Steven returned to Petalburg Woods, observing Scyther as it looked after its Pokémon friends and even assisted them with their training.
Scyther noticeably relaxed upon seeing Steven's return.
It appeared somewhat anxious about being abandoned once more.
"Scyther, go find an open area over there to train with them. If you need anything, just come find me!"
"Chaa." Scyther nodded before turning its attention back to the Shroomish training diligently in front of it.
Steven located a suitable clearing and released all his Pokémon.
"Poga?" Piplup glanced around at the surrounding forest.
Where have you brought me? Are we still in Sinnoh?
"Training time, everyone."
Skarmory and Lairon automatically resumed their regular training routines. As long as they maintained their physical conditioning, future progress would come more naturally.
"Poga? ⊙ω⊙"
So what am I supposed to do? Maybe I'll go stir up some trouble!
Steven scooped up the mischievous Piplup by its body, catching it just before it could cause any problems.
"Everyone here likes you very much, so please don't disturb them while they're training seriously. You can play with them during breaks."
"Poga…"
Fine, fine, just put me down already!
Piplup flailed its flippers wildly, struggling with all its strength.
"Now, about your training regimen." Steven released his grip, setting Piplup back on the ground.
"Poga?! (゜ロ゜)"
I have to train too?!
Piplup turned to observe the two Pokémon repeatedly charging at a massive boulder, its small feet instinctively shuffling backward two steps.
"Your current body couldn't possibly handle that kind of training," Steven replied with a helpless smile. That type of exercise would have to wait until after it evolved into Empoleon.
"Poga~" Piplup let out a relieved breath upon hearing this.
At least I won't have to hurt my delicate body like that.
"Instead, you'll need to start by running to build up your stamina. Begin with twenty laps around this clearing."
"Poga?! Σ(ﾟдﾟ;)"
How many did you just say???
"Twenty. Laps."
"Piplup, you don't want to fall behind your best friend, do you?"
Piplup froze in place, glancing over at Lairon, who was training with complete dedication.
"Kua…"
Let's go! This is all for eating even more minerals! Full speed ahead!
Bang!
A rock shattered on impact!
"Poga! (;≥д≤)"
That's it, I'm doing this! I have to keep up with my best friend!
Steven watched the comically waddling Piplup with an amused, helpless expression.
This Pokémon's Ability was Defiant, so a bit of competitive motivation was all the encouragement it needed.
As for its tendency toward mischief, now that it had found a close friend, letting them play together during downtime would work perfectly.
Steven had been uncertain how to keep them entertained, but everything became much simpler after Piplup joined the team.
Now came the main event of the day.
"Meta."
"Meta!"
Steven retrieved a box from his bag and slipped the fingerless glove onto his left hand. He then secured the silver-white band onto Metagross's right front leg.
After finishing these preparations, Steven exhaled slowly, clearing his mind to achieve a state of calm focus.
"Are you ready, Meta?" Steven asked with stern determination.
"Meta!"
Steven raised his left hand, bringing his right index and middle fingers together to touch the Key Stone embedded in the glove.
"Mega Evolution! Metagross!"
"…"
This is the moment when a Murkrow should appear, cawing dramatically with six dots trailing behind it.
"Meta?"
So... what happens now?
Steven stood frozen—something was definitely wrong!
From everything he remembered, he should simply touch the Key Stone and call out for Mega Evolution!
"This doesn't make any sense. Why isn't there any reaction…" Steven stared down at the Key Stone on the back of his hand.
It couldn't possibly be because his bond with Metagross was insufficient, could it?!
"Metagross, Mega Evolution requires a powerful bond between Trainer and Pokémon to activate successfully. So what could be going wrong?"
Steven was confident that his bond with Metagross was more than strong enough, but he couldn't identify what other factor might be missing.
"Meta…" Metagross's supercomputer-like brain began processing the problem!
If our bond is sufficiently strong, but I still can't achieve Mega Evolution, what could the reason be?
A metaphorical light bulb suddenly illuminated above Metagross's head.
I understand!
Metagross quickly traced two words in the dirt.
Resonance.
"We need to achieve resonance with each other?" Steven had a sudden realization—it wasn't merely the Key Stone and Mega Stone that needed to resonate, but both Trainer and Pokémon had to enter a resonant state together!
A supercomputer-like brain truly was invaluable.
Steven settled into a cross-legged position facing Metagross, closing his eyes to sense his partner's presence with his entire being.
Metagross likewise closed its eyes, reaching out to feel the connection resonating between itself and Steven.
With his eyes closed, Steven found himself standing within a vast, dark void.
So, how exactly do I trigger this resonance?
I know Metagross is right here in front of me… yet I can't sense it properly.
Why is that happening?
Perhaps I need to approach this differently.
Memories of their first meeting as Beldum and all their joyful moments together began flowing through Steven's mind.
Within the dark void, a faint glimmer of light suddenly materialized before Steven.
Beldum evolved into Metang… then evolved into Metagross.
Step by step through their journey together, Metagross's significance in Steven's heart was absolutely undeniable.
The light gradually coalesced into Metagross's distinct shape.
From Metagross's perspective, Steven's image was nearly fully formed as well.
This is what they mean by a supercomputer-like brain!
I… want to reach the pinnacle of this world alongside Metagross!
I… want to be his most impenetrable shield, his sharpest weapon! (Metagross)
We… will become living legends! (Both)
Buzz—
A powerful air current formed between Steven and Metagross, whipping up grass clippings, small stones, fallen leaves, and debris, swirling them in a vortex around the pair.
"Poga?! (´◑д◐｀)"
The exhausted, panting Piplup stared in bewilderment at the two figures at the vortex's center.
Skarmory and Lairon immediately ceased their training, turning their full attention toward the spectacle.
Some distance away, Scyther froze mid-motion, its head snapping around in astonishment toward Steven and Metagross.
What kind of power is this?
Within the swirling air current, Steven and Metagross simultaneously opened their eyes.
Steven could perceive himself through Metagross's vision, while Metagross could see itself reflected in Steven's eyes.
This is… resonance?!
Steven rose slowly within the spiraling current, thrusting his left hand high toward the sky!
Metagross assumed a solemn expression, its gaze locked intensely on Steven's eyes.
"Let's do this, Metagross."
"Meta."
Steven lowered his raised hand, pressing it firmly against his chest.
His right index and middle fingers made contact with the Key Stone!
Buzz!
The Key Stone erupted with brilliant, radiant light!
The Mega Stone mounted on Metagross's leg blazed with identical luminescence.
Four spiraling strands of energy light emerged from both the Key Stone and the Mega Stone, converging and connecting at a central point between them.
"Metagross… Mega Evolution!" Steven shouted with conviction.
"Me…ta!"
Blinding white evolutionary light enveloped Metagross completely.
The light triggered dramatic changes throughout Metagross's body.
Bang!
The white light dispersed, and a vibrant, multicolored symbol briefly appeared before Metagross's face before fading away.
Metagross's four original legs had transformed into four powerful arms extending forward, while four additional smaller arms sprouted from its back—the upper pair slightly larger than the lower. The metallic cross marking on its face had turned brilliant blue, and a sharp spike now protruded from its lower jaw.
This was Mega Metagross!
"Meta…"
Following Mega Evolution, Metagross's personality became noticeably more focused and cold, while its already formidable intellect reached even greater heights!
Metagross assessed the transformations in its body and newfound power with genuine disbelief.
Right now, I…
Even that arrogant shark couldn't defeat me!
With me at his side, he'll never lose again!