Following her conversation with Professor Birch, May decided to make her next stop the Rustboro Gym, to add a Badge to her case. She looked around: quite a few interesting artefacts were stored in glass cases, far removed from the battlefield. A young-ish girl in a schoolgirl-like dress looked up.
"A new challenger approaches… hello. My name is Roxanne Tannen, and I will be your Gym opponent today," the girl said, smirking.
"Thank you. My name is May August… and I don't think I'm supposed to accept your challenge," May said.
"Darn! Screwed up again! One day I'll get that right… doesn't help that every Trainer who comes in does something different. Didn't realise there was so much feet-thinking in Gym Leading," Roxanne said.
"…Let's just start the battle before one of us really screws up," May suggested.
Official Gym Challenge! Roxanne is challenged by May August!
Roxanne stepped back, and sent out her Geodude. May spun around, and released her Treecko. May slid her Battle Ring into her hand, and began the fight. Treecko leaped into the air, and scattered a fountain of Bullet Seed. Geodude jumped out of the path, but ignored the second strike. Treecko got two more strikes of Bullet Seed out before Geodude finally fell. Roxanne sent out her next Pokémon, a Dwebble.
"Treecko?" May asked. Treecko nodded, and pulled his arms in. Time stood still, and Treecko sprouted a few more leaves. His body grew longer and sleeker, leering forward. Treecko had evolved into Grovyle.
Grovyle jumped from pillar to pillar, looking down on the Dwebble. Grovyle landed to perform an Absorb, and Dwebble responded with Fury Cutter. Grovyle took it in stride, responding with a Fury Cutter. The attack landed bluntly.
"Sorry… finger slipped," May said, waving the Battle Ring. Grovyle groaned, allowing Dwebble's second Fury Cutter to take down Grovyle.
"That's not good…" May said. She closed her eyes, and took a breath. She opened them again, and sent out Growlithe. Growlithe spat out a burst of flames, searing and burning Dwebble, but not officially defeating it. Dwebble ran forward with another Fury Cutter. Growlithe Roared, prompting Dwebble to squeak and be returned. Roxanne sent out Nosepass in Dwebble's stead. Growlithe stepped back, and turned to May. May nodded, and switched to the new Pokémon. It stood on its tail-fin, facing down the Nosepass.
"Interesting Pokémon…" Roxanne said. The Pokémon shot forth with an Aqua Jet, splashing Nosepass with the jet. Nosepass raised its stubby arms, preparing an electric attack. May's Pokémon dodged out of the path of Nosepass's Spark, creating water to swim through. The water dissipated, and May's Pokémon shot forward with another Aqua Jet. Nosepass took it again, and used another Spark. May's Pokémon was blasted to the ground, twitching and shivering. May looked at it.
"Continue the battle! Hey, Lily, can we get a Revive Crystal over here?" Roxanne yelled. A schoolgirl appeared on the field, looking down on May's new Pokémon. May herself sent out Growlithe, who bared his teeth at the Nosepass. It shot forward, and used Bite. Nosepass fainted, and Roxanne sent out her weakened Dwebble. Dwebble's Bug-type made it easy prey for Growlithe's fire.
The Gym Challenge is now complete! The victor is May August!
"Congratulations, May. As the victor of our battle, you are now entitled to this," Roxanne said, holding out a small, brown-ish pin. May's first Gym Badge. She smiled as she took it, as well as a free Badge Case to store it in.
"This is the Stone Badge. It certifies you as a Rank 2 Trainer, certifying that you are trusted to cut down troublesome obstacles safely, and makes it easier to command borrowed Pokémon up to level 20. And here's the obligatory TM," Roxanne said, handing May a disc.
"What's this for?" May asked.
"This is a Technical Machine, or TM for short. If you play it, you'll find everything a Pokémon needs to know in order to perform the move Rock Tomb. It doesn't have the world's best power, but it drops the foe's agility," Roxanne said.
"Interesting… I'll keep it in mind," May said.
"Keep collecting TMs. There's some good ones out there if you can find them," Roxanne said. May nodded, and left the Gym.
"HELP!" a rather familiar voice cried out. May jumped in shock, and looked around a corner to see a hooded bandit run out to the north-east. She ran up after him, noticing the green-haired boy Wally from earlier.
"What happened, Wally?" May asked.
"Another one of those guys… stole the parts…" Wally said, out of breath.
"Again? These guys must really want these parts…" May said. She sent out Growlithe and Shinx.
"What do you reckon… we chase this guy while the trail's still warm?" May asked.
"Like you have to ask!" Shinx said.
"We'll be right behind you!" Growlithe said. May smiled, and she bolted after the hooded bandit.
May was ultimately unsuccessful in taking down the bandit. She tripped over a tree branch, and her hand was only partially successful in breaking her fall. She tried getting to her feet, but couldn't manage much of a stand.
"She can't get that guy like this!" Growlithe said.
"…You get her to the Pokémon Centre, and keep her there. I'll catch up," Shinx told him.
"…You're planning on getting the parts back, aren't you?" Growlithe asked.
"Yeah. And?" Shinx asked.
"…Come back safely," Growlithe said.
"As if I won't. If you don't see me with the parts, the bad guy had a Ground type," Shinx said. She turned, and ran after the bandit. Growlithe used what little ability he could to help May move around to the Pokémon Centre.
Shinx prowled forward, the path leading to a cave at the far end. Her nose, far weaker than Growlithe's, could still catch the scent of sulphur the bandit left, now added with the scent of salt. Whether that meant the bandit had a hostage or an accomplice remained unknown. Shinx entered the cave, still a rather linear endeavour, and the scents still strong on her nose.
"Dammit! Stupid rockslides…" a human voice said. Shinx peered around the corner, to see the hooded bandit yelling at a wall of rocks. He was standing beside a Wingull and a Murkrow.
"I knew I shouldn't have given up that Poochyena…" the bandit said.
"Excuse me, mister, but I believe you're in possession of something that ain't yours," Shinx said. The bandit turned.
"Well… looks like someone's luck just took an upswing. Stay still, little thing… I'm just going to capture you…" the bandit said. "Murkrow, go!"
The Murkrow shot forward like a dart, striking Shinx before she could realise the threat. She growled, and shook her fur.
"Hyper Electric Bullet Times Three!" Shinx yelled, charging forward with a lot of electricity. The Murkrow was sent flying, colliding with the cave wall. Shinx jumped up, watching the Murkrow fall.
"Hyper Strong Gravity Crush Tackle!" Shinx yelled, slamming into the Murkrow. If it hadn't lost before, it had now.
"What… I can't lose to a tiny little Shinx! I give up! This is hopeless… I'm out of here!" the bandit yelled, dropping the parts and abandoning the Wingull.
"So… you're not his?" Shinx asked.
"Definitely not. Not like I'd risk getting hit by that electricity anyway…" the Wingull said.
"Peeko!" a voice said.
"Oh… it's my companion," Peeko said.
"And who might you be?" the companion asked. Shinx purred, and flicked her tail cutely.
"Aw… you're adorable," he said. He pulled out a Poké Ball, and pointed it at Shinx. Shinx growled, glaring at it.
"Hm? Oh, this is just a Poké Ball. People use them to prevent their Pokémon from being stolen…" the trainer explained, before turning to Peeko. He shook himself, and tried to catch Shinx. The Poké Ball rejected her.
"Oh… so you're a Trainer's Shinx? Well, whoever calls your shots is one lucky man… or woman. Tell you what… if you ever need a favour, come over near the Petalburg Woods south of here, and I'll be willing to lend a hand," the man said. Shinx nodded, picked up the Devon Parts, and bounded towards May.
Shinx bounded up to the Pokémon Centre, the Devon Parts in her mouth. By now, night was starting to fall, and the Pokémon Centre was switching to night shift. However, the Nurse Joy on shift was still happy to open the door for the stray Pokémon.
"Oh, hey there, little thing! Do you have a trainer?" the nurse asked. Shinx nodded, and looked around. May wasn't in here.
"Is she waiting for you here? There was a trainer who was led here by a Growlithe. All sorts of cuts and scrapes. Nothing too serious, but we let her take a bed up tonight. Just up the stairs, and I believe she left the door open," the nurse said. Shinx nodded, and bounded up the stairs.
Shinx entered May's room, to see the girl lying on the bed, her eyes heavy with sleep. They lit up upon the Shinx, and she beamed at the sight of her and the Devon Parts.
"Well done, Shinx… *yawn*… I'm bushed… ready to hit the hay?" May asked. Shinx nodded, and curled up underneath her right arm. Growlithe was on the left side, with May's stump lying across him. Grovyle shut the door, and curled up on the carpet. It was times like these May wished her fourth Pokémon was a bit better with sleeping outside her ball.
Come that morning, and May was refreshed and ready to go. Leaving the centre with nothing more than a 'take care', she hastened to the Devon Corporation, and headed through to find Wally.
"Ah, hello there, girl," someone said. May turned, making sure the Devon Parts were in his sight.
"The… how did you… THIEF!" the employee said.
"Calm yourself…" another voice said. An elder was descending the stairs, eyeing May. May was wishing she had kept one of her Pokémon out of their Poké Balls, to be safe.
"Ah, the Devon Parts! Wally told me they had been stolen… I'm guessing you're the lovely lady who was set to retrieve them?" the man asked.
"Yes," May said.
"Ah, how excellent! Please, come upstairs with me," the man said. May followed him cautiously. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the employee sweating like mad.
"Anyway, my dear… that's twice you've gotten the parts from those wicked bandits…" the man said. May was looking around the office in awe. There were all sorts of beautiful stones decorating the place. The man took a seat behind his desk, and May walked up to face it, still looking at the various stones.
"The Devon Corporation owes you big time. And yet… I must still ask favours of you," the man said.
"Really?" May asked.
"Yes… I am Mr. Stone, president of the Devon Corporation. I need those parts delivered to a Capt. Stern, Slateport City. I asked Wally for his assistance, but thanks to the delays, that is no longer possible," Mr. Stone said.
"Oh… so you want me to deliver them?" May asked.
"Yes… and while you're at it, there's also a letter I need delivered to Steven. As I recall, he can currently be found in Dewford Town," Mr. Stone said. May accepted the letter, nodding.
"Now, of course, you must think me crazy. But don't walk away thinking I'm expecting this done for free. Since you've been admiring my stones so much… how would you like to go and pick one or two out for yourself?" Mr. Stone asked. May's eyes widened.
"You would? But you must have gathered this collection over your life… surely you wouldn't be so quick to give them up," May said.
"I insist. You've done me two favours already, and I expect two more of you. Plus, you seem to be appreciative," Mr. Stone said. May nodded, and started walking around the room, looking for stones that caught her fancy.
"This one?" May asked, pointing at an, admittedly, plainish brown marble.
"That? Hm… I'm not entirely sure what that is, to be honest. I mean, I know what it does, but I don't know… what it does. Do you understand?" Mr. Stone asked.
"No," May asked.
"Didn't think so. I suppose that would be better off in the hands of a Trainer… it's called a Mega Stone. If you ever hear more about them, see if you can find out what Pokémon can use that. I'd be glad to hear it!" Mr. Stone said. May nodded, turning to the door. Before she did so, she found a cute pair of pendants, both with odd beings on them.
"Ah, I wondered when you'd find those. Those are Eon Pendants. It is said that the bearers of a matching set are fated to become life-long companions, like the sibling Pokémon they represent. Alas, my late wife… well, let's just say I have no need for those anymore," Mr. Stone said.
"I'm so sorry…" May said.
"Don't be… take them. And may the man or woman you give the Latios have a fairer fate than Amber Stone," Mr. Stone said. May nodded, taking the Eon Pendants and the Mega Stone before leaving, his parting words sending a shiver of some emotion down her back.
"Only question is, how do I get there?" May asked, looking at the map of the region in the Pokémon Centre. There was a route marked to go through both in one swoop, but the route was marked as a water route, and May had doubts in her capacity to swim.
"Wait, Mr Briney!" Shinx said from May's heel. She started making noises, and made to leave the building.
"Wait a minute… what?" May asked.
"Come on, May, come on!" the Shinx said.
"That's your Shinx, right?" a Nurse Joy asked.
"Yeah… any idea what's gotten into her?" May asked.
"She looks like she wants to show you something…" the Nurse Joy said.
"Shinx, wait for me!" May said, beginning to run after her partner. The Nurse Joy smiled, before going back to her work.
"Are we going back to Petalburg? Seriously, girl?" May asked, chasing down her Shinx beyond Petalburg Woods. She stopped beside a rustic old cottage, an elderly man sitting on the balcony. A boat was docked beside it, in the water, of course. The Shinx bounded on top of the balcony, and jumped on the old man's lap.
"Ah… oh, hello there, little Shinx. Is this your Trainer?" the old man asked.
"Oh… yes, yes I am…" May said.
"Why… she looks just like my granddaughter… minus a left arm, of course…" he said, beaming.
"Tee hee… she would rather you not mention it, actually," May said.
"Anyway… it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Name's Mr. Briney," the man said.
"May," May said.
"Anyway, Miss May, your little Shinx saved my Peeko. I'm willing to lend a hand for that," Mr. Briney said.
"Really? Well… Mr. Stone asked me to make deliveries to Dewford Town and Slateport City," May said.
"Really? That's all? Well, time to get on to the ocean's waves, I guess. Peeko, we're setting sail!" Mr Briney said. He got up, and led May to his boat.
"Um… can I release a Pokémon here?" May asked.
"Go ahead," Mr. Briney said. May threw her new Pokémon out into the ocean, where it shot an appreciative giggle before sailing beside the boat. May sighed, and leaned on the boat's edge, Grovyle, Growlithe and Shinx coming out to accompany her.
"Land ahoy!" Mr. Briney said. May looked up, seeing the land ahead, and nodded. She returned her partners to their balls, and waited patiently for the boat to dock.
"Anyway there, missy, I suppose you'll be wanting to make that delivery here. While you're around, why not have a chat with good ol' Brawly? He knows a lot about things," Mr. Briney said. May looked around the town, seeing the brown roof of a Gym.
"Oh, I'll say hi to Brawly. See you later, Mr. Briney!" May said, entering town. She waved hi delicately to the people around her, before entering the Dewford Gym. Instead of displayed stones, this Gym had all manner of gym equipment.
"Howdy, Trainer, how's it going?" a mischievous-looking man asked from opposite the room. He was running backwards along a treadmill.
"I'm here for the Gym challenge?" May asked.
"Oh, that'd be me, little lass. Just a fair warning… I've been training by staring at a Helix Fossil for days and days," Brawly said, performing all sorts of wild moves before hopping into the ring.
"…Yeah? I guess practicing your showboating has nothing to do with it, then. Anyway, partners, let's do this!" May said.
Official Gym Challenge! Brawly is challenged by May August!
Brawly sent out a Timburr: a fellow with a massive log. May decided to counter with her Grovyle. Grovyle used a Leech Seed attack, planting seeds across the Timburr's body. The Timburr charged forward, coming down on Grovyle's head with his log. Grovyle dodged, and used a Mega Drain, leeching even more life from the Timburr. The Timburr swiped a Low Kick, tripping the Grovyle, but the Leech Seeds had finally taken their toll. Brawly switched to a Riolu next. The Riolu was quick to charge in with a Force Palm, striking Grovyle before it could rise. May switched to Shinx.
"Super Paralysing Electric Charge Attack!" Shinx purred, charging into Riolu and causing a paralysis. Riolu used a Force Palm, the paralysis slowing his movements such that Shinx could dodge the attack by walking slightly. Shinx used her Tackle attack, striking thrice before Riolu could manage a move. Unfortunately for him, that move came so slowly that he was essentially tired out, and practically fainted. Brawly switched to Makuhita.
"Good one, Shinx!" May said. Shinx purred, and time stood still. Black fur spread across she entire body, and she grew taller. Her purr was less cute and more ferocious, or that might've been the combat Luxio was preparing to face. Luxio's electricity was surging.
"New And Improved Luxio Strike!" Luxio said, charging forward. Makuhita used an Arm Thrust, stopping her attack. Luxio charged again and again, Makuhita's Arm Thrust stopping him each time. Luxio was sent reeling, and May switched her out. She chose Growlithe next. Growlithe growled, and shot a burst of Ember, burning the Makuhita. Makuhita used an Arm Thrust on Growlithe.
"…Feels like a Volbeat bit me!" Growlithe said. Growlithe used a Tackle followed by an Ember. Makuhita was still up and running- it was a Pokémon known for its shape. Makuhita spread sand into Growlithe's eyes. Growlithe shook, but couldn't quite get to the sand. May thought about her move.
"Growlithe, throw your Ember in a sweeping arc!" May commanded. Growlithe obeyed, spreading his flame out. The tell-tale yelp of the Makuhita betrayed that his attack was a success. Makuhita reared up for a Knock-Off, before falling backwards. It wiped sweat from its brow- the burn had done a number on it.
The Gym Challenge is now complete! The victor is May August!
"Wow… and I mean wow… gnarly, tubular, way cool, awesome, groovy, mondo, outrageous, and funky all rolled into one!" Brawly said.
"…Any other completely insane Gym Leaders I need to be aware of?" May asked in a deadpan tone.
"Here, catch this… you've earned it," Brawly said, tossing a Badge at May. "And also this," he added, tossing a TM. May somehow caught both, the TM pressing her badge into her only hand.
"Ow…" May said, a tear in her eye.
"That Knuckle Badge certifies you as a Rank 3 Trainer, allowing you to command borrowed Pokémon up to level 30. It used to certify you for lighting up dark caves, but nobody bothered… anyway, that TM is for Bulk Up. It gives you good attack and defence alike," Brawly said.
"Thanks… I'll get them organised…" May said, before leaving the Gym.
Giving her Pokémon to the Pokémon Centre nurse for healing, May sat down beside a table, to sort out her kit a little. Still wincing from the catches, she heard her Pokénav make some noises. She pulled it open, to see Birch's name on it. She flipped it open, and put it on speaker so that she could continue sorting the mess.
"I've found your wayward Pokémon!" Professor Birch said.
"Really? What's it called?" May asked.
"It is Popoto, the Dolphin Pokémon. Professor Hickory of the Osali region, upon hearing that Popoto had been seen in Hoenn, gave me quite the extensive biography on the species. Notably, much like Azurill, Popoto evolves into the Water-Fairy Delphi through friendship," Professor Birch said.
"Friendship…" May said.
"Yeah. Me and Professor Hickory have been having a chat, and she's considering joining the International Pokédex project. I'll contact you later if she does, so you can add that data," Professor Birch said.
"OK, thanks," May said.
"Miss May J. August, your Pokémon are fighting fit and ready for action!" the resident Nurse Joy said. May got up, but the Nurse delivered her Poké Balls beside her. Nodding in gratitude again, she cleared up the mess on the table, and decided to head to find Steven.
"Oh… Nurse Joy!" May called.
"Yes?" the Joy asked.
"Do you know where I might find Steven?" May asked.
"Steven Stone? He's over at Granite Cave," Nurse Joy said.
"Thanks," May said, beaming, before running out to go find him.
May walked across the beach, before entering the cave. The walls of this cave seemed almost artificial, like man carved out a pathway. She could see, from the corner of her eye, a pathway that seemed to lead to a more rugged part of the cave, but she didn't think she could climb the sheer slope between her and there. Crossing the calmer part of the cave eventually led to a massive mural, no doubt the attraction of this cave warranting the carvings. And at the base of it was a startlingly dressed man.
"This is… but no… this must be different… I'm positive… but that power… mysteries compounding mysteries…" the man said.
"Um… hello?" May asked. The man jumped, and turned towards May.
"Oh! Who are you?" the man asked.
"The name's May," May said.
"Mine's Steven. I travel about the region in search of rare stones, and also to maybe learn a thing or two about the things," Steven said.
"Oh, I met another person like that. He gave me this," May said, holding out the letter.
"Why, thank you… I'll take a peek at it later. As thanks for your delivery, I would like to give you a reward... oh, how about this?" Steven asked, pocketing the letter, and pulling out a TM.
"A TM?" May asked.
"Yes. This one contains Steel Wing, a personal favourite. Oh, and if you don't mind me asking… what impression do you get from looking at this wall?" Steven asked. May looked up, to see the impressive mural.
"It's a stunning piece of artwork… but a little too terrorising for my tastes," May said.
"Yes… a primal world, the terror of a powerful Legendary Pokémon… terror is readily apparent. But not all sources of power are terrible… I can sense a form of power emanating from you," Steven said.
"Me?" May asked.
"Of course… despite your appearance, you have a will of iron. I can see it in your eyes. With proper application, you might one day face the Pokémon League Champion," Steven said.
"The Champion?" May asked, in awe.
"…Good luck to you, May. May we meet again," Steven said, leaving the room. May found herself blushing slightly.
May walked out onto the beach outside the cave, and sat down, her feet in the water. She sent out Popoto, letting her splash about in the waves. She smiled as she watched, still reflecting on her encounter with Steven. What was it about him that she had seen? The promise of facing the Champion? Someone who saw her in spite of her arm? Whatever it was that had sparked between the pair of them, May was determined to tread the path to the Pokémon League Champion.
"Aw… May's in love!" Popoto teased.
"…I don't know what you're talking about," May said.
"…I can feel it. I'm not blind in a Poké Ball, you know. You two have real chemistry," Popoto said.
"...I really don't know what you're saying," May said. She looked up, towards Mr. Briney.
"Well… I guess we'd better get going," May said.
"Race you to Slateport?" Popoto asked.
"…Yeah, you can stay out of your Poké Ball on that trip, too," May said.