Unfortunately, the good times couldn't continue to roll for the three. After all, they were at the most dreaded point of school.

  Schoolwork.

  Harry held back from audibly groaning every time another slide fluttered by on the projector, knowing it was one long explanation away from break or lunchtime. Occasionally, he'd make some notes about something that he found mildly interesting. But, those notes came few and far between. Mostly, his attention went to Numel, ensuring the Pokemon remained docile and by his side. But, the Pokemon never strayed too far from him. The Pokemon must've been trained to be well behaved as part of the school's rental system. Couldn't be handing out problem Pokemon to fresh eyed kids, after all.

  "As you may already know, all Pokemon are fueled by something called Infinity Energy," one of the teachers droned on, Harry's head slumped against his hand. Glancing to his right, he found Lucas making small notes on all that was discussed. Usually, Harry would've been able to siphon off Lucas' attention during normal class. But, in a school meant for trainers, Lucas' smile seemed more organic, eased. Harry couldn't excuse the distraction as amusing Lucas, and so let him be.

  "This Infinity Energy can then be converted into Type Energy for their attacks, so that Fire-types may use Fire moves, Water-types may use Water moves, etc," Lucas' hand scribbled messily co-ordinated notes of what Harry thought to be common sense. But, he couldn't exactly blame Lucas for at least doing something, compared to him sitting there with an almost blank piece of paper.

  "However, while Pokemon are limited to two types at most, their capabilities can stretch outside of just those types," the teacher pointed to charts, with different types sprouting out from one singular type. "For example, Ghost types moves such as Shadow Ball are, as is obvious, most commonly used by Ghost types. But, types such as Dark and Psychic can commonly stretch their Infinity Energy to create limited amounts of Ghost-type energy, enabling them to use these attacks."

  "However, Pokemon can only expend this type of energy in certain ways, most of the time. Alakazam can't use its limited Fighting energy to use Brick Break." Accompanying the slide was a small animation of an Alakazam wincing as it hit its hand against a set of wooden planks, like in those old karate movies. "But, it can use its Fighting energy on a move like Focus Blast, which is more attuned for the Psychic type." The next slide then showed Alakazam wielding its spoons, creating a blast of energy that shattered the wooden planks.

  Lucas ooo'd at the animation, continuing to scribble down notes at a rapid rate, before the teacher could move onto the next slide. Even included a very poorly drawn Alakazam for reference. Harry chuckled, then glanced over to the seat in front of him, and just beside Lucas. Ellie sat there, with a piece of paper in front of her. But, her notebook seemed to be the only thing she was writing in.

  What she was writing about, Harry could not tell for the life of him. Her handwriting was composed of swirls too elegant, letters too loopy, so fancy it felt like she wrote in an entirely different language. But, from the few words he did make out, she wasn't even writing about the lecture materials either! Not to mention the (admittedly) neat doodles in the corners of the pages, of Ralts, of Mudkip, of a couple Pokemon Harry didn't recognise. Seemed he wasn't the only one not taking notes, at least.

  A paper ball suddenly struck the side of his head. Not hard, but with enough force to hit solidly against the side of his head. The crumpled up sheet fell to the floor, and Harry quickly armed himself with the ball to lob back at whoever had chosen war first. But, the attacker had turned their head before Harry could make 100% sure he was aiming at the right target. So, he kept the ball close, returning his attention back to the lecture.

  A couple minutes later, he spotted someone out the corner of his eye readying another paper ball. The kid with a Machop that he'd taken note of before, but never acknowledged. A grin on his face, he aimed the ball directly at Ellie's head. Harry aimed a ball to hit him before he could, but the boy was quick to throw, only taking a millisecond to line up and take the shot.

  The paper ball stopped just before it hit the side of Ellie's head. Held in mid air, a Psychic energy enveloped it. Ellie turned, eyes meeting the ball, before it suddenly flung right back into the boy's face. Lucas looked over, having not noticed the scuffle, but holding back a laugh as the boy was whacked in the face by the paper ball. Ralts huffed, looking up to Ellie. Ellie nervously pet her Psychic type on the head, thanking it for its contributions.

  The boy let the ball drop to his lap, then onto the floor, stunned. But, that stunned expression soon turned to an expression befitting of a tantrum throwing toddler. But, before Ellie could face that angry glare, the bell rang out for lunch break.

  "Alright class, that's all! Enjoy your lunch!"

  "Thank Arceus." Harry was the first to leap from his chair, gathering his backpack and Pokémon before swiftly making his exit.

  "Wait up!" Lucas shouted, stuffing everything into his bag, before hurrying out, Ellie by his side. The trio quickly found their way to the cafeteria, slightly better looking than what they were used to. But, it seemed they served exactly the same food that Lucas and Harry were used to. Soon, all three held a tray loaded up with the most average food you could imagine. Cheap pizza, slightly too hard brownies and pre-made mac and cheese.

  "Glad to see some things don't change at all," Harry chuckled.

  Lucas shook his head. "Didn't have this environment to eat it in though."

  The sun broke out overhead, glaring down at them as they escaped from the cafeteria doors. A large, open, outdoor space sat in front of them, dozens of wooden benches shaded by trees standing out in the open field. Students congregated all across the length of the field, an equal split between sitting on the wooden benches or basking in the sun. But, all lived along their Pokémon, roaming free in the open space.

  "Yeah, this part's much better," Harry admitted, setting his tray in a shaded area under a tree, sliding his legs over and into the wooden bench. Lucas and Ellie took the lighter side of the bench, setting down their trays. "Still, good atmosphere can't save...this."

  "Hey, don't diss school food! It tastes like memories!" Lucas chirped, taking the first bite of his pizza. "You're telling me you haven't missed the taste of this even a little?"

  Harry took a bite of the pizza. "Nope, not one bit," he snorted, before taking a small bite of the brownie accompanying the pizza, then pausing, "Ok...maybe the brownie-"

  "See! We know it's not good for us, nor is it really good food, but we still eat and enjoy it anyways!" Lucas looked to Ellie, expecting some kind of murmur of agreement, or response. But, she absently picked at her bowl of pasta, taking slow bites. "What about you, Ellie? As good as you remember?"

  Ellie blinked twice, like her mind finally caught up to acknowledging she was being addressed. She looked back at her pasta, and admitted, "There's nothing much to remember, I'm afraid."

  "Oh yeah, you're homeschooled, right?" Harry clicked his fingers, pointing to her. Ellie responded with a slow nod. "Explains why we didn't see you around at our old school."

  "So, is this your first like...public school meal? Never had one like it before?" Lucas asked, eyes flickering with curiosity as his head leaned against his palm.

  "Well, I-" Ellie hesitated for a moment. "I suppose it is, yes. Never really considered it like that, though."

  "Pretty good place to start out, compared to our one at Littleroot. Count your lucky stars the professors decided to homeschool you."

  "Not a day goes by that I don't, amongst other things that I am thankful to them for," Ellie hummed with a subdued smile. Something flickered in Harry's expression, just as Lucas changed the subject.

  "Still, no one would be able to tell, you fit right in!" Lucas smiled.

  Ellie's eyes widened slightly, turning to Lucas. "Wait, really? I feel like I look rather awkward."

  "Nah, you fit in just fine." Harry's finger traced a circle before settling onto Ellie's duffel bag. "Besides you constantly jotting in that notebook, but most people'll think you're studying, and just really committed to it."

  Ellie paused mid-bite, setting her fork down and half-glaring at Harry. "Think? But I am studying?"

  "Sure, drawing pictures of Mudkip and Ralts is 100% studying." Harry retorted with a smirk, catching Ellie in her lie, causing her pale face to slightly flush. Lucas' eyes sparkled.

  "Ooo, is that what's in there?" Lucas turned to a confused Harry. "Oh, she doesn't let anyone look inside, so I've never seen." Lucas then turned back to Ellie. "Ya have any Torchic-"

  "I have nothing for you to see, Lucas." Ellie sighed.

  "Awww..." Lucas pouted.

  "It's my private feelings and thoughts." Ellie glared at Harry. "So not for prying eyes."

  "Alright, jeez, mental note: don't look in Goldilocks' special diary." Harry teased again, to which Ellie responded by digging into her pasta with a little more ferocity behind the stabbing of her fork.

  "Think we should let out our Pokemon?" Lucas asked before the silence could plunge the whole table into awkwardness. Everyone seems to be in agreement too, to let everyone out after having them trapped in their Pokeballs so they could grab food. Three Pokeballs a side roll out, and burst to life.

  Numel popped out right next to Harry, looking up at its new trainer. Harry offered a gloved hand, careful not to touch the surface with his bare skin. But, through the fabric of his glove, it felt just like putting his hands on a warm radiator. Comfy, nice. But, Poochyena soon approached, teeth growling, clearly jealous of the new kid hogging all the spotlight.

  But, before anything can get out of hand, Harry reached out his other hand, nails gently scratching against the back of the canine's neck. Cooing, the dog flopped over, begging for belly rubs. Harry chuckled, and obliged.

  Treecko watched with an air of jealousy, sour expression on its face. But, it didn't beg for Harry's attention like the others. Rather, it jumped onto the wooden bench, then leapt high into the air, beginning to swing from branch to branch of the tree. Ralts' body shivered suddenly, startled by Treecko swinging from its branch, where the Psychic type observed from a distance. Taillow, too, had chosen to perch atop the tree, away from all those that it didn't want to interact with. Which, was all of them.

  It spat down at the earth, saliva nearly smacking Ellie for the second time in two days. But, she narrowly weaved her head around the projectile, staring at Taillow. The bird hmphed, and closed its eyes. Mudkip growled, barking and crying out at Taillow, commanding the bird's attention. Quickly, the two devolved into a screaming match, one cry after another descending into a mad symphony and squeaking, squawking and everything in between.

  "Guys!" Ellie yelled out, conscious of the noise they were making, eyes beginning to fall upon her. Mudkip looked up to Ellie, finding her eyes pleading, and eventually succumbed to silence. Taillow did too, after a time, but not before a good moment continued of screaming. Then, eventually, it just flew off anyways, growing bored of the silence and fluttering around above the closed off field.

  Lucas cringed slightly, watching Ellie's expression fall as Taillow fluttered away. His expression hardened, watching Taillow circle the air without a care, like it didn't have a care for Ellie at all. "Taillow's being a jerk."

  Torchic nodded along in agreement, perched atop Lucas' shoulder. Ellie watched Taillow fly around for a moment, before turning back to the conversation with a heavy sigh. "I guess I can't blame Taillow, it didn't sign up for this."

  "Still could stand to be a little nicer," Lucas responded.

  "Maybe it's just a species thing?" Harry suggested. And, right on cue, the rental Pokemon Taillow flew into the air to meet Seijo's. The two locked eyes for a moment, before Seijo's began crying out and squawking. The other bounced back, looking to its trainer Ellie returned it before she could be embarrassed any further by Taillow's frustration. Harry stared for a couple moments, before shrugging. "Ok, maybe Seijo's Taillow is just a jerk."

  "I'll have to ask him about getting Taillow under control later." Ellie slotted the Pokeball away, turning to the others at the table, noticing one absence between them. "Lucas, where's Shroomish?"

  "Shroomish? Shroomish is..." Lucas stopped. Usually, it'd be on his head. But, when he patted down his own head, all he found was a bed of black hair. But, checking under the table soon revealed the little mushroom, shivering under the shade. Lucas giggled, pulling Shroomish out of its hiding space, placing it right on top of his head. "Right here! Never lost track of 'em for a second!"

  "I'm sure." Harry's tone dripped with sarcasm, looking up to Lucas' new mushroom hat, where he couldn't help but notice the frown on Shroomish's face. "Is something bothering it?"

  Lucas tilted his head to the side, Shroomish clinging tighter to the top of his head, vines tugging at his tufts of hair. Then, he straightened his head, and lifted Shroomish from the top, right into his arms. The Grass type continued to shiver, eyes darting around at every small movement. Namely, at the many Pokemon it didn't recognise.

  "It is Shroomish's first time outside of a forest, correct?" Ellie brought her hand closer to Shroomish to give its head a stroke, only for both to get second thoughts, Ellie's hand retreating as Shroomish reeled its head back. "Maybe it's just nervous about being in a new environment?"

  "That'd make sense, is that the problem?" Lucas spun Shroomish around to face the Grass type, who reluctantly nodded. But, Lucas didn't frown, rather continued speaking with a bright energy. "Alright, just means you need to meet some more Pokemon!" Lucas glanced around, finding Treecko swinging from the treetops. "Maybe Treecko? Since you're both Grass types?"

  Treecko turned at the mention of its name, swinging from a branch onto the ground just beside Lucas. The young trainer smiled, gently lowering Shroomish onto the ground. The mushroom shuffled closer to Treecko, as Treecko did much the same. The two faced each other, Shroomish continuing to shiver, especially as it noticed its trainers gaze fall upon it.

  "Well, go on!" Lucas egged on Shroomish, Treecko strolling a little closer to the mushroom. A hand gently reached over, combing the surface of Shroomish's head. The poor thing looked like it was about to explode, shivering under Treecko's touch. Then, it literally exploded, with a whole lot of spores bursting into the air. Treecko sniffed the air curiously, looking at Lucas.

  Lucas sneezed, nose suddenly repelling the spores. But, not without letting out a laugh. "Pfft, that tick-oh no-"

  Both him and Torchic suddenly collapsed from the bench, sending Zorua flying off his lap, into the cloud of spores. Soon, his entire team laid knocked out, and Ellie could only sigh. A silence followed, where no one said anything. Harry looked between Lucas, snoring on the floor, and Ellie, halfway between embarrassed and trying not to laugh.

  "What the hell was that?" Harry laughed, finally breaking Ellie enough to let out a chuckle.

  "A Shroomish special," she answered, as Shroomish slowly scuttled away, taking refuge under the bench once more. Ellie stood up from the bench, stretching her limbs and looking at Harry. "You wanna help shake him awake?"

  "Don't gotta ask me twice."

  And, back to the classroom. In the middle of a pop quiz.

  Harry sat, scratching his head, staring at the multiple choice quiz of which most of his answers were complete guesses. He hadn't anticipated a test almost immediately after they learnt the material. The teacher insisted that it was just to check that the students were listening to what was being said, with only simple questions meant to enforce memorisation. Only problem was that he had barely listened at all!

  Thankfully, Ellie was there to save the day. Not with any active thought on her part. Rather, just a list of answers right there in front of her, sat neatly on the desk for Harry to copy from. Ellie didn't even try to hide the answers from prying eyes. She seemed much more concerned about hiding her notebook, clearly conscious of Harry's prying eyes earlier. He hadn't the time to mention he couldn't even read her handwriting in between walking to classes, and roughly shaking Lucas awake.

  That'd come as a surprise for Lucas. One they'd soon regret as Lucas winced and nearly wept over the pain in his ribs, a thing that Lucas had neglected to mention in his tellings of the battle with Team Storm. Or, at least glossed over, like the injury wasn't causing him active harm. Ellie couldn't stop apologising, and Harry could see the regret in her eyes. The way she slightly turned to check on Lucas, before writing with a little more fervour.

  Harry couldn't help but peek over at Lucas, too. Working away, with his Pokemon by his side. Zorua nestled on his lap, Torchic standing tall on his shoulder, Shroomish still worn like a hat. Torchic was the only one awake, Lucas occasionally stopping to ask his partner if the answer he had selected was right. Almost always, Torchic responded with a firm nod. But, every so often, it'd respond with a tilt of its head, and Lucas would tap his pen against the paper, until he settled upon an answer Torchic liked. Then, without hesitation, he picked that answer.

  Harry had to chuckle. The amount of faith he had in a Pokemon that couldn't even speak to him, nor was likely listening to the lecture. Harry couldn't afford the same luxury, anyways. Treecko retreated to its Pokeball whenever class time came around. Harry wished he could've done the same.

  Torchic seemed to play another role, too. Snapping Lucas' attention back to the paper whenever his mind seemed to wander. Which, seemed to happen more often than usual. It happened a lot during their old school years, Lucas' mind getting lost some place elsewhere. Harry imagined he was just thinking of those stupid Torchic videos. But, even with a Torchic by his side, his mind wandered, a lot.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  Torchic gently kicked his cheek, wanting to let out a cry, but not wishing to disturb the peaceful silence of the room. Lucas nodded, smiling at his Torchic before going back to answering, then double checking with Torchic. Harry had another scan of Ellie's answer sheet, noticing a couple of eyes doing just the same. Even the kid who threw paper balls at her earlier had eyes on the answer sheet, although he was too far to get the proper answers. Harry stifled a laugh. Karma's a bitch.

  Soon enough, the teacher called for the end of the test, and collected all the papers. Harry just had to hope that Ellie's answers would be correct, and that she didn't just jot down the answers as quick as possible to move onto writing in her notebook. And, now that the thought came to Harry's mind, he suddenly didn't have as much faith in her.

  But, before he could do anything about that thought, the teacher swiped the paper from his desk, adding it to the large pile of papers. Lucas handed his off with a smile, then dropped his arm onto the desk, so that Torchic may jump off and sit right in front of him. The papers thudded against the teacher's desk, before she moved to address the entire class.

  "Thank you, students." the teacher's eyes fell to the side of the classroom, where a clock slowly ticked down. "We do have half an hour or so until the end of the day. Enough time to introduce a very special guest!"

  The classroom broke into small whispers and gasps. Lucas looked around for any hint of who this special guest could be, but it seemed the other kids had just as little an idea as the three newcomers. Their lecturer strolled to the door, allowing the mystery guest within their walls. First, Roxanne stepped through. A disappointment, but she was merely leading someone else through the door.

  The three newcomers were relatively underwhelmed.

  "Seijo, leader of the Petalburg Gym!"

  Harry leaned forward in his chair, tapping Ellie on the shoulder, finally dragging her head from her notebook. "Is this how it feels to have a parent show off their job to the class?"

  "What do yo-" Ellie froze as her eyes settled on the front of the classroom. Her face turned blush, body sinking into her chair, and head hiding behind hands. "Oh Arceus..."

  "Is that a yes?"

  "Close enough to be embarrassing, yes," Ellie groaned. "Just have to hope he's not gonna call any attention to us."

  Lucas sat there, already waving at Seijo, about two seconds away from outwardly exclaiming his greetings to the gym leader, like he was a casual friend. But, before he could open his mouth, Ellie smacked his waving hand, gesturing for him to drop it. Lucas pouted, but didn't question Ellie's stare, moving to instead sit on his hands. But, the smile remained.

  "Seijo has just been visiting, and so he has swung by to answer some questions about being a gym leader, as well as being a stronger battler." Roxanne looked to Seijo, who had already begun taking centre stage. "Always good to get more experience and knowledge, especially when other gym leaders' thoughts may differ from my own in terms of battling. So, please, be respectful and learn a lot!"

  And, with all that said, Roxanne walked from the classroom once again, presumably to attend to some gym battles, leaving Seijo alone at the front with their lecturer.

  "Alright then, I would introduce myself, but I suppose Roxanne has done all the introductions that are necessary." Seijo chuckled. "I don't have a talk of any kind planned, I just wanted to come in and answer any of the questions that you may have."

  "So, raise your hand if you want to ask a question, and Seijo will answer all the questions that you have!" the teacher added. A number of hands soon shot up from all across the room. Seijo sighed, a little inkling of regret propping up in his chest at having succumbed to Roxanne's arm twisting. But, ultimately, he put on a smile, and selected from the front row.

  "What're you doing here? Like, why are you in Rustboro?"

  "Ah, good place to start! I suppose, I'm travelling-" Seijo's eyes glanced to the three kids at the back. Lucas smiled, Harry did a tiny wave, while Ellie did a throat slash motion. Seijo got the idea quickly. "I'm just travelling to try and broaden my horizons, a little. I've spent a lot of time cooped up in Petalburg that I don't think I've experienced Hoenn to its fullest. So, here I am, attempting to make good on that."

  Ellie breathed a sigh of relief at that answer, considering sending a thumbs up, but not wanting to attract any more attention to herself. Already, a couple eyes fell onto her, squinted in suspicion. But, she acted oblivious, and wrote in her notebook that she was writing in her notebook. To make it seem like she was busy.

  "What would you say your favourite Pokemon is?"

  "Oh, my day 1 partner!" Seijo reached into his pockets, dragging out a Pokeball and letting it crack open. Out emerged Crobat, stretching its wings, earning lots of gasps as it emerged. "Crobat! It might seem a little strange for a Normal type gym leader to have an ace Pokemon that is not that type. But, Crobat has been there since the start for me, even before I decided to become a gym leader." Crobat fluttered closer, Seijo's hand gently grazing the top of its head. "And, we'll always be fighting as one. Till the very end!"

  Crobat nodded with agreement, a toothsome grin coming across its face. Seijo turned again, pointing to a child sat in the front row.

  "What's the best way to get stronger?"

  "Oh, this one's a great matter of opinion. Just as Roxanne said in her introduction, thoughts differ from trainer to trainer. For me, as a Normal type gym leader, it is all about the fundamentals, and being adaptable." Seijo looked to Crobat. "My type is best suited for that. Adaptability in the face of adversity. There is no way you'll be able to perfectly know and predict your opponent's Pokemon or plays. So, the best thing you can do is be prepared for it."

  "If you have solid fundamentals of battling, you know your own Pokemon's strengths and weaknesses, train their moves and abilities, then you may not need adaptability as much, using knowledge as a crux. But, you can't know everything. So, being adaptable is still something you must practice. Being able to look at your opponent's Pokemon, seeing them come up with something you've never seen before, and coming up with a solution all your own. It's difficult, and I'm no master. But, if you hone it, and utilise your adaptability in battle, I have confidence that you'll go far."

  Lucas shot up his hand. Ellie's eyes passed over to his direction, groaning as she covered her eyes, choosing to have faith Lucas won't ask a question to give them away.

  "Yes, you with the Torchic!" Seijo remarked with a smirk slightly too wide, finding some humour in Ellie's expression getting sourer over time.

  Lucas chirped. "What's the strongest trainer you've fought thus far?"

  "Good one!" Seijo looked to Crobat, hand up to his chin, both seemingly thinking of an answer. "I've fought many strong trainers who went on to do great things. But, usually, I wouldn't fight them at my full strength, being a gym leader. Of those I have fought at full strength, however, I believe Wally stands far and above the rest." Seijo shook his head, chuckling. "I knew the stories, and the other gym leaders did warn me. But, I couldn't even fathom him only needing 3 Pokemon to put all mine to rest."

  "I took down his Azumarill, and his Roserade, with a few losses on my side. But, his Gallade came out early, and everything fell apart from there." Crobat shivered at the thought of facing down the Gallade again, imprints of a Swords Dance powered Psycho Cut fresh in its mind. "Showed me I still have lots to learn. Even when you're a gym leader, you can always learn and improve, to get even stronger!"

  Lucas nodded with a smile, satisfied as could be with the answer. It was a relatively obvious answer to pretty much everyone in the room. But, still worth it to hear the small story coinciding with it. Next, a hand shot up beside him. The paper-ball throwing kid. Harry's eyes squinted as his hand shot up, wishing he had a spare piece of paper to ready in case of any stupid questions. But, he settled to just squint.

  "You there, with the Machop?" Seijo pointed towards the back.

  "What happened when your gym was destroyed?"

  ...

  Seijo froze, heart skipping a beat. Then, he took a deep breath, beginning to flick over the notes in his mind he had made, just in case a question like this came up. But, the teacher stepped in before he could properly begin addressing the question.

  "Well, Cole, I think this is a rather sensitive topic to bring up-"

  "It's fine wi-"

  Cole continued. "Because, if gym leaders are really that strong, surely you should've been able to protect it from a couple thieves? Or, are you not really strong enough?"

  Lucas moved to jump up from his seat, motion a little too quick, upsetting the pain in his ribs. But, Harry placed a hand on his shoulder, pushing him back down into his seat. Dangling in his grip held a Pokeball, clicking open and revealing Treecko, seemingly already aware of the commotion. Harry walked slowly, while Cole continued to blabber on.

  "That's the reason why you're travelling now, isn't it? Too weak to defend your gym, so no-"

  Harry's palms slammed against the table, Cole jumping at the sound. A number of students did, too, eyes darting from Seijo and Cole, now to Harry.

  "And who? The hell? Are you?"

  "Excuse me?" Cole remarked, facial expression resetting, attempting to mask that he had been startled in the first place. He now wore a grin so wide it resembled that of a Cheshire Purrloin. The boy feinted innocence in his words, but that smile told of malicious intent clear enough for anyone to see. "I was just asking a question."

  "Oh, you know what type of question that is. You're holding the one piece of ammo you have over Seijo's head because it helps you feel better about yourself. To tear down other good people to cover up how weak and pathetic you really are."

  "Pathetic? Says the guy coasting from that swat over there in the corner." his eyes pressed onto Ellie's, eye contact meeting for only a second, before Ellie ripped her gaze away, staring at the desk. Lucas reached and grabbed her hand, squeezing tight, killing eyes locked onto the bully. But, ultimately, he trusted Harry to do the work for him.

  "Her name's Ellie. And, she's smarter and more capable than you'll ever be. Which would ordinarily sound like a compliment, if your capabilities stretched anywhere above nothing. But, no. You do nothing. You accomplish nothing. You are nothing."

  "Oh, you wanna battle then?" the boy snarled, Harry's words finally settling on a nerve deep beneath the skin. The Machop flexing by his side clenched its fists together, attempting to intimidate Treecko. But, the Grass type spat on the space in front of Machop, taunting the Fighting type.

  "Of course. Anytime you need a reminder of how useless you are, just ask for a battle. Even a fight. Either way, I'll kick your ass," Harry smirked, adopting the same grin as the boy had earlier.

  The teacher attempted to step in to make amends. But, things had already gotten too heated. "Please, can we not-"

  "Fine, let's take it outside then." Cole stropped away, Machop in tow. Harry looked to Lucas and Ellie, gesturing his head towards Seijo, as if to ask them to check up on him, while he dealt with everything outside. Soon, a number of students began to follow the two, slipping out of the classroom with no way to keep them inside. The teacher sighed, muttering something about pay, then beginning to chase after the students to make sure a fist fight didn't break out.

  That left Seijo, Ellie, and Lucas. A delicate silence hung in the air. Seijo simply shrugged it off though. "Knew this was a bad idea," he muttered, pulling up a swivel chair from the desk and plopping himself down in it. His head gestured towards the door. "What are you sitting around for? Don't wanna miss Harry taking on that punk, do you?"

  Lucas and Ellie exchanged glances, before Lucas began to stand up, walking to the front. "That can wait. Just wanna make sure you're ok first."

  Seijo shrugged again. "I mentally prepared for this, I'm fine."

  "Did the mental preparation work as well as you would've wanted?" Ellie now stood up from the chair. Seijo's expression went into a subdued frown. Crobat drifted closer, idly floating by Seijo's side, letting the gym leader's hand graze against his head.

  "Guess I didn't expect for me to hear a little reason in whatever question I got about Petalburg," Seijo answered.

  "What reason? The guy was just being a jerk!" Lucas insisted, eyebrows furrowing at the suggestion that any of what he spoke of was close to right.

  "About not being strong enough to protect my gym. I had to rely on you two, and Harry, to handle one of the thieves, and even then I couldn't stop the other from getting away." Seijo huffed. And, Lucas found himself hesitating.

  "Well-" he stopped, looking down at Zorua. The Pokémon had strolled by his side, taking a rare interest in conversation, seemingly sensing what they were discussing. Lucas had his own failure. Where he couldn't protect them from Team Storm. And, caught up in the moment, he struggled to come up with a convincing enough argument other than what he'd told himself time and time again. "You couldn't have known. Or done anything more about it."

  Seijo was silent. Lucas opened his mouth to continue, only for Ellie to step in. "I mean, seriously, who expects a massive drill to pop up from beneath their floorboards, then blast them with a giant dragon?"

  The way Ellie described the event made the logic of it almost comical, Seijo giving a light chuckle. Ellie smiled, but didn't let up. "Just like with Lucas, you couldn't have known. And, for what you did, you fought better than anyone."

  "You did get flung into a wall, break your back, then still ran after a thief with only your Crobat. Then had her running. That's pretty hardcore." Lucas smirked, and Seijo couldn't bring himself to disagree. But, a thought still weighed heavily upon his mind.

  "Do you think they're all safe?" he asked. Ellie's breath hitched, looking down at Mudkip. The Water type held no certainty, given its experience. Ellie couldn't promise anything either. She looked to Lucas, who thought for a moment.

  "They will be soon," he promised. "Zorua's family, your team, every Pokemon they've ever stolen."

  "Arceus, I hope so. I don't wanna be stuck running a team of three any longer." Seijo stretched his arms, yawning as he closed his eyes, only for them to pop right back open, looking to Ellie. "Oh, how's Taillow doing? Since I'm currently running a team of two, may as well check on my third!"

  "Oh! Taillow..." Ellie trailed off. "Taillow still doesn't like me. At all."

  Seijo sighed. "Yeah, checks out. Was difficult, even for me, at first. No wonder its still being stubborn." Seijo jumped off the swivel chair. "Well, enough of that. Should we check out Harry handling that other kid?"

  "Of course!" Lucas jumped into a run, only to come to a painful stop, wincing with the pain still present in his sides. So, the run quickly moved into a jog, following the pace of the two friends by his side, until the sun basked them all in its natural light. Immediately, it was obvious where the battle was taking place. Bleachers full, spectators peeking through the chainlink fence, crowd surrounding the battlefield.

  "Can't really see here..." Lucas tried to peek his head through any clearings in the air walls of bodies, but came up short. Literally.

  Seijo looked to his side, where Crobat fluttered. The Pokemon bowed its head, then drifted over to Lucas. Seijo smiled. "Hop on Crobat, it'll take you up!"

  Lucas stopped for a moment, looking to Crobat for assurance. The bat gave a grin, followed by gesturing to the top of its head with one of its wings. "Awesome!" Lucas quickly scooped up Zorua into his arms, Torchic's talons gripping on slightly tighter to his jacket. Then, he hopped onto Crobat, ascending above the crowd of kids for a nice Crobat-eyes view of the battlefield. Ellie cringed, watching him so easily hop on with Crobat. Not for her. But, she still suffered the same problem. Blocked by a bunch of kids, without Seijo's height to be able to overlook them.

  "You want a piggyback?" Seijo turned to Ellie.

  Ellie's brow furrowed. "Don't you think I'm a little old for a piggyback ride?"

  "Fine then. If you don't wanna watch the fight."

  "Never said I was too old. Just asked you your opinion." Ellie walked to Seijo. "Piggyback."

  And, Seijo obliged, lifting Ellie high up above the rest of the students, allowing her a view of a battle that should've been nearing conclusion. But, looking at the state of both Pokemon, it looked like a hit had scarcely landed on one another. Much to the ire of one of the trainers.

  "STOP RUNNING!"

  Treecko bounced away, springing out the way of a strong hook from Machop. The Fighting type huffed, striking the ground in frustration. Treecko crossed its arms, tail whacking against the floor, resembling the rhythm of a ticking clock.

  "Sounds like someone just can't catch up," Harry taunted, a casual shrug adding insult to a lack of injury. Cole's face only got more red, and Harry held back a chuckle. "Wow, you're really pissed."

  "Machop, punch Treecko's lights out," the boy snarled. Harry sighed.

  Treecko, once more, flipped away, Machop's stamina waning with every missed blow. "You know, you should probably call out for an actual move, instead of punching and kicking."

  The boy was silent, stewing in his rage in silence. Harry's eyes flickered to the crowd of children, attempting to mark the faces he actually wanted to see. A light flapping of wings alerted him of a presence above, and taking a glance, he spotted Lucas, waving.

  "Alright then..." Harry smirked, turning back to the battle and stretching his arms above his head. "I'll stop running."

  Treecko glanced back at its trainer, who nodded with a certain smile. For the first time since the battle begun, Treecko faced Machop head on, grassy tail colliding with a hardened fist. Machop huffed, power brought down by attrition. But, with its still muscly fist, the attacks traded, both being knocked back without significant harm.

  Cole smiled, finally believing it his time to shine. "Machop, keep pushing forward!"

  Machop puffed up, flexing its muscles before charging forward in a straight path towards Treecko. Harry watched for a moment, Machop's ungraceful movements and sluggish speed providing some kind of humour to behold. But, before they could fall into harm's way, Harry and Treecko acted together.

  "Quick Attack!" he called out, as Treecko suddenly blipped into a stream of white energy, interrupting Machop before it could even begin to throw its punch. The Fighting type soared across the battlefield, coming to a landing as ungraceful as its initial run. Cole grimaced, watching Machop get up slower, calling out his next attack before the Superpower Pokemon could even find its footing.

  "Just try and kick it!"

  Harry couldn't hold back his laughter. Even Cole realised how pathetic the command sounded, with Harry's laughter only making his face more flush. "Leafage!" Harry held nothing back, command uttered through fits of laughter. But, he had plenty of time. Machop was already struggling to get up, and by the time it did, its sluggish movements meant it wasn't making very good on its trainers 'kicking' command.

  Treecko smacked the ground three times with its tail, before throwing out a punch, guiding the leaves right to Machop's path. Their razor edges cut against the Machop's grey skin. The Pokemon stubbornly pressed forward, only for the leaves to continue rushing straight forward, Machop forced to tense and close its eyes. Cole's flush face soon turned redder with frustration, belting out,

  "Get over here and fight Machop! Don't just stand there and win through cheap shots!"

  Harry hummed. He could've just hung back, waiting for Leafage to do its job. But, he wanted defeat to come entirely. Not just beat the brat at one part of the game. "Fine then. I'll drop the Leafage." Harry looked to Treecko, whose tail settled against the ground, finally stopping the onslaught of leaves. Machop emerged from the shrubbery, huffing and covered with more papercuts than Harry previously thought possible.

  Cole's eyes squinted. But, without another option, he led Machop forward. With just a point at Treecko. Not a command. Just pointing at the starter. Harry sighed.

  "Quick Attack from behind."

  Just as Machop broke into a run, Treecko became another blur of white energy. Darting across the battlefield, first to the side. Then, it appeared behind Machop, swiftly jerking around to whack the back of Machop's head with a swing of its tail. Machop faceplanted the floor, balance tipped. Harry smiled.

  "Now, Mega Drain." Harry called out, their final move. Treecko used its fists, pounding Machop's wrists until they flattened against the earth. Then, with a pin, it began to suck out all of Machop's energy. A green aura enveloped them both, whatever tiny scratches Treecko got from the rough battlefield healing in an instant, while Machop writhed underneath the Grass type. Until, eventually, it fell limp, fainted.

  "Machop is unable to battle! Treecko is the winner and don't storm the battlefield yet!" the teacher, who acted as referee, glared at the crowd of students. Half of her was convinced that they would completely ignore her. But, she breathed a huge sigh of relief when they reluctantly followed her instructions.

  Treecko stood up from Machop's unconscious body, stretching its limbs, shaking its tail in Cole's direction. Then, with a smirk, it bounced from Machop's chest all the way across the battlefield, right into Harry's arms.

  "Are you hurt?" Harry's voice dripped with mock concern, until the two burst into laughter, Harry giving an affectionate noogie to his starter. "Great job."

  Treecko beamed with pride, coiling its tail around Harry's arm and clinging on, even as the brown haired boy dug through his backpack for a Potion. Finding one hiding amongst the mess held within his backpack, he walked across the battlefield, to where Cole overlooked Machop. Cole's eyes drifted to Harry's, quick enough to spot the Potion in his hand, and to prepare for the inevitable Potion throw.

  "Good battle." Harry smirked, tossing the Potion under arm, falling into Cole's grip. Cole looked down at the Potion, reflection staring back. Flush, red, and everything he didn't want to see. Cole huffed, staring daggers into Harry.

  "You don't mean that. Shut up."

  "Excuse me?" Harry put on his most haughty, insincere voice. "I was just expressing my truthful opinion about our battle." Harry's finger pointed to Machop, dropping the voice. "Think you got some healing to do, so get to it. And, don't ever come for me or my friends ever again. Unless you're begging for another beating."

  Cole huffed, but ultimately obeyed, dropping to the ground. Harry, satisfied, turned to the teacher. "Are we done here?"

  The teacher glanced around at the crowd, eager to rush the battlefield. She sighed. "Alright, you may storm the field."

  A swarm of children ran onto the battlefield, lots crowding around Harry. Harry's heart skipped a little at the crowd of people, but began to slowly filter through the shouts, challenges to a battle, and whatever else they muttered. He thanked the stars that Seijo could divert their attention away with his still present status as a gym leader, although Ellie seemed less pleased about this arrangement. Especially as everyone saw her getting a piggyback ride, and just had to ask why she got a piggyback ride while none of the other kids did. Embarrassing enough that she was spotted being given one in the first place.

  Lucas watched from above with a smile, eyes darting from friend to friend. But, more often, he caught Harry glancing back, a smile loud and proud on both their faces.

  "Showed 'em." Harry mouthed. Lucas nodded, shooting a thumbs up. Crobat signaled towards the ground, clearly eager to help Seijo defend against the swarm of children. But, Lucas wasn't quite as eager.

  "Just, let's stay here for a bit," he said. Crobat huffed, but begrudgingly agreed. Even flew a little higher, so they all looked like small Wurmples from where Lucas was sat. The bright sun shone down upon them, marking the battlefield in radiant light. Clouds passing by, with Lucas having an impulse to tell Crobat to soar. Soar so high that he could touch them.

  But, he thought of the view, and compared it to the one before him. An easy view of the people he cared for, each with a smile on their face. Maybe uncertain, maybe anxious, maybe overwhelmed. But, smiling, and happy.

  Lucas preferred this one. For, so clearly, he could see all the things that mattered.

  really like him. Can't wait for when he actually shows up in the flesh. Despite his strength, he's still the same kid deep down. Just, now he whips out a Gallade and slices your team to shreds.