After going through the fascinating story in the legacy cave on the way to Petalburg City, the remaining route was flat and free of obstacles. I didn't feel like battling wild Pokémon anymore — the whole journey, my thoughts were occupied by the ancient Pokémon information I had seen earlier. The data wasn't complete, yet it lingered in my mind, fueling my curiosity.
I didn't even realize I had arrived in Petalburg City until I heard the hustle and bustle from the marketplace."Ah, stop wasting time thinking about things I can't figure out right now," I told myself.
I decided to visit the Petalburg Gym again — to follow the latest news about the Petalburg Woods and report my schedule.
"Vigoroth, use Slash!" Norman commanded, his voice echoing across the gym. A challenger stood on the opposite side. It looked like a gym battle was in progress. Vigoroth struck swiftly, defeating the opponent's Nuzleaf. The challenger frowned, clearly disappointed, and after recalling his Pokémon, fastened his Poké Ball belt with a sigh before leaving the gym quietly.
"Ah, Stephen! Come in and tell me about the interesting events from your trip," Norman greeted me warmly, as though nothing had happened.
"Mr. Norman, doesn't that trainer feel upset? He seemed really sad after the battle."
"Don't worry," Norman replied calmly. "Trainers who are qualified to challenge me already have four badges. Their mental strength isn't that fragile."He spoke with a steady tone, as if this situation had happened countless times. His composure and discipline were impressive — that's why he's known as one of the strongest Gym Leaders in the Hoenn region. My heart started pounding as I imagined the day I'd challenge him myself — and how I could possibly overcome such a powerful opponent.
"You being here means you've already received your first Pokémon from Professor Birch, right?" Norman asked knowingly.
"Yes! Come out, Torchic! This is my first Pokémon — and I also caught a Lotad by a river."
"Torc~!" Torchic chirped confidently, though it could sense the strong aura surrounding Norman. It wasn't afraid — instead, it observed him seriously.
"Great partners," Norman nodded. "You two will make an excellent team in the future. By the way, would you like a friendly battle with me?"
"Eh? Bullying a rookie trainer like me sounds like an odd hobby," I said quickly, waving my hands. "But after I challenge Brawly at the Dewford Gym, I'll come back for a proper match!"
"Ha ha, rookies these days are ambitious. No problem — I'll look forward to that battle," Norman replied with a grin.
"Dad, lunch is ready! You can—" Max stopped mid-sentence when he saw me. He hadn't expected I was here."Stephen! Why didn't you come in to greet us? Mom and I just finished preparing lunch."
"I was going to, but I saw Mr. Norman's gym battle and got totally absorbed in it," I said, scratching my head shyly.
"Anyway, I'll ask Mom to prepare another rice bowl."
"Oh, it's okay — I can eat at the Pokémon Center later. I mainly came to ask about the Petalburg Woods situation."
"No need to waste time going back," Norman said. "Join us — it's just one more set of utensils."Since Norman had already invited me, refusing would be impolite. I thanked him and followed them to the kitchen.
"Finally, you two— Oh, Stephen! Have a seat there," Caroline greeted me warmly.
"Thank you, Mrs. Caroline. Sorry for intruding."
"Not at all," she smiled. "You're a trainer Norman appreciates — and also Max's friend. I've been worried since May left for the Kanto region, so it's nice for Max to have company again."
"Did you say… May? The princess of Hoenn?" I asked in surprise.
"Yes, you know her?"
"Of course! She's a famous Pokémon Coordinator. Her reputation isn't just in Hoenn — even people who don't follow contests know her name!"
Caroline smiled proudly. "She's become a mature and capable trainer now. We're very proud of her — though the gym does feel quieter without her around."I could understand that feeling — it was just like how I felt when I missed my own parents.
"Hey, don't make Mom feel sad!" Max interrupted. "Sister's working hard to be the top Pokémon Coordinator — you should be happy for her!"
"Ha ha," Norman chuckled. "May's first Pokémon was also Torchic. Feels nostalgic, doesn't it? Maybe you'll meet her someday when she returns to Hoenn."Torchic tilted its head curiously, as if intrigued by the idea.
"It would be an honor to meet her in person," I admitted. "Her performances in contests are amazing, and even her travel companions are inspirations to many trainers."
"Enough about that," Caroline said with a gentle laugh. "Let's eat before the food gets cold."The last dish was placed on the table, and we enjoyed a peaceful, pleasant lunch.
After the meal, Norman spoke again. "Stephen, I know the real reason you came. Don't worry — the situation in Petalburg Woods is stable now, at least on the surface."He explained that the recent disturbance caused by Shroomish wasn't severe, but it had delayed transport schedules. With Officer Jenny and the League officials busy elsewhere, no one could supervise the woods constantly. Because of that, the Shroomish had overrun the area, slowing down supply routes between Rustboro and Petalburg. Norman had to continue gym duties, so he couldn't manage the woods for long.
"I'd like to help investigate," I said, "but I still have to meet my parents in Dewford Town. I haven't officially said goodbye — and I plan to challenge Brawly's Gym."
"That's fine," Norman assured me. "I can handle things here for now. The real question is whether those Shroomish start expanding their territory."
"I'll finish my business as quickly as I can and prepare for the investigation," I promised.
"Good," Norman nodded firmly. "I'll keep the damage under control in Petalburg until you return."