Pasio University

Chapter 41- The Calm Before the Storm

Calem POV

I disembarked from the plane and set foot on Pasio again. We're finally back after a long, long time away. Serena was out doing something, or so she told me. She also said she has to pack up tonight, she's coming with me to Lumiose for the final, and she said she'd probably either walk or get a ride home from there. I went around campus looking for her, but I wasn't able to find her. So I decided to wait around the fountain. Sitting there too were Lyra, Ethan, Dawn, Lucas, and Kris. Lyra noticed me, and motioned me to come sit by them. I did and Ethan looked over, "Hey Calem! We were just talking about strategy for Mauville! I assume you know a thing or two about the way Matisse battles right?" I nodded, "I know. But I don't know any weaknesses..." Dawn smiled, "That's ok! Kris is great with this kind of stuff." Kris frowned, "Finding weaknesses? Geez, that makes me sound kinda like a jerk..." Ethan patted her on the back, "She didn't mean it like that, she meant you're really analytical. You know how you do, like, all of the assigned readings." She nodded, Ethan continued, "It's because you're really thorough. That's why we think you could help us out." I sat there and painful memories flooded my brain...

**************************************

"Meowstic lift him up!" I reached out as my Meowstic was lifted into the air by Matisse's female one. I groaned, a million times now Matisse has done this to me, and every time the rest of the team, and anyone else watching practice laughs at me. We have the same partner, but Matisse is just... Better. I yelled to my Meowstic to free himself, but he just couldn't. He didn't have the strength after sustaining such a beat down from zen headbutts and other attacks from his counterpart. Matisse chuckled, "You know it's over. This happens every time and yet you keep coming back expecting something different." I shook my head, "You're wrong! One day I'll beat you! Then you'll see!" He chuckled while the people watching laughed, I turned angrily then returned my Meowstic. Back to the drawing board. I sat down on a bench and released Meowstic to sit by me, I looked at him, "Sorry. I'm not good enough for you. Trust me. I'll try to figure this out." Meowstic rested on my lap and began to take a nap. I sighed, petting him as he did. My thoughts drifted back to the Battle, Matisse was so fast. He just moved like lightning, he made his decisions faster than I could keep up with, and he overpowered me all in the same match. He showed excellence in every area, much better than me. What can I do. I'm outclassed. I feel bad for Meowstic, he still has faith in me, but I just can't deliver...

**************************************

"Hey! Calem!" I snapped out of my train of thought as Dawn shook me. I looked up at her, "Oh! Sorry. I was just thinking." She shrugged, "I know." I scratched my chin, "Matisse... He battles lighting fast, he makes quick decisions like nobody's business, and he and his Meowstic are just so strong... Ethan sighed, "I don't see anything about that we can exploit..." Kris tilted her head, "You don't?" Ethan looked at her, "You mean to say you do?" She nodded, "Well yeah. You said he makes really quick decisions right?" I nodded slowly, Kris continued, "Well, what you guys have to do is something that will make him commit to that decision as fast as usual, before making him pay for making such a quick assumption." I stood up, "OH! Like... We could move in a way that makes them pay for taking the first opportunity... Take a little and give a lot back if you know what I mean... Long-developing plays... YES! Great idea!" I sprinted off to my favorite sports restaurant in the area, Lyra stood up, "Calem!? Where are you going!?" I yelled back, "I've gotta draw something up!! I'll get back to you guys on it tomorrow before the game!" I didn't look back, when inspiration hits me like a truck I have to act on it.

Elio POV

I knocked on the door of my girlfriend's room. She opened the door and was dressed in the same dress she wore to the Spring Party. I stuttered as I saw her, "I- oh uh- hi... Lillie." She smiled happily, "Welcome back Elio! I got this set up for us!" She motioned to her room, that had a small table in the middle that was lit by a real looking candle (Real candles aren't allowed, but fire pokemon are so... Yeah take that as you will.) I once again struggled to find a reply, "Y... You didn't have to do all this! I'm still in my usual clothes..." She took my hand with both of hers, "And that's the way I like you best! Any way you want!" I looked up, if I meet Arceus one day, I'll ask him why in the world he thought I deserve her. I sat down across from her before realizing what I should've said, "You know, you could've worn whatever you wanted to. I feel the same!" Lillie giggled, "Well that's sweet of you, but I wanted to extend our Spring Party in a way, since we didn't quite get to finish it last time." I scratched my head, "That's really nice of you! So, anything you want to talk about?" She scratched her chin, "Hm... I suppose I'd like to hear about all the regions you went too, how were they? Tell me all about them!" I began to explain all the cool things about Hoenn, Galar, Johto, Unova, but I left out Kanto since she lived there for awhile, "... And Ecruteak City looks a lot like Malie back home! Which I think was the intended purpose of Malie... Similar structures and what not, since I know you're interested in that stuff." Lillie giggled, "Yeah, that's what I've heard. So... What do you want to do when we get back in Alola, or did you show me everything new last time?" I thought for a moment, "...Not everything." She tilted her head, "Oh? Is that so?" I nodded, "Yeah. I found some more ruins, we went to the Altar of the Sunne... Well I found the other one, and I actually was going to take you out to explore it this summer if you want to." Lillie's eyes lit up like stars, "Really!?" I nodded, "Yeah." She stood up and ran over to hug me, "That's so nice of you! Thank you for thinking of me!" I embraced her, "I can't wait to go with you to Lumiose tomorrow too! We have a free day besides our last practice, so we can explore the city if you want to!" Lillie closed her eyes, "I'd love that." I smiled, then we went back to finish our dinner, we got a little tired and ended up passing out shortly after.

Calem POV

I furiously scribbled on my paper at the restaurant and continued to think. I can draw his attention by... Hmm... This is exciting stuff. I finally feel like I can take Matisse, and finally redeem myself in front of everyone who laughed at me. I heard the store bell ring that meant someone entered, and looked up subconsciously as one often does when they here the noise, but my eyes lingered because that was a very familiar blonde haired girl with her trademark pink hat, black shirt and red skirt. I looked over to her, "Serena!" She stopped what she was doing and looked over to me, "Oh! Calem!" She looked almost crestfallen. She came by and sat across from me, I tilted my head, "You look sad, are you ok?" She sighed, "Yeah I'm fine but... Oh... I was going to surprise you with some food from here, but I guess you got to it first huh... I had been out all day shopping and what not preparing for going home and all that..." I smiled, "It's alright! I'm just really happy to see you!" Serena smiled, "I appreciate it! So... Have any plans for tomorrow outside of practice?" I shook my head, "Not anything solid, I was hoping you knew some good places to go. I... Never really got out much, as you can probably guess." Serena giggled, "That's alright! I love it when I get to see people do things for the first time. And plus it'll be really fun to do it with you as always." I chuckled, "You're the best. I've told you that before right?" Serena laughed, "Yes. You've told me." I reached across the table with one of my hands and we held hands as I continued to scribble my thoughts in my 'Playbook' of sorts. Serena always helps me to feel calm when I get anxious in times like this. I'm filled with a new confidence, I can do this.