Steven's Anticipation

Having figured out which move to use, Tyrantrum did not hesitate. It lightly tapped the grass with its little claws, its body swaying to a mysterious rhythm.

Its head rocked from side to side, the two small orange horns on its forehead glimmering faintly. Its four limbs alternated against the ground faster and faster, while its short tail swung like a metronome.

As the dance continued, it soon came to an end. Tyrantrum abruptly stopped, opened its mouth, and let out a clear roar that made the surrounding leaves rustle.

A faint red glow enveloped its body, proof that its Attack and Speed had increased.

Its movements were still somewhat slow when using the move, but as its proficiency gradually improved, not only would it be able to use it faster, it could also stack more layers of Dragon Dance.

"Holy shit! That's Dragon Dance!"

"That's one of the best support moves for Dragon types! It already knows it at that age?!"

"One Dragon-type Pokémon is going to silently shed tears when it hears this."

"@the commenter above, I know who you're talking about. I'm taking a screenshot and posting it on Champion Cynthia's social forum."

"..."

Lin Mo waited until the comments calmed down a little before pointing at the inflatable fish tank on the rock. "Besides Tyrantrum, I have another piece of news for everyone. In one month, Feebas will be entering the Pokémon Contest in Rustboro City."

When the camera turned toward Feebas, the little fellow was quietly swimming through the water. Upon hearing the words "Pokémon Contest," it deliberately flicked its tail at the camera as if greeting everyone.

"!!! A Pokémon Contest? Feebas is entering one?"

"No way, streamer. Pokémon Contests are all about looks and how flashy the moves are... Feebas..."

"Don't say that! Feebas is adorable! And the streamer definitely has a plan!"

"I bet a Water Stone that the streamer is going for a cute contrast! Just like Tyrantrum!"

"Can't wait! I'll definitely be watching the stream then! I want to see Feebas stun the whole audience!"

Lin Mo smiled and nodded. "I'll be putting Feebas through special training over the next few days. For now, let's keep some mystery. When the contest begins, I definitely won't disappoint everyone."

While Lin Mo was streaming, Steven, at Devon Corporation headquarters, followed Lin Mo on an alt account and watched the stream while handling documents.

When he saw Lin Mo's Tyrantrum use Charm, a smile carrying a trace of indulgence and helplessness appeared on his face.

But when Tyrantrum used Dragon Dance, he immediately took out his phone to record the screen. At the same time, he opened his chat contacts and sent the recording to Lance, who had blackmailed him before.

Steven: "Champion Lance, how is your Aerodactyl training going? I remember it took you two days after catching it before it would obediently listen to you. As expected of Kanto's Dragon-type Champion."

As Steven sent Lance this message, his face still carried a hint of teasing amusement.

Champion Lance: "Of course. Any Dragon-type Pokémon in my hands will obediently listen to me. Why do you suddenly have time to message me today? Is there news about the Dragon-type Pokémon I asked you to find?"

Steven: "Come on, how could it be that fast? You should ask Champion Drake about that. Things aren't so quick on my end. I'll let you know once I have news."

Lance: "I'm not asking him. If that old man hadn't blabbed nonsense, how would I have ended up with the nickname Dodo? What does a Flying-type Champion know? Once I gather enough Dragon-type Pokémon, just watch how I challenge him."

Steven: "Hahaha, so Champion Drake was the one who spread your Dodo nickname? Then I hope you get your wish when the time comes!"

Steven: "Oh, right. Yesterday, I met a Trainer who caught my eye and let him choose a fossil Pokémon. The moment that Pokémon was revived, that Trainer caught it.

"It was the fossil you didn't like, the one with the big-mouth imprint. The revived Pokémon is Rock and Dragon type. Take a look!"

With a mischievous grin, Steven sent over a video clip of Lin Mo's Tyrantrum using Dragon Dance. He also sent Tyrantrum's data from the Devon Corporation Pokémon database.

Lance: "...Tyrantrum... Tyrantrum... Dragon Dance... the ancient ruler of the land!! Where did you dig up that fossil? Do you have any more? I want that Pokémon. I can trade a Dratini Egg for it."

Steven: "There aren't any left. You were the one who chose Old Amber back then. I gave you the option of choosing those two newly excavated fossils too, but you didn't want them. I didn't force you, okay?

"But the other feather fossil is still in my collection room. Interested in trading for it? Maybe it's another Dragon-type Pokémon!"

Lance: "I want it. Revive it now and send it to me. Once my Dragonair lays an egg, I'll transfer it to you."

Steven: "No, no, no. I don't want to wait. You should know that quite a few people have their eyes on this fossil in my hands now.

"A Dragon-type Pokémon. That feather imprint might mean it's a Flying-type dragon overlord comparable to Aerodactyl. I'd rather trade it with Champion Drake. I'm quite interested in Bagon too!"

Lance: "Wait. I'm flying back to Dragon Cave right now to apply to the family in advance for a Dratini Egg to be sent to you. Don't give it to Champion Drake. I'm heading back immediately, so save it for me!"

Steven: "Then you'd better hurry. I'm not sure how long I can keep this fossil!"

Lance: "Within three days, I'll definitely send you a Dratini Egg. You have to save it for me!"

After ending his chat with Lance, Steven contacted another close friend pinned at the top of his messages.

Steven: "Wallace, what are you doing? Have you kept in touch with Winona all these years? Look who I ran into while mining. Doesn't this person look familiar to you?"

"JPG"

Wallace: "!!! A Shiny Feebas? Is this real or fake? Steven, don't tell me you made another fake picture to trick me!"

Steven: "That really hurts, you know. How could I trick you? This Trainer is even streaming. You can go take a look yourself."

Steven: "Aggron and I were mining in Granite Cave near Dewford Town when someone suddenly barged in. At first glance, I even mistook him for you.

"I remember when we first met at Sootopolis Gym as children, you were also holding a Feebas and grinning foolishly. I still remember that look to this day."

Wallace: "This time it's actually real. You didn't fool me, and it was caught by sea fishing too. Did you see how well his Feebas has been trained?"

Steven: "It's even better than yours was back then. Besides Water type moves, his Feebas has also learned Icy Wind.

"What do you think? Interested in coming to see it? He's also taking Feebas to a Pokémon Contest in Rustboro City."

Wallace: "Really!! I'll see if I can arrange my schedule and make it over. I want to see whether it's really as outstanding as you say!"

Steven: "What do you need to arrange? Just come over. You were the one who started Pokémon Contests in the first place. Just say you want to see how the new generation of Coordinator Trainers is doing.

"Come be a judge. Just throw the work to Chairman Damaranch. The old man is still full of vigor, so give him a little more to do."

Wallace: "You've got it easy after stepping down as Champion. How can I just abandon my responsibilities?"

Steven: "Hahaha, doesn't having the Champion title make it easier for you to promote your Pokémon Contests? Look, hasn't your dream already come true?

"All right, stop making excuses. Remember to come soon. I'll be waiting for you in Rustboro City. We haven't seen each other in so long..."

Wallace: "All right, wait for me. I'll come over as soon as I arrange everything..."

Looking at Wallace's reply, Steven wore a childlike, delighted smile.