Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

After speaking, old Matsuda mounted his Aerodactyl directly.

Then he instructed Cain to climb onto his Charizard's back.

In reality, Cain also had his own flying mount, his Tropius. But upon seeing these two Pokémon, he decided it was better not to summon it to avoid making a fool of himself.

Both Pokémon were part of old Matsuda's main team. Both Aerodactyl and Charizard were Elite Four-level Pokémon, and the energy they emitted was something most people couldn't bear.

Fortunately, old Matsuda was there; otherwise, Cain wouldn't have known how to face these two Pokémon. Even if his Mismagius, dwelling in his shadow, appeared, it probably wouldn't withstand more than two moves from Aerodactyl.

And that Charizard was likely old Matsuda's starter Pokémon. Although its current power was slightly inferior to Aerodactyl's, the difference between them wasn't significant.

Old Matsuda, after all, was among the best advanced-level breeders. While he wasn't renowned as a great Trainer, this only applied when compared to his breeding skills.

In terms of his Pokémon's combat capabilities, he stood out even among Elite Four-level trainers.

At the very least, Cain believed old Matsuda was stronger than Umbra.

After all, old Matsuda had access to much higher-quality breeding resources than Umbra.

Under old Matsuda's approving gaze, Cain slowly climbed onto Charizard's back.

"Roar!"

Charizard, with a proud expression, would usually not allow someone so weak to ride on its back. But since its Trainer was watching, it had no choice but to tolerate it. However, it let out a roar to express its displeasure.

Cain, nervously smiling, leaned over Charizard's back and pulled out some Pokéblocks from his storage space. Although they weren't particularly nutritious, they were quite tasty—snacks Cain often prepared for his Pokémon.

Charizard glanced at the Pokéblocks in Cain's hand. Having spent so much time with old Matsuda, it had seen all sorts of Pokéblocks.

It decided to accept the Pokéblocks, thinking there was no point in wasting food. To its surprise, they were quite delicious.

Fire-type Pokémon generally prefer spicy flavors, just like Cain's Torchic, and what Cain offered were special treats for Torchic designed to enhance the bond between Pokémon and their trainer.

Seeing Charizard enjoying them, Cain pulled out more and gave them all.

Afterward, Charizard slightly changed its attitude toward Cain. It no longer rejected him as much.

Though initially annoyed, it now looked at him with a bit more favor, which made Cain feel slightly relieved as he sat on its back.

Old Matsuda carefully observed Cain's actions, noting how he managed to win over Charizard and how he used his resources to change Charizard's perception of him.

He couldn't help but nod in approval—Cain knew how to handle Pokémon.

"All right, let's go!" said old Matsuda once they were ready.

"Master, but we're still in the city..."

Before Cain could finish speaking, both Pokémon flapped their wings, generating a powerful gust of wind.

Fortunately, there weren't many people on the street; otherwise, someone might have been injured.

Elite Four-level trainers were this dominant; the flight restrictions in Saffron City didn't apply to them.

In a room filled with dolls inside the Psychic-type Gym of Saffron City, a young woman showed an expression of anger on her face, unable to vent her frustration.

"Damn it, another one flying wherever they want. If only I had a bit more power... Humph!"

"I must train more. When my psychic power increases one more level, I'll cover all of Saffron City with it, and we'll see who dares to fly!"

"But reaching another level is so difficult... It's so slow!"

The young woman suppressed her frustration and returned to her meditation, surrounded by intense psychic energy.

If Cain had been there, he would probably sense that while his psychic energy was like the amount of water in a bathtub, the young woman's was a tenth of an ocean.

In short, the difference was immense.

But neither old Matsuda nor Cain had any idea of the young woman's annoyance.

Mounted on Aerodactyl and Charizard, they flew at full speed toward the southwest.

Old Matsuda stood firmly on Aerodactyl's back, unfazed by the fierce wind, as his Pokémon protected him.

Cain, however, wasn't so fortunate.

Although he had managed to please Charizard, it flew without regard for Cain's discomfort, forcing him to cling tightly to the Pokémon's back as the wind battered his body.

Still, Aerodactyl and Charizard were much faster than Tropius—at least three times as fast.

As Saffron City faded into the distance and Cain noticed the direction they were heading, his suspicions grew increasingly clear.

But the wind was... intense.

After flying at full speed for three hours, with Cain's hair nearly standing on end, they finally reached their destination.

A small town came into view for Cain.

Though he had never been there, he knew its name.

Pallet Town!

Considered the origin of all stories.

Aerodactyl and Charizard landed before entering the town.

In Saffron City, there were few people who could stop old Matsuda, but in Pallet Town, such individuals did exist.

Old Matsuda recalled Aerodactyl and Charizard.

"This is Pallet Town, a place with a very pleasant environment, though not very well-known. The person I want you to meet lives here; you may have heard of him," commented old Matsuda.

Cain nodded and followed old Matsuda into Pallet Town.

A glance at the surroundings was enough to realize this was an ideal place to retire.

Nestled among mountains, it was also one of Kanto's towns closest to Mt. Silver.

Pallet Town had a reputation for being directly connected to the League. Most of the people who lived here were descendants of high-ranking League officials or individuals who had made significant contributions to it.

The League also placed great importance on Pallet Town.

Perhaps that was one of the reasons Professor Oak decided to settle here.

And the well-known Ash was also born and raised in this town.

Ash was raised solely by his mother, as his father never appeared. Cain suspected that Ash's father might have been a high-ranking League member who gave his life in battle, which would explain why they lived here.

Professor Oak's special care for Ash's family suggested that Ash's father held a considerable rank or had some connection with Professor Oak. Otherwise, why would he be so close to them and not other families in the town?

(End of Chapter)