POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

On the other end of the communicator, Dr. Yamanashi put down the test report on Magnezone's evolution, waved at Uesugi nearby, and turned on the hands-free mode.

"Give me your location. I'll have Uesugi come to pick up these Pokémon. They will be well taken care of at the research institute. Of course, we'll collect some data, provided they don't resist."

"That's great news! I'm currently in Baidai Forest. Is it convenient for Mr. Uesugi to come?" Rax asked.

"I'll come by helicopter and should arrive tomorrow. Thank you for staying there for another day," Uesugi replied through the communicator, not even asking for further details.

"No problem. We'll keep in touch."

"Yeah."

After hanging up the call, Rax sighed in relief and smiled at Leafeon.

"It's done!"

Leafeon blinked, its banana-leaf tail swaying gently, signaling its improved mood.

By this time, most of the Pokémon had already left. However, alongside Leafeon, Rax still had over 20 young Pokémon by his side. It was clear that these three hunters had a purpose: capturing young Pokémon. They were easier to tame and, thus, fetched higher prices in illegal markets.

Among them, Leafeon, a rare Pokémon, would undoubtedly have been sold at a sky-high price anywhere.

Luckily, fate brought them to Rax instead.

Looking at the young Pokémon's hungry little faces, Rax rolled up his sleeves.

"Time to cook! It'll be a busy dinner!"

Thankfully, his supplies from Huayuan Town were still enough to ensure none of the little ones would go hungry.

While Rax busied himself preparing food, Dr. Yamanashi summarized the situation on his end.

"Well, although Rax's background is somewhat problematic, it's commendable that he hasn't completely fallen into darker paths," commented Uesugi, approving of Rax's behavior.

"If you get the chance, lend him a hand," Dr. Yamanashi said lightly before returning to his research notes.

---

The next morning, Rax was awakened by noise outside.

Stepping out of the tent, he saw the Pokémon had already woken up and gathered in a circle to watch something.

Curious, Rax approached the group only to find Marowak sparring with Leafeon.

Because it was just a friendly bout, neither used their full strength. Marowak twirled its bone club skillfully, launching an airtight assault. Meanwhile, Leafeon countered with its unique double-blade style, using the leaf on its tail and brow to block the strikes.

As Rax watched, Skiploom noticed him and eagerly ran over to cling to him.

Seeing this, a brave Pachirisu jumped onto Rax's shoulder, seeking attention.

Not wanting to be left out, the other Pokémon quickly surrounded Rax, trying to climb on him. Faced with too many "rivals," Skiploom froze in confusion, unsure who to be upset with.

Their warm response was simple: gratitude for being saved and appreciation for last night's delicious dinner.

Soon, both Marowak and Leafeon stopped sparring and approached Rax. Leafeon seemed a bit embarrassed, as if it realized its activities might have disturbed Rax's sleep.

"It seems everyone has recovered well. Someone will come to take you all to a better place today!" Rax announced.

The Pokémon nodded, showing no signs of worry. They trusted Rax and were ready to move as a group.

But before they could leave, those eager eyes appeared again.

"Alright, alright, I'll handle breakfast," Rax said, giving in.

With the help of Marowak and Metang, Rax cooked another hearty meal for the young Pokémon. After nearly two hours, he finally shook his sore right hand, relieved but exhausted.

"Taking care of children really is the hardest job in the world," he muttered.

---

After breakfast, Rax approached Leafeon.

"Leafeon, do you plan to go with everyone later?" he asked.

Leafeon paused, hesitating. It was no longer a young Pokémon and had enough skills to survive in the wild. But it glanced at the younger Pokémon and seemed torn.

Sensing its dilemma, Rax said, "If you choose to go, you'll be popular at the institute. But it's your choice."

Leafeon tilted its head in confusion, its innocent expression almost too cute for Rax to handle.

Resisting the urge to pet it, Rax continued. "Research institutes don't force Pokémon to do anything. They'll collect some simple data about your height, weight, and skills. But you're different, Leafeon."

"Ye Yi?" Leafeon tilted its head further, puzzled.

"You evolved from Eevee. Most people don't know how that happens, so they'll be very curious about you."

Hearing this, Leafeon suddenly stood up, signaling for Rax to follow it.

"Where are you going?" Rax asked, startled.

"Ye Yi~"

"Skiploom, Marowak, keep an eye on the young ones. Metang, you're with me!" Rax instructed before chasing after Leafeon with Metang.

Leafeon darted through the forest with agility and grace, leaving Rax struggling to keep up.

"Metang, give me a lift!" Rax called.

With a reluctant sigh, Metang lowered itself, letting Rax hop on.

Eventually, Leafeon stopped at a clearing. The towering trees cast shadows over a moss-covered boulder, radiating an ancient yet refreshing aura.

Leafeon approached the rock, softly calling out to Rax.

"This is…" Rax's eyes widened.

The mossy rock before him was likely a Moss Rock, the very source that enabled Eevee to evolve into Leafeon.

"You really are…" Rax's voice faltered.

When he first saw Leafeon, he had already considered how to present its evolution to Dr. Yamanashi. But now, standing before this rock, Rax felt conflicted.

Leafeon had trusted him entirely, and he wasn't sure if sending it to the institute was the best choice.