After the next morning's kick-off meeting, David Lindenberg led Prince Charles, the grandson of the king, through the vast fields of the Battle Ranch. Although he was trying to maintain his usual calm, the presence of the royal guards stationed discreetly around the ranch made him slightly uneasy. The guards watched every movement, ready to intervene at a moment's notice, their professionalism evident in how smoothly they blended into the background.
Beside him, Prince Charles, full of youthful curiosity, was unfazed by the security. His eyes sparkled as he took in the sprawling landscape of barns, grazing fields, and Pokémon habitats.
"Your Highness, this is where we keep most of the Pokémon. We have different barns for different types, based on their needs," David began, gesturing to a large barn in the distance.
Charles looked up at him, a slight smile on his face. "You don't have to call me 'Your Highness,' you know," he said, his tone a bit playful. "At least, not when we're not around other officials. You can just call me Charles."
David smiled nervously. "I understand, Your Highness—uh, prince Charles," he corrected himself quickly. He wasn't quite ready to drop the title, not yet.
Charles grinned at the response but didn't push further. "So, do all the people here work with Pokémon?" he asked, his curiosity shifting back to the ranch.
"Yes, most of them do," David explained, grateful for the change in topic. "Many of the employees have been here for years, taking care of the Pokémon. They know everything there is to know about their care and training."
They continued toward one of the barns, where a few of the ranch hands were busy brushing and tending to a variety of Pokémon. As they entered, the scent of hay and Pokémon filled the air. Near the back of the barn stood a massive Copperajah, its trunk swaying lazily as it snacked on some feed.
As Charles and David approached the towering behemoth, its metallic skin gleaming in the sunlight, Charles' eyes widened in awe.
"I've never seen one of these before," he said, his voice filled with wonder.
David smiled, sensing the prince's excitement. "That's our Copperajah, called Stampy. They're very rare in Bohemia. We were lucky to get a few thanks to my father, Joe. He's got a good relationship with some trainers from Galar who trained here a few years back. Stampy and another Copperajah liked the ranch so much, they decided to stay and even started a family. We've got some small Cufant running around as well."
Petr, David's father-in-law, who had been brushing the Pokémon's sturdy legs, looked up and nodded in greeting. "This here's Stampy, Your Highness," he said. The Copperajah let out a soft sound and lowered her trunk gently toward Charles.
The prince instinctively stepped back, nervous for a moment, but as Stampy's trunk softly caressed his arm, he smiled, his tension easing. "Ohh, she's friendly," Charles said, surprised.
"Stampy's one of the gentlest giants we have here," David said, laughing. "She's used to people."
"Can I try?" Charles asked, glancing between David and Petr.
"Of course," Petr replied, handing the brush over to him. "Just be firm, but gentle."
Charles took the brush, approaching the massive creature with more confidence now. He started to brush the side of Stampy's leg, feeling the rough texture of her skin. Stampy let out a contented huff, causing Charles to laugh.
"Wow, she's amazing!" Charles exclaimed, grinning as the Copperajah leaned into his brushing.
David nodded. "She sure is. You've got the hang of it quickly, too."
As they continued, Charles glanced around at the royal guards stationed nearby, all of them watching silently from a distance. Sensing David's unease, Charles said in a low voice, "Don't worry about them. They're always around. Very professional. They won't interfere unless something actually happens."
David chuckled nervously, but nodded. "I'll try to get used to it. But it's not every day we get a royal visit."
"Hey, I'm just here to learn about Pokémon," Charles said, brushing Stampy with more confidence now. "And Stampy here is a great teaching material."
The Copperajah turned its head slightly, regarding Charles with calm eyes as he began to brush its thick, tough hide. Charles smiled, his earlier nervousness melting away. "It feels really cool," he said, glancing back at David. "I didn't think something this big would be so peaceful."
"They're strong, but like most Pokémon, they respond well to good care and respect," David explained. "Copperajah are powerful, but they're also really intelligent and calm if you treat them right."
After spending a few more minutes with the Copperajah, David led Charles back outside. The landscape shifted from the barn to wide, open fields. The gentle breeze rustled through the grass, and herds of Pokémon grazed peacefully in the distance. Charles' attention was immediately drawn to a group of Tauros roaming not far off.
"Those are Tauros, right?" Charles asked, pointing toward the herd.
"Yes, they are," David confirmed. "We have quite a few of them here. Tauros are a common sight on ranches like ours, but they're highly valued for their meat."
Charles furrowed his brow in thought. "So people eat Pokémon like Tauros?"
David nodded. "That's right. Tauros meat is in high demand, especially for larger events or feasts. It's a staple food in many places."
Charles looked intrigued. "What about other Pokémon? Are there rare types that people eat too?"
David smiled, appreciating the young prince's curiosity. "There are a few. Some are quite rare and considered delicacies. For example, Bouffalant meat is highly prized, but it's forbidden to hunt them here because there aren't enough of them in Bohemia. There's also Ampharos line, which has a slightly paralyzing effect when eaten—very mild, but it gives the dish a unique sensation. Then you have Piloswine, which is served during the winter because of its icy texture."
"Paralyzing?" Charles repeated, his eyes widening slightly. "That sounds… dangerous."
David chuckled. "It's all about preparation. The effect is very mild and controlled, but it gives the meat a unique flavor and texture. Then there's more exotic stuff, like Camerupt, which is known for being incredibly spicy, or Farfetch'd, which is famous for being served with grilled leeks."
"I've heard about Farfetch'd!" Charles said with excitement. "My tutor told me it's really rare. Are they cooked with their own leek?"
David chuckled. "Well, some people prefer it like that, but to be honest, they are rare as well."
"And what else is rare and tasty?" the prince asked.
"Let me think... Ah, for example, there's Seviper, which has to be carefully prepared to remove the poison, but when done right, it's really a delicacy."
"Wow," Charles murmured, clearly fascinated. "I never really thought about what we really eat and how much there was to know about Pokémon and food. At court, I only ever see the battle-ready Pokémon. We have a lot of Dragon-types, but I don't get any time with them because of all my lessons and duties."
"Well, here at the ranch, you can learn all you want about Pokémon," David said. "It's a little different from life at court, I'm sure."
Charles nodded, gazing out over the wide fields. "I think I like it here. It's peaceful."
David and Prince Charles hopped into the open-top vehicle as it gently rumbled across the vast grasslands of the ranch. The warm breeze tugged at their clothes, and the distant landscape stretched out like a never-ending canvas, dotted with all kinds of Pokémon. Charles leaned forward eagerly, his eyes wide with excitement as the ranch unveiled its wonders.
As they drove further, Charles spotted a herd of Zebstrika galloping gracefully through the fields. Their black-and-white striped bodies shimmered under the sunlight, lightning crackling faintly around their manes.
"What are those?" Charles asked, pointing at the stunning creatures.
"Those are Zebstrika," David replied with a smile. "Electric-types. They're known for their speed and power, especially during thunderstorms."
"Do they get more powerful in storms?" Charles asked, intrigued.
David chuckled, "Oh, absolutely. Zebstrika are known to be more active and even a little unpredictable when there's thunder in the air. Some of them even like to race with the lightning—if you're brave enough to stand near them, you might see sparks flying."
Charles laughed at the image, "That sounds incredible—and a bit dangerous!"
"Well, that's part of their charm," David said with a grin. "We try to keep them away from any areas with metal fences when a storm is coming."
As they continued their drive, the scene changed, and a group of tall, swaying Kantonian Exeggutor appeared in the distance. Their towering coconut-shaped heads bobbed lazily as they soaked in the sun.
"Whoa!" Charles exclaimed, standing up slightly in the vehicle. "I've only ever seen the Alolan Exeggutor, the dragon ones, but those are very different! Much larger!"
David nodded. "Yep, these are the Kantonian Exeggutor—Grass and Psychic-types. They're not as tall as their Alolan cousins, but they're just as fascinating."
"Cool!" the prince exhaled.
"Do you know how they reproduce?" David asked curiously, staring at the wobbling heads. Charles only shook his head.
"It's actually quite funny. See those coconut heads on top? Sometimes, when one drops off, it can actually turn into an Exeggcute. And that new Exeggcute can later evolve into a Exeggutor, too. Pretty cool, right?"
Charles looked even more amazed. "So one of their heads could basically start a whole new Pokémon?"
"Exactly," David confirmed, "and that's part of why they're so valuable in the ecosystem. They help keep the Exeggcute population growing. But Exeggcute are a very popular prey to many Pokémon, so there is a natural way to keep their numbers steady."
Just as they were discussing the Exeggutor, a sudden rumbling could be heard, and David slowed the vehicle. A herd of Gogoat came sprinting toward them, their powerful hooves thundering against the ground.
"Uh-oh," Charles muttered, gripping the side of the vehicle as the herd charged closer.
David acted quickly, releasing his Meganium.
"Meg, please, calm them down."
The towering Grass-type Pokémon stood firmly in front of the approaching herd, its floral neck shining brightly. Meganium released a calming, sweet-smelling aura, which washed over the Gogoat. Almost immediately, the herd slowed down and veered away, peacefully redirecting their course.
"That was close," Charles said, letting out a breath of relief.
David patted Meganium's side affectionately. "She's great at keeping things under control around here. Gogoat are usually calm, but when they get riled up, well, they tend to forget what's in front of them."
Charles nodded, admiring the peaceful power of Meganium. "Is there anything else special about Gogoat besides their speed?"
"Well," David replied, "the female Gogoat produce a very nutritious milk. It's actually quite tasty and is popular around here. But you have to be careful—they don't like to be milked unless they trust you."
As they continued across the grassland, the sounds of loud drumming echoed through the air. Charles perked up, his attention snapping toward the rhythmic noise. A large troop of Grookey, Thwackey, and Rillaboom were gathered nearby, their wooden sticks pounding rhythmically against trees and fallen branches.
"It's like a outdoor orchestra!" Charles laughed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
David smirked. "That's the Grookey line for you. They communicate with their drumming, and it looks like they're sizing us up."
The lead Rillaboom, towering and impressive, stepped forward, beating his drum harder and faster, as if challenging them. Some of the royal guards, sensing potential trouble, started to move in.
David raised a hand to calm them. "It's fine," he said quietly, before calling out his Conkeldurr.
"Let's play!"
The muscular Fighting-type emerged, its concrete pillars in hand, ready for a friendly match.
The Rillaboom let out a low growl and beat its drum again, clearly accepting the challenge. The troop of Grookey and Thwackey cheered wildly, their sticks clattering loudly against the wood.
Conkeldurr and Rillaboom exchanged blows, their strikes powerful but measured, as though testing each other's strength. The battle was not hostile, and both Pokémon were clearly enjoying themselves. The Grookey and Thwackey chattered excitedly, their eyes wide as they watched their leader in action.
After a few minutes, Rillaboom began to slow down, its breathing heavy. David noticed and called out, "That's enough, Conkeldurr."
The two Pokémon stepped back from each other, and Conkeldurr gave a respectful nod to Rillaboom. The Rillaboom, though tired, puffed out its chest proudly, not wanting to appear weak in front of its troop.
"That was incredible," Charles said, his eyes shining. "I've never seen anything like it."
David grinned, pleased that the prince was enjoying the experience. "It's always interesting out here, Your Highness. Every day's an adventure."
As they drove on, Charles turned to David with a smile. "You know, this is way better than any theoretical Pokémon lesson I've had back at Pragengrad."
David and Charles arrived at the ponds, the shimmering water reflecting the clear sky above. The tranquil surface was interrupted by gentle ripples as various Pokémon swam gracefully across the water. Charles' eyes lit up at the sight of so many different species interacting with the environment.
"Wow, look at them!" Charles said, pointing excitedly at the water.
David smiled and slowed the vehicle, allowing the prince to take in the scene. "Yeah, the ponds are home to a lot of different Water-types. Some like to bask on the surface, while others stay hidden below."
Charles leaned closer, watching as a graceful Lapras glided smoothly across the pond, its shell adorned with spiky ridges. "That's a Lapras, right? I've seen them in books, but I've never seen one in person."
David nodded. "Yep, Lapras are known for their calm nature. They're incredible swimmers and have been used as ferries for generations. That one's named Lory, and she's been helping people cross a local river for years when she was younger. But after poachers tried to capture her several times, we offered her to stay within the Ranch."
"And what happened with the river and people who wanted to cross it?" Charles asked.
"They had to build a bridge," David laughed.
Charles watched the Lapras with fascination, then turned his attention to a smaller, more energetic creature. "What about that one?" He pointed at a Buizel playfully darting between the water lilies.
"That's Buizel," David replied. "It's a fast swimmer and loves to show off its speed. Its tail acts like a propeller, which helps it move through the water quickly."
Charles laughed as the Buizel somersaulted out of the water, splashing down with a satisfied chirp. "It looks like it's having a lot of fun!"
As they continued along the water's edge, a group of Swanna elegantly glided overhead, landing gracefully on the pond's surface. "Swanna are known for their beauty and grace, but they can also be fierce fighters when they need to be," David said, watching them with admiration.
As they watched the elegant Swanna glide gracefully across the pond, Charles couldn't help but be captivated by their serene beauty.
"They're so majestic," Charles remarked. "Are they strong in battles?"
David nodded, smiling. "They can be, yes. Swanna have a real mix of elegance and power. My wife, Eva, has a Swanna of her own, which she caught in Unova—one of the smartest and strongest Pokémon I've ever seen."
Charles raised an eyebrow. "Really? What makes hers so special?"
David chuckled. "Well, Eva's Swanna is something else. She's incredibly intelligent—almost like she can read the battlefield before a move even happens. Quick, strategic, and graceful, but she can also hold her own in a tough fight. And she knows many useful moves. Actually, she helped save my life recently."
"Wow," Charles said, his admiration growing. "I guess I wouldn't want to mess with it, then."
David laughed. "Yeah, it's best to stay on her good side. She's been by Eva's side for years, and they make a great team. But she's not just strong—Swanna are incredibly loyal, too. That bond is what makes her so special."
Charles nodded, looking at the Swanna with newfound respect. "I'd love to see her in a battle someday."
David smiled. "Maybe you will. Eva would love to show you what her Swanna can do."
Charles nodded, his gaze shifting to a large Whiscash that surfaced momentarily, its wide mouth gaping open as it lazily swam along. "And that one?"
David chuckled. "That's Whiscash. It's a Ground- and Water-type. Pretty docile most of the time, but don't let its lazy appearance fool you—when it gets worked up, it can cause earthquakes. In fact, we have to be careful where we let them swim, especially near the shore."
Charles' eyes widened. "Earthquakes? From that big guy? That's wild!"
David grinned. "Yeah, they're not the most common Pokémon around here, but they're fascinating to watch. Just keep your distance when they're upset."
Charles continued to marvel at the Pokémon on the surface, but David leaned in slightly, adding, "And that's just the ones you can see. There's even more going on beneath the water."
Charles perked up at that. "Really? What kinds of Pokémon live under the surface?"
David looked out at the peaceful ponds. "We've got all sorts from various trainers here—Seadra, Sharpedo, Lanturn, even some Gyarados. The real magic happens below. If you ever get the chance to dive down, you'll see an entirely different world."
Charles' face lit up at the idea. "I go swimming all the time back home! I'd love to go underwater and see them up close. It sounds amazing."
David nodded, impressed with the prince's enthusiasm. "We could definitely arrange that. I've got a few Water-types that would love to show you around beneath the surface. But… we'll have to save that for another day. It takes a lot of time to prepare for a dive like that."
Charles looked a little disappointed but quickly perked up. "Promise we'll do it, though? I can't wait to see what's down there!"
David smiled. "I promise. We'll make it happen. For now, though, we've still got a lot more to see above the water."
With a shared sense of excitement for the future dive, the two continued their tour around the ponds, the sun reflecting off the surface as more Pokémon revealed themselves along the way.
As David and Charles approached the hill, the atmosphere changed—there was a distinct metallic hum in the air, and the ground seemed to glint under the sunlight. It was clear they were entering the territory of the Steel-type Pokémon. David had planned a surprise for the prince and had asked one of the trainers to let his Steelix roam this part of the ranch.
As they rounded the bend, a massive Steelix emerged from the hill, its iron-coated body twisting and stretching like a towering mountain. Its polished, segmented form shimmered in the light, casting a massive shadow over the area.
Charles gasped, eyes wide in amazement. "That thing is huge! Is it... a Dragon type?"
David smiled knowingly. "No, Your Highness. Believe it or not, Steelix is a Steel and Ground type, not a Dragon."
Charles furrowed his brow, unable to reconcile the sheer size and the powerful aura Steelix gave off. "No way. It has to be part Dragon. Look at it!"
David chuckled. "I get why you'd think that. But Steelix's power doesn't come from dragon blood. Would you like to see it in action?"
Steelix's eyes gleamed, sensing the opportunity for a challenge. David turned to one of the nearby trainers, who gave a nod to him and turned to Steelix whispering something to him.
David looked back at Charles. "I'll show you what Steelix can do in a battle."
David called out his own Pokémon, and from a flash of light, a massive, three-headed, hellish canine appeared. "Meet Fluffy, my Houndemon."
Charles's jaw dropped. "Three heads… Is that…? I've read about ancient legends of dogs guarding the river in the underworld!"
David grinned. "That's right. Fluffy's a Houndemon, the evolved form of Houndoom. And she's ready to take on this Steelix."
Steelix growled, twisting its enormous body in preparation. The battle began without warning as Steelix unleashed a powerful Dragon Breath, the greenish-blue flame billowing toward Fluffy. Charles's eyes lit up. "See! I knew it! Dragon move! Steelix IS a Dragon Pokémon!"
But David was quick to counter. "Moves don't define a Pokémon's type, Your Highness. Watch Fluffy."
Fluffy moved with precision, using Protect to block the Dragon Breath, and then, without wasting a moment, her three heads growled in unison. Her body began to heat up, and soon she was engulfed in flames as she prepared her own move—Flame Charge.
"What's happening to her?" Charles asked, amazed.
"She's building up speed and power," David explained. "Flame Charge increases her speed with every use. She'll hit harder the more she uses it."
Steelix wasn't idle. It coiled its body and charged up Iron Head, its huge metal skull gleaming as it shot toward Fluffy like a steel wrecking ball. The ground shook as the two Pokémon collided, Flame Charge against Iron Head. The sheer force of the impact sent both Pokémon reeling, but Fluffy, though much smaller and lighter, surprisingly held her own.
Charles was on the edge of his seat. "That was incredible! How can she stand up to something so much bigger and heavier?"
David laughed. "She's tough, but Steelix is no pushover. Look!"
Steelix, now furious, charged at Fluffy with Crunch, ready to snap its jaws around the smaller Houndemon. But Fluffy was too quick, leaping out of harm's way and countering with a direct Flamethrower. The blast of fire scorched Steelix, leaving it with a visible burn mark on its metallic hide. It roared in anger, its movements becoming more erratic and fierce.
Charles looked worried as Steelix's rage grew, and one of the royal guards called out his Haxorus, ready to intervene if things got out of hand. But David waved him off. "It's alright, we've got this."
Fluffy, unfazed by the towering Steelix, used another Flame Charge, drawing Steelix's attention back toward her. When Steelix tried to hit her with Iron Head again, Fluffy leaped into the air, landing with a fiery tackle that knocked Steelix off balance. The gargantuan behemoth swayed, dizzy from the blow, and David raised his hand. "That's enough!"
He approached the Steelix, holding out some food as a peace offering. "Great battle, Steelix," David said softly as his Meganium emerged from its Pokéball. The gentle dinosaur approached, its soothing presence immediately calming the situation.
"Meg, Safeguard," David commanded, and a soft green aura surrounded Steelix, healing its burn. "And Heal Pulse."
Charles watched in awe as Meganium's gentle healing light enveloped Steelix, restoring its energy. "Is that healing?"
"Yeah," David nodded. "Meganium and Steelix are old friends. She doesn't like seeing her buddy suffer."
Charles, still impressed by the battle, couldn't help but return to his earlier point. "I still say Steelix should be a Dragon-type. It's massive, powerful, and knows Dragon moves!"
David chuckled. "I hear that a lot. But believe me, Steelix is all steel and ground. And that's more than enough to make him one of the toughest Pokémon out there."
As they continued walking, David pointed out other Steel-type Pokémon on the hill. A towering Aggron stood nearby, its armored body glinting like a walking fortress. "That's an Aggron—another steel beast. Its defense is nearly impenetrable."
Nearby, a group of Mawile were playing, their huge jaws snapping playfully at one another. "Mawile may look small, but their steel jaws are incredibly strong. They're deceptive, but dangerous."
Finally, a solitary Bisharp stood at attention, its sharp blades gleaming. "Bisharp is like a general among Steel-types. It leads with precision and ruthlessness in battle."
But even as David spoke, Charles's mind was still on the earlier fight. "Still, Steelix should really be a Dragon-type…" he muttered, shaking his head.
As they continued to walk, David added thoughtfully, "You know, there's something called affinity that scientists have been studying. It means that some Pokémon are more adept at certain moves, even if it doesn't show in their official classification. So, who knows? Maybe one day they'll find a Steelix with a dragon affinity. And perhaps... it could evolve into a Dragon-type variation of Steelix. But so far, no one's found anything like that."
Charles looked up, eyes wide with curiosity. "Really? Are you serious, or are you just teasing me?"
David smiled. "No joke, Your Highness. My wife, Eva, works at the local laboratory, and she's been keeping me updated on these studies. It's fascinating stuff, but it's still early days."
Charles's excitement returned. "That's amazing! Maybe one day I'll get to see a Dragon-type Steelix after all!"
David chuckled, enjoying the prince's enthusiasm. "Maybe you will, my prince. Maybe you will."
David received a notification from one of the guards. It was almost lunchtime, and they needed to make their way back toward the ranch headquarters.
Before heading back, David smiled at Charles. "We've got one more stop before lunch. I think you'll like it."
They drove a short distance before arriving in front of a large cave entrance, where a distinct chill wafted from the shadows within. David hopped out of the jeep, grabbed winter gear from the back, and handed a thick coat to Charles.
Charles looked confused as he took the coat. "What's going on? It's freezing here, but it's not even winter!"
David chuckled. "This cave has been home to Ice-type Pokémon for generations. My ancestors brought a lot of them here, and over time, their presence shaped the environment. It's like a natural icebox."
As they entered the cave, the cold intensified, and light snow began to fall from the ceiling, a surreal contrast to the warmth outside. They waded through the snow slowly, their boots crunching with every step.
The first Pokémon they encountered was a small group of Swinub. The furry little creatures were snuffling through the snow but immediately scattered as soon as they noticed the visitors.
"They're shy little ones," David explained as the Swinub disappeared deeper into the cave. "They're probably heading back to the herd, which is likely guarded by a group of Mamoswine."
"Can we see them?" Charles asked, his eyes lighting up at the thought.
David shook his head. "Probably not a good idea. Mamoswine are very protective of their young. And since your guard didn't recall his Haxorus, it's another reason to keep our distance. Mamoswine might feel threatened by a dragon-type nearby."
They continued their trek deeper into the icy cavern. Charles glanced around, noticing how bright it was despite being underground. "It's strange... we're in a cave, but I can see everything really clearly."
David smiled. "There are holes in the cave ceiling. Over the years, people installed mirrors into those openings so that sunlight could reach down here. Keeps the place lit up naturally."
As they moved on, they encountered a small group of Snorunt. Unlike the Swinub, the Snorunt were curious and cautiously approached Charles and David, their tiny bodies bouncing in the snow.
David knelt down, smiling as he reached into his pocket and called out his Ambipom, Marcel. The playful monkey-like Pokémon immediately began playing with the Snorunt, rolling around in the snow and engaging in a lighthearted mock battle with one of them.
"Wow," Charles said, his voice filled with wonder. "Pokémon can be so playful. In the High Castle, we only have dragon-types, and they mostly just lie around, sleep, and eat."
David laughed softly. "Yeah, I can imagine that the dragons are pretty laid-back. But some Pokémon love to play, especially Marcel."
As they watched Ambipom and the Snorunt, something rare happened. One of the Snorunt, glowing softly, started to evolve. In moments, it transformed into a fierce-looking Glalie, its new form surprising both David and Charles.
"Did you just see that?" Charles asked, astonished. "It evolved! Right in front of us!"
David nodded. "That's a rare sight. Must've been the right time for that Snorunt."
They walked further, coming across a group of Snover basking under one of the shafts of sunlight filtering through the mirrors. Their roots were embedded in the snow, their green skin shining as they absorbed energy.
"They're doing photosynthesis," David explained. "It's how they generate energy from the sunlight, even in these freezing temperatures."
Charles marveled at the sight, wanting to explore deeper into the cave to see more Ice-types. "There must be so many more Pokémon in here. Can we keep going?"
Before David could respond, one of the royal guards approached. "Sir, we've lost signal in this part of the cave. It might be best to head back."
David considered the advice and nodded. "He's right, Your Highness. We should head back before lunch."
As they turned to leave, something large moved in the distance. A massive Cetitan lumbered into view, its bulky frame silhouetted against the cave's frosty backdrop.
"Whoa," Charles breathed, staring at the majestic Pokémon. "That thing is huge!"
David smiled. "That's Cetitan. Powerful and strong, but docile. It's not a wild Pokémon, but it belongs to some trainer. It's definitely not a Pokémon you see every day."
"And not a Pokémon one would want to anger, right?" the prince added.
"Exactly," David agreed.
Reluctantly, they left the cave, making their way back toward the jeep. Charles couldn't stop thinking about all the Ice-types they had just encountered, already looking forward to their next adventure on the ranch.
David, Charles, and the guards made their way back to the ranch headquarters, the warm midday sun now shining down after their time in the cold caves. Charles seemed energized by the morning's adventure, his enthusiasm palpable.
"That Snorunt evolving into a Glalie was incredible, David! I can't wait to tell my father about it," Charles said, eyes wide with excitement.
David, glancing at the prince's energetic expression, smiled as he parked the jeep near the main building. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Your Highness. There's so much more to see here; this place is full of surprises."
As they stepped out of the vehicle, Baron Dvořák was waiting for them at the entrance, his posture stiff and formal. He nodded toward Charles, then to David, acknowledging their return.
"Welcome back, Your Highness," Baron Dvořák greeted in his usual measured tone. "I trust the tour was informative?"
"It was fantastic, Baron Dvořák," Charles responded confidently. "The Pokémon here are incredible. I even saw an Ice-type I've only read about in books."
Dvořák gave a curt nod. "I'm pleased to hear that, Your Highness. However, we have more pressing matters for the afternoon."
The three of them entered the ranch's dining hall, where a long wooden table had been prepared with a hearty meal. The room carried the ranch's rustic charm, with warm sunlight filtering through the windows and the aroma of freshly cooked food filling the air.
As they sat down, Baron Dvořák wasted no time addressing the afternoon's agenda. "Your Highness, after lunch, you'll be meeting the local mayor, the town council, and several significant residents of the area. You'll be spending the rest of the day in the town, as this event will be public."
Charles, who had been digging into his meal with gusto, looked up and shrugged. "That's fine, but I don't think the museum tour is necessary. I've already read enough history."
Baron Dvořák's eyes narrowed slightly. "Your Highness, your father made it clear that learning about local culture was essential to your visit. The museum is the perfect opportunity to do so."
Charles rolled his eyes. "I know, I know. But I came here for the Pokémon, not dusty old artifacts."
Dvořák remained firm, his voice unwavering. "Your father expects you to embrace both aspects of your visit, Your Highness. It's important to show interest in the people's heritage, not just the Pokémon."
David, watching the exchange, stayed silent but kept a neutral expression. He was used to the prince's youthful energy and occasional resistance to authority. Still, he understood that Charles was more than capable of handling public duties with grace.
With a resigned sigh, Charles nodded. "Alright, fine. I'll do the museum visit. But I'm going to make sure we come back to the ranch tomorrow. There's still so much more I want to see."
David took this moment to chime in, maintaining the respectful address. "Your Highness, we'll make sure there's time for more tomorrow. The ranch has plenty more Pokémon and activities that I think you'll find just as exciting."
Baron Dvořák, satisfied that the prince was back on track, gave a slight smile. "Thank you, Your Highness. The town has been eagerly awaiting your arrival, and I'm confident you'll leave a positive impression."
Charles gave a quick, determined nod, already shifting back into his confident demeanor. "Of course. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly. But you'd better keep some time free tomorrow for more Pokémon, David."
David chuckled, relieved that the mood had lightened. "Absolutely, Your Highness. I'll have something special planned for you."
As the meal continued, the conversation shifted to more lighthearted topics, with Charles excitedly recounting some of the Pokémon he had seen that morning. Baron Dvořák, though more reserved, seemed to appreciate the prince's enthusiasm.
After they finished eating, Dvořák stood up and straightened his jacket. "We'll leave for town shortly, Your Highness. Everything has been carefully scheduled to ensure your afternoon runs smoothly."
Charles glanced at David, a small grin forming. "I'll make it through today, but tomorrow—more Pokémon."
David gave him a thumbs-up. "You've got it, prince Charles."
And with that, Baron Dvořák led Charles out of the ranch, ready for the afternoon's formal events. Even though he was a young prince, Charles showed a balance of responsibility and youthful rebellion—more than capable of handling his public duties, while still eager to explore the world of Pokémon waiting for him back at the ranch.
While David was showing Charles the Lindenberg's Battle ranch, his son Jake was still in school. During the main break at school, Jake sat quietly in his usual spot near the playground, picking at his sandwich while the other kids buzzed with excitement. Ever since the previous afternoon, more and more police cars and soldiers had started showing up around town, and it hadn't gone unnoticed. Groups of kids huddled together, pointing toward the road that led to Jake's family's ranch.
"Hey Jake!" a small, excited voice called out, and Jake looked up to see his classmate Sofia running over with wide eyes, dragging her best friend Emma behind her.
"Is it true? Something big is happening at your ranch, right?" Sofia asked breathlessly.
Jake swallowed hard, glancing around to see several other kids edging closer, eager to hear his answer. He knew he couldn't say much—his parents had made it clear that the details about prince's visit was supposed to be discreet, at least for now.
"I… I can't say too much," Jake began cautiously, looking down at his food. "But yeah, the prince Charles is visiting."
The kids erupted into a chorus of gasps and questions.
"No way!" said Tomas, a boy with glasses who had always been a bit of a know-it-all. "That prince? Really? Why's he at your ranch?"
"Is he there to catch Pokémon?" Emma piped up, clutching her stuffed Pikachu in her arms. "Maybe he needs a strong one!"
"Or maybe he's gonna give you a medal or something," suggested Sofia, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "For helping him!"
Jake shook his head, trying not to smile. "No, nothing like that. He's just… looking around. The ranch has a lot of different Pokémon, and he's interested in them."
"Wow…" Tomas breathed, pushing his glasses up his nose. "I bet he's really important. Did he come with a dragon Pokémon? I bet royals always have cool dragon types."
Before Jake could answer, a cold voice interrupted the chatter.
"He must have been lost or something," Mark Vranitzky sneered, his arms crossed as he leaned against the brick wall of the school. His face was twisted in a mocking grin. "No way a prince would choose to visit that dusty old place. Maybe he's there by mistake."
The other kids fell silent, all eyes now on Jake. Mark had always been a thorn in Jake's side—a rival, always looking for a chance to get under his skin. And now, with all the attention on Jake, Mark saw his opportunity.
"What kind of prince would want to see a bunch of dumb Pokémon rolling in the mud, huh?" Mark continued, smirking. "Bet he thinks it's a dump. Probably left already."
Jake's heart pounded in his chest, anger surging through him as Mark's words stung. He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white, feeling the urge to leap up and defend his family's ranch. His mind raced, and for a split second, he imagined himself charging at Mark, telling him off, or even starting a fight.
But then, in the back of his mind, Uncle Frank's voice echoed.
"Jake, no matter what happens, you've got to stay calm. Starting a fight never solves anything, especially when the other person's just trying to get a reaction."
Jake took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. He wasn't going to give Mark the satisfaction. Not today.
Instead of replying, Jake slowly released his fists, ignoring Mark's taunts. The other kids shifted uncomfortably, glancing from Jake to Mark, unsure what would happen next. When Jake didn't respond, Mark scowled, clearly disappointed that he hadn't gotten the rise he wanted.
"Yeah, whatever," Mark muttered, turning away and stomping off. "Bet the prince'll be gone soon, anyway."
The tension slowly dissolved as Mark walked away, and Sofia stepped closer to Jake, her eyes wide with concern. "Don't listen to him, Jake," she whispered. "We all know your ranch is awesome."
Emma nodded vigorously. "Yeah! I want to visit again and see all the Pokémon there!"
Jake managed a small smile, feeling a sense of relief that he hadn't let Mark get to him. "Thanks, guys," he said softly.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the break, Jake gathered his things and followed his friends back into the school. He felt proud of himself—not just for holding his ground, but for remembering what his uncle had taught him.
Jake's day at school dragged on. After the excitement of break, math class felt like it stretched forever. Their teacher, Miss Newman, was leading them through simple addition and subtraction problems, using a picture of Pikachu with berries to make it more fun.
"Alright, class," Miss Newman said, pointing at the board. "If Pikachu has eight Oran Berries and eats three, how many berries are left?"
Jake stared at the picture, his mind wandering. He wasn't thinking about berries at all—he was thinking about the ranch, about Prince Charles, and all the Pokémon they must be seeing right now. His pencil tapped idly on his worksheet, and when Miss Newman's eyes landed on him, he felt a jolt of panic.
"Jake?" she asked, smiling patiently. "How many berries does Pikachu have left?"
Without really thinking, Jake blurted, "Uh… five?"
Miss Newman nodded, smiling. "That's right! Good job."
Jake let out a breath, relieved his wild guess had been right, but he couldn't focus. His thoughts kept drifting back to the ranch. He imagined Prince Charles wandering around with his dad, seeing all the Pokémon they kept. What would they talk about? Would the prince be impressed? And what about the stuff that Ramses the Cofagrigus said to him and to his uncle Frank?
By the time the final bell rang, signaling the end of class, Jake was relieved. All the kids rushed to the cafeteria for lunch, excitedly chattering about what they'd heard.
"Did you hear?" Sofia asked, leaning across the table as she opened her lunchbox. "Prince Charles is going to the museum this afternoon! My mom said we're all going to see him!"
"Yeah, my parents are going too," Tomas added, biting into his sandwich. "Do you think he'll give a speech or something?"
Jake stayed quiet, trying to focus on his food, but the other kids quickly surrounded him again. They wanted to try again and get some answers from Jake about the prince stay at the Lindenberg Ranch.
"Jake!" Sofia said, her eyes wide. "You've got to know more about him! What does the prince eat? Does he have his own Pokémon?"
"Yeah!" Emma chimed in. "Does he wear a crown? Is it super shiny?"
The questions came one after another, and Jake could feel his cheeks burning. He didn't know the answers, but all their eyes were on him, waiting. What was he supposed to say?
"I… I don't know," Jake muttered, poking at his food. "I haven't really seen him much."
Again, Mark Vranitzky, sitting at the other end of the table, snorted. "Figures. Why would a prince care about your dumb ranch, anyway? Bet he thinks it's a joke."
Jake's fists clenched under the table. Mark's words stung, and the anger bubbled up inside him. He wanted to stand up and hit him, to wipe that smug look off his face. But just as he was about to react, Miss Newman walked into the cafeteria, her sharp voice breaking through the noise.
"Alright, children! Lunch is over. Let's move into the hall. Some of your parents are already here."
Jake took a deep breath and followed the others, keeping his head down. As he looked up, he saw his mom, Eva, waiting near the door and holding a little shiny Charmander. She smiled warmly at him, but she could tell something was off.
Once they got into the car, Eva glanced at Jake, her brow furrowing with concern. "Jake, you've been quiet. What's going on?"
Jake slouched in his seat, staring out the window. Charmander nudged him with his nose to cheer him up. "It's Mark again," he muttered. "He was teasing me about the ranch. Saying dumb stuff. I wanted to punch him."
Eva's face softened, and she reached over to pat his shoulder. "I'm sorry he's being like that," she said gently. "But you know, starting a fight wouldn't help. He's just trying to get to you."
"I know," Jake mumbled, still feeling frustrated.
Eva thought for a moment, then smiled. "Hey, you want to hear a joke? I think you need to hear something funny."
Jake glanced at her. "I guess."
"Alright. Knock, knock."
Jake sighed, but played along. "Who's there?"
"Who."
"Who who?" Jake asked incomprehensibly.
"I didn't know you were a Noctowl!" Eva grinned.
Jake blinked, then let out a small laugh despite the cringe joke. "Mom, that's terrible."
"I know!" Eva said, laughing too. "But see? Sometimes you just need a bad joke to shake off a bad day."
Jake chuckled, feeling a little lighter. His mom always knew how to make him feel better, even if her jokes were bad. But this one was a little better than when he once told her 'Mom, I'm hungry' and Eva replied 'Hi, hungry, I'm mom.'
Eva and Jake pulled up in front of a Pokémon supply store. They weren't heading directly to the ranch just yet because they needed to pick up Monika, Jake's older cousin, after her last class. With some extra time on their hands, Eva decided to take Jake to the shop for something she'd been meaning to get: an ointment for Charmander.
Eva and Jake entered the Pokémon supply store, with Charmander walking beside them, his flame-tipped tail swaying lazily. The store was stocked with all kinds of grooming supplies, food, and accessories for Pokémon, but they were here for a specific reason—Charmander's dry skin had been bothering him, and they needed to find the right ointment to help.
Eva approached the clerk at the counter and asked, "Is it alright if we let our Charmander sniff a few of the creams to see which one he prefers?"
The clerk smiled warmly. "Of course! It's a good idea to let him decide. Fire-types can be pretty particular about scents."
With the clerk's approval, they headed toward the section filled with creams and lotions. Jake immediately reached for the first one labeled Cinder Comfort, holding it out to Charmander. "Let's see if you like this one," Jake said, opening the jar.
Charmander gave it a quick sniff but wrinkled his nose and turned away. "Nope, not that one," Jake said, chuckling as he screwed the lid back on.
Eva scanned the shelves and grabbed another jar. "How about this one? It's Cinnamon Soothe," she read aloud. She held it out, and Charmander's eyes lit up as he leaned forward to take a deeper sniff. His tail flicked excitedly, clearly approving of the sweet and spicy scent.
"Looks like we have a contender," Eva said with a smile, putting the cinnamon-scented cream in their basket.
They began picking up more jars and tubes, reading labels and holding them out for Charmander to sniff. The first one they tried was the Berry Bliss Ointment. Jake held it under Charmander's nose.
Charmander sniffed curiously, but then scrunched his face and took a small step back. "I guess that's a no," Jake chuckled, putting the jar back on the shelf.
"Alright, next," Eva said, grabbing another jar—SootheFlame Cream, which smelled like lavender. She held it out, and Charmander took a cautious sniff before quickly losing interest, turning his head away.
"Not a fan of flowers, huh?" Jake joked.
"Can't blame him," Eva said with a grin. "Okay, let's try something stronger."
Jake grabbed another jar from the shelf labeled Lava Lush, a product designed specifically for fire-types. "Let's try this one too," he said, holding it up to Charmander. The scent was a warm, earthy one, almost like volcanic rock. Charmander sniffed it and seemed just as interested as with the cinnamon cream, his tail flame glowing a little brighter.
"Now we've got two!" Jake grinned, looking up at Eva. "Which one should we pick?"
Eva sighed, torn between the choices. "Hmm, tough call. Charmander seems to like both of them."
Just then, the helpful clerk approached them again. "Need help deciding?"
"We're stuck between these two," Eva said, showing her the Cinnamon Soothe and Lava Lush creams. "Charmander seems to like them both, but we don't know which one to choose."
The clerk smiled knowingly. "Why not get both? It's always good to have options. Some days he might prefer the cinnamon for comfort, and the Lava Lush is specifically formulated for fire-types, so it's perfect for maintaining his skin health."
Jake's eyes lit up at the suggestion, and Charmander gave an enthusiastic puff of smoke from his nostrils, clearly agreeing. "Yeah, let's get both!" Jake said, excitement in his voice.
Eva hesitated for a moment but then smiled and shrugged. "Alright, fine. It makes sense, and it looks like Charmander will be happy with either one."
With that, they placed both jars in their basket, and Charmander gave an approving nod as they headed to the counter.
Eva glanced at her watch as they got into the car. "Oh no! We've been in the store way longer than I thought! We're going to be late picking up Monika!" Her voice was filled with mild panic as she quickly started the car and sped out of the parking lot.
Jake, seated in the back, laughed as the car zoomed through town. The speed and sharp turns were pushing him from one side of the backseat to the other. "Whee! This feels like a roller coaster, Mom!" he shouted between giggles, loving the unexpected thrill of the ride.
Eva, focused on the road, muttered, "I wouldn't be so excited if I were you. We're going to be late!"
When they finally arrived at the school, Eva sighed in relief. "Phew, made it." She parked the car and looked out toward the school entrance, where students were pouring out of the building.
It didn't take long to spot Monika, who was standing with a group of her classmates, clearly engrossed in conversation. She laughed at something one of them said, but when she saw Eva and Jake's car, she waved goodbye to her friends and jogged over, her school bag bouncing on her shoulder.
"Sorry we're late!" Eva called out through the open window as Monika reached the car.
"No worries," Monika said, hopping into the passenger seat. She barely had time to buckle up before Jake eagerly pulled out the ointments from the store bag.
"Moni, look what we got for Charmander!" Jake said, holding up the two jars excitedly. "There's Cinnamon Soothe and Lava Lush! Charmander liked both, so we bought them!"
Monika raised an eyebrow. "That's cool. How do you even know which one to use?"
Jake shrugged. "We'll figure it out!"
Eva smiled at their exchange as she started driving again, but she couldn't resist asking her niece, "So, Monika, did your classmates bombard you with questions about the royal visit too, like they did with Jake?"
Monika let out an exaggerated sigh and rolled her eyes. "Ugh, yeah, they did. Honestly, my classmates are so stupid sometimes. If they want to know anything, they should just google it instead of asking me a million questions."
Eva chuckled at Monika's bluntness. "Well, you know how people are. Royal visits don't happen every day."
"Yeah, but still," Monika muttered, crossing her arms. "It's not like I have some insider information or something."
Jake, still bubbling with excitement, leaned forward from the backseat. "Did anyone say anything mean like Mark did to me?"
Monika gave him a sideways glance. "Nah, no one's that stupid in my class. They just asked boring stuff like what the prince eats or what he's like." She paused, then added with a smirk, "Though I did tell them he eats waffles with Magicarp fat for breakfast just to mess with them."
Jake giggled. "I bet they believed you!"
Monika grinned. "Oh, totally. They're probably spreading it around right now."
Eva shook her head with a smile as they drove on, the energy in the car light and playful again despite the rush.
As they continued driving, Monika suddenly piped up, "Hey, can I help with the ointment for Charmander? I've seen Mom apply stuff like that a hundred times to different Pokémon at the Pokémon Center."
Eva glanced at her niece with a smile. "That would be perfect, actually! You've got a lot more experience than we do with this kind of thing."
Monika grinned, clearly excited to show off her knowledge. "Great! I'll take care of it."
With that settled, they drove straight to Eva and Jake's place. When they arrived, they were greeted by two of Eva's Pokémon, Speedy the Dustox, fluttering gracefully through the air, and Tobias the Galvantula, skittering about the garden. Most of Eva's other Pokémon were with her to follow the strict rules Baron Dvořák had set for the visit.
"Looks like Speedy and Tobias are holding down the fort," Eva said with a grin, as Speedy landed gently on her shoulder.
Jake laughed, reaching out to pet the soft fur of Tobias. "How are you, guys?"
Tobias shook its body a little and Jake could feel emotions like boredom and laziness from the Pokémon.
"I'm going to check the pool," Monika said, heading towards the back of the house towards the garden pool. "I love the pink squad."
Eva and Jake headed inside to change into more comfortable clothes, leaving Monika to her usual routine. She made her way to the pond, where the two fish-like Pokémon, Alomomola and Gorebyss, swam lazily through the water. At the edge of the pool, there was a group of Galarian Slowpokes snoozing. Monika crouched down near the edge of the pond, dipping her fingers into the cool water. The fish Pokémon immediately recognized niece of their trainer, swimming closer to let her gently stroke their scales.
"Hey, you two," Monika greeted them with a grin. "Miss me?"
Alomomola flapped a friendly fin, while Gorebyss swirled around her fingers, a soft hum vibrating through the water. Meanwhile Slowpokes stayed sleeping. Monika loved moments like this, simple and peaceful. After a few minutes, she noticed Eva and Jake coming back outside, so she stood up, gave the Pokémon a final wave, and joined them in the garden.
"All set?" Eva asked, as she carried the jars of ointment.
"Yep!" Monika replied, full of energy. "Let's get started."
Monika took charge, carefully unscrewing the lid of the first jar, the cinnamon-scented Cinnamon Soothe. Charmander curiously sniffed the air, seeming to enjoy the familiar scent.
"First things first," Monika began, holding up a soft cloth, "you have to make sure the skin is clean before you apply anything. You don't want any dirt or dust getting trapped under the cream."
Jake watched with wide eyes as Monika gently wiped down Charmander's scales, making sure every spot was clean. She moved slowly and with care, explaining each step as she went along. "See, Charmander's skin is more sensitive, especially near the tail where the fire burns. So you have to be really careful around this area."
Charmander wiggled a little but remained patient under Monika's touch.
"Once the skin's clean, we can start applying the ointment," Monika continued, scooping a bit of the cream onto her fingers. "Always start with a small amount. You can add more if you need to, but it's better to go slow."
She demonstrated how to rub the cream into the skin in small, circular motions, being careful to spread it evenly. "And don't forget to brush and groom the scales afterward," she added. "It helps the cream sink in better and keeps the skin nice and smooth."
Eva stood back, smiling proudly at her niece's expertise. "You've really picked up a lot from your mom."
"Yeah, she taught me everything," Monika replied proudly, continuing her work with a practiced hand.
Jake, watching closely, finally piped up. "You're really good at this, Mon!"
Monika grinned with pride. "Told you I know what I'm doing!" She then grabbed the second jar, Lava Lush, and gave it a sniff. "This one's a bit stronger, more like a spicy scent. We'll finish up with this after the cinnamon cream settles."
Charmander gave a small, satisfied growl, clearly enjoying the pampering.
"Well, looks like Charmander's having a spa day!" Eva said with a laugh.
"Good thing we bought both," Jake added with a grin, watching Monika apply the last of the ointment. Charmander's skin glistened under the care, and even Tobias the Galvantula seemed to scuttle over to inspect the results.
"Okay, all done!" Monika announced proudly, standing up and dusting off her hands. "Charmander's going to feel great after this!"
Charmander gave a happy roar, its tail flame burning a little brighter, as if to show its appreciation.
As Monika continued showing Jake how to apply the cream on Charmander, Eva decided to release the rest of her Pokémon from their Pokéballs. In an instant, the garden came alive with movement. Most of the Pokémon scurried off to stretch their limbs or wings, enjoying the freedom of being out in the open. Lenny the Venomoth joined Speedy and they fluttered around, while Mimi the Swanna flew towards the pond to bath herself. Maya the Decidueye rose from Eva's shadow and flew over to the nearest tree to perch herself in good spot to watch over the whole garden.
However, one Pokémon was much less interested in stretching out and far more curious about what the kids were up to—Remy, Eva's mischievous Sizzlipede. The little fire centipede crawled straight toward them, his antennae twitching as he caught a whiff of the Lava Lush ointment. With a low hiss, he slithered onto the grass and started nosing around the jar of cream, clearly fascinated by the scent.
"Remy, you rascal!" Eva called out, shooing him away with a wave of her hand. "That's not for you."
But Remy wasn't so easily discouraged. The persistent fire-type quickly circled around, trying to approach from the other side, his antennae twitching eagerly as if saying, I just want to see what it is!
Eva sighed and put her hands on her hips. "If you don't stop, I'm putting you back in your Pokéball, mister!"
"Wait, Auntie!" Monika interrupted with a laugh. "I actually like doing this massaging stuff. What if I try it on Remy, too? He seems curious."
Eva rolled her eyes, glancing at the eager radiator-like Pokémon. "Really, Monika? You want to pamper this troublemaker?"
Monika grinned. "Come on, it'll be fun. He'll probably love it."
Eva hesitated for a moment but then nodded, unable to resist her niece's enthusiasm. "Alright, but you're in charge of him."
Monika eagerly took a bit of the Lava Lush ointment and began rubbing it onto Remy's smooth segments. The Sizzlipede immediately started making happy hissing noises, his body undulating in pleasure as Monika worked the cream into his skin. His antennae flicked back and forth, clearly enjoying every moment of the attention.
"See? He loves it!" Monika said with a smirk, glancing over at Eva, who just shook her head with a bemused smile.
Remy's blissful reaction had Jake watching closely. He was fascinated by how even a Pokémon like Sizzlipede could enjoy something as simple as a massage.
Monika suddenly stopped and handed the jar to Jake, giving him a sly wink. "You should try it now. I think it's time you learn how to do this, too!"
Jake's eyes widened with excitement as he eagerly took the jar from his cousin. "Really? Alright!" He rubbed some of the ointment onto his hands and carefully approached Remy, who wiggled happily in anticipation.
"Don't worry," Monika said, "just go slow and keep your strokes even. He'll love it."
Jake nodded, concentrating as he rubbed the ointment onto Remy's back. The little Sizzlipede let out a pleased hum, wiggling in contentment as Jake worked his way along the segmented body.
"Good job, Jake!" Monika encouraged. "You've got the hang of it."
Eva watched the whole scene with a grin. "Looks like you've got yourself a new helper, Monika. Maybe Jake will start working at the Pokémon Center with you in no time."
Jake laughed, feeling proud of himself as Remy wiggled happily under his care. "I don't mind if it means I get to do stuff like this!"
While the kids were busy playing with Remy the Sizzlipede, who was now coiled around the young Charmander and peacefully snoozing, Eva headed to the kitchen to prepare some snacks. She sliced up some cheese and ham, made sandwiches, and set out a few bowls of Poffins. But before she could even bring the food to the table, the Pokémon, with their keen senses, had already caught the scent of the treats and quickly surrounded her.
Lenny the Venomoth and Speedy the Dustox were the first to act, buzzing excitedly around her in circles, their wings creating a soft, shimmering flutter. Above them, Maya the Decidueye hooted loudly, as if demanding first dibs, while Baloo the Cubchoo and Tobias the Galvantula tugged impatiently at Eva's skirt, trying to get her attention.
"Alright, alright! Everyone, calm down!" Eva laughed, trying to keep the food tray balanced while dodging Lenny and Speedy's wings. "There's enough for all of you."
"Mom, you need help?" Jake called out, noticing the chaos from the garden.
"No, I've got it!" Eva replied with a grin, though it was clear she was outnumbered by her hungry Pokémon. Meanwhile, Britney the Ribombee and Mimi the Swanna watched from a distance, chuckling at the frenzy. It was clear they were content to wait and enjoy the spectacle unfolding in front of them.
As Eva finally managed to set the snacks down on a nearby table, the Pokémon dove in, snatching up berries and Poffins. Baloo the Cubchoo ate as if it hadn't seen food in days, and even Tobias the Galvantula tried to sneak some extra snacks into his webbing for later. Eva shook her head with a sigh but couldn't help but laugh at their antics.
Meanwhile, the mischievous and ever-hungry Remy was completely oblivious to the chaos around him. After the massage session, the Sizzlipede had fallen fast asleep, still coiled lazily around the shiny Charmander, who looked very content with its new cuddle buddy.
Later that afternoon, just as the Pokémon were finally settling down after their snack frenzy, Eva's brother Frank appeared out of thin air with a brief flash of light—thanks to his trusty Girafarig's teleportation.
"Hello, everyone!" Frank greeted them with a grin.
"Hey, Uncle Frank!" Jake ran up to him, excited to see him. "Monika and I were playing with Remy, and we got some cool ointment for Charmander!"
Frank chuckled. "Sounds like you two had a busy afternoon."
"More than you know," Eva said, setting down a pot of tea for Frank as he sat down at the table. "The Pokémon got into the snacks again."
"I can see that," Frank replied, watching as Lenny buzzed by, still munching on a stray berry. "It's always a party over here."
Monika eagerly jumped in, explaining how she helped apply the ointment, and how even Remy got in on the pampering. "You should've seen it, Dad! Jake did really well."
"If you have some special stuff for fire-types, you can try it on Deena as well. She would definitely like it." Frank grinned at the kids.
Meawhile Eva brought a few Poképuffs over to Frank's Girafarig, who eagerly started to eat. She only needed to keep watch on its back-tail in order not to get bitten.
"Well bro, if you want the kids to use the ointments on your Pyroar, you better buy some yourself. This stuff in not cheap at all," Eva told Frank with a grin after she fed his Pokémon.
"Don't worry. Rachel has tons of that stuff at home," he waved her off.
But the adults were interrupted as the kids started to describe in details how Charmander and Sizzlipede acted during the massages.
Frank smiled, listening to his daughter and sipping his tea. "Good job, you guys. Maybe you both will be a Pokémon doctors someday, huh?"
Jake beamed at the praise, and even more so when Monika gave him a playful nudge. He didn't even reply that he wanted to be a Pokémon trainer, not a doctor. After they finished their tea, Frank stood up, patting his daughter on the shoulder. "Alright, young lady, we'd better get going. Girafarig, get ready."
Monika hugged Jake goodbye, and with a quick wave to Eva, Frank and Monika disappeared in another flash, teleported away by Girafarig.
As the house quieted down, Eva turned to Jake. "Alright, buddy. Time for homework."
"Noooo."
Jake groaned but obediently sat down with his books. While he scribbled through some math problems, Eva took out the ironing board and started working on a pile of clothes, humming softly to herself. The peaceful afternoon routine settled in, with only the occasional sound of a Pokémon fluttering or scampering around the garden.
Soon after, the front door creaked open, and David walked in, looking tired but wearing a small smile. Jake's face lit up when he saw his dad. "Dad! You're home!"
David gave his son a quick hug. "Hey, champ. How was your day?"
"Good! We got ointment for Charmander, and Monika showed me how to do it!"
"That's great," David said, smiling at Jake's excitement. But his smile faded slightly as he glanced at the clock. "I'm sorry, Jake, but I can't stay long. I have to head back in about an hour."
Jake's shoulders slumped. "Already? You just got here."
"I know, buddy. But the prince is coming back from town soon, and we need to prepare for tomorrow."
Eva chimed in, offering David a plate of food. "At least sit down and eat something before you go."
David nodded gratefully, sitting at the table and quickly eating a few bites. Jake sat beside him, still disappointed. "Why do you have to leave so soon? Can't someone else take care of the prince?"
David shook his head. "It's part of my job, Jake. It's important. Besides, Prince Charles is… a little different. And you remember Ramses, the Cofagrigus?"
Jake nodded, shuddering slightly at the memory.
Eva leaned in, her voice soft. "We nned to stay on the prince's good side, Jake. Trust me. Becoming his friend is the best way to stay safe. Sometimes you have to do things you don't like."
Jake sighed, nodding slowly. "I guess…"
David ruffled his son's hair. "Don't worry. I'll be home later tonight, okay?"
"Okay…" Jake muttered, still looking a bit sad but understanding.
"By the way, how it goes with Swoobat and his Teleport training? You could be here and back there much quicker..." Eva asked.
David had no Pokémon which was expert at teleporting and was training his Swoobat regularly.
"Well, it can teleport just on its own quite well. But not so good with me. Only a few meters, right now."
"That's too bad. You should have started sooner with this." Eva playfully scolded him.
"You're the one to talk. You have no Pokémon which could Teleport!" he grinned back at her.
"Just wait, until that Slowpoke which appeared in our pond, learns it!" Eva retorted.
"I think that our little Charmander learns Teleport sooner than one of that lazy-bones," David laughed. Charmander chirped as he heard his name being said. With that, David quickly finished his meal, kissed Eva on the cheek, and headed out the door, leaving the house quiet once again.
As the evening settled into a peaceful quiet, Jake finally finished his homework, pushing the books aside with a sigh of relief. He stretched his arms, feeling the satisfaction of getting it all done. His mom, Eva, glanced over from the couch where she was reading a romance book, giving him a warm smile.
"Good job, Jake. How about a quick game before bed?" she offered, holding up a familiar board game they often played together.
Jake's face lit up. "Yeah! Let's play!"
They spent the next half-hour playing their favorite Pokémon-themed game, the kind where you collected different Pokémon cards and tried to build the strongest team. It was always fun, but tonight felt even better, with the house quiet and Charmander happily curling up nearby, tired from the day's excitement.
Eventually, the game came to an end, with Eva claiming victory this time. "I win!" she said, laughing as Jake pretended to pout.
"You always win, Mom," Jake grumbled playfully, though he couldn't hide his grin.
Eva chuckled and stood up, patting his shoulder. "Alright, champ. Time to put Charmander to bed and get some sleep yourself. You've had a big day."
Jake nodded and carefully picked up Charmander, who let out a soft, sleepy growl. Together, they headed upstairs to Jake's room, where a little fire-proof box had been set up for the lizard Pokémon. Gently, Jake set Charmander down, tucking a blanket around him. The little Pokémon curled up, its tail flame glowing softly in the dim light.
"Goodnight, Charmander," Jake whispered, giving him a gentle pat on the head before turning off the light.
As he climbed into his own bed, pulling the covers up, Jake thought about everything that had happened that day. The prince's visit, the teasing at school, the fun with Monika and the Pokémon, and of course, the short time he had with his dad. His mind buzzed with thoughts, but soon, the warmth of his bed and the familiar comfort of his room lulled him into a peaceful calm.
With one last glance at Charmander, who was already fast asleep, Jake closed his eyes. Tomorrow was another day, and who knew what new adventures it would bring? For now, though, sleep took over, and Jake drifted into dreams filled with Pokémon battles, royal visits, and adventures with his best friend by his side.