Bewear glanced at the wild Oddish and immediately understood its trainer's intention.
"Bewear, go easy!" Kawaki reminded.
"Gu!"
Bewear stood up and began walking toward the Oddish. Its massive frame—over two meters tall—thudded heavily with every step. To the little Oddish sunbathing in the grass, it was as if the earth itself were shaking.
The sound startled the Oddish awake. When it opened its eyes, it was met with the towering silhouette of a Pokémon blocking its way.
"Na... dsh?"
Still groggy, the Oddish blinked, clearly confused.
But the next second, realization struck.
"Na-dsh!"
With a startled squeal, it leapt to its feet and instinctively tried to flee.
Bewear swung its arm, using Hammer Arm to block its retreat.
The tiny Oddish's face grew tense as it turned to face the Pokémon—and the human standing just behind it.
So they wanted to catch it?
Well, it wouldn't be that easy!
If they wanted it, they'd have to fight for it!
The Oddish shook its leafy head, releasing a cloud of shimmering powder into the air.
"Stun Spore?" Kawaki called out, "Bewear, hold your breath—use Tackle!"
"Gu!"
Bewear charged forward like a living tank. The massive force was overwhelming.
The Oddish had no time to dodge and was sent flying by the impact, crashing to the ground unconscious.
Kawaki immediately pulled a Poké Ball from his pocket and threw it.
Click!
A beam of red light shot out, enveloping the Oddish and pulling it into the ball.
The ball dropped to the grass and wobbled.
Once.
Twice.
Three times…
Click.
Capture complete.
Kawaki let out a relieved breath and stepped forward to retrieve the Poké Ball. Now the daycare finally had a Grass-type Pokémon to help tend to the herb garden.
But before that, he needed to get to know his new companion.
Poké Balls in this world didn't brainwash Pokémon. Even if captured, they wouldn't necessarily obey unless the trainer proved their strength—or character.
It was the only way to earn their respect.
By the time Kawaki and Bewear returned to the daycare, night had fallen completely.
Moonlight bathed the land in silver, casting a soft glow even without electric lights.
They flipped on the lights and sat on the couch. Kawaki took out Oddish's Poké Ball and released it onto the table.
The little Pokémon appeared in a flash of white light, blinking nervously at the human and Pokémon before it.
Kawaki gently sprayed some healing mist over Oddish's bruises, speaking calmly and kindly.
"Don't be scared, Oddish. I'm Kawaki, and this is Bewear. We're happy to meet you."
Feeling the cooling mist soothe its wounds, Oddish blinked—then smiled a little.
"Na~dsh!"
It seemed happy, having accepted its fate.
Kawaki smiled. "Then let's take good care of each other from now on, Oddish."
The little Pokémon stared up at him, stunned.
Kawaki glanced at its stats: its Joy had dropped from 20 to 10 after the battle, but its Friendship had risen from 0 to 10.
A message followed.
[Your strong presence has earned Oddish's respect. It acknowledges you as its trainer.]
Kawaki smiled. Friendship could always be nurtured. What mattered was that Oddish was willing to follow him now.
Gurgle~
A low rumble echoed across the room.
Kawaki and Oddish both turned toward Bewear.
"Gu..." Bewear scratched its head sheepishly.
Kawaki chuckled. "Alright, alright. Let me go make dinner."
Food was still limited at the daycare. Kawaki cooked up a bowl of noodles for himself, and prepared a hearty fruit feast and some Pokémon treats—bought from Fallarbor Town—for Bewear and Oddish.
Under the warm glow of the lights, the human and two Pokémon sat around the small dining table, enjoying their meal in cozy harmony.
"Eat up, Oddish. After dinner, I'll show you around your new home," Kawaki said.
Oddish, who had grown up drinking dew and nibbling on bugs, had never eaten such delicious food before. It munched away excitedly, nodding in joy.
"Na-dsh!"
In just one meal, Oddish's Friendship rose from 10 to 30, and its Joy from 10 to 50.
The nearly 40-point jump triggered a new reward for Kawaki.
[Oddish's mood improved. Joy +40. You received Oddish's gift: Skill Machine – Sleep Powder.]
[Skill Machine: Sleep Powder – Scatters powder that causes the opponent to fall asleep. Uses remaining: 9999/9999.]
"A new move, huh..." Kawaki was pleasantly surprised. That was an unexpected bonus.
With this, the daycare could now offer another TM service.
After dinner, Bewear went to wash the dishes.
Kawaki led Oddish outside, into the garden filled with berry trees, herbs, flowers, and other crops.
The lawn was lush and green, blanketed by moonlight. A cool breeze rustled the leaves, casting a dreamlike shimmer through the air.
Behind them, the daycare glowed softly. A sturdy wooden fence enclosed the garden, shielding it from the outside world. A little sanctuary just for them.
You could feel the safety in the air.
"Na...dsh..."
Oddish's eyes sparkled as it took in the view.
"You like it?" Kawaki squatted down to meet its eyes.
"Na-dsh!" Oddish nodded excitedly.
"This is the daycare," Kawaki explained, "and this garden is your home. It's where I grow herbs, fruits, and flowers. You're welcome to stay here—sleep beneath the berry trees, curl up in the grass, wherever you like. No one will disturb you."
Oddish began to imagine it:
A peaceful night, lying in the grass, the cool breeze brushing its leaves, the vast indigo sky above. So quiet, so calm.
"Na~dsh…"
It was the happiest feeling in the world.