Chapter 255: Burn Bright, Arcanine!
Blaine was momentarily stunned. Reflected in his sunglasses was the silhouette of a Trainer. Compared to his handsome features, it was the burning determination in his eyes that stood out—hot and fierce like the volcano of Cinnabar Island.
"Of course." Blaine adjusted his sunglasses, a smirk tugging at his lips. This feeling of excitement… the last time he felt this was during his battle with that reckless kid, Ash. Fighting against Trainers like that… even an old man like him couldn't help but get fired up! "Let's go," Blaine turned. "I'll take you to Cinnabar Gym!"
In the courtyard, Blaine twisted a stone statue, revealing a hidden passage to the subterranean Cinnabar Gym. As they descended, the temperature rose. Sweat dripped from Blaine's forehead, yet his expression was one of anticipation. Suddenly, he felt a chill. Turning, he saw Gengar floating beside Lu Ye.
"You lead the way," Lu Ye said casually.
"Ahem!" Blaine coughed. "Normally, challengers must complete a puzzle before facing me. But since this request came from Red, I'll make an exception."
Lu Ye blinked. "Red?"
"Wasn't it you who asked Red to send me back here for a challenge?" Blaine said. "Otherwise, I'd still be at the lab working. Your challenge would've been delayed for days."
A series of ellipses popped up in Lu Ye's mind. So it was that little brat Red who lured the Gym Leader here?! I helped you with your romance, and in return, you sold me out?! As a Battle Legend, this betrayal… I will remember—No. I can't hold this grudge. Lu Ye quickly changed course, wiping cold sweat from his forehead. "Gold, I'll remember this grudge!"
Far away in Johto, a certain egg-hatching expert sneezed. "Huh?" Gold scratched his head. "Did I tick someone off recently…?" Lately, his life was unusually peaceful. If it weren't for Lorelei suddenly flying all the way from Kanto for a 6v6 battle, things would've been even better…
In the open plaza of Cinnabar Island, vendors were selling steaming hot takoyaki. Red and Yellow stood side by side in their yukatas as faint snowflakes drifted down. "It's snowing," Yellow murmured. Red held out his palm, watching the flakes melt. This weather… might not be favorable for Blaine. If he truly wanted to win against Teacher Lu… would he call upon that Pokémon residing in the volcano?
Blazing flames surrounded the battlefield of Cinnabar Gym. The challenge had already lasted for over ten minutes. Blaine raised his hand. "Magmortar, Sunny Day!" The Fire-type Pokémon fired a glowing orb into the air, and the temperature soared.
"Wartortle, Water Pulse!" Lu Ye's voice was calm.
Wartortle unleashed a torrential wave, crashing down like a collapsing skyscraper. BOOM! As the water receded, the glowing Protect shield around Magmortar flickered with a faint crack.
The next moment, Magmortar raised its cannon arms, forming a blazing orange fireball. "Fire Blast!" Blaine roared. Under Sunny Day's effect, it roared forward like a raging fire dragon!
"Water Gun," Lu Ye said calmly.
Blaine hesitated, puzzled. But in the next second—BOOM! A deafening explosion of steam filled the air. Water Gun alone… caused this much destruction?! Blaine's sharp gaze locked onto the cloud. Fire Blast wasn't my real attack—the true finishing blow is ready!
ZAP! A golden surge of electricity crackled through the smoke—Thunderbolt!
As the thick smoke cleared, Magmortar lowered its cannons. "Awoo!!" Emerging from the smoke, Growlithe had tanked the Thunderbolt head-on, baring its fangs with a fierce growl.
Blaine's expression turned serious. He switched Pokémon the instant Thunderbolt was used? That kind of reaction speed… His eyes suddenly widened. Growlithe's injuries were healing at an astonishing rate!
"He's using Sunny Day and Morning Sun to keep it on the field," Blaine muttered. "A remarkable defensive strategy..."
In this 3v3 battle, Wartortle had already defeated a Rapidash. But due to the threat of Thunderbolt, Lu Ye was forced to swap it out. Right now, the priority was taking down Magmortar! "Take Down," Lu Ye commanded.
Growlithe charged forward. Magmortar remained unfazed, raising its preheated cannons as a massive fire blast erupted. BOOM!! The collision sent both Pokémon flying backward. Magmortar slammed its fists into the ground to stabilize itself. Meanwhile, Growlithe tumbled through the air before hitting the ground with a heavy thud.
Lu Ye hesitated, reaching for its Poké Ball. There's no need to let this little guy take heavy injuries for a Gym battle…
Blaine noticed his movement and frowned. Why withdraw now?
But before Lu Ye could recall it, Growlithe suddenly jumped to its feet, dodging the red light. Lu Ye raised an eyebrow.
Growlithe shook its head, then grinned foolishly. "Awoo!" I can still fight!
Though panting heavily, its dark eyes were ablaze. For the longest time, Growlithe had been content standing behind the team. It could've lived a carefree life. But… I want to be strong too. Just like my mother, I want to be a hero. I want to win a battle for my Trainer and see him smile with pride. I want to… help my Trainer become a true Pokémon Master!
"Awoo!!" Growlithe bared its fangs and, despite its battered body, charged forward at an incredible speed.
THUD!! Magmortar was sent flying backward.
"This… what incredible determination!" Blaine muttered, his voice rising with excitement. "I cannot let this conviction go unanswered! Magmortar, Fire Blast!!"
Growlithe's battered figure was reflected in Lu Ye's deep gaze. Then, he suddenly smiled. For their Pokémon… Trainers have to work hard too. "Growlithe, dodge!"
"Awoo~!!" With a sudden burst of energy, Growlithe leaped sideways, narrowly evading the flames. It retaliated instantly—Flamethrower! BOOM!! The fire engulfed Magmortar, which staggered before collapsing.
"This is the final round." Recalling his Magmortar, Blaine adjusted his sunglasses. "OOOOHHH!! Burn bright, Arcanine!!" He roared as he hurled his Poké Ball—only to suddenly stiffen. …Crap, I threw my back out!
But the battle had reached its climax. The legendary Arcanine had appeared. Its flowing flaxen fur, tiger-like stripes, and piercing gaze radiated dominance. Growlithe had no physical or stamina advantage. "Awoo!" Yet, it crouched low, baring its fangs fearlessly.
Seeing this unwavering resolve, Blaine was deeply moved. "You and your Pokémon… you both have the willpower of a volcano!" It was the same indomitable spirit he had once seen in a certain Battle Legend.
Watching the exhausted yet defiant Growlithe, Blaine suddenly saw Lu Ye raise his hand. "Mr. Blaine." Lu Ye glanced at his loyal, battle-worn Pokémon. "In Gym battles, items are allowed, right?"
"You can use one," Blaine nodded. "Do you need a Potion or—" He suddenly froze. "Wait a minute…" His expression changed as realization dawned. He sighed, then chuckled in admiration. "A bold Trainer, indeed."
Lu Ye extended his hand. Gengar, understanding immediately, retrieved a Fire Stone from its dimensional stash. "Gengar!" Its eyes flickered—it was both sentimental and happy. It could feel Growlithe's desire to become stronger. If that's the case… let's keep moving forward together!
Images of Growlithe flashed through Lu Ye's mind—its toothy grin, its mischief, its lazy naps. For a brief moment, he felt reluctant. But he knew what had to be done. He took the Fire Stone and tossed it to Growlithe—just like they played fetch at home. "Awoo!!" Growlithe caught it in its mouth, and instantly, a radiant white light enveloped its body.
Lu Ye took a deep breath. And finally, he declared: "Burn bright, Arcanine!!"
[Inorin Note:
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