Disclaimer: I, not being Japanese, obviously do not own Pokemon. Why would I be here if I owned a multimillion dollar corporation?

I wanted to send a special shout-out to a certain reviewer who left a good and solid review, that now I feel guilt about being away for so long. See, I've been dealing with a whole bunch of issues involving some rather... personal stuff? So I'm terribly apologetic about being away, but I mean, stuff happens. I could understand any anger. Lest to be sure, I'm not always going to update on a basis, but I will always try.

So thank you to all who will remain loyal! Onto the story!

Exhaustion. Absolute exhaustion fell over my body as I shuffled slowly toward the welcoming couch. In my arms, Cyndaquil snuggled into my chest, already fast asleep. His soft breath came out in light bursts, tickling my arms. We'd done a lot of training after equipping the Evolite. First, we did a brief exploration of Dark Cave. After battling a few ravenous and oddly angry Zubat, we left the cave and began to practice Ember.

Unfortunately, even after the training, Cyndaquil was unable to produce even a Smokescreen. I could tell by his crestfallen face that he was upset and disappointed in himself. I comforted him, but I don't know how much good it really did. I mean, he cheered up a bit, but his body language remained the same. He was still upset with himself, and I knew that.

So, after that, I decided it was time for a rest. He was disappointed and fairly exhausted from the battles, and running him into the ground would do us no good. Especially considering how the nearest Pokemon Center was in Violet City, and we had yet to get there.

Finally, I made my way to the couch and looked for a place to set Cyndaquil. Not that he wasn't comfy or anything, but facing reality, it would be hard to stay on one side during the night. I would eventually roll and he'd fall. So, I set the young fire-type down and went over to my bag. I pulled out a plain black sleeveless shirt. I took off my current shirt and swiveled it into a small "nest". As I threw on the sleeveless shirt and a pair of blue torn jeans, I set the clothes nest down on the floor. Then, I took Cyndaquil gently, and set him in the nest. He snuggled into it softly and resumed his deep sleep.

I, on the other hand, threw myself onto the couch and closed my eyes. I laid there for a few moments before groaning. Ever notice how when you're extremely tired and can't wait to sleep, you somehow can't?

"Have a good training session?" I heard Mr. Pokemon ask. I peered over the arm of the couch and saw him pawing through his refrigerator, looking for something to snack on. I had no idea of the time, but it was dusk outside, so it had to be late.

I was going to shrug, then I realized he wouldn't be able to see anyways. "It was pretty good. That Evolite is helpful; thanks."

"You're welcome! It's nice to see kids appreciate the gifts they're given!" Mr. Pokemon said with a soft laugh. I watched as he pulled out a jar of jelly and began to stumble around for some bread.

"Where did you find it?" I asked, curious to the origins of the mysterious stone. I mean, one doesn't just FIND a stone such as that.

Mr. Pokemon stopped his search for a moment and put a finger to his chin. Despite the darkness, I could see his face contort into thought, as if he'd gotten it a long time ago and this was the first time he'd ever thought about where it was found.

"Well, I... I believe I came across it once when I was a bit younger. See, I collect many valuable and rare items, such as this one time my friend Lance gave me a Red Scale from a rare shiny Gyrados. Anyways, I believe the man's name was... Steven Stone? He was a very strong, very incredible trainer who had come to the Johto region to study the land. One time, I ended up meeting him and we talked some. I revealed my interest in rare items, and he gave me that Evolite," Mr. Pokemon explained.

My eyes were wide though, at Steven Stone's name. I knew exactly who Steven Stone was. He was one of the most powerful trainers in the entire Hoenn region. We're not talking only Hoenn though, we're talking potentially throughout the Hoenn, Johto, and Kanto! The guy was insanely powerful and used some of the rarest Pokemon I'd ever seen.

I'd also heard the guy was a fanatic for rocks; so it wasn't too surprising to hear he had something like an Evolite.

"You met Steven Stone?" I asked, a still bit amazed. He was one of my favorite battlers.

Mr. Pokemon, whom finally found the bread, smiled and came over to the armchair next to the couch. He took a seat and began to eat, but also explained a bit about Steven.

"Yes, and I even saw him in battle. Wow, what a strong lad. I'm talking, devastating power," Mr. Pokemon recalled, and I tried imagining his Metagross in battle; one of his most powerful Pokemon. "One time, I watched him battle the Hoenn champion Wallace... that was some battle. It was close, but the win was most definitely Steven's. Funny, he never really liked the spotlight because he gave up the Champion position for Wallace. He liked stones too much and loved traveling. Guess being a Champion means you can't travel as much."

I paid attention attentively, trying to recall any battle I'd seen between Steven and Wallace. They'd battled a few times in my lifetime, and each time, it was extremely close. In fact, it always came down to one Pokemon for both men. It was like destiny for them; two titans locked in battle.

"Wow... I'd love to get a chance to fight him someday," I said, acting like a day-dreaming fanboy. I shook out of it, quickly enough to see Mr. Pokemon smiling and chuckling in between bites.

"It'd be a good fight, I'm sure," he said. I couldn't tell if he was serious, but I smiled regardless. Then, Mr. Pokemon changed topics. "Are you going to finish your trek to Violet City tomorrow?"

I shrugged. "Maybe. I was thinking about one more day of training... but maybe it would be better to leave in the morning so I can get to Violet City before nightfall."

"If you leave around 9, I think you can get there by noon! It's not far at all! Once you get there, if Cyndaquil is hurt, be sure to check in at the Pokemon Center, then get in there, and challenge Falkner! If any time is best, it is as soon as possible!" Mr. Pokemon explained. I nodded, but a feeling of fatigue washed over me.

"Rest, young one. Tomorrow, your legacy beings..."