Sometimes, Battles Aren't Just About Winning. They're About Proving Something To Yourself.!
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9th February, 1998, Cinnabar Island…
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Raul's grip tightened on his next Pokéball, Blake's words echoing in his mind. "Create your own luck?" He glanced at Houndoom, noticing how it carried itself with pride despite the visible fatigue from its battle with Gliscor. No… this isn't about luck at all. He's been controlling the flow since the beginning.
"Brock, what did Blake mean by that?" Ash's voice carried from the dugout, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"He created that situation, Ash," Brock explained, his arms crossed. "The constant heat from Houndoom's attacks gradually affected the air temperature, making it harder for Gliscor to maintain stable flight. That final combination wasn't luck – it was planned."
Raul took a deep breath. Time to show him what we can do. "Nidoking, let's go!"
The ground trembled as the massive purple behemoth materialized, its armor gleaming under the stadium lights. Its roar echoed through the arena, sending several spectators recoiling. This wasn't just any Nidoking – its horn was noticeably longer than average, and its muscles rippled with power earned through countless battles.
"Impressive," Blake nodded, genuinely appreciating the specimen before him. "You can tell a lot about a trainer by how their Pokémon presents itself. Your Nidoking carries itself like royalty."
"He earned that right," Raul replied, newfound confidence in his voice. "Nidoking, Earth Power!"
Golden energy crackled through the ground, creating a web of destruction racing toward Houndoom. The dark Pokémon leaped away, but its previous fatigue showed – the attack's outer edge caught it, causing it to stumble.
"Now, Megahorn!"
Nidoking charged with surprising agility for its size, horn glowing with Bug-type energy. Houndoom attempted to counter with Flamethrower, but Nidoking powered through, years of training evident in its unwavering advance.
"That's some impressive power," Blake called out as Houndoom skidded backward from the impact. "But power alone isn't everything. Houndoom, Dark Pulse!"
The rings of dark energy that erupted from Houndoom's maw were devastating, forcing Nidoking to cross its arms in defense. Even as it stood its ground, the force pushed it back several feet.
"Your Nidoking's strong," Blake acknowledged, "but my Houndoom has faced Elite Four members. Show them – Inferno!"
The blue flames that erupted were unlike anything Raul had seen before. Even as Nidoking endured the hit, its armor glowed red-hot.
"We're not done yet!" Raul shouted, his voice carrying both desperation and determination. "Ice Beam the ground, then Rock Slide!"
The combination created a treacherous battlefield of ice and falling rocks, forcing Houndoom to focus on evasion. Both Pokémon were showing clear signs of exhaustion now – Houndoom's proud stance wavering, while burns marked Nidoking's armor.
"This is amazing!" Ash exclaimed from the sidelines, his eyes wide with excitement. "Both Pokémon are so strong!"
"One final clash?" Blake suggested, a glint of respect in his eyes.
Raul nodded, knowing this would decide everything. "Nidoking, Earth Power, maximum output!"
"Houndoom, Dark Pulse, overdrive!"
The collision of attacks created an explosion that shook the entire stadium. When the dust settled, Nidoking stood on trembling legs, while Houndoom panted heavily, its legs shaking but refusing to yield.
For a moment that felt like eternity, both Pokémon stared each other down. Then, finally, Nidoking's legs gave out, and it collapsed forward with a resounding thud.
"Nidoking is unable to battle! Houndoom wins!" the referee announced.
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, many standing in appreciation of the spectacular battle sequence.
Raul recalled his fallen partner, whispering words of pride to the Pokéball, and looked up to see Blake's Houndoom still standing – barely – but standing nonetheless. It showed what kind of mindset and will Blake's Pokemon had.
"Your Nidoking," Blake called out as he recalled his exhausted Houndoom, "fought like a true king. But sometimes even kings must bow to those who've walked longer paths."
Raul nodded, understanding the deeper meaning behind Blake's words. His hand moved to his next Pokéball, feeling the familiar warmth of his partner inside. 'This one's for you, Nidoking.'
"Gabite, you're up!"
The dragon-ground type materialized with a fierce cry, its scales gleaming with an unusual luster. Those familiar with Dragon-types could see it – this Gabite was on the verge of evolution, its body practically humming with untapped power.
Blake's tired Houndoom growled, still maintaining its fighting stance despite its obvious exhaustion. The dark-type's pride wouldn't let it show weakness, even now.
"Brock, look at that Pokémon! What is it?" Ash exclaimed from the dugout, his eyes wide in awe. "It looks so cool!"
"It's a Gabite, Ash, a Pokémon from Sinnoh I believe… and it seems close to evolving," Brock explained, leaning forward with interest. "This battle could be the trigger it needs."
"Ash… you have a Pokédex… remember?" Misty said, feeling exasperated.
Ash looked startled, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. "Oh yeah! I forgot, hahaha…"
Blake looked at the Gabite, and a smile tugged at his lips. He let Raul make the first move. He also knew that his Houndoom was running on fumes.
'To be able to take down one of my Pokémon with only two… that's a feat no trainer has done in a long time… But this should be normal for a Reincarnator.'
"Gabite, Dragon Rush!" Raul commanded. The Dragon-type's body became enveloped in blue energy as it charged forward with incredible speed, the force of its movement sending tremors through the field.
"Houndoom, Dark Pulse!" Blake ordered, but the fatigue from its previous battles showed. The attack came out weaker than before, and Gabite burst through it like it was nothing, its body a blur of sharp, gleaming scales.
The impact sent Houndoom flying, and this time, when it hit the ground, it didn't get back up.
"Houndoom is unable to battle! Gabite wins!" the referee announced, his voice amplified over the booming cheers of the crowd.
The spectators erupted in applause, and the stands buzzed with excitement. Even Ash couldn't help but grin, his hands clapping above his head.
Blake merely smiled as he recalled his fallen partner. "Well done, friend. Now..." His voice turned serious as he pulled out another Pokéball. "Let's see how you handle this. Blaziken, take the stage!"
The Fire-Fighting type emerged with a powerful cry, flames already erupting from its wrists. Its appearance was intimidating – battle-scarred and proud, every movement speaking of years of experience. The arena felt the heat from its flames even from a distance, and the crowd roared in response.
Raul turned serious, but then, he felt something was wrong.
"Why isn't the Spikes taking effect?" He looked confused, scanning the battlefield before his gaze flicked to Blake.
Blake seemed to understand what Raul was asking and simply pointed toward the stadium. It suddenly clicked in Raul's mind.
'The heat from Houndoom's Overheat during the fight against Gliscor had melted all the Spikes and hazards… I don't know if I should be impressed or scared… I really need to make sure my Pokémon are fine after this.'
The arena was already a mess, but if one looked closely they could see molten rocks had been cooled down already.
Shaking off the distraction, Raul refocused. "Dragon Claw!" he called, his voice steady as Gabite surged forward, claws glowing with razor-sharp energy.
"Sky Uppercut!" Blake countered, his voice calm and commanding as Blaziken leaped with surprising height, its fists blazing with power.
The two Pokémon met in the middle of the field, their attacks creating shockwaves that rippled through the stadium. They exchanged blows at incredible speed, neither giving ground, each hit sounding like thunder. The audience was on the edge of their seats, gasping and cheering with every powerful exchange.
Suddenly, Gabite's body began to glow, and the crowd's energy shifted, sensing something monumental was about to happen.
"It's happening!" Ash shouted, standing up in excitement, his voice carrying over the arena.
The evolution light enveloped Gabite, its form growing larger, its features becoming more defined and dangerous. The crowd collectively held their breath as Gabite's silhouette shifted, and when the light faded, a mighty Garchomp stood in its place, roaring with newfound power. The roar echoed through the stadium, sending a ripple of awe through the audience.
Blake couldn't help but nod approvingly, his eyes shining with respect. "Congratulations," he said. "But evolution alone won't be enough. Blaziken, High Jump Kick!"
"Counter with Dragon Rush!" Raul shouted, his eyes locked on Garchomp, feeling the weight of the moment.
The two Pokémon clashed again and again, their attacks becoming more powerful with each exchange. The stadium floor cracked under the force of their impacts, and the crowd watched in awe as the two fierce fighters battled with relentless fury. The blows were so powerful, they could feel the vibrations even from the stands.
"This is it, Garchomp! Giga Impact!" Raul shouted, voice tinged with finality, his trust in his Pokémon unshakable.
Blake's eyes gleamed with challenge. He firmly commanded, "Blaziken, meet it head-on with Flare Blitz!"
The two Pokémon charged at each other, Garchomp surrounded by spiraling purple energy while Blaziken became engulfed in brilliant blue flames. The stadium seemed to hold its breath as the two titans collided with earth-shattering force.
The explosion sent shockwaves through the arena, forcing everyone to shield their eyes from the blinding light. The entire stadium was bathed in a fiery glow for a brief moment, and the sound of the impact was deafening.
When the dust finally settled, both Pokémon lay unconscious in the center of the field, the ground around them completely destroyed. Smoke and debris hung in the air, adding to the dramatic scene of devastation.
"Both Blaziken and Garchomp are unable to battle! This match is a draw!" the referee's voice rang out, echoing over the stadium's stunned silence.
For a moment, the arena was quiet – then it exploded into thunderous applause. The stands shook with the cheers of an audience that had just witnessed something spectacular. Spectators leapt to their feet, whistling and clapping, acknowledging the incredible display of power. This was no ordinary match.
Blake, who had rarely lost even a single Pokémon in a battle, had been forced into a draw. Raul had accomplished something no one else had managed in years, and the entire stadium buzzed with excitement.
With a smile tugging at his lips, Blake glanced over at Raul, admiration clear in his expression. "Well fought, Raul. You're an accomplished trainer."
As the cheers continued to roll, Raul, panting, looked around, feeling the exhilaration from the battle and the crowd's energy. This was incredible.
Blake recalled his Blaziken and grinned, turning to Raul with a new glint in his eye. "For the last two years, I've offered anyone who could defeat two of my Pokémon the Volcano Badge... which, well, was no one." He chuckled. "It got so bad that I gave away a badge to a kid from Johto who managed to take down just one of my Pokémon. But today, you've shown me you're more than worthy, Raul."
Raul's heart pounded, each word feeling like validation. He was finally being recognized by someone like Blake, and it meant everything.
Blake continued, "I'll give you a choice. You can end the battle here and take the badge home, or... you can choose to face my third Pokémon. As you know, it's a 3 vs 6 challenge at my Gym, and you're free to continue, proving what you're truly made of."
Raul felt a surge of excitement, his smile widening as he replied, "Of course I want to continue. But I do have one request."
Blake raised an eyebrow. "And what would that request be?"
Raul's gaze grew intense, though he couldn't fully hide his excitement. "I'd like to battle one Pokémon from your personal team."
The stadium fell silent, every spectator holding their breath.
And then… Chuckle.
Blake chuckled, and the entire crowd burst into murmurs, their whispers filling the air with intrigue and surprise. This was an unexpected twist.
On the sidelines, Ash, Brock, and Misty were utterly floored, recalling Ash's battle with Blake's starter Pokémon.
Ash moved as if to stop Raul, but Brock held him back. "This is Raul's way of proving his abilities," he said calmly, his own respect for Raul's courage growing.
Ash fell silent, watching Raul with a complex mix of emotions in his eyes, admiration mingling with worry.
Blake, grinning now, reached into his satchel, pulling out a single Pokéball. "I had a feeling I'd need this guy today… Glad I came prepared, huh?" His gaze sharpened as he looked at Raul. "I hope you're ready, Raul, because…" His eyes went cold. "There. Is. No. Going. Back."
With a flick of his wrist, Blake threw the Pokéball casually, and in a flash of light, a majestic Magmortar appeared on the field. The temperature of the entire stadium changed instantly, the air thickening with an intense, almost suffocating heat.
The fire-type Pokémon's arrival felt like a wave, its presence filling the space. This wasn't just any heat – it was an aura, a sign of strength and experience. Magmortar stood with a regal bearing, its cannon-like arms gleaming under the lights, a veteran of countless battles. But what truly caught everyone's attention were its eyes – sharp, intelligent, and carrying the weight of countless battles fought at the highest level.
Blake's voice rang out over the awed crowd, carrying a note of pride. "Meet Mustang," he introduced casually, though his gaze never left Raul. "He's been with me since my first year as a trainer."
Raul swallowed hard, but he steeled himself, clenching his Pokéball. "Rhyperior, let's show them what we've got!"
The Drill Pokémon emerged with a thunderous roar, its rocky armor looking nearly impenetrable. Under normal circumstances, this type advantage would be significant.
But these weren't normal circumstances.
"Mustang, let's begin. Fire Blast."
What happened next left the entire stadium in shock. The fire attack wasn't just powerful – it was instantaneous. Before Rhyperior could even register the threat, a massive, kanji-shaped blast of white-hot flames engulfed it completely.
When the flames dissipated, Rhyperior stood motionless for a moment, its rock-solid armor glowing red-hot, before it collapsed.
"Rhyperior is unable to battle!" the referee announced.
On the sidelines, Brock's eyes widened, his usual calm shaken. "That's... impossible. A single Fire Blast shouldn't have taken down Rhyperior like that…"
Ash, too, stared in disbelief. "So this… this is Blake's real strength." He felt a shiver, remembering his own battle with Blake's starter and the overwhelming power he'd faced.
Raul's hands trembled as he recalled Rhyperior. One hit. Just one hit. He grabbed his next Pokéball, determined to press on. "Camerupt, you're our best chance!"
The fire-ground type appeared, its volcanic humps already smoking with anticipation. Surely, as a fire-type, it could handle...
"Focus Blast."
The Fighting-type move struck with the same incredible speed as the Fire Blast, slamming into Camerupt before it could even react. Raul watched in disbelief as Mustang followed up with a Hyper Beam, sending Camerupt skidding across the field.
Ash clenched his fists. "How is he doing this? There's no time to react!"
Brock nodded, his voice filled with awe and worry. "Moves like Focus Blast and Hyper Beam should take time to charge… but Mustang's pulling them off instantly, as if they're second nature."
"But how?" Raul called out in disbelief. "The speed... it's not natural!"
Blake's expression softened slightly as he replied. "Years of training, my friend. Mustang doesn't just use moves – he's mastered them to perfection, refining every motion, optimizing every attack. Using these moves is like breathing for Mustang."
Camerupt struggled to rise, only to be met by a point-blank Fire Punch that left it unable to continue.
The stadium fell silent once more. This wasn't just a battle anymore – it was a display of mastery that few had ever witnessed.
Raul's hand shook as he recalled Camerupt and reached for his final Pokéball. This was it. His starter. His partner. "Ursaring… we're not giving up!"
The massive bear Pokémon emerged, its unique red fur gleaming as it let out a battle cry that showcased its fierce spirit. Any other Pokémon might have recoiled from Mustang's intimidating presence, but Ursaring stood its ground, eyes fixed firmly on its opponent, unwavering.
Blake gave a nod of respect. "Your Ursaring has spirit. You've trained him well."
Raul started to respond, but there was no time for words.
"Block it, quick!" Raul shouted as Mustang lunged forward with a flaming fist aimed directly at Ursaring's face.
With practiced reflexes, Ursaring brought its paws up, bracing against the impact of Fire Punch. The blow sent tremors through the stadium floor, but Ursaring held firm.
Raul felt a cold sweat bead down his spine. It was already a challenge facing Blake's Pokémon, but now he was up against a veteran fighter that seemed to move on its own instinctively – as if it didn't need Blake's orders.
But then, Blake's voice cut through the silence, calm yet commanding. "Fire Blast."
Both Raul and Ursaring's eyes widened as a torrent of scorching flames engulfed Ursaring, leaving it no time to dodge. Mustang stepped back to its previous position, observing Ursaring with a calm, almost disinterested expression as flames licked at the bear's body.
"NO! Ursaring, hang in there!" Raul shouted, heart pounding with worry. But his fears were answered by a deep, resounding…
ROAR!
Ursaring's blood-red fur was still smoldering, but its eyes burned with a fierce intensity, and a powerful crimson energy now surrounded its form.
Misty leaned forward in her seat, her face pale with concern. "Oh no! Is Ursaring okay?"
Ash watched with wide eyes, but it was Brock who answered, his gaze serious. "Ursaring's okay… its ability just kicked in. Guts. This is Raul's chance."
Raul steadied himself, the determination in his own eyes matching his partner's. "Ursaring, Guts ability is active now – use Facade!"
Ursaring let out a thunderous battle cry, charging forward with its entire body aglow, the energy from Guts transforming it into a crimson meteor, each step echoing with Raul's determination. The crowd leaned forward, entranced by the power on display.
In the stands, Ash gripped the railing tightly. "Brock, he's giving it everything!"
Brock's eyes shone with admiration. "That's unbelievable. Guts and Facade… One is an ability that negates the burn effect but also increases attack! And the other doubles the power when the pokemon has a status effect, like Burn… the amount of power from that, so many factors needing to come into play… it's going to be incredible."
Ursaring's red fur shimmered with an almost otherworldly light, each step radiating intensity as it hurtled toward Mustang. But just as the gap closed, Blake's calm command rang out.
"Psychic."
Ursaring halted mid-charge, suspended in a psychic grip.
That's when it heard it's trainer shout, "You can do this, Partner! Remember all the setbacks we have faced, Remember all the training we have done! REMEMBER THE PROMISE WE MADE!"
As if a switch had been turned on, Ursaring roared with greater power, it roared furiously, the sound shaking the stadium to its core, and with sheer force of will, it began to push forward, straining against the invisible hold.
"Impossible!" someone gasped from the audience.
Ash's eyes were wide, watching in awe. "Ursaring's fighting through!"
Brock clenched his fists, his voice low with respect. "That's more than just power – that's pure determination. They're fighting as one."
The stadium's energy soared, fans rising to their feet, urging Ursaring on as it fought against the relentless psychic force. Finally, Ursaring broke free, charging forward in a desperate Close Combat, its fists flying with unstoppable speed, each punch powered by years of training and trust.
For the first time, Mustang moved defensively, weaving through the flurry of attacks with practiced grace. The air shimmered with the heat Mustang radiated, making the field look like a mirage of swirling heatwaves and furious power.
"Hammer Arm!" Raul's voice cut through the roar of the crowd.
"Fire Punch." Blake countered calmly.
The two attacks collided, unleashing a shockwave that sent debris flying in every direction. Ursaring's fur was singed and matted, its body covered in burns, but its gaze was unwavering, reflecting a fierce, undying resolve.
Blake's eyes softened with a hint of respect. "Your Ursaring's spirit is truly remarkable, Raul. But… it's time to end this. Mustang… show the world your, Solar Storm."
[A/N: Solar Storm is one of the 3 signature Moves of Blake's Team.]
The temperature in the stadium spiked dramatically as Mustang's entire body began to glow with an intense inner fire. It wasn't a simple fire attack; the very air seemed to ripple with heat as Mustang condensed all its energy into a spiraling vortex of white-hot flames.
Raul's heart pounded as he called out his last command, his voice filled with all the emotions of their journey together. "Giga Impact! Ursaring, let's give it EVERYTHING we've got!"
Ursaring let out one final, earth-shaking roar, its body blazing with crimson energy as it charged headlong into the firestorm.
In a flash, Mustang unleashed Solar Storm: a swirling inferno that blended the raw force of Fire Blast, the controlled rage of Fire Spin, and the scorching heat of Overheat. The flames twisted and spiraled, bending the air itself as they collided with Ursaring's charge.
For a single, breathtaking moment, it looked as though Ursaring's sheer willpower might hold back the storm. Its roar mixed with the crackling flames, each step pushing against the raging vortex. As its eyes met Raul's, they shared one last look – a look of pride, of trust, and of everything they had fought for.
Then…
In a blinding explosion of light and heat, the battlefield was engulfed. The entire stadium held its breath as the shockwave spread, illuminating the stands with a fiery glow.
When the light finally faded, Ursaring lay still, smoke curling from its fur, its face peaceful – the face of a warrior who had given everything.
The referee's voice broke through the silence. "Ursaring is unable to battle! The challenger Raul has no more Pokémon left. The winner is Gym Leader Blake!"
As the announcement echoed across the stadium, Raul rushed to his fallen partner, gently cradling Ursaring's head, pride and gratitude shining in his eyes. Blake crossed the field, with Mustang by his side, the Magmortar's fierce gaze softened in respect as it regarded Ursaring's courageous effort.
Blake's voice carried through the hushed crowd. "That was one of the most impressive displays of power and will I've seen in years. Your Ursaring has the makings of a champion."
From the dugout, Ash watched with a mixture of awe and understanding, remembering his own battle with Blake and how different that experience had been. "Brock," he murmured, "Raul knew he couldn't win against that Magmortar, didn't he?"
Brock nodded, his expression solemn. "Sometimes, Ash, battles aren't just about winning. They're about proving something to yourself."
On the field, Raul looked up at Blake, tears glistening in his eyes, his face a mixture of pride and determination. "Thank you… we'll get stronger. Much stronger. And we'll challenge you again!"
Blake smiled, reaching into his pocket. "You've more than earned this Volcano Badge, Raul. And more importantly…" he glanced at Mustang, who nodded in silent acknowledgment, "you've earned Mustang's respect. Few trainers would have the courage to face one of my personal team, let alone push through the way you did."
The stadium erupted in applause, the crowd celebrating not just a battle, but a testament to what it truly meant to be a Pokémon Trainer – a blend of strength, bond, and willpower. To face overwhelming odds and give everything, even in the face of certain defeat.
Raul carefully revived and healed Ursaring before recalling him, his expression one of gentle pride. As the applause roared on, Blake leaned in, his voice lowered so only Raul could hear. "Meet me at the lab later. We have some things to discuss… fellow Reincarnator."
Raul's eyes widened, catching the deeper meaning. This battle had been more than a gym challenge – it was a test, an initiation, and the beginning of something much larger.
It wasn't every day you found another reincarnator in this world, was it?
Blake nodded and made his way toward his private dressing room, while Raul walked back to the dugout where his friends were waiting, still riding the emotions of the battle.
The crowd continued to cheer as both trainers left the field, unaware of the quiet exchange or its significance. To them, it had simply been an extraordinary match. To Ash, Brock, and Misty, it was a chance to learn and grow.
But to Blake and Raul, it was the first step toward something far bigger – a path that would shape their futures in unimaginable ways.
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A/N: Hey guys, Lumi here! This was a 4.1k word chapter!
Hope you are liking this so far! The next chapter will be uploaded on Wednesday.
If you want to read ahead, go hop into the patreon for advanced chapters! The link is in the Synopsis.
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By the way, lets play a little game, yeah? xD
What do you guys think about Raul's current level? How far do you think Raul needs to train to reach Blake's actual team's level?
Do you think there is anyone in the current (Fanfic timeline) world who can match Blake? if you do... who?
Finally, how strong do you think Acnologia really is? Can it contend against the Movie Mewtwo? Let me know your thoughts.