AN: Sorry if this is long, I was into it when I was writing. I hope you enjoy it.
Ch 20 A Key Discovery
The sun was setting, the chasm was beginning to turn dark. Helena and Steven were walking down the chasm floor, still looking for a promising exit to the surface or a cave that exits to Mt Chimney.
Beldum was on guard, keeping watch for that Steelix or any other Pokemon that might attack due to them being in their territory.
Helena looks up at the flame-colored sky, it was getting hard to see where they are going. "It's getting late, I wonder if everyone is looking for us now." She ponders,
"They are, they most probably went back to Town to get some help," Steven commented, thinking that's most likely the plan.
"Beldum," Beldum agrees, knowing that's a smart move for the others to make.
Helena nodded, looking around the inside of the chasm they were in. "To be honest, I-I'm a bit anxious." She said, a bit scared.
Steven turns his head, hearing what the former Witch said. "Why's that? Is it the fact that we have a very territorial Steelix coming after us?" He said, acting in a way that's rather off to Helena.
The black-haired trainer looks at her Steel-blue haired friend, seeing Steven a bit off. "Steven, are you okay? You're acting strange." Helena asked him.
Beldum floated next to his Partner, urging him to tell her what was wrong. "Bel, Beldum."
The young trainer sighs that Helena noticed his behavior. His blue eyes look back at the girl she met in the forest. "R-Remember back when we were at the Mauville City Gym? When I said that I have something I'm afraid of?" Steven asked if she remembers.
"Yes, I do," Helena answered, remembering it clearly for it's not that long ago. "We were interrupted when we reached the end of the track," She stated.
Steven gulps, a bit concerned about what she'll think of him after he shares it with her. However, she might accept who he really is. "W-Well, I have a fear of things…getting out of control. Like before with Steelix and you, it makes me act irrationally and go into action despite the risk." He explains, looking away from the girl he likes.
"Even now, I'm used to going into caves and chasms but that was without having a Pokemon hunting us down." Steven continues, admitting he's afraid currently. "I-I hope you don't think little of me."
Helena saw never seen this side of Steven before. All those times, he's rather daring, kind, and a bit bashful when it comes to her. When he admits that he's afraid of situations going out of hand, all she saw was Steven. "I would never think little of you Steven. You're the person who helped me with the ins and outs of Hoenn, and there's the fact you saved me from Steelix."
Steven turns to Helena as she approached him, "What you said to me back at the Mauville City Gym; 'that everyone has something they fear' applies to you, Steven." Helena smiles brightly at her friend, "To be honest, I'm not that fond of tight spaces."
The young trainer blushed red when she repeated what he said to her not too long ago. He covered his mouth, trying to hide his red face.
Helena giggles, seeing the bashful side of Steven. "T-Thanks Helena," Steven smiles, happy that she was here with him. He felt a bit confident and rational in their situation. "I need that and if you feel a bit uncomfortable, let me know. I'll do my best to keep you distracted from this,"
"I have an idea to forget about the whole Steelix coming after us and think of the positive." Helena pointed out, going with Steven's advice.
"What's that?" Steven asked, curious about what she had in mind. Beldum floated next to him, curious as well.
Helena motions her eyes to the underground area they were in. "Well…we're practically underground, and there's a lot of stones around." She blushed, "I don't mind if you teach me a bit of the area, we're in." She smiles, hoping that would lighten the mood.
"Beldum, Bel," The Shiny Iron Ball Pokemon ushers his trainer to go for it.
Steven saw both his partner and friend trying to get his mind out of their situation. He obliges, walking beside the black-haired trainer, "Well, not many know this but the deeper you go into the Earth's crust is where you find more Fossils and other rare minerals. In the right place will occasionally reveal themselves on the surface."
Helena nodded, listening and following his finger when pointing to certain chasm parts.
Both Steven and Helena were enjoying the time they were spending together. Steven teaches Helena the wonders of geology and she was learning something new besides Magic. She often finds herself wondering why she was in Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw,
Soon the more they transverse in the chasm the two enters into a cave system. Steven continues with his lecture on geology by going into caves, Helena, of course, listened feeling comfortable with his voice.
Helena frowns, hearing Steven talking about stalagmites but can't seem to see where he's pointing to. "I-I'm sorry Steven, but I can't see where you're pointing to." She said.
"Ah, now that you said it; it's getting a bit dark here." Steven could see his Beldum's Shiny coating, having a solution for this. "Beldum, if you could; use Flash to light the way."
"Beldum!" The white Beldum nodded, his eye projecting a white light revealing the gems glistening by the Duel-type's light.
Both Steven and Helena were in awe of the gems around them, sparkling on the cave walls. "I-It's like stars," Helena said, admiring nature's beauty. "It's beautiful," She smiles.
"This is why I love stones and other minerals. It's places like this I always search for in caves," Steven smiles, seeing the beauty that Helena sees in her eyes.
"I get that, and now I can see that." Helena turns to Steven staring at the crystals. He shared something he was hiding from her and their other friends, however, she only told him just minor things. She felt obliged, to tell the truth, about what she is. "S-Steven, I-I want to tell you something."
Steven turns to Helena, hearing her voice. "Yes, Helena?"
Helena gulps, walking forward. "I-WAH!" She tripped over something, almost falling to the ground.
The Steel-blue haired trainer caught her before she face-planted on the ground. His eyes widen a bit after she tripped. "Helena, are you okay?" Steven asked, holding her in his arms.
"Y-Yeah," Helena blushed, feeling Steven's arms around her. "I-I'm sorry, I must've tripped over a rock or something." She looks down at the ground, however instead of a rock that she tripped over. It was a moving white rock with a small spike on the top and black holes on its side.
"Bel?" Beldum floated over, flashing his light over the rock.
The white rock suddenly moved, causing Helena to flinch. "D-Did that r-rock just move?" She asked Steven, hoping she was not the only one seeing things.
Steven brought Helena to his side, putting himself in front of her. He took a closer look at the rock Helena found and felt he'd seen something like it before. "Hold on, let me try something here," He took out his Rotom Phone (thankfully it wasn't damaged by the fall). "Beldum, continue flashing your light over the rock,"
"Beldum," Beldum agreed, staying afloat before the rock.
"Steven?" Helena asked, watching the boy holding his Rotom Phone at the rock.
The young trainer got a clear picture of the rock on his camera, hoping it was what he thinks it is. Soon the camera app switches over to the Pokedex app after analyzing it.
A picture of a small quadrupedal Pokemon with stubby legs and a large round head appeared on the screen.
-ZZZ-Aron, the Iron Armor Pokemon. A Steel and Rock-Type Pokemon. -ZZZ-
Suddenly Aron dug himself out of the ground, eating away the rock. "Aron, Aron!" The Duel-type cheered, enjoying his meal.
-ZZZ- This Pokémon has a body of steel. To make its body, Aron feeds on iron ore that it digs from mountains. Occasionally, it causes major trouble by eating bridges and rails. -ZZZ-
Helena sighs, seeing that the strange rock was a Pokemon. "So it was a Pokemon, after all, that's a relief." She placed her hand over her heart giving her a bit of a scare for a moment.
"Ar, Ar, Aron!" Aron smiles, not noticing that there were two Humans and a Shiny Beldum right next to him.
Steven's eyes glisten upon seeing the Duel-type before him, "It's an Aron! I've always wanted to meet and train one someday!" He exclaims excitedly.
Aron paused, turning to the two when he heard Steven's voice. "Ar?" He was confused upon seeing them. Trainers usually never venture deep within this cave, he's curious about how these two manage to get down here.
"I think Aron's confused with us, is it possible that we're the first people here?" Helena asked her friend next to her.
"I don't think so, usually when a Pokemon sees a person they usually run or attack," Steven explains to Helena, kneeling to the Iron Pokemon's level. "Aron probably sees trainers passing him by while exploring this area," He looks at the Pokemon smiling at him.
"Hey there Aron, I'm Steven, and this is Beldum." Steven motions to his Partner floating beside him. "Behind me is my friend, Helena,"
The black-haired trainer knelt on her knees, waving at the small Pokemon. "Hello there," She greeted.
Beldum nodded, greeting his fellow Steel-type, "Beldum, Bel!"
Aron properly turns to the three, greeting them out of respect. "Aron, Ar," He greeted back. He then blinks, looking at the three in question. "Aron? Aron, Aron?"
Helena looks at Steven, hearing Aron's cries. "I think he's asking us how we get here?" She stated, assuming that was what he was saying.
Steven nodded, looking back at the Steel/Rock-type. "Well, you see Aron we were with friends when we were at a chasm just above us." He explains to him. "Then a wild Steelix attack us and we fell into the chasm."
"ARON!?" Aron was shocked that they encountered a Steelix on the surface. He knows very well that Steelix's are very territorial. "Aron, Ar,"
"Yes, I know that Steelix's are very territorial. Especially in the Valley of Steel, so I'm asking if there's any possibility if you can lead us out of this cave?" Steven asked politely of the Iron Pokemon. "Because…we think he's chasing us."
Aron quickly jumps forward, already getting what he needed to know. He turned his head, ushering for the two to follow him. "Ar, Aron,"
The two trainers stood up, seeing that Aron agreed to help. "I think he wants us to follow him." Helena smiles that this Pokemon is very helpful.
Steven nodded, "Thank you so much, Aron, we appreciate i-"
Suddenly the cave floor burst and everyone turned their heads to the back where dust accumulates around the hall. -SSS- I found you! How dare you enter my territory here! -SSS- Steelix roars, clearing the dust, and was enraged that trainers are in his caves,
"It's Steelix!" Helena panics, seeing the Iron Snake Pokemon. She steps forward, thinking that with her Parseltongue she might be able to calm him down. "Steelix, wait, we don't me-"
-SSS- Get out! I don't care for any words from a Human! -SSS- The Iron Snake Pokemon roars, ignoring the fact that Helena spoke to her. His tail turned into a metallic coloring and was about strike once more with Iron Tail.
Helena saw that talking to him like this wasn't going to happen. She quickly grabs Dratini's Pokeball from her belt. "Dratini, help us out!" She tosses her Pokeball, releasing the Dragon Pokemon.
Dratini cries surprised to see that they're battling a Steelix.
Helena held out her hand, ready to attack. "Dratini, use Ice Beam!"
The Dragon Pokemon raise her head, and a small light blue ball appeared around her mouth. Dratini released her Ice Beam at Steelix.
-SSS- What!?-SSS- The Iron Snake Pokemon was taken aback, his tail was frozen causing it to fall to the ground. -SSS-Ice Beam? Do you think that would stop me!? -SSS-
"Oh, I know," Helena looks at Steven who quickly picked what her plan was.
Steven smirks, ordering his Partner to attack. "Beldum use Iron Head!" Beldum's head turned into the same metallic color as Steelix's Iron Tail.
"Bel…dum!" Beldum rushed at Steelix, slamming his head into Steelix's metal body. -SSS- GAH! Curse you, Beldum! -SSS-
Steelix slams his frozen tail into the Shiny Pokemon, knocking him away. "Beldum!"
Beldum quickly recovers, looking at the opponent.
Aron jumps forward, ready to defend the Humans. "Aron!"
The ground suddenly began to shake, causing the ceiling above them to rumble. Helena and Steven felt the ground beneath them shake. "It's Aron's Bulldoze," the former Witch cried, seeing this move many times with Headmaster Keith's Gym Battles.
Soon the ceiling collapses between Steelix and the trainers, blocking them and the Duel-type.
"Aron just made the cave ceiling," The boulders were blocking the way for Steelix to get to them. However, it won't be emotional to hold him back, by now Steelix's probably digging his way through.
The Iron Armor Pokemon jumps around and quickly heads in the other direction. "Ar, Ar, Aron!"
Dratini turns to her Partner and her friend, crying for them to follow Aron.
"Bel, Beldum!" Beldum joined in with his friend, also wanting them to follow them.
Helena and Steven looked at each other, knowing what their Partners and Aron's trying to say. "Let's get going before Steelix breaks through the wall," Steven said.
"Right," Steven grabs hold of Helena's hand, and both follow their Pokemon to a safe area.
The two followed their Pokemon deep within the cave, far enough from the previous hall. They were running for quite a while, they stopped to have some air before moving forward.
Steven had his hands on his knees, feeling a bit tired from all that running. "H-Helena…a-are you okay? I know…we've been…running for quite… a while…" He said, taking in breaths as he speaks.
Helena nodded, looking at the Steel-blue haired boy next to him. "Y-Yeah, I'm-GAH!" She held her forehead, feeling something emitting from somewhere nearby.
"Helena? What's the matter?" Steven quickly approached the black-haired girl, his eyes filled with concern when she screamed in pain. "Is it possible the pain is in your head? Maybe you have a delayed reaction when we fell?" He asked, worried she might have a concussion upon landing.
"N-No, i-it isn't that," Helena stated, looking at a small entrance behind them. "I-I just felt something crying out to me."
Steven blinks, hearing what she said. "W-What?" He watches her walk over to the small entrance, "Helena, wait,"
Dratini, Aron, and Beldum all looked at Helena walking to the entrance of the small cave. The three followed the former Witch along with Steven into the cave.
"Ar, Aron, Aron!" The Iron Pokemon was barking at Helena, trying to lead her away from the cave, but to no avail.
"Helena, wait!" Steven walks over to Helena, grabbing her hand. Both unknowingly entered an area where moss grows on the blueish rock and the crystal bounced off light from an unknown light source.
Helena looks at Steven, snapping out of whatever is drawing her into this small grove. "Ss-Steven," She looks around, now seeing her surroundings.
Steven frowns, not even taking note that they are in a new area of the cave. He was concerned for Helena, up until they reach the chamber, they were in she was fine but just a few seconds ago she was acting strange. "Helena, what's wrong? You're acting strange ever since we've rested." He stated,
"Um…" The former Witch looks away from Steven's blue eyes. Her eyes looked at the Pokemon gathered at their side. "T-To tell you the truth," She gulps, unsure what his response would be.
"Helena, you helped me calm down when we found ourselves down here," Steven stated, releasing his hand from her wrist. "If there's something you're hiding know I won't do anything to upset you, I'm your…friend." He said, feeling his heart race.
The black-haired trainer nodded, hearing that no matter what he won't be upset. "S-Steven, you see…I got this sense that tells me that there's something powerful or communicate with certain Pokemon,"
Steven nodded, seeing that sense firsthand. "I can tell from how you try to handle Steelix by talking." He answers, understanding what she means.
"There's a lot more than talking to Pokemon but all I can say is that…" She points to the strange rock formation that the both of them finally notice. "Something…is emanating from within that rock…"
The rock formation was indeed strange, it was a large rock with two medium-sized rocks sticking out at each side. Helena felt the rock was calling to her and not only to her but to Steven too.
Steven approaches the rock, allowing Helena to follow him behind. "Helena, stay close." Aron quickly ran over to the two over the rock formation. He looks down at Aron, curious why he was here, "Aron? You want to help?"
The Iron Armor Pokemon nodded, "Aron, Aron," Aron started to eat away bits and pieces of the rock, seeing that something inside is making one of his new friends uncomfortable.
"Thank you, Aron," Steven smiles and started to chip away the rock as well.
Helena turns to their Pokemon, curious about what to do now. "Beldum, if you don't mind can you use your Flash over us so we can see?" Her eyes then shift to Dratini, who also wanted to help out. "Dratini, can you keep an eye out for-"
Dratini cries happily, already knowing what she was asked to do. The Dragon Pokemon was standing near the entrance of the hidden grove.
"Bel!" The Iron Ball Pokemon obliges Helena's request and use Flash to give better to his friends.
Helena watches Steven and Aron chipping away one side of the rock. However, she felt the rock was calling for her even more, she approached Steven wanting to help.
"Steven, is there anything that I can do to help?" The former Witch asked her friend, seeing the hard work he was putting into excavating whatever is inside the stone.
The Steel-blue haired boy turns his head back at Helena, looking in his pocket for a second pick. He smiles finding his spare in case his main one broke. "Here's my spare one, I always have a second one just in case my first one breaks."
Steven lends her the pick, carefully placing it in her hand. He watches Helena kneeling beside him, "Alright, since this is your first time mining Helena let me show you the ropes." He stated, wanting her to be safe when handling a pick safely.
"Teach away, Mr. Stone." Helena smiles, not passing up on a good opportunity to have fun here.
Steven laughs, finding her humor to be funny. "Okay, now you want to…" He teaches Helena how to properly hold a pick, going in of the safety on how to use it.
Helena quickly picks up the mini-lesson on mining and was showing great progress. Steven was impressed with how much she picked up with only just a few moments with a pick,
They picked away the stone, chipping away until they reach something interesting. The two were bonding as friends or more than friends.
It felt like they were mining for a while until Steven and Helena hit something. "I got something!" Both Helena and Steven exclaimed, finding something on their side of the stone. They looked at each other, giggling that they had each found something together.
"Let's excavate it at the same time," Steven suggested to Helena,
Helena nodded, "Yeah, on three. One."
"Two,"
"Three!"
Both their picks chipped the remaining rocks covering the sparkling stone away. They manage to loosen the stone from the surrounding rock.
Beldum approaches the two, shining his light over their finds. "Bel?"
Aron stood on Steven's leg, curious about what they found. "Ar?"
Dratini hums, slithering over to see what was shining behind her. She slithers beside Helena, going on her legs,
Helena saw many gems before, from red rubies to her personal favorite, green emeralds. However, the stone in her hand was beautiful among the ones she has seen,
The stone in their hands was shimmering in a rainbow color mixing whenever she moves it, almost like it was enchanted. Then the interesting part was the black flame-like DNA structure in the center of the stone.
"It's beautiful, almost like it was enchanted," Helena commented with Dratini humming with curiosity. She turns to Steven, hearing him giggling with joy. "Steven?" She asked.
Steven was smiling like a child, already having found the stone he was looking for. "I found it," He turns to Helena, happy beyond belief that he manages to find the item he dreamt of. "Helena, we found a Key Stone!"
"Bel! Beldum!" The Shiny Pokemon celebrated that his Partner manages to find what he was searching for.
"Ar, Aron!" The Iron Armor Pokemon also cheered, happy to see the Human be ecstatic to find what he was searching for. "Aron!"
Helena blinks, looking at her Key Stone. "You mean the one from that book you read back when we visited Professor Birch's Lab?" She asked, looking at the stone in her hand.
Steven nodded, "Yes, and not only that I found one. You also got one as well," He smiles, finding this to be a coincidence. "I believe you should keep that one, Helena. I have something that'll keep mine on me at all times, but I'll find you something that'll hold your Key Stone and suits you."
"Steven, please. I can find something that'll hold my Key Stone, you don't need to go to that trouble." Helena doesn't want the Steel-blue haired boy to spend anything on her, it doesn't feel right.
"No, I want to get you something…" Steven placed his hand on the back of his neck, blushing about giving Helena a gift. "A-As a gift of our friendship." He gave a bashful smile.
Dratini, Beldum, and Aron both shift their heads, looking at each trainer of their blossoming relationship.
Helena looks at Steven, being the kind and generous trainer he was. She sighs, giving in to his request, "W-Well, if you're insisting to buy me something for my Key Stone then can you at least let me choose which one I want to have?" She asked.
The Steel-blue-haired trainer blinks at Helena before chuckling and then laughing. He smiles, obliging with her request. "Then it's a deal,"
Helena giggled, catching his laughter, and was about to shake on it until…
Steelix burst through the grove's ground, looking more pissed than before. -SSS- How dare you to use my own home as a way to fight back! -SSS- Steelix roared, -SSS- I'll teach you all a lesson you never forget-SSS-
"Steelix!?" Helena shouted, surprised to see him again. All this time she thought with the cave-in, the Iron Snake Pokemon gave up his chase.
Steven and Helena got up from the ground, placing their Key Stone in their pocket for safekeeping. "Seems like he didn't like that cave-in we did before," He commented.
"Bel, Beldum!" Beldum agrees, preparing to defend both Helena and his Partner.
Dratini and Aron were ready to fight, also determined to protect the two trainers. "Seems like we're back in a corner," Steven looks back and saw a glimpse of sunlight just above them. He shifts his eyes and saw a climbable wall they can use to get out.
"I found a path we can use to escape, but we can't let Steelix's attack miss and destroy it," Steven stated, seeing this was the only way out of the chasm.
"Then let's go on the defensive. Dratini, let's teach Steelix here that we're not afraid of him!" Helena held out her hand, ready to battle. "Use Breaking Swipe!"
Dratini leaps herself in the air, her tail took on a purple hue, and was about to slam into the Iron Snake Pokemon.
-SSS- Fool! -SSS- Steelix's head took on a metallic color and headbutted into Dratini.
Dratini cries, falling to the ground from Steelix's Iron Head. "Dratini!" Helena cried out in worry, seeing the attack was powerful.
"That was Steelix's Iron Head!" Steven cried out, seeing that he was way over-leveled for their Pokemon. The young trainer saw a white blur go past him, "Aron! No!"
The Iron Armor Pokemon stood before Dratini, protecting his friend. "Ar…OOOONNNN!" Aron used Roar to scare off the Steelix but to no avail.
-SSS- HA! Do you call that a Roar? I'll show you what a true roar is like and then a powerful move afterward! -SSS- Steelix used his Roar attack, overshadowing the Steel/Rock-type's roar.
Soon Steelix's mouth began to build up purple energy. Steven and Helena jumped upon seeing the purple energy. "That's Hyper Beam!" The Steel-blue haired trainer exclaims.
"Beldum!" Beldum swiftly made it over to the two Pokemon, floating before them.
"Beldum! No dodge it!" Steven cried out, not wanting his Partner to sacrifice himself.
Beldum used Iron Defense, protecting both Dratini and Aron from Steelix's Hyper Beam.
-SSS- AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!-SSS- Steelix released his Hyper beam at the Pokemon before them.
"BELDUM!" Helena quickly grabs Steven, preventing him from going further to save his Partner.
"Steven! Don't, you'll get hurt!" Helena cried, holding his arm tightly.
The Hyper Beam raced to the group of Pokemon, Beldum blocked the attack with his Iron Defense. "B-B-Bel…B-Bel…DUM!"
Beldum's body began to glow a blueish white hue, the white Arm began to change form. Once an arm expands into a large disc shape and grew another arm. Soon the light burst, revealing a new Pokemon.
The Pokemon was a bit larger than Beldum, he still has the same silvery white coloration and golden spikes. "Metang!"
Everyone saw Beldum evolve into his next Evolutionary stage. "Beldum, he evolved into a Metang!" Steven smiles more brightly than ever, ecstatic that his Partner gained enough experience to evolve.
Both Dratini and Aron cheered, seeing the Pokemon achieve what every Pokemon goes through.
Helena was excited too, feeling that Bel-no, Metang was stronger than before. She took out her Rotom Phone and points it at the Shiny Metang.
-ZZZ- Metang, the Iron Claw Pokemon. A Steel and Psychic-Type Pokemon. -ZZZ- The Pokedex app informed the former Witch.
-ZZZ- When two Beldum fuse together, Metang is formed. The brains of the Beldum are joined by a magnetic nervous system. By linking its brains magnetically, this Pokémon generates strong psychokinetic power. -ZZZ-
Helena looks up at the new form her friend's Partner has taken, impressed by the power that the Pokedex's information. "Steven, your Metang is one impressive Pokemon!"
Steven smiles, appreciating the compliments to his Partner. "Thanks, now that Metang evolved we can really go out!" He held out his hand, "Metang, use Iron Head!"
"Metang!" The Duel-type took floated back a bit, but instead of an Iron Head, a blueish barrier was covering his head. "Metang!"
The Duel-type rushed at the Steelix and slammed right into him.
-SSS- GGGGAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! -SSS- Steelix was thrown off by Metang's attack.
"That's Zen Headbutt! A new move!" The Steel-blue haired boy excitedly announced. He held out his hand, ordering his Partner to attack. "Metang use Zen Headbutt once more!"
The Iron Claw Pokemon obliges, a blueish hue barrier formed on his head before rushing at Steelix once again.
-SSS- I won't lose to you! I am the most powerful Pokemon in this Valley! -SSS- Steelix's head took on a Metallic coating, using Iron Head to counter Zen Headbutt.
Both Pokemon impacted each other, their attacks caused a miniature explosion. The explosion caused the small crack that was projecting light to expand, revealing a new exit.
"GAH!" Helena screams, feeling the force of the two attacks.
"Helena!" Steven quickly grabs hold of her, using his body as a shield from the shockwave.
Dratini cried, she and Aron jumps forward, their body glowing a blueish-green hue. "ARON!" A barrier of the same color appeared before them, protecting everyone from the aftershock.
Steven and Helena look up, seeing the Pokemon using Protect to shield them from the attack. "Metang! Are you alright?" The Steel-blue haired trainer called out to his Partner,
The Shiny Duel-type came out of the small dust cloud, unscathed. "Metang," The Iron Claw Pokemon responded when he heard his trainer's voice.
-SSS- Damn you, Metang! I'll make you pay for that! -SSS- Steelix came out unscathed as well, He opened his mouth, building up a powerful Hyper Beam.
Both Aron and Dratini were prepared to use Protect once more when the rubble behind them moves.
"Garchomp," Both Helena and Steven flinched, hearing a familiar voice behind them. "Use Dragon Rush!" A black and blue blur swiftly passed the two trainers,
The blur hits Steelix, causing him to hit the grove's entrance to the underground. -SSS-GAH! -SSS- Steelix cried, taking a lot of damage from the Dragon-type move.
The blur was now in front of them, having a better view of the Pokemon. They saw a large bipedal shark-like Pokemon with two finger-like fins for arms. He was hovering beside Metang, nodding that he got this handled.
"A Garchomp!?" Helena noticed the Pokemon, remembering seeing a picture of one in the book in her book. "But those aren't native in Hoenn!"
"That's because Helena, he's my Pokemon!" Turning around stood a blonde man in a familiar turtleneck sweater and green overcoat. "Yo!" He saluted the two young trainers.
"Wyscan!" Steven was happy to see a familiar face after being in the caves for so long. "What are you doing here? I thought you were with Katelyn still,"
Wyscan smiles, "Oh, I was just passing through Lavaridge Town when I overheard your red-haired friend about you guys being lost in the Valley of Steel." The blonde man stated, "I of course offered my assistance and began the search for you two. Oh, and let's not forget that this one here lead me here when a sudden cave-in just happened right before our eyes."
Kirlia pops out behind the rubble, waving at her Partner and the others. "Kirlia! Kirl!"
Helena smiles upon seeing her Partner. "Kirlia! You came and search for us!" She exclaims, happy to see her Pokemon here.
"Seems like both you and Kirlia developed a strong bond." Steven looks at Helena, seeing how Kirlia came all the way just to look for her.
"Kirlia," Kirlia nodded, confirming what Steven said was true.
Helena smiles before hearing some shifting from the back. "Steelix! He's getting-"
"Don't worry, I got this!" Wyscan smirks, holding his hand out. "Garchomp, use Giga Impact!" He ordered the Mach Pokemon.
Garchomp roars, taking to the skies. A multi-colored aura covered his body, he dives down at the Iron Snake,
Steelix shook his head before seeing the Giga Impact, not quick enough to dodge the attack. He was down for the count, not having enough energy to fight due to the chase and constant attacks from the other Pokemon.
The Duel-type groans, laying on the ground and accepting his loss. Helena saw Steelix exhausted from the short battle with Garchomp. "Steelix…he looks like he's done attacking us," She walks towards the Pokemon cautiously,
"Helena…" Steven looks at his Metang, wanting him to keep an eye out for Helena.
Metang nodded, carefully hovering beside Garchomp. Both Dratini and Kirlia watched their trainer approach the Iron Snake Pokemon, ready to take action when needed.
Steelix opens his eyes, seeing the Human before him. -SSS- There, I've lost. Capture me and use me as you see fit. -SSS- He grumbles, expecting the female trainer to catch him. However, what Helena did was something he didn't expect.
"I'm not going to capture you," Helena smiles, gently stroking his face. "I feel terrible if I took you away from your home in the valley." She gently spoke,
-SSS- W-Wha…?-SSS- Steelix's eyes widen, allowing Helena to pet him.
Steven watches in awe at how Helena talks to Steelix. She was gentle with him like a mother does when speaking to their child. In all, he was impressed by her in everything she does. "W-Wow,"
Wyscan chuckles, seeing the interesting sight before him. "How intriguing, it's almost like she's talking to Steelix," He smiles, curious what kind of person she is.
Steelix lifts his head, hearing her answer his question. -SSS- Y-You understand me, Human?-SSS- The Iron Snake Pokemon asked, -SSS- How is this possible? -SSS-
"I can understand certain types of Pokemon, Steelix." Helena explains to the Iron Snake Pokemon, "But, that isn't why I approach you."
-SSS- Then speak, know if you deceive me then I won't take it lightly. -SSS- Steelix warns the black-haired trainer not to try anything.
Helena nodded, "I won't, I'm only asking that you let me, and my friends leave the valley of Steel." She explains carefully to the Iron Snake Pokemon. "We don't have any bad intentions in your territory, we just want to get back with our friends."
Steelix looks at Helena then at the others behind her. He sighs, seeing the damage he did to this grove. -SSS- Very well, I'll let you all leave. -SSS- He stated, turning around to the entrance of the cave system. -SSS- You seem to be a trustworthy Human, I only attacked you all because you've been disturbing the Valley. If I ever see you or your friends disturbing the Valley, I won't go easy. -SSS-
Helena nodded, getting up to her feet. "We didn't bother anyone, they attack us while we were exploring." She stated.
-SSS- Then I digress, I'll speak to my fellow Pokemon about this. Farewell. -SSS- With that, Steelix left the grove, leaving the trainers alone.
Helena smiles, turning to her friends behind her. They all got out of the grove and back to the surface. It was dark out, but the moon and stars were bright enough to guide their way. Helena returned her Dratini for some rest and walked between her friends.
"Gotta admit, you two were amazing back there." Wyscan smiles, walking beside his Garchomp. "I have hope that you two could handle things for a while until someone found you." He stated.
Garchomp nodded, roaring proudly at the two young trainers.
Helena chuckles, holding Kirlia in her arms. "Thank you Wyscan, there were some ups and downs, but we manage to prevail through them." She looks at Steven who agreed with her statement.
"It wasn't all too bad down there, we did find many things underground like that grove." The Steel-blue haired boy stated, petting his new Metang. "Plus, Beldum evolved. That's a bonus in itself."
Metang twirls around, "Metang!" He agreed with his Partner.
Helena looks at Wyscan, curious how Kirlia and he get to them. "Wyscan, you said that Kirlia track me down. How can it be possible?" She asked. "We were underground which makes it impossible to pinpoint where we were."
"Well, Helena, a Pokemon with a strong bond to their trainer can sometimes sense where each other are." The blonde researcher explains to the black-haired girl, "That's how Kirlia knows where you were, this includes Steven."
Kirlia nodded as Helena petted her head. "So we are that close, eh Kirlia?" Helena smiles.
"Kirlia!"
"Now I'm sure you two are tired after your extended adventure down below the ground," Wyscan stated, looking forward to where a large gathering of flashlights and people are stationed. "Everyone is waiting for your safe return. Oh, and by the way, Steven what are you going to do with that Aron beside you?" He asked as the crowd of people headed over to them.
"Aron?" Steven looks down at the Steel/Rock-type Pokemon, walking at his pace.
Aron looks up at Steven and barks, "Aron!"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.