Chapter 5
Team Plasma was put to an end a few months back, Hilda got her eighth badge a few weeks ago, and now she was standing in front of the entrance to the Elite Four. Fourteen-year-old Hilda White had made it so far in her life. She had Vic the Serperior by her side, along with Dream the Flareon, Spout the Semipour, Gracie the Lilligant, Truck the Braviary, and her newest addition to the team, Turbo the Reshiram. She not only conquered all the gyms, but captured a legendary Pokemon that was in danger from the evil Team Plasma. What else was there to ask for? Hilda knew that she was only days away from achieving her lifelong dream.
She began to step towards the gates, but someone stopped her.
"Hilda?" A voice called out.
Hilda's head whipped around at the sound of her name. Who could have followed her all the way across a two-week travel down Victory Road? When she saw the face, standing about a hundred feet away from her but still managing to be visible, she knew at once it was Hilbert. "What do you want?" Hilda muttered coldly.
"I want nothing from you," Hilbert replied. "I don't ask for your forgiveness. I don't ask for your respect. Heck, I'm not even asking you to battle. My Pokemon are gone, Hilda. I only came to say one thing to you: I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. Back in Striaton City, when you gave me that one last chance and I never took it- that was the worse mistake I could make, and I have made hundreds of mistakes for as long as I can remember." He went quiet for a moment. "I know it sounds cheesy, Hilda, but I-I-I like you. I like you more than just a neighbor. I wish I could say I like you more than a friend, but I'm not sure we were ever friends in the first place... but the point is, I... love you. I've crushed on you for what feels like forever. And it hurts me, Hilda, to know that I will never earn the girl of my dreams. It hurts me even more to know that I had so many chances, but I was blinded with the crazy emotions of... love. I wasn't sure what to do other than to show off, and I know by now that that was a big mistake. I'm sorry, Hilda." He turned to leave, and began to fade away into the distance, without saying another word.
Hilda was absolutely disgusted. She knew that never in a million years would Hilbert like her. This must be some stupid plan that Hilbert made to regain his confidence. Well, it wasn't working! She wouldn't fall for him ever.
"Where are you going?" She decided to call out.
"Home," Hilbert answered. "I'm going home, and not coming back. I've given up, Hilda, and that was my second worst mistake. I don't want you to follow me- as if you ever would-, I want you to become the Champion. I've learned my lesson, sadly. Goodbye."
Hilda frowned. So, this wasn't a joke? "Bye..." she whispered. Before she knew it, Hilbert was gone. This time, he was going to be gone forever. Hilbert was right about everything he had said back there; he had his one last chance, and didn't take it. Hilda stuck to her promise- almost.
It wouldn't be fully kept until she became the next Pokemon Champion.
Hilda sighed, stepping towards the gates to the Pokemon League. I can't back out now...