With Haunter on their side, the tides were completely turned. Till now, the Arbok didn't mind getting hit too much, and used the chance to counter-attack.
But with Haunter's current strength, every attack was lethal. Haunter, as a beginner level Pokémon, completely outclassed them even though they were at the intermediate level.
"Focus, Haunter! Your energy is running wild."
The problem was that Haunter barely had any control over his energy. His attacks were unstable, and his aim was terrible!
The cave was a mess. The debris was everywhere, to the point where Eric was worried about its structure.
And it was all because of the Ghost Balls Haunter keeps missing!
"Misdreavus, Shadow Ball! Eevee, Swift!"
Just as the Arbok dodged one of Haunter's Ghost Balls, he was hit by Eevee and Misdreavus. Haunter then used this chance to hit him with a second one!
Boom!
One hit. One hit was all it took to take down this Arbok, who up till now, fought as if it was immortal.
"Haunt!"
Haunter did a victory cry.
"What are you so happy about? Look at the state of the cave. This out one should've happened 10 moves ago."
Eric rolled his eyes as Haunter laughed sheepishly.
'It's not my fault, my strength grew so rapidly. If anything, it's on you for bringing us here.'
The remaining Arbok stared at its fallen comrade. Then at Haunter. All the dominance in his eyes was now gone, as he became the prey, instead of the hunter.
Eevee, Misdreavus, and Gastly surrounded him.
Eric and Misako were also visibly relaxed now as Eric started treating Fearow and Poliwag.
"Try and control your energy. Don't destroy everything this time."
"Haunt!"
Arbok, backed into a corner, launched a desperate assault, lunging towards Haunter.
Ghost energy surged as Haunter created another Ghost Ball. It was still unstable, but it was much better than before.
Arbok, sensing the intense energy in front of him, changed directions and attacked Eevee. It was hit by Misdreavus's Shadow Ball and staggered.
Haunter used this chance to fire his Can- I mean, Ghost Ball, one that Arbok couldn't dodge.
Bang. Crash.
Arbok was knocked back 15 meters and crashed into a wall, losing consciousness.
"We did it!" Misako jumped in joy as she ran up to Eric, adrenaline still pumping in her veins.
"I came here to save you, but in the end it was you who ended up defeating the Arbok." She smiled as she said.
"No. If you hadn't come, Gastly would never have gotten the chance to evolve, and I likely would've died here. So...thanks"
It was rare for those words to come out of Eric's mouth. Misako's face instantly lit up.
"Well of course. Didn't I tell you? The Ayame-"
"The Ayame always repay their debts." Eric cut her off and finished her sentence.
Misako was stunned for a moment. Then, she started laughing. Eric too smiled a little.
Then his eyes narrowed as he said, "We are not in the clear yet. As long as that person is still at the entrance of the cave."
Misako stopped laughing. "Don't worry. There is no way big sis will lose to him!"
She said confidently, but her words also carried a hint of worry.
"I hope you are right. In any case, that is the only way out of this cave. So let's get out of here."
Eric was a bit stressed. He didn't have a good feeling about this. He was sure that the red shard was what the cloaked figure was looking for.
He healed up his Pokémon, then headed towards the exit with Misako
---
It was strange. Eric and Misako had quickly made their way towards the exit. By this point they should be able to hear the sound of the battle taking place outside.
But it was quiet. Eerily so.
"Big sis probably won and that person is now in her custody," Misako said, still hopeful.
But Eric could see the reality. If Haruko had won, she would've chased after him and entered the cave. She wouldn't let him fight the 2 Arbok alone. At least that's the impression he got from her.
"Be careful", Eric said as they quietly made their way out of the cave.
Once out, they didn't find anyone. Eric then looked around and then stopped when he turned to his right. His blood ran cold.
"What's wrong Eri- BIG SIS!" Misako shouted in horror.
They saw it. Haruko was bound to the bark of the tree, her arms above her head, fastened to the tree by a large iron nail that pierced both her hands. It was a gruesome sight. Her hair was dishevelled, her clothes had cuts, and she was bleeding all over.
At the foot of the tree lay her Pokémon, stacked up in a pile. Whether they were just unconscious or dead was not noticeable at first glance.
Misako sprinted towards her in worry.
"Misako Wai-"
She didn't listen.
"Big Sis! What happened. Wait, let me get you down."
She tried to climb the tree, then noticed all of Haruko's Pokémon lying around. She hadn't even seen them before, fully focused on her sister.
"Archie, everyone! How can this be?" She cried out in horror. This had to be a nightmare.
"M-Misako." Haruko spoke up.
"Big sis! You are awake! Just wait, I'll get you down in a second."
"G-get out of here! Please." Haruko pleaded, barely getting out the words.
"What are you sayin-"
CLAP CLAP CLAP
Misako turned around as she heard someone clapping.
"Aah. What a touching scene. Both sisters are worrying about each other instead of themselves."
The cloaked man walked slowly while clapping, his hood was down, and he showed his face.
Misako froze in fear. Then anger overtook her.
"How dare you do this to big sis!"
"Now now. Don't be like that..." He said mockingly, "I've set the stage after so much preparation. Let's not rush through things. And you, the boy hidden over there. This stage was set primarily for you, so why don't you be a pal and come up her."
Eric hesitated, then he walked forward. Running was useless right now. Haunter floated in front of him.
"Don't worry. I haven't killed her or her Pokémon yet. I was going to do it in front of you all. But before that...tell me. Do you want to know how she wound up like this despite her strength?"
Eric had a terrible feeling as the man smirked gleefully.
"It is because she wasn't strong at all. Let me show you what real strength feels like."
He threw out an Ultra Ball as he said that. The moment the Pokémon came out of the ball, everything changed.
Ghost-type energy was the most dominant form of energy in Lavender Woods by far. But as soon as this Pokémon appeared, Dragon energy in the air surged, replacing the ghost type energy as the new dominant force for up to a 5 mile radius around it.
A dreadful feeling welled up inside Eric and Misako. Misako fell on her knees, eyes full of horror.
Eric was familiar with this feeling. This was the second time he felt it. The feeling of someone who was about to die.
---
Pokémon: Druddigon
Gender: Male
Level: 51
Type: Dragon
Ability: Rough Skin
Held Item: None
Potential: Deep Blue
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