AN: Please enjoy the chapter.

Ch 19 The Valley Incident

Steven's eyes widen and his smiles brighten upon seeing the Valley of Steel. The open air, the rock formations, and the possibilities of finding and excavating them were very appealing to someone like him.

He sighs, taking in the fresh and rocky air of the area. "Ah…this is…the perfect place for finding rare stones!" Steven opens his arms; he heard a giggle behind him prompting him to look back.

Helena and the others were coming over to the ledge where Steven stood. "This is like heaven for you, Steven." The black-haired trainer commented, holding Kirlia closely in her arms.

"Kirlia," The Duel-type nodded, seeing the young trainer act like a candy store child.

The others soon join them too, now in a group once again. "You know me, Helena. I like searching for rare stones, it's been my hobby since I started talking." Steven chuckled, placing both his hands on his sides.

Brawly nodded, "Yep when we all first met him, he's raving all about stones." The young surfer looks at Steven, curious what the plan was in the Valley. "Say, do you know what's the plan here?" He asked.

Flannery agreed with the sky-blue-haired trainer, "I'm all for going with exploring the Valley of Steel but what's the end goal?" She asked her stone enthusiast friend.

"W-Well…I am looking for a stone that I read back at Professor Birch's Lab." Steven explains to Flannery, that being not with him or the guys last night.

Wallace steps behind the heir of the Lavaridge Town's Gym, "Your Grandfather told me that there are trainers who go in this Valley and came out with a rainbow-colored stone." He explains to his friend.

"Now I see," Flannery grins, knowing that Steven would go looking for a stone like that. "So, any ideas where this rainbow-colored stone might be?" She asked, also curious where those trainers found them.

The Steel-blue haired boy chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Err…if those stones are like Evolution Stones are found then it'll be simple," Steven assumes, thinking that's how the trainers found the Key Stones or Mega Stones. "But there's some rare Pokemon living in the area."

"You've got me on rare Pokemon," Roxanne smiles brightly, always enjoying meeting rare Pokemon. She skips forward, eager to see the Pokemon living in the rocky terrain. "But we have to be careful. Though trainers do come here to train, the Pokemon here are very territorial." She informed everyone of the warnings from the townsfolk back a Lavaridge Town.

The group nodded, taking the warnings to heart, however, that didn't stop them from exploring the new area. They proceed to the path to the lower parts of the Valley of Steel.

They walk on the path that trainers used to be able to find their way across the Valley. Steven was excited, never he saw anything like these rock formations before in his life. "These layers, you can tell that it took many years for the rocks to become like this," Steven informed his friends, pointing to the layers of rocks.

"Very interesting Steven," Flannery sarcastically commented, a bit interested in their area. However, she was here to see new Pokemon that lives in the Valley, "So, any thoughts on what kind of Pokemon lives here? Based " She asked.

"Kirlia," Kirlia perk up, answering the red-haired trainer,

Helena looks down at her Partner, hearing her answer their friend. A strange feeling came to her, almost like something bad is happening. "Look out!" She warns everyone.

"Huh?" Steven was about to ask Helena what was wrong when he heard something from a distance. "Did you hear that?" he asked the group.

"Okay, both of you stop that right now." Wallace glares at the two, not liking this game. "We all know there's strong Pokemon living in this Valley, you don't need to joke around-"

Suddenly a loud screeching echoes across the valley. "Look! A Skarmory!" Brawly points to the Steel/Flying-type, he flinched when he saw his eyes laid on them. "And he's looking right at us!"

A human size metallic size bird cried flying towards the group, soon two more similar metallic birds join him.

"Eh!? W-Wait, didn't you guys say the Pokemon are territorial in these parts?" Helena looks over to Roxanne, also sharing the same shock as them.

Kirlia nodded, aware that she can't help due to their Typing. "Kirlia,"

"Yeah, but I didn't expect that we're going to meet some soon!" Roxanne stated, expecting them to encounter later down the line when they were further in.

Steven and Flannery took the incitive and took out their Pokeball. "Mag, use Flamethrower!" Flannery tosses her Pokeball at the sky.

The Pokeball released Flannery's Slugma, already building up heat. "Slug…ma!" Flames burst out of the Lava Pokemon's mouth.

The Skarmories dodged the flames but still continued their pursuit.

"Tch," Flannery clicked her tongue at the Skarmories evading her Partner's attack. Slugma continued using her Flamethrower trying to hit the flock of the Armor Bird Pokemon but proved to be futile. "Those Skarmories are too fast, Mag can't even land a hit." She stated,

"Beldum, it's time to shine!" Steven tosses the Pokeball, releasing his Partner. He turns to Flannery, having a plan for this situation. "Flannery, let Slugma use her Flamethrower at the Skarmories."

Flannery wasn't sure what Steven got in mind, but she trust his intuition. She held her hand out and commanded her Partner. "Slugma, use Flamethrower again at the Skarmories!" She ordered the Lava Pokemon.

"Slug…ma!" The Lava Pokemon opens her mouth once more, releasing her flames at full power.

"Alright, Beldum use Psychic to direct Mag's Flamethrower!" Steven held out his hand, ordering his Partner to assist Slugma's Flamethrower.

Beldum's eye began to glow a blue hue, "Beldum!"

Mag's Flamethrower began to take a blue outline before splitting into three separate Flamethrowers.

Flannery and the others were shocked to see Steven coming up with an effective strategy against the flock of Steel/Flying-types. "Great thinking Steven!" She smiles brightly. Her eyes return to the skies where the Skarmories flew away.

"The Skarmories, they're leaving." Helena watches the three fly away from them.

"Kirlia," Kirlia cheered, happy that the enemies are leaving.

"Yeah, but don't forget. They're territorial, they'll be back." Brawly reminded the black-haired trainer of where they are.

Helena and Kirlia nodded, "Yeah, I didn't forget."

Steven turns to the group, having a feeling that they'll encounter more than just Skarmories. "Let's tread on carefully. I'm pretty sure there are more Pokemon who will attack too if we get close." He implores everyone to be on their toes while moving forward.

Wallace smiles, taking out his Pokeball from his belt, "Mudkip, lend us your strength!" He tosses his Pokeball, releasing his newest Partner.

"Mudkip!" The Mud Fish Pokemon happily cried, running up to the teal-haired Champion. Wallace picked him up and put him on his shoulder. "Mudkip!" He cheered, enjoying the rider.

"Seems like Mudkip enjoys that very much." Helena saw the joy on the Water-type Pokemon's face.

Wallace gently held Mudkip on his shoulder so he cannot fall. "Yep, I've been doing this ever since I've gotten Mudkip," He smiles, eyeing his newest Partner. "Now, Mudkip I want you to keep an eye out for any Pokemon that might attack us while walking."

Mudkip nodded, "Mudkip!" He saluted, understanding what he was asked to do.

"Alright, we're all set!" Wallace stated as everyone continued forward into the Valley, well protected by their Pokemon.

"Magnemite!"

"Magneton!"

A horde of Magnemite and Magneton approached the group, they were set on releasing their Electric attacks.

Wallace held his arm out, "Mudkip, Mudshot right at those Magnemites and Magnetons!" He orders his Water-type to attack,

Mudkip ran on his trainer's arm right up to his wrist and complies with his commands. "Mud…kip!" He shot out balls of mud right at the horde, some were able to blind their eyes before leaving.

However, there were more left behind, a bit higher for Mudshot to land.

"Mag, Flamethrower let's go!" Flannery orders her Partner,

"Slug…ma!" Mag released her Flamethrower right at the higher Pokemon.

Helena and Steven held out their hands, "Use Psychic!" They cried in unison.

Both Beldum and Kirlia's eyes glowed a blue hue and looked at Mag's Flamethrower. Like before, the Flamethrower was outlined in blue and was separated to better get all of the members.

"Magnemite,"

"Magneton,"

The horde of Magnemite and Magneton left the area, not wanting to get hit by those super effective attacks.

Roxanne smiles, walking behind the main attackers. "You guys did great, that horde didn't even dare to attack us." The brunette stated,

"Too bad we can't help in this battle, sorry dudes." Brawly apologizes to the group for not being able to assist.

Helena shook her head, "This was just a battle not suited for you two, Brawly." She stated, seeing there's no reason to apologize. "I'm sure when we go further, there are other opportunities for your help." She said, believing their time will come.

Kirlia nodded, agreeing with what her Partner said.

"Helena's right, there's still more Pokemon in the Valley of Steel." Flannery blinks, feeling Steven rushing past her.

"Aw, thanks, you two." Roxanne smiles before seeing Steven rushing to a small crack in the walls. "Steven? Where are you going?" The brunette asked her friend.

Everyone's eyes turn to the Steel-blue-haired trainer kneeling on the ground. Beldum floated beside Steven curious about what he sees. "Beldum, Bel," The Iron Ball Pokemon points to the crack.

"I see it, Beldum." Steven chuckled, taking out a small pick. "Maybe it's a Key Stone or a Mega Stone." He gently and quickly picked away the rocks around the crack.

The cracks grew bit by bit, getting bigger with each chip. Soon the crack was big enough for a hand to fit right through.

Helena walks forward, curious about what Steven has found within the crack. "What did you find Steven?" She asked, crouching down for her and Kirlia to see.

Beldum floats back as his Partner turns around to show his friends what he uncovered.

The former Witch's eyes widen upon seeing the stone in his hand. It was a translucent stone with an orange glowing hue, inside was a small flame that wasn't moving.

"Beautiful," Helena said in awe of the Evolution Stone.

"Kirlia," Kirlia agrees, seeing how the sun bounces off the stone.

"What is it? I've never seen a rock like that before," The black-haired trainer stated, finding this stone beautiful.

Steven smiles, showing it to his friend. "It's a Fire Stone, a rock that helps certain Fire-type Pokemon to evolve." He informed the black-haired girl. "There are other Evolution Stones for specific Pokemon. Like this one, but rarer." He quickly puts the Evolution Stone in his pocket and stood up with Helena.

"Is the Fire Stone being the thing we've come here for?" Helena asked the young trainer before.

"No, but it's still a great find." Steven smiles, turning to the rest of the group. "Let's continue forward. I'm sure there are many more stones around here." He informed the group.

Wallace shrugs, not minding exploring the Valley of Steel for a little while. "Well, we did just arrive at the Valley. It's a shame if we didn't explore even more, right Mudkip?" Mudkip nodded with everyone else.

Helena looks down at her Partner, curious what she thinks. "Well, Kirlia? How about it?"

"Kirlia!" The Duel-type motions forward, wanting to see what this valley has in store.

Everyone laughs, getting what the Emotions Pokemon was saying to them. "Alright, you heard Kirlia, let's get moving!" Helena giggled at Kirlia, now seeing her grow more comfortably voicing her thoughts.

The group continued forward, making a great distance; however that does not mean they encountered territorial Pokemon.

Their Pokemon were able to drive them off, making the path clear for them to use. But they stop due to an unforeseen event. Right in front of them was a huge chasm going across one side of the plateau to the other.

"That…is one huge chasm," Brawly stated, having never seen anything like this before.

"It's beautiful," Roxanne commented, seeing the formation before her. "The scenery that the background where the other side of the chasm would make a beautiful painting." She commented on the scenery.

Steven nodded, understanding where she was getting at. "Yeah, I can get where you're coming from. Man, nature is gorgeous." He commented.

Flannery frowns, looking around for a path to get across the chasm. "Yeah, that's nice and all but how do we get to the other side?" The red-haired trainer looks down at her Slugma also looking around. "Mag, do you see a way to the other side?" She asked,

Mag looks up at her trainer, shaking her head. "Slugma,"

"I see, well thank you for looking." Flannery looks at her friends taking in the area. "We cannot find a way to the other side of the chasm." She informed everyone of her observation.

"Well, that's a problem," Helena commented, looking at the area just in case she missed something.

Steven sighs, knowing it'll be dangerous to use Beldum's and Kirlia's Psychic to go over the chasm. "Welp, there goes everything." He sighs.

"Beldum," The Iron Ball Pokemon nodded, also thinking the same thing as his trainer.

Roxanne looks at Steven, comforting her Steel-blue-haired friend. "I'm sure we'll find somehow to past the chasm, Steven." She stated, "Let's turn around and find a second path-"

Kirlia, Mudkip, and Beldum sensed something off, they felt a strong presence but can't locate where it was from.

Suddenly the ground shook, causing everyone to be on guard. -SSS- GET OUT!-SSS-

Helena's eyes widen, hearing a loud booming voice. It was all rocky and hissy at the same time, however, she knows what this is. "Somethings coming! It's coming from the ground!"

The ground cracked before bursting open revealing a large serpentine-like creature made of metallic rocks.

Everyone's eyes widen upon seeing huge Pokemon bursting from the ground. -SSS- GET OUT OF MY TERRITORY! -SSS- The Steel/Ground-type Pokemon roars at the trainers.

"It's a Steelix!" Wallace exclaims, didn't expect to encounter one here in the Valley of Steel. Though to his digression, a Steel-type such as Steelix shouldn't be a surprise in the valley for Steel-type Pokemon.

Flannery held out her hand, "Mag, Flamethrower, let's go!" She orders.

"Slug…ma!" Mag released her flames right at the Iron Snake Pokemon.

The Flamethrower was hurling right at Steelix; however, the Duel-type began to spin his body and creates a sandstorm around his towering body and deflect the flames.

The trainers covered their eyes to prevent any sand that'll get into their eyes. "That's Steelix's Sandstorm!" Roxanne exclaims, trying to project her voice over the Sandstorm.

-SSS- Humans aren't allowed to be in my territory! -SSS- Steelix roared, continuing with his Sandstorm in an attempt to drive the trainers out. -SSS- Leave or else! -SSS-

Helena could understand what the Iron Snake Pokemon was saying. Not just by predicting his body motions but also due to her Parseltongue, the language of serpents. "I-I think Steelix doesn't like us being here, you guys!" She stated.

"Kirlia!" Kirlia agreed, being shielded by her trainer's body from the sand.

"You think? It's very obvious that Steelix and the rest of the Pokemon here are territorial!" Wallace exclaims, holding his Mudkip tight to prevent him from flying away. "Ah, forget it! Mudkip, use Water Gun at Steelix!" He asked of his newest Pokemon.

Mudkip nodded, looking up at the Duel-type Pokemon before them. "Mud…kip!" A jet of water burst out of the Mud Fish Pokemon's mouth.

Steelix roars, using Sandstorm once more to try to deflect the Water move. The Water Gun slowed down for a bit, however that was futile.

The Water Gun breached through Steelix's Sandstorm and hits his head. -SSS- GAH! -SSS- Steelix roars, being hit but a super effective move. The Sandstorm ceased, and now the trainers are able to see better without the sand everywhere.

"Great job, Mudkip!" Wallace petted his Partner for breaking through the Duel-type's Sandstorm.

"Thanks to Mudkip's attack, we have a clear opening." Brawly held his fist up, finding this moment to be right to attack. He took out his Pokeball, ready to help.

Steven took the first move, "Beldum, use Iron Head at Steelix!" He ordered his Partner to attack.

"Bel!" The Iron Ball Pokemon's head took on a metallic color and rushed at the Steelix before them. Beldum slams into his fellow Steel-type's body, knocking him back for another attack.

Brawly smiles, seeing what Steven has done, "Alright, Makuhita! Use Focus Blast!" The young Surfer exclaims.

"Maku…." Makuhita's body began to glow with a blue aura, his hands were at his center creating a blue sphere. He looks at the Steelix, still recovering from Beldum's Iron Head.

"NOW, MAKUHITA!" Brawly punches the air, indicating for his Partner to release his attack.

"HITA!" The Guts Pokemon propels his arms at the Iron Snake Pokemon, however, he quickly recovers and used Dig to avoid the Fighting-type move.

Everyone's eyes widen at how quick Steelix was in recovering, "That's one fast recovery, I've never seen a Pokemon recover after one attack!" Roxanne commented, still feeling the ground shaking from Steelix's movements.

"Steelix is underground, I'm not sure what's happening but-" Steven looks around, feeling the vibration increase, soon Steelix burst out of the ground once more but now leaping in the air.

Steelix's tail turned in a metallic coating, ready to attack with Iron Tail.

"Everyone, that's Steelix's Iron Tail!" Steven exclaims, warning everyone to evade the attack. He turns to Helena and Kirlia which Steelix was aiming for. "Helena!" The Steel-blue haired boy rushed over to save her.

Flannery steps forward, seeing Steven doing something foolish. "Steven! Wait!" She reached out in an attempt to stop him,

Beldum quickly rushed back to his trainer's side, wanting to protect him from the Iron Snake Pokemon. "Beldum!" He managed to use Iron Defense to counter the Iron Tail but proved to be weak due to their level.

Steven quickly grabs hold of Helena, planning to take her to the right side. "S-Steven!?" She looks to see Beldum plummets to the ground where she once stood.

Steelix's Iron Tail was still active, slamming into the ground right next to Beldum. Both Helena and Steven were still falling when the ground began to crumble beneath them.

Kirlia was going to use Teleport for them to be on safer ground, only to have Helena let her go. "Kirlia!" The Duel-type reached out but was too late by a split second. She Teleported to Flannery and the others, seeing the ground crumble before them.

Steven held onto Helena tightly as the ground collapsed beneath them and into the chasm.

Wallace and Brawly went to the edge, seeing their friends plummet into the chasm. "STEVEN!"

"HELENA!"

The two and Beldum disappeared into the darkness, leaving everyone on the surface. "Mudkip!" Mudkip patted on the Champion's head, pointing to where Steelix was going back to his hole.

"Damnit! Steelix is going after them!" Wallace cursed, seeing the Iron Snake Pokemon disappear into his hole.

Roxanne quickly picks up Kirlia, feeling concerned for the two. "Wallace, we should go back to Town and tell someone what happened." She urges the teal-haired Champion for asking someone in Town for help.

"Kirlia! Kirl, Kirlia!" Kirlia urges Wallace to follow them down. She was worried for Steven and her trainer's safety.

Roxanne looks at Helena's Kirlia, feeling like she wants to follow the two down. "Kirlia we can't just follow Helena, Steven, and Beldum down the Chasm." She carefully explains to the Emotions Pokemon.

"I know, I know," Wallace looks back at the chasm, wanting to know if both Helena and Steven are alright. But at the same time, he knows that they can't follow them down the chasm.

Mudkip patted his trainer's cheek, trying to comfort him. "Mudkip,"

Wallace smiles, petting his Partner for making him feel better. "Thanks, buddy," He smiles.

Flannery took it upon herself to speak, "My Grandpa might help us. Both my dad and he knows the Valley's ins and outs." She explains to the group,

"Slugma," Mag agrees with her trainer, seeing this is probably the best option.

Brawly looks at Wallace, agreeing with the girls on this one. "Wallace, dude, Flannery and Roxanne's right. We need a lot more help than the four of us with our Pokemon." He stated,

The young Champion nodded, seeing that everyone was in an agreement. "Alright, we'll head back to town to get the Gym Leader's help," Wallace looks at Kirlia, displeased with the outcome they're taking.

"Don't worry," Wallace reached out, petting his friend's Partner's head. "We won't abandon our friends, Kirlia. I promise you we get those two back." He softly said, ensuring that they'll come back for them.

"Kirlia," Kirlia frowns, looking down at the chasm, "Kirlia…"

"Ugh…" Steven got up, holding his hand on his forehead. His head was pounding, probably from falling from…

Steven looks around his surroundings, "Beldum…" He looks around for his Partner, hoping he's alright. "Beldum! Where are-"

"Bel!" Beldum approached Steven after hearing his name called. "Beldum, Bel?" he asked, hoping his Partner was alright.

The Steel-blue haired boy chuckled, reaching out to pet his friend. "I'm fine, Beldum. But we need to find Helena." Steven said, trying to get up. He looks to the side, seeing the girl in question right next to him. "Helena!"

Steven shook her shoulders, trying to wake her up. "Helena, wake up!" He exclaims,

Helena stirs, slowly opening her emerald eyes. She looks up, seeing Steven sigh in relief upon her waking. "S-Steven? W-What happen? Why-" Her eyes widen, remembering they were being attacked by that Steelix.

"We fell right after Steelix's Iron Tail hits the ground causing the ground to crumble," Steven explains what happened just a few moments ago.

"I…I see, so we're stuck down?" Helena looks up, seeing how far they got from the surface. "T-That's a big drop, right Kirlia? Mmm? Kirlia?" She looks around for her Partner, however, she can't find her anywhere.

The black-haired girl looks at Steven, her eyes filled with worry for Kirlia. "Steven, I don't see Kirlia with us," Helena stated, her voice expressing worry.

Steven held her shoulders, calming her down from her frantic state. "Helena, when I tried to push you out of the way, Kirlia teleported away." The young trainer informed his friend, "I'm sure when I did that, you accidentally let go before Kirlia got the chance to take us with her. I'm sure she's with everyone else on the surface."

Beldum nodded, believing that his Partner was right. "Beldum,"

"Beldum also thinks Kirlia is with the others." Steven smiles at his Partner trying to comfort the former Witch.

Helena nodded, remembering her arms opened a bit before they hit the ground. "Yeah, I'm sure you're right." She looks at the Shiny Iron Ball Pokemon trying to cheer her up. "Thank you, Beldum. I appreciate you trying to make me feel better."

Steven got up, dusting off his clothes from the dirt accumulated while they were falling. "Well, we can't wait for the others to come looking for us, here." The young trainer blushed, offering his hand to Helena.

"Why? Shouldn't we move so the others might find us easily?" Helena asked, obliging to Steven's kind gesture.

"That may work in a more populated area, but we're in the Wild Area," Steven explains, pulling Helena to her feet. "Remember, even if we're in a chasm this is still the Valley of Steel. There might be other Pokemon lurking in here. Do you have Dratini on you?"

Helena nodded, showing her belt with Pokeballs strapped on it. "Yeah, she's here."

Steven nodded, "We might need her for battling," He explains, to which Helena agreed. "Just be prepared to call her out when we're looking around for an exit."

"That's fine by me, Steven." Helena smiled before they heard some echoes coming from each end.

-SSS- Where are those two? I'll get them for coming on my turf! -SSS- A muffled roar echoes in the walls. Helena could tell this was the same Steelix that attacked them before.

Helena looks around, trying to triangulate where the Iron Snake Pokemon was. "Steelix is around here," She stated, hearing his voice with Parseltongue. "He's looking for us,"

Steven looks at the black-haired girl, curious about her hunch. "How do you know?" He asked.

The former Witch jumps, unsure how to explain it to her friend. "Um…call it intuition?" She unsurely said.

"Whatever you call it, we might need it to get out of here," Steven said, trusting her completely. He rubs the back of his neck, a bit embarrassed to say what's next. "Um…try to stay close to me as possible so we don't get separated." His cheek blushed red,

Helena blinks, seeing the blush on Steven's face. She smiles that he's considerate of her despite their situation. "Okay, thank you, Steven."

Beldum watches his trainer being bashful around the former Witch. He was happy to see that Steven found an interest in this girl before them,

They started moving to search for an exit from the chasm they were in before Steelix gets to them.

AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.