Chapter 49: The Rekindled Fierce Battle
Through the efforts of Rio and the assembled Pokémon, the cavern they had excavated using the [Dig] move to serve as a trap was a full 6-7 meters deep. This depth was basically enough to trap the Pokémon from the Toxic Swamp and make it difficult for them to escape.
However, one point Rio had forgotten to consider was that if their group of Fighting-type Pokémon could master the Ground-type [Dig] move, then how could that group of Ground-type Pokémon not know it as well?
The [Dig] move, besides digging downwards, could also be used to dig upwards.
As the sound rang out, Rio, the Squirtle Boss, and the others turned to look.
"Where do you think you're escaping to?"
The Pokémon from the Toxic Swamp spread out in a line, glaring covetously at this group of "prey" in their eyes. And standing in the very middle, Hegemon Nidoking's face was still etched with anger, the lingering mud on its body continuously falling off as it strode forward.
The ferocious group of Pokémon, their fierce auras merging into one, exuded an overwhelming pressure.
"Come then, Squirtle. Let me see what other little tricks you have..."
Watching the approaching Hegemon Nidoking, the Squirtle Boss took a deep breath.
"Nidoking, we normally have no grievances. Our dwelling places and living areas could be said to be like well water not interfering with river water. My purpose now is simple: to take my companions back. Can we each take a step back, let us return, and afterwards, I will ensure my companions never interfere with you again. How about it?"
Hegemon Nidoking stopped its steps, its crimson eyes staring at the Squirtle Boss, its ferocious large mouth splitting into a grin. "Fine, you can let your subordinates go back..."
Before the Squirtle Boss and the other Pokémon could feel a surge of joy, Hegemon Nidoking immediately added, "However, as a price, you must stay."
"Why?"
Truthfully, the Squirtle Boss still didn't understand why Hegemon Nidoking was capturing Pokémon.
"Your strength can be utilized by our master. You are the first one who could fight me back and forth without having evolved."
Subsequently, Hegemon Nidoking threw out a tempting offer.
"Besides, aren't you unable to evolve? As long as you submit to our master, with the divine power our master wields, solving your inability to evolve is a trivial matter."
As one of the most powerful Pokémon in Newmoon Forest, the Squirtle Boss's inability to evolve had long been known by other Pokémon. Now, facing Hegemon Nidoking's words, the Squirtle Boss's calm heart couldn't help but stir.
"Don't! Be careful, this is a trap..."
Flower (Vileplume) nervously grabbed the Squirtle Boss's hand.
The scene instantly fell into a silent atmosphere.
"Well?"
Hegemon Nidoking asked with some impatience.
"I..."
The Squirtle Boss began to speak hesitantly.
"I don't think that's a good idea!"
Just then, Rio walked out from the group of Pokémon, interrupting their conversation.
Hegemon Nidoking looked at this Pokémon that only reached its thigh. "And what are you?"
"If the Squirtle Boss is captured by you, then the top combat power of the entire Newmoon Forest will completely fall into your hands. In that case, when you want to capture the remaining Pokémon, we will have absolutely no way to resist," Rio said loudly, seemingly refuting Hegemon Nidoking but actually intending to remind the Squirtle Boss. "If that's the case, then what difference does it make whether you let us go now or not?"
"Furthermore, I don't believe we can't beat you now."
Before Hegemon Nidoking could speak, Sandslash beside it couldn't help but mock, "Just by you? A pipsqueak not even as strong as me? Or are you planning to rely on this bunch of weaklings?"
Sandslash pointed its claw at Flower and the other Pokémon, a scornful smile on its face.
The captured Pokémon, after being ravaged by venom, even though they had recovered a good deal of stamina and energy from eating Berries earlier, were still not in peak condition. They supported each other, displaying an extremely weak demeanor.
"Yeah, you don't believe me?"
"Hahahaha... If you were all in top condition, I might believe it. But in your current state, my subordinates can defeat all of you without us even having to make a move... Hahaha..."
Sandslash continued to mock, and the group of Ground-type Pokémon around it also let out sinister, jeering laughs.
Ignoring Sandslash's taunts, Rio looked at the Squirtle Boss. "Boss, what are your thoughts?"
The hesitant look on the Squirtle Boss's face had vanished, replaced by a calmness as vast as the sea.
"You're right. If I am captured, then no one will be able to protect you all."
"In that case, then..."
"Let's fight!"
The Squirtle Boss took off the sunglasses he wore, revealing his eyes. The scar beside his eye looked even deeper under the sunlight.
At this moment, his face no longer showed caution, no longer hesitation, nor that deeply hidden trace of fear and remorse. Only a fighting spirit burning like a raging fire remained, along with unwavering determination.
"Bullshit! What do you mean, you'll protect us? As if I can't beat you!"
Machop spat, then walked somewhat unsteadily to the Squirtle Boss's side, his weakened body now standing tall and straight.
"Showing off again."
Flower chuckled softly from behind the two Pokémon.
"Hmph, I wonder who was the first to be defeated last time."
Scyther glanced coldly at Machop, who immediately looked embarrassed.
"Hahahaha..."
The ordinary Machop, Geodude, Mankey, Gloom, Beedrill, and other Pokémon from Sunrise Valley laughed and dispersed, orderly forming their usual battle formation.
Poliwhirl and Lapras exchanged a look.
"There's no retreat. Let's fight together."
Poliwhirl's voice was as calm as ever.
Lapras nodded. She understood the principle of "when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold" (if one falls, the other is in danger). If the Pokémon of Sunrise Valley were defeated or captured now, they would be next to fall into such a predicament.
Psyduck, Poliwag, and Staryu—Pokémon capable of fighting on land—followed closely behind the Pokémon of Sunrise Valley, forming up. Tentacool, Goldeen, and other Water-type Pokémon leaped into the nearby river, ready for battle.
"Although the only Leader-level combatant is still just the Squirtle Boss, however..."
"For Elite-level combat power, we have Machop, Flower, Scyther, Poliwhirl, Lapras, and myself, who am not inferior to Elite-level combat power, against Arbok, Sandslash, and Nidoqueen. This time is different from the last; we have a clear advantage."
"For the rest, we still have the combat power of Water-type and Grass-type Pokémon. Facing their Ground and Poison types, we can form a type advantage..."
As Rio was encouraging the Pokémon, numerous figures, large and small, suddenly leaped out from the grass nearby.
"Bu-Butterfree? Didn't I ask you to guard the valley?"
The Squirtle Boss was taken aback.
"And you lot, what are you doing joining the commotion?"
This was directed at the Oddish siblings.
Emerging from the grass were indeed Butterfree, who had been previously assigned to guard the valley, and the younger Pokémon like the Oddish, Poliwag, Caterpie, and Weedle.
"What's the point of guarding a valley without everyone in it?"
Butterfree said seriously to the Squirtle Boss.
"We've practiced our team battle coordination for so long. Without us, how can Sunrise Valley display its true strength?"
The eldest Oddish brother嚷嚷 (shouted/bellowed).
"Smack!" Flower went up and slapped the eldest Oddish brother. "Are you trying to get yourself killed, daring to participate in this kind of battle? I'll deal with you when we get back," she said, annoyed.
The eldest Oddish brother, having been hit, dared not voice his anger, only rubbing the spot where he was hit with the leaves on his head and pouting. "Even Rio, whom I've defeated before, gets to participate in the battle..."
Rio: "...You brat! That one time I lost was because I didn't know how to use moves yet... Damn it, a lifelong shame..."
Rio recalled when he first arrived at Sunrise Valley, wanting to practice with Oddish but ending up getting thrashed by it.
"Let us fight together, Boss."
A Poliwag from Sunrise Valley looked at the Squirtle Boss with its big, round, innocent eyes.
"Sigh, you all..."
The Squirtle Boss sighed, then said with a mixture of helplessness and gratification, "Come on then, get into your positions. This time, let us all fight together."
And so, the lineups on both sides were arranged as follows:
Sunrise Valley and Crescent Lake United Battle Formation:
Front line: Squirtle Boss, Elite Machop, Rio, Poliwhirl, Geodude (primarily relying on strong frontal combat capability to engage the enemy head-on).
Flanks: Scyther, Mankey, ordinary Machop, Beedrill, Butterfree (primarily utilizing high mobility to harass the enemy formation).
Mid-section: Flower (Vileplume), Gloom, Oddish, Lapras, Caterpie, Weedle (primarily using support moves to aid the front and rear lines).
Ranged: Staryu, Poliwag, Psyduck (on land); Goldeen, Tentacool (in the river) (primarily utilizing Water-type moves for ranged attacks). The individual strength of the Pokémon from Sunrise Valley and Crescent Lake was not particularly outstanding. Therefore, in their battle formation, each Pokémon's specialty was detailed to allow them to play their strongest role in different positions.
Toxic Swamp Formation:
Front line: Hegemon Nidoking, Nidoqueen, Rhyhorn, Sandslash, Sandshrew, Diglett.
Flanks & Rear: Koffing, Arbok, Ekans, Nidoran♂, Nidoran♀, Nidorino, Nidorina. The Pokémon of the Toxic Swamp only had Ground-type Pokémon, formidable in frontal combat, and Poison-type Pokémon, whose every move carried status effects. Therefore, their battle formation was extremely simple: Ground-types for frontal engagement, Poison-types for flanking harassment.
The battle—no, this could already be considered a small-scale war—was about to begin.