I wanted to end the fight with this chapter but didn't know I made it longer than intended. I wanted to increase the average chapter to about 2000-2500 words per chapter but ended up making it even longer than that, so I decided to stop here for now and resume the aftermath of this whole ordeal in the next chapter. I had a hard time writing this as this was my first action-oriented story but hopefully, I made my point across. Also new art cover for the fanfic hurray we made it past chapter 10!
Enjoy :3
-Lvl 1-
"Scorbs! He's coming in for a tackle!" Leaf yelled and bolted towards Raticate, ready to go head-to-head. Raticate's body started glowing white. From what I've seen in battles, when a part of a Pokémon's body glows like that, it usually means they're empowering their attacks. No surprises here, Raticate was about to unleash a move!
Leaf reacted to Raticate's attack rushing forward to take the Pokemon's attack head on. His tail started glowing as he got ready to unleash Pound. Both Pokemon clashed, sending them both flying in the opposite direction. Leaf winced and grabbed his tail. "Ouch! His attacks are definitely strong." Leaf rubbed his tail as he felt the recoil, but his attack barely did anything to Raticate.
"Our opponent's got us beat in strength, but we've still got our speed and smarts to outwit him," I assessed the situation, I glanced at Leaf who nodded in agreement. "What's the plan, Scorbs?" Leaf asked as he dodged Raticate's tackles. "Save your energy. Use as little attacks as possible to conserve energy. Just keep dodging his moves! We need to figure out what kind of attacks he's got up his sleeve. Plus, he's going all out, so he'll tire himself out eventually!" I instructed Leaf.
Raticate emitted fierce squeaks as it charged forward, launching a relentless barrage of attacks at us. "Is it possible that he's actually a wild Pokemon? This behavior is very reminiscent of one," I remarked, doing my utmost to evade the assaults. "No, I can sense intelligence in his eyes," Leaf responded, attempting to dodge but being swiftly outmaneuvered by Raticate's adept weight shifting. Skillfully recovering from the failed tackle, Raticate swiftly pivoted and struck Leaf before he had a chance to react.
"Leaf!" I yelled, sprinting toward him. With all my strength, I hurled myself at Raticate, taking advantage of his focus on Leaf. Simultaneously, Leaf prepared to strike with another pound attack. This could be it! We had Raticate trapped in the middle, leaving him vulnerable to our advances. There is no way he can dodge both our attacks.
Just as we were closing in, Raticate wound up his body, his claws glowing with an ominous energy. With a sudden burst of power, he unleashed a devastating 360-degree slash that knocked both of us back. The impact was brutal, and I could feel an excruciating pain radiating from my chest where the Raticate's claws had cut me on the chest. Blood began to trickle out, adding to the sense of urgency and danger in the air.
As I struggled to regain my footing and shake off the shock of the attack, a sharp, unexpected pain shot through my arm. Confusion washed over me. Was this some kind of delayed effect caused by Raticate's previous strike? How was it even possible? The adrenaline pumping through my veins masked the pain momentarily, but I knew I couldn't ignore it for long.
Time seemed to slow down as I sensed Raticate charging toward me once again. He was relentless, deploying the same attack with renewed ferocity. Panic surged through my body as I realized there was no time to react or properly defend myself. Instinctively, I lifted my arms in a desperate attempt to shield myself from the incoming onslaught. Each strike from Raticate was a dizzying whirlwind of blades, and the pain intensified with every hit. It was as if reality had warped, and for every attack Raticate made, two or three more followed, compounding the torment. The relentless barrage threatened to overwhelm me, but I knew I had to keep my composure.
Summoning every ounce of determination, I gritted my teeth and remained steadfast, refusing to allow the pain to consume me. With a strained voice, I called out to Leaf, my loyal partner by my side, sharing my anguish and determination. "Leaf! Hold on and wait for the perfect opening to strike! I can still endure this!"
The battlefield crackled with tension as we faced the fierce Raticate together, its eyes gleaming with an unyielding determination. We both knew that victory could only be achieved by seizing the right opportunity, by finding that crucial moment to turn the tide in our favor. As the pain throbbed through my body, I prepared myself mentally and physically for the intense battle that lay ahead, hoping that Leaf and I could overcome this formidable opponent and emerge triumphant.
"Are you sure, Scorbs? Raticate's Fury Swipes hurt a lot!" Leaf said with genuine concern etched on his face. So that's what it was! It wasn't scratch but fury swipes. I turned my attention to Leaf and nodded in agreement, acknowledging the severity of the situation. Raticate continued his assault, persistently unleashing his swift and powerful strikes.
Gradually, Raticate started to break through my defenses, each strike chipping away at my guard. Then, with a sudden unexpected uppercut, Raticate managed to land a direct hit, shattering my defense. "Crap! He's broken through!" I exclaimed, realizing I was now wide open for another devastating blow. However, Raticate too had left himself vulnerable in that split second.
"Leaf, now!" I shouted urgently, seizing the opportunity that presented itself. Leaf was quick to react and swiftly struck Raticate with precision, hitting him squarely in the ribs and sending him hurtling through the air.
Raticate's furious assault had taken its toll, leaving him visibly fatigued and gasping for breath. This was the moment we had been waiting for, the chance to turn the tide in our favor.
"Scorbs, you're badly hurt," Leaf said, concern etched in his voice as he carefully inspected the damage inflicted by Raticate. Despite the pain I felt coursing through my body, I managed to muster a reassuring smile at Leaf, a silent affirmation of my resilience and determination. Retrieving two Oran Berries from my bag, I offered one to Leaf. "Heal up, Leaf. Raticate's vulnerability demands swift action," I urged, my voice firm with conviction. As I consumed the Oran Berry myself, I marveled at its seemingly miraculous healing properties, amazed by the restorative power contained within such a small fruit. With our injuries rapidly mending, Leaf and I knew it was time to seize this fleeting advantage.
Both of us, now patched up and rejuvenated, shifted our focus back to the offensive. With synchronized precision, I threw a powerful punch, while Leaf followed through with a forceful pound. Finally, our combined efforts left a visible impact on Raticate, the culmination of our unwavering persistence. Drawing from our reserves, we poured everything we had into our subsequent attacks, refusing to grant Raticate even the slightest reprieve. Blow after blow, our strikes rained down with relentless intensity, unleashing our pent-up determination and frustration upon our adversary. We fought with an unwavering fervor, unyielding in our pursuit of victory.
*Huff* *Huff* "We did it," Leaf said, struggling to catch his breath. We had given everything we had to defeat Raticate. The defeated creature lay lifeless on the ground, a testament to our exhaustion. "I think so," I confirmed, collapsing onto the ground and mustering a tired smile. It felt like an eternity, but finally, it was over.
"Hehehe... hehehe." The sound sent a shiver down my spine. I quickly scrambled to my feet, my ears alert. Turning around, I witnessed a shocking sight. Raticate, against all odds, was slowly rising. His face contorted into an unsettling grin, and his right shoulder twitched uncontrollably. A gnarled mass began to protrude from his shoulder, resembling a menacing tumor. This thing… It was not a Pokemon, It was something else!
I clenched my fists in frustration. "That son of a bitch! He managed to turn the table!" I exclaimed angrily. Treecko, ever vigilant, mirrored my sentiment and prepared for further combat. His eyes searched mine, seeking an explanation. "He's still standing, Scorbs. What do you mean he turned the tables?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion and concern.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "Our plan was to wear him down, exhaust his energy, and then strike with all our might. But that cunning Raticate absorbed our attacks and somehow regenerated. Meanwhile, we're on the brink of exhaustion, barely able to muster enough energy for a fight. He's turned our own strategy against us," I explained, frustration and admiration mingling in my voice.
"Here he comes, Leaf!" Raticate came dashing, the unsettling grin never left his face. He tried to separate us by striking Leaf with his tail. Leaf was knocked back a few distance, when Raticate turned his attention towards me, he gave me the most sinister look I have ever seen.
As I stood there, my eyes locked on him, a wave of fear washed over me, sending shivers down my spine. The air felt thick, constricting my breath as my entire body succumbed to a paralyzing terror. Desperate to scream, to release the pent-up fear, I tried to gather any remaining strength within me, but my vocal cords refused to cooperate. My limbs felt heavy, as if weighed down by an invisible force, rendering me motionless.
While Raticate had momentarily turned his attention towards Leaf, my gaze remained fixed on him, his menacing presence etched into my mind. The image of his face, filled with malevolence and a twisted grin, haunted my thoughts. Even though he had left me, the sheer terror he instilled in me lingered, refusing to release its grip.
"Leaf!" I attempted to scream, my voice barely a whisper as I found myself on all fours, crawling in a futile attempt to reach out to him. But my body remained steadfast, refusing to respond to my desperate plea. With every ounce of determination, I strained to lift my head and lock eyes with Leaf, hoping to convey the fear that consumed me. He, too, appeared overwhelmed and terror-stricken, his valiant attacks on Raticate missing the mark, ineffective against the onslaught of Raticate's relentless counterattacks.
The fierce battle between Leaf and Raticate unfolded before my helpless eyes. Each of Leaf's moves was met with a swift retaliation, inflicting punishing blows that intensified my fear and helplessness. Raticate was a formidable opponent, manipulating each movement with calculated precision, effortlessly countering Leaf's desperate attempts at defense.
As fear continued to hold me captive, my mind raced, scrambling for a way to break free from this nightmarish scenario. I yearned for movement, for the ability to assist Leaf, to provide even the slightest bit of support in his struggle against Raticate's overwhelming strength. But trapped in my immobile state, all I could do was witness the battle unfold, my heart pounding in my chest as uncertainty and dread enveloped me.
"Scorbs! What happened to you?" Leaf's gaze held a mix of concern and confusion as he turned his attention towards me. My expression surely conveyed the distress I felt, my body under the influence of whatever Raticate did to me.
"Stay focused on Raticate, Leaf!" my thoughts screamed desperately, though I could not vocalize the warning. I mustered all the worry and fear in my eyes as I locked my gaze with Leaf's, hoping he would understand the urgency of the situation. Despite his dwindling stamina, Leaf fought valiantly, refusing to relent in the face of danger. Yet, uncertainty clouded my mind, leaving me wondering how much longer he could sustain this fierce battle against Raticate's relentless assault.
Things took a drastic turn for the worse as Raticate unveiled his final move. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched his front teeth begin to glow, a clear sign of imminent danger. Despite not being a seasoned Pokémon trainer, I instantly recognized the move. It was Hyper Fang, a vicious and powerful attack that could cause severe damage.
Without wasting a second, Raticate charged forward, bravely enduring a Pound attack from Leaf. In that dreadful moment, Raticate closed in, its jaws wide open and ready for devastation.
Just as everyone held their breath, a bone-chilling sound filled the air. *CRUUNNCHH*. Leaf's piercing scream cut through the silence, echoing with agony and terror. Time seemed to slow as Raticate sank its teeth deep into Leaf's side, tearing through ribs and flesh. The image of Leaf's anguished face and desperate plea for help is forever etched into my memory. "Aaahh! It hurts! Scorbs! Help! Help!"
My body froze in shock, unable to move. The weight of my own powerlessness crushed me with a wave of guilt. I should have been there for Leaf, to calm him down, to protect him. But in that moment, all I felt was my own uselessness.
But then, a surge of fiery anger erupted within me. It burned through my veins, consuming any reservations or doubts. I had never let my emotions take control before, but seeing Leaf in such a vulnerable state awakened a primal instinct in me—it was pure rage. At that moment, I didn't care about the consequences or the danger I might face. All I knew was that I had to help Leaf, and I would do whatever it took.
The intensity of my fury intensified as I gazed at Raticate, his smug expression after inflicting such a traumatic ordeal on an innocent child. It was a sight that pushed me beyond reason, beyond fear. No child should ever have to endure such torment, wild Pokémon or not. My fists clenched, my body trembling, I made a silent vow. I would fight tooth and nail to protect Leaf, to bring down Raticate.
My heart pounded frantically in my chest as I mustered every ounce of strength to push through the overwhelming fear. Urging myself forward, I mentally screamed, "Come on! Move! Move! Move!" The rush of anger surged through me like wildfire, fueling my determination. In that harrowing moment, time seemed to freeze as my gaze locked onto Leaf, his outstretched hand reaching desperately towards me. His stoic expression betrayed a haunting emptiness as if his soul had withered away. And then, I noticed a single tear escape from his lifeless eyes.
And in that instant, something snapped within me!
"Aaaaargh!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, I broke free from the suffocating grip of Raticate's control. Ignoring any semblance of strategy, I charged towards the menacing creature with unwavering resolve. Logic and self-preservation ceased to matter; all that consumed my thoughts was delivering a decisive blow to Raticate. Whether it was his strength or even if it meant risking my own life, I was prepared to lay it all on the line for the sake of saving Leaf.
Raticate locked eyes with me as my charging figure drew closer. He braced himself, prepared to confront me head-on. While I knew that reaching him would inevitably lead to my defeat, all I could see was an overwhelming surge of anger. "Release your grip on him!" I bellowed, my words echoing with fierce determination. In a sudden, unexpected turn of events, my body began to emit a radiant glow - an undeniable sign that I was about to unleash a powerful move. However, my intent was clear: I sprinted as fast as my legs would carry me and collided forcefully with Raticate.
Raticate gasped in surprise, caught off guard by my lightning-fast assault. He hadn't anticipated my ability to close the distance in the blink of an eye. Striking him forcefully in the sides, I sent him staggering backward. At that moment, realization dawned upon me - I had executed a Quick Attack. Yet, I didn't halt there. Driven by an unwavering determination, I continued to press against Raticate, relentlessly pushing him until he was sent flying through the air. Leaf, relieved from Raticate's clutches, tumbled to the ground. Swiftly attending to his wounds, I retrieved the last Oran Berry, desperately hoping its healing properties would ease his pain.
"I'm here for you, Leaf," I reassured him, urgency lacing my words. "Hurry, eat this berry. I hope its healing property will heal you up. Just rest for now, you've done more than enough. I'll take it from here." Gently placing the berry in his mouth, I hugged him before turning my attention to Raticate once again.
I crouched down, the tension building in my muscles as I assumed the stance of a sprinter poised for action. With a mix of determination and defiance, I growled at the towering Raticate before me "Get ready you overgrown rodent, here I come!". Like a bolt of lightning, I surged forward, propelling myself towards Raticate.
I managed to land a hit, however, my lightning speed caused me to overshoot my target, making it difficult to change my direction with ease. Each time I attempted to dash towards Raticate, I struggled to maintain control. Yet, even with this hindrance, every time I made contact with Raticate, I could feel the impact reverberate through my body, dealing tangible damage to my opponent. I seized this advantage, maximizing the potential of my newfound velocity.
Despite my onslaught, Raticate was not one to be underestimated. With each blow I delivered, I noticed Raticate attempting to counter, but to no avail. After a few clash, Raticate was finally able to hit me with fury swipes, but I was undeterred, I keenly observed Raticate's movements, not only learning from my repeated use of my quick attack but also studying the strategies employed by Raticate.
"You're not the only one who can harness their body for swift reactions!" I bellowed, a fiery determination blazing within me. Once again, I unleashed Quick Attack, and this time, Raticate was prepared. However, in a split second, I shifted my weight, utilizing the very mechanics I had observed from Raticate's own movements, allowing me to swiftly change direction and evade his retaliation.
Employing a clever feint, I tricked Raticate into missing his intended strike. His vulnerability became my opportunity. With an explosive burst of energy, I dashed forward, the impact of my attack sending Raticate soaring through the air once more, his body hurtling through the distance. Determined not to give him a moment's respite, I pursued him relentlessly.
Yet, as I closed in on Raticate, something extraordinary happened. A potent energy emanated from my feet, causing them to glow with power. It must have been a kicking move that presented itself. Sensing the surge of strength coursing through me, I leaped into the air, performing a roundhouse kick that connected resoundingly with Raticate's vulnerable jaw. The pain-evoked scream that emanated from his mouth was a testament to the force of my blow, It was the first time I heard Raticate scream in pain.
Landing gracefully on the ground, I discovered the residual power still coursing through my other foot. Without hesitation, I channeled this newfound strength, executing a swift and accurate kick that landed firmly in Raticate's gut. The agonizing pain unleashed a guttural reaction from Raticate, causing him to involuntarily eject a small amount of bile from his mouth, a testament to the intense ache he experienced.
But just when victory seemed within reach, an unforeseen turn of events transpired. In the midst of Raticate's suffering, he seized the opportunity, he grabbed my foot when I kicked him. The tide had shifted, and I found myself caught in Raticate's grip, my triumph momentarily overshadowed by the unexpected turn of events.
I tried to squirm free, but Raticate's grip was unyielding. He pulled me closer, a sinister smile on his face, ready to unleash his brutal move, Hyper Fang. Just like with Leaf, his teeth pierced through my ribs, cracking them with a sickening sound. The pain was unbearable, and I couldn't help but scream out in agony. Yet, amidst the torment, the surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins numbed the pain to some extent.
Desperate to break free, I unleashed a flurry of punches, striking Raticate's head repeatedly. Each blow landed with force, rattling his senses, but it wasn't enough to make him release his hold on me. Panic gripped me as I realized I needed something, anything, to turn the tables in my favor. My trembling hands searched frantically through my bag, and to my relief, I felt a warm object—it was the blast seed! How could I have forgotten about it in the chaos of battle? My eyes widened with newfound hope.
"Eat blast seed, Raticate!" I shouted, swiftly activating the seed and thrusting it into the jaws of my captor. If physical blows couldn't harm him, maybe this explosive seed could wound him from the inside. Raticate choked and gagged, releasing his grip on me in the process. Seizing the opportunity, I scrambled away, knowing that the blast seed would detonate at any moment.
BOOOM!
I turned back, relief washing over me as Raticate lay defeated. But he was as stubborn as I was. Despite his weakened state, he struggled to regain his footing, his knees trembling. Raising my voice, determination fueled my words, "You want more? I'll give you more!" I charged forward, ready for one final clash. Raticate mirrored my resolve and charged at me, preparing for our decisive confrontation. However, just as we were mere inches away from colliding, a piercing scream pierced through the air.
"Flame Wheel!" Suddenly, an immense fireball crashed into Raticate, sending him hurtling through the air for the third time—and hopefully, the last. Standing before me was the one Pokémon I would have never expected to see. "Dad?!" I stammered in disbelief as I witnessed my father's resolute stance, protecting me in that critical moment.