POV -?
The courtyard of the Master Dojo was buzzing with anticipation as the trainers gathered for the unexpected battle. Ciara, standing slightly apart with her Kubfu at her side, watched the newcomer, with a mix of curiosity and scepticism. Her dark ponytail swayed gently in the sea breeze, amber eyes sharp and assessing.
The dojo, with its striking yellow roof and sturdy wooden pillars, stood as a silent observer to the scene unfolding in its shadow. The sound of the sea in the distance mingled with the excited murmurs of the gathering crowd. The air was filled with the salty tang of the sea, blending with the earthy scent of the training grounds.
Beside Ciara, Jab, bright blue hair almost as lively as his personality, leaned back with a relaxed grin, arms crossed. "He doesn't stand a chance against Master Mustard," he remarked, confidence in his voice.
Next to him, Bab, fiery red hair a vivid contrast to his cousin, laughed and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the old man's gonna school him for sure," he said cheerfully.
Next to them, Siobhan, her orange hair catching the sunlight, watched the boy with her typical cute, smile playing on her lips. "It'll be fun to see what he can do, though," she said, her tone light and optimistic.
Ciara remained silent, her amber gaze fixed on the newcomer and Mustard as they faced each other. She respected Mustard immensely and couldn't imagine this outsider posing any real challenge.
"I don't recognise him at all, any guesses where he's from?" Siobhan asked, tilting her head slightly, bright green eyes curious.
Ciara shrugged, her eyes never leaving the battlefield. "Who knows? But he doesn't seem like the usual type we get around here."
"Definitely not from Applinby, that's for sure," Jab chimed in, his bright blue hair catching the light as he shook his head. "We know pretty much everyone in town, and he's a new face."
Bab, scratching his fiery red hair, added thoughtfully, "Yeah, and it's not often we get outsiders, especially ones around our age. This is a small place, you know."
Ciara nodded slightly, still watching intently. "And it was Master Mustard who challenged him, not the other way around."
Jab leaned in closer to the group. "Maybe Master Mustard's getting bored of beating all of us. Needed some fresh meat to spice things up!" His blue hair seemed to shimmer as he chuckled at his own joke.
Bab, his eyes following the two trainers in the battlefield, wondered aloud, "I wonder what Pokémon he's got. Looks like he's got another Pokéball there."
Siobhan, her eyes fixed on Jake's Emolga, Trixie, said, "His Emolga is adorable, though. You don't see many of those around here."
Ciara, her gaze momentarily shifting from the battle, added, "They're more common in Unova. But even there, I didn't see them that often."
Jab, playfully nudging Bab, remarked, "Cute, sure, but not exactly the strongest of Pokémon. And that one looks pretty young, too."
Bab, catching Jab's comment, raised an eyebrow and shot back with a grin, "Hey, speaking of which, you've got a Squirtle, Jab. Not exactly standing on a Gyarados' fin yourself there."
Siobhan, unable to hold back a giggle, chimed in, "He's got you there, Jab. Squirtle's cute too, but I'm pretty sure an Emolga would have quite the advantage."
Jab, not missing a beat, retorted with a smirk, "Ah, but looks can be deceiving. My Squirtle's got more spunk than he lets on. It's all about strategy."
Siobhan, her eyes twinkling, leaned towards Jab, "Speaking of strategy, have you actually won a battle yet, Jab? Or are you still 'rehearsing' for your big debut?"
Jab hesitated for a split second, his confident demeanour faltering slightly. Then, recovering, he replied with a grin, "Just you wait. When I get serious, I'll be unstoppable. It's all part of the master plan."
Ciara, overhearing the exchange, couldn't help but interject with a slightly cutting tone, "A plan that's going to take forever to execute, by the looks of it."
Jab's smile wavered, but he maintained his bravado, "Just building the suspense, that's all."
Bab chuckled, patting Jab on the back, "Yeah, the suspense of whether you'll ever get serious."
From Ciara's practiced eyes, the battlefield was a familiar sight, a stage she had seen countless times before. In the Master Dojo's courtyard, several dedicated spaces were laid out for training and battles, each marked by clearly defined boundaries. Today, Mustard and the newcomer, were positioned in one of these designated areas, a space Ciara recognised as reserved for more formal or significant battles.
As Mustard and the newcomer assumed their positions, the usual chatter of the crowd hushed, the sea breeze seemingly carrying the tension. Mustard stood with a relaxed posture; demeanour casual yet confident. Ciara knew that Mustard's relaxed appearance belied the experience he possessed, experience that had been imparted to her and the other students of the dojo
The newcomer seemed a bit nervous but determined. Ciara observed him: a mop of dusty blonde hair tousled by the breeze, grey-green eyes that hinted at unspoken resolve. His Emolga, perched confidently on his shoulder, seemed to echo his readiness, bright eyes surveying the surroundings with keen interest.
"Kid, given that you have two Pokemon, this will be a two-on-two battle. Casual rules." Mustard voice cut across the din.
"Master Mustard, my name is Jake," the newcomer replied, putting a name to his face for the first time. His voice continued uncertainly, "And could you explain what you mean by casual rules?"
Mustard raised an eyebrow at Jake's question, a faint hint of surprise crossing his otherwise composed features. "Ah, I see. Casual rules, lad. In formal tournament battles, there's a certain etiquette – you're required to register your moves in advance, and there are restrictions on what you can use. But in a casual match like this, you're free to use any moves your Pokémon knows. No limitations."
Ciara's eyes narrowed slightly; a bit surprised. Knowledge of battle formats was common knowledge among trainers. The fact that Jake was unfamiliar with such a basic concept of Pokémon battles was a bit puzzling.
Jake's eyes widened at Mustard's explanation, a realisation dawning over him. "I see, that makes sense. Thanks for explaining," he said.
Mustard, seemingly satisfied with Jake's response, nodded. "Very well, Jake. Let's see what you and your Pokémon can do," he said, his tone shifting to one of anticipation.
Ciara glanced down to her side, where Kaida stood. The small Kubfu, with its distinctive grey fur and curious black-and-white face that resembled a bear cub in training, mirrored Ciara's focus. Kaida's eyes, sharp and observant, reflected a keen intelligence, while her small, sturdy frame spoke of untapped martial prowess. Her arms, previously crossed in discipline, now unfolded as she prepared to observe the battle.
"Keep your eyes sharp, Kaida. Watch their moves, understand the rhythm," Ciara murmured, her voice a blend of affection and guidance. "Think about how you'd counter, how you'd strike."
Kaida, nodded with a resolute "Fu, Fu." She clenched her tiny fists, a symbol of her budding determination. In a swift, almost ceremonial gesture, Kaida reached up and tugged at the single white tuft of fur atop her head, an action that seemed to heighten her fighting spirit, readying herself to absorb every lesson the battle might offer.
"Let's see what he's got," Ciara murmured, more to herself than anyone else. Kaida nodded, its eyes fixed on the field, ready to witness the unfolding battle.
Ciara watched intently as Mustard released his Mienfoo, a Pokémon known for its fluid, martial arts-like movements. The Mienfoo stood calm and composed, one leg raised, arms positioned in a ready stance, a seasoned martial artist. Its fur, a sleek combination of cream and red, seemed to ripple with barely contained energy, muscles tensed and ready for action.
Jake leaned in, whispering to his Emolga. The small Pokémon, with its sleek black and white fur and adorable appearance, listened intently. Its large, round ears twitched, and the yellow membrane of its wings fluttered slightly in anticipation. The Emolga's black eyes glinted with determination as it nodded.
Siobhan, assuming the role of referee, announced clearly, "Battle start!" In response, the Emolga launched itself from Jake's shoulder. Wings unfurled, revealing the striking yellow patterning against the black, it soared close to the ground. The Pokémon's agility was remarkable, its flight so swift and low that it took everyone by surprise.
"Wow, look at that speed!" Jab exclaimed; his eyes wide with surprise.
Bab whistled, "That Emolga's like lightning!"
Jake's voice cut through the tension, "Quick Attack, now!" The Emolga responded instantly, body becoming a blur. It darted towards the Mienfoo at intense speed, cutting across the battlefield like a streak of lightning. The rapid movement created a gust of wind, stirring up dust around its path.
"Follow with Tail Whip!" Jake's next command came swiftly. The Emolga spun in mid-air, fluffy tail whipping towards the Mienfoo, a rapid, fluid motion. The tail, a streak of white and black, aimed to strike the Mienfoo off balance, to disrupt its poised stance.
But Mustard remained calm, experience evident. "Quick Guard," he instructed. The Mienfoo reacted with remarkable speed, shifting its stance to a defensive posture. It raised its arms, forming a barrier just in time to intercept Emolga's tail. The impact was absorbed with ease, the Mienfoo's stance remaining firm and unshaken, showcasing its disciplined training and reflexes.
"Brutal counter time, Vital Throw!" Mustard's command was sharp, echoing with authority. In a fluid and devastatingly quick motion, the Mienfoo sprang into action. It seized the precise moment when Emolga came within reach, capturing the surprised Pokémon by its tail with an unyielding grip.
With practiced movement, the Mienfoo pivoted, channelling its strength into a throw. It spun, using its own body as a fulcrum, and with ruthless efficiency, flung the Emolga over its shoulder. The Emolga was propelled through the air, the force of the throw sending it tumbling uncontrollably.
The small flying Pokémon hit the ground with a harsh impact, a cloud of dust erupting where it landed. The Emolga lay momentarily stunned, its body recoiling from the sheer brutality of the move. The Vital Throw, executed with such force, left the Emolga visibly dazed and disoriented, struggling to regain its bearings after.
Jab couldn't help but whistle. "Whoa, that's gotta hurt. Talk about a crash landing!"
Bab, leaning in added, "I mean, I knew Master Mustard was tough, but that was perfectly timed, and that execution? Amazing!"
Ciara winced, "That's Mustard's style, ruthless efficiency."
Siobhan's expression was concerned, "I hope it'll be alright. It's just a little thing."
Jake, shocked by the power of the move, voiced an urgent, "Thundershock, now!" From its position on the ground, the small Pokémon mustered its strength. A sudden, intense electrical charge built up around it, crackling with raw energy. In a split second, a surge of electricity, brighter and more powerful than anyone expected from such a small creature, shot towards the Mienfoo.
Mustard issued a sharp precise response. "Detect!". The Mienfoo, upon hearing the command, seemed to focus inward, becoming alert, eyes narrowing, honing in on the impending attack. It began to move with a fluidity and speed that were almost pre-emptive, each movement calculated to evade the oncoming assault. It was like watching a dance, each step and shift perfectly timed to avoid the electrical surges. The Mienfoo's movements were so precise that it seemed to predict exactly where each bolt would strike.
As the Thundershock missed its intended target, it struck the ground with such force that it caused a subtle tremor, a vibration that resonated through the courtyard floor. The sharp crackle of the electric energy ringing in everyone's ears, a piercing reminder of the Thundershock's raw power. The sheer magnitude of the move, even though it missed, left the spectators momentarily stunned.
"Whoa, are you sure that wasn't a Thunder attack?!" Jab yelled with excitement and disbelief.
Bab added, "That Emolga's got some serious juice!"
Ciara, observing closely, noted the unexpected potency in the Emolga's attack. Despite its dazed condition, it had managed to shake the very ground.
Mustard wasted no time, his voice carrying an edge of command, "Fake Out!" In a blur of movement, the Mienfoo lunged forward, paw extending in a rapid, deceptive strike towards the Emolga. The move, perfectly timed, caught the already dazed Emolga off guard, causing it to flinch instinctively, immobilised by the sudden feint.
Before the Emolga could recover, Mustard issued his next command, "Fury Swipes, finish it!" Voice relentless, ruthless. Mienfoo, with lightning-fast reflexes, launched a barrage of strikes. Its paws became a whirlwind of motion, each swipe delivering a precise, powerful blow. The strikes rained down on the stunned Emolga, one after another.
The Emolga, overwhelmed by the ferocity of the attack, could do nothing but endure. With each successive swipe from the Mienfoo, its small body jerked under the impact, strikes too fast and too numerous to counter. The Emolga's struggle gradually weakened, its movements slowing, until finally, it lay motionless on the ground, appearing to have passed out under the intensity of the Mienfoo's assault.
Siobhan, frowned slightly, green eyes reflecting worry. "Isn't he going too far? That Emolga looks... it's just a bit much, isn't it?"
Ciara, her gaze steely and unwavering, watched on. She glanced down at Kaida, who was observing with a hint of worry in her small, expressive eyes. "This is a real Pokémon battle, Kaida," Ciara said, her voice firm. "This is what we need to be prepared for. It's tough, but we should watch and learn so this does not happen to us."
Kaida looked up at Ciara, a determined glint forming in her eyes as she nodded, absorbing the reality of what a Pokémon battle could entail.
Jake's voice, filled with a distress and anger, rang out across the battlefield. "That's enough, I surrender!" His face showed deep concern for his Pokemon.
Jake's reaction was immediate. He sprinted across the battlefield, face etched with concern. Reaching the emolga, he dropped to his knees, cradling the small Emolga in his arms. "Trixie!" he cried out, his voice breaking a little with emotion. His hands trembled as he gently lifted her, inspecting her for injuries with dread and care.
For a moment, his expression went blank. Eyes, that had seemed warm and kind, started to bear a cold, hard edge, a brief glare at Mustard before returning his focus to Trixie.
Ciara felt a complicated mix of emotions at the sight. While she didn't have too much sympathy for Jake, this was part and parcel of a Pokemon battle, after all. She could acknowledge the strength of his bond with Trixie. His immediate decision to surrender, prioritising her wellbeing, was a commendable act in her eyes. It spoke of a trainer who genuinely cared for his Pokémon, a quality she could respect.
"Good call," she muttered under her breath, a nod of approval barely perceptible. In the dojo, the line between training and pushing too far was often blurred, and recognising that line was crucial.
Jab whistled, "Tough break for the new guy."
"Yeah, but he's got guts," Bab added, nodding in approval.
Mustard's methods were tough, but they forged strong trainers and Pokémon.
"You had good ideas, kid," Mustard declared, his tone acknowledging Jake's effort. "This was your first real battle, wasn't it?"
Jake, still kneeling beside Trixie, gave a slow nod, his gaze icy and distant.
Mustard went on, his voice carrying a weight of experience. "Choosing this path is no small decision. Many aspire to it, but only a handful truly possess the fortitude it demands." He paused, ensuring his words sank in. "Understanding this early is crucial. Not many do, and too often, dreams are shattered when the harshness of this journey inevitably becomes clear."
Jake's eyes closed briefly, as if processing Mustard's words. He rose steadily, gently returning Trixie to her Pokéball with a careful, almost reverent motion. Stepping back into his position on the battlefield, calm yet with a subtle intensity.
Mustard, observing him, inquired, "Ready to go on?"
A faint, almost haunting smile played on Jake's lips as he nodded, his response laced with resolve. "The question is, are you?" he replied, his voice carrying a cold undercurrent that contrasted sharply with his smile.
Ciara looked at the other Pokeball now in Jake's hand curiously. What made him so confident? It was no exaggeration to say that Mustard had completely wiped the floor with him so far.
Jab couldn't help but chuckle. "Look at him, acting all cool and mysterious now. What's he got up his sleeve?"
Bab grinned widely. "Yeah, like he's got a chance. He couldn't even handle Master's junior team, not that any of us can either!"
Siobhan, watching Jake with a mix of concern and curiosity, gave a gentle, somewhat worried response. "Well, good luck to him. He's going to need it after that last round."
Mustard just stated calmly. "Send out your next Pokemon."
Jake took a deep breath, gaze locked onto the Pokéball in his hand. With a decisive movement, he released his next Pokémon. To the surprise of everyone watching, a Pikachu materialised on the field.
Jab burst out laughing. "A Pikachu? Oh, this is going to be quick!"
Bab, equally amused, added, "Right? He looked so serious, and then out pops Pikachu. Guess we'll be in time for lunch for once!"
Siobhan, murmured softly, "A Pikachu? That's unexpected."
Ciara, initially sharing the surprise, leaned forward slightly, scrutinising the Pikachu more closely. Something about it seemed off to her. This Pikachu looked different from any she had seen before. It was... unsettling.
As she observed intently, the Pikachu slowly turned its head towards her as if sensing her gaze, ears unnaturally still in the breeze, empty gaze meeting hers. In that moment, the sound of the sea, the feel of the wind, the idle chatter of her classmates, all seemed to fade as she felt a wave of what could only be described as malice, seeping the very air almost tangibly, a rush of darkness. She shuddered, a chill going down her spine and she could not help but take a step back.
"Fu...Fu...!" Ciara felt a furry paw at the back of her leg, and looked down, shocked to see that Kaida was hiding behind her. The little Pokémon was shying away, hiding behind Ciara with fearful whines. Kubfu, known for their stoic and dedicated nature, rarely showed signs of fear or hesitation, and that could definitely be said of Kaida, young though she was. Ciara, feeling Kaida's unease, placed a reassuring hand on her Pokémon.
Ciara, her usual confidence momentarily wavering, turned to Mustard. "Is that really a Pikachu?" Her voice carried an unusual note of uncertainty. It was a sensation she disliked intensely, feeling out of her depth.
Mustard, observing the Pikachu with a calculating gaze, seemed to ponder for a moment. His Mienfoo, ever the disciplined fighter, returned to its martial arts stance, seemingly indifferent to the Pokémon before it. This steadiness from the Mienfoo offered Ciara a slight sense of reassurance.
"Hmm," Mustard mused, his tone reflective, "I haven't laid eyes on one of those in... oh, it must be forty years now, back when I was just a lad." His eyes narrowed slightly; a hint of curiosity mixed with caution in his expression. "They're a rare sight indeed, and to think you have one..." He trailed off, seemingly lost in thought for a moment.
Mustard straightened up, determination in his posture. "Well, no matter. Rare or not, it presents an interesting challenge." His voice carried a hint of respect, acknowledging the uniqueness of the situation. "Let's see what it can do. Let's battle!" he announced, his tone shifting to one of excitement.
As Siobhan prepared to announce the next round, Jab leaned in with a playful smirk. "So, round two with a mysterious Pikachu, huh? This should be interesting!"
Bab, chuckling, added, "Mysterious is one word for it. Let's see if it's got more tricks up its sleeve than the average Pikachu!"
Siobhan raised her hand for silence. "Round two! Battle start!"
POV – JAKE
As Jake stood on the battlefield, gaze lingering on the spot where Trixie had been defeated, a storm of emotions raged within him. Anger, confusion, and a cold realisation clawed at his thoughts. He had never felt this furious before. Was it at Mustard, who had so ruthlessly demonstrated the reality of Pokémon battles, or at himself for his naivety? Watching Trixie, his loyal and adorable partner, suffer like that had been excruciating. A bitter pill of helplessness, a spectator's horror that the games never quite managed to convey.
The games. Oh, how different they were from this harsh reality. In the digital world, everything was clear-cut, simpler. Pokémon battles were challenges to be won with strategy and skill, but they lacked the visceral impact, the emotional weight of real confrontation. Here, on the dojo's battlefield, stakes were tangible, consequences real. The pain wasn't just a decrease in hit points; it was visible in Trixie's eyes, felt in Jake's heart.
Mustard's words echoed in his mind. "This was your first real battle, wasn't it?" The question had been rhetorical, but it carried the weight of a profound truth. Jake had aspired to be a Pokémon trainer, upon coming to this world, idealising it through the lens of the games. But reality was a different beast.
It had seemed so straightforward: become the best, defeat everyone in your path, and your Pokémon would grow alongside you. But standing here, in the aftermath of a battle that was far from the sanitised versions of the games, he began to understand why so many opted out of this path.
In the games, there were plenty of non-trainer NPCs, people who chose lives away from Pokémon battles. As a player, it had always seemed like an odd choice. Why wouldn't everyone want to grow and strengthen their Pokémon? But now, it was clear. Not everyone could handle the reality of it. The strain, the pain, the responsibility – it was a lot to bear.
Jake released Jekyll, a torrent of emotions surged through him, fury and upset for Trixie. He took a deep, steadying breath, his resolve hardening. This round, he silently vowed, would be different.
The moment Jekyll materialised; the Pokémon seemed to instantly tune into Jake's emotional state. Mimikyu have particular affinity for emotions, especially the darker ones. For Jekyll it was both a blessing, endowing him with power, and a curse under the weight of absorbed misery.
"Mimi, Kyu?" Jekyll's voice, reached out to Jake. The Pokémon's gaze, from the cut outs, seemed to pierce through to Jake's turmoil. There was a sense of kinship in that look, Mimikyu knew of pain.
Jake managed a weak smile, acknowledging the bond they shared. But now, as Jekyll turned towards Mustard's Mienfoo, there was a shift. No clumsy Pikachu acts. No awkward impersonations. Mimikyu in its truest form – raw, unfiltered, and dangerous.
The air around them seemed to thicken with anticipation. Jekyll's stance carried a sense of menace, a promise of retribution. This was a Pokémon that knew suffering and was all the more formidable for it.
Mustard didn't hesitate. "Mienfoo, Force Palm!" His voice rang out. The Mienfoo, responding with the precision of an extremely well-trained Pokémon, sprang into action. Propelling itself from its crane stance, closing the distance between itself and Jekyll in a heartbeat.
As the Mienfoo lunged, its palm began to radiate with a bright, pulsating energy, gathering a force of attack. The air around its palm crackled with concentrated power. With a swift, fluid motion that spoke of both agility and strength, the Mienfoo thrust its glowing palm forward, aiming a direct, forceful blow at Jekyll.
Jake quietly instructed, "Let it hit." He watched, almost with a detached curiosity, as the glowing palm made contact, it harmlessly passed through Jekyll's ghostly form.
A flicker of surprise crossed Jake's face as he realised Mustard, despite being a former league champion, appeared unaware of Mimikyu's ghostly typing. 'Knowledge of Pokémon is so varied here,' Jake mused internally. 'Even champions might not know every mystery.'
Mustard, meanwhile, displayed a moment of shock, his seasoned features betraying a rare instance of surprise. "Incredible... a Ghost-type," he murmured, almost to himself. The revelation seemed to add a new layer of complexity to his strategy, acknowledging a gap in his understanding. "I had no idea," he admitted.
Jake's voice rang out clear and decisive, "Copycat, Jekyll!"
In response, Jekyll's form shifted. For a fleeting moment, its true form was partially revealed; a ghostly hand, unnerving and spectral, emerged swiftly from beneath the cloak of its costume. The hand, ethereal and yet somehow tangible, glowed with a pale, otherworldly light as it replicated the Force Palm attack.
The movement was startlingly quick, almost a blur to the onlookers. The ghostly hand shot forward with a speed and precision that belied the Mimikyu's somewhat clumsy appearance. It struck the Mienfoo with a force that resonated throughout the dojo, the impact echoing with the intensity of Jake's pent-up fury.
The Mienfoo reeled back from the hit, clearly caught off guard by the sudden strike. The trainers and spectators alike barely had time to process the swift action before its effects were made evident – the Mienfoo struggling to regain its composure, visibly shaken by the force of Jekyll's attack.
The blue headed trainer's voice cut through the surprise, "Did you see that? What happened?"
The red-haired lookalike, eyes wide, added, "I'm not sure! Was that an attack?"
The Force Palm from Jekyll seemed to have left the Mienfoo immobilised, its body rigid from the unexpected blow. Sensing the opportunity, Jake issued his next command with urgency, "Shadow Sneak now!"
The shadow beneath Jekyll, an inky blackness against the dojo's floor, began to behave unnaturally. Jekyll's form seamlessly merged into this shadow, becoming one with the dark silhouette.
The merged shadow slithered across the floor, moving with eerie, purposeful intent towards the Mienfoo. The shadow, carrying Jekyll within its dark embrace, snaked its way towards the Mienfoo, silent and almost imperceptible.
Then, in a sudden movement, Jekyll emerged from the shadow directly behind the Mienfoo. One moment Jekyll was part of the shadow, and the next, striking the Mienfoo from behind with ghostly force. The Mienfoo was caught completely off guard, its body jolted forward from the impact.
The trainers around the courtyard, witnessing this unconventional move, were taken aback. The use of shadows as a medium for attack was a tactic, they were unaccustomed to, particularly in a dojo where Fighting-types were the norm.
Mustard frowned but seemed to realise the futility of the situation. His Mienfoo, despite its excellent training and strength, simply had no answers to a ghost-type. With a resigned sigh, he addressed Jake, "I concede this round to you. There's nothing more we can do here."
Jake, still simmering with a cold, controlled rage, gave a curt nod in acknowledgment. His gaze briefly met Mustard's before he turned to Jekyll. "Come back, Jekyll," he commanded, his voice still carrying an edge of anger.
Jekyll, however, seemed reluctant to leave the battlefield. Its gaze locked on the Mienfoo, its empty eye sockets conveying an intense, almost palpable hatred. "Kyu..." it hissed menacingly; stance stiff with animosity.
The Mienfoo was visibly shaken by the encounter, backed away with a fearful "Foo..." Its usual martial poise was gone, replaced by a genuine terror.
After a tense moment, Jekyll slowly, almost begrudgingly, began to return to Jake. As it moved, it kept its gaze fixed on the Mienfoo, its disdain evident in each slow step. "Mimi, Kyu..." it muttered, a final warning or perhaps a promise of unfinished business.
Mustard carefully returned his Mienfoo to its Pokéball, his expression tinged with a hint of concern, perhaps contemplating the Pokémon's mental state after such an unsettling encounter. He then looked towards Jake, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
"I have one more Pokémon, a young Shinx," Mustard began, his voice carrying some regret. "But it's too inexperienced, and facing something like Jekyll... it would do more harm than good. It might leave the poor thing traumatised rather than provide any real learning."
He paused, weighing his words. "You see, understanding Pokémon, knowing what they are and aren't ready for, is a crucial part of training. They often don't realise their own limits, and it's our responsibility as trainers to guide them, to help them understand." Mustard's gaze was firm. "With that, I concede the match to you, Jake. You've earned this victory."
A stunned silence echoed in the dojo courtyard. Clearly none of the other trainers had expected this.
Jake, anger at the old man diminished a little as he absorbed Mustard's words, replaced with a respect for the former champion. Mustard's approach to battling, his concern for his Pokémon's well-being over the desire for victory, resonated deeply with him, especially after what had happened with Trixie.
"Thank you, Mustard," Jake said, his voice sincere. "I've learned a lot from this battle, about myself and my Pokémon."
Jake crouched down beside his Mimikyu, carefully adjusting the Pikachu disguise, straightening the ragged edges with a gentle touch. "You did more than great, Jekyll," he said warmly. "You were amazing out there."
The previous air of hostility melted away, revealing the shy, clumsy nature that lay underneath. Jekyll slumped slightly, head tilting bashfully to one side under the Pikachu disguise. Seeming to fidget with its disguise bashfully. "Kyu?" Gently, curiously. "I did well?"
He fussed over the disguise, making sure it sat just right. "You really looked after your sister today," he said, a smile in his voice. "You should be proud of yourself."
At the mention of "sister," Jekyll stiffened. It seemed as if the Mimikyu was processing this new piece of information, unsure how to react to being called a sibling.
Jake chuckled at Jekyll's reaction. "Yeah, that's right, you're a big brother now," he teased lightly, a playful tone to his words.
"Kyu!?" Still trying to make sense of the still unfamiliar family dynamic.
Before Jekyll could protest, Jake wrapped his arms gently around Jekyll in a warm, appreciative hug. "Thanks for everything, buddy," he whispered. After a moment, he carefully returned Jekyll to his Pokéball, ensuring his Pokémon would have a well-deserved rest.
As Jake pocketed the Pokéball, he reflected on the battle. The victory felt hollow, the memory of Trixie's ordeal weighing heavily on him.
Jake heard steps and looked up to see Mustard observing him thoughtfully. "You have potential, Jake," he said. "Your bond with Jekyll, speaks volumes. They are a rare Pokemon, not many know much about them, but they are known as challenging Pokémon to find, let alone connect with. But it's not just Jekyll – the care you've shown for your Emolga as well... It's clear you have a genuine concern for all your Pokémon. That's a rare quality, and it's commendable."
He continued, gaze turning somber. "As for what happened with Trixie, I know it's tough, I've been there myself. But it's an important part of the journey. Pokémon battles can be harsh, but they're also great teachers. Use this experience to grow, both as a trainer and as a partner to your Pokémon."
He paused. "You've developed a deep connection with your Pokemon. That's what makes a trainer great, more than just victories in battle. It's about the bond, the understanding between you and your Pokémon. Keep nurturing that, Jake."
If the battle had not done it, this definitely had Jake reassess his impression of Mustard formed from the games. Standing before him was a man of genuine depth and wisdom. 'He's so much more than I expected,' Jake thought to himself. 'No wonder he was a league champion. His love for Pokémon, it's not just about battling... it's deeper. He really understands them, cares for them.' Feeling a new level of respect for the old man.
Mustard's face then broke into a warm smile. "How about joining us for lunch? You must be starving after all that."
At the mention of food, Jake realised how hungry he actually was. His stomach gave a timely growl, confirming Mustard's assumption.
Mustard laughed heartily. "Ah, I always find myself famished after a good battle too! Come lad, let's get some food."