Young Master Mao set off from Azalea Town for Ecruteak City.
Given the sheer vastness of the Johto Region, even a flight would take about an hour.
However, Young Master Mao had clearly found a better means of transportation.
He changed into a cold-resistant outdoor jacket and padded the shoulders with metal plates.
With that, his Aerodactyl riding outfit was complete.
Calling it riding... well, Aerodactyl's back was relatively narrow, and carrying someone on his back made it difficult for him to exert himself.
So Gary chose a classic way to travel: having Aerodactyl grip his shoulders with his powerful claws and fly.
Considering that his Pallet Town bloodline didn't seem to have awakened, Young Master Mao had made a point of adding protection.
He didn't want the skin stripped off his shoulders...
Given Aerodactyl's unruly nature, Gary had Togetic give him another lesson on flight regulations before they left.
As the saying went, there were countless routes to take, but safety came first. Fly without following the rules, and your loved ones would be left in tears...
Anyway, one look at Aerodactyl's bruised face and half-drooping eyelids made it clear that Togetic's teaching had produced remarkable results.
With his huge mouth stretched into a goofy grin, Aerodactyl was actually rather cute...
Not only was he cute, but he was also energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. A hundred kilometers cost just one meal of meat...
Or one thorough beating...
After letting Professor Oak know, Gary prepared to set off.
Aerodactyl carefully gripped Young Master Mao's shoulders, beat his membranous wings, and soared into the sky.
As for a certain rival who had said he wanted a battle just last night, only to sleep the day away today, Gary could only say, "My foolish rival, next time. Definitely next time..."
Flying high