“FLARE BLITZ!”

Aided by the Attack-boosted power of Charizardite X, Flare Blitz would rocket Fawkes forwards. It would put considerable strain on them both, especially when the bond phenomenon of Mega Evolution meant that the two were synched up, but Josh was too stubborn to go down so easily. And perhaps influenced by him, his Charizard was the same. The storm was getting worse, and their energy reserves were running low. Josh knew full well that it was now or never. They needed to push through, or be taken off course.

They had to be close, right? How much longer would this endless storm go?

“We can do this, Fawkes” he reassured the Charizard. “We can do it, just a bit more!”

Alexei Ivanov

-Notes-

Like a mystery gift, he was graced with mercy for the time being as they finally made it out of the storm. As the fires ceased and Josh stopped Fawkes to let the Charizard rest, he let out a deep breath of his own. He was tired, greatly tired. But they had made it through. Those conditions were far from natural and it had taken a great deal to get through, but it was done.

But unfortunately, this was only half of the test. For snow was soon replaced with rain, and the Gym Leader would challenge him to a game of aerial tag. Then came the Hurricane, which Josh and Fawkes had to brace from. And then it began.

Luckily, he had done his best to give Fawkes what time to rest that he could. Then they were off. “Flamethrower” he called calmly, as Fawkes would unload a Flamethrower that cut through the Hurricane with the power of Mega Evolution. With a clear path made for them, Josh would direct Fawkes through. Of course, there was still the problem of the rain getting on its tail and weakening it. But Josh had already begun working on that.

@tag

-Notes-

He knew the sound instantly. How many times had he ordered a Thunderbolt or Thunder from Lightning over the years? When a lightning strike was firing anywhere near you, and you’ve seen it many times before… You just know. Preemptively, he would urge Fawkes to move to the side, just in time to dodge the Thunder. It seemed that a lifetime of experiences, battles and turmoil had begun to pay off – in its own way.

He could also feel Fawkes’ Mega Evolution beginning to wear down. They needed to finish this quick. With the rain and the thunder, their window was closing to make this easier.

“Fawkes, one last burst! Flare Blitz!” he called, once he had moved the Charizard’s tail well enough for it to be tucked under its frame. Holding on for dear life, he nearly vomited as the Charizard shot off at full speed towards the Braviary, intent on catching it here and now while they still had the chance.

@tag

-Notes-

Now, to be fair. The downpour had started AFTER he’d brought the Charizard. He had no idea if he could switch either, he had been told to put the blindfold on Charizard. And if allowed, he would have brought Lightning who would have made the test easier. But this test was for him and a Flyer, he was told. So he had done that.

And he had been told to catch him. So he did.

Fawkes returned to normal just as the Flare Blitz ended, and Josh had been ready to form a new plan before he was told he’d almost knocked him out of the air. Well, seems it counted. Fawkes was directed to land alongside them as Josh used the towel he’d planned to cover himself with to instead shield Fawkes’ tail now that Flare Blitz and Mega Evolution wasn’t protecting it.

He could only grin cheekily as he was called reckless. Izumi had told him that many times. He liked to call it a quirk. He had done what needed to be done within both their limits, something both Trainer and Pokemon had found an understanding on.

But there it was. His first Badge. How many years had it been since he had started his journey now? Without a single Badge? It was a little late but… Here it was, and better late than never.

“Thank you” he spoke softly, his grin only widening as he took it, immediately showing it to Fawkes. “We did this together” he told Fawkes, who loosed a Flamethrower into the air in triumph before Josh recalled it to its Poke Ball.

The adrenaline was coming down as relief washed over him. It was over. The years-long drought was over. And in the middle of a downpour at that. Barely containing a sneeze, he nodded at Alexei’s suggestion to move.

“That’d be best” he agreed as they headed back. Lightning greeted him with eager cheers in celebration. He grinned cheekily as he showed the Raichu the badge. But most of all, Josh couldn’t wait to show his new badge to the kids!

@tag

-Notes-