"Swellow!"
Swellow nodded. It had taken a long trip recently, originally wanting to test the growth it had gained from evolving from Taillow to Swellow.
Unexpectedly, it happened to reunite with these two Pokémon halfway through.
Swellow immediately thought of the apple pie Carver had made, and how Latias and Latios went to other humans' places to steal apple pie.
You had to know, not all humans were like Carver—loving Pokémon and being unconditionally good to them.
If they encountered bad people someday and were discovered stealing someone's apple pie, they would definitely be driven away, and might even be severely punished.
But Carver was different.
Swellow believed Carver would be very happy to feed these two Pokémon.
So it had extended an invitation to Latias and Latios, inviting them to come with it to Carver's breeding house to taste apple pie.
There, they could freely enjoy apple pie and delicious food without worrying about being driven away, and no longer needing to sneak around like before.
Latias and Latios were initially hesitant, but when they heard these words, they immediately became curious about that human and the apple pie he made.
So they accepted Swellow's invitation and followed it to that breeding house to taste the apple pie that Swellow had praised.
"Latias?" (Is that apple pie really that delicious?)
Latias was like a little glutton—just hearing Swellow's words made her mouth water involuntarily.
"Swellow!"
Swellow gave an affirmative answer.
Although it hadn't eaten apple pie and didn't particularly like apple pie, it trusted Carver. With Carver's cooking skills, whatever desserts he made would definitely be delicious.
As dining companions who had freeloaded together before, Swellow had to invite Latias and Latios to come try it.
"Latias~!"
Seeing Swellow give an affirmative answer, Latias's eyes immediately brightened.
So exciting~!
"Latias?" Latias turned to look at her brother, her expression seeming to ask: Brother, are you looking forward to that human's apple pie?
Compared to his innocent sister, Latios as the older brother appeared much more mature and steady.
He wasn't very interested in apple pie, but since his sister liked it, he could have a bite or two as well.
"Latios." Latios nodded.
He looked at Latias with eyes full of affection.
Seeing this, Latias made a happy sound.
"Latias~!" Then she and her brother could each have a piece of apple pie!
The wilderness below rapidly receded.
Swellow's full-speed flight was very fast, but compared to Latias and Latios, it was still lacking.
However, these two Pokémon considerately accommodated Swellow, slowing their speed to match his.
Latios looked down.
The scenery on the earth was rapidly changing. Those green grasslands were like a green ocean, constantly undulating under the wind's caress.
They passed through mountain ranges, crossed lakes, and flew over human towns.
Soon, a vast forest appeared below.
At the forest's edge sat a human two-story house.
Seeing that building, Swellow gradually slowed down and dove toward the ground.
"Swellow!" We're here!
Hearing this, Latias's eyes lit up as she quickly followed behind Swellow.
La la la~ Apple pie, delicious apple pie, here she comes!
Another brand new day.
After seeing off yesterday's overnight guests, Carver watched the service Clefairy clean the rooms guests had stayed in, taking down sheets and covers to wash them clean.
Bewear occasionally lent a hand nearby.
Under the breeding house's eaves, Chingling hung above, swaying in the wind and making pleasant bell sounds.
Chef Clefairy worked hard in the kitchen preparing breakfast for everyone.
Caretaker Clefairy took Pokéblocks and berries that Carver had made to the backyard to feed the Pokémon living there.
When not paying attention, they would secretly take a Pokéblock from the bag and pop it in their mouths.
Early in the morning, Bagon had already begun intense battles with Growlithe.
Oddish, wearing the Exp. Share, dozed nearby—it didn't want to watch these two Pokémon compete!
Although Carver said this would help it evolve into Gloom and become more powerful, that still didn't stop it from secretly slacking off.
The fruit trees in the orchard were already heavy with fruit, and the vegetables Carver and the Pokémon had planted together were about to ripen.
Above the fields, Castform diligently used Rain Dance to summon small rain clouds. Areas the rain clouds couldn't cover were handled by Clefairy with Wailmer watering cans.
Under the fruit trees, Gastly lazily yawned.
The entire breeding house presented a thriving scene.
Smoke drifted from the chimney, and enticing aromas wafted from the kitchen with the wind.
Some Pokémon caught this scent and couldn't help but start drooling, making even their training somewhat distracted.
"Dinner time!"
As Carver shouted from the back door, the distracted Growlithe immediately abandoned its sparring with Bagon and sprinted toward Carver.
Gastly, who had been lazily yawning, also floated over leisurely.
Bagon followed behind with a dissatisfied expression.
"Bagon!" The battle wasn't over yet!
"Let's rest for a bit!" Carver smiled and petted their heads: "Continuing after eating is the same."
Bagon reluctantly agreed.
But the next second, gurgling sounds came from its stomach.
Instantly, all the surrounding Pokémon's gazes turned to Bagon's belly.
Bagon was very embarrassed.
Carver couldn't help but laugh: "You need to fill your stomach first to have energy for training. We need to learn to balance work and rest—that's how we grow stronger!"
The group of Pokémon listened with partial understanding.
Though they didn't quite get it, whatever Carver said was definitely right. Everyone in this world might harm them, but their Carver never would!
The dining room was already filled with small bowls specifically for the Pokémon's meals.
These were specially prepared by Carver—each Pokémon had its own dedicated dishes and nest.
"Alright, dig in!"
As Carver's voice fell, the group of Pokémon immediately began enjoying their meal.
Just then, a familiar bird call suddenly came from outside.
Carver instantly became incredibly alert.
That was Swellow's call!
It hadn't been captured by Pokémon hunters or caught by trainers—now it was back!
Carver immediately felt relieved.
He signaled for Growlithe and the others to continue eating while he prepared to go outside and check on Swellow's situation.
Standing up, he pushed open the door.
Before Carver could speak to Swellow, his gaze was drawn to the two Pokémon beside it.
Those airplane-like red and blue figures...
Those two Pokémon, could they be—