#stonesearcher

Sure thing! Your hiatus will be extended until 1/10.

We're excited to have you back! Welcome!

While the bird gal will be missed, it'll be exciting to have the wild child around! Sahhpire will be reserved for you until 09/23!

She silently tredged along the tiles, walking between gravestones at a slow pace so she didn't disturb the other visitors. Her focus wasn't located on this floor though, so she slipped back out the other exit that was meant to lead higher up.

She'd heard that an elderly couple were the ones guarding the Red and Blue Orbs. Honestly she wasn't entirely sure she'd be allowed to get a glance at them at all. She wouldn't be surprised- they were sacred items, after all, and the powers they harnessed could be so easily abused by ill intent... If only the world didn't have to worry about such things, then the Orbs wouldn't have to be kept at a safe distance from the genuinely caring.

She felt cold, but she wasn't sure it was from the mist alone. She was fairly certain that her discomfort was being caused by spirits- she was in a graveyard of sorts, after all- but she didn't dare bring Ghaliya out for protection. Not against ghosts. If protection was what she needed she'd probably have better luck borrowing the abilities of one of the roaming Vulpix acting as guides for the departed.

"If you have opened this, then that means you are one of the lucky coordinators selected to participate in our all new tournament! We have selected only the finest coordinators and trainers to participate in this event. Take this fine opportunity to show all of Hoenn just how amazing you really are! It is a tournament so big that a whole new facility was built on an island, one that includes living accommodations and a shopping district for all your needs! Travel expenses are all prepaid, so come to Isle Lilycove: a beautiful island off the coast of Lilycove City! Tournament Rules will be explained upon checking into your hotel!"

It had been hardly expected. Initially thought of as a scam, Ruby was only able to confirm the invitation's legitimacy upon discovering that his father, as well as various other Gym Leaders, had been invited as well. Even Sapphire had received one. It didn't take much convincing for Ruby to decide that he was going to go. After all, it would be so very out of character for Ruby to pass up an opportunity to show off in a tournament that huge. So, he began packing immediately, and made it to the docks just in time to board the cruise to this new island. It had been a half-a-day journey, one that gave Ruby the chance to meet some of the competition. Indeed, they really had selected some of the top coordinators. Ruby was able to meet some of the famous coordinators of Hoenn, outside of a contest. He hadn't seen his father, probably due to the fact that he was on board with fellow coordinators. However, he didn't recall seeing Wallace, either. He figured the top-of-the-top trainers and coordinators probably all had their own rides. 

The island, just as the invitation had said, was new and beautiful. It had all the latest modern technology. The buildings were large and very, very impressive. It was almost... intimidating. Ruby swallowed, the reality of how huge this thing actually was beginning to sink in. This would be the most challenging contest he was going to face yet, and he didn't even know the rules. So, he hauled one large backpack over his shoulder, and dragged along a rather large suitcase to the designated check-in area. He quickened his pace a bit, rather excited to find out what would be making this tournament so special. There had been one this that caught his attention in particular: there was only one stadium. It appeared that the island had more training facilities than anything else. Ruby was quite interested as to the reasoning for that, but had to remind himself that it would all be explained once he reached the check-in. 

Once he did, Ruby realized it wasn't just reaching the check-in that would prove taxing. Waiting in line seemed to be as equally as frustrating. He tapped his foot rather impatiently, ready to just be in his room and know what the heck was going on. His question was answered when a loud buzzing noise rang throughout seemingly the whole island, catching Ruby off guard. 

"Welcome, trainers and coordinators alike! We are so happy to see each and everyone of you here today. I'm sure you're all wondering why this tournament is so huge. Well, to put it simply, it will be combining a battle league and a contest! Each trainer will have a coordinator partner! These pairs have been randomly assigned. Once you check in, you will find out your partner and be able to meet with them in your room! Further explanation will be given tonight during supper in the dining hall prepared just for this tournament! Thank you for coming, we expect this to be an amazing, if not the best, tournament that Hoenn has ever seen!"

The voice faded, leaving a very confused Ruby to process what he had just herd. It didn't take long, as people around were already buzzing about it. Battles and contests, as one? As soon as the reality set in, Ruby regret the choice to accept the invitation. He would have to battle? The mere thought was repulsive enough to cause a bit of anger to boil up in Ruby's chest. That particular bit of information would have been nice to know before he had accepted. Ruby cursed under his breath, becoming even more anxious to check in than ever. 

After what felt like hours, Ruby finally made it to the front desk. After giving the poor receptionist a piece of his mind, Ruby was nearly forced to sign the agreement, after the threat of security having to step in being a possibility after Ruby's rudeness. He grumbled the whole time, making more of a scene than needed. But, in the end, Ruby collected his room card and information packet. And, most importantly, the identity of his partner: the one and only; Steven Stone. 

He knew the name all too well. Memories of the final battle between Teams Aqua and Magma came rushing back, throwing Ruby off balance. Just what he needed. The male stormed down the hallway towards his room, scowling the whole way. Not only would he have to participate in battles, but his partner was the rock dude. Ruby arrived at their room in little time,practically flinging the door open. He threw himself in, ready to engage Steven in conversation. Instead, his mouth fell open. 

The room was a mess. Bags, books, and even rocks, everywhere. There was even a little Aron snoozing away on one of the beds. And Steven? No where to be found. Ruby cursed under his breath, throwing his bags into a neat pile on the free bed, the only thing in the room that had remained untouched. And, without any warning, Ruby began cleaning. Was it something of disrespect? Probably. Normally, it would be considered rude to move around a roommates' items. But to Ruby, he was doing his roommate a huge favor. Notes were placed inside books, which were stacked neatly onto the desk in alpha order. Clothes were hung into one of the closets, the remaining bags at the bottom. And, finally, the rocks were placed under the bed that Steven had seemingly claimed.

The process, all in all, had taken  no more than half an hour. Ruby was, undoubtedly, a master at cleaning and organization at this point. After the speed cleaning, Ruby turned to look down at the innocent little Aron. A smirk appeared across Ruby's face, and in little time, Aron had received a steel-Pokemon shining, and even a little bow tie to top it all off. Ruby stood in the center of the room, quite proud of himself. His smile probably couldn't get any larger. He had finished just in time, too.