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It was only around 11 a.m., still early in the day, so Kai and Sabrina headed straight for the Blackthorn Gym.
Perhaps because the Gym was ruled by a prestigious clan with ancient traditions, the Blackthorn Gym exuded an aura of dignity and grandeur. Unlike the more uniquely designed Gyms elsewhere, this one resembled a stately estate. The mont they stepped onto the grounds, they could feel a heavy sense of history in every corner.
The courtyard featured nurous statues of Dragon-type Pokémon and Trainers. Kai didn't recognize who they were or what they had achieved, but he assud they were likely forr Gym Leaders of the Dragon Clan, or other powerful Dragon Tars who had trained here.
So had passed on, others had retired and their statues now stood there in silence, eternally guarding this Gym.
Passing through the courtyard, the two stepped into the Gym's interior.
The wide, well-lit hall was solemn and quiet. Intricate murals and decorations adorned the walls, and a luxurious carpet stretched beneath their feet. Yet, despite standing at the entrance for quite a while, no staff appeared to greet them.
"Is anyone here?"
Kai called out softly, but no one answered. Just as he was about to venture deeper into the Gym to look for soone, a familiar man descended the marble staircase.
The man had bright red, spiky hair resembling fire, wore a deep blue outfit beneath a black cape, and had such distinct features that there was no mistaking his identity as Lance, one of the Elite Four!
"Huh? Lance?"
"Ohh.., Hey! Man!" Lance was just as surprised. "What are you doing here? Ah, silly . There's only one reason you'd be here you're here to challenge the Blackthorn Gym, aren't you?"
Kai smiled and nodded. "That's right. I'm here for the Rising Badge. Is the Gym Leader available?"
Lance was about to answer when a woman ca storming down the staircase behind him.
She appeared to be around 27 or 28 years old, with long light-blue hair tied into a ponytail. Her unusual bangs gave her a sowhat eccentric appearance. Kai's first impression of her was that she resembled a humanoid Gyarados.
She wore a tight-fitting blue bodysuit and tall boots, a cape trailing behind her. Seeing Lance still lingering at the stairs, she urged him impatiently.
"Lance, we don't have ti to waste! We need to move out!"
As she passed him, she finally noticed the two strangers speaking with Lance. Surprised, she studied them for a mont.
"Who are they? Your friends?"
"Them?" Lance turned with a gentlemanly smile. "Let introduce you. This handso young man is the one I've ntioned before Kai. Don't be fooled by his age he's extrely capable. The lady beside him is Sabrina, the Gym Leader of the Saffron Gym in Kanto. And this here is the Leader of Blackthorn Gym, Clair."
Sabrina gave a light nod as a greeting.
Kai extended a hand. "Hello, Clair. My na is Kai. I'm here specifically to challenge the Blackthorn Gym."
Clair examined him carefully before shaking his hand. "So you're the winner of the Indigo League… an honour to et you. But I'm afraid the Gym Battle will have to wait. Lance and I are heading out to deal with a very troubleso matter we have to leave imdiately."
"No problem," Kai replied casually. "I can wait. How long do you think you'll be gone?"
Clair was about to answer, but Lance beat her to it with a grin. "Hard to say could be a day or two, maybe four or five."
"That long?" Kai was surprised. "So my Gym Battle…"
"Will have to be postponed," Lance replied. But then he added with a sly smile, "We're facing a tough situation and can't spare the ti… unless, of course, we had the help of a strong Indigo League Champion. That might speed things up."
'Seriously? You're roping into this?!'
The implication was obvious. But before Kai could respond, Clair frowned and glared at Lance.
"No. The Dragon's Den is sacred to our clan. Outsiders are not allowed. You know the rules."
"It's fine," Lance said calmly, gesturing for her to relax. "Back in Kanto, Kai and I fought side by side against Team Rocket. His strength and character are unquestionable. Most importantly, Kai also trains Dragon-type Pokémon, so in a way, he's a Dragon Tar too!"
This was the first ti Clair had seen Lance speak so highly of soone.
She looked at Kai in surprise. After a mont's thought, she said nothing more.
Truthfully, Kai wasn't eager to get involved in Dragon Tar affairs. These matters were often tied to family secrets, and if he accidentally overheard or witnessed sothing sensitive, it could lead to a lot of trouble.
'Still… "Dragon-type Trainer"?' He must be talking about my Charizard…but Charizard isn't a dragon type until it's ga-evolved.
"If it's your sacred ground, maybe I shouldn't go…"
Before he could finish, Lance's strong hand clapped onto his shoulder.
"Aw, don't be like that." Lance gave a warm smile. "I already put in a good word for you. Don't back out now. Besides aren't you curious about our Dragon's Den? Let be honest we're trying to stop soone. This person uses a kind of Dark Ball that can steal another Trainer's Pokémon. They're very dangerous. That's why we need your help."
"Dark Ball? It can steal other people's Pokémon?"
For so reason, this instantly reminded Kai of wtwo.
"Exactly. That person has already stolen many Pokémon from innocent Trainers. He's a ruthless Pokémon hunter."
"Don't you Dragon Tars have anyone else?"
Lance shrugged helplessly. "Our clan practices an elite-only tradition. Most of our mbers are off travelling. The only ones left are elders and children. What, you want us to send them into battle? That'd be a joke."
"…Fine." Kai sighed. "Since you put it that way, I'll help. Who is this person that's serious enough to require an Elite Four and a Gym Leader?"
"Haha! I knew I could count on you!" Lance clapped his shoulder again with a grin. "But we're short on ti. I'll explain the details on the way!"
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