Gladion was met by Lance the very next day after the attack on him. If you would ask Gladion, he would say it was just a minor inconvenience by being attacked by the most dangerous Pokemon hunter on the continent.
He treated the whole event like someone had spilled coffee on his shirt rather than facing armed ships and a deadly criminal. "It was not even a good fight," he would joke later.
"Hunter J brought jets and I brought legendaries. It felt like using a master ball on a Magikarp." His casual attitude made the serious ambush sound like a small annoyance during a busy day.
No one in his family was even fazed by him getting attacked. His dad, who always cried and worried for the safety of his son, just laughed it off when he heard the news.
The first thing his father said was, "Attacked by Hunter J? That is nothing compared to the time you involved in the business with team rocket and Zapdos when you were ten." He clapped Gladion on the back and laughed loudly as if it was a funny story from a family vacation.
His eyes were full of pride instead of worry. "I told your mother you would be fine. You always come back with better stories than injuries."
Currently Lance and Gladion were both at Vortex house seated on the comfortable sofa in the living room. Gladion leaned back casually while Lance sat opposite him.
"So how come the champion has taken his busy schedule to meet me, a lowly gym leader?" Gladion said with a smile.
Lance smiled back and shook his head. "Surely you jest. I think the entire Indigo would be in an uproar if something happened to you. You are the pillar that keeps our regions both financially and politically strong." There was no doubt in Lance's voice as he spoke. He truly believed every word.
"Politically strong?" Gladion asked with genuine curiosity. He raised an eyebrow and waited for the explanation.
"You are someone with two legendaries under your command. And that makes us politically strong," Lance explained patiently.
"Having Latios and Latias on our side sends a clear message to other regions. It shows that Indigo has real power and protection. No one wants to start trouble with a region that has legendary Pokemon working with its trainers. Your presence alone helps with negotiations and keeps peace along the borders. That is why your safety matters so much to all of us."
"Anyways, I learned about the attack on you and came to check on you," Lance continued. "But I do not think I have to worry about you. Still, you are a very important individual to the league and we cannot have anything happening to you. I have decided to provide you some extra security in the form of a military squad protecting you."
"There is no need for that," Gladion replied calmly. "The military squad have better things to do and I anyways do not like being stalked by either criminals or military men." He appreciated the offer but preferred his own way of handling things.
Lance was about to argue. "But..."
Gladion then smiled confidently. "I have all the security that I need right here." He said this as he jingled the three Pokeballs on his necklace. The small sound echoed lightly in the room. Lance looked at the Pokeballs and could not argue with that. He knew exactly what kind of power Gladion carried with him every day.
"Very well," Lance said after a moment. "This brings me to the second matter that I have come to talk to you. Seeing that their most infamous criminal had committed the crime of going to another country and breaking the Infinite Pokemon War accords, and to not make it look as if their military had failed to stop Hunter J, Sinnoh are setting up the narrative that they have started the opening of borders between the two regions."
"So Sinnoh has finally agreed to open borders with us?" Gladion asked with interest.
"Yes," Lance replied. "I wanted to do it much earlier and not in such a fashion but I will take it." He sounded relieved that the situation had pushed things forward in a positive way.
"Anyways, Sinnoh had issued a formal apology for you," Lance added. He explained that the apology was official and meant to smooth over the border incident.
"I am here to ask you if you want to be Indigo's ambassador to Sinnoh. You would be visiting Sinnoh, negotiating with them about joining the league, and handling other deals among other things. Sending you would be a strong statement too. Your reputation and your legendaries would show Sinnoh that we are serious about cooperation and strength."
Gladion listened carefully as Lance continued. "You would have the authority to speak for our region on important matters. Trade deals, Pokemon protection agreements, and even joint training programs could be discussed. It is a big responsibility but I believe you are the perfect person for it."
Lance leaned forward slightly. "Of course, you would have support from our diplomats. But having you there in person would carry more weight than any official paper. Sinnoh respects strength and you represent that perfectly. What do you think about taking on this role?"
"I have thought about visiting Sinnoh before," Gladion said thoughtfully. "This seems like a good opportunity for both regions to grow stronger together."
"So would you want to go?" Lance asked directly, watching Gladion's face for his reaction.
"Sure, anything for Indigo," Gladion said with patriotism as if there was no better thing to do than honour his country.
But internally he was thinking, 'Oh I am definitely looking to get a couple Pokemon for myself in Sinnoh and expanding my business operations in Sinnoh. Oh I can already feel the smell of so much more money.'
-----Author Notes------
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