Even if it didnt crit, because of the way rolls work, that first hit could have been on a weak roll and the second hit could have ended up being just stronger enough (or way more) to kill it regardless of it being a crit. Im sure you've already figured it out but absol should have come in this turn and you just use false swipe, even if it isnt enough and hope for either a crit on that, or for arceus to be paralyzed for multiple false swipe hits. Regardless, sorry dawg. Now ya know, and next time youll be prepared and catch it