POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Rax threw the energy cube skillfully, and the Scorbunny in the middle caught it accurately. It then divided the cube into three portions, generously sharing with its companions.

However, the Scorbunnies didn't pay much attention to Rax, the source of the treat.

Rax sighed. The Sobble was too timid to appear, and the Grookey was too focused on its group dynamic. It seemed neither was particularly interested in him.

There was one choice left—Scorbunny.

Determined, Rax walked toward the grassy area where he had last noticed movement. The sound of soft thuds and cheerful squeals grew louder as he approached.

Sure enough, three energetic Scorbunnies were kicking a pebble around like a soccer ball, hopping with excitement. Their boundless energy filled the morning air.

Rax decided not to interrupt. He quietly observed, noticing one Scorbunny with superior skill. It controlled the pebble with precision, accurately passing it to its companions and leading the game like a captain.

As the game progressed, one of the Scorbunnies accidentally kicked the pebble too hard, sending it flying toward Rax.

Startled, Rax instinctively raised his foot and stopped the pebble with precision, flicking it back toward the leader Scorbunny.

The Scorbunny caught it effortlessly and stared at Rax, eyes filled with surprise and intrigue.

"I didn't mean to interrupt," Rax said with a grin. "You're all pretty skilled."

Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a few Fire Energy Cubes. "How about a treat after your game?"

But before any of the Scorbunnies could move, the leader Scorbunny kicked the pebble back to Rax, challenging him to join the game.

Rax chuckled, setting the cubes aside. "Alright, if you insist!"

What began as a simple game quickly turned into an intense match. The pebble zipped back and forth between Rax and the Scorbunnies, their laughter and playful competition filling the greenhouse.

---

Meanwhile, in the observation room, Uesugi and Professor Yamanashi watched the scene unfold through the monitor.

"I guess Rax has made his choice," Uesugi remarked, barely suppressing a laugh.

Professor Yamanashi nodded solemnly. "That Scorbunny has excellent potential. It's a good match."

---

After several minutes of play, Rax and the Scorbunnies were out of breath. Deciding it was enough, Rax caught the pebble and set it down.

"Great game, everyone!" he praised, retrieving the Fire Energy Cubes and placing them on the ground.

The three Scorbunnies eagerly devoured the cubes, their eyes sparkling with gratitude.

Once they finished, Rax turned to the leader Scorbunny. "What do you think? Want to join me on my journey?"

The Scorbunny paused for a moment, looking between Rax and its companions. Then, with a determined hop, it nodded enthusiastically.

"Great! Let's work hard together!" Rax cheered, holding out a Poké Ball.

With a bright smile, the Scorbunny touched the Poké Ball, disappearing into the red light.

Rax's heart swelled with joy. He had found his partner—a fiery and spirited Scorbunny.

---

Exiting the greenhouse, Rax was greeted by Uesugi and Professor Yamanashi.

"Congratulations on finding your new partner," Uesugi said warmly.

Professor Yamanashi stepped forward, holding the Scorbunny's Poké Ball in a ceremonial box. "Here is your Scorbunny's Poké Ball. Take good care of it."

Rax accepted the box with reverence. "Thank you, Professor. I won't let you down."

Releasing Scorbunny from its Poké Ball, Rax watched as it leaped onto his shoulder, letting out a cheerful cry.

"This one's got spirit," Uesugi observed, laughing.

"Indeed," Professor Yamanashi agreed. "Now that you've received your starter, remember that you can send any additional Pokémon you capture to the institute. I'll ensure they're cared for."

Rax's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That's incredibly generous! Thank you, Professor. I'll be sure to make use of that."

As Scorbunny nuzzled Rax's cheek, he felt a sense of excitement and determination. This was just the beginning of their adventure together.