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"When you put it that way, I'm even more intrigued by his true identity!"
Hearing Blaine's warning, Archer's curiosity only grew stronger rather than diminished. Initially, Ash's extensive knowledge about Team Rocket's operations had caught his attention, along with that mysterious power the young trainer seemed to possess. The more Archer thought about it, the more questions arose in his mind.
From Archer's current perspective, Ash's intimate understanding of Team Rocket's inner workings might stem from his connection to Blaine. This led Archer to believe that Ash and Blaine shared a much deeper relationship than what appeared on the surface.
Despite knowing Blaine for countless years, Archer understood that the former gym leader was definitely not one to boast or make empty threats. However, if Blaine were acting alone, no matter how formidable his skills might be, it would be impossible for him to pose consequences that Team Rocket couldn't handle or afford to face.
This meant there had to be something else backing Ash - some force or organization beyond just Blaine's protection. The implications of this realization made Archer's mind race with possibilities.
However, as Team Rocket's current second-in-command, Archer wasn't easily intimidated by vague threats or mysterious warnings. Instead, his curiosity about Ash's true identity and the power behind him only intensified.
"I warned you before - arrogance always comes with a price! You'll deeply regret it once you discover who he really is," Blaine stated coldly, his voice carrying an ominous undertone that sent chills through the heated cave air.
"Old man, you're the arrogant one here! You dare to stand against us all by yourself? Consider this Team Rocket's way of cleaning house and dealing with a traitor like you!"
At that moment, Ariana, who had remained silent throughout the tense exchange, finally broke her silence. Before anyone could react, an Arbok suddenly descended from above, landing gracefully beside Blaine with predatory eyes fixed on the gym leader. Archer's Houndoom prowled forward as well, its dark eyes gleaming with anticipation for battle.
Simultaneously, two Weezing floated down from different directions, their toxic forms hovering around Blaine and effectively creating an immediate encirclement. The four Team Rocket executives had originally decided to avoid unnecessary conflict, but Blaine's direct interference had forced their hand. They were no longer interested in maintaining any pretense of civility.
Blaine's expression grew more serious as he assessed the tactical situation unfolding around him. While he had never backed down from a one-on-one battle with any opponent, facing four skilled executives simultaneously presented a significantly more challenging scenario. Despite the overwhelming odds, his resolve remained unshaken, and he showed no intention of retreating.
"Blaine, I'm afraid we're going to have to be discourteous today. As for that boy's identity, we'll figure it out through our own methods, so don't trouble yourself with protecting him. We're taking Moltres with us!"
"Houndoom, use Fire Fang!"
Archer decided to end the verbal sparring and launched the first attack without further delay. The tension in the cave reached its breaking point as battle erupted.
Seeing the incoming assault, Blaine's eyes hardened with determination.
"Magmar, use Fire Punch!"
Blaine immediately countered with his own command. Upon hearing its trainer's voice, the duck-billed fire Pokémon rushed forward with blazing determination. Fire Fang met Fire Punch as the two attacks collided in mid-air - flaming fangs clashing against a fist wreathed in fire.
BOOM!
The collision released an tremendous explosion of power that sent scorching waves of heat throughout the cave. High-temperature flames spread in all directions while powerful shockwaves rippled outward from the point of impact. Both Pokémon were forced backward by the tremendous force of their opposing attacks, neither gaining a clear advantage in the initial exchange.
"Arbok, use Wrap!"
Ariana seized the opportunity created by the first clash and launched her own assault. Team Rocket executives weren't known for following any code of honor in battle. Upon receiving the command, Arbok moved with serpentine grace, its long body undulating as it rushed toward the still-recovering Magmar.
"Wartortle, use Skull Bash!"
From within the cave behind Blaine, a blue figure suddenly shot out like a missile. The Pokémon's body was perfectly straight, head pointed forward, and its entire form glowed with silver energy as it rocketed toward the attacking Arbok at incredible speed.
CRASH!
The tremendous force struck Arbok just as it was about to reach Magmar with its binding attack. The serpent Pokémon was sent flying backward by the powerful impact, crashing against the cave wall. The blue figure landed gracefully on the rocky ground, revealing itself to be a determined-looking Wartortle with battle-ready eyes.
At that same moment, a familiar figure quickly emerged from the cave's depths and took position beside Blaine.
"Blaine, are you alright?"
The newcomer was none other than Green, and the Wartortle was indeed her trusted partner. This Pokémon had evolved from the Squirtle she had captured during her early journey as a trainer. It had become the absolute cornerstone of her team and her key to victory when she had challenged Blaine's Olivine Gym not long ago.
"Green? This place is far too dangerous for you. You need to leave immediately. Their airship must be parked somewhere nearby, and Ash is most likely being held there. Go rescue him! Leave this battle to me!"
Blaine felt a mixture of relief and concern upon seeing Green's arrival. While he was grateful for the backup, he worried about her safety given the overwhelming odds they faced. His paternal instincts urged him to protect the young trainer from the dangerous situation.
Green quickly assessed the chaotic scene before her, taking note of the frozen magma below where Moltres was trapped. The legendary Fire-type Pokémon appeared to be in serious trouble, and with so many enemies surrounding them, she realized that Blaine couldn't possibly handle this situation alone.
"Absolutely not! Ash will be fine - I have complete faith in his ability to protect himself! I can't abandon you to face this alone!"
Green spoke with unwavering determination, her eyes blazing with the same fierce resolve that had carried her through countless battles. While she was genuinely concerned about Ash's wellbeing, she also believed deeply in his capabilities and resourcefulness.
"But the odds are against us..." Blaine began to protest, his voice carrying the weight of his concern for her safety.
"Stop arguing! If Ash were here right now, you know he would make exactly the same choice I'm making."
Green firmly interrupted Blaine's objections, her voice carrying absolute conviction. Upon hearing this comparison, Blaine paused thoughtfully. The mention of Ash's character and likely actions made him increasingly curious about this young trainer who seemed to inspire such loyalty and admiration.
"Very well then! Let's show them exactly what we're capable of!" Seeing such determination from the young trainer, Blaine abandoned his protective concerns and embraced her as a true battle partner.
"These young brats nowadays really have no sense of self-preservation! Weezing, use Sludge Bomb!"
Petrel's irritation was evident in his voice as he expressed his growing frustration with interfering children. His previous encounter with Ash had left him with a deep resentment toward young trainers who dared to oppose Team Rocket's operations. This time, with Green stepping in to cause more trouble, he launched an attack without any hesitation.
His Weezing immediately responded to the command, releasing a stream of toxic sludge from its dual mouths. The purple, poisonous projectile flew directly toward Green with dangerous intent.
"Wartortle, use Rapid Spin!"
But Green was far from being an easy target for Team Rocket's assault. After issuing her command with practiced confidence, Wartortle immediately leaped into action, positioning itself protectively in front of its trainer. The Turtle Pokémon withdrew into its shell and began spinning at incredible velocity, creating a defensive barrier that deflected the incoming sludge attack with ease.
"Don't get too cocky, you annoying girl! Arbok, use Iron Tail!"
Having been thwarted by Green's quick thinking and tactical skills, Ariana's temper flared with visible annoyance. She watched as Wartortle continued its spinning defense and decided to launch a more direct physical assault. Upon hearing its trainer's command, Arbok slithered forward with predatory grace, its long tail beginning to glow with metallic luster as it prepared to deliver a devastating blow.
"I won't let you harm her! Magmar, use Flamethrower!" Blaine recognized the incoming threat and immediately moved to intercept the attack, commanding his trusted partner to unleash a long-range fire assault.
"Blaine, your opponent is me! Houndoom, use Counter!" Archer's voice cut through the chaos as he sneered at the gym leader's attempt to protect Green.
Houndoom leaped forward with explosive speed, positioning itself directly in the path of the incoming flames. The Dark-type Pokémon's body began to glow with an intense red aura as it prepared to absorb and redirect the fire attack. The powerful flames that had overwhelmed even Moltres during their earlier encounter were no match for Houndoom's Counter technique, and Blaine's Magmar wouldn't fare any better.
The scorching flames struck Houndoom head-on, but instead of causing damage, they were absorbed and immediately reflected back with doubled intensity. The redirected Flamethrower blazed toward Magmar with devastating force, threatening to overwhelm Blaine's trusted partner in a display of Team Rocket's tactical superiority.