Two Bears Meet

That was what made Taillow such a headache for so many Trainers, and even for wild Pokémon.

Sometimes they fought desperately for food, regardless of whether it was worth the trouble.

Because taking food was about more than filling their stomachs. More importantly, it was a matter of pride.

In other words, they were the type to suffer rather than lose face.

"Skitty!"

Teddiursa drove the stubborn Taillow back with Hyper Voice once again. It had controlled the move's power as carefully as it could, making it strong enough to repel Taillow without seriously hurting it.

But good intentions aside, it had underestimated Taillow's Guts and stubbornness, not to mention its determination to keep going until it got what it wanted.

So although Teddiursa stopped Taillow at the cave entrance time and again, Taillow kept charging back with Tackle. It showed no sign of backing down; if anything, its fighting spirit only grew.

"Taillow! Taillow!"

Taillow was drenched in sweat, but its spirit was undiminished. Its eyes stayed fixed on its target. It had all but forgotten Teddiursa at the cave entrance; all it could see was the gleaming food.

"Skitty!"

Teddiursa took a deep breath and silently made up its mind.

This can't go on. I'll have to finish it in one blow and knock Taillow out.

Otherwise, it might never give up.

"Skitty."

It crouched low, hiding one paw behind its back as it gathered power where Taillow could not see. Golden electricity began to coil around the paw, accompanied by faint crackles.

But a closer look showed that Teddiursa was suffering too. Perhaps it still was not fully accustomed to using Electric-type energy; pain flickered in its eyes.

Its right paw, now charged with Thunder Punch, also radiated heat from the concentrated current. That was why it