From where I left off, last time... I ended up doing a bit of back-tracking to stick some Honey on the trees along Routes 207 & 208. I was planning on going through the cave near the Cycling Road, but there was one little problem... I didn't have Flash, and I couldn't be bothered trying to get through without it, so I left it alone... instead, I went into the 'secret' entrance of the place and got the Earthquake TM as well as caught a Gible for no particular reason.
Eventually, I went back to Hearthome City, but not before training up Ralts (now a Kirlia) to Level 24, like the rest of the team. Since I'd started to run low on Pokeballs and Potions, I bought some before going to the Contest Hall and finally progressing the events that take place there. Also inside was the Hearthome Gym Leader, Fantina, who spoke a bit then wandered off back to the Gym.
Finally, no longer tip-toeing around the idea, I decided to go for the Gym. For some reason, I had a hard time when it came to taking damage, and I soon started to run low on Potions, by the time I got to Fantina, but luckily, she didn't take a single member of my team down, dealing the final blow to her Haunter with my Luxio's Bite.
Having acquired my third badge, I decided to head on to the Pokemon Center to heal my Pokemon of their injuries and status afflictions before heading towards the East for Solaceon Town and the inevitable battle with my rival. This was a number of hours later and I'd forgotten about the Honey trees from earlier, so I went back to them and managed to acquire an Aipom; the other two were just more Combee, though one was another female one.
Anyway, I went to Solaceon Town, healed up and went to the Ruins to pick up my Defog HM. After doing so, I climbed the Lost Tower to the south then proceeded to head north. I concluded this progression at the Moo Moo Milk store, which is as far north I can go on this Route, at the moment. When I continue, I'm planning on checking the trees I put Honey on along Routes 209 & 210.
Current Pokemon:
Monferno @ Level 29 - Sassy | Mach Punch|Flame Wheel|Ember|Taunt
Luxio @ Level 28 - Docile | Tackle|Bite|Charge|Spark
Glaceon @ Level 28 - Modest | Ice Beam|Helping Hand|Quick Attack|Sand-Attack
Kirlia @ Level 28 - Bold | Confusion|Double Team|Magical Leaf|Calm Mind