"Blaine?!" Misty and Brock exclaimed in astonishment upon hearing Blaine's self-introduction. Ash, despite already knowing Blaine's identity, feigned surprise.
"Alright, let's get this Gym Challenge started! Who's the challenger?" Blaine glanced at the trio, his gaze settling on Ash.
He recognized Brock as the Pewter City Gym Leader, though he knew Brock had passed the title to his younger brother. As for Misty, Blaine deduced she wasn't the challenger based on her current demeanor. The answer was clear: Ash was the one seeking the challenge.
Blaine, having focused on his Gym duties since taking over, hadn't paid much attention to the outside world, partly due to his past.
"It's me!" Ash stepped forward, as Blaine had anticipated.
"Why is the Gym Challenge happening so suddenly? And is this even a Gym? Isn't the Cinnabar Gym next to the Laboratory?" Misty, bewildered, fired off a series of questions.
"I'll explain later. For now, let's focus on the Gym Challenge!" Blaine didn't elaborate, implying that Ash could choose to challenge him here or at the official Gym tomorrow.
The outcome would be the same—defeating Blaine, either here or at the Gym, would earn Ash the Badge. However, there was a distinction. Winning in this hidden location would grant Ash not only the Badge but also personal gifts from Blaine. Furthermore, unlike the standard Gym battle with Pokémon of equal strength, Blaine's Pokémon here were significantly stronger, exceeding the average level.
"What are the rules?" Ash and Pikachu stood on the suspended platform, facing Blaine across the battlefield. The sight of the magma pool below instilled a sense of fear, but Ash remained undeterred, his focus solely on Blaine.
"Excellent!" Blaine was impressed by Ash's composure. Most challengers were unnerved by the perilous environment, but Ash seemed unfazed, a sign of a skilled Trainer.
"The battle will be three-on-three. The challenger can switch Pokémon. The battle ends when one side loses all three Pokémon," Blaine explained the rules.
"Understood!" Ash nodded, and Pikachu mirrored his determination. This was a unique battle experience for both of them.
"Then, my first Pokémon is Ninetales!" Blaine tossed a Poké Ball onto the battlefield. Ninetales emerged, its elegant form and fiery aura captivating the audience.
Ash was momentarily taken aback by Ninetales' Silver-level strength, but he quickly reminded himself that this wasn't a standard Gym battle. Blaine was undoubtedly holding back his full power; otherwise, he would have sent out a Champion-level Pokémon.
Ash surmised that Blaine's true strength was likely at the Elite Four level, possibly even Champion level, given his reputation as a Trainer from Agatha's generation.
"Wartortle, I choose you!" Ash threw his Poké Ball, and Wartortle appeared on the battlefield, ready to face Ninetales.
Blaine was impressed by Wartortle's well-trained physique, despite its Bronze-level strength.
"Are you ready?" Blaine asked Ash. Receiving a nod of confirmation, he declared, "Let the battle begin!"
"Wartortle, use Water Pulse!" Ash seized the initiative, commanding Wartortle to unleash its signature move.
Wartortle gathered Water-type energy, slamming its hands down to create a powerful wave that surged towards Ninetales.
"A good attack, but not enough!" Blaine's eyes gleamed with anticipation. Wartortle's strength was commendable, but it wouldn't be sufficient.
"Ninetales, use Flamethrower!" Blaine calmly ordered a counterattack.
Ninetales unleashed a torrent of flames, intensified by the surrounding heat. The Flamethrower collided with Water Pulse, evaporating the water and leaving a weakened flame that continued its trajectory toward Wartortle.
"Wartortle, use Rapid Spin!" With no time to evade, Ash instructed Wartortle to employ the defensive maneuver it had learned on Blastoise Island.
Wartortle spun rapidly, deflecting most of the flames with centrifugal force. The remaining flames caused minimal damage, barely affecting Wartortle's stamina.
"Well done!" Blaine commended Ash's quick thinking. Wartortle's performance was exceptional for an elite-level Pokémon.
"However, you'll need more than that to defeat me! Show me your true strength!" Blaine's excitement grew, but he wasn't about to hold back.
"Ninetales, Fire Spin!"
________________________
Join my kalos journey @P