The words 'Pokemon League' flashes across the screen before smoothly transitioning to the images of the Elite Four members. There is a pause of silence before the brief re-cap of the tournament colors the television screen. As he watches unfamiliar faces flash by, with the music in the background rising to a crescendo, he feels himself being drawn in by their animated smiles and strong, beautiful Pokemon. He watches the television carefully, unconsciously searching for something—or someone—without really knowing why.
Then there, in that one second frame is a familiar face—the one that he knows very well. His long hair shifts to cover his vision when he moves too quickly, and he pushes it back with an impatient flick as he edges closer to the screen. He stares at the television, re-imagining the image that has just disappeared from view and waits in silence for the inevitable moment.
And then she is back again. A victorious smile graces her face as she waves to the adoring crowd; and when the Unova champion himself arrives, it creates even more fanfare. The man formally greets her with a smile and a firm handshake, handing her an official-looking envelope and a key to the gates of the Elite Four arena. He congratulates her on winning the right to face Unova's Elite Four and she beams with pride, saying that she wouldn't have made it this far without her friends, as she gestures to her Pokemon.
Then the screen flickers and fades to black.
He knows he should be happy for her—and really, he truly is—but he can't help but feel a bit envious of her strength and willpower. She has moved on with her life; she has made something of herself. She is a true hero.
But what has he done? All he has done was drown in his own insecurities and hide from the truth (whatever the hell that is).
And he wants to change...if only he knew where to start.