The Vortex household had become a hive of activity since Gladion's Feebas evolved into Milotic. Erza and Ben, seeing the potential in their son's discovery, had decided to expand on his initial idea. Now, their backyard resembled a miniature Feebas farm.

Erza herself used her elite team to catch them in numbers from all over Kanto and Johto.

"You know," Ben said one morning, watching a group of Feebas flopping about in their new habitat, "I never thought I'd say this, but these ugly little fish are starting to grow on me."

Erza chuckled, tossing some food pellets into the pool. "They're like the Ditto of the sea. So ugly they're almost cute."

Gladion beamed with pride. His accidental business venture was taking off, and his parents were fully on board. Plus, he got to keep his beloved Milotic. Life was good.

Meanwhile, school life continued for the twins. Today was a special day - their class was having a "Bring Your Pokémon to School" event. Although everyone could already bring a Pokemon, this time they can keep the Pokemon outside their pokeball for the entire time.

Students were encouraged to bring one of their parents trained Pokémon though.

As Gladion and Gwen prepared to leave, Erza called out, "Remember, no battling at school! You're not official trainers yet."

"We know, Mom!" the twins chorused, rolling their eyes in perfect sync.

Gladion had decided to bring his Machop, while Gwen was taking her Gastly. The Pokemon were registered under their parents name and they were both sufficiently trained. Larvitar was still young so Gladion left it at home and decided to introduce his youthful Machop to everyone at school.

As they walked to school, Machop trotted alongside them, occasionally striking dramatic poses.

"Your Machop is weird," Gwen commented, watching as the Fighting-type flexed its muscles at a passing Pidgey, which looked thoroughly unimpressed.

"He's not weird, he's... enthusiastic," Gladion defended. "Besides, your Gastly keeps trying to scare people's hats off."

As if on cue, Gastly materialized behind an unsuspecting jogger, making a ridiculous face. The jogger's hat went flying as he yelped in surprise.

"See?" Gladion said, trying not to laugh.

Gwen shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eye. "What can I say? He's got a great sense of humor."

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When they arrived at school, the playground was a colorful menagerie of Pokémon. Students proudly showed off their family's Pokémon, from a majestic Pidgeot to a playful Growlithe.

Their teacher, Mr. Hoot clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, class! Today, we're going to learn about proper Pokémon care and handling. Please form a circle with your Pokémon."

As the students arranged themselves, Gladion noticed a boy named Rex glaring at him from across the circle.

Rex had always been jealous of Gladion's Pokémon knowledge, and today he seemed particularly annoyed.

Mr. Hoot began the lesson, demonstrating how to approach different types of Pokémon safely. When it was Gladion's turn to show how to interact with a Fighting-type, Machop strutted to the center of the circle, flexing dramatically.

"Behold!" Machop seemed to say, striking a pose that would make a bodybuilder proud. "The pinnacle of Fighting-type perfection!"

Gladion continued to translate what Machop was saying to everyone thanks to his Psychic powers which he can now use to at least understand his own Pokemon.

The class erupted in giggles as Machop continued its impromptu performance. "Hiya! Watcha! Dynamic Entry!" Gladion shouted just like Machop did, mimicking moves that he might have taught it.

Even Mr. Hoot couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, that's certainly... one way to handle a Fighting-type. Thank you, Gladion and Machop, for that... enthusiastic demonstration."

As Gladion led Machop back to his spot, he noticed Rex's scowl deepen. He tried to ignore it, focusing instead on the rest of the lesson.

After the circle activity, the students were allowed some free time to interact with each other's Pokémon. Gladion was showing a group of classmates how Machop trained when Rex approached with a Hitminlee by his side

"Hey, Gladion," Rex sneered. "Think your little comedy act can stand up to a real Fighting-type? This is my big brother's Hitmonlee."

Gladion frowned. "Rex, you know we're not supposed to battle. We're not trainers yet."

Rex scoffed. "Scared your Machop will get creamed? I bet it can't even land a hit on Hitmonlee."

Machop, hearing this, puffed up its chest and began shadow boxing, clearly eager to prove itself.

Gwen, who had been nearby with her Gastly, fheard what Rex had just said.

"Back off, Rex," she said, sticking out her tongue. "Just because your Pokémon has longer legs doesn't mean it can kick higher than your ego."

"Oh yeah?" Rex retorted, his face reddening. "Well, at least Hitmonlee doesn't need a laugh track to be interesting!"

Gastly, taking offense, made a series of ridiculous faces at Rex, each more outlandish than the last. Despite himself, Rex couldn't help but snort with laughter.

"See?" Gwen said triumphantly. "Gastly doesn't need a laugh track. He is the laugh track!"

Gladion, seeing the tension escalate, tried to defuse the situation. "Look, Rex, our Pokémon are all cool in their own ways. There's no need to-"

But Rex wasn't listening. "I challenge you to a battle, right here, right now! Hitmonlee versus your clown of a Machop!"

The other students had gathered around, watching the confrontation with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Machop was bouncing on its toes, punching the air and occasionally striking a dramatic pose.

Gladion hesitated. He knew they weren't supposed to battle, but a part of him was curious to see how Machop would fare. All those training sessions had to count for something, right?

Gwen nudged him. "Don't do it, bro. Mom will flip if she finds out."

"Aww, listening to your sister?" Rex taunted. "I guess your Machop isn't the only chicken here."

That did it. Gladion felt his competitive spirit flare up. "Fine," he said, stepping forward. "You want a battle? You've got one. But not here. Meet me at the old abandoned lot behind the school after classes."

Rex's eyes gleamed with malicious excitement. "You're on, loser. Prepare to eat dirt."

As Rex strutted away, Gwen turned to her brother with wide eyes. "Gladion, are you crazy? You'll get in so much trouble!"

Gladion shook his head, a determined look in his eyes. "I can't back down now, Gwen. Machop and I have been training hard. It's time to put it to the test."

The rest of the school day passed in a blur of anticipation and nerves. As the final bell rang, Gladion and Gwen slipped away from the crowd, making their way to the abandoned lot. To their surprise, a small group of classmates had already gathered, word of the secret battle having spread like wildfire.

Rex was waiting, Hitmonlee at his side, a smug grin on his face. "Thought you might chicken out, Gladion. Ready to lose?"

Gladion took a deep breath, centering himself. "We'll see who loses, Rex. Machop, you ready?"

Machop stepped forward, its usual playful demeanor replaced by a focused intensity. It nodded, eyes locked on Hitmonlee.

The impromptu audience formed a circle around the two Pokémon and their young trainers. Gwen, despite her earlier protests, found herself caught up in the excitement. "Go, Gladion! Show that jerk what you're made of!"

"You got it sis!" Gladion gave her a quick thumbs up.