
The massive rock serpent emerged from its Poké Ball, towering over Pikachu. Its segmented body coiled with a menacing hiss as it prepared to strike.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash commanded, his voice urgent.
The electricity sparked from Pikachu again, but this time, Onix hardly reacted. Its rocky exterior absorbed the electricity with ease. Brock smirked, sensing victory.
"Onix, Bind!"
Onix's tail whipped through the air, wrapping around Pikachu in an instant. The electric mouse struggled, its tiny form crushed under the massive coils of the rock snake. Blaze's fists clenched as he watched from above. Pikachu couldn't hold out much longer.
Ash's voice cracked with desperation. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Give it everything!"
Pikachu tried, its body sparking with electricity, but the energy was weaker this time. The strain was too much. Blaze leaned forward, his mind racing. There had to be a way out.
Suddenly, Ash's eyes widened as if struck by inspiration. He looked up at the gym's ceiling, then at Pikachu, who was still trapped in Onix's crushing grip. "Pikachu, aim Thunderbolt at the ceiling!"
Pikachu, barely conscious, mustered the last of its strength and unleashed one final bolt of electricity. The bolt struck the ceiling, triggering the sprinkler system. Water rained down onto the battlefield, drenching Onix. The rock-type Pokémon shuddered, its body steaming as the water weakened its defenses.
Blaze watched with bated breath. Ash had found a way to turn the tide—but would it be enough?
Blaze Ketchum watched as the sprinklers sputtered to life, drenching the battlefield in a relentless spray of water. The flames that had once licked at the gym's rafters were snuffed out in seconds, leaving only the faint scent of smoke and the eerie hiss of steam. His sharp amber eyes flicked toward Ash, who stood at the far end of the arena, fists clenched at his sides. Pikachu stood and sparks dancing between its cheeks as it eyed the towering figure of Brock's Onix.
Water dripped from Blaze's flame-motif jacket, soaking through to his skin, but he barely noticed. His focus was entirely on the battle unfolding before him. This wasn't just any match—it was a test, one that would challenge Ash more than any battle he'd faced before. Blaze knew his younger brother well enough to see it. The boy's determination burned like a wildfire, but there was a delicate balance between pushing forward and knowing when to pull back. Blaze wasn't sure Ash had grasped that yet.
Ash's voice cut through the gym, cracking with urgency. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt—now!"
Pikachu electricity surging through the water-soaked arena, magnifying its power. Onix, already weakened from the earlier blows, roared in agony as the electricity coursed through its rocky body. The gym lights flickered, the sound of crackling energy filling the air. Onix trembled, its massive form shaking as it tried to withstand the assault.
Blaze's eyes narrowed, his thoughts racing. The flood of water had turned the terrain to Ash's advantage, supercharging Pikachu's electricity, but there was more to this fight than just type advantages. Ash was fighting with all his might, but could he see beyond the immediate goal of winning?
From the corner of his eye, Blaze noticed Misty standing near the edge of the battlefield, her expression tight with concern. Their gazes met, and she tilted her head toward Ash, her meaning clear.
"Ash doesn't realize it yet," Blaze murmured under his breath, barely audible over the crackling of electricity. "This battle is going to test more than just his strategy."
Misty's eyes flicked back to Ash, understanding the weight of Blaze's words. The battle wasn't just about defeating Onix—it was about Ash's growth as a trainer, his ability to make the hard choices when it mattered most.
Pikachu's Thunderbolt intensified, fueled by the water, and Onix's agonized roars echoed off the gym's walls. Its massive body shuddered under the relentless assault, its once-intimidating form now struggling to remain upright. Victory was within Ash's grasp, but at what cost?
Blaze tensed as Brock's younger siblings rushed forward, their small hands clutching at the hem of Ash's jacket. Their faces were streaked with tears, desperation clear in their eyes.
"Stop! Please!" they cried, their voices high and pleading. "Don't hurt Onix anymore!"
Ash froze, his eyes widening as he looked down at the children. The weight of their words hit him like a tidal wave, crashing against his desire to win. His hand hovered in the air, caught between commanding Pikachu to finish the fight and the guilt gnawing at his heart.
Blaze's expression remained unreadable as he watched Ash struggle with the decision. "He has the power to win," Blaze muttered, his tone sharp with analysis. "But he needs to learn when to pull back. Winning means nothing if it breaks the bond between Pokémon and trainer."
Onix's massive head dipped, the last remnants of its strength slipping away. The rock serpent collapsed onto the gym floor with a heavy thud, its once-bright eyes dimming as it succumbed to Pikachu's relentless attacks. Pikachu, panting and singed, stood ready for Ash's final command, but the boy hesitated.
Ash's breath hitched in his throat, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Images of Onix training with Brock, of the deep bond they shared, flashed through his mind. He knew he could end this battle with a single word, but something deep inside him wavered.
"Finish it, Pikachu!" Ash's voice cracked, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. But even as Pikachu prepared to deliver the final blow, Brock's calm voice cut through the tension.
"No, let him continue. It's an official match."
Brock's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their meaning, but his siblings' cries pierced through Ash's resolve like a dagger. The look in their eyes was one of raw desperation, begging for mercy.
Blaze leaned over the railing, his gaze unblinking as he watched the scene unfold. Ash's internal struggle was plain on his face, the boy's resolve crumbling under the pressure. Blaze's lips twisted into a slight frown. "This isn't just about type advantages," he murmured to himself. "It's about understanding your Pokémon's limits. A great trainer knows when to push forward and when to hold back."
Brock's siblings had huddled around Onix's massive body, their tiny figures dwarfed by the fallen Pokémon. Tears streamed down their cheeks as they pleaded with Brock, their voices shaking.
"Brock, please stop the battle!" one of them cried, clutching onto Onix's rocky hide as if their touch alone could save it from further harm.
Brock's stoic expression softened ever so slightly, his gaze turning toward Ash. There was an unspoken understanding between the two, a silent conversation passing between trainers who knew the weight of their decisions. Brock's look was steady, his eyes conveying a simple message—there was more to being a trainer than winning.
Ash's heart thundered in his chest, the tension mounting with every passing second. He stared into Brock's eyes, seeing not just an opponent but a fellow trainer, someone who understood the bond between Pokémon and human better than most. Ash's hand dropped slowly, the weight of his decision clear.
"Pikachu, stand down." His voice trembled, but there was a newfound strength in it, a quiet understanding that victory wasn't worth the price of pushing his Pokémon—or his opponent—too far.
Blaze straightened, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Ash had made the right choice, but the journey was far from over. There would be many more battles ahead, and not all of them would give him the chance to reconsider. He silently nodded in approval, his mind already turning toward the challenges that lay ahead.
"You're learning, Ash," Blaze thought, his gaze softening as he watched his brother step forward to comfort Brock's siblings. "But remember, this is just one battle. The real test is still to come."
The gym fell silent, the echoes of the battle fading away as Ash and Brock locked eyes one last time, a shared understanding passing between them. The fight was over, but the lessons learned would stay with Ash for a lifetime.
クリエイターの想い
Vivid_Horizons
Vivid_Horizons
"If you enjoyed this story, please add it to your library and vote. If not, thank you for reading! Your comments and suggestions for future changes are welcome!"
週次パワーステータス
200+ 推薦
ランキング 
0 推薦
チケット 
段落コメント