The next day broke with the crispness of autumn in the air and a gentle mist rising from the fields. The kids were up early, even before the sun had fully cleared the distant hills. Though groggy-eyed at first, it didn't take long for their excitement to return—today promised more fun, more Pokémon, and maybe even more surprises.
Inside the lake cabin, pajamas were quickly swapped for jackets and boots, chatter filling the small space as they got ready. Jake helped Petra zip her coat, while Tomas and Lukas bickered over who had brushed their teeth faster. Charmander yawned and stretched next to the fireplace, tail flicking cheerily.
The morning sun peeked through a high curtain of gray clouds as the group of children, bundled in light jackets, trotted behind tall blond woman along the dusty path that wound down from the cabin. Dew still clung to the tall grass, sparkling faintly where the light touched it. Behind them, the cabin sloped gently into the distance, Togekiss drifting above the group like a silent white kite, its wings stretched wide and eyes calmly watching. Jake's Charmander padded proudly beside him, tail flame flickering bright and strong in the cool air, casting little amber glows against the ground.
"Where are we going now, Mrs. L?" asked Marta, hopping sideways to avoid a rust-colored bolt poking up from the dirt path.
Eva turned her head and smiled. "To the scrapyard. Or, well, the steel-type training yard. You'll see."
The group rounded a bend, and before them sprawled a chaotic wonderland of twisted metal, rusted scaffolding, and heaps of gleaming steel stacked like bizarre sculptures. Large cranes and broken-down excavators slumped like sleeping giants among piles of gears, iron rods, and armor plating. The whole area buzzed faintly—whether from electricity or energy, none could say. Steel-type Pokémon moved between the debris: a Magnemite trio floated like curious marbles above a crate of copper coils; a nose-heavy Mawile chewed idly on a bent pipe; and a pair of Klinklang spun in slow, synchronized orbits atop a broken satellite dish.
"Whoa…" Tomas whispered, wide-eyed. "It's like a junkyard museum."
Lukas nudged Jake. "Look at that thing! Is that a real Aggron?" The massive Pokémon stood like a sentinel atop a jagged stack of girders, iron horns gleaming.
Jake nodded, watching its chest rise and fall with slow, controlled breaths. "Yeah. I think it's a veteran. Grandpa says some of the steel-types here have been training since before he was born."
Emily edged closer to Eva and pointed. "Mrs. L, why is that one floating? That ball one."
"That's a Magneton," Eva said, gesturing to the Pokémon buzzing lazily overhead. "They're electric and steel-type. They float using magnetism, and sometimes they'll stick to anything metallic—so don't get too close with your belt buckles."
"Wait—are those gears alive?" Petra pointed to the Klinklang.
"They sure are," Eva laughed. "Steel-types can be a bit strange. Some of them were born in nature, others… well, people say they just formed one day, near strong magnetic zones or ancient technology."
"Cool," murmured Tomas, eyes darting around the yard. "Do they ever get into fights?"
"Only when challenged," Eva said lightly. "But don't worry. Togekiss and I are keeping watch."
As if on cue, Togekiss dipped low above the group, its feathers catching the sunlight in a brilliant shimmer. It let out a soft coo and flapped gently, watching a curious Aron scurry away from a pile of discarded armor plating. Even though, it was double weak to steel moves, its 9-star stage was high enough to keep all the curious or dangerous Pokémon at bay.
Once the kids had their fill of marveling at the steel-types—under Togekiss's ever-watchful gaze—Eva led them up a small trail on the far side of the scrapyard. They climbed a gradual slope, where the smell of dust and warm metal became sharper. At the top, the path flattened into a wide plateau.
There, carved roughly into the hilltop, lay a battle arena.
The field was primitive—just cracked earth and packed dirt, with jagged shards of old steel plates rising from the ground like teeth. Rusted chunks of ore were embedded in the earth, and odd clusters of metallic slag and discarded training equipment dotted the edges. Despite its roughness, it radiated purpose. The field's borders were marked by welded-together poles and rusted wire fencing that had been repurposed into makeshift rails. Along two sides of the field, wooden benches were arranged into short, tiered rows like miniature tribunes.
The children gasped in delight.
"Is this the battlefield?" Emily asked, spinning around. "This is so cool!"
"This is it," Eva said proudly. "We call it the Iron Bowl. The Ranch's steel trainers built it years ago."
The kids rushed forward, running their hands over the cold, pitted railing and pointing at the battlefield below. In the distance, trainers were warming up their Pokémon—Poliwhirl stretching, a Gurdurr adjusting its steel beam with a grunt, and even a wild-looking Tinkaton hefting her massive hammer across her back as her trainer gave instructions.
Some children tried to rush down toward the front benches.
"Ah, ah—wait!" Eva called, laughing gently. "The first row's for contestants only, sorry!"
The kids grumbled playfully but followed her back to a higher bench where they could still see everything clearly. Jake's Charmander scrambled up behind them, curling his tail protectively across his lap as he climbed beside Jake.
As the group settled in, Tomas leaned forward and asked, "Mrs. L, what happens if a move goes off-course and hits someone in the audience?"
Eva motioned toward the front row across the field. "That's why Jake's grandpa is here," she said.
There stood Joe Lindenberg, arms crossed, watching the field. Beside him sat Jerry Hunter, one of the foremen, in his wheelchair, being pushed not by hands but by the glowing purple aura of his Grumpig, who hovered nearby, eyes glowing as it helped Jerry adjust his position. Jerry got injured in an incident with Sleepers and was still recovering.
"Grandpa!" Jake called, waving. Joe caught the movement and gave a quick, subtle wave back.
"He usually keeps one or two of his Pokémon out during these events," Eva explained. "If a move flies the wrong way, they'll intercept it before it hits the audience. Don't worry—you're perfectly safe."
As more spectators arrived, the benches began to fill with townsfolk and trainers. Some of the kids spotted familiar faces—Petra recognized her cousin's older friend from town; Lukas nudged Jake and pointed out a woman with a long braid who once showed them her Scizor in town square.
"Is that her? With the goggles?" Lukas whispered.
"Yeah. She's tough," Jake said. "I saw her train here sometimes."
Then the crowd hushed.
Jerry raised his voice—not loud, but steady and commanding. "Good morning, everyone. I hope you've had your breakfast and left your egos at home. Welcome to our Saturday tournament!"
A small cheer rippled through the crowd.
"As always, this is a friendly event. Our theme today is balance—so Pokémon entered must be at or below level forty." He gestured at a whiteboard floating beside him, held in place by Grumpig's psychic field. "First round is single battles—one-on-one. The winners will proceed to the next round, and we'll adapt formats as we go."
He smiled faintly. "And remember: this is for fun. No harsh tactics, and keep your battlefield banter clever or quiet."
Some trainers laughed. The kids leaned forward in anticipation, eyes wide. The smell of warmed metal and dry earth drifted across the spectators. Togekiss, still drifting gently above, let out a serene hum as if acknowledging that something important was about to begin.
Jerry, floating calmly at field-level beside his psychic Grumpig, raised one hand. "Our first match," he called, "features a local favorite and a visitor from across the sea."
Murmurs rippled through the stands.
"On the left, representing Iglaustadt, we have Zora Feldheim—mechanic, courier, and part-time league hopeful. Many of us know her from the plaza garage or from her signature welding goggles."
A cheer broke out, particularly from a cluster of teenagers in the upper seats. Zora stepped onto the field, her tall, wiry frame wrapped in a scuffed leather jacket with a patch of a roaring Garchomp sewn onto the shoulder. Her goggles were indeed still strapped over her forehead, the lenses tinted green from years of welding sparks.
"And on the right," Jerry continued, "we welcome Kanto's own Leo Wakaba, currently training at the Battle Ranch to sharpen his reflexes and study field mechanics for the Indigo League qualifiers."
Leo strode confidently into view, younger than Zora but focused—his dark hair pulled back into a tidy knot, and a blue-and-white jacket fluttering in the breeze. He offered a polite bow, which Zora returned with a flick of her fingers and a crooked grin.
"Trainers," Jerry said, voice firm but respectful. "Pokémon out—on three. One… two… three!"
Two Poké Balls flashed open simultaneously.
Zora's released a burst of white light that quickly coalesced into a sleek, crimson Scizor. The Bug/Steel Pokémon clicked its pincers as it landed, wings twitching rapidly in the air. Its polished exoskeleton caught the sun, giving it a molten gleam.
Leo's Poké Ball burst open next, revealing a small, wide-eyed Shellder that landed with a splash of icy mist. Its tongue flopped slightly, and the shell clicked shut, then slowly reopened, facing its opponent.
"A Shellder?" Lukas asked, puzzled. "Isn't that kinda small compared to Scizor?"
Eva smiled, arms folded as she leaned back slightly on the bench. "Don't underestimate it. Shellder might look silly, but they're incredibly defensive—and can hit back hard if set up right."
Jake's eyes were locked on the field. "But Scizor's way faster, right?"
"Usually, yes," his mom, the bug-type expert, nodded. "Let's see how they use that speed."
Jerry floated a little higher. "Begin!"
Zora's voice cracked through the air. "Scizor—Agility!"
The crimson blur surged forward, its wings buzzing as it zigzagged across the battlefield in a blur of motion. Dust swirled around its feet as it slid to a halt, pincers raised.
Leo's voice was sharp and fast. "Use Iron Defense!"
The Shellder clamped shut instantly, a shimmer of light outlining its shell as its natural armor intensified. The glint of steel rippled across its glossy black edge as it hardened, absorbing tension like a fortress preparing for siege.
"Shell Armor and Iron Defense? That's really defensing strategy..." Eva commented.
"What's Shell Armor?" Petra asked.
Eva gestured toward the Shellder. "It's an ability that protects it from critical hits. That makes it harder for Scizor to land a critical strike."
Back on the field, Scizor darted forward again at incredible speed.
"Feint Attack!" Zora commanded.
Scizor vanished mid-step and reappeared behind Shellder in a flash, slamming a pincer down.
"Withdraw and counter with Icicle Spear!" Leo barked.
The pincer struck with a clang—but the Shellder had already sealed itself, spinning like a skipping stone as its icy tongue whipped out of the shell and launched sharp, icy javelins straight at Scizor.
One—Scizor dodged.
Two—it ducked and slid.
Three—hit! A shard of ice grazed its arm.
Four—Scizor blocked it with a pincer, hissing.
"Keep dodging!" Zora shouted, and Scizor blurred again, leaping across a mound of metal scraps and vanishing behind a jutting ore spike.
"Use Supersonic while it's hiding!" Leo snapped.
Shellder inhaled and released a shrill screech that echoed across the battlefield. Scizor winced behind the cover.
"That could confuse it, right? I've seen that at the Gym..." Emily asked.
"Yup," Eva nodded. "Supersonic scrambles the senses—if Scizor gets hit with it directly, it might start hurting itself."
But Zora was ready. "Quick Attack—cut low and fast!"
From the shadows, Scizor shot out like a bullet, hugging the ground, kicking up a wave of dust. Before the Supersonic could pinpoint it, the bug-type swept in low and bashed the Shellder with a sharp jab from its pincer.
Shellder reeled.
"Now, Metal Claw!" Zora shouted.
Scizor's claw glowed silver-white as it came crashing down again.
"Protect!" Leo countered.
A shimmering barrier appeared just in time—Scizor's pincer struck it with a resonant clang, rebounding as sparks burst across the air.
The kids leaned forward.
"End it—X-Scissor!" Zora yelled, and Scizor launched itself back in, wings a blur. It spun midair and slashed both claws across the shield. The second Protect didn't come in time.
The twin blades cut in an X pattern across the shell—hard. Shellder let out a startled croak, tongue withdrawing in a jolt before it collapsed, dazed and knocked out cold.
"Shellder is unable to battle," Jerry called, his voice steady as the crowd burst into polite applause. "Scizor wins. Victory to Zora Feldheim!"
Zora clicked her fingers once, and Scizor returned to her side with smooth, fluttering precision. She knelt and patted its shell, murmuring something quietly. Across the field, Leo nodded respectfully, recalling his fainted Pokémon.
"I told you she was cool," Lukas whispered, grinning.
"She's like a ninja mechanic," Marta agreed.
Eva smiled. "Not bad for round one, huh?"
All kids agreed while Charmander let out a low growl of admiration, his tail flame burning just a little brighter.
As the crowd settled from the excitement of the first match, Jerry drifted back to center field, Grumpig's psychic aura gently humming beneath him. He waited a moment for quiet, then raised his voice again.
"For our second match, we welcome a beloved figure here at the Battle Ranch—longtime flying-type specialist and one of the senior trainers of our community. Please give a warm hand to Ivana Brückner!"
Cheers erupted from all around the tribunes. An old, stern-looking woman stepped confidently into the dusty arena. Her white hair was tied in a loose bun beneath a worn navy cap with the Ranch emblem stitched into the front. She wore a leather vest over a faded flannel shirt, with a whistle hanging from a cord around her neck. A Pokéball spun around her finger with practiced ease.
"Hey, that's Mrs. Brückner!" Jake leaned forward. "She's the one who helped us when we were looking for that lost Ponyta two weeks ago!"
"She also raised several Pidgeots who delivers mail across the whole region," Eva said proudly. "Ivana's been here longer than anyone but your grandparents."
"Her birds are awesome," Tomas added. "I saw her once flying in a balloon pulled by Fearow!"
Eva smiled. "She knows every trick in the book—and she's great with kids, too."
Jerry continued, "And facing her today, we have a rising star from Hoenn's city of Mauville. Please welcome Kaiya Storme!"
The crowd clapped with polite curiosity as the challenger stepped forward. She was in her twenties, slender and sun-tanned with close-cropped black hair and a sharp gaze. A windbreaker fluttered around her as she moved, patterned with zigzag stripes in orange and white. She gave a brisk nod to Ivana as they met in the center.
"She doesn't look scared," Petra whispered.
"She shouldn't be," Eva said, arms crossed. "Hoenn's Mauville Gym is no joke. They do more terrain-based battles, so she'll be comfortable here."
"Trainers," Jerry intoned, "Pokémon out—on three. One… two… three!"
Ivana tossed her Pokéball with a practiced flick. Out burst a rush of feathers and wind as a sleek, copper-and-white bird spiraled into the air—Talonflame. Its wings caught the sunlight with every beat, casting fiery glints across the ground. It gave a piercing cry and soared in a tight circle above the field.
Kaiya released hers with less flair—but the moment her Pokéball burst, a heavy thud sounded.
Landing on the battlefield was a large, rock-skinned Pokémon with glowing orange eyes and jagged, molten lines across its body. It shifted its weight and let out a guttural grrrk.
"Wait, I've never seen such creature," Lukas blinked. "What is that?"
"Coalossal," Eva said, tilting her head. "A dual Fire/Rock type. Tough defender and can hit hard. She must be aiming to ground Ivana's bird with raw power."
"Yeah, Dad has a Coalossal too. But his is a little bigger."
Jake's Charmander narrowed its eyes, growling softly.
"Begin!"
"Acrobatics, let's go!" Ivana called sharply.
Talonflame launched forward in a brilliant streak, spinning midair and diving straight for Coalossal like a meteor in reverse. Its talons glowed as it moved with incredible speed, its entire body focused into the attack.
Kaiya was ready. "Stealth Rock!"
Coalossal slammed one of its molten fists into the ground, and jagged, glowing rocks erupted from the battlefield like shrapnel. Talonflame crashed through them, taking a hit on the wing, but still managed to land its Acrobatics strike against Coalossal's side.
"What's Stealth Rock?" Marta asked.
"Hazard move. It's especially dangerous to flying-types. Also every time you bring in a new Pokémon, it takes damage from the floating stones, so if this would be two-on-two, Ivana's next Pokémon would have been injured directly after entering the battle field."
Back on the field, Coalossal braced as Talonflame flared its wings again.
"Flame Charge!" Ivana called.
Talonflame's body ignited midflight, blazing with heat as it swooped down once more.
"Rock Blast!" Kaiya countered.
Coalossal opened its jagged maw and fired a series of sharp, glowing stones into the air.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Two missed—but one hit Talonflame directly in the chest. The bird faltered, then righted itself midair and still landed the Flame Charge. Fire rippled over Coalossal's rocky back.
"Speed boost," Eva explained, eyes focused. "Flame Charge makes Talonflame faster every time it lands."
"That bird's on fire!" Lukas shouted.
"She's playing momentum," Eva nodded. "Hit and fly before Coalossal can respond."
But Kaiya wasn't giving in. "Use Heat Crash!"
Coalossal glowed red and suddenly surged forward—leaping higher than anyone expected from something that heavy—and slammed its entire weight downward.
Talonflame barely dodged, wind buffeting the arena.
"Roost!" Ivana called, and Talonflame pulled up high into the sky, then spiraled down, wings folding close as it landed gently, its talons glowing with light. Its feathers mended, injuries healing quickly.
"She's stalling for healing," Petra said.
"Smart move," Eva said. "But risky. If she stays grounded too long…"
"Rock Slide!" Kaiya roared.
Too late.
Coalossal summoned a barrage of boulders that crashed down toward the recovering bird.
BOOM—!
Talonflame shrieked and went tumbling back from a direct hit.
"She's still up!" Jake shouted, leaning forward.
"She is," Eva agreed. "Barely."
Ivana's jaw tightened. "One more time. Brave Bird!"
Talonflame soared, its entire body becoming cloaked in shimmering blue light. It became a missile, a streak of spirit and will.
"Counter with another Heat Crash!"
Both Pokémon collided in the air—fire against fury, flight against stone.
A shockwave rolled across the battlefield.
Dust exploded.
When it cleared… both Pokémon were lying down.
But then, Talonflame stirred—and slumped back to the ground.
Coalossal lifted its head. Still conscious.
"Coalossal is the last one standing," Jerry called out. "Victory goes to Kaiya Storme!"
A mix of groans and applause followed. Ivana knelt beside Talonflame with a gentle touch, whispering praise and softly stroking its scorched feathers.
Kaiya walked over, offering a handshake. Ivana returned it without hesitation, the two exchanging a brief chat before returning to their sides.
"Whoa," Tomas whispered. "That was awesome."
"I thought Talonflame had it! It was so quick!" Marta said.
"She almost did," Eva murmured. "But Coalossal was just too sturdy. Great battle."
Jake rubbed Charmander's head, deep in thought.
Eva watched him out of the corner of her eye and smiled.
Two battles down.
The kids were riveted.
And the tournament was just getting started.
As the sun climbed higher and shadows shortened across the scrapyard arena, the tournament rolled on with intense pace. The stands buzzed with energy, and the kids—Jake, Petra, Lukas, Marta, Emily, and Tomas—remained glued to their seats, eyes sparkling, hands occasionally clutching the rails or one another in excitement.
Over the next several matches, the trainers delivered a showcase of power, tactics, and style:
A bulky Rhydon bested a Floatzel by using Rock Polish to outspeed it mid-match and land a decisive Earthquake.
An agile Hitmontop narrowly beat a Golem by using Counter after baiting a heavy Stone Edge.
A sleek Mawile with Intimidate outmaneuvered a Druddigon by weaving around its Dragon Claw and finishing it with Iron Head.
And a quirky trainer from Alola surprised everyone by winning with a Shiinotic, using Spore and Strength Sap to exhaust a Miltank before draining it completely.
Each new battle stirred commentary and questions from the children—especially Jake, who kept looking back at Eva for confirmations and explanations, his Charmander mimicking battle movements from the edge of their bench.
But now, Jerry's voice rang out once more, and this time, the crowd responded with a familiar warmth.
"For our next match—please welcome one of the oldest veterans of the Ranch, and someone who needs no introduction here—Joseph Lindenberg!"
A cheer erupted. Many trainers clapped with both hands; some even stood briefly. Jake leapt to his feet.
"Grandpa Joe!"
The elder Lindenberg stepped calmly onto the battlefield, wearing his dusty-brown coat, and sturdy boots. He moved with the kind of quiet authority that didn't need flash. At his hip hung a belt of well-worn Pokéballs, but he selected only one with practiced ease.
On the other side of the field, his challenger emerged—a young woman from Johto, with twin braids tied behind her head and a sleek black jacket emblazoned with the symbol of the Goldenrod City. She nodded respectfully to Joe, then looked toward the referee.
"Trainer Melia, Johto Region," Jerry introduced her. "And a specialist in Ground-types."
"A clever match-up," Eva said to the kids. "Let's see if Jake's grandpa is ready."
Jerry raised a hand. "Trainers, on my signal—three… two… one—Pokémon, go!"
Joe released his Pokémon in a low, underhanded arc. A small, sturdy Herdier burst forth in a flash of light. Its fur was clean but bristled with experience, and it landed with a sharp bark that echoed across the field.
===
Herdier
Level: 34 to 39
Name: N/A
Gender: Female
Type: Normal
Affinity: Normal (Full), Electric (Beginner)
Moves: Tackle (21 to 37), Leer (25), Bite (32 to 35), Retaliate (19), Baby-Doll Eyes (20 to 26), Play Rough (31), Roar (30), Giga Impact (27 to 28), Thunder Wave (21), Thunderbolt (24 to 27), Dig (32), Protect (31), Helping Hand (25), Rock Tomb (17), Fire Fang (32 to 34), Ice Fang (23 to 27), Snarl (28), Uproar (31 to 33), Lick (28)
Abilities:
Sand Rush – Herdier's speed is boosted ins sandstorm
Scrappy – Herdier can hit Ghost-type Pokemon with Normal- and Fighting-type moves. Also it is unaffected by Intimidate.
Weak to: Fighting
Immune to: Ghost
===
"Aww," Marta said. "It's so cute!"
"Don't let the fluff fool you," Eva warned with a smile. "That Pokémon trains everyday and it has a lot of energy to spare."
Melia released her own: a Trapinch. The orange, stubby Pokémon with an enormous jaw stomped into the field. It glared at Herdier without a trace of hesitation.
"Begin!"
"Sandstorm!" Melia called.
Trapinch reared up and let out a chirping screech as winds swirled around it. In seconds, the battlefield darkened as fine grains of sand whipped into a storm, cloaking the area in harsh, grating wind.
"Whoa!" Tomas leaned back, shielding his eyes. "They're really getting hit by that?"
Eva nodded. "Unless they use special goggles or cover, yeah. But Joe's Herdier won't mind."
"How come?" Emily asked.
"Watch carefully," Eva said.
As the sandstorm raged, Herdier lowered its body and suddenly moved with startling speed, darting sideways with ease.
"How come?" Jake asked. "That's some ability or something?"
"Exactly," Eva beamed with pride, „Herdier has Sand Rush, which raises its speed in sandstorm."
Melia was already calling the next move. "Dig!"
Trapinch vanished into the ground with a rumble, the earth cracking as it disappeared.
Joe narrowed his eyes. "Protect."
Herdier's body shimmered with a translucent green barrier just as Trapinch exploded upward from beneath, fangs bared.
CLANG!
Trapinch bounced harmlessly off the shield.
"Play Rough!" Joe followed immediately.
Herdier charged before Trapinch could retreat, glowing with fairy energy. With snarling teeth and a flash of power, it slammed into Trapinch with a spinning body slam.
Trapinch skidded across the metal-strewn field, dazed.
"Now, Lick."
Again, Herdier got closer to its opponent and quickly licked its face. Trapinch twitched as the move surged through it, locking its legs. Meanwhile Herdier used Tackle to hit Trapinch.
"It's paralyzed!" Lukas exclaimed.
"But can't Trapinch still attack?" Petra asked.
"Yes," Eva confirmed. "But watch carefully, the paralysis might stop working at any moment."
Melia clenched her jaw. "Use Crunch!"
Trapinch forced itself forward and lunged. Its heavy jaws closed around Herdier's foreleg, shaking violently.
"Bite, now!" Joe barked.
Herdier sank its own teeth into Trapinch's side, eyes blazing.
Both Pokémon growled, caught in a brutal close-quarters standoff.
Then, without warning, Joe made a sharp gesture.
"Dig!"
Herdier responded instantly, plunging into the ground and vanishing.
Trapinch snapped at air.
"Where is it?" Emily leaned forward.
"Right underneath—" Eva began.
WHAM!
Herdier burst up from beneath Trapinch with a surprise strike, sending it flying upward.
Joe didn't waste the moment.
"Retaliate!"
The sandstorm howled. Herdier's eyes glowed red as it charged with feral strength. It rammed into Trapinch midair, slamming it down with immense force.
Dust exploded. The battlefield rumbled.
Trapinch did not rise.
"Trapinch is unable to battle. Victory goes to Joe Lindenberg!"
The crowd cheered as the storm began to die down.
Joe stepped calmly toward Herdier, knelt beside it, and scratched behind its ears. The little dog barked once, proud but tired.
Jake clapped hard with the other kids, a huge grin on his face.
"Grandpa did it!" he yelled. "That was amazing!"
"He really used the weather to his advantage," Petra said.
"And made that Bite into a trap!" Lukas added.
Eva smiled as the kids excitedly dissected the match. She looked down at Jake, whose Charmander was still wagging its tail in excitement.
The late morning wore on, but the excitement around the primitive battlefield never faded. Heat shimmered over the patches of scorched metal and sun-warmed ground as the next rounds of battles surged forward. The kids, now fully invested, leaned forward in their seats with every clash, and even Togekiss—still seated gracefully behind them like a serene guardian—watched the arena with quiet curiosity.
More matches followed Joe Lindenberg's victory. While none of the trainers were familiar to the kids, they were a fascinating mix of personalities and regions:
A woman from Unova used her Whirlipede to outlast a stubborn Growlithe, steadily poisoning it and then rolling through its weakened defense with a spinning Venoshock.
A trainer from Kalos called forth a Helioptile, who danced around a bulky Donphan, striking with Pound and Grass Knot until the larger beast toppled with a groan.
One energetic man—his hat barely clinging to his wild curls—used a feisty Roselia to whittle down a Fearow by chaining Leech Seed and Toxic Spikes.
Even a strange, hooded teen—who hadn't spoken a word—unleashed a ferocious Sneasel that made short work of a slow-moving Carbink.
"None of these people are from Iglaustadt," Petra frowned.
Eva, still sitting with the group, nodded. "They're travelers. The Ranch draws trainers from everywhere—some stay for months, others just for a weekend. All of them are here to grow stronger."
Then she winked at the youngling, „and some of them may find their own lucky star."
Charmander let out a small growl of approval at that. The Pokémon was nestled in Jake's lap, tail flicking slowly behind them.
During a brief break between matches, Eva stood and dusted herself off.
"Alright, little champions," she said, brushing her jacket. "I'll be back in a few. Don't go anywhere—and don't cause any trouble."
"We won't!" Lukas promised, already peeking over the arena for the next battle.
But barely five minutes later, Eva returned—and she didn't come back empty-handed. With a theatrical bow and a grin, she presented a paper bag stuffed with colorful wrapped candies.
"Miss L!" Marta shouted, jumping up. "You're the best!"
"Candy!" Tomas echoed. "You really are our Lucky Star."
"Don't tell your parents," Eva winked, passing sweets around as the kids cheered her name like she'd just won a badge.
Even Togekiss seemed amused, fluttering her wings slightly as the kids laughed and stuffed their mouths.
Then, Jerry's voice rose once more.
"For our next match—another familiar name for those who've been following the Ranch scene lately. From the Lindenberg family… David!"
Jake shot up straighter in his seat.
"Dad?!"
All the kids hushed, suddenly curious. Even a few spectators turned with interest.
On the battlefield, David Lindenberg stepped into the sun. He was tall and steady, with wild black hair tied back and a calm smile beneath his dark green jacket. There was something effortless in the way he moved—like a man who'd battled a hundred times and wasn't worried about one more.
His opponent was a stocky trainer with sun-darkened skin and orange gear that marked him as a surfer or water-traveler. He nodded politely and released his Pokémon: a Quagsire, its dopey expression betraying nothing of its toughness.
David smiled faintly and tapped a single Pokéball.
Out came… a Snivy.
===
Snivy
Level: 10 to 17
Name: N/A
Gender: Female
Type: Grass
Affinity: Grass (Full)
Moves: Tackle (8 to 10), Vine Whip (7 to 14), Wrap (7), Energy Ball (5 to 12), Seed Bomb (3 ), Coil (3 to 7), Endure (2 to 4), Leaf Tornado (5)
Abilities: Overgrow – with low health, Snivy's Grass-type moves are powered up
Weak to: Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, Ice
Resistant to: Ground, Water, Grass, Electric
===
The little Grass-type landed with a quiet chirp. It looked alert and proud—but also small. Very small.
"A Snivy?" Lukas murmured.
"That's Kalos starter, right?" Marta blinked.
"No, no, Marta. It's Unova starter," Eva corrected her.
Jake looked confused too. "But Dad said that Snivy is young. Is it really ready to battle?"
Eva chuckled softly, as if expecting the reaction.
"You're right, Snivy's new to his team," she explained. "Only level seventeen."
"Seventeen?" Emily repeated.
"Then it's a one-star!" Tomas announced triumphantly, mouth full of candy.
Eva grinned. "Good memory! Have another." She tossed him a caramel.
"So why use such Pokémon, when he can use up to 40th level?" Lukas asked.
„Because he has no other Pokémon under that level!" Eva laughed.
The battle began with no delay.
The Quagsire, bulky and relaxed, started with Mud Shot, launching a wave of slop that splattered across the battlefield.
"Dodge and Leaf Tornado!" David called.
Snivy leapt into the air, elegant and light. A swirling green spiral of leaves burst from its tail and hit Quagsire in the chest—but barely made it stumble.
The kids leaned forward.
"It hit!" Jake said. "But… Quagsire's still standing?"
"Snivy's not strong enough yet," Eva explained. "Even with type advantage."
Quagsire responded with a Heavy Slam, knocking Snivy off its feet. The little Grass-type got up with effort, panting.
David gave calm, precise orders—Energy Ball, Growth, Vine Whip—but each hit was either shrugged off or countered. In the end, a final Water Gun knocked Snivy to the edge of the field, where it slumped with a quiet cry.
"Snivy is unable to battle! Victory to the visiting trainer!" Jerry announced.
David walked to Snivy, kneeling beside it with a smile. He whispered something to the fainted Pokémon before recalling it.
Back in the stands, the kids were stunned.
Jake bit his lip. "He… lost?"
"Frontier Brains can lose?" Lukas asked in disbelief.
"Even they have to train their Pokémon from scratch," Eva said, her tone warm but firm. "That Snivy will be powerful someday. But today, it's just starting its journey."
Jake's gaze softened. "Like our Charmander."
Eva nodded. "Exactly, like our Charmander."
Just then, David climbed the steps of the stands and approached the group, brushing a few strands of hair from his face. He looked flushed from the battle but still smiling.
"Room for one more?"
"Dad!" Jake grinned. "You were using a baby Pokémon!"
David laughed. "You noticed, huh?"
Tomas smirked. "If all Frontier Brains use level seventeen Pokémon, we'll all be champions in no time!"
"Careful," David said, winking. "I might borrow Charmander for the next match."
That earned a laugh from everyone—even Charmander chirped in with enthusiasm.
David sat down beside Eva, giving Jake a fist bump and casting his gaze over the field.
"Don't worry," he said, with a teasing grin. "You need to let even your weaker Pokémon battle. And what is a better opportunity than this."
Jake raised his eyebrows. "That's true. If Snivy fought in the frontier battle, it would be..."
"Embarassing?" David suggested laughing.
The kids buzzed with excitement again, refreshed with sweets and filled with wonder as they watched another pair of trainers step into the arena.
But in the backs of their minds, one question lingered—if a Frontier Brain could be beaten, just how much did they have to learn before they could face the world?
"Next up…" Jerry's voice rang across the battlefield, rich and amused, "Angie the Toxin Princess versus Hana the Ocean Queen. Let's see which element rules the day!"
A ripple of laughter moved through the spectators as they heard the improvized nicknames. Down by the battlefield, two women were already approaching from opposite ends of the arena, familiar faces to many at the Ranch.
Angie was younger, probably in her early thirties, with a mop of bright red hair pulled into a messy bun that barely held against the breeze. Her green skirt was stained with dirt and dust, and a single fingerless glove covered her right hand. She waved dramatically to the crowd, then struck a mock-heroic pose.
Across the way, Hana emerged with a more measured gait. Older than Angie, her black hair was streaked with few bleached blond strands and pulled back into a swimmer's knot. She wore a simple sleeveless blue top and cargo shorts, her steps confident but calm. She didn't wave—but she did glance at Angie and roll her eyes with a groan.
"Oh, come on, Jerry," Hana called. "Of all people, you pair me against this witch?"
"You scared, Sea Breeze?" Angie grinned.
"Only of your breath, girl," Hana fired back, placing her hands on her hips.
"That's the Koffing coffee," Angie replied with a wink. "You'll be smelling it up close real soon."
The audience laughed again—especially the kids, who sat up straighter.
"They mean it? Or are they friends?" Marta asked, surprised.
Eva nodded with smile. "Very close friends. They've been working here side-by-side for years."
"Are they gonna go easy on each other?" Tomas asked.
"Oh no," Eva replied. "That's not how it works here."
Sure enough, Jerry cut in, voice raised: "Ladies, I'd remind you this is a battlefield, not a social brunch."
Angie grinned and tipped her head. "Right, right. Business first."
She twirled a Pokéball on her fingertip before tossing it high into the air. "Come on out, Stinky!"
With a burst of white light and a puff of dark gas, her Koffing appeared—spherical, grimacing, and happily belching a lazy stream of violet haze.
"Oh wow!" Lukas leaned forward. "It even looks smug."
"Because it is," laughed Eva. "That Koffing's been with her for a few years. It helped her win quite a lot of matches."
Hana sighed, her fingers already brushing her belt.
"Alright, buddy. Let's see if you're still up for a challenge." She released her Pokéball in a low, underhand toss.
A lithe Simipour materialized in a flicker of light, standing upright with its curly blue hair rippling in the wind. It bounced from foot to foot, loose-limbed and limber, like it was ready for a backstroke in the nearest pool.
"Let the battle begin!" Jerry declared.
"Simipour—Scald! Keep it mobile!"
"Smoke Screen, and drift back!" Angie shouted instantly.
Simipour launched a jet of steaming hot water, and Koffing barely dodged, jets of gas puffing from its side as it floated backwards. It spewed thick black smoke into the air, clouding the battlefield.
The kids coughed a little, watching in awe.
"Why would she make it harder to see?" Emily asked.
"She's playing to Koffing's strength," Eva explained. "Its whole body is made for gas. Visibility is its enemy's problem."
Through the haze, Simipour circled quickly, bounding from one chunk of rusty metal to another. The steam from its attack mingled with the smoke, creating a grimy fog.
"Now, Toxic!" Angie cried.
"Get some height—bounce up and Acrobatics!"
The Koffing unleashed a burst of purple venom that hissed through the air, arcing toward Simipour just as it leapt upward, somersaulting mid-air in a graceful twist. It struck Koffing with a hard dropkick to the side, sending the gas Pokémon spinning—but not down.
"Whew!" Tomas blurted. "That monkey kicks hard!"
"It's called Acrobatics," Eva said, approvingly. "And it hits extra strong when the Pokémon's not holding anything."
Simipour landed on the metal slab and grinned—right before it began coughing.
"Oh no," Jake muttered. "The Toxic poisoned it!"
Eva nodded. "Just a brush of that gas was enough."
"Told you I'd make you smell it," Angie called cheerfully.
"Simipour, Rain Dance!"
The sky above shifted suddenly, clouds rolling in. Fat raindrops began to fall over the battlefield. The metallic clanging of water on scrap echoed across the arena.
"Planning to rinse me out?" Angie teased. "Let's see if that helps."
"Simipour—Scald, again! Pressure it!"
But Angie was ready. "Sludge Bomb—upward blast!"
As the water surged forward, Koffing twisted, vomiting out a sphere of sludgy goo that burst midair and rained down in a poisonous shower. The Scald attack hit, steam exploding on contact—but so did flecks of sludge, splattering Simipour's legs and arms.
"Ughhh…" Hana growled. "You're making me want a bath after this."
"Too late for you!" Angie grinned.
Despite the rain giving Simipour a slight advantage, the Toxic and Sludge effects were wearing it down. The water-type was still moving—still agile—but its movements were slowing.
"Time to end this!" Hana barked. "Hyper Beam! Focus it!"
Many people gasped—including the kids.
"A Hyper Beam?!" Marta said, eyes wide.
"That's like the super best move ever!" Lukas agreed.
Simipour reared back, glowing orange as power gathered between its paws.
Angie's eyes narrowed. "Koffing—Protect! Now!"
A shimmering barrier flashed into existence just as the Hyper Beam roared across the field like a comet. The explosion hit the barrier, scattering sparks and shockwaves, but Koffing held firm.
When the light faded, Simipour stood panting—unable to move, recharging from its massive attack.
"Just like I thought," Angie muttered. "Finish it—Gyro Ball!"
Koffing started spinning and fired itself towards Simipour, cutting through the rain like a violet ball shot from a cannon. It struck Simipour directly, sending it flying and finishing what the Toxic had started.
Simipour hit a large metal wall—and fell to the ground. Unconscious.
"Simipour is unable to battle! Victory to Angie and Koffing!" Jerry called.
The kids erupted with cheers and gasps.
"Wow!!"
"That was crazy!"
"She blocked Hyper Beam!" Lukas said. "Like, totally blocked it!"
"She read that play perfectly," Eva nodded with pride. "Good battling's not just power—it's timing and instinct."
Down on the field, Angie was already hugging Koffing in a cloud of fog and laughter, and Hana—wiping water from her brow—approached with a smirk.
"You always win when we're up here," Hana muttered.
"Because I know all your tricks, fisherwoman."
"At least I could show off that Hyper Beam," Hana said with a sigh. Then Angie took a spot in the first row so she could join the fight in the next round, while Hana went up to find a free spot. She found one near the group and immediately greeted David, Eva and waved at the kids.
"Hey, guys! Did you all like the cabin by the lake?"
"Yes!" Jake answered first. "It was amazing!"
"I go there whenever I want to be alone," Hana said, smiling fondly. "If you ever see me fishing out there, come over and we can have some snacks."
"Even for Charmander?" Jake asked grinning.
"Of course, if he's not afraid of water!"
Hana gave them a wink as the arena prepared for the next match.
The rain from Simipour's Raind Dance slowed to a gentle drizzle, and the sounds of cheering faded into murmurs as the next contestants readied themselves.
The battles rolled on as the sun drifted overhead, glinting off the scraps of metal and ores scattered across the rough terrain of the battlefield. The stands were buzzing now—not just with the distant sound of battle cries and exploding attacks, but with the excited murmurs of spectators, the occasional bark of laughter, and the crackle of anticipation that followed each match.
Jake and the other kids had moved around a little as they all needed to visit toilets, but eventually settled back with Eva and David in the upper rows of the tribunes. Jake sat cross-legged on the bench, Charmander perched beside him, tail flame flickering like a torch. Marta, Tomas, Petra, Emily, and Lukas crowded nearby, still energized from the last few matches.
Eva passed around the rest of the candy she'd brought earlier, and David leaned forward, elbows on his knees, eyes trained on the field with a relaxed smile.
"Looks like the first round is full of strong trainers," he murmured.
"You think anyone else from your family will show up?" Emily asked, her mouth half-full of candy.
Jake's answer came before he could speak.
"There she is!" Tomas pointed down toward the battlefield.
Sure enough, Anna Lindenberg—Jake's grandmother—was calmly walking onto the field. She wore her fitting and elegant dress, with a wide-brimmed hat shielding her dyed black hair from the sun. Her steps were light but confident.
"Your Granny's fighting?" Tomas looked at Jake with risen eyebrow.
"Just a little," David chuckled "It's all just fun for her, but she never really trained her Pokémon."
Jerry's voice rang out: "Next match—Anna Lindenberg, our beloved manager, versus Carmelo of Paldea!"
Her opponent was a younger man dressed in loose traveler's clothes, with a dusty poncho and windswept hair. He called out his Pokémon first: a small, energetic green creature with a round body, angry eyebrows, and a little stem sprouting from its head.
"Whoa, that's a Capsakid!" Lukas pointed. "We saw one in a book!"
"It looks like a spicy pepper," Marta said.
"Good call, it is a spicy pepper," David laughed. "Very aggressive. Fast too."
Eva leaned in. "But still a basic-stage Pokémon. Let's see what your mom is bringing."
Anna tossed her Pokéball elegantly. A small green orb emerged from the light, a Solosis—round, gelatinous, floating, and mostly silent as it hovered gently toward the center of the battlefield.
"That's the baby version of Reuniclus!" Emily gasped. "From the Rapidash riddle yesterday!"
"Correct," Eva said, offering her a candy. "Solosis may not look like much, but it's got surprising power."
The match began.
Capsakid darted forward first, its legs kicking up dust and sparks as it launched a blazing Seed Bomb toward Solosis. The projectile burst into a spray of glowing seeds—but with a shimmer of psychic energy, Solosis halted them in midair and sent them flying off course.
"Now Psybeam, center mass!" Anna commanded.
A vibrant beam of shifting color lanced through the air and struck Capsakid head-on, sending it tumbling backward. It got up and tried to retaliate with a Trailblaze, running a green energy line across the battlefield—but Solosis shifted sideways in a slow float and tagged it again.
Two more attacks later, the Capsakid crumpled to the ground with spinning eyes.
"Capsakid is unable to battle! Victory to Anna Lindenberg and Solosis!"
"Go Granny!" Jake cheered.
David chuckled. "I'm surprised that mom's still got it."
"She never lost it," Eva shrugged. "She's just selective when she shows it."
The next match brought in Radek, a tall man with close-shaved hair and a sleeveless dark vest, his arms greasy from working in the ranch's mechanical barns. He was also one of the trainers who came with Frank Prochazka underground to try and stop the Sleepers. The kids recognized him instantly.
"That's Mr. Maly!" Petra said. "I've seen him in the ironworks sometimes!"
"He's a steel-type trainer, right?" Jake asked.
"Right," said David. "And very, very clever."
Jerry called: "Radek, representing Battle Ranch, versus Alaric of Iglaustadt!"
Radek tossed out a Pokéball with a snap. A massive Probopass appeared with a low, grinding hum, its iron body clanking as it settled onto the field. Its red nose twitched slightly as its smaller mini-noses floated around it like drones.
Alaric, a wiry young man with a black hoodie and silver earring, called out his Pokémon: a sleek, feral Zangoose, muscles coiled like springs under its white fur.
Zangoose wasted no time. It lunged forward with a Close Combat, claws glowing with fury—but Radek simply pointed.
"Magnet Bomb."
Probopass launched a silvery sphere of magnetized energy that zipped across the air and struck the ground near Zangoose—not on it. But then, something strange happened.
The metallic chunks littering the field rattled—then moved.
Scraps of steel, rods of ore, and jagged pieces of broken fencing were dragged magnetically across the field, pulled by the bomb's magnetic core. They struck Zangoose from behind, pinning it sideways against a large slab of embedded scrap.
"Oooh!" the kids gasped in unison.
"Did he just trap it with a Magnet Bomb?" Lukas asked.
"More like made the terrain part of the attack," David muttered, impressed.
Zangoose struggled, claws glowing again.
It roared and fired a sudden Focus Blast—a swirling orb of fighting-type energy aimed straight at Probopass. But the shot veered—wild, uncontrolled—and soared toward the tribunes.
"Watch out!" Marta yelled, ducking.
But even before the kids could move, there was a flutter of white wings.
Togekiss.
She soared up with grace, twirled in mid-air, and absorbed the Focus Blast with a soft hum of Fairy Wind. The attack vanished on contact with its feathers.
"Whoa!" Tomas gaped.
The Zangoose's trainer turned pale. "I—I'm so sorry! We didn't mean—"
Jerry raised a hand. "It's alright! That's what the guardians are here for. Continue your match."
The young man nodded quickly, now flushed red, and turned back to his Zangoose.
Zangoose twisted and hurled another Focus Blast—then another. But stuck as it was to the magnetized metal wall, it couldn't move fast enough, and Probopass began shifting, floating carefully to the side.
The attacks missed.
"Finish it," Radek said.
Probopass spun slowly—then shot forward with surprising speed, its metal head shimmering.
Iron Head.
It slammed into Zangoose, which yelped, tried to dodge, and crumpled beneath the blow.
"Zangoose is unable to battle! The victory goes to Radek and Probopass!"
The crowd cheered again, impressed by the creative use of the environment.
Radek gave a little salute, then turned and walked off without a word.
"I think that was my favorite battle," Tomas said, eyes wide.
"It was like he used the battlefield as a weapon," Marta added.
David nodded. "That's how a good trainer thinks."
Eva looked down at Togekiss, who had landed gently near the kids, preening its wings.
"Lucky saved us," Jake grinned, reaching to pet the Pokémon.
"Yeah, we were lucky to have Lucky." Eva jokingly added.
With just a few more matches left in the first round, the tournament was reaching its midpoint. The sun had dipped slightly, casting golden highlights over the metal battlefield as tension grew for what would come next.