The Dangers of Flying

"Haven't heard from you in a while." Ronnel said. No "Hey, how are you?" or "Nice to see you.", just typical of him. I haven't called him since I met Shaymin and he doesn't have any clue about it. We know each other since childhood and him, along with Shielah, is whom I consider my best of friends.

"Been busy lately, sorry if I'm not keeping in touch." I answered.

"I'm used to it, so what are we up to?" he asked not without humor then added, "And who's with you?"

"Oh, sorry. This is Noel from Omega ph, the clan I'm staying with." I said pointing at Noel who was standing behind me. "Noel, this is Ronnel, one of my best of friend slash my daycarer from Soville City, Lower Omega."

"Hi. It's so nice to meet you." Noel said clumsily as he peeked over my shoulder.

"Sorry, I'd really like to have chat but I have business to attend to. I need assistance from an old friend, is Tropius around?" I asked.

"Well, too eager aren't you, hold on a sec, let me fetch him for ya," he replied as he went off the screen.

"Wow, you have a daycarer? And from the Lower region? It means you have a real big collection of Pokémon, how come the only Pokémon I see is Sceptile and Whimsicott?" Noel said in awe.

"I don't collect Pokémon, but I have a modest number of friends with Ronnel." I said.

Ronnel came back holding a pokeball on his right hand.

"He is ready for transfer, anyone else you might need?" Ronnel asked.

"Na, just him." I answered.

"Alright." Ronnel said as he placed the pokeball on the transmitter. A few seconds later, a light blinked on the left side of the video phone and a slot opened containing a pokeball.

"Thanks buddy. You know I've got a lot to tell you but I'll fill you up some other time. I've got work to do." I said in apology.

"Ok, just take good care," Ronnel replied.

"I will, smell ya later." I answered. Ronnel just raised his brows before the screen blacked out.

"So what exactly are you planning with a Tropius?" Noel asked once we were out of the Pokémon center.

"We are going to fly, Tropius, out you go." I said as I let the Pokémon out of its pokeball. My Tropius is just really similar to any other normal Tropius. The only noticeable difference is its size. My Tropius is almost double the size of an average one. It flaps its leaf-wings as I pat it on its long neck. "How have you been buddy," I whispered.

"What? Are you insane? You really want yourself on the deathrow, don't you?" Noel exclaimed, clearly horrified.

Pokémon flight in Omega region is strictly monitored for safety precautions. You can't just roam the skies of Omega and only licensed individuals can use Fly. All rulebreakers will be attacked without warning and if still alive after, will be taken to custody. Seriously. Pretty hard isn't it? Well if it isn't for these clan wars, people might be still enjoying the freedom of flying together with their Pokémon.

"We don't have other choice; I'm supposed to be in Redhem by now." I said as I started to climb up to Tropius's torso. As soon as I was seated, Shaymin jumped off of my pocket and sat in front of me.

"Are you serious? I still love my life and my freedom you know, I won't be riding there." Noel said.

"Ok. You can go back to Memorial City then. Tell Leyn I didn't ditch on this job request and I was just delayed ok?" I teased. I waited for a moment but Noel isn't taking a step forward. "Well, see ya round then?" I added as I tap Tropius lightly on its long neck and he suddenly started to rise. A few seconds later, I felt a sudden shift of weight and Noel was on board behind me.

"This is totally crazy." He mumbled.

"I love crazy." I said as Tropius continue ascending until the Pokecenter seemed to be a little dot below. The wind was blowing towards the same direction we are going so Tropius is gaining speed.

"I bet you haven't flown with a Pokémon before? Aint it fun?" I shouted.

"It won't be as fun when a Hyper Beam suddenly hits us out of nowhere." Noel answered.

"Shaaaaay…" Shaymin purred as it dances with the wind.

"At least Shaymin is enjoying this." I said.

After a few minutes up in the air, my Poketch rang. I extended the screen and a holographic screen appeared. It's a video call from Westport Aeronautics. I look at Noel.

"This is what I'm telling you. Now where going to get shot!" he muttered hopelessly.

"Well, we'll never know if we never take the call right?" I said with false alarm. I flip my Poketch open and the call was automatically answered. The holographic screen changed and a woman with brown hair and eyeglasses appeared. Noel was covering his face now.

"Good afternoon Sir." The woman greeted.

Noel looked at me with confusion. He certainly expected rocket launcher straight at us and not a beautiful girl greeting us warmly. He tapped me on the shoulder and mouthed, "What the heck?" I just shrug him off.

"You are currently at 142 Latitude and 205 Longitude. The wind is currently at 75 kmph. It is going to be sunny and no sign of rain until tomorrow. No other trainer was detected around the vicinity. I suppose you're en route to Icyshore City?" the woman added.

"Yes. That would be our destination." I replied formally.

"Well, when you reach the borderline to Redhem, snow might start falling so I suggest be prepared." The woman said.

"Ok, we will." I answered.

"Ok then, I'll be informing Icyshore Department to be expecting your arrival. Just call our hotline if something came up. I wish you a safe trip." The woman said sincerely.

"That's so nice of you. Thanks." I replied.

"You're welcome." She said and with that the screen vanished.

"You are licensed to Fly?" Noel exclaimed, clearly surprised.

"What do you know," I answered.

After almost an hour, the sky suddenly turned gray and light snow fell down. It's like this up north of Omega. Almost everyday, it's raining snow. Shaymin jumped around and around trying to avoid the snow. But the snow just gotten thick and it gave up dodging and just started play along. I look behind and saw Noel was actually enjoying the snow as well.

"Don't you just wish it also snow back in Memorial city?" I remarked.

"I know right." He answered.

Just a few flips and flaps and Tropius finally arrived at Icyshore. It was already 3 in the afternoon. Just as promised, the Aeronautics was informed of our arrival and we were not shot off the sky. Shaymin really enjoyed the entire ride and it was not until we land that it returns to its hiding place. Noel jumped off first. He tripped and almost fell to the ground.

"Easy," I said not able to contain my laughter.

"I think I just got jetlagged." He joked. "Can't we just fly up to Redhem?"

"That can be called Pokémon exploitation." I remarked.

"It sure was fun." He commented.

"Thank you. You've been a big help. You can have a long rest now." I said as I touch Tropius' side. "Return." I added as a red beam shoot from its pokeball enveloping Tropius entirely.

"So what do we do next?" Noel asked.

"Redhem is just a few miles away from here. We'll just take the train." I answered. I started to walk towards the town when I heard a low grumbling from where Noel was standing. "What was that?"

"Sorry, that was just my tummy." He said, embarrassed.

Ooops, I totally forgot. We haven't eaten lunch yet. Darn how come I forgot how hungry I was.

"Ow, sorry it slipped my mind as well. I'm hungry too. Let's go get something to eat first."