Chapter 4: Santalune Gym Challenge! Aiden vs. Viola!
After a long trek down Route 4, Aiden finally arrived in Santalune City. The town had a peaceful charm, with cobblestone streets, a large central fountain, and a bustling marketplace filled with trainers preparing for battles.
But Aiden wasn't here to sightsee. His goal was clear—defeat Viola and earn his first Gym Badge.
He stood before the Santalune Gym, a large dome-like structure designed to resemble a bug's nest. The entrance was shaped like a spider's web, adding to its eerie atmosphere.
Aiden smirked. "Looks like they really take the whole Bug-type thing seriously."
With a deep breath, he stepped inside.
—
The Gym's Challenge
The interior of the Gym resembled a giant web, with thick strands of silk connecting different platforms. Aiden had to carefully make his way across, balancing himself while avoiding sticky traps.
"Man, they really make you work for this badge," he muttered as he nearly slipped.
After navigating the web, he finally reached the battle stage—a circular arena in the center of the Gym.
Standing at the far end was Viola, the Santalune Gym Leader. She was a tall woman with short blonde hair, a camera hanging around her neck. She smiled confidently as Aiden approached.
"You must be a new challenger," she said, adjusting her camera. "I love capturing the moments of young trainers as they take their first steps toward greatness."
Aiden grinned. "Then you'd better have your camera ready, because I'm walking out of here with the Bug Badge."
Viola chuckled. "I like your confidence. But let's see if you can back it up."
She raised a Poké Ball. "This will be a two-on-two battle. Let's begin!"
—
Aiden vs. Viola!
Viola threw her first Poké Ball. "Surskit, let's go!"
A small blue Pokémon with spindly legs landed gracefully on the battlefield.
Aiden nodded. "Alright, Litleo, you're up!"
His newly caught Litleo emerged, letting out a fierce roar.
Viola smirked. "A Fire-type? Smart choice. But let's see if it can handle this. Surskit, Water Gun!"
Surskit shot a powerful stream of water straight at Litleo.
"Dodge and use Ember!" Aiden commanded.
Litleo leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the Water Gun before countering with a small burst of fire.
The flames hit Surskit, making it stagger back.
Viola's eyes twinkled. "Good, but not good enough! Surskit, Bubble Beam!"
Aiden's eyes widened as a flurry of bubbles rushed toward Litleo.
"Litleo, Quick Attack, now!"
Litleo shot forward just in time, dodging most of the attack before landing a hit on Surskit.
Surskit struggled to stay upright.
Aiden knew this was his chance. "Now, finish it with Ember!"
Litleo launched another Ember, and this time, Surskit couldn't dodge. The flames hit directly, knocking it out.
Viola recalled her Pokémon. "Impressive! But let's see how you handle my ace. Vivillon, go!"
A beautiful butterfly Pokémon with colorful wings emerged, gracefully fluttering above the battlefield.
Aiden narrowed his eyes. He knew Vivillon was stronger than Surskit, and he had to be careful.
"Litleo, stay in! Let's keep up the pressure!"
Viola smirked. "Bold move. But let's see how you handle this. Vivillon, Sleep Powder!"
Aiden's eyes widened as a cloud of green powder drifted toward Litleo.
"Litleo, get back!"
But it was too late. The powder settled over Litleo, and its eyelids drooped.
"No way…" Aiden gritted his teeth. If Litleo stayed asleep too long, he'd be in trouble.
Viola seized the opportunity. "Vivillon, Gust!"
A powerful wind slammed into Litleo, sending it rolling across the battlefield.
"Litleo, wake up!" Aiden shouted.
But Litleo didn't stir.
"Gust again!" Viola ordered.
Another strong blast sent Litleo skidding. Aiden clenched his fists—he had to think fast.
Then, suddenly—
Litleo's eyes snapped open.
"Yes! Now, Ember!"
Litleo shot a burst of flames, but—
"Vivillon, dodge and use Psybeam!"
Vivillon gracefully avoided the attack before firing a swirling beam of psychic energy.
The hit was super effective.
Litleo wobbled before collapsing.
Aiden sighed, recalling it. "You did great, Litleo. Take a rest."
Now, he was down to one Pokémon.
Aiden took a deep breath, then grinned. "Alright, Bagon, you're up!"
Bagon emerged, stomping its foot.
Viola nodded. "A Dragon-type? Interesting. But can it handle my Vivillon? Vivillon, Gust!"
Aiden smirked. "Bagon, hold your ground!"
Bagon braced itself as the wind slammed into it, barely flinching.
Viola's eyes widened. "It took that easily?"
Aiden pointed. "Now, Headbutt!"
Bagon charged forward, leaping into the air before slamming into Vivillon.
The hit sent Vivillon crashing to the ground!
Viola gasped. "Vivillon, get up!"
Aiden saw his chance. "Finish it! Dragon Rush!"
Bagon's body glowed with blue energy as it launched itself forward, slamming into Vivillon with full force.
The impact sent Vivillon tumbling—before it fainted.
Silence.
Then—
"The winner is Aiden!" the Gym referee announced.
Aiden's eyes widened before a huge grin spread across his face.
"We did it!" He ran up to Bagon, patting its head.
Viola smiled, recalling her Pokémon. "Well done. You have talent, and your strategy with Bagon was impressive."
She walked over and handed Aiden a small, gleaming badge shaped like a butterfly.
"This is the Bug Badge. You've earned it."
Aiden took the badge, feeling a surge of excitement. His first Gym Badge.
One step closer to his dream.
—
Next Chapter: Aiden's Next Destination!
To be continued-