The practice arena behind the Cylge City Pokémon Center wasn’t rge, but it was designed for function over fsh: a wide gravel field with raised rocks on either side, good spacing, and elevation options for flying or leaping Pokémon. It was used often by Trainers scouting out Grant’s Gym style before officially challenging him.

  And tonight, it belonged to Rhea and Lucas.

  The sun had just dipped below the cliffs, casting the arena in orange light. Skye circled zily above, casting short, quick shadows as she watched from the sky. Froakie stood in a crouch, centered and ready.

  Lucas stretched his arms slowly. “Alright. Nothing held back?”

  Rhea rolled her shoulders. “This is research. If we’re not serious, we don’t learn anything.”

  He nodded once and pulled a Poké Ball from his belt.

  “Then let’s learn.”

  Practice Battle – Rhea vs. LucasLucas’s first Pokémon hit the field: Amaura.

  Just as Rhea expected.

  Its gentle cry echoed across the field, but its crystalline skin shimmered with strength. She’d seen this exact Pokémon type in multiple of Grant’s battles—it was his signature lead for high terrain control.

  Rhea stepped forward.

  “Froakie, this is yours.”

  The Water-type gave a low chirp and hopped forward.

  Lucas held one finger up. “Let’s begin with Aurora Beam. Controlled arc. Don't give her free movement.”

  A bright beam of rainbow-colored light shot out from Amaura’s mouth.

  “Left—then Bubble wide pattern!” Rhea snapped.

  Froakie twisted mid-dash, bubbles scattering in all directions. The two attacks collided mid-air, water cshing with light. Amaura staggered back slightly, legs bracing.

  Lucas nodded. “That speed’s real.”

  “Pound, left fnk!”

  Froakie darted in, hopping over a jutting rock and smming down a palm on Amaura’s shoulder. The hit nded, but not hard enough to do major damage.

  Too tanky, Rhea thought. I need to bait a move. Force a rhythm shift.

  “Amaura—Rock Tomb!”

  “Dodge—Quick Bounce!”

  Froakie unched upward using a low rock, dodging just as jagged stones shot up from beneath.

  The crowd of training spectators—mostly rookie challengers—watched in silence, eyes wide.

  Then it happened.

  Froakie nded behind Amaura and unched another Bubble—

  —but his hands sparked blue.

  His back arched. Light surged around him.

  Rhea’s heart skipped.

  “Now?”

  Froakie’s body shimmered—his frame growing, limbs lengthening.

  The light exploded outward—

  And standing where Froakie had been—

  Was Frogadier.

  Gasps rippled from the crowd.

  Lucas stepped back, shielding his eyes.

  “Well,” he said, grinning, “that changes things.”

  Frogadier didn’t wait.

  He shot forward on instinct, moving faster than before—water trails kicking behind his heels.

  “Pound, double tap!” Rhea shouted.

  Frogadier struck once, then again—both hits stronger than before, the second sending Amaura skidding sideways. The ancient Pokémon struggled to keep its footing.

  Lucas raised a hand.

  “That’s enough for me.”

  Rhea blinked. “Wait, that’s it?”

  Lucas recalled Amaura.

  “You just evolved in the middle of combat and still stayed on strategy. I’ve seen enough.”

  He smiled, brushing back his hair. “You’re ready for Grant.”

  “Rhea that was insane!” Benoit’s voice rang out as he rushed up from the edge of the crowd.

  He skidded to a stop beside her, wide-eyed. “Frogadier?! Already?! That’s so cool—I mean, wow, his legs are longer, he looks like he could parkour through a skyscraper!”

  Rhea smirked. “He kind of can.”

  Benoit turned to Lucas. “Hey! Can I battle you too?”

  Lucas raised an eyebrow. “You want a warm-up match before the Gym as well?”

  “I want to test myself,” Benoit said. “And besides—Rhea’s been battling brains like yours. I want to see how I stack up.”

  Lucas nodded slowly. “Alright. Let’s make it a one-on-one.”

  Benoit vs. Lucas – Friendly SparLucas sent out his next Pokémon—Roggenro. Rock-type, small, but tough as a brick.

  Benoit chose Riolu, who stepped forward silently, eyes focused.

  Lucas called the first move. “Sand Attack!”

  Dust kicked up as Roggenro shifted the field beneath it.

  “Close the gap—Quick Attack!” Benoit yelled.

  Riolu shot forward, a blur of motion. The hit nded, shoving Roggenro back slightly.

  “Follow with Counter!”

  Roggenro responded with a Headbutt, but Riolu absorbed it, then returned the blow double, knocking the rock-type back with a deep grunt.

  The battle raged for five more turns—clean dodges, tactical footwork—but eventually, Riolu’s type disadvantage caught up.

  One final Rock Bst hit its mark, and Riolu stumbled.

  The match ended.

  Lucas recalled Roggenro.

  “Well fought.”

  Benoit scooped Riolu up. “You did awesome.”

  Lucas stepped forward and offered a hand. “Your coordination's solid. You’re not just throwing out moves—you’re watching.”

  Benoit shook it. “Thanks. I’m trying.”

  “Lucas!” a voice called out across the courtyard.

  Everyone turned.

  A younger girl with messy twin braids came bouncing toward them, nearly dropping her Pokégear. Her bag was overstuffed with books, maps, and a Pokédoll poking out from the side.

  She skidded to a stop beside Lucas, breathing heavily. “You said you were just going to scout! You’re battling without me now?!”

  Lucas chuckled. “Sorry, Lil.”

  She turned to Rhea and Benoit, eyes bright. “You’re Rhea, right? The one who’s been tracking Grant’s battle history?”

  Rhea blinked. “Yes…?”

  “I’m Liliane! Lucas’s sister. I want to study Pokémon dynamics and trainer bond theory when I get older. Right now I’m on a ‘research adventure!’”

  She pulled out a mini notebook and flipped it open. “How do you motivate your Pokémon to evolve while under pressure? Did it happen naturally, or do you encourage risk-tolerance during combat?”

  Rhea tilted her head. “You’re like a hyperactive version of me at eight.”

  “She’s twelve,” Lucas said. “Sharpest note-taker I know.”

  Lil beamed.

  Benoit offered a wave. “I’m Benoit. I just yell motivational stuff until something works.”

  She scribbled that down too.

  As the sun disappeared fully and the courtyard lights came on, the four of them—plus Skye, Frogadier, Zigzagoon, and Riolu—gathered on the stone steps outside the Center.

  Lil bombarded them with questions while Lucas and Rhea reviewed a few Gym strategies. Benoit told them about how he got lost in Santalune Forest and nearly became Caterpie bait.

  It wasn’t training.

  It wasn’t pressure.

  It was calm.

  It was team.

  And for once, Rhea let herself enjoy that part.