Pasio University

Chapter 24- The Prodigal Son

Elio POV

Selene and I ran outside the stadium and shared a hug with Mom. "I'm so proud of you guys!" I laughed, "I'm so happy right now! Just one more to go!" I broke the hug and then lifted Lillie up in the air, who reacted initially with a scream before laughing, "Elio! Don't surprise me like that!" She said while laughing. I chuckled, "Sorry, I can barely contain myself right now." I let her down in to a hug, while I overheard Selene taking to Mom. Selene started, "Erm... You don't care if I call you Mom do you?" Mom shook her head, "Of course not sweetie, you've been a part of the family before I even knew you were." Selene started to tear up and hugged mom again, she's been through a lot. Lost her Dad like I did, and her Mom also just a few years ago. I'm thankful that she stayed strong and was my friend when I needed one more than almost ever.

I walked over and hugged both of them, "Hey now, we gotta stay focused, I know revenge is best served cold but I've been pressure cooking this one for a long time." Selene laughed, "Right. We got this."

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I sat down on the balcony of our hotel room (thanks for the nice one Kahili!) And I stared up at the Alolan Moon shining brightly and having its reflection sparkle brightly in the pools. Selene and Lillie went to sleep an hour or so ago. I'm just out here collecting my thoughts. I know it's just a game. I know it's just a Pokemon battle. But it feels like my entire life has led up to this moment. The adventures with Lillie, the betrayal from Rich and his friends, Selene suggesting I come with her to Pasio. Tomorrow is when I can make it all worth it. Show that I learned, that I grew. I rose above the hard times and cherished the good. But the truth is... I paused my thoughts as I heard the sliding door to the balcony open behind me, I looked back and it was Lillie in her nightgown. She sat down on the hard floor of the balcony next to me. I looked over at her, "Please, let me get you a chair or something, that can't be comfy-" she shook her head, "It's fine." We sat there in silence for a bit just looking at the nighttime scenery. Lillie eventually broke the silence, "It's rather late you know... I think it'd help if you got some sleep before the match tomorrow." I shook my head, "Can't sleep." Lillie tilted her head, "Oh... Why's that." I sighed, I'd pretty much only tell her this. "Truth is. I'm... I'm scared Lillie. If I lose tomorrow then... I'll have just been a stepping stone... I'll be seen as nothing... A failure. Even if they don't say it... Everyone will see me like that." Lillie processed what I said while staring at the sky, the moon making her emerald eyes sparkle. She began to speak slowly, "You know... This reminds me of that night you think so fondly of on Exeggutor Island." I looked down, "How so?" She looked wistfully of in to the distance. "I was terrified. Mother was in an unknown place, might be dead, we were going to go through a portal that could kill us too, and if we did live then we'd be fighting for our lives moments later..." She trailed off, "...I just... You were there with me, you let me know it was gonna be ok and that you could do it. And I trusted you, and I felt less scared because I trusted you...". I nodded, "That's sweet of you Lil, but... I don't know if I can do it this time, the memory of what happened last time is still in my head." Lillie looked at me and smiled, "Put trust in your teammates. I know what happened and that you may be hesitant, but they're there for you. They want to win as much as you do. Let them help you, and show your growth... That's what makes you better than Rich, you have a team you trust, and you don't have to be the hero every time." I looked down and nodded, "Y-...yeah. you're right... Thank you Lillie. Thank you so much." She smiled sweetly, "No problem, now get some sleep before I knock you out myself." She said giggling as she finished. I laughed as I walked back inside with her. I'm so glad I have her back...

The Next Morning

Greater Islands Championship

#1 Alola Regional Vs #3 Pasio University