Chapter 9: Bagon's Biggest Challenge! Aiden vs. Grant – The Final Round!
The air inside the Cyllage City Gym was thick with tension.
Aiden had already fought hard, bringing down Grant's Tyrunt with his Litleo, but now Litleo was knocked out, leaving him with just one Pokémon—Bagon.
On the other side of the battlefield, Amaura stood strong, its icy-blue skin shimmering under the Gym's lights.
Aiden clenched his fists. Bagon is weak to Ice-types. If Amaura lands a solid hit with Aurora Beam, this battle is over.
Bagon stepped forward, eyes filled with determination. Despite the odds, it wouldn't back down.
Grant crossed his arms, observing Aiden's hesitation. "What's wrong? Feeling the pressure?"
Aiden took a deep breath and pointed forward. "Not at all. Bagon, let's do this!"
The Final Battle Begins!
Grant smirked. "Then let's finish this. Amaura, Aurora Beam!"
Amaura's head crest glowed, and a rainbow-colored beam of ice energy shot straight toward Bagon.
Aiden reacted instantly. "Dodge it!"
Bagon leaped to the side—but the beam grazed its leg!
A thin layer of ice formed, slowing Bagon's movements.
"Bagon, break free!" Aiden called.
Bagon stomped its foot, shaking off the ice and glaring at Amaura.
Grant nodded approvingly. "You've got a tough Pokémon, but toughness won't be enough. Amaura, Thunder Wave!"
Aiden's heart pounded. If that hits, Bagon will be paralyzed!
"Bagon, charge forward! Headbutt!"
Bagon sprinted forward, barely dodging the crackling wave of electricity as it lunged at Amaura—
BAM!
Bagon's head slammed into Amaura's chest, sending the dinosaur Pokémon skidding backward.
Grant smirked. "Nice hit, but it's not enough. Amaura, Take Down!"
Amaura's body glowed white as it charged forward.
Aiden narrowed his eyes. It's going all in… Then so will we!
"Bagon, Bite!"
Bagon leaped forward, clamping down on Amaura's neck!
Amaura roared in pain, but its momentum carried both of them forward—
CRASH!
They hit the ground hard, kicking up dust.
Aiden squinted through the debris. Did it work?
As the dust settled…
Both Pokémon were struggling to stand.
Amaura wobbled, its legs trembling.
Bagon panted heavily, barely staying up.
Grant's eyes glinted. "Amaura, finish this! Aurora Beam!"
Aiden's stomach dropped.
Amaura's head crest glowed, preparing to fire.
No! If that lands, Bagon is finished!
Then—Aiden saw it.
Bagon stood directly under a rock formation hanging from the battlefield's cliff-like structure.
His eyes widened.
"Bagon, Headbutt—aim for the rock above you!"
Bagon hesitated—then jumped and smashed its head into the rock.
CRACK!
The rock shattered, sending debris crashing down toward Amaura!
Grant's eyes widened. "Amaura, move—"
BOOM!
The rocks slammed into Amaura, cutting off its attack!
Amaura let out a weak cry—then…
It collapsed.
Aiden's heart pounded.
The referee raised his hand.
"Amaura is unable to battle! Bagon wins! The victor is Aiden, the challenger!"
For a moment, Aiden just stood in shock.
Then—
"WE DID IT!"
Aiden rushed forward, scooping Bagon into his arms.
"You were amazing, buddy!" he laughed, spinning in a circle.
Bagon growled proudly, though it was clearly exhausted.
Grant walked forward, smiling.
"You used the battlefield to your advantage, and you didn't let type disadvantages hold you back. That's the mark of a real Trainer."
He reached into his pocket and held out something shiny—
Aiden's second Gym Badge.
"The Cliff Badge. You earned it."
Aiden took the badge, staring at it in awe. His second step toward the Kalos League.
He clenched it in his fist, looking at Bagon.
"This is just the beginning," he whispered.
Next stop—Shalour City and the Tower of Mastery!
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Next Chapter: Aiden's Journey Continues! Off to Shalour City!
To be continued-