Pasio University

Chapter 22- Return to the Islands

Calem POV

I waited at the dock and stared out at the shore, watching the waves roll along the endless ocean. We had to travel through that to go to the tournament that would be held on Akala Island in Alola. This was truly make or break for us. We win tomorrow and we have a shot at the conference championship, and beyond that, the International Tournament. But we lose, none of it matters. We go home empty handed, all our work was for nothing, and we have to live with the results for the rest of our lives. Oh? You thought I didn't know? That this was the last season for this program. Yeah. I know. Kukui didn't tell me, I just... Gleamed it from what I overheard every once in a while. I didn't tell the rest of the team. I don't want them to worry about it. Though if I need to motivate them further... Heh. Just then Serena arrived next to me and stood silently by me. I looked over to her, "Hey. Glad to see ya Serena." She smiled, "I'm glad to see you too. It's gonna be a long trip..." I nodded, "Much more bearable because you'll be here though. Who else is coming that isn't on the team?" Serena shrugged, "The usual. Lillie, May, and Kris." I nodded, "Cool. Glad the professors let you guys out for this." Serena smiled, "I am too! It's gonna be really fun, hopefully I'll be able to get some nice relaxation in Alola..." I heard footsteps approaching the dock that called, "That, I can guarantee you." Up stepped Elio, Lillie and Selene following close behind. He smiled widely, "I know all the good spots! If you guys need some advice on where to go, just let me know!" Selene sighed, "He thinks he does." Lillie giggled, "Are you sure Elio, you barely know your right from left these days." She teased him. Serena suppressed giggles as Elio laughed as well while firing back, "I wasn't talking to you!" I smiled, "Either way, I'm sure at least one of you three know a good spot, but we came here to win a championship first and foremost." Elio shrugged, "Guess so. Let's get it done." We fist bumped as he boarded the boat. Next Hilbert and Hilda boarded together engaged in some kind of exciting conversation that I didn't want to interrupt. I then greeted Victor, Gloria and Hop as they all made their ways on to the boat. They all seemed pretty determined. Brendan and May came aboard next, Brendan stopping to talk to me, "Calem. Ready for today?" I shrugged, "Hope so. Not much more we can do." Brendan nodded, "'Spose so." He then walked by and May stayed behind to talk to me and Serena, "How are you two doing by the way?" Serena smiled, "Better than ever! I'm sure you understand." May nodded happily, "For sure! Speaking of that I'm gonna go ahead and catch up with Brendan..." She then skipped off happily. I looked over to Serena, "You want to take a seat? I don't want you to have to stand here forever." She smiled, "It's no big deal Calem. I'm not tired or anything. You think I can't stand for more than 10 minutes without dying or something?" She teased me, I looked back at her with a joking deadpan expression, "Serena. I only brought it up because my legs feel like jelly right now." Serena shrugged and snickered as she taunted, "Not my fault you're so weak." I sighed and shook my head and motioned her to follow me on to the boat.

The boat ride was long to Akala Island, but boat rides with the team we're always easy with the team because so many of them were used to boat travel so they had games to play or other good ways to pass time. Plus I could talk to Serena for however long I had to, she is really good at carrying a conversation, which is much appreciated because I certainly am not. Elio had fallen asleep midway through, which is a relaxing sign because it at least implies that he isn't super worked up about the match tomorrow. Serena noticed me looking in that general direction and commented, "Awh... They're so cute together." I looked over, "Huh? Who?" She pointed, "Look at his shoulder." I looked down and Lillie had fallen asleep on Elio's shoulder. I chuckled, "Heh. Yeah. I'm happy for them. They're good people." Serena smiled, "For sure! And look over there at Brendan and May, smiling and talking like nobody's watching. This team has been a pretty incredible source of relationships huh." I laughed, "I suppose so, none better than ours though." She smiled, "Agreed! Plus... If you go home for break, we can go home together! Since we're both from Kalos after all!" I nodded. That will be a great time in my life, but let's focus on the conference tournament.

Elio POV

We landed at Akala Island, we'd be staying at the Hano Grand Resort! Only the best for the Conference Championship teams I suppose. I'd be sharing a room with Lillie and Selene. The team arrived in the lobby...wow... This place is beautiful. I looked around then spotted a familiar looking girl dressed in blue who I then called out to, "Kahili!" The golfer turned around and smiled before walking over, "Elio!" She walked over and looked around at my team. "Woah! Hey I wasn't sure, but I thought you were involved with Pasio!" I scratched the back of my head, "Yeah! We're happy to be here for sure." Calem looked between the two of us, "I assume you two know each other." Elio smiled and nodded, "Yeah! We met a while ago, we were training partners when Alola briefly thought about making an Elite Fo-" Kahili looked to my right "Hooooly! Is that Lillie!? The girl you wanted to da-...er..." Lillie looked over at me questioningly, I smiled, "...Ah...hehehe... Yeah. She's the very same. In fact we are dating now." Lillie smiled, "Wow! You really never forgot me huh." I smiled, "Never wanted to. Anyway yeah Calem, we used to battle together all the time, that was a bit before the whole deal with Rich though. Anyway, if you need some last minute practice, she's the best at being a good training partner." Kahili smiled, "Alright, you guys make yourselves at home, if you need something just call! My dad's having me work tonight so..." I chuckled, "So I won't call, got it." Brendan looked over to her, "Your dad? So do you-" she nodded, "Own the place? Not yet. I'm supposed to take over at some point though." Brendan nodded, "Makes sense, well thanks Kahili." She nodded and then went off to tend to some other customers.

We arrived in the room and I threw my stuff on the ground and then helped Lillie get all of her stuff in order. After that we then helped Selene get hers in order too. If everything goes well we'll be in town for today and then 3 days after. There were two beds in the room, which I surrendered to Selene and Lillie respectively as I made arrangements to sleep in the arm chair in the corner. I looked over to Lillie, "Hey, you haven't seen Gladion in a good while have you?" Lillie shook her head, "No, he never came to Kanto, I'm not sure why, but if I had to guess it would be because he wasn't fully invested in mother..." I shrugged and sighed, "Can't say I blame him, it's hard to trust again after all that." Selene looked over to Lillie, "Is- is Gladion in Alola now?" Lillie shrugged, "I'd think so, I know he had thought about going on a journey to train himself, but I doubt he could with how busy he must be." Selene tucked herself further under her sheets, I knew why. Lillie might too I dunno she's good with that stuff. I walked over to Lillie, "Sleep well yeah? I'm gonna need your support tomorrow." She giggled, "Will do!" She gave me a kiss on the cheek and then we all went to bed.

Brendan POV

I woke up early the next morning and began to do some stretches. I can't wait to get back on the battlefield. It's been too long... The rustling of my movements woke May in the other bed moments later. She sat up groggily and looked around. She smiled softly and croaked out in a tired voice, "Good morning Brendan." I scratched the top of my head, "Morning May! Sorry I woke ya..." She shook her head, "No no, it's ok. I'm happy to be awake. I'm not very good at sleeping away from home." I tilted my head, "Yeah I remember when our families would go on trips together you always had trouble. You sleep ok at college usually?" She chuckled, "No, but that's because of classes not because it doesn't feel like home." I laughed, "Fair enough." I swung the curtain open and looked at the fountain and pools out front of the hotel. "Man, this place is so nice." May nodded, "For sure! I can't imagine living here..." I shrugged, "You can't? Not with all the water?" She giggled, "I meant the heat." I smiled, "Well, that's why we're only here to battle." May sat up, "Yeah, 'spose so, I never thought it'd be true, but after leaving I realize I'd rather live in Hoenn than anywhere else in the world." I smiled, "Heh. Same here. But truthfully it always feels like home as long as you're with me." We then got ready for the day ahead and went down to the lobby.

Calem POV

"Caleeemmm! Eat!" Serena pleaded with me as she prodded my side. I looked down at my pancakes and started, saying in between bites, "You're right, sorry. I'm getting lost in my thoughts." She frowned, "I don't want you to be worried... Just stay calm, you've beat them before, I'm sure you can do it again." I nodded. "Thanks. I just hope the personal stuff doesn't boil over again." Serena nodded, "Don't be scared to take control if it does. Do whatever you have to do." I smiled, "that's helpful, but also very aggressive of you Serena." She giggled then shrugged, "What can I say, I'm a go-getter when it comes to competition."