Chapter 27: A Tribulation

POV - JAKE

At long last, the summit was in sight.

Jake’s breath heaved as he climbed the last of what had felt like ten thousand steps.

Mustard had called his second trial a gauntlet, and he hadn't exaggerated. It had been gruelling, certainly testing both his physical strength and his patience. Despite a few hiccups, Jake felt things had gone rather smoothly so far. He had completed two of the three trial objectives: the Armorite ore secure in his pack and Arthrox evolving into a Whirlipede. Best of all, no Pokémon had been knocked out. So, with his spirits high, all that remained was to conquer this final floor.

Dark marble stone spiralled upwards, each step polished to a reflective sheen that caught the light, reflecting prismatic patterns along the walls. A plush, dark carpet, rich and well-maintained, ran down the centre of the staircase, cushioning Jake's steps and muffling the sounds of his climb. It was hard to believe this was a trainer school; the Tower of Darkness made the Master Dojo feel rustic in comparison. Jake wondered where they got the funding for this place, or if that was a consideration at all.

This world seemed to have different attitudes towards such matters compared to his own. Humanity here appeared to possess a more inherent desire to connect with nature, with Pokémon often regarded as embodiments of natural elements and ecosystems. Jake theorised that this had naturally led to a stronger belief in the virtue of conservation.

While concepts like capital, profit, and loss did exist and held importance to some, they were not as central or valued in society as on Earth. The vast majority of the population esteemed virtues such as asceticism and philanthropy far more highly. Honour, dedication, personal simplicity, and generosity were seen as core principles, consistently and actively practiced. Contributions towards conservation and cooperation were expected from everyone, including those with wealth and power, who were expected to use their resources in alignment with these values. Criminal organisations, such as Team Rocket, Aqua or Magma, had similar underlying values or goals, though their methods were extreme or questionable.

This was a more profound cultural distinction than Jake had expected, and he was still trying to understand it—a mindset challenging for his Western-influenced perspective to grasp.

"Emol!" The bright call snapped Jake out of his reverie. He looked up to see Trixie, his faithful scout, sitting casually at the top of the stairs, perched on the stair rails. He could almost hear her saying, "Come on, Jakey! Did you get lost or something? I’ve been waiting here forever!"

"Easy for you to say," he muttered under his breath, a grin tugging at his lips despite himself. "You didn't just climb the stairway to heaven."

Trixie was vibing with excitement, eagerly jabbing her paw forward to urge him on. Jake sighed. What a handful she was.

“Cynda, quil!” Iggy chirped, her little feet tapping happily on Jake's shoulder. ‘Not far to go, Jake! We’re almost there! You’ve got this!’

Jake chuckled. “At least someone believes in me,” he said playfully, giving Iggy an affectionate pat. “I don’t know what I’d do without you cheering me on, Iggy.”

With a light pant, legs burning, Jake pushed up the last few steps, peering over the landing to see a grand semi-circular hallway stretched out before him. The curved walls were lined with tall windows, allowing the fading light of dusk to filter through. He stepped up to find himself on a balcony that wrapped around the entire room, overlooking the hall below.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, feeling the familiar weight of Iggy on his shoulder. Trixie flew over to perch on his other shoulder, paws gripping his shirt. The two Pokémon began chattering animatedly, cheerful voices a comforting background noise.

He followed the curved wall lined with tall windows, offering a panoramic view of the world outside. The light of dusk was bright but steadily fading, a golden hue illuminating the room.

"Trix, Iggy, come check this out!" he called to the Pokémon perched on his shoulders, guiding them closer to take in the breathtaking view. As he gazed out from an almost dizzying height, he heard both Pokémon gasp, the sheer drop below towards the speck of dark tiled roofs of Grimnore filling him with a sudden rush of vertigo.

To the east, a vast, endless ocean stretched out as far as the eye could see, disappearing into the unknown. It was rather strange. The Isle of Armor was modelled on the Isle of Man which sat west, between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Here, the Isle of Armor was on the opposite side, towards what he supposed must be this world’s version of Europe. Perhaps this peculiar geography was the reason he landed here instead of Wyndon. He wasn’t about to become one of those kids who just blamed it all on the magic, after all.

Jake noticed the mountain range concealing Brawler's Cave, rugged peaks hiding Applinby from view. Looking further westward, he saw the expansive Training Lowlands, a broad stretch of grassland extending all the way to the Honeycalm Sea, which lay between Armor and the mainland of Galar.

"Emol!" Trixie pointed her tiny paw towards the horizon, eyes wide. "So pretty!"

‘Cynda! Quil?’ Iggy nodded enthusiastically in agreement. “Amazing! What’s out there?”

“Kalos or Paldea, I guess?” Jake said. “Not sure about anything after that. We would have to go to find out.”

Jake supposed it would be quite simple to do. Back on Earth, travelling to France was merely a train journey away. He didn’t know if a similar connection existed here, or even the exact proximity of Kalos to Galar. However, with the abundance of modern technology in this world, perhaps a Channel Tunnel-like link existed here as well.

“Cynda, cynda?” Iggy replied eagerly. “Jake, will we visit my home one day?”

“Johto, eh?” Jake looked at Iggy with soft eyes, saying gently, “Well, who knows? Maybe we can swing by on our way to Sinnoh. But we’ll need to be really strong to be able to do that.”

“Cynda!” Iggy said with a brave nod. “Well we won’t need to worry about that. I’m going to be the strongest ever!”

“Emol!” Trixie scoffed. “Iggy, you’re so funny thinking you can be more amazing than me—Jake would back me up!”

“Cynda, quil!” Iggy replied, “No way, Trixie! Jake would never agree with that. He believes in me, and I’m going to be way more awesome than you!”

“No, it's gonna be me who's the most awesome, Iggy!” Trixie declared, unfazed.

“Nuh-uh, Trixie! It will be me!”

“It’s going to be me.”

“It's definitely going to be me!”

Jake chuckled and interrupted, “Alright, alright, let’s all agree that we’re all awesome.”

Trixie and Iggy paused, looked at each other resentfully, not quite satisfied, but nodded in agreement.

But then, Jake couldn't resist grinning as he added, 'But, of course, in the end it’s gonna be me!"

Trixie and Iggy exchanged a glance, rolled their eyes, and then turned to Jake, shouting in unison, “Boo!”

Jake turned to lean against the railing, surveying the antechamber. The walls and floors were lined with dark wood panelling, pristine and meticulously maintained. It was quite modern, organised and well-kept, different from the often chaotic, punkish, rough-and-tumble portrayal of Dark Pokémon trainers in the games. In Galar, Team Yell had a football hooligan vibe, though they were admittedly better dressed and, fortunately, not nearly as destructive as the real thing.

Jake spotted large, imposing double doors directly opposite him on the straight edge of the semi-circle, probably leading to the final challenge. Near to the doors was a small area with neatly arranged, comfortable-looking benches, perhaps intended as a waiting room.

Jake descended into the hall, which appeared to have a separate function as a training gym, large enough to accommodate two small battle courts and a variety of training equipment. Iggy and Trixie excitedly chattered along the way, observing the strange machines and equipment below. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he noticed it was in use—unmistakable sounds of training entering his ears. The dash of Pokémon against sand, the dull thud of impacts, the efforts of trainers and Pokémon echoing through the space.

Jake spotted several Tower students, an Impidimp darted between obstacles with swift, agile movements, devilish grin never fading. A Nickit practised pouncing techniques, landing silently upon marked spots in the sand. Nearby, a Rookidee flitted through the air, engaging in a mock battle against a Purrloin, executing tight aerial manoeuvres while the Purrloin tried to respond with quick, calculated swipes.

Then, a sharp bell ring trilled through the antechamber. Jake's head snapped towards the noise, heart sinking as frustration surged within him. In the middle of the semi-circular side of the room, doors were sliding open to reveal an elevator. Jake clenched his fists—a cruel joke. All that effort, all that endless trudging up step after step. He almost put his head in his hands.

"Oh, come on!" Jake groaned. "I'm really getting sick of these tricksy setups. Seriously, is it too much to ask for a straightforward path for once?"

Trixie mirrored his sentiment with a huffy emol. "I know, right! And always the same trick over and over! So not original!"

Jake glanced at her; one eyebrow raised. "You too, huh?"

Trixie puffed her cheeks. She pointed towards the elevator, emoling out a stream of complaints. "And I had to fly around so much, all for this? It's just not fair!"

Jake's eyes deadened as he looked at her. "Really, Trix? You're complaining now?” He shook his head. "You know, it's not always about you. Maybe give your poor trainer a break and learn to be a little considerate."

Trixie huffed and crossed her arms, a pouting that was more endearing than defiant.

Before Jake could continue his lecture, Iggy piped up, "Cynda, quil!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with pure conviction. "This challenge is helping us! It's what Mustard would have wanted, for us to face it together and grow strong as one!"

Jake and Trixie both flinched, shielding their eyes. "Ah, too bright!" Jake squinted and holding up a hand. Trixie mimicking him, both paws to covering her eyes dramatically.

"Seems like we were wrong, and Iggy is right, Trix," Jake admitted, giving Trixie a sidelong glance. She nodded reluctantly, shame in her expression. Jake then turned and gently patted Iggy's head. "You’ll keep us on the straight and narrow, won’t you? Never change, Iggy," he murmured.

"Yeah, don't ever change!" Trixie echoed, joining in patting Iggy.

Iggy tilted her head, pleased, but a look of confusion on her face. "Huh?"

A familiar face emerged from the lift—Elara, her Zorua perched on her shoulder. The trainer Jake and Siobhan had defeated at the base of the tower. Her bright, almost white, blonde hair caught the eye, accentuating her pale, cold beauty.

Ice-blue eyes noticed, narrowed, then frosted.

It seemed like she wanted to ignore him, but having made eye contact, could not avoid him. The girl sighed heavily and reluctantly walked over to him.

Jake noticed out of the corner of his eye Trixie, with Iggy imitating her, trying to wave cheerfully at the Zorua, who seemed to shy away and bury its face in Elara’s hair.

"Jake, was it?” Elara's voice carried a haughty edge, her expression indifferent. "I suppose congratulations are in order for making it here. Then again, considering how you beat us, it’s hardly surprising."

"You flatter me, Elara. But apparently I took the scenic route.” He gesturing at the lift. "No sense in rushing, after all."

Elara’s eyes glinted with cold amusement, though she did not smile. "Tradition dictates that trialists make the climb. Generations have done so. The lift is a more recent addition, and not without controversy. It used to be everyone had to take the stairs. Some of our alumni claim it’s making us soft. But then again, it is quite amusing to watch you figure out the lift exists after all that effort."

Jake smiled. "Well, at least there is quick way out, I guess. That’s a plus. Anyway, do you know what happens next?"

"Wait until the Mistress calls your name. It's not exactly a difficult concept," She stated coolly.

Jake grinned at her, unfazed. "Alright, got it. So, who exactly is this Mistress I've been hearing about? What's her deal?"

Elara's eyebrow arched, making him feel as though he had asked a foolish question. "Her deal? Seriously, what planet are you from? The Mistress is famous throughout Galar. How could you not know that?”

Jake rubbed his head, wry as he said. "Guess you could say I've been in my own little world. But who can say for certain. Anyway, I'm not really in the know these days."

Elara stared at Jake in disbelief. "Even so, you really have not heard of Morgana Baines?"

Jake shook his head, his expression calm.

With a slight grimace, Elara pressed, "The Grim Lady?" She clearly didn't care for the moniker.

Jake shook his head once more, bemused as Trixie and Iggy followed suit, heads bobbing in perfect sync.

Elara sighed with irritation. "Idiots exist, after all. Fine, let us find a seat. My feet are sore."

Despite her words, she led Jake to a bench, waiting for him to sit gratefully before taking her place beside him. Jake noticed the small gesture, recalling Siobhan's comments about Elara actually being a nice girl. He had been doubtful given her first and second impression, but perhaps she was right and it was too early to judge. In any case, Elara had a lot of information that Jake might find useful in the upcoming battle.

Jake's Pokémon hopped down from his shoulders, chattering to each other. Trixie and Iggy had become very close friends, though sometimes Iggy became exasperated by Trixie’s antics. Jake sometimes wondered who the real big sister was in their relationship. Meanwhile, Zorua watched them curiously from Elara’s shoulder but remained too timid to join in.

Elara's voice remained cold as she began. "Morgana Baines is the chair of the GDPC."

Jake interrupted, "The GDPC"

"The Galarian Dark Pokémon Coalition, the largest Dark-type coalition in Galar," Elara clarified, giving him a look. Jake found himself intrigued. Acronyms apparently existed here too. He had vaguely heard of the term ‘coalition’ during his brief studies at the Master Dojo but hadn't given it much thought. However, listening to Elara, it seemed that the GDPC and similar coalitions were significant organisations. Although independent from Pokémon gyms, they tended to have very close associations with them. Coalitions looked after Pokémon interests on a broader scale than just training or battling. Gym members often joined the GDPC or other coalitions, though it was not obligatory. These coalitions represented a variety of Pokémon interests across Galar, acting as trade unions, conservation efforts, and pressure groups all rolled into one.

Elara continued, becoming more animated as she described the GDPC's multifaceted role. They were advocates, representing the interests of their members in the political arena, lobbying for favourable legislation and the well-being of all Dark-type Pokémon. They facilitated commerce, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices in economic activities involving Dark Pokémon.

Although conservation issues were less pressing in Galar compared to Earth, Elara explained how coalitions like the GDPC worked to maintain and enhance natural habitats suitable for their Pokémon. They also focused on education, offering sponsorships and resources to enhance skills and knowledge, promoting high standards of Pokémon care and training.

Membership was open to trainers, breeders, researchers, and anyone with a vested interest in the Pokémon type, with Pokémon associated with these types considered honorary members. Coalitions were not monolithic; many existed across all types, including more general coalitions that supported specific public activities, such as healthcare or infrastructure.

Elara went on as she described how Morgana Baines, the leader of the Tower of Darkness, was the current elected Chair of the GDPC. This made her a powerful figure with significant influence in Galar, even at the national level in Wyndon.

As Elara spoke, Jake realised she was doing more than just answering his question; she was being genuinely helpful. Her passion for Dark Pokémon and respect for the Mistress shone through her otherwise icy exterior. Despite her regrettable haughtiness, she was providing him with valuable information, revealing a side of her that was considerate and unexpectedly kind.

Jake shook his head, smiling at her. "Elara, you’re full of surprises. Who would have thought you’d be so nice to teach a clueless guy like me? Thanks for that."

Elara's face turned slightly pink as she crossed her arms defensively. "You don't have to be an idiot about it. You asked for my help, didn't you? Shut up and stop being annoying."

"Luna!" Elara suddenly exclaimed in surprise as the Zorua dropped out of her hair, ears twitching nervously as she slowly approached Trixie and Iggy, who were animatedly waving her over. Iggy nodded in agreement. It seemed the irresistible Trixie was finally coaxing Luna out of her shell.

Jake watched, pleased. "Looks like someone’s making new friends," he said.

"Luna does not usually get along with other Pokémon," Elara admitted, softer than usual.

Jake shook his head, grinning. "Not many stand a chance against Trixie. She's adorable, its unfortunate that she knows it all too well.”

Trixie, hearing him, stuck her tongue out with a 'blegh.' Jake just smirked at her and turned to Elara. "Luna, huh? Such a cute name," he teased.

Elara glared at him. "Must you be such a pain?” she said, but then added softly. "But yes, I thought Luna suited her."

"Well, this Mistress of yours sounds like someone I don't want to mess with," he said, receiving another glare from Elara. He looked around at the immense chamber. "This place is enormous. Hard to believe it's a trainer school.”

Elara pressed a frustrated hand to her forehead for a moment before speaking with dripping condescension. "The Towers of Armor have been famous for centuries. It's a pity some lack such fundamental knowledge. I suppose I must continue to educate you.”

Jake tried not to roll his eyes but leaned in, curious.

"The Tower of Darkness," Elara began, her voice carrying a note of pride, "traces its roots back to Spikemuth. A long time ago, a fierce battle between two powerful Grimmsnarl happened here. It is said that the residual dark aura from that battle still lingers. I cannot say how accurate this is, as it is a legend. But it is undeniable that Dark Pokémon seem to feel very comfortable here. So, perhaps, there is a grain of truth to it."

Jake remembered Siobhan telling him about the Tower of Darkness and its counterpart, the Tower of Waters. According to her, settlers from Spikemuth and Hulbury had founded both towers a few centuries ago. Jake wasn't sure if that connection still held, but he thought these places might have a status like UNESCO heritage sites on Earth, where there is a public interest in preserving them.

Jake's mind also wandered to the concept of aura, one of the more mystical aspects of the Pokémon world. Just before arriving on Armor, he had been playing Pokémon Black and remembered Chargestone Cave in Unova. That area had a Magnetic Field that allowed Pokémon such as Magneton to evolve into Magnezone. Perhaps the Tower of Darkness had a similar phenomenon, an area saturated with the aura of a specific type. This element of the Pokémon world challenged his real-world perceptions. Honestly, he couldn't say he sensed anything unusual. He just felt normal.

Jake waggled his hand around, wondering if he looked ridiculous. "I don’t feel anything special," he said.

Elara confirmed he did indeed. "Of course you don't. Humans cannot sense aura, only Pokémon can."

Jake raised an eyebrow. "Then how did they find this place?"

Elara paused, a slight hesitation in her voice. "They would have followed their Pokémon, obviously."

This was curious. Jake remembered that in one of the few anime movies he had seen, it was mentioned that some humans in the past could sense aura. However, it was suggested that the ability had either died out, become rare, or the technique to use it had been forgotten. Elara clearly did not think it was possible at all. Perhaps Jake would find out more one day.

"That's interesting, Elara. I can see why this place is so special. I'm curious, how did you become part of this? What does it take to join the Tower?"

"Like many others here, I grew up in Grimnore. The Tower has always accepted local children. Occasionally, we take in gym trainers from Spikemuth, but they're usually disappointing. The Mistress has often tried to correct their behaviour, with little success." She shook her head slightly, a hint of disdain in her eyes. "Despite the size of the tower, this means there are few students. As someone from one of the original settler families, I prefer it that way."

"Pardon my lack of respect, your highness," Jake said sarcastically, with a grin.

Elara's eyes narrowed, a small, reluctant smile playing on her lips. "You have been most uncouth," she retorted, though a hint of pink coloured her cheeks as she spoke.

Jake nodded. "So, Kai mentioned you’re competing in the upcoming tournament. Are you excited about it?”

"Yes, the Armorshyr Cup. I have rightfully earned my place to compete. I am quite looking forward to it; there is a particular score I must settle," Elara said coldly.

"Let me guess, Ciara?" he teased.

Elara's eyes flashed. "Do not mention that name."

Jake smirked, leaning back and relaxing. "Pretending she doesn't exist won't help you.”

Elara's voice dripped with sarcasm. "That’s quite the revelation, Jake.”

"Sounds like there's some history there. Siobhan mentioned something about that.”

Elara sighed; exasperated. "You’re annoyingly persistent, Jake," she muttered, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of hurt. "Long story short, yes. Siobhan and I were best friends, but she chose Ciara over me, and that was the end of it."

Jake's expression softened. "That really doesn't sound like the Siobhan I know, Elara. I've only known her for a short while, but she doesn't seem like the type to abandon a friend." He thought to himself, bemused, how teenage dynamics seemed to exist across all dimensions.

Elara shot him a look, almost as if she could read his mind. "You wouldn’t understand." she said defensively.

Jake shrugged. "Maybe not, and I know things can be complicated. But it might just be a misunderstanding. I mean, Ciara and I had our differences too. But after a battle and a bit of talk no jutsu, things got better. Isn’t it weird how Pokémon battles can solve so much?"

As he was speaking, Jake noticed that Luna had foolishly wandered a little too close to him, distracted by Iggy, who seemed to be in the midst of one of her wise, passionate speeches. Amused and curious, Jake couldn't resist reaching out to tickle the Zorua’s ears. Her fur felt like liquid silk, soft and warm under his fingers. A slight static charge made the fine hairs stand up and cling to his hand, adding a tingly sensation.

Luna glanced up at him with wide eyes, momentarily startled, but did not revert to an illusion. Jake's touch remained gentle and teasing, as he ran his fingers through her fur, fascinated by the silky texture and the way she responded. He could see the initial hesitancy in her eyes, but slowly, Luna began to relax, nuzzling into his hand.

Jake recalled from the Pokédex entry that Zorua had supposedly developed its Illusion ability due to its timid nature, allowing it to disguise itself out of shyness.This was fascinating, as it supported the idea on Pokémon moves: that with continued practice and application, they could evolve, becoming more specialised and pronounced to the point of being a core of their very being. Jake began to wonder how he could apply this concept to his own Pokémon training.

Regular Zorua were known to use their Illusions mischievously, playing harmless pranks. In contrast, their ancient Hisuian counterparts used Illusions spitefully, to create terror and dread. That would not be the Pokémon to meet on a dark, stormy night, Jake thought as he stroked the contented Luna.

Trixie and Iggy looked over, half-amused and half-jealous, but in good spirits. Jake’s smile widened as he continued to pet Luna, enjoying the simple act of connecting with the shy Pokémon.

Elara stared at Jake; her voice softer than usual. "I can't believe it. It took me so long to get her to trust me. I spent almost all of last year working with her not to keep up her illusion all the time. How do you do that so easily?" Her eyes were wide, as if seeing him truly for the first time.

Jake raised an eyebrow, grinning. "Is it really that unusual? Most Pokémon I’ve met so far seem pretty nice if you give them a chance.” He tickled Luna's chin, laughing as she giggled and finally got away to the safety of Elara's lap.

Despite his words, for the first time, Jake felt he could really respect Elara. She was haughty and not the easiest of company in some ways, but it was no mean feat to win the trust of such a naturally shy Pokémon like Luna. The dedication required, the patience and resilience needed to bring a Zorua out of its desire to blend in at every opportunity—were qualities he could admire.

Connecting with Luna was only possible because of the immense effort Elara had put in. He felt a sense of kinship; training a Zorua probably wasn't too far removed from a Mimikyu in certain ways, though perhaps without that adorable psychosis. He smirked, thinking how he had come to find Jekyll's more terrifying tendencies oddly endearing.

Elara looked at him oddly, then sighed. "You might be right, Jake, but it doesn’t always work out that way."

Jake nodded; his expression thoughtful. "Sure, there have been a few close calls, but that’s mostly when I’ve stumbled into their territory. The amazing thing is, when you get past that, all Pokémon really want is to be friends." Although, he mused dryly, attempting this with that Druddigon would probably not go quite the same way. It was all about intention and sincerity, as Master Mustard had said, but circumstances did apply, and sometimes a wild Pokémon’s protective instincts could be a tad too strong.

Elara continued to stare at him, her ice-blue eyes widening in surprise. Her usual haughty demeanour faltered; typical arrogance melting away. She opened her mouth, closed it, then spoke, unusually gentle.

"You really do care for Pokémon, don’t you." It was not a question. "Maybe I’ve been looking at the wrong rival all this time."

Then, something extraordinary happened. Elara smiled. It wasn't her usual cool, smug smirk but a genuine, bright smile that lit up her face, with an edge of relief as if a burden had been lifted. The frosty aura that usually surrounded her seemed to dissolve, revealing the sweet and kind girl hidden underneath.

Jake was momentarily stunned, but just as he was about to respond, a familiar voice echoed through the hall.

"Jake!"

His head snapped towards the sound. At the top of the stairs was a long-lost but familiar face. Shoulder-length bright orange hair, even in the fading light, and bright green eyes set on a cute face. Lillie, her Fomantis, perched on her shoulder.

"Siobhan," Jake breathed, voice barely above a whisper. His heart leapt, and he stood up, a broad grin spreading across his face.

A rush of air, a brush of fur, sparks by his cheeks, heat by his feet. Jake watched bemused as Trixie and Iggy raced towards Siobhan excitedly, chirping at her.

"Aww, Trixie, Iggy, I missed you guys too," Siobhan said, smile widening as she knelt to greet them. She tried to hug them both but found it too difficult, laughing as she scratched their heads instead. Trixie flew around her head, while Iggy let out a delighted ‘cynda!’, clearly happy to see her.

Jake sighed, the true way to a Pokémon's heart was through its stomach. All that mushy talk about friendship was nice and all, but there was no sincerer love than the one for food. Siobhan, an innkeeper’s daughter, worked hard to master Pokémon nutrition. Her culinary talents extended to people as well and she was generous enough to share her meals with him occasionally, something Jake was very appreciative of.

He watched the scene for a moment longer, but then he remembered himself and looked over at Elara. Her smile and kindness had vanished. She stood with her arms crossed, looking tense and distant.

"Siobhan," Jake called, drawing her attention. She looked up, eyes bright with happiness, but then she noticed Elara and her expression faltered slightly.

"Jake, it's so good to see you," Siobhan said, standing up and brushing off her knees. "I was so worried when we got separated.

Jake chuckled. "Well, there were a few touch and go moments, but thanks to my team, I pulled through." He nodded towards Trixie and Iggy. Trixie flashed him a a cheeky thumbs up while casually evading Lillie's swiping claw. "It's really great to see you, Siobhan." As she approached, Jake noticed the perspiration on her forehead and smiled sympathetically.

Siobhan beamed at Jake, walking over to him, relief and happiness in her eyes. "That climb was quite something. I had no doubt you'd get through, though." She glanced at Elara, smile a bit more hesitant. "Hey, Ellie. It's good to see you. Didn't expect to find you here with Jake."

Elara looked at Siobhan closely, gaze shifting to Jake and then back to her. A slow, cruel smile crept across her face. "Oh, it’s been wonderful meeting Jake," she said in an exaggeratedly sweet way. "We’ve been getting along so well, haven’t we?"

Jake raised an eyebrow, thinking sarcastically, with a grimace at Elara’s tone. ‘Wonderfully awkward, maybe.’

Siobhan forced a smile, though she seemed a bit hurt. She took a small step back, eyes flickering away from Elara. "Well, that’s... great," she said, wavering slightly. "I’m glad you two are getting along."

Jake hesitated, trying to diffuse the situation. "Elara, I don't think—"

Elara cut him off smoothly. "Oh, you must call me Ellie, Jake. All my friends do." She emphasised "friends" her eyes flicking to Siobhan. "Now, I must go train. It's been nice meeting you, Jake. We'll see each other at the Cup, no doubt."

She walked away gracefully, completely ignoring Siobhan. Luna waving a timid goodbye at Jake, Trixie and Iggy. Jake stood there, feeling awkward and guilty as he saw the hurt in Siobhan's eyes.

Jake sighed as he walked over to Siobhan, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't let her get to you," he said gently. "Elara's just... well, Ellie, now, I guess." He smiled, hoping to lighten the mood. "You know, I think she practices that stare in front of a mirror."

Siobhan smiled weakly, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I never thought Ellie would become an Ice-type." She sighed, looking away. "I really do hope we can be friends again." Brightening up, she glanced at Jake briefly. "Anyway, thanks for that. Let's not dwell on it."

She then smirked at him. "So, what's your secret? How did you melt the Ice Princess’ heart? I've never seen anyone do it since she lost to Ciara."

Jake laughed, feeling the tension ease. "Oh, you know, just my irresistible personality." They found a spot in the semi-circular hall, settling down at a table in the waiting area. The dull echoes of training in the air. Trixie and Iggy scampered back, playfully circling around him.

Despite the climb, Jake noted that Siobhan didn’t seem nearly as tired as he had been. He remembered reading that Earth's oxygen levels were around 21%, but the textbooks at the Master Dojo mentioned it was 27% here. It was only a few percentage points higher, but it made a huge difference to human adaptation—enhancing endurance, speeding up recovery, and boosting overall resilience. No wonder everyone here seemed so fit and energetic. Jake already felt noticeably healthier, and if he kept this up, it wouldn't be long before he caught up.

Siobhan set Lillie down on the table. Then, her eyes lit up with excitement. "Jake, I have something to show you!" she exclaimed, noticeably cheering up. Jake looked at her with interest as she released a Poké Ball.

A sweet-smelling aroma, refreshing and soothing, reminiscent of blooming flowers, filled the air. Emerging from the light was Herbie, a foot taller than from when he was a Bulbasaur.

Herbie now had a robust, muscular body covered in vibrant green skin with a slightly rough texture. His eyes were large and expressive, a deep crimson red that radiated a gentle yet determined aura. The large bulb on his back, now partially open and revealing lush, pink petals that emitted the sweet fragrance. The bulb's thick, leafy stalks supported the budding flower, the leaves broad and sturdy, with a slight sheen that reflected the hall's overhead lights.

Jake's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow," he breathed, feeling a strong wave of nostalgia wash over him. An Ivysaur. He had had one too once. Just never a real one. He smiled warmly. "Congrats, Herbie!"

Herbie gave a gentle, but proud, "Ivy, saur," crimson eyes sparkling on his placid face. Trixie and Iggy were equally impressed, circling Herbie and chirping with interest. Trixie’s cheeks sparked lightly with excitement while Iggy sniffed curiously at the sweet aroma.

"He's amazing, Siobhan," Jake said. "You’ve done a great job with him."

Siobhan clapped her hands together in delight. "Thanks, Jake! Herbie evolved on the last floor. I was so excited, I just had to show you!"

Jake grinned, happy that she had cheered up, and jumped up, striking a dramatic pose. "Ah, lo and behold! I too have something to share. Allow me to introduce... my latest companion!" he declared with a theatrical bow, releasing his Pokémon with a flourish as Siobhan laughed.

Jekyll, of course, hopped over to Jake immediately, sitting contentedly on the table close to him. Jake reached out to give the customary reassuring pat.

Next, Arthrox rolled over, moving a bit jerkily as he tried to get used to his new form, like someone struggling with a unicycle. His hard, segmented shell gleamed under the lights as he hesitantly approached. Jake sympathised, but there was little he could do at this moment other than pat Arthrox, appreciating his patience and loyalty.

Finally, the star of the show, Tuli, descending from on high in all her tentacled glory, lights flashing, the little cephalopod spinning cheerily to soak in the applause. Jake felt Tuli's innocent curiosity wash over his mind. One question, then ten, then way too many.

As Jake was trying to sort through it all, “You caught another Pokémon?" Siobhan's eyes wide with surprise, and she looked at Jake as if questioning his sanity. “And an Inkay, of all things! I’ve heard they’re common in south Armor, but how in the world did you find the time to catch one?”

"Actually, Tuli kind of found me." he replied wryly. "I don’t think this Inkay is a local." He shook his head, the powerful vision of that Lugia still fresh in his thoughts.

Siobhan then teased, "You’re gearing up to battle Master Mustard for real, aren’t you? Nearly all of your Pokémon has some advantage against Fighting types. Ciara will probably take it as a challenge." She said with a playful smile, turning her attention to Tuli. "It’s really nice to meet you, Tuli."

Tuli, floated over to Siobhan with a curious ‘Ink?’. Her eyes widened as she quickly realised, much quicker than Jake, what Tuli was doing—projecting thoughts into her mind. "That’s cute," Siobhan said at first, but then she glanced over at Jake, her cheeks flushing heavily. "Hey, don’t say that!" she told Tuli indignantly.

Jake looked puzzled, not quite understanding the context, but tentacles were always fun. He was happy to see Siobhan being so understanding of Tuli's visions. Not everyone would be, and Jake would have his hands full teaching the cephalopod some manners. Now, that was a statement he never thought he would make.

She looked at Jake, her cheeks still pink. "Your Inkay really doesn’t hold back with questions, does she?"

Jake chuckled. "Tuli means well," he said as he too was subjected to a flood of questions into his mind. He held out his hand, and Tuli settled gently on it. The sensation was unique—her tentacles tickled his skin, and he felt a mild repulsive force on his hand, likely the gravity control that allowed her to float. "She’s just very... inquisitive. Please forgive her, she has not been around too many people."

Siobhan’s blush deepened, but she couldn’t help but laugh too. "Oh, well sure, she’s definitely unique." she said.

"How about we break out the snacks?" Siobhan suggested, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

As they unpacked, trying to enjoy the relative calm before, Jake decided to satisfy his curiosity. "Siobhan, would you mind telling me more about Mistress Morgana? Ellie mentioned she was a famous figure."

Siobhan looked at him, a bit incredulous. "You really don’t know about Mistress Morgana?" She quickly caught herself and apologised. "I’m sorry, I know you don’t remember much."

Her scrutiny as she said this made Jake slightly uncomfortable, but this was not the place for that conversation, and she soon moved on.

"Mistress Morgana is a renowned Dark Pokémon trainer," Siobhan began. "She was never a Champion, but she came close years ago. I remember watching her battles on TV. I heard that she left the scene for a time to raise her children.

"Nowadays, she's better known for her position in the GDPC and her philanthropy than battling, but there can be no doubt that she is completely devoted to Dark Pokémon."

Jake listened intently as Siobhan continued, "The Baines family is one of the oldest in Galar. They've been in Spikemuth for as long as anyone can remember. They basically run the Pokémon gym there."

‘I wonder if Morgana is related to Piers and Marnie in some way?’ Jake thought.

Siobhan shrugged. "Morgana is well-known for her incredibly strong Grimmsnarl. It’s one of those Pokémon people either admire or fear. That Grimmsnarl has been in some notorious battles. Morgana herself is renowned for her psychological and cunning battle style. That’s what earned her the nickname, the ‘Grim Lady.’”

"I probably won’t be calling her that to her face," he said dryly.

"Better not." Siobhan nodded, visibly a little nervous.

Jake thought about his battle with Rowan and his experience of nasty tactics. It seemed like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. "All in all, we’ll need to be ready," he said, determination in his voice.

Siobhan nodded; expression resolute. "That's for sure."

Siobhan then mentioned that she had heard from previous students that the final trial usually takes place later at night. Jake glanced at the fading evening light through the high windows of the semi-circular hall. The soft orange glow was giving way to deeper blues. ‘I guess it won’t be too long now,’ he mused.

They spent the next hour resting, recuperating, and preparing for the final round, sharing food with their Pokémon.

As they ate, Siobhan turned to Jake with a thoughtful expression. "You know, Jake, you might want to slow down on catching new Pokémon for a while."

Jake looked at her, mid-bite. "How come? Is there some kind of restriction?"

Siobhan shook her head. "There's no strict limit on how many Pokémon you can catch or have with you, but you can only register a maximum of six for a battle." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "In theory, you can have as many as you want, but in practice, most people will only keep two or three Pokémon unless they are serious trainers or collectors. It’s just not practical to have too many."

Jake listened intently, nodding.

"It's not healthy for a Pokémon if a trainer can't devote enough time to each of them," Siobhan continued gently. "When you have too many, it's hard to give each one the attention and training they deserve. Master Mustard always says the best trainers know how to rotate their team at the right time."

Jake grinned. "I guess Pokémon need a holiday, huh?" He raised an eyebrow at Trixie, who was dozing with an expanded belly after gorging herself on snacks. Iggy and Tuli were poking her delicately, trying to rouse her, while Arthrox and Jekyll looked on with disdain.

Siobhan giggled at the sight. "Right," she said, still smiling. "Sometimes they do need a break, just like us."

Jake nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "That makes sense. Where do they go? Is there a box of some kind?"

Siobhan gave him a puzzled look. "What do you mean, a box?"

Jake felt a bit foolish but pressed on. "You know, like for storing Pokémon?"

Siobhan burst into laughter. "Jake, you can be kind of ridiculous sometimes."

Jake chuckled weakly, genuinely surprised. So, no digital storage system? No automatic transfer upon a catch? Maybe it was a meta concept the game developers had to implement for practical reasons. The physics of that didn't seem translatable into reality. Too bad for Bill if that was the case.

Trying to wrap his head around this, Jake asked his most dreaded question, "Is there a cost implication of having too many Pokémon?"

He felt a bit uneasy. He was currently totally dependent on Mustard’s generosity and didn’t want to be a burden. Siobhan just laughed at his expression.

"Why yes, it can be," she said sweetly. "But that usually comes much later in a trainer’s journey. Often, a sponsor will help with that as part of their contract with you. But it does depend on what Pokémon you have, of course."

Jake smiled, appreciating her kind and informative tone. "Most of my Pokémon are pint-sized and don’t require a huge amount of food," he admitted.

"Oh, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that for a while," Siobhan said warmly. She then pointed at Iggy and Arthrox with a gentle smile. "Although, those two might give you a run for your money later on."

Jake nodded thoughtfully. He was lucky none of his Pokémon had much of an upkeep. Trixie ate frequently but often fed herself, flitting around and foraging for snacks. Iggy and Tuli didn’t have particularly large appetites, though Tuli's curiosity made her sample everything. Jake still didn’t understand what Jekyll ate, if he ate at all. And Arthrox... well, Arthrox currently didn’t have a mouth.

Siobhan shared some of her knowledge about Pokémon nutrition. "More advanced trainers often have their Pokémon on specialised diets, and those can be really expensive. Again, a sponsor usually takes care of that, but it's better if you know what you're doing so you can make it yourself."

“I could become a Pokémon chef? Why not” Jake grinned. "Do you think you could teach me?"

Siobhan laughed, the sound light and cheerful. "Of course, Jake! I’d be happy to—"

Her words were abruptly cut off as an announcement reverberated around the hall. A clear, elegant, and mature female voice, strictly formal, requested Siobhan to attend the final trial. The large doors at the far end of the hall began to open slowly. Jake spotted a couple of Morgrem pushing the doors open before standing in front of them like house guards. He tried to catch a glimpse into the room beyond, but the entire doorway was shrouded in pitch darkness.

Siobhan took a deep breath. "Looks like it's my turn," she said, returning her team to their Poké Balls. Jake stood up and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Good luck, Siobhan," he said.

She nodded, resolute. "I've got this," she replied, her voice steady. "See you on the other side." With a final smile, she set her shoulders and disappeared into the darkness.

Jake watched Siobhan go, then turned to his team, feeling a surge of determination. He wouldn’t waste this time just waiting around.

"Alright, team, gather round!" Jake called out, clapping his hands. His voice carried through the large hall, blending with the rhythmic sounds of training in the background. He spent a little time rousing Trixie, who perked up immediately as soon as he said her name. She flitted over, energy seemingly restored.

Jake grinned at Trixie and then at the rest of his team as they gathered in a huddle. He looked at each of them, feeling a swell of pride and affection. "Alright, everyone, I want to introduce Tuli properly," he began. "Tuli has been with us for longer than you might think."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "She didn’t just appear out of nowhere. She’s journeyed through deep oceans, crossed vast seas, navigated dark caves, and braved the unknown. She’s an explorer, having climbed mountains through fierce wind and relentless rain, all to find her way to us."

Jake smiled. "Through all those challenges, Tuli never gave up and even lent us a hand, or tentacle, along the way. Whether it’s random chance or fate that brought her here, I believe it’s something special.”

Tuli’s eyes sparkled with happiness, and she projected an image into Jake’s mind of a joyful dance under the sun. "Thank you, Jake!" she said, swaying with excitement. She floated forward, doing a cute little spin in the air as she introduced herself.

Trixie and Iggy clapped welcomingly; eyes wide with admiration. "Welcome to the team, Tuli!" Trixie chirped, cheeks sparking with enthusiasm. Iggy hopped excitedly; flames poised at the edge of ignition.

Jekyll gave a simple, if reluctant, nod of acknowledgment. Arthrox vibrated slightly, a sign of silent approval, though Jake could see how frustrated he was that he had not been able to participate since his evolution. He made a mental note to talk with Arthrox later.

Jake turned to Tuli. "Tuli, I want you to know that this isn't your typical Pokémon team. Here, we are family, brothers and sisters standing together."

He glanced around at each of his Pokémon. "No one here is alone. We train side by side, pushing each other to be the best we can be. We share laughter and joy, making every adventure an unforgettable memory. We will face challenges and celebrate victories together, never leaving anyone behind."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Tuli’s lights pulsed with emotion, and she floated closer to Jake, moved by his words. "We are family," she echoed softly.

"We are inseparable, bound by trust. No matter how far from home we may be, this place with all of us together is home. For me, for all of you, forever."

Each of his Pokémon had their own circumstances, their own stories. Trixie had been unable to join her family among the treetops, finding a new home with him instead. She circled around him energetically before giving him a big hug, small paws squeezing tightly.

Jekyll, who had been alone for nearly all his life, rejected, starved of affection, envious of the bond he had so desperately craved but had not been able to express. Jake knelt down beside Jekyll, putting an arm around him as Jekyll huddled affectionately against his leg.

Arthrox had lost his hive, perhaps the most traumatic of events. He didn’t feel sorrow in the way a regular Pokémon might; his survival instincts were strong. But Jake had no doubt that Arthrox sometimes felt lonely too, perhaps even more so now as he adapted to his new form. Jake reached out to Arthrox, who vibrated with emotion. Jake could tell he was saying he would follow his lead.

Iggy had perhaps adapted to her new circumstances the best of them all. This might be why her species were chosen as starter Pokémon. She was willing and brave, but far from her home on the other side of the world. He put his hand on her head, and she nuzzled against his leg, her flames flickering gently.

As for Tuli, who knew how far she had travelled from her deep ocean kin? Now she had a place where she could explore and be herself as much as she wanted. She floated in front of Jake’s face, and he reached out to pet her head delicately. Her tentacles wrapped around his hand, skin soft, rubbery, and a bit damp, but her joy and gratitude filled his mind.

And, of course, there was Jake himself, transported to this place without rhyme or reason. Separated from his family, unsure how he would return, or even if he could, or if he would want to when the decision came. But he found comfort in his Pokémon, the friends and mentors he had discovered here, like Siobhan, like Mustard.

Just then, an announcement echoed across the hall. The same stern, mature voice reverberated through the space. It was time. Jake worried for Siobhan; it had barely been fifteen minutes since she had entered, but he could do nothing about it now. His final task called.

There was no time for strategy. He would have to adapt as always.

Jake returned his Pokémon to their Poké Balls. It wouldn't be smart to give Morgana any clues about what she would be facing. As he walked through the hall, he noticed Ellie out of the corner of his eye. She and Luna were training on one of the mini obstacle courses set up in the room. Ellie gave him her typical cold look for a moment, but then her expression softened. "Good luck, Jake," she said, as Luna waved a paw at him, wishing him luck as well.

The large, imposing double doors ahead of him were almost lacquered black. They stood out, clearly much older than the rest of the room, which had been modernised over time. Impeccably maintained, these doors seemed to be a legacy of the old tower, still in use after centuries. As Jake glanced outside, he saw that night had indeed fallen. The pale lights in the room cast a foreboding glow as he approached the ancient doors, their age and history palpable.

The doors swung open before him, the two sentinel Morgrem standing on either side, their eyes glinting with menace as they allowed him to pass.

Stepping into the darkness, he found himself in a large battle hall, transition so sudden it took him a moment to adjust.

The air was cool, with a slight dampness that made his skin prickle. A faint scent of polished wood mingled with something almost metallic stung the nostrils. Before him lay a large, traditional yet professional-size battle court, reminiscent of a small arena. Right in front of him stood a dark wooden podium, nearly black with shades of grey along its sides and steep steps that led up to the dais.

As Jake climbed the steps up the podium, he was surprised by how high it had been raised above the battlefield, but it sure gave him a commanding view. He looked around and spotted a hydration station with a few bottles of water, a place to hold his pack, and slots for his Poké Balls at a convenient height. How very practical, even hospitable of them, though not quite enough for him to want to boost their Yelp score.

From his new elevation, he could see the design of the room more clearly. Dark lacquered wood was the theme for the room. There was a faint gothic feel from the earlier floors, probably the Tower of Darkness’s original design. The battlefield itself was shrouded, shadows shifting about the battle court floor in a mesmerising play of light and dark. The dim light slowly drifted across the floor.

Across from him, another podium stood, enveloped in darkness and hard to make out. An outline of a figure was just visible, which was kind of intimidating and more than a little creepy. It stirred slightly, a reassuring sign of life; he supposed this was the Mistress he had been hearing so much about.

He could see seats surrounding the battle court. What he thought might be spectators were only vague silhouettes, shadowed and indistinct in the low-hanging darkness that reached up to the roof. The seats were shrouded, making the figures blend into the gloom, their presence more felt than seen. Only the low hum of murmuring confirmed they were indeed real. It seemed he had an audience.

Jake took a deep breath, feeling a slight self-consciousness about performing in front of a crowd. However, his resolve remained firm. He would need to get used to this.

The lights cut abruptly, plunging the room into pitch black. The murmuring of the audience faded into a hushed silence. Jake could hear only his breathing.

A spotlight dropped onto Jake, illuminating him and his podium with a stark, focused beam. Then, another spotlight snapped on across the hall, illuminating the opposing podium. A figure emerged, commanding immediate attention despite her petite stature. She wore an elegant black and red dress, perfectly tailored to her form, blending sophistication with practicality for battle. Straight away, Jake could almost tangibly feel her formidable confidence, sensing that the woman before him carried herself with utter dignity and grace.

"Welcome, Jake," her voice was smooth and cold, carrying a rich timbre that resonated through the hall. "You have navigated many challenges to stand here, at the Tower of Darkness."

As she spoke, the light gradually revealed more of her striking features. Her black hair cascaded long down her back in soft waves, framing a face of mature beauty with flawless skin. Light blue eyes gleaming with intelligence and a touch of disdain.

"I am Morgana Baines," she continued. "The Tower is an ancient institution, and it is my privilege to lead it, to educate young aspiring trainers in the true manner of Dark Pokémon training."

Jake could see where Elara had found her role model, but standing before Morgana, it was clear that Elara’s attempt to copy was but a pale imitation, perhaps even misunderstanding the true nature of such composure. Morgana was this and much more— her words were elegant, each syllable meticulously enunciated, yet there was a chill in her tone that did not let Jake forget her position or authority.

"The Tower of Darkness stands as a beacon of what Dark Pokémon truly represent," Morgana declared, her gaze sweeping imperiously across the hall. "In recent years, Dark-types have acquired a reputation for being unruly and aggressive, associated with undisciplined hooliganism," she continued, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Linked to criminality and nefarious deeds the world over. This, I will not tolerate."

Morgana paused, letting her words hang in the air. Jake felt a chill run down his spine, the weight of her conviction pressing upon him. This is not a woman he would disagree with lightly.

Her gaze swept over the audience, then settled back on Jake. "Dark Pokémon are feared, and rightly so," she enunciated each word with commanding precision. "However, that fear is often mistaken for rebellion, expressed through the breaking of rules, violence, and brutality. Such notions are both simplistic and naive. I hold deep contempt for trainers who believe that destructive and antisocial behaviour epitomises the virtues of Dark-types.”

"To master Dark Pokémon, one must embrace their wit, their cunning. Strength and ferocity are but the surface—for it is not sheer force that defines them, but the sharpness of one's mind, the subtlety of one’s strategy."

"We represent a hark to the authentic nature of Dark Pokémon," she declared, her voice resonating with authority. "Of respect for intelligence and grace. Of loyalty that is hard to earn, but once won, none is more fiercely devoted.

She paused, letting her words sink in. "That is what we cultivate here, at the Tower of Darkness. Strength with grace. Power with wit. Loyalty with honour. Fear with respect, not despise.”

Morgana represented an alternative perspective on Dark Pokémon compared to their typical portrayal in the games. Usually, Dark-types were found on the teams of grunts and executives in the villainous organisations one had to face. Morgana, however, seemed to believe in their more disciplined and ordered side. It made him curious about the relationship between the Mistress and Piers in Spikemuth. Her view of Dark Pokémon was quite different from his. Based on her words, it probably wasn't a good one.

Morgana's presence was intimidating; her words were confident, and her height did nothing to diminish the power she exuded. She embodied everything Elara aspired to be, but with an elegance and authority that Elara had yet to grasp. Jake took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the challenge before him.

"Prepare yourself, Jake," Morgana said, a cold command. "For you shall learn of this today. Show me the depth of your training and prove that you are worthy of what you seek.”

‘And here I was planning to introduce myself but seems my name’s already on the guest list.’ Jake thought dryly.

Without waiting for a response, Morgana raised her arm, a Luxury Poké Ball, in her hand. The audience hushed in anticipation; the room's atmosphere charged with expectation.

"The battle begins now," she declared. "The rules are as follows: We shall each use up to four Pokémon. The battles will be one-on-one. As the challenger, you may swap your Pokémon at any interval. I, however, will not have that privilege."

Jake nodded, understanding the gravity of the challenge ahead.

"Do you comprehend the terms?" Morgana asked, her gaze piercing through the dim light. A nod did not suffice.

"Yes, uh, Mistress Morgana." Jake replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Then let us begin," Morgana stated, her tone final.

In almost perfect unison, they each tossed a Poké Ball into the arena. A brilliant flash of light erupted from both sides, dazzling the battlefield. As the light faded, the forms of their chosen Pokémon materialised.

Jake had chosen Jekyll for the opening round, aiming to start with a surprise. A Mimikyu was well-suited as a frontline battler, with its unique typing and Disguise ability providing Jake the flexibility to handle any opponent. As Jekyll glanced back for a moment, Jake could see the confidence in his eyes, assured that he could destroy any foe for Jake.

Across the battlefield, Morgana's selection became clear. Jake squinted to get a better look at the creature standing before him. It was his first time seeing one in person, and he still couldn't quite tell if it was supposed to be a weasel or a cat. Blue-black fur matte under the shadowed light. It had a sleek, bipedal form with long, retractable claws extending from its hands and feet, giving it a predatory edge. Probably not a hugger.

‘Wow, what a Pokémon to start with,’ Jake thought. Sneasel would be a real rookie killer, a strong challenge for first-timers. He could easily imagine Siobhan having a tough time with this one. And she wouldn't be alone—many trialists would surely meet defeat right here. Terrible after that gruelling climb. The Grim Lady did not pull punches.

But Jake wasn’t like most trainers; after all, he wasn’t exactly from around here. In fact, it could be said that he was one of the more experienced Sneasel trainers in this place. Who else could claim to have had commanded half a dozen Sneasel all the way to evolution, even if most of them were digital?

Sneasel had always been one of his favourite Pokémon in the games, and he made it a point to catch one whenever he could. The rare combination of Dark and Ice types, paired with Weavile’s lightning-fast speed and incredible attack power, made it a top pick for countering those powerful Psychic and Dragon types that tended to pop up in the late stages of the games.

Then, in an instant, Sneasel vanished. One moment it was there, and the next, nothing but a blur that disappeared into the darkness. The suddenness of it caught Jake off guard, his eyes widening in surprise. The patches of darkness and light moved across the court, making it nearly impossible for Jake to track Sneasel.

He quickly turned his attention to Jekyll, who stood imperiously in front of him. Jekyll’s ‘head’ moved jerkily, but seemed to quite easily able to follow something Jake couldn't see. Jake realised Jekyll’s night vision would have no problem following Sneasel. He’d have to put his trust in him.

“Shadow Sneak,” Jake called, but not offensively. Jekyll melted into the darkness to match Sneasel, not wanting those sharp claws get too close. It became a game of cat and mouse for a short while, each vying to be the cat and not the mouse.

Jake noted Morgana’s complete silence. She barely moved, and the battle itself was strangely silent. The audience could hardly be heard. He couldn’t tell how Morgana was conducting the battle, but Jekyll could see perfectly in the dark, better at utilising shadow than a Dark-type could ever be.

“Double Team,” Jake whispered, trusting in Jekyll’s keen hearing. Jake found Double Team to be an amazingly versatile move; if he had his way, all his Pokémon would learn it.

This was one weird battle. An almost blindfolded game where Jake could not really see what is happening. Jake had to guess what Sneasel was trying to do and trust in Jekyll’s abilities. It was fortunate that Jake was so familiar with the Sneasel line.

Suddenly, from an unexpected spot in the darkness, a storm of ice burst forth, sweeping across the battlefield. The Icy Wind scattered Jekyll’s clones, the freezing gusts revealing their illusions. Jekyll himself seemed to have evaded the attack. The air turned frigid, and Jake could see the shimmering trail left by the attack, pointing back to Sneasel's position.

“Shadow Sneak!” Jake called again, loudly, and on the attack this time. In the dim light, Jake could barely make out Jekyll’s silhouette merging with the shadows. Suddenly, the dark patch lit up briefly with a purplish shadow as Jekyll launched the move with a soft, eerie whoosh, sound like like a whispering wind.

Jekyll emerged behind Sneasel, appearing out of nowhere. The surprise attack caught Sneasel off guard, and it nearly jumped out of its skin at Jekyll’s unexpected appearance.

Even so, Sneasel reacted with vicious speed, turning quickly. Its claws glowed with shadowed energy as it lashed out. Jekyll was too close, the attack slicing through the air with a menacing hiss.

A Shadow Claw. Morgana knew what Jekyll was, understood his weakness. Perhaps she had even lured Jake into bringing him to that precise point.

“Splash!” Jake called out instinctively, his voice tinged with panic. It was an odd command, but it was all he could think of in the moment. Jekyll instantly bounced up and out of the darkness, narrowly avoiding Sneasel’s Shadow Claw. Splash was not the most flattering move to witness—more like a flailing, uncontrolled leap—but it offered more strategic possibilities than he would have thought.

As Jekyll bounced away, Jake sensed an opportunity. “Mimic!” he whispered urgently. Jekyll’s light body allowing him to control his descent gracefully. In mid-air, Jekyll's ‘eyes’ glinted with understanding. The low hum of the audience grew louder, excited gasps and hushed voices spreading through the crowd.

Jekyll descended, disguise twisting and exaggerating, sinister confidence growing. Pikachu act forgotten as he plummeted, disguise eerily still, unaffected by the movement of air. Aura of fear and horror intensifying as his intent revealed itself.

Jekyll struck with a speed almost imperceptible to the human eye. Driven by envy. By malice. Claw extending from beneath his disguise. Desperate that no one would see. The shadowed claw raked down the Sneasel’s front, sending it reeling into the light.

Jake was busy appreciating the immense utility of Mimic, especially for moves Jekyll would naturally be able to learn. This was a brilliant stroke—Jekyll now had rudimentary understanding of Shadow Claw. It would only take minimal practice before it would become a permanent addition to his arsenal.

But there was no time to dwell. Sneasel was regaining its footing, and Jake knew he had to act fast.

"Drain Punch!" he called out, a confident edge in his voice. This was it—the move Mustard had drilled into them.

Sneasel barely had time to react. Jekyll's clawed fist glowed with eerie green energy, illuminating the battlefield in brief, flickering bursts. The attack landed squarely on Sneasel’s chest, ice and darkness shattering under the force. A shockwave rippled through the battlefield, sending crystalline shards of ice exploding from Sneasel's body. The shards sparkled briefly in the dim light before scattering across the battlefield like shattered glass.

Sneasel was lifted off its feet, propelled backwards by the sheer force of the punch. It flew through the air, tumbling uncontrollably, vital energy draining from its body. With a resounding thud, Sneasel crashed into the ground, sliding several feet before coming to a halt at the edge of the arena.

The crowd went silent, perhaps stunned that Sneasel had been defeated so easily.

Not Jake. Sneasel were strong and effective Pokémon, but that was only if they were faster and able to deliver critical or super-effective moves on their opponents. Without these advantages, they were highly vulnerable and would not withstand many hits.

A cold, commanding voice cut through the silence, almost making Jake jump. Morgana, who had been eerily silent throughout the battle, finally spoke. "It is rare that I face a trialist who is able to defeat my first Pokémon."

Her gaze was icy and penetrating, making Jake feel as if she could see right through him. "You have been chosen by a rare species," she continued, deliberately avoiding the name of Mimikyu, though it was clear she knew exactly what Jekyll was. "Their reputation precedes them, and to earn the trust of such a Pokémon is no small feat."

Jake swallowed. "Th-thank you," he stammered awkwardly, feeling the weight of her intense gaze. Mistress Morgana was not one to be casually spoken to.

Morgana seemed to almost ignore his gratitude. "You now have the right to change your Pokémon. Will you do so?"

Clearing his throat, Jake nodded. "Yes, I will, Mistress Morgana." he replied.

He recalled Jekyll, who hopped up to the podium first, looking at Jake with expectant eyes. "You did great, Jekyll," Jake said, patting him gently. Jekyll vibed with delight as Jake ritually adjusted the Mimikyu’s disguise, making sure it fit just right.

Jake grinned. "You really love a battle, huh? And here I thought you were shy?"

"Kyu! Kyu!” Jekyll hopped with joy. “I live to obliterate all those who oppose us!"

Jake chuckled. "Alright, little demon lord. Let's rest you for now. Be sure to be ready for later."

Content, Jekyll nodded and disappeared into his Poké Ball with a flash of light. Jake took a deep breath, considering his options. One down, three more to go.

It was a bit of a gamble to rotate Jekyll, but Jake thought it was important to be tactically flexible for the later rounds.

In contrast to the games, it was considered poor etiquette to rotate a Pokémon during the battle phase. Even if Morgana had not explicitly stated that changes could only be made during intervals, doing so would have been frowned upon and likely damaged his reputation as a trainer.

There were exceptions, such as moves like Volt Switch or U-turn, but rotating a Pokémon without such a move was deemed poor form.

Jake understood the reasoning behind this practice. In a more realistic setting, it ensured fairer battles and encouraged more profound strategic planning. Most importantly, it made the matches significantly more engaging for the audience. Combined with the ritual of releasing your Pokémon simultaneously with your opponent, it introduced an element of unpredictability and intensity that was much more compelling for spectators.

Without wasting time, Jake selected Iggy’s Poké Ball. It was important to continue to give her experience in high-stakes battles. "Iggy, let's go!" he called, releasing the Cyndaquil onto the battlefield. Her flames burst to life, darkness retreating in the face of the living torch that was Iggy.

Across the battlefield, emerged a small black lizard. It was hard to see at first, but the flickering light from Iggy's flames revealed its serpentine shape

Not an official Dark-type, though it certainly shared characteristics. Salandit was a slender creature, covered in smooth, dark scales with orange-red, almost lava-like lines along its tail. This one looked to be female—healthy, not malnourished as the males were reputed to be. Jake recalled the effect of their pheromones, which even human males were susceptible to.

Jake was mindful to keep his distance. He wasn’t really into the aggressive and controlling type, after all.

‘Sorry, Salandit, it’s not you, it’s me.’ he thought wryly.

This battle would be a challenge. Cyndaquil and Salandit had similar physical abilities, with fire moves being ineffective against each other. The real danger lay in Salandit’s poison, for which Iggy had no counter. Jake knew he couldn't let this battle drag out.

"Iggy, Quick Attack!" he commanded.

Iggy understood what she needed to do. With a swift nod, she extinguished the flames on her back, stealth engaged. She launched herself forward, feet barely touching the ground as she accelerated towards Salandit, using the slow-moving dark spots on the ground as cover.

Salandit inhaled deeply, its sleek body expanding slightly. With a sudden, forceful exhalation, it released a dense, dark cloud of toxins. Thick, acrid smoke billowed out in all directions. Creeping and insidious, the Smog rolled across the battlefield like a living entity—slow but inexorable. The deep, murky grey with a slight purple tinge undulated and shifted like a malevolent fog.

Jake could already smell it, the sharp, burning scent of corrosive fumes filling his nostrils. It had a distinct kerosene undertone, biting and unpleasant.

“Smokescreen, Iggy!” he called out, his voice tinged with urgency. He couldn’t see exactly where she was due to the dark patches, but he caught glimpses of movement in the shadows.

The smoke billowed out from the darkness, adding to the already difficult-to-see battlefield. Thick, swirling clouds merged with the existing smog, creating an almost impenetrable haze. Jake sighed, muttering to himself, “It’s the blind leading the blind here.”

Despite the chaos, Jake felt a moment of relief knowing that Salandit’s smog had been countered. Suddenly, a deep sense of foreboding washed over him. Something nasty was about to happen; he could feel it in his bones.

“Iggy, use Howl!” he shouted, hoping to bolster her strength. Through the dense smoke, he could hear Iggy’s light and cute voice growing richer as she howled. The sound echoed and resounded through the battlefield, reverberating off the walls and slicing through the haze.

Jake strained his eyes, trying to pierce the gloom. The battlefield was a mess of shadows and swirling smoke, making it nearly impossible to track the Pokémon. The only hints were the sounds: the rustle of movement, the low growls, and the echo of Iggy’s Howl.

Jake felt the weight of the battle, the pressure to outmanoeuvre Morgana. The Howl had given Iggy a boost, but she was young, and this battle was forcing Jake to realise their options were limited. That Iggy currently did not have the most versatile moveset. This would be something they would have to work on post-battle. In the meantime, he had to stay sharp and trust in Iggy’s instincts. Be ready for whatever plots Morgana had in store.

Suddenly, without warning, a large, disgusting glob cut through the smoke, heading straight towards Iggy. A mass of things that should never be seen outside a body. The attack was wildly aimed, but the sheer of size made it difficult to avoid completely.

The Belch exploded on the ground near Iggy, the splash radius catching her. Jake saw her outline flinch as the caustic, corrosive poison splattered across her body. The impact was harsh, and Jake saw the glinting patches of oozing liquid forming where the poison had landed, eating into the ground with a hissing sound.

“Iggy!” Jake called out, worry creeping into his voice. She was brave, standing her ground despite the damage. He needed to act fast. “Use Ember, try to burn it up!”

Iggy responded immediately, small flames shooting from her mouth towards the corrosive patches. But the poison wasn’t gaseous or flammable; it was a caustic substance, and Ember could do nothing to dissipate it. The flames flickered out uselessly against the oozing, toxic patches. He clenched his fists, trying to think of a way to protect Iggy and turn the battle in their favour.

Out of nowhere, Salandit burst from the fog, a dark shadow moving with blinding speed. Before Jake could even shout a warning, Salandit’s fangs, glowing with venomous energy, sank deep into Iggy. The suddenness of the attack was startling, sending a jolt of fear through Jake as he watched in horror.

Iggy cried out in pain, body convulsing as the venom coursed through her. She staggered, severely weakened and struggling to stay on her feet. Jake’s heart pounded in his chest. “Iggy, hang in there!” he shouted, not sure what else he could do, desperation creeping into his voice. “Use Ember again!”

With what little strength she had left, Iggy opened her mouth. Unleashing an enormous, uncontrolled cone of fire. The heat was searing, almost unbearable, the flames blazing with a power Jake had only seen once before. The intense light and blistering heat filled the battlefield, momentarily blinding Jake.

He noted that the flames seemed to stop dead before the audience. There must be a barrier in place, he thought. It was nice to finally see safety protocols in fashion.

Salandit, however, simply moved out of the way with serpentine grace, nimble body twisting and turning as if it had anticipated the move. The flames licked at the ground, leaving scorched patches in their wake, but Salandit remained unscathed.

The blazing Ember swiftly cleared the room of smoke, leaving small patches of flame lingering like candles on the wooden floor.

Morgana, who had been so silent during the battle that Jake had almost forgotten she was there, finally spoke, loud and imperiously "Beat Up."

Jake got the message. Iggy was looking extremely weak, body tottering and on the verge of collapse. She was exhausted but still determined to stay on her feet, her breathing laboured, eyes blinking rapidly as she tried to stay focused.

"Stop!" Jake shouted, exhaling a sigh of resignation. "Please, stop. We forfeit this round."

Salandit froze in place, her attack halted mid-motion. Morgana nodded composed as ever. "A wise decision, Jake."

Jake nodded, returning Iggy to her Poké Ball. "Thank you for all your efforts, Iggy," he said softly. "You were brave. We both learned important lessons from that battle. We'll work together to become much stronger."

The room, now quieter, echoed with the aftermath of the battle. The faint smell of smoke lingered in the air, and the heat from the small fires slowly dissipated. Jake felt a mix of relief and determination. Although they had lost this round, they had gained some valuable insights. They would be better next time.

"Select your next Pokémon." Morgana’s command cut through his thoughts.

Jake reached for his next Poké Ball. “Alright, Tuli, your turn,” he said, releasing the Inkay. Tuli appeared with a cheerful spin, drifting this way and that as she floated about the battlefield, examining her new surroundings with fascination.

Morgana’s eyes narrowed with an interest of her own. “My, my. An Inkay. How unexpected. And such unusual colouring... Fascinating. I recall reading somewhere... One of Sycamore’s researh papers... No, it couldn’t be. Impossible. How would it even have arrived here...” she murmured, trailing off in thought. After a moment, she blinked and refocused on Jake. “Please excuse my momentary lapse, Jake. Are you ready to continue?”

“Uh, give me a second, Mistress. Tuli, no, not that way!” Jake called. Jake had no idea what Morgana was on about. Was Tuli different in some way?

Anyway, he was a bit too busy to focus on that right now. Tuli wasn’t quite used to the etiquette of Pokémon battles yet. “It’s a battle, Tuli!”

Jake eventually guided her to the right spot, tentacles swishing playfully. "Ink! Inku!" she chirped cheerily, delighted by the new surroundings, innocent eyes sparkling with insatiable curiosity. 'Ooh, a place for battles? How intriguing!'

With that, Jake felt a sudden shift in his perception, as though he were being pulled into another world. He blinked, and as his eyes adjusted, he realised Salandit was now right in front of him.

Amazing. With Tuli, he could switch between strategic and first-person view.

But there was something more—something extraordinary. Surrounding Salandit was a hazy field, a faint, shimmering aura, like jagged radio waves. Were these electric fields? One of the nature documentaries he had watched mentioned that some deep-sea creatures were capable of electroreception. He hadn't noticed this when Tuli had done it before. Only now, in the darkened arena, did it become obvious.

Darkness meant nothing to a deep ocean dweller like Tuli, and now Jake shared that advantage. He grinned. This was going to be awesome.

Out of nowhere, Salandit shot a dart of fire at them. The fiery missile crackled through the air with alarming speed. Through Tuli’s eyes, Jake saw the flame racing closer.

Instinctively, he felt the urge to leap aside, momentarily forgetting it was Tuli facing the attack, not him. 'Don't worry, Jake. All will be well.' Tuli’s reassurance flooded his mind.

And well it was.

Just as impact seemed inevitable, the world slowed to a crawl. Jake’s perception of time stretched yet focused. Tuli rotated herself—casual yet precise, languid yet decisive. The ember was only a sliver’s breadth away, yet it might as well have been a light-year.

With almost, effortless ease, Tuli evaded the attack.

This was a reminder. Tuli could be flighty, but Jake could not forget how intelligent she was. Tuli had calculated that. She had known exactly what to do to dodge the bullet with perfect timing. Now, they could counterattack.

Jake switched to strategic mode. "Tuli, Hypnosis!" he called out quietly.

Tuli’s crown began to glow, the lights on her head flashing and shifting in a mesmerising dance of colours. Jake had been intrigued to discover that, unlike the generic sleep-inducing Hypnosis from the games, Tuli's version was far more versatile and manipulative. Instead of putting her opponents to sleep, she could induce a range of emotions—Fear, Calm, or Panic. However, the most sinister aspect of her power was her ability to Compel, bending the will of her target to her own.

Against a poison Pokémon like Salandit, Tuli’s Hypnosis was almost certain to succeed.

And so, it did. Salandit froze, eyes locked onto the entrancing lights, the disorienting effect quickly taking hold. Suddenly, Morgana broke her silence. "Poison Gas," she commanded

Salandit obeyed, instinctively tapping into a gland deep within her body. She expelled what seemed to be a colourless, horrid caustic scent into the air. Jake winced at the initial stench, but then something astonishing happened. The colourless gas began to change, taking on a sour, sweet pinkish hue, and the foul odour transformed into a rather sweet scent, almost pleasant. "What happened? Did she take a mint?" he wondered aloud.

Salandit blinked rapidly, head tilting to one side as she sniffed the air, a puzzled expression crossing her face. Her tail flicked uncertainly.

Before Jake could process the scene, Salandit’s mouth opened wide, and a foul gurgling sound emerged from deep within her. She unleashed a massive, corrosive Belch. The darkened battlefield seemed to intensify the horror of the oozing, acidic mass hurtling towards them.

Jake shifted back into first-person view. The electric fields surrounding Salandit shimmered like jagged radio waves, guiding Tuli’s instincts.

The enormous, foul mass of Belch was upon them. Tuli darted to the side, effortlessly avoiding the main bulk of the attack. As it slammed into the ground, it exploded, sending globules of the noxious substance splattering in all directions.

Tuli wove through the air, dodging with an almost casual grace. Her tentacles swished as she glided, twisting and turning to avoid the splattering globules with relaxed ease.

Jake heard Morgana's voice, carrying a note of dry amusement. "How unexpected."

Jake could hardly believe the speed and elegance with which Tuli manoeuvred, but then realisation struck—Tuli had used her compulsion on Salandit. Instead of Poison Gas, Salandit had released Sweet Scent. Normally, it would lower evasion, making targets easier to hit. But for Tuli, ever contrary, it had the opposite effect, sharpening her movements and making her even harder to catch.

“Slash, Tuli!” Jake called out, his voice carrying over the battlefield.

Through Tuli’s eyes, Jake saw the electric fields shimmering around Salandit, target now directly below. Tuli’s vision narrowed, calculating the precise angle for her attack. She surged forward, two fore tentacles extending, tips glinting as they sharpened for the strike.

Tuli whipped her tentacles downwards in a single, powerful strike. Attack cutting through the air with a sharp whistle, tentacles slicing a precise diagonal path aimed at Salandit’s flank.

Salandit’s scales split under the power of Tuli’s strike, angle calculated in such a way to cause it to stagger and spin. Sending Salandit reeling directly in front of Tuli.

Jake could hear Morgana’s sharp intake of breath, a rare sign of her being taken off guard. But it was time to finish this.

“Psybeam, Tuli!” Jake commanded, switching to strategic view.

Tuli’s crown lights intensified. Colours shifted, focusing into a dazzling array of blues and purples. Her tentacles steadied her position as she aimed.

A high-pitched hum filled the air. The lights on Tuli’s head began to pulse rhythmically, growing brighter and more concentrated. The hum grew louder, resonating with psychic intensity.

Then, a beam of pure psychic energy shot from Tuli’s crown. A vivid, swirling vortex of colours. Blues, purples, and whites intertwined, a hypnotic spiral. Cutting through the air with a sharp, crackling sound, like the tearing of reality itself.

Salandit had no time to react. The Psybeam struck it head-on. Salandit’s body tensed, eyes wide with shock. The force of the beam lifting it off the ground, flinging it backward. It flew through the air, limbs flailing, and crashed into the ground, skidding to a halt.

Silence fell over. The audience held their breath.

Salandit lay still.

The crowd erupted in a hushed wave of excitement, a low murmur vibrating through the stands. Whispers filled the arena as Tuli, having expended a significant amount of psychic energy, inverted herself. Her body flipped upside down, tentacles curling inward as she floated gently in place.

Jake still wary at that sight, nonetheless, felt a surge of pride. Tuli had done it. She had won.

Some might say it was unfair to thrust Tuli into such a high stakes battle so early in their journey. But she was so clever, always able to manipulate situations to her advantage, for better or worse. And the results spoke for themselves.

Still, Jake felt a twinge of caution. He didn't know how close she was to evolving, but if she could do this as an Inkay, he could hardly imagine her power as a Malamar. He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. One thing at a time. Tuli was victorious and adorable just as she was. Jake knew he needed to become even better friends with her, and he was delighted to have that opportunity.

Morgana spoke, composed as ever. "Congratulations on your victory, Jake. Your Inkay is an interesting Pokémon. It is rare to see someone understand the merits of such a Pokémon, especially in competitive battles."

Jake scratched his head, feeling a bit bashful under her praise. "Uh, thanks. I actually found her right here in the Tower. Or maybe it was more like she found me?"

Morgana raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a faint, amused smile. "How peculiar. But I know not to expect anything less from the species." She paused, observing Tuli, who was still inverted and seemingly out cold. "This one in particular is fascinating."

Jake glanced at Tuli. "How come?"

"You have a rare Pokémon, Jake," Morgana began. "Inkay are typically found along coastal regions. However, there are those that originate from the deep ocean. Deep-sea Inkay are identifiable by their darker blue colouring and have long intrigued researchers. Unfortunately, their habitats are so remote and inaccessible that extensive study has been impossible."

"That's incredible, thank you for telling me. How is Tuli different from the regular Inkay?"

“Jake, this is neither the time nor the place for such a discussion. I would, however, be pleased to explore this topic with you in detail later."

"Oh, right! Sorry, I got carried away. I'll have to take you up on that, just, uh, let me know when you’re free for a chat”

Morgana raised a perfect eyebrow at him, but there was a hint of amusement in her blue eyes. "Very well, Jake. We shall discuss it further when the time is appropriate," she agreed calmly.

"You have performed admirably," Morgana turning once again icy and authoritative. "Few trialists have progressed this far. However, this is where your trial will conclude."

He felt a chill run down his spine at her words.

"You will not be able to defeat my next Pokémon," she stated. “This trial is designed to impart a crucial lesson: that there will always be someone stronger, more advanced than yourself."

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "Confidence in one's Pokémon is commendable, but this is where humility plays its part.” Morgana's eyes bore into his, her expression stern. "Let us proceed."

Jake nodded, even as he sighed. So even the Mistress was not above the intimidation game. Must be a Tower tradition—or maybe just a dark Pokémon thing.

Jake decided to continue with Tuli, she had done well so far, and her inherent resistance to dark-type moves made her a solid choice for the next round. He felt a surge of confidence. Tuli was clever; she could handle this.

Morgana's next Pokémon materialised with a flash of light. Sleek, muscular, and poised. Its fur was a glossy, deep purple, accented by sharp, yellow markings. Eyes, piercing and predatory, locked onto Jake and Tuli with an intensity that made his stomach knot.

This was an apex predator, every muscle taut and ready to strike. Built for lethal grace, for silent threat. The Liepard's tail flicked with controlled impatience, claws retracting and extending as if itching for the fight to begin.

Jake’s confidence wavered. Was this part of Morgana’s official roster? It felt like an escalation. A bit much for a rookie trainer.

Tuli, however, remained blissfully unaware of the danger. Cheerily bobbing in the air still glancing around with confidence and curiosity. Interested in what would happen. Maybe this would be, okay?

Jake took a deep breath, his heart racing. "Tuli, use Swagger!" he called out, hoping to gain some kind of early advantage.

But Liepard moved with graceful speed, the sleek predator closing its eyes to Tuli’s pulsing lights. Sight unnecessary as it advanced through the dark room, ears twitching, senses keenly honed.

Jake barely had time to register the movement. Liepard kept low, muscles tense, blending seamlessly with the shadows. Eyes shut, whiskers twitching using the subtle vibrations of the air.

Then, in a swift, almost odd motion, it skittered towards Tuli. Rapid, controlled, but somehow erratic. Liepard’s paws barely touched the ground, claws extending slightly.

As it reached Tuli, Liepard’s front paw struck with a sharp, cruel swipe, with both speed and disorientation. A faint greenish energy crackled on impact, scrambling Tuli’s focus and coordination.

Tuli tried to react, but there was no time. It was a flurry of strikes that culminated in a final, powerful smack, viciously swatting Tuli from the sky like a cat with a bird. She spiralled backwards, hitting the ground hard, knocked out instantly.

Jake reasoned that Liepard had used Skitter Smack, a Bug-type move that was doubly effective against Inkay. In the games, this move is taught exclusively by a Mustard on the Isle of Armor.

The battle was over before it had even truly begun. Jake sighed in resignation, awe, and frustration as he returned the cephalopod to her Poké Ball. Tuli had been totally outmatched this time. This Liepard was on a totally different level compared to the Pokémon he had faced in a proper battle before. Maybe only that Drudiggon had come close.

Tuli possessed many qualities, but she had only joined him a few hours ago. He looked forward to seeing how far they could go together.

He looked over at Liepard, who stood relaxed, casually licking its paw as if bored. The Pokémon fixated on Jake with a knowing, but grumpy stare, and he hoped it wasn't because it saw him as a piece of meat. It just wasn’t polite to objectify people like that, after all.

"Trixie, you're up!"

In a flash of light, Trixie’s presence instantly lightened the mood. Zipping about Jake’s head, full of energy as ever.

"Emol, emol!" she chirped, full of mischief. "Glad to be out of that ball! I was so, so bored!"

Jake laughed, watching her. "Well now’s your chance. You think you can take on a Liepard?" he asked, gesturing at the leopard-like mon.

Trixie, still bragging as she flew around, finally looked over at their formidable opponent. She did a double take, pausing mid-flight. "Emol...ga?” she said, adding a cheeky question mark but way too stubborn to back down.

Jake grinned. "Well, let's do our best, shall we? Remember, keep your profile narrow. Speed and agility is always your ally. You ready?"

Trixie nodded determinedly, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Emol!”

The next round began. Liepard stood poised, sleek and menacing as ever. Jake knew he had to start fast. “Double Team, Trixie!”

In a flash, Trixie created multiple clones, darting through the air. She was quick, a blur of motion, staying high and out of reach. Jake’s plan was to keep her nimble and untouchable. He felt quietly confident. Trixie was a great battler, and the height advantage was theirs. She would rain lightning from above where Liepard couldn’t reach her.

But then, Morgana called out, “Feint Attack.”

Liepard moved with utter stealth, disappearing into the shadows. Trixie’s clones fluttered about, but Jake sensed something was wrong. Suddenly, Liepard reappeared, descending from above. It was right in front of the real Trixie, claws outstretched.

“Move, Trixie!” Jake shouted, cursing to himself, plan already shredded. He had forgotten that move existed.

Trixie twisted in mid-air, agility just about saving her from a direct hit. Yet Liepard’s paw still grazed her, sending her tumbling head over heels. Jake acted quickly. “Acrobatics, then Nuzzle!”

Using the momentum from the fall, Trixie flipped towards the also tumbling Liepard. Landing with both feet on its shoulder, leaving a sharp shock to the foreleg. Liepard yowled with irritation as paralysis seized its leg. By luck, this Liepard was not limber. Both Pokémon hit the ground hard, Trixie still on top of Liepard, who took the brunt of the fall. As they landed, Trixie rolled off Liepard’s body, hitting the ground lightly while Liepard slammed down, unable to absorb the impact.

Trixie stood shakily, still affected by the earlier grazing blow. Unfortunately, she was right in front of the rapidly recovering Liepard. She needed to regain some distance, and fast. “You’re doing great, Trix! Shock Wave, now!”

Trixie, dazed but motivated by Jake’s praise, gathered her energy. Sparks danced along her fur, lighting up the dim battlefield. She raised her tiny paws, and a burst of bright blue electricity erupted in all directions. The air hummed with the sharp tang of ozone as the Shock Wave illuminated the arena in a blinding flash.

Liepard snarled fiercely as the electric surge hit, fur standing on end and muscles twitching uncontrollably. One leg seized up completely, causing it to stagger. Unbalanced and indignant, Liepard's eyes blazed with fury.

Jake watched with concern as Liepard decided to just tank the pain. Limping on its paralysed leg, every step was a struggle, while at the same time, its eyes were cold and ruthless. Sheer willpower driving it through the shocking halo.

Trixie, realising that the Shock Wave hadn’t done enough, knew she was in trouble. Desperately, she tried to look adorable, big eyes widening into saucers, fluffy cheeks puffing up as if to say, "Oops, my bad!"

But for once, cuteness was not justice. Liepard just sneered cruelly, unfazed. With a low growl, it bared its fangs and lunged forward, claws glowing with dark energy. Night Slash swatted Trixie with devastating force, sending her tumbling away like a tiny, electrified tumbleweed.

Trixie landed just in front of Jake's podium, skidding to a stop. She had a moment to glance up at Jake apologetically, eyes wide and sad, as if to say, "Sorry, I tried." Then, with a faint sigh, she passed out, little body going limp.

Jake sighed too, with exasperation and affection. He knelt down, gently scooping up his valiant flying squirrel through the gap in the railing. “You did great, Trixie,” he said softly, returning her to her Poké Ball with a fond smile. “Take a good rest, okay?”

He stood up and looked over at Liepard, who was still furious. Pacing angrily, tail lashing like the big cat it was, still raging with its cruel anger. Quite the hissy fit.

Morgana's voice cut through the tension, precise and authoritative. "Your Emolga fights with great spirit, Jake. Full of life and light. Cherish her, for she will guide you even in your darkest hours." She paused, her voice softening. "Never forget, Jake, that Pokémon are not just for fighting. They are our companions, our friends. Treat them with the love they deserve."

"Now, let us bring this to an end. Your final Pokémon, Jake."

Jake heard the distant hum of the crowd, their excitement telling. So, they are entertained, Jake thought dryly. How nice for them. But as he thought about it, he realised he too was having fun. The highs, the lows, the visuals – it was all so thrilling. Pokémon were not all about the fighting, true, but it sure was a lot of fun.

Jake breathed deeply. That said, the battle was not going as he expected. He was on the ropes here; that Liepard was just ridiculous. And Morgana still had another Pokémon to go.

“Alright, Jekyll, it’s up to you now.”

"Kyu, kyu!" Jekyll appearing as he hopped and shrieked, his tiny body trembling with manic energy. Even inside the Poké Ball, it seemed that he had been paying close attention. His little form quivered with an almost unsettling rage. But Jake's heart softened at the sight. Reassured that Jekyll cared so deeply for their odd miniature family. Jekyll would never say it aloud, but Jake knew how much they meant to him. Or maybe he really did just want to obliterate his enemies. That worked too.

With that, the battle was underway. Jekyll was eager, almost too eager, as the Liepard melted into the shadows.

Jekyll had amazing night vision, but Liepard was a master of stealth. And so, the battlefield once again dissolved into game of shadows. Liepard moved silently, blending into the darkness with ease. Barely visible, only the glint of its eyes occasionally gave it away.

Jekyll in his own way, too sneaked through the shadow, trying to close in. But this Liepard was experienced. Graceful. Fast. Cunning. Even with that stiff forepaw. The Pokémon’s cruel eyes never left Jekyll, stalking him with a predator’s patience. Liepard’s tail flicked, and it disappeared again, leaving Jekyll turning, searching.

Jake could hardly see a thing. He strained his eyes. He would need specs after this, or night vision goggles. But he was trying to catch a glimpse of Liepard. Jekyll and Liepard circled each other, each trying for the advantage. Jekyll struck at hallucinations. Liepard lunged at ghosts. Neither made contact.

Jekyll’s frustration grew as he struggled to land an attack. Liepard’s growls echoed softly through the darkness, taunting him. Jake needed a plan. Liepard was content to wait it out. To let that paralysis fade. Time was on its side.

He would have to take a risk.

He spoke quietly, trusting Jekyll’s sharp hearing. “Jekyll, edge closer to the moving shadow. Show just a glimpse of yourself.”

Jekyll moved cautiously, inching toward the edge of the shadow. For a brief moment, he allowed the faintest sliver to show. It was enough.

Jake saw it then, a whisper of movement at the very edge of his vision. So faint, he might have imagined it. But he knew what he would do in this situation, and he knew how to counter it. “Quick, Jekyll! Baby-Doll Eyes!”

Jekyll twisted his body with eerie speed, his fake eyes widening into large, innocent orbs. The soft, disarming gaze cut through the darkness like a knife. Liepard, who had been lunging for a Sucker Punch, found itself caught off guard.

The sleek predator was mid-pounce, claws poised for a devastating strike. But Jekyll’s sudden turn and the intensity of those Baby-Doll Eyes stopped it in its tracks. The Sucker Punch missed its mark, Liepard’s form twisting awkwardly, trying to halt its momentum.

Liepard landed heavily, claws scraping against the ground. Now it was vulnerable, the perfect opening.

“Jekyll, Wood Hammer!” Jake shouted urgently.

Jekyll grabbed his wooden ‘tail’ with his shadowed hands. With an unnatural, eerie force, he swung the makeshift club. The wooden tail could barely be seen in the dim light as it arced through the air.

The impact was brutal. Jekyll’s Wood Hammer slammed into Liepard’s back with a sickening thud. Wooden shards splintered from Jekyll’s weapon, scattering like shrapnel, shallow cracks marring its surface. The air filled with the sound of cracking wood and a sharp yowl of pain from Liepard.

Liepard crumpled under the force, legs buckling as it hit the ground. The sleek predator lay sprawled, gasping for breath, movements sluggish, fur matted and dishevelled.

Jake saw his chance. “Jekyll, Drain Punch!” he called. His plan was to use a revolving strategy: the power of Wood Hammer followed by the restorative power of Drain Punch. This way, Jekyll could keep inflicting damage while healing himself, balancing out the recoil.

As Jekyll lunged forward, Liepard's golden eyes flashed with a predatory glint, igniting with dark energy. Despite its weakened state, the lithe creature twisted, evading the blow with an agile flick of its tail.

With a hiss, Liepard's fur bristled, shadows seeming to pool around it, eerie, twisting patterns appearing on the ground. It locked eyes with Jekyll, and in that intense gaze, Jekyll faltered, doubts, fears, and insecurities surging to the surface. Liepard's Torment weaving these fears into reality, distorting Jekyll's perception.

Jekyll froze as the move hit him hard. He began to tremble, all his negative emotions brought to the forefront. True form writhing within the disguise, cloth covering twisting unnaturally.

The desperate need for acceptance, the fear of rejection. It all crashed down on him, immobilising him in a sea of his own torment.

Liepard circled Jekyll, an evil gleam in its eyes. It revelled in Jekyll’s suffering, gorgeous form contrasting its vicious nature. The predator watched with twisted glee as Jekyll struggled.

"Mimi, kyu!" Jekyll cried with rage and despair, his body trembling as he fought his hardest against the torment.

Jake's heart ached for him. "Jekyll! You can do this! Remember, you're not alone! I'm right here!" he shouted, trying desperately to break through the torment enveloping his Pokémon. But Jekyll was too consumed by his own anguish to hear. He twitched and thrashed, unable to focus.

Jake gritted his teeth, racking his brain. What was he supposed to do when his Pokémon had a mental breakdown in the middle of a battle? There wasn’t exactly a playbook for this in the games.

Morgana finally broke her silence. Her voice was calm but carried a weight that drew Jake’s attention immediately.

"Jake," she began, her eyes never leaving the trembling Mimikyu, "understand this: some Pokémon can be ruthless and cruel. Yet even they are equally capable of profound love, protection, and loyalty to those they trust. A Pokémon's nature is intrinsic, their friendship unconditional. There are those who will choose to exploit this for their own ends. Who choose to take advantage of their loyalty. Dark-types are especially susceptible to this."

I have dedicated my life to the protection of Dark Pokémon. In the often harsh and unforgiving world of Pokémon training, my approach stands apart as different. I use the strengths of Dark Pokémon, not out of cruelty, but out of respect. My aim is to demonstrate that ruthlessness can be wielded with honour. We should not despise a Pokémon for the tactics it uses in battle; it is natural to play to their strengths. This is my commitment to them, and a lesson for you tonight."

How generous of her, Jake thought sarcastically, frustration bubbling inside him. "Jekyll, listen to me!" he called out. "Remember how far we’ve come! Remember my promise to you! You're stronger than this!"

But Jekyll was back in his wood. Seething as he watched families that he could not have. Despairing as he tried to protect the only thing that he could call his own. Terrified that isolation might be all he would ever know. His disguise could barely contain the chaotic memories, swelling and contorting. The Pikachu act long forgotten, raw emotions reverberating around the arena.

Morgana then issued her command. Cold and unfazed. "Hone Claws."

Liepard paused, extending its claws and scraping them against the ground. The deliberate, high-pitched screech echoed through the battlefield like nails on a chalkboard, piercing and relentless. Its eyes locked onto Jekyll, savouring every moment of his suffering, almost licking its lips in anticipation. The feline's cruel gaze never wavered.

Then Liepard moved. Muscles rippling, it closed in, almost casually. It could take its time. Claws glowing with dark energy.

Crack. The Pikachu head imploded, then dropped.

Lifeless.

Silent.

Fallen.

Empty.

Busted.

Jekyll went still. The audience hushed.

The eerie stillness was unnerving, even for Jake.

He knew this could happen eventually—that Jekyll's Disguise would get busted. But to be honest, he had been putting it off, trying hard to avoid that situation, inevitable though it was.

And now it had. In front of a crowd. Jekyll was exposed. The open secret that he was a Mimikyu, now visible to all.

Jake began to hear a rattling sound. Faint at first, like metal cans scraping against a road.

The noise grew louder, rasping. Jake watched Jekyll.

He was shaking.

He was laughing.

Liepard, initially revelling in its victory, paused. Cruel arrogance flickering, replaced by a shadow of doubt. Not sure what to make of this reaction. The feline’s eyes narrowed, muscles tensing, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

Jekyll’s laughter grew louder and higher pitched, chillingly infused with a madness that seemed to permeate the very ground beneath them. Liepard’s ears flattened against its head as it took an involuntary step back, its bravado faltering

Jekyll turned slowly, the tattered remnants of his disguise hanging loosely from his small frame. Through the cutouts of his costume, his true eyes were visible—tinged with a reddish hue, burning with rage. This was Jekyll’s true self, fuelled by hatred for all who had mocked him and malice for those who had deserted him

Yet, as his gaze met Jake’s, a transformation unfolded. The rage in his eyes flickered, giving way to a glimmer of something pure: hope, joy, and the recognition of true acceptance from the one who mattered most to him

Jake absorbed every nuance of Jekyll's emotions—the anger and the bitterness, yes, but it was the hope and joy that dominated, overpowering. Jekyll felt strongly, but he was not stupid. He knew that others were aware of what he was. But he did not care. He understood the depth of care Jake held for him. In his eyes, Jake saw not just a Pokémon, but a member of his family, his friend, one who would never truly be alone again.

Jake grinned. Jekyll was back. Better than ever, well, aside from that floppy head. Confidence restored, he shouted, "Let's retake control of this battle! Misty Terrain!"

Jekyll giggled, lovably deranged, as energy spread from his feet, seeping into the ground and radiating outwards. The battlefield shimmered as the light intensified and transformed into a thick, white mist that rolled out in waves. The mist rose, flooding the battlefield in a low-hanging, mysterious fog. Within moments, Jekyll vanished from sight.

Morgana observed the transformation with a raised eyebrow. "This technique is unfamiliar. How peculiar," she remarked.

From their respective podiums, Jake and Morgana watched the battlefield below as it was shrouded in a dense, low-hanging mist that muffled sounds and blurred shapes into ghostly outlines.

Liepard, usually a master of stealth, was visibly struggling. Its graceful, fluid movements had turned into hesitant stumbles. Paws patted the ground uncertainly, ears twitching at every distorted sound, as the creature's once sharp instincts were dulled by the enveloping fog.

Across the misty divide, Jake could see Morgana. In her hand, something small and metallic clicked frantically. A clicker. So that was her trick. Morgana had been controlling her Pokémon with it, guiding them silently through the battle.

Jake almost facepalmed. Of course, dark-types were different. Nearly all their techniques relied on deception to be effective. Morgana, like her son Rowan, had to use alternative methods rather than traditional move calling.

But now, the clicks were lost in the muffled world created by Misty Terrain, rendering them useless.

Morgana’s composure seemed to fade as she waved the clicker, her frustration mounting with every ineffective press. Jake suppressed a chuckle at the sight of the usually stoic woman flailing helplessly.

"Well, Mistress," Jake mused, unable to resist turning the tables. "Seems your little gadget isn’t much use now, is it?"

She just shot him a sharp, icy glare, but persisted with her futile attempts to command Liepard, until with frustration she finally broke her silence. "Foul Play!"

But Liepard didn’t react, still disoriented by the mist. It spun in a circle, golden eyes wide and unseeing.

Jake reflected on the unexpected turn. Misty Terrain, a move supposed to only dampen Dragon-type power, was proving disorienting to Dark types at a sensory level.

Jake seized the moment. "Jekyll, Astonish!"

From the depths of the fog, Jekyll, floppy head still hanging askew, erupted into a sudden, terrifying lunge. A spectral blur, darted towards Liepard. The sudden appearance, the unexpected horror of his misshapen silhouette, struck Liepard with fear.

Jekyll’s attack hit, a nightmare come to life, turning Liepard’s own tactics against it.

Then, with eerie silence, he vanished into the mist once again, becoming one with the shifting vapours that blurred the edges of reality. Below, Liepard's silhouette flinched and jittered, haunted by phantoms that danced in the periphery of its vision.

"Jekyll, Drain Punch!" Jake's voice cut through the dimming fog, clear and commanding.

Jekyll reappeared suddenly, striking hard and fast. Fist glowing with a vibrant energy as he connected with Liepard, the impact resonating with a dull thud. The force of the blow sent ripples through the mist, visibly shaking Liepard who staggered under the devastating strike.

As Jekyll’s fist connected, a visible surge of vitality flowed from Liepard to him, the energy mending the frayed edges of his vitality, though his disguise remained in tatters.

Jake watched, eyes narrowing as he assessed the damage. "Tough one, aren't you?" he muttered under his breath, admiration tinged with renewed confidence. "But not invincible."

Liepard, though visibly on its last legs, still held a fierce glint in its eyes, no sign of giving up. The mist around them was slowly beginning to thin, there was not much time to deliver the finishing blow.

To Jake’s surprise, Morgana did not seem to be handling the pressure very well. She stood rigid, fingers nervously clicking the now useless device, eyes darting across the thinning mist with an intensity that bordered on panic. Subtle but evident, her lips moved in a silent curse, elegant veneer maintained even in her frustration.

Jake, observing this unusual display, felt a surge of confidence. She’s off her game, he thought, a slight smirk playing on his lips. With the strategic upper hand seemingly in his grasp, he didn’t hesitate.

“Astonish, Jekyll!” he called out, his voice ringing clear across the now almost clear field.

Jekyll burst from the mist with spectral speed, trying to capitalise on Morgana’s weakness. But as he moved, Morgana’s demeanour shifted. All traces of panic swiftly masked by calculated coldness, fingers halting their nervous dance. With a deliberate grace, she lifted her chin and her lips twisted into a sly, knowing smile.

“Liepard, Sucker Punch!” Morgana commanded smoothly.

In a flash, Liepard sprang into action. Silhouette sharpening as the mist receded. Jekyll, caught mid-leap, was utterly unprepared. Liepard's paw, charged with dark, focused energy, struck with brutal force.

Jekyll's ascent halted abruptly as Liepard's paw smashed into him, slamming him down to the ground. The force flattening him, dust puffing up around the point of impact.

Pinned down, Jekyll writhed under Liepard's firm grasp, disguise twisting. With a burst, he vanished into shadows, escaping. Liepard paused, breathing heavily. Staring where Jekyll had been, sides heaving. Its usual cruel gaze softened, acknowledging Jekyll’s valour. A low, rumbling purr escaped. A sound of respect, rare and profound.

Morgana quietly affirmed, "Well fought. Jekyll is a worthy opponent." Standing poised. "But now is the time to end this," she murmured, her voice carrying the weight of finality. "Assurance!"

With a roar that filled the arena, Liepard gathered its remaining strength. Muscles rippling. It launched forward, paws striking the ground with purpose. Closing the distance, dark aura around intensifying. Certain of its power. Of its victory.

Jekyll emerged from the shadows, quivering with rage. “Mimi, kyu!” he shrieked. Probably something like, 'This isn't over yet, Liepard! Feel the wrath of chaos!'" Jake interpreted with a smirk.

But Jake, sensing the inevitable, took a deep breath. "Mimic, now!" he called, resigned but defiant.

In a flash, Jekyll’s claws, barely visible beneath the remnants of his costume, mirrored the Sucker Punch. Driven by malice and desperation, a mirror image of Liepard's assurance, equally fast and ferocious.

The moves collided in a deafening crash. Dark energies exploded at the impact. The surrounding area seeming to almost momentarily darken. Tendrils of shadow radiated outwards. Ripples filling the air, as if the tearing at the very fabric of space.

Then, both Pokémon were suddenly propelled backwards. The force was overwhelming. Jekyll’s light body tumbling head over heels. Liepard, heavier but not faring much better, was flung back towards Morgana's position. They hit the ground hard.

Silence engulfed the arena.

Jekyll and Liepard lay still, motionless.

Jake stood solemn. He had lost.

Abruptly, the arena was flooded with bright lights. Jake blinked against the sudden glare, eyes widening as he saw the audience for the first time. Tower students were on their feet, clapping vigorously. Applause swelling, a standing ovation that filled the space with thunderous respect for both Jake and Jekyll’s efforts.

Jake sighed to himself. Yes, he had lost. But he had fought well. Morgana truly was an exceptional trainer. Her Liepard had defeated both Tuli and Trixie and had pushed Jekyll to the absolute brink.

His gaze then found Siobhan in the crowd. She was cheering too, expression one of sympathy but also pride. Jake felt a swell of pride himself, not just in his own efforts but in his all of his Pokémon's bravery and resilience.

Looking across the arena, he caught sight of the Mistress. She was applauding as well, a warm smile gracing her features. The look in her eyes spoke volumes; one of approval and encouragement.

An honourable defeat. He had tried his best. His first gym battle, or something very close to it, had ended in defeat, but Jake stood tall, unbowed.