The New Normal – 11-18 – Interlude – Will
He knew that he should be training right now, but he really needed a break from his brainstorming. Trying to make a plan for his upcoming challenge against Koga was one thing, but to also try to come up with something to handle the very likely challenge from Karen at the same time was headache inducing.
It didn't help that both teams fought with different styles, so he couldn't just reuse one strategy to deal with the other. For example, against Koga he knew that his Pokémon would likely be able to win in a battle of strength, but the same could not be said if he were to face Karen.
All that thinking over the past few days had really worn him down, which was not helped by all the rushing around he had to do after the Cinnabar Volcano decided to spontaneously erupt.
He was starting to feel like he was at his wit's ends, and he knew his Pokémon likely needed a rest after so much back-to-back training. Thus, he had decided to tactically schedule today as a rest day so that he could regain some of his mental juices – allowing him to simply wander idly around the streets of Violet City, just trying to take in the sights as he gave himself half a day to relax.
He had just finished a fantastic lunch, and was planning to visit Sprout Tower for the relaxing ambience, until someone called out to him.
"Will? Is that you?"
Holding back a sigh as he felt the pang of regret for not putting on a better disguise, he turned around with a false smile pasted on his mouth – he didn't want to be dealing with fans at the moment. But as soon as he saw who had called out to him, that annoyance quickly turned to surprise.
"…Walker?"
"Yeah, it's me!" The former Elite Four member chuckled, a bright smile beaming from his face, "Fancy seeing you here! I thought you would be preparing for your battle against Koga."
"I was; I just needed a break." Will replied, shaking himself out of his surprise, "My head might explode if I did any more thinking, and my Pokémon needed the rest too. It's not good to push them too hard before a big battle."
"Ah, that sounds prudent." Walker nodded, "I know how it feels; I always got pretty stressed out whenever I was challenged."
"…Hey, if you're taking a break, care to join me on mine?" Walker suggested, "I was going to get something to drink at the café near the Gym. I'll pay for you."
Will hesitated for a moment. He didn't want to bother Walker, but at the same time he could use a listening ear. Eventually, the latter won out, "Sure…lead the way. You don't have to pay though."
The two of them were seated at the aforementioned café, where Walker ultimately paid and ordered drinks for the both of them. As they settled down, Walker spoke up.
"So – how are things in the Elite Four? You guys seem busier than ever after I left. Lots of changes have been made, eh?" He said.
"There WAS a lot of excitement." Will agreed, thinking back at everything that had happened since his ascension. Between the battles, the events at Sinnoh, the eruption…there really were too many things to count. "…But, while I can't say that taking on these matters wasn't stressful – it was very fulfilling. I've greatly enjoyed my time."
"That's good." Walker nodded, "I can say the same when I think back on my stint in the Elite Four. There were a lot of ups and downs, but I think I became a better man for it."
"Say, Walker, sorry if I offend – but aren't you upset?" He asked, "I mean, you did lose your position from the Elite Four."
Walker waved him off, "No, not at all." He took a sip of his drink, "I've had a lot of time to reflect since I left the Elite Four. I've come to realise that – even at the moment of my defeat against Lorelei – I don't think I was that upset. Maybe this might sound defeatist of me, but I don't think I really wanted to be in the Elite Four in the first place."
Will's eyes widened, "Wait, why not? You stayed there for so long."
"I only stayed there for so long because I wanted to do right by Pryce." Walker corrected, "He appointed me as an Elite Four, after all, so I felt like I owed him. Besides, in the earlier days, Pryce truly was a good man and was worth following, and I was honoured to consider him my friend. I guess I held onto that hope, even when Pryce became a shadow of the man he used to be."
A fond smile formed on his face, "I'm glad that he's recovering though. I really should pay him a visit sometime."
"…You're a good man, Walker." Will blurted out, his honest thoughts leaking out, "Sorry if I looked down on you when you were in the Elite Four."
Walker chuckled and shook his head, "I don't mind, and you were far from the only one. Again, I didn't think I really deserved or was suited for the position anyways. I was weaker than my title would've implied, and everyone knew I was just Pryce's lackey. I'm not offended by the criticism when they're right."
Then Walker leaned forwards, a serious look suddenly entering his eyes, "…And if you're worried about losing your position in the Elite Four, don't worry. It's not the end of the world."
Will startled, "How did you guess?"
Walker chuckled, "Even if you say that you're just 'taking a rest', I can tell from the stress lines that you've been worrying about something for quite a while. And considering your upcoming challenge, I can only assume you're worried about losing your position."
He smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, if I were in your shoes I'd be concerned too. Koga's certainly no slouch."
"It's not just Koga, but Karen as well." Will added.
"Oh – well that puts you in quite the pickle doesn't it?" Walker said rhetorically, "Well I don't think I can give you any training advice – I don't think I'm nearly as a good of a trainer as you are."
"However, what I can say is this." Walker clasped his hands together, "Take it from me, Will. Losing your position in the Elite Four isn't as bad as you likely fear it will be. Sure, you'll get a few ugly headlines for a couple of days, but that label will be quickly forgotten and you can live out the rest of your life as normal. Believe me, I've been there."
"But what if I want to stay in the spotlight?" He asked.
"Just because you lose your title doesn't mean you suddenly will lose all your popularity." Walker laughed, "I know you have way more fans than I did back then – and they won't all abandon you just because you lost. Some will, sure, but you'll have the opportunity to win them back."
"Just look at the likes of Blaine and Pryce." Walker continued, "They both fell out of power, but they managed to step into the spotlight from time to time because they haven't given up on their goals, whatever they might be. I don't know what your goals are, Will, but I'm telling you that you don't need to be in the Elite Four to pursue them. You will pave a path of glory no matter where you end up."
The words struck Will hard, but they were exactly what he needed to hear. Yes, his usual confidence had wavered recently as his fear of losing slowly creeped up on him. Yet Walker was right. Losing his position in the Elite Four wasn't the end of the world; he could always bounce back.
Even if he did lose, he still had his career as a contest performer to look forward to – something that he had always felt might have been his true calling from the beginning. Plus, he was a famed trainer even before he got into the Elite Four that was sought out by many, and he was sure that he could transfer all of that into whatever new role he took on afterwards.
And that was only if he lost. He might be worried about losing to Karen, but after all his brainstorming and planning he was confident that he could beat Koga despite the gap in experience.
He was about to respond, but Walker wasn't done yet.
"However, don't take my words as defeatism. I know you, Will. I was there when you were first picked into the Elite Four. And let me tell you, despite the arrogance that you showed, I knew you were the real deal. I knew that even if you were picked for the position, you truly belonged to be in the Elite Four. And that opinion has only solidified itself as you have grown, both in character and strength."
"Koga may be more experienced than you. Karen might have the Type advantage. But are you not an excellent trainer of your own? Are you not the trainer that became the premier Psychic specialist in the world? Tell me, who could be your equal? Perhaps only one – and his name is Lucian. Not Koga. Not Karen. So what do you have to fear from them?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all. So keep your held high, Will. Like I just said, losing isn't the end of the world for you. You will always be successful, no matter where you end up. So let go of your worries about what happens if you lose and focus your entire attention on winning the battles ahead of you. You are a man with nothing to lose – so give it your all to win."
"…Thank you, Walker." He replied genuinely, incredibly moved by this display of support and inwardly promising to repay this favour someday. "You have helped me more than you know. You're right. Worrying isn't like me. Victory suits me more."
For the first time in a while, his old conviction and determination surged through his body. He sat a little straighter as he felt his usual confidence return to him.
He was back.
"That's the spirit." Walker chuckled, patting him on the shoulder, "You're looking a lot more lively now. Good. Keep at it, and I look forward to seeing what you will continue to accomplish in the Elite Four."
He nodded. "I will."
Koga was going down.
A.N. Walker makes a reappearance! Yes, he's disappeared from the story for a long time now, but I felt that having him show up to give Will a pep talk was a nice way to bring his character back, even if for a moment. I've always liked to think as Walker as being too nice, if weak, for his position in the Elite Four. But he's a good person, and I hope that shows here.
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