AUTHOR'S NOTE: An updated version of the original 4 part chapters all together as a single episode
EPISODE 22
ARIA VS. STEVEN
"This is it! The Granite Cave!" Max exclaimed when they reached the entrance of the cave.
"It's huge. Look at that opening." Ash commented.
"And somewhere inside Steven must be hunting for those rare rocks." May added.
"Let's go inside and try to find him." Brock suggested. "Mr. Stone said he would be a good person for us to know."
"This is great, I'm all set for my battle with him." Aria said with a smile before looking over at Ash. "He probably knows where you can train for the Gym Battle with Brawly."
"Max, can you tell if there are creepy things inside of the cave?" May asked.
"The Pokenav doesn't give out information like that." He said.
"Well, let's go check it out for ourselves." Ash said, pointing at the cave.
"Let's just not get separated." Aria told the group as they entered the cave.
A kid from pallet town with a brand new world to see
I don't know what's ahead but it won't get the best of me
There's so much to learn and battles to be won
I've advanced so far and still there's always more to come
Take a step and I'm on my way gonna start all over again
I want to be hero (hero!)
Pokemon advance
I wanna be a hero (hero!)
Give it just one chance
And the future will decide
If there's a hero buried deep inside
I wanna be a hero!
Pokemon!
"Wow, these cave seems to go on forever." May pointed out.
"Yeah, kind of like you do sometimes..." Max said.
"Steven!" Ash called, his voice echoing in the cave. "Are you in this cave? Steven!"
No replies.
Brock runs past everyone and stops at two paths that lead into a different direction. He placed something on the wall, leaving everyone curious.
"What's that you're putting on the wall, Brock?" Ash asked.
"They're markers," He said. "If we're lost, we'll have to follow the arrows and we'll find our way out of here. And they're perfect for a cave because they glow in the dark."
"That's planning ahead." May commented.
Then Ash continued to call out if hopes of Steven hearing it.
In the cave, farther away a young teenage boy ran his hand through the rock in hopes of finding the stone he was looking for. Sadly, nothing was located there. He turned to the side and looked at his Aron.
"Any luck Aron?" He asked.
"Ar-on." It spoke, shaking its head.
"Really? You didn't find anything?" He kneels down, opening his bag and holding out a small box. "Well, let's eat."
Aron smiled and the boy held out his hand full of Pokemon food. Aron ate it as the boy looked up, glancing back at the rock he was looking at earlier. "We'll have to find a new spot."
"This place is beautiful." May said once they reached an area in the cave where there was an opening of light.
"Yeah, I've never seen anything like it-"
The ground below them gave out and they fall into the hole.
"How did we not see that hole?" Brock groaned.
"Ouch." Aria winced, touching her ankle. She flinched and pulled her hand away from it.
Then a familiar laughed began to echo through the cave. The group looked up before spotting the familiar group of three.
"Team Rocket!" May exclaimed.
"Ha ha! You fell for it!" They taunted.
But the ground began to shake and crack. Everyone perked up, wondering what that sound was. That was, until the ground gave out beneath them once more but this time taking Team Rocket with them.
The same boy that was looking for the stone heard it as well, standing up and surprised by the sudden noise.
The group was falling into another hole, but this one was different. They didn't realize it, but they started to fall into different tunnels that separated them from each other.
Aria landed roughly on the ground and dirt covered her whole body. She dug herself out and she took a deep breath.
"What was that?" She questioned, wincing. "Where is everyone?"
The dirt started to shake and a familiar yellow mouse stuck its head out of the dirt.
"Pikachu!" Aria sighed with relief. "Thank goodness. At least you're okay."
Another head pops out of the dirt and Aria and Pikachu glare at him.
"Does that mean you're not happy to see me?" The talking Meowth asked.
"No, I'm very happy to see you." Aria said sarcastically, shaking her head. "We're not! Now look what you got us into!"
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed, growling quietly.
"Hey! Why is it my fault!?" Meowth exclaimed.
"That's because it is your fault!" Aria said, pulling herself out of the dirt. She stood up, dusting herself off. "How are we suppose to-" Aria cursed under her breath, falling onto the ground and clutching her ankle. Pikachu reacted, running over to her and looked at her with a concerned look.
"I'll be fine Pikachu." She assured. "But I think I sprained my ankle during that first fall. The second one didn't make it better either." She sat down, still clutching her ankle. She takes off her bag with her free hand and and searches for the bandages. Once she found them, she wrapped them around her ankle and flinched from the sudden pain. "This is great." She murmured. "Now how am I going to find the others with this?" She sighed, using the wall to stand up. "Well, should we get going and search for the others? I should be able to walk, but I'm going to be a little slow."
Pikachu looked at her worried.
"Don't worry Pikachu." She told the Pokemon. "I'll be using the wall to keep my balance in case if I fall." She looked out towards the dark cave and frowned. "Ash, where are you?"
Aria was lagging behind in the group. Her ankle felt like it it was burning and ready to fall off at any moment. It hurt. It hurts so much that she just wants to cut her own foot off.
I need to keep going. She told herself. I have to find Ash, the others, and Steven. They must be in danger.
Aria felt her ankle slip underneath and she fell onto the ground. Pikachu and Meowth turn around and found the young trainer on the ground.
"Pika!" Pikachu rushed over to her and slowly she sat up.
"I'm okay," She assured. "I just overdid it a bit."
Pikachu's ears then twitched as he started to walk around, sniffing the air.
"What is it Pikachu?" Aria asked.
Meowth took a step forward, smelling the air as well.
"It seems like fresh air." He said.
"But where?" Aria asked.
"Down this tunnel." Meowth said once Pikachu moved towards it.
"Pika, Pikachu." Pikachu said before looking at Aria.
"I'm not sure how much farther I can go with this ankle. But maybe I can get one of my Pokemon to help us." Aria reached into her bag and took out a poke ball. "Come on out Absol." Absol appeared before her with a worried look on its face. "I'll be okay Absol. But I need your help so that I can walk a bit faster than I did before, alright?"
Absol nodded, moving a bit closer to Aria to help her to stand up. She placed her hands on his back and she lifted herself off the ground. She nearly fell again, but Absol caught her in time before she fell onto the ground.
"Thank you, Absol." She said before they began to head towards the tunnel.
Pikachu and Meowth started to lead them to where they were able to smell the fresh air. A couple minutes later, Aria could see a waterfall in the distance. It was an underground waterfall. That's why they were able to smell the fresh air.
"The breeze smell is coming from over there." Meowth said, pointing at the top of the waterfall.
"So it must lead out to the sea then. If we climb that we'll be able to get out of here and look for the others. We'll have to use those vines to climb it." Aria said, pointing at the roots that were growing on the side of the wall next to the waterfall. "But I'm not sure if I'll last a couple of minutes before falling. This ankle is going to help much."
"Pika, Pikachu!" Pikachu pointed at her bag. Aria then realized what Pikachu was trying to tell her.
"Great idea, Pikachu! Absol, return." She returns Absol to its poke ball before calling out another pokemon that appeared at the top of the waterfall. "Ivysaur, can you use Vine Whip to help me get up to the top?"
"Ivysaur!" It spoke before it lower it vines to where Aria was and wrapped around her waist.
"Thanks Ivysaur!" She called before she placed her non injured foot on a root before she began to climb up it. Pikachu and Meowth soon enough started to follow after Aria. Her ankle was burning with pain. Every time she took a step on it, she winced.
"Hold up." Aria said, gripping tightly on one of the roots. "My ankle really hurts."
"Don't tell me you're going to give up already!" Meowth exclaimed. "I hate it when you kids keep complaining."
"Of course I'm not! I need to find the others before its too late!" Aria snapped, clutching her leg. "I have to find Ash before he gets hurt! I'm worried about him!"
"Jessie and James are always complaining about things!" Meowth said, resting on one of the roots. "That's right! They complain and ask for my help at the end. Team Rocket wouldn't work out so well without me in it!"
Aria rolled her eyes, and continued to climb on the roots with Pikachu following behind her. Meowth didn't realize he was talking to himself and that the other two had gone on ahead without him.
"Hey!" He snapped before following after them.
"Nice story and all but we need to get moving." She tells him.
Once they got to the top, Aria called back Ivysaur and brought out Absol once more. They headed down the path for a couple of minutes, until they ended up in a new area. The trio looks up and noticed a large opening in the cave.
"This is where the breeze was coming from." Meowth said. "But how are we suppose to climb up those walls?"
"Pika?" Pikachu began to sniff at the area, confusing the others. Even Absol was starting to smell something as well.
"What is it you guys?" Aria asked.
"Pikachu and Absol said someone came down this tunnel and headed down that way." Meowth translated.
"Could it be Steven? He must have figured something out when we all got separated." Aria said, looking down the tunnel that Pikachu was pointing at. "Let's go find him. Pikachu, Absol, can you locate him?"
The Pokemon nods and started to walk in a direction. Aria slowly made her way with Absol and the pain only grew worse and worse by the minute. Aria takes one step forward and her foot gave out on her, causing her to fall. Absol quickly reacted and caught her with its back.
Meowth and Pikachu come to a stop, turning around to face Aria.
"I'm sorry. I can't keep walking." She said. "My ankle feels like I placed it in molting lava."
"Pika..." Pikachu walks over to her and nuzzles his head on her non-injured leg.
"Don't worry Pikachu. We'll find the others soon." Aria assured, her eyes shutting slightly. She was tired, and she wasn't sure if she could keep consciousness.
No, I can't stop now... She thought to herself. I have to find Ash...
Pikachu's eyes widen when he saw her body go limp on Absol's back, causing him to panic, along with the other two Pokemon.
"Hey! You can't just go to sleep!" Meowth exclaimed, shaking her shoulder.
Everyone's head perks up when they heard footsteps echo through the tunnel and they all look down the tunnel. They saw a shadow walking in their direction.
Aria wasn't sure what was happening, but she knew she was being carried on someone's back. First she'd thought it was Absol, but this one had arms carrying her and then she thought it was Brock considering that he carried her once before when she was injured, but she wasn't sure with herself.
She opened her eyes slowly with a groan, rubbing her face.
"Hey are you alright?" A voice asked, glancing at her from over his shoulder. "Can you speak?"
"Yeah. I'm okay. Things aren't going so well." Aria said with a now sore throat. Her eyes widen, realizing who was carrying her. Silver hair and steel blue eyes. "You're Steven right?"
Steven nods. "That's me."
She looked beside her and noticed Pikachu and Meowth walking behind them, and Pikachu had smile on his face when he noticed she was awake and Meowth on other hand was complaining about her passing out but she ignored him. There was one Pokemon missing however.
"Where's Absol?" She asked Steven.
"I returned him back to his Poke Ball for you. He's in your bag if that's what you're wondering." He explained.
"Thank you for that, but we need your help." Aria said to him. "I got separated from my brother and friends, and we can't find them."
"Hey, what about my friends!" Meowth exclaimed.
"Ah, so that's why the Aron are so agitated." Steven said as he stopped walking.
"Aron?" Aria said confused.
"There are wild Aron living in this cave, and they've been making noises like something's bothering them. Your friends could be in danger if you don't move fast."
Aria's eyes widen.
"Do you know where they are?" She asked.
"I'm not sure, but if we look for the Aron, they would probably lead us to them."
"I can't walk." She said sadly. "When I got separated from the others, I fell and sprained my ankle."
"That's fine, I can carry you there." He said as he began to pick up the pace, along with the other three Pokemon following him.
"Do you know you're way around the cave?" Aria asked him.
"I've been exploring these caves for months, so I know them inside out." Steven said.
Meowth gasped and they came to a stop once they reached the end of the path. It seemed to continued, but the rest of it must have collapsed.
"Why did you take us here?!" He exclaimed. "We can't get across this!"
Steven nods and looks down the hole. "Just take a look down there guys." Steven said.
Everyone looked over, peeking down at the whole. Then, they started to hear footsteps approaching the area. Aria's heart pounded as she wondered if it was Ash and the others. Then, when she saw people run by, she quickly puts her hands up to her mouth and called out her brother's name even though her throat was burning.
"Ash!"
His head perked up as they all come to a stop and turning around to look up at them.
"Hey! It's Aria!" Ash pointed out.
"And Meowth!" Jessie pointed out.
"You guys okay?" Ash asked.
"We're just fine." Aria replied.
The group glanced down and saw the large group of Aron running towards them.
"Oh no! What's that!?" James exclaimed.
"Settle down and listen to me." Steven said to them. "Keep moving forward, then turn go right. Turn left at the next corner, you'll find a waterfall. That's where we'll meet up."
Ash nods. "Okay!"
They started to run down the path and the group above saw all of the Aron that were chasing after them.
"Did you know they were coming this way?" Aria asked.
"No, but I had a feeling the Aron would." Steven stood up and glanced at his Pokemon. "Let's go Aron."
"Aron!" It spoke.
"You ready?" He asks Aria.
She nods her head in response.
The Pokemon grab onto his legs and arms and Steven jumped off the path and onto the other. He lands on his hands and feet.
They run down the tunnel and head towards where the waterfall was. Once they got there, they spotted the others backing away from the Aron that were charging towards them.
"Aron stop! Be calm!" Steven's voice echoed through the cave.
But they didn't listen, they kept on going towards them.
"It didn't work!" Brock exclaimed.
"It's all over!" May cried.
"Go Aron, Roar!" Steven commanded.
Aron took a step forward, and let out a large roar. It meet all of the ears of the Aron and May screamed, waiting for them to attack, until everything fell into silence. They all stood there looking at the Aron that had stopped moving and were calm. Steven smiled.
"These are good people," He said. "Go back to your roots, it's okay."
The Aron perked up and began to head back into the cave.
"How did you do that?" Aria asked.
"Aron are very calm Pokemon. They were just startled, that's all." Steven said. "Alright, let's head down there."
Meowth, Jessie, and James were hugging each other, crying tears of joy. Everyone was confused by this, even Aria was surprised.
"James, I thought you didn't like them." Ash said.
"You too Jessie." May said.
"And you Meowth." Aria said.
"Hey, let's recite the motto to celebrate." Jessie suggested.
Steven blinked. "Who are these people?"
"People who steal Pokemon, that's for sure." Aria said.
And they started their motto again, seriously, how long does it take them to understand that it's getting annoying?
"Steven, those three are Team Rocket." Ash said.
"They're the ones to blame for the hole." Brock added.
Team Rocket sends our their Pokemon, and the others started to attack as well.
"HOLD ON!"
Everyone froze, glancing at Steven with a shocked and confused look.
"Steven...?" Aria questioned, still holding her Poke Ball in her hand.
"The Pokemon is this cave have all lived here peacefully for generations." Steven said angrily.
"..." Aria had no words.
"Does it look like he could be angry?" Jessie whispered to James. James nodded. Steven continued.
"Then you come in creating problems and stir them all up. It's just wrong. I'll face you." Everyone gasped. "I choose you Aggron!"
Aria's eyes widen in surprise when she the large Pokemon emerge, standing tall and proud.
"Whoa..." She murmured. "It's huge."
Ash took out his Pokedex to find more out about this Pokemon.
"Aggron, the Iron Armor Pokémon. Aggron is the final evolution of Aron. It shows no mercy to anyone who disturbs its habitat."
"You're right! He was angry!" James exclaimed.
"Hyper Beam!"
The blast launched them right out of the cave, leaving a large hole of light.
"Good work Aggron." Steven said before returning it to its Poke Ball.
"Mr. Stone was right." Brock said.
"He's good." Max commented.
"Wow..." Was Aria's only response.
Steven's Aron began to dig through the dirt for a moment before spotting something. He looked over at his trainer, calling him over.
"What's the matter, Aron?" He asked, kneeling down.
He looks carefully before noticing something. "Ah! Okay!" He said, pulling the stone he saw. "Great job, Aron." He praised his Pokemon.
"Steven! What is that?" Ash asked.
"A Fire Stone!" He said, holding it out so everyone could see it. "This is what I've been searching for for so long."
"A Fire Stone?" May said confused.
"Yes, it's one of several stones that help Pokemon when it's time to evolve." Steven explained. "It can be used to help a Growlithe into an Arcanine."
"Or help Vulpix evolve into Ninetails." Brock added.
"And an Eevee into a Flareon." Aria and Max said in unison.
"Yep, that's correct." Steven said, standing up.
"Thanks for helping us all out when we needed it Steven." Ash said.
"Nah, it was no problem at all." He said. "I should thank you for helping me find this Fire Stone. By the way, how's my father doing?"
"He's just fine, and he really helped me and Aria out a lot." Max said.
Steven smiled, "That's good."
"Are you ready for your battle, Aria?" Max asked.
"All set, I decided I needed to call Professor Oak for some help with this battle before we headed to the cave. Now that I know Steven has an Aggron, I'm all set." She said, adjusting the gloves on her hands.
"Alright, I'm back," Steven's voice entered their ears as they all stood up. "I just finished pack up all of my stuff, so I should be off." He said.
"Hold on Steven!" Aria said, approaching him.
"Huh? What is it, Aria?" He asked. "How's your ankle?"
"I'm just fine, I can walk on it normally now." She said.
"Wow. Not that many people heal that fast, you sure are a lucky one." He said, smiling. Aria nodded with a giggle.
"I was talking to your father back in Rustboro City, and he suggested that I should have a battle with you, I've been practicing since, and I was wondering if you want to battle."
Steven stared at her for a moment before he grinned. "Alright, I'll be fine with that."
Everyone's face lit up with a smile.
"You two are really going to battle!?" Ash asked surprised.
"Yep." They said in unison.
"But," Steven then added. "I want this to be a double battle."
"A double battle?" May said confused.
"Basically a battle using two Pokemon at the same time." Max explained, sighing that his sister didn't know what a double battle was.
"Double battle sounds fair. How many Pokemon are we going to be using?" Aria asked. "I have six Pokemon with my currently."
"And so do I. So this will be a six on six battle." Steven said.
"I guess so," Aria grinned as well. "I'm all set."
"Is Aria planning on using her other Pokemon like she did for her gym battle?" May asked.
"She did say she talked to Professor Oak about her Pokemon, so that could be true..." Max said, getting a bit excited for the battle to start.
"Not only that, Aria has been preparing for this." Ash said.
"The battle between Aria and Steven will now be under way! Each trainer is to use two Pokemon and until all of their Pokemon is defeated, the winner will be decided in the end! Both trainers are able to substitute Pokemon freely!" Brock said. "Begin!"
Steven and Aria pull out a Poke Ball and called out their Pokemon. Steven had called out an Armaldo and Cradily, and Aria had a Farfetch'd and Houndoom.
"What's that Pokmeon?" May asked, taking out her Pokedex.
"It's a Armaldo, Cradily, and a Farfetch'd!" Max cried, surprised.
"Armaldo, the Plate Pokémon. Armaldo can withstand any attack with its hard shell. It is thought to have been able to break even stones with its powerful claws."
"Cradily, the Barnacle Pokémon. Cradily is believed to be able to extend its tree branch-like neck and catch prey with its tentacles."
"Farfetch'd, a Wild Duck Pokemon. Farfetch'd makes delicious meal, especially when cooked with leek, because of this, Farfetch'd is nearly extinct."
"Is this Aria's strategy?" Max asked. "Why would she choice Farfetch'd? It's weak to rock types. Even Houndoom is weak to it too!"
"Houndoom is fast, so she must have something planned." Ash said. "After all, that Fartech'd she has is special."
"Special?" May said confused. Ash smirked at her response.
"You'll see." He said.
"Pika," Pikachu said, agreeing with him.
"An Armaldo and Cradily." Aria murmured to herself. "It's a good thing Mr. Stones warned me about him having two fossil Pokemon."
Steven looked at Aria's two Pokemon, and grew curious.
"That's an interesting choice of Pokemon you picked there, Aria." He said. "I'm guessing you have an idea on how to beat these two."
Aria chucked to herself. "Of course! These two know what they're doing, and so do I. Even if they are weak to rock type Pokemon, there's always a way to win." She said. "You can attack first."
"Alright. Armaldo, use Water Gun on Houndoom!" Steven yelled.
Armaldo opened its mouth, and spit water out. Aria knew this was going to happen.
"Fartech'd, use your leak!" She commanded.
Fartech'd dashed in front of Houndoom and spun its leak, causing the Water Gun to stop.
"That Fartech'd is super fast!" Max exclaimed. "It's just like Ariados!"
"That's because Fartech'd and all of Aria's Pokemon are based on speed." Ash explained.
"Speed? Why?" May asked.
"Back then when we started our journey together, Aria trained her Pokemon's movement faster so that they can dodge easier. Fartech'd and Ariados were one of those Pokemon."
"That's incredible!" Max commented. "I didn't Aria would have Pokemon like that!"
"Impressive move there Aria," Steven said. "You're Pokemon are indeed fast, but let's see if they can handle this! Cradily, Constrict!"
"Houndoom, grab Fartech'd and jump in the air!" Aria yelled.
Houndoom grabs Fartech'd by the back and jumped in the air, dodging Cradily's attack.
"Perfect," Steven said with a grin, causing Aria to gasp. "Armaldo use Ancient Power!"
Armaldo launched the attack right at them, getting a direct hit.
"Houndoom! Fartech'd!" Aria cried as the Pokemon roughly hit the ground. "Get up you two! You can do it!"
The two Pokemon slowly stood up, relief filled Aria.
"Great! Houndoom, use Flamethrower!" She commanded.
Houndoom launched its attack right at the two.
"X-Scissor Armaldo!" Steven yelled.
Armaldo attacks and cuts the Flamethrower in half, ad Aria gasped.
"How?!" She exclaimed surprised.
"It's quite simple to stop an attack before it strikes. You should know that." Steven said, grinning.
Aria's face was filled with horror. She shook her head and looked at her Pokemon.
"Armaldo use Slash on Houndoom!" Steven commanded.
What am I going to do? Aria thought. Every time I make a move, they're always there!
She stared at Armaldo's movement before an idea came to mind. She remembered what Steven did to calm the Aron down back in the cave, now she knew what she can do to win!
That's it!
"Houndoom, use Roar!" She said.
Houndoom took a step forward, and roared as loud as he could. Armaldo came to a stop and Steven looked surprised.
"Fartech'd, now! Night Slash!" She said.
Steven looked over and spotted Fartech'd high in the sky, coming down at Cradily.
"Cradily, dodge it!" He told the pokemon.
It was too late, Fartech'd was too fast and attacked Cradily with full power. They crashed onto the ground, dust rising up from the ground.
"Cradily!" Steven cried.
"Fartech'd!" Aria cried as well.
The dust disappeared, leaving two fainted Pokemon on the ground.
"Cradily and Fartech'd are unable to battle!" Brock announced.
Steven and Aria return their two Pokemon to their poke balls, and reached for another.
"I don't get it. How did Fartech'd lose so quickly?" Max asked.
"He used all of his strength to do that much damage to Cradily." Ash said. "No wonder why it lost that fast."
"Come on out Skarmory!" Steven said.
"It's your turn now Sharpedo!" Sharpedo appeared in the water, his head popping out.
"Sharpedo!" It spoke with glee.
"Wow, I didn't think Aria would use Sharpedo." May said.
"And Armaldo is weak to water types, so she has an advantage there." Max added.
"Houndoom use Flamethrower!" Aria commanded.
Houndoom fired, but Armaldo dodged it.
"Skarmory, use Steel Wing!" Steven yelled.
Skarmory's wings glowed and charged towards Houndoom.
"Get out of there Houndoom!" Aria cried. It was too late, Skarmory had already contacted with Houndoom, causing it to skid across the sand. "Houndoom!"
Houndoom tried to stand up, but only fell onto the ground.
"Houndoom is unable to battle!" Brock announced.
Aria returned Houndoom to its poke ball and she started to get worried.
Houndoom was going to be one of the Pokemon I was going to use the most for my strategy. She thought. Steven's Pokemon are really strong and powerful. How am I going to do this? If I use Ivysaur, I might have a bit of an advantage since Ivysaur can handle powerful attacks, but at the same time, Skarmory can use flying type moves, so what choice do I have?
She pulled out a Poke Ball, taking a deep breath.
"Looks like I've got no choice. I choose you, Misdreavus!" She said as the ghost pokemon appeared.
"Wow! A Misdreavus!" Max exclaimed happily.
May took out her Pokedex once more to figure more out about the Pokemon.
"Misdreavus, the Screech Pokémon. Misdreavus are extremely mischievous and like to cry out at night just to startle people."
"Misdreavus is a ghost type, so ground type moves won't have an effect!" Ash said.
"Wow, Aria really thought hard about this battle." May commented.
"Misdreavus, use Shadow Ball!" Aria commanded.
Misdreavus launched the attack, and headed straight at Armaldo, getting a direct hit.
"I must say, you really know what you're doing." Steven said with a chuckle. He held up a Poke Ball, pointing it at Armaldo. "Armaldo, return." Once Armaldo was gone, he pulled out another Poke Ball, calling out an even larger Pokemon. Aria gasped, surprised when she saw the silver metal Pokemon before her.
"What is that?" She whispered, taking out her Pokedex.
"Metagross, the Iron Leg Pokémon. With its four brains, it has an intelligence rivaling a supercomputer."
"Wow...but it's a different color." Aria shook her head. "Sharpedo, use Night Slash!" She commanded.
Sharpedo jumps out of the water and towards Skarmory, close to hitting it, but Skarmory flew higher into the sky, causing the Pokemon to miss.
"W-what!?" Aria exclaimed shocked.
"Metagross, use Psychic!" Steven commanded.
Metagross's eyes glowed, and Sharpedo was lifted out of the water, causing Aria to gasp in fear.
"Misdreavus, Confuse Ray!" Aria yelled.
Metagross was confused and dropped Sharpedo back into the water.
"Skarmory, use Agility!" Steven commanded.
Skarmory flew in towards Misdreavus.
"Now Peck!"
"Misdreavus, dodge it!" Aria yelled.
"Too late!"
Skarmory hit Misdreavus, sending it to the ground.
"Misdreavus!" Aria cried out, seeing the Pokemon struggle to get up. She looked over at her other Pokemon, knowing she needed to come up with something. "Sharpedo, use Slash!"
Sharpedo swam through the water, jumping out until Skarmory moved out of the way once more, causing Sharpedo to miss.
Metagross was still trying to get out of the confusion, but nothing was snapping it out of it, it was hurting itself.
"Skarmory, use Steel Wing on Metagross!" Steven commanded.
"What?" Aria mumbled confused, wondering why Steven was making his own pokemon attack his other one. Skarmory attacked on command and Aria noticed it right away. By attacking Metagross, it snapped it out of the confusion and Aria grits her teeth together. She watched Skarmory's movement before she realized something.
"Misdreavus, use Shadow Ball and launch it into the sky!" Misdreavus didn't need to be told twice and launched it high up in the air. "Sharpedo, go after it!"
Sharpedo jumped out of the water, heading towards the Shadow Ball. Steven was so confused by what she was doing, surprised by Aria's actions.
"Now bite it!" Aria commanded. Sharpedo bites onto it with its teeth and Aria noticed that Sharpedo's teeth had become all dark purple.
"What the... What did she do?" Ash asked shocked.
"Sharpedo ate it!" Max exclaimed.
"Misdreavus, Psychic!" Aria commanded, looking straight at Skarmory. Misdreavus stopped Skarmory from moving anywhere. "Sharpedo, quickly! Ice Fang!"
Sharpedo's teeth turned into ice, but it wasn't a crystal blue. It was a blackish purple that glowed from the Ice Fang. Everyone but Steven and Aria watched in awe.
"Do it Sharpedo!" Aria commanded.
Sharpedo headed down towards Skarmory who was still trapped in Psychic.
"Metagross, help Skarmory!" Steven commanded. "Use Hyper Beam!"
Metagross started to charge up the attack.
"Too late!" Aria said, causing Steven's eyes to widen. "Misdreavus Psybeam!"
Misdreavus fired the bright attack just as Sharpedo's attack met with Skarmory's back, the two Pokemon dealing a lot of damage on Skarmory.
Skarmory hits the ground, knocked out of the battle. But once it touched the ground, Metagross launched the Hyper Beam, hitting Sharpedo who was nearly close to landing back in the water.
"Sharpedo!" Aria cried out once Sharpedo's body fell into the water. She noticed bubbles forming before the Pokemon got to the surface, but was knocked unconscious.
"Sharpedo and Skarmory are unable to battle!" Brock announced.
Steven and Aria returned the two tired Pokemon to their poke balls before they pulled out another one.
"Mawile, go!" Steven said throwing the poke ball.
"Go Ivysaur!" Aria said, throwing her poke ball as well.
The two Pokemon appeared, the look of determination in their eyes.
"Misdreavus, use Payback on Metagross!" Aria commanded.
Misdreavus headed forward towards the large Pokemon.
"Flash Cannon!" Steven shouted.
"Dodge it!"
No! Aria mentally shouted. I'm rushing myself again! I need to calm down and get my thoughts together! I can't myself get angry over this!
Misdreavus cried out in pain once the Flash Cannon hit her. She didn't dodge it in time. Misdreavus crashed onto the ground, marks covering her entire body.
"Misdreavus!" Aria cried out, seeing her Pokemon struggle to stand up. "Ivysaur, use Razor Leaf!"
Ivysaur jumped in front of Misdreavus and started to attack Mawile and Metagross. It did damage to Mawile but it just bounced off of Metagross.
How am I going to do damage to that Metagross? She thought to herself. If I can some how get it distracted, I might have a chance to attack it!
"Misdreavus, use Shadow Ball on Metagross!" Aria instructed.
A dark ball appeared in front of Misdreavus before she launched it at Metagross.
"Psychic!" Steven commanded. Metagross' eyes glowed blue as it stopped the Shadow Ball and threw it right back.
"Use Psychic too Misdreavus!" Aria told her. Misdreavus' eyes glowed and the Shadow Ball stopped in one place as they tried to send it at one another.
"Ivysaur, use Solar Beam." Aria told the Pokemon just as Steven got distracted.
"Mawile, use Bite on Misdreavus!" He instructed.
Mawile ran forward, the jaws that were on the back of its head as it ran towards Misdreavus.
"Throw it down Misdreavus!" Aria commanded.
Misdreavus used all of her strength to hit the place where Mawile was running, causing the sand to cover most of the area.
"Mawile, look for Misdreavus through the sand!" Steven yelled.
Mawile couldn't see a single thing, even the sand was starting to get into its eyes. But it did notice Misdreavus through the sand and started to charge forward once again to attack.
"Ivysaur go for it!" Aria commanded just as Ivysaur was ready to attack. "Solar Beam!"
Ivysaur fired the attack right through the sand, hitting both Mawile and Metagross.
"Mawile! Metagross!" Steven exclaimed.
They found the two Pokemon on the ground and panting. Metagross had take some serious damage after being caught in the middle of the attack. He slowly started to stand up, but instantly his feet gave away before he fell onto the ground.
"Metagross!" Steven said with widen eyes.
"Metagross is unable to battle!" Brock announced.
Steven returned Metagross to its poke ball before he brought out another one. He called out Armaldo once more and Aria knew what she had to do.
If I had Sharpedo still, I would have an easier time getting rid of this one. But he is still tired, so I still have a chance.
"Ivysaur, use Leech Seed!" Aria commanded.
Ivysaur nodded and shoot a seed at Armaldo. The seed shot out roots and wrapped around as it started to drain him of his energy.
"Use Fury Cutter on the Leech Seed Armaldo!" Steven instructed. Armaldo's claws glowed white as he quickly cut the roots. Ivysaur couldn't sap Armaldo's energy anymore, so it was a big problem for him.
Aria's eyes widen, their plan that was going perfectly well but now is gone.
"Mawile, use Crunch!" Mawile ran forward and towards Ivysaur, the jaw grabbing onto Ivysaur and lifting him up into the air.
"Ivysaur!" Aria gasped. "Misdreavus, Shadow Ball!"
Misdreavus launched the Shadow Ball, but it Armaldo only jumped in front of Mawile and cut the Shadow Ball in half with X-Scissor.
"Seems like your plan is no longer going to work Aria." Steven said, placing his hand on his hip. "Mawile Sucker Punch!"
Mawile threw Ivysaur into the air and it left him defenseless. Mawile jumped up into the air as well, the jaw glowing a dark purple as it met with Ivysaur's stomach. Mawile slammed him into the ground, causing the sand to spread through the air once again.
"Ivysaur!" Aria cried. She noticed the swirls on his eyes, signally that he was no longer able to battle.
"Ivysaur is unable to battle!" Brock announced.
"Aria's down to her last two pokemon." Ash said, the tension of this battle getting to him. "If she can some how take down Mawile, she should have a chance."
Not good... Aria thought, gritting her teeth together. Ivysaur was taken down much quicker than I thought. Which means I'm down to my last two. So I'll have to keep using speed as my advantage, if I can some how get rid of Mawile in time.
"Come out, Absol!" Aria's pokemon stood beside Misdreavus. "Absol, run at Mawile!" She instructed.
Absol started to run towards Mawile and Steven was ready to call out a move until he noticed the look in Aria's eyes.
"Misdreavus, use Confuse Ray, quickly!"
Misdreavus' eyes glowed as Mawile was trapped in confusion.
"Armaldo, help Mawile by using Water Gun on Absol!" Steven commanded.
Armaldo nodded and opened his mouth as water launched right at Absol.
"Jump into the air and use Double Team!" Aria told her pokemon.
Absol barely dodged it, jumping into the air as he split off into multiple different Absols.
"Now use Sucker Punch!"
The multiple Absols' right paw glowed purple as they started to head towards Mawile.
"Armaldo, use Rock Blast on all of them!" Steven said to his pokemon.
Armaldo held up his hands and rocks shot out from them as it hit all of the fake Absols except for the real one.
Aria grinned. "Misdreavus, Shadow Ball!"
Misdreavus prepared the attack and launched it right at Mawile. Absol hits Mawile, sending it to the ground. The Shadow Ball just hit Mawile right in the head, causing it to slide across the ground and past by Steven. He turned around to find that Mawile was completely out of it.
"Mawile is unable to battle!" Brock announced.
Steven returned Mawile to its poke ball before he called out his final Pokemon. Aggron stood beside Armaldo, staring down at the two small pokemon.
"They're huge." Ash pointed out.
"But isn't Aria's Pokemon faster than Steven's? Doesn't she have the advantage there?" Max asked.
"Maybe..."
"Absol, use Quick Attack on Armaldo! Misdreavus, go for a Psywave on Aggron!"
Absol ran forward and Misdreavus launched the attack.
"Keep your place!" Steven instructed his two Pokemon.
They stood in the same place before Absol ran into Armaldo but it didn't do any damage to it, neither did Misdreavus' attack.
"Armaldo, use Slash on Absol!" Steven yelled.
Armaldo's claw glowed white, slashing at Absol, dealing a good amount of damage to him. He slid across the ground, but kept his balance.
"Misdreavus, use Shadow Ball on Armaldo!" Aria commanded.
Misdreavus attacked once more.
"Smack it back using Slash!" Steven instructed. Armaldo quickly hits it back towards Misdreavus, the attack moving much faster. Aria's eyes widen.
"Dodge it quickly!" She exclaimed.
Misdreavus didn't have time, it already contacted with her body, dealing a lot of damage since Misdreavus is weak to ghost types. Misdreavus was sent flying in the air, but everyone knew she was out of the battle. Aria caught the small Pokemon in her arms, seeing how tired she was.
"Misdreavus is unable to battle!" Brock announced.
Aria took out Misdreavu's poke ball and returned her to it. Absol was her only pokemon left, so it was two against one. She would have to keep using speed to her advantage.
"Absol, use Future Sight!" Aria commanded.
Absol got a small glow over his body until he launched an attack into the sky, leaving everyone confused, except for Steven.
"What was that move?" May asked.
"Future Sight is a move that attacks the opponent after a couple of attacks. It can do some serious damage if the Pokemon is exhausted." Max explained.
"Aggron use Rock Slide!" Steven yelled. Rocks appeared from the sky and above Absol.
"Dodge it using Quick Attack!" Aria told her Pokemon.
Absol ran faster dodging the rocks with ease.
"Water Gun Armaldo!" Steven commanded.
Armaldo fired the attack, but Absol dodged that as well, jumping above Armaldo.
"Now use Slash!" Absol's head razor glowed as he slashed down at Armaldo, dealing some damage, but not too much. Absol jumped back once Future Sight took its place, falling from the sky and dealing some extra damage to Armaldo and Aggron.
"Use Sucker Punch!" Aria told Absol.
Absol ran forward towards Armaldo, jumping up into the air to get a better advantage.
"Iron Tail Aggron!"
Aggron quickly regained its balance before slashing its tail at Absol, knocking him away from Armaldo.
"Sucker Punch once more!"
Absol ran fowards once again knowing that he would get it this time.
"Use Protect Aggron!" Steven commanded.
Aggron jumped in front of Armaldo and a blue barrier surrounded him. Absol's attack bounced off of the Protect.
"Armaldo, finish this with X-Scissor!" Steven commanded.
"Absol, use Night Slash!"
The two Pokemon ran towards each other, the attack meeting all at once. The attack met with one another, causing them to go flying. They landed on the sand, Absol having trouble standing up. Armaldo got right back onto his feet, but Absol was struggling to get up.
"Come on Absol! Please get up!" Aria told it.
Absol tried as best as he could, but he knew he wouldn't last for long. His legs gave out on him and his eyes were cover in swirls.
"Absol!" Aria ran towards her Pokemon, kneeling down to him.
"Absol is unable to battle! And the winner is Steven!" Brock announced.
Aria pets Absol's head who was disappointed that they lost.
"It's alright Absol." Aria assured. "We were close, but not close enough. Don't worry about it. You did well."
Steven returned his Pokemon to their poke balls and walked towards Aria. He held out his hand and Aria looked up at him.
She takes out Absol's Poke Ball and returned him to it before taking Steven's hand. With his help, she got back onto her feet.
The others walked over to them and talked to them about the intense battle. Time past by so quickly that they all headed towards the Pokemon Center to get something to eat and sleep.
Everyone sat at the table, eating dinner. Steven left to call his father to talk to him about the battle while Aria sent some of her Pokemon back to Professor Oak. When she was about to head back, she noticed Steven talking to his father.
"Dad, I've made a choice." Steven said.
"Hmm?" Mr. Stone looked curious. "Well, what is it?"
"I decided that before come back to the company, I want to go on a Pokemon journey again."
"I see. What gave you that idea?" Mr. Stone asked. Steven smiled.
"It was Aria." He said. "When I battled with her, I realized something. If I want to make things last longer, then do what you love is the best option. That's why I want to go back on my journey again, to learn more about this region and all other ones."
"Well Steven, if that's what you choose, then I'm okay with it." Mr. Stone said.
"Thanks Dad." Steven said with a nod.
"Don't mention, and good luck." Mr. Stone hung up and Steven placed the phone back where it belonged.
Aria smiled and walked back to the others, sitting down right beside Max.
"Your battle was amazing Aria." Ash said to her. "You were never that pumped since the Silver Conference."
"I guess so." Aria said smiling. "I sent Fartech'd and Houndoom back to Professor Oak and brought back Electrike. I'm sure they'll be happy."
"What? You sent Houndoom? But what about Misdreavus?" Brock asked.
"Misdreavus and I go way back, remember? I think this is the perfect way to grow stronger with each other, and maybe we'll even become closer friends." Aria said as Misdreavus sat on her shoulder.
"Mis! Mis!" The ghost Pokemon spoke.
"Your friendship is beautiful as a Dawn Stone." Steven sat down in a chair next to Ash, and across from Aria, and smiled.
"Thanks Steven," Aria said happily. "So, what did your father say?"
"He was impressed that you almost won, but he wasn't mistake that I was going to win. He knew your pokemon weren't going to be able to handle Aggron or Armaldo." Steven said.
"That sounds like Mr. Stone." Max says with a small laugh.
"So, what are you going to do now, Steven?" Ash asked.
"I've decided to continue my Pokemon journey." Steven said. "After battling with Aria, I realized that I should continue do what I love before I go back and work for the company with my father."
"That's sounds great." May encouraged.
"But..." Steven looked at Aria. She was confused, wondering what he was going to say next. He stared at her for a moment before looking at everyone at the table. "If it's alright with all of you, I like to continue my journey with you."
"Really?" Ash said surprised.
"Why not? You all are really nice people. I've never seen so much determination from a person before, especially during a battle." He said, gesturing to Aria. "If it's fine with you at least. I understand if you decline."
"I'm fine with it." Ash said.
"Me too," Max says. "It's great having more friends around."
"I'm fine with it as well." May said.
"I don't see there being a problem, so why not?" Brock said.
Steven glanced to Aria who was still surprised by his news.
"It's just you Aria," He said. "What do you say?"
"Um..." She stood up and everyone looked at her confused. "I...I need a couple of minutes." She walked away, leaving everyone shocked or confused.
"Did I say something wrong?" Steven asked.
"I don't think so..." Ash said. "But there's no way she could be upset about this."
"I'll go talk to her." May standing up and headed outside.
"Ivysaur..." Ivysaur frowned when he saw Aria sigh, staring down at the water. Sharpedo's head pops out and stares at her concerned.
She was at the harbor, trying to get all of her thoughts together. She was surprised by what Steven said. She didn't think that he would want to continue his journey with them.
"I'm sorry guys..." Aria apologized to her Pokemon. She turned around to face all of them. Iyvsuar and Absol standing next to each other, Electrike with Misdreavus sitting on its back. "I just...I'm not sure how to react. I thought he would go on a journey by himself and yet, I couldn't figure out what to say... All my emotions are boiling up inside and I just..."
"Aria!" Aria looked up confused, seeing May walking towards her. Once she reached her, May stopped right in front of her, slightly confused. "Hey, is everything alright?" She asked. "We haven't seen you like this before."
"Hi May," Aria said before looking back out at the sea. "I'm fine, I just felt...frozen."
"Frozen? Why?" May asked.
"I don't know..." Aria frowned. "I couldn't find the words to say to him."
"Were you surprised? It seemed like it to me that you were just shock that he made such a choice." May said, sitting beside her as they watched the sun disappear.
"Maybe that's it. I'm not sure. All I know is that...I'm happy, and maybe I just shocked that I can't speak a single word." Aria chuckled. "Thanks for the company May. I really needed it. Especially from all of you." She said to her and her own Pokemon.
May tried to think why Aria was acting like she was nervous back in the Pokemon Center, until a thought came into her head.
"Oh! I see now!" Aria turned around, confused by her actions. "Is it love at first sight?" Aria's face flushed as she looked away from May.
"In love? What could you be talking about? I'm not love!" She exclaimed.
"Oh come on! I know you two like each other!" May added. "Why not?"
"We just met today! How can that be possible?" Aria asked, shaking her head.
"I noticed it back in Granite Cave!" May exclaimed. "You two would be perfect as a couple!"
"MAY!" May jumped in surprise when Aria screamed. Aria laughed at the look on her face. "Look, I'll think about what your planning, so I'll go along with it for now, okay?" May smiled at her response and nodded, understanding Aria's opinion. "But I don't think it's love..." She murmured quietly.
The girls heard footsteps behind them, causing them to spin around to find Steven heading towards them. May giggled at Aria and left them to have their own conversation.
"Oh, hi Steven." Aria said, turning around to watch the sea again.
"Hello to you as well." Steven said, sitting beside her where May original was. "Is everything alright? You left so suddenly that you had everyone worried." He asked.
"I'm fine. I didn't mean to worry everyone." Aria looked down at Sharpedo who still had the look of concern. "I guess you could say that I was just nervous." Steven looked at her confused.
"Nervous? You never seem to be nervous. Even Ash said that himself." He said.
"I don't always tell him what's on my mind. I'm sort of reversed in a different way but I get that nervous feeling that I feel like I'm going to do something wrong. I've been nervous before, a bunch of times actually."
"So not everything your brother says is true?" Steven guessed.
"No! When I tell him I'm fine, some times I actually not. I just don't want him to worry." Aria said, earning a glance from Steven. "I really never tell him how I feel when it comes to battling, friendship, or personal things in general. I keep things to myself even when it's bothering me. My teacher use to tell me that keeping emotions piled up will make me go crazy..."
"So that's what it is."
"Huh?" Aria looked at Steven confused. He placed his hands in his pockets, looking out at the sea.
"I noticed that when you battle, you keep thinking about other things while your Pokemon battled mine. Then when you suddenly attacked, you lost your concentration. There is something on your mind, isn't there?"
"If you knew what it was, then why didn't you mention that during the battle?" Aria asked, surprised that he figured it out.
"I wanted to see how you would do once the battle was over. Turns out, my speculations were correct." He said. "If there's something on your mind you should tell the others or me. I'm sure they'll understand if you tell them."
"Well, the thing is, is that I rather solve those problems on my own. They're not too much of a problem, I just get caught on them and it distracts me so quickly that I forget about what's even happening. Then when I do I rush into it things go wrong." Aria explained.
"How long has it been happening for?" Steven asked.
"A few years I think. Not long enough for it to be making me lose my sanity." She replied. "I want to try new things and I did, but I've been thinking too long and hard about it. Then whenever something new happens, I over react and well..."
"I understand completely." Steven said, looking over at her. "It's your secret right? So I'll hide it from the others if you like."
"I don't want you to have to deal with the burden of hiding it." Aria pointed out.
"It's not a problem at all." Steven reached into the bag that he was carrying with him and pulled something out. Aria looked confused for a moment before Steven grabbed her hand and placed it in her hand, but he didn't let her see it. "Here, keep this with you. It helped me when I started my journey a long time ago, but I don't need it anymore. Think of it as a good luck charm." He said with a warm smile.
He pulled his hand back and Aria looked at what he gave her. It was a small bright blue jewel that almost looked like the ocean when the sun shines brightly on it.
"I can't take this from you." Aria said, pushing it back to him, but he shook his head.
"Keep it. I want you to have it. It'll please me if you just hold onto it. If you don't want it anymore later, than I understand." Steven told her.
"Steven..." Aria sighed. "Alright. I'll take it. Thanks for caring for me."
"It's nothing." Steven looked away not noticing the blushes on his cheeks.
Minutes past before Aria spoke up. "Um, we should go back to the Pokemon Center, it's getting late." She suggested, noticing the sky becoming dark. She heard Steven chuckle.
"That would be best." He said.
Aria returned all of her Pokemon back into their Poke Balls. They started to head back to the Pokemon Center until Steven came to a stop, placing his hand on his hip. Aria turned around to face him, confused by why he stopped.
"You know. I still didn't get to hear your answer from earlier." He pointed out. Aria knew what he was talking about instantly.
"Oh...right." Aria looked away and Steven took a couple of steps towards her.
"So, what's your choice? Do you want me to come, or do not?" He asked. Aria remained silent for a moment. Steven was about to say it again until Aria finally said something. She looked up at him with a warm smile, blushes on her cheeks.
"Welcome to the group, Steven. It'll be nice to have you around."