"More than Rayquaza?" Auron blinked, then caught on. "Oh—Heatran too, right?"
Cyrus flashed a mysterious smile. "Not just Heatran. There are others. But I'll let you see for yourself when the time comes."
"Alright then." Auron mulled it over but didn't press further. He already had a rough idea. "Ho-Oh? Marshadow? Suicune? Plus Heatran and Articuno, probably. The only question is whether Suicune has run off abroad again."
Those were the legendaries Auron knew might be inside the country, aside from Rayquaza.
Heatran was easy enough—mild-tempered, on excellent terms with the Dragon Kingdom officials and Grandpa Ashford's circle. It basically squatted inside the Khingan Range's Kolo volcanic cluster, happily living the pampered life on the government's dime without ever needing to leave.
Ho-Oh, on the other hand, was the Bearer of the Photographer's Divine Role, which meant staying in one place was out of the question. People regularly spotted it soaring out of Xiangxi and then back again.
Because of Ho-Oh, the area it frequented had been named Phoenix Ancient Town. Visitors flocked there hoping to catch even a single photograph. Spotting Ho-Oh was considered a sign of good fortune, so tourism in the area had boomed for years.
As for Marshadow—being the overseer and guardian of Ho-Oh's Rainbow Trial—it typically stayed at Ho-Oh's side whenever the Trial wasn't active. But thanks to its ability to sink into shadows, combined with a personality far more timid than Gengar's, nobody outside those in the know realized that Ho-Oh traveled with a Marshadow in tow.
Having worked through all of that, Auron smiled at Cyrus. "Sure. I'll make some batches over the next couple of days and get them to you."
Cyrus's face lit up. "Great. Make a lot, yeah? I'll come pick them up."
"You got it. Don't worry—I'll make plenty. I'll message you when they're ready."
With that settled, Cyrus stood immediately. "Wonderful. I won't take up any more of your time. I've still got things to arrange. I'll head out now."
"Uh." Auron blinked. That fast?
"Stay a bit. Have some more tea?"
Cyrus waved him off with a laugh. "No, no. Too much to do. Those Cardinals still won't talk, and the Church has sent people to negotiate their release. I need to go handle that."
"Alright then. Be careful on the way."
"I'll be fine."
They were already at the door by the time they finished talking. Cyrus tossed out a Poké Ball and a Talonflame appeared right outside.
"I'm off then. Remember to message me, yeah?"
"Will do!"
"Whew. That man is way too busy. What a rush."
Auron watched Cyrus's figure shrink into the sky and couldn't help but grumble.
He'd recognized the Talonflame—it was the same one he'd ridden back from Mongolia. But Cyrus left in such a hurry that Auron barely managed a wave at Talonflame. The Pokéblock he'd been reaching for never even left his pocket before Talonflame had already carried its harried rider away.
Auron shook his head at the black dot vanishing into the sky. Nothing to be done—next time, then.
"Oh, morning! Where are you two off to?"
He'd barely turned around when Crobat and Charizard came flying out of the house. He gave them a casual wave.
"RAWR!"
"Training? Sure. You packed food?"
"RAWR!"
Charizard proudly patted the little messenger bag slung across his body.
"Ha. Alright, take care of yourselves. Go on." Auron glanced at Crobat—carrying absolutely nothing—then at Charizard, loaded down with bags and pouches. He didn't point out the contrast. Just reminded them and sent them off.
The moment Auron gave the OK, Charizard spread his wings and launched toward their destination.
After Charizard flew off, Crobat lingered to nuzzle affectionately against Auron.
"Haha. Crobat, Charizard already has a head start. Aren't you worried you can't catch up?"
Crobat glanced dismissively at the distant Charizard, then turned back and lifted her chin with unmistakable pride.
"Haha. I know, I know. You're the fastest." Auron laughed and stroked her head.
Crobat's proud expression melted instantly into bashful warmth. She rubbed against him once more, then shot off after Charizard.
Watching her go, Auron chuckled. "Big sis act or not... around me, she's still just a kid."
It was always like that. Around the other Pokémon, Crobat carried herself as the gentle, composed big sister. But alone with Auron, she reverted to the little Zubat she'd once been—all cuddles and affection.
When Auron walked back inside, he found Munchlax still eating, with Clawitzer and Electabuzz watching from the side in quiet resignation.
They were waiting for Munchlax to finish so he could take them out to train. But they'd finished their own meals a while ago, and Munchlax showed no sign of stopping. All they could do was wait.
Munchlax was still eating. Dratini was nowhere to be seen—probably upstairs catching a second nap.
Auron didn't bother anyone. He just tidied up the dishes the others had left behind and started washing. Life seemed to have looped back to its starting point. Everyone had settled into a rhythm again.
Sure enough, right before Auron finished the dishes, Munchlax came over with a satisfied grin and slid his plate into the sink.
Auron smiled, said nothing, and waved Munchlax off. "Go on. Remember to be back for dinner."
"Bika~"
"Chiwu~"
"Lei~"
And just like that, the three Pokémon headed out together.
Auron kept washing Munchlax's plate. He was used to this. Munchlax always timed it so he'd finish eating right as Auron was about to finish washing up—both to squeeze in maximum eating time and to avoid the risk of breaking a plate himself. Auron would just add Munchlax's dishes to the end. Routine.
After tidying up, Auron pulled out his phone, checked it, and smiled. He called up the stairs.
"Dratini! I'm heading out. Want to come?"
(End of Chapter)