Ah, a beachside! I'd love to stay, but I have to get moving...Rustboro City's through the Petalburg Forest. A Devon Researcher was asking if I had seen a Shroomish before when a pirate-cosplaying man showed up and started pestering the scientist. I told the wannabe pirate to back off, and he promptly challenged me to a battle. It was a cinch to beat this guy. He ran off, saying something about "messing with Team Aqua". I'm going to guess that's the gang he's part of. After that little altercation, the researcher gave his thanks and a Great Ball as well! Moving on...
A guy spitting seeds decided to give me a TM, which contained Bullet Seed. Not really sure if my Pokemon can learn that yet, however... I found a place known as the Pretty Petal Flower Shop, which is a place that focuses on growing and replanting Berries. They saw me as part-florist (although I'm not much of a nature-lover myself), and so they gave me a Wailmer Pail. Good for watering Berries, I guess. ... I battled a girl who had a Shroomish on her team. Boy, would I like one of those...
Finally reached Rustboro! Gotta say, the buildings are rather...a metallic sort of bland. Went to the Trainers' School to try and see if I could salvage some more tips about battling. Unfortunately, my knowledge of battling is just as good as, if not better than, what the school offers. The teacher did give me a Quick Claw, which was very nice of him. I also came across a guy who had his Pokemon cut trees down with HM01. He was happy to give me it (or was it a copy?). I encountered a guy who wanted to trade a Ralts for his Seedot. I don't have a Ralts, and I really want that Seedot, too... (OOC: I think a Shiftry would be a good member for my team.)
After spending about an hour looking through Route 102 for a Ralts (because that's where Wally found his), I found one! Time to see if he will accept this guy... ... On the way back to Rustboro, I found a Shroomish, as well! I caught the Mushroom Pokemon, and, to be honest, I want to see what this guy evolves into (or if it can--it should, right?). ... ... Kobe (the guy who wanted the trade) accepted the Ralts, and gave me his Seedot named "Dots". Hmm, interesting name. I like it.
After a few training sessions, I decide to finally take on Rustboro's Gym. Its leader is Roxanne, and judging from her name, I'm going to guess she'll use Rock-types. No problem for my Mudkip and Shroomish! And sure enough, the Gym Trainers as well as Roxanne all use Rock-types. Mostly Geodude. Cause you know, that's cool and all. I come out victorious, and Roxanne hands over the Stone Badge, which slightly increases my Pokemon's Attack stat. On top of that, she gives me TM39, which is Rock Tomb.
While heading back to the Pokemon Center to heal up and move onwards, I swear I see the same pirate guy head off with...some mysterious goods of some sort. The Devon researcher I helped earlier comes out a few seconds later and pleads "Nooooooo not my goods!" or something along those lines. I guess I have to help this guy...again. First things first, though, I need to give my Pokemon some rest.