After leaving for Fallarbor Town, Summer had to save Weldon, who ran into the desert on Route 111. She was able to locate him with help from Trinity, who revealed herself as a member of the Continent Guardians clan. The pair then bonded over the anniversary of Weldon's father's disappearance. With a break in between their travels, Summer continued her one-on-one training with Blaze. However, she feels discouraged with her progress. Will an encounter with a familiar foe help show the fruits of her training?

Chapter 25- A Sweltering Rematch

Blaze and I practiced our katas as we stood at the base of the mountainous curve between Routes 111 and 113. If it weren't for my training clothes, the exercises wouldn't be unbearable due to the sweltering heat from Mt. Chimney.

The Fire type lifted up his right knee and raised his fists. I did the same, though with less balance.

"Don't focus on the swaying, Summer," he advised. "Focus on putting pressure to your left leg."

"G-Got it!"

I followed his advice and was able to match his posture.

My starter smiled. "Good form. After a few minutes, we'll switch to the other side."

Great… I forced a smile. "O-Okay."

I tried my best, but I kept focusing on the trickles of sweat on my body more than my leg. Not only that, I was still recovering from the last training session. Once the two minutes were over, I collapsed.

I sighed as he bent down to check on me. "Am I really doing this right, Blaze? Every time I train with you, I get really sore..."

As I rubbed my legs, he sat next to me. "You're actually progressing better than I thought, Summer. I know you're still not used to the movements, but all of these steps lay the foundation for the more advanced techniques."

"I know." I replied as leaned back. "I really appreciate you doing all of this, Blaze."

"Of course, Summer."

Lightning ran over with two ice-cold water bottles. After taking some sips, she asked, "How much longer are we going to be here?"

I wiped my brow. "Why?"

She pointed to an overheated Weldon lying in the shade of some pine trees. "I don't think he's doing so hot, literally."

I wanted to quit, but I couldn't let Blaze down. "Blaze, is it okay if we finish the other set before heading out?"

"That's fine with me. We don't want anyone to get heatstroke."

I handed her Aurora's Lure Ball. "Let Aurora cool him down. She should be able to handle the heat better than Gyarados."

She eagerly grabbed it and ran back to the comfort of the trees.

I slowly stood up and stretched. "Okay, time for the other side."

Blaze nodded and I followed his lead.

Ten minutes later…

We trudged along the eastern end of Route 113, feeling the effects of the afternoon sun. Not only that, I was still recovering from the new soreness from the recent training session.

Lightning was at the end of her rope. "I can't take this heat anymore, Summer! I wanna get in the ball, now!"

"D-Don't get up now," I replied as I inhaled deeply. Despite still wearing my training clothes, I was drenched in sweat. "We're almost there."

Weldon gritted his teeth. "But we're not even near the next town!"

When we entered a grassy field, the vegetation was covered with a thick layer of gray powder. A light sprinkling of the same material was in the air.

Lightning scooped up some of the powder. "What is this stuff?"

I explained, "It's volcanic ash from Mt. Chimney."

"Volcanic ash?" Weldon glanced around. "Isn't that stuff toxic?"

I stroked my chin. "Normally it is, but since the volcano is more or less dormant, the trees around here absorb all of its toxicity." I pulled out two large burlap sacks from my backpack. "I got these old sacks from Professor Birch. Since we may be here for a while, it'll be a good idea to collect the ash around us."

"Sure, but what for?"

"People actually collect the ash to use for glass and crystal making. They say this ash is so pure, it can be used to create melodious-sounding flutes that can have an effect on Pokémon."

"I see…"

I handed Weldon a bag. "You just need to tie a part of the sack to your backpack or belt. Then, when you walk around, the kicked up ash will be sucked inside. These sacks can hold a lot of ash without it weighing you down, so you don't have to worry about them getting full."

"Huh, that's pretty nifty."

After we did that, we continued down the path to find a good training spot. But as we reached an area by an ash-covered forest, Blaze immediately materialized.

I became concerned. "What's wrong, Blaze?"

He glared at two far away figures. "He's here."

"He? You mean?"

One of the figures headed towards us at a fast pace. Blaze braced himself as his rival Saenchai tried a roundhouse kick to the left temple. The former blocked it, and the two stared each other down.

"So…" the older Blaziken sneered. "You finally have some spine to block my attack."

"Nice to see you too, Saenchai."

The aggressor lowered his leg just as his Trainer approached us.

Marisa, panting, said, "S-Sorry about that, Summer. Man he's so fast."

I brushed my hair back. "Don't worry about it, Marisa. It's good to see you again."

She beamed. "You too! How many Gym badges do you have now?"

"Just got the third one a week ago."

"Oh wow, that's impressive."

"Oh please," Saenchai sneered. "That proves nothing."

Blaze glared at his rival. "It does prove a lot more than you think."

They growled at each other, and I sighed.

The martial artist turned to me. "Oh, if you don't mind, Summer, can we have a battle with you?"

"Sure, but why?"

She woefully stared at her Pokémon. "Saenchai is strong, but he doesn't really listen to me. He only wants to battle strong opponents or those that would give him a challenge. Can you help?"

I looked at the two Fire types. "I think we can help with that."

"Oh. Right."

I looked at Blaze. "Hey, Blaze. Are you up for a battle against Saenchai?"

The arrogant Pokémon sneered, "Oh please. Blaze will never beat me."

His rival on the other hand, smirked. "This is a battle, Saenchai, not a sparring match. The rules are very different."

"We'll see about that…"

Saenchai stomped to his Trainer's side as Blaze and I created the distance needed for the battle.

Weldon walked to the center sidelines and glanced at each of us. "I'll referee this battle. The winner will be the Pokémon who remains standing."

Marisa's Blaziken cracked his knuckles. "This should be easy enough."

Ignoring him, I turned to my Pokémon. "Let's do our best, Blaze."

He nodded. "Of course, Summer."

Weldon waved his arms. "Battle begin!"

Marisa took a deep breath. "All right, Saenchai-"

But he ignored her and lunged forward with his right hand raised.

I instantly recognized the move and slid my left foot back. "Blaze, counter with Fire Punch!"

He followed my footwork, and we swung a counter left hook. Saenchai was caught off-guard but he was able to regain his composure and try another Fire Punch. Blaze and I leaned back, allowing the former to evade the strike. Seeing he was at a slight disadvantage, the older Blaziken retreated.

I looked at my hand. Wow, that felt…so fluid, so instinctual. Like, I was one with Blaze…

My Pokémon glanced back with a smile, recognizing my newfound skill.

"Are you okay, Saenchai?" Marisa asked.

"I don't need your pity," he retorted.

Though she couldn't understand him, she said, "You can't just rush in blindly. We need to improve your odds for success by using Bulk Up!"

Saenchai rolled his eyes. "I don't need power ups to win."

He dashed forward despite Marisa's pleas to stop.

I gritted my teeth. "Be careful, Blaze."

He nodded and waited for his opponent to get closer. When I saw Saenchai putting pressure on his left leg, I lifted mine.

"Dodge and use Blaze Kick!"

My Fire type used his right arm to block the oncoming kick as he landed a powerful side kick to Saenchai's torso. The latter grimaced but he pushed Blaze back and raised his right hand.

"Wait, Saenchai!" Marisa screamed. "Don't use Slash just yet!"

"Sky Uppercut!"

Just as Saenchai slashed downward, we punched upwards. His rival scratched his face, but Blaze persevered and finished the motion. It felt so natural to me that I didn't feel any pain in my body.

The older Blaziken stumbled back, but he remained on his feet. "H-How is this…possible…" he muttered as he rubbed his chin. "I…I can't lose to a Blaziken like you!"

He lunged forward with fire in his eyes. Blaze raised his arms to defend himself but when his opponent lifted his knee, the former did the best he could to reduce the damage. After Saenchai stepped back, the younger Pokémon crumpled to his knees and panted hard.

Weldon, frowning, yelled, "Illegal attack! Saenchai is disqualified!"

But before I could approach my starter, Saenchai made another attempt to land another strike on the immobilized Blaze.

Marisa roared, "That's enough, Saenchai! Return!"

Her Pokémon reluctantly obeyed, but he muttered before entering his Poké Ball, "This isn't over, Blaze…"

My Pokémon glared back at his rival before wincing in pain.

"Blaze!" I cried out as I ran over. "Are you okay?!"

He gave me a weak smile. "Y-Yeah… I was just surprised by the move, that's all." He returned to his feet and rubbed his stomach.

I handed Blaze a Moomoo Milk, and Weldon rejoined us.

"Everyone okay?" he asked.

I nodded. "Thanks for ending the battle, Weldon."

"Of course. I'm glad Blaze didn't take any more unnecessary damage."

Marisa held back tears. "I-I'm so sorry, Summer and Blaze… I…I shouldn't have asked you to battle when I couldn't control Saenchai."

I shook my head. "It's not your fault, Marisa. Saenchai seems like a very stubborn Pokémon to begin with."

"But still, that's no excuse. If that was done during an official match, I would've been banned from competitive battling…"

I wonder… I stroked my chin. "I know this may be a weird question, Marisa, but do you know why Saenchai hates Blaze so much?"

"N-No, I don't actually. All I know is their rivalry when they were at the Saffron City Dojo."

I turned to my Pokémon. "Do you, Blaze?"

He glanced at the grass. "Not really. All I know is that he hated me ever since I started training there."

"Huh…"

"Why do you ask?"

"Well, when I tried to protect you during the sparring match back in Dewford Town, I felt a strong wave of jealousy emanating from him."

"How did you get that feeling?" Marisa asked.

"Uhhh… It's a long story…"

The wushu specialist crossed her arms. "Well…the only person who would know Saenchai's past is Master Kiyo… But he's most likely training in Mt. Mortar in Johto. I can see if Jayden has a way to contact him."

"That sounds good. Let me know what you find out."

After she started her phone calls, I turned to Weldon. "Do you want to listen in? You don't have to."

Weldon glanced around. "Actually, I'm going to explore the area. You can give me a call when you're done."

"Sure, that's fine with me. See you later."

Once he left, Marisa returned. "Good news! Jayden gave me Master Kiyo's number for the phone he uses when he's out in the mountains. I'll give him a call now."

"Great! Thanks, Marisa."

We huddled around her as she dialed the number. After a few rings, he picked up.

{Ah, Marisa! Jayden told me to expect you.}

"It's nice to hear from you, Master Kiyo. Summer Scorcher's here as well."

{Summer! It has been quite some time since we last met.}

Blaze's face brightened when he heard his former teacher's voice.

I chuckled. "It definitely has, Master Kiyo."

{So, what is the reason for your call?}

Marisa paused. "Y-You heard I'm Saenchai's new Trainer, right?"

{Of course. You were at the top of my list for recommended Trainers. I assume he's giving you trouble?}

"Unfortunately. And since Blaze is around, he always wants to pick fights with him."

{Sigh… I was afraid that was going to happen sooner or later…}

I tucked a strand of hair behind my right ear. "We wanted to know why Saenchai has been acting this way, since you know him the longest."

{I guess that would be the best way to better understand him and hopefully reign in his rebellious side.} We heard Master Kiyo sit down before continuing. {It's been about five years now since I met Saenchai during my yearly visit to Mt. Mortar. I was surprised to see not only a wild Combusken, but one who aggressively challenged any Fighting type Pokémon. He later challenged us but Hitmonchan and I were able to defeat him quickly. Though Saenchai retreated then tried to defeat us again and again, we constantly prevailed. During each battle, I got to understand how he came to be: abandoned as a Torchic for another, struggled to evolve on his own, and now taking out his anger on others. Eventually, Saenchai was so wounded that I was forced to tend to his wounds. I don't know if I was able to get him to trust me, but he willingly wanted to return with me to Saffron Dojo. From there, he gained not only the knowledge and strength of a proper Fighting type, but he was also able to evolve into a Blaziken under our guidance.} He groaned. {But it seemed he has been unable to escape his past.}

"You mean, because of Blaze?" I inquired.

{I'm afraid so. I must apologize, Summer. If I had known, I would have sent Blaze to another dojo for training.}

"Well, that's in the past now, Master Kiyo. Thank you for telling us all of this."

{You're welcome, Summer. And Marisa, the only advice I can give you is to be patient and understanding. I have a feeling you'll be able to unlock Saenchai's true potential.}

The martial artist nodded with hope in her eyes. "Thanks, Master Kiyo. Sorry if we kept you too long."

{Oh, not at all. It's good to take breaks once in a while. Anyway, I better get back to training. I'm looking forward to see how far you two and your Blaziken will go.}

We said our goodbyes, and she hung up.

Marisa stretched and said, "Well, it's back to training for me. I'll see you around, Summer. Hopefully by then, Saenchai will listen to me."

"I hope so too. See you next time!"

We waved goodbye as she headed back into the forest.

I curiously looked at my starter. "I didn't know all of that happened while you were training with Master Kiyo. Why didn't you leave, Blaze?"

He gave me a standfast stare. "I wasn't going to let Saenchai intimidate me into doing so. My desire to learn from Master Kiyo and everyone was stronger than his taunts and threats."

Lightning beamed. "That's so like you, Blaze."

He chuckled as he patted her head. "I did also have people and Pokémon counting on me to succeed."

Suddenly, an explosion ruined the happy moment.

"Wh-What was that?!" My Pokégear rang and I immediately picked it up. "H-Hello?"

{Hey, Summer. It's me.}

"Weldon! There was an explosion just now! Are you okay?"

{Oh, yeah. I was far enough away when it happened. It sounded like an attack, like Selfdestruct, so it's probably nothing too serious. I'm going to investigate. You can head into town and I'll meet you at the Pokémon Center.}

Relieved, I smiled. "Okay. Be careful, Weldon."

{I will. See you in a bit.}

After I hung up, I motioned my Pokémon to follow me west to the agricultural Fallarbor Town.

Summer's Pokémon:

Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Air Slash

Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Signal Beam

Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch, Grass Knot

Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Olive (Treecko, female): Timid Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Pound, Screech, Mega Drain, Quick Attack

Weldon's Pokémon:

Venusaur (male): Serious Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Solarbeam, Body Slam, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip

Fearow (male): Adamant Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Drill Peck, Steel Wing, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace

Golem (male): Bold Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Rock Slide, Earthquake, Rollout, Double Edge

Gyarados (male): Sassy Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Surf, Ice Fang, Payback, Waterfall

Arcanine (male): Naughty Nature, Flash Fire Ability, moves: Hyper Beam, Extremespeed, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast

Electabuzz (male): Rash Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunder, Mega Kick, Thunder Punch, Shock Wave

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of Blaze's rematch with Saenchai?

What did you think of Saenchai's past?

What caused the explosion?

What awaits Summer and Weldon in Fallarbor Town?