The persistent beeping of the VireBand yanked Isabelle out of a deep sleep, its sound far too cheery for such an early hour.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The sharp, rhythmic chirp of the VireBand cut through the haze of Isabelle’s dreams like a Hyper Beam to the face. Groaning, she rolled over, burying her head under the pillow. The alarm didn’t care. It kept going, persistent and merciless.

“Alright, alright, I get it,” she grumbled, fumbling to shut it off. Her hand found the VireBand on the nightstand, and she tapped at the screen blindly until the noise blessedly stopped. “First day in a new city, and I’m already being bullied by technology.”

Azzy—Missy when she was feeling particularly mischievous—chirped from the foot of the bed, bouncing lightly on her tail. Isabelle peeked out from under her pillow to see the little Azurill wagging her tail energetically, as if to say, Come on, sleepyhead, let’s go!

“Morning, Missy,” Isabelle muttered, sitting up and stretching. “You’re chipper as always. Meanwhile, I’m over here questioning my life choices.”

Azzy hopped closer, nuzzling against her arm. Isabelle couldn’t help but smile. “Alright, fine. Let’s do this.”

She swung her legs over the side of the bed, the hardwood floor cool against her feet. Her room was still a semi-organized chaos of boxes, but at least her desk and mirror were clear. Isabelle grabbed her brush and ran it through her hair, glancing at the mirror with a skeptical eye. “Good enough,” she decided, tying her hair into a loose ponytail.

Her morning routine unfolded with a mix of grogginess and determination. Splashing cold water on her face jolted her awake, and she meticulously went through her skincare steps—cleanser, toner, moisturizer—because if she was going to face a day full of strangers, she might as well have glowing skin.

“Today’s the day, Missy,” she said, brushing her teeth with one hand while Azzy watched from the sink. “We’re going to be on time, look semi-presentable, and not trip over our own feet. Aim high, right?”

Azzy squeaked encouragingly, bouncing up and down on the counter.

She glanced at the clock on her VireBand. “Okay, twenty minutes to breakfast. Let’s pick up the pace.”

Isabelle turned to the uniform hanging neatly on her closet door, sent ahead of her move to Lumora. The pleated skirt and blazer weren’t her usual style—Verdantia’s schools hadn’t been quite so formal—but the colors were nice: navy with accents of light blue and silver. She pulled it on, smoothing out the fabric as Azzy watched intently.

“What do you think, Missy? Am I giving ‘responsible student’ vibes, or do I look like someone playing dress-up?”

Azzy tilted her head, then chirped approvingly.

“I’ll take that as a win,” Isabelle said, grabbing her socks and shoes.

By the time she made it to the kitchen, the smell of sizzling eggs and toasted bread filled the air. Émile was at the stove, humming softly as he flipped something in a pan. Isabelle’s stomach growled in response.

“Morning, Dad,” she said, sitting down at the small kitchen table. Azzy hopped onto a stool beside her, her nose twitching at the aroma.

“Good morning, Izzy,” Émile replied, his tone warm and cheerful. “How’d you sleep?”

“Like a rock until my VireBand decided to audition as a noise machine,” she said, yawning.

He laughed, setting a plate in front of her. Scrambled eggs, toast, and a side of sliced berries. Simple but comforting. “That means it worked. Can’t have you late on your first day.”

Isabelle rolled her eyes but smiled. “Thanks for breakfast.”

As they ate, Émile chatted about his plans for the day at VireTech, his excitement evident. “We’re testing a new prototype for sustainable energy grids using Electric-type Pokémon,” he said, gesturing animatedly. “If it works, it could revolutionize how we power cities.”

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“That’s pretty cool,” Isabelle admitted, taking a bite of her toast. “Do you actually get to work with the Pokémon?”

“Sometimes,” Émile said, smiling. “Though I leave most of the handling to the experts. I’m more of the ‘make sure it doesn’t blow up’ guy.”

Isabelle laughed. “Good to know Lumora’s safety is in your hands.”

They fell into an easy rhythm, the kind of warm, familiar routine that made Isabelle’s new surroundings feel a little less intimidating. The kitchen was small but cozy, the light from the window casting a soft glow over the table. Azzy nibbled on a berry Émile had set aside for her, chirping happily.

“Alright,” Émile said as he finished his coffee, “you ready for today?”

Isabelle hesitated, her fork hovering over her plate. “I guess,” she said. “It’s just school, right? What’s the worst that could happen?”

Her internal monologue wasn’t as optimistic. Oh, I don’t know. Getting lost. Saying something weird. Tripping in front of everyone. Becoming the next meme sensation. The usual.

“You’ll be fine, Izzy,” Émile said, as if reading her mind. “Just be yourself. And if that doesn’t work, remember: confidence is key. Even if you have to fake it.”

“Fake it till you make it,” Isabelle echoed, standing up and grabbing her bag. “Got it.”

She bent down to pick up Azzy, who squeaked in protest. “Sorry, Missy, but you’re staying here today. School’s a human-only adventure.”

Azzy pouted but didn’t resist as Isabelle placed her gently on the couch. “I’ll be back before you know it,” Isabelle promised, scratching behind her Pokémon’s ears. “Hold down the fort, okay?”

Azzy chirped reluctantly, settling into the cushions as Isabelle grabbed her things and headed for the door. Émile handed her a lunchbox with a smile. “Have a great day, Izzy. And remember—you’ve got this.”

After breakfast, Isabelle slung her bag over her shoulder and stepped outside, the crisp morning air tinged with the faint hum of Lumora City waking up. Émile waved from the window as he prepared to leave for work. “Have a great day, kiddo!” he called.

Isabelle waved back, adjusting her blazer. “You too, Dad! Don’t let your boss guilt you into working through lunch again!”

The streets of Starlight Heights were already lively, with neighbors chatting on their stoops and Pokémon playing in the communal park. A Growlithe barked happily as it chased after a young boy, and an elderly couple fed breadcrumbs to a flock of Starly perched on a wrought-iron fence.

As Isabelle made her way toward the busier streets, the gentle charm of her neighborhood gave way to Lumora’s pulsing energy. The sounds of the city grew louder—cars whizzing by, the distant buzz of machinery, and the chatter of pedestrians. Neon signs flickered to life even in the daylight, advertising everything from Pokémon-themed cafés to high-tech gadgets.

The towering glass facade of the League Headquarters loomed ahead, its sleek design a stark contrast to the older buildings surrounding it. Isabelle paused for a moment, craning her neck to take it all in. Trainers of all ages milled about, some heading inside to register for the League Circuit while others gathered around the holographic leaderboard displayed in the lobby.

The hologram showcased the top Trainers in Virelia, their names and stats rotating in bold, glowing letters. At the top of the list was Leonard Hartfield, his Hydreigon’s recent victory still fresh in everyone’s minds.

“Yeah, no pressure or anything,” Isabelle muttered to herself, quickening her pace.

As she continued toward the academy, Isabelle passed through the edge of the Neon District. The vibrant lights and bustling energy made it clear why this area was the city’s entertainment hub. An arcade blared catchy tunes from its entrance, where a group of teenagers were enthusiastically playing a game involving Pokémon-themed karts.

Street performers dotted the sidewalks, their acts ranging from juggling Poké Balls to a woman with a Chatot that mimicked the voices of passersby. Vendors called out from brightly colored stalls, selling everything from rare berries to custom PokéDoll keychains.

One stall caught Isabelle’s attention—a small cart with a hand-painted sign that read, “Evolutionary Stones: Rare Finds!” A cluster of curious Trainers gathered around as the vendor displayed a glittering array of stones, each one casting a faint glow.

She lingered for a moment before shaking her head. “Focus, Isabelle. No time for shiny distractions.”

The academy’s imposing gates came into view, their intricate design featuring engravings of various Pokémon species. A steady stream of students passed through, their chatter creating a lively atmosphere. Some walked in pairs, their Pokémon trotting alongside them, while others stared intently at their VireBands or chatted on sleek earpieces.

Isabelle’s stomach churned with nerves as she joined the crowd. The academy was massive, its architecture a blend of modern glass panels and traditional stonework. The sprawling campus included training fields, outdoor battle arenas, and greenhouses filled with vibrant plant life.

She spotted a group of older students gathered near a bulletin board, their uniforms pristine and their conversations confident. Great, Isabelle thought. I already feel like the awkward new kid, and I haven’t even stepped inside yet