The Pewter Gym was quiet, the morning light reflecting off the rocky floor. Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town stepped onto the battlefield, determination in his eyes. Pidgey was recovering but still not fully healed. Ash shook his head.
"I can't risk it," he muttered. "We'll go with Metapod and Rattata."
Charizard's tail flame flickered low, wings folded. Its sharp eyes followed Ash.
Brock emerged, arms crossed, calm as ever.
"Back for a rematch?" he asked. "Remember, it's a 3v3 battle."
Ash nodded. "Yes, but one of my Pokémon is injured. I won't force it."
Brock raised an eyebrow. "Wise choice. Battles aren't worth risking your Pokémon's health."
Round 1: Metapod vs Geodude
Ash sent out his first Pokémon.
"Metapod, go!"
Brock's first Pokémon, Geodude, dropped onto the field with a heavy thud.
"Geodude, Tackle!" Brock ordered.
Metapod wobbled but hardened its shell. Harden made its defenses stronger, absorbing the blow.
"Use Tackle now!" Ash commanded.
Metapod rolled forward, striking Geodude with all its might. Geodude stumbled back, momentarily off balance.
"Metapod, do it again!" Ash shouted.
The Pokémon spun, crashing into Geodude repeatedly. Finally, Geodude was knocked out, unable to battle.
"One down!" Ash whispered, relief washing over him.
Round 2: Metapod vs Onix
Brock recalled Geodude.
"Onix, you're up!"
The massive Rock Snake towered, body glinting, moving with surprising speed.
"Metapod, Harden!" Ash instructed.
Onix's head slammed down with Rock Throw, stones flying everywhere. Metapod tried to absorb the hits, but the impact was too much. A large boulder struck it from the side.
Metapod toppled over, its shell cracking slightly.
"Metapod, come back!" Ash called, recalling it.
Brock nodded. "Careful, that was close. Onix is powerful."
Round 3: Rattata vs Onix
Rattata sprang forward from its Poké Ball.
"Rattata, Quick Attack!"
Onix reared its head. Rock Throw!
Rattata zipped between the flying rocks, darting beneath Onix's coils. Quick Attack struck Onix repeatedly, biting and dodging with incredible agility.
"Now, Bite!" Ash commanded.
Rattata lunged, teeth sinking into the massive Pokémon. Onix staggered. Then, a final Slam from Onix knocked Rattata sideways.
The battle ended in a tie—the first match won, the second lost, each Pokémon exhausted.
Round 4: Rattata vs Sudowoodo
Brock sent out his final Pokémon: Sudowoodo.
Rattata charged, moving with quick, sharp strikes. Sudowoodo's sturdy body shifted, branches raised defensively.
"Rattata, Quick Attack!" Ash shouted.
Rattata darted forward, teeth flashing, striking Sudowoodo's legs. The tree-like Pokémon swayed but countered with Rock Throw, hurling heavy boulders. Rattata dodged some, but one struck, sending it skidding across the battlefield.
"Go, Rattata, get up!" Ash called.
Rattata rose shakily, breathing heavy, legs trembling. Sudowoodo stomped, then lunged with Rock Slide, forcing Rattata to leap aside. The small Pokémon tried again, nipping and dodging, but Sudowoodo's massive arms and rocks kept it on the defensive.
Finally, with a decisive Rock Throw, Sudowoodo struck Rattata, knocking it down. The match was lost.
Ash exhaled, fists clenched, watching his Pokémon struggle. He glanced at Pidgey, still inside its Poké Ball, and then at Charizard, silently observing from the sidelines.
The battle had ended, but the tension—the weight of choice and trust—still hung heavy in the Gym.
The Final Dilemma
Pedige perched beside Maya, watching the battle anxiously. Rattata had collapsed, injured from the intense fight. Pedige flapped its wings, wanting to help, but Ash shook his head.
Charizard stood nearby, tail flame flickering, wings twitching, silently observing. It watched Pedige's frustration, Ash's careful decision, and the care he showed for his Pokémon. Slowly, Blaze's sharp eyes softened as it considered the boy, the battle, and the choice to protect rather than force.
For the first time since being rescued, Blaze's thoughts weren't just of anger or betrayal. Something flickered inside—a cautious curiosity, a spark of trust.
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T/N:
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