The rhythmic crash of waves against the shore filled the early morning air. Dewford Town was still stretching awake as the sun rose over the ocean, casting golden light across the docks and streets. Fishermen were already heading out, and local kids ran barefoot along the sand, tossing Poké Balls and chasing after their Tailow and Lotad.
Joseph sat on the steps of the Pokémon Center, sipping a warm cup of tea. His shiny Eevee lay curled on his lap, fur glinting like polished silver in the sunlight.
Steven was still asleep in their room upstairs, likely dreaming of ancient rocks and legendary glyphs. Joseph didn't mind. It was rare to get mornings like this—quiet, untouched, peaceful.
"You like the sea air, don't you?" he murmured, running his fingers through Eevee's fur.
She chirped softly, eyes half-closed, and nuzzled into his coat. There was something meditative about just… being here. No urgent catastrophe, no political meetings, no business obligations. Just the waves, the breeze, and time.
And yet…
Joseph's fingers paused.
Someone was approaching.
The Gym Leader
"Yo!" a laid-back voice called from down the street.
Joseph turned.
A tan young man in board shorts and a wetsuit top jogged toward him, dark blue hair tied back, and a surfboard slung under one arm. His eyes were sharp despite the relaxed demeanor.
"You're that guy who scared off those Aqua punks in Granite Cave, right?"
Joseph raised a brow. "Word travels fast."
"Small island," the man said with a grin. "Name's Brawly. Gym Leader. Dewford's finest surfer and part-time martial artist."
Eevee sat up slightly, sensing energy.
Joseph gave a polite nod. "Joseph. Just passing through with my brother."
Brawly squinted, then snapped his fingers. "Wait—Stone? As in Devon Corporation?"
Joseph said nothing.
"Dang. No wonder those Aqua guys ran. Still—Granite Cave's been weird lately. You think they're after something specific?"
Joseph leaned back against the step. "Balance. That's all they ever talk about. Land, sea, sky. They're probably trying to stir the Kyogre mythos."
Brawly's casual demeanor faltered for a moment.
"...That serious, huh?"
"Not yet," Joseph said calmly. "But it will be."
Brawly rubbed the back of his neck. "Guess I'll stay on guard."
There was a pause. Then:
"Say... wanna battle?"
Joseph looked at him.
"Friendly match," Brawly added quickly. "Not official. Just curious. You've got that look—like someone who doesn't lose often."
Joseph smirked.
"I don't."
The Match
They stood on the beach just outside of town, where the Gym's open-air training zone had been marked off by palm trunks and flags. Local kids gathered quickly, sensing a battle was about to happen. Even Nurse Joy and a few sailors took a break to watch.
Brawly handed his surfboard to an aide and stretched.
"Let's keep it simple. One-on-one?"
Joseph nodded and stepped onto the sand. "Agreed."
Brawly tossed his Poké Ball. "Let's go, Hariyama!"
The ground shook as the massive sumo-like Pokémon appeared with a bellow, fists clenched and feet sinking slightly into the sand.
Eevee leapt down from Joseph's arms, stepping forward confidently.
The crowd gasped.
"Is that a shiny Eevee?!"
"It's so tiny compared to Hariyama!"
Brawly raised a brow. "You're sure?"
Joseph didn't respond. He just gave a subtle signal.
And then they moved.
The Battle
"Hariyama, Knock Off!"
The huge Fighting-type charged, arms swinging.
"Quick Attack," Joseph said calmly.
Eevee became a blur of silver light, darting under Hariyama's arm, hitting his knee and ricocheting back before the attack landed.
"Follow-up—Sand Attack."
Eevee skidded across the sand and kicked a flurry of grit into Hariyama's eyes.
Brawly chuckled. "Alright! Arm Thrust!"
"Iron Tail."
Hariyama's fists came down—but Eevee's tail shimmered with steel energy. With a whip-crack sound, she struck Hariyama's hand mid-swing, forcing it to flinch and recoil.
Then she was already behind him.
"Double Team."
Three copies of her shimmered into existence.
Brawly narrowed his eyes. "Detect!"
Hariyama refocused, locking onto the real Eevee.
"Vital Throw!"
He lunged—
"Protect," Joseph said softly.
A shimmering barrier flared around Eevee. Hariyama slammed into it and was pushed back by his own force.
"Now," Joseph said. "Last Resort."
The sand exploded.
Eevee blurred forward with blinding speed, her body glowing with pulsing power. She smashed directly into Hariyama's chest, launching the massive fighter backward and sending him crashing into a palm trunk with a thunderous boom.
Silence.
Hariyama slumped to the ground, stunned but conscious.
Brawly stared.
Then he started laughing.
"Okay! Okay, I get it. You're the real deal."
He recalled Hariyama and walked over, offering his hand.
"That Eevee's no joke. How the heck is it that strong?"
"Training," Joseph replied, shaking his hand. "A lot of it."
The crowd murmured excitedly, and a few kids ran up asking for Eevee's autograph — or at least to pet her. She sniffed them all and allowed a few pats, though her eyes never stopped scanning the surroundings.
Joseph looked toward the sea.
There was something in the waves.
Currents Shift
Later that day, Steven caught up with Joseph near the edge of town. He had finished his transmission to Devon and packed their bags for departure.
"Back to Slateport, then?"
"Yeah," Joseph said, eyes scanning the ocean. "But keep your eyes open."
Steven blinked. "Why?"
Joseph didn't answer immediately. He opened his PokéNav and checked the signal.
Team Aqua had left behind something—small, but traceable. Joseph had tagged it after the encounter in Granite Cave. A minor signature, pulsing weakly off the southern coast.
"I think Aqua's moving. And whatever they're looking for... it's not just ancient legends anymore."
Steven was quiet. Then:
"You'll protect us, right?"
Joseph smiled. "Always."
They boarded a small ferry bound for Slateport, the sun dipping low on the horizon behind them.
The journey had only just begun.
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