Seviper and Zangoose are mortal enemies.
The memory of their battles has long been etched into their genetic code. Generation after generation, these two Pokémon have been entangled in conflict. Whenever they meet, one must die!
Finding a way for Seviper and Zangoose to coexist has troubled researchers for countless years.
"Looks like I'm definitely playing the fisherman today," Sieg couldn't help but grin. From everything he had learned, there was never a case of Seviper or Zangoose retreating from a fight.
They always battle until one of them dies.
Seviper hissed with its forked tongue, its sharp venomous fangs continuously secreting toxins as it bit Zangoose's body. Its bladed tail lashed through the air like a steel whip, attacking relentlessly while its flexible body coiled and twisted around its foe.
Zangoose, of course, refused to back down. Its claws gleamed with a chilling light as it used its agility to dodge Seviper's attacks.
The battle between the two grew fiercer, neither giving way.
Seviper's venom sprayed through the air, releasing a pungent stench that made onlookers pale.
Zangoose relied on its sharp reflexes and impressive speed to repeatedly dodge attacks and counter when the opportunity arose.
"At this rate, Seviper is probably going to lose," Sieg concluded confidently, knowing full well that Zangoose's abilities are particularly effective against Poison-type Pokémon.
Its standard ability, Immunity, makes it completely immune to the poisoned status.
Its hidden ability, Toxic Boost, allows it to convert poison into power, increasing its physical attack.
Either way, it spelled trouble for Seviper. But it seemed Seviper understood this aswell.
Though its wounds were multiplying, its momentum didn't falter.
As noon approached, the sun hung high up in the sky, scorching everything below as if trying to burn the land itself.
In this intense heat, both Pokémon were panting heavily and were clearly exhausted.
Blood seeped from their wounds, soaking their fur and scales. Every breath was heavy and labored.
Yet even so, their eyes remained sharp and filled with unwavering determination. This fight would only end when one of them fell!
This was a hatred written into their very blood.
Under the blazing sun, the two dragged their battered bodies upright, eyes locked onto each other, not daring to lower their guard for even a moment.
Suddenly, a loud shout boomed through the forest like thunder, shattering the tense atmosphere.
"Fearow, use Drill Run on Seviper!"
The sudden command caught both Pokémon off guard. They didn't even have time to react.
At that instant, a black shadow darted out of the bushes like lightning, rushing straight toward Seviper.
It was the Fearow. Its wings beating furiously, stirring a fierce wind. Its sharp beak glowed with a dull yellow energy, radiating an overwhelming force.
As Fearow spun rapidly, it formed a giant drill shape and launched at the already exhausted Seviper with astonishing speed.
Seviper's eyes widened in terror. It tried to dodge, but it was too late.
"SKREEEEEEE!!!"
Fearow let out a piercing screech. The sound was deafening, and even the surrounding trees trembled from the shockwave.
"Ssshhhhsssss~~~" (Seviper's cry)
Seviper was struck head-on and sent flying. With a loud crash, it slammed into a massive tree trunk.
Its limp body slid to the ground and lay there motionless. It was clearly unconscious.
Zangoose froze for a moment, then quickly retreated, bounding away from the scene in just a few leaps.
Sieg didn't chase it. In this part of the forest, it was best not to act rashly. Getting lost or wandering into a powerful Pokémon's territory could bring severe consequences.
"Catching even one is already fortunate. Restraining my greed is the true mark of strength," Sieg reminded himself.
He threw a Poké Ball, steadily capturing the Seviper.
Beep beep beep...
"Seviper, the Fang Snake Pokémon. Poison-type. It has fought with Zangoose for generations. The scars on its body are marks of battle. It attacks with its bladed tail.
Height: 2.7 meters. Weight: 50 kg. Stats are average. Development is ordinary. Ability: Shed Skin.
Known moves: Wrap, Swagger, Bite, Lick, Poison Tail, Feint, Screech, Venoshock, Glare, Toxic Fang, Venom Drench, Sucker Punch.
Egg move: Iron Tail."
Sieg shrank the Poké Ball and attached it behind his Pokédex. As the scan completed, the Pokédex began its report.
"Not bad. This Seviper is level 27 and even inherited Iron Tail. Looks like it'll fetch a good price," Sieg said with a slight smile, clearly pleased.
Ferocious and ruthless Pokémon like Seviper are often popular in the black market, and usually sell for a bit more than your average Pokémon.
Looking around, Sieg thought to himself, "The Seviper's nest probably isn't far from here. If I search a bit, I might find some shed snake skin."
He had accepted a task to collect various toxins. Of course, Sieg wouldn't just kill the Seviper and extract its fangs, venom sac, or tail.
That would be a waste. After all, this kind of mission pays in Pokédollars, not League points.
If it were for points, he might have considered it.
"But if it's paid in Pokédollars, then forget it."
Without delay, Sieg ordered Fearow to search nearby. Sure enough, a few hundred meters away, it found a fairly hidden cave.
A strong stench filled the place. Inside, Sieg saw two rotten snake skins and one relatively fresh one, clearly shed not long ago.
"This one looks fresh enough. It probably shed within the last half-month," Sieg judged while examining the dark snake skin.
Although he hadn't undergone a formal evaluation, he believed his theoretical knowledge was no worse than most beginner breeders.
"It's time to head back. I should try to return to the city before sunset," Sieg said, looking up at the sky.
"SKREEEEEEE!"
Taking a big step, he climbed onto Fearow's back. With a flap of its wings, Fearow carried him back toward the city.
Dusty and tired, Sieg returned to the Pokémon Center. He went straight to his room and put down his travel pack, but didn't rest right away.
"Shed snake skin loses freshness over time. I'd better submit it quickly."
He walked over to a self-service machine and submitted the mission. Taillow's Poké Ball was sucked in, destination unknown.
Soon, the machine confirmed the mission completion and issued a proof of success.
The client, in turn, promptly transferred the money, 180,000 Pokédollars.
Sieg didn't haggle. The price was fair and within his expectations.
"Hello, I'm the appraisal specialist at the Pokémon Center. Please follow me."
After submitting the toxin collection task, Sieg was brought to a small room.
"Oh? This is snake skin. Judging by its appearance, it came from a Seviper and was shed within the last half-month. Sir, your handling was excellent. There's not a single tear in the skin."
The appraiser examined the skin carefully while praising Sieg's skill.
"Sir, we can offer you a maximum of Pokédollars for this skin. If you agree, we can settle the deal on the spot."
Sieg nodded in satisfaction. That was another decent payout. Including the earlier Taillow mission, he made a total of 200,000 Pokédollars.
His deflated wallet was finally full again.