While Alex and his team were busy tending to Aerodactyl and the newly revived fossil Pokémon, elsewhere in the dark winding tunnels of Mt. Moon, a different scene was unfolding.
The dim cave was lit only by a few flickering lanterns, their light casting long shadows against the ancient walls. Several figures in black uniforms with a bold red "R" on their chests were moving stealthily, placing capture nets and soundproof barriers around a group of Clefairy that were dancing around a glowing crystal.
"Quick, don't let them escape! The boss said these Moon Stones are worth millions!" hissed the squad leader — a tall man with sharp eyes and a cruel grin.
The Clefairy squealed in fear as nets dropped over them, their tiny wings flapping desperately. One of them, braver than the rest, tried to protect the others by using Moonblast, but the Team Rocket grunt's Golbat countered with Air Slash, knocking it down.
"Ha! Pathetic little things," sneered another grunt. "Once we're done here, we'll move these to HQ before anyone finds out."
But as they loaded the captured Clefairy into cages, the ground trembled faintly. A wave of wind brushed through the cave — a sign that something powerful was approaching.
Unbeknownst to them, Alex, Misty, and Delia were only a few tunnels away, investigating the strange light coming from this part of the cave which they find while moving toward exit . Alex's expression turned serious as his senses began to detect unusual energy fluctuations — and faint human movement patterns.
"Someone's here," he said quietly, eyes narrowing. "And not just any individual… it look like a group of many people."
Misty frowned. "You think it's Team Rocket again?"
Alex nodded slightly. "Most likely. Get ready — we might be walking right into their plan ."
...
The tunnel opened into a vast underground chamber, its ceiling glittering with embedded Moon Stones. The eerie glow illuminated a disturbing sight — a group of Team Rocket members corralling terrified Clefairy into cages.
Alex stepped forward, his expression calm but eyes sharp. Misty and Delia followed close behind.
"Stop right there!" Alex's voice echoed through the cave, firm and commanding.
The grunts spun around, startled. The squad leader frowned, recognizing the name. "Professor Alex? The so-called prodigy from Pallet Town?" He smirked. "Didn't expect a researcher to stick his nose into Rocket business."
Alex crossed his arms. "And I didn't expect a group of criminals stealing innocent Pokémon."
The leader's smirk vanished. "You'll regret that. Go, Golbat and Rhydon! Crush them!"
Alex looked to his team. "Misty, cover the Clefairy. Delia, stay behind me." Then he tossed two Poké Balls forward.
"Let's show them the difference between strength and cruelty — Charmeleon, Rena (Gardevoir), battle stance!"
With a flash of red light, Charmeleon appeared, his tail flame blazing brighter than ever, while Rena's aura shimmered with psychic energy.
"Golbat, Air Slash! Rhydon, Rock Blast!"
"Rena, Psychic Barrier! Charmeleon, Flamethrower — full power!"
Golbat's Air Slash dissipated as Rena's psychic shield expanded, turning the air into a shimmering dome. Charmeleon's flames roared, engulfing Rhydon in a swirl of fire.
The leader growled. "Don't think we're done! Arbok, finish them!"
But before Arbok could strike, the ground trembled — Aerodactyl swooped down from above, awakened by the sound of battle. It let out a bone-shaking roar, landing beside Alex.
The Team Rocket grunts froze. "Wh-what is that thing doing here!?"
Alex smirked. "That's my newest team member — and he doesn't like people hurting others."
With a single flap of its wings, Aerodactyl unleashed Ancient Power, scattering the grunts' Pokémon and shattering their nets. The captured Clefairy rushed to safety behind Misty and Delia.
Seeing they were outmatched, the Team Rocket leader tried to flee, but Alex was faster.
"Rena, Teleport — block the exit!"
In an instant, she appeared before them, eyes glowing and capture all members with telekinesis.
Seeing this Alex took out his Pokedex and called Officer Jenny, calmly reporting their location.
By the time Jenny and her team arrived, the Clefairy had gathered timidly behind Alex's group.
"Professor Alex, thank you!" Officer Jenny said after the arrest. "Without your help, those Pokémon would've been taken."
Alex gave a modest nod. "They deserve better."
As Jenny's team led the Rockets away, one small Clefairy hesitated.
It tugged at Delia's sleeve, looking up with wide, sparkling eyes.
Delia knelt down, smiling softly. "You want to come with us?"
The Clefairy nodded shyly, offering a Poké Ball it had found.
Alex chuckled quietly. "Looks like you've got yourself a new friend."
Delia's cheeks warmed as she touched the ball to Clefairy's forehead.
Click!
The Poké Ball glowed—capture complete.
"Welcome to the team, Clefairy," Delia said warmly, hugging it when it reappeared.
The little Pokémon giggled and twirled in delight.
Moments later, a soft, rhythmic hum filled the cavern. The rest of the Clefairy began to gather around the glowing Moon Stone at the center of the cave.
Alex, Delia, Misty, and Rena stood back as the Clefairy lifted their tiny arms to the heavens.
Silvery moonlight poured through the cracks above, reflecting across their pink bodies.
They danced in a slow, graceful rhythm—
a Moonlight Dance, ancient and pure.
Every motion sent sparkles into the air like drifting starlight.
Misty whispered, "It's… beautiful."
Delia's eyes softened as she watched her Clefairy join in. "I never thought I'd see something like this in person…"
Alex only smiled, watching silently, his eyes reflecting the silver light. "This is what makes our journey worth it."
When the dance ended, the Clefairy turned to them, bowing gratefully before retreating into the shadows of Mt. Moon.
Rena raised her hand, her aura shimmering faintly. In an instant, the group was teleported to the mountain's exit.
Outside, dawn had begun to rise.
The first rays of sunlight painted the world gold.
Alex looked eastward and said softly,
"Next stop—Cerulean City."
Misty smiled faintly, brushing her hair back. "Heh… that's my home gym. Guess you'll be fighting me next, Professor."
Alex smirked lightly. "Then I'll be sure to make it worth your while."
Delia laughed gently as she adjusted Clefairy in her arms. "Looks like things will only get more interesting from here."
Together, under the rising sun, they began their journey toward Cerulean.