The buzzing of a Yanma caught Josh's attention. Had he played a smaller character, it would have made an amazing flying mount when evolved, zipping just above the world's surface with more precision than a seasoned helicopter pilot. Maybe it was a mistake registering his avatar to be an aduit; if he were a child, he would be able to fit on a Yanmega's back with little trouble. That wasn't the only issue; with the way they flew, their bodies had to vibrate so much that sitting on one might grow uncomfortable.

Even so, he couldn't be picky about the catch. Any Pokémon would give Josh a trusty Mudbray steed, courtesy of BETHANY'S BOUDOIR. They weren't fast, but after they evolved, they would be reliable. Still lacking the experience to use both Charge and Shock Wave in the same battle, the wannabe Pokémon rider ordered Raiden to unleash the strongest electric attack he had: SPARK. It was an electric ramming attack that hit about as hard as he could for his current level. Once he had more levels, he could pull off more tricks, but that would come in due time. For now, he and Ares would likely have to work together to bring the buzzing insect down.

The vibrating wings largely buffeted the EMBERS away. Ares wasn't done yet; he looked ready to fling another wave of them when the Yanma charged in for a QUICK ATTACK faster than the human eye could see. Notably, not faster than Ares could see.

Big mistake for the Yanma to assume it could get away with a hit-and-run.

Opening his jaws, the Charmander leaped into the insect's trajectory and clamped down with FIRE FANGS, scalding the wild with great heat. While he had missed the wing, this was still going to sting, perhaps even leaving burns beneath its carapace!

This was one tough bug; even through an onslaught of fire and electricity, it still remained in the sky! Still recovering from the Shock Wave, the insect landed on Raiden's head and opened its mandibles for a nasty BUG BITE. Josh winced as he saw how hard the attack hit. Was he really that inexperienced of a trainer that he couldn't even handle a Yanma on his own?

Lacking the stamina to use another powerful electric attack, the black, yellow, and white equine bucked and kicked in a QUICK ATTACK chain, desperate to try to dislodge his insectile assailant. If this Pokémon was so strong, perhaps he should keep it and look for another Pokémon to pawn off for a Mudbray? After it evolved, it would grow big enough to use as a flying mount, but wouldn't it be really uncomfortable to sit on something vibrating like that?

Though Ares was worn out, so was the pesky pest, its movements easier to track, and more importantly, easier for the only mildly injured Charmander to swipe at. Reduced to only SCRATCHES for attacks, Josh expected it to be a long and drawn out end to a battle that had already taken far longer than expected.

Once the rider-to-be had a full party of Pokémon, especially once they were grown up, this would no longer be such a problem. The experience drop from the bug better be worth it... though he kept expectations low. This spawn was supposedly low level. Why was it so tough?

Josh breathed a big sigh of relief: the Yanma at last keeled over, and just in time, too. Those mandibles were spread wide. "Sorry you had to put up with that, Ares," he huffed. The Charmander, sweating from pain, was too tired to respond with any witty remarks. Instead, he withdrew the fire-type and hurled his Golden Poké Ball at the Yanma. Upon making the catch, a pop-up obscured his vision:

Information> Defeated the enemy.
Information> Please name your captured YANMA.

It didn't matter what Josh named the creature; he would be trading it away. He thought of the first insect-type legendary creature that came to mind in a certain game he played in the real world.

Decision> Is "Mazirek" okay?   ►Yes   No

His capture in tow, he made a beeline for the nearest Shrine. No more trips into the tall grass for a while!