Love in the Time of Turmoil

Chapter 7: A Recitative

With this, we reach a third of the way through this story. Not that it's the end of the first act; I'd say that happened with Kabu. Anyway, let's go, Chapter 7!

Chapter 7

A Recitative

"So, you encountered another Power Spot on your road to Hammerlocke, did you?"

Ash jerked at the sound of Rose's voice, hardly realizing that he had drifted at all. Likely a result of the conversation regarding energy and the conversion of Galar Particles going over his head, Ash found himself more than a little bored of it all. Of course, unlike Pikachu playing with the bottle of ketchup on the table, he didn't have the luxury of pretending he didn't hear a word the Chairman had spoken. He also wasn't as lucky as Gloria, having slipped out at some point with Raihan.

Not helping matters was the arrival of tea, one with a bit of a pungent scent that made Ash's nose wrinkle.

"Ah, yeah, near the Lake of Outrage. Definitely didn't expect that," Ash said, putting a laugh out. With one hand, he lifted the teacup and tipped it towards his lips, the hot liquid nearly burning him. Worse than that was the taste, nothing like the tea that Clemont would make. Still, Ash plastered the smile, wondering how Astrid could stomach it. "You said it was more common since what happened in Motostoke?"

"So it would seem. It's like a sieve that won't stop leaking. If we could just manage the ability to shut it off wherever, this wouldn't be an issue," Rose said, wearing the sigh on his lips. He leaned back, tapping to his forehead as he tried to work out a solution. "More worryingly is that Gym Challengers will continue to roam through at the greater risk of facing Dynamax Pokémon, or that a Power Spot might even pop up where there previously was none!"

"That would be a concern," Astrid said. She raised her saucer, inclining it towards the Chairman. "I guess trainers might not be as fortunate as Gloria in having strong trainers for backup."

"Speaking of, it'd be remiss of me to not ask how your tour through Galar is going. Positive report, I hope." Rose's eyes were twinkling as he asked, and Ash nearly choked on the repulsive tea to offer a smile.

"It's been good, er...informative?" Rose found the humor in his rush to find a response, slapping him on the back. "Gloria's been a great way to see how the region ticks, and she really offers an awesome view of how your League works. I've never been so excited to watch a Gym battle!"

"There's nothing like the ones in Galar! And if you think those stadiums are big, I can't wait for you to see our pride and joy in Wyndon. A monument to the future, I like to call it, and I hope you can appreciate it all the same," Rose said, never losing the twinkle. "In fact, I'd like a great many eyes to see it. Hammerlocke may be the center of Galar, but Wyndon is the center of the League."

"Can't wait. Though I don't think I'll get the chance until Gloria's finished her Gym Challenge."

"You two are close?" Rose leaned back, looking curious while he sipped at his tea with far more refinement than Ash could manage. Astrid snorted into her own drink.

"They're thick as thieves these days." The blonde woman poked Ash at the cheek, resulting in a laugh from Pikachu that lasted until Ash waved her away. "Gloria runs into trouble and Ash follows right after. Give it long enough and she'll start battling like you."

"Cut it out, Astrid. Gloria's her own person."

"Nevertheless, I'm glad to see you bonding so closely with a Galarian Gym Challenger. I've no doubt it's given you a very in-depth look into the way our League works from a place on the ground," Rose concluded, nodding with a pleasant grin on his lips. "I hope she has some influence in how you and the League will render your decision."