Love in the Time of Turmoil

Chapter 9: A Duality

So, a quick clarification before we dive back in. Clobbopus's want for attention is a symptom, not the issue. You'll sort of see a bit how this chapter. Speaking of, Chapter 9!

Chapter 9

A Duality

Stow-on-Side took a further two days to reach, by Gloria's calculations. Not helping any of it was the rocky terrain, full of cliffs and diverting paths. Combining that with Clobbopus's want to fight anything that moved (including some Dugtrio that sent him flying), and some other trainers trying to find their way to the city, the group ended up more turned around than not.

Gloria's Pokémon were exhausted, too, having fought some of the challengers on the road, all of whom proved nowhere even close to Bede (though Toxel had received quite the workout in movement). In either case, it made the sight of Stow-on-Side, with its rustic clay buildings and beautiful artwork that lined the city and its stands, a welcome one.

"Finally! Civilization again!" Astrid cried out, dropping to her knees just on the outskirts. Gloria was right there with her, slumping down and putting her back against the blonde. Raboot collapsed between her legs. "How are you not exhausted?"

"I dunno. Guess I'm just pumped to see new places," Ash said, striding a little ahead of them. Pikachu looked just as hale and hearty as his trainer, munching on an apple and sparking his cheeks. Gloria watched his high spirits, and drew upon them to bring herself to a standing position. "You all set for your Gym match?"

"Sure am," Gloria answered when she joined Ash at his side. From their position, Gloria could see down into Stow-on-Side, the beautiful rays of the late afternoon sun coloring the clay and stone with peach and orange. Far off, Gloria could see a painted mural, but none of the details of it.

What she could see, however, was the most unique sight: two stadiums on opposite ends of the city, and closer to where they stood, as if forming a triangle, was a large edifice, etched with the image of Diglett. Gloria tried to get a closer look, wondering what such a building would be there for, but her speculating was interrupted by Astrid at last joining up with them.

"Two stadiums...does that mean there are two Gym Leaders?"

"I guess," Gloria said, shrugging her shoulders. Astrid's doubtful expression made Gloria clear her throat, turning away in embarrassment. "I mean, sure, I've looked into Gym Leaders and all, but most recent seasons have only had one name from Stow-on-Side in the Major Division."

"Rose did mention there being ten Gyms in that this year, right?" Ash said, scratching his head in an attempt to reason it out.

"Sure, but I didn't know there could be two in one city. Most are built on Power Spots, after all..." It presented a conundrum to Gloria, but one she was excited to try and figure out. She huffed, adjusting the straps on her bag and running forward. "Well, it's not an adventure unless we find out along the way!"

"You say that every time," Astrid said with a sigh. She was still following, though, the trio descending the path towards the city. There were no cheers rising from the stadiums, and Gloria had to wonder if Gym matches had concluded for the day, or if too many challengers had dropped off in the first place. She didn't get an answer, though she did hear some whispers, some in exasperation, others shaking their heads.

"They're at it again..."

"Well, it's what happens when you have slow attendance. Most only watch these Gyms on the net. No one wants to come all the way out here." Gloria's interest was piqued, and she continued to try and listen, feeling as though it confirmed her theory.