"Challenger May, against Rustboro Gym Leader Roxanne — victory!"
The referee's loud announcement echoed throughout the stands, accompanied by the waving of red and white flags to declare the match's result. In that moment, the entire space seemed to freeze. The noisy cheers of the audience, the heavy breathing of Pokémon, and the distinctive scent of dust from the battlefield blended together, painting a vivid picture of triumph.
May stood still, eyes wide open, her heart pounding as if she still couldn't believe what she had just heard. "I… won?" Her voice trembled, barely audible even to herself. Then, as if seeking reassurance, she repeated it a bit louder: "I really won?"
Roxanne smiled gently, recalling her Nosepass Poké Ball and stepping toward May. "Yes, you did win." Her warm voice carried recognition and respect.
May still looked at her former opponent with a dazed expression, as if a thin veil separated reality and a dream. "Is this… really true?"
"Of course," Roxanne affirmed with a slight nod. Her gaze softened, and for a moment, she seemed about to open her arms to embrace the determined young girl who fought till the end.
But May gave her no chance. She suddenly turned and almost ran toward the stands. "Alex… Alex!"
May rushed into Alex's arms, hugging him tightly, burying her hot, tear-streaked face against his waist. Tears flowed freely, mixing with her sobs of joy and relief. "I… won! I finally won!"
Alex smiled softly, his hand gently stroking May's soft hair, his fingers slow as if trying to convey warmth and comfort. "I knew you would. You did great." His voice was low and warm, audible only to the two of them.
May had challenged the Rustboro Gym many times before but had always lost. Those defeats had eroded her confidence and planted seeds of self-doubt. It was even harder because she was the daughter of Professor Birch — a big name in Hoenn. The expectations from others invisibly weighed heavily on her shoulders.
And now, this victory was like a refreshing rain that washed away all worries, pressures, and fear of failure.
Alex gently patted May's back, teasing softly, "Alright, you're such a fool. You won, so you should be happy — why are you crying?"
May smiled through her tears and quickly wiped her face. "Thank you, Alex." Her eyes still glistening, shining with gratitude and admiration.
"Let's go, the Gym Leader is waiting to give you your badge." Alex nodded toward Roxanne.
May's smile brightened again, nodding repeatedly. "Yeah!" She skipped forward to Roxanne, her smile as radiant as spring sunshine.
"May, this is the Rustboro Gym Badge you deserve." Roxanne took a shining badge from a box — a symbol of a trainer's achievement.
"Thank you, ma'am." May accepted it with both hands, her eyes sparkling like a child receiving a precious gift. She immediately ran back to Alex, holding the badge high like a trophy.
Roxanne watched her run, her lips curling into a slight smile. But her gaze quickly shifted to Alex — the calm young man standing behind, his deep eyes seemingly hiding untold stories.
In previous challenges, Roxanne's Nosepass had always forced May to retreat. But today, the girl fought like a completely different person — proactive, confident, and especially sharp in tactics to finish the battle.
"Clearly, this strategy was taught by him," Roxanne thought, then stepped forward and extended her hand. "Hello, I'm Roxanne."
Alex returned her greeting with a light smile and a measured handshake. "Hello, I'm Alex."
The handshake was brief but polite. Alex grasped just the tips of Roxanne's fingers and released immediately, following the etiquette between men and women. Roxanne's first impression of him — someone both good-looking and refined in manners — deepened.
"You're a trainer too, aren't you, Alex?" Roxanne asked, her eyes glancing down at the Poké Balls hanging at his side.
Before Alex could answer, May proudly interrupted, "Yes, Alex is amazing! Without his help revealing Nosepass's weakness, I wouldn't have won."
Alex waved his hand modestly. "Not exactly a weakness, I just happened to know some characteristics of Nosepass and guided her on how to take advantage."
Roxanne tilted her head, her smile half curious, half challenging: "If so, then maybe you don't have the Rustboro Badge yet. Alex, would you be interested in battling me sometime?"
That offer wasn't random. Roxanne had such a good memory that she recalled every trainer who had earned a badge from her — and Alex wasn't among them.
Alex paused briefly. A match against the Gym Leader would be a great chance to test his team. But he quickly remembered the time — less than an hour remained before Professor Oak's lecture would begin.
"Sorry, Roxanne. I have to attend Professor Oak's lecture. Next time, we'll battle."
Hearing this, Roxanne chuckled softly and nodded, "You're right. Don't miss the lecture."
Then as if thinking of something, she tilted her head: "How about we go together? I want to listen too."
Alex glanced at his watch, then nodded gently. "Alright. Let's go together."