Every Gym Leader from Kanto and Johto had arrived at the league hall. League officials in sharp suits chatted with clan heads from Johto.
Important figures like CEO of Silph co , professors and military generals also filled the room. Today was Lance's big day, and no one wanted to miss it.
Gwen stood next to Gladion. She'd chosen to stick with her brother instead of her mentor, Agatha, who was across the room talking to some old officials. Gladion glanced at her, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Already annoyed with the old hag?"
Gwen rolled her eyes, checking over her shoulder to make sure their mom, Erza, wasn't nearby. Erza had skipped the ceremony, but Gwen wasn't taking chances, she didn't want her to hear any bad words coming from her mouth and end up on poop-cleaning duty for months. "That crazy old lady wants me to meet and talk to all these boring old fools. Politics is shit, I tell you. When I'm Elite Four, I'm making you my secretary, and you can handle all this crap."
Gladion's smirk grew, but before he could tease her, a young girl with light brown hair approached. She wore a simple green dress and addressed Gladion, "Gym Leader Gladion, it's a pleasure to see you."
Gladion nodded politely. "Pleasure's mine, Gym Leader Jasmine." He recognized her instantly, Jasmine, the Steel-type specialist from Olivine City in Johto.
They made small talk, keeping it light. They have not met each other before but Gladion knew her to be a respectful person with strong ideals. She was also quite a strong trainer. And Gladion believed that the best type of Pokemon out there has to be the Steel type.
The Steel type is jacked at defense, and that isn't an understatement. Steel type has the best Defense out of any type. This type is immune to Poison and resists ten types, making it the most resistant type in the game. There are a plethora of great moves such as Iron Head and Meteor Mash. The Steel type is so good that you can build an entire team around a core Steel type and have a winning team most of the time.
Their chat was easy, like two friends catching up. Jasmine asked about Collosus, and Gladion shared a quick story about the alpha Tyranitar's latest roar shaking the gym windows. Jasmine laughed, saying her Steelix had once caused a similar ruckus in Olivine.
Before they could talk more, Sabrina appeared and she immediately slipped her arm through Gladion's. The gesture was casual but firm, like she was saying, 'He's with me.'
Gladion knew it wasn't romantic, Sabrina was his friend, and this was her way of marking her spot in the crowded hall. And Gladion knew that she did not understand how this would look to the others and neither did she care.
Jasmine's smile faltered, her cheeks turning pink. "Um, I wanted to ask… could you supply some Metal Coats for the Onix in my gym? I'd like them to evolve them into Steelix for my gym."
Gladion nodded, unfazed. "Sure, just email me the number you need. My team will get back to you."
Jasmine gave a quick bow and hurried off, clearly flustered. Gwen, who'd been watching the whole thing, grinned. "Aww, aren't you two cute and possessive, Sabrina? Are you and Glady in a relationship or what? And why did not you tell me? I thought we were supposed to be sisters in crime."
Sabrina didn't miss a beat, her voice cool and straightforward. "He rejected me."
"What?!" Gwen's jaw dropped, and she spun to Gladion, shouting, "When did this happen?! Why'd you reject her, Glady? She's perfect for you—beautiful, smart,she loves you and most importantly I approve of her! Are you blind or just dumb?"
Heads turned from every corner of the hall. Agatha's cackle cut through the air like a Gengar's laugh, and Koga, standing nearby, frowned deeply, he was clearly offended by the lack of manners. Gladion's face burned, and he shot Gwen a telepathic message: 'We'll talk about this later. Shut up now.'
Gwen just stuck out her tongue, but the moment passed as a hush fell over the room. Lance had arrived.
He strode in, his red cape billowing, his presence commanding. His alpha Dragonite walked beside him, its massive wings folded, eyes scanning the crowd. Lance looked every bit the champion.....regal, confident, ready to lead.
The coronation ceremony began. Professor Oak, the first Indigo Champion, took the stage, holding a gleaming badge shaped like a dragon's claw.
The Blackthorn Clan, seated in the front, grumbled loudly. They still hadn't forgiven Oak for bonding with an alpha Dragonite decades ago, one hatched by their clan's matriarch.
During the Infinite Pokémon War, they'd tried to take it back by force, losing many members to Oak's fierce defense. In the end, the matriarch herself had roared at the clan to stop, declaring her son had chosen his path and no one controlled a dragon's heart.
Oak ignored the glares, his voice warm but firm as he handed the badge to Lance. "Lance Wataru, you've earned this through strength, honor, and vision. May you guide Indigo to a new age of unity, fairness, and greatness. Lead with courage, and let our regions shine together under your watch."
The crowd erupted in applause, though the Blackthorn Clan clapped stiffly. Lance bowed, accepting the badge, his Dragonite letting out a low rumble of approval.
The ceremony was over, and Lance moved to the podium outside the hall, where a massive crowd of reporters and fans waited. The doors opened, and he stepped into the sunlight, his cape catching the wind. His Dragonite followed.
Lance raised a hand, smiling at the sea of faces. Then, with a nod, his Dragonite roared, a deep, earth-shaking sound that silenced every voice in the crowd.
-----Author Notes------
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