David's heart sank as he saw his Swoobat barely alive, damaged by both burn and paralysis.
But then he shook his head and took a deep breath.
"I hope you still have some strength left for his third Pokémon, buddy," he exhaled and Swoobat replied with tired squeak.
Epsilon let out a laugh. "What do you mean? It's over!"
But David shook his head. He still had another trick up his sleeve.
"You really think?" He smirked. "Psycho Shift!"
Swoobat's entire body began to glow.
A strange, eerie psychic energy radiated outward, twisting through the air like whispering ghostly tentacles.
Then—
Volcarona let out a shriek of pain.
The bug's body shuddered violently as the golden glow wrapped around it, seeping into its flame-covered wings and armored exoskeleton.
The paralysis.
The burn.
Both afflictions were now transferred to Volcarona.
David exhaled. "Finish it. Air Cutter!"
Swoobat, barely holding on, flapped its glowing wings.
A storm of razor-sharp white energy blades erupted from them, slicing through the air and converging on the crippled Volcarona.
It had no way to dodge.
The moment the Air Cutter struck, a massive explosion of wind and fire filled the cave.
The sheer force blew dust and embers into the air, shrouding the battlefield in thick smoke.
David didn't wait to see the results.
"Roost!" he ordered.
Swoobat, panting heavily, swiftly landed on the ground and curled its wings around itself, allowing its body to absorb natural energy and heal.
Meanwhile, Epsilon laughed, shaking his head.
"That's cheating!" he called out. But he was grinning.
The cavern fell into a tense silence.
Then, as the dust settled—
Volcarona lay motionless on the cavern floor.
Eva raised her hand. "Volcarona is unable to battle!"
Epsilon sighed, recalling his Pokémon. "Well, that was fun."
Then he grinned. "But now, let's end this big."
He pulled out his final Pokéball and tossed it high into the air.
The Pokéball burst open, releasing a bright white light that rapidly took shape.
And then, the glow faded.
A towering, muscular Incineroar landed on the battlefield with a dramatic, fiery flare, its long, rugged tail whipping through the air as it let out a fierce roar. The flames surrounding its body crackled and flickered, casting intense shadows around the cave.
Incineroar's appearance was imposing: its fur was primarily a deep, smoky gray with bright orange and yellow streaks resembling flames licking at its body. The dark, jagged patterns of fire danced along its shoulders, legs, and around its fierce, narrowed eyes. Its stance was low, prepared for battle, and its claws were sharp, extending with each step as it glared at Swoobat with an intensity that could melt steel. A proud, almost taunting expression crossed its face as it watched the injured and exhausted Swoobat.
David's heart sank for a moment as he realized something crucial. Swoobat's psychic moves would be ineffective against Incineroar—its Dark typing made it immune to psychic attacks. This battle was about to get a lot trickier.
Eva, standing on the sidelines, spoke up with a calm yet serious tone, breaking the tension.
"This is it—the final stretch. No more holds barred. The outcome of this battle will be decided in this next match."
She adjusted her wristwatch and scanned Incineroar. A frown crossed her face as the device beeped, confirming that the Pokémon was at an impressive level 70, matching the stakes of the battle.
"Swoobat is level 69, but it's too injured from fighting Volcarona. Unless a miracle happens, Incineroar has much better chances to win..."
David took a deep breath, refocusing his thoughts. His Swoobat was exhausted and has already taken some damage.
Incineroar growled menacingly as Epsilon called out its first move. "Sunny Day!" The move activated immediately, creating a artificial sun inside the cave and boosting any fire-type attack. Epsilon was setting up for something bigger.
David grimaced but took this as an opportunity. Swoobat, already weakened and injured from the earlier battle, was still agile enough to use the moment wisely.
David snapped, "Roost!"
Swoobat immediately began to hover gently to the ground, fluttering its wings in controlled motion as it took a moment to heal itself one more time. The wind around it calmed, and its energy slowly replenished, despite the pressure of the fight.
Meanwhile, Incineroar stood proud, waiting for the perfect moment. It used the time to prepare, flexing its muscles as it began to prepare its move - Taunt, roaring loudly with a fiery intensity. The flames on its body flared higher, ready for the next move.
Suddenly, the Future Sight attack Swoobat had used earlier against Volcarona struck! A burst of psychic energy exploded across the battlefield, but Incineroar wasn't affected at all. The attack was aimed to hit after a delay, but it merely served as a distraction to the opponent. Epsilon sneered slightly, realizing it would do no harm to his Dark-type.
David smirked, seeing the opening. "Now, Swoobat! Go BIG!" The command rang out with perfect timing. Swoobat's eyes gleamed as it understood exactly what David meant—it was time to unleash its ultimate move.
Swoobat's body began to glow with a radiant blue aura, and with a powerful flap of its wings, it shot into the air, gathering energy for the devastating Sky Attack. The Pokémon turned into a streak of light, speeding upwards at an unimaginable pace. The light surrounding Swoobat was so bright that it temporarily blinded Incineroar, causing the massive tiger to recoil and squint.
Epsilon barely had time to react. His eyes widened as he realized the attack was coming in full force. He hastily shouted, "Protect!" In a last-ditch effort, Incineroar created a shimmering barrier of energy that enveloped its body.
The two attacks collided—the blinding light of Sky Attack slammed against the barrier with a tremendous force. Incineroar's Protect held for a moment, but the power behind the attack was overwhelming.
David grinned, though he knew this was just the beginning. Swoobat's Sky Attack might have been blocked, but the momentum from the blast sent shockwaves through the cave, rattling loose rocks and sending them tumbling to the ground. Incineroar's Protect had absorbed the brunt of the impact, but it was clear that even Incineroar was rattled by the hit.
"What now, Epsilon?" David taunted, watching as his Pokémon began to circle in the air, ready for the next phase of their fight.
The audience in the cave held their breath, knowing that this final battle would test not only the strength of the Pokémon but the resolve of the trainers.
As the intense final clash between Swoobat and Incineroar escalated, David knew the stakes had reached their peak. With a sharp command, he ordered his Pokémon to use Acrobatics once more. Swoobat's wings gleamed, propelling it with astonishing speed as it began to circle around Incineroar, ready to strike once again.
But Epsilon had other plans. His eyes gleamed with confidence as he raised a hand and called out, "Darkest Lariat!"
Incineroar's body surged with power, the flame on its tail blazing as it swung its arms in an arc. The dark energy surrounding its fists crackled ominously, and the mighty feline's attack was swift and brutal. Swoobat barely managed to dodge one swing, but the sheer force of the second sent it spiraling through the air, a blur of fur and wings.
"Use Gust to get back into the air and attack with another Gust," David ordered.
Swoobat quickly got back up and sent a waves of flying-type energy at its opponent.
"Incineroar, wait," Epsilon smirked.
Incineroar hesitated, stepping back toward its trainer, its eyes flicking between its trainer and its opponent. Epsilon's smirk deepened into something much more devious, and then, as if dropping the mask entirely, he said, "Mr. and Mrs. Lindenberg... I must admit I was lying to you."
The words hit David and Eva like a thunderclap.
Just as Swoobat prepared for another pass, a sudden and cold atmosphere crept into the cave. It was as if the entire battle shifted, and David felt a chill run through him. Eva immediately reacted, releasing Swanna, Durant, Ribombee, and Venomoth from their Pokéballs. They appeared in a flash of light, ready for whatever was about to come next.
David also released his Pokémon. Conkeldurr, Electrode, and Samurott stood poised, their eyes locked on the unexpected change.
"What's going on?" David demanded, his hand tightening around another Pokéball as he looked toward Epsilon.
Eva narrowed her eyes, but before she could ask further, Epsilon removed his wig, letting his bald head shine like a mirror in the cave.
"I'm not 'Epsilon'," he said with a grin. "My name is Blaine."
At the mention of the name, Eva's eyes widened with realization.
"I KNEW IT!" she shouted, her voice ringing with victorious clarity. The puzzle pieces clicked into place.
"Blaine... the renowned Fire-type master slash scientist from Kanto. I should have figured it out!"
Blaine's grin faltered for a split second as he processed her words.
"So, you're not a Sleeper?" David demanded.
"What? Sleeper?" Blaine looked perplexed, momentarily thrown off. "No... no, I'm definitely not that crazy cultist. I just like to go places without being recognized. You know, I'm about to become a Gym Leader in the Kanto region, and this Fire Cave… this place is incredible. Cinnabar Island has an extinct volcano, and I'm planning on relighting the fire there. Seeing this place, it's a perfect inspiration... I couldn't hide the truth from you anymore. Sorry if I caused you any trouble by that deception."
The Lindenberg couple exchanged glances, their tensions shifting rapidly from battle to bewilderment. Eva crossed her arms, the humor in her eyes now replaced with something far more calculating. "Okay. So what now?" David asked, unsure of the next move in this strange confrontation.
"How about you finish the battle?" Eva suggested, her voice again cool and resolute, though her words left no room for argument.
"I agree," Blaine nodded, his earlier chuckle dissipating as he refocused on the fight. "Let's wrap this up."
David glanced at his Pokémon, making a swift decision. He recalled his other Pokémon, leaving only Swoobat on the field. "Let's go, Swoobat. Use Supersonic!"
Swoobat's shriek pierced the air, sending waves of disorienting sound towards Incineroar, causing it to stagger slightly. The large Fire/Dark-type Pokémon winced, its head shaking in confusion as the attack set in.
"Good, now follow up with Air Cutter!" David commanded.
Swoobat's wings sparked with power once more, sending a barrage of energy blades slicing through the air. The attack collided with Incineroar with a resounding explosion, sending the battlefield shaking as dust and debris scattered.
Blaine didn't flinch. He was already calculating his next move. "Blast Burn!"
Before David or Swoobat could react, torrents of flames started to swirl around Incineroar. The flames began to quickly sneak all over the cavefloor, consuming everything in its path. The ground below Swoobat began to heat up rapidly, flames licking at the edges of the cave. Swoobat, already tired and worn from the previous attacks, struggled to move.
"Quickly! Teleport! Try to dodge!" David shouted desperately.
But Incineroar's flames were relentless. Swoobat's options for escape were limited—the floor and air were both soon engulfed in flames, leaving nowhere to go. The fiery onslaught spread fast, completely covering the battlefield.
Eva's Pokémon responded immediately. Swanna formed a protective barrier of Aqua Ring, its water shielding both its trainers and the other Pokémon from the incoming inferno, while Durant, Ribombee, and Venomoth hovered protectively around Eva.
After what seemed like an eternity, the flames began to subside. The cave, once filled with light and heat, now stood in silence.
When the smoke cleared, only Incineroar was still standing, its fiery body now dimming but still proud and grinning. Swoobat lay motionless on the ground, its wings burnt, its body struggling to even twitch.
Eva, her voice cool and composed, announced, "And we have a winner. Mr. Blaine from Kanto."
David, his face set with determination, didn't take his eyes off bald man, but he nodded, acknowledging the end of the battle. Eva moved to check on Swoobat, ensuring the Pokémon was not gravely injured, though it had been a hard-fought battle.
The aftermath of the battle was quiet, the echoes of Incineroar's final attack still lingering in the air as Blaine approached the Lindenbergs. David and Eva stood beside Swoobat, who was carefully tended to by Eva's Swanna and Ribombee. Swoobat was still breathing heavily, but the worst of the burns seemed to have been treated.
Blaine, who had removed his disguise and now stood in his signature red jacket, wiped his brow and glanced around the cave. The fire had not completely ravaged the area, but there were scorch marks on the rocks, and the heat was still heavy in the air.
"That was quite the battle," Blaine said with a smile, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Your Swoobat is impressive, even if it didn't win. You two make a formidable team."
David nodded, acknowledging the compliment, but Eva's attention shifted quickly. She had been carefully looking over Swoobat's wings, but now she looked at Blaine. "It was a pleasure to see you in action, Epsilon, uh I mean Blaine. And you've clearly been training your Incineroar for a long time."
"I've had my share of battles," Blaine responded with a modest shrug. "But now, I've got to ask—this Fire Cave is incredible. How long has it been here? The ecosystem... It's unlike anything I've seen."
David smiled, his pride in the Ranch evident. "This place has been part of Battle Ranch for as long as I can remember. My grandfather, Tomas, had a hand in perfecting it. The Fire-types have lived here for generations."
Meanwhile Eva stroked Venomoth's wings, making sure the Pokémon was not overheated.
Blaine's eyes sparkled with fascination. "Incredible... And I have to ask. During the battle, I caught a glimpse of Skeledirge? Are they really living here? It's a long way from Paldea..."
David's smile turned a bit more mysterious. "At the beginning, there were only a few Fuecocos. But now, there is whole colony of them. Right here. Altough there is another special place in the Ranch for ghost types and some of the Skeledirge choose to relocate there. But that doesn't matter. They are here. And so are Typhlosions, Magcargos, Darmanitans and many others."
Blaine nodded thoughtfully. "The things that you both have told me... that could make Cinnabar's reactivation of the volcano even more exciting."
As they continued their conversation, a small, curious sound interrupted them. The Magby that had been watching the battle from a distance had now approached the group. It waddled up to Eva's Swanna, then to Swoobat, its bright eyes gleaming with innocent curiosity.
Eva chuckled softly. "Looks like someone took an interest in the battle as well."
David looked down at the small Fire-type, kneeling to offer it a hand. "This little guy's been watching us since the battle began," he said with a smile, glancing at Blaine. "It's unusual for a Magby to be so curious about battles."
Blaine laughed. "Maybe it's got the instinct of a fighter in its blood. I'll be honest—I wasn't sure if this was a wild Magby or if it belongs to a trainer. Given it's not afraid."
Eva glanced at Blaine. "It's been hanging around here for a while. I think it's curious about what is going on. And that it liked the battle."
The small Magby seemed to agree, trailing closely behind as the group moved further through the cave, the glow of the magma casting a flickering light on their path.
As they walked, Ribombee buzzed at the back, Durant scurrying along beside it. Venomoth hovered near Eva's shoulder, the moth Pokémon humming softly. Samurott, the watchful protector, followed closely behind, its eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.
David glanced back at Magby. "You know, Blaine, if you're interested in this place, we might be able to set something up. There's still a lot of Pokémon here we haven't had the chance to study properly. If you'd like, you could take a few notes while you're here..."
Blaine smiled widely. "That sounds like a perfect opportunity. I've always been fascinated by Fire-types in their natural habitats. And this place... it's a dream come true."
The group moved deeper into the cave, the atmosphere charged with the heat of the volcanic surroundings. Even as the battle had ended in his favor, Blaine felt an undeniable respect for the Lindenbergs, their connection to this place, and their dedication to protecting the Pokémon that called it home.
"So, tell me," Blaine asked as they neared a path that led toward the cave's heart. "Is there any part of this cave you haven't explored yet?"
David nodded, his eyes twinkling. "Actually, there's a section just up ahead where the heat is even more intense. The Pokémon there are... a little more reclusive. But if you're serious about learning more, we can check it out."
Eva, glancing over her shoulder at Magby, gave a quiet grin. "We've got plenty of time, and the cave still could have secrets to reveal."
Blaine laughed, looking down at Magby, who had now taken a position at his feet, as if ready to join the exploration. "Well, it seems I'm in good company. Lead the way, Mr. Lindenberg."
The group continued forward, the quiet but vibrant sounds of the cave echoing around them as they ventured deeper, guided by both the light of their Pokémon and the fiery spirit of exploration.
The path through the Fire Cave narrowed as David, Eva, and Blaine pressed onward, the glow of molten rock reflecting off the cavern walls. The air grew heavier, thick with the scent of sulfur and heated stone, while an occasional drip of moisture sizzled against the rocks, instantly evaporating.
Then, as they turned a bend, the tunnel widened into a vast chamber.
In the center of the chamber lay an enormous lava pool, its surface shifting and bubbling like a living thing. The liquid fire pulsed with an eerie glow, deep reds and oranges swirling together in an ever-moving dance. The heat was almost overwhelming, forcing Swanna to ruffle its feathers, take a few uneasy steps back and re-activate its Aqua Ring. Even Samurott, known for its resilience, let out a low grunt of discomfort.
Pokémon were scattered around the cavern, basking in the intense warmth.
Atop the towering rock formations, groups of Monferno and Infernape moved with breathtaking agility. They leapt effortlessly between ledges, their fiery tails leaving streaks of light in the dim chamber. A few of them stopped mid-jump to glance at the new arrivals, their keen eyes filled with both curiosity and wariness.
Near the base of the rocks, Pignite and Emboar lounged lazily on the heated stone. Some were stretched out, enjoying the searing heat against their thick skin, while others lay on their backs, massive arms crossed over their chests, occasionally grunting in contentment.
Closer to the lava pool, Ponyta with bright flames flickering across their manes and tails raced in a graceful, hypnotic pattern. Their hooves barely touched the ground as they galloped, weaving through the cavern with the natural elegance of creatures born of fire itself.
The Magby, which had followed them into the chamber, let out a small, delighted cry and waddled toward the lava pool. It stopped just short of the bubbling surface, gazing into the molten depths as if hypnotized.
Then—
A low rumble echoed through the chamber, making the very air tremble. The lava pool stirred, ripples forming across its surface as if something deep within had just awakened.
The Magby let out a startled chirp, scuttling backward, while the Ponyta that had been running suddenly halted, their ears perked forward, bodies rigid. Even the Monferno and Infernape, who had been playing only seconds ago, froze in place, eyes locked onto the pool with unwavering focus.
And then—
A massive shape began to rise.
Molten rock parted as a colossal silhouette surged upwards from the depths. Wings unfurled, enormous and burning with an internal fire, sending cascading embers into the air. The head of the figure arched toward the cavern ceiling, a majestic beak forming out of the molten rock, its edges glowing white-hot.
For a brief moment, the entire chamber was bathed in a blinding golden-orange glow. Heat waves distorted the air, making the figure shimmer like a mirage—and yet it felt too real to be an illusion.
It looked like a bird of flame, vast and ancient, its presence undeniable.
Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the form collapsed.
The mighty wings melted back into the lava, the brilliant light fading as the shape dissolved. The beak, the neck, the powerful wings—all swallowed by the molten depths. The ripples spread outward, growing calmer, until the surface of the lava pool settled once more.
Silence.
Even the cavern's natural sounds—the bubbling of lava, the occasional crackle of flame—had momentarily vanished, leaving only the stunned breathing of the humans and Pokémon who had just witnessed the impossible.
David was the first to find his voice, though it came in a whisper.
"…Was it?"
He could hardly form the words. His heart pounded so hard against his ribs that he felt lightheaded, his breath caught between awe and disbelief. He turned to Eva, expecting her usual scientific skepticism, but she was speechless, her lips slightly parted, her watch still frozen mid-scan.
Then, a soft chuckle broke the silence—low at first, then rising into a full, disbelieving laugh.
Blaine shook his head, his wide grin breaking across his face. His entire body trembled—not with fear, but with pure exhilaration.
"It must have been IT." His voice was thick with reverence, his usual playfulness completely overtaken by the weight of what they had just seen.
"There's no other explanation."
Even the Pokémon—the powerful Infernape, the relaxed Emboar, the darting Ponyta—had not yet resumed their usual behavior. They lingered, staring at the pool as if expecting the being to rise again. The Magby, having crept back behind Blaine's legs, peeked out cautiously, eyes still wide with wonder.
David's hands curled into fists as he stared at the pool, his mind racing. His grandfather's stories had been true.
Eva finally exhaled, shaking her head, struggling to process the impossible. "We just saw…" she trailed off, glancing at her watch, but no amount of data could explain what had just occurred.
"…something incredible," David whispered.
Blaine nodded, a fire burning in his eyes that had nothing to do with the heat around them.
"This place," he murmured, voice full of conviction. "This cave… it holds something far greater than just strong Fire-types." He turned to David and Eva, his excitement palpable. "Thank you for bringing me here."
As they continued deeper into the cave, they encountered more Fire-type Pokémon—Torkoal basking in the heat of steaming vents, Heatmor scraping their claws against the rocky walls, and even a Carkol, its massive body glowing with residual heat as it lumbered through a tunnel. Yet, despite the incredible variety of Pokémon around them, none of the three truly paid attention.
Their minds were still trapped in the moment—the impossible sight of the magma-forged bird rising from the lava. Each of them played the scene over in their heads, searching for an explanation, but deep down, they all knew the truth. Some things were beyond rational understanding.
Finally, as they retraced their steps toward the cave entrance, the small Magby that had been following them scampered up to Blaine. It waved its tiny arms and chattered excitedly, making a series of animated gestures—pointing at Blaine, then at itself, then back toward the lava pool before stomping its feet with determination.
Eva smirked. "Jake would probably be able to translate what Magby's saying."
David chuckled. "Yeah, but he's at school."
"But," Eva continued, snapping her fingers, "I think we all know what it's trying to say."
Blaine grinned as he knelt to meet Magby's gaze. "You wanna come with me, huh?"
Magby let out a sharp cry and nodded enthusiastically.
Blaine glanced at David. "Would it be okay for me to catch it?"
David shrugged. "Shouldn't be a problem, but we should talk to my father first."
"Fair enough," Blaine said, standing up. "Let's head back."
Magby happily followed them, its tiny feet pattering against the rocky floor as they exited the Fire Cave. The moment they stepped outside, the cool evening air hit them like a refreshing wave after the overwhelming heat inside.
David pulled out his phone, now finally able to get a signal. He quickly dialed his father's number, and within seconds, Joe Lindenberg's gruff voice came through.
"Dave? How can I help?"
"Hi dad. We've got some things to talk about, but first, where are you?"
Joe chuckled. "Out near the hilly area where the Rock-types live. Having some more mock battles with the younger trainers."
David exchanged a look with Eva and Blaine.
"That's not far from the fire cave," David said. "We'll head over now."
"Good," Joe replied. "Hurry up. I've got a feeling you've got a hell of a story to tell."
With that, they began their descent toward the rocky hills, Magby keeping pace beside them, ready for whatever came next.
The path from the Fire Cave to the hilly battlefield was rugged but well-trodden, winding through rocky outcrops and dry, windswept grass. At first, they still saw the occasional Fire-type—Growlithe lounging on sun-heated stones and Numel drowsily munching on tough shrubbery. But as they moved farther from the cave, the landscape changed. The ground became rougher, the air dustier, and small pebbles crunched beneath their boots.
More and more Rock-type Pokémon began appearing. A group of Roggenrola shuffled along a ridge, their glowing cores pulsing faintly. Graveler rumbled past, barely acknowledging the humans as they clambered over boulders. A Boldore stood like a statue, absorbing the last rays of sunlight into its crystalline formations. And far ahead, high up on the cliffs, even Aerodactyl wings cast shadows over the landscape as they soared.
As they walked, Blaine stroked his chin, deep in thought. "You know, this incident of ours—" He shot a glance at David and Eva, knowing they were all thinking about the magma bird they had seen. "—reminds me of my search for Mew."
David raised an eyebrow. "You were looking for Mew?"
Blaine nodded. "Not long ago, I had a theory. There was an expedition to a jungle—I wasn't part of it, but I studied what little they found. A tiny sliver of fossilized DNA, they said, possibly belonging to Mew."
Eva, the scientist, narrowed her eyes. "So back in the lab, you weren't just assuming things? You really saw a fossilized sample? That's fascinating… But that must have been a long time ago, or am I wrong?"
"Yeah, about ten years," Blaine admitted. "I even went searching myself later on. There were rumors that a Mew was sighted in the region—" he smirked, "—but you know how rumors are. Some say Mew can transform, vanish into thin air, even read minds. If that's true, it could be hiding right in front of us, and we'd never know."
David snorted. "That sounds like something out of a movie."
Blaine chuckled. "You'd be surprised. I once met someone in Alola who swore up and down that they saw a Mew fighting a giant, unnatural-looking black and yellow creature with massive maw and many tentacles or claws… But it's just a wild story."
Eva frowned slightly. "Still… if someone actually managed to clone Mew—"
Blaine waved a hand dismissively. "Eh, pure nonsense. Besides, if I couldn't find a real Mew, what are the chances someone could create one?"
They continued walking, the conversation settling into thoughtful silence.
Suddenly, a loud BOOM echoed through the hills, followed by bright flashes of light against the darkening sky.
David tensed. "That must be the battlefield."