The Fire Monkey is completely countered by Yujira's attributes. Even if the strength level of the two Pokémon is quite similar, it still shouldn't be a match.
But more importantly, this Yujira seems to have completely lost its rationality, and the enraged Fire Monkey has similarly lost its mind.
However, the Fire Monkey naturally fights this way, without any strategy, so in the end, whoever wins or loses is really hard to say.
After successfully diverting the attention of the two Pokémon, Natsuhiko finally had time to think about other matters.
Most importantly.
Where's the Tangela?
Was it driven away by this Yujira, or is it that...
There never was a Tangela?
Natsuhiko couldn't help but think of the worst-case scenario, it was too coincidental.
It seemed as if this Yujira was waiting here for him, or perhaps, it was arranged for him to find this Yujira.
The strength of Yujira is something that neither the current Natsuhiko nor Weedle could deal with.
Moreover, the state of this Yujira is very off.
Just like his initial feeling, its state is eerily similar to that of the Drowzee in the slum.
Psychic-type Pokémon are supposed to be very calm and full of wisdom; they don't just attack people for no reason, even if their strength is greater.
Most Psychic-type Pokémon will choose a more "friendly" approach. It's their pride as Psychic-type Pokémon, some might say they are arrogant, but the norm is that people without strong spiritual power can't even catch their attention.
If Dragon-type Pokémon are considered the second most prideful among Pokémon, then Psychic-type Pokémon are the first, at worst, on par with Dragon-type Pokémon.
However, he couldn't figure out why he was arranged to do this task.
Could it be to eliminate him?
But to eliminate him, there was no need for such trouble. With the power of Rocket Team, making someone disappear quietly in Goldenrod City is just too easy.
"Or is it really just a coincidence? Originally Tangela should have lived here, but because of this specially conditioned Yujira, it was driven away?"
Natsuhiko couldn't understand.
"Moo moo!!"
While he was pondering, Weedle carefully nudged him, pointing towards the nearby Yujira and Fire Monkey.
"Hmm?"
Seeing the two Pokémon looking battered, Natsuhiko was not surprised. Yujira could win but not in such a state.
What really furrowed his brows was the change in Yujira's condition.
Yujira, floating in mid-air with psychic powers, was injured but not heavily, which for a creature relying on its mind and spiritual power, didn't impact much of its combat powers.
But at this moment, dark red blood was slowly trickling from Yujira's nose, and soon, from its eyes and ears as well.
Overexertion? Or has it overused its psychic powers? Or is it...
Its once-crazed eyes gradually regained clarity.
To be followed by an expression not of pain, hostility, or hatred, but of immense concern...
Concern?
Down below.
The Fire Monkey, covered in scars and its fur matted with blood, was bracing its knees and panting heavily, gradually regaining its composure.
It was still forced to a degree.
Sitting crossed-legged on the ground, it called towards Yujira, "Poochoo?"
Shall we continue?
But Yujira completely ignored it and anxiously floated in the direction from which it came.
As it flew, blood continuously gushed from its nose, mouth, and ears, spattering the ground below.
The Fire Monkey, watching Yujira's anxious departure, lost any desire to continue fighting.
It's pointless. Being airborne all the time made it difficult to reach Yujira. It was more like it was just getting beaten up, with only occasional chances to hit Yujira.
Not fighting anymore seems good.
The Fire Monkey staggered to its feet, hollered at Mankey, glanced at the cautious Weedle, and lost interest in retrieving the Beedrill honey.
Baring its teeth, it left slowly with Mankey's support.
Before leaving, Mankey cast a look at Natsuhiko and Weedle, remarkably bringing an "apologetic" gaze.
Soon, it disappeared from sight with the Fire Monkey.
"Moo?" Weedle called out.
It's over?
Natsuhiko had been worried about whether the Fire Monkey would target them again after Yujira left, but with the Fire Monkey and Mankey gone, he was now relieved.
He looked in the direction of Yujira's departure, his mind replaying Yujira's cleared eyes and the blood it trailed on the way back.
Yujira's state was off from the start; now it has regained its sanity, yet something still doesn't seem right.
Considering for a moment, he gritted his teeth, stood up, and said, "Let's go!"
Taking Weedle along, he followed.
If Yujira has regained its sanity, he really wants to understand the real reason behind this encounter and unravel what's truly going on with Yujira.
Judging by its departing condition, it shouldn't be able to fight as crazily as before.
With safety much higher, observing from a distance shouldn't be considered dangerous.
With a decision made, he immediately sped up his steps to follow.
Following Yujira's blood trail, it wasn't difficult to catch up.
Along the way, Natsuhiko noticed the bloodstains on the ground growing larger and the blood becoming more intense.
"Is it all coming out of Yujira?"
He couldn't help feeling somewhat surprised, thinking that bleeding so profusely might result in death, right?
Soon.
His pace gradually slowed down.
"Moo~~" Weedle perched on his shoulder let out a soft call, its gaze complicated.
Initially, because Yujira had hurt Natsuhiko, it was very hostile towards Yujira, but now...
Natsuhiko's expression was also complex, even with an undertone of uncontrollable shock.
There it was...
In the tangled grass, the previously rampant, limitless, telepathically powerful Yujira now fell to the ground in a very sorry state, dark blood still oozing from its mouth and nose, soaking the soil.
Yet, Yujira wasn't stopping there. Crawling with all its limbs, the proud Psychic-type Pokémon had its hands deeply embedded in the dirt, moving forward little by little, inch by inch...
Its head lifted, eyes locked onto a specific place ahead, eyes brimming with steadfastness and, hidden beneath that determination, a hint of reluctance.
It... seemed very unwilling... as if there was something very important to it, far ahead.
Even if it meant risking its life, it wanted to approach, or go back.
"Moo..." Weedle sensed the sadness from Yujira.
Immense sadness.
Why is it so sad?
What on earth has it gone through?
What is it so obsessed with?
For a moment, the hatred toward it unexpectedly began to slowly and uncontrollably fade away.
Natsuhiko's heart was very complex.
He thought of that Drowzee, who loved reading and loved to keep everything meticulously organized.
Dying was its release.
Now he was certain that these two Pokémon must have come from the same place.
And now.
This Yujira should be...
also nearing death.
Suddenly, Natsuhiko took a large step forward and helped Yujira up. Exerting too much force tugged at the wound on his arm, causing sweat to pour down his forehead and back, soaking his already cold clothes again.
The sweat stung his wound, and blood began to flow again.
But he didn't let go.
"Whimper?" The weak Yujira felt the strength coming from him, turned its head, and was surprised to see it was Natsuhiko, trying hard to break free.
Humans!!
It was humans who studied them!!
"Don't move! You want to go back, right? There's something very important to you there, isn't there? Don't move, I'll take you back." Natsuhiko firmly held Yujira's arm and didn't let it break free.
Because he knew, once broken free, Yujira might never get back up again.
"Whimper....."
After an internal struggle, ultimately Yujira's animosity towards humans couldn't overcome its longing to go back, and it nodded slightly, accepting Natsuhiko's support.
Weedle jumped to the ground, turned back, and spat out a thread of silk, wrapping it around Yujira's waist, leading it forward.
Finally.
A hidden cave appeared in their sight.
Seeing the cave, the anxiety on Yujira's face became more pronounced.
But it had lost too much blood, its limbs unable to lift anymore.
Feeling its anxiety, Natsuhiko and Weedle gritted their teeth and unconsciously quickened their steps.
When they pushed aside the grass covering the cave entrance and saw what was inside, they froze completely.
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Third update! Here it is! Asking for votes!