The League's curated list included pseudo-legendaries at half price, Elite-ranked Pokémon meat in crates, the highest-ranked evolution stones, and popular competitive Pokémon. It had all the Held items you could imagine, as well as subscriptions for Pokémon produce such as Moomoo Milk, Gogoat Milk, Chansey Eggs, Alcremie Cream, Tropius fruits, etc.
There was even a Pokémon marketplace to buy and sell unwanted Pokémon. It was quite the convenience. He had a sizable budget as well, given the discounts compared to market values.
Unfortunately, once these 10 million credits were used up, the marketplace would close for Alex, as it typically required the right security clearance or occupation to gain access to these resources. These credits were worth more than Pokédollars due to the exclusivity of the services offered.
Alex knew he had to take advantage of these resources while they were available. A deal like this wouldn't come around again anytime soon. The options were incredible, but there was one drawback—he could only spend the budget provided by the League and couldn't use his own savings to supplement it.
To make the most of it, he planned to stock up on Pokémon meat and subscribe to Pokémon produce deliveries, both of which were not only cheaper here but also guaranteed high quality. Of course, he also intended to expand his team.
The marketplace, in particular, was a gold mine. Alex wasn't picky about his next set of Pokémon. In fact, he sought out the least desirable ones, knowing they would come at the lowest prices.
After spending hours searching, he found four ideal Pokémon to purchase.
A lazy, Expert-ranked Metagross who just wanted to play strategy games all day for 800,000 credits. There were no buyers because Metagross was a hardcore frontliner based on its Attack and Defense. A Metagross that didn't want to fight or build proficiency was useless to most people.
Alex had been wanting a commander by his side to coordinate his Pokémon. If this nerd was as good as Alex hoped, it would be a win. Worst-case scenario, Rotom would have a gaming/hacking buddy, and the house would have a permanent bodyguard.
Next was a recently captured, ferocious Elite-ranked Hydreigon for 500,000 credits. They were typically moody due to having three heads, but this one was particularly difficult to work with. Even Dragon trainers who had stronger dragons couldn't get it in line. Alex had a secret weapon, though—it was a particularly assertive Alcremie.
If anyone could be a Dragon tamer, it would be Alex's Alcremie. Worst-case scenario, Alex would just have its meat. Sure, it was expensive, but for the amount of meat, it was about even with the current market.
Next was an Expert-ranked Kommo-o for 3 million credits, who had recently lost its trainer in combat. It would often ignore a trainer's orders in favor of using its own strategy, so it was deemed useless in official battles.
Alex, though, preferred the Pokémon's individuality. He needed Pokémon that knew how to fight by themselves. If Kommo-o had a legitimate solo combat strategy, he wouldn't mind indulging it. All he needed was another line breaker like Arcanine, anyway.
Lastly, there was a depressed, Adept-ranked Togetic for 600,000 credits. His trainer apparently didn't like his new look. He also didn't have Serene Grace, so he wasn't top quality as far as trainers were concerned. He had been depressed ever since and did not respond when called. Alex figured he could give it a shot—Alcremie was very persuasive.
The remaining five million went to a year's supply of meat, Pokémon produce subscriptions, a Shiny Stone, and miscellaneous held items Alex was missing.
In total, Alex would have five Pokémon for the attack team, five for the defense team, and three for the newly named command team.
The attack team had two line breakers in Arcanine and Kommo-o, an assassin in Raticate, and two supporters in Altaria and Togekiss.
The defense team had Forretress for hazard setup, Clawitzer as a combat medic, Frosmoth and Hydreigon for bombardment, and Alcremie as a buffer.
Lastly, the command team had Rotom and Aegislash for personal defense and Metagross for communications.
It was a complete team that could take down organizations, so long as Alex could coordinate them well. Once this team gained some experience, Alex could add more while ensuring he maintained balance.
It didn't take long for Alex to receive his Pokémon. They arrived in the PC not long after he paid.
The first Pokémon he chose to check out was Metagross, who was just a gamer with no perceivable threats. Alex released Metagross and greeted it.
"Hello, Metagross. I'm Alex, and I will be your trainer from now on. I don't plan on having you participate in battle, but I do plan on having you defend us when attackers reach us."
'Human. I will not fight,' Metagross communicated in Alex's mind.
"That's fine. I need a second-in-command to help me coordinate my team. I have five for attack, five for defense, and three for command. I want you to communicate my orders to the others and give me any recommendations for strategy when needed."
'Recommendations for strategy in combat?'
"Yes. I am—or will be—a bounty hunter and will be fighting criminals out in the open. Sometimes, I might lose the ability to command the team actively due to the chaos of the battle. I want you to help me with that."
'I don't need to fight?'
"You do when our lives depend on it. What if an assassin comes for the commander's head? You and my command team will be responsible for keeping me alive. Most of the time, you'll only need to relay my orders and give me recommendations."
'Games in real life. Sounds fun.'
"Exactly. Also, you need to help Rotom with hacking duties in the future. We will be targeting criminals in the cyber world once I get clearance from the League."
'Sounds fun,' Metagross said in Alex's mind with more enthusiasm.
Alex could tell Metagross was excited, so he introduced Rotom, his future buddy. They hit it off instantly—though Alex had to buy another gaming setup for Metagross.
Name: Metagross, Expert
Type: Steel Psychic
Ability: Light Metal
Moves:
Novice: Metal Claw, Tackle, Explosion, Hone Claws, Hammer Arm, Zen Headbutt, Magnet Rise, Flash Cannon, Take Down, Scary Face
Basic: Confusion, Protect, Psychic, Bullet Punch
Description: Metagross, the Iron Leg Pokémon. With four brains working in sync, Metagross calculates every move with cold precision. Its immense strength lets it pin down prey with ease before delivering a crushing blow.
Its previous trainer tried very hard, but it was clear that this Metagross was lazy.
'At least it can use Protect,' Alex lamented.
Next was Kommo-o. The danger level was higher, but not by much, because Kommo-o's previous trainer had been strict and well-disciplined.
"Hello, Kommo-o. I am Alex, and I will be your trainer from now on. I am a bounty hunter and will require a competent line breaker to bring down enemies as fast as possible. Can I rely on you for that?"
"Kommo," Kommo-o nodded.
"Good. I'll leave combat to your discretion most of the time, but I will require you to obey orders when necessary. Is that understood?"
"Kommo."
"Alright, let me introduce you to the attack team."
Kommo-o had a hard time fitting in. He was awkward with relationships, but he did work hard in training his proficiencies.
Name: Kommo-o, Expert
Type: Dragon Fighting, Male
Ability: Bullet Proof
Moves:
Basic: Protect, Clanging Scales, Noble Roar, Dragon Dance, Taunt, Breaking Swipe, Thunder Punch, Brick Break, Fire Punch, Shadow Claw, Ice Punch, Swords Dance, Iron Head,
Advanced: Belly Drum (Priority +1), Drain Punch(+50% Damage), Aerial Ace(Priority +1), Earthquake(+50% Damage), Breaking Swipe(+50% Damage)
Description: Kommo-o, the Scaly Pokémon. Kommo-o battles fiercely to prove its strength, using its shimmering scales to create a clanging sound that intimidates foes. It values honor in combat and only fights worthy opponents.
His trainer had set his priorities on Attack only. This would be a problem for Alex, as he required more AOE attacks like Clanging Scales or Boomburst in the future. For now, Alex would have to train Kommo-o in more moves. He needed more coverage just in case.
Next was Togetic. It was a depressed little thing that didn't even look up at Alex or pay attention, so Alex called for reinforcements.
"Alcremie," Alcremie introduced herself to Togetic.
Togetic looked up but slumped further afterward. Here was a pretty Pokémon that her trainer loved. He, however, would never be loved.
"Toge... (Sigh)."
Alex was stumped. He was never good with emotions in the first place, and now he had to play therapist.
Alcremie, however, didn't give up.
"Alcre," she said as she offered her cream.
"Toge?" Togetic took it and gave it a try. It was sweet, like his trainer's love before he became hideous.
Tears started falling from Togetic's eyes. He began to cry.
"Alcre!!!" Alcremie screamed in panic and looked up at Alex with a pleading expression.
"Alcremie! (Make it stop)," Alcremie begged.
Alex was shocked that Alcremie failed to induce friendship. He had assumed she would know how to handle it. They were both Fairy types afterall.
With determination, Alex rolled up his sleeves. He would have to dig deep into his latent fatherly instincts.
-----
Support me on Patreon
patreon/babywrath