Love in the Time of Temerity

Chapter 10: A Weathering

Part of the way I look at this book is that it's three acts with an intermission. Through Circhester was Act 1. Last chapter and these next two are the intermission. So, let's get rolling! Chapter 10 time!

Chapter 10

A Weathering

"The Wyndon Conference is almost here!" the voice echoed, reflected on each screen strategically placed around Hammerlocke. Gloria slowed in front of Bonnie, forcing the lemon blonde to reduce the pace of her steps. Astrid was far more nonchalant about the whole deal, but kept a very shrewd eye on the television that was nearest them. "Preparations are continuing in earnest, with Chairman Rose and Champion Leon each excited for the upcoming festivities."

"It brings me great pleasure to preside over the Conference this year," Leon said, his winning grin plastered all over the screen. Bonnie frowned, and judging from the expression on Gloria's face, she wasn't all that happy about the news, either. It wasn't the same for the rest of Hammerlocke, watching with rapt fascination. "In years past, I've typically just waited to see the result and who would be competing in the Champion Cup, but this year, I'm most excited to be there in-person. This is a great chance for the region. Challengers, I invite you to bring your best and give us all..."

"A CHAMPION TIME!" the crowd around them cheered. Neither Bonnie nor Astrid saw the sense to, and despite being a Galar native, Gloria didn't join the crowd. If anything, she looked elsewhere, her thoughts drawn to something beyond Leon.

"There are assurances from the Security and Dynamax divisions of Macro Cosmos that this year's conference is intended to be both the grandest and safest yet, with the intent to roll out pre-celebrations in every major city across Galar," the news anchor said, adjusting her blonde hair with a gleaming smile. "In Motostoke, the recently established Performing School is planning on celebrating the opening of the Conference in style. You can even see a preview at the multiple exhibitions they have been running across Hammerlocke."

"Serena's certainly keeping up the act," Astrid muttered under her breath. Bonnie wanted to blanch at the thought, but it had nothing on Gloria's tightened face, Cinderace looking at her with worry. "She knows about Rose, so she's definitely playing a part..."

"What's that gonna do?" Bonnie asked, but she didn't receive an answer. Instead, she looked up to the sight of the power plant. Dedenne ran up her shoulder, sharing a look with his trainer as they remembered their previous excursion into it, and continued to wonder what secrets that place could hold.

As if sensing the plot forming in her mind, the man whose secrets she wanted to unlock appeared on the screen, dressed as finely as ever and sporting a grin wider than Leon's. "The Wyndon Conference being less than two weeks away means that this year's Gym Challenge is set to come to a close all too soon! However, we've no intention of leaving it anything less than momentous. To that end, I am very proud to announce the attendance of not only our own Champion, but six others, as well! That's right! Champions from Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos and Alola will all be in attendance! This is sure to be the most extravagant Wyndon Conference yet, and I hope you'll all stayed glued to your screens!"

"So...Ash managed to actually do it..." Astrid said, shaking her head. The screen shifted to some other babble, including an interview with the head of Macro Cosmos Security, speaking of their measures for the Conference. "All of the Champions in Wyndon. They must be taking Rose seriously as a threat."

"Rose..." Gloria said, clenching her fist. Bonnie didn't need to be a mind-reader or have any connection to the girl to know what was on her mind. It was written all over her face, the way she had been used in the chairman's game to get to the top. "Wonder what he's really up to..."