Gladion looked at the reporters coming toward them. The army personnel who had arrived with the officials stopped the reporters from getting too close.
The soldiers formed a line to keep the media away from the scene of crime. There were so many dead bodies around. Team Rocket members lay everywhere, some burned, some crushed, some simply still. Pokémon corpses were scattered too. The sight was horrible.
Gladion knew the reporters must not film this carnage. It would scare people too much. It would also show the eggs, and that was too dangerous. Greedy eyes might look for them later espressially Moltres egg.
He walked forward to meet the reporters. He could not let them film the site of the crime or the Pokémon eggs. He called out Metagross. 'Take care of it, Ultron,' he said as he handed the special incubator with Moltres's egg to his Metagross.
Gladion trusted no one else with it. He had made a promise to Moltres to bring her egg back safe. He would keep that promise. He did not want anyone's greed to touch a legendary egg. Ultron took it carefully and hovered close to Gladion.
The army officials were already busy. They arrested every still-living Team Rocket member. Aura Guardians searched what remained of the base for evidence or information. They moved quickly and carefully.
Gladion turned to Latios and Latias. He spoke to them telepathically. 'Thank you for your help, big brother and sister. I would not have been able to do this without you. Most of my Pokémon are injured. Even then, I could not have done it in such a good manner.'
Latias answered first. Her voice in his mind was warm and proud. 'Do not mention it, little brother. But remember from now on to show your strength. Show your claws to whoever dares to go against you. A dragon does not hesitate to show its strength. But you are not just a dragon. Like us, you are also a psychic. A psychic knows how to use his strength well and smartly."
Latios spoke next. His voice was calm and deep. 'You have grown so much, little brother. When we first chose you, you were a child with big dreams and a big heart. Today you stood against fire and chaos. You protected your family. You protected the weak. That is true power. Never forget that your strength comes from love, not just from rage. Use it to protect, not to destroy without reason. You are our pride. Carry that pride forward. The world will test you again. When it does, stand tall. We will always be with you. Your heart is our heart. Your fight is our fight. Never doubt yourself. You are stronger than you know.'
Gladion felt warmth spread through his chest. Their words touched him deeply. He nodded and joked, "Which motivation video on Pokegram did you watch to give such a motivating speech?"
He turned both of them back into their Poké Balls. Then he walked toward the reporters.
'I have been speaking with reporters too much lately. Two times in a single week.' Gladion thought with a wry smile.
The reporters started shouting questions at once.
Gladion raised his hand. "I will answer. One at a time. Please be quick."
The first reporter asked, "Gym Leader Gladion, how many Team Rocket members have we caught in this raid?"
Gladion answered clearly. He was glad that the reporter did not ask how many team rocket people were killed. "A lot of them. The exact number will come after the officials finish counting and checking identities."
Another reporter asked, "Did we find any of the Team Rocket leaders?"
Gladion shook his head. "We do not know yet. We will find out more after interrogation."
A third reporter asked, "The Blackthorn Clan is known for their supremacy over dragons. How do you think they will take it that you have two legendary dragon types?"
Gladion kept his voice even. "I do not speak for the Blackthorn Clan. They have their traditions and pride. I respect that. I did not take Latios and Latias to challenge anyone. They chose me. If the clan has questions, I will answer them with honesty and respect."
Another reporter asked, "Having two legendaries under you makes you the strongest trainer in Indigo and Hoenn. How do you plan to use this power?"
Gladion looked serious. "Power is not for show. I will use it to protect people and Pokémon. I will use it to stop threats like Team Rocket. I will use it to make sure no one suffers because of greed or cruelty. That is all."
Someone asked, "There are rumors that Team Rocket may have had inside help from League officials or Gym Leaders. Do you believe there is corruption at high levels in Indigo?"
Gladion replied, "I won't speculate on rumors without evidence. What I will say is this: no organization is perfect. If anyone in a position of trust helped criminals, they will be found and held accountable. Champion Lance has already ordered full reviews of security protocols. I trust the process. If proof of betrayal exists, it will come to light."
"You fought Moltres directly and survived. You brought down and entire base of team rocket alone. Many people are and will call you a hero. How does it feel to be seen that way after everything that happened?"
Gladion replied with a sad smile, "I don't feel like a hero. Heroes don't lose friends in the fight. One of my Pokémon, Tengen, my scizor was seriously injured protecting me. I feel responsible for that every second. What happened on Mt. Silver was necessary, but it cost us. If people want to call me a hero, that's their choice. I just want to make sure no one else has to go through what I did."
Another asked, "Are you afraid of revenge from Team Rocket?"
Gladion's eyes turned cold. "Let them come."
A reporter asked, "What message do you have for the people of Indigo?"
Gladion spoke firmly. "Stay strong. Protect each other. Trust in your gym leader, your rangers, and me. We will keep you safe. Team Rocket will fall. Justice will come soon."
The questions kept coming. Gladion answered each one with patience. He stayed calm even when some reporters asked about his personal life or his family. He gave short answers there. After many minutes he raised his hand again.
"That is enough for today," he said. "Thank you."
He turned away and walked back toward his Pokémon.
"Alright let's forget about Team rocket for now. I think it's time to complete my promise of spending more time with my Pokemon, family and Sabrina." Gladion mumbled.
-----Author Notes------
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