Love in the Time of Temerity

Chapter 19: A Proclamation

We've finally reached the climax of this trilogy. It's been a long road, but everything we've been building to is finally reaching its end. Please enjoy it and Chapter 19.

Chapter 19

A Proclamation

"What is he talking about, 'making a choice'?"

"Chairman, explain yourself!"

"I'm, uh...not quite sure what's going on," Kalas's voice called over the rising din of citizens. Rose didn't react, adjusting something on his cuff while he took in the growing chaos around the stadium. Gloria looked over at Hop, and the boy nodded to her; they weren't alone in whatever Rose was planning for this moment. "However, it seems that Chairman Rose has decided to take the field to relay a message?"

"Is this what you were after, Chairman?" came a voice from the Champions' box. Many looked in his direction, echoing, and Gloria saw the red-haired man named Lance attempt to storm out, only to be rebuffed by a sudden barrier. At it, Ash and the rest stood, with those from Spikemuth going silent and glaring to the man below.

"My apologies, Champions, but I'm afraid this speech is mandatory. I know, I know, I tend to bore people with them, but I do so love to make them, and this is my most pivotal yet!" The Chairman turned on the spot, disturbing nothing around him with his grin. "I mean exactly what I've said. We are in turbulent times, and now we stand at an edge. Not a tipping point, perhaps, but a decision point. That which Galar chooses today will echo around the world!"

"You're not making any sense," Gloria finally found the will to say, glaring at the Chairman. He turned in her direction, regarding her with no shortage of curiosity. "So why don't you just tell us why you're really here? And what you really want!"

"My dear Gloria, ever the spunky spitfire!" Rose said, still smiling. He clapped his hands, and when they came together, it resonated the whole stadium over. Many sat, though Ash did not, moving to protect both his and Gloria's mother. The Champions in their box attempted to break out, with a silver-haired man calling a Metagross. Only the Gym Leaders, closest to the arena, remained seated, listening to Rose's words. He continued to talk. "However, while I congratulate you on your victory, now is no time to celebrate. Not with Galar so perilously close to doom."

"Why don't you explain yourself, Chairman?" That had been Raihan, his arms folded and whatever grin he might have worn during the battle completely gone.

"Gladly. Though, perhaps I'll have somebody else explain it. Someone who understands the dire need for what I'm speaking of in order to ensure the future of Galar, and the world! Ladies and gentlemen, your Champion!"

The roar of a Charizard split the air, and all present knew what it meant. The images on the screen changed, one of the Rotom Drones and the helicopter in the air turning their cameras upon the descending Leon. His cape flapped in the wind atop Charizard, and his arms were folded. As he flew downward, Gloria could hear movement in the tunnels to the locker rooms, and she backed up against Hop, watching as the march began. Clopping of feet filled the arena, at least two score of Macro Cosmos officials marching out, their eyes covered by sunglasses despite the lack of sun, and no expression on their faces. Charizard landed in the dirt, and Leon stepped off.

He wasn't smiling.

"Lee, what's going on?!" Hop demanded. He still kept his back against Gloria, the tension of the stadium so palpable, even the mutters couldn't be stopped. Leon paused, craning his head towards his brother. "Are you part of this?!"

"I'm ensuring our future." Leon's tone was wrong. All wrong. He wasn't the man they'd watched on television, gleaming and grinning to the adoring crowd. Even now, some people couldn't stop themselves from being excited to see him, despite his air not showing that in the slightest. Instead, Leon was a man who seemed to accept orders, taking the path presented instead of deciding his own. Gloria reached and grabbed Hop's hand, squeezing it, but he refused to let himself be upset.