Chapter 47: Burning Passion

After watching Nessa's battle with Gloria, Ash, Lillie, and Goh split up for a bit. Ash and Lillie wanted to explore Hulbury some more, while Goh left to catch some more Pokemon. At the moment, he and Raboot were scouring the Wild Area, but so far they had no luck. Any Pokemon they did come across ran away before he could throw a Pokeball. Still, Goh remained undetterred.

"Come on, buddy! There's more Pokemon to be found, I just know it!"

"Boot!"

Just then, Goh heard some leaves rusting nearby. Turning around he saw a red centipede like Pokemon slithering its way out of the brush.

"What kind of Pokemon is that?"

Curious, he pulled out his Rotomphone for more information.

"Centiskorch, the Radiator Pokemon, a Fire and Bug Type. When it heats up, its body temperature reaches about 1500 degrees fahrenheit. It lashes its body like a whip and launches itself at enemies."

"Sweet, I've gotta catch it! Raboot, use Blaze Kick!"

Raboot ran up and dealt two quick blazing kicks to the bug type, but this only made it more angry. With a snort, it lashed its tail out, sending Raboot flying into a tree, much to Goh's shock.

"Raboot, are you alright?"

"Boot."

"Centiskorch, that's enough! Return!"

An older man came running up, returning Centiskorch to his Pokeball before checking on Raboot.

"Is he alright? I'm so sorry, I should've been keeping a better eye on him."

"It's alright, I didn't know he had a trainer and tried to catch him."

Luckily, Raboot wasn't badly hurt, just dazed from the landing. The older man gave him a berry, which healed him a little bit.

"Thanks for the help, mister."

"Call me Kabu, and you're welcome. I don't suppose your Raboot knows very many fire type moves?"

"No, in fact he only knows 2. Ember and Blaze Kick."

Kabu nodded, thinking for a moment.

"Perhaps he could do with a more powerful move. If you'll allow me, I'd be willing to teach him."

Goh thought for a minute. Honestly, he wasn't big on Pokemon battling, but he knew that if he was going to join Project Mew he would need to get stronger. Looking down at Raboot, he could see the determination in his partner's eyes and made his choice.

"Let's do it!"

"Excellent! Come with me!"

When they reached the Motostoke Gym, Goh had a realization.

"I thought you looked familiar! Aren't you the Gym Leader?"

"Guilty as charged! I was out on an evening jog when I stumbled upon you."

After some quick introductions, Kabu led Goh to the arena, where his Pokemon were busy training. Goh had to admit to himself that the empty stadium gave off a rather eerie feeling, though he pushed the thought to the back of his mind.

"So what kind of move did you have in mind?"

"A very powerful move, one that only a few fire types have the privilege to learn."

Kabu whistled, and a large Pokemon that looked more like a football player came running up. Noticing the similarities to his Raboot, Goh decided to take out his Rotomphone for more information.

"Cinderace, the Striker Pokemon, and the final evolved form of Scorbunny. It's skilled at both offense and defense, and it gets pumped up when cheered on. But if it starts showboating, it could put itself in a tight spot."

Raboot bowed to Cinderace out of respect, his evolved form chuckling and patting him on the head affectionately.

"Cinderace, Raboot here wants to add a new fire type move to his arsenal. Think you can show him your secret trick."

Cinderace nodded, and made his way towards the middle of the stadium. Kabu turned towards Goh.

"You might want to take a few steps back."

Confused, Goh took his advice. Once everyone had cleared the area, Cinderace began to growl, focusing energy within his body as flames began to rise up around him. Once he had charged up enough energy, he let it loose with a fierce yell, sending a large pillar of fire shooting out from his spot, scorching the earth for a good 10 feet. Goh stared in awe at the amazing feat.

"Wh…what was that?"

"Fire Pledge, a move known only to the regional fire type starters and the Pansear line. By releasing all of their pent up energy, they can create a devastating fire attack. Go ahead Raboot, try it."

Raboot nodded, strolling confidently into the same spot Cinderace had been in. Taking a deep breath, he went through the same motions his mentor had taken, and when he felt it reach its peak he howled as loud as he could…

Only for a few small embers to flicker a few feet before dying out. Raboot could only stare in disappointment. Goh patted his head sympathetically.

"Don't worry, Raboot, you'll get the hang of it. Practice makes perfect, after all!"

Raboot perked up, pumping his fists excitedly.

But no matter how much they practiced, Raboot just couldn't get it. They practiced long into the night, to no avail. At last, Kabu simply gave up.

"I'm sorry Goh, but it's getting late. We can pick things up in the morning."

"Alright, Kabu. Come on, Raboot. Time to call it a night."

But Raboot refused to leave, staying right where he was as he tried the move again with the same results. Goh was about to forcefully return him when he saw how determined, yet frustrated Raboot was. Realizing how much this meant to Raboot, Goh lowered his Pokeball and returned to his spot.

"Alright buddy, we can keep practicing."

"Wait!"

Goh turned around just in time for the keys to the gym to be thrusted into his hand.

"Lock up when you're done, kid."

"Thanks, Kabu!"

Kabu flashed him a thumbs up before leaving. Once they were alone, Goh turned back to his starter with a smile.

"Now come on, let's keep at it!"

"Raboot!"

The two of them stayed up all night trying to perfect the move. While Raboot still hadn't quite gotten it, Goh was certain of it.

The sun was rising as Raboot got ready to try again. Both he and Goh were exhausted, but Raboot wasn't about to give up and Goh wasn't going to give up on him. Taking a deep breath, Raboot began building up energy, concentrating hard to get it right.

"You can do it, Raboot! I believe in you!"

Hearing his trainer's kind words, Raboot pushed his limits even farther, letting loose all of his pent up energy with one ferocious howl, shooting out a humongous pillar of fire from his spot, much to Goh's awe.

"Raboot, you did it! You…did it…"

At last, Goh's body gave out from exhaustion and he fell to the floor out cold.

When Goh awoke, he found Kabu handing him a cup of tea in his house, having moved him to the couch.

"Rough night I take it?"

"Yeah, but it was worth it! Raboot finally managed to do it!"

"I know, I saw the whole thing as I walked in. Luckily I was there to pick you up when you passed out."

"Thanks for everything, Kabu."

"Don't mention it,kid."

After both Raboot and Goh were well rested, they said goodbye to Kabu and left the city.

"Alright Raboot, let's go find some Pokemon! With your new move, catching them should be a breeze!"

"Raboot!"

Just then, Ash and Lillie came up from the station, meeting him at the outskirts.

"Hey Goh, what'd we miss?"