Chapter 7: Rock-Solid Training! Preparing for Grant's Gym Battle!
After his battle with Logan, Aiden realized just how far he still had to go. If he wanted to defeat Grant, the Rock-type Gym Leader of Cyllage City, he needed to step up his training.
With Bagon resting after its battle, Aiden turned his focus to Litleo.
"If we're going up against a Rock-type Gym, Litleo will need to be at his best," Aiden muttered.
But Rock-types had a major advantage over Fire-types. One wrong move, and Litleo could be knocked out instantly.
That wasn't going to happen.
Aiden had a plan.
Training in the Rocky Cliffs
Route 8, also known as Muraille Coast, had steep cliffs, uneven terrain, and wild Pokémon that provided the perfect challenge.
Aiden stood at the base of a rocky outcrop.
"Alright, Litleo," he said, crouching down to meet his Pokémon's eyes. "We need to work on dodging and endurance. Rock-type moves hit hard, so we need to make sure you can take a hit and keep going."
Litleo roared in agreement.
Aiden picked up a small rock and tossed it lightly toward Litleo. "Dodge it."
Litleo leaped to the side, barely avoiding it.
Aiden nodded. "Good. But now…"
He picked up two rocks and threw them in quick succession.
Litleo dodged the first but got clipped by the second.
Aiden sighed. "Again."
For the next hour, they kept at it.
Litleo gradually got faster, sharper. Soon, it could weave between obstacles with ease, reacting to Aiden's movements before he even threw a rock.
But dodging wasn't enough.
Litleo needed a way to counterattack.
Aiden pulled out his Pokédex and scrolled through Litleo's move set.
"Your best bet against Rock-types is Flamethrower, but that won't be enough."
Then he noticed something.
Litleo could learn Work Up.
A move that boosted both Attack and Special Attack.
Aiden grinned.
"We just found your secret weapon."
—
A Wild Encounter!
Just as training was going well, a wild Relicanth burst from the water nearby, its ancient stone-like body shimmering in the sunlight.
Aiden's eyes lit up. "This is perfect!"
Relicanth was a Water/Rock-type Pokémon, meaning it was the perfect challenge for Litleo before the Gym battle.
"Litleo, let's go!"
Litleo stepped forward, growling at the ancient Pokémon.
The battle began.
"Relicanth, Water Gun!"
The wild Pokémon launched a jet of water toward Litleo.
"Dodge it!"
Litleo sidestepped at the last second.
Aiden grinned. "Nice! Now use Work Up!"
Litleo's body glowed red, its power increasing as it roared.
But Relicanth wasn't done.
"Rock Tomb!"
Large stones fell from above, trapping Litleo's movements.
Aiden clenched his fists. "Break out with Flamethrower!"
Litleo unleashed a powerful blast of fire, shattering the rocks and surprising Relicanth.
"Now, Tackle!"
Litleo dashed forward, slamming into Relicanth before it could react.
The ancient Pokémon groaned but remained standing.
Then—
"Water Pulse!"
Aiden's eyes widened.
A powerful ring of water shot forward, hitting Litleo dead-on.
Litleo staggered.
But it didn't fall.
Instead, it growled, flames flickering around its mouth.
Aiden's heart pounded. "One more attack! Flamethrower!"
Litleo roared, launching a blazing stream of fire straight at Relicanth.
BOOM!
The ancient Pokémon collapsed.
Aiden cheered. "We did it!"
Litleo panted but stood proudly, eyes burning with determination.
Aiden knelt beside it. "You're getting stronger. Just a little more, and we'll be ready for Grant."
Litleo nuzzled against Aiden's hand, their bond growing even deeper.
—
A Chance Encounter
Just as Aiden was about to continue training, a voice called out—
"Well, well. That was impressive."
Aiden turned and saw a mysterious young man standing nearby.
He wore a dark blue jacket, with a Poké Ball spinning between his fingers. His piercing eyes studied Aiden with interest.
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Who are you?"
The stranger smirked.
"Damien. And I couldn't help but notice your battle just now."
Aiden crossed his arms. "And?"
Damien chuckled. "You've got potential, but you're not there yet."
Aiden narrowed his eyes. Another guy underestimating me?
Damien tossed his Poké Ball up. "Tell you what. After your Gym Battle, let's have a match. If you think you can handle it."
Aiden grinned. "Oh, I'll be more than ready."
Damien smirked. "I'll be waiting."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Aiden even more determined.
First, he had to defeat Grant.
Then?
He'd show Damien just how strong he could become.
—
Next Chapter: The Cyllage City Gym Battle! Aiden vs. Grant!
To be continued-