Riding on the back of a giant Pokémon was truly one of the most thrilling experiences Alex had ever had.
Since childhood, whenever he watched Pokémon anime, he dreamed of galloping across lush green fields atop a blazing Rapidash or speeding through the air on a swift Pokémon, free to go wherever he wished.
But fate had other plans.
Alex's starter Pokémon was Lucario — a strong fighter, but not the type to carry him on grand adventures like that.
Riding Kirlia — his gentle companion with soft, flowing green hair — just wasn't practical yet due to her small size and delicate frame. (Truly, she was more of a "life-saving dog's head" in tough spots!)
Sitting atop Lairon — the steel-armored beast — was no easy feat either.
Each of Lairon's heavy steps made the ground tremble. The jolts shook Alex's entire body, forcing him to clamp his legs tightly and hold on with all his might to avoid being thrown backward.
Along the path, the shadows of Mawile and Aron appeared again, their fierce expressions sharper than when Alex first encountered them at the cave entrance.
They were on patrol, eyes sharp and alert, watching every step Alex took.
But he knew that if he made too much noise or attacked recklessly, they would retaliate instantly.
Instead, Alex pulled out some chocolates from his backpack and carefully tossed a few to the tense steel-type Pokémon.
Surprisingly, the sweet chocolates seemed to soothe the burning pain caused by the Fire Stones' radiation lingering within them.
The Mawile and Aron eagerly chewed, their fierce looks softening, their jaws emitting soft rumbles as if saying thanks.
Alex smiled warmly, glad he had bought a large stash of chocolates before leaving Dewford Town — now, it was paying off.
Though these low-level Aron and Mawile weren't much help in battle, making them feel better was already worthwhile.
As Alex sat down, listening to Lairon explaining his intent to help to the nearby wild Pokémon, one by one, they cautiously approached and joined his team.
Others, like Mawile and Geodude living deeper inside the cave, unaffected by the Fire Stones, kept their distance, unwilling to come close.
Lairon — the undisputed ruler of the Rock Cave — stood proudly with its thick steel armor, rough skin, and bulging muscles like a battle-hardened warrior.
Behind it, a swarm of loyal underlings remained vigilant, ready to react.
Occasionally, Alex slipped a piece of chocolate into Lairon's mouth, easing the dull aches caused by the spreading radiation.
Lairon's four sturdy legs gripped the rocky ground firmly, moving much faster than Alex's two feet.
Before long, the daylight spilling from the cave's mouth grew stronger, piercing the deep darkness beyond.
A colossal boulder, nearly the size of a small house, blocked the path ahead.
Sunlight filtered through the cracks between stones, casting shimmering beams onto the cave floor, creating a magical, almost ethereal glow.
Around the massive meteorite, clusters of Fire Stones glowed intensely, radiating a deep red light like embers of an eternal flame.
Lairon and its followers hesitated, stopping 50 meters away, unwilling to move closer.
They only dared watch from afar, their eyes filled with caution and fear.
Alex gently hopped down onto the solid ground, no longer riding.
He carefully set his backpack down, mindful not to drop chocolates and disturb the Pokémon around him.
Cradling Kirlia in his arms, he slowly stepped toward the Fire Stones.
The radiant red light bathed the area, tinting everything in a surreal, enchanting hue.
He counted roughly over thirty Fire Stones scattered in this confined space.
Each stone could fetch about 30 credits on the Alliance market, adding up to nearly 1,000 credits — an incredible treasure under these circumstances.
Though the atmosphere felt heavy and oppressive with the strange energy, Alex's heart pounded with excitement, blood rushing through his veins at the thrill of discovery.
But he forced himself to stay calm.
The greater the reward ahead, the more dangerous greed could become, and the most important thing now was careful observation.
The toughest challenge had already been subdued, thanks to the chocolates Alex carried.
He scanned the surroundings carefully.
Only a few Zubat were asleep nearby, no signs of danger.
Alex knelt down, reaching out to touch one of the Fire Stones.
Its surface glowed with a soft red light, neither hot nor burning, but strangely cool beneath his fingertips.
"The quality isn't top-tier, but at least mid-range. Based on market price, each stone should sell for 40 to 45 credits." He put down his backpack and pulled out a small shovel.
"Luna, stay alert to the surroundings. If anything unusual happens, report to me immediately!" Alex ordered and began to dig.
"Yes!" Kirlia nodded, focusing her energy to sense any changes nearby.
After some hard work, Alex wiped sweat from his forehead and placed the last Fire Stone into his backpack.
The collection process went smoothly without interruption.
With Kirlia on guard and the steel-type Pokémon standing watch outside, no one dared disturb them.
Looking at the pile of Fire Stones he had gathered, Alex couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not being able to carry the huge meteorite — the enormous rock as big as a small house blocking the path.
Though his backpack was a powerful pocket dimension, it simply couldn't hold such a massive object.
Still, the 36 Fire Stones were a prize worthy of any dreamer.
Alex clapped his hands, packed away his tools, and prepared to leave.
His backpack blocked all radiation from the Fire Stones, allowing the steel Pokémon nearby to step closer.
"Big Mouth~ Big Mouth~"
"Ow~ Ow~"
Gentle calls echoed as Mawile and Aron gathered around Alex, their eyes full of gratitude.
"They're thanking you for helping restore their home," Kirlia's voice echoed in Alex's mind.
He knelt, stroking the heads of the steel Pokémon with a gentle smile.
"No need to thank me," he said softly.
He glanced around but couldn't find the Lairon he had ridden earlier.
"Where's Lairon?" he wondered quietly.
"Well, this place is peaceful again. I should go." Alex stood, feeling relieved.
After all the work done inside the Rock Cave, there was no reason to linger.
His stomach grumbled, reminding him it was time to find something to eat after a long day.
As he prepared to leave, a male and a female Lairon emerged from the cave entrance.
"Aww~ aww~ aw~"
"Aow~ aow~ aow~" The male was the strong companion he had ridden.
The female — the one who had led Mawile and Aron to attack him earlier — now had bright, clear eyes, walking close beside her mate.
Alex looked at them, warmth filling his chest, and asked softly,
"Are you two a pair?"
The female approached, letting out a gentle growl.
"Aow~ ow~"
"She's apologizing for attacking you before. It wasn't your fault," Kirlia translated.
Alex chuckled and gently petted the female's head.
"It's okay, I understand."
The female Lairon — whom Alex had named Dora — nuzzled his hand affectionately as if sending thanks.
Suddenly, Dora placed a huge, glowing pearl in front of Alex.
She lifted her head high, eyes full of sincerity and warmth.
Alex blinked in surprise and picked up the pearl.
Immediately, data flooded his mind:
[Massive Pearl: A large pearl radiating beautiful silver light, extremely valuable.]
[Function: Unknown at the moment.]
The pearl was the size of an adult's fist, emitting a soft, gentle glow.
If sold on the market, it could fetch a hefty sum.
"The big iron guy said this is their way of thanking you," Kirlia explained quickly.
For Pokémon, they can sense who's truly kindhearted.
Alex's sincere actions had restored their home, and they were genuinely grateful.
"Well then, thank you." Alex smiled and accepted the pearl.
"Ouch~ ouch~" The two Lairon joyfully rubbed against him in a tender, intimate gesture.
Alex played with the steel Pokémon for a while, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spreading inside.
"Alright, let's go."
"Ow~ ow~"
"Big Mouth~ Big Mouth~" The familiar calls echoed as the steel Pokémon naturally escorted Alex and Kirlia out of the cave.
The Rock Cave had finally returned to its peaceful state, with light and sound blending softly into the tranquil embrace of nature.