Chapter 3: A Battle of Wills

                                    

                                          
Chapter 3: A Battle of Wills
As we stepped out of Professor Arbutus’ lab, the bright sun greeted us, warming the cool air of the afternoon. I was still holding Glameow’s Poké Ball, my fingers brushing over its smooth surface as if to calm my nerves. Ed walked beside me, his Treecko as lively as ever, running ahead of us and darting around the path like it couldn’t wait for something exciting to happen.
“So, what do you think?” Ed asked, turning to me with a grin. “How about a battle?”
I froze. A battle? Already? I wasn’t sure I was ready for that. Especially considering what had happened the last time I let Glameow out. The way she hissed at everyone back in the lab… I wasn’t even sure she liked me.
“I don’t know, Ed,” I said, feeling my voice waver. “I mean, Glameow doesn’t seem like the battling type. She’s more… aggressive than friendly.”
Ed chuckled. “That’s exactly why you should give it a try. Battling will help her trust you. Pokémon bond through battle—it’s how they learn to rely on their trainers.”
Professor Arbutus, who was walking just behind us, nodded in agreement. “Ed’s right, Francesca. Battling can be a great way for Glameow to gain experience and grow stronger. It may also help you two connect. Trust me, it’s worth trying.”
I bit my lip. Even though I still felt anxious, both Ed and the professor seemed convinced that this was the best way forward. And maybe they were right—maybe throwing Glameow into battle would help her trust me. After all, she had chosen me, hadn’t she?
“All right,” I agreed, though my heart was pounding. “Let’s do it.”
Professor Arbutus clapped his hands together, clearly excited. “Wonderful! Let’s head to the garden. I’ll act as the referee.”
We followed him through the lab and out to the back, where a spacious garden stretched out before us. It was the perfect spot for a Pokémon battle—wide, open, and surrounded by lush greenery. Ed and I took our places on opposite sides of the garden, with Professor Arbutus standing in the middle, ready to oversee the match.
Treecko, always outside of its Poké Ball, eagerly stepped forward, puffing out its chest as if trying to intimidate me. It gave a playful glare, its eyes glinting with excitement. I, on the other hand, could feel my palms sweating as I gripped Glameow’s Poké Ball tightly in my hands. My nerves were getting the best of me, but I had to do this. I couldn’t back down now.
“You ready?” Ed called, smiling confidently.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my hands as I held Glameow’s Poké Ball in the air. “Yeah… I’m ready.”
With a quick toss, the Poké Ball sailed through the air, releasing Glameow in a flash of red light. She landed gracefully on the ground, her sleek purple fur catching the sunlight as she stretched, then immediately shot a glare at Treecko. Her tail flicked in irritation, as if she was already annoyed by the idea of having to fight.
“Check her moves with your Pokédex,” Ed suggested. “It’ll help you figure out what she can do.”
I nodded and quickly pulled out the Pokédex, scanning Glameow. 
“Glameow, the Catty Pokémon. Known for its graceful movements and elegant fur, Glameow is a cunning and independent Pokémon often found in urban settings. Its signature curled tail can be used to hypnotize foes, allowing it to strike with precision. Though it appears refined, Glameow has a capricious temperament and will scratch its trainer without hesitation if its demands for attention are not met.”