Pokémon: The Battle Ranch Chronicles

The following days were pleasantly uneventful. Jake continued his routine with a sense of purpose and excitement. Every morning, he would visit his aunt Rachel at the Pokémon Center to help care for the mysterious egg he had found. He took his duties seriously, eagerly assisting Rachel with checking the egg's condition and keeping it warm. The excitement of the unknown kept him engaged, and he was always careful to follow Rachel's instructions.

In the evenings, Jake would often ask his grandfather Joe if he could join him during his Pokémon training sessions. Joe, a seasoned trainer with a formidable reputation, usually declined these requests. His Pokémon were strong and seasoned, and Joe was concerned about Jake's safety amidst such powerful creatures. However, this day was different.

Jake's excitement was palpable. His cousin Monika was returning from summer camp in just a few days, and the thought of her return filled him with joy. He couldn't wait to share his recent adventures with her. In the meantime, he had been patiently waiting for a chance to witness his grandpa in action with his new Pokémon team.

On this particular afternoon, as Eva arrived at the Pokémon Center to pick up Jake, she found herself unexpectedly crossing paths with her father-in-law. He was walking toward the Center, his expression thoughtful.

"Hey, Joe," Eva greeted with a smile. "What brings you here?"

Joe looked up and returned her smile. "Just wanted to check in on Jake. And, well, I was hoping to invite him along today. I'm going to be training my new Pokémon team, and it might be a good opportunity for him to watch and learn."

Jake's eyes lit up at the mention of training. "Grandpa, can I really go with you?" he asked eagerly.

Joe glanced at Eva, who raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Sure, let him come along. I think it's a good chance for him to see some action. Just make sure he stays out of the way."

Joe chuckled. "I'll make sure he's safe. Don't worry, Eva."

With that settled, Jake hurried to gather his things, bubbling with anticipation. The chance to watch his grandfather train his Pokémon was a thrilling prospect, and he couldn't wait to see what kind of new Pokémon Joe had acquired.

As they left the Pokémon Center and headed toward the training grounds, the sun cast a warm glow over the land. Jake walked beside Joe, his excitement evident in every step. The fields and forests that had become so familiar to him now seemed to hold even more promise as he approached the training area with Joe.

Eva watched them go, a mixture of pride and concern in her eyes. She hoped Jake would have a memorable and safe experience. As she turned to head back to her own tasks, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of Jake's enthusiasm and the many adventures yet to come.

As they headed towards the training grounds, Joe began to talk about his new Pokémon team. "I've been thinking a lot about which Pokémon to use for the Frontier battles," Joe said, his voice full of enthusiasm. "Since it's a Battle Ranch, I wanted a team that felt true to the spirit of ranch life. After some consideration, I chose a few new Pokémon that I think will be quite effective."

Jake's eyes widened as Joe continued, "I've got a young Tauros, a recently evolved Camerupt, a Herdier, and for some variety, a Rookidee."

Joe carried the Poké Balls with the Pokémon, ready to be unleashed.

As they approached the training area, Jake eagerly asked, "Grandpa Joe, can you tell me more about what each Pokémon can do?"

Joe chuckled and patted Jake on the shoulder. "Sure thing, Jake. Let me show you how they all work together. Each Pokémon has its strengths and weaknesses, and it's my job to make sure they're used effectively in battle. Just watch and learn."

Jake's excitement grew as he saw the training grounds ahead, each step bringing him closer to witnessing his grandfather's new Pokémon team in action.

Tauros

Level: 21

Name: N/A

Type: Normal

Moves: Tackle (20), Work Up (17), Horn Attack (19), Zen Headbutt (15), Raging Bull (20), Scary Face (14), Rest (18), Flame Charge (12), Aqua Jet (10), Facade (17), Endure (18), Stomping Tantrum (11), Iron Head (10), Earthquake (10)

Abilities:

Intimidate – When Tauros enters a battle, it intimidates opposing Pokémon, makes it flinch and lowes its attack

Sheer Force – Removes any addition effects from Tauros' moves, but increases the moves' power

Weak to: Fighting

Immune to: Ghost

=========

Camerupt

Level: 30

Name: N/A

Type: Fire / Ground

Moves: Ember (25), Rock Smash (29), Earthquake (29), Solar Beam (21), Overheat (20), Earth Power (30), Fissure (18), Eruption (23), Bulldoze (30), Take Down (19), Charm (23), Flame Charge (24), Sunny Day (26), Flash Cannon (16), Heavy Slam (11), Double-edge (13), Scorching Sands (9)

Abilities:

Magma Armor – prevents Camerupt from being frozen

Anger Point – Camerupt is angered when it takes a critical hit, and sharply boosts its attack

Weak to: Ground, Water (2x)

Immune to: Electric

Resistant to: Poison, Bug, Steel, Fire, Fairy

=========

Herdier

Level: 34

Name: N/A

Type: Normal

Moves: Tackle (21), Leer (25), Bite (32), Retaliate (19), Baby-Doll Eyes (20), Play Rough (31), Roar (30), Giga Impact (27), Thunder Wave (21), Thunderbolt (24), Dig (32), Protect (31), Helping Hand (25), Rock Tomb (17), Fire Fang (32), Ice Fang (23), Snarl (28), Uproar (31), Lick (28)

Abilities:

Sand Rush – Herdier's speed is boosted ins sandstorm

Scrappy – Herdier can hit Ghost-type Pokemon with Normal- and Fighting-type moves. Also it is unaffected by Intimidate.

Weak to: Fighting

Immune to: Ghost

=========

Rookidee

Level: 43

Name: N/A

Type: Flying

Moves: Peck (41), Hone Claws (37), Drill Peck (29), Brave Bird (38), Steel Wing (30), Wing Attack (40), Agility (36), Aerial Ace (42), Air Cutter (42), Rock Smash (23), Roost (32), Facade (27), U-turn (25), Rest (14), Sleep Talk (20)

Abilities:

Keen Eye – Accuracy cannot be lowered

Big Pecks – Defense cannot be lowered

Weak to: Rock, Electric, Ice

Immune to: Ground

Resistant to: Fighting, Bug, Grass

Joe stood tall, surveying the vast empty field where he was about to begin training his new team. The wide-open space was perfect for giving each of his Pokémon room to exercise their abilities without interference. He called out all four Pokémon, and with a flash of light, Tauros, Camerupt, Herdier, and Rookidee appeared, each ready and eager for the session.

Jake, who had been watching with bright, excited eyes, dashed up to his grandfather. "Can I tell them what to do?" he asked, his voice full of enthusiasm.

Joe chuckled and shook his head. "No, Jake, you can watch, but you have to listen to me. Stay close, and no funny business. Understand?"

Jake's excitement didn't diminish, and he nodded earnestly. "Okay, Grandpa, I'll stay right here."

Joe turned his attention back to his Pokémon. "Alright, everyone, let's get started. Tauros, you'll start with a warm-up. I want you to run a few laps around the field, and once you're warmed up, use Work Up to boost your energy. After that, I want you to practice your Horn Attack on that boulder over there." He pointed to a large rock positioned at the edge of the field, specifically placed for training purposes.

Tauros snorted in response, its muscular body tensing with excitement. With a powerful push from its hooves, it began galloping around the field, its speed increasing with each lap as it prepared for the more intense training to come.

Next, Joe turned to Camerupt. "Camerupt, you head over to that corner," he said, pointing towards a distant part of the field. "Start with Sunny Day to boost your firepower. Once you've powered up, I want you to unleash the strongest Overheat you can manage. After that, you'll train with Scorching Sands to sharpen your ground-type moves."

Camerupt lumbered off to the designated area, its massive body moving slowly but with purpose. Once in place, it began focusing on manipulating the sunlight, preparing for its fiery attack.

"Herdier," Joe continued, addressing the loyal, dog-like Pokémon, "you're going to train with Rookidee and Camerupt today. Start by using your Thunderbolt against Rookidee. Rookidee, I want you to dodge those attacks as quickly as possible. This will help you both with speed and precision. After that, when Camerupt begins his ground-type training, I want you, Herdier, to aim your electric attacks at him. Camerupt's ground typing makes him immune to electric moves, so this will give you practice without risking harm. And Rookidee, once that's done, I want you to work on your Rest and Sleep Talk combination. Make sure you're able to recover effectively and quickly."

Herdier barked in acknowledgment, its eyes gleaming with determination. Rookidee chirped in response, already fluttering its wings in anticipation of the agility training. The two Pokémon moved into position, ready to execute their tasks.

As Joe watched his team begin their training, he felt a sense of pride and excitement. Each Pokémon was giving its best, following his instructions with dedication. Tauros powered through its laps, the ground thundering beneath its hooves as it built up momentum. Camerupt glowed as it intensified the sunlight. Herdier's fur crackled with electricity as it launched Thunderbolt after Thunderbolt, each one narrowly missing the swift and agile Rookidee.

Jake watched in awe, his eyes wide as he took in the synchronized movements of the Pokémon. "They're amazing, Grandpa," he whispered, more to himself than to Joe.

Joe smiled, glancing down at his grandson. "They are, Jake. But it's all about hard work and training. These Pokémon have a lot of potential, but it's up to me to help them realize it. And one day, with enough practice, they'll be ready for any battle that comes their way."

Jake watched in awe as the Pokémon on the field executed their training commands. His young mind was struggling to keep track of everything at once, and he couldn't help but blurt out, "How can you keep eyes on all of them, Grandpa?"

Joe chuckled at his grandson's amazement. "It's all about experience, Jake. You give them commands, let them train, and then you monitor their progress regularly. But when you start training, buddy, it's best to focus on just one Pokémon at a time. That way, you can really pay attention to its needs and help it improve without getting overwhelmed."

Jake nodded, absorbing the advice. Meanwhile, Herdier was furiously launching Thunderbolt after Thunderbolt into the air, trying to strike the nimble Rookidee. The bird Pokémon, having used Agility at the start, was zipping through the sky, its boosted speed making it almost impossible for Herdier's electric attacks to land.

"Herdier, try to manipulate your Thunderbolt, so it follows Rookidee and adjusts its direction," Joe instructed, his tone encouraging but realistic. He knew that Herdier was still at a lower level and might not yet have the precision needed to execute such a tricky move, but it was important to push the Pokémon to try.

Jake watched the battle with wide eyes, impressed by how quick and agile Rookidee was. The bird's evasive maneuvers were a sight to behold, but he could see Herdier struggling to keep up.

Joe noticed Herdier's growing frustration and decided it was time to shift focus. "Come on, Jake, let's go check on Camerupt," he said, motioning for his grandson to follow.

As they walked away from the Herdier and Rookidee duo, Jake couldn't help but glance back, still fascinated by the intense training. But when they reached Camerupt, his attention quickly shifted.

"Very well done," Joe praised as he observed Camerupt's efforts. The large Pokémon had already summoned two Sunny Days, intensifying the sunlight over the field. Now, it was preparing to unleash an Overheat, its entire body glowing with fiery energy. The air around Camerupt shimmered with heat, and the ground beneath it was visibly scorched, with nearby rocks beginning to turn orange from the intense temperature.

Joe, always cautious, called out, "Aim it away from us, Camerupt." He then turned to Tauros, who had been tirelessly running laps and training against the boulder. "Take a break, Tauros," he shouted, not wanting the bull-like Pokémon anywhere near Camerupt's powerful attack.

As they waited for Camerupt to release its move, Joe leaned down to Jake and began explaining, "You know, Jakey, Overheat is a very powerful move. But there's a catch. It's best used only once, maybe twice during a battle. Each time you use it, it becomes weaker, so you have to be sure it hits when you need it most. Otherwise, it takes a lot of energy out of your Pokémon, and it might leave them too tired to keep fighting."

Jake's eyes were wide as he listened, fully immersed in his grandfather's wisdom. He nodded eagerly, understanding the importance of timing and strategy in battle. Then, Camerupt unleashed its Overheat, a massive wave of fire shooting out from its body, directed safely away from them.

"Wow!" Jake shouted, feeling the intense heat radiating from the attack even from a distance. The power of the move was incredible, and he could hardly believe how strong Camerupt was.

Joe smiled at his grandson's reaction, feeling proud not only of his Pokémon but also of Jake's growing interest and understanding. "Pretty amazing, huh?" he said, patting Jake on the shoulder. "This is what training's all about—knowing your Pokémon, understanding their strengths, and helping them reach their full potential. And one day, you'll be doing the same with your own team."

Jake beamed up at his grandfather, his excitement for Pokémon training reaching new heights.

"Okay, Tauros, start with Horn Attack on that boulder! Camerupt, take a quick break, and then you'll train your Ground-type moves. Begin with Scorching Sands, and pay attention to Herdier—he'll be attacking you with electricity. If it gets too intense or you feel uncomfortable, let me know immediately," Joe instructed, his voice firm but caring.

Tauros snorted in response, its hooves digging into the ground as it charged towards the large boulder. Its horns glowed with a fierce energy, and with a powerful thrust, it slammed into the rock, creating a resounding crash that echoed across the field.

Meanwhile, Camerupt was still recovering from the intense Overheat it had unleashed earlier. The Fire/Ground-type Pokémon was breathing heavily, its body radiating heat, but it was determined to continue its training. After a few moments of rest, Camerupt focused its energy on the ground beneath it, preparing to use Scorching Sands. The move was relatively new for Camerupt, but it was perfectly suited to its dual typing. The ground beneath it began to shimmer with intense heat as it prepared to unleash the scorching attack.

Up in the sky, Rookidee was darting through the air, expertly dodging Herdier's Thunderbolts. The bird's agility made it difficult for the electric attacks to land, but Herdier's frustration was growing. Its determination to land a hit was evident as it narrowed its eyes and decided to take matters into its own paws. Ignoring Joe's instructions, Herdier suddenly switched tactics and used Thunder Wave, a move that sent electrical pulses in all directions from the user.

Rookidee, caught off guard by the sudden change, was struck by the Thunder Wave. Though the bird Pokémon was several levels higher than Herdier, the paralysis took hold, causing Rookidee's wings to stiffen. The bird struggled to stay airborne but eventually began to glide unsteadily toward the ground, panting heavily as it tried to regain control.

Herdier, sensing an opportunity, didn't waste a moment. Its teeth began to glow with an icy blue light as it charged forward, preparing to use Ice Fang. The dog Pokémon's eyes were locked on its target, determined to land a decisive blow. But Rookidee, despite its condition, wasn't about to go down easily. As Herdier lunged, Rookidee mustered its remaining strength and jumped to the side at the last second, narrowly avoiding the icy bite.

The battle continued, with Rookidee hopping away twice more, narrowly escaping Herdier's relentless attacks. But on Herdier's fourth attempt, Rookidee decided to fight back. Channeling its inner strength, the bird's wings began to glow with a metallic sheen as it prepared to use Steel Wing. When Herdier lunged with Ice Fang once more, Rookidee countered with its Steel Wing, and the two moves collided in a flash of light.

The steel energy proved too much for Herdier, and the dog-like Pokémon was sent flying backward, landing roughly two meters away, dazed but unharmed.

"STOP IT, YOU TWO!" Joe's voice boomed across the field, sharp and commanding. Both Pokémon froze, their battle instincts overridden by their respect for their trainer.

"Herdier, get over here!" Joe barked, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I told you to train Thunderbolt, not to go off on your own! Go to Camerupt and practice like I instructed. No more disobedience."

Herdier lowered its head, its ears drooping as it trotted over to Camerupt, ready to continue its training.

"And you, Rookidee," Joe continued, his voice softening as he addressed the bird Pokémon, "you've done well, but it's time to rest. Start using Rest now and recover your energy. I don't want to see any more of that reckless behavior from either of you."

Rookidee gave a weak chirp of acknowledgment, settling down on the ground as its body began to glow with a soothing light, entering a restorative state.

Joe sighed, the tension easing out of his shoulders as he turned to Jake. "This is why it's important to stay focused during training. Pokémon can get carried away, especially when they're still learning. But with patience and guidance, they'll improve."

Jake nodded, wide-eyed from witnessing the intense exchange between the Pokémon. "I understand, Grandpa. They're really strong, but they need to listen too."

"That's right, Jake," Joe replied, a smile returning to his face. "Strength is important, but control and discipline are what make a true team. And that's what we're working on today."

"Grandpa?" Jake tugged at his grandfather's hand, his young face scrunched up in confusion.

"Yes, Jake?" Joe replied, his eyes still focused on the Pokémon scattered across the training field, each one diligently following his commands.

"I don't understand," Jake said, tilting his head as he watched Tauros ram its glowing horns into the boulder. "Why do you need to train these new ones? You already have strong Pokémon, don't you?" He couldn't grasp why his grandfather, known for his powerful team, would need to train new Pokémon instead of relying on his trusted veterans like Emboar, Oranguru, Tropius, Arbok, or Trevenant.

Joe chuckled softly, crouching down so he was at eye level with Jake. "Hmm, I see what you're getting at. You know about Pokémon levels, right?"

Jake furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled. "I'm not sure I get it, Grandpa. What does that have to do with the new Pokémon?"

"Well, let me show you something," Joe said as he pulled out a small, red device from his pocket—a Pokédex. "This is a Pokédex. It can measure a Pokémon's level. Now, I know some younger folks, like your parents, use apps on their phones to do the same thing, but I prefer this good old-fashioned device. It's simple, and it gets the job done. You just scan a Pokémon, and it tells you its level. As a Pokémon gets stronger, its level goes up. The higher the level, the more powerful the Pokémon."

Jake nodded slowly, trying to process this information. "But if you've got really strong Pokémon, why don't you just use them? Wouldn't it be easier? Then no one could beat you."

Joe smiled warmly, appreciating his grandson's straightforward thinking. "That's a good question, Jake. The thing is, if I used my strongest Pokémon—those I've been training for decades—only a few people would be able to challenge me. Sure, I might win a lot, but that's not the point."

Jake looked even more confused. "Why not? You'd be the best, right? What's wrong with that?"

Joe laughed heartily, ruffling Jake's hair. "There's more to being a great Pokémon Trainer than just winning all the time. If I only used my strongest Pokémon, no one would want to challenge me. It wouldn't be any fun for them, and it wouldn't be a challenge for me. Part of being a Frontier Brain is giving Trainers a fair fight. That's why I train new Pokémon—to keep things interesting, to give people a chance to test themselves and grow. If I just beat everyone easily, they wouldn't learn anything, and neither would I."

Jake thought about this for a moment, still not entirely convinced. "So you're saying that losing sometimes is okay?"

"Exactly," Joe said, his eyes twinkling. "Losing is part of the journey, Jake. It helps you learn, helps you grow. And it's the same for the people who come to challenge me. If I give them a fair fight with my new Pokémon, they have a chance to improve, and that's what makes them keep coming back. Plus, it keeps things fresh and exciting for me too."

Jake's frown slowly turned into a smile as he started to understand. "I think I get it now. You want to help other people get better, not just show how strong you are."

Joe nodded, pleased with Jake's realization. "That's right, buddy. Being the best isn't about winning every battle—it's about helping others become their best too."

Joe smiled as he saw the excitement in Jake's eyes. "Remember two days ago when we were watching that gym battle on TV?" he began.

Jake's face lit up with excitement as he nodded. "Yeah, it was awesome! I can't believe we got to see that!"

Not every battle gets broadcasted, but that one was special. A famous singer who decided to start training Pokémon—everyone was watching her. And she was battling for her fourth gym badge.

Joe nodded, pleased that Jake remembered. "Now, do you know what happens when a trainer beats a gym leader?"

"They get a badge, right?" Jake answered confidently.

"That's right," Joe confirmed. "But here's something you might not know. Each badge has three ranks: bronze, silver, and gold."

Jake's eyes widened in surprise. "What? I didn't know that! What does that mean?"

Joe chuckled at Jake's curiosity. "Well, gym leaders are some of the most experienced trainers out there. They've been at it for years, and they have a lot of responsibilities, not just battling. They help new trainers grow, keep their communities safe, and sometimes even act as mentors. But here's the thing—you saw how quickly that singer won her battle, right?"

"Yeah," Jake said, frowning slightly as he remembered. "She beat the gym leader really fast. Was she better than the gym leader? I don't get it."

"That's what I was about to explain," Joe said, his tone gentle. "When a young trainer—someone who's only been training for a few months—challenges a gym leader, it wouldn't be fair for them to face the leader's strongest Pokémon. Gym leaders are there to challenge the trainer, sure, but they're also there to help them grow, not crush their spirits. So, there are rules in place to make sure the battle is fair. For a bronze rank badge, the gym leader can only use Pokémon up to level 20. For a silver rank badge, they can use Pokémon up to level 35. And for a gold rank badge, they can use Pokémon up to level 50."

Jake's frown turned into a look of admiration. "Oh, I get it now! That's why new trainers can win badges pretty quickly—they're fighting Pokémon that are close to their own level."

"Exactly," Joe said, smiling at Jake's understanding. "And as the trainer gets better, they can come back and challenge the gym leader again for a higher rank badge. It's all about progression. A bronze badge shows you've made it through your first set of challenges, silver shows you're getting stronger, and gold means you're among the best. But it's not just about the badge itself; it's about the journey and what you learn along the way."

Jake nodded enthusiastically. "That's so cool! So, does that mean you have a lot of gold badges, Grandpa?"

Joe chuckled. "I've collected quite a few over the years, but each one has a story behind it. And remember, it's not just about having the badge. It's about the experiences you gain and the friends you make along the way. Every battle teaches you something new, and that's what really matters."

Jake looked up at his grandfather with newfound respect. "I hope I can earn badges like that one day, too."

Joe ruffled Jake's hair, his heart swelling with pride. "You will, Jake. With hard work, patience, and a love for your Pokémon, you'll go far. And when you're ready, I'll be right there cheering you on."

Jake's eyes sparkled with curiosity as a sudden thought crossed his mind. "But what if the gym leader uses a Pokémon above level 50?" he asked eagerly.

Joe smiled at the question, clearly impressed by his grandson's inquisitiveness. "Well, that's a rare occurrence, but it can happen. When a gym leader uses a Pokémon above level 50 in a battle, and the challenger still manages to win, they're awarded a diamond rank badge."

Jake's eyes widened even more. "Whoa! So, diamond is even higher than gold? That's amazing!"

Joe nodded. "Yes, but it's very uncommon. Most gym leaders won't use Pokémon that strong unless they're facing someone with a lot of experience. It's a real test of a trainer's skills."

Jake's thoughts then drifted to the tournaments he'd heard so much about from his Uncle Frank. "And what about the tournaments? Uncle Frank told me that you need eight badges to enter. How does that work?"

Joe leaned back, thinking for a moment. "For tournaments, there are different requirements depending on the rank of the badges. If you have eight bronze rank badges, you're eligible to enter. But if you have five silver rank badges, that's enough too. And if you've earned three gold rank badges, you can also qualify."

"And diamond?" Jake asked, his voice full of wonder. "Do you just need one diamond badge to get in?"

Joe chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, no, it doesn't work that way. A diamond badge is just like a gold one in terms of the tournament. You still need three to enter. The diamond rank is more of a status symbol, something to show off. It's not about getting into tournaments more easily, but about proving that you've faced and defeated an exceptionally strong opponent."

Jake furrowed his brow, still trying to understand. "So what's the point of having a diamond badge if it doesn't help you in tournaments?"

Joe winked at him, a playful smile on his face. "It's more about the showing off, Jake. A diamond badge is something special. It's like a trophy that says you've beaten the toughest challenges. It's a way to show other trainers just how strong you are."

Jake looked up at his grandfather with awe. "Do you have any diamond badges, Grandpa?"

Joe's smile grew wider, and there was a twinkle in his eye as he answered. "Just a few," he said modestly. "I've had a couple of friendly battles over the years where the gym leader decided to go all out, and I happened to win. It's not something I aim for, but when the opportunity presents itself, well, it's hard to say no."

Jake's admiration for his grandfather only grew. "Wow, Grandpa, you must be really strong to have those!"

Joe placed a hand on Jake's shoulder, his expression softening. "It's not just about strength, Jake. It's about strategy, understanding your Pokémon, and knowing when to push forward and when to hold back. Every battle is a learning experience, no matter the outcome. And remember, it's the journey that makes us stronger, not just the badges we earn along the way."

Jake nodded, soaking in the wisdom of his grandfather's words. "I want to be like you one day, Grandpa. I want to have those kinds of battles and learn from them."

Joe's heart swelled with pride as he looked at his grandson. "You will, Jake. You have the heart of a true trainer. Just keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep having fun with your Pokémon. That's the key to becoming the best you can be."

Joe watched his Pokémon continue their training, occasionally calling out instructions to guide them. Meanwhile, Jake was lost in thought, absorbing the new information he'd just learned. After a few minutes of silent contemplation, another question bubbled up inside him, and he couldn't hold it in any longer.

"And Grandpa," Jake began, tugging slightly at Joe's sleeve to get his attention, "what about when you're in a tournament? Is there something like this? Some kind of limit?" His curiosity was evident, his eyes wide with anticipation.

Joe nodded, pleased that Jake was so engaged. "Yes, Jake, you're spot on. There are limits in tournaments, just like in gym battles. Each tournament has different levels to ensure fair competition among trainers. They have different names depending on the region, but here in our kingdom, for example, we have the Junior, Senior, and Master tournaments. Each one has a cap on the levels of the Pokémon you can use."

Jake leaned in, eager to learn more. "And what are the levels for each one?"

"For the Junior Tournament," Joe explained, "trainers can use Pokémon up to level 40. In the Senior Tournament, the limit is up to level 80. And in the Master Tournament, there's no limit at all."

Jake's eyes grew even wider with excitement. "No limit? So you could enter the Master Tournament and win, right? You'd be the best there!" The idea thrilled him, imagining his grandfather standing victorious among the strongest trainers in the world.

Joe chuckled softly at Jake's enthusiasm, shaking his head. "Oh, Jake," he said with a warm smile, "there are many trainers out there who are much stronger than me. I train regularly, of course, but some people are entirely dedicated to their Pokémon, training from morning till night. You might remember, but the last Master Tournament was three years ago, and I was eliminated in the third round."

Jake's expression shifted from excitement to surprise and then to disappointment. "You didn't win?" he asked, his voice tinged with sadness. To Jake, his grandpa was almost invincible, so the idea of him not winning was hard to grasp.

Joe paused for a moment, lost in thought. That battle from three years ago came flooding back to him—the intensity, the pressure, and the skilled opponent who had outmaneuvered him. He still remembered almost every detail, from the way the sun glinted off the battlefield to the cheers of the crowd as the match reached its climax.

"It was a tough battle," Joe finally said, his tone more reflective. "The trainer I faced was exceptionally skilled, and their strategy was something I hadn't seen before. It taught me a lot, though. Every loss is a chance to learn, and I took those lessons to heart."

Jake looked up at his grandfather, admiration still shining in his eyes despite the sadness. "But you're still the best to me, Grandpa," he said earnestly.

Joe smiled, touched by his grandson's words. "Thank you, Jake. That means a lot to me. But remember, it's not always about winning. It's about doing your best, learning from your experiences, and enjoying the journey. That's what makes a true Pokémon trainer."

Jake's curiosity was insatiable as he looked up at his grandfather, eager to hear more about the legendary battle. "And what was the last battle like? Was the other guy really that good? Or did he bring some legendary Pokémon?" he asked, his voice full of excitement and wonder.

Joe's expression grew more thoughtful as he recalled the intense match. "In my last match, it was a six-on-six battle. My opponent was indeed very skilled. I made a big mistake by underestimating him, and that cost me dearly. His Avalugg was incredibly powerful, and I lost three of my Pokémon—Arbok, Tropius, and Trevenant—trying to bring it down. I was arrogant, thinking I could beat him despite the type disadvantage. But it turns out, that arrogance was my downfall. Thankfully, Emboar came in and finally took down that monster."

Jake's eyes widened in disbelief. "And all his Pokémon were that strong?" he asked, amazed. To him, his grandfather's Pokémon were unbeatable, and hearing about their defeat was almost surreal.

Joe shook his head. "Not all of them, luckily. But since he had already knocked out three of my Pokémon, he was ahead in the battle."

"What other Pokémon did he have?" Jake asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

Joe continued, "After Emboar knocked out his Avalugg, the next battle was against his Heatmor. It ended in a double knockout—both Emboar and Heatmor fainted."

Jake's face scrunched up in concern. "So you had just two Pokémon left, and he had four? That's terrible!" he exclaimed, his small fists clenching in frustration.

Joe smiled at his grandson's passionate response. "Well, if you're smart, you'll learn from my mistakes," he said, giving Jake a playful wink.

Jake leaned in closer, hanging on every word. "What happened next?"

"He sent out a Sawsbuck, but my Braviary was able to take it down," Joe said, his tone carrying a hint of pride.

"Go, Braviary!" Jake cheered, thrilled by the small victory.

Joe chuckled at Jake's enthusiasm. "Braviary did great, but then came the tough part. The next Pokémon we faced was a Spiritomb. Braviary almost won, but at the last moment, that Spiritomb used Destiny Bond, and both of them were knocked out."

"Oh no!" Jake gasped. "So that was your fourth Pokémon down?"

"No, that was my fifth. "And he still had two more left."

Jake's face was a mix of worry and anticipation. "Who was your last Pokémon, Grandpa?"

"I had Crawdaunt," Joe replied. "But my opponent's next Pokémon was Florges."

Jake's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's a Florges?"

Joe smiled at the question. "Florges is a Fairy-type Pokémon, and it's strong against Dark-types like Crawdaunt.

"But Crawdaunt is water type, no? He always chills out in the pond," Jake frowned.

"He has two types, Jakey. Plus that Florges knew a lot of grass attacks as well. Which are strong against water, too."

Jake's face fell. "No! That's unfair!" he cried, feeling the injustice of the situation.

Joe grinned, his eyes twinkling with a mix of pride and humor. "But listen to this—we managed another double knockout."

Jake's face lit up with admiration. "Wow! You're so cool, Grandpa!"

Joe laughed heartily. "Cool? More like stubborn and a bit reckless. If I hadn't made those early mistakes, I might have won the whole thing."

Jake's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I wish I could have seen it."

"You can," Joe said, smiling at his grandson. "We have the battle on video somewhere. Ask your mom when we get home."

Jake suddenly became impatient, his thoughts racing. He couldn't wait to get home and watch his grandpa's epic battle. "Can we go now? Please, Grandpa?" he asked, practically bouncing with anticipation.

"You wanted to see me train. And now you want to go home?" he teased him.

Before Jake came up with a good answer, Joe leaned down slightly to meet Jake's gaze, making sure his grandson was following along. "But Jake, listen carefully. You asked earlier about levels, and there's something important to understand. When we start this Frontier thing here, we can't use Pokémon over the 80th level."

Jake's eyes widened with curiosity. "So we won't have the bronze, silver, and gold thingies like in the gym battles?"

Joe shook his head with a smile. "No, no. This Frontier isn't like a traditional gym. We just need to make sure our Pokémon are under level 80. That's why your dad will be home much more often."

Jake tilted his head, trying to piece it together. "Because he has more Pokémon under level 18?"

Joe laughed, gently correcting him. "Not under 18, Jake—under 80."

Jake nodded, still absorbing the information. Numbers were a bit tricky, but he was getting the hang of it.

"You see," Joe continued, "when a Pokémon's level is lower, it's easier and quicker for them to get stronger. But once they reach a higher level, it takes a lot more time and effort to keep them improving. Take my Trevenant Rootie, for example. He's been in our family for generations. You might not remember your great-grandfather, but he won many battles with Trevenant before passing him down to me. Back then, Trevenant was around level 95. I've been training him for about ten years now, but he's only reached level 112. So, you see, the progress slows down a lot as they get stronger."

Jake's eyes grew wide with understanding as he tried to picture the massive, ancient Trevenant in battle. "So, it's really hard to get them stronger once they're at a high level?"

"Exactly," Joe nodded. "It's a lot of work. But if you think about these four new Pokémon I'm training now, they'll be able to level up much faster since they're still in the lower levels. In just a few weeks, you'll see a big difference in their strength."

Jake nodded slowly, his young mind working to grasp the concept. "Okay, I think I understand it," he said, looking up at his grandfather with newfound respect. The idea of training Pokémon seemed even more exciting now, knowing how much effort went into it.

Joe smiled, pleased to see that Jake was learning. "Good. Just remember, every Pokémon has its own journey. Some take longer, but with the right care and patience, they all grow stronger." He glanced over at the field where his Pokémon were training, already imagining the progress they would make in the coming weeks.

Jake followed his grandfather's gaze, watching the Pokémon with a new appreciation. "I can't wait to see them get stronger, Grandpa."

"And who knows," Joe said, ruffling Jake's hair, "maybe one day you'll be the one out here training them."

Jake grinned at the thought, the idea of becoming a great trainer like his grandpa filling him with excitement and determination.

As Joe watched his Pokémon, a thought suddenly struck him. He turned to Jake with a gleam in his eye. "You know, Jakey, levels and appearances can be really tricky sometimes. Take another look at those four. Which one do you think is at the highest level?"

Jake furrowed his brow, deep in thought for a few seconds. He had seen how fiercely Tauros attacked the training boulders, and the sheer power behind Camerupt's Overheat had left a strong impression on him.

"I think Camerupt with that big fire attack is the strongest," Jake guessed confidently.

Joe chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It might seem that way, but actually, the one at the highest level is Rookidee."

Jake's eyes widened in disbelief. "But it's so small!" he exclaimed, unable to wrap his mind around it. "That doesn't make any sense. How can it be the strongest?"

Joe smiled, understanding the confusion in his grandson's eyes. "It might not look like it, but Rookidee's experience is what sets it apart. You saw how easily it outmaneuvered Herdier earlier, right?"

Jake nodded slowly, remembering the way Rookidee had effortlessly dodged Herdier's Thunderbolts and then its Steel Wing. "But how come it's so strong if it's so small?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Because," Joe began, "Rookidees are migratory Pokémon. They live here during the winter, but every summer, they fly north. This Rookidee is over two years old and has made that long journey twice. It's had the chance to evolve, but for some reason, it hasn't. Not yet, at least. But that's okay. On the other hand, Tauros, Camerupt, and Herdier are just over a year old, and they've spent their entire lives here on the ranch. They're strong, but they haven't faced the same challenges that Rookidee has."

Jake's eyes widened as he began to understand. "I see," he nodded thoughtfully, a newfound respect for Rookidee growing in his heart.

Joe waved his hand toward the Pokémon. "Look at them now."

Tauros, after the intense physical training, was visibly exhausted, barely managing to tap the boulder with his horns. Herdier lay on his side, panting heavily with his tongue lolling out, clearly worn out from his eletrical session. Camerupt was still trying to muster up the energy for Scorching Sands, but even Jake could see that the attack was losing its vigor. Meanwhile, Rookidee had already finished its Rest/Sleep Talk training and had moved on to honing its Steel Wing and Rock Smash against the training boulders.

"Yeah, they all look tired, but Rookidee is still attacking," Jake observed, a note of surprise in his voice.

"Exactly," Joe nodded. "And that's the difference. Rookidee's higher level means it has more stamina and experience. It's been through tougher challenges, so it can push itself further."

Jake watched Rookidee in awe as it continued to train, its small body brimming with determination. "So even though it's smaller, it's the strongest because it's been through more?"

"That's right," Joe said with a smile. "It's not always about size or raw power. Experience and resilience count for a lot. And Rookidee has plenty of both."

Jake looked up at his grandfather, a newfound understanding in his eyes. "I want to be like Rookidee when I grow up—strong and full of energy!"

Joe chuckled, ruffling Jake's hair. "You've got a good heart, Jake. And if you keep learning and growing, just like Rookidee, you'll be unstoppable one day."

As they were discussing the Pokémon and their levels, Jake's eyes suddenly sparkled with an idea.

"So, Grandpa," Jake began hesitantly, "if I wanted to win all my battles, could I borrow some of your Pokémon? Then I'd win every time, right?"

Joe chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, Jake, that would be cheating. Even though I know some people do hand down their Pokémon to younger trainers to make things easier."

"But... but...," Jake said, his enthusiasm still evident. "But it would be easier to win with your Pokémon."

Joe smiled warmly. "I don't doubt that my Pokémon would listen to you, but it's important for you to catch and train your own Pokémon. That's where the real growth happens."

"But you said you got Trevenant from your dad, and you didn't catch it yourself!" Jake countered, remembering the story from earlier.

"That's true," Joe admitted. "But Trevenant wasn't my first Pokémon. I received him when my father was too old to train with him anymore."

Jake's curiosity was piqued. "And he had only Trevenant? Or did he have other Pokémon too?"

Joe nodded. "He had quite a few. You know Alex, the big old Nidoking who leads the Nido herd? He was my father's Pokémon. And Maddy..."

Jake's eyes widened. "Maddy? You mean the lazy Pyroar who always naps around your house?"

"Yes, that's the one," Joe confirmed with a smile. "Maddy was quite the powerhouse in her prime. But now, she's very old and even lazier. She prefers to nap rather than battle."

Jake looked at Joe with a mix of admiration and confusion. "So there is a bunch of strong Pokémon. You caught them as well? Or just Rootie?"

Joe shook his head, his eyes reflecting both nostalgia and pride. "It's complicated. Most of my father's Pokémon don't want to train anymore. But Trevenant wanted to get better so I took him over. But still, I did catch and train many of my own Pokémon too. It's a mix of inherited and earned experience. But the key is that every trainer's journey is different. You learn the most from raising Pokémon yourself, facing challenges, and overcoming obstacles."

Jake nodded, absorbing the wisdom in his grandfather's words. "So, it's not just about having strong Pokémon, but about working with them and learning together?"

"Exactly," Joe said, placing a reassuring hand on Jake's shoulder. "Building a bond with your Pokémon and training them yourself is what makes you a great trainer. And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll have your own Pokémon that others will admire."

Jake's face lit up with a determined smile. "I can't wait to start catching and training my own Pokémon!"

Joe chuckled, ruffling Jake's hair affectionately. "That's the spirit, Jakey. And remember, every great trainer started just where you are now. With curiosity, enthusiasm, and a lot of hard work."

As they continued to watch the Pokémon train, Jake felt a renewed sense of excitement and purpose. The path to becoming a great Pokémon trainer was clear, and he was eager to begin his own journey.

Jake's eyes were wide with curiosity as he absorbed his grandfather's stories about his Pokémon. "And Grandpa, what's the highest level a Pokémon can reach?"

Joe paused, pondering the question before responding. "That's a bit of a mystery, Jake. The Pokédex can only read and document levels up to a certain point, based on what's been observed and recorded in real life. Beyond that, it's mostly speculation. If we managed to scan and document every Pokémon in the world, we might get a better idea of the highest levels. But even then, it would only reflect the levels at the time of the scan. Levels can change as Pokémon continue to train and grow."

Jake's curiosity was piqued. "So what about legendary Pokémon? Are they different?"

Joe nodded. "Legendaries and mythical Pokémon are often harder to evaluate. For instance, there have been attempts to scan Mew, a Pokémon that's known to appear more frequently than others. It is a playful Pokémon, which is very interested in us, in humans. And the readings from the Pokédex varied wildly—one scan showed Mew at level 325, another at 69, and a third at 881, all within a few minutes."

Jake's eyes widened. "Have you ever met Mew?"

Joe shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. But I've encountered other legendary Pokémon. During a royal championship tournament, I had the chance to see Rayquaza."

"Wow!" Jake exclaimed, envious of his grandfather's experiences.

Joe chuckled, sensing Jake's excitement. "And don't get too disheartened. Legendary and mythical Pokémon are often drawn to trainers who are strong and pure-hearted. And lots of those usually gather for tournaments. Which means that the legendary Pokemons often appear during those, too. So if you choose to be a trainer, you might get a chance to see some of them too."

"Then I will be the strongest trainer and I will see them all!" Jake exclaimed which made Joe smile.

"And I also came across Raikou during my younger years. I even battled it!" Joe boasted.

"Did you win??" Jake screamed.

"No, not at all. I first asked it, if we could battle. And the Raikou agreed. I sent all my six Pokemon against it and not a single scratch."

Jake's excitement grew. "I want to meet and battle a legendary Pokémon too!"

Joe smiled. "When you're older, you could ask your uncle Frank. He might take you to the Tower Mountains in the north. In the snowstorms, some people say they've seen a massive ice creature, possibly Kyurem. There's also an abandoned Schwarzwald castle where Darkrai has been spotted."

Jake was hanging on every word. "And what else?"

Joe's eyes sparkled with a hint of mystery. "You know, this ranch was originally built around a lake we now call Lotad Lake. It's an old place, and not many people pay it much attention these days. Lotads are considered pretty mundane by most, but if you stay there long enough, and if you're very still and quiet, you might just hear or see something remarkable."

Jake leaned in, captivated. "What is it?"

Joe lowered his voice, making it sound like a secret. "There's a lake guardian that lives in Lotad Lake. I've only seen it a few times myself, and it's a secret we don't share with anyone outside our family. Do you understand?"

Jake nodded vigorously, his imagination running wild. "I understand, Grandpa! I'll keep it a secret. I want to see the lake guardian someday!"

Joe smiled warmly at his grandson's enthusiasm. "That's the spirit, Jake. Keep that curiosity and sense of wonder alive, and who knows what incredible things you'll discover in the future."

As they continued to watch the Pokémon train, Jake felt a renewed sense of excitement and adventure, dreaming of the day he would experience his own legendary encounters.

As Joe finished sharing his stories and insights, the afternoon sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting a golden glow across the ranch. Jake, brimming with newfound knowledge and excitement, looked at his grandfather with awe.

"Thanks for telling me all this, Grandpa," Jake said, his eyes sparkling with determination. "I've learned so much today. I can't wait to start training my own Pokémon and maybe even see some of those legendary ones!"

Joe patted Jake on the shoulder. "Remember, Jake, it's not just about the Pokémon or their levels. It's about the bond you build with them and the journey you undertake together. Enjoy every step along the way, and you'll find your own adventures."

Jake nodded, feeling a deep sense of purpose. "I will. I want to be a great trainer just like you."

As the sky turned shades of pink and orange, Joe ended the training session and together with Jake walked back towards the house, where Eva was waiting to take Jake home. The field behind them was quiet now, only several wild Pokémon were flying in the distance.

"Goodbye Grandpa, I love you," Jake said, looking back at the ranch with a sense of fulfillment.

Joe waved. "Take care, Jakey. And remember, the world of Pokémon is vast and full of wonders. Keep your heart open and your spirit strong, and you'll discover many incredible things."

Jake turned to leave, but not before casting one last glance towards the training field. The dreams of legendary Pokémon and epic battles danced in his mind, fueling his excitement for the adventures that lay ahead.

As Jake and Eva walked away towards their home, the evening sky began to darken, but Jake's thoughts were alight with possibilities. He knew that his journey was just beginning and that with each step, he would uncover more about the world of Pokémon and himself.