After Giovanni was able to summon Lugia, the Kanto Champion Red prevented him and Mewtwo from controlling the Legendary Pokémon. Everyone participated in battling Giovanni's Pokémon, but it was Samir, Lugia, and Terry who destroyed Giovanni's plans through a mysterious rainbow power. Now that the former Gym Leader and his created Pokémon separated, Saffron City slowly returned to normal. While Summer waits for her Gym battle with Sabrina, another battle forces her to make a tough decision. Which Pokémon will be involved and what will be the result?

Chapter 43: A Match of Decisions

The next morning, my Pokémon and I relaxed outside on the Pokémon Center's battlefield. The rest of the Gym Leaders returned to their respective Gyms, but I was able to say goodbye to them before they left.

"We're not going to train today, Summer?" Lightning asked.

I shook my head. "You guys did so well stopping Team Rocket, so I think you all deserve a break before our training session tomorrow."

"Fine by me, Dudette," Swirls said with a nod.

Everyone agreed except for Blaze. "If it's alright with you, Summer, I want to train today."

I was a little concerned. "I wasn't planning to use you in the Gym battle, but you've been battling a lot lately. Are you sure, Blaze?"

He nodded. "I should take this advantage to train. I really want to work on these new moves."

I smiled at my starter. "I'm glad you said that, Blaze. I actually got a message from Master Kiyo earlier. He said we can visit the dojo today since the building wasn't damaged. We can train there."

Blaze became energized and stretched his arms. "Thank you, Summer."

I returned my other four Pokémon, and the three of us walked through the now bustling streets. The vibe was so different compared the first time I came, but it was good to know Saffron City was recovering from Team Rocket's takeover. After fifteen minutes, we approached a large wooden building with a large walled courtyard. We heard men yelling and curiously walked towards the sound. Inside a training room covered in red mats, eight men of various ages practiced punching, yelling after throwing each fist. All of them had white karate uniforms with green belts.

"Hey, what are you doing?!" a teenage boy's voice rang in my ears.

I jumped and looked to my right. The brown-eyed teenager was about 5'5", with a slightly overweight build, brown buzz cut hair, and lightly tanned skin. He wore a white gi, similar to the men inside, but with a brown belt. Next to him was a rotund Pokémon that was much taller than him. The Fighting type had large orange hands, a yellow skirt, and navy blue pants.

I sheepishly rubbed the back of my head. "Sorry for intruding. I didn't know I had to wait for someone. My name's Summer."

His ears perked up. "So you're Summer." He held back a laugh. "You don't look so tough, compared to what Master Kiyo said."

While Blaze and Lightning became angry at the student's words, I was more curious at his Pokémon. He was eyeing Blaze cautiously while Blaze returned the stare.

[Hariyama, the Arm Thrust Pokémon and the evolved form of Makuhita. It has the habit of challenging others without hesitation to tests of strength. It's been known to stand on train tracks and stop trains using forearm thrusts.]

So that's why Hariyama's eyeing Blaze like that… He must be really strong…

"Hey! Aren't you listening?!" he shouted, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Oh, sorry. I was more interested in your Hariyama. Are you from the Hoenn Region, by chance?"

He widely grinned. "I was about to ask you the same question. After all, you have a Blaziken. But you're not from a dojo, so you two must be pretty weak. Come on, you two, defeating a Legendary Pokémon? Please… Everyone knows Pokémon training in Fighting type dojos are stronger than those who haven't."

Blaze became angrier and wanted to lunge forward, but I held back his left wrist. He looked at me and demanded, "Why are you holding me back, Summer?"

"He doesn't know us that well to judge us like that, Blaze. Please stand down."

Blaze growled, but he understood.

"What's going on here?" My Pokémon and I turned around and saw Master Kiyo walking towards us. A brown Pokémon with red boxing gloves and purple outfit was beside him.

[Hitmonchan, the Punching Pokémon and one of the evolved forms of Tyrogue. A Hitmonchan is said to possess the spirit of a boxer who aimed to become the world champion. Having an indomitable spirit means that it will never give up.]

"Well, if it isn't Summer!" He greeted with his usual fist clasping. "Thank you for visiting. Because of you, my students and I can train here again."

"Oh," I slightly blushed. "I did whatever I could to help."

Master Kiyo noticed his student rolling his eyes. "Now, Jayden. Show her respect. If it wasn't for her and her friends, you wouldn't even be here."

The student grumbled, but he and his Hariyama bowed to us. "Thanks…" he muttered.

His master sighed. "Jayden, please go prepare the sparring dojo."

"Yes, Master Kiyo." The two bowed and briskly walked towards the entrance.

Master Kiyo bowed to me. "I apologize for my student's behavior. You see, he's the best Fighting type Trainer at this dojo. His skills are impressive, but his sportsmanship is lacking." His Hitmonchan nodded solemnly. "I was hoping a spar with a Trainer outside of our humble building could help him mature and learn outside of these walls."

"Was that why you asked me to come here?"

He became slightly embarrassed. "I apologize my invitation was under false pretenses."

"Oh no! Blaze wanted to come here anyway to train."

The karate master stroked his chin. "I see…"

Before he said anymore, Jayden returned. "The sparring dojo is ready, Master Kiyo."

Master Kiyo forcefully clasped his hands. "All right then! Summer, Blaze, Lightning, come with us."

Confused and slightly annoyed, Jayden led us into the sparring dojo. It was a large rectangular room covered with red mats on the floor and walls. The west side of the room had a small wooden table with a white flip scoreboard and small brass gong on top. To the east where we just came in, several students were spread out on three wooden bleachers. Jayden and Hariyama marched to the north side of the room while Blaze, Lightning and I to the south.

Kiyo stood by the table and cleared his throat. "Welcome students!" The men on the benches greeted their master with the fist clasping.

"Today, we have a special guest who will be sparring with Jayden today. She's also from the Hoenn Region and briefly trained with my friend, Bruno." The crowd immediately became excited when they heard the Elite Four member's name.

Master Kiyo held up his hands, and the whispering immediately stopped. He then looked at us. "Now, Summer. Before we begin, I have to tell you about our special battling rules here. Because this is a Fighting type dojo, we only allow physical based attacks that use the Pokémon's arms and legs. For instance, Blaze cannot use Flamethrower because it's both a special and long range attack. But he can use his other three moves."

"I see," I replied, thinking over the rules. "These rules are to help with the synchronized movements, right?"

Master Kiyo laughed. "Correct! Now, I will be the referee. Instead of a win by points, it will come when one Pokémon is unable to battle."

"Are you sure you want to battle that Hariyama, Blaze?" Lightning worriedly asked. We watched the Arm Thrust Pokémon stomp forward, ready to fight.

Blaze stared at him and nodded. "Yeah, don't worry Lightning. Summer and I will be fine."

I took a deep breath, trying not to be nervous. "Ready, Blaze?"

He gave me a thumbs up. "Ready when you are, Summer."

The Blaze Pokémon walked forward, receiving a scoff from Jayden but a smirk from Hariyama.

"Finally," the pure Fighting type said in a gruff voice. "An opponent worthy of my power."

How strange… Jayden and Hariyama have such different opinions of us. I wonder how that'll play out in this battle.

Jayden eagerly cracked his knuckles and made an offensive stance with both of his hands in front of him. "Ready to lose, Summer?"

Hariyama shook his head in disapproval, but he mimicked the pose. Blaze and I ignored the teen's comments as we made our pose, which was a basic karate stance.

Master Kiyo glanced at each of us, then shouted, "Begin!"

Jayden smirked and shouted, "Hariyama, Arm Thrust!" Hariyama dashed forward, despite his massive weight, until he was in front of Blaze. As his Trainer punched open hands into the air, the Fighting type mimicked his Trainer's movements and unleashed glowing orange hands at Blaze.

Picturing myself in Blaze's place, I guided Blaze on evading the multiple attacks, which he did with ease. The crowd was impressed by our synchronicity and applauded, but Jayden refused to acknowledge it. Hariyama retreated slightly and made a defensive pose, with his left hand facing us.

"Blaze, use Fire Punch!" I shouted, making a fist. Blaze did the same; his right hand burst into flames.

Jayden chuckled as he clenched his right hand. "Hariyama, Thunder Punch!"

Both Pokémon charged towards each other as we readied the attacks. Once they met at the center of the room, Jayden and I punched forward. The two attacks collided, creating a small explosion. Blaze was able to flip backwards while Hariyama slid back. The Fighting types acknowledged each other's strength by exchanging sneers.

The student was slightly baffled at the even matchup, but quickly recovered. Taking advantage, I shouted, "Use Blaze Kick!" Blaze jumped up and used the flames to propel himself higher.

As we waited to land the attack, Jayden laughed. He stretched his arms diagonally towards the ceiling and shouted, "Seismic Toss!"

Blaze and I were surprised by the counterattack, but there was little we could do. Hariyama grabbed onto Blaze legs without taking any damage from the Fire-type attack. He then whirled Blaze around with his arms, making the Blaze Pokémon dizzy. Jayden then snapped his fingers, and the Pokémon let go of his opponent. Blaze slammed into the wall on our side of the room, then dropped onto the mats. I was shocked by Hariyama's strength, but in a way, I expected it from someone who trained longer.

I looked my left and saw Blaze trying to stand. Lightning was really worried, but she didn't ask Blaze to stop like last time.

"Are you okay, Blaze?" I asked.

He slowly got up and was panting hard but he smiled at me. "Don't worry, Summer. I can keep going." He slowly trudged back onto the mats and winced as he returned to the first stance. But his will to win caused his wrists to release strong bursts of fire and gave him more confidence.

Hariyama nodded respectfully and returned to his fighting stance. Jayden then became curious about his Pokémon's behavior. "What are you doing, Hariyama? This Blaziken's not worth your time."

"Master," the Hariyama muttered in a slightly deep voice. "You are not giving these two enough credit. That Blaze Kick almost burned my hands."

"I agree with Hariyama, Jayden," I said. "Just because we haven't trained long doesn't mean we're weak. We're still learning, just like you and Hariyama. Strengthening our bond through battles like this is how we get stronger."

Hariyama was surprised I understood him and looked at his Trainer. But Jayden crossed his arms and retorted, "Don't you dare tell me other things like that! Hariyama, finish that Blaziken with Mega Punch!"

Hariyama was reluctant, but when Jayden formed a fist, he had no choice. As he charged his attack, Blaze was ready to defend himself.

"Wait, Blaze. I have a better idea," I called out. He glanced at me, ready to execute my plan. "Trip Hariyama with Double Kick!"

Blaze smirked and nodded. He dashed towards Hariyama without worrying about his injuries. Jayden was shocked by Blaze's defiance, but he recovered and punched downwards. Blaze and I saw the attack coming and crouched down, avoiding the fist and hitting Hariyama with a sweeping kick. Hariyama fell forward and Blaze somersaulted and kicked him in the face. The pure Fighting type slammed onto the mats, slightly shaking the room. After a few seconds, Hariyama slowly got up and smirked at Blaze.

Jayden gritted his teeth. "You...you actually found Hariyama's weakness… Who knew a person who hasn't been training Fighting types for long can see that."

I was a little confused by his statement. "It applies to other Pokémon types as well, not just Fighting types."

"Huh… I've never thought about it like that…"

Kiyo softly smiled at his student's realization.

My opponent then smiled. "Show me what else a Trainer outside of the dojo has to offer! Hariyama, Arm Thrust!"

I grinned, "You got it! Blaze, Fire Punch!"

Hariyama charged forward with his hands in front while Blaze's fists became surrounded with flames. It then became a fast-paced, close range battle with both Pokémon landing and dodging hard shots. Jayden and I watched with amazement, unable to keep up with them. However, it was clear Hariyama's experience was slowly taking over as Blaze couldn't keep up with the attacks.

Master Kiyo noticed the difference in strength and mercifully shouted, "I declare this battle over!"

Blaze slumped to the mats as Hariyama stepped back, visibly hurt by the Fire Punches. I ran over to Blaze and slowly sat him up. He weakly looked at me and softly smiled before closing his eyes.

As I became worried, Master Kiyo scanned my Pokémon. "Let's take him to the recovery room."

Before he could motion to Hitmonchan to help us, Hariyama carefully lifted Blaze into his arms.

"We can do it, Master Kiyo," Jayden offered.

The Dojo Master nodded, and his star student led his Pokémon out the door. The rest were stunned by the outcome but departed when Master Kiyo rang the gong.

Regret immediately crept into my mind. Did I let Blaze battle too long? Are his injuries my fault?

Lightning gently brushed away the tears from my eyes. "Blaze will be okay, Summer. Don't cry…"

I slowly stood up and saw Master Kiyo smiling. "Don't worry, Summer. Blaze's injuries aren't too serious. He should fully recover after some medicine and a good night's rest."

I stood up and bowed. "Thank you, Master Kiyo."

To my surprise, he bowed back. "No, I should be thanking you. You helped Jayden see there's more to Fighting-type Pokémon outside the walls of my dojo. Actually, I want to fully repay you by training Blaze."

"Really? For how long?"

Master Kiyo hesitated. "Well...for a good training session, it'll be a year."

Lightning and I were shocked. "A year?! But...then he can't battle with us in the Indigo League…"

"I'm sorry, Summer. But he needs a full year in order to develop his abilities."

What should I do? I want Blaze to become stronger...but… Maybe I should let him stay...

Without thinking, I whispered my last sentence. Lightning's heart dropped as she shouted, "No! I…I can't let you, Summer!"

She forcefully jumped off my shoulder and ran off, startling me. I wanted to go after her, but a part of me wanted to see how Blaze was doing.

Hitmonchan walked forward and said in a slightly gruff voice, "I'll find Lightning. Go see Blaze."

I nodded a thank you and Master Kiyo understood his Pokémon's intentions. After the Punching Pokémon exited through the doorway, Master Kiyo led me to the recovery room, where Jayden was treating Blaze. He was covered in bandages, but at least he was awake and moving.

"How are you feeling, Blaze?" I asked, walking up to him.

He grinned and gave me a thumbs up. "Much better, Summer." He then noticed Lightning wasn't on my shoulder. "Where's Lighting?"

I nervously rubbed my arm. "I...I don't know…"

Blaze became concerned and tried to walk, but he started to limp.

"Don't move so much, Blaze!" I cautioned, grabbing him and pulling his right arm over my shoulder.

Blaze whispered, "I'll be fine… Come on…let's go find her."

"Okay, Master Kiyo's Hitmonchan went off to find her too. Let's see if he found her." I turned to Master Kiyo and Jayden. "We're going to look for Lightning."

The two didn't stop us as we slowly left the recovery room. As we walked around the dojo, Blaze asked, "Why did Lightning run off?"

"Well...she didn't want you to leave the team."

"Leave? Why would I leave?"

I took a deep breath. "Master Kiyo wants to train you."

"Really? I…I can't believe it."

"Yeah, but that's the thing. He wants you to stay for a year, which means you'll miss the Indigo League."

Blaze looked conflicted. "I see… I think I know why she disappeared."

"How come?"

"Well...it's because-"

"-Summer!" We looked forward and saw Master Kiyo's Hitmonchan. "I found Lightning. Follow me."

Blaze slowly stood up. "I can walk now, Summer. Thanks."

I nodded, and we followed the Fighting type to a rock garden with a green bonsai tree at the northeast corner. Lightning was sobbing in front of a small waterfall to the northwest and didn't notice us approaching.

As we stepped onto the gravel, her ears perked up and she looked behind her. "Summer! Blaze!" She quickly wiped away her tears and hopped towards us. "Are up okay, Blaze?"

"I'm fine, Lightning. What about you?"

"Oh! I- I'm fine, Blaze. N-nothing to worry about."

I sat down and Lightning climbed into my lap. Blaze tried to sit, but the pain forced him to keep standing.

I slowly petted Lightning's head. She then moved my hand towards her cheeks, something she did when she was really scared. "Lightning, why did you run away like that? Is there something wrong?"

"I...I'm sorry, Summer. It's just that…"

"You didn't want me to leave, right Lightning?" Blaze concluded.

She blushed and hesitantly answered, "I…I thought that all six of us will battle together… And I really love training with you, Blaze… But...this training offer will be really good for you…"

Blaze slowly sat down, wincing in pain once more. "Lightning. I do want to take the offer." She became crestfallen, but her ears perked up when he continued, "But I want to keep battling with you, Summer, and everyone else." He then stared at me intently, finalizing his decision.

I nodded respectfully. "Okay, Blaze. I'll tell Master Kiyo about your decision."

We went back to the recovery room and informed him about the training offer.

"I see," Master Kiyo acknowledged. "You truly have loyal Pokémon, Summer." Then he smiled. "How about this? Blaze can stay here and train with us for a week. Then when the Indigo League ends, he can continue his training with us if you decide to stay in Kanto for a little longer."

Blaze and I were enthralled. "Really? Thank you so much!" I exclaimed. Lightning softly smiled and hugged Blaze. He was slightly caught off guard, but he returned the gesture.

Jayden stepped forward. "Summer, I'm sorry about the way I acted earlier. I never actually battled Trainers outside of a Fighting type dojo before."

"I understand, Jayden. Thanks."

"I'm glad you understand, Jayden," his master stated. "Which is why I think you should start a journey of your own. You have learned all you can from this dojo."

The teenager was stunned but grinned. "Thank you, Master Kiyo. If it's alright with you, can I stay until the Indigo League is over?"

The man laughed. "Of course! You can help me train Blaze this week."

The two bowed to each other, then Jayden and Hariyama bowed to us. "Summer, when we have both trained some more, let's have another match."

My Pokémon and I returned the bow. "Of course. Thanks in advance for training Blaze!"

We shook hands, then I gave Master Kiyo Blaze's Pokéball. "Please take good care of him."

"Of course, Summer," he reassured as he accepted the item.

We waved goodbye and headed back to the Pokémon Center. "It seems you and Blaze are really close, Lightning."

"O-oh! It's just that… We've been through a lot together, that's all!"

"I see." I softly smirked. "Well, I'm glad you're feeling better."

So that's what was going on in the Safari Zone... I wonder if this relationship will keep growing more…

Pokémon: Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Fire Punch, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick [training with Master Kiyo]

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, moves: Foresight, Confusion, Hypnosis, Peck

Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Ice Punch

Lightning (Pikachu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch

Flower (Ivysaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Sludge Bomb, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder

Rocky (Onix, male): Lonely Nature, moves: Rock Throw, Slam, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of the special rules during this battle?

Did you think Summer was going to leave Blaze behind like Ash's Primeape?

How will Summer fare against Sabrina?