Pasio University

Chapter 38- Living the Dream

Calem POV

We did it! I'm so proud of my team... This should be good to learn and grow with them. I think I should call Serena. I pulled out my phone and noticed I got a... A text... What? Nobody texts me. Serena doesn't text me. We just talk. Who is this from... Unrecognized number... Might as well see it, I mean it's probably a scam... I opened it and read it

"Hey, this is Skyla! I'm a gym leader in the Unova region, specifically at Mistralton if you haven't heard of me. Anyways, along with managing the gym here, I also manage the local professional battling team, the Mistralton Aviators, who play in Unova Division I. We have one of the top picks in the upcoming professional draft and we really like what we're seeing from you, so to cut to the chase, we'd like to have you on the team. I understand completely if you want to stay at your college team for a few more years and don't actually want to be a Professional Trainer, but just letting you know it's out there and we'd love to have you and your Meowstic help shape our team next season. Hopefully you'll consider!

Thanks,
Skyla

What? Me? Battle professionally, this has to be a scam right? I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give the actual Skyla a phone call at her gym to make sure... I called the number I found on the internet and an attendant answered, "Hello! This is the Mistralton Gym! How can we help?" I scratched my head, "Hey this is Calem. I got a text message from Skyla, something about joining up with the Aviators?" The attendant responded excitedly, "Oh, yes! I'll forward you to her right now, I'm sure she'd love to talk to you." She transferred the call and I waited there in disbelief, this might actually be real...

Seconds later I heard the phone get picked up and a bubbly voice answered, "Heyyy! You're Calem right?" I responded, "Yes ma'am, and you're Skyla right?" She responded happily, "Yes, that's me! Oh! It's so good to touch base with you! I heard you might be having doubts as to whether or not this whole thing was a scam or not... Well it's real. If you need some more proof or whatever I can send some... But I'm guessing you've figured out by now that it's all real." I scratched my head, "Well... Sure, I guess... But why me? Wouldn't you want someone from Mauville or Lumiose, someone with a ton of experience and skills, heck even my teammates like Elio and Brendan might be more worth it. So why wouldn't you take someone like Matisse instead of me?" Skyla hummed, "Well, I've had my scouts working hard watching this season, and they did mention your humility... But seriously, we want you, 1. Because we're not the top pick, Matisse will be off the board by the time we get to pick..." My heart sank a little, oh... Guess I'm just the second option again..., "... And second and more importantly, even if he was available I'd rather have you." I was confused, "Huh? Why?" Skyla responded in her usual gleeful tone, "Intangibles!" I paused, "Intangibles?" She affirmed, "Yes! Stuff you just can't teach to people, leadership, humility, perseverance, patience, levelheadedness... Anyone can get a point or two, but not a lot of trainers can have all that. You've got it all! You're exactly the kind of center I've been looking for to hold down all the other young and unproven talent we've got." Wow. That's a leader I could get behind... Skyla then prodded, "So, whaddya say, would you like to join up?" I stammered, "I- y-.... After this season... I... Y..." She interrupted, "It's ok! You probably need a bit more time to mull it over, it is your whole future after all! So think about it and then get back to me, just shoot me a text!" I was thankful that she recognized that, "Thanks Skyla, if I do go pro... Trust me I'll make sure I can work with you guys." She responded, "Great! Well I can't wait to hear back! Bye for now." She hung up. And I sat down on the nearest bench... My dreams just came true! Me! A professional trainer!! But... This team is special... I don't want to leave them already... But at the same point this kind of opportunity may never come around again... I'll call Serena.

I waited patiently for her to pick up and she did, "Calem! Congratulations on making the semis!" I laughed, "Thank you! I... Uh... Listen there's something I need to talk to you about." Serena joked, "Oh you're breaking up with me with some hot chick you found in Hoenn, got it thanks, geez." I chuckled, "No!! Don't even joke about that. You're literally my only chance at not ending up alone and I love you!" She giggled, "Well thanks! But seriously, what's up?" I sighed, "I got a call from Skyla, she wants me to play for the Mistralton Aviators." Serena responded in shock, "WHAT!? LIKE... THE Mistralton Aviators!? Like the former 3 time Unova champs, and one time World Champs 22 years ago?" Wow. She knows her stuff, "Yeah. Them. Also really impressive knowledge there Serena." Serena continued to gush, "Only because Skyla's my idol! I love her so much! So what about this bothers you? It's your dream to go pro right? Worried about living in Mistralton or something?" I shook my head, "No, not at all. I just... I don't want to leave this team after this season, I love these guys too much, and I want nothing but the best for them, and I know I mean a lot to them..." Serena 'hmmm'd through fully, "I... Hmmm... I think... I think you should do it." I was surprised, "Really!?" She sighed, "Yeah. I think there's no point in going to University for 3 more years at least to then do it, rather than get a head start now, and not to mention way less student loans." I sighed. Yeah. She's absolutely right. They'll understand. It's what's best, and makes more sense, as much as I want to help the guys out... I think I should take this opportunity. I spoke to Serena, "You're right. I think I'll do it. Thanks Serena." She responded cheerily, "Sure. Goodbye Calem, I love you." I smiled, "I love you too." She then hung up and I stared at the ceiling. Wow.

Elio POV

Now that I think of it, we won't be flying back to Pasio this time, there isn't a break, and we go to Ecruteak for the match tomorrow. I realize too that it's about 9 PM and Lillie's had no one to talk to for... All day. I feel terrible, she does all this for me. I video called her again, she picked up quickly and smiled, "Elio! I've been so lonely..." I frowned, "I'm sorry Lillie... If you need to go home I'm sure you can, we won't be back in Pasio for... Well until we either lose or win the whole thing." She shook her head, "Well I want to be here to celebrate with you! And plus I don't really want to go back to Aether Paradise right now... Bad memories I suppose... Good when I'm with you though." I still don't know what she sees in me really, but I'm always thankful that she does love me. I smiled, "Well I appreciate it more than you know... You look beautiful today." She blushed, "Oh... Thanks Elio... I'm really happy for you you know." I smiled, "I'm happy too... We're about to board our next plane, so if you're still up I'll call you when we get to Johto." She said sadly, "Please do... I miss you." I frowned, "I miss you too, I love you." She nodded, "I love you too, have a safe flight Elio." I nodded, then hung up and looked over to Calem, "You talk to Serena?" He nodded, "Yeah. She's really happy, she said she and Lillie are basically the only two people on campus now. I tilted my head, "Why's Serena staying?" He scratched the back of his head, "Oh... The finals are in Lumiose City so... Shes convinced we'll make it there. So she says she'll just fly there with us." I laughed, "Glad she's confident, y'know I bet we can too... Oh!" I said realizing I remembered something, "Hey Kukui! Did Oak agree to save the program?" Kukui smiled, "Yes! He did. I was gonna tell you when we landed, but yeah I'm working on scheduling our next opponents for next season now!" The plane erupted in celebration. We did it! Pasio University isn't dead. We're just getting started. I patted Calem on the back, "How about that! We did it! You led us to another year cap! We'll be even better next year with you at the helm!" Calem looked down, "Yeah... I'm sure you'll all be better." I raised an eyebrow, something seems off about Calem, but I don't think I'll prod him about it right now, he's got enough to think about for our match against Lumiose tomorrow. I shrugged then reclined in my chair. Ahhh.... Feels good to be here now. Lots of goals accomplished... Y'know... What a year for me. I'm dating the girl of my dreams, I fought my enemies head on and came out on top... And I'm making memories with this awesome team. It's all so surreal. All I can hope for is for more years like this one.