AN: After a week of work, I finally finished the cover for this story. Hope you like it, enjoy the chapter.
Ch 25 Mentor, Sister, and Mother?
Sootoplis City
Helena walks out of the ferry with her friends. They all looked up at the City in the middle of the Ocean. rune
Sootoplis City was best described as an ancient City in the Modern Era. Modern buildings surround a lake with a ruin in the shape of a large Pokemon, on the side of the walls were small peninsulas with modern houses and ports facing the water.
Many Water-type Pokemon were swimming in the water, Wingulls, Pelippers, and the occasional Swellows soar the skies above.
Everyone was in awe at the City, "Sootoplis City, it's bigger than I'd imagine." Brawly stated, never seeing the City from within before.
"Despite looking so cramp on the map, it's surprising that an entire City was able to fit inside," Flannery commented, impressed by the ingenuity of the ancient Sootopolitans.
Helena looks around the walls surrounding the City, though the City was impressive. However, the most intriguing part of Sootoplis City was the creator that it was built within. "Wallace, I'm curious about the crater around us." She asked the Champion, being the one who was born in this City.
The teal-haired Champion steps next to Helena, happy to answer her question. "Ah, yes the crater." Wallace looks at his friend, "The crater that Sootoplis City was built in was formed by a giant meteorite that impact the Hoenn Region in ancient times. Rainwater eventually filled the large crater making an ideal environment for life to thrive-"
"People soon began to come to the crater thus building a settlement that you know as Sootoplis City." The group looked forward,
A man around his forties with grey hair on his sides, two white fringes stick out of his hairline. He has a pencil mustache and ocean blue eyes.
He wore a black button shirt, a white fluffy ascot with a small amethyst in the center, a cuffed ocean blue coat, purple dress shorts, black leggings, and blue heel shoes.
Next to him was a teenage girl in her early teens, like thirteen. She has straight teal hair like Wallace, but she has silver eyes. She wore a light blue shirt, pink skirt, blue leg warmers, and white strap shoes.
"Welcome everyone to Sootoplis City," The man bows his head to the group of young students, welcoming them to the City. "I am Juan, the Gym Leader of the Sootoplis Gym."
The teal-haired girl steps forward shyly, smiling at Wallace and his friends. "Hello everyone, it's great to see you all again." Maya's eyes spot Steven, standing in the sunlight causing her to blush a little.
Steven smiles at Maya, remembering her from the second School Festival since they arrived. "It's good to see you again too, Maya." He responded. "It's been almost a year since we've seen you."
Maya blushed upon seeing the Steel-blue haired boy. "H-Hello, Steven." She cleared her throat, acting inconspicuously. "Y-You're looking well…"
Roxanne nudges Flannery, noticing that she hasn't changed since they met. "(Looks like she still has that crush on Steven, Flan.)" She whispers to her.
"(Yeah, she's really bad at hiding it. Though…)" Flannery looks at the boys, noting they still haven't figured it out yet. "(I wouldn't say everyone changed…I wonder if Helena noticed.)" She looks at their friend,
Helena steps forward, meeting the Champion's little Sister. "Ah, Maya. This is Helena, a friend who joined our journey a few months ago." Steven introduced the black-haired girl to Maya.
"It's nice to meet you, Maya." Helena greeted the teal-haired girl.
Maya gave a flat face at Helena, noticing that Steven was passionate when introducing her. "Hey…" She greeted the new trainer.
Helena felt a cold wind going down her spine. From the moment she greeted her, the former Witch got a feeling of jealousy from her.
"Now, now, my dear Sister. That's no way to greet someone!" Wallace scolded his Sister, crossing his arms. "Maya, please properly introduced yourself to Helena as you did with Roxy and Flannery," He gave an apologetic expression to the black-haired trainer.
Maya sighs, giving an obvious strained smile at Helena. "I'm terribly sorry, Helena." She stated, "I'm Maya, Wallace's Sister and currently studying to be a Photographer."
"Um…it's nice to meet you again, Maya." Helena smiles at the teal-haired girl. "Again, my name's Helena. I'm currently traveling with your brother and everyone on their journey."
Wallace nodded, seeing his Sister introduce herself to Helena properly. "Mmm-mmm, better."
Maya rolled her eyes at her older brother before hearing Juan chuckle, "Well, seems like introductions went well (For the most part)." He cleared his throat, already finishing with their introductions.
"Anyways, welcome again to Sootoplis City everyone." Juan changed the subject quickly, avoiding a scene in public. He looks over to Wallace, happy to see his flamboyant face again. "And welcome home, Wallace. I missed your uniqueness around the Gym."
Wallace chuckles, seeing that he was missed in Sootoplis. "Aw, thanks Sensei."
"Sensei?" Everyone questioned the term that their teal-haired friend gave the Gym Leader of Sootoplis City.
The Champion of Hoenn chuckles, turning to his friends. "Ah, you see I was under Sensei's tutelage for a time in Performance." He told his friends, "He used to be a top coordinator in Contests." He said proudly of his teacher's accomplishment in his youth.
Juan chuckles, placing his hand on his chin. "Now, now Wallace. You don't need to go on and beyond." He smiles at his protegee, a bit flustered by his compliment.
"So Juan was the reason you've chosen to be a Contest Coordinator at the school, Wally?" Roxanne asked, sensing that the Gym Leader was why he was taking the classes.
Wallace just smiles at the brunette, confirming she was on the mark.
Juan cleared his throat, collecting himself before the group of young trainers. "In any case, I have some news to share with everyone." The Gym Leader informed the group.
"What is it, Sensei?" Wallace asked.
"I have my household staff prepared rooms at my mansion while you're here in Sootoplis City." The black-haired man said to the group of friends,
The teal-haired Champion faced his friends, "My home isn't large enough to house everyone, sorry."
Maya chuckles at her Brother's statement. "It may look big, but it only has room for our Older Sister, her Daughter, our Mother and Father, myself, and Wallace." She informed the group, also apologizing in her own way to them.
"That's generous, thanks, Juan," Brawly smirks, crossing his arms.
"If anything, we should be thanking Wallace and Maya too," Roxanne commented, looking at the Fighting-type user.
Juan turns around, starting to make his way to the streets. "Let's start making out way to my mansion, shall we?" The retired Coordinator stated, leading the group in Sootoplis City.
Maya steps forward, getting close to Steven. "While we're doing that, I'll give a tour!" She smiles, grabbing Steven's sleeves, almost like she was dragging him.
"Uh…wait a moment Maya," Steven was being dragged by the sleeves, guiding him to Sootoplis. He turns to Helena, seeing her standing with everyone else.
Helenna blinks, holding Hatenna in her hands. "Hat?" Hatenna looks at the former Witch, sensing some unease within her.
"Oh, Hatenna. It's nothing, let's get going." Helena followed Juan and the others joined too.
Juan showed the group the many sites to see in Sootoplis City. He showed the boats in the water, the irrigation system for filtering the salt water into drinking water, the old Sootopolitan structures, and modern ones.
They all stopped near the structure on the other side of the city. At the edge of the water was an amphitheater with many stone bleachers leading down to the theater. Many people were placing some decorations and some tech support around the area.
"Juan," The Gym Leader looks back where Roxanne was looking at the amphitheater. "What are they doing there?" She asked, allowing everyone to look at the place.
"Ah, this here is where the Hoenn Grand Festival Grand Opening will be held." The man informed the group, his eyes shifting to his protegee who looks like he was excited about the event in a few days.
Brawly nudges the Champion's side, gaining his attention. "Yo, Wally are you ready for your Performance?" The sky-blue-haired trainer asked his friend.
Wallace smirks at his surfer friend. "Of course, both my Pokemon and I worked hard with our routine for the first Contest." He crosses his arm, feeling prepared for what's to come. "Though it's going to be tough with professional Coordinators also competing. But that won't stop me," He stated.
"Oh, that reminds me. Steven," Juan looks at the Steel-blue haired boy, having his arm freed from Wallace's little Sister. "Someone is currently waiting for you at my mansion for the Grand Opening." He informed the young trainer.
Steven blinks, curious about who was waiting for him in Sootoplis City, more importantly, who was this person. "I wonder who that could be?" He asked.
Maya smiles, "I'm sure we can go and-" The young trainer paused, feeling her Rotom Phone vibrate in her pocket. "Mmm?" She looks at the Phone, seeing that it was her Mother who was calling her.
"Hello? Mom?" Maya answered the Phone, listening to her Mother's call. "What? Do I have…fine," The teal-haired girl sighs, turning to Steven and everyone before her. "I have to go back home, Stevie." Maya looks at her Brother,
"Wallace, Mom said when you get the time visit the house." Maya passed their Mother's message to her Brother.
Wallace nodded, already planning on visiting his home while they were here. "Oh, I'm planning to. Maya, tell Mom I'll be there when my friends are settled at Sensei's home." The Champion informed his Sister.
Maya nodded, eyeing Steven, "See you, Stevie," She giggles before walking off to her home.
Steven felt a shiver down his spine at the way she said his name.
"Steven?" The young trainer heard his name by Helena. He looks at her, seeing her concerned face. "Are you okay? You seem to be uncomfortable when Maya was with you." She observes their interaction.
Hatenna nodded, still sensing his uneasiness. "Hat, Hatenna," She commented, concerned for him.
Steven sighs before smiling at Helena. "I'm fine Helena. There's nothing for you two to get concerned over." Both Hatenna and Helena looked at each other, unsure of his answer.
Helena looked back at their friends, sharing the same concern as her and Hatenna.
Brawly, Wallace, Flannery, and Roxanne sigh seeing that Steven is burdening himself by letting Maya walk over him.
"Anyways, Juan you said someone is waiting for me at your mansion?" Steven quickly changed the subject, "Do you mind if we head there?"
Juan nodded, leading his guest to his mansion. "I don't, please this way everyone."
The Gym Leader continued his tour of the ancient/modern City. Soon they arrived at a large white mansion with tall hedges that outlines the property.
"Wow, your home is bigger than my home, Juan," Flannery commented, looking at the decoration carved into the building. "(And more decorative than mine,)" She spoke softly, a bit overtaken by the detailing.
Juan smiles at the future Gym Leader of Lavaridge Town. "Of course, I appreciate art. I do incorporate it in everything I do, even in my Battles.' The man stated, proud of his skills.
Wallace nodded, "That makes Sensei an interesting teacher." The Champion stated, remembering everything he learned from him. "His style is unique, even though I'm still learning how to create my own styles."
"Wallace, what have I told you? If you take your time and list the moves your Pokemon learned, then the perfect style will come to you." The Gym Leader kindly remind his protegee of his lesson.
"Hai, hai, Sensei." Wallace smiles, waving his hand causally.
Juan turns his eyes to the group, wanting to clear some things before they enter. "I understand there are three of you who wish to challenge my Gym correct?" The Gym Leader asked, receiving a nod from the three challengers.
Brawly steps forward, smirking with confidence. "That's right, me, Flannery, and Steven are the challengers.' The sky-blue-haired boy stated.
"I see, very good. I was lacking in challengers for a week now." Juan cleared his throat, mentally noting the three Pokemon trainers. "In any case, I'm afraid I can't accept your challenge right away."
"is it the Hoenn Grand Festival by any chance?" Helena asked, knowing that's the most likely reason.
Juan nodded, "That's correct, Helena. You see, I happen to be a judge in there representing Sootoplis City." He explains as they walk on the paved road. "I have many things to prepare for before the official date, so if possible, I can make the challenge on the day after."
"Fine by me, right guys?" Flannery agreed with the terms just as everyone else.
The Gym Leader nodded, happy to have an understanding group amongst him. "Excellent, now onward to my mansion." Juan points to his home. "You all will get separate rooms; if anything asks one of my household staff."
"Thank you once again for your hospitality," Roxanne thanked him, appreciating his generosity.
The group soon arrived at the doors to his mansion, Juan placed his hands on the double doors. "Now, I welcome you all to my home." He opens the door, showing the etiquette of his home. Many decorative arts, such as vases, paintings, and sculptures were dawned on every corner.
At the center of the foray was a grand staircase that separated both sides of the second floor.
"Greetings, master Juan and guests," An old Butler with a neatly combed mustache greeted everyone who's entering the mansion. He turns his attention to the young group of trainers, promptly welcoming them to his master's home. "Welcome to the Sootoplis City Gym and master Juan's home, I'm Milford the Butler of this establishment."
Roxanne turns to the Gym Leader, surprised by what she heard, "Your home is the Gym, Juan?"
Juan gave a charming smile to the brunette. "Of course, though the Gym entrance is on the other end where a gondola will guide you along with the Gym Challenge." He explains how his Gym works. "My Gym Battles also work in a different format than the others you've all faced, but that's spoilers right there."
"Well, we do like surprises," Brawly gave a light chuckle, "Bring on the challenge, bra!" He exclaims, excited for the upcoming Battle.
"You're in a real treat then, Brawly." Milford chuckles, liking the fire these trainers have. He paused, upon seeing Steven with Helena and the Hatenna in her hands. "Ah, Mr. Stone, Ms. Potter, if you would please follow me. Someone is here to see you two at the salon."
"Us two?" Helena looks at Steven, wondering why she's going to meet this person.
Steven shrugs, following Milford to a separate room on the other side of the foray. "I'm not sure too," He said, coming to the door to the salon.
Milford opens the door, letting the two inside when someone rushed toward Steven,
"GAH!" Steven was brought into a Ursaring hug into the foray.
"S-Steven?" Helena and the others in the foray saw the Steel-blue-haired boy being hugged by a woman in her late thirties.
The group gave a blank expression when the woman hugged their friend. "Eh?"
"OH! LOOK HOW BIG YOU'VE GOTTEN MY LITTLE BABY!" The white-haired woman cried in joy, nuzzling her face in his hair.
Steven's cheeks flushed with red having this woman hugging him. "M-Mother!?"
"MOTHER!?" Everyone exclaims, hearing Steven calling this woman his Mother.
Steven's Mother continued smothering him, happy to see her Son again. "Oh! You know you should visit us more frequently." The white-haired woman stated, "Your Father and I missed you dearly,"
Steven frowns, allowing his Mother to continue with his smothering. "Mother, I called you and Father every day since I set out on my Journey." He stated,
"But not yesterday, ara, your Mother missed hearing your voice." Steven's Mother cried,
Helena blinks watching the whole ordeal between Mother and Son. "Um, what's going on?"
"Milady, please be considerate to the young master." A back-haired Butler entered the room. He was wearing a nice, tailored suit and combed hair. His red eyes dazzled, smiling at the black-haired girl next to him. "His friends are watching, and we have a young lady with us."
"Sebastian, you're here too?" Steven looks at his family Butler who winked at him.
Helena flinched, inclining her head to Steven's Mother with respect. "H-Hello, ma'am. It's nice to meet you," She greeted the white-haired woman. "I'm Helena Potter,"
Steven felt his Mother let go of him and watched her approach, Helena. He looks back at his friends and Juan already left the scene. "Mother," He walks back into the salon, allowing Milford to close the door for privacy.
Helena was a bit nervous, seeing Steven's Mother approach her. "Um, Ma-" She and Hatenna were wrapped around her arms, giving her a sudden shock.
"HAT!?" Hatenna was completely off guard by her sudden action. "Hatenna, na!" She jumps from Helena's arms and onto Steven's shoulder.
Steven looks at the Calm Pokemon on his shoulder before looking at his Mother and friend. "M-Mother, can you please let Helena go? She's a bit shaken by your sudden affection." The young trainer ushers his Mother to let go of Helena.
The woman steps back from the young trainer, giving her a big smile. "I heard so much from Adam Ceder and Keith about you, my dear." The woman commented before realizing that this girl doesn't know her, "Oh, my apologies. My name is Lydia Stone, as you're aware, I'm Steven's Mother." Lydia place her hand on her chest,
"About what, if you don't mind," Helena asked politely.
"Oh, many things dear. That you take care of the Pokemon at the Daycare, how you spend your time researching the Hisui Region's Pokemon, and how you've been helping Adam with small things." Lydia smiles, happy to finally meet the young trainer that her friends spoke about. "Oh, and let's not forget that you were able to calm Kirlia and rescue a Dratini."
Lydia chuckles, seeing how a young first-time trainer was able to do so much in a few months. "My, you are getting around my dear. Right, Sebastian?" She asked the black-haired Butler.
Sebastian nodded, standing beside his young master. "Indeed, Milady. She did make a name for herself," He chuckles,
"Ah, it reminds me of my younger days when I was a traveling Coordinator." Lydia sighs, recollecting her time when she was a Pokemon trainer. "My Journey was filled with joy and excitement, oh, and that where I met my dear Husband and later have little St-"
"MOTHER! TOO MUCH INFORMATION!" Steven exclaims, turning redder by the second.
Lydia giggles at her flustered Son before hearing Helena giggle as well. "It's nice to know that Steven has a doting Mother and Father," Helena commented, seeing how much she loves her Son.
The white-haired woman burst into laughter, waving her hand at her. "My oh my, what an adorable charm you got, Helena." She smiles, liking this girl more. "If my Husband was here then he would start up a good conversation."
"Mother…" Steven groans, knowing there's nothing he could do to stop his Mother.
Sebastian cleared his throat "Milady, please remember the other reason why we're here."
Lydia nodded, being reminded of their other purpose in coming to Sootoplis City. "Oh, you're right Sebastian." She looks back at Helena and walked over to her purse. "I'm terribly sorry, it slipped my mind completely."
Both Helena and Steven watched as the Coordinator took around objects from her purse. Lydia turns around showing the two a Pokeball. "Adam asked me to deliver this to you, Helena. It's Hatenna's Pokeball." She smiles.
Helena smiles, walking up to Lydia. "Thank you for doing this," She took the Pokeball from the woman's hand.
"It's my pleasure, now take good care of Hatenna. She's one rare Pokemon here in Hoenn." Lydia smiles at the Galar Pokemon.
Hatenna leaps from Steven's shoulders and onto Helena's. "Hat, Hatenna!" The Duel-type motions her arm to the Pokeball, wanting her new trainer to call her back.
Helena's green eyes look at the Pokemon, catching what she was implying. "I think Hatenna wants you to call her back." Steven assumed, hearing the Duel-type cry.
"I see, well you did want to come with me for some time, Hatenna." Helena giggles, appreciating her determination to stay with her. She held up Hatenna's Pokeball, ready to call her back. "Hatenna, return."
A red beam went to the Galar Pokemon and returned back to her Pokeball. Helena looks at the ball in her hand and smiles, "Welcome to my team, Hatenna." She smiles, seeing the Pokeball move in agreement.
"Congratulations Helena, you got another Pokemon on your team." Steven congratulates his friend, smiling softly at her.
Helena turns to the Steel-blue-haired boy. She was happy to hear that from him, "Thank you, Steven." She smiles brightly at him.
Lydia clasps her hands, smiling at the warm sight before her. "Aah, how wonderful to see a Pokemon wanting to go with a trainer of her free will." She turns to Sebastian, ecstatic about the situation.
"Sebastian, could you possibly ask Milford to prepare an extravagant dinner?" Lydia asked the Family Butler to set up a celebration. "I'm sure Juan wouldn't mind."
"Mother, that's a bit-"
"I'm sure Juan and Milford wouldn't mind if we set something for dinner," Sebastian stated, walking to the door and looking for the two.
Soon dinner arrived and everyone was enjoying the dinner both Sebastian and Milford prepared for them. Steven was standing out on the balcony looking at the lights before him.
Steven sighs at the sight of the ancient City in Modern times. He suddenly felt a familiar embrace from his back. "GAH! Mother!" He turns to his Mother, snuggling up to him. "Why are you hugging me?"
Lydia giggles at her Son's bashfulness at a sudden affection. "You're always getting flustered when I come and hug you, my little Stevie." She smiles.
"T-That's because we're in public Mother," Steven pouts, eyeing his friends in the dining room.
Lydia lets go of her Son, getting a good look at him. She sighs at how mature and grown he's gotten since his Journey. "You have sure grown a lot, Steven." She said, proud of the person turned out to be. "Your Father and I are proud of you."
Steven chuckles, hearing the compliment his Mother offered him. "Thanks, Mother." She smiles.
The white-haired woman looks back at the dining room. Her eyes shift to Helena speaking to Roxanne about their plans tomorrow. "Now, let's talk about the new addition to your group," Lydia smirks, looking at Steven.
"W-What's to talk about?" Steven stutters, having a feeling she was talking about Helena.
"Oh just the lovely young girl whom you seem to be gushing over," Lydia commented, speaking about what she's been observing. "I have seen the way you two looked at each other, it's adorable."
Steven's face went red, hearing what his Mother said. Lydia turns to him, seeing that what she suspects was true. "Oh come now Steven, I'm your Mother. I can tell these sorts of things." She looks back at Helena, seeing what Steven and the others see about her. "You've helped her get settled in Rustboro and the School; offered to join your Journey, protect her in the Valley of Steel, and go on that date during the Lavaridge Summer Festival."
Steven cleared his throat, regaining his composer. "Mother, whatever your thinking, it's not it." He stated, not wanting to make things awkward between him and Helena. "She's just a good friend,"
"Listen, Steven, if you continue to say that then it'll be true." Lydia looks at her Son once more, understanding where he's coming from. "Sooner or later, someone will take her, and she'll be out of reach."
The young trainer opened his mouth, but the words he wanted to say didn't come out.
Lydia smiles at her Son, wanting the best for him. "But if you're not ready then I won't pressure you." She cups Steven's cheeks affectionately, "But do take what I say to heart, a girl like that is rare to find."
Steven looks at Helena, laughing before she looks at him and smiles. He looks at his Mother who has a mischievous smile, "Like I said before, rare to find." Lydia walks back inside, speaking with Juan.
Steven stood there thinking of what his Mother said, he turns back to the City and ponders to himself.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.