Chapter 17
A couple days go by as Clara and I get ready to depart for our adventure throughout the Unova region. We haven't left town yet, as Sid owes us our TMs for almost drowning his Golurk (he's still not over it). We say our goodbyes and walk towards the Pokemart for what we're looking for. Finally, my life has truly begun.
"I still can't believe you did that." Pink Panther said under his breath. "What? It was easy, really. Let Milo take on Titan, distracting him and getting experience with dodging. While that's happening, Gurren will go underground and find a large water source to bring to the surface. This case, a main water pipe bringing water to the block. "And Golurk's boosters?" I shrugged. "Used his weight against him. Since he softened the ground with High Horsepower, dirt and plant matter got jammed inside." Sidfreig hung his head. "That's bullshit…"
We make it to the mart and enter through the automatic doors. I have to say, the marts in this world and the games are VASTLY different. Instead of a broom closet, it's like the side of a small supermarket. The selection of items you can buy here are ridiculous! Pokeballs of all kinds (except Master Balls, damn), Repels, Letters, and what we came here for: TMs. Also, I found out there's TRs… meaning the Galar region's a thing and we are, in fact, playing by Gen 8 rules. Sadly it just came out in my first life, so my knowledge on it is pretty limited.
Walter White's "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" experience showed us an entire isle full of TMs and TRs. "I'm a man of my word, hurry up and pick one out. Though be mindful of what you get." He didn't have to tell me twice. I already had my eyes set on two move learning items for Gurren: Swords Dance and Bulldoze. Swords Dance would get rid of the work I would have to do for Hone Claws and give me a powerful boost to Gurren stats early in the "game". However it's a TR, and last I heard of them, they were a one-time use. Meaning I wouldn't be able to use it after Gurren. One of my teachers explained that the moves TRs hold are very powerful, and as a result hold so much data that they can easily break or shatter upon usage. Bummer.
This leaves me with Bulldoze, which is a TM meaning I can use it as much as I want without worrying about it breaking. However, the catch 22 is that Bulldoze isn't all that great. Don't get me wrong it's certainly better than Mud-Slap, but that's not what I want it for. With Bulldoze, Gurren can get the necessary practice to use one of the strongest moves in the game: Earthquake. No ground type Pokemon is worth their salt if they can't learn it or use it properly, and Gurren will be no exception. With Mold Breaker on top of this means Gurren could sweep very well if I train him right. Guess I answered my own question. "I'll take Bulldoze." Sidfreig smiled at me in content. "Very good choice." Considering he also had a ground type, he saw my thought patterns.
That leaves Clara, who seriously has no clue what to choose. She's constantly looking between her Pokedex and the TMs. I don't blame her for her cluelessness, the school wasn't all that great when it came to anything beyond the fundamentals. That's why I was easily the best battler there! If this was my previous life I'd comfortably be in the middle of the pack: Certainly not bad, but you couldn't name me a top threat. I research Mienfoo and looked at what he had to offer…Holy Shit.
Now I REALLY understand what she's doing. It's level up moveset is poor, but it's move learning pool is AMAZING for a pure fighting type. Plenty of set up moves for doubles, great coverage moves, and to top it all off: it learns Substitute! Damn, why didn't I plan to get one of these!? I'm glad there's no "you can only use four moves on a pokemon" rule in this world as it allows plenty of Pokemon to reach their greatest potential. I skim through to see which one would do Milo justice and I might've found one: Poison Jab. There aren't a lot of fairies in Unova, but this does let Milo hit Pokemon he might not be able to later on. Poison jab also has a low chance to poison, but thanks to his speed the rodent can easily jab enough times to get the status.
I walk over and lean towards her ear. "Hey, get Poison Jab." Clara looked back at me weirdly. "Why? There aren't many fairy types in Unova." Oh, I see me and her were on the same track...great minds, am I right? "Yeah, but think about the Pokemon you wouldn't be able to hit later on." I tried opening her eyes. "Then I should get Stone Edge, i'll be able to hit flying types. Later on Milo can learn U-turn to hit psychic types." I saw her logic in it, but ...you know what? That's actually a fine plan. I'm probably thinking too far in the future. I mean, we technically haven't even left town yet. "Alright, that sounds like a good plan." Clara stared for a moment and nodded her head.
Sidfreig buys our TMs and we head towards Route 2. "So, do you two want to participate in the Unova League?" I actually hadn't thought of that until be honest, I'm not sure. It certainly will kill time, but for what? I've done that so many times already in my past life. Not to mention that I want Zinzolin's head on a platter. "For what? The league isn't really worth it if you don't plan on being champion." Clara seemingly became a speaker for my thoughts. "Well, I'm certain you both want to hunt Zinzolin down. What better way to ensure you are ready to face such a man? Nevermind Team Plasma as a whole." Pinky had a point. Even if we trained night and day against other trainers, it probably still wouldn't prepare us for those murderers. *sigh* This is gonna be boring.
"If you put it that way, we don't have a choice." I responded. "Well yeah, but the League already started months ago! We'll have to wait until next spring to participate." Clara's words rang a bell in my head. I forgot they set up graduation dates so that graduates have a year or so to prepare and get the hang of being a trainer. Welp! Guess that gives us a year to find our teams and put them to the test. "Indeed, so our deadline is next spring. We have until then to fill out your teams and get them to a sufficient level!" Sid commanded. Clara and I nodded as we walk the rest of the way to Route 2 in silence.