The salty breeze of Slateport Harbor swept through the open decks of the ferry as it pulled into the dock. Seagulls wheeled in the sky above, and the rhythmic clang of metal on metal echoed across the port as workers loaded crates, checked manifests, and shouted directions across the wharf.
Joseph leaned on the railing, silent as always, his shiny Eevee perched on his shoulder. The little silver fox's nose twitched at the new smells, alert and curious. Behind him, Steven was practically vibrating with excitement.
"I can't believe we're finally here," Steven said, adjusting his satchel. "Captain Stern's Oceanic Museum is right near the harbor. He's got fossil reconstructions from Hoenn, Johto, and even Sinnoh now!"
Joseph gave a small smile. "Excited to meet him?"
Steven nodded vigorously. "He's a genius. Some of his deep-sea mapping techniques were used in our Devon Sub-3 project."
The ferry docked with a dull thud. The ramp extended.
"Let's go," Joseph said, casually scanning the bustling crowd.
He felt it again—that tug beneath the surface, like something stirring in deep waters. Not here, not now, but soon.
Slateport City: The Heartbeat of the Coast
Slateport was a living city.
The streets hummed with life: markets selling Poké Blocks and herbal teas, performers juggling Poké Balls, and local trainers showing off their partners in casual matches. The Contest Hall shone like a jewel near the city center, banners fluttering in the breeze.
Joseph didn't enter. He stood by the edge, watching.
From across the square, he caught a glimpse of a familiar face—short black hair, red jacket, wide grin.
"Ash Ketchum," Joseph murmured.
The boy was arguing enthusiastically with someone—likely about the Contest rules—and completely unaware of how many eyes he drew just by existing.
Joseph turned away.
He didn't need the spotlight. He only needed to make sure the world didn't tip too far in the wrong direction.
Stone Reputation
Steven tugged at his brother's sleeve.
"The Devon satellite branch here opened a new lab near the harbor. They asked if we'd come by and meet the research team."
Joseph sighed softly. "And you said yes?"
Steven grinned. "Of course."
The lab was sleek, white-walled, and humming with activity. Researchers in white coats straightened the moment the Stone brothers entered. Though Joseph kept to the back, the staff bowed respectfully, recognizing not just the heir of Devon, but the one who handled "classified" matters no one ever spoke of.
"We've been working on pressure-resistant Poké Balls for deep-sea deployment," one of the scientists said eagerly. "And—look—our new fossil regrowth chamber's almost ready."
Joseph moved through the lab quietly, observing, occasionally nodding. But his eyes were always on Steven—how he listened, how he asked questions, how he smiled when they answered.
He's growing fast, Joseph thought.
When they left, Joseph placed a hand on Steven's shoulder.
"You're good at this."
Steven blinked. "Huh?"
"People. Labs. Research. Leading. You're good."
Steven flushed a bit. "Only because I've watched you."
Joseph didn't reply. But his hand lingered a moment longer before he let go.
The Oceanic Museum
Later that afternoon, they arrived at the Oceanic Museum.
It was packed.
Ash and his group were inside—Joseph recognized them through the glass, chattering loudly near a submarine model. Nearby, two shady figures in blue bandanas loitered around the staircase. Team Aqua. Low grunts, judging by their cheap disguises and nervous eyes.
Joseph narrowed his gaze.
"Stay here," he told Steven quietly.
Steven frowned. "Why?"
"Just a minute."
Inside, he slipped past the crowd. His Eevee leapt silently from his shoulder and padded ahead, ears flat. The grunts didn't notice him until he was already standing beside them.
"Nice weather," Joseph said casually.
They flinched. "W-who're you?"
"Someone who doesn't like what you're doing."
Before they could reply, Eevee shimmered forward with a Quick Attack and knocked a device from one grunt's belt. It clattered to the floor, blinking.
A timed explosive.
Joseph's foot came down on it, cracking the casing. He picked it up, eyes cool.
"Tell your boss to use smarter pawns."
The grunts bolted.
No one else noticed. Not even Ash, still too busy examining a fossil exhibit.
Joseph walked out calmly, tucked the broken device into his coat, and rejoined Steven at the base of the stairs.
"All done."
Steven looked at him, eyes wide. "What did you—?"
"Nothing important," Joseph said with a faint smile. "Let's get lunch."
Quiet Strength
They sat by the beach, eating Poké puffs and curry rice from a local stall. Joseph fed a few bits to Eevee, who purred contentedly in his lap.
Steven stared at the sea.
"Do you think we'll ever be able to stop them?"
"Aqua?"
Steven nodded.
Joseph was quiet for a moment. Then he pulled a small Poké Ball from his coat—the matte black kind used only in the PC storage system. He tapped it once and let it rest in his palm.
"This is Metagross," he said. "Level 100. Trained for years in simulations and against the toughest champions. It once held a Mega Stone."
Steven's eyes widened.
"You have it now?!"
"It stays in the PC," Joseph said. "Too dangerous for casual battles. But if the world starts breaking… I'll let it out."
Steven was silent for a while. Then:
"Why do you keep so much power hidden?"
Joseph looked toward the horizon.
"Because it's not about strength. It's about when you use it."
Rumblings in the Distance
That night, Joseph sat on the balcony of their inn, Eevee curled at his side. The stars reflected off the water like a second sky.
Then his PokéNav beeped softly.
Incoming signal: Unknown Submarine Class, 9km offshore
He tapped it. The screen showed a blip—brief, then gone.
Team Aqua. Moving again.
He sighed.
"Guess I'll need to visit Captain Stern soon."
Behind him, Steven called from inside, "Hey, come look! The TV's showing the next city's Contest schedule!"
"Coming," Joseph said.
But he stayed a moment longer, gazing into the dark.
Support the author:
Patreon: patreon.com/KyJo_
YouTube Gaming: youtube.com/@KyJoGaming
Discord: discord.gg/v2uSTygMgb