Chapter 5: Shadows in the Forest! The Mysterious Challenger Appears!
With his Bug Badge secured, Aiden wasted no time leaving Santalune City behind. His next destination was Cyllage City, home to the Rock-type Gym Leader, Grant. But to get there, he first had to pass through Route 5—also known as Versant Road.
As Aiden walked along the dirt path, he couldn't help but admire the scenery. The route was full of rolling hills, wooden bridges, and lush greenery. Wild Pokémon darted through the grass, and flocks of Fletchling soared above him.
Bagon walked beside him, while Litleo rested in its Poké Ball, still recovering from the Gym battle.
Aiden smirked. "Our first Gym Badge… and we're just getting started."
He tightened his grip on the badge case in his pocket. The road ahead was long, but his determination burned stronger than ever.
That was when he felt it—a presence nearby.
Someone was watching him.
—
A Challenger in the Shadows
Aiden stopped in his tracks, his eyes scanning the trees. The wind rustled the leaves, but nothing else moved.
Then—
A shadow flickered between the trees.
Aiden turned sharply. "Who's there?"
Silence.
Then a figure stepped out.
A hooded trainer, their face partially obscured by shadows, stood just beyond the tree line. They held a Poké Ball loosely in one hand.
Aiden narrowed his eyes. "You've been following me, haven't you?"
The trainer chuckled. "I've been watching. You defeated Viola—not bad for a beginner."
Aiden clenched his fists. "Who are you?"
The figure pulled back their hood, revealing a young man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes.
"My name isn't important," he said. "What matters is whether or not you're strong enough to back up your dreams."
He raised his Poké Ball.
"Battle me."
Aiden smirked. "You don't have to ask twice."
—
Aiden vs. ???
The mysterious trainer threw his Poké Ball. "Absol, let's go."
A sleek, white Pokémon with a curved black horn landed gracefully on the battlefield. Its red eyes gleamed with intensity.
Aiden's heart skipped a beat. An Absol? That's not a Pokémon you see every day.
But he wasn't backing down.
"Alright, Bagon, let's show them what we've got!"
Bagon stepped forward, baring its teeth.
The trainer smirked. "You make the first move."
Aiden nodded. "Fine by me! Bagon, Headbutt!"
Bagon charged forward.
"Dodge," the trainer said calmly.
Absol effortlessly sidestepped, avoiding the attack completely.
Aiden gritted his teeth. "Alright then, Dragon Rush!"
Bagon glowed with blue energy and lunged again.
This time, the trainer's eyes sharpened.
"Absol, Night Slash."
Absol moved in a blur—its horn glowed with dark energy as it slashed forward.
The two attacks collided—but Bagon was sent flying backward!
Aiden's eyes widened. "No way…"
Bagon hit the ground hard, struggling to get up.
The trainer crossed his arms. "Your Bagon is strong, but not strong enough."
Aiden clenched his fists. This guy… he's on a completely different level.
But that only made Aiden more determined.
"Bagon, we're not giving up! Use Dragon Breath!"
Bagon took a deep breath and released a powerful blast of draconic energy.
The trainer smirked.
"Absol, Detect."
Absol's eyes flashed—and at the last second, it sidestepped the attack completely.
Aiden's heart pounded. It's too fast…
The trainer raised his hand. "Let's finish this. Absol, Night Slash—one more time."
Absol vanished in a blur—before appearing right in front of Bagon.
Aiden's eyes widened. "Bagon, move—!"
Too late.
Absol slashed downward, striking Bagon with full force.
The little dragon collapsed.
Silence.
Then—
"Bagon is unable to battle."
Aiden stared in disbelief. I lost… so fast?
The mysterious trainer recalled Absol. "Not bad. But you're not ready."
Aiden clenched his fists. "Tch…"
The trainer turned away. "If you really want to reach the top, you'll have to be a lot stronger than this."
Then, without another word, he disappeared into the forest.
Aiden remained frozen, staring at the spot where the trainer had stood.
He had never felt so outmatched before.
But instead of discouragement… he felt something else.
Excitement.
"This just means I have to get even stronger," Aiden muttered, determination burning in his eyes.
He picked up Bagon's Poké Ball and took a deep breath.
"The next time we battle… I'll win."
—
Next Chapter: Rivals and Training!
To be continued-