Chapter 24: A Tower

POV - ARTHROX

Under the shelter, Arthrox, newly evolved from Venipede to Whirlipede, vibrated with deep, resonant fury. Primary adversary: defeated. Satisfaction: immense. Hive superiority: asserted. The storm had dwindled, leaving behind a curtain of mist that hovered about the entrance of the shelter, remnants of the steam explosion that had enabled his victory over his hated enemy.

Arthrox's new form felt comfortable, yet unfamiliar. Vision, once direct and forward-facing, now obscured, eyes sunk into the sides of his armoured body. Physical self-awareness: absent. He could not see what he looked like. He had observed the forms of his previous hives’ residents, but it was different altogether to experience it for himself. He tried to flex a segment. Nothing. He tried to move. No legs. He tried to speak. No mouth. Conclusion: frustration.

Jake's hand, gentle yet firm, descended upon Arthrox with commendation. "Congratulations," Jake said approvingly. Arthrox, sensors absorbing the warmth and pressure, processed the gesture. Acknowledgment: received. Response: positive. The act, simple in its execution, resonated deeply. 'This is pleasant,' Arthrox confirmed.

Objective: Scolipede ascension. Status: on course. Yet, his vocal cords were silent, an omission Jake noted with a tilt of his head. "Arthrox, you alright in there?" Arthrox expelled a sigh, as only a curlipede could. The sound, rich and deeper than from his previous form, conveyed more than words could. Transition: acknowledged. State: complex. "Can't talk, huh?" Jake murmured, watching Arthrox closely. He vibrated slightly and waggled his antennae. Jake nodded in understanding. "So, vibrations it is. We'll need to come up with some kind of code, I suppose."

Arthrox observed Jake scrutinising his new physique, decided to perform a few tests of his own. Focus: antennae. Sensory extension: heightened. He could discern Ignacia's energetic approach. The air carried more than scents; it conveyed emotions, high curiosity, mild hostility, residual rage and frustration of the adversaries vibrating distinctly. Sensory augmentation: significant. Environmental interaction: deepened. Arthrox tried to move, yet his form felt cumbersome. Body: unwieldy. Adaptation: challenge.

Jake's hands moved over Arthrox's new shell, carefully avoiding the many, sharper, and more lethal toxic spikes. Contact: minimal. Sensation: dampened. Shell: strong barrier. The outer layer's thickness impeded tactile connection, yet Jake's touch, though faint, resonated with acknowledgment. Jake's voice broke the silence. "Defence Curl really paid off, huh?"

Pride: surged. Arthrox's internal glow brightened at Jake's words. He remembered his siblings, he had always wondered why they had remained so silent to his questions. Their stoicism in defence had impressed him, inspired him onto the Path of Defence, but now as Whirlipede himself, he realised that they simply could not speak. Duty to the hive: interpreted as silent guidance. Reality: simpler, communication: impossible. Embarrassment: mild. Old conviction: Defence Curl, key to evolution, false. Sister's advice: cautionary, dismissed. Commander’s influence: transformative.

Attempt: Defence Curl. Action: initiated. Arthrox focused, intent on replicating the familiar defensive posture he had mastered as a Venipede. Realisation: already curled. The literal act of curling up, once a reflexive response to threat, now absent. Mechanism: redundant. Arthrox sighed again, Defence Curl gone. Conclusion: frustration.

"Iron Defence!" Jake's command suddenly filled the air. Instinct: awakened. A power, dormant yet familiar, stirred within Arthrox. His outer shell began a rapid transformation. The biochemical processes within him accelerating, targeting his exoskeleton. Minerals present in his body were mobilised, rushing to the surface of his shell, each particle reinforcing the structure, making it denser and harder. The sensation was unlike anything he had experienced; as if his entire being was focused on the singular goal of becoming an impenetrable bulwark. Energy: surged. The shell's texture changed, becoming glossier, giving off a subtle metallic sheen. Shell: impenetrable. Transformation: complete. Defence: perfected.

Jake's laughter filled the air. "You really love beefing up that defence, huh, Arthrox? A rolling fortress in the making." Gratitude: felt. Jake's role: invaluable. Defence Curl, not lost but transformed, enhanced. Defence Curl: precursor. Iron Defence: evolution.

Ignacia ran up to him rapidly. Emotion: excitement. Fire: uncontrolled. Reaction: wary. Composition: remains flammable.

Ignacia's circled him with keen interest, flames intermittently bursting from her back. The heat, while not as intense to Arthrox in his new form as it had been in his Venipede days, still elicited discomfort. Shell: warm, interior: overheated. The proximity of Ignacia's flames added an unnecessary layer of warmth, rendering his condition slightly more uncomfortable than preferred.

Curiosity: unabated. Ignacia, in awe of Arthrox's transformation, approached closer, nose daring to poke at his armoured body. Sensation: dull. Yet, Arthrox processed concern. Spikes: deadly. Venom: potent, an evolved mechanism far surpassing his previous capabilities. No longer confined to emission through oral routes, his spines now served as conduits for a more lethal dispersion.

Attempts to communicate the peril fell short. Ignacia's fascination clouded her perception of danger. "Wow! So amazing!" she voiced. "You’re so spiky!" she declared enthusiastically,

Arthrox, the patience of his newly acquired maturity tested, sighed internally at her reckless curiosity and the communication barrier now seemed more daunting than before. Antennae: warning sent, yet once again lost in translation. Conclusion: frustration.

Jake intervened. Scooping up the enthusiastic Cyndaquil, "Arthrox fought well for you, didn't he, Iggy?"

Ignacia's response: enthusiastic. "Yeah! You showed that weird guy!"

Vibration: "It was but my duty."

Ignacia aspiration: voiced. "So cool! I wanna evolve like you one day! How’d you do it?"

Arthrox detected a subtle shift. Observation: acute. Ignacia's gaze, once scattered, now honed in on his antennae with intensity that spoke of burgeoning understanding. Her nose, twitching slightly, seemed to be able to decipher the silent vibrations and pheromones he emitted. Communication: evolving. The realisation that Ignacia was beginning to understand him without words offered a sliver of comfort amidst her enthusiasm.

Status: elevated. Position within the hive: respected. Ignacia's reaction: eager. Exasperation: mild. Counsel offered: "With discipline, persistence, and listening to the commander, it will be achieved."

Ignacia’s narrow eyes lit up, flames on her back flickering with excitement. "Oh! Oh! I'll be the strongest ever, then! I'll listen and train and listen some more! And one day, I'll evolve and have the biggest flames ever! I'll light up the whole sky, and everyone will say, 'Look, there's Iggy, the strongest of them all!' And I'll protect everyone, just like Artie does with the... super... uh...ultra-strong rolly shell!" Her voice climbing with each word.

Correction: "I am designated Arthrox," he confirmed. "And you are mistaken, it is I who will be the strongest.” Caution: “Lighting up the sky is ill-advised. Such an action poses significant risks to the well-being of the hive." Acknowledgment: "Yes, my ability to roll has indeed enhanced, velocities now achievable far surpass those previously imagined. However, this energy must be conserved, prioritised for the next stage of evolution. Efficiency and strategic application of our abilities must guide us."

Ignacia's voice bubbled over with excitement, tiny body squirming in Jake’s hands. "I get it! We'll be super strategic, we’ll all become strong together! And then, boom! We'll show them what we're made of, right, Artie? We can be an unbeatable team, zooming around, you knocking everything down, and me lighting up... uh, in a helpful way, not burning stuff down, promise!"

Exasperation: returned. Within their collective, only Jekyll had any semblance of sense. Sensibility: rare.

"Whoa, Iggy, let Arthrox breathe a little," Jake intervened, trying to settle her down. "Anyway, let's try something else. Can you move forward for me?" Request: clear. Objective: simple.

Arthrox, determined to comply, focused. Intention: move forward, slow and controlled. Nothing happened. Confusion: felt. A second attempt yielded no better result, body remaining stubbornly in place. Weight: significantly increased. Resolved, Arthrox mustered all his strength for another attempt. From zero to a blur in mere moments, Arthrox found himself hurtling through the rocky shelter with a speed that defied his intentions. Acceleration: overwhelming. Speed: excessive.

"Arthox, not that fast!" Jake exclaimed. Effort: futile. His body, now a literal whirl of motion, could obey neither desire nor command. Control: lost.

Arthrox's momentum continued to increase exponentially, rocky terrain beneath him a blur of motion and danger. Obstacle: imminent. Siobhan and a long-haired blonde boy, who had served as the referee for his recent battle, were caught mid-conversation, entered his immediate trajectory. The blonde haired one, agility: limited, only just sidestepped with a "Hey!" Apology: silent. Effectiveness: questionable.

Three trainers, previously engrossed in shared commiseration over Ren's defeat, suddenly found themselves in the path of an unanticipated projectile. Huddle: poorly positioned. Awareness: insufficient.

Reaction: chaotic. Surprise registered on their faces, transforming rapidly into expressions of alarm and indignation. Arthrox's spinning mass of speed and armour, bore down upon them, their unity dissolved into frantic self-preservation. Movement: not coordinated. Evasion: limited success.

Vocalisation: displeased. "Oi, watch it!" as they scrambled aside. An absurd request, directed at a creature clearly incapable of steering or halting was illogical. Irony: noted. Probability of compliance: zero.

Objective: immediate deceleration. Arthrox processed the increasing proximity of the ledge with alarm. Previous victory location: dangerously close. Velocity: high. Analysis: urgent.

Action: deceleration attempted. Utilising his still basic understanding of his own physiology, Arthrox attempted to manipulate his segments, creating friction against the ground. His body segments, designed to roll, could also flex slightly to create resistance. Method: experimental. By rapidly oscillating his body's segments against the direction of movement, he sought to exploit every possible means of reducing speed.

Result: partial success. The friction generated by his desperate attempts at self-arrest was surprisingly effective. His progress toward the ledge slowed, each second a battle between momentum and physics.

Situation: precariously balanced. He approached the very brink of the ledge, Arthrox managed to halt, body teetering on the edge. The slightest movement could tip him into the void beyond, a drop awaiting any miswhirl. Situation: challenging.

Predicament: stuck. Mobility: compromised. His new form, while offering advantages in defence and offense, evidently came with a steep learning curve in matters of high-speed navigation and abrupt stops.

Arthrox recalled his mother’s advice from long ago; "In the art of evolution, one must be as adaptable on the uneven ground: when possible, advance with the momentum of a rolling boulder; when necessary, stand firm as the armoured segment. Victory in evolution requires mastery of both movement and stillness."

With a sigh that resonated through his chitinous frame, he acknowledged the gap between knowledge and application, the need for a period of adaptation now he had evolved. Adaptation: essential. Patience: necessary. Arthrox, even stuck as he was, renewed his pledge of unwavering fidelity to his Commander and the path laid out before him. The mist, the shelter, and the remnants of battle faded in his focused determination. Future: clear. Path: unequivocally followed. Under Jake's guidance, he would not merely adapt; he would prevail.

Priority: evolution. Prerequisite: extraction. Assistance: required.

POV - JAKE

"Sorry, sorry!" Jake panted, as he darted past the Rockruff pack that had scattered with surprised yelps. "Siobhan, Jacob, my bad!" he called over his shoulder, feeling Iggy's small claws dig in slightly as the Cyndaquil secured itself on his shoulder.

As Jake neared the ledge, gaze locked onto Arthrox, who was now teetering on the brink. The sight that met him was still startling. The curlipede bore little resemblance to the smaller Venipede Jake had once known. Body, now reaching up to Jake's waist, was encased in a hard, segmented shell, marked with darker hues that seemed to absorb the light. The spiky protrusions that adorned his new form gave him an almost menacing appearance; it was easy to imagine the stir such a creature would cause if it rolled down the streets of a city on earth.

Yet, Jake knew better. Despite Arthrox's formidable exterior, he was the same disciplined, loyal companion, with the kind of cute that came from his unwavering commitment to growing stronger. "Found yourself in a bit of a spot, huh?" Jake said, a wry smile spreading across his face.

Jake reached out to help Arthrox from the ledge, his body was hard and cool to the touch, shell smooth with a slight give under pressure, reminiscent of touching a tightly inflated ball. Rolling Arthrox away from the edge required a concerted effort; the Whirlipede was significantly heavier now, a solid weight that the Pokédex had pegged around sixty kilos.

With Arthrox on safer ground, he could feel a gentle vibration emanate from the Whirlipede, antennae waggling. "It's fantastic you've evolved," Jake said. "But we'll have to work through this together, adapt and learn as we go." His gaze lingered on Arthrox, noting the significant changes in form and pondering the implications.

“It might take some time, buddy," he admitted. "Whirlipede's strengths lie in defence and speed, as we just saw. But agility and dexterity... that's a different story now." Arthrox's continued vibrations seemed to signal understanding, an acknowledgment, though he seemed a little disappointed. "Don't worry, though," Jake reassured. "I'll be with you every step, or roll I should say, of the way."

Internally, Jake grappled with the realisation that Arthrox’s evolution, while a major milestone, also introduced a temporary setback. Unlike in the games, where a Pokémon could leap into battle freshly evolved without missing a beat, reality demanded time for adjustment. Evolution brought its own complexities, especially with a transformation as significant as the change from Venipede to Whirlipede. There were new strengths, but also limitations that they hadn’t had to consider before.

Jake doubted he could fully prepare Arthrox for the upcoming Tower battles in the limited time they had. This evolution would require them to recalibrate their approach. Agility and dexterity had been key components of their strategy; now, they’d need to adapt, leveraging Arthrox’s enhanced speed and formidable defence to make up for the reduction in manoeuvrability. It wouldn’t be a simple process, and Jake was beginning to realise that evolution was much more strategic than he had first thought. The timing and location of an evolution were crucial considerations, and in the competitive battling scene, they would not always be ideal.

Jake's train of thought was abruptly cut off by Ren's approach, tone unmistakably unhappy. "What d’ya think yer doin?" he demanded. Jake glanced up to find Ren slightly dishevelled, dust and a few bruises marking an earlier evasion from Arthrox's path—a fall, perhaps. "Sorry about that," Jake offered with a nonchalant shrug, an attempt at diplomacy.

Ren's dark eyes, one partly obscured by his tousled hair, flashed dangerously as he confronted Jake. His stance was aggressive, body language tense and bristling with barely contained anger. "Can't believe I lost to the likes of you!" he spat out, accent thickening with his ire. His hands clenched at his sides, a clear effort to control his frustration.

"I won't forget this, Jake," Ren growled. "You just wait, I'll get you back for this." Without another word, he turned sharply on his heel, his two mates quickly falling in line behind him as they stormed off.

Jacob, watching the exchange with a long-suffering sigh, shook his head and approached Jake with an apologetic grimace. "Don't mind him," he said, with a sarcastic edge. "Ren's got a bit of growing up to do, doesn't he? Acts like a dark cloud on a sunny day."

Clapping Jake on the shoulder, Jacob shifted. "That was some battle, though. Had us on edge there at the end, didn't ya?" He acknowledged. "Right impressive, that was."

Jacob then gestured towards a collection of items laid out, “To the victor, goes the spoils.” Among them, Jake's eyes were immediately drawn to an amethyst-coloured rock, surface gleaming subtly. Recognising it as Armorite ore, he reached for it without hesitation.

Jacob's eyebrow quirked up at the choice but he kept his thoughts to himself, merely nodding in acknowledgment. "Looks like you're gearing up for something big. Pokémon League, maybe?" he mused. "Looking forward to seeing you there. Maybe Ren will have lightened up by then? Not too likely I guess, but we can hope." With a smile, a final nod and a more pronounced sigh, Jacob went after his wards with a wave of goodbye.

Siobhan stepped closer, amusement sparkling in her green eyes. "You’ve got a real knack for attracting rivals, haven’t you?" she teased, her orange hair catching the sunlight and glowing like fire. "I might start getting jealous with all the attention you’re getting."

Jake chuckled, shaking his head. "If only it were by choice, Siobhan," he quipped. What’s a Pokémon journey without a rival anyway? At least he didn’t have a rival like Silver... yet.

Siobhan giggled. "Congrats on the battle, though," she said warmly. "But we should get moving. That Rockruff could use some TLC, don’t you think?"

Jake nodded. "Yeah, we’ve had enough excitement for one day. Time to find a PokéCentre."

As they began to gather their things, Jake saw at the corner of his eye, Siobhan gently catch the alpha Rockruff, or Cobie as he was now named, who patiently and easily accepted. After returning his Pokémon, Jake carefully lifted the injured Rockruff, small body fitting snugly against his chest. They left the shelter of the giant's bench behind, stepping onto Challenge Road, the remnants of the storm evident in the fresh coolness of the air and the wetness underfoot, the Rockruff pack forming an escort around them.

The sun, now boldly reclaiming the sky, streamed through the parting clouds, illuminating their path with clarity. Puddles scattered across the rocky terrain reflected the brightening sky. As they made their way, the Pokémon they encountered seemed subdued, the usual spark for battle dimmed by the storm, and their Rockruff guards. An unusual quiet that enveloped the area, leading Jake to muse on the storm's suddenness. ‘Wonder if it really was a Zapdos passing by?’ he pondered.

The road to Grimnore unwound before them, landscape shifting as they approached the coastal hamlet. Despite the sun's warmth, Grimnore still seemed quite the desolate place. Its few buildings, huddled together against the elements, spoke of an isolated community. The population, Jake guessed, couldn't be more than a couple hundred souls.

Grimnore sat on the edge of the coast, sea stretching into the unknown beyond it, endless and grey under the bright sky. The Tower of Darkness, loomed in the background, an enormous structure that cast a long shadow over the hamlet, even in the day's clear light.

As Jake and Siobhan emerged from the rocky terrain, a more distinct human-made path wound its way through the outskirts of Grimnore. The path, though basic, marked a clear transition from the wilds of the Challenge Road to a semblance of civilization. Their footsteps echoed softly on the stones, taking in the sea salted air that mingled with the earthy scent left by the rain.

Most of the Rockruff pack they had encountered stayed behind at the entrance to the hamlet, curious eyes watching the pair depart. However, two of the Rockruff, decided to escort them the rest of the way to the PokéCenter.

The first thing Jake noticed was the roofing of the buildings—a uniform sea of black slate that seemed to drink in the sunlight rather than reflect it. The structures themselves were built from cold, grey stone, giving the entire hamlet an almost forbidding aura. "We're not in Applinby anymore," Jake murmured.

"Definitely has a different vibe," Siobhan agreed, walking alongside him.

Jake shifted the Rockruff in his arms, his attention caught by the stylistic graffiti adorning the stone walls of the buildings—depictions of dark Pokémon, Impidimp, Morgrem, and, most prominently, Grimmsnarl. The artwork brought a splash of colour to the otherwise largely monochrome environment, a nod to the town's relationship with Dark Pokémon.

Unlike the warm reception they'd received in Applinby, the locals here were more reserved, faces etched with a wariness that spoke of hard lives lived on the edge of the sea and shadow. Most passed by without a glance, body language cold, focus inward.

"Why's everything so... well, uh, grim?" Jake asked, his voice low as they navigated the narrow main street.

Siobhan shrugged, frown creasing her brow as she pondered his question. "I've heard stories," she began. "They say Grimnore was founded by settlers from Spikemuth, drawn here by the legacy of a massive Pokémon battle. The battle supposedly involved an exceptionally powerful Grimmsnarl. It's said that the dark energy from that fight lingers, influencing everything here."

"Based on that, I'm guessing Grimmsnarl is the mascot Pokémon here?" Jake mused, pointing at the statue of a Grimmsnarl that stood at the centre of what might pass for a market square. The area was hemmed in by narrow streets, buildings so close together they almost seemed to lean on each other for support. As they entered the square, Jake’s labelling it as a 'market' seemed a bit generous. Only a few empty stalls hinted at commerce, clustered around a single village shop that appeared rarely frequented. Nearby, a small pub and the compact PokéCentre promised a somewhat limited community life.

Siobhan nodded. "Seems like it. This place and the Tower of Darkness are steeped in that history.”

As they continued toward the PokéCentre, Jake's attention was caught by a piece of graffiti on a wall not far from the Grimmsnarl statue. The mural was a depiction of Master Mustard, but not in any pose of victory or strength. Instead, a Grimmsnarl towered over a caricatured Mustard, drawn with exaggerated, menacing details, a wicked grin on its face as its foot was planted on Mustard’s rear, propelling him forward with a surprised expression frozen on his face. An Urshifu was rendered almost chibi-like, tiny and wide-eyed, peeking from behind a corner with an expression that screamed, "I want no part in this!"

Jake found himself momentarily rooted to the spot, staring at the image. "I can't believe they would allow something so... so foul," Siobhan spluttered, indignant. "I'm going to tell Nurse Joy about this," she declared, a determined glint in her eye, clearly not amused by the townsfolk's sense of humour.

Jake, on the other hand, couldn't help but find the artwork somewhat amusing, the wit of the graffiti drew a smirk from him, though he quickly masked it with a cough, catching Siobhan's glare. "Right, of course," he managed, his voice strained. " By the way, has Grimnore ever won the Armorshyr cup?" Jake asked casually.

Siobhan dismissed the idea. "No way," she said, brows knitting together. "What's that got to do with anything?" she shot back.

Jake sighed, looking around "Perhaps this place won’t be as welcoming as we first thought," he mused aloud, noting the increasingly cold stares directed their way. It wasn't hard to guess that their mustard yellow belts, did not endear them to the locals. Siobhan seemed to catch on to the less-than-friendly glances, flushing a cute shade of pink at the attention.

Jake shifted the focus back to the task at hand. "Anyway," he interjected, "let's get to the PokéCentre and see to this little guy," he said, gently shaking the Rockruff in his arms, the Pokémon looking up at him with trusting eyes. "And our own Pokémon, of course."

Siobhan, though still visibly upset by the disrespect shown to her mentor, nodded in agreement.

As they walked, Jake leaned closer to Siobhan, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Think about it a bit," he said gently. "What if your hometown played in a competition and never won? You try as hard as you can but still don't get the win. And to top it all off, the owner of the winning club is also the mayor." He paused, letting the analogy sink in.

"If that happened every year, wouldn't that create some resentment?" he continued.

Siobhan looked at him, expression softening as she pondered Jake's words. Gradually, understanding dawned on her face, and she nodded. "I suppose it would," she conceded.

Jake smiled, encouraged. "No worries. I respect Mustard too," he assured her. "And we'll need to remind this town why the Master Dojo is still the best."

At that, Siobhan's smile returned, wider this time. Despite its compact size, the PokéCentre was a contrast to the cool detachment they'd encountered on the streets of Grimnore. The interior was surprisingly well-equipped, each piece of machinery gleaming under the fluorescent lights.

Approaching the desk, they were greeted by the sight of another Nurse Joy, uniform pristine, smile welcoming. Jake couldn’t help but lean in, scrutinising her features in an attempt to spot any differences from her supposed cousin back in Applinby. “Is it clone technology? Exclusive to healthcare and police?” he muttered under his breath.

A sharp jab to his side snapped Jake out of his musings, Siobhan giving him a look that mixed amusement with mild reproof. “What are you doing?” she whispered, her eyes darting between Jake and the nurse.

Catching Nurse Joy's slightly puzzled look, Jake felt a flush of embarrassment. “Sorry, I think I might have seen you before,” he stammered, trying to recover.

Nurse Joy's tension melted into laughter. “I just have one of those faces, I think,” she joked. Jake grinned, deciding it was best not to delve further into the mystery of the Nurse Joys and focused on the task at hand, handing over the Rockruff and his Pokéballs.

“I'll be happy to take care of them,” Nurse Joy assured. “You both look like you could use some rest. I’ll let you know when they’re ready.”

Relieved, Jake glanced down at the pair of wild Rockruff, who looked up at him respect in their eyes. “Wait here for Nurse Joy, okay?” he told them gently.

With a sigh of relief, Jake turned to Siobhan. "Time for a break!”

Morning light greeted Jake as he stepped outside the PokéCentre, taking a deep breath of the fresh cold air. He paused, reflecting on the pleasant surprise he had encountered the night before. The discovery that rooms in the PokéCentre were complimentary for registered trainers under eighteen had been an unexpected bonus. After a long day, leaving his Pokémon under Nurse Joy’s care for a well-deserved rest had felt reassuring, given the expectations of today. Jake had been relieved to see off the Rockruff, which fully healed had ventured back into the wild just after dawn.

His gaze now turned towards the imposing silhouette of the Tower of Darkness. Unlike the traditional eastern-inspired architecture he had seen in games, the tower before him had a distinctly medieval essence, as if carved from a single, massive block of black slate stone. It resonated with the character of Grimnore itself, echoing the slate roofs that crowned the town’s buildings.

"Time for some sunshine," he said, smile tugging at his lips as he pressed the release button of a pokeball.

"Emol, emol!" Trixie chirped, darting around Jake's head in excited loops, her voice bubbling with energy as if announcing, "Guess who's back in the house!" Fluffy cheeks puffed out, tiny wings and paws outstretched with joy.

Jake couldn't help but chuckle at the little dynamo. "So, the miss decides to grace us with her presence. Enjoy your spa day off?" he teased.

"Emol, emol!" Trixie trilled, hovering in front of Jake, mimicking a wide yawn. "Yawns and dreams, Jakey! Was soooo bored without you, but oh, what a nap I had!" She followed her 'yawn' with an adorable stretch, little body arching and paws reaching out as if embracing the day.

"Jakey, huh? Seems like the little miss is feeling extra cheeky today," he remarked, a playful glint in fingers lightly pinching her soft cheeks and stretching them.

"Emol!" Trixie protested, voice muffled by the stretch, which Jake decoded as, "You know you love me, anyway!

"Missed me, huh?"

"Emol!" she chirped, nuzzling his cheek in agreement, "How’d you even manage without me?"

"Honestly? World's a bit less bright without my troublemaker."

"Emolga, emol!" Trixie beamed. With a twirl in the air, she added, "Just means I'll have to double up to make up for lost time!"

Laughing, Jake nodded in agreement. "Better brace myself then!”

"Emol!" Trixie suddenly exclaimed, her energy spiking as she executed a perfect loop-the-loop in the air, "But I'm here now! Ready for whatever's next!"

Jake reached out, pulling her into an embrace. "I'm just glad you're okay, Trix. Really," he said, his voice laced with sincerity.

In a softer chirp, "Emol," Trixie conveyed her own affection, as if she was saying, "Always by your side, through thick and thin."

"Trixie! You're looking as energetic as ever," Siobhan greeted with a bright smile as she emerged from the PokéCentre. True to form, Trixie revelled in the attention, responding with a playful "Emol!" and a quick hug before flitting to her favourite spot on Jake's shoulder.

With Trixie comfortably settled, Jake and Siobhan began their journey back through Grimnore, heading toward the daunting steps that led to the Tower of Darkness. The town, with its slate roofs and stone paths, gradually gave way to a rugged landscape as they approached the base of the tower.

The steps before them were long and steep, as they climbed, Jake found himself catching his breath, not just from the exertion but also in awe of the stunning view that unfolded before them. The sea stretched out into the horizon, a vast expanse of blue that ventured into uncharted territories.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Jake remembered the tower's depiction in the games—multiple floors, each presenting a trainer battle. He wondered how that concept would translate into their reality. The climb seemed endless, and by the time they reached the top, Jake was noticeably out of breath. Siobhan seemed perfectly fine, clearly used to the steps at the Master Dojo, and appeared as if she could easily make the trip again. And then there was Trixie, who had enjoyed a leisurely ride atop Jake's shoulder, her energy undiminished by the journey. “Easy for some," he muttered, half-annoyed, half-fond. Trixie just gave him a cute wink, a mischievous glint in her eye, Jake couldn't help but sigh, he certainly didn’t miss this aspect of her personality.

The entrance of the tower had a grey stone wall with low black gate, beyond which the Tower of Darkness loomed, even more imposing up close. The structure was surrounded by an air of solemnity, the dark slate exterior mirroring the grey skies above.

"Halt! Challengers of the tower. You may go no further," a deep voice resounded.

Jake and Siobhan exchanged a brief uncertain glance, before Siobhan stepped forward firmly. "We're here for the second trial."

A girl with bright blonde hair and piercing blue eyes exchanged a quick look with the boy beside her, a smirk barely curling her lips. "We know, but it’s a pity—the tower’s not open right now," she said, almost amused.

Siobhan was confused. "What? Closed? That doesn’t make sense." Her brow furrowed.

The boy added with regret, "Yeah, well, the gate's busted. Not much we can do…"

Jake's eyes narrowed as he gave the gate a cursory glance. It seemed perfectly intact to him. "Tower of Darkness students trying to mess with us, huh?" he muttered under his breath before addressing them directly. "What were your names again?"

"I'm Elara," the girl said, all cool.

"And I'm Kai," added the male trainer, relaxed but ready.

Jake studied them more closely—Kai with his blocky, bluff posture and Elara, she appeared almost too striking for the gloomy ambiance of the Tower, a cold beauty, in a nasty sort of way.

Jake sighed, deciding to cut through the charade. "You're messing with us, aren't you?" he asked outright, a little exasperated.

Siobhan was caught off guard by Jake's directness, looked from him to the supposed guardians, expression a mix of surprise and realisation.

"What are you saying? We're not," Elara responded with innocence. "The gate's clearly busted."

Jake raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't look like it to me," he countered, pointing behind them with a smirk.

Turning around, Elara and Kai were met with the sight of the gate, swung wide open. Trixie, having flown behind them unnoticed, hovered by the gate with a self-satisfied "Emol!" The little Emolga holding out her paw with a cute V-sign.

Siobhan couldn't help but let out a giggle, amused by Trixie and the flustered expressions on the students’ faces.

"You think you're so clever, huh?" Kai shot back at Jake, annoyed. "Well, you're not getting to the tower without battling us."

"There’s no way we're letting you pass this trial," Elara added, her voice sharp.

Siobhan, still chuckling, asked, "You want to battle out here?" She gestured to the narrow, confined stairway leading up to the Tower of Darkness, hardly an ideal place for a Pokémon battle.

Kai shook his head, a brief moment of reason breaking through his irritation. "No, we'll battle in the courtyard. Follow me." He led the way, his steps heavy and determined.

As they followed Kai into the Tower's grounds, Jake spotted a well-appointed trainer school that unfolded before them bore quite a difference to the Master Dojo. Here, the aura was darker, more solemn, with shadows playing across the stone pathways and dimly lit torches flickering in the early morning light. The architecture held a Gothic feel, with pointed arches and the trademarked black roofs on the low buildings, the tower itself, casting the school in a permanent shadow. It was a place designed not just for training but to honour the essence of dark Pokémon.

Jake couldn't help but be curious about this place so different from what he was used to. "So, this is your trainer school?" he asked Kai, trying to keep his tone neutral despite the tension.

Kai, leading them through a series of winding paths adorned with statues of dark Pokémon in mid-battle, gave a curt nod. "Not many students here," he said. "Elara and I are both from Grimnore. It's a small place, especially compared to the Master Dojo."

At the mention of the Master Dojo, Kai's expression soured, a spit of disdain hitting the ground beside him. "That place," he muttered, the words laced with spite, "it's all show."

"Oh, Ellie, still as warm as ever, I see," Siobhan tried to lighten the mood.

Elara's reaction was immediate and icy. "Don't call me that," she snapped at Siobhan, eyes narrowing. "We're not friends."

Siobhan, undeterred by the cold reception, continued, "I know you lost to Ciara last time, but that's no reason to—"

"I said drop it!" Elara interrupted, composure cracking just enough to reveal a flash of anger. "Ciara will get what’s coming to her. Just you wait."

Kai led them to a small battle court that lay directly under the Tower of Darkness's shadow. The court itself was a flat expanse of dark stone, maintained for battle but simple. The tower loomed overhead, its shadow creating an effect akin to a night battle despite the clear, bright morning surrounding them. This peculiar lighting lent the upcoming confrontation an almost otherworldly feel, as if they were stepping into a realm where daylight dared not tread.

The school, small and unassuming with its low buildings, hugged the edges of the single battle court. It was a contrast to the more well-appointed Master Dojo, with more emphasis on function over form. Four students of varying ages paused their training to observe the newcomers with undisguised hostility. Kai, with a wave of his hand and a few curt words, cleared them from the court.

Jake, sensing the shift in atmosphere, couldn't suppress a small smile. ‘So, this is the so-called access battle,’ he thought, excitement tingling in his veins. The stakes were unexpectedly high, fuelled by genuine rivalry between the schools rather than the mere formality from the games. He glanced at Siobhan and felt Trixie's reassuring weight on his shoulder, readying himself mentally for what was to come.

"How do we want to do this, seeing as there's only one court?" Jake asked.

Kai’s reply was laced with contempt. "We don’t have the luxuries of the Master Dojo," he said sharply, a clear jab at what he assumed was Jake's privileged background—ironic, considering Jake had started with nothing in this world and had to rely on Master Mustard’s family just to get by.

Elara chimed in with her cold but clear voice, "It'll be a double battle. Kai and me against you and ginger over there." Her gaze flicked dismissively towards Siobhan.

"No need to be mean," Siobhan retorted, with a bold smile, undeterred by the insult, as if expecting it.

Jake placed a hand on Siobhan's shoulder, a silent gesture of solidarity. "Ready to show this lot why we're the best?" he asked confidently.

Siobhan's grin widened, a spark of determination lighting her green eyes. "Let's do it, partner," she agreed.

POV – SIOBHAN

Siobhan glanced across the battle court at Elara, or Ellie, as she had once known her, Siobhan couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for the friendship that had soured. They used to meet often at Armorshyr tournaments and county events. They had been friends, cheering for each other and dreaming of participating together. But everything had changed after that fateful tournament loss to Ciara. Ellie had turned cold, once bright and bubbly replaced by frosty hostility.

Sighing softly, Siobhan pushed those thoughts aside. This was neither the time nor the place for reminiscences. The battle ahead demanded her focus, and having Jake by her side was a comforting thought. His confidence with his Pokémon always inspired her, even though she sometimes feared she might not measure up to him or Ciara. But today, she vowed not to let those doubts hold her back.

Jake leaned in. "We should try to win quickly, with minimum fuss," he said. "There's a lot more ahead in the tower, and conserving energy is key."

Siobhan nodded in agreement. Jake mentioned he'd be using Jekyll for the battle.

Trixie, perched on Jake's shoulder, let out an indignant "Emol!" as if protesting her exclusion from the battle. Jake's response was gentle but firm, "Hush now, little lady. You'll have plenty of chances in the tower."

Before they could discuss further, Ellie's sharp voice cut through the air, "Hey, no more talking strategy. We're ready."

Siobhan felt a familiar flutter of nerves in her stomach. Despite her outward calm, competitive battles always stirred a bit of anxiety within her. She was not naturally inclined toward aggression, and sometimes felt at odds with the confrontational nature of Pokémon battles, especially against high intensity trainers like Ciara. She had never beaten her. Not once. Not even close. Yet, she was determined to give it her all, hoping that Jake would help her bridge the gaps.

"Ready, Jake?" she asked, trying to infuse her voice with more confidence than she felt.

They stood poised for the impending battle, all four trainers releasing their Pokémon in unison—Poké Balls transforming into living, breathing partners in combat.

Herbie materialised with a vibrant burst, the plant bulb on his back pulsing softly under the shadowed light of the Tower's court. His cheerful "Bulba!" echoing with eagerness.

Beside her, Jekyll appeared and rather than launching into battle stance, immediately turned around to Jake greeting him with a soft cheery "Kyu!”.

Kai's Pokémon landed with a thud, loose skin around the neck jiggling. The Pokémon's confident swagger and the way it pulled up its skin like trousers amused Siobhan, despite the tension of the moment. Scraggy's determined gaze and clenched fists promised a battle of strength and spirit.

Elara sent out her Sandile dark eyes gleaming sharply from under a protective membrane. The Pokémon's maw, lined with formidable teeth, snapped at the air, body low to the ground, ready to attack at a moment's notice.

Jekyll's unusual greeting to Jake drew a scoff from Kai. "You can't even control a Pikachu. Old Mustard must be losing his wits with a trainer like you," he jeered.

Jekyll turned at this, movement slow, almost unnatural, a silent warning emanating from its stance. Siobhan felt a shiver run down her spine; Jekyll's true nature as a Mimikyu was no secret to her, and Kai's mockery seemed to have stirred something dark within the disguised Pokémon.

"Stop wasting time and focus," Elara snapped at Kai, eyeing the 'Pikachu’ closely as if sensing something off about it. Her gaze landing on Siobhan, carrying a sneer that could freeze fire. "Don't think you're anything special, either," she taunted, aiming to unsettle Siobhan further.

Siobhan met Elara's glare with a calmness she didn't feel. "We'll just see about that," Siobhan retorted, trying to keep her voice steady, betraying none of the tumult within.

Her confidence in Herbie's type advantage against Sandile offered her some reassurance in the shadow-drenched court. The dim light cast by the literal towering edifice of the Tower lent an almost otherworldly atmosphere to the battlefield, keeping them under deep shadow, making it difficult to focus on a single spot.

Before Siobhan could fully settle her nerves and think, Elara's Sandile lunged forward with startling speed, movements a blur in the dim light, a flurry of claws that seemed almost spectral in the gloom. Siobhan strained her eyes, trying to discern the action, only to see Herbie flinch under the assault, cries echoing off the stone.

A slight panic flickered through Siobhan. "Herbie, Growl!" she called out, urgency clear. Herbie responded, a low, intimidating sound rippling through the air, momentarily halting Sandile's vicious attack and causing it to back off. Elara scoffed. "Is that all? You're even weaker than I thought."

Trying to ignore Elara's words, Siobhan steadied her breath. "Vine Whip, Herbie!" she commanded, hoping to regain some ground. Herbie's vines lashed out, a swift green flash in the darkness, but to Siobhan's dismay, they missed their target entirely. Elara's command sliced back through the air. "Counter it, Sandile!" she shouted, voice cold command that almost halted the vines' advance as if they'd struck an invisible wall. Sandile, with astonishing agility for its appearance, absorbed the momentum of the Vine Whip, body glowing briefly with a retaliatory energy that was almost palpable even in the dim light.

Then, with a sudden burst of power that seemed to distort the air around them, Sandile unleashed that stored energy right back at Herbie. The Counter was executed flawlessly, turning Herbie's own attack against him with double the force. The vines recoiled as if struck by a physical blow, the backlash propelling Herbie backward with such intensity that he skidded back against the ground. Siobhan's heart skipped a beat, the sight of Herbie reeling from the impact a visceral shock that reverberated through her. This was the part she didn’t like, her Pokémon getting hurt. Unable to do anything.

Elara's voice cut once again. "Oh, what's wrong? Did you actually think you stood a chance?" she sneered. "Your little Bulbasaur can't even handle a simple counterattack. How pathetic. Makes me wonder how you've made it this far."

Then, Sandile, under Elara's command, issued an odd, menacing sound—a growl that seemed to vibrate with malice. It wasn't just any sound; it had a provoking quality, almost as if speaking directly to Herbie, taunting him in a language of aggression that only Pokémon could understand.

The normally calm and collected Bulbasaur became visibly agitated, movements erratic as if the very core of his being had been slashed by Sandile. The dim, shadow-cast environment of the battle court, made it difficult for Siobhan to figure out exactly what had happened.

"Herbie, Poison Powder, now!" Siobhan's voice cut through the tense air. But the agitation in Herbie, sparked by Sandile's taunt, tangled her words in a thicket of frustration visible in Herbie's jittery stance. No mist of Poison Powder followed; instead, Herbie remained locked in a state of distress, focus shattered by the provocation. The realisation that Herbie was too overwhelmed to execute the move sent a pang of helplessness through Siobhan, heart aching for her Pokémon friend.

The battlefield, already daunting under the Tower of Darkness's shadow, began to feel even more isolating. Elara, Ciara, and even Master Mustard—each of them possessed an intensity in battle that Siobhan found awe-inspiring. But also, scary. ‘Is this what it takes to be a good trainer?’ she questioned herself, mind a whirlwind of doubt. She wanted so badly to do well for Herbie, to prove that she too belonged alongside her friends. Yet, as each attempt to assert control over the battle failed, Siobhan couldn't help but wonder if her more gentle approach to training and battling was a misfit.

Desperate to reclaim some semblance of control, Siobhan’s voice rang out, tense with desperation. "Herbie, Razor Leaf!" she called, trying to turn the battle around with his type advantage.

Sandile didn’t move as one might expect. No visible preparation, no telltale tensing of muscles or claws; almost as if the creature remained still. Then, in a display that seemed to defy the natural flow of combat, Herbie was suddenly struck, there was no physical tell. Instead, Sandile exploited a moment of Herbie’s focus, launching an attack that seemed to materialise out of thin air, a Sucker Punch. It seemed unnatural, Sandile’s claws did not move to perform the attack.

The impact was immediate and devastating. Herbie, caught utterly off guard by the invisible force of the attack, was hurled backward. The leaves he had mustered for his Razor Leaf attack dispersing chaotically into the air, fluttering down like a sombre rain. The sound of Herbie's distress echoed faintly, almost drowned out by the pulse of the battle around them—a pulse Siobhan found herself disconnected from, her entire world narrowing to the sight of Herbie's struggle.

Herbie landed hard; resilience tested as he tried to push himself up. His legs trembled, energy sapped as he wobbled, barely keeping upright. Usual friendly, vibrant eyes dimmed, reflecting not just physical pain but the bewilderment of a direct hit from an unseen force.

Elara's derision followed swiftly, her words dismissive and sharp as daggers. "That's your best? You're out of your depth." The dismissal cut more deeply than the taunting, as she feared it was true. Was her kinder, more understanding approach to Pokémon battling inadequate in the face of such relentless competition? The question haunted her, even as she clung to the hope that somehow, she and Herbie could turn the battle around.

"Herbie!" Siobhan's voice cracked, the name a plea, a call for resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Her vision blurred, the edges of the battlefield, figures of Jake and Jekyll, the form of their opponents—all dissolving into a background haze. In that moment, there was only Herbie, struggling on his last legs, the sharp sting of helplessness. Under the cold gaze of her opponent, Siobhan felt more alone than ever, her dreams slipping like sand through her fingers.

Amidst the crushing weight of despair, a sharp command sliced through the tension of the battle court, momentarily startling Siobhan from her spiralling thoughts. "Misty Terrain, now!" Jake's voice.

Kai's deep voice echoed loudly with disbelief and frustration. "What kind of move is that?" he blurted out. "Stop evading and take this seriously, damn it!"

As Siobhan's gaze shifted, struggling to pierce the sudden veil that was descending upon them, she caught glimpses of Jekyll's form—or rather, forms—multiplied across the battlefield. Scraggy, appeared wearied, movements sluggish as if burdened by an unseen weight. And then, with a fluidity that belied the gravity of the moment, Jekyll enveloped the arena in a dense, impenetrable mist, transforming the battleground into a realm of ethereal uncertainty.

"Something's wrong with that Pikachu," Elara hissed, betraying a flicker of unease. "Damn it, I can't finish this if I can't see!"

The mist rolled in, thick and oppressive, swallowing the field in a blanket of white. But the fog around Siobhan’s heart was far denser, heavier. The battle sounds—the shouts, the clashes—faded into a distant hum, drowned out by her spiralling doubts.

It was Jake who cut through the haze, his hands gripping her shoulders with a firmness that demanded her focus. Siobhan’s voice trembled, barely above a whisper. “I… I’m sorry, Jake. I can’t do it. I’m not good enough.” Her gaze dropped to the ground, unable to meet his eyes, terrified of the pity, judgment, or frustration she might find there.

Without warning, Jake took her hands, pressing them together before delivering a sharp slap. The sting was more shocking than painful, a jolt that broke through her despair. “What the heck was that for?” she demanded, disbelief colouring her voice. The idea that Jake would actually hit her was unthinkable.

Jake ignored her outburst. “Siobhan, you’re too tense. You need to relax.”

“But I can’t… Elara’s too strong,” she muttered, doubt creeping into every word.

“Stop talking nonsense,” Jake shot back, sharper than he intended, impatience slicing through the fog of uncertainty.

Siobhan flinched at his tone. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she snapped, the hurt clear in her voice.

Jake didn’t back down. “I don’t get why you doubt yourself so much. The way you care for your Pokémon, the way they respond to you… it’s incredible, Siobhan.”

She shook her head, resisting. “That doesn’t help in battles,” she murmured, the fight draining from her voice.

“You’re not weak, Siobhan. Not even close,” Jake insisted, his words firm.

The mist thickened, turning the world into a blur of greys and ghostly shapes. Voices cut through the fog—Kai’s deep, commanding voice boomed. “Stop hiding!” Elara’s frustration echoed his. “Come out and face us!”

Jake ignored their taunts, his focus entirely on Siobhan. “Look at Herbie. Look at the trust in his eyes. That’s no accident,” he urged, gently turning her towards her Pokémon. Through the mist, Herbie was a dark silhouette, but his eyes—bright and steady—locked onto hers, full of faith and concern.

“In my time at the dojo, I’ve learned something,” Jake continued, his voice calm. “Pokémon… they’re incredible. They can be cute, mischievous, even terrifying, like that Druddigon. But above all, they have this amazing ability to see right into a person’s heart and trust them, unconditionally.”

As Siobhan’s eyes locked with Herbie’s, something within her began to shift. The mist that had seemed so suffocating started to feel less overwhelming, the warmth in Herbie’s gaze igniting a spark amidst her doubts. Jake’s hand rested lightly on her shoulder, steadying her, and when she looked up into his eyes—a blend of green and grey—clarity began to seep through the fog clouding her mind.

“True strength isn’t about avoiding pain; it’s in embracing it,” Jake said, his words unfamiliar yet resonating deeply within her. “It’s not just our Pokémon who grow stronger through battle; our spirits do too. You want your friends to reach their full potential, don’t you?”

Siobhan nodded, wide-eyed, recognising a truth she’d always known but had never fully grasped.

Jake chuckled. “Listen to me, sounding like some sort of masochist. I swear I’m not!”

Siobhan couldn’t help but giggle. “You’re being ridiculous,” she replied, a hint of laughter in her voice.

“The mist will clear soon,” Jake said, bringing their focus back to the battle. “Let’s work together this time. I’m sorry for leaving you on your own earlier.”

Siobhan shook her head, smiling with understanding. “It’s okay. I actually learned a lot.”

Jake extended his hand, a gesture of partnership and solidarity. Siobhan grinned and took it, her gratitude for his support and belief in her radiating silently between them.

“Jekyll will hold them off when the fog lifts. You can heal Herbie in the meantime,” Jake strategised, his tone steady and confident.

Siobhan nodded, more determined than before, and called out to Herbie, “Use Ingrain.” Herbie hunkered down, his lower body sinking into the earth, drawing strength from the soil as he began to revitalise.

Siobhan watched, her heart fluttering with a mix of hope and worry, as Jekyll positioned himself protectively in front of Herbie. The mist began to clear, gradually revealing the tense standoff. Kai’s voice cut through the thinning fog. “We’ve got you now; that Pikachu can’t stop us.”

“Shut up, you dolt,” Elara hissed at Kai, her eyes narrowing as she studied Jekyll with suspicion. “There’s something off about it.”

But Jake didn't give them a moment more to ponder. Deciding that offense was indeed the best form of defence in this situation, he called out, "Wood Hammer, now!"

The command seemed to electrify the air. Jekyll, the supposed 'Pikachu,' launched into action with ferocity. Jekyll’s 'tail'—a clever mimicry by the Mimikyu, and not a true part of its body—began to emanate a dense, wooden texture. Transforming, solidifying into something resembling a hefty club. With swiftness belied by the makeshift weapon's heft, Jekyll spun, wooden tail arcing through the air with a deadly precision. The tail, now a cudgel of wood, connected with Scraggy with a resounding crack that echoed ominously across the court. The impact was not just audible but visibly jarring, the force of the blow so intense that it seemed to warp the very space around it for a fleeting moment.

Scraggy, utterly unprepared for the ferocity and the sheer power behind the attack, was catapulted backward. The little Pokémon's body flipping head over heels over the ground, leaving a trail in the dust as it went tumbling end over end before coming to a rest, dazed and reeling.

The brutality of the Wood Hammer attack was such that even Jekyll's 'tail' bore the scars of its use. Cracks webbed from the point of impact, creeping along the wood grain of the tail's surface. Jekyll, undeterred by the damage, stood ready, the slight tilt of its head and the eerie dark glow, blacker than the deepest shadow, from beneath its ragged cloth giving off an unsettling aura of menace. "Kyu," Jekyll emitted ominously, echoing softly as if revelling in the shock and awe it had inflicted upon its audience.

The revelation of Jekyll's true nature seemed to dawn on Elara in real-time, a mixture of fear and realisation crossing her features. "That’s not a Pikachu at all!" she exclaimed, worried. Without wasting a moment, she commanded her Sandile, "Fury Swipes, now!"

Sandile leapt forward, claws bared and ready to strike, swiping through the air where Jekyll stood, its claws meeting nothing but empty mist. Each swipe passing harmlessly through, as if slicing through thin air. Jekyll seemed to giggle at the futility of Sandile's efforts. "Kyu, Kyu, Kyu!" it intoned darkly, a mocking cadence echoing unnervingly.

Kai, still reeling from the previous display, "A ghost type..." he muttered,

But his shock turned to disgust, spitting on the ground in disdain. "Fooled by a ghost," Kai growled, frustration evident in his voice. He wasn't one to back down, however. With a glare, he ordered, "Scraggy, Payback!"

Scraggy, charged with a vengeance, air around it seeming to warp with a buildup of dark retaliatory energy. It was a direct, violent attack, the kind that could turn the tide if it landed.

Jake was unfazed, his calmly commanding. "Protect, Jekyll!" At his words, a barrier shimmered into existence around Jekyll, a perfect shield. The Payback attack, potent with built-up energy, crashed against the Protect with a sound like thunder, only to be utterly repelled, force dissipating harmlessly into the air.

Elara's frustration was palpable as she cursed their luck. "That thing... how were we supposed to know?" she seethed, casting a wary glance towards Jekyll, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the chaos it wrought.

Siobhan couldn't help but be awed by the coordination between Jake and Jekyll. There was a dark, unsettling aspect to Jekyll, an intimidation factor that she found reassuring but also kind of scary.

Watching Jake and Jekyll work in harmony, a seed of inspiration planted itself in Siobhan's mind. She realised that, while Jekyll might possess the strength to dominate this battlefield alone, Herbie’s recovery now granted them a chance to turn the tides together. A newfound resolve firmed her stance as she watched Herbie, now visibly rejuvenated, leaves perking up with vitality. "Herbie, Leech Seed on Sandile," she commanded.

Herbie sprang into action, launching a barrage of seeds with pinpoint accuracy towards Sandile. Elara, too caught up with Jekyll, barely registered the attack until it was too late. The seeds struck Sandile, taking root swiftly and beginning their inexorable drain. The sudden shift caught Elara off guard, concern crossing her cold beautiful features.

Emboldened, Siobhan didn't let the momentum slip. "Now, Tackle on Scraggy!" she urged Herbie. With a determined charge, Herbie collided with Scraggy, sending him stumbling backwards, further away from the protection of his teammate. Jake's approving grin was all the confirmation Siobhan needed. "Perfect, well done," he complimented.

Wasting no time, Jake called for the next move. "Jekyll, use Astonish!" Jekyll blurred, a ghostly echo of movement before it delivered a startling blow. The moment Jekyll's form intersected with the Sandile the air around them seemed to shimmer. The Sandile's silhouette wavering like a mirage under a harsh noon sun, outline blurring, then sharpening into something far removed from the desert Pokémon it had impersonated. Where once stood a 'Sandile,' was a small fox-like creature with lush, dark fur that almost absorbed the light around it, eyes, bright and intelligent, glinted with defiance and unease.

"Zorua!" Elara gasped worriedly. The small dark fox Pokémon, now exposed, looked back at her with apology in its eyes.

"Whoa, did not expect that," Jake admitted, eyes wide with surprise. Siobhan nodded, equally taken aback. "Ellie used a Sandile in her battle against Ciara last year," she explained. "She must have been preparing this surprise."

Elara's frustration quickly morphed into encouragement for her Zorua. "Don't worry, we can still win this," she said to the small fox Pokémon with unexpected gentleness.

Jake couldn't help but comment. "I'm surprised she can be nice."

Siobhan sighed, nostalgia and sadness colouring her voice. "She was a sweet, gentle girl a few years back." Jake raised an eyebrow. "Really? Well, I guess seeing her attitude to her Zorua..."

"Is this what they call 'gap moe'?" Jake mused, only to be met with a puzzled look from Siobhan. "What do you mean?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Jake sighed, seeming to realise his comment might not translate, or be received well. "Never mind," he muttered to himself, deciding to drop the subject.

Siobhan giggled gently turning back to the task at hand. "Can you cover me for a bit?" she asked, a hint of determination in her voice. Jake nodded. "Let's use the shadow to our advantage," he instructed Jekyll, who responded with an enthusiastic 'Kyu!' blending seamlessly into the shadow.

Siobhan then focused on Herbie. "Use Growth," she commanded softly. Herbie stood still, concentrating deeply as he absorbed the nutrients and minerals from the life around him, visibly exposed yet undeterred.

Kai, driven by frustration and unable to contain his anger, ordered Scraggy to attack. "Get them now!" he shouted.

"Stop, you fool!" Elara cried out, but it was too late.

Siobhan watched, heart in her throat, as Scraggy, already on his last legs, driven by Kai's aggressive command, charged with a determination head forward, the delinquent Pokémon in the basest way it knew possible. Rooted in place by Ingrain, Herbie seemed an easy target. The battlefield was a maze of half-light and deep shadow, making it difficult to track movements with certainty. Scraggy's shadow seemed to loom over Herbie. Without so much as ripple in the air, Jekyll reappeared. There was no grand gesture, no dramatic unveiling. One moment there was empty space, and the next, Jekyll was there, attack a blur, a shadow within shadows, striking Scraggy from behind, sending it sprawling to the ground, unconscious before it even realised it had been hit.

The suddenness of the attack, the silent, almost eerie efficiency with which it was executed, left Kai momentarily speechless. "What the—? How did—?" The words tumbled out in a jumble, earlier bluster evaporating as he stared at his felled Pokémon.

Elara's frustration with Kai boiled over. "You idiot, of course, it was a trap! Why do I always have to pick up the pieces after you?" she berated him.

Kai, taken aback by the turn of events, could only argue back half-heartedly before admitting his mistake. "Sorry," he mumbled.

Elara didn’t hesitate. "Zorua, Snarl!" The usually adorable Zorua's face began to twist grotesquely, its face contorting into an exaggerated snarl. Dark energy pulsing within its open maw, a visage of pure intimidation aimed at both Herbie and Jekyll.

Siobhan's heart raced. This was the moment, the crucial point where action outweighed doubt, where the need to protect surged above all else. The sight of Zorua, energy gathering for an attack that threatened to sweep across them all, crystallised her resolve. She might miss Elara, the friendship they once shared, but now, standing on opposite ends of the battlefield, Siobhan knew she needed to rise above. For Herbie, for Jekyll, for Jake, and for the kind of trainer she aspired to be.

Breathing deeply, methodically sorting through her options, Siobhan focused. The leech seed was a steady drain on Zorua providing an undercurrent of advantage they couldn't afford to waste.

"Herbie, Vine Whip, aim for the legs!" she commanded. Herbie sent out a barrage of vines with pinpoint accuracy. The vines wrapped around Zorua's legs, pulling sharply and bringing the snarling figure to the ground, dark energy fizzling out into nothingness.

Jake, understanding the critical nature of their coordinated effort, nodded, quickly issuing his next command. "Jekyll, Mimic that whip!" Jekyll, paused, attention momentarily fixated on Herbie. The disguise Pokémon observing intently as Herbie executed his move. It wasn't a replication but a transformation of sorts. The shadow beneath Jekyll's ragged costume stirred, like dark water disturbed by a sudden gust. Slowly, deliberately, Jekyll’s true form extended outward, morphing into sinuous shapes that mirrored the vine whip but made entirely of shadow. These shadow whips, darker than the gloom surrounding them, snaked towards Zorua with a precision that belied their intangible nature.

As the shadow vines reached Zorua, they didn't merely entangle; they grasped. Jekyll, in its emulation of Herbie's move, added a twist of its own. The shadows wrapped around Zorua with an almost tangible force, pulling tight with an insistence that was borderline cruel. The grip was unyielding, shadows seeming to constrict with every attempt Zorua made to free itself.

There was growing desperation on Elara's face. Outnumbered, overwhelmed and visibly concerned for Zorua, now immobilised by Jekyll's dark mimicry, Elara's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Damn it!" she cursed worriedly.

Siobhan felt a stir of compassion. The sight of Zorua, struggling against the shadows, and Elara's concern resonated with her deeply. It wasn't just about winning anymore; it was about understanding and empathy. Taking a deep breath, Siobhan called across the field, voice steady yet filled with sincerity. "Elara, let's stop this. Forfeit the match. There's no need for Zorua to suffer further."

Elara's response was swift and sharp, tinged with bitterness. "Forfeit? You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Her retort was biting. Siobhan's heart sank at the reply, saddened by the wedge that grown between them. Yet, she held onto a sliver of hope that time might heal the rift and restore their friendship.

Siobhan knew what she had to do. "Herbie, Sleep Powder," she instructed softly. Herbie, still vibrant and revitalised from the Leech Seed, Growth and Ingrain combo, nodded understandingly. With a gentle shake, he released a fine mist of Sleep Powder into the air, spores glittering faintly as they descended towards Zorua.

A move not of aggression but of mercy, settled over Zorua gently. The dark fox Pokémon's struggles slowed, then ceased altogether as the powder took effect, easing it into a deep, peaceful slumber.

Victory was theirs, not through overwhelming aggression, but through strategic coordination and an understanding of their Pokémon’s strengths. Siobhan allowed herself a moment of pride, not in defeating Elara, but in affirming her belief that compassion and strategy could coexist on the battlefield.

She wouldn't become aggressive, not like Ciara or Elara. Siobhan would fight with the well-being of her Pokémon foremost in of her thoughts. Maybe that path wouldn't lead to becoming the best trainer in the conventional sense, but it would make her the trainer she aspired to be—one who respects and cherishes the bond with her Pokémon above all.

POV – JAKE

Under the shadow of the tower, the battlefield gradually settled into calm. Kai and Elara, their figures slumped in defeat, tended to their Pokémon with gentle, consoling movements. From a distance, Jake exhaled a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. The battle had flowed smoothly for him, with Jekyll deftly countering their opponents’ tactics. But his eyes drifted to Siobhan, who had seemed, for a moment, as if she were carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. He hoped she was alright, noticing that by the end of the battle, she appeared to have embraced a newfound resolve.

Jekyll hopped over to Jake; his disguise slightly askew but otherwise intact. “M-mimi, kyu?” the little Pokémon asked, his wide eye holes searching for approval in a way that melted Jake’s heart, as if asking, Was I good?

Jake couldn’t help but laugh, the sound echoing softly in the quiet. Kneeling down, he gently patted Jekyll and adjusted his costume—a daily ritual that had become a cherished moment of connection. “You were fantastic,” he said, his voice brimming with pride.

“Emol!”

Trixie, as if summoned by the laughter, swooped down from above, with the air of someone who had seen everything. She executed a cheeky barrel roll before landing gracefully next to Jekyll, tilting her head and waggling a paw at him. “Emol, emol,” she chirped, as if to say, You did alright, but I could have done better.

Jekyll, basking in Jake’s attention, puffed up indignantly. “Kyu!” he retorted, his tone clearly conveying, How dare you spoil my moment. You’ll pay for that! But Trixie, unfazed, stuck out her tongue, pulling a playful face.

“Mimi, kyu!” Jekyll exclaimed, turning back to Jake with wide, nervous eyes. “K-kyu?” he asked, the question hanging in the air, I was good, right?

Before Jake could respond, Trixie extended her paw and gently patted Jekyll on the head. “Emol, emol,” she cooed softly, her tone now kinder. “I was just teasing. You did great—well done.”

Jekyll stood perfectly still, momentarily stunned. Jake couldn’t help but smile; Trixie had learned well—praise and pats were super effective against his Mimikyu. Warmth spread through him as he watched the scene unfold. Trixie was becoming the supportive sister Jake had always known she could be.

Jake stood, brushing the dust from his knees, as his attention shifted to the approaching figures of Kai and Elara. Kai, usually blocky and imposing with his tanned skin, now seemed less so, his dark eyes carrying a surprising hint of humility. Elara, exuding a frosty elegance with her cold, blonde beauty and icy blue eyes, followed close behind, frustration evident in her gaze.

Kai cleared his throat, extending an unexpected olive branch. “You both fought well,” he admitted, his voice gruff but sincere. “But I hate that I fell for another trick,” he added with a grimace, clearly frustrated with himself.

Jake, caught off guard by Kai’s honesty, extended his hand. “So, we’re allowed into the tower now?” he asked, half-expecting another challenge.

Kai clasped Jake’s hand firmly, a smile breaking through his stern exterior. “Sorry about that,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s kind of a tradition here to mess with Mustard’s trialists. No hard feelings, I hope.”

Jake’s tension melted into a relaxed grin. “Whoa, you really had me going there.”

Kai laughed, a rich, genuine sound. “It’s part of our Master’s way, you know? Fear is a crucial element in Dark Pokémon training. Learning to harness that fear is half the battle.”

Jake nodded thoughtfully, taking in Kai’s words. The realisation that the Tower ahead would likely house even more experienced trainers lingered in his mind. I’ll need to be ready, he mused silently.

His attention shifted to Siobhan and Elara, who were engaged in a quiet conversation. Siobhan seemed lighter, more at ease, while Elara maintained her usual icy composure. Noticing Jake’s glance, Kai offered a knowing smile. “Don’t mind Elara; she can be a bit… intense. But her heart’s in the right place, especially when it comes to her Pokémon.”

“She’s got her sights set on battling Ciara this year at the cup. It’s going to be quite the showdown.”

Intrigued, Jake asked, “And what about you? Are you entering the cup too?”

Kai shook his head, a hint of resignation in his expression. “Not this time. I’m not quite there yet. Elara’s the Tower of Darkness’s contender this year.” He sighed, lowering his voice so only Jake could hear, “Ciara’s a sore spot for her. Last time… well, let’s just say it didn’t end well.”

Jake’s understanding deepened as he recalled Kai’s strategic use of Zorua earlier. Smiling reassuringly at Kai, he said, “Your secret’s safe with me—and with Siobhan. Ciara’s my rival too. We’re not giving her any advantage.” His words carried a sincere promise, and Kai’s grin widened, shaking Jake’s hand once more in gratitude.

Jake and Siobhan soon found themselves standing before the imposing gateway to the Tower. The interior was shrouded in an abyssal darkness that seemed to swallow all light. Jake let out a heavy sigh, the weight of their journey pressing down on him for a moment. “Finally, we made it,” he said, a mix of relief and anticipation in his voice.

“But the hardest part is yet to come,” Siobhan reminded him, standing by his side.

Jake nodded, steeling himself for what lay ahead. But before they could move forward, Siobhan spoke in a softer, more serious tone. “Jake.”

He turned to her, noticing how her shoulder-length orange hair caught the slight breeze, and was momentarily taken aback by the intensity in her green eyes—a depth he hadn’t fully appreciated before. “Thank you… for your help back there,” she said earnestly. “I’m not sure what I would have done without you.”

Jake waved off her thanks with a warm smile. “Of course, we’re partners,” he assured her. “But even more than that, we’re friends.”

Siobhan nodded, a grateful smile tugging at her lips. Moments like these sometimes made Jake forget where he was. In a world that often felt foreign and isolating, adrift in a sea of unfamiliar faces and customs, he was forging genuine connections. These friendships went beyond just his bond with Pokémon—people like Siobhan, who had shown him nothing but kindness, support, and camaraderie.

But with these growing ties came a twinge of guilt. Every new friendship, every Pokémon he bonded with, every person he grew closer to, only deepened the questions about his true goal. He was leaving an indelible mark on the Pokémon and people in this world—from Ciara to Siobhan—who would remember these moments. And he would too…

Jake shook his head, trying to dispel the creeping doubts. He needed to focus. “One thing at a time,” he murmured to himself. Looking up at the towering structure before him, so tall it strained his neck, he steeled his resolve. He would conquer this challenge, not just for himself, but for his friends. He was determined to make sure that his journey in this increasingly familiar, yet fantastical world would be one without regrets.

Setting his shoulders with renewed determination, Jake stepped into the darkness.