POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Leaving Iron Rock Town, Rax headed south.

He estimated it would take about two days to reach Flower Garden Town.

However, to gain more experience, he decided against taking the Alliance-maintained roads and instead ventured straight into the forest.

Marowak followed closely behind him, scanning their surroundings with a mix of curiosity and vigilance.

As they walked until noon, Rax confirmed there was no one else nearby and released the Beldum he had kept stored for days.

"Be~~"

Beldum seemed a bit disoriented at first, having not seen such a large sun in days. But soon, it was darting around playfully as if discovering the world anew.

"Keep an eye on Beldum. Don't let it wander too far," Rax instructed Marowak, then began setting up a table and chairs to prepare lunch.

The first day of the journey called for a sense of ceremony—no quick fixes today.

Although Marowak wasn't much bigger than Beldum, it had seen its share of battles. Now, with its evolved form, Beldum was noticeably more obedient under its watchful gaze.

After observing them briefly, Rax focused on preparing lunch. Soon, a sumptuous meal was ready.

Having had enough fun, Beldum returned and hovered near Rax, staring intently...

...at the food in his hands.

"This is yours—eat slowly and fill up!" Rax said, handing specially prepared Pokémon food to Marowak and Beldum. Then he sat down at the table.

Reflecting on the effort it took to prepare the meal, he resolved to simplify things in the future.

"Alright, let's eat!"

One human and two Pokémon began feasting amidst the forest breeze and dense greenery—a unique experience.

Rustle, rustle...

Suddenly, movement came from a nearby bush. Both Rax and Marowak immediately turned their attention toward it.

As for Beldum?

Oh, it was still eating, entirely oblivious.

"Marowak!"

At Rax's signal, Marowak grabbed its bone club, ready to attack if needed.

The bush continued rustling; whatever was inside made no effort to conceal itself.

Finally, a head popped out—a round white face with two big, sky-blue ears, yellow cheek pouches, and a twitching nose, clearly savoring some scent.

It was a Pachirisu!

Rax was thrilled. He hadn't expected to encounter such a Pokémon.

Pachirisu, the Electric Squirrel Pokémon, was both adorable and beautiful—a dream pet for many. It was also relatively rare in the wild.

Of course, its move Sweet Kiss earned it the nickname "White Devil," but in general, Pachirisu was highly valuable.

"Want something to eat?"

Rax smiled, placed a small portion of food at a distance, and stepped back slowly.

This Pachirisu was bold, cautiously moving toward the food. When it was just a meter away, it dashed forward and began eating greedily.

It seemed starved.

Rax didn't disturb it. Instead, he prepared another portion and placed it closer. The first serving was just enough to give Pachirisu a taste.

As expected, when Rax set down the second portion, Pachirisu darted over without hesitation.

Vigilance? What's that? Can't eat it, so who cares!

For the third portion, Rax placed it next to Marowak and Beldum.

Pachirisu, still not full, blinked its round eyes at the food crumbs on its face, then approached the third bowl without hesitation.

Rax laughed to himself. This Pachirisu is really bold.

"If it stays in the wild, it might not survive long in this dangerous world," he thought. I'll take care of you!

Signaling to Marowak, Rax watched as it reluctantly moved behind Pachirisu, waiting until it finished the last bite of food.

Then—thwack!—Marowak lightly tapped Pachirisu with its bone club.

The electric squirrel froze, a large bump forming on its head, and promptly fainted.

"Too bad we aren't good negotiators, or we wouldn't have to resort to violence," Rax muttered, pulling out a Poké Ball to capture the unconscious Pachirisu.

Marowak rolled its eyes and resumed eating, while Beldum... was still eating.

With Pachirisu captured, Rax's already good mood improved further.

Looking at Beldum, now lying on its side from overeating, Rax nudged it with his foot.

"Old Iron, if an enemy shows up next, it's your turn!"

"Be?"

Beldum, puzzled, displayed a large question mark-like expression.

Who's Old Iron? I'm new here—fresh and shiny!

---

Traveling deeper into the forest, Rax noticed the increased number and variety of Pokémon.

Unlike Marowak, who avoided unnecessary fights, Beldum had a reckless approach.

Its battles often began with a simple declaration: "What are you looking at?"

Watching Beldum knock out another bewildered Zigzagoon, Rax decided it was time for some guidance.

"Come here, Beldum."

"Be?"

Beldum, pleased with the nickname "Old Iron," eagerly floated over, feeling youthful and energized.

Pointing at a timid Caterpie huddled nearby, Rax asked, "Look carefully—is that Caterpie weak?"

Beldum blinked, analyzing. It nodded.

"And if you defeat it, will you get stronger?"

Beldum hesitated, then shook its head.

"Be~ (Yes, but not much)."

Rax chuckled. "Not 'not much.' It's more like... not at all!"

"Be?"

Beldum tilted its head, curious.

Rax explained further, while Marowak, who had been quietly watching, inched closer to listen.

"There are many ways to get stronger, but three are key for you right now:

1. Eat. Consume high-quality, nutritious food.

2. Train. Do focused, purposeful practice.

3. Battle. Fight strong opponents who challenge you.

Weak opponents won't make you stronger!"

Marowak nodded thoughtfully, while Beldum seemed to take the lesson to heart—or at least pretended to.

This journey is just beginning, Rax thought with a smile.