"Drago—!"
With Lucas's permission, Dragonite raises its arms, snorts, and rolls up its sleeves, flying straight at the Gyarados.
The Gyarados, wary at first, soon sense Dragonite's aura is similar to the Dragonair's. They get it.
Their dance failed to attract the elegant, slender Dragonair, but maybe this plump, orange Dragonite—though different in style—has its appeal.
Ruled by hormones, the Gyarados don't realize Dragonite means trouble and dance even harder.
One especially flashy Gyarados soars into the sky, wriggling like a carp streamer in the wind.
But as the saying goes, the showiest gets shot first. This Gyarados is Dragonite's first target.
Lucas's main team is well-balanced—each Pokémon has its specialty.
Luxray is a master of electricity, Serperior controls plants, Ceruledge trains its blade, Swampert's physical strength is unmatched, and Mimikyu is a trickster with surprise attacks.
Dragonite, however, is different: a late bloomer with a powerful body, able to learn a wide range of moves—exceptionally versatile.
When Lucas can't decide, he often sends out Dragonite, whose move pool always seems to have an answer, and with the Multiscale ability, its combat power is immense.
So, against this flashy Gyarados, Dragonite uses a perfectly effective counter—Thunderbolt.
Brilliant golden lightning erupts from Dragonite, striking before the Gyarados can react. Four times weak to Electric, it collapses into the lake, smoking.
The sight of their companion falling, charred, startles the other Gyarados. Immediately, they realize—this Dragonite isn't here to play. It's here to fight!
As notorious hotheads, the Gyarados can't hold back. Beams of Hyper Beam, Hydro Pump, and Hurricane—moves of every color—are unleashed at Dragonite.
But Dragonite stands its ground, gathering intense Dragon-type energy and unleashing a terrifying Dragon Pulse that sweeps away all attacks and blasts across the lake.
The waves soar high, and as the water settles, all six Gyarados float belly-up—clearly defeated.
Under the Dragonair's amazed gaze, Dragonite stands proudly, finally having avenged them.
What goes around comes around—the Gyarados who bullied the Dragonair and the egg have now been defeated by the egg that hatched and returned as Dragonite.
The three Dragonair exchange glances, a realization dawning.
Dragonite is even stronger than they thought—perhaps even surpassing its mother, the former leader. After all, even the leader would have struggled against a group of Gyarados, but Dragonite defeated them in two moves.
Entrusting Dragonite to Lucas was the right call. The missing leader would surely smile in the afterlife.
When Dragonite returns, Lucas is frying delicious, sizzling steak.
Knowing he'd meet the Dragonair, he bought fresh meat at Porto Marinada Market—today's fresh cut.
After seasoning, it makes a perfect dinner.
The Dragonair, tasting such food for the first time, lose all decorum, eating with mouths full of oil. As for the Gyarados, upon waking, they slink off into the depths.
To them, Dragonite looks like it can't swim, so only the water can comfort their wounded pride.
After eating and drinking, night falls. To prepare for tomorrow's challenges, Lucas turns in early.
Lucas is used as a pillow by Dragonite, with a nervous Delibird beside him. The tent is filled with the scent of flowers from the Comfey lying on Lucas's head.
He only recently discovered Comfey's flower rings have a calming effect—perfect for sleep. There are many flower fields near the islands, especially one close to the Dragonair's island, brimming with blossoms.
Now, every Pokémon—including the Dragonair—wears a wreath made by Comfey.
He even saw herds of Sawsbuck and Deerling there. Lucas remembers that Deerling's antlers can be used for tea; maybe after settling things, he could try befriending them.
If he could bring a few Sawsbuck or Deerling home, even better.
With the flower scent, Lucas and his Pokémon soon drift off, not waking until near dawn.
He could have slept longer, but a piercing howl shatters the calm of the lake, waking Lucas.
His movement wakes Dragonite, Delibird, and Comfey, all blinking in confusion.
Leaving the tent, Lucas checks his phone—it's only six. The sky is still dark. Most Pokémon are still asleep. Who's making such a racket?
Listening carefully, he finds the howl comes from the flower field where he and Comfey gathered flowers.
Remembering the Deerling herd, Lucas frowns, shoulders his pack, and tells the Dragonair, who are used to the noise, "I'll take Dragonite and Comfey to check it out. Please look after Delibird."