Lance landed next to Gladion on his alpha Dragonite. The yellow Light Screen barrier that Latios had raised had disappeared, allowing everyone to enter the area freely.
Lance's eyes were fixed on the Eon duo. His alpha Dragonite, the strongest dragon he knew and one that would scare away every other Pokémon, had its head slightly lowered in respect. Not too low, because it still had pride as an alpha dragon, but enough to show it recognized beings of equal or greater power.
"Are they really Latios and Latias?" Lance asked in awe. He still could not believe that he was in the presence of two legendary Pokemon that were dragon types. He wanted to ask them lot of questions but knew to respect the two legendaries. He could feel their strength and he itched to fight one of them in a battle with his dragonite but he knew how was not the time.
"Yes," Gladion gave a simple answer.
Lance immediately bowed deeply to the legendary pair. "I greet the legendary Eon duo. I am Lance Wataru from the Blackthorn Clan of the dragons."
Latios and Latias looked at each other for a moment. Then Latias used telepathy to speak directly in Lance's mind. "Your greetings have been accepted, Lance Wataru. You are quite a strong trainer and a strong user of dragon aura. Good. Wear it as your pride and honour your partner. He might be the strongest Dragonite that I have seen in my time."
Lance thanked them with deep respect and gave his Dragonite a gentle rub on the neck. The alpha Dragonite rumbled softly, clearly pleased by the praise from such powerful beings.
Lance then turned to Gladion. "How are things here? We came as soon as we got the message that the base was discovered. I had thought of giving you punishment for charging in and attacking the base all on your own when I heard about it. But it seems we might have been in your way anyway." Lance chuckled lightly at the end.
Gladion replied. "I think that we have found almost all the eggs, if not all of them, including Moltres's. We should get to returning them to their families."
Lance nodded. "I will have the rangers return the eggs to their respective families once we identify which egg belongs to which Pokémon and from which area. I believe that you would return Moltres's egg?"
Gladion nodded firmly.
Lance hesitated for a moment but still asked. "Can I ask how did you… find Latios and Latias and convince them to become your Pokémon?"
Gladion smiled wryly. "It is more like these two found me in Johto."
Lance looked confused for a second, but before he could ask more, he noticed the dead bodies of Team Rocket members scattered around. He did not give them any sympathy. Being an Elite Four member and then Champion came with seeing many dead bodies and responsible for many more. He simply looked away.
He turned his attention to the captured Team Rocket members. "We will have them imprisoned and interrogated. But did you get the leaders of Team Rocket?"
Gladion wanted to say clearly that Giovanni was still alive and scheming, but he held back. Instead he answered carefully. "I am not so sure. You will have to find out by interrogating them."
Lance nodded.
"I would like to talk more about the Eon duo," Lance said. "But it will have to be later. I believe you already have a long day without me bothering you with more questions." He gave a wry smile.
He gestured toward the huge number of reporters and cameramen along with League officials and Gym Leaders who were coming toward them. Most of their eyes were focused on the two legendary Pokémon.
Gladion knew he would be hounded with questions today. He stayed waiting to answer them all together, but before that he had to deal with something else.
Sabrina teleported right next to him and jumped into his arms with a tight hug. "You have been reckless, Gladion! I would have to complain with Aunty Erza. She would make sure you do not jump into attacking a Team Rocket base alone when you could have waited for backup."
She then looked at the Eon duo and said. "And you have also been keeping secrets from me. Not fair!"
Gladion smiled wryly. He had no excuse and thus stayed quiet.
Latios and Latias looked amused. Latias spoke directly into Sabrina's mind. "We have watched you, child. You are equal to a psychic prodigy as Gladion. And thank you for being a good friend to our little brother. We have been watching you all the time."
Sabrina's face turned bright red in embarrassment. She looked at Gladion for confirmation.
Gladion could not resist teasing. "Yes, Sabrina. They watched all your embarrassing moments too. And by all I mean all of them."
Sabrina's face became even redder. She squeaked in surprise and teleported away instantly, far away from so much embarassment.
Latias spoke to Gladion's mind with a playful tone. "I approve of her as your mate."
Now it was Gladion's turn to turn red. He coughed and looked away quickly.
Gladion's face stayed flushed for a few seconds before he regained his calm as the reporters and officials finally reached them. Cameras flashed. Questions started flying again.
Gladion took a deep breath. He knew this would be a long day.
-----Author Notes------
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