Chapter 8: A Symbol in the Sky

Blaze Ketchum sat in the sterile waiting room of the Pokémon Center, the plastic chair beneath him feeling both cold and comforting. The room, with its muted colors and glossy tile floor, reflected the harsh fluorescent lights above, casting a sterile glow that heightened the sense of urgency. His sharp amber eyes were focused intently on his Riolu, Tempest, whose blue body bore the marks of a hard-fought battle.

Tempest lay still, his breathing labored but steady. Blaze meticulously applied a Potion to the Pokémon's bruised sides, the liquid hissing softly as it made contact with Tempest's injuries. Riolu's intense eyes met Blaze's, conveying a silent gratitude and determination. Blaze's fingers were deft, his movements practiced from countless battles and injuries treated. "You did great out there, Tempest," Blaze murmured, his voice soft yet laced with an undercurrent of fierce pride. "We'll get stronger, together."

As Blaze worked, Pidgeotto perched on the back of his chair, his keen eyes scanning the room with an almost sentient awareness. The bird Pokémon's feathers fluffed up in a display of calm readiness, his vigilance a stark contrast to the sterile environment. Blaze's gaze occasionally shifted to Pidgeotto, appreciating the bird's loyal presence and the comfort it provided.

Nearby, the videophone stood as a relic of a bygone era, its bulky design contrasting sharply with the modernity of the Center's medical equipment. Blaze glanced at it, then nudged Ash, who sat a few chairs away, looking lost in thought. "Call Mom," Blaze instructed gently but firmly. Ash's eyes, heavy with worry, met Blaze's for a fleeting moment before he moved towards the phone.

The screen flickered to life, revealing their mother's warm smile. Delia Ketchum's face lit up, but her eyes softened with concern as she took in Ash's dejected expression. "Ash, Blaze! How are you?" Her voice carried the warmth of home, but the worry was evident.

Ash's shoulders slumped as he began to speak, his voice faltering. "Mom... I feel like a falling Pidgey. I couldn't protect Pikachu. I messed up." His hands clenched into fists, knuckles white with frustration and self-reproach. The image of Pikachu, battered and vulnerable, haunted him.

Delia's face softened, her maternal instincts taking over. She leaned closer to the screen, her voice soothing. "Ash, listen to me," she said, her tone filled with reassurance. "You are strong and brave, just like your father. You can do anything you put your mind to. Pikachu needs you to stay positive. You're his strength."

Blaze's eyes roamed the waiting room, seeking distraction from Ash's visible anguish. They landed on the bulletin board near the door, cluttered with Pokémon-related flyers and notices. One image, in particular, caught his attention—a depiction of a majestic bird Pokémon. Blaze's breath caught as he recognized it. "That's it..." he muttered to himself, the pieces of a puzzle clicking into place in his mind. The mysterious bird Pokémon he'd seen soaring over a rainbow—the same one that had hovered at the edge of his memory.

Just as Ash finished his conversation with their mother, the phone beside them rang, a sharp, intrusive sound that jolted both brothers from their thoughts. Blaze swiftly picked up the receiver, his voice tight with a blend of curiosity and urgency. "Hello?"

The familiar voice of Professor Oak crackled through the receiver, though the screen displayed only the back of the Professor's head. "Blaze, it's Professor Oak. Don't you recognize me?"

Blaze's lips curved into a dry smirk. "No, Professor. I don't recognize the back of your head."

Professor Oak adjusted the camera, his face finally coming into view, his expression sheepish. "Ah, oops! Wrong camera," he said, a hint of embarrassment coloring his voice. Once correctly positioned, his tone shifted to one of concern. "Blaze, Ash, I wanted to check on you both. How are things in Viridian City? Have you caught any new Pokémon yet?"

Ash, still reeling from his earlier conversation with their mother, stepped forward. "Professor... I didn't catch any Pokémon. Pikachu... he's hurt, and..." His voice trailed off, the weight of his earlier failure pressing heavily on him.

Blaze, sensing his brother's distress, stepped in. "Professor, you'll be glad to know you've won at least half of that bet. I caught a Pidgeotto." He gestured for Pidgeotto to come closer, and the bird Pokémon fluttered to his side, ruffling his feathers proudly.

Professor Oak's face brightened as he saw Pidgeotto. "Well done, Blaze! Pidgeotto is a fine addition to your team. It looks strong and healthy—just what I expected from you!" He turned his attention to Ash, his voice gentle but encouraging. "Ash, don't be too hard on yourself. Pokémon battles are tough, and sometimes things don't go as planned. What matters is that you learn and grow from each experience."

Before Professor Oak could say more, Blaze interjected with a note of urgency. "Professor, I saw something unusual earlier—back near Pallet Town. A huge bird Pokémon, unlike any I've ever seen. It flew over a rainbow." Blaze's eyes narrowed as he recalled the sight, every detail vivid in his memory.

Professor Oak's expression shifted to one of deep interest. "A bird Pokémon over a rainbow, you say? Fascinating... We'll have to investigate this further, Blaze. Keep an eye out for anything unusual."

As Professor Oak began to ponder the implications of Blaze's sighting, a sudden ding interrupted the conversation. The Professor glanced off-screen, an apologetic grin spreading across his face. "Ah, my pizza's here. Duty calls! We'll talk more later, boys. Take care of yourselves and your Pokémon." With that, the call ended abruptly, leaving Blaze and Ash staring at the screen in mild disbelief.

Blaze hung up the phone, his thoughts swirling around the mysterious bird Pokémon. Ash, meanwhile, was lost in his thoughts, replaying his mother's and Professor Oak's words in his mind. Blaze placed a reassuring hand on Ash's shoulder, his tone firm yet caring. "We're going to get through this, Ash. Pikachu will be okay, and we'll come out stronger. We have to be ready for whatever comes next."

As the waiting room's fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead, Blaze and Ash sat back down, the weight of their journey pressing heavily on their young shoulders. Blaze clenched his fist, the image of the mysterious bird Pokémon burning bright in his mind. It was a symbol of the challenges yet to come—a reminder of the battles they had yet to face.