They were nearing Meteor Village.
The speeding Hydreigon suddenly slowed, raised its heads, and let out a long cry to announce itself.
"Shaaa!"
Meteor Village had plenty of Dragon-type Pokémon of all sizes. It had no desire to be mistaken for an intruder by some fool and take a Dragon Breath head-on.
Its Trainer was still on its back!
Baimu was about to speak to it when he turned to look behind them. A flock of fluffy birds fluttered toward him in a hurry. They looked puzzled when they saw his face, then burst with delight and rushed over.
"Chirrr!"
"Chirp, chirp!"
"Hey! Long time no see, Meteor Village Bel Canto Troupe."
Baimu greeted them with a broad smile. When he had lived here, the Altaria had volunteered to teach Blissey how to sing. As they spent time together, they had grown closer and closer.
He had even given the Altaria a nickname: the Meteor Village Bel Canto Troupe.
The Altaria had no idea what "bel canto troupe" meant, but they thought it sounded fun and often answered eagerly when Baimu called them that.
Surrounded on all sides, with cloudlike wings constantly brushing its noses, Hydreigon could not help growling.
"Shaaa!"
"Chirrr!"
The Altaria startled and scattered, finally letting it fly on.
Baimu patted Hydreigon's middle head. Seeing it snort in displeasure, he said softly, "Dummy! Don't be so mean to them." Then he called to the troupe, "I'll come play with you when I have time!"
He looked down.
Quite a few people stood in the clearing where he used to land most often. All of them were looking up, and several waved both hands excitedly.
It was Zhen Ya and the others who had stayed behind in the village.
Baimu waved back. Then his gaze fell on a