Chapter 19: Metagross & Steven Stone

Chapter 19: Metagross & Steven Stone

Ron and Lillie slept soundly until late morning, only waking when the sun was already high in the sky. After freshening up, they headed to the Pokémon Center's cafeteria for breakfast.

While eating, Ron took the chance to ask Nurse Joy about the massive swarm of Zubat and Golbat from the previous night.

"Oh, you mean that swarm? Yes, I know about them." Nurse Joy paused for a moment before explaining, "They originally lived in a cave deep in the eastern forest. But recently, for some unknown reason, they all left their home and started roaming around, causing quite a panic."

Ron frowned—this wasn't a good sign. If these Zubat and Golbat refused to return to their habitat and were forced to scavenge elsewhere, it could lead to major problems. If things got out of control, the Pokémon League would likely intervene, and their methods wouldn't be gentle.

Suddenly, the system notification chimed in his head:

> [Ding! Side Quest Triggered: Investigate the Bat Cave]

Mission: Find out why the Zubat and Golbat left their cave and resolve the issue.

Rewards: 1,000 Poké Dollars, 20 Diamonds, 10,000 Popularity Points.

Ron was stunned. "Wait, system, are you serious? This little side quest gives 10,000 popularity points?!"

> [Ding! Pokémon gratitude can also increase popularity points.]

Ron smirked. "Alright, let's do it!" He accepted the quest immediately.

Turning back to Nurse Joy, he asked, "Do you have a detailed map? I want to check it out. We can't let these Zubat and Golbat keep terrorizing people."

"Oh? You're willing to help? That's wonderful!" Nurse Joy quickly rummaged through her desk, finally pulling out a dusty, old map.

"If you can find out what's going on, let me know right away," she added. "I'll report it to the League."

Ron took the map and dusted it off before turning to Lillie. "Lillie, your injury hasn't fully healed yet. Stay at the Pokémon Center and rest. I'll check it out and be back by the afternoon."

Lillie hesitated but then nodded. "Just be careful, and if things look bad, don't hesitate to run."

Ron smiled, nodded reassuringly, and set off toward the cave with his fully recovered Pokémon.

---

After almost an hour of trekking through the forest, Ron finally spotted the cave entrance marked on the map.

Along the way, he noticed something—the forest was unusually rich with fruit trees. It made sense why a large colony of Zubat and Golbat could thrive here.

This must be a territorial issue, Ron theorized. Something strong must have moved in and driven them out.

Taking a deep breath, he released all his Pokémon. They formed a protective formation around him as he entered the dark cave.

Inside, it was pitch black. Ron raised his kerosene lantern, while Charizard lifted its tail high, allowing its flame to light up the surroundings.

They walked for quite a while, but the cave seemed eerily empty—not a single Pokémon in sight. Not even a stray feather.

Was my guess wrong? Ron wondered.

Just as he was beginning to doubt himself, he suddenly heard a deep rumbling sound—as if something was striking the cave walls.

It sounded like something was trying to break through rock… but it also felt muffled…

His instincts flared—this had to be connected to the missing Zubat and Golbat. He quickened his pace, twisting and turning through the labyrinthine tunnels.

Finally, a distant glow appeared ahead.

As he stepped forward, his breath caught in his throat.

He had expected to see a horde of Pokémon.

Instead, there was just one man—and a single, massive Pokémon.

And Ron recognized them immediately.

His voice trembled slightly as he asked, "Are you… Steven Stone from the Hoenn region?"

The silver-haired young man turned his head upon hearing the voice. It was indeed Steven Stone, and beside him was his shiny Metagross, its metallic body gleaming in the dim cave light.

Steven blinked. "Who are you?"

---

"I'm Ron from Pallet Town," he introduced himself. "I'm currently traveling and preparing for the Indigo League. But today, I came here to investigate why the Zubat and Golbat abandoned this cave and started attacking people."

Steven raised an eyebrow. "Oh? That's interesting." He crossed his arms. "I found this cave by chance and discovered it contains a rare stone deposit. But the Zubat and Golbat wouldn't let me in, so I had a little battle with them. I guess I must have scared them off."

Ron's face twitched. "Wait… Are you telling me you fought off thousands of Zubat and Golbat all by yourself?"

Steven laughed casually. "No, no, just a few hundred. The rest fled on their own."

Ron inhaled sharply. "A… few hundred?! Just you and Metagross?!"

Steven nodded nonchalantly, patting Metagross on the leg. "Of course. Metagross is my ace Pokémon."

Ron felt a deep sense of defeat. He had thought that even Legendary Pokémon would be hesitant to fight off thousands of bat Pokémon.

Yet here was Steven, easily handling the situation with just his Metagross.

He had severely underestimated the power of top-tier trainers.

But this realization didn't discourage him—it fueled his determination.

Steven noticed the shift in Ron's expression and nodded approvingly. "You have potential."

Without hesitation, Ron stepped forward, bowed slightly, and made his request.

"Steven, once we leave this cave, please battle me. I want to experience the strength of a Champion firsthand and see where I stand. Please, I need this!"

Steven smirked, picking up his bag filled with rare stones. "Sure. I don't mind mentoring a promising young trainer."

The two exited the cave together, finding a suitable battlefield nearby.

Steven released his shining Metagross, its steel body reflecting the sunlight.

"Alright, send out your Pokémon one by one. Let's do a full six-on-one battle. I want to see how strong you really are."

Ron nodded seriously, taking a deep breath.

"Charizard, you're my first partner. You'll go first."

Charizard took flight, its wings flaring as it locked eyes with Metagross.

Even without a battle yet, it could already sense the overwhelming power of its opponent.

This wouldn't be a fight to win—only a fight to survive.