Chapter 21: The Town of Flames & The Blazing Charge
Chapter 21: The Town of Flames & The Blazing Charge
After returning to town, Ron handed over his six Poké Balls to Nurse Joy for healing. While waiting, he recounted his encounter with the Hoenn Champion, Steven Stone, and how he had resolved the issue with the Zubat and Golbat swarm.
Hearing Steven's name, Nurse Joy could only sigh helplessly, then promptly notified the Pokémon League, requesting them to relocate the displaced Zubat and Golbat back to their original habitat.
Lillie, on the other hand, was envious of Ron's rare opportunity to meet a Champion and even receive personal guidance.
Ron simply smiled without saying a word. Once his Pokémon had fully recovered, he and Lillie left town and set off toward their next destination—the famous Town of Flames.
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Arrival at the Town of Flames
After traveling for a day and a half, they finally arrived at a unique and vibrant town known for its fire-type Pokémon.
As soon as they entered, they could feel the temperature rise by several degrees. It didn't take long for them to understand why this town was famous.
The streets were teeming with fire-type Pokémon—Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard, Vulpix, Ninetales, Growlithe, Arcanine, Ponyta, Rapidash, Magmar, Flareon—every Kanto fire-type Pokémon could be found here.
After asking around, they learned that a dormant volcano near the town had attracted large numbers of fire-type Pokémon, creating a unique ecosystem. The town also had hot springs, making it a popular yet lesser-known tourist destination. Though not as famous as Cinnabar Island, the hot springs and fire Pokémon presence gave it its distinct identity.
Then, they heard a rumor—the owner of a particular hot spring inn was an expert in teaching fire-type Pokémon the powerful move Flare Blitz—for free.
Originally, just the thought of soaking in a hot spring was enough to excite both of them. But hearing about free move tutoring for their Pokémon sealed the deal.
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A Visit to the Hot Spring Inn
With directions from the locals, they arrived at a traditional Japanese-style hot spring inn.
The owners were an elderly couple. When the old man heard Ron wanted to learn Flare Blitz, he confidently pounded his chest and assured them that he could teach it.
Then, with a knowing smile, he added:
"By the way, our hot spring is mixed-gender—you and your Pokémon can bathe together."
Ron rolled his eyes at the old man, thinking, "You old pervert…" Even if Lillie didn't mind, he himself was still underage!
After paying the fee and changing into swimwear, Ron rushed into the hot spring with his six Pokémon.
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Soaking in the Hot Springs
The mild sulfuric scent lingered in the air, but it wasn't overwhelming. The warm mineral water soothed their bodies, providing various health benefits.
Lillie also joined the hot spring, wearing a pure white one-piece swimsuit wrapped in a bath towel. The Pokémon relaxed alongside them, closing their eyes in comfort.
Only Charizard looked miserable, forced to keep its tail outside the water to avoid extinguishing its flame.
After the bath, the inn provided free hot spring buns and milk. They then enjoyed a delicious dinner, before heading to the inn's training field at the back.
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Training for Flare Blitz
At the well-maintained battle field, an elderly Charizard stood waiting—the innkeeper's personal Pokémon.
Ron's own Charizard stepped forward, engaging in a silent exchange with its elder.
The old Charizard then demonstrated Flare Blitz, providing detailed explanations as it performed the move.
Seeing this valuable training opportunity, Ron also instructed Mewtwo and Nidoking to learn Fire Punch, Flamethrower, and Fire Blast.
Meanwhile, Lillie sent out Nidorina and Clefairy to learn new skills as well.
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Learning Moves Without TMs
While TMs (Technical Machines) were the fastest way to teach Pokémon new moves, direct coaching from experienced Pokémon could also work—though it required patience and high comprehension skills.
Fortunately, Ron's Pokémon were all top-tier, with exceptional learning abilities.
Apart from Lillie's Horsea and Pikachu, which were mid-tier, the rest were high-grade or perfect-grade Pokémon, making it easier for them to master new techniques.
The old man generously sent out a Magmar to help coach the Pokémon.
Within just 20 minutes, Mewtwo had already mastered all three fire-type moves.
Then, it tugged on Ron's sleeve and communicated telepathically:
"Dad, I want to learn more skills!"
Ron thought for a moment, then sent out Greninja to teach Mewtwo Water Pulse.
Four minutes later, Mewtwo had already mastered it.
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Charizard's Resolve
By the time Charizard finally learned Flare Blitz, Mewtwo had already copied multiple moves from Greninja, Bellossom, and Beedrill.
Seeing Mewtwo's rapid growth, Charizard felt a wave of frustration.
It realized that its "junior" was quickly surpassing it, and despite being Ron's first Pokémon, it now felt the pressure to keep up.
Charizard then turned to the elder Charizard and requested to learn Heat Wave and Inferno.
Meanwhile, Mewtwo—under Ron's guidance—began fine-tuning its move execution and reducing skill delay while floating mid-air with psychic levitation.
The intense training session continued late into the night.
After dinner and another soak in the hot spring, everyone finally went to sleep.
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A Late-Night Challenge
That night, Charizard opened its eyes, glancing at Mewtwo, who was levitating in meditation.
Sensing Charizard's gaze, Mewtwo also opened its eyes and stared back.
Charizard pointed outside, and Mewtwo nodded, using Teleport to instantly transport both of them away from the room.
Ron, lying in bed with his back turned, sighed helplessly.
He understood Charizard's pride.
Even though Charizard had never complained, he knew it was worried—watching Mewtwo grow stronger each day, surpassing even its own strength.
While Charizard never cared about being the team's strongest, it feared falling behind Ron's pace—it dreaded being left behind.
Ron didn't need Charizard to be the strongest. But this was something Charizard had to overcome on its own.
Interfering would only make things worse.
"Hang in there, Charizard," Ron muttered to himself, staring at the ceiling.
"Don't lose to yourself."