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“It's been some time since I've seen you.” He says, sitting down on a bench. The clouds are gathering up ahead but that doesn’t deter him. He continues talking. “I’m sorry for that. A lot has happened in this time. A lot of things I want you to know about.“
“Brendan lost his title of champion a month ago. He says he couldn’t wait for that to happen, that life felt stale for a little while and he wanted to go on a new adventure. I envy his youth sometimes - it’s like the time that has passed hasn't had a chance to tame his hot-headedness in any way.”
“He told me some things about the person that managed to defeat him. He praised their strength above all else, but also mentioned their resilience and creative tactics. Only after some pestering did I get to know their ace is an Aggron, and I just couldn’t help but think you would have loved to meet them. I’m sure you would have much to talk about…”
“Brendan himself is already halfway across the globe. I received a postcard from him this week, actually. If I’m to believe, he’s in Kalos right now, but the winds could’ve already whisked him away. I don’t mind as long as he keeps in touch. His card I had pinned to my board next to the other’s. Speaking of which-”
“Glacia is glad she decided to move back to Sinnoh. It’s been over a year, and while she says her time in Hoenn was like no other, she needed to spend some time on her native soil. She has reconnected with old friends and gained some new, but she’s still writing to us every week or so.”
“There’s someone courting her - I’ve learned from her last letter - and she’s currently thinking of laying her roots for good. I wish her the best. The last decade was fairly trying to her, picking up all your duties until Brendan could grow into them and then helping from the shadows…”
“Drake is yet to kick a bucket, if you want to believe that. That old man swears he ain’t going to lay to rest until he has sailed every water Hoenn has to offer. I asked him if that hasn’t happened already, and he just looked at me as if I personally insulted his Salamence. ‘The currents bring new water every day’ he said, and I still think about it every so often.”
“Was this his way of telling me he is never going to die, or was it a joke? I don’t know. He enjoys his freedom in a shape that doesn’t really speak to me. Who would rather spend their remaining time on the endless ocean instead of resting on the ground? I’m sure you would agree with my sentiment...”
“Phoebe and Sidney are the only ones still remaining in the League. It made my heart spike in fear, thinking that these two are seniors to all who will be joining next, but Glacia has managed to temper them into quite astounding models. They are helping the current Champion get a hang of the reins of their title with clap-worthy efficiency. Even you wouldn’t be able to recognize them right now, these two cheeky rascals have grown into real adults…”
“...”
“I-... I visited Juan last night. For what reason, I will tell you later, but we had a real heart to heart talk about everything. Maybe that’s why I’m even sitting there today. He has grown old, you see. Most of his hairs are gray now, his body not as strong as it was before and yet still full of vigor. It caused me to think, just what colors would your hair have turned if you too managed to grow old like him? Would you still be as passionate about your hobbies if your back was aching every morning and hands were frail with age? Would your eyes have crow feets around them and your wrinkles curl around your mouth?”
“I know thinking about it won’t change the past. You’ve made your decision, I can only respect that. It's just… Even if it brings me pain to ponder on these things, it also allows me to remember you. It gives me a chance to reminisce about the shape of your face and that twinkle in your eyes. It makes me remember anew all the quirks you had, the cute ones and the annoying ones. It’s funny - I caught myself wanting to hear you ramble about sedimentary rocks once again, if only to hear your voice…”
“Ah-... but where are my manners? I told you all about others but haven’t said a thing about myself, haven't I? I actually went here because I had to tell you something. It's good news, I promise. I-... You probably know that Winona and I have been trying for a long time, right? It’s been years, our attempts unsuccessful. Well, we.. I-... Gods, why am I stressing so much? It shouldn’t be that hard… I just wanted to tell you we are finally expecting a child!”
“W-We don’t know the gender yet but, Gods, Steven, I-I’m going to be a f-father soon!... It just, it all feels like a d-dream…”
“...”
“... I-I’m sorry. I swear I will stop crying now. It makes me emotional just thinking about it. My bundle of joy...We are thinking of names now and, do you think, if it was a boy, could I name him after you? It's just… It feels so right to do so - to honor you this way, my best friend.”
“I can’t help but imagine you trying to teach my kid all the caves of Hoenn before the alphabet, getting them rocks to lick and watching after them to give me a chance to sleep off. Even when I know you don’t like babies, I picture you as the best uncle they would have, Steven. Could have…”
“...”
“... I detested you, you know? For a very long time after your death. That you chose to throw your life away like that, without an ounce of hesitation. Did you even think of what you’re leaving behind? Of who you are never going to say goodbye to?”
“But it was just me searching for excuses, for someone to blame. We didn’t have much time - didn't have the mercy of a choice. It was either you or the world, wasn’t it? And you, you selfless bastard, you took it without looking back. You’re the only reason why I have the chance to be happy today…”
“It’s been so many years since your passing, so many days and events in my life without you by my side, and my heart grows heavier with every one of them. Can you imagine? Soon will come a moment where you will be gone more than we ever knew each other… I’m afraid of that moment. And I’m sorry that fear was what drove me away from you.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t visit you for so long. I’m sorry I stopped sharing my life with you just because you’re gone. I’m sorry I started to forget you before coming here. Will you ever forgive me? Will I be able to look you in the eyes when we meet again?”
“... I’m so foolish, asking the dead a question they can’t answer. But I will fix my mistake - I will come here again, tell you everything I couldn’t today, everything you could ever hope to know…”
“May you rest in peace,” Wallace says, standing up, brushing the stray leaf off the lavish tombstone, “My dear friend” And the first drops of rain drop from the sky, creating a soft patter as they hit against the granite.
He turns around, no longer bearing to look at the grave slowly eroding under the pressure of time behind him. The letters are slightly cracked but still clear to anyone willing to read.
Here lies,
Steven Stone
Born Died
27th April XX87 3th September XX12
A son, a friend, a Champion to us all.
May the heavens take him in for his selfless sacrifice that saved this region.
Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine