So, as stated last time, this is Viroro's last chapter for this first book, and funnily enough, essentially the close of the second "act". I hope you all enjoy Chapter 17!
Chapter 17
A Boast
"We are happy to confirm your Pokémon are back to full health."
"Indee!" At Nurse Joy's statement, both of her Indeedee assistants pushed the stretcher closer to Gloria, showcasing her first three Pokémon in tiptop shape. They all threw themselves on their trainer immediately, almost toppling her off her seat at the Pokémon Center's table.
"Nibbah!"
"Chewtle chew!"
"Rooko!"
Gloria hugged the trio of energetic Pokémon with a good laugh. "Welcome back, guys. Thanks again for your hard work."
They enjoyed the moment for a while more before the trainer finally put all three down on the ground, Scorbunny and Chewtle still visibly happy for their achievement while Rookidee tried and failed to look like he didn't care. She would've reprimanded or needled him a bit more, but she was in too much of a good mood after her recent victory to do so, preferring not to spoil the satisfaction of a great win. With a good chuckle the Postwick girl turned back to the table, towards her currently snacking traveling companions, Hop and a particularly excited little apple that rolled all the way across the table and next to her.
"App! App!" she called out, almost jumping off in her own desire for affection. Gloria obliged with a gentle pat, happy to see how energetic she was.
"Gotta say, I was worried you wouldn't make it until you pulled through." Hop gave all of his friend's Pokémon a good look, hands behind his head. "Looks like you got a cool bunch of Pokémon. Even if they're not as cool as mine, of course."
"Someone's forgetting who won last time," Gloria snarked out, elbowing him for good measure.
"That was a long while ago! Me and my team have become much stronger!"
"So have we. And we're about to get even cooler, once we make Applin here the strongest Pokémon she can be!" She proudly raised the little apple for all to witness their declaration.
"Linlin!"
"Don't get too complacent, hothead. You're not even halfway into your Gym Challenge yet."
"And I'm ready for any challenge in my way!" The girl slammed both hands on the table fiercely, not even Astrid's usual dose of condescension enough to dampen her good mood. Astrid tsked audibly but didn't engage further, which Gloria immediately filed as a win against her older traveling companion.
"Both you and Hop have two badges, right? Any idea for where you plan to go next?" Serena asked, taking a sip of tea as she slid her free index finger over her Town Map. Beside her, Yamper wolfed down a large bowl of Pokémon food. The question immediately gave Gloria pause, her excitement and satisfaction grinding to a sudden halt. Hop didn't notice it, arms folded and deep in thought.
"From Motostoke, Turffield and Hulbury are both the closest Gyms to start with. Which means the best Gym to challenge after them is..."
"Motostoke's."
Gloria's remark had been but a whisper, almost like she hoped no one but herself heard the obvious answer. Serena's nod of acknowledgement immediately put that hope to rest. "Yes, it does seem like that's the closest qualified Gym."
The Postwick girl didn't reply, losing herself in her thoughts. She knew that she would've had to come back where her Gym Challenge started eventually, but thinking about Motostoke only brought her mind back to the Stadium's battlefield.
Back to her shame, where the Gym Leader had completely annihilated her whole team, showing to all of Galar just how outclassed she was. Could she really be ready now, not even a few weeks out from her previous attempt?
"Nibbah..." The Rabbit Pokémon hopped by her side, looking over his trainer with concern. From the corner of her eye, Gloria could see the rest of her team looking just as apprehensive, and the same went for her human rival and companions, everyone's eyes fixated upon her.
"You don't have to lock yourself in if you don't feel ready," Ash commented, his supportive tone making Gloria nod, eyes trained on her feet. She immediately shook her head to arrive at better thoughts.
"Oh, no! Don't get me wrong, I want to show Kabu who's boss! I was just thinking, is all."
"The only thing you should think about is that you're still not ready to make it, second-string."
The condescending, cold and mocking tone of those words put a halt to the developing conversation. All of their heads turned at once towards the pink-clad boy that had just entered the building, his very familiar expression oozing spitefulness and arrogance. Gloria frowned harshly, glaring daggers at the new arrival.
"Bede," she hissed. "Still as pleasant as a kick to the teeth."
"You know that guy?" Hop asked, head tilted in confusion. Ash pursed his lips, allowing Pikachu to glare at Bede for him.
"We met him while going through the Galar Mine. He's Chairman Rose's pick for the Gym Challenge."
"The one and only. I'm even going to meet him soon, for that matter." The boy's particular emphasis on each word only underscored how beneath him he felt everyone else was, all trainers and Pokémon receiving fairly annoyed looks. His already unbearable attitude only worsened as he side-eyed Hop with a deadpan expression, before staring at Gloria again. "So, what, you're getting all cozy with the Champion's pick now? Think that'll make you stronger?"
"We're old friends. Not that you'd know what one is with that attitude." The brief frown on the boy's face felt like a small victory, emboldening Gloria to stand from her seat and slam a hand on the table, asserting herself further. "And we just defeated Nessa, and Milo before her. We're true Gym Challengers!"
With a "Chew!" and a "Nibbah!" her trusty turtle and rabbit Pokémon hopped onto the table to support her, while Applin and Rookidee preferred to rely on angry stares of their own. Bede wasn't impressed.
"Like that's any achievement. They're second-rate Gym Leaders, the smallest fishes of the pond." The platinum-haired boy sneered as he walked closer to the table, disgust drawn over his features and earning himself a scowl from Hop. "I watched your battle. Your strategy left a lot to be desired. It's a miracle you even won after wasting your Dynamax."
"We still made it with all our efforts. We'll only grow stronger, and you're no one to judge us!" Gloria was trying her best to sound confident, yet she couldn't hide the small crack in her voice, part of her still stuck in Motostoke Stadium.
"Really? Even with this?" Bede capitalized on that weakness immediately, pulling out his badge case and displaying its contents proudly. Gloria paled.
The interior of the medallion was still far from being completed, with not even half of its space yet covered, but that didn't matter. What mattered was the lone jagged piece resting right in the middle, the blazing crimson shape engraved in it speaking for itself.
She swallowed. "T-that's..."
"The Fire Badge, Kabu's very own." Bede's smirk grew wider as he placed the badge case away, shrugging with nonchalance. "Only the truly talented Gym Challengers such as myself can push through the might of Motostoke's Gym Leader, after all."
All her bravado and confidence melted like snow in the sun as the image of Bede's latest badge was burned into her mind. She thought she had finally caught up to him, proved she was just as much of a Gym Challenger as he was, and yet he had surpassed her, defeating the same Gym Leader that soundly defeated her before. It may have been just one more badge, but the gap between them felt larger than it already was.
Every reply she could make died in her mouth, unable to accept what she saw. How? How did he always manage to succeed where she failed? He was just an insufferable jerk! Was he really so powerful that he could beat every Gym Leader with such ease? Or maybe, she really was as much of a good for nothing as she feared...
Each of Bede's chuckles felt like daggers piercing her skin, leaving her frozen in place, with all of her Pokémon and friends following after her with concern.
Her train of thought was derailed when a soft, warm hand was placed ahead of her own. Realizing that it was Hop who had done that, Gloria's cheeks flushed crimson. The boy thankfully didn't realize it, simply giving his friend a supportive nod before scowling back at Bede.
"Gloria, don't let this jerk get to you. You're great!" He was resolute, convinced of every word he was saying, taking her defense without any prompting. Maybe he had felt her worries, or maybe he just didn't want that spoiled jerk to have the last word, but either way Gloria was glad for it.
Bede shook his head and scoffed, "Great? As if. Nobody in their right mind would find that kind of performance noteworthy-"
"So, this is where the star of the latest match is! You put out quite the incredible battle!"
Gloria would've appreciated the displeased grimace forming on Bede's face if she didn't focus more on the well-known voice she had heard, echoing straight through the doors of the Center. Looking away, she noticed the man striding for their table with a vibrant grin on his face. He looked markedly different, with polka dot shorts and a long-sleeved tracksuit jacket that only accentuated his out-of-shape physique. In any case, not even the sunglasses and hat he wore made it hard to realize just who he was.
"Um...Chairman Rose?" Gloria asked tentatively, hardly processing that the fashion disaster approaching was one of the most powerful men in Galar. The people and Pokémon around her were similarly baffled, while Ash and Pikachu were staring at the man in puzzled recognition, almost like they had seen that attire before.
Her guess proved correct as the man froze in place, lowering his glasses with a frown. "How did you figure it out? I thought my incognito disguise was flawless! Foolproof!"
"Sure...Foolproof..." Astrid commented, sarcasm dripping from each word. For the first time, Gloria was on the same page as her. Just as surprising was the reaction of Ash and his partner, both looking more stumped than she'd expect. The girl focused back on the disguised Rose, puzzled as to what he could be in hiding for, but Bede sniped the occasion to seize his attention, adjusting his jacket and smiling at his sponsor.
"Chairman, it's a pleasure to see you here. I was waiting to offer you my report-"
"That can wait some more, Beet." Rose's outstretched palm brought the platinum-haired boy to a sudden halt, the man not even turning towards him as he grinned at Gloria. "I already discussed of what happened in the Mine with the other workers, and that's why I'm here."
Bede halted, mouth agape as his boss's actions left him unable to reply, too puzzled by being set aside. The man's excitement only became clearer as he leaned closer to the table, too far in for comfort.
"I have to thank you for your involvement in said incident, actually, from what my researchers say," Rose said, showing a toothy grin to all present. "Your help seems to have been invaluable in preventing the worst. I just knew I had to see your progress for myself, and let me tell you, that skill, that power! Such a brilliant performance is not something you see every day!"
The storm of compliments hit Gloria like whiplash, all the worries about measuring up to Bede upended by their total opposite, leaving behind massive confusion. Rose's pick seemed determined to assert his stance all the same, however, if his rolling eyes were any indication.
"Yes, I suppose the dim light of the smallest stars is necessary for the larger ones to shine brighter," the obnoxious kid remarked, his spite drenching every word. It managed to make Gloria feel uneasy.
The Chairman was having none of that.
"And who is brighter than our little Gloria, here! From fodder to Kabu's might to defeating two Gym Leaders in quick succession! The perfect comeback story in the making!"
"Man, you're already earning yourself the praise of the Chairman. You're gonna make me jealous here," Hop said, elbowing Gloria's side. All the compliments coming from the man and Hop managed to make Gloria's face flush red, not expecting such positivity. Yet, she decided to embrace it and grin back to the people around her, thumping her chest.
"And that's just how things should be! These are just the first steps on our climb for glory!"
"Nibbah!" her trusty Pokémon partner agreed, leading Gloria and him to throw their arms pointing skyward in perfect sync; towards the stars they were aiming for. The act warranted her a clapping from the Chairman, and an eyeroll from Bede.
"It's nice of you to take time to congratulate Gloria personally," Ash interceded, finally connecting the requisite dots and inserting himself in the conversation.
"It's the least I could do for one of our most promising trainers of the year. Indeed, I feel her victory deserves to be celebrated in style!" Clasping both hands together and with an even brighter smile than before, the Chairman presented his idea. "Challenger Gloria, please allow me to offer you and your traveling companions a dinner at the Captain's Table, Hulbury's finest restaurant. All expenses paid by Macro Cosmos, of course."
Gloria could hardly believe the proposal she had just gotten, sharing a surprised look with Scorbunny. Her only experience with the Captain's Table came from her mother's recollections of her time working there and the occasional report from culinary shows, but she still knew enough of their legendary dishes to make her mouth water. The once in a lifetime occasion to try out some gourmet food was an exciting prospect, and noticing how Bede was scowling at it only made it better. Trainer and Pokémon beamed.
"All expenses paid?" Ash questioned, visibly surprised.
"But of course. You should know we don't do things halfway in Galar by now, Ash." Rose's wagging finger did nothing to deter the response, however.
"We accept!" Without a second's delay, both Gloria and Ash slammed their hands on the table in perfect sync, with Scorbunny and Pikachu shouting together as well, unified by their desire to chow down. Gloria retreated back with embarrassment right after as she realized that their little stunt was gathering the attention of several onlookers in the building.
"Ash, please, we already have one impatient hothead too many here," Astrid remarked with a frown. Ash just shrugged nonchalantly, while by his side Serena considered the idea as well.
"I don't see much issue with it. I was looking forward to try out Galar's food, after all."
"Pipika, pika!" He jumped on Serena at her allowance.
"Splendid. It'll be an honor to treat you as my guests." Galar's most influential man didn't waste time in pulling out a Rotom Phone, sending a quick message for what Gloria assumed was their upcoming dinner, his fingers flying across the screen. The man's clear excitement was barely dampened by the loud and fairly forced cough a frowning Bede gave to catch his attention.
"Chairman, I'm sorry, but aren't you forgetting something, or rather, someone...?"
The boy's remark gave his superior pause, his scrunched-up face making it glaringly obvious who he was referring to as the haughty teen tapped his foot down. It still took a bit longer than he hoped for Rose to connect the dots, leading the man to slap his forehead.
"You're right. How could I forget?" The Chairman pivoted back towards the table, his eyes trained on Gloria's friend by her side. "Challenger Hop, you are invited as well! Our Champion's brother is most worthy of joining our celebrations, especially considering your own impressive track record!"
"With pleasure, Mister Chairman!" Hop said, a pleased grin brightening his face. Bede was the complete opposite, mouth agape and paler than a bedsheet for all of a second before forcing himself back in his habitual scowl, somehow even fiercer now. Rose, by contrast, continued to maintain his enthusiasm as he walked back for the Pokémon Center's doors.
"I'll lead the way then, if we're all on the same page."
No one had any objection to it, with Gloria recalling all of her Pokémon bar Scorbunny before she followed after the head of Macro Cosmos alongside her companions, Hop, and a fairly miffed Bede several steps away. As they made their way through Hulbury and towards the restaurant, Gloria could feel her heart thumping against her ribcage, the excitement making the girl skip ahead of everyone but the disguised businessman. Her talents were recognized by the top organizer of the Gym Challenge, and while that didn't erase her doubts, it did make her feel just enough lighter to relax herself. It was her reward, and proof she could soar to even higher heights. That positive mood made her ready to sink her teeth into some good food.
As they entered the luxurious restaurant, Gloria took the chance to get a good look as they headed for their reserved table. The locale was as fancy as she had seen and heard of, with its soft blue-tiled floors and walls, and a nautical motif prevalent all over, down to boat-shaped desks for the staff, perfectly fitting a seabound city such as Hulbury. Several tables were laid out in the large main dining room, with the girl spotting a battlefield of all things in the middle of several crowded tables filled with fairly wealthy-looking patrons. Waiters scurried all over to deliver new plates, ignored by most. She didn't have the time to investigate further as the group reached their designated table, a large one with a small dedicated space for their Pokémon to eat. Each of the entourage took their seat right next to a large windowed wall overlooking Hulbury's scenery, with the floating Stadium in clear sight at the center of it all. It was most definitely a high-class establishment, just as her mother had told her.
Her attention didn't linger long on the Captain's Table's interior, as a fairly large set of plates joined them soon after, presenting everyone with finely-cooked pasta and a side of seafood the likes of which Gloria wasn't familiar with. She quickly corrected that by wolfing it down, barely taking time between each portion. Yamper and Scorbunny were just as voracious, though Pikachu appeared to be more restrained, savoring the taste of what looked to be yet another bottle of ketchup.
"Hmmm, sho good!" Gloria said with her mouth still stuffed, uncaring of how most of her companions and some other onlookers were staring at her, with reactions ranging from bafflement to amusement.
"You do realize this is a five-star restaurant, I hope." Astrid rolled her eyes, before consuming a small portion of her dish with proper table manners.
That earned the woman a good-natured elbowing by Ash, the man showing a similar aversion to food etiquette as his protégé. "Cwomeh on Astwid, let Gwohwiah enjow thish."
"Pipi, pika," Pikachu added, licking off ketchup from his fingers, all while Serena was unsure if to laugh or reprimand her husband and his partner.
Even with her sponsor's backing, Gloria still couldn't help but feel some embarrassment for her lack of manners, instantly stopping her inappropriate conduct to try and eat in a more becoming way for the restaurant. That furthered when she noticed Bede's extremely judgmental stare.
It was contrasted by Rose's ever pleased and reassuring expression.
"I'm glad to see you're enjoying the meal. You and your generation only deserve the best."
"You said it, Mr. Chairman! We're gonna conquer the Wyndon Conference and the Champion Cup in no time!" Hop said, swinging his fork skyward as if it were a mighty weapon to carve his future legend with. Gloria chuckled, poking at his side.
"Bold words, when I'm gonna surpass you soon."
"I'll believe it when I see it!" They traded glances, intense but not malicious. It was just another promise between them to see who would make it to the top, and they both knew it.
"Such promise, such intensity! This is what I love of this year's Gym Challengers. Our Champion and the League Liaison brought some great picks to put in the spotlight." Rose held a glass of wine up as he met Ash's gaze, looking ready to offer a toast to the man.
Ash agreed with a nod as he finished swallowing his plate's contents, returning to a more presentable state. "Gloria deserved this, and I was happy to endorse her. Even if I don't quite get why that's needed..."
The man's comment earned him very confused looks from Hop and Bede, the first surprised, the other almost baffled by that remark. Gloria already knew why Ash would ask that, so she said nothing as she offered a bit of her food to Scorbunny. Her little partner ate eagerly, leaving her to think of Ash's confusion. She was still a bit jealous that other regions could have trainers start their journeys without caveats, but her endorser still raised a good point she never really thought about. She had always taken the endorsement system as a given, but why was it put in place to begin with?
Fortunately for her, Chairman Rose took a sip of his wine and cleared his throat, ready to put that question to rest.
"Oh, it's very simple. Our Galar League aims to create a competitive environment for the best of the best. Everyone can be a Pokémon Trainer, but who among them can be a Gym Challenger?" He set the glass aside, his features turning harsher, as if that question was one carrying the utmost meaning. "Being part of the Gym Challenge is an honor and a privilege for every Galarian trainer, and the endorsement system is our way to allow the current generation to nurture the talent of the next one. To secure a bright future for our beloved region."
"Chairman Rose, himself, has recognized my talent among the trainers at the orphanage I lived in. I was entrusted Hatenna due to that," Bede added with a pleased smirk, inching just a bit closer to the Chairman as he did so.
For once, it wasn't the boy's obnoxious attitude that caught Gloria's attention.
"You're an orphan?" she asked, her smile dropping off and her fork hitting her plate. She may not have liked him much, but not having any parent was still sad to think about. He scowled back at her, instantly losing her goodwill.
"Please, I don't want your filthy pity. I never got to know my parents, and I frankly don't care about them." The boy's sneering, uncaring furthered Gloria's regret towards her sympathy, moreso as his smug grin only grew wider. "What's important is that the Chairman himself understood I was a cut above the rest, just as Champion Leon has proven to be."
Gloria would've replied the boy in kind, politeness be damned, if Hop didn't lean forward first, letting out a good chuckle to Bede's face. "Someone like you, on par with Lee? Now that's a laugh! He hasn't remained undefeated for nothing, you know!"
"For now," was the platinum blond's quick put-down, barely registering Hop's smugness. Through it all, Rose leaned forward, as well, both of his hands intertwined as he stared at Gloria's rival.
"Being chosen by the Champion for the Gym Challenge is no small honor," the chairman said with stern consideration. "You two may be family, but I trust Leon to have a great eye for other trainers. Do you think you can match his legacy?"
It was an intriguing, daring question, one that made clear just how much the Chairman truly valued the talent and potential of young trainers. The man managed to be imposing enough to have Hop hesitate, considering the question more than Gloria would have expected, before nodding resolutely.
"Yes, I will," he declared. "Surpassing Lee is my dream."
"Keep dreaming then, because that's never going to happen." Gloria rolled her eyes.
"Shut your trap, mate. Hop is much stronger than he looks."
"As if your opinion meant anything."
Much to Gloria's surprise, it was Serena that pitched in next, the pregnant woman giving an uncharacteristic stare towards the undisciplined boy.
"That kind of attitude won't help you get too far in life, you know?" Her statement was serious, yet Gloria could feel a hint of worry in it, almost as if she was talking from past experience.
"Wampa! Wampa!"
Bede elected to ignore the woman, and go back to his food, before he could manage to turn the whole table against him. Rose took the reins of the discussion back with a hearty chuckle.
"My pick here is just very confident of his skills, dreaming big to be the best. He reminds me of myself, in a way."
"I heard from Gloria that you took part in the Gym Challenge yourself years ago, right?" Ash asked, his cutlery back on the table.
"Indeed. It was a different time for Galar, but I was a young trainer with big dreams. It was after that, with perseverance and hard work, that I built Macro Cosmos and raised its profile as the most prominent conglomerate of business in Galar. All with the aim to improve our beloved region as much as I can," Rose answered, dabbing at the corners of his mouth. "Be it through the Gym Challenge, the search for alternative energy sources, and everything in between, I only want the best for my fellow Galarians."
That kind of discourse could've easily felt arrogant and self-serving, not unlike the sneering barbs his pick for the Gym Challenge dished freely, but the genuine smile on Chairman Rose's face told a different story. There was a sincere love and devotion for his region there, a true passion for all things Galarian that the man dedicated his whole life towards. Gloria could feel her admiration for the man grow bigger as she realized that. Even the rest of her foreign companions seemed impressed by his devotion.
"From what I've seen, Galar appreciates your hard work," Ash commented, giving the businessman a wry smile before turning much more uncharacteristically serious. "Which reminds me. You're obviously aware of what happened in the Mine, yeah? Who was there in the depths?"
"Yes, I am." Rose's warm demeanor turned stoic, and the Postwick girl caught on to the man at the center of the conversation, a shiver running down her spine. "I'm privy to very few facts, but he…he's a man I'm more than aware of. Though, I certainly didn't expect him to come to Galar, of all places. Not at present, at least. Makes a man wonder…"
There was a brief silence, and then Rose's lips twitched with a confident, determined smile. "However, I'm not going to let him ruin what Galar has striven for. Not now, at such an important juncture for the region. Especially considering Kalos's own recovery and Diantha's…"
The man's trailed words brought all the adults to pause, a heavy air hanging on the table immediately afterwards. That confused Gloria and her fellow Gym Challengers, with none daring to say another word. Even Pikachu seemed to lose his jovial demeanor.
The name "Diantha" was unfamiliar to the girl, remembering only after some effort that it was the name of a famous actress in some of her mother's favorite movies, and the recently deceased Kalos Champion. Which would have been big news to her, but not something she'd studied extensively. Even so, with a bit more thought, she remembered how the usually insular Galarian news had reported extensively about her passing some time ago.
Only then did she realize that all the adults around her might've had history with her.
Feeling ashamed about not realizing it sooner, the girl didn't press the topic further in spite of her curiosity.
Ultimately, it was Rose that spoke again, both hands raised and an apologetic look behind his sunglasses. "Ah, my apologies. Sorry for bringing it up. I'm aware you were…close with her."
"No, it's fine. We're all still thinking about her, after all. It was just a few months ago, after all." Ash smiled a mirthless smile, letting out an exhale.
"I can imagine. But I'm sure she wouldn't have liked us to drag the atmosphere down like that. Even a blind man could see she was always striving to make life better for everyone else, right to the end." Rose grabbed his glass of wine again, contemplating the liquid wobbling inside. "But that's even more reason to ensure a bright future, for the new challengers here, and see who'll come out on top to uphold those ideals."
"There's no need for that. The future Champion is already here."
"And that's going to be me!" Hop declared, slamming his palm on the table with a wide grin.
Bede shook his head, not very pleased at Gloria's friend going against him. "Maybe I haven't been clear before. The Chairman personally endorsed me. That counts much more than your brother does."
"Chairman Rose hasn't held the position for years without a single loss! Lee is on a whole other level!"
"And who endorsed him to begin with? It's only thanks to the Chairman's efforts that you're even allowed to be here."
Both Hop and Bede appeared ready to throw down, staring fiercely at one another and grabbing everyone's attention. Not one to refuse a challenge, and mildly galvanized by her rivals' attitude, Gloria cleared her throat loudly and smirked as the entourage turned back to her.
"Actually, the reason we're here is that Chairman Rose offered me a lunch." Her grin grew wide enough to match Bede's ego, thumping at her chest with pride and looking over to her sponsor. "And Ash here would defeat everyone in a straight fight!"
Ash was a bit taken aback by the boast, even if he didn't refute it. He still scratched his head. "Well, I-"
"Oh, let me brag."
Bede didn't take kindly to Gloria's boast, redirecting his sour mood towards her. "Don't bring that League janitor into this discussion, loser."
"Lee would eclipse everyone else, anyway."
"Say that again!" the platinum blond snapped back, scowling towards Hop. The Champion's brother gave a shrug.
As the three Gym Challengers started needling each other on who would truly surpass Leon, the Chairman clapped his hands together, his enthusiasm coming back in full force. "Splendid. Just the kind of drive I wanted to see! Such a fierce rivalry is most worthy of an all-out battle to settle the score on who's the best, don't you agree?"
It was an obvious remark, and one both Gloria and Hop were on the same page of, grinning together in challenge. Bede wasn't, and he just frowned at his sponsor.
"We're three different trainers. Fighting against each other would be a mess."
"Oh, I can totally wipe the floor with both you and Hop alone, two on two!" Gloria bragged, pointing her thumb to herself with all her confidence.
"You barely have the skills to fight one on one, and you think you can win in a double? Quite arrogant."
"Look who's talking."
Gloria was more than ready to deck Bede in the face, but once more Hop entered the conversation, a hand firmly on the table as he leaned even closer to the boy. "It's okay, I can face Gloria alone if you're afraid to lose."
The comment seemed to spark something in the arrogant trainer, clenching his fists and glaring at both Postwick natives at once. "Don't put words in my mouth. I'm going to crush her without your help."
"Looks like it's settled, then." The Chairman rose up from his chair, his gaze wandering to the same spot Gloria had eyed on the way to their table. "The restaurant happens to have a battlefield, to offer the patrons a spectacle if trainers are willing to face each other. Let me arrange things quickly."
Rose took his leave to talk with the restaurant's owner, leaving the foreigners and the kids alone. All the Gym Challengers stared at each other, Gloria and Hop exuding excitement in complete contrast to Bede's glacial contempt. In spite of being partnered with Hop now, he seemed to want to beat both of them at the same time. Realizing that only made Gloria all the more driven to kick him down a peg, a sentiment shared by Scorbunny as her partner finished his bowl of food and joined her side again.
"You really put yourself in a tight spot, spitfire," was Astrid's quick comment as she glanced over both of her rivals. Her observation did nothing to deter the girl, calmly adjusting her cardigan.
"I gotta show what I'm made of. I'm not gonna win the Gym Challenge by taking half measures. Like the chairman said, no use in doing things halfway!"
"You do realize it's one against two, right? That puts you at a disadvantage from the start."
Gloria considered that. Then she just shrugged in response. "Eh, maybe it's not too fair, but neither was that battle with those Team Rocket arseholes a while ago. If I can defeat those jerks, I can win this, too!"
Astrid looked ready to say something about her decision only to (thankfully) choose not to press the topic further. The girl turned to the rest of her group, noting that Ash looked somewhere between amused and about to inform her of something. That struck the girl as odd, but before she could ask about it, he switched to a supportive nod alongside Serena.
"Good luck, Gloria."
"Do your best!"
"Kapika, pikachu pi!"
Pumping her fists and nodding back, Gloria was ready and raring to go as Chairman Rose came back, looking quite happy at the granted permission. At his insistence, the whole entourage moved for the battlefield in the middle of the restaurant, about the size of a regular one but placed at a good distance from any other part of the establishment. Beyond the safe distance, various tables were laid out all around, allowing a good number of the wealthy patrons to catch a glimpse of their upcoming scuffle throughout their meals. The adults quickly placed themselves on the sidelines, while Gloria let Applin out of her Poké Ball and placed the apple in Serena's arms to allow the newest member of her team a chance to see another battle. That task done, the Postwick girl headed for her trainer box with Scorbunny skipping along, while Bede and Hop did the same on the opposite end.
"Let me make this clear: we may be fighting on the same side, but I will not cooperate with you. My strength and skills will be all that's needed to defeat that second-string." Bede shot a venomous glare at Gloria, staying quite a few feet away from his technical battle partner.
Hop shrugged off his companion's conduct as he threw a Poké Ball up to catch it decisively. "Suit yourself, mate. I don't need you, either. Gloria is mine to beat, anyway."
"Let's see if you'll still talk so big once I defeat you both, alone," Gloria declared, the high from the victory against Nessa still filling her with confidence.
"App! App!"
Looking over to Serena's arms to see the Apple Core Pokémon hopping in excitement. She threw her a thumbs up. "That's the spirit! Look forward to another win, Applin!"
The apple dragon only grew more restless at her trainer's boast, helping the girl psych herself up for the coming battle all the same. She and Scorbunny took a deep breath at once, just as Chairman Rose took his place at the central edge of the battlefield.
"I'd like to take the pleasure of refereeing the battle, myself." Raising both arms, the man proceeded to make the requisite preambles, much to the collective interest of the restaurant's patrons. "Today, my esteemed patrons, the Captain's Table is proud to present you a double battle between Gym Challenger Gloria and the Gym Challengers Bede and Hop. They are all taking the Gym Challenge by storm, and I look forward to the kind of battle they'll show us."
Gloria wasn't sure if the rest of the people around them recognized the man behind his disguise or not, but his magnetic personality came through all the same, attracting everyone's attention to the man. At least for a moment. As his words were received, the patrons' attention moved towards the most infamous element of the battle.
"Isn't that the girl that Kabu defeated easily?"
"It's her! And she's facing some of the big favorites."
"She's not gonna make it, I'm afraid. I feel bad for her."
Gloria frowned, digging her fingernails into her palms. It was hardly the first such remarks she'd had to weather, but she wanted to hope that maybe, just maybe, that chatter would've died down with her latest victory. Instead, she was still the loser who embarrassed herself against Kabu. Someone beneath a real Gym Challenger, just as Bede said.
"Nibbah!" the shout of her first partner derailed her train of thought, the white bunny shaking his paw with fire in his eyes. Gloria smiled back at him, a hand over her chest as she steadied her breath. They couldn't let those thoughts get to them right before a battle.
"Right. We'll show 'em." She grabbed her second Poké Ball, throwing it high. "Rookidee, let's go!"
"Rookoko!" her loyal Flying type chirped, flying down to join Scorbunny's side and immediately scowling towards Bede.
The platinum blond ignored that as he made his own choice. "Hatenna, let's teach 'em a lesson."
"Tennah!" The same Pokémon Gloria had seen in the Mine appeared on the opposing side, and even without her eyes being visible she could still tell she was looking as mean as her trainer. Gloria steeled herself in preparation.
Hop, by contrast, maintained his upbeat demeanor as he threw in his own Pokémon. "I'll show you how much we improved! Go, Thwackey!"
"Wack! Wack! Thwackey!" From the Ball appeared a lanky green Pokémon with brown arms, ears and tail, with two wooden sticks tied up at the top of his head. The primate Pokémon quickly took them out to wield them as weapons, and as he glanced over Scorbunny, Gloria understood.
"Wait, that Pokémon...Your Grookey evolved, Hop?"
"Of course! We put our all into training for our rematch ever since our battle at Professor Magnolia's Laboratory."
Recognizing his once rival, Scorbunny took a step forward, a grin of challenge on his face. "Scor scor! Nibbah!"
"Wackey thwack!" The Beat Pokémon replied, wearing a just as prideful grin as he held both sticks high, ready to fight.
Seeing their two Pokémon ready to face each other made Gloria smirk as well, her desire to test herself superseding her prior doubts. "That's cool, but you know this won't be enough, I hope."
"We'll see about that, mate. We have some good tricks up our sleeve!"
"Would you please drop this sickening couple act? We're making the audience wait." Bede tapped his foot on the pavement repeatedly, making his already unpleasant question even less desired, earning him a twin eyeroll from both Gloria and Hop.
"Killjoy." Bede didn't care, and the Chairman saw fit to move onward, now that each Pokémon was out on the field.
"The battle will be considered over once all Pokémon on either side are unable to battle. Now, begin! Do your best!"
Gloria punched forward, seizing the first move. "Let's start with a bang! Scorbunny, Flame Charge! Rookidee, Peck!"
Both of her Pokémon charged onward, Scorbunny cloaked in flames and Rookidee's beak ready to strike. Thwackey braced himself for the impact, yet Bede and Hatenna remained implacable.
"Confusion," Bede ordered. Hatenna's droopy hair rose up, firing a purple beam of psychic energy that froze Rookidee in mid-air, pulsing in pain. Scorbunny was taken aback as well, pausing his charge for a second and forcing him to dodge an assault from Thwackey with a jump.
"Rookidee, break free!" Gloria shouted, hoping for her bird to get out of Bede's attack. No matter how much he struggled, however, the psychic hold remained in place.
"That's pointless, Hatenna isn't gonna stop. Thunder Wave!" Bede snapped his fingers, and Hatenna fired a pulse of electricity right for the trapped bird. Rookidee cried as static electricity enveloped his body, restraining him even further as the psychic hold grew tighter and Bede's cocky grin grew wider.
Gloria wouldn't let either stand. "Air Slash!"
Rookidee attempted to coalesce the blast of air, only for his concentration to break, instead spiraling downward towards the floor as Hatenna broke the Confusion. Gloria's worry increased, the dizzy, unfocused expression of Rookidee's becoming noticeable.
"Paralysis and Confusion on my first attempt. Just as it should be." Bede's horribly satisfied grin made Gloria's blood boil, giving her the impulse to deck him in the face. Seeing the Tiny Bird Pokémon getting back to fluttering above ground, however, made Gloria shift gears.
"Rookidee, try to-"
Rookidee flew even faster than his trainer could ask for, her words not even finished. His beak was glowing and ready to strike…at Scorbunny.
"Nibbah!" The Rabbit Pokémon hopped away right before impact, Rookidee rolling off the battlefield like a ragdoll, his dazed and confused expression still over his face.
"Rookidee! Snap out of it!" Gloria shouted, grimacing and hoping for the best. The Flying type continued to awkwardly bobble his way to standing.
"Don't forget I'm fighting here, too! Thwackey, Double Hit!"
"Thwack!" The sudden command reminded Gloria of her other opponent, zooming across the battlefield to charge for Scorbunny, both of his sticks ready to dish punishment.
"Double Kick to safety!"
"Nibbah!" Gloria's command was sudden, but her first partner still managed to press his kick on the ground and leap out of the way of the first strike, landing just in time to bounce away from the second.
And right in Hatenna's line of sight. "Thunder Wave."
"Shift to Flame Charge!" Scorbunny was fast, cloaking himself in flames and rushing to safety, but Hatenna's paralyzing beam was moreso, managing to hit him and break his run as soon as it started, agonizing as the static ran through his body, crying out in pain as he tried to stand again. Gloria bit her lip, trying to keep her focus steady. Now that both of her Pokémon were paralyzed, she needed to rely on everything she had. "Rookidee, please! Use Peck!"
Rookidee didn't appear to be any more aware of his surroundings than before, but by some stroke of luck the bird managed to listen, rising skyward and diving for Hatenna. In spite of that, neither Bede nor his Pokémon appeared worried.
"Calm Mind," the boy ordered. Hatenna remained still and glowed as she appeared to meditate, even weathering the strike as Rookidee pecked her.
Whatever bad news her opponents were cooking, Gloria had no interest in hearing it. "Scorbunny, try-"
"Knock Off!" Gloria's eyes darted on the other end of the field, just in time to see Thwackey tackling into her partner powerfully.
"Flame Charge, Scorbunny!" Her order was quick, the cloaking fire and ensuing speed boost counteracting the monkey's assault and forcing him back, allowing Gloria a second's reprieve for the other half of the fight. "Air Slash, Rookidee! I believe in you!"
"Rooko!" Her flying Pokémon chirped decisively, confidently, and aware, his dazed expression making way to pure determination as he channeled the wind to blast towards Hatenna. Bede's Pokémon was caught off guard, the Air Slash sending her skidding over the edge of the battlefield.
"Yes!" Gloria cheered as she pumped her fists. Rookidee allowed himself a clearheaded smirk, even as the paralysis' sparks brought him down a bit. As Scorbunny managed to keep Thwackey on his toes, the Postwick girl could feel the momentum turning on her side. "Now, Rookidee, go for a Peck!"
"So, the Confusion ended already. Hmph." Bede scowled, his arrogance tempered but hardly gone. "But that's no substitute for skill. Draining Kiss!"
"Tenna!" The Psychic type rushed towards Rookidee just as soon as the bird prepared for the follow-up attack, sending a loveless kiss from the distance. The move forced Gloria's Pokémon to brake to a halt, feeling fatigued as his stolen life force healed Hatenna's wounds.
"Rook!" The Flying type was ready to pay back the offense, already preparing himself for an Air Slash, only for the static electricity to break his concentration. As soon as he recovered, Hatenna already trapped him in the psychic bind of Confusion once more.
Bede grinned, his smugness increased tenfold. "And now, slam that bird into Scorbunny."
"Wood Hammer, Thwackey!" Hop added at the same time.
Gloria froze on the spot, the combined assault sending a chill down her spine as Hatenna circled the lassoed Rookidee overhead, bringing him down on a collision for Scorbunny just as Thwackey and his glowing sticks came forward for him.
Put on the spot, Gloria gulped. "Double Kick high! Please!"
Scorbunny grimaced, aware of both dangers coming for him, crouching down and placing all his power in both of his feet. Expending both kicks at once, Scorbunny cracked down on the battlefield and recoiled hard enough to fly above both attacks. Thwackey tried to stop, but he could do nothing as Rookidee arched downward, slamming into him instead.
"Thwack!" the Beat Pokémon shouted, tossed all the way towards Hatenna, dragging both over the ground and allowing Gloria's bird to break free of the Psychic attack. He joined Scorbunny's side as soon as he landed back down. Gloria placed a hand over her heart, finding it racing too fast for her tastes.
Seeing the state of their Pokémon, Hop groaned, shooting a glare towards his partner trainer. "Hey, look where you're aiming!"
"I was aiming perfectly. Your move was completely unneeded."
"Yeah, guess who was dealing with Scorbunny in the meantime."
"You keep doing your thing. I'll focus on winning."
"Whatever." The purple-haired boy rolled his eyes, writing off the whole exchange as he turned back to the battle. Some of the adults murmured, with Astrid's visibly arching eyebrow most prominent at the conflict. "Uproar, Thwackey! Show them your beat!"
"THWACKEY WACK WACK!" The monkey stomped his feet around and slammed both sticks rhythmically on the floor, a loud cacophony spreading throughout the restaurant as blue soundwaves circled the area, forcing Gloria and her Pokémon to cover their ears.
"Ughhh!" the Postwick girl screamed, noticing the spectators around her trying to withstand the noise, including a grimacing, but grinning, Rose. Her Pokémon barely managed to resist it, with Scorbunny in particular falling to his knees, no doubt from his large ears catching even the briefest sound. Before she could do anything, a familiar psychic beam trapped Scorbunny and brought him skyward as well, soon joined by Rookidee. Gloria paled.
Bede continued to grin as the Uproar persisted around him. "Hatenna, slam them together with Confusion."
"Air Slash before he can do that!"
Just this once, Rookidee proved to be faster than his opponent, the blast of sharp air reaching Hatenna before she could slam him and Scorbunny together, breaking the Confusion and letting both fall. The blowback sent Hatenna slamming into Thwackey again, instantly interrupting the cacophonic assault, much to the relief of everyone's ears.
"Tennah!"
"Thwack!"
As both Pokémon fell on a heap on the battlefield, Gloria took the chance to steel herself, her heart still thumping against her ribcage with full force. As soon as the pair would stand up, the battle would continue. She had to be ready for it. That thought forced an inhale. And through it all, she could hear the faint whispers of the crowd behind her.
"She's seriously being beaten into a corner, poor thing."
"That's what she gets for facing opponents far above her level."
She balled her fists once more, her body trembling without meaning to. She knew that; she knew that she was the underdog, facing two opponents who could easily regain the upper hand. Yet, every whisper, every comment, felt like twisting the knife deeper in the wound. Hop and Bede were as different as night and day, her too confident childhood friend and the smug jerk who saw everything as beneath him, but they were both her rivals at that point. Two twin, tall walls on her path to the top, crushing her chances to ever get there.
She grimaced, looking at the electricity coursing through Scorbunny and Rookidee's bodies, making it hard for them to stand. She really should've listened to Astrid, for once.
And yet, through her mounting doubts, one voice rose above the others.
"Don't get distracted. Keep your head in the battle!"
"Pikaka, Kapika!"
"App app!"
Ash's, Pikachu's and even Applin's rallying cries managed to clear Gloria's mind just enough to shake her head, putting her worries to the side. They were right; she was still fighting, and the battle was still to be decided. They could still climb the walls! But even with that realization, she still needed to understand how.
As Hatenna and Thwackey got back up, and Gloria spotted her rivals glaring at each other, the answer came to her, and a grin split her face.
Confidently, she jabbed forward. "Rookidee, Peck over Hatenna!"
Her loyal Rookidee flew as soon as the order was given, wings tucked in and rocketing forward. A jolt shocked him in place, inches away from his target, and Bede grinned. "Your luck has run out! Confusion!"
"Air Slash!"
Before the psychic hold could seize Rookidee's form again, the sharp blast of wind covered the distance for him, Hatenna unable to dodge. The compressed air exploded against her and she flew into the ground, face-first and crying out. "Tennah!"
"Don't let her rest! Keep hitting with Peck!" Rookidee obliged, landing atop the Calm Pokémon and continuously pecking over her, giving Bede's Pokémon no chance to concentrate again. By the grin on his face, Gloria's bird was more than enjoying the sweet comeuppance.
Hop swept his hand, pitching in once again. "Uproar, Thwackey!"
"Scorbunny, Flame Charge!" The flaming, speeding Rabbit Pokémon rushed in just as the Grass type prepared another musical assault, forcing him to push back with both sticks and hold his ground against the rabbit's relentless push. Like a wildfire, Scorbunny's flames raged higher with every inch gained. They couldn't afford them to join forces again, but of course, her old friend wouldn't make things easy.
"So that's the game you want to play? Well then! Wood Hammer!"
"Jump with a Double Kick and strike down!"
As the sickly green of the joint sticks swung down to slam Scorbunny, the white bunny leapt skyward to safety, twirling in mid-air and diving down for the second kick. Thwackey swung the Wood Hammer upward, both attacks connecting and blowing the fighters apart. Rabbit and monkey shared grins as they panted heavily, all while Rookidee continued to relentlessly peck over Hatenna.
Bede frowned harshly, shooting daggers towards Hop. "Get that stupid bird off my Pokémon. We need to focus!"
"Oh, so now I don't have to 'keep doing my thing'? Sorry mate, but I'm trying to win here."
Gloria had to suppress a chuckle as she saw Bede's rather miffed expression, but she resisted the urge to rub salt in his wound. They had a battle to win, after all. "Hone Claws, Rookidee, and then strike with another Peck!"
Rookidee swiftly stopped his assault to instead power himself up. The split second after it was done, he slammed his beak into Hatenna without pause, once again making her face meet the ground. None of the prior attacks had been particularly powerful, but Hatenna's numerous bruises made clear that Bede's Pokémon had seen better days.
"Draining Kiss!" Bede shouted, his voice higher than before, as if that could regain the advantage.
Gloria wouldn't allow that. "Air Slash!"
The razor-sharp blast of air was prepared right away, only for a jolt to freeze Rookidee in place. Gloria bit her lip, watching the pink orb Hatenna sap away her bird's energy with another kiss, her wounds healing under her eyes. Rookidee still pushed through, completing the attack and blasting a weaker but effective Air Slash against Hatenna, blocking her from healing herself further.
"Double Hit!" Thwackey twirled both of his branches at once, ready for the twin strike towards the fatigued Scorbunny, putting Gloria back on her toes.
"Double Kick!"
Fiercely, Scorbunny's leg flew up, kick matching branch and forcing both fighters away. They went at it again right after, their attacks meeting halfway once more, neither Pokémon giving in as they tried to overpower the other.
"Shift to Wood Hammer!" Suddenly, Thwackey's free stick glowed in Grass type energy, the Beat Pokémon swinging his weapon against his rival, still trapped in the standoff.
"Nibbah!" The impact was swift and unavoidable, throwing Scorbunny to the other end of the battlefield, wide open and defenseless.
"Knock Off, now! Don't give them breathing room!" Thwackey followed on right away, charging into a tackle for the downed rabbit. Only with a last-second push and jump did Scorbunny avoid the attack, soaring and landing away from Thwackey. The monkey held his sticks up again, charging once more.
"Scorbunny, keep jumping! Wait for the right moment!" Gloria shouted, dividing her attention between both sides of the battlefield. While Scorbunny leapt all over to dodge Thwackey's attacks, Rookidee flew around Hatenna and dodged further attempts to get his energy drained with a few salvos of Air Slash. She managed to keep her advantage going for quite a while, but in the end, the walls were still standing as tall as they did before, the momentum switching back to her rivals. Her defensive strategy could falter any second.
She needed a real solution to win, and quickly.
"Double Hit!" Yet again, Hop's Pokémon slammed his sticks downward, with Scorbunny leaping through the hits, sweat pouring down his face and mostly jumping out of sheer adrenaline. He had to jump to avoid each hit, and get ready for the chance to strike back.
And then electricity made his body go numb, falling to his knee. Thwackey brought his stick down with all his might.
"SCOR!" The impact was powerful, slamming the Rabbit Pokémon downward enough to crack the battlefield. Gloria was horrified, her first partner clearly at the end of his rope. The crowd began to turn away.
Hop, however, was jubilant. "Let's settle this! One final Wood Hammer!"
Knowing full well that move would seal their victory, Thwackey brought both sticks together in one hand, rotating his arms several times over as the monkey's weapons glowed a brighter shade of green than before. The attack would be devastating, and Scorbunny was fatigued, injured, and unable to do anything as he stood kneeling. With Hatenna still keeping Rookidee busy, as well, she couldn't count on him to come and help. Scorbunny was alone.
Thwackey finally brought his arm down to strike, and Gloria wondered if this was how the battle would end.
She pursed her lips, her determination flaring up. She wouldn't allow that!
"Scorbunny, we're not going to let this end here! Jump, higher than ever!" she yelled, resolute and punching the sky, as if to dare her first partner to push past his limits.
With a split-second left, Scorbunny shared his trainer's drive. He squatted down, built up all his energies, and soared.
"Niiiibbah!" the white bunny shouted, his powerful leap bringing him way above Thwackey's attack, the Wood Hammer splintering the battlefield's pavement in a million pieces underneath. Scorbunny leapt far above the rest of the fighters, reaching all the way to the ceiling. He pressed both feet over it, propelling himself down and meteoring right for the Beat Pokémon, the monkey too surprised to move away.
"THWACK!" Scorbunny's landing made Thwackey crater onto the battlefield, the Rabbit Pokémon hopping away with a pleased grin on his face, too energized and motivated to fall to his fatigue. The Grass type weakly got back on his feet, and to everyone's surprise, the same jolts of electricity that Scorbunny and Rookidee had coursed through Grass type.
"What the-" Gloria muttered, quirking an eyebrow. She knew of how to use Double Kick to jump higher, and this was definitely not what Double Kick did. Instinctively she turned to her comrades, finding Ash adjusting his hat and grinning back to her.
"That's not a jump. That's Bounce!" the man explained, his excitement bringing a smile on Gloria's face. Now everything made sense.
"All that jumping around has helped us! And mum always told us not to." She pumped her fists, her confidence renewed and ready to capitalize on that lucky turn. "It's time to turn the tables! Bounce again!"
Scorbunny smirked, his own drive and energy at an all-time high as he leapt forward again, high above the battlefield, diving once again for Thwackey at the same time as Rookidee readied another Air Slash. Hop frowned as Thwackey tried to leap to safety, only for his body to go numb and keep him in place.
"Thwack!" the Beat Pokémon shouted as Scorbunny's feet met his face, sending him flying backwards at high speed. So sudden was the impact that even Hatenna was surprised, leaving her an easy target for Rookidee's blast of air.
"Tennah!" The Calm Pokémon flew as well, all the way towards Thwackey, both of the opposing Pokémon slamming into each other and falling together on the ground. Their bruises were visible, their energy low, and easy picking for more attacks.
Realizing what just happened only made Bede's scowl uglier than it already was. "You let them master a move?"
"Excuse me for not seeing the future!" Hop scoffed, eyes darting back to Thwackey. His partner was blocking Hatenna with his body, though still numb due to the paralysis.
Gloria realized that everyone's eyes were on her, now, the same patrons that had mocked and dismissed her now unable to say anything. Rose was clapping, overjoyed at the turn. She smiled brighter than ever: this was her moment, her chance to rise above the walls and bring them down.
"It's time! Let's show everyone what a true Gym Challenger is capable of!" She pointed skyward once again, for the heights she and her Pokémon were aiming for. "Rookidee, Scorbunny! Air Slash Bounce!"
In spite of the fatigue, in spite of the paralysis, both of her Pokémon answered the call. Rookidee charged one final Air Slash, while Scorbunny jumped high in the air, redirecting and rocketing down to strike their downed opponents.
"ROOKO!" The Tiny Bird Pokémon unleashing a powerful, large sphere of air, aiming right for Scorbunny. The white bunny withstood the attack, letting the ensuing blast carry him down even faster, gaining velocity and power as he neared the ground.
"NIBBAAAAAAAH!" Scorbunny roared, slamming into Thwackey and Hatenna at full power, the combined attack and the force of the impact enough to create a large explosion, one from which neither of her opponents' Pokémon could run away from.
A loud "TENNAH!" and "THWACK!" resounded from the clouded impact point, and as Scorbunny landed back down he, Rookidee and especially Gloria continued to watch. Everyone was still on edge and tired, but willing to fight all the same.
The cloud of smoke slowly grew thinner, everyone waiting with bated breath. Gloria swallowed.
And then both Pokémon came into view, both of them exhausted and sprawled on the ground, motionless.
No one dared uttering a word, neither the battlers nor the crowd, until Chairman Rose beamed enthusiastically, raising his arm to the Postwick girl. "Both Hatenna and Thwackey are unable to battle. The winner of this battle is Gloria and her Pokémon!"
Even after hearing the referee's words, Gloria couldn't believe it. And yet, she did: she made the walls crumble, and she was now standing over their ruins, alongside her team. They won.
"Yes! We made it!" As the happiest grin split her face, she went and tackled both of her Pokémon into a tight hug, just as both of them allowed fatigue to catch up to them. She nuzzled both closely. "You were amazing, guys!"
"Rookoko!" Rookidee shouted, leaning in and hugging his trainer.
Scorbunny replied with a hug of his own, the proudest grin over his face as he held a paw in victory. "Scorbun nibboot!"
The strange, unfamiliar sound gave Gloria pause, breaking the hug to check if everything was alright. As she did so, Scorbunny started glowing in a bright blue light, and beneath it, her first Pokémon partner changed.
His body grew just a bit larger, a large tuft of fur forming over his head as his ears drooped downwards. His eyes grew much larger as several layers of fur formed over him. As the light faded out, she could see how his yellow patch had turned into something akin to a headband, and his whole body was now enveloped in fur that resembled a black and red sports hoodie, with even what looked to be two pockets over the chest, and a large high collar covering his mouth, giving him a serious, confident vibe.
"Scorbunny...? No, wait." Gloria pulled off her Rotom Phone, and her personal assistant swiftly answered her question.
"Raboot, the Rabbit Pokémon," Rotom spoke. "Its thick and fluffy fur serves as protection from the cold and strengthens its fire moves. Combined with its proficiency with kicks and footwork, it is a fighter not to underestimate."
"Rabuh." He closed one eye and pocketed his hands, as if to validate the Pokédex's description. Yet, beneath his collar Gloria could see a little grin, the same one she was familiar with. He was still her Scorbunny.
And so, she hugged him once more.
"I'm so proud of you!" she said, and Raboot replied in kind, with even Rookidee joining in.
The sound of approaching steps put the jubilation on hold, and Gloria turned to see her traveling companions coming closer. Pikachu and Yamper were ahead of everyone to congratulate the fighters. Over in Serena's hands, Applin seemed to be doing her best to not roll all the way towards her trainer.
And in front of all, Ash smiled. "That was an amazing battle, Gloria. You should be proud of this."
"Pi pikachu!"
"Wampa wampa!"
As the two Electric types approached Gloria's Pokémon to compliment them, the Postwick trainer chanced a look around. All the patrons that had made snide remarks beforehand were now silent, unsure of what to say after her success. She found a smug pleasure in realizing that, until her attention went to Hop, her old friend helping Thwackey stand, patting the downcast Beat Pokémon's shoulder.
He sighed, giving Gloria a little grin. "You always manage to be one step ahead, huh, mate?"
Gloria would have responded, if a mighty stomp didn't catch her attention first. The source of the noise was Bede, the pink-clad boy utterly horrified as he stared at the defeated Hatenna, looking just about ready to bite someone.
"No! This is all wrong!" He glared at Hop, pointing at him in anger. "This wouldn't have happened if you actually did your damn job!"
"Said mister coordination here," Hop scoffed, rolling his eyes.
Bede completely ignored the remark, setting his sights back on Gloria, thirsty for vengeance. He grabbed another Pokeball without warning. "I'll defeat you myself, now! This was all a fluke! A sham!"
Gloria and her team braced themselves for the resuming battle, but Bede's attempt to start it was put to an end as Chairman Rose grabbed the boy by his arm, shaking his head.
"Bede, this was neither of these things. What I saw was a splendid battle, and exactly the sort of talent Galar should offer." He let go of his ward's hand, instead coming close to Gloria and raising her arm enthusiastically, turning around to face the crowd. "Everyone, let's cheer for our brave fighters! All of them!"
It took a few seconds, but slowly the patrons registered the man's words. Whether due to recognizing him as the Chairman or just for his vibrant enthusiasm, a round of applause slowly emerged for Gloria and her Pokémon. It wasn't the warmest approval in the world, but Gloria still smiled and waved back, enjoying her little victory.
"I look forward to the day you'll show your skills in the Wyndon Conference and the Champion Cup, for all the world to see," Rose elaborated, grinning as though he were a proud father, overlooking the future. "It's people like you who will show the direction of the Galar League."
"Of course, we will, Mister Chairman. No one is stronger than us!" Gloria said, thumping her chest, sharing a confident smirk alongside Raboot.
Off to the side, Bede was still stewing in his own anger, raising the collar of his jacket to cover his displeased expression. The scowl towards his fellow Gym Challengers was still obvious as he recalled Hatenna.
"I won't let this go unavenged," he spat, lingering glare on both. "You will pay for this, and it goes for both of you."
"Sure, sure," Hop said, joining Gloria's side and barely giving the boy any attention. The two Postwick natives shared a small fistbump over their mutual dislike for the boy.
As the clapping slowly subsided and Bede continued to barely hide his rage, however, Gloria could spot a woman approaching them from the restaurant's entrance in large strides. Her own sardonic clapping made clear her immediate displeasure and recent arrival, quieting all others.
"Chairman Rose. So, this is where you've been." As the woman came closer, Gloria could discern more of her features, her tall frame and long hair making her seem fairly imposing while her face made her look either extremely humorless or ridiculously tired. The closer she got, the more Gloria remembered having seen her in the occasional news report and even earlier in Hulbury. Her mere presence managed to make Rose and particularly Bede's interest gravitate towards her.
"My apologies, this was a matter that required my direct attention." The head of Macro Cosmos gave a sheepish smile, before he faced the entourage of his guests once more. "Everyone, this is Oleana, my personal secretary and vice-president of Macro Cosmos. One of the most dedicated hard workers I've ever had the pleasure to meet."
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," the woman called Oleana said, her tone much blunter and business-like than her words implied. Her attention went back to her superior right away. "Chairman, there are important matters that require your attention. As you should be aware, we are about to make a huge breakthrough regarding the Wishing Stars project. I can't have you gallivanting off on a whim."
That comments made both the Chairman and particularly Bede go stiff, far more than Gloria would've expected to see. The boy stepped forward, an eager look on his face. "Is the R&D department in need of new samples?"
"We don't discount the possibility."
Oleana's words were like music to Bede's ears, his anger visibly subsiding as a chance to prove himself formed in front of him. Gloria didn't care much for that, instead wondering what the project they were discussing even was in the first place. Not that Oleana answered or elaborated, even with Gloria's curiosity piqued, remembering the boy and his stolen Dynamax Band from the road to Hulbury.
"I look forward to hearing everything there is to report." Rose nodded towards his secretary. She pursed her lips in displeasure. "Oh…you mean now?"
"Of course, chairman. These are matters of utmost urgency."
Rose frowned, a bit put out by his time cut short, but sparing a glance for his guests right after, most specifically Ash. "I'm sorry, but it seems these are matters of the utmost importance, and they require my full attention."
"I get it," Ash said nodding. Rose briefly craned his neck in Gloria's direction.
"As for you, my intrepid challenger, much thanks for accepting my offer," the man said, jovial as ever. "That was a firecracker of a battle. Can't wait to see more. I hope your journey will continue safely."
Gloria nodded, and Rose closed the book, outstretching his hand towards Ash, who shook it firmly. "Same to you, Chairman Rose. Good luck with everything."
"Much thanks. All right. Come, Bede, the future of Galar awaits us!" The Chairman pivoted around and headed for the exit, with his chosen Gym Challenger following along with all the eagerness one would expect of him. Gloria would've been happy for how the jerk had finally left, but the unpleasant boy took a backseat in her mind as she noticed Oleana hadn't yet left the restaurant. More than that, the woman was still considering their little group with her unchanging expression. Many of the patrons got the message, disappearing from the sides and back to their meals.
Before anyone could ask why she remained, she fixed her gaze on Ash. "Mister Ketchum."
"That's me," Ash replied, grinning at first, but soon dropping it. To Gloria, the temperature may as well have plummeted. "Is something wrong?"
"I am aware of the involvement you and your acquaintances had in the incident at the Galar Mine."
"Oh, yeah, we already discussed that with the Chairman."
"That is not what I am speaking of." Oleana's eyes slitted even further than they already were, as if she wanted to freeze Ash on the spot with her gaze alone. He was left silent and confused as the secretary folded her arms. Gloria tilted her head to the side, watching the strangely frosty scene, but unable to think of anything to say. "Your Liaison status may allow you a large amount of leeway in the region's matters, but I will not take kindly to any further interference in Macro Cosmos's operations."
"Did I…do something like that…?" he asked, but Oleana's face gave no answer. Ash quirked an eyebrow, further puzzled at her claim. "I'm not going to ruin anything. I'm just here to check out the Gym Challenge."
"Then please keep focusing on your duty. Macro Cosmos has tirelessly worked too hard for a foreigner to ruin things by causing incidents in places he shouldn't."
Ash didn't have the time to ask the woman what she meant. She turned around and departed the building, pursuing Rose and Bede. In her wake, she'd left behind a very puzzled League Liaison and his just as confused companions. Only Astrid looked less than stunned, frowning after the woman.
"What's her deal?" Hop asked, scratching his head. Gloria just shrugged, unable to answer his friend. "And what's all that about the Galar Mine?"
Serena rubbed her chin in thought at the question. "She may have been unhappy with all the damage the Mine suffered due to the battle against Carkol. They do seem to be having problems with Wishing Stars..."
"We saved the workers' lives. If she should be angry at anyone it should be Alastair," Ash groaned, clearly annoyed by what the woman had tried to say. Astrid seemed little better, her eyes lidded with suspicion.
"Whatever the case, I'd not lower my guard." Astrid continued to follow the woman across the windows with her eyes, as if she could try to discern her intentions. "I don't sense anything good from that woman."
"Mmm."
Seeing the adults ponder about that brief, confusing encounter put Gloria on the edge, as well. To her, it sounded more like the woman had just had a bad day and decided to take it out on Ash, but the way it all went back to the events on the Mine only reminded her of the man named Alastair once more. It left an uncomfortable lump in her throat, bringing back all the stuff Ash and the others seemed to have dealt with that she wasn't part of. Scary stuff she had no place in.
It didn't make it better when the uncomfortable silence of the adults made Gloria feel acutely aware of their surroundings. Or what was left of them. She cleared her throat and tapped Ash's shoulder.
"Um, guys, I don't know what that was all about, but uh…I think we should leave before the restaurant gives us the bill for the battlefield."
As Gloria pointed behind her, everyone else could see the disaster they had left the Captain's Table's arena in, with several waiters rushing in to clean up the resulting mess. Everyone had a good, nervous laugh about it, and even if no one was truly concerned about the possibility, they all realized it was better to take their leave, thanking the staff for the good meal and heading back into Hulbury's streets. In spite of all the events of the day, the sun was still shining brightly above them.
Once they all stepped out of the establishment, Hop took a few steps forward, hands behind his neck as he turned to face Gloria again with Thwackey by his side. "Guess I should take my leave, as well."
"Are you gonna head back to Motostoke already?" Gloria asked, as she grabbed Applin away from Serena's hands and back into her own. Rookidee perched over her hat.
"Nah, I'll stay in Hulbury for a bit. Place is nice to train, and we're gonna need plenty." Hop traded a look with Thwackey, the monkey grabbing both of his sticks to make the point clear.
Gloria couldn't stop herself from smirking back to her old friend. "What, getting scared by how we beat you twice?"
"Don't act so high and mighty. You'll only be a stepping stone in the birth of my legend." Hop countered with a just as smug smirk. "All we need is some time to fine-tune our strategy, and that's something we gotta do alone. You'll see. Next time, victory will be ours."
"And you'll see that no matter what you do, I'll always be ahead of you."
"Is that a bet? Because I won't lose that, either!"
Both teens locked gazes with each other, before letting out some lighthearted chuckles. Unlike with Bede, Gloria really could manage to feel at ease with Hop. Sure, she still hadn't fully forgiven him for the whole endorsement fiasco, but they were still friends and rivals, always ready to run together to see who'd reach the finish line first. It was how they rolled, and they both liked that.
"That's what I wanted to hear," Gloria admitted, offering the boy her hand. "Stay strong, mate, and I'll see you in Motostoke."
"Make Postwick proud, Gloria," Hop replied in kind, clasping his hand with her own and sealing their little deal.
"Rabah." By Gloria's side, the newly evolved Raboot matched his trainer, offering Thwackey his paw. The monkey placed the sticks aside, beaming back at his rival as they joined hands.
"Thwack!" the Beat Pokémon declared, the two starters' intensity mirrored by their trainers.
No one needed to say anything more as Hop departed for his training, waving back at them and filled with unending confidence. As her old friend left, leaving Gloria with her regular traveling partners, Ash stepped forward, clear pride in his eyes. "First Hop, then Marnie, and then that Bede. You're sure getting a lot of rivals."
"Of course. I'm the strongest there is, after all!" Gloria boasted, puffing her chest and letting her confidence grow again. Astrid rolled her eyes at the ridiculous claim. They were all very different people, and just as different was her relationship with them, but they were all Gym Challengers, facing Galar's strongest for their chance to be the best. The fact that other trainers held some sort of interest in her only made her feel all the more important.
"So long as anyone above Kabu isn't counted, that is," sniped Astrid, as eager as ever to deflate her expectations.
"After all the training we got, we're gonna bring him down easily! Isn't that right, guys?"
"Rabuh rah!"
"Rooko!"
Applin vibrated excitedly in her hands, and from the twitch of her lone remaining Poké Ball, she could tell even Chewtle was agreeing. Their drive was unified, all sharing the same goal.
"The question is how to get back. It's a long way back through Turffield…"
Serena nodded to her husband, before pulling out the Town Map to show everyone Hulbury's exits. "Yes, but there is another road we can take. And it goes straight from Hulbury to Motostoke."
"That's fine by me. We'll keep moving forward, no matter what's thrown in our way!" Gloria said, not even needing further details; just the idea of getting to Motostoke through another path was enough to convince her.
"Rab raboot!"
"But first, let's go and rest at the Pokémon Center. We got a long journey ahead of us."
No one had any objection to the suggestion, the group heading back to the Center for the final preparations before leaving Hulbury behind them. Through it all, Gloria walked ahead of the group alongside her Pokémon, the smile on her face never faltering. She had been on a roll for quite a while, and there was no doubt that she had grown from the inexperienced kid that bit off more than she could chew against Kabu.
She was a true Gym Challenger, one that could finally show the old man who was boss. She had to believe it wholeheartedly.
So, she did, looking to Hulbury's setting sun.
Her future had never looked brighter.
Author's Note: Quite a bit going on this time. Rose makes a reappearance (somehow, Viroro got all of his appearances this book but one I cheated on from the outline), Bede shows up again, and we get another battle. Plus Raboot! Not that anyone was wondering when he'd evolve, but here it is! I hope you all enjoyed it as we move into the final act of the book.
Viroro: Hope you enjoyed the final chapter of Traveling I personally wrote. This was quite fun to write, as I enjoy juggling multiple characters and had a lot of fun dealing with Hop, Bede and particularly Chairman Rose, here developed quite a bit more than prior appearances. It was one of our major points of interest to insert Rose in a post-Tomorrow setting for the Anime, and we hope to be executing this well. Hope the battle was enjoyable too: writing a double battle where one side has poor coordination and it's more a free-for-all with a truce was quite the intriguing matchup, and I hope to have conveyed it as well as it should've been. And of course, that Scorbunny's evolution felt earned in the end.
I hope you'll enjoy the remainder of the chapters as Gloria and the crew head back to Motostoke for the rematch against Kabu, and that you'll look forward to what's to come!
Before leaving, still people to thank: Grimlock987 for favoriting; Eldergi for following; and a big thanks to Tenzalucard123, Fury, ahmedpikamaster, TheEnigmatic97, FantasyLover88, ChE clarinetist, Cottonmouth25, potat lasaro, MythGirl Writes, AmourshippingCanon, KnightDay19, Ander Arias, Mezamun, Captainsquid12, aliensinnoh and UltimateCCC for reviewing.
The adventure continues on, so we'll hopefully see you next time. Until then, please Review and,
Dare to Be Silly.