Early the next morning, Silas called over his little hand warmer, Charcadet, while Dragonite was already waiting at the door. He climbed onto Dragonite's back and pointed the direction. Vaniville Town lay to the south-southeast of Shalour City.
If they traveled by land, they would have to pass through Shalour City, Geosenge Town, Coumarine City, then cross Laverre Town, turn at Lumiose City, head along Route 4 to Santalune City, continue past Aquacorde Town, and only then finally arrive at Vaniville Town. It would mean crossing more than half of the Kalos region, and even riding Cyclizar at full speed would take an entire day.
But Dragonite was different. With a single burst forward, they passed Laverre Town in an instant, and soon after, Vaniville Town appeared ahead, bathed in the soft glow of morning dew. Flying straight ahead, their speed was astonishingly fast.
"Dragonite, it's just up ahead."
Silas leaned forward to take a look, then patted Dragonite gently to signal it to slow down.
"Draa!"
Dragonite responded obediently, folding its small wings slightly as it glided smoothly downward. Under Silas's guidance, it landed steadily in the small garden in front of the house.
Vaniville Town was different from other towns in Kalos. Here, it felt like spring all year round, and every household had a garden in front of their home. It was a town embraced by flowers.
"Chirp chirp!"
As soon as they landed, a Fletchling on the roof let out a call. Then, like a flash of lightning, it darted into the house. Silas paused mid-greeting, caught off guard.
"You two come down as well. This is the home where I used to live."
"Charca~" x2
The two Charcadet looked around curiously, then hurried after Silas as he walked forward.
Just as he reached the door and was about to open it, the door suddenly burst open. A Rhyhorn with a single horn and armored body charged out and crashed straight into him.
Silas was pushed back into Dragonite's soft belly, bounced slightly, and only managed to stabilize himself with Dragonite's help.
"Rhy~ Rhy~"
Rhyhorn rubbed its head against Silas, enjoying his touch as its eyes narrowed into crescents. This was their unique way of greeting each other. Now it was clear how Silas had developed such a sturdy physique over time.
Smiling helplessly, Silas struggled to move its large head aside.
Rhyhorn was a major contributor to the family. Together with his mother, it had won a grand slam in Rhyhorn racing competitions. At home, it had an entire wall filled with trophies and medals, visible right at the entrance.
His mother walked over from inside, holding a large tray filled with pies. "You're back! Come and try the Lumiose galette I just made."
The golden crust was dusted with powdered sugar, and the fresh aroma filled the air, tempting Rhyhorn to step forward and nudge the table eagerly.
"Don't rush, don't rush." Silas picked up a piece first and fed it to Rhyhorn. It loved his mother's pies the most, often eating an entire tray after competitions.
"Dragonite, Charcadet, you should try some too."
His mother greeted the three Pokémon warmly, holding shiny Charcadet in her hands and offering it a piece.
"Draa~"
"Charca!"
"Char~"
After tasting it, all three Pokémon gave satisfied responses. The pies were truly delicious, and they loved them.
"If you like it, have more."
His mother handed another piece to the shiny Charcadet, did not forget the regular one, and also gave Dragonite a few extra pieces considering its large size.
Silas picked up a piece for himself and took a bite. The taste had not changed at all. It was just as delicious as he remembered.
"Where's Serena? Still not awake?"
Just as he finished speaking, a series of hurried footsteps echoed.
Serena, still in loose pajamas, rushed down the stairs, with the little Fletchling pecking at her head from time to time.
"Big brother~"
Silas opened his arms and caught her as she leaped toward him. He quickly took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "Why did you run down without changing? It's gotten colder, you know."
"Hehe!" Serena smiled sweetly and said, "I missed you too much, big brother. You never come back to see me."
For someone like Silas, hearing that made it impossible to scold her.
He sighed with a smile and gently tapped her nose. "Go change your clothes and pack your luggage. I'll take you to the ranch."
She jumped down and ran back upstairs in small quick steps.
"Silas, I'll leave Serena in your care. Your Aunt Sonna and I are going out for a few days."
His mother picked up her bag and placed two pieces of luggage on Rhyhorn's back.
"Don't worry. I'll take good care of her."
In truth, he would not have to do much. Kangaskhan and Cinccino would handle most of it.
His mother left with Rhyhorn, while Silas continued enjoying his pie as he waited for Serena to finish packing.
Before long, there was a knock at the door.
"Dragonite, could you open the door? It's probably Mom forgetting something."
Dragonite tossed the remaining half of its pie into its mouth, chewed quickly, swallowed, and then walked over to open the door.
"It's a Dragonite! I knew I saw one earlier!"
"Wow! Dragonite's belly really is as soft as the textbooks say!"
Several children's voices rang out as they gathered around Dragonite, touching it excitedly.
Dragonite, with its gentle temperament, did not react strongly. Instead, it turned its head toward Silas and let out a questioning sound.
Hearing the commotion, Silas walked over and saw two children about Serena's age and a younger girl with twin pigtails.
"Big brother Silas~" x3
"So it's you guys. Theo, Shauna, and little Alex."
He crouched down and picked up the youngest girl, then invited the other two inside to sit on the sofa.
"Serena, hurry up. Your friends came to see you off."
"Coming, coming!"
After her reply, it still took another seven or eight minutes before Serena finally came downstairs, struggling to carry a huge travel bag.
Silas quickly stepped forward and took it from her, weighing it in his hand. "You're just going to the ranch for a few days, not moving house."
He was about to take out some unnecessary items.
"No! I need all of these."
Seeing her firm attitude, Silas let it go.
Now it was time to say goodbye to the little ones before setting off.
He really did not understand how such young kids could have so many emotions. It was just a short trip, not a permanent departure, yet Serena and Shauna hugged each other and cried as if they would never meet again.
After a while, the farewells were finally over.
Silas handed little Alex back to Theo. The girl seemed very fond of Dragonite and had been clinging to it.
Then Silas and Serena climbed onto Dragonite.
"Serena, make sure to take lots and lots of photos and bring them back to show us!"
"Don't worry, I definitely will!"
"Alright, hold on tight. Dragonite is about to speed up."
As soon as Silas finished speaking, Dragonite flapped its wings powerfully twice, stirring up a gust of wind as it shot straight into the sky.
In an instant, Vaniville Town became a tiny dot in the distance behind them.
High among the clouds, Serena's excited screams echoed through the air as Dragonite flew, continuing all the way until they finally descended back at the ranch.
(End of Chapter)