The Kalos Conspiracy

Chapter 8 - Getting Back on Track

Chapter 8

Trevor sat alone in the quiet and sterile waiting room of the stadium's hospital section, where the hum of fluorescent lights seemed to match his subdued spirits. The weight of his defeat was unbearable, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he simply wasn't cut out for the world of professional competition. His two Pokémon were still in intensive care, nursed by medical staff who had been swamped with work since the tournament started.

As he stared at the floor, lost in thought, Trevor was suddenly joined by his concerned friends. Tierno was the first to break the silence, his voice filled with empathy and regret. "Trev, I'm so sorry. I should've stopped you from rushing into that battle with Viola. It's my fault, man."

Trevor looked at his pal, appreciating the concern but also recognizing that he couldn't place the blame on anyone else. He sighed and replied, "No, Tierno, you did nothing wrong. I'm the only one responsible. I was so eager to prove myself that I forgot to think straight. I should've been better prepared, more vigilant before diving into action. I've come to realize that a Pokémon training career wasn't for me."

His comrades exchanged concerned glances. Shauna was quick to protest. "Trevor, don't say that, that's ridiculous ! just because you lost this one fight doesn't mean you should give up on your dream. Remember, even the strongest dudes have faced setbacks."

Serena chimed in, sharing her perspective. "She's right. Look at Malva, for instance. She got off to a very rocky start when she initiated her professional life as a Pokémon battler, incurring the mockery of her peers and even some unscrupulous journalists," she explained, well-versed in her idol's past. "Her future seemed already doomed, but she refused to capitulate. By dint of tenacity and perseverance, she progressed to Elite 4, and today those who laughed at her are keeping a low profile."

Trevor listened to his buddies' words, and their encouragement washed over him like a soothing breeze. He appreciated their support, but a cloud of doubt still hung over his heart. His disappointment was overwhelming, and he couldn't help but draw a parallel between his own experience and the pain Serena must have felt when Astrid's Absol had ruthlessly crushed her Fennekin. The difference was that Serena's anguish had been spared from the prying eyes of thousands of spectators.

Trevor looked down, his voice soft and contemplative. "I hear you, guys, and I thank you for your kind backing. But for now, I need some time away from combats. I want to reflect on my future and what's best for me."

No one said a word, but their divergent expressions were enough to reveal that the group was divided over Trevor's decision. Jude and Tierno showed sympathetic looks, understanding his legitimate need for a break after such a harrowing situation. They believed that sometimes, stepping back to reflect could be the best course of action. Shauna and Serena, on the other hand, appeared to be dismayed by this choice, which they saw as pessimistic. Quitting after just one failure revealed a blatant lack of willpower, and both girls deplored this, especially from Trevor, whom they considered perfectly qualified to be a competent trainer.

The unspoken tension lingered in the air as they grappled with their differing perspectives. But before anyone could express their thoughts aloud, a nurse approached them, gently pushing a cart carrying two Poké Balls. The familiar red and white spheres held Trevor's Pokémon, Raichu and Bunnelby, both fully healed and ready to go. Trevor accepted the Poké Balls with gratitude, and he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility toward his faithful companions. He summoned them together, and the two creatures materialized before him. It was a relief to see them intact, with no sign of any visible injuries.

"Boys, I beg your pardon," Trevor addressed them, gripped by remorse. "I didn't train you wisely enough, and you lost because of me."

The Pokémon regarded their trainer with a mixture of understanding and sadness, their solemn eyes reflecting his own disappointment. They didn't seem angry or resentful ; instead, they shared in the collective melancholy of the moment. Trevor reached down to pat their heads, offering a reassuring gaze.