POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Can Metang be ridden?

Of course!

Especially after mastering Magnet Rise, Metang was fully capable of carrying Rax into the air. It wasn't easy, but the thought of standing on a sleek Metagross like Steven Stone in the original story made Rax secretly excited for this day.

Although his partner was still just a Metang, Rax felt it wasn't too early to start.

"Metang, whether we reach Floribunda Town and let skiploom and Marowak enjoy the freshest sweets depends on you!"

Rax made sure to involve the others, as if to hide his true goal: riding his Pokémon.

Metang blinked, clearly seeing through Rax's thoughts.

You just want to ride me.

Rax, however, remained unfazed. "Alright, Metang, let's start with Magnet Rise!"

After a brief pause, Metang activated its ability, levitating smoothly.

"Lower it a bit—it's my first time."

Metang floated slightly closer to the ground, watching as Rax pulled out a perfectly sized cushion from his bag.

"...You had this ready even before I evolved?" Metang's crimson eyes seemed to roll in disbelief.

Undeterred, Rax secured the cushion, sat on it, and said excitedly, "Let's go! Start with a short distance forward!"

---

With a wobble, Metang floated ahead.

Suddenly, Rax lost his balance and fell backward, landing ungracefully on the ground.

Metang immediately circled back, guilt evident in its expression.

Rax stood up, wincing as he rubbed his back. "It's okay. First times are always tough."

"Metang, let's try again—just slower this time."

Nodding obediently, Metang steadied itself. Rax adjusted the cushion, climbed back on, and held on.

"Alright, now let's try turning..."

This time, Rax fell sideways, sprawling onto the ground once again.

Metang flew over, its face filled with silent apologies.

Rax, lying still for a moment, sighed dramatically, turning his head away.

Metang panicked, hovering closer, unsure how to help without accidentally hurting its trainer with its claws.

Finally, Rax "reluctantly" got up, brushing off his clothes. "It's not your fault, Metang. I pushed you too hard."

Metang shook its head, feeling guilty.

Rax sighed again. "If we can't reach Floribunda Town, we'll manage. skiploom can rely on Photosynthesis, and Marowak and I will make do with what's left of our supplies. You'll be fine eating indigo tungsten ore…"

Metang froze. Indigo tungsten ore?

"You'll grow too fast and end up like a useless Steelix…" Rax trailed off.

"Be-Beta?!"

Metang's eyes widened in horror. A useless Steelix? The thought was unthinkable!

It's just riding... I can handle it. I'm a proud pseudo-legendary, not some brittle metal creature!

Determined, Metang floated closer, activating Psychic to steady Rax on the cushion.

---

This time, it worked flawlessly.

Metang carried Rax smoothly, gliding forward, backward, turning left and right with ease. The addition of Psychic to stabilize Rax ensured he wouldn't fall.

Feeling the breeze and the smooth ride, Rax grinned widely. "Now this is the way to travel!"

"Alright, Metang, let's head toward the sea of flowers!"

"Beta!" Metang responded enthusiastically, its propeller-like arms spinning as it flew toward the colorful expanse.

---

The Bug-type Pokémon in the sea of flowers paused briefly, watching Rax and Metang with wary eyes. However, seeing no flowers disturbed, they soon returned to their business.

Rax exhaled in relief. "Looks like we're safe as long as we don't harm the flowers. Metang, let's keep going!"

"Beta!"

For two hours, Rax and Metang journeyed through the sea of flowers until they spotted a small clearing by a pool.

"We'll rest there tonight," Rax said.

Metang, tired from maintaining Magnet Rise and Psychic, accelerated toward the clearing. When Rax dismounted, Metang collapsed onto the ground, panting silently.

---

Rax released skiploom and Marowak, instructing them to help set up camp. skiploom floated to Metang's side, activating Grassy Terrain and Aromatherapy to rejuvenate its strength.

Metang blinked, glancing between skiploom's cheerful smile and Rax and Marowak working nearby. Relaxing, it closed its eyes and rested.

---

Half an hour later, the group sat in the tent, each enjoying a well-prepared meal.

"To a successful journey!" Rax said, raising his portion.

"Loom!"

"Wak!"

"Beta!"

While the others ate happily, Metang hesitated, pushing its serving of indigo tungsten ore aside.

"Metang, no being picky!" Rax scolded.

"Be... Beta?"

"Don't worry," Rax reassured. "The right amount will make you strong and shiny!"

Metang's eyes lit up. Strong and shiny?

"I wouldn't lie to you, right?" Rax added with a grin.

With newfound confidence, Metang began eating.