Chappie Eight: Return to the World

A/N: Hey again guys, I'm trying to update more frequently so get ready for shorter chapters and more plot. I'm trying to speed things up but I don't want to lower the quality of my writing. Hmm… please read and review and leave ideas for what you want to see. I've got a basic plot down but I'm not sure about anything at this point.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or any aspect of it.


Cynthia was sitting next to Lance when suddenly the Johto Champion got up. He didn't say anything to her but just stood up and left. Cynthia stared after him in surprise but made no move to follow him or seek an explanation. She turned her attention back to the battlefield where Ash and Lt. Surge were battling.

Both were down to their last Pokémon, Ash's Pikachu against Lt. Surge's Raichu.

Pikachu unleashed a Quick Attack against its opponent and scored a hit but was countered quickly by a Shock Wave which left it paralyzed. Two thunderbolts collided and both Pokémon took damage. It was neck and neck now. Both Pikachu and Raichu had taken a lot of damage and were on their last legs. Ash told Pikachu to use Volt Tackle and Lt. Surge called for the same attack. When the dust cleared from the impact it showed Raichu unable to battle and Pikachu breathing hard.

The Sinnoh Champion let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding. Ash had won. She would openly admit to rooting for anyone besides herself in the competition but secretly she wished Ash would win even though she knew it probably wouldn't be possible. Who knows, maybe he could surprise us all.

"May I sit?"

A familiar voice asked her. Cynthia turned around, shocked. It couldn't be. Not here.

"Cynthia?" Steven watched her cautiously. The blonde was staring at him strangely with a weird look on her face.

"Steven." She was astonished. Steven Stone, the champion of Hoenn, was standing behind her. Voluntarily.

He smiled, "Surprised?"

"Pleasantly so," she answered back with a coy smile.

His lips turned upwards in a smile as he sat down in Lance's unoccupied seat. "I don't think he'll mind," he said as he turned towards where Lance was sitting now with Marie.

Cynthia inwardly groaned, Lance had planned this all along. "Were you sitting with Marie earlier?"

"Yup, that's how I convinced Lance to relinquish his seat next to you." Steven winked at her playfully.

This encounter was getting stranger and stranger. What had happened to the uptight Steven that she had known before? He was obviously beginning to tease her now. "It's been awhile Steven, how have you been?"

"I must admit, it's nice not being constantly pestered by requests for ice cream." His pale turquoise eyes gleamed with quiet humor.

This elicited a smile from Cynthia. "That was only once and you know I didn't bring my money that day," she protested gently.

"Yes, well that's always the excuse."

She crossed her arms and huffed, "Well, if you didn't want to pay for it, you could've just said so."

He laughed and so did she.

"Did you ever find that fire stone?"

"Of course, rare stones can't stay hidden from me for long!" He proclaimed proudly as he withdrew a stone with a flame frozen inside and showed her.

Cynthia admired it for a second before asking, "Why are you talking to me now, after so long? It's not like our last meeting was a friendly one." She was testing the waters.

He sighed, his jovial manner seemed to disappear, "I…" he paused, "…wanted to apologize for that. It wasn't right of me to say those things to you. I was just upset and confused."

"Apology accepted," smiling tenderly towards him, Cynthia took hold of his arm and snuggled up to him.

Steven smiled back and relaxed.


A/N: A pretty short chapter. Introducing some Steven and Cynthia. Going to keep developing their relationship. I just want to say now that this is not going to be a short story. I'm hoping it'll hit novel status. More updates coming soon over this long weekend. Totally neglecting my school projects and need for sleep.