Chapter 67: Going for Number Two

In spite of Goh and Chloe's new relationship, life continued on as normal in Vermillion City, though slightly different. Chloe still went to school, and Goh still searched for leads on Mew, but at the lab things were different. The two were almost inseparable, where one was the other was bound to be nearby. While they hadn't gone on any dates just yet, it was clear their was chemistry between the two.

One morning, Goh, Chloe, Ash, and Lillie were hanging out in the common room. Goh and Chloe were working on homework, while Ash and Lillie were cuddling on the couch while they slept. Just then, Goh's phone went off, disturbing the silence.

"It's from Project Mew! My next Trial Mission is in."

"Great, what is it?"

When Goh saw what the mission was, his eyebrow quirked.

"Collect a Dragon Fang?"

"Dragon Fangs? Aren't those super rare?"

"Wherever will you find one of those?"

Professor Cerise, who had been walking past on his way to the lab, chimed in with some helpful information.

"I've heard that large quantities of them can be found in the Dragon Holy Land outside of Blackthorn City in the Johto Region."

"The Dragon Holy Land? Isn't that the supposed starting point for every evolutionary line of Dragon type Pokemon?"

Chloe just sighed sadly.

"Well, then I guess you've failed before you even got started. The entrance to that place is guarded by the Dragon Tamer Clan, among which consist of trainers considered the best in the world. There's no way they'll let you anywhere close to it."

Goh's heart sank. Ash, however, was not deterred

"Wait a minute! I know the Gym Leader of Blackthorn City, and she's part of that clan. I'm sure she can put in a good word for us."

"Are you sure?"

"There's only one way to find out!"

With a plan in mind, our heroes set out for the Johto Region. It didn't take them long before they reached Blackthorn City, and were on their way to the Blackthorn Gym. When they entered, they found Clair in the middle of a battle, her Kingdra going up against a trainer's Poliwrath.

"Dragon Breath, Kingdra!"

Kingdra released a beam of energy at Poliwrath, knocking it into a wall. Once he slid down to the ground, it was clear he was knocked out.

"Poliwrath is unable to battle, Kingdra wins! Which means that the gym leader Clair is the winner!"

"Good job, Kingdra. Return!"

The trainer sighed sadly, and walked out the door, not even acknowledging the four of them as they entered the gym. When Clair saw who had entered the gym, she smiled.

"Ash! Long time no see! Who are your friends?"

"Hey Clair, been a while. These are Lillie, Chloe, and Goh."

"Nice to meet all of you! So, what brings you to Blackthorn City? You're not challenging the Johto League again, are you?"

"No, but we could use your help with something."

Goh stepped up and explained about Project Mew and his trial mission.

"And so, I humbly request your permission to enter the Dragon Holy Land."
Clair was silent for a moment, before nodding.

"Very well, I will give you access. But I must warn you, your quest will not be an easy one."

"I'm ready."

After Clair closed the gym, she led the group of four North of Blackthorn City, to the entrance of the Dragon's Den.

"Here we are, the Dragon's Den. These caverns are the last trial to get to the Dragon Holy Land. Anyone without the proper knowledge of which tunnels to take would be lost down there forever."

She then handed Goh a map.

"Follow this exactly, and you'll reach the Holy Land Safely. I've already called them and let them know you're coming, but the rest is up to you."

Goh nodded, and accepted the map.

"Thank you."

Clair then turned to his friends.

"Only Goh can go ahead. The rest of you will need to wait here with me."

Ash, Chloe, and Lillie nodded, Chloe stepping up to give him a good luck kiss.

"Don't get yourself killed before we've had a chance to have a proper date."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

And so, with one last look towards his friends, Goh made his way into the dark tunnel. Chloe watched him go worriedly.

"Be careful, Goh."

The caverns were very dark, with the only sources of light being a few torches and a flashlight Clair had been kind enough to provide. Still though, Goh was not deterred, and carefully made his way deeper into the tunnels.

Eventually, he came to a giant underground lake. He could see the exit right across from where he stood, but a whirlpool was preventing him from reaching it.

"Good thing I came prepared. Go, Dewgong!"

After Dewgong was released, Goh climbed onto her and she carried him across the lake. The whirlpool was a tricky crossing, but they managed to get across without any accidents. Once he was on dry land again, Goh returned Dewgong to her Pokeball before turning towards the entrance.

"Here we go."

Taking a deep breath, he stepped through the opening into the Holy Land. When Goh saw what was on the other side, he could only stare in awe. As far as the eye could see were Dragon type Pokemon, from Pokemon as big as Dragonite and Duraludon to as small as Axew. All of them were living in harmony with one another, without fear or distrust of one another.

"Wow.".

"Excuse me, are you Goh?"

Goh turned to see an elderly gentleman in a blue robe staring him down. He didn't know why, but just the very presence of the man was enough to send shivers down his spine.

"Y-yes?"

"Come with me."

Confused, Goh followed the elder into the Dragon Shrine, where he instructed the teen to sit down.

"Tell me young man, what are Pokemon to you?"

"Why, they're my friends, of course!"

The elder hummed in thought, staring Goh down intensely.

"I see. And what helps you win battles?"

Goh thought for a minute. There were a number of answers, but he had a feeling the man was looking for something in particular.

"Strategy, and a belief in your Pokemon.

"Hmm. What kind of trainer do you wish to battle?"

"Well, I'm not much of a battler. But if anyone wants to battle me, and my Pokemon want to battle too, I'd be more than happy to take them on!"

"Oh, I understand. What is most important for raising Pokemon?"

Again, Goh had to think for a minute, weighing all of the possible options before answering.

"Knowledge. Knowledge of how to properly train and care for them."

"Yes, of course. And now son, I have but one final question to ask you: strong Pokemon, weak Pokemon. Which is more important."

This time Goh knew exactly what to say.

"Neither. A weak Pokemon can become a strong one with the proper care and training, and a strong Pokemon can become even stronger. All that matters is how the trainer trains them."

The elder said nothing for a while, he just continued to stare into Goh's eyes. Goh thought he might combust from the intensity. At last, the old man stood up and walked to the back of the shrine. A moment later, he returned and held out two items to Goh.

"Congratulations son, you passed the test."

"Test? What do you mean?"

"You see, the Dragon Fang is a very special item to our people. I can't let just anyone who wants one take one, so I needed to make sure you had a good heart. From your answers and your convictions, I can tell that you truly care about Pokemon. Henceforth, you may take this."

The elder opened his hand to reveal a Dragon Fang. Goh smiled, and accepted it.

"Wow, thank you so much! I promise, you made the right choice!"

Goh was about to leave, but the elder stopped him.

"Just a moment, I have one more thing I'd like to give you."

He then handed Goh a Pokeball, which he opened to reveal a Dratini. The young dragon type crawled over to Goh, nuzzling his leg.

"You're really giving me this Dratini?"

"I am. She's powerful, but very young. She needs a good trainer to help her reach her full potential, and I believe you are the perfect one for the job."

Goh smiled, and gently picked the Dragon type up into his arms.

"Thank you, I won't let you down!"

Back at the entrance, Ash, Lillie, and Chloe waited with Clair for Goh to return from his quest. A few hours had gone by, and the sun was starting to set. Chloe was starting to get worried.

"Please be safe, Goh."

Lillie smiled, and patted her shoulder reassuringly.

"Don't worry, I'm sure he's alright."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because he's Goh."

Almost as if on cue, Goh appeared from the tunnel, Dragon Fang proudly in his hand.

"Mission accomplished!"

Chloe squealed happily, and gave him a quick kiss. Clair smiled in approval.

"Well done, kid."

After staying the night in the Pokemon Center, the quartet returned to Vermillion City the next morning. The Pokemon at the park made sure to make Dratini feel welcome, Dragonite even giving her a big hug.

"So, the elder really let you have her."

"Yep. He trusted me to raise her properly, and I won't let him down!"

Incoming call from Project Mew! Incoming call from Project Mew!

"They must be calling about the mission!"

"Well, what are you waiting for? Answer it!"

Goh took out his phone and hit the reply button, bringing up a screen with Danika on it.

"Did you get the Dragon Fang, Danika?"

"I did, and I'm sending your token over now."

Just then, a huge explosion was heard on her side of the phone call.

"What was that?"

Daniika sighed in frustration.

"I told him to wait for me. Sorry Goh, I've got to go. We've located a den with a Regirock inside, and Quillon's trying to draw it out. We'll contact you soon with more work."

With that, the call ended, and a Project Mew Token replaced Danika's face on the screen.

"Wait, did she say Regirock?"

"Man, being a Chaser must be awesome!"

Goh smiled, eyes teeming with excitement.

"Yeah, and I'm going to become one!"