Gladion stood as the Indigo League conference adjourned.
As he headed for the exit, the Blackthorn League official, still stinging from the verbal defeat, approached. "Gym Leader Gladion, a word. Meet us in Lance's office."
Gladion raised an eyebrow, his aura amused. 'They're already crawling to negotiate. Perfect.'
But before he could respond, Giovanni intercepted him, his smile gentle and kind, "Gym Leader Gladion, it's remarkable how much you've achieved at your age," Giovanni said, his voice smooth.
"Junior League Champion at your first tournament, defeating a Champion, introducing social media, you are one of the richest—if not the richest—in the Indigo region, you destroyed team rocket bases and help route the traitors in the league and now aiding the discovery of a new Pokémon type. Truly astounding."
There was not even a change in expression or a twitch when Giovanni mention Gladion destroying team rocket bases and exposed the league officials that secretly worked with team rocket.
Gladion thought,'Should I introduce Oscars to this world and give it to him already?'
"You praise me too much, Gym Leader Giovanni," Gladion replied politely, "With all my money, I'm still way behind you in charity and philanthropy. Seems I've got a long way to go before I muster the willpower to donate my hard-earned money. Whenever I try to donate somethin my heart aches and I end up using it to buy my Pokemon some TMs."
Gladion inwardly thought, 'My Pokemon are also spoiled. They demand a new TM whenever they see a good move that they want to learn but can't learn normally.'
Giovanni's smile didn't falter. "I'm sure you'll get there. Your grandfather instilled good values in you, after all."
Giovanni then moved to the main topic for talking to Gladion "I have a business proposition. Would you grant my firm distribution rights for Professor Oak's Pokédex? My distribution channels are the best in Kanto."
"Ah, I've got a lot of offers for that," Gladion said with a smile.
"Mind dropping me a mail with the proposition? We'll review all offers and pick the best. And I'm pretty sure it'll be you."
'Yeah, right. Why would I partner with someone I plan to send to jail in a few years? Feels good to tell the great Giovanni 'no' without saying it.'
Giovanni nodded "Of course."
Gladion excused himself, "Now if you will excuse me, I have a meeting to attend."
Gladion entered Lance's office, where the Blackthorn officials sat, their faces seething with resentment, most glaring at him.
Lance sat at the desk. One official spoke, "Vortex, name your price to keep the new Pokémon type from spreading on social media."
Gladion raised an eyebrow, "I think you misunderstand. People will know about Fairy type. What's up for bargain is whether I spin the narrative that you hid knowledge of Fairy types for decades."
Another official's face flared with anger. "Are you trying to blackmail us?"
Gladion's smirk sharpened, his voice casual. "What do you think?"
The official leaned forward, "You're taking on the strongest clan in the Indigo region, kid. It won't end well for you."
Gladion leaned back, unfazed. "We all know that you would have to relent to my demands. So can we get on with negotiations already?"
The official's aura deflated, and he muttered, "Fine. Name your price."
Gladion's eyes gleamed, his voice firm. "I want a supply of Dragon evolution materials at a 40 percent discount for five years."
The officials' faces spiked with outrage. "Are you insane?" one shouted. "That's robbery!" another snapped.
Gladion replied, "Take it or leave it. You know what I can do with my media reach."
The officials exchanged heated glances, their faces arguing silently. One grumbled, "Twenty percent for three years."
Gladion shook his head. "Thirty-five percent, five years."
Another official snapped, "Twenty-five, four years!"
Gladion leaned forward, his voice cold. "Forty percent, five years, or I tweet 'Blackthorn hid Fairy types to protect their Dragons' tonight."
The room fell silent as the officials looked at Lance for help who stayed silent. Finally, an official sighed, "Fine. Thirty percent, five years."
Gladion nodded with a smile, "Deal."
Lance gave the officials a sharp look, "I'd like to speak to Gym Leader Gladion in private."
The others filed out grumbling. Once alone, Lance's tone softened, his voice earnest. "I've been meaning to speak to you for some time, Gym Leader Gladion. I'll get to the point—I need your support."
Gladion's brow rose, "Support to win against the old fogey Pryce?" He chuckled. "I'm pretty sure you've got that in the bag. That old coot's lost his touch, and he lost his ace Pokémon to boot. Most Gym Leaders could beat him now."
Lance replied with a wry smile,"I don't know whether to be grateful for your confidence or insulted that you make my victory sound easy. But I need your support when I become Champion, as you say it's inevitable."
Gladion tilted his head confused, "Support for what?"
Lance nodded seriously, "I want to mend the rift between Kanto and Johto. The Indigo region was formed, but tensions remain high between our people. We can't progress in trade, military, or economy without addressing this generational hate. You, Gym Leader Gladion, with what you've built, are key to my plans."
-------Author Notes------
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