The wind carried the scent of blossoms through the air as Joseph stepped off the ferry and onto the Petalburg City dock. It was a quiet afternoon, the sky painted a soft orange hue by the setting sun. The waves lapped lazily against the wooden posts as Wingull soared overhead, their cries echoing through the breeze.
Steven hopped off beside him, still holding the polished fossil Joseph had helped him recover days ago. He tucked it carefully into his backpack before falling into step beside his brother.
"Petalburg feels... different from the other cities," Steven said thoughtfully.
"Less industrial. More grounded." Joseph smiled. "It's where Norman runs his Gym. He's a good guy. Balanced, strong, straightforward."
"Do you think you could beat him?" Steven asked, already knowing the answer.
Joseph chuckled, "With my team? Easily. But that's not the point."
They made their way through the quiet streets, past shops closing for the evening and small families heading home from dinner. It was peaceful—too peaceful for most trainers, which made it exactly what Joseph was looking for.
Petalburg Inn – Evening
They checked into a modest inn near the city's edge. Joseph set his bag down in the room and reached for his PokéNav, checking the local area for any reported Team Aqua movements. Lately, the group had been more active—subtle thefts of marine technology, strange activity near the coastline. Nothing concrete, but enough to keep him alert.
Meanwhile, Steven sat cross-legged on the bed, polishing his fossil collection again. He looked up. "You think Team Aqua's going to do something here?"
"I don't think they'll try anything in Norman's city, but... I have a feeling they're probing Hoenn's weak points. And we'll be ready."
As night fell, Joseph stepped outside for fresh air, releasing his shiny Eevee onto the grass. The silver-furred Pokémon stretched, blinking its bright blue eyes up at the starry sky.
"Getting stronger every day, aren't you?" Joseph murmured, kneeling beside her. "Soon, you'll evolve. I can feel it."
Eevee nuzzled his hand, content.
The Next Morning – Petalburg Gym
They visited Norman the next day—not to challenge him, but to greet him. Norman was a sturdy, upright man who welcomed them both with a firm handshake and a quiet smile.
"So this is the brother I've heard about," Norman said, studying Joseph.
"Don't believe everything you hear," Joseph replied with a modest grin.
Norman chuckled. "I've seen the reports. Meteor Falls. Slateport. You're not just traveling, are you?"
Joseph didn't answer directly. "Let's just say I'm here when I'm needed."
Norman nodded. "Well, if either of you ever want a battle, my doors are always open."
"Thanks," Joseph said. "Maybe another time."
They spent the rest of the day sparring—not Gym battles, just informal matches behind the building. Steven practiced with his Beldum, while Joseph rotated through a few lesser-used Pokémon from his PC. A Metagross, a Scizor, and a Blaziken—all maxed out in training but rarely seen in battle anymore.
At one point, Norman stopped to watch.
"You're holding back," he observed.
Joseph nodded. "Always."
Later That Week – Route 104
As they moved north, passing through the forested stretch toward Rustboro, Joseph kept his senses sharp. They stayed in the open, occasionally encountering bug trainers and wild Pokémon. He let Steven take the lead in battles, quietly offering advice between turns.
The highlight came on the third evening.
It was near dusk when they reached the edge of the woods. The moon had just started to rise, casting a pale glow over the landscape. Joseph stopped in his tracks.
Something shimmered in the brush—faint, ethereal.
Eevee tensed beside him, her fur puffing out.
Then it appeared: a soft, ghostly glow taking the shape of a Moon Shard.
Joseph's breath caught. "A sign?"
Eevee stepped forward, trembling slightly.
"It's time," Joseph said quietly.
She turned to look at him, eyes full of trust.
With a nod, he stepped back and gave her space. The Moon Shard lifted, dissolving into silver particles. They swirled around Eevee, encasing her in a cocoon of moonlight.
When the glow faded, she stood taller—sleek and elegant, her silver fur now touched with deep obsidian. Her eyes shimmered violet under the moonlight.
Shiny Umbreon.
Joseph knelt down. "You're beautiful."
She blinked once, then leapt into his arms, purring softly.
Rustboro Approaches
They continued toward Rustboro City after that, passing through quiet routes and sleepy forests. Every step brought Joseph deeper into canon's unfolding events. Soon, he knew, Roxanne would become relevant. Then the Devon researchers, the meteorite projects, and more Team Aqua movement.
Steven, oblivious to the heavy weight on his brother's shoulders, was simply enjoying the journey. And that made it worth it.
At night, Joseph would sit outside with Umbreon curled by his side, scrolling through his Hoenn PC. Sometimes he'd review his held item lists—Leftovers, Choice Bands, Focus Sashes, Mega Stones still stored safely until the right time.
He had the strength of a god in his back pocket.
But for now?
Just a slow walk to Rustboro. A Gym visit. Maybe a class at the trainer's school for Steven. And a gentle evening with his Umbreon beneath the stars.
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