Leon smiled a bit. “We'd need other Pokemon or better moves first,” he responded. “Ghosts are immune to normal type and fighting type moves. That's all we really have in the two Nidorans other than Poison Sting. Their evolved forms would be able to learn more powerful moves like Thunderbolt, even though they aren't electric types. These forms, though? We'd stand no chance against them.” He offered a small shrug, moving to catch up. The male Nidoran let out a grunt of annoyance, turning its head away at being told it wouldn't win against them. The female one just looked up curiously at her new trainer.

After a moment, she wiggled loose, jumping down to walk beside them. It seemed happy to stay near the boy, though, keeping pace with him. “Not only that, we won't be able to keep training them at that rate. A strong Pokemon won't listen to a weak trainer, in most cases. Certain characteristics change this, but your Nidoran won't listen to you without proof of your strength. Respect. The easiest way to do that is the gym battles. Being able to gain the badges and continue on is a way to prove your strength and competence as a trainer.”

The smaller Nidoran shrugged at the explanation, turning back to look at the town around them. For them, it had to have been the first time they had properly come into Viridian City, having lived in the wilds for so long. It was fascinating to the female at least.