Chapter 1: A Dragon's Beginning
The cool mountain air filled Aiden Fontaine's lungs as he stood at the edge of a rocky cliff, staring down into the valley below. His parents had taken him on a family trip to the Terminus Cave region, an area known for its ancient ruins and wild Pokémon. The trip was supposed to be a break from the busy city life of Lumiose, but Aiden had other things on his mind.
At fifteen years old, he was ready to start his Pokémon journey. Unlike most trainers who began at ten, his parents had encouraged him to wait, wanting him to learn more about the world before setting off. But now, standing on the edge of adventure, he knew his time had come.
A rustling sound snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned his head toward a cluster of jagged rocks, where a small, blue Pokémon was struggling to climb a steep ledge.
"A Bagon?" Aiden muttered, stepping closer.
The tiny Dragon-type was clawing at the rock face, leaping up with all its strength, only to fall back down. It didn't seem injured, just... determined. Its eyes burned with frustration, yet it refused to give up.
Aiden crouched down. "Hey, need a hand?"
Bagon paused, glaring at him for a moment before letting out a stubborn growl. It turned back toward the cliff and leaped again, only to slip and land on its back with a frustrated huff.
Aiden chuckled. "You're really not one to ask for help, huh?"
The Bagon rolled back onto its feet and gave him a fierce look, as if challenging him to prove he was worth its time.
Then, a sharp cry echoed from above.
Aiden's eyes widened as a Fearow swooped down from the sky, its piercing gaze locked onto the small Dragon-type.
"Bagon, watch out!"
The wild bird Pokémon dived with blinding speed, its wings cutting through the air. Bagon barely dodged, rolling to the side as the Fearow's sharp beak slammed into the ground where it had stood moments before.
Aiden clenched his fists. He didn't have any Pokémon to defend himself, but he couldn't just stand there and watch.
Fearow flapped its wings, preparing for another attack. Bagon growled, baring its tiny fangs, but it was clear that it was outmatched.
Aiden's heart pounded. He reached into his pocket, fingers brushing against the smooth surface of a Poké Ball—one his father had given him for emergencies.
"This is it," he murmured.
Gripping the Poké Ball tightly, he stepped forward. "Bagon! If you let me, I'll fight with you!"
Bagon glanced at him, eyes narrowing. It hesitated for only a second before nodding.
Aiden grinned. "Alright! Then let's battle together!"
The Fearow shrieked and dived again.
"Bagon, use Headbutt!"
Bagon charged forward, its small but powerful head colliding with Fearow's wing. The impact sent the bird spiraling to the side, flapping wildly to regain its balance.
Fearow screeched in fury and retaliated with Aerial Ace.
"Dodge and counter!" Aiden yelled.
Bagon leaped aside, but the attack still clipped its shoulder, sending it tumbling. Gritting its teeth, it pushed itself back up and growled.
Aiden's mind raced. Fearow was faster, and Bagon was taking damage. But he had an idea.
"Bagon, wait for it…" He watched as Fearow circled back for another dive.
The moment the bird was close—
"Now! Jump and use Headbutt straight down!"
Bagon sprang into the air, angling its head downward as it collided with Fearow in midair. The sheer force sent Fearow crashing into the dirt.
Dust settled, and for a moment, everything was still.
Then, with an angry squawk, Fearow flapped its wings weakly before deciding the fight wasn't worth it. It shot one last glare at Aiden and Bagon before taking off into the sky.
Aiden let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "We did it."
Bagon panted heavily but turned to him with a satisfied smirk.
Aiden smiled. "You're really something else. That took guts."
Bagon tilted its head, considering something. Then, it walked forward and lightly bumped its head against Aiden's leg.
Aiden blinked. "Wait… does that mean…?"
Bagon looked up at him expectantly.
He grinned. "You want to come with me, don't you?"
A determined nod.
Reaching into his pocket, Aiden pulled out his Poké Ball. "Alright, let's do this. Bagon, welcome to the team!"
He tossed the ball, and Bagon disappeared inside.
The Poké Ball wobbled once.
Twice.
Three times.
Click!
Aiden held the Poké Ball in his hands, his heart racing. His journey had officially begun.
And with a Dragon-type partner by his side, he was ready to take his first step toward becoming the Kalos Champion.
—
Next Chapter: A Rival Appears!
To be continued-