Sitting across from Cynthia at the Indigo Plateau's dining hall, I cut into my steak with precise, methodical movements. The savory scent mingled with the warm aroma of Cynthia's curry, creating a comforting ambiance. Yet, beneath this veneer of normalcy, my thoughts were anything but relaxed.

I glanced up at Cynthia, her usual calm demeanor slightly marred by a furrowed brow as she took a bite of her curry. "So, Ash really didn't breathe a word to us until he had everything set with Leon," I said, a mix of pride and worry evident in my tone.

Cynthia nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "He's come a long way, Lance. He's handling his responsibilities as Champion of the Orange Islands better than we could have hoped. But this situation with Eternatus… it's different."

I set my fork down, leaning back in my chair. "Eternatus is in a league of its own, comparable to top-tier Legendaries like Rayquaza. Ash has faced powerful Pokémon before, but this... this is something else entirely."

Cynthia's expression softened, a hint of maternal concern in her eyes. "We're proud of him, though, aren't we? He's not the same boy we first met. He's grown into a formidable trainer and a wise Champion."

I couldn't help but smile at that. "He has. He's earned every bit of respect he gets. But it doesn't stop me from worrying. This isn't just another challenge. Eternatus poses a threat on a catastrophic scale."

Cynthia's eyes met mine, a steely resolve in her gaze. "Which is why we can't let him face this alone. We need to be there for him, Lance. This is an all-hands-on-deck situation."

I nodded, the weight of the responsibility settling on my shoulders. "Absolutely. Ash may be more than capable, but he shouldn't have to carry this burden alone. We've always stood by him, and we're not stopping now."

She smiled, a rare, genuine smile that reached her eyes. "He's like a little brother to us. And you know as well as I do that family means everything. We'll stand with him, every step of the way."

Taking a sip of my water, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. "You're right. We've faced plenty of challenges together, and we've always come out stronger. This will be no different. We'll show Chairman Rose what it means to protect the world we love."

Cynthia's eyes sparkled with determination. "And we'll remind Ash that no matter how strong he becomes, he's never alone. We're all in this together."

I reached across the table, grasping Cynthia's hand in a rare moment of vulnerability. "Thank you, Cynthia. For always being there. For Ash, and for me."

She squeezed my hand gently. "We're a team, Lance. Always have been, always will be."

After finishing lunch with Cynthia, a lingering sense of determination filled me. I knew I needed to see Ash. There's something about being in his presence that always steadied my nerves and reminded me why we do what we do. Mounting my loyal Dragonite, Scales, I prepared for the short journey to the Orange Islands.

"Alright, Scales, you know the way," I said, patting her sturdy neck. She let out a soft, reassuring growl and took off smoothly from the Indigo Plateau.

One of the things I loved most about living so close to the Champion Tower was how easy it was to visit Ash. The half-hour flight had become a cherished routine, one that Scales and I both enjoyed immensely.

The air was crisp and clear as we soared above the vibrant landscape. The verdant forests, shimmering lakes, and sprawling mountains of our home region passed beneath us like a living, breathing tapestry. Each gust of wind felt invigorating against my face, and I couldn't help but smile at the familiar sensation.

Scales had made this trip so many times, she could navigate it with her eyes closed. Her powerful wings beat rhythmically, slicing through the sky with practiced ease. I knew I didn't need to guide her; she knew the way better than I did.

"Let's take it easy today, Scales," I murmured, closing my eyes and leaning back. The sense of freedom that came with flying never failed to lift my spirits. There's nothing quite like it, the feeling of being untethered and weightless, high above the worries of the world.

As we neared the Orange Islands, I felt a shift in the air. The tropical warmth replaced the cool mountain breeze, and the salty tang of the ocean became more pronounced. I opened my eyes to see the familiar sight of the Champion Tower rising majestically from the landscape.

Landing softly on the tower's landing pad, I dismounted and gave Scales a grateful pat. "Thanks, girl. You always know how to make a flight enjoyable."

She nuzzled my hand affectionately before settling down for a well-deserved rest.

I made my way inside, the cool interior of the tower a stark contrast to the outside warmth. I was greeted by familiar faces, all acknowledging me with respectful nods. The camaraderie within these walls was something I cherished deeply.

I found Ash in the training room, his Pikachu by his side. The intensity in his eyes was unmistakable, even from a distance. He was running drills with his team, pushing them to their limits as usual.

"Ash!" I called out, my voice echoing slightly in the spacious room.

He turned, a surprised smile spreading across his face. "Lance! I didn't expect to see you here."

I approached him, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Thought I'd drop by. Needed to see how you're holding up with everything going on."

Ash's expression softened, a mix of gratitude and determination. "It's been tough, but we're ready. We've got to be, right?"

I nodded, feeling a swell of pride. "You've done an incredible job, Ash. I'm proud of you. We all are."

He looked down for a moment, clearly moved. "Thanks, Lance. That means a lot coming from you."

Pikachu chirped in agreement, and I couldn't help but chuckle. "And how's my favorite little Electric-type?"

Pikachu bounded over to me, sparking with excitement. I gave him a scratch behind the ears, earning a happy squeak.

"Ash, I know Eternatus is a massive challenge, but you're not alone in this. Cynthia and I, we're here for you. This is going to take all of us."

Ash's eyes met mine, and I saw the resolve there. "I know. And I'm ready. We'll face this together."

We talked for a while longer, discussing strategies and sharing our concerns. The weight of the upcoming battle was heavy, but being here with Ash and his team made it feel manageable.

As I prepared to leave, I gave Ash one final piece of advice. "Remember, Ash, you've got the heart of a Champion. Trust in your team, trust in yourself. We'll get through this."

He nodded, determination radiating from him. "Thanks, Lance. I won't let you down."

I mounted Scales once more, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. As we took off, I glanced back at the Champion Tower, knowing that no matter what lay ahead, we would face it together. And with Ash leading the charge, I had no doubt we would emerge victorious.