Chapter 13

Alain walked back to where Dawn and Steven were waiting, but his posture was tense, his face guarded. Dawn looked up, a smile on her lips that quickly faded as she noticed the expression in Alain's eyes. It was the same look he'd had before, that flash of anger and something deeper, something darker. She exchanged a quick, puzzled glance with Steven, who raised an eyebrow.

"You okay, Alain?" Dawn asked, her voice gentle.

Alain forced a small smile, hoping it would pass for casual. "Yeah, just… unexpected business."

Steven gave him a once-over, his gaze sharp but unreadable. "Well, sometimes this line of work brings… surprises." He glanced at his watch, sighing. "Speaking of which, I'll need to head out, I have some research I need to get to.

"Yeah we should probably head out as well. Say you wouldn't know of were close to the ancient ruins? We came here to check it out."

"That just so happens to be where I'm going, you're both welcome to tag along, perhaps we can even help each other out." Steven said with a warm smile.

Dawn replied eager as ever "We would love that" As Piplup chirped along with her.

Alain also agreed to go along, in a more subtle way than Dawn. The pair recalled their Pokémon back and with that the trio set off to the ancient ruins.

They walked through Hoenn's lush forests toward the rocky ridges where wild Pokémon roamed freely. Dawn was caught between a sense of wonder and curiosity, though Alain's quiet tension hung around him like a shadow. Every now and then, her gaze flickered to him, her mind tracing back to the unusual look in his eyes. What kind of "business" did he handle when he wasn't with her?

They walked for a while in companionable silence, broken only by Dawn's occasional exclamations of wonder at the scenery. The path wound up a steep hill, the forest thinning into a rocky outcrop. From the top, they could see the landscape stretching all the way to the glittering shoreline of Slateport City. The wind picked up as they neared the summit, carrying with it the earthy scent of wild herbs and the salty tang of the ocean.

Dawn paused; her eyes alight with excitement. "Look at that view! Hoenn's landscapes are just… amazing."

Steven smiled, following her gaze. "There's nowhere quite like it," he agreed. "And it has quite the reputation for rare Mega Stones."

Alain, though silent, nodded. His eyes were sharp, scanning the area. He hadn't let himself think too much about Lysandre's words; he was convinced now that it was nothing more than his mentor's intense dedication. His work with Lysandre could be dangerous, yes, but Lysandre wasn't someone who would jeopardize Dawn's safety. At least, Alain hoped that was the case.

The trio continued their journey, moving through Hoenn's lush, winding forests, accompanied by the occasional call of wild Pokémon and the rustle of leaves underfoot. As they made their way through the dense greenery, the atmosphere seemed to shift. Sunlight filtered through the trees in softer hues, and an almost reverent quiet settled over them, as if they were approaching something sacred.

Finally, they emerged from the forest into a rocky clearing at the base of an ancient cliffside. Before them loomed an enormous stone formation, its surface carved with strange, faded symbols that were half-hidden by creeping vines and patches of moss. The carvings stretched high, intricate patterns winding their way across the rock in a language long lost to time. The air was heavy, thick with a sense of history and power, as though the stones themselves were waiting to share their secrets.

Steven stepped forward; his eyes alight with fascination. "This is it—the heart of the ruins."

Dawn looked around in awe, while Alain trailed his fingers over the markings, feeling their raw texture. "I've heard of this place but seeing it in person… it's surreal." He glanced over at Dawn, who was slowly turning in place, wide-eyed as she took in every detail around them.

Piplup darted around them, chirping excitedly as it collected small rocks from the ground and proudly presented them to Dawn and Steven, thinking each one a precious find. They exchanged amused smiles, charmed by the Pokémon's enthusiasm.

Dawn tilted her head, studying the enormous stone. "So, I get that we're here for Mega Stones… but what exactly is the deal with this rock? What makes it legendary?"

Steven eagerly took the chance to impart some of his wisdom, it wasn't every day someone took such an interest in his hobby. "it's not so much the stone that's legendary, but the carvings on it, take a look."

Dawn stood up and approached the stone, standing beside Alain she looked intensely at the cravings. "What exactly am I looking at?"

"That's the mystery, a few years ago it was finally discovered to be an ancient language, but no one could decipher it. After some Mega Stones were discovered here, it was believed it could be referencing Mega evolution. Of course, this was only a theory… until now"

Alain and Dawn both turned round to face Steven. Dawn gasped as Alain asked what he meant by that.

Steven smirked. "We believe we have deciphered the carvings, but I came here to test it out."

Alain raised an eyebrow, "we?" he questioned

"Well ancient history isn't exactly my forte, So I went to Cynthia for help"

"I know she's also a Champion, but how could she help?" Alain enquired

Before Steven could respond, Dawn chimed in. "She's one of the worlds leading archaeologists, her main passion is researching the ancient world, if anything being a Pokémon trainer is her hobby."

Alain was both shocked and impressed by this. "Amazing, I thought you had to dedicate yourself solely to battles to become a Champion."

Steven provided his own personal advice on the road to becoming a champion. "If anything, I would say that would be a hinderance"

"How so?" Alain asked

"Well, if you focus so much on one thing, there's a danger you become stuck in your own head, then you can't grow anymore. It's best to widen your horizon with different interests"

Dawn agreed, "I get it, I learned so much more about Pokémon and battles by travelling with other trainers rather than co-ordinators. It gave me inspiration for my performances, and they learned from my contests to use in gym battles".

Steven smiled "Exactly, you understand. You must be quite the fan of Cynthia to know that about her, she is usually very private about her life."

"Of course I'm a fan, who wouldn't be, but I only know that because I've met her a bunch of times before. I was there with her when Team Galactic stole the adamant orb from her hometown".

Steven couldn't help but laugh. "It really is a small world, Cynthia told me about a group of teens who helped out that day, that's twice I've heard about you without knowing it. It worked out well I found you both along the way I could use your assistance, Alain."

After hearing all this Alain was beginning to feel out of place. It seemed like everyone was able to face danger and yet, somehow remained so calm and positive about the world. Alain began to further doubt his work with Lysander. I guess I don't have to sacrifice my happiness to help the world.

Stevens words snapped him out of his daydream. "huh, my help?"

"We believe the carvings on the stone suggests that the presence of strong bonds between trainers and their Pokémon can awaken something hidden within these ruins."

"I get it" Alain grabbed his Pokeball and unleashed Charizard "You ready to Mega evolve"

"You bet I am" A new voice echoed through the ruins.

The new voice made the trio all turn their heads. There stood Cynthia smiling warmly with her Garchomp standing by her side.

The Sinnoh Champion smiled at the trio. "Steven, I didn't realise you had your own crew, nice to see you again Dawn, it's been a while".

Piplup ran from Dawns side and leapt into Cynthia's arms. "Hello, dear Piplup, my goodness I can tell you've gotten a lot stronger since our last encounter" She beamed.

Piplup couldn't help but blush. Cynthia began walking towards the group with Piplup in her arms gazing up at her.

"Always good to see you Cynthia, but I thought you were occupied with the Pokémon League today". Steven said cheerfully with a hint of curiosity.

"The match got cancelled so I thought I would come and see how you're getting on. I'll be honest I was worried as I hadn't heard anything from you yet. I know how strict you are with timekeeping"

Steven chuckled "Well I got a bit side tracked, but were here now. By the way, this is Alain, Professor Sycamores assistant"

Cynthia looked to the young man, "It's a pleasure to meet you Alain."

Looking starstruck Alain could just about muster up a word. "Likewise,"

Cynthia looked behind him "Oh my such a strong looking Charizard, I assume this one is yours"

Alain smiled at the praise he received from a Champion, "Yeah this is my partner" Charizard roared trying to show off.

"I can tell it's been raised very well; you must be an excellent trainer"

Alain showed the faintest sign of a blush

Steven smiled at the sight of Alain; Cynthia really has a way of breaking down anyone's walls, he thought to himself.

Steven gestured toward the towering stone with the ancient carvings. "Now that we're all here, it's time to put our theory to the test."

Alain stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "If this works, we'll unlock whatever these ruins have been hiding all this time?"

Steven nodded. "That's the hope. Cynthia and I believe the carvings hint that when several worthy trainers use Mega Evolution here, it amplifies an energy unique to this site. It could be enough to reveal the stones' secrets."

Alain glanced back at Dawn, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "Dawn, stand back. I'm not sure what kind of energy this will release, and I don't want you or Piplup getting hurt."

Dawn looked as if she might protest but then nodded, recognizing the determination in Alain's expression. She took Piplup back from Cynthia and took a few steps back, keeping her eyes fixed on him. "Alright. But I'll be right here if you need me," she replied, her voice steady.

Cynthia took her place beside Alain, giving him an approving nod. "You've got a protective spirit, Alain. Charizard's in good hands."

Alain returned her nod with a faint smile, then looked up at Charizard. "Ready to show them what we've got, partner?"

Charizard gave a fierce growl, the flames on its tail burning brighter in response.

Cynthia stepped forward, her Garchomp moving with her, and Steven called forth his Metagross, each of them locking eyes with their Pokémon. Together, the three Champions lifted their Mega Stones, the gemstones gleaming in unison. In the silence of the ruins, their power thrummed through the air, an unspoken connection forming between trainer and Pokémon.

In sync, Alain, Cynthia, and Steven called out, "Mega Evolve!"

The Key Stones on their wrists began to glow, casting radiant beams of light that cut through the gathering shadows. Charizard, Garchomp, and Metagross stood ready, the light from their trainers' stones pulsing in time with the beat of their strong, determined hearts. As the energy grew, it was as though the entire clearing held its breath, waiting.

With a final surge of power, the Key Stones unleashed a wave of brilliant light that encircled each Pokémon. Charizard's form stretched and transformed, its body shifting to its Mega form with an intense roar. Garchomp and Metagross followed suit, their figures surrounded by shimmering auras as their power surged to new heights. The ruins responded, the ancient carvings beginning to glow with a soft, blue light that traced each symbol in a delicate, almost reverent manner.

Dawn's eyes widened as she watched. "Is this… is it working?"

Steven's gaze was fixed on the stone, his expression one of barely contained excitement. "It seems so. If our calculations are right, the energy from these Mega Evolutions should reactivate whatever's hidden in these ruins. We're witnessing history in the making."

As the light intensified, the air filled with a strange hum that vibrated through the ground. Dawn felt a tingle in her fingertips, as if the energy was reaching out, connecting with each of them in some inexplicable way. She turned to Alain, who was watching the display with a mixture of awe and trepidation.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly.

He nodded, but his jaw was tense. "Yeah, it's just… intense. This power—it's on another level."

Cynthia's voice broke through their quiet exchange, filled with a sense of calm assurance. "Stay close to your Pokémon. This kind of ancient energy can sometimes be overwhelming."

Suddenly, the ground beneath them rumbled, and the light from the ruins grew blindingly bright. A low, resonant hum reverberated through the air as the symbols along the stone's surface rearranged themselves, forming a new pattern that none of them could decipher. Then, with a final pulse of energy, the light shot skyward in a brilliant column, piercing the clouds.

In the centre of the ruin, a cluster of ordinary stones shimmered, their surfaces transforming under the pressure of the unleashed energy, morphing into Mega Stones.

Steven's voice held a hint of amazement as he looked at the stones. "Incredible."

Cynthia approached the newly formed Mega Stones, her expression thoughtful. "It's like the energy that bonds trainers and Pokémon has the power to forge these stones… as if it's amplifying something ancient."

Steven turned to look at Cynthia, "Looks like your translations were correct, not that I'm surprised"

Alain asked to the whole group "Are they Mega Stones?"

Cynthia peered over his shoulder, her expression one of wonder. "If this is true, then we've just uncovered the origin of Mega Evolution itself."

Dawn's heart raced as she stared at the ground "So this is the hidden treasure of the ruins—the very source of the power that gives Pokémon their Mega forms?"

Alain, still gazing at the mega stones, felt a strange pull, like they held secrets that resonated with him personally. Did Lysander know what was here? he wondered, a chill running down his spine. He forced himself to push the thought aside, unwilling to spoil the moment with doubts.

As they stood there, surrounded by the lingering energy from the ancient stones, Steven looked around at each of them, his face filled with an unusual softness.

"Thank you all for helping me with this," he said. "This discovery—it's one that could change everything we know about Mega Evolution. But it also raises a new mystery. How does the stone create Mega Stones? And… where did it come from?"

Dawn glanced at Cynthia, noticing the way she placed a reassuring hand on Steven's shoulder, offering him an encouraging smile. For a brief moment, Steven's usual composed expression softened further, and his hand lingered on Cynthia's. Their shared glance held a warmth that went beyond their professional partnership—a depth of understanding and respect that ran far deeper.

Dawn couldn't help but notice the quiet intimacy in that small, almost imperceptible exchange. It was subtle, but the way Steven looked at Cynthia spoke volumes. She felt a little flutter of hope bloom inside her as she wondered if maybe, one day, she and Alain might share a bond as strong and effortless as theirs.

Alain, however, seemed lost in thought, unaware of the moment. He kept his gaze fixed on the ruins, as if trying to absorb every last flicker of energy from the ancient stones.

Cynthia cleared her throat, returning to her usual calm demeanour as she spoke. "You've done amazing work, Steven. And now, with Alain and Dawn's help, this is just the beginning."

Alain couldn't tear his gaze away from the stones, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. They'd unlocked something powerful, something few others had seen.

Dawn stepped closer, her gaze drifting over the shimmering stones. "Do you think Piplup knew something we didn't by bringing us those ordinary stones earlier? Or was it just a coincidence?"

The group exchanged glances, the question lingering in the air.

Steven chuckled softly, shaking his head. "In my experience, Pokémon have a way of understanding things we might overlook. Perhaps Piplup sensed the potential here."

Piplup puffed up with pride, chirping in agreement as Dawn gave it an affectionate pat.

Alain turned to Dawn, his expression softening as he saw her smiling at Piplup. Despite the danger, she had a natural trust in the world around her, a trust that seemed to resonate with every Pokémon she met. He felt a surge of gratitude for having her with him.

"I must get back to my lab right away to arrange for equipment to be brought here and begin my analysis." Steven announced with haste.

"I'll come with you, I'm sure you could use some assistance" Cynthia teased

Steven shot a look at her and smirked, Dawn chuckled to herself picking up again on their subtle moment

Alain oblivious to them chimed in with the conversation "Why not just bring the stone back with you?"

"The surrounding area may be vital to the stones powers; it is always best to conduct research in the natural environment"

"I understand" Alain nodded

"I'm heading back to Devon Corp, thank you all so much for your help, I would never have discovered this if not for you all."

"No need to thank us, were the ones who are grateful to be able to witness this discovery. I'm sure the Professor will be thrilled when we bring him back all these Mega Stones for him"

"No doubt I'll be in contact with Professor Sycamore after I analyse the stone. I'm sure I'll need the expertise of a mega evolution specialist. So no doubt we'll meet again soon" Steven extended his hand to Alain.

Alain smiled and shook his hand, "We look forward to it"

And with that Steven and Cynthia took off to Devon Corp leaving behind the young trainers

Alain turned to Dawn "I know we need to get these stones back to the Professor, But I can't help but think we should have offered to help them"

Dawn burst out laughing

Alain raised an eyebrow "Did I miss something?"

"Oh Alain, you're so sweet" She kissed him on the cheek and then went to gather up the Mega Stones. She noted Piplup had already began to gather some in a pile.

Alain blushed and was left speechless for a moment. Sensing he will still clueless to the situation she knew he would need more than a hint

"Can't you tell they wanted to be alone… together"

"huh… oh" Alain's eyes widened slightly as he came to the realisation of what he had missed.

Dawn chuckled some more and threw a mega stone at him, "Hey, quit standing around and get to work" she teased

"Says the girl playing catch" he teased right back. He walked over to her as she had another stone at the ready to throw and gently grabbed her wrist.

With a warm smile on his face he gently spoke "Alright, hand it over"

"Make me" she said with that mischievous look on her face.

He spun he around wrapped his other arm around her waist and picked her up. They were both laughing as he spun her around. The mega stones she collected began falling in all directions and one hit Piplup on the head. Piplup went into a raging fury shouting at the trainers for their carelessness

Alain put Dawn down and they shot a look at each other before laughing again "Sorry Piplup" she pleaded to calm her Pokémon down. She looked back to Alain, "Alright I guess that means we really have to get back to work now"

"I don't think I few more minutes would hurt" he suggested, the look on Dawns face said it all. They wrapped their arms around each other and touched foreheads. Dawn whispered, "I wouldn't dream of distracting you from important work". Alain smiled "Yes you would" They both smiled and melted into each other as their lips met.

Unknown to them, Lysandre hadn't left Hoenn. He watched from a distance, hidden in the shadows. He'd come here with the express purpose of reminding Alain where his loyalty lay, but seeing the way Alain looked at Dawn had sparked a new thought in his mind.

If Alain was determined to abandon his mission, maybe it was time for Lysandre to use a different strategy—a way to force Alain's hand. The look on Lysandre's face twisted into a smile as he began to consider his next steps. Dawn might just be the leverage he needed to bring Alain back into line.