Haruko's expression turned grave.
"Archie, grab Misako and run!"
Arcanine nodded and dashed towards Misako, held her by her shirt, and threw her on his back before she could protest.
This would make the fight even more difficult for her, but she had to get Misako to safety.
"No, sis! I can help! I don't wanna be a burden. I can escape on my own at least!"
Haruko didn't answer. Her eyes were fixed on the cloaked figure.
"Now," the figure smiled as he said, "who said anyone was allowed to leave?"
Then they gestured to 5 of their Pokemon to chase Arcanine.
Arbok, Weezing, Crobat, Zangoose, Serviper.
"Blastoise, Surf! Jolteon, power it up with Thunderbolt. Do not let them reach Arcanine. Pidgeot, Scizor and Rhyhorn, get in formation."
The electrified wave came crashing towards the group.
But the cloaked figure's Pokémon were ready.
Several used Protect, the shimmering barriers absorbing the electric surf. Honchkrow and Crobat took to the air, diving from above.
The two Magmar raised their arms and used Sunny Day, the clearing suddenly surrounded by bright sunlight.
Venasaur's flower opened wide, absorbing the intensified sunlight, and released a powerful Solar Beam towards Haruko's Pokemon.
Then the four Nidoking and Nidoqueen stomped in unison. Combined Earth Power.
The ground erupted.
The clash of so many high-level Pokémon unleashed catastrophic force. Trees splintered and fell. The earth shook. A shockwave of raw energy tore through the clearing.
Haruko's Pokémon were stronger individually, but the numbers were overwhelming. Rhyhorn planted itself in front of her, and used his ground energy to counter the Earth Power.
The rest of her Pokemon counter attacked with perfect coordination, but because of the overwhelming numbers, they couldn't stop them from chasing Misako.
The last thing Misako saw, before the forest obscured her view, was her sister standing tall amid the chaos, directing her team against a sea of enemies.
Then a dark shape appeared ahead.
Crobat, who was faster than Arcanine, cut off their escape path with an Air slash.
Arcanine stopped to dodge, as Seviper, Arbok, Weezing and Zangoose closed in from behind.
Knowing he couldn't out run them while protecting Misako, Arcanine made a split-second decision. He tossed her aside carefully into a patch of undergrowth. Then he turned to face five opponents alone.
Crobat and Zangoose were Advanced level. The other three were Intermediate.
Arcanine roared as flames erupted around him. He lunged at them, buying time.
But while fighting, Arbok and Weezing slithered past his guard, slipping through the chaos. They ignored Arcanine and chased toward Misako.
Arcanine, blocked by Crobat, Zangoose, and Seviper, could only twist his head and fire a desperate Flamethrower in their direction. The flames caught Arbok and Weezing partially, enough to wound them, but not stop them.
This cost him, however, as he was hit by Crobat and Zangoose's combined attack. He held his ground and continued fighting the remaining 3.
Misako ran, her lungs burning. Alongside her were Eevee and Misdreavus, occasionally launching attacks at the wounded Arbok and Weezing, who were chasing them.
Yet, they couldn't outrun them.
Having no choice, Misako decided to stand her ground and fight. She regretted not bringing any of her other Pokémon on this trip.
"Eevee, Swift! Misdreavus, Shadow Ball!"
In a desperate struggle, she took them on, but it didn't last. Faced with 2 intermediate Pokemon, even if injured, Eevee and Misdreavus didn't last long.
After that she was saved by Eric, which brings us back to the present.
---
Misako was teary eyed after she was done telling her story to Eric.
Eric's expression was grave after he heard her story. He did feel quite sorry for her, but more than that he was worried about this mysterious individual.
If someone like that was here, then it was too risky for him to continue moving forward. Unfortunately, he didn't have time. Gastly couldn't wait much longer, and Eric did not want to compromise his future.
Having made up his mind, he steeled his resolve. The map he got from Alka also showed where the territories of different Pokemon are. His destination was not in the same direction as the Dusclops territory, but it was close. If he was planning to move forward, he'll have to be really careful.
He then looked at the crying Misako.
"While I feel bad for you, we don't have time for this. According to what you told me, Arcanine and the 3 Pokemon aren't far from here. If Arcanine loses, they'll be here in no time."
Misako tensed up, as she forced herself to stop crying.
"I have business deeper inside that I can't delay, so If you're going back, I can't accompany you."
"N-no! I can't abandon my sister."
"If someone as strong as your sister lost, you know there is nothing you can do with your power right?"
"I–"
She looked down. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides.
He was right. She knew it. If she hadn't been there, Arcanine could have stayed beside Haruko. She'd only been a burden.
But if the enemy was stronger than her sister, then by the time she reached town and brought reinforcements, it would be too late. If Haruko died while she ran away…
She raised her head.
"I know it's pointless," she said, her voice steadier now. "But I still can't abandon my sister. I don't know if you have a sibling, but… I can't live with myself if I run away from here on my own."
Eric looked at her and sighed. So there really are people like this too?
He turned his gaze to her Pokémon.
Misdreavus and Eevee.
Level 27 and 25 respectively, and both have Blue Potential.
This Misako must come from a powerful background.
At this level, she was about as strong as him. She could be useful.
Suit yourself. My destination isn't the Dusclops territory, but our paths run in the same direction for a while. I'm heading that way anyway. So if you're coming… hurry up and get ready."
Misako's eyes lit up like someone had flipped a switch.
"O-okay! Thank you again! I'll definitely repay you in the future!"
She scrambled to treat her Pokémon, feeding them with potions and berries.
"It's fine. We are just headed in the same direction for a while. I am not helping you."
"It doesn't matter. The Ayame always repay their debts. Now, let's hurry!"
The crying girl was long gone, replaced by someone with fire in their eyes. She stormed off and called Eric,
"Let's hurry! This way."
Unsure of what to make of this, Eric shrugged and followed her.
The upcoming journey is going to be full of danger… he had to be very careful.
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