Chapter 14- Rivalry rekindled

                                    

                                          
Chapter-14
The sun was low in the sky as Ash, Pikachu, and Charmeleon walked through a quiet forest path. The dappled light created a calm, peaceful setting, but Ash's mind was far from calm. After the encounter with Team Rocket, he had been thinking about his old friend Gary and the pain he must be carrying after losing Raticate. Despite their differences, Ash couldn't help but feel concern for him.
The forest was silent save for the soft chirping of distant Pidgey, and Ash felt a strange heaviness settle over him. Just then, a familiar voice echoed through the trees. "Ash!"
He turned and saw Leaf running towards him, her face bright with relief. "Leaf!" he called back, feeling a surge of happiness at seeing her.
She caught up to him, breathing a little heavily but smiling. "Ash, I heard what happened with Team Rocket. Are you alright?"
Ash nodded, grateful for her concern. "We're okay. Things were intense, but we made it through." Charmeleon gave her a small nod, his gaze intense.
Before Leaf could reply, a sharp, mocking voice interrupted. "You two look pretty cozy. Didn't know you needed an audience to celebrate your little victories, Ash."
Both Ash and Leaf turned to see Gary standing just a few feet away, arms crossed, his expression a mix of anger and bitterness. His eyes flashed, and Pikachu's cheeks sparked, sensing the tension.
Ash took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Gary... I'm sorry about what happened with Raticate. But it wasn't your fault. You couldn't have done anything to stop it."
Gary's face twisted with anger, and he clenched his fists. "You think you understand, Ash? You have no idea what it's like to lose a Pokémon because you weren't strong enough! I failed him. I let him down."
Leaf took a tentative step forward, her tone soft. "Gary, we're your friends. We want to help you through this."
Gary sneered, his expression hardening. "I don't need your pity. If you really want to help, prove to me that you're better than me. Let's settle this, Ash. One-on-one, right here, right now."
Ash hesitated for a moment, but he knew Gary needed this, needed to fight. "Alright, Gary. I accept. Let's do this."
Leaf stepped back, worry clear in her eyes. "Ash, be careful."
Gary took a Poké Ball from his belt, his eyes glinting with determination. "Blastoise, go!"
With a flash of light, Blastoise emerged, towering over the battlefield, water jets poised and ready. It gave a thunderous roar, the ground trembling under its weight.
Ash looked at Charmeleon, who met his gaze with a fierce resolve. "Charmeleon, I choose you!" he said, a surge of confidence filling his chest.
Charmeleon stepped forward, the flame on his tail blazing as he faced off against the massive Blastoise. Ash could feel the intensity of Charmeleon's determination; his partner was ready to give everything he had.
Gary smirked. "Blastoise, Water Gun!"
Blastoise fired a powerful stream of water from its cannons, the force sending ripples through the air.
"Charmeleon, dodge it and counter with Flamethrower!" Ash called out.
Charmeleon leapt to the side, the Water Gun missing him by inches. He spun and unleashed a scorching Flamethrower, the flames surging toward Blastoise. But Blastoise stood firm, enduring the heat with a grunt as it shielded itself with its thick shell.
Gary's smirk widened. "That's the best you've got? Blastoise, Skull Bash!"
Blastoise charged forward, head lowered, its speed and power catching Ash off guard. Charmeleon tried to sidestep, but Blastoise moved with surprising agility, colliding into him with a thunderous impact. Charmeleon tumbled across the ground, struggling to rise as he shook off the blow.