Chapter 59: Fire Gym Battle
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Later, Cinnabar Island – Blaine's Lab]
After the shock of capturing Moltres, Red and Azure followed Blaine for a while. Red asks him about his condition, and Blaine says that he'll be okay, thanks to their help, but he must leave to continue his mission of stopping the threat he created, unconcerned if that makes him a traitor.
He tells them that beyond the waters, here is Pallet Town, and walks off into the scorched woods as Red and Aerodactyl look on. But Azure, on the other hand, followed Blaine as Red asked curiously, "Yo! Azure, you wanna come with me to Pallet Town?"
However, he shook his head as he said in a determined tone, with Pikachu over his shoulder, "Nah. I'll catch up with you later, Red. I'm after my next Gym Badge from Blaine first, then to Saffron City for Sabrina. I'll catch you later and be safe, my dude!"
Red smirked as he waved at Azure riding on his new Pokémon, Aero the Aerodactyl, with a smug grin, "Sure, I hope you win! But let's be honest, my Aero is a cooler ride! Up we go, Aero! Use Fly!"
*Swooosh*
Flapping already into the air, Azure merely clicked his tongue. But he thought, 'Tch. What a bloody showoff… But not gonna lie I want one now too…'
Shaking his head helplessly, he followed Blaine back to his secret lab. Blaine, taking a moment to recover his strength, finally asked in a confused tone, "Sky… why have you come back?"
Revealing his Badges over his jacket, Blaine's eyes widened. He notices the Soul and Thunder Badges as he said calmly, "… I see. You came due to my status being Cinnabar Island Gym Leader. Or specifically my Volcano Badge."
Taking it out from his pocket, Blaine revealed the Volcano Badge as Azure used his healing machine to help recover his Pokémon's health as he answered calmly, "Pretty much. Obtaining your badge would mean I've earned 6 Gym Badges under my belt. After that, Sabrina and Giovanni are next."
Blaine helplessly chuckles, hearing his words, but seeing how he has the other Gym Leader Badges, he could see his words were honest and blunt to the point. After healing his Pokémon, Blaine finally responded in a serious tone, "Young man, as someone who's seen the worst of what Team Rocket has to offer, I suggest you forget taking them on. It's too much for one kid to handle."
Azure remained calm as he said in a determined tone with a confident grin, "… Maybe so. But I'm gonna do it just to prove myself to become the Pokémon Master."
Adjusting his cap, Blaine sighed as he healed his Pokémon, responding in a serious tone, "I see my words aren't going through to you, young man. But if you want this Volcano Badge, then prove to me that you can beat the Hotheaded Quiz Master!"
Blaine clapped his hands together. He began to explain in a serious tone, trying to dissuade him from attempting the Gym Challenges, "I appreciate your help, and I understand your desire to collect all the badges, young Azure. But I must warn you against pursuing those last two. Sabrina of Saffron City and Giovanni of Viridian City… they're not like the other Gym Leaders."
He explained how Sabrina was practically a psychic prodigy, and Giovanni, well, Giovanni was the leader of Team Rocket. A formidable trainer in his own right, but also ruthless and dangerous, as Blaine pleaded, "Forget them, Azure. Focus on becoming stronger, not collecting trinkets that are tainted by those criminals."
Blaine's sentiment urged him to return to Pallet Town as well. But the glint in Azure's eye remained undeterred as he put his cap down, shadowing his face, "I appreciate the concern, Blaine, but I won't back down. I said I would become a Pokémon Master, and that means conquering every challenge, facing every opponent. I must prove to myself that I am capable."
Blaine sighed, the weight of age and experience settling on his shoulders. He finally responded, answering his call in a serious tone, "Very well, Azure. I can see you're as stubborn as a Tauros. I will grant you a chance to earn my Volcano Badge. But not in that derelict excuse for a Gym. My true Gym, my laboratory, is hidden beneath the island. Defeat me there, and you'll earn your badge."
With Blaine motioned Azure to follow. He agreed to follow Blaine deeper into his Gym, feeling the heat…
/////
[Kanto Region, Later, Cinnabar Island – Gym]
Blaine led Azure through a series of hidden passages, the air growing hotter and thicker with each step. Finally, they emerged into a brightly lit laboratory, filled with bubbling beakers, intricate machinery, and walls lined with books.
At the far end, a battle arena shimmered with contained energy. Blaine said, his voice echoing in the vast space, "Prepare yourself, Azure. This is where science and Pokémon battle collide! I will not hold back! This will be a three vs. six Pokémon Battle! Show me your fiery spirit!!"
Azure met his gaze, his determination burning bright. He patted Pikachu, who jumped to the arena floor, his cheeks sparking with electricity as he said, "I wouldn't have it any other way. This is it, buddy. Show them what we're made of."
Pikachu nodded as he landed, prepared for battle, "Pika!"
Adjusting his glasses, Blaine tossed a Poke Ball, calling his first Pokémon, "Very well. Come out! Magcargo!"
*Pop*
Coming out of its Poke Ball, Magcargo appeared. This briefly paused Azure as he saw the Lava Pokémon and thought cautiously, 'Okay… a Lv.45 Magcargo. Didn't expect that one, but I suppose Blaine would have some Pokémon not native to Kanto, judging by Johto is close to Kanto and having had connections with Team Rocket, he can have this Pokémon at the ready.'
With both Pokémon present, they began unleashing their attacks, with Blaine ordering, "I say use Earth Power!"
*RMBL*
The Magcargo's body glows gold, and the ground all around it starts to shake, with glowing gold cracks spreading all around it. Azure's eyes narrowed as he commanded, "Pikachu use Agility!"
*Swoosh*
Jumping into the air to avoid the incoming Earth Power, Pikachu jumped up as Azure followed up in a calm tone, "Pikachu use Thunderbolt!"
*Zzzz*
Launching a Thunderbolt from above, Blaine calmly said, "Protect."
*CLANG*
Blocking the attack using Protect, a transparent barrier, was shown to tank the attack. But Azure continues with his command, "Tch. He blocked it with Protect, but he won't be able to use it again, but I'm not fighting on the ground. Use Light Screen!"
*Shinng*
A transparent glass screen appeared as Pikachu calmly landed on it. Blaine's eyes narrowed as he analyzed the situation, as he thought, 'Using Light Screen as a foothold while in the air, huh? Not a bad idea, and raises his Pokémon Sp. Def. Trying to avoid the ground, are we?'
Blaine merely cocked a snarky grin as he commanded, "Bring'em down Magcargo! Ancient Power!"
*RMBL*
The ground beneath the Lava Pokémon rumbled as rocks coated in purple tossed them at Pikachu in the sky. But Azure replied confidently, "Pikachu, time to use your full power! VOLT TACKLE!"
*KABOOOOM*
Blaine's eyes widened, seeing what happened in the very short seconds of Azure's command. Pikachu's body becomes surrounded by streaks of electricity. It then flies towards the Magcargo at high speed and crashes into it.
The resulting collision tossed Magcargo into the nearby wall, forming a crater. The Lava Pokémon fainted right there as Blaine thought, surprised, 'What! My Magcargo's Def. should be high enough to withstand most blows! And yet… did he raise Pikachu to a high enough level to take it out in one blow, or was that move Volt Tackle that powerful…'
Recalling his Magcargo into its Poke Ball, Blaine couldn't help but ask curiously, "Azure that move… I've never seen a Pikachu use that move before. Care to explain to this old man?"
Azure considered for a bit before ultimately nodding his head, explaining in a calm tone, "… I suppose there's no harm explaining. Volt Tackle is an exclusive move only for the Pikachu line to inherit. That add with Light Ball, it's a deadly attack for most Pokémon."
Blaine simply nodded, understanding the situation. But he was also now more wary of the Pikachu in front of him as he thought, 'I see… but still such a powerful Pokémon in such a small mouse. I could see he trained his Pokémon well if he even trained a Pikachu to this level…'
Adjusting his glasses, he continued the match as he sent out his next Pokémon in a serious tone, "Very well. Now let's see you handle this! Go! Ninetales!"
*Pop*
Bringing out his second Pokémon was Ninetales. Ninetales is a quadrupedal canine Pokémon covered in thick, luxurious golden-white fur. It has a small mane of thicker fur around its neck and a long, fluffy crest atop its head. It has slender legs with three-toed paws and nine long tails with pale orange tips. It has red eyes, pointed ears, and a triangular black nose.
*Shiii*
Just as Ninetales appeared, Azure frowned, feeling a slight increase in heat and sunlight radiating in the arena. Noticing a Charcoal around Ninetales' neck, he mentally scoffed, getting what's happening, 'Fuck. Sunny Day Team with Ninetales with Charcoal. This is gonna be annoying… Not only that, but Ninetales is a surprisingly bulky Sp. Def stats of 100 with a Lv.47 will make this a tough battle.'
Azure makes a quick motion idea seeing that battling Ninetales with Pikachu wouldn't end well, as most of his primary attacks are Sp. Attack-based with a few Physical Moves. Not only that, but Azure also already had a Pokémon suited for the job in dealing with Ninetales' attacks.
Raising his Poke Ball, he quickly recalled Pikachu tossing out his next Pokémon, "Good buddy. But leave this to her. Go! Eevee!"
*Pop*
Recalling his Pikachu, he brought out Eevee instead. Blaine, seeing this, raised an eyebrow as he thought momentarily, confused, 'Instead of relying on his partner, that's stronger or at an equal level to my Ninetales, he brought a lower-level Eevee into this battle? What is the young man thinking?'
Eevee, on the other hand, looked prepared for battle as Azure said calmly, "It's time we see your true power against him, Eevee! And no worries, he'll keep his secret once you show your stuff."
Eevee understood trusting Azure's words completely with a bark, "Eevow!"
Blaine, meanwhile, continued as he commanded his Ninetales in a serious tone, "Taking me lightly, eh? Let's see if your Pokémon can take the heat! Flamethrower!!"
*BRRR*
Unleashing a powerful Flamethrower enhanced by its Ability Drought and Charcoal washed over Eevee. But Blaine's eyes widened as Eevee changed form as he realized what happened in a startled tone, 'Wait, that Eevee is evolving into a Flareon – the Eevee Reconstruction Project!!!'
Evolving into a Flareon under Azure's watchful eye, he smirked as Flareon was empowered thanks to its Flash Fire Ability. Having the chance, Azure commanded, "Now! Use Covet Flareon!"
*SWOOOSH*
*BAM*
Flareon emerged from the fire, startling Ninetales of Eevee's evolution. But Flareon grinned as it slammed into Ninetales using Covet, managing to steal away Ninetales' Charcoal, much to the Fox Pokémon's annoyance.
Blaine quickly returned to the battle after getting over his shock, trying to rationalize the situation, and returning to control over the battle as he thought, 'Damn it! So that's why he used Eevee! He knew Eevee would change into Flareon, abusing its Flash Fire to avoid Fire-type moves entirely! Not only that, with Flareon's natural high Attack and Sp. Def Stat, most of my Ninetales attacks would hardly damage it, losing its Charcoal!'
Seeing Azure's calm calculation, he didn't let up as he said, "Now! Quick Attack!"
*Swooosh*
Dashing towards Ninetales, Blaine quickly countered, "Use Roar!
Ninetales smirked as it roared, halting Flareon's attack, "RAORR!!!"
*Shiii*
Immediately, Azure's Flareon was recalled back into its Poke Ball. And in its place came out Scizor, looking somewhat surprised as Azure thought in a depressed tone, 'Out of all my Pokémon, he had to pick one that's Quad-weak to fire. But…'
Despite the depressing thoughts, he maintained a calm expression as he thought, '… he doesn't know about that weakness. No need to panic, make use of the situation.'
Blaine's eyes narrowed as Ninetales backed away, seeing a Pokémon completely foreign to it as Scizor prepared its battle stance. Blaine's eyes narrowed as he thought cautiously, 'I have no idea what that Pokémon is. But best to be cautious, seeing the young man isn't panicking. His been full of surprises, so I can't let my guard down around him.'
However, Blaine wasn't given enough time to react as Azure commanded, "Go full throttle, Scizor! Strong Style! Slash!"
Scizor smirked as it used Agility to rush ahead with its claws glowing bright white. Blaine was alarmed, unaware of Scizor typing, and decided as he commanded, "Quick use Extrasensory!"
*Shiii*
Ninetales' eyes glowed gold and released a rainbow-colored beam of energy from its eyes at Scizor, charging straight in using Agility. However, as the beam reached closer to Scizor, it smirked as it thought, 'Tch. Too slow when compared to her Hyper Beam. Just a small nudge here with Agility and…'
*Swooosh*
Tilting slightly away from the beam, using Agility Scizor avoided the Extrasensory by mere inches. Blaine's eyes widened as Scizor lunged forward, getting a single slash mark over Ninetales' body.
*Shinng*
*THUD*
Thanks to Scizor's own high Attack Stat, a single Strong Style Slash sent the Ninetales into the wall. Blaine was surprised by the result as Azure mentally smiled at Scizor's instincts as he thought proudly, 'I knew having Scizor be trained as our testing dummy of everyone's beam attacks would come in handy. After all, I want each of my team members to be self-aware to dodge/block incoming danger without me having to say so.'
Blaine simply recalled Ninetales as he asked curiously about Azure's Scizor, gazing at the Pincer Pokemon, "I hope I'm not prying too much, young man, but what Type is Scizor? I've never seen this Pokémon before?"
Switching out Scizor, Azure chuckled, grabbing another Poke Ball from his belt as he replied, causing Blaine's face to twitch at his answer, "An evolution form of Scyther that's Steel and Bug Type. 4x weak to fire."
Blaine felt like spitting out blood when he heard that, as he thought, frustrated, 'Ahh!! If I had known that earlier, I would've used Fire Blast instead! Damn it!'
Shooting Azure a cocky grin of his own clenching his Poke Ball tightly he tossed out his partner in a determined tone, "Oh wise guy, eh? Let's see if you handle my partner, let's go Arcanine!"
*Pop*
Revealing his last Pokémon, Arcanine. Azure narrowed his eyes as he clenched onto his Poke Ball, recalling Scizor having a suitable Pokémon to battle Blaine's Arcanine. He tossed it out, revealing his Pokémon in a determined tone, "Alright, buddy, it's time to end this! Go! Arcanine, it's time to hunt!"
*Pop*
Arcanine appeared, standing at the ready as it majestically landed. Its eyes narrowed at Blaine's Arcanine, the Legendary Pokémon. The two Arcanine faced each other, the embodiment of fire and loyalty.
Blaine's Arcanine, a magnificent beast with a thick mane of blazing fur, unleashed a fearsome roar that echoed through the gym, "ARF!! ROOOOWR!!!"
Azure's Arcanine flinched, having its attack stat lowered by one stage, and having a blue aura veil. Azure's Arcanine responded in kind, his roar a challenge, "ARF!! BARK! ROOOWR!!"
Blaine shouted, his voice hoarse with excitement, "This is it, kid! The final battle! May the best Arcanine win!"
Azure knew this was more than just a battle of strength. It was a battle of wills, a test of strategy, and a testament to the bond between trainer and Pokémon.
He had to be smart, he had to be decisive, and he had to trust his Arcanine. Azure said, his voice calm and steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins, "Arcanine. We know what we have to do."
Blaine made the first move. He commanded, "Arcanine. Extreme Speed!"
*WOOOOSH*
*BRRRR*
Blaine's Arcanine charged, engulfed in a white aura as it became a blur. The move was incredibly powerful, but Azure knew what was coming as he commanded, "Extreme Speed! Roar to your heart's content!"
*Swooooosh*
Both became blurs as they charged at each other. They both lunged forward with incredible speed, slamming against each other with a devastating force. Each clash between the two created shockwaves, with each collision trying to bite or claw at the other.
*BOOOM*
*BOOOOM*
*BOOOOOM*
After the last collision, both landed on the ground, both injured. Azure's Arcanine was sent reeling, struggling to regain his footing.
Azure called out, concern etched on his face, "Arcanine, are you alright?"
His Arcanine roared in response, shaking his head, determined to continue the fight, "Arf! Rowwwr!"
Azure knew he had to change his strategy. Blaine's Arcanine was too strong, too fast. He needed to find a way to weaken him, to exploit his weaknesses, as the sunlight was harsh on his face.
But that was when it hit him, eyes widening as he thought, 'Wait… the effects of Drought are still active…!'
Azure said, his voice suddenly filled with renewed confidence, "Arcanine! Go all out! Strong Style! Flare Blitz!!"
*BRRRR*
Azure's Arcanine roared, unleashing the move Flare Blitz, concentrating the fire coating itself in an azure, blue fire. At the same time activated its Flash Fire, boosting its Fire-type moves as it charged straight ahead against Blaine's Arcanine.
Azure's Arcanine charged, engulfing himself in flames. Blaine's eyes widened in realization. Azure wasn't trying to hurt his Arcanine with Flare Blitz.
He was using it to activate his own Arcanine's Ability Flash Fire. Now, with the added power of Flash Fire and the Sunny Day boost left behind by his Ninetales Drought Ability, the Flare Blitz was unstoppable.
*BOOOOM*
Azure's Arcanine slammed into Blaine's Arcanine with the full force of the attack, the impact sending shockwaves through the arena. Blaine's Arcanine, weakened by previous clashes with Azure's Arcanine and now overwhelmed by the sheer power of the Flare Blitz, collapsed, his fiery mane extinguished.
*THUD*
He was defeated. A stunned silence fell over the gym.
Blaine stared in disbelief at his fallen Arcanine, his mouth agape. He had been outsmarted, outmaneuvered, and ultimately, outpowered.
Azure's Arcanine panted heavily, taking the recoil of Flare Blitz. But a happy grin appeared as Azure's Arcanine roared victoriously, "Arf! BARK! RAOOOOOR!!!"
Azure rushed to his Arcanine's side, checking him for injuries. His Arcanine was exhausted but unharmed, its tail wagging proudly as he exclaimed, hugging his loyal companion, "You did it, Arcanine! You were amazing!"
Arcanine licked his face as he barked happily, "Bark! Arf!"
Blaine slowly regained his composure, a grudging smile spreading across his face. He said, shaking his head in admiration, "Well, I'll be. You've done it, kid. You've beaten me…"
He retrieved the Volcano Badge from his person, and 2 TM's as he handed it over to Azure in a confident tone, "You've earned it. You have a true understanding of Fire-type Pokémon and a bond with your team that is truly remarkable. Here's the Volcano Badge and these 2 TMs since I don't have the cash, you see! Hohoho!!!"
Azure accepted the items with a respectful nod. He used [Observe] on them and smiled, obtaining these powerful items.
[Item: Volcano Badge
Rarity Item: A+
Type: Key Item
Description: A Gym Badge, commonly referred to as simply a badge, is an item that serves as proof of a Pokémon Trainer's victory in a battle against a Gym Leader at a Pokémon Gym. With this badge, Fire-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and control Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
[Item: TM Overheat
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Overheat].]
[Item: TM Fire Blast
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Fire Blast].]
He had proven his worth, not just as a trainer, but as a partner to his Pokémon. He had faced the heat and emerged victorious, not through brute force, but through strategy, trust, and unwavering determination.
As he healed Arcanine and his Pokémon, Blaine asked the final time for Azure in a calm tone, "Young man, are you truly going to Saffron City next to face off against Sabrina. I know you are determined, but – "
Azure cut him off after he healed his Pokémon using his healing machine in a determined tone, "Yeah. I'm determined and face any challenge is what a Pokémon Trainer does. Not even Team Rocket will stop me from becoming the very best like no one ever was. And take care of yourself, Blaine."
Azure shortly left as Blaine sighed, seeing his leaving figure. He stood up, healing his Pokémon as he muttered, "He has his battles, and I have my own. I still need to stop Mewtwo at all costs…"
/////
A/N: Hey guys, how did you like the battle with the MC against Blaine? Was it good or bad? I try to make it different with Blaine having some variety when compared to his Pokémon team.
And finally, the MC has his Pikachu use Volt Tackle after... 58 Chapters. By the way, do you think the MC's Title should be 'Move Tutor' or 'Conqueror' like Sapphire?