Chapter 48: Signing in for the Battle Dome!

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 time, the two formed 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 moment's poignancy. Saridakis, the old man who had sent Crawdaunt to the lake, stepped forward with a somber expression. His earlier demeanor 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 me twice." His Crawdaunt chirped in agreement, 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 Dome. The journey wasn't long, and soon, the towering, oval-shaped arena came 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 exclaimed, 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 Dome 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 overcome challenges is what I live for. Speaking of which..." He leaned in, his expression suddenly serious. "Ash, you've done your homework on the Battle Dome, right?" "Of course!" Ash said confidently, pumping his fist. "The Battle Dome's Frontier Brain, Tucker, is a big star in the Kanto region. You really went all out inviting someone 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 media coverage this time. Since you've participated in several league tournaments, 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 media coverage could boost his visibility, he suspected Tucker had a different motive. "Tucker's probably hoping the media will show up to see him perform, not me. 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 me and my Pokémon." Scott blinked, stunned for a moment, 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 Dome 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 me." 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 excitement grew palpable as Ash and his friends approached the entrance to the Battle Dome. The massive structure loomed 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 chime of the Pokémon sign-in system rang in his mind. "Ding! Congratulations, Host, you have arrived at the Battle Dome. 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. -------------- T/N: Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals