Granite Cave was reasonably easy to navigate, there were only some Zubats and various other cave pokemon, including Arons. You had decided, with Steven's approval, to release the Aggron and Aron on one of the higher levels of the cave, so it would be less likely for trainers to stumble across them. That would be problematic.
"This place seems good," said Steven, gesturing to the ground before them.
"Agreed," you replied, bringing out the two pokeballs containing Aggron and Aron and releasing them. The Aggron looked at you warily, the Aron moving closer towards its mother.
You tilted your head at them, wondering why they didn't run away, until you remembered they had to obey you. You had all eight gym badges. "Huh," you blinked. It still surprised you sometimes how far you had come as a trainer.
Shaking your head, you returned from your thoughts. "You're released," you said to the pokemon. The two pokemon looked at each other, as if they didn't believe her. "Shoo!" you said, losing your patience. Instead of fleeing, the pokemon shrunk back, eyes darting to something behind you. The Aron gave a small cry of panic.
You and Steven whipped around.
"Team Rocket!" Steven spat. "What're you doing in the Hoenn region?"
"Looking for rare and powerful pokemon, of course!" purred one of the grunts. You almost gasped. There were four of them. "Rare pokemon, just like that shiny Aggron!"
"You're not laying a finger on her as long as we're here!" you said determinedly.
"We'll see about that!" replied the grunt, taking out her pokeball. "Arbok, show them what you've got!" The three other grunts also brought out their pokemon.
You and Steven looked at each other, your faces set in determination.
"Metagross, Armaldo! Let's go!" cried Steven.
"Let's get 'em Milotic and Altaria!" you echoed.
The battle was quick. The Team Rocket grunts were strong, but they were no match for you and Steven.
"We'll get you next time!" snarled the grunt in charge as they returned their fainted pokemon and fled.
You sighed, returned your pokemon, and turned to the Aggron and Aron. "You're safe now, you can leave."
You watched them leave, smiling as the little Aron fell over and picked itself up again, trotting next to its mother happily.
"We'd better go," said Steven, also smiling.
"Yeah, I'm hungry," you replied.
And with the happy thought of the Aggron and Aron living peacefully, you left.