The ferry ride back to Dewford Island was smooth and quiet, the sea shimmering under a lazy afternoon sun. Joseph Stone stood at the ship's rail, letting the wind tug at his silver hair while his eyes scanned the endless blue horizon. Dewford was in sight, its familiar rocky cliffs and sleepy shoreline growing clearer with each passing minute.
Beside him, Steven leaned forward with both arms on the railing, a subtle grin on his face. "It feels different this time."
Joseph glanced at him sideways. "Because you're not just visiting. You're here to win."
Steven nodded. "Think Brawly remembers me?"
"He remembered me," Joseph said casually. "Pretty sure he's been waiting for this rematch. But don't worry—he'll take you seriously."
Dewford Town was as small and laid-back as always. Surfboards leaned against the Pokécenter wall, Wingull cried from overhead, and the scent of grilled fish drifted from the beach stalls. But their destination was clear: the Dewford Gym.
Brawly was waiting just outside. The laid-back Gym Leader still wore his sleeveless wetsuit top and board shorts, arms crossed and a friendly grin on his face. "Yo! If it isn't the Stone brothers."
Steven stepped forward with respectful poise. "Brawly. I'd like to challenge you officially, for the Knuckle Badge."
"Figured as much." Brawly's grin widened. "Your brother gave me a good workout last time. Let's see if you can match that energy."
Joseph raised a hand lazily in greeting, then moved to the viewing area. He took a spot near the back, with his shiny Eevee curled up in his lap. The little fox yawned, stretched, then settled comfortably as the gym battle began.
The referee raised a flag. "This will be a two-on-two match! Challenger Steven Stone versus Gym Leader Brawly! Begin!"
Steven stepped forward with calm confidence. "Lairon, let's go!"
The metallic roar of his armored Pokémon echoed through the gym, its heavy feet clanging against the floor.
"Not bad," Brawly said, tossing out a Pokéball. "Machop, you're up!"
The muscular fighting-type emerged with a burst of energy, fists clenched, muscles rippling. Joseph leaned back and watched with quiet pride. Steven had matured a lot. His timing, his awareness, the way he sized up opponents—it wasn't just skill. It was composure.
"Lairon, use Iron Defense!"
Machop's Karate Chop slammed into Lairon's shell—and bounced off with a dull thud. The fight was physical and fast-paced, but Lairon's bulk worked in Steven's favor. It tanked several hits before ramming Machop with a brutal Take Down that ended the first round.
"Machop is unable to battle!"
Brawly didn't look disappointed. He grinned and pulled out his second Pokéball. "Meditite, let's change the tempo!"
Steven hesitated a half-second—Joseph caught it—but then switched Pokémon. "Return. Skarmory, you're up!"
The steel bird burst into the air with a shriek, wings gleaming under the gym lights.
Meditite started with Calm Mind, and then fired off a precise Force Palm. The battle that followed was sharp and tense. Steven had to shift strategies on the fly, adjusting between ranged attacks and swooping maneuvers. Eventually, with a precise Aerial Ace, Skarmory brought Meditite down.
"Meditite is unable to battle! Victory goes to Steven Stone!"
The onlookers clapped respectfully as Steven approached the center of the arena. Brawly met him there and extended a fist, which Steven bumped with a small grin.
"You've got solid instincts," Brawly said. "You're not just living in your brother's shadow."
Steven bowed. "Thank you, Brawly."
Joseph leaned back with a slight smile. Told you so, he thought.
An hour later, they sat on a grassy cliff overlooking the crashing ocean below. A light breeze blew through the trees. A half-eaten lunch sat between them—egg sandwiches, fresh fruit, and two bottles of soda.
"You crushed that match," Joseph said.
Steven stretched his arms above his head. "It felt good. Honestly, it's kind of nice knowing you're up in the stands watching. No pressure, just support."
Joseph smiled faintly. "You've always had what it takes. I just make sure no one gets in your way."
Eevee, who had evolved to perfectly understand the moods of her trainer, stretched lazily in Joseph's lap and gave Steven a soft chirp.
"You too, huh?" Steven chuckled, scratching behind her ears.
Joseph's smile faded slightly. His gaze drifted toward the forest beyond the cliffs.
Steven caught the shift. "Something wrong?"
Joseph's eyes narrowed. "We're being watched."
Steven tensed. "Aqua?"
"Maybe. Or a wild Pokémon. But we're not alone."
Eevee's ears flicked toward the woods. The wind carried more than just the scent of salt now—it carried tension.
"Should we move?" Steven asked quietly.
Joseph shook his head. "Not yet. But don't let your guard down."
They sat in silence for a while, the mood heavier now. The ocean continued to crash against the cliffs, steady and uncaring.
That evening, as they boarded the ferry to Verdanturf, Steven bounced slightly on his heels. "Cozmo said something about meteorite readings. Could be interesting."
Joseph kept an eye on the island as they pulled away, arms crossed over his chest. "Let's just hope it's not something worse."
The stars began to emerge in the sky, scattered like silver embers across velvet.
Joseph didn't speak for a while.
But he couldn't shake the feeling that something big was coming.
Something the world wasn't ready for.
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