She went through the lit-up walls of Dragon's Den. Blue boots clicked the bedrock as her signature cape concealed her outfit, only showing the shadow of her ponytail. Behind, a dragonair followed. Slithering in tandem.

At the entrance, Clair observed her fellow clan members. Many were composed of ace trainers and dragon tamers alike. The clan elders stood behind, watchful over her command and leadership over the last week. The cleansing of Dragon's Den from the invasive poison pokémon was in motion. Many were rounded up by her orders, clan members were sent to protect the dragon pokémon that resided inside. They were relocated somewhere deeper within the den. Somewhere safe from the deadly toxins.

"We reduced the lake's pollution by five percent," one dragon tamer reported. "But it's still hazardous. This may take months to clean up."

Clair nodded. "I see, we must continue cleansing our sacred keep. Continue purifying the lake."

"Yes, M'am!" The tamer saluted, scurrying to his group. Clair's grandfather - The Dragon Elder, placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Clair, I'm impressed with how you are handling the situation," he said. "You're starting to show similar qualities to that of Lance."

Clair scowled after hearing her cousin's name. A man known by many titles. The Indigo League Champion, The Dragon Master - an heir of the Blackthorn Clan, their greatest star. There were opportunities for the Elder and his fellow Masters to relate every duty Clair had back to Lance. While she scorned living under his shadow. Countless times, she made attempts to prove herself. Yet, even when she made achievements – Lance would be mentioned.

Even so, she wouldn't let it define her completely. She had her own goal, to become the greatest Dragon Master in the world. If she can handle this critical dilemma and save Dragon's Den, she would be hailed as a hero. Something she believed that Lance couldn't have. She recalled, that he had been traveling out of the region.

She made a small snort. "Of course, Grandfather. After all, I am a proud member of the Blackthorn clan and the best of all. A Dragon Master such as I am prepared to handle situations as these."

"I see that overconfidence remains within you, Clair."

Clair's eyes widened, swiftly turning to the direction of the voice. He was here, to her misfortune. "Lance?!"

"Ah, my dear grandson," The Elder greeted kindly. "Welcome home."

"Grandfather." Lance bowed in respect. "It's good to see you."

"I see you have returned from your most recent trip. How did it go?"

"Went fine, thank you. However, let's not talk about that right now. I came because of the recent news. Is it true? The invasion of poison pokémon into our sacred den? If so, I have come to help."

The Elder sighed deeply. "I'm afraid so, we're not sure where they came from. But they have invaded our holy land. We rounded up a good chunk of the population but there is still work to be done. Our springs have become polluted, there are ill dragon pokémon that we are currently treating. We managed to get others to safety, and there were incidents outside the den. It has been quite a tragic turn of events. But I am glad you have returned, my grandson."

He smiled at Clair. "Clair has been doing a wonderful job with handling the crisis. She has been quite the leader."

Clair pleased by the report, posed with a hand to her chest. "Why, thank you."

"However, now that Lance has returned, Clair… you may resume your duties as a gym leader. I am sure he can handle the rest."

"What?! Why are you allowing Lance to take charge? I thought I was doing a good job!"

"You have, but Lance has more experience. We appreciate your help, but you have done enough for now."

"Are you serious?! Ugh! I bet if he didn't just waltz in here you would let me do the job!"

"Clair, you have done wonderfully so far," Lance interjected, hand on her shoulder. "But, I would like to take lead from here. It is my duty as a proud heir of the Blackthorn clan to fulfill my role and set an example."

She huffed, pushing her cousin's hand away. "You always treat me like a child. Ugh, fine. I suppose your colleagues of the Pokémon G-Men informed you about this?"

"Pardon?"

"Some agents have been helping us out these past few days. I would have assumed they notified you."

"I… I did not inform the G-Men of this issue… yet." Lance pondered on their sudden interference and the only conclusion he came to was Looker and Interpol alerting them for aid. It made sense given he just left Looker while in the middle of speaking to come here. He wondered if he should have stayed to listen before making haste.

"Huh, they seem to be on the lookout," said Clair. "I'm going to call it wraps. Tomorrow we'll take care of the rest, might as well get some sleep since you're home."

"Yes. Get some rest Lance," the Elder said, patting his shoulder. "Tomorrow is a new day."

"I will." Lance turned away from his relatives. "I just need to visit someone first."

The windy plains under the moonlit sky were always breathtaking. Lance never failed to marvel at one of Dragon's Den's hidden gems – lying deeper within the terrain.

The Dragon Holy Land.

Blessed with pure air, lively trees, clear springs, rock cliffs, and meadows that stretched all across the plains - this sacred place was a haven for pokémon. To which the clan had preserved for many generations – and a sacred place for training.

Lance was no exception, he was familiar with this place since birth. Reminiscing one of his earliest memories of walking across the grassy hills of this beautiful land with his mother. They would visit the shrine located at the heart of the land. The Dragon Shrine, sitting on a small island surrounded by a small fresh pond and pillars - was one of the clan's most holy places of prayer to the ancient ancestors and dragons to protect Blackthorn. It was not common to see clan members visit.

He viewed clan members moving any injured or infected dragons for healing to the inward depths of the den – this land had remained untouched by the toxins. Many still working to heal and rest. Lance received warm welcomes from them as he pressed forward toward the shrine.

For at the heart of the holy land – lived the most prominent resident and guardian of this sacred place.

Especially when she was the dragon of the first Gym Leader of Blackthorn – an ancestor of Clair and Lance from centuries ago. And was the ancestor of many other dragonites that came after her existence.

Considered the Great Mother of Dragons of the Blackthorn clan, was a female dragonite bearing the name, Tiamat. Despite being old, still retained her beauty whenever she flapped her large wings and flew across the skies. Her eyes retained a clear vision of what occurred in her home and was in good health. She was a bit larger than the average dragonite, but still maintained her watchful personality and guidance that brought her worship by the people.

Lance arrived at the shrine. The pond was clear as ever – the reflection of the moon and stars glistening upon the water. Passing through the pillars, he saw Tiamat. The dragonite had been sitting near the edge of the pond, caring and watching over an injured dragon pokémon. She held a gabite that was recently treated to rest on her lap, gently caressing its baggy scales before it fell asleep. He smiled, pleased to see such compassion from the Great Mother as usual.

Approaching her softly, hoping not to be seen - Tiamat made a glance - her senses were too heightened for his own.

Lance chuckled. "I was hoping to make a surprise entrance." He sat next to her, caressing her scaly back. "Thank you. Thank you for your help."

Tiamat made a soft cry, almost blissful – taking the praise. Lance mirrored a grin, continuing to rub her back as she went rocked the gabite to sleep.

In the silence, Lance heard the running water within the shrine and looked up at the stars. He scanned for something, Tiamat looked up in response.

"The constellations," he murmured. "Do you remember? We used to go hunting for them when I was younger."

Tiamat nodded.

"It's a past time Mother introduced me to. But it's still something I do from time to time even on my travels. Let's see now…"

He pointed up. "There it is. One of my favorites. Do you want me to tell you the legend of Draco again, Tiamat?"

Hearing her tranquil cry, the Dragon Master chuckled. "Long ago, the time travel pokémon and Voice of The Forest – Celebi, was wandering through a dead and barren forest. Filling it with life and purity once again. During the transition, a dragon tamer witnessed its power – wanting the preserve the forest. They entrusted a dragon to protect the land… named Draco. It was shaped like a serpent, protective and ferocious in nature. Scaring any intruder that dared to come near the forest. Until…"

Lance closed his eyes. "…there was a clan that was desperate to harvest land for agriculture and settlement. They found the forest. There were many attempts to take over but all failed against the dragon guardian. Many of their best trainers were defeated, humiliated, or fell to their deaths. One day, a very powerful trainer stood up and challenged Draco to take the land. It was a battle to the death. As a final resort, the trainer commanded his dragon pokémon to sharply twist Draco's tail and threw it into the heavens. Its body turned into stars, forever marked upon the night sky."

Once finished, Tiamat whined – the usual response to the ancient tale.

"It's all right, remember… Draco is up there." Lance pointed again at the constellation – bright and visible. "Watching us, as always."

"Telling legends of our clan to Tiamat again, Master Lance?"

Lance turned his head.

"It has been a while, Master Lance." He was a faithful advisor of the Blackthorn clan, bowing. The Dragon Master's eyes peered toward the short man with a white mustache and bushy eyebrows. A full set of grey hair while wearing a dark retro collar shirt, beaming with a grin.

"Kaburagi, good to see you."

"It's wonderful that you have returned safe and sound among the chaos plaguing our home," Kaburagi said, giving his own pats to Tiamat. "With your guidance, I believe Blackthorn will make a full comeback shortly."

"Hah, you place too much faith in me. Remember to give yourself and everyone else in the clan credit for your hard work."

"As modest as ever Master Lance! Your character is an exemplar as always. It's no wonder you are seen as Blackthorn's greatest."

"Kaburagi please, spare the sentiment here. I don't need much praise when I haven't done any sort of action as the rest."

"As you wish, Master Lance. My apologies… you know I will always be in support of you. Of course, that isn't to ignore the incredible leadership Miss Clair has displayed! It seems she is finally maturing. Perhaps soon, she can retry the test regarding pokémon care…"

"That will be determined by Grandfather," Lance said. "I still believe Clair has much to learn given she holds some ego."

"Ah, but didn't you behave similarly when you were an Elite Four member?" Kaburagi asked. "You were quite cocky back then! I see you're becoming more of a gentleman each day. Now if only you find a lady to suit you! You're at a ripe time for marriage… or so the Elder would... propose! Hahaha!"

Lance shook his head. Just another one of the old man's puns that were part of his cheery demeanor. "You haven't changed."

"Well, this old body is still kicking! Can't knock me down, not when Goodra is by my side!" Behind, another dragon and his signature pokémon appeared with a large grin. He was quick to embrace Lance - the latter receiving sticky slime all over himself.

"Ah! Nice to see you too Goodra, but you're going to mess up my cape!"

"Oh come now Master Lance, he is so happy to see you!"

"I can see that…" Lance slowly made pats on Goodra's slippery body as he tightened the hug.

Once released, Lance tried to wipe the grime from his outfit. Some remnants stuck on his attire. "I'm going to need a bath."

"I'll prepare it for you!"

"You don't have to do that – "

"No Master Lance," Kaburagi argued. "I must insist. Consider it a welcome home gift."

"Heh, all right. Hey, mind if I ask something?"

"Certainly Master Lance. What is it?"

"Did you or anyone here manage to figure out the cause of the invasion?"

"No, we're still trying to figure that out ourselves," Kaburagi explained. "We're not sure where the sudden abundance of muk and grimer came from. Blackthorn is relatively a clean city. Johto has less pollution than Kanto. I'm sure you out of all would know this from the travels you go between the two regions."

Lance folded his arms. "I see, you're right. Kanto has a bigger problem with pollution due to being more industrialized. And if there's progress…"

He narrowed his eyes, a calculated look upon his face. "…it can lead to an impact."

"Could it be possible that they are starting to spread from Kanto? They did originate from there. We are one of the closest cities to the region."

"Perhaps… but it doesn't seem likely, there has to be something that is attracting them here. I'll have to further investigate this."

Standing up, Lance gave a final pet to Tiamat before departure. "I'm going to see if anyone needs some help around here before I sleep. Prepare the bath if you'd like, I shouldn't be too long."

"Of course Master Lance," said Kaburagi. "Be well."

In National Park, the Bug Catching Contest had made wraps. At the finale, the results were announced by one of the judges, listing from runner-ups to the winner.

One judge boomed through the microphone, "And first place goes to… Gym Leader Bugsy of Azalea Town!"

"Are you kidding me?!" Whitney cried, stomping her foot. She threw a fist in the air among the crowd of participants in the contest. "I thought I had the highest leveled pokémon!" She watched Bugsy step onto the stage, smirking at her when received the first place prize. Whitney pouted with her third-place prize. Meanwhile, Janina felt the soft texture of her consolation prize – a shed shell.

"Guess this is the ninth win and third win in a row against you," Bugsy taunted, stepping down the stage. Whitney stormed up to him. "You're lucky this is a bug-type contest! If it were a normal type, you'd be creamed!"

"I have to say, this net is great!" Bugsy was delighted over the net's performance. "It definitely feels lighter to use but the netting is very sturdy like a geodude!"

"Who cares about that?! I lost again!" Whitney whimpered over the loss.

"Please don't tell me you're gonna cry. You're older than me, you're supposed to set an example..."

A Pokégear rang, and both leaders scrambled pockets to see if it was their device. Instead, Janina picked up hers. "It's mine. Hello, this is Janina. Oh! Jasmine?!"

"Hello Janina." Jasmine watched Amphy with Dratini, who attempted to play with his tail in the Light Room. Amphy pushed the baby away with his flipper, shaking his head. "Um, did you retrieve Dratini's food from Whitney? You've been gone a long time, much longer than I anticipated."

"Oh, uh… yeah! Sorry! I didn't realize what time it is…" The shaky voice shifted Jasmine into a more serious tone. "What have you been doing?"

"Ack! Uh, I'll come home right away!"

"Janina – "

The young apprentice clicked on her Pokégear, turning to Bugsy and Whitney. "Okay, I gotta go! Jasmine is gonna kill me if I don't!"

"You got busted did you?" Whitney asked. Janina rushed to her bike, mounting it. "It was fun hanging out with you guys! See you around!"

Janina's own hastiness brought her downfall. She forgot to push up the kickstand with her foot and struggled to ride off. Whitney pushed up the stand, but to Janina's dismay, it brought her to a bad start. Her bike wobbled until she crashed to the ground. The bags of items in the bike's basket slipped out, inducing her to panic.

Whitney and Bugsy sighed, coming toward her aid.

"Watch Dratini, Amphy. I need to stop by Grandpa's house," Jasmine huffed, walking to the elevator. "I can't believe Janina would hang up on me. When she returns I'm going to give her a lecture!"

Magnemite circled behind, resting on her shoulder - making a short screech. "I know she tries her best, but she gets distracted too easily. She once played pretend as the gym leader to a trainer!"

The elevator landed on the first floor, opening its doors. "Grandpa must be waiting – "

"Ah, Jasmine!" Her grandfather called out. He had a jolly expression, wearing his signature aloha green shirt with oranges printed on it and white pants. He was at the entrance with grocery bags, delighted to see his granddaughter.

"Grandpa?!"

Myron chortled, setting the bags down.

"What are you doing here? What's with these bags?"

Myron straightened his circular glasses, grinning. "Well, I figured I would take a trip with your dinner to the lighthouse myself! You were taking quite a long time. As I got here, I found these groceries in front of the lighthouse. They're filled with pokémon food and bottled water for your dratini! Looks like your apprentice must have dropped them off here."

"That's strange," Jasmine said warily. "I was just on the phone with Janina. There's no way she's back yet."

"Oh? She hasn't returned? I thought for sure she did. Maybe Whitney dropped them off instead?"

"You didn't see anyone near the lighthouse, Grandpa?"

"No one at all."

"Let me check." Jasmine walked outside, eager to find out who left the bags. She was met with the cool night air. She searched to see if anyone was around the perimeter. Instead, she was met with kricketots buzzing in the bushes. Lights of Olivine's buildings had turned on as night crept through. The ocean calm was under its waves, and clouds rolling with the flying wingull. No trace. She hugged her arms from the night breeze, turning her heel back inside.

Inside, her Grandfather found a note in one of the bags. "For Jasmine," he read. "Please accept these gifts, they are for your dratini. Take care." He squinted his eyes through his lens at the signature below, but it was smudged... making it unidentifiable to read.

"Does it say who the recipient is?" Jasmine asked.

"No, the ink of the signature is blotted out," replied Myron. "Oh well. Looks like a good samaritan decided to leave you some goods for your dratini. That's very nice of them. Why don't we take the bags to the Light Room?"

In Ecruteak Dance Theatre, the Kimono Girls practiced a dance. Each of their bodies moved in sync with music that played throughout the theatre. First, they twirled, then flipped their fans before stepping into the final sequence.

"Excellent." The eldest and leader of the group, Lady Zuki, commented. She was spectating the choreography, pleased it was playing out well. "Continue to refine your steps with such precision. Remember this dance is to honor the Voice of the Forest. We must perform our best dance as an offering to the Ilex Forest's great guardian. The good fortune of the past, present, and future shall be blessed to people and pokémon all across Johto!"

"They're doing quite wonderful, Lady Zuki," said Morty, observing the dance.

It wasn't long before the final sequences were completed. The music stopped, and Lady Zuki clasped her hands. "Magnificent! I am quite confident that we are near perfection, there were a few missteps in the beginning and toward the end, but that solution is fixable. With that, ends rehearsal tonight. Fellow sisters, I will see you all tomorrow."

The other ladies made bows as a farewell before exiting the stage. Zuki directed her attention to Morty. "And you, Leader Morty. Thank you for your service today. I would like to offer you some payment."

He declined her request. "No need, Lady Zuki. I'm glad I could help you."

"Your kindness precedes the goodwill of Ecruteak's people. You are a fine example of such character."

"I wouldn't go that far. I just care very much about my hometown and Johto. The history, the culture, the people, all of it."

Lady Zuki hummed. "That is a wonderful thing, never lose your compassion and kind heart. However…"

Morty rose an eyebrow when Zuki sat on her knees down to the floor. The lights dimmed across the theater. Her umbreon marched forward, holding her bag in his mouth. "Please sit and have tea with me. There is something troubling you and I would like to assist you in any way I can."

Morty was reluctant, but the urging of Zuki had him succumb to her wish. "All right." He sat down, with Zuki unfolding a small table in front of them. Next, she placed two black yunomis on top. One for her and the guest, before she would prepare the tea.

As she set up, she beckoned Morty to speak. "Now then, please tell me. I sense something has happened when you went to pick up Umbreon and the egg."

Morty took a deep breath to explain today's events from the daycare onward. It was quite a story to Zuki, but listened intently without saying such a word. So much that once he had finished - the tea was ready.

"Ah, perfect timing." Zuki turned off the heat. She brought the hot kettle to pour into the cups, then set it down. Zuki pressed her drink toward her lips, inhaling the soft scent of fresh herbs. She took a sip.

"So Morty, you met with Champion Lance?"

"I was dragged into it," Morty said. "I never really expected to come into contact with him. It's just… I've never really talked to him that much before. He's always been… distant. Like he's the champion of Johto, but he always seems to be more associated with Kanto. He spends more time there and travels frequently. The times we see him here are almost zero."

"Not only that but there's also the current situation. It must be stressing him out if dragon pokémon are becoming sick from wild poison attacks. I always feared some great plague could hit our region."

"But why is it happening?"

"I don't know… but…" Zuki reached out for her tea. "I did hear Celadon City in Kanto had a similar issue where poison types as muk had invaded their ponds and streams. There were a few cases of pokémon and people getting sick, and while there were efforts to remove them – ultimately, the population became too widespread for the city to control."

"That's terrible, muk pose a great threat to life."

"Such is the fate of an urban living, never quite in harmony with nature. Always bringing a sort of chaos to the balance of it."

Morty surmised on reasons. "Could it be that they have spread out throughout Kanto that it reached here?"

"If that were the case, it would make headlines. I believe the rest of the region managed to contain the poison pokémon to Celadon."

"I see…"

Silence ensued.

"Still musing on your encounter with Master Lance?" Zuki asked, breaking the peace.

"Oh, well... I think might understand better now," Morty murmured. "We talked about our goals a bit when he drove me back to the Daycare, and he gave me advice. They were solid, but… he sounded stressed. Like he is putting on some sort of brave face. It must be hard, being Champion and all. I used to think it was just a luxury title of little weight. You're mostly in charge of the Pokémon League and have the opportunity to travel all over the world just enhancing your strength and power. I suppose if you climb to the top you reap the rewards."

"Does his ambition bother you?"

"No, it's good that he has goals but… I think…"

"…that you should also care for the people, pokémon, and region you represent. There's more to a Pokémon Champion than the glory and conquest for fame and power."

"I understand, Lady Zuki."

"I don't believe Champion Lance is a selfish man," said Zuki. "Far from the wretched rumors people here have of him. It's true, he appears distant and stoic in Johto, but perhaps he is that way because of his reception here. It's not terrible, but he certainly isn't welcomed warmly like in Kanto. He gets criticized for spending more time there, but I don't think our fellow Johtonians realize the alienation he gets. I am sure with the right person, he can be true to himself here too. I say the next time, you should extend that compassion. Next time you see him, invite him to a historical site. Make him feel welcome."

"I'm not exactly the friendliest person," Morty admitted shamefully.

"Oh? Then who do you think would be best suited to make him feel more at home? In fact, this is his home. Even if he is more associated with Kanto, Johto is his birthplace. Where do you think he should go?"

"Well…" He contemplated on an answer, before looking straight at her.

"Olivine City."

"Why is that?" Zuki was interested.

"I heard Whitney mention something earlier about Lance helping Jasmine with a dratini. Maybe he might have some business there already."

"That's fascinating. I didn't know the Gym Leader of Olivine had a dratini."

"Yeah, I didn't know either. Jasmine got it in a trade and Whitney went to buy food for it at the department store. She saw Lance at the department store earlier today, buying the same products."

Zuki smiled. "What a kind man. He must be helping Jasmine in some way."

"Whitney says otherwise, but why else would he be there?"

"Does she?"

"Well, she also got into an argument with Lance... something on joking about his attire being like a children's hero. He didn't like that and called her out on it. Now, she thinks of him as some arrogant elite."

Zuki sighed. "And this is what I speak of. She is not doing any favors by creating turmoil against our league's champion. It'll only create division within the Pokémon League. Such behavior will only drive him away further."

"I know. I think Whitney should apologize."

"Indeed, talk with her about the behavior. But back to your question... that would require for you to ask him yourself. Or Jasmine, but only time will tell. Who knows? Perhaps, his recent encounter with the dratini can bring new beginnings for Champion Lance. I suggest you focus on the positive aspects of recent events. Did this conversation help?"

"I do feel better." Morty smiled lightly. Lady Zuki's wisdom never failed to bring comfort. He bowed in respect. "Thank you, Lady Zuki."

"It is my pleasure, moving on…" She pointed at the cup with her fan. "You have not once touched your tea! I will not let it go to waste, Leader Morty!"

"Oh, right!" Morty took a sip of the drink, much to Zuki's pleasure. She set her fan down.

"How is it?"

He took a few moments for his taste buds to absorb the flavor.

"It's… refreshing, Lady Zuki. Thank you."

A/N: A couple of notes I'd like to make.

More references to the anime here - the Dragon Holy Land and the dragonite that resides there. I incorporated that from the Johto saga anime and expanded it. Along with Kaburagi, who is the gym referee of Blackthorn in the anime. From the episodes he was in, it appears he has close ties to the Blackthorn clan and is quite knowledgeable about the city. Figured adding him with an extra role of butler/confidant to Lance and Clair would be fun to do. Alfred Pennyworth, anyone? Haha.

The name, Tiamat, was chosen for the dragonite due to being a reference to the Mesopotamian goddess of the same name. Usually depicted as a dragon or sea serpent, and is the goddess of the salt sea. You could also go with the DD route, where Tiamat is the queen of evil dragons. Although, the Tiamat in this story is not vile, heh.

Finally, the constellation of Draco - is a real constellation. It's latin for Dragon. I wrote the myth Lance tells based on the mythological tales of the constellation. One is the story of Hercules and his task to steal golden apples from the garden of Hesperides. He had to fight against Ladon, the dragon who guarded the garden to retrieve the apples. Ladon was slain by Hercules, and upon its death - was placed in the sky as tribute by the gods, becoming the constellation.

The second is the Roman tale of the constellation, where Draco was one of the giants who fought against the gods. Draco was killed by the goddess Minerva, who twisted its tail and threw it toward the sky. It was frozen before it could unwrap itself, trapped in the sky for eternity.