The weekend at the Lindenberg Ranch had already become the stuff of legends in the minds of Jake's classmates. After Friday's adventurous scavenger hunt that led them across orchards, meadows, and snowy glades filled with puzzles and Pokémon, Saturday brought a whole new kind of excitement—the ranch's weekly Pokémon tournament, a local tradition where trainers of all stripes and skill levels came to prove their strength.
From their seats in the high benches of the steel-studded arena, the children had witnessed thrilling battles—each with its own surprise, each brimming with cheers and gasps. By the time the sun climbed toward its peak, the first round was nearing its end, and the clangs, bursts, and calls of Pokémon filled the dusty, metallic field like music from a symphony of battle.
The final matches of the round played out in quick succession. A Torkoal let loose a wave of superheated flame, its Lava Plume enveloping a Cryogonal, melting its icy body into mist before it fainted.
A Whimsicott, dainty and bouncing on puffs of cotton, danced circles around a burly Primeape, finally knocking it out with a flurry of Moonblast shots.
And a Gurdurr, grunting with effort, swung its steel beam with precise Hammer Arm strikes to bring down a squirming, evasive Aipom, sending dust flying and securing a hard-earned victory.
Cheers erupted from the crowd as the Jerry Hunter as the referee stepped into the arena, raising a hand for silence.
"That concludes round one," he called. "Now begins the second round! Let's keep the energy high and the respect strong! First up—Anna Lindenberg versus Zora Feldheim!"
Jake blinked, sitting straighter. "Granny's up again?"
Eva gave him a wink. "Let's cheer for her. But this'll be tougher."
Zora, the sharp-eyed mechanic from Iglaustadt with short-cropped hair and chrome goggles, was already waiting on her side of the field, arms folded confidently. Her steel-gray coat hung like armor, and her boots thudded as she stepped forward.
Anna approached from the opposite end, elegant and steady, Solosis floating faithfully beside her like a dimly glowing orb.
"Pokémon, take the field!" Jerry announced.
Zora's Pokéball exploded in light, revealing the sharp crimson gleam of her Scizor, blades gleaming and wings twitching. It clanked once, low to the ground, like a predator ready to pounce.
"Battle begin!"
Without a second's delay, Zora pointed. "Bullet Punch! Go, now!"
Scizor shot forward, moving almost faster than the eye could track, a silver blur with one arm raised like a lance.
"Protect, Solosis. Now." Anna's voice was calm as ever.
A transparent shield of shimmering psychic light appeared around Solosis just as Scizor struck. The blow rebounded in a burst of sparks. Scizor twisted in the air, hit the ground running, and circled around.
"Don't stop! X-Scissor!"
Blades crossed, Scizor struck again. Crack!
Again, the shimmering shield flared—barely in time.
"She's stalling," David murmured beside Eva. "Smart."
"Only for a while," Eva replied.
"Why isn't Solosis attacking?" Lukas asked.
"I don't know," Eva commented. "But that Scizor's fast and strong. Protect's probably the only thing keeping Solosis in the match so far."
"Yeah, I don't think Solosis knows any effective moves against Scizor," David added.
As they spoke, Zora's Scizor darted in once more, claws raised to slice downward.
Anna's eyes narrowed. "Protect—one more time."
Solosis tried. The barrier shimmered, faltered—and flickered out.
Scizor slammed into it.
"OOF!" Emily winced.
Solosis was flung back like a skipping stone, tumbling through the air.
"Now fight back," Anna said. "Confusion."
Solosis regained control midair and glowed faintly before hurling a ripple of psychic energy toward Scizor. It struck—but barely staggered the steel insect.
Zora smirked. "Keep moving. Agility!"
Scizor's outline shimmered as it zipped across the field even faster now.
"Night Shade," Anna said, her voice like silk.
Dark tendrils curled up from the ground beneath Scizor, catching it by surprise, slowing it briefly—but the attack passed through without much impact.
"Try again. Flash Cannon."
A brilliant beam of light surged from Solosis, hitting Scizor dead-on. A hiss of steam rose, but Scizor barely flinched.
The kids exchanged uneasy glances.
"She's hitting, but it's not doing anything!" Petra said.
"Scizor resists all of those moves," Eva admitted. "She needs something stronger."
Down below, Anna's Solosis hovered, bruised and panting.
"Use Recover," Anna said.
Solosis glowed briefly—its wounds lessened, its flight steadied.
Zora snapped her fingers. "Push through it. Iron Head!"
Scizor leapt forward in a burst of motion—metal head first—and struck Solosis again, spinning it like a top.
Anna raised her hand. "Now—Thunder!"
A cloud gathered overhead. In an instant, lightning slammed down in a blinding column, catching Scizor mid-lunge. The arena flashed white.
The crowd gasped.
"Wow!" Tomas shouted.
Scizor twitched, frozen in midair for half a second.
"Zen Headbutt, now!" Anna continued.
Solosis glowed blue and launched forward, its body surrounded by a sphere of pure mental force.
"Lunge, intercept!" Zora countered, eyes gleaming.
Scizor responded in a heartbeat, wings buzzing. Its body arced forward with a piercing cry.
The two Pokémon collided mid-field in a resounding shockwave—dust and metal flew skyward, a swirling vortex of smoke and impact filling the arena.
Everyone held their breath.
The battlefield slowly cleared.
Standing near the center, legs slightly bent, was Scizor, blade arm buried in the ground for balance.
Solosis lay unmoving, softly spinning where it had landed.
"Solosis is unable to battle!" Jerry declared. "Victory goes to Zora Feldheim!"
The crowd erupted into applause. Zora grinned, rolling her neck and returning her Pokémon with a quiet word.
Anna returned Solosis to its Pokéball with a chuckle and began walking toward the benches. As she passed the kids, they all gave her a chorus of "Good job!" and "That was close!"
She sat beside them with a content sigh.
"Does the Solosis like jelly?" Marta asked suddenly.
"Because it looks like jelly," Lukas added helpfully.
Anna chuckled. "No, dear. But it likes pecha berries. They're pink and round—maybe that's why you're thinking of jelly."
Eva laughed as she handed out more candy. "Alright, next match is almost ready. Let's see who's up!"
The early afternoon sun filtered through scattered clouds, and the air had taken on a competitive charge as the second round of the tournament continued. After Zora's hard-fought victory over Anna Lindenberg, Jerry gave the crowd a moment to cheer, hydrate, and shift on the creaky metal benches that rimmed the battlefield.
Jake and his classmates sat on the edge of their seats, still whispering about the explosive Zen Headbutt versus Lunge clash from moments earlier. But now a new name rippled across the arena.
"Next battle," Jerry called out, his voice echoing over the speakers, "will be between Bran Rivenhall from Oreburgh City—and Lukas Josten, Challenger from Mossdeep!"
At the mention of Lukas' name, David Lindenberg stirred slightly in his seat.
"Lukas," Jake muttered. "That's the guy who beat you, Dad."
David chuckled quietly and nodded. "Yup. That's him."
Eva raised an eyebrow. "Rematch brewing?"
David shook his head. "No need. For now, I'm watching."
As Jerry continued introducing the battlers, David unclipped a Pokéball and popped it open, revealing his young Snivy. The tiny Grass-type blinked in the sunlight, looked around, and then curled up comfortably in his lap.
"You're might wanna to see this, little one," David murmured, running a hand along its leafy back. "Let's see if he wins another battle."
Bran, the older of the two combatants, strode confidently onto the field. A black guy with afro hair-style, dark sunglasses, long black coat and air that called for respect, he was instantly recognizable to the ranch staff.
"That's Bran Rivenhall," Eva told the kids. "He came here from Oreburgh City in Sinnoh a few years back."
"Is that near a coal mine?" Lukas asked, his eyes lighting up.
"Exactly," David said. "Used to train alongside miners and worked part-time with a Gym leader, but he always loved Dark-types more than anything. When he moved here, he offered to care for the Ranch's night-dwelling Pokémon. Eventually, he stayed on as a permanent Dark-type carer."
"He looks scary," Emily whispered.
"More like serious than scary," Anna explained. "But that's because he's usually up all night and asleep during the day."
"Why?" Tomas frowned.
"Because dark-types and also ghost-types are more active during the night," Eva replied.
The crowd hushed as Bran reached into his coat and pulled a sleek, Pokéball with red streaks.
"All right, the kid's play is over, now the real fight begins," he muttered. "Thievul."
The Pokéball snapped open, and a lithe Thievul landed gracefully on all fours. Its dark fur shimmered, and its white mustache curled upwards like a mischievous grin. Its tail swayed with elegance, the red fur tip flicking as it stared across the field.
From the opposite side, Lukas Josten released his Quagsire with a slow, deliberate toss. The waddling Water-Ground type blinked lazily as it took in its surroundings, completely unfazed.
David's Snivy frowned at the sight of Quagsire that knocked it out in the previous round.
"All right, calm down..." David patted its back.
"Trainers ready?" Jerry called.
"Begin!"
Lukas was quick. "Quagsire, Amnesia!"
"Thievul, Nasty Plot!" Bran responded coolly.
Quagsire's body glowed briefly as it quieted its mind, boosting its special defense. Thievul, meanwhile, crouched low, its eyes flashing with wicked intelligence as it sharpened its attack power and speed.
"Rain Dance, now!" Lukas shouted.
Quagsire raised its arms lazily toward the sky. Within seconds, clouds roiled overhead and a thin curtain of rain began to fall across the battlefield.
The kids gasped in delight as water trickled off the edges of the metal bleachers.
"Why'd he do that?" Tomas asked. "Is it for a Water-type move?"
"Exactly," David replied with a nod. "Quagsire's Water-type moves are stronger in the rain. Smart call."
"Thievul, Substitute," Bran murmured.
The fox Pokémon's form flickered, then split—leaving behind a shadowy, illusionary copy. Quagsire's eyes blinked twice, confused by the sudden trick.
"Use Surf!" Lukas called.
A wall of water rose from the soaked ground and surged forward. It crashed into the Substitute—but the real Thievul had already dashed sideways, laughing with a low growl.
"Feint Attack. Now."
Thievul vanished—then reappeared directly behind Quagsire, slashing with dark energy. The blow landed cleanly.
"OOOH!" the kids cried in unison.
Snivy hissed in David's lap with satisfaction, watching the fight intently.
Lukas grunted. "Earth Power!"
Quagsire's eyes glowed gold and the ground erupted—but again, the Substitute took the hit. And the power of Earth Power was so strong, it destroyed the decoy.
Bran raised a hand grinning. "Another Substitute."
A second illusion formed. Thievul was playing the field masterfully—avoiding most damage, harrying with feints and speed.
"Let's see if you can dodge this—Hydro Pump!" Lukas shouted.
A massive column of water blasted across the field.
Thievul jumped, cloak of water brushing its tail as it twisted midair and landed behind a scrap of metallic debris.
"Feint Attack again!"
This time, Quagsire was slow to react. The blow caught it in the flank, and the Pokémon flopped awkwardly, trying to keep its balance in the slick mud.
"Get up!"
Quagsire stood again, visibly slowed. It blinked under the rain, but kept its footing.
Lukas looked frustrated. "Recover, come on!"
Quagsire glowed, regaining some health.
"Substitute," Bran ordered again.
Another illusion shimmered into place.
"Bran's playing for the long game," Eva murmured, "trying to make Lukas waste all his attacks."
"Will it work?" Petra asked.
"Thievul's not built for endurance," David replied. "But it's wearing Quagsire down faster than it can heal."
Finally, Bran gave the sign. "Thievul, enough playing. Finish it!"
Thievul stood tall, eyes narrowed. A swirling wave of Dark Pulse burst from its mouth and slammed into Quagsire's chest.
Quagsire reeled.
"Mud Slap! Quickly!" Lukas called, desperation creeping into his voice.
Quagsire staggered forward, but Thievul was too fast.
"Another Dark Pulse!"
The second hit struck Quagsire cleanly—and the blue Pokémon collapsed into the mud with a soft, resigned sigh.
Jerry raised a hand. "Quagsire is unable to battle! Victory goes to Bran!"
The crowd applauded, and from David's lap, Snivy chirped excitedly, leaping to its feet and waving its tiny arms at the field.
David grinned. "That's the spirit."
Back on the bench, Petra raised a hand like they were in school. "How many different experts are here at the Ranch? Like for different types?"
Anna was the one to answer. "Well, not all types are represented. But we have quite a few."
She ticked them off on her fingers. "You've already seen Angie—she's our Poison-type expert. Radek, of course, works with Steel. Hana is our Water-type carer. Ivana—you've seen her battle in the first round, but she's excellent with Flying-types. We also have Lenka, who specializes in Fairy Pokémon."
"And what about that guy? What type is his favorite?" asked Marta and pointed towards Jerry, who was refereeing the matches.
"He's more of a generalist," Eva explained. "He does not focus on one particular type. Also he mostly manages the various visiting trainers that are here to train."
Lukas leaned forward. "What about the ice cave? We went there yesterday, and it was freezing! Who takes care of the Pokémon there?"
Anna frowned with a sigh. "We don't have anyone for that. Nowadays, it's mostly up to my husband, Joe. He still goes down there with his Crabominable and trains the younger Ice-types when needed."
"Used to be a man named Pryce, though," she added thoughtfully. "He was incredible with Ice Pokémon. But he had to return to Johto a few years ago."
"Pryce?" Tomas blinked. "That name rings a bell. Isn't that… some famous fella?"
David nodded. "That's because he eventually became a Gym Leader back in Johto. In Mahogany Town. Coldest place in the region."
The kids all let out a synchronized "Wooooow!"
Jake grinned at Snivy, who chirped again and wiggled with excitement, clearly proud to be part of such a remarkable crowd.
Eva smirked. "Alright, alright, settle down. There's still more battles to watch—and who knows? One of you might battle here yourselves someday."
Several more trainers clashed for a coveted spot in the third round. One match saw a lanky trainer from Kalos commanding a Quilladin, only for it to be unexpectedly knocked out by a Crobat's Brave Bird, the force of the move shaking the arena's steel pillars.
Another duel featured a drowsy-looking Grumpig from Alola that weathered multiple hits before retaliating with Psychic, hurling a Machoke into the battlefield wall with dazzling force.
But the one that got the kids to sit upright again was Angie's return to the field.
The Poison-type expert strolled into battle with her Koffing, its gaseous body spinning slowly above the ground like a puff of malevolent mist. Her opponent, a nervous young man from Lumiose, sent out a Combusken—but the match was over nearly as quickly as it began.
"Zen Headbutt!" Angie called with her usual cheeky tone.
Koffing charged forward at blinding speed and slammed into Combusken like a cannonball, sending the Fire-type crashing against the back wall with a shriek. It didn't get back up.
"Victory for Angie and Koffing!" Jerry announced, nodding respectfully.
Jake turned to his mom. "How did she make it move that fast?"
Eva shrugged with a grin. "Angie's a good trainer. So that Koffing's quite experienced. And very tricky."
Then Jerry's voice rose again, this time with more weight and formality.
"And now for our next second-round match: Joe Lindenberg versus Radek Maly!"
David straightened in his seat. Anna leaned forward, folding her arms calmly. Eva gave Jake a nudge. "Pay close attention. Your grandpa's about to battle."
Jake grinned. "Against the guy with the big metal nose Pokémon?"
Radek, in his heavy work jacket and smudged gloves, waved at the crowd with a wide grin before stepping into position. He looked entirely at ease, even facing the Ranch's legendary head. Joe, meanwhile, rolled his neck once and cracked his knuckles as he walked out in his rain-speckled ranch coat.
Without any delay, both men drew their Pokéballs.
"Come on out, Herdier!" Joe called.
"Probopass, ready." Radek responded.
With a burst of light, Herdier dashed into the muddy field, fur bristling and tail high. Across from it, Probopass materialized with a grinding hum, metal plates vibrating faintly as the rain pattered against its magnetic body.
"Begin!" Jerry called.
"Herdier, use Dig!" Joe commanded.
Herdier leapt into action, tunneling beneath the battlefield in an instant, flinging mud and small metal debris into the air.
"Magnet Bomb," Radek said calmly.
As soon as Herdier erupted from the earth with Fire Fang, Probopass loosed a swirling barrage of metallic orbs. They exploded mid-air, coating Herdier's fur in tiny, crackling scraps of magnetized iron.
Herdier yelped, twisting midair, but still managed to latch onto one of Probopass's mini-noses with a burning bite.
"Shake it," Radek said.
Probopass jerked to the side, its heavy frame barely budging but just enough to dislodge the singed Herdier.
"Iron Head, now!"
Probopass surged forward. Joe's eyes narrowed. "Protect!"
A green dome of light shimmered just in time as Probopass slammed into it, sparks cascading in all directions. The shield flickered, held—then vanished as Herdier panted heavily, still half-covered in buzzing metal.
"Still stuck," Eva muttered. "That Magnet Bomb really messes with mobility."
"Two can play the slow game. Thunder Wave!" Joe barked.
Electricity crackled around Herdier's body and arced toward Probopass. The steel giant shuddered, its limbs stiffening as paralysis set in. Radek's brow furrowed slightly.
"Fire Fang, again!"
Herdier growled and slowly rushed towards its opponent, flames flaring in its mouth. It bit deep into Probopass's side, smoke rising from the burn. The mini-noses twitched in alarm but didn't respond yet.
"Another one!"
A second Fire Fang struck. Then a third. The repeated blows began to leave charred dents in Probopass's armor.
Then suddenly—
"Move," Radek said.
Probopass jerked violently, the paralysis breaking, and swung a thick metal limb sideways. Herdier flew through the air, tumbling in a heavy arc before hitting the soaked dirt with a loud thud.
Jake gasped. "No! Come on, Grandpa!"
"Get up, girl," Joe whispered.
Herdier pushed to its paws, trembling.
"Iron Head!" Radek barked.
The steel behemoth charged forward, shaking the ground.
"Ice Fang—on the ground!" Joe shouted.
Herdier turned and bit into the battlefield, freezing a wide patch of grass and mud into a slick surface.
Probopass stepped on it—and slid forward with no control, its lower base losing grip. The hulking Pokémon stumbled, then slammed onto the ground, face-first, sending up a sheet of icy water.
Cheers erupted.
Jake bounced in his seat. "That was so smart!"
"Wait for it," David muttered, "Probopass is still in."
Joe saw his chance. "One more Fire Fang!"
Herdier lunged forward across the ice, fangs glowing—but Radek was ready.
"Use your mini-noses!"
From behind Probopass's downed form, its three floating mini-noses detached and rocketed forward, smacking into Herdier one after another like magnetic hammers.
Herdier staggered, snarling, and tried to hold on.
But then—a burst of white energy from close range.
"Flash Cannon!" Radek commanded.
At point-blank range, Probopass unleashed the steel-type beam, which blasted through the ice and mud and struck Herdier full in the chest, lifting it off the ground in a burst of sparks.
Herdier crashed down and lay still.
"Herdier is unable to battle!" Jerry's voice rang out. "Victory goes to Radek and Probopass!"
The winner raised one arm with a victorious smile, while the crowd applauded, many of the younger children unsure whether to cheer or gasp.
But Joe just laughed.
"Well," he said, returning Herdier with a soft glow, "looks like you've improved since last time."
Radek gave him a rare grin. "Had to. You embarrassed me enough when you knocked out my Metagross with your Granbull."
Joe walked over, clapped Radek's shoulder, then turned and made his way back to the canopy where his family and the kids waited.
Jake beamed up at him. "Grandpa, that was awesome! You froze the ground!"
Anna patted her husband shoulder. "You almost had him."
"Almost doesn't win a round," Joe said with an amused expression. "But we made him work for it. Besides, it's good for the new team to learn to lose."
David looked thoughtful, glancing down at Snivy, who still watched the field with big, determined eyes.
"So all Lindenbergs are out now," Eva said, nudging David's arm. "You're getting rusty!"
Joe and David started to argue, but the kids along with Anna were laughing at Eva's teasing.
Several more battles rolled by under the increasingly overcast sky. Cheers erupted as familiar trainers sealed their victories: a Sneasel vanishing in a puff of icy mist after a well-placed Flame Charge from a Rapidash; a Beartic landing a finishing Avalanche on a Blaziken that had already spent its energy; and a Magmar wrapping up a heated duel with a Golem using a final, cracking Focus Blast.
Jake crossed his arms and stared at the field, brows furrowed. "Who do we cheer for now?" he mumbled. Charmander playfully bit his hand to lift his spirit.
One of the other kids, Marta, tilted her head. "Then when are you going to join the tournament, huh Jake? So we can cheer for you?"
Jake blinked, caught off guard. "Me? But… I don't have a Pokémon, not officially. And Charmander's still small. He's not ready."
The other kids began chattering, speculating when they'd get Pokémon and if they could join future tournaments.
"I bet I have some strong Pokémon. Like Machamp!" Tomas grinned.
„Or Pidgeot! It's superfast!" Lucas replied.
„You're stupid. The psychic Pokémon are the best. I'll have Gardevoir and one day I win!" Petra jumped in.
„Can we? When we older?" Tomas turned to Eva.
But it was Joe who answered. "You want to join the tournament?" he asked with a gleam in his eye. "The more the merrier. We've always got room for more trainers—especially young ones."
Before the discussion could deepen, Jerry raised his voice across the arena. "That wraps up Round Two! Prepare yourselves, folks—Round Three is about to begin!"
The crowd's murmurs rose again. On the field, Pokémon squared off in the third round of matches. A Salazzle dropped a Rampardos with a Toxic into Flamethrower combo. An elegant Kirlia ended a slugfest with a precise Psycho Cut that felled a muddy Piloswine.
Twice, errant attacks flew dangerously off-course aiming to the watchers, but Jerry's Grumpig stepped in both times with smooth Psychic barriers, redirecting the rogue attacks into the sky.
By the end of the round, there were no surprises: Angie and her sharp poison-type instincts triumphed again. Radek's meticulous battlefield control carried him forward. Zora, cool and calculated, commanded her Scizor to dispatch a Machamp with ease.
The kids grew antsy. Petra leaned closer to Emily. "So who do you think will win if those three face off?"
"I bet it's the Probopass. It is quick and has the mini noses!" Emily exclaimed.
„No way! Angie's Koffing is definitely quicker!" Petra opposed.
„But the Scizor is quicker than both of those!" Lucas jumped into their discussion.
„I don't believe that. Koffing is better!" Petra argued.
While the kids bickered, Jerry's loyal Grumpig, floating off the ground beside him, had started moving strangely. Its whole body shuddered for a moment, eyes flashing—not in aggression, but confusion. Jerry glanced toward it, one eyebrow raised, about to speak… but just then, a nearby battle ended, and he had to turn away to announce the result. When he looked back, Grumpig had gone calm again.
Then came the long-awaited match: Angie versus Radek.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we were all waiting for. Our two champions of Battle Ranch are about to face one another! Angie the venomous princess versus Radek, the greasy man of steel! And for those who don't know Angie is also boss of Radek!"
After Jerry's announcement, the two trainers stepped into the arena, boots crunching over gravel and steel fragments. A cheer broke out from the spectators.
Radek smirked. "This is where your win streak ends, Ange."
Angie laughed. "Confident, are we? If you beat me, I'll give you an extra shift with the Skuntanks."
"You mean WHEN I beat you," Radek shot back with a grin at his supervisor.
They both tossed their Poké Balls into the air.
"Probopass will win!" Emily shrieked.
"No, Koffing will win!!" Petra disagreed.
But the kids gasped for air, because neither Probopass, nor Koffing appeared on the battlefield.
The first burst of red light resolved into a wild-eyed, bristling bipedal cat-like creature, its jagged claws flexing. Its iron helmet glinted in the light, and it gave a feral, metallic yowl.
The second shape unraveled into an unusual form—thin, wiry, with long limbs and wild, paint-covered fingers. Its bug-like eyes shifted constantly.
Jake and the other kids leaned forward. "Whoa! What's that?"
Eva was also surprised by the new Pokémon, but she leaned in to explain. "That's Grafaiai. It's a Poison/Normal-type from Paldea. Secretes toxic paint from its fingers and uses it to mark trees—and enemies. Very sneaky Pokémon."
"And what's with that beardy Meowth thing?" Lukas asked.
"That's Perrserker," Eva answered. "Steel-type. Think of it as a Galarian Meowth gone feral. Tough as nails, and always ready to fight."
The crowd roared as the battle began.
"Perrserker, Iron Head!" Radek shouted.
The steel feline lunged forward, its head shining like polished metal.
"Dodge and Counter with Mud Shot!" Angie snapped.
Grafaiai ducked low, twisted its body, and flung a glob of mud that exploded against Perrserker's shoulder. The metal cat growled and shook it off.
The exchange went on—Slash met Metal Claw; Grafaiai's Doodle messed with Perrserker's ability, giving it a jolt of confusion. Perrserker responded with a blinding Screech, followed by Metal Claw that cracked the ground open.
But even as the battle climbed toward its peak, a few in the crowd began noticing something strange.
David turned toward the field, then toward the horizon. Several Pokémon around them—Pidgeotto, Growlithe, and a Mareep—had started twitching, ears back, bodies tense.
"Something's wrong," he murmured.
His mother Anna, beside him, shivered. "The wind," she said quietly. "It's gone cold."
Leaves began to swirl along the battlefield's edge. The sky, which had grown steadily cloudier, now darkened sharply. Thunderheads rolled in from nowhere. More trainers noticed— weaker Pokémon being recalled hastily. Stronger sent out in preparation.
Joe slowly stood. He reached to his belt and tossed out a Poké Ball.
Oranguru emerged with a calm presence, levitating in the air with its fans drifting by its side.
Joe turned to his daughter-in-law and leaned close. "Eva, if anything happens… Oranguru will Teleport you and the kids to town, into the gym. No arguments."
Eva glanced down. "Understood."
Their shadows flickered—and then twitched.
In the darkness of Joe's shadow, a Trevenant slowly stirred, eyes glowing. In Eva's, a sleek Decidueye shivered, bow-like feathers poised, silent and watchful.
Wind now howled across the benches.
David tossed two Poké Balls forward. With twin flashes, his Swoobat shot upward, circling above, while his Mandibuzz soared to meet it. Their wings pushed against the storm.
"Lucky!" Joe spoke with a frown.
His Togekiss took flight, circling the battlefield in wide loops. It began to sing, soft at first, then louder—a strange, soothing melody laced with Fairy energy, meant to calm the weather… but the sky didn't respond. Instead, the darkness grew thicker.
Then came the flash of light.
Several tall, pale apparitions appeared on the battlefield, flickering like ghosts.
David's eyes locked on Eva's. Without speaking, he squeezed her hand.
Joe turned, voice steady: "Oranguru. Now."
Eva spun toward the kids, voice clipped. "Everyone—hands. Now. Stay in a circle. Don't argue."
They obeyed, albeit confused. Petra trembled. Marta clutched her bag like a shield.
But Jake stepped forward. "Wait! I want to stay. I - "
"Jakey—" Eva began, stern.
"Let him," David interrupted softly. "He'll be safer near our Pokémon."
Eva turned to her husband, shock in her eyes. "Are you serious?!"
"There is a lot of strong trainers here. We'll take care of him. Don't worry," Anna gripped her grandson's hand.
David pulled Eva into a quick hug. "Oranguru's sending you to the gym. They've got an excellent defenses there, too."
Her face softened and she murmured. "I hate this. I wanted this weekend to be perfect for Jake and his buddies. I'd rather stay and fight with you."
"I know. But you need to protect not only yourself," David added quietly and laid his hand on her belly.
She sighed, „I know.... I love you."
„I love you, too," he whispered back before they kissed.
Eva turned to Joe's Oranguru. "Let's go."
The Psychic ape closed its eyes. Rings of light formed around the group. In a flash, Eva and the children vanished—just as another white figure landed on the field.
It was now clear that the aura from Oranguru's presence had been holding the intruders at bay. Now it was gone.
The light faded—and several masked figures, robed and ragged, stood in its place. Behind them, shadows began to ripple.
Lunatones.
A storm of them, glowing faintly red, ringed the intruders, swaying unnaturally.
More Pokémon emerged—unhinged, feral, their eyes glinting not with intelligence, but bloodlust. Crobat, Scyther, Mightyena—twitching, growling.
The tournament ground erupted in motion.
Angie called Grafaiai to her side and sent out Toxicroak and Drapion. Radek threw two more Poké Balls—his ace, a towering Metagross and gleaming Alolan Sandslash joined the fray.
Across the benches, other trainers acted fast.
Hana, the water expert, summoned Bibarel and Swampert, who slammed into the ground with readiness, water swirling around them.
Ivana, no longer bruised from her earlier defeat, now stood tall and released her powerful aces, Fearow and Vespiquen with a frown.
Bran, the carer for dark-types had his Alolan Raticate and Grimmsnarl out ready to attack and his Thievul at his side for protection.
Behind them, David and Jake stood up as Joe's voice, amplified by Swoobat's psychic echo, boomed:
"Form ranks! STAY TOGETHER! SHIELD YOURSELVES!"
He strode down the stairs of the spectator benches, eyes blazing. Lucky, his Togekiss, floated overhead with quiet fury in its eyes. From Joe's shadow, the Trevenant rose like a guardian spirit, arms cracking with ghostly energy.
The feral Pokémon of the intruders froze in place—something about those two auras sent a ripple through their bloodlust. Even the swarm of Lunatones stopped and they just glared at the incoming trainer.
But Joe wasn't finished.
He tossed three more Poké Balls high.
With a crack of energy, Arbok—faintly green from its draconic affinity—coiled and hissed, its eyes burning with ancient fury.
Next came Emboar, flames roaring from its neck and shoulders, pounding its burning fists together.
Then, with a thundering growl, a hulking Crabominable emerged, mimicking Emboar and punching its icy fists together, while frost hissed off its breath.
Arbok slithered forward, eyes wild with recognition and delight at the scent of the intruders. It remembered the time underground where it slaughtered tens of those terrorists and hissed with anticipation.
"Easy," Joe said coolly, holding out one hand.
The serpent settled, but her tail still twitched with violent pleasure.
Joe took one step forward.
"Leave," he said in a voice like a blade drawn from its sheath. "Or we'll make you."
Around him, all five of his Pokémon—Togekiss, Trevenant, Arbok, Emboar, Crabominable—glowed faintly as they channeled energy into their trainer's words.
And the storm, which had loomed above, now fell utterly silent.
The masked leader raised a pale hand and pointed directly at David.
"We've come for you, David Lindenberg!" came the screeching voice, high and warped like feedback from a radio.
The crowd froze.
Joe didn't.
"All of you!" he barked at the trainers lining the field. "Stay aside! Get ready to defend yourselves!"
The five Pokémon —Togekiss, Trevenant, Emboar, Arbok, and Crabominable created a defensive formation.
The Lunatones rushed forward in a swarm, moon-shaped sentinels gliding eerily fast across the dirt. Joe snapped his fingers.
"Now!"
A wall of elemental force exploded across the battlefield. Togekiss unleashed a spiral of glittering Fairy Wind. Trevenant slammed the ground with Branch Poke, sending roots lashing upward. Emboar roared and loosed a torrent of Flamethrower. Arbok launched a pulsing Sludge Bomb that burst midair. Crabominable stomped and summoned a crashing Avalanche from the sky itself.
The attacks met the Lunatones head-on, tearing through the first wave like paper. Dust and psychic residue exploded in every direction—but a sudden flash of white light erupted midair, and several of the obliterated Lunatones vanished just before impact, reappearing behind the battlefield.
Joe turned to his Trevenant. "Rootie—trap them!"
Trevenant's bark echoed like a bell in an ancient cathedral. A pulse of green-black energy flowed into the ground, and writhing shadow-roots erupted under the Sleepers, twisting and binding their legs. A few teleported away, but Trevenant shifted and snapped, extending the net wider.
"Psychic and Ghost-types!" Joe called towards the trainers. "Anyone with them—let's trap those scumbags! The rest of you – protect yourselves from the Lunatones!"
David was already on the move. "Athena—Dark Pulse!" he barked to his Mandibuzz, who dove with wings wide, sending a rippling black shockwave into the new Lunatones that appeared above them.
"Swoobat—Steel Wing! Intercept!"
The bat Pokémon twirled in the air, its feathers gleaming with metallic hue as it darted upward.
David grabbed three Pokéballs and threw them in one fluid motion. "Come out—Scolipede, Ambipom, Electrode!"
The balls arced through the air—but just as they reached their peak, violet tentacles erupted from the shadows below.
"What the hell!?" David shouted, instinctively stepping back.
The tendrils struck the Pokéballs mid-air. Each one snapped shut, the Pokémon inside never even emerging. David stumbled, the rest of his Pokéballs wrenched from his belt by another shadow tentacle. His belt clattered to the ground and the Pokéballs were swept aside.
"Jake, stay behind—" David spun—but felt something solid behind him. His mother.
Anna stood back-to-back with him, with her forearm shielding her face as she was blinded by the light created by Lunatones' Teleports.
From above, Lunatones descended again. Swoobat and Mandibuzz fought furiously to hold them back, wings slicing and psychic pulses flashing, but the numbers were too great. They were being boxed in.
"Charmander!" Jake shouted, and the little lizard hurled fire at the Lunatones descending towards his father and grandmother.
More Lunatones now floated in a tight formation around them, glowing brighter—preparing a mass teleport.
Joe saw it.
"Togekiss, GO!" he shouted in despair.
But Togekiss wasn't fast enough. The moonstones surged with energy. Anna grabbed David's arm, just as she reached to shove Jake away.
"Run, Jakey!"
A blinding white light exploded across the benches.
When the smoke cleared, the ground was scorched with burn marks and twisted shadows.
Jake blinked. He was on the ground, dazed.
"Dad? Grandma?" he croaked.
But only silence answered.
David Lindenberg and his mother, Anna Lindenberg, were gone.