Gladion knew that these two mega evolution stones were something he would not mind having at all. In fact, the sight of them made his pulse quicken just a little.
He could only mega evolve one of his Pokemon so far with any real success. That was Colossus, his alpha Tyrnaitar.
Colossus could match the strength of Gladion's own aura perfectly. The connection between trainer and Pokemon had to be strong enough to handle the massive energy surge of mega evolution.
None of his other Pokemon could match his aura strength yet. Most would not be able to handle the process at all. Barring maybe Ultron, his pseudo-legendary psychic-type Metagross, it was still only a fifty-fifty chance still.
The only other Pokemon Gladion believed could handle mega evolution with him were Latias and Latios. He had searched far and wide for their mega stones. Among the thousands of stones he had collected from every region he could visit, none belonged to them.
He had started to think that in reality such stones did not exist. Maybe the games had taken creative liberties. He had even asked Latias and Latios directly. They had told him honestly that even their ancestors did not mega evolve. They did not have stones tied to their power. And if there were such stones, they did not know about them.
Gladion had been fine with that answer. Latias and Latios were already legendaries. They were incredibly strong on their own. What would a mega evolution really add?
But in the games he remembered from his previous life, Latios and Latias were part of a very small group of legendary Pokemon that could mega evolve. The list included only Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Mewtwo, and Diancie. That short list had always made him believe there must be keystones for them too. Hidden somewhere, waiting to be found.
He never imagined that Steven Stone himself would be the one to offer them. The stones lay there like rare treasures, their energy pulsing in front of him. Gladion forced his face to stay calm though.
'Alright, he definitely has got my attention now,' Gladion thought. He schooled his expression carefully, not wanting to give away how much he desired the stones. You do not show your hand against a rival businessman. They would definitely exploit any sign of weakness.
'I don't think that I would ever even need to use the stones though,' Gladion thought next. He considered his current team and how Latias and Latios were already capable of handling most threats. A mega form might be nice for bragging rights, but it was not essential.
'But I know that I would regret it if I ever find myself facing a much greater threat than even Latios and Latias could handle. And if having a mega evolution could save us from that threat, then it is not a bad price to pay to get these stones,' Gladion thought. The idea of a future danger stronger than legendaries made him pause.
He was still weighing his options when a familiar voice spoke directly into his mind. It came from one of the Poke Balls hanging on his necklace. Latios's telepathic tone was excited.
'Take them, little brother. I can feel their power. They are resonating with me.'
Latias chimed in right after, her voice dry and teasing.
'You just want to show off with the other legendaries when we meet. But take them, little brother. I want to see how much stronger I would be if I mega evolve. And I would like to see my mega evolution form.'
Gladion almost laughed out loud at their sibling banter. Their words confirmed his decision. He looked up at Steven with a relaxed smile.
Gladion spoke clearly. "Well, I like what you are offering if I am being honest. But these stones might be part of my collection as well. I don't think that I am strong enough to mega evolve either Latios or Latias. So I would not be paying much with that."
He lied through his teeth. He knew full well that his aura was more than strong enough. But he was not about to admit that and drive up the price.
Steven smiled knowingly. "I understand. And that is why we can talk about further terms of our deal."
Gladion smiled back, just as wide. "How many fossils do you want?"
"About three hundred," Steven said without hesitation.
Gladion raised an eyebrow. "That is too many. You know that after reviving them we could sell them for a lot of Pokedollars. I would do one hundred at best."
Steven leaned forward. "I would pay you for each fossil. Let us go with at least one hundred and fifty fossils."
"One hundred and twenty," Gladion countered smoothly.
Steven sighed dramatically and rubbed his temple. "You drive a hard bargain. Fine, one hundred and twenty it is."
"Each fossil would be worth four hundred thousand at the wholesale price," Gladion said next.
Steven nodded without argument. "Agreed. That is very reasonable considering the revived Pokemon could go for millions in auctions."
Gladion grinned wider. "What species do you want? You must already have the two fossils of Hoenn. But I do not think that you have any of Kanto. Remember, every new species would cost you a little extra."
"There are three fossil Pokemon lines of Kanto," Gladion added with a playful tone.
Steven tapped the table. "I will pay you five hundred thousand for each of them."
Gladion shook his head. "Six hundred thousand."
Steven laughed softly. "Five hundred and twenty-five thousand."
"Five hundred and seventy-five thousand," Gladion shot back.
Steven pretended to look pained. "You are bleeding me dry here. Five hundred and fifty thousand, and that is my final offer. I am bleeding money and heart over this deal."
Gladion leaned back and crossed his arms. "You say that like I am not the one giving up my precious fossils. Five hundred and sixty thousand."
Steven raised his hands in mock surrender. "You win. Five hundred and fifty thousand per new species."
Gladion chuckled. "Deal."
'It is fun to negotiate with someone who knows how to do business. But we are still not done yet.' Gladion thought. He felt satisfied. The deal was fair, profitable, and gave him something he truly wanted.
Gladion leaned forward again. "Now let us talk about the add-ons on this deal."
-----Author Notes------
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