Retreat in Surprise

In response to Hunter J and her henchman releasing their Pokémon, Yuga had Florges spread out a Grass-type terrain.

While the Crobat on the opposing side was adept at inflicting status conditions, Yuga had the support of Chimecho, a Pokémon capable of countering that. Therefore, between Misty Terrain and Grass Terrain, Yuga opted for the latter.

"Ariados, Spit String Shot!"

"Crobat, Supersonic!"

As Florges created the Grass Terrain, Ariados released a flurry of white silk strands, while Crobat emitted rings of Supersonic soundwaves.

"Florges, Magical Leaf! Absol, Roar!"

The white silk strands from Ariados were split in half by Florges's Magical Leaf, landing on the ground. Meanwhile, the Supersonic soundwaves canceled out alongside Absol's Roar, which was also a sound-based move.

"Kid, I didn't expect you to have some skills, but the next part won't be so easy! Ariados, Poison Jab!"

As Hunter J's voice fell, Ariados vanished instantly and reappeared behind Florges. Its front claws radiated a strong purple light as they lunged toward Florges.

Fortunately, Chimecho, who had been on standby, intervened on Florges's behalf. As a Psychic-type, Chimecho's reflexes were much quicker, and it used Gravity to momentarily halt Ariados' movements. This allowed Florges to evade the attack.

Just recently, Absol had also caught on.

With its ability to foresee the future, Absol's reaction speed wasn't any less than a Psychic-type's. However, its physical speed couldn't keep up with its reactions, resulting in a delay in its actions.

Seeing this, Hunter J grew furious. If she hadn't been left with only Ariados, she wouldn't have used two Pokémon against the opposing three. She wouldn't have done so even if her side were stronger, due to the significant risk.

The failed ambush on Florges didn't discourage Ariados from attacking. It swiftly turned around and redirected its assault toward Absol.

This time, neither Absol nor Chimecho, who hadn't fully adjusted after using Gravity, could prevent Ariados' attack.

Ariados' Poison Jab struck Absol down, covering it in a purple toxic mist.

"Poisoned! Chimecho!"

Upon hearing Yuga's voice, Chimecho understood immediately. It rang a melodious chime, dispelling Absol's poisoned status. Simultaneously, the healing effect of the Grass Terrain took effect.

However, Ariados' attack was just too potent. Despite the healing from the Grass Terrain, Absol sustained severe damage.

"Tch!"

Seeing that Chimecho's healing chime and Florges's Grass Terrain had swiftly saved Absol from danger, Hunter J let out a dissatisfied snort.

"Have Crobat cover Ariados! Ariados, Swords Dance!"

Her henchman nodded and instructed Crobat, "Crobat, Mean Look!"

A surge of black energy instantly struck Absol, rendering it unable to move. Meanwhile, not far away, Ariados began a Swords Dance, its blue energy swords spinning around it in circles.

Seeing Absol's movements restricted, Yuga had no choice but to say to Florges, "Florges, Moonblast, stop Ariados."

Although Moonblast wasn't particularly effective against Ariados, Yuga was left with no better option, as Florges's moves outside of Grass-type were all Fairy-type, which weren't effective against Ariados.

However, Florges's Moonblast had no effect on Ariados. The attack was entirely blocked by Crobat's Cross Poison.

With Absol entirely immobilized, Yuga faced a grim situation.

Soon, Ariados completed two Swords Dance maneuvers and returned to the battlefield. By this time, the effects of Florges's Grass Terrain had dissipated.

Could the situation get any more hopeless?

Once again, Ariados appeared before Absol like lightning. With a Poison Jab, Absol lost its ability to fight back instantly. Restricted by Mean Look, Absol had no way to retaliate.

"Stubbornly resisting instead of cooperating, huh?" Hunter J scoffed disdainfully.

Although Yuga felt internally panicked, he remained unwavering on the surface. He calmly recalled Absol, who had lost the ability to battle, and then sent out his most powerful Pokémon, Snorlax.

Snorlax, usually drowsy, turned resolute the moment it entered the battlefield.

"Oh, you've got another trick up your sleeve. But the outcome will be the same!" Seeing Yuga release Snorlax, a Pokémon that appeared even stronger, Hunter J was surprised for a moment.

"Ariados, Poison Jab."

Ariados was incredibly fast, moving so swiftly that Yuga's eyes could barely catch its form. However, this time, its target was Florges.

Yet, Snorlax proved quite clever. It rolled on the ground, successfully blocking the Poison Jab intended for Florges. This allowed Florges to re-establish the Grass Terrain.

While Snorlax's defense was not as high as Torkoal's, its innate bulk and long-lasting endurance allowed it to withstand Ariados' Poison Jab.

At this moment, Crobat's Mean Look focused on Snorlax. However, for a powerhouse like Snorlax, Mean Look wasn't a concern; it easily broke free from the restraint.

"Snorlax, use Rollout after Defense Curl!"

Having evaded the attacks from Ariados and Crobat, Yuga commanded Snorlax to attack.

Snorlax transformed into a spherical shape and then rolled toward Ariados with a deafening rumble.

However, Ariados was incredibly swift and sidestepped the attack with a swift movement.

"Crobat, hold Snorlax down! Ariados, use Poison Jab on Florges."

Following Hunter J's orders, Crobat appeared on the path of Snorlax's roll, disrupting it with Supersonic. Chimecho had to step in to assist.

Meanwhile, Ariados had positioned itself beside Florges. With a Poison Jab, Florges was left helpless.

Seeing Florges lose its ability to battle again, the Chatot perched on Yuga's shoulder was almost in tears of distress.

"What do we do? What do we do?"

Yuga ignored it and silently recalled Florges.

At this moment, Ariados directed its gaze at Yuga, launching a String Shot attack. Yuga initially thought it was aimed at him, but to his surprise, the Chatot on his shoulder was ensnared by the silk.

"No, don't do that!"

The Chatot screamed as it was pulled away by the silk.

Then, a series of Poison Stings shot from Ariados' mouth towards Chatot.

Strangely, these Poison Stings suspended midair, leaving Ariados wide-eyed in disbelief at its own move.

Immediately afterward, an Noctowl descended from above, a psychic force knocking Ariados away. The Chatot was also freed.

Liberated, the Chatot clung to the Noctowl and burst into tears. "Ki-Kitty-Chan, you finally came! I thought I'd never see you again!"

Meanwhile, Hunter J, witnessing this scene, was full of confusion.

What was up with this Noctowl? It had effortlessly repelled Ariados with a single blow.

Without concerning itself with Ariados, the Noctowl employed another psychic force, promptly dealing with Crobat, which was still grappling with Snorlax. It only took one blow.

Crobat wasn't at the pseudo-Elite level like Ariados. It was entirely defenseless against Noctowl's psychic force.

Seeing this, Hunter J finally realized that she was facing an Noctowl she couldn't handle.

"Retreat!"

With that, she recalled Ariados, along with her henchman and Crobat, back to her vehicle, and departed.