POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Rax couldn't help but rub Leafeon's little head.

"What can I say about you..."

"I see, you evolved after staying near this moss rock for quite a while, right?"

Leafeon nodded, thinking Rax was really smart.

"Okay, let's go back. I'll tell the research institute about this myself, so you don't have to worry."

"Leafeon~"

The two returned to their group, awaiting Uesugi's arrival.

As the time neared noon, Rax prepared to cook another meal, but the long-awaited Uesugi finally arrived. Skiploom used Tailwind, scattering leaves into the air to guide Uesugi's helicopter to land.

The roar of the helicopter startled the Pokémon, sending them scurrying behind Rax and Leafeon for cover. Soon, Uesugi, clad in his white lab coat, hopped off the helicopter and waved excitedly at Rax—only to freeze mid-wave when he spotted Leafeon.

"This, this, this... is it Leafeon?" he stammered.

"Yeah, it's a very fitting name," Rax said, feigning nonchalance and nodding in agreement.

But Uesugi was far from calm. He rushed forward, grabbing Rax's shoulders in excitement. "Where did you find it?"

"Right here. It was one of the Pokémon caught by those hunters," Rax replied.

Uesugi nodded, his eyes lighting up as he took in the lush Baidai Forest.

"Uesugi, you don't know how Eevee evolved into Leafeon?" Rax asked, pretending to be surprised.

Uesugi spun around, his eyes wide. "You know? Again?"

Rax sighed inwardly but kept his composure. "Yes, I know. Leafeon told me."

"!!!"

Uesugi's pupils dilated, his grip tightening on Rax's shoulders.

"Stop, slow down!" Rax protested, shaking off Uesugi's hold.

Uesugi stepped back, regaining his composure. "How did Leafeon evolve?"

"I'll tell you after we make sure these kids are settled," Rax said, gesturing to the young Pokémon behind him. Many were eyeing Uesugi nervously.

Uesugi hesitated, then nodded. He released Happiny, a round pink Pokémon, from its Pokéball. "Happiny, take care of them," he said.

The young Pokémon warmed up to Happiny quickly. Under Rax's encouragement, they boarded the helicopter. Meanwhile, Rax called Leafeon over.

"Leafeon is worried about these kids, so it will follow you back to the research institute. As for its evolution secret, it needs to show you," Rax explained.

Leafeon nodded and led the way into the forest, with Rax and Uesugi following closely behind. Thanks to skiploom's Tailwind, Rax kept up easily.

When they reached the moss-covered boulder, Uesugi's eyes sparkled with excitement. He approached it reverently, inspecting it closely.

"This moss rock must have been the catalyst for Leafeon's evolution," Rax explained. "It seems rooted in the ground and difficult to move. Its effects may change if relocated, so you'll need to study it here."

"Of course. The research institute prioritizes preserving natural ecosystems to ensure accurate findings," Uesugi agreed, already imagining the experiments ahead. "Though now I'll be swamped with both Magneton's evolution data and this discovery!"

Rax smirked. "Let's head back. You'll have plenty of time to study it."

Back at the clearing, the young Pokémon were happily snacking with Happiny. Rax felt a wave of relief—it seemed their journey was ending on a positive note.

As the helicopter took off, Rax held skiploom tightly against the downdraft. Leafeon poked its head out of the helicopter, watching Rax intently as if trying to etch his face into its memory.

"Leafeon..." Rax sighed, a sense of longing settling over him. "Wait for me at the research institute. One day, I'll come and take you on another adventure," he vowed silently.

---

That evening, Uesugi returned to Masaga Town and immediately took Leafeon to the research institute. Although he was eager to report his findings to Dr. Yamanashi, he first ensured the young Pokémon were settled.

He applied for a forest greenhouse, where the young Pokémon could live together. With Leafeon watching over them, they quickly adapted to their new environment.

Leafeon looked up at the glass dome, relieved that Rax's promises had been true. Still, it wished they could meet again someday.

---

Meanwhile, Uesugi finally reported to Dr. Yamanashi.

"I saw the moss rock myself. The energy it emits is extraordinary—so strong even Gengar could sense it! If it truly influenced Leafeon's evolution, this is a groundbreaking discovery."

Dr. Yamanashi listened intently, his expression serious but his eyes alight with excitement.

"So, was it Rax who provided the insight again?" he asked, unable to hide his curiosity.