POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

The shiny Beldum looked as though it lacked a mouth, but that didn't stop it from eating.

When Rax Chand handed it an energy cube, the Beldum carefully pressed its head against it where its body connected.

Rax felt a sudden suction sensation, and the cube disappeared instantly from his hand.

The next moment, Beldum's single red eye narrowed into a happy crescent, and it bobbed up and down in joy.

Unlike forest Pokémon accustomed to the sweet taste of berries, for Beldum, who subsisted on absorbing underground minerals, the energy cube was like discovering an entirely new world.

Eating can be this enjoyable?

With the cube consumed, Beldum's initial hostility had mostly faded. However, its stubborn nature kept it from warming up to Rax entirely.

"That's fine," Rax thought. "We'll get there eventually."

"Beldum, do you know the way out of here?"

The shiny Beldum rolled its red eye and swayed slightly.

"Beld~um."

It turned and floated toward the direction it came from.

Seeing this, Rax quickly followed with Cubone at his side.

After ten more minutes of walking, the cave began to brighten. The number of Pokémon in the area increased, a clear sign that the exit was near.

Beldum navigated effortlessly, passing other Pokémon without a care. The wild Pokémon either ignored it or shrank back in fear.

Rax noticed this and glanced at Beldum's shimmering silver body. "Looks like you've earned quite the reputation."

While Rax and Cubone garnered plenty of curious stares, none of the wild Pokémon dared act rashly, likely due to Beldum's intimidating presence.

Finally, the exit came into view.

The warm red glow of the setting sun poured over Rax and Cubone as they stepped out. The chill of the cave dissipated, replaced by the gentle warmth of the evening.

Rax couldn't help but feel a renewed appreciation for life.

Beldum, on the other hand, didn't seem to understand the significance of the moment. It blinked its single eye twice and waited patiently, hovering in place.

Rax turned to Beldum, his thoughts racing. The shiny silver body of this Beldum was undeniably cool—far more striking than the ordinary blue ones.

"Quasi-legendaries are already rare," Rax mused, "but a shiny one?" His mind drifted to thoughts of a shiny Metagross, a Pokémon that would command both fear and respect.

But excitement quickly gave way to concern.

The truth was, Rax had ventured into Mt. Rock only to train Cubone. Finding a shiny Beldum had been a distant hope, nothing more than a fantasy.

Now that he had caught it, the challenges of keeping it safe loomed large.

Quasi-legendaries were already highly sought after; a shiny one would make him a target.

As a member of Team Rocket, Rax knew that once news of the shiny Beldum got out, it would be impossible for him to keep it. The organization would take it without hesitation.

For now, Beldum would have to remain hidden.

Fortunately, Rax's expertise in computer technology gave him an edge. He could encrypt the Poké Ball, preventing scanners from reading its contents.

Still, there were limitations. Pokémon Centers were out of the question, and he would need to avoid exposing Beldum in public.

Training it would be slow and deliberate, but Rax didn't mind. The thought of one day commanding a shiny Metagross was more than enough motivation.

"Beldum, let's work hard together from now on," Rax said confidently.

The shiny Beldum stared at him, its red eye unblinking. Though it didn't understand Rax's words, it sensed his resolve.

After recalling Beldum into its Poké Ball, Rax tucked it securely into the inner pocket of his jacket and began his trek back with Cubone.

Exiting the cave, Rax noted how the staggered heights of the terrain concealed the entrance entirely. It was highly likely that this was an undiscovered cave, which meant he could explore it in the future without worry.

For now, though, rest was his priority.

---

Two Hours Later

It was late, and the streets were dark, but the warm glow of the ramen shop's sign guided Rax home.

The door creaked open as Rax, disheveled and pale, stumbled inside.

"What happened to you?!"

A concerned voice scolded him as Yusaku, his team leader and the shop owner, hurried over to support him.

Rax hadn't expected Yusaku to be awake. Seeing the light left on for him stirred a sense of gratitude.

"It's nothing, boss. I got attacked by a wild Pokémon, just a minor injury," Rax explained.

Yusaku frowned but said no more. He helped Rax to the backroom and retrieved the first-aid kit to re-treat his wounds.

"Good thing you tended to these quickly," Yusaku remarked. "No infection. Take it easy for the next few days—no overtraining."

Rax nodded. "Understood, boss. Cubone actually helped bandage me. Pretty good, huh?"

Cubone, caught off guard, blinked and slowly looked away, embarrassed.

Yusaku raised an eyebrow. "I thought you only cared about computers. When did you become so invested in Pokémon?"

Rax froze, sensing the weight of the question.

After a brief pause, he lowered his head slightly and muttered, "You need strength to have a voice that matters."

His tone was quiet yet laced with determination.

Yusaku studied him for a moment, his expression softening.

"Well, you're not like me," Yusaku said. "I've made my peace with this small life. But you? You've got ambition. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll outgrow this place—whether it's Team Rocket or even the League. There's always a way out."

Rax hid a smirk, feigning sincerity. "Thanks, boss. I appreciate it."

"You've got potential, Rax. Just don't burn yourself out."

With that, Yusaku patted Rax's shoulder and left him to rest.

As Rax lay back, his thoughts drifted to the shiny Beldum in his pocket. His path forward was treacherous, but his resolve was unwavering. One day, he would rise above it all.