Love in the Time of Temerity

Chapter 17: A Rivalry

The stage is set. The air of anticipation couldn't be higher. You can practically smell it. The finals of the Wyndon Conference are here in Chapter 17! Let's get to it!

Chapter 17

A Rivalry

"The air here is electric!" a voice shouted over the television screen in the room. It was one of many voices, all battling for attention inside the locker room, but it stood out the most to Ash's ears. He and Pikachu were facing it, showcasing an aerial view of Rose Stadium. The reporter in the helicopter above it, labeled as a woman named Gillian, grinned as she hung out of it to indicate the place below. "People have flocked to Wyndon for the finals of this year's Galar League!"

Fireworks went off down below, their rumbling felt through the whole entire stadium, even to where Ash stood. On the screen, the images changed, no longer showing the reporter but instead the droves of people that had come to watch the finals. Of course, there was one segment of the stands that was empty, that which they had reserved for their own group. Other than that, however, the stadium was packed to standing room only, and then some.

"And here they are! Arriving to their own special place, it's the Gym Leaders!" Gillian expressed to the camera, excited as a shot showed all of the entering Galarian Gym Leaders. The only one separate from them seemed to be Piers, though Ash was starting to find that no surprise; the man seemed to always do things at his own pace. "Leading them is Raihan, Leon's greatest rival, and a no doubt favorite to win the Champion Cup this year. Of course, we're all set to find out which intrepid challenger will be taking part.

"And watching that are the Champions of other regions all!"

Ash grimaced, and he could feel the sparks on his cheek from Pikachu glaring at the screen. Rose's words lingered inside his brain, reminding him that whatever the man had planned for, whatever statement he wanted to make, today was the day he would be doing it. "Be ready, Pikachu."

"Pi."

"And of course, Leon will be in attendance today, showing his dazzling smile for the crowd! Chairman Rose will also be attending, with a special announcement before the match begins!"

"I'm very happy for you, Gloria. And for your entire team, too!" The voice of his wife pulled Ash away from the television at last, joining their motley crew of supporters for the impending match. Gloria was already dressed, her proud number displayed for everyone to see. Each of her Pokémon crowded the Rotom Phone, trying to send their well-wishes to Serena. Drizzile, too, was out and patting Drednaw, wishing her luck in the coming battle. "I know you'll win out there."

"You better!" Bonnie said, crowding her face in the call. "All of Hammerlocke is really excited for it, and it's broadcasting everywhere! Well, except the power plant..."

"Dene!"

"Thanks for your cheer, too, Dedenne!" Gloria said. She held the phone out, ranging it as far as she could while she kept the grin upon her face. Their entire group was collected in the shot, each grinning. "I promise, I'm going to battle my way to victory!"

"And we'll cheer for you every step of the way," Ash said, injecting himself into the conversation and throwing an arm around Gloria's shoulders. "No matter what happens, you'll pull out victory."

"Kapika, pi pika!" Ash and Gloria bumped fists, eliciting a giggle from Serena on the other end. Bonnie went running off, marching with Dedenne and beating a tune for Gloria's victory. It secured an eyeroll from Clemont, but it was obvious how much Gloria appreciated the gesture.

"Well, we can't go letting anyone down! Team, you guys ready? Hop is a strong battler, which means we need to be at the top of our own games. I'm gonna rely on every single one of your skills and specialties to seal victory!" Gloria bent low, keeping one hand on her phone and another spreading inward. Her Pokémon got the message, each joining with her in their own unique way to promise the victory. "Then let's win!"