In the cool morning air, the sun shined upon Johto's metropolis. Light stretched across Goldenrod's skyscrapers under blue skies. For Whitney, it was a perfect day to run a favor. Jasmine called at such a good time, Whitney reminisced on the conversation with her earlier this morning. She listened on the phone regarding an update on the new dratini trade. The details were exciting, she primed a goofy grin. "You're kidding. You're telling me… the Champion of our league, the Champion Lance actually came to the lighthouse?!"

"Yes, he assisted me with Dratini. He's doing much better now thanks to his help," said Jasmine. "I did not expect him to show up at all. It... was quite a surprise."

"Wow, that's amazing! Think he'll be coming over often to help you raise him?"

Jasmine wasn't sure whether to tell Whitney of the more disenchanting details. Noticeably, Lance's stance on her keeping Dratini. There was a pregnant pause before refuting through the speakers, "No, this was probably a one-time thing."

"Geez, have more confidence in yourself! Maybe he'll come around again. Although, Bruno is way cooler if you ask me."

"I – I see..."

"Really Jazzy? You don't find anyone in the Elite Four and our Champion cool or cute?"

"Well..." Jasmine twisted her finger around the base of her Pokégear. Generally, she didn't pay attention to such for such trivial matters. Until now. "I never really thought much about them other than being strong and upstanding trainers."

"I see. None of them meet your interests? Understandable. You're too good for them anyway."

Whitney snickered. Jasmine's face blushed a bright red. "That's not what I meant! I do respect them! Why are you twisting my words?!"

"Can't help it." For all of her years knowing Jasmine, Whitney enjoyed the light teasing with her. Quite obvious since they had been friends since childhood. Maybe getting a kick out of her reactions. At the same time… Goldenrod's Gym Leader did find Jasmine beautiful. To confess that was nearly impossible from Whitney's own hubris of finding herself the cutest girl in all of Johto. Or so, that was her excuse.

Whitney heard a quick sigh from her Pokégear, Jasmine changed the subject. "Um, if you don't mind... could you make a trip to the department store? I would love it if you could buy these two items for Dratini. I would go to Goldenrod myself but I have some gym battles to attend. I even decided to postpone visiting Blackthorn until tomorrow. I'll have someone come to pick it up later today."

"Sure, what are the names?"

"All right, it's – "

"Fresh algae and Blackthorn Mineral Water." Whitney had repeated to herself in the present. "That shouldn't be a problem! Watch over the gym for me, girls! I'll be right back!"

The trainers in the gym marked their goodbyes as she stepped outside, breathing in the fresh air. She beamed a bright smile and stretched out. "If I have time, maybe some softball practice later. First, to the department store."

It would only be a ten-minute walk. Whitney was thankful the store was close to the gym - save passing by crowded streets with people greeting at every corner. Many businesses lined up around, with Whitney being Goldenrod's Gym Leader - she was easily recognizable to the public. First, she passed by a market where an old couple offered her fresh orange juice to start the day. Next, she met up with a young man who advertised the opening of his convenience store. He boasted about its prices being an excellent saver for quality goods. Of course, Whitney would nod the chatter continued. Why not lift the man's spirits by appearing interested? Shortly after, she had to cut off the conversation. Even if he insisted on continuing with his speech, it would only drag on.

The nearby bookstore displayed books regarding training baby pokémon at the window. Ah, of course! How could she forget where she needed to go? It seemed entertaining with the crowds of her hometown only distracted her from the main goal.

Upon arriving her destination, was a giant building that was six floors high. It was the biggest shopping mall in Johto, matching the store in Celadon City of Kanto. Crowds walked in and out of the sliding doors, busy as usual. Entering, Whitney greeted the front desk.

"Welcome to Goldenrod Department Store, Leader Whitney!" The attendant said cheerfully. "Are you looking for anything in particular?"

"Hey, what's up? Got these items?" Whitney showed off images of the two products in her Pokégear.

"Certainly! They're on the second floor where the Trainer's Market is. The counter people on the second floor should tell you of their specific locations."

"Thanks!" Whitney bid her farewell to the reception desk before heading up the escalator. Ignoring her view, she crashed into a familiar friend with short purple hair and dressed in a green uniform. "Oof!"

"Yikes! Whitney, watch where you're going!" Bugsy yelled, whipping toward her with a huff.

"Bugsy?! What brings you here?!" Whitney mused on the appearance of Azalea Town's Gym Leader and youngest of the league. Their last encounter was near Ilex Forest. Bugsy had been training Whitney on bug-catching. At the time, she was intrigued to participate in the Bug Catching Contest at National Park.

"Looking for a new net." Bugsy sighed, showing giant torn holes upon his current one. "Beedrill accidentally wrecked this one apart and there is a Bug Catching Contest today. This place has better bug nets than the Poké Mart in Azalea."

"That sucks. Sorry to hear that."

"It's fine, this one was getting old anyway. Last I remembered, the nets should be on the second floor."

"Make that two of us then."

"Really?" Bugsy went up the escalator with Whitney not far behind. "Coming for a net too?"

"Nah, I'm going to the second floor for something else. Doing a small favor for Jasmine."

"What kind of favor? Is it regarding the dratini she acquired from Lyra? Heard about that."

"Yep, someone from her gym is coming to pick up the purchase. Jasmine can't come here today due to some gym battles, so I am doing the shopping!"

"That's nice of you. I'm sure Jasmine will appreciate it."

The two Gym Leaders had arrived at The Trainer's Market. Many aisles lined the floor. Medicines, herbs, potions, ball capsules, repels, and other items were spread throughout the store. The two received greetings from the cashiers at the counter.

"Guess we'll split up for now," Whitney said. "I do need to talk to you about setting me up for the bug contest later."

"Cool, see you in a bit." Bugsy turned left. Whitney cut right off the floor, where the pokémon food was. She faced the canned goods in one aisle. "Nope, not here."

Whitney went to the next aisle, displaying mostly dry pokémon goods. "Definitely not here. Maybe it's where the refrigerated stuff is? Jasmine did say they were cold bags. Hm, this calls for…"

Pulling out a Poké ball, she pressed the button to enhance its size before throwing it. "Miltank, come on out!" Her iconic and tough pink cow pokémon emerged from the light of the capsule, making a quick moo to her trainer. Miltank was her most fierce pokémon, bringing many trainers to their knees in a challenge. But beneath her tough exterior, held a very loyal and kind spirit.

"Hey Milky, mind helping me find these products? They're for Jasmine." Miltank absorbed the images from Whitney's Pokégear, before responding with a happy moo.

"Awesome, let's get to it!" The duo searched around the aisle. Miltank made its way into the next one. She called out for Whitney to trail forth. "Find it?"

Seeing the refrigerated items on the corner, Whitney clasped her hands. "All right! Great job, Miltank – "

"What do you think, Dragonite? Do they look fresh?"

The Gym Leader fell silent. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Lance inspected the food she had been looking for. Dragonite shook his head in reply and his trainer placed it back. "You're right, looks a bit dry…"

"W – what…" Whitney mumbled. She thought she was going mad by this random encounter with Lance in Goldenrod's department store. She heard no news of the Indigo League Champion's arrival, bringing her off the rails. A strange surprise. What is he doing here? She thought. She couldn't think of any reason for Lance's existence. Goldenrod did not sell the capes he loved to purchase like in Celadon. And he was near the exact place she would be in.

"Whit, there you are! Turns out I found my new net faster than I thought," Bugsy shouted, scurrying to her. "I brought another net that I think might fit you too! It's beginner-friendly - !"

Whitney pulled Miltank and Bugsy to hide behind the aisle. Lance swiveled swiftly in suspicion.

"Huh?! Whit - !"

"Shhh!" Whitney hushed the bug-type Gym Leader, hiding behind some boxes of pokémon goods. The two were unaware that a shadow was nearing them. "He's… here! He's here in Goldenrod, I can't believe it!"

There was exasperation in her voice, along with shaking hands around Bugsy's shoulders. He was dumbfounded. "Who?"

"May I help you?" Lance asked, startling the two and Miltank. He folded his arms with a small glare, Dragonite doing the same pose. He suspected being watched, and he was seeing how disheveled the two were in front of him.

"Crap, busted…" Whitney whispered. "Remain cool, got it?"

"Uh, okay…" Bugsy murmured. Whitney released him, facing Lance with a nervous laugh. "Oh no, nothing at all! What brings you to Goldenrod, Champ?"

"Oh! You're Whitney… leader of the Goldenrod Gym." Lance's expression softened. He smiled warmly discovering that the two were not dubious people. "Pleasure to see you."

"Yup! Nice to see you too!"

"And Bugsy." Lance shook his hand. "Gym Leader of Azalea Town, it's been a while."

"Hello, Champion Lance. What are you up to?"

"Just shopping. Do you need anything? It seemed like you two wanted to talk to me."

"Nope!" Whitney cried. "It's rare to see you in Goldenrod!"

Lance laughed softly. "You have a point, I mostly shop at Celadon's department store. Their capes are top-notch, perfect for my wardrobe."

"You're more seen in Kanto, right?" asked Bugsy.

"Yes... I spend more time there than in Johto, but that doesn't mean I forgot about our home region. I'm the champion here too."

"As long as you don't forget the little people…"

Lance formed a frown. "Of course not, I care for the Johto region just as much."

"Then why spend more time there?" Whitney placed her hands on her hips. "Like Kanto better?"

"It's not that I prefer Kanto. It's more that I've associated myself there a lot it's hard for me to let go."

Whitney snorted. "Oh just admit it. You like Kanto better. Guess I don't blame you with the rest of Johto still stuck on old beliefs and traditions. Plus, Goldenrod doesn't have the accessory you shop for the most."

"Whit, we're more rural but there's nothing wrong with that," Bugsy argued. "We don't need to be like Kanto, we have a long history too. They don't even have a bug-type gym."

Whitney shrugged. "I'm just saying. It wouldn't hurt for Johto to modernize a bit more, you know?"

"Aren't you supposed to shop for pokémon food?" Bugsy was unamused when he switched the subject, Whitney remembered. "Oh crap! I better get that. Unless…"

She pointed at the bags of cold seaweed Lance held. "Why do you have those?"

"This? Well, I was buying some for myself." Dragonite behind him drew out a different look, snorting. "What?"

"Looks like Dragonite doesn't agree." A sly smirk peered from Whitney's lips. "Heard you went to visit the Glitter Lighthouse last night. You're a real shining knight, you know?"

"Excuse me?"

"You helped out Jasmine with her dratini! Now I see why you wear the cape! You're like a superhero!"

Lance drew out a long look. Whitney discovered his visit to Olivine and the lighthouse last night. Had news spread so quickly over his encounter with Jasmine? Knowing Whitney's behavior from word of mouth, he grew concerned over the gossip she could cook up. "Oh, she needed assistance. I just like to help others in need, that's all. The cape is part of my uniform as a Dragon Master."

"You're sure you're not cosplaying? It makes you look like a superhero instead! Got inspired by comics from Unova or something? You even got the same angry expression most heroes have with those thick eyebrows!"

Lance scowled, sensing his profile being mocked. "I think it's time we end this discussion."

"Huh, why's that?"

"Whitney, I think you should know better than to harp on childish drivel. It's foolish and certainly doesn't leave a good impression for a Gym Leader of the Johto League."

"Oh lighten up, Champ! I'm just kidding around!"

"Uncalled for. I understand you're one for fun and games, but I would prefer respect next time."

He glanced at his Pokégear for the time. "I have to go, I have some business to attend to. I hope you take some of my advice into consideration. Nice seeing you, let's go Dragonite."

The dragon followed his trainer, departing from the aisle. Whitney clenched her fists and huffed. Lance's judgment left her feeling crushed, almost on the verge of crying. "Ugh, jerk! I thought Lance was friendlier! Everyone says he's so nice, but I see he's a big meanie! You know what they say about the elite, corrupt and full of baloney!"

"Maybe his appearance is a sensitive topic," Bugsy said.

"He could have laughed it off! It's not like I insulted Clair or anything. What a total bore."

"Or maybe he was in a bad mood, who knows? You should finish up the shopping."

Whitney waved her hand, walking away. "Oh, whatever. Let's go Miltank… finish up what we came for."

An hour and a half later, Lance was focused on his next duty. It was a good enough distraction after the minor strife with Whitney, to which he wasn't pleased with her banter. Despite his kind demeanor, Lance wasn't for such a trivial discussion. Whitney meant no harm, but for him - he deemed it inappropriate. He dealt with enough scrutiny and maintained a good image as is. His cape did have some see him as a joke, and his eyebrows had him in a constant state of seriousness that many thought he was always angry. The latter not being the case, it wasn't even something he could change. Then, there were trainers from past battles who laughed and mocked his attire but were proven wrong once he was in battle. That he was a force to be reckoned with. It earned him a reputation for being the fierce Dragon Master.

And while he wouldn't admit it, he did care about his image. His reputation of being an excellent role model for future Dragon Tamers and the Blackthorn clan depended on it.

The shopping went by faster than he anticipated. He was outside Goldenrod's bicycle shop – except it expanded into something further in terms of transportation.

"Here is the last Master Lance," said an elderly man. He set the bag in the trunk of the rental car, locking it in place with the other groceries the Dragon Master bought.

"Thank you," Lance said kindly.

"It's no trouble. I'm happy the shopkeeper of the bicycle shop in Cerulean City managed to find new business with rental cars. They have become quite popular in Kanto, and now in Johto! Just take this, it's the gas card for the car."

"Of course." Lance placed it in his pocket. "Now before I leave, there is something I need to ask."

"Certainly. What is it?"

"I've been hearing about some cases of dragon pokémon getting sick across the region. There's a Pokémon Daycare south of here on Route 34. Recently, I hear there may be a case there. Know anything about this strange illness?"

"Hmm." The old man toyed with his beard. "I did hear it may have something to do with poison pokémon."

"Anything else?"

"No, I'm afraid that is all I heard. The daycare owners should be able to give you more information."

"Thank you, I appreciate your help." Lance opened the car's front door and sat in the driver's seat. He checked the mirrors and set his seating to a comfortable position.

"Is there anything else you need from me, Champion Lance?" The old man inquired.

"No, that will be all. I'll be sure to return this car later tonight." Lance turned on the engine. "Thank you again."

"Of course, Champion Lance."

He watched the young man pull out the car from the parking lot before turning left. It was clear Lance was heading south to the daycare but mentioned earlier about heading toward Olivine City. He chuckled, no need to wander into someone else's business.

"Excuse me."

The old man turned to face a preteen on a bike. She wore a yellow tank top, and jean shorts, and had dark green hair. Two pink hair clips kept her bangs neatly swept on the side of her forehead, with brown eyes staring at the man.

"My name is Janina. I am the apprentice of Leader Jasmine of the Olivine Gym. Where can I find Leader Whitney of the Goldenrod Gym?"

In the Pokémon Daycare, the Gym Leader of Ecruteak City straightened his scarf, waiting patiently for the elderly Daycare lady. She was attending to another client prior to his arrival. Morty had plenty of time to return back to the Ecruteak Theater with Umbreon, the egg, and the ditto to Lady Zuki, who had requested a favor of him. Her own reasons involved that the egg would be given away as a gift for an upcoming performance at the theater with her sisters. Morty was eager to attend the upcoming event and vowed to honor her request.

He overheard voices from the entrance of the daycare, which gradually increased to screaming and crying.

"How could you let this happen?! So irresponsible!" A young woman stormed out of the room with a pokémon, a dragonair who fell ill. Morty observed the horrid state of the dragon pokémon… dry lips with eyes brimmed with fatigue, quivering her scales as a fever plagued her.

"Wait Miss!" The Daycare lady called out. "Allow me to finish treating your dragonair!"

The girl who appeared to be of the lass class sobbed. "I'm never coming here again! I'm heading to a Pokémon Center!" She frantically ran out of the Daycare, not caring about the upcoming car nearing the driveway.

"Miss!" Morty called out, running after her. He managed to grab her before she made a step into the driveway's pavement. The girl's sobs increased, falling to her knees while gripping her whimpering pokémon.

Morty held her tight, grateful nothing escalated to injury. He looked up at the car that stopped in front of them. Lance stepped out of the vehicle, standing tall and authoritative over them. He observed them intently before his somber eyes moved to the dragonair. Its weakened state lead him to speak in a ferment manner, tone dangerously low.

"Explain."

A/N: Shout out to some good friends on Discord/IRL who have helped me out with writing this story so far.

Next, Janina is a character from the Pokémon anime. She was Jasmine's apprentice in the Johto saga. I went with a redesign from her original counterpart.

In regards to Whitney's comments towards Lance - 'the comics from Unova' is a reference to American comics (DC, Marvel, IDW, Dark Horse, etc). Unova is largely based on America and New York City, comics are probably popular there as they are in the US. The Pokémon series tend to have real-life influences so I figured it would be appropriate. Also, many of their covers (DC & Marvel in particular) have their heroes always looking aggressive and or dark. That's what Whitney thinks of when she sees Lance. A dark hero that stepped out of a comic book.

Interestingly, Lance does give me an impression of a dark vigilante. Not just the cape - but to be associated with the Pokémon G-Men in the anime and helping the player out in the games by infiltrating Team Rocket's base. I'm a sucker for heroic vigilantes (like Batman, an avid fan... I read a lot of comics in general). Maybe that's a reason why Lance is my favorite champion. I do have plans in exploring that side of him further in later chapters.

This fanfic is also available at Archive of Our Own, under the same title.