Lyra POV
Nyra liked mornings on the road.
They were quiet in a way cities never were. No engines. No crowds. Just wind in the grass, the distant cry of wild Pokémon, and the soft rhythm of boots against dirt.
She walked a few steps ahead of Grant, hands tucked into her jacket pockets, eyes scanning the path for anything that might move. Tepig trotted beside her, tail flame flickering lazily. Behind them, Grant was already talking to Oshawatt about training schedules like a coach with a stopwatch.
Nyra smiled to herself.
He's serious, she thought. Good.
The sun was still low when they reached a clearing shaped like a shallow bowl, ringed with trees. The ground was flat and soft, perfect for training.
Nyra stopped. "Here."
Grant nearly walked into her. "Here?"
"Here," she said again, planting her heel. "No distractions. No foot traffic. Good lines of sight. Let's work."
Oshawatt bounced in place. "Osha-watt!"
Grant set his pack down. "Okay. Today we focus on control."
Nyra tilted her head. "What move are you working on?"
"Focus Energy."
She blinked. "Already?"
Grant nodded. "If Oshawatt can learn to center itself, everything else gets easier."
Nyra crossed her arms. "Alright, Coach Calder. Let's see what you've got."
Grant POV
Grant knelt so he was eye-level with Oshawatt.
"Remember what we practiced last night," he said gently. "Breathing slow. Don't rush. Feel your balance."
Oshawatt nodded, shell tucked under its arm like a shield.
"Osha."
Grant stood and stepped back. "Okay. Focus Energy."
Oshawatt closed its eyes.
It took a deep breath.
Then another.
Its stance wobbled.
Grant held his breath.
Oshawatt clenched its paws and let out a determined squeak.
"Osha!"
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then a faint glow shimmered around its body.
The air seemed to tighten.
Oshawatt opened its eyes, focused and sharp.
Nyra raised an eyebrow. "That's… not bad."
Grant grinned. "Again."
Oshawatt repeated the motion.
This time, the glow came faster.
Stronger.
Grant felt a thrill in his chest.
"Nice! That's it. Hold that feeling."
Oshawatt stood straighter, breathing steady.
Grant laughed softly. "You're doing great."
Oshawatt puffed up proudly.
Then lost its balance and tipped over.
"Osha!"
Grant rushed forward. "Hey—"
Oshawatt popped back up, shaking its head.
It struck the stance again.
The glow returned.
Nyra clapped once. "Okay, that's impressive."
Grant exhaled. "We're getting there."
Nyra POV
Nyra stepped away and released Tepig.
"Your turn," she said.
Tepig snorted and stomped, flame flaring brighter.
Nyra crouched. "Speed drills. Evasion. Then power."
Tepig nodded.
She tossed a pebble into the grass.
"Charge."
Tepig sprinted.
It dodged low branches, leaped a fallen log, and skidded to a stop at her boots.
Nyra smiled. "Good. Again."
She threw two pebbles in opposite directions.
Tepig hesitated.
Nyra snapped her fingers. "Left."
Tepig pivoted instantly.
Nyra felt a familiar surge of pride.
We're ready, she thought. Almost.
She glanced back at Grant and Oshawatt.
Grant was guiding Oshawatt through another Focus Energy attempt, voice calm, steady.
He's got instincts, she realized. Doesn't even know it yet.
Nyra returned her attention to Tepig.
"Flame Charge."
Tepig's body glowed red-hot as it bolted forward, leaving scorched grass in its wake.
Nyra nodded. "That'll do."
End POV
They trained until midday.
Grant collapsed onto the grass, staring at the sky.
"I didn't know training could be this exhausting."
Nyra sat beside him. "You haven't even started the real grind yet."
Oshawatt flopped onto its back between them.
"Osha…"
Grant laughed. "You deserve a break."
Nyra checked her map. "There's a Trainer Checkpoint up ahead. Official League battles. Good place to test progress."
Grant's heart jumped. "Already?"
She smirked. "You scared?"
"Naah."
"Good,"
They packed up and hit the road again.
The checkpoint sat at a crossroads, marked by tall League banners and a small stone arena surrounded by wooden stands. A handful of trainers milled about, some resting, others battling.
Grant felt his pulse quicken.
This was different from a random route battle.
This was official.
Nyra leaned close. "If we're going to be rivals, we should make it official too."
Grant blinked. "You mean…"
She grinned. "First rival battle."
Oshawatt's ears perked up.
Grant swallowed. "Here?"
"Here."
A League attendant approached. "You two looking to register a match?"
Nyra nodded. "Rival challenge."
Grant nodded too.
The attendant smiled. "Step into the arena."
They stood across from each other on the stone field.
Grant's hands trembled slightly as he unclipped Oshawatt's Poké Ball.
Nyra rolled her shoulders, relaxed and confident.
The crowd was small, but Grant still felt every pair of eyes on him.
The attendant raised a flag. "One Pokémon each. Battle begins!"
Nyra pointed. "Tepig, let's go!"
Tepig landed with a fiery snort.
Grant released Oshawatt.
"Oshawatt!"
The two Pokémon faced off.
Grant's heart pounded.
Nyra smirked. "Don't hold back."
Grant took a breath. "Oshawatt, Focus Energy."
Oshawatt closed its eyes.
Its body glowed faintly.
Tepig pawed the ground impatiently.
Nyra raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."
"Now Water Gun!"
Oshawatt fired.
The stream hit Tepig squarely.
Tepig slid back but stayed upright.
"Flame Charge!" Nyra commanded.
Tepig burst forward, flames trailing.
"Dodge!" Grant shouted.
Oshawatt leaped sideways.
The flames grazed its tail.
"Osha!"
"Stay focused!" Grant said. "Use the shell—block!"
Oshawatt raised its shell just as Tepig slammed into it.
The impact knocked Oshawatt backward.
It rolled once.
Twice.
Then stopped.
Grant's chest tightened. "Get up!"
Oshawatt pushed itself up, wobbling.
The glow from Focus Energy still shimmered faintly.
Nyra nodded. "You've trained it well."
She raised her hand. "Ember!"
Tepig spat a burst of fire.
"Water Gun!" Grant yelled.
The two attacks collided.
Steam exploded outward.
Oshawatt skidded back, breathing hard.
Tepig panted, smoke rising from its nostrils.
Grant clenched his fists.
"Focus," he whispered. "One more time."
"Oshawatt—use Focus Energy again!"
Oshawatt steadied itself.
Its breathing slowed.
The glow intensified.
Nyra narrowed her eyes.
"Finish it," Grant said. "Water Gun!"
Water shot forward like a missile, spiraling around Tepigs's body.
Nyra reacted instantly. "Dodge and counter!"
Tepig twisted aside.
Oshawatt grazed its shoulder.
Tepig spun and slammed into Oshawatt with a headbutt.
Both Pokémon tumbled.
They lay still.
For a heartbeat, the arena was silent.
"Oshawatt!" Grant shouted.
"Tepig!" Nyra called.
Oshawatt stirred.
Tepig stirred.
They pushed themselves upright at the same time.
The crowd erupted.
Grant's heart raced.
"Water Gun!" he yelled.
"Ember!" Nyra commanded.
The attacks collided again.
This time, the steam cleared to reveal Tepig on one knee.
Oshawatt stood, shaking but upright.
The attendant raised the flag.
"Tepig is unable to battle. Victory goes to Oshawatt and Grant Calder!"
Grant froze.
Then the realization hit.
He won.
Nyra recalled Tepig and walked over, grinning.
"Well fought."
Grant stared at Oshawatt, then at Nyra.
"I… we actually—"
She punched his shoulder lightly. "Don't get cocky."
He laughed, breathless. "I won't."
Oshawatt ran to him and leaped into his arms.
"Osha-watt!"
Grant hugged it tightly. "You did amazing."
Nyra watched them, smile softening.
He's going to be dangerous one day, she thought.
The attendant handed Grant a small prize pouch.
"Congratulations."
Grant thanked him, still stunned.
Nyra stretched. "Alright, Champion-in-training. Next round's on me."
Grant looked at her. "You're not mad?"
She shrugged. "Rivals are supposed to trade wins."
She smirked. "Just remember. Next time, I'm taking it back."
Grant grinned. "Looking forward to it."
They stepped off the arena together.
The road waited.
The Gym waited.
And somewhere ahead, the world was already watching.