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Since Omastar and Kabutops were both level 45, the experience gained from defeating them naturally wasn't sufficient to level up Gym Leader-level Pokémon significantly. However, for Gardevoir, Venusaur, and Blastoise, this amount of experience was still quite substantial—enough to advance them by two full levels.
"Fossil Pokémon are special creatures, so I'll use some special Poké Balls to show my respect," Eddie declared, retrieving four distinctive Poké Balls from his bag. Each sphere was predominantly green with black stripes running across its surface.
Dusk Ball: A specialized Poké Ball with unique properties that excels at capturing Pokémon during nighttime or in dark environments such as caves.
Note: When used at night or in caves, the capture rate increases threefold.
Eddie tossed all four Dusk Balls directly at the unconscious Fossil Pokémon lying on the cave floor.
The Dusk Balls immediately absorbed their targets, then wobbled back and forth several times before their centers glowed with steady red lights, indicating successful captures.
"Excellent. Now for the final Fossil Pokémon. Although I already possess the Old Amber, that doesn't prevent me from capturing another Aerodactyl," Eddie mused as he collected the four Dusk Balls and stored them in his spatial bag.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Just as Eddie prepared to venture deeper into the cave to locate Aerodactyl, a series of heavy, resonating footsteps echoed through the rocky corridors.
"Footsteps? But doesn't Aerodactyl fly?" Eddie's initial assumption was that Aerodactyl was approaching, but he quickly realized something was amiss.
Aerodactyl was primarily an aerial Pokémon, rarely walking step by step in such a manner. Moreover, these footsteps were incredibly heavy—far too substantial for an Aerodactyl to produce.
"This definitely isn't Aerodactyl. It seems the Pokémon inhabiting this cave have changed from what I expected," Eddie concluded.
Various signs led Eddie to determine that the Fossil Pokémon slowly making its way toward him was certainly not the pterodactyl-like creature he had anticipated.
While Eddie pondered which Pokémon might be approaching, the mysterious creature finally came into view.
"Good grief! This is a Pokémon that actually preys on Omastar and Omanyte. How did those four manage to survive in here with this predator around?" Eddie muttered, the corners of his mouth twitching as he recognized the final Fossil Pokémon.
Name: Carracosta
Type: Water/Rock
Ability: Solid Rock (Exceptional quality—reduces damage from super-effective moves by 1/4)
Level: 50 (Gym Leader class)
Potential: Elite-level
"Damn, it actually possesses Gym Leader-level strength. If I didn't already have two Water-type starter Pokémon, I'd seriously consider adding it to my team," Eddie remarked, closing his Pokédex as he studied the imposing Fossil Pokémon that radiated a terrifying aura.
He hadn't expected to encounter a wild Gym Leader-class Fossil Pokémon in this location, especially one that wasn't native to the Kanto region. Of course, Eddie wasn't particularly surprised by the presence of Pokémon from other regions—such encounters weren't entirely uncommon.
What truly surprised him was the creature's formidable strength. A wild Pokémon with Gym Leader-level power in such a remote location could easily overwhelm any ordinary trainer who wasn't as experienced as Eddie.
"I had hoped to let Charizard battle against Aerodactyl, but it seems that won't be possible now. The type disadvantage would be too severe," Eddie reflected with disappointment.
Eddie had genuinely wanted to witness a battle between Charizard and Aerodactyl—an idea that had captivated him since watching the anime. In that episode, the Aerodactyl in the cave had enraged Ash's Charmeleon, causing it to evolve directly into Charizard on the spot.
Unfortunately, because both Ash and Aerodactyl were so quick to flee the scene, they never actually had their anticipated battle.
This time, Eddie had planned to let his own Charizard face off against the ancient flying dragon. However, there was no Aerodactyl present—only this Carracosta, which held a significant type advantage over Charizard and possessed overwhelming power. Eddie didn't dare risk such a disadvantageous matchup.
"Come out, Sceptile!" Eddie called, releasing his primary Grass-type Pokémon. Grass-types held a commanding advantage over his opponent.
"Carracosta excels in physical defense and attack power, but its special attack and special defense are considerably weaker. Sceptile has excellent special attack capabilities and superior speed—it should be able to defeat this opponent decisively."
For added security, Eddie retrieved his Mega Glove and slipped it onto his hand, preparing to have Sceptile undergo Mega Evolution.
Observing the brilliant light as Mega Sceptile completed its transformation, Carracosta immediately sensed danger.
Originally, it had emerged so carelessly because it perceived Charizard as the strongest opponent on Eddie's team. Before Eddie released Sceptile, the only Pokémon that had given it pause was Pikachu.
Carracosta hadn't wanted to engage in battle initially—it was simply hungry and sought to feed on the Omanyte and Omastar it had detected.
However, those very Pokémon had just been captured by Eddie.
When you're starving and finally spot delicious food, only to have it snatched away right before your eyes, frustration naturally follows.
Carracosta was thoroughly displeased. It had emerged specifically to hunt, and despite its wariness of Pikachu, it had suppressed its fears and approached Eddie step by step.
Just as it prepared to roar and threaten Eddie into surrendering its intended meal, Sceptile appeared. Then, to make matters worse, Sceptile underwent Mega Evolution, transforming into Mega Sceptile.
Now Carracosta desperately wanted to retreat. Grass-type Pokémon were extremely effective against it, and Mega Sceptile's intimidating presence far exceeded its own power level.
If it didn't escape immediately, when would it get another chance?
However, would Eddie simply allow this valuable opponent to slip away?
Eddie never turned down experience opportunities that presented themselves so conveniently.
"Hey there, big guy! Since you've decided to show yourself, you're not leaving," Eddie declared with a grin.
"Mega Sceptile, use Double Team, then follow up with Giga Drain!"
Mega Sceptile released a powerful roar as it channeled its energy, and suddenly dozens of identical copies materialized throughout the entire cave.
These duplicates arranged themselves in a perfect circular formation, completely surrounding Carracosta.
Carracosta was visibly shaken upon witnessing this display, realizing that escape was no longer an option. Although Mega Sceptile had used Double Team to encircle it, Carracosta couldn't distinguish between the real Sceptile and its illusory copies.
Attempting to flee randomly would only put it in greater danger.
Carracosta's frustration finally boiled over. Not only had its food been stolen, but now it was being surrounded and attacked? This situation was absolutely unacceptable!
The ancient turtle Pokémon first roared at Eddie to express its profound displeasure, then prepared for battle.
At that moment, Mega Sceptile's assault had already begun.
Channeling its energy, the Grass-type began draining Carracosta's vitality and converting it into its own stamina through Giga Drain.
However, Carracosta was well-prepared for this attack. It quickly used Protect to create a defensive barrier, successfully blocking Mega Sceptile's energy-draining assault.
Then, using the protective shield it had created, Carracosta carefully observed the pattern of Mega Sceptile's attack to identify the real body hidden among the clones.
It immediately retaliated with Rock Slide, launching massive boulders infused with Rock-type energy directly at Mega Sceptile's true location.
"This creature has considerable battle experience, doesn't it? As a Gym Leader-level Pokémon, poor combat instincts would have prevented it from reaching such formidable strength," Eddie observed with genuine admiration.