Love in the Time of Temerity

Chapter 20: An Acceptance

It's important to note, given how many people seem to see this iteration of Leon, that he is not some villain. He's a victim. A tool. Rose doesn't tell people things. Rose doesn't trust people, and he certainly didn't trust Leon for being anything but the muscle and some pretty face. Is Leon unsettled by what Rose attempted on the Champions? Sure. But he can't back down from what is ultimately a show of Galar's strength, because he wants to protect Galar, and feels it will be washed away without Rose. Hopefully that begins to become clearer in these coming chapters, starting with Chapter 20!

Chapter 20

An Acceptance

If ever there was a pitiable sight, Astrid found it in Bede.

His hair was worse than ever, almost completely flat instead of in curls. His jacket was discarded, wearing the disgustingly familiar insignia of Macro Cosmos, and on his face were trembling lips. None of the sneering pride, or pure belief in Rose that used to be there. It was just a demand for attention, one that it seemed he was beginning to suspect would never come. She shook her head, and planned to take a step with Ash, away from the boy and towards the steps that would lead to Rose.

"No! N-no further!" Another Shadow Ball fired, exploding at Gloria's feet. The girl held up and looked to her former rival. "I'll fight you! Prove I'm stronger!"

"Are you still on about that?" Gloria asked, scowling. Hop and Marnie moved to protect her, even if she didn't need any of it. She was glaring perfectly fine on her own, right down to the Hatterene and Mawile at the boy's side. "I won't fight you, Bede. I already told you that. It's not worth it."

"It's the only...only way...he'll..."

"Oh, dear..." Opal sighed, clacking her cane a few times. "You weren't wrong, dearie. Is strength all that matters to you, boy?"

"It's the only thing that counts! The only thing that makes life worth it to him!" Bede snapped harshly. Yet for the first time, it wasn't arrogant bluster. It was a cry for help, one Astrid understood all too well.

Not the loss of a loved one, perhaps, but a desperate need for strength, hoping it would fill the hole of acceptance that gnawed at him. Seamus sighed, rubbing at his temples and then stepping forward. Bede faced him, putting tremulous fists up, like he could actually fight a battle.

"Is that what you really want? To just be Rose's puppet?" Seamus said. It caused Bede to wince, the words as lashes against him. "The road you're heading down...that's all it'll give you: a life without worth. Just a tool. You'll only hate the world more. But I know you can stop. It's not too late...not like it was for him."

"You don't...you don't know that..." Bede whispered out. Astrid found yet more pity for him. He was being torn apart inside, the knowledge of what Rose looked at him as ripping into him, whittling the strength he once had. "You can't help me..."

"Oh, my dear, we can," Opal said. She tried to approach, but Mawile protected Bede, staring her down. She scoffed between her lips. "Mawile, how you've grown. Even with such a confused boy as your trainer. Proof that no one is beyond help."

"Stop it! Stop trying to...win me over! You can't save me! I don't want you to! I won't be thrown away! I'll...I'll..."

"You'll what?!" Seamus screamed. He stomped forward again, the wince rising once more. "You'll keep throwing yourself into battle after battle, become Rose's attack dog for some meager scraps at the table? I thought you were destined to be Champion? Or is that a lie, too?! Come on, Bede, be honest for once!"