ANSWER: Yes, but it's pretty far in. Sorry, but I don't remember where exactly... It might not be until the second region. There's definitely a stone store in the second region, but I remember finding a few before that.
Also, I just caught that I referred to Kaori as 'she' there... The sprite's pretty ambiguous, but I'm leaning towards dude now. Whoops?
EDIT: I let Smallbirdie know you were looking for a fire stone, and you get the running shoes right after the first gym. No clue how to change that, sorry. Also, let me know if you want me to tell you what to do next. There was a hint, but you missed it. Glad you're enjoying it. *salute*
Oh, and would you rather me be responding here or in the LP thread? o.O