Chapter 19: Cool-Off!
'The day of the big fight finally arrived. With our three refugees in tow, we headed to The Dropoff, a section of the sea where the sandy bottom suddenly drops off into what many consider the ocean proper. It's the farthest I've ever been from the shore... Kind of intimidating.'
'Not more intimidating than the massive troupe of Tentacool floating down there ready to snack on my party if we should lose, but still. Besides, I have faith in my team! They've worked hard, got a good night's sleep, and ate a filling yet balanced breakfast! They're ready for anything!'
Just as he was thinking that, the swarm of jellys parts. A titanic shadow eclipsing all members of Jessie's party stretches out over the seafloor. A colossal Tentacruel appears! Or possibly a normal sized one. Hard to say when you're the size of a fish.
-"TENTACRUEL!" A massive bellow spreads out, batting aside a few of the smaller Tentacool nearby.
"Jeez, I hear you! No need to shout, you know? Anyway, I've brought the four fighters I believe in the most. Where are your four?"
-"TEN-TACRUEL!"
"What the hell?! We had a deal! You can't just fight yourself after saying you'd send your group! Look, even I'm not fighting, to make things fair!" He lies as easily as he swims, saying nothing of his injury.
"Or is it you're scared your oh-so strong hunters are just a bunch of small fry?"
"Well? What is it? Are you gonna abide your own words or are you gonna prove me ri-"
-"CRUEL!" Shocked into action, four Tentacool race forward and take their positions.
"Yeah, I thought so. Go kick some butt, guys."
-"Karp?"
"I... will have to get back to you on that one. Just kick whatever you can manage to kick, alright?"
-"Karp!"
Both sides take their positions and things immediately kick off. One of the Tentacool pulls back, the other three swimming forward. Aurum takes point with the twins flakning him. Loafy remains mostly stationary, opting for a slower approach.
The first Tentacool shoots off a series of Supersonic attacks, hoping to confuse the fish and break up their formation. They manage to dodge, but Aurum is immediately taken in by another jelly's Wrap attack and will be out of the fight until they can manage to shake it off!
The close range fighter attempts some jabs at Fallen, only to be met with surprising resistance from that Horn Attack! It just can't seem to get a solid hit off without risking losing a tentacle in the process. As another one attempts to line up a shot on the distracted Goldeen, Diver sweeps in to cover their teammate and harry the long ranged fighter, forcing it to back off more.
Things are pretty even until the Tentacool share a look, long range and close range group up and release a flurry of Acid attacks all around them! The crew fight to escape, but Aurum and the grappler cool start taking some damage from the stray attacks. It seems unfazed however, making full use of it's poison typing and resistance to stat changes.
Deciding they need to end things quickly, Fallen opts for a direct Waterfall attack! A massive torrent of water sprays up as Fallen rides the current up and out of the water, acid spewing pair. As close range readies an attack for when they come back down, Diver launches itself out of the waterfall in a surprise combo attack! Using it's namesake Dive move, it strikes down on the Tentacool with a critical hit!
-"TEN-TA-CRUEL..."
"Yeah yeah, I agree. But you've gotta let them fight it out. It won't count of you or I get involved."
-"CRUEL!"
The fighting jellys shape up under their leader's shouting. No more games, they all start piling on the two Goldeen, seeing them as the clear threat. It's a hail of tentacles and poisons as the two fight hard to evade or block attacks from all sides. Thankfully, this is about when Loafy finally manages to get himself across the battlefield and starts his own assault!
A super effective Psybeam breaks up the gang and forces them to play defensively. Long range fights back hard with a Water Gun, but is immediately overwhelmed and hit for massive damage! The others try teaming up to put down this new threat, but find little luck when he starts charging up an electric attack of some kind. Nobody can get close!
This is the perfect opportunity for Aurum to make use of his special throwing attacks. Those Corsola spikes deal a good chunk of damage when they land, bringing down the two main attackers in a single volley. Between those two's ranged attacks, it looks like the fight will end soon.
-"TENTACRUEL!" The massive boss pokemon rushes in, smacking the pair away and saving his two remaining subordinates from the loss.
"Hey hey! What did I say about cheating! Damnit. Alright guys, no holding back! Think you can handle one more guy?"
The Cooler Crew give a collective nod as they prep for round two.