"Come out, my trusted partner—Blaziken!"
Robert shouted as he tossed a Poké Ball into the air. A flash of red light revealed a tall, muscular Pokémon covered in white feathers, with a V-shaped crimson crest, piercing blue eyes, and powerful, bandaged claws. It stood on strong legs, ready for battle.
Blaziken
Category: Blaze Pokémon
Type: Fire/Fighting
Height: 2.0m
Weight: 52.0kg
Gender: Male
Ability: Blaze (Boosts Fire-type moves when HP is low)
Hidden Ability: Speed Boost (Increases speed slightly at the end of each turn)
Individual Stats:
HP: 31
Attack: 31
Special Attack: 31
Defense: 30
Special Defense: 28
Speed: 29
Moves: Scratch, Roar, Fire Punch, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Quick Attack, Blaze Kick, Flamethrower, Bulk Up, Brick Break.
Held Item: None
Strength Level: Elite Peak
Red's eyes widened in admiration as he observed the fierce Pokémon standing before him. "So this is your starter Pokémon? Impressive," he commented. "Blaziken looks incredibly powerful. This might be the strongest opponent my Charmeleon has ever faced."
He couldn't help but analyze the Pokémon's individual stats. With nearly perfect values in key areas, this Blaziken was a force to be reckoned with.
Robert nodded, a nostalgic smile forming on his lips. "Yeah, Blaziken has been with me since I started my journey in Hoenn. We've traveled together through three different regions, and each battle has made us stronger."
Red adjusted his cap, determination shining in his eyes. "Well, let's not waste any time. I hope this will be a fierce battle!"
He knew that if he wanted his Charmeleon to evolve into Charizard, it needed a real challenge. This battle was the perfect opportunity. Charmeleon and Blaziken were at similar power levels, ensuring an intense fight. Red estimated that after this battle, his Charmeleon had at least a 50% chance of evolving.
Both Pokémon locked eyes, sensing the strength in each other. Their competitive spirit ignited, and their bodies tensed in anticipation. If it weren't for their trainers' commands, they would have already launched into battle on their own.
The Battle Begins
Robert took the first move. "Blaziken, use Flamethrower!"
Blaziken's body surged with heat as it opened its beak, unleashing a powerful stream of orange-red flames toward Charmeleon.
"Charmeleon, counter it with Flamethrower!" Red commanded.
Charmeleon inhaled deeply and released a similarly scorching flame, colliding with Blaziken's attack. The resulting explosion sent waves of heat rippling through the battlefield, forcing both Pokémon to brace themselves.
Dust and smoke filled the air, but neither combatant showed signs of backing down.
Robert chuckled. "I've never seen a Charmeleon with this much power before. Your training has really paid off, Red."
Red smirked. "The same goes for you. Your Blaziken is strong—probably the toughest opponent we've faced in a while. But I hope you're ready, because I'm not holding back!"
The Clash of Titans
"Blaziken, use Fire Punch!" Robert ordered.
Blaziken dashed forward, its claw engulfed in blazing fire. It moved with blinding speed, aiming a direct punch at Charmeleon.
"Charmeleon, counter with Metal Claw!" Red called out.
Charmeleon's claws gleamed silver as it met Blaziken's fiery attack head-on. The two moves clashed, producing a deafening clang like metal striking metal. Sparks flew as both Pokémon pushed against each other with all their strength. The impact forced them apart, each sliding backward before regaining their footing.
Neither trainer hesitated.
"Flamethrower!" they commanded in unison.
Both Pokémon unleashed powerful streams of fire that collided once again, creating another fiery explosion. The battlefield was engulfed in thick smoke, making it difficult to see.
Robert narrowed his eyes. "Blaziken, use Blaze Kick!"
From within the smoke, Blaziken's fiery silhouette emerged, leaping high into the air. Flames surged around its foot as it descended toward Charmeleon with incredible speed.
Red acted quickly. "Charmeleon, use Fire Spin!"
Charmeleon whipped its tail, summoning a vortex of swirling flames that surrounded the battlefield. The spiraling fire engulfed Blaziken mid-air, slowing its descent.
But Blaziken wasn't done.
"Break through with Quick Attack!" Robert commanded.
Blaziken's form blurred as it accelerated through the flames, pushing past the Fire Spin to land a direct Blaze Kick on Charmeleon's chest.
Charmeleon skidded backward, digging its claws into the ground to stay upright. It panted, but its eyes still burned with determination.
Red grinned. "Not bad, but we're not done yet! Charmeleon, use Dragon Rage!"
A swirling blue flame erupted from Charmeleon's mouth, hurtling toward Blaziken.
"Blaziken, counter with Flamethrower!"
The two powerful attacks collided, causing yet another explosion. The force of the blast sent shockwaves across the battlefield, rattling the arena.
The Final Exchange
Both Pokémon were showing signs of exhaustion, their breathing heavy.
Robert knew he had to finish this soon. "Blaziken, let's end this—use Bulk Up!"
Blaziken's muscles tensed as its power surged. Its attack and defense increased, making it even more formidable.
Red wasn't about to let that happen. "Charmeleon, use Brick Break before it finishes powering up!"
Charmeleon lunged forward, its claw glowing white as it aimed a powerful strike at Blaziken.
But Robert was ready. "Blaziken, dodge and use Blaze Kick!"
Blaziken nimbly evaded the attack and countered with a flaming roundhouse kick. The attack landed squarely on Charmeleon, sending it tumbling across the battlefield.
The dust settled as Charmeleon struggled to stand. Its body glowed faintly—signs of an imminent evolution.
Red clenched his fists, his heart pounding. Come on… evolve!
The glow intensified for a moment… but then faded. Charmeleon remained in its current form, breathing heavily.
Robert exhaled, relaxing his stance. "That was one of the best battles I've had in a long time, Red. Your Charmeleon is incredibly strong."
Red gave a small smile, though he couldn't hide his disappointment. "Thanks. Your Blaziken is no joke either. I guess Charmeleon just needs one more push before evolving."
Both trainers walked toward their Pokémon, offering them words of encouragement. They knew that this battle wasn't just about winning or losing—it was about growth.
A Battle to Remember
As they recalled their Pokémon, Robert extended a hand toward Red. "No matter what, I respect your strength. Let's have another battle sometime."
Red grinned and shook his hand. "Count on it."
Their rivalry had just begun, and both trainers knew that the next time they met, their Pokémon would be even stronger.
The battle between Charmeleon and Blaziken would go down as one of the most intense fights of their journeys. And next time, Red was determined—Charizard would make its grand entrance.
End of Chapter 69.
---