Pasio University

Chapter 6- First Test of the Semester

Match Day

Pasio University (0-0)
Vs.
Mossdeep Tech (0-0)

Calem POV

I woke up with a Writing textbook on my forehead and still in my usual blue jacket and pants. Greaaaat. Fell asleep studying. On the eve of the first match I'll be captaining no less. I groaned and rolled myself out of bed. Being a captain meant I didn't have to have a roommate. Most people would probably hate the loneliness but I like it. It's not that I hate people, I get nervous but I like people. No, I just simply like some alone time to clear my head. I got myself ready and then headed out to where we were going to meet. It was a neutral site game between the two schools that would be held halfway in between both of them. It was a couple hours boat ride. That's alright though, all in good fun.

The team was assembled by the boats, all clad in purple and red and eager for the first match of the season. We packed in to the boats and I sat next to Victor and Gloria. I greeted them both as I sat down. I heard Elio and Brendan excitedly talking with Ethan in the row behind us, I looked to Gloria, "Hey Gloria? You ready for the match?" Gloria nodded, " 'Think so. Cinderace is pumped too. I think we're gonna win." Victor patted me on the back, "You got this cap. We trust you to lead us to a good season." I nodded, "It's about all of us, but I'll do my best for my role."

We arrived at the field hours later and I saw across from us that the other team had already taken the field. Clad in Silver jerseys with yellow font, mossdeep Tech has been known to be a good team from time to time. Mostly middle of the pack as far as recent results go though. Professor Kukui gathered us for a huddle before the game, "Alright, Calem, Elio, Brendan, you'll be the first up today, stay calm and do your best, waiting in the wings, Ethan, Dawn, and Gloria. Watch closely even when you're not in, make sure you know the situation when you're subbed in. I think we can grab a win today, you guys ready to go?" We All nodded and Kukui smiled, "Alright then, it's match time, give it your all!"

Commentators POV

"Welcome to the opening weekend presentation of College Pokemon Battling! Our coverage rolls on to our next match today, as always with me as your host. Our starters today on the side of Pasio University are #06- Calem, #07-Elio, and #03- Brendan. The three starters came out to meet Mossdeep Tech at the center of the field and shake hands, then all the trainers took their places in their boxes. The referees then signaled the start of the match. Pasio had a Meowstic, Primarina, And a Sceptile, up against a Metagross, Kabutops, And Solrock. The battle was fast paced, and Pasio University didn't have a lot of coordination, but they did have quite a bit of individual skill. The Primarina scored the first point for them to make the score 1-0. The Kabutops was subbed out for a Kricketune, who was able to help the team claim a point back on the Meowstic, making it 1-1.

Calem POV

I sighed and walked back to our team sideline, tagging in Dawn as I did. Kukui patted me on the back, "All good Cal. We can do this. I shook my head and then looked down at the dirt as I sat on the bench. Meowstic gave it his all, I just wasn't good enough. I slammed the bench as I continued to brood there. Why can't I just be good enough?

Commentators POV

"Oh! What a move from the Sceptile! That puts Pasio University up 2-1!" The match rolled on, The Sceptile was next to fall, Dawn scored a point, and then Primarina went down, leaving the score knotted at 3-3, both benches cleared, no reinforcements left. Whichever team gets the first pick here is gonna go a long way. The Torterra of Dawn's fell first, putting Pasio in trouble, the Typhlosion from Ethan scored a point back swiftly before it was taken out. Leaving Gloria and her Cinderace alone in a 1 vs 2. The Cinderace connected on a pyroball that scored one point but then it fell. Making the match a 6-5 Victory for Mossdeep Tech. "And that is it folks! Mossdeep Tech claims the 6-5 win today, and improve to 1-0, while Pasio University expectedly falls to 0-1, don't go anywhere because there's more to come on our coverage of the opening weekend of College Pokemon Battling!"

Kukui POV

I threw my clipboard on the ground and did my best to suppress my disappointment. I looked over and then shook hands with Mossdeeps coach, then went back to the team. All of them were sitting dejected on the bench, I didn't ever think I'd see guys like Elio and Gloria like this, always so upbeat, but reduced to disappointment. I sat down next to them and said, "All good guys. 29 more games to go this season. Let's hit the boat and head home.

The boat ride back was miserable, nobody said anything, and it was just sheer disappointment. I consoled as many of the team members as I could before we docked back. I clasped my hands as we were all exiting. "Hey. Just cause we lost today doesn't mean the work stops. Like I said. 29 more games, the next of which is in 3 days against... Jubilife University." I didn't mention that they were defending Sinnoh champions, not good for confidence right now. I dismissed them and they all went their seperate ways.

Burnet greeted me at our apartment, "I'm sorry Kukui..." I sighed, "Yeah. Me too. It's such a good bunch of kids, they deserve to be good... They just can't seem to find that missing piece yet..." Burnet sighed, "It'll come, they work hard. Even the ones who didn't get to go today, they work so hard..." I nodded. One day. If this team had 4 years I'm sure we could eventually get to the top... But... With just one...

Elio POV

I sat down on my bed, Ethan was across from me. I asked, "You feeling alright Ethan?" He shook his head, "Bitter. I wish I would've done better." I sighed, "Me too. It's not Primarinas fault at all..." Ethan nodded, "So... I gotta ask though, why'd you come to battle here? Wouldn't the Alolan schools in the same conference take you just as well, I mean you're pretty good at this stuff." I shrugged, "You are too. Thanks. But as for that... I... Well that was my original plan, but things....changed...and I wasn't seen as good enough." Ethan nodded, "I understand. It happens. I'm just ready to get back to work yknow." I nodded, "Feel that one."

Brendan POV

I sat at the cafe mindlessly stirring my coffee as the concerned girl I knew so well with the ribbon in her hair looked on in a concerned manner. "Brendan...you ok?" I sighed, "Yeah...I'll get over it...it's just so frustrating y'know. All those people were counting on me to help us win..." May frowned, "Don't put it all on yourself, it's a team game. Everyone bears the same fault, you guys just need to work on a few things and I'm sure you'll be in tip top shape. " I smiled, "Thanks May. I can always count on you." She smiled, "Of course!"

Victor POV

"Gloria you should probably take a rest, Cinderace is gonna get tired and burnt out, and you won't be able to make it to class tomorrow." Gloria angrily continued target practice with Cinderace. "I wasn't good enough today Victor. I will be next time." I shrugged, "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn ya." I looked down at my phone and saw a text message from my Mom in Wedgehurst, apparently one of the Wooloo got out again, Sonia and Yamper chased it forever. Heh. I sure miss them. My sister was there too, Mom told me she's wanting to go on the gym challenge in a few years, and that Leon will endorse her. Heh. I sure miss em...

Serena POV

I drank some water as I sat by the fountain writing one of my essays I had due this week. This place was nice for me just to relax and get my mind off things while I write. I scanned the area around me quickly and saw Calem sitting on one of the benches near me. I huffed and stood up, then walked over and sat by him. "Hi Calem." He looked up, "Oh. Hey Serena." I continued to write as I asked him, "How'd everything go today, you had your first match right?" He nodded slowly, "It... went." I looked up, "Y'know... My Mom always told me to never give up on what you really want. Because if you want it as bad as you think you do... It'll eventually want you back...if that makes any sense to you." Calem looked forward, "I know what you mean. It's different for me though, I do my best but I just... Always seem to come up short y'know. No matter how hard I try." I nodded, "I know how that feels... My parents have high expectations for me but I just don't know..." He nodded, "Thanks Serena. I'll see you around ok?" I nodded "Sure. Bye Calem."