Chapter 2: A Rival Appears!
The train ride back to Lumiose City felt different this time. Aiden sat near the window, watching the Kalos landscape rush by, the Poké Ball containing his new partner resting in his hand. He had a Pokémon now. His journey had officially begun.
Bagon had proven its strength, but Aiden knew that battling a wild Fearow was only the beginning. If he wanted to become the Kalos Champion, he needed to get stronger.
His first stop? Professor Sycamore's lab. He needed to register as a trainer and officially begin his Gym Challenge.
As the train pulled into North Boulevard Station, Aiden stepped onto the bustling streets of Lumiose City. The massive Prism Tower stood in the distance, its bright lights shining against the afternoon sky. He took a deep breath, feeling the excitement in his chest.
"Alright, time to make it official."
—
A Challenge in the City
Aiden arrived at Professor Sycamore's lab, where one of the professor's assistants helped him register his Trainer ID and update his Pokédex.
"Since you already have a Pokémon, you don't need a starter," the assistant explained. "But Professor Sycamore left a message for you."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "For me?"
She nodded and handed him a letter. Inside, Sycamore's handwriting read:
"Aiden, I heard about your new partner! A Bagon is an excellent choice for a strong trainer. When you're ready, come visit me—I have something special to discuss with you. Good luck on your journey!"
Aiden smirked. "Looks like the professor's already keeping an eye on me."
As he left the lab, he barely took a few steps before—
"Hey! You with the Bagon!"
Aiden turned and saw a boy about his age leaning against a nearby wall, arms crossed. He had spiky brown hair, a confident smirk, and a Poké Ball spinning between his fingers.
"The name's Leon, and I couldn't help but overhear that you're a new trainer."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Leon grinned. "New trainers need to be tested. How about a battle?"
Aiden's pulse quickened. He wasn't expecting his first official battle so soon, but this was exactly what he needed.
"Alright, you're on!"
They found an open battle space near the Boulevard Plaza, drawing a small crowd of bystanders.
Leon tossed his Poké Ball. "Let's see if you can keep up! Froakie, let's go!"
Aiden's eyes widened as the blue frog-like Pokémon appeared, flexing its fingers with a confident stance.
A Water-type. He clenched his fists—this was going to be tough. But there was no turning back now.
He grabbed his Poké Ball. "Bagon, let's do this!"
Bagon emerged in a flash of light, growling as it locked eyes with Froakie.
Leon smirked. "Let's see what you've got, newbie. Froakie, Bubble!"
Froakie shot a stream of bubbles at high speed.
"Dodge and use Headbutt!" Aiden commanded.
Bagon leaped to the side, avoiding the attack before lunging forward, aiming straight for Froakie.
"Quick Attack!"
Froakie blurred forward, slamming into Bagon before it could land its attack.
Bagon stumbled but growled, shaking off the impact.
Aiden gritted his teeth. Froakie was fast—too fast for Bagon to land a clean hit. He needed a plan.
Leon chuckled. "Come on, is that all?"
Aiden took a deep breath. Think. Bagon had raw power, but Froakie had speed. He needed to turn that speed against it.
"Alright, Bagon, stand your ground!"
Leon narrowed his eyes. "What?"
"Use Headbutt, but wait for Froakie to get close!"
Bagon stomped the ground, bracing itself.
Leon smirked. "Fine, let's finish this! Froakie, Quick Attack!"
Froakie dashed forward, moving like a blur. But this time, instead of missing, Bagon waited—then struck forward just as Froakie was about to land its hit.
The force of the Headbutt sent Froakie flying back, skidding across the pavement.
The crowd gasped.
Leon's smirk vanished. "No way!"
Aiden clenched his fist. "Let's end this! Bagon, one more Headbutt!"
Bagon charged forward, but—
"Froakie, Water Pulse!"
Before Bagon could land the attack, Froakie shot a spiraling blast of water straight at it.
The hit landed.
Bagon tumbled backward, struggling to stand. Aiden's heart pounded. Could Bagon still fight?
Bagon wobbled but let out a determined growl. It wasn't giving up.
Leon smirked. "Your Bagon's tough, I'll give you that. But I think we know who the stronger trainer is."
Aiden gritted his teeth. He refused to lose his first real battle. But one more hit, and Bagon wouldn't be able to fight.
He had to take a risk.
"Alright, Bagon, one last attack!" Aiden pointed straight at Froakie. "Rush in with everything you've got!"
Bagon roared and sprinted forward, flames flickering in its eyes.
Leon blinked. "Wait… that's—"
Before he could react, Bagon's body glowed with a faint aura as it unleashed a boosted Headbutt, crashing into Froakie with tremendous force.
Froakie hit the ground—hard.
Silence filled the plaza.
Then, Froakie groaned… and collapsed.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Leon stared in shock. "That was… Dragon Rush?"
Aiden was just as surprised. He had no idea Bagon could use that move. But in the heat of the battle, it had awakened something powerful inside.
The assistant from Sycamore's lab, who had been watching, spoke up. "That wasn't just Dragon Rush—it was Bagon's hidden potential showing itself."
Aiden looked down at Bagon, who gave him a proud nod.
Leon sighed before smirking. "Well, looks like I underestimated you. That was a solid fight." He recalled Froakie and stepped forward, offering a handshake.
Aiden shook his hand. "Yeah. You weren't too bad either."
Leon grinned. "We'll battle again someday. But next time, don't expect an easy win!"
As he walked off, Aiden turned to Bagon, feeling an unshakable sense of excitement.
His journey had only just begun, but if today proved anything…
It was that he was ready for whatever came next.
—
Next Chapter: The Road to Santalune City!
To be continued-