Pokémon: A Tale Of Time (Volume One: Zephyr)

Chapter Twelve - The Last Stand

As the pack of Poochyena lunged in unison, ready to finish them off, Raido gritted his teeth and braced for the attack. Beside him, the tired and battle-worn Nidoran tensed, ready to fight until the end. The snarling pack hurtled through the air, their teeth bared and eyes blazing with ferocity. Raido and Nidoran, both battered and exhausted, could only brace themselves for the inevitable impact.

But just as the Poochyena were about to reach them, a loud, commanding, and terrifying roar ripped through the air. The sound was so powerful that it seemed to shake the very ground beneath their feet. Startled, Raido, Nidoran, and the vicious Poochyena pack all turned in unison to face the source of the roar.

Bursting from the thick treeline, a fierce and majestic Arcanine leaped into the clearing. Its powerful muscles rippled under its fiery coat as it landed gracefully between the Poochyena pack and Raido and Nidoran. The Arcanine's eyes blazed with a fierce intensity, and it let out another earth-shaking roar, baring its formidable fangs.

The Poochyena pack skidded to a halt, their advance stopped dead in its tracks. They growled and barked in frustration, but their anger was tinged with a clear undercurrent of fear. They were obviously intimidated by such a formidable opponent standing in their way. The Arcanine's presence was commanding, and its mere stance exuded a level of power and authority that few Pokémon could match.

Raido, his heart pounding in his chest, stared in awe at the magnificent creature before him. The Arcanine's fiery mane billowed around its neck, and its eyes glinted with both intelligence and determination. For a moment, the forest was silent except for the heavy breathing of the exhausted Nidoran and the tense growls of the now-hesitant Poochyena pack.

The leader of the Poochyena pack snarled, trying to muster its courage. It took a tentative step forward, but the Arcanine responded with a low, rumbling growl that sent shivers down Raido's spine. The Poochyena stopped, its resolve faltering in the face of such a powerful adversary.

Arcanine's eyes flicked briefly towards Raido and Nidoran, a reassuring glance that seemed to say, "You're safe now." Then it turned its full attention back to the Poochyena pack, standing tall and unyielding.

Realizing they were outmatched, the Poochyena began to retreat slowly, their growls turning to whimpers. One by one, they slunk back into the forest, their tails between their legs. The leader was the last to go, casting a final, resentful glance at Arcanine before disappearing into the underbrush.

Raido let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. He sank to his knees, relief flooding through him as the immediate danger passed. Nidoran, equally exhausted, collapsed beside him, her sides heaving as she caught her breath.

"Thank you," Raido whispered, his voice filled with gratitude as he looked up at the Arcanine. The majestic Pokémon nodded slightly, acknowledging the thanks before turning its gaze back to the forest, ensuring the Poochyena pack was truly gone.

Raido couldn't believe their luck. Just when things seemed hopeless, this incredible Arcanine had appeared out of nowhere to save them. Despite the exhaustion and fear, they had made it through together. And with the Arcanine's timely intervention, they had been given another chance to continue their journey.

As they picked themselves up, Raido's heart still pounded in his chest, the adrenaline from the near-death experience not yet dissipated. He reached out to Nidoran, offering a reassuring pat. "You were incredible, girl," he said, his voice shaky but filled with pride.

Before they could fully gather their bearings, another rustling sound came from the tree line. Raido and Nidoran tensed, ready for another harrowing encounter.