Pasio University: Sophomore and Junior Years

Chapter 71- Separate Ways

Elio POV

Lyra yelled to me, "Let's go! One more try!" I pulled myself up with the bars and steadied myself to walk again, I had managed to walk for about 3 minutes last time I tried. I stood up and began walking again, and this time it just felt more natural. I felt really good. I started bouncing up and down and laughing, "Oh my goodness! I think I've got it!" Lyra looked at me and smiled, then tossed her clipboard, "Won't be needing that anymore. Congratulations Elio!" I walked over to her and shook her hand, "Thank you so much Lyra. I owe you one." She chuckled, "No it's even, I would've had to do this anyway. But if you really feel that way I'm gonna need you to beat Paulo." I looked down, "Sorry Lyra. I don't think that'll happen?" She raised her eyebrows, "What do you mean?" I shrugged, "Well now that I can walk again, I think I'm ready to just settle down and enjoy the college experience. You've seen me battle now. I don't have it anymore. So rather than set myself up for disappointment I'm just gonna leave it at that." Lyra shook her head, "That's a shame..." I smiled, "I'll be around. If you guys ever need my help or anything I'll still be at practices, but I just can't do it." Lyra handed me my crutches, "Here. Take these. Y'know. Just in case. I think you'll be fine though." I thanked her again and then left. On my own two feet. This is surreal.

I happily walked down the streets of Pasio University's campus, getting some looks as most people know who I am, and most of them also know that up until about 10 minutes ago, I couldn't walk. I finally made it to the apartment I was looking for and knocked on the door. I heard Lillie's voice, "One second!" I heard her shuffle around inside and then walk to the door. She opened it and saw me standing there.

"You...you walked here?" I smiled, "Yes!" She hugged me, very carefully as she isn't sure of my ability to stand up at the moment. She looked up at me, "I... This is so incredible. I'm so happy for you!" I hugged her tighter, "This feels so nice. Being able to hug you back like this." Lillie giggled, "I would be lying if I said I didn't miss it." She broke from me after a while and patted her hand on the couch as an invitation for me to sit by her. I took a seat next to her and she leaned against my shoulder, "So what's next for you?" I answered honestly, "I don't know. I would like to try to get all of my motor skills back, and then... I guess just spending lots of time with you." She smiled, "Looking forward to it... So, you think you'll work on battling stuff?" I shrugged, "Nah. I think I'm done with that." Lillie's eyes widened, I chuckled, "Yeah. Brendan had the same reaction when I told him." Lillie shook her head, "B-but you love battling. Heck sometimes I wondered if you would date pokemon battles instead of me if you had the chance." I chuckled and put my hand on her cheek, "Well, I guess you know the answer to that now." She frowned, "I don't know... Just because you're on a dry spell doesn't mean you have to give up." I leaned back, "It's more than a dry spell Lillie. I forgot how to do it. In the coma." Lillie looked determined, "You can learn again. I believe in you." I shook my head, "Maybe I could if I wanted to. I just don't want to." Lillie turned away from me and seemed to think for a bit. She turned back to me, "I mean. You do you. I'll be right by you no matter what. But I have to ask you one question." I looked at her, "What's that?" She breathed in, "Would you really be happy? Leaving it like that? Answer me honestly." I sort of zoned out for a second. Would I? Would I be satisfied? In 5 years time, when I'm thinking back on my life at Pasio, will I be happy? Would I be happy...

I looked at her and shook my head, "No. No I wouldn't." She giggled, "I figured as much. That's why I asked." I put my hands on my head, "But what do I do? I don't think I can start from scratch again." Lillie hummed in thought, "Well, when you first arrived here, were you anywhere near as good as you were last year?" I shook my head, "Not at all. What are you suggesting?" Lillie smiled, "Y'know, I bet you learned a lot from Calem. I think he's still around isn't he?" I raised my eyebrows, "Are you suggesting what I think you are?" Lillie nodded, "Probably."

Brendan POV

Another long practice, I was super discouraged because Elio didn't even show this time. I think he truly has given up. I sat down on the bleachers after practice and just stared off in to space. This really is the end of an era. Calem's in Mistralton. Elio doesn't care. And now I'm alone. Sure we've got some great players still, but it's just not the same without my two best friends. I felt a pat on my shoulder and looked to my side, standing next to me was Elio... Wait. Standing. I reeled in shock and went, "GYEH!!" He laughed and leaned back, "Yeah, yeah. I get it. But hey, look at me! I'm back on my own 2 feet again!" I hugged him and he laughed, "Oh yeah. I wanted to apologize to ya for missing practice. I was talking a couple things over with Lil, and I made a decision." I smiled, "You want to battle again?" Elio nodded, "Essentially. But uh.. you may not see me around for a while." I tilted my head, "That doesn't make any sense." Elio chuckled, "I know. I've been talking to Calem for a bit too, and he and Serena are willing to house me for a while, I'm gonna learn how to battle again, and when I do, I'm gonna come back. And we're gonna win this thing. Deal?" He held out his hand and I smiled and shook his hand, "That's a deal. But you better come back. I've been bored enough without you these last few months." Elio chuckled, "It's a promise. I don't break promises." I scoffed, "You're so dramatic sometimes, you know that?" Elio sighed, "Yeah. Only everyone has told me that. You know what sucks though, now standing up again, I realize that I'm still short..."

The next day

Rosa POV

Brendan told us that Elio is going to online school for a bit to train up in Mistralton with Calem, so I got Hilbert and Hilda together and we're gonna tell him all the cool stuff you can do in Unova. We were out getting some hot pretzels with him when Hilbert suggested, "You know, you'll never truly live until you've had Unovan pizza... Wait you're Alolan, do you get pineapple on your pizza?" Elio held up his hands, "I'm not getting tossed in that debate." I chuckled, "Elio, you know Mistralton is famous for its planes. But it also has quite the musical culture too. Lots of clubs and stuff to visit." Elio smiled, "Aw cool! I'll have to check it out." Hilda chimed in, "Skyla's super cool too. She still remembered me at Calem's wedding. You should totally go to an Aviators match or two when you're there... And bring me back a hat if you wouldn't mind..." Elio chuckled, "I think I can make that happen. He stood up, "Well, flight leaves in an hour. I best get out of here. Thanks for the tips, and the pretzels. Best of luck with your matches guys." We all waved Goodbye as Elio jogged happily off to the airport.

Lillie POV

I stood at the gate to the airport and waited for Elio, who I soon spotted. I ran over to him and caught him in a surprise hug. He stumbled a bit, but then returned it while laughing, "Lillie!" I smiled, "Didn't think I'd be here to see you off?" He chuckled, "No, I did. I just didn't see you haha." I put my head on his chest and let him hold me for a bit. He whispered, "I'm gonna miss you a lot y'know, but I know this is what you think I should do. And I'm so thankful you helped me to see it." I looked up at him, "I have something for you. The last necklace I gave you is lost at sea, but it seemed to give you the luck you needed to defeat the Kyogre. I... I wanted to give you this." I held out the locket I got him, inside of it was a picture of me, him, Celeste, and Selene. He held it close and then slipped it around his neck. He smiled, "Thank you so much Lillie." I nodded, "Please call every once in a while." The boarding call came over the loud speaker and he nodded, "I will." He began to walk away before pivoting and running back, he pulled me in to a quick kiss, then actually left. I stood there and watched as he left. You got this Elio.