Pasio University: Sophomore and Junior Years

Chapter 41- Rest and Regroup

Lillie POV

I laid on the spare bed and folded my hands as I stared at the ceiling. This summer has been ok. I would say I've enjoyed it so far were it not for... Quite possibly the worst thing to ever happen to me. I miss him everyday, which is weird because I see him everyday. I miss his voice. He used to say the sweetest things to me, made me feel happy even when I felt worthless. I will say that it's been great to get to know both Celeste and Selene, they're both very nice and I'm grateful for them. Especially Selene, while she may not seem like it on the surface, she's very kind and considerate. She's trying to keep her relationship with Gladion on the down low so as not to make me feel resentful. Respectfully, I'm not that dumb, I have pretty good ideas of what she's doing when she leaves, but still it's very kind of her, and I don't resent it at all. If that was all the time I got to have with Elio, it breaks my heart, but I'm just so happy that we got to share such a loving relationship. Even if it was just for a little over a year officially. I closed my eyes, who knows? He's done miraculous things before... Maybe he's got one more up his sleeve...

I passed out and was awakened the next morning by Celeste, she smiled, "Hey, sorry to wake you, I just know you had mentioned you wanted to go out to Akala for a trip to do some things, and I was wondering if you'd mind if I came with you?" I smiled, "I'd love that! And Selene too?" She scratched her head, "No she's busy..." I chuckled, "With Gladion. I know. Don't tell her I know though." Celeste giggled, "Suppose you would. You were always a smart girl." I giggled, "Well, let's go ahead and get going then!"

We arrived at the same port that Elio, Hau, and I went to on our journey all my those years ago. Celeste and I browsed the store and I pointed to the first clothing store, "Ah! I remember this. This is place I asked Elio to help me out officially..." Celeste chuckled, "He was crushing on you so hard back then. Could you tell?" I shook my head, "No. Seemed unbelievable really..." Celeste sighed, "Sorry. I don't mean to talk about him all the time. I sort of cope through memories... I don't mean to cause pain for you." I shook my head, "Not at all! I still love him. All I can do is hope for a miracle for him." Celeste nodded, "Now... About those food items you wanted to get..." I smiled, "Yes! I told Mallow I'd meet with her for that, so follow me."

Selene POV

I was hanging out with Gladion today at Aether Paradise. We were sitting together on the couch watching a movie as we like to do. We're both relatively low energy, or at least I have been recently, so it's been a nice change of pace. I looked at him, "So... How have things been here?" He shrugged, "Busy. Lots of work to do, but it is what it is. Now that mom's back it's a little easier at least." I smiled, "That's good. Hey I wanted to ask you something..." He looked at me, "Shoot." I said thoughtfully, "Do you think I should go back to Pasio? I love studying Pokemon, but I could just work here with you instead, and now that Elio's gone... I don't know what I'll do on campus. Lillie might not even go back either." He raised an eyebrow, "Really? Hmm... Well, I think if that's your passion you should follow it. Maybe you could try online school." I shrugged, "I don't know. If I'm going I want to be part of the battling team. It made all the hard work bearable when I got to unwind there with friends." Gladion put his arm around me, "I think you should go. Give it a shot, and if you just can't do it anymore, I'll always be here for you." That was oddly reassuring and well-spoken compared to Gladions usually curt tone. I smiled, "Good idea! I suppose there's nothing to lose." He chuckled, "Except the plot of this movie. I'm lost now, can we rewind?" I sighed, "Fine..."

Victor POV

Marnie and I were out enjoying a day in Motostoke today. If I remember right, this is where we first met at the start of our gym challenges. That was a while ago, we had some pretty close battles during the course of that, and we were some of the best for that season. That's what made me want to continue doing it at Pasio. If I remember right though Gloria was higher than both of us... Marnie broke my train of thought by asking, "Hey Victor, what're your plans for the rest of the summer?" I smiled, "Ah well, not much. Hopefully a lot more time with you." Marnie looked away, and kicked one of her feet, "I'd enjoy that." She then looked very seriously, "If yeh don't mind me askin'... How have you managed to move past the whole... Incident." I sighed, "I'm not really someone to dwell on the past. A lot of our team likes to, but I know in giving it my all every day, I don't want to regret anything. That day happened, we can't change it." Marnie frowned, "'Spose so."