Chapter 8

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Kira's P.O.V.

I had reluctantly agreed to help Team Aqua. It was the only thing I could do to not die. And besides, they offered my Pokémon back. I was relieved they were not harmed.

Anyway, I was sent on a mission to actually get the Devon goods I had supposedly 'lost.' I knew where it was, but with my monotonous tone and bored expression, they didn't know I actually hid it from them.

So, now, they let me off to Dewford, letting me continue my journey as a Pokémon trainer while helping them. They gave back everything I had, including the letter I have to deliver to Steven Stone. That was important.

When I arrived at Dewford, I was immediately met with heat and humidity. It wasn't bad, if you were wearing appropriate clothing for such harsh weather. I was clad in black tights and black skirt with a brown hoodie. I had my running shoes on, and my hair was down. They insisted I look 'normal.'

They also implanted some kind of tracking device on my arm, so they could keep track of where I was going. It was a good thing they didn't bug me, otherwise I would be in big trouble, but it wasn't like I was going to do a whole lot of talking anyway.

When I stepped onto the beach, I immidiately wanted to take off my hoodie, which I did, leaving me in a t-shirt with intricate designs. I wanted to take off my tights, but that would be too much.

I headed towards the Pokémon center, booking myself a room. There, I organized my things, bringing things that are important and leaving behind the not so important belongings.

Outside was sunny and blazing hot. I held the letter to Steven on my left hand. I didn't know where to find him, so I asked the locals. Some say they have never laid eyes or even heard of him, others say he is in a cave up north, and then there were the creepy individuals fawning over him.

It was strange.

One threatened to kill me. Nice.

I took the information, and picking out the most logical (really?), I went towards the cave. When I entered, I was met with an excavating hiker. He looked exhausted.

"Hello.." I quietly stated, turning his light gaze to me.

"Ah! 'Ello, there ye wee lassy! Didn't expect to see a young'n out 'ere - not especially a wee lassy like ye. If yer one of 'em crazed fangirls, Steven is out yonder in the cave, lookin' at some rocks. If ye want to see 'im, I suggest ye take this flashlight." Although I barely understood what he said, I got bits and pieces, knowing that he gave me a flashlight and Steven was deep in the cave. I muttered a thanks and flashed a small smile before heading my way to the depths of the cave.

One thing is for certain; the hiker was right. It was dark. It was a good thing I was prepared with a few repels, because while I was kidnapped and held hostage for a few days, that I have learned, Team Aqua raised my Pokémon some. They didn't like it. I know.

However, this cave was nice. I could understand how someone like Steven would want to be here, I guess to have some time alone?

I saw a bright light emanating from a room, I got excited. I was about to enter until my eyes caught something shiny. I immediately went to it, dropping the flashlight in the process.

I ignored everything at that moment. I wanted to get to the shiny gem, because I love shiny things.

I dug my fingers around the gem before finally plucking it out. I examined it. It was hard to see with bare minimum light, so I tried to reach for my flashlight only to learn that it was replaced by a shoe. I looked back, then up at the owner.

I swear, my whole body froze.

I examined his face rather quickly. His eyes shone like gleaming stars, obviously eyeing the gem he had so missed on his way to whatever was in the room. My cheeks flushed red as I was still holding onto his shoe. I quickly let go and got up. I had the gem in my hands and I turned to Steven.

"Hello." I sheepishly remarked, nervous. He gave me his smile. It was genuine and.. gentlemanly, if you can ever classify a smile like that.

"Hello, there. It's a pleasure to meet you." He gave a slight bow.

"The pleasure is all mine." I curtseyed, flashing a wider smile. He seemed impressed. I felt accomplished at something I got from reading so many books and watching so many shows.

"Now, how about we get to introducing ourselves? I am Steven Stone, descendant of Mr. Stone himself, the rightful heir to Devon Company." He finished his small, rather prideful, introduction. Meh.

"Kira Leywood, at your service. I am a mere novice trainer, having only one badge so far." I felt puny, but I didn't let my stubborn personality take over.

He nodded, then pointed at the stone. "I see you have found a rather intriguing piece of stone. May I take a look?" I nodded and handed him the gem. I felt nervous, not because of him, but my claustrophobia. The room wasn't large, but it wasn't exactly small either. If I stared long enough it looked like it was going to collapse.

I snapped myself back into reality when Steven mentions what the gem was.

"..a beautiful turquoise gem. It's rather rare in these parts, but I am stoked to actually see one here!" He beamed at the stone, smiling like a child on Christmas. I let a small smile waver on my lips before remembering something.

I took out the letter and nudged his arms. He stopped his ramble to look at me, a confused look settles on his face. I handed him the letter.

"I was told to personally deliver this to you from Mr. Stone, himself." I said in with a monotonous expression again. I just wanted to get out of that cave. He accepted the letter.

"Thank you! You seemed to have gone through some trouble just to deliver this. Here, I'd like you to have one of my stones. Don't worry, I have several of them." With that, he handed me a stone with a shimmering glow to it. It was beautiful.

"What is it?" I asked, curiosity loomed. I really was interested.

"That, Kira, is a diamond. I found them while I was exploring around Mossdeep City. Ah, well, I best be off. I hope to see you again." I nodded to him, hoping, too.

Maybe this world was another chance at living

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As soon as I exited the cave, I was met with heat. I hated being in this weather with thick clothes on. I rushed to the Pokémon center all sweaty. Upon entering, I saw several faces I recognized.

Since I didn't have time to see beforehand, all heads turned to me when I entered.

Shitshitshitshishitshit

I stood there, panicking on the inside. I was about to take a step forward until a certain brunette hugged me.

"Kira! Where have you been? I heard from Gold and Silver that you were missing!! I was so worried about you!" I felt like puking. I mean, sure it was nice to know she cared and all, but this was a bit too much.

"May, calm do-" I was interrupted.

"How the hell do you think she can calm down, runt? You left without warning." Silver exclaimed as he stood up and took a few steps towards me and May, who was still attached to me, hugging the dear life out of me. I groaned.

"Fine." I pried May off. I sighed and looked at all of them, who were watching intently. My stomach turned.

"Look, I'm sorry to have worried you guys, even though you barely know me. I can handle myself." I strode on over to the reception counter, handing Nurse Joy my Pokémon.

While waiting, Gold came up to me.

"Hey!" He cheerily greeted me.

"Hello." I greeted back.

"So what happened to you after that day? We spent a whole week searching for you in Rustboro and Petalburg, even Oldale and Littleroot!" Should I tell him?

"I was training," I lied. "Problem?" He shook his head but I could tell he was skeptical about my answer. He didn't question it, though.

"Training, huh? Want to have a battle? I'll make you scream in pain." He winked flirtatiously. I punched his arm.

"Stop. And fine, a battle it is!" I spat out angrily, taking my Pokémon from Nurse Joy, blushing.

I just hope I don't get too close to these people.

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This was a bit longer, which I like. I like to keep at a 1000 word minimum. XD anyway, enjoy while I work on the next chapter!