Pasio University

Chapter 40- The Band of Brothers and Sisters

Kukui POV

I smiled happily as I watched the team walk back through the tunnel, joking and excitedly talking to each other. We'll be having post game interviews and I made sure the whole team could do them. All together, like the band of siblings they have become. This is the greatest team we've ever had at Pasio, and it'll only get better, they're all Freshman. I directed them to the interview table and they all sat down at their own microphone and endured the camera flashed from the media there. I sat in the middle between Brendan and Calem. I leaned into my microphone, "Ok. We're ready for any questions you've got!" I pointed to the first one who raised their hand, "This is a general question... So you guys went from dead last in the pre season rankings, lost 2 to open up the season, and now you end up here. What happened?" I heard Calem lean in, "This team became a lot like a family to me. We grew so close and our synergy got so good. We all want the best for each other and each and every single member of this team works so hard to make that happen." I heard Gloria lean in as well, "They also started teh play me more so..." She trailed off prompting laughter from everyone, including herself. Next came another, "Mauville of Hoenn is historically the best program in the world for this stuff, and many want to argue that this is the best team that they've ever had. Do you guys have any reason to believe you can win against them?" I heard Brendan lean in, "Of course we do. The competition gets tougher, but so do we. We've been growing so much as a team and I assure you you'll see what we can do in a few days." I heard Elio also lean in, "Y'know, Mauville isn't indestructible like everyone thinks, they've been talking a lot of trash towards us, and that's not usually a good idea." The whole team nodded in agreement, then the next question came, "This is a question for Lyra, Lyra a lot of your teammates have been giving you credit for developing strategies and new styles, is that what you like to do, or are you just good at it?" She giggled, "Well Dawn helps me out a lot too! But I love doing it, when I get to go in and prove what I know, it's the best feeling in the world."

I smiled and leaned in, "Alright! Last one, we've got a long flight to Kalos as you all know." I heard the last media member speak up, "This is a question for Calem... There have been a lot of rumors in the professional space that the Aviators are in talks to draft you after this season... Is that true? Are you going to leave for the pros after just one season?" ...What? I swear you could hear a pin drop in here after that. Everyone turned to look at Calem who sighed and hung his head, "........yes. it's true." I saw a lot of the team react silently, but there was lots of pain in their eyes, I personally am pretty shocked too. Calem looked around, "I'll... Talk more about it later. I didn't want to say anything yet, but I'll explain it all to you guys soon I promise." We all still sat in shocked silence, before we were dismissed, and headed grimly back to the locker room. This isn't something anyone wanted to hear right before the final, but I suppose that is why Calem kept it to himself. We entered the locker room again, then I sat down and waited for the discussion to begin.

Calem stood up, "I know what you're all thinking. Just let me explain myself. I got the offer a few days ago, and I... Well I wanted to be a professional. I figured that out a while ago, but I thought that... Well that it would be a few years before there was any interest. I was... Wrong. The Aviators got a hold of me, and they want me to be on their team next season. I'm not the best student, so college may not be the route for me... But I wanted to make sure I could finish this season with you guys before anything else. Please don't take this the wrong way, this team is... Like a real family to me, and I want nothing more than to share a championship with all of you. You don't have to believe me, but that's how I truly feel." He sat down and folded his hands. I waited for someone to speak next, but there was a long silence. Elio stood up, and sniffled a little, his eyes misty, evidently holding back tears, he began shakily, "I... Calem... I'm happy for you... You've been a great mentor to me. I can't speak for everyone else... But I'll be happy to have one last ride with my captain." Calem looked up and walked over to Elio and gave him a tight hug. I watched as the rest of the team crowded around and shared a big hug. It was moving. There were a couple people crying, but nothing can tear this group apart. They understand each other and they forgive, and that's why I think we have a real shot to win this championship, no matter who stands opposite them. They all moved off of Calem and he stood looking down, he muttered, "I don't deserve this. I shouldn't have held off on telling you all even for a second." I saw Elio turn and walk out, he wasn't mad, I think he was just really sad. Brendan patted Calem on the shoulder, "...Hey. it's what's best for you. We're glad you were with us, but in the end you gotta do what's best for you, can't act like anyone else here would turn down that offer." The rest nodded, I slipped outside, while this has been a rather good reaction, especially compared to what I would normally expect. I walked outside the room and looked at Elio who was sitting with his hands folded and his head buried. I sat down by him, "Elio? What's up?" He looked away, "Sorry Kukui. I'm not very thick skinned." I shrugged, "Nothing to be sorry for. Better to show who you really are." He shook his head, "I'm just. Dang. Calem really feels like an older brother to me y'know." I nodded, "I know." He stood up, "I want to win it for him. I want to win so bad! We can't have done all this, just to finish second! I don't care what I have to do, I'll get it done." I watched as Elio walked back in to rejoin his teammates, I then received a call from Burnet. This is going to be an interesting couple of days. I don't think anyone can deny that.

Brendan POV

I waited for my brunette friend to pick up her phone, it's been all too long since I talked to her. She picked up the video call and had a huge grin on her face. "Brendan! That was amazing!" I smiled, "It was a ton of fun really. Didn't last too long though. We found out Calem will be leaving us next season to go to the pros." May frowned, "Oh. That's a real shame. You two became pretty good friends." I nodded, "Yeah. It sucks, can't lie. But, the team isn't shaken, we all still want that trophy." May smiled, "And you can do it!... Hey did you know Wally is on that team?" I was surprised, "Wally? Really? Like the guy we used to travel with?" May nodded, "The same. Apparently he's out to prove something." I shook my head, "I don't know what they're telling him over there, but I guarantee you, they haven't said much good about me." May sighed, "Probably. Hopefully you know what I think of you though, and that's enough for you." I smiled, "It is. Thanks May. Hang in there ok?" She nodded, "I will. Come back soon! I love you." I smiled widely, "I love you too May. Bye." We hung up and I looked up, Wally huh? I bet anything he got even more motivated to beat me.

Elio POV

I saw Calem standing by himself, I walked over to him, "Sorry for walking out earlier. I didn't mean to make it look like I was mad or something." Calem looked to me, he gave me another hug, "Elio. I hope you know it took me so long to decide because I didn't want to leave guys like you. You're like a brother to me Elio." I sighed, "Calem, I don't know what I'll do without you here. I just don't think there's anyone who can lead this team like you can." Calem shrugged, "Worry about that later. We can win this one, so let's focus on that now." We broke and I scratched my head, "Ok. I'm gonna do everything I can." He nodded, "I appreciate it."

I sat outside and sent a video call to Lillie, who picked up and answered excitedly, "Elio! I'm so happy for... Oh you don't look so good. Are you eating Alright?" I nodded, "Yeah. We just heard Calem is gonna battle professionally next season so... He's not coming back to Pasio." Lillie frowned, "That's... Good for him I suppose." I nodded but also sighed, "I just-... I don't mean to sound ungrateful for everything, but it feels like every time I get close to someone, they get pulled away from me." Lillie frowned, "I know. I was thinking the same. Hang tight though, I'll always be here for you now." I smiled, "Means the world to me Lillie. It really does. I'll be coming back to Pasio soon so... I'll see you soon ok?" She nodded, "I'll tidy up around here... You can stay in my room for the night if you want since May isn't here right now." I blushed a little bit, that's pretty forward... But who am I to say no, "Sounds good. I love you Lil." She giggled, "Love you too! Come back safe." I nodded, "I will. See you soon." I hung up, then saw Brendan walking over to me, "Ready to go? Flight leaves in a bit." I nodded, "Yup. Let's go."