As they chased the flock of birds, a rustling in the grass to the left caught the group’s attention. They’d barely even slowed enough to investigate when a Pokémon emerged, immediately launching into an attack!

“Oh!” Taylor gasped – that had happened rather more quickly than she’d expected. Grabbing hold of Mumble’s flipper to keep him from charging forward, she turned to the Doduo at her side. “Think you can handle this one, Zazu?” She knew type-matches well enough by now to know without reference that flying trumped bug. Of course, that didn’t mean she’d take down the decorative type match-up chart in her study!

Both blows landed soundly, and Taylor winced as the returning Quick Attack made contact. “You good, buddy?” She called out, more than happy to retreat for the moment if need be, but Zazu simply hissed like an enraged goose and launched into another attack, this time a Wing Attack.

The enraged buzzing of the opposing Yanma had Taylor shuddering in discomfort. Usually bugs in Pokemon games didn’t bother her as much as in real life, but something about the VR experience changed that. She fought the urge to back away uncomfortably.

The Fury Attack struck the Yanma solidly, the noise of the impact forcing Taylor’s attention back to the fight. “Well damn, Zazu, good job!” She called, laughter colouring her tone. The Yanma was flagging; it surely wouldn’t take too many more hits before the Doduo brought it down. “Let’s try a Pluck, bud!” She called, wondering if this would be the final blow. If it didn’t knock the opposing Pokémon out entirely, it might perhaps bring it to low enough health for capture.