Chapter 71: Welcome, Prinplup!
The canal district of Aethelburg hummed with the quiet rhythm of early morning. Water lapped against moss-covered stone. Distant bells tolled from a crystal tower. The air smelled of fresh bread and diesel from the passing ferries.
Briv sat on the edge of a wooden dock, his legs dangling over the water, Piplup cradled in his lap. The little Water-type stared at its own reflection—dark eyes, sad eyes, eyes that had seen too much.
"You're quiet today," Briv said.
Piplup didn't respond.
It rarely did.
Three weeks had passed since Briv had rescued the Pokémon from the abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Three weeks of gentle words and patient hands. Three weeks of coaxing and waiting and hoping.
Piplup had eaten. It had slept. It had followed Briv from room to room like a shadow, never straying far, never making a sound.
But it hadn't battled.
It hadn't trained.
It hadn't trusted.
Briv understood.
He had seen the scars on Piplup's body—the faint lines across its wings, the notch in its beak, the way it flinched when someone raised their voice. He had seen the way it looked at other trainers, other Pokémon, as if waiting for the moment when everything would fall apart again.
He had seen the same look in the mirror.
"You know," Briv said, "when I was a kid, I had this Turtwig. First Pokémon I ever caught. I was terrible at training. Didn't know what I was doing. Made every mistake you could make."
Piplup's ear twitched.
"But Turtwig never gave up on me. Even when I lost battle after battle. Even when I was ready to quit." Briv smiled. "He just kept showing up. Kept trying. Kept believing."
He stroked Piplup's head.
"That's what I want to be for you."
Piplup looked up at him.
Its eyes were wet.
"You don't have to trust me yet. You don't have to battle. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do." Briv's voice was soft. "But I'm not going anywhere. I promise."
Piplup stared at him for a long moment.
Then it pressed its head against Briv's chest.
---
They spent the morning by the water.
Briv had brought a bag of dried berries and a small ball—not a Pokéball, just a toy he had picked up from a street vendor. He rolled it across the dock, and Piplup watched, its head tilted.
"You want to try?"
Piplup didn't move.
"That's okay."
Briv rolled the ball again.
It bounced off a loose board and plopped into the canal.
Piplup chirped.
It was a small sound—barely audible—but it was something.
Briv grinned.
"Was that a laugh?"
Piplup looked away.
"It was. That was definitely a laugh."
Piplup chirped again.
Briv's heart swelled.
---
Patricia found them an hour later.
She walked down the dock with Buneary in her arms, the little Normal-type's ears flopping in the breeze. Roselia followed behind, its roses swaying with each step.
"How's he doing?" Patricia asked.
"Better," Briv said. "He laughed."
Patricia's eyes widened.
"Really?"
"Really."
She sat beside him, her shoulder pressing against his.
"That's huge."
"I know."
Piplup looked at Patricia.
Then at Buneary.
Buneary hopped from Patricia's arms and landed on the dock. It approached Piplup slowly, its big eyes warm and gentle.
Piplup tensed.
Buneary stopped.
It sat down.
It waited.
Piplup stared.
Then, slowly, it took a step forward.
Buneary didn't move.
Another step.
Another.
Piplup was close now—close enough to touch.
Buneary extended one of its ears.
Piplup flinched.
But it didn't run.
It reached out.
Its flipper touched Buneary's ear.
Buneary chirped softly.
Piplup chirped back.
---
"It's happening," Patricia whispered.
"I know," Briv whispered back.
They watched as the two Pokémon sat together, Buneary's ear wrapped gently around Piplup's flipper.
"He trusts you," Patricia said.
"He's starting to."
"Starting to is enough."
Briv nodded.
It was.
---
The afternoon brought a challenge.
A young trainer—maybe seventeen, with spiky black hair and a cocky grin—approached them on the dock. He wore a jacket emblazoned with the Eclipse Squad emblem, and his eyes gleamed with something Briv didn't like.
"You're Briv Ambertone," he said.
"I am."
"Last year's champion."
"That's right."
The boy's grin widened.
"I'm Jace. I've been looking for you."
Briv stood slowly.
"Why?"
"Because Revan says you're a problem. Says you need to be reminded of your place."
Patricia's hand found Briv's arm.
"Briv—"
"It's okay."
Briv looked at Jace.
"You want a battle?"
"I want to see you lose."
Briv smiled.
It wasn't a nice smile.
"No," he said. "You want to see me scared. There's a difference."
Jace's grin faltered.
"One battle. One-on-one. You and me."
"Fine."
Jace pulled a Pokéball from his belt and threw it.
"Go, Houndoom!"
The ball opened in a flash of red light, and a large, dark Pokémon materialized on the dock. Houndoom stood over four feet tall, its black fur sleek and shiny, its horns curved and sharp. Its tail ended in a bony arrowhead, and its eyes burned with a dark, hungry fire.
Briv considered his options.
Monferno would be the obvious choice. Fire against Dark. But Monferno was aggressive—too aggressive. He might overwhelm Houndoom, but he might also lose control.
Turtwig was sturdy. Could take hits. But Houndoom's Fire-type attacks would tear through him.
Luxio was fast. Could strike before Houndoom could respond. But Houndoom was also fast.
Riolu was disciplined. Precise. But still young.
Gible was reckless. Powerful. But unpredictable.
Piplup.
Piplup was none of those things.
Piplup was scared.
Piplup was broken.
But Piplup was watching.
Briv looked down at the little Water-type.
Piplup looked back.
Its eyes were wide.
Its body was trembling.
But it didn't look away.
"You don't have to," Briv said quietly.
Piplup chirped.
It took a step forward.
"No, Piplup—"
Piplup stepped again.
Jace laughed.
"Seriously? That pathetic little thing? It's barely standing."
Briv's jaw tightened.
"Shut up."
"What? I'm just saying—"
"I said shut up."
Briv knelt.
He put his hand on Piplup's head.
"You sure?"
Piplup nodded.
"You don't have to prove anything."
Piplup chirped.
It was a determined sound.
The first determined sound Briv had heard from it.
"Okay," Briv said.
He stood.
"Piplup, I choose you."
---
The battle began.
Jace moved first.
"Houndoom—Bite!"
Houndoom lunged, its jaws snapping.
"Piplup—dodge!"
Piplup tried to leap aside.
It was too slow.
Houndoom's fangs caught Piplup's wing, and the little Water-type cried out.
"Piplup!"
Piplup tumbled across the dock.
But it got up.
It got up.
"Houndoom—Ember!"
A burst of fire shot from Houndoom's mouth.
"Piplup—Bubble!"
Piplup opened its beak and released a torrent of bubbles.
The bubbles struck the Ember and dampened it.
Steam billowed across the dock.
"Now—Pound!"
Piplup lunged forward, its flipper slamming into Houndoom's chest.
Houndoom stumbled.
"WHAT?" Jace's face twisted. "Houndoom—Bite!"
Houndoom lunged again.
"Piplup—Bubble!"
Another torrent of bubbles.
They struck Houndoom's face.
Houndoom howled.
"Now—Pound!"
Another strike.
Houndoom staggered.
"WHAT IS THIS?" Jace screamed. "Houndoom—Ember! EMBER!"
A jet of fire.
"Piplup—dodge!"
Piplup jumped.
The Ember missed.
"Now—Bubble!"
Another torrent.
Another strike.
Houndoom was reeling now.
It wasn't used to this—wasn't used to losing.
"Piplup—finish it! Pound!"
Piplup lunged forward one last time.
Its flipper struck Houndoom's head.
Houndoom collapsed.
---
The dock was silent.
Jace stared at his fallen Pokémon.
"You—" He looked at Briv. "You cheated."
"No," Briv said. "I won."
"That thing—that pathetic little—"
"Say one more word." Briv's voice was ice. "Say one more word about my Pokémon, and I'll make you regret it."
Jace's mouth opened.
Then closed.
He recalled Houndoom and turned away.
"This isn't over," he muttered.
"It is for you."
Jace walked away.
---
Briv turned to Piplup.
The little Water-type stood in the center of the dock, its body trembling, its wings drooping. It was exhausted. It was hurt. It was—
It was glowing.
Briv's breath caught.
"Piplup?"
Piplup looked at him.
Its eyes were wide.
Its body was shining.
The light was soft at first—a gentle shimmer that rippled across its feathers like moonlight on water. Then it grew brighter, hotter, a blinding white that forced Briv to shield his eyes.
Piplup's body shifted.
Its shape stretched.
Its wings grew longer, sharper, more powerful. Its beak hardened. Its eyes—
Its eyes changed.
The sadness was still there.
The fear was still there.
But there was something else now.
Something new.
Confidence.
Pride.
Hope.
The light faded.
Piplup—no, Prinplup—stood before Briv, its body sleek and powerful, its wings extended like blades, its eyes bright with new life.
Briv couldn't speak.
Prinplup chirped.
It was the same chirp—the same bright, determined sound.
But it was different.
It was stronger.
Prinplup walked toward him.
Its steps were steady.
Its head was high.
It stopped in front of Briv and looked up.
Briv knelt.
"You did it," he whispered.
Prinplup pressed its head against his chest.
"You did it."
---
Patricia was crying.
She ran down the dock, Buneary in her arms, and threw herself at Briv.
"That was amazing," she said. "That was—he was—"
"I know."
Briv wrapped his arms around her.
Prinplup chirped.
Buneary hopped from Patricia's arms and ran to Prinplup's side.
The two Pokémon touched foreheads.
It was a moment.
A quiet moment.
A perfect moment.
---
The news spread quickly.
By evening, everyone had gathered at the inn—Samuel, Nicola, Dariana, Axel, even Officer Jenny. They crowded around Prinplup, admiring its new form, asking questions, celebrating.
Briv sat in the corner, watching.
He was tired.
He was happy.
He was—
"Hey."
He looked up.
Nicola stood beside him.
"Luxio," she said.
Briv blinked.
"What?"
"Luxio asked to speak with you. He's out back."
Briv frowned.
"What does he want?"
"Didn't say. Just said it was important."
Briv stood.
"Okay."
He walked outside.
---
Luxio was waiting on the training grounds.
The little Electric-type stood in the center of the yard, its eyes fixed on the stars, its body still.
"Hey," Briv said.
Luxio turned.
Its expression was serious.
"Luxio?"
Luxio chirped.
It was a sharp sound.
A determined sound.
Briv frowned.
"What is it?"
Luxio walked toward him.
It stopped at his feet and looked up.
"You want to tell me something."
Luxio nodded.
"Something important."
Luxio nodded again.
Briv knelt.
"I'm listening."
Luxio looked at him for a long moment.
Then it spoke.
Not with words.
With feelings.
A rush of emotion—fear, hope, determination, love—all flooding through Briv's mind in a single instant.
He gasped.
"What—"
Luxio's eyes glowed.
The connection deepened.
And Briv understood.
---
He was Briv.
He was Luxio.
They were one.
He saw the world through Luxio's eyes—the bright colors, the sharp scents, the constant hum of electricity in the air. He felt Luxio's heart beating in his chest, Luxio's thoughts flowing through his mind.
He understood.
Luxio was scared.
Not of battle. Not of loss. Not of pain.
Of being left behind.
Of being forgotten.
Of being abandoned.
Luxio had been alone once.
It had wandered the streets of Aethelburg, hungry and afraid, fighting for scraps in the shadows of the crystal towers. It had been caught, released, caught, released—passed from trainer to trainer, never belonging, never staying.
Until Briv.
Briv had found it in an alley, bleeding and broken. Briv had carried it to a Pokémon Center. Briv had stayed by its side until it healed.
Briv had given it a home.
And Luxio—
Luxio would do anything to keep that home.
Anything.
The connection broke.
Briv gasped for air.
Luxio was looking at him.
Its eyes were wet.
"Luxio," Briv whispered.
Luxio chirped.
"You're not going anywhere."
Luxio's ears perked.
"Do you hear me? You're not going anywhere. You're my Pokémon. My partner. My friend."
Luxio took a step forward.
"I'm not going to abandon you. I'm never going to leave you. You're stuck with me."
Luxio's tail wagged.
It was a small movement.
A tiny movement.
But it was the first time Briv had ever seen Luxio wag its tail.
"Come here."
Luxio leaped into his arms.
Briv held it tight.
"I've got you," he whispered. "I've always got you."
---
The night deepened.
The celebrations continued inside.
But Briv stayed outside with Luxio, sitting on the edge of the training grounds, watching the stars.
He thought about Piplup—Prinplup—and how far it had come.
He thought about Samuel and Ambipom.
He thought about Nicola and her plan.
He thought about the Eclipse Squad.
About Revan.
About the storm that was coming.
He thought about all of it.
And he made a decision.
"Luxio," he said.
Luxio looked up.
"We're going to win the League."
Luxio's eyes brightened.
"Not just for us. For everyone. For Piplup. For Samuel. For Patricia. For Nicola. For Dariana."
Luxio nodded.
"We're going to show them that they can't break us. That they can't scare us. That they can't stop us."
Luxio stood.
Its fur crackled with electricity.
"Are you with me?"
Luxio threw back its head and howled.
It was a cry of defiance.
A cry of determination.
A cry of war.
Briv smiled.
"Then let's get ready."
---
The door to the inn opened.
Patricia stepped out, Buneary in her arms.
"Briv?"
He turned.
"Yeah?"
"It's getting late."
"I know."
She walked to him, her eyes soft.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Everything," he said. "Nothing. The usual."
She sat beside him.
"Are you scared?"
"No."
"You're lying."
"No." He looked at her. "I'm not scared. I'm ready."
She studied his face.
"You mean that."
"I do."
She leaned against him.
"Then I'm ready too."
Briv put his arm around her.
They sat in silence.
The stars burned above.
The city hummed below.
And somewhere in the shadows, the storm gathered.
But Briv wasn't afraid.
He had his team.
He had his friends.
He had his family.
And he had a promise to keep.
---
The next morning, Briv woke before dawn.
He dressed in silence, careful not to wake Patricia. He clipped his Pokéballs to his belt—Monferno, Turtwig, Prinplup, Luxio, Gible, Riolu.
Six Pokémon.
Six partners.
Six reasons to fight.
He walked outside.
The training grounds were empty.
The city was quiet.
He pulled Prinplup's ball from his belt and held it up.
"You ready, partner?"
The ball shook.
Briv smiled.
He threw it.
Prinplup materialized in a flash of blue light, its wings spreading wide, its eyes bright.
"Let's get to work."
Prinplup chirped.
It was a strong sound.
A determined sound.
A sound that said: I'm here. I'm ready. I'm yours.
Briv's heart swelled.
"Okay," he said. "Bubble!"
Prinplup opened its beak and released a torrent of bubbles.
They shot across the yard, striking a training dummy dead center.
"Good! Again!"
Another torrent.
Another strike.
"Now—Pound!"
Prinplup lunged forward, its flipper slamming into the dummy.
The dummy flew backward.
"Excellent! Now—Metal Claw!"
Prinplup's flipper glowed silver.
It struck the dummy.
The dummy split in two.
Prinplup chirped in surprise.
Briv laughed.
"You did it! You learned Metal Claw!"
Prinplup chirped again.
It was a happy sound.
A proud sound.
"Now let's try something new. Water Sport!"
Prinplup opened its beak and released a spray of water.
It splashed across the ground, creating a slippery surface.
"Good! Now—Bubble Beam!"
Another torrent of bubbles.
Another strike.
They trained for hours.
The sun rose.
The city woke.
And Prinplup—
Prinplup shone.
---
By midday, they had attracted an audience.
Patricia sat on the edge of the yard, Buneary in her lap, cheering every time Prinplup landed a hit. Samuel was there, Ambipom draped over his shoulders, nodding along to the rhythm of the training. Dariana had brought her Eevee, and the little Normal-type watched with wide eyes, learning.
Even Nicola showed up.
She stood at the edge of the yard, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.
But she was watching.
And she was impressed.
"You've got him working hard," she said.
Briv glanced at her.
"Trying to."
"He's strong."
"He is."
Nicola paused.
"The Eclipse Squad won't know what hit them."
Briv smiled.
"No," he said. "They won't."
---
The training continued.
Prinplup grew faster, stronger, more confident with every passing hour. It learned new moves—Fury Attack, Icy Wind, Aqua Jet. It learned to trust its body, to trust its instincts, to trust Briv.
And Briv learned to trust it.
They were a team.
A real team.
By sunset, Prinplup was exhausted—but happy. It collapsed onto the grass, its wings spread, its chest heaving.
Briv sat beside it.
"You did good today," he said.
Prinplup chirped.
"We've got a long way to go. The League's in three weeks. We're not ready yet."
Prinplup looked at him.
"But we will be."
Prinplup nodded.
"We're going to win this. All of us." Briv stroked Prinplup's head. "Together."
Prinplup closed its eyes.
It fell asleep.
Briv stayed beside it.
He watched the sun set over Aethelburg, painting the crystal towers in shades of gold and pink.
He thought about the future.
About the battles to come.
About the friends he had made and the enemies he had made.
About everything.
And he smiled.
Because for the first time in a long time—
He believed.
---
The night was quiet.
Briv returned to the inn, Prinplup's Pokéball warm against his hip.
Patricia was waiting for him.
"How'd it go?"
"Good," he said. "Really good."
She smiled.
"I'm proud of you."
"I'm proud of us."
She kissed him.
It was soft.
Gentle.
Full of promise.
"Come to bed," she whispered.
He did.
---
The storm was coming.
But so was the League.
And Briv Ambertone—
Briv Ambertone was ready.
=====
The morning light cut through the inn's thin curtains, striping the bed in pale gold.
Briv lay awake, Patricia's breath warm against his neck. Her arm was draped across his chest, her fingers loose and soft. He didn't move. He didn't want to.
But his mind was already racing.
Prinplup's evolution had changed everything. The team was stronger now, more balanced. But strength alone wouldn't win the League. He needed to test them—really test them—before the qualifiers began.
He slipped out of bed.
Patricia stirred.
"Where are you going?"
"Training grounds."
She propped herself up on one elbow, her hair a mess of blond tangles.
"It's barely dawn."
"I know."
She studied his face.
"You're worried."
"I'm always worried."
"That's not what I meant."
He pulled on his shirt.
"I need to see if they're ready. All of them. Together."
Patricia nodded slowly.
"Then go."
He kissed her forehead.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Just win."
He smiled.
"That's the plan."
---
The training grounds behind the inn were empty.
Dew clung to the cobblestones, and the distant hum of the city was muffled by the morning fog. Briv stood in the center of the yard, his six Pokéballs arranged on a wooden bench beside him.
He picked up Turtwig's ball first, then Gible's, then Prinplup's.
Three Pokémon.
Three partners he hadn't tested together yet.
He needed an opponent.
---
The stranger appeared at the edge of the yard.
He was tall and lean, maybe twenty-five, with dark skin and close-cropped hair. His clothes were simple—a gray jacket, black pants, worn boots. He carried a single bag over his shoulder and a calm expression that Briv couldn't read.
"You looking for a battle?" the stranger asked.
Briv turned.
"Maybe."
"I've been watching you train for the past two days. You've got potential."
"And you are?"
"Marcus." He extended a hand. "I'm passing through. Heard the champion was in town."
Briv shook it.
"Word travels fast."
"Fast enough."
Marcus dropped his bag and pulled three Pokéballs from his belt.
"Three-on-three. Standard rules. No substitutions."
Briv considered.
"Who's your referee?"
A voice came from behind him.
"I'll do it."
Briv turned.
Axel stood at the edge of the yard, his Rotom flickering at his shoulder. He wore a simple black coat, his chestnut hair windswept, his green eyes sharp.
"Morning," Axel said.
"You're up early."
"I heard you were training. Figured you might need a ref."
Briv smiled.
"You figured right."
Axel took his position at the center of the yard.
"Three-on-three. No substitutions. No items. Send out your first Pokémon."
---
Marcus moved first.
"Lotad," he said.
The ball opened in a flash of green light, and a small, lily pad-shaped Pokémon materialized on the field. Lotad stood no more than two feet tall, its body round and blue, its lily pad hat wide and flat. Its eyes were calm, almost sleepy, and it swayed gently in the morning breeze.
Briv assessed.
Lotad was a Grass- and Water-type. Strong against Ground, weak against Flying. It would be a test of endurance—exactly what Turtwig needed.
"Turtwig," Briv said.
Turtwig materialized in a flash of green light, its sturdy body already digging into the ground, its tiny sprout twitching. The little Grass-type looked at Lotad, then at Briv, then back at Lotad.
It was ready.
"Begin," Axel said.
---
Turtwig moved first.
"Tackle!"
Turtwig lunged forward, its body slamming into Lotad's side.
Lotad staggered.
"Lotad—Bubble!"
Lotad opened its mouth and released a spray of bubbles.
"Turtwig—dodge!"
Turtwig rolled sideways.
The bubbles missed.
"Now—Razor Leaf!"
Turtwig's sprout glowed, and a barrage of sharp leaves shot forward.
Lotad took the hit.
It didn't fall.
"Lotad—Absorb!"
Lotad's body glowed, and green energy shot from Turtwig's body to Lotad's.
Turtwig winced.
"Turtwig—Withdraw!"
Turtwig pulled its body into a defensive crouch.
The Absorb weakened.
"Now—Tackle!"
Turtwig surged forward.
Lotad tried to dodge.
It was too slow.
The Tackle struck Lotad's body, and the little Water-type skidded backward.
"Lotad—Bubble!"
Another spray of bubbles.
"Turtwig—Razor Leaf!"
Another barrage of leaves.
The attacks collided.
Leaves shredded bubbles.
Lotad cried out.
"Now—Tackle!"
Turtwig lunged again.
Lotad collapsed.
"Lotad is unable to battle," Axel said. "Turtwig wins."
---
Marcus recalled Lotad.
He didn't look upset.
If anything, he looked intrigued.
"Your Turtwig is tough," he said.
"He's been through a lot."
"I can tell."
Marcus pulled his second ball from his belt.
"Delibird," he said.
The ball opened in a flash of red and white light, and a small, penguin-like Pokémon materialized on the field. Delibird stood about three feet tall, its body covered in red and white feathers, its tail a sack of gifts. Its eyes were bright and mischievous, and it carried an icy aura that chilled the air around it.
Briv considered.
Delibird was an Ice- and Flying-type. Strong against Grass, weak against Rock and Electric. Turtwig was at a disadvantage.
He needed to be careful.
"Turtwig—Razor Leaf!"
Another barrage of leaves.
"Delibird—Ice Beam!"
A beam of ice shot from Delibird's mouth.
The Razor Leaf froze mid-air.
Turtwig's eyes widened.
"Turtwig—dodge!"
Turtwig rolled sideways.
The Ice Beam missed.
"Now—Tackle!"
Turtwig lunged forward.
"Delibird—Wing Attack!"
Delibird's wings glowed, and it swung them forward.
The Wing Attack struck Turtwig's side.
Turtwig skidded backward.
"Turtwig—Withdraw!"
Turtwig pulled into a defensive crouch.
"Delibird—Ice Beam!"
Another beam of ice.
Turtwig took the hit.
It winced.
Its movements slowed.
"Turtwig—Razor Leaf!"
Another barrage of leaves.
Delibird dodged.
"Delibird—Present!"
Delibird reached into its tail and pulled out a glowing box.
It threw it at Turtwig.
The box exploded on impact.
Turtwig cried out.
But it didn't fall.
"Turtwig—Tackle!"
Turtwig lunged forward one last time.
Its body slammed into Delibird's chest.
Delibird staggered.
"Now—Razor Leaf!"
Another barrage.
Delibird collapsed.
"Delibird is unable to battle," Axel said. "Turtwig wins."
---
Marcus recalled Delibird.
His expression was thoughtful now.
"You're better than I expected," he said.
"So are you."
"Flattery won't save you."
"Wasn't trying to."
Marcus pulled his last ball from his belt.
"Combusken," he said.
The ball opened in a flash of red and orange light, and a tall, bird-like Pokémon materialized on the field. Combusken stood over three feet tall, its body covered in orange and yellow feathers, its legs long and powerful. Its eyes burned with a fierce red fire, and its claws gleamed in the morning light.
"Begin," Axel said.
---
Combusken moved first.
"Ember!"
A jet of fire shot from Combusken's beak.
"Turtwig—dodge!"
Turtwig tried to roll away.
It was too slow.
The Ember struck Turtwig's shell.
Turtwig cried out.
"Turtwig—Razor Leaf!"
Another barrage of leaves.
Combusken dodged.
"Combusken—Peck!"
Combusken lunged forward, its beak glowing.
"Turtwig—Withdraw!"
Turtwig pulled into a defensive crouch.
The Peck struck Turtwig's shell.
Turtwig skidded backward.
It was weakening.
Briv saw it.
"Turtwig—Tackle!"
Turtwig lunged forward.
Combusken dodged.
"Combusken—Double Kick!"
Combusken's legs glowed, and it kicked Turtwig twice in rapid succession.
Turtwig collapsed.
"Turtwig is unable to battle," Axel said. "Combusken wins."
---
Briv recalled Turtwig.
He whispered to the ball before clipping it to his belt.
"You did good," he said. "Rest."
He looked at Marcus.
Marcus looked back.
"Gible," Briv said.
Gible materialized in a flash of blue light, its round body already bouncing with energy, its eyes bright with excitement. The little Dragon-type looked at Combusken, then at Briv, then back at Combusken.
It grinned.
"Begin," Axel said.
---
Combusken moved first.
"Ember!"
A jet of fire.
"Gible—dodge!"
Gible leaped.
The Ember missed.
"Now—Dragon Rage!"
Gible opened its mouth and released a burst of blue energy.
Combusken took the hit.
It staggered.
"Combusken—Double Kick!"
Combusken's legs glowed.
"Gible—dodge!"
Gible tried to roll away.
It was too slow.
The Double Kick struck Gible's side.
Gible cried out.
But it didn't fall.
"Gible—Sand Tomb!"
Gible slammed its fists into the ground.
A whirlwind of sand erupted around Combusken.
Combusken cried out.
"Combusken—Ember!"
Another jet of fire.
"Gible—dodge!"
Gible leaped.
The Ember missed.
"Now—Dragon Rage!"
Another burst of blue energy.
Combusken staggered.
"Combusken—Peck!"
Combusken lunged forward.
"Gible—dodge!"
Gible tried to roll away.
It was too slow.
The Peck struck Gible's head.
Gible cried out.
It fell.
Then it got up.
It got up.
"Gible—Dragon Rage!"
Another burst of blue energy.
Combusken took the hit.
It staggered.
"Combusken—Double Kick!"
Another Double Kick.
"Gible—Sand Tomb!"
Another whirlwind of sand.
The attacks collided.
Combusken was slowing down.
Gible saw it.
"Now—Dragon Rage!"
Another burst.
Combusken collapsed.
"Combusken is unable to battle," Axel said. "Gible wins. Briv wins the match."
---
The yard was silent.
Then Marcus laughed.
It was a warm, genuine sound—the sound of someone who had just lost a bet and didn't mind losing.
"That was fun," he said.
Gible bounced over to Briv, its tail wagging.
Briv knelt and pulled it into a hug.
"You did it," he said. "You did it."
Gible chirped happily.
Marcus approached, his hand extended.
"Good match," he said.
Briv stood and shook it.
"Good match."
"You've got a strong team."
"Thanks."
Marcus looked at Gible.
"That one's special."
"I know."
Marcus nodded.
"Take care of it."
"I will."
He turned and walked toward the edge of the yard.
Then he stopped.
"Briv."
Briv looked at him.
"The Eclipse Squad," Marcus said. "They're not just dangerous. They're desperate. And desperate people do desperate things."
Briv's blood ran cold.
"How do you know about them?"
Marcus turned.
"Because I used to be one of them."
He walked away.
---
Briv stood frozen, Gible still in his arms, the words echoing in his skull.
Used to be one of them.
He wanted to run after Marcus—to grab him, to demand answers, to shake the truth out of him. But his legs wouldn't move. His body wouldn't respond.
Gible chirped.
Briv looked down.
The little Dragon-type was staring at him, its eyes wide, its expression worried.
"I'm okay," Briv said. "I'm okay."
He wasn't.
---
Axel appeared beside him.
He had been silent during the exchange, watching from the edge of the field.
"I heard," he said.
Briv looked at him.
"You heard?"
"I was listening." Axel's expression was grim. "Marcus. I've heard the name before. He was Eclipse Squad, three years ago. Left after a disagreement. Been off the grid ever since."
"Why is he here?"
"I don't know." Axel paused. "But I'm going to find out."
---
That night, Briv sat on the balcony alone.
Gible was curled in his lap, its tail wrapped around his wrist. The city lights flickered below, and the stars burned cold above.
He thought about Marcus.
About the Eclipse Squad.
About everything he had learned in the past week.
He thought about Prinplup.
About how far it had come.
About how far they still had to go.
Gible stirred.
It looked up at him.
Its eyes were bright.
"You're right," Briv said. "We can't stop now."
Gible chirped.
"We've got a League to win."
Gible's tail tightened around his wrist.
"And a team to protect."
The night deepened.
The city hummed.
And somewhere in the shadows of Aethelburg, the storm was coming.
---
Prinplup's ball shook.
Briv looked down.
The ball shook again.
He released Prinplup onto the balcony.
The little Water-type materialized in a flash of blue light, its wings spreading wide, its eyes bright.
It looked at Briv.
Then at Gible.
Then at the city below.
"Hey," Briv said.
Prinplup chirped.
"You okay?"
Prinplup nodded.
It walked to the edge of the balcony and looked out at the crystal towers.
Briv watched.
He didn't speak.
He didn't need to.
Prinplup was here.
Prinplup was safe.
Prinplup was home.
That was enough.
---
The door opened.
Patricia stepped out, Buneary in her arms.
"Briv?"
He turned.
"Yeah?"
"It's getting late."
"I know."
She walked to him, her eyes soft.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Everything," he said. "Nothing. The usual."
She sat beside him.
"Are you scared?"
"No."
"You're lying."
"No." He looked at her. "I'm not scared. I'm ready."
She studied his face.
"You mean that."
"I do."
She leaned against him.
"Then I'm ready too."
Briv put his arm around her.
Prinplup and Gible settled at their feet.
Buneary hopped from Patricia's arms and curled up beside Prinplup.
They sat in silence.
The stars burned above.
The city hummed below.
And somewhere in the shadows, the storm gathered.
But Briv wasn't afraid.
He had his team.
He had his friends.
He had his family.
And he had a promise to keep.
---
The next morning, Briv woke before dawn.
He dressed in silence, careful not to wake Patricia. He clipped his Pokéballs to his belt—Monferno, Turtwig, Prinplup, Luxio, Gible, Riolu.
Six Pokémon.
Six partners.
Six reasons to fight.
He walked outside.
The training grounds were empty.
The city was quiet.
He pulled Prinplup's ball from his belt and held it up.
"You ready, partner?"
The ball shook.
Briv smiled.
He threw it.
Prinplup materialized in a flash of blue light, its wings spreading wide, its eyes bright.
"Let's get to work."
Prinplup chirped.
It was a strong sound—a determined sound. A sound that said: I'm here. I'm ready. I'm yours.
Briv's heart swelled.
"Okay," he said. "Bubble!"
Prinplup opened its beak and released a torrent of bubbles.
They shot across the yard, striking a training dummy dead center.
"Good! Again!"
Another torrent.
Another strike.
"Now—Pound!"
Prinplup lunged forward, its flipper slamming into the dummy.
The dummy flew backward.
"Excellent! Now—Metal Claw!"
Prinplup's flipper glowed silver.
It struck the dummy.
The dummy split in two.
Prinplup chirped in surprise.
Briv laughed.
"You did it! You learned Metal Claw!"
Prinplup chirped again.
It was a happy sound—a proud sound.
"Now let's try something new. Water Sport!"
Prinplup opened its beak and released a spray of water.
It splashed across the ground, creating a slippery surface.
"Good! Now—Bubble Beam!"
Another torrent of bubbles.
Another strike.
They trained for hours.
The sun rose.
The city woke.
And Prinplup—
Prinplup shone.
---
By midday, they had attracted an audience.
Patricia sat on the edge of the yard, Buneary in her lap, cheering every time Prinplup landed a hit. Samuel was there, Ambipom draped over his shoulders, nodding along to the rhythm of the training. Dariana had brought her Eevee, and the little Normal-type watched with wide eyes, learning.
Even Nicola showed up.
She stood at the edge of the yard, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.
But she was watching.
And she was impressed.
"You've got him working hard," she said.
Briv glanced at her.
"Trying to."
"He's strong."
"He is."
Nicola paused.
"The Eclipse Squad won't know what hit them."
Briv smiled.
"No," he said. "They won't."
---
The training continued.
Prinplup grew faster, stronger, more confident with every passing hour. It learned new moves—Fury Attack, Icy Wind, Aqua Jet. It learned to trust its body, to trust its instincts, to trust Briv.
And Briv learned to trust it.
They were a team.
A real team.
By sunset, Prinplup was exhausted—but happy. It collapsed onto the grass, its wings spread, its chest heaving.
Briv sat beside it.
"You did good today," he said.
Prinplup chirped.
"We've got a long way to go. The League's in three weeks. We're not ready yet."
Prinplup looked at him.
"But we will be."
Prinplup nodded.
"We're going to win this. All of us." Briv stroked Prinplup's head. "Together."
Prinplup closed its eyes.
It fell asleep.
Briv stayed beside it.
He watched the sun set over Aethelburg, painting the crystal towers in shades of gold and pink.
He thought about the future.
About the battles to come.
About the friends he had made and the enemies he had made.
About everything.
And he smiled.
Because for the first time in a long time—
He believed.
---
The night was quiet.
Briv returned to the inn, Prinplup's Pokéball warm against his hip.
Patricia was waiting for him.
"How'd it go?"
"Good," he said. "Really good."
She smiled.
"I'm proud of you."
"I'm proud of us."
She kissed him.
It was soft. Gentle. Full of promise.
"Come to bed," she whispered.
He did.
---
The storm was coming.
But so was the League.
And Briv Ambertone—
Briv Ambertone was ready.