A gentle spring rain fell over their territory.
Many of the local beasts disliked rainy days.
The five Minccino, who had originally planned to sunbathe and check on the Berry fields, could only stay obediently inside the wooden house. They crowded by the window, gazing at the endless drizzle.
"Minccino..." one of them whined softly.
Rainwater would soak their fur—a feeling the clean-loving Minccino absolutely hated.
"Alright, it'll stop soon," Raven said with a smile. "Then you can go out and play."
But hearing that only made their faces even more pitiful.
"Minccino..." another whimpered, clearly miserable.
Because after the rain, the roads would be muddy, and if they ran outside, their fur would get dirty.
Raven sighed helplessly. "Before the rain stops, just stay indoors. If it gets too damp or chilly, I'll have someone light the fireplace for you."
"Minccino!" they chirped happily—His Highness Raven really was the best.
"Snivy," Raven called, "Minccino and I are going out for special training. Want to come?"
"Snivy." The little grass-type crossed its arms, showing clear disdain.
Raven chuckled. "If you're afraid of getting dirty, you can sit on my shoulder."
It didn't want to! Snivy thought, pouting proudly.
But when it took a dignified step toward the door, its foot sank into a patch of mud.
Snivy: "…"
Carrying Dratini in his arms, Raven couldn't help but laugh.
"Come on up. Your training's postponed today. This weather suits Dratini better—it's perfect for learning a special move. You can watch and maybe pick up a thing or two."
He crouched and gently wiped Snivy's muddy feet with a handkerchief.
Though embarrassed, Snivy clung to him quietly until he smiled and nodded toward his shoulder.
"Come on," he said.
Hmph… since His Highness insisted, it would reluctantly agree.
Snivy climbed up with a proud tilt of its head.
Umbrella in hand, Raven stepped out into the quiet rain. The streets were empty; the people stayed inside on days like this.
He made his way to the riverbank. Today's lesson for Dratini was a special one—not an attack, but a move that could change the weather itself.
Rain Dance.
A Water-type technique that summons rain clouds, strengthening Water-type moves while weakening Fire-type ones.
If Dratini could learn it, then in the future—if the territory ever faced drought—it could bring down rain to save their crops.
"Dratini," Raven said, recalling scenes from the anime, "today I'll teach you Rain Dance."
"Woo?" Dratini tilted its head, curious but confused.
"I'm not entirely sure how it works either," Raven admitted with a thoughtful smile, "but I think it has to do with connecting your own Water-type energy to the moisture in the air."
He pointed to the falling droplets. "Don't rush. Just try to feel the rhythm of the rain—the flow of water in the air."
Dratini lifted its head, feeling the rain trickle down its sleek blue scales.
Raven and Snivy stood under the umbrella, quietly watching.
Before evolution, Dratini had no link to weather control—but after evolving into Dragonair, it would gain the power to manipulate the climate.
Even without wings, Dragonair could fly, riding the currents of wind it summoned.
In ancient times, people had worshiped Dragonair as the bringer of rain. Farmers offered gifts by the lakes it inhabited, praying for good harvests.
Whether that legend was true or not, Raven didn't know. He'd never seen a real Dragonair.
For now, everything depended on Dratini's growth.
The steady spring rain fell on Dratini's body. At first, it struggled to focus—its gaze kept wandering to Raven and Snivy.
"Concentrate," Raven said gently. "Don't be distracted. We're right here with you."
Dratini's eyes softened. It nodded. "Woo!"
It closed its eyes again, feeling for the water in the air—so much of it, shimmering and alive.
Blue energy surrounded it, elusive yet powerful. Dratini reached for it... but it slipped away.
It opened its eyes, disheartened.
"How was it?" Raven asked.
Dratini drooped slightly. "Woo..."
Raven smiled. "Don't rush. Growth takes time. Try again later—you'll get it."
Encouraged, Dratini brightened and nodded. "Woo!"
An hour later, the rain finally stopped, forcing the training to pause.
Raven reached out his hand. "That's enough for today. Let's go home."
Dratini leapt into his arms, nestling close.
Back home, Raven asked the maid to light the fireplace. Dratini stretched out by the warm flames, drying its scales, while Raven sat at his desk, reviewing plans for the next phase of construction.
With Simisear's help, the brick kilns had already produced enough bricks to start building more permanent homes.
Just then, a strange sound drew Raven's attention.
He turned to see Dratini rubbing itself against the table leg, its body glowing faintly.
"Dratini?"
A soft light pulsed through its body.
For a moment, Raven thought it was evolving—but then he realized what was happening.
Dratini was shedding its skin.
All the intense training and overflowing vitality had pushed its body to the next stage of growth.
It wasn't evolution—it was transformation.
The thin outer layer of its scales peeled away, glowing with a faint blue sheen, revealing a smoother, brighter form beneath.
Raven watched in awe as Dratini wriggled free of its old skin, now slightly longer and sleeker than before.
When it lifted its head, its black eyes sparkled like polished obsidian.
Raven smiled, full of pride. "Congratulations, Dratini."
"Woo~!"
The little dragon coiled happily, its voice full of joy and renewed strength.