Chapter 8: Unexpected Signature Move

Mia and I sat, the dense forest stretching endlessly behind us. I stood up, brushing ash off my hoodie, and stared into the dark canopy ahead.

"Mankey," I said, my voice cutting through the quiet, "it's time for training."

Mia glanced up from her spot by the fire, her hazel eyes catching the light. She had her hands cupped around a mug of hot chocolate, the steam swirling lazily into the night. "Which moves are you going to teach him?" she asked, her voice curious but not surprised. She knew me too well.

I didn't hesitate. "Thunder for a signature move, and Mega Punch for a normal one."

She raised an eyebrow, setting her mug down. "Thunder? Isn't that a bit... ambitious for a Mankey? I mean, why not start with something simpler?"

I shook my head, eyes narrowing as I thought through the strategy. "Thunder's unexpected. No one sees it coming from a Mankey. It gives us range, hits hard against water and flying types. It's perfect."

Mia frowned, the glow of the fire casting shadows across her face. "Still, it's risky. He's more of a close-combat fighter. You sure he can handle it?"

"He can handle it," I said firmly, not looking at her. "He learns fast, just like me. Mega Punch will be easy."

She nodded slowly, though I could tell she still wasn't convinced. Bulbasaur, the small, grass-type Pokémon curling up beside her. "Fine. Teach him. Just don't overdo it," she said, yawning as she crawled into her sleeping bag. "I'm calling it a night."

I watched as Mia curled up with Bulbasaur, her breathing slowing as she drifted off. The peaceful scene was a stark contrast to the tension I felt building inside me. Mankey's training wasn't going to be easy.

"Mankey," I called, and he emerged from the shadows, his posture tense, fur bristling with anticipation. He knew something was coming. 

We walked a little deeper into the forest, just far enough to see the camp but be out of earshot. I glanced back once to make sure Mia was safe. Then, I turned to face Mankey. His eyes gleamed in the dim light, wild, restless. He was ready to fight, but this wasn't about raw power.

"We don't leave here until you've got both moves down," I said, my voice low and hard. 

Mankey growled, his claws twitching, the energy simmering beneath his skin. He hated being pushed, but I didn't care.

"Start with Thunder," I ordered, stepping back to give him room. "Feel the charge. Command it. Don't let it control you."

He snarled, baring his fangs as electricity crackled at his fists, but it was sloppy, uncontrolled. His fists slammed into the ground, sending sparks into the dirt, but they fizzled out weakly. He shot me a glare, frustration burning in his eyes.

"Too slow," I snapped. "You're letting it slip. Keep it together, Mankey!"

His temper flared. I could see it in the way his muscles tensed, his Vital Spirit pushing him to the edge of rage. But that rage was exactly what I needed him to harness. 

"Come on, Mankey!" I stepped closer, pushing harder. "You think you're just some wild thing? Prove you're better than that! Prove it now!"

For a second, I thought I'd gone too far. His eyes locked onto mine, and I saw the fire burning there. He was close—too close to losing it. But instead of lashing out, he turned that fury inward, focusing it. The electricity at his hands grew louder, the air around him vibrating with the charge.

"Good," I murmured, watching the sparks dance at his fingertips. "Now hold onto it."

With a snarl, Mankey threw his arms forward, and a flash of electric energy burst from him, lighting up the forest in a blinding arc. The trees shook under the force of it, leaves raining down in the wake of the blast. He did it—but just barely. The energy flickered and died, his control slipping at the last moment.

"You're almost there!" I yelled, adrenaline pumping through my veins. "Get mad, but don't lose yourself!"

His growl deepened, a low, guttural sound that told me he was on the edge. His eyes blazed with a sharp, dangerous focus.

"Thunder!" I shouted.

This time, the electricity surged from him in a violent wave, crackling along the ground, splitting the night apart with its force. The trees trembled, the air charged with the weight of his power. It wasn't just raw energy—it was focused, controlled. He had it.

I exhaled, a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Now," I said, locking eyes with him, "Mega Punch."

Mankey blinked, the electricity fading as his body sagged with exhaustion. But we weren't done. Not yet.

"Mega Punch!" I barked, my voice sharper. "Put everything into it."

Mankey's breath came in ragged bursts, but he wasn't backing down. With a furious cry, he reared back, his fist glowing faintly in the pale light. He lunged, his knuckles colliding with a nearby boulder with a deafening crack. The rock split cleanly in two, shards flying out into the darkness.

For a moment, the forest went completely silent. Mankey stood there, panting, his fist still clenched, the remnants of the boulder scattered at his feet.

I nodded, feeling the pounding of my heart in my chest. "Now you're ready."

Mankey grinned, leaping onto me with a joyful bark. I chuckled and returned him to his Pokéball, the weight of the night finally settling in my bones. 

When I got back to the tent, Mia was sitting up, rubbing her eyes. "Did he learn it?"

"Yep," I said, keeping my voice casual as I tossed my bag onto the floor. 

She blinked, clearly surprised. "I can't believe it…"

I ruffled her hair, smirking. "Believe it."

She smiled softly before curling back into her sleeping bag, exhaustion pulling her under. I laid down in mine, staring up at the ceiling of the tent, my mind racing.