Iglaustadt was a picturesque town nestled close to the rolling fields, rivers and hills of the Lindenberg Ranch, its charm grounded in a blend of historical richness and vibrant, everyday life. With its red-tiled rooftops and cobblestone streets winding through a lively town square, Iglaustadt felt as if it had been frozen in a timeless, rustic beauty.
Many workers from the Lindenberg Ranch called Iglaustadt home, spending their days at the ranch before returning to the warmth of their town each evening. The close connection between the town and the ranch fostered a sense of community—residents of Iglaustadt felt just as much a part of the ranch as they did of their own town, and many locals often spoke of the Pokémon they helped train and care for as fondly as family.
Centuries ago, Iglaustadt was one of the largest settlements in the kingdom, thanks to the discovery of rich silver deposits beneath its soil. The influx of miners, merchants, and craftsmen transformed the once-small village into a thriving centre of various activity. The wealth generated from the silver mines fueled the economy of the entire kingdom, with precious coins minted from Iglaustadt's silver traded across the region and beyond. Grand markets lined the streets, guilds flourished, and the town became a symbol of prosperity. While the silver rush eventually waned, the legacy of those prosperous times remained etched into the town's identity, its proud history celebrated in local festivals and museums.
At the heart of Iglaustadt stood its Pokémon Gym, a testament to the town's mining heritage. Located within a sprawling multi-complex arena, the gym shared its space with facilities for sports like ice hockey, basketball, and even a public pool.
The arena was a lively hub of community events, situated conveniently next to the local school and university, where students could study things like medicine, history or tourism. The Ground-type Gym itself bore the aesthetic of a mining shaft, with rugged stone walls, low-hanging lanterns, and displays of antique mining tools honoring the miners and Pokémon that shaped the town's history.
The current Gym Leader, Simon Bauer, was a man deeply rooted in Iglaustadt's heritage. Once a guide at the local underground museum, Simon knew the vast network of tunnels and caverns beneath the town better than anyone. His expertise extended beyond guiding tourists—he was often called upon to assist in surveying and maintaining these historic sites. Despite the decline of silver mining, Simon had a knack for uncovering small veins of silver on rare occasions, a fact that filled him with quiet pride. His bond with Ground-type Pokémon was unmatched, as he viewed them as both partners and symbols of the resilience that had defined Iglaustadt for generations.
Today, the gym had transformed into a venue for a unique event, inviting trainers and non-trainers alike to experience the thrill of Pokémon battles. The gym staff welcomed a lively crowd and divided them into two groups: those who trained Pokémon regularly and those who rarely, if ever, had a chance to engage in battles.
From there, they assigned each participant a random Pokéball, handed out by grinning staff members who were eager to see how their visitors would handle the mystery Pokémon inside. Spectators gathered along the perimeter of the battling areas, with family members cheering and friends snapping photos as the gym buzzed with excitement.
The gym employees moved between pairs of battlers, offering guidance and advice on each Pokémon's moves. A young girl clutching a Pokéball stared at a Cubone with wide eyes, as one of the trainers suggested she start with a Bone Club attack. Nearby, a father and son exchanged determined glances, each with a borrowed Geodude. The gym's earthy atmosphere made the perfect backdrop for these one-on-one matches; dusty puffs rose with every stomp and kick, and the smell of freshly turned soil filled the air. Trainers and non-trainers alike found themselves drawn into the intensity of battle, as Ground-types dug, rolled, and bared their strength with each command.
The royal visit to Iglaustadt's Pokémon Gym was a sight to behold. Simon Bauer, the gym leader, stood at the entrance of the gym, a proud yet humble smile on his face as he welcomed Prince Charles and his entourage. Simon's rugged appearance, paired with his grounded demeanor, perfectly reflected the spirit of Iglaustadt—a town steeped in tradition and strength.
With his work history within the local mining museum, Simon was well-versed in the town's storied past, and his voice carried an air of authority and reverence as he walked the prince through the gym's facilities.
"This gym was built not only to test trainers but to honor the legacy of our miners and Pokémon," Simon explained, gesturing toward the gym's mining-themed décor.
"Each stone you see here, each artifact on the wall, tells a story of partnership between humans and Pokémon." Prince Charles listened attentively, his royal composure tinged with genuine interest.
As they approached the arena, Simon addressed the gathered crowd. His voice, deep and resonant, carried easily over the excited murmur of the audience.
"Welcome, everyone. We are thrilled to see so many of you here at our gym today. This event is made even more special by the presence of our most honored guest, His Royal Highness, Prince Charles."
The audience erupted into applause, their cheers echoing off the arena walls. Simon smiled and raised a hand for silence before continuing.
"For those who registered beforehand, we have prepared random Pokéballs for you to use in the tournament. Enter with your assigned Pokémon and see how far you can go! If you have any questions, our staff members are here to assist you. Have fun, and good luck!"
The crowd's cheers grew even louder as Prince Charles stepped forward to address them. His royal bearing was complemented by a warm and approachable demeanor, instantly endearing him to the gathered visitors.
"Hello, everyone!" he began, his voice carrying an easy confidence.
"It's my pleasure to visit your amazing town. I'm currently staying at the Lindenberg Battle Ranch and have heard and seen wonderful things about Iglaustadt and its history. Seeing all of you here, so excited about today's event, fills me with joy. And I have some exciting news—I will also be participating in the tournament! I look forward to battling alongside or against you!"
The announcement sent the crowd into a frenzy of applause and cheers. Simon glanced at the prince with a smile, giving him an approving nod before leaning closer to explain he would assist him with his assigned Pokémon during the battles.
Meanwhile, Baron Dvořák, the head of Prince Charles' security, scanned the arena from a discreet corner. As a seasoned protector, he had arranged for undercover guards to mingle among the audience and competitors. Their presence was subtle, their movements blending seamlessly with the bustling energy of the event. For Dvořák, ensuring the prince's safety was paramount, and he left nothing to chance.
Nearby, gym trainers were hard at work assisting visitors with their assigned Pokémon. Among them was a spirited first-grader named Emily, a classmate of Jake's. Accompanied by her beaming parents, Emily eagerly clutched her Pokéball, her excitement palpable as she released her Pokémon—a Swinub.
"Look, Mom! It's so fluffy!" Emily squealed, clapping her hands as the small, brown-and-cream Pokémon snorted curiously at her. Wasting no time, Emily began shouting a barrage of moves: "Swinub, use Hyper Beam! No, wait—try Thunderbolt! Or...or maybe Surf!"
The poor Swinub blinked up at her in confusion, its tiny body quivering with uncertainty. A gym trainer knelt down beside her with a patient smile.
"Young lady, Swinub doesn't know those moves. But don't worry; it has other cool ones! Let me show you."
The trainer explained to Emily the list of Swinub's actual moves—Powder Snow, Tackle, Dig and Mud-Slap. Emily's eyes lit up as she heard it, and she began enthusiastically commanding Swinub to use Powder Snow. The little Pokémon complied, sending a chilly gust of snowflakes into the air, much to Emily's delight.
All around the gym, similar scenes played out as trainers and non-trainers bonded with their borrowed Pokémon. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, cheers, and the occasional playful Pokémon cry. For everyone involved, the day was shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of camaraderie and fun.
Jakub Lindenberg walked with his uncle Frank Prochazka and cousin Monika, his expression downcast despite the energy around them. His parents were tied up with responsibilities at the Battle Ranch, leaving Frank to chaperone the kids to the event. Though Monika chattered excitedly eager to meet her friends, Jake was quiet, his thoughts elsewhere.
"I just don't see why I couldn't bring Charmander," Jake muttered for what felt like the hundredth time, kicking at a stray pebble on the ground.
Monika, tired of his complaining, finally snapped.
"Jake, if all you're going to do is whine, you should've just stayed home with your precious Charmander!"
Jake flinched, her words stinging more than he cared to admit.
"Sorry," he muttered, though his mind lingered stubbornly on the little Fire-type. He always thought that his first ever battle should be with the small fire lizard he had cared for since he had found its egg. But fate has decided otherwise.
Frank, walking ahead, sighed and slowed his pace to address the kids.
"Jake, I've explained this already. The rules here are clear—no personal Pokémon here. That's why everyone's getting assigned random Pokémon from the gym's stash. By the way, Charmander doesn't even have a Pokéball yet, so you couldn't bring it here even in secrecy."
Jake nodded, though his heart wasn't in it. Charmander's absence gnawed at him, a constant reminder of the little lizard he was missing today.
Frank gestured ahead.
"Come on, this is where we pick up our Pokéballs."
The trio approached a booth staffed by gym employees, each handing out Pokéballs to eager participants. One of them—a stocky man with a scruffy beard—grinned widely when he saw Frank.
"Well, well, well! If it isn't Frank Prochazka! Finally crawled out of the forest and visited the civilization?"
Frank chuckled and shook his hand.
"Hi Kirk. Work keeps me busy, you know. But I couldn't miss this chance to bring the kids."
"Good to see the next generation getting involved," Kirk replied, ruffling Jake's hair, much to the boy's embarrassment. He handed each of them a Pokéball, giving them an encouraging smile.
"If you need any assistance with your assigned Pokémon, just let me know!"
"Okay, Kirk. We will check what we picked and we will see."
"Good luck out there!"
The group found a quiet spot nearby to release their assigned Pokémon. Monika was the first to go. Her Pokéball opened with a flash, revealing a stocky, brown-and-tan Pokémon with large nostrils and sand trailing off its back. It blinked up at her with a curious expression.
"It's so cute!" Monika squealed, bending down to inspect it more closely. The Pokémon gave a friendly snort, tiny grains of sand puffing into the air.
"That's a Hippopotas," her father informed her.
Next, Frank released his own Pokémon. Out came a blue, froglike creature with bulbous cheeks and a wet, slick body. Its eyes gleamed with mischief, and it let out a deep, croaky sound.
"Looks like I've got a Palpitoad," Frank said, smirking.
Finally, it was Jake's turn. With a press of the button, his Pokéball released a slender, tan Pokémon with black, beady eyes and a hoodlike pattern around its head. It flicked its tongue and wriggled its long body in the air.
"Whoa," Jake breathed, momentarily distracted from his earlier gloom.
"That's a Silicobra," Frank explained, crouching to examine it more closely.
"Ground-type like the others. Looks like you've got a sturdy partner there, Jake."
Jake reached out cautiously, and scratched the Pokémon, its scales smooth and cool to the touch. Despite his lingering disappointment about Charmander, he couldn't help but feel a small spark of excitement at the prospect of working with this new Pokémon.
The trio returned to the booth, where Kirk greeted them with a friendly wave.
"Back already? Not pleased with the Pokémon you got?" he asked with a grin.
"They seem fine," Frank replied.
"But we could use some help figuring out what moves they know. Mind giving us a hand?"
"Of course, that's why I'm here!" Kirk said, beckoning them closer, "let me see those Pokéballs."
Each of them handed over their Pokéball, and Kirk used a small scanner to quickly pull up the details for each Pokémon. He started with Monika's Hippopotas, nodding approvingly at the screen.
"Okay, so this Hippopotas can use following moves. Tackle, a basic move, but reliable. Hippopotas will charge at its target with surprising strength. Sand Attack, this'll kick up sand to lower your opponent's accuracy. A great move to buy some time. Bite, Hippopotas can use its powerful jaws to deliver a nasty bite. A good offensive option. Yawn, this one's interesting. Yawn will make the opposing Pokémon drowsy, putting them to sleep after a short while. Use it wisely. And finally Dig. Your Hippopotas can burrow underground and attack from below. Very handy in tricky battles."
Monika's eyes sparkled with excitement as Kirk explained the moves. Kirk moved on to Frank's Palpitoad next, scanning the Pokéball with a practiced motion.
"Palpitoad, Palpitoad. What moves do you... Ah, here you are! Bubble Beam, a stream of bubbles that can hit hard and may even slow down your opponent. Mud Shot, this'll fire muddy projectiles that can lower the target's speed. Great for controlling the pace of battle. Round, a Normal-type sound-based move that gets stronger if others on your team use it, too. Earth Power, a Ground-type attack that creates tremors to damage all nearby Pokémon. Very powerful! And Supersonic, this one sends out sound waves to confuse your opponent. A bit unpredictable, but it can turn the tide."
Frank nodded in approval, clearly pleased with Palpitoad's versatile move set. Finally, Kirk turned to Jake's Silicobra, glancing at the screen before giving Jake a reassuring smile and detailed explanation.
"So little guy. This Silicobra can do following tricks. Wrap, this'll let Silicobra coil around its opponent to deal damage over time and keep them from escaping. Glare, a chilling stare that paralyzes the target. Very useful for stopping faster opponents. Sand Tomb, this traps the opposing Pokémon in a swirling vortex of sand, dealing damage over several turns. Headbutt, a straightforward move where Silicobra slams into its opponent. It's got a chance to flinch them too. And Bulldoze, a Ground-type move that hits hard and lowers the speed of all Pokémon around. Be careful in double battles!"
Jake studied the moves intently, already imagining how he might use them.
"Looks like you've got some solid options here," Kirk said, handing the Pokéballs back.
"Remember, it's all about strategy. Don't just go for the strongest move—think about what'll throw your opponent off balance."
"Thanks, Kirk," Frank said, clapping him on the shoulder.
"Good luck out there," Kirk replied with a wink. "And remember, have fun!"
The trio made their way to the front of the gym, where the crowd was being sorted into two groups: trainers and non-trainers. The trainers were those who had Pokémon of their own and would compete using the assigned Pokémon alongside their knowledge and experience. The non-trainers, including younger participants and those new to Pokémon battles, were given more guided assistance.
Frank hesitated as he watched Monika and Jake head towards the non-trainers' line. He felt uneasy about letting the kids go off on their own, especially with all the commotion.
"Monika, are you sure you can handle this?" Frank asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Monika turned around, rolling her eyes with an exaggerated sigh.
"Dad, I know my way around town! And I'll take care of Jakey, don't worry." She gave a confident wave, clearly eager to join the fun.
Jake immediately frowned, crossing his arms.
"I don't need anyone to take care of me!" he shot back, annoyed at her patronizing tone. But when Monika started walking off, he begrudgingly ran after her, not wanting to be left behind. Their shadows lightly shimmered, as the ghost Pokémon hiding inside and watching over them followed.
Frank chuckled, shaking his head. "Kids," he muttered to himself before heading toward the trainers' queue. As he joined the line, he pulled out his Pokéball with Palpitoad and gave it a light toss, mentally preparing for the matches ahead.
Monika and Jake, meanwhile, were greeted by one of the gym trainers, a young man in his early twenties with a slightly disheveled look. He had a clipboard tucked under one arm and an expression that screamed, Why am I babysitting today?
"Hi, you two," he said, his tone flat but polite.
"I'm Lucas, and I'll be helping you out today."
He gave them a quick once-over, clearly trying to muster some enthusiasm but failing.
"Let's get you to the waiting room so we can draw your numbers."
Monika, unfazed, grinned and led Jake forward.
"Let's go, Jake. I bet all our friends are already there!"
Jake, still brooding about not having Charmander with him, followed quietly. Lucas escorted them through the buzzing gym arena and into a spacious waiting room filled with other kids and a few adults.
The walls were decorated with colorful banners showcasing past gym challenges, and a large monitor displayed an ongoing match, drawing cheers and gasps from the participants.
Lucas handed each of them a small slip of paper with a number after they drew from a box near the waiting room's entrance.
"Keep these safe," he said, pointing to their slips.
"They'll call your number when it's your turn to battle. Until then, sit tight."
Monika immediately spotted a group of their classmates sitting in one corner of the room and tugged Jake along.
"Come on! Let's see who else is here."
As they approached, a few familiar faces lit up. Emily, who had chosen Swinub earlier, was bouncing on her heels in excitement, while another boy, Martin, leaned casually against a chair, trying to look confident. Several other kids were chattering away, comparing their Pokémon.
"Monika! Jake!" Emily waved them over.
"What Pokémon did you get?"
Monika proudly held up her Pokéball.
"Hippopotas!" she declared. "And you better watch out—it's strong."
Martin scoffed, smirking. "Hah, Hippopotas? That's nothing. I got Geodude. It's a Rock- and Ground-type, so good luck beating me!"
Another boy chimed in, holding his Pokéball aloft. "Well, my Baltoy is going to win for sure. It knows Psybeam, and that's way cooler than anything else here."
Jake, not one to back down from a challenge, finally perked up. "I have a Silicobra," he said, his tone tinged with pride. "And it knows some awesome moves, too!"
The kids continued to brag and tease one another, the room filling with laughter and playful banter.
Lucas, the trainer from gym, now leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, seemed to relax a bit as he watched the kids interact. He recalled his younger days and for the first time that day, a faint smile flickered across his face.
As the excitement built, the monitor in the waiting room buzzed to life, showing an announcement for the next match. Monika tightened her grip on her Pokéball, her eyes gleaming with determination. Jake, now distracted from his earlier sulking, felt a thrill of anticipation. It was almost time to battle, and the competition was already heating up.
The monitor in the waiting room flickered, showing the next match about to start.
Monika gasped and nudged Jake with her elbow. "Look! It's Dad's turn!" she exclaimed, her eyes glued to the screen. The group of kids around them grew quieter, leaning in to watch as Frank Prochazka stepped onto the battlefield.
Frank walked out with a confident stride, his ranger uniform contrasting against the earthy tones of the gym's arena. The battlefield was a classic Ground-type setup—a rocky terrain with patches of dirt and small mounds scattered across its surface.
The referee, a stern-looking woman with short-cropped brown hair, raised her flag to signal the start of the match.
"Welcome, trainers!" she announced, her voice carrying over the cheering crowd.
"On my left, we have Frank Prochazka, a ranger from the Battle Ranch!" The crowd applauded warmly.
"And on my right," the referee continued, "we have another challenger, Tereza Novak, a rising star from Iglaustadt!"
Tereza, a teenage girl with shoulder-length blonde hair tied in a loose ponytail, waved to the audience with a confident smile. She wore a bright yellow jacket and black leggings, her posture oozing youthful determination.
The kids in the waiting room exchanged murmurs as Tereza's name was announced.
"She's good," one of them whispered. "I heard she trains with Mark's dad."
"Figures," Jake muttered, remembering as Viktor Vranitzky announced in front of his whole class that he only accepts the best of the best to train.
The referee lowered her flag.
"Trainers, call out your Pokémon!"
Frank unclipped his Pokéball and tossed it high into the air.
"Let's go, Palpitoad!"
The orb burst open, releasing the blue, frog-like Pokémon. Palpitoad landed with a confident croak, its bulbous head gleaming under the gym lights.
Tereza smirked and mirrored his motion, throwing her own Pokéball.
"Murkrow, stand by for battle!"
The ball opened with a flash, and a sleek black bird with a plume resembling a witch's hat emerged, cawing sharply as it took to the air.
The referee stepped back, raising her flag again.
"Begin!"
Tereza wasted no time.
"Murkrow, Dark Pulse!"
Murkrow flapped its wings and unleashed a burst of dark, rippling energy. The attack struck Palpitoad before it could react, causing it to stumble slightly.
"Palpitoad, Bubble Beam!" Frank commanded.
Palpitoad fired a stream of bubbles at the airborne Murkrow, but the bird deftly maneuvered out of the way.
"Counter with another Dark Pulse!" Tereza yelled, and the dark energy ripped through the bubbles, dispersing them with ease.
The kids in the waiting room were on the edge of their seats.
"Murkrow's way faster," Emily whispered nervously.
Frank didn't seem rattled and wanted to see how good at attacking his pick really was.
"Mud Shot, now!"
Palpitoad launched a glob of mud toward Murkrow, aiming to slow it down. But the bird dodged gracefully and retaliated with Wing Attack, striking Palpitoad squarely on its side. The crowd gasped as Palpitoad staggered again.
Tereza grinned, sensing victory.
"Finish it with Air Slash!"
Murkrow's wings shimmered as it launched a razor-sharp wave of air at Palpitoad. The attack hit, and Palpitoad reeled back barely holding its ground.
Frank adjusted his sunglasses and smirked.
"You're fast, but speed isn't everything. Palpitoad, Supersonic!"
Palpitoad let out a high-pitched, disorienting sound. Murkrow flinched but quickly shook it off, retaliating with another Air Slash.
"Again, Supersonic!" Frank ordered, even as Palpitoad took another hit.
"Why does he keep using that?" Emily, one of the kids muttered, confused.
"It's strategy and it's working," Jake said confidently believing his uncle knew what he was doing. "You'll see."
Finally, the Supersonic struck true and its secondary effect took place confusing the flying Pokémon. Murkrow let out a distressed caw, its movements becoming erratic as it swayed in the air.
"Now's your chance!" Frank called. "Bubble Beam!"
Palpitoad shot a stream of bubbles at the confused Murkrow, striking it midair. The bird spiraled down, crashing onto the rocky terrain.
"Finish it, Earth Power!"
Palpitoad stomped the ground, and a massive tremor erupted beneath Murkrow. The confused bird had no time to react as the ground split beneath it, sending shockwaves of energy through its body.
Murkrow let out a final squawk before collapsing, its wings splayed out in defeat.
The referee raised her flag.
"Murkrow is unable to battle! The victory goes to Palpitoad and Frank Prochazka!"
The crowd erupted in applause as Frank waved briefly before returning Palpitoad to its Pokéball.
In the waiting room, the kids cheered loudly, even Jake, who had been brooding earlier.
"That was amazing!" Emily exclaimed.
"See? Jake told you Dad knows what he's doing," Monika said proudly, a wide grin on her face.
Jake crossed his arms, pretending to act unimpressed, but a faint smile betrayed his admiration.
"Yeah, yeah."
Deep down, though, he couldn't wait for his own turn to battle.