Pasio University

Chapter 21- Return to Form

Calem POV

I got to practice early today. Big reason why. Brendan and Elio are coming back today. I have a feeling it won't go all that smoothly. It's my goal to keep them separate if I can. Is that the best plan? I don't know. Look I just don't want hands thrown in my practice. If that makes sense. Ethan was first after me, followed by Dawn, Gloria and Victor. There was a sort of nervousness in the air, not usually what you have when star players are returning. Just then Elio came in with Selene and Lillie. He walked up to me and smiled, "Hey cap! Long time no see!" I sighed and shook my head, "You got that right. It is good to see you back at least just... Be more calm about it this time yeah?" He nodded, "This time will be different I promise!" I was genuinely confused by that, "Why? What changed?" He pointed his thumb in Lillie's direction, "I have a reason. I don't live for the opinions of Alola anymore. All I care about is hers." Lillie giggled and began to hug him before flinching when Elio received a harsh slap to the back of the head from Selene who yelled, "You're so C R I N G E Elio! How can she stand you!" Elio laughed, slightly painfully, I shook my head, "Hey, it works for me. Funnily enough that's what Serena does for me... Anyway enough of that, get ready to go you two." They both nodded and went on their way. I then looked over at Lillie, "Hey, you uh... What're you going to do?" She shrugged, "I suppose I'll just watch if that's ok with you. I have some studying to do and what not. " I raised my eyebrow, "You don't have any connections with Melemele do you?" Lillie looked confused, "At one point I did. But he's here now." I nodded, "Yeah that would make sense wouldn't it. Yeah go ahead then." Lillie smiled and thanked me and then sat down. Minutes later Brendan arrived with May talking happily at his side, just as he was headed to where the team was gathered, I stopped him, he looked at me questioningly. "Calem?" I looked at him seriously, "I'm sorry, I can't have you and Elio together for now. I'm giving you guys each a unit to practice with. I'll be in yours, so you and I will be over here. He hung his head I frowned, "More than likely Brendan, you don't regret what you did. At least not fully. And I know it wasn't all your fault. I'm just doing what's best for the team." He sighed, "I understand." May patted him on the back, "It's alright, I'll be here with ya!" He smiled, "Thanks May! Glad I can always count on you..."

Practice got off to a usual start, I checked my list to make sure I had everyone in the right unit.

Elio
Ethan
Dawn
Selene
Hilda
Lyra
------------
Calem
Brendan
Gloria
Victor
Hop
Hilbert

I glanced around and nodded. Everyone's in the right spot. I then started practice in each group. I caught a couple side glances from Elio and Brendan at each other, nothing hostile though so at least that's something. I must say, even though they're rusty, it's insane how much more complete this roster is with them on it. Much more cohesive aggression, better calls and what not. Yeah. I think we're gonna do ok tomorrow, barring anymore fiascos involving personal traumas and what not.

Elio POV

I Looked over at Brendan after practice ended, maybe I should apologise... Just then Lillie hopped to my side, "Good practice today Elio! You guys are gonna win tomorrow I know it!" I smiled, "Yeah I think we will too. We've got a good group." Selene joined me, "You mean a great group? It was good before, but because I'm on it..." I laughed, "Yeah yeah of course." Lillie giggled, "You two are like siblings or something." Selene thought for a moment, "Could be true actually I never knew my-" I decided to cut the conversation off there, me not knowing one of my parents as well (Odd how almost everyone else here is the same way in that regard) "You know that's something we'll figure out later, you guys want to go get some food?" Selene looked at me and crossed her arms, "Nah. That's what we always do." Lillie made an excited 'ooh', then said, "I have an idea! You want to go see a movie?" Selene pointed at her, "Yes. Yes! I like the way she thinks!" I smiled, "I do too. Let's do that then."

Brendan POV

Practice was over. It just doesn't feel right y'know. I just... I guess I miss the other half of the team. It isn't the same without them. Calem walked over to me, "Brendan. Feeling alright?" I nodded, "Ah. Sure. I feel ok. It's just different..." Calem shook his head, "I know. You probably hate me. But I'm just doing-" I cut him off, "No I- I understand. I know it's probably for the best." Calem looked thoughtfully, "So I wasn't going to ask you but, how do you think you'd work with Elio now?" I shrugged, "Not well. If he's going to keep being selfish, I don't think I could restrain from yelling at him or something." Calem nodded, "Ah. Well I'm glad you're honest. I gotta say though, I think hes- well I suppose I think you've both changed for the better. Y'know...cus of May and Lillie respectively." I cocked my head, "Wh-" Calem cut me off, "Yeah. Same thing happened with me and Serena. I used to be walled off, not trusting, And just overall not a great leader. She taught me a lot though. I like to think I'm all the better for it." I smiled, "Well, I've always had May. We're just dating now, we've always been best friends." Calem nodded, "I know. But you can't tell me you don't feel any different about her at all now." I pointed at him, "Fair." Calem chuckled, "Yeah. Thought so."

Dawn POV

Ethan, Lyra, Lucas and I were at the fountain studying together. We have a lot of tests coming up as we near the end of the second semester. I looked over to Lyra, "You know, I may not be cut out for any job in particular." Lyra looked over confused, "What? You literally pulled an Ace Attorney not that long ago, you're an ace at that!" I shrugged, "Well maybe, but I don't like doing it." Ethan questioned, "Well what do you like to do?" I pointed to the large grass turtle at my feet. "I like anything I can do with my Torterra." Lucas began, nose still in his notes, "You ever consider being a full time pokemon contest coordinater?" I paused, "No...no I never did... I mean people don't think a Torterra- no offense Torty- is graceful or pretty do they?" Lyra giggled, "It doesn't matter, I think youre good enough that you could make it happen. I laughed, "I think I'll take a stab at that this summer then..."