Update time! I tried to breeze through the first 3 gyms as quickly as possible since it'll just be me and Marshtomp until that ash-covered route.
-Named myself Karliah, because I've been on a Skyrim kick lately. Meh.
-Got a female Mudkip, named it Sumia since I can see Marshtomps tripping over nothing and falling all over.
-Powered through to Rustboro, beating Brendan, saving the Devon guy and generally being great.
-...Except in the battle with the lass right before the bridge with the twins, whose shroomish knocked Sumia out and send us scurrying back to Petalburg... *Grumble grumble*
-Ruined Roxannes day with just Water Gun, getting my badge.
-Saved Peeko, sailed to Dewford, brushed Brawly aside with Water Gun. Second badge.
-Gave Steven his letter, oggled the cave painting, sailed to Slateport.
-Bobbled around Slateport, and Sumia evolved on the beach. Captain Stern, museum, Archie, parts. Stuff and things.
-Steamrolled confidently past Slateport until I hit Brendan again. I was laughing as I knocked out his Wailmer and Slugma... And promptly stopped as Sumia got demolished by an Absorb crit from his Grovyle. Back to Slateport...
-Bought a Dire Hit and an X Sp. Def and gave it another go, this time pulling through. Humbled, I made it to Mauville.
-Showed Wally he's got a long, long way to go. Toured the city, grabbing all the free items.
-Challenged Wallace. Lol Mud Shot. Third Badge.
-Booked it to the Fiery Path, where I wandered up and down until I found a Torkoal. Caught it, named it Kellam. Because turtle. Time to train it up...
-Did the secret base stuff and left off just before the ashes route.
My Team thus far:
Sumia
Lv.32 | Quirky | Torrent
Rock Smash
Rock Slide
Water Gun
Mud Bomb
Kellam
Lv.15 | Docile | White Smoke
Rock Tomb
Smokescreen
Rapid Spin
Fire Spin