Chapter 339 · Zinnia’s Fossil

Gary and Zinnia did not stay in Granite Cave for long. After calming the agitated Aron, they headed back outside.

"Zinnia, you didn't tell Steven anything, did you?" Gary asked once they were clear of the cave.

"No. I told him I was from Rustboro City. He said that's his hometown too. When he learned I'd come here to look for rare stones, he helped—and we found this fossil!" Zinnia held it aloft, beaming.

"I thought you wanted to raise Dragon-type Pokémon. If that fossil is revived, it's probably from an ancient species," Gary cautioned.

"What sort of Pokémon is Anorith?" Zinnia lowered the fossil and hurriedly consulted her Pokédex.

Pokédex: "Anorith, the Old Shrimp Pokémon. A prehistoric Rock- and Bug-type that lived in warm seas. It used its large claws to capture prey."

"So it's Rock/Bug, not Dragon," Gary said.

The exposed spine told him it was a Claw Fossil a Root Fossil, which revives into Lileep, would look different.

"Dragon or not, it's my first fossil, so I'm keeping it," Zinnia declared.

"Fair enough. After I challenge the Dewford Gym, we can return to Rustboro and let Devon revive it."

"Then battle the Gym this afternoon!" Zinnia urged, eyes glittering.

"No rush—we'll fight tomorrow morning. And remember, when we visit Devon Corporation, don't mention Meteor Village," Gary warned.

"Why? Steven seems like a good guy."

"Steven is fine, but Devon is researching Mega Evolution—and that power originates from Meteor Falls. If the Hoenn League learns that, they'll set their sights on your village."

"Would Steven really attack Meteor Village?"

"Steven probably wouldn't, but he's no longer Champion. The League might decide the meteorite belongs in their lab—and Meteor Village can't resist them."

Zinnia frowned. "I thought the League existed to protect people and Pokémon."

"It's complicated. Just trust me until you finish your trials. After that, you can decide for yourself—but for now, don't reveal anything."

Reluctantly, Zinnia nodded. "All right. My lips are sealed."

Back in Dewford Town

After leaving Lairon with Nurse Joy, Gary and Zinnia grabbed dinner. When treatment was done, Gary released the new capture for training.

Years ago, he'd had to coax hostile Pokémon. Now, with more than twenty high-grade TMs and training aids in his pack, affection rose quickly.

Although Lairon's Friendship had started at 76, a little personal attention doubled it.

[Pokémon] Lairon

Type: Steel / Rock

Level: 34

Potential: Quasi-Elite → Elite

Ability: Heavy Metal (doubles its own weight)

Known Moves: Tackle, Dig, Harden, Metal Claw, Rock Tomb, Protect, Iron Head

Taught Moves: Rock Slide, Hyper Beam, Stone Edge, Rest, Thunderbolt, Shadow Claw, Body Slam, Iron Tail

Friendship: 156 / 255

Gary had picked up several bars of stainless steel at a scrapyard Lairon cheerfully ripped them into bite-sized pieces and swallowed them whole. The harder the alloy, the longer it took to digest, but one day would be enough for this batch.

With Lairon sorted, Gary used a Bronze Bottle Cap to push its potential to Elite, then released the rest of his team for evening drills.

Current Party Levels:

Shroomish — Lv. 17

Grovyle — Lv. 22

Bagon — Lv. 11

Lairon — Lv. 34

Aside from Lairon, the team was still under-leveled.

"Brawly won't pull his punches," Gary muttered. Using Latios every match would rob the youngsters of experience.

"Looks like we need a solid week of special training."

Eevee and Rhyperior would serve as sparring partners while Shroomish, Grovyle, and Bagon caught up.