the-wandering-rock-collector

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

As the Salamence crashed onto the floor of the room, the varous furniture was flung to the walls from the power of the dragon's wings and tail. Steven barely escaped from behind his desk, and yelled in response, "A fight in here!? Are you CRAZY!?"

But he knew Drake wouldn't listen to him now. There was only one way to make him listen, and that was to meet him on his level. In a flash, Steven threw his own Pokeball out. With a menacing whirr and a room shaking THUD, Beryllium, his Metagross, was released. It stood protectively in front of Steven, waiting for whatever command Steven were to give it next.

"You're the one making a fool out of yourself with this nonsense!"

Well, he got an answer alright. Although it couldn't have possibly been the worst outcome.

His eyes shot widely up at the sight of the Luxury ball. At least there was one thing the younger man wasn't liying about. The aforementioned pokemon was indeed contained inside of it. Drake immediately fell silent, as he stared deadset at the ball right in front of him. He stayed like that for what might feel like a good few minutes.

During this brief period, he was simmering within this sense of burning anger that had instilled within himself. Steven's response failed to provide him with a response, that would come close to putting out the flames.

His response came in the form of pulling out a pokeball of his own, from his coat's pocket and release the pokemon inside of it. Which turned out to be none other than Salamence, the beast let out a fierce and sharp roar, as a loud thud followed up its heavy body land on the floor.

"Drop the act once and fer all, or bring it out right now to save yer ass, boy." The beast cracked and snapped its tail, showing that it was more than ready to jump into a fight.

"Ye should know better than to try make a fool out of me."

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

Steven shook his head, wishing to dispel any worry. "Honestly? Mentoring younger trainers is kind of part of my job. And it's been a good while since I last did."

Saying this however, he knew the inevitable question of 'what is your job' would follow. Well, the anonymity of his Champion status was nice for a while, but if he didn't mention it now, it would likely be seen as an attempt to deceive. Something purposely hidden, and with how Astra and his Pokemon seemed to act, trying to hide information may just scare them off more.

"...You see, I'm kind of one of the strongest there is right now. I'm the Hoenn Champion. And once you're at the top, things get boring. So I see it as my duty to help promising young trainers reach their potential, or at least learn how to be the best versions of themselves."

Altra of course looked up, hearing Steven stumble, mostly a reflex as he didn't want someone falling over say, a dip in the path or a fallen rock. Though then he looked to the massive Metagross, Beryllium, was it's name if he heard right?

Still, he had to chuckle when he heard the massive Pokemon call Albert 'Little Fur'. Of course, the Zorua obviously did not take well to the name and scowled at it.

"Yeah I figured, I'm just worried about my Pokemon getting hurt since we're so inexperienced." He frowned a bit.

"I didn't 'catch' any of them the usual way. I befriended them, and eventually I was given Pokeballs to travel with them." He never fought them, instead he got them through other means. Likely from his ability to speak with them. Even so, the fact that even the large Pokemon, both Beryllium and Rhenium wanted to help?

"Yeah.. they keep calling Albert, 'Little Fur' which is a really cute nickname too." Altra chuckled at this, relaying what he was hearing to Steven. All the while, said Zorua grumbled incoherently. Likely a case of 'If I wasn't in so much pain I would bite your face, kid'. Or something...

Still, the offer to help train and guide him? That.. was not what Altra was expecting. He usually got the whole 'Oh just go out and fight/hit your head against the wall' and sent on his way.

"Ah- Only if it's of no trouble, that is. I wouldn't want to keep you away from anything important." That was his main worry, taking someone away from something more important or personal.

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

//.... So guess who had a lung infection for like a month? It was me. I'm almost better again I'm so sorry for the sudden absence 😭

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

Steven sympathetically sighed hearing Kats' stories of the media. He couldn't say he hadn't experienced similar issues. Played tag with something in a cave though?...

"So... if it wasn't an Alakazam, then, if you don't mind me asking..... what was it?"

"You'd be amazed how little you get noticed when you're not a seated champion." Kats shrugged, sighing. "Honestly, it was a little disappointing when my called and I heard that only the doctors and my family were worried about my disappearing."

He sounded a little jaded by this.

Kats continued. "As for why I was hospitalized, I played 'tag' with something I shouldn't have in a cave near Cerulean City. Told nosy interviewers it was a territorial alakazam, and they completely lost interest."

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

//I prommy I'll respond to things soon I've just been having a really really rough time these last two weeks. If you've responded to one of our thread's recently I have seen it, I just have no spoons left at all.

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

//I think I've now replied to everyone who I currently have a thread with recently. If you haven't received a reply from me please DM me and let me know!

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

he ☆

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

//I think I've now replied to everyone who I currently have a thread with recently. If you haven't received a reply from me please DM me and let me know!

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

"Disappearing from Saffron hospital? What happened? Did you manage to slip off the grid that easily?"

Steven wished it were that easy for him to just disappear sometimes. To be unbothered by press and League Business and Devon matters. He'd tried it a few times. He always came back though.

"Glad someone's impressed. A lot of the adults who challenged me thought it'd be an easy fight for them." Kats sighed, smirking after a moment. "Thinking back, though, I suppose they were half right."

"But yeah, I realized I made a mistake accepting the position of acting Champion. Being on-call for challengers just ain't my thing." He shrugged. "Still get recognized as Champion, but a lot of people have to look me up on the internet, and the most recent thing they find is me disappearing from Saffron hospital... When I was 16, I think?"

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

Steven chuckled a little at her response to dialects. "When I first went to Johto I thought I'd understand everything perfectly, but the way they pronounce certain words and the slang they use can be totally different!"

He sees her signalling the waiter and gives a nod. "I'm ready. Tonic water and the Huntail au vin rouge, please, with a Wake Up Blend for after."

Once the waiter had taken both their orders, he turned back to her, curious. "Being both an actor and Champion is quite the balancing act. Is there one you prefer over the other, or do you enjoy the challenge of maintaining both?"

That gives her pause for thought. She doesn't really use any other mega stones than Gardevoirite and occasionally Galladite- but she only has those two and intends to keep it that way.

"Oh, yes, I have heard some horror stories about that, but of course, you are trying to relax, aren't you? I only use mine for my dear Amé, and I have had her since I was five - so I do not need concern myself with it stressing her body or mind. My Gallade however... Is far too rambunctious to be mega evolved-"

Diantha does notice him putting the menu down- and quietly signals one of the waiters in line of sight.

"Wait, dialects? Oh dear. I thought I could take it easy learning for a while- I have enough on my hands learning a new accent right now for something in Galar shooting in a few months-"

Oh, and then she'll have to be in Paldea for yet another period piece. She really should stop taking those, she doesn't actually enjoy doing those.

"Speaking of, are you ready to order? I think I'll get the risotto..."

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

HAH

THEY ADDED MAGICAL GIRL TRANSFORMATIONS LMAAOOOOOOOO

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

"At 13? That's incredibly impressive! You must be very skilled. That, and have a great bond with your Pokemon. Battle is all about communication and trust at the end of the day after all." It's not like he hadn't encountered young Champions of that age before. Brendan and May were a similar age when they beat him... But it certainly was rare to hear of an acting champion that young.

"Johto Champion at 13. Held the position undefeated for a year before stepping down." Kats said nonchalantly, Spike trailing close behind. "I wouldn't be surprised if they made an age minimum for Acting Champions afterwards to have someone more willing to sit put take the position."

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

//Sorry for slow activity last few days! This place is probably gonna be more like my average once I start work again. But I will always get back to a thread. If I haven't replied to it in like 2 weeks then feel free to prod me!!

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

Steven nods in agreement. "Yes, mega evolution is definitely not something that should be used by just any trainer. It requires skill and an immense amount of trust between trainer and Pokemon. I have an Aggronite for Rhenium, but I think the idea of mega evolving makes them nervous. I wouldn't want to force them into it." When Steven received his own Mega Stone and Metagrossite, it almost felt like natural progression. It took him a while to master its' use effectively and for Beryllium to best control itself, but he didn't have half the problems that some did. Perhaps it was his close link with the Metagross that gave him that advantage.

Steven looked down the coffee list for the 'Wake Up Blend' Espresso, and managed to find it. "Ah, I see. Thank you. That would be fine I think." He put down the menu. "And don't worry... Galarian is a nightmare of a language. Then again, I've heard people say the same for Kantonese, especially when they come to Hoenn and discover there's an entire Hoennese dialect that differentiates it!"

"Mm. We've been using Mega Evolution in Kalos for centuries now. It's a suprise it's not more widely used, but I hear the trend is catching on. Though I suppose it'll need to be taught in schools to make sure people are handling it safely." She seems to relax a little, leaning back into her chair as she inspects the rest of the menu closely.

The risotto looks good..."Broad bean, pea and truffle... Interesting..." Yeah, she'll go for the risotto. She had that last time she was here. Oh, he's talking about the sundial- "Yes, it lights up once a day at eight pm. Inconvenient if you happen to be trying to do anything-" She gestures vaguely with her hands "indoors for that hour. Everything in line of the dial turns a strange shade of pink."

Uh- "Oh, the usual is expresso. That is the default here, but..." Hm, that's in Galarian. "I'm fifty percent sure I read this correctly, the "Wake Up" blend? My Galarian is only passable, forgive me."

She'll give him a while more to peruse, and then she's flagging the waiter down again. The manager promised her discretion. She doesn't want to be bothered today.

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

Beryllium and Rhenium both shared a glance hearing the Zorua's grumbles, and then looked to Steven who seemed to be hesitant. Beryllium nudged Steven with one of its' legs as if encouraging him.

Steven stumbled slightly from the nudge, but it seemed to get the message across. "Alright, alright!" he said to Beryllium before returning his attention back to Altra.

"...Training with others is one of the fastest ways to improve. Not only can trainers teach each other a lot, but Pokemon can show each other and teach each other too. And... Well. I think Beryllium and Rhenium here want to help Albert and you out."

Rhenium growled in approval. "You are determined and brave. You have so much potential Little Fur."

"And I'd be happy to help guide you too. I've helped other young trainers with their training before. I think I'd like to offer you some guidance too."

"Yeah.. that's.. honestly true. My Pokémon and I aren't super good with battling. We've only been on our own for a handful of months now. So we're still getting used to.. well.. not having a place we know all too well." It was easy to simply avoid wild Pokémon back in Celestic Town. Easy when you stayed in once place without a worry in the world.

How fast that changes...

"Huh? Oh.. no.. no we haven't. We've never trained with anyone before. Most people are way beyond our strength so not like we could learn anything anyway." There was really no reason to just throw his Pokémon at what amounted to a 'wall' and expect improvement.

And training on weaker wild Pokémon was out of the question. Stronger ones? Well.. Steven saw that exact scenario play out. And they weren't even looking for a fight. The Pokémon was just very aggressive.

'As if anyone would waste time on a homeless trainer just trying to figure out his place in the world anyway. It's why we're on our own as it is.' Albert grumbled in Altra's arms.

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

Steven sits when she invites him too, quietly saying thank you as he does. He picks up the menu to have a look through, but is quickly distracted by Diantha's questions. "Oh! I'm here for a mix of things really. Partially Devon Corporation Business, but I'm also spending some time doing personal research into Mega Evolution. The sundial is wonderful, though nobody's given me that advice before, so thanks. I'll make sure to be careful!"

He looks down at the menu again, trying to decipher what it says. "Yes, I think I'm alright. The reading part is a little easier for me than the speaking. I've had more practise at reading than conversation unfortunately. Means I can enjoy some good reads though."

What to have, what to have... There was a lot of choice, and all of it sounded quite wonderful. A fish dish perhaps... Huntail was always quite a treat. And then the drinks. Well. Actually that part was easy.

"I'll have tonic water with my main meal, but I'd quite like an after meal coffee. Do you recommend any particular blend?"

"Oh, do not worry. You are forgiven. Siebold recommended this place to me a few months ago- sit, do sit." That's... Not quite how to pronounce her surname, but she doesn't really want to correct him on something so small.

A waitress appears to spawn from thin air and places two menus on their table, and promptly vanishes again. "I assume you're here for the Anistar sundial too? Or the shops on Vernal avenue? Or is it just business that brings you here?" Diantha pauses, once more. How much else does she know about this man? Anything else she can draw on to make conversation?

"Oh, but if you do visit Anistar I should warn you to not look directly at the sundial at certain hours of the day. I grew up there, see? Worked at a awful tourist trap near the sundial - and the gym - as a teen. Everyone makes that mistake once."

She pauses briefly to peruse the menu. Siebold recommended she try the tartare for a starter... She supposes she needs to branch her tastes out a little. Enough living off soup and pasta. "I shall assume you can read Kalosi enough to understand the menu, or do you need a hand? Your accent and speech are very good, but, as you know..." She only pretends to have fluent Galarian. It is not her fault, the language is totally indecipherable. "Anyone may struggle with a language that is not their mother tongue."

Hm. Do they have anything sweet in the drinks menu? Would it be childish for her to just order lemonade?

[the-wandering-rock-collector]

@heavenly-mireille continued from here

A business trip to Kalos was one of the few business trips that Steven actually appreciated. The fact it was the birthplace of Mega Evolution, that beautiful crystal at the center of Lumoise City, the food, the caves.... He was very much fond of it all. Whenever he had to go over for business reasons he'd always be actively planning how to get the most out of the trip. Could he get away with linking something he'd wanted to do with the boring business side? Or could he perhaps justify an extra few days away as time for himself. Or as he put it, "doing research." This was one of those business trips where he had managed the latter. He'd been spending this time researching Mega Evolution, one of his favourite study topics.

He didn't intend to necessarily visit this restaurant. He'd just gone walking through the city to find somewhere that looked like an interesting place to eat. The hustle and bustle at this restaurant had intrigued him, and when he was told there was one more seat, he felt lucky as a ducklett. Thank goodness his 'casual' was a custom suit.

Sitting with a stranger was not ideal, but they were in Lumoise. He was less likely to be recognised. When he saw Diantha stand to greet him, he felt a pang of guilt. She was an actor and a Champion, right? She had probably wanted some time alone.

"Ah, Miss Carnet. I didn't expect to bump into you. Je suis désolée." The frequent trips and an expensive education had meant he'd been made to learn his fair share of Kalosian. He could do basic conversation, which meant he could explain his presence here in it at the very least. "I'm on.... a business trip. I have some uh. Free time. So I looked for somewhere to eat and ended up here." Though he didn't speak fast, it wasn't too bad.