WARNING! Strong language.

You questioned the boat ride to Mauville. It really wasn't needed, since Rusturf Tunnel was pretty close to the Trainer's School. If anything, the boat just made you even more uncomfortable.

You glance over to your best friend. She smiles at you, trying to keep you calm. You wish you could tell her that the problem wasn't the boat, it was your partner.

Lots of things are running through your head. Is he going to make small talk? Will he find out my secret? What if I reveal too much during our battle?

You press your temples. A headache os coming... You just wanted to call Swablu and ask her to fly you away.

•••

Steven plays with Metang's Poké Ball, hoping it would entertain him during this hell of a ride. Eventually, he would glance at you. He wanted to ask if you were okay, but then he remembered what you did and that was enough to keep his mouth shut.

Why did you betray me like that?

He sighs. Route 109 is up ahead, he can see the beach, only a few more minutes.

•••

May gets out of the boat with Brendan's help. She didn't mind her partner. In fact, she's quite excited to spend a day with her neighbour. The same could be said for Brendan.

The students all line up in front of Slateport's Pokémon Center. The status conditions teacher stands in front of them with his hands behind his back.

"Listen up. You all have an hour to eat and have some spare time. You may go to whatever facility you want, as long as you stay in Mauville. If you get lost, please return to the Pokémon Center."

The students nods. They all follow each other towards Mauville. Even though this is a trip to practice battle skills and strategies, all students had to wear repels as they were crossing route 110.

You rolled Grovyle's Poké Ball between your hands, trying to keep your anxiety at bay. You eventually would glance at Steven, who had no expression on his face. His soft expression this morning was a long gone memory.

The teacher opens up Mauville's front doors. Students spread around everywhere, excited to be in a different environment.

Steven clips Lairon's Poké Ball back on his belt.

"Meet me here in one hour" He says in a cold tone.

"Wait. Where are you going?" You ask, trying to keep your tone down. Inside, you were pissed at him for bossing you around.

"Somewhere that isn't here, or near you."

Steven walks away. Your jaw drops, and you're left in shock. You thought Wallace was being extra at your house yesterday, but now you believed him. Steven was acting like a cold son of a bitch, and you couldn't believe he treated you like this.

Well, I think I deserved it.

You swallow the giant lump on your throat and start climbing the stairs. You needed to be alone.

"(Y/N)!"

You turn around to find your best friend and her partner. She's smiling at you.

"We're going for lunch, want to join us?" She asks.

You smile back at your friend. She sounds genuine and her partner doesn't seem to mind, so you just nodded and followed them to Mauville's Food Court.

•••

"Is that her?"

The man takes a look at the group of students. He raises one eyebrow.

"Yes. Keep an eye on her and that kid with a Metang."

•••

May hugs Brendan in excitement as she grabs her Torchic doll. He hugs her back, a bit surprised. She quickly pulls away, embarrassed.

"Um... Sorry about that, I got a little too excited" May apologizes, rubbing the back of her neck.

"I don't mind receiving your hugs" Brendan shrugs. "I'll get Max a Ralts doll."

"Thanks!" May smiles. Brendan and Max got along really well, and she's happy to have both of them.

•••

After crossing route 111, a couple finally reaches Mauville. They slowly drag themselves to the Pokémon Center. People around Mauville look at them a bit shocked, it looks like they haven't eaten or slept in days.

The woman grabs her husband's arm, starting to notice the students.

"Um... Ron, I think we should leave" She says.

Her husband looks around. The students really didn't mind their presence, in fact they don't even know they're there. Still, they don't want to get their kid in trouble.

They quickly grab some Fresh Water from the vending machine and some food at Mauville Food Court before leaving, bumping into a blue haired kid on their way out.

•••

"So, where's Steven? Isn't he your partner?"

You glare at your friend's partner.

"He ditched me" You answer with a shrug. "We're supposed to meet at the entrance in five minutes, but I doubt he's coming."

"If he doesn't, he'll get a nice F" Your friend answers. She places a hand on her chin. "Should we look for him?"

"I don't know. He said he didn't want to be here, I assume he doesn't have fond memories of Mauville" You shake your head in denial.

"He could be on route 117. There's lots of trainers and I know he loves to battle."

"Maybe... I wouldn't bother looking for him, though" You mumble, lowering your head.

His cold words froze your soul. You knew there wasn't even a tiny chance to make amends with him, but that didn't stop his words from hurting you.

"Looks like we won't. There he is."

You look back. Steven is standing close to the entrance, rolling one of his Poké Balls between his hands.

"We should go. The battles will start in 10" You warn them.

You clean the table and hug your best friend before walking away, wishing her good luck. She's a good battler, you know she'll do amazing.

You release Kirlia as you walk up to Steven. He doesn't bother to look at you, so you just lead the way. His expression isn't one of the greatest.

(Time Skip)

"Braixen, use Psybeam."

"Rock Slide, Pignite!"

You're hanging at the edge of your seat, just like half of the room. Your friend battles with such grace along with her Braixen. She reminds you of a contest star.

Braixen has the speed advantage. The Fire type sends out a wave of Psychic energy at Pignite. It's super effective!

Pignite hits Braixen with a Rock type attack. It's super effective and a critical hit! Braixen faints.

Your friend calls her Pokémon back, as does her partner. They shake hands.

"Great battle!" The teacher claps. "Please go back to your seats."

She sits behind you and Steven. You grab her hand, congratulating her on that amazing battle. It was breathtaking.

"Mrs. (L/N) and mr. Stone, please come to the battlefield."

Steven gets up from his seat with Metang's Poké Ball on hand. You follow him, your whole body shaking.

Your P.O.V

Shit, shit. What do I do?

I'm terrified to get out there and battle Steven. This is a horrible idea. I should've stayed at home for the day.

Steven positions himself on the other side, then releases Metang. I grab Kirlia's Luxury Ball and release her. He frowns at her colouring. At least we agree on that one.

"The Psychic type battle is about to begin!" The teacher announces. I clench my fist. "3, 2, 1... Go!"

"Metang, use Metal Claw!"

"Kirlia, use Shadow Ball."

Why is my Psychic type so slow? I mumble under my breath.

Metang is so offensive. With only one attack, Kirlia's health lowered to half.

"Metal Claw again!"

I look at Steven before telling Kirlia what to do. He's shaking, his eyes are filled with anger, his fists are clenched. It's almost like he's fighting me.

"Kirlia, use Calm Mind."

Kirlia's Quick Claw pops, letting her move first. She focuses her thoughts to raise her Special Attack and Special Defense, then Metang attacks.

"Now, use Shadow Ball again."

"Agility, Metang!"

I raise one eyebrow. What is he doing? He knows Metang out speeds Kirlia.

Metang's health falls to red. I can tell the Pokémon is tired, it barely moves. Steven, on the other hand, is almost screaming at this point.

"Metang, use Giga Impact!"

My eyes widen. Is Steven nuts? Kirlia looks back at me, worried. I smile at her, telling her I'm fine.

"Use Shadow Ball again."

I hear Steven growl as Kirlia's Quick Claw pops again. Kirlia forms a ball to attack Metang. It faints instantly.

I look at Steven. He calls Metang back to its Poké Ball. A word pops into my head.

Run.

It was only a matter of seconds for Steven to walk up to me and push me towards the wall. The teachers rush to hold Steven.

He yells something I couldn't understand, but it was terrifying. I close my eyes.

That was it. I don't know who he is anymore. I heard about that fight with May yesterday, and I still refused to believe. I can't believe it took me a push to the wall to finally understand that Steven changed.

He has become mean, cold, a complete jerk. I remember one of his biggest fears as a kid. To become like his father.

And that's who I saw as he stormed out of Hoenn's Battle Institute.