Chapter 16: An Unravelling
POV - JAKE
The early morning light filtered through the dense canopy of the Forest of Focus, casting soft shadows across the forest floor. The air was crisp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and damp soil, amplified by the recent rain. A cool breeze occasionally rustled the leaves, mingling with the distant calls of Pokémon.
Jake made his way carefully through the underbrush, his eyes scanning the vibrant greenery around him. The forest buzzed with life: the gentle rustling of leaves, the occasional Pidove chirp, and the distant murmur of a creek. The ground beneath his feet was damp but solid, cushioned by a layer of fallen leaves and twigs that crunched softly underfoot.
Overhead, Trixie flitted from branch to branch, her large eyes keen, ears twitching with alertness. Her nose constantly tested the air, searching for the elusive scent of Max Mushrooms. Every so often, she paused, sniffing intently at a spot before moving on, her tail flicking with excitement.
Beside Jake, Arthrox crawled steadily, his segmented body moving in a rhythmic, undulating motion. His antennae quivered as he navigated the forest, touching the ground and the air, trying to pick up any vibrations or signals that might lead them to their goal.
Jake called up to Trixie, "You sure you’re on the right track up there? All I’m seeing is trees."
Trixie paused on a branch and looked down at him with a smirk. "Emol, emol!" she chirped, which Jake took to mean, "Doing more than you, at least!"
Jake chuckled. "Ouch, that stings, Trix."
Arthrox seemed to grow a bit impatient. "Veni, veni," he grumbled—probably Venipede for, "Just focus, will you?"
In response, Trixie dove playfully towards Arthrox, fluttering around him with a mischievous grin. "Emol, emol!" she teased, likely meaning, "You can't catch me!"
Jake shook his head with a wry smile. "Glad to see at least one of us is taking this seriously," he said, glancing at Arthrox.
Suddenly, Trixie perked up, her ears twitching. She let out an excited cry and darted off through the trees. "She's onto something!" Jake exclaimed.
"Lead the way, Trix!" Jake called out, his spirits lifting.
"Arthrox, if we find this mushroom, maybe I'll let you roll across my shoulders as a victory lap," he added. That might actually be a decent massage. Jake could use it after the stress of managing three Pokémon—he couldn’t imagine what having a full team would be like.
Arthrox paused briefly, then responded in a serious tone, "Veni. Venipede." Probably something along the lines of, "Rolling on human shoulders is impractical and potentially harmful."
Jake blinked, a laugh escaping him. "Well, you've got a literal point there," he admitted, amused. "Quite the straight shooter, huh? We'll need to work on your sense of humour."
Arthrox responded with a curt, "Veni, veni," as if to say, "Let's not waste time."
Jake chuckled. "You really don't do jokes, do you, Arthrox?"
"Veni," Arthrox replied, which Jake took to mean, "Jokes are not efficient." Jake sighed a little, Arthrox was a nice balance to Trixie, after all.
Jake and Arthrox burst into a small, sun-dappled clearing, only to be greeted by an amusing yet frustrating sight. Perched atop a large, green-glowing Max Mushroom was Trixie, gleefully stuffing her face. Her cheeks bulged comically with shroom, eyes closed in sheer delight as she savoured every bite.
"Emol! Emol!" she chirped between mouthfuls, clearly in her element.
Jake stopped in his tracks, exasperated. "Trixie! You're supposed to be finding them, not eating them!"
Arthrox rolled up beside him, coming to a halt. He looked at Trixie with what could only be described as disbelief—if a Venipede could look disbelieving. "Veni, veni!" he intoned, likely meaning, “What do you think you're doing?”
Trixie, completely oblivious to her companions’ dismay, continued her feast, bits of mushroom falling from her mouth as she munched happily. She looked like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar—utterly guilty yet too delighted to care.
Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Of all the Pokémon to have on a mushroom hunt..." he muttered to himself.
Trixie, cheeks still bulging, looked up innocently. "Emol, emol," she mumbled, probably trying to justify herself with, "But it's so tasty!"
Arthrox let out what sounded like a deep, exasperated sigh. "Veni, veni," he grumbled. "An objective is not tasty."
Jake shot back, "That's a cute excuse, but how are we supposed to complete the trial if you keep eating all the evidence? And you shouldn’t talk with your mouth full!"
Trixie puffed her cheeks out even more, clearly offended.
Jake’s annoyance deepened as he stood in the clearing, watching Trixie munching away on the Max Mushroom. "Trixie, this isn't a game," he said sternly. "We actually need these mushrooms for the trial, and you're just eating them!"
Arthrox echoed Jake's frustration. "Veni, veni," which Jake took as agreement.
Jake racked his brain, trying to figure out how one disciplines a Pokémon. This wasn’t exactly something the games had prepared him for. Maybe I should withhold treats, he pondered, but that would never work with Trixie. Then, an idea struck him.
"If you keep this up, Trixie, there will be no headpats for you," Jake warned, hoping the threat would do the trick.
Trixie's eyes widened in shock; her mouth still full of mushroom. The very idea of no headpats seemed to genuinely distress her, and she finally looked up at Jake with a guilty expression.
Arthrox seemed to approve of this tactic, murmuring "Veni, veni," in a tone Jake took to mean, "Harsh discipline is indeed the answer."
Just as Jake was about to continue his scolding, a rustling in the bushes caught his attention. He paused, listening, but quickly dismissed it as just the breeze. However, Arthrox tensed slightly, his antennae quivering.
Jake’s focus shifted from the half-devoured mushroom to something glinting beneath a fern. He crouched down, brushing his fingers over a green stone with a crystalline texture. At first, he wasn’t sure what it was—the stone was cool to the touch, its surface almost glass-like. He lifted it up, examining it in the soft morning light filtering through the trees.
Trixie crawled up to his shoulder, hugging his neck. “Emol, emol,” she cooed, likely trying to make amends with, "Sorry, sorry."
Jake, still mesmerised by the stone, ignored her for the moment. The stone radiated a gentle glow in the sunlight, illuminating his awed face. Intricate etchings of a leaf pattern adorned its surface. "A Leaf Stone," Jake murmured, memories from his gaming days resurfacing. He vaguely recalled that such a stone could be found in this forest. This was an incredible find.
He pocketed the stone, thinking of its potential use in the future. He didn’t have any Pokémon that could evolve with one yet, but who knew what could happen down the line.
Sensing Jake's softened mood, Trixie kept hugging his neck, emoling softly, apologising for her mistake. Jake was about to reassure her when a sudden, loud “Tang!” broke the silence, the sound echoing ominously through the trees.
Startled, Jake spun around, Trixie clinging tightly to his shoulder. The rustling in the bushes ceased, replaced by the furious gaze of a Tangela. Its vines writhed angrily, likely upset that its source of mushrooms had been disturbed.
This was a perfect chance to test Arthrox’s mettle. The grass-type Pokémon was an interesting sight, its large, expressive eyes glaring out from a dense tangle of blue vines. Jake recalled the Pokédex entry mentioning that no one had ever seen what lay hidden beneath those vines. Observing the Tangela in person, Jake was no closer to solving that mystery.
According to the game stats he remembered, Tangela were theoretically stronger than Venipede, but Jake was curious to see how much a typing advantage would matter in reality. Unlike in the games, there were no levels or stats here, so it was difficult to gauge a Pokémon’s true strength. The only indicators seemed to be a Pokémon's physical conditioning or perhaps an intangible aura, but Jake lacked the experience to discern these subtleties. An actual Pokédex would have been helpful in this situation, but unfortunately, Jake didn't possess one, nor did he know how to acquire one.
"Arthrox, let's start with Poison Sting!" Jake commanded, hoping to capitalise on the type mismatch.
Arthrox, however, had his own ideas. Instead of launching a Poison Sting, he wound himself tightly into a ball, using Defence Curl. Jake's initial frustration quickly turned to surprise as Tangela's Vine Whip lashed out, only to bounce harmlessly off Arthrox's armoured body.
"Okay, smart move," Jake muttered, acknowledging Arthrox's defensive strategy. But his appreciation was short-lived as Tangela, undeterred, attempted to Bind Arthrox. The vines tried to coil around the curled-up bug Pokémon, but again, they slipped off, unable to get a grip.
"Arthrox, let's try Fury Cutter now!" Jake called out, hoping for a more aggressive approach.
Yet, Arthrox continued his defensive stance, rolling into an even tighter ball. The Tangela, growing visibly frustrated, intensified its assault, vines whipping furiously, but each attack seemed futile against Arthrox's steadfast defence.
As Jake watched Arthrox continuing his defensive approach, he understood a direct appeal was necessary. "Arthrox, think about it," he began. "To evolve and become stronger, a balance of offence and defence is necessary. You're destined to become a Scolipede, renowned for their power and speed. Embrace that inherent aggression. It's a part of who you are and who you can become. Defending is vital, but so is taking action. You joined me on this journey to grow and evolve, right? Let's show that potential now!
Arthrox seemed to shudder a bit at this, the desire for strong defence conflicting with his desire to evolve. One last push. "Arthrox," he said passionately, "your name isn't just a label; it's a legacy. It comes from a legendary hero, celebrated not only for his defence but for leading the charge with courage and strength. A hero who stood at the forefront, noble and fearless. That spirit is within you. It’s in your very core. To evolve, to grow, you need to embrace that part of yourself. You can be more than just a defender. You can be a warrior, a protector, and a leader. Embrace the warrior spirit of the hero you're named after. Lead the charge, show your strength!"
Jake’s words seemed to strike a chord deep within Arthrox. The spiky little Pokémon almost vibrated with energy as he uncurled, a fierce glint in his eyes. “Veni, veni!” he cried, with an almost fanatical battle mania.
Oh, forgive me for the monster I’ve created.
Jake suddenly noticed the Tangela's vines shifting, quivering in an almost rhythmic pattern. The ends of the vines began to release a fine, yellowish powder that drifted slowly towards Arthrox. Stun Spore, he thought calmly—a move designed to paralyse its opponent.
Jake’s eyes darted between the Tangela and Arthrox, who was now radiating an almost palpable aura of battle readiness, fuelled by the fervent pep talk. Seizing the moment, Jake called out, "Arthrox, super-fast Rollout! Scatter that spore!"
Arthrox responded with a burst of energy, spinning his body at incredible speed. The motion created a gust of wind that scattered the incoming Stun Spore. A few stray particles headed straight for Jake. With a startled expression, he quickly dove to the side, Trixie leaping off his shoulder as he landed awkwardly on the damp forest floor.
For a moment, he lay there, staring up at the canopy above, his mind echoing, Why does this keep happening to me? He looked up to see Trixie perched safely out of the spore's path, a faint smirk on her face, finding the situation more entertaining than concerning.
Refocusing on the battle, Jake called out from his new position on the ground, "Now, Arthrox, Toxic!"
The Venipede spewed a viscous, purple substance—a concentrated poison—that flew through the air and landed with a splat on the Tangela. Almost immediately, the Tangela, which had been vigorously attacking moments ago, began to falter. The vibrant blue of its vines started to darken where the toxic substance had made contact. Many of the once-lively vines seemed to wither and droop, losing their elasticity and vigour. The Tangela's movements slowed considerably; its previous energy now visibly drained by the potent poison coursing through its body.
Regaining his feet, Jake urged, "Follow it up with Poison Sting!"
Arthrox coiled his segmented body, then uncoiled with explosive speed. The stinger at the end of his body glowed ominously with a deep purple hue.
With a swift and aggressive motion, Arthrox lunged forward, shooting poison darts from his caudal stinger. They found their mark, piercing the weakened Tangela with pinpoint accuracy. Each hit pushed the Tangela back, the force of the attack relentless.
The Tangela, already severely hampered by the Toxic, now had to contend with the relentless barrage of Poison Stings. Each strike delivered more venom into its system, causing its vines to twitch and convulse erratically.
As Jake watched the Tangela bravely endure the onslaught, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Despite its weakened state, it was still trying to stand tall, to show its resilience. But Jake knew the battle had to end, and Arthrox was the one to finish it.
"Arthrox, use Poison Tail!" Jake called out, his voice firm but tinged with a bit of reluctance.
Arthrox responded with a swift movement, his tail a blur as it whipped through the air. Unlike Poison Sting, Poison Tail was about brute force. The slender, segmented tail of the Venipede was not just a stinger; it was a weapon in its own right. As it lashed forward, the tip of the tail, coated in a thick, viscous poison, struck the Tangela with a resounding thud.
The impact was significant. The Tangela, already reeling from the Toxic and the repeated stings, could no longer maintain its stance. Its vines wilted as the poison took its final toll. With a last shudder, the Tangela collapsed to the ground, unconscious and defeated.
Jake stood still for a moment, absorbing the aftermath. The transformation of Arthrox from a creature focused on defence to one wielding raw aggression was both impressive and slightly unsettling. The thought of facing a swarm of aggressive Venipedes wasn’t something he’d wish on anyone.
His mind drifted to Arthrox's mother, the Scolipede, whose presence had left a lasting impression on him. Her colossal size, the menacing way she moved, and her evident ferocity remained vivid in his memory. Arthrox, with his balance of defensive skill and inherent aggression, seemed destined to grow into a formidable creature, much like his mother. Jake realised that with Arthrox's evolution, he might have a true powerhouse on his team—a real tank in the making.
Jake couldn’t help but beam with pride at Arthrox’s performance. "You did amazing, Arthrox!" he exclaimed, full of praise. Carefully, he reached out to pick up the Venipede, mindful of the creature’s poison. To his relief, Arthrox seemed to have fine control over his venom, so Jake was safe from harm. Gently, Jake hugged the Venipede, feeling a sense of accomplishment and connection.
Arthrox, unaccustomed to such displays of affection, initially seemed stiff, but soon relaxed, emitting a series of contented “Veni, veni” sounds. Probably something like “This is pleasant.” or something to that effect—his expressionless face didn’t give much away, but his feelers twitched and patted Jake’s face, which Jake took as a sign that he was happy.
"You see, this is what we can achieve together," Jake reiterated softly. Arthrox responded with an enthusiastic vibration, perhaps the equivalent of a nod. Jake felt a rush of satisfaction as the Venipede nuzzled closer. This was no doubt a new experience for Arthrox, but one that he seemed to be embracing with enthusiasm.
He stood up, still holding Arthrox gently. "We're going to do great things, you and I," he said with a confident nod. "I can't wait to see how strong you'll become."
At that moment, Trixie flitted around them, emoling happily, congratulating Arthrox on his successful battle.
"Ah, and look who it is—the mushroom thief?" Jake teased.
Trixie's ears drooped slightly, a rare sign of genuine remorse from the usually mischievous Emolga. “Emol, emol!” she chirped as she fluttered down to Jake's shoulder, likely saying, “I’m really sorry, I promise I won’t do it again,” while nuzzling against his cheek.
Jake couldn’t help but soften at her gesture. "Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” he grinned at her. “Alright, I forgive you," he said with a sigh, wrapping her in a hug. "But try not to eat our goal next time, okay?" As he spoke, he gave her a headpat, thinking to himself that he was probably being too lenient with her. But then again, she could be irresistibly adorable, even without trying.
Trixie emoled happily, her mood instantly lifted. She licked Jake's cheek affectionately, delighted to be off his bad books.
Turning his attention to the Tangela, Jake used a revive, watching as the Pokémon slowly regained its strength. "Sorry about the disturbance," he apologised sincerely. The Tangela, noble in defeat, seemed to accept his apology with a nod of its body. Jake extended his hand, shaking one of the Tangela's vines, respecting the Pokémon's honour and bravery.
With the Tangela situation resolved, Jake, Trixie, and Arthrox continued their search for a Max Mushroom. They delved deeper into the Forest of Focus, with Jake carefully marking their path to ensure they could find their way back.
It was midday before they made any further progress. The sun was high above, casting a warm light through the trees. Jake kept a keen eye out, hopeful that they would soon find what they were looking for. Trixie's nose twitched as she continued to sniff the air, and Arthrox moved steadily alongside Jake, his senses alert for any sign of their elusive target. The forest held many secrets, and Jake felt a sense of excitement and anticipation as they ventured deeper into its heart.
As they wandered deeper into the forest, Jake's attention was drawn to some oddly shaped fruits hanging from the trees around him. They were apricorns, a variety of colours adorning their surfaces. There were black, white, and blue apricorns, each with its own unique texture and sheen. Jake knew from his knowledge of the Pokémon world that these apricorns were used in crafting specialised Poké Balls.
"Hey, Trix, can you grab a few of those for me?" Jake asked, pointing towards the colourful apricorns.
Trixie, eager to help, zipped through the air, deftly plucking a selection of apricorns from the trees with her tiny paws. She brought them back to Jake, who carefully stored them in his pack for later use.
As he examined the apricorns, Jake found himself pondering their potential transformations. He knew that Fast Balls were designed for speedy captures and that Heavy Balls were effective for larger, heavier Pokémon. But what about a Lure Ball? How would it function in reality, and would it really be more effective for Pokémon caught while fishing, as the games suggested?
And then there were the more enigmatic types like Level Balls or Love Balls. How would their unique properties translate into real-world mechanics? Jake just shrugged, figuring he’d find out eventually.
For now, a Fast Ball, Heavy Ball, and Lure Ball could be really useful, Jake thought to himself. I’ll have to see if the Cram-o-matic is available in Hyde’s room back at the dojo.
With the apricorns safely tucked away, Jake, Trixie, and Arthrox resumed their search for the elusive mushrooms.
The trio continued their quest through the dense foliage of the Forest of Focus, the air thick with the earthy scent of damp soil and rich vegetation. Trixie fluttered ahead, her nose twitching as she scouted the area. Arthrox moved with a methodical rhythm, his segments flowing smoothly over the forest floor.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
As they neared a familiar creek, recognition dawned on Jake and Trixie. This area was close to where they first journeyed together to Applinby, not far from Trixie's family den.
"Hey, Trixie, how about we visit your family once we're done here?" Jake suggested, noticing the sudden spark of excitement in Trixie's eyes.
Trixie chirped happily at the idea, her tail twitching in anticipation. Arthrox, overhearing the conversation, let out a resigned sigh.
"Veni, veni," he murmured, an air of exasperation in his tone as if to say, "More of them?"
Jake chuckled at Arthrox's reaction. "Alright, buddy, you can rest in your Poké Ball until we're done visiting," he said, recalling Arthrox to his ball with a knowing grin.
Suddenly, Trixie cried out, “Emol, emol!” as if remembering something important. Jake grinned as she gestured for him to follow, the scene reminding him of when they first met. Following her lead, Jake navigated through the dense underbrush of the forest, leaping over gnarled roots, ducking under hanging vines, and pushing through thick foliage. Eventually, they reached a spot where the forest seemed to grow impossibly dense, with light struggling to penetrate the thick canopy.
Trixie pointed eagerly towards what appeared to be a mystical, almost portal-like entrance to a clearing. Jake approached cautiously, peering into the ethereal opening.
What lay before him was a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Dense clusters of mushrooms in various shapes and sizes carpeted the ground, with tall stalks of Foongus occasionally dotting the landscape. At the centre of the clearing lay a slumbering giant—an absolutely colossal Amoonguss. They were supposed to be only two feet tall, according to the Pokédex Jake remembered, but this one seemed more like a Totem Pokémon. Its enormous bulk was still, giving the impression of deep, undisturbed sleep. The air was thick with a sweet, earthy scent, punctuated by the almost tangible presence of glowing spores that hung like a delicate veil over the entire scene.
Jake held his breath—one wrong move, one accidental rustle, and the peaceful scene could erupt into chaos. The spores, suspended in the air, shimmered slightly in the thin sunlight that filtered through the canopy.
Jake tread carefully, fully aware of the lingering spores in the air, which could cause him real harm if he made contact. He cautiously navigated around the perimeter of the clearing, wary of waking the slumbering mushroom Pokémon.
The Foongus and Amoonguss appeared motionless, not reacting to anything. Jake wondered if mushrooms actually needed to sleep—a random thought, but fitting for the randomness of the situation.
His eyes caught sight of a Max Mushroom, its vibrant red-pink colour standing out amidst the more subdued tones of the clearing. The mushroom was out of his reach, so he carefully instructed Trixie to retrieve it.
"Trixie, we need to be as quiet and as careful as possible. Use your agility to weave through the spores," Jake said softly. "And no nibbling this time."
Trixie hovered at the edge of the mushroom clearing as Jake watched intently, aware of the delicate balance they needed to maintain to avoid disturbing the sleeping fungi Pokémon. He gave her soft, guiding commands, each one a whispered strategy.
"Quick Attack, Trixie. Quick but silent," Jake instructed, his voice barely audible. Trixie nodded slightly, her body tensing for a moment before she darted forward. The move was a swift, silent glide, barely stirring the air as she deftly navigated through the forest of mushrooms and spores.
Navigating the spore clouds required more than just speed. "Now, Acrobatics," Jake instructed, his tone carrying a gentle urgency. Trixie responded with a series of fluid, acrobatic manoeuvres. She twisted and turned gracefully in the air, her movements a dance of precision and finesse. Each turn was calculated, each flip designed to avoid the spores that hung like mist in the clearing.
Reaching the Max Mushroom, Trixie slowed, reaching out carefully, her paws gently encircling the mushroom. With a skilled tug, she detached it from the ground, securing it safely.
As Trixie made her way back, Jake’s eyes followed her every move. "Steady now," he whispered. The return journey was tense, with Trixie showing remarkable control as she delicately manoeuvred through the dense, spore-filled air, timing each movement to avoid the dangerous clouds.
Slowly but surely, Trixie emerged from the clearing, handing off the mushroom to Jake. He grinned at her, giving her a silent high-five. Together, they retreated from the clearing, relief palpable. The Foongus and Amoonguss remained undisturbed, their slumber uninterrupted. Jake finally let out the breath he had been holding, the Max Mushroom safe in his grasp.
Jake couldn’t suppress the exhilaration bubbling inside him as he and Trixie strolled back. "Trix, you were just awesome back there!" he said, beaming with pride.
"Emol, emol!" Trixie chirped, which Jake interpreted as, "No, it was you who was awesome!"
Jake chuckled. "Nah, Trixie, the awesome one is you!" he insisted.
"Emol!" Trixie countered, insisting in her own way, "No, it's definitely you!"
"Okay, okay, we're both awesome, agreed?"
"Emolga!" Trixie concurred, zipping around him in agreement.
“And your flying, Trixie—you've improved so much!” Jake continued. “You’ve more than made up for your... snack mishap.”
"Emol, emol!" Trixie replied, likely meaning something along the lines of "I told you I’d make it up to you!"
“You sure did! We were basically ninja back there!” Jake said with a grin.
A voice suddenly cut through the air, almost catching him off guard. "Ninja moves in the woods, Jake? You're full of surprises." The words carried a low, almost American accent.
Startled, Jake turned to see a girl standing just off the path, her athletic frame leaning casually against a tree, arms crossed. Her dark brown ponytail swayed slightly in the breeze, and her intense amber eyes gleamed with a little amusement, and a lot of challenge.
Caught mid-laughter, Jake’s cheeks flushed with embarrassed warmth. "Oh, uh, hey Ciara," he stammered, his earlier bravado melting away under her gaze. He awkwardly shifted the Max Mushroom in his hand, as if trying to make it less conspicuous.
It did not work.
Ciara's smirk widened slightly; eyes drifting to his hand, eyebrow raised in amusement. "Seems you've got your prize there," she noted, nodding towards the mushroom in Jake's hand. "Impressive."
"Yeah, we did," Jake replied. "Trixie found it, actually. She did a great job."
“Emol!” Trixie beamed at the praise, perched once again on his shoulder, puffing out her chest in pride. “No, we did a great job!’
Ciara looked at Trixie and then back at Jake. "Well, congratulations. But you know what this means, right?" A challenge clearly in her eyes. “Let's se Jake couldn't resist teasing Ciara a little. "Couldn't find one for yourself, huh?" he said with a smirk.
Ciara nonchalantly revealed a mushroom in her hand. “Already found one,” she stated coolly. Glancing at Trixie and then back to Jake, her expression shifted to a slight, knowing smirk. “But I saw you in the woods earlier. Curiosity got the better of me—I wanted to see your strategy in action. Besides, in this game, two mushrooms are definitely better than one.”
Jake raised an eyebrow. "So, you want to knock me out of the trials?"
Ciara's gaze was steady, firm yet not unkind. "Only if you're not strong enough to compete," she countered.
"You just wanna battle, huh?" Jake replied.
Her eyes flashed with determination. "To be the best, I have to defeat all rivals along the way. It's as simple as that."
"I'm honoured you consider me a rival," he said, flashing a grin at her. She was a battle maniac, just like Master Mustard.
Ciara’s lips hinted at a subtle smile. "I’ve been keeping an eye on you, Jake. Your bout with Master Mustard left some questions in my mind. I’ve tested myself against everyone else, but you’re still an unknown. It’s time to see if you live up to the Master’s praise," she declared.
"What are the stakes?"
Ciara held up the mushroom, her confidence unwavering. "If I win, this mushroom is mine. You’ll be left to find another, risking your spot in the trial."
"And if I come out on top?" Jake inquired.
Her smirk deepened. "Then this mushroom is yours," she said, holding it out slightly. "And I'll do you one better—I’ll teach you a Pokémon move. Trust me, it’s not an offer I make lightly."
At that moment, Trixie fluttered up to Ciara, greeting her cheerfully. Despite her cool exterior, Ciara’s eyes softened briefly at the sight of the playful Emolga, a rare glimpse of her softer side. But just as quickly, her gaze returned to Jake, determination clear.
Jake gave a theatrical bow, playing along. "Well then, it shall be my honour to engage in battle with you," he said with a grin.
Ciara watched him with an amused yet exasperated expression, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth despite her best efforts to remain stoic.
Ciara rolled her eyes subtly, shifting back to her usual cool composure. "Alright, enough with the dramatics," she replied. "Let’s focus on the battle. I’m here for a challenge, not theatrics. Pure skill, pure Pokémon battling—that’s what counts."
Jake nodded, recalling the battle etiquette Mustard had instilled in him. "Since I’m the one being challenged, I get to set the terms, right?" he said thoughtfully. "Let’s make it a two-on-two battle. Casual rules."
"Let's do this," Ciara affirmed, shifting into battle mode. With a swift movement, she unclipped a Poké Ball from her belt. "Go, Valianta!" she declared, throwing the ball with practiced precision. Her Pawniard emerged, its bladed body reflecting the forest's dappled light.
Jake had initially found the practice of announcing Pokémon names before sending them into battle rather peculiar. It didn’t seem to serve any practical purpose, but it appeared to be a tradition deeply rooted among trainers—an almost ceremonial aspect of Pokémon battles. Perhaps it was tied to the more ritualistic and honourable culture of the people and creatures in this world, contributing to the relative civility that existed in Pokémon battles.
Jake recognised the potential in Ciara's team. With a Pawniard and a Kubfu at her disposal, she could become a very formidable trainer. Yet, that potential was still in its infancy. From his knowledge of the games, he remembered that Pawniard were primarily physical attackers with limited ranged capabilities. However, he lacked a Pokémon in his current roster that directly countered Pawniard's specific type strengths. Trixie was probably his best option.
Jake turned to his Emolga. "Trixie, you ready to show what you can do?"
"Emol!" she chirped excitedly. "You bet!"
"Alright, Trix, this time you have plenty of branches and trees to cover, but so does Pawniard," Jake began. "Pawniard will try to get close to you; don’t let that happen."
Trixie nodded in understanding and, with a firm emol, took off into the air, skimming close to the ground and circling the chosen battleground. It was a partially wooded area, a mix of cover and open spaces. The uneven terrain allowed for quick movements and sudden attacks, perfect for a Pokémon like Trixie.
Ciara, however, chose the unexpected. "Valianta, Fling!" With precise coordination, the Pawniard kicked up a nearby rock, its metallic arm gleaming in the sun as it then struck the object with a resounding ring, sending the projectile hurtling at great speed straight at Trixie.
Jake's eyes widened but kept his calm. "Trixie, Quick Attack, now!" he instructed. Trixie's body blurred into motion, a streak of white and black zipping through the air. Effortlessly dodging the incoming rock, the wind from her speed rustling the nearby leaves.
Ciara’s command rang out clear and decisive. "Valianta, Metal Sound!" The Pawniard's arms clashed together, creating a high-pitched, metallic resonance that echoed through the clearing.
The sound was sharp, like the ringing of a bell, but magnified and distorted. It reverberated off the trees, amplifying its intensity. Trixie, caught mid-air, winced visibly, the discordant noise ringing in her sensitive ears. She faltered, her flight disrupted, turning into a wobbly descent towards the ground.
Jake's heart raced, his own ears ringing. He suddenly noticed that Ciara was wearing ear protectors—she had clearly been more prepared for this battle than he was. He watched as Trixie struggled, her small body trembling from the auditory assault. The forest seemed to hold its breath, the usual rustles and whispers quieted under the oppressive sound.
Before Jake could issue a counter-command, Ciara seized the opportunity. "Follow with Metal Claw, now!" she ordered. Valianta, taking advantage of Trixie's disorientation, surged forward with astonishing speed. Its clawed arm, glinting menacingly in the sunlight, was poised for a strike.
Trixie, still recovering, fluttered her wings desperately, trying to regain altitude. But the Pawniard was relentless, closing the gap between them rapidly. Its metallic arm, honed to a deadly edge, cut through the air with a sinister swish. Jake’s breath caught—this move mirrored the Bisharp’s deadly strike on the Scolipede from earlier. Ciara had clearly learned well, mastering aggressive tactics.
Thinking quickly, Jake knew he had to turn the tide. "Trixie, Thundershock—aim it at the ground!" he shouted.
Trixie, still regaining her balance, obeyed. She released a powerful burst of electricity towards the ground. The Thundershock hit the earth with a crackling roar, jolts of electric energy radiating outward. The ground itself seemed to vibrate, the air crackling with static.
The shock did two crucial things. First, the force of the impact provided Trixie with counter-thrust, halting her descent and propelling her upwards. The surge of energy beneath her paws acted like a springboard, launching her back into the air.
Second, the spreading electrical energy caught both Trixie and Pawniard in its radius. For Pawniard, the shock was disorienting, causing it to recoil. For Trixie, however, the electric current was a boon. Her hidden ability, Motor Drive, kicked in, absorbing the electricity and converting it into pure speed.
Now supercharged, Trixie's movements became a blur. Jake seized the moment. "Now, Trixie! Acrobatics!" he commanded.
With lightning speed, Trixie executed a series of flips and twists in the air, her body moving with enhanced agility. In a swift, fluid motion, she dropped down onto Pawniard, tiny feet delivering a precision drop-kick to its head.
The impact sent Pawniard reeling, its metallic body clanging against the forest floor. Trixie, meanwhile, used the momentum to leap and soar upwards, gaining altitude and distance from her opponent.
Ciara's eyes narrowed, perhaps impressed but still determined. "Valianta, Torment!" she commanded sharply. Dark energy, like a creeping mist, snaked its way from Pawniard towards Trixie. It was a bizarre sight, almost like watching shadows come to life, moving against the natural order. As it reached Trixie, it seemed to seep into her, wrapping around her like an unwelcome cloak.
Trixie, who had been so vibrant and confident in the air, suddenly faltered. The dark energy seemed to sap her confidence, her belief in her own abilities. The effect was immediate and unsettling. She wobbled in the air, her fear of heights resurfacing, and her altitude dropped as she struggled to maintain flight. Jake could see the distress in Trixie’s movements. The real application of Torment hadn’t just affected her ability to execute Acrobatics repeatedly; it had struck at the very heart of her flying skills, literally tormenting her with one of her deepest fears.
But Jake had an insight. He remembered their early days of training, how Trixie had first learned to master her flying by staying close to the ground.
"Trixie, remember how you first flew!" he called out, his voice steady. "Stay low, use the ground to your advantage, just like we practiced!"
Trixie, hearing Jake’s words, seemed to find a renewed sense of purpose. Her wings steadied, and she began to skim the ground, her movements regaining fluidity and grace. With Motor Drive still active, her speed was astonishing—an almost untouchable blur as she darted just inches above the earth, using the ground as her ally, her agility amplified by her proximity to it.
"Trixie, stay low and circle around, use Charge!" Jake instructed, his voice calm yet urgent.
Trixie obeyed, buzzing as she skimmed just above the ground, circling Pawniard at breakneck speed. The Charge move caused her body to store up even more electric energy.
Ciara, still maintaining her cool demeanour, grew slightly frustrated, knowing her options were limited in this situation. "Valianta, Fling, keep throwing!" she ordered, hoping one would connect.
Pawniard hurled objects repeatedly, but none came close to Trixie as she weaved along the ground, each projectile missing its mark.
Jake watched, intrigued, as Pawniard's demeanor shifted. The dark energy enveloping it seemed to sharpen its focus and movements. Ciara switched tactics. "Assurance, now!" she commanded, still composed. The dark aura surrounding Pawniard intensified, transforming into a shroud of confidence and resolve.
Valianta launched herself at Trixie, now seemingly assured with a sense of purpose. Her movements were more calculated, her steps bolstered with confidence. The Assurance move appeared to be about mental fortitude, instilling a belief in executing the perfect attack. The Pawniard soared through the air, aiming to intercept Trixie.
Jake realised how much more devastating this move could be if a previous attack had hit Trixie. The more assured the Pokémon, the more damage it deals, Jake mused. Another interesting lesson, but he wasn’t about to let it make contact. His timing had to be perfect.
Jake gauged the moment. "Trixie, Shock Wave, now!"
Trixie unleashed a burst of electric energy that radiated out from her in a rippling, visible aura. It was a spectacle of raw power, the air around her crackling intensely with vibrant, blue-white electricity. The energy wave, amplified by her charged state, spread outwards with a deafening, sizzling sound that resonated through the forest.
The wave expanded, enveloping Valianta in its grasp. The Pawniard had no chance to react. The force of the attack was immense, the energy coursing around and through its metallic body. For a moment, everything seemed to freeze, the world stilling as the move infused Valianta with its electric power. The air visibly shook, vibrational ripples even reaching Jake, rattling his bones.
With an almost explosive force, Valianta was propelled backward. The Pawniard was lifted off its feet, flung through the air by the sheer magnitude of the attack. It landed several feet away, its beady eyes rolling, seemingly blank. This battle was won.
Ciara's expression was one of surprise, her usual composure ruffled. Jake was equally taken aback; the power of Shock Wave had exceeded his expectations.
The forest seemed to go momentarily silent in the wake of the attack, the usual sounds of nature subdued by the electric discharge. Leaves quivered from the force of the Shock Wave, and the scent of singed vegetation and ozone hung heavily in the air.
Ciara, regaining her cool, looked at Jake with a mix of bewilderment and curiosity. "Exactly what has that Emolga been eating?" she asked. "That power... it's just way too much, it’s unnatural."
“Uh, not really sure,” Jake answered hesitantly. Trixie kind of fed herself, a bit too often in Jake’s opinion. Trixie did seem to possess unusually potent electric attacks, something even Mustard had noticed. Then it dawned on him—Trixie had consumed a Max Mushroom. In the games, it was known to amplify a Pokémon's stats in battle, and it seemed to have given Trixie an unforeseen edge from the outset.
"Uh-huh," Ciara said, eyeing Jake with a hint of suspicion. "Perhaps a freak occurrence then?"
Jake opened his mouth to respond but paused as he noticed Trixie floating toward him, looking extremely sluggish. Her energy seemed completely sapped, and she almost dropped out of the air from exhaustion.
Rushing to her, Jake caught Trixie gently in his arms before she could plummet. She looked up at him, her eyes half-closed, and let out a weak "Emol," as if asking, "Did I do okay?"
Jake couldn't help but laugh softly. "You did more than okay, Trix. You were awesome, as always," he assured her, hugging the Emolga. "You deserve the biggest treat."
At the mention of a treat, a faint spark of energy returned to Trixie’s eyes. She managed a hopeful "Emol," as if to say, "It better be the best one ever."
Jake cooed at her, stroking her gently as if to lull her to sleep. "Of course, the best treat for the best partner," he whispered. She emoled quietly, her eyes fluttering shut, her body relaxing as she drifted into a deep, contented sleep.
Ciara, who had been watching the exchange, commented, "That's quite a bond you've got there. Impressive, considering how little time you've spent with her."
Jake looked up, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Thanks. But I’ve noticed you and Valianta are already in sync, and you only caught her yesterday. That’s incredible."
Ciara shrugged; her expression nonchalant. "Master Mustard’s training," she replied simply. "Ready for round two?"
Jake nodded, a determined look crossing his face. "Yeah, I’m bringing out Jekyll. You sure you’re ready for this?"
To Jake’s surprise, Ciara’s usual composed demeanour faltered momentarily, a flicker of unease crossing her features. Her response came sharply, almost defensively. "What’s that supposed to mean? You questioning my ability?"
Realising he’d struck a nerve, Jake held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Hey, I didn’t mean anything by it. If you’re good to go, so am I."
Ciara’s posture remained tense, her eyes flashing with hostility. "Just get on with it," she snapped.
Jake, was a bit taken aback by her reaction but thought it wise not to press the issue, replied calmly, "Woah, okay, okay, just checking. We're good to continue."
Ciara gave a curt nod and released her next Pokémon into the battle. Kaida, her Kubfu, emerging with a poised and disciplined stance. Jake noticed something distinctive about Kaida; the Pokémon was wearing a red and yellow belt-like item, a Focus Sash, Jake realised. In the games, this item was protected a Pokémon from being knocked out in a single hit. The fact that Kaida had this on probably meant the Kubfu was practicing enduring significant hits. She was likely one tough cookie.
Kaida's looked to be in top condition, fur shining healthily in a rich blend of grey and white, stoic in stance, noble in demeanour. Her eyes were sharp and alert, exuding a sense of quiet strength and determination.
Jake knew from his knowledge of the Pokémon games that Kubfu were considered mythical Pokémon in Galar, evolving into the formidable Urshifu, one of the strongest Fighting-type Pokémon known. It struck him how remarkable it was for Ciara, just fourteen, to be given such a Pokémon by Master Mustard.
Jake held a significant advantage with his knowledge from playing Pokémon games, which gave him an edge. It certainly made him appear much more experienced than he actually was.
The fact Ciara held none of his advantages yet had reached her level through pure training and real-world experience, spoke volumes of her skills and potential. “I had not really thought about it before, but she must be a real prodigy. Comparable to Leon, perhaps, though I still do not know enough about the relative levels to be certain.” Jake thought to himself.
Jake shrugged releasing his Mimikyu, who immediately turned to Jake. Jekyll quickly hopped over to him with an affectionate "Mimi, Kyuu!" as if to say, “I am very happy to see you!”
Jake kneeled slowly to pet the Pokémon's disguised head gently. The costume was now in top condition, given that Jake had been tending to it every evening. Jekyll quivered in delight at his touch. He really is cute when he wants to be, just as adorable as Trix in his own way, Jake thought, delighted at their progress.
"You ready for a battle, Jekyll?" Jake asked softly. Jekyll nodded eagerly, a happy "Kyuu!" escaping him as he turned to face the battle.
Recently, Jekyll had been nothing but charming and endearing, the more sinister facets of his nature almost obscured. But at the sight of Ciara and Kaida, something in Jekyll shifted ominously.
It appeared almost as if Jekyll were smiling—the jagged line of mockery on his disguised face twisting. It was not a gesture of joy. There was malevolence in that smile, a dark mirth that sent a shiver down Jake’s spine. This was an aspect of his Mimikyu companion that had begun to feel distant, almost forgotten. Jekyll advanced, his movements becoming eerily fluid, gliding as though untouched by the natural laws of motion, unaffected by the breeze. His gaze deepened into disturbing glee, consuming the light around him.
Slowly but inexorably, an almost palpable malevolence began to spread through the wooded clearing. Jekyll’s aura turned sinister, authentic self revealing, the shadows beneath his costume becoming more pronounced and haunting. The forest itself seemed to react to Jekyll’s presence—leaves rustling uneasily, the air growing colder. The playful "Kyuu" was replaced by a deeper, more ominous sound resonating with chilling malice. A true spectre, a being of nightmares.
Jake’s eyes shifted to Ciara, and he was taken aback. The normally unflappable, cool-headed Ciara had now become a portrait of raw panic. She seemed frozen, unable to take her eyes off Jekyll. Her body began to shake. Kaida, who had first appeared as an embodiment of stoicism and bravery, began to mirror her trainer, her small body trembling.
Jekyll revelled in their terror, an almost predatory instinct heightening. He seemed to sense that their fear rendered him unbeatable in this moment. There was a sinister delight in his movements, a dark satisfaction in their fright. He was absorbing their fear, feeding off it, his power amplifying with each wave of their dread.
His presence grew increasingly menacing, each motion calculated to heighten the sense of horror. He glided towards them, casting an increasingly eerie shadow. The more Ciara and Kaida quaked in terror; the more Jekyll seemed to grow in strength.
Almost without warning, Kaida broke. With a sharp cry of "Fuuu!"—a sound that cut through the air—the Kubfu turned abruptly. Her small, previously poised body became a blur of frantic motion, her paws barely touching the ground as she sprinted away. Her movements were erratic, uncontrolled. The bushes rustled violently as she disappeared into the undergrowth, her panic-stricken escape leaving a trail of disturbed leaves and broken twigs.
Ciara, witnessing Kaida's breakdown, seemed to be jolted back to reality. Her face, usually a picture of confidence and composure, was now etched with wide-eyed fear. For a moment, she stood frozen, her gaze locked on the path Kaida had taken, her chest heaving with rapid, shallow breaths. The usually unshakeable Ciara appeared vulnerable, almost fragile.
She turned to Jake, her eyes not meeting his, but he could see the fear—and most of all, the shame—in them. Her voice, barely a whisper, trembled as she uttered a single word, "Sorry." Then, she too turned and ran after her Pokémon, leaving Jake standing in bewildered silence.
Jake stood motionless, his gaze lingering on the trees that had swallowed Ciara's retreat. The image of her, so uncharacteristically vulnerable and shaken, was etched into his mind. He made a half-step forward, an instinctive move to follow, but halted. Was it his place to go after her? What would he even say? He imagined he’d be the last person she would want to see right now.
His thoughts were interrupted as Jekyll bounded back to him, hopping energetically with a joyful "Kyuu!" The ghost Pokémon seemed utterly delighted, probably saying something like, "That was fun! That was fun!" while circling around Jake's feet. Perhaps Trixie’s influence was beginning to show in him?
Jake let out a weary sigh. This was part of the deal when having a Ghost-type Pokémon, wasn’t it? Unpredictable, mischievous, sometimes unsettling. He had to admit, Jekyll had performed impressively, in his own way, though it was not quite the battle Jake had envisioned.
A wry thought crossed Jake's mind: did this count as a victory? It seemed somewhat hollow, not quite the triumph he had anticipated. "Might it be a little too soon to ask Ciara for my battle spoils?" Jake murmured to himself.
His eyes fell on the Max Mushroom in his possession. Despite the odd turn of events, the objective was complete. It was time to head back to camp. He hoped he had chosen well; after all the drama, this mushroom had better be worth it. He’d also try to check on Ciara with Siobhan.
As he started walking back, Jekyll’s antics continued at his side, a small beacon of levity in yet another strange day in this world. "Well, Jekyll," Jake said to his partner, a faint smile crossing his face, "you certainly know how to make an impression."