POV – CIARA

In the seclusion of the Battle Court, carved into the heart of the mountainside and hidden behind the Master Dojo, Ciara stood alone, gaze lingering on the rugged cliffs that framed this sacred ground. The court, a haven surrounded by imposing ridges and high peaks, had become a sanctuary to her, a place where her journey with Kaida, her beloved Kubfu, truly began. Here, she had faced Master Mustard in her first battle, a memory etched into the very stones underfoot.

Kaida was still away, training with her father, and in her absence, Ciara felt a renewed resolve. She couldn't let fear rule her any longer, not when Kaida returned. This was where she needed to confront her deepest anxieties, the shadows that the Mimikyu had stirred within her.

Her train of thought was interrupted by the sight of Jake, laboriously making his way up the steep steps to the court. His dusty blonde hair was slightly dishevelled, and the mustard yellow of his Gi clung to him, evidence of his exertion. Ciara watched him, a faint trace of amusement in her usually serious demeanor. To her, the climb was nothing more than a familiar routine, barely noticeable after so long.

As Jake approached, huffing slightly, Ciara's mind drifted. He was an enigma, having seemingly appeared out of nowhere. His knowledge of Pokémon was extensive, yet occasionally, his questions betrayed a bewildering lack of basic understanding. Rumors about a teleportation event swirled around him, but Ciara found him to be more than just a curiosity. He was a capable trainer, his bond with his Pokémon undeniable. They all seemed to have come to adore him in such a short space of time, even Jekyll.

The mere thought of Jekyll sent a shiver down her spine. The Mimikyu had awakened fears Ciara thought she had long buried, fears that now threatened to resurface. She couldn't afford to let them consume her, not with Kaida's return imminent. This battle against her own psyche was one she had to win, and now.

Jake finally reached her, beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. He took a moment to catch his breath, gaze wandering over the Battle Court. The arena, a blend of natural rock and carefully laid stone, formed a small but impressive stadium. Around them, rows of empty seats, hewn from the same stone, rose in a semi-circle, embracing the field in a rugged hug.

With a chuckle, he wiped his brow, "You know, I think I sweated out half my body weight climbing those steps."

Ciara's eyes followed Jake's as he took in the details of the court. In each corner stood statues of various Fighting-type Pokémon, a tribute to Master Mustard's aesthetic and his dedication to the art of battle. The statues, worn by time and weather, still bore the mark of strength and discipline.

Ciara raised an eyebrow. "Maybe you should consider adding more endurance training to your routine," she said.

Jake grinned, brushing off his Gi. "Give me a break, I've only been here around a week. Just wait and see. Plus, I've been busy building obstacle courses the last two days. Who knew I'd get so into construction? Having Machoke around sure helps though."

He paused, looking around the court with an appreciative eye. "Is this where you can Dynamax Pokémon?"

Ciara nodded. "Yes, it's the only place on Armor where you can."

"Have you ever Dynamaxed Kaida here?"

She shook her head. "No, I don't have a Dynamax Band. You only get one when you register for the league."

Jake's expression turned quizzical. "What about a Wishing Star? Do you need one of those?"

Ciara looked at him, confusion clear in her eyes. "A Wishing Star? I'm not sure I understand your question."

He stared at her for a moment, then nodded, more to himself than to her. "Ah, that actually makes more sense," he muttered under his breath, as if piecing together a puzzle only he could see.

After a moment of silence, Jake looked around the secluded court once more, then back at Ciara. . "Why pick a place so outta the way?" he asked.

Ciara felt a twinge of irritation. Couldn't he see the need for privacy in this? Yet, recognising his genuine unawareness, she chose her words carefully. "It's important for me to handle this by myself, away from others," she explained.

Jake held her gaze for a moment, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. "Right, got it," he said, nodding.

Ciara stepped closer, seriousness returning. "Let's get started with why we're here. I don't have much time before Kaida returns, and I want this sorted by then."

Jake held up a hand "Woah, hold your Rapidash for a second. I think we should talk first."

Ciara's impatience flickered across her face. "What is there to talk about? Let's get this over with."

Jake met her gaze, grey-green eyes holding concern. "Do you understand what you're getting into?" he asked slowly.

Ciara bristled. "Don't patronise me, Jake. I know exactly what I'm doing," she retorted sharply.

Jake raised his palms in a placating gesture. "Look, you asked for my help, remember? I'm not trying to make this more difficult," he said soothingly. "I'm just saying we should plan how to make this work. We shouldn't just dive in headfirst."

Ciara crossed her arms, "Then what's your plan?" she asked.

Jake took a deep breath, formulating his thoughts. "Have you heard of gradual exposure therapy?" he began "It's works by slowly getting used to something that scares you. We can apply the same principle here with Jekyll."

Ciara's brow furrowed slightly, signalling her curiosity despite the underlying urgency she felt. "Go on," she prompted.

"We start small," Jake continued, his hands gesturing to illustrate his points. "Initially, we'll keep Jekyll close to me, in your line of sight but at a distance. You can get comfortable with his presence nearby, then we'll gradually decrease the distance. Only as much as you can handle of course."

Ciara nodded slowly, considering his words. "And this... will help?"

"Yeah," Jake replied with a reassuring smile. "You can build tolerance, little by little. It won't be easy, but it's a steady way to face your fears without overwhelming yourself."

Ciara looked away for a moment, contemplating. It made sense, and she couldn't deny the logic behind it. Still, the thought of being anywhere near Jekyll sent a chill down her spine. But she needed to do this, for Kaida's sake.

"All right," she said finally, her voice carrying a reluctant determination. "We can try your method. But how do we start?"

Jake's expression brightened. "Well, first I'll introduce Jekyll to you properly, at a distance, to remind you. He's actually really nice, you know, once you get to know him."

Ciara looked at him, her expression one of disbelief. "Really? That's... hard to believe," she said, eyeing Jake sceptically.

He just smiled, unfazed. "Yeah, Jekyll can be a little intimidating at first, but that's just his way of saying hi!" His voice was cheerful, almost convincing. "I think it's kind of cute, actually."

"Cute? Are you crazy?" Ciara couldn't help but blurt out, incredulous.

Jake's smile wavered into a more sheepish grin. "Probably!" he joked, then grew serious again. "But honestly, Jekyll is just misunderstood. He doesn't mean any harm. You'll see."

As Ciara caught her breath, Jake's expression turned thoughtful, a hint of earnestness in his eyes. "Okay, there are a couple of ground rules for your safety around Jekyll," he began, holding up a finger. "First, never break the masquerade. Jekyll is a Pikachu, and it's crucial for you to maintain this illusion."

Ciara's response came with a sharp edge. "I thought you said he wasn't dangerous."

"He's not," Jake replied firmly, "as long as you follow these rules. The second rule," he continued, holding up another finger, "is to try and control your emotions. Jekyll is sensitive to feelings, especially fear or rejection. He'll pick up on that."

He looked directly at Ciara, his tone softening. "And Ciara, seriously, I don't know fully know your history but remember that Jekyll has feelings too. He's been through a lot. For this to work, it's a two-way street."

Ciara listened with understanding but a lingering apprehension. Jake's words made sense, even if they weren't entirely comforting or what she wanted to hear.

With a cheerful nod, Jake concluded, "And that's it! If you can manage all this, you'll be fine."

Ciara took a deep breath, her chest tightening as she tried to align Jake's comforting assurances with the knot of apprehension in her stomach. Her mind wrestled with the images of Jekyll; past fears clashing with Jake's benign portrayal. She knew that overcoming her fear was essential, but the shadows of doubt lingered, making her heart race with dread and a faint, burgeoning hope.

"Okay, let's do this," she said, her voice a murmur, more to steel her own resolve than to inform Jake. She glanced at Jekyll's Pokéball with wary eyes. "Just... keep him at a distance to start with, okay?"

"Absolutely," Jake agreed, nodding. "We'll take this at your pace. No rush."

Maintaining a comfortable distance, Jake reached for Jekyll's Pokéball, taking a step back as he did so. With a practiced flick of his wrist, he released the Mimikyu. From within its confines, a shadowed figure emerged, small and enigmatic form beneath the clean yet tattered Pikachu disguise. The frayed and weathered costume draped over Jekyll.

'So much fear and doubt over such a little creature,' she thought, observing him in the dim light. In the shade cast by the surrounding mountains, every aspect of Jekyll's appearance seemed intentionally designed to unnerve. The way the filtered light played around his form, coupled with the eerie stillness of his cloak, sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. She reminded herself of Jake's words but still found herself taking an instinctive step back.

Ciara's gaze fixated on the crudely drawn on eyes, vacant and unnerving as they stared into nothingness. An unsettling mimicry of cheerfulness, not shared by the shadowed eyes peering out from the ragged cutouts in the fabric. She dared not make eye contact with those depths of secret and silent judgment.

Initially, Jekyll paid no heed to Ciara. Hopping over to Jake with an eagerness that seemed almost childlike. Looking up at Jake with what seemed to be reverence and adoration. Jake knelt down, greeting Jekyll with a warm smile and a gentle pat on the head. The Mimikyu responded with soft, contented murmurs of "Mimi, kyu" and "Kyu." It was a surprisingly delicate, almost high chirp, that held a faint rasp at the edge of hearing.

Watching them, Ciara's tension eased momentarily. The scene before her was disarmingly ordinary, even somewhat endearing. Jake picked up Jekyll, placing him comfortably on his shoulder. There, the Mimikyu appeared calm and content, radiating a simple happiness under Jake's gaze.

As Jake stepped slightly closer, Jekyll glanced her way, showing no particular interest. In that moment, with Jake's affectionate attention on him, Jekyll did seem as Jake had described. Innocent, almost cute in his peculiar way. Ciara felt a flicker of confusion and curiosity stirring within her. Why had she been so scared of this creature? Under Jake's fond gaze, Jekyll seemed no more menacing than a child in a ghost costume.

But then, as Jake momentarily averted his eyes, the contours of Jekyll's painted smile seemed to shift. It was subtle at first, the corners of the mouth stretching too far, too unnaturally, morphing into a grin that was both menacing and hauntingly familiar. The smile, not quite belonging to Jekyll, an echo of past nightmares surfacing unbidden, a memory she felt in her bones. Ciara's breath hitched, her heart pounding against her ribs as she witnessed the sudden, chilling transformation.

Oblivious to the change, Jake rambled on happily. "See? Look how innocent and harmless Jekyll is. There's no reason to be scared," he said, turning his attention back to Jekyll.

As quickly as it had appeared, the menacing grin vanished, replaced once more by the innocent, vacant expression of the costume as Jake looked back at Jekyll. Ciara rubbed her eyes, wondering if her mind was playing tricks on her.

Jake seemed to notice Ciara's apprehension, his brow furrowing slightly. He glanced at Jekyll, then back at her. "It's okay," he said gently. "Jekyll is still getting used to new people, just like you're getting used to him."

At Jake's words, Jekyll's behaviour shifted subtly. The Mimikyu perked up, hopping on Jake's shoulder with playful agility. There, he began to mimic Pikachu, head tilting and body swaying in an imitation so bad but endearing, it almost seemed like a child playing dress-up.

Ciara's gaze wavered between Jake and Jekyll, her mind struggling to reconcile Jake's reassuring words. As her eyes settled back on Jekyll, the Mimikyu's expression once again twisted into a grotesque smile, the joy in his movements now seeming more of a macabre dance.

A torrent of fear clouded Ciara's thoughts, drowning out Jake's rules in a sea of panic. Abhorrence and a profound sense of repudiation washing over Ciara. She could feel an irrational terror taking hold, skewing her perception. Jekyll seemed to be revelling in her fear, twisting it into a dark spectacle for his own amusement. In that distorted grin, Ciara saw a grotesque mirror of her own deepest fears, not just a menacing figure but a manifestation of her anxieties.

Jekyll's aura darkened, his head tilted unnaturally, the crude, drawn-on eyes of his Pikachu costume seeming to narrow. The playful swaying of his body ceased, replaced by a rigid stillness that belied the turmoil Ciara sensed beneath. Her rising terror was not changing just her perception, but also the Mimikyu himself. Playful antics morphing into something more sinister. Yet, beneath the terrifying facade, Ciara could sense a flicker of sadness, a haunting echo that she could barely grasp amid her overwhelming fear.

Her thoughts began to race, each one more rapid and disjointed than the last. Images from her childhood flashed through her mind – that twisted smile, the cold, unfeeling eyes that had haunted her nights. The memory had no form she could name, its essence was etched in her mind, a spectre that now seemed to be reborn in Jekyll. Her breath quickened, heart pounding against her ribcage like a frantic drum. The line between past and present blurred, the old fear melding with the new, an unbearable amalgam of terror.

Ignoring Jake's attempts to calm the situation, Ciara turned and fled. Her legs moved almost of their own accord; each step propelled by a desperate need to escape. The fear was overwhelming, a maelstrom that consumed all rational thought, leaving only the instinct to run. The feeling of being mocked and rejected by this creature too intense to bear.

"Wait, Ciara!" Jake called after her, but his voice was lost in the distance. She didn't look back, her only thought to escape the haunting gaze of Jekyll, to put as much distance between herself and the embodiment of her fears.

As she ran, the shadow of the mountains seemed to loom larger, mirroring the shadow that now hung over her heart – fear, rejection, and an unspoken sorrow that lingered in the air long after she had disappeared from sight.

POV – JEKYLL

Jekyll watched. Jekyll felt. The human, her fear a tangy scent in the air, an aroma he knew too well. Delight. Her terror, delicious. Savoured. Yet, sadness swirled, chaotic. A whirlpool of feelings.

Jake's voice, a distant rumble. "Well, that did not go as expected." Jekyll's heart, if he had one, might have skipped. A little hurt, a sting. He thought he was past this – past rejection. Jake had opened a door to something new, something Jekyll had craved. Acceptance, belonging.

But the girl's reaction, a reminder. Most did not want him. Most would reject him. Only with Jake, only in this odd collection he hesitantly called 'family', was he safe, was he accepted. As himself.

Jekyll's thoughts tumbled, clashed. Sadness gnawed at him, a familiar companion. Yet, there was happiness too. A strange, twisted joy. Part of his hope turned to ash, but still, fulfilment lingered. Jake's presence, a balm to his turbulent spirit.

Jake's arms wrapped around him, a gentle embrace. "It's all gonna be okay, Jekyll" Jake murmured. "We'll get through to her eventually."

Jekyll pondered. Wishful thinking, perhaps. But Jekyll was accustomed to that. He embraced the wish, the hope. It was a thin thread, but it was something.

Yet, in this moment, he allowed himself a sliver of hope. But Jekyll was chaos. He was a mimic yet yearning to be something more. Something real. Something necessary.

Jekyll watched. Jekyll accepted. In the embrace of his trainer, his centre, he found a momentary peace. Perhaps, in time, he would find more. Perhaps.

POV - JAKE

Jake stood for a moment, watching Ciara's retreating figure with concern and contemplation. Jekyll, still nestled against his shoulder. A bundle of conflicting emotions that Jake could feel through their point of contact. He could sense Mimikyu's delight in Ciara's terror, but so was the acute sadness at yet another creature fleeing at the sight of him.

He couldn't help but wonder what Ciara had seen in Jekyll. To Jake, Jekyll had been calmer than usual, almost restrained. He doubted it was Jekyll's behaviour that had triggered Ciara's flight. Instead, Jake's thoughts drifted towards something more deep-seated, possibly rooted in Ciara's own past. His mother's words echoed in his mind, "Fear is often more about the ghosts of our past than the reality of the present." That could be applied quite literally in this case.

Gently, Jake looked down at Jekyll, who remained quietly in his arms. "Hey, buddy," he said softly, his tone tinged with understanding, "I think it's time for you to get down." Carefully, he set Jekyll on the ground.

Jake's gaze lingered on Jekyll, as he considered Ciara's situation. There was something there, a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit. He knew he needed to approach this with patience. Maybe it was about understanding the fears that lay hidden, the ones not immediately visible on the surface.

With a sigh, he smiled down at Jekyll, "We'll figure this out, Jekyll. We just need to give her some time and space, you know?"

Jekyll let out a soft, almost inaudible "Mimi, kyu," which Jake took as a sign of acknowledgment, if not agreement.

Jake tried to lighten the mood, "Hey, at least you didn't scare her with your Pikachu impression, right? That's gotta count for something."

Jekyll's response was a subdued "Mimi…" The usual spark that accompanied his mimicry was absent.

Sensing the shift in Jekyll's mood, Jake's expression softened. He looked directly into Jekyll's real eyes, peering out from the costume. "You know, not everyone will understand you right away," Jake said, "But I know you, Jekyll. And I'm not scared. Actually, I like you a lot. I'm really happy and proud of you."

Jekyll's reaction was immediate. The Mimikyu perked up, a shy soft "K-kyu?" escaping him, almost like a contented sigh, as if to say 'R-really?'

Jake chuckled "See, you can be pretty cute when you want to be." He paused, then added, "Though your Pikachu disguise... it's something else, Jekyll. You might need to work on it a bit, its... unique. But maybe a bit too unique for some people."

Jekyll seemed to puff up a at the critique, disguise rustling indignantly. An almost theatrical tilt of his head, as though to say, 'How dare you doubt my performance!'

Then, in an instant, the air around Jekyll shifted. His posture stiffened, the playful puffing up collapsing into a tense, alert stance. It was as if the mere suggestion that someone could see through his disguise triggered a deep-seated alarm within him.

"Mimi, KYU!" Jekyll exclaimed and turned to Jake sharply, tone urgent and unmistakably intense. Jake could almost hear the unspoken words behind the cry: 'We must eliminate her.'

Jake's eyes widened, a little amused at the extreme suggestion. "Whoa, whoa, Jekyll, let's not go down that road, okay? Murdering people is not how we handle things," he said.

Jekyll seemed undeterred, his posture tense, "Mimi, Kyuu!" he insisted, clearly not willing to drop the idea. "She must die!"

Realising a more direct approach was needed, Jake quickly scooped Jekyll into his lap as he sat down on the ground. He began to adjust Jekyll's costume again, speaking in soothing tones. "Listen, Jekyll. It's okay to feel upset, but we don't solve our problems that way. We're going to work through this together, alright?" He continued, trying to calm the Mimikyu. "Your disguise is still intact. See?"

Jekyll seemed to shudder with relief, though an edge of murderous intent still lingered. Jake held him firmly, aware that if Jekyll really wanted to act on his impulses, there wasn't much he could do to stop him. He continued his efforts to soothe Jekyll, mentally kicking himself for even mentioning the disguise.

Taking a deep breath, Jake enjoyed the slightly calmer silence that followed, a small smile tugging at his lips. 'Well, glad to have avoided becoming a criminal so early in my Pokémon training career,' he mused silently.

His thoughts then drifted to Jekyll's unique situation. Jekyll was undoubtedly strong and powerful, but enhancing his abilities wasn't the immediate priority. Jake understood that fostering a deeper bond was essential. 'I need to be able to communicate with him' Jake reflected, 'to understand the real Jekyll.'

Carefully, Jake adjusted Jekyll's position, placing him on his lap in such a way that he could easily sense the Mimikyu's emotions through the contact point of his real body. It was a quiet morning, one that Jake decided to spend just talking to Jekyll, building a bridge of understanding between them.

"You know, I'm not exactly from around here either. This place... it's confusing for me too," he confessed. "I have my own doubts and fears. I've set myself this goal to meet a god, but honestly, how am I supposed to do that?"

Jekyll listened intently. "Kyu," he murmured, that Jake interpreted as an offer of comfort, a shared understanding of being out of place.

As the morning wore on, their conversation meandered through various topics. Jake spoke more about his life, his uncertainties, and his aspirations, always keeping an eye on Jekyll's reactions. The Mimikyu, for his part, seemed to grow more attentive, earlier agitation giving way.

Jake finally broached the topic he had been leading up to. "Jekyll, I've told you a lot about me. But I want to know about you too. What's your story?" he asked gently.

"Mimi, kyu?" Jekyll responded; hesitant yet curious. Jake interpreted it as, "What do you want to know?" It was a small opening, but it was a start.

"Yeah, like, where did you come from? What have you been through?" Jake probed, trying to encourage him. "I know it might be hard to talk about, but I'm here to listen. To understand."

Jake concentrated on the flow of emotions from their contact point. "Mimi, Kyuu," Jekyll's soft voice began, translating in Jake's mind to, "I've been alone for a long time."

Jake listened, trying to piece together Jekyll's disjointed narrative. A story woven from confusion and chaos, a patchwork of memories that seemed almost contradictory, yet bound together by a common thread of negative emotion.

The Mimikyu's tale painted a picture of abandonment and solitude. Jake's understanding deepened as he considered the specific negative emotions that might give rise to a Mimikyu. There was the profound loneliness of being left behind, the piercing sting of rejection, the gnawing sorrow of loss, and the simmering resentment of being unseen or misunderstood. These emotions were not just abstract feelings; they were the coalescence of the birth of a Mimikyu.

Jake speculated that a Mimikyu like Jekyll might be the embodiment of these forsaken feelings, a creature born from the fusion of intense emotional energy and the remnants of a departed Pokémon. Such a genesis would explain the rarity of Mimikyu – they were not merely Pokémon but the rare manifestations of a deep well of collective sorrow and longing that was not a common occurrence in this world.

Sitting in the shade of the battle court, Jake felt the weight of Jekyll's words as he whispered, "Mimi, Kyu." It seemed to be a lament; a heart-wrenching admission: "No one accepts me."

Jake's concern deepened as Jekyll became increasingly agitated. "Mimi, Kyuu!" his true form shuddering beneath the disguise, a manifestation of thoughts he had never been able to express. "M-mimi, kyu," cried softly, "T-They always leave me."

Jekyll's continued to pour out. "Kyuu, kyuu," he cried, "They hated me, just for showing my face." Jake could feel Jekyll's agitation escalating, voice becoming more distorted with each word.

As Jekyll's restlessness surged alongside his emotions, Jake felt the weight of each cry. "Mimi, KYU!" Jekyll's intense shout of "They REJECTED me!" echoed in the air.

Jake wondered about Jekyll's deep sadness. 'Is this all from stuff Jekyll's gone through, or is it like... feelings he got when he became a Mimikyu?' It was tough to tell where Jekyll's personal experiences ended and where the emotions of a Mimikyu began.

Clearly, though, Jekyll was really upset, and Jake knew he had to do something. He gave Jekyll a reassuring squeeze. "Okay, let's just relax for a sec, alright? I'm here for you," he said. Jekyll did seem to relax somewhat but was still agitated.

Jake took a breath, gathering his thoughts, before speaking quietly, "Jekyll, everyone here knows you're a Mimikyu," he said gently. At these words, Jekyll's body tensed, a wave of terror emanating from him.

Jake continued, keeping his voice steady voice and reassuring. "But have you noticed? None of us have treated you differently. No one here has resented you or questioned your presence."

"I've met you, Jekyll. And I haven't found you inadequate or wanting. You're part of this team, an important part."

"You're more than just a companion to me, Jekyll. You're a protector, the strongest among us," Jake continued, speaking carefully sincerely. "Back in the forest, you remember, I offered more than just an escape. I offered a chance to be part of something, to belong."

Jekyll seemed to try process this. "Mimi, Kyu..." he murmured softly, almost a whisper. "But no one accepts me."

Jake smiled reassuringly. "I know it's hard to believe, but you have a lot to offer, Jekyll. Not just to me, but to Trixie, to Arthrox, and to Iggy." He gently stroked Jekyll's disguise, trying to convey his feelings through touch. "You have this immense capacity to feel, maybe more deeply than any of us. That's your strength."

As Jake's words hung in the air, Jekyll slowly lifted his head, real eyes filled somehow timid, vulnerable. "Mimi, Kyu?" he whispered, his question heartbreakingly uncertain: "You will not abandon me?"

In the quiet of the shaded battle court, Jake released Jekyll from the embrace and extended his hand towards him. Jekyll was momentarily confused, but slowly and almost reluctantly, he too extended his true hand from beneath the disguise, a shadowy claw, darkly ethereal but solid.

As Jake's hand met Jekyll's claw, he felt a profound connection. It was a moment that bridged the gap between two beings from different worlds. Jake looked into Jekyll's true eyes, conveying a depth of understanding and acceptance.

The claw tightened slightly around Jake's hand, a silent acknowledgment from Jekyll. In this quiet moment under the mountain, a new chapter in their relationship began.

"I will never abandon you, Jekyll," he swore.

POV – CIARA

In the spartan confines of her room, Ciara faced the punching bag – sadly her only opponent at the moment. The walls around her were bare, save for a few essentials. Her bed, neatly made, was adorned with an incongruous collection of fluffy Pokémon pillows. But now, the room was a battleground for her inner demons.

With a fluid, practiced motion, she struck the bag. Her fists and feet moved in a seamless dance – speed, precision, and power. Each strike a blur, kicks slicing through the air with the sharpness of a honed blade. She was a tempest, a whirlwind of controlled fury.

Her mind, however, was a tumultuous sea. She tried to focus, to silence the memories that each blow seemed to echo. But fragments of her past refused to be stilled – the sound of her parents' voices raised in anger, the jarring clamour of a life falling apart. Her fists hammered into the bag with increasing ferocity, channelling the turmoil within.

The memory of being caught trying to pickpocket, only to face a brutal beating, flared up. The injustice, the helplessness – it fuelled her. She struck the bag harder, breathing rhythm syncing with her blows.

Then came the most haunting memory of all – the eerie, ghostly visage that had stalked her in the dimly lit streets of Castelia. The spectre of her deepest fears, mocking gaze etched in her mind. Fury crescendoed within her. With a fierce three-hit combo, she unleashed her anger – a whirl of fists followed by a devastating kick that made the bag shudder violently, almost ripping it off its hinges.

Ciara's breath was heaving, not from fatigue but from barely contained fury directed at herself. Her fists clenched tightly, standing before the punching bag, teeth gritted in a silent scream of self-reproach. 'All the training, all the knowledge about Pokémon I've gathered... was it all for nothing?' she thought angrily. 'Am I going to fall at the first hurdle?'

Her mind raced with determination. 'No, I can't let this be my downfall. I have to overcome this.' The image of Kaida flashed in her mind, along with her other Pokémon, all depending on her, trusting her to be their guide. 'They rely on me. I won't let them down.'

In a sudden surge of determination, Ciara sprung forward. Her muscles coiled and then released like a spring, propelling her into an airborne spin. As she rotated, her leg extended in a fluid, powerful arc, the heel of her foot slamming into the bag with a thunderous impact. The bag recoiled violently, swinging back as if struck by a force of nature.

At that moment, a knock on the door cut through the room's charged atmosphere. Ciara paused; senses sharp. She knew who it was – she had learned to tell with the footsteps. Mustard respected her privacy, and she rarely allowed anyone in here. Siobhan, sometimes, but Jake?

She exhaled a resigned sigh, fury subsiding slightly, replaced by a begrudging acceptance. 'Can't avoid this forever,' she thought to herself. With a swift motion, she strode to the door and yanked it open. There stood Jake, a slight apprehension visible in his eyes, an uncertain but easy grin.

"Hey, Ciara, I wanted to check on you," Jake started. His grey-green eyes searched hers. "Can I come in?"

Ciara regarded him coolly, the edges of her mind still tinged with the remnants of her earlier fury. After a moment's hesitation, after scrutinising his unassuming stance, she stepped aside with a grudging nod. "Fine, but make it quick," she said.

Jake entered, a cautious but genuine smile on his face. His dusty blonde hair, still dishevelled, gave him a carefree look that contrasted sharply with the atmosphere of the room. "Wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that," he quipped lightly, nodding towards the punching bag that still swayed gently from her last strike.

"Perhaps not, but there's always room for a brave volunteer?" Ciara snapped back quickly, as she leaned against the wall, arms folded, her eyes holding a challenge.

Ignoring her, Jake's attention was drawn to the collection of fluffy Pokémon pillows on her bed. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he sauntered over. "What's this? Who knew tough Ciara had a soft spot for cute things?" he teased, reaching out to pick up one of the pillows.

Before his fingers even brushed the fabric, Ciara was already in motion. She darted across the room, snatching the pillow from his grasp. "Hey, have you not heard of privacy or something?" she said, her tone sharp but her hands surprisingly gentle as she adjusted the pillows. She stood guard by the bed, a clear signal for him to keep his distance from her personal space.

Jake backed off; hands raised. "Sorry, sorry," he said, a grin still on his face he added more gently, "It's fine, really. My little sister used to have loads of them."

His mention of a sister, a family he was searching for, took Ciara's back a pace. She was reminded that Jake, too, didn't exactly have it easy either. But she quickly steered the conversation back to the matter at hand, though she already knew why he was here.

"So, what do you want, Jake?" Ciara asked.

Jake shifted uneasily, his gaze dropping momentarily before meeting hers again. There was a genuine hint of guilt in his eyes. "I... I wanted to apologise for earlier," he started. "I feel like I used you, and I feel really bad about it."

Ciara furrowed her brow, taken aback. "Used me?" she questioned; confused. "That's not true. I asked for your help."

Jake nodded, but with regret in his expression. "Yes, you did. But I didn't need to throw some half-baked psychology theory at you, especially one I didn't fully understand myself. I shouldn't have used your situation to help me with Jekyll."

As Ciara listened, her confusion deepened. She had been so focused on her own issues that she hadn't considered his perspective. "Don't be stupid," she retorted, "I knew what I was getting into. Your idea sounded good to me too."

Jake still looked troubled; normally comfortable easy-going attitude still off balance. Ciara sighed, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. She smacked him on the arm.

"Ow!" Jake yelped, more from surprise than pain, rubbing his arm. "What was that for?"

"Fair play," Ciara replied with a smirk. "Now you can forgive yourself."

Jake shook his head, still rubbing his arm. "At least that's straightforward, I suppose. Wouldn't want to get used to it, though."

Ciara allowed a small smile to play on her lips before her expression turned serious again. "So, what's next?"

Jake looked momentarily puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Ciara's expression shifted to exasperation. "I mean, when do we try again with Jekyll? I need to get over this before Kaida is back."

"Damn, you really are set on this, huh?" he mused, a note of admiration in his voice. "I gotta say, it's not what I expected. Most people would take a step back after something like that. But you... you just want to face it head-on. I'm not sure I'd have the guts to do the same." He paused, considering her. "Alright, you've got my respect – and my help. We'll try again with Jekyll. Agreed."

After a brief pause, Jake seemed to resolve himself. "But, let's do this properly. Before we get back to Jekyll, I think I need to understand more about your situation. How come a tough girl like you is afraid of ghosts?"

Ciara shifted uncomfortably, the walls she had carefully built around her past starting to feel less secure. "It's... complicated," she said, her voice edged with reluctance. She wasn't used to laying her vulnerabilities bare, especially to someone who was basically a stranger to her.

Jake nodded. "I get it's not easy to talk about," he replied. "But I think it might help, you know, to share. Sometimes saying things out loud takes away some of their power."

Ciara looked at him. "You wouldn't get it," she started, her voice tinged with a defensiveness that was more habitual than felt.

"Try me," Jake encouraged, leaning back slightly to give her space, both physically and emotionally. "I might not understand everything, but I can listen. And who knows, maybe I can help in some way."

Ciara hesitated, then slowly, words began to flow, hesitant at first, then steadier. "I grew up in Castellia. Life was good, I guess. My parents, they were happy once, and so was I."

As she spoke, her voice took on a harder edge, tinged with bitterness that could not she could not stop seeping out. "But then, my father... he did something." The word 'father' spat out like a curse. "I still don't know exactly what happened. There was some sort of chaos in Unova at the time. But after that, nothing was the same. My parents divorced, and I left with my mom."

Jake's gaze sharpened at the mention of her father, but he stayed silent, letting her continue.

"One thing I regret," Ciara continued, her voice dropping to a whisper, "was leaving behind a doll at that house."

At the mention of the doll, Jake's eyes flickered with a glimmer of realisation, but Ciara pressed on.

"Mom changed after we left. She developed... bad habits." Ciara's words were carefully chosen, skimming over the details, Jake seeming to understand, momentarily shocked, but he quickly composed himself, nodding for her to continue.

"It got too much. I had to get out. So, I ended up on the streets of Castellia." Her voice was tinged with a hardness born of those days. "It's not like here, Jake. It's rough. People... they just don't care."

Understanding dawned in Jake's eyes, but Ciara was in full flow now. "But I wasn't alone. Something... it followed me, haunted me. Made me live in fear."

Jake leaned forward, "Did it have a zipper for a mouth? Kinda look like a puppet with no strings?" he asked directly.

Ciara nodded, a shiver running down her spine at the memory. "Yes, but how..."

"A Banette," Jake said, his voice taking on a knowing tone. "A doll that became a Pokémon over its grudge of being thrown away. It seeks the child who disowned it."

Ciara froze, her eyes wide. "So, it was the doll... I knew it" she murmured quietly.

Jake nodded solemnly. "It seems so. A ghost-type. But it's odd, Banette is an evolved Pokémon. Usually, they evolve from Shuppet. It's strange for it to manifest naturally."

Ciara's confusion was evident. "How do you know all this?"

Jake's flushed for some reason, and he coughed slightly. "I read it in a book," he admitted, a touch sheepishly. Ciara raised an eyebrow. She had never heard of such Pokémon before.

Jake shrugged. "Don't know how rare they are, but from what you described, that's what haunted you. A Banette."

There was a strange sense of relief in Ciara, a lightness at finally having a name for her terror. "So, it's different from Jekyll?"

"Yes," Jake confirmed. "Mimikyu like Jekyll, they just want to be accepted. Banette seems more... driven by revenge. The doll you left behind, Ciara. It wanted revenge for being abandoned."

Ciara looked down at that, thinking about that doll. 'What could I have done? I barely had any chance to think when my family broke up. Why would it want revenge on me? It just doesn't make sense.'

Jake studied Ciara for a moment. "Well, I can see why you're such a fighter," he said lightly.

Ciara let out a small breath, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "You have no idea," she replied, the corner of her mouth twitching into a half-smile.

They shared a brief, understanding look before Jake's expression turned serious again. "Why do you want to be champion?" he asked.

For a moment, Ciara was back in her past, the image of her father's fanatical, unforgiving face flashing in her mind. His eyes, full of disapproval, the strange symbol always present. The memory fuelled a cold, furious resolve in her. "To prove him wrong," she stated, her voice laced with a raw, brutal honesty.

Jake looked at her, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes, but he didn't pry further. Instead, he nodded to himself, taking a deep breath. "Look, that Banette is still in Unova, right?" he asked.

Ciara nodded, and Jake continued, "Our last meeting was successful in one thing."

A flash of irritation crossed Ciara's features. "So, you now get on better with Jekyll?" she asked, a hint of bitterness in her tone.

"Exactly," Jake said, nodding enthusiastically. "And I think something's changed in Jekyll." He cocked his head, looking at Ciara with a playful smile. "Actually, I think you and Jekyll might have quite a lot in common."

Ciara just looked at him. "You really are crazy," she said flatly.

Jake laughed. "Look, you just need to get to know him. Heck, bring Kaida with you next time."

Ciara started to shake her head, but Jake kept going. "Jekyll will be fine, I know it," he assured her.

He then looked at her earnestly. "I know we haven't known each other long, but let's keep it up, okay? Every day for the next couple of weeks, let's give it a go. You shouldn't rush this, and having your Pokémon by your side is always the best way to do things, I've found recently."

Ciara regarded him, his positivity slowly chipping away at her defences. "Did you take that line from Mustard?" she asked with a smirk.

Jake laughed. "The old man has a way of saying things, even if I don't quite get that antique show he's into."

Ciara shuddered, remembering the times she'd had to sit through those. "Best avoided," she agreed, nodding.

Their laughter echoed through the room, dissolving the lingering tension. In that moment of shared amusement, Ciara felt an unfamiliar lightness, a sense of ease she hadn't experienced in what felt a long time. As she watched Jake, his laughter subsiding into a comfortable silence, a thought crossed her mind. Maybe, in this strange, convoluted journey of fears and battles, she could find a sliver of trust in him. Perhaps, in time, she would trust him. Perhaps.

POV - JAKE

After such an emotionally heavy morning, Jake felt somewhat drained upon returning to the training area with Jekyll in tow. But sadly, there was no time for breaks with Pokemon about. Go hard or go home was the saying, and as Jake had no option of going home, his choice was simple. Even so, Jake decided to rope in an extra hand. He gathered his team together. "Guys, Jekyll's going to be my assistant in charge of training," he announced.

"Kyu." Jekyll nodded proudly at this new role. "As my trainer wills."

Arthrox simply vibed, an unspoken understanding that this was the expected order of things. Iggy blazed up with excitement at the prospect of her cool 'older brother' helping her train.

Trixie puffed up a bit at Jake's announcement. She flitted around Jekyll, full of cheeky defiance. "Emol!" she chirped, as if saying, "You can't boss me around!"

Jekyll looked sternly at Trixie. "Mimi, Kyu!" he declared, a tone of assertive command in his voice. "Respect the hierarchy, fur ball!"

Trixie paused mid-flit, taken aback by Jekyll's unexpected tone. She looked at him, her expression surprised but defiant. "Emolga, emol!" she responded, "I'll do it, but know its because I want to, not because you told me to."

And so, the week unfolded with Jake fully immersed in the world of Pokémon training. He dove headfirst into constructing elaborate obstacle courses alongside the Dojo's Machoke and Machop. Their camaraderie was instant, trading workman-like banter with each easeful lift and build.

"Hey, think you can lift that beam higher than me?" Jake joked, hoisting a heavy log.

The Machoke chuckled, flexing its muscles. "Macho, macho!" it responded, accepting the challenge with a grin. Unfortunately, Jake's arms soon cursed him for his stupidity.

Mustard, watching the transformation of his courtyard, laughed heartily. "Jake, you're taking over the whole place!" he exclaimed before jumping in to help, energy infectious. Soon, other trainers joined, and the courtyard morphed into a vibrant, makeshift training ground, adaptable and diverse.

For Trixie, Jake had constructed a series of high-flying aerial courses. Each course was dotted with rings suspended at different heights and angles, challenging Trixie to manoeuvre with precision and agility. As she darted through the air, her nimble form sliced through each ring, generating bursts of air that she slowly but surely learned to shape into Air Slashes. Jekyll, perched atop a nearby post, would use Shadow Sneak to add moving shadows as extra obstacles.

Each time Trixie just barely dodged a shadow, Jekyll would call out "Mimi, Kyu!" which Jake thought meant "Pay attention, fool!"

Trixie, with a flick of her tail would back, "Emol!" saying, "You can't touch me!"

The trick with Air Slash was all about momentum. By combining Quick Attack with sharp dives, Trixie started to produce cool, almost visible slices of air. At first, they were more like gentle puffs, but with practice and some clever wing angling, they began to turn into something formidable.

Electro Ball was a different challenge. It wasn't just about releasing electricity; it was about shaping and controlling it. Jake had a sudden flash of inspiration while watching Trixie struggle with forming the traditional ball shape. "What if we try something different?" he mused aloud. "Think aerodynamics, Trixie. Like a bomb, not a ball." Hands awkwardly gesturing the intended shape, sincerely hoping he didn't give his innocent Emolga the wrong idea. That would be a new shock to the gym circuit.

Trixie, intrigued by the challenge, gave it a go, starting by manipulating a small Thundershock. It was tough, and she didn't quite get it right away, but the progress was there. The idea of her launching a lightning-fast, bomb-shaped Electro Ball from high-altitude excited Jake. "This could be awesome!"

Arthrox faced a custom-built rugged terrain, a gauntlet of obstacles tailored to test his limits. It featured a mix of movable objects and burrowing pits, designed to enhance his physical prowess and rolling speed. Each day, Arthrox powered through the course, carapace gleaming more robustly, movements becoming swifter and more forceful.

Jekyll, would perch atop a rock, vanish using Astonish to quickly appear unexpectedly in Arthrox's path. "Mimi, Kyu!" he announced with an almost gleeful grin, if that could be possible.

Arthrox, undeterred, began to learn to quickly adjust his course. "Veni" He would say flatly, but pridefully, as if to say, 'I acknowledge you, but it is I that will be the strongest of the hive.'

Arthrox made good progress, and soon the sight of him bulldozing through barriers and swiftly navigating sharp turns left even Mustard impressed. "Look at you steam roll through, Arthrox! You're unstoppable!" Jake cheered, watching the Venipede inch closer to his evolution with each determined roll.

Iggy's course was a path lined with torches each one a target for her flames. Her enthusiasm was boundless as she scampered and dashed, sending small embers of fire at each target. Jekyll, approached cautiously, trying to be helpful but visibly tense.

"Cynda!" Iggy chirped excitedly, thrilled to have Jekyll join her training.

"M-mimi, kyu..." Jekyll uttered nervously. As Iggy unleashed a particularly enthusiastic burst of flame, Jekyll recoiled, hopping back in horror as he no doubt imagined his disguise going up in smoke.

Jake chuckled at the scene. "Maybe getting too close isn't the best idea, Jekyll," he called out, amused.

Reluctantly, Jekyll retreated to a more supervisory role. Iggy was devastated, her now tiny flames flickering sadly. "Cynda?" she questioned, as if asking "Why are you going away"

"Don't worry, Iggy, you've still got me!" Jake said, scooping her up for a tickle, her laughter lighting up the area. He then set her back down, and they resumed their training, Jake running alongside her until she once again outpaced him with her growing speed.

"Wow, Iggy, you're a little fireball!" Jake exclaimed, panting as he tried to keep up with her increasingly blistering pace. "Let's see how fast you can go!"

Jake revelled in the atmosphere, the sense of community and shared purpose. He spent time with Siobhan, who offered valuable pointers on Pokémon nutrition, their conversations blending learning and friendly chatter.

Jekyll, in his role as the diligent assistant, kept a strict watch over Trixie, Arthrox, and Iggy. He communicated surprisingly well, ensuring they stayed on task. This was the perfect kind of training for Jekyll, where he could begin to become more of a team player, but most importantly try to learn how to truly enjoy himself.

To Jake's chagrin, he discovered that he hadn't entirely escaped the clutches of school. His curriculum included a mix of traditional subjects like Maths and Galarian (essentially English), along with Science. These classes were conducted by local teachers who came into the dojo.

However, it wasn't all conventional schooling. Jake found himself deeply engrossed in the more Pokémon-centric lessons. In Pokémon Biology, he learned about the diverse species native to the Isle of Armor, their unique anatomies, and physiological adaptations. Pokémon Ecology covered the island's ecosystems, how different Pokémon interacted with their environment, and the balance of natural habitats.

Training and Ethics emphasised the importance of a respectful and nurturing approach to Pokémon training. It covered the ethical treatment of Pokémon, understanding their needs and boundaries, and the reinforced the importance of a bond based on mutual trust and respect.

Battle Strategy and Tactics delved into the intricacies of Pokemon types, different battle formats, effective move combinations, and the strategic importance of understanding an opponent's tactics. This class was more than not just theory; it included practical sessions where Jake could apply his learnings in simulated battle scenarios.

As days passed, Jake began to find a peaceful comfort in the routine, his initial worries and despairs of being in this world not completely disappearing, but bleeding off into a fainter, patient distance. Mustard's guidance was invaluable, his mentorship insightful and encouraging. Honey's hospitality never waned, her warmth a constant in the Dojo.

Meeting Ciara at the battle court became a familiar part of Jake's routine. Each day, he would arrive with Jekyll, ready for another attempt at bridging the gap between Ciara, the Mimikyu, and her fears. The process was slow, almost painstakingly so, but Jake found a certain confidence in its predictability.

Their sessions began with them at the far opposite ends of the battle court. Jake would be on one side with Jekyll, while Ciara stood at the other, distance between them stretching out like an invisible barrier. They would shout across to each other, voices echoing off the mountain walls of the court, while Jekyll looked on, his head tilting in confusion as if wondering, "What the heck is going on?"

Gradually, day by day, they inched closer. The shouting turned into raised voices, and then, eventually, to normal conversation levels. Jake noticed the subtle changes in Ciara – the way her shoulders relaxed a little more each time, how her gaze lingered a bit longer on Jekyll without that flicker of fear.

Then one day, as they had neared the point of conversational distance, Kaida, Ciara's Kubfu, showed up. The small, bear-like Pokémon, with its white and grey fur, exuded an air of quiet strength. Kaida's black eyes, keen and observant, scanned the surroundings cautiously but with confidence. There was a noticeable change in her from their last encounter – she seemed refreshed, as if her training had cleared her mind and strengthened her resolve.

Ciara, too, looked more at ease than Jake had ever seen her, especially in Jekyll's presence. There was a comfort in her stance, an ease in her interactions that hadn't been there before.

Jake couldn't help but smirk at the sight. 'Just like Kaida and Ciara to both come back stronger from training,' he commented, watching the Kubfu closely. Kaida's gaze shifted between Jekyll by Jake's feet and Ciara, a cautious curiosity in her eyes, but no sign of discomfort or fear.

Seizing the moment, Jake turned his attention to the Kubfu, squatting down to her level. "Hey there, Kaida. We've only met on the battlefield before, right?" he said.

The Kubfu, seemed to shyly back away from him at first, watching Jake with a hint of wariness. "Ah, of course" Jake remembered. He straightened up and performed a formal bow, clasping his hands together as he did so. Kaida watched him, then, regaining her composure, returned the gesture with her own matching but cute, respectful bow.

"You're looking strong, Kaida," Jake said earnestly, knowing the value of such a compliment to a Kubfu. "That's quite impressive."

Kaida beamed, a soft proud "Fu!" escaping her, which Jake took as grateful thanks.

Ciara looked bemused. "You really know how to talk to Pokémon," she remarked, an eyebrow raised.

Jake shrugged, standing up. "It's fun," he said simply. "They're great listeners. And sometimes, they give better advice than people."

Ciara snorted, shaking her head. "If Jekyll starts giving you life advice, I'm out," she said, with a trace of her usual sarcasm.

Jake laughed. "I'll keep that in mind. But hey, if he does, maybe we should both listen."

As their laughter subsided, Jake noticed Jekyll cautiously peeking out from behind his leg. He couldn't help but find it amusing how Jekyll's confidence had grown around his team members, yet he seemed increasingly shy around others. 'Suppose it's natural,' Jake mused internally. The revelation that nearly everyone in the dojo knew Jekyll was a Mimikyu had been a shock to the little Pokémon, and he was probably still adjusting to it.

Jake observed how Jekyll had become even more attached to him, if that were possible. The Mimikyu was only momentarily distracted from Jake's side by his supervisory duties during training. 'He's really taken to that role,' Jake thought, a smile playing on his lips.

His thoughts drifted to what might happen if Jekyll's disguise was ever compromised. Before, the mere idea seemed fraught with danger, and perhaps it still was for some. But things seemed to be different now. Jekyll's more cautious demeanour had played a significant role in Ciara's gradual acceptance of him. She had started to see Jekyll as less of a threat, a progress Jake found both fascinating and promising.

However, Jake couldn't help but wonder how Ciara would react if it came down to an actual battle with Jekyll involved. 'Guess we'll cross that bridge when we get to it,' he thought, watching as Jekyll slowly emerged.

As Jekyll edged closer to Kaida, the air around them subtly shifted. Suddenly, the Mimikyu transformed. What moments ago, was timid curiosity erupted into a display of malevolent intensity, a chill had descending over the battle court.

Jekyll's body stiffened, his cloak unnaturally still. The drawn-on eyes on his costume twisting and contorting into a sinister semblance of sheer rage and hatred. For a fleeting second, Jekyll exuded an aura of pure, unadulterated menace. Ciara and Kaida instinctively recoiled. The Kubfu's stance mirrored her trainer's, both poised for a swift retreat.

Jake watched, a hint of amusement in his eyes as quickly as it had appeared, the threatening aura vanished. Jekyll relaxing, and his disguise settled gently around him. Once menacing eyes returned to the usual vacant cheerfulness. To everyone's surprise, he even began to laugh - a strange, awkward sound - and hopped around Jake cheerfully as if pleased with his own prank. Jake awkwardly looked at Ciara, not sure what to say but he held up his hands saying "Ghost Pokémon, eh?"

Ciara seemed about to voice her indignation, but was abruptly cut off by a deep, resonant horn echoing faintly from the direction of the dojo. Its sound, rich and oriental, carried through the air, weaving through the battle court. The call for Mustard's Second Trial had begun.

The atmosphere shifted instantly, all traces of jest and play vanishing, replaced by a sense of purpose and determination. Jake looked at Ciara, an unspoken understanding passing between them. They had been helping each other, but now they were about to return as competitors.

They shook hands firmly, a mutual respect forged between them and the unspoken recognition of the looming competition. As they descended the steep steps toward the dojo, the evening air wrapped around them, a cool contrast to the warmth of the day's training. Shadows lengthened across the path, cast by the setting sun.

Each step they took resonated with determination, echoing softly against the stone. The dojo below, bathed in the golden hues of dusk, seemed grander than ever. Jake could feel the anticipation in the air, a current that seemed to run through every trainer and Pokémon.

They approached the dojo, in the last rays of the setting sun, within Jake's mind, a single thought solidified with crystal clarity – 'This is it. The real challenge begins now.' Amidst the gathering dusk, the deep, sonorous call of the horn continued to echo, heralding the trial's start. 'Let the games begin.'