The Truth Behind the Champion (A Steven Stone fanfic)

Chapter Sixteen

Why did I agree to do this, I thought as a rode my Metagross to the city of Lavarige, the good news was that with the time it took to fly over I managed to get some sleep and wear off the damn hangover. I yawned lazily as Metagross touched the ground, seeing as drinking and parties make my life a living hell.

Lavarige was exactly as I remembered it, hot and one of the most calm cities in the region. Fire type pokemon idly sat near the hot springs soaking up the warmth, many of them simply passing through.

"Ah Mr. Moore!" I greeted the elderly man standing outside the brown roofed gym. Unlike the last time I met him, he wore a bright blue floral shirt and brown shorts.

He waved at me and smiled "Ah Steven! It's good to see you again!" He looked at my outfit "You my friend must be burning up, in that suit and all, why don't we go into the gym. I was hoping you could help me check on my granddaughter." He ushered me into the gym.

Which had been remodeled since I was last in it, now the room had three burning torches, a bright, cleaned gym floor, and a exuberant young woman cleaning the massive statue at the front of the gym.

"You see Steven, this is my granddaughter Flannery" Mr. Moore introduced.

She stood up and smiled at me, this was the first time I got a decent look at her. She wore a black tank top with the fire type symbol in bright red, long baggy blue jeans. She had bright red hair pinned up in a way that reminded me of a maple leaf, four large sections, two going the same way,with two long strands of hair flowing down her shoulders. I could easily tell just by her eyes she was a fire type battler, simply by the passion in her bright red eyes. "Hi! It's nice to meet you, are you one of my grandfather's friends?" She asked as she held out her hand.

"Actually I challenged your grandfather back in the day so I guess you could call us friends"

"I was wondering if you could give her a little advice on being a gym leader actually." he leaned closer to my ear and whispered "She won't listen to what I have to say."

"Grandpa!" Flannery whined.

"Do not worry, I am new at what I do as well." I informed.

"Really?" Flannery questioned. I saw a small spark in her eyes, like meeting someone who was new at this like her gave her someone to relate to.

"Yes, I was recently given a position of power, like you. So if you need anything, I would like to help anyway I can."

"Actually, I was wondering, you said you beat my grandfather. Would you mind battling me?"

She reminded me, for some reason, of Wallace as she gave me a pleading look. I cast a knowing glace to Mr. Moore. "I would not mind, it might get my mind off of the mess I have had to deal with recently."

She smiled excitedly, she bounced to the center of the gym, almost like someone gave her a small shock she jumped a little.

"I'm sooooo sorry, I forgot to ask your name."

I laughed at the younger woman "Steven."

As I said my name she seemed to realize who I am. "You're the new champion." She pointed out.

"Why yes I am, Steven Stone at your service." I smiled at her.

Flannery looked between her grandfather and me. "You're old friends with the champion? Why is it that you never tell me these things?"

"Because Steven and I are merely coworkers and you never seemed to like my stories before!"

"Thank you Mr. Moore, here I thought we had a decent." I paused. "I thought we were." Another pause. "Coworkers. But the kind where I look up to you."