You wiped your brow sluggishly, feeling your light polyester jacket stick to your skin. The beachside cave was ridiculously hot and humid. You could simply reach out a hand and run it along the rugged wall and feel the moisture beading up on the rough rock; occasional rumbles rocked the tunnels. Any newbie spelunker would know that it was the Aron and Mawile sparring in its depths. Although it was simply one of the many ecosystems of Hoenn, a splurge of granite and schist, life teemed from its jagged corners and saw-toothed stalactites. You cautiously lifted the small pickaxe once more, a shy corner of a Fire Stone peeking out from the ground.
“[Name]! Is that really you?”
You turned around at the flippant voice, the lilting familiar spunk embedded in the undertone that stirred a small nostalgic note at the back of your mind. A boy with a white beanie, red athletic shirt, and khaki cargo shorts stood before you with a broad and beaming smile plastered across his kidlike, tanned face. He observed your expression and adjusted the shoulder strap of his bag bashfully, giving a glance at his shoes.
“Brendan,” you finally managed to utter, mildly stunned. “I knew you traveled, but I never expected to see you here in Granite Cave like this. What a coincidence.” He gave a grin as you pulled him tightly into your arms for a hug.
“I finally finished my Hoenn League challenge, but my dad wanted me to help him with his field research by filling up the PokéDex, so now I’m working here. I haven’t challenged the Champion yet.” He peered over your shoulder at the minor excavation site you set up, curiosity glimmering in his blue eyes like a Meowth would eye a coin. “[Name], what are you doing? I thought you were completing your Hoenn League challenge too.”
“Oh, about that… I’ve already finished, too,” you began with a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of your neck. You weren’t sure of how to explain the whole situation clearly, considering the history behind your friendship with Brendan. It was true you hadn’t seen him in a long time, but something tugged at your heartstrings, knotting up your feelings. “I was helping a friend out with his fieldwork, so I guess we’re kind of doing the same thing, huh.”
“Right. It still stuns me how it’s been… what, a whole year since we last met up to hang out? If you, um, finish your excavation work today, would you want to come grab a bite with me in Lilycove?” A pang hit you. Lilycove was the ideal date location for anyone, with its extravagant shopping venues and seaside aromas, topping it all off with the best Contest Spectaculars in Hoenn. An invitation there was almost as if…
“Ah, [Name]. How’s your work coming along?”
The two of you turned around to face a well-composed, silver-haired young man. He had a serene smile playing along his lips, steely blue eyes analytical yet soft. He made his way towards you and your childhood friend.
“I’m almost done, Steven.” You gestured vaguely at your area with a sweep of the hand. He gave you a gentle smile and turned to Brendan, who was standing awkwardly, unsure of what to do next.
“And who might this be?”
“I’m Brendan Birch,” he stammered, jerkily offering a hand. The confusion and bewilderment was scrawled across his body language. “You’re Steven, the Champion.”
Steven made firm eye contact with him and shook his hand. “Former Hoenn Champion. I lost that title to [Name]. She’s quite a formidable trainer.”
You smiled sheepishly as Brendan gaped at you, wide-mouthed and speechless. Without waiting for your interjection, he cut in. “You’re the Hoenn Champion now? But – but how – I mean, I guess I haven’t been around town these couple of days, but…”
“Sorry for not telling you earlier.” You raised your voice, but didn’t budge. You could feel the distance growing between you and him with each second that passed, while Steven watched politely with isolated interest. You could tell he was breaking down the conversation and attempting to piece it together while Brendan paused, as if to try and cue you into justifying yourself.
You remained silent.
“Okay. I see,” he finally replied wearily. “We’ll save Lilycove for another time. I want to give you this.” He twisted around and reached into the front pocket of his bag nimbly, pulling out a small sheaf of paper between his index and thumb. I accepted it without comment and read it, heart skipping a beat.