Albert had just returned home from the Littleroot Reserve, Torchic perched proudly on his shoulder, when Steven practically sprinted up the path.
His expression was alight, almost glowing with excitement.
"There you are, Albert!" Steven called, waving. "I've been waiting—look what my father gave me!"
Albert turned, raising a brow as Steven tossed a Poké Ball into the air.
A burst of light formed into a floating steel-gray creature, its body gleaming like polished silver. A single red eye blinked to life.
"Beldum…" Albert murmured, eyes narrowing in interest.
But this wasn't just any Beldum. The light hit it just right, revealing its metallic sheen wasn't steel-blue, but pale metallic silver with a subtle glitter.
A shiny Beldum.
Albert's Rotom, ever vigilant, floated out of his device with a cheerful buzz. "Scanning, scanning…"
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Beldum ♂ [Light Indigo]
Level: Rookie (14)
Type: Steel/Psychic
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Light Metal
Held Item: None
IV: HP (31), Atk (31), Def (31), Sp.Atk (24), Sp.Def (27), Speed (21)
Moves:
(Genetic) None
(Learned) Tackle
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Steven puffed out his chest with pride. "Pretty amazing, isn't it? Dad said it's a family treasure. And now, it's mine."
Albert gave a short nod, though inwardly he was impressed.
Light Indigo—a Shiny Beldum with that kind of potential could grow into a powerhouse Metagross someday, as proven by his past life.
Still, he kept his thoughts guarded.
"Congratulations," Albert said smoothly. "You've got a strong partner."
Torchic chirped on his shoulder, clearly unimpressed with Beldum's hovering presence.
The little fire-type hopped down, puffing himself up, wings flaring.
Steven caught the motion and grinned. "Oh? Looks like Torchic wants to test his strength. How about it, Albert? A battle—just us and our partners."
Albert hesitated for only a moment, then gave a slight smirk. "…Fine. Let's see how you handle your Beldum."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
They moved to a nearby clearing. Rotom floated high above, projecting the battlefield like an eager referee.
"3…2…1…Battle start!"
"Beldum, Tackle!" Steven commanded immediately, his voice sharp and confident.
The shiny Beldum lunged forward like a bullet, its metallic body gleaming as it rocketed straight at Torchic.
"Hold your ground," Albert murmured, his voice echoing inside Torchic's head through their telepathic link.
The little bird's eyes widened at the calm command flowing directly into his mind.
At the last moment, Albert sent a pulse of intent. Sidestep—now!
Torchic sprang aside, narrowly avoiding the impact. Beldum slammed into the ground with a loud crash, sending dirt flying.
Steven grinned. "Not bad. But can you dodge this? Tackle again!"
Again, Beldum hurled itself like a steel spear. Albert's eyes glimmered faintly, his focus sharpening. He could sense Torchic's rising nervousness through their link, but he steadied him with empathy.
Trust me. Left, then counter.
Torchic darted left, feathers singed from the rush of air. As Beldum streaked past, Albert gave the next order telepathically. Ember, full burst!
Flames burst from Torchic's beak, striking Beldum's side mid-flight. The shiny Steel-type screeched, its momentum carrying it into the dirt once more.
Steven's eyes lit with excitement. "You've studied Beldum, haven't you? You know its only move right now is Tackle."
Albert allowed himself a faint smile. "You forgot who you're talking to, Steven."
The Devon heir frowned, but his command continued uninterrupted.
"Beldum, don't let up! Keep pressing!"
Again and again, Beldum launched itself forward, crashing with relentless force.
Each strike pushed Torchic to his limits, forcing him to weave, leap, and counter.
Albert's psychic link kept them synchronized like one being—Torchic responding almost before he thought the command.
Still, Steven's Beldum's raw durability was terrifying. Even weakened by recoil, it refused to stay down.
"Finish it, Torchic," Albert whispered into his mind. Wait for the right moment… now—peck the eye!
Torchic dashed under the next charge, his beak glowing faintly as he leapt upward, striking Beldum square in its crimson eye.
The Steel-type cried out, crashing hard into the ground.
Dust filled the clearing.
When it cleared, Beldum floated weakly, then collapsed, its body clanging against the earth.
Rotom buzzed overhead. "Battle complete! Winner—Torchic and Albert!"
Steven returned his Beldum to his Pokeball, eyes wide—not with anger, but with exhilaration. "That… was incredible. You beat me because you knew exactly how to fight Beldum."
Albert exhaled slowly, kneeling to pat Torchic, who chirped proudly, chest puffed out. "It was close. Your Beldum hits like a train. If Torchic hadn't been able to react in sync with me…"
He trailed off, shaking his head. "Another few battles, and I'm not sure I'd win again."
Albert didn't want to crush Steven's confidence, thus his choice of words.
Steven grinned, brushing dirt from his coat. "Then I'll just train harder. Next time, I'll show you what my Beldum and I can really do."
Albert said nothing, but inwardly, his thoughts sharpened.
Steven, with a shiny Beldum of Light Indigo potential… Cynthia, Leon, Lance, and the others on the list…
His generation was filled with monsters in the making.
And he'd need to be sharper than ever to stay ahead.