Welcome... to the world of Pokemon!

For centuries, we've lived alongside Pokemon. They've become our pets, companions, assistants, closest friends, and mysterious wonders. With this relationship came the understanding that Pokemon are also supremely powerful beings, possessing the ability benefit us in our every days, further the advancement of the technological industry as well as serving in roles such as battling or coordinator. It is clear that the world of Pokemon is constantly flourishing and growing... we as humans have a responsibility to be as virtuous in our interactions as possible. At times, it may seem that Pokemon are living in our world, but historical records show that they were here first and helped mold and shape the world in the form that we currently see today.

With the many legends, myths and secrets of this world, along the way there have been individuals and organizations that remain curious about Pokemon. Some of these people use this unique interest for the sake of learning more about Pokemon and how to better our world through education, teaching and uncovering new discoveries that contribute to making the world better. Conversely, there those who have that same passion, but channel it for selfish gain. They wish to harness the variety of energy emanating from Pokemon for personal reasons, in some cases for increased wealth, notoriety, or eternal power. The response to the latter thus motivated several individuals across the numerous regions to go our and become power Pokemon Trainers while putting a stop to the madness before its boiling point.

Each region, at one time or another, had quite a few legendary Trainers that rose through the ranks, carrying on their tasks as a hot shot Trainer before being antagonized by a villainous organization seeking power through a legendary Pokemon. It wasn't until the untimely death of some of these Trainers that the Pokemon League sought to band together to figure out the best practices in protecting the Trainers while promoting the neophyte energy that came from new Trainers in their respective regions. The response was met with immense push back from several people, but the Leagues decided to raise the age limit of Pokemon Trainers from 10 to 18 while enforcing Trainers to complete a degree program at a Pokemon Academy of their choosing. Perhaps one of the most esteemed academies in the world is none other than Periwinkle Institute of Pokemon Academia, known simply as Periwinkle.

Regarded for its 5-star faculty and staff rating and pipeline of some of the best Trainers, Gym Leaders, and Elite 4 member, Periwinkle welcomes the next generation of students that are now entering the corridors of the high-tech facility, looking to make their mark on the Pokemon world. Will they be able to withstand what the Pokemon world throws back at them?

Nestled in the northeastern hemisphere, the Periwinkle Institute of Pokemon Academia (Periwinkle for short), is one of the premier Pokemon academies in the entire world. Created prior to the implementation of the new Trainer age policy, Periwinkle was ahead of its time in bringing in prospective Trainers, teaching them the ins and outs of the Pokemon world, and then sending them off to become incredible members of society in their varying paths. As stated previously, several Periwinkle alumni have gone on to be Trainers, Gym Leaders, Elite 4 members, Pokemon Professors, Breeders, Coordinators, and even a handful of regional Champions. An invitation from Periwinkle is almost a guarantee that the world will know your name.

In addition to all of those great aforementioned occupations, several alumni return to Periwinkle to pay it forward, solidifying a legacy of more students contribute to the Pokemon world. There are several professors and staff members who have graduated from Periwinkle, including the academy's very own Headmaster. Indeed, there is a sense of school pride instilled in students during their time enrolled at Periwinkle that carries on once they graduate. Speaking of school pride, within Periwinkle's structure is a very competitive house structure that new students are dispersed into upon their first day on campus. The houses are as follows:

Victini - Students within the Victini House are known for their burning passion in whatever it is that they do. The house colors are notably red hues with tan accents.

Jirachi - Students within the Jirachi House are known for their jubilant positivity in any situation. The house colors are notably yellows and golds with gray accents.

Manaphy - Students within the Manaphy House are known for their serene calmness coupled with intelligence. The house colors are notably hues of blue with soft red secondary colors.

Celebi - Students within the Celebi House are known for their desire to flourish and grow wherever they are planted. The house colors are notably bright green with light blue accents.

The four houses annually compete with one another in a variety of different areas including battles, contests, academic scores and other related areas. However, there is a strong sense of school pride whenever Periwinkle is pitted against rival schools across the world. The house system is used to promote competition which, naturally, creates better Trainers.

Periwinkle has an administrative hierarchy that starts at the top with the academy's Headmaster, Assistant Headmasters, Heads of House, Professors, and then supporting staff. In most cases, in order to move up the hierarchy, individuals have to have extended tenure within Periwinkle or other Pokemon academies across the world. Periwinkle, in the past, has been known to show favoritism to alumni or boosters who financially support the institution, but in recent years there has been an effort to bring forth external opinions to ensure that the school is receiving the best possible help from the best people within the profession of academia and the Pokemon world.

The courses can vary year-to-year and classification-to-classification. However, some of the foundational classes regardless of year will consist of some form of the following: battling, training, breeding, cooking, coordinating, catching, traveling, evolving, healing, trading, befriending, gym leading, and several other subjects. In addition to these in-class subjects, students also have the opportunity to participate in extra curricular activities including a Battle Club, Trading Club, Traveling Club, and several other opportunities. There are over 50 clubs for students to join and be part of.

A four-year institution, Periwinkle offers different freedoms based on a student's classification. The more seniority a student has, the more freedom is allowed for the student. Below is a list of the specific differences at each year:

Year One: Students are not allowed to leave the island under any circumstances unless they are chaperoned by an approved staff members. Students are also limited to 6 Pokemon total and may not capture certain Pokemon based on Periwinkle protocol.

Year Two: In approved groups, students are allowed to travel to different regions with the purposes of fulfilling an academic assignment (this is only on specific days allowed during the school year). Must receive permission from a Periwinkle staff member. Students may have no more than 12 Pokemon.

Year Three: Students are allowed to capture any Pokemon as they please within the Pokemon League's guidelines. They are also now eligible compete in the Pokemon Academy Tournament, but must be in Good Standing with the institution. Students are allowed up to 18 Pokemon.

Year Four: Students are given freedom to do complete exploration so long as they are in Good Standing. May also compete in the Pokemon League Tournament if they manage to qualify. Students may catch as many Pokemon as they like.

In regards to uniforms, there is a designated shop on the island that provides students with uniforms for when attending class. There is not a dress code, per se, but students must wear clothing that aligns with their house while in class or competing in Periwinkle events. Outside of those instances, students may wear whatever they please, within the guidelines of the Periwinkle handbook, so long as they have their House pin attached to their upper garment. Periwinkle takes pride in its students showing not only House spirit, but school spirit as well!

Of course, there's more to the Academy than what is listed above, but what's stated here is very paramount!

---

Atop one of the towers of the Periwinkle Institute of Pokemon Academia a woman stands clad in a long black cloak. She held a Rotom phone up to her ear as a deep voice could be heard on the other end, her responses were short and hushed.

"Yes sir.. Of course. Consider it done."

Dr. Toshika Okamaru looked out across the miserable grey sea as storm clouds began to move in on the island. A soft drizzle began to fall around her. Across the horizon she could see a small white fleck bobbing this way and that.

"I see it now, they'll be here within the hour. I will have an answer before this evening for you sir."

Just at that moment the sound of expensive loafers on concrete came from behind. Dr. O hung up her phone and casually turned. Headmaster Andres Beauregard gave a friendly smile as he leisurely approached, hands in his pockets.



Toshika nodded and looked back over her shoulder at the ferry approaching.

"Yes I see it. I had a personal call. Apologies sir."

Toshika spoke coldly. Andres tried to read her as she strode past, never once even looking at him. Andres was suspicious of her but he was too intelligent to let that show, so he gave a small chuckle before he spoke.

---

---

A small crew of Wingull lead by a pair of Pelipper flew over the ferry as it made its way slowly toward the Academy. From the bow of the ship the Academy's skyline could be seen breaking up the monotonous grey cloudy sky the ferry had been driving towards for the last few hours. Many students stood on the bow of the ship pointing and shouting to one another about the island ahead of them as rain gentle fell in waves across the ferry.

On the bottom level of the ship, where only a few students were, Attica Grey found herself chewing on her eraser with her nose deep in a book titled "Electrical Design series 6; Practical Analog Semiconductor Circuits & Microcircuits". She made a few notes in the corners of the text book before she realized she was in public and chewing on erasers was strange. She gave a quick glance around and noticed one of the other passengers was staring at her intently. Attica's eyes flicked back and forth before she raised her eyebrows curiously at this woman staring daggers at her. When there was no indication of a response Attica began to grow anxious. She collected her belongings, stuffing them in her tote bag and began to make her way to the stairs, away from the staring person.

She came out to the deck of the ship and saw the Academy for the first time, the skyline was incredible with multiple towering spires flanked by a brightly lit campus. Attica could see the docks they were headed for and could even see some sort of town on the far side away from the academy. Lost in admiration for their destination Attica failed to notice a boy standing before her waiting for her to clear the staircase. After a few moments he spoke.

"Uh hello? Hi. Other people exist so let's make some fucking space for them? Thanks."

Attica stared at him for a moment confused before noticing she was in the way, he raised his eyebrows at her and made an expression like a bewildered animal. Embarrassed she made room for him to pass and mumbled some sort of apology but her voice was lost in the shouts of others. She popped out her PokeNav Plus and checked for any texts or emails, hoping someone at home was reaching out to her but there was none. She sighed and took a seat nearby where she could watch the island grow in the horizon as her mind wandered somewhere else.

Attica found herself back in the hospital, two months ago, sitting beside her father's bed. She held his hand in hers and noticed how thin and bony he had become over this time. His chest rose and fell in time with the beeping of machines attached to him.

"I've been accepted to the Academy. The one I told you about? I leave in a few weeks."

She was met by the continuous cold beeping as his chest rose and fell.

"I really wish you could've seen the pictures of the campus. They have some of the craziest stuff there apparently like a machine that can get insight on a Pokemon's preferences and there is a whole study happening there right now about alternative Rotom forms. It is pretty cool stuff. And also-"

Her voice fell away from her as she searched her father's face for any indication he was even listening. But there was none.

Attica came back to the present with the sound of emotionally charged voices, angrily firing back at one another. It sounded troubling to her, so she stood and headed in the direction of the commotion to find out what was happening.

---

Enjoying her alone time in the lower level of the ship, Laeticia was resting on one of the booth seats against the walls and near a window when she felt a vibration from her PokeNav Plus. Coldly glancing around at the room, she ensured that the coast was clear before pressing a pair of black wireless ear pods into her ears, leaning back against the cushioned seating and kicking a foot up as a bright red 'R' emerged on the screen, followed by the sound of a woman's voice.

"This message is approved in delivered by Team Rocket Executive: Geoffrey Wilder. Please standby for further instruction. Thank you."

Shifting up in her seat, Laeticia paid more close attention, dark eyes occasionally glancing up to see if anyone had entered the room. She hadn't been a Team Rocket Grunt for too long, but she always admired their work. Glancing at the upper right hand corner of the screen, she noticed that there thousands of people piling in to the live feed that made her even more inspired in that moment. The Team Rocket network had flourished in the Underground despite the troubling beginnings with the fall of Giovanni and even the second rendition of the syndicate in Johto. Being a native of the Sevii, Laeticia was able to witness the firsthand effects of Team Rocket, but she wanted more.

Nearly lost in her thoughts about the prospective future of Team Rocket, her eyes were fixated on the screen once the idle crimson 'R' disappeared from the screen and instead displayed a dark silhouette of a man seated in a large chair and was flanked by two Houndooms. The man reached over his right hand and scratched one of the hellhounds behind the horns before he began his announcement.

"Greetings to my fellow Team Rocket members. Today... today is a good day. As you know, the Underground has boomed into a flourishing business for our brand. We have been able not only create a variety of different Pokemon drugs, stones and the like, but our team of scientists have been successful in conducting unique experiments on these Pokemon that will increase our selling power even more. Likewise, revenue has quintupled, if you can believe that's word, since my time taking the throne of Team Rocket. As your leader, I can honestly say that I am proud of the work each of you have done. Now, we must move into the next phase of our plan... Listen closely..."

If she was there in person, Laeticia would have leaned forward to learn more, but instead, she was so focused on her boss's soliloquy that she didn't recognize Attica's presence in the room now.

"We are in the beginning stages of something groundbreaking in terms of Pokemon evolution. Something that far exceeds the power of Rare Candy or Elemental Stones... If our scientist team is able to accomplish this goal, the financial income that Team Rocket will see will be out of this world. I can guarantee you that. With that being said... we won't be able to sell these Pokemon without proper testing. That is where the Grunts come in. Grunts: do your part, do what you are asked to do in your specific role and you will reap the benefits. This is an amazing time... to be a member of Team Rocket."

---

Like many of the other students at the front of the ship, Max was in complete and utter awe at the island coming into the horizon. Many of the students had the fortune of paying a visit to the island for a guided tour, but the way that Max and his mother's finances were setup, that was pretty much an impossible task for Mask. Instead, the virtual tour sufficed for him, but the pictures couldn't possibly do the landscape justice.

"This is pretty cool, huh Dizzy?"

Max asked, glancing down at the bright pink Ditto that was resting along the railing of the ship. Oozing its body towards Max, Dizzy perched itself against its Trainer's back, taking a brief moment to glance out into the viewpoint as well. It wasn't just about the landscape either though: there were Pokemon in clear sight along the body of water and into the air. Max's hazel eyes ventured upward to the flock of Wingull being led by a Pelipper and then to the ocean deep where they were able to spot the outline of a massive Wailord swimming right below the ship.

"Bruh, I ain't never seen a Wailord that big!"

A voice from beside Max said, causing the boy to turn and look at him. It wasn't long before other students were looking off the side of the railing as well. For the time being, each of the First Year students were comfortably situated in their particular positions until the same boy that gave Attica trouble decided to arrive to the party late. Forcefully.

"Make way."

Max and Dizzy were the victim of this particular displacement, which caused the shorter boy's brows to furrow. Who the hell did this guy think he was and why was he suddenly entitled to this position if he got here first. Dizzy apparently wasn't vibing with this situation either, its beady eyes filled with raging anger.

"Hey, you can't just move people out the way like that. No manners at all... seriously?"



"Come on, Elliott. Chill, bruh. You really ain't have to do all of that. Look, we can't even see it anymore."



Elliott smirked down at Max, snapping his fingers as one of the students poofed into a cloud of smoke, minimizing and taking on the form of a Zorua, one of Elliott's Pokemon. The fox Pokemon let out a snarl at Max but was soon met face to face with Dizzy, whose body immediately transformed into Zorua's similarly as the two Trainers stood across from one another.

"Uhh... y'all do know we're not supposed to be battling on this boat right?"

Max's glanced over at the girl who spoke and immediately gritted his teeth. He actually wanted to be at Periwinkle and not get kicked out the school before even arriving on the island. If battling on the boat was against the rules, then he would be getting off to the wrong start. However, whoever this Elliott guy thought he was... was not cool at all.

"Relax, Dizzy..."

It took a moment, but Dizzy's body returned to its fluid, pink state before sliding back towards Max's legs.

"Hmph," Elliott replied as Zorua backflipped onto his shoulder. "Yeah, that's what I thought. In case you didn't know, my family is a booster for Periwinkle. And if we wanted? We could get your ass out here in no time possible. Watch your back and watch you talk to, shorty."

The crowd of students made way for Elliott to walk off to wherever it was he headed before disappearing back into the lower levels of the ship. Instead, now, it was just a handful of students out on bow including Max, Marquis, the girl that had informed them about the rules of battling on the ship as well as some other girl who Max didn't realize was even there this entire time. There was silence for a moment until Marquis released a sigh that he didn't know he was holding in.

"Who the hell does that guy think he is?" Max finally said, staring off in the direction of where most of the students had walked off to.

---

---

Attica could see the confrontation include that kid who was rude to her earlier. Although they weren't supposed to battle on the boat she wished to watch that kid get his ass kicked. When it fizzled out into nothing Attica felt her shoulders relax, while the fight would've been kinda cool it made her nervous seeing people show such aggression to one another. It was so untamed and cruel, it made her uncomfortable.

When the larger group dispersed Attica stepped forward to those that remained.

"Inferiority complex. That's all it is." she spoke matter of factly and could tell instantly as the words left her mouth that a few of them had no idea what she was talking about.

"That snobbish kid with the Zorua? He was rude to me too." She took a breath before she continued, practically motormouthing. "He has an inferiority complex. That's why he throws around his connections, flaunts his money and most likely why he has a Zorua, basically serves as his Yes-Man and never questions him. Also when he's walking people assume he is always with friends."

It was a few moments before someone else spoke and Attica could feel sweat prickling on her lower back feeling the weight of the room upon her.

She laughed a bit awkwardly as she tried to figure out Attica. "Yeah, his name is Elliot I think his family is rich or something he looks kinda familiar." Nyree looked at the others and then back to Attica. "I'm Nyree by the way, I'm from Galar. What was your name?"

Attica took a momentary breath and straightened herself out, standing up straighter than before and speaking with her same matter-of-fact tone. "Attica. I'm Attica Grey." She tried a smile which quickly crumbled away.

Nyree looked at the others expectantly. Marquis looked back at Max and chose to speak first.

"Well I'm Marquis." He looked at Nyree and gave her a quick 'sup' slightly suggestively to which she rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Boy.. you wish." Marquis continued without missing a beat, "I come from Hoenn What's good?"

The three then turned their attention towards Max.

---

Back on the island, the faculty collected in a main hall ready to greet the students. All the teachers, heads of houses and the headmaster himself stood as a group talking among themselves in hushed tones. Professor Hazel stood in one corner of the group and listened to Professor Thomas Branch go on about Seviper and Arbok comparisons. Merrick nodded along but kept his attention on Dr. O, when Professor Branch said something about poison types Merrick nodded and cut him off quickly, "Sorry Thomas, excuse me." Merrick made his way to a better position still watching Dr. O. From this angle he could see Andres Beauregard watching her from behind as well, the two locked eyes and nodded to each other.

Merrick thought back to a few years ago.

Andres and him walked along the Ilex forest clearing out debris and looking for any trainer that may be lost.

"I dunno Andres. I owe you one, you're right about that. But I just don't think I want to be a Professor. I'm having fun as Azalea Town's Gym Leader. Johto needs better Gym Leaders, it's a struggling region you know?"

Andres laughed but Merrick could tell is was forced. "Yeah.. Listen Merrick. I wouldn't pressure you this much if I didn't need you. I think." Andres paused for a moment and continued, "I think there's something happening at the school. I need people I can trust." The pair looked at each other and Merrick only nodded. And that was it. The conversation ended there.

Back in the present Merrick stood there occasionally throwing glances at Dr. O. He was sure he was going to turn down Andres that day, but Andres never makes a move he isn't entirely confident in. That day Andres knew Merrick Hazel would say yes. Because when it comes to the kids, Merrick will always do it for them.

---

Inferiority complex... made sense. That Elliott guy did appear to give off the sense that he came from money, even without his snobbish response. His clothes appeared to be neatly ironed and brand new, as did his Zorua which was far from unruly looking like most Trainer's who couldn't afford to get their Pokemon groomed on a consistent basis. Conversely, Max himself was a stark contrast from Elliott: he was sporting a plain white t-shirt and a pair of jeans that tapered down into red and black running shoes. Compared to the rest of his outfit, the running shoes were the only thing that was relatively "new looking." The chilling breeze and misty rain from the atmosphere was offset by the black wind breaking bomber jacket that was all-the-way open, covering his upper half.

These other three people? They seemed pretty cool.

Marquis was about the same height as he was and just gave off a friendly vibe that Max knew he was going to be able to relate to. Nyree had a warm energy too, like a mother of sorts. Even when she nearly snapped on Marquis for implying something, Max didn't feel completely uncomfortable with her presence. Then there was Attica... Attica Grey. Max's first impression of her was that she was cute, attractive even but she was somewhat intimidating because he just knew that Attica was highly intelligent and knowledgable about many things. Granted, there was absolutely nothing wrong with that, but the way that she was able to essentially read Elliott like a book for who he was? It was somewhat... chilling. But still, the two of them had a shared experience of Elliott being disrespectful to the both of them, so there was that.

"I'm Max Chase from Unova." He replied, nodding his head to each of them. One thing was for sure: Max wasn't used to this sort of hospitality from people being from Castelia City where it was either move or be moved. You always had to be on guard in any situations because you didn't know what was bound to happen. "Guess we should probably get inside since we're about to be there soon, hm?" Max said to the three others as, in the distance, Periwinkle drew nearer and nearer.

---

It wasn't long before the S.S. Periwinkle anchored itself at the dock, with excited First Year students fully prepared to disembark from the ship. In the midst of the slightly chaotic scramble, Max lost sight of his "safe group" of Attica, Nyree and Marquis, instead finding himself lost in the mix of students that attempted to pile out of the door all at once. Thankfully, there was a Periwinkle staff member standing at the door that alerted them to calm down and deboard the ship in an organized manner and not like wild Tauros.

"Wow... we don't even have to get our stuff?" Max asked, watching several members of the Machop evolutionary line helping to unload luggage from the cruise ship and escorting it down to be placed on a rolling cart that would then be transported to the student's specific dorm after the House Selection process.

"Nope." Marquis's voice said from behind Max, a bright grin on his face as the two of them followed in the naturally forming line of students that was being led through the main entry of the academy. "Periwinkle is one of the best, if not the best Pokemon Academy in the world. They gonna make sure that we are well prepared and well taken care of. Low key, it's kinda enabling but... hey, I ain't complaining."

"Look, there they are!" Nyree said as she was directing herself and Attica through the sea of bodies and pointed out Marquis and Max from earlier. Tugging gently on Attica's wrist, the two girls got in line behind the guys as another academy staff member continued leading the group of First Years into Periwinkle Stadium, located right in the center of campus. As the students walked in, there was a loud roar coming from the people within crowd, a mixture of Second to Fourth Year students along with other members of Periwinkle's staff. The stadium itself wasn't completely filled since it was often used for Pokemon Tournaments open to the public, but it was decently occupied by Periwinkle representatives.

The First Years were stopped in the middle of a battlefield with a large stage on the opposite side of where they stood. The back drop of the stadium showed four different banners with two on either side of the stadium. On the left was a red banner that displayed Victini and a yellow banner that showed Jirachi. Directly on the other side was a blue one with a Manaphy on it and a green banner with Celebi. Situated in the middle of the stage was a rectangular banner presented horizontally with a purple colored PokeBall in the center and directly behind all of the banners was a massive screen that was showcasing highlights from previous years at Periwinkle.

On the stage were the four Heads of Houses along with the Headmaster himself, Andres Beauregard, who finally took the stage to welcome everyone to a new school year.

"Friends... Faculty... Staff... Students... and most importantly... First Years. Welcome to the Periwinkle Institute of Pokemon Academia. Quickly, let's take a moment to welcome all of our returning students and our First Year student." Pausing for a moment, Andres stepped back from the podium to applaud as the crowd joined in on welcoming everyone to a new school year. "As you know... this is our educational institution's 48th year with opened doors and we look forward to 48 more. This isn't possible without a wonderful staff... including our Heads of Houses" He paused to gesture to the four professors behind him, followed by applause from those in the audience. "As well as our other professors... and of course students. I will spare you the details of going too deep into a speech because I'm sure you all don't want to hear me... and I am sure that the First Years want to know what House they will be placed in. I'll leave you all with this before handing off the microphone to Professor Nawi: embrace this school year. Wonderful things are happening here at Periwinkle. Buy in to the culture and I promise we will help you accomplish your goal, no matter what it is. Professor Nawi, if you would..."

Applause followed Andres's departure from the microphone as Sylvia took the stage, dressed in colorful assortment of clothing matched by her head wrap. Smiling brightly at everyone, she began. "Hi everyone! Okay... I just wanna quickly say I'm soooo happy to see you all again! And I look forward to you in my class. Alright, enough about me. Let's learn about our First Years woooo. So, what we're gonna do now is call up a First Year one at a time and show a quick snippet of their battle entry exam along with the results of their personality test and how it matches up with their battle style. Then, the screen will show you where we have decided to place you. Once you know your House, you can sit in your specific section indicated by the banners in the audience! In case you've been living under a Solrock, we'll inform you of the four different houses. Professor Branch, would you do the honors?"

Thomas appeared to have been whispering something to Dr. O who's look was fixated on the First Year students and not on her colleague's comments. Once he realized that Sylvia requested his appearance he made an 'Oh' expression and jumped up to take the microphone. "Right then! Sorry I was busy shooting the breeze with Dr. O about that one time I wrestled Feraligatr! Anyway... the four Houses. Let's hear it for...Victini!" There was a quick roar coming from the far right section of students dressed in a variety of different red hues. "Next up... Jirachi" The section to the left of the Victini students cheered loudly in their bright yellow colors. "Then... Manaphy!" The next section of students dress in blue delivered an uproar. "And last but not least... Celebi!" The section to the far left delivered a shout before finally settling down. "Alright! Now let's bring up Professor Hazel to do the honors of calling up our students to get placed!"

---

---

"Come on, let's not get split up." Nyree grabbed Attica's hand and the two made their way across the boarding platform and down the dock. As they walked onto the premise of the campus Attica was overwhelmed with the size of the place. Multiple gargantuan towers loomed over the grounds and rose high into the sky. Some of these towers were topped with what seemed like bushes or collections of rocks and other natural terrain while others were more fortress like or designed in the style of a skyscraper. Attica figured most of these towers had battlefields atop them and others were most likely offices for the administration or maybe even some dorms for students. The towers were all relatively different in design, with some mostly covered in glass and others being of stone or brick and others covered with a polycarbonate material usually white or grey in color.

The actual grounds were immaculately kept. As the group was ushered toward the stadium Attica had caught sight of a few Pidgey and Spearow arguing over a spot in a tree and a collection of Pichu darting out from one of the corners. She smiled, this place was going to be amazing.

Eventually they were inside the Stadium before Attica even realized it. She had been busy in her brain trying to create a mental map of the grounds that she completely spaced out and forgot how she even got into the stadium. She chided herself for the irony of it and was startled by Nyree shouting and pointing wildly. Soon multiple people around her began to excitedly point and laugh as the faculty came into view.



While most of the first years were looking up at the stage and the grand screen, Attica was looking up into the crowd noticing a few who were not cheering so much. one person sat with her legs crossed going over a magazine that Attica couldn't recognize from here, she looked up at one point and the two made eye contact causing her to narrow her eyes at Attica. Attica looked away quickly from this first girl and moved her eyes over to another girl who was furiously scribbling in a notebook. She looked up at Attica and smiled before giving a short wave and going back to her notebook. Attica smiled and was marched further out into the field where she turned to hear Professor Hazel speak.

"Welcome First Years to the Periwinkle Institute of Pokemon Academia, let's get this whole show on the road and give you your moment to shine. Let's start here alphabetically - Allen Aeschlimann!" Professor Hazel gave the kid a moment to get up on stage as the screen winked on in the middle of a battle scene. A Growlithe was spraying fire wildly around, so much so it's opponent wasn't even visible in frame. The screen changed to a series of graphs and charts that outlined Allen's personality. Attica noticed his low scores before she was lightly tapped by Nyree.



Attica quickly reached to her side for her PokeNav Plus and realized it wasn't there. For a moment she felt panicked but instead sighed, "I think I dropped my PokeNav. Here give me yours." Nyree passed over her device, a Pokegear, Attica normally would roll her eyes but not wanting to offend her new friend she instead tapped her Poketch to the device and her contact information was added. Nyree took her device and looked surprised.

"How the hell did you do that?" She asked confused. Attica instead was fiddling with her Poketch and turned on the Locator App which began to indicate the direction of her PokeNav. Unfortunately in this situation she couldn't go looking for it but she could see it was near. Somewhere behind her. Just as she meant to turn and look Nyree's name was called, she shrieked loudly and hugged Attica before bouncing off toward the stage. Attica watched her friend go up as Professor Hazel spoke.

The screen behind Professor Hazel burst to life with a scene of a Farfetch'd holding a massive leak fending off the strikes of a Lucario before it used Counter and brought the butt of the leek into Lucario's chest sending it spiraling to the ground heavily injured. The scene changed to a Milcery bobbing and weaving as it darted along dodging a hail of embers raining from the mouth of a Growlithe. "Nyree displayed an unshakable confidence and a delightful tone in her voice through the entire battle. He elation and clear love for battling made it clear to many of us where she would end up." The screen flipped once more to a series of graphs and charts showing all sorts of info of Nyree.

By the time she was on stage Nyree had the widest grin anyone could have and was very obviously giggling, absolutely loving this moment. Professor Hazel smiled at her and spoke into the mic, "For someone with so much warmth and such a glowing smile, I can happily announce your acceptance into Jirachi!" the crowd exploded and Nyree bounced twice on stage cheering back as Professor Hazel was drowned out and totally inaudible.



Attica looked back down at her Poketch and leaned over the Marquis and Max, "Hey I lost my PokeNav if you guys see it anywhere let me know, it's purple." She looked behind her where her watch indicated and began to wonder if someone had stolen her PokeNav. Just in that moment she saw her, that girl from the boat, who stood up and began to make her way on stage. Attica watched her Poketch follow the girl all the way on stage to where she stood. The screen flashed with a quick series of a Hitmonchan, a Kadabra and a Poliwag all slamming into the ground one after another, all very evidently from poisoning. "Laeticia managed to crush her battle entry exam by poisoning all three of her opponents with her one Pokemon, Poipole! Incredible."

Laeticia seemed unimpressed by this, her face expressing annoyance more than anything. Professor Hazel seemed caught off guard by this and stuttered a bit, "Uhh. Y-yeah.. Okay! So Laeticia we have placed you in.. Vincti! Where we believe your ferocity will flourish!"

Laeticia turned and walked off stage as the crowd cheered, some clearly more enthusiastic than others.

Directly after her, Attica was called. She checked her Poketch once more and looked at the boys next to her and smiled. "Wish me luck guys." Attica took a breath and stood, making her way on stage. Attica looked up at the screen as her battle exam replayed bringing her back to that day;

---

She stood across from the examiner, an older man in his late thirties who seemed experienced but kind. He smiled and nodded, Attica did the same. They both launched their Pokeballs out onto the field. Attica sent out her most trusted assistant, Fives. He bounded up on his tail prepared as his opponent formed, an angry looking Doduo. The Doduo launched into a Fury Attack instantly sending is duo beaks striking relentlessly at Fives. Attica ordered him to move and directed him to go between the two heads before she shouted, "Brick Break!" Aipom launched his tail out and caught Doduo right in between the base of it's necks, a critical blow. Her opponent seemed stunned as Doduo came crashing down in a single hit. Attica smiled and pointed to her Aipom, "My dad works at Devon Corp., of course I use TMs." The examiner seemed to appreciate her catching him off guard and spoke, "Reset" he said as she returned Fives.

The two of them threw out fresh Pokemon with Data coming up against a Heatmor. Data's eyes illuminated for a second as he scanned Heatmor with it's Trace ability. Porygon copied Heatmor's Flash Fire and Attica could see this information on her Poketch and smiled unsure if her opponent knew. The two stared each other down and Attica realized he was waiting for her to strike, so she gestured her hand out and called for a Shockwave. Porygon's body illuminated yellow light and a blast of electric energy radiated out. Heatmor with nowhere to go felt itself be blasted but didn't seem that effected, instead it reared its head back upon its trainers call and unleashed a torrent of fire that consumed Porygon. Attica had to actually step back a bit from the heat of the flames which were quickly absorbed into Porygon, much to the surprise of her opponent. Attica smiled. Her opponent resigned.

---

She was now on stage as Professor Hazel continued talking about her, "..and with an IQ of 162, Attica was obvious for Manaphy House!" The crowd applauded as Attica anxiously waved and gave a few nods, trying to remember to smile. She was directed off stage and made her way toward the Manaphy house where few other first years sat and welcomed her. She took her seat and looked over at Laeticia, the girl who definitely stole her PokeNav. No matter though, Attica knew she had it and it wasn't like she was going anywhere far. She turned back to the stage, waiting for Marquis and Max to be placed in their houses.

---

This moment was what Max was waiting for the most. There were numerous Trainers aboard the S.S. Periwinkle with a variety of different Pokemon from different regions. The length of the voyage allowed Max to get to know his cohort mates along with seeing the Pokemon that each of them had. Particularly, Max grew tight with Marquis, who apparently was from Mossdeep City. He learned that Marquis fond of music and dancing, looking forward to the parties that were rumored to be thrown by some of Periwinkle's upperclassmen. Parties were fine and dandy, but Max was itching to know what Pokemon everyone had and how they utilized them in battles.

"Ralts was my first Pokemon," Marquis had told Max. "Then, of course, I caught a Snorunt when my older brothers and I went exploring in Shoal Cave. Low key, we got lost and kinda stumbled upon the Ice Room. You wanna talk about the trouble we got into after the fact? Sheesh... my Pops was hella angry."

Lost in thought as the students went up one by one for their own personal showcase prior to the House placement, Max felt a familiar scurrying in his shirt that nearly caused him to jump. Luckily, no one was able to notice as it only appeared that Max had an itch he couldn't scratch on his back. Everyone else so focused on Nyree's showcase, especially Marquis who was looking on enamored with Nyree's performance... or maybe just her. Moments later, Nyree made her place over to the proud Celebi House section, followed by the roar of the students dressed in green.

"Hm?" Max mused to Attica when she mentioned her lost PokeNav.

"You got it, Attica," Marquis replied encouragingly, giving her a thumbs up in the process as the two boys' eyes followed her to the stage. "I call dibs on Nyree. You should call dibs on Attica."

"What?" Max said, eyes widening slightly. "I didn't... I..."

Bursting into laughter, Marquis bent at the waist and slapped his hands against his knees. Max's response really did tickle him. "I'm kidding, yo. I mean, I'm willing to bet that there are some upper class dudes that will make us completely irrelevant in the eyes of some of these girls. They like older guys anyway, right? More of a reason to prove ourselves while we're here, I guess."

"Oh... right..." Max chuckled nervously, his eyes returning to the screen to see where Attica would be placed. A torrent of water rushed over the screen as the Manaphy logo emerged on it just as Professor Hazel announced her placement which prompted a roar from the blue section of the stadium. Eyes venturing over to the section, Max mistakingly locked eyes with a massive guy who was standing along with the other Manaphy students with his arms folded. The stare didn't appear to be one of ill intent as the guy only looked for a few moments and then gazed elsewhere whenever Attica made her way to the Manaphy section. As more students were called, Max was growing more and more anxious by the moment.

Marquis was eventually called to the stage and by now, Professor Hazel was replaced by Dr. O and suddenly the entire uplifting spirit of the House placement went progressively flat by the Head of Manaphy House's demeanor. Marquis's battle was similar to a boxing match between two fighting Pokemon. It was clear that he preferred to sit back and let his opponent take the lead while he figured out a way to play defense with his Ralts and Snorunt. Once the opportunity presented itself, Marquis instructed his Ralts to use its Psychic powers to use the opponent's Carkol's momentum against it. The same held true for his Snorunt that managed to protect itself from a Sudowoodo's Headbutt and once the Rock-type Pokemon was close enough, Snorunt unleashed a furious Ice Beam attack to come out victorious.

"Marquis's defensive techniques are to be lauded and his... jovial victory dance shortly after winning makes it obvious that he is a person of... high spirits. He will fit in perfectly with the other students within Jirachi." Dr. O said, swiping over on her tablet to prepare for the next student as the Jirachi section proceeded to celebrate, followed by their signature sound effect of a Psyduck Caller, quacking sounds filling up the arena as Marquis ran over excitedly to the yellow section.

One-by-one, several other students were called upon until the battlefield was nearly emptied. As Max was standing there, he was beginning to wonder if he would ever be called upon. Sure enough though, his time had come as he was the only remaining student with all eyes in the stadium wondering where he would be place. Dr. O dryly called him to the stage but that didn't prompt his feet to move. Instead, a slight shock on his right leg caused him to stumble forward, followed immediately by the snickering of students.

"No... you're not supposed to be here..." Max mumbled, seemingly to himself but his comments were directed to someone... something else. Standing on center stage, Max gazed out to the audience as all eyes glanced at the massive screen behind him. His Academy headshot emerged on the screen along with the vitals of his Pokemon as the process began.

---

The process of getting to this point was difficult for Max. He was waiting weeks upon weeks for the results of his application so when he finally received that email from Periwinkle, he was slightly confused as to why it was in his email's junk mail folder along with the fact that it had been forwarded. Either way, the acceptance letter had his name on it along with his personal Trainer ID so it had to have been for him. Even though he made it to the battle examination in the most unlikeliest of ways, Max was determined to prove himself that he was ready to compete with the best of the best.

His battle exam began with Barry, his Mime Jr. against, of all things, a Lickitung. The proctor commanded the tongue Pokemon to use Slam on Barry, but Max immediately called upon his Mime Jr.'s Barrier to lesson the blow and raise his defense in the process. "How about an Encore performance, hm?" Ducking out of the way of Lickitung, Barry quickly clapped his hands at Lickitung as the Pokemon continued slamming its tongue in the Mime Jr.'s direction with Barry dodging it repeatedly until the Lickitung was literally tongue tied. With no where to run or no way to defend itself, Lickitung was left vulnerable as Max called upon Barry's Copycat, the Mime Jr. then slamming its body into Lickitung, knocking it out and coming out on top with the victory.

The final round of the battle exam saw Max's proctor releasing a Shednja. Tossing his own PokeBall forward, Max let out his Ditto, Dizzy, who immediately transformed into a mirror image of the opposition. Max quickly noted the chain around the opposing Shednja's neck along with the claw attached to the necklace. Quick Claw. Shednja quickly struck forward with an Aerial Ace that should have completely got rid of Dizzy, but instead Dizzy remained unfazed. "With a Ditto, you gotta be ready for literally anything. And that goes both ways!" After being attacked, Dizzy had consumed a Focus Sash that kept it alive long enough to respond with an Aerial Ace of its own, knocking the opposition out. Dizzy's body transformed back into his pink blobby state as the two celebrated the victory.

---

The screen shifted to Max's testing scores which were surprisingly lower than the average Periwinkle student. "Despite his... terribly low test scores, Max's preparation in battle accentuates his passion for admission into the academy. Because of this, I would like to welcome our final student, Max Chase, into the Victini House."

The red section of the stadium roared happily, praising Max for his efforts as he made his way to the Victini section, greeted by other students who were excited to see him placed.

Professor Beauregard returned to stage to make his final comments. "And there you have it students! This year's cohort is destined for greatness in every thing that they do! Upperclassmen, I trust that you will help raise up this new set of Trainers and teach them the ways of not only being an exemplar student within their specific houses, but also a student that will represent Periwinkle as well! Many of you are familiar with Periwinkle alumni across the world, including many of our staff. We take pride in our school and hope that you will as well! Now, with everything being settled, I'm sure you all are excited about this evening's festivities! There will be a celebratory event in the Student Union as well as numerous events taking place in the exterior of the campus. As always, please abide by Periwinkle rules but feel free to socialize with one another, take a tour of the campus, locate your dormitory, and things of that nature. We welcome all of you to another year at Periwinkle. Let's make this year the best one yet! Class dismissed!"

---

---

With Headmaster Beauregard's words the First Years were instructed to stand and make their way out of the stadium as the rest of the school applauded for them. The entire time, Attica watched her Poketch and kept an eye out for that one girl in Victini House. The Manaphy House First Years were brought out of the stadium and lead down a long set of concrete sets, away from the other Houses. The faculty members leading them brought them along a stone path that bordered the water's edge. Eventually the First Years merged with the rest of Manaphy House and the faculty members walked away from them, leaving the older students to lead the younger ones with one older student in particular seeming to lead them all.

Attica kept track on her Poketch starting to feel quite anxious about her missing PokeNav when someone tapped her shoulder. Attica turned and saw a tall, brown-skinned Manaphy student smiling with her hand outstretched. It was that girl she saw in the crowd that shot her daggers, Attica took her hand to shake, visibly confused by this girl.

"Hello!~ I saw you in the crowd before the ceremony. My name is Devina." She looked expectanlty at Attica.



"Oh my gosh!~" this girl took Attica's hand into her own and toyed with Attica's curls a bit as she squealed in delight "I love your hair texture oh goodness. You have to let me know your routine."



"So I know this guy in Celebi, he's so cute. Well he texted me and said you were cute. Want his number?"

A boy with a Rockruff by his side keeping in step with him chimed in now "Oh man just leave her alone Devina, jeez." He walked with his arms crossed and his brow furrowed, he and his Rockruff looked terrifying to say the least. Attica was unsure how she didn't notice this giant guy walking just a few feet behind her. "You were in her place last year, it is weird as hell your first few days here. Leave her alone."

The Rockruff gave a small growl as it walked along Tony. Devina scoffed, rolled her eyes and feigned disgust before she strutted off ahead of them talking to another First Year.

"Sorry about her, she's really cool honestly. Just loves to play match maker too much. She's all about bringing stuff to life. At least that's what I think." He smiled warmly at Attica, "I'm Tony by the way. You're Attica right?" Attica shyly nodded keeping her eyes fixed forward and not looking at Tony. "Cool, nice scores by the way I don't think anyone since Minerva did that well. Dr. O seemed impressed to me." Tony gestured toward that girl leading the group, identifying her as Minerva as he continued, "Minerva is easily one of the top five of the school, she's the Ace Student of Manaphy House and Dr. O's protege. If you ask me though there's no way she isn't using some kind of perks to keep up though, I feel sorry for her honestly. She's normally the first to wake up and the last to go to bed." Tony shook his head a bit looking genuinely sad for Minerva's situation.

Attica finally turned and looked at Tony, studying his face for a few seconds as she spoke "Does Dr. O force her to be like that or is she just like that?" All he did was shrug in response and then gestured with his chin ahead of them.

Dr. O sat on a small stone bench that faced out to the sea. She clearly knew the students were approaching but did nothing to acknowledge them until the entire group stopped and Minerva rushed over to her and whispered a few things. Dr. O then stood up, holding a small cup of steaming liquid in her left hand with her right hand tucked under her armpit to give it support. She was a small woman, her body was thin and her head was squarish but somehow she made the air around her ice with her cold gaze. When she spoke it was firmer than you'd imagine and came out with very little emotion.

"Hello students of Manaphy House. Welcome First Years. I am Dr. Toshika Okimaru, you may call me Dr. O. I recognize many of you from last year and see many new faces as well," she scanned the crowd and her eyes met with Attica's for a moment before they drifted on to the rest of the crowd. She took a second to sip her steaming drink and continued, "Every morning except Saturdays, I can be found here on this exact bench at 9am. I take my breakfast here. If you ever wish to speak to me, that is not the time to do it. I say this because at least once a year a student approaches me when I am enjoying my time. If I ever have to repeat this fact to a student of my own House," She held the silence in the crowd for a moment as a power move and continued, "You will regret it."

The crowd was dead silent and Attica could sense the older student's tension. Dr. O spoke once more with a warmth to her voice that wasn't present before, "So welcome to the Periwinkle Institute of Pokemon Academia. I expect a lot from all of you. I expect a lot from House Manaphy." Dr. O then gestured to Minerva and sat down, sipping her steaming cup once more.

Minerva then spoke, her voice light and kind, "Now follow me and let's meet with the rest of the student body, shall we?" As they walked toward the Student Union, Minerva continued to speak but didn't exactly turn to face the group. "So for you First Years. I'm Minerva. I am the Ace Student of Manaphy, only one so far. If you have any issues or questions, concerns. What have you. Come talk to me about it. I can most likely resolve it for you!" She then gestured to the Student Union before them and turned to the group, "Alright! Let's have a good time everyone!"

The entire Manaphy House made their way toward the Student Union and as Attica entered, she once more checked her Poketch for her PokeNav and thought to herself 'I gotta find Max or Nyree, even Marquis. I gotta get my PokeNav back.'

---

Ten minutes pass as Attica wanders about the Student Union, it seems as if Manaphy was only second to arrive as the students of Celebi were already there. A couple of the older students greeted each other and it became clear quickly who the odd first years were. Attica found herself leaning on a railing overlooking the enterance of the Student Union checking her Poketch obsessively, waiting for her friends and that thief to walk in.

Attica looked outside on the grounds before the Student Union, through the massive windows above the doorway. She could see Minerva alongside the other Celebi Ace Students as they waited for the other houses to arrive. Minerva stood with her arms folded behind her back and swayed a bit as she talked amongst the other Aces. Attica thought of the people she met so far in Manaphy House and how unbearable they all were including Dr. O who seemed down right toxic in some ways. 'Am I unbearable and snobby? Attica began to wonder about herself. At that moment she looked down at Tony who was standing in a circle with boys from Celebi laughing, his Rockruff right there laying at his feet. It was good to know some students in Manaphy were tolerable. Maybe Attica was too.

---

As the placement event ended, the students in the four varying Houses were separated away from one another, initiating a time for them to connect with the other members of their House cohort as well as meeting with some of the upperclassmen. As Max merged into the traffic of other Victini students, his head turned and his eyes wandered over to the other students walking in the opposite direction. From the looks of it, Marquis and Nyree were at least paired together in Jirachi, but Attica appeared to have "suffered" the same fate as he did in not having a familiar, friendly face within their house. The good thing about being in Victini, though, was that that Elliott guy was in Celebi. Sure, he would have to see him soon enough, but Max was grateful that he wouldn't be sharing a dorm room with him... or anyone else that was an asshole of a personality.

"Take a picture, it'll last longer," a voice said from beside Max, causing him to turn and see the girl from before who was placed into Victini with him. Max recalled watching her battle where her Poipole absolutely dominated against the proctor's Pokemon. She was about the same height as mask with short but curly blonde hair and a gaze that could burn a whole through someone's body. With folded arms, she gave off an abrasive 'hmph' and walked past him along with a few other Victini students. Turning to pause in place, Max observed the girl, Laeticia was the name that he remembered, and narrowed his eyes at her backpack, noticing that it was slightly open and... was that Attica's PokeNav?

Max was about to take a few steps forward to confront the girl, but was caught off guard by another one who looked much friendlier than Laeticia did. Her vanilla aroma was faint but provided a magnetic pull to Max that directed his attention, completely disregarding Attica's PokeNav trapped in Laeticia's bag disappearing into a crowd of other Victini students.

"I promise we're not all like that," she said with a dimpled smirk at Max. Running a hand through her lengthy black hair, she adjusted her shimmery red bomber jacket with the Victini logo on the left breast of it. "I'm honestly legitimately surprised that she didn't make it into Celebi or something but... what can you do? Anyway... Alola! I'm Maria. This is my second year at Periwinkle. It's crazy because I feel like it was just yesterday that I was in your shoes: a wide-eyed First Year just trying to make sense of everything around me." Pausing for a moment, Maria lifted her hand to her mouth in slight realization that she may have trapped Max into a conversation he didn't want or didn't need at this time. The First Years were supposed to be meeting up with Professor Nawi prior to the social. "Ugh! Sorry umm... what was your name again?"

To say that Max was smitten would have been an understatement. He was sure that he was at minimum blushing slightly judging by the warmth rushing to his ears and face. "No... no it's cool. I'm Max," he stammered.

"Max... got it. Well Maxie, c'mon. We gotta catch you up with everyone else. Professor Nawi's a sweetheart, but she doesn't like people late for her classes. Remember that!" Maria said with a nod, reaching out to grab Max's wrist and tugged him in the direction of the other Victini students.

The Victini dorms were within a considerable walking distance from the main battle stadium. The corridor that led to the Victini area was decorated with crimson decor and the Victini logo against a brick wall. On the far side of the corridor was a lobby area where the Victini students could check in and directly adjacent from that was a set of double doors that Maria pushed her hand through to open, leading Max outside just in time to catch Professor Nawi beginning her spill to the Victini students. Everyone was gathered on a miniature battlefield near the center and in the far view behind Professor Nawi was a statue of Nidorino doing battle against a Gengar, a nod to one of the original broadcasts of the first Pokemon League many years ago.

"I'll talk to you later Maxie, gotta go find my friends. See you later at the social?" Maria said with smile and a nod, not really giving him an opportunity to respond as she slithered off through the crowd of students and out of Max's viewpoint.

He kept his eyes on Maria until she disappeared, but Max strangely still felt something on his wrist until he realized what it was. Glancing down at his hand, he noticed a yellow, furry Joltik glancing up at him with intent and pure joy on its face. "What the.... what are you doing here!?" Max whispered and yelled behind bared teeth. Chittering playfully, the Joltik scurried back up Max's sleeve before he could get ahold of it and instead had to not look completely uncomfortable in knowing that the Joltik from his home at managed to latch onto him en route to his first day at Periwinkle.

"Hiiii my Victini babies!" Professor Nawi cooed in an adoring fashion as her dark eyes scanned over the crop of First Years with the upperclassmen standing in the background. My name is Professor Sylvia Nawi. In case you didn't know, I am the Head of House for Victini... a former Victini myself and I take pride in ensuring the progression of all my babies. Even my Fourth Years that are preparing to leave the nest after this year!" Looking up to the group of older students, Professor Nawi lifted her hands to her lips and blew kisses in their direction. "Okay... enough about me. House Victini prides itself on displaying a burning passion in the classroom, in the field, and in battle. Exude the victorious spirit of Victini and you will go far. I am available whenever you need me, but you can definitely find me in the Day Care area if I'm not in my office, teaching a class or doing anything else. Welcome to Periwinkle! Now... our Ace Students will takeover from here." Gesturing her hand towards the three students that were standing off to the side, the trio of students glanced at each other momentarily before the red head that Max recognized in the audience before stepped forward awkwardly.

"Um... hey guys. I'm Nora and..." she said before halting momentarily to gesture over the two guys who were also Ace Students. "Basically... we're here to help you as best as possible while also holding firm to what Professor Nawi said about being a passionate bunch. But I'll save you the deep narrative. I'm sure you all want to head over to the social in the Student Union. Just find one of us, you can't miss us as we have the Ace Student patch on our jackets. Let's move out."

Ace Student. There must have been an immense amount of respect that came with being an Ace Student, at least that's what Max liked to think. As the group moved along behind Nora and the other two Ace Students, Max followed with the rest of the pack, spotting Maria once again, talking to some guy and playfully slapping him on the shoulder. Okay, maybe she's just friendly with everyone? Max pondered the thought as he felt a friendly shock on his right shoulder blade causing him to flinch slightly. It didn't hurt per se, but it did manage to tickle him. "...stop it..." Max mumbled lowly to the Joltik.

---

The Victini House was the lab group to arrive at the Student Union. As Max walked around, he bit on his lower lip feeling slightly out of place of the other students. There was no sight of Maria anymore, he saw Marquis mingling with some of the other Jirachi students and the Victini students had somewhat cliqued together along the way here. So, instead of just looking lost, Max slipped his hands into his pockets and strolled around the union to soak in all of its glory. There were several students out in the quad, other lingering in the entry between that and the Union, as well as students inside taking in some of the food and showcasing their respective Pokemon.

Making his way to the snack table, Max leaned over to reach for a cookie when a thin web shot from his arm sleeve, pulling in a small cookie crumb. "Seriously," Max quipped with a slightly chuckle, using his free hand to grab a chocolate chip cookie... or a couple, and stuff them on top of a napkin as he made his way around the table and found a flight of stairs that was outlined by a railing. Finally, there was a familiar face in Attica who seemed to be just chilling on her own at the top of the stairwell that was flanked by the spiraling staircase on either side of it. Behind where she stood was another brief staircase that led to a lounge area with windows and a few doors on either side of the small lobby.

"Sup?" Max said with a head nod, offering up one of his cookies to her as he held out the napkin with a small tower of the treats on it. "Still can't believe how crazy this whole school is. Can you believe we get to study here? I mean... sometimes I low key think that I'm not even supposed to be here..." Max's written scores certainly weren't the best, but he assumed his tactics on the battlefield helped his case tremendously at the end of the day. Before he could finish his statement, he shrugged, shaking his head as he popped a piece of cookie in his mouth. "Any luck making friends? I see Marquis and Nyree are fitting in well with Jirachi."

He pointed over to the group of students donning their yellow-ish gold paraphernalia with Marquis square in the middle looking as if he was explaining a story. Nyree was there in the crowd as well, but was rolling her eyes at Marquis. Leaning against the rail, Max continued nibbling on the cookies in his possession, occasionally having the thought of sitting crumbs on his wrist as a small web of string shot out to pull the crumbs inside the arm of his jacket. Below on the first level, was the guy that Devina was referring to. He was dressed in a Celebi green pullover, taking a gracious sip from his plastic cup. He just so happened to glance up at the railing to spot Attica (and Max), giving her a slight wave before carrying on with his conversation with his other Housemates and Tony.

"By the way... you did say your PokeNav was like... a lavender color or something right? I saw it in Laeticia's bag on the way to our meetup with Professor Nawi," Max added, turning his back to the railing and leaning against it. "I dunno if she stole it or whatever... maybe she found or something? Either way, you could just ask for it back? Or... we could just steal it back." A mischievous look was painted on his features. If he was going to have an "unwanted" passenger come to Periwinkle with him, then he was going to at least try and put the Joltik to work.

---

---

---

Attica had been standing there at the railing overlooking the main entrance and watched the majority of the students pour in. When she noted all four colors of the house were inside she realized Max, Marquis and Nyree must've gotten past her without her noticing. Just when she decided to leave and look for them she heard a familiar voice approaching her. She looked over at Max and smiled a bit, "Sup?" he said while offering he a cookie. She gave her head a slight shake turning down the cookie, food wasn't important now.

"Hello. I was just looking for you and the others."



"Imposter syndrome. We all get it. I think personally it is a sign of intelligence you know? Self awareness of your flaws and humanity. You wouldn't have been admitted if you didn't have a chance though, something about you was above average enough for them to consider you a worthy applicant." Attica moved a lot as she spoke. She shrugged a few times as her hands and neck danced about.



"Sorta. No." Attica shrugged and went quiet for a moment when she looked down as the kid waving to her. Coldly she turned back to Max. "Well kinda I guess. That kid right there Tony he's sorta okay. And some girl tried to set me up with someone I think but I'm not interested in that. I guess she might have been trying to be friends. I dunno. I suppose it doesn't matter."

Attica wasn't too worried about her social side of the school. Making friends, establishing relationships, learning about people. These were secondary to her goal of exploring the limit of Technology. She wanted to improve lives and remove potential suffering not entertain selfish impulses of neediness and insecurity. She shook herself clear of these thoughts and looked over to Max who was looking at her.



Attica's jaw dropped.



Before Max could even finish his sentence, Attica was plotting.

They would be going to a group meal after this meet up and after that there would be free time before being expected to head to bed for the night and going to introductory classes in the morning. That means the best time to steal it back would be during the meal or during the night as she slept. Max has access to the Victini common rooms and Attica could probably disable the security system well enough so that cameras don't see what they're up to.

"Okay, we steal it." Attica's voice got low as she leaned on the railing close to Max. She pressed herself shoulder to shoulder and spoke softy. "I think I can disable some cameras temporarily to conceal our activities, my Porygon can travel through cyberspace by transforming itself into data and my Aipom is great for sneaking. If you're actually proposing to help me get my PokeNav back then I'm gonna need your help to get me into the common room but I don't wanna risk you getting caught so we have to be smart about this. So this is what I'm thinking, you-" Just then a group of Victini students walked past causing Attica to silence herself. When they passed she grabbed Max's hand and mumbled, "Come on, follow me."

She lead him up one of the spiral staircases behind them and came up to what looked like a study area of some sort. A few students sat up here playing a couple card games of some sort. Attica pulled Max along and held his hand, feigning as a couple to draw less attention. She pulled him in between two sets of bookcases and looked around. Noticing no one she lifted up her Poketch and began typing on it and pressing various buttons as she spoke.

"Okay. I think 3:33am. Easy to remember right? I'll call you through my Poketch and I'll let you know when to open the door and let me in. I might need you to guide me around the common room a bit. Maybe even be a look out." Attica paused and looked up at him in the eyes, "You okay with all this Max? I'm asking a lot here."

---

About a half hour later they were seated with their houses and a fantastic spread of food was laid out before them. Not like the chips, cookies and other bits offered during the celebratory event at the Student Union. There was actual meat and dishes here. Distracted by her missing PokeNav Attica barely touched her food, she had a salad before her and occassionally jabbed at it with her fork. But most of the time was spent gazing across the cafeteria and checking her Poketch.

She messaged Max, 'Any sign of Laeticia? What is she up to?' It was a silly question. Nothing she was doing at this moment could really impact their plan. Attica was just anxiously waiting for her moment to strike back and felt herself becoming obsessed with this entire ordeal.

A kind voice pierced her train of thought, "Hey.. are you alright?" Attica looked up to see Minerva, the Ace Student sitting across from her. "You look very nervous. Something wrong?" She pressed when Attica failed to respond.



"Good! Well I'm Minerva. If you ever need to talk I'm here." She pressed a hand out for Attica to shake, which she reluctantly took.

As they shook hands and held each others eyes for that moment, something existed in that space. There was something about Minerva's energy made her uncomfortable but not in a fearful way. More like an odd intensity that existed between them, Attica couldn't label it but she could sense it.

"And you are??" Minerva said as their hands fell away from one another.



"Attica. I like that name. Well Attica no need to apologize, my first day was rough too." Minerva gave a genuine smile and looked at Attica realizing there would be no conversation to be had. She pressed her lips together tightly and gave a short nod, "Well Attica good luck at the Academy. I hope we talk again." Minvera's eyes held onto Attica for a moment too long before she walked off.

Attica lifted her Poketch up and checked her messages, she needed her PokeNav back. Her father had given her that and helped her develop the software for it. It was something that held a piece of him that was still functioning and she needed it back. She sighed heavily and took in another mouthful of salad.

---

Smirking at Attica, Max nodded his head shortly after she agreed that they both could find a way to steal it. Mischievousness was something that Max had grown accustomed to, particularly in his younger years. Growing up in Castelia City, he had to get creative in order to get what he wanted, for better or worse.

---

Castelia was a massive city with people walking up and down along the crowded sidewalks getting to their destination. Being the communication hub of the Unova region, it wasn't uncommon to see businesspeople crossing paths with the homeless. In the same vein, it was also commonplace to see a powerful Trainer showcasing a Hydreigon or the random Trubbish and occasional Garbodor nestled in the dark alleys that were littered across the streets. Max was just a boy with too much freedom and time on his hands that his mishaps with his friends often led him to do reckless things.

"Aaaand... now, Webster," Max said lowly, holding his hand in an inconspicuous manner. A yellow, furry Joltik slowly scrambled down the inside of his jacket's sleeve, perching itself on his wrist. Webster's blue eyes glistened slightly, sharpening his accuracy via the special ability Compound Eyes, and then fired a length web through a crowd people, landing directly in the suit pocket of a man dressed in a navy blue suit. Too busy holding an important conversation on his cell phone, the man didn't realize that Webster's web retracted, pulling a thick, leather wallet out of the jacket and whipping back into Max's hands. "Haha... good work, Webster," Max responded, stepping to the side and away from the flowing traffic of people.

Unfolding the wallet, he looked through the man's belongings. Trainer ID, gift card, a few dollars here and there... nothing of consequence of course.

"You would think the guy would have a credit card at least," Max mumbled, rolling his eyes and tossing the wallet into an alley, unbeknownst to him that it would smack a resting Garbodor, laying beside a small pyramid of plastic bags that were surrounding a royal blue garbage toter. Grumbling initially, the Garbodor eventually roared out in displeasure of having its nap interrupted, setting its sights on the culprit: Max. Another bellowing roar alert the boy, as he turned to see the Trash Heap Pokemon scurrying towards him quickly. "Shit! Webster let's go!"

Webster latched its legs firmly to the bottom of Max's wrist and began shooting its web against the side of buildings. The web was strong enough to sustain Max's body, but the Joltik was going to be in need of additional support in order to keep this momentum in a balanced way. Fortunately, Dizzy, who was resting inside of Max's backpack, oozed its way out, quickly transforming into a Joltik and attached itself to Max's other wrist so that he could repeat the motion with both Joltiks rhythmically shooting their webs. Meanwhile, the Garbodor was close on Max's tail, frightening civilians along the way. However, the Pokemon's sights were on Max and Max alone. Coughing vehemently, Garbodor hurled a Sludge Bomb from its mouth that caught on to one of the slinging webs.

"No-no-no-no..." Max exclaimed, successfully colliding with the fabric covering of a food stand that spring boarded him up into the air and crashing through a window of a building's third floor. Landing on his butt, Max lifted a hand up and rubbed his head before staring up at the group of office workers who were not pleased with their floor being broken in to by a kid. Chuckling, Max waved at them and said, "Um... can you show me where the restroom is?"

---

Max followed Attica, albeit forcefully since she literally grabbed his hand and pulled him wherever it was she was taking him. The group of students gave them a surprised look, wondering how two students could possibly be already paired up within the first day of them actually meeting each other. Before Max could even make a facial expression to assure them that nothing was going on between he and Attica, they were situated in between two bookcases if you wanted to call that privacy.

"3:33... gotcha..." Max nodded, though he was certain he was going to struggle to get up at that time. He lifted his own Poketch and set multiple alarms. Glancing up at her, he nodded his head at Attica. "Yep, I'm good with this. She's been creeping me out anyway so... stealing what's rightfully yours and getting it back is gonna be satisfying."

---

When the Victini students met up together prior to the meal, Max had the intent on keeping his eye out for Laeticia... but she was so damn elusive. It was clear that she was an excellent student given her scores and even the effortless manner in which she was able to defeat the proctor of her battle exam. Yet, it was difficult to read her because she literally never spoke or interacted with other students save for the few words she uttered to him when he was staring back at his friends. When Max did see her, she had her nose buried in her devices, as if she was waiting for a phone call or a message. Maybe she was just socially awkward? Did that relate to the fact she wouldn't return Attica's PokeNav? Max couldn't call it.

'No. No sign of her. She's actually not even here for dinner.'

Max responded to Attica as some of the Victini students walked in, but he had the misfortune of bumping into the absolute wrong person at the entry way of the dining hall. Turning slowly on her heel, Dr. O gave him the slightest but most powerful of scowls, sizing him up momentarily before barely softening the expression on her features.

"I suppose you're deprived of manners, hm?" she said coldly, giving Max a quick look over and then realizing who he was. "Ah, yes... Maxim Chase from Castelia City. Mediocre performance in the battle examination and a dreadful written score. It's a disservice to Periwinkle that we've allowed you in our corridors. Beauregard has gotten soft in his old age, letting just anyone admitted into the academy. You listen here, and listen good boy. Any amount of slip up, misbehavior, poor grades... I will gladly have you removed from the cohort."

Max was frozen in place, mouth slightly ajar. "I... I'm sorry... ma'am..."

"Sorry is putting it nicely, Mr. Chase," she snapped back at him, nodding her head towards the dining room. "Go before I expedite the expulsion process."

With Beauregard promoting school pride on this particular day, students were given the opportunity to sit wherever they pleased in the dining hall. After Max grabbed his food, he glanced around for somewhere to sit and saw Marquis, Nyree and another student donning a Celebi green blazer pulling up a seat with Attica. When Max came over, Marquis slid over so that he could sit between Attica and him.

"Not tryna stir anything up but uhhh..." Nyree began, her dark eyes glancing from Attica to Max. "...word on the street is that you two were spotted holding hands walking off somewhere else..."

"What!?" Max said, his face with genuine disbelief. Looking over at Attica, Max scoffed and waved off the thought. "No... that's not how it actually was. Anyway. You guys been good?" He glanced over at Marquis, realizing that he hadn't met the Celebi student.

"Nyree's just mad because I ain't held her hand yet," Marquis teased, winking at her playfully. "So far so good though. Apparently they're gonna have tryout for the House Battle Tournament in the next few weeks. Think I'ma try out for Jirachi's team. I heard that some of the upperclassmen are inviting some of the First Year's to some secret 'tryout' after curfew. I haven't heard anything yet though so..." Marquis shrugged.

Max's interest was piqued at the prospects of being involved in the House Battle Tournament, but knew that he needed to strengthen his team if he stood any chance of making it. Someone like Laeticia would surely be invited to this secret tryout. He glanced over at Attica and lifted a brow.

---