Arriving in Rustboro City

"What a shame. If only more poachers would come knocking, that'd be great!"

As Rosa walked through Petalburg Woods, looking around at the surroundings, she complained to Gary beside her.

Ever since Gary and Rosa had luckily captured the Pokémon poacher Aron a few days ago, they had received a hefty reward.

That reward had instantly made Rosa's once-flat wallet noticeably thicker.

After discovering that catching Pokémon poachers could fatten her wallet, Rosa had become incredibly excited.

So over the past few days, Rosa had constantly watched both sides of the road, hoping a poacher would come to them.

"Where are you going to find so many Pokémon poachers waiting for you to catch?" Gary shook his head helplessly at Rosa's complaint.

"Fine." After Gary said that, Rosa realized there was no hope and could only lower her head, dejectedly replying.

"All right, let's hurry up and get moving. We should get to Rustboro City early." Seeing Rosa looking discouraged, Gary reminded her from the side.

"Fine."

Hearing that, Rosa could only force herself to perk up and continue on their journey.

After traveling for several consecutive days, Gary and Rosa finally arrived at the location of their second Gym, Rustboro City.

Rustboro City was a large city in the western Hoenn Region. The world-renowned Devon Corporation was located here.

With Devon Corporation at its center, the entire city controlled many of Hoenn's industries. Its economy ranked among the world's many prosperous cities.

"We finally made it to Rustboro City!" Rosa exclaimed loudly as she looked at the bustling city before them. "This is great!"

Her sudden exclamation caused passersby on the street to cast curious looks at Gary and Rosa.

However, after noticing Gary and Rosa's travel-worn appearance, the people on the street roughly guessed their purpose, and their scrutinizing gazes turned welcoming.

Although the original looks of scrutiny had disappeared, having so many eyes on him still made Gary feel somewhat uneasy.

"All right, Rosa, we should get going!"

So once Rosa had finished marveling, he grabbed her hand and ran down the street, out of the crowd's sight.

"That's youth for you!"

After Gary and Rosa had completely disappeared, the owners of those watching gazes sighed briefly before continuing with their own business.

"Gary, what are you doing?"

Gary only stopped after pulling Rosa some distance away from the stares that had been fixed on them.

Once they stopped, Rosa was curious about Gary's earlier behavior. She turned to look at him and asked.

"Being watched by all those people made me a little uncomfortable!"

After saying that, Gary let out a breath.

"I never thought you'd be a little shy around strangers, Gary!" After hearing Gary's explanation, Rosa immediately understood and said with a smile.

"Who's shy around strangers? I was just a little nervous because so many people were staring at me." Gary immediately explained in response to Rosa's assessment.

"I know, I know." Though she said she understood, her expression still carried a hint of teasing.

"Forget it. Interpret it however you want."

Faced with Rosa's teasing, Gary could only raise his hands in surrender. What else could he do? She was his girlfriend, so of course he had to spoil her!

After Rosa had teased him enough, Gary said helplessly, "It's already noon. Let's hurry to the Pokémon Center!"

Prompted by Gary's reminder, Rosa immediately stopped teasing him and readily agreed.

After confirming the direction of the Pokémon Center, the two began strolling that way.

"By the way, Gary, do we have any plans for this afternoon? Are we going to challenge Rustboro City's Gym?"

On the way to the Pokémon Center, Rosa asked Gary beside her about their plans for the afternoon.

Hearing Rosa's question, Gary shook his head and said, "There's no rush for the Gym Challenge. Let's rest properly at the Pokémon Center this afternoon, then come with me somewhere tonight."

"Where?" Rosa instantly became curious.

"You'll find out when you get there!"

Gary did not answer Rosa's question, merely showing a mysterious smile.

"Gary, just tell me." Since she had not gotten the answer she wanted, Rosa wrapped her arms around Gary's arm and began acting coquettishly.

Although Gary could feel his arm enveloped in soft warmth, making his heart stir, his strong Willpower still allowed him to resist the temptation and keep silent.

"Tell me, tell me."

Seeing that Gary still refused to speak, Rosa continued pleading.

And so, accompanied by Rosa's pleas, Gary gradually disappeared down the street.

After spending a pleasant afternoon at the Pokémon Center, dusk was approaching. Having finished dinner, Gary called to Rosa and headed outside the Pokémon Center with her.

After Gary had kept her in suspense all afternoon, Rosa was eager to see the wonderful place he had mentioned.

After walking for quite some time, Gary and Rosa arrived at the base of a tall tower in Rustboro City.

"This is... the Observation Tower?" Although it was Rosa's first time in Rustboro City, she immediately identified the tower before them.

"That's right. This is the place."

After answering, Gary led Rosa into the Observation Tower and took the elevator to its highest floor.

The moment they stepped out of the elevator, they were instantly stunned by the sight before them.

Under the night sky, all of Rustboro City was brilliantly lit. Colorful neon lights adorned the city in a dazzling display, leaving people overwhelmed and lost in thought.

From afar, the bright lights shining throughout the city in the darkness echoed the twinkling stars in the night sky. Though they would never meet in reality, they seemed to miraculously converge at that moment, making Rustboro City's nightscape even more beautiful.

"It's so beautiful!" Rosa gazed at Rustboro City's night view, her eyes filled with fascination.

"It really is beautiful!" Gary looked at Rosa beside him, her hair lifted by the gentle breeze. He stepped closer, wrapped her in his arms, and softly whispered into her ear, "But you're even more beautiful."

Hearing Gary's words, Rosa's body trembled slightly. But she soon leaned into his embrace and revealed a blissful smile.