Chapter 13: A Trial
POV – JAKE
The first light of dawn broke over the horizon, casting a soft, golden hue across the sprawling courtyard of the Master Dojo. Despite the peaceful dawn, the air was alive with the sounds and energy of rigorous training. Jake, surrounded by his fellow students, was in the thick of an intense morning session.
Sweat beaded on Jake’s forehead as he transitioned into another set of coordinated drills. His muscles ached with a now familiar burn; from the days he had spent training under Mustard’s watchful eye. It was a far cry from the more abstract training methods he remembered from the games; here, every movement, every command was tangible and exacting.
Clad in a mustard yellow Gi, Jake was in the middle of yet another rigorous kata, a series of fluid martial arts movements. Each motion precise, a blend of balance and strength that Mustard insisted was crucial for a Pokémon trainer. "A fit body means a fit mind, Jake," Mustard had said earlier. "Pokémon battles require quick wits, and that starts with the foundation of your body."
These words resonated with Jake as he executed a series of punches and kicks, his body moving in sync with the rhythm of his breathing. He understood the logic; the physical discipline was not just for show. It honed reflexes, sharpened focus, and prepared him for the split-second decisions required in Pokémon battles.
As he moved through the martial arts sequence, Jake found it fascinating that he was learning to fight as well. The style was a blend of Eastern martial arts, with a strong focus on Karate. It reminded him of Bea, the Fighting-type Gym Leader from the Galar region, known as a Karate master. A thought crossed his mind—had Mustard trained her too? The idea seemed plausible, given Mustard’s expertise and reputation.
As he completed his kata, Jake felt a sense of accomplishment. His previous experience playing team sports on Earth had given him a foundation, but this was different. This was more than just physical fitness; it was the integration of mind, body, and spirit—a holistic approach to being a Pokémon trainer that didn’t seem as necessary in the games. Yet, as he wiped the sweat from his brow, a curious thought flickered in his mind. Karate, of all things, as a sport here? It was an earthbound technique, rooted in centuries of human tradition. How could it possibly exist in this world?
The idea was both comforting and unsettling. Comforting, because it hinted at the possibility that others from Earth had made the leap to this world before him. Perhaps they had brought their knowledge, their culture, even their martial arts with them. But then, a pang of unease followed. If they had come here, why hadn’t they returned? Or perhaps—he mused with a smirk—Karate had originated here, and Earth had somehow borrowed it through some cosmic fluke.
It was a ridiculous notion, but in a world where pocket-sized creatures could breathe fire and control the weather, who was he to question the origins of Karate? After all, the lines between what was possible and impossible were already blurred beyond recognition.
During his physical routine, Jake's Pokémon were also engaged in their specialised training. He watched intently as Trixie soared gracefully through the air. Under his direction, she was not only enhancing her flying skills but also building stamina and agility, crucial for aerial battles.
"Trixie, let's focus on elevation changes!" Jake called out. Trixie responded with an enthusiastic Emol, darting higher into the air before swooping low, skimming just above the ground.
Jake recalled their earlier work on a skimming technique, where Trixie flew close to the ground, using the terrain to her advantage. However, he was acutely aware that many gym battles would take place on flat terrain, leaving Trixie much more exposed. This had been made painfully clear in their earlier battle with Mienfoo. Jake knew they would need to adapt their strategy to suit different battle conditions.
Mustard, clad in his customary light green tracksuit, moved through the students with a keen eye and encouraging words. His approach to training was hands-on, blending traditional methods with innovative techniques. He paused beside Jake, observing Trixie’s progress with a nod of approval.
“The key is synergy, lad,” Mustard said, his voice carrying over the sounds of training. “It’s not just about your Pokémon’s strength or skill. It’s about how well you understand each other, how you adapt and respond as a team.”
“Thanks, Master. I’m working on building her stamina and control, especially at higher elevations. But I’m a bit concerned about the flat terrain of gym battles,” Jake replied, his eyes following Trixie’s every move.
Mustard nodded thoughtfully. “A fair concern, that. In gym battles, you won’t always have the luxury of varied terrain. You’ll need to train Trixie to be just as effective in open, flat areas.”
He continued, “Think about working on her acceleration and deceleration. Being able to change speed quickly can throw opponents off just as much as fancy footwork. And don’t forget mid-air stops and sharp turns—they’re crucial for dodging attacks, especially when there’s not much cover.”
Jake listened intently, nodding as he absorbed the advice. “That makes sense. We’ll focus on those techniques. I want to make sure she’s as prepared as possible.”
Jake’s attention was drawn to a new figure joining their training session—Mustard’s Mienshao. The Pokémon’s presence radiated wisdom and discipline, a seasoned warrior through and through. Mienshao moved with a fluid grace that spoke of years of experience and meticulous training.
Mustard had introduced the Mienshao to Jake a few days ago. “This here is my trusted companion,” Mustard had said with pride. “We’ve faced many challenges together, side by side.”
The Mienshao’s long, whip-like arms moved with an elegance and precision that was almost hypnotic. Its fur was a pristine white, with purple tips that added a striking contrast, making each movement even more captivating.
Jake couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe in the presence of this Pokémon. Its strength and agility were evident in every move it made. As Mienshao assisted Mustard in demonstrating advanced training techniques, Jake realised just how deep the well of skill and power ran in this formidable partner.
"This Mienshao," Jake thought, "is the most powerful Pokémon I've encountered so far."
Jake had been slightly intimidated by Mienshao at first, the power of the aura it seemed to exude reminded Jake exactly how fragile he was. Yet, the Mienshao simply went around demonstrating various combat techniques, each executed with a masterful ease. This Pokémon was a mentor in its own right and seemed to very much enjoy the process of guiding the younger Pokémon in the dojo, much like its partner.
A few feet away, Jekyll was engaged in a more grounded exercise. Today under Mienshao’s supervision, the Pokémon was practicing evasive manoeuvres, darting between obstacles with surprising agility. The training was meticulous, focusing on reaction times and strategic positioning, far more nuanced than Jake had anticipated.
Jake had found himself in a bit of a predicament with Jekyll a few days ago. They had been out in the courtyard, ready to begin training for the first time. Jake had turned to Jekyll who simply stood by his side, tone encouraging yet firm. "Alright, Jekyll, time to get to work."
“Mimi, Kyu?” Jekyll responded, his gaze fixed stubbornly on Jake, as if to say, “Why should I, when I can just stay with you?” He didn’t budge an inch, his stubbornness both endearing and a little frustrating.
Jake tried again, a bit more insistently. "Come on, Jekyll, we need to practice. You were amazing yesterday; let’s keep that momentum going."
But Jekyll seemed to have other ideas, merely shuffling closer to Jake, looking up at him, just tilting his head with a “Kyu?” showing no interest in training. “I just wanna stay and look at you?” Jake could sense the Pokémon saying, which while touching, was not particularly helpful.
Just then, Trixie bounded over, full of energy, a half-eaten apple clutched in her paws—no doubt another victim of her pantry raids. “Emol, Emol!” she chirped, raring to go.
Jake couldn’t help but grin. "How are you gonna fly with all that snacking, huh?"He imagined Honey in the kitchen, tallying the missing fruits, a usual casualty of Trixie’s endless appetite.
“Emol!” Trixie shot back, patting her belly confidently, as if to declare, “I’ll burn it off in no time!”
Jake watched as Jekyll’s attention shifted to Trixie. The indignation in Jekyll’s posture was unmistakable. “Kyu!” Jekyll huffed, as if to say, “How dare you approach the master so casually?”
Seizing the moment, Jake grinned. "Looks like Trixie’s all set. How about you, Jekyll? Ready to show her how it’s done?"
Jekyll stiffened, clearly caught off guard, not sure what to do. Jake couldn’t help but smile; this part of Jekyll’s personality always amused him.
Jake kneeled to Jekyll’s level, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Jekyll," he said softly, making sure his tone was encouraging. "You see how eager Trixie is to get stronger? She's really putting her heart... and stomach into it. What do you say, buddy? Are you going to let her have all the fun, or are you going to show us what you can really do?”
Before Jekyll could respond, Trixie chimed in with a playful “Emol, emol!” which Jake knew meant, "Your big sister’s gonna be the strongest!" Her eyes sparkled mischievously.
Jekyll stiffened again, puffing up with another indignant “Kyu!” His tone almost haughty. “Mimi, kyu!” he retorted, as if to declare, "I shall not be bested by the likes of you!"
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Jake couldn't help but laugh. "Well, who knew? Trixie, you're the best motivator Jekyll could ask for," he said.
Back in the present, Jake considered how best to train Mimikyu, but his mind kept drifting to the countless conversations he’d had with his friend Josh—the self-proclaimed Mimikyu aficionado. Josh, with his encyclopaedic Pokémon knowledge and borderline obsession with Mimikyu, would often rave endlessly about strategies with almost comical enthusiasm.
"See, Jake, the real genius of Mimikyu," Josh would say, pushing up his glasses like a professor, "is how it catches opponents totally off guard. I mean, who expects Thunderbolt or Psychic from a Mimikyu? No one!"
Jake recalled how he’d often nod along, more distracted by the sheer amount of Pokémon memorabilia crammed into Josh’s room than by the strategies being explained.
"And the speed!" Josh would continue, practically bouncing with excitement. "Mimikyu can strike before its disguise is even touched. It’s like—bam! Surprise attack! The opponent’s still figuring out what hit them!"
Jake had always found Josh's passion both amusing and, at times, mildly exasperating. Josh really would delve into the minutiae of every Mimikyu move and strategy, it could be kind of overwhelming.
"You really need to leverage that element of surprise, Jake. That's the key! Mimikyu isn't just cute; it's cunning, it's fast, it's—"
"Yeah, I get it, Josh. Mimikyu's awesome," Jake would interject, trying to move to a less intense topic. But Josh's enthusiasm was a runaway train.
"Exactly! And don’t even get me started on the lore behind Mimikyu. Did you know—"
Jake let out a small chuckle, his thoughts returning to the present moment. Those long, humorous talks with Josh had really opened his eyes to the special abilities of Mimikyu. Never had he imagined he'd find himself actually training one, yet here he was with Jekyll. It was all a bit surreal. Sure, he’d spent countless hours mastering the games, memorising move sets and strategies, but that was with a controller in hand and no real-world consequences. Now, standing face-to-face with an actual Mimikyu, it was an entirely different ball game.
Maybe, he thought, I played the games to death—literally. Perhaps that’s what had landed him in this strange world to begin with—his reward or punishment. Still, he couldn’t deny that all those hours of gameplay had uniquely prepared him for this moment. He knew the moves, the abilities, and the quirks of almost every Pokémon in existence. But even with all that knowledge, there was still a learning curve.
The way moves worked in practice, and how they had evolved, nerfed or retconned over different generations, wasn’t straightforward, and figuring out which generation’s rules applied here was a bit of a puzzle. Galar seemed like a safe bet, but who knew if that even mattered?
Experimenting with Trixie had been a fun process of trial and error. He hadn’t had that chance with Jekyll—until now. Jake had just called out moves he assumed a Mimikyu would know early on, hoping for the best. He’d been fortunate—so far, Jekyll hadn’t strayed from a typical Mimikyu's move set.
The key was leveraging Jekyll’s speed and the element of surprise. However, Jake was aware of their limitations in the current setting. While they were in a fighting dojo, access to moves like Thunderbolt or Psychic, which Josh often raved about, was unlikely. Mustard, despite being a celebrated move tutor, didn’t specialise in those particular moves. But that didn't dampen Jake's resolve. He was determined to make the most of what they could learn here, focusing on the strengths and strategies that were within their reach.
Noticing Jekyll’s progress, Mustard approached Jake with a spark of interest in his eyes. “Ah, so you’re thinking of shaping Jekyll into a bit of an unpredictable fighter, are you?”
Jake nodded. "Jekyll's naturally inclined for the unexpected. I’m thinking of expanding beyond typical ghost-type moves."
“I’ve been thinking about teaching him Drain Punch. It seems like a good fit, especially with the environment here,” Jake added, watching Jekyll intently.
Mustard rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Drain Punch, eh? That’s a sharp choice, lad. Combining attack with healing—it suits Jekyll’s style perfectly. Let’s give it a go.”
With a nod, Mustard brought in his Mienshao to demonstrate the move. “Mienshao here will show us the technique,” Mustard suggested, his tone carrying a hint of excitement. “Let’s see if Jekyll can pick it up—this should be interesting.”
"Shao!" Mienshao called out, stepping forward with readiness that merged elegance and strength. In a fluid motion, it coiled and then uncoiled rapidly, lunging to strike a training dummy with its whip-like arm, which blurred upon impact. The controlled, forceful punch caused the dummy to shudder, while a faint glow around Mienshao's arm indicated the energy-draining aspect of Drain Punch, though of course, nothing actually drained from the training dummy.
Jekyll observed Mienshao closely. Using Copycat, Jekyll began replicating the move. Beneath its disguise, Jekyll's real claw struck out at a rapid pace, mirroring Mienshao's movements.
Jake watched Jekyll manoeuvre through the training exercises and noted a certain clumsiness in the way he moved. "It's all about balance," he thought. "Jekyll's agility seems compromised while maintaining its Pikachu disguise. We'll need to focus on improving that." Jake realised that their portrayed speed from the games was more about the swiftness of their attacks, and not necessarily bodily agility.
"Shao, Shao!" Mienshao chimed in, demonstrating swerving its body, and how this could be used for moves to miss at the last moment, which could be followed by a brutal counter.
“Right then, let’s focus on that,” Mustard said with a nod. “Jekyll, pay close attention to how Mienshao moves. Don’t just copy the attack—learn how it evades as well.”
Jekyll, attentive as ever, began attempting to mirror both the attack and evasion techniques. The Pokémon's efforts to maintain its disguise while adapting to these new movements were impressive, though somewhat comical. It was clear that this was pushing Jekyll's abilities in new directions.
As he watched Trixie and Jekyll diligently move about the courtyard, he thought to himself, This is what real Pokémon training is about. It wasn't just about the Pokémon themselves getting stronger; it was also about him, as a trainer, learning the art and science behind effective training. Jake could see progress in both Trixie and Jekyll, but more importantly, he felt a growing confidence in his own ability to guide them and any other Pokémon he might encounter in the future.
Around them, the dojo was alive with the sounds of training. Jake's gaze shifted to Siobhan, her vibrant orange hair neatly tied back, as she worked with her Bulbasaur. The sight of the Bulbasaur immediately brought a rush of nostalgia for Jake. It had been his chosen starter in Pokémon Red, and seeing a real Bulbasaur was still a surreal experience for him.
Stout and sturdy, with a wide, friendly face, patterned green skin, and the distinct bulb on its back that seemed to pulsate gently—Jake couldn’t hide his delight the first time he met it. “Wow, a real Bulbasaur,” he had exclaimed with excitement. The Pokémon had regarded him with curious, gentle eyes, emitting a soft “Bulba” in greeting.
Jab and Bab were engaged in a light-hearted sparring match, laughter infusing the intense training session. Jake observed Jab's Squirtle, oddly sporting sunglasses, much like its anime counterpart, and Bab's who strangely had a playful Mienfoo, the Pokemon seemed to mirror their trainers' laid-back attitudes. The Pokémon seemed more focused on enjoying themselves than serious training, often joining their trainers in crafting pranks, especially aimed at Ciara and Siobhan. "I guess Pokémon really do reflect the natures of their trainers," he thought, amused.
Ciara, in contrast to the rest of the dojo, trained in solitude. Her presence was marked by an air of aloofness, standing apart from the other trainers. Jake couldn't help but notice her – tanned skin glistening with the effort of training, dark hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. She moved with a sharp precision that spoke volumes about her dedication. Every motion of her and her Kubfu was calculated and deliberate, reflecting a serious commitment to their training.
Despite having a Kubfu, a Pokémon revered as legendary in the games, Ciara didn’t draw the awe one might expect on the Isle of Armor. Jake pondered this, realising that perhaps, on this island, a Kubfu wasn’t as rare a sight as elsewhere. Maybe they're just more common here, he thought.
During his time at the dojo, Jake had learned little about Ciara. She was a mystery, often quiet during meals, quickly finishing before slipping away to train more. Her interactions were limited, speaking mostly to Siobhan and occasionally to Master Mustard. To everyone else, she remained silent, her cold demeanour forming a barrier that few seemed able to cross.
Jake observed her training from a distance, noting the intensity in her amber eyes and the disciplined way she and her Kubfu moved in sync. She's serious about her training, that much is clear, Jake thought.
The afternoon training session drew to a close as Master Mustard clapped his hands loudly, signalling the students to gather in the courtyard. Mienshao stood at his side, with Honey accompanying him.
The students, along with their Pokémon, formed a disciplined semi-circle around Mustard and Honey, arms behind their backs. Jake stood among them, a sense of anticipation building.
"I'm pleased with the progress everyone has made," Mustard began, though his eyes did linger with a doubtful expression on Jab and Bab, who were trying to appear more attentive than usual. His voice carried across the courtyard. "But as the Galar Pokémon League approaches in a couple of months, it's time to elevate your training. You’re ready for the trials."
He looked at Jake. “You haven’t been here long, but you’ve done well—better than I expected, truth be told. These trials will push you, but you’ve shown you’re a capable lad,” he said with an encouraging nod.
Mustard stepped aside with a warm smile, allowing Honey to take centre stage. The afternoon sun caught her just so, adding a gentle glow to her presence. "The first trial," she began, her voice soft, "will be a little ingredient hunt. Your task is to gather Max Mushrooms, which are essential for a special recipe I have in mind."
Honey continued. "You'll find these mushrooms in the Forest of Focus, within the Wild Area." At the mention of the Forest of Focus, Jake rolled his eyes, a wry smile forming on his lips. It was almost ironic; he had traversed this very forest to arrive at Applinby.
"The Max Mushrooms you're after are rather special," Honey explained, her tone warm and encouraging. "They have a striking, glowing appearance, with colours that can range from deep blues to purples. You’ll often spot them growing in clusters, either clinging to the sides of trees or tucked away in the damp, shaded parts of the forest."
Jake couldn’t suppress a smirk, amused by the real-life representation of what he’d only experienced in the games.
Mustard stepped forward again, his tone shifting to something more serious. “This trial isn’t just a hunt for ingredients. It’s an opportunity to learn essential survival skills that every trainer needs to know. You’ll learn how to navigate through the wilderness, set up camp in the great outdoors, and interact safely and effectively with wild Pokémon. These aren’t just lessons for the trial; they’re skills that will serve you well on any journey you undertake.”
He paused, taking a breath. "You will be leaving just before dawn tomorrow morning, so I suggest you all get a good night's rest and prepare your Pokémon. The better rested and prepared you are, the more successful you'll be in the trial."
Mustard’s gaze then shifted to Honey, his expression softening as he smiled. “And don’t forget, Honey here is quite the expert when it comes to Max Mushrooms. She’ll be judging the quality of what you bring back, so do your best to impress her.”
He wrapped up his address with a final word on the importance of teamwork. “You’ll all set out together, but once you reach the Wild Area, the choice is yours—stick together or venture out on your own. Remember, this trial is just as much about your individual growth and independence as it is about learning to work together as a team. Find the balance that works for you, and you’ll come out stronger on the other side.”
Jake wasn’t alone in letting out a soft groan—the prospect of a bright and early start reminded him vaguely of past school wilderness expeditions. Great, up with the sun, back into the wild, he thought with amusement and mild resignation.
That said, despite the early start, he was excited. He was in a world where Pokémon were real, where every new day brought adventures that had existed only in his dreams. Now, he was actually participating in a trial that was the start of a real Pokémon journey.
Jake’s eyes then fell on Trixie and Jekyll, his companions, his loyal friends. As the day’s light began to wane, giving way to the evening, Jake knew that with Trixie and Jekyll by his side, he was ready to face whatever the wild had in store for them. He smiled, looking forward to the dawn of a new adventure, thinking, Let’s show them what we’re made of.