"Pikachu, look at this!" Ash excitedly raised his head from his rotom phone, his eyes sparkling.
"Pika? (What?)" The yellow electric mouse curiously jumped onto his owner's shoulder, staring at the phone screen.
Ash pointed to the latest Pokémon news on the screen: "Elite Bruno, one of the Elite, has appeared on Mount Miyacha! This is a rare opportunity!"
"Pika Pika! (Awesome!)" Pikachu's tail wagged excitedly, and tiny electric sparks popped from his cheeks.
Ash clenched his fist: "Elite Bruno is a Fighting-type expert. If we can get his guidance, our training will definitely reach the next level!"
Just as Ash was about to pack his bags, Brock walked into the room with freshly made sandwiches: "Ash, eat something first before... Huh? Are you going out?"
"Brock! Perfect timing!" Ash grabbed his friend's wrist, "Elite Bruno is on Mount Miyacha, we have to hurry and find him!"
"Bruno?" Brock's eyes lit up, "The Fighting-type Elite? This really is a good opportunity. But Mount Miyacha is famous for Rock-type Pokémon, especially Onix..."
"Even better!" Ash already had his backpack on, "We can see Elite Bruno and encounter powerful Rock-type Pokémon. Two birds with one stone!"
Brock smiled helplessly: "Alright, let me pack my cooking utensils. Oh, by the way, should we call Xiao You?"
"Of course!" Ash had already rushed out the door, "More people, more power!"
Half an hour later, the trio gathered at the entrance of the Pokémon Center. After Xiao You heard Ash's explanation, she clapped her hands excitedly: "That's great! I've always wanted to meet the Elite!"
"Pikachu! (Let's go!)" Pikachu jumped onto Ash's head, like a living hat.
The three took a flying taxi to the foot of Mount Miyacha. The towering peaks pierced the sky, and traces of Onix occasionally sliding down the steep rock walls could be seen.
"The terrain here is really complicated." Xiao You looked up at the rugged mountain path, "Where could Elite Bruno be?"
Ash closed his eyes, his hands slightly open: "Let me sense it with Aura..."
Blue energy overflowed from Ash's palms, spreading outwards like ripples. Pikachu stood quietly beside him, his tail gently swaying.
A moment later, Ash opened his eyes: "There's a strong energy reaction on the mountainside, it might be a powerful Trainer or Pokémon!"
"Then what are we waiting for?" Brock had already adjusted his backpack straps, "But be careful, the Onix here are said to be much larger than usual."
The three began to climb the steep mountain path. Along the way, several Geodude curiously poked their heads out from the rock crevices to observe them.
"Hello!" Ash friendly waved to them, "Have you seen a very strong human Trainer pass by?"
"Geodude... Geodude... (That way... Over there)" One of the Geodude rolled to Ash's feet, pointing higher up the mountain with its rock arm.
"Thank you!" Ash smiled and patted the Geodude's head, who let out happy chirps.
After climbing for about another hour, Xiao You, panting, leaned against a protruding rock: "Rest... Let's rest for a bit..."
Just then, the ground suddenly vibrated slightly.
"Earthquake?" Brock vigilantly looked around.
Ash shook his head: "No, this vibration is very regular... like some large Pokémon is moving!"
The vibration grew stronger and stronger, and suddenly, the rock wall at the turn ahead shattered with a roar, and a gigantic gray figure burst out from the mountain.
"Onix!" The three exclaimed in unison.
But this Onix was far larger than usual, at least twice the length of a normal Onix, its rocky body gleaming with a metallic luster in the sunlight.
"Pika—chu!" Pikachu immediately entered battle mode, electric sparks flashing on his cheeks.
However, the Onix seemed to have no interest in them, moving quickly towards the summit, disappearing among the rocks in a flash.
"That... that was too big!" Xiao You's eyes widened, "I've never seen an Onix that big!"
Brock quickly opened his rotom phone's Pokédex: "Onix on Mount Miyacha are indeed larger than normal Onix due to the special geological environment, but the one just now was clearly an outstanding one among them..."
Ash's eyes sparkled with excitement: "Elite Bruno must be here for this Onix! We have to follow it!"
The three quickened their pace, following the tracks left by the Onix. As the elevation increased, the air became thinner, but their enthusiasm remained undiminished.
Suddenly, a deep roar came from ahead: "Machoke, use Cross Chop!"
"It's Elite Bruno!" Ash shouted in surprise.
Turning past a giant rock, they finally saw the legendary Fighting-type Elite. Bruno was shirtless, revealing his muscular physique, commanding a strong Machoke to battle another giant Onix.
"Machoke!" Machoke leaped high, his arms crossed into a cross, striking hard on the Onix's head. The Onix cried out in pain, staggering back a few steps.
Bruno keenly noticed someone approaching and turned to look in the direction of the trio: "Who's there?"
Ash immediately stepped forward: "Elite Bruno! I am Ash from Pallet Town, and these are my friends Brock and Xiao You! We came specifically to find you!"
Bruno narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Ash: "Ash from Pallet Town... Oak and Lance have mentioned you. A young man with Aura, right?"
Ash's eyes widened in surprise: "You know me?"
Bruno laughed heartily: "Of course! The young hero who destroyed Team Rockets's experimental base, who in the entire Kanto League doesn't know now?" He turned to Machoke, "Stop for a moment, Machoke."
"Machoke..." Machoke put away his battle stance and stood beside Bruno, vigilantly watching the injured Onix slowly retreat into the rock wall.
Bruno walked towards Ash: "You've come at a good time. I'm looking for the largest Onix on Mount Miyacha. The one just now wasn't small, but it's not my target yet."
Ash excitedly said: "We just saw an even bigger one! It went towards the summit!"
"Oh?" Bruno's eyes lit up, "Describe its features."
"Its body has a metallic luster, and its length is at least twice that of a normal Onix!" Brock added.
Bruno nodded: "That would be the 'King of the Mountain'. Legend has it that Mount Miyacha has an Onix that has lived for hundreds of years, and it is the guardian of the entire mountain." He clenched his fist, "I came this time to capture it!"
Xiao You curiously asked: "Isn't Elite Bruno a Fighting-type expert? Why does he want to capture a Rock-type Onix?"
Bruno revealed a mysterious smile: "A true fighter should understand all types of opponents. And..." He patted his muscular chest, "Isn't a direct confrontation of strength against strength the essence of fighting?"
The ground suddenly vibrated again, more intensely than any time before.
"It's coming!" Ash's Aura keenly sensed a powerful energy approaching.
The mountain suddenly burst open, and the metallic-lustered giant Onix broke out of the rock, looking down at everyone from above, letting out a deafening roar.
"Perfect!" Bruno, far from being afraid, laughed excitedly, "This truly deserves the title of 'King of the Mountain'! Machoke, prepare for battle!"
"Machoke!" Machoke once again took a battle stance.
Ash and his two friends quickly retreated to a safe distance, but they didn't want to miss this exciting duel.
"How will Elite Bruno deal with such a large Onix?" Xiao You nervously grabbed Brock's arm.
Brock stared at the battlefield: "Normal moves are not very effective against Onix, but Elite Bruno must have his strategy."
Bruno indeed did not immediately attack, but carefully observed every movement of the Onix. The Onix seemed to be provoked by this calmness, and its huge rocky tail suddenly swept towards Bruno and Machoke.
"Jump!" Bruno and Machoke leaped high at the same time, avoiding the fatal blow.
"Pikachu, can you understand what the Onix is saying?" Ash asked in a low voice, not having clearly heard what the Onix said.
Pikachu concentrated: "Pika... Pikachu! (It's saying... 'Human, leave my territory!')"
Ash nodded, using Aura to convey his thoughts to the Onix: "We are not here to harm you, Elite Bruno just wants a fair battle with you."
The Onix's movements suddenly paused, its huge yellow eyes turning to Ash, seemingly evaluating this human who could communicate with Pokémon.
Bruno noticed this detail and gave Ash an appreciative look: "It seems your abilities are indeed extraordinary." Then he shouted loudly to the Onix: "King of the Mountain! Battle me! If you win, I will leave immediately; if I win, you will become my partner!"
The Onix let out a low rumble, seemingly considering the proposal. Finally, it nodded, indicating acceptance of the challenge.
"Great!" Bruno took a fighting stance, "Machoke, first use Bulk Up to increase your strength!"
"Machoke!" Machoke's muscles visibly swelled, veins bulging.
The Onix didn't wait for them to be ready, its huge head slammed into Machoke. This attack came too fast, Machoke only had time to cross his arms in defense, and was sent flying more than ten meters away.
"Machoke!" Bruno shouted worriedly.
"Machoke..." Machoke struggled to get up, cracks already appearing on his arms.
Ash clenched his fist: "This won't do, Onix's defense is too strong!"
Bruno, however, smiled: "No, this is exactly what I want." He suddenly pulled out another Poké Ball from his waist, "Go, Poliwrath! Use Hypnosis!"
A blue Poliwrath appeared on the battlefield, its hands began to sway rhythmically, emitting a soft glow. The Onix's movements gradually slowed, and its eyelids began to droop.
"I see!" Brock suddenly realized, "First use Machoke to take the attacks, making the Onix think victory is assured and let its guard down, then use Poliwrath's Hypnosis!"
But the Onix was, after all, the King of the Mountain. Just as it was about to fall asleep, it violently shook its head, woke up, and angrily sprayed a barrage of sharp rock fragments at Poliwrath.
"Poliwrath, Protect!" Bruno quickly ordered.
A green barrier appeared around Poliwrath, blocking most of the attack, but it was still hit by a few rock fragments, suffering minor injuries.
"Pikachu! (It's angry!)" Pikachu cried out nervously.
The Onix was indeed enraged, and its entire body began to emit a dazzling white light.
"Is this... Harden?" Xiao You asked uncertainly.
Brock shook his head: "No, it's Rock Polish! It's increasing its speed!"
Sure enough, the Onix's movements suddenly became agile. Before Poliwrath could react, it was swept by the huge tail and slammed heavily against the rock wall.
"Poliwrath!" Bruno recalled the injured Poliwrath, "Well done, take a rest."
Now only Machoke and the Onix remained on the battlefield. Although Machoke was injured, the fighting spirit in his eyes remained undiminished.
"Machoke, can you still fight?" Bruno asked.
"Machoke!" Machoke nodded firmly.
Bruno smiled with satisfaction: "Good! Then let's settle this battle in the most direct way! Use Full Power Strike!"
Machoke took a deep breath, his entire body's muscles tensed to their limit, then he rushed towards the Onix with astonishing speed. The Onix was not to be outdone, its huge head met Machoke.
"Bang!" With a loud crash, the two Pokémon collided head-on, kicking up a cloud of dust.
When the dust settled, everyone saw Machoke kneeling on one knee, panting; while the Onix lay on the ground, unconscious.
"We succeeded!" Ash jumped up excitedly.
Bruno did not immediately celebrate, but walked over to the Onix and gently patted its body: "You are a powerful opponent, King of the Mountain. Now, become my partner."
He took out a specially made heavy Poké Ball and gently touched the Onix. The Poké Ball shook a few times, and finally made a "ding" sound, indicating a successful capture.
Bruno raised the Poké Ball, and Machoke, dragging his tired body, walked to his side. Bruno turned to Ash and his friends: "Thank you for your Helping Hand, especially you, Ash. Without your communication, this battle wouldn't have been so smooth."
Ash scratched his head sheepishly: "I just did what I could. Elite Bruno's battle was truly spectacular!"
Bruno laughed heartily: "Just call me Bruno. Since you came all this way to find me, why don't we go down the mountain together? I'll treat you to a meal, and we can talk about your training."
"Really?" Xiao You asked in surprise.
"Of course!" Bruno patted Brock's shoulder, "I hear you're an excellent Pokémon Breeder, and I'm very interested in your knowledge of Rock-type Pokémon."
Brock was flattered: "It's my honor!"
On the way down the mountain, Ash couldn't help but ask: "Bruno... sir, why did you want to capture such a large Onix?"
Bruno looked at the distant peaks: "Every Trainer has their own pursuit. I admire pure strength, and this Onix represents the essence of Mount Miyacha's power over thousands of years." He turned to Ash, "Just as you pursue the bond with Pokémon, we are all trying to understand the world of Pokémon in our own ways."
Ash nodded thoughtfully. Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder: "Pikachu! (We will become stronger!)"
The setting sun cast long shadows of the group, and new friendships and adventures awaited them ahead.