"Where are we heading next?" Steven Stone asked as they reached the exit of Meteor Falls.
"To Lavaridge Town, obviously."
Chen Shi stretched.
"It's already evening. We'll grab a room tonight, soak in the hot springs tomorrow, and the day after that is the Elite Exhibition Match."
Steven Stone nodded. He'd always wanted to try Lavaridge's famous hot springs.
On his previous Gym challenge, he never had the time—this trip, he wouldn't miss it.
He released Skarmory, and the two flew straight for Lavaridge.
Lavaridge Town — Outskirts
The moment they dismounted and were about to enter town—
A shriek pierced the air.
"Chen Shi—brother!!!"
Both boys turned.
A girl—filthy from head to toe, clothes ripped, hair messy, looking like a tragic roadside NPC—was sprinting toward them in tears.
Chen Shi took one look at the familiar twin red flower ornaments on her head and—
burst out laughing.
"Pfft—HAHAHAHA!
Phoebe, what happened to you!?
Why do you look like this? Did you take a part-time job as a beggar?"
Phoebe, scuffed and miserable, looked like the world had stomped on her.
"Chen Shi brother… I—I ran into scammers…"
"They stole all my money… then beat me up…"
"I haven't eaten for two days…"
Steven Stone's head snapped away as his shoulders shook violently.
He was seconds from exploding with laughter.
Because he suddenly remembered—
Chen Shi told him to arrange for someone to "teach her about the world."
His people clearly over-delivered.
Two days without food!
Professionals.
Chen Shi froze.
…Right.
Right.
He was the one who asked for this.
He coughed.
"Ahem… You must be starving. Let's go get you something to eat."
"Mm!! Thank you, Chen Shi brother!!"
Steven Stone let out a strangled snort before forcing himself still under Chen Shi's glare.
If Phoebe ever found out her cherished "Chen Shi brother" ordered the beating…
She'd cry a second waterfall.
Chen Shi led both of them to the best hotel in town, booked a private room, and ordered a full table of dishes.
Watching Phoebe eat like a starved Zigzagoon made guilt prick at him—but he hardened his heart.
This was for her own good.
For her growth.
For her safety.
Not his fault.
Absolutely not.
Steven Stone trembled beside him, fighting not to laugh.
Chen Shi leaned over and whispered:
"Don't forget—your men did this. You're an accomplice."
Steven Stone stiffened.
Wait—
Wasn't Chen Shi the one who gave the order!?
"You told me to do it!" he hissed.
"Too late. We're drowning together."
Steven Stone almost fainted from rage.
How did he get dragged into this!?
Just then Phoebe looked up, blinking innocently.
"Chen Shi brother… who is this? And what were you whispering about?"
Both boys immediately sat stiff and upright.
Chen Shi gestured at Steven Stone.
"This is Steven Stone Zvučik, heir to the Zvučik family. Just call him Steven Stone."
Then he pointed back at Phoebe.
"This is Phoebe. She's from Mt. Pyre—specializes in Ghost-types."
Steven Stone stood politely.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Phoebe."
Phoebe nearly jumped out of her chair, flustered.
"Nice to meet you, Steven Stone brother!!"
Steven Stone's eyelid twitched.
This girl…
She was way too pure.
For the first time, he genuinely regretted agreeing to scam her.
She was just too earnest.
Chen Shi clapped his hands.
"Alright, alright—eat. Food's getting cold."
Suddenly remembering something, Chen Shi pulled a box from his bag and set it before Phoebe.
"Here. This is for you."
Phoebe perked up, expecting a cute present.
She opened the box—
A rock.
Her excitement died instantly.
"…Why would I want a rock?"
Chen Shi rolled his eyes.
"That's not a rock.
It's a Dreepy fossil. I dug it up in Meteor Falls."
"Didn't you say you wanted a Dragon/Ghost Pokémon?"
"Give this to Steven Stone when the fossil lab is finished—he'll help you revive it."
Phoebe blinked.
Then blinked again.
"Fossils… can be revived?"
Steven Stone smiled gently.
"Yes. Devon Corp revived an Aerodactyl recently. Your fossil looks exceptionally intact—it should revive perfectly."
Phoebe's eyes widened.
She hugged the fossil like a priceless treasure.
Her dream Pokémon…
A real Dragon/Ghost Pokémon…
Her long-awaited Dreepy…!!
Her face slowly melted into a goofy smile.
"Dreepy… Dreepy… hehe…"
Chen Shi nearly face-planted.
Is she broken!?
He flicked her forehead.
"Stop giggling. Eat.
The revival machine isn't ready yet—you'll have to wait."
"And don't lose the fossil.
Or I'll smack you."
"Mm!! I'll protect it!!"
After a moment, Chen Shi asked:
"So why did you even come to Lavaridge?"
"Because I heard there's going to be an Elite Exhibition Match! So I ran over!"
She swung her legs happily—completely forgetting the trauma of the last two days.
Chen Shi blinked.
"…Do you have money for a ticket?"
Phoebe froze.
"…H-Huh?"
"…You have to… buy tickets…?"
She stared blankly.
No one had told her that.
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/lucarioTL