Chapter Text
Steven looked up from the water when he saw the island come into view. Sharp rock jutted out from the waters around a large protrusion of cold, gray stone. In front of him was Iron Island. As the boat docked at the small pier he noticed an entrance carved into the rock face next to a blue cabin. He wondered how deep the mine went inside as he gave his regards to the sailor that brought him here. As the boat moved to depart to Canalave he thought if he should check out the cabin first.
Whoever lived there could wait; he had a mine to explore. He took out a Pokeball from his belt and brought out a Pokemon with a small, steel body.
“Ready to find some stones, Aron?”
The small Aron squeaked in delight as the two headed inside the cave.
It was well lit from lights strung high on the walls with various barrels, boxes, and gear littering the floor, hinting of the past life of the mine. Steven saw Graveler and Golbat hiding amongst the boulders and crevices as two trainers battled in the center of the room. As Steven walked in he caught the eye of a Hiker who was watching the battle.
“Hey there, haven’t seen you around. Want to have a battle?”
Steven felt himself stiffen. “Ah, no, I’m just here to study the rocks here. I’m not interested in battling.” Aron peeped in reponse.
“Oh, a geologist, eh? Sorry ‘bout that. You can go deeper in the mine by going through there.” He pointed toward an opening across the room.
“Ah, thank you.” Steven gave a curt nod as he and Aron moved onward.
In the next room the lights were dimmer. If he looked hard enough, he noticed a sleeping Onix.
Aron, on the other hand, began hopping near Steven’s feet. He took out a flashlight and followed the little one further into the room, careful of the wild pokemon. Aron stopped at a rock face with a peep and Steven took out some tools, beginning to chip into the rock face.
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Steven wiped a bit of sweat from his brow before he looked up at his surroundings. The lights on the walls were almost out. Aron was near his feet, chewing on a bit of rock. He had not heard any trainers in some time, and he couldn’t tell out any pokemon. Only murky darkness surrounded him.
Aron looked up at him from the small rock. Steven might have gone too far into the mine.
“Ok Aron, it’s probably time to head back.” He slowly got up and collected the last of his spoils into his bag. Being so focused on digging meant Steven had no idea where to go to get out. He hoped his little friend knew where to go.
Aron looked around the area before giving a chirp and walking toward some carved stairs on the other side of the room. Steven didn’t recall walking down any stairs, but he followed his companion anyway, shining his flashlight ahead of Aron.
They walked through a third room when Aron stopped. Before Steven could say anything, a low rumble caught his attention. Aron ran back to Steven as the sound grew louder, and before long it was accompanied by tremors. Steven grit his teeth and fingered Metagross’ Pokeball on his belt. If it were a large pokemon like a Steelix, Steven would need to defend himself…
“What are you doing here?”
Steven turned in shock. There was someone here, and not far behind him. His light showed a man around his age, wearing a blue fedora covering black hair, matching blue coat, and brown pants. With him was a blue, foxlike bipedal pokemon. They both squinted from the light. Steven put his light down before he blinded them any longer.
“Ah, sorry…”
“There’s no time for this. This area is a Steelix nest, and its feels like you bothered them.” The rumbles continued to grow, but his voice remained calm. “Follow me.”
Aron stayed close to Steven’s feet as they moved out of the cave. As they climbed upward, Steven felt the rumbling and tremors stop, but his guide continued walking, acting unaware. Steven wordlessly continued to follow him. Soon enough he found himself at the entrance and the four walked outside. It was mid-afternoon.
The man in blue turned to look at him. “What were you doing that deep? There were signs that said to stay away.” His voice remained even, but it was stern.
“Ah, sorry, I must not have seen them. I was immersed in researching the rock here.”
The look he got showed that the man in front of him had no idea why he would be interested in such a thing.
“My name’s Steven. I’m a stone collector. I came to Sinnoh to expand my stone collection.” He looked down at Aron. “This is Aron.”
The little one gave a chirp in greeting.
“My name is Riley. I live here on the island with Lucario.” The pokemon next to him gave a gruff sound in response. “We patrol the island to make sure people don’t accidently disturb the wild pokemon. You’re lucky we found you in time.”
“Ah, yes, thanks for that.” If I brought Metagross out things would’ve gone differently. “Say, you stay on the island often enough. Can you tell me about Iron Island?”
“Sure, what would you like to know?”
“Everything.” Steven said in immediate response.
Riley stood in front of him in mild disbelief. “Very well then. Let’s head inside the cabin. There’s a lot to talk about.”