Battle on the Water

Bzz—

The low, unbroken drone of wings seemed to take on physical form, an irritating wave of sound.

Ninjask flickered from one spot to another in an instant, circling Aggron without daring to come close.

"Rrr..."

The Big Monster exhaled white smoke mixed with grit, keeping his attention fixed on his opponent.

Though Aggron's energy level far surpassed Ninjask's, the Pokémon kept gaining speed with the help of Speed Boost. Aggron could only track him with his eyes.

But he knew there was no point chasing him. That would only waste his strength.

This one would bring about his own downfall.

Against a Pokémon like this, one hit was all it took...

Aggron lowered his center of gravity and waited for Ninjask to swoop in.

He might not have been especially clever, but watching his trainer and fighting battles had taught him that faster was not always better. The faster you moved, the more strength it took to stop!

Even then, you could not always stop in time—

Here he comes!

Aggron caught a dark brown streak at the edge of his vision. It was coming from behind and to the side.

He did not turn to attack. He waited until he could clearly sense the energy around Ninjask's claws, then ducked and slammed his own claws into the ground!

Boom!

A glowing boulder burst through the gravel. Ninjask's reddish-brown claws cut through empty air as Aggron dodged, and a huge rock rose abruptly in his path.

"Eek!"

Panic seized Ninjask, and he tried to change course.

But it was too late. At that speed, even if he stopped beating his wings—or beat them in reverse—his momentum would carry him into the rock!

Smack!

Ninjask struck it hard. Dazed by the impact, he began to wobble.

"Grrroar—"

Aggron seized the