Chapter 9

"Training Day"

Castelia City, Unova

Davey and Zac were in the middle of an intense training session. They had been training everyday for the last couple weeks, with Zac fulfilling his promise of helping Davey train for his upcoming battle against his sister. "Electivire use Thunder Punch." Zac orders. Electivire's left fist becomes surrounded by yellow electricity and runs towards Gligar.

Why is he using an Electric-type attack against Gligar? He knows Gligar is a Ground-type Pokemon. Davey studies Zac's actions, trying to figure out his plan. Electivire punches the ground, creating a large circle dent. Chucks of rocks scatter everywhere with one hitting Gligar in the face. "Gligar!" The boy calls out as Glilgar is sent flying back and falls on the ground. Gligar struggles to get up, only being able to open one eye while struggling to open the other one.

"Low Kick."

Electivire hops into the sky and kicks Gligar in the face. Gligar in pain, falls onto the ground. Zac smirks and shrugs. He notices that Davey wasn't trying to counter his attack. I'm starting to give up Davey, it doesn't look like he's improving at all. He just keeps allowing me to attack him over and over again, he has to learn how to not give up.

Davey grabs Gligar's Pokeball. He was ready to admit defeat. "Well Gligar, it doesn't look like we're going to win this one. You've done a good job, but I think it's time that we give up." Eevee and Silvarly were watching from the sides. Silvaly was pretending to be asleep, but was actually watching Davey, studying to see if he was worthy enough to be its trainer. Silvaly wasn't impressed. Meanwhile, Eevee was worried for Davey and had a sad look on her face.

Davey points the Pokeball at Gligar and a beam of light emerges from the center of the ball and recalls Gligar. Davey looks at Gligar's PokeBall. "I'm such a failure…"

"Yeah if you keep talking to yourself like that, you will be." Zac says. He pets Electivire, as a way of thanking it for doing an amazing job. "Electivire return." He returns his Pokemon back into his PokeBall.

"But I am a failure. I lost my battle to Susie because I froze up and now I'm going to lose our rematch."

Zac was getting frustrated with Davey's constant self doubt. "You don't know that! The battle with your sister hasn't even happened yet, you still got time." He reassures him, hoping to turn the tides on his emotions.

Davey sighs. "Come on Eevee, let's go! Class will be starting soon." He was ready to move on. He turns around and grabs Eevee. Eevee gives her trainer a worrying look, noticing that he seems down. But he shrugs it off. "Don't worry Eevee, everything is fine…" I'm never going to be a good enough trainer am I?

Eevee tilts her head, her large eyes filled with concern. She nuzzles against Davey's leg, trying to comfort him. Davey forces a smile and gives her a gentle pat on the head. "Thanks, Eevee," he murmurs, his voice tingling with a sadness he can't hide. "You're always there for me."

As the two walk towards the Pokémon Academy, the familiar sounds of the bustling city fill the air. The chatter of people, the distant hum of cars, and the occasional cry of a wild Pokémon blend into the background. But today, everything seems muted to Davey. "Why do I even try?" he mutters under his breath. "No matter how hard I work, I'm just... not good enough."

Eevee's ears twitch, catching the sadness in his voice. She hops onto a nearby bench and looks at him, her eyes wide and earnest. Davey can't help but chuckle a little at her determined expression.

"Okay, okay," he says, sitting down next to her. "I know I shouldn't give up. But it's hard, Eevee. You see all these other trainers, so confident, so skilled... and then there's me."

Eevee nudges his arm with her nose, a soft whine escaping her. She believes in him, but Davey is struggling to believe in himself.

As the bell signaling the end of class approached, Professor Cotton paced back and forth at the front of the lecture hall, his eyes occasionally darting toward Harper, who sat near the back, nervously flipping through her notes. The room buzzed with the murmur of students packing up their belongings, oblivious to the tension building between the professor and Harper.

Harper glanced up anxiously, catching Professor Cotton's gaze. She bit her lip, her heart racing with worry. They had been careful, always maintaining a professional façade during lectures and office hours, but lately, she couldn't shake the feeling that their secret relationship might be on the verge of discovery.

As the last of the students filed out, Professor Cotton gestured for Harper to remain behind. She gathered her books slowly, her mind racing with thoughts of what could go wrong if anyone found out about them.

"Harper," Professor Cotton began softly, once the room was empty save for the two of them, "Are you alright?"

Harper nodded hesitantly, not meeting his eyes. "I... I'm just a bit anxious, Professor."

He approached her slowly, concern etched on his face. "Is it about us?"

She glanced up, her eyes wide with fear. "Yes... I mean, no. I mean... I'm just worried, you know? About people finding out."

Professor Cotton sighed, reaching out to gently touch her arm. "I understand, Harper. I worry too. We've been discreet, but I can't deny the risks."

Harper nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if someone sees us together outside of class? What if they suspect something?"

He shook his head slightly. "We have to be careful. Very careful. The rules are clear, and if anyone were to find out..."

She swallowed hard, fighting back tears. "I could lose everything. My education, my future..."

He pulled her into a reassuring embrace, whispering softly, "We'll figure this out. I promise. I care about you too much to let anything happen to you."

Harper buried her face in his chest, overwhelmed by conflicting emotions of love and fear. They stood there, clinging to each other, seeking solace in the midst of uncertainty.

After a moment, Professor Cotton gently pulled away, holding her at arm's length to look into her eyes. "I'll be more cautious from now on. We'll find a way to make this work, Harper."

She nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I trust you, Professor. I just... I needed to talk about this."

He nodded, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "I'm glad you did. We'll navigate this together, one day at a time."

As they prepared to leave the empty classroom, their hands brushed briefly, a silent reassurance passing between them. Despite the risks, their bond remained steadfast, a fragile secret they were determined to protect.

Professor Moss stands at the front of the classroom, his white lab coat swishing as he moves. The room is filled with eager students at the ready. He taps the smartboard, where a list of Pokémon moves and status effects is written.

"Good morning, class," Professor Moss begins, his voice clear and authoritative. "Today, we're going to dive deep into the mechanics of Pokémon moves, status effects, critical hits, super effective attacks, and immunities. Understanding these concepts is crucial for any aspiring Pokémon Trainer."

He turns to the board, pointing to the first section. "Let's start with Pokémon moves. Every move falls into one of three categories: Physical, Special, or Status. Physical moves involve direct attacks, like Tackle or Punch, where the user makes physical contact with the opponent. Special moves, such as Thunderbolt or Flamethrower, involve using elemental powers that don't require physical contact. Status moves typically don't deal damage but instead cause various effects, like putting an opponent to sleep or boosting the user's abilities."

Professor Moss gestures to a list of moves. "For example, Tackle is a basic Physical move, while Thunderbolt is a Special move. Moves like Sleep Powder and Growl are Status moves, causing sleep and lowering Attack, respectively."

He then circles the next section. "Status effects can significantly influence the outcome of a battle. Common status conditions include Paralysis, Burn, Freeze, Poison, and Sleep. Paralysis can slow a Pokémon down and sometimes prevent it from attacking. Burn causes ongoing damage and weakens the opponent's physical attacks. Freeze immobilizes a Pokémon completely until it thaws. Poison causes a Pokémon to lose health each turn, with Toxic being an even more potent form. Sleep renders a Pokémon unable to act for a few turns."

He moves to a new part of the board. "Now, let's talk about critical hits. A critical hit deals extra damage and can turn the tide of battle. The likelihood of landing a critical hit can be increased by certain moves or abilities, making them a valuable part of your strategy."

Next, Professor Moss highlights a chart of type matchups. "Super effective attacks deal double damage to Pokémon that are weak to them. For instance, a Water-type move like Surf will be super effective against a Fire-type Pokémon, dealing double damage. Conversely, if a move is not very effective, it will deal only half the damage. And some moves can be completely ineffective, such as Ground-type moves against Flying-type Pokémon, which are immune to them."

He faces the class, his eyes scanning the eager faces. "Immunities can turn the tide of battle. Knowing that your Normal-type Pokémon is immune to Ghost-type moves or that your Ground-type Pokémon can shrug off Electric-type attacks gives you a strategic advantage. Remember, understanding your Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your opponent, is key to becoming a successful Trainer."

Professor Moss smiles as he concludes. "Any questions about these concepts? Feel free to ask – mastering these basics is the first step to becoming strong trainers."

Several hands shoot up, and Professor Moss begins addressing questions, ensuring each student grasps the intricacies of Pokémon battles. While most of the students are taking notes or nodding in understanding, Davey seems preoccupied, his eyes fixed on his phone screen. Ashley, on the other hand, tries her best to stifle giggles, clearly finding the professor's dramatic flair amusing.

Ashley nudges Davey playfully. "Hey, Davey, you might want to pay attention. Learning about moves can be helpful for your battle against Sarah."

Davey glances up briefly, his expression serious. "Leave me alone… I might not even battle her."

Ashley raises an eyebrow, suppressing another laugh. "Oh, so you're thinking about backing out of the battle?"

Davey shoots her a sharp look, his brow furrowing. "It's not funny, Ashley. I'm not strong enough! She's a prodigy."

Ashley leans back in her chair, still grinning mischievously. "Come on, lighten up! You've been training so hard, I know you can do this."

Davey sighs, running a hand through his hair. "But... What if I'm not ready? What if I mess up?"

Ashley's expression softens, her teasing demeanor giving way to genuine concern. "Davey, you've come so far since we started here. Your bond with your Pokemon is stronger than ever. Trust in yourself, like you do with them."

Davey looks down at his phone again, contemplating his next move. Finally, he pockets it and turns his full attention to Professor Moss, who is now demonstrating a hypothetical battle scenario on the chalkboard. As Professor Moss continues his lecture with fervor, Ashley leans over to Davey, her voice low but encouraging. "You know, you can always trainer with me if you want."

Davey nods slowly, a hint of determination flickering in his eyes. "Maybe you're right. Lets do it!" Davey chuckles softly, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. With Ashley's support and a renewed sense of confidence, he knows that if he does more training, he can face his upcoming battle with his sister head-on.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the Pokémon Academy's training grounds, Davey and Ashley prepare for an evening practice battle. The air is filled with the sounds of distant battles, trainers calling out commands, and Pokémon cries echoing in the distance. Davey stands across from Ashley, determination etched on his face, while Ashley wears her usual confident grin.

"Gligar, you're up!" Davey calls, releasing his agile Ground/Flying-type Pokémon. Gligar emerges with a flap of its wings, ready for action.

"Piplup, let's show them what we've got!" Ashley responds, her Water-type partner jumps out of her arms. The small penguin Pokémon stands firm, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"You know I have the advantage right?"

"A once famous anime I watched taught me that type matchups don't matter in a Pokémon battle, so I'm going to wing it!" Davey express.

Ashley was surprised. "Wow that's a shocker! Normally you always due things by the book."

"I'm trying something different today, I guess!"

Zac, another student at the academy, happens to be walking by. Curious, he stops to watch the battle unfold, leaning against a nearby tree.

"Alright, Gligar, start with Poison Sting!" Davey commands, his voice steady.

Gligar shoots a flurry of venomous barbs towards Piplup, but Ashley is quick to react. "Piplup, use Bubble to counter!"

Piplup puffs up its cheeks and releases a stream of bubbles, intercepting the Poison Sting attack mid-air. The bubbles burst upon contact with the barbs, neutralizing the threat.

"Nice try, Davey, but we've got more tricks up our sleeve. Piplup, use Bubble again, but aim for the ground!"

Piplup obeys, sending bubbles toward the ground in front of Gligar. The bubbles create a slippery surface, causing Gligar to lose its footing and stumble.

Davey clenches his fists. "Gligar, regain your balance and use X-Scissor!"

Gligar steadies itself and charges at Piplup, its pincers glowing with a bright, cross-shaped energy.

But Ashley is ready. "Piplup, slide on the bubbles and dodge!" Piplup expertly slides across the slick surface, evading Gligar's X-Scissor attack with ease. It then spins around, using the momentum to launch another stream of bubbles directly at Gligar, this time catching it off guard.

Davey's frustration grows. "Gligar, keep trying! Use Poison Sting again!"

Gligar launches another barrage of venomous barbs, but Ashley's strategy is too solid. "Piplup, counter with Pound!" A forceful strike from Piplup knocks aside the Poison Sting and hits Gligar directly, sending it reeling back.

Davey feels a surge of frustration and self-doubt. He can't seem to get the upper hand. "Gligar, one more time, X-Scissor!"

As Gligar lunges forward, Ashley remains calm. "Piplup, use Bubble to create a barrier!"

Piplup forms a protective wall of bubbles, absorbing the impact of Gligar's attack and bouncing it back. Gligar is sent sprawling, clearly exhausted.

Davey bites his lip, feeling overwhelmed. "I... I can't do this." Without another word, he turns and runs, leaving a startled Ashley and a concerned Zac in his wake. Gligarand Eevee follow their trainer, worrying about him.

Ashley grabs Piplup, her face a mix of worry and frustration. Zac approaches her, shaking his head. "He's got to stop being so hard on himself."

Ashley nods, her eyes still on the path Davey had taken. "Yeah, he does. But he'll come around. We just have to be there for him when he does."

There's a moment of silence, and the tension between them is palpable. Zac clears his throat, shuffling his feet awkwardly. "So… how have you been?"

Ashley snorts, rolling her eyes. "Really, Zac? You're going to ask me that now?"

Zac's face flushes slightly. "I'm just trying to talk, Ash. We haven't really… you know, talked."

"Talked?" Ashley raises an eyebrow, sarcasm dripping from her voice. "Since when are we good at that?"

Zac sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I'm serious, Ashley. We need to figure this out."

Ashley's eyes flicker with a mix of anger and confusion. "Figure what out, Zac? We've been through this a thousand times."

Zac steps closer, his voice lowering. "I still care about you, Ashley. I want to make things right."

Ashley crosses her arms, Piplup nuzzling against her. "And what does that even mean? Make things right? You think saying that magically fixes everything?"

"I'm not saying it's that simple," Zac says, his tone earnest. "I just… I miss us."

Ashley looks away, her jaw clenched. "Yeah, well, maybe I don't miss the drama."

Zac flinches at her words but doesn't back down. "I know I screwed up. But can't we just… try again?"

Ashley's laugh is bitter. "Try again? What for? So we can end up right back here?"

Zac's eyes soften, pleading. "I've changed, Ash. I've really been working on myself. Just give me a chance."

Ashley shakes her head, feeling the familiar confusion bubble up inside her. "I don't know, Zac. It's not that simple for me."

Piplup chirps, sensing Ashley's distress. She strokes its head absently, trying to gather her thoughts. Zac waits, his expression a mix of hope and worry.

Finally, Ashley speaks, her voice softer. "I need time, Zac. I need to figure out what I want. And right now, we have to find Davey. He needs us."

Zac nods, a hint of relief in his eyes. "Yeah, you're right. Let's focus on finding Davey. We can talk about us later."

Ashley uncrosses her arms, exhaling slowly. "Okay. But no more heavy conversations, alright? At least not until we find him."

"Deal," Zac agrees, offering a small smile.

Harper and Professor Cotton stand beneath the ancient oak tree just outside the university grounds, its branches stretching out like protective arms above them. They have chosen this spot for its seclusion, a rare sanctuary away from the prying eyes of students and faculty.

The professor's hand gently cradles Harper's cheek as they stand close, their voices hushed with a mixture of longing and caution. Harper's eyes, a blend of uncertainty and desire, meet his, silently communicating their shared emotions.

Without a word, Professor Cotton leans in, closing the distance between them. Their lips meet in a tender, lingering kiss, a culmination of unspoken feelings and the intensity of their hidden romance. The world around them seems to fade as they embrace, momentarily forgetting the risks and consequences that loom over their relationship.

Unbeknownst to them, Cole, a fellow student and friend of Harper's, happens to walk by the edge of the clearing. At first, he pauses out of surprise, recognizing Harper and Professor Cotton in their intimate moment. His initial shock turns to a mix of concern and disbelief as he watches them, realizing the depth of their connection.

Cole hesitates, torn between the urge to interrupt and the understanding of their need for privacy. He stands hidden among the trees, silently observing, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions. Part of him wants to confront them, to demand answers and warn them of the potential consequences. Another part feels a pang of empathy, knowing the complexities of love and the sacrifices it sometimes demands.

As Harper and Professor Cotton reluctantly pull apart, Harper leans against the oak tree, her cheeks flushed with both the warmth of the kiss and the fear of being discovered. Professor Cotton's expression softens as he gently brushes a stray lock of hair from her face, a silent reassurance amidst the turmoil of their emotions.

"We shouldn't have," Harper whispers, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.

"I know," he murmurs, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheek. "But being with you like this... it's worth the risk."

Their eyes lock, each word unspoken but understood between them. They know the consequences of their forbidden romance — the potential scandal, the professional repercussions. Yet, in that fleeting moment, the connection they share overshadows everything else.

Meanwhile, Cole stands hidden among the foliage, conflicted and uncertain. He wrestles with the weight of what he has witnessed, the impact it could have on Harper and Professor Cotton's lives. His heart aches with concern for his friend, knowing the dangers of their relationship being exposed in a place as close-knit as their university.

As the professor and Harper reluctantly step away from each other, a sense of vulnerability hangs in the air. They exchange a few quiet words, their gazes lingering before Harper turns to walk back towards the campus buildings. Professor Cotton watches her go, his expression a mix of longing and apprehension.

Cole remains hidden, his mind racing with questions and concerns. Should he confront them? Should he keep their secret? The weight of his decision presses upon him as he finally turns away, leaving the oak tree behind and the scene of their kiss imprinted in his mind.

For Harper and Professor Cotton, the kiss under the oak tree will remain a shared memory, a fragile bond that defies the boundaries of their world. And for Cole, it marks a moment of realization — the delicate balance between loyalty and the truth, and the impact of secrets kept in the shadows of love.

After Harper walks back towards the campus buildings, Professor Cotton lingers under the oak tree for a moment longer, his thoughts swirling with both the tenderness of their shared moment and the weight of the risks they face. With a heavy sigh, he finally turns away, retracing his steps towards the university grounds.

Meanwhile, Cole steps out from his hidden vantage point among the trees, his mind racing with the sight of Harper and Professor Cotton locked in an intimate embrace. He approaches the oak tree with a mix of determination and concern, calling out softly, "Harper?"

Startled, Harper turns around to see Cole standing there, his expression a mix of confusion and worry. She quickly wipes away a stray tear, trying to compose herself. "Cole, I... I didn't expect to see you here."

Cole steps closer, his brow furrowing with concern. "I saw you and Professor Cotton... I saw what happened. Harper, what's going on?"

Harper glances around nervously, acutely aware of the vulnerability of their situation. She takes a deep breath, searching for the right words. "Cole, please understand... Professor Cotton and I... we have feelings for each other."

Cole's eyes widen in disbelief. "Feelings? But... he's your professor, Harper. This is against the rules, and... and it could ruin both of your lives."

Tears well up in Harper's eyes as she nods, her voice trembling. "I know, Cole. That's why we've been so careful. But being together like this... it's complicated."

Cole runs a hand through his hair, struggling to process the revelation. "Complicated doesn't even begin to cover it, Harper. What if someone finds out? What if they report it?"

Harper reaches out, placing a hand on Cole's arm. "Please, Cole, you can't say anything. Not yet. We're trying to figure things out, but we need time."

Cole sighs heavily, torn between his loyalty to Harper and his concern for the consequences of their secret. "Harper, I don't know... This could blow up in your face. In both of your faces."

She squeezes his arm gently, pleading with her eyes. "I trust you, Cole. Please, promise me you won't say anything. Not until we're ready."

After a long moment of silence, Cole nods reluctantly. "Okay, Harper. I won't say anything... for now. But you have to be careful. This isn't just about you and Professor Cotton anymore."

Harper nods gratefully, knowing the weight of Cole's silence. "Thank you, Cole. You have no idea how much this means to me."

They stand there quietly for a moment longer, the reality of their conversation sinking in. Cole finally breaks the silence, his voice tinged with concern. "Just... be careful, Harper. Promise me."

"I promise," Harper replies softly, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of gratitude and resolve.

As they part ways, Cole can't shake the worry gnawing at him. He glances back at the oak tree where Harper and Professor Cotton shared their kiss, a knot forming in his stomach. The secret they carry feels heavier now, a fragile balance between love and the looming threat of exposure.

As the evening light fades, Ashley and Zac stand together, determined to help their friend find the confidence he needs to face his challenges head-on.

They start walking, following the path Davey had taken. The forest is quiet, except for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant call of a bird. Zac glances at Ashley, his heart aching with the desire to hold her hand, but he keeps his distance, respecting her need for space.

Ashley, too, steals glances at Zac, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. She wants to believe him, to trust that he's changed, but the wounds of their past still feel fresh. They walk in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Zac breaks the silence. "Do you think Davey's okay?"

Ashley sighs. "I hope so. He's been through a lot lately. I just wish he'd open up more."

"He's always been like that," Zac says, kicking a small rock off the path. "Keeps everything bottled up inside until it explodes."

"Sounds familiar," Ashley mutters under her breath.

Zac looks at her, hurt flashing in his eyes. "That's not fair, Ash."

"Life's not fair, Zac," Ashley retorts, but there's no real malice in her tone. She's just tired.

Zac looks down, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Yeah, I know."

They continue walking, the awkward silence settling between them again. After a while, Ashley stops and turns to Zac. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just… stressed."

"I get it," Zac says softly. "I'm stressed too."

Ashley nods, appreciating his understanding. "Let's just focus on finding Davey, okay?"

"Okay," Zac agrees.

Davey runs deeper into the forest, his heart heavy with frustration and self-doubt. Tall trees loom overhead, their leaves whispering in the breeze, and the scent of earth and foliage fills the air. As the sun dips lower in the sky, casting long shadows.

"I'm never going to be a good enough trainer," Davey mutters to himself, the words echoing in his mind. He slows to a walk, feeling the cool evening air against his skin, but the knot of frustration in his chest doesn't loosen.

Suddenly, a rustle in the underbrush catches his attention. He turns just in time to see a wild Tranquill swoop down from the trees, its eyes gleaming with aggression. The bird Pokémon lets out a sharp cry and lunges at Davey, who barely has time to react.

Davey quickly looks at Eevee. "Eevee, I need you!" Davey shouts,

Eevee jumps in front of Davey, its eyes focused and determined. The Tranquill circles above, then dives towards Eevee with a Quick Attack. Eevee tries to dodge, but the attack is too fast, and it is hit head-on.

"Eevee, use Quick Attack!" Davey commands, trying to regain control of the situation.

Eevee darts forward with blinding speed, striking Tranquill and knocking it back slightly. The wild Pokémon shakes off the attack and retaliates with an Air Cutter, sharp gusts of wind slicing through the air. Eevee is caught in the blast and lets out a pained cry.

"Hang in there, Eevee! Use Buzzy Buzz!" Davey calls, hoping to paralyze the Tranquill.

Eevee's fur crackles with electric energy as it releases a burst of electricity, hitting Tranquill and causing it to shudder. The move seems to slow Tranquill down, but it isn't enough to stop it. The bird Pokémon shakes off the paralysis and swoops in for another attack, this time using Wing Attack. Eevee tries to dodge, but the attack lands squarely, and Eevee collapses to the ground, fainted.

"No, Eevee!" Davey cries, rushing to his partner's side. He quickly grabs Eevee, his heart pounding with fear and anger. But he didn't want to stop battling so he looks at Gligar who was ready to battle. "Gligar, wanna take a Tranquil on?!"

Gligar jumps in front of Davey, with its eyes narrowing at the sight of Tranquill. The bird Pokémon lets out another cry and charges at Gligar with Quick Attack.

"Gligar, use Poison Sting!" Davey shouts.

Gligar launches a volley of venomous barbs at Tranquill, but the bird Pokémon dodges with ease and strikes Gligar with Quick Attack. Gligar recoils, struggling to stay airborne.

"Come on, Gligar! Use X-Scissor!" Davey urges, his voice tinged with desperation.

Gligar's pincers glow with a bright, cross-shaped energy as it lunges at Tranquill. The attack hits, but Tranquill quickly counters with another Air Cutter, sending Gligar crashing to the ground.

"Get up, Gligar! We can do this!" Davey cries, his frustration boiling over. "Use Slash!"

Gligar shakes off the impact and flies back into the air, its claws extending as it charges at Tranquill with Slash. The attack lands, causing Tranquill to falter, but it isn't enough to bring the bird Pokémon down. Tranquill retaliates with Wing Attack, hitting Gligar hard and sending it spiraling.

Gligar struggles to regain its balance, its wings beating frantically. Davey's mind races, trying to think of a way to turn the battle around.

Gligar's eyes light up with determination as it soars into the air, its body twisting and turning with newfound agility. It darts towards Tranquill with incredible speed, catching the bird Pokémon off guard. Davey realized what was going on and was shocked. "Gligar… is learning Acrobatics!" The Acrobatics attack hits with full force, sending Tranquill tumbling to the ground.

"Yes, Gligar! Keep it up! Use Acrobatics again!" Davey calls, his confidence returning.

Gligar executes another series of graceful flips and twists, slamming into Tranquill with precision. The wild Pokémon lets out a final cry before collapsing, defeated. Gligar lands in front of Davey, panting but victorious.

Davey lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and rushes to Gligar, scooping it up in his arms. "You did it, Gligar! You were awesome, and you even learned a new move!"

Gligar smiles weakly, nuzzling against Davey's chest. Davey feels a surge of pride and relief wash over him, the weight of his earlier frustration lifting slightly. He gently places Gligar down. For the first time, Davey was okay with Gligar touching him. However the moment was short- lived as he was realizing how far into the forest he was.

Suddenly, Davey hears a faint sound, a rustling in the bushes ahead. It was Zac and Ashley. "Davey?" Ashley rushes to him, pulling him into a tight hug. "Thank goodness you're okay!"

Davey hugs her back weakly. "I'm sorry. I just needed to clear my head."

Zac steps forward, placing a hand on Davey's shoulder. "We were worried about you, man."

Davey nods, looking between Ashley and Zac. "I'm sorry I made you worry. I just… I didn't know what else to do."

Davey nods, his emotions still swirling. "Yeah, I'm okay. I just needed some time to think."

Ashley approaches, her eyes softening as she sees the fainted Eevee in his arms. "Looks like you had quite a battle."

Davey sighs, his shoulders sagging. "I don't know, Ashley. I feel like I'm always falling short."

Ashley places a hand on his shoulder, her gaze steady. "We all have our moments of doubt. It's human nature."

Davey looks down at Eevee, then at Gligar. A small smile tugs at his lips. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks, Ashley. Plus, me and Gligar took down a wild Tranquill and even learned Acrobatics!"

"That's no small feat. So you can choose to not be a pussy when you want to."

Her comment upsets Davey. "Can you choose not to be an ass for once?"

"Nope, it's just who I am?" She winks at her.

She smiles back, her eyes twinkling. "Come on, let's get Eevee to a Pokémon Center."

The trio makes their way through the forest, heading towards the nearest Pokémon Center. The sun begins to set, casting a golden hue over the trees and path ahead. Davey carries the fainted Eevee gently in his arms, while Gligar glides close by, keeping a watchful eye on its trainer.

As they reach the Pokémon Center, they are greeted by the Castelia City Nurse Roy, a tall man with a kind face and his Audino, who immediately senses the urgency of their situation. "Nurse Roy, can you help?" Ashley asks, her voice tinged with concern.

"Of course," Nurse Roy replies, gesturing for them to follow him inside. "Audino, let's get these Pokémon to the healing room."

Audino nods, leading the way as Nurse Roy takes Eevee and Gligar from Davey. "We'll take good care of them. You three can wait in the lobby."

Davey nods, his eyes following Nurse Roy and Audino as they disappear into the back room. Ashley, Zac, and Davey take seats in the lobby, the tension from earlier still hanging in the air.

After a few minutes, Zac breaks the silence. "Davey, I've been thinking… You've come a long way with your training. Gligar and Eevee both have a lot of potential."

Davey looks up, surprised. "You really think so?"

"Yeah," Zac says seriously. "I've noticed the way you've grown a lot as a trainer today!"

Ashley nods in agreement. "That idiot is right, Davey. You're doing great. Don't let a few setbacks get you down."

"Hey, I'm not an idiot!" An angry Zac shouts.

Davey smiles, feeling a bit more reassured. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."

Just then, Nurse Roy returns with Audino, both Pokémon looking much better. Eevee is alert and curious, while Gligar seems energized and ready for action.

"They're all set," Nurse Roy announces. "Eevee and Gligar are both in great shape now."

Davey kneels down, petting Eevee gently. "Thank you, Nurse Roy. I really appreciate it."

"No problem at all," Nurse Roy replies with a smile. "Just doing my job."

Zac steps forward, a determined look in his eyes. "Hey, Davey. How about some training? I want to see how much you and Gligar have improved."

Davey looks at Gligar, who chirps enthusiastically, ready for the challenge. "Alright, Zac. Let's do it."

They move to the battlefield just outside the Pokémon Center, with Ashley standing by as a spectator. The sky is now a canvas of deep oranges and purples, providing a dramatic backdrop for their battle.

"Electivire, you're up!" Zac calls, releasing his powerful Electric-type Pokémon. Electivire lands with a thud, its body crackling with electricity.

"Let's do this, Gligar!" Davey responds. He looks at Gligar and nods. Gligar flies onto the battlefield.

Zac grins. "You've come a long way, Davey. Show me what you've got!"

Davey nods, focused. "Gligar, start with X-Scissor!"

Gligar's pincers glow as it charges at Electivire, slashing with precision. Electivire grunts, taking the hit but remaining steady.

"Electivire, counter with Ice Punch!" Zac commands.

Electivire's fist crackles with icy energy as it swings at Gligar. Gligar tries to dodge, but the Ice Punch lands, dealing super effective damage.

"Great job, Gligar! Now use Acrobatics!" Davey calls.

Gligar soars into the air, twisting and turning before slamming into Electivire with incredible speed. Electivire stumbles, caught off guard by the move.

Zac's eyes widened. "Impressive! Electivire, use Earthquake!"

The ground trembles as Electivire unleashes a powerful Earthquake. Gligar manages to stay airborne, avoiding the brunt of the attack.

"Gligar, finish it with X-Scissor!" Davey shouts.

Gligar's pincers glow again as it charges at Electivire, landing a direct hit. Electivire drops to one knee, clearly weakened.

Zac watches in amazement. "Wow, Davey, you've really improved. Electivire, you did a good job as well." Zac and Electivire fist bump each other.

Davey recalls Gligar, a smile spreading across his face. "Thanks, Zac. That means a lot coming from you."

Ashley steps forward, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Well, well, looks like someone's finally catching up. Maybe one day you'll even be as good as me."

Davey's smile falters, replaced by a frown. "Oh, come on, Ashley. Give it a rest."

Ashley crosses her arms, her grin widening. "What? Can't take a little teasing? Or maybe it's because you know I'm right."

Davey's cheeks flush with irritation. "You know what, Ashley? At least I've been catching strong Pokémon and training hard. How's your shiny hunt going? Still nothing?"

Ashley's smile vanishes, replaced by a scowl. "That's low, Davey. You know how much I've been trying."

Zac, sensing the rising tension, steps between them. "Hey, guys, let's not fight. We're all friends here, right?"

Ashley glares at Davey, her frustration evident. "It's just frustrating, Zac. He knows how much it means to me."

Davey snaps back, his anger flaring. "Yeah, and it's frustrating for me too, Ashley. You always act like you're better than everyone else. Maybe if you focused more on training and less on showing off, you'd have that shiny by now."

Ashley's face flushes with anger, and she takes a step closer to Davey. "You don't know what you're talking about, Davey. Just because you've had a few lucky catches and new moves doesn't mean you're better than me."

Zac puts a hand on Ashley's shoulder, trying to calm her down. "Ash, come on. He didn't mean it like that."

Ashley shrugs off Zac's hand, her eyes still locked on Davey. "No, Zac! He needs to hear this. I'm going to catch a shiny Pokémon, and I'll prove to both of you that I'm just as good. I'm going to prove myself, just you wait."

As they stand there, the tension thick between them, a pair of bright blue eyes watches from the shadows of the nearby forest. A shiny Zorua, its silver fur glinting in the moonlight, observes the trio with curiosity. It takes a cautious step forward, its eyes locked on Ashley, as if drawn to her determination and spirit.

Dr. Dimension enters Professor Cotton's lab with an air of authority through an Ultra Worm. His sharp eyes lock onto Professor Cotton, who stands by a research table, nervously adjusting his glasses.

"Professor Cotton," Dr. Dimension's voice is low and commanding, "I've heard troubling reports about the Eevee specimen you were entrusted with. And now that Davey kids own it! Care to explain?"

Professor Cotton swallows hard, his gaze shifting uneasily. "I... I don't know what happened exactly..."

Dr. Dimension cuts him off with a wave of his hand. "Excuses won't suffice, Cotton. That Eevee is not just any specimen. It possesses unique genetic markers crucial to our research."

Tension thickens in the room as a low growl reverberates, shaking the walls. Suddenly, from the shadows, a towering, spectral figure emerges—a Walking Wake, its form shimmering with an eerie glow. Dr. Dimension gestures, and the Walking Wake moves forward with supernatural grace, its spectral claws extending with a faint hum.

Reacting swiftly, Professor Cotton calls out, "Garchomp, intercept!"

His Garchomp materializes with a roar, meeting the Walking Wake head-on. The two Pokémon clash with ferocity, the lab echoing with the sounds of their battle. Garchomp lunges with Dragon Claw, aiming to strike at the ethereal form of the Walking Wake.

Despite Garchomp's strength, the Walking Wake proves formidable, evading attacks with ghostly agility. It retaliates with Hydro Stream, releasing a powerful torrent of water that crashes into Garchomp, threatening to overwhelm it with aquatic force. Garchomp roars in pain as the attack lands, but it stands its ground, determined to protect its trainer.

Professor Cotton grits his teeth, focusing on strategy amidst the chaos. "Garchomp, use Earthquake!"

Garchomp slams its massive claws into the ground, triggering a seismic upheaval that ripples towards the Walking Wake. The spectral Pokémon is caught off guard, its form destabilizing momentarily as the ground trembles beneath it.

Seizing the opportunity, Dr. Dimension's eyes narrow with intensity. "Walking Wake, use Dragon Pulse!"

The Walking Wake channels draconic energy, firing a spiraling beam of dragon energy towards Garchomp. The powerful attack strikes true, causing Garchomp to stagger and roar in pain as the dragon-type energy surges through it.

Before Garchomp can fully recover, the Walking Wake lunges forward with another Hydro Stream, overwhelming Garchomp. The Pokémon collapses, unable to continue battling, leaving Professor Cotton vulnerable to Dr. Dimension's next move.

Standing over the defeated Garchomp, Dr. Dimension's expression hardens. "You've disappointed me, Cotton. Consider this a lesson."

With deliberate slowness, Dr. Dimension reaches up and removes his mask, revealing a face that shock—that it's Damon, Davey's father.

"I'm sorry Damon!" Professor Cotton breathes, disbelief mingling with the pain of betrayal.

Damon's expression remains stoic, with a solemn nod, Damon gestures towards the Ultra Wormhole that he summons with dark energy—a swirling vortex of shimmering colors that opens ominously beside them.

Before Professor Cotton can fully comprehend what's happening, Damon grabs him, dragging him towards the vortex. In the chaos, Professor Cotton's phone slips from his pocket, clattering to the ground unnoticed.

As they vanish into the swirling abyss of the Ultra Wormhole, Damon sends a message to Harper from Professor Cotton's phone: "I'm sorry, Harper. It's over."

With that final act, the portal closes behind them, leaving the lab eerily quiet once more, save for the faint echoes of the recent battle and the unanswered questions that now linger in the air.