Night.
After a hearty meal, the Pokémon had already drifted off to sleep.
Yozora had fallen asleep as well, but in the middle of the night, the urge to relieve himself woke him up.
When he got up and wandered into the forest, he stumbled upon a curious scene—one that made him forget all about the time.
The moonlight shone bright and silver.
Beneath the trees ahead, a group of Nidoran♂ and Nidoran♀ had gathered. Among them, two male Nidoran seemed to be battling fiercely for the position of leader.
Compared to the rest, the two combatants were larger, both at the Junior Level, while the others were merely Rookie Level Pokémon.
Of the two, one was particularly robust, radiating strength and talent. Its potential was extraordinary—Elite Four level.
The other, smaller in stature and only possessing Gym Leader-level potential, surprisingly held the upper hand in the fight.
"Hah… the bigger one clearly has more talent, yet he's losing so badly. To be beaten by someone weaker, it must sting deep inside…" Yozora muttered, hiding in the shadows as he sighed.
Whoosh—
His thoughts were interrupted as the smaller Nidoran charged forward again, slamming into its larger rival and sending it crashing to the ground.
The larger Nidoran hit the earth hard, injuries piling up across its body.
It tried—struggled desperately—to stand once more…
But after three attempts, it still couldn't get back up. At last, it collapsed weakly onto the dirt.
"Nrraaaagh…"
The smaller Nidoran sneered arrogantly, tossing out mocking cries before strutting away with a crowd of admiring followers at its heels.
And so the large Nidoran was left alone, lying abandoned on the forest floor.
Though it could no longer rise, its eyes still clung to the fading silhouettes of its companions, filled with reluctant longing…
Only when they disappeared completely from sight did it finally close its eyes, unmoving.
"Nidoran."
Yozora couldn't hold back anymore. He hurried over to tend to its wounds.
Although he hadn't brought his backpack just to relieve himself, his system's storage carried everything he needed—emergency potions, Poké Balls, Pokémon food, and more.
Though badly battered, Nidoran's injuries were only superficial.
That much made sense. After all, their levels were still low—their attacks lacked real destructive power.
Before long, Yozora had healed its wounds.
But…
The Pokémon didn't seem to notice. It simply lay there limp, its expression one of utter despair.
"Don't be sad. Cheer up. You have potential—one day you'll definitely surpass him." Yozora patted Nidoran's head, offering encouragement.
Yet the little one gave no reaction. Its eyes only grew dimmer.
It had been born earlier than its rival, but now it had been bested. And if one spoke of potential… time would only widen the gap between them.
"You don't believe me?"
Leaning against a tree trunk, Yozora lifted his head to the moonlight. "Your body is strong, and your horns are sharp. That means your venom is far more potent than the rest of your kind."
Nidoran's eyes flickered with light. That was true!Its poison was stronger than its peers'—yet… why couldn't it win?
It was confused. It had never understood why it lost.
But this human—he seemed to know.
So, Nidoran turned eagerly, gazing at Yozora with expectant eyes.
Sensing its thoughts, Yozora explained, "Because your opponent has the Rivalry Ability. When facing a Pokémon of the same gender, it can unleash 120% of its strength."
"On the other hand, when facing the opposite gender, it can only use about 80%."
Nidoran froze at his words, then its eyes shone even brighter.
That was it!
This human was amazing—he'd hit the nail on the head!That bastard was always especially fierce against other males, yet whenever females were around, he'd turn into a fawning fool. Disgusting.
Still, the fact remained—he had defeated every other male Nidoran.
If only I had Rivalry too…
Jealousy crept into Nidoran's heart. That Ability could indeed bring out hidden strength.
"Stop wishing for it—you don't have Rivalry," Yozora said plainly.
Nidoran's eyes misted instantly, as though on the verge of tears.
Yozora chuckled at the sight, reaching out to ruffle its head. "But you don't need it. Your Ability is strong too—you have Poison Point. That's why your horns are so sharp, and your venom so deadly."
[Poison Point]: When struck by contact, opponents risk being poisoned.
Nidoran's eyes widened with pride.
Yes! That was true. Against foes other than its own kind, its poison always gave it an advantage.
Of course, since other Nidoran were also Poison-types, its toxin had no effect on them.
Before, it had been lost in self-doubt. Now, thanks to Yozora's words, everything suddenly became clear—like clouds scattering to reveal the sun.
"I see! I've always been strong! Always!"
"My greatest weapon just doesn't work against my kin, that's all!"
"That's fine—more than fine! I, Nidoran, was never meant to fight only my own kind! My poison horns were meant for greater battles!"
Having sorted out its thoughts, Nidoran shouted with renewed vigor, its spirit blazing once again.
Yozora didn't understand its cries, but its energy told him enough—it had recovered.
"Then Nidoran, come with me. Let's grow strong together." Yozora extended his hand with a smile. A wild Pokémon with Elite Four-level potential—he couldn't possibly let this chance slip away.
Nidoran already trusted him. Hearing the invitation, it leapt with joy straight at Yozora—who quickly dodged aside in alarm.
"Are you kidding? You're covered in poisonous spines! One hug and I'd be dead by morning!"
Nidoran realized its mistake immediately, halting awkwardly with a sheepish grin.
And so, Yozora successfully captured the Nidoran.
(End of Chapter)