Pokemon: Starting With a Psyduck

Chapter 9: 9. Ariados



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Potholes, broken logs, and shattered stones were scattered around, with spider webs visible everywhere. Starting from the battle center, there was hardly an intact spot within ten meters of Jack.

Hiding in the dark, Jack was stunned. Although this wasn't the first time he had witnessed the power of Pokémon, it was shocking every single time. This was only the power of Pokémon at the Rookie Trainer level.

The Pokémon Alliance's professional trainer certification standard required at least one Pokémon above level 30. Trainers meeting this criterion could visit Pokémon Alliance centers in major cities for certification.

An annual review was conducted, as some trainers had Pokémon that initially met the certification conditions but later fell short due to various reasons, such as a Pokémon dying in the wild or other Pokémon not reaching level 30. In such cases, the Pokémon Alliance revoked the trainer's professional certification until they met the criteria again.

The fierce battle continued, and Spinarak seemed visibly exhausted. Facing an evolved Pokémon like Ariados, it was remarkable Spinarak had held on this long.

Ariados, though in slightly better shape, showed signs of fatigue. The battle had clearly taken its toll on both Pokémon. However, neither side seemed willing to back down.

Frustrated by the prolonged stalemate, Ariados spat out spider silk to attach itself to a tree, swinging swiftly toward Spinarak. Reaching a position diagonally above Spinarak, Ariados abruptly severed the silk and unleashed a large spray of venom.

Spinarak dodged with surprising agility. Without hesitation, Ariados lunged forward, aiming to end the fight with Bug Bite.

Not to be outdone, Spinarak charged headlong toward Ariados, raising its sharp claws in preparation for a counterattack with Fury Swipes.

The two engaged in an intense close-quarters battle. Over time, Ariados gradually gained the upper hand, its larger size proving advantageous in dealing physical damage. With a resounding thud, Spinarak collapsed under the force of Ariados' final Bug Bite. Spinarak's small eyes remained fixed on Ariados, who was now battered but still standing.

Hidden in the shadows, Jack was stunned. He commanded, "Psyduck, get ready."

Psyduck, who had been silently observing, perked up at Jack's words, its body tensing as it prepared to intervene.

Ariados stood over Spinarak, assuming a victorious stance. It seemed to hesitate, uncertain about what to do next. Just then, another Spinarak, which had been watching the fight from the sidelines, crawled forward. It glanced at the fallen Spinarak before approaching Ariados, rubbing its head against Ariados in an intimate gesture. Ariados responded in kind.

Seeing the display, the fallen Spinarak trembled slightly, as though trying to stand again.

Looking at the scene, Jack was momentarily dazed. What he thought was a simple battle between wild Pokémon appeared to carry the undercurrents of a complicated love triangle.

The fallen Spinarak unsteadily rose to its feet, its exhaustion evident. Every movement seemed like a monumental effort after such a grueling battle.

As Spinarak managed to stand, Ariados lowered its head slightly and spat out spider silk, swiftly binding the weakened Spinarak. At the same time, Ariados opened its mouth, clearly preparing to unleash Poison Barb to deliver the final blow.

This is the reality of the Pokémon world. Battles over territory, food, or companionship often end harshly, with the loser either retreating in pain or worse, meeting their end.

Just as Ariados was about to launch Poison Barb, the other Spinarak stepped forward, blocking Ariados slightly. Ariados hesitated for a moment, seemingly taken aback. The two began to argue, their cries resembling a heated exchange. After a tense moment, the second Spinarak cast a glance at the fallen one before silently stepping back, as though conceding to Ariados' actions.

The trapped Spinarak, now bound in spider silk, locked its gaze on the retreating Spinarak before turning its defiant eyes to Ariados. Seemingly irritated by Spinarak's resolve, Ariados launched Poison Barb. Sensing the danger, Spinarak struggled fiercely. Suddenly, a familiar white glow enveloped its body.

The incoming Poison Barb dissolved instantly as it struck the evolving Spinarak—a mysterious rule of this world, where no attack, no matter how powerful, can harm a Pokémon mid-evolution.

Everyone present, including Jack and Psyduck, froze in amazement as Spinarak began to evolve. The glow faded, revealing a newly evolved Ariados. Its piercing purple eyes and silver-white horns gave it a commanding presence.

The newly evolved Ariados, having regained some strength from the evolution, acted without hesitation. It launched Poison Barb at the original Ariados, who was still dazed.

"Bang!" The attack struck hard. Its effect was undeniable as the original Ariados collapsed with a cry.

However, the newly evolved Ariados staggered as well. Though evolution restored a fraction of its stamina, it couldn't undo the severe injuries from the prior battle. It, too, fell.

Now, both Ariados lay defeated. The remaining Spinarak quickly scurried to the original Ariados, nuzzling its head against it repeatedly. The fallen Ariados seemed to respond, emitting sharp cries as though in a fierce argument.

After a moment, the Spinarak turned to the newly evolved Ariados, its gaze filled with uncertainty. The evolved Ariados met its look silently, with nothing left to say. Then, Spinarak fired spider silk, replicating the original Ariados' earlier move, and bound the evolved one.

This time, the evolved Ariados didn't resist. It merely stared at Spinarak calmly. Spinarak hesitated, as though questioning its own actions. At that moment, the original Ariados let out an angry cry, snapping Spinarak out of its indecision.

Without hesitation, Spinarak opened its mouth and fired a barrage of Poison Barb toward the evolved Ariados.

Just as the attack was about to strike, an invisible force filled the air. The Poison Barb stopped abruptly mid-flight, suspended in confusion, leaving everyone stunned.


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