In Johto, the tranquil city of Blackthorn lay nestled in the northeastern corner, surrounded by sheer cliffs and mountain valleys, a serene settlement hidden in the embrace of nature.
"It's not as bustling as I imagined, Blackthorn City…"
The next morning, Lucas and his two companions arrived at the city's outskirts. Gazing at it from afar, Green tilted her head slightly, a hint of curiosity in her expression.
Compared to the glittering metropolises like Saffron City or Rustboro, Blackthorn gave off an entirely different atmosphere — quiet, ancient, and dignified. The surrounding cliffs radiated a timeless aura, like the city itself had been carved from history.
"Blackthorn City named after the clan that had tamed and protected the land it stands on has always been known as the paradise for Dragon-type Trainers in Johto. The number of Dragon Masters who've risen from this city far surpasses that of any other place."
Lucas smiled faintly as his eyes swept across the landscape, his tone carrying a touch of nostalgia. "After all, dragons don't need comfort. They only grow stronger when they're tempered by hardship."
His gaze lingered on the city before him — his hometown.
"I've heard of it, the Dragon's Den, right? Johto has so many ancient traditions and legacies, but nowadays, your family, the Blackthorn Clan, is considered the strongest in the entire region."
Green blinked her bright eyes and spoke with a sigh of admiration.
Indeed, Johto was steeped in ancient traditions. The Whirl Islands, Ecruteak City, and this very Blackthorn City were all living relics of history.
Though Blackthorn had no myths tied to legendary Pokémon, its Dragon's Den had long become a legend of its own.
"Yes. According to records, the area teems with Dragon-type Pokémon, so our clan's elders built the Dragon's Den to the north of the city. The dragon energy there is incredibly dense, and even now, the number and strength of Dragon-type Pokémon within remain astonishing."
Lucas's tone was calm but filled with quiet pride as he patiently explained to the two girls.
"The Blackthorn Clan was once called the Dragon Tamer Family. Under their influence, generations of Trainers in Blackthorn grew up surrounded by dragons and naturally became Dragon-type specialists."
"So that's why this city is known as the 'Holy Land of Dragons' one family changed an entire city," Marnie murmured with genuine admiration.
The Blackthorn Clan was, without doubt, one of the most famous and powerful lineages in all of Johto.
In fact, Blackthorn City had practically become synonymous with their name. Even the Blackthorn Gym had always been under their family's control, passed down generation after generation.
And in this generation, the Blackthorn Clan was reaching its absolute peak.
Green gave Lucas a sidelong glance. Although the family had always been strong, it was still mostly a local powerhouse in the past. Dragon-types were naturally powerful, but until recently, they had lacked a true, unmatched prodigy.
That was until Lance Blackthorn appeared.
With Lance's meteoric rise to the Indigo Championship, the Blackthorn Clan once again became the focus of the world's attention.
Although his rise wasn't directly tied to the clan's efforts, the blood of the Dragon Tamers flowed in his veins and now, another powerhouse had emerged: Lucas Blackthorn.
"The Dragon's Den truly is mysterious. And our clan has always welcomed outsiders to train there," Lucas said with a smile. "Of course, they have to defeat the Blackthorn Gym Leader first."
He glanced at the city, where countless Dragon Masters had been born. Blackthorn had earned its title as the "Cradle of Dragons."
While the Blackthorn lineage wasn't as ancient as Hoenn's Draconid Tribe of Meteor Falls, unlike those reclusive people, the Blackthorn Clan was active and open to the world.
If memory served, even in the Pokémon Adventures manga, Iris herself once said that her hometown was none other than Blackthorn City!
In the games, the Dragon Village's exact location was vague, but given that Drayden had found Iris during his travels around the world, it was highly likely that the place he discovered was connected to the Dragon's Den here in Blackthorn.
"And if someone passes the Elders' Trial within the Dragon's Den," Lucas added with a grin, "they'll receive a special reward."
"Eh? What kind of reward?" Green's curiosity was instantly piqued.
"A Dratini with outstanding potential."
"What?!" Both Green and Marnie froze.
They were giving away Dratini as a prize? That was way too generous!
But Lucas chuckled softly. "It's not as easy as it sounds. You'll have to defeat the Gym Leader first, my cousin, Clair. And she never holds back in battle."
"Clair, huh…"
Green's delicate face took on a thoughtful look as she recalled information about the Blackthorn Gym Leader.
"Clair might not be the strongest, but right now, you're still weaker than she is," Lucas said with a teasing smile. "If you really want that Dratini, you'll have to work harder."
The girl puffed her cheeks slightly, she really did want that Dratini, but Lucas's words hit home.
Then, a confident, magnetic female voice suddenly rang out ahead of them.
"Talking behind my back isn't very proper for a Blackthorn family member, Lucas. And I believe I'm your older cousin, not your little sister."
Lucas grinned as he turned toward the source of the voice.
Before them stood a tall woman with long blue hair tied into a high ponytail, golden earrings glinting under the sunlight. Her sapphire eyes gleamed with sharpness, and her expression exuded pride.
Clad in a skintight blue leather outfit and a black-and-red cape, her aura was commanding and regal.
Clair Blackthorn.
"I heard you were coming back. Uncle has been waiting for you at the clan estate," she said with a faint, knowing smile, her tone both gentle and proud.
"I know. But before that—" Lucas raised an eyebrow and gave her an appraising look.
"I told you before, Cousin, you should really stop copying Lance. Who even wears a cape anymore? And that leather outfit—seriously, it's awful."
Clair froze, her elegant face twitching. "My outfit… is ugly?"
"People around here think it's the height of fashion! It's my official Gym Leader attire!" she protested indignantly, folding her arms.
"Sure, sure. Whatever makes you happy," Lucas said nonchalantly with a shrug.
Clair huffed, clearly flustered, and though she led them onward, her mind was elsewhere.
Was her outfit really that bad?
For as long as she could remember, she had admired her cousins Lance and Lucas. Lance, the Dragon Master, was a legend; Lucas, the family's rising star. To hear her younger cousin call her outfit "ugly" stung more than she wanted to admit.
"…Your cousin's aura is kind of intense," Green whispered as they followed Clair's tall figure. "Is every Dragon Trainer like that?"
"She's just been influenced by Lance," Lucas chuckled. "When we were kids, she used to follow me everywhere, begging to play."
"Humph!" Clair huffed again from ahead, clearly hearing him.
Soon, they arrived at the Blackthorn Clan Estate — grand, elegant, and radiating prestige.
As soon as they stepped inside—
"Lucas!"
A middle-aged man with a dignified face and sharp presence strode out from the main hall. But the moment he saw Lucas, his expression broke into unrestrained joy. He rushed forward and pulled his son into a tight bear hug.
"You're finally home! You weren't hurt during the battle in Saffron, were you?"
"I'm fine, Father. You look as healthy as ever," Lucas replied with a sincere smile, feeling a warmth he hadn't felt in years.
"Hahaha! I'm in great shape especially now that you're home!" Cassius laughed heartily, his eyes filled with pride. It had been five long years since he had last seen his son in person.
Over lunch, the conversation naturally turned to Lucas's future.
"Now that you've left Team Rocket," his father asked hopefully, "will you be returning to the clan for good?"
The Battle of Saffron had shaken the world. Team Rocket were crushed by the league, even their leader was defeated and fled, and the league achieved a great victory.
"Yes," Lucas nodded. "I plan to take it easy for a while. Maybe even join the World Championship — just for fun."
As he spoke, his eyes slid toward Clair.
She blinked, a question mark practically forming over her head.
"The Championship, huh?" Cassius said approvingly. "That's a good idea. With your strength, I'm sure you'll climb the ranks quickly maybe even reach the Master Class."
Lucas smiled faintly. "Actually, about that… Cousin, what's your current rank again?"
Clair narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "I'm ranked nineteenth on the Ultra class tier. Why?"
"Ah, that's good." Lucas's smile turned deceptively pleasant. "Because I'll be needing your ranking."
"…Excuse me?" Clair blinked, her tone suddenly dangerous.
As it turned out, Lucas's newly registered status meant he was still at the beginner tier — the normal class division. He wasn't even qualified yet to challenge the Master Class.
But with the right consensual cross-tier battle, he could directly take over an opponent's ranking.
In other words, if he defeated Clair, he'd immediately jump to her nineteenth-place spot — giving him the qualifications to challenge the Masters.
Clair stared at him, speechless.
You're seriously going to pick on your own cousin for points?
(End of Chapter)