The evening light lingered lazily in the study, casting warm shadows across shelves lined with tomes, journals, and artifacts collected over decades.
Joseph Stone sat behind his desk, fingers steepled, as Steven and Albert entered quietly. The day's dinner lingered faintly in the air, but the atmosphere was charged with a different energy—the weight of anticipation.
Steven's hand rested lightly on Albert's shoulder. "You ready for this?" he asked softly.
Albert's small frame straightened as he gave a small smile to Steven. "Yes. I have prepared enough."
Joseph's gaze softened slightly at the sight of his son's friend, but he did not speak. Instead, he gestured to the seat across from him. Albert carefully placed a neatly bound folder on the desk.
"Albert," Joseph began, his voice steady, "I understand you have a research proposal."
Albert nodded, his amethyst eyes glinting with quiet determination. "Yes, sir. I've formalized the study I've been contemplating for some time. If approved, it will be my first independent research project under Devon's sponsorship."
"This proposal," Albert continued, his voice calm yet resolute, "concerns Eevee and its unexplored evolutionary potential. Current research recognizes only three evolutions: Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon. I hypothesize that Eevee's genome contains latent sequences capable of manifesting additional evolutionary forms under specific environmental or energetic conditions."
He opened the folder on the desk, revealing pages of meticulous notes, diagrams, and genetic models.
Joseph raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Additional evolutions? You mean Eevee could evolve into types we haven't observed?"
Albert nodded, flipping to a page displaying intricate genetic schematics. "Yes, sir. According to current data, Eevee's evolution genome is entirely unstable; thus, I believe other types of evolution would appear under different circumstances. My study will observe existing Eeveelutions, analyze their genetic expressions, and expose Eevee specimens to controlled environmental and elemental conditions. The goal is not to force evolution, but to understand the potential—what could emerge under natural or guided circumstances."
Steven watched quietly, impressed. "So...you might discover a completely new Eeveelution?"
Albert's eyes glimmered with a quiet excitement. "Possibly, and that is the primary objective. The secondary objective is to map Eevee's adaptability at the genetic level and identify markers that indicate potential evolutionary pathways. Discovery of a new form would lead to an understanding of the underlying principles."
Joseph leaned back, steepling his fingers. "And you have considered ethics?"
Albert's gaze did not waver. "Every Pokémon involved will be treated with care and respect. This research prioritizes safety and welfare above all else. Eevee are intelligent, sensitive creatures. Any manipulation will prioritize safety, welfare, and environmental integrity, and is observational and controlled, never coercive."
Joseph regarded the proposal, scanning diagrams and notes with a careful, measured attention, "You approach this as a professional already. Many older researchers fail to meet half the rigor and ethics you describe."
He leaned back, his gaze sharp but approving. "Very well, Albert. I will authorize this study. Devon Corporation will provide Pokémon, funding, access to research labs, customized equipment, and consultation from senior geneticists or other professionals if needed. But remember, success or failure, the responsibility is entirely yours."
Albert inclined his head slightly, a small, confident smile tugging at his lips. "I understand, sir. This will be my first research endeavor. Eevee's potential is only the beginning."
Steven squeezed his shoulder lightly. "I'll be here to make sure you don't accidentally break anything…or hurt any Pokémon."
Joseph allowed himself the faintest smile. "Keep an eye on him, Steven. Even at five, this boy is capable of things most adults could not imagine."
Albert couldn't help but chuckle at their enthusiasm, rolling his eyes fondly.
Steven grinned, still standing beside him. "So…I get to be your assistant, right? I can help you with all the experiments!"
Albert shook his head, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "No, Steven. Summer break is over. You need to be at school now, and I can't have you skipping classes just to follow me around for research."
Steven's face fell slightly, but he nodded. "Yeah… you're right. Guess it's back to school then."
Albert patted his shoulder. "Don't worry—I'll share my findings with you. You'll be the first to know if Eevee shows any…interesting signs."
With that, Steven finally smiled again.
This boy… I really can't say no to him. Albert thought, both fondly and exasperatedly.