Love in the Time of Temerity

Chapter 12: A Conference

We originally wanted our cover for this chapter. Unfortunately, as it's not going to be happening, I ask you to be a bit more patient. Instead, let's get right into Chapter 12!

Chapter 12

A Conference

"You're late."

Oleana didn't excuse her own coldness, nor her harsh tones. She barely even looked up from her desk at the entry to the room. When she did, she caught a glimpse of the ratted, pink jacket and the pair of Pokémon at the boy's side. He looked like he could have been better, though Oleana didn't quite care. He didn't, either, shoving off the man that had escorted him.

"Not my fault. Blame your henchman. He couldn't be bothered to fetch me from the training room on time." Bede patted down his jacket, trying to smooth its folds rather unsuccessfully. It was almost nauseating, but Oleana didn't lose her cool. There was no need to when Rose's ambition was so close at hand. At least, she felt, for now she'd be able to run diversions.

"Have you seen the qualifiers?" A couple taps, and the holographic screen popped up, showing thirty-two faces on the board, each those of a Gym Challenger that had made it to the esteemed Wyndon Conference. Bede's nose wrinkled, and while the Hatterene at his side showed no emotion over it, his Mawile glanced up in worry.

"Why should I care about a bunch of nobodies?" He had said it, but Oleana noticed his eyes were looking elsewhere. It caused her lips to purse. "Tell me, what was the plan with the-"

"Bede, we agreed to protect you from arrest for your hand in the incident on the understanding you wouldn't ask questions." Oleana stood, her eyelids closing even further as she approached the confused young boy. Her hand found his shoulder, a smirk coming to her face in an attempt to seem comforting. "You know full well that everything about that mission was for the good of Galar."

"But Spikemuth. And Circhester..."

"Don't have doubts now," Oleana added, reaching up to ruffle his hair. He slapped her away, his lips twitching, and she gave a sigh. He was becoming more impossible by the day, his time in the training room focusing on nothing but that stupid girl and her friends. "In fact, with the Wyndon Conference beginning tomorrow, I'd loathe for you to start doubting your place in all this. After all, Chairman Rose has a very special mission for you. One of redemption."

"That's what you said about the last one. All I got was a swollen lip for my trouble." Bede's defiance didn't sit well with her, the woman making a rather loud "tch" that attracted the attention of Mawile. "I need to know."

"All that you need to know is that this comes from the Chairman, himself," Oleana said, waving the issue away. Bede looked up, tracking her, and she eventually came to sit back in her chair. "As a bonus, I'd say it will allow you the chance to deal with that troublesome girl. I have fear she'll become a thorn in the chairman's side. Her and her pathetic friends. So, your duty is to ensure they stay where the chairman wills them: focused entirely on the League. Do you think you can do that?"

Bede looked conflicted, and Oleana didn't need to read minds to know what was racing through that tiny, cloying brain of his. That desperate need for acknowledgement, and the thirst to prove himself against a foe. It didn't take long for him to look up, sporting his smirk. "If it is what Chairman Rose desires, then even if I am not a Gym Challenger, I will do anything."

"Good. My subordinate will give you the details and your new uniform. You start work immediately." Her hand dismissed him, the same subordinate that had escorted Bede in arriving seeing him out. He still looked back at her, confused, and his mouth opened, likely to ask why Rose wasn't delivering the request himself, but it was cut off by her phone ringing. She answered it. "Yes?"