Chương 7: Chapter 7: Storms of Urgency
Viridian City pulses with frenetic energy, its neon signs flashing in a riot of colors that reflect off the wet pavement. The usual din of street vendors and bustling pedestrians now carries an edge of nervous urgency, as Officer Jenny's voice blares from loudspeakers scattered throughout the city. "Attention, citizens! Be on high alert for Pokémon thieves in the area. Report any suspicious activity immediately."
Blaze Ketchum's spiky brown hair, tousled by the wind, sticks to his damp forehead as he weaves through the crowded streets. His amber eyes, sharp and focused, dart between the churning mass of people and the looming shadows of the buildings around him. Beside him, Tempest, his loyal Riolu, matches his stride with a determination that speaks volumes. Tempest's blue fur ripples with each step, his black-tipped ears twitching at every passing sound. Above, Pidgeotto's reddish-brown feathers gleam under the streetlights as he circles with a watchful gaze, his sharp eyes scanning for any sign of danger.
Blaze's heart pounds in his chest, each beat a reminder of the urgency that drives him. "Faster, Ash!" he barks over his shoulder. His younger brother, Ash Ketchum, clutches Pikachu tightly against his chest, his face pale with worry. "We're almost there!"
The street's chaos swirls around them—vendors shouting, engines roaring, and people jostling. Blaze's red and black jacket flares behind him like a beacon of his unyielding resolve. Tempest's breath comes in quick, steady puffs as he keeps pace, his gaze locked ahead, his aura senses straining to detect any looming threats.
Suddenly, a piercing screech cuts through the cacophony. Officer Jenny's motorcycle skids to a halt in front of them, the tires leaving black streaks on the asphalt. Jenny's sharp eyes, narrowed and stern, lock onto Blaze and Ash. Her hand hovers over her belt, ready to draw a Poké Ball. "Hold it right there!" she commands, her voice firm and authoritative.
Blaze instinctively steps in front of Ash, his stance protective. Tempest growls low, his body tensing, ready to defend. The atmosphere crackles with tension as Officer Jenny's gaze shifts between Blaze and Ash. "Are you the ones stealing Pokémon in this city?"
Blaze's voice is steady, cutting through the mounting pressure. "We're trainers, not thieves. Look up—my Pidgeotto is keeping watch." He tilts his head upward, where Pidgeotto swoops down with a powerful gust, confirming Blaze's words. The powerful flurry of wind from Pidgeotto's descent rustles through the crowd, drawing curious glances.
Officer Jenny's eyes narrow, skepticism etched into her features. Blaze's gaze meets hers, his expression unwavering. With a quick motion, Blaze and Ash both pull out their Pokédexes. "Friday, verify," Blaze commands, his voice taut with urgency.
The red and black Pokédex, Friday, responds with a mechanical clarity. "I am Friday. A Pokédex programmed by Professor Oak for Pokémon trainer Blaze Ketchum of the town of Pallet. My function is to provide Blaze with information and advice regarding Pokémon and their training. If lost or stolen, I cannot be replaced."
The confirmation echoes from Ash's Pokédex, adding weight to Blaze's claim. Officer Jenny's posture softens, the harsh lines of suspicion easing. "I'm sorry," she says, her voice more conciliatory now. "I should have verified before jumping to conclusions."
Blaze nods curtly, his attention already shifting back to Tempest and Pikachu. "We need to get them to the Pokémon Center, now," he insists, his voice urgent yet controlled.
Officer Jenny's eyes flash with understanding. "Hop on," she says, gesturing to her motorcycle. "I'll get you there faster." Blaze lifts Tempest gently, feeling the slight tremor of exhaustion in his Riolu's body. Without a moment's hesitation, Blaze swings onto the motorcycle behind Ash. Pidgeotto flutters low, ready to follow.
The motorcycle roars to life, its engine cutting through the city's ambient noise. Officer Jenny expertly maneuvers through the crowded streets, her eyes sharp and alert. Blaze grips Tempest tightly, his mind racing through strategies and treatments for when they reach the Pokémon Center. The city's lights streak past in a blur, creating a tunnel of urgency around them.
As they speed through the city, a familiar voice slices through the noise. "Hey! Stop right there!" Misty appears, dragging her ruined bike with a scowl etched into her features. The motorcycle screeches to a halt in front of her, the sudden stop jarring.
Blaze, momentarily taken aback, turns to Misty with a mixture of concern and frustration. "There's no time, Misty," he says, his voice firm yet calm despite the chaos. "We need to get Pikachu and Tempest to the Pokémon Center. We'll explain everything once we're done."
Misty's eyes blaze with indignation, but as she takes in the urgency in Blaze's gaze, her expression shifts. Though still fuming, she nods begrudgingly. "Fine. But you better explain what's going on."
Blaze gives a curt nod as he repositions Tempest securely. "Thank you," he says, his tone leaving no room for further argument. The motorcycle roars back to life, and Blaze's mind sharpens with focus, every muscle taut with anticipation as they make their final push towards the Pokémon Center.
The city fades into the background, the only sounds now the rush of the wind and the steady beat of Blaze's heart, as he and Ash race against time, driven by the urgent need to ensure their Pokémon's safety.
---
The rain start felling in sheets over Viridian City, drumming against the streets and blurring the lights of the Pokémon Center in the distance. The night was anything but peaceful. High above the city, Team Rocket's balloon loomed, a dark blotch against the stormy sky. Jessie held up a crumpled wanted poster, her lips curling into a smirk.
"A wanted poster. How flattering," she drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. The wind tugged at her hair, whipping it around her face.
James leaned over her shoulder, squinting at the image. "Flattering? This picture makes me look terrible," he complained, his usual pout deepening.
Jessie shot him a sharp look, her patience wearing thin. "Then you should be happy the photographer captured the real you."
Meowth, perched on the edge of the balloon's basket, rolled his eyes. "Will ya two cut it out? We're here to capture rare Pokémon, not argue about yer ugly mug!" He pointed a claw towards the Pokémon Center below, where their true targets were just within reach. "Now stay focused."
Down in the city streets, the screech of tires echoed as Officer Jenny's motorcycle skidded to a halt in front of the Pokémon Center. The rain-slick pavement gleamed under the harsh lights, reflecting the urgency of the moment. Blaze leaped off the bike, cradling Tempest tightly against his chest, his jacket soaked through from the storm. Ash followed close behind, Pikachu limp in his arms, his face a mask of worry and guilt.
The doors of the Pokémon Center slid open with a soft hiss, but the usual warmth inside did nothing to ease the tension hanging heavy in the air. Nurse Joy's sharp gaze met them the moment they entered, her expression shifting from calm professionalism to stern urgency as she took in the scene before her.
"Get them inside, quickly!" she ordered, her voice cutting through the stillness. The bright lights reflected off the sterile white tiles, casting stark shadows as two Chansey rushed forward with a stretcher.
Pikachu's small body was laid gently onto the stretcher, his fur singed and matted, his breaths shallow and labored. Nurse Joy's eyes narrowed as she assessed the extent of his injuries, her mind already racing through the necessary treatments.
"Stretcher for an Electric-type, stat!" she barked, the Chansey moving with precision and speed, their practiced hands working to stabilize Pikachu as they whisked him away towards the emergency room.
Blaze's heart pounded in his chest as he watched, his mind racing. He felt the weight of Tempest in his arms, the Pokémon's breathing shallow but steady. Nurse Joy's gaze flickered to Tempest, noting the less severe but still concerning injuries.
"Here," she said, thrusting a Potion into Blaze's hand. "Use this on your Riolu. He's not as badly hurt, but he still needs treatment."
Blaze nodded, his hands steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside him. He knelt, cradling Tempest carefully as he applied the Potion. The liquid shimmered as it touched Tempest's fur, the healing properties taking effect almost immediately. Tempest winced, a low whimper escaping him, but he relaxed as the pain subsided. Blaze's voice softened as he murmured to his partner, "Hang in there, Tempest. We've got this."
As Blaze focused on Tempest, Ash stood off to the side, his eyes never leaving the double doors that Pikachu had disappeared through. Guilt gnawed at him, his shoulders slumping under its weight. He barely registered Nurse Joy's sharp voice cutting through his thoughts.
"How could you let Pikachu battle until it was in this condition?" she demanded, her usual gentle demeanor replaced by an edge of frustration. Ash opened his mouth to explain, to say something, anything, but no words came. The memory of the battle replayed in his mind, every mistake, every misstep.
Nurse Joy's expression softened for a moment, but she quickly turned back to the task at hand. There was no time for comfort or reassurances, not when a Pokémon's life was on the line. The double doors to the treatment room swung open, and with practiced efficiency, Nurse Joy and her team of Chansey pushed Pikachu's stretcher inside. The doors closed behind them with a decisive thud, leaving Blaze and Ash standing in the harsh, sterile light of the hallway.
Blaze clenched Tempest's Poké Ball in his hand, the cool metal grounding him as he fought to keep his emotions in check. The storm outside was nothing compared to the one brewing inside him. He turned to Ash, his voice low and intense. "We have to be better, Ash. We can't let this happen again."
Ash didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the floor. The silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating.
In the background, Officer Jenny quietly pushed her motorcycle back outside, the roar of the engine muffled by the rain. She cast a glance back at the two boys, a silent promise of support if they needed it, before she disappeared into the night.
The waiting room felt too bright, too sterile, a far cry from the usual safe haven it was supposed to be. Blaze and Ash sat side by side, the minutes ticking by in agonizing silence. Blaze's mind raced, going over every detail of the battle, every mistake, every miscalculation. His grip tightened on the Poké Ball, his resolve hardening.
"When Pikachu and Tempest are better," Blaze said, his voice carrying the weight of an unyielding promise, "we train harder. We can't afford to be caught off guard again."
High above, the storm raged on, but inside the balloon, Team Rocket was all business. Jessie peered through a pair of binoculars, her eyes narrowing as she spotted the boys inside the Pokémon Center.
"There they are," she whispered, a sinister smile spreading across her face. "This is our chance to grab that Pikachu and Riolu while they're weak."
James nodded, his earlier vanity forgotten in the thrill of the upcoming heist. "Let's give these twerps a lesson they won't forget."
Back in the Pokémon Center, Blaze's gaze hardened. He knew that their journey had only just begun and that this was merely the first of many challenges. The storm outside might have been fierce, but it was nothing compared to the storm within him. Every word he spoke was a vow, a promise to himself and to his Pokémon.
The world outside was full of dangers, but Blaze was determined. No matter what came next, he wouldn't be caught off guard again.
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