"It's decided.

Let's capture Metagross first, and then go to the Gracidea Fields to find Shaymin."

After Gary made the decision, he went to the Pokémon Department Store in Sandgem Town.

After replenishing his supplies, Gary mounted his Magnezone and set off toward Windvale Town.

Windvale Town lay in the far north of the Sinnoh region—reaching it required a long journey across nearly half the region.

Magnezone, though capable of flight, wasn't particularly fast.

Starting from Sandgem Town, and with the added time Gary spent training his Gabite during the weekend, the entire trip to Windvale Town became quite lengthy.

Windvale Town got its name from the fierce, constant winds that swept through the area—gusts so powerful that rooftops often needed reinforcement.

Because of this unique weather, the town frequently held monthly Pokémon air ring competitions—events where only Flying-type Pokémon could participate.

When Ash had once passed through Windvale, he'd joined in such a competition himself, and his Staravia evolved into Staraptor mid-battle.

Gary, however, had little interest in those contests; with no Flying-types of his own, there was no reason for him to enter.

After arriving in Windvale, Gary headed straight to the Pokémon Center and approached Nurse Joy.

"Nurse Joy," he asked, "do you know anything about a Metagross rumored to be around here?"

Nurse Joy's bright expression faltered slightly. "Oh… that Metagross. It's incredibly strong. Many Trainers have tried to capture it, but every one of them failed—some didn't even make it close enough to battle. It's dangerous. I advise you to give up."

Gary blinked, frowning. "You're serious?"

She nodded earnestly. "Very serious. That Metagross reportedly even attacks people who enter its territory. The League hasn't intervened because no fatalities have been confirmed, but still—it's far from safe."

Gary folded his arms, unconvinced. He couldn't help wondering if she was exaggerating to scare him off. After all, if a wild Pokémon truly started attacking people, the Pokémon League would never just stand by.

He recalled other incidents—like when the red Gyarados appeared in the Lake of Rage, near Mahogany Town in the Johto region. Lance from the Elite Four had personally taken action then. Surely the same would happen here if things were that severe.

Still, Nurse Joy's tone carried no trace of deception.

"If this shiny Metagross really eats people," Gary reasoned aloud, "that would be a major crisis. The Sinnoh League wouldn't ignore that."

Nurse Joy sighed softly. "Don't worry so much. It doesn't roam freely. The Metagross stays within its own rocky valley. There's even a warning sign posted nearby—so long as you don't enter its territory, you'll be fine."

Gary considered this and nodded. "Got it." Then, muttering privately, he thought, She seems awfully confident for someone so cautious. If it's really that scary, how could it just stay put in one place?

After obtaining the information he needed, Gary left the Pokémon Center and flew with Magnezone toward the region where Metagross had last been sighted.

The area was a gray, rocky valley, barren and uneven. Strong winds whipped through the cliffs, carrying dust and grit. The narrow road was rough and steep—riding was uncomfortable, and walking was nearly impossible.

"Alright," Gary said, scanning ahead. "Let's find that sign she mentioned."

"Zzzuuunnn!" Magnezone responded in a metallic hum, its magnets rotating.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, they spotted a large sign at a three-way fork in the road. Painted on it was the stylized blue cross of Metagross, over which a red X had been slashed. Beneath it read in bold letters: DANGER—WILD METAGROSS TERRITORY. DO NOT ENTER.

Gary grinned. "Well, looks like we're in the right place. Let's have a look."

"Klang-klang!" Magnezone whirred affirmatively and floated forward.

The deeper they went, the quieter it became. There were no wild Pokémon anywhere nearby—clearly, everything avoided this area.

Gary finally came to a halt on a level clearing. "Strange… no sight of it yet. That thing should be somewhere around here."

He tapped Magnezone's shell. "Alright. Let's lure it out—use your magnetism to its fullest. Let's see if our steel friend comes to investigate."

"Maaagneee!" Magnezone's magnets began to emit a bright electric field, creating a deep humming resonance. Static danced in the air, and small stones on the ground rattled and slid under the influence of the magnetic force.

Gary could feel the vibration in his boots. Then Magnezone suddenly clanged sharply. "Klang! Klang!" It turned its eye sensors toward something behind Gary.

Gary spun around just in time to see a white, gleaming Metagross floating above the ground—its silver body reflecting the sunlight like polished steel, its crimson eyes glowing coldly.

[Level 60 Metagross – Champion Tier]

Gary's breath caught. "An elite-level shiny Metagross… incredible!"

The metallic creature let out a grinding roar, like colliding iron plates.

"METAA!"

It landed hard on the ground, sending a tremor through the valley.

"Metagross," Gary called out confidently, "I want to capture you! Let's have a one-on-one battle. If I win, you'll be mine!"

Metagross's eyes narrowed.

"METAA!" it rumbled again—clearly displeased by the challenge.

It immediately launched a wave of psychic energy—Confusion—straight toward Gary and Magnezone.

"Light Screen!" Gary ordered quickly.

Magnezone's magnets flared gold, conjuring a translucent barrier that absorbed the mental blast.

Metagross paused, seemingly surprised that its attack had been stopped so easily.

Gary smiled cunningly. "You think I'll fight you with Magnezone? Not quite." He pulled out another Poké Ball. "Go, Electivire!"

"Wraaahhh!" The large yellow Electric-type burst out, its muscular arms surging with sparks.

Seeing Electivire, Metagross roared again, slamming its claws into the ground. "METAA!"

"So it's power you want, huh?" Gary smirked. "Let's begin. Electivire—Thunderbolt!"

Electivire's twin tails crackled, releasing a blinding golden bolt that shot straight toward Metagross.

Metagross countered instantly, opening its jaws to unleash a silver Flash Cannon. The two beams collided midair with a violent explosion. Smoke filled the valley as black dust scattered everywhere.

From within the haze, a glowing sphere suddenly hurtled forward—a Gyro Ball spinning faster and faster, heading straight for Electivire.

"Thunder!" Gary shouted.

Electivire raised one arm high, summoning a massive lightning bolt that tore through the sky. It came crashing down in an instant, striking Metagross before the Gyro Ball could hit.

The explosion of energy echoed across the rocks. Metagross staggered, its metallic armor flashing white-hot where the electricity had struck.

"Beep…!" It emitted a distorted cry, clearly in pain.

Gary clenched his fist. "Now, Dynamic Punch!"