POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

The melee lasted for half an hour.

The Murkrow couldn't withstand Marowak's absolutely powerful strikes. After losing a large number of companions, they finally fled.

Rax looked at the Murkrow scattered across the ground but refrained from delivering any finishing blows. Instead, he instructed Skiploom to use Grassy Terrain once.

After all, Rax had taken their possessions. Though he had no intention of returning them, offering some treatment was the least he could do.

Then, riding on Metang, he flew deeper into the cave.

If they stayed where they were, the enraged Murkrow might return, so it was better to leave quickly. The intricate caves were perfect for concealing their tracks.

Rax had researched earlier and learned that the caves inside Mount Coronet were well-developed, with some routes cleared for daily transportation.

With Marowak's natural sense of direction, exploring a mysterious underground area, possibly filled with Ghost or Dark-type Pokémon, puzzles, or hidden treasures was manageable.

Thus, Rax decided against climbing over the mountains, opting to traverse the caves instead.

Judging by the encounters so far, the mountain housed numerous Pokémon, which could be valuable for training and experience.

Not long after, Metang brought Rax to a clearing near an underground water source.

"Let's rest here," Rax said, releasing all three of his other Pokémon simultaneously.

Skiploom, still shaken from earlier, quickly flew to Rax's side. Rax noticed its unease, gently patted it, and began preparing food.

Meanwhile, Metang and Scorbunny patrolled the area. Despite their differing natures, they got along surprisingly well—perhaps because both were naturally headstrong.

Marowak, ever diligent, sat near the water source, carefully maintaining its thick bone club. The battles with Drapion and the Murkrow had caused noticeable wear and tear. Distressed, Marowak applied multiple layers of maintenance oil, ensuring the club was pristine("The pristine grasslands were home to a variety of Pokémon, undisturbed by human interference.").

Before long, Metang and Scorbunny returned, carrying several rare Figy Berries.

"Where'd you find these? They're high-quality!"

Rax examined the berries carefully. Figy Berries, known to grow in shaded, humid environments near underground streams, were excellent for enhancing water-type resistance—perfect for both Marowak and Scorbunny.

Metang and Scorbunny chattered excitedly, their enthusiasm almost overwhelming.

"Alright, alright. I'll check it out after dinner. If we find more, I'll reward you with extra treats," Rax said with a smile.

At the mention of treats, Scorbunny's ears perked up, while Metang hovered contentedly, eager to lead the way.

An hour later, with their bellies full, Rax and his Pokémon were visibly content. Skiploom, now less anxious, joined Metang and Scorbunny in play.

Noticing Rax packing up, Scorbunny eagerly tugged at his pant leg, signaling it was ready to go.

"Alright, let's check out the spot!" Rax said, and his team eagerly followed.

Guided by Metang, they reached the area—a small pool formed by underground streams. Around the pool, a few Figy Berries hung from nearby plants, though none were as high-quality as the ones Metang and Scorbunny had brought earlier.

"Looks like you already picked the best ones," Rax noted.

But Scorbunny shook its head and bounded to the pool's edge, insisting there had been more.

"Careful!" Rax warned suddenly.

Water splashed violently as a massive red figure erupted from the pool.

A Crawdaunt emerged, its intimidating size and sharp claws clicking ominously.

Scorbunny barely evaded its Crabhammer attack, landing nimbly thanks to its rigorous training.

"Scor!" Scorbunny glared at the opponent, sizing it up.

The Crawdaunt stood tall, its crimson body adorned with a yellow star atop its head, exuding an air of dominance.

"Scorbunny, wait—" Rax paused, noticing Skiploom's worried gaze.

"Skiploom, assist Scorbunny! Scorbunny, your opponent is strong and has a water-type advantage. Do you dare to fight?"

"Scor!" Scorbunny nodded firmly, standing its ground with determination.

"Skip!" Skiploom quickly joined the fray, immediately releasing a Tailwind to boost its ally's speed.

Meanwhile, Marowak and Metang retreated to avoid intimidating the Crawdaunt, allowing the battle to proceed fairly.

Emboldened by the smaller numbers, Crawdaunt's arrogance grew. Its claws glowed blue as it launched Razor Shell at Scorbunny.

"Use Quick Attack to dodge and close in!"

With the Tailwind's boost, Scorbunny darted to Crawdaunt's side in a flash, delivering a strong strike.

Though the attack landed, Crawdaunt's bulky frame only shifted slightly.

At that moment, Skiploom struck with Leech Seed. The seeds rapidly grew into vines, wrapping tightly around Crawdaunt, restricting its movements.

"Double Kick! Aim for the star on its head!"

"Scor!"

With precision, Scorbunny leaped and struck Crawdaunt's weak point twice, earning a pained roar.

From above, Skiploom prepared its next move...