Granite Cave was silent, a heavy stillness filling the air as Rion followed his uncle deeper into its twisting passages. The usual sounds of wild Pokémon were muted, as if the cave itself was aware of the impending confrontation. Rion’s nerves were on edge, his senses heightened as he tried to stay close to his uncle, Ryker, who moved with a calm precision that only years of experience could bring.

Ryker’s Machamp walked ahead, its powerful arms flexed and ready, but today, the Machamp wasn’t alone. Ryker’s Poliwrath, an old and trusted partner, was by its side, its blue, water-filled fists clenched in anticipation. Rion knew how much Ryker valued Poliwrath—it had been with him through countless battles, a stalwart companion since his younger days.

“We’re getting close,” Ryker whispered, his voice barely above a breath. “Stay sharp, Rion.”

Rion nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. The air grew colder as they descended further into the cave, the walls glistening with moisture and the sound of dripping water echoing around them. They entered a large chamber, and there, looming in the center, was the Aggron they had come to find.

The creature was massive, its steel-plated body glinting menacingly in the dim light. Its eyes, like twin embers, glowed with a fiery rage as it stared them down. The ground shook as it let out a low, threatening growl.

Rion felt his breath catch in his throat. He’d seen plenty of wild Pokémon before, but nothing like this. The Aggron was a force of nature, raw power incarnate.

Ryker stepped forward, Machamp and Poliwrath at his side. “Easy, now,” he murmured, his voice steady. “We’re not here to hurt you.”

But the Aggron wasn’t interested in listening. With a roar that reverberated through the chamber, it charged, its heavy footsteps making the ground tremble.

“Machamp, Poliwrath, brace yourselves!” Ryker commanded.

Machamp met the charge head-on, its fists glowing with the energy of a Dynamic Punch. Poliwrath followed suit, launching a powerful Waterfall attack that crashed into the Aggron like a tidal wave. The combined force of the two attacks slowed the Aggron, but only for a moment.

The Aggron roared in fury, shaking off the blows like they were nothing, and retaliated with a devastating Iron Tail. The attack connected with Poliwrath, sending it crashing into the cave wall with a sickening thud.

“Poliwrath!” Rion shouted, his heart lurching in his chest as he saw the Water-type struggle to get back on its feet.

Ryker’s face tightened with concern, but there was no time to check on Poliwrath. The Aggron was relentless, its focus now on Machamp. It swung its massive tail again, this time aiming for Machamp’s legs, trying to bring the Fighting-type down.

“Machamp, use Submission!” Ryker ordered.

Machamp grabbed hold of the Aggron, using all four of its powerful arms to lift the steel behemoth off the ground. The strain was evident, but Machamp didn’t let go, slamming the Aggron down with all its might. The impact shook the entire chamber, dust and rocks falling from the ceiling.

But the Aggron wasn’t done yet. It roared in fury, its eyes glowing with a savage intensity as it struggled back to its feet. With a burst of energy, it lashed out with a Metal Claw, catching Machamp across the chest and sending it stumbling backward.

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“Poliwrath, help Machamp with a Dynamic Punch!” Ryker called, desperation creeping into his voice.

Poliwrath, bruised and battered, pushed itself up and charged at the Aggron with all the strength it could muster. Its fist glowed with energy as it delivered a powerful Dynamic Punch, striking the Aggron directly in the side. The Aggron staggered, its massive body swaying under the combined assault.

For a moment, it seemed like the tide was turning. The Aggron was weakening, its movements slowing. But then, with a roar of defiance, it lashed out with one final, brutal Head Smash, aimed directly at Poliwrath.

Rion’s heart stopped as the attack connected. Poliwrath was thrown back with a force that sent it crashing to the ground, where it lay motionless. A dark pool of water and blood began to spread from its body, seeping into the cracks of the cave floor.

“Poliwrath!” Ryker shouted, rushing to his fallen partner’s side. He knelt by the Water-type, his hands trembling as he reached for a Potion, but it was too late. Poliwrath’s eyes were closed, its chest still.

Rion stood frozen, shock numbing his mind. He had seen Pokémon faint in battle before, but this… this was different. This was death.

The Aggron, now barely standing, swayed on its feet, its energy nearly depleted. But it wasn’t finished. It began to gather its strength for one last attack, a devastating Earthquake that could bring the entire cave down on top of them.

Ryker’s face hardened, grief and anger mingling in his eyes. “Machamp, finish it with a Close Combat!”

Machamp, bloodied and exhausted, charged forward with a roar, its fists a blur as it delivered a relentless barrage of punches. The Aggron tried to defend itself, but it was too weak. With one final, thunderous blow, Machamp sent the Aggron crashing to the ground, where it lay still, defeated at last.

Ryker didn’t hesitate. He pulled out a heavy-duty Poké Ball and threw it at the fallen Aggron. The ball shook violently before finally clicking shut.

The battle was over, but the victory felt hollow.

Rion watched in stunned silence as his uncle cradled Poliwrath’s lifeless body. Ryker’s face was a mask of grief, his hands gentle as he closed Poliwrath’s eyes.

“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” Ryker murmured, his voice choked with emotion. “I should have protected you better.”

Rion felt tears prick at his eyes, but he forced them back. He wanted to say something, anything, to comfort his uncle, but no words came.

The journey back to Dewford was somber, the weight of loss heavy on their shoulders. As they reached the town, they were greeted by a tall, imposing figure—a man dressed in a tailored suit, his hair slicked back, and a cold, calculating expression on his face.

“Ah, Ryker,” the man said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I see you’ve captured the Aggron. Good work.”

Rion recognized him instantly. Gavin Ironwood, the newly appointed gym leader of Dewford Town, a position he had gained thanks to his wealthy family’s influence. The Ironwoods were a powerful family, known for their mastery of Steel-type Pokémon and their deep connections within Hoenn’s elite circles.

Ryker’s expression darkened. “Gavin. What do you want?”

“I’ve heard about this Aggron,” Gavin replied smoothly, his gaze shifting to the Poké Ball in Ryker’s hand. “It’s quite a specimen. I’d like to requisition it for my gym.”

Ryker’s jaw clenched. “This Aggron is dangerous. It killed my Poliwrath. I caught it to release it somewhere safe, away from people.”

Gavin’s smile widened, his tone dripping with condescension. “I’m sorry for your loss, truly. But an Aggron like this could be invaluable to a trainer of my caliber. It’s better off in my care than roaming the wilds, don’t you think?”

Rion’s hands balled into fists at his sides, anger boiling inside him. How could Gavin be so callous, so indifferent to the life that had been lost?

But Ryker knew there was no arguing with someone like Gavin. The Ironwoods were too powerful, and refusing his request would only bring trouble.

With a heavy sigh, Ryker handed over the Poké Ball. “Take it. But be careful. This Aggron is not to be underestimated.”

Gavin’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he took the ball. “I assure you, Ryker, it will be in good hands. Thank you for your cooperation.”

As Gavin walked away, Rion felt a deep sense of unease settle in his chest. He knew, somehow, that this wasn’t the last they would hear of that Aggron.