After Aoki successfully captured Bagon, a major concern was finally resolved.
As a near-legendary Dragon-type Pokémon native to the Hoenn region, its potential was no less than that of Larvitar. In its final evolved form, Salamence, like Tyranitar, was capable of Mega Evolution.
In the competitive world of Pokémon training, the more Pokémon Aoki had that could Mega Evolve, the greater the advantages he would gain in the future.
Patting Bagon on the head as a welcoming gesture, Aoki said,
"Bagon, eat this first. Remember not to eat too much at once—in your current condition, you can only handle about fifteen. You can have more after you've digested these."
Turning to Mismagius, he added, "Mismagius, keep an eye on him, will you?"
"Misma~!" Mismagius chimed happily, as if entrusted with an important task.
After witnessing Bagon's previous struggles, Mismagius had taken on a nurturing role, almost like an older sister. It was the perfect choice for supervision.
Now, Aoki finally had time to deal with the two captured Team Aqua members.
They were bound tightly by Floette's vines, their spirits broken after seeing their Pokémon defeated. Resigned to their fate, they showed no resistance.
Aoki knelt in front of them, focusing on the woman named Lina. The other, Pash, seemed too simple-minded to be worth interrogating.
"Tell me," Aoki demanded, locking eyes with Lina. "What is Team Aqua doing here?"
Lina, seeing no hope of escape, answered dully, "We were ordered by Commander Archie… to gather data and maps from Meteor Falls."
Aoki pressed further. "What's the purpose of this mission?"
A flicker of fanaticism crossed Lina's eyes. "To summon the great Sea God, Kyogre! When Kyogre awakens, the world will be reborn as an endless ocean!"
Aoki recognized the name—Kyogre, the legendary Pokémon of Hoenn's myths.
"Kyogre?" he echoed.
Lina's dull expression twisted into zeal. Even facing death, her devotion remained unshaken.
"Never mind. I've heard enough. Gengar, deal with them."
"Gengaa~!" Gengar cackled, merging into their shadows. Slowly, their life force drained away, absorbed by the Ghost-type's power.
This ability was something Gengar had developed after evolving, thanks to a strange black crystal an elder had given it. Aoki still wasn't sure what it was, but Gengar's strength had only grown since then.
I'll have to ask about it next time I visit Mt. Pyre.
Before leaving the mountain, Aoki had already sent word to his mentor, Matsuda, to inform the Hoenn League president about the situation at Mt. Pyre.
I wonder if Phoebe has been born yet.
Shaking off the thought, Aoki turned his attention back to the present.
Kyogre and Groudon—Team Aqua and Team Magma's targets—required certain artifacts to awaken. One of them was supposedly hidden in Meteor Falls.
Has Team Aqua already figured that out? But judging by the timeline, they shouldn't have found it yet. Either way, that's not my problem to solve.
He glanced at the lifeless grunts.
Their brainwashing is terrifying. Even in death, they worship Kyogre.
By now, Bagon had finished eating. Though still hungry, the Pokéblocks it had eaten were the best it had ever tasted.
Mismagius hovered nearby, holding the container of Pokéblocks.
Aoki smiled. "Let's move deeper. There should be more to explore."
Bagon stiffened.
Aoki didn't know what lay ahead, but Bagon did—Solrock and Lunatone. It had taken refuge in this smaller tunnel to avoid the larger clusters of them.
Seeing its hesitation, Aoki reassured it.
"Don't worry, Bagon. You've got strong teammates now."
Bagon looked at the powerful Pokémon around it—especially the intimidating Drapion—and relaxed slightly.
Mismagius patted its head, whispering encouragement.
Teaching Bagon the basics will be Mismagius' job now. That should help her grow too.
With Bagon comforted, Aoki led the group forward.
The more wild Solrock and Lunatone we encounter, the better.
Soon, they came across their first group—about twenty Solrock. Aoki directed his team to engage.
Bagon, standing at Aoki's feet, watched eagerly, waving its tiny arms as if participating in the battle.
It let out a determined huff.