Pokemon: Bounty Hunter Alex

It took a few days, but eventually, Nyx was able to purchase all 12 of the Dark type Pokémon at the absurdly low total cost of 2,255,000 credits. They were still quite expensive if turned into meat, since they cost credits, but Alex was willing to accept the loss if they failed to bond. Worst-case scenario, he would simply add them to the pile of meat he already had in storage.

Since they were Elites, Alex chose the training grounds to carry out the bonding process, in case any of them attacked outright. He may have had a good track record when it came to bonding with Dark types, but he never took his life for granted, so he had Absol, Morpeko, Houndoom, Hydreigon, Raticate, and Arcanine, on standby.

Once they were assembled, they got into a standard formation to surround an opponent. Raticate and Arcanine stood by each of Alex’s sides, while Hydreigon floated behind them. Absol, Houndoom, and Morpeko formed a square with Alex around the area where the Pokémon were to be released.

Alex then took out his phone and read the information attached to have an idea of how this would likely go.

Species: Mightyena, Female

Market Price: 220,000 Credits

The subject was used in underground fight rings from a young age, forced to tear apart weaker Pokémon to earn food. Displayed loyalty only once, to a fellow captive Poochyena that was killed in front of it as punishment for losing. Afterward, the subject began maiming trainers who tried to approach. Multiple attempted bondings ended in hospitalizations. Considered untrainable; sold at a steep discount to avoid liability.

Alex released Mightyena, who found herself surrounded on all sides. Her body dipped low, shoulders locked as she spread her stance. Her tail curled down while her ears pressed flat against her skull. Muscles rippled beneath her fur, and her lips peeled back in a full snarl, exposing sharp teeth. One eye locked on Alex, wide, white-rimmed, and full of hate.

She sniffed the air once, then tilted her head at Alex, surprised by her own intrigue. She had never felt this much trust in someone before. She approached cautiously before sitting in front of him, afraid of getting any closer due to his bodyguards.

Alex smiled before approaching and placing a hand on her head. She nuzzled closer as Alex felt their bond snap in place. It was a seamless transition that didn’t need any additional coaxing.

"Don’t worry," Alex said in a soft voice. "You only need to fight to protect us. Nothing more."

She continued to nuzzle him until Alex gently led her behind him, where she waited shyly behind Hydreigon, her posture low and submissive.

"That went well," Alex said before checking the next on the list.

Species: Liepard, Female

Market Price: 180,000 Credits

The subject was previously owned by a renowned contest coordinator who withheld food between shows to keep its frame slim for aesthetics. When the subject aged out of competitive viability, it was abandoned in a remote forest. Over time, it began preying on humans, using its beauty and elegance to draw them in before attacking. Three trainers who attempted to catch or bond with it were ambushed in their sleep and severely injured. Classified as hostile; bonding attempts require caution.

Alex released Liepard, who examined her surroundings with pride rather than caution.

Her eyes flicked around the formation with deliberate poise, as though she were sizing up suitors. Each glance carried the weight of practiced elegance, measured and intentional.

When her gaze drifted to Alex, her eyes sparkled with interest. She considered for a moment before flashing her signature, award-winning smile.

She stepped closer with grace, paws silent on the ground, head held as if the world owed her reverence. Without hesitation, she bowed low for Alex to pet her.

Alex obliged, and the bond snapped into place the moment she nuzzled against his hand. Without needing a word, she circled him once and settled beside Mightyena, sitting tall with quiet pride.

"Ten more to go," Alex muttered as he checked the third.

Species: Thievul, Male

Market Price: 145,000 Credits

The subject stole from its trainer during a famine, indirectly causing the trainer’s death. Subsequent owners reported missing valuables, and in one case, a missing infant. Authorities eventually found it leading a den of ferals operating as a criminal syndicate. Trust score is zero. Approved for market release only under high-risk waiver terms.

Alex released Thievul, who immediately assessed his situation with shifting eyes. His gaze landed on Alex, causing him to pause. Then, after some consideration, he flashed an excited smile. He pranced over and lay on his back, showing submission.

Alex approached and placed a hand on his belly, allowing the bond to snap into place as Thievul snickered in reply.

Before Alex could react, Arcanine blitzed forward with Extreme Speed, sinking his fangs into Thievul’s throat and yanking him away. Houndoom and Absol were on him a heartbeat later, each clamping down on a hind leg and dragging in opposite directions. Raticate and Morpeko followed up with Quick Attack, dealing damage to his body.

Finally, after some effort, Arcanine decapitated Thievul, leaving warm blood pooling on the ground.

"That’s unfortunate," Alex said as he stored the corpse.

Alex had a keener sense when it came to bonds shared with Pokémon thanks to his meditation. He could detect when it was thinner than it was supposed to be. This allowed him to tell when he was being fooled, like how Thievul tried.

Raticate, having been with Alex the longest, immediately sensed something was off based on his posture. Arcanine, sharing the same bond, noticed it too. Since Arcanine could move faster using Extreme Speed, Raticate held back and waited until Thievul was pinned down before making his move.

"I guess a trust score of zero means they can fool bonds. Anyway, 2 out of 3 isn’t bad. Let’s see the next one on the list."

Species: Mabosstiff, Male

Market Price: 250,000 Credits

Originally bred as a companion for a child. The child died during a home invasion, and the subject went feral, guarding the corpse for weeks. Now attacks anyone who enters a home uninvited or makes sudden movements around children. Two trainers lost fingers attempting to bond with it. Deemed emotionally fixated and dangerously overprotective, unsuitable for standard bonding.

Alex thought about it before calling Vera over with Alvera to see if Mabosstiff would be too protective after the bond. A guard dog was all well and good until it decided that the child they were protecting shouldn’t have any meaningful interaction.

He released Mabosstiff, who looked around before he saw Alex and simply nodded, then continued scanning his surroundings.

"I have a child that needs protection, but I need you to follow my orders," Alex stated plainly.

Mabosstiff immediately turned to Alex, narrowing his eyes.

"I can’t have you attack like a wild Pokémon when someone argues with her or pushes her around. I need to know my child will grow into her own person without you locking her away from possible threats. Can you handle that?"

Mabosstiff was about to argue when he smelled the unmistakable scent of a newborn approaching. He looked toward Alex, who held a stern expression, before finally nodding in agreement.

"Then, bond with me so I’ll know if you’re willing to change. If not—" Alex threatened, looking down at the pool of blood between them.

Mabosstiff understood the implication. This was his last chance at redemption, to fill the hole that his powerlessness had left in his chest.

He approached Alex and presented his head in submission, prompting Alex to place his hand on Mabosstiff’s head, snapping their bond into place.

From the thin bond, Alex could tell Mabosstiff would likely attack him in the event he became hostile to the baby, which was well within his tolerance range. He also could tell that Mabosstiff was taking the new responsibility seriously. He would at least try his best to allow the child to grow while respecting Alex’s wishes. It’s not perfect but Alex was willing to give him a chance.

"That’s good enough."

Vera arrived a few minutes later with Alvera in her arms.

"Alex? Why did you call me over?"

"Mabosstiff here will be Alvera’s new guard. He will make sure you and the baby remain safe and execute all your orders perfectly," Alex said before looking down at Mabosstiff. "Isn’t that right?"

He nodded in response without looking away from the baby, eyes dark with resolve.

Alex could feel the sincerity through their bond, so he ultimately allowed him to accompany Vera and the baby from now on.

"Teach him who is and isn’t a threat. He has a complicated history, so it will require some work. I’ll send over his files later for you to read over."

"Okay," Vera said before looking at Mabosstiff. "Please take care of me."

He nodded in response before standing beside Vera protectively as they walked back toward the mansion.

"That went better than I expected," Alex said, glancing at the next Pokémon on the list. "This is going to be a long day."

-----

Support me on Patreon

patreon/babywrath