Sinnoh Region – Rikai Town
"The three-way intersection in the back mountain… looks just like the one near Metang Mountain."
Austin Black stood at the fork, gazing at the rugged slope ahead. This was the fourth spot he'd checked, chasing a vague memory that had been haunting him for days.
Eighteen years ago, Austin was born into this world — a world where humans and Pokémon lived side by side.
To him, this place was both familiar and strange. Familiar because of Ash and Pikachu — faces he'd once known only from TV screens. Strange, because this wasn't an anime anymore. It was real life.
The house he'd grown up in had been torn down; the old Breeding House had closed.
And for the first time in ages, Austin had time to chase a dream — to find the Silver Metagross in the anime.
Although from the information he got, it was not yet a Metagross but a Metang.
..
At the Musashi & Kojiro Ramen Shop at the base of the mountain, Austin overheard a conversation at the next table.
"I heard someone went up to challenge that Silver Metang again and got wrecked," a man said.
"Yeah, that thing's got a bad temper. Hope no one gets seriously hurt next time."
Austin's eyes lit up like someone had just handed him a treasure map. This was the place he was looking for.
"Hey, sorry to interrupt, but… mind telling me a bit more about that Metang? I'll cover your ramen."
The couple exchanged glances — and seeing his friendly face and promise of food, they didn't say no.
By the time Austin left, he'd gotten exactly what he needed.
..
Now, standing halfway up the back mountain of Rikai Town, he tossed two Luxury Balls into the air.
"Agni, Ryu— I'm counting on you."
In two flashes of light, his partners appeared.
Arcanine, with its thick, flaxen fur striped in black and orange, landed proudly with a flick of its tail.
Lucario, sleek and sharp-eyed, stood tall — a warrior with bone spikes gleaming faintly on its hands and chest.
(Leave it to me.)
Ryu's calm voice echoed in Austin's mind.
"Canine~!" Agni barked, its tail wagging like an eager knight awaiting orders.
Ryu knelt and pressed its palm to the ground, eyes closed, sensing the waves of Aura around them.
(Aura within my heart… guide me.)
Within seconds, the terrain unfolded in Ryu's mind like a map.
Meanwhile, Agni darted ahead, nose twitching as it caught the faint metallic scent of their target.
It didn't take long.
(Found it!)
Ryu's voice rang in Austin's thoughts.
Following his lead, Austin climbed the narrow path until they reached a cliff overlooking a deep ravine.
Ryu pointed.
(It's down there.)
Austin cupped his hands around his mouth. "Metang! Come out!"
His voice echoed off the stone walls. Moments later, a gleam of silver cut through the shadows — and the Silver Metang rose from the ravine, hovering silently in front of them.
Its steel body glimmered in the sunlight, polished like chrome.
Ordinary Metang were blue. This one was bright silver, its eyes glowing a deep, crimson red.
Austin's breath caught.
"Unbelievable… a Shiny Metang."
It was larger than usual too — easily a meter across, maybe more.
Their eyes met: human and machine, challenge and curiosity sparking in both.
"Metang!" Austin called, stepping forward. "Battle me! I am looking for a partner for my battles. If I best you in battle, I want you as my comrade."
The Shiny Metang hovered in silence, computing the proposal, then let out a metallic hum.
"Tang! Metang!"
It was a yes.
"Ryu, return." Austin redrew his Pokémon. "Agni, you're up!"
"Nine!"
Agni's eager roar echoed through the space.
Its Intimidate ability rippled through the air, trying to pressure the opponent— but Metang didn't flinch.
Austin frowned.
So… Clear Body, huh? That means my Intimidate and Snarl won't work.
Before he could react, Metang's claws began to glow. With a sharp, metallic screech, it lunged forward.
"Metal Claw — incoming!"
"Endure. Close-range Will-O-Wisp!"
The blow landed with a heavy thump, but Agni didn't retreat. Flames burst from its fur — three deep violet wisps that spiraled together, then exploded against Metang's steel shell.
The burning aura clung to its body, flickering with eerie persistence.
Metang staggered slightly, its red eyes flickering.
Austin smiled faintly.
Clear Body or not… let's see you shrug off a burn.
He raised a hand.
"Flamethrower!"
Orange-red flames erupted from Agni's open jaws, washing over Metang in a searing blaze.
The blast hit with a deafening roar, hurling the silver Pokémon against the cliffside. Sparks danced through the air as molten rock cracked beneath the impact. Metang let out a sharp, metallic cry — scorch marks now streaked across its polished armor.
Before Agni could press the attack, a faint blue glow enveloped its body.
Austin's eyes widened as Arcanine began to rise off the ground, paws flailing midair.
Confusion? Seriously? It can still pull that off?
The sight made Austin grin despite the tension.
"Flare Blitz!"
"CANINE!!"
Agni's defiant howl echoed through the valley. Its body ignited once more, flames swirling around it like a living comet.
With a violent burst of power, the massive canine broke free from the psychic hold and rocketed forward, crashing straight into the hovering Metang!
Metang tried to evade, but the lingering burn slowed its movement.
BOOM!
The collision sent shockwaves through the air. Metang was blasted backward, slamming into the cliff face once again, leaving a smoking crater in its wake.
"Extreme Speed!"
This wasn't a turn-based battle — there were no pauses, no waiting for commands. Austin knew that in a real fight, momentum was everything.
Before Metang could even begin to fall, Agni sprang off the cliff wall like a bullet of white light.
CRASH!
The second impact shook the valley. When the dust finally cleared, the Silver Metang lay on the ground, its eyes spinning faintly before dimming out.
Austin exhaled, lowering his arm.
"Welcome to the team." A small, confident smile tugged at his lips.
He reached for his belt, pulling out a sleek Luxury Ball — black with golden accents and twin red stripes.
"Let's make this official."
He tossed it with a practiced flick of his wrist. The ball hit Metang, opened with a flash of scarlet light, and drew the metallic Pokémon inside.
One second passed. No shaking.
Click.
A perfect capture.
Austin stooped to pick up the ball, brushing the dust off before raising it triumphantly toward the sky. Ryu, who was released from his ball, and Agni stood at his sides, their eyes gleaming.
"Shiny Metang — gotcha!" he said with a grin.
"Lucario!"
"Arcanine!"
As the echoes faded, Austin's Pokégear gave a cheerful ping, the screen lighting up with new data.
...
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