Chapter 16: Fire, Pressure, and the Third Trial
The third island didn't welcome them with calm waters or gentle winds.
It burned.
As soon as they stepped onto the shore, heat rose from the ground itself, the air thick and heavy. The sky above shimmered faintly, and the scent of sulfur lingered everywhere.
Ben wiped his forehead lightly. "…Okay, yeah. This place is trying to cook us."
Ashley walked ahead, unfazed. "…This is Navel Island."
"…Let me guess. Not a normal challenge."
"…Not even close."
Pikachu flicked its ears. "Pika…"
Ashley stopped near the entrance of the Gym, which was carved directly into the rocky structure of the island.
"…This one is about endurance. And control under pressure."
Ben smirked. "Sounds fun."
"…You won't say that later."
"I definitely will."
---
Inside—
The environment changed instantly.
Heat intensified.
Steam rose from cracks in the ground.
The battlefield wasn't flat—it was uneven, rising and falling with rocky platforms and narrow paths.
At the center stood the Gym Leader, calm despite the harsh surroundings.
"To pass this challenge," he said, "you must complete all stages. Climb, endure, and then battle."
Ben blinked. "…Wait, we still have to battle?"
"…Yes," Ashley said.
"…Finally."
---
The first stage began.
A vertical climb.
Sharp rocks.
Rising heat.
Ben started up immediately.
"…This is just climbing."
"…Don't underestimate it," Ashley warned.
Halfway up—
The heat intensified.
Sweat formed quickly.
The rocks became hotter.
Ben slowed slightly.
"…Okay… this is annoying."
He adjusted his grip.
Focused.
Step by step—
He continued.
Not rushing.
Not stopping.
At the top—
He pulled himself over.
"…That was stage one?"
"…Yes."
"…I still have energy."
"…You'll need it."
---
Stage two—
A narrow path across a heated surface, with bursts of steam erupting unpredictably.
Ben watched carefully.
"…Timing again."
Steam burst—
Then stopped.
He moved.
Precise.
Calculated.
Ashley watched from behind, her eyes tracking every movement.
"…Good."
He crossed.
No mistakes.
---
Stage three—
The final test.
The battle.
The Gym Leader stepped forward.
"Go, Steelix!"
A massive steel serpent emerged, its body reflecting the heat around it, heavy and imposing.
Ben cracked his neck. "…Now we're talking."
Ashley stepped forward slightly.
"…Don't rush. Steel types are durable."
"…Got it."
He raised his hand.
FLASH.
Green light burst—
And this time—
He transformed into Heatblast.
A being of fire, flames rising from his body, perfectly suited to the environment.
The Gym Leader's eyes narrowed slightly. "…Interesting choice."
Ashley watched carefully.
Fire against steel.
Advantage—
But not guaranteed.
"Steelix, Iron Tail!"
The massive tail swung forward with force.
Heatblast moved—
Not dodging completely—
But redirecting.
Flames burst outward, reducing impact.
"…Now," Ashley said.
Heatblast raised both hands.
Fire gathered.
Compressed.
Focused.
"Fire blast!"
A concentrated wave of flames shot forward, striking Steelix directly.
The heat intensified further.
Steelix resisted—
Pushed forward—
But slowed.
Ashley's eyes sharpened.
"…Again. Don't give it time."
Heatblast didn't hesitate.
Another blast.
Stronger.
More controlled.
Steelix staggered.
Then—
Collapsed.
Silence.
Then—
"Steelix is unable to battle. Challenge complete."
---
Outside—
The heat felt lighter.
The wind cooler.
Ashley held the third badge.
Three out of four.
Ben reverted back, stretching. "…Okay, that one was actually good."
"…You struggled a little," Ashley said.
"Only a little."
"…But you adapted."
"Always do."
She nodded faintly.
"…Yes."
---
They sat near the edge of the island, overlooking the ocean once more.
The sky glowed orange as the sun lowered.
"…One left," Ben said.
"…Yes."
Ashley looked at the horizon.
"…The final one is different."
Ben smirked. "Stronger?"
"…Much."
"Good."
A pause.
"…And after that?"
Ashley glanced at him.
"…We finish the Orange League."
"…And win."
She didn't hesitate this time.
"…Yes."
Ben smiled.
"Then let's finish it."
---
The wind carried their voices away.
The sea stretched endlessly ahead.
One final challenge remained.
And this time—
There was no doubt.
---
End of Chapter 16