Blackthorn City was nestled in the northeastern corner of the Johto region. A quiet city built among the mountains, it was neither a major transportation hub nor an economic center. However, despite its remote location, Blackthorn City remained famous throughout Johto.
The primary reason for its renown was the Yulong family, one of the most prestigious Dragon-type Pokémon clans. Their legacy was deeply tied to Dragon's Den, a sacred place where only the most respected trainers were granted access.
Since the Johto and Kanto regions were located on the same continent, travel between them was relatively easy. Instead of making a long journey on foot or by sea, Maen and Lance took a direct flight to Blackthorn City.
As they settled into their seats, Lance began explaining why the League had arranged this trip in the first place.
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A Deal with the Pokémon League
The main reason for Maen's visit to Dragon's Den lay in the most critical request he had made during his negotiations with the Pokémon League.
He had demanded an Elite-level Deino.
This particular request had sparked heated discussions within the League. While Deino itself was not hard to obtain, an Elite-level Deino was an entirely different matter.
For a Pokémon to reach Elite status at an early stage, at least one of its parents had to be an Elite-level Pokémon as well. However, Elite Hydreigons were incredibly rare, and their owners were highly unlikely to part with them.
The League had repeatedly tried to persuade Maen to lower his request, offering high-quality but lower-level Deino instead. However, Maen stood firm. He argued that since he had traded Zapdos, a legendary Pokémon, he deserved to receive an Elite-level pseudo-legendary in return—plus additional resources.
After much deliberation, the League finally came up with a compromise.
Rather than acquiring an Elite Deino directly, they negotiated access to Dragon's Den with the Yulong family. This way, Maen could choose from the powerful Dragon Pokémon residing in the sacred den.
The Yulong family did not refuse the deal.
After all, Dragon's Den already had a limited number of annual entry slots for select trainers. Allowing one extra person to enter was not a major loss, and in return, the League owed them a favor.
Thus, the three-way trade was finalized.
That was why Lance had been assigned to escort Maen to Dragon's Den as the League's representative.
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Arriving at Blackthorn City
After landing, the two trainers made their way to Blackthorn Gym, which was built into the mountain. Maen glanced around, feeling a mixture of anticipation and excitement. He knew that just behind the gym lay the legendary Dragon's Den.
Lance led Maen through the gym, eventually guiding him to a narrow trail that snaked around the mountainside. This path led directly to Dragon's Den.
As they reached their destination, Maen was greeted by the massive entrance—a colossal cave shaped like a dragon's open mouth. At the heart of the cavern stood a grand structure: the Dragon Temple, where the Dragon Elders resided.
Just as they arrived at the entrance, a Dragonite emerged from within. The Dragonite eyed Maen and Lance before gesturing for them to follow.
Maen and Lance exchanged a glance before stepping inside.
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Meeting the Dragon Elder
As soon as Maen entered the Dragon Temple, his eyes fell on an elderly man sitting cross-legged on a futon. His hair and beard were completely gray, and a wooden cane rested beside him. His frail frame made him appear as though he was nearing the end of his days.
However, despite his appearance, Maen could sense a hidden power radiating from the old man.
Every Dragon Elder was said to possess a unique ability to command dragons. Even though this elder seemed physically weak, Maen had no doubt that underestimating him would be a grave mistake.
Lance stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Elder, this is Maen. He has come to enter Dragon's Den."
At Lance's words, the elder slowly lifted his gaze. His eyes, partially hidden beneath his long white hair, locked onto Maen.
For a brief moment, Maen felt as if the elder could see through his very soul.
"Hmm…" the elder muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"A power I have never seen before… one of a unique Attribute. Most intriguing is that he has not lost himself despite possessing such power."
The elder's words were cryptic, but Maen couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.
After a brief pause, the elder picked up his cane, tapped it against the floor twice, and the temple floor began to shift.
The wooden planks slowly slid apart, revealing a hidden staircase leading underground.
"Let's go," the elder said as he stepped forward. The Dragonite that had escorted them followed closely behind, while Maen and Lance trailed after them.
As they descended into the depths, the entrance sealed shut behind them.
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Inside Dragon's Den
The underground passage wasn't very deep, and after a short walk, the group reached the bottom.
A long corridor stretched before them, illuminated by a series of hanging lanterns that dispelled the surrounding darkness.
Lance's expression turned slightly puzzled. He hesitated for a moment before glancing at the Dragon Elder.
Maen noticed Lance's reaction and raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"
Lance shook his head. "It's just… outsiders have been allowed into Dragon's Den before, but I've never seen the Dragon Elder personally lead them."
Normally, this responsibility fell to Blackthorn Gym trainers or Dragon Masters, not the head elder himself.
Yet, for some reason, the Dragon Elder had chosen to escort Maen personally.
Lance did not ask aloud, but the question lingered in his mind.
Before long, they reached the end of the passage, where the space opened up into a vast landscape.
The sight was breathtaking.
Unlike the narrow and rocky corridors, Dragon's Den was a lush paradise. Rolling grasslands stretched across the valley, and wild Pokémon roamed freely.
Although Dragon's Den was primarily home to Dragon-types, other Pokémon also thrived here.
Maen spotted an Oddish and Sunflora joyfully playing in the fields, while Butterfree and Jumpluff danced through the air. Even Raticate and Sentret could be seen darting through the flowers.
Then, his eyes landed on something far more impressive—a Dragonite lying lazily in the sun, fast asleep.
Lance's face twisted in mild embarrassment at the sight.
Without hesitation, he strode over and patted the Dragonite's cream-colored belly.
The sleepy Dragonite groggily rubbed its eyes before letting out a yawn.
However, the moment it recognized Lance, its sleepy expression vanished, and it perked up, waving at him enthusiastically.
Lance sighed, exchanging a knowing glance with the Dragon Elder.
At that moment, the Dragonite's gaze followed Lance's, landing on the Elder standing nearby.
The instant it locked eyes with the elder's stern expression, its entire body went stiff, as though it had been turned to stone.
It knew.
It was in trouble.
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To Be Continued…
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