Steven Stone.
As the heir of the Devon Corporation and the eldest son of the Stone family, Steven chose to become a Pokémon Trainer like other children upon turning ten.
Today marked the fifth month of Steven's journey.
In just four short months, he had already collected five Gym Badges and evolved his Beldum into a Metang.
After leaving Meteor Falls, Steven didn't linger along the road. Based on his calculations, if he traveled solely on foot, he would probably reach Fallleaf Town by nightfall.
This was a common occurrence on his travels, and after a brief moment of thought, Steven decided to press on.
Sure enough, halfway along his route, dusk had already fallen.
Steven looked up at the sky—it was almost night.
"In that case, I'll rest around here for the night."
There was still some distance to Fallleaf Town, and traveling at night wasn't safe. Steven decided to continue in the morning.
With advances in League technology, especially the integration of space tech into backpacks, traveling Trainers now enjoyed much more convenience.
Just as Steven was about to set up camp, Metang suddenly floated forward, gazing off in a specific direction.
"What's up, Metang?"
Steven looked puzzled and followed Metang's gaze.
Not far ahead, by the roadside, he spotted a house with its lights on.
That was…
Steven blinked, then walked forward with Metang. Soon, they came to the door and saw a sign hanging on it.
It read "Open for Business."
Next to the door, a small chalkboard displayed the building's primary services:
[Daycare Services]
Pokémon boarding
Move tutoring available: Baby-Doll Eyes, Tackle, Sleep Powder, Swords Dance, Protect, Toxic, Odor Sleuth
Egg hatching: leave two compatible Pokémon to breed better offspring
Rare item trading: Common Stones, Big Roots
Buying in bulk: Moon Stones!
Food & Lodging
"A daycare? And an inn?"
Steven didn't need any breeding services, but it seemed the place also served as an inn.
In any case, a comfortable bed was far better than camping out in the wilderness filled with wild Pokémon.
Without hesitation, Steven pushed open the door.
He was greeted by a warmly decorated and somewhat cute lobby.
The room was well-lit. On the sofas set up for guests, a group of Clefairy played gleefully. A Bewear was sweeping the floor with a broom.
Directly across from the door stood the reception desk, and behind it sat a boy about Steven's age, leaning back in a chair and reading a book.
Next to the counter lay a young and energetic Growlithe.
Outside the window stretched a vast forest shrouded in darkness, but inside, the atmosphere was calm and comforting.
The boy lived among his Pokémon…
Under the warm glow of the lights, the whole daycare radiated a tranquil charm—safe, peaceful, and cozy.
A customer!
Hearing the door open, Carver looked up immediately.
But when he saw who had entered, he froze slightly.
That aura of nobility, the handsome young face, the flowing silver hair…
Though still youthful, Carver instantly recognized the visitor.
Steven Stone, Champion of the Hoenn region—though not yet.
Carver's eyes drifted to the Metang beside Steven.
So, this was Steven during the early days of his journey?
"Welcome! This is Carver's Daycare and the Bewear Inn!" Carver greeted smoothly despite his surprise. "Are you here to board a Pokémon or to stay overnight?"
"Sorry to intrude. I'd like to stay for the night," Steven replied.
"Then it's lodging." Carver pointed to a chalkboard on the counter. "Prices are listed up there. Let me know if you need anything."
Steven looked up to see the basic information:
[Bewear Inn]
5000 League Credits / night
[Menu – Bewear Café]
Ramen – 800/serving
Congee – 300/serving
Berry Juice – 100/cup
Sandwich – 500/each
Pokémon Snacks – 500/each
MooMoo Milk – 600/glass
Fried Rice – 900/bowl
Growl~
After spending so long training in Meteor Falls and rushing all day, Steven realized he was famished.
While scanning the menu, the Clefairy on the sofa suddenly jumped down and approached him, taking his travel bag.
Steven blinked.
"No need to worry. That's our signature service. These are our waiter Clefairy—they'll take your luggage to your room," Carver explained.
Steven understood. He'd seen smart Pokémon help out in shops before.
He let go, allowing the Clefairy to carry his backpack upstairs.
"Your room's on the second floor, first door to the right," Carver said after Steven paid.
Steven nodded and placed his order: "One bowl of ramen, a glass of berry juice, three MooMoo Milks, and three servings of Pokémon snacks."
"Got it. I'm Carver, by the way. May I ask your name?"
"Steven."
As soon as he spoke, two Clefairy jumped down from the sofa.
"One ramen, one juice, three milks, and three Pokémon snacks," Carver repeated.
The two chef Clefairy nodded eagerly. "Clef~!" They remembered everything!
Steven blinked in surprise. He watched them run toward the kitchen, and an unbelievable thought popped into his mind.
Could those Clefairy really be the chefs?
He looked at the boy named Carver.
Carver smiled and said, "The Clefairy help out at the daycare. When I'm overwhelmed or tired, they pitch in with the cooking."
"They're your Pokémon?" Steven asked, surprised.
Not only was it impressive that the Clefairy helped run the place, but Clefairy themselves were incredibly rare—almost impossible to find in the wild.
They typically lived in remote mountains and were so rare that flaunting them in public could attract the attention of Pokémon thieves.
And now… this daycare had a whole group of them!