"Shroomish… I'm really sorry for everything you've gone through. I won't destroy this place—you can always come back here whenever you want."The man knelt down and gently patted the leader Shroomish's head. Then he turned to me. "Thank you for helping them. By the way, your next stop is Rustboro too, right?"
"Yes," I nodded. "My goal is the Rustboro Gym."
"Perfect. You can ride with us. We're heading back immediately to report this situation."
"Thank you. Call me when the truck arrives—I'll train in the backyard for now. "I didn't refuse. I'd put real effort into solving this, so accepting a ride didn't feel embarrassing at all.
"Alright, I'll contact the driver." He hurried off to make the call.
Another reason I agreed was simple: Rustboro City wasn't too far from here, and with the gym challenge approaching, I needed every spare minute for preparation.
I stepped into the backyard and tossed all my Pokéballs into the air."Come out, everyone!"
Wingull chirped, Mawile emerged with quiet confidence, and Lotad hopped cheerfully. Torchic came out last, puffing up its chest.
"Wingull, Mawile—you two will be my main fighters for the Rustboro Gym. Lotad, don't slack off either. I might adjust the lineup depending on your condition."
Wingull flapped proudly. Mawile tilted her head, already imagining the battle. Torchic, however, stomped its little foot in protest.
"Torc! Torc!!"
I crouched down. "I know you want to battle. But Fire-types are at a disadvantage against Rock-types. If you evolve, you'll gain Fighting-type moves—then I'd use you for sure. And your contribution during the Dewford Gym challenge? I haven't forgotten."
Torchic paused… then let out a soft "Torc…" and walked off to train stamina on its own.
I smiled. "Alright… time to get moving."
About an hour later, the truck arrived, and the man waved me over.
"Hop in! And here—take these."He handed me a small box filled with neatly packed Pokéblocks of all colors.
"This is a thank-you gift. They're high-grade Pokéblocks—perfect for training, contests, or just bonding with your Pokémon."
"Wow… thank you! I'll make good use of them."
The ride to Rustboro City was short but filled with conversation. I learned his company had supplied Pokéblocks to many regions and that the recent attacks had caused huge internal confusion.
Before long, the trees thinned out, and tall gray stone buildings came into view. Rustboro City—Hoenn's city of knowledge and industry—spread out before me.
Wide streets, lined with museums, training schools, research labs, and the famous Devon Corporation headquarters, made the city feel structured and bustling. Students in uniforms walked between classes, trainers traded items in front of shops, and the rhythmic hammering from construction sites echoed faintly everywhere.
"This is Rustboro," the man said proudly. "Knowledge, stone, and the future. Good luck with your Gym challenge!"
I thanked him and stepped onto the pavement with my bag.
The Gym wasn't far—but the receptionist informed me Roxanne wasn't available at that moment.
"The Gym Leader is currently teaching at the Pokémon Trainer School," the staff member explained. "If you want to book a challenge, you can make an appointment first."
So I headed to the Trainer School, a large brick building buzzing with noise. Inside, young trainers practiced with Sandshrews and Nosepasses under the supervision of instructors.
Near the front stood Roxanne herself—polite, refined, and focused—giving a lecture on "Type Advantages and Battle Fundamentals."
When her class ended, she noticed me waiting.
"You must be a new challenger," she said with a gentle smile. "I received your appointment request."
"Yes. I'm here for the Stone Badge."
"Very well. I have a free slot tomorrow morning. Prepare well—Rustboro Gym specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. I look forward to your performance."
Her confidence was both elegant and intimidating. I gulped… quietly.
Rustboro City greeted me with its familiar mix of grey stone buildings and soft evening lights. The air always felt different here—quieter, calmer, as if the whole place carried the steady confidence of students and workers moving with purpose.\
One by one, I released everyone from their Pokéballs. Wingull settled on the back of a chair, shaking its wings. Mawile sat down elegantly, already chewing happily on a Sweet Pokéblock. Lotad waddled toward the water dispenser, humming softly.
They were tired but still in good spirits.
"You all did great today," I told them, placing the Pokéblocks the man gave me in front of them. "Rest well. Tomorrow will be a tough challenge."
While they ate, I cleaned Wingull's feathers, checked Mawile's jaw hinges, and polished Lotad's leaf. The simple routine helped both them and me relax after the long day.
The next morning, I arrived at Rustboro Gym exactly on time. The building was even larger up close, its stone pillars polished like the rock-type Pokémon it represented. When I stepped inside, the cool air and echoing footsteps reminded me of a school hallway more than a battleground.
A few students were sweeping the floor or organizing training stones. They glanced up, whispering among themselves.
I tried not to look nervous as one of them approached me."Roxanne is finishing her class. Please wait just a moment."
Not long after, the doors at the side opened, and Roxanne stepped through — calm, composed, and wearing her instructor's uniform. Her brown hair was tied neatly, and she carried a stack of notes under one arm.
"Good morning," she greeted with a polite bow. "You must be the registered challenger for the 10 a.m. match."
"Yes. I'm here for the Rustboro Gym challenge. " I straightened my posture, suddenly aware of Lotad's Pokéball on my belt and Wingull and Mawile's beside it.
Roxanne smiled.
Her expression softened into something more encouraging but still strict — like a teacher about to test a student.
"May I ask," she continued, "what is your goal as a trainer? Why challenge my Gym?"
I inhaled slowly, answering honestly. "To improve. Every Gym is a step toward becoming strong enough to protect the Pokémon who trust me—and the places we travel through."
Roxanne nodded with approval.
"A sincere answer. In that case…" She turned toward the battlefield. The lights above flicked on, illuminating the stone arena. "Show me how far you and your partners have come. As both a teacher and a Gym Leader, I will evaluate your strategy, discipline, and bond."