The training room door slid open again.

  Brennan entered first, looking slightly winded from his quick jog across the facility. Behind him came someone Micah recognized but had never spoken to directly.

  Division Leader Tabitha.

  The geologist was well built, with black hair and an expression that seemed perpetually skeptical. He wore field clothes rather than lab attire,practical cargo shorts, moisture-wicking bodysuit, reinforced boots, and a vest with multiple pockets that probably contained rock samples and measuring instruments.

  "This is the kid?" Tabitha asked, looking Micah up and down with the critical eye of someone assessing structural integrity.

  "Micah," Brennan confirmed. "Twelve years old, reached tournament finals with a two-month-old Rhyhorn. Facing Yuki Nakamura Monday afternoon."

  "Hm." Tabitha's gaze shifted to Donny, who had approached cautiously, curious about the newcomers. "That the Rhyhorn?"

  "Yes sir," Micah said, finding his voice. "His name is Donny."

  Tabitha studied Donny for a long moment, his experienced eye taking in every detail of the young Pokemon's build and bearing. He didn't approach immediately, instead crossing his arms and regarding both trainer and Pokemon with that perpetual skepticism.

  "Brennan says you need Ground-type tutoring. What's the timeline?"

  "Match is Monday at 2 PM," Micah said. "So... three days give or take?"

  Tabitha barked out a laugh, sharp and incredulous. "Kid, learning a new move type in roughly 48 hours is unrealistic. Most Pokemon need a work week of practice to get the fundamentals down, and that's with daily tutoring sessions." He shook his head, but his expression wasn't dismissive,more calculating, as if running through possibilities in his mind. "However," he continued after a moment, "Brennan tells me you're fighting a Mawile with defensive typing that walls your current moveset completely. Steel and Fairy,nasty combination for a Ground/Rock type to handle."

  "It's been... a problem," Micah admitted.

  "I'd imagine so." Tabitha pulled a Pokeball from his vest, but held it without releasing its occupant yet. "In that context, even a partially-formed Ground-type move might create enough threat presence to change Nakamura's tactical approach. The psychological advantage of type coverage can sometimes matter as much as the actual damage output."

  He glanced at Brennan. "You explained the situation?"

  "The basics," Brennan confirmed. "Told him you might be able to help, but I didn't want to make any promises without talking to you first."

  "Smart." Tabitha turned his attention back to Micah. "Here's the thing, kid. I'm doing this as a favor,to Brennan and you, primarily, but also because I'm curious how far the boy Maxie picked up will go." He tapped the Pokeball in his hand. "The Pokemon I'm offering for tutoring duty isn't mine. Want to be clear about that upfront."

  Micah blinked. "It isn't?"

  "No. This is Granite, a Golem who used to belong to a retired trainer. His trainer's too old to go out looking for battles now, but Granite's still in excellent condition,and more importantly, he's been helping as a laborer and is also working as an instructor for younger Pokemon on base." Tabitha's expression softened slightly. "Teaching is what Granite mostly does now.And he's damn good at it."

  "Oh," Micah said, processing this information. "So you're... coordinating this? Setting up the instruction?"

  "Exactly. Due to his skillset he often works in Courtney's department but he doesn't have any duties for the next week, so I requested him." Tabitha fixed Micah with a serious look. "This isn't a casual offer. Granite's time is valuable, Don't waste it."

  "I won't, sir," Micah said quickly. "I promise."

  "Good." Tabitha released the Pokeball.

  The creature that materialized was massive,a Golem, its boulder-like body covered in rocky cobble and scuffs that suggested experience. It had to be nearly five feet tall and probably weighed over six hundred pounds. two thick arms, ancient eyes that focused on Donny immediately, sizing up the young Rhyhorn with the casual assessment of a veteran instructor meeting a new student.

  "This is Granite," Tabitha said, his voice taking on a more respectful tone. "He's been working with Ground-type energy for over fifteen years, originally trained for manual labor,then geological survey work before transitioning into instruction. If anyone can teach your Rhyhorn the basics of Ground-type energy manipulation in an accelerated timeframe, it's him."

  Donny stared up at the Golem with something between awe and intimidation. Granite rumbled a low, patient sound,not threatening, but establishing presence and authority.

  Tabitha crouched down, gesturing for Micah to come closer. "Now, we need to talk realistically about what's possible here. There are plenty of Ground Type moves Donny could learn, but his young age is a limiting factor. He lacks the musculature and bone density to use most ground type moves"

  "So what is Granite going to teach him?" Micah asked.

  "Magnitude," Tabitha said simply. "It's a Ground-type move that creates seismic disruption,a ground-shaking quake that affects everything around the user. The interesting thing about Magnitude is that its power varies randomly each time it's used, which actually makes it easier to learn than moves that require precise energy control. In fact most Rhyhorn acquire Magnitude from their parents as an Eggmove"

  Brennan leaned forward, interested. "Because it doesn't demand consistency?"

  "Exactly." Tabitha nodded approvingly. "Bulldoze requires the user to channel Ground-type energy through their body in a controlled manner. It's precise, and it's also physically demanding. Magnitude, on the other hand, is more about releasing Ground-type energy in a raw burst,the power fluctuates naturally as part of the move's fundamental nature."

  He pulled out his tablet, bringing up a diagram. "Think of it like this, Magnitude's power output follows a probability distribution that we can visualize as a bell curve. The move has seven possible intensity levels, ranging from Magnitude 4 at the weak end to Magnitude 10 at the strong end."

  Micah studied the diagram. The bell curve showed clear peaks and valleys, with the middle values having higher probability than the extremes.

  "Magnitude 4 and Magnitude 10 are the rarest outcomes," Tabitha explained, pointing to the shallow ends of the curve. "They each have roughly a five percent chance of occurring. The distribution peaks around Magnitude 7,which is the most common results, with about thirty percent probability. Magnitude 6 and 8 sit in between, with about twenty percent each."

  "So most of the time, it'll hit somewhere in the middle range," Micah said, following the logic.

  "Right. And here's why that matters for teaching purposes, because the power variation is intrinsic to the move itself, Granite doesn't need to teach Donny precise energy control. He only needs to teach him how to access Ground-type energy, and how to release it. The actual power output will vary naturally based on factors like Donny's energy state, his connection to the ground at that moment, even random environmental factors."

  "That does sound easier to learn quickly," Brennan agreed.

  "It is,relatively speaking." Tabitha emphasized the last two words. "We're still talking about learning type energy manipulation in three to four days. That's a hell of a challenge no matter which move we target. But Magnitude gives us the best chance of achieving something usable by Monday afternoon."

  He stood up, addressing the group more formally. "Here's what I'm proposing, Granite will work with Donny for two-hour sessions, twice today, twice tomorrow morning. Four total sessions, eight hours of intensive instruction. We'll focus on the absolute fundamentals,sensing Ground-type energy, channeling it through his body, and the basic release pattern for Magnitude."

  "What kind of results can we expect?" Micah asked carefully.

  Tabitha's expression became more guarded. "Best case scenario, Donny learns to execute Magnitude accurately." He tapped his tablet, highlighting the upper portion of the bell curve. "Realistically he will likely learn the move but in a very limited capacity. A fully trained Pokemon using Magnitude can potentially hit any value from 4 to 10. Donny, even if he picks this up quickly, will almost certainly be capped at the lower end."

  "How low?" Micah asked, though he suspected he knew the answer wouldn't be encouraging.

  "Maximum of Magnitude 8 or 9, realistically. Possibly lower." Tabitha met his eyes directly, not sugar-coating the reality. "That's still a significant power cap. Magnitude 7 has a respectable base power ,but Magnitude 9 has an almost monstrous power output. Your Rhyhorn will likely be working at less than half the move's potential output."

  The disappointment must have shown on Micah's face, because Tabitha continued quickly. "But here's what you need to remember, Magnitude is still Ground-type damage, which means it's still super effective against Mawile's Steel typing. Even a capped version of the move will hit harder than anything else in Donny's current arsenal."

  "And it might be enough to force Yuki to respect the threat," Brennan added. "Even if Donny can't consistently hit high magnitudes, just having Ground-type coverage changes the entire tactical equation."

  Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  "Exactly," Tabitha agreed. "Look, I'm not promising you'll win this match. What I'm promising is that I'll give your Rhyhorn the best possible instruction in the time available, and if he has the aptitude for it, he'll come out of this training with a genuine Ground-type attack. Limited, yes. Imperfect, absolutely. But real."

  Micah looked down at Donny, who was still watching Granite with that mixture of awe and determination. Then he looked at Bellatrix, who had been observing the entire conversation with her characteristic intensity. The Houndour met his eyes and gave a small nod,her way of saying this was worth trying.

  "We'll take it," Micah said firmly. "Whatever we can learn in the time we have, we'll take it and make it work."

  "Good answer." Tabitha checked his watch. "First session starts in ten minutes. Micah, you're allowed to observe, but don't interrupt the training process. Granite works best without distractions, and we can't afford to waste any time." He turned to Brennan. "You sticking around?"

  "Actually," Brennan said, his tone becoming more serious, "I was hoping you'd ask me to stay. Not just for a bit,for all the sessions."

  Tabitha raised an eyebrow. "Supervision duty?"

  "If you're willing." Brennan gestured toward Micah and Donny. "I know Granite's an experienced instructor, and I trust him completely. But this is an unusual situation,accelerated timeline, high stakes, young trainer who's already under a lot of pressure. Having another set of eyes on the training might help catch issues early, and I can provide feedback to Micah between sessions about what he should be looking for."

  Tabitha considered this for a moment, then nodded. "Makes sense. Granite's used to working independently, but having you monitor the sessions would provide useful documentation and feedback."

  "Then it's settled. You'll observe and supervise all sessions, take notes on Donny's progress, and help Micah understand what's happening from a technical perspective." Tabitha looked satisfied with the arrangement. "This is turning into quite the support operation for a single tournament match."

  "Kid earned it," Brennan said simply.

  Tabitha pivoted, then addressed Donny directly, crouching to the Rhyhorn's eye level with surprising gentleness for someone with such a gruff exterior.

  "Alright, young one. This is going to be challenging,probably the hardest training you've done so far. Ground-type energy feels fundamentally different from Rock-type. Rock energy is about structure, solidity, the strength of stone. Ground energy is deeper, more indomitable, connected to the earth's core and the movement of tectonic forces." He rested a hand on Donny's horn, his voice calm and encouraging. "You'll need to let go of what you know and embrace something that initially feels wrong. That's difficult, and there's no shame if it doesn't come easily."

  Donny rumbled softly his gesture of agreement and determination.

  "But I've seen your tournament footage," Tabitha continued. "You've got heart,That's a solid foundation for learning. Granite will guide you through this, and Brennan will make sure everything stays on track. All you need to do is try your absolute hardest and stay focused."

  He stood, gesturing to Granite. "Let's begin."

  The first training session was simultaneously fascinating and frustrating to watch.

  Micah sat against the wall, Bellatrix beside him, as Brennan took up a position where he could observe both Granite's instruction and Donny's responses. The experienced trainer had pulled out his own tablet and was already taking notes.

  Granite started with the absolute basics. The Golem planted its arms firmly on the ground, his entire body glowing with a brown-tinged energy that seemed to pulse from somewhere deep within his core. The energy spread outward, making the training room floor vibrate in concentric waves. Then Granite released the energy in what was clearly a controlled demonstration of Magnitude,the room shook with a low rumble, dust motes dancing in the air from the seismic disturbance.

  Donny watched with complete attention, his young eyes tracking every movement, every energy flow.

  Granite rumbled instructions,Pokemon communication that Micah couldn't fully understand but could sense the meaning of through tone and gesture. The Golem was explaining how to feel for Ground-type energy, how it differed from the Rock-type energy Donny was familiar with.

  Donny tried to mimic the stance, planting his feet as firmly as he could, his small body rigid with concentration. His eyes squeezed shut as he tried to feel what Granite had described.

  Nothing happened.

  Granite adjusted Donny's positioning, using his massive hands to guide the Rhyhorn's feet into more precise placement. He rumbled more instructions, demonstrating the breathing pattern that helped synchronize energy flow.

  Donny tried again. Still nothing,or at least, nothing visible.

  "Don't expect immediate results," Brennan said quietly, not looking up from his tablet. "The first hour is usually just about teaching the Pokemon to recognize that there's even a different type of energy to access. It's like trying to see a new color,you have to train your perception before you can actually interact with it."

  Micah nodded, forcing himself to be patient.

  The session continued with Granite demonstrating variations of the same basic principle, access Ground-type energy, channel it through your body, feel how it wants to move. The Golem was remarkably patient, repeating the demonstration over and over with slight modifications each time, trying different approaches to help Donny understand.

  About forty minutes into the session, something changed.

  Donny had been attempting the energy access technique for what felt like the hundredth time when a faint brown shimmer appeared around his feet, lasting maybe half a second before dissipating completely.

  "There." Tabitha said sharply, pointing.

  "Got it on video," Brennan confirmed, his tablet aimed at Donny. "Definite energy manifestation, approximately point-five seconds duration."

  "Do it again, Donny," Tabitha instructed. "Find that exact sensation and try to hold it longer."

  Granite rumbled encouragement, demonstrating the technique once more with exaggerated slowness, letting Donny see every phase of the energy manifestation process.

  Donny concentrated, his breathing synchronized with Granite's demonstrated pattern. The brown shimmer appeared again, slightly stronger this time, lasting almost a full second.

  "Good," Tabitha said. "That's the foundation. Everything else builds from being able to access that energy consistently."

  They repeated the exercise seventeen times over the remainder of the first hour. Each attempt showed marginal improvement,the shimmer lasting longer, the glow intensifying slightly, the connection becoming fractionally more stable. By the end, Donny could maintain the Ground-type energy manifestation for nearly three seconds, though he looked exhausted from the effort.

  "Water break," Tabitha called. "Ten minutes. Don't push past fatigue in the first session."

  Micah approached Donny with a water bowl, which the Rhyhorn drank from gratefully. The young Pokemon was breathing hard, clearly mentally exhausted even though he hadn't done much physical activity.

  "How's he doing?" Micah asked Brennan.

  "Exceptionally well, actually." Brennan showed Micah his tablet, which had detailed notes and timestamps. "Most Pokemon take several hours just to achieve that first flicker of cross-type energy. Donny got there in forty minutes and is already showing consistent manifestation. That suggests natural aptitude."

  "But he's so tired," Micah observed, concerned.

  "Mental fatigue, not physical," Tabitha explained, overhearing. "Learning to perceive and manipulate new types of energy is cognitively intensive. It's like learning a new language and trying to think in it simultaneously,exhausting for the brain even when the body isn't working hard." He handed Donny a mineral supplement tablet, which the Rhyhorn crunched happily. "The breaks are as important as the training. They let the neural pathways solidify."

  The second hour of the first session focused on extension,teaching Donny to maintain the Ground-type energy manifestation for longer periods and with greater intensity. Granite demonstrated how the energy should build and concentrate before release, showing the difference between simply accessing Ground-type energy and preparing to use it in an actual attack.

  Donny's progress was incremental but steady. By the end of the two-hour session, he could maintain the brown energy glow around his feet for nearly ten seconds and was beginning to understand how to build intensity. He hadn't actually released the energy in an attack pattern yet, but the foundation was clearly being established.

  "Good first session," Tabitha announced as he recalled Granite. "Better than I expected, honestly. Your Rhyhorn has solid learning aptitude." He looked at Brennan. "Your assessment?"

  "Agrees with yours," Brennan said, reviewing his notes. "Donny achieved first energy manifestation forty-three percent faster than average for cross-type learning, and his consistency improvement rate is above standard benchmarks. If he maintains this progression curve, actual Magnitude execution is achievable within the timeline."

  "Qualified optimism," Tabitha noted, He turned to Micah. "Afternoon session is at 2 PM. Make sure Donny eats properly and rests. Don't try to practice this on your own,you'll just reinforce bad habits that Granite will have to correct."

  "Understood, sir," Micah said. "We'll rest."

  The afternoon session showed continued progress. Donny was fresher, having spent several hours napping and eating, and he picked up where he'd left off with encouraging consistency. Granite introduced the concept of energy release,showing Donny how to let the built-up Ground-type energy discharge through his connection to the earth rather than trying to hold it indefinitely.

  This proved more challenging. The first dozen attempts resulted in the energy simply dissipating without effect. Donny would build up the brown glow successfully, hold it for several seconds, and then... nothing. The energy would fade away unused.

  "Common problem," Brennan noted quietly to Micah. "The release mechanism is counterintuitive. Most Pokemon instinctively try to direct the energy outward, but Ground-type moves usually require releasing it downward and using the ground as a medium. It's a trust exercise,letting go and believing the earth will propagate the effect."

  Granite demonstrated this principle repeatedly, showing how the energy flowed down through his arms into the ground before erupting outward as seismic waves. The Golem's patience seemed infinite as he guided Donny through attempt after attempt.

  Around the ninety-minute mark, Donny finally achieved a breakthrough. He built up the Ground-type energy, held it until the glow was intense, and then released it downward as Granite had shown. The energy plunged into the training room floor and propagated outward as a visible ripple,not a full Magnitude attack, but definite seismic disturbance radiating from his feet in a roughly circular pattern.

  "There it is." Tabitha actually smiled, a rare expression. "That's the basic Magnitude release pattern. Everything else is refinement."

  Granite rumbled enthusiastically, clearly proud of his student's progress.

  They repeated the successful release seven more times before the session ended. Not every attempt worked perfectly,some released too early, others too late, a few simply fizzled out,but Donny had grasped the fundamental concept. He could now access Ground-type energy and release it through the Magnitude technique, even if the results were inconsistent and weak.

  "Excellent progress," Tabitha said as the session wrapped up at 4 PM. "Tomorrow morning focus on consistency and power. Donny understands the technique now, he just need to refine his execution."

  After Tabitha and Granite left, Brennan stayed behind for a more detailed debrief.

  "You should be proud," he told Micah seriously. "What Donny accomplished today is remarkable. I've supervised plenty of move tutoring sessions, and I've never seen a Pokemon pick up cross-type techniques this quickly."

  "He's special," Micah said, scratching behind Donny's ears. The Rhyhorn was nearly asleep on his feet, utterly exhausted but clearly satisfied with his progress.

  "He is," Brennan agreed. "But don't let success today create unrealistic expectations for tomorrow. We've cleared the hardest hurdle,establishing basic technique comprehension,but refinement can be just as challenging in different ways."

  "What should I expect?"

  "Incremental improvement in power output and consistency, hopefully leading to reliable Magnitude execution by tomorrow afternoon." Brennan pulled up his data analysis. "Based on today's progression rate, I estimate Donny will achieve functional Magnitude capability, but with the limitations Tabitha described. The magnitude ceiling will probably be around 5 or 7,respectable, but nowhere near the move's full potential."

  "That's still better than not having it at all," Micah said.

  "Absolutely. Even if Yuki scouts your training somehow and learns that Donny has limited Magnitude capability, she still has to respect the super-effective threat. That changes her risk calculus for the entire match."

  Micah nodded, letting that reality sink in. They had a real chance now,not a guaranteed win, not even necessarily a probable win, but a genuine chance.