Pokémon: The Battle Ranch Chronicles

The first two weeks of Prince Charles' visit were finally over. On Sunday, Charles left Battle Ranch, promising to return after a week. He would be accompanying his parents on a trip abroad, and then he'd be back for one final week.

Monday morning in the Lindenberg home was quieter than it had been in a while. With David home, instead of managing the prince's schedule, he finally had time to focus on his own family. He had promised Jake the night before that he would take him to school today, a rare treat for both of them.

They were driving down the winding road toward Iglaustadt, a small town nestled between rolling hills. Jake sat in the backseat, his feet swinging and a thoughtful expression on his young face.

David glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "So, Jake, sorry I haven't talked with you much these last two weeks. How's everything going? How's school?"

Jake gave a little shrug. "It's okay, I guess."

David frowned slightly at the response. "Just okay?"

Jake sighed. "Well, it's Mark... He's always being mean to me."

David's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Still making fun of you, me and our ranch?"

Jake nodded, his voice growing small. "Yeah. He keeps calling me a loser. He says I'm a loser, you're a loser, even grandpa's a loser."

David clicked his tongue in irritation. "That kid really needs to learn some new words," he muttered. "Don't let it get to you, Jake. You know none of that is true."

Jake looked out the window, nodding, but his little hands were clenched tightly in his lap.

David tried to shift the mood. "Hey, what about the festival last weekend? Did the other kids like it?"

Jake's face lit up just a little at the change in topic. "Yeah, they thought it was awesome! There were so many new Pokémon, even dragons!"

David chuckled. "Ah, dragons. Frank told me that you were almost taken away by a Hydreigon."

Jake's eyes widened. "I was not! It was just amazing Pokémon. Everyone should be amazed by it!"

"Well, Frank said how he saw you running from one dragon to the next, trying to talk to them." David glanced back with a smile. "But listen, Jake. You need to be careful. Some of the guards noticed too, and they might mention it to the higher-ups."

Jake frowned in confusion. "Why? I didn't do anything wrong."

David sighed. "It's just... it's a bit unusual. Most people can't talk to Pokémon the way you do. But don't worry, we'll handle it if it comes up." He paused. "Did the kids at school ask about the prince?"

Jake smirked. "Yeah, but they asked dumb stuff. Like if he wears a crown every day."

David laughed loudly. "Of course they did!"

They drove in silence for a moment, the quiet hum of the car filling the space between them.

"Hey, Dad?" Jake's voice was softer now.

"Yeah, buddy?"

"I know that Ramses said you should go with prince Charles... but will you come visit us sometimes?" Jake's voice wavered slightly.

David's heart ached at the question. He took a deep breath before answering. "I don't know what's gonna happen. Maybe this won't be necessary. But Jake, I promise, I'll always find time for you, even when I'm away. You can call me anytime, and I'll be there, okay? I'm never too far."

Jake nodded slowly. "Okay..."

"Besides," David added with a grin, "I belive we can get this mess with the attacks sorted. Once that's done, things will get back to normal. No more running around chasing after princes." He glanced at Jake, who was staring out the window again. "But don't worry about that stuff, okay? Just focus on school. And if Mark gives you trouble again, what do we do?"

"Ignore him," Jake replied, his mood brightening.

"Exactly." David smiled, pulling up to the school. "You're stronger than that, Jake. Don't let him get to you."

As they stopped, Jake unbuckled his seatbelt and hopped out of the car. "Thanks, Dad!" He ran toward the school gates, where a couple of his classmates were waiting, already bombarding him with questions about Pokémon. Jake eagerly jumped into conversation with them.

David smiled, but as he turned the car around, his expression hardened. He saw Viktor Vranitzky, Mark's father, walking with Mark toward the school. Both had their usual cold, distant expressions. Viktor's eyes briefly met David's through the windshield, but neither man acknowledged the other.

"Assholes," David muttered under his breath, watching as they passed, before driving away.

When David arrived back home, he was surprised by the smell of breakfast wafting from the kitchen. He hadn't expected Eva to have the time, but it seemed like she had made quite the effort this morning. However, as soon as he stepped inside, he could see why it had taken a bit of extra time.

The kitchen was chaos.

Eva stood in the middle, looking half-exasperated, half-amused, as almost all of their Pokémon surrounded her, eagerly awaiting breakfast. The countertops were littered with ingredients, and the table was piled high with a mix of human food and various Pokéblocks. It was like a scene from a wild circus – Pokémon of all shapes and sizes were crowding in, some hovering close to Eva, others pacing impatiently, and a few causing harmless trouble.

Lenny the Venomoth, ever the reliable one, was fluttering calmly above the fray, using Confusion to carefully distribute Pokéblocks from a jar, floating them down to the eager Pokémon. But even Lenny couldn't keep up with the demand.

David's eyes widened in amusement as he saw his particularly bold Ambipom, Marcel, trying to sneak extra treats from the table. At the same time, Eva's Ribombee, Britney, perched on the back of a chair, giving an annoyed chirp every few seconds when the other Pokémon got too close.

Eva, clearly at her limit, glanced up just in time to see Remy the Sizzlipede climbing onto a chair to grab a slice of burnt toast. She let out a frustrated groan.

"OUT! EVERYONE OUT!" she suddenly shouted, waving her arms as if shooing away a flock of wild Pidgey.

The kitchen exploded into motion as the Pokémon scrambled, some looking more offended than others. Marcel, for one, stopped in his tracks and stared at her in disbelief. Remy hissed, his tiny body curling in defiance before reluctantly slithering toward the door. Ribombee fluffed her wings and gave Eva a disdainful glance before hopping down from her perch and gliding gracefully outside.

As the chaos slowly died down, Eva huffed, wiping her forehead. The only ones left inside were her trusty Venomoth and a small shiny Charmander, who was sitting on the table contentedly chewing on a piece of crispy bacon.

Just as David stepped into the kitchen, a smile tugging at his lips, Eva threw her hands up. "Finally, peace!" she exclaimed.

David chuckled as he leaned against the doorway, watching the last of the Pokémon shuffle outside. "What's going on in here?"

Marcel, still sulking, pointed dramatically at Eva and screeched, clearly unhappy with the turn of events.

David grinned. "Hey, buddy. You heard her. No food if you don't behave, and trust me, you'll be doing double training if you give her any more trouble."

Marcel glared at him but finally relented, hopping outside to join the others in the garden.

"Come on," Eva said with a sigh, motioning for David to join her. "Let's eat before the whole house falls apart." She glanced at Lenny. "Can you take the rest of the food out for them?" she asked, and the Venomoth happily floated a large container of Pokémon food out to the garden.

David took a seat at the table, his eyes drifting to the small Charmander, who was still happily munching away. "And what about this little guy?" he teased, pointing to the fire lizard.

Eva looked over at Charmander and smiled. "I couldn't send him out with the others. Look at him. He's just too cute." She reached over and scratched the Charmander under his chin, and the little Pokémon cooed in satisfaction before immediately returning to his bacon.

David leaned closer to his wife and grinned mischievously. "You know, Fluffy could handle Charmander for a while. Then maybe we could... do something else."

Eva raised an eyebrow, amused. "You're such a pervert," she teased, but the smile on her lips and spark in her eyes betrayed her amusement at the idea.

Charmander, oblivious to their conversation, continued chewing. Eva leaned toward the tiny lizard. "Hey, little guy, how about you go play with the others outside? You can join Fluffy. What do you say?"

Charmander tilted his head, considering it for a moment, then nodded eagerly.

David stood, picking up the small fire-type, and carried him toward the garden. As soon as they stepped outside, Remy the Sizzlipede, already plotting mischief, slithered over and hissed at Charmander, clearly eyeing the piece of bacon still in his grip. Charmander narrowed his eyes, clutching his prize tightly, and defiantly stuck his tongue out at the Sizzlipede.

David chuckled, lowering Charmander to the ground. "Looks like you two are going to get along just fine."

No sooner had he put Charmander down than Remy lunged, grabbing the other end of the bacon with his jaws. The two Pokémon began tugging furiously, neither willing to back down. Remy, being older and stronger, managed to yank the bacon away and started slithering off. But Charmander wasn't one to give up so easily – with a determined cry, he dashed after the Sizzlipede, firing little embers at his opponent as he chased him around the yard.

David sighed and rolled his eyes. "This is going to end badly."

He raised his voice. "Meg! Can you keep an eye on those little troublemakers? Make sure they don't set the whole place on fire."

Meganium, lounging lazily under a tree, lifted her head and gave a happy trill. She got up and slowly sauntered over to where the fire-types were still bickering, using her gentle nature to calm them down.

With that sorted, David returned to the kitchen, expecting to see Eva waiting for him. Instead, the kitchen was eerily quiet. He raised an eyebrow and grabbed a quick bite from the bread left on the counter. "Eva? Babe?" he called, but there was no response.

Curious, he wandered through the house, eventually heading upstairs. As he stepped into their bedroom, his breath caught in his throat.

Eva lay sprawled across the bed, completely naked, a playful, seductive smile on her face. She batted her lashes and motioned for him to come closer. "Hello, Mr. Lindenberg. I've been a very naughty girl," she purred in a soft, teasing voice.

David blinked, taken aback for a moment, then quickly recovered. He grinned as he stepped toward her. "Well then, I guess we'll just have to do something about that."

An hour later, after both were freshly showered and content, they returned downstairs, calling back a few of their Pokémon. The day was still young, and together, they strolled from their home toward the ranch headquarters, ready to take on whatever the day had in store.

They walked side by side, both aware of the new precaution that had become necessary at the ranch. After the Sleeper attacks, everyone had agreed that nobody should go anywhere alone. Paired movement was now a rule, and the presence of Pokémon, ready for anything, was an added layer of security.

David had his trusty Meganium, Meg and Houndemon Fluffy, walking beside them, Meg's long neck swaying with every step, while Swoobat flitted above, keeping an eye on the skies. Eva, meanwhile, had her reliable Venomoth, Lenny, flapping lazily just overhead, wings shimmering in the morning light. Tobias the Galvantula, was walking few steps behind them, its tiny eyes darting toward every shadow as if expecting something to pop out.

"Feels strange going anywhere in pairs," Eva remarked as they walked, her eyes scanning the area. "I mean, I know it's necessary, but after so many years of peace here…"

David nodded, his jaw clenched slightly. "Yeah, it does. But we can't take any chances now. We were lucky last time—Jake and the others were safe. I'm not going to let anything like that happen again."

Eva gave him a reassuring smile and leaned in slightly. "It's good we have all this backup, though." She gestured to the Pokémon around them, her eyes softening as she looked at Lenny.

As they neared the ranch headquarters, Eva's mind drifted to an unusual thought. She looked at David. "Speaking of backup… I've been meaning to ask you something. Do you think Jake noticed Maya today?"

David turned to her, frowning in thought. "What do you mean?"

"Well," Eva began, "I've told her to go with him... She's been in his shadow during the last attack. Did he say something about her?"

David shook his head slightly. "No, Jake hasn't said anything about it today. He probably hasn't noticed." He chuckled softly, almost to himself. "That boy's got so much energy, I doubt he'd realize if an entire herd of Tauros was following him."

Eva smiled, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes. "I suppose that's good. Maya is doing her job, then. She's always been good at protection, but lately, I need her to be extra cautious."

David gave a short nod, glancing back toward where Swoobat was still flying in circles, unaware of any deeper conversation. "I trust Maya. If she's staying close to Jake like that, it's probably for the best. Ghost-types know things we don't. Maybe she senses danger before others can do anything about it."

Eva's gaze shifted thoughtfully. "Which reminds me... why is it you never caught a ghost Pokémon yourself? I mean, Maya's great, but she's mine. I've always wondered why you never got your own."

David shrugged casually, looking down at the path as they walked. "Honestly, I always thought I'd end up with Rootie—my dad's Trevenant. He inherited Rootie from my grandfather, so I figured I'd inherit him too someday." He paused for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ghost-types are hard to connect with, but Rootie's different. He's been in the family for generations."

Eva nodded, her voice thoughtful. "That makes sense. Maya wasn't always ghost, too... But why wait so long, until your dad's retired?. You know, Dave, ghosts can be... well, incredibly useful." Her eyes sparkled slightly as she spoke. "They can follow you silently, protect you without anyone noticing. If it weren't for Maya, I might not have realized how much we rely on them in the shadows."

David looked over at her, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, I know. I've been thinking about it lately. Maybe I should consider getting one of my own. If anything, it might be good to have another set of eyes, or… shadows."

Eva smirked, giving him a playful nudge. "If you do, just make sure it's one that doesn't scare Jake too much. We don't need a Haunter sneaking up on him in the middle of the night."

David laughed, shaking his head. "I'll keep that in mind." His tone grew more serious for a moment. "But you're right. We need all the protection we can get right now. Maybe it's time I started looking."

They continued their walk toward the headquarters, side by side, the air around them quiet but charged with a sense of readiness. Fluffy grumbled softly as she walked, her two tails gently brushing the ground, and Swoobat let out a small, high-pitched chirp as he flew in lazy circles above them.

David reached over and gently took Eva's hand. "Whatever happens, we'll get through it. Together."

Eva squeezed his hand, her gaze steady. "Always."

At the ranch headquarters, David and Eva parted ways with a brief exchange of glances, knowing they had their tasks ahead. David turned toward the battlefield, while Eva made her way to her office, where she would be assigning new Pokémon to fresh trainers.

Upon entering her office, Eva found two teenagers sitting nervously in the waiting area. Both were around fifteen years old, their faces a mix of excitement and apprehension. The boy had short brown hair and wore a blue jacket, while the girl had long, dark braids tied back into a ponytail and a colorful scarf around her neck.

"Good morning!" the girl greeted and the boy repeated the phrase after her.

"Hello there!"

Eva replied with a warm smile as she closed the door behind her. "You must be the new trainers. Come on in, don't be shy."

They stood up quickly, exchanging awkward glances before stepping into her office. Eva motioned them to sit in the chairs across from her desk. She noticed the boy nervously fidgeting with his jacket zipper while the girl kept looking at her phone, adjusting her scarf repeatedly.

"So allow me to introduce myself. I am doctor Lindenberg and I am here to guide you through the process of becoming a Pokémon trainer." Eva started explaining.

"Doctor Who?" the boy asked as he was nervously looking around and was not listening.

"Doctor Eva Lindenberg," Eva chuckled repeating her name and continued, "so, before we get started, let's get your names and details into the system," Eva said, turning to her computer. She logged into the Pokémon League registration database and began typing. "Let's start with you," she nodded at the boy, who seemed relieved to be going first.

"Uh, I'm Adam Ryneš," the boy said quickly. "From Pilsen."

Eva smiled, typing in his information. "Nice to meet you, Adam. And what are your goals? You're here to become a Pokémon trainer, I assume?"

Adam nodded, his expression brightening. "Yeah, I want to compete in the League and challenge the Gym leaders someday. I've been training with my uncle's Pokémon for a while, but I'm ready to get my own."

"That's great!" Eva said, her enthusiasm encouraging him. She turned to the girl next. "And you?"

The girl straightened up slightly, her voice calm and composed. "I'm Tereza Kratochvílová, from Schmalhof. I want to be a coordinator. I've been watching Contests since I was a kid, and I want to travel and perform with my Pokémon."

Eva nodded, typing the last bit of information into the system. "Coordinator, huh? That's a beautiful path to take. Contests require a lot of creativity and teamwork with your Pokémon." She glanced at both of them and gave an encouraging smile. "You've both chosen wonderful paths, but remember, the journey is just as important as the destination."

With their profiles registered in the Pokémon League system, Eva stood up from her desk and walked to the back of the office. She returned a moment later, followed by several young Pokémon waddling, hopping, and gliding into the room.

"I have some young Pokémon here that are eager to meet you," she said, gesturing to the Pokémon. "Take your time to see which one feels right for you."

Among the group was a curious Piplup waddling confidently, a playful Electrike running circles around the others, a shy Buneary hiding behind Eva's leg, and a Skitty purring as it curled up by the window. There was also a Snom, clinging to the side of Eva's desk, and a Sprigatito, batting at a piece of string.

Adam's eyes immediately locked onto the Electrike. The green and yellow Pokémon's energetic nature seemed to mirror his own eagerness. "That one," Adam said with determination, pointing at the Electrike. "I think we could be a good match."

Eva chuckled. "Electrike's a great choice for a trainer who wants to battle. He's got plenty of energy and strength."

Adam knelt down, letting the Electrike sniff his hand. "Hey, buddy," Adam said softly, petting its head. The Electrike wagged its tail excitedly, a small jolt of electricity sparking from its fur.

Tereza, on the other hand, gravitated toward the more delicate Pokémon. She knelt by the Buneary, offering her hand gently. The Buneary hesitated at first but then hopped closer, nuzzling her fingers.

"I think she's perfect for Contests," Tereza said softly, smiling at the Buneary.

"Buneary's a beautiful choice for a coordinator," Eva agreed. "She'll grow into a graceful performer, and with the right training, she'll really shine in the spotlight."

Once the two teens had chosen their first partners, Eva handed them each a Pokédex. "Now, these are important tools for your journey," she explained. "They'll help you track your Pokémon, give you information about others, and keep a log of your progress. You should pair them up with your phones, so you have access to all the information you need on the go."

Adam and Tereza followed her instructions, syncing their Pokédexes with their phones. After they were done, Eva explained her role in their journey. She would be their focal point to the league, someone they would contact if they need any help. Also she would be handling all their Pokémon over the capacity of six.

"You're all set!" Eva finished with a smile, handing them both small cases with Pokéballs for their new partners. "Take good care of your Pokémon. The bond you form with them now will be important for everything you do in the future. Whether it's battling or performing, it all starts with trust. Now, please wait outside for a few minutes and I will finish it up in here. Then we will go fetch your Pokéballs and other stuff."

After they left, she returned to her computer, recording the details of the new Pokémon into the system. She logged Electrike and Buneary under their respective trainers' profiles, smiling to herself as she pictured Adam's determination and Tereza's gentle confidence.

"Another pair of young adventurers off to make their mark," Eva muttered with satisfaction as she completed the entries and leaned back in her chair.

After finishing up the paperwork for the two new trainers, Eva paused for a moment before stepping out of her office. She picked up her phone and dialed her husband's phone.

"Hey hubby, do you have a challenge coming up?" she asked.

"Yeah, one's starting in about fifteen minutes," David responded, his voice calm but with the familiar hum of battle preparation in the background. "Why?"

"I've got two fresh trainers here, and I think it'd be a great opportunity for them to watch a real Battle Frontier match. Mind if I bring them along?" Eva suggested.

"Perfect timing," David chuckled. "Sure, bring them over. The more the merrier. This one looks like it'll be interesting."

"See you in a bit," Eva said before hanging up.

Stepping out of her office, she saw Adam and Tereza still sitting with their newly chosen Pokémon, fidgeting with anticipation.

"Alright, you two," Eva smiled warmly, "how would you like to see a real Frontier battle up close?"

The pair's faces lit up, and they quickly nodded.

"That'd be awesome!" Adam said, nearly jumping out of his seat.

"Are we really allowed to watch?" Tereza asked, holding her Buneary tightly.

"Of course," Eva said, gesturing for them to follow. "Come on, it's just about to start."

As they walked across the ranch grounds toward the battlefield, Eva pointed out some of the Pokémon grazing or training nearby, adding an extra layer of excitement to their journey. Adam and Tereza followed closely, occasionally glancing at each other and their Pokémon with wide-eyed wonder.

When they arrived at the battlefield, the air was already buzzing with energy. Angie, the ranch's redheaded referee, stood at the edge of the field, her work-suit emphasized her nice round boobs and long legs. She was one of the ranch's foremen, an expert on Poison-type Pokémon, and she carried the same experienced demeanor into her role as a referee. Large Drapion, which looked to be napping was lying next to her on the ground. 

"Watch carefully," Eva said in a focused voice as they found a spot to sit near the edge of the field. "That's Angie. She runs a tight ship, and she's one of the best at what she does. Also her Drapion is there to protect the viewers in case some Pokémon move goes in a wrong direction."

Just as Angie was about to signal the start of the match, a trainer stepped forward.

"Challenger Drake from the Orange Archipelago!" Angie announced to the growing crowd.

"I've read about him... very talented youngster from the Orange Islands, they said." Eva mumbled to herself as she recognized the name. She had come across him in a recent article, where he had been highlighted as a promising young trainer with lot of potential.

Drake, still early in his career, looked confident but not arrogant. He was determined and had earned a reputation for his strategic mind. He held a Pokéball in his hand and calmly tossed it into the air. In a flash of light, an Ivysaur appeared, its bulb glowing faintly in the sunlight.

David stepped forward from the opposite side of the field, his demeanor calm and collected as always. He grabbed his own Pokéball, releasing his first Pokémon into the arena.

"Let's go, Ryan!" David called out, and the battle-scarred Bug/Rock-type materialized on the field, its twin stone axes gleaming in the light. The tension was palpable as the two Pokémon sized each other up.

Kleavor

Level: 45 to 48

Name: Ryan

Gender: Male

Type: Bug / Rock

Affinity: Bug (Full), Rock (Full), Flying (Expert)

Moves: Quick Attack (43 to 44), Heavy Slam (43), Rock Slide (42 to 46), Air Slash (40), X-Scissor (44 to 47), Stone Axe (32 to 40), Fury Cutter (41), Smack Down (31), Double Team (40), Slash (40), Focus Energy (39), Swords Dance (42), Brick Break (39), Trailblaze (38), Stealth Rock (30), Aerial Ace (38), Counter (31), Night Slash (41), Wing Attack (30)

Abilities:

Swarm – with low health, Kleavor's Bug-type moves are powered up

Sheer Force – removes additional effets of Kleavor's moves, but increases their power

Weak to: Rock, Steel, Water

Resistant to: Normal, Poison

Resistance added: Grass

Angie raised her hand. "This will be a three-on-three battle! Frontier Brain David Lindenberg versus challenger Drake from the Orange Archipelago! Only the challenger is able to switch Pokémon and he is granted one switch."

"An Ivysaur against what?" Tereza whispered in awe. "I've never seen such a Pokémon before!"

"It's a Kleavor. An evolution of Scyther. They're rare, and tough as nails," Eva said softly, her eyes focused on the battlefield. "Pay close attention to how David handles this. He's not just relying on brute strength."

"But I thought... well... doesn't Scyther evolve into Scizor?" Adam asked perplexed.

"Yes, you're right. Kleavor is a branch evolution. But I don't know the exact conditions for evolving Scyther into Kleavor."

Adam wanted to ask more questions, but the the battle began with Drake calling for an immediate setup. "Ivysaur, use Leech Seed!"

Ivysaur shot out a cluster of seeds toward Kleavor, aiming to sap its strength over time. But David was quick to respond.

"Ryan, dodge and use Stealth Rock!" David commanded. Kleavor leapt to the side with surprising agility for such a heavy Pokémon, then slammed its axes into the ground. Sharp rocks burst from the earth, circling Ivysaur and creating a dangerous trap for any Pokémon that Drake might switch in.

Drake furrowed his brow but remained composed. "Ivysaur, set up with Growth!"

Ivysaur's body glowed as it began to power up, its bulb pulsing with energy. It was clear that Drake was planning to build momentum for a long-term strategy. But David wasn't about to let him get comfortable.

"Ryan, X-Scissor!" David called out.

Kleavor lunged forward with both axes crossed, aiming to slice through Ivysaur with precision. Ivysaur barely managed to block with a hastily summoned Vine Whip, but the force of Kleavor's attack sent it skidding back.

"That was close!" Adam whispered excitedly, his eyes wide.

"These battles aren't just about flashy moves," Eva murmured, watching intently. "It's about timing and control."

Drake remained undeterred. "Ivysaur, use Synthesis!"

A soft glow enveloped Ivysaur as it began to recover some of the damage it had taken. The sunlight above only made the move more effective, allowing Ivysaur to regain its strength quickly.

David, however, was already planning his next move. "Ryan, follow up with Rock Slide!"

Kleavor slammed its axes into the ground once more, and a pile of stones formed above the battlefield and fell down upon Ivysaur. This time, the attack hit its mark, and Ivysaur was forced to endure the full brunt of the blow.

Drake grimaced but kept his cool. "Ivysaur, counter with Sludge Bomb!"

Ivysaur fired a barrage of poisonous sludge toward Kleavor, but the Bug/Rock-type skillfully dodged most of the attack, taking only minimal damage.

Tereza leaned closer to Eva. "Do you think Ivysaur can turn it around?"

"It's hard to say," Eva replied thoughtfully. "Drake's trying to wear Kleavor down, but David's not giving him much room to breathe."

The battle continued with high intensity, and the two young trainers were glued to the action, taking mental notes of every move and strategy. Eva could see the spark of inspiration in their eyes as they watched two skilled trainers go head-to-head.

After a few more heated exchanges, Drake finally recalled his battered Ivysaur.

"Good job," he said softly to the Pokémon before selecting his next Pokéball.

"It's your turn, Haunter!"

The ghost creature let out a chilling laugh as it circled Kleavor, its spectral hands extending outward, ready to strike. It flinched for a few seconds, as the Stealth Rock activated and the flying stones hit it. But both trainers remained calm, each already planning their next move.

"Ryan, stay sharp. Night Slash!" David commanded, his voice steady.

Kleavor's eyes gleamed as its bladed arms glowed with dark energy. In a swift, fluid motion, it dashed forward, its axes slicing through the air. The strike landed hard, sending Haunter spiraling back.

"Night Slash... That's super effective against Ghost-types," Eva explained and Adam gripped his Pokémon tighter, his eyes wide with excitement.

Drake gritted his teeth but quickly adjusted his strategy. "Haunter, use Confuse Ray!"

Haunter's eyes glowed, and a series of chaotic light patterns shot toward Kleavor, intending to disorient it. Kleavor froze momentarily, its eyes glazing over as the Confuse Ray took effect.

"Haunter's trying to mess with Kleavor's senses," Eva explained to the two young trainers, "but I think David knows how to counter this."

"Snap out of it, Ryan!" David shouted. "Double Team!"

Even while dazed, Kleavor managed to respond. It created several copies of itself, spreading across the battlefield and confusing Haunter in turn. The real Kleavor shook off the effects of the Confuse Ray, its focus returning.

Drake clenched his fists, realizing his window of opportunity was closing. "Haunter, use Hypnosis!"

Haunter floated forward, eyes glowing, attempting to put Kleavor to sleep. But the copies created by Double Team threw Haunter off, and the attack missed entirely.

"Ryan, Quick Attack!" David ordered.

With a burst of speed, Kleavor dashed across the battlefield, weaving between the copies of itself. It managed to charge up Stone Axe as well and struck Haunter hard, knocking the Ghost-type off balance.

"Now, follow up with Night Slash!" David called out.

"Haunter, use Night Shade!" Drake commanded.

Kleavor didn't hesitate. Its bladed arms glowed once again with dark energy, and it slashed forward in a powerful arc. The move hit Haunter, which was still gathering the energy for the Night Shade attack, with full force, sending it crashing into the ground.

Drake's face tightened with determination. "Haunter, use Destiny Bond!"

Haunter grinned wickedly as it floated back up, a purple glow surrounding its body. It stared directly at Kleavor, connecting their fates. If Haunter fainted, it would take Kleavor down with it.

David's gaze sharpened as he assessed the situation. "We need to end this quickly. Kleavor, finish it with Night Slash!"

Kleavor's bladed arms glowed with dark energy once more, and it dashed toward Haunter, ready to deliver the final blow. The Night Slash hit cleanly, striking Haunter with immense force. Haunter let out one last eerie laugh before fading from the battlefield, its form dissolving into the air.

For a moment, it seemed like the battle was over.

But then, the sinister glow of Destiny Bond activated. A ghostly tether formed between Haunter and Kleavor, and in the next instant, Kleavor wobbled on its feet. The crowd gasped as the powerful Bug-type's eyes dimmed, and with a heavy thud, it collapsed on the battlefield, fainting alongside its opponent.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!" Angie called out, raising her hands to signal the end of the match. "This round is a draw!"

Drake let out a breath, clearly frustrated but determined. He recalled Haunter and shook his head. "That Destiny Bond trick worked, but David's Kleavor was something else."

David smiled as he recalled Kleavor, patting its Pokéball with pride. "You did great, buddy." Then he turned to his opponent, "Drake, you've got talent, and Haunter put up a good fight."

Eva leaned down to whisper to the two young trainers, "Even though both Pokémon fainted, it's still a tactical move by Drake. Haunter's Destiny Bond might have cost him Haunter, but it took down a really strong opponent in the process."

"That was intense!" Adam said, eyes wide with excitement.

"I can't believe how strong all the Pokémon are," Tereza added, holding her Buneary tightly.

As the dust settled from Kleavor and Haunter's dramatic double knockout, Drake's expression shifted to one of quiet confidence. He took a deep breath and then looked across the battlefield at David, a determined glint in his eye.

"You're a really good trainer, David," Drake said with a grin, "but this match is far from over."

Without hesitation, Drake reached up to his neck and unclasped a small Pokéball hanging from a chain. The metal of the Pokéball glinted in the afternoon light as he held it up, his fingers brushing over its surface for a moment before he tossed it into the air.

"My friend, let's show them what we can do!"

In a flash of brilliant light, the Pokéball opened, and the battlefield was filled with an imposing presence. A large, muscular Dragonite materialized in the sky, its orange scales shimmering in the sunlight. Its long, powerful tail flicked through the air, and its large, expressive eyes seemed to gleam with intelligence and determination. Massive wings unfurled from its back, casting a wide shadow over the ground as it hovered effortlessly above the battlefield.

The Stealth Rock activated again and stones were heading towards Dragonite with great speed. But the orange Dragon just hit them with its tail and send them all flying.

The crowd collectively gasped, and even David couldn't hide his surprise. A Dragonite. A true dragon. Eva, watching from the sidelines with Adam and Tereza, let out a low whistle.

"A Dragonite…" she murmured, her eyes wide with amazement. She had seen Dragonite before, but seeing one in a fight was an entirely different experience.

Adam and Tereza were practically speechless, their eyes glued to the majestic creature hovering above the battlefield.

"Wow... a real Dragon-type," Adam whispered, his voice filled with awe. Tereza blinked, unable to take her eyes off the towering beast. Dragon Pokémon may be usual in other regions, but in Bohemia, they were always very rare.

David blinked, taking a moment to process the challenge ahead. He still had two Pokémon left, but facing down a Dragonite was no small task. He reached for his Pokéballs, his fingers brushing over their surfaces before he made his decision.

"Let's go with some aerial power of our own." David tossed the Pokéball into the air. "Athena, let's soar!"

Mandibuzz

Level: 39 to 43

Name: Athena

Gender: Female

Type: Dark / Flying

Moves: Gust (37 to 40), Leer (33), Sky Attack (35 to 39), Toxic (29 to 33), Air Slash (34), Dark Pulse (39), Nasty Plot (31 to 32), Defog (26 to 27), Attract (25), Take Down (29), Fake Tear (29 to 33), Scary Face (27), Snarl (34), Rock Tomb (25), U-Turn (26), Roost (24 to 28), Shadow Ball (20 to 23), Mean Look (20), Heat Wave (22)

Abilities:

Overcoat – Mandibuzz cannot take damage from the weather (sand, hail, powders)

Big Pecks – Defense cannot be lowered

Weak to: Rock, Electric, Ice, Fairy

Immune to: Ground, Psychic

Resistant to: Ghost, Grass, Dark

From the Pokéball emerged Athena, David's trusty Mandibuzz. With her dark feathers and bony, vulture-like appearance, she exuded a menacing yet graceful presence. Her wings were wide and powerful, each beat of them stirring the air around her as she took to the sky. A bone headdress adorned her head, giving her an almost regal look despite her scavenger nature. Her sharp talons gleamed as she circled overhead, glaring down at Dragonite.

From her last battle against Viktor Vranitzky, the Pokémon was able to level up several times and to increase the power of some of her moves as well. Despite that power boost, David felt that she was no match for Dragonite. Instead, he was hoping for her to get some experience from this fight.

Eva raised an eyebrow, surprised by David's choice. "Athena? Looks like David is just trying to play for time. But on the other hand, she might just be what he needs to keep up with Dragonite in the air."

David looked across at Drake with a confident nod. "Let's have a proper aerial battle, then. What do you say?"

Drake smirked and nodded in agreement. "Sounds good to me. Let's see who rules the skies."

The battle began in a flash. Dragonite roared and shot upward into the sky, its powerful wings beating rapidly as it climbed higher. Athena followed suit, her wings cutting through the air with precision as she matched Dragonite's ascent. The two flying Pokémon circled each other like predators, both searching for the right moment to strike.

"Dragonite, let's start with Dragon Pulse!" Drake commanded.

Dragonite's mouth opened wide, and a swirling vortex of draconic energy formed between its jaws before firing a beam of pure energy toward Mandibuzz. The attack cut through the air with terrifying speed.

"Quick, Athena, dodge and use Dark Pulse!" David called out.

The vulture-like creature swooped to the side, narrowly avoiding the Dragon Pulse as it whizzed past. In the next instant, she let out a shrill cry and fired a Dark Pulse from her beak—a wave of dark, pulsating energy— flying toward Dragonite. The attack collided with Dragonite's side, but the tough dragon shook it off, barely fazed by the hit.

Drake's eyes narrowed as he called out his next command. "Dragonite, use Thunder Punch!"

Dragonite shot forward at breakneck speed, its fist crackling with electric energy. The crowd gasped as the massive Dragon-type quickly closed in on its target, its electrified fist aimed straight at Mandibuzz.

"Stay sharp, Athena! Use Air Slash to keep your distance!" David ordered.

Athena flapped her wings powerfully, sending razor-sharp blades of wind toward Dragonite. The Air Slash attacks struck Dragonite mid-flight, forcing it to halt its advance momentarily. But Dragonite, unfazed, shook off the blows and continued its pursuit.

Dragonite swung its Thunder Punch at Mandibuzz, electricity sparking wildly as it connected. Athena screeched in pain as the electric energy surged through her body, but she quickly regained her composure, flapping her wings hard to put some distance between her and Dragonite.

David clenched his fist, knowing he needed to keep up the pressure. "Athena, use Sky Attack!"

With a piercing cry, Athena dove toward Dragonite, her entire body glowing with a fierce white energy. She rocketed through the air, moving at incredible speed as she aimed her move directly at Dragonite. The impact was powerful, and Dragonite staggered back slightly, but it remained in the fight, its resilience showing.

"Not bad," Drake muttered. "But Dragonite can take it. Use Hyper Beam!"

Dragonite's eyes gleamed as it charged up a massive amount of energy, its body glowing as it prepared to unleash the devastating Hyper Beam.

David's heart raced. "Athena, get out of there, quick!"

Mandibuzz flapped her wings furiously, trying to gain altitude and distance from the impending blast. But Dragonite's Hyper Beam was unleashed with devastating force. The golden beam of energy tore through the sky, barreling toward Athena at incredible speed.

The blast hit its mark, and Athena was sent spiraling toward the ground, smoke trailing from her wings. But in the last moment, she managed to pull up, barely avoiding a crash landing.

David grit his teeth, knowing he couldn't afford another hit like that. "Athena, we've got one last chance. Use Dark Pulse, full power!"

Mandibuzz flapped her wings once more, summoning all her strength as she unleashed a powerful Dark Pulse straight at Dragonite. The attack hit Dragonite head-on, causing it to falter in the sky, but the resilient Dragon-type stayed airborne, its wings beating steadily.

Both Pokémon hovered in the air, breathing heavily, their energy nearly spent. The aerial battle had been intense, but it wasn't over yet.

The tension in the air was palpable as the battle reached its peak. Both David and Drake knew their Pokémon were reaching their limits, but David had one more trick up his sleeve. He eyed Athena, who was hovering steadily, despite the toll the battle had taken on her. Dragonite, though visibly exhausted, was still a fearsome sight—its muscles tensed, wings beating powerfully as it kept its gaze locked on Athena.

David narrowed his eyes. "Athena, let's change things up. Use Attract!"

The Mandibuzz let out a low, seductive trill and fluttered her wings, casting a pink, heart-shaped aura around herself. She gave Dragonite a sultry look, her eyes shimmering with the power of the move. For a moment, Dragonite blinked, its focus wavering as it caught sight of the enchanting Mandibuzz. The powerful Dragon-type seemed confused, its once fierce expression softening as it hovered, suddenly mesmerized by Athena's display.

Drake's eyes widened. "What the—?"

David saw his opportunity. "Now, Dark Pulse, Athena! Give it everything you've got!"

Taking advantage of Dragonite's momentary distraction, Athena flapped her wings hard and unleashed a massive Dark Pulse, sending a wave of dark, rippling energy toward the enthralled Dragonite. The attack struck Dragonite directly, and with a groan, the Dragon-type was knocked out of the sky. It crashed to the ground with a heavy thud, sending dust and debris flying into the air.

The crowd gasped, their eyes wide in shock. Adam and Tereza were frozen in amazement, unable to believe what they had just witnessed. Even Eva, who had seen her share of tough battles, raised an eyebrow in admiration of David's tactics.

"Jakey would totally loved to see this match," she thought of her son.

For a moment, it seemed like the battle might be over.

But as the dust settled, Dragonite stirred. It shook its head, blinking as if waking from a trance. The pink glow of Attract faded from its eyes, and its gaze sharpened, returning to its original focus. It slowly rose to its feet, wings unfurling once more, and let out a low, rumbling growl.

Drake clenched his fists, relieved to see his Dragonite regain its composure. "Nice try, David. But we aren't going down that easily. Time to end this, Dragonite! Use Dragon Rush!"

With a roar, Dragonite's entire body began to glow with a fierce blue aura, crackling with raw draconic energy. The ground trembled beneath its feet as it gathered power, its wings flaring wide. Then, in one fluid motion, Dragonite launched itself into the air with a burst of speed, streaking toward Mandibuzz like a meteor.

David's eyes widened. "Athena, dodge it! Quick!"

But it was too late. Dragonite closed the gap in an instant, its entire body encased in the powerful energy of Dragon Rush. Athena barely had time to react before Dragonite slammed into her with crushing force. The impact was immense, and the force of the collision sent Mandibuzz hurtling backward, spiraling through the air before she crashed to the ground.

David winced, watching helplessly as Athena struggled to rise, her wings twitching weakly. She let out a small cry before collapsing, completely drained of energy.

The referee raised her hand. "Mandibuzz is unable to battle! Dragonite wins this round!"

There was a stunned silence as the reality of the situation sank in. The crowd, which had been buzzing with excitement, now started to clap hands. Adam and Tereza were speechless, their wide-eyed amazement now mixed with concern for the fierce battle that had just unfolded.

David exhaled slowly and recalled the vulture-like creature into her Pokéball. "You did great, Athena. Take a good rest."

Drake, meanwhile, gave a nod of respect to his Dragonite. "That was incredible, Dragonite. Take a moment to recover." Dragonite let out a soft growl of acknowledgment, standing proudly as it caught its breath.

David smiled faintly, wiping some sweat from his brow. "That was some power, Drake. Your Dragonite is something else."

Drake grinned, his eyes still full of energy. "Thanks. But I've got to hand it to you, David—you pushed us harder than most trainers ever have. That trick with Attract was quite something. But we're not done yet."

David chuckled. "Neither are we." He reached for his final Pokéball, knowing that it all came down to this final round. He had one more chance to turn the battle in his favor.

The stage was set for the final showdown. Both trainers were ready, and the crowd held their breath in anticipation of what would come next.

As David stood on the battlefield, watching Drake's Dragonite recover from the intense skirmish with Athena, a flood of thoughts raced through his mind. He couldn't deny it—Drake was an incredibly talented trainer, and that Dragonite was a force to be reckoned with. Its power, speed, and raw presence on the field were overwhelming, even for a seasoned trainer like David.

He glanced at the Pokéballs on his belt, his fingers brushing lightly over them as he considered his options. Part of him was tempted to send out one of his weaker Pokémon in order to let Drake earn the battle symbol easily. Drake was young and promising, but still a challenger, not yet seasoned by years of experience. It felt almost unfair to overwhelm him with one of his strongest Pokémon. Dragonite was impressive, but David had faced legends and forces of nature in his time. He could call out his experienced Samurott with a roster of ice moves that would likely dominate the field and end the battle quickly.

A part of him, the competitive, driven side that had made him the skilled trainer he was, balked at the idea of holding back. Wasn't it his duty as a trainer, not just for himself but for his Pokémon, to give every battle his best? Holding back might insult Drake, even if he didn't realize it. More importantly, it would feel like betraying his own values as a trainer—to fight with everything he had, respecting his opponent by giving them the strongest challenge possible.

David frowned, caught in this conundrum.

"Do I send out one of the weaker ones? Or do I honor the spirit of the battle and give him the fight he deserves?" he thought to himself.

He knew that if he chose to go easy on Drake, it could dull the challenge, but more than that—it might dampen the growth of both trainers and Pokémon. Battles like these were where trainers learned, grew, and discovered their true potential.

His gaze fell back on Dragonite, whose chest was still heaving but whose eyes burned with the fierce intensity of battle. That Dragonite wasn't holding back. It wasn't taking things easy just because it was facing a challenging opponent. It was giving everything.

David sighed, his decision becoming clearer.

"No... I'll give him my best. That's how battles are supposed to be fought."

With a firm resolve, he reached for the Pokéball that contained one of his strongest partners. "Let's see if you're ready for this, Drake."

David took a deep breath, steeling himself as he reached for a Pokéball that felt heavy with potential. "I choose you, Marcel!" he called, releasing his Ambipom onto the battlefield. The playful Pokémon sprang into action, its long, twin tails waving excitedly as it let out a cheerful cry. Marcel's eyes sparkled with determination, ready to take on the formidable Dragonite.

As the two Pokémon faced off, Drake smirked confidently seeing the small ape-like creature. "Dragonite, let's show them what we're made of! Start with Extreme Speed!"

With a blur of movement, Dragonite launched itself into the air, becoming a streak of green as it shot towards Marcel. The Ambipom, nimble and alert, quickly reacted. "Marcel, dodge with Aerial Ace!" David commanded.

Marcel leaped into the air, twisting gracefully to avoid the collision. As Dragonite zoomed past, it turned sharply, its wings flaring out for balance. David knew Dragonite's agility was unmatched, but Marcel had his own tricks up his sleeve.

"Now, Fury Swipes!" he called.

Marcel rushed toward Dragonite, his claws and tails glowing with energy as he swiped at the airborne Pokémon. Each swipe connected, but Dragonite retaliated swiftly with a powerful Dragon Tail that sent Marcel tumbling backward.

"Keep moving, Marcel! Use Double Team!"

In a flash, the monkey created multiple copies of itself, flooding the battlefield with Ambipoms. Dragonite, momentarily confused, struggled to discern which Ambipom was the real one.

"Now, hit it with Water Pulse!" David commanded.

Marcel's real form materialized amid the clones, sending a spinning ball of water-type energy spiraling toward Dragonite. The attack struck true, causing the dragon to stagger. Seizing the opportunity, Marcel rushed in for follow-up attack. "Iron Tail!"

With a flick of its tail, Marcel slammed into Dragonite, knocking it further back.

Drake narrowed his eyes, rallying his Pokémon. "Dragonite, time to get serious! Use Hyper Beam!"

With a tremendous roar, Dragonite began to gather energy, its body glowing fiercely as it prepared to unleash the devastating attack. "Marcel, we need to respond! Swift!" David shouted, hoping to disrupt the charge.

Marcel launched a barrage of powerful star-shaped projectiles from his tails, but Dragonite's Hyper Beam had already erupted from its mouth, colliding with the incoming stars in a spectacular explosion. The battlefield shook with the force of the attack, sending a shockwave that nearly knocked both trainers off their feet.

Recovering quickly, Drake grinned. "Now, Dragonite! Let's finish this with Extreme Speed!"

As Dragonite surged forward, David shouted, "Marcel, use Iron Tail!" The Ambipom's tails glimmered with steel-type energy as it struck with ferocity. The two Pokémon clashed, both executing their moves at the same moment.

The impact was monumental. Marcel's Iron Tail met Dragonite's Extreme Speed head-on, a brilliant flash of light enveloping the field.

When the light faded, both Pokémon stood momentarily frozen, then collapsed simultaneously onto the ground, fainted from the double knock-out.

The spectators erupted into cheers, stunned by the incredible display of skill and power from both trainers. Both young trainers Adam and Tereza together with their Pokémon were totally bewildered.

Drake wiped his brow, impressed. "That was amazing! Your Ambipom is really something else."

David chuckled, proud yet breathless. "You've got quite the Dragonite yourself, Drake. This was a battle worth remembering."

As Angie the referee declared the double knockout, both trainers walked toward their fallen Pokémon, sharing a sense of camaraderie forged through the heat of battle.

The dust from the double-knockout settled and the crowd around the battlefield fell silent for a moment, processing what had just happened. Then, cheers and applause broke out as David and Drake stepped toward each other at the center of the field.

David wiped the sweat from his brow again and grinned. "Well, Drake, you didn't lose… but you didn't win either."

Drake blinked, unsure of what David was getting at. "What do you mean?"

David laughed. "I mean, technically, it was a draw. But hey, you deserve the Frontier Symbol, no question about it, especially after putting up such an incredible fight with that Dragonite of yours. That thing is a beast!"

Drake's face brightened with pride as he patted the Pokéball on his necklace. "Thanks, Dragonite's been with me for a long time. It's my ace, and I train with it almost every day. I'm really glad it managed to hold its own against your team!"

David nodded, his grin widening. "No kidding. That Dragonite is freakishly strong. I've battled a lot of tough Pokémon, but it's rare to come across something with that level of power and speed."

Drake rubbed the back of his neck, clearly relieved that David thought so highly of his partner. "I appreciate that, but I've gotta say, your Ambipom? That little guy is something else. I was totally caught off guard by how fast and strong he is. For a Pokémon with such a playful nature, he really gave Dragonite a run for its money. I've never seen a Normal-type move like that in the air!"

David chuckled, "Marcel's been with me for a long time too and he barely loses a fight. He's a bit of a prankster, but when it comes down to it, he's as fierce as they come. I'm glad he could keep up with Dragonite, though." David paused for a second before continuing, "But, you know what? How about we have a friendly rematch in a few days after our Pokémon recover? I cannot make this an official rule, but more of a friendly proposal—if you want this Frontier Symbol, you'll need to give me another shot at knocking out that Dragonite. And the next time I'm bringing my full force!"

Drake's eyes widened with surprise, then he broke into a grin. "A rematch? Seriously? I'd love that!" His excitement bubbled over as he thought about the challenge ahead. "I've rarely had such a fun battle like this before, and I'd be honored to take you on again. I hope that in that few days I'll be even stronger, and so will Dragonite."

David clapped Drake on the back. "I'm looking forward to it. You've got a ton of potential, Drake. It's clear you're destined for something big."

The two trainers exchanged a firm handshake, sealing the agreement. The two new trainers on the benches together with David's wife began to cheer once more, thrilled at the prospect of another epic showdown between the two talented trainers. As they basked in the afterglow of their hard-fought battle, the promise of future competition lingered in the air, fueling their determination to train even harder.

David smirked as he handed Drake the Frontier Symbol. "Consider this a placeholder. Next time, I'm coming for Dragonite."

Drake laughed, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "You can count on it. I'll be ready for anything."

The battle had ended, but the friendship—and the rivalry—had only just begun. Both trainers walked off the field with their heads held high, knowing that their next encounter would be even more thrilling.

After the intense battle between David and Drake, Eva led the two young trainers, Adam and Tereza, away from the battlefield. As they walked through the ranch towards the Pokémon Center, they couldn't stop talking about the match they had just witnessed.

"That Dragonite was unbelievable," Adam said, his eyes wide with excitement. "How does anyone even catch something like that?"

Eva smiled at his enthusiasm. "It takes a lot of skill and dedication, but even more, it takes building a strong bond with your Pokémon. That's what truly makes a good trainer."

Tereza, who had been quietly thinking, spoke up. "But your husband's Ambipom was so quick! And it didn't seem afraid of Dragonite at all. How can a smaller Pokémon like that stand up to such a huge opponent?"

"Size isn't everything," Eva replied, adjusting her bag as they walked. "Marcel, David's Ambipom, has trained for years. He's nimble, uses his speed to dodge, and combines tactics with raw strength. That's something you'll learn with time, especially as a coordinator, Tereza. Your Buneary might not look as tough as some other Pokémon, but you can train her to perform dazzling moves and become strong in her own way."

At the mention of Buneary, Tereza glanced down at her new Pokémon, who was hopping happily beside her. She smiled, reaching down to pet its ears. "I think we're going to get very strong together, aren't we, Buneary?"

The small, fluffy Pokémon cooed and nuzzled her hand, clearly forming an early bond with its new trainer.

Adam, walking alongside his new Electrike, grinned as the Electric-type barked excitedly, running in circles around him. "Looks like Electrike's still full of energy," Adam laughed. "I can't wait to train him and start battling."

"Just remember," Eva said as they approached the Pokémon Center, "training takes time and patience. Don't rush it. Build trust first, learn to know Pokémon and believe in them. And let them believe in you. Then, before you know it, the battles will come naturally."

When they entered the Pokémon Center, the large, welcoming building buzzed with activity as other trainers came and went. Rachel, Eva's sister-in-law, stood at the counter, her dark hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. She looked up from the computer and immediately cracked a smile.

"Well, look what the Meowth dragged in!" she joked, waving them over. "Eva, are you giving these poor kids the serious training talk again? Don't scare them off before they even get their second Pokémon!"

Eva rolled her eyes with a grin. "I'm just making sure they're prepared. You know how it is."

Rachel leaned on the counter and raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I know. But I've got some good news for you two." She looked at Adam and Tereza. "As new trainers, you'll get a nice little starter kit from us. That includes some healing potions for free. You'll definitely need those once you start battling more seriously. Trust me, Electrike and Buneary will appreciate it after their first tough match."

"Really? That's awesome!" Adam said, his eyes lighting up.

Rachel nodded, handing each of them a small bag. "Yep. And don't forget that the Pokémon Center is more than just a place to heal your Pokémon. We can update your Pokédexes, sign you up for championships or contests, and if you're traveling, we've got accommodations for trainers. Plus, the food's not half bad."

Tereza giggled as Rachel added, "Just steer clear of the 'Mystery Special' on Thursdays. We still don't know what's in it."

Eva chuckled. "Rachel's jokes aside, she's right. Pokémon Centers are a lifeline for trainers, so make sure you take full advantage."

Rachel grinned. "And if you ever need a laugh—or some advice—just call me. I run this place, after all."

The teens, feeling more comfortable with Rachel's lighthearted approach, thanked her for the potions and supplies.

"Take good care of those Pokémon," Rachel added with a wink. "And remember, it's not all about winning battles—it's about having fun, too. Right, Electrike?"

Electrike barked excitedly in response, making everyone laugh.

As they prepared to leave, Eva repeated her piece of advice. "Take your time, get to know your Pokémon, and always come back to the Pokémon Center if you run into troubles. And call me if you need anything, my job is to support you."

With their supplies in hand and their Pokémon by their sides, Adam and Tereza were ready to start their journeys. And thanks to the humor and warmth of Rachel and thanks to the expertise of Eva, they felt confident that they had a strong support system behind them.

Eva and Rachel watched the new trainers leave, the doors of the Pokémon Centre sliding shut behind them. Eva let out a soft sigh, smiling as she leaned against the counter.

"Hard to believe we were once like them," she mused. "Young, eager, thinking we could take on the world with our first Pokémon."

Rachel chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh yeah, I remember it well. Though, I wasn't dreaming of contests or battles. I thought I'd be a great Pokémon Breeder back then." She paused for a moment, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "Me and my Purrloin Luna, she was a real handful. Always getting into trouble."

Eva grinned. "Good old Luna... still mischievious as ever..."

Rachel nodded. "Yup, she's still got that sneaky streak in her, though. Even as a Liepard, she's the same playful Pokémon, just faster and a bit more graceful."

Eva smiled, the memories of their Pokémon-filled youth warm in her mind. "I can see that, she takes after you. But you wanted to be a Breeder, and end up being a doctor. Funny how things turn out."

Rachel shrugged, a playful smile on her face. "Luna got herself into enough scrapes that I had to learn how to patch her up. One thing led to another, and, well... turns out, I'm better at fixing them than breeding them."

Eva laughed, shaking her head. "I wanted to be a trainer at first too. Started out with Frank and Maya when she was only a small Rowlet. We had our share of battles, but it didn't take long before I realized I was more interested in researching Pokémon than battling with them. Guess I wasn't cut out for the whole 'trainer' life after all."

Rachel raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Yeah, I remember when you started talking about research. I thought you were nuts at the time, but look at you now—a junior professor."

Eva chuckled softly. "Yeah, life has a funny way of steering you in different directions. And to think, we didn't even know each other until you and Frank got together."

Rachel smirked and hugged her sister-in-law from the side. "Yeah girl, you're stuck with me now."

They shared a laugh, but Eva's expression soon turned thoughtful. "Speaking of Frank... I haven't seen him since the prince's departure. What's he up to these days?"

Rachel tapped her fingers on the counter, her tone shifting slightly. "Oh, Frank? He's out west of the ranch right now. Said something about a few Pokémon crossing into our land from there."

Eva raised an eyebrow with fear. "West? Is that the area with the man-eating Victreebel."

Rachel snorted. "No, no. That's the east. Frank's out in Donphan's area, you know—the one which even defeated Joe's Emboar at a time. But yeah, a few of Donphan's subordinates have been wandering into ranch land. Frank thinks something might have stirred them up."

Eva frowned slightly. "And he's out there by himself?"

Rachel shook her head. "No, he didn't go alone. He's with one of his ranger colleagues."

Eva nodded, her concern easing a little. "Still, I hope he's careful. With everything that's been going on lately, I don't like the idea of my brother getting caught up in something dangerous."

Rachel waved a hand, brushing off the worry with her usual humor. "Frank'll be fine. He knows what he's doing, and besides, Donphan won't let anything happen to him. They've got this whole... mutual respect thing going on. Probably just a case of restless Pokémon."

Before Eva could respond, the Pokémon Centre doors slid open again, and a group of trainers rushed in, carrying their injured Pokémon. Rachel's expression shifted instantly, her professional side taking over as she moved to greet them.

"Looks like I'm back to work," Rachel said with a grin. "Gotta make sure these trainers don't panic."

With a wave, Eva stepped outside, the warm sunlight washing over her as she watched the day carry on. Her thoughts lingered on Frank, and though she trusted her brother, she couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get more complicated than anyone expected.