For a long moment, he lay still, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling of the Pokémon Center room. Today was the day. His first gym battle. The first real test of whether he could actually do this—build a team, challenge the League, become something more than a lost stranger in an impossible world.
Sprigatito stirred at his feet, sensing his wakefulness. "Sprig?"
"I'm okay. Just... thinking."
Ralts was still asleep against his shoulder, her small body warm and trusting. Through their bond, he could feel her dreams—vague impressions of forests and safety and the lingering echo of yesterday's battle.
She fought, he thought. She was terrified, but she fought anyway. That's what courage is.
He checked his phone: 5:47 AM. His gym slot was at 10:00. Plenty of time.
Might as well get started.
After a shower and a quick breakfast, Jason found a quiet corner of the Pokémon Center lobby and pulled out his Pokégear. He'd been putting this off, but Birch deserved an update.
He composed a message:
To: Prof. Birch From: Jason Cahill Subject: Progress Report - Rustboro
Professor,
I've reached Rustboro City and am scheduled to challenge Roxanne this morning. Team status:
Sprigatito (Sprig):
- Healthy, adapting well to travel
- Moves: Leafage, Scratch, Bite
- Showing improved accuracy and battle instincts
- Working on chaining defensive and offensive movements
Ralts:
- Caught at Lake Serene (Route 102)
- Female, approximately 3-4 months old
- Moves: Confusion, Double Team, Growl
- Had her first battle yesterday—a draw against another beginner's Geodude
- Still timid but gaining confidence
I've been traveling with a Ranger candidate named Hana, who's been helpful with training techniques and wilderness navigation.
I'll send another update after the gym battle with results and any notable observations about Sprig's performance.
Thank you again for everything.
Jason
He read it over twice, then sent it. It felt strange, reporting to someone about his journey—but also good. Birch had taken a chance on him. The least Jason could do was keep him informed.
His Pokégear buzzed almost immediately with a response:
From: Prof. Birch To: Jason Cahill Re: Progress Report - Rustboro
Jason!
Excellent news on all fronts. A Ralts is a wonderful addition—Psychic-types form deep bonds with their trainers, and I'm sure she'll flourish under your care.
Roxanne is an excellent first challenge. Pay attention to her feedback after the battle—she's genuinely invested in trainer development.
I look forward to hearing how the match goes. Document any unusual behaviors or abilities from Sprigatito if you notice them.
Good luck!
Prof. Birch
P.S. - I've included your progress in my regular League reports. The Paldean starter adaptation study is generating some interest. Don't be surprised if a gym leader or two recognizes your name!
Don't be surprised if a gym leader or two recognizes your name.
Jason stared at that line for a moment. He hadn't considered that Birch's reports might make him... notable. The idea of gym leaders knowing about him before he even walked in was slightly unnerving.
Nothing to do about it now. Focus on the battle.
Hana met him in the lobby at 8:30, ready to accompany him to the gym.
"Nervous?" she asked.
"A little. Mostly ready to get it done."
"Good mindset." She fell into step beside him as they left the Center. "I'll be watching from the gallery. Ren wanted to see a gym battle up close."
"No pressure, then."
"None at all."
They made their way through Rustboro's morning streets toward the northern district. The Trainer School campus was already active, students and instructors moving between buildings. The gym itself stood at the edge of the campus—a large, imposing structure built from the same stone that Roxanne's Pokémon represented.
The lobby was quieter than Jason expected. A few trainers sat in waiting areas, some looking nervous, others calm and focused. A large screen on one wall displayed the current battle schedule:
9:00 - Takeshi Yamamoto (Beginner) 10:00 - Jason Cahill (Beginner) 11:30 - Sarah Chen (Intermediate) 1:00 - Marcus Webb (Advanced)
Takeshi's battling before me. That's perfect—I can watch his match.
Jason checked in at the reception desk, confirming his slot and receiving a challenger badge with the number "2" on it. The receptionist—a young man with a Geodude pin on his lapel—directed him to the viewing gallery.
"Challenger one is about to start. Gallery's upstairs, third door on the left. You'll be called when it's your turn."
"Thanks."
The viewing gallery overlooked a battlefield that was nothing like the practice fields Jason had trained on.
The arena was huge—at least three times the size of the beginner fields at the Trainer School. The floor was packed earth scattered with rocks and boulders of various sizes, creating a terrain that clearly favored Rock-types. Harsh lighting illuminated every corner, leaving no shadows to hide in. Official referee stations flanked either end, and the Rustboro Gym emblem dominated the far wall.
Hana settled into a seat beside him, Ren hopping onto the armrest to watch. A dozen other spectators were scattered through the gallery—friends and family of challengers, trainers scouting their competition, a few who just seemed to enjoy watching battles.
Below, Takeshi was taking his position on the challenger's side of the arena. He looked even more nervous than yesterday, his Geodude floating beside him rather than in its ball. Across from him, a door opened, and Roxanne entered.
Jason had seen pictures of her, but they hadn't prepared him for the real thing. She was young—maybe early twenties—with reddish-brown hair styled in two distinctive loops and a confident bearing that filled the arena. Her outfit was practical but professional, and she moved with the easy grace of someone completely comfortable in her environment.
"Welcome to the Rustboro Gym," she said, her voice carrying clearly despite its calm tone. "I'm Roxanne, the Gym Leader. You must be Takeshi."
"Y-yes, ma'am." Takeshi's voice cracked slightly.
"I've read your registration. This is your first gym challenge?" At his nod, she smiled—warm but not condescending. "Then let's make it educational. I'll be using two Pokémon. You may use as many as you've registered—I see you have one. Standard rules apply: no items during battle, substitutions allowed on your side, match ends when all Pokémon on one side are unable to battle."
"I understand."
"Good." Roxanne moved to her position, pulling a Pokéball from her belt. "Let's begin. Geodude, I choose you!"
Her Geodude materialized—larger and more polished than Rocky, with a focused intensity in its eyes that spoke of extensive training. Takeshi's own Geodude floated forward to meet it.
"Battle start!"
The match was brutal.
Not in a cruel way—Roxanne was clearly holding back, using techniques appropriate for a beginner challenger. But the gap in skill was immediately apparent. Her Geodude moved with precision and purpose, every action deliberate, every attack landing exactly where intended.
Takeshi's Rocky was game, fighting hard despite the disadvantage. But within three minutes, it was over. Roxanne's Geodude had barely taken damage, while Rocky lay unconscious on the arena floor.
"Geodude is unable to battle!" the referee announced. "Victory goes to Gym Leader Roxanne!"
Takeshi's shoulders slumped. He recalled Rocky and stood there, looking defeated.
But Roxanne didn't let him wallow. She crossed the arena, her own Geodude following, and stopped in front of him.
"That was a good effort," she said, her voice kind but honest. "Rocky's got spirit, and your defensive strategy was sound. But you telegraphed your attacks—every time you were about to command, you tensed up. A more experienced opponent will read that."
Takeshi looked up, surprised. "I... I did?"
"You did. Work on your poker face, and practice giving commands with a more neutral stance. Come back in a few weeks, and we'll try again."
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you."
Roxanne nodded and watched him leave, then turned to look up at the gallery. Her eyes seemed to find Jason immediately.
She knows I'm here. She knows who I am.
"Next challenger," she called, "please report to the arena floor."
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
The walk from the gallery to the arena floor felt like the longest of Jason's life.
His heart was pounding. His palms were sweaty. Every step echoed in the cavernous space, drawing the attention of spectators and officials alike.
Okay. Breathe. You've prepared for this. You know her team, you know your strategy, you know what to do.
He took his position on the challenger's side, facing Roxanne across the rocky terrain. Up close, she was even more imposing—not physically, but in presence. She radiated competence.
"Jason Cahill," she said, studying him with sharp eyes. "I've heard about you."
"From Professor Birch?"
"Among others. A trainer with amnesia, carrying a Paldean starter. You've generated some curiosity." She pulled a Pokéball from her belt. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do."
"I hope I don't disappoint."
"Let's find out." She nodded to the referee. "Standard rules. Two Pokémon each. Begin when ready."
Jason took a breath and reached for Ralts's ball. Remember the plan. You start, wear them down, Sprig finishes.
"Ralts, let's go!"
She materialized on the field, small and pale against the rocky terrain. Through their bond, he felt her fear—but also her determination. She wasn't going to run. Not this time.
Roxanne's eyes widened slightly. "A Ralts? Interesting choice."
"She's learning."
"Then let's teach her something." Roxanne threw her Pokéball. "Geodude!"
Her Geodude appeared—the same one that had dismantled Takeshi. It floated confidently, ready for another easy victory.
"Battle start!"
"Ralts—Double Team!"
She moved immediately, afterimages flickering into existence around her. Four copies, five, six—more than she'd managed in practice. Adrenaline, maybe. Or just determination.
"Geodude, Rock Throw."
The Geodude grabbed a loose stone from the ground and hurled it with frightening speed. It passed through an afterimage, missing the real Ralts by inches.
"Confusion!"
Ralts's horns glowed, and psychic energy slammed into Geodude. The Rock-type grunted—not hurt badly, but feeling it.
"Again, Rock Throw."
Another stone, another miss. Ralts was dancing between her copies, keeping Geodude guessing.
"Confusion again!"
Another hit. Geodude was definitely taking damage now, its movements slightly less crisp than before.
Good. Keep it up.
But Roxanne was watching, analyzing. "Geodude—Magnitude."
Oh no.
The arena floor shook. Jason stumbled, grabbing for balance. Ralts cried out as the ground-type attack swept through the field—she couldn't dodge something that came from everywhere at once.
She went down.
"Ralts!" Jason's heart lurched. Through their bond, he felt her pain, her frustration—but also her consciousness. She wasn't out. Just hurt.
"Ralts is still able to battle!" the referee confirmed.
Get up, Ralts. You can do this.
She struggled to her feet, wobbling. Her Double Team copies had vanished with the impact. She was exposed now, vulnerable.
"Rock Throw."
This time, there was no dodging. The stone caught Ralts in the chest and sent her flying. She hit the ground and didn't get up.
"Ralts is unable to battle!"
Jason recalled her immediately, cradling the ball against his chest. You did good. You did so good. Rest now.
A faint sensation through the bond—exhaustion, but also something like pride. She'd participated. She'd landed hits. She hadn't run.
"Your Ralts has courage," Roxanne said, sounding genuinely impressed. "She's not suited for this matchup, but she didn't let that stop her."
"She's learning to be brave."
"Then she's learning the most important lesson." Roxanne gestured. "Your final Pokémon?"
Jason pulled out Sprigatito's ball. "Sprig—let's finish this!"
She burst onto the field with a flash of light and a fierce cry, her fur bristling, her eyes locked on the injured Geodude.
"A Grass-type against Rock." Roxanne smiled. "Much better matchup. But matchups aren't everything. Geodude—Defense Curl, then Rock Throw!"
The Geodude tucked into itself, boosting its defense, then hurled another stone. But Sprigatito was faster.
"Dodge and Leafage!"
She flowed around the rock like water, barely breaking stride, and launched a barrage of glowing leaves. They struck Geodude with super-effective force, and the Rock-type finally went down.
"Geodude is unable to battle! Gym Leader, send out your final Pokémon!"
Roxanne recalled Geodude without comment and drew her second ball. "Well done. But now it gets harder. Nosepass, go!"
The compass Pokémon materialized—a strange, geometric creature with a large red nose that seemed to point perpetually north. It was bigger than Jason had expected, and its stance radiated stability.
"Nosepass has the Sturdy ability," Roxanne said. "You can't knock it out in one hit, no matter how strong the attack. You'll have to work for this victory."
I know. That's what we prepared for.
"Sprig—Leafage! Keep the pressure on!"
The leaves flew, striking Nosepass squarely. The Rock-type shuddered but held its ground, clearly taking significant damage but refusing to fall.
"Rock Tomb!"
Stones erupted from the ground around Sprigatito, forming a cage that blocked her movement. She yowled, struggling against the restriction.
"Sprig, calm down! Use Bite to break free!"
Her jaws clamped onto one of the stones, Dark-type energy flowing through her teeth. The rock cracked, then shattered. She burst through the gap, a little slower than before but still mobile.
"Smart recovery," Roxanne acknowledged. "Nosepass—Thunder Wave."
Electricity arced across the field. Sprigatito tried to dodge, but the paralysis move was too fast, too wide. It caught her, and she stumbled, her muscles seizing.
No no no—
"Leafage! You can do this!"
Sprigatito forced herself to move, her body fighting the paralysis. The attack was weaker than before, less focused, but it still connected. Nosepass was visibly struggling now, cracks forming in its rocky exterior.
"Now—Rock Throw!"
The stone caught Sprigatito while she was still recovering from the last attack. She went down hard.
"Sprigatito is—"
"SPRIG!"
She was getting up. Slowly, painfully, muscles sparking with residual paralysis, but getting up. Her eyes were fixed on Nosepass with an intensity that made Jason's breath catch.
She's not done. She's not giving up.
"Sprigatito is still able to battle!"
"One more," Jason breathed. "One more Leafage. You can do it."
Sprigatito took a shaky step forward. Then another. Her leaves began to glow.
"Nosepass—Rock Throw!"
The stone flew.
"NOW!"
Sprigatito moved. Not gracefully—she was too hurt for that—but with everything she had left. She ducked under the rock and unleashed Leafage point-blank, every leaf finding its target.
Nosepass toppled.
"Nosepass is unable to battle! Victory goes to the challenger, Jason Cahill!"
For a moment, Jason couldn't move.
Then he was running onto the field, scooping up Sprigatito, holding her against his chest as she purred weakly.
"You did it. You amazing, incredible, stubborn cat—you did it."
"Sprig..." Exhaustion, but also satisfaction. Pride.
"Both of you did." He thought of Ralts, resting in her ball. "The best team I could ask for."
Roxanne approached, her expression warm with genuine pleasure. "That was an excellent battle. Your Sprigatito has remarkable determination, and your Ralts—" She shook her head. "Using such a young Pokémon either poor planning or tremendous faith in your Pokémon."
"Faith," Jason said. "She needed to believe she could do this."
"And now she does. That's worth quite a bit." Roxanne reached into her pocket and withdrew something small and gleaming. "Jason Cahill, in recognition of your victory, I present you with the Stone Badge."
She pressed it into his palm—a small octagonal pin, gray and silver, shaped like a stylized boulder. It was warm from her hand, and heavier than it looked.
"This badge certifies that you have proven yourself against the Rustboro Gym. Wear it with pride, and carry the lessons of this battle forward."
"Thank you." Jason's voice was rougher than he intended. "For the battle, and for the advice."
"Thank you for making it interesting." Roxanne smiled. "I'll be watching your journey with curiosity, Jason. Don't disappoint me."
Hana was waiting for him in the lobby, Ren perched on her shoulder with what Jason could swear was an approving expression.
"That was impressive," she said, falling into step beside him as they left the gym. "Especially sending Ralts out first. I wasn't sure what you were thinking, but it worked."
"She needed to be part of it. Not just watch from the sidelines."
"I noticed." Hana's eyes were thoughtful. "The way you communicate with her—with both of them, really—it's unusual. Most new trainers treat their Pokémon like tools. You treat them like partners."
"They are partners. We're in this together."
"That's... not a common attitude. Especially not this early in a journey." She was quiet for a moment. "Where did you learn to think like that?"
From years of playing games where Pokémon were just data. From understanding what they could be, if you treated them right.
"I don't know," Jason said honestly. "It just feels right."
Hana nodded slowly, accepting the non-answer. "Well, wherever it came from, keep doing it. That bond is going to take you far."
The afternoon passed in a blur.
Pokémon Center for healing. Hana's congratulations and Ren's approving chirp. They found a small restaurant near the Pokémon Center—nothing fancy, but the food was good and the atmosphere was warm. Hana ordered for both of them, apparently familiar with the local cuisine, and Jason let himself relax into the celebration.
"To your first badge," Hana said, raising her glass of something that looked like juice. "First of many."
"First of many," Jason agreed, clinking his glass against hers.
They ate and talked, sharing stories from the journey so far. Hana told him about her Ranger training—the long hours, the difficult assessments, the satisfaction of protecting wild Pokémon and their habitats. Jason shared what he could about his own background, carefully edited to avoid the impossible truth.
Sprigatito and Ralts ate beside them, enjoying their own celebration meal. Sprigatito had been given a special treat—some kind of premium Pokémon food that the restaurant offered—and was savoring it with undisguised pleasure. Ralts was contentedly munching on berries, her emotions a warm glow through Jason's bond.
"Can I ask you something?" Hana said during a lull in the conversation.
"Sure."
"Your phone. The one you play music on." She nodded toward his pocket. "I've never seen anything like it. It's not a Pokégear, not any model I recognize. Where did it come from?"
Jason's heart skipped. He'd been careful about using the phone in public, but Hana had seen it during their travels. Of course she'd noticed.
"It's... from where I came from. Before the amnesia." Not a lie, technically. "I don't remember getting it, but it works, so I keep using it."
"The music on it. Is that from your home region too?"
"Yeah. Artists I liked, apparently. The songs feel familiar even if I can't remember learning them."
Hana studied him for a long moment. "There's a lot about you that doesn't add up, Jason. The phone, the knowledge, the way you react to things..." She shook her head. "I'm not accusing you of anything. I just want you to know that I've noticed."
"And?"
"And I've decided I don't care." She smiled slightly. "Whatever your secrets are, you're a good trainer and a good person. That's what matters to me."
Jason felt a knot in his chest loosen slightly. "Thanks, Hana. That means a lot."
"Just don't make me regret trusting you."
"I'll try not to."
By evening, he sat in his room with both Pokémon out and recovered, the Stone Badge gleaming in his palm.
First badge. First step.
Sprigatito was grooming herself, back to her usual dignified self. Ralts was pressed against his side, her emotions a warm glow of contentment through their bond.
"We did it," Jason said softly. "All three of us."
"Spriga." Quiet agreement.
We did, Ralts sent. Together.
Jason closed his hand around the badge and smiled.
One down. Seven to go.
Roxanne
Later that evening
Roxanne sat at her desk in the gym's administrative office, reviewing the day's challengers.
Three battles. One victory for her, two for the challengers. A decent ratio for a quiet day—closer to the Conference season, she'd be fighting six or eight matches daily, and the balance would shift heavily in challengers' favor as more experienced trainers came through.
But today's matches had been interesting.
The Yamamoto boy would be back. He had potential—just needed experience and confidence. Sarah Chen had been a solid intermediate challenge, exactly what she'd expected. Marcus Webb had pushed her harder than anticipated; his Medicham had given Nosepass real trouble.
And then there was Jason Cahill.
Roxanne pulled up his file on her terminal—the League's database, supplemented by Professor Birch's research notes. The story was unusual enough to have generated internal memos: a trainer with complete amnesia, appearing near Littleroot with no documentation and a Pokémon from the Paldea region. Birch's sponsorship had gotten him registered, but the mystery remained.
Where did he come from? How did he get a Sprigatito? Why can't he remember?
She'd half-expected him to be a fraud—someone using the amnesia story as cover for something. But watching him battle had changed her mind. The way he'd communicated with his Pokémon, especially the Ralts. The faith he'd shown in sending such a young Pokemon against a Gym Leader was quite a sight. The pride in his voice when he'd said "she needed to believe she could do this."
That's not a fraud. That's a genuine trainer who cares about his Pokémon.
The Sprigatito was remarkable—not just as a specimen of a rare species, but as a battling partner. Its determination in that final exchange, pushing through paralysis to land the winning blow... that took more than training. That took bond. Trust.
Birch was right to flag this one. There's something special here.
She made a note in his file: Strong fundamentals. Unusual tactical choices (Ralts against Rock). Deep bond with Pokémon. Recommend continued observation.
Then she added a personal memo: Looking forward to hearing where this one ends up.
Her Pokégear buzzed—a message from Steven Stone, Champion of Hoenn.
Roxanne—anything unusual today? Reports of Team Aqua activity near Dewford. Stay alert.
She typed a quick response, then paused, reconsidering. After a moment, she added:
Nothing urgent. But I battled an interesting challenger today—the one from Birch's reports, with the Paldean starter. He won his first badge. Worth keeping an eye on.
Steven's reply came almost immediately:
Noted. Thanks for the update. Stay safe.
Roxanne set down her Pokégear and looked out the window at the darkening sky. Somewhere out there, Team Aqua was stirring. Team Magma too, if the intelligence reports were accurate.
And somewhere out there, a strange trainer with no memory was taking his first steps on a journey that might matter more than anyone realized.
Interesting times, she thought. Interesting times indeed.