The air around the Oak Laboratory had finally calmed, the earlier battle now just faint wisps of dust in the late afternoon breeze. Pikachu lay curled near Leyn's feet, tail swishing lazily while the group sat on the short grass outside the fenced area, talking over the fight.
Leyn leaned back on his arms, looking thoughtful. "You know," he began, "I actually thought Gary had a plan at first. That's why I focused him from the start. I mean—he chose a water type against an electric type. Why would you do that? That's like walking into a storm holding a metal rod."
Leaf snorted, trying to hold back laughter. Pikachu even tilted his head as if agreeing.
Gary's face turned red. "Hey, I—"
Before he could even defend himself, Blue burst out laughing. "Oh, look at that, Gary! Even the enemy overestimated you. You see how dumb you are?"
"Shut up!" Gary lunged at his twin, but Blue smoothly dodged aside with a chuckle.
"Relax, relax," Blue said, waving a hand dismissively. "I'll admit, I was expecting him to use Thunder Wave to paralyze us both first. I was already calculating a counter for that—but he didn't. He just went straight for you, and, well…" Blue smirked. "You got kicked out of the battle before I could even finish my thought."
"You—!" Gary glared at him, fists clenched, but couldn't find the words.
Leyn chuckled, watching them bicker. "Some people can't even remember what type beats what, you know. And here's this guy"—he nodded toward Gary—"who can't even remember the names of five Pokémon because he's too busy goofing off."
Gary opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He finally sighed and waved a hand. "Fine, fine. I'll try to remember next time. The names. And the types. And the moves. Happy?"
"Progress," Leaf teased.
Leyn smiled. "Still, I think if you'd used Leer as your last move instead of Bubble Beam, Blue would've had a better chance of turning the fight around."
That made Gary blink in surprise. "...Huh. Why?"
"Because lowering Pikachu's defense could've set Blue's Rattata up for a finishing Quick Attack," Leyn explained. "Even if Squirtle fainted right after, it would've helped him."
Gary scratched his chin, genuinely listening. "...I didn't think about that."
Blue nodded approvingly. "Good observation. And you—" he looked at Leyn, "—you could've also tried to disrupt us both by changing Thunder Shock's direction mid-burst. Pikachu seems agile enough to control how wide the discharge goes. If you ever want to fight two opponents again, that kind of trick could make a huge difference."
Leyn's eyes lit up. "That's actually a good point. I was so focused on hitting Squirtle fast I didn't even think of that."
They leaned closer to each other, ideas flowing fast now.
Blue picked up a stick, drawing rough diagrams in the dirt. "See, if your Pikachu positions like this, and your opponent's standing here—then—"
"You can bait one into intercepting for the other," Leyn finished.
"Exactly."
Gary, sitting nearby and pretending to look away, couldn't help but listen. His expression shifted from irritation to curiosity as he picked up bits of their discussion—battle reading, rhythm, synergy, momentum control. He didn't want to admit it, but he was learning.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Leaf and Daisy sat together, watching the three boys animatedly talk strategy.
Leaf sighed, leaning on her hands. "They're really something when they start talking about battles, huh?"
Daisy giggled softly. "Tell me about it. It's like watching three Growlithe pups barking at a shadow."
Leaf laughed. "Yeah. You'd think they're solving world hunger instead of just discussing Quick Attacks."
"Still," Daisy added, her smile turning gentle, "I haven't seen my brothers this focused since forever."
Leaf hummed, glancing at Pikachu, who was contently munching on an Oran Berry beside Leyn. "Well, it's nice seeing everyone getting along."
There was a brief pause before Daisy suddenly grinned mischievously. "So, Leaf—who do you think's the cutest Pokémon here?"
Leaf blinked. "What kind of question is that?"
"Humor me."
Leaf pretended to think. "Hmm… Pikachu's adorable, but I think Eevee might be cuter."
Daisy gasped dramatically. "Blasphemy! Have you seen Bulbasaur's little face when it smiles?"
Leaf giggled. "Bulbasaur? Really?"
"Yes! The vines make it look like it's giving hugs!"
Leaf shook her head, laughing uncontrollably. "Okay, okay—you win. But Pikachu's still the most huggable."
"Agreed," Daisy said, smiling as she looked over at the electric mouse snuggled beside Leyn's knee.
Professor Oak, standing a little behind them, watched the scene quietly. His eyes softened, the lines of age easing under the golden afternoon light.
They really are something, he thought. If this is what the next generation looks like… the Academy will be in good hands.
---
Time slipped by unnoticed as the group continued chatting. The once intense energy of battle had transformed into laughter and easy conversation. When Leyn finally looked up at the sky, the sunlight had mellowed into warm orange hues.
"Whoa," he murmured. "It's already four?"
He stood, brushing grass from his pants. "Hey, guys, I'm just gonna talk to Professor Oak real quick."
He walked over to where the Professor was jotting notes at a table. "Professor Oak, can I go out early today? I just want to buy some Pokéfood for Pikachu."
Oak looked up with a smile. "Of course, Leyn. Go ahead—but remember to tell your mom and dad before heading out."
"I will. Thanks, Professor."
Leyn jogged back home, where Rhea was watering the garden. When he explained, she smiled warmly. "Buying Pokéfood, huh? How thoughtful of you. All right, go on—but be careful, okay?"
"Got it, Mom. See you later!"
When he returned to the group, everyone was still there. "Hey, I've gotta head to the PokéMart to get some food for Pikachu," he said.
Leaf looked up. "Can I come too?"
"Sure."
"Then we're coming as well," Gary declared, standing up quickly. "Let's see how our rival feeds his Pokémon. Maybe we'll pick up some tricks."
Leyn laughed. "Sure, sure—as long as you can get permission from Professor Oak."
Professor Oak, who'd clearly been listening, chuckled. "Go on, all of you. Wander around a bit. Just don't get into trouble."
"Yay!" Gary and Blue both shouted at once, pumping their fists in excitement.
Leaf and Daisy exchanged a knowing look. "Boys," they said in unison.
---
The group left the lab together, the dusty path to town glowing golden under the afternoon light. Pikachu trotted beside Leyn, tail wagging happily as they chatted.
Gary was the first to speak again. "So, when we get our starters, I'm totally choosing Squirtle. A Blastoise fits me perfectly."
Leyn grinned. "A Blastoise, huh? Then I guess I'll go for a Charizard."
Blue crossed his arms. "I'll take a Blastoise too. It's reliable, defensive, and smart—unlike someone."
Gary groaned. "You just can't help yourself, can you?"
Leaf raised her hand proudly. "Bulbasaur for me! It's cute and tough."
As they walked, laughter and banter filled the air. But Leyn's eyes wandered around town, noticing something different. There were a lot more kids running around compared to last week—playing tag, trading berries, chasing Pidgey. The whole town felt busier.
"Hey," Leyn said, looking puzzled, "why are there so many kids out today? Last week it was a lot quieter."
Gary tilted his head. "What do you mean? There's always this many kids around here."
Blue nodded. "Yeah, and this isn't even everyone. Most of them are still at the camp."
"Camp?" Leyn echoed, confused. "Wait—what camp?"
Leaf looked equally puzzled. "Yeah, what are you talking about?"
Blue and Gary exchanged glances. "You guys didn't know?"
Leyn shook his head. "We just moved here when the camp started, so I thought this was normal."
Blue explained, "The Pallet Training Camp. It's held every year. Trainers from other regions come here too. Like that girl Ash saved—she's from Kalos."
"...Ash?" Leyn asked.
"Yeah," Gary said, rolling his eyes. "Ash Ketchum. Loudmouth kid who never shuts up about becoming a Pokémon Master. Whatever that means."
Blue sighed. "And his brother, Red—he's the quiet one. Stubborn as a Mankey that's seen a rival."
Leyn blinked. "You both sound... very fond of them."
Gary grumbled. "Fond? More like annoyed. They're coming back next week anyway."
Leaf looked intrigued. "So wait—if they're still at the camp, why are you two already back?"
That question hit both brothers like a Thunder Shock.
"Uh—" Blue stuttered. "We just… got bored."
"Yeah! Bored!" Gary added quickly, his tone a little too defensive. "What's wrong with that?"
Leyn and Leaf exchanged amused glances but didn't press further. They were already standing in front of the PokéMart, its bright blue roof glinting in the sunlight.
Leyn smiled. "Well, looks like we're here."
Blue dusted off his jacket. "Let's see how you shop, 'battle genius.'"
Leaf giggled. "If he buys the wrong flavor, Pikachu might zap him again."
Pikachu let out an indignant "Pikaaa!" and everyone burst out laughing.
And just like that, a new friendship began to settle naturally between them—not through battles or lectures, but through laughter, teasing, and the shared spark of something new.