The New Normal - 16-2 - Interlude - Steven

The New Normal – 16-2 – Interlude – Steven

Setting in as a new Champion was a tiring and exhausting process. There were so many things to be read in on, and so many meetings and ceremonies that you had to attend to. That wasn’t even including the mountain of ‘congratulations’ that he got that he was politely expected to respond to.

Even though he had experience dealing with such things as the heir of Devon Corp, it was still a bone-tiring experience.

Speaking of Devon Corp, technically he was no longer the heir to the company now that he was Champion. To avoid any conflicts of interest, you weren’t allowed to hold any other titles if you were serving as Champion. As a result, at least on paper, he was no longer affiliated with Devon Corp anymore.

Of course, anyone with a brain could see through that paper-thin façade. He would never abandon Devon Corp. Not even for the position of Champion. But his father still had many years left in him, and there was no rush for him to ascend to the position of Chairman just yet. Therefore, just as he had discussed with his father, he could sit comfortably as Champion for a few years yet before he had to consider his options.

Letting out a big yawn, he finally put aside the last of his paperwork as he was finally finished for the day. It was already late at night, and he yearned to go to bed. However, just as he was about to get up and stretch, there was a knock on his door.

He wasn’t expecting anyone at this late of an hour, “Who is it?”

“It’s Wallace.” His predecessor replied, “Do you have time to chat?”

He was surprised that Wallace felt like paying him a visit, but he wouldn’t say no. “Of course not. Please, come in.”

Wallace peeked his head inside, making a show of looking around as he let out a whistle, “Whew. And here I thought you would have already removed the decorations that I set up. I know you’re the kind of guy that wants to add in their own personal touch.”

“I haven’t had the time for it.” He admitted, “I did mean to get on it, but I’ve had other things on my plate.”

“I know the feeling.” Wallace smiled wryly, “But does that mean you don’t like my sense of style?”

He snorted, “Your sense of style can be summed up in a single word – flamboyant. I prefer something more… natural and modern.”

“Suit yourself.” Wallace shrugged, sitting down opposite him. “Say, I’d thought Bruno would be in here.”

He shot Wallace a curious look, “Why would you think that? He has better things to do than watch me fill out forms and stamp paperwork.”

Wallace chuckled, “True. I guess I was just so used to seeing the two of you attached at the waist that I just assumed you would be together.”

…Steven winced inwardly at Wallace’s wording. Not that he said anything wrong, but he really hoped that no one outside got wind of what he just said. He had seen the enormous amount of comments on the Pokénet that suggested he and Bruno were ‘more than just friends’.

It was a load of hot air, naturally, and while he wasn’t too bothered by them, he would prefer if such comments weren’t so widespread. He didn’t want to deal with the rumours.

He shook himself out of such ridiculous thoughts and turned his attention back to Wallace, “So, what’s the reason for this visit? I assume it’s more than just to check up on me.”

“Well it’s partially for that. I wanted to make sure that you didn’t burn the building down in my absence. Although it seems like I needn’t have worried; you’re doing a great job.” Wallace joked, “But anyways, I’ve come to let you know that I’ve made my decision. I’ll be returning to my old position as the Sootopolis Gym Leader. I’ve already spoken to Juan, and he’s already agreed to step down for me after the Tournament is over. Possibly even before that.”

He nodded, having expected this outcome, “Good on you – I’m sure you’ll do great. However, are you sure you want to take up a Gym Leader’s duties right as the Circuit starts? Won’t you be completely overwhelmed?”

Wallace waved him off, “I’ll be fine. I’m already being read-in on everything. Now that Juan’s gone off to Sinnoh, I’m basically going to be filling in for him until he returns anyways. And most of the Gym Trainers have already been acquainted with me already. So me replacing Juan shouldn’t ruffle any feathers.”

Technically, you needed to be voted in before you could become a Gym Leader. However, considering this was Wallace that they were talking about, they both knew that such a vote would be nothing more than a formality. With Wallace’s popularity and influence, there was absolutely no way he would be rejected.

It would also mean that Wallace was technically able to rechallenge for his position as Champion any time he wanted. But there was no need to bring that up; they both knew it already.

“Well then there’s nothing else for me to say. Just let me know if you need help with anything – I still owe you, after all.” He said.

Wallace nodded, before leaning back in his chair and asking a different question, “So, when do you plan on having Bruno make his challenge for the Elite Four? You know he can’t do that yet because he’s not yet eligible to do so.”

“There are plans in motion.” He said, “Actually… I might fill you in on them once they become relevant, if you’re feeling up to help me.”

“Sure. It’s no skin off my cheek.” Wallace replied, “I’ve spoken with Bruno a lot too. I know I can trust him with a position in the Elite Four. Besides, having someone as stalwart and as incorruptible as him be in the Elite Four would be good for Hoenn. That being said, I’d like to know who you intend for Bruno to challenge.”

“…That hasn’t been decided yet.” Was his answer, “However, I can say for certain that it won’t be Sidney. He needs to stay in the Elite Four.”

Sidney might not look like it, but he was probably the most political active member of the Elite Four – by a mile. He wasn’t as influential as someone like John was, of course, but despite his ‘rebellious’ appearance, the Dark specialist was a significant political powerhouse in Hoenn. He had to stay.

Wallace hummed, “And that means you’ll be keeping Phoebe on too, I assume. Which means it’s a choice between Drake and Glacia.”

Steven nodded. Because he couldn’t remove Sidney, Phoebe was ruled out as an option as well. There were two main reason for this.

One, while Phoebe wasn’t as generally influential as Sidney politically, she was very well-connected when it came to the many cultural aspects of Hoenn and was very favoured by many of Hoenn’s traditionalists. That made her politically valuable. Secondly, she and Sidney were very good friends – the two of them almost shared a sibling-like relationship. As a result, he would be severely damaging the inter-personal relations within the Hoenn Elite Four if she was removed.

Ideally, he’d like to avoid that. Which was why the choice came down to Drake and Glacia. In a different world, he would have liked to keep them all on. But he couldn’t – so he had to choose based on what would be best for him politically.

It wasn’t personal. It was just looking out for the best outcome.

Nevertheless, after exchanging a promise to Wallace that he would inform him as soon as he had decided on the target, the two of them chatted for a little while longer before Wallace eventually made his leave as they both decided to retire for the night.

Unfortunately, just as he was about to leave the League building and meet up with Bruno, his phone rang. Given how tired he was, he was tempted to ignore it, but it was from his father.

“Father.” He picked up, “Is there something important?”

“Sorry for calling you at such a late hour. But I just thought to let you know that we hit a lucky break and managed to uncover a few other stones like the Pidgeotite.” His father said.

“Oh! That’s interesting.” He replied, “So which did you find?”

His father let out a knowing chuckle, and he could feel his father’s smirk as he replied, “We’ve found a couple – a Cameruptite, Manectite, and a Heracronite. But you’re going to be happy about this last one.”

“It’s a Metagrossite.”

Steven’s eyes widened almost comically. He was already thinking about all the possibilities of an extra evolution on top of his already-powerful Metagross, but his father wasn’t done yet, and his next words snapped him out of his daydreaming.

“Before you ask – I’ve already passed all these new stones to the Professors. Maybe this’ll help them to figure things out.” His father said, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that the Metagrossite especially is kept safe and returned to you in one piece.

He let out a breath that he didn’t know he was holding, “…Thank you. I hope they’ll be able to figure out how to activate these mysterious stones too.”

“Likewise.” His father agreed, “And if they do find something – I’ll make sure you’ll be the first to know. I can already tell how excited you are about this Metagrossite.”

Of course he was. Because the idea of his Metagross being able to grow even stronger was too much to pass up.

A.N. I haven’t forgotten about the Mega Stones! And here’s the Metagrossite! Too bad that they still don’t have a way of activating it yet, and it certainly won’t be easy - but once they do… oh boy. It will be a big, big deal. Hope you enjoyed!