My Resolve to Fight
"Hahahahahaha!" The man who used to work for Team Rocket was going wild. His hysterical laugh struck Red with fear. Fear that he was in a room with a total maniac.
As Blaine calmed down, he dropped his cane from Red's chest and held a hand. The stunned teen gazed at the outstretched hand as if it was the hand of a serial killer.
"Don't worry, Red. I was just messing with you," Blaine smiled under his puffy, white mustache.
Red's head began to spin in confusion. "Just why?" he spluttered.
"To get you hyped up for our battle boy," he answered.
Red looked up to him as if he was joking. "You almost gave me heart attack!"
"Getting your heart pumping is all it's needed to feel ready," Blaine said helping the shaken teen up to his feet. "I like to keep my challengers on their toes but you gave one of the best reasons to scare you, haha."
"Yeah, I guess," Red rubbed the back of his head more confused than eager to battle. Now, I really question his methods of treating challengers!
"Take your place, Red!" Blaine walked across the field to enter his Gym Leader spot.
Red took his place as well. Blaine slammed his cane into the ground.
"Let's get this started! Shall we, Red?" Blaine said producing a Pokeball. "Raise your head high, Arcanine!"
A canine-like Pokemon that could be described as a cross between a dog and a lion, to the field. Cream colored mane billowed around its neck as it stood proudly on all four legs. Orange body marked with back stripes gave it a fire type feel to Red as well as the cream fur on its chest ankles, and tail that resembled smoke.
"Arcanine: the Legendary Pokemon. A Pokémon that has been admired since the past for its beauty. Arcanine is known for its bravery and fierce loyalty. Growlithe evolves into Arcanine from its use of a Fire Stone."
Red put away his Pokedex and pulled out his Pokemon of choice.
"Standby for battle, Nidoking!"
Nidoking smashed his fists together seeing it was a gym battle. –"I'm ready for this!"-
"Let's see your fire type attacks try to make a dent in my Nidoking!" Red said.
Blaine fixed his glasses. "You say that my fire attacks will not being too much you say," Blaine stated. "But you'll see my Pokemon's attacks will powerful as ever.
"How so?"
Blaine smirked before taking out a remote from his deep pockets. A click of a button and a whirling noise filled the room.
Red followed the sound realizing it was the roof what was opening. Sunlight fell on the battle field followed by the island's intense heat. The roof slid open wide enough for light to reach all the corners of the battle field.
"The only reason I chose this place to build my gym is for the always blistering sun that dominants this biome!" Blaine declared seeming like a genius
"I thought you had your Gym here to keep that old mansion safe," Red replied.
Blaine coughed. "Urh…that too but the sun here helps my Fire-type Pokemon," he said.
"What about on rainy days? How do you deal with that?" Red pried.
"I'm closed on those days but that is irrelevant," Blaine retorted he brought his cane to the ground. "If you won't make the first move then I will. Arcanine, Flame Wheel!"
Red was taken by surprise. "Nidoking, Rock Slide," he hastily ordered.
-"Feel the fire that burns within me!"- Arcanine rolled himself into a ball before being set ablaze. He rolled himself towards Nidoking.
-"You won't get that chance, pal!"- Nidoking fired his boulders larger than Arcanine's Flame Wheel.
Blaine pointed his cane directly at the Tyrant Pokemon. "Jump over the Rock Slide, Arcanine."
Even curled up in a moving ball, Arcanine had complete control over his body. He leapt over the rolling stones his form intact as he directed it to his target. The sun's energy powered up his Flame Wheel as he got higher increasing the size of the flames revolving around his body.
"Nidoking, catch him!" Red shouted.
-"What?"- Nidoking yelled in shock. He didn't have time to think as Arcanine descended faster than he anticipated. He held out his burly arms over his head. Fire met his scaly claws almost recoiling in pain. Arcanine continued to spin in his grasp trying to push him back.
-"Can't hold on my longer,"- Nidoking grunted his arms bending as they began to lose energy. He felt Arcanine's Flame Wheel barely reach the tip of his horn as warmth heated up his face.
"Don't let down, Arcanine! Keep pushing forward with your furious will!" Blaine exclaimed.
Red could feel the heat radiating from Arcanine's body. If only I had a way to cool him down…my god you're so stupid Red!
Red mentally slapped himself for forgetting. "Nidoking, put out the fire with your Ice Beam!"
-"Excellent!"- Nidoking shouted releasing his Ice beam from his purple horn. Arcanine was thrown back onto his side of the field, fires extinguished.
-"Damn…you,"- Arcanine muttered. His back was completely encased in ice, specks of ice filed his elegant mane. He got back up to shake his fur from the ice. The iceberg on his bag wasn't, however, that easily removable.
Nidoking wiped his face from sweat. –"I got more from where that came from,"- he smugly said.
Blaine observed his Pokemon's state as he fumbled with his mustache. "Interesting…managing t freeze part of my Arcanine's body. Such a powerful Ice Beam."
"Umm…thanks?" Red not sure if it was right to take that compliment.
"No worry Arcanine, let's melt that ice right away," he said pulling at the collar of his shirt. "Heat Wave."
Arcanine took as stance that looked like was ready to pounce at his foe at anytime. Nidoking tensed up ready to take on whatever trick his foe tried to pull.
-"The flame burns within me will melt you where you Stand!"- Arcanine roared. His body glowed bright red as heat began to escape his body. The ice melted to nothing in a matter of seconds. Nothing could be done to stop the fire as it spread throughout the room.
Red felt the air get thick after the heat reached him. He removed his hat as to help his cool down but the sun just got into his eyes making him put back on.
"The temperature is no perfect to use your most powerful technique," Blaine said not at all affected by the heat. "Flare Blitz Nidoking to smithereens!"
Putting one paw forward, Arcanine lifted his head. –"Your time is up. This ends here!"-He sprinted towards Nidoking with a cloak of fire around his entire body.
Red bit his lip every second feeling the heat intensify. "Wait for it, Nidoking…," Red told his Pokemon looking for the right moment. "…now Rock Slide!"
Nidoking had only a second to react for his foe was close enough to hit with no chance of dodging. He slammed his claws into the ground. His eyes jumped right open as the only thing he was able to conjure up was pain.
-"Too slow!"- Arcanine tackled Nidoking with tremendous force. A full body tackle that exploded on contact. Nidoking was sent soaring over Red's head to crash into the wall behind him.
"Nidoking!" Red yelled. He bent down to see his fully evolved Pokemon groaning in pain against the damaged wall.
-"Err…sorry, Red,"- he whispered holding out his hands. He showed Red the burn marks that were on his claws.
"Nidoking…I'm sorry…I didn't know," Red tried to apologize but Nidoking shook his head.
-"I should have still been able to use that move but…but I stopped for the pain,"- Nidoking weakly coughed.
"I'll let you rest for now. You did well." Red took out Nidoking's Pokeball. Nidoking pushed his hand away. "But Nidoking, you're hurt!"
-"Heh, I may be hurt but I still have more strength to fight,"- Nidoking stood up. He was a bit shaky standing up. He shook his head ignoring Red's pleads to return.
Red sighed. "Alright, I see. I will stop worrying and be by your side, Nidoking." Red placed a hand on his Pokemon's shoulder.
Nidoking reentered the field where Arcanine was waiting patiently. He was neither acting smug nor disgust. Arcanine was however, gleaming in what Nidoking saw as happiness.
Blaine also looked quite pleased with Nidoking coming back into the battle. "Red, let me ask you this…What is your reason for fighting?"
Red raised an eyebrow. "That's pretty simple. To..uhh…get my Gym Badge?" Red answered uncertain.
Blaine shook his head. "That can't be. Your Pokemon share the same ambition as their trainer and your Pokemon is shown to have a powerful will to fight."
Nidoking stared at the old man intrigued. He then looked down at his burned claws. –I must win this for Red! And I won't let these burns hinder me! Nidoking surprised everyone by freezing his own claws with Ice Beam.
-"Er…that should do it,"- Nidoking cringed as he admired his hands coated in ice.
-"That…is…remarkable determination you have their opponent,"- Arcanine acknowledged.
Nidoking nodded rubbing his ice packs. -"It's because I know my will to fight. I fight not only for my trainer but for myself! This man has changed me since I started with him and I'm grateful for that. That's why I fight alongside Red to show him how much I have changed!"-
"Arcanine, this trainer's Pokemon has some great will power but let's put it to the test against our own will power!" Blaine shouted. "Extreme Speed!"
-"Red, let's do it!"- he shot a look at Red and gave him nod as if he was giving permission for something.
Red understood what he meant. "Nidoking, unleash your Thrash move."
Nidoking released his inner power as Arcanine disappeared from view. Arcanine appeared right before Nidoking as if he teleported. The Tyrant Pokemon wasn't at all startled as he swung his right arm. He managed to land a blow on the speedy foe. The ice acted like a stiff boxing glove, smashing into the eager canine's face.
Arcanine skidded away from Nidoking spitting at the ground. Nidoking didn't want to wait for a counterattack and so charged at him with a snarl. His swung his large arms at him who ducked below the first but the second ice coated fist struck him in under the jaw.
-"Gah!"- Arcanine succumbed to Nidoking's ruthless assault. Powerful blows showered his body that kept going until Nidoking managed to break his ice gloves on him.
Arcanine dropped on the ground unconscious. Nidoking calmed down from his rage breathing heavily. His burns where now out in the open scorching him more than ever.
-"That will-show Red-to not ever-doubt me,"- Nidoking said. He collapsed on the ground having taken enough punishment for the burns t finish him off.
"What an intense start for a battle," Blaine said recalling his Pokemon as so did Red. "I hope it goes like this for the rest of the battle."
"Then don't ruin the atmosphere," Red remarked. "Gabite, standby for Battle."
"Rapidash, don't let your guard down!"
A large horse Pokemon appeared with a flowing mane made out of actual fire as well as its tail and above its hooves. Cream colored body as well as a deadly looking horn right on its forehead.
"Rapidash: the Fire Horse Pokemon. Rapidash usually can be seen casually cantering in the fields and plains. However, when this Pokémon turns serious, its fiery manes flare and blaze as it gallops its way up to 150 mph."
-"Horse-y!"- Gabite yelled eagerly raising his arms in the air. His arms dropped as he sniffed the air. –"Hmm…smells like…ocean!"- Gabite grinned remembering the good times he had at the last beach he was at.
"Gabite, don't get distracted so easily," Red snapped. "Now use Dig!"
-"On it!"- he said before entering his domain.
"A Gabite, interesting," Blaine muttered to himself. "Rapidash, you know what to do with these burrowing opponents."
-"I sure do, Blaine."- Rapidash said. She just stood there not even moving a muscle. Closed her eyes as she waited for Gabite.
Seconds ticked by before Rapidash felt movement under her feet. The ground barely produced a small hump when she acted upon it. Lifting up her entire front body in the air as if she was ready to take off running just to bring back down on the blue head that poked out of the ground. Both of her diamond hard hooves struck onto the dragon's head, pushing him back into his hole.
A few meters away from here, Gabite reappeared crying in agony.
-"Owowowow!"- he whined clutching the comical bump on his head.
"He's in the open! Get him now with Horn Attack!" Blaine ordered.
"Gabite, watch out for it!"
Rapidash lowered her head, horn pointed directly at Gabite. She galloped as Gabite paid more attention to his injury than his opponent.
"Gabite, Dragon Claw!" Red shouted a bit angered.
Gabite jumped realizing Rapidash was charging at him. He intercepted the horn his Dragon Claw digging his feet into the ground to better hold his ground. Rapidash thrust her head forward managing to move him a few inches. Gabite used her other claw to push his attacking claw pushing Rapidash back.
"Gabite use Dragon Rage to push Rapidash back then trap her in Sand Tomb!"
-"Pay back for my head horsey!"- Gabite growled firing his Dragon Rage at point blank range.
Rapidash fell back swinging her head to the side to avoid any more harm. She was than trapped in a swirling vortex of sand. She neighed as the super effective move damaged her. Her knees nearly gave up on her but used all of her strength to stay up.
"I'll ask you again. Why do you fight?" Blaine repeated himself.
Red didn't hesitate to answer this time. "To become Pokemon Champion!"
Blaine shook his head. "I don't believe it."
"What! How can you not believe that?" Red rejoined.
"Because I have battled many people with that same goal but none of them had the same will power as yourself," Blaine said. "You must have another reason for this battle. I will drag it out of you with my own will!"
"And that is?"
Blaine turned stiff. "The reason that fuels the flame of my heart to try my hardest…is my will to push the youth of today to their limits. Rapidash, show them what you mean with a Flare Blitz with all your strength."
"Tch-Rapidash can't possible escape-" Red was shun as Rapidash stepped forward.
-"Don't take me so lightly trainer,"- she said before setting her entire body on fire. Even with the Sand Tomb scratching at her body she charged at Gabite.
"Gabite attack with Dragon Claw!" Red shouted.
"Okay and I'll double the pain,"- Gabite said unleashing dragonic power from both claws. He sprinted towards Rapidash crossing his arms before him.
Sparks flew into the air when they both met collided. Gabite snarled as he tried to get the upper hand as he tried to endure the burning sensation of being to close. He didn't let up and unleashed his dragon caw by slashing in a 'X' manner. He managed to push her back away from him.
-"I'm not done, yet!"- Gabite leapt onto here to get a few more slashes before jumping back.
Rapidash relinquished her fiery state and collapsed on the floor.
Blaine smiled as he returned his Rapidash. "I will challenge your spirit with all of my power. Let's test their bond, Ninetales."
Fox-like Pokemon appeared before Gabite. Cream colored fur with nine elegant tales flowing behind of her rippling like water in a stream. Her red eyes looked quite beautiful yet viscous.
"Ninetales: the Fox Pokemon. Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse. Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power."
-"Hmm…I don't like t be called vengeful but I can't deny that fact…I do like some sweet revenge,"- Ninetales giggled.
-"But revenge is not good,"- Gabite said. –"How will it help you?"-
-"I don't feel like explaining for you won't understand, child."- she hissed.
"Another pure fire type," Red said to himself. "Gabite, let's try it again. Dig!"
Gabite obliged making his fifth hole in the field creating more for Blaine to fix afterwards. Ninetales got up from her sitting position ready for action.
"Ninetales, with your excellent reflexes, dodge the attack at the last moment," Blaine simply said.
-"I will perfectly evade the act of violence with ease,"- Ninetales assured bending her knees.
-….Now!- Ninetales jumped to her side as the ground before her burst open.
-"Got you!"- Gabite hollered. He snapped his jaw managing to snag two of Ninetales' stream-like tails.
-"You oaf!"- Ninetales shrieked. She tried to pull her precious tail out of Gabite's tail but he had tight grip.
"Great, you got her! Now, reel her in for a Dragon Claw!" Red ordered.
"Ninetales, if you want him to not ruin your tails then you're going to have to use Flamethrower to pry him off," Blaine said it as if he was explaining it to her.
-"Going straight to power is not my way but you have forced to,"- Ninetales lowly growled. She showed her teeth when Gabite tugged at her tail.
-"Comh-Closwer!"- Gabite said with his mouth full pulling on them a Dragon Claw already ready.
-"Don't yank my tails you moron!"- Her yelled digging her paws into the dirt. With all of her strength and odium, she laid fire on the foe. Her Flamethrower threw Gabite right of with impressive force.
Gabite crashed on the ground with burns all across his face. He looked up to the opened ceiling seeing the clouds roll by.
-"I-did-my-best,"- Gabite said as he went unconscious on the floor.
"You did survive a good beating from Rapidash so you did quite well for this match," Red said returning his Pokemon.
"Let me give you a word of advice," Blaine spoke up. "My Ninetales doesn't really take too kindly to people touching her tails."
Red wordlessly nodded. Yeah, I can tell, Red thought remembering the hatred that burned in her eyes when Gabite grabbed them.
-"Just don't let that happen and you'll be okay, kid,"- Ninetales said bringing her ruffed tails to lick them clean to their original golden state.
"Pidgeot, Standby for battle!" Red announced.
Pidgeot appeared high above the gym floor. His body cast a large shadow that fell over Ninetales who stood in awe at her opponent. She felt mesmerized by the colorful head feathers that fluttered behind him.
-"Erm…your feathers may look prominent but they don't compare to my beautiful fur,"- Ninetales arrogantly said.
-"Uhh…thanks?"- Pidgeot nervously said.
-"That wasn't supposed to be a compliment, idiot!"- she snapped back.
-"Er-oh okay, sorry."-
-"Gah! Don't apologize to the enemy!"- Ninetales shouted.
Pidgeot gulped feeling she was going to be a difficult one to fight with.
"A flying Pokemon…that's going to cost us some trouble," Blaine loudly said lifting his glasses to get a better view of it. "Hmm…let's trap it with Fire Spin, Ninetales."
Ninetales thought it was the best thing to do and released a stream of fire that spiraled to upwards trapping Pidgeot. Pidgeot flapped his wings in place now unable to try anything to escape his opponent's wrath.
"You think something as weak as that will keep my bird caged in?" Red scoffed. "Don't underestimate Pidgeot. Show them what I mean with Whirlwind!"
Pidgeot created a powerful Whirlwind with a few flaps of his massive wings. The Fire Spin around him was blown away to bits and showered onto the ground to disappear into nothing.
Blaine admired the show of power. "This strength…can only come from a Pokemon that has a clear mind and a strong grip of his goal. If your goal is to become Pokemon Champion, then you're more than set to succeed that dream with Pokemon like these!"
Red didn't know how to react to all the praise. "Yeah, I know…wait. Don't start saying my Pokemon are strong until after the battle!"
"I know should save my praise till the end but I just couldn't help it! Haven't a trainer like you in a few weeks!"
"But I bet they didn't do something like this, Pidgeot use Dart Pierce!" Red shouted to the sky.
"Pierce Dart?"
-"Pierce Dart?" -
Both Pokemon and Trainer said confused.
Pidgeot dive bombed towards Ninetales with white light streaming behind him. The fox Pokemon jumped onto to her four paws tensing up. She didn't comprehend what happen next. Pidgeot disappeared from sight. Ninetales then felt sharp powerful tackle to her side that sent her flying to the edge of the field.
-"What was that?"- Ninetales coughed.
"That must have been a combination of Quick Attack and Aerial Ace if I'm not mistaken," Blaine wiped his glasses.
Red nodded. "You are absolutely right. A comb that we came up with!"
"Interesting…a combo that requires much precision must have taken awhile to master." Blaine stated.
"Well, we got it on the first try," Red laughed.
Blaine didn't look quite surprise. "Well, your dedication to use such original techniques is interesting. However, all of your commitment is useless."
"What? How?" Red asked.
"Because no matter how strong of a will you have it will only strengthen mine!" He declared. "The stronger a will a person has the stronger mine becomes."
"How does that even work?" Red retorted.
"If you don't remember, my goal is push my challengers to their limit! That includes their own ideals for fighting," he sternly said completely different from his usual self. "You see! Your will is like the wind, the wind that keeps a fire burning and that's my own will!"
Red gasped. "Grr…we will see about that! Pidgeot, Dart Pierce again!"
"Not so fast! Ninetales, shield yourself with will-o-wisp!" Blaine ordered with haste.
Ninetales lifted all of her tails and at the tips created small flames imbued with strange power that allowed them to float in the air. They swirled around Ninetales ready to burn any foe that got to close.
"Pidgeot, stop!" Red said. "Don't get too close or you'll get burn!"
-"Yeah, yeah, I know. Emily's Vulpix can use that and I remember it burns their foes,"- Pidgeot said flying into the air.
"Yes, stay away from my Ninetales," Blaine said. "Burn the Pidgeot with Fire Blast. Don't let down until you hit him!"
-"You're going to pay for that cheap shot hit you got on me,"- Ninetales said with disgust. She fire large ball of fire at her flying foe.
-"How was that a chea-"-
"Dodge, Pidgeot!" Red shouted.
-"Calm down, Red,"- Pidgeot said flying slightly to the right to dodge it.
-"Ha, wrong move,"- Ninetales said. She watched as her creation extended 'limbs' from five points to resemble a stick figure. Pidgeot was caught by surprise getting caught in one of the limbs.
"Pidgeot!"
The brown bird Pokemon lost his ability to stay in the air after having one wing seared by fire. He glided to the ground to tend to his hurt wing. Unable to effectively fly, Pidgeot felt very vulnerable.
"Let's show them our iron will, Ninetales," Blaine said. "Close in for an Overheat attack."
-"Don't think you'll be able to lay another scratch on me!"- Ninetales dashed towards her injured foe. The small flames followed her body like a pack of Vupixs following their mother.
"Pidgeot, try to Air Slash her with your good wing when she's in good range," Red ordered.
Pidgeot extended his unharmed wing with a white glow around it. He shifted to the side making sure his injured wing was out of the way from anymore harm. Ninetales didn't, however, get in his range before she jumped straight into the air.
Her body turned bright white like the hottest shade of fire and without warning burst into flames. A blast of fire went into all directions of the room. Pidgeot was caught in the sea of fire disappearing from Red's view.
"This intense heat," Red backed away feeling the fire was going to reach him as well. The flames seized just before the chalk white lines before receding back. The flames died out starting from the outer part and made it ways towards its origin. The fire revealed scorched dirt mixed in with the red dirt and soon a burnt up Pidgeot.
Pidgeot stir getting up with his entire back covered in ash. His face was smeared with burned dirt as well as his dirt chest as if he decided to play in the dirt. Despite his burns, Pidgeot stood up shakily and did his best to look presentable.
Ninetales appear looking like she was out of breath. -"Im-pos-si-ble." She used all of her strength for that attack and within close range along with the sun, she was sure he wouldn't have survived it.
"Pidgeot…come back," Red said.
-"What?"- Pidgeot looked surprise. "I took that Overheat and I still decided to stand! If I wanted to give up, then I would have just laid on the ground in defeat. But I didn't!"-
Red felt the passion his Pokemon gave off. It meant he wanted to keep on fighting, but was he willing to give him that chance.
Red had Pidgoet's Pokeball in his hand ready to recall him at anytime. "Pidgeot, I'll let you end this in one final swoop. Brave Bird, Ninetales!"
-"Got you!"- Pidgeot exclaimed jumping into the air.
"Wait, but he's too hurt to even fly," Blaine said but was proved wrong by Pidgeot who flapped his weak wings. "Ninetales, Flamethrower him!"
-"I can't, I need to catch my breath,"- Ninetales coughed out smoke.
Pidgeot charged at the tired Ninetales in his Brave Bird form. With a huge explosion, Ninetales was thrown onto her back across the burnt dirt.
-"Curse you,"- Ninetales muttered her drifted into darkness.
Pidgeot jumped out of the smoke cringing in recoil. With the last of strength he gave Red a smile. –"I have gotten this far all thanks to you,"- he said before collapsing.
"Thanks, Pidgeot." Red thanked now returning him.
"Flareon, this match is coming close so lend me your strength!"
Blaine's Flareon took the stage with her side of the field not as badly burnt as Red's.
A Flareon! Red felt surprised.
"Standby for battle, Pikachu!"
Pikachu was already on all four ready to fight. –"Hmm…smells like a bad Bar-B-Que…and it looks like one too,"- Pikachu commented feeling the top lay of dirt.
-"I'm used to the smell so it won't affect my ability to fight,"- Flareon said licking her paw. –"But you can use it as an excuse when you lose."-
-"Hey, I'm not making any excuses, gal!"- Pikachu said angrily. –Grr…the nerve!-
Flareon…just like Ember, Red recalled his bitter defeat against it. "We are going to lose, Pikachu. Not this battle!"
-"Of course I won't!"- Pikachu boasted with sparks.
Feels like something has stir in Red, Blaine thought noticing his change of attitude.
"Flareon, raise the heat with Flamethrower."
"Pikachu, dodge and fight back with Thunder Bolt."
Flareon breathed in before firing her Flamethrower. Pikachu ran to this side to avoid the Flamethrower that continued to follow him as Flareon tilted her head. The electric rodent released his charged up Thunder Bolt that made Flareon stop to dodge.
Flareon used Flamethrower again nearly catching him this time. Pikachu jumped over the stream of fire and shocked Flareon with his second Thunder Bolt. Flareon cried in pain but quickly recovered from the attack.
-"Got you!"- Flareon grunted when she saw her foe land close to her. With a second to lose, she fire a powerful Flamethrower she had saved up.
-"Oh shi-"- Pikachu tried to evade but was still caught in the fire. The flames pushed him all the way to across the room until he collided with the stone wall. He left a small dent with his body marked on it.
-God, that hurt like hell,- Pikachu thought opening his eyes. Flareon was stretching out her body like a cat. –But not as much as being played around by her!- Pikachu noticed that she was trying to lure him in with weak, thin Flamethrowers thinking he would be able to dodge them at close distance.
-I can't lose to a Flareon! Not again!-
Pikachu peeled himself of from the wall and brushed off the rubble. Somewhat disoriented, he returned to the battlefield acting like it was a small blow even though his whole body cried in agony.
-"Come back for more,"- Flareon mocked with a smug smile.
-"You just got a lucky hit!"- Pikachu shouted.
-"Then let's see how many more 'lucky shots' I can get,"- she laughed.
"Pikachu, calm down!" Red didn't want his Pokemon to be all worked up during a battle. "Focus more on the battle than her…taunts!"
Pikachu crossed his arms. –"I wasn't distracted by her immature acts."-
-"Oh really,"- Flareon said. –"You know, you do look cute when you pout."-
Pikachu opened his mouth to respond, but thought it was better to not. He just got back on his four limbs, and tuned in to his trainer's voice.
"This time, Flareon won't be able to catch you so easily. Attack with a swift Quick Attack!" Pikachu twitched his ear. He sped off with his white trail behind him to the sitting Flareon.
Flareon tried to Flamethrower but was to slow as she felt a blow to her side. She sprawled across the floor, but got right back onto to her feet. Being nimble, she Flamethrower again at slightest movement she saw with her black eyes.
Pikachu tackled her into the ground again, and then ran off like a scared rabbit.
"Flareon, don't try to Flamethrower, conserve your energy," Blaine said seeing it was useless. "Instead, you should be going for an attack that has a wider ranger. For example, Lava Plume."
Flareon nodded, jumped into the middle of the room. Pikachu sped around her, preparing to strike again. She didn't even try to comprehend where the yellow blur for mouse would attack from, and activated her move.
Her body turned bright orange that swirled around like actual active lava. With a strong yep, she released fire from her body in all directions. Smoke was another byproduct of her act that spread out to block everything from sight.
Red could only imagine how hot it felt being in that burning smoke. He could only hope for his Pokemon's safety as the smog diffused. The ground was even more burnt than ever before. There was at least two centimeters of hot ash low on top of the affected area, and Pikachu lay motionless in it.
"Pikachu!"
An ear went up like a creature on alert. Pikachu lifted his head looking daze as if he just woke up from a nap. He shook his fur of ash and dirt.
-"Did I at least hit her before she went boom?"- Pikachu said looking for Flareon among the clearing smoke. He leaped back once he caught sight of her.
Steam was radiating from her body as she gasped for air. She had on eye open to watch Pikachu while her body regained its normal state.
-"Ngghh!"- She clenched her teeth, felt her muscles cramp up.
Red noticed Flareon's body language finding it familiar. "Looks like your Flareon has been paralyzed by my Pikachu," he pointed out.
-"So, I did hit her,"- Pikachu said sounding somewhat satisfied.
"I see…," Blaine blankly said acting as if he didn't care. "This is just but a small set back. Flareon, I'll need you to break free from the paralysis and go for a good Flare Blitz."
"Are you mad? She can't even move a muscle, let alone her entire body!"
"Don't you think that my Pokemon are like any ordinary Pokemon." Blaine raised a hand to the brim of his hat. "Flareon, Flare Blitz!"
The Flareon struggled to straighten her posture as if a crate of bricks was stacked up on her back. Her eyes clenched, she placed one paw in front of her.
-"Prepare yourself!"- Flareon shouted before she was set on fire.
-"Wahh!"- Pikachu fell back overwhelmed by the intense heat.
"She really is going to do it," Red quietly said. "Pikachu, this is just similar to last time."
Pikachu nodded. –"And you want me to use that move like last time as well,"- he said getting into position.
"You read my mind," Red smiled feeling the bond they shared. "Go for it, Pikachu! Volt Tackle!"
-"Here I go!"- Pikachu yelled. He charged the Flareon with his Volt Tackle already have taken form.
Flareon bared her teeth, broke through her paralysis to rush at her opposing foe. –"Don't get to cocky, runt!"-
The two figures collided with each other that sent out sparks and embers everywhere. The shower of fire and electricity was so intense that the power could be felt by their respective trainers. They, however, evenly match. Not one fighter gained the higher ground as their heads butted against each other.
"Increase your strength!" Blaine ordered.
Flareon's flames increased in size, now towering Pikachu's own Volt tackle. The power also increased as Pikachu felt it by being pushed back now.
"Pikachu, don't let it end this!" Red shouted shielding his eyes from the blinding light show. –"We are dedicated to our cause. We won't be overwhelmed by the opponent's strength anymore!"
-"I won't!"- Pikachu shrieked. His cheeks burst with more electricity. A large explosion engulfed the two struggling Pokemon.
"Errr!" Red braced the dirt that kicked up in his face. He looked up one the field settled. He saw his Pikachu was still standing in the middle of the crater he created.
Pikachu heavily panted, trying to bring air to his body screaming in pain. He was really battered up as if he just went through a furnace. Singed patches of fur, soot covered cheeks, and watery eyes was not enough to stop him from standing up high. Even the tuft of hair on his ear stood up proudly.
-"You-did-cough- well,"- Flareon coughed. She was directly in front of Pikachu not looking any better than him. Her body quivered as she tried to keep herself up.
-"You didn't so badly yourself,"- Pikachu remarked with a warm smile.
-"Your strength will get you far,"- she said catching her breath. She smiled back before collapsing right before him.
"Pikachu, we did it!" Red exclaimed.
"Hmm…you sound too excited for someone to have defeated one of my Pokemon. What has gotten into you is something that I have to ask," Blaine took of his hat for the first time. His head gleamed in the sun as he scratched it.
-"Oh-I'm out."- Pikachu finally felt the punishment of such a powerful move. He fell back with swirls in his beady eyes.
Red returned his fallen Pokemon. "Let's just say I've started to overcome a past bitter defeat."
"So you decided to take out your anger on a poor old man," Blaine grumbled taking out another Pokeball. "Seems kind of rude but it has given you something more to fight for, so I won't complain. Magmar! Go!"
Magmar! Red now felt like it was déjà vu.
The Spitfire Pokemon materialized with his arms crossed, flame eyebrows furrowed. His duck bill shivered as it smelled the battlefield air.
-"That sweet smell…burnt rocks…smog…and lava?"- Magmar loosened up with the aroma alone. –"Reminds me so much of home."-
Red observed the smug look his next foe had. Just the face brings him unpleasant memories. He unknowingly bit his lip in thought.
"Something to matter?" Blaine asked putting his hat back on.
"Err…well…you have asked me many times where my will to fight comes from," he said receiving a nod. "Well, it seems I'm starting to find my true reason for fighting."
"Your true reason?" Blaine said hesitant to question further.
"Yes, I think I almost have my reason," Red said slowly taking out his Pokeball. "And I have a Pokemon here that shares my same resolve."
"Now this is what I have been waiting for," Blaine widely grinned. "Bring it on, Red. Show me what this new resolve of yours can do!"
"Stand by for battle, Charizard!"
Charizard roared to announce his arrival. He looked down to see his measly opponent was a Magmar. He narrowed his eyes at his crossly-looking opponent. The stare he got back was not taken well by Charizard.
-"Don't look at me like,"- he hissed. –"I don't take kindly to opponents with such a look."-
-"Forgive me…it's just that I have never such a ugly beast as yourself,"- Magmar rejoin with a snide remark.
-"Why you-!"-
"Charizard, doesn't this remind of anything," Red interjected his rage.
Charizard wanted to talk back at his trainer but realized what he meant. –That time…when I was humiliated! By a Magmar! He clenched a fist feeling a pain in his heart.
-"But that was a long time ago! I've changed since then! I'm not the same naïve fighter as I was before,"- Charizard got too hyped up that a large flame escaped his mouth.
-"Tough talk coming from one who can't even control his fire,"- Magmar jeered.
"Charizard, let's not dwell on the past to much but still bare it mind," Red said. "We will prove ourselves that our journey hasn't been for nothing. Take to the skies!"
-"Got it!"- Charizard cried enthusiastically climbing to the ceiling.
"Taking control of the advantage you have, I see," Blaine remarked not sure how to feel. "No matter, Magmar, Fire Blast him out of the sky, and don't let down."
Magmar hurled a Fire Blast right to where Charizard was. The flying dragon tilted his to left to easily dodge it. Magmar fired a couple more Fire Blasts which was little more tricky to dodge, nearly got his right burned.
"Charizard, fight back with Flamethrower!"
Charizard responded with a strong Flamethrower that Magmar jumped to avoid. He covered his eyes from the debris blasted into the air.
-"You won't be able to beat me with such weak fire moves,"- Magmar spat. He used Fire Blast a few times more.
-"And you won't be able to hit me with such a slow move!"- Charizard shouted back firing his faster Flamethrower that Magmar swiftly dodged.
They exchanged fire moves with one another for ten minutes with not a single injury on both sides. That was when Red got fed up.
"Alright, special moves are not going to work in this situation, so Charizard, dive in for a Mega Punch!" Red ordered.
-Thank god! My wings were about to give away at any moment! Charizard thought relieved. He tucked his wings to effectively dive down.
Magmar seized his Fire Blast for second before firing once more. It was in vain for Charizard was still able to evade it on his state.
"Magmar, Mach Punch him from the sky!" Blaine ordered.
Charizard smirked, thinking it was impossible to punch him at the speed he was going, and not to mention he was coming from the air. His smug smiled wiped off his face when his grounded foe jumped straight into him with a glowing fist. He appeared right before him in a blink of an eye.
Magmar deviously smiled right back at Charizard. He slugged him right in the cheek with a power punch that even managed to change his course. Charizard crashed straight into the ground.
Red winced at the unsightly crash. "Charizard!" A second crash caught his attention. Following the sound, he saw that Magmar also landed in a unsafe manner.
-"Gahh-how-did-how-get me?"- Magmar stood up clutching his stomach marked with a large bruise.
Charizard slowly picked himself up from the crater he made. He shook his head, holding his hurt jaw. He lifted up his battered up hand making it turn white for a spit second. –"You're not the only who punches swiftly."-
Magmar stumbled onto flat ground. –"You mean-you managed to punch me while in midair in an unorthodox posture!"-
Charizard weakly nodded. –"It was still a glancing blow, but next time it will be more direct,"- he threatened.
-Grrr…and this indirect punch hurts like hell!- Magmar thought alarmed.
"Way to go, Charizard," Red said also impressed.
"Magmar, don't feel discouraged! You did well," Blaine told his Pokemon. "Now is your chance! While he's on the ground, Thunder Punch!"
"Charizard, don't let him and fight back," Red vaguely ordered.
Magmar pushed his pain away and dashed towards Charizard with a Thunder Punch ready. Charizard wasn't going to let that happen and lashed out with his bulky tail. Magmar was knocked down to Charizard's left.
"Air Slash, now!"
Charizard brought out his damaged left wing to slice the air that sent a sharp blade of wind, sliced across Magmar's chest. Magmar jumped back in pain. With his eyes clenched in pain, breaths turned into heavy pants, and body quivering, Magmar was able to push that aside and continued his order.
"Block with Metal Claw!"
Charizard caught his foe's electrifying punch with his claw covered in a metal sheen. The punch was going to go straight into his large gut if hadn't stop it. That's when Magmar revealed a second Thunder Punch under his sleeve but Charizard was able to act fast.
The two fire types were locked with both hands. Charizard try to crush his foe's grip with his Metal Claw that felt like having your hand caught in a construction vehicle claw. However, Magmar wasn't giving up so easy and pushed against his larger foe.
-"hah, maybe this will make you give up!"- Charizard thrust his head forward, pulling in Magmar as well, and head butted him.
Magmar released his grip, stumbled backwards, and fell into the Charizard-made hole. Clutching his head, Magmar couldn't help but feel like he was made to look like a fool.
-"You-you'll pay for that!"- Magmar said with distaste.
-"That is if you can land a hit on me,"- Charizard mocked.
Magmar hopped right back. –"Why you!"- He charged at Charizard once more. He jumped over the orange tail, ducked under the Mega Punch that was aimed at his head, and landed the critical blow. He uppercut Charizard with a full power Thunder Punch that sent the mighty dragon onto his back.
-"You-bastard!"- Charizard slid his tail across the floor to try to knock down his foe, who jumped back. He used the moment to get back onto his feet.
"Magmar, show him how a real fire type Pokemon fights. Fire Blast!" Blaine shouted.
-"Hah, let's see you handle this!"- Magmar shouted with his Fire Blast fired from close range.
Charizard brought his wings together, using it as a shield for the front of his body that he deemed more important. He clenched his teeth as searing flames engulfed his body. He may have been a Fire type but the outside of his body wasn't fire proof as well.
He managed to survive the attack, and unraveling his wings, he stared down his opponent with his blue eyes. He felt his knees fail and dropped on the ground exhausted.
"Charizard!" Red shouted in dread. He had a difficult decision to make but decided to leave it to Charizard. "Charizard, it's aright if you don't want to fight anymore. I'm not going to force you nor will I look down on for your retreat."
-"What?! You want me to give up?!"- Charizard yelled outraged. He stood up to his full height. –"How can you tell such a thing when I still plenty of energy to fight!"-
-"Hah, fool,"- Magmar coldly said. –"You can barely stand let alone fight. If I were you, I would listen to that smart kid."-
-"Shut it, shrimp!"- Charizard barked. –"I didn't come here just to be mocked. I came here to demonstrate my strength. I came here to surpass myself. I came here too gain more POWER!"-
Charizard's body was completely overtaken by a harsh scarlet glow. He extended his wings, emitting small flames from them. The flame on his tail tripled in size, now hot enough to melt the rocks that the tail flame lay on.
What is this red glow? Is it Blaze? Blaine wondered. No, it can't be. Blaze has a more red hue to it but this…this leans more to an orange tint still redder than vermilion. What is this?
"Alright Charizard, you're in Blaze mode," Red said still not feeling better. "That means you still want to fight?"
-"Of course!"- Charizard nodded.
"Then let's go for a Flamethrower! Your fire moves should now overpower his!"
-"Let's see you take this Flamethrower!"- Charizard roared. He unleashed a torrent of fire larger than a normal Flamethrower. It was so big that it looked like it was coming out his entire snout than just his jaws. Flames seem to be escaping his entire body as he unleashed his move.
-"Don't think I can't handle any fire! Fool, I was born inside a volcano!"- Magmar shouted. He stuck both arms out to catch the raging flames.
"Wait, don't Magmar!" Blaine shouted alarmed.
-"What is it, Blaine?"- Magmar asked as he caught the fire with his hands.
-"What!"- Magmar was hoping his body would able to endure the long enough for his hands to mold the fire in his hands with his psychic powers. However that wasn't the case, for the fire didn't mold to his bidding and instead, overpowered him. The fire, that now Magmar noticed looked a bit strange, tear at his body like hot iron swords slashing.
Charizard dropped to his knees again too tired to move. His outer glow changed to a redder hue than before. He gasped for air as if he just ran a marathon. He didn't even look up to see if his opponent was finished when he was done.
Red saw Magmar unconscious in the burnt lane made by Charizard's Flamethrower. He was covered in light burn marks even though he was a fire type.
Burn marks on a fire type? What is this madness? Blaine shifted his weight onto his came feeling he was about to topple over by the irony.
-"I did it, Red."- Charizard coughed.
"That was just excellent, Charizard. You really pulled through for me there, Charizard!" Red praised.
-"Yeah, and now I'm sure that next I see that Magmar, I'm sure that I will defeat him. Your fight with Ember would be a piece of cake if his Magmar is the strongest he has!"- Charizard said feeling confident now.
Red returned him to help him conserve his energy. Red turned to Blaine who seemed lost for words.
"That was a good match, Blaine," Red broke his silence that was starting to get awkward.
"Ah…erhm…yes, it was," Blaine managed to say, putting up the Pokeball he was staring at for a while. He took of his hat showing he hasn't shed a single sweat even though he was standing directly in the sun along with the fire moves thrown around.
Red, on the other hand, took off his hat drenched in sweat. He wiped some off his forehead with his arm feeling the moist has already gathered around his collar. A bath was all he thought about after putting his hat back on.
"I'm sorry for my…lack of words," Blaine skeptically said. He walked to Red now with a wide smile.
"It looks like your burning flame overtook my small candle flame," Blaine laughed making Red sweatdropped at the cheesy metaphor. "And so, here are your rewards for overcoming another obstacle."
Red received both the Badge, resembled a burn flame, and a red TM. One item went into his backpack while the other into its metal case.
"A marvelous battle it was, Red. Whatever you fight for must be grand. What is your newfound goal if you don't mind me asking?"
Red looked up to the old scientist and with a straight face he said, "I want to beat someone. Someone that is not only a powerful trainer but also…a danger. I fight to protect those who are close to me. My friends and family could be the real source of my strength."
"A noble goal indeed," Blaine patted the boy on the shoulder. "Your friends must be proud to have someone as powerful as you."
Red nodded. His face suddenly turned to dread.
"Oh, no."
"Hmm. What is it?" Blaine asked.
"Err..I forgot to check on her before I came here!" Red exclaimed mentally pounding himself for getting carried away. Red turned to the doors.
"Already, leaving?"
"Yeah, I have to go! I forgot all about my friend!" He shouted as he ran through the doors.
"Oh my," Blaine shook his head in disappointment.
Red nearly busted the door open to his room.
"Emily?"
Her bed was empty, neatly fixed as was his.
"Emily." Red said a bit louder. He checked the bathroom calling her name. It was empty as well.
"Emily!" he shouted this time.
He also noticed that her bag was also gone. Her Pokemon bag that laid right next to her night stand was missing from the room.
"Where the hell could she have gone?" Red asked out loud.
