Chapter 5: Work of Fate
It was just another day in the Galar region, for the common people that is. Today was the day you were going to register for the Gym Challenge.
Galar was very unique in regards to their league. For one, there’s no elite four; most regions have elite four trainers and they serve the purpose as a ‘challenge’ for trainers who want to challenge the region’s champion.
However, to even get a chance to challenge the elite four, they host yearly league conferences and only the winner gets that privilege against the elite four. The only requirement to qualify for the conference is to beat all eight gym leaders across the region.
For Galar, trainers still need eight gym badges and there’s also a conference. So what’s the difference? The gym leaders fight against each other along with the winning trainer to secure a seat to fight against the reigning champion.
Trainers from other regions will be left confused with Galars’ customs but every region has its weird system. The Alola region doesn’t even have Gym leaders!
There is one perplexing detail that even you find weird. Another requirement to even enter the event is an endorsement. Talk about gatekeeping the less fortunate. Chairman Rose administers the league so why doesn’t he…
“Move faster Y/n, any slower and we will miss the Corviknight Taxi!”
And there goes your train of thought. Always cut short due to an impatient kid.
“Keep on annoying me and I'll make sure Mudbray kicks you where it hurts!”
Bede huffs, repeatedly tapping his left foot onto the ground. “Must Milotic be groomed every morning and night?”
Milotic snorts while you continue to polish its scale. “What kind of question is that? Don’t think I don’t see you tidy up Hatenna in the morning and night too.”
His face flushes, clearly caught in something he didn’t want anyone to know. “Just hurry up!”
All you could do now was just ignore his annoying presence. Why was he so impatient? Today you had planned to go to Motostoke to register for the Gym Challenge. Motostoke was quite far from Wyndon so the plan was to leave as early as possible to make it before lunch time.
A soft thud forces your attention away from Milotic to beside you. It was Mudbray with…an egg?? Even Milotic was intrigued by the sight.
“Mudbray you…how—”
“I’m pretty sure he found it idiot.”
“I knew that!” Yeah, totally.
Carefully, you cradle the egg in your embrace and inspect it, it was a light gray color with some yellow patterns around it. “Quite heavy…and big…”
“Who would’ve thought?” Bede remarks sarcastically.
“Mudbray.” Without specifying the command, Mudbray head butts Bede from behind.
Bede groans in pain and falls to the ground taking a fetus position. “How could you—!”
“I warned you.”
Just as you were going to continue inspecting the egg, your Pokédex begins to ring.
Pokédex: “You have a call from Scary Lady…You have a call from Scary Lady…”
‘Oleana?’
That was not on the agenda for today. What could she, or rather Chairman Rose, need? Guess there was one way to find out…
You tap the holographic feature to answer the call, your hands are literally full.
The dex shifts position from upright to flat, the camera flickering a light blue presenting the caller. “You should really pick up faster, you’re wasting my time.”
“Morning to you too, Ms. Oleana.”
She squints behind your figure. “Why is that kid on the ground?”
You look back briefly before turning back, smiling innocently. “Don’t worry about it Ms. Oleana.”
She raises a brow and looks down to the object you’re holding. “Seems like your hands are full this morning.”
You raise the egg so she could have a better look. “Yeah, I don’t know what to do. I’m busy today—”
“Chairman Rose had taken it upon himself to fill out your application for the Gym Challenge.” Oleana says quickly. “He is asking for your presence immediately. Wyndon stadium. Now.”
“Wait why—”
And she ended the call. Classic Oleana. She’s probably too busy to not linger around any longer.
With a heavy sigh, you place down the egg temporarily next to you while taking out your poké balls to let Mudbray and Milotic rest.
Once you made sure the balls were secured in your bag, you carried the egg once more and stood up. You begin to walk out of your family yard, leaving Bede behind. “Hurry up, we’re gonna lose a Carviknight Taxi because of you!~”
“It sure is crowded…” Bede says.
He wasn’t wrong, but that wasn’t your main concern at the moment. Not even the sudden demand to be seen by Chairman Rose. It was a freaking egg.
“This…is so heavy…”
Bede looks over to your hunched over figure, struggling to hold the egg. He shrugs his shoulders, “Too bad. Found in your property, your problem.”
“I hope Chairman Rose throws you off from the top floor of Macros Corp.” You seethe through your teeth.
Before Bede could retort back, a soothing voice jumps into the conversation. “You hope that I can do what?”
Your bickering ceases to an end as Chairman Rose unexpectedly appears amongst the crowd followed by Oleana. He approached out of thin air, as if your manifestation for evil was his calling. Rose had his charming smile, dressed in his usual crème colored suit and waited patiently for your answers before continuing with his.
“Nothing!” You both say.
Any normal person would raise a brow at the hasty response but Rose had other things to worry about than two young adults trying to get their life together. He shrugs his shoulders and turns around to start walking inside the stadium.
“Follow me.” He says curtly.
The two of you began to walk immediately but quickly stopped when Rose turned around briefly. “No, not you Bede, just Y/n. Go and watch the upcoming battle or leave if you’re not interested.”
The two of you shared a confused look. Why only you? Why not Bede? Why didn’t Oleana specify—?
“Keep it moving.” Oleana commands as she pushes you along.
“That’s a lovely egg you have there Y/n. Is it yours?” Rose asks curiously.
“Uh, yes. Mudbray found it this morning actually…”
And like that, Bede was left behind. He watched as his friend was dragged along to discuss whatever it was Chairman Rose had in store for her…
Unease. That is how Bede would describe how he is feeling. It hurt to see the person who is his parental figure suddenly start playing favorites. Chairman Rose was never one to show affection or hand out praise like it was candy.
No, his praise was earned through sheer hard work and dedication. How does he know? Well, Bede himself has earned his praise! Every once in a full moon that is…
When was the last time he was ever praised? Acknowledged for his hard work? Dedication towards Chairman Rose? It…had been quite a while now that he thought of it.
Was he doing something wrong? Has he been slipping behind his work? No, that couldn’t be it. Bede always did his work on time and made sure it was done perfectly.
Bede watches absentmindedly as the battle with Leon and Lance progresses further. Normally you would be ecstatic to see a display between two elite trainers, but you were whisked away probably for some boring business meeting, right?
“Go Lee!”
Oh no…why was that annoying voice so dreadfully familiar?
Bede doesn’t dare look in the direction of that voice. The memories, oh how awful they were; it hurt his pride just remembering that battle.
“Hey, isn’t that…”
‘How annoying…’ He thinks to himself.
“Oh! It’s the annoying trainer that doesn’t brush his hair!”
Oh now that was just a low blow to his ego. “I brush this marvelous hair every day and night. Thank you very much.”
“Gloria that was mean.”
“Shut up Victor,” Gloria snaps. “You know I’m right! No regular human being has…a hair structured like that. Seriously, do you not hate the knots that form?”
“The knots are—, hey wait a minute! This is a waste of my time, continue to exist somewhere that isn’t near me.”
“Unfortunately,” Hop steps in. “There are no other available seats in the stadium. It’s completely booked!”
He rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Tch, your so-called brother couldn’t even reserve you and your annoying troupe private seating arrangements?”
“Well look who’s talking.” Gloria taunts.
Victor gently nudged her, motioning her to stop. “Gloria…”
“For someone who is endorsed by the all mighty Chairman Rose, shouldn’t you be watching where the high class of society are?”
Well played, he should’ve seen that coming.
“Hmph, I’m not one to abuse my connections. I’m a humble person after all.”
There was no comeback to his claim. Bede looks so proud that Gloria didn’t refute his claim, as if agreeing with him…but when he opens his eyes…
“What’s with those looks?”
Hop and Victor look away, using the cool battle happening in the center stage as an excuse that they didn’t hear him. Gloria on the other hand, looked at Bede with disdain, not amused at all.
“Do you truly believe that?”
Bede crosses his arms. “What are you implying?”
“You know what, never mind. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
Oh, he didn’t like that condescending tone. “Now look here—”
“I’m so sorry for taking forever Bede—!” Terrible timing as usual…
You finally reach the last steps, clearly tired from running around with an egg. You had failed to see the trio right next to him. “You see—”
Upon noticing Gloria and Bede having a staring competition, you hesitate to step in and even had thoughts to rush out but too late. Victor turns around when he hears your familiar voice and smiles joyfully, “Hey, it’s you! Long time no see.”
An awkward smile was your only response before looking at Bede and Gloria hesitantly. “So…what did I miss?”
The last thing you anticipated was to reunite with the trio after the incident back in Slumbering Wealds. Well, like the old saying goes: ‘Always anticipate the unexpected.’ Better luck next time.
After your arrival, you had a short catch-up conversation with the group before taking your seat next to Bede and continuing to watch the crazy match between Lance and Leon.
For obvious reasons, you cheered on for Leon. Yes you consider him your future rival but Galar’s pride is on the line! It’s not just a battle he is losing, he will let down the region he represents!
Dynamax Gyarados stumbles back as some of the flames of G-Max Wildfire goes through its Max Guard.
“And here comes the final act!” Leon announces confidently.
The crowd cheers in anticipation as the end nears. Who will win? The scales are obviously on Leon’s but maybe Lance has one more trick up his sleeve right?
“Too early for a celebration don't you think?” Lance quips.
Leon smirks, his confidence knew no bounds and he was sure this last move would end the match. After all, he is the undefeated champion of the Galar region.
“Charizard, use G-Max Wildfire!”
“Gyarados, push through with Max Geyser!”
With his fiery wings, Charizard shoots them straight at Gyarados with intense speed.
Gyarados in turn pumps out a powerful beam of water, aiming to take down the oncoming fiery attack.
The moves collide with each other, creating a powerful wind current and puff of smoke. Thank goodness Wyndon stadium has a protective shield to ward off any dangerous moves that could harm the people. Imagine if there wasn’t any protective measures? There are dangerous moves that can cause serious damage…but let’s not sweat the small stuff!
Just as quickly the smoke appeared, it disappeared as G-Max Wildfire pushed through! It still burned bright despite colliding with a powerful water type move, how was that even possible? It shouldn’t be!
G-Max Wildfire successfully hits Gyarados, sending it back and enveloping it in a ring of fire. Gyarados cries out in pain as the flames do surprisingly massive damage to it.
Soon the flames die out and Gigantamax Gyarados shrinks back down in size before collapsing in front of Lance.
The referee flies down to assess the damage before announcing the results.
“Gyarados is unable to battle! Therefore, the winners are Leon and his Charizard!”
The stadium erupts in a loud cheer, celebrating the victory of Champion Leon and his trusty partner Charizard.
“Leon! Leon! Leon! Leon!” The crowd chants passionately.
Leon waves his hands in the air, proudly receiving the crowds praises. He then does his signature pose while riled up the crowd even more.
The two champions walk over to the center of the field and firmly shake hands.
Lance smiles. “Guess I’ll just have to try again next season.”
“It would be an honor to battle you again. I’ll be waiting!”
The cheers begin to die down as Chariman Rose walks in from Leon’s side of the field along with an employee who was carrying the trophy for this season’s World Coronation Series.
Chairman Rose pats Leon’s shoulder, congratulating Leon–his pupil–victory. Together, along with Lance, they pose together with Leon holding the trophy for a commemorative photo.
After the photo, Chairman Rose gestures for the referee to hand him the microphone to give his speech.
“This years World Coronation Series comes to another fantastic end. Our winner–Champion Leon of the Galar region–secures victory once more, remaining undefeated thus far!”
The crowd cheer and clap in joy.
“Now, I usually end my speech right about now however,” He sends a sneaky glance towards yours and Bede's direction. It had not gone unnoticed by Leon and Lance. “It is with great joy that two months from now, I will be opening a summer camp! Just as I have provided top-quality resources to Galar’s current champion, I want to offer any aspiring trainer the opportunity to receive first class training!”
This was amazing news! An opportunity given by the Chairman Rose to get the same training quality as the undefeated champion? This is an opportunity no trainer would ever miss!
“Now, I hope to see everyone for the next World Coronation Series! And for the people of Galar, I absolutely anticipate Wyndon Stadium to be filled to the brim for the upcoming Gym Challenge season coming up as well. Happy summer to all!”
“That was such an awesome battle! I’m so glad Hop managed to secure us front row seats.” Gloria squeals in delight.
“I am very excited with Chariman Rose’s summer camp offer. That means I would be one step closer to becoming just like Lee!”
Bede clicks his tongue in disappointment. “If you can’t even beat me then you’re better off waiting a few more years before taking on the Gym Challenge.”
You elbow Bede harshly, eliciting a groan of pain from him. “He doesn’t mean it Hop. Sorry you guys have to deal with him. Bede is always like that, give him some time to know you and I guarantee you guys will be the greatest friends in no time.”
“As if…” Bede says through gritted teeth. You silence him with another jab.
Gloria crosses her arms in amusement. “Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought that you were friends with him. Are you being held against your will? Blink twice if you need help.”
“Ok Gloria I think that is enough teasing for the day.” Victor sighs. “By the way Y/n, will you be participating in the Gym Challenge too?”
“Oh, yes!” You answer enthusiastically. “I’m also eyeing to participate in the World Coronation Series.”
Everyone goes silent, looking at you in surprise; minus Bede, he knows all too well of your spontaneous tendencies.
“You’re not serious right?” Hop gasps. “That’s…those trainers are in a league of their own!”
“Are you implying she can’t make it?” Bede sneers.
“You actually think I can make it?” You question Bede in shock.
Victor chuckles nervously. “Well, no one is stopping you besides yourself. The skies the limit you know?”
“For once I have to agree with Victor.” Gloria admits. “I might force Victor into the series as well.”
“Why me–?”
“Because you're easy to bully~!”
“Back to the topic at hand, I suppose your idea isn’t too crazy. I mean, that kid with the Pikachu just now who proclaimed he would defeat Leon? As if! Only I, his younger brother, have the power to defeat him! It’s my destiny!”
“Now you sound delusional.” Bede spat.
After sharing a bit more banter together, the group bid their farewells (minus Bede again). You and Bede make your way to the Corviknight Taxi station while the trio make their way to the train station. Poor country bumpkins, they have a long journey ahead of them to reach Postwick…
“Hey Bede…”
This successfully caught his attention. Truth be told, he was waiting for you to share the details Chairman Rose had said to you when he took you away.
“Hmm?”
You stop walking, holding onto the egg a little tighter than earlier where you clearly struggled to hold onto it. Suddenly, it became hard to speak. You purse your lips into a thin line, internally debating yourself on the next words to say…
“We don’t have all day.” Bede says smoothly.
“Ah right,” it was now or never. You hesitantly look up to meet his unamused expression. “If I…,” you start hesitantly. “If I ever hold you back, you will tell me right?”
He raises a brow, your question taking him by surprise.
Bede exhales heavily while shaking his head in disbelief. “As if you could ever hold me back.” He says confidently.
Ah yes, that’s just how Bede is. He was always confident in himself, and that’s a good thing. Good to know he wouldn’t be knocked down by a few words by someone.
You laugh awkwardly. “But…hypothetically speaking, what if I did?”
He takes a moment to ponder your question. Deep down he knew he was weak compared to you but he would never admit that to you or anyone else. But the answer was obvious wasn’t it?
“Then I’ll just work hard to be better obviously.”
A sigh of relief escapes your lips immediately. He looks almost offended by your immediate reaction.
“Did you really think I would let you hold me back? Hah, you underestimate me.”
“Whaa—? No, I would never!” You reply sarcastically. “If you did, people might think you have a soft spot for me~.”
He scoffs but there was a tinge of pink tainting his cheeks that goes unnoticed by you. “Spending time with those idiots may have affected your thinking ability.”
“How dare you—”
『(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ In the meantime ♥』
“A summer camp? Are you doing this out of another sense of charity?”
Rose hummed softly, flipping through a stack of papers before handing it all to Oleana. “Why? Is it that hard to believe I would invest for the future? You wound me, Leon.”
Leon shakes his head wearily. “Does this have anything to do with your two pupils?”
“With one of them, yes. The other one, I don’t see much of a future for him. Unfortunate I must say, he had so much potential when I first took him in.”
Leon went quiet, he could not believe what he heard. What exactly is Rose planning?
“You should leave those kids alone Rose. They are just kids.” Leon pleads.
“Young adults.” Rose clarified. “If they don’t want to do anything I hand them, I always reassure them that it’s ok to say no.”
“Kids or not, they should be given time for themselves. Not…work for something that is out of their control.”
“Oh Leon, believe me I understand your concerns. But all hands must be on deck to be able to execute this plan.”
“You keep rambling on and on about this ‘plan’ that you have. Do the kids know? Why not use me instead of them?”
Rose takes a seat on his chair, swiveling it to face the horizon of Wyndon City. “You’re already doing your part Leon. Exceptionally may I add.”
Leon raises a brow. “What do you mean?”
The man sighs tiredly, reaching out to loosen his red tie that has been suffocating him for the entire day. “Galar has suffered a millenia ago during the ‘Darkest Day’. But now, it seems like everyone believe that tale to be a work of fiction.”
Rose turns back around, now facing Leon with a soft smile. “It has been proven that the ‘Darkest Day’ will one day return in the future, in 5 years to be exact…” He leans forward, resting his head on his right palm. “The ‘Darkest Day’ will return and our duty is to ensure Galar has the resources to combat that future disaster.”
Leon’s jaw tightened, he’s angry, not at Rose but the unfortunate circumstances that are plaguing his region. “Is there no alternative to this situation? Allocate the duties to me and not them!”
Rose clicks his tongue in disappointment. “Tsk, tsk. You fail to understand the bigger picture young man. You’re too busy to even squeeze in some of my work anyway. No matter, just continue playing your part as the undefeated champion.”
“What use does that have?”
“It’s obvious is it not?”
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“You are humanity’s symbol of hope.”
[And The Journey Continues 🇬🇧…]
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