Almost every direct member of the Drako family possesses a Dratini, a pseudo-legendary Pokémon from the Kanto region.
This is the true strength of the Drako family.
They control the Dragon's Den, which is equivalent to having dominion over a place capable of consistently producing pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
Of course, the Drako family has a long history; this cave was already their private property even before the founding of the League.
The existence of the Dragon's Den is the result of generations of effort by the ancestors of the Drako family.
Fortunately, Dratini are not produced in large numbers. Therefore, although the Drako family controls the cave, the League has never tried to seize it by force.
This is also because the Drako family has few descendants, meaning they don't pose a threat to the League. In fact, both parties maintain a mutually beneficial relationship.
Even fewer are the number of direct family members.
In the current generation, the only known and publicly recognized members are Clair and her cousin Lance.
Both possess a Dratini, captured in the Dragon's Den after passing the family's trials.
Additionally, both began their journeys with a Charmander as their starter Pokémon.
In this regard, the cousins are quite similar.
This Dragonair has not yet evolved, but it remains one of Clair's strongest Pokémon.
Pokémon: Dragonair (Dark Blue)
Gender: Female
Level: 54
Type: Dragon
Ability: Shed Skin
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Dragon Breath, Dragon Dance, Water Pulse, Dragon Pulse
Base Moves: Wrap, Leer, Twister, Dragon Rage, Slam, Agility, Dragon Tail, Aqua Tail, Dragon Rush, Safeguard
Learned Moves: Draco Meteor, Thunder Wave, Iron Tail, Outrage, Icy Wind
TM Moves: false, Hidden Power (Grass), Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, Sleep Talk
A level 54 Dragonair is just one level away from evolving, but that distance can feel like a massive gap.
If Dragonair were to evolve into Dragonite, it would become Clair's most powerful ace. But for now, it remains one of her star Pokémon.
Its genetic capacity as a pseudo-legendary Pokémon is clearly reflected in its impressive potential.
Additionally, this Dragonair has a fairly pure draconic bloodline. Its egg move list includes three Dragon-type moves, and among its learned moves are iconic Dragon-type techniques like Draco Meteor and Outrage.
Clair had already used this Dragonair in a previous battle, but on that occasion, its appearance was more symbolic, as the match had already been decided. This time, however, she summoned it with the clear intent of turning the tide.
So far, only Cain's Swampert had been knocked out, while Clair had already lost her Gyarados and Flygon. In addition, her Charizard had been exposed and was likely to face Cain's Florges.
Now she needed Dragonair to come in and help her regain control of the match.
When Dragonair appeared, it was affected by the toxic spikes scattered across the field.
Although it can float in the air, unlike Flygon, Dragonair couldn't avoid the spikes upon entry, as it requires a brief moment to adjust to the magnetic field.
Therefore, Dragonair was poisoned upon entering the battle.
However, Clair wasn't worried, as Dragonair's special ability, Shed Skin, gives it a chance to recover from status conditions.
And it did not disappoint. Shortly after being poisoned, the Shed Skin ability activated, curing Dragonair.
This time, Drapion didn't have the advantage of familiarity as it did in the fight against Flygon. It was the first time it had faced a Dragonair.
Still, the battle had to go on.
"Drapion, triple attack: Ice Fang, Poison Jab, and Venoshock," Cain ordered with precision.
"Dragonair, use Dragon Dance and then Draco Meteor!" responded Clair, with no intention of dragging out the exchange. She needed a decisive victory—fast.
Drapion charged at Dragonair, its jaws, pincers, and tail covered in different kinds of energy.
Though Dragonair was also a Dragon-type Pokémon, its serpentine anatomy made its weak points evident: the neck or central body area.
However, Drapion had trouble grabbing hold of Dragonair due to its slippery scales. Despite its efforts, only the Ice Fang made a significant impact, while the other moves had limited effect.
Dragonair finished using Dragon Dance and, now empowered, began to glide through the air as if swimming.
Suddenly, it launched a pale yellow orb into the sky.
In an instant, massive meteors began to fall, aiming at Drapion with great precision.
"Drapion, use Agility and counter with Shadow Ball!" Cain ordered.
Although Drapion tried to dodge the meteors, Dragonair controlled their trajectory, hitting Drapion repeatedly.
"Dragonair, use Dragon Rush!" Clair shouted to capitalize on the advantage.
Surrounded by a blue aura in the shape of a dragon, Dragonair charged at Drapion.
Though Drapion attempted to counter with Shadow Ball, most of the attacks were dodged by the nimble Dragonair.
With a powerful impact, Dragonair slammed into Drapion, who barely managed to block the hit by crossing its pincers in front of its body.
Despite its injuries, Drapion didn't back down and used all its limbs to immobilize Dragonair.
"Now, Drapion! Use Ice Fang with all your strength—aim for the neck!" Cain ordered.
Surprised, Clair tried to respond: "Dragonair, use Dragon Tail to break free!"
Despite Dragonair's counterattack, Drapion managed to seriously injure its opponent before finally succumbing to the repeated blows.
Dragonair was weakened but still standing. Meanwhile, Drapion, having already taken down Flygon, had more than fulfilled its role in this battle.
Cain returned Drapion to its Pokéball with a faint, encouraging smile and sent out his next Pokémon, determined to press the advantage against the already weakened Dragonair.
(End of chapter)