Gram let out a long sigh of relief as he sank into the chair in the faculty lounge, finally able to relax after his first class. The desk, now feeling more official than ever, sat cluttered with papers and lesson plans that still needed attention. Just as he closed his eyes for a brief moment, he felt a firm pat on his back.
"Professor Gram." a familiar and kind voice called out.
He looked up to see Director Harrison, the Academy's director, standing in front of him with a warm smile. "Congratulations," Director Harrison said, his tone hearty. "Chairwoman Geeta just informed me that you passed the teacher inspection with flying colors."
Gram gave a modest smile. "Thank you, Director, I'm just glad everything went smoothly."
Director Harrison gave a nod before gesturing toward the rest of the faculty. "Seems like you're already fitting in well. The students are singing your praises all around."
He nodded approvingly as he spoke, and soon, the other faculty members joined in, their voices overlapping in cheerful congratulations. Some patted him on the shoulder, others gave him encouraging nods, and a few even joked about surviving Geeta's notoriously meticulous inspections.
"Looks like you're one of us now," a fellow professor said, grinning. "We're going out for drinks this weekend to celebrate. You in?"
"Count me in," Gram said, his earlier tension easing as he appreciated the welcoming atmosphere.
Eventually, he rolled his shoulders and stood up. Nodding at his colleagues, time for his next class.
Later, as the day wound to a close, Gram returned to his quarters at the Academy. The second he opened the door, a blur of orange fur and eager energy rushed toward him. His Lycanroc leapt up excitedly, tail wagging furiously as she greeted her trainer with her usual enthusiasm.
"Easy, girl," Gram chuckled, crouching down to give her a few affectionate scratches behind her ears. "I promised we'd go for a walk in a bit. Just give me a moment."
He then released the small Rattata that's been his assistant all day onto the bed. The nimble rodent stretched and settled comfortably, looking content after a hard day of work.
"Thanks for all the help today," Gram said softly, gently petting the Rattata's head. "You were great with those demonstrations."
Rattata chirped happily in response, and Gram rewarded it with some kibble from his bag, which the Pokémon eagerly devoured.
With a satisfied nod, Gram grabbed an Ultraball from his belt and returned Lycanroc to her ball for the time being. He slung his bag over his shoulder, his mind wandering to the next part of his day. He needs some fresh air after the day, and he knew exactly what he wanted.
As soon as he stepped out of the Academy building and into the warm, late afternoon light, Gram pulled out another Ultraball, calling forth his Corviknight. The majestic bird Pokémon materialized with a screech, wings spreading wide as it stretched.
"How about a flight, old friend?" Gram asked, his voice calm but excited. "By the falls, between Los Platos and Cabo Poco?"
Corviknight responded with an enthusiastic screech, lowering itself to allow Gram to climb on. With one powerful beat of its wings, they were airborne, the school quickly shrinking beneath them as the landscape of Paldea spread out in every direction.
As soon as the steel-type corvid landed near the top of the falls, Gram jumped down with ease. He stretched for a moment, releasing his Lycanroc, Sandaconda, Tyranitar, Archaludon, and Flygon from their Pokéballs. His team greeted him eagerly, their excitement palpable as they bounded around. He chuckled, running his hand through Lycanroc's fur before tossing a stick for her to chase, and wrestling playfully with Flygon.
For the next half hour, Gram immersed himself in playing with his Pokémon, their joy mirroring his own as they roughhoused near the edge of the cascading falls. The roar of the water combined with the sound of his Pokémon's excited growls and screeches made the moment perfect.
After a while, Gram left his team to their playful antics and began setting up a small fold-out table he had brought along. He pulled out various ingredients from his bag and began preparing a meal for his Pokémon, all while keeping an eye on their rambunctious behavior, a smile never leaving his face.
Once their food was ready, Gram called them over, and they eagerly gathered around the table, devouring the meal with gusto. Gram leaned back, gazing up at the clear, starlit sky as the sound of his Pokémon feasting filled the night air. He let out a satisfied sigh, his heart full.
He couldn't remember ever feeling this relaxed and happy in his old world.
Eri's POV
Eri sat at her desk, her heart racing with excitement. She could hardly wait for Professor Gram's class to begin. His last lesson had been mind-blowing—so full of insight, especially about battle tactics. She had even found the homework engaging, spending hours imagining how she could counter the Rattata strategy with her own team. Her best idea so far was using her Lucario's Vacuum Wave to interrupt the Rattata's combo before it could even begin.
As she pondered her plan, Eri overheard some of her classmates whispering and snickering behind her. They were talking about her again, the usual mean comments about her love for battling and how serious she was in class. Eri took a deep breath and did her best to ignore them. She had learned long ago not to let others get in the way of her goals.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the murmurs like a blade.
"Ms. Carmen," Professor Gram said, his tone sharp and commanding as he entered the room. The entire class went silent, startled by his sudden presence.
"I do not tolerate bullying in my vicinity," he continued, his gaze sweeping across the offenders. "Do it again, and I'll drop you from my class."
The bullies immediately shrunk in their seats, trying to make themselves invisible under the weight of his words. Eri couldn't help but feel a rush of gratitude.
Gram fully entered the classroom, setting down his notes on the table and looking out over the eager faces of his students. "Alright, today's topic is one that every competitive battler encounters sooner or later: the Lead Meta."
He picked up a piece of chalk and began writing on the board. "First, let's define what a 'lead' Pokémon is. Can anyone tell me?"
Eri's hand shot up. "A lead is the first Pokémon you send out in battle, right, sir?"
"Exactly," Gram replied, nodding. "The lead is a crucial part of your strategy. A good lead can give you an immediate advantage, setting up hazards, scouting the opponent's moves, or even disrupting their strategy entirely."
He then began listing different types of lead strategies. "In general, there are four primary categories of lead Pokémon in the meta: Hazard Setters, Anti-Leads, Scouts, and Suicide Leads. Let's go over each one."
Gram moved between the chalkboard and the front row, his voice calling the student's attention. His gaze lingered for a moment on the eager faces in the classroom before he turned to the board, where he wrote out the first term in firm strokes, Hazard Setters.
"These Pokémon set the stage for the whole battle by laying down traps like Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and even Sticky Web. These hazard either chips away at your opponent's health every time they switch a Pokémon in, wearing them down bit by bit, afflicts them with poison or slows them down" he explained, his voice steady and captivating. He paused for effect, a glint of excitement in his eye as he wrote down Skarmory, Garchomp, and Froslass. "These Pokémon are some of the best setters. They don't just enter the battlefield—they shape it. Imagine them as the architects of your strategy, building a strategy that wears away at even the strongest foe."
He could see his students' buckling down and taking notes, and with a subtle grin, he wrote the next term, Anti-Leads. "Now, if Hazard Setters are your architects, Anti-Leads are the ones who bring the wrecking ball," Gram continued, pacing slightly. "These Pokémon are designed to disrupt, to counter any setup your opponent might have planned." His voice lowered conspiratorially. "They come prepared with moves like Taunt or Fake Out to prevent the opponent from setting up hazards or deploying status effects. A well-placed Taunt can stop a Hazard Setter in its tracks—completely unraveling your opponent's carefully laid plans." He looked up, eyes scanning the room. "It's a thrilling moment, when your opponent's strategy crumbles, all thanks to a single move."
The classroom was silent, entirely absorbed, as he continued to the next term, Scouts. "Scouts play a different game," Gram explained, his voice softer now, as if sharing a well-kept secret. "These Pokémon are the spies on your team, testing the waters and gathering intel. They don't stay in the fray for long. Instead, they come in, deal a quick blow, and get out with moves like U-turn or Volt Switch." His eyes shone with enthusiasm as he wrote Ambipom, Scizor, and Infernape on the board. "Imagine the thrill of knowing the best way to disrupt your opponent's lead right at the start of the battle. Scouts gather information that can give you the upper hand before anyone even realizes it."
Finally, Gram turned to the last role, Suicide Leads. His tone shifted, filled with a weight of sacrifice. "Suicide Leads are perhaps the bravest of all leads," he began, voice steady yet solemn. "They enter the battlefield with one purpose: to set up hazards or execute a key move, knowing full well it may be their last." He mentioned Azelf and Froslass again, paying tribute to their purpose. "These Pokémon are not afraid to give everything for their team, applying immediate pressure and setting the stage for what's to come. In the end, they leave a legacy—a battlefield primed and ready for the rest of the team."
As he finished, Gram looked out over the class, letting the words settle. The students sat in silence. He could tell they understood the gravity, the excitement, and the strategy behind each choice.
Eri and several others continued taking notes rapidly, nodding as they absorbed the details. Gram looked out at the class, smiling as he watched their minds working through the possibilities.
"Now, let's go deeper," Gram said, walking around the room. "Each lead has pros and cons, and knowing when to use each one is key. The lead you choose can vary depending on the format, the opponent's team, and your own team's goals. For example, if you have a team that relies on status effects, a Taunt Anti-Lead might help keep you safe from opposing hazards."
As he explained, one of the students hesitated before raising a hand. "But sir, isn't it risky to commit to a single lead?"
Gram chuckled. "Good question. The best battlers often have multiple leads prepared or can adapt based on what they predict from their opponent's lineup. This is why having a versatile lead is so important."
Before he could continue, a hand shot up.
"Sir, you said there are four types of leads, but which one would you recommend for a beginner?" a student named Marco asked.
Gram nodded thoughtfully. "Good question, Marco. For beginners, I'd suggest starting with a Hazard Setter or a Scout. Hazard Setters like Clodsire and Ribombee, even La Primera's Glimmora are relatively straightforward and help you control the field early on. Scouts, like Infernape, Meowscarada, or Cyclizar, let you switch out quickly to respond to your opponent's lead."
Another hand went up—this time, it was Eri. "What about if your opponent predicts your lead, Professor? Isn't it risky to use something predictable, like a Hazard Setter?"
"Excellent point, Eri," Gram replied, a hint of approval in his voice. "That's where Anti-Leads come into play. Anti-Leads are designed to counter common lead strategies by shutting down setup moves, status effects, or hazards. Imagine facing a Skarmory Hazard Setter. A Pokémon with Taunt, like Whimsicott, can prevent it from using Stealth Rock and force it into a different strategy. The same goes for leads like Dragapult, which can surprise a hazard setter with a fast, strong attack right off the bat."
A student in the back, Carmen, raised her hand next. "Professor, you mentioned Suicide Leads. Isn't that a waste of a Pokémon slot?"
Gram smiled, recognizing the thinking in her question. "Not necessarily, Carmen. A Suicide Lead doesn't mean you're simply sacrificing a Pokémon for no reason. Its purpose is to gain a long-term advantage, often by setting hazards that will whittle down the opponent's team over time. Imagine using Froslass as a Suicide Lead—she sets up Spikes and may even leave the opponent with a parting gift like Destiny Bond, potentially taking out their lead as well. It's a trade that can give you the upper hand."
The students nodded, looking increasingly intrigued. A younger student hesitantly raised her hand next. "What about unpredictability, Professor? Is it sometimes better to bring an unusual lead to catch the opponent off guard?"
"Absolutely," Gram replied with a grin. "In fact, the element of surprise is a huge asset in battles. Bringing an unusual lead like a Choice Scarf Gardevoir to outspeed common leads or a bulky Pokémon with unexpected moves can throw off your opponent's predictions. It forces them to adapt, which can be tough if they're unprepared."
He leaned against his desk, crossing his arms as he scanned the class. "Here's the real beauty of the lead meta: there's no perfect answer. The lead you choose is only as effective as your ability to adapt on the fly. For example, if your opponent anticipates that you'll lead with a Hazard Setter, they might send out a Taunt user. If you predict they'll do that, you might switch to an Anti-Lead. It's like a game of mental chess that begins before the battle even starts."
At this, the room was silent, each student processing the layers of strategy he'd laid out. But soon, another hand went up.
"Professor, how do you decide if a lead is working well?" asked Carmen. "I mean, how do you know if it's worth keeping or swapping out?"
"Great question, Carmen," Gram replied. "Evaluating a lead's effectiveness takes experience, but here are some basics: if a lead can consistently set up your intended strategy without major setbacks, it's likely a solid choice. If it struggles or keeps getting shut down by common counters, it might need to be swapped. It's all about observing patterns and adapting. Reviewing battle replays or making small adjustments to the moveset or items can help optimize your lead's performance."
Gram paused, letting the room settle. "There's one final point I want you to keep in mind," he added, his tone serious. "Your lead is just one part of your strategy. It's important, but it doesn't define the entire battle. Think of it as setting the stage—you still have to play the rest of the show. So, when building your team, make sure you have a plan for every stage of the battle, not just the start."
A murmur of understanding spread through the room. Gram could see that his students were absorbing not just the mechanics of battling but also the mindset behind competitive play.
As the discussion drew to a close, Gram glanced at the clock before resting his hands on the edge of his desk. He let the silence settle in, allowing his students a moment to process the depth of strategies he'd unveiled. Then, with a final nod, he addressed the class with a parting thought.
"Now, I know we've covered a lot today about the power and potential of a dedicated lead," he said, his voice calm and encouraging. "But let me remind you of one last thing: while these roles are invaluable, there are plenty of trainers out there who don't use a dedicated lead at all. They find that they can weave these moves into the natural strengths of their existing team, blending strategy and flexibility."
He gestured at the board where he'd written Taunt, Stealth Rock, U-turn, and Volt Switch. "Most Ground-types, for instance, can learn Stealth Rock or even Spikes. Pokémon with some speed can use Taunt or Fake Out effectively to keep an opponent off-balance. And moves like U-turn and Volt Switch are learned by many Pokémon across different types. So don't feel locked into having a specific lead. Look at your team, its strengths, and consider how these moves might fit into what you already have."
He watched their eyes light up with the possibilities, and smiled. "At the end of the day, a good lead is one that plays to your strengths. Whether it's a dedicated hazard setter or a versatile team member with one or two tricks up its sleeve, the choice is yours. So, experiment, adjust, and most importantly—don't be afraid to get creative."
With a nod, Gram gathered up his notes. "Alright, that's all for today. Keep these strategies in mind, and we'll see how you implement them next class." His smile widened as the students eagerly packed up, buzzing with ideas and new plans.
As the students filed out, Eri lingered behind, her face bright with excitement and curiosity. Once the room was nearly empty, she approached Gram with an enthusiastic grin. "Professor, that class was amazing! I'm already thinking about how I can tweak my strategies, maybe try incorporating some lead tactics with my team. Lucario could probably use Taunt… maybe I'll even try U-turn with someone else!"
Gram returned her smile, nodding as he listened to her ideas. "Sounds like you're on the right track, Eri. Trying out new strategies, even if they don't always work perfectly, is the best way to learn. You've got a good instinct for battle—trust it."
Their conversation took an unexpected turn as she mentioned a few of her classmates, her voice faltering slightly as she brushed over their harshness and the way she sometimes felt left out. Gram's expression softened, his gaze thoughtful. "Eri, don't keep that to yourself," he said gently. "I meant it when I said I won't tolerate bullying in my class. Whether it's happening to you or to someone else, please let me know. I'll handle it."
Eri's eyes widened slightly at the professor's serious tone, and she nodded, a grateful smile tugging at her lips. As she turned to leave, she felt a newfound sense of relief washing over her, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The troubles that had been clouding her days didn't seem so heavy anymore.
As she walked out, her steps were lighter, and her smile was fuller than it had been in weeks.