Petalburg City

It had been seven days since the Oldale Ruins incident.

Hurried footsteps dotted Route 102 as bushes and leaves were left rattled and disturbed. Each print stayed in the damp mud as dirt flicked up behind their trainers, but they only had one focus in mind. One individual charged through another thick area of bushland, the screeches and cries of his Pokemon following with their destination very close. Up above the Flying Pokemon fought against the blustery conditions, learning to deal with the wind, as they kept balance. Down below the more ground based Pokemon continued their movement between the shrubs and trees ahead of them. Their trainer would show them the best path, sometimes more challenging than the other, and they would have to follow or make a decision to ignore. One by one they sprinted, other forest Pokemon dashing away in shock and fear, but this was serious training, and it had to be done here.

The first Pokemon to charge through the final obstacle before the clearing was Bulbasaur, determined to impress its trainer to prepare for an upcoming Gym Battle, as it reached the field gasping for air. It's body was covered in dirt, however its bulb remained very clean, and as it skidded to a half, its companions soon followed. Shinx dived through, the Spark Pokemon flashing in the drizzle of rain, before Nidoran came through last with its horn glowing white. Fletchling and Starly landed from above, also exhausted, as they rested on the ground in front of their trainer. Nidoran seemed to be the most affected by the conditions as it slumped to one side, shivering slightly, as its energy had truly been spent. They had spent the majority of the day training and doing different exercises, but this had been a schedule it was used to following in the past. The Poison Pin Pokemon looked around as his partners and felt inspired, pulling itself back upright. It's efforts had not gone unnoticed.

Rod bent down as the rain halted, a glimpse of sunlight faltering down around them, and smiled, "You all have worked so hard over the past week, and we are ready to take on a Gym."

His Pokemon, as expected, reacted with significant cheers matched with tiredness, and individually they received some Pokemon Food and water for their efforts. Upping his training routine had given him a lot of confidence, and some of the new moves and strategies he had thought of would come useful in the upcoming battle. Forrest watched on from afar as he normally did, taking in how Rod was going and passing on random tips, and even he seemed more impressed than usual. Petalburg City remained in the background, but Rod had resisted the urges to enter the City until he felt ready. There was a Pokemon Gym here, and although known as one of the strongest in Hoenn, Rod had been aiming to challenge it throughout the week. It hadn't been long since he saw Roxanne, the Rustboro Gym Leader, take on the Gyarados on the boat ride over and Rod hadn't forgotten the power she had. Every Gym would be incredibly difficult, but they had been through so much, and now was as good a time as ever.

Forrest wandered over, placing his heavy bag to the ground, and exclaimed, "You have trained really hard, Rod. I think you're ready to put up a fight in this Gym."

Taking a deep breath, Rod responded with an air of confidence in his voice, "My Pokemon are all so different, and so any trainer would struggle I think."

"It turns out this gym is a Normal Type Gym."

"We can manage," Rod was sure his team could deal with Type problems, but it came down to super-effective moves and if he had any available. Normal Types were weak to Fighting, however only his Nidoran was able to use a move anywhere close to that. They would have to battle with pure strength alone, and that had worried him a lot. His Pokemon were young, but very quick, and it was about using that to their advantage no matter the opposition. "We just have to keep believing."

Forrest's voice suddenly changed into a more serious tone, "You have to avoid the mistakes you've made in the past, Rod. Play to your strengths, that is the most important thing."

"My strengths?" He wasn't sure what his strengths were at this point, "What do you mean?"

"That's something you have to find out for yourself."

Still clueless as to what Forrest meant, Rod thanked his Pokemon again before preparing to head into Petalburg City. The Pokemon Centre was the largest building, directly in the centre, with its red roof glistening in the sunlight. Summer would soon end as the cooler autumn breezes already appearing in the evening time. As they began to set off down the hill as the forest behind them left dotted trees around with the cobble road appearing steadily beneath their feet. The day was still early, and Rod could still smell the morning dew drying from the freshly cut grass below. Petalburg City steadily came to life below as the street lamps flickered off and people began their journey to work on cars or even nearby. Pokemon in the trees began their morning routines with the search for food beginning and the nurturing of their youth. Things were already looking brighter, and even Forrest had began to smile despite the recent events they had been through. They had been fortunate to avoid any personal damage, but Rod's leg still remained bruised and slightly swollen as he limped slightly. Compared to the other trainers he saw leave Viridian City over a year ago, he couldn't help but feel he got the sharper end of the stick. In fact, he had no idea where those trainers had gone with their parting words being so brief and general. They had left on an 'adventure' and could be anywhere in the world right now.

Forrest seemed to read his mind, glancing over, as the large city gate appeared a few metres away, "So Rod, you haven't told me, were you the only one to leave Viridian City to become a Pokemon Trainer?"

Rod responded hesitantly, knowing that it was likely Team Rocket's exploits in Kanto may have captured them, "I left a year late, my father kept me back to continue learning. I had a couple of friends, Sarah and Vivian."

"Do you know how far they have gone?"

"No idea, but I'm sure they are fine."

Rod forced the last few words out, he emotion of missing his friends sinking in, but he knew they were competent trainers. Both had dreams of travelling and battling Gym Leaders, and they knew how to battle. All of them had watched his Father battle many times in the Gym, and Rod vividly remembered some happy younger memories with them. He hoped to see them again one day, and engage them in the battles they all wanted to have between each other. Forrest seemed to notice the fragility of the issue and backed away slightly with the Petalburg City noise hitting them. Covered in mud, they trundled through the busy streets with some onlookers glancing over curiously. After over a week since leaving Oldale Town, they were desperately needing somewhere to wash up properly away from random lakes or rivers they found. Supplies were low, and this would be a good place to set down before heading off once again.

The Pokemon Centre appeared, its four story height beaming down on them, as they hurried towards it. Entering through the glass sliding doors, ignoring the other trainers for now looking at them, they both took out their Pokeballs and placed them onto the Lobby counter as Nurse Joy turned around. She wore an identical uniform to the one back in Oldale, however he eye colour was different with gold highlights in her darkened hair. Smiling, she glanced at them both and commented, "You both look well travelled! Would you like a room?"

Smirking, Rod responded, "It would be appreciated."

A Chansey appeared, the Egg Pokemon, with a tray where the Pokeballs were placed for healing. Rod placed his bag to the ground as Forrest excused himself to reach the room to wash up, they had agreed on this a few days back, and he asked Nurse Joy, "Excuse me, but who is the Petalburg Gym Leader?"

Nurse Joy's eyes seemed to light up as he asked, and she responded with positivity with more trainers looking at him, "You don't know who he is? Norman is the Gym Leader here, and has been in charge for many years! His son is also a successful trainer, although still very young."

She spoke as if Rod was supposed to know this information, immediately understanding that they were proud of their Gym Leader, as they should be. Viridian City had the same mentality and that mutual support for his father, Blue, and how he used to be a former Kanto Champion even though only for a short period. The other trainers sitting in the lounge had continued to stare at him before one decided to stand up and walk across, his sheer size sending a large shadow below. Rod literally cranked his neck up just to see the trainers' face, his electric blue eyes and short brown hair. He had a white tank top and track bottoms which hung down to his knees, but Rod held his ground unmoving.

He spoke, his voice booming and aggressive, "How can you not know Norman? He is the best Gym Leader in Hoenn! He is unbeatable."

"I'm sure he's tough, but I intend on getting the badge here." Rod knew his response would push the nerve slightly, the other trainer obviously had a lot of passion. But he wanted to stir things up, people would make mistakes and end up embarrassed. Rod added, "Haven't you beaten him?"

"You think I'm kidding? If you can't beat me, you stand no chance against him."

"Who says I can't beat you?"

Nurse Joy had heard the conversation, and as the large group of trainers had began to circle them whistling sarcastically, she retorted angrily, "Any battles and conflict can be done on the battlefield behind the Pokemon Centre. Anything in here will lead to a ban from the Pokemon Centre."

Rod turned to her, a smile in his voice, he had this trainer right where he wanted him, "Sorry Nurse Joy, we will head there now."

Chansey was about to move away with the Pokeballs, but Rod walked past the trainer, bumping him aside on purpose, as he grabbed three of his current five. The Egg Pokemon smiled and chanted before continuing to the healing lounges, and Rod placed all three of them into his pocket knowing he had picked the fresher ones. He had taken the time to understand the limits of his Pokemon, and all of them were completely different. This battle would be interesting, and a good warm up for the Gym Battle.

Rod gestured towards the glass doors as they slid open, before turning to his opponent and calling, "The name's Rod, and I am from Kanto. I intend to beat Norman."

The trainer responded, pushing some of the other trainers aside, "I'm Boris, and you will not beat me."

"Then bring it on."

…

Forrest had finished his shower, after letting the warm relaxing water pour down for a while, his mind reflecting on the recent events. Was leaving Pewter City really the best option for him, and who was he trying to protect overall? His family were safe, albeit impossible to contact due to their travelling, but he felt dangerous and easy to defeat. His Pokemon were competent battlers, he was a good Gym Leader, but Rod had completely changed his life around. The young trainer had courage that not many had when they left home, but Rod was prepared and understandable. He had watched him train his Pokemon every single day, pushing them further but remaining compassionate. But he had an issue with confidence, and when it came to battle his ideas struggled to appear on the battlefield. All trainers had this issues, and even himself was still learning how to coordinate ideas into reality, but if Rod mastered it, then he would be unstoppable.

Getting dressed into some light clothes, shorts and a blue tee-shirt, Forrest moved over to the window and saw Rod, still muddy, on one side of the battlefield with a much larger trainer at the other. He had already found someone to battle, and they had only just arrived, all tiredness seemed forgotten in the face of anticipation and adrenaline. Positive traits for a trainer to have, but Forrest had other things growing on his mind. What happened back at the Oldale Ruins was truly terrifying, and Damon was much stronger than he though. Bad dreams had struck him recently, where the memories of his Mienshao striking down Steelix with one vicious blow appearing largely. His Iron Snake Pokemon had never been taken out so easily, and if Damon had that kind of battling ability, then what of his organisation behind it all? Oldale Town remained as it nothing had happened, only thirty minutes of horror, and then all peace continued. They weren't even questioned by Officer Jenny or anything, and so other forces had to be occurring, but the curiosity remained in his mind.

Watching Rod release his first Pokemon, Bulbasaur, into the battle, Forrest's mind changed once again as he pushed the saddening emotions to one side. His opposition has chosen a local Pokemon, a Lombre, the Jolly Pokemon, and the evolution of Lotad. Both were interesting to use against each other, but he just couldn't focus, his mind already predicting Rod to wipe the floor and win here. Dragging himself away from the opening moves of the battle, Forrest opened his large backpack and glanced inside with the small amount of supplies left. He would have to go shopping later for sure, but he found something he had kept hidden for a long time now. A small picture frame appeared below the portable gas stove as he brought it up showing the image of his large family and parents. Sitting back on the bed he looked at all of them, missing them instantly, and remembering how he used to be so young and afraid. Things had changed, and the world had become more dangerous with Team Rocket. Pewter City needed him, but he wasn't strong enough to protect it, the battle back in Vermillion City had proved it to him.

Throwing the picture back into his bag, Forrest muttered under his breath, wiping tears to one side, "I have to get stronger...Team Rocket had to lose...I'll make sure of it."

The image disappeared back into the darkness of his bag before he stood up, taking a deep breath, and opening the Hoenn Map they had gotten back on the S.S. Tidal. Petalburg City would pass the ocean before reaching through the Petalburg Forest, and then eventually into Rustboro City were Roxanne would be awaiting their arrival. She was beatable, but Forrest had already known that Norman would prove the tougher challenge. He had read things about him, his brutality and experience, and how he had rejected Elite Four positions constantly to remain at home. Even his own son, Max, had competed in the Hoenn Championships last year and nearly won it! Their family was full of talent, and they had a large reputation away from battling as well. Rod may defeat the small trainers wandering around, but Norman would prove to be harder. Forrest wanted to be surprised, and Rod was the one trainer he knew that could do that.

Leaving the map and picking up his bag, Forrest prepared himself for a short shopping trip before glancing out of the window to see Rod call a final attack with is Bulbasaur.

…

Boris had no idea who this Rod trainer was, but his entire battling efforts were being wiped aside in a matter of minutes. The onlooking trainers had already began laughing and chanting mocking phrases towards him. Rod commanded, "Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf! Finish this!"

The Seed Pokemon roared, flashing green, before unleashing a non-stop rampage of sharp leaves from underneath its bulb. The opposing Lombre skillfully dodged the first set before finally being hit by the onslaught, causing it to flip backwards a couple times before landing on the ground with a resounding thud. Applause sounded around the battlefield as Rod congratulated his Bulbasaur on the deserved him, as Boris across reluctantly returned his Lombre back to its Pokeball, vanishing from the field. Rod did the same, knowing if he won this second battle, the third one wouldn't have to occur meaning he could get back to healing them up before the battle with Norman coming up.

Boris called, releasing another Pokeball from his hand, anger in his voice, "This one you cannot beat, Rod! Poochyena, we must win!"

Rod took his Pokedex out, flipping it open as he examined this new Pokemon. It was pitch black in colour with some lighter grey fur, its four legs glimmering in the sunlight as its red beady eyes looked up at Rod ready to pounce. The Pokedex spluttered: 'Poochyena,, the Bite Pokemon, is known to have a playful personality, however it has incredible endurance when chasing opponents down."

A Dark Type, and Rod knew instantly which Pokemon to use for battle. Raising his arm, he through the Pokeball high into the air, exploding into life, as he called, "Nidoran, I choose you!"

The Poison Pin Pokemon appeared, similar size to its opponent, as it rubbed its legs against the ground ready to charge forward. Rod wasn't sure how a Poochyena battled, but Nidoran had incredible speed, and he intended on using it in its first battle under a new trainer. Boris, rudely, called the first move without asking, Rod taken aback slightly, "Poochyena, use Bite!"

"Nidoran, use Double Kick!"

Poochyena closed in, its large fangs glowing white as it prepared to chomp down, but Nidoran listened to its trainer well. Turning its back so its hind-legs could strike, it kicked hard as its opposition was completely floored in seconds. The Bite Pokemon tried to chomp down, but soon bruises had appeared as it whimpered in pain, the super effective attack landing a significant hit. Nidoran circled around with pure agility as Rod continued his onslaught with a trademark Horn Attack. Boris looked on, anger glowering on his red face, it was as if a vein would pop in how he wanted to attack, but every call would lead to failure. Rod had predicted he wouldn't be much of a challenge with an attitude so vulgar and ignorant. Steadily, Poochyena was worn down so much that its legs shook in exhaustion causing it to fall to one side with Nidoran ready to pounce again.

Rod called, raising his arm up with finality in his voice, "Nidoran, finish this with Horn Attack!"

Boris called with desperation, "Poochyena, use Bite! Please!"

It was no use, the Poison Pin Pokemon charged in and made its final attack count as Poochyena went flying above, screeching in pain, before hitting the ground with another disdainful thud. Boris had been whitewashed here and Rod ran onto the battlefield to thank Nidoran for a fantastic debut battle as a Pokemon. It seemed so relieved to had one and Rod smiled, stroking its rough skin and body as it cried softly, looking truly happy.

Boris approached, his face still red as he muttered, the surround group of trainers dispersing with surprised looks on their faces, "Norman is strong, Rod. You still can't beat him."

Standing back up, Nidoran in his arms, Rod called back with confidence in his voice, "I can defeat Norman, and I have every right to. I came to Hoenn to succeed and become a great trainer, and this is where it starts."

Boris had no response and quickly bid his farewell, rushing back into the Pokemon Centre as Rod glanced around the empty battlefield with the afternoon sun appearing overhead. It felt good to finally win a battle, his training truly proving to be successful as his first Gym Leader battle got closer and closer. He followed Boris back inside, and passed his remaining Pokeballs onto Nurse Joy as his smile shown from his face...