An inevitable battle [8]

Mudkip sizing up his opponent waited for my command.

"Mudkip let's start this off with [Barrier]."

The mudfish after the many battles was used to use this move first. While it was mostly used to be able to tank necessary hits if needed, it's not a bad first move to pull out depending on the opponent.

Especially if their move pool only included physical attacks giving me various options.

A small detail is that the move makes it easier for Mudkip to deal physical damage in a head-on collision. While the attack won't gain a boost of any kind, the incoming attack does little to nothing as it isn't "equal blows" anymore.

'For some reason keeping a distance and parrying hits to counter is an advanced maneuver here.' I offhandedly thought, remembering some of the praise I received from strangers about my IQ.

While yeah, most trainers start out as 10, not everyone I battled was that age. Wouldn't common sense imply staying a distance away?

Why should I counter a move with another when the option DODGE existed?

Well, let's not question it...

Some battle just for the fun of it and not the tactics which is understandable.

There is a difference between a strong Pokemon and a good trainer.

My goal is to achieve both as that is what my wanted profession entails.

"Kip!" Mudkip shouts as a familiar pink hue surrounds its body.

Mankey who didn't want to delay any longer pounced at the opportunity. With a quick step, he rushed towards the mudfish with vigour. As this happened the move [Barrier] finished to which I grinned.

"Mudkip, wait for him to get close and jump a meter backward," I order.

"Kip..." He acknowledges focusing his sights on the Mankey.

It only took a few more seconds until the Pokemon closed the gap and went in for a non-move hit which confused me. Thankfully Mudkip was faster and was successfully able to pull off the dodge.

Seeing Mankey who was open to hits it was time.

"Full power [Water Gun] now!"

With quick precision Mudkip attcked. Leaning his head upwards to contain the water, he soon after releases the torrent of water towards the pig monkey by looking back straight.

*Swoosh!*

"Mankey!" The Pokemon shouts as it's sent hurling to the ground. 

*Thump*

Watching the Mankey recover from the hit a glint could be seen in my eyes. The determination showed by the wild Pokemon was very adamant, pushing through a tough situation.

'I don't need a Pokemon that doesn't want to battle if that's his only use. As cruel as it is, why waste having a bond with a Pokemon who is lazy, eats food, and takes up space? Rather than a fighter who will protect, train, be loyal, and battle for me.'

It's simply counterproductive for my goals in the long run.

Plus having bonds with a Pokemon can also be viable to my fighters anyways.

There are exceptions though.

Unless it had momentary value such as a rare Pokemon like a fossil/shiny or pseudo-legend would be the only exceptions. But if I did have such Pokemon I would try my best to train them into a decent fighter at the least.

"Mudkip use a 50% [Water Gun]" I command

Mudkip seeing its opponent get up gained a smirk in acknowledgement. Despite being a serious fighter he could always respect someone who was similar.

*Swoosh!*

"Mankey!" The pig monkey Pokemon roared out as its hands started to radiate a purple glow. This light started to shape into two blades in each hand to which Mankey clumsily swung at the incoming water.

*Schwing! Schwing!*

*Splash*

Despite avoiding most of the attack, the move still hit him a little making my eyes gain a surprised look.

'That has to be an egg move of some sort, I don't want to guess what move it is but confirm it later.' I thought with the knowledge Professor Birch gave me.

Despite being a huge Pokemon fan it would take a wizard equating to Pokemon Challenges to know each Pokemon's moveset and egg moves. Speaking of Pokemon fans I've sort of predicted this battle's outcome.

Instead of winning from a distance I need confrontational battles.

A prideful Pokemon such as Mankey won't take a loss being hit from a distance like this too lightly He would likely question if he "really lost" and form some bad blood between the two.

It's best if I go straight in with physical moves, and what would be better than reinforcing Mudkip one more time? This would help Mankey understand his role in the food chain of my team.

"[Barrier] once again, then go forward with [Tackle]"

"Kip!" A bright glow surrounded Mudkip once again as the Mankey started to run forward with newfound energy.

The mudfish Pokemon readying itself started to charge with a white glow.

Watching the two about to impact I recognize the Mankey, swinging both blades in the same manner as an [X-scissor.] While probably not what the move is the guy's instinctual battle IQ is impressive.

Despite this, it didn't matter.

*Crack!*

*Thump!*

"Keyyy!" Mankey groaned in pain as its blades broke and Mudkip swept forward and impacted the poor guy.

Seeing the Pokemon impact the ground with my own standing proud over it, I quickly head over with a friend ball-readied. It was finally time to catch my first Pokemon and it felt great even beforehand.

I was proud of my mudfish.

"You did amazing Mudkip, come here..." I softly say rubbing his favourite spot. 

"Kipp..." Melting into my hands he growled in satisfaction as he got his "reward" for such a valiant fight. Amused by this I used my other hand to tap the Pokeball to expand it, then tapping Mankey lightly which sucked him up in a red beam.

*Zzzzp!*

*Ding!*

With the noise of a successful capture heard it was time for Mudkip and I to head back to the wooden house. Deciding to meet Mankey when he's fully healed in the Pokemon center and his moveset known to me, we had a peaceful walk back.

...

[Pokemon Center]

"He needs a vaccine?" I ask in confusion not prepared for what Nurse Joy just told me. Looking at her with an incredulous expression she giggles at my confusion, furthering my embarrassment.

This was an unexpected outcome.

My thought process would just be to catch and go.

"Yes! The Mankey you just caught has a few diseases seen by the scan." She informs me as I just go along with her words.

While getting Mankey's Pokeball scanned for his moves and other things such as his height, I've come to know about something surprising from Nurse Joy herself. It was a good thing I was able to go to the Pokemon Center immediately.

'Interesting... It does make sense although I hope these vaccines don't cost too much.'

Questioning Nurse Joy further, I got the information I needed with the price of the vaccine being 44₱. Thankfully it was on the cheaper side of the known illnesses wild Pokemon could get.

These words came straight from the woman herself so I'm not sure how credible it is. 

Are the Joy's more money-centric or good-willed?

Each person is different in their own right but I suppose cashing out 44₱ isn't the worst investment for a future member.

"I'll pay right now then," I answer which prompts a nod. 

Pulling out my card I immediately pay the 44₱.

*Ding!*

Hearing the confirmation noise, Nurse Joy leaves the counter getting ready to do the injections right now. 

Waiting a few minutes sitting on a seat, I see Chancey leave the counter with Mudkip lying down on a squared metal board. Next to the cute guy was his Pokeball to which I stood up to get him back.

"Chancey chance!" The Chancey happily says with a wide smile, recognising me as Mudkip's trainer.

Now in front of Mudkip, he looked to be relaxed and had his eyes closed.

"Mudkip it's time to wake up." I gently nudge slowly, waking him up. "It's time to meet our new friend remember?"

"Kipp..." The mudfish groaned out feeling exhausted from the collective cardio and battle he had. Nodding at Chancey I take Mudkip's Pokeball and then softly grab him with both of my hands.

Walking back to a seat I leave Mudkip on my lap and take out my notebook.

<|==<strong >Mudkip Notes==|>

Improvements to be made or Tells that need to be fixed (A tell is an indicator that can be used against you. Like a habit to lean backwards before kicking, making it easier to dodge if known to the opponent):

{Priority 1}

Need to improve the speed of [Barrier] without losing quality, and see if it can have other applications. Experiment with it by using the move while in motion such as dodging/running.

{Priority 2}

When using [Water Gun], Mudkip leans his head back to generate water and contain it in its mouth and body, an obvious "tell". Then soon after lets his head go back into a straight position to aim and shoots.

Goals: Step 1, Practise aim. Step 2, Make instantaneous without leaning your head back. Step 3, Make stronger. Step 4, see if it transitions into [Hydro Pump].

{Priority 3}

See if Mudkip can use [Growl] when he leaves the Pokeball, which acts as the ability [Intimidate] without actually having it. Maybe combining it with [Roar] would help.

{Priority 4}

Buy weights for training and improve strength, stamina, endurance, and coordination at the same time. Mudkip will be an all-rounder and won't specifically focus on something like only speed.

<|==<strong >Mudkip Notes==|>

Looking at the notes I've written down, everything was made into a list that I will need to eventually fulfill. While the priorities were made after careful consideration, it wouldn't make sense to some.

First [Barrier] is a move I consider to be one of Mudkips end-game moves. It's probably gonna be Mudkip's most used moves not caring about who the opponent is which is what makes it number 1.

The second most used would be [Amnesia] which acts similarly but for special defense.

Then using [Growl] as an [Intimidate] is an interesting thing that could help me in any battle, thus a good priority. [Water Gun] and later [Hydro-Pump] is Mudkip's only good future coverage for Pokemon he can't creep the distance on so it's self-explanatory.

With overall fitness training being last.

It doesn't make much sense other than the fact I'm not lasciviously rich. I can't afford the best Pokemon food to help my Pokemon grow as fast as possible, so cheap food that would make this process slower is expected.

So saving money for later and focusing on technique would be the priority of my first league conference!

'I don't have the backing of some professor and don't have the funds for such high-quality goods. Nor am I a breeder that can analyse my Pokemon's needs and potential ways for growth. This is a journey of learning.' I remind myself slapping my cheeks.

*Slap*

"Kip?" Mudkip who saw this looked in confusion before repeating what I did to himself which surprised me.

*Tap!*

*Thud...*

Instead of a hit, it sounded more like a tap as Mudkip lost balance and faceplanted to the ground, off my lap. Watching in amusement I chuckle at my Mudkip's misfortune but soon after pick him up.

Nursing him in my arms and patting his "injury", it didn't take long before Nurse Joy came back.

Seeing her wave at me I knew it was over. Walking over I spot the same squared metal board that Mudkip was on which contained a single Pokeball.

"Hello! Your Mankey should be all fine now, also here's his statistics page." She informs me with a bright smile.

Taking the papers I thank her as I leave the Pokemon Center with Mudkip by my side.

"Alright let's go to a bench and see our new member Mudkip," I inform to which he nods.

...

*Zzzzt!*

"Mankey!" The monkey Pokemon happily shouts, bouncing around the pavement. Watching with a calculating look, I got a better look at the Pokemon's structure as I held up his statistics page.

Mudkip who was next to me cooly greeted his new friend, to which Mankey easily reciprocated.

"Mud muddd."

"Mankey mank!"

'Not a bad moveset.' I thought starting at his moves.

<|==<strong >Mankey Page==|>

Pokemon: Mankey

Level: 7

Type: Fighting

Ability: Defiant 

Egg Moves: Night Slash, Meditate,

Moves: Covet, Leer, Scratch, Fury Swipes

<|==<strong >Mankey Page==|>