Chapter 40

In our Battle Studies Class at the court, Professor Dendra begins with a smile and a spirited, "Another day, another round of battle study! Osu! Let's get right to it!"

She commends our efforts on the midterm exams, saying, "You all gave everything you had on the midterm exams. Well done! We'll resume our regular classes today, so keep up that energy for the second half of the term! Have you all been sending out your Pokémo? If you do, your Pokémon will run off on their own. It's a super-useful tactic that lets your Pokémon pick up faraway items for you. And that's not all! If there's a wild Pokémon near where you sent your Pokémon, they'll start battling each other! We call those battles...Auto Battles! Just as the name implies, your Pokémon will act on its own during Auto Battles—meaning you won't have to give it any commands! And if your Pokémon wins, it'll get Exp. Points just like it would in a regular battle. If you make good use of these battles, they can be a really efficient way to train your party!"

I can't help but recall Korrina's use of a similar method until the incident with her Lucario. Professor Dendra adds a word of caution, "But you'll want to remember that Pokémon won't evolve or learn new moves right away if they level up from an Auto Battle. Also, if a Pokémon LOSES and Auto Battle, it'll come back with just a small amount of HP left. Make sure to heal it up right away!"

She acknowledges her lecture becoming one-sided and asks if there are any questions. Serena raises her hand and inquires, "Excuse me, but can we catch wild Pokémon during Auto Battles?"

Professor Dendra explains, "If you let your Pokémon battle on its own, it'll keep going until its opponent is defeated! If you want to catch a wild Pokémon, you'll need to battle by issuing commands instead! Even during Auto Battles, our Pokémon are out there battling for us—their Trainers! Keep an eye on them as much as possible, and if it looks like they're going to lose, be sure to have them retreat! Also, this goes without saying, but Pokémon with low HP are already worn out. They probably won't enjoy Auto Battles as much, so don't work them too hard, OK?"

She concludes her lecture with some advice, "In conclusion! Auto Battles only work if a Trainer and their Pokémon have a relationship of mutual trust! Be smart with how you use Auto Battles so you don't lose the trust of your Pokémon!"

Before we can engage in any practical exercises, the bell rings once more, causing Professor Dendra to express disappointment, "Aw, man! I was just about to suggest we do some hands-on practice to really drive the point home, but I guess we've run out of time, as usual... Class is over for now! Take care, you little rascals!"

In the afternoon, we head to the nurse's office with the intention of talking to Miriam, but to our surprise, Professor Dendra is also present. Inside, Miriam is vehemently protesting, exclaiming, "No way. No way! NO WAY!"

Undeterred, Professor Dendra encourages her, saying, "C'mon, Miriam! Just try it!" I can't help but interject, "Professor Dendra? What's going on?"

Both adults turn their attention to us, and Professor Dendra responds with a cheerful smile, "Oh! Great timing, new kids! Nurse Miriam here won't try the sandwich I made!"

It's clear that Miriam has reservations, and she asserts, "Well, DUH! I don't want to get a stomachache!"

Professor Dendra attempts to persuade her, insisting, "You won't! Probably!"

Miriam isn't convinced and recalls a past incident, saying, "Uh, I still remember that 'sandwich' you made me with meat filling and meat for bread. That one really messed me up bad."

Dendra tries to defend herself, explaining, "I hadn't trained in the art of sandwich making yet back then! I was young and thoughtless and—"

"'Young and thoughtless'? It was LAST MONTH!" Miriam retorts, clearly unimpressed by her excuse.

Professor Dendra expresses her frustration, saying, "Sooo, as you can see, I'm not getting anywhere trying to persuade her. Even after I went through that intensive sandwich-making training! It kinda makes me sad..."

Serena suggests, "Well, I suppose you should give it a try, considering how much effort Professor Dendra has put into it..."

Miriam reluctantly agrees, remarking, "She went through intensive sandwich-making training? Ugh...I guess I have no choice if you've got one of our cute little students on your side. So, fine. I'll try your sandwich. Let's see it."

"Yesss! I knew you'd come around. Here it is..." Professor Dendra eagerly presents the sandwich, which appears quite normal this time. Miriam takes a bite, hesitates for a moment, and then admits, "It's a little strongly flavored, but...I guess it's not bad?"

Professor Dendra celebrates her success, exclaiming, "Woo-hoo! My training paid off! I'm so glad my sandwich pleases the great Nurse Miriam! I look up to you, you know! Thank you for trying it! And thanks to you too, new kids!"

With that, Professor Dendra hastily departs, leaving Miriam somewhat bewildered. She comments, "Aaand she's run off again. That was weird... But that's just how Ms. Dendra is, I guess. She's always coming into the nurse's office with some injury or another, too."

Now that we're in Zapapico, Lucine inquires, "So, what's your plan now?"

"I've heard that Girafarig has an evolution. How about we try to make it evolve?" I suggest.

"Ah, you mean Farigiraf. You just need to teach it Twin Beam, and it should evolve," Golly explains.

We decide to give it a try, and fortunately, we successfully teach Girafarig the move Twin Beam. Twin Beam is a Psychic-type move that strikes twice, and once Girafarig learns it, it evolves into Farigiraf.

Farigiraf: The Long Neck Pokémon: Normal and Psychic Type. Evolve from Girafarig by learning Twin Beam. Now that the brain waves from the head and tail are synced up, the psychic power of this Pokémon is 10 times stronger than Girafarig's.

"This one has the ability Armor Tail... The enigmatic tail that conceals the Pokémon's head prevents opponents from using priority moves against the Pokémon or its allies."

"That means Pikachu's Quick Attack won't have any effect on this Pokémon," I remark to Pikachu, who appears slightly offended by the revelation.

Then we reach Tagthee Thicket, which reminds me of Melemele Forest from the Alola Region. As we venture deeper into the thicket, we suddenly come across Director Clavell, who is disguised as Clive once more.

"Ash, Serena, Golly, Luke, Drandon, Lucine!" He greets us, but even in his disguise, he refuses to address us with formal titles.

"Director Clavell... what's going on?" I inquire.

"As I've told you, the name's Clive. Please don't forget it." Clive responds, his annoyance evident at my constant exposure of his disguise, which I find rather amusing.

"Now, let's pick up our conversation from where we left off before. As I mentioned, I joined Operation Starfall to resolve a sticky situation and to find out the reasons behind Team Star's odd behavior. Above all, I want to know why the students in Team Star have stopped coming to school. And, just like Cassiopeia, I want the team to disband for good."

"We're on board with disbanding the team," I affirm.

"Since joining Operation Starfall with you, I've already had some success in opening up a dialogue with Team Star. And I think I'm starting to understand things more clearly. But I don't have enough information just yet. That's why I want to speak with students from Team Star's other squads as well."

"I understand," Luke acknowledges.

"If you intend to take on another base, know that you can count on me for backup." Clive states while adjusting his hair once more. I can't help but wonder why he chose such a peculiar hairstyle. "Till then, see you around."

As Clive departs, we continue our journey and eventually reach the entrance gate of the base. There, we witness a confrontation between a student and a Team Star grunt.

"Do me a favor and go home already, will ya?" the grunt grumbles.

"NO! I wanna see the boss of the Navi Squad! Take me to Don Atticus!" the student demands with determination.

"Like I said, kid, the boss told me not to let any outsiders past these gates! That includes you!" the grunt insists.

"I don't care! I'm not leaving till you let me talk to Don Atticus!" the student firmly declares.

"Atticus... that name does sound familiar," Serena acknowledges, her brow furrowing in thought. "Isn't Atticus Alice's cousin from her mother's side?"

Golly adds with a hint of concern, "So, you're saying that even he might be a member of Team Star? This is getting more mysterious by the minute."

"Gimme a break, you little doofus..." the grunt mutters in frustration as he deals with the persistent student. Upon noticing our arrival, he groans, "Oh great. Here come other randos to ruin my day. I didn't think grunt work for Team Star newbies would be this much of a chore..."

The student, seemingly recognizing us, suddenly exclaims, "Hold on, Mr. Grunt! I think two of them might be Ash and Serena!"

The grunt, taken aback, inquires, "Wait... Ash and Serena? Those kids who picked a fight with Team Star?"

I step forward and confirm, "Yeah, that's us. So, are we going to battle or not?"

The student, a mixture of relief and excitement on their face, declares, "I knew it!"

"Hoo-boy, this ain't good," the grunt remarks, clearly troubled. "Everyone else in the base is still asleep since we were up all night playing video games..."

The student, seemingly determined to help, steps up and volunteers, "Leave them to me, Mr. Grunt! I'll buy some time for you to go wake up the others!"

Surprised by the student's willingness to assist Team Star, the grunt skeptically asks, "Yeah? And what's in it for you?"

The student responds with unwavering loyalty, "Don Atticus will be in danger if no one's here to defend the base! I owe that man my life. He's my dear compadre! And when crisis calls, one has no choice but to rally to those dear to him - no matter the cost!"

The grunt, still puzzled but appreciative, concedes, "Yeah, I have no idea what you're on about, kid. But thanks for the big assist!"

I can't help but wonder about this student's relationship with Don Atticus and his unwavering loyalty. It's intriguing, to say the least. I think I kinda remember him from the Drama Club as well, though he didn't show up most of the time and the President seems to be furious about it.

The determined boy, Youssef, sends out his Gulpin and Shroodle to battle. It's clear he's passionate but inexperienced, especially when he yells, "All right, you villain! If you're after Don Atticus, be prepared to face my wrath!"

I send out Ursaluna, ready to take on the challenge. With Ursaluna's powerful Headlong Rush, we quickly defeat both of Youssef's Poison-type Pokémon. It's clear that he wasn't prepared for the strength we brought to the battle.

After his defeat, Youssef mutters with disappointment, "I talk big, but I'm no warrior... Don Atticus... I'm sorry I failed you..."

I feel a bit bad for him, but it's clear that his loyalty to Don Atticus is genuine. Clive approaches us and inquires, "Are you all right?"

"We're fine, although it wasn't much of a fair match to begin with," I reply, sighing. "Where were you during all of this?"

"I was standing watch when I heard a ruckus all of a sudden," Clive explains.

Youssef complains, "Argh... Not fair! You had backup this whole time!"

Clive looks at Youssef and asks, "Is this boy one of the academy's students? He doesn't look like he's from Team Star..."

Youssef quickly responds, "You're right—I'm not a member of Team Star... but Don Atticus is my compadre! I have to see him, no matter what!"

"Well, it's clear you have your reasons for being here," Clive acknowledges. He then turns to us and says, "Ash, Serena, I'd like to ask this young man some questions. You go ahead and get started on the base."

Clive then addresses Youssef with a friendly tone, "Could I trouble you for a little chat, my young friend? Don't worry; I won't bite."

Then we leave the two of them to talk, and that's when Cassiopeia contacts us again. "Nice work dealing with the guard."

"Forgot you can track my location through hacking and monitor my actions..." I remark, "So, why the call?"

"Within that base lies Team Star's Poison crew... the Navi Squad. Their boss, Atticus, designs the outfits for the team - you could say he has clever hands. The guy's also... a bit of an eccentric. You can never tell what he's going to do next. So since it's beyond us to predict how he'll respond to our declaration of war... just take out as many of the squad's Pokemon as you can until Atticus shows his face."

"I understand," I reply, realizing that, no matter how Cassiopeia frames it, the mission remains essentially the same.

"Ring the bell on the gates once you're ready to kick off this phase of the operation." Cassiopeia declares, "Time to wipe the Navi Squad off the map!"

After the call ends, we decide to review the information about Atticus.

"Atticus is of middling strength among the Team Star bosses. A descendant of ninjas - or so he believes - he likes to dress the part and use fancy speech and poison skills to toy with foes."

"That description fits Atticus perfectly," Drandon remarks. "It's surprising to find him associated with Team Star, though."

"I agree," I say, determined to face the challenge ahead. "But we'll face it together." With that, we ring the bell at the base's gates to begin our mission.

"Serena, do you have enough Antidotes with you?" I inquire.

"I've got Full Heals too, just in case, since we're going up against Poison Types," Serena replies.

The speaker's voice chimes in again. "Seems the folks behind Operation Star-FOOL are finally making a move against our base! You know what that means, gang! Time for us to shine bright and avenge our teammates! And hey, little intruders, just so you know... If you've got the skills to defeat 30 of our Pokemon in 10 minutes, our boss might deem you worthy to meet in person! Heh, break a leg!"

"Yeah, we're aware," I mutter.

However, this time, they have a formidable lineup of Pokémon, including Venonat, Venomoth, Foongus, Amoonguss, Shroodle, Grafaiai, Gulpin, Swalot, Wooper, Clodsire, Grimer, Seviper, Gastly, and some Varoom. There's no shortage of Pokémon here, but none of them can match up to our Psychic and Ground Type Pokemon.

We consistently wrap up the challenge in under 2 minutes, leaving the grunts in awe of our victories.

"He's way above our level! We've gotta get the boss!" the grunt exclaims.

"Seriously? That's their assessment after losing to us?" I roll my eyes in disbelief.

"I suppose so," Golly comments as we get ready to wait for the Starmobile to arrive.

And here is a new chapter, so we're going into the Poison Base, and this time they're facing Atticus who seems to be Alice's cousin. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the battle with Atticus and his Poison Type Pokemon.

Ash and Serena's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Primeape, Tauros (Paldean) x3, Lapras, Dunsparce, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Bisharp, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Ursaluna (Blood Moon), Sneasler, Floragato, Crocalor, Quaxwell, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Lokix, Pawmot, Maushold x2 (Family of four/three), Dachsbun, Dolliv, Squawkabilly x4, Naclstack, Armarouge, Ceruledge, Bellibolt, Kilowattrel, Mabosstiff, Grafaiai, Brambleghast, Toedscruel, Klawf, Scovillain, Rabsca, Flittle, Tinkatuff, Wugtrio, Bombirdier, Finizen, Varoom, Cyclizar, Orthworm, Glimmet, Flamigo, Clodsire, Farigiraf, Dipplin, Sinistcha, Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, Ogerpon