Two weeks on Cinnabar Island had been a whirlwind. When Ashley first stepped off the ferry, she had been buzzing with excitement, ready to march straight into Blaine's Gym and demand the legendary Fire-type master take her under his wing. But as the days passed, she realized that rushing in headfirst, full of bravado, wasn't going to cut it. If she wanted to earn Blaine's respect, she needed to prove she was worth his time.

And that meant training. Lots of training.

Ashley and Mars threw themselves into their routine with the kind of determination that turned heads. Each morning, they'd wake with the sun, their bodies still sore from the day before, and head out to the training grounds. Every evening, they'd stumble back to the Pokémon Center, their steps heavy but their spirits high, ready to collapse into bed and do it all over again the next day.

Now, as the two weeks wrapped up, Ashley sat cross-legged on the grass, scribbling notes in her battered journal. The pages were filled with messy handwriting, sketches of move techniques, and hastily scrawled plans. Mars lay sprawled out beside her, his tail flame burning softly as he gnawed lazily on a berry.

"Alright, let's see," Ashley muttered, tapping her pencil against her chin. "We've got Swift locked in. Double Team? Check. Substitute? Nailed it. Man, you've got to love TM's!" She glanced at Mars, who perked up slightly at the mention of their progress.

Mars puffed out his chest proudly, tossing the berry core over his shoulder with a casual flick of his claw. "Char!"

"Yeah, yeah, don't get too cocky," Ashley teased, nudging him lightly with her foot. "We're still not where we need to be. Ember's solid, but it's not hitting as hard as it could. And Slash? Don't get me started. You keep overswinging like you're trying to chop down a tree."

Mars let out a defensive growl, crossing his arms as his tail flame flared indignantly.

"Oh, don't give me that," Ashley said, rolling her eyes. "You know I'm right. The move's got power, but it's all over the place. We've gotta get your aim tighter."

Mars grumbled under his breath, but the determined glint in his eye betrayed his agreement.

"And then there's Smokescreen," Ashley continued, flipping to another page in her journal. "It's good for buying time, but it's not sticking around long enough to give us a real advantage. We've gotta figure out how to make it denser."

Mars tilted his head thoughtfully, his claws idly scratching at the ground.

Ashley set her journal aside and leaned back on her hands, staring up at the sky. The sun was beginning to set, streaking the horizon with vibrant oranges and pinks that matched the fiery hue of Mars's scales. "Two weeks," she murmured, more to herself than to Mars. "That's all it's been. Feels like we've been at this forever."

Mars let out a soft chirp of agreement, his tail flame flickering gently as he leaned against her leg.

"But you know what?" Ashley said, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "We've come a long way. Remember when you couldn't even get two copies to stick during Double Team? Now you're out here creating ten without breaking a sweat. That's all you, Mars."

Mars straightened up, his eyes shining with pride as he puffed out his chest again.

"And Swift?" Ashley added, reaching over to ruffle the top of his head. "You're practically a sniper with that move now. Never misses. It's kinda terrifying, honestly."

Mars barked a laugh, his tail swishing behind him as if to say, What can I say? I'm awesome.

Ashley chuckled and stood up, brushing the grass off her pants. "But we've still got work to do," she said, holding out a hand to Mars. "Blaine's not gonna be impressed by half-baked moves. If we're gonna ask him for mentorship, we've gotta show him we're serious."

Mars hopped to his feet, his tail flame flaring brightly as he let out an eager "Char!"

"Atta boy," Ashley said, grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. "Let's run through everything one more time before we call it a night. Same order as always—Double Team, Swift, Substitute, then the rest. Ready?"

Mars nodded, his claws flexing as he followed her to their usual training spot.

The next hour passed in a blur of movement and fire. Mars darted across the field, his copies appearing in quick, seamless flashes as he practiced Double Team. His Swift attacks cut through the air like golden streaks, hitting their targets dead-on every time. When it came to Substitute, he created a near-perfect decoy, using it to dodge a mock attack from Ashley, who hurled a practice ball toward him with more enthusiasm than accuracy.

"Nice!" Ashley called, shielding her eyes as the decoy faded into shimmering light. "You're getting faster with that. Keep it up!"

But when they moved on to Ember, things got a little trickier. Mars's flames were hot and fast, but they lacked the punch Ashley was looking for.

"C'mon, Mars," she said, planting her hands on her hips. "You've got the fire—literally. You just need to focus it. Tighten the blast. Less of a scattershot, more of a flamethrower, you know?"

Mars growled softly, his claws digging into the dirt as he tried again. This time, the flames came out sharper, more concentrated, but it still wasn't quite there.

"It's progress," Ashley said, giving him a thumbs-up. "We'll keep at it."

As the sky darkened and the stars began to peek out, Ashley and Mars finally called it a night. They walked back to the Pokémon Center together, tired but satisfied.

Ashley glanced down at her partner, her voice soft but firm. "We're getting closer, Mars. I can feel it. Blaine's gonna see how hard we've worked. And when he does? He won't be able to say no."

Mars looked up at her, his tail flame glowing brightly in the darkness, and gave a resolute "Char-char!"

For now, they still had a ways to go. But with each day, each practice session, they were building something stronger—something undeniable. The last week of training had been tough—no, grueling—but totally worth it. When the day to face Blaine finally came, the day started with the sun was shining brightly.

Ashley and Mars made their way toward the Cinnabar Island Gym, as the sea breeze ruffled her hair and sent a flicker through Mars's tail flame. Every step they took felt lighter, more confident, like they were walking toward their first big milestone. Ashley's fingers drummed against the strap of her bag as her mind replayed everything they'd worked on.

"This is it, Mars," she said, glancing down at her partner. "All those hours we've spent busting our butts? They're about to pay off. Blaine's gonna see we mean business."

Mars trotted beside her, his claws clicking against the pavement. His tail flame swayed with the rhythm of his steps, glowing brighter than usual. "Char-char!" he barked, puffing out his chest with pride.

Ashley laughed, giving him a thumbs-up. "That's the spirit! But maybe don't go setting the guy's Gym on fire the second we walk in, okay? We're here to impress him, not terrify him."

Mars tilted his head innocently, his flame flickering in a way that was almost... mischievous.

"Yeah, sure, you're totally trustworthy," Ashley said with a smirk. "Just keep the pyrotechnics to a minimum until we've got his attention."

The two of them rounded a corner, the gym finally coming into view. Ashley's grin faltered slightly. It wasn't what she'd expected. The large building was quiet—too quiet. The bright red-and-orange paint on the façade looked weathered, and the giant emblem above the entrance was faded from years of sun and salt air. There weren't any trainers hanging around, no sounds of battle echoing from within, no buzz of excitement in the air.

Ashley slowed her pace, her stomach tightening as a flicker of unease crept in. "Uh… is it just me, or does this place look kinda… abandoned?"

Mars stopped beside her, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air. He glanced around, his expression curious but not alarmed.

"Maybe it's just a slow day," Ashley said, though she didn't sound convinced. She pushed open the heavy double doors and stepped inside.

The gym was empty. The air inside was cool and still, the faint smell of scorched rock lingering like a ghost of battles past. The floor was cracked in places, and patches of ash clung stubbornly to the walls. Ashley's footsteps echoed as she walked further in, her voice breaking the silence.

"Hello?" she called, her voice bouncing off the stone walls. "Anyone here?"

Mars followed close behind, his tail flame casting a warm glow that danced across the shadowed corners of the room.

Nothing. No response. No Blaine.

Ashley's shoulders slumped as a sinking feeling settled in her chest. She turned to Mars, her voice quieter now. "Okay, this is weird, right? Like, super weird?"

Mars nodded, his claws tapping nervously against the floor.

Ashley turned on her heel and made her way back to the Pokémon Center, her pace quicker now, her thoughts racing. Nurse Joy would know what was going on. She had to.

The familiar ding of the Pokémon Center's sliding doors felt unusually loud as Ashley stormed inside. She approached the counter, her hands gripping the edge as she leaned forward. "Nurse Joy, what's going on with the Cinnabar Gym? It's… empty."

Nurse Joy looked up from her clipboard, her kind face tinged with sympathy. "Oh, dear. You must be one of the trainers hoping to challenge Blaine."

"Yeah," Ashley said, her brows furrowing. "I've been training for two weeks for this. Why is it closed? Did something happen?"

Nurse Joy sighed, setting her clipboard down as she folded her hands on the counter. "The gym has been closed for a while now. Blaine has stepped away from accepting challengers. He wasn't happy with how things were going."

Ashley blinked, trying to process the words. "What do you mean, stepped away? He's just… done? Why?"

Nurse Joy's expression softened further. "It's complicated. Blaine wasn't pleased with how the island has become more of a tourist destination than a serious training ground. Many of the trainers coming to challenge him weren't doing it because they wanted to grow or prove themselves. They were just ticking it off their list, like another photo op for their vacation albums. It didn't sit well with him. Blaine's someone who values passion, dedication, and respect for Pokémon."

Ashley's hands dropped to her sides as the words sank in. "So… he closed the gym because he didn't want to deal with a bunch of tourists?"

Nurse Joy nodded. "That, and there were fewer trainers coming here with genuine intent. Over time, it just became too much. He decided to take a step back and focus on his own research."

Ashley slumped against the counter, her shoulders drooping like someone had just let all the air out of her. "Great," she muttered. "I've been busting my butt for two weeks, and for what? A locked door and an empty gym?"

Mars, who had been standing quietly by her side, let out a soft chirp and tugged gently at her sleeve.

Ashley glanced down at him, her frustration softening just a little. "I know, Mars. I'm just… I don't know. I thought we were ready to prove ourselves, y'know? To show Blaine we're serious."

Nurse Joy gave her a sympathetic smile. "Don't be discouraged, Ashley. Blaine may not be taking challenges right now, but that doesn't mean all your hard work was for nothing. If you truly want to get his attention, show him that you're not like the others. Prove that your dedication is genuine."

Ashley straightened up slightly, her fingers tapping against the counter as she considered the words. "And how am I supposed to do that if I can't even find him?"

Nurse Joy hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Blaine hasn't left the island entirely. He has a private lab where he conducts his research. But…" She trailed off, her expression turning hesitant.

"But what?" Ashley pressed.

"He's very selective about who he allows to visit," Nurse Joy admitted. "If you go looking for him, you'll need to be prepared to prove yourself in ways that go beyond battling. Blaine values creativity, strategy, and heart."

Ashley's eyes lit up, a spark of determination replacing the disappointment that had weighed her down moments ago. "Alright," she said, nodding firmly. "If that's what it takes, then that's what we'll do. We didn't come all this way to give up now."

Mars let out a fiery bark of agreement, his tail flame flaring brightly as he hopped up beside her.

Nurse Joy smiled, her tone encouraging. "I have no doubt you'll find a way to reach him. Just remember—Blaine isn't looking for perfection. He's looking for passion."

Ashley turned to Mars, her grin returning as she ruffled his head. "You hear that, Mars? We're gonna show him exactly what we're made of. Let's get back to work."

Mars chirped enthusiastically, his tail swishing as the two of them headed back outside. Ashley didn't know exactly how she was going to pull this off, but one thing was certain: she wasn't giving up without a fight.

Her fingers drummed against the counter as she leaned toward Nurse Joy, her voice sharp with determination. "Alright, so where can I find him? You said he has a private lab, right?"

Nurse Joy hesitated, her gentle smile dipping slightly as she looked Ashley over. "It's not that simple," she said finally. "If you're serious about meeting him, you'll need to solve this."

From under the counter, Nurse Joy pulled out a small piece of paper and slid it toward Ashley. Written on it was a riddle, the letters looping elegantly as if they had been carefully crafted just for this purpose:

"Where fire meets stone and secrets hide,
The heart of the island where legends reside.
A path once clear, now cloaked in flame,
Only the worthy will know my name."

Ashley squinted at the riddle, tilting her head as she read it aloud under her breath. Her voice trailed off, and she frowned, tapping the paper with her finger. "Okay… dramatic much?" she muttered.

Mars stood beside her, craning his neck to peer at the paper. He sniffed it once, his nose crinkling in confusion. "Char?"

Nurse Joy chuckled softly. "Blaine has always been theatrical. He believes that riddles like this separate those who are determined from those who aren't."

Ashley smirked, folding the paper and tucking it into her pocket. "Lucky for him, I grew up with Professor Dak's haikus. This? This is nothing."

She turned to Mars, her grin widening. "The heart of the island where legends reside? That's gotta be the volcano. Blaine's hiding in the volcano, Mars!"

Mars's eyes widened, and he let out an excited "Char-char!" bouncing on his toes.

Nurse Joy's eyes twinkled as she nodded. "You're a sharp one. If you head toward the base of the volcano, you might just find the path you're looking for."

"Thanks, Nurse Joy," Ashley said, giving her a quick wave as she turned toward the door. "C'mon, Mars, we've got a legend to track down!"

Mars bolted after her, his claws clicking against the tiled floor as they burst through the Pokémon Center doors and into the sunlight.

The path leading to the volcano wasn't exactly obvious. The dense greenery of the island's outer edges thinned as they climbed higher, replaced by jagged black rocks and patches of hardened lava that gleamed faintly in the sun. Ashley wiped the sweat from her brow, adjusting her bag as they continued upward.

"Man," she muttered, glancing back at Mars, who was bounding over the uneven terrain with ease. "Why do all these Fire-type geniuses have to live in the most dramatic places? What's wrong with a nice beach house, huh?"

Mars let out a bark of laughter, his tail swishing as he leapt onto a boulder and waited for her to catch up.

"Oh, sure, you're having a blast," Ashley said, narrowing her eyes at him as she climbed. "Just wait till I make you carry my bag. Then we'll see who's laughing."

The climb grew steeper as they neared the base of the volcano. The air became hotter, thicker, each breath tinged with the faint metallic scent of sulfur. Ashley slowed her pace, her hand resting on her knee as she looked around for any sign of a trail.

"Okay," she muttered, pulling the riddle out of her pocket and scanning it again. "'A path once clear, now cloaked in flame…' That's not vague at all."

Mars tilted his head, his sharp eyes scanning the rocky terrain. Suddenly, he let out a sharp "Char!" and pointed with one claw toward a narrow gap in the rocks up ahead.

Ashley followed his gaze and squinted. At first, it just looked like another pile of boulders, but as she stepped closer, she noticed something strange—a faint shimmer in the air, like heat waves rising from the ground.

"Good eye, Mars," she said, crouching down to inspect the gap. "This has gotta be it."

She reached out tentatively, her fingers brushing against the shimmering air. It was warm—warmer than it should have been—but it wasn't burning. She pulled her hand back and glanced at Mars. "You ready for this?"

Mars nodded, his tail flame glowing brightly as he stepped up beside her.

Together, they squeezed through the narrow gap, emerging on the other side into a narrow, winding path carved into the volcanic rock. The heat was more intense here, and the walls of the path were lined with jagged cracks that glowed faintly with molten light.

"Okay," Ashley said, taking a deep breath and glancing around. "This is definitely the right place. No one builds something this dramatic without it leading somewhere cool."

Mars barked in agreement, his claws clicking against the stone as they continued forward.

As they walked, the path began to twist and turn, leading them deeper into the volcano. The faint hum of the island's natural heat filled the air, and every so often, a gust of warm wind would blow through, carrying with it the scent of ash and stone.

Ashley glanced at Mars, her voice steady but laced with excitement. "You feeling this, Mars? This whole vibe? It's like something out of a movie."

Mars nodded, his tail swishing as he let out an eager "Char!"

The path eventually widened into a small clearing, the walls of the volcano towering around them like the ribs of some ancient beast. In the center of the clearing was a single pedestal, its surface smooth and polished, with a small, glowing insignia carved into it—a flame.

Ashley stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she studied the pedestal. "What is this, some kind of test?" she muttered.

Mars sniffed the air, his claws tapping nervously as he moved closer to her side.

Ashley reached out cautiously, her hand hovering over the pedestal. The moment her fingers touched the surface, the glow intensified, and a low rumble echoed through the clearing.

Mars stepped in front of her protectively, his tail flame flaring as he growled softly.

"Relax, Mars," Ashley said, her voice steady despite the sudden noise. "I think this is a good sign. Blaine's probably watching us right now, laughing at how dramatic this whole setup is."

Mars shot her a look that clearly said, You better be right about this.

Ashley smirked, adjusting her hat as she took a step back. "Alright, Blaine," she called, her voice echoing off the walls. "We're here. What's next?"

The rumbling stopped, and the clearing fell silent again. Ashley's heart raced as she glanced at Mars, who stood poised and ready for anything.

They didn't know what was coming, but one thing was clear—they were getting closer.

Ashley and Mars had been navigating the narrow, twisting paths along the base of the volcano for what felt like ages. The air was thick with heat, the ground underfoot warm enough to make every step feel like walking on sunbaked stone. Ashley wiped a line of sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, glancing down at Mars, who was soldiering on with his usual fiery determination.

"Alright, Mars, keep your eyes open," Ashley said, scanning the jagged rocks for any hint of a hidden entrance. "Blaine's gotta be around here somewhere. I swear if he's got a secret door that's camouflaged as lava, I'm gonna—"

She was cut off by the sudden sound of snarling and the clash of fire attacks echoing through the narrow valley. Ashley's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing as she turned in the direction of the commotion. "You hear that?"

Mars growled softly, his tail flame flaring as he nodded. "Char."

"Let's go," Ashley said, already moving toward the noise. They raced up a small incline, ducking under an outcropping of volcanic rock and skidding to a stop when they saw what was happening.

A group of three Magby had surrounded a single Growlithe, their stubby arms raised as they hurled small embers at the trapped Fire-type. The Growlithe stood its ground, fur bristling, but it was clearly outnumbered. Ashley noticed immediately that despite being under attack, the Growlithe wasn't showing signs of burns or pain. Flash Fire, she realized. That's the only reason it's still standing.

Mars growled beside her, ready to charge in, but Ashley held up a hand. "Wait," she whispered. "We need a plan. We're not just diving in headfirst." She eyed the Magby, who were closing in, clearly unaware of the new arrivals.

Ashley's eyes darted to Mars. "Smokescreen, now. Let's give that Growlithe some cover."

Mars nodded and inhaled deeply before releasing a thick cloud of black smoke that spread rapidly across the clearing, swallowing up the combatants. The Growlithe let out a surprised yelp but didn't move, clearly confused by the sudden turn of events.

"Hey!" Ashley shouted through the smoke. "Over here!" She waved her arm, trying to get the Growlithe's attention.

The Growlithe turned toward the sound of her voice, its sharp eyes shining through the haze. It bolted in her direction, skidding to a stop beside her and Mars.

Ashley knelt down quickly, her voice calm but urgent. "It's okay, we've got your back. Just hold on a bit longer."

The Growlithe's eyes met hers, its stance relaxing slightly as if it understood. Mars puffed out his chest beside it, his tail flame glowing brighter as he prepared for the next command.

"Alright, Mars," Ashley said, standing back up. "Double Team. Let's confuse those little flame-hurlers."

Mars blurred into action, creating ten identical copies of himself that stood like a miniature army of Charmanders. The Magby were still hidden in the smokescreen, their confusion evident in the way their growls overlapped and bounced off the rocks. Ashley didn't waste any time.

"Now, Swift!" she ordered.

Mars and his copies launched a barrage of glowing stars that cut through the smoke like knives, each one slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. The Magby let out surprised cries as they were pelted by the attack, their outlines just barely visible through the thinning smoke.

The Growlithe let out a low, warning growl, then turned its head to Ashley and Mars, clearly itching to contribute.

Ashley smirked. "Your turn, Growlithe. Let's send them running."

As if it had been waiting for permission, the Growlithe drew in a deep breath and let out a powerful Roar. The sound echoed off the rocks, an intimidating wave of force that washed over the battlefield. The Magby froze for a split second before turning tail and scrambling away, their squeals fading as they retreated into the shadows.

Ashley let out a sigh of relief, dropping her hands to her knees as the adrenaline began to fade. "Nice teamwork, guys."

Mars hopped forward, his copies vanishing as he puffed out his chest in triumph. The Growlithe stepped forward cautiously, its fur still bristling as it looked between Ashley and Mars. However, the trio's brief victory over the Magby was cut short when the Growlithe swayed on its feet, its legs wobbling before it crumpled to the ground with a soft whimper. Ashley's heart skipped a beat.

"Growlithe!" she cried, rushing to its side. She dropped to her knees, gently cradling the Fire-type in her arms. Its breathing was shallow, its body trembling despite the intense heat around them.

Mars crouched beside her, his claws fidgeting anxiously as his tail flame flickered in worry. "Char? Char!"

"I don't know, buddy," Ashley said, her voice shaky as she pressed a hand to Growlithe's side. "I think it overexerted itself. That Roar must've taken everything it had."

Before she could fully spiral into panic, the sound of hoofbeats echoed through the clearing. Ashley's head shot up, her eyes widening as a Rapidash emerged from the shadows, its fiery mane glowing like molten gold. On its back sat an old man with a sharp gaze and a bald head, partially hidden by dark sunglasses. His white lab coat fluttered behind him like a cape, giving him an almost otherworldly presence.

"Well, well," the man said, his voice deep and gruff but carrying a hint of amusement. "Looks like you've had a bit of excitement."

Ashley's jaw dropped. "Wait, are you—"

"Blaine," he said, dismounting Rapidash with surprising agility for someone his age. He strode over to her, his piercing eyes scanning the scene. "And you must be the trainer Nurse Joy mentioned. The one who's been stirring up all this noise on the island."

Ashley blinked, still holding the weakened Growlithe. "Uh, yeah, that's me. Ashley." She paused, glancing between Blaine and the Rapidash, whose flames flickered gently as it nuzzled its trainer's shoulder. "Not that I'm not grateful you showed up, but... how did you find us?"

Blaine smirked, adjusting his sunglasses. "You don't live near a volcano without keeping tabs on what's going on around it. The moment you entered my secret passage, I had my cameras on you. I was not expecting wild Pokémon to have sneaked in as well. Or for them to gang up on this fella." His tone turned serious as his gaze dropped to the Growlithe in her arms. "But enough chit-chat. That pup needs help. Follow me."

He turned on his heel and swung himself back onto Rapidash in one smooth motion. "The gym's this way. Try to keep up."

Ashley scrambled to her feet, cradling the Growlithe carefully as she nodded to Mars. "C'mon, Mars. Let's go!"

Mars barked and fell into step beside her as they followed Blaine's Rapidash through a winding path that seemed to appear out of nowhere. The heat intensified the closer they got to their destination, but Ashley barely noticed, too focused on the Pokémon in her arms.

"Hang in there, Growlithe," she whispered, her voice soft but steady. "We've got you."

The lab, hidden in a cave nestled near the volcano's base, was nothing like the abandoned building Ashley had seen earlier. This one was alive with heat and light, its walls glowing faintly from veins of molten lava running through the rock. The air was thick and warm, but not stifling, and the room was filled with the faint hum of machinery.

Blaine dismounted Rapidash, giving it a pat on the neck before turning to Ashley. "Over here," he said, motioning toward a large table set against the far wall.

Ashley hurried over, gently laying Growlithe down on the table. Blaine moved with practiced ease, pulling out a small device that looked like a scanner and passing it over the Pokémon.

"It's nothing serious," he said after a moment, his voice calm. "Just exhaustion. A little rest and hydration, and it'll be good as new."

Relief flooded Ashley's chest as she let out a shaky breath. "Thank Arceus," she muttered, running a hand through her hair.

Blaine produced a small vial from a nearby cabinet, pouring its contents into a bowl of water before setting it beside Growlithe. "This will help replenish its energy. Give it a moment."

As the Growlithe lapped at the water weakly, its tail began to wag faintly. Ashley smiled, leaning down to stroke its fur. "You're a tough little guy, aren't you?"

The Growlithe looked up at her, its eyes softening as it let out a low, appreciative whine. Then, to her surprise, it nuzzled against her hand before licking her cheek.

Blaine watched the interaction with a knowing smirk. "Looks like you've made a friend for life, kid."

Ashley straightened, wiping her cheek with her sleeve. "Huh?"

"That Growlithe," Blaine said, nodding toward it. "It's bonded with you. Earned its trust. There's not much you can do about it now." He paused, adjusting his sunglasses. "Unless you plan to walk away, but something tells me that's not your style."

Ashley glanced down at the Growlithe, who was now wagging its tail more energetically, its eyes full of gratitude as it looked up at her. "Walk away? No way." She crouched down again, meeting its gaze. "What do you think, Growlithe? Want to stick with me?"

The Fire-type barked sharply, its ears perking up as it wagged its tail even harder.

"That's a yes if I've ever heard one," Blaine said with a chuckle.

Ashley grinned, pulling a Poké Ball from her bag. "Alright, buddy. Let's make it official."

She held the ball out toward the Growlithe, who bumped it with its nose without hesitation. The ball opened, and with a flash of light, the Growlithe disappeared inside. It wobbled once, twice, then clicked shut with a satisfying sound.

Ashley stared at the ball in her hand for a moment, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. "Welcome to the team," she said softly.

Mars barked in excitement, bouncing on his toes as his tail flame flared brightly.

Blaine crossed his arms, watching the scene unfold with a small smile. "You've got good instincts," he said. "And now you've got a loyal partner to show for it. But don't think that's the end of the road. If you want to be a real trainer, the hard work starts here."

Ashley stood, turning to Blaine with a determined look. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

She then smiled as she released the Poké Ball, and in a flash of light, Growlithe reappeared on the lab's floor. Its tail wagged furiously as it barked and bounded toward Mars. The Charmander greeted it with an enthusiastic "Char!" before the two started circling each other in what could only be described as a playful standoff.

Mars puffed out his chest, his tail flame swishing dramatically as he crouched low in a playful stance. Growlithe responded with an eager bark, darting forward and nipping lightly at the air near Mars's tail.

"Looks like you two are already best buds," Ashley said, watching as the two Fire-types began chasing each other around in tight circles, their playful growls and chirps echoing through the lab.

Blaine, leaning casually against a nearby table, chuckled softly. "Fire-types tend to understand each other pretty quickly. They're competitive by nature, but once they've shared a battle? That bond is almost unbreakable."

Ashley knelt, her eyes following the two Pokémon as they tumbled across the floor. "Good thing they're on the same team now," she said with a grin.

Reaching into her bag, she pulled out her Pokédex, the screen lighting up as she aimed it at Growlithe. The device beeped cheerfully before reciting its entry:

"Growlithe, the Puppy Pokémon. Extremely loyal, it will fearlessly bark at any opponent to protect its trainer. It has a superb sense of smell and can sense the emotions of others."

"Aw, buddy," Ashley said, glancing at Growlithe, who paused its wrestling match with Mars just long enough to bark in acknowledgment. "You're a little bodyguard, huh? No wonder you were holding your ground against those Magby."

Mars took the opportunity to pounce, lightly tackling Growlithe, who yelped in surprise before wriggling free.

Ashley laughed, swiping through her Pokédex to pull up Growlithe's stats. Her eyes scanned the screen as she read aloud. "Okay, let's see here... Pokémon: Growlithe. Male. Ability: Flash Fire—already knew that one. Ooh, moves: Ember, Roar, Helping Hand, and Bite. Nice."

Growlithe trotted over to her, his tail wagging proudly as if he understood every word. Mars followed, sitting beside him and giving Ashley an expectant look.

Ashley smirked, raising an eyebrow at the two of them. "What? You want me to tell you you're awesome too, Mars? Fine. You're both awesome."

Satisfied, Mars puffed out his chest while Growlithe sat down and tilted his head, curious as Ashley continued reading.

"Wait, what's this?" Ashley said, narrowing her eyes at the screen. "Hidden Ability: Justified?"

Blaine, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. "Ah, Justified. That's a rare one," he said, his tone approving. "When attacked by a Dark-type move, Growlithe's attack power increases. It's a solid ability, especially if you know how to use it strategically."

"Nice," Ashley said, looking at Growlithe with a grin. "You've got some serious potential, buddy. We're gonna make a great team."

Growlithe barked happily, his tail thumping against the ground.

Ashley sat cross-legged on the floor, setting the Pokédex aside and looking up at the two Pokémon. "Alright, next order of business—you need a name. Mars here got his name on day one, and I'm not about to leave you hanging."

Growlithe's ears perked up as he stared at her expectantly.

"Okay, let's brainstorm," Ashley said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "How about... Goofy?"

Growlithe immediately shook his head, his tail slowing to a stop.

"Alright, not a fan of the classics," Ashley said, jotting the name down and crossing it out just as quickly. "What about Bolt? Or Snoopy?"

Another head shake.

"Hotshot? Inferno? Flame-o-rama?" she suggested, her tone turning more dramatic with each attempt.

Growlithe snorted, looking distinctly unimpressed.

Mars, meanwhile, was rolling on his back, laughing so hard his tail flame flickered erratically.

Ashley groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Man, you're a tough critic," she muttered before looking up again. "Okay, let's change tactics. Mars's name came from a God from an old civilization—God of War, specifically. You like the idea of something powerful like that?"

Growlithe tilted his head, considering the idea before giving a tentative bark.

"Alright, progress," Ashley said, snapping her fingers. "So, how about Vulcan? God of Fire and the Forge. He was all about flames and strength and making cool stuff."

Growlithe's tail started wagging again, this time faster. He barked loudly, hopping up and licking Ashley's face in approval.

"Vulcan it is," Ashley said, laughing as she wiped her cheek. "Guess we've got our name."

Mars barked in agreement, standing beside Growlithe—now Vulcan—and nudging him playfully with his head.

Blaine crossed his arms, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Vulcan's a fitting name. Strong, dependable, and just a little fiery—just like him."

Ashley grinned, standing up and brushing the dust off her knees. "That's what I was going for. Alright, Vulcan," she said, looking down at her newly-named partner. "Welcome to the team. Let's see what you've got."

Vulcan barked enthusiastically, his tail wagging so hard it was a blur.

"Looks like he's ready to go," Blaine said, nodding approvingly. "But before you dive into any more training, you might want to take a moment to appreciate what you've built here. Two Fire-types, already working together seamlessly? That's no small feat."

Ashley glanced at Mars and Vulcan, who were now playfully sparring, their movements fluid and synchronized despite their brief time together.

"Yeah," she said softly, her grin widening. "We're gonna make a great team." Ashley then turned away from Mars and Vulcan, who were playfully circling each other, and faced Blaine with a determined glint in her eye. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Fire Master Blaine," she started, "I came to Cinnabar for a reason. I want you to mentor me."

The words hung in the air for a moment, and Blaine raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard. He folded his arms, tilting his head slightly as if assessing her. "Mentor you?" he repeated slowly.

Ashley nodded firmly. "Yeah. Look, I know you don't run the Gym anymore, but I did not come to Cinnabar Island just for a badge. I'm here because I want to start strong. My partner, Mars—" she gestured at the Charmander, who paused his play to stand a little straighter at her mention, "—he's my first Pokémon. If I can build a solid foundation with him now, I'll be ready for whatever comes next."

Blaine rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. "Interesting," he murmured. "But I have to wonder—are you looking to specialize in Fire-types? After all, you've got two already." He nodded toward Mars and Vulcan, who barked proudly in response.

Ashley shook her head, her tone earnest. "No, Vulcan was just a coincidence. He joined us because we helped each other back there. I'm not planning to specialize. I just figured if I wanted to get Mars off to the best start possible, learning from the Fire Master himself was the way to go."

For a long moment, Blaine said nothing. His sharp eyes studied her, and Ashley couldn't help but shift nervously under his intense gaze. Her fingers fidgeted with the strap of her bag, and she glanced down at Mars, who offered an encouraging "Char!"

"Alright," Blaine said finally, his voice calm but deliberate. "I'll admit, I didn't expect that answer. Most trainers who seek me out are Fire specialists—or at least think they are. But you? You're here because you're thinking big picture. I respect that."

Ashley let out a small breath of relief, but Blaine wasn't done.

"Still," he continued, his gaze narrowing slightly, "mentoring someone isn't something I agree to lightly. It's a commitment, even for a short time. Why should I take you on?"

Ashley's heart thudded in her chest, but she stood her ground. "Because I'm serious about this. I don't want shortcuts, and I'm not looking for an easy ride. I know I've got a lot to learn, and I'm willing to put in the work. I've been training Mars every day since I got him, and Vulcan already trusts me enough to join our team. I think I've got what it takes to keep up with you. I just need the chance to prove it."

Blaine tilted his head, the corners of his mouth twitching into a faint smile. "You're not lacking in confidence, I'll give you that," he said. He let out a low chuckle, folding his arms as he watched her. "Alright, kid. You've convinced me."

Ashley's eyes widened. "Wait, really?"

"Don't make me repeat myself," Blaine said, raising a hand to adjust his sunglasses. "But I've got one condition—you've got two weeks. That's all I can spare before I head to Hoenn for a conference on fossils and Pokémon revival. If you're not up for that, now's the time to back out."

Ashley's grin spread across her face, her fists clenching in excitement. "Two weeks is perfect! That's more than enough time to learn from you."

Blaine smirked at her enthusiasm. "We'll see. I don't go easy on anyone I agree to mentor. If you're serious about this, you'd better be ready to work harder than you ever have before."

Mars let out an excited "Char-char!" hopping in place with his tail flame blazing brightly. Vulcan barked, wagging his tail as he bounded over to Ashley's side.

Ashley knelt down, ruffling both of their heads as she laughed. "You hear that, guys? We've got two weeks with the Fire Master himself. Let's make it count!"

The two Pokémon cheered alongside her, their enthusiasm filling the lab with a warm, vibrant energy.

Blaine watched the trio with an amused expression. "Alright, we'll start tomorrow morning. Early. And I mean early. Be here at sunrise, ready to work."

Ashley stood, her determination undeterred. "We'll be here. You can count on it."

"Good," Blaine said, his tone firm but approving. "Now get some rest. You're going to need it."

Ashley gave him a quick nod before turning toward Mars and Vulcan. "Alright, team. Let's head back to the Pokémon Center. We've got a big day tomorrow."

The three of them walked toward the exit, their spirits high despite the exhaustion creeping into their muscles. As they stepped outside into the cooling evening air, Ashley looked down at her two Pokémon, her smile softening.

"Two weeks with Blaine," she murmured. "This is it, guys. This is where we start building something amazing."

Mars chirped softly, his tail flame glowing steadily in the twilight, while Vulcan barked in agreement, his eyes bright with trust and excitement.

Ashley adjusted her bag, her gaze shifting to the distant horizon where the last rays of sunlight faded into the sea. The road ahead was still uncertain, but with Mars and Vulcan by her side, she knew they could face whatever challenges came next.