In the president's office at the top of Devon Tower.
Steven sat in the main guest chair, while Erika and Natsui sat across from him. She watched quietly as Natsui and Steven chatted, occasionally adding a few words. The atmosphere was relaxed.
Steven was polite, and although he wasn't naturally talkative, his upbringing shone through. As the heir to the corporation, he was a graceful host, mindful of everyone's comfort. His conversation was refined, and his every move displayed an unforced elegance.
Besides the three of them, only Mr. Stone was in the office.
Kuroda had withdrawn to handle the aftermath of the Team Aqua incident. Mr. Stone, meanwhile, sat back in his office chair, watching them with a smile. He seemed genuinely pleased to see a promising young man like Natsui becoming friends with his son.
Steven pushed the teacups toward them. "I've been traveling for quite some time, collecting rare specimens," he said. "It was mere coincidence that I returned to drop them off for research just as this incident occurred."
Erika asked curiously, "What kind of stones?"
"All kinds. Stones that harbor mysterious powers," Steven explained, his eyes lighting up. "They're hidden in mountains, deep within caves, or under the ocean floor. Some have names; others are unknown to science. Take Mega Stones, for example. Before humanity discovered they could trigger Pokémon evolution, no one understood their true value. I'm fascinated by them—I want to unlock their hidden potential."
It was a unique hobby, but a meaningful one. If Steven truly discovered something new, it could change the relationship between humans and Pokémon forever.
Speaking of stones...
Natsui had seen many during his journey, but mostly common evolutionary items like Fire Stones or Leaf Stones. The only truly legendary artifact he had encountered was the Soul Dew in Alto Mare.
When he mentioned this, Steven's composure cracked. He looked genuinely shocked.
"What!? You've actually seen a Soul Dew!?"
"Yes," Natsui nodded. "We saw it in Alto Mare. The Soul Dew contains immense power. It can revive fossils and summon massive tsunamis. It's also breathtakingly beautiful."
"I've heard the rumors..." Steven murmured, leaning forward. "They say it's crystallized from the life force of Latios and Latias. I thought it was just a legend, but to think it actually exists... I must go see it!"
For a stone collector like Steven, a magical crystal like the Soul Dew—even if not a geological mineral—held an irresistible attraction.
Hearing that such a treasure existed in Johto, he looked ready to leave immediately.
"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed," Natsui said, pouring cold water on his excitement. "The Soul Dew was corrupted and destroyed. It doesn't exist anymore. Even if you go there now, you won't find it."
He briefly explained the events of Alto Mare, naturally omitting the involvement of Suicune and the fact that he had caught Latias and Latios.
"What an incredible experience..." Steven sighed, leaning back. He then looked at Natsui with renewed interest. "You came to Hoenn for the Ever Grande Conference, correct?"
"Of course," Natsui replied. "Catching Hoenn Pokémon, challenging the gyms, and winning the League are all part of the plan."
"Then you'd better be careful." Steven's eyes sparkled with a competitive glint. "Hoenn trainers are strong, and the Ever Grande Conference is grueling—often considered tougher than the Silver or Indigo Leagues. It's not easy to claim the title here. By the way... I happened to be the Champion of the last conference. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask."
This guy...
Natsui found it amusing. All that talk about "being careful" was just a polite way for Steven to humble-brag that he was the former Champion.
...
After exchanging contact information with Steven, Natsui and Erika said their goodbyes and left Devon Corporation.
Steven had suggested a "friendly" battle, but Natsui politely declined.
Most of his main team wasn't with him. Challenging a Champion-level trainer without his heavy hitters like Dragonite and Tyranitar would yield an uncertain outcome.
Furthermore, Natsui recalled that winning the Silver Conference gave him the right to challenge the Elite Four, but he had postponed that, too.
It wasn't a lack of confidence. He simply wanted to save the biggest challenges for the end, after he had conquered all the regional leagues.
They left the Devon district and began heading toward the Rustboro Gym, but Erika's Holo-Caster suddenly buzzed with a cross-regional video call.
The caller was a staff member from the Celadon Gym—a close friend Natsui recognized from Erika's perfume shop.
"Erika, the gym is finally repaired! The Pokémon League contacted us asking for your whereabouts. When they heard you were in Hoenn, they ordered us to call you immediately. You need to come back and resume your duties as Gym Leader!"
Hearing this news, both Natsui and Erika frowned.
When Erika originally left Celadon Gym, she had told Natsui it was due to fire damage necessitating League-funded repairs. That downtime had allowed her to travel with him.
Now, after so long, even though they knew this day would come, their hearts sank.
Sigh. What had to come has finally arrived...
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