•RE-ADVENTURES• | Pokemon X OC Story |

Concealing Emotions

Raiden's eyes widened in recognition at the mention of Steven Stone. The name was synonymous with legendary battles and unmatched skill; Steven Stone was the reigning Champion of Hoenn. The opportunity to meet the Champion's son and deliver a message on behalf of Mr. Stone himself was both an honor and a daunting responsibility.

"I won't let you down, sir," Raiden said, determination burning in his eyes.

With the Devon Parts securely stowed and the letter safely tucked away, Raiden set off into the gathering dusk, his mind abuzz with the importance of his mission.

Inside the cozy confines of the Pokémon Centre, the soft hum of healing machines and the gentle chatter of fellow trainers provided a comforting backdrop. The group gathered around a table, their exhausted Pokémon resting in their Pokeballs.

Mayu, her eyes twinkling with mischief, couldn't help but reminisce about their earlier encounter. "You know," she began, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, "threatening someone again felt strangely satisfying."

Raiden chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Only you could find pleasure in such a situation, Mayu."

As the group shared a moment of light-hearted banter, Raiden took the opportunity to brief them about their upcoming missions. "Alright, everyone, listen up. We have two tasks at hand. First, heading to Slateport City to deliver the Devon Parts to Captain Stern. Secondly, I have a letter for Steven Stone, who's currently in Granite Cave."

The mention of Steven Stone sent a ripple of excitement through the group, except for Ren. The color drained from her face, and a cold sweat formed on her brow. Every fiber of her being screamed with apprehension at the mere thought of encountering the Hoenn Champion. She had to suppress her emotions, however, determined not to reveal her inner turmoil to the others.

"Ren, are you alright?" Mayu asked, noticing her friend's sudden change in demeanor.

Ren forced a smile, her voice betraying a hint of unease. "I'm fine, just a bit tired, that's all. I think I'll call it a night and relax. We've had quite the eventful day here in Hoenn."

Mayu nodded understandingly, placing a reassuring hand on Ren's shoulder. "Take care, Ren. We'll catch up tomorrow."

As the group dispersed, heading to their respective rooms for some much-needed rest, Ren lay in her bed, her thoughts consumed by the impending encounter with Steven Stone. The weight of her secret threatened to crush her, but she knew that she had to stay strong, not just for herself, but for her friends and the future of Hoenn.

The dim light of the Pokémon Centre room cast a somber glow as Ren clutched her phone tightly, the weight of the past bearing down on her. The vivid memories of her last conversation with Steven echoed in her mind, each word a painful reminder of the choices she had made and the rift that had formed between them.

As she replayed their conversation, a whirlwind of emotions swept over her. Guilt, regret, and sorrow intertwined, forming a knot in the pit of her stomach. Steven's words, filled with disappointment and hurt, echoed hauntingly in her ears. "Forget us all... Forget me, Wallace and everyone else you knew... Including your past."

Tears welled up in Ren's eyes as she grappled with the harsh reality of her situation. The pain of losing Steven, Wallace, and the life she once knew was a constant ache in her heart. She had sacrificed everything to protect her secrets, but at what cost?

The thought of facing Steven again, of confronting the hurt and anger that would inevitably surface, filled Ren with dread. She wondered if there was any way to mend the broken bonds, to bridge the chasm that had grown between them. Could she ever find redemption for her actions? Could she ever forgive herself for the choices she had made?

As Ren lay in the darkness, lost in her thoughts, a glimmer of hope flickered within her. Perhaps, amidst the pain and regret, there lay a path to reconciliation. A chance to confront her past, to make amends, and to find a way forward.

As Ren's thoughts continued to swirl, her phone vibrated suddenly, breaking the heavy silence of the room. A sense of unease washed over her as she glanced at the screen, recognizing the unknown number that had haunted her for days.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Ren answered the call, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Who is this?"

A chilling voice greeted her, sending shivers down her spine. "Did you think you could run forever, Ren? You can't hide from your past."

Ren's heart raced as she struggled to maintain her composure. "What do you want from me?"

The voice on the other end chuckled darkly. "Oh, Ren, you'll find out soon enough. But for now, just know that I'm always watching, always waiting."

A cold dread settled in the pit of Ren's stomach as she realized the gravity of the situation. Her mysterious threatener was closing in, and the shadows of her past were threatening to engulf her once more.

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the streets of Rustboro City as Ren was jolted awake by Riyu's enthusiastic screams. "Ren! Wake up! Mayu's about to have her first gym battle!" Riyu exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Ren quickly got dressed, her fatigue forgotten in the face of the day's anticipated events. The prospect of Mayu's first gym battle in the Hoenn Region filled her with a sense of anticipation and excitement.

Hastily making their way to the Rustboro Gym, Ren and Riyu arrived to find a crowd gathered outside, their eyes fixed on the imposing stone structure before them. Pushing their way through, they spotted Mayu, her eyes ablaze with determination, issuing a challenge to the gym leader, Roxanne.

"I'm ready to battle, Roxanne! Let's do this!" Mayu declared, her voice echoing with confidence.

Roxanne, a stern-looking woman with glasses perched precariously on her nose, regarded Mayu with a measured gaze. "Very well, challenger. Prepare yourself, for I shall not go easy on you."

The crowd's murmurs grew louder as the two trainers took their positions, their Pokémon poised for battle. Ren and Riyu exchanged excited glances, their hearts pounding with anticipation.