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After agreeing and accepting her new-found role as a member of Team Magma, she was outfitted properly with the tools she needed. The uniform she wore was no longer just a spare outfit, it was a symbol of community.

Along with that, Nume- er… Standard Issue… was to be a part of her team…

“D-do you want a new nickname?” Ruby offered to the poor Pokemon who looked so crushed when it found out its name.

A small but gracious nod, its eyes teary that its new trainer would be so kind.

Ruby took out a small handheld device, the PokeNav Plus.



According to Leader Maxie, it was a multi-purpose tool. Originally intended to help travel via map that could help the user find direction and record useful information such as people and notable events, this iteration improved upon a few features including statistical data of a given area compiled by other users.

Furthermore, an app was developed by Team Magma for only their use: a user’s Pokemon, more specifically their Pokeballs, are linked to the PokeNav; allowing the user easy access to their Pokemon’s conditions and information, including names.

Ruby quickly brought up Standard Issue’s name and tried to replace it with something better… anything better…

…

…

“….!”

“Nu~?”

“S-sorry…” Ruby said dejectedly at last. “I can’t change it on here for some reason…”

“Nu…”a saddened cry tugged at Ruby’s heart and she wrapped her arms around it in comfort.

“Hey,” she spoke softly, but reassuringly. “I can’t change it officially, but how about I give you a nickname… unofficially?”

Her hope was carried to her little friend who cried out happily.

“Shouldn’t you be on your way now?” the Magma member who gave her Standard Issue’s Pokeball asked.

“Oh shoot!” Ruby exclaimed as she stood up quickly. Shooting Standard Issue an apologetic smile, “I’ll try to think of something along the way, but we have to get going now, okay?”

Nodding in understanding, Standard Issue stood still as Ruby returned it to its Pokeball home.

A wave and good-bye and Ruby was off.

Excited and anticipating. Ruby couldn’t wait to see what adventure awaited her.

Immediately after joining, Leader Maxie gave her the PokeNav, instructions to acquire Standard Issue, her gear, and her first task.



As she was unfamiliar with the world, a problem that seemed to stem from her amnesia, he wanted her to get a first hand understanding of how things worked outside of the base.



Thus, she was to head South towards a city known as Mauville.

She will proceed on foot and unaccompanied, a fact that worried her though Leader Maxie explained that children as young as ten have made longer journeys on regular basis.

Despite wanting to question the safety of that logic, Ruby was a bit eager to get moving again. Her earlier taste of fresh air had awoken her restless spirit. Besides, she had Drie, Wayne, and now Standard Issue to protect her, right?

Making sure one last time that she had everything she needed, including a few sets of spare clothes and a knapsack of essentials including food and water and a first aid kit, Petre and Berk offered her a ride down the mountain.



Though they trusted her to stay safe, it was a chance for them to spend some time together since they didn’t know when the next time they will meet up again. It wasn’t strange for new recruits to be sent to other facilities that needed them more and could be there for months on end.

“I heard that Admin Courtney is at New Mauville though, so you might get a chance to meet her,” Petre grinned.

“Admin Courtney?” Ruby wondered.



“She is… a bit strange…” Berk admitted. “But there is no denying her skills or her loyalty.”

“I think you’ll like her!” Petre reassured. “And I’m definitely certain the reverse will hold true!”

“Hmm…” Ruby looked out the window at the rushing rocks, wondering just what will await her at her destination.

…

Instead of dropping her off in the middle of nowhere and expecting her to find her bearings, the two older Magma grunts brought her to a town at the base of the mountain: Lavaridge Town.

They needed to pick up some supplies from the shop anyways, hence why they were so keen on giving her a lift down.



While they stocked up and prepared to leave, Ruby was free to explore the town and she approached it with gusto.

According to the PokeNav, she would just need to go a bit to the East and then South, and then she would arrive in Mauville. Sounded simple enough, so she decided to take a bit of time to see the sights.

She needed to arrive within a week and considering distance and her speed, she was fairly sure it was doable. Leader Maxie had said this was to teach her a bit more about the world around her; after all, how can they protect the world and its inhabitants if they didn’t know anything about it?

So Ruby felt justify in taking a bit of time.

A fenced off area with steam arising next to a red roofed building. An old building with a strange and stringent smell that made her wrinkle her nose. And a tall building with an ornate flame symbol.

As she walked around, a few people noticed her and some waved. Ruby wasn’t too sure who they were, but they all seemed friendly enough. Old men and women gathered around a public sand bath greeted her and invited her in, though she quickly declined in favor of looking around some more.

The symbol on the building intrigued her; it was the only one that had such a prominent design.

“Hm?”

“Another challenger, eh?!”



The girl drew out a Pokeball and leveled it at Ruby.

“I just got through with a battle, but I’m still flaring to go!” she declared with a grin.

“W-wait!” Ruby tried to protest and waved her arms around wildly to show she was unarmed and not dangerous. Also, she wanted to point out it was ‘raring’ not ‘flaring’.



“Go go Magcargo!”

A burst of red and crimson. A wave of overwhelming heat.

Ruby’s hands instinctively covered her sensitive face and unprotected eyes.

“…!”

Squinting through the shimmering air, she saw a creature of living molten rock.

A giant snail like creature. Its skin bubbled angrily, bursting and splattering red hot slag that hissed loudly on contact with the ground. Borne on its back was a black shell, jets of fire spewed out from the cracks as it ignited the air.

Slowly, the heat died down slightly and Ruby was able to see clearer.

“Huh?”



“…c-car….go…” Magcargo wheezed out, even as it tried to stare down Ruby.

“H-hold on!” Ruby called out worriedly, more so for the Pokemon than herself.

“Are you okay Magcargo?” the girl rushed over to its side. Her hand stroked its shell softly, even as its boiling skin radiated intense heat that Ruby could feel at a distance. Despite this, the girl seemed absolutely fine.



“Guess we overdid it in that last battle huh?” the girl sighed with a tired smile. “Sorry for not realizing that…”

“Maa…” the lava snail breathed out, relieved that it would not have to battle again so soon. Still, it gave the girl a caring smile, knowing that it would have powered on if she really wanted to battle.

“Um… he looks really hurt. Shouldn’t we bring him to a hospital… or vet?” Ruby asked.

“Right,” the girl straightened up. “Return!”



A red laser shot out and the lava snail disappeared back into its Pokeball.

“I was just on my way to the Center,” the girl nervously chuckled. “Sorry I got carried away.”

“I-I’m Ruby!” Ruby introduced herself, hoping to show that she wasn’t hostile.

“Ah,” the girl seemed to realize just how Ruby might be seeing her. “The name’s Flannery!” she jerked a thumb at herself with a grin. “Wanna come with?”

Ruby wasn’t quite sure at first; Flannery had just challenged her to a battle out of no where and almost threatened to incinerate her… but she seemed nice enough now.

Besides, it wasn’t like Ruby had anything else to do in Lavaridge other than walking around aimlessly.

The ‘Center’ turned out to be the big building with the red roof that she passed earlier.

Inside was a brightly lit lobby, people chatting amiably, and a red haired nurse in the far back.

Flannery walked up to the nurse and unclipped three Pokeballs onto the counter.

“Can you give them the full check-up?” Flannery asked with concern tinting her voice. “We were pushed back pretty hard today and I even had to bring out Basal.”

“Of course,” the nurse said cheerfully as she placed the Pokeballs in a machine that reminded Ruby of the one back in the base.

A familiar jingle rang out again and the nurse jotted something down on a clipboard.

“They seem to be fine, but do you want to leave them here overnight?”

“Sure,” Flannery nodded and stretched. “I think we all need a bit to relax after that match up.”

“Lost again?” the nurse giggled.

“Not funny Joy~!” Flannery complained. “…And don’t say again!”

“I’m sorry,” Nurse Joy apologized with a sympathetic smile. “If you want to relax, the hot spring and steam rooms are open.”

“Ah, that’ll be pretty good,” Flannery looked over to Ruby. “Hey, you wanna join me? Let me make it up to you for nearly scorching you.”

“Umm…”

But before Ruby could even think of protesting, Flannery already had her by the upper arm. Her flailing was useless was she was marched down a hall near the back of the building.

In a whirlwind, somehow Ruby found herself in a fairly medium sized room of wood with nary on but a towel. A large stone furnace was in the middle, domed and black like volcanic rock with holes and pits in is cracked surface and nearby was a trough of coal.

A sauna.



Flannery settled down near her with a small container of water and a ladle.

“Why don’t you tell me a bit about yourself while I get her set up?” Flannery asked, picking up a few pieces of coal and tossing them into the holes in the furnace. “You’re from Team Magma right?”

“Eh? You know of us?” Ruby looked in surprise. She thought that they were supposed to be secret since… well, the base looked pretty secret, but openly wearing the uniform was a bit inconspicuous she had to admit.

“Yeah, Magma’s been pretty good to us,” Flannery nodded, understanding that Ruby probably just joined and wasn’t too aware yet. “Our town’s been using the mountain’s heat for generations, but team Magma started developing tech to turn all that heat into more than just hot springs and sand baths.”

Once the furnace was fed with a bit of coal, Ruby could see the red glow peeking out of the holes.

“Your geothermal-electric generator’s made all the electricity cheaper and we don’t have to keep relying on Mauville so our town’s starting to expand a bit more.”

“Hmmm….” Ruby hummed thoughtfully. She hadn’t really questioned what it was that team Magma did, but so far it seemed like they’re just really helping out with scientific advancements.

Splash!

HISSSsssSSS!

With a graceful swing, the ladle splashed water over the hot dome and steam quickly filled the room.

“Ahhh~” Flannery sighed as she leaned back to relax. “But what about you?”

So Ruby began her story. Albeit a very short story since she didn’t have much she could say. Amnesia tended to do that.

“So now you’re heading to Mauville to see how you can help there and learn more about this place,” Flannery nodded sagely. “Well Ruby, if you ever need any help, just say the word!”

Ruby could have asked about the routes ahead that she would have to take, but a part of her wanted it to be a surprise. A new adventure! That was what she looked forward to!

So instead, she asked, “Can you tell me about yourself then?”

“Eh~ not much to say about me,” Flannery shrugged. “I mean, I was born and raised in Lavaridge. Never really went anywhere. And I took over as Gym Leader once Grandfather stepped down.”

“Gym Leader?” Ruby questioned.

“You don’t know?” Flannery shot her a cocky grin. “I’m a bona fide Gym Leader. Got my certificate and everything!”

Lost again?

Those words seemed to echo in bother their minds and Flannery deflated a bit.

“Okay, so I’m a newbie at this,” she admitted dejected. “I haven’t really won a battle since I’ve become a Gym Leader… but I’m learning!”

“…Also the trainers are really strong…” she complained slightly, though the edge in her words were more directed at herself than anyone.



Flannery splashed more water onto the furnace along with a bit more coal and raised the temperature.



“That’s okay! You’ve got the right spirit!” Ruby cheered her on, feeling the heat starting to affect her. “But… what does a Gym Leader do?” From the sound of it, help others exercise? Lead a workout routine?

“Hmm…” Flannery thought for a moment. “It’s a bit complex. Basically, we act as obstacles for trainers who want to challenge the Elite Four, who are like super powerful trainers!” Flannery explained energetically. “So we help by weeding out trainers who aren’t ready yet. Trainers are anyone who catches Pokemon and train them to become strong enough to challenge the Elite Four, at least, that’s the goal.”

“Oh! We’re also responsible for the area we’re charged with, and if there’s ever a crisis that threatens the region, we Gym Leaders are supposed to come together to fix it.”

It was all a bit complex for Ruby to understand immediately, but she could tell that she was in the presence of someone pretty respectable.

“Wow…” was all Ruby could breathe out. Not just from the passion and responsibility that Flannery portrayed, but because the air was a lot heavier now.



“Hehe~” Flannery rubbed the back of her head nervously. “I’m looking forward to the day I can help out but… I’m nowhere near as good as Grandfather is…”

“Your grandfather?”

“Yep!” her voice carried with pride. “Grandpa used to be the previous Gym Leader and one of the Elite Four! Most of the Pokemon I have were raised by him.”

Flannery paused for a moment. “Oh yeah… Granny Hearth, are you awake yet?”

Ruby didn’t know who Flannery was talking to. They were the only two in the room… right?

“…kkkkooooooaaaalllll…” a low yawn nearly made Ruby jump from her seat.

From the furnace, a head emerged. An elongated neck, orange with a black band.

A giant tortoise! The cracks on its shell spoke of its great age and closed eyes beguiled of a deep wisdom.



“Good afternoon, Granny Hearth,” Flannery respectfully bowed her head and the tortoise returned the bow with a small nod.

“Granny Hearth, this is Ruby. Ruby, Granny Hearth,” Flannery quickly introduced them. “Granny Hearth used to be Grandfather’s battle partner, but she’s also retired. But she still wants to help out and hear the latest gossip!”

“Ko~ko~koal~” the old furnace cackled.



“Can you turn up the heat a bit?” Flannery asked as she prepared another ladle-full of water.

“Tor?” the croak was equal parts questioning and warning.



“Yeah… I’m just feeling really tired since I lost again…” came the mutter.



“So let’s just steam all my troubles away!” Flannery cheered and upended the ladle right over Granny Hearth’s head.



Splash and sizzle!



By now, Ruby’s vision was getting hazy. From the steam or from the heat? Ruby didn’t know but she needed to focus before she fell unconscious. She didn’t want to seem rude by exiting first, especially since Flannery seemed to be enjoying herself so much.



“Y-you mentioned… B-basal before?” Ruby panted out.

“Basal? Oh you mean the Magcargo I sent out against you before!”

“But… you called him… Magcargo?” Ruby wondered.

“Gym battle regulations,” Flannery recited. “To avoid misdirection and/or cheating, Gym Leaders are to call their Pokemon based on species name instead of nicknames.”

Ruby thought about that. This may be a chance to ask!



“Is… there… a… *gasp* reason… why… can’t… …. change…?“

“Hm… I can only think of a few…” Flannery placed a finger to her chin as she contemplated. “Mostly if it was traded… why did you ask, Ruby? …. ….Ruby?… RUBY?!”

Ruby faintly heard her name being called as the steam smothered her face and she was lost to the realm of consciousness.

…

…

“…oohh…” Ruby groaned slightly as her eyes opened.

“Oh my!” the nurse from earlier rushed over. “How are you feeling?”

“I-m o-okay,” Ruby managed speak. She was fine if a bit waterlogged… and pruny if her fingers were any indication.

She looked around to find herself in on a small wooden bench in the sauna’s dressing room.

“Where’s Flannery?” she asked.

“She was called back to the gym,” the nurse answered after she made sure Ruby was not going to faint again. “She was really sorry about leaving you here and told me to give you this.”

A letter and a small case.

Giving Ruby some privacy, the nurse left and Ruby was free to change into her Magma uniform and read the letter.

Dear Ruby, Hey~ how are you feeling? Sorry about making you faint. I guess I was a little too focused on venting out all of my frustrations. …To be fair, you held out pretty well in there if that makes you feel better. Ah, sorry. Probably doesn’t. Anyways, I have to get back to the gym. I’m really sorry I can’t watch over you until you wake up. Here’s a present from me. I remember you saying you were heading to Mauville and this might come in handy. As an apology for making you faint, but more importantly as a thank you for keeping me company. Good luck out there! And if you ever in the area, swing by for a visit! - Flannery

Inside the case was a pair of goggles. Ruby wasn’t too sure how helpful they would be, but it was present so she would hang on to them.

While fainting wasn’t fun, she had to admit that she felt a little more rejuvenated and ready to tackle the road.



Good luck to you too Flannery! She cheered in her heart as she exited the Pokemon Center and cast one last look at the gym in the distance.

A signed pointed due East said ‘Route 112′.

This was it.



She took her first step out of the town and walked diligently forward towards her adventure and if all meetings were like this, her next new friend.

…

Ah… she never got an answer on how to change Standard Issue’s name…

Meanwhile…

“W-we’re really sorry, sir!”

“We didn’t know that Magma brat brought backup!”

“Aw man~” a voice complained. “Archie isn’t going to like this…”

“We’ll do whatever it takes to make up for this mistake!”

“Hey~ hey~ It’s okay… I’ll talk to him,” his calm voice reassured them. “Don’t worry about a thing you two. Just get ready for the next mission, okay?”

“Admin…” Respect and awe filled their voice.



“Besides, I’ll be heading with you this time,” their superior flashed them a cool and confident grin.

