"What kind of idea do you have?"
Silas looked at Cyclizar with suspicion. This fellow was coming up with more and more ideas lately.
Cyclizar shifted into its battle form, crossed its arms over its belly, and gestured for Cinccino to crouch behind it as makeshift little wings.
"Cyc~"
Silas immediately understood. Cyclizar was imitating Dragonite.
"You mean we should ask giant Dragonite from the Dragonite Island to help?"
"Cyc!" (Exactly!)
Cyclizar nodded firmly.
Just because the Noivern could not move it did not mean the giant Dragonite could not.
Silas considered the suggestion carefully.
"Miss Winona, does anyone live nearby?"
"No," Winona replied. "The nearest town is Fortree City, on the other side of the forest."
"I see."
If there were no humans around, Dragonite's arrival would not cause too much disturbance. It was worth trying.
"I have a way to lift the giant iron ball, but it might cause quite a commotion. That should not be a problem, right?"
Winona glanced at the three enormous Noivern beside Silas.
Could anything really make more noise than those three just did? She had heard their roars all the way in Fortree City, terrifying countless land and flying Pokémon.
"It will not be a problem."
Silas instructed the Noivern to remain where they were. Then he picked up Cinccino and, together with Cyclizar, climbed onto Tropius's back. They headed toward the coastline above Route 120.
Winona and her partner followed alongside, curious to see what method Silas had in mind.
They landed on a protruding reef along the shore. The sea wind blew fiercely, carrying the salty scent of the ocean. In the distance, the sea and sky blended seamlessly into one horizon.
Cinccino tugged at Silas's hair on his shoulder and whispered softly, "Cin? Cin…"
(Is Silas going to call the big Dragonite? But I have not prepared a meeting gift yet.)
Silas gently pinched its ear and smiled. "It is alright. When Dragonite returns home, you and the others can prepare a proper welcome ceremony."
With that, he signaled Cyclizar that it could begin.
At the same time, far away in an uncharted sea region, lay Dragonite Island.
The Dragonite lived there peacefully, training and growing without worry. The young Dratini and Dragonair, besides playing, now had one additional daily task.
Every day, they would dive to the ocean floor to check whether the big one had awakened.
Today was no exception. A Dragonair rushed ahead, with Dratini following closely behind, chasing and playing as they went.
At the very back of the group was a young and special little Dratini.
Its body was not the usual pale blue but a unique pink. It was a shiny Dratini.
Having been born only recently, its unusual coloration made it especially adored among the Dragonite.
The big one still had not awakened. Dragonair and Dratini frolicked around the resting giant Dragonite.
The shiny Dratini panted heavily. It was exhausted.
Reaching the top of giant Dragonite's head, it coiled around one of the hornlike antennae and closed its eyes for a short nap.
Just as the shiny Dratini drifted off to sleep, the slumbering giant Dragonite awakened without warning.
It lifted its head and looked toward the sky, where a unique pattern had appeared.
'Cyclizar and Silas were calling for its help.'
Without hesitation, Dragonite's colossal body rose from the sea with a thunderous rumble. It strode toward the direction of Silas and the others, bringing wind and storm along with it.
On the island, the other Dragonite exchanged glances. Under the command of the elder Dragonite, the strong young adults were instructed to follow.
And so, a great number of Dragonite began approaching as well.
…
"Cyc!" (Giant Dragonite is coming soon!)
Cyclizar's tail thumped against the ground as it informed Silas behind it.
"Alright. We will wait."
Winona's gaze shifted back and forth between the trainer and his Pokémon. Earlier, she had seen unusual blue violet lightning crackle around Cyclizar's body as it traced a signaturelike pattern in the air.
About an hour passed before Winona could not help but ask, "We are just going to wait here?"
Cyclizar, who had been lying down resting, suddenly stood upright.
"It is here," Silas responded calmly.
As soon as his words fell, the distant line where sea met sky underwent a dramatic change.
The once relatively calm ocean suddenly surged into towering waves dozens of meters high. Dark clouds spread across the bright blue sky like ink spilling from an overturned bottle. Daylight dimmed abruptly.
Thunderous rain crashed down, driven by violent winds. Raindrops merged into a thick curtain, washing over the reef.
Tropius quickly folded its wings into an arch, shielding Silas and Cinccino beneath its body and blocking out the rain.
Altaria was less fortunate. Its feathers were soaked instantly, its fluffy body shrinking as the feathers clung tightly to its frame.
At Silas's shout, Winona and Altaria hurried under Tropius's other wing for shelter.
"H-how can the weather change so drastically?" Winona called out loudly as she used a towel to dry Altaria.
Gazing at the massive silhouette forming on the horizon, Silas replied casually, "A Dragonite caused this."
"DRAAA!"
A dragon's roar echoed through the storm, followed by Cyclizar's answering cry.
The enormous shadow strode across the raging sea toward them. With every step it took, colossal waves erupted around it.
As the gigantic Dragonite drew near, the rain around them strangely subsided.
Its immense figure stood before them in full view. No matter how many times one saw it, it was breathtaking.
Silas remained composed, but Winona and Cinccino were stunned speechless.
Winona covered her mouth, her voice trembling, the towel nearly slipping from her hands. "Th-this Dragonite is far too big."
Altaria shook itself and pressed its head closer into Winona's embrace.
If that Dragonite chose to attack, it could crush her as easily as a chick.
Cinccino slid down from Silas's shoulder and clung tightly to the edge of Tropius's wing, its tiny paws gripping firmly, eyes wide and round.
"Cin! Cin!" (It is huge! Even bigger than all the Noivern put together!)
Cinccino was already wondering how much food they would need to prepare if Dragonite ever visited their ranch.
"Draa~!"
Lighthouse Dragonite slowly lowered its head and greeted Silas gently, its lantern sized eyes curving happily.
"It has been a long time, Dragonite!"
Silas cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted loudly, afraid the giant might not hear him.
Cyclizar ran forward swiftly, standing in Dragonite's palm and waving enthusiastically.
"Dragonite," Silas called out to draw its attention. He pointed to Tropius and Cinccino. "This is Tropius. And this little one is Cinccino. It used to be a Minccino and evolved not long ago."
"Troop!"
"Cin~!"
The two Pokémon greeted Dragonite as well.
Dragonite extended its hand, inviting them all to climb aboard.
As it lowered its head, Silas placed his palm gently against its forehead.
Out of the corner of his eye, however, he noticed a hint of pink.
Looking up, he met a pair of round, lively, glossy black eyes.
"Draa~?"
The pink little Dratini flicked the tip of its tail timidly, wearing an expression that was both shy and curious.
Pointing toward the top of Dragonite's head, Silas smiled and asked, "Dragonite, is that little one your child?"
(End of Chapter)