The Hunters' Plan

The mood of Monte Moon had changed. After their intense battle with Golurk, Rael and Eira knew they could not turn back. They had a clear goal: to stop the hunters before they unleashed the power sealed within the ancient altar. With Golurk exhausted but trusting, they felt an even greater responsibility on their shoulders.

-Do you think we still have time? -Eira asked as they walked quickly through the dark tunnel, using the dim light of their lanterns to light their way.

-We have to believe we do," Rael replied, determination in his voice. If these hunters reach their goal, it could be catastrophic for all of Kanto. We cannot fail.

The cave seemed to stretch on forever as they advanced, but it was no longer the stalagmites or the shadows that worried them. They knew that somewhere ahead of them, the hunters were getting closer to the truth hidden in Mount Moon.

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Soon they came to a point where the tunnel split. One path led into a dark, unexplored area, while the other showed signs of recent travel: tool marks on the walls, footprints on the dusty ground, and the remains of abandoned equipment.

-This is the path the hunters took," Eira said, pointing to the tracks.

Rael nodded, though he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of danger. They knew that the hunters would not be alone. These criminals would not hesitate to use any means to stop them.

Without further thought, the two of them moved forward along the marked path, their steps swift but cautious. The deeper they went into the tunnels, the more oppressive the feeling became. The air was heavier, charged with a strange energy that seemed to emanate from the depths of the mountain.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they reached a wider chamber where the light from their flashlights revealed a scene that made them freeze. In front of them, fossil hunters were gathered around a huge digging machine, working frantically to unearth something that seemed to be buried right in the center of the cave.

-Look at that! -Rael whispered, pointing to the machine. They're about to dig up what they were looking for!

Eira frowned.

-We can't let them continue. If they dig up whatever is buried in there, all will be lost.

The hunters seemed unaware of Rael and Eira's presence, concentrating on their tasks. Around the digging machine, several of them were moving crates of fossils and other ancient artifacts, while others were controlling the operation from a control panel. Among them, Rael recognized the leader, a tall, stocky man with a scar on his cheek that made him look even more intimidating.

-That must be the boss," Rael whispered. If we can stop him, we can disrupt their operation.

Eira nodded.

-But we can't take them all on alone. We need a strategy.

Rael looked around, looking for something they could use to their advantage. He noticed that the digging machine was connected to a series of cables that fed it power. If they could disconnect those cables, they could stop the digging and buy some time.

-I have an idea," Rael said quietly, "I will try to get close to those wires and cut them. If I can do that, the machine will stop and we can buy some time.

Eira nodded, although the worry was obvious in her face.

-Be careful. We can't afford to fail now.

Rael took a deep breath and began to move stealthily around the periphery of the cave, keeping to the shadows as he approached the power cables. Eira stayed behind, watching the hunters' movements closely, ready to intervene if anything went wrong.

Rael's heart pounded as he approached the cables. They were connected to a console in the center of the cave, right next to where the leader of the hunters supervised the work. Rael knew that one false move could reveal his presence.

Carefully, he crouched next to the wires and pulled a small knife from his pack. He had to cut the wires without making too much noise, and he would do it quickly. His hands were shaking slightly, but he managed to calm himself enough to start cutting the first wire.

Just as he was about to cut the second wire, a voice echoed through the cave.

-Hey, what are you doing?!

Rael turned quickly to see one of the hunters approaching him with an angry expression on his face. Time was running out.

-Eira, now! -Rael shouted as he cut the last cable.

Eira wasted no time. She jumped out of her hiding place and quickly called Oddish.

-Oddish, use Somnifer!

Green dust spread through the cavern, enveloping several of the hunters who didn't have time to react before falling to the ground, asleep. The digging machine stopped abruptly as Rael cut the last cable, causing the other hunters to turn around, startled by the sudden chaos.

-Stop them! -the leader of the hunters shouted angrily. Don't let them get away!

Rael quickly backed away and ran toward Eira as more hunters began to close in. The tension in the cave immediately rose, and both knew they were facing an inevitable battle.

-We're in trouble," Rael said, panting.

-Not so much," Eira replied with a grin. Oddish, use Drainers!

Oddish launched his vines at the nearest hunters, wrapping them up and beginning to drain their energy. Rael, for his part, released Poliwag again and prepared to defend himself against the enemies coming their way.

-Poliwag, use the water cannon! -Rael ordered.

The water jet hit one of the hunters, throwing him backwards and knocking him unconscious. But despite their efforts, they knew they were outnumbered.

-We can't win this battle like this," Eira said as she backed up next to Rael. We have to find a way out of here and stop them from another angle.

Suddenly, the Hunter leader, with a grim expression on his face, released a Pokémon they hadn't seen before. It was a Rhydon, large and fearsome, and it roared loudly as it was released.

-Rhydon, finish them off! -commanded the leader.

Rael felt a knot in his stomach. He knew that they were in a critical situation. Rhydon was an extremely powerful Pokémon, and even though Poliwag had the type advantage, it would take all of his skills to face such a powerful Pokémon.

-We have no choice," Rael muttered. Poliwag, use Bubble!

The bubble attack landed directly on Rhydon, who grunted in pain but didn't stop. With a quick movement, Rhydon charged at them, his horn spinning dangerously.

Eira tensed.

-Oddish, use Paralyzer!

Oddish's paralyzing dust enveloped Rhydon just in time, slowing their movements and giving them a small advantage.

-It is now or never," Rael said. We must finish him before he recovers!

With one last effort, Rael and Eira prepared for the final battle against the Rhydon and the hunters surrounding them. They knew that the fate of Monte Moon depended on their victory.