Chapter Five- A Brief Relief
The group rode on Mr. Fang's dragons, with Draco and Airi riding on a Flygon, while Mr. Fang and Mailys rode on a Dragonite. They passed over a massive desert, spotting a small town in the center of it.
"Is that Oasis?" Mailys inquired, pointing to the small town. The town was built around a sizable pool of water, with small homes and trees surrounding it. "Mind if we stop there?"
"Not at all." Mr. Fang allowed, slowing his Dragonite into a descent. Draco noticed their descent and began to do the same. Mailys hopped off of Dragonite and gazed into the water. The water was still, with only minor ripples moving along it, allowing her to see her reflection clearly.
"Why are here?" Airi questioned, visibly annoyed. "Weren't we going to Gold Shore Marina, Banana?"
"Oh!" Mailys gasped, her cheeks a bright red. "Sorry! I just… really liked the look of this place!"
"It's fine…" Airi forgave, waving her hand to the side. "A break is needed after all that flying! This place is quite lovely!"
"I rarely come here." Mr. Fang informed with a shrug. "We can all look around together if you want."
"That sounds nice." Draco agreed, chuckling with his hands behind his head. He looked around the vicinity, flicking his head towards a small bar. "That looks like somewhere we get some food."
"First stop then!" Airi decided, punching the air. She quickly jogged to the shack like bar, glancing around. The bar had a large canopy covered numerous tables for patrons to sit. A small TV displayed the national news on the top right of the bar.
"...began a domino effect leading to the arrests of numerous crime lords, including the infamous kingpin, Joseph Pennano." A anchorman reported. A picture of a muscular young man was shown on the screen.
Airi ran up to the bar, tapping on it to get the bartender's attention. "Do you serve smoothies?"
"Of course." The bartender nodded. The rest of the group approached the bar, taking their individual orders, before taking a seat under the canopy. The anchorman continued to report the news.
"...Pennano seemingly accepts his life sentence stating, 'It is the duty of the weak to feed the strong.'" He explained in a calm, monotone. "'Those who band together for their strength, rather than relying on their own are truly the weakest. I see my mistake now.'"
"Friends aren't a weakness, dirtbag." Draco scowled at the screen, drinking an Oran Berry smoothie. Mr. Fang smiled, as if impressed. The screen switched to show a group of police officers, with the police chief speaking up.
"We received intel leading us to an underground fighting ring." The man elaborated. The screen shifted to show numerous Pokemon in cages, all looking starved. The image lingered for a moment, before showing a young woman with short black hair. "We found Pennano with only a single bodyguard, a Ms. Ann Nova. Even then, my forces were chewed up, spit out, and tossed aside with ease. I'm surprised and impressed that we managed to arrest him."
"Dangerous world out there…" Mr. Fang mumbled to himself, gazing out to the desert dunes.
"In related news..." The anchorman changed topics. The image of another young man popped up on the screen. "The legendary Absol Thief was arrested, attempting to steal from the Amity Family's vault. The culprit was caught by none other than Aika Amity herself." He continued. "The Absol Thief was known for sending an Absol to locations he would soon attempt to steal from…"
"Boring." Airi groaned, ignoring the man as he droned on about the thief, before switching to other news. "I hoping for more cool Aika news. Not boring, 'Oh no! Criminals!'"
"You have interesting interests, Airi." Mailys chuckled. "But, I really shouldn't expect much else."
"Hmph." Airi puffed out her cheeks. "Are you going to come up with anything else to say, besides how simple minded you think I am?"
"I admire your confidence." Mailys complimented with a grin. "Happy?"
"Jerk." Airi groaned, turning back to her drink. As she nearly finished drinking, the anchorman caught her attention again.
"In other news, Aika Amity has announced a battle against a trainer next week." He announced, in his monotone voice. "I am absolutely ecstatic. It has been far too long since we've seen Aika battle. The battle will take place at the Battle Dome. Tickets will go on sale later today." He finished. "And now the weather…"
"Dad!" Draco twisted around, shouting at his father.
"Mr. Fang!" Airi shouted at the same time, also facing Mr. Fang.
"...I'll pull some strings." Mr. Fang sighed, accepting their request without hesitation. "It's in a week. I guess I'll travel with you until then."
"Ah!" Draco panicked, realizing his situation. He began weighing his options in each hand. He eventually slammed his fist on the table. "Fine!"
"I love you too, son." Mr. Fang sarcastically retorted. He rose up from his seat and started to walk away. "I'm going for a walk. I'll see if the Mandibuzz will grant me release from this torturous existence."
"I think I'll go explore too." Mailys added, leaving the group as well.
"Aika though!" Draco shifted to Airi, excited about the battle.
"Let's see if we can meet her!" Airi giggled. Her eyes widened as she remembered something, prompting her to send out Kirlia. She handed her what was left of her smoothie. "I forgot to reward you! Sorry!"
Kirlia beamed brightly as she began to drink the smoothie. Draco and Airi continued their conversation until Mr. Fang and Mailys returned. After finishing their break, the group took to the skies again, returning to their journey.
