Winona let out a soft sigh.
The gym trainer pressed the remote control, and the platform carrying both trainers began its descent through the air.
There was no need to wait for the dust to settle below—the battle's outcome was already decided.
Altaria had expended considerable energy during the earlier tug-of-war exchange.
Not to mention taking a direct hit from Ice Punch, a move with quadruple effectiveness against it.
Thud—
The platform touched down, producing a mechanical collision sound as it locked into place.
Steven stepped off and walked over to his Metagross, who had just floated down beside him. He reached out and patted its metallic surface.
"You performed excellently out there."
"Metagross!" The Steel-and-Psychic-type's eyes curved slightly upward, displaying what could only be described as a smile.
Winona recalled her Altaria into its Poké Ball, whispering a few words of comfort to it.
Then she turned, a smile crossing her face as she approached Steven.
Winona reached into her pocket and produced a white badge shaped like a single wing. She extended it toward Steven.
"This is proof of your victory at Fortree Gym—the Feather Badge."
"Thank you," Steven said, accepting the badge with a respectful nod.
"In that final exchange, even if you hadn't used Ice Punch, I would have had difficulty securing a victory," Winona admitted with a light chuckle.
"So, what is your request?"
Steven carefully placed the Feather Badge into his badge case before meeting Winona's gaze directly.
After taking a deep breath, he asked in a serious tone, "Please tell me what happened between you and Wallace."
Asking about Winona's personal matters felt somewhat improper, after all.
Winona froze, her expression shifting to something odd.
No way. This young man isn't actually involved with Wallace, is he?
And he came here to ask me—his supposed rival—about their past?
Winona sighed softly once more.
There was nothing she could do about it now. She had already agreed to answer any request.
Truth be told, this particular request wasn't overly difficult for her to fulfill.
"Wallace and I began dating quite some time ago. After he challenged the Pokémon League and won the championship, he gave up the Champion title and became the Gym Leader of Sootopolis Gym instead."
"I felt that having someone stronger than me constantly at my side, with Wallace able to predict my every move... that sensation was extremely uncomfortable."
"I always felt like I couldn't breathe properly, so I ended the relationship."
"Don't worry—I won't interfere with you and Wallace."
Wait a minute!
What did that last sentence mean?!
Steven had been nodding along as he listened, considering the various possibilities between the two Gym Leaders.
Winona's final sentence, however, completely blindsided him.
"What does that have to do with me?" Steven asked, genuinely confused.
"Ah? You asked me this question, so weren't you trying to—"
"Alright, I understand," Steven interrupted, raising his hand quickly to cut off Winona's next words.
Damn it. When I find whoever wrote that gossip article, I'm having Metagross give them a 'relaxing' massage with Meteor Mash!
"Wallace and I are just friends," Steven explained helplessly.
"Gym Leader Winona, do you have any thoughts about reconciling with Wallace?"
Winona paused. She hadn't expected Steven to ask that particular question.
Her hand, hidden behind her back, began gently rubbing her index finger knuckle with her thumb as she fell into nostalgic thoughts.
There's a chance here!
Steven observed Winona's reaction and felt genuine hope that reconciliation was possible.
"Although Wallace hasn't told me the details about your relationship, I believe he still has feelings for you," Steven said seriously.
Steven didn't remember every detail—the exact reason for their breakup escaped him.
Why Wallace had given up the League Champion title was also forgotten.
But Steven remembered very clearly one crucial fact: Wallace still loved Winona.
"Why?" Winona asked curiously.
"Why are you so certain about that?"
"You should know Wallace better than I do," Steven replied with a slight smile, maintaining his calm demeanor.
Winona fell silent, deep in contemplation.
"Actually, if you feel Wallace can predict your actions, then you could simply do things he wouldn't predict."
Just like how Skarmory, upon realizing it's been caught up to in training, will immediately double its training regimen.
"Moreover, even if he predicts your actions, he's willing to accompany you and support whatever you want to do. I don't see anything wrong with that."
"As for the strength difference, wouldn't it be beneficial to exchange ideas and grow stronger together?" Steven said with a slight smile.
The fog clouding Winona's mind suddenly cleared, and understanding began to dawn.
Because the other person was too strong, she couldn't accept it...
Even she found that reasoning somewhat strange, but that feeling of having everything predicted by him had made her extremely uncomfortable.
"The first step to avoid being predicted by him is to speak first yourself," Steven said with a light chuckle, looking directly into Winona's eyes.
Winona was startled by the simplicity of it.
Indeed—with her personality, Wallace would surely assume she'd never turn back.
If she took the initiative this time and spoke first, it would mean Wallace's prediction of her had failed completely.
Seeing the growing emotion on Winona's face, Steven simply took out his PokéNav and placed a call to Wallace.
"Please forgive my presumptuousness," Steven said to Winona with a slightly apologetic smile.
But Winona didn't stop him. She was still conflicted about the situation.
At the very least, Steven might maintain contact with Wallace in the future.
If those troublesome paparazzi caught them together again, Steven was genuinely afraid Cynthia would become angry.
Let's just be impolite this one time!
But seeing that Winona wasn't stopping him, Steven felt more at ease proceeding.
"Hello? Steven, have you arrived in Fortree City?" Wallace's voice came through the PokéNav speaker.
Winona stiffened.
He actually called Wallace?
"Yes, Wallace. Do you have time to come to Fortree Gym?" Steven asked with a smile.
There was a long silence on the other end of the line before Wallace slowly spoke:
"Alright. I'll be there right away."
As fellow Gym Leaders in the Hoenn Region, regular communication between them was inevitable.
But this time, Wallace would be coming to Fortree Gym as himself—not just as a colleague.
Winona's heart couldn't help but start racing with nervousness.
To Steven's surprise, Wallace truly did arrive immediately.
It took less than five minutes!
This guy was in Fortree City all along!
Steven looked at the two figures standing silently before him, then smiled calmly and said:
"I think it would be best for the two of you to discuss what happened in the past."
"For example, starting with why you gave up the League Champion title, Wallace."
To be honest, Steven was also curious about why Wallace had refused the Hoenn League Champion position.
For the first time, a faint blush appeared on the face of this elegant, confident man.
"Because Winona had just taken office as Gym Leader at that time, and I wasn't comfortable leaving her alone..."
"So I..."
The rest didn't need to be said—they both understood in their hearts.
Winona's face showed genuine surprise.
She truly hadn't expected that Wallace's reason for not becoming Champion and instead becoming Sootopolis Gym Leader was simply because he wanted to stay close to her.
Wallace had never told Winona about this before.
Steven gave a gentle nod and turned to leave.
In this situation, it was best for Wallace and Winona to resolve things themselves.
Staying here any longer would make him a third wheel!
Terastallize, Steven!
Steven (Tera Electric Type)!
Steven paused mid-step, reaching out and grabbing the gym trainer by the back of his collar.
"Look at what? There's nothing to see here!"
"Kids aren't allowed to watch this!"
Not only would he become a third wheel, but he might also get subjected to public displays of affection!
The young gym trainer struggled silently, his mouth moving without sound.
No, don't! I'm an adult!
Let me watch just a little longer!
Please!