"That's called a survival instinct."
Mewtwo's comment still echoed in Lin Hao's head as he stood outside Rustboro City's Rock-type Gym.
It was eight thirty in the morning, and the sun had just climbed above the building's roof. The Gym was a square stone building, its exterior studded with natural rocks of every kind. The sign at the entrance read, "Rustboro Gym: Gym Leader Roxanne, Rock-type."
Steven's car was parked across the street. He stayed inside, rolling down his window to wave at Lin Hao. "I'll wait out here. Twenty minutes if you're quick?"
"Ten."
Steven shook his head with a smile. "Roxanne's going to be mad."
May stood at the foot of the Gym's steps, her hands tucked into her jacket pockets. "Are you sure you want to use Pikachu against a Rock-type Gym?"
"Sure."
Pikachu jumped off his shoulder and shook out its fur. A string of tiny sparks flickered across its cheek pouches. It was raring to go.
"Let's go." Lin Hao pushed open the Gym's doors.
Inside, it was considerably cooler. Smooth stone slabs covered the floor, and boulder-shaped decorations lined both sides.
A young woman stood across the arena, with short, dark purple hair and black work clothes. She was examining an ore specimen in her arms. At the sound of footsteps, she stopped and looked over. "A challenger?"
"Yes."
"Where are you from?"
"Johto."
Roxanne set the specimen back on its shelf and looked him over. "We don't get many challengers coming from Johto to Hoenn. What's your name?"
"Lin Hao."
Roxanne paused. She stared at him for three seconds. "The Lin Hao from the Silver Conference?"
"Yeah."
Her expression shifted several times before turning serious. "Steven told me you'd be coming."
"Then shall we get started?"
Roxanne walked to the Trainer's position beside