Chapter 9: The Crisis Emerges
The constant "drip, drip, drip~" of water echoed clearly in the dark and quiet sewer. As Noah and his team ventured closer to the central area of the sewer, the environment around them began to change rapidly.
The closer they got to the center, the higher the humidity in the air. The pathway started to narrow while the black river of sewage beside them widened and its flow quickened. Eventually, the path became so narrow that it was difficult for even two people to walk side by side. The sound of rushing water from the sewage river grew louder.
Suddenly, with a loud "bang~," a Tentacruel emerged from the sewage river. Its tentacles lashed out, capturing one of Noah's team members.
"Ah~~, help me, I don't want to die~~~." Dwayne screamed in terror. He clawed at the slippery ground, leaving bloody marks, but the blue tentacles wrapped around his waist dragged him into the foul-smelling sewage river. He struggled for a moment before sinking to the bottom, lifeless.
"Damn it, Koffing, use Sludge Bomb! Bianca, Bruno, have your Pokémon freeze the water's surface." Seeing Dwayne suddenly snatched by the lurking Tentacruel, Noah's face darkened.
As the pathway narrowed and the river widened, water-type Pokémon that could live in the sewage began to appear and attack them. They had encountered several Tentacruels along the way, all of which they had beaten back with force.
However, this Tentacruel was different. It set a trap with its tentacles on the pathway and cleverly grabbed the weakest member, Dwayne. By the time they realized it, Dwayne was beyond saving.
With a series of explosions, several Sludge Bombs detonated in the water, creating a large splash. The Tentacruel, which had planned another attack, was blown a short distance away, its tentacles severed and twitching on the ground.
Taking this opportunity, Bianca and Bruno quickly commanded their Pokémon.
"Jynx, use Ice Beam."
"Hitmonchan, freeze the water with Ice Punch."
Jynx and Hitmonchan executed their orders, freezing the sewage and the Tentacruel's lower body tentacles, trapping it. Its red crystals began to glow as it prepared to use Supersonic to disrupt Noah and his team.
"Think you can counterattack? Dream on. Koffing, Taunt. Ekans, show it your power with Acid." The red light from Tentacruel's Supersonic made Noah dizzy, but he bit his tongue to stay awake and ordered Koffing and Ekans to attack.
"Koffing~."
"Ekans~."
Koffing's dark glow interrupted Tentacruel's Supersonic. Ekans's mouth bulged, releasing a large amount of Acid that hit Tentacruel's head accurately.
The corrosive Acid quickly melted part of Tentacruel's head. Enhanced by the toxic energy of the Toxic Orb, Ekans's Acid was even more corrosive, and even the poison-type Tentacruel couldn't withstand it.
"Tenta~," Tentacruel howled in pain, its body trembling. With its lower body frozen, it couldn't escape.
"Hitmonchan, use Thunder Punch." Bruno loved to finish off fallen foes. Seeing Tentacruel heavily injured, he ordered Hitmonchan to deliver the final blow.
"Venonat~," cried Venonat, who had lost its trainer and was in a low mood. Although Dwayne had not treated it well, their years together had earned Venonat's loyalty. Now, with Dwayne dead, Venonat was filled with guilt and anger.
Thunder Punch and Psychic hit Tentacruel, dealing significant damage. Tentacruel finally fell. Just as Bruno and Venonat were about to kill it, a specially made Rocket Poké Ball hit Tentacruel.
With a "thud~," the Poké Ball captured Tentacruel. Koffing grabbed the ball and brought it to Noah.
"Thanks, Koffing." Noah took the Poké Ball from Koffing and gently patted its bumpy head.
"Koffing~," Koffing happily flew around Noah.
"Venonat, Venonat~," Venonat cried angrily at Noah for capturing its enemy.
"Hmph, a worthless Pokémon that can't even protect its trainer dares to question me. I'll do as I please. Get lost." Noah's eyes showed disdain as he spoke coldly. Ekans, coiled around Noah, glared at Venonat.
"Venonat~," Venonat cried, its eyes glowing blue with powerful psychic energy. However, before it could release its energy, an Ice Beam froze it solid, and a Rocket Poké Ball captured it.
"Hmph, meddlesome." Noah coldly looked at Jynx who retrieved the Poké Ball.
"Sorry, Lord Noah," Vivian said respectfully, keeping her head down. She didn't dare meet Noah's eyes. She knew that without Noah's protection, she would have died long ago. Now, to save Venonat and anger Noah, she feared she had nullified her previous efforts. Noah was ruthless and principled, not tolerating disobedience.
"You'd better watch out. Stand behind Bruno." Noah glanced at her indifferently and walked forward.
"Yes." Vivian respectfully replied, retreating to the back of the team.
"Come out, Tentacruel, eat this and get to work." Noah placed the barely alive Tentacruel in the unfrozen sewage river and had Ekans release Black Sludge.
Energized by the Black Sludge, Tentacruel's tentacles took it and began to recover. Its wounds started healing, and its severed tentacles regrew.
"Woman, where's the central area? We've been walking for over an hour, why aren't we there yet?" Seeing Tentacruel recovering, Noah turned to Vivian, who was still guarded by Koffing.
Vivian turned to Noah, nodded silently.
"Do you really think I won't hurt you? Koffing, teach her a lesson." Noah's eyes flashed coldly, and he ordered Koffing to attack.
Koffing, eager for action, immediately slammed into Vivian, but she shattered upon impact.
Vivian's body softened, revealing a Ditto with a cunning look. The Ditto and a nearby Grimer quickly jumped into the rushing sewage river and disappeared.
A scream from behind drew Noah's attention. He turned to see Bruno's heart pierced by a kunai, while Vivian and their Pokémon lay unconscious.
A familiar scent filled the air. Noah felt dizzy, his body weakening as he knelt, unable to move. Ekans had already collapsed.
"This is Sleep Powder. When did it appear?" Noah struggled to look up and saw a ninja sneering at him. His vision blurred as he lost consciousness.
To be continued… (End of Chapter)