Chapter no.5 Perils At Mt. Moon

Austin was surprised by the length of the journey to Mt. Moon compared to the short trip to Viridian Forest from Viridian City. The path was treacherous, winding through dense foliage and rocky terrain. The rustling of leaves and the crunch of twigs underfoot were the only sounds as they traveled for days, their only companion being the occasional trainer or wild Pokémon.

Pikachu was perched on Austin's backpack, fast asleep. His small frame swayed with the movements of his trainer, who could feel the warmth of his companion's body through the fabric of the bag. It was a comforting sensation, one that Austin had grown accustomed to over time.

Yellow pointed excitedly as the mountain came into view, towering over the landscape like a monolith. "Mt. Moon!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying on the wind.

Austin grinned, relieved to finally see their destination. "I thought we'd never find it."

Brock, the Breeder-In-Training, spoke up as they approached the mountain.

People say that a huge meteor crashed into the Mountain back in prehistoric times," Brock said pulling Austin out of his thoughts.

"A meteor?" Yellow asked as Austin gave a nod.

"Yeah, I've heard about it, it's the Moon Stone right?"

Brock smiled. "Yeah, the Moon Stone is said to have the extraordinary ability to power up a Pokemon."

"That sounds cool," Yellow said with a smile as Austin was quiet.

It was… weird to have Brock and Yellow around.

Don't get him wrong, they're pretty cool people to have around but Austin just wasn't used to them yet.

Yellow didn't notice all that much considering she was into seeing the sights around them, but Brock did and was cool with it leaving Austin to be careful in how he acted due to how observant the Breeder-In-Training seemed to be.

"So, Ash, what's your plan for the Cerulean Gym?" Brock asked curiously.

"I've heard it's a Water Gym, so I'm hoping to use Pikachu since he's the only one who hasn't had a Gym Battle yet," Austin replied as Pikachu stirred awake, letting out a small yawn.

"Cha," Pikachu murmured, still groggy from his nap.

Brock was intrigued. "That sounds like a good plan. I remember how you beat me with type disadvantages. It'll be interesting to see how you fight with a type advantage."

Austin nodded, his mind already working out strategies.

'And Pikachu should fight since he doesn't see Misty as a friend this time.'Austin thought remembering that.

It was kind of disappointing but Pikachu did become more of a fighter after Surge's Gym in Canon.

It was a disappointing fact, but after Surge's Gym, Pikachu had become more of a fighter than a friend.

Their conversation was abruptly cut off by a blood-curdling scream. The trio snapped to attention, running towards the source of the sound. They found a man crouched under a horde of Zubats, small dark blue bats with no eyes and purple wings.

Pikachu's eyes widened. "Chu, Pika Chu Pi!" He said in a panic.

"No Pikachu it's not our destiny to get chased by a horde of Pokemon in each area." He said with a sigh.

"Chu," Pikachu said as if to say, yes it was.

"What do you mean?" Brock asked curiously as Yellow explained about the Beedrill horde in Viridian Forest.

"Plus on my first day, we ended up getting chased by a Spearow flock," Austin said as he looked at Pikachu. "What do you say, care to give a light show?"

"Chu." Pikachu jumped off his back as the man looked up in time to see Pikachu unleash a Thundershock on the horde of Zubats, causing them to fly off but not before Austin saw Brock catch one out of the corner of his eye.

When all the Zubats were gone as Pikachu landed on the ground, his cheeks still sparking, they all approached the down man who wore a white lab coat.

"Wow, you guys are the greatest. I'm talking super fatalistic, two thumbs up." The man said as Yellow and Brock looked a bit dumbfounded.

"Uh, it was nothing," Austin said with Pikachu walking back to him.

The man pushed himself up and this time he restrained himself from giving a death hug as he fixed his glasses. "They say a man's best friend is his Pokemon and with you two I believe it."

"Oh, that's… Nice?" Austin took a step back as the man continued.

"I'm so moved, such friendship I thought I would never see when the Zubat started attacking me, I thought I was done for and who shall arrive but two heroes who thank to I'm alive." The man threw his arms out. "I'M ALIIIIIVE!"

His proclamation could be heard across the mountain as Austin looked a bit weirded out as he looked towards Brock and Yellow for help but they looked just as dumbfounded.

"Did I mention how grateful I am?" The man asked, causing Austin to back up.

"Uh yeah."

"Why were the Zubat attacking you, mister?" Yellow asked curiously causing the man to gasp.

"Never call me mister, my name is Seymour." He introduced himself. "Seymour the Scientist. Knowledge, Research. I'm Seymour the Scientist."

All of them were quiet at that before Austin turned to Yellow and Brock and twirled a finger around his ear to say the guy was a bit nut.

None of them disagreed with him, although Austin knew that the guy was just a bit eccentric.

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Now Seymour was taking them through the cave where lights were strung up all around them.

"See, somebody lit this whole cave up inside and it's confusing the Pokemon," Seymour said as Brock immediately got it.

"So that's why the Zubats attacked you in broad daylight." Brock realized as he knew they were Pokemon that liked to be kept in the dark.

Seymour gave a nod as he pointed. "Look here, these Paras are planting their mushrooms everywhere." He said as they saw the mushroom Pokemon doing just that before pointing to a yellow rodent-like Pokemon that was on its belly. "And the hot lights are drying up these Sandshrew."

"Pi." Pikachu had a sad look as Yellow silently approached the Sandshrew and knelt next to it causing it to raise its head weakly.

"Poor Sandshrew," Yellow said patting its head as she focused while Seymour continued regaining Brock's attention Austin watched as the Sandshrew gave a light glow before blinking as it stood up, looking much better.

Knowing about it is one thing, but seeing it is another.

"That's why I'm patrolling these caves," Seymour said clenching a fist. "To catch the ones responsible for putting the Pokemon in pain."

"But who would do this?" Yellow asked in worry. "Who would hurt any Pokemon like this?"

"I have a pretty good idea who," Austin muttered looking at Pikachu who looked confused before his ears pricked as he realized who Austin was talking about.

Brock however heard Austin and gave him a curious look as Seymour continued. "I think they're after the Moon Stone."

"Makes sense," Brock said looking away from Austin as he frowned. "Anyone would want it for its power."

"You see ever since I was a little boy I believed that Pokemon came to Earth from outer space," Seymour said holding up a finger Brock and Yellow looked intrigued while Austin looked skeptical.

"Outer Space?" Yellow asked imagining it.

"Yes, and where is this spacecraft you may ask?" Seymour asked not giving enough time to answer. "Why it's none other than the Moon Stone."

"Well… That's an original theory." Brock said with a low chuckle.

"Sorry to burst your bubble Seymour, but I've heard Pokemon came from somewhere else," Austin said causing the Scientist to give him a curious look.

"Oh? And what's your theory?" Seymour asked causing everyone to look back at Austin.

Austin sighed and sat down as if this could take a while. "First, who here has heard of Arceus?" He asked confusing them but Pikachu perked up in surprise.

"What Pokemon is Arceus?" Brock asked curiously as he hasn't heard many legends outside of Kanto.

Austin smiled. "Arceus is a Legendary Pokemon in the Sinnoh Region and is said to be the God Pokemon who created three Pokemon Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina." He said pulling them in. "Dialga became the Master of Time and Palkia is the Master of Space setting the two foundations of the world. Giratina however was banished to a place called the Reverse World due to how violent he was. After creating those three, he created Azelf, Uxie, and Mespirit the Lake Trio of Sinnoh who stood for Willpower, Knowledge, and Emotions."

"I've never heard of these Pokemon," Yellow said as Austin chuckled.

"Well, they're only the first of many legends," Austin said as he continued. "From there he created three more Pokemon. Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza due to how the Earth at the time was in its early stages. Groudon was called the Continent Pokemon while Kyogre was born in the deep ends of the sea and Rayquaza is said to be the Master of the Atmosphere due to their unique nature they were dubbed the Weather Trio since whenever Groudon is around harsh sunlight fills the area and Kyogre causes endless rain on his appearance. Groudon and Kyogre became bitter rivals due to their respective natures so Rayquaza was the one to end their fights with the help of the Regi Trio."

"Regi Trio?" Brock couldn't help but ask as he was both interested in the story and surprised by how much Austin knew.

Austin smiled. "Regirock, Regice, and Registeel." He said naming the three. "There's also one called Regigigas who is said to have moved all the continents to their current location. And finally, Mew has created who in turn created the Pokemon we know about today."

" I've never heard such a story," Seymour said in surprise. "Where did you hear it?"

Austin couldn't help but turn red from embarrassment. "Uh, I liked old legends as a kid and looked them up." He lied as he reminisced about his childhood. Pokémon Red was his gateway into the Pokémon franchise as it was the first video game he played when he was four. He truly loved playing it so much that he became obsessed with knowing every little detail about Pokémon. Remembering how his brother called him the Fountain of Useless Knowledge when it came to Pokémon

As soon as the group entered deeper into the cave, they were met by a lot of noise. The noise sounded like a bunch of flapping wings. The group followed where the noise led them. They gasped when they saw a horde of Zubat flying around and harassing a lone Clefairy.

Clefairy was a small, pink Pokemon that resembled a fairy. It had a large round body and short stubby arms and legs. I had two small wings sticking out of its back. Its short, pink, pointy ears were tipped with black.

Zubat was a dark blue, bat-like Pokemon that had no visible eyes and a circular mouth with sharp teeth. It also had purple wings and long, almost insect-like legs.

The Clefairy was currently hunched and covering its head with its eyes shut as it tried its best to shield itself from the incoming Zubat. They were relentless, however, and continued to attack despite there being no sign of aggression from the Clefairy.

" Zubat and Clefairy…" Brook and Seymour said to themselves.

"Oh no! We need to help Clefairy!" Yellow said urgently.

"Right!" Austin agreed as Pikachu ran forward.

"Pikachu! Use Thundershock to break it up!" Austin ordered.

" Kitty use String Shot." She said tossing a Pokeball out as Weedle came out.

As both pokemon launched their respective attacks. The attacks were able to hit some of the Zubat while just passing between others. Regardless, all of the Zubat were startled by the attacks and fled away back to other parts of the cave.

The distressed Clefairy opened its eyes and looked around at the sudden halt of the attack. It then looked at the group of people and Pokemon in front of it curiously.

"That's strange to see a Clefairy at the edge of Mt. Moon like this," Brock stated. "Clefairy are normally very rare and very shy. Some people never see the Clefairy at all as they pass through here."

"It's so cute! Hello, Clefairy," Yellow said as she gave a smile and approached it.

The Clefairy immediately got a frightened expression on its face and ran off as fast as it could until it disappeared into another part of the cave.

"Wait!" Yellow called, but it was too late.

" As I mentioned before, Clefairy is shy of humans. You can't just walk right up to one like you can with a few other Pokemon," Brock told her with a slightly scolding tone.

"Right. I guess I got carried away," Yellow said sheepishly while scratching her cheek.

However, it was only a few seconds after the Clefairy went out of sight did it scream catching their attention as they ran towards it to see four people dressed in black uniforms surrounding the Clefairy.

'The heck?!' Austin thought while seeing Rocket Grunts rather than just Jessie and James.

Brock frowned. "Team Rocket." He whispered looking at Austin and Yellow. "Come on, we need to call the authorities-."

"Stop what you're doing." Seymour ran out interrupting Brock.

"Seymour you idiot," Austin muttered running out too before Brock could stop him causing the former Gym Leader to sigh as he and Yellow ran out.

"Hm? Who the hell are you?" One of the grunts asked in boredom at seeing Seymour before another grunt spotted Austin.

"Wait a minute, black hair, brown eyes, and a Pikachu?" The second grunt said as his eyes widened. "Jessie and James said something about him interfering with the operation in Viridian City."

"Wait so this is the kid who beat them?"

"Ash, what are they talking about?" Brock asked in confusion only for Austin to take a Pokeball out.

"I'll explain after this," Austin said as the grunts took out their Pokeballs and they sent out Grimes. "Butterfree go."

Not wanting Austin to fight alone, Brock sent his new Zubat out since Onix was too big to fit in here and he wanted to keep Geodude ready in case he needed him.

It was hard to keep track of the four Grimes that came at them all shooting smog at the two Pokemon, Zubat could take them just fine being half poison type, but Butterfree was trying his best to dodge them.

"Zubat, use Supersonic," Brock said as the small bat began emitting sound waves that grew stronger due to the echolocation inside of the cave causing the Grimes to stumble.

"Confusion on them." Austin took it from there as the Grimes was quickly knocked out by the psychic attack, causing the Grunts to return them as the Clefairy quickly ran behind the humans protecting it.

"Beaten by a bunch of brats." One of the Grunts muttered before another voice cut in.

"What's going on here?"

Austin meanwhile groaned. "Not them." He muttered recognizing the voice as Jessie and James walked into view.

Jessie reacted at seeing Austin. "It's the twerp." She said in annoyance at seeing him again before she smirked. "Prepare for Trouble."

James took out a rose. "Make it Double."

The grunts groaned at this as Austin did a facepalm while Yellow, Brock, and Seymour looked confused.

"To Protect the World from Devastation."

"To Unite All People within our Nation."

"To P-."

"Can't believe they're one of the strongest members." One of the Grunts muttered only to be glared at by Jessie and James.

"Hey don't interrupt our motto-."

"Your motto sucks," Austin called out despite Brock's gaze as the former Leader not wanting to antagonize Team Rocket anymore than they already have.

"Do you realize how hard it is to come up with a Motto?!" James asked, giving Austin a look.

"I keep telling you, no one is going to take you seriously," Austin said shaking his head before he frowned. "Wait, where's Meowth?"

"Right here." The cat landed on Austin's head nearly bringing him down from the force of the jump before Pikachu used Quick Attack to get the feline off as he was trying to take the Pokeballs. "Meowth, that's just plain rude."

"A-A talking Meowth?" Seymour asked in surprise as Brock looked at it taken off guard.

"Whoa," Yellow said in awe as Austin chuckled.

"My reaction as well."

"But maybe this is a blessing in disguise twerp," Jessie said taking a Pokeball out. "You humiliated us in both Viridian City and the Forest, this time we're taking you down."

"You guys lost when I barely knew how to battle," Austin said as Butterfree flew in front of Austin to protect him along with Pikachu. "What makes this time any different?"

"The last two times we underestimated you but no more, you're our enemy twerp," James said as he tossed out a Pokeball. "Koffing go."

"Ekans, time to get your revenge."

'This again.' Austin thought, seeing Brock about to send Geodude out. "I have this Brock."

Brock frowned a bit, but then he saw Austin looking at Yellow and Seymour before he looked back to Brock making the older teen realize that if they were both focusing on battling then any of the Grunts could use either Yellow or Seymour as hostages.

"Koffing Smog Attack."

"Ekans Poison Sting."

"Pikachu uses Quick Attack to Dodge, Butterfree fly out of reach," Austin ordered and both Pokemon moved as the poison attacks hit where they were. "Now Butterfree use Confusion!"

Butterfree managed to fly right up to Koffing as his eyes glowed blue and energy surrounded Koffing causing him to wince in pain before being slammed into Ekans.

Ekans broke free and managed to grab Pikachu in its mouth as it did with Rattata last time.

" Pikachu Thundershock," Austin said as Pikachu began electrocuting the snake.

"Koffing use Smog to help Ekans-." James had to duck as he was nearly hit. "Not on me."

Koffing however was moving around with swirls in its eyes showing that the psychic attack from Butterfree made it confused.

While they were fighting, Meowth was making his way toward the Clefairy, something that Brock noticed. "Zubat use Bite."

"Zu." Zubat shot forward with her mouth wide open but Meowth ducked before his claws came out.

"Try my Scratch Attack." Meowth taunted taking the Zubat out in one hit causing Brock to return her. "Now hand over the Clefairy."

Brock however reached to grab Geodude only for Yellow to react. "Kitty use String Shot." She said tossing a Pokeball out as Weedle came out.

"Meowth, not again!" Meowth cried out as he was mummified again and sent rolling back.

"Butterfree moves back and Pikachu finishes this up with the strongest Thundershock you can make," Austin said as Butterfree flew out of range while Pikachu managed to knock both Ekans and Koffing out with a high-powered attack.

"I-I can't believe it," James said in shock. "That's three times now."

"This twerp is bugging me," Jessie said in anger, but she was also surprised as she remembered how much he struggled the last time they fought.

The Grunts were a little scared in seeing how the specialized Admins were easily defeated.

"Pathetic." A new voice sneered causing everyone to turn and see the new arrival who was a red-haired woman in a white uniform.

Austin's eyes widened as he recognized her as Ariana one of the Four Rocket Executives from the Johto Games.

The Grunts were a little scared in seeing how the specialized Admins were easily defeated.

"Pathetic." A new voice sneered causing everyone to turn and see the new arrival who was a red-haired woman in a white uniform.

Austin's eyes widened as he recognized her as Ariana one of the Four Rocket Executives from the Johto Games.

"A kid beat you two?" Ariana asked walking up to them before looking at the people causing her headaches. "And not just once from the sounds of it."

"A-Ariana, we can explain-." James tried only for the woman to glare.

"Shut it, if I want you weaklings to explain yourselves I would allow it." Ariana snapped causing them to quiet before looking at Austin. "Well boy, I suppose I should take care of you before you become a problem."

'Oh man, this is bad.' Austin thought taking a step back. 'She won't be like the other Rocket Members we fought before.'

"Gloom Razor Leaf," Ariana commanded as a small blue Pokemon with a red closed-up flower for hair came out and shot out leaves that slammed into Butterfree and Pikachu sending them back out of the fight.

Austin stared because in one hit he lost two of his strongest Pokemon.

"Well, what's your move now?" Ariana asked as Austin quickly returned Butterfree and grabbed Pikachu, giving him to Yellow to watch over as he pulled out another Pokeball.

"Pidgeotto use Sand Attack."

As the bird did that, Austin quickly returned him while Team Rocket was busy dealing with the sand and turned to run, grabbing Yellow and Seymour's arms as he did so.

"Come on."

Brock gave a nod approving of Austin's choice as Clefairy ran after them.

When the dust died down, Ariana laughed at seeing that they were gone. "Running away like the cowards they are?"

"We can chase after them-." One Grunt began only for Ariana to shake her head.

"Don't, they won't be a problem."

"But-." The Grunt tried to argue only for Ariana to send out an Arbok that bared his fangs.

"Did you just speak back to me?" Ariana asked in a sickly sweet tone causing the Grunt to pale.

If there was anything Ariana was known for, it was torturing people, especially disobedient Grunts.

"N-No Mistress Ariana." The Grunt bowed his head as he took a step back.

"Good," Ariana said as she looked at Jessie and James. "You can still redeem yourselves by finding the Moon Stone, if you fail, however… I'll leave it up to your imagination."

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Everyone was panting as they were near a stream outside of the cave. "T-That was too close." Austin managed to get out as they lost Team Rocket about an hour ago.

" That was completely reckless for you to do Ash," Brock said looking at him.

"I'm not the one who gave away our position," Austin said as Seymour looked down.

"I just reacted," Seymour said quietly. "I didn't want to see Clefairy in any more trouble."

Brock sighed. "I can understand that, but you need to be more careful, both of you." He said while turning to Austin. "Now what were they talking about you interfering in Viridian City?"

"They were trying to steal the Pokemon in the Pokemon Center including mine," Austin said looking down. "Afterwards I ran into Jessie and James in Viridian Forest again and beat them, both times were in Self-Defense."

Brock looked at Austin before giving a nod. "Just as long as you weren't actively seeking them out." He said looking away.

When he was a Gym Leader he helped the Pewter City Police with various things that acquired his attention, he knew that while the team rocket of today couldn't be compared to the team rocket of old, Team Rocket was still extremely dangerous and that was why he didn't want Austin or Yellow to be near them.

"We need to hurry though, Zubat Butterfree and Pikachu are injured," Brock said before Yellow spoke up.

"Uh, I can take care of that," Yellow said as she was already holding Pikachu who began to glow softly startling Brock and Seymour. Meanwhile, Austin looked at the Clefairy, and seeing its shaky paws, he knew that the Clefairy must have been scared as hell encountering Team Rocket. Placing a hand on Clefairy's head Austin just smiled as Clefairy looked at him in curiosity.

This human was nice and his aura while a little weird, was warm.

As the glow died down, the scratches on Pikachu were gone and his ears twitched. "Chu?" Pikachu blinked in confusion.

"Yellow, did you just heal Pikachu by holding him?" Brock asked to confirm what he just saw as the girl gave a nod.

"I've always been able to do that," Yellow said looking down. "It's one of the reasons I can easily bond with Pokemon."

"I've never heard of anything like it," Seymour said in amazement before all of them realized that Austin didn't look surprised at all.

"Ash, did you know?" Yellow asked in surprise.

"I saw you do that to Sandshrew earlier," Austin said surprising her. "I didn't say anything because I figured you would tell us when you wanted to."

Yellow, however, had a relieved smile before holding out her hands as Brock slowly gave her Zubat's Pokeball followed by Austin's Butterfree, and in seconds they were healed.

"Yellow, I'm grateful that you did that but you shouldn't use that power much," Brock said seeing how Yellow looked a little exhausted. "It would be bad if Team Rocket found out about that."

Yellow was quiet before giving a nod.

The Clefairy meanwhile was looking at Yellow in awe.

The Clefairy looked at Austin and then at Yellow.

These humans were different from the people in the cave.

Although, the group knew that they had to rest at one point with them eating while the Sun was beginning to set.

All of their Pokemon except for Onix whose size could give their Position away as they were eating.

Brock had Zubat on his shoulder giving him some specialized Pokemon food as the other Pokemon were wondering how they lasted so long without Brock around, much to everyone's amusement.

"It's still a bit away until Cerulean City from here," Brock said sighing. "We'll have to be careful to avoid Team Rocket on the way out though."

"Easier said than done," Austin said to him.

"But we can't just leave them here," Yellow said in worry.

"Yellow, Ash is a beginner trainer and you aren't a battler," Brock said sternly. "Now I may be a former Gym Leader but even I won't be enough to take on that woman. Plus we don't know how many of Team Rocket is around here, it's smarter and safer to not get involved and tell Officer Jenny in Cerulean City as soon as we can."

Yellow looked ready to protest only for Austin to sigh. "That's why we'll be leaving as soon as everyone finishes eating."

'How powerful was Ariana's Pokémon that she did that to Butterfree and Pikachu, with a Grass Type no less.' Austin was clenching his fork hard, drawing an alarmed look from Brock.

"Hey Ash, are you alright?" Brock asked in concern causing Austin to look towards him in surprise before seeing how the fork was beginning to bend and he loosened his grip.

"Yeah," Austin said looking down. "It's just, I can't believe the strength of that Gloom… That was the first time I lost that badly."

"You've only been a Pokemon Trainer for two, nearly three weeks," Brock reassured him. "But it's not our job to fight them."

"I know," Austin said as he looked to see Pikachu and Clefairy talking to each other.

"Pika Pi." Pikachu stood up as Clefairy walked off and followed him.

"Wha, Pikachu!" Austin stood up and quickly returned his Pokemon to take off after him.

"Ash!" Brock stood up, returning Geodude and Zubat, and ran along with Seymour.

"Wait up!" Yellow cried out in a panic, returning Kitty as she climbed on Dody to follow them.

The moon was high in the sky by the time they managed to catch up to Pikachu and Clefairy to show another cavern.

'Oh no.' Austin thought remembering what happens. "Pikachu we can't stay here."

"Chu, Pika." Pikachu waved a paw happily and ran in after the Clefairy.

"I wonder what they were talking about earlier?" Seymour said as they all followed with Austin resigned to what was going to happen.

The group came to a stop in a giant circular room where the moon shone as they stared in awe at the giant stone laying in the middle with quite a few Clefairy dancing around it.

'It looks more amazing than in the show.' Austin thought his eyes wide.

"It's the Moon Stone," Seymour said in awe.

Yellow was amazed by the sight. "It's huge."

"So the legend of the Moon Stone was true." Brock looked moved by the giant stone forgetting that Team Rocket was in the Mountain due to its beauty.

"Look, Clefairy is doing something," Austin said causing everyone to look over as Clefairy placed the stone it was carrying in the ring of stones causing all of them to glow in the moonlight as the other Clefairy began dancing around it.

"Amazing, these Clefairy have formed their society, this is an amazing sight," Seymour observed.

"Especially since they pray to the Moon Stone," Austin said remembering how Pikachu told the group through Charades in the Anime.

"That's what they're doing?" Yellow asked in surprise as Brock gave a nod seeing how he thought Austin came to that conclusion.

"Is it because the Moon Stone came from the heavens?" Seymour asked curiously.

"How interesting." The new voice caused all of them to turn and see Jessie, James, Meowth, and Ariana along with the rest of the Rocket Grunts.

"Oh no," Brock said seeing as how their only exit was cut off.

"Thanks for leading us to the Moon Stone," Ariana said with a smirk. "Now stand aside."

"You can't, this belongs to the Pokemon," Seymour said his knees shaking as he was about to run at them only for Austin to grab his arm, struggling to hold him back.

"Don't be suicidal!" Austin said as he pulled out a Pokeball. "Don't come any closer."

"How cute looks like you forgot our last battle already," Ariana said in mock disappointment as she sent Gloom and Arbok out. "Perhaps you need a reminder."

Brock however moved with his Pokeball sending Onix out now that they had room. "How about you back off."

"Ah, so the Pewter City Gym Leader is here to fight us?" Ariana asked recognizing the man as she knew even with Gloom, he would be a small challenge, beatable but a challenge nonetheless.

"Ash, Yellow get out of here," Brock said.

Austin almost took him up on that before he clenched a fist. "Not happening, Brock."

"Ash I'm not arguing with you-." Brock went to say only for Austin to let out his whole team even the Clefairy stood beside Austin.

"Then don't argue, but don't think I'm going to leave you by yourself," Austin said as the Rocket Grunts sent out various Rattatas, Grimes, and Zubats while Jessie and James sent out their Koffing and Ekans.

Brock frowned before giving a nod sending Zubat and Geodude out.

Yellow looked between them and backed up knowing that with her lack of experience she wouldn't be much help right here as she had Kitty and Dody out.

It was tense before a new voice cut in.

"Hyper Beam."

A huge beam of energy slammed right into the Arbok and Gloom knocking them out as everyone turned to see a dragon Pokemon with light orange skin and grayish green eyes land unfurling its blue wings.

"T-That's a Dragonite," Brock said in awe before they saw someone standing at the edge of the hole in the roof.

It was a man with light red hair wearing a blue tunic with gold lines across it and a black cape that was billowing in the wind.

"Lance," Ariana said in annoyance.

Austin was staring in shock.

The Champion of the Elite Four was here?!

"You all will do well to surrender," Lance said his dark eyes showing anger at Team Rocket.

Ariana took in the account of Lance as well as the other kids who are stronger than the Grunts.

Now the kids she could handle, but the League Champion?

She made the smart move.

"James give us cover," Ariana ordered as James gave a nod.

"Koffing Smokescreen."

As smoke covered the area, Ariana looked right at Austin.

"If we ever meet again boy you better watch your back," Ariana warned him venomously as the smoke covered her.

"Butterfree, Pidgeotto, and Spearow blow the smoke away," Austin said not wanting them to get away.

"You too Zubat," Brock said.

It was futile because as soon as the smoke was clear, Team Rocket was already gone.

" I'm surprised to see you out here Brock," Lance said as various Pokemon Rangers were in the Mountain patrolling. "Aren't you supposed to be at the Gym?"

"I guess my Father hasn't sent the Memo yet," Brock said to the Champion who visits the Gym once every year to see how the Leaders were doing. "He took over so I could follow my dream."

"I see, but it was foolish for you to go after Team Rocket," Lance said in a warning tone before Austin spoke up.

"It wasn't Brock's fault."

Lance calmly turned to Austin. "And who are you?"

"... I'm Ash from Pallet Town," Austin said a little unnerved by how he looked at him. "I'm training to compete in the Regionals."

Lance was quiet as he looked at Ash before turning to Seymour. "The Moon Stone will be guarded by the Ranger Union, they sent their best to keep it out of Team Rocket's hands."

"That's a relief," Seymour said with a smile. "But how did you know?"

"We had a few leads that said they were going to strike here first," Lance answered not giving where those leads came from before a ringing that caused him to take his Pokegear out. "Lance here."

He walked off to talk but he looked back at the group.

"You're free to leave, but be careful."

"Got it," Brock said as the Champion got back on the Pokegear.

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"I can't believe we met the Champion," Yellow said as they were leaving Mt. Moon which was now bustling with Pokemon Rangers.

"We were lucky to get out of there alive," Brock said as Austin frowned.

'We'll need to become stronger to avoid being helpless like that.' He thought.

"Clefairy!" The trio stopped and turned to see Clefairy running towards them.

"Hey isn't that the Clefairy that led us to the Moon Stone?" Brock asked as Austin gave a nod a little surprised.

It ran until it got to Austin and hugged his leg with a smile. "Fairy Fair. Clef." Clefairy said happily.

"Y-You want to come with me? " Austin asked in surprise but he had a smile.

"Fairy," Clefairy said giving a nod.

Yellow said with a smile. "You're really lucky to have a Clefairy who wants to come with you."

"I'll say," Brock said crossing his arms as Austin lightly tapped the Clefairy with the Pokeball as it was captured without giving any struggle.

"I should introduce Clefairy to Dody and Kitty." Yellow said with a smile as Austin's Pokedex beeped " Clefairy, the fairy Pokemon. Its magical and cute appeal has many admirers. It is very rare and only found in specific areas, this Clefairy is male and the ability is Magic Guard. Currently, Clefairy knows Pound, Growl, and Sing. The Age of this Clefairy is 1 month "

"How about we do that in Cerulean City?" Brock suggested. "We have some ways to go."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Austin asked as they continued.

Before the group could continue they were approached by a group of Clefable and Clefairy.

The head Clefable then bowed in thanks again before reaching into the backpacks and presenting three Pokemon fossils to the group. One was in the shape of a spiral, the helix fossil, while another seemed to be in the shape of a flat stone, the dome fossil, and an old amber fossil.

"Ah, so you want us to take these fossils as gifts, as well?" Austin guessed as the Clefable nodded again. "So which of us should keep these three? I would feel bad about just one of us not receiving these."

"I remember reading that there will be a machine ready in the future that can revive these fossils on Cinnabar Island. I think the helix fossil will be turned into an Omanyte while the Dome fossil can become a Kabuto. An old Amber fossil becomes an Aerodactly," Brock recalled as he continued.

"Ah, that's right. I remember that both Omanyte and Kabuto are Rock and Water dual-type Pokemon. I think it would be a great experience for me as a breeder to study one of the prehistoric Pokemon if they can be revived. You guys wouldn't mind if I had one, would you?"

The group figured Brock's words made sense so they allowed him to take the first pick. He chose the dome fossil.

"Which one would you like?" Austin asked while looking at Yellow.

Yellow looked back and forth between the fossils as she thought about which one to take. She suddenly remembered the thought of how wild an Aerodactyl would be to train and figured it was best left in the hands of Ash so she chose the helix fossil.

"I guess that leaves the old amber fossil for me," Austin said quietly as he gently took the remaining fossil from the Clefable. He imagined the thought of what training an Aerodactyl would be like. He realized he would have to get a lot stronger by the time they reached Cinnabar Island if he were to be able to handle one, assuming the machine was ready by then than again there was also that aerodactyl hidden within the canyon.

The Clefable then gave a short bow in thanks once again. It then returned to its group where they continued the ceremony with the Moon Stone by dancing as the group watched.

It was now the next morning, and the group was leaving Mt. Moon right now and saying goodbye to the Clefairy and Clefable. The Clefairy and Clefable allowed the group to sleep in the room with the Moon Stone for the night so they wouldn't have to travel through the cave again. Then they generously led them to the exit of Mt. Moon.

"So long, Clefairy and Clefable!" Yellow called as the rest of the group waved.

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu said as it waved also from Austin's shoulder.

"Clefairy! Clefable!" they said back.

The group continued to wave until the Pokemon were out of sight.

"It sure was neat to see the Clefairy and Clefable do their Moon Stone ritual, wasn't it?" Yellow asked the group as they continued to walk.

"It sure was. Not too many people will be able to see that in their entire lifetime," Brock agreed. "They even let us keep pieces of the Moon Stone and a few fossils."

"So how far is Cerulean City?" Yellow asked.

Brock then reached into his backpack to check the map. "Hmmm, it looks like we should arrive there in a few days according to the distance on this map," he mused.

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Austin's Pokemon Team

Pikachu (M) Ability: Static. Moves: Thundershock, Growl, Tail Whip, Quick Attack Iron Tail.

Spearow (M) Ability: Keen Eye. Moves: Peck, Leer, Focus Energy, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace, and Steel Wing.

*Combo* Aerial Wing (Aerial Ace and Steel Wing)

Rattata (F) Ability: Guts. Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Quick Attack, Focus Energy, Iron Tail, and Dig.

Butterfree (M) Ability: Tinted Lens. Moves: Tackle, String Shot, Bug Bite, Harden, Confusion, Poison Sting, Sleep Powder, and Stun Spore.

Pidgeotto (F) Ability: Tangled Feet. Moves: Tackle, Sand Attack, Gust, Quick Attack, and Steel Wing.

Clefairy (M) Ability: Magic Guard. Moves: Pound, Growl, and Sing.

Pokemon Seen: 26

Pokemon Owned: 6

Yellow's Pokemon Team.