'These Blackthorns have the gall to try and make me a minor gym leader again. Well, time to turn tables on the Blackthorn Clan,' he thought with an evil chuckle in his mind as he locked eyes with the Blackthorn League official, whose arrogantly looked at him with a smirk.
"Since we're putting allegations on each other," Gladion said, his voice calm but sharp, "I have one too. I believe the Blackthorn Clan knew about Fairy types, or at least had an idea, and chose not to reveal it."
Murmurs spread through the room, some with shock and betrayal.
'Let's see how they handle this,' he thought, his smirk widening.
He leaned forward, "Think about it. A clan known for battling with Dragon-type Pokémon, fighting in the war and after? They've faced countless Pokémon, including those now classified as Fairy types. They would've noticed something off—a Mr. Mime or Azurill shrugging off a Dragon Rush or Dragon Tail when a Charizard couldn't. They should've put two and two together."
He looked pointedly at Lance and the Blackthorn officials, his voice cutting. "Either they were too stupid to realize it, blinded by their pride, or they kept it secret to maintain their supremacy."
The Blackthorn officials and their supporters erupted, their faces blazing with anger. "Are you out of your mind, Gym Leader?" one shouted, his voice shrill.
The lead official, still standing, slammed his fist on the table, his aura seething. "Are you accusing the Blackthorn Clan of withholding information? We didn't keep anything to ourselves! Even if we did, there's no League rule saying we have to reveal everything we know about Dragon-type Pokémon!"
Gladion's smirk grew, his voice cool but laced with menace. "Of course, there's no such rule. But will the public see it that way? They'll hear you hid an entire Pokémon type for decades, when we could've used it to advance as a region. And for what? To protect your precious Dragon supremacy? I believe that's enough to convince people the Blackthorns were scared of Fairy types—that they can beat Dragons. Imagine what happens when social media and the press run with this."
Gladion's silent offer was clear: 'Back off, or I'll ruin your reputation.' It didn't matter whether they knew about Fairy types of not. He could shift the version of the story in his favour and to the disadvantage of Blackthorn clan. Gladion also now had a high credibility among general populace after the recent events of his speech leading to arrest of four corrupt team rocket league officials and then a corrupt Mayor.
With his wealth and Vortex Corporation's media empire, Gladion could flood social platforms and news outlets with anti-Blackthorn propaganda, encouraging trainers to wield Fairy types against their Dragons, eroding their influence.
And the fun part was, Blackthorn clan knew that he could do it.
The Blackthorn official deflated, his aura crumbling as he realized targeting Gladion had backfired.
The room's dynamics shifted—everyone knew the Blackthorn representatives would need to meet Gladion after the meeting to cut a deal with him.
To rub salt in the wound, Gladion leaned back, his voice mocking. "Oh, and by the way, I was the one who named the new type Fairy type. Cool name for something that has an advantage over Dragons, isn't it?"
The Blackthorn officials, including Lance, glared, their faces flaring with fury.
'Oops, did I hit a nerve?' Gladion thought, stifling a laugh.
"Enough!" Lance shouted as his dragon aura erupted oppressing everyone present.
The major gym leaders and elite four though shrugged it off.
Lance stood, his voice firm. "It doesn't matter what you or anyone here thinks about Dragons' strength. Next week, I'm taking the Champion title. I'll show you why Dragons are the strongest. This I swear on my Dragon pride."
The room fell silent. Latias's voice chimed in Gladion's mind,[Now this is someone worthy of a Dragon's respect.] She paused, her tone curious. [You said he has an Alpha Dragonite as his ace? Now I know why it chose to follow him.]
Gladion raised a brow, responding telepathically. "Follow him, not tame? Interesting choice of words, big sis."
[Not tame. Dragons can't be tamed, little brother. No matter how sweet a Dragon is.] Gladion's smirk twitched. "Talking about yourself, big sister?"
Latias's tone turned playful. [Uhm… yes. What I mean is, a Dragon's core is always a Dragon. You earn their trust and respect to give orders, not as a trainer or master, but as equals. Dragons won't subdue themselves willingly. If they do, they'll never grow stronger. Remember that, little brother.]
Pryce, the Indigo League champion who Lance claimed he will beat sat silently, his face cold and distant.
Everyone knew that Pryce has lost his ace Piloswine. Word was Pryce had tried to evolve it into Mamoswine after losing to Gladion, but failed, believing his Piloswine abandoned him. Gladion knew the truth from the anime—Piloswine was frozen somewhere, waiting for Ash to free it.
'I'm not Ash, I'm not playing hero. I might use the information about Piloswine as a bargaining chip for later with Pryce, or Ash can deal with it.'
But a chill ran through him as a thought appeared in his mind, 'Despite all my changes to this world, some things stay the same as the anime. Is there a fate or destiny Legendary Pokémon out there? Could be… When I died in my previous world, Paldea was introduced. Who's to say there aren't more regions, more Pokémon, more Legendaries?'
-------Author Notes------
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