"Professor Oak, I owe you one for this. We'll be there soon!"
At the Dragon Clan estate, Skye Draconis had just received a call from Professor Oak. After learning about the ultra-ancient Dragonite, he could no longer sit still.
"Dad, the plane is ready. Let's go!"
After the call, Draco rushed over, urgency in his voice.
Meanwhile, in Lamport City's Pokémon Center, Ash and his group waited for the results of Dragonite's examination. Not long after, Nurse Joy came out holding a Happiny.
"Cha~chan!"
Looking at Happiny's cheerful expression, the results seemed positive.
"Nurse Joy, how's my Dragonite? Is everything okay?"
Ash couldn't hold back any longer and asked anxiously.
"Don't worry, Ash. Your Dragonite is in excellent condition. According to the scan, she's pregnant—with three eggs."
Nurse Joy smiled gently as she shared the unexpected news.
"What?! Three eggs?!"
Professor Oak nearly shouted in shock. Dragon-type Pokémon rarely lay eggs. In fact, most Dragonite will only lay a single egg in their entire lifetime.
"This is strange… Dragonite is said to have lived for thousands of years. Even if she became pregnant, it shouldn't be happening now."
Unlike Professor Oak's shock, Ash was filled with confusion. He tried to process the information.
"Grandpa, Dragonite is ancient, right? How could she suddenly be pregnant? Could the results be wrong?"
Ash was cycling through emotions—anxiety, excitement, and now, doubt—as he turned to Professor Oak.
"Oh, right, I forgot—you're not too familiar with Dragonite biology. You see, dragon-type Pokémon can actually control their egg-laying cycle. Wild Dragonite typically only live for a few decades, so they often lay eggs near the end of their lives to ensure their legacy."
Professor Oak explained, clearing up the mystery.
"But when a Dragonite is raised by a trainer, it's different. With proper care and protection, they don't feel pressured by time and can choose when to lay eggs. That's why this is happening now."
Ash finally understood. Relieved, he entered the observation room.
"Dragonite, are you feeling okay?"
He gently greeted the Pokémon resting on the medical bed.
"Wuuu~"
Dragonite opened her eyes and smiled at Ash. Since becoming his partner, her life had become comfortable, filled with good food, strong companions, and opportunities to grow stronger.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, Ash's Tyranitar burst out of her Poké Ball, walking up to Dragonite and staring at her with curiosity.
"Huh? Tyranitar, what's wrong?"
Ash tilted his head in confusion.
"Bang~ Bang~"
"What? You want to learn?"
Using Aura, Ash managed to understand Tyranitar's meaning. He was dumbfounded. Can you even learn… how to be pregnant?!
"Don't be surprised, Ash," Professor Oak chuckled. "Your Tyranitar is also female—and still quite young. Seeing Dragonite like this probably triggered her instincts. Many Pokémon develop this kind of behavior early."
Ash froze. "Wait… why are all my Pokémon female?!"
He actually did know how to tell male from female Pokémon, but Dragonite and Tyranitar had always seemed so powerful and aggressive that he'd just assumed they were male.
"Dad! Ash!"
Just then, Masaki Oak arrived via helicopter. Given that Pallet Town wasn't too far, it only took a few hours by air.
"Uncle Masaki? What are you doing here?"
Ash asked, surprised. He hadn't yet realized the immense potential of the three Dratini that his Dragonite might give birth to.
"Heh."
Hearing Ash's question, Masaki Oak simply smiled and said nothing. After all, he couldn't just come out and ask his junior for a Dragonite egg outright.
"Actually, your uncle came to see if he could possibly get one of Dragonite's eggs to raise," Professor Oak explained, stepping in to help his son save face.
"Oh, I see. I don't mind at all," Ash replied after understanding. "I already have Dragonite, and I haven't even had time to properly train all my current Pokémon. As long as she agrees, I've got no objections."
To Ash, it wasn't a big deal. He already had a powerful Dragonite, and these were extraordinary Pokémon that took time and energy to raise. If Dragonite consented, he was more than happy to share.
When Masaki Oak heard that Dragonite was carrying three eggs, he was stunned. Producing three eggs showed that Ash's Dragonite possessed extraordinary vitality and strength. While Dragon-types typically only lay one egg in their lifetime, the number isn't fixed—but it's incredibly rare.
However, while Dragon-types grow quickly, they also demand much more energy to raise. If the parent's body isn't strong enough, it won't be able to support the development of multiple eggs. If anything goes wrong during gestation, and the eggs don't hatch, it would be a terrible loss.
"Ash, come with me. I need to talk to you."
After they left Dragonite's ward, Professor Oak gestured for Ash to follow him outside the Pokémon Center.
"Grandpa, what is it?" Ash asked once they were alone outside.
Looking at Ash—his growth, his calm demeanor, and everything he had accomplished—Professor Oak couldn't help but feel a deep admiration. Fifteen years old, already a champion… truly a prodigy among prodigies.
Professor Oak sighed. "It's about Dragonite. I've already informed your father's side of the family. The Dragon Clan will be arriving soon. I just wanted to let you know in advance—so you're not caught off guard."
Ash fell silent.
Until now, he had subconsciously avoided thinking about the Dragon Clan. Before completely cutting ties, he would bury the thought deep down. Because whenever he thought of revenge, hesitation would creep in.
"Listen, Ash…" Professor Oak continued gently. "It's been many years. Maybe it's time to let go. You may hate your father, and I won't tell you not to. But he's still your father. And the blood you carry… it's not just from the Oak family. The Dragon Clan is part of you, too."
Ash remained silent.
Even after so many years, the rift between him and the Dragon Clan was the one thing he had never fully come to terms with. Anytime the topic was brought up, it hit a nerve. It was still too difficult to face.
...
TN:
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