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Roxanne was someone who believed that passion for something is what drives people most. She herself was top of her class, and a well-respected trainer, largely because of her drive to improve. With each accomplishment, setting new goals became a routine part of her improvement plan. And now, a new goal had been set. Well, perhaps not strictly new. This was something she had wanted for some time, but now it felt within reach.
Roxanne wanted to train a Golem. She had caught a Geodude some time ago, and trained it with care until it evolved. Her goal was finally within reach. There was just one small problem…
Roxanne shook her head. There was no sense dwelling on it. Sometimes, when you get stuck on a problem, you just need to work around it, rather than through it. Perhaps solving for something else would help. So she scheduled a trip to Granite Cave in Dewford.
Granite Cave was some distance from Rustboro, but it was one of her favorite places. The cool air, the dark spaces, and of course, the stones. This was a wonderful place to look for relics, as well as Rock-type Pokemon she loved so much. It was here she had caught her Geodude, as well as her partner Nosepass. The two had been released from their Pokeballs, enjoying the soothing atmosphere.
The darkness of the cave often deterred visitors, but Granite Cave was a system that looped around on itself, so the solution was as simple as any other maze: place your left hand on the left wall, and keep tracing along it until you reach the exit. She followed along, careful of her footing to ensure the path was safe.
A sudden crash and a violent shockwave snapped Roxanne from her focus. Instantly, she seemed to trip over something in the way, and fell to the ground with a sharp cry. “Who’s there?!” a voice called out in a panic.
As Roxanne rose to her feet, dusting off her skirt, she noticed a faint light from afar. A dull light seemed to emanate from a Claydol hovering nearby. Staring down over the ledge was a well-dresssed boy with short silver hair and bright blue eyes. The boy seemed to scan through the darkness, then called “Claydol, can you make it a bit brighter?” The Claydol let out a short hum, before a blinding flash of light burst through the darkness. Roxanne instinctively covered her eyes, stars swimming in her vision.
“There is someone there!” the boy’s voice said. “Are you alright? Can you see?”
“Yes, one moment,” Roxanne said, blinking furiously until her eyes adjusted. The entire chamber had been illuminated by the shine coming from Claydol’s body. The boy had another Pokemon, a Lairon, now standing beside him. “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to intrude,” she said.
“It’s no trouble,” the boy said. “I didn’t think anyone else would come down here. That shock must’ve scared you.”
“I may have been a little startled,” Roxanne said.
“Sorry about that, miss...um,” the boy said, suddenly falling off.
“Roxanne,” she said. “A pleasure to meet you, mister…”
“Steven,” he responded. “Nice to meet you too. What are you doing in the caves?”
“I just decided to visit,” she said. “I caught my Pokemon here, and try to bring them back every so often.”
“Oh, a Nosepass!” he said, hopping down from the ledge. “They’re really rare! Do you mind if I pet her?” he asked. Roxanne nodded. He seemed kind enough. With a gentle hand, Steven reached out and ran a hand along Nosepass’ body. Nosepass let out of a soft hum in response. “She has a very smooth surface, and a fine sheen. And this nose! It’s been perfectly polished.” Graveler let out a grumble. “You’re looking pretty tough yourself!” Steven laughed, placing a hand along Graveler’s side. “This sediment is nice and compact. Nothing too loose or broken. You must take great care of them.”
“Of course,” Roxanne said, puffing out her chest. “I’ve read up all about proper care for them, and follow a strict maintenance regimen.”
“That’s great, you really care for them,” he said wistfully. “Oh, these are my Pokemon. Claydol, Lairon, say hello!” Claydol hummed and floated over, hovering just beside her. The incandescent glow made it difficult to look directly at, but she could tell from the uniform shine that its body was kept free of debris; a challenging task for a Ground-type. Lairon grunted and nodded, but remained in its place above. Its steel shone brightly from Claydol’s light, casting vibrant reflections along the cavern walls. Though it was strange. For as well-kept as Claydol seemed to be, Lairon seemed cover in dust and sediment. The small stones seemed to fall off of Lairon’s body as it moved. Whatever had gotten it dirty, it was a recent development.
“What were you doing in the caves?” Roxanne asked.
“Nothing special,” he said.
Roxanne took a look back at Lairon. The cavern walls were now fully visible, and she could see large cracks along the walls, and broken bits of dust along the path ahead. “You’ve been breaking apart the rocks,” she said.
“You’ve got a sharp eye,” he said. “I admit it, we were looking for rocks.”
“Rocks?” she asked. Steven began to fish for something out of his pocket, eventually producing a small gray rock. Roxanne stared at it a moment. It had a fine sheen to it, and a pleasing formation. Yet it wasn’t something particularly valuable. It was the sort of stone you could find in almost any cave. There was no reason to hide it, or to prize it, unless…
“Are you, by any chance...a fan of rocks?” she asked.
Steven gave a soft laugh. “Something like that?” he said.
“What...kinds of rocks?”
“Huh?” he asked, taken aback. “Well, I guess any kinds? The type doesn’t matter so much, I think.” Steven’s eyes had started to shine, a smile forming on his lips as he dug back into his pockets. One by one, he pulled out a whole array of rocks and stones, setting them out on the ground like a prized collection. “Like, this one here? It’s a really pretty black, and the way it shines under light looks nice, don’t you think? Or this one! It’s a really vibrant green, and feels super smooth. It’s one that feels nice to roll around in your hand.”
Roxanne chuckled, and he suddenly stopped himself with a cough. “Guess I got a bit carried away there,” he said.
“No, they’re all very nice,” Roxanne said earnestly. “I actually like this one quite a bit,” she said, picking up a reddish rock with smaller black and white stones lodged within.
“Really? Why that one?” he asked.
“This is volcanic breccia, right?” she asked. Steven’s eyes widened; she hit the mark. “It’s something made after an eruption. Stones caught up in the magma flow, and melded together.”
“That’s right,” Steven said softly. “Are you…”
Roxanne nodded. “I like rocks that tell a story,” she said. “Things that give us a glimpse of what the world might have been like. This stone is interesting, because it tells us there was an eruption nearby. That something happened in the past, and we can learn more by examining it.”
Steven stared at her a moment. “Wow, that’s really profound,” he said softly. “I just like how they look. Or how they feel, sometimes. Oh, and I like rare kinds I can show off to people!”
“I think that’s fine too,” Roxanne laughed. “What’s important is you have an earnest appreciation for rocks.”
“Yeah,” he said. “Well, this is definitely a surprise. I didn’t expect to find another rock maniac in the caves!”
“Where else would you find a rock maniac?” she asked.
“Good point,” he laughed. “Hey, we should look for rocks together!”
Roxanne smiled. “I think I’d like that,” she said.
“Alright!” Steven said, collecting the stones and stuffing them back into his pockets. “Then let’s get started. There were a lot of different spots to look, like I found some really interesting ones over the-”
Steven cut off, his finger hanging limply in the direction of a far wall. Amid the dust and debris, there were several smaller stones lining the area. A Sableye was now clawing at the wall, a bright red gemstone falling to the ground. With a delighted cry, it picked up the stone in its sharp claws. Steven’s eyes went wide as he broke out into a run, screaming “Put that down!” The Sableye snapped to attention, its bright eyes locked on him. As he approached, Sableye suddenly darted around the path.
“Lairon, it’s coming your way!” Lairon gave a loud cry, stomping its feet into the ground. Sableye jumped at the noise, skidding to a halt. Lairon took a step forward, Steven approaching from behind. Caught between the two, Sableye hurriedly looked around before leaping from the ledge. “Roxanne, stop it there!” Steven called.
“Nosepass!” she called. With a hum, Nosepass slid its body forward, cutting off Sableye’s escape. Sableye stared up at Nosepass, its small body shaking as it scurried backward into Graveler. Graveler stretched out its arms, preventing escape. The Sableye gave a soft whimper, clutching the gemstone close
“Gotcha!” Steven said, panting as he came to stand beside it. “Please, give me that stone!” he said, pointing to the rock in its hands. Sableye growled, pulling the stone to its side.
“I believe that stone is its lunch,” Roxanne said thoughtfully. Sableye were known to eat gemstones; this one must have seemed tasty. “Do you think the kind of rock changes flavor?” she asked, now engrossed in the thought. “Suppose a bright red rock to Sableye looks like a freshly ripened fruit. I wonder if that’s what drew it to that particular stone.”
“Maybe? I mean, it makes sense they taste different,” Steven joined in. “Aww, but I can’t take its food.”
“Perhaps a trade, then?” Roxanne offered.
“A trade...good thinking!” Steven said. He quickly turned his pockets inside-out, letting the stones he’d collected fall to the floor. “Okay Sableye, you can have any of these, if you give me that stone you’re holding.”
Sableye scanned the offerings, seeming to sniff around the stones. Did rocks have a discernible scent to it? Just as Roxanne began to ponder this, Sableye dropped the red stone, and picked up a dark green rock. “Is that one good?” Steven asked. Sableye threw the stone into its mouth, a sharp crunch sounding as it bit down.
“I suppose so,” Roxanne laughed. The Sableye gave a soft cry, then tried to reach for another rock.
“Only one!” Steven snapped. The Sableye hissed, then ran back to the shadows, its gemstone eyes glittering faintly as it peered back at them. Steven picked up the red gemstone with a soft giggle, holding it up to the light.
“A fine gem,” Roxanne said.
“Yeah,” he said, practically breathless. “Let’s keep looking! There might be more around here!”
The two continued to search for some time, though never found another stone quite as magnificent. Eventually, they called it off. “It’s getting late, we should return,” Roxanne said.
“You’re right,” Steven sighed. “Sorry we didn’t find a good one for you too,” he said.
“What are you talking about? I’ve found plenty to be happy with,” she said, showing off her small collection.
“Yeah, but I was hoping to find one like this,” he said, rolling the red gem in his hand. “I wanted to get one for you too, since we’re, you know...friends and all.”
“Friends,” she said, the word echoing in her mind. She clapped her hands together suddenly, startling Steven. “Steven! I have a favor to ask of you!”
“Oh, um...okay?”
Roxanne produced Graveler’s Pokeball in her hand. “I have a goal,” she said. “I’ve always really wanted to raise a Golem. But for that…”
“You want to trade?” Steven asked. “Sure, I don’t mind.”
Roxanne beamed. “Then, can we do it now?” she asked excitedly. Once something was in reach, she couldn’t rest until it was done.
“Alright. Do you care what I trade you?” he asked.
“We’ll return them right after, so whatever you’d like is fine,” she said. Steven nodded, and pulled out a Pokeball. Roxanne held out Graveler’s ball, and the two exchanged their Pokemon.
Evolution via trading was a rare phenomenon. Many required specific items, and the energy produced in the transfer of ownership, to spark the evolution. But some, like Graveler, simply evolved naturally by trade. This seemed to have less to do with energy, than with some sort of show of trust. There were instances where, upon trading, they wouldn’t immediately begin to evolve. It was hypothesized that, in order for successful evolution, the Pokemon must trust both their original trainer, and the person being traded to. And to facilitate that trust, it is expected that the two trainers trust each other as well. That they be friends, in essence.
Roxanne didn’t have many friends. Being the star pupil, there were plenty of others who respected her. Some admired her, even. But she didn’t have friends. The things she liked, and the things others liked, didn’t always align. So she’d never had anyone to trade with. No one who would definitely make Graveler evolve. In truth, she wasn’t even sure this would work. She had just met Steven today. Would this really be enough?
Yet as the trade completed, Graveler began to shine with a brilliant light, its body changing. The loose stones on its body began to grow more compact, its four arms fusing into two. With a cry, her new Golem stomped the ground, pumping its arms. Roxanne felt her heart swell, staring at the sight. “Thank you,” she whispered to Steven.
“Sure thing,” he said. “But um...before we trade back, did you want to see my Pokemon?”
“Huh?” she asked, suddenly remembering her friend’s Pokeball was still in her hands. “Oh, yes. Of course.” With a flick of her wrist, she released the Pokemon within, and let out a sharp gasp.
A small purple and pink Pokemon sat on the ground, its bright yellow eyes staring up at her from the opening in its head. Small, vine-like tentacles wiggled around its face, as the slender stalk of its body swayed. “No way,” she breathed. “Is this…?”
“It’s Lileep,” Steven said.
“But they’re supposed to be extinct!” she said.
“Yeah, they were,” he said. “But they figured out how to revive these species from fossils. It’s pretty amazing stuff! If you want, I can put in a good word. You could maybe bring your own fossils to life!”
Roxanne marveled at the creature before her. Yet, something was strange. This would be groundbreaking new technology. Certainly not something the public should know about. But Steven knew about it. “Steven, just who are you?” she asked.
With a bright smile, he said “My last name is Stone. My dad’s the head of the Devon Corporation. The scientist who discovered this works for us.”
Roxanne’s jaw dropped. A company president’s son, hanging out in the caves, digging for rocks. There was so much she wanted to ask, but before she could, Steven continued.
“Sorry I didn’t tell you. It’s just nice when people don’t know. Right now, everyone seems to think of me as just...my dad’s son. And yeah, that’s nice, but I want to do things I want to do. No one says anything, but I know they think it’s strange that I spend my time in caves, digging for rocks.” Roxanne felt her ears burn, and averted her gaze. “But it’s what I like to do. So, I’m trying to separate myself from that image of ‘president’s son.’ I want to be seen as myself, not who I am in relation to others. That’s why I’m on my journey. I’m aiming for the top; to become the new champion of Hoenn!”
Roxanne smiled. “An ambitious goal,” she said.
Steven nodded. “It is, but I can do it,” he said. “I’m pretty good, you know.”
“I have no doubt,” Roxanne chuckled. One day, she’d have to find out how good. “Well, I should return this little guy to you,” she said, calling Lileep back.
“I mean it, though,” Steven said, returning Golem and holding out the ball. “If you have fossils, bring them to the company. I’ll let them know you’re a friend, and have special access.”
“I appreciate it,” Roxanne said, staring down at the Pokeball. The proof was before her, but it would weigh on her if she didn’t ask. “You really consider me a friend?” she asked.
“Yeah, absolutely!” Steven said. “You like rocks almost as much as me! We spent the whole day together just looking for rocks! No one’s ever done that with me before.” Roxanne nodded. “You’re an important friend to me now. You and I, we’re Rock Pals!”
Roxanne laughed. “Rock Pals, huh?” she asked.
“What? That’s what we are,” he said earnestly.
“I like it,” Roxanne said confidently. “Well then, ‘Rock Pal,’” she teased, “can we do this again some time?”
“Definitely,” Steven nodded. “Once we’re done with our journey, and I’ve become champion, we’ll visit again. Count on it.”
“I’ll hold you to it,” she said with a laugh.
In that moment, she had assumed his words just bravado. But not long after, Steven would be crowned the new Hoenn champion. And as promised, he returned to those caves with her, in search of new stones. In time, she would become the new gym leader for Rustboro, working in the same league. Though their responsibilities changed, Roxanne always made the time for these excursions together. Steven was, after all, her one and only Rock Pal.