Chapter Text
Steven hums as he sets up camp for the night and ensures that all of his Pokemon are well cared for, that also meant making sure that they all were fed and well cared for, considering their latest trip into the caves earlier had certainly been something. Finding quite a few gems was certainly a bonus, but finding no Evolution Stones was a bit of a bummer.
But it wasn’t that surprisingly considering how seemingly rare it is to find any in the first place.
He just likes finding any, mostly to add to his collections or keep on hand if any of his friends ever needed it. It wouldn’t be such a bad thing to give it to others, after all, it’s really not that easy to find any and there’s people that may need it, so long as they have a good reason of course. He wouldn’t just give things away so easily after all.
Unless, of course, he sees promising potential in them, but that is often rare and doesn’t occur that often, save for the occasional chances, but again, doesn’t happen that often, which is a shame, then again, every region has their specific age requirements for becoming Trainers.
Of course, the biggest thing he has to make sure is well taken care of, is ensuring that the Beldum he has with him are well loved and fed properly. He can’t just leave these little ones alone too often, otherwise he’s very sure would get in trouble. Wouldn’t be the first time it happens and quite frankly, he really doesn’t want to lose track of any of them.
The last time he did, he had to make sure they didn’t completely throw off the ecosystem or eat all the minerals that’s around. Let alone prey on a poor unfortunate Pokemon that happens to fit their diet.
He learns to not question it years ago, but still, he has to make sure none of them get into any trouble. There’s plenty of reasons why he had the Beldum be a protected species and kept under very careful watch. He’s just glad and very lucky that they could still eat berries and other Pokemon safe food.
Raising a Beldum is not a very easy task and he knows it very well, but it’s worth it considering he has Metagross by his side. Quite powerful, yes, but also great for being either on the defense or offense, which fits him just fine.
Of course, he’ll get his Champion title back from Wallace when he feels ready, but for now, he’ll simply just enjoy his time out on a journey without the title of Champion following him around for awhile and simply just, be himself for the time being. Although, he does feel a bit bad that he left all the Champions work to Wallace until then, but he hopes he would be fine with it.
It wouldn't be the first time they had passed the title of Champion between them both, sometimes, he’s pretty sure everyone in the League gave up on figuring out who is the current Champion of Hoenn and made them both the Champion, with one being the official and the other not. It changes constantly that Steven is very sure he wouldn’t be surprised that people have actually forgotten he’s the Champion.
He did a good job at hiding, as most would say.
Although he did hear from the Hoenn Elite Four that he and Wallace might as well be like Groudon and Kyogre, it wouldn't be that surprising, but still somehow makes some sense.
Well, there was that time where Sidney and Phoebe just teased and joked that they should just get married and become the Hoenn region Champion Couple.
Quite frankly? He’s not sure if they were joking or being serious when they say that.
At least, to them anyways, he still wasn’t entirely sure what they meant, Groudon and Kyogre have been slumbering for a very long time and quite frankly, Steven does hope they don’t wake up and throw a tantrum. It really wouldn’t bode well for the Hoenn region.
Well, as long as everyone knows to contact him under dire emergency, he would continue to enjoy his own journey.
By that, he meant he’s going to find more minerals and stone and hopefully discover all sorts of things he could never properly discover as a normal civilian and not just as the Heir to Devon Corp. or as the Champion of Hoenn. He knows he could still do his hobby as a Champion, but please, he really just wants his own privacy and does his own self discovery journey every once in a while.
He’s a living being too, after all. Not just someone to respect and worship.
And quite frankly? He’s actually pretty terrified of his fans and stalkers.
Although, quite honestly, it took a lot of convincing for him to get Wallace to even accept his share of the work and to let him go on his own journey for a while. He wasn’t sure just when or why, but lately, he has noticed that Wallace has been unusually clingy to him. Enough that it made him wonder if something had happened and Wallace was keeping him within his sight and holding his hand consistently.
Almost as if he was reassuring himself that he was still here and nothing had happened to him.
Steven sighs as he shakes his head a bit, thinking too deeply about his choice to leave the Hoenn region for awhile and his concerns for Wallace reluctance, even if he asked the others to contact him for emergency, he had also wanted to keep in touch, but it’s pretty difficult due to their own work, along with the time difference…and the fact that Steven is usually in the caves most of the time. It would be a miracle if he actually found the time to even charge his phone.
Let alone actually pick up his PokeNav.
Well, the PokeNav is still having some tests being done despite how successful it is in the Hoenn Region, it has only recently got the call function. Although, quite frankly, he’s very sure the idea of the call function started because his Father got worried about him constantly disappearing without a word pretty often. Let alone the fact that he also doesn’t tell anyone where he went either.
It also helps that it works with all the other Poke devices in other regions, considering the majority of the time, it’s exclusive to that said region anyways. So yes, this is also a very useful communication device, but the Navigation system still needs some testing.
Specifically, in a different region besides Hoenn and it’s his job to find some promising Trainers to test it out.
Which is harder than it sounds, he hasn’t found any promising Trainer and he has been spending majority of his time exploring caves and promising places he doesn’t get the chance to visit often without his Fans finding out majority of the time.
Although, it would probably be better off if he could find a good Trainer to test it, he may be testing it himself, but it’s mostly just utilizing the map, checking on the status of his Pokemon to ensure they’re fine and as communication. While thinking about it, the last time he had let Wallace borrow his PokeNav and give it a test, he pointed out that it also would work great in keeping track of their records for official things, like contests and tournaments.
He wasn’t entirely sure how accurate that was, but he supposed it would be a good idea to keep track of it. PokeDex may be great for a trainer's ID, but there’s only so much one could do with it after all. Besides, of course, scanning and discovering Pokemon to add to their system database.
Well, for the time being, he should stop thinking so deeply and just enjoy the calm night with his Pokemon—
Steven immediately yelped when he heard his PokeNav sudden ring, he quickly took it out of his pocket– after glaring at the snickering he heard from his Pokemon and answered the PokeNav, thinking it was one of his friends, or it’s an important call or even his Father!...
He has a small bit of doubt that it would be his Father calling, he knows for a fact that his Father has been far too busy to even call him anymore, save for at least texting him the typical Good morning, how you doing and Good night.
He kinda wished he would talk to him more, but there wasn’t much he could do about his Father's busy schedule. Granted, he’s one to talk when he’s usually unavailable by being in caves or in a different timezone entirely.
Wait, what was he doing again? Ah, right, he should answer his PokeNav and figure out who is calling and why.
Searching through his bag, he eventually found his PokeNav and quickly answered the call– only to be both surprised and confused at the sight of a young child that looked like they had been through a lot. He wasn’t the only one who seems just as confused as the child seems equally as confused as he is.
“Excuse me, but who is this?” Steven questioned, seemingly confused, the child frowned, really not sure what to do in this awkward situation and quite frankly, even Steven wasn’t sure what to do or say in this situation. Not only that, but he’s really concerned by the sight of this child looking like they just went through some sort of unfortunate event.
:I'm sorry for uh, calling you, Mister? I was trying to call my mom, but must have somehow called you instead, probably still out from everything that happened…: The child admittedly, wincing quite a few times, almost as if as though they were in pain, considering that Steven could clearly see there’s some bruises and even some bandages, indicating that they had some injuries, it makes him feel bad about ending this call.
Before he could reassure the kid that it's fine, the child answers instead.
:I’m really sorry for interrupting your day–:
Steven shakes his head. “Hold on kid, I know you shouldn’t technically be talking to a stranger, especially over a call like this, but you look like you need someone to talk to and it would bother me if I didn’t at least make sure you are okay at the very least.” Steven interrupted, stunning the kid, almost as if as though he didn’t expect a random stranger to be concerned about them, which, quite frankly, didn’t settle right with him.
Why would the kid look so stunned at being asked something as simple as asking if they were okay?
:Um– are you sure mister? I don’t think there’s much need to worry about someone like me, it’s normal for new trainers to get into some scuffles–: The Kid rambled off– Steven just quietly sigh, they really didn’t like how they just sounded deprecating, yes it’s true that new trainers get into some scuffles, but the way he can see that the kid looks worst off, more than what should have been safe considering the first route from the Professor to the next nearest Town is usually safe.
Safe enough that there shouldn’t have been any reasons to get into any scuffles that required injuries that needed a lot of bandaging.
Clearly, something is wrong and it didn’t seem right for him to let the kid go so soon. Well, he just didn’t like how defeated and upset the kid looked, especially since they’re a new trainer.
Steven, of course, waves his hand in a gesture of ‘it’s alright’. “It’s fine kid…uh, first off, one of the number one rules about the internet is don’t tell strangers your name until you're sure they’re trusted, so is there a nickname you want me to call you by or are you okay if I keep calling you kid?” Steven questions, then looks away to pick up Aron who seems curious about what’s going on, missing the look of curiosity and astonishment from the kid.
“Well, technically speaking, we shouldn’t even be speaking at all, but I just felt bad on ending the call when you look so upset and figured a simple conversation would help ease your mind off of whatever happened.” Steven then admitted with a wince, which quite frankly, he really shouldn’t be doing, but what could he say?
It would make him feel bad and he really doesn’t know what to do with such a feeling anyways.
:..You can call me Satoshi, it’s…a name no one has called me anymore, besides my mom, but I think even she had forgotten after everyone started calling me by my middle name, which counts as my nickname.: The kid, Satoshi, admitted nervously, which left Steven surprised. He had expected something simpler or an actual nickname, but their given name?
He wasn’t sure if he should be honored or concerned by their choice.
He chose being concerned, he doesn’t have all the context about why that’s the case quite yet. In fact, he expected the kid, Satoshi, to not tell him a name and just keep referring to them as a kid, that way they wouldn't grow attached.
“...Well, as shocked as I am to hear that, I still stand by the internet safety rule I told you, so I won’t give you my name, but you could just call me Mineral in the meantime.” Steven internally winced, he wasn't sure why he chose that as a temporary name, but it wouldn't be too bad considering, well, he does collect minerals that he finds of interest. Not often, but it does happen on occasion.
Aron then got really curious and tried to get out of Steven's grip to see who it is they're talking to much, not to his exasperation as Steven tried to keep Aron from covering the screen. No matter how much Aron tries, let alone give him the baby doll eyes, he still won't let them win. But they both did end up surprised to hear the sound of giggling from the kid.
Steven and Aron looked at each other, silently having a conversation, before agreeing that it would be fine.
“Hey Satoshi, want to meet some of my pokemon? A bit difficult, but still, offer stands unless you want to chat about how our days have been.” Steven asked with a shrug, smiling when he saw the bright smile on Satoshi's face.
:Really!? I had never seen that pokemon before! What type of pokemon do you have??: Satoshi asked with a seemingly animated excitement meant for children of his age to hold onto for as long as possible, Steven smiled.
He may not know what's going on with the kid or why they seem so upset, but as long as they're happy, well, he would make this rare moment count. After all, it seems like this kid has no idea who he is and he likes it that way, just, talking to someone not as a Champion or Heir to Devon Co. But as a normal rock collector.
Well, he'll tell them eventually, but for now, he'll handle this rare chance with joy.
They both talked for awhile, well, mostly Steven was telling Satoshi about his pokemons, a bit about the Hoenn Region and the gems and rocks he had found recently on his latest cave exploring. Although, he's pretty sure that Satoshi is more interested in his adventures, which is fine by him.
However, to his surprise, Satoshi did explained why he had seemed so upset, safe to say, he was very glad he wasn't there, otherwise he would have hugged the kid, then marched over to Prof. Oak and punched him.
Well, at least he knows he’s in the Kanto region considering he got his pokemon from Prof. Oak, but that still didn’t settle right with him at the moment.
But he's still not sure that what he heard is true, but it definitely is considering the kid in front of him is telling the story and has evidence, it’s definitely true.
From waking up late, being bullied by his former best friend, getting a Pikachu instead of a typical starter cause there wasn't anymore–
Steven is pretty sure that's not legal considering every professor should have made sure to hand out the proper amount of starters, no matter how many trainers there are starting out, there’s always a starter waiting for them or at the very least, a properly trained pokemon that could go with them. There’s a very good reason why there’s a law about why no Professor is meant to give a new trainer an untrained pokemon, let alone a very recently caught one that shows any signs of being aggressive.
To think he would learn that Prof. Oak giving a rookie trainer like Satoshi a newly caught Pikachu is absolutely shocking.
Just why did he do that?
Thankfully, one of the apparent former and retired trainers that lives in the town helped Satoshi with getting along with Pikachu before they went off their journey. Steven respects that person for having common sense. It did help Satoshi and Pikachu avoid any trouble, like Satoshi respecting Pikachu boundaries about not wanting to be in a Pokeball and what not.
Basic things that should have been taught, but apparently it was either ignored, the kids are too prideful or they weren’t taught at all.
Steven got more respect for the former and retired trainers that live in the town that cares a lot about Satoshi to teach them as much as they could so he wouldn’t be entirely clueless on his journey. Dunno about the others though, based on what he learns, doesn’t sound that pleasant. Just hearing about the place bothers him and he wasn’t sure how or why.
What surprised him further was to learn about a Spearow flock led by a Fearow causing pure havoc and attacking them– which, in hindsight, he’s starting to understand why Lance always told all of them to be very careful about the wild Spearow and Fearow when they’re visiting Kanto. He may not have witnessed it, but hearing it makes him wince in sympathy.
It didn’t help that Satoshi and Pikachu had nothing to do with the Spearow and Fearow attacking them, something must have happened and they just blamed them both upon seeing them. He would have to talk to Lance about doing something considering this is Route One! It shouldn’t be dangerous at all!
And then Satoshi and Pikachu fell off the cliff while running, somehow encountered a Gyrados of all Pokemon in a river at Route one– unfortunately, it wasn’t friendly, but thankfully, Satoshi did manage to stay clear of them– just barely. He’s still going to call Lance to deal with that regardless.
He questioned Satoshi's choice to steal a girl bike, true it’s for Pikachu, but still.
Oh, that wasn’t the end of it, apparently the Pikachu got struck by lightning– really dangerous for both the Pokemon themselves and for anyone around them by the way! And used the extra power to struck the entire flock of Spearows and Fearows, both barely survived that encountered but is still badly injured, apparently see a Legendary Pokemon–
Yes.
That’s right.
Steven can’t believe that Satoshi met a Legendary Pokemon, Ho-Oh and even gained one of their feathers, on the first day of their journey no less!
And then they got to where they are now, with Satoshi barely making it to Viridian City with Officer Jenny offering to help them get to the Pokemon Center for medical attention.
Steven at least now understands why the kid looks miserable, but he can also kinda understand why he was so reluctant to call Prof. Oak in the first in regards to seeing Ho-Oh, which he did explain to him about and considered it a miracle, but still. Well, he was going to call his mom, but he ended up calling him instead, which is fine.
Not.
“Satoshi, I think it’s best you call your Mother before you turn in for the night and make sure she knows you're safe and well in Viridian City Poke Center.” Steven pointed out with concern, even the Beldum that’s floating next to him nodded in agreement, well, even Steven assumes they agree, he’s not entirely sure honestly. Satoshi simply just smiled in response, however, before he could answer, an explosion was heard in the background, throwing him off.
Frowning and concerned, Steven asked what was happening.
:I’m not sure– I’ll have to call you back Mineral.: Before Steven could even say anything else, Satoshi quickly ended the call, leaving Steven and his Pokemons stunned.
And then it was chaos.
None of the Pokemons knew what was going on, nor did they know if the kid they just met via a video call was okay. Even though Steven wasn’t sure what to do or think, he certainly can’t get to Kanto at all. Well, it’s possible with Metagross using teleport, but he can’t just blindly use it without actually knowing where to go exactly.
So they started waiting, however long it takes, they give it about thirty minutes before they start panicking for sure, afterall, all they know it could just be that girl coming after Satoshi for stealing her bike! Which, quite frankly, yikes, but still, better than the worst alternative. So Steven calms them all down, hoping it’s nothing bad, after all, it’s just the first day! The worst should have been over!
Not like some criminals are going to show up or anything, right?
Satoshi hadn’t called after the thirty minutes were up and Steven was getting more and more worried.
So he does the next best thing.
He starts spamming Lance DMs.
[ Dratini Babysitter (Lance Blackthorn) & Rock Collector (Steven Stone) DMs ]
Rock Collector: LANCE
Rock Collector: LANCE
Rock Collector: LANCE
Dratini Babysitter is online
Dratini Babysitter: First off, why are you spamming my phone
Dratini Babysitter: Second, WHAT DO YOU WANT???????
Rock Collector: Wow, your grouchy
Dratini Babysitter: You would be grouchy too if you get a report of a pokemon center getting its roof blown up in the middle of the night
Rock Collector: Wait
Rock Collector : WHAT?
Rock Collector: WHAT HAPPENED???????
Dratini Babysitter: Why do you want to know?
Rock Collector: Lance
Rock Collector : I know someone at a Pokemon center and I am very worried
Dratini Babysitter: Okay…but what does this have to do with the one that blew up and got the report about…10 minutes ago?
Rock Collector: I have only known this kid for about an hour and if anything happened to them, I won’t hesitate to find a way to destroy the cause of that event, then go after the region, then world out of spite and then myself
Dratini Babysitter: That’s…
Dratini Babysitter: Steven, I think that’s too crazy, even I wouldn’t do something like that and I was an absolute menace to several very powerful Pokemon, just enough that they had to literally ground me for a year or two
Dratini Babysitter : How are you sure the kid you know at the Pokemon Center is the same one that I got a report about that blew up?
Rock Collector: It’s Viridian City Pokemon Center and the Kid has a Pikachu
Dratini Babysitter: . . .
Dratini Babysitter: What the actual fuck Steven?!
Dratini Babysitter: How did you know about that????????
Rock Collector: So, will you tell me now?
Dratini Babysitter: Fine fine
Dratini Babysitter: Admittedly, I only gotten the report recently, but the Viridian Pokemon Center was destroyed during a clash between a trainer, a young gym leader (currently qualified to do 1-2 badges level battle), the Viridian Nurse Joy and Team Rocket
Rock Collector: Team Rocket?!
Dratini Babysitter: Calm down, as mentioned before, when Team Rocket appeared, it blew a hole in the roof, but from what Nurse Joy wrote in the report, she said that a Trainer that was staying there with their injured Pikachu helped with dealing with them– despite how dangerous it was, then there was the Gym Leader, the youngest of four from Cerulean Gym who helped, while Nurse Joy made sure to get all the injured pokemon transfer to a different Pokemon Center while providing support for them
Dratini Babysitter: Somehow, by some crazy act of the world, the Trainer Pikachu, despite their injuries, but has recovered well enough to fight back, actually caused the Rockets to get blasted off AND destroy the Viridian City Pokemon center
Rock Collector: That's, uh, wow that's definitely insane
Dratini Babysitter: It really is honestly, it's even crazier that they're a rookie trainer who barely started their journey, by that I mean it hasn't been a full 24 hours
Rock Collector: I know that, the Kid told me and everything, also, I want to report some stuff that kid told me that bothers me
Dratini Babysitter: not going to ask me what their name is?
Rock Collector: Privacy exist for a reason
Dratini Babysitter : Good, I would be concerned if you asked for their identity, so what is it you want to report to me specifically?
Rock Collector: See, ironically enough, that kid told me about it
Dratini Babysitter: … I have a feeling that they're going to have a file cabinet dedicated to what they're doing now
Rock Collector: I can't deny the fact that it might be true, so, short or long story?
Dratini Babysitter : Short, it's still really late and I have stuff to do for the Viridian Pokemon Center
Rock Collector: Prof. Oak gave the kid that Pikachu he caught barely an hour before the kid showed up to be a Trainer, said kid got chased by a flock of Spearow being led by a Fearow, a Gyarados was spotted in the river along Route one, kid also saw Ho-Oh (why was it in Kanto????) And even got a feather from them
Dratini Babysitter: . . .
Dratini Babysitter: What the actual fuck, Steven.
Dratini Babysitter: You know what, I don’t care
Rock Collector: Lance…
Dratini Babysitter: Wataru.
Rock Collector: Huh?
Dratini Babysitter: My real name is Wataru.
Rock Collector: It’s not Lance Blackthorn?
Rock Collector : Also, why the heck are you telling me this now all of a sudden?
Dratini Babysitter : Hard to explain, maybe one day I would, but no, my real name is Wataru, but I am named Lance Blackthorn legally if your curious
Rock Collector: What is this? Some sort of Lore dump???????
Rock Collector: I have no hope in understanding
Dratini Babysitter: All will be explained one day, probably
Rock Collector: . . .
Rock Collector renamed Dratini Babysitter to Wataru
Wataru: . . .
Wataru: This doesn’t fit with my Cape wearing Dratini Profile Picture
Rock Collector: Deal with it, besides, you have work to do
Wataru: . . .
Wataru: Just, don’t take my trust in you knowing my name for Granted
Rock Collector: I won’t, I’m just confused on why you even told me at all
Wataru : Good, now, I’m gonna go get this mess sorted out, don’t worry about the Kid, I can verify he’s safe in the Hotel for the Night and such
Rock Collector: Thank you, I’ll tell my Pokemon the kid is safe and head to bed
Wataru: Understandable, goodnight Steven
Rock Collector: Goodnight, Wataru
Lance stared at his phone, unsure what to say or do about what he had learned from Steven, he hadn’t expected for his fellow Eastern Champion to be concerned over a child, but after that…interesting conversation, per say, he had come to learn quite a few things. Things he hadn’t even expected.
He’s still not sure just what possessed him to tell Steven his original name, a name he hadn’t used since…
He shakes his head, he shouldn’t be thinking too deeply on his past, one that no longer exists.
Yet at the same time, he can’t help, but feel like there’s more to the Kid than meets the eye. He wasn’t sure why he had thought such a thing, but whatever is going on, it’s clearly important. Important enough it makes him feel a sense of fear for the world. Like there’s a disaster that will inevitably happen, he wasn’t sure what to make of such feelings.
He hadn’t felt such a fear since–
He shakes his head, there’s no point in questioning it anymore than he needs to.
He needs to get these paperwork done, pay some sort of reparations to the Trainer that had unfortunately been swept into that mess with Team Rocket, which he can’t help, but find very annoying. He’s still trying to get rid of them, but at the same time, it’s really difficult considering they operate in two regions. Both are which he’s doing a lot of work for as the Indigo Champion.
Unfortunately.
Sometimes, he questioned why he chose to be a Champion, but he supposes it’s a fair punishment, in a way. Better than being grounded and unable to leave, it gets really lonely when no one really visits.
In the end, he sorely hopes that nothing too terrible happens…
Wait a damn moment.
Steven said this kid encountered a flock of Spearow with a Fearow, a Gyrados and Ho-Oh.
Lance quickly went back to DMs and texted Steven again about this very concerning matter.
[ Wataru (Lance Blackthorn) & Rock Collector (Steven Stone) DMs ]
Wataru: STEVEN
Wataru: WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE’S A FLOCK OF SPEAROW AND A GYRADOS AT ROUTE 1?
Rock Collector: I was about to sleep, but okay
Rock Collector: It is exactly as I said, the source? That kid that blew up Viridian Pokemon Center and had to deal with Team Rocket
Rock Collector: Considering your screaming in text, it’s super bad?
Wataru : Steven
Wataru: There isn’t a flock of Spearow in Route 1, let alone close to Pallet Town where it’s situated at, it’s more commonly found much deeper into the forest and FAR from both the town and the area isn’t far from Viridian which isn’t that far from the Indigo League, the only reason it could be there is if someone deliberately brought it there, what happened to cause them to attack the kid?
Rock Collector: It suddenly attacked him and his Pikachu when they weren’t even doing anything besides getting to know one another and trying to make sure they were prepared what’s ahead
Rock Collector: Is it really that bad if someone deliberately put them there?
Wataru : Steven, the Spearows and Fearows traumatized this entire regions for generations until the International League Association was formed
Rock Collector: Oh.
Rock Collector: I didn’t know that
Rock Collector: What about the Gyrados?
Wataru: I’m going to check out the area to figure out why there was one in the area in the first place, it’s a bit unusual honestly, Gyrarodos don’t using use the Rivers to travel that often unless it’s lost or has a set destination it’s searching for
Wataru: but considering you told me it wasn’t nice, I still need to check it out anyways, it’s also weird that it would be around Route 1 in the first place
Rock Collector: Good point
Wataru: As for Ho-Oh?
Wataru : They only appear to the pure hearted souls, but also it’s weird that it was in the Kanto region in the first place, let alone appear before a child that just started their journey
Rock Collector: Yeah, anything more about it?
Wataru: Have they never told anyone, if they get the Rainbow Wing? They have a chance to fight against Ho-Oh, but not immediately, it depends, it could be a blessing or a challenge, but considering what happened, I believe it’s more of a good luck charm cuz that kid has awful luck than anything else, no only that, they must NEVER show anyone that wing, it’s just asking to get hunted down
Rock Collector: YIKES
Rock Collector: I’ll tell them when I get the chance
Wataru: Oh and one more thing
Rock Collector: What?
Wataru: Let me know if there’s anything going on, I have this feeling your going to be involved more often
Rock Collector: Of course and also, goodnight
Wataru: Goodnight Steven
Steven sighs as he finally turns off his device for the night, he is very exhausted– well, emotionally and mentally. All the worrying for the kid he had only known for just barely an hour is quite something, he’s still even surprised that he had grown attached to the kid in the first place. Seriously, how did a wrong number call lead to the right support?
He’s not even sure.
He would have to tell the kid the truth eventually, but probably when things are a bit less hectic and their communication could be more stable, but he doubts it. He doesn’t have any reason for talking to the kid, plus he highly doubts he even could consider his own journey. He also knows for a fact that the kid doesn’t have a communication device either.
Which…in hindsight, is worrying. What if something happens and he needs to contact help?
He should suggest the kid get one or send one to him as an apology gift of some sorts.
Humming a little, he looks at his pokemon, all huddled around him, mostly to help him feel better, but also to ensure that he gets some rest after the chaos that happened. Well, it wasn’t really that much chaos on their end, but after learning that the kid is safe, well, they all settled, but they were still a bit on edge until the kid talked to them again. Which, honestly, he doubts would ever happen again.
The kid is nice, all things considering, but still. Internet safety is a thing and– wow, he wonders if any of the kids in Kanto even know basic safety, both on the internet and in real life. Which makes him still wonder why Kanto is one of the few Regions with the lowest age of independence for getting their Trainer ID. Seriously, who decided that ten years old is good and just– why?
He has, many questions about it honestly, but there wasn’t much he could do about it—
-Plop-
“Mew!”
Steven instantly screamed in surprise at the sudden appearance of Mew showing up out of nowhere in front of him– then instantly glared at the giggling feline Mythical as he carefully took some deep breaths to calm his very panicked heart.
“Okay, I get I should respect you and all, but can you please not scare the living daylights out of me? What if I was doing something and it could have been dangerous?” Steven scolded, but then paused, feeling his face heat up in a sense of embarrassment, he wasn’t seriously just scolding a Mythical Pokemon, was he? Which is, actually something he’s doing right now.
Oh dear Arceus, now this just seem impossible–
“Mew…” Mew responded dejectedly, almost as if as though they were apologizing to him for scaring him, which made Steven panic, he didn’t mean to upset Mew! Really!
Somehow, this entire situation feels crazy.
“Mew! I didn’t mean to make you feel upset or anything! I just want you to be more careful about how you approach others!” He answered, then averted his gaze with a confused frown. “Assuming you do approach others, but still!”
There was silence amongst the entire group, Steven Pokemon feel like they’re practically third wheeling this entire scene and honestly, they find it a little interesting to watch and just, don’t do anything unless needed. They all know that Mew is a playful Mythical, not one to be feared.
But as they say, even the kindest being is the scariest.
Mew stares at Steven who is metaphorically sweating bullets, then brings out a strange phone– which Steven very much questioned– and hands it over to him. Confused, Steven took it as Mew floated over and helped him set it up, unfortunately, Steven didn’t like the nickname that was also present for him. Even Mew found it hilarious and simply giggled at him, but then showed him how to change it, much to his appreciation.
Even giving them a headrub, much to their enjoyment.
So Steven lets Mew give him a name, once they are done, he looks at the name and nods in acceptance. Steel Collector isn’t that bad, probably. He’s really not that good at names honestly, so for the time being, it would be that.
There’s a reason why he has others to give him a chat name, he’s really just terrible at it.
All things considered, the strange device seems interesting, it seems to function like a normal typical communication device, but also has some familiar features he would normally see on the PokeDex and what not. Strange, but true.
It wasn’t until Mew took over, went to the settings and enabled something, did something change, unexpectedly.
“Finally! Your Arc Phone is all set up, I just enabled the universal translator– your now able to understand me and any Legendaries and Mythical as long as you have this– even counts as a locator if needed.” Mew answered proudly as they handed the Arc Phone back to a very much stunned Steven. Who just stares at them in complete, utter, surprise.
Mew tilted their head, confused.
“Steven, is something the matter?” Mew questions with a great level of concerns, it took some time, but Steven did eventually snap out of it.
“I– well– just not sure how to process all this?” He admitted weakly, Mew nodded in understanding and patted his cheek. “It’s okay Steven, oh and also, I’m not that upset, I am genuinely sorry for scaring you earlier.” Mew admitted guilt as they floated back a bit in utter guilt, Steven blinks, then gives a small, sad smile and shakes his head.
“It's alright, just remember to be more careful, but uh…I have a lot of questions.”
“I can answer as much as I can, but not a lot.”
Steven nodded, not sure what to even expect, but he figured there’s a limit to what they can tell him considering it might be stuff that no humans are meant to know quite yet. So he held up the Arc Phone, confused.
“Why did you give me this device?” He question, which is a very honest one to asked first, it’s strange and he has no idea why it’s designed like this, let alone why it seems to function similarly to a normal phone, as far as he’s aware, but seems like it was recently upgraded to have some features he knows is commonly seen in the PokeDex and in recent time with Galar joining the International League Association, the Rotom Phone.
Mew simply shrugs. “I’m not entirely sure, the Prime Mew told me to hand it to you, I assumed that Lord Arceus had planned something and wanted this device to be handed to a few humans, but that’s as far as I know.” They answered, which made Steven look at them very curiously. For one thing, what did they mean by Prime Mew?
“What do you mean ‘Prime Mew’, are you saying there’s another version of Mews and that there’s a whole lot more?” He questioned, Mew nodded in confirmation that there are, in fact, other Mews. “Prime Mew is the very first Mew to exist, me and many other Mews do not like them, they are…” Mew looks away with what seems like a cringe look on their face, it makes Steven wonder if it’s a good thing he won’t be able to meet them at all.
“They’re arrogant, I can tell you that much. Aside from that, they usually keep to themselves in the Tree of Beginning, thankfully. None of us wants to deal with her.” Steven wince, he doesn’t like how unhappy they sounded and honestly, he may not have met many that are arrogant, but he should consider himself lucky with that. He would have more or less avoided the arrogant ones and hopefully not punch one.
Hopefully.
Depends on what happened.
Wouldn’t even hesitate honestly.
“However, I do not remember exactly how many Mews there are in the world at the moment, but I can admit that there’s one for every type and the majority of us have chosen to settle in places, one for each region really.” Steven smiles, seemingly impressed, to think there were many other Mews, but for some reason, he finds that it makes sense. For someone like Mew– it must have been lonely to be alone, but at the same time, he doesn’t really know much.
He still has respect for the Legendaries and Mythicals, but…
He’s pretty sure that Kyogre and Groudon constantly fighting every once in a while made him more exasperated than anything else. Seriously, why do they constantly bicker? What are they even arguing about in the first place?
“What type of Mew are you then? If you go off by Region and Type, I mean, but you're welcome to not tell me, I don’t really mind it all too much.” Steven waved off, much to Mew amusement.
“You're a very interesting Human, well respected too, but that’s why I like you the most out of all the Champions.” Mew admitted, much to Steven's confusion. “What do you mean? You make it sound like you watched us or something?”
Mew shakes their head. “Not really, I just know whenever I visit from time to time, but it’s funny, I settled in Hoenn with another Mew that happens to like the place too, I didn’t have a favorite type until I met you and found Steel to be interesting, so that would make me…The Hoenn Mew who favors Steel.” Steven's jaw dropped, then instantly started squealing, much to everyone's surprise.
He then started gushing about what they find interesting about Steel types and if they have a favorite Steel type pokemon.
Mew just giggled and answered, they too were interested in answering, although they did have to put it off for a different time, there were a few more questions Steven wanted to answer being they all head to sleep and Mew would leave to do their own things.
“Alright, next question, I noticed on the Arc phone that there’s a contact list and majority of the numbers listed aren’t available, not even their names are visible yet and that there’s a group chat, but it seems like only me and two others are available.” Steven pointed out, Mew frowned upon hearing that and looked at the communication app and– sure enough, he was right. It was all unavailable.
Save for two numbers.
“I’ll admit, Prime Mew didn’t tell us much, and I assume your answers would be given upon using this, but seeing as the group chat is mostly empty save for you and two others is strange, maybe it has to do with not all the important people that need this device have it yet?” Mew questioned unsure with a shrug, Steven hums, then shrugged as well. Guess they both would have to find out later, probably at a more reasonable time honestly, it’s still pretty late all things considering.
Steven hums, they weren’t wrong, but the names were interesting.
The Chosen One and The Dragon Lord.
It seems as though The Chosen One is offline at the moment, so perhaps they’re unavailable until the rest of the contacts are available and their names are revealed before they learned anymore about these unusual circumstances.
But The Dragon Lord?
They’re online.
Steven suddenly smiles, Mew stares at them, they both stare at each other for a while, before nodding agreement. Nothing like causing mischief by being annoying out of curiosity. No point in using DMs when the Group chat is right there after all.
[ Legendary Support Chat ]
Steel Collector: Hello????
Steel Collector: Anyone else here?
Steel Collector: I won’t hesitate to be a menace
Dragon Lord : Steven, what the heck
Steel Collector: wait
Steel Collector: Lance??????????
Dragon Lord: Please for Arceus sake
Dragon Lord: GO TO BED
Steel Collector: But…
Dragon Lord: No one is awake but us, Arceus apparently DM me and told me that this group chat would be available once everyone got the Arc phone, get it ready for use and THEN they will explain what is going on
Steel Collector: . . .
Steel Collector: That’s convenient
Dragon Lord: Yes, now
Dragon Lord: GO TO BED BEFORE I FIND YOU
Steel Collector: Sorry…
Steven and Mew stare at the messages from the group chat, then each other, a silent agreement was made as Steven turned off the Arc phone and put it away, settling himself for bed with the others. Mew following, much to Steven's confusion.
“You don’t mind me tagging along?” Mew asked innocently, Steven stared at them.
“Sure, as long as you warn me about any tricks, you're welcome to tag along.” Steven smiled as he saw Mew cheer excitedly before they all settled for bed. It was very late and they all were tired. After all, they might as well get the rest they can get now before chaos starts, they have a feeling that from this day forward–
There won’t be a single bit of normalcy left for them to have anymore, which is totally fine with him really.
Sorta.