"Meow!"
The fierce cry of Persian echoed through the abandoned warehouse as it bent low, its sharp claws flashing in the dim light. With lightning speed, it lunged at Beedrill, aiming for a clean Slash across its opponent.
"Beedrill, block it!" Renjiro commanded, his voice calm but firm.
Renjiro had no intention of backing down. He believed that capturing a Pokémon was just the beginning of a true trainer's journey. Building a bond, earning trust, and fostering loyalty—these were the real milestones. Without them, even the strongest Pokémon would be meaningless if it refused to follow orders.
And so, Renjiro wanted this battle. He wanted Persian to fight him head-on, to pour out its strength and pride, so that when it lost, it would join him without resentment.
"Buzz!"
Beedrill's wings vibrated rapidly, its six deadly spears meeting Persian's claws mid-air. Sparks flew where steel met steel, the screech of metal-on-metal filling the space as the two clashed with incredible force.
Persian's claws tried to rake Beedrill's defenses, but Renjiro's Beedrill was fast—blindingly fast. With a swift twist, it thrust one of its other spears towards Persian's side.
"Meow!"
Persian gasped, its reflexes barely saving it. With a nimble leap, it dodged to the side, avoiding what could have been a critical hit.
Renjiro's eyes gleamed. So quick... he thought. They say a cat's reflexes are seven times faster than a snake's. Maybe that's true. Beedrill's attacks are no joke—most Pokémon would never avoid them.
But Persian, wild and battle-hardened, had managed it.
"Still, speed alone won't be enough."
"Beedrill, close in! Twineedle—Sucker Punch combo!"
At Renjiro's command, Beedrill blurred forward, its wings a hum of lethal energy. The distance between predator and prey vanished in an instant.
Persian tried to twist away, but Beedrill's spear struck true. The impact sent Persian flying, its body slamming against a stack of broken crates.
"Meow...!"
The proud cat groaned, dazed but conscious.
Renjiro strode over, his gaze kind yet resolute. He knelt beside the injured Pokémon, extending his hand. His palm glowed faintly green as the healing power of Evergreen flowed from him to Persian's wounds.
"You fought well," Renjiro said softly. "A promise is a promise. Will you be my partner now?"
Persian blinked up at him, eyes filled with both defiance and respect.
"Meow..." (This cat keeps its word.)
It closed its eyes, allowing Renjiro's touch, the warmth of healing easing its pain.
With care, Renjiro touched a Poké Ball to Persian's head. A red beam absorbed the feline into the capsule. The ball shook once... twice... then clicked shut.
A grin spread across Renjiro's face as he held the Poké Ball aloft.
"I did it. I captured Persian!"
This wasn't like his Beedrill, granted by the system. Or the Milotic given to him by Liu Shuyun. This Persian was his victory—a bond forged through trial.
"Come out, my friends!"
Renjiro released both Persian and Milotic from their Poké Balls. Twin flashes of red light materialized into his partners.
"Meow!"
Persian immediately eyed Milotic, licking its lips with interest.
Milotic froze, alarmed. Memories of Liu Shuyun's aggressive housecat flashed through its mind. Instinctively, it backed away, hiding behind Renjiro.
"Don't be afraid, Milotic. This is Zhaocai—our new friend," Renjiro reassured. "Zhaocai, Milotic is one of us now. We don't eat our friends."
"Meow." (This cat disdains to eat its friends.)
Persian turned its head, pride shining in its eyes.
"Mina..."
Milotic hesitated, glancing at Renjiro for support.
"You can trust Zhaocai," he encouraged gently. "Go on. Say hello."
Milotic inched forward, trembling slightly. Every few steps, it glanced back at Renjiro for reassurance.
Persian watched, then lifted a paw.
"Meow!"
The paw shot out.
"MINA!"
Milotic flinched, eyes squeezed shut, sure the blow would land.
But instead of claws, the paw gently patted its head.
"Meow." (From now on, you'll be my little sister. I'll protect you.)
Persian gave a low, approving rumble, proud as a guardian.
"Mina!"
Realizing the gesture was kind, Milotic's eyes lit up with relief and joy.
Renjiro laughed softly. "See? We're all friends now."
Turning to Beedrill, he gestured. "Zhaocai, this is Beedrill—you two already met."
Persian snorted, looking away.
"Meow." (Hmph.)
Renjiro smirked. Still proud, huh?
"Zhaocai, are there any strong Pokémon nearby?" he asked. Time to expand my team.
Persian's ears twitched.
"Meow." (East of here—Nidoking and Nidoqueen. I stay away. Too strong.)
"Nidoking and Nidoqueen?" Renjiro's eyes shone with excitement.
Two powerful Pokémon, perfect for the team he envisioned. Pokémon that could one day rival the forces of Giovanni himself.
"Take me to them, Zhaocai."
"Meow!" (Follow me!)
Persian darted ahead, tail high.
Renjiro recalled Milotic and ran after his guide, Beedrill keeping pace beside him.
---
They sprinted across the overgrown lot, weeds brushing their legs, the scent of old rust and wildflowers filling the air.
Soon, the terrain shifted. The ground bore deep claw marks. Trees were snapped at the trunks. The air thrummed with an unseen tension.
Zhaocai slowed, ears flat.
"Meow." (Their territory starts here.)
Renjiro nodded. "Good work."
In the distance, two figures loomed—Nidoking and Nidoqueen, side by side, surveying their domain. Their bodies were scarred, hardened by countless battles. Together, they were an unstoppable force.
Renjiro took a deep breath, heart pounding with anticipation.
"Time to meet them."
---
Will Renjiro succeed in capturing this powerful pair? Will Zhaocai's trust prove invaluable? The next chapter begins a battle that will shape the future of his team....
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