Pokémon: The Hoenn Gods as Starters Chapter 21: The Stone Badge — Team Aqua Strikes!

When Roxanne sent out her second Pokémon and it turned out to be Probopass, Aiden Flint didn't switch out. Instead, he chose to let Grovyle continue the fight.

Compared to Graveler, which was both Rock- and Ground-type, Probopass was a pure Rock-type. That ant it didn't suffer the crippling four-tis weakness to Grass-type attacks. On top of that, Probopass possessed magnetic abilities and could even use Electric-type moves.

Underestimating it—and blindly sending out a Water-type—would be the fastest way to lose a match.

Grovyle, as a Grass-type, naturally resisted Electric attacks to a degree. And as long as it stayed grounded, much of the electricity could be dispersed into the terrain.

So Aiden stuck with his decision.

Using a single Pokémon to sweep the Rustboro Gym?

That alone would be an achievent worth rembering.

"As expected of a confident Trainer," Roxanne said with a composed smile. "Probopass—show them what we can do. Use Discharge!"

At her command, Probopass's magnetic field flared. Magnetism converted directly into crackling electricity, which erupted outward in all directions.

In an instant, yellow arcs of lightning flooded the battlefield.

The entire arena was engulfed in violent sparks.

"Grovyle, use Quick Attack—close the distance!" Aiden shouted.

White light flashed behind Grovyle as it accelerated forward, but Discharge was an area-wide attack. Even with its speed, stray currents still grazed its body.

Grovyle hissed in pain, muscles tensing as electricity crawled over its skin.

"Hold on!" Aiden's voice was sharp and steady. "Now—Leaf Blade!"

A surge of fierce resolve erupted from Grovyle.

With a shout, it powered through the storm of electricity. Brilliant green blades ford along its arms and ca crashing down onto Probopass's head.

A loud tallic clang echoed across the arena.

Even Probopass couldn't help but cry out.

"Nice! Keep it up—Energy Ball!" Aiden pressed.

At close range, Grovyle opened its mouth, dense Grass-type energy rapidly condensing into a deep-green sphere.

Seeing this, Roxanne's expression finally shifted.

"Probopass! Use your magnetism—evade!"

Just as the Energy Ball was about to strike, Probopass's body glowed with blue magnetic light. Its massive form shifted unnaturally, sliding sideways as if pulled by invisible forces.

The Energy Ball missed—barely.

That caught even Aiden off guard.

…Magnetism can be used like that?

"Excellent!" Roxanne said quickly. "Probopass, counter with Power Gem!"

A multicolored crystal sphere ford before Probopass and fired instantly, slamming straight into Grovyle.

The impact sent Grovyle flying backward.

It hit the ground hard, unable to rise right away.

"Grovyle!" Aiden clenched his fists.

"Finish it!" Roxanne commanded. "Rock Blast!"

Jagged stones burst from the ground, surrounding Grovyle in an instant. With a sharp motion of Roxanne's hand, the stones detonated inward.

"Now!"

"Protect!"

Aiden's voice cut through the chaos.

At the critical mont, a translucent green barrier snapped into place around Grovyle.

The rocks exploded harmlessly against the shield.

Protect—activated.

As the shattered stones fell, thick dust and debris filled the battlefield, completely blocking visibility.

Even Roxanne and Probopass lost sight of their opponent.

"Grovyle—Bullet Seed! Sweep the area and find it!"

Rapid-fire green seeds tore through the smoke like tracer rounds.

A solid hit landed.

Probopass let out a sharp cry.

That was all Aiden needed.

"Found you—Quick Attack into Leaf Blade!"

A streak of green light flashed through the dust.

When the smoke finally settled, Probopass lay motionless on the rocky floor.

It had lost the ability to battle.

"Ding! Grovyle defeated Probopass. Gained 350 EXP. Level up! Current level: 31!"

The referee raised his flag.

"Probopass is unable to battle! Grovyle wins! As both of Gym Leader Roxanne's Pokémon have been defeated, the winner of this Gym Battle is Aiden Flint!"

Roxanne recalled her Pokémon and smiled, completely at ease.

"As expected of soone who earned the Balance Badge," she said warmly. "This is the Stone Badge, proof of your victory at Rustboro Gym. Keep going—your journey is just beginning."

Aiden accepted the badge, thanked Roxanne, and returned to the Pokémon Center to have his team treated once more.

When Nurse Joy heard that he'd already cleared the Rustboro Gym, she laughed softly.

"No wonder Petalburg's Nurse Joy spoke so highly of you."

Aiden paused.

"…Wait, what?"

After Grovyle recovered, Aiden rested briefly. With three Pokémon on his team and only two Luxury Balls left, he decided to resupply.

Ten thousand PokéDollars later, he had five more Luxury Balls secured.

Fully stocked, he prepared to head toward Dewford Town.

But as he passed through Rustboro City—

Boom!

An explosion tore through the air.

Smoke billowed up from the direction of the Rustboro Museum.

People scread and scattered. Officer Jenny and her unit rushed toward the scene.

Aiden's eyes narrowed. He tightened his grip on a Luxury Ball and ran straight toward the chaos.

By the ti he arrived, the museum was already engulfed in flas. Staff mbers were fleeing in panic.

"Milotic!" Aiden called. "Use Rain Dance—put out the fire!"

Milotic released a clear, lodic cry.

Dark clouds gathered instantly overhead, and monts later, heavy rain poured down, concentrated over the museum grounds.

The raging flas began to weaken.

Just as the fire was about to be fully extinguished, a cold, vicious voice echoed from above.

"So you dare interfere with Team Aqua's business?"

A Mightyena lunged from the rooftop, launching a Shadow Ball straight at Aiden.

In a flash, Milotic surged forward.

A powerful Aqua Tail shattered the attack mid-air and sent it flying back—

And the real fight had only just begun.

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