Chapter 26: Uncomfortable

  I wake up with a jolt, surrounded by the dim light of my new dorm room in the Academy. At first glance, it seems almost as spacious as my old bedroom at home, though it feels emptier than I’d like. Part of it is because I was only allowed to bring the essentials, preventing me from cluttering the space with my old junk.

  As I sit at the edge of the bed, I silently observe the furniture around me: a gray metal desk with a couple of drawers, a white closet on one side, and, very close to my headboard, a small yellowish lamp that doesn’t give off much heat.

  I get up slowly, stretching. I roll my shoulders and feel a dull ache in my side—a reminder of my time in the hospital. I sigh, trying to shake off the lingering fatigue that clings to me. Even after days of rest, my body doesn’t seem entirely willing to return to routine. But there’s no choice: I’m now in Class B, an unexpected promotion that still has my heart racing.

  I glance at the wall, where the winter jacket I bought last night at the student store hangs. I smile bitterly—it cost me almost all my savings. I needed a thick coat because, according to Professor Blaine, our next expedition will be to the Seafoam Islands, a frozen place where I wouldn’t survive with my normal clothes. The Academy has internal stores with discounts for students, something that is theoretically beneficial… but my wallet was still left nearly empty.

  I run my hand over the warm fabric and glance at the rest of my new purchases: on the floor, a small corrosion-resistant mat, meant for Dozy, my Grimer, to sleep on without damaging the tiles. For Noizy, my Zubat, I got something like a hanging house that attaches to the ceiling and serves as a perch. Creepy, my Gastly, was trickier. I wasn’t sure if he needed to sleep or not, but in the “decorations” section, I found what was basically a decorative tombstone for ghostly environments and ended up buying it. Ridiculous, but I figured if I wanted a spot “fitting” for his style, that would be enough to keep him entertained.

  I recall my shopping trip last night: I bought healing items like potions and some toxin-rich food for my Poison-type Pokémon. Between the purchases and the jacket, I wiped out my money. It reassures me to know that the Academy has a system of internal battles and wagers that allows students to earn cash, as long as they prove their skill in the field.

  Not that I want to fight for money, but I might not have a choice if I want to cover my Pokémon’s future needs.

  —Well, Aspen, time to go, —I whisper to myself. I always talk quietly when no one else is in the room.

  I pack my notebook and a couple of pens into my bag. Then, I check the belt with my Poké Balls: Dozy, Noizy, and Creepy—all there. A slight tingling fills my chest as I realize that, in just a few weeks, I’ve caught two new Pokémon, both with strong personalities and, more importantly, unusual powers.

  I don’t feel entirely connected to them yet—except for Dozy, who has been with me since he hatched a year ago. But Noizy and Creepy… their personalities both fascinate and unsettle me. Especially Gastly, who sometimes amuses himself by scaring me with eerie noises or visions.

  Academy Hallways

  As I step into the hallway, I notice that the Academy dormitory is larger than I imagined. Students come and go, some wearing different uniforms—most of Class B wears the same one as me, with a badge on the shoulder indicating their rank.

  The funny thing is that many of them look incredibly attractive, as if Class B had gathered the most striking students in the Academy. Or at least, the most peculiar.

  I walk in silence, trying not to attract attention. It’s a huge change: going from living at home to adapting to an entirely new environment, with my Pokémon and I adjusting.

  I think briefly about earning money on the battlefields. I imagine Dozy fighting opponents, Noizy using her sound-based attacks to confuse people. Not to mention Creepy and his Shadow Tag ability… It would be interesting, but it all sounds too ambitious.

  Still, if I don’t do it, I’ll end up broke.

  —Hey, Meloc! —someone shouts behind me.

  I flinch and turn around, but I only see a couple of classmates who aren’t even looking at me.

  I stay puzzled for a few seconds until I realize that maybe that voice was calling someone else.

  I sigh, relieved that I don’t have to answer.

  Class B Lecture Hall

  When I reach the main classroom for Class B, nervousness washes over me. Yesterday, I was shocked to discover I was in the same class as Vera and Kara. Today, there’s no escape—I’ll have to face them directly.

  I push the door open and step inside.

  The room is more like a small auditorium, with tiered seating arranged in a semicircle. There are no rows of desks, but cushioned seats with foldable writing surfaces.

  There are still a few minutes before class starts, but many students are already seated, chatting in groups, bragging about battles or discussing their plans.

  I scan the room, noticing that some groups have taken the upper rows. In the distance, I recognize a broad-shouldered guy talking about “my unstoppable Growlithe,” while another replies, “well, my Scyther is level 28.”

  Everyone seems to have their Pokémon inside their Poké Balls, as required in classrooms.

  A chill runs down my spine as I imagine that, if someone messes up, we could have a Scyther running loose in class.

  What a nightmare.

  I walk carefully, trying not to draw attention, and spot a large group in the center.

  Several students surround two familiar figures—Vera and Kara.

  I stop in my tracks, unsure whether to approach.

  It looks like many people are gathered around them to talk, laugh, and exchange information. I get the impression they’re some kind of celebrities.

  I’m not surprised: Vera, with her deep crimson hair, sharp pink eyes, delicate features, and porcelain-pale skin, is extremely rare—being a psychic places her among the top students in class.

  Meanwhile, Kara, tall and athletic, with dark skin, navy blue hair, and piercing sky-blue eyes, also stands out with her powerful physique and aura control.

  Rumor has it that her ranking in Class B is among the highest.

  I swallow hard and stop a few steps away.

  I want to interact with them since they’re my expedition teammates, to tell them we need to plan something.

  But it feels impossible—the crowd bombards them with questions, stories, and laughter.

  At that moment, I notice a glowing panel on the wall, displaying the rotating rankings for “Class B Power Rankings.”

  I glance at the list:

  In second place, “Vera Espern.”

  In third place, “Kara Auralis.”

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  The first place belongs to someone I don’t know: “Ethan Joy.”

  My eyes continue scanning, and suddenly, I freeze.

  Eighth place: “Aspen Meloc.”

  My heart nearly stops.

  “How…?”

  I breathe heavily.

  No one associates that name with me—at least, not yet.

  I assume they haven’t seen me in a formal battle. Maybe my actions in the cave and the Tower were recorded by the Academy.

  But since there were no videos or confirmations, people haven’t linked that “Aspen Meloc” to me.

  At least, not until they see me forming an expedition group with Vera and Kara.

  “Maybe it’s better this way,” I reflect.

  I’m not comfortable with the idea of being ranked—especially in the Top 10.

  In class, I probably look weak—a short, round-faced guy.

  Nobody looks at me and thinks “Top 10 in Class B”—one of the most likely candidates to move up to Class A, which only has ten students.

  I remain still, waiting for the crowd to disperse so I can talk to Vera and Kara, but it doesn’t happen.

  More people keep joining.

  I decide to wait for another time.

  I find an empty row of seats near the back and sit down, trying to go unnoticed.

  I look around and notice that several students wear elegant or eye-catching clothes. I suddenly feel a bit underdressed in my simple jacket and regular pants. At the Academy, many take fashion seriously.

  —Silence, please! —a voice suddenly booms through the lecture hall.

  Several heads turn—it’s Blaine, who has just entered.

  Everyone takes their seats, including Vera and Kara, who finally break away from the crowd and settle in the upper rows. I notice that Vera ends up sitting just a couple of rows above me, her posture straight, her chin held high. Kara, next to her, lounges with her broad frame and relaxed stance. From my seat, I can see part of Vera’s profile, her crimson hair cascading down one side, and Kara’s thick, dark blue mane resting on her shoulders.

  The professor speaks in a firm tone:

  —Good morning, everyone. Before we begin today’s session, there are a couple of announcements. The expedition to the Seafoam Islands will take place in a few days. Each group must decide which Pokémon they will study, in addition to preparing the logistics for the trip. And while we’re on the subject, let me remind you of the safety regulations: the islands are a frozen territory, with dangerous underwater currents. Don’t take unnecessary risks—unless you want to fail… or worse.

  A lump forms in my throat, recalling my experience in Cerulean Cave. I’m not in the mood for another deadly expedition, but I have no choice.

  I glance at the girls.

  Vera sits upright, expression unreadable, while Kara rummages through her backpack.

  I’m about to raise my hand to wave at them when Kara suddenly turns and locks eyes with me.

  —Aspen! —she exclaims in a relatively low voice, but loud enough for the middle row to turn their heads. She smiles, her sky-blue eyes gleaming—Hey, kid, you’re in my class!

  Her tone is genuinely cheerful.

  I respond with a nervous smile.

  —Y-yeah… they promoted me to Class B, —I explain— You know, weird Academy stuff.

  Kara chuckles softly.

  —Interesting. I guess you deserve it after all the crazy stuff you pulled. How are you feeling? I thought you’d be in bed a little longer.

  I notice a couple of students paying attention. I feel nervous and shrug.

  —I’m… better. Thanks. —I smile, avoiding direct eye contact. She’s tall, and her deep brown skin contrasts sharply with her dark blue hair. She intimidates me a little.

  —Hey, Vera, —Kara nudges her friend— See? He’s here too. Aren’t you glad?

  The psychic girl turns her head, her pink eyes locking onto mine. Her delicate features and wine-red hair give her an almost porcelain-doll appearance.

  But the annoyed look she gives me stings.

  With a slight tilt of her lips, she gives me a silent “hello,” a brief nod. But in her eyes, there’s a trace of resentment.

  She’s probably still mad about the misunderstandings we had—I remember that I borrowed some of her books from the library, and in the cave, she practically hunted me down to get them back.

  Not to mention the incident where I mentioned Sabrina, and she nearly killed me for it.

  —H-hello, Vera, —I murmur as neutrally as possible.

  She nods and turns her attention back to Blaine.

  The professor resumes his speech, explaining that while the expedition is optional for other classes, in Class B, it is mandatory for the final field grade.

  I rub my hands together, feeling another chill.

  Just what I needed.

  When the explanation ends, the room fills with murmurs. Groups begin gathering, and Blaine insists that everyone choose a Pokémon to study or capture.

  —I-I don’t know what we’re going after, —I whisper from my seat, leaning back slightly to address Kara and Vera.

  Vera exhales sharply and responds impatiently:

  —I already decided.

  The class buzzes with discussions. Many students talk about wanting to find a Seel, a Shellder, or a Krabby. Others speculate about the possibility of encountering a Lapras, though it seems unlikely.

  Kara stretches and shrugs.

  —I won’t capture anything unless it’s a Fighting type. Besides, I already have my third Pokémon, so it’s not a priority. I just want a good fight.

  I notice Vera glancing away, trying not to seem interested.

  —I need a Water-type with Psychic properties. And I already have one in mind. Plus, I have to go to a specific location on this expedition for personal reasons.

  —Oh yeah? —I comment casually, curious but hesitant to ask more.

  Her serious demeanor makes me wary of pushing further.

  —Yeah, Aspen, —Kara chimes in with her usual bluntness— Vera needs to expand her psychic skillset or something like that. You’re the first to know—well, after me, of course.

  Vera blinks in annoyance.

  —Don’t be ridiculous, Auralis. It’s not about my psychic powers, it’s about…

  She abruptly stops when she notices the professor turning back to the class, demanding silence again.

  Everyone straightens up as Blaine’s voice booms:

  —Alright, finalize your decisions. You will have a few hours after class to plan. In two days, we will depart for the Seafoam Islands. Make sure to prepare: bring warm clothes, Repels, and everything necessary.

  My heart pounds.

  Two days is not enough time to bond with my teammates or create a solid strategy.

  But I can’t fall behind.

  I glance at Kara, who gives me an excited look, and then at Vera, her face unreadable.

  I wonder if this mix of personalities will be a powerful weapon or a complete disaster.

  The professor continues explaining the wildlife of Seafoam. I struggle to concentrate—my mind is spinning.

  The class stretches longer due to interruptions.

  I see many students taking notes, including Kara and Vera, surrounded by a few admirers in the nearby rows.

  At last, the class ends with the usual dismissal.

  The murmur of students rising from their seats signals the end of the session.

  I hesitate, half-standing, unsure if I should approach Vera and Kara.

  But I feel awkward—I’m not good at handling crowds.

  Holding my breath, I climb a couple of steps to meet them.

  —Hey, girls. Uh… can we talk about the expedition?

  Kara immediately responds with a wide smile and claps me on the shoulder, nearly knocking me off balance with her strength.

  —Of course!

  Vera looks at me with mild indifference.

  —Don’t overthink it, —she mutters— We choose a Pokémon, train, research, and that’s it.

  —A Pokémon? —I repeat— Any idea what we’re looking for? Seafoam has a lot of different—

  —I don’t know if we should go after an Ice-type or a Water-type.*

  Kara shrugs.

  —I’ll go with whatever Vera wants. She needs this, so it’s fair.

  I glance at her, confused.

  “Did they become friends?” I wonder.

  They seem coordinated.

  I vaguely remember that, in the cave, Vera and Kara worked together at one point.

  Vera, with her usual coldness, responds:

  —It will be a Shellder.