Blazing flames ran from the crest of Rapidash's head, flowing along its back and ending at its fiery tail. Its sharp horn gleamed, and its crimson eyes burned with determination as it pawed the ground, making a dramatic entrance.
From a single glance, Red could see that Tetsuya had trained his Rapidash well. Its build and spirit showed clear development—but against Tauros, it didn't matter.
"Rapidash, use Flamethrower!" Tetsuya shouted, his tone tight with urgency.
Rapidash threw back its head, unleashing a roaring pillar of fire that surged forward like a wall of heat.
Red started to give a command, but Tauros tossed its head, refusing. Red caught the look in Tauros' eyes, calm yet confident. He gave a faint smile and stepped back.
Since he had entrusted the battle to Tauros, it would not disappoint him.
As the flames closed in, Tauros lowered its head and slammed its horns into a nearby stone pillar. With a thunderous crack, fragments of rock shot into the air. Tauros whipped them forward, forming a cascading barrier that intercepted the Flamethrower.
"Unbelievable! Instead of dodging, Tauros used Rock Slide to block the fire, smashing the flames apart with those massive boulders!" the announcer shouted, his voice vibrating with awe.
"What a Pokémon…" Sundae gasped from the stands. "Even without Red's orders, it can think strategically and counter like that."
"Rapidash, close the distance! Flame Wheel, go!"
Tetsuya's voice was almost frantic now. The proud confidence from his earlier battles was gone, stripped away by the disdainful eyes of the crowd. He couldn't bear the humiliation—not as a graduate of Pokémon Tech, not as a son of privilege.
With a whinny, Rapidash cloaked itself in fire, charging forward like a blazing comet.
But Tauros was already moving. Lowering its horns, it shattered another boulder, then tossed the fragments in Rapidash's path. One rock, then another, then more, until the Flame Wheel smashed against a storm of stone.
The impact shattered the move outright, the force battering Rapidash and leaving the fire horse staggering, flames flickering unevenly along its mane.
"Rapidash!" Tetsuya cried, desperation in his voice.
Rapidash panted heavily, legs trembling as Tauros advanced step by step.
Then Tauros erupted into a rush, horns glinting with brutal power.
The stadium went silent as it rammed into Rapidash, slamming the fire horse bodily into a stone pillar. The crack of impact echoed like lightning across the Rock Field.
Rapidash crumpled, unable to rise.
"Rapidash is unable to battle! The winner of this match is Red!" the referee announced, flags crossed with finality.
He blinked at his stopwatch—just over three minutes. It was official: Red's complete victory with a single Pokémon had already become one of the shortest and most decisive battles in Indigo League history.
"An astonishing match! Red of Pallet Town sweeps Tetsuya three-to-zero with only his Tauros, finishing the entire battle in under three minutes! Without question, this is one of the most dominant first-round performances we've ever seen!" the announcer roared, his excitement overflowing.
The crowd erupted with cheers. From every corner of the stands, people chanted Red's name, marveling at the sheer dominance he carried into battle.
"Pallet Town… the Land of Champions…" the announcer added, almost reverently. Memories stirred in the older trainers watching, recalling the great names from that quiet town. Red was already carving his place among them.
"My child won! My Red is amazing!" Delia cheered from home, her face glowing with maternal pride.
Professor Oak, seated beside her, shook his head with a helpless little smile. "Delia… Your son's true strength is even greater than you realize."
Back at the arena, the moment Red stepped down from the field, he was swarmed by reporters and cameras.
"Lord Red, as the hero of Porta Vista, what do you think of your opponent today?"
"Lord Red, as Pallet Town's rising star, do you think your twin brother Ash and your friend Leaf will also win three-on-one like you did?"
"Lord Red, who do you believe is stronger—yourself or the top seed, Lance?"
The questions piled on, desperate to capture his words.
Red answered politely but briefly, then without warning vanished in a shimmer of light as he Teleported away, leaving the reporters grasping at air with their microphones.
Though the battle had been short, the audience felt more than satisfied. Yet excitement quickly shifted toward the Water Field, where the next key match was about to begin.
Indigo League—Water Field—Round Three
After Goldeen defeated Tentacruel in the previous round, Ash now stood at the trainer's box for his very first official League battle.
Though usually carefree, his body trembled slightly, betraying the mix of nerves and adrenaline coursing through him.
"Why are you shaking like that?" Misty asked dryly, crossing her arms.
"I… I'm trembling with excitement!" Ash stammered, his voice a little too defensive. "Not fear! Definitely not fear!"
Misty rolled her eyes.
Behind him, Brock, acting as Ash's coach, stood shaking just as hard, trying in vain to look composed. Misty groaned, burying her face in her hands.
"The third match of the Water Field is about to begin!" the announcer declared, his voice booming as he introduced Ash and his opponent—Mandi the Magician.
The crowd roared. Ash clenched his fists tight, eyes blazing. His Indigo League journey had officially begun.