Post by Cristy on Nov 14, 2009 3:51:44 GMT -5
Steven Stone
{You know from the start that this is a rare opportunity. Mr. Stone, the President of Devon Corporation, has had to depart on business for a few weeks, leaving his son Steven Stone as temporary head of the company. The young man has always been a bit of a free spirit, the Champion of Hoenn who goes where he wills in search of the rare stones that he and his father seem so interested in. But now his father wanted to see what he would do in this position of power, leaving the boy he had groomed for just such a job in his place while he was absent. Since this could be the only opportunity to interview the child of the president before he takes off again, you make an appointment as soon as possible, a mixture of excitement and nervousness broiling to speak to someone the public knows so little about.[/size]
Devon is a monstrous building, which is surprising considering it started as a small family business; its development of trainer products quickly earned it fame and reputation, making Devon a household name almost overnight. The main towers are slightly curved around a red-roofed dome which you assume is the lobby (and, possibly, the original building before business took off), both skyscrapers gleaming and covered in reflective yellow glass. It is an impressive structure to say the least, and while the inside is a bit plain, it does have a sort of comforting feel to it, retaining its small, family-owned feel despite the size.
An employee graciously shows you to elevator after you tell the receptionist of your appointment, the woman cheerful but oddly quiet, not saying anything about either of the Stones before happily sending you off once you both reach the top floor, the light elevator music still ringing in your ears. The top floor looks to be a bit more furnished, the hallway lined with glass cases full of glittering rocks and gems, small index cards and plaques detailing what sort of mineral it is and where it was mined. You get a bit distracted looking at them all before your watch goes off, informing you that your interview is to start /right now,/ so you had better get a move on.
The door at the end of the hall is only slightly larger than usual, and made of a dark, heavy wood that is plainly carved and decorated – you expected something a bit more ornate, but the President really isn’t the type of person who is overly showy in the first place, so it isn’t too unexpected. You rap lightly on the door, listening the relative silence before hearing what sounds like a soft thump, followed by a softer, rasping sound, like fluttering paper. The door opens moments later, a slightly flustered Steven Stone holding the polished silver handle and looking mildly embarrassed.}
Sorry about that – I was working on something and was putting it aside for your interview, but I accidentally knocked it over… Do you mind waiting a moment so I can pick it up before we begin? [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{Despite looking a bit humiliated at his little accident, he is attentive and guides you to one of the cushy chairs in front of a large desk, where a black wire basket is upended, the papers within scattered across the glossy wooden surface. He scoops them all into a pile as you glance around at the other couches in soft, monotone colors pushed against the walls, sheer curtains draped over the large windows and even more glass cases jammed with rocks of all sorts standing here and there. Paintings of various Hoenn sceneries decorate the cream-colored walls, the entire room coming across as very relaxed and calm in spite of its position of power. It’s a place you could easily fall asleep in, watching the curtains flutter in the current of the air conditioning before the sound of Steven clearing his throat brings you back to attention, the man now sitting in a large, black leather chair and watching you with a kind expression.}[/size]
I apologize about the wait, but are you ready to begin now? [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
******************************************************
Parents call me..
{A raised brow, but otherwise nothing from his end, hands folded in front of him on the desk while he states his name firmly.}[/size]
Steven, typically. …Although if you are referring to my full name, it is Steven Xavier Alphonse Tiberius Phillip Stone. The Third. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He seems pretty calm while saying this, even though it’s an obvious mouthful and, frankly, sort of ridiculous. But then again, he does come from a higher-end family, which are notorious for having silly names like that. You simply nod and write it down on your notepad, making a small note to spell check ‘Xavier Tiberius’ later.}[/size]
…My parents do not usually call me by my full name, however. …Unless I have… angered them somehow. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He tacks on quietly, shifting slightly in his seat. It was odd to imagine such a composed person being on the receiving end of his mother’s wrath, and it was even a bit funny to imagine such a person spitting out his complicated name when angered. You leave the last bit off, instead moving on to the next question.}
[/font][/color][/size]
My Friends call me.. [/size][/color]
{A slight quirk of the side of his mouth, eyes looking a bit mischievous as he thinks to himself.}[/size]
Most of my acquaintances also refer to me as Steven. However, one of my closer friends does call me… Stevebo.[/size][/blockquote]
{He says the peculiar nickname with a small chuckle, eyes lighting up with some memory of a far-off time. It is an odd nickname, but most nicknames are, so you jot it down and look back to your list.}[/size][/blockquote]
I'm not an it! I'm a..[/size][/color]
{The good-humored look is quickly replaced by one of confusion and mild annoyance, obviously unsure of where this question came from. But it’s on the list, and the list cannot be argued with, therefore you must ask it. Another throat-clearing cough, and you brace yourself for his answer, thinking he could possibly be a bit upset you thought it needed asking.}[/size]
I am male – I wasn’t even aware the subject was up for debate. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{His voice is terse and his eyes do narrow a bit, shoulders stiffening ever so slightly, but he doesn’t seem like he’s quietly seething – just a bit bothered, which still makes this awkward. He is suddenly very quiet, watching you with mild concern. Fumbling nervously with your clipboard, you hear him add-}[/size]
I didn’t intend to come off as rude, but it was a rather odd question. I was… unsure as to why you inquired. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He nods once, visibly relaxing with a small squeak of his chair as you look down at your papers, the next question one that most likely won’t incite such an irritated response.}[/size][/blockquote]
I am a...[/size][/color]
{He seems to actually need a moment to think about this one, apparently having several titles under his belt to think about. Organizing his thoughts, he begins somewhat slowly, leaning back slightly as he speaks.}[/size]
I am mostly known as the Champion of the Hoenn Pokémon League, although I suppose a broader term would be Pokémon trainer. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{A pause, and he brings one hand up his face, a single finger with a thick metal band on it tapping his jawbone lightly. His other arm lies across his stomach, that hand supporting his elbow.}[/size]
I am indeed one of the elite trainers in Hoenn, known for training fierce steel-type Pokémon. Metagross is one of my strongest, along with Aggron – they help immensely when I am searching for stones, as they can dig into the rock and locate them more easily than I. Metagross has been with me the longest, and I ride on his back for faster travel. Many people think Skarmory would be better for such a task, but I think Metagross would get jealous if I suddenly started flying everywhere with Skarmory. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{A grin at that, and you secretly ponder where the Pokémon are – does he keep them with him at all times, or does he leave them somewhere? It seems more likely he would have them on him; why would the Champion ever be separated from his team?}[/size]
In addition to being a Pokémon trainer, I am a stone getter: I find rare stones and sell some of what I find.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{You write that down, but you do believe the term ‘stone getter’ is one you haven’t heard before, and your puzzled expression silently urges him on to explain.}[/size]
I am sure you saw all the rocks in the cases on your way in? Either my father or I dug up most of them – it’s our passion, to find and study rare stones. Whenever we find a particularly large deposit, we keep some of what we find but sell or donate the rest or museums and other facilities. Evolutionary stones are what we usually come across, and they are an easy profit when sold to stores that want them. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{A simple explanation for a rather odd term. You can’t help but think there has to be a better way to phrase that, but now hardly seems the time to bring that up so you simply put down what you are told and move on, the next question making you a bit uneasy at the sight of it. Another awkward question already – it’s like they enjoy making you nervous.}[/size][/blockquote]
I don't need wrinkle cream! I'm.. [/color][/size][/b]
{This doesn’t seem to incite the same response as the gender question, although Steven does subtly shift, leaning forward again to rest his forearms on the desk for another annoying squeak from the chair.}[/size]
I am twenty four; I am aware my hair makes me look a fair bit older, but I’m not /ancient./[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He says it rather forcefully and then frowns, as if realizing something you aren’t privy to.}[/size]
My hair… is a sort of gray shade, and I am normally billed as older before people see me up close. It was the cause of a lot of distress for me when I was a child, although it doesn’t bother me so much anymore. At any rate… I don’t think I am too young to be in my current position in the Pokémon League – most of the Elite Four are my age or a bit older, and some even younger. The Champion of Kanto is still a teenager.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He shrugs slightly, more of a subconscious reaction than anything, you believe. The trainer does look his age up close; a smooth complexion and bright eyes that are watching you rather expectantly, awaiting the next question. You can feel yourself flushing a little from the obvious staring as you state your next awkward query.}[/size][/blockquote]
Do you think I need a diet?[/color][/size]
I don’t believe I do. All of my hiking, climbing, and Pokémon training are enough to keep me fit, and dieting isn’t really something I’m into; I eat healthily enough and do not require a dietician or a plan to keep me in shape.[/size]
{He answers simply, voice and expression cool. There’s a definite lull in the conversation, and he begins to move once more, as if the silence is truly grating to him. You cough once into your hand, quietly stating that you meant to ask about his physical appearance - nothing quite as literal as what was implied. He blinks once, and seems to be at a loss for words.}[/size]
If that was what you wanted to know, you should have phrased it differently. Are you even the one who wrote these questions? [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He asks, tilting his head slightly with a good-natured lilt to his voice. He leans back in the chair, arms relaxed and crossing his abdomen, bright green eyes focusing brusquely on you before looking beyond your shoulder at something else, leaving you to take a moment to study him. You note that his hair really is an almost slate gray color with a tint of light blue mixed in, cut in a rather odd style with one side longer than the other, although he manages to pull it off nicely without looking silly.[/size]
The Champion is dressed rather fancily, but that is to be expected with his titles: a black suit jacket over a white collar shirt, a red scarf in place of a tie. The Champion cloak is mysteriously absent; although you don’t believe he would wear it for anything beside Pokémon League matches. The jacket is unlike most you have seen, with a thick zigzagging stripe of purple going down either side in the front, reaching from top to bottom. It also doesn’t appear to button, and you figure that it must be a zip up – how else would it remain closed? Two thick silver bands rest on the upper arm of his jacket, above the crook of his elbow, and you cannot fathom what they must be there for; perhaps they are merely decorative, but with someone as practical as Steven, you figure they must be there for a reason.}
…These are also a tool for work. The bands are removable and can be used to chip away at stone too hard to dig through, or to grab rocks out of reach. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He is watching you again from the corner of his eye, face turned to his sleeve and one hand raised to touch the metal on his jacket. He must have caught you staring at them and figured an explanation was due. He wordlessly wraps his fingers around the band, the rings on his fingers clanking against it as he presses some unseen button and pops one off, holding it out for you to see. The hinge is hidden so well you can hardly see the thin line where the metal opens, the band similar in appearance to a handcuff. After flipping it so that you get a full view, the Champion pulls it back to snap it into place, tugging on it once to ensure it’s attached properly.[/size][/blockquote]
Since he is sitting behind a desk, you can only see the top half of his body, and need to think back to when he opened the door to visualize the rest of his attire. You can sketchily recall pants the same dark shade as his jacket, and matching black dress shoes that, now that you are thinking about it, had dark purple soles.
An overall clean-cut fellow, if you do say so yourself. You write down your description, making another note to double-check his shoes before you leave.}
My emotional disposition? [/color][/size]
{Once your not-so-subtle observations are complete, you quickly ask the next question, this one phrased just as strangely as the last few. His eyes slide back to you, a rather nonplussed expression affixed to his face. You wait a moment to see what he says, before he finally admits that he isn’t sure how to answer that, casually loosening his scarf a tad.}[/size]
I suppose I am a serious individual in some ways – I think I have always been, even when I was a child. It makes me come off as a bit unfriendly, but for all the time I spend alone, I really do enjoy speaking with others now and then. But I’m usually so caught up in work, either my own or at the Pokémon League, that I don’t have much time to spend socializing. Maybe that ends up reflecting upon me a bit poorly, making me seem… aloof, but there are worse things to be called.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{A heavy sigh and his arms cross his chest as he continues, looking down at the dark wood of the desk.}[/size]
Socializing isn’t exactly my favorite thing to do in the world, either; the quiet of caverns and the Pokémon League suits me fine. I attended many events in my youth, my parents wanting me to be present at their meet-and-greets for reasons beyond me at the time. I disliked being shoved into a roomful of adults only to listen to them gossip concerning things I knew nothing of, while simultaneously acting condescendingly towards me for the duration of my stay. I guess I was mature for my age and size, maybe even a bit bratty, and I didn’t want to be treated like the child I was.
I didn’t have many friends at all then, actually… Schoolmates, certainly, but nobody that I would spend time with outside of the classroom. It wasn’t necessarily that I disliked them – more like I could only handle so much conversation and interaction in one day before I wished to be alone. I was already following in my father’s footsteps, accompanying him on business trips just for the sake of leaving town when it didn’t interfere with school. …I think, possibly, that he was a little concerned that I wasn’t making friends like I should have been, which is why he typically offered to take me with him when he traveled. We were very close, although I suppose in the recent years since I left the nest, so to speak, we don’t visit as much as we used to. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{This revelation seems to sadden him a bit, eyes drowsily focused on the silhouette reflections on the desk. You wonder if he was ever very lonely growing up, without any real friends to speak of.}[/size]
My mother was definitely the catalyst when I started withdrawing more and more; she has always been a zealous woman, and she encouraged me to try and get to know others. I did finally make a friend during one of my father’s business trips to Sootopolis. I am sure you are familiar with the Gym Leader, Wallace? I met him one summer there; while we didn’t hit it off right away, he has always been my closest friend. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{A nostalgic look passes over him, another grin tugging at his mouth. It’s a rare moment, you think, that this man must look so at peace and happy. He leans back in his chair, possibly the most casual you have seen him since your arrival.}[/size]
The both of us, Wallace and I, unfortunately had limited contact because of our homes, but we spoke over the telephone regularly; even now, both of our lives are so hectic that we don’t speak often. After making friends with him, though, I do believe I become a tad bit more receptive to others; I even began reach out to make friends, although most of them eventually moved on and we never spoke again. Maybe that’s why… Now that I’m older I’m still a little… inhibited around people. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{A ghost of a frown appears, but he pushes on, not overly eager to share, perhaps, but speaking his mind as it comes to him.}[/size]
I would like to think that, at the very least, I am somewhat helpful and friendly. I will always assist those in need, and it isn’t like I would turn someone away if they asked me for assistance or even a conversation. I might not be incredibly skilled at speaking with total strangers, but I am attempting to be more… approachable, especially since I became Champion; Wallace has commented on how intimidating I can be without meaning to. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{A tiny shrug as he resituates himself once more, sitting straighter in his seat with an air of finality to this particular question.}[/size]
I don’t think I’m intimidating … But maybe being a Champion and sort of quiet in combination makes one seem like they are more frightening than they are. I really would not know. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
Things that are Groovy:[/color][/size]
{He actually /laughs/ when you say groovy, although it is more of a short bark than a full-blown laugh. You grin and tap your pen against the clipboard as he begins to list things off, relaxing enough to get a slight dip in his normally rigid shoulders, fingers counting things as he names them.}[/size]
-Steel Pokémon
Sturdy and reliable, and they are very helpful in my rock collection ventures. Beldum are my favorite Pokémon, actually, and I have quite a few. My own Pokémon would fit under this category as well, even though a couple aren’t steel type; they are my comrades all the same.
-Rare Stones
An obvious one… But they are something special, above all the evolutionary stones. It is unknown where they come from, or how they give off their magical energy that makes Pokémon evolve. Not only that, but once refined, they make gorgeous gems. I have been collecting them since I was young, and you can see that together, my father and I have quite an assortment here on display.
-Movies
I don’t go to the cinema very often anymore, but I used to go almost twice a week, once upon a time. There’s something enchanting about movies, whether it is a comedy or a heart-wrenching drama; the actors and the story, the scenery and unexpected twists and turns! Everything about the silver screen is captivating, wouldn’t you say?
-Chemistry
Something I rather enjoyed in school, although I never pursued it beyond that. It was fascinating to watch chemicals react, and my teacher was very hands-on, so we got to perform all sorts of experiments in the laboratory. I was… quite the nerd, as Wallace would say. I used to know a lot, but I think time has faded most of my knowledge of the subject.
-Pokémon Macaroni and Cheese
[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He stops suddenly, a slight flush across his cheeks as he squirms in his chair. Perhaps he hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but there it was, all out in the open and begging explanation.}[/size]
It’s just… something from my childhood that I’ve always enjoyed. And it’s easy to make, so I can cook it on my own with minimal problems. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{You wait to see if he’ll say anything more, but he prompts you to ask whatever is next on your list.}[/size][/blockquote]
Things that aren't so Groovy: [/color][/size]
-Cave ins[/font][/color][/size]
I’ve had to deal with a few of them since I started digging on my own – excavating can naturally cause weaknesses in a cave’s structure and cause part of it to collapse. Fortunately, I’ve never been caught beneath a cave in, and they’ve always been minor enough that I could dig myself out with Metagross and Aggron.
-Heat
I am more of a cool-weather person. You can always put on more layers to handle the cold, but you can’t escape the heat. And too much of it isn’t good for steel-types, and it isn’t favorable to me either. Especially if it’s humid on top of that; that’s a combination for misery.
-Telephones
I’d much rather speak to someone face to face. Telephones seem so impersonal to me.
-Overused themes and plots for movies or books
Self explanatory. Doesn’t everyone get tired of hearing about the same thing? Stories aren’t any fun to read if you already know how it ends.
-The Internet
Well, maybe that’s too general a thing to say. Rather, there are certain aspects about the internet I do not care for in the least: people tend to be rude and perverse behind the anonymity it provides, and there is a disgusting amount of websites that contain things I’d rather not talk about… While I do concede that the internet is very helpful, some things I just do not care for.
-Team Aqua and Team Magma
While I have no concrete proof, I think these two gangs are definitely up to no good; something about them just doesn’t seem right. The earth is in perfect balance as it is, and nobody should interfere with that – while I doubt that they will ever succeed in their goals, I do plan to keep a vigilant eye on them…
But..I'm afraid![/size]
{This question creates the kind of response one would expect – some fidgeting and a general air of ‘must I?’ Nobody really likes talking about their fears, and Steven seems to be no exception as he looks beyond you at the wall, the serious expression he gained whilst speaking of the Aqua and Magma teams becoming more pronounced.}[/size]
I suppose, like most people… I am afraid of death to some degree. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He moves once more in his seat, the squeaking it makes louder than before with the solemn, tense atmosphere.}[/size]
Being a Pokémon trainer, there has been more than one moment where I stood and realized that, whatever situation I was in… I could really die. The world is a dangerous place and things rarely go as planned – it would only take a moment, and then I’d be gone… I’ve always tried to be careful on my journeys, but of course I cannot plan for everything. And hand in hand with that is what I’d leave behind: grieving parents and friends, and my Pokémon as well. I am afraid to think of how they would feel if I left this world, without even a goodbye… [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{There’s a bout of silence, the weight of what he just exposed heavy and not easily or flippantly shared. With the quiet stretching on, you prepare to ask your next question when he suddenly snorts, and you look up in surprise, and there is a slight twitch to the corner of his mouth.}[/size]
Although I wouldn’t readily admit it… I am a tiny bit afraid of Pikachus.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{You stare at him still, mirroring his growing grin while he begins to explain, humor lighting his voice.}[/size]
Back when we were still very young, Wallace and I were playing out in the Villa my family used to own in the Resort Area in Sinnoh. Since the Pokémon there tended to be powerful, we let our Pokémon out to walk with us, just in case of an attack. Well, the wild Pokémon closer to the Resort Area tended to stray into the urban areas but were shy of people, so we could watch them from afar. One particular afternoon we happened upon a small group of wild Pikachu romping in the grass near the entrance to the Ribbon Syndicate, and watched them awhile.
I wasn’t very into training my Pokémon at the time – just a Beldum and Aron back then – but Wallace wanted to try out a new technique he had learned from his Master and ordered his Spheal to attack one. He apparently forgot about a water-type’s weakness to electricity, and the Spheal’s Water Gun move only served to irritate and send the wild Pikachu into a tizzy. One of them ran at us and while Wallace was able to move both himself and Spheal from his path before it got them… But I didn’t see it coming.
Not until it was attached to my face, sopping wet and hissing like a Skitty forced to take a bath, anyhow.
Thankfully, it was more confused and scared than actually angry, so it didn’t attack me any more than simply scratching up my face until Beldum executed a Take Down (one that could have seriously hurt me if it had missed)… We both ran back to the Villa in tears, and while both of us can now look back on this and laugh, I cannot help a tiny shudder whenever I see a Pikachu.
[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{When he finishes, he really cannot help but laugh quietly, and since he’s laughing you find yourself following easily, both of you sharing the moment before it passes and you must continue the interview.}[/size][/blockquote]
I like to...[/color][/size]
{Once you’ve both calmed down, the chuckles filling the air dissipating once more into tranquil silence, Steven begins his next answer, eyes glittering with mirth.}[/size]
My hobbies were stated previously – rock collecting and Pokémon battling, although to be honest, I didn’t start training Pokémon seriously for a long time. They were simply my companions as I traveled and gathered stones; it wasn’t until Wallace and I battled competitively for the first time that I realized how strong my team was, and he said I should try to see what I could do with them after I actually trained them seriously. While I will forsake being modest to say that my Pokémon are quite strong, it really has never been my first priority to battle constantly. We may enjoy some fights here and there outside of the Pokémon League challenges, but we do not actively seek out opponents.
Besides that, I did mention I liked movies. While I may not visit cinemas much anymore, I do rent videos now and then when I get the time… And there is usually a lot of time to kill between challenges at the Pokémon League, for very rarely does anyone even make it to me when a challenge is issued. I don’t have a particular preference for any genre – I’ll watch most anything. And as for my favorites… well, there’s too many to list.
I suppose you could consider traveling another hobby of mine, although I don’t typically go anywhere just for the sake of going. I guess I can be a bit of a homebody in that sense – no matter where I go, I always return to where I started. I do have a house in Mossdeep, although I must admit that it is slightly neglected – I come to Rustboro often to visit my mother and father, or stay at the Pokémon League for convenience.
[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
My reason?[/color][/size]
{This one is enough to give him pause, mellowing somewhat while he thinks of an answer.}[/size]
I really only became a trainer because of the encouragement of those around me – it started out as a mere hobby, but now I am the Champion of the Hoenn League, so I cannot keep saying that.
Battles are an intense but enjoyable affair, and I have a natural affinity for guiding my team, so it makes sense that I’m a trainer; I can tell that my Pokémon enjoy it too. Sometimes, however, I am unsure if I made the right decision in trying out for the Champion position. I wasn’t even the true winner of the tournament – Wallace would have been Champion if he didn’t wish to remain in Sootopolis. He has his reasons, I know… But I do wonder if this was the best choice…
Er, perhaps it was better I didn’t say anything. I do not regret becoming Champion; it’s just that I can’t help but wonder if I really deserve it, or if I should really be in such a powerful position at all, with how I view battling.
[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He stops, looking almost a tiny bit flustered and unsure of what to say. This is certainly a strange turn of events – a Champion who is having a spot of inner turmoil over what he believes he doesn’t deserve and isn’t even sure he wants. He clears his throat as you write the information down with quick strokes of the pen, looking a tad bit embarrassed.}[/size]
If I could request you don’t say anything about that last part? I think that information would be better off left between us. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He doesn’t give any sort of explanation, but you can see a hint of fleeting desperation behind his gaze. You can understand why maybe he would want to keep that information private: the Champion doubting his position could cause an inner turmoil in the Pokémon League, which could quickly turn into a big mess. You nod once, and a visible relief passes over him, mirroring the move and awaiting your next inquiry.}[/size][/blockquote]
Mandatory Angst:[/color][/size]
{The sound of his fingers lightly tapping on his desk disrupts the quiet scribbling of your pen, something you didn’t expect. He stops abruptly, touching his fingertips together and looking toward the sheer white curtain you had been entranced with earlier, the outlines of various buildings visible through it. You figure he must have a lot to tell, if he’s having to think of where to begin; or maybe he’s just being meticulous about how he answers, since the last question caused him to admit something he would have preferred not to bring up.}[/size]
I was born and raised here, in Rustboro. My father was always busy, as he is the President, but he always tried very hard to make time for me. He loves children, and I know he must have felt horrible for being absent so much… My mother is a spitfire of a woman though, and had no problem taking care of me without his assistance.
My parents sent me to a private school in the area, and it was an enjoyable enough experience, although as I said before, I wasn’t very outgoing and didn’t really make friends with my classmates. I know my parents must have worried about that, and they regularly had me attend numerous functions in an attempt to make me more sociable, although the increased contact with people I didn’t really care for only served to make me even more withdrawn.
Eventually I became interested in the shining rocks my father kept bringing home, and in my thirst to know more about them, I became a little obsessed… My father took it as a bonding opportunity, and for a couple of summers he took me with him on his digging expeditions. He taught me a lot of things, both while digging and while simply traveling to our destinations – I don’t think there are many subjects we didn’t broach at one point or another.
That continued for awhile, until his neglect of the company to take care of me seemed to build up, and he was back to working hard. I still followed him around, waited for him to get home so we could play despite how exhausted he was… I guess I was a bit needy, now that I think about it. I began to accompany him on business trips in the summer instead of going rock collecting, and while we got to visit all sorts of places… it wasn’t quite the same.
I did meet Wallace during one trip to Sootopolis – his Feebas gave me a playful Water Gun to the face and caused me to fall into the water. I was rather upset at first, and humiliated, which may have also had something to do with the fact that when I first heard him, I thought he was a girl.
[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{You let out an unexpected snort, then pause in your writing to look mortified; but Steven merely laughs and waves it off.}[/size]
No worries – he can be a bit feminine. And if you think he’s flamboyant now… Well, it was only worse when he was a child. I think I was completely justified in believing he was a girl. After a brief tiff, we reconciled and became fast friends, although it was disheartening to realize that we wouldn’t be able to play together all the time, since I lived in Rustboro and he in Sootopolis. However, the next summer my father bought a summer home in Sinnoh, in the Resort Area. It became a tradition for Wallace to come with us each summer, and we had plenty of adventures… Like the Pikachu one I mentioned, to fishing for monster Magikarp off the pier and eating Pokémon-shaped macaroni and cheese while talking about nothing all day long. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{His smile is nostalgic and dreamy, thinking back to such a time with an obvious fondness.}[/size]
We did that every summer until Wallace became a Gym Leader and couldn’t afford to take extended periods of absence from his Gym, and I was busy following my passion of hunting for rare stones all over Hoenn while being taught about Devon Corporation. I never did enjoy business politics, or paperwork… My disappearing act to find rocks was a cowardly move, mostly done when I didn’t want to deal with another lesson in how to run Devon. I was running away from it, although I knew I would have to face it all eventually.
By then Beldum was a Metagross and Aron an Aggron, and I had added a few new partners to my team. Battling was, as I mentioned, never a real passion for me – it’s fun, and I wouldn’t turn down a challenge, but I hadn’t realized how much I had grown until Wallace asked me for a friendly match. After that I did spend a fair amount of time training my Pokémon up, just to see how far they would get… turns out they are a lot stronger than I thought.
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{He simply shrugs, leaning forward to rest his arms on the desk again.}[/size]
That’s why I am uncertain about retaining my Champion position – it was done on a whim, and I feel as though I might have cheated it from someone who would be better suited for it. …But I cannot resign, not until I am rightfully beaten and dethroned. Though Wallace is the one who deserves the cloak, I accept that he wishes to succeed his Master and become the Gym Leader and protector of Sootopolis, so I will not ask him to be Champion in my stead. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He finishes with a resolute nod, and you look down at the literal wall of ink you just scribbled. That’s probably going to require some editing.}[/size][/blockquote]
Oh and by the way... [/size][/font]
{You ask if there’s any miscellaneous information he’d want to say – something not asked that he’d still like to tell the public in the interview. He thinks on it momentarily before shaking his head, telling you that there isn’t much left to say about him. Nodding, you tuck your pen into the clipboard and smile, signaling the end of the interview. Steven returns it easily, both of you standing with him leading you to the door and – look at that – the soles of his shoes /are/ purple. You thank him for his time, idly flipping through the pages of notes you just took as you walk out the door, feeling privileged to have gotten to have such an in-depth conversation with the Champion of Hoenn.}[/size][/blockquote]
I'm just a proxy for.. [/color][/size]
{You catch this final question lingering innocently and unanswered on your paper, and turn to catch Steven before he can vanish back into the warmth of the spacious office. He looks at you for a moment, quite perplexed, before motioning you to wait there. He returns to the desk, rifling through a few stacks of papers before withdrawing an envelope and bringing it to you.}[/size]
I’m not sure if this is what you’re looking for, but I seem to get these letters quite often. …Feel free to keep it, even if it doesn’t answer your question. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{And with that he really is gone, leaving you alone in the hallway to open the letter. Inside is a piece of paper with doodles of Pokémon all over, the name Cristy written in the center in bold, cursive script. How strange.[/size][/blockquote]
And now, you can finally get going. Awesome.}
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