"Even though I've been to Johto before, I've actually never seen a Murkrow in person," Steven admitted with genuine curiosity. "They're… a bit taboo in local legends."
Silas lowered his gaze to the sleeping Murkrow in his arms. A softness flickered in his eyes.
"Murkrow is a partner I trust with my life. In danger, I can entrust everything to it."
Steven smiled lightly.
"I can see that. It's lucky to have a trainer who values it that much."
As the heir of the Stone family, Steven's eye for Pokémon was sharp. He could immediately tell that Silas's Murkrow was exceptionally well-raised,its black feathers were glossy and pristine, the crest shaped like a witch's hat groomed to perfection. Its beak and talons were noticeably larger than those of a typical Murkrow.
"It took a lot of effort," Silas whispered instinctively, careful not to disturb it.
Steven noticed and lowered his voice as well. Their conversation softened naturally.
.....
The Next Morning
Silas stepped out of the tent, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Outside Steven's tent, Uncle Sebas was still sitting cross-legged atop Bastiodon's back, eyes closed, unmoving-like a statue carved from old steel.
'He didn't stay outside the whole night… did he?' Silas wondered.
Steven had invited him inside repeatedly, but Sebas had refused every time, insisting that the roles of master and servant must remain proper.
Right as Silas approached, Steven emerged from the tent, still half-asleep.
"Silas, morning! How's your injury?" Steven asked with genuine worry.
"Much better," Silas replied. "My Pokémon are fully recovered too. Thank you-for the healing medicine."
Steven scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.
"You got injured because of us. Taking responsibility is the least I can do."
They sat down together and shared a simple breakfast.
Sebas remained on Bastiodon's back, motionless, eyes closed-ever vigilant.
....
"By the way…" Silas began casually, "why would someone like you,A heir of the Stone family would come to a place like this? There aren't even minerals around."
Steven dabbed his lips with a napkin, speaking elegantly even while eating.
"I'm searching for my fourth Pokémon partner. But so far… nothing in this desert has caught my eye."
He let out a sigh. They had already explored most of the desert with no success.
Silas simply listened. Steven, meanwhile, spoke comfortably-as if they were already friends.
Suddenly, Steven unclipped a few Poké Balls.
With several flashes:
"Skraa!" – Skarmory
"Graaah!" – Lairon
"Tang-krii…" – a shining Metang
Silas already knew Steven's ace was a Shiny Metagross, but seeing even its pre-evolved form in person still shocked him.
A pseudo-legendary… and Shiny.
"Steven," Silas asked cautiously, "your father,Chairman Stone's partner is a Shiny Metagross too, right?"
At those words, Uncle Sebas opened his eyes sharply, narrowing them with a hint of guarded intent.
But Steven remained relaxed, unaware or uncaring - of potential implications.
"That's right," Steven said. "You're wondering about the Shiny form? It's not exactly a secret. Some major Alliance families know that the Stone family possesses a special method… one that allows certain Pokémon to awaken a Shiny mutation."
Silas nearly choked.
'A pseudo-legendary… AND shiny… from a family technique?!'
Steven stroked the metallic body of Metang with the fondness of someone admiring a priceless artifact.
And honestly-it was.
Pseudo-legendaries were revered for a reason: 600 base stat totals, region-exclusive rarity, and overwhelming evolutionary power.
In Hoenn, the two pseudo-legendary families were Salamence and Metagross.
Steven then pulled out a fist-sized metallic ore. Even Silas, with his breeder knowledge, couldn't identify it.
"A special Stone family ore," Steven explained with enthusiasm. "Metang eats this to strengthen its body. Steel-, Rock-, and Ground-types often use minerals instead of regular food."
He gave several examples-Tyranitar needing mountains of stone to evolve, and Beldum species being infamous ore gluttons.
Silas nodded quietly. The explanation was detailed, but Uncle Sebas's faint hostility made him refrain from asking too much.
.....
Parting Ways
After breakfast, Silas stood.
"Steven, thank you again. I shouldn't overstay…"
He wanted to deepen their relationship, but pushing too hard would look suspicious-especially with Sebas watching every detail like a hawk.
Silas instead maintained a natural, friendly demeanor.
They had already exchanged contact info.
There would be chances later.
Before leaving, Silas mentioned one more thing:
"Actually… I'm looking for a high-quality Dusk Stone. If you ever find one, I can pay extra."
Steven thumped his chest proudly.
"Leave it to me! I'm a professional stone collector. I'll handle it!"
He still felt guilty for injuring Silas earlier, so he was eager to help.
Thus, through this unexpected desert encounter, Silas succeeded in forming a connection with the future Hoenn Champion.
Silas pressed a hand against his healing wound.
'A small injury for ties with a future champion… pretty worth it.'
And with that, he continued his journey across the sand.
<><><><><><>
(End of chapter)