Everything was finally clear. Dragonair, it turned out, had known Tiffany's great-grandmother, Galea, for many years.
As the group stood near the serene shores of Lake Dragonair, Tiffany recounted the story passed down through her family. Galea had once been a skilled Pokémon trainer, one who had a deep bond with Dragonair. Over ti, the two ford a unique friendship, with Dragonair choosing to reside in the lake's depths, protecting its pristine waters and the surrounding ecosystem.
"Wow," Misty breathed, her eyes sparkling with wonder. "It's amazing to hear such a story about Lake Dragonair! This is incredible!"
"Yeah," May agreed, folding her hands together. "Who would've thought Galea and Dragonair shared such a long-standing friendship? It's really admirable. And… I imagine that Dragonair wouldn't want the lake to be disturbed either."
The girls fell silent, deeply moved by the tale. The soft sounds of nature around the lake—the gentle rustle of leaves and the tranquil lapping of water—only added to the mont's poignancy.
Saridakis, the old man who had sent Crawdaunt to the lake, stepped forward with a somber expression. His earlier deanor of brash arrogance had been replaced with quiet remorse. "I understand now. I was wrong to disturb the peace of this lake," he said, bowing his head. "From now on, Crawdaunt and I will join in protecting this lake and its beauty. Together, we'll stand as guardians, honoring Galea's legacy and Dragonair's trust. I owe that much to my saviors, who rescued twice."
His Crawdaunt chirped in agreent, standing resolutely beside its trainer.
With the matter resolved, Ash and his friends bid farewell to Tiffany, Saridakis, and the tranquil Lake Dragonair. They set off on their next destination: the Battle Do. The journey wasn't long, and soon, the towering, oval-shaped arena ca into view, its futuristic design gleaming under the sunlight.
Before heading inside, the group stopped at a nearby Pokémon Center to rest and prepare. As they approached the counter, they were greeted by a familiar figure sipping coffee casually in the lounge.
"Mr. Scott!" Ash exclaid, grinning. "You always manage to get here before us!"
Scott chuckled, lifting his cup in greeting. "Hey, Ash! I've been waiting here for two or three days, actually. I figured you'd arrive soon, especially since the Battle Do is next on your list."
"Two or three days?" May asked incredulously. "Don't you ever get bored waiting around like that?"
"Not at all!" Scott replied, smiling mischievously. "Watching trainers like Ash grow and overco challenges is what I live for. Speaking of which…" He leaned in, his expression suddenly serious. "Ash, you've done your howork on the Battle Do, right?"
"Of course!" Ash said confidently, pumping his fist. "The Battle Do's Frontier Brain, Tucker, is a big star in the Kanto region. You really went all out inviting soone like him to the Battle Frontier! I've heard his battles are flashy and dramatic, and his double battles are like full-on performances. They're really popular with young people."
"Pika-chu!" Pikachu cheered, matching Ash's enthusiasm.
Scott nodded approvingly. "You've done your research. Tucker's style isn't just about battling; it's about entertaining the audience. He thrives on the spotlight, and his matches are more like a spectacle than a traditional battle. That's probably why he's one of the toughest Frontier Brains to beat."
The conversation took an unexpected turn as Scott's tone lightened. "Speaking of Tucker, there's an opportunity for dia coverage this ti. Since you've participated in several league tournants, a feature about you would be great for your reputation. What do you think, Ash? Want to be a star?"
Ash's expression shifted, his enthusiasm dimming slightly. He knew exactly what Scott was suggesting. While dia coverage could boost his visibility, he suspected Tucker had a different motive. "Tucker's probably hoping the dia will show up to see him perform, not . I'm not going to be his 'opening act.'"
Scott raised an eyebrow, surprised by Ash's insight. "Well, you're not wrong about that. Tucker loves the spotlight. But wouldn't you want to—"
Ash cut him off with a confident grin. "If there's going to be an interview, it'll be after I beat Tucker. Then they'll have no choice but to focus on and my Pokémon."
Scott blinked, stunned for a mont, before breaking into a wide grin. "You've got guts, Ash. I like that. Fine, let's skip the pre-show fluff. Go straight to the Battle Do and show Tucker what you're made of."
Ash stood, determination blazing in his eyes. "You bet! Let's head there now. I'm ready for whatever challenge Tucker throws at ."
The group gathered their belongings, with Scott trailing behind, his amused expression lingering. "I forgot how sharp Ash is," he mused to himself. "If he wins, the post-battle interviews will boost his reputation while overshadowing Tucker. This is going to be fun to watch."
The excitent grew palpable as Ash and his friends approached the entrance to the Battle Do. The massive structure lood overhead, its sleek exterior reflecting the sun's rays. Inside, they could hear the distant hum of the crowd and the faint echoes of Pokémon battles taking place. The air buzzed with energy, anticipation hanging heavy like an invisible force.
As Ash stepped inside, the familiar chi of the Pokémon sign-in system rang in his mind.
"Ding! Congratulations, Host, you have arrived at the Battle Do. Sign-in starting…"
Ash took a deep breath, his fists clenching in determination. The stage was set, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. This wasn't just about another Frontier Symbol; it was about proving to himself, his friends, and the world that he and his Pokémon could rise to any occasion.
With Pikachu perched confidently on his shoulder, Ash took his first steps toward the battle that awaited.
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