Summer and Weldon arrived in Rustboro City, the location of the first Gym and Summer's Trainer School. Wanting to prove her rival's negative assumptions about her childhood friends, Clara and Tawny, wrong, she decided to meet them for dinner. She waited for them, almost to closing, but they never appeared. Heartbroken, she was about leave when Suzy and Tomoko, two of her other friends, arrived. They joined the lonely girl and all of them enjoyed a fun night of fondue and talk. Though she loved their company, Summer is determined to find out why her oldest friend, Clara, refuses to see her. However, her mind is focused on her first Gym battle. How will she fare against her former classmate, Roxanne?

Chapter 9- School of Hard Rocks

The three days of Gym battle preparation culminated in research at the Rustboro City Pokémon Center. Weldon and I glazed over websites in the computer lab as Lightning poured over more manga.

"Roxanne, also known as the 'The Rock-Loving Honors Student', is not only a teacher at the Rustboro City Trainer's School, but also one of the top students to ever graduate from there. Her interest in Rock-type Pokémon began when her mentor and former Gym Leader, Jasper, introduced to her to the world of fossils. Since then, she has amassed a fossil collection that rivals most small museums with her partner, Norton the Nosepass, and former Hoenn Champion, Steven Stone. Other than fossils and teaching, her other interests include writing, gem collecting, and visiting other paleontological museums." She's going to use Norton against me for sure, but I wonder about her other Pokémon? Knowing her, she's going to be very prepared.

I scrolled towards the end of the page, skimming that I would be battling against three Pokémon, and saw another link. Huh. Looks like Lapis has to use that link for information on Roxanne. I wonder what he has to do for Gym battles; the brochure never mentioned it.

Weldon leaned back and looked at me. "So, ready for tomorrow?"

I nervously smiled. "Kind of? I mean, that's how I feel before all of my Gym battles."

"Any idea who you're using?"

I stroked my chin. "Well, Aurora and Blaze for sure. But I'm not sure about my third choice. I would choose Olive, but she's still too new to battling."

"Actually," he replied with a smirk. "There is a way she can battle."

I slid my chair back. "I'm not going to throw her against higher leveled Pokémon! She'll be crushed!"

The Kantonian laughed. "No, nothing like that. Remember what I told you before about that new rule for Trainers with Pokémon that have different experience levels? The rule is that it is possible for a challenger and a Gym Leader to have one battle with less experienced Pokémon before the official match starts. It's called a minor preliminary battle."

"That's great! But...what's the catch?"

"Perceptive. The thing is, if you win, you get a predetermined advantage. But if you lose, you'll get a randomly selected disadvantage."

"That's...a little risky."

"Well, sometimes you do need to take risks. Besides, it'll be good to gauge Olive's progress."

"True… I'll think about it."

"YEAH!" Lightning screamed, making me jump. "He did it! Bruce beat Blastoise!"

"Uh, Summer? Is it really that healthy for Lightning to read so much manga?" Weldon inquired. "She's been reading for over three hours."

"Well, it does keep her occupied when I do research. Plus, she gave me the inspiration to help Rocky learn Stone Edge."

"Oh yeah. I saw that on the Silver League recaps. Pretty impressive he learned that move and its two forms in such a short amount of time."

I rested my head onto my left hand. "That may be, but I'm more worried about battling with Blaze. We've been working hard since we left, but I'm still not in sync with him. Would I be holding him back if I don't move with him?"

Weldon gazed intently. "You won't be, Summer. Blaze understands how you feel, and I know he'll fight as hard as if you're in sync."

I looked at my starter's Poké Ball. "I guess you're right."

He then glanced at the time on the computer. "It's getting late. You need to rest up for tomorrow. I'll keep doing more research."

I nodded, following his lead. "All right. Good night, Weldon." Lightning and I headed to our room, settling in for a somewhat restful sleep.

The next day…

Weldon, Lightning, and I trekked through the crowded downtown area towards the northern area of the city.

"Man," I said. "This really reminds me of going back to school."

"How so?" Weldon asked.

I pointed to a two-story red brick building at the corner of Learning Way. "That's the Rustboro City Trainer School. It's where kids from the western side of the region go to learn about battling, Contests, and Pokémon health and medicine, along with the general education."

"Wow," Lightning replied. "It's so big! And educational! We're going to go there soon, right?"

"Right! Hopefully as a Gym battle winner. I don't really want to retake any tests."

After we laughed, I noticed Weldon wistfully looking at the students entering the building. "You okay, Weldon?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Come on, the Gym is the next street over, right?"

He marched forward, slightly brushing past me. I saw flashes of a younger, nervous Weldon being taunted by kids around his age. Brushing my left shoulder, I bit my lip. Weldon…

"Come on, Summer!" Lightning called. "We're going to lose him!"

"Oh, right!"

We caught up to him, where he was standing in front of a tall metal building barricaded by large pointed boulders. However, something was missing.

I cocked my head to the right. "That's strange. There used to be a door here."

Weldon noticed a sign. "Hey, look at this. It says the Gym was rotated to provide a better battling experience. The door is now at the back of the building."

"Hm. I wonder what that means. Anyway, let's go inside."

We followed a small dirt path to the back of the Gym and found the large wooden doors adorned with the gold PLA logo. Passing through them, we were greeted by a clean lobby lined with wooden bookshelves, pictures, and trophy cases. A wooden door located to the left of the carved granite reception desk had a plastic sign that read "The Rustboro City Fossil Collection".

As I took in the light musty smell from the rocks, an elderly pale-skinned man wearing a long brown coat and black pants approached us. I instantly recognized his dark orange eyes and long white mustache, along with the smell of spearmint wafting around him.

"Mr. Jasper!" I greeted warmly.

He chuckled and replied in a slightly raspy voice, "Ah, Summer! It's so good to see you again!"

"Likewise!" After we exchanged hugs, I pointed him to my friends. "Mr. Jasper, this is Lightning and Weldon."

He nodded. "Good to meet you both."

After the two acknowledged his greeting, I asked, "What are you doing here? I thought you retired."

"I still am! But I still help Roxanne from time to time while she's teaching at the Trainer School. But when I heard you were coming today, I just had to be here! I can't wait to see two of the top battling graduates face against each other." He returned to the desk and rummaged through some papers. "Ah yes. You're also requesting a minor preliminary battle. That'll be the first one for this Gym." After showing him my Trainer card, the former Gym Leader said, "All right. You're set. Go ahead and walk through the battlefield doors. The viewing bleachers are to the right."

"Thanks, Mr. Jasper."

He squealed. "I can't wait! I'll be in there soon."

After he left the room, I turned to Weldon. "Can you watch Lightning for me, Weldon?"

"Sure, Summer."

She was disappointed. "I know you already decided on the team, but I really want to battle…"

I knelt down and petted her. "Don't worry. You'll be in a Gym battle soon, I promise."

My rival smiled. "Good luck, Summer."

"Thanks, Weldon." Once they left, I pushed the double metal doors open.

To my shock, the battlefield was surrounded by brown stone walls, creating what looked like a dark labyrinth with a narrow entrance. The rocks were so tall, I couldn't see the other side of the room.

Uh… Is this the battlefield?

"Oh, Summer!" Roxanne's voice echoed from the other side. "I forgot this was still up!"

Suddenly, the room shook as the barriers retreated into the ground. After a few minutes, only the tops remained, forming a rocky battlefield covered with dirt.

Across the way, Roxanne gave me a sheepish grin. "Sorry if that gave you a scare."

I grinned. "That's okay, Roxanne. What was that labyrinth for anyway?"

"Oh. That's for that Nuzlocke Trainer, Lapis Eurig, was it? Unlike most Trainers, he has to go through a series of obstacles and Trainers in order to challenge the Gym Leaders. I was fine-tuning the layout when you came in."

"I see." That sucks to be Lapis. I wouldn't want any other distractions before I face a Gym Leader.

Movement in the stands caught my eye. I looked up and saw three groups of gray uniform-wearing children filing into the bleachers in front of Weldon and Lightning, who were more towards the wall. Escorting them to their seats were Suzy, Tawny, a burly man with a gray long-sleeved shirt and green vest, and two boys dressed in yellow shirts and blue caps and shorts. To my surprise, Tomoko entered after the group and sat next to Suzy.

"I hope you don't mind, Summer, but I invited these classes to come watch our match," Roxanne explained. "It looks like Tomoko was also able to make it. I'm also expecting someone else, but it seems he'll be coming later."

I turned to my former classmates and replied, "I don't, Roxanne. After all, that's what Mr. Jasper did before."

"Yes, I'm so glad you remember." Mr. Jasper entered the room and walked into the referee's box. "It truly is the best way for upcoming Trainers to learn about battling."

"Quite right, Mr. Jasper," the Gym Leader acknowledged. She then faced me with a determined smile. "So, I hear you requested a minor preliminary battle."

"Yeah, what does that entail?"

She stroked her chin. "Well, it'll be a one-on-one battle per regular Gym format rules. If you win, your advantage will be able to clear any debris on the battlefield after a Pokémon faints. If you lose, you'll spin the Wheel of Misfortune and get a disadvantage."

Hearing her words, the television screen to my left showed a large wheel with six brown and six gray alternating wedges that slowly spun clockwise.

"Wow...that's a lot of disadvantages."

"A few of them are duplicates, so it won't be super random." Roxanne took out a Poké Ball. "Now then, come on out, Hardie!"

A Geodude materialized onto the field and growled.

That certainly looks like a strong Geodude. I hope she can handle him. "Go, Olive!"

The Treecko appeared from her Poké Ball, standing on all fours. She nervously scanned the unfamiliar surroundings, and once she saw the intimating Pokémon, she scurried onto my shoulder.

"A-Are you s-sure about this, Summer?" she stuttered. "I-I'm sc-scared..."

I rubbed her head. "You've been training for this, Olive. You can do it."

"B-But what if I lose? I-I don't want you to suffer because of me…"

"Hey, we'll make it work; we've been through worse. I just want you to get more experience so you can eventually be on par with the rest of the team."

She cracked a smile. "A-All right." The Grass type nudged me and returned to the field.

Mr. Jasper waved his arms up. "Battle begin!"

"Olive, use Growl!" I commanded.

The Wood Gecko Pokémon unleashed a low roar, causing the Rock type to wince. A blue aura briefly appeared around him.

Roxanne was unfazed. "Hardie, Tackle!"

To our surprise, the Rock Pokémon used his hands to launch himself forward and slam into Olive. She collided into a rock to my right but landed firmly on her feet.

Good thing the Growl weakened that Tackle. "You okay, Olive?" After she nodded, I said. "Use Absorb!"

She summoned the light green energy into her tail and aimed at Hardie.

The Gym Leader smirked. "Hardie, block with Rock Tomb!"

The Geodude leapt up and slammed onto the field, creating a barrier of rocks that obscured him from view. Olive was so surprised, she didn't complete her attack.

What a smart strategy. Roxanne's really showing why she was the valedictorian. "Don't give up, Olive! Use Growl again!"

The sharp cry reverberated through the solid barrier, and I knew Hardie heard that.

Roxanne countered, "Rock Throw!"

Hardie broke apart his wall and threw the chunks at Olive.

"Dodge and use Absorb!"

The Treecko dashed around the field, using the rocks as additional stepping zones, to avoid the heavy projectiles. When she got close, she aimed her tail at the Geodude and sapped a large chunk of his health with a burst of light green energy. Hardie braced himself with his right hand.

"You did it, Olive!" I praised. "That was a really good Absorb attack!"

She beamed. "Th-Thanks, Summer."

"But it's not over yet. Stay sharp." She gave a firm nod and braced herself again.

Roxanne grinned. "That's a pretty strong Treecko you got, Summer. I'm impressed. But we won't give up that easily! Hardie, Tackle!"

He propped himself up and charged at Olive once more.

Seeing he was a little slower, I countered, "Dodge again and use Absorb!"

She jumped over her opponent with her legs, then used her tail to absorb more energy from Hardie. Unable to handle two super effective moves, the Geodude fell forward, unable to move.

Mr. Jasper waved his arms. "Hardie is unable to battle! Olive wins, therefore, Summer wins the minor preliminary battle!"

The kids cheered.

"Way to go, Summer!" Suzy shouted.

Tomoko was not as boisterous as her friend, but her enthusiastic clapping showed off her support. I thought I saw Tawny smile, but it quickly disappeared. Lightning excitedly jumped up and down as Weldon nodded firmly.

So far, so good. "Great job, Olive!" I praised.

She happily ran back to me. "I-I did it, Summer! I-I won!"

I laughed. "See, I told you!" After we nuzzled each other, I took out her Poké Ball. "Go ahead and get some rest."

I returned her, and Roxanne did the same with her Pokémon. She clapped as a smile appeared on her face. "Excellent job, Summer. Even though it was with lower experienced Pokémon, I can tell how much you've improved since you graduated." Her expression then became more determined. "But now the real exam begins. Let's see the progress of your travels!"

"So, Summer, do you wish to change the field?" After I nodded, Mr. Jasper announced, "Since Summer has won the minor preliminary battle, the battlefield will now switch to a dirt battlefield!"

The floor shook slightly as the rocks retreated into the ground. Despite having the field change to my advantage, Roxanne was still smiling.

Roxanne's not as worried as I thought. She must've known that she'd lose. I really can't let this advantage go to waste.

Mr. Jasper shouted, "This match will now be a three-on-three singles battle between Summer Scorcher from Littleroot Town and Roxanne, the Rustboro City Gym Leader. The challenger is allowed to switch her Pokémon and will have the first move. The winner will be decided when the opponent's Pokémon are unable to battle. Roxanne, please select your first Pokémon!"

The Gym Leader threw a Poké Ball into the air. "Come on out, Temaya!"

A Golem slammed onto the ground, making me almost lose my balance. The children were awed at the sight of the fully evolved Pokémon.

This Golem may be just as strong as Weldon's. I should play it safe for now. "Go, Aurora!"

The Dewgong materialized, drawing squeals from the younger female bystanders.

Roxanne laughed. "Looks like Aurora's got some new fans."

Aurora blushed. "Then I better not let them down."

I nodded. "Let's do this, Aurora."

Mr. Jasper waved his arms. "Battle begin!"

I waved my arm forward. "Aurora, Water Pulse!"

The Sea Lion Pokémon formed a perfectly round orb of swirling water and launched it at her opponent.

Roxanne made the same waving motion and shouted, "Temaya, Rollout!"

She ducked into her body and sped past the super effective move. With her lack of legs, Aurora was hit and thrown into the air. The spinning Golem made a u-turn and waited for her foe to fall back onto the ground.

I shouted, "Aurora, Aqua Tail!"

The Water type stabilized herself and charged more swirling water around her tail. When she got closer to the field, she spun forward and hurled Temaya back with a wave. The Megaton Pokémon roared in pain, but she didn't back down.

The Gym Leader then commanded, "Temaya, Iron Head!"

With her forehead glowing silver, she charged at the stationary Dewgong.

I smirked and countered, "Dodge with Ice Beam!"

Aurora pointed her mouth to her right, creating an icy path that allowed her to slide past Temaya's head. She then created more paths and slid around the battlefield, confusing the Golem.

Roxanne was a little taken aback, but she recovered quickly. "That's a creative strategy, Summer. But it won't stump us. Temaya, melt the ice with Flamethrower!"

She opened her mouth and sprayed the battlefield with flames. The ice immediately melted and evaporated from the intense heat. Aurora felt the flames winced, but thanks to her Thick Fat Ability, she didn't take much damage. She returned to our side of the field, eager to continue.

Wow, I never expected a Golem to know a Fire type move. Roxanne's really keeping me on my toes; but I can't let up now.

Roxanne waved her hand forward. "Temaya, Rollout!"

The spinning Rock type charged at Aurora once more.

"Aurora, dodge again with Ice Beam!"

She evaded Temaya by sliding to the left, but as she slid away, the Megaton Pokémon continued her charge.

Roxanne smiled. "Now, use Earthquake!"

The spinning rock launched herself into the air, just as Aurora began to lose speed.

I can't let Aurora get hit like this! I gotta take a risk. "Aurora, Aqua Ring!"

The Water types formed two glowing turquoise rings around her, just as Temaya slammed into the floor and shattered it. Aurora tumbled off-course into our side, panting heavily. However, she was able to stand due to the healing energy of Aqua Ring.

"You okay, Aurora?" I asked.

She looked back and replied, "Don't worry, Summer. I can keep going."

Seeing her Pokémon panting as well, Roxanne said. "Looks like we need to stop Aurora once and for all. Temaya, Flamethrower!"

"Aurora, maximum power Water Pulse!"

The opponents unleashed their powerful attacks, which collided in the center of the field. Despite having the type advantage, the Golem was pushing back the larger watery orb.

Aurora was unsure of what to do, but I reassured her with a smile, "Don't give up, Aurora. Power up the Water Pulse with Ice Beam!"

She nodded and released the light-blue beam, piercing the orb and spraying shards of ice into the flames. Most of them melted from the heat, but they allowed the rest to slice through the Flamethrower and strike Temaya. The Golem, unable to take more super effective hits, collapsed.

Mr. Jasper examined the fallen Pokémon, then shouted, "Temaya is unable to battle! Aurora wins! Roxanne, please select your next Pokémon!"

Most of the children cheered, but the teacher's kids were disappointed as she returned her Pokémon. Roxanne praised, "Great job, Temaya. You deserve a rest."


In the stands, Lightning wiped her brow. "Wow, that was so close! Isn't that right, Weldon?" She looked at the pre-teen, expecting a response, but then she remembered, "Oh yeah. He can't understand me."

The Kantonian was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. That was a close round. But now Aurora won't be able to battle for much longer. I hope Summer knows what to do next.

"Looks like you're deep in thought."

Startled, Weldon turned to his right and saw a familiar adult Trainer. "I didn't know you'd be watching this Gym battle."

He chuckled. "Well, the Gym Leader did invite me, after all. May I join you?"

"Sure."


My former classmate gave me a smile. "Just as I expected from a Rustboro Trainer School graduate. Now let's see if you can handle my next Pokémon. Come on out, Austera!"

A female Steelix towered over us and roared, forcing me to tone down the noise ringing through my ears.

"That's a strong Steelix," I complimented.

"I'd figure you'd say that. After all, I have a feeling I'll see yours soon."

"That's...really astute of you, Roxanne. You're living up to your reputation as well."

She chuckled. "Thanks, I try to get some ideas about my challengers before the matches. It's a force of habit from school, I guess. Now then, what are you planning to do with Aurora?"

I looked at my Pokémon, who was still heavily panting. Aurora's still not looking too good. I do want to switch her out, but will she be able to recover enough? I took out her Poké Ball. "Aurora, return!"

She nodded gratefully and disappeared into the orb. I then shouted, "Go, Rocky!"

My Steelix rose above the ground, matching Austera's height. Both Steel types acknowledged each other with a solemn stare.

Roxanne laughed. "Looks like my analysis is right after all!"

The former Gym Leader asked, "So Summer. Would you like to remove the debris from the battlefield?"

I scanned the surroundings. "It doesn't look so bad. I'll keep the field as is for now."

"Very well."

Roxanne's determination returned. "Now then, let's see what you and Rocky can do!"

Mr. Jasper raised his arms. "Battle begin!"

I shouted, "Rocky, Dragonbreath!"

He took a deep breath and exhaled emerald green flames.

Roxanne countered, "Austera, block that Dragonbreath with Iron Tail!"

Her Steelix raised her tail, blocking the flames from reaching her. Then, she swung the silver weapon towards Rocky's body.

"Rocky, stop it with Crunch!"

He opened his mouth wide and clamped onto her tail. To Roxanne's surprise, Rocky lifted Austera and slammed her onto the battlefield. More stunned than hurt, she growled with frustration as she returned to her standing position.

The Gym Leader quickly recovered and said, "That's quite an unexpected feat. It looks like we have to turn to our main strategy. Now, Austera, Stealth Rock!"

Stealth Rock?!

She slammed her tail onto the field, causing splintered shards from the nearby rocks to scatter around the battlefield. Although Rocky was unaffected, I knew its dangers.

Weldon warned me about this. I have to remove them as soon as I can before they hurt the rest of my team! "Rocky, clear the Stealth Rock with Iron Tail!"

"Sorry, Summer, I can't let you do that! Austera, Roar!"

I could only stand and watch as her Steelix's cry forced Rocky back into his Poké Ball and Aurora out of hers. The sharp stones under her body removed any recovery she had while in her ball, and she shrieked in pain.

Darn it! I can't risk returning Aurora due to Roar! Looks like I just have to press on; it can't get any worse than this. "Aurora, use Aqua Tail!"

She nodded and charged the attack.

Roxanne waved her arm forward. "Rock Slide!"

The Steel type barricaded herself just as Aurora jumped up and swung her water-powered tail. Despite the strong water pressure, the rock wall remained firm. The Dewgong landed on another set of sharp rocks, causing her to shriek in pain.

It just got worse…

"Austera, throw the rocks at Aurora with Iron Tail!"

"Aurora, dodge!"

The rocky barrier began to fall as the swinging silver tail pitched the heavy stones at her target. The Sea Lion Pokémon attempted to flee using Ice Beam, but the rocks kept making her shift directions. Finally, one boulder crashed into her, and she tumbled to my side, motionless.

"Aurora is unable to battle! Austera wins! Summer, please choose your next Pokémon!"

This time, the cheering and concern in the stands switched sides. I walked over to Aurora, who was trying to stand up.

"You don't have to get up, Aurora," I reassured, petting her head. "Just get some rest, okay?"

She sighed but with a smile, she replied, "Thanks, Summer."

After returning her and walking back to my box, I shouted again, "Let's go, Rocky!"

He reemerged onto the field; the Stealth Rock doing little damage to him. The normally levelheaded Steelix glared at Austera, obviously upset over the earlier forced retreat and Aurora's devastating loss.

I shook my head to Mr. Jasper about the battlefield, and he waved his arms. "Battle begin!"

"Rocky, use Iron Tail!"

He nodded and batted his silver tail at his fellow Steelix.

Roxanne shouted, "Austera, counter with your own Iron Tail!"

The tails clashed against each other, resembling a battle between two knights with shining swords.

I clenched my right fist. This is just like when we battled against Steinar. But unlike last time, Rocky's stamina improved.

My thoughts were fulfilled as I noticed Austera's tail droop slightly. "Now, Rocky, Crunch!"

He shifted his weight to his head as he charged at her neck.

Roxanne bit her lip and commanded, "Counter with Rock Slide!"

Her Steelix leaned back and summoned large boulders to cascade from the ceiling. Rocky slithered around most of the rocks but took some hits as he got closer. He didn't back down, however, clamping onto Austera's neck and throwing her onto the shards she created. She got up and brushed them off with her tail, but I knew she was getting tired from being thrown to the ground multiple times.

Roxanne forced a smile. "I didn't think that Austera would be taking hits from the Stealth Rock. But now let's see if you can handle this! Austera, use Iron Tail to throw those boulders at Rocky!"

She lifted her glowing tail and slammed it into the closest rock with all her might.

"Rocky, dodge!"

He narrowly avoided the boulder, but that didn't deter his opponent. She continued her onslaught with the remaining boulders. Though he was still able to double a few more, the remaining stones slammed into his head and body. Rocky began to crumple forward, but he steadied himself with his tail. His panting now matched Austera's.

"Are you okay, Rocky?" After I received his nod, I clenched my fist. This is bad. I have to finish Austera before Rocky takes more damage. "Use Stone Edge!"

He focused his power into his tail and slammed it onto the field. Pillars of stone jutted out of the dirt and headed towards Austera at high speed.

Roxanne waved her arm. "Destroy those spires with Iron Tail, then counter with Rock Slide!"

Her Pokémon crushed the jagged stones with a swing of her glowing tail and roared to allow more stones to plummet towards Rocky.

I know Rocky can't dodge anymore, so we got one chance left… I took a deep breath and commanded, "Stone Edge!"

Sensing what I wanted to accomplish, he focused the energy into his center. Two rings composed of stone shards circled around him, and then he sent the shards into the hail of boulders. To my joy and Roxanne's shock, the Stone Edge shattered the larger rocks, causing the pieces to join with Rocky's attack. Austera, too tired to dodge, was pelted by the boosted Rock type move. Her roar became a whimper as she collapsed onto the shard-littered battlefield.

Mr. Jasper examined her closely, then shouted, "Austera is unable to battle! Rocky wins! Roxanne, please send out your final Pokémon!"

The crowd was abuzz with the recent battle. I glanced at the stands and noticed a man with blue-grey hair and dark clothes talking to Weldon. I haven't seen him before. Is that the person Roxanne said that was coming later? And how does Weldon know him?

After Roxanne returned Austera, she noticed who I was looking at. "Oh, he finally came. Fashionably late as usual."

I want to know who he is, but I should really focus on the match. I returned my gaze to her.

Roxanne crossed her arms and said, "That was really impressive. I heard from Jasmine that Rocky learned the two forms of Stone Edge, but I never expected him to perform them so quickly."

I grinned. "Thanks, Roxanne. We worked really hard to master it."

She took out a green Poké Ball with two tan stripes. "You're passing my exam so far, but I won't make it easy. Come on out, Norton!"

The Nosepass landed firmly on the ground and stayed motionless. I thought I saw Rocky swaying slightly, but when I blinked, he looked fine. Like Roxanne said, the last part of the match will be the hardest.

Summer's Pokémon:

Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Air Slash

Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Aqua Ring

Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch

Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Olive (Treecko, female): Timid Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Pound, Growl, Absorb

Weldon's Pokémon:

Venusaur (male): Serious Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Solarbeam, Body Slam, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip

Fearow (male): Adamant Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Drill Peck, Steel Wing, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace

Golem (male): Bold Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Rock Slide, Earthquake, Rollout, Double Edge

Gyarados (male): Sassy Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Surf, Ice Fang, Payback, Waterfall

Arcanine (male): Naughty Nature, Flash Fire Ability, moves: Hyper Beam, Extremespeed, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast

Electabuzz (male): Rash Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunder, Mega Kick, Thunder Punch, Shock Wave

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think about the minor preliminary battle?

What do you think of the Gym battle so far?