The wheat noodles had simmered perfectly with the meat broth and soy sauce. Jasmine licked her lips, chowing the bowl down. The pork and vegetable toppings were an excellent touch, enhancing the experience. Blackthorn had a ramen shop that contained such delicious food – possibly rivaling Olivine Café. Jasmine's big appetite was apparent, catching the server's attention.

"Would you like another slice of pork?" He asked.

Jasmine slurped the hot noodle in her mouth. She dabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth clean. "Yes."

"Here you go!" The server slid over a hot slice on a plate. Jasmine brought out her chopsticks, dunking the pork into her bowl. Dratini rested on her lap. His owner was concerned on dropping the hot food on him, that would sting his sensitive skin. Luckily, the table was wide enough to slide her seat under, Dratini hid in the shadows.

"Delicious, isn't it?" One of the chefs commented.

"This is amazing! The texture of these noodles are so soft! The broth is rich in flavor!" Jasmine exclaimed.

"Haha, glad to hear! Now, I don't think I've ever seen you here before," The chef said. "Visitor?"

"Yes... I hail from Olivine," Jasmine replied.

"Olivine City? That's a long trip!" laughed the chef. "I'm from there myself! Used to be a sailor – then moved here with my wife."

"I see, you must like it here."

"Sure do! Been living here for almost twenty years! Is this your first time visiting?"

Jasmine tethered her bowl with her chopsticks. "Yes, I've… never been here. I've traveled but never found incentive to visit Blackthorn City."

"Ah, for what purpose are you visiting? Got family? Friends?"

"Oh, um... to learn more about dragon pokémon." A suffice answer should be enough. Jasmine felt no reason to dive further in detail.

"Then you've come to the right place! Blackthorn is filled with dragon tamers! Most of our clients are of that class."

"The Blackthorn Gym is a wonderful place to start," the server added. "Our gym leader is the granddaughter of the Elder who leads one of the most prestigious dragon tamer clans. I say she is quite the expert."

"Hah! You say that, but everyone knows Lance is the guy new trainers should talk with!" The chef boasted, frying more pork on the pan. The fire doubled its height as he shook the pork with the pan's handle, before settling back on the stove. The delicious aroma passed through the entire shop, waking up Dratini.

"Lance is a busy man," The server said. "He's not easy to get in contact with. And after what has happened recently at Dragon's Den, I have no doubt he doesn't want to talk to anyone."

"I think he should loosen himself up a bit," the chef said. "He's always too formal when he comes here! Every time I tell him, 'look Champ… you don't need to act so uptight!'"

It was interesting to hear locals speak of Lance. Jasmine taking notes that the Dragon Master was a serious man. Not that her initial impressions of him were any different. Her inauguration as Gym Leader of Olivine was their first meeting. Next, was the Indigo Plateau where she attended one of the annual conferences required for gym leaders. His appearance radiated with such confidence and leadership. Always respectful and formal.

The encounter at the lighthouse the other night was another example, but something towered over. Along with being firm and strict, Jasmine came to realize… that Lance was intimidating. Even when he came to aid her dratini, it was nerve-wracking. His high status and precedence of being an elite trainer made her wonder what expectations he had. She started to piece that it was shown when she gave out his advice. The impression that Lance didn't think she was fit to raise Dratini and advised caution, and her wanting to go against the odds.

Being here in Blackthorn, it was possible she could meet him again. Would he be impressed? Or concerned? So much rumination, Jasmine hoped to run into Clair instead. At the very least, she was more familiar.

…

When Lance returned to the Dragon Holy Land, Clair finished patching up an axew. She sat and cuddled herself into her arms. Clair beamed a grin. "Aww, you're such a good girl…"

Lance said, "I just spoke with Kaburagi at the Pokémon Center. He's with Grandfather checking the pokémon that are in more critical condition. Are there any other pokémon that need medical attention?"

"I say we're fine," Clair replied, picking up axew. "Most of the dragon pokémon have been treated. Some remain but nothing we can't handle."

"Excellent, I'll go and meet with Grandfather at the Pokémon Center." He turned around, but Clair called his name.

Lance turned his head attentively. "Hm?"

"If you see Jasmine, can you bring her to the gym? She's here in Blackthorn and she wants to see me."

The Dragon Master raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Kaburagi told me that she went to the gym earlier but no one was there," Clair explained. "She's looking for me, I was planning on calling her but since you're heading out..."

She smirked, adding smug confidence. "...perhaps you can bring her over. After all, she wants my expertise."

Lance was stupefied upon hearing the Olivine Gym Leader in his hometown. "She came all the way to Blackthorn to see you? Does she know of the situation we're in?"

"She's in town. I think it would be rude to leave my upcoming apprentice empty handed. She caught a dratini recently, I don't know all of the details but I assume it's probably about training."

"Hmm, perhaps you can ask if she can come another time? We're quite busy at the moment."

"But she came all the way here," Clair huffed.

"It's just bad timing," Lance explained. "We're in a crisis."

"Are you serious, Lance? Jasmine is looking for help, I thought you were an advocate for helping others. Unless… that is just for show to make your image look good for the people?"

There she was again… with biting words. There was a sort of tension Lance had with Clair that was constant since childhood. Despite being family and of the same clan, there was a sort of rivalry… a sort of mission Clair had to surpass him. Yet, he was always a few steps ahead. There was never an opportunity she would miss, to bring a sort of verbal dispute with him. He deemed it immature but her being a few years younger, it wasn't so surprising for her age. In many ways, she needed to grow up.

But he, despite being the exemplar dragon tamer for the clan and major successor… could not be in charge of babysitting Clair's behavior. He had hoped she grow out of these childish antics, but it wouldn't happen anytime soon.

Today, he was not having it.

Lance glared. His thick red eyebrows slanted down on his baggy eyes, a sign of sleep deprivation since he learned of the crisis here in his home city. He was very tempted to bark at her to quit it, but knew it would create redundant drama. Instead, he took a safer route.

"If it's so important to you Clair, then by all means… meet up with Jasmine," He muttered. "But sometimes, meetings as those can be set aside for more important matters such as cleaning up Dragon's Den. How about treating the sick and injured dragon pokémon from its pollutants? I hope you know what you should be doing."

"What is with you?!" Clair barked. "Dragon's Den has been cleaned up for the most part! We have been working around the clock days, even before you came back! I even took charge, we haven't been slacking off at all!"

"The water in the den is still polluted, it only went down by five percent," Lance reminded stiffly.

"And you think that's going to take a week?! It's going to take months, maybe a year for the water to turn clean! Pollution isn't easy to get rid of, even Grandfather said so!"

Lance huffed. He paced around… until stopping and crossing his arms. He shook his head. "You're… right. I'm… sorry," he admitted softly. "I… I've been stressed out…"

"Then why don't you take a hike to cool your damn head!" Clair yelled. "You think because you're older and Champion, you know better! But you don't! I care for Dragon's Den and the pokémon as much as you!"

Her cousin didn't respond. At this rate, Clair needed to figure out a way to calm him down… even though consolation was not her strong suit. "Look, I know you… get a bit hotheaded when things don't go your way. A bit too much I would say, especially in yourself. I guess because of your elite status… but it's not as bad as it looks. We managed to reach the issue before it got worse. Trust me, we're working on it… things are going to get better. I promise. You just need to put more faith in us, your own clan. I think I deserve a little break in all of this, right?"

"I suppose so. I... should head out for a bit. I'll come back later."

"Yeah do that, don't worry about Jasmine. I'll just call her later," Clair said.

"Don't think you're off the hook on what you said earlier," Lance warned. "I'm not tolerating your behavior either, pointless attacks on me are unnecessary."

He went off, and Clair rolled her eyes. The axew she held looked up. "Axew…"

…

"Thank you very much for the food," Jasmine said, bowing for the service. She was very pleased with the establishment with their kind hospitality. She fed compliments over the service. The workers at the ramen shop let out hand waves when she and dratini left.

"Bye bye!" The chef called out. "Good luck in training your dratini!"

"Please, come visit again sometime!" The server shouted.

Jasmine's focus shifted to other parts of Blackthorn. The street was filled with shops and crowds of people, she felt hard to navigate around. She made quite a few bumps with others while holding her dratini tight. He buried his head under her arms from the proximity of the people around them – making him uncomfortable.

"Oh, sorry! Excuse me!" She wriggled away from the crowds into a quieter part of the street.

"It's all right now," Jasmine assured gently to her hidden pokémon. Dratini slightly lifted his head up, meeting with her sweet smile. She giggled. "You don't like tight spots either, do you?"

"I see your dratini is much healthier. That's a relief."

Jasmine froze, sensing Lance's towering figure a few feet away from her. An impasse, so much for hoping she would not meet him. She turned her head slowly, he was bearing a small grin. Unlike her, her dratini saw his presence and jumped out of her arms. "Ah!"

Dratini slithered toward the Dragon Master. Lance opened his arms with a laugh. "Oh, hello again." Scooping up Dratini, the dragon curled around his right arm, nuzzling against his cheekbone. "You're quite friendly."

Jasmine was surprised by her pokémon's greeting. He usually appeared timid and shy... but with Lance, he was of different character. Open and cordial.

"He looks much happier," said Lance, tickling the dratini's chin. "You must have followed my advice, I presume?"

"I… I did…" Jasmine mumbled. "Dratini is… a lot more active thanks to you."

"Is he? Well, I think you should give yourself more credit. If you've been caring toward him, then your pokémon has come to trust you. That's an excellent step toward his development."

"You're right… thank you." This was different outcome than she thought, Lance was praising her.

"So, what brings you to Blackthorn City?" Lance asked. "I hear you wanted to meet with Clair?"

Her intentions were found out, Jasmine came to believe she should have known better. After all, if she what she knew of Lance was correct, he was related to Clair and had ties to the gym and the clan. Of course he would know.

"Yes, I decided to take your advice," Jasmine replied. "You told me to visit Blackthorn to learn more about the dragon type."

"I see."

Jasmine continued forth, "I was very hesitant to come today because I heard of what happened in Dragon's Den. I figured it would be rude of me to intrude at such a crucial time for Clair. But Warden Baoba urged me to go because he said the crisis has settled down a bit. I hear he is assisting you and Clair with the issue?"

"He is, he helped us transfer the invasive poison types to the Safari Zone," Lance explained. "It's better for them to be in a designated area where they belong than in Dragon's Den."

"I agree. Those pokémon are dangerous to habitats and other forms of life. I'm glad things are improving."

"We can only hope it improves from here out," Lance said, a twinge of concern in his voice. Jasmine picked it up.

"You don't seem very… enthusiastic…"

"I don't? Sorry, stress from it has made me a bit of a defeatist."

"But you and Clair are working hard, right?" Jasmine asked. "Along your clan and the people of Blackthorn? I know Dragon's Den must be important here."

"We have," Lance answered.

"If… you have been trying your best, then that's all that matters, right?" Jasmine wasn't quite sure if it was the right thing to say, but she wanted to let something positive.

Lance glanced at the mountain in the horizon. It was in there, the den and the holy land were not far from where he and Jasmine stood.

"Sometimes, you just feel there is still more work to be done. For me, it's not over yet."

The tone of voice shifted to something harsh. Lance's eyes darkened, his fist clenched near the pocket where the file Looker had given him was stored. "And I intend to see it through."

"What do you mean?"

No response, Jasmine worried whether her words caused a problem. It didn't look like it when Lance looked back, smiling lightly. "Would you like to accompany me to the gym?"

It was odd that he avoided her question and changed his mood, and Jasmine pondered whether to pry. There could be a degree of disrespect if she instigated that, but her conscience said that Lance's behavior was more down than normal. She was used to him being more positive, at least in public. Even if he was just polite in explaining that stress was the reason.

Therefore, within her, was an incentive to assist – give comforting words. A sort of repayment for his aid with Dratini the other day.

"Um, I wouldn't mind," she replied. "However, I hope I am not interfering as I know the current situation – "

"It's fine, Clair wants to see you. She was informed of your presence at the gym earlier. Just bringing you back there would be less of a hassle for her," Lance refuted. "She's willing to make some time for you today."

Dratini rested on Lance's shoulder, content. At this rate, this was a step to learning further about the dragon type. Jasmine sought that opportunity in seeing her pokémon in such a relaxed state. "I see… all right, I'll come."

"Good, follow me."

As the Champion went to depart, Jasmine followed him. She was tempted to say how she felt, to which Lance noticed.

"What is it?" He inquired. "Something in mind?"

"Um, I…" Jasmine struggled to put her thoughts into her words, gripping the strap of her bag. "…I know I shouldn't be intruding on your business, but… I would like to say that you're doing a wonderful job with handling the mess in Blackthorn currently. You mentioned you were stressed and I hope… that with whatever problems you are facing, you overcome them. I may not know exactly what you are dealing with, but please… take it easy. For your sake, and for the people of Blackthorn."

Lance wanted to speak but Jasmine finished, "You are a very strong person, and I know you can see this through."

She saw him close his mouth, staring at her intently. In taking what she said.

Jasmine asked timidly, "Erm… did I say something, wrong? I apologize, I only mean to give you some sort of support. You did help me with Dratini, and so I wish to do the same in return."

Lance chuckled, turning left towards a street corner. "Is that what this is about? Because I helped you out?"

"No, no! I genuinely believe you are a strong person! You're an impressive trainer, Champion Lance. You have great leadership, honest. What you're doing is kindness. That's why when you look down, I thought to lend support. I know that sometimes, caring for pokémon can be hard. It can hurt if they are in pain."

"You have a point, it's not an easy task to ensure peace and safety for people and pokémon. However, I do it because I know it's the right thing to do. After all, the bonds between us and pokémon are the most genuine and strongest there is. We must protect it."

"That's why I think, you are well fit to be a champion," Jasmine said. "You have such kindness in you."

He laughed. "The title is only something I worked for, anyone can be kind… even without it, I would still retain who I am. Ah, that reminds me…"

"Hmm?"

"Did you receive the supplies I left at the lighthouse?"

Jasmine stopped walking that Lance paused himself. He turned his head with Dratini looking back at her. "Is something wrong?"

"The one who left the supplies for Dratini, it was you?" She asked incredulously.

"You didn't get my note? I signed it. I went to leave some because I thought you would be too busy to visit Blackthorn and potentially Goldenrod for the supplies back then."

"Oh my goodness," Jasmine said, covering her mouth. How could she had not known? Feeling shameful she was unaware of the true recipient until now. "I did, but the name was blotted out! I am so sorry, if I had known it was you I would have send you a thank you note or something!"

"Hah, it's fine. As long as you got what I sent you, then that is what matters. I just wanted to do one last favor for your dratini."

He was met from a bow from her. "I am truly in your debt…"

"Stop it, you don't owe me anything," Lance replied with a snort. "How about we head over to the Blackthorn Gym, all right?"

"Okay," Jasmine said, mini smile forming on her lips.

It was strange just mere minutes ago, she was intimidated by his presence. Now, she felt something different. A new found respect from their conversation, and shame for thinking the worst – a concerning judgment. Finding Lance to be a strict elite trainer and yet… willing to display generosity. But could she be blamed? When she hardly knew him? At least her internal misconceptions of him were clearing up. A welcoming change.

On the other side, she wasn't the only one who enjoyed this recent conversation. Lance felt calmer than before. Maybe the chat with someone he did not really interact with was what brought the alteration. He was welcome to exploring new places and meeting new people, and it took some weight off his shoulders.

For the moment.

The trip to the gym was short, but Lance inquired Jasmine about her visit here so far. And her opinions of it. He listened intently, while giving her a small tour of the city.

Once at the gym, Kaburagi greeted the Dragon Master.

"Master Lance! Welcome back – oh, you brought someone… ah, it's you!"

"Hello again," Jasmine greeted.

"I didn't think I would see you again so soon!"

"I see you have met Jasmine, Kaburagi," Lance answered, introducing her. "She is the Gym Leader of Olivine City."

"I have! We haven't had another gym leader visit Blackthorn in a while! Well Miss Jasmine, make yourself comfortable!"

He turned to Lance. "Shall I inform Miss Clair?"

The Dragon Master nodded, prompting Kaburagi to fetch the gym leader. Jasmine observed the area – it was a lot more fierce in design – especially with the temperature being so high! She was sweating. The lava around surrounding platforms which generally held ace trainers withstood the notion of Blackthorn's gym being the toughest of the Johto League.

Dratini appeared pumped, cooing in joy as he happily curled around Lance's shoulders.

"Dragon pokémon really enjoy this area," he said. "It's either here or Dragon's Den that they are willing to test their strength."

"It certainly seems to have a medieval feel to it," Jasmine said.

"Yeah, Clair went all out with the design. I feel the spikes at the end of the platforms are... excessive."

Jasmine chuckled. "Well, anything to show the trainer they are in for a challenge."

"And you are one of them," Clair announced, sneaking behind the two. "It has been a long time, Jasmine! I hope you've been doing well. I hear you acquire of my services?"

"Good day Clair," Jasmine greeted, another polite bow that had Clair snort. "It's so nice to see you again. I… thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I know you've been busy."

"You're too modest," Clair said, chortling before turning to her cousin. "I see you must have cooled off? You even went to find Jasmine, and... is that the dratini?! He's absolutely precious!"

"It would be rude to let Jasmine leave without fulfilling her purpose…"

"So, you did change your mind! I suppose my cousin still has a bit of a soft side after all." Lance frowned on her statement.

"Lighten up dear cousin," Clair said, smirking faintly. She brought her own gloved finger to tickle Dratini's chin. "Hello there, little one! My, aren't you the cutest?"

"If you don't need anything more of me, I'll leave you two alone," he muttered. "I'm going to check up to see if anyone else needs help at the den." He picked up Dratini from his shoulders to set him down – the pokémon whined in protest.

"Sorry. We'll meet next time, okay?" Lance assured. The words fell flat onto the dratini. He looked up intently with huge eyes, hoping his gaze would have Lance devote full attention to him – like a chick to its mother.

Despite trying to work his charm – Lance was firm in his decision, holding him gently before setting him down. "Best of luck and take care, Jasmine," he said, exiting. Dratini followed him.

Jasmine ran to pick him up. The baby dragon struggled to stay in her grasp and slipped out, slithering toward Lance again. "Dratini!"

Clair observed the situation with a tense look, calling out her cousin. "Wait! Lance!"

Just at the door, Lance paused and turned. He looked down at Dratini sliding toward him and rubbing against his boots.

"Dratini!" Jasmine scolded, pulling him away. "I'm sorry, I think he's become very attached to you…"

Clair walked toward them. "Normally, I don't like to ask this," she muttered. "But Lance, can you just stay for a while with the dratini? I can tell if you leave he's just going to follow you."

"Clair, you know what we should do when a dragon pokémon is displaying clingy behavior…"

"I know but he's still young, it doesn't hurt to coddle Dratini for a bit. Look at him! His eyes are gleaming!"

Lance glanced at the young dragon. Dratini's eyes did not once look away, he was consistently staring upward at his face. Then came a cry.

"Ah, if you're busy…" Jasmine blurted out. "It's fine… I can handle him myself…"

Lance continued to stare, then giving in with a chuckle. "I can't say no to those eyes. It's almost hypnotizing." He took hold of the baby dragon from Jasmine. "Just this once. Let us begin."

...

Jasmine believed she overstayed her welcome when it hit dusk. The lessons went by so quick, she didn't notice the time. She was keenly focused on Clair's lectures. Interestingly, Lance didn't make much comment. His attention was on Dratini, who enjoyed every moment of it. From petting to a small walk around the gym – he felt safe with the Dragon Master. More so, Jasmine was intrigued that Lance even decided to stick around for a bit in the first place. His gentle smiles and overall care towards her baby pokémon further cemented of his love for dragon types. That despite his busy schedule, he would find time for them.

In time, Lance left to continue with his duties. The fussing were hard to listen over the departure – nonetheless, he returned Dratini to Jasmine. The rest of lessons had him quiet, but rested on Jasmine's shoulders.

By nightfall, it rained.

"Looks like a bad storm," Clair said. She and Jasmine stood at the front entrance of the gym, Kaburagi behind for any assistance. "I was told it would rain, but not this hard."

"Oh no…" Jasmine muttered. Her solemn face prompted Clair's attention.

"What's wrong?"

"Um… I came here by flight. My skarmory brought me here. I'm not sure if I can return to Olivine under this weather. I could go underground with Steelix... but I don't want to dig holes…"

"That's true. It's windy out too, I don't think you should travel."

"If I may make a suggestion," Kaburagi piped in. "Miss Clair, why not have Miss Jasmine stay at our estate for the night?"

"Wh – what?! Oh, I couldn't!" Jasmine exclaimed. "Stay at the Blackthorn clan's estate?!"

"Hm, not a bad idea Kaburagi. It would be rude to let our guest out like this." Clair smiled at her fellow gym leader. "You're more than welcome to stay at our clan's home for the night."

"I… I couldn't possibly… are you sure? I hope we won't be an issue…"

"Oh stop it, Jasmine. You did come all the way here to learn. Be our guest!"

"I'll go make preparations!" Kaburagi exclaimed, scurrying away.

…

The Blackthorn Estate was as prestigious as Jasmine imagined – so much she felt intimidated by the entrance alone. It consisted of two dragon statues at each side of the entrance gate. At the top laid the symbol of the Blackthorn clan. Once opened, there stood a long interlocked marble walkway with several homes on each side. A couple of residents walking about. Infrastructure similar to the homes and buildings seen in Ecruteak City, Jasmine observed the traditional nature of the private property – much different from the modernist approach of Olivine. Sliding doors, vertical columns, hidden roofs with pointy eaves at endpoints… clearly, the estate valued a more conservative approach of Johtonian living.

She listened to Kaburagi detailing the clan's estate having several locations of interest. Shrines, dojos, hot springs, vacation homes, the residencies of Clair, Lance, and the Elder. Finally, that Dragon's Den was to the east… connected to the estate. At the end of the tour, she and Dratini were lead to a guest house – given their own proper room and space.

For supper, Jasmine had mushroom soup seasoned with miso. She was told of the vegetables in the soup been hand grown in the gardens. She mused how well off the Blackthorn clan was from that fact. Much of a different caliber, but nonetheless was polite. Especially towards attendants who served her during her stay. Dratini was given a bath from the freshest waters and minerals, which he enjoyed immensely.

Clair checked in on Jasmine while on the phone with Myron. She had explained to her grandfather of the situation.

"I hope it's suitable for your liking," Clair said.

Jasmine had ended the call, turning to her. "Yes, this place is incredible. It almost feels like I am royalty! Erm, again… I am terribly sorry for overstaying my welcome in Blackthorn…"

Clair chuckled. "Don't worry about it, you'll be out in the morning. We couldn't just let you head back home in this storm. Besides, a nice change from all the craziness happening here as of recent. I'm glad I helped you out."

"I wonder what could have caused such a terrible incident at Dragon's Den…"

"We're investigating on that, but for now… we're trying to clean up and help out as many affected pokémon as we can."

"Um… if you'd like, I don't mind giving some assistance myself. I think it would be rude of me to – "

"Geez, how polite are you? Are such mannerisms common in Olivine? I think you should relax a bit. We're handling this crisis fine."

"Ah – right. Sorry."

"You're adorable," Clair snorted. "Well, have a good night. See you in the morning. Don't hesitate to ring that bell if you need assistance within the estate, all right?"

"I will. Have a good night… Clair."

...

Given fresh robes for sleepwear and a futon to sleep, Jasmine crawled in the covers. Dratini slithered under the blankets. His trainer made a sigh. "This place is amazing and warm to stay for the night, but we really should have went back home earlier..."

Dratini tilted his head.

"Oh, don't act like you're not the culprit! You were quite clingy with Lance!"

Dratini slunk his head back down from being called out. Even so, Jasmine brought her fingers to caress his scales. "Did you have fun today?" She asked. Dratini made a small noise and she cracked a grin. "I am so glad, rest now. We leave tomorrow morning. Good night, Dratini."

Jasmine drifted to sleep… the pouring rain fading away from her ears into complete silence. Dratini closed its eyes to follow, but unfastened from hearing faint voices outside. Curious, Dratini dropped out of the futon toward the door. The small opening made him slip through outside, encountering the source of the voices. One hastened through the rain with a dragonite, his cape drenched from touching the ground while a shorter older man ran after him.

"Master Lance! I implore you, please rest! It's horrible out here and - !"

"I'm sorry, but I can't. Not until I see this through."

Dratini's eyes lit up on seeing Lance, eager to play and his attention again. His time with him earlier wasn't enough, the baby dragon craved for more.

Kaburagi tightened the metal pole of his umbrella, yelling, "Stubborn as the dragons you raise! Do you want to get sick?!"

There was silence. Lance murmured, "It will be quick, I promise."

"Do you how many times I have to come up with excuses to mask your unprecedented escapades?! I feel it's only a matter of time before your grandfather finds out what you have been doing!" Dratini wiggled toward Lance quietly, but hid under a hosta plant to avoid detection. If anything, he wanted to make it a surprise.

"I have to do this, Kaburagi. I can't let anymore pokémon get hurt. I will bring those responsible to justice." He mounted on Dragonite. His tail, which was near the hosta, was ripe for Dratini to silently wrap himself around the tip. A mischievous move, but not much weight added, with Dragonite not detecting the extra pounds on his tail.

"...I understand but..." Kaburagi trailed off, sighing. He had learned from Lance about the recent investigations with Looker and of an infiltration he planned for tonight. Being a close confidant... Kaburagi was never one to spout Lance's secrets to the public or the clan despite him appearing to be a big talker. With Lance, he served with great respect. Although, he would usually give advice and guidance on the tasks at hand for Lance. But in this situation, he felt powerless. He wasn't going to convince Lance no matter what kind of speech he would prepare. No matter how many past lectures he has given, Lance was too stubborn over his sense of justice.

"...just return in one piece, Master Lance." It was all he could add, what more could he say?

"I will, thank you." It was Lance's final words before he flew out of the estate with Dragonite. He was grateful he had someone loyal who understood his position. Kaburagi closed his eyes in defeat, turning away.

Within the next ten minutes, Jasmine, who turned and muttered Dratini's name – woke up. "Dratini?" She inquired. She looked around, seeing no sign of the baby dragon. She pulled away the covers, nothing. She lifted the pillow. "Dratini?"

She jumped out of the futon. Jasmine scoured every inch of the room. Not in the drawers she opened, the fresh towels on the rack, under the kotatsu table, the bathroom... nowhere. She panicked, running outside to investigate every square inch. After searching for several minutes, she made further measures. Pulling out a poké ball, she tossed it and called out her skarmory, asking to track Dratini's scent.

Sniffing, Skarmory walked toward the marble walkway. She stopped and pointed her nose at the sky. Jasmine gasped. "But how? Was he caught by a wild pokémon?! Oh no.."

She commanded her skarmory to take the stormy skies, even if it wasn't recommended. Jasmine couldn't stay idle, nor found the time to ask for help. She wanted to do this herself.

"Hold on, Dratini..." She mumbled.

She was going to find him, one way or the other.

A/N: Apologies for the long wait on this chapter. Been quite busy as of late. I'll try to upload chapters more often, but I can't make any promises.

I wanted to dab into the Blackthorn clan here. Considering its reputation in the Pokémon world, it made sense to make them, well... wealthy? An elite and powerful dragon trainer clan that lives in the city near Dragon's Den with its own private estate. It's what I gathered from the lore of Lance and Clair hailing from a prestigious clan in the games. I picture them having a more conservative approach to life, this is really prominent in Johto. The traditional Japanese atmosphere it has compared to its neighboring region, Kanto... which is more modern. I like to think Blackthorn is probably the most traditional city behind Ecruteak. With Goldenrod and Olivine being the most modern cities of Johto.

Lance and Clair's relationship was also explored a bit here, given from the games - even spinoffs like Pokémon Masters makes me feel like they have a very, well it's not hateful, but I do see a rivalry between them. More so on Clair's part, as she feels Lance doesn't acknowledge her abilities as a dragon trainer enough. On the other hand, I feel they care for each other no matter how many disputes. It's... an interesting dynamic, haha.