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Time passed since Ryugi had left Blackthorn City on the back of Eclipse. It had been a long time since Ryugi had been to Mount Silver. He'd often done speed runs back and forth on Eclipse or Kajiru to pump up their wing strength and muscle power. He loved flying in the clouds with the wind whipping through his air. And he knew that Eclipse loved it too. It wasn't often that the Charizard just got to spread his wings and enjoy his gift of flight. So it was a great occasion for him as well.

But as Mount Silver loomed in the distance, its snow covered peaks being blown by clouds, and idea popped into Ryugi's head. he grinned and leaned down to Eclipse, speaking directly into the dragon's ear.

You know, its been a while since you've shown me what you can do as far as flight speed. I wonder if you've gotten slower since we stopped doing runs.

The Charizard grunted and shook slightly, Ryugi gripping him more tightly and chuckling.

Now now, I'm only kidding. Or am I? Let's see what you can do Eclipse! Full speed towards Mount Silver!! Let's go!!

With a powerful roar and a thunderous flap of his wings, the charizard shot forward, pounding away at the air as his body picked up speed, the view around Ryugi tunneling as it picked up, scenery whizzing past him. It was exhilarating. Ryugi grinned and ducked down low to Eclipse to minimize his air resistance and shouted out over the sound of the whipping wind.

Alright, I know you can do better than that! Go for a dive to pick up speed and don't worry about me, I can hold on no matter how fast you go! Give it everything you've got!!

With a jarring climb, Eclipse shot into the air, spinning around into a flip before diving and folding in his wings to speed towards the ground. Ryugi felt his heart in his throat, but he loved it, his adrenaline raced, his senses were moving a mile a minute, and every fiber of his being tingled with the rush of high-speed flight.

Moments before Eclipse would have slammed into the tops of the trees surrounding Mount Silver, he leveled out, snapping open his wings, and sped over the treetops at well over two-hundred miles per hour. Trees shot under the duo as Eclipse flapped his wings harder and faster, doing his very best to maintain his current rate of speed.

Good work Eclipse, you're as fast as ever, now, agility training!! Drop down to that river and stay no more than five feet above the top of the water! Let's see you move it!

With another roar of affirmation, Eclipse barrel rolled to the side, Ryugi clinging to him tightly with a grin and whoop. The flame pokemon ducked down to the river flowing away from Mount Silver and out to the sea near the Indigo Plateau, and proceeded to drop to just five feet above the surface. Below, Ryugi watched as the Magikarp and Tentacool shot away from the surface as the massive black shape of the Charizard flew over their domain. He took a moment to look behind them as they continued and spied a large plume of water being shot into the air from the downdraft around Eclipse's mighty wings.

He shot his head around just as they came to a mighty bend in the river, and Eclipse turned to the side, fanning his wings to catch his weight, before powering forward with a mighty wing beat, sending both he and Ryugi rocketing into the turn. Then, just as quickly, Eclipse turned back to the left, slowing again, before thundering forward with all his strength. As they accelerated out of the turn, a set of trees lay in their path, standing tall and pristine in the morning sun.

Through them!!

Eclipse lowered his head and folded his wings after a brief climb, barrel rolling as he sped through the smallest gap between the tallest trees, Ryugi holding on with another whooping cry. Eclipse finished his roll and snapped his wings open, gliding at top speed down the river.

Alright Eclipse, that was really something. But now I think it's time to look for a landing spot. Give me a climb and we can start looking for a decent place to settle down.

Eclipse climbed up again, loosing some of his speed before simply cruising along at a more comfortable pace now. After a few moments, Ryugi spotted a clearing near the base of the mountain where a few buildings appeared to be set up. He ordered Eclipse to land over there, and continue his journey for Rayquaza.

As the old man lead Ryugi through the village, he looked around at the scenery. The place looked old, very traditional. Small houses made of lighter materials were clustered around a well in the middle of the center of the village, and on the outskirts there were farming areas with a few Miltank wandering around. But nonetheless, Ryugi spied a few generators sitting around, rattling away, and some laughing of kids as they listened to Professor Oak's radio show. It seems they weren't completely living in the past after all.

Lena! Leeena! Pour a few nice glasses of lemonade! We've got company!

The older man called as he neared one of the houses, and a woman who looked to be in her late twenties with dark green locks of hair walked out.

Oh my, company indeed. Welcome to our little home. It isn't much, but we do have lemonade!

The woman smiled and brought out a pitcher and a few glasses, and sat them down on a table outside of the house. Ryugi took one as she filled it and took a sip. It was ice cold, and wasn't overly sour or sweet. These people sure knew how to make lemonade.

Thank you, Miss. And you too, Sir. Your hospitality is much apprieciated.

Oh, it's nothing. I'm Laura, and like Grandpa said, you're company. And we rarely get visitors to our little neck of the woods. Its nice to see a new face every now and then.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

The old man took a sip of his drink and sighed contentedly.

Very true, so, tell us Sonny, what brings you to our little village, eh?

Ryugi sat and talked for a while, detailing his dream, and his decision to go to Mount Silver in the interest of finding Rayquaza. He hoped he didn't sound too crazy, but the man and woman simply nodded and listened like it was any other story.

Oh my, so you're the Blackthorn City Gym Leader? That's quite something.

Yes indeed. And that dream of yours sounds mighty interesting as well. You see, here in this town, we believe that Rayquaza is the master of the air and sky. It brings sunlight and good weather to our crops, and makes the winters mild so that we may have a good harvest. In fact, we have a shrine high up near the summit of Mount Silver to honor its great power. It is said that the holder of the dragon's orb has a strong and noble heart, and if you ask me, it sounds like that dream of yours is trying to tell you that, and that perhaps Rayquaza is looking for someone like you.

Ryugi nodded as he listened. It seems he'd picked a good spot to land.

I see... Well, it sounds like I should head up the mountain to see the shrine for myself. I may be able to find the next step of my journey there.

That sounds like a good idea as any. But if you're heading up the mountain, be sure to pack for cool weather, oh! And something else too!

Laura hurried off into the house for a moment before she returned with a small bundle of rice cakes.

Here. These will give you something tasty to eat while on your travels.

Ryugi took the bundle and put it in his bag.

Thank you for your hospitality, and for the cakes. I'm sure they'll be wonderful. Well, I suppose I best be going. I don't want to get stuck halfway up the mountain with no light left.

Good luck there Sonny.

Have a safe trip!

Ryugi smiled and waved as he left the village, and began his trek up the side of Mount Silver.