Chapter 3: Sparks of Destiny

Professor Oak's laboratory hums with a low, persistent energy, the air filled with the scent of ozone and freshly polished metal. The room is lined with shelves of vials and Poké Balls, the equipment blinking with soft, green lights. Oak's face is a mask of anticipation and concern as he leads Ash and Blaze into the back room, where a single Poké Ball rests on a charging station.

Oak's fingers tremble slightly as he picks up the Poké Ball, his eyes reflecting a mixture of nostalgia and gravity. He holds it out to Ash, his voice steady but laden with unspoken history. "There is one Pokémon left," he says, his gaze flicking between the two brothers. "But it's not what you might expect. It's a Pikachu."

Ash's eyes widen with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. Blaze's face, however, tightens into a frown, his competitive mind already assessing the situation. Oak presses the release button, and a burst of light reveals a small, yellow mouse-like Pokémon with red cheeks and a lightning-bolt tail. Pikachu blinks sleepily, rubbing its eyes as it adjusts to the sudden change.

Blaze's excitement dwindles, replaced by a palpable disappointment. "A Pikachu?" he mutters, the words barely concealing his frustration. His strategic mind races—Pikachu isn't the powerhouse he'd envisioned. With a determined step back, he turns to Oak. "Professor, give Pikachu to Ash. He needs it more."

Ash's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and he looks at his brother with wide eyes. Blaze's selflessness in the face of such a lackluster choice is unexpected. Oak's face softens, his usual stern demeanor giving way to a touch of emotion. "Blaze, you're more like your father than you know," he says, his voice catching slightly. He places a hand on Blaze's shoulder. "But there's something else. Something I've been holding onto for you."

Oak retrieves a small, dust-covered Poké Ball from a locked cabinet, his expression shifting to one of reverent nostalgia. "This isn't a starter Pokémon, but it's special. It's a gift from your father, Leo Ketchum. He wanted you to have it when the time was right."

Blaze's fingers close around the Poké Ball, his heart pounding in his chest. With a deep breath, he releases the Pokémon inside. A flash of light reveals a small, blue-and-black canine-like Pokémon with piercing eyes. Riolu's gaze meets Blaze's, and an instant bond forms between them. Oak's voice, filled with warmth, breaks the silence. "This is Tempest. He's been waiting for you."

Blaze kneels down, his intense gaze softening as he reaches out to Tempest. The Pokémon's eyes are filled with a mix of curiosity and recognition. "Tempest, huh?" Blaze murmurs, a rare smile tugging at his lips. Tempest steps forward, pressing its paw against Blaze's hand. The connection is immediate and profound—Tempest isn't just any partner; it's a link to his father's legacy. Blaze glances at Ash, who meets his eyes with a supportive nod. The brothers understand that their paths, though separate, are bound by a shared destiny.

Turning to Ash, Oak's tone becomes serious. "Ash, I have to warn you," he begins, his voice dropping to a confidential whisper. "Pikachu can be a bit… difficult. He's not like the others. He might not listen to you at first." Ash, ever the optimist, grins and shrugs off the warning. "Don't worry, Professor. Pikachu and I will be best friends in no time!" Pikachu's eyes narrow, and sparks dance across its cheeks, clearly unimpressed.

Before Ash can react, Pikachu unleashes a sudden burst of electricity. The jolt catches Ash off guard, sending him stumbling backward, his hair standing on end. "Ow! Pikachu, what was that for?!" Ash yelps, rubbing his head. Blaze stifles a laugh, while Oak sighs, shaking his head with a hint of amusement. "I did warn you," Oak mutters, though his eyes twinkle with a suppressed chuckle.

Despite Pikachu's defiant display, Oak hands Ash and Blaze their Pokédexes and a set of Poké Balls. "These will help you on your journey," Oak says, his tone returning to its usual authoritative manner. Blaze clips his Poké Balls to his belt, feeling the weight of the journey ahead. Tempest stands by his side, ready for whatever challenges come their way. Ash, still recovering from Pikachu's shock, takes his Poké Balls with a determined grin, resolved to turn Pikachu into a reliable partner.

As the brothers prepare to leave, Pikachu gives one last act of defiance, this time catching both Ash and Professor Oak in an electric field. The resulting shock sends them sprawling, their hair frizzing and smoke rising from their clothes. "Pikachu, what's your problem?!" Ash cries out in frustration. Oak, brushing off the sparks, chuckles despite himself. "You've got your work cut out for you, Ash," he says, still laughing. Blaze smirks, grateful that Tempest seems far more agreeable.

Stepping outside the lab, Ash and Blaze are greeted by their mother, Delia Ketchum, and the supportive townsfolk of Pallet Town. Delia's eyes light up with pride as she sees Ash with Pikachu and Blaze with Tempest. "Oh, my boys, I'm so proud of you both!" Delia exclaims, pulling them into a tight hug. Blaze, slightly embarrassed by the attention, exchanges a sheepish glance with Ash. The crowd cheers, celebrating the brothers' departure.

But before the celebration can continue, Pikachu sparks up again. Without warning, it unleashes another burst of electricity, catching Delia, the townsfolk, and even Tempest in its shocking spree. Delia lets out a startled yelp, her hair frizzing as she stumbles back, while the townsfolk scatter, laughing nervously. Tempest shakes off the sparks with a determined growl. Blaze steps in front of his mother, his protective instincts flaring. "Ash, control that Pikachu!" Blaze shouts, while Ash frantically tries to calm Pikachu down.

After the chaos subsides, Delia hands Ash and Blaze their backpacks, filled with supplies for the journey ahead. "Take care of yourselves, and remember, I'm always here if you need anything," Delia says, her voice full of love and concern. Blaze shoulders his pack, feeling the weight of responsibility and excitement. Ash ties a rope around Pikachu's waist, securing it to his pack while donning a pair of rubber gloves for protection. Pikachu glares at Ash but begrudgingly allows itself to be pulled along.

With a final wave and determined smiles, Blaze and Ash set off down the road leading away from Pallet Town. The landscape stretches out before them, a mix of open fields and the promise of unknown adventures. As they walk, Blaze feels the familiar rush of excitement and anticipation, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead with Tempest by his side and Pikachu's unpredictable energy guiding them into the unknown.