In a world where the sky is the natural domain of Pokémon, civil aviation is a logistical nightmare.
On Earth, a single bird strike can bring down a jet. In this world, a pilot might cruise into the path of a Fearow having a bad day or a territorial Skarmory. Despite having technology that far exceeds Luke's previous life in many fields, the aviation industry is almost entirely monopolized by a slightly archaic vehicle: the airship.
Airships are much slower, but they have a distinct advantage. They are resilient to bird strikes and move at a pace that doesn't immediately provoke aerial predators. Every flight carries a dedicated Security Officer whose sole job is to drive away approaching Pokémon.
Of course, the fastest way to travel will always be the Pokémon themselves. Airlines offer a Dragonite Express service. For 70,000 League Coins, a smart, chubby Dragonite will carry you anywhere in the world at Extreme Speed.
If Luke had used that service, he'd be having lunch with Aria at her school gates right now. But that was 70,000 Coins—money Luke had spent a year scrimping and saving to acquire. Now that Master Silas was sponsoring his Moon Stone, that money had become his startup capital for his journey. He wasn't about to blow it all on a single ride.
Practicing his principle of extreme frugality, Luke decided to walk the five kilometers to the Skyline Station. Since Arno was too large for city streets, Luke released his newly evolved Corvisquire, whom he'd nicknamed Corvo, to stretch his wings.
The bird clearly hadn't adjusted to his new size. Corvo still thought he was a two-kilogram blue chick and tried to land on Luke's head. Standing a meter tall and weighing twenty kilograms—now infused with heavy Steel-type energy—it was a miracle Luke's spine didn't snap. After a thorough scolding, the "Great One" finally behaved, hovering three meters above Luke's head.
The morning sun cast a massive, bird-shaped shadow over Luke.
What did I do to deserve this? Luke sighed, looking up at the domineering Corvo. Why are all my Pokémon monsters? Couldn't I find one soft, fluffy thing to hold?
He felt the green egg in his backpack shake, and his mood brightened. Judging by the shell patterns, he had a good feeling a "little cutie" was on the way.
Corvo, meanwhile, glared down at him. You're disgusted with me? I'm the one stuck with a weakling Trainer who can't even hold my weight. If I wasn't afraid of your nagging, I'd drop some "white snacks" on your head right now.
They finished the five-kilometer trek in a state of mutual disdain, arriving at a grand, bustling aviation building. Luke joined the queue at the ticket window.
"Destination?" the clerk asked.
"Riverport City."
"That'll be 1,200 League Coins." As the clerk handed over the receipt, his eyes landed on Corvo. "A Flying-type?"
"Yes, this is my Corvisquire."
The clerk's eyes lit up. "A Corvisquire? The pre-evolution of Corviknight? You don't see those often in the Zenith League."
The people in line behind him murmured in interest. Corvo, sensing the attention, stood perfectly still, radiating a majestic, domineering aura that made the onlookers whisper in envy.
"As a Flying-type owner," the clerk said, following protocol, "you are obligated to assist our Security Officer if the airship is attacked during flight."
"No problem," Luke agreed.
He headed to the waiting area for his 1:00 PM departure. As he sat down, two figures ducked into a corner of the terminal. Despite the pleasant Ocre City weather, they were wrapped in trench coats, masks, and sunglasses.
"I thought you said he only had one oversized Nidorino," one whispered. "Where did the bird come from?"
"Internal intel said he only had one," the other hissed. "He must have caught it recently. What's the move? The plan was to jump him in the cabin where the Nidorino is too big to be used. Now he's got a bodyguard."
"We bite the bullet. There are rewards for this, but the punishment for failing a retrieval mission is... unpleasant."
"To hell with it. If the bosses want this kid's specialized venom so badly, why didn't they send an Executive?"
"Shut up. The Executives are busy. If we pull this off, a High-Level Executive will be waiting for us when we land in Riverport City anyway. Now, move out."