The early morning sun filtered through the canvas flaps of the tent pitched just outside Fallarbor Town. Joseph Stone stirred in his sleeping bag, blinking against the soft glow peeking in. Shiny Umbreon was already awake, sitting guard at the tent's entrance with eyes glowing faintly under the shade. Around them, the sounds of nature thrummed quietly—Swablu chirping in the distance, leaves rustling from passing Tailow overhead.
Steven, curled up in the neighboring tent, was still fast asleep. His Metang hovered just above the ground, in sleep mode, but alert enough to twitch if something moved too quickly. Joseph smiled at the peaceful scene before him, stretching as he sat up.
This was the kind of life he had always wanted. Not the one where boardrooms determined his fate or where the Stone name demanded he behave a certain way. This... this slow journey through Hoenn, sharing the road with his little brother and strong, loyal Pokémon—this was freedom.
He glanced at his PokéNav, reading through a few news alerts. One stood out: a brief report of Team Magma activity near Mt. Chimney had surfaced again, though it looked like a minor disturbance this time. Still, Joseph made a mental note to keep an eye on it. Team Magma and Aqua had been quiet since Slateport, but that only meant they were planning something big.
He looked down as Umbreon nosed into his hand. "You felt it too, huh?" Joseph murmured. "Something's about to change."
He gave Umbreon a gentle scratch behind the ears, then stood, pulling on his boots and stepping out to make breakfast. A few of his other Pokémon materialized around him—his trusted Blaziken, who immediately began stoking a small fire with expert kicks, and his Flygon, who yawned with a toothy grin.
As food simmered over the flames, Steven finally emerged, hair tousled and eyes barely open.
"You're up early," he muttered, yawning.
"Habit," Joseph replied, handing him a mug of warm tea. "We're close to Meteor Falls. Figured we could take the scenic route today."
Steven perked up at that. "That place is crawling with ancient stones. There's supposed to be remnants of meteorites that date back to the formation of the planet."
Joseph smirked. "And that's why I brought you."
They packed up camp and set off along the dirt trail toward Meteor Falls. The path was steep in parts, winding through rocky outcrops and thickening foliage. The closer they got, the more the air changed—heavier, more humid. The hum of Zubat could be heard echoing from within the cavern.
Joseph paused at the mouth of the cave, hand brushing the rock. It pulsed faintly beneath his fingertips, an old, hidden energy—one he recognized from his days in the games. This cave was more than it seemed.
Steven darted ahead, scanning the walls and noting small mineral samples. "These deposits... they weren't here in the data I read," he whispered excitedly.
Joseph let him do his thing, wandering deeper into the cave with Umbreon beside him. He quietly accessed his Emerald PC in his mind, sorting through his Pokémon just in case. He didn't need anyone right now, but he liked being ready. Metagross, Latios, even his Shiny Rayquaza—all sleeping until called upon.
They moved further inside when a sharp cry echoed from deeper within.
Steven turned around, worry etched on his face. "That didn't sound like a wild Pokémon."
Joseph motioned him behind. "Stay here. I'll check it out."
Umbreon padded silently ahead, its rings glowing with faint pulses. As they rounded a bend, they found the source: a young researcher backed against a wall, a wild Salamence hovering above with teeth bared.
It was rare to find one this far into Meteor Falls, but not impossible. Joseph narrowed his eyes. This was no random encounter—Salamence was in pain. One of its wings had been clipped by falling rocks, and now it lashed out in confusion and anger.
He stepped forward calmly. "Easy there. No one's here to hurt you."
Salamence turned, snarling, and with a bellow unleashed a Dragon Claw directly at Joseph. Umbreon darted forward, taking the hit and sliding back, growling low in its throat.
"I really didn't want to do this," Joseph sighed.
He raised his hand—and in a flash of red, a powerful Dragonite emerged.
"Use Thunder Wave," he ordered.
Dragonite, fully maxed from his FireRed PC, needed no warm-up. It flapped once, sending a ripple of golden energy at the Salamence, paralyzing it in mid-air. Salamence crashed down, growling but unable to move properly.
"Now," Joseph said gently, walking closer. "Let me help."
He tossed a Hyper Potion and a Full Restore to the Salamence's body, and with practiced hands applied them to the damaged wing and bruises.
The Dragon-type's breathing slowed, its gaze wary but no longer hostile.
The researcher behind him finally spoke. "That was... incredible. I thought I was going to die."
"Stay out of caves you're not prepared for," Joseph replied flatly. "This isn't a video game. Salamence doesn't give you three turns."
Steven finally caught up, wide-eyed. "That was a real Salamence!"
Joseph glanced back. "Want to take a sample of that ancient rock while I talk to our new friend?"
Steven grinned and went to work. Joseph returned his attention to the Salamence, who by now had pushed itself upright, giving a deep rumble of thanks.
"Go on," Joseph said. "Fly free. Next time, watch your landing."
Salamence gave a final snort before disappearing deeper into the falls.
Later, as they camped near the river beside the falls, Steven stared up at the stars.
"You're amazing, you know," he said quietly.
Joseph sipped his tea, not meeting his brother's eyes. "I'm just... taking care of things. That's all."
"No," Steven insisted. "You've done more in a few weeks than most trainers do in years. You don't just fight—you understand them."
Joseph smiled softly. "Maybe. But this journey's for you too, remember? We'll make the Stone name something more than just money and business. We'll make it matter."
Steven nodded solemnly. "Yeah. Together."
From the shadows of the tree line, a figure watched, lips curled in amusement.
Elsewhere in the world, whispers began to spread of a mysterious traveler. One who tamed Salamence in the wild. Who didn't seek power but carried it anyway. A Stone unlike any other.
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