Rustboro's Star Pupil, Chapter 52

You know it pays to have money? That was the thought floating in my mind as I sat in the car on the way into Rustboro City the next morning. Not only had Mr Stone gotten us some great beds to sleep in, but also a ride into the city, free of charge! Honestly, I was looking forward to walking the rest of the way, if only to try and drill more information regarding Teams Magma and Aqua from David. In the car, his attention was monopolized by Mr Stone, and I doubted David would say anything else to me about the matter, especially with Mr Stone so close.

Still, I didn't let it get to me as I stared out the window to see the city. I had lost count by this point on how many different places I'd visited on my travels, but I can honestly say each new place, no matter how similar or reminiscent of another, felt like a new world to me. Maybe I was just easily impressed, as was Vulpix. The entire drive through town she couldn't sit still, barking at every person we drove by, especially those with Pokemon at their sides. I'd later learn it was a growing trend to have Pokemon outside their Pokeballs. Not to seem self-absorbed, but I was pretty sure I had something to do with it all. Especially if Gabby and Ty were in some way involved.

After a few minutes of sightseeing, we arrived at a massive building somewhere by the oceanside. I looked over to a sign over the half dozen doors that made up the entrance.

"Devon Corp.," I read aloud.

"That's right, Star. We're finally back," said Mr Stone as he let himself out of the car. David and I followed him, sadly a bit too closely for me to sneak in an additional question or two.

I followed them into the building itself, where upon Mr Stone was bombarded with concerns about his well being and his whereabouts following the abduction. Of course, no one knew it was an abduction; Mr Stone made sure everyone thought he had just stepped out of the city limits for a couple days to talk private business with David. As Mr Stone handled the commotion, David pulled me away and took me upstairs, intent on giving me something of a tour of the building. I jumped at the opportunity to ask more about Team Magma.

"Whatever are you talking about, Star?" He said coyly.

"You know what I'm talking about! You can't just tell me what you did then expect me not to worry!" Despite arguing, I was taking in the sights around me. On the second floor, displays of all sorts of inventions and products made by the company lined the walls. Among them were the Pokegear, and another similar device titled the 'Pokemon Navigator'.

"I'm afraid I cannot say more on the matter. Perhaps it was a mistake to say anything in the first place." You can say that again. David had always been dodgy, but he had certainly perfected the art in the time we hadn't seen each other.

"So you aren't going to tell me anything?"

"Tell you what, Star?" I jumped a bit at the sudden third voice. It was Mr Stone, finally free from all the other employees downstairs.

"Oh, nothing to worry about, Mr Stone," David said, saving both himself and me from the older man. "Star here just wanted to know what else there was to see and do in Rustboro."

"Oh, well there's plenty! This city has a vibrant history, let me tell you: since it was founded, we have dedicated ourselves to integrating science and nature!"

"Sir, please, she asked about the city, not what the Devon Corporation does," David cut in, causing Mr Stone to give him a bit of a glare.

"Right you are, son. Well, Star, if you'll follow me to the next floor. There's a gift awaiting you in my office." Mr Stone led the way, and David motioned for me to follow. I gave him a glare of my own, which he just shrugged off with that smile of his. I'd have to be content with what I already knew regarding Team Magma.

Up on the third floor, there was only one thing to mention: the table. The entire floor was devoid of anything but a massive rectangular table in the center. There must've been a few dozen chairs at it, though I wondered what it could possibly be used for aside from a company luncheon. On the far side of the floor was a much smaller desk belonging to Mr Stone. He sat down in his chair behind the desk and started searching for something in the drawers. After a moment of scavenging, he produced an orange device which I had seen only a moment earlier.

"This here is a Pokemon Navigator, or Pokenav for short. It's the Hoenn equivalent of the Pokegear, with special features designed exclusively for use in the Hoenn region." Mr Stone handed me the device, and I had to admire his ability to sell anything so readily. If I were to pay for the thing, I'd probably be sold on the spot.

"Thank you, sir. Does it work the same as my Pokegear?"

"Certainly! It may take a bit of getting used to, but all in all it's the same technology. Just a small token of gratitude for helping me out." I went right ahead and turned it on, hoping to play around with the buttons and start learning how it worked.

"Well, Star, if you don't mind, Mr Stone and I still have some business to attend to." David was already looking to get me out of his hair.

"That we do. Please travel safely, my dear. And feel free to visit again, if you're ever in the area." I nodded, and started for the door. Before I was out of earshot, I heard Mr Stone call out to me one more time.

"If you want to meet other Pokemon trainers, visit the school on the other side of town! I'm sure you'll be welcomed there!"

~o~

"Another school?" I muttered to myself, and to Vulpix, as I stood before the building. She barked at the building, telling me to go inside.

"It's like Violet City all over again. Is the world running out of things for me to do?" I looked down at Vulpix, who continued to bark at the building, and was now pointing at something else etched above the main entrance. I had to squint a bit to make it out, but it was soon clear as day.

"'Gym'. Looks like the city gym is inside the school. Welp, best get this over with, right?"

I opened the door and let myself inside the building. The hallways were surprisingly quiet, considering it was a school. I half expected students to be running up and down the halls. There was a woman tending to the office at the entrance, and she didn't let me take more than a few steps inside before calling me over.

"Can I help you?"

"Yeah, I'm looking for the gym leader. This is the city gym, right?"

"Do you have a trainer card?"

"Yes," I said, digging through my bag for a moment to show it to her. "Here it is."

She examined it for a moment, then looked over at me as if to make sure I was the girl in the picture. She then scanned the card into the computer next to her, printed something out, and handed it all back to me. Along with card was a temporary ID badge, for free passage through the school.

"Please relinquish all personal belongings, including your Pokemon. While you're here, you have to abide by the school's rules." What kind of trainer school would take away your Pokemon?

"What about my match with the gym leader? I'll need them!"

"If Roxanne accepts your challenge, she will have them sent for. In the meantime, please hand them over, or I will be forced to ask you to leave." The woman made no effort to sound threatening, keeping her monotone the entire time. Not wanting to run the risk of police trouble again, I took off my belt and stashed it into my bag before handing it to her. She slapped a large sticker on the bag with my trainer ID number, and made it vanish behind her desk. She hadn't noticed Vulpix, however, and as such didn't ask for her.

"Please enjoy your visit to the school." Her attention on something else, I picked Vulpix up and ran down the hallway, hoping she wouldn't notice. Once I was out of sight, I wandered through the halls for a little bit until I found a door labeled 'Contests'. Curious, I peeked into the class through the door's window.

Inside, I could make out a small crowd of kid trainers with Pokemon. There was a large stage, and performing on it was a little boy with a Squirtle. He ordered the Pokemon to use Bubble, but there wasn't anyone to use it on. Instead, the Squirtle sprayed the foam into the air, letting it rain down on him as he masterfully dodged each bubble. Quite the feat for a Pokemon as slow as Squirtle, I had to admit. After a round of applause, the kid got off the stage and up went another little boy and his Rattata.

I continued down the hall, still hoping to find this Roxanne to challenge her. I came upon another door, marked 'Beginners', with a familiar voice emanating from within. I peeked through the window, and saw a clear picture of Professor Oak on a large TV on the wall.

"Now, can anyone tell me which types would be most effective against bugs?" The children inside all raised their hands, eager to be called upon to answer the professor's question. I remember him doing something of the like back in Pallet Town when I was about five.

"Jimmy?" The young lady in charge of the class picked out one of the students.

"Fire types!" He answered proudly.

"Correct, son! But that's not the only type that's effective against bugs. Anyone else?" Again, the hands shot into the air. Eager to greet the professor, I let myself into the room, and raised my own hand. I instantly caught his attention.

"Flying types," I said, smiling at him.

"Correct! If it isn't Star! It's been a while since you've contacted us."

"I know, and I'm sorry. How's everyone there?"

"Excuse me, I am trying to teach a class here," the young woman cut in. I had almost forgotten I had just barged into the classroom without permission.

"My apologies, Roxanne. This is Star, she's a Pokemon trainer from Pallet Town, no doubt here to challenge the Rustboro Gym Leader." It felt a bit weird to be introduced by a TV, but weirder still was being the center of attention for a whole classroom of kids.

"Actually, I am. Would you happen to be her?" I asked the young woman.

"As a matter of fact-"

"-she is!" Professor Oak cut her off. "Roxanne here is one of the school's most honored graduates, and was quickly given the title of gym leader following her graduation."

"Professor, thank you for your time. I'm afraid I'll have to terminate the call." Roxanne switched off the large TV screen, despite the Professor's protests. The students had all gotten pretty riled up since my entrance, but a quick snap of the ruler in Roxanne's hand put them back in line instantly. She pointed to the door, ordering me out of her class.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your lesson," I got straight to apologizing, once we were out of the classroom. Vulpix hadn't entered the room, fortunately, otherwise the kids would've gone crazy trying to pet her. Something similar happened when I first got her and decided to sneak her into school once.

"Bygones. You're well acquainted with the Professor, I take it?"

"Yes, I am. It was thanks to him that I was able to get on my way back in Kanto, and later in the Johto region as well."

"So you're not just a rookie trainer, I see. You hoping to enter the Hoenn League?" I shook my head.

"No, I'm just here to practice my ability, and collect a badge." Roxanne was a bit baffled by my motives. I guess I really needed to come up with a good and short explanation to share with everyone who found my need to collect badges odd.

"Well, I won't bother asking further. Unfortunately, I'm not taking challenges right now; I am in the middle of a lecture. You can come back later, Star." She turned around and was about to go back into her classroom when I held her back.

"Wait! How long will you be?"

"Can't say, I do have a busy schedule, you know." As did every other gym leader in the Hoenn region, it seemed.

"Can I wait here until you're free? I don't want to leave the city without challenging you first."

"Very well, you may sit in on my lecture. Prepare to be treated as any other student, though." Before she went back into the class, the brunette looked down at Vulpix, who had been quiet this entire time as she groomed herself.

"Is this your Pokemon?"

"Yeah, this is Vulpix." The small fox looked at Roxanne and nodded, as if it were enough of a greeting.

"You do know there's a strict rule here about having Pokemon inside the building. I will make an exception, but she will have to remain by my desk until the lecture is over. Understood?"

"Yes, perfectly." I nodded vigorously. Roxanne snapped her fingers, and Vulpix followed her into the classroom without a hitch. She seemed to command a respect from everyone around her, it seemed.

I followed her into the classroom and took a seat somewhere in the back of the class. Roxanne composed herself for a moment before taking that ruler in her hand to the board behind where the TV used to be.

"Now, moving right along. Like Professor Oak was saying before he left, the bug type has multiple weakness, but this doesn't necessarily mean its a weak type. Bugs are among the most versatile Pokemon known to us, not to mention they hold a powerful advantage over the psychic type. Be sure to keep that in mind, kids."

I sighed as she continued the lecture. This was all stuff I knew twice over, and was not particularly interested in learning over again. Since I wasn't technically a student of hers, I decided to rest my head on the desk for a moment. I didn't get more than ten seconds before a loud slap less than a foot away scared my head back upright. It was Roxanne, that ruler in her hand.

"What was that for?" I said, trying to calm my heartbeat.

"There's no sleeping in my class, Star. Sit upright and pay attention, or else..." She replied, waving that ruler in my face.

"I don't think you're allowed to hit kids with those anymore." Perhaps I said this out of a need to be rebellious, expecting Roxanne to back away. Instead, she just smiled and leaned in close.

"True, but I never intended to harm you. Just startle you. Now, answer my question."

"Question? What question?" I honestly didn't hear one.

"Class?" She asked all the other students. They all took a bit of a breath before answering in unison:

"Bug Buzz!"

"Correct. Now, Star, it would be wise for you to pay attention, otherwise you might not pass the exam." My eyes widened.

"Exam? What exam?" This question had a few of the other students giggling at me.

"The test at the end of the day. Standard stuff, Star, and all part of the gym challenge."

~o~

Well, I won't bore you to tears with Roxanne's lecture and test to follow. I think she was out to make an example of me, perhaps for interrupting her lecture, and didn't take her eye off me. Every few minutes she'd put me on the spot, asking me a rather obvious question just to make sure I was paying attention. Of course, after that first ruler slap my drowsiness was gone entirely, so I was sharp as a tack.

Once the class was over, the rest of the class departed, leaving only us within. I got up and walked to her desk, where Vulpix rejoined me. She didn't pay any attention to me for a moment as she finished writing down a few things.

"So, you passed my exam," she said, handing me the paper. I managed to pass it with 72%.

"Wow, I did that good?" I said, looking proudly at the piece of paper in my hands.

"Good? Just how low were the standards in Pallet Town? Strikes me as strange, considering Professor Oak's presence."

"Well, he didn't teach at my school. He did visit one day to teach us about wild Pokemon, though!"

"Well, I suppose you're right. He is a professor, I'm sure he had more important things to do. I'm fortunate he's able to broadcast lectures here as often as he does. The students really appreciate it."

"Yeah, so, can we get to our battle, then?" Talking with Roxanne was an odd experience, let me tell you. She seemed kind enough when not teaching, but she also always maintained this aura that she judged your every move.

"I'm afraid not." I almost let my jaw drop.

"What? Why not?"

"It's late, Star, go home. We'll have our match tomorrow morning. I'll see you then." Roxanne packed away a few papers into a briefcase before she got up and left the classroom. I just stood there, frozen over her desk staring at an empty chair. I sat through an entire day of lectures intended for kids looking to become trainers, and she just blew me off.

Once I had recomposed myself, I made a mental note to add Roxanne to the growing list of negative points about the Hoenn region. Everything here just felt hostile, or perhaps it was just me. Either way, I picked up my stuff at the front desk and went to the Pokemon Center for the night. I had almost forgotten I still had my new Pokenav to fiddle with, and if possible I wanted to call Mom and let her know I was okay. Something I didn't quite get around to.

~o~

"You're late, Star. Very late." This was Roxanne's greeting the following morning when I walked into the classroom. Since I didn't know Roxanne was still going to be treating me like one of her students, I didn't make an honest effort to get up early that morning.

"I'm... sorry?" A couple of the students in her class started giggling.

"I can only hope you are. Well? Take your seat." I nodded my head, and started for the chair at the end of the middle row. However, halfway there, I stopped, turned around, and faced Roxanne directly. I wasn't her student, and I wasn't going to bend to her will anymore.

"No," I said, suddenly defiant. "I came here for a Pokemon battle. And that's what I intend to do!"

"I know that, Star. I only wanted to take make sure all my students understood their assignments before we went to the gym." Suddenly, I felt like I had just tripped in the middle of a crowded hallway and was the center of attention. Didn't help that I was actually standing in the center of the classroom.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I apologized, trying my hardest to hide the encroaching redness on my face. A few of the kids around me started to snicker, but Roxanne only had to hold that ruler of hers in her hand to remind them who was in charge. I hastened my step and took a seat, finally falling out of the spotlight.

Like Roxanne promised, she only went over the previous day's assignment for a few minutes before she instructed the class towards the gym. I went to follow them, when Roxanne held me back to have a word with me. Once the last of the kids was gone, she took a seat behind her desk.

"Let me apologize for my attitude yesterday, I must admit I was rather agitated once you broke into my class. I realize I was pretty harsh on you when you were just here for a challenge." I was actually amazed she was apologizing. Far as I was concerned, it was just another day in my odd life.

"Oh, it's okay! I'm sorry I snapped at you a little while ago, too. Just get a bit angry when everyone starts to just walk over me like I'm nothing." And I seemed to get that a lot, from both enemies and allies.

"Good! Now, follow me. Our gym match awaits."

Let me state for the record, that when I got out on that arena, I expected a gym battle like any other I'd experienced in the past. My critters against hers, best of two, three, maybe four. However, Roxanne seemed to have something else in mind, no doubt doubling as a spectacle for all the students of the school. Not only her own class, but dozens of other young trainers lined the bleachers around the plain arena. I only had Vulpix at my side, my other Pokemon still at the front desk. How would this battle play out? One on one?

"Welcome, students. Today, you'll get the opportunity to see a seasoned trainer in battle. Not only will she battle with her own Pokemon, but she'll show you the kind of quick thinking you'll need out there with a special challenge." Just what was she roping me into this time?

"Um, Roxanne? I thought we were going to have our battle?"

"We are, Star. But this is my gym, and I have the freedom of tossing up the rules a bit." And I personally hated when gym leaders abused their power to make it harder on the trainers.

"Okay, so what now?"

"We will have three separate battles, each one on one. For the first, we will each be given a Pokemon at random." At that moment, a faculty member walked up behind me with a tray of Pokeballs. I looked back at Roxanne, who picked one from a similar tray and held it out. I looked back at the tray at my side, counting ten Pokeballs. I picked the ball in the middle, hoping it'd be my lucky charm.

Roxanne released her random critter, which turned out to be a Wartortle. I released my own critter, which turned out to be a small blue critter with orange cheeks. Figuring it was a native of Hoenn, I instinctively reached for my Pokedex, only to remember it was in my bag. I sheepishly raised my hand.

"Roxanne? I don't know what kind of Pokemon this is."

"It's a Mudkip, a water and ground type. I only know my Pokemon is a Wartortle, but I've never actually used a water type Pokemon before. This battle is a measure of how well you can think on your toes, Star. Let's see what we're both capable of!"

Well, that was certainly one way to start a battle. Before I could even consider what to do with this strange new Pokemon, Roxanne ordered her Wartortle to use Water Gun. In order to buy myself some time, I told Mudkip to do the same. As the two water types tried to drown one another, I sat down on the ground to help me think. Despite Roxanne not ever having battled with a Wartortle, she was still more prepared than I was, having come up with this challenge.

"Wartortle, Tackle!" Her command snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Mudkip-" I started, unsure how to proceed for a second. Then it hit me: "Use Dig!"

Mudkip heard me loud and clear, and quickly started clawing his way into the ground. Wartortle stopped short, knowing that at any moment, Mudkip would shoot out of the ground to attack.

"Wartortle, use Withdraw to defend yourself!"

The winged turtle vanished into his shell, effectively nullifying any damage Mudkip could hope to inflict. However, that same move gave me the brilliant idea for victory.

"Mudkip, dig another hole right under Wartortle!"

After a moment of silence, the small blue critter emerged from underneath Wartortle's shell, pushing it aside without actually attacking. Time was of the essence.

"Now, push him into the hole and close it up!"

"Wartortle, use Water Gun, now!"

Roxanne had caught wind of my plan just seconds too late. Mudkip kicked Wartortle's shell into the hole, and quickly scurried about to seal the exit with dirt. I noticed from afar that Wartortle was trying his best to break free, but Mudkip had done an excellent job of packing in the dirt. The ground started to look wet, then a few sprays of water started seeping through the weakening earth. After a moment, Wartortle emerged from the ground.

"Mudkip, Tackle!"

Wartortle managed to turn just in time to see Mudkip's head ram into his face. It was a painful sight, but it was just enough to knock Wartortle out for good. The blue turtle keeled over, completely out of it. The students around us started clapping, which caught me by surprise, to be honest. I had almost forgotten we were being watched.

"Congratulations, Star! I certainly didn't expect such masterful skills for an impromptu battle." Roxanne returned Wartortle to his Pokeball, and I did the same to Mudkip. Once the Pokemon were taken away, another member of the faculty brought me my bag and Pokeballs.

"For our next match, I want you to pick a Pokemon that has a type advantage over mine," Roxanne said, releasing the Pokemon in question. It was a large rocky critter, his four hands waving at me. A Graveler.

"Really? Are you sure?"

"I am. This is all part of the challenge, so please do so, if you possess such a Pokemon." I shrugged, not sure what she was getting at. I chose Vaporeon for this battle, certain he'd be able to take out the rock type with a single blow. Just what Roxanne was trying to demonstrate to the class, or myself, was way over my head.

"Now, class," she addressed the students on the bleachers. "You will see that type advantages do not always guarantee a victory."

"Vaporeon, Bubblebeam!"

"Graveler, Defense Curl!"

I didn't know if Roxanne's Graveler had the strength to withstand Vaporeon's attack, but I was about to find out. The cloud of glowing bubbles crashed into Graveler, who warded the majority of them with his four arms somehow. Any other rocky type would've been left wiped out, but Graveler was still going strong.

"Graveler, counter with Rock Throw!"

"Vaporeon, Quick Attack!"

Normally, Vaporeon would've been able to outrun the move, but it seemed Roxanne had drilled this sequence into her Pokemon. She didn't even have to finish her command before Graveler was scooping up fragments of rock from the ground and hurling them at Vaporeon. He tried to dodge them, but several crashed into his body, knocking him off his feet and sending him crashing back towards me. Ignoring the usual rules of having trainers out on the field, I ran to Vaporeon to make sure he was alright.

"And there you have it, class. On paper, Vaporeon should've come out on top; yet it was Graveler who won. Can anyone explain why?"

I ignored Roxanne's lecture as I tended to Vaporeon. He was hurt pretty bad, but with some rest and a visit to the Pokemon Center, he'd be back to normal. Once he was safely back in his Pokeball, I looked over to Roxanne, who was wrapping up her lecture. It was about time someone schooled her on unlikely odds.

"Well, Star, the final match is upon us. Please choose your Pokemon to face mine: Nosepass!" Roxanne released another critter, a small rock type with a strangely large nose. Ever curious, I pulled out my Pokedex and scanned the rocky monster.

"Nosepass, the Compass Pokemon. Its magnetic nose consistently faces north. Travelers check Nosepass to get their bearings."

"Feel free to use another water type, if you think it will help you win." It almost felt like Roxanne was trying to trick me into a similar trap. However, I already had my own strategy lined up to throw her off balance for once.

"Vulpix, you're up." As soon as my little fox stepped out onto the field, the students all gasped in unison. A fire type going up against a rock seemed almost taboo.

"Are you sure, Star? I won't be going easy-"

"I'm sure. Let's start this battle," I said, cutting her off. Even if the first match had been honestly random, and despite my victory, she had been pulling my strings since I first arrived at the school. I wasn't going to let her have her way anymore.

"Very well. Nosepass, Rock Throw!"

"Vulpix, dodge the attack!"

Despite being a bit confused by my order, Vulpix deftly avoided each of the rocks Nosepass launched in her direction. The big nosed critter wasn't very fast, so I could easily outrun it and win by speed. I think that's exactly what Roxanne was counting on, judging by the same look of confusion on her face that Vulpix had. Neither had any idea where I was going with this match.

"Nosepass, Rock Slide!"

"Vulpix, watch out, but don't attack!"

Nosepass started stomping about, causing larger rocks and boulders to bounce into the air around him. Spinning around in place, he lobbed them towards Vulpix, but the rocks still came at surprisingly slow speeds, making it just as easy for Vulpix to evade each and every rock. The entire time, I was just observing Roxanne's reactions. I had expected her to keep her cool for a while, but she was already starting to look annoyed.

"Nosepass, Thunder Wave!"

"Vulpix, Quick Attack!"

To be honest, that move really caught me by surprise. Fortunately, Vulpix vanished out of sight just in time to avoid it, but it had thrown my plans out of order. After a moment, Vulpix reappeared at Nosepass's side, slamming into him as hard as she could, but barely making him flinch.

"Nosepass, Stone Edge!"

Nosepass stomped the ground just once, causing a stalagmite to emerge underneath Vulpix and launch her into the air. Everything would come down to this next command being successful.

"Nosepass, Smack Down!"

"Vulpix, Confuse Ray!"

Vulpix righted herself in midair, locking eyes with Nosepass during her descent. Nosepass produced a boulder in one hand, hoping to go through with his attack. However, now confused by Vulpix, he hurled the rock into the air clumsily, having it land right on his own head instead. The damage was negligible, but with Nosepass confused, it was my chance to turn the tables.

"Vulpix, use Will-O-Wisp!"

Her eyes flashed for a split second as Vulpix blasted the confused critter with a few white-hot flames. No matter the ineffectiveness of fire on rock types, there was no means to stop the flames from charring the Pokemon black, burning him intensely. Vulpix couldn't win this match in a straight fight, but she could by wearing him down.

"Nosepass, snap out of it and use Zap Cannon!"

Nosepass tried to aim at Vulpix, but instead pointed his nose just slightly to the right, launching a devastating electrical burst at the wall of all places.

"Vulpix, Fire Spin!"

Vulpix charged Nosepass, jumping on top of the Pokemon to use him as a stepping stool to get even higher in the air. Her eyes flashed again as she turned back down to face Nosepass, and she opened her mouth to release a blanket of flames. The fires swirled around Nosepass, forming a massive spiral of heat and engulfed the rock type for several seconds. However, during the attack, Nosepass wandered out of the tornado, more or less unaffected by the attack. He still suffered some damage, but no where near as much as I'd have hoped. Vulpix finished the attack, landing back on the ground slightly tired.

"Nice show, but even the strongest fire attacks are no match for rock. Nosepass, aim carefully, and use Zap Cannon!"

I had only a moment to rethink my strategy. Vulpix's best fire ability wasn't any good, and she was already starting to slow down. I looked down at my Pokedex, scrambling through my memories for some kind of trick to help me win. My attention turned back to the battle, where Vulpix just barely dodged the Zap Cannon, taking only a few residual shocks that would only slow her down more. Vulpix looked over at me, barking for new orders. Then it hit me, clear as day.

"Nosepass, Rock Slide! Let's end this!"

"Vulpix, charge at Nosepass and Roar!"

Putting her all into that last mad dash, Vulpix dodged the incoming boulders without issue, and within a few seconds was right in front of Nosepass. She took a deep breath, and released a mighty roar that would shame even an Arcanine. Despite Nosepass's weight, the Pokemon was sent rolling backwards, stopping itself just within the bounds of the arena.

"Quick Attack!" I screamed with all my might.

Vulpix flashed out of sight for only a second before ramming into Nosepass, and pushing him out of bounds for good this time. It was a cheap tactic, but if the rules were still the same, it was enough to win the battle. The students watching all gasped, unsure what would happen next. Roxanne looked as if that wouldn't be enough to end the match, making my heart race even faster. Vulpix was all out of energy as it was; if the battle went on, I'd lose for sure. It was a tense moment, until one of the students raised his hand from the bleachers.

"Yes, John?" Roxanne asked, taking her focus off the field for a second.

"Does this mean you lost, Miss Roxanne?"

"Well," she started, unsure how to answer.

"I thought you said when a Pokemon is out of bounds, they're disqualified," another student chipped in from a few rows behind the first kid. A few others joined in unison.

"True, but it is also up to the gym leader in question to adjust the rules according to his or her preference." I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"Then why do the rules exist if you can change them whenever you want?" The sweet sound of logic from a little girl.

"You know..." Roxanne started, as if to try and counter his argument. "You're absolutely right, Mary. And, it wouldn't be fair to Star and Vulpix, who both worked hard and against the odds to win this match."

"So, that means I won?" I asked from my side of the arena. Roxanne simply nodded from her end.

"John, if you'd do us the honor?" She held out her palm to the boy who first raised the question. The boy stood up and raised his right hand.

"The winner is Vulpix!" A loud cheer rose from the rest of the class, which almost brought a tear to my eye. Instead, I fell on my knees. The suspense of it all finally being too much.

~o~

"Congratulations, Star. For your excellence in both academics and practical application, I am proud to award you the Stonebadge." Roxanne handed me the small gray trinket, which I took gladly in my hands. I had worked hard for badges in the past, but this one felt like the most well-earned of them all.

"Thanks," I said, snapping it onto one of the empty slots on my trainer card.

"I have to be honest, I didn't think you could actually pull it off. Not with Vulpix, at least."

"You know, for a second there, I didn't think my plan would work. I chose Vulpix just to get back you for the second match, to show that it works both ways."

"And show me you did. Pokemon battling isn't all about type advantages and exploitations. A properly trained Pokemon can overcome any obstacle. I take it you've trained your Vulpix for a long time?" Roxanne reached down to pet Vulpix, who was still very friendly with the young lady despite the recent skirmish.

"She was my first Pokemon, and my bestest friend in the whole world! Right, girl?" A cheerful bark was the ideal answer from Vulpix.

"I'm happy for you both. So, Star, where are you off to now?"

"I don't know yet," I said, looking to my Pokenav for ideas. "I usually go around looking for the next gym as my checkpoints. Can you tell me if there's a gym in Verdanturf Town?"

"There isn't, actually. But there is one in Mauville City, just past the town. And another in Lavaridge Town, at the foot of Mt Chimney in the north. However, there's a pretty nasty desert on Route 111, between Lavaridge and Mauville. You might want to consider going north from here, past Meteor Falls to Fallarbor Town, and then just a bit south to Lavaridge. It takes a bit more time, but you get a great scenic tour of Hoenn's famous northern routes!"

"Okay, so just to make sure I got this: north to Fallarbor, then to Lavaridge, then south through the desert to Mauville? How is that any better than just going to Mauville first?" Seemed like one long detour just to avoid a desert I'd have to cross anyway.

"Lavaridge has a special chairlift that takes you over the mountainside to just outside Mauville. You could just go past Verdanturf, but you'd be missing out on all that scenery in the north! That is, if you like that kind of stuff."

"Well, I guess there's no harm in taking the long way around. Not like I'm in a rush or anything." Plus, I had heard back when I still lived in Pallet Town that many fruits and veggies came from northern Hoenn. Fallarbor could be where they were talking about.

"If you are going that way, be sure to stock up on camping supplies. It's at least a few days to Fallarbor Town through Meteor Falls, so you wouldn't want to be caught unprepared."

"Thanks for the help, Roxanne! I hope we see each other again soon!"

"Maybe we will," she added in, just as I was leaving. "There's a big Pokemon Trainer event going on in Ever Grande City later this year. For just this once, they'll be letting in all sorts of trainers into the Pokemon League building I heard, without the need to have collected all the badges!"

"Really? Then maybe I'll go, as well!" I had long since decided against ever entering the League Tournament, but the chance to meet up with all sorts of trainers from all over Hoenn and the world? How could I pass up such a chance?

"Then here, take this." Roxanne sifted through her desk for a pamphlet of Ever Grande City, which was announcing the event. She quickly jotted down some notes and a signature on it before handing it to me.

"What's this for?"

"Special permissions. Show this to the guys at Ever Grande, when you get there, and they'll let you in as my special guest. No questions asked!"

"Wow, thanks, Roxanne!" She smiled at me, the first true smile I had seen on her face since meeting her.

Once I had said my good byes, I left the school grounds and started for the Pokemon Center. Despite the rocky start, no pun intended, we had certainly ended on the right terms. It just felt like there was always one gym leader per region that I got along with. I hadn't met the others of Hoenn yet, but I was already pretty happy with having Roxanne as a friend in the region.