AN: Enjoy the chapter.

Ch 74 A New Beginning

Before they leave, Steven has changed back to a simple purple shirt and pants minus the trench coat since he the suit he wore was for expeditions and not everyday use.

Traveling through the Great Marsh, Helena and Steven walked on the wooden path built for the trainers who don't want to stop by the Safari Zone.

The two trainers looked around, seeing some Sinnoh Pokemon around in their natural habitats. Helena has called out Petilili, seeing her Specie once lived here. "So, do you feel anything, Petilili?" Helena asked her newest Pokemon.

"Pet?" The Bulb Pokemon looks at her trainer, curious about what she's talking about.

Helena sighs, seeing it's been centuries since a Petilili and a Hisuian Liligant. "It's okay, I kinda expected this would happen." She petted the Grass-type on her head.

"Pet," Petilili smiles, happy to be petted by her Partner.

Steven looks at Helena, curious about what she was doing. "Helena, what are you doing?" He asked the black-haired Girl,

The young Researcher looks at Steven, "Well, I thought maybe Petilili would have a reaction to the Great Marsh if I took her out." Helena explains to the young Champion. "But, it didn't work."

The Champion of Hoenn Champion nodded, having his hand on his chin. "I see, so what happened?" Steven asked Helena,

"It must be because, unlike Hisui, Sinnoh is now a peaceful land to live in," Helena explains what she believes why the Hisuian Pokemon aren't around anymore. "In Hisui, the environment was harsher and the Pokemon has adapted to survive which leads to their Hisuian forms."

"Since Sinnoh is no longer a harsh environment, the condition for Petilili to Evolve here no longer exists," Steven said, understanding what Helena was saying.

Helena smiles, stepping closer to the young Champion. "That's right! It's been many years since Sinnoh's environment was harsh," She said excitedly, sharing her theory with Steven. "My guess is that the more People and Pokemon get along over the years, the less hostile the land becomes." She explains.

The two continue their way as Steven listens to Helena, "The Region's environment has an effect on Pokemon, if it changes the Pokemon will evolve to adapt to the changes." Helena continued before looking at Steven, "I call it, Environmental Evolution. Different from the normal Evolution that Pokemon undergo and from the special Evolutionary circumstances."

"Now that's a good Theory, Ellie." Steven smiles, finding it fascinating that she came up with this on her own. "Though I'm curious, many Professor says that each Pokemon came to be in their environments." He commented, placing his hand on his chin.

"And I do believe a Professor in Alola has theorized that Pokemon adapt to their surroundings too." The young Champion said, seeing that Helena looks down in disappointment.

"Oh…I guess mine isn't really an original then." Helena's face pales, realizing she has a lot to catch up on in the Researching World.

"Pet? Pet, Pet!" The Grass-type Pokemon saw Helena's expression, trying to comfort her.

Steven saw this and panicked, "Ah, sorry! I didn't mean to burst your confidence like that, Helena!" He apologized to the black-haired Girl; he frantically waved his arms trying to make up for his choice of words.

Helena could only giggle at Steven trying to rectify his statement. "Are you really apologizing for something I already know?" She gave a smile, indicating that she wasn't offended by his comment.

"Uh…no, I'm just…" Steven saw the smug expression towards him. He then gave a small laugh before laughing harder,

Helena joined in, not believing she just gave a smug look at her Friend. "I-I can't believe I just gave you a look like that." She laughs,

Steven nodded, finding that part of her to be one of her best qualities. "You should do that more often, it's cute." He commented,

"Well, maybe I should." Helena smiles as the two continued their way to Pastoria City,

Pastoria City,

Both Steven and Helena arrived at Pastoria City, exiting from a large station leading into the Pastoria Great Marsh. Their eyes laid upon the City before them,

The City was not that large, and yet extravagant. The Buildings were designed like in the Victorian Era in the other World,

The roads were cobbled while lamps lit the way to a large Pool Building. On the Building's front was a Pokemon League Symbol, indicating that it was the Pastoria Gym.

"Wow, Pastoria City is quaint," Helena commented, still feeling the Marshy atmosphere around them. "For being the coldest Region, I find this area to be warmer."

"Pet…" Petilili smiles, raising her head and taking the sunlight into her leaves.

"That's because we're still in the Marshlands, Ellie." The Steel-blue haired Champion commented. He looks up, seeing the Pharmacy just ahead of them. "Ah, there's the Pharmacy." Steven points to the Building nearby,

The black-haired trainer looks at the Pharmacy, seeing how small it is. Helena looks at her Region's Champion. "The Pharmacy looks a bit small," Helenna commented.

"Pet…" The Bulb Pokemon agrees with her trainer.

"I could stay out here while you go inside," Steven suggested, knowing it'll be quick.

"Are you sure?" Helena asked, "I know it'll be quick and-"

The young Champion shook his head, "I'm sure, just grab the medicine for N. I'll be waiting here." Steven said,

Helena entered the Pharmacy, asking the Pharmacist what's the best fever medicine they have.

Steven stood outside since the Pharmacy was a tad small. He smiles, happy to be spending the day with Helena.

"Oh? Steven, I didn't know you were here." Steven turns around, seeing a black-haired trainer with blue eyes around his age. He wore a blue coat and a stylish blue hat. Next to him was a bipedal blue dog-like Pokemon with sensory tails on his head.

Steven blinked didn't expect to see an old Friend in Pastoria City. "Riley, I didn't expect to see you here." He smiles, greeting his Friend. "How's it been? The last time I heard, you were training to be an Aura Guardian," He said, remembering he said something around that lines.

Riley chuckles, nodding in response to the Champion's statement. "Yeah, I'm almost done with our training," He reaches down, petting his Parter on the head. "And Riolu is getting good with his Vacuum Wave; soon he'll be able to use Aura Sphere."

"That's great, I'm glad that you are so close to completing your training," Steven said, smiling at how his Friend was doing. He looks at Riolu, happy to see him well too. "And Riolu, keep training and you might Evolve."

Riolu smiles, nodding to the young trainer. "Rio!" He then senses something, causing him to turn his attention to the Pharmacy.

"Sorry for taking long, Steven." Helena walks out of the Pharmacy with the medication in a bag. "Turns out fevers around here are common and People's demand for Medicine is hig-oh, hello. I didn't know you were talking to a Friend."

Steven smiles at Helena returning from the Pharmacy, "Ellie, did you manage to get the fever Medicine for N?" He asked, curious if she got it due to the high demand.

Helena nodded, showing the bag to the young Champion. "Yes, last one for the day." Her eyes then gaze over to the black-haired trainer. She could sense that he was a powerful Ability User,

"That's great to hear," Steven said before introducing his Friend to her. "Oh, Ellie I want to introduce you to my Friend here, Riley, and his Partner, Riolu." He motions to the young Aura Guardian.

"Nice to meet you Riley and you too Riolu." Helena greeted another Friend of Steven's. She motions to Petilili on her shoulders, "And this here is Petilili,"

"Pet!"' The Grass-type Pokemon greeted the two with a happy expression,

"Rio," Riolu return the greeting to Petilili

Riley blinks, looking at Riolu before returning the greeting. "It's nice to meet you too, Ellie." He smiled.

the black-haired trainer giggles, causing the young Aura Guardian to be confused. "Ellie is my nickname; my full name is Helena." Helena corrected the young black-haired Boy.

"I see, either way, it's nice to meet you, Helena," Riley said before turning to Steven, "Hey, Steven, I want to ask you something in private," He asked the Champion,

Steven smiles, turning to Helena and Petilili, "I'm sorry, Riley but we really need to get back to the Excavation site." He said, apologizing for the lack of time they have.

"It's okay, Steven. N doesn't have a serious fever." The black-haired trainer said, kneeling to get a look at the Emanation Pokemon. "We can spare a few minutes."

Riolu found Helena's Aura to be interesting, prompting him to approach her. "Wow, I can tell Riolu is powerful," Helena commented as the Fighting-type Pokemon laid his paw on hers.

"Rio!" Riolu smiles, feeling Helena's Aura up close.

"Seems like Riolu likes your Aura, Helena," Riley said before going to the side with Steven. "Helena, do you mind looking after Riolu for a bit?"

Helena nodded, placing Petilili next to the Fighting-type Pokemon. "Sure thing, Petilili this here is Riolu." She introduced her Partner to Riolu.

"Pet,"

"Rio,"

Steven smiles at Helena taking care of the Pokemon before feeling Riley tug his arm.

Once they got a bit far from Helena, Steven turns to his Friend, curious about what he wanted to talk about. "So what do you want to talk about, Riley?" He asked, placing his hands in his pockets.

The young Aura Guardian looks at Steven, his expression took a serious face. "Steven, what do you know about Helena?" Riley asked the Hoenn Champion about the young Researcher.

"What do you mean?" Steven asked, not liking how this conversation was heading.

Riley crosses his arms, looking at Helena with his Partner. "I don't mean anything bad about her, but her Aura…" He explains, still sensing Helena's Aura from where they stood. "It's immense, I could feel it from here."

The Steel-blue haired trainer doesn't know much about Aura or Ability Users. But he knows they were People who can benefit Pokemon and in Battles, "So, why did you ask where Helena came from?" Steven asked,

"I have met many Ability Users and Aura Guardians, but her…her Aura is something else." Riley explains to the Champion, "Like she's from somewhere else,"

"Well, of course, Helena came from the remote areas of Hoenn," Steven said, not doubting Helena's origins. Though, now that he thinks of it, all Helena said about herself was that she was a Psychic or a Witch in her terms.

Besides that, she didn't say anything about herself since they met.

Riley saw that he just made Steven questions his relationship with Helena. He sighs, looking at his Friend. "I'm not saying that you don't see or pursue her." He stated, causing Steven to blush.

"But try to get to know her a bit more," Riley said, placing his hand on his shoulders. "Other than the Aura, she's a nice Person." The Aura Guardian said,

Steven turns to face Helena, smiling with both Riolu and Petilili.

Later after saying their farewells to Riley and Riolu, the two begin making their way back to the Excavation site. (Insert Akagami no Shirayukihime OST - CD 1 - 7 - Reconciliation: The Beginning of Two People)

Helena smiles, happy that she was able to get some Medicine for her Adopted Brother. She then noticed that Steven was awfully silent for the last minute. "Um, Steven…are you okay?" She asked.

Steven flinched, turning to Helena, and smiled. "Oh, I am. Just thinking on something personal…" He said. Riley's words were still in his mind,

He knew Helena came from a remote area of Hoenn, and a few People from there made it to the main Hoenn. And any other Regions for the matter,

He trusted Riley, even though Helena still had something she was hiding from him. It still won't change how he feels about her, she'll tell when she's ready to tell. "Anyways, let's head back quickly. N might be up and wondering where we went."

"Truth, I wonder where he got that protective personality over me came from," Helena commented as Steven paused.

"Wait, you knew? When we first met?" Steven asked, referencing the time when they first met.

Helena turns around, and her innocent face indicates she didn't know. "Hmm? What do you mean, Steven?" She asked, "I was talking about how N has this protectiveness over others. Especially when we're not there."

"What do you think I mean?" The young Ability User asked Steven, her eyes blinking with curiosity.

Steven blushes, turning away from Helena. "Er…nothing,"

The two continued their way through the Great Marsh and took the transient back to the station.

On the transient, Helena looks out of the window as she smiles at the many Pokemon living in the Marsh. "Such beautiful scenery," She petted Petilili as she slept on her lap.

Helena then took out her Pink Rotom Phone, taking a photo of the Marshlands. She went through her photos of the Marshlands and other sites in Sinnoh.

"You've taken a lot of pictures of Sinnoh, Ellie," Steven said, observing the young Researcher looking at her Phone.

"If I am to study Pokemon Environmental Evolution, I should start taking photos of the Habitats," Helena said, looking over the photos she had recently taken.

Steven smiles, "I see, that is a smart thing to do for your Research…" He frowns, still thinking about what Riley said to him.

Helena took note of Steven's sudden change in demeanor, "All right, Steven ever since we've left Pastoria City you've been giving the same depress expression." She said, taking the initiative to ask him. "Did Riley say something to you that made you this way?" She asked.

The young Champion gave Helena a serious expression. "Helena, I hate to ask you this but Riley sensed that you are something different than regular Ability Users." He stated, "And I know that you said you're a Witch in your People's terms, but…"

"Do you have any other secrets that you've been hiding?"

That was something Helena did not expect. In fact, she feared that question since she got here. Yes, she did reveal to him she was an Ability User, a Witch, and yes, she confided with him about everything.

But…telling Steven that she came from another World. Helena closes her eyes, fearing what would the young Champion's response would be-

"If you're not ready to tell me, I'm not forcing you to tell me." Helena looks at Steven, seeing the regret in his eyes at asking. "I'm just reminding you, that if you have any more secrets…you can always come to me."

Helena gave a light chuckle, hearing about Aura Guardians could sense someone's Aura. 'Riley must've sensed that I'm not originally from this World.' She mentally thought, taking note that her secret might not be hidden any longer.

The only response to Steven's statement was, "Thank you…for respecting my boundaries. Here I thought your Friend was warning about me…"

Steven grabs hold of Helena's hand, tightly and looks straight into her eyes. "Helena, no matter what People say, I will and always love you for who you are." He said sternly, "That's why I have fallen for you."

"In Evergrande City, I have confessed my feelings towards you and once you left my feelings still remain the same," Steven said, still holding her hand in his. "What I'm trying to say is…I want to be with you, Helena. So…if you would…"

"Do you mind if we…start dating?" Steven asked, saying what he feels outright. "In other words, I would like us to become a couple,"

Helena was taken aback, at this moment and time, she wouldn't expect that question to pop up. Thinking back now, she never really dated someone before.

Many would go after her for her fortune and fame. However, since that Day, her first kiss, she realize that Steven wasn't into her for her fame or fortune. He was into her for the Person she is and what she was trying to become.

Steven doesn't care if she's Helena the Pokemon trainer or Helena the Girl-Who-Lived. He only cares for her as a Person, like what she always secretly wished for.

"Helena?" Steven paused, seeing tears streaming down her face. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?" He asked, fearing that she was conflicted with his question.

Removing her hand from Steven's, she wipes away her tears and smiles. "I-I'm sorry, I know you mean well, Steven." Helena sniffs, looking at him with a genuine smile. "It's just…I never had someone who actually likes me for who I am."

"Truth be told…there are a few People in my old home who wants to use me because of who I am." Helena explains to Steven, deciding that if she wants to date him then he must know the reason why he came here. "Steven…I was forced to be engaged to someone I don't like and ran away."

"That's why I came to Hoenn, to start a new life and get away from the attention," Helena explains, tears still pouring from her face.

Steven's expression softens, now understanding her more clearly now. "I see," He pulls her into a hug, comforting her like he did in Evergrande City. "I promise you, Helena. Even if you're engaged to someone; I won't let them get to you."

"I swear, I will cherish you and protect you…" Steven said, dedicated to making Helena Potter happy at any cost.

"Steven…" The two leaned into each other, their lips contacted as their newfound relationship began.

AN: It's now official, Helena and Steven are now a thing! Please leave a comment or review.