Moon Mountain is located between Cerulean City and Pewter City. Initially, it was just an obscure peak, but one day, someone discovered the existence of the Moon Stone on Moon Mountain, making the mountain famous overnight.
Compared to other Evolution Stones, the Moon Stone is not considered very rare, but that's only in comparison to other Evolution Stones.
Even the worst quality Moon Stone can sell for at least tens of thousands of dollars, while high-quality Moon Stones are priceless treasures.
Pokemon vary in aptitude, and generally, the aptitude of a Pokemon is difficult to change. However, there is an extraordinary phenomenon called evolution, and after a Pokemon evolves, there is a small probability that its aptitude changes.
Some Pokemon can evolve upon reaching a certain level, while others require special methods, such as using Evolution Stones.
The higher the quality of the Evolution Stone, the higher the level that the Pokemon will achieve after evolution. Furthermore, high-quality Evolution Stones have a decent chance of improving a Pokemon's aptitude.
"...But all of the above are just rumors. Usually, a Pokemon's aptitude is hard to see with the naked eye and requires special equipment for detection, which costs tens of thousands of dollars per use. Ordinary families wouldn't consider such a thing," Brock explained solemnly as they walked along the mountain road of Moon Mountain.
Ash was slightly shocked, mouth open, when he heard this: "Huh, does it really cost that much to detect a Pokemon's aptitude?"
"Of course. In actuality, the cost of detecting aptitude is not high. But if it were easy to detect Pokemon aptitude, countless Trainers would immediately check after capturing Pokemon. If they found the aptitude lacking, they'd release them. This behavior is inhumane and not permitted by the Alliance."
"Thus, increasing the cost of detecting Pokemon aptitude prevents people from easily running countless tests to keep the best Pokemon. It curtails such behavior," Misty explained the reasoning of the high cost to Ash.
It's not that the materials for detection are costly, but that such pricing is intentional, designed to make people hesitant about testing their Pokemon's aptitude.
"But... if you don't want people to detect Pokemon aptitude, wouldn't it be easier not to develop such technology in the first place?" Ash asked, puzzled.
"Who knows? Perhaps it was developed unintentionally," Misty shrugged, implying she too was unsure of the reasoning.
While chatting and venturing further into Moon Mountain, the road was not short. As they were delving into a cave, time unknowingly slipped into the night. Just after finishing their dinner, a cute, playful pink Pokemon suddenly appeared in front of the trio. "Clefairy~~"
Upon seeing the pink Pokemon, Misty's eyes instantly shone brightly: "It's Clefairy! Moon Mountain does have Clefairy!"
It was rumored that besides Moon Stones, Clefairy could be found in Moon Mountain. Though not particularly powerful, Clefairy is quite rare and adored, especially by female Trainers, including Misty.
Misty set out intending to only capture Water Type Pokemon, but seeing Clefairy, she suddenly felt capturing one might not be so bad.
"So this is Clefairy, it does look quite cute," Ash remarked while taking out his Pokedex to scan Clefairy.
The Eye of Insight can detect Pokemon aptitude but cannot provide basic information or attributes; for that, the Pokedex is essential. Without the Eye of Insight, the Pokedex is vital.
[Clefairy: Its cute appearance makes it a popular pet, though difficult to find. Rumored to be a Pokemon from the Moon.]
"Wait, a Pokemon from the Moon? Is that real?" Ash stowed the Pokedex, surprised.
Clefairy may be rare, but claiming they're from the Moon seems far-fetched, doesn't it?
"There is such a rumor, though it's hard to verify," Brock nodded, affirming its existence.
"Why? Can't today's technology reach the Moon?" Ash crouched before Clefairy, curiously poking it. This wild Clefairy seemed unafraid of Ash, happily smiling as Ash's finger playfully teased it, its body swaying slightly in a friendly gesture.
"Indeed, current technology isn't enough to send humans to the Moon... well, not quite true. Technologically, humans can reach outer space, but upon reaching the ozone layer, we face unforeseen obstacles. Thus, humanity remains earthbound."
Beyond the ozone layer... Ash pondered a moment, then asked gravely, "What is the ozone layer?"
His question nearly caused Brock and Misty to trip; sometimes Ash seemed knowledgeable, but on common subjects, his ignorance could be vexing.
"This is aeronautics knowledge, I don't understand it completely. Simply think of the ozone layer as a protective barrier that prevents the Sun from burning us alive. Besides, now's not the time to focus on that; catching Clefairy should be the priority. She's leaving soon if you don't capture her," Brock pointed to a distance.
Both Ash, engrossed in Brock's explanation, and Misty, still somewhat exasperated, turned their heads quickly, noticing Clefairy bouncing away toward the depths of Moon Mountain, clutching a glowing transparent stone.
"Wait, Clefairy!" Misty shouted, running toward Clefairy. Suddenly, three silhouettes appeared ahead of Clefairy, and in an instant, a large net enveloped Clefairy, including the stone in its hands.
"What's happening!?" Ash, Brock, and Misty halted, bewildered by the netted Clefairy.
In the rather dim Moon Mountain cave, a spotlight suddenly illuminated the scene, revealing the silhouettes before them.
"Since you asked so sincerely!"
"I'll be merciful and answer!"
"..."
With the opening lines, Ash and Misty widened their eyes, barely believing the trio before them.
"Team Rocket! What are you three doing here?!" Ash shouted, recognizing Team Rocket!
Indeed, the mysterious figures before Ash and the others were Team Rocket's trio—Jessie, James, and Meowth.