Back in Motostoke, but not time for the Gym battle. Instead, some important things to do as we inch closer to the end. Chapter 19!

Chapter 19

A Proposal

"Motostoke City, we're back!" Ash's call resounded around the city of steam and machines, garnering a number of looks, from parents with their children to Gloria's clearly annoyed one.

"Just ignore the strange man, honey."

"Is he an idiot…?"

"Pikapi…" Pikachu said, but Ash refused to let the grin drop from his face, even if he dropped his arms.

"Ash, I've told you a thousand times, there's no 'city' attached to it," Gloria said, looking embarrassed enough to be back here. Ash chuckled back at her, earning a giggle from Serena.

"I know, but I'm just so used to it. Nothing wrong with calling things a little different."

"Well, you didn't need to announce it like a child…"

"Says the child, herself," Astrid commented, flicking Gloria on the back of her head. Raboot did nothing to stop the abuse; he was just as embarrassed as his trainer while their entourage moved into the city.

"Come on, Gloria, lighten up! You're tense about the Gym, but there's nothing to worry about. You'll do fine." Ash's words hardly changed anything, the man gaily striding forward.

"Kapika, pika pika chuuu!" Pikachu's victory cry of sending a lightning bolt into the air was felt all around the block. Some smaller children clapped at the display while their parents shook their heads. Gloria managed to smile a little, but didn't say anything.

Neither did Serena, who a quick glance told him was lagging behind. Feeling sharply worse than he had a second ago, Ash trotted backwards to hold his wife up. She attempted to wave him off, but all it did was make Gloria and Astrid notice what was going on. "I'm fine, Ash, really."

"You and I both know that's not true…you look exhausted."

"Pipika…"

"It's just the recent traveling. I don't want to derail Gloria's Gym match," Serena said, but her legs were telling a different story. She nearly collapsed in Ash's arms, propped up until she could gain balance. Down the road, Gloria was frowning.

"Your health is more important."

"No, no. I really am just tired. Besides, there are some things I wanted to get done in Motostoke, myself. I don't really have time to be resting." She clearly wanted to prove that, as she pulled herself to her feet and stood strong and proud. Ash could see the little tremors of her legs, and the slight off-color upon her face, but chose to not argue with his wife right then and there. "So, to Motostoke Stadium?"

"I would think it's better to split up for now," Astrid said. Her arm snapped across the distance between her and Gloria, yanking the girl as if on a leash. "This one needs to schedule her match for tomorrow, and we don't know how long either of our activities will take."

"Oh. I guess that sounds like a good idea," Serena said, nodding. Pikachu continued to watch her, concerned about how far she was pushing herself, but Serena was too stubborn to back down anyway. "Where do we want to meet up?"

"Fountain Square, across from the Budew Drop Inn," Gloria said confidently, looking more fired up at Astrid's suggestion. Silently, Ash could see Raboot sharing his trainer's enthusiasm. "Great idea, Astrid. Let's go. Take care!"

Ash saw it as the right call the second Gloria went marching off, the bemused Astrid in tow. While they did, Serena dug into her bag and pulled out the card she had received the last time they were in the city. A quick glance-over told the couple that it contained the address for Heather's place of business, somewhere on the lower level of Motostoke. Intertwining his hand in hers, the couple set off in that direction, aiming for the lift that would take them there.

"Looks a bit different now, huh?" Serena said, drawing Ash's attention to the minor changes that had surfaced across Motostoke in their absence. Gone were the celebratory balloons, though the banners and advertisements were no less. The televisions that were placed at strategic points played one of the commercials starring Leon for some Pokémon energy drink, inviting a group of girls to titter at his presence.

Ash didn't care about them, more drawn to the banners depicting the various Gym Leaders from around the region. He only recognized the few they had met, but already they had begun to paint a fuller picture of Galar and their structure. "Guess they're more like celebrities than anything else…"

"Hm?" Serena asked as the pair stepped onto the lift, bringing them downward.

"Just thinking about whatever I'll have to report to the League. The Leaders are all great people, but they really seem a lot more like celebrities than most other Gym Leaders I've met." The lift stopped, allowing them to step off. Pikachu went running ahead, searching for the building that was their destination as he tried to avoid being stepped on. "Usually, even other Gym Leaders don't know their peers, but this region has everyone known to, well…everyone."

"Feeling a little jealous?" Serena teased, poking at his bicep.

"Not at all. I'm more excited for you. Have you made your-"

"Ah, you're back! You're back!" Ash shut his mouth, figuring he would have his answer soon enough when he saw the brunette running for them. She had definitely noticed Pikachu, or he had found the outside of her school, because she was clutching him tight as she ran for them with stars in her eyes. Ash hoped to warn her, but before he could, she squeezed just a little too tight, and Pikachu let his electricity rain upon her. As a credit to her professionalism, she took it in stride. "I didn't hear from you, so I wasn't quite sure if you were still interested."

"Heather," Serena said, smiling at the woman. Her name had an effect like an anesthetic, calming the woman from her giddiness and returning her to that of the businesswoman. "I was just busy gauging interest."

"Oh? Y-you didn't have to do something like that." The woman grabbed her face, blushing intensely until people started staring. This forced her to clear her throat. "Perhaps this is a conversation best had inside."

"Yes. I could use a seat." Heather nodded sharply, and turned on her heels. Most people had stopped watching her, but none of them got in her way as she walked down a street and towards a smaller building lined with many windows and two floors. A poorly painted sign was on top of it, indicating it was, indeed, a school, but like her poster, it wasn't all that engaging or imaginative. Serena was giving it the same disapproving eye, and Ash could see her design-oriented brain working on how to beautify it. They soon passed through the doors, and once inside, Serena opened a Poké Ball and let Yamper out. "Now, behave yourself, Yamper, and let's try to keep that electricity in."

"Wampa!" Yamper looked overjoyed as he scampered further into the building, Pikachu chasing after him to make sure he didn't knock anything over.

"I know, I know, it's rather dusty, but considering how small my class has been, I never saw the use of most rooms," Heather said, cleaning off some of the entrance hall as she led them to what appeared to be an office. This was messy as opposed to just dusty, and Ash found himself sneezing. He almost tumbled over into a stack of books and papers, but steadied the pile, nimbly avoiding some of the mess on the floor. "Sorry, but uh, what do you think?"

"Could use a little sprucing up, but it's a lovely space. Like an academy," Serena said, nodding. Ash wasn't sure if she was just being kind, as the messy office wasn't one to inspire confidence. "I think if the word was gotten out all around Galar, it could truly become something wonderful."

"Is that what you've been doing? I got a call from a Julia in Hulbury the other day who said she was coming to visit my school," Heather said, diving into the stacks on her desk to find the notes she had taken from the call. "If that was your doing, I'm absolutely honored. I never imagined the former Kalos Queen would even deign to do that."

"Of course, I would!" Serena said, a flash of indignation rising in her voice. Pikachu and Yamper ran past the door when she did so, her emotions giving rise to a flush on her cheeks. "Performing has always been one of the most important things in my life! It helped me find my dream and purpose, and you were so earnest in your love of it. I would want to give that opportunity to any…one…"

Ash saw it before it could happen, and Yamper barked like he could smell it. Serena's tapering off was the first sign, her legs giving out the next. He dove for his wife, catching her as Heather stood in surprise. Serena's weight put some strain on Ash, but he held to her just long enough for Heather to pull a chair up, one that allowed Serena to sit on and regain her breath, but not the pallor of her skin. "Are you all right, Serena?"

"She's tired," Ash answered in his wife's stead, pursing his lips, "and too stubborn to admit she shouldn't keep traveling."

"I'm fine. We'll be in Motostoke for a couple days, so I can rest up to-"

"Serena…" Ash stepped back, taking a brief moment to mull over what he wanted to say, but failing when the words came straight out of his mouth. "You're not fine. You've been getting a lot more exhausted since Hulbury, and you know it. You were saying that. What changed?"

"Nothing changed!" Serena insisted, her upper octave causing Heather to step back and give some privacy to the married couple. "I just…Gloria was seeming stressed enough and eager to get ahead. I didn't want to get in the way of that. I don't want to anchor anyone down on my behalf."

Ash kneeled and took his wife's hands, looking at her pregnant belly, where their child was slowly growing. Picking up her hand, he placed both of them there, their rings glinting in the dull light of the office and feeling the life they had created beneath their palms. He raised his eyes to meet hers. "You're not anchoring anyone, Serena. You're doing what's best for the baby. Like you said, we knew it was going to happen."

"It was just…things are getting much better for her and…"

"And we don't want things getting worse for you." He was insistent, hoping his eyes would drive the point into her. Serena retained a stiff lip for a moment and, after what seemed like an eternally held breath, she let it loose.

"I really do have a problem with taking too much on, don't I?"

"It's what I love about you sometimes. The Ketchums have always been people striving for dreams that seem impossible, but meeting them all the same!" Ash pulled back, pumping his fists with victory. Serena let out a laugh, some color returning to her face. "But really, Serena, maybe for now, it's best to relax. Why don't you help Heather by being a teacher?"

"Do I look like I can teach Performing to you, Ash?" Her tone was a mix between playful and cutting, leaving Ash unsure which he should respond to. "All in all, it's a good idea, though. I could do with some rest, and it would allow you to journey without needing to worry about me, or the baby."

"So, wait, are you saying you'll take the job?" Heather asked, sounding thrilled. It intruded on the moment, but neither minded, glad to see the brunette grinning. Pikachu and Yamper ran back in, too, with the dog leaping into Serena's lap with a short whine. Serena nodded. "Brilliant. Oh, I just know we'll take off now!"

Knock knock

The sound of knuckles striking wood informed them of a new arrival, and they all turned to see just who had come to the school. It certainly wasn't someone Ash expected in any way.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all, Mr. Kabu. What can I do you for?" Kabu strode into the room at Heather's invitation, taking no offense to the mess around him. The married couple watched him as he took his towel off, rubbing at his forehead, presumably having jogged there from the Gym or some other location.

"Mr. Ketchum, a pleasure to meet you again, and so soon." He reached out, officially shaking Ash's hand, but at the end of it, Serena was the one that he turned to. "And you, as well, Mrs. Ketchum. It is for you that I've come here."

"For me?" Serena asked, stroking Yamper's fur. Heather, realizing she had yet another guest, went running out of the office, a crash resounding down the hall. "What could you want to see me for?"

Kabu cleared his throat, finding another chair covered in old Performance magazines. He removed the papers, and sat himself down in front of her. Ash continued to watch, he and Pikachu shrugging at the bizarre turn of events. "You may not know it, but we three in the Turffield-Hulbury-Motostoke triangle keep in decent touch. We are, after all, usually the first leg of Gym Leaders to be fought in the Challenge."

"So, Nessa called you?" Ash was astounded at how quickly Serena had picked up on this fact, confirmed when Kabu nodded.

"Indeed, she did. Singing your praises, in fact. It was remiss of me to not greet you already in the mines, but perhaps this is a more…reasonable place." Heather stumbled back into the room, a tray with some tea wobbling. Ash lunged for it, helping to steady the teacher and ensure the tea wasn't spilled. "I must admit, her mentions made me curious. Enough to check out this small bastion of learning."

"Oh, Mr. Kabu, you don't have to flatter me," Heather said, swatting at the Leader's arm, but hardly registering a response. He instead cut to the chase.

"I want to help."

Serena picked up a cup of tea, sipping on it. "Help? What do you mean?"

Kabu sipped at his own tea, but carefully placed it down, his weathered hands showing a man of experience, something Ash found interesting in his own way. The Gym Leader took hold of Serena's hands, his dark eyes boring intently into hers. "Many often say that I am the Wall of Gym Leaders. The one whom many trainers fall before. To that end, I feel I am very responsible for crushing a great many dreams before they can even begin. I regret that, even though it is necessary."

"I understand, but what does that-"

"When trainers fail at their dreams, sometimes they seek another path," Kabu continued, his face apologizing for interrupting Serena, but she continued to listen, her tea balanced perfectly on her lap alongside Yamper. "Other regions, such as my home region of Hoenn, offer alternative paths for those trainers to take. Or even for those uninterested in the world of competition."

"You're from Hoenn?" Ash asked, unable to help himself. While he asked, Heather busied herself around the room, offering a tiny teacup to Pikachu, which he took with a coo.

"Indeed, but I found myself drawn to the burning competition of Galar some years ago. A place where I could thrive. Others, perhaps not so much," Kabu finished, smiling in Ash's direction, but keeping Serena in his line of sight. "Forcing them into being something they are not, well, it would be a truly harmful thing."

"People who fall through the cracks…" Serena whispered, and Ash could see the glint rising in her eye.

This was what she had been searching for, and Ash was truly beginning to believe she'd found it.

"Yes. I once risked it, myself. Pushed so hard to be a trainer antithetical to myself for results that I suffered and dropped into the Minor Division, believe it or not. That moment taught me that it is best for trainers to stop being like someone else just because the society they live in demands it, and more to follow their pursuits and passions with blazing gusto!" Kabu stood, though he didn't drag Serena up with him. "As Gym Leader, I want to see those youths follow their dreams. I want alternative paths to be a reality. I wish to support this endeavor of yours Mrs. Ketchum, with all I can."

"Are you serious, Mr. Kabu?!" Heather asked, a cup tumbling from her fingers and breaking on the carpet, tea staining its fibers. When she received the nod, her face lit up with glee. "Oh, wow…oh, wow! Kalos Queen Serena as a teacher! Mr. Kabu as a promoter! Ah, the stars must be aligning for me!"

"Actually, Heather, if it'd be all right," Serena said, reigning the woman in, "I'd like to take a more proactive role in running things. It's not like I can dance all that much right now."

"Oh, that's no problem at all! Just being here makes you an inspiration to Performers the whole world over!"

"Speaking of inspiration," Kabu said, now letting go of Serena's hands to face Ash, "you seem to have been quite the inspiration, yourself, Mr. Ketchum. That girl is every bit the firecracker you were said to be in your youth."

"Maybe even more so, and call me Ash." Kabu accepted the request, waiting for Ash to continue as his hands slid behind his back. "Though I guess you could say I've been the one more inspired by Galar in general, and Gloria's been the one showing me it."

"I'm sure she has," Kabu said with a chuckle, one that Ash couldn't resist sharing in. It suddenly dropped off, the wrinkles on the Gym Leader's face becoming prominent. "I'm sorry to have been harsh on her, though it seemed to not damage her spirit too badly. I'm just well aware of where that kind of impulsive arrogance can lead."

"Yeah, you and me, both…" Ash said, trailing off. His eyes drifted through the high window in Heather's office, and his mind slipped into wondering about Gloria's state of mind. She had been a bundle of raw nerves without doubt, and being around Astrid likely didn't make it easier, but Kabu's words rang with truth. Both his own life, and the well-worn experience of the older man seemed to be testaments to that. "But, I'm sure Gloria will give you a better fight this time around."

"Oh, I'm sure she will!" Kabu said when suddenly a beeping came from his wrist. The man looked down to an old and beaten Pokétch, still ticking away. "Ah, would seem my time for an excursion is over. Miss Heather, Mrs. Ketchum, it will be my pleasure to promote Motostoke's Performing School.

"And Ash, I look forward to facing your protégé and seeing how she's grown. Do let her know I won't be pulling any punches."

"She wouldn't want it, anyway." The men clasped hands again, and then Kabu was jogging right out the door, the same way that he had arrived. Ash watched him go with minor confusion; he hardly considered Gloria his protégé, and part of him thought that Gloria wouldn't want herself to be considered so. Headstrong and stubborn, it was clear the girl wanted to forge a path that didn't copy his in the slightest. Or rather, she preferred to follow someone else's steps.

"So, Serena, do you have time?" Heather asked, pushing more papers aside and jerking Ash away from his musings. "I have some ideas I'd want to run over with you."

"Oh, I think we have a little bit."

Knowing he'd have nothing to say or do on Serena's current venture, Ash decided to step out of the office and back into the entrance hall, his mind still drifting back to Gloria and her state of mind. It wasn't a long thought, and was soon occupied by another when Greninja's Poké Ball twitched, an act that led Ash and Pikachu to look out the windows towards Motostoke's towering walls.

He was starting to feel it. Something was different in the air. Like a cup about to overflow.

"Ash, can I have your opinion?" The call of his wife shook Ash out of his ruminations, and pushing it aside, he returned to his wife, planning for the future ahead.

"You're all set and registered, Challenger Gloria," the male receptionist said. Gloria gulped at his words, or perhaps how blasé he had said it. "You are scheduled for a Gym match tomorrow morning. Please check in on your arrival."

"R-right. Thanks." Satisfied with the fact she was logged in the system, Gloria turned away, Raboot padding silently at her heels. Waiting at the entrance of the Gym was Astrid, watching a television program on Magnolia's research.

"All set, then?"

"Yeah. Only wished I didn't have to wait until tomorrow," Gloria said, leading the pair of them out into the streets of Motostoke. "I've got so much energy to burn and can't wait to take it all out on Kabu."

"Yeah, simmer down, flamesilocks." Gloria knew that Astrid had meant it in full good humor, matching her strides on the way to the Fountain Plaza. "You have your team all set?"

"Sure. Could probably use some more training, but I'm going with Raboot, Chewtle and Rookidee. We'll all get revenge on Kabu together."

"Rab."

Her saying so seemed to have triggered something in the streets, and Gloria started to realize that the people around them were whispering. They weren't very kind whispers either, of the sort to make her clench her fists, her nails digging so deep into her palm, she wouldn't have been surprised if she drew blood.

"That's the girl who fought Kabu at the Entrance Ceremony…"

"Is she seriously trying again? She's just going to lose anyway."

"I won't lose!" Gloria shouted, unable to keep her voice in. The people stopped whispering and muttering, some of them looking ashamed, as though called out for saying nasty things behind her back. "I've come a long way, and I'll beat him when we fight, so shut your stupid mouths!"

"Gloria…" Astrid's groan wasn't enough to quell Gloria's mounting anger and, if she was honest with herself, fear. The girl stomped on, Fountain Plaza already in sight. Astrid was close behind her, silent until they reached the empty plaza where the fountain trickled in a calming cadence. Gloria sat herself down on a nearby bench, close to the open battlefields, while Astrid leaned against the fountain. "Oh, brother…"

"What? Are you gonna start in on me, too?" Gloria snapped. Raboot was next to her, folding his arms and glaring at the blonde, who refused to say anything in the middle of the tirade. "'Cause I've had enough from you, Astrid. You've been sniping at me and belittling me since we met. I don't know what your deal is."

Astrid refused to say anything for a moment, and when more than a minute passed of silence between the two, Gloria looked up. Astrid's eyes had widened, but Gloria didn't know in what way. She took a second, breathing out through her lips. "You're right. I've not been very helpful. That's not on you, and I shouldn't have taken it out on you. But in some way, it has helped me see what makes you tick."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Gloria asked, standing up and raring for a fight. Astrid stared off, watching some young children playing in the streets, smiling at a boisterous boy that called for his friends to head for the riverfront.

"You come off as a real idiot who never thinks before she acts, and I guess part of you is like that, just like Ash."

"I'm not just like him!" Gloria snapped, almost feeling offended at the comparison. She was getting tired of them, especially with his lack of help. Astrid didn't notice her rebuttal.

"But I think the reality is that you're so scared you bottle it all up, and at some point, you let it out," Astrid concluded, looking back to Gloria with the softest eyes she'd ever worn in her presence. "You feel like you always need to keep moving towards something and keep acting or you'll slide back into being some big nobody. That's why you're so loud and defensive and quick to anger."

"I…" Gloria sat back down, causing Raboot to jump at her sudden movement. She bent over, folding her hands as she stared at the weeds emerging from cracks in the ground. "I am afraid. I'm afraid that I'll lose to Kabu and be right back where I started. I won't have grown an inch…Just a footnote in somebody else's legend…"

Gloria continued watching the cracks, feeling like the weeds that were barely given a chance to live in the otherwise pristine plaza. It made her kick at them, not even managing to brush them aside. Astrid sat down next to her. "It's not all about winning, Gloria. Didn't Ash tell you that?"

"Of course, it is. That's what Galar, our Champion, is all about!"

"I can't speak for Galar, but for the rest of the world, we've…we've suffered more than our fair share of losses." Somehow, Gloria doubted the woman was speaking merely about a sports circuit. "But we need those losses to drive us, help us gain strength, so we know how to protect the things most important. And a Gym battle, well…at least there, there's no penalty for failure."

"Yeah, only your pride. I'm not so willing to let go of mine. Leon wouldn't."

That was when Gloria felt Astrid's finger flick across her forehead, the woman standing as she tossed a Poké Ball up and down. "Well, if you're that insistent, how about a little last-minute training? Take your mind and nerves off tomorrow."

It was the first genuine offer for a battle that Gloria had ever gotten from Astrid, and one that the blonde wasn't backing out of. Raboot hopped from his seat, hands out of his pockets as he ran for the training fields. Gloria had the answer and nodded, calling on all her Pokémon by the time they reached the chalk outlines. Astrid stood opposite, tossing two to the sky as both Absol and Meowstic appeared. Saying nothing, she offered the first move to Gloria.

"All right, Raboot, Double Kick, Chewtle, Water Gun!" It did feel rather relaxing to issue the commands, following up with a couple to Applin and Rookidee. At first, her Pokémon on approach to Astrid's pair, she thought the blonde would go easy on her, but that quickly proved to not be the case.

"Psycho Cut." Absol's horn glowed purple and he slashed it forward.

"Chewtle, Jaw Lock on it! Applin, bounce up and use Astonish!" Applin rolled forward, bouncing up from Chewtle's shell and into the air while the turtle bit down on the attack. It exploded around her, more damaging than Gloria would have expected, but Chewtle remained standing, providing the chance for Applin to drop towards Absol with her frightening glare.

"Megahorn. Meowstic, redivert with Psychic." Absol's glowing horn struck Applin head on, flinging her all the way across the field. Gloria ran and caught the apple in mid-dive, while Rookidee was turned into a beach ball and thrown at Raboot. He jumped over with Bounce, leading to Gloria calling for his original attack. The Double Kick cracked down upon Meowstic with strength.

"We did it! Landed a hit!"

"Rabrab!" Raboot said with a grin, flipping off before Meowstic could retaliate.

"Sol?" Absol's sharp cry took Gloria away from Meowstic and instead to the white-furred Pokémon. He was alert, but not focused on the battle. Instead, he was looking elsewhere, as if staring further into the city, or perhaps far outside of it. Astrid approached her partner.

"Something wrong, Absol?" The distraction of her Pokémon gave Gloria pause to place Applin back on the ground, wondering just what had Absol seem so rattled.

She had her answer moments later.

"Pekopekopekopekopekopeko…PEKO!" All of Gloria's Pokémon turned in time to see a wheel racing straight for Raboot, charged up with electricity and all excited. It bounced over some bushes and eventually spun out of its lightning to reveal the hamster that dove into Raboot, knocking him to the ground.

"Morpeko, what'd I say about runnin' off like that?" Gloria brightened considerably upon recognition of the voice, and even more so when Marnie turned around the corner, looking out of breath from chasing after her partner. "Oh."

"Marnie, been a while!" The girls closed the distance with glee, taking each other's hands in greeting. "You win your Grass Badge?"

"Yes. And you?" Gloria gave off a cheeky grin with a peace sign. Seeing Marnie again nearly put Gloria at ease, glad to have found a familiar face before she went into her battle with Kabu. Marnie, on the other hand, looked a bit distracted. "Oh, is that that Applin?"

"Ah, sure is." Gloria backed away to pick up Applin and show her off. "Applin, do you remember Marnie?"

"App!" she squeaked, nodding in her own unique way.

"Looks like you've expanded your team in time for Kabu, then."

"Looks like you've lost some. Where are your usual hangers-on?" Marnie sighed, the sleeve of her jacket rubbing against her forehead at the question.

"Probably out singin' my praise all over Motostoke. I try to tell 'em I'm not facin' Kabu yet, but they're not the best at listenin'." Gloria shared in another laugh at that, shoving down the rising lump in her throat over the fact that her own battle would be tomorrow. Marnie noticed, her hair sliding down as she tilted her head in curiosity. "You worried about 'im?"

"Maybe a little, but the team's set, and even if Applin won't be participating, we're making her real speedy. Right, guys?" Gloria's team responded with jubilation. Astrid was still distracted, stroking Absol's fur, but she kept an eye on the conversation. "You gonna watch?"

"Sure. Wouldn't mind supportin' a f-friend." Marnie acted like she hadn't really known about friends before, and it was emphasized by an attempt of hers to smile. It was a very pretty one, but made it all the more strange when it slipped right off her face.

"Peko! Morpekopeko!"

"You wanna support Gloria, too?" Morpeko nodded, bouncing around Raboot with glee, much to the latter's exhaustion. His movement caused both girls to track him until he jumped up and right on to Absol's back. The Disaster Pokémon didn't even flinch, still too busy staring out into space. Marnie, on the other hand, looked like she'd had a revelation. "Oh, an Absol! Its fur is so pretty!"

"You like?" Astrid asked, leaning against her partner, who took the weight effortlessly.

"Yes, very much!" Marnie's excitement over the Dark type took Gloria aback, though Absol wasn't that affected. His gaze had merely shifted from the distance to the ground underneath. "I've always been a fan of Dark types, and Absol aren't native to Galar. Always wanted to see one."

"You're a fan of Dark types?" Gloria asked, getting closer so as to not be left out of the conversation.

"Oh, I really like 'em. Grew up in a family that specialized in 'em." Marnie reached up, beginning to stroke Absol's fur. He didn't mind it, though from Gloria's perspective it seemed like he wouldn't have minded much of anything in that moment. "I find they're often very misunderstood. Ostracized to an extent, so I felt a kind of kinship."

"Mm, that is true," Astrid said, patting her partner. "Absol, themselves, are usually looked to be harbingers of destruction and disaster, but this guy has never been anything but a friend. I trust his instincts to decide if there's anything to worry about."

"That's…fitting…He looks very strong." Marnie continued to pet, her muttering earning a furrowed brow from Gloria. At least for a second, until Gloria was distracted by some movement at the edge of the plaza, showing that Ash and Serena had finished whatever task they'd set off on. Ash was waving, and Gloria responded in kind, welcoming them back. Marnie, of course, was the first to actually address them. "It's a pleasure meeting you again."

"Marnie, right?" Ash asked, flashing her a smile. When Marnie nodded, Gloria noticed the smile slip off his face for just a second, his eyes meeting Astrid's. For that second, Gloria felt herself locked out of some sort of loop, a special communication between the two, but Serena was quick to assuage that worry.

"Your Morpeko is looking well," she said, patting the little Electric type. Soon as she did, he saw Pikachu and flipped off to greet his fellow rodent. "And has quite the moves, too."

"Morpeko's a real bundle of energy."

"Just like Gloria. It's no wonder you two can get along!"

"Hey! I'm not a Pokémon!" Gloria snapped.

"Nothing wrong if you were," Ash said, much to Gloria's disgruntlement. He was taking this too nonchalantly. He scratched just under his nose and changed the subject, looking over Gloria's team with an approving eye. "Seems your team is almost ready, too. You'll clean up Kabu tomorrow."
"No sweat!" Against her better judgment, Gloria met Ash's fist with her own, leading to further giggles from Marnie. "In the meantime, let's squeeze some last-minute training in. Marnie, you wanna help?"

"Sure. We should use the fields at the inn. Less crowded." Marnie's suggestion was a sound one, the girls and their Pokémon leading the way across the street to the inn.

Gloria's nerves returned to her, the mounting anticipation of facing Kabu the next morning looming like the wall everyone always said Kabu was. So many eyes would be on her, the girl who had failed to beat him before.

Yet she refused to balk.

She was going to win.

She had to win for her own legend to move forward.

Gloria only wished she could cut the queasiness in her stomach out of her, one only amplified when she looked back and saw Ash and Astrid's concerned faces. They were worried about something, and it wasn't just a mere Gym battle. Something she didn't want to have time for. Something they put a face on for so as to not distract her further.

Yet little did she know, but the cup holding back the tide was about to shatter.

And Galar would never be the same.

Author's Note: While some may want to call this chapter "transitional", it's far from. If anything, this is my bread and butter when it comes to writing: conversation. Serena's decision to become a teacher and remain in Motostoke does, in fact, spell her departure from the story soon, though she'll be around. But we feel it's important to set this up now. Also as a way to show that, yes, the characters do care about Serena's current state, and we have been mindful of it, but Serena is stubborn and determined. Hell, she fought IDEAL while newly pregnant! We also have an important moment between Gloria and Astrid, showing the former's mindset.

However, I want to note that for the latter, it will seem like she hasn't done much yet. This is true. We've been putting focus on Serena due to her close departure. Astrid's arc, as of this chapter, is now beginning. In any case, hope you enjoyed.

Viroro: And here we are, back in Motostoke and with a fairly significant Serena chapter, ontop of delving in the continued fallout of Gloria's debut battle to Kabu. While I think people expected her to eventually take up Heather's offer, it was important for us to make the way to get there feel earned and justified, and getting a chance to flesh out Kabu due to his Hoennian roots was also something we enjoyed doing through this chapter. You will be the judge of how we did, but we hope this chapter set the stage well for the future of the story and Gloria's upcoming Gym battle in particular.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and that you will keep looking forward to what's to come!

Time for usual thanks before we go: Classic17 and JbstormburstADV for favoriting; and a huge thanks to Tenzalucard123, Cottonmouth25, The Greatest Hokage, cricketlaxwolvesbandy, MythGirl Writes, FantasyLover88, aliensinnoh, ChE clarinetist, XDiamondX90, AmourshippingCanon, Fury, Ander Arias, UltimateCCC, potat lasaro, Captainsquid12 and 1 guest for reviewing.

Next chapter is it, the long-awaited rematch with Kabu. Don't miss it! Until then, please Review and,

Dare to Be Silly.