Chapter Text
Friday, April 4, 2014
A sprawling, well-kept field stretching out behind a modern, The field was huge, The size of a standard football field (about 360 feet by 160 feet), with vibrant green grass, meticulously mowed and marked for multiple sports: soccer, football, and lacrosse lines crisscross the turf. The surface is likely a mix of natural grass and synthetic for durability, given California's dry climate and heavy field use. Surrounding the field is a 400-meter running track, its red or black rubber surface slightly worn but still in great shape, with lane markers freshly painted.
The field is framed by the school's clean, contemporary architecture—think stucco walls, big windows, and maybe a sleek gymnasium or auditorium in the background. Beyond the track, there's a chain-link fence or low wall, possibly with a view of Burbank's low hills or the distant San Gabriel Mountains on a clear day. Scattered around are mature trees—eucalyptus or oaks—offering shade and a touch of SoCal charm. There's a set of aluminum bleachers on one side, enough for a few hundred spectators, gleaming under the bright Burbank sun. A small concession stand or scoreboard might sit at one end, high-tech and donated by a local booster club, reflecting the school's "nice" status.
The air smells of fresh grass and sunscreen, with a faint breeze carrying the hum of nearby traffic from the 5 Freeway. During the day, the field buzzes with PE classes, kids kicking soccer balls, or track athletes sprinting. After school, it's alive with practices—cheerleaders chanting, the marching band practicing formations, or a varsity game drawing a crowd of students and parents. The field feels like the heart of the school's community, a place where memories of homecoming games and track meets are made.
Would resemble a large, open-air sports court, possibly constructed on a rooftop or within an enclosed area. The ground is a dusty brown, similar to a clay or dirt surface, with white lines marking the boundaries and sections.
Two kids were on either side of it, Madame Foster was standing in the middle of it, holding two flags while standing on a metal platform. "The battle between Ash Ketchum and Iris Smith is about to begin! This will be a one-on-one Pokémon battle! Trainers are allowed substitutions. If either Ash's or Iris's Pokémon is out, the opposing trainer wins the match, ready! Pick out your Pokémon!"
"Let's go, Dragonite!" Iris said
"Let's go Pikachu!" the boy said, flipping his Poké ball SnapBack backward.
"Battle, begin!"
Numbuh 5 put on some music on her large Bluetooth speaker that she'd brought from home, and they got started.
All the small things
True care, truth brings
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
Pikachu blurred forward, a yellow streak shooting across the cracked pavement toward Dragonite.
Iris pointed. "Ice Beam, now!"
Dragonite dropped into a crouch and fired a chilling blue beam. Pikachu twisted mid-air, barely dodging as the blast froze a tree stump behind him solid.
I'll take one lift
Your ride, best trip
Always, I know
You'll be at my show
Watching, waiting
Commiserating
Ash's voice rang out. "Now! Electro Ball!"
Pikachu spun, charged a glowing ball of electricity in his tail, and launched it at Dragonite.
Say it ain't so, I will not go…
Turn the lights off, carry me home!
Dragonite was hit square in the chest, sparks flying. But he held his ground, sliding back a few feet.
Iris didn't hesitate. "Let's heat things up—Flamethrower!"
The fire exploded from Dragonite's mouth. Pikachu darted left, smoke trailing behind him. "Pikachu, counter with Iron Tail!"
Na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na, na, na…
Pikachu flipped through the smoke and cracked his glowing metal tail against Dragonite's arm. The impact forced Dragonite back.
Ash and Iris locked eyes, both smiling.
Late night, come home… work sucks, I know…
"You're not holding back, huh?" Ash said.
"Never with you," Iris replied, then snapped, "Thunder Punch, go!"
Electricity surged around Dragonite's fist as he lunged. Pikachu's feet barely touched the ground before—
The punch connected, sending Pikachu flying into the school's rusted bike rack. "Pikachu!" Ash ran forward.
Pikachu stood up slowly, sparking, but defiant. "Pika… chu…"
She left me roses by the stairs…
Surprises let me know she cares…
Ash smirked. "Still got some fight? Alright then—THUNDERBOLT, full power!"
"Let's meet it with Dragon Rush!" Iris called.
Pikachu unleashed a blast of lightning, just as Dragonite surged forward, his whole body glowing blue and dragonic energy erupting off his wings.
The battlefield lit up.
Just say it ain't so, I will not go…
Turn the lights off, carry me home…
A colossal explosion rocked the yard, kicking up smoke and dust in every direction. The music continued through the haze.
Na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na, na, na…
Both trainers shielded their eyes.
When the dust cleared…
Dragonite was on one knee, breathing hard.
Pikachu was panting too, bruised but still standing.
"Finish it, Pikachu—Iron Tail!"
"Dragonite, Ice Beam—one last shot!"
They clashed in the middle. Steel met frost, sparks flew—And finally, both Pokémon collapsed to the ground at the same time.
Say it ain't so, I will not go…
Turn the lights off, carry me home…
Keep your head still, I'll be your thrill…
The night will go on, my little windmill…
Silence.
Then a gentle breeze blew through the yard. Iris walked over and extended her hand.
"Draw?"
Ash laughed, breathless. "Draw."
They both looked down at their partners, sprawled out and smiling in their way.
Behind them, Numbuh 5 turned off the speaker. Kids recorded the battle on their phones. Steven sat beside Blossom and Connie.
"This battle is now over!" Madame Foster said, She seessawir eyes and holds up both flags in her hands. "It's a draw!"
Kids cheered for them. Ash picked up Pikachu, and he jumped on his shoulder. he was scuffed up, but he could give him some food at the cafeteria.
"That was so awesome!" Steven looked behind him. Robin was sitting there with his friends, Raven, Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Starfire.
"Yes, indeed it was, the battle was most exciting!" Starfire exclaimed, looking at her friends.
"It was so cool! I think that we should have a battle club, that'll be fun." Ben told them, sitting next to Raven.
"Yeah, that'll be fun, we need to bring that up to Madame Foster," Richard mentioned.
"That'll be fun! And if anyone wants to participate, they can."
"I would! I bet my Pokémon would be an electric and steel type!" Cyborg said.
"Dude, that will be so cool!" Beast Boy said.
Madame Foster told everyone to head inside for lunch. Steven got up and grabbed his phone. Steven saw Numbuh 5 grab her large Bluetooth speaker.
Steven held the door for her. "Here, Numbuh 5," he said. She just smiled and nods to him.
Steven went to the pizza station, got gluten-free pizza, and then sat down.
"Steven!" Jenny said, sitting by him. Their friends sat by them.
"Hey, Jenny!" he said, picking up his pizza and eating it.
"Steven!" she said, putting an arm around his shoulder.
"Hey, Jenny, you enjoyed the Pokémon battle?"
"It was a lot of fun, and I hope that MF is going to make a Pokémon Battle Club at school! That will be so awesome!"
"It would, Steven!" she said.
The boy smiles and eats his food.
Steven was home, he was watching Miguzi on the living room TV. Teen Titans was on. It was the first episode of season one. Rose walked in. "Steven, I made food."
"What'd you make?"
"Gluten Free spaghetti with shrimp, feta cheese, and tomato."
"Sweet!" he ran up and saw his mother plating some for him. Steven smiled, then went into the fridge and grabbed the parmesan and put some on. He grabbed a fork and went back to the living room and continued watching cartoons.
Greg came back home from work a few hours later, he wore a black star tank top, showing his arms. Rose was in the kitchen, her large ringlet-style hair bouncing as she moved.
"Rose." Greg smiled. Rose turned around and saw her husband. She smiled and walked toward him, she bent down and kissed him.
"Hey," she said.
"Hi." he smiled, Rose smiled back at him and they kissed again.
Rose handed him his food and he sat in the living room with Steven. Teen Titans was still playing.
Steven was in bed now, covered in his Adventure Time blankets. He turned off the lights and went to sleep.