Of course, the way to Steven is perilous in terms of even more Pokémon attacks, but the more they press on, the better they’re getting at it. And well, they’ve got plenty of medical supplies to spare just in case anything should go too badly, but it hadn’t been necessary even as they’d finally reached Steven somewhere in the deeper recesses of the Granite Cave.

Fucking rock collectors, man.

Steven thanks them for the letter and offers them a TM of his favorite move—one that, unfortunately, neither of their Pokémon can use. Before they part ways, however, he mentions that heading to Sinnoh might be a good idea if they want to improve their Pokémon further.

They’ll meet again, anyway. Ren’s not too concerned about any cryptic hints dropped their way, but it does give voice to his concerns that they really need a feasible way of getting around this world. Mr. Briney could only take them so far…

When they reach the surface again Ren whips out his PokéNav, flipping over to the map function, which, alas, only contains a map of Hoenn and the nearby regions. There’s a possibility that a portal might not even be on this region, and the thought of it irks him.

Then again, he’s a bit hesitant to let go of his Pokémon so soon…

Worriedly, he turns to Nora. “Where do we go from here?”