The arena was set. Outside Professor Juniper’s lab lay two regulation battling fields used for sparring. Nate and Hugh stepped into the trainer box on one side, while Hilbert and Hilda took the other.

  “Cheren, would you care to be the judge for this match?” Juniper asked, her tone eager.

  “It would be my pleasure.” Cheren firmly planted his feet on the sidelines, adjusting his tie. With a loud, booming voice that Nate was surprised Cheren possessed, he announced, “This match between Hilda and Hilbert versus Nate and Hugh will be a two-on-two elimination match! Substitutions are permitted at any time. Each trainer will use two Pokémon.”

  Cheren’s authoritative projection sparked a nervous flutter in Nate’s chest. The atmosphere shifted, heavy with the tension of an official tournament league match.

  They really mean business.

  “Trainers, select your first Pokémon!” Cheren commanded.

  “I think it's best we pair Riolu and Psyduck, leaving Oshawott and Tepig paired. That way we have the maximum type coverage,” Hugh spoke softly to Nate, eyes locked on their opponents.

  “Agreed. What Pokémon do Hilbert and Hilda have?” Nate whispered back.

  “Don't know, but we'll find out soon enough. We'll start with Riolu and Psyduck.”

  “Sounds good.” Nate reached for the Poké Ball at his belt. He took a deep breath, his fist clenching the metal sphere tightly. Across the field, Hilbert and Hilda were staring directly at them. The distance blurred their features, but their posture remained stoic and unreadable.

  Nate and Hugh signaled to Cheren they were ready. In the periphery, Nate saw Bianca and Rosa sitting on the metal bleachers. On Rosa’s lap sat her Snivy. Both trainer and Pokémon shared the same expressionless gaze, watching with their full attention. Professor Juniper stood next to Cheren, her eyes sharp.

  “Let the battle begin!” Cheren yelled, dropping his arm to signal the start.

  “Riolu, let's battle!” Nate cried.

  In a burst of white light, Riolu materialized onto the field. Simultaneously, Psyduck appeared right next to him. Both Pokémon took their stances, tense and ready.

  “Boldore, show ‘em what you got!” Hilbert shouted.

  “Meinfoo, you're up!” Hilda followed.

  The opponent’s Pokémon materialized. A hulking, purple rock-creature and a lithe, martial-arts weasel. They looked fierce and disciplined.

  “We can do this, buddy,” Nate projected his thought. “I'm right here with you.”

  Riolu gave a curt nod, his eyes fixated on the opposing Pokémon.

  “We have the type advantage,” Nate murmured to Hugh. “I'll focus on Boldore, and Psyduck can take Meinfoo with Confusion.”

  “Right, it should be over quickly,” Hugh replied, a confident grin breaking across his face.

  “Hey!” Hilda's voice echoed across the field. Nate looked up to see her cupping her hands like a megaphone. “Don't go easy on us, hotshots!” She yelled with a wink.

  Nate smiled, eyes locking on the target. “Don't count on it. Riolu, Force Palm on Boldore!”

  Riolu dashed forward, palms glowing with energy, gunning straight for the Rock-type. Beside him, Psyduck clutched its head, gathering psychic energy to strike Mienfoo.

  Riolu reared back, aiming directly at the face of the giant boulder. But before contact was made, Mienfoo scurried into motion, appearing directly in front of Riolu.

  “Fake Out!” Hilda shouted, grinning.

  Mienfoo struck Riolu with a lightning-fast double-palm thrust. The shock killed Riolu's momentum instantly, sending him skidding back, dazed and flinching.

  “Boldore, Stealth Rock!” Hilbert cried.

  Mienfoo's intervention gave Boldore the clear opening it needed. It moved heavily but with deliberate precision. It stomped the ground, and jagged stones manifested across Nate and Hugh's side of the field. They hovered menacingly for a split second before fading into transparency, an invisible minefield waiting to be triggered.

  “Now Psyduck, Confusion!” Hugh shouted.

  Mienfoo's body began glowing blue as it levitated helplessly into the air. Psyduck thrust its arms forward, throwing Mienfoo backwards with telekinetic force. Meinfoo landed into the dirt, shaking off the dust as it struggled to its feet.

  “Riolu, strike with Force Palm!” Nate shouted, seizing the opening on the vulnerable Boldore. It was the perfect chance for the agile Fighting-type. Riolu shook off the flinch and once again charged.

  “Iron Defense!” Hilbert shouted.

  Boldore seized up, clinging to its rocky center with all three legs. A slick, metallic sheen washed over its body, glistening in the sunlight like polished steel. Riolu's hand struck Boldore hard, right on its cranial rock.

  Clang!

  As Riolu backflipped to safety, shaking his hand, Boldore rose up, unfazed.

  “That body... It's hard to break those defenses,” Riolu's voice echoed in Nate's mind.

  Nate grunted. Boldore seemed completely unharmed by the super-effective hit. He glanced at Hilda and Hilbert. Their lips were moving in rapid, silent coordination.

  “Hugh, that Iron Defense is going to be tough to beat for Riolu,” Nate said, uncertainty creeping into his voice.

  “No worries, Psyduck can switch to Boldore with its Water Gun, Riolu can focus on Mienfoo,” Hugh replied assuringly. “Let's not give up. Psyduck, Water Gun on Boldore!”

  “Riolu, Quick Attack on Mienfoo!” Nate shouted.

  A high-pressure stream of water erupted from Psyduck's beak with the force of a fire hose. Riolu dashed alongside it, moving at a speed invisible to the human eye.

  Hilda and Hilbert stared deeply at their opponents, eyes gleaming with anticipation, as if they had predicted the target switch.

  “Boldore, Mud-Slap!” Hilbert shouted.

  “Quick Guard!” Hilda followed.

  Boldore shot globs of thick mud from the void in its face, while Mienfoo summoned a translucent wall with a hexagonal pattern. Riolu clashed into the barrier and fell backward with an audible thud.

  The mud balls splattered squarely into Psyduck’s face, obstructing its eyes and nostrils. Simultaneously, the stray water drenched Boldore, causing it to fall flat.

  “Reversal, Mienfoo!” Hilda commanded with urgency.

  Mienfoo darted past the stumbling Riolu, using the chaos to flank him. Riolu looked to the front for the attack, but Mienfoo vanished before him.

  “Don't let it trick you Riolu! It's coming from behind!”

  Riolu spun around, eyes widening as Mienfoo closed the distance with incredible speed.

  “Force Palm!” Nate shouted.

  Riolu ducked under Mienfoo's attack just in time, the wind of the attack ruffling his fur. Capitalizing on the miss, Riolu drove a hard Force Palm into Mienfoo’s torso, slamming it into the ground.

  “No! Mienfoo!” Hilda cried out.

  The Pokémon struggled to its feet, wincing as it stood, but remained steady.

  “Boldore, can you get up?” Hilbert yelled. The Rock-type struggled to lift its heavy body, water dripping from its carapace, but with a grunt of effort, it planted all three legs firmly on the ground.

  “Both Mienfoo and Boldore are good to continue battling!” Cheren declared.

  Nate glanced over to see Juniper nodding her head in approval.

  She's clearly impressed with Hilda and Hilbert.

  “Woohoo! Go Boldore! Go Mienfoo!” Bianca’s cheers rang out from the bleachers. Beside her, Rosa remained silent, eyes tracking the movement on the field as if she were mentally taking notes.

  “Wow, Hilbert and Hilda really raised their Pokémon well,” Hugh remarked, his voice steady but laced with worry. “Psyduck, you okay to continue?”

  Psyduck shook its body vigorously, trying to dislodge the mud plastered over its eyes. The muck stuck fast, leaving the duck whimpering in frustration.

  “Hugh, call back Psyduck. It can't hit Boldore if it can't see,” Nate advised. “I'll substitute Oshawott to take on Boldore with Water Gun, and Tepig can take Mienfoo.”

  Hugh nodded. “Okay, sounds like a plan. Return, Psyduck.” A beam of red light recalled the blinded Pokémon. “Go, Tepig!”

  Nate readied his ball to return Riolu.

  “No!”

  The shout came from the bleachers. It was Rosa, standing up now, Snivy alert beside her.

  Rosa?

  Before Nate could process her outburst, a harsh crunching sound echoed through the arena as Tepig materialized. The fire pig squealed in pain as the invisible Stealth Rocks jutted out of the air, battering his small body.

  “The Stealth Rock! Damn it! I forgot!” Hugh exclaimed, panic cracking his voice. “Don't recall Riolu! We can't let Oshawott take unnecessary damage unless it absolutely has to,” he pointed frantically at Nate.

  Nate froze, the realization hitting him like a physical blow.

  I… I didn't mean to…

  “It's alright,” Riolu's calm voice cut through the panic. “We're still in this fight.”

  “Right… Okay, Riolu, let's finish this.”

  “Boldore, don't show them mercy! Use Power Gem on Tepig!” Hilbert commanded.

  Immediately, sparkling magical stones hovered above Boldore, glowing with light. One by one, they fired like bullets toward the already damaged Tepig.

  “Riolu, hit those rocks with Force Palm!” Nate shouted.

  Riolu darted in front of Tepig, intercepting the barrage. With glowing palms, he deflected each stone. But the barrage intensified, overwhelming his defenses. One gem slipped through, striking Riolu center mass and bringing him to his knees.

  “Riolu, no!”

  “Mienfoo, U-Turn!” Hilda cried.

  In a flash, Mienfoo dove toward Riolu, cloaked in a mass of green bug-energy. It struck Riolu with tremendous speed, and then, using the impact as a springboard, zoomed straight back toward Hilda's hand as a beam of red light.

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “Cottonee, go!” She shouted. Cottonee popped out in Mienfoo's place, floating lightly in the air, fresh and ready.

  “Riolu! Can you continue?” Nate asked.

  “I… can… I… will…”

  Riolu tried to stand, but his legs gave out. He collapsed into the dust.

  “Riolu is unable to battle. Nate is down to one Pokémon!” Cheren announced.

  Nate returned Riolu to his ball. “It's alright, Riolu. You did great,” he whispered.

  It's down to you, Oshawott.

  “Go, Oshawott! Brace yourself for Stealth Rock!” Nate warned as he threw the ball.

  Oshawott materialized, arms immediately crossing to shield his face. The invisible stones hammered him, bruising the small otter, but he shook it off, eyes narrowing with determination.

  “That's the spirit, Oshawott!” Rosa’s voice carried from the bleachers. Snivy’s cry was soft but equally encouraging.

  Is she rooting for us?

  “Tepig, let's shut down Cottonee with Ember!” Hugh roared.

  Tepig inhaled sharply, smoke billowing from his snout. A volley of fireballs hurdled toward Cottonee.

  “Boldore, move to protect Cottonee!” Hilbert instructed.

  “Now, Oshawott, Water Gun!” Nate shouted.

  Oshawott spat a high-velocity stream of water toward the moving rock. Before the sluggish Boldore could pivot, the water stormed over it like a boulder stuck in a waterfall. The heavy Pokémon collapsed, legs splaying out.

  “Cottonee, look out!” Hilda cried.

  Without Boldore’s shield, the embers rained down on Cottonee. The fire singed its fluffy exterior, leaving black scorch marks.

  “Boldore is unable to battle, leaving Hilbert with one Pokémon!” Cheren called out.

  “It's alright, Boldore, you were great.” Hilbert recalled his Pokémon and swapped balls. “C'mon, Scraggy, finish strong!”

  The shedding Pokémon appeared, hiking up its loose skin pants.

  “Looks like we're gaining momentum,” Hugh said, raising up a fist.

  “Sorry about Tepig, I didn't remember the Stealth Rocks,” Nate apologized, eyes still on the field.

  “It's alright. We're still a team!” Hugh gave a thumbs up. “Okay, Tepig, finish off Cottonee with Ember!”

  Tepig flared its snout again.

  “Scraggy, Power-Up Punch!”

  Scraggy closed the distance instantly, slamming a glowing fist into Tepig with devastating force. Tepig was launched backward, the embers choking in his throat.

  “Oshawott, Razor Shell!” Nate cried. Oshawott targeted Scraggy, leaping into the air, grabbing the scalchop from his belly. It glowed with blue energy, forming a sharp blade.

  “Mega Drain!” cried Hilda.

  Green orbs of energy seeped from Oshawott, siphoning his vitality and channeling it into Cottonee. The scorch marks on the cotton ball began to fade. The drain staggered Oshawott, leaving him open to an even more powerful Power-Up Punch from Scraggy that sent him flying.

  This isn't looking good.

  Both Oshawott and Tepig were struggling to stand, panting heavily.

  “Scraggy is getting more powerful with every attack! You need to deal with it first!”

  Nate looked over. Rosa was yelling from the bleachers. Hugh also noticed the commotion and looked to Nate.

  “She's right, Scraggy is the threat! Let's take it out, fast!” Hugh directed.

  “Just whose side are you on?” Hilbert yelled to the sidelines.

  “Tepig, go all out and use Tackle!” Hugh shouted.

  “Oshawott, use Tackle too!”

  The two Pokémon charged straight for Scraggy, heads tucked, running at full speed. As Tepig charged, flames erupted around his body. The heat intensified, propelling Tepig faster, overtaking Oshawott.

  “That's Flame Charge!” Hugh cried in amazement.

  “Scraggy, quick, Headbutt!” Hilbert cried in desperation.

  “Cottonee, Helping Hand!” Hilda commanded.

  Cottonee cheered, swinging its leaf-hands. A mystical, golden glow enveloped Scraggy, surging through his muscles.

  Tepig raced across the battlefield as a streak of fire. The Flame Charge collided head-on with Scraggy’s empowered Headbutt. A shockwave of energy kicked up dust. Both Pokémon were sent tumbling backward. Tepig skidded to a halt and didn't move. Scraggy tried to rise, but Oshawott slammed into him with a follow-up Tackle, knocking him out cold.

  “Both Scraggy and Tepig are unable to battle! Hilbert has no more available Pokémon. Hugh has one Pokémon remaining.”

  Hugh returned his Tepig, staring at the ball with admiration. “You were amazing, Tepig. Learning Flame Charge all on your own.”

  Only Cottonee and Mienfoo are left. That gives us the upper hand.

  “Okay, Psyduck. I'm counting on you,” Hugh declared.

  Psyduck appeared, and once more, the cruel sound of Stealth Rock battering a Pokémon filled the air. The already weakened Psyduck swayed, struggling to stay upright.

  Hilda looked nervous, but a spark of determination lit her eyes.

  She has the type advantage, but that won't stop us.

  “Oshawott, Tackle! Don't let Cottonee have a chance to attack!” Nate yelled.

  “Psyduck, Confusion!” Hugh followed.

  “Now Cottonee, Stun Spore!” Hilda cried.

  Cottonee shivered, releasing a cloud of yellow powder. It coated Oshawott's fur instantly. Oshawott seized up, muscles locking, and fell to the ground.

  Psyduck's psychic energy surrounded Cottonee, lifting it helplessly into the air.

  “Quick Cottonee, Mega Drain!”

  As Cottonee floated, it directed a stream of green energy from Psyduck, sapping the last of the duck’s strength.

  Psyduck's psychic hold broke. Cottonee drifted gently to the ground while Psyduck collapsed on his tail, head between his webbed feet.

  “Oshawott, you can do it! Razor Shell!” Nate cried.

  Oshawott struggled to get back up, the paralysis twitching through his limbs. The otter Pokémon grabbed his scalchop, brandishing it like a sword. He swung his arm back and struck Cottonee just as it landed.

  “Cottonee and Psyduck are unable to battle. Hugh has no more available Pokémon! Hilda has one Pokémon remaining!”

  Hilda and Hugh returned their fainted Pokémon. Hilda sent Mienfoo back out. Though it was battered, Mienfoo assumed its fighting stance.

  “Let's go Mienfoo! Win for us!” Hilbert cheered.

  “It's all up to you now, Nate. That Mienfoo has taken a lot of damage already,” Hugh said, his voice grim.

  “Oshawott, you ready?”

  Oshawott nodded, though he winced as sparks of paralysis danced across his fur.

  Nate looked to the sidelines. Rosa was back in her seat, eyes fixed on Oshawott. Bianca was cheering joyfully for both sides. Juniper watched with bated breath.

  “This is it, Oshawott. Razor Shell!”

  “Force Palm!”

  The two battered Pokémon charged with the last dregs of their stamina. The scalchop blade met a glowing palm, locking them in a stalemate of strength. Both grunted as they tried to overcome the other.

  “Give it all you got Mienfoo!” Hilda yelled.

  “You too, Oshawott! Full Power!”

  “C'mon, Oshawott!” Rosa’s voice pierced the noise. She was standing again, Snivy beside her.

  Oshawott howled a fierce cry and broke Meinfoo's stance. Mienfoo fell backwards bracing its fall with both arms on the ground. Nothing was protecting it from the Razor Shell bearing down on it.

  Oshawott seized. Its grip on its shell faltered. Paralysis kicked in. There was nothing it could do except fight the spores that lingered in its body.

  “Mienfoo! Reversal!” Hilda shouted in a panic.

  Mienfoo stumbled to its feet, dashing past the paralyzed Oshawott. It turned on a dime, channeling all its pain into power, and struck Oshawott in the back.

  It was over in a second. Oshawott face-planted into the dirt, his scalchop rolling away to rest by his side.

  “Oshawott!” Nate cried out.

  This can't be happening.

  He stared at his downed Pokémon. Oshawott lay there grunting, motionless.

  “Oshawott is unable to battle. Nate has no more usable Pokémon. Therefore, the winners are Hilda and Hilbert!”

  Hilda stood dumbfounded for a moment before her expression melted from panic to pure joy. She jumped up and down, cheering for Mienfoo. Hilbert hugged her from behind, shouting, “You did it, Da! You did it! Nice job, superstar!”

  Nate walked onto the field and scooped up his Pokémon. Oshawott gave a solemn sigh, ears drooping.

  “It's alright, buddy. You did all you could. I couldn't be more proud of you,” Nate said reassuringly.

  Hugh walked up and placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

  “You battled hard. I'm impressed,” he said with a genuine smile. “Don't be down on yourself.”

  Nate felt his heart sink. He thought he had it.

  “I know. It's my fault. I'm the one who told you to swap Tepig into Stealth Rocks.”

  Hugh shook his head. “It doesn't matter. We would've taken damage from those rocks anyway. Besides, we made the decision as a team. We got to learn to start thinking as a team. We're a part of one, after all.”

  “Yeah,” Nate said quietly.

  Movement caught his eye. Rosa was jogging up to them, Snivy at her heels. Nate braced himself.

  “Is Oshawott alright?” she asked hesitantly.

  “Umm, yeah, I think.” Nate looked at the otter in his arms. Oshawott's eyes were squeezed shut, mouth trembling.

  Rosa reached into her bag and pulled out a small, bright red berry with a twisted green stem. “Here, take this.”

  “A Cheri Berry?” Nate asked, grabbing the berry from her hand. It felt spicy to the touch.

  “For Oshawott’s paralysis.” She eyed Nate.

  Nate felt his face heat up, turning redder than the fruit in his hand.

  “Oh, right.”

  Nate held the berry to Oshawott’s nose. The otter sniffed, then took a bite. He chewed softly, and almost instantly, his muscles relaxed. He opened his eyes and wiggled out of Nate’s arms to stand on his own feet.

  “Hey there Oshawott, you okay?” Nate asked.

  Oshawott gave a cheerful nod. He patted his belly and froze. His scalchop was missing. He looked frantically at the ground until, suddenly, it appeared in front of his face, held by a green vine.

  Snivy offered the shell to her old friend. Oshawott gave an excited yell and grabbed it, running over to high-five Snivy.

  “So, you two really are good friends, huh?” Rosa said with a faint smile. Snivy and Oshawott ran off to play in the dust of the arena.

  Nate looked at Rosa, who was watching the Pokémon. His hands felt awkward, as if he didn’t know where to put them, and his ears were hot.

  “So, Rosa,” Hugh began, breaking the tension, “why were you cheering for us in the stands? Isn't Hilda your cousin?”

  “I was?” She blinked, surprised. “Oh, I… guess I wanted to see Oshawott do well. I know Snivy was cheering for Oshawott, so I thought I would too. You both were doing pretty well, but I think your mistake was trying for an all-out offensive,” Rosa explained.

  Hugh and Nate exchanged a look. “What do you mean?” Hugh asked.

  “Umm, well,” Rosa's eyes darted to the side. “It's just that Hilbert and Hilda were playing to the strengths of their Pokémon. Boldore was the anchor on defense while Mienfoo acted as the striker. Similarly, Cottonee acted as support so Scraggy could go on the offensive. Each of their moves was calculated to work together, rather than as individual battlers. You guys were… a bit rushed. And the Stealth Rock on Tepig was a mistake…” she added quietly.

  “Yeah, right,” Hugh replied, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “So you think we didn't act as a team?”

  “Well, no. Not really,” Rosa critiqued honestly.

  “We realized that, too. I think if we work together more we'll do better next time,” Hugh admitted.

  “I think so, too. You're both very good trainers,” Rosa said, her voice softening.

  A sharp whistle cut through the air. Cheren waved from the sidelines, signaling them over to the sidelines where Juniper, Bianca, Hilda, and Hilbert were waiting.

  “Looks like we're being summoned,” Rosa said.

  The trio gathered at the bleachers. Nate and Rosa decided to leave Oshawott and Snivy playing on the field.

  He needs a break, anyway.

  “I just want to say, what an extraordinary battle. I for sure thought Nate was going to pull that one off,” Juniper started. “But Hilda and Hilbert, you both were excellent as a team. I have full confidence you are capable of going on the mission.”

  Hilda threw her arm around Hilbert. “Great job, Bert! Couldn't have done it without you!” She leaned into him. Hilbert grinned and playfully threw her arm off.

  “Nate and Hugh,” Juniper turned to them. “I must say your tenacity in battle is quite formidable. You both clearly have the heart to do your best. I believe you are both ready to go on the mission as well.”

  Hugh grinned and nudged Nate in the arm. Nate managed a smile back.

  “Both teams passed the assessment,” Juniper declared. “We should be ready to leave shortly, but after all your Pokémon have had rest and something to eat.”

  After a quick debrief, the team began to disperse toward the lab to rest their battle-worn partners. Nate hung back to retrieve Oshawott, who was currently throwing his scalchop into the air for Snivy to catch with Vine Whip.

  “Hey Oshawott, we're going to go get something to eat! You need to recover your strength!” Nate yelled.

  He heard light footsteps approaching.

  “Snivy, you too! It's time to go!” Rosa called out beside him.

  Nate glanced back. Everyone else was already halfway to the lab. He turned to see Oshawott and Snivy ignoring them completely.

  “Guess they're not interested in coming back, are they?” Rosa said. Her voice was cheery now.

  Is this how she normally sounds?

  “Yeah, I guess not,” Nate said. He stood there for a second, shifting his weight. The conversation he had with Hugh that morning resurfaced in his mind.

  I wonder how she's feeling.

  “Hey, umm, how's your head?” Nate asked stupidly.

  “Huh?” Rosa tilted her head, confused.

  “I mean, from last night. Is it okay?”

  “Oh. Yeah, I'm good. I still have a bruise, though,” she laughed. Nate could feel the forced nature of the sound.

  “Good. I mean…good that you're doing good.”

  What the hell was that?

  “Are you going to see Elekid today?” Nate quickly asked, pivoting desperately.

  “Yeah, I think so. Bianca, Cheren, and I are going to be caring for all of the Electric-type Pokémon. I would assume that means Elekid, too. Why?” She asked, her tone shifting to confused awkwardness.

  “I just wanted to make sure Elekid is taken care of. Will you do that for me?” Nate asked. He could feel his toes curling in his shoes with embarrassment. It wasn't an apology, but it was... something.

  “Oh. Yeah, I can do that. I'll make sure Elekid is okay. Promise.” Rosa said.

  Her voice trailed off as Snivy trotted up to her legs. Oshawott, too, waddled over to Nate.

  “Hey Snivy, are you ready to go?” Rosa bent down, her voice snapping back to that polished cheerfulness.

  Snivy nodded, and Rosa recalled her into her Poké Ball.

  “I'll see you, Nate. Good luck on your mission!” She waved and jogged toward the lab.

  “Thanks,” Nate called after her. He stood alone in the dirt for a moment, then looked down at Oshawott, who was staring up at him with judgmental eyes.

  “Hey, don't look at me like that! I was trying my best!”

  Oshawott gave a long sigh and shook his head in disappointment.