The squeeze alone isn’t enough to get Hideo to raise his head. Only once Matias’s hand fell did he look back up, uneasy as he was.

Growing, training, getting stronger. It was what he’d wanted to do ever since he’d gotten his Lycanroc as a Rockruff, why he’d run away from home in the first place. And he’d been able to get just that: he’d gone through more experiences this past year than he had all eleven years he’d been home-bound, and he’d caught Pokemon he’d never imagined catching. And he’d met so many people he’d never have the chance to meet.

He never would have gotten seven badges if he were just wasting away at home.

He nodded as Matias told him - that he was one of the best. Of course he was: he had to be. He couldn’t be anything less than the finest. Hearing that from an Elite Four member should've been one of the happiest moments of his adventure.

But would one of the finest trainers in Hoenn be as ineffective as he was that day? Would one of the finest trainers have made so many mistakes?

“Thank you,” Hideo said, trying his best to sound genuine as he mustered up a small smile. Hopefully, it’d be convincing enough, empty as it felt.

Before the hollowness could show itself, he’d change the subject. “I, uh, guess as one of the ‘finest trainers’, I’m gonna have to battle you. So I can become Champion. One day.”

His confidence in becoming Champion hadn’t been shaken - until his loss. Now, he wasn’t as sure.

MATIAS SILPH

Perhaps Hideo actually had found something good coming here, even if it was just a reminder of his goal. It's a small comfort, yet it provided some of the relief he'd been searching for. Even if it was just from pushing down the guilt wracking his heart.

He was so close to getting a shot against the Elite Four, and just within the span of a single year too. And here was one of them, eager to challenge him when the time came. He wouldn't let that eagerness go to waste

"I look forward to it," Hideo said, with a bit more confidence in his voice. "And I'm sure I'll give you the toughest fight you've ever had."

At the very least, he would do it for Squeeze. He wouldn't let her down.

Not again.

"Just gotta get around to getting that eighth badge first." The last thing he'd need before he could fulfill that commitment. "Just, uh, gotta decide which one to do." He'd have to scout out which ones had spots open - and he hadn't already down.

"Guess I can't do that hanging around a graveyard though." His Lycanroc got the hint, readying himself in front of Hideo, to guide the boy along. "Thanks, Matias. I'll make sure that we can meet again soon."

With a team ready to battle. And himself ready for a battle. He'd make sure to be in top form when the time came.

MATIAS SILPH