Pokemon : Rewind-Chapter 465 - 53: The Power of Haunter

Haunter's Ghost and Poison typings gave it a significant advantage over Normal- and Fairy-type Pokémon.

This dual typing not only made it immune to Clefable's Normal-type moves but also provided it with super-effective options against Fairy-types.

When Ash sent out Haunter, Whitney's confident expression faltered. She could already feel the pressure of the battle, and it hadn't even started yet.

Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.

Having watched the Indigo Plateau Conference, Whitney knew just how powerful Ash's Haunter was.

Its mastery of moves like Aerial Ace gave it combat power far beyond its rank, rivaling even gym-level Pokémon despite being technically at the Silver-level.

---

"Begin!" the referee called.

"Haunter, Phantom Force!" Ash commanded.

Haunter let out its signature eerie laugh as Ghost-type energy enveloped its body, opening a portal to a shadowy dimension. It faded into the void, vanishing from sight.

"Stay alert, Clefable! Watch for where it might reappear!" Whitney called out, her eyes narrowing.

Clefable stiffened with determination, its small eyes darting around as it scanned for any signs of Haunter's reemergence.

Suddenly, a silent ripple formed in the air near Clefable's feet as Haunter prepared its sneak attack.

Whitney's sharp observation skills caught the subtle movement. "Clefable, jump back and counter with Disarming Voice!"

Clefable immediately leapt backward, releasing a burst of pink Fairy-type energy in a sharp cry. The visible soundwaves shot forward and caught Haunter just as it emerged from the portal.

The impact hurled Haunter backward over ten meters. However, due to its resistance to Fairy-type moves, the damage was minimal.

The audience erupted into cheers. That Whitney had landed the first successful hit against Ash surprised many spectators.

"As expected of the Goldenrod City Gym Leader," Ash mused, assessing Whitney's skill. "But now the real battle begins. Haunter, Shadow Ball!"

Haunter laughed maniacally as it disappeared into the void again, leaving Clefable scanning its surroundings nervously.

This time, however, Haunter emerged ten meters above Clefable, a glowing orb of dark purple energy already forming between its hands.

"Clefable, dodge!" Whitney yelled, but her command came just a moment too late.

The Shadow Ball struck Clefable squarely on the head, exploding on impact and engulfing the battlefield in smoke.

"Follow up with Sludge Wave!" Ash called, capitalizing on the momentary confusion.

Haunter dove into the smoky chaos, unleashing a surge of dark purple poison energy that spread outward in a massive wave.

The sludge swept across the battlefield, smothering Clefable in its toxic grasp.

Clefable emerged from the dissipating sludge, visibly weakened and covered in purple, bubbling toxins—a clear sign it had been poisoned.

"You taught Haunter Sludge Wave?" Whitney exclaimed in shock. "It wasn't in any of the reports I've seen!"

Ash smirked. "Always be prepared for the unexpected, Whitney."

---

"Clefable, use Moonlight!" Whitney ordered, desperate to recover her Pokémon's strength.

Clefable struggled to its feet, summoning Fairy-type energy to create a glowing pink moon that filled the battlefield with gentle, healing light. Its injuries began to fade as its energy slowly replenished.

But Ash wasn't about to let Clefable regain momentum. "Haunter, Hypnosis!"

Haunter's grin widened as its eyes glowed eerily. Invisible ripples radiated outward, slow but steady, and Clefable, locked in place while channeling Moonlight, couldn't avoid them.

The ripples struck Clefable, and its movements became sluggish. Despite its best efforts to fight off the overwhelming sleepiness, Clefable swayed unsteadily before collapsing onto the ground in a deep slumber.

"Clefable, wake up!" Whitney called, her voice filled with urgency.

But Clefable remained still, its soft snores confirming it was out of the fight for now.

"Let's finish this! Haunter, Sludge Wave again!" Ash commanded.

Haunter conjured another massive wave of poisonous sludge, sending it surging toward Clefable.

The toxic energy overwhelmed the sleeping Pokémon, carrying it across the battlefield and leaving it fainted.

"Clefable is unable to battle. Haunter wins!" the referee declared loudly, raising a flag in Ash's favor.

The crowd roared in approval, their cheers echoing through the battle hall. Ash's first victory in the Goldenrod Gym had not only showcased his tactical prowess but also reaffirmed Haunter's fearsome strength.

Whitney, though disappointed, couldn't help but smile at the thrilling battle that had just unfolded.

_________________________

Join my Patreon for more advance Chapters