The tension in the air crackled almost as much as Pikachu's cheeks.
Blue and Gary stood side by side, both looking ready to explode — one with pride, the other with confidence. Leaf and Daisy watched nervously from the sidelines, and even Professor Oak seemed amused, stroking his chin as he watched his grandsons size up the boy who'd taken down a rampaging Fearow.
Before things could get too heated, Leyn raised both his hands and said quickly,
"Wait, wait, wait—hold on. What exactly are we fighting in? A Pokémon battle, right?"
Gary crossed his arms, a confident smirk stretching across his face. "Obviously! What else? You scared now?"
Leyn chuckled and scratched the back of his neck. "Not exactly, but it doesn't sound fair. I mean, I already have Pikachu, and you two would have to borrow Pokémon from the lab. That doesn't seem right to me."
Blue arched a brow, calm but sharp-eyed. "You're saying we shouldn't use the lab Pokémon?"
"I'm saying it's unfair," Leyn replied. "Pikachu and I already have some battle experience together. So maybe I should also use a borrowed one to make things even."
Before anyone could respond, a loud "Pika!" interrupted.
Pikachu had leapt onto Leyn's shoulder, sparks flickering lightly from his cheeks, tail standing tall in protest.
Leyn blinked, looking sideways at him. "You want to battle anyway, huh?"
"Pika-pika!" Pikachu puffed out his chest, stamping his tiny foot and glaring at the two Oaks as if daring them to say something.
Leyn turned back toward the group, translating with a grin,
"He says he wants to battle anyway. And he's fine taking you both on if it's a two-versus-one."
The moment those words left his mouth, silence filled the yard.
Then—
Gary burst out laughing. "Hah! You're serious? A one-on-two? You're going to regret that, kid."
Blue only sighed, folding his arms. "Don't get too cocky, Gary. You might regret underestimating experience."
Professor Oak chuckled heartily. "Ah, youthful confidence—good! I like it. All right then, let's make this official. You two may choose your Pokémon from the lab."
Gary immediately pointed to a Poké Ball on the table. "I'll take Squirtle!"
Blue, ever composed, chose next. "Rattata will do."
Leyn's eyebrow twitched the moment Squirtle appeared. "...Water-type, huh?"
He looked at Pikachu, who was already cracking tiny sparks from his cheeks. "Guess you have a plan, huh, Gary?"
Gary smirked, spinning the Poké Ball on his finger. "You'll see soon enough."
Leaf clapped her hands together. "Good luck, Leyn! Show them what you've got!"
And from the side, Daisy cupped her hands and shouted, "Beat my brothers up, Leyn!"
Both Oak brothers froze mid-preparation.
"Sis, you're supposed to be cheering for us!" Gary complained, while Blue sighed, muttering, "Same as usual."
Professor Oak was practically crying from laughter at this point. "Oh, this is going to be good. All right then—this will be a two-on-one battle! Leyn and Pikachu versus Blue and Gary. Victory condition: both opposing Pokémon faint. Begin!"
---
"Let's start this clean," Leyn murmured, crouching slightly. "Ready, Pikachu?"
"Pika!"
"Then let's go—Thunder Shock on Squirtle!"
A flash of lightning burst forth instantly, Pikachu's body lighting up as the bolt shot toward Squirtle with frightening precision.
Blue's eyes widened. "Rattata, intercept! Quick Attack!"
But the Thunder Shock had already connected. The lightning slammed into Squirtle, sparks dancing across its shell as it cried out in pain. Gary flinched, shielding his eyes.
When the light faded, Squirtle was still standing—but barely. Smoke trailed off its shell, and its cheeks puffed as it tried to stay conscious.
Meanwhile, Rattata had rammed Pikachu with Quick Attack, but Pikachu only slid back, shaking his head and glaring. "Pika!"
Gary clenched his teeth. "Squirtle, Bubble Beam, now!"
"Pikachu, Quick Attack on Rattata!" Leyn countered instantly.
Pikachu blurred into motion, streaking past the incoming bubbles, slamming into Rattata's side before spinning midair. "Now, Thunder Shock—again!"
"Not again!" Gary yelled, but it was too late.
The second jolt hit Squirtle squarely, and the tiny turtle let out a cry before collapsing, eyes swirling.
"Squirtle is unable to battle!" Professor Oak called, smiling faintly. "Leyn and Pikachu gain the advantage."
Gary just stood frozen for a moment. "...Huh?"
Blue adjusted his stance, voice calm but focused. "Don't lose focus, Gary. Rattata, Bite!"
"Thunder Shock again!" Leyn countered. The close ratata was unable to get closed and was shocked by Pikachu again.
The yard filled with the crackling of electricity and the shrill cry of Rattata as the Thunder Shock struck. It wasn't a full knockout, but the poor mouse Pokémon staggered, shaking off static. Its fur stood on end, its breathing sharp and fast.
Leyn exhaled slowly, sweat on his brow. He's tough. Not out yet.
Professor Oak watched, intrigued. That Pikachu… not just strong—it's listening to every command instinctively.
Gary clenched his fists, face red. "Blue, we can still win this! attack first!"
Blue nodded, eyes narrowing. "Rattata—Quick Attack! Then Bite!"
"Pikachu, meet him head-on!" Leyn said. "Quick Attack!"
The two Pokémon darted forward, streaks of brown and yellow clashing in the middle of the field with a thunderous crack. Sparks exploded as both landed on the ground, panting.
"Now—dodge left!" Leyn shouted.
Pikachu twisted at the last second, sliding across the dirt as Rattata lunged forward with its fangs. It missed completely.
"Too late," Leyn grinned. "Thunder Shock!"
Rattata's eyes widened as Pikachu's body glowed again—then came the blinding flash.
The entire field shuddered with the sound of the electric discharge. When it cleared, Rattata was lying flat on its side, tail twitching weakly.
Professor Oak raised his hand. "Rattata is unable to battle! The victory goes to Leyn and Pikachu!"
---
For a moment, there was only the sound of wind rustling through the grass. Then Pikachu, breathing heavily, turned to Leyn and smiled, sparks fading.
Leyn grinned and crouched down, patting his head. "You did great, partner."
"Pika~!"
Blue gave a small smile, returning Rattata to its ball. "That was impressive. You were calm and precise. Not bad at all."
Leyn straightened and nodded respectfully. "Thanks. You too—your Rattata's pretty fast."
Gary stood there, frozen in disbelief. Then his face twisted in frustration. "No way… that was just luck! I wasn't even ready yet!"
Professor Oak turned toward him, amusement in his eyes. "Tell me, Gary—will your opponent in battle wait until you're ready?"
Gary blinked, his protest dying in his throat. The realization hit him harder than he wanted to admit. He looked away, muttering, "...No."
"Then be ready at all times," Oak said gently. "That's the lesson here."
Leaf and Daisy came running over, clapping. "That was amazing!" Leaf said, laughing. "Leyn, you and Pikachu were so in sync!"
"And the way Pikachu dodged at the last second—so cool!" Daisy added, giggling. "Gary, you looked like you were about to explode!"
"Hey!" Gary turned red again. "You're supposed to be on my side!"
Blue chuckled under his breath. "Same as usual, sis."
Leaf leaned over to Daisy, whispering something that made both of them burst into laughter. Professor Oak caught the exchange and shook his head, smiling softly as he looked over the group—Leyn talking strategy with Blue, Pikachu resting on his shoulder, Gary sulking but secretly listening in.
They'll get along just fine, he thought. A bit of rivalry never hurt anyone. In fact, it's exactly what young trainers need.
---
As the afternoon sun bathed the yard with its light the laughter and chatter continued. Pikachu nuzzled against Leyn's neck, content. Blue was explaining something about battle prediction, while Gary half-listened, still pretending not to care.
Daisy and Leaf exchanged knowing looks, both giggling again as Leaf whispered, "They're all going to drive each other crazy one day."
"Yeah," Daisy replied, smiling warmly. "But it's going to be fun to watch."
And in that simple, sunny moment, the spark of their rivalry was born—one that would one day shape not only their friendships but the future of every path they chose.