The Truth Behind the Champion (A Steven Stone fanfic)

Chapter Fourteen

I now remember why I hated that small trip to Dewford..... This was worse than that though, I had finally managed to best the psychic gym leader, which I could swear can read minds. One more, I thought. The only problem with this gym leader.....

Juan. The top coordinator and water gym leader. My best friends mentor and ass who managed to drive me up a wall when I talked to him.... Juan.

I had managed to survive almost a week at sea, and since I hate boats that was saying something about this trip. I sighed and looked out from the bow of the ship, one more.

'The city of Sootopolis, known for being the only city inside a dormant volcano. The gym is surrounded in water, which suits the water type gym that has stood ad the eight gym for over a hundred years' I looked up from the guide to see the white walls of the volcano come into sight.

"This is going to be one of my hardest battles" I muttered to no one.

*****

The first thing I did when I docked in this god awful city, was go to the pokemon center to refresh from the long trip and call Wallace.

"So where are you now?" He questioned over the phone.

I fake smiled "I am back in Rustboro, how about you?"

He laughed "I may or may not have gotten a break and decided to visit Winona" he scratched is head. "How many badges are you up to now anyway?" He changed the subject.

I had not told him I was in Sootopolis to challenge his master yet, and I definitely did not want him anywhere near me when I take him on. Nothing against Wallace but I knew he would upset my fighting demeanor.

"Well" I paused "I have decided to take a break from battling and check out Granite Cave some more" I lied.

"Steven. Really?" He questioned.

"Hey listen, I do not want to ruin your day off by having to spend it talking to me. Hey call me once you return to Sootopolis. We can plan to see each other soon" I smiled at the tiny screen.

"I can't wait to see your face when you see my home town! I know how much you hate traveling on boats. I want to see how you handle that!" He mocked.

Too late buddy, it was not pretty and I am glad you will never see it. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I bet you can not wait to see that one" I muttered.

"Well I can tell I'm taking you away from your beloved cave. I'll call you, like you said, when I return home" he waved and hung up.

I took a deep breath, hung up the phone, and prepared for my final gym battle.

When I walked into the gym, Juan was conversing with the referee.

He turned to look at me with his bright piercing blue eyes I remembered.

"Ah Steven, I hate to tell you, but Wallace isn't here" he informed.

I put on my well known, son of a major business man, cold feeling, mask.

"I know. Actually sir, I am here to see you" I replied.

He waves off the referee and with long strides walked up to me. "Really and what do I owe the honor of being graced by Steven Stone?" He mocked.

"I have changed since the last time you saw me" I informed.

"I can see that. You have a spark in your eyes I've never seen before, oh and I have to say the suit is a good touch"

I looked down at my dark black suit, I had changed since the last time he or Wallace had seen me. The black suit with a dark purple zigzag pattern, steel rings on my right hand, a silver band on each arm, and my normal unruly silver hair, I could see how I have changed since he saw me as the wounded child.