Pokémon: The Battle Ranch Chronicles

Jakub was buzzing with excitement as the first day of school approached. Tomorrow, he would finally begin his journey into the world of learning, and he couldn't wait to meet new friends and learn new skills. His mind raced with thoughts of all the amazing things he would discover, but most of all, Jake was thrilled about the prospect of reading. He knew that books held a treasure trove of information about Pokémon, and he was eager to dive into them, to learn everything he could about the creatures he loved so much. The thought of sitting in a classroom, surrounded by friends and learning new stuff, made him smile from ear to ear.

But amid his excitement, Jakub also felt a flutter of anxiety in his stomach. His cousin Monika, who was a year older and already in school, had been teasing him relentlessly. "You're gonna have so many problems, Jakey! The teachers are super strict, and they kick out kids who don't keep up!" she would say, a mischievous grin on her face. Though Jake knew Monika was just trying to scare him, her words lingered in his mind. What if school wasn't as fun as he imagined? What if he couldn't keep up with the other kids? The thought made him a little uneasy.

Meanwhile, Jakub's mother, Eva, was completely engrossed in her work. As a junior professor in Bohemian Kingdom, she often had a full plate. With several new trainers starting their journeys with the beginning of the new school year, she was busy preparing Pokémon for them, carefully choosing the right partners for each trainer, giving them all the necessary support and ensuring all the required forms were filled out correctly. Her desk was piled high with paperwork, and she spent long hours in her office, focused and determined. Jakub knew his mom was doing important work, but it meant she didn't have much time to reassure him about school.

His father, David, was also preoccupied. The Battle Ranch was bustling with activity lately, with many challengers eager to test their skills against him. His mothers' marketing attemps were successful and it was drawing many trainers to their place to see how they would do within their newly opened facility. Each battle required David's full attention, leaving little time to talk with Jakub about his worries. Though his parents were busy, Jakub understood—they were both passionate about their work, just as he hoped to be about school. But as the day wore on, his anxiety grew.

Sensing Jakub's nerves, his Uncle Frank decided to step in. Frank, Eva's older brother, was a calm and steady presence in Jakub's life. That afternoon, he suggested they take a walk in the forest, along with Monika. "Alright guys. I saw a group of Skiploom this morning," Frank said as they set off. "They looked like they were getting ready to evolve. I thought you two might like to see it." The idea of witnessing an evolution filled Jakub with wonder, and he eagerly agreed to go.

As they walked through the lush, green forest, with the small Gastly floating beside Jake and Frank's sturdy Boldore leading the way, Frank described the Skiploom in his calming, soothing voice, dropping a joke or two along the way. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the path as Frank talked about the delicate balance of nature, and how evolution was a key part of a Pokémon's growth. Jake listened intently, his worries about school momentarily forgotten as he imagined the Skiploom transforming before his eyes. Monika, usually so full of teasing, was also captivated by her father's words, and the forest felt alive with the possibility of something magical about to happen.

Frank's calm demeanor and the beauty of the forest worked wonders on Jake's nerves. By the time they reached the clearing where the Skiploom were gathered, Jake was feeling much more at ease. The sight of the Skiploom, bathed in golden light as they prepared to evolve, filled him with a sense of peace and wonder. He knew that school might be challenging, but if he could witness such amazing things in nature, surely there would be countless wonders to discover in the classroom as well.

They finally arrived at a sunlit glade deep within the forest. The trees opened up to reveal a peaceful meadow where a large group of Skiploom hovered lazily above the grass, their cotton-like tufts gently swaying in the breeze. The air was thick with energy; even though Jake and Monika were too young to fully sense it, Frank and the Pokémon could feel it. The Skiploom were on the brink of something extraordinary—an evolution was imminent, and the very air seemed to buzz with anticipation.

Frank led the children to a dense bush at the edge of the glade, where they crouched low, peeking out through the leaves to observe the scene before them. Jake's eyes widened with excitement as he watched the Skiploom float and twirl, unaware of the dangers that might lurk nearby. Monika, usually so full of teasing, was unusually quiet, captivated by the beauty of the moment.

Suddenly, the serene atmosphere was shattered. From the opposite end of the glade, two large spider-like creatures emerged from the shadows—Ariados. The vibrant red and purple of their bodies stood out starkly against the greenery, their long legs moving with a sinister grace. Jake's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the fearsome Bug-types, and he instinctively drew closer to his uncle. Monika grabbed Jake's arm, her eyes wide with fear.

The Ariados wasted no time. With terrifying speed, they shot strands of sticky, silken webbing—String Shot—toward the Skiploom. The unsuspecting grass Pokémon had no time to react. The webs wrapped around their small bodies, binding their wings and limbs, dragging them down from the air and onto the ground. The glade, once full of light and life, now seemed cloaked in darkness as the Ariados began to close in on their prey.

"Are they going to eat them?" Jake whispered in shock, his voice trembling. Monika squeezed his arm harder, her usual bravado gone. The sight of the Skiploom struggling against the webs, their tiny bodies thrashing in desperation, filled the children with a sense of helplessness and dread.

"Dad, you have to help them!" Monika urged Frank, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with urgency.

"Please, Uncle!" Jake added, his voice breaking with fear. Even Gastly, usually playful and mischievous, floated near the kids, its eyes wide as it pleaded silently with Frank.

Frank hesitated, his brow furrowed in deep thought. He knew the rules of the forest well—nature was harsh, and the strong often preyed on the weak. Interfering with this natural balance could have consequences. But as he watched the Skiploom struggling in vain, and as the Ariados began to drag one of them away, a pang of guilt stabbed at his heart. The Skiploom were so close to their evolution, so full of potential. Was it right to let them be taken now, just because of the forest's unwritten rules?

And then there was the look on his daughter's and nephew's faces—innocent and trusting, filled with a hope that he could change what was happening. Gastly floated closer, its round eyes silently pleading as well. It wasn't just about nature anymore; it was about teaching the children the value of compassion, of standing up for those who couldn't defend themselves.

"Alright," Frank finally said, his voice firm. "We'll help them."

Monika and Jake's faces lit up with relief and hope as Frank turned to his trusty Boldore. The sturdy Rock-type Pokémon, who had been silently observing the situation, stepped forward, its eyes glowing with determination. It was ready to protect its companions and those who could not protect themselves.

Boldore

Level: 45

Name: Dwayne

Gender: Male

Type: Rock

Moves: Power Gem (43), Sand Attack (42), Tackle (41), Harden (41), Lock-On (36), Rock Polish (42), Stealth Rock (41), Mud-Slap (28), Smack Down (36), Iron Defense (39), Wide Quard (30), Rock Slide (35), Rock Blast (44), Sandstorm (40), Explosion (25), Substitute (33), Flash Cannon (32), Heavy Slam (25), Body Press (21), Toxic (23), Endure (22)

Abilities:

Sturdy – Boldore cannot be knocked out with one hit.

Sand Force – Boosts power of Rock-, Ground- and Steel-type moves in a sandstorm

Weak to: Fighting, Ground, Steel, Water, Grass

Resistant to: Normal, Flying, Poison, Fire

"Dwayne, we need to stop those Ariados," Frank commanded, his voice low but resolute. "Use Lock On and then Rock Blast—aim straight at them!"

Boldore let out a deep, rumbling growl of acknowledgment before gathering energy. The ground beneath it seemed to tremble slightly as it summoned its power. With a fierce roar, Boldore unleashed a barrage of glowing rocks, each one streaking through the air with deadly accuracy toward the Ariados.

The first Ariados barely had time to react before the rocks struck it hard, knocking it back with a shriek. The second one, realizing the sudden danger, tried to leap out of the way, but another rock slammed into its side, sending it skittering across the ground. The Ariados hissed angrily, their predatory eyes now focused on Boldore instead of the helpless Skiploom.

"They're mad now!" Monika gasped, her hands gripping the edge of the bush tightly.

"Dwayne can handle it," Frank assured her, though his eyes remained locked on the battle unfolding before them.

The Ariados, undeterred by the initial attack, regrouped quickly. They began to circle Boldore, shooting more String Shot in an attempt to slow it down. But Boldore was unfazed. Its rocky body shrugged off the sticky threads, its focus unwavering.

"Don't let them get the upper hand, Dwayne! Use Rock Blast again, and this time, aim for their heads!" Frank ordered, his voice sharp.

As Boldore unleashed its second Rock Blast, the Ariados quickly adapted their strategy. The first Ariados fired off another round of sticky String Shot, weaving a web around Boldore that stuck it firmly to the ground. The second Ariados, recognizing the opportunity, skittered back and began to gather energy, its body glowing with a vibrant green light.

Frank's eyes widened as he realized what was coming. "Watch out!" he shouted, but it was too late to dodge. The second Ariados released a devastating Solar Beam, the powerful grass-type move slicing through the air with deadly precision.

"Wide Guard, now!" Frank commanded urgently, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

The rock-like Pokémon reacted just in time, raising a shimmering protective barrier that deflected the brunt of the Solar Beam. The beam hit the Wide Guard with a brilliant flash, but the barrier held firm, saving Dwayne (and in extension Frank and the kids) from the worst of the damage. However, the force of the attack still caused Boldore to stagger, its rocky form now visibly battered.

The Ariados weren't done yet. The first Ariados continued its relentless assault, shooting more String Shot to further immobilize Boldore, while the second one, undeterred by its failed Solar Beam, charged in close with a blazing speed, using Trailblaze to land another super-effective hit. The grass-type move sent Boldore reeling, and for a moment, the sturdy Rock-type Pokémon looked disoriented, struggling to maintain its footing.

Frank's hand instinctively moved to his belt, ready to call out his Pyroar, Deena, to turn the tide of the battle. But just as his fingers brushed the Pokéball, a sudden burst of light filled the glade. Several of the Skiploom that had been struggling against their webs began to glow, their bodies enveloped in a radiant light as they started to evolve.

The transformation was so intense that it momentarily blinded the Ariados, who screeched in discomfort, their focus broken. The Skiploom's evolution into Jumpluff was a spectacular sight, their forms expanding as they took on their new, fully evolved shapes. The Jumpluff hovered gracefully in the air, their cotton-like puffs now larger and more pronounced, giving them an ethereal appearance.

Taking advantage of the distraction, the newly evolved Jumpluff sprang into action. Several of them unleashed a barrage of Bullet Seed, the rapid-fire grass-type move pelting the Ariados with a hail of seeds. The sharp impacts caused the Ariados to stumble back, their tough exoskeletons cracking under the pressure. Meanwhile, other Jumpluff released a cloud of Stun Spore, the golden powder drifting through the air and settling on the Ariados, paralyzing them where they stood.

Even the remaining Skiploom, who hadn't yet evolved, joined the fray. They launched their own attacks, hitting the Ariados with a combination of Fairy Wind and Energy Ball. The coordinated assault from the grass Pokémon was overwhelming, driving the Ariados into a panicked retreat.

Frank saw his moment. "Dwayne, now's our chance! Use Lock-On and finish them with Power Gem!" he shouted, his voice filled with determination.

Boldore, despite its earlier fatigue, focused its gaze on the Ariados, its eyes narrowing as it locked onto its targets. The air around it crackled with energy as it prepared its next move. The Ariados, still struggling under the barrage of attacks from the Jumpluff and Skiploom, were too distracted to notice the impending strike.

With a low growl, Boldore unleashed Power Gem. A brilliant beam of rock-type energy shot forward, cutting through the air with deadly accuracy. The beam struck the Ariados dead-on, the concentrated energy sending shockwaves through their bodies. The Ariados let out one final, agonized shriek before collapsing to the ground, knocked out cold by the sheer force of the attack.

The glade fell silent as the dust settled, the only sound being the gentle rustle of the Jumpluff's puffs as they floated above the battlefield. Frank with the kids watched in awe as the remaining Skiploom, inspired by their comrades' victory, began to glow with the light of evolution. One by one, they transformed into Jumpluff, their forms expanding and shimmering with newfound power.

Jake and Monika could hardly contain their excitement, their earlier fear replaced with pure joy. "Did you see that?!" Jake exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. "They all evolved! That was amazing!"

Monika nodded, her usual teasing demeanor softened by the awe of the moment. "Yeah, you're right, it's amazing," she whispered, her voice filled with respect for the Pokémon around them.

Frank smiled, feeling a deep sense of pride—not just in Boldore's strength, but in the lesson the children had learned today. Sometimes, nature could be harsh, but with courage and compassion, even the most dire situations could be turned around.

"Let's head back," Frank said, his voice gentle but firm. "You've both seen something incredible today. And Jake, remember—school might be tough, but with the right mindset, you can face any challenge."

Jake nodded, a new sense of confidence filling him. As they began their walk back through the forest, followed by the protective presence of Boldore and the cloud of happy Jumpluff overhead, he knew that whatever the next day held, he was ready for it.

The morning sun was just beginning to filter through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the bustling household. David, Eva, and Jake were all rushing about, each with their own tasks to complete before the big day.

"Jake, hurry up and finish your cereal!" Eva called from the kitchen, where she was quickly preparing breakfast. A bowl of mixed berries sat on the table alongside some scrambled eggs and toast, all quickly becoming a blur as everyone darted back and forth. David's Ambipom danced playfully around the table, occasionally jumping up to inspect the food with a mischievous grin and Eva's Sizzlipede was wrigling between table legs and trying to find some burnt toast crumbs that fell down earlier.

"Okay, okay, I'm almost done, Mom!" Jake replied, shoveling the last spoonful of cereal into his mouth. "I'm so excited! Do you think they tells us something about Legendary Pokémon today?"

David, who was rushing past with a piece of toast in his hand, ruffled Jake's hair. "Maybe not today, champ, but I'm sure you'll learn a lot of cool stuff. Now go and get dressed. We don't want to be late on your first day!"

Eva was already in the bathroom, helping Jake with his quick wash. "Make sure to clean behind your ears. You want to make a good impression, right?" she said, her voice half-teasing but full of motherly care.

Jake nodded vigorously, his excitement palpable. "I can't wait to meet new friends and learn to read more about Pokémon. There's so much I don't know yet!"

After the shower, Jake quickly dressed in his new school uniform, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. His heart was racing, not just from the rush of getting ready, but from the anticipation of what this new chapter of his life would bring.

As they finally piled into the car, David behind the wheel, they noticed another car pulling out of a driveway just behind them. It was Frank, with Rachel and Monika. Jake waved enthusiastically at them as they drove toward the school, the two cars following each other down the road to the nearby town.

The school was abuzz with activity. Parents were gathered with their children, the air thick with excitement and a touch of anxiety. As Jake and his family stepped out of the car, they were greeted by the sight of the school's grand entrance, where a large colourful banner reading "Welcome New Students!" was hanging.

Jake could feel his heart pounding as they entered the large assembly hall. The room was filled with rows of chairs, and the stage was set for the ceremony. Soon, the principal, a tall man with graying hair and a kind smile, stepped up to the podium.

"Welcome, everyone, to the first day of an exciting journey," the principal began. "Education is the key that opens the doors to many adventures. Today, you take your first step on a path that will lead you to knowledge, friendship, and the future you create."

All the parents beamed with pride as they listened. Next, the teacher of new first graders, a young woman with a warm smile and a gentle voice, spoke about how excited she was to meet all the new students and help them discover their passions.

Finally, the Mayor of Iglaustadt, a distinguished-looking woman, took the stage.

"Children of Iglaustadt," she began, "you are the future of our town. Today, you begin to learn the skills that will one day help you shape this community, and perhaps even the world."

The crowd erupted in applause, and Jake felt a swell of pride as he looked up at his parents. This was it—his adventure was beginning.

Meanwhile, Monika, who had been excitedly chatting with her friends about their respective adventures during the holidays, was feeling a surge of pride. "Jake is going to be an amazing Pokémon trainer one day," she boasted about her younger cousin. "He's really smart, and you better not mess with him. Or else!"

Unfortunately, her words had caught the attention of three older boys who were notorious for causing trouble. As Monika made her way to the locker room to put away her things, she suddenly found herself cornered by the trio.

"Well, well, well, look who thinks she's the boss," sneered the tallest of the three, a boy with a nasty grin. "So, you think your little cousin is some kind of big shot, huh? Maybe we should teach you a lesson about keeping your mouth shut."

Monika squared her shoulders, trying to appear unbothered by their threats. "I'm not afraid of you," she said defiantly, though her heart was pounding in her chest. She could see their smirks growing wider as they closed in on her.

"Oh really? Not afraid?" mocked another, stepping forward and cracking his knuckles. "You should be. We might just teach your cousin a lesson, too."

As the third boy raised his fist, ready to strike, Monika's eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of something behind them—a faint, ghostly face. Gastly had appeared, hovering silently in the shadows.

The first boy was just about to swing when Gastly shot forward, its tongue extending to land a Lick on the back of his neck. The boy's eyes went wide as he froze in place, his body paralyzed by the move. "Wh-what the…?" he stammered, his voice trembling.

The other two bullies looked around in confusion. "What's wrong with you, man?" one of them asked, but before he could react, Gastly darted out again, giving the second boy a quick Lick. He too froze, his body seizing up in paralysis.

Monika's confidence surged as she saw the bullies' terror. "I told you not to mess with me," she said, her voice strong now. "And if you even think about laying a finger on Jake, I'll make sure you regret it."

The last boy, still unaware of what was happening, took a step back. "You're crazy! What did you do to them?" he shouted, panic creeping into his voice.

Monika laughed, a sound that echoed in the quiet locker room. "Run while you still can," she taunted. "Or maybe you want to stick around and see what happens next?"

The last bully didn't need any more convincing. He turned and bolted out of the locker room, leaving his paralyzed mates behind. Gastly floated back to Monika's shadow, its mischievous grin matching her own.

As Monika walked out of the locker room, her happy laughter filled the halls. She felt invincible, knowing she had stood her ground and protected both herself and her cousin. Jake would be safe, and now everyone would think twice before messing with him—or her.

Meanwhile, in Jake's class, the atmosphere was buzzing with the excitement of a new school year. Their teacher, Miss Newman, a warm and encouraging woman with a penchant for fostering curiosity in her students, asked each child to stand up, introduce themselves, and share a little about where they were from and what they liked to do in their spare time.

"Hi everyone, my name is Miss Newman and I am your teacher. I live here in Iglaustadt and when I have free time, I like to go swimming and I like to read books. Now, let's start with you!"

Jake felt a flutter of nervousness as his turn approached. His parents had practiced his introduction with him over the past few days, making sure he was prepared. He had watched as some of the other kids stood up, their voices shaky, some stuttering through their words, and a few barely managing to say their names. As he listened to the others, Jake felt a growing sense of pride. He was ready.

When Miss Newman called his name, Jake took a deep breath and stood up. All eyes were on him, but he felt a surprising calmness. He began, just as he had practiced:

"Hello, everybody. My name is Jakub Lindenberg, but you can call me Jake. I'm from the Battle Ranch just outside the town. We have many Pokémon there, and I help out with them wherever I can."

As soon as the words "Battle Ranch" left his lips, the classroom erupted in a chorus of "Ahhhs" and "Ohhhs." The other kids turned to look at Jake with newfound interest, their eyes wide with admiration. Even Miss Newman seemed pleasantly surprised. Her eyebrows raised as she smiled at Jake, already thinking about arranging a field trip to the ranch.

"My dad is a Frontier Brain in the ranch and my Mom is professor in the local..."

Jake stopped for a second, not sure how to correctly pronounce the word "laboratory".

"... in the local lab. Her specialty are bug-types. And I want to be a Pokémon trainer when I grow up."

However, amidst the murmurs of excitement and admiration, one boy in the class remained unimpressed. He sat at the back of the room, his arms crossed, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. His name was Mark Vranitzsky.

The Vranitzky family hails from the icy peaks of the Pain Mountains, a remote and treacherous range on the northern borders of the kingdom. These mountains are known for their brutal winters, unforgiving winds, and the presence of powerful Ice- and Flying-type Pokémon. Long ago, it is said that the legendary Articuno graced the Vranitzky family's ancestral home with its presence, blessing them with a unique connection to Ice-type Pokémon. This encounter deeply influenced the family's approach to Pokémon training and their lifestyle.

Due to the harsh environment, the Vranitzkys developed a militaristic approach to Pokémon training. They valued strength, discipline, and obedience above all else. Pokémon were seen strictly as tools for battle, not as companions or friends. Unlike the warm, cooperative atmosphere at the Lindenberg Ranch, where Pokémon help with breakfast and share meals with the family, the Vranitzkys believed that Pokémon belonged in their Pokéballs unless they were battling or training. If a Pokémon needed to eat, it did so outside, away from the family, reinforcing the idea that Pokémon were not part of the household.

Recently, the Vranitzky family relocated to Iglaustadt after Mark's mother inherited a house in the town. This move was a significant change for Mark, who was used to the cold, isolated mountain life. Iglaustadt, with its warmer climate and bustling community, was a stark contrast to what he had known. Despite the move, the family maintained their strict, traditional views on Pokémon training, and they looked down on the Lindenberg Ranch's more inclusive, playful approach.

Mark's father, Viktor Vranitzky, is a formidable Pokémon trainer with a reputation for being stern and unyielding. Shortly after moving to Iglaustadt, Viktor joined the local Ground-type Gym. This gym is famous for being built over the vast maze of tunnels left by ancient silver mines, which have since become a natural habitat for Ground-type Pokémon. Viktor quickly rose through the ranks, earning a position as one of the gym's chief assistant —a deputy to the gym leader, responsible for leading his own team of trainers.

Viktor's team is known for adopting the blue Articuno emblem, symbolizing their connection to the icy power of their homeland, even though they now specialize in Ground-type Pokémon. Viktor's goal is clear: he intends to prove himself superior to the current gym leader and take over as the leader of the Iglaustadt Ground-type Gym. He dismisses the Lindenberg Ranch as a "useless and obsolete facility," unworthy of respect in the world of serious Pokémon training.

Mark stood up from his desk with a composed expression, his eyes scanning the room with an air of quiet confidence after his name was called. His posture was straight, and his voice, though not loud, carried a clear authority.

"My name is Mark Vranitzky," he began, his tone steady and deliberate. "I recently moved here with my family from the Pain Mountains, where we have lived for generations. In the mountains, we train Ice- and Flying-type Pokémon, and our methods are... different from what you might be used to here. My family believes in the strength and discipline of Pokémon, and that battles are a way to honor them."

As Mark spoke, there was a distinct lack of the enthusiasm or nervousness that had characterized the introductions of the other children. Instead, he seemed almost detached, as if this was just another task to be completed. His eyes briefly flicked toward Jake when he mentioned Pokémon battles, but he quickly returned to facing the front of the class.

"My father is a chief at the local Ground-type Gym," Mark continued, his voice now tinged with a hint of pride. "We have a long history with strong Pokémon, and I plan to continue that tradition here."

With that, Mark sat down, his expression unchanged, as if he hadn't just set himself apart from the other kids in the room.

As Mark finished his introduction, the atmosphere in the classroom became noticeably tense. The parents, who had quietly stood at the back of the room, were now watching the proceedings with keen interest. Miss Newman, the teacher, was particularly intrigued. It was rare to have even one child from a renowned trainer's family in her class, let alone two.

She smiled warmly at the class. "It's wonderful to have students from such distinguished backgrounds. In fact, I'm wondering... since we have two families with such deep ties to Pokémon training, would it be possible to show the class how Pokémon battles are performed?"

Before she could finish, Viktor Vranitzky, Mark's father, cut her off with a sharp, unpleasant tone. "I am not some clown or actor here to entertain," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. His eyes narrowed as he glanced at Miss Newman, clearly unimpressed with her suggestion.

The teacher's face paled, and she immediately began to apologize, her voice trembling slightly. "I-I'm so sorry, Mr. Vranitzky, that was not my intention at all. I only wanted the children to understand the customs of the town and the importance of Pokémon battles in our community."

In the back of the room, Eva's fists clenched tightly at her sides, her knuckles turning white with anger. She felt an intense urge to confront Viktor for his rudeness. But before she could act, David leaned in close and whispered in her ear, his voice calm but resolute. "I'll do it. I cannot let my beautiful wife get filthy by touching that dirtbag."

Eva looked at David, her anger softening slightly at his words, and she nodded. David stepped forward, his demeanor composed yet firm. "If it's alright with you, Mr. Vranitzky," David said, his voice carrying a diplomatic tone, "I'd be happy to demonstrate a battle for the class. I believe it would be educational for them."

Viktor's cold eyes assessed David for a moment before he gave a curt nod. "Fine," he said, his tone still clipped and unfriendly. "But don't expect me to go easy on you just because it's for a bunch of kids."

Miss Newman, visibly relieved, quickly ushered the class and the parents toward the nearby battlefield, a short walk from the school. The children, now bubbling with excitement, followed eagerly. Along the way, David tried to engage Viktor in conversation, asking about his experiences at the Ground-type Gym and his recent move to Iglaustadt. But Viktor remained silent, ignoring David's attempts at friendly interaction.

Finally, they reached the battlefield. It was a simple, open area with marked lines, designed for training and demonstration purposes. Viktor wasted no time, striding to one end of the field and immediately calling out his Pokémon. "Skarmory, to the field!" he commanded.

The metallic bird Pokémon, Skarmory, appeared in a flash of light, its razor-sharp wings glinting in the sunlight. It let out a piercing screech, the sound echoing across the field, as it hovered menacingly above the ground.

On the other end, David and Eva exchanged a quick glance. David nodded at her reassuringly before stepping forward. "Athena, it's your time to shine!" he called out, tossing his Pokéball into the air.

Mandibuzz

Level: 38 to 39

Name: Athena

Gender: Female

Type: Dark / Flying

Affinity: Dark (Full), Flying (Full)

Moves: Gust (36 to 37), Leer (32 to 33), Sky Attack (33 to 35), Toxic (29), Air Slash (34), Dark Pulse (37 to 39), Nasty Plot (28 to 31), Defog (26), Attract (25), Take Down (29), Fake Tear (28 to 29), Scary Face (27), Snarl (34), Rock Tomb (22 to 25), U-Turn (26), Roost (24), Shadow Ball (20), Mean Look (20), Heat Wave (21 to 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 ball emerged Athena, a powerful Mandibuzz. She spread her dark wings wide, her eyes locking onto Skarmory with a determined glare. The two bird Pokémon sized each other up, the tension between them palpable.

Eva, trying to be helpful, quickly pulled out her phone and opened her Pokédex app to scan the Skarmory. But as she watched the screen, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Dave, something's off with this Skarmory. The stats... they're not making sense."

Skarmory

Level: 35

Name: N/A

Gender: Female

Type: Steel / Flying

Moves: Peck (48-57), Sand Attack (??), Metal Claw (45-46), Wing Attack (??), Steel Wing (??), Drill Peck (40), Metal Sound (38-45), Brave Bird (39-59), Agility (43), Aerial Ace (??), Swift (34-45), Air Slash (48-65), Flash Cannon (??), Drill Run (??), Reversal (35-56)

Abilities:

Keen Eye – Prevent loss of accuracy

Sturdy – Skarmory cannot be knocked out with one hit

Weak to: Fire, Electric

Immune to: Poison, Ground

Resistant to: Normal, Flying, Bug (2x), Steel, Grass (2x), Psychic, Dragon, Fairy

"What do you mean?"

"The application is unable to determine the level of several of Skarmory's attacks. And for more of them, it only estimates the level."

"Hmm. Okay, but it happens sometimes." David mumbled.

"But that's not all. Skarmory's level is below the level of its attacks. There is something wrong."

But David already turned his focus on the upcoming battle and only gave a slight nod to acknowledge Eva's words. "Stay sharp, Athena," he murmured, his voice steady. He then looked across the battlefield at Viktor, who stood with his arms crossed, a smug expression on his face.

The battle was about to begin, and all eyes—especially those of the eager children and their proud parents—were on the two trainers. The stage was set for a clash not just of Pokémon, but of two very different philosophies of what it meant to be a trainer.

David and Eva stood on the battlefield, tension crackling in the air as the two trainers prepared for their match. Eva's face was etched with concern as she glanced at the field, her eyes locked on Skarmory.

She hissed at her husband. "David! That Pokémon can be much stronger than it seems! Be careful." 

David's jaw tightened as he turned to her. "Okay, but I'm not letting this clown get the better of me."

Miss Newman stepped forward, her clipboard in hand. "Are you ready? Can we begin?"

Both trainers nodded their heads, and the battle commenced.

"Athena, start with Nasty Plot!" David commanded, his voice steady as he sought to boost his Pokémon's attack power. Mandibuzz, known for her impressive speed and aerial agility, flapped her wings and began to intensify her focus, her eyes glowing with determination.

"A-2!" Viktor barked, a code word that seemed to trigger a specific tactic. Skarmory took to the skies, circling Mandibuzz with a predatory grace. Without warning, it unleashed a Flash Cannon from above, the beam of steel energy crackling through the air.

David and Athena were prepared, however. Athena deftly maneuvered out of the way, the Flash Cannon grazing harmlessly past her. David saw that his strategy was working—Athena's attack boost from Nasty Plot was evident.

"Continue!" Viktor barked. Skarmory resumed its aerial dance, circling faster, the steel bird unleashing more Flash Cannons in rapid succession.

"Don't let it hit you. Fly up!" David commanded, his voice cutting through the din. Mandibuzz took to the air, her wings beating furiously as she ascended, avoiding the incoming attacks with agility. Skarmory's relentless barrage was intense, but Athena's heightened stats were holding steady.

"A-5!" Viktor shouted suddenly, and Skarmory halted its circling, its wings spread wide as it charged up another Flash Cannon. This one was aimed straight at Mandibuzz.

"Dodge it!" both David and Eva shouted in unison. Athena swerved to avoid the beam, but Skarmory's eyes flickered with a menacing glint. The Flash Cannon changed its trajectory mid-flight, slamming into Mandibuzz and sending her crashing down towards the ground.

David's eyes widened in shock from the unexpected change, but he saw Athena recover quickly. She shook herself off, rising to her feet with a defiant screech. "Hmm, she looks fine," David exhaled, relieved by Athena's resilience.

Eva gritted her teeth, her eyes narrowed in frustration. "It must be a trick! But I can't pinpoint what."

"Okay, now it's time to go on offense. Use Heat Wave!" David instructed, his voice edged with determination. Athena started to flap with her wings and conjured a powerful wave of intense heat, launching it towards Skarmory with a fiery blaze.

"D-3," Viktor responded with a sneer. Skarmory whirled around, entering into a high-speed Drill Run. The steel bird collided with the Heat Wave in a dazzling display of fire and steel, but then continued on and even covered in fire, it managed to hit Mandibuzz and send it flying towards the ground.

David's face was set in determination. "Dark Pulse against the ground!" he called out. Athena, with her wings spread wide, used Dark Pulse to cushion her fall. She landed gracefully, though heavily, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

"More Dark Pulses!" David commanded urgently, his eyes locked on Skarmory.

Jake, watching with bated breath, couldn't contain his excitement. "YES!!!" he cheered as Athena's Dark Pulse hit Skarmory, the explosion lighting up the battlefield.

But Viktor's expression remained cold and unphased. "A-5!" he commanded again. Skarmory, despite the damage, prepared for another Flash Cannon.

The two attacks met in the center of the field, resulting in a massive explosion of energy that sent shockwaves through the ground. Eva, quick on her feet, called out her Venomoth, Lenny. "Lenny, use Confusion to keep the smoke and dust away from the children!"

The scene turned chaotic as Venomoth's psychic energy cleared the smoke, allowing the children and other parents to see the unfolding battle. Viktor, now visibly angry, shouted, "WHAT IS THIS? YOU WANT TO GO 2 AGAINST 1? WHAT A SPORTSMANSHIP!!"

Eva shot back angrily, "I'm just trying to save the children from your attack!"

"The children need no protection. Only your husband shall know how to attack efficiently!" Viktor retorted, his voice dripping with scorn.

"Full power Dark Pulse!" David shouted in frustration. Athena gathered her energy, unleashing a powerful Dark Pulse at Skarmory.

"A-7!" Viktor commanded, his voice icy and commanding. Skarmory launched another Flash Cannon, and this time, it easily overwhelmed Athena's Dark Pulse with devastating force. The beam of steel energy struck Mandibuzz with unrelenting power, knocking her out cold.

It was apparent that the previous Flash Cannons were only a bait and their purpose was to make David think that Skarmory's not that powerful.

"What a loser!" Mark, Viktor's son, laughed derisively from the sidelines.

The Lindenberg family stood in stunned silence. Eva quickly scanned Skarmory again, her eyes widening in disbelief. "It's not at the 35th level, but at a 62nd level!" she gasped. "It's somehow been masking its true level!"

Viktor, turning to address the children, spoke with a chilling arrogance. "See how you should battle? If you want to be good trainers, join the local gym. If you're exceptional, you might be allowed to join my Articuno team. Only there will you learn how to defeat your enemies! No other place around here can teach you how to fight!"

David, his face flushed with anger and frustration, reached for his Pokéball, ready to call out his powerful Electrode. But Eva placed a hand on his arm, her grip firm and calming. "Don't!" she whispered urgently. "You're angry, and we're not sure how skilled this guy is. Let him have this victory."

David's teeth ground together, but he slowly nodded, his anger still simmering beneath the surface.

Mark sneered at Jake, his voice dripping with contempt. "I bet you'll be a Pokémon trainer just like your father. Useless loser!"

Jake stood there, mouth agape, unable to believe the spectacle he had just witnessed. The first day of school had taken a turn he never could have anticipated, and the encounter with Mark and his father had left a bitter taste in his mouth.