Rustboro City was unlike anywhere Jason had been so far.

  Where Petalburg had been a gym town built around the challenge, Rustboro was something more—an industrial center, a seat of learning, a hub of commerce and innovation. The buildings here rose higher than anywhere else he'd seen in Hoenn, their architecture a blend of traditional stone and modern steel. Smokestacks rose in the distance, marking factories and refineries. The streets bustled with people who looked like they had places to be, purposes to fulfill.

  And dominating the skyline, a massive complex of interconnected buildings bore a logo Jason recognized immediately: Devon Corporation.

  Devon Corp. They make Pokéballs, technical equipment, all kinds of trainer gear. One of the biggest companies in the region.

  "Impressive, isn't it?" Hana said, following his gaze. "Devon employs half the city, one way or another. Their research division is supposed to be cutting-edge."

  "I've heard of them." Jason pulled his attention away from the corporate headquarters. "Where's the gym?"

  "Northern district, near the Trainer School. Roxanne runs both." Hana pointed toward a cluster of buildings that had a more academic feel—lower, more spread out, with open courtyards visible between them. "We should check into the Pokémon Center first. Get your team healed and registered for the challenge."

  "Lead the way."

  The Rustboro Pokémon Center was the largest Jason had seen yet.

  Three stories tall, with multiple healing stations, a substantial cafeteria, training facilities, and what looked like an entire wing dedicated to trainer education. The lobby was crowded with trainers of all types—some clearly here for the gym, others just passing through, still others who looked like students from the nearby school.

  Jason joined the queue for the front desk, taking in the organized chaos around him. A group of young trainers were comparing badges near the window. An older man was lecturing his Machop about something, the Fighting-type looking suitably chastised. A woman with a Delcatty was having an animated conversation via Pokégear, her free hand gesturing emphatically.

  "Next, please."

  Jason stepped up to the counter. This Nurse Joy looked slightly older than the ones he'd met before, with a more businesslike demeanor.

  "Welcome to Rustboro Pokémon Center. How can I help you?"

  "I'd like to heal my Pokémon and register for a gym challenge."

  "Of course. Trainer card, please."

  He handed it over. Nurse Joy scanned it, her eyes flicking across the screen.

  "Jason Cahill, registered in Littleroot. Two Pokémon—Sprigatito and Ralts. Current team rating: three stars." She looked up. "First gym challenge?"

  "Yes."

  "Roxanne's gym accepts challengers between nine AM and four PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Today is Thursday, so you can challenge anytime in that window tomorrow if you prefer to rest today." She tapped a few keys. "I've registered your intent. You'll need to check in at the gym reception before your battle to confirm and receive your challenger number."

  "What should I expect? From Roxanne, I mean."

  "She's a Rock-type specialist. For a three-star challenger, she typically uses two Pokémon—Geodude and Nosepass. Standard gym rules: you may use as many Pokémon as she does, no items during battle except held items, substitutions are allowed." Nurse Joy's expression softened slightly. "She's also a teacher. Don't expect her to go easy on you, but she'll make the battle educational. Pay attention to her feedback afterward."

  "Thank you."

  "Your Pokémon will be healed in about thirty minutes. Room assignments are down the hall to the left."

  Jason collected his things and went to secure a room, his mind already churning through strategies.

  Rustboro's commercial district was overwhelming in its variety.

  Jason wandered through the streets with Hana, taking in the sheer density of shops and services. Multiple Pokémarts of different specialties—one focused on healing items, another on Pokéballs, a third on trainer equipment. Restaurants and cafés catering to every taste. A bookstore with an entire section dedicated to battle strategy guides. An electronics shop displaying the latest Pokégear models and accessories.

  And then there was the Devon Corporation retail store.

  It occupied a prime corner location, its windows displaying cutting-edge trainer technology: advanced Pokédex models, specialized Pokéballs, technical machines in gleaming cases, devices Jason didn't even recognize. A steady stream of customers flowed in and out.

  "Devon sells TMs at reasonable prices," Hana noted. "If you're looking to expand your team's movepool, it's worth checking out."

  "Maybe after the gym." Jason checked his funds mentally. He'd spent carefully in Petalburg, but TMs were expensive. Better to see how the battle went first.

  They passed the Trainer School on their way back toward the Pokémon Center—a sprawling campus of buildings and training fields, with young trainers visible everywhere. Some were in classrooms, visible through windows. Others were on the outdoor fields, practicing with their Pokémon under the supervision of instructors.

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  "This is where Roxanne teaches," Hana said. "Most gym leaders have other responsibilities, but she's unusual in how involved she is with education. She believes every trainer should have strong fundamentals before they challenge the League."

  "Makes sense." Jason watched a class of young trainers running their Pokémon through basic drills. "I should find someone to practice with before the gym. Ralts needs battle experience, and I'd rather her first fight not be against a gym leader."

  "The school has practice facilities open to registered trainers. You might find a sparring partner there."

  "Worth a shot."

  The Trainer School's practice facilities were busy but not crowded.

  Jason signed in at the front desk, explaining that he was looking for a low-stakes practice battle for a newly caught Pokémon. The attendant—a young woman with a Minun on her shoulder—directed him toward the beginner fields.

  "Those are for new trainers and gentle sparring. You'll find plenty of people looking for practice without the pressure."

  The beginner fields were exactly what Jason needed. The battles happening here were slower, less intense than what he'd seen at Petalburg's Trainer Plaza. Young trainers worked with patient instructors. Pokémon that were clearly new to battling fumbled through basic commands. The atmosphere was encouraging rather than competitive.

  He found a likely candidate almost immediately—a boy who looked maybe eleven or twelve, sitting on a bench with a Geodude floating beside him. The kid looked nervous, fidgeting with his trainer card.

  "Hey," Jason said, approaching. "You looking for a practice battle?"

  The boy looked up, surprise flickering across his face. "Um, yeah. I'm supposed to get practice before I challenge Miss Roxanne, but..." He trailed off, glancing at his Geodude.

  "First time?"

  "For both of us. I just started last month." The boy squared his shoulders, trying to look more confident than he felt. "I'm Takeshi. This is Rocky."

  "Jason. And I have a Pokémon who's also new to battling." He gestured toward Ralts's Pokéball. "What do you say—a gentle spar? No wagering, no pressure. Just practice."

  Takeshi's relief was visible. "Yeah! That sounds good."

  They moved to an empty practice field, a small square of packed earth with painted boundaries. Jason took one end, Takeshi the other. A few other trainers paused to watch, but the attention was casual rather than intense.

  "Ready?" Jason called.

  "Ready!"

  Jason pulled out Ralts's ball and took a breath. Okay, Ralts. This is it. Your first battle. Let’s put your training to the test. I'll be with you the whole time.

  Through the bond, he felt a little fear—but also her determination. She'd promised to try. She wasn't going to back down.

  "Ralts, let's go!"

  She materialized on the field, small and trembling, her green "hair" rippling slightly. Across from her, Geodude floated at ready, its rocky body solid and imposing.

  You've got this, Jason sent. Remember your training. Double Team first to build evasion.

  Ralts nodded, barely perceptible.

  "Begin!" Takeshi called.

  "Ralts—Double Team!"

  She moved—or rather, she flickered. Afterimages appeared around her, two, three, four copies spreading across the field. The technique was shaky, the images not quite solid, but it worked.

  "Rocky, use Tackle!"

  The Geodude shot forward, aiming for one of the afterimages—and passed right through. The real Ralts was two feet to the left.

  "Good! Now Confusion!"

  Ralts's horns glowed, and a wave of psychic energy rippled toward Geodude. The Rock-type took the hit, its stony body shuddering but holding firm. This was always going to be an uphill battle.

  "Tackle again!"

  This time Rocky guessed right, or got lucky. The Geodude slammed into Ralts, sending her tumbling. She cried out—more in surprise than pain, Jason hoped—and scrambled back to her feet.

  You're okay. Keep going. Double Team again, then Confusion when you have an opening.

  He felt her gather herself, push down the fear. She was doing this. She was actually doing this.

  "Double Team!"

  More afterimages. Rocky hesitated, unsure which was real.

  "Now—Confusion!"

  The psychic wave caught Geodude square, and this time it wobbled, clearly feeling the cumulative damage.

  "Rocky, Defense Curl!"

  The Geodude tucked into itself, its already-impressive defense boosted further. Smart move—it would weather Ralts's attacks more easily now.

  The battle continued, back and forth. Ralts landed more Confusions, but each one did less damage against Rocky's boosted defense. Rocky landed a few more Tackles, each one making Ralts flinch and struggle. Neither side was dominating.

  Finally, after what felt like forever but was probably only five minutes, both Pokémon were visibly exhausted. Rocky was floating lower, its movements sluggish. Ralts was panting, her afterimages flickering in and out.

  "Call it a draw?" Jason offered.

  Takeshi nodded, looking relieved. "Yeah. Draw."

  Jason rushed onto the field, kneeling beside Ralts. "You did amazing. Absolutely amazing."

  She looked up at him, her emotions a tangled mess of exhaustion, pride, and lingering fear. Did I... did I do okay?

  "You did more than okay. You were brave." He scooped her up gently, cradling her against his chest. "I'm so proud of you."

  Really?

  "Really."

  Takeshi approached, Rocky floating beside him. The boy was smiling now, his earlier nervousness replaced by satisfaction. "That was good! Your Ralts is really fast. The Double Team made it super hard to hit her."

  "Your Geodude's tough. That Defense Curl strategy was smart."

  "Thanks!" Takeshi puffed up slightly at the praise. "My dad taught me that one. He says defense wins battles."

  They shook hands, exchanged encouraging words, and parted ways—Takeshi to continue his own practice, Jason to get Ralts healed.

  Her first battle. Not a win, but not a loss either. And she faced her fear.

  It was exactly what she'd needed.

  That evening, Jason sat in the Pokémon Center's common room with both of his Pokémon, planning tomorrow's challenge.

  Sprigatito was alert and eager, apparently excited about the upcoming battle. Ralts was calmer than she'd been, her first battle having settled something inside her. She still felt nervous through the bond, but it was manageable now. She'd proven she could do it.

  "Okay," Jason said, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb other trainers. "Here's what we know. Roxanne uses Geodude and Nosepass. Both Rock-types. Sprig, you have the type advantage—Grass beats Rock. Your Leafage should hit hard."

  "Spriga." Confidence.

  "But don't get cocky. Geodude knows Rock Throw—that'll hurt. And Nosepass has Sturdy, which means it can survive one hit that would otherwise knock it out. We have to wear it down, not try to one-shot it."

  He turned to Ralts. "You're going to participate too. Confusion won't be super effective, but it'll still do damage. Your job is Double Team—make yourself hard to hit—and chip away when you can."

  Okay. She was nervous, but she was also determined. She wanted to help.

  "I'm thinking we start with you, Sprig. Geodude first, probably. You take it down, maybe get some damage on Nosepass. If you go down, Ralts comes in to finish." He paused. "Or if Ralts wants to try starting—"

  Yes. The thought came through clearly. I will start. She's stronger. I'll... I'll be do what I can to help.

  "Alright. You start, Sprig finishes. A solid plan."

  They spent another hour going over scenarios, drilling verbal commands, making sure everyone knew their role. By the time Jason finally went to bed, he felt as prepared as he was going to get.

  Tomorrow. First gym battle. First real test.

  He lay in the dark, Sprigatito curled at his feet, Ralts nestled against his shoulder.

  Ready or not, here we come.