¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··June 25th, 2015

Kallisto, insecure. Nori had been mulling this over for the past two days. He was rethinking all of the head Gym Trainer's actions so far and putting them into context. And the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. But Kallisto, afraid of him? Nori found that hard to believe. Yet, he didn't think Prema was wrong or lying, either. How could Kallisto be afraid of him? And why? Association with her? It couldn't simply be that.

It was so great seeing Prema again, though. It was a huge boost to his motivation, not just from the comfort and advice she had given, but knowing there was another friend waiting for him back in Veilstone! That she was the future head priestess of her shrine didn't bother him. She knew he wasn't interested in faith and respected that. Unlike stupid Kallisto and his stupid lack of respect for everything he did. Or religion-wise, a brief friend named Cassius who didn't want to stay friends unless he read their scriptures. It was ridiculous! If there's gods who do stuff, why rely on them instead of doing things yourself? He only wondered what his mom would think about this friendship, given she hated religion even more.

Of course, to see his mom, along with Prema, Maylene, and all his other friends again, he would have to make it through his training first. His passion had been reignited, and he was more resolved than ever to succeed. The boy had decided to go for a skateboard ride to think about things. Now that he wasn't a target to be shunned on sight anymore, he could get away from the Gym when he needed.

He scowled the moment he stepped outside. All the Gym Trainers were riding around on their own skateboards - even Ollie. And they were with some girl, who didn't have one. She had blonde hair tied into a large ponytail that hung over her head, and was clad in a sky blue tube top with jean shorts that barely reached her kneecaps.

"Goin' boardin', man?" Eddie cordially greeted him. The other guys politely waved.

"Yes, just not here," he replied. He eyed the female among them, and couldn't help asking, "Uh, who's this?"

Kallisto, beaming with pride, walked up and put an arm around her. "Nori, I'd like you introduce you to my girlfriend, Chasity."

"The most beautiful cheerleader at Gama Memorial Senior!" Oh yes, her. Arumi and Betsy-Ann mentioned her. Even if she hadn't done horrible things to the latter, Nori figured he'd immediately hate her anyway.

The head Gym Trainer grinned, giving him a nod and making a 'go ahead now' gesture. "Finally decided to take that step forward."

Hanging off her boyfriend's muscular arms, Chasity unamusedly curled her lip. "Kallisto, dear, why ever are you bothering with this dolt who's all looks?"

Nori's expression went blank from the blind hypocrisy of the cheerleader's words. He looked to the others, back to her, and to the head Gym Trainer. "Kallisto, she's shallower than a puddle."

Chasity hands flew to her mouth as she gasped, stepping back in exaggerated shock. "You can't talk about me that way!" she pouted.

"Nori, that was uncalled for." Kallisto crossed his arms. Meanwhile, his friends had suppressed snickers.

"Kallisto, why are you with her?" he asked him, plain and simple. One look and three sentences out of her told Nori he would not wish this girl on his worst enemy.

"Like I said, I decided it was time."

Chasity fawned over the head Gym Trainer, loosely wrapping her arms around him from behind. She stood using his body as full support, and traced a finger along his chin. "And who better for a popular, beautiful man to be with than a popular, beautiful woman?" she cooed.

"You could've picked anyone other than her! Is this really the type of person you want to be with?! You're better than this!" he snapped. He couldn't believe Kallisto! This might've been the worst thing he'd done in the time Nori knew him! He turned to the other Gym Trainers. Maybe they could talk some sense into him. "What do you three think?"

Tono shuffled a foot. He probably knew before anyone else, Nori figured. Ollie shook off. "We're staying out of this," Eddie answered.

Kallisto remained stoic. "You don't know unless you try, right?"

"Fine, just thought I'd ask." He'd normally agree with him on that, except some things were too obvious a choice. But in the end, he hardly cared what Kallisto wanted to do with his life. He said his piece, and Kallisto made his stance clear. "If you want to waste your love on a parasite like her, go ahead."

"How mean!" she played the role of a helpless victim. "Kallisto, defend my honor!"

As the boy was walking off, Kallisto rolled in front of him. He kicked up and crossed his arms. "Nori, I'm fine with whatever you say about me. But I'm not going to let you talk that way about my friends."

"I'm going skating," he said as he started to move around Kallisto. When the head Gym Trainer blocked his path, he turned around and went the other way.

"Why don't you skate with us?"

"Because, I don't like you," he said without looking back.

"Come on, let's settle this with a race. I challenge you."

Nori stopped on the spot. "Fine," he agreed. If it was a challenge, he'd accept. "Where to?"

Kallisto gestured. "We'll go to the end of the parking lot. How's that sound?"

"Good." He wasn't sure what it was going to prove, but at least it'd be a chance to stress test the repairs on his board. Volkner had actually fixed it a while back, but Nori didn't feel motivated to ride it until this week.

Insecurity. Nori once more considered this. He called Kallisto out on his poor judgment. and Kallisto reacted by challenging him to a race of honor? That might've been him being insecure about this stupid cheerleader. But why did he do something so stupid as get with her in the first place? Especially after making clear he was waiting for the right girl back in March?

They got to their positions. Eddie ran to the other side, directly across from the Gym. "A'right, first to cross this line wins!" he yelled, gesturing to the white parking stall markings.

"Very well, then," Tono remarked. He was started to move forward, probably to start the race off, when the cheerleader bounced in front to do so.

"All right, my dear. Get ready to ruin this lame Psyduck! Now Three!" Chasity puffed out her chest, giving it a little shake. Kallisto smiled at her.

"Two..." She raised her arms high over her body, provocatively showing off her form. Nori shuddered, trying to ignore the disgusting sight by looking straight ahead.

"One..." Both skaters crouched, ready to ride.

"And go!"

The two kicked off. Nori started moving his left leg to pick up speed. He kept bringing it down on its heel, giving himself as big and hard of a push as possible with each movement. He occasionally flicked his gaze to his left to see if any vehicles were coming, but otherwise kept his vision locked forward. Look where you're going, there was nothing to focus on but the finish line. It wasn't going to take long. It'd be over shortly and he could get the hell out of here.

Before too long, he crossed the finish line. At once, the boy glanced ahead to see how much Kallisto beat him by.

Except he didn't see him. Did he not go and let him race by himself like a stupid moron? Nori turned around and saw Kallisto stopped in front of the finish line. Everyone was staring dumbfounded.

"Did I..." the boy asked, a measure of hesitation in his tone. "Did I win?" He didn't think he could've, but their reactions seemed to imply as such.

Eddie looked up at the clouds. "You did," he awkwardly confirmed.

Chasity was exaggeratingly pressing the tips of her fingers to her mouth. Tono's arms lay slack at his side. Ollie's mouth was contorted into a perfect O shape. Kallisto was still, and the others were waiting for his reaction.

However, it was Nori who reacted first. "Ha. Hahaha!" He pointed. "I beat you! I finally beat you!" He wasn't expecting this! He never thought he'd beat Kallisto at anything, but he just did! "At skateboarding, but I beat you! Yes! Woohoo!"

"One more time?" Kallisto asked.

He laughed. "Like I need to prove anything more."

"Best two out of three!"

"No! I already beat you!" He was on a high, and he wasn't going to let Kallisto bring him down from it!

"It was a fluke."

"Sore loser!"

"Prove it wasn't a fluke, Nori!" Kallisto bellowed. "You coward!"

He was in the middle of power-walking off triumphantly, only to turn around at that. "Fine! Get ready to lose again!"

Eddie could only snicker. "Hook, line, and sinker, kid."

He winced. "Whatever." He knew Kallisto was just trying to save face, anyway. Maybe he wasn't taking him seriously. As he'd been learning from Volkner, you can never let your guard down when it comes to competition. Kallisto had lost to him in a race, and a victory wouldn't be able to erase that. And if he won again, well...

"Ending point is same as last time's starting point," the dark-skinned teen said as Nori got ready. "Got it?" When both of them nodded, he started. "On your mark, get set...GO!"

Again, they kicked off. Nori made a conscious effort to go faster this time. Low center of gravity, keep your balance and push harder. Tuck in, reduce wind resistance. Heel, toe, heel, toe. He boarded forth, once more keeping his eyes forward and not daring to check on Kallisto's progress.

Once more, he crossed the finish line. He looked back right away, seeing his opponent was about a meter behind. He was in as much shock as Kallisto, turning back just in time to see he was headed for the curb. With a panicked yelp, he bailed before impact. He recovered instantly, running around and retrieving his ride.

"Yes!" he cheered. "I beat you again! Haha! Two in a row!" He couldn't help but jump for joy, laughing as he pranced around everyone. "How do you like that?!"

Tono and Ollie went into a huddle. Eddie was coming over to join them, equally as dumbfounded. Chasity put her hands on her hips.

"Kallisto, baby, what happened out there?!"

"I don't know, Chasity. But–"

"But what?" Nori asked, leaning in with the biggest smile he'd had in months, possibly years. "Are you going to say three out of five next? What if I beat you again? Four out of seven? Then five out of nine?" He hopped back. He was tempted to try backflipping away, but restrained himself from attempting something he'd never tried. "That was no fluke! That was all me!" He winked and spun his board on his left foot.

The head Gym Trainer closed his eyes. "All right," he snapped. "Enough of your boasting about winning on a simple straightaway. There's more to skateboarding than that." He marched over to the large open sidewalk area around the square-shaped building and dropped his board down, a ways to the left of the front entrance. "So once more, around the Gym."

"Sure, bring it on!" If he beat Kallisto twice, he could do it again! He took his board and stood to the left of Kallisto. He'd have taken the right, but the head Gym Trainer was standing as far over there as he could. Of course he'd want the inside. "Hey, wait a sec."

"What's the problem?" asked Eddie.

"This isn't fair! We're going counterclockwise?"

Ollie scratched his butt. "Ah, yeah. You skate goofy."

Nori sneered. "What about my skating is weird?!"

"That is what it is called," Tono haughtily informed. "Right foot on the board and left foot to push is referred to as skating goofy."

"That's stupid!"

The nerd pushed up his glasses. "The term is potentially offensive, yes."

"Come on, Nori," Kallisto attempted to encourage him. "Turning's the same as always. You know how to, right?"

"Of course I do! Lean where you want to turn, and put pressure on your toes or heels. But it's a little easier to turn with your leg outward than inward!"

The head Gym Trained flashed a phony smile. "Well, you shouldn't have a problem. If you're a good skateboarder, you should be able to keep up anyway."

"Besides," the bespectacled teen said, pushing his glasses up. "Given your logic, it would be disadvantageous to Kallisto going the other direction."

"Ugh." He hated to admit it, but that was right. "Okay, but he's taken the inside too."

Kallisto shook his head. "Someone had to. If you're not up for this–"

"I am!"

"Then let's get ready."

Nothing to do but do it, in that case. He'd just have to win a third time, even if Kallisto was trying to take every advantage he could. That would erase all doubt. He was a faster skateboarder than Kallisto. He knew it, and he couldn't stand it. Insecurity. Was Kallisto so insecure he couldn't stand this kind of loss? Despite his confident words and proud posture, the head Gym Trainer's lips were curved down and his eyes were looking nowhere in particular. Subtle concern. Was he afraid of losing to him again?

Chasity sleeked up, putting an arm around her man's shoulders. "When you beat this pretender, there'll be a big smooch waiting for you."

"Our first kiss?" Kallisto perked up with a grin. Chasity smiled right back, stepping away and puckering her mouth to put on lipstick. "Looking forward to it."

Okay, now he wanted to win this more than ever, just to spare that sight. He still couldn't believe, why in the world would Kallisto date someone like her. Unless, he was still somehow worried he'd get someone first. Insecurity. That's the only thing he could think of. Why would he be worried about that, though? There was no one here who'd date him, Kallisto made sure of that. Maybe the only person who still might was Maylene, and she was not only not here but too young right now.

"My turn!" Ollie declared, running forward while excitedly flailing his arms. "You two ready to race?!"

"Of course," said Kallisto.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

"Gotcha!" He clapped and starting counting down with his fingers. "Now three! Two! One! Start!"

The start of their third race signaled, the two racers kicked off. Nori did as before, moving his left leg and positioning his body to go as fast as he could. The difference this time was paying closer attention to Kallisto. Nori was going just as fast as before and managing to stay ahead, but this time, his opponent wasn't falling too far behind.

The first turn was where things changed. Kallisto smoothly drifted to the left. Nori yelped as his path was blocked and he nearly collided with his opponent, forcing him to slow down slightly to avoid bumping him. He wasn't skinny, but Kallisto was so much bigger than him. He would've been the only one to fall over if they collided! Worse yet, the head Gym Trainer swiftly moved to the inside, stopping him from going there. Nori could only keep skating. He was behind Kallisto for the first time. Yet he was still a faster skater. He gradually caught up, just enough to overtake Kallisto again shortly before they came to the second turn.

A near repeat of the first turn happened, the only difference was he anticipated Kallisto's attempts at blocking and didn't have to slow down during the turn. But his opponent took the turn quicker, better. Nori took it wider, safer. He was still able to catch up and pass the head Gym Trainer some time after passing the entrance to Volkner's garage, but he couldn't win like this! Not when it took over half the way to catch up! That's where the finish line was, halfway!

The third turn came. Nori readied himself, putting his heel down and getting ready to shift his weight. He was able to take it smoothly, nearly matching Kallisto. He still fell behind on the turn, but was able to get back out front way sooner. Kallisto briefly scowled. His expression told the boy all he needed to know. He had to do better.

It was fast approaching. Nori had a scant few seconds to decide how he was going to approach the last turn. If there was only one way to win this, he had to take it.

Kallisto made the final turn, just as smoothly as before and, as Nori expected, a little wider in attempt to block him. If he'd turned any way like before. Instead, all at once, Nori pressed down on the back of the board and threw his body to the left. The board turned nearly 90 degrees on the spot, almost overturning. He slammed his left foot down to regain his footing, shoved forward to regain his momentum, and leaned right to regain control of the board. He'd taken the inside!

He heard a grunt of frustration from his left. Kallisto was right beside him. The head Gym Trainer forced ahead, gritting his teeth as he pushed his body and board to their limits. Nori answered in kind, matching this with a burst of speed of his own. He ignored everything else, even balance, only trying to go as fast as he could. They were neck and neck, their boards nose and nose, their legs coming dangerously close to getting tangled at several points - both refusing to go anywhere but straight forward.

Nori passed the line at nearly the same time as Kallisto. Immediately after, he leaned forward too much and lost control.

His body fell forward, his left leg flying up, his right leg following shortly thereafter and kicking the board back. He came down hard on his body, arms, and knees. He managed to roll onto his side to stop his momentum, able to hold his aching torso with one arm while supporting himself up with another. He grimaced and wheezed, tucking his legs in and squinting hard. Mercifully, he'd landed on smooth pavement that didn't tear into his flesh, and he didn't feel the sharp pain associated with a broken limb.

"Tono!" he heard the shout of Kallisto from behind. "Who won?"

Nori opened his eyes and sat up in time to see Kallisto's best friend briefly look over at him and shake his head. "I'm sorry, Kallisto," he said, the head Gym Trainer's face dropping. "Nori beat you by half a board's length."

It took a moment for it to register. "I won...I did it! Yes!"

In irritation, the head Gym Trainer grabbed his skateboard. He examined the top, bottom, spun the wheels, then jiggled them. As if thinking he somehow cheated with it. He put it down and slid it over to Nori.

The boy stopped it with his legs and stood, leaning down while holding his torso. "I...beat you..." he hissed, laughing despite being short on breath. "A third time! As you wanted!" He straightened his posture and forcibly raised his right arm. "How's that?"

Ollie, Tono, and Eddie all gathered together, murmuring amongst themselves. Kallisto remained where he was, looking down at the ground while Chasity vied for his attention. Even some passersby and Gym-goers were watching.

"You...had the advantage. But I still won! I still beat you! Yes!" He giggles. Finally, something he was better at than Kallisto! Racing skateboards! The last thing he would've expected, but he'd take it! "Woohoo!" He sheepishly massaged his aching limbs, checking again to make sure he wasn't cut open, which he wasn't. "Where's your big celebratory kiss now, jerk? I beat you again, and you all saw it! Three times!" Though with his knees still hurting, he decided to sit down, resisting the temptation to roll around laughing. "I'm better than you!"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!"

Kallisto's angered shout cut through the air as he locked eyes with Nori. Involuntarily, the boy crawled back as the head Gym Trainer advanced on him. There was something in his gaze that Nori couldn't place. An intent, a threatening look of menace. For a fleeting moment, he had a Cheshire smirk, fading to a rictis grin. One eye twitching, the other wide. Nose all the away up without tilting his head.

Nori kept both hands on his skateboard. He swung it out as a shield as Kallisto threw a point down at him. "Do you really think you're better at skateboarding than me? If you really believe that, prove it!"

The boy's arms shook. "I...I can't st-stunt! Not with this!" He didn't mean to stammer, but Kallisto looked absolutely psychotic. Was no one else seeing this?!

"That's why we're having another race, higher stakes. We're racing again. Understood?"

Nori scrambled to his feet, backing away but continuing to brandish his board as a means of defense, albeit now ready to swing it as a bludgeon if need be. "Now?"

Slowly, the head Gym Trainer shook his head. "When I'm ready, and figured out a time and place."

"But–"

"You don't get a say in this. What goes around, comes around."

When he turned his back, Nori quickly took the chance to survey the situation. Ollie and Eddie were utterly stunned, to say nothing of the onlookers. Tono was only slightly more composed. Chasity was joyous.

The cheerleader jumped into her man's arms, showering him with kisses on the cheek, but he stopped her before she could get too into it. "Not now. Looks like we have challengers. Sorry to keep you waiting."

He nodded at them, his usual attitude returning. The Gym-goers took one last look at Nori before shrugging and making to head inside.

"And especially sorry you folks had to see that," said Kallisto, giving the boy one final look of disdain. He glanced at the other Gym Trainers. "Let's go, guys."

They uneasily complied, leaving Nori to himself. However, any hopes to proceed with his plans for the day had been dashed, even without his bruises.

What was with Kallisto just now?! If looks could kill, Nori would've dropped dead on the spot. All this over being beaten in a few skateboard races and having it rubbed in? Insecurity. He'd taken some losses poorly before, too. But not like this! While he didn't know what the head Gym Trainer was plotting with this next race, he was sure that it wouldn't be anything good.

Was Kallisto afraid of him? Maybe.

But now, he was terrified of Kallisto.

¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··June 27th, 2015

"I don't get it. What's going on with Nori?"

The time was 6:30pm, and Tono Takuma was having dinner at a GKH Burger with his best friend, Kallisto Keravnos. They punched out a little earlier than usual for Saturday. There were two reasons behind this. First, Kallisto needed the extra rest. Second, Nori had been avoiding them the past few days, aside from occasionally asking strange questions. Kallisto was banking on him opening up more to Eddie or Ollie.

"Ever since he met up with Lady Kannagi, it's like he's a whole different person. He's never been this much of a sore winner before. What did she tell him?" He paused, having a sip of his cola. "What lies did he tell her? If she and the shrine disapproves of me because of it, I'll have to go to Veilstone and sort things out. When I can, of course."

"Kallisto." Tono sharply calling his name made him snap to attention. "First, he was always a sore winner when he wanted to be. Second, you are becoming obsessed about this. This is not like you."

This was getting beyond ridiculous. He thought Kallisto was starting to ease off after the talk on exhibition day, but it had gotten worse than ever after seeing Nori Carino's friendship with his shrine's head priestess. It was as if something in him completely snapped.

"Maybe I am." His best friend inhaled. "No, I definitely am. You're right."

Kallisto had ordered the store's iconic burger of the same name: their special tomato meat sauce, with a patty of beef and pork topped with a slice of tomato. You were to eat it whilst holding it in the wrapper, and dip your fries in the remaining sauce after. As for Tono himself, he had decided to order their current special: an American-style roadhouse burger which came with onion rings, bacon, and barbeque sauce.

"I can see why this could be enjoyed," he remarked. He was only trying it to see what the fuss was about. He took a sip of his iced tea, and immediately had another bite.

Kallisto chuckled. "Seems like you're enjoying it, too."

He harrumphed with his mouth full. He swallowed the bite, took another sip, and picked up a fry. "It is a limited time thing. It would not do good to get attached to it." He popped the fry into his mouth. He absolutely adored this burger, but was not about to admit that.

"Might have to try it myself soon, then."

Kallisto idly drummed his fingers along the table, looking down at his burger. He ate a few fries of his own and took a sip of his cola. He leaned in closer and whispered.

"I have to tell someone this, and it has to be you," he whispered. "I just don't like Nori. He's right. I do hate him. I think I've hated him for a while, actually." Tono listened politely, even as Kallisto paused for ten seconds. "It's okay to hate. That's what my faith says. It's one of many emotions the Great Mesprit blessed us with." Kallisto shook his head, perhaps at himself. "I just...never thought I'd come to hate anyone. I don't even know why."

Tono finished what he had been chewing on. "Irrational dislike is a thing. There are innumerable methods of handling it, so long as you do not allow it to control you. And there have been individuals in the past you have had a distaste for."

"But none like this."

"Yes, it is far more personal. That said, I do not believe your ire is unjustified. Nori Carino has given you several reasons to dislike him." Tono briefly turned away. "As you have with him."

He laughed, taking the point on the chin. "In any case, I finally get what you mean about having someone you don't want to lose to."

"And that is why you hooked up with that shallow cheerleader." The head Gym Trainer cringed at his blunt words. "Even Nori Carino was able to immediately see it."

"Harsher coming from you, though."

Tono actually told him that in the first place, but Kallisto had assured him it would be fine. That was a little disheartening. He had been attempting to step up to be the voice of reason Kallisto wanted, yet his advice was getting ignored in critical cases. Ultimately, he had indeed made a mistake accepting her, only doing so as not to be beaten out by Nori Carino. At least, that was Tono's speculation. They had yet to even kiss, and he was certain that was no skin off Kallisto's back.

"I'll stay with Chasity until she gives me a reason to break it off." He shook his head. "Looking like it may not take much, but I'll need to find some way to tell her when the time comes..."

"Wise," he agreed, internally breathing a sigh of relief. His best friend deserved far better than one such as her. All of them at the Gym, Nori included, had agreed with that. He was going against his own principles. "Regardless, your humiliation by him in front of her is why you want to up the ante with this next race."

Kallisto rolled his eyes. "Him beating me in skateboarding. Ridiculous, as you like to say."

Tono smiled. "I understand completely, my friend." For him, it was Haruna and Radovan who he hated losing to. Or any loss that felt was undeserved. He ate a few more fries before saying, "Just be careful. You do not want to do anything too rash."

"Tell that to him." His best friend laughed. "I always wanted to ride down there, though. Know I can handle it. Nori just gave me an excuse."

"Can he handle it, however? And what will you tell Volkner?" They had to work at the Gym at weekend hours during school breaks. Kallisto could not be up front about this.

"I have something in mind." A shrug. "As for Nori, maybe he'll surprise us with a little humility."

"And if he does not?"

His best friend took pause. "I don't know."

"Kallisto," he spoke up. "Are you sure about this? If and when Nori Carino goes through with this - and I have no doubt he will due to his ego - there is a very real possibility of serious injury, or worse. We will be in serious trouble, and you will not be able to get us out of it like last time."

He shook his head. "We'll set up safeguards to make sure that doesn't happen. Gracie, for example."

Tono once more eyed his friend. "Are. You sure. About this?" he repeated for emphasis. "I get what you are going for asking him to be on standby, but there is no guarantee that will work."

Kallisto shut his eyes. "Yes. I am. Understanding one's limits is important, and sometimes, you need to experience it." A little lower, with genuine anger in his tone, he added, "My mind is made up about this. And, I want to defeat him here."

An explanation and verification was all Tono needed to hear, even if it disappointed him. It all but verified his best friend was getting lost in his hatred for Nori Carino. He did not even seem to fear the risks involved, more fearing what might happen if Nori went unchecked. It did not sit well with Tono, but he did not dare speak that directly.

That said, Tono couldn't help but feel a little disappointed in himself as well. He may have been the only one able to talk Kallisto out of this, yet he felt ineffectual. Did he not have the necessary conviction? Maybe it was possible to talk him out of this, but Tono did not know how. So all he could do was be there for his friend. Even if it was only to be present to help in the worst case scenario...

¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··¨··..··June 30th, 2015

For the first time in his life, Nori was not looking forward to summer break. School was a respite from the Gym Trainers. He would have no such luxury short of leaving the Gym himself for the next two months, and that was not an option. He still had his training and Officials' studying to do.

The boy had spent the last five days worrying about how Kallisto looked at him after his third loss. That was an expression of abject hatred. If Kallisto would ruin his life when misguidedly trying to help him, what would he do when actually trying to hurt him? And no doubt, he could get away with whatever he wanted.

"Hey."

Nori was pacing about the entire Gym. The maintenance workers and security guards were yelling at him not to get in the way, but he barely heard them. As he was at the front, a blond man in a white tank top and simple jeans entered.

"Volkner...you're here?"

A curt nod. "Business."

It was nothing short of a miracle the Gym Leader had decided to come in. Nori had told him about it, but he didn't do anything. If he kept telling him, maybe he'd finally take it seriously!

He grabbed at the man. "Volkner, you have to listen. Kallisto is going try to do something to me. I don't know what, but he was mad about that skateboard race."

The man did not respond to the contact, save for turning to look at Nori. "I don't think he's like that."

"But his face! That expression!"

"You're overreacting." Volkner calmly pulled away. "Kallisto was probably just pissed he lost."

"But he wanted to race again!"

"Just beat him again."

"You say that like it's simple! You don't know what he's capable of!"

"I do," he replied. "I've known him longer than you." Volkner kneeled down and put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Just relax, Nori. Kallisto won't try anything. If he does, he'd risk throwing away everything he's worked for. He'd never do that."

The boy opened his mouth, but was forced to lower his head. "Maybe..."

"Kallisto's a lot of things. But he's not malicious." Nori sighed, slightly nodding. "Anyway, have things to do, won't be here long."

"All right..." He should've figured the Gym Leader didn't come here to chat.

He put his hands in his pockets, gripping their contents. Volkner was right. He was worrying too much about this. His imagination was running wild in the worst way, even though he couldn't rule out that Kallisto would do something to make his life more miserable than ever. Then again, that's what the precautions he was able to take were for. He only hoped they were enough if it came down to that.