Chapter 51: Chapter 51: Mankey
The sun climbed higher into the sky, marking noon.
"Kai, we need to start preparing lunch," Kal said, glancing at her watch.
"Yeah, it's about that time," Kai replied, nodding in agreement.
They found an open area where the Pokémon could move freely while they prepared food. Kal released her Pokémon, and Kai did the same. Mr. Mime, Kal's dependable helper, took the lead in cooking.
The duo sat down to enjoy curry rice, which had been expertly prepared by Mr. Mime.
"You know," Kai remarked, "your Mr. Mime could open a restaurant with these skills. The place would be packed every day."
Kal smiled. "He's always watching the cooking channel and picking up new techniques. Honestly, I think he enjoys cooking more than battling sometimes."
As they ate, Kai seemed distracted, his gaze constantly shifting around the surrounding area.
"Kai, what's with the lack of focus?" Kal asked. "Is the curry not good?"
"No, it's great," Kai replied. "I'm just keeping an eye on the environment."
Kal raised an eyebrow, scanning the rocky terrain. The area was barren, save for a few scraggly trees and patches of grass.
"By the way," Kal began, "has Mr. Lian contacted you yet?"
It had been a week since their encounter in Vermilion City, and she was beginning to wonder if he would follow through on his promise.
Kai shook his head. "I doubt it. If he doesn't, there's nothing we can do. It was only a verbal agreement."
"True," Kal replied with a sigh. "Still, it's frustrating. I'll have to find Slowpoke myself now."
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An Unexpected Guest
Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden noise.
"Ji!"
Both turned toward the sound, their attention drawn to a patch of grass behind a nearby rock. The grass rustled before a white figure leaped out and landed on the rock.
"Mankey!" Kal exclaimed.
Kai locked eyes with the wild Pokémon, recognizing it immediately.
[Pokémon: Mankey ♂]
Level: 25
Potential: Quasi-Elite
Although its potential was slightly below his expectations, it was still a worthwhile addition to his team.
"Chi!"
Mankey hopped closer, eyeing the curry rice on Kai's plate.
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A Different Approach
Initially, Kai considered engaging Mankey in battle. However, since it wasn't aggressive, he decided to take a gentler approach.
"Do you want to eat?" Kai offered his plate to the wild Pokémon.
Mankey sniffed the curry cautiously before chirping in excitement. It dove in, eating enthusiastically. One plate wasn't enough—it devoured two more servings, its appetite as enormous as its energy.
Kal watched the scene unfold, puzzled. "Why are you being so nice to a wild Mankey? That's not like you."
Kai didn't respond immediately, instead observing Mankey as it sat down, patting its full stomach in satisfaction.
Finally, he crouched beside it and asked, "Mankey, do you want to join my team?"
"Chi?"
Mankey tilted its head, seemingly surprised. It had seen many Trainers try to capture it through battle, but this was the first time someone had treated it kindly.
"Chi chi!" Mankey squeaked and stood up, pointing at Kai.
"It said it will only follow a strong Trainer," Kal translated. "If you want to tame it, you'll have to defeat it in battle."
Kai smirked. "Fair enough. Let's rest a bit, and then we'll settle this."
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A Fierce Duel
Half an hour later, the battle began.
"Ji!"
Mankey hopped onto a nearby rock, signaling for Kai to send out his Pokémon.
"Exeggutor, it's your turn," Kai called out.
"Coconut egg!" Exeggutor stepped forward, its three heads swaying in sync.
Before the battle could officially start, Mankey charged at Exeggutor without warning.
"Confusion!" Kai commanded.
A light blue aura enveloped Mankey mid-charge, lifting it off the ground. Exeggutor flung Mankey toward a nearby boulder. However, Mankey crossed its arms mid-air, energy crackling around them.
Cross Chop!
With a sharp cry, Mankey shattered the boulder on impact, avoiding significant damage.
"Impressive," Kai muttered. "Exeggutor, use Bullet Seed!"
"Coconut egg!"
Exeggutor launched a rapid barrage of green energy seeds, each hitting with the force of a bullet.
Mankey scrambled to defend itself, its hands swiping furiously in a desperate attempt to fend off the attack. However, the relentless assault eventually broke through its defenses, forcing it to retreat.
"Ji!"
Angered by the continuous hits, Mankey's eyes blazed with fury. It charged recklessly, its rationality consumed by rage.
"Confusion again!"
Exeggutor's three heads glowed as they released a wave of psychic energy, immobilizing Mankey once more.
---
A New Ally
With the battle decisively won, Kai approached the now-weakened Mankey.
"Mankey," he said gently, "I'd like you to be part of my team. What do you say?"
Mankey looked at Kai, its sharp eyes softening slightly. After a moment, it gave a firm nod.
"Welcome aboard," Kai said, tossing a Poké Ball. The ball wobbled once, twice, and clicked shut.
Kai picked it up, a satisfied grin on his face. "Let's go, Kal. We've got more adventures ahead."
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