Pasio University

Chapter 25- Closure

Elio POV

I sat down on a bench in the locker room and simply began to break down and cry. It was pretty ugly. I'm just so overwhelmed. I've been holding in a lot about all this for a long time, and it just so happens that I finally am letting myself let it all go. The pain. The hours I spent awake thinking about it all... All of it is spilling out of me now. I kept all these things walled up inside me. The shame I felt from the situation with Brendan, the agony I felt from the betrayal of my friends, the feeling that I might never get to see Lillie again as I watched her sail away on the boat, the embarrassment and worthlessness I felt from losing to Rich the first time and then making Lillie mad at me for that time. All of it was coming to my mind at once and it suddenly became too much. I like playing the villain sometimes, don't get me wrong, but having the people you once wanted nothing more than to be accepted by fill an arena to boo you... It hurts. I may never have their acceptance, and Rich may always be the tragic hero to them...

I heard footsteps from the outside. I don't really want to look up. It's embarrassing enough to be the way I am... Seeing the face of one of my teammates right now as they look at me bawling like a little kid is not something I want to remember. I felt a soft hand on my back as I continued to cry in to my hands. I heard an even softer voice follow, "...Elio..." I recognized that voice. A voice I would recognize anywhere. I looked up, not needing to see, but not being able to with the tears clouding my eyes. "...Lillie." I said. She sighed, "It's been a longer few years for you than you even told me huh..." I nodded in silence, not bothering to stop crying, like I could. She continued comfortingly... "Are these tears of happiness... I hope?" I paused and drew in a deep breath, "If I knew myself... I'd tell you." She smiled comfortingly, "It's alright. Take as much time as you need, I'll make sure you have some privacy, if you need to talk about it, just get me, I'll be right outside, ok?" I put my head down, "I don't deserve you... Thank you." I hugged her and she allowed my tears to soak in to her shoulder for a little bit. I'm not alone. The person in this world that I love the most is here for me now, and that's all that matters.

Brendan POV

The championship gear was passed out to all of us still celebrating on the field, I fixed the cap proudly to my head that read, "Pasio University :Greater Islands Champions" I located May and shared a long hug with her. I laughed, "I'm so happy to see you! I thought you were gonna wait for me in the locker room?" She shrugged, "Lillie said they were preparing it for something I guess." I shrugged, "Heh. Wonder what that might be... I'm just really happy we got it done!" May smiled, "I am too! Looks like you and Elio finally made up too." I smiled, "Yeah! I gotta say, it's good to be back on good terms with him." May giggled, "You're such a good guy Brendan, that's why I love you." I reeled and then scratched the back of my head embarrassed, "Hehehe... I do wonder where Elio got off to though... Usually he's in the thick of things." May shrugged, "I'm sure he's off somewhere celebrating with his family, how about we do the same? Lillie told me about these things here called malasadas that are apparently pretty good..." I smiled, "For sure! Let's grab some."

Calem POV

Wow. What can I say. What a celebration. I feel light headed almost. I'll have to go back to the locker room and grab my stuff before we head back to the hotel though. I walked with Serena back to the locker room, laughing and talking the whole way. I looked at the door and Lillie was standing outside. Serena greeted her, "Hey Lillie! Everything ok?" She smiled and nodded, "Yep, all good!" I questioned her, "Are you sure? You don't need to stand out here yknow, our locker room is open for ya." She smiled, "That's nice, I ju-" I saw the door open slowly, behind it was Elio, red in the face. I looked at him, "Elio? Have you been here the whole time?" He nodded, "Yeah. Yeah I have..." Lillie looked at him worriedly, "Are you... Are..." He smiled, "I'm good now. Thanks Lillie." I looked at him, "huh?" He sighed, "I left all of myself on that field. I think a piece of myself died out there... The... The side of me that has been causing problems... Its weird to be here without it now because it has been holding me back for so long. I feel... Much better now." I walked over to him and hugged him, Serena reeling in the background because she knows I don't hug (except her). I said to Elio, "Look. I can tell you've got some things you still need to work through, just remember, we've got your back. You were brilliant out there. Take as much time as you need. If you need to take a break from the team for a bit even, don't be afraid to if your health needs it." He said back, "This team means more to me than you know. I'm gonna be fine come Tournament time, I just need some time to process." I separated from him, "Uh... If you guys are in the mood, you know all the good spots so... Up for a double date with me and Serena?" Lillie smiled, "Of course! That sounds wonderful." Elio smiled too, "Sure! I know just the place..."

Selene POV

I walked outside the venue wearing a stupid smile on my face. I just helped my brother exact revenge on his greatest enemies, freed him from his chains. It feels good to be such a good person as I am. (I kid). I walked outside and saw Elio's... Er... Mom. I ran over to her and hugged her tightly, she laughed, "Selene!! I'm so proud of you." I smiled, "Heh. It happens from time to time." She paused, "Wait, where's your brother?" I looked back, "I- I dunno, I suppose he's with Lillie, probably going to lunch or something." Mom smiled, "Well, it'd be my treat to take you out somewhere then if you want to, I know the best place!" I smirked, "I think I know where you mean..."

Mallow's Restaurant

Calem POV

I sat with Serena next to me, and Elio and Lillie across from us. We had gotten our food recently and were having a nice conversation. Elio looked over, "Oh hey I think that's.... Oh! Selene! Mama!" They both turned to our table then joined us as there was still room in the booth, Selene sitting next to Serena and Elio's mom next to Lillie. Elio laughed, "I see Mom still remembers the best spot in town too! I was hoping you guys would come here too." Mom smiled, "Of course, I didn't think you'd be anywhere else." Eventually Mallow came to the table to check on us and looked around. "Is everything- oh! Selene! And you're Elio's mom too aren't you!" They both nodded. Serena giggled, "Wow! You guys really know everybody huh." Mallow smiled, "Well... Elio was the uncrowned champ at one point, he battled me on his island challenge back before I started this place." Elio smiled, "I may have lost all that, but it's been really refreshing to see all the people here who always supported me from the beginning." Mallow giggled, "You and Selene were always my best customers in the early days. Still are I suppose, so this one's on the house for all of you guys!" We all thanked her and then continued to eat for a bit.

After a little bit Elio looked over at the entrance nonchalantly, then his face perked up as he grabbed Lillie's shoulder, "Holy... Lillie look." She turned her head while chewing her food then looked shocked as she swallowed. "Gladion!?" Gladion turned his attention away from the front desk and smiled widely, he walked over and Lillie stood up and hugged him tightly for a long time. I looked over to Elio, "Backstory?" He nodded, "Her brother. They haven't seen each other in forever." I nodded and made an 'ah' sound. I looked over to Serena, "You got this much background drama in Kalos?" She giggled, "No, no. Just me my mom and Shauna pretty much." I laughed, "Well I'm sorry you'll have to meet my parents at some point..." She looked over at me, "Really? Are they that bad about your career choice?" I nodded, "Yeah. But we'll deal with that some other time." Serena sighed, "I suppose so, as long as they don't keep me from you." I looked seriously, "They won't." Lillie and Gladion finished hugging then Elio and Gladion shared a bro hug, "Champ! heheh. It's been too long man." Gladion said as they broke. Elio laughed, "Get caught calling me that around here nowadays and you'll have a bounty on your head." He looked questioningly, "Really? Something happen?" Elio sighed, "Long story. Doesn't matter though. Either way it's good to see ya again, let me grab another chair so you can sit with us..." Selene looked over to Gladion, like she wanted to say something important. I shrugged and went back to eating while Serena giggled about something.

Brendan POV

May and I went to a malasada shop and were sitting there just talking and having a good time. May glanced away from our table for a moment in thought, "Hey Brendan, what're your plans for Spring?" I had a shocked expression on my face, I had completely forgotten about spring break, and it starts in 2 days. "I... I hadn't thought about it... At all." May giggled, "Well at least I know you're not lying." I shrugged and laughed, she then asked, "Would you- maybe- want to go back to Hoenn with me? Stay in Littleroot for a while?" I smiled, "Heh. Yeah... That sounds great!" May smiled sweetly, "Awesome! Speaking of which... These malasadas are really quite good..."