POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

A large number of cotton-like white spores descended with the breeze, enveloping the Crawdaunt in a thick cloud.

Caught up in the parasitic seeds, Crawdaunt struggled in vain, and the cotton spores slowed it down even further.

Seizing the opportunity, Scorbunny rushed forward again, landing two more powerful kicks!

The Crawdaunt roared in frustration. But instead of targeting Scorbunny, it shifted its focus to Skiploom floating above.

"Crawdaunt.Crawdaunt!"

A strange red light flashed in Crawdaunt's eyes. Skiploom froze momentarily, then panicked—it was provocation!

Skiploom darted back, seeking refuge in Rax's arms with tearful eyes.

"Stop!"

Rax's sharp command startled Skiploom mid-flight.

"We agreed you'd work as a team to deal with enemies. Scorbunny is still fighting out there. Why are you running back?"

"Fa…fa…"

Skiploom felt a pang of guilt but couldn't muster a response.

"Turn around, watch the battle closely, and focus on using your skills. Provocation is temporary. Scorbunny will protect you during that time."

Rax's tone softened, his words reassuring.

"Scorbunny !"

Scorbunny, as if affirming Rax's statement, launched itself at Crawdaunt once more, landing its third consecutive blow. Though Crawdaunt was a high-level water-and-dark Pokémon, Scorbunny's relentless double kicks had left it visibly battered.

Finally, Crawdaunt used its powerful pincers to rip off the parasitic vines that bound it.

"Crawdaunt!"

This time, Crawdaunt smartly rushed at Skiploom, recognizing the aerial threat it posed. It unleashed Bubble Beam, blue foam converging into streams aimed directly at Skiploom.

Although Skiploom's agility allowed it to evade one stream of bubbles, another was headed straight for it.

"Scorbunny!"

Scorbunny's voice cut through the tension. Flames erupted around its body as it activated a Flame Charge, accelerating toward Crawdaunt with incredible speed.

Scorbunny collided with Crawdaunt's side, sending the bulky Pokémon skidding across the ground. Though Crawdaunt resisted fire-type moves, the sheer force of the attack left it reeling.

In the air, Skiploom exhaled, its panic giving way to focus.

Yellow dust began to drift down. It was Stun Spore!

Skiploom's confidence returned as Crawdaunt staggered, its movements slowed even further. With Stun Spore, Cotton Spore, and the residual effects of Paralysis Powder, Crawdaunt's actions became sluggish and uncoordinated.

Overwhelmed, the Crawdaunt attempted to retreat, dragging itself toward the safety of the pool. But Scorbunny wasn't about to let it go so easily. It rushed forward, landing a final, decisive kick.

Crawdaunt collapsed, unable to continue the fight.

"Victory!"

Scorbunny cheered and bounded back toward Rax and Skiploom, its excitement palpable.

"Scorbunny~Scorbunny!"

It reported its victory with pride before turning to Skiploom, nuzzling it affectionately.

Skiploom's expression softened, the earlier fear and panic replaced by warmth and gratitude.

Nearby, Marowak and Metang approached, their approving gazes fixed on Skiploom. It was clear: Skiploom's supportive role had been vital to the team's success.

Rax watched the scene, a proud smile on his face. His Pokémon had grown stronger—not just in battle skills but in their bond with one another.

After the celebration, Skiploom used Aromatherapy to heal Crawdaunt's status conditions. Rax captured the fainted Pokémon, storing it in a Poké Ball.

"A rare Water-type like Crawdaunt will still be useful," Rax thought to himself.

Unable to explore underwater without a Water-type, Rax focused instead on gathering the remaining Thousand figy berries around the pool. With the area thoroughly scoured, the group set off deeper into the cave, leaving only Metang outside its Poké Ball for protection.

Before long, they encountered three rampaging Rhyhorn, each at an advanced intermediate level.

The Rhyhorn charged as soon as they spotted Rax and Metang.

"Bullet Punch!"

Rax commanded, stepping aside to give Metang position to deliver the final blow. The steel-and-psychic Pokémon's fists glowed silver as it punched the lead Rhyhorn, sending it stumbling into the second.

The third Rhyhorn wasn't deterred. It gathered rocks in its massive arms, hurling them toward Metang.

"Use Iron Defense and hold your ground!"

Metang's body shimmered as it hardened its defenses. It weathered the rock barrage, then countered with an Iron Head, smashing into the nearest Rhyhorn with a resounding clang.

The battle continued, with Metang deftly dodging and countering the Rhyhorns' clumsy yet powerful attacks.

Rax watched intently, thrilled by Metang's remarkable growth. With the mysterious power of the panthom moon enhancing his Pokémon's training, Metang had become a force to be reckoned with—a true embodiment of a pseudo-legendary's potential.