•RE-ADVENTURES• | Pokemon X OC Story |

Moves Against

The streets of Mossdeep City bustled with activity as Mayu made her way to Steven's residence. The sun's gentle rays illuminated the coastal town, casting a serene glow over the horizon. Birds chirped melodiously, and the distant sound of waves crashing added to the tranquil atmosphere.

Steven's home, a quaint structure made of polished stone and adorned with nautical motifs, stood as a testament to his deep connection with the sea. As Mayu approached, the front door opened, revealing Steven's familiar figure.

"Mayu," he greeted with a warm smile, though a hint of concern shadowed his eyes. "How are you holding up?"

She hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm... trying to stay strong."

Steven nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "Come in."

The interior of the house was spacious yet cozy, filled with marine artifacts, books, and a soft sea breeze that wafted through the open windows. They settled into the living area, where Mayu recounted her recent experiences, from her unexpected encounter with the blind boy to the procedure Raiden underwent.

Steven listened intently, his brow furrowing with each revelation. "The blind boy, Hiro, sounds remarkable," he commented, "And Raiden... How is he?"

Mayu's gaze dropped. "Dr. Emeka said he's unconscious. We won't know the procedure's effects until he wakes up."

A heavy silence enveloped the room. Steven sighed, running a hand through his hair. "The gym leaders' conference... It was... challenging," he began, choosing his words carefully.

Mayu looked up, her eyes searching his. "What happened?"

Steven recounted the intense debate among the leaders. "The divide between those supporting Team Magma and those siding with Team Aqua was palpable. Emotions ran high, accusations were hurled, and at one point, it felt like the very foundation of our unity was at risk."

Mayu's expression hardened. "What did you decide?"

"We didn't," Steven admitted. "Before any vote could be cast, Wallace intervened. He urged us to reconsider our actions, to remember our duty as gym leaders, and to find a solution that would benefit the entire Hoenn region, not just one faction."

"And the leaders?" Mayu questioned.

Steven's lips tightened. "Many were resistant, but Wallace's words struck a chord. Roxanne proposed a temporary truce, a period of reflection and dialogue. It was a tense compromise, but it's a start."

Mayu nodded thoughtfully. "It's not a solution, but it's a step forward."

Steven smiled faintly. "Exactly. Change won't happen overnight, but it's essential to keep moving in the right direction."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts. The room was filled with the soft sounds of the sea and the rhythmic ticking of a nearby clock.

After a while, Steven turned to Mayu, his eyes earnest. "Mayu, I know this journey has been challenging for you, for all of us. But remember, you're not alone. We'll face whatever comes our way, together."

Mayu's eyes shimmered with gratitude. "Thank you, Steven. That means more than you know."

The tranquility of Steven's home was abruptly shattered by the shrill ring of his phone. With a brief apology, he answered, only for his expression to shift from calm to concern within seconds. "Blendy? What's wrong?" he questioned, listening intently to the voice on the other end.

As the conversation with Blendy continued, Steven's brow furrowed deeper. "Mt. Pyre? That's serious," he murmured, his gaze drifting to Mayu.

Before he could speak further, the trill of another call interrupted the room's stillness. Glancing at the caller ID, Steven's expression became even more grave. "Rustboro," he whispered, his fingers brushing over the screen as he accepted the call.