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You couldn’t believe it. May had beaten the Elite Four! Once you found out that she started her challenge, you rushed to Ever Grande City.
You weren’t THAT shocked when you heard that she’d already won, honestly. She’d always been amazing with Pokémon and above all else, she’d always been very independent and determined.
Regardless, you were still full of pride. You both go way back, your mom is Norman’s cousin, so you’d grown up together. When you had to move to Hoenn from Johto, you were sad to say goodbye, but as luck would have it, May ended up moving to Hoenn too! While she is much younger than you, she has been one of your closest friend since the day you met.
‘Enough reminiscing, though,’ you thought to yourself as you headed towards the entrance of the Victory Road. ‘I wonder if I’d ever be able to make it through there.’ Glancing down at your single Pokéball, you sighed. You looked up towards the path before you and saw May and a man walking out from the Victory Road.
“May!”
“Ah?? Y/N??? What are you doing here? How’d you even get here? Did you finally become a trainer?” she questioned.
You knew that question was coming.
“Um, no. I asked for help.”
Yeah, that’s right. You’re not exactly a Pokémon trainer. In this day and age, how is that even possible? You’d heard it all before, yet here you were.
“Anyway,” you continued, “congratulations on beating the Elite Four AND the champion! I’m so proud of you!”
“Thank you so much! It was hard, but fun! Oh. Right, I haven’t introduced you guys and knowing you, you probably don’t know who this is. This is Steven Stone, the previous champion.”
He smiles at you. “Nice to meet you. Y/N? Did I get that right?”
“Yeah, I’m Y/N, nice to meet you too! I’m sorry I was just congratulating May for beating you without considering your feelings, I hope I didn’t upset you, I didn’t mean to at all, I’m sure you were a fantastic champion,” you rambled.
Another thing about you... you’re kind of bad at meeting new people. Especially when they’re attractive.
He laughs, “it’s fine, no worries! I’m proud of May, too. She’s grown into a great Pokémon trainer and I couldn’t imagine a better champion.”
“Aww, thank-” May is distracted by someone’s presence.
“Oh! It’s Brendan! I’m gonna go talk to him. You guys should talk. I’m sure you’ll get along super well since you’re both ultra lonely!”
“I am NOT lonely!” you and Steven say at the same time, causing May to start laughing while you glance at each other and then look back to May.
“See?? Perfect! Anyways, you’re clearly very similar for whatever reason you’d like! I’m gonna go, now... Have fun!” She left to meet with Brendan.
You’re suddenly alone with this (very handsome) man whom you just met and you’re an awkward mess so clearly starting a conversation isn’t an option, but also if you don’t things will get even more awkward and-
“Hey, you wanna check out the ex-champion’s room?”
“What?” You’re shocked.
He actually started a conversation? Why? No one ever wants to talk to me. This is so weird, like we literally just met and he’s inviting me to see... What was it?? I don’t even know, I didn’t hear or I forgot or-
“Y/N?”
“Wait I’m sorry, what’d you just say?” you asked, confused. You had totally spaced out and apparently Steven had been talking to you.
“You didn’t hear me?” Yup, he got you there. How were you supposed to explain that you were having a mini panic attack because he talked to you?
Yeah, not gonna happen, time to make up an excuse. “Yeah, I’m really sorry, I got distracted, I thought I saw a Latias but it must have been an airplane.”
“Oh, uh, okay, I asked if you would like to see the ex-champion’s room. I’m not sure if that’s an odd thing to ask because I’m not that great at small talk and friend-making,” you thought back to how May said that you guys were similar… maybe she’s right.
“But I could take you to see it, if you’re interested. May seems to be fond of you, and any friend of May is a friend of mine.”
‘Wait, I’m his friend now?? Did he not just say he’s bad at making friends?? Okay, Y/N, this is fine, not a problem totally okay, you have a new friend.’
But wait. Would you have to get through the Victory Road? Because that’s pretty impossible. Maybe the champion quarters are in Ever Grande City? That seems unlikely though. They’re probably somewhere in the Elite Four building. Y/N??? The ex-champion is RIGHT. THERE. Just ask him?
“Um, I’d love to see but would we have to go through the Victory Road?”
“Well, yes. It’s on the other side.”
“Oh well, I wouldn’t be able to do that so while I appreciate your offer I should probably go back home n-“
“Wait, why?”
“Well...it’s kind of a long story.” Apart from the fact that you just met this man, you’re always hesitant to share it with anyone.
“Hmm,” he starts. “We could always ride on my Skarmory? If that’s alright with you and you’re still interested that is.” He seems to sense that this is a sensitive subject and you appreciate that he doesn’t ask for more details.
“Okay! Thank you!”
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You both head off to see the ex-champion’s room. On your way, he shows you various artifacts around the building. “The room should be pretty empty if my things haven’t been moved yet. The previous ex-champion became the champion of another region and she didn’t really have any use for this room anymore so it’s been empty for a few years.”
“Oh that’s fine, it’s amazing to be able to see the inside of this building at all. I never thought I’d be able to come inside here...”
He glances at you and catches you looking around in awe.
“Well, here we are.” He opens the door to the room and you find shelves of books and cases full of different objects.
“Oh my god, this is amazing!” You go to the books and read all the titles. Most are about geology. You look around excitedly, unable to control yourself at the sight of so many different stones and gems. You weren’t exactly a geologist, nor were you obsessed with stones but they did hold a special place in your heart.
You head over to a case full of gems of every color of the rainbow. “These are so beautiful!” You walked to another case, “oh my god are these Mega Stones?? These are fascinating...”
Steven would be lying if he said that he’d ever met someone who was as enthusiastic about stones as he was.
“Would you like to take a closer look at them?”
“Can I?!” There was no way that you’d ever be able to see any of these objects up close ever again, and you were thrilled to get the chance to hold them.
He watched you as your eyes sparkled, rivaling all the gemstones. Looks like May was right. You were pretty similar.
Steven prepared some tea for the two of you and you sat on his couch after exploring all the magical stones he owned.
“Steven? Would you mind if I let Espy out of her Pokéball for a bit?”
“Espy?”
“Oh, my Espeon. Yeah, I know the name isn’t very creative but I was like 2 when I named her. She’s been in her Pokéball for many hours and she doesn’t really enjoy it all that much.”
“Go ahead. But I thought I’d heard that you hadn’t become a trainer yet?”
You released your Espeon and sighed. He was way too sharp, how’d he even catch that?
“You’re right, I haven’t. My dad got me an Eevee when I was born and he raised her and gave her to me as an Espeon for my second birthday, so she’d always protect me.”
He wanted to know more. He wanted to ask why you hadn’t become a Pokémon trainer, that was the event most kids dreamt of when they were young. Going off on an adventure to explore and befriend Pokémon. That’s what everyone wanted. Should he ask?
“Espy thinks you have something to ask,” you said.
‘She can wordlessly communicate with her Pokémon? That takes an immense bond. The fact that she’s not even a trainer and she can do that...’ he thought.
“She’s right, I do have a question but I don’t want you to answer if it makes you at all uncomfortable or if you don’t want to.”
You watch your Espeon jump off your lap and rub herself against Steven’s legs. You’re shocked.
“Espy never does that to someone she just met. She must sense something in you.” You hesitated for a second. “Alright, ask away. I’ll try to answer as best as I can.”
“Why didn’t you become a trainer? If your bond with Espy is anything to go by, you seem to love Pokémon. Did something happen?” He looks genuinely worried.
“It’s a pretty long story. Maybe slightly boring.”
“That’s fine, I have all the time in the world. I certainly won’t be getting any challengers today,” he says with a slight chuckle.
“Alright. So, many years ago, before May even existed, I had this friend. He was kind of like you, to be honest. He loved rocks and learning about them, his ultimate goal was to become the champion and a geologist.”
He coughed and looked like he had a question.
You nodded, signaling him to go on. “Is this why you’re so interested in pretty much everything in my room?”
You smiled sadly, “Yes, that’s why. He made me love stones, too. We had lot of plans. Plans of traveling together and becoming great trainers. I had no wishes of challenging him if he were to become the champion, but I did want to be a trainer. One day I heard that he’d left us. He had passed away. With him left my passion and goals. I lost all motivation and I just didn’t want to become a trainer anymore. We’d had all these plans and suddenly they were all gone. Thinking back, I regret everything. I should’ve kept going and followed my dreams and worked hard, if not for myself then for him. But I didn’t. And that’s my story.”
You felt Espy beside you, trying to comfort you. It was weird saying all this out loud. Why did you even say it? And to this man you barely even know. “I’m sorry, it’s pretty pathetic, isn’t it?”
“Not at all. It’s actually very reasonable. I can’t imagine making all these plans and suddenly losing the main part, you were lost. It’s understandable.”
His response surprised you. “Thank you. For understanding, I mean. I really don’t think I’ve ever told that story to anyone, and it feels so much better now.”
You did feel like a giant weight had been lifted. Maybe what you needed was someone who’d listen without judging.
“How would you like it if I helped you become a trainer?”
“Huh!?” Now those were unexpected words, he was actually willing to help you? Even after hearing everything?
“I mean, if you’d like, I could help you train. It’s pretty clear that you want to be a trainer, and it’s never too late to work on accomplishing a goal.”
You threw your arms around him, “I would love that! That’s like the main thing I want in this world! Please help me!” As soon as you stopped freaking out, you realized what you’d done and quickly jumped off him, a light blush appearing on your face. “Sorry. I got excited.”
“It’s fine,” he said, awkwardly clearing his throat. “When do we start? We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
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A few weeks had passed since May’s victory and Steven’s offer. You’d been with him pretty much all day, every day since that day. May had given you the keys to the champion’s room and you were staying there since she had gone to another region with Brendan to continue training.
If you were honest, you were slightly shocked at how easy it was to talk to Steven now.
“Hey, Mr. Ex-Champion, sir? Do you think I’m ready for a practice battle, now?” You’d been asking for a rematch ever since your first failed attempt, but he always said you needed more training.
“Please, Y/N, stop calling me that. How many times must I tell you: you’re only a couple years younger than me but make me feel ancient calling me ‘sir’ and whatnot.”
“Right, sorry sir, I’ll work on that,” you said with a grin.
He raised an eyebrow. “Alright, Y/N. Show me what you’ve got.”
You and Espy worked hard during the battle, and thankfully you were able to beat Steven this time. Despite this, you knew you needed more Pokémon if you were ever going to make it outside of this setting. You sat beside Espy and pet her. You weren’t even sure how to begin going about getting new Pokémon. You certainly weren’t going to be able to hold your own against any of the Pokémon near Ever Grande. Steven’s voice brought you back from your thoughts.
“Y/N, I have something to give you.”
You looked at him. What could he possibly give you? Oh, no, you should have gotten him a present to thank him for helping you…but how could you even do that if you were basically stuck here training every day. Wait, how did he even get you anything?
“Another Latias?” he asks, seeing that you’d gotten lost in your head again.
“I can tell you didn’t hear a word I just said.”
Wow, he could see right through you already. “Ha, sorry?”
“I said, I have something to show you in my room.”
Wait you’d heard that part. Maybe it’s better not to question it.
“Oh, right. Lead the way!”
You walked into his room and followed him towards his desk.
“I can see that this is what you want in your heart, and I think you’re ready.”
You looked at him questioningly. “What do you mean?”
“I know you want to head off on your journey as a trainer, now.”
You had definitely *just* thought about it, but you definitely weren’t ready. Not yet.
“There’s really no reason to doubt yourself. As the ex-champion, I think I can tell if someone is ready or not for something like this.”
“Well, Mr. Ex-Champion, I think you’re wrong. I’m not ready. I can’t do this yet.”
Honestly, maybe you were ready. Espy was really strong and perceptive, she could handle anything. If you caught more Pokémon, you’d be all set to start. But you really didn’t want to have to let go of a certain someone.
“I think you are. I know you need more Pokémon, though” He reached into one of the drawers of his desk and pulled out three Pokéballs.
“I got these for you. Inside are a Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile. I am certain that you’ll raise them well, and with lots of love.”
You couldn’t believe it. You never thought you would be able to get a starter Pokémon from your own region. The fact that he had remembered, when you had only mentioned in passing that you were from Johto, made your heart swell.
You released your new Pokémon to get a closer look. “Thank you so much,” you said tearfully, “I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
“Just become the great trainer I know you can be, and never doubt yourself. I know you’ll do a great job. I fully believe in you.”
You looked down at your new Pokémon. You could do this. You knew in the depths of your heart that you could do it.
“Okay, Steven. If you really think I’m ready, I will do it. I trust my Pokémon.”
“That’s the spirit! And really, if you ever need me, I’m only a call away.”
“What if I always need you?” you whispered.
You turned around, tears welling in your eyes again. You didn’t expect him to answer nor did you expect him to even hear you. It kind of just came out. It was true, though. You needed him. You needed his company, his kindness, his understanding... You just wanted to be with him. Would he ever consider joining you on your journey? You were sure he was a busy man, during your day-long training sessions he’d receive many phone calls. You couldn’t ask him to abandon whatever his job was just because of your selfishness.
“I’ll always be there.” His voice interrupted your thoughts. You felt his arms wrap around you. “Are you still worried?”
Worried?? You felt confused, more than anything now. Why is he hugging you? He doesn’t...? No, of course not, he’s just being the kind, considerate Steven he always is. Why would he like you like that, out of nowhere? Not many people would randomly start feeling stuff like that for someone. You were the strange one in this situation.
“I understand, now. Whenever you’re confused or nervous you disappear into your head. Isn’t that right?”
But you were busy with your thoughts, exactly as he’d said and you didn’t hear a thing.
“Huh?”
He laughed. “When you just zone off like that you start to mumble about what you’re thinking, you know?” What??? So...?
He rested his head on your shoulder, “I actually like you, too, Y/N. I’ll always be there for you.”
You turned around and looked up at him, still in his arms. “You promise?”
“I promise.”
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And that was that. Steven joined you on your journey. He decided to take a newly hatched Beldum and some of his other weaker Pokémon so he could start his journey again, this time with you. You both decided to start by exploring Hoenn and you had plans of traveling to other regions, in the future.
When you reached Rustboro City and headed to Devon, Mr. Stone was thrilled to find out that his son had finally met someone.
On the other hand, Steven was thrilled to have found someone he could take to all the caves in the region, including unknown ones, full of beautiful, rare stones.
And you were more than happy to join him. It didn’t hurt that Steven grew super excited and talkative when he saw them, which was slightly unusual. You could listen to him ramble on excitedly for hours. He always mentioned how excited he was to explore the new caves in the other regions.
You were thankful to May, to say the least. You had finally been able to start your journey. You couldn’t wait to see what the future held for all of you.