Nina put on her Vermilion Flame school uniform. It was a maroon blazer with the student’s choice of either a pleated skirt or shorts for girls. Boys had the choice of trousers or shorts. Nina went with the shorts to cover up a pair of nylon tights she was wearing underneath.

Nina never did get into the habit of wearing skirts, tights on the other hand though… “Man, guys are missing out on wearing tights. These are super comfy and warm.” Leanette had bought the legwear for her daughter, but Nina never had a reason to wear them until now and didn’t realize how much she liked them.

To complete the outfit, Nina pinned a logo of the Vermillion Flame on her chest, which was basically a sharp V with stylized flames on the upper right to symbolize the F.

She did a final check of her stuff, Pokeballs on her belt, Pokedex hidden away in her pocket, and her regular non-Silph Co Backpack for her school supplies since the other one was too bulky for casual use. Nina also had a decoy Pokegear clipped to her belt which she planned to use most of the time because she didn’t want to attract too much attention.

“Good morning, Mrs Phillipe.” Nina greeted the dorm supervisor on her way out. The woman had been very patient in answering her questions and offering assistance during the week she spent settling in.

“Ah, good morning Nina. First day of school today, have you had breakfast yet?”

Nina nodded. “Mm hm, I reheated some leftovers from dinner last night. Thanks for asking.”

“That’s very good dear, breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” said the affable woman. “Just try not to get into the habit of eating leftovers, okay? Your scholarship does include meals, you know?”

Nina thanked Mrs Phillipe for her concern and walked out of the building, feeling a little lonely that her Pokemon were not with her. The school had clear guidelines regarding which areas Pokemon were allowed to roam free to avoid any mishaps from occurring.

It did make sense. After all, they were dealing with a bunch of immature kids with their inadequately trained Pokemon. In general, most indoor areas sans the gym are humans only, unless you have permission from the school.

Classes were conducted university style where there’s different lecture halls for students to congregate in depending on their schedule, which were largely the same for first years, aside from a few electives.

But before any of that, first days of school in Kanto always necessitate a schoolwide assembly for the faculty to give inane speeches. So Nina made her way to the large auditorium that they had built separate from the school.

The first person to speak was the student council president, an unassuming looking boy with thick rimmed glasses and well combed hair. The guy was utterly boring and uncharismatic, mostly just reading off a script he had written beforehand.

Nina and most of the other students in the auditorium were openly yawning in boredom. “Really makes you wonder how they even elected this guy. Was it just ‘cause no one else wanted the job?”

After the snoozefest was over, the boy introduced their next speaker, who was a short, rotund looking man with a flamboyantly long mustache and a face that seemed to be all smiles all the time. This was Mr Niko, the principal of the Vermillion Flame. Nina had already met him during her interview, but somehow the man looked even smaller in person.

“Ho ho ho! Greetings, students of the Vermillion Flame! For some of you, today will be the start of your journey in our prestigious academy. And others, old faces who are returning to the comforts of their second home. But nonetheless, we at the Vermillion Flame would like to extend our warmest welcome to each and every single one of our precious students!”

Members of the faculty began clapping, triggering a wave of applause from the students as well.

After everyone had settled, the vertically challenged principal kicked off a speech that was filled with platitudes and empty slogans, espousing the virtues of their academy and highlighting what a prestigious honor it was for them to be accepted into their doors and so on. Nina stopped paying attention midway through and reflected on a book that she had read recently instead.

***

Nina breathed in the musty scent of the ancient lecture hall they would be using within the castle’s domain. Apparently, first year classes were almost exclusively held within the ancient building to instill upon students the grandeur of the school’s history. Not that she minded, Nina liked old buildings.

Typical of most lecture halls in her past life, the ones in Vermillion Flame also had pitched seating with curved long tables as opposed to individual desks.

Overall, Nina reckoned the entire space was about large enough to seat about two to three hundred students. Which might seem like a lot, until she considered the fact that this was the entirety of the school’s first years, really lending credence to the school’s supposed high barrier of entry.

“And apparently, the numbers will only dwindle as the years go on and students drop out or take sabbaticals to go on their journey,” mused Nina as she secured a seat on the rightmost middle section — her go to spot even back in her past life because it afforded her a good enough view without being too noticeable.

The girl took out her stationery and notebook in preparation for class, then settled down and began observing her new classmates.

Nina could already tell that cliques had begun to form as certain students grouped together with those they had previously been acquainted with. It really was funny how these things worked. Even if two people had never spoken to each other in their old school, they automatically became best friends simply by virtue of the fact that they recognised each other’s faces.

Seeing a gaggle of girls tailing another pink haired girl walk into the lecture hall made Nina feel a bit melancholic. “I wonder what’s going on with Charlie…” Nina had tried to go visit the boy, but there was no answer at the door. Though to be fair, it was the middle of the day so it was somewhat expected that they might have all been out.

“Excuse me, do you mind if I sit here?” The one who interrupted Nina’s reverie was a gentle looking girl, with a slight build and short cotton candy pink hair.

“Erm sure, go ahead,” replied Nina instinctively, not immediately recognising that this was the same girl who was leading her own clique just now. Nina looked around and saw that the previous group had somehow detached from their leader and sat bunched up together near the back.

“Aren’t you going to sit with your friends?” She asked the pink haired girl.

The other girl jolted slightly. “Ah… those girls? They’re not my friends… Not really?”

“I see. Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. My name is Melina Jones, but everyone calls me Nina. Nice to meet you.” Nina reached out for a handshake, which for some reason, the girl seemed really delighted by.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

“Yes! And no worries, I didn’t mind,” the girl daintily grabbed hold of Nina’s hand, like she’d never given a handshake before. “I’m Kerry-Anne. But you can just call me Kerry. It’s nice to meet you too, Nina. I hope we can have a wonderful time in school together!” Kerry said, with a bright smile.

Nina nodded and returned the smile. Something about the girl felt a little off, yet familiar at the same time. “Now where have I seen that face before?” She wondered, until their lecturer stepped into the room to commence classes.

***

Their first lecture was an introductory one that mostly focused on the distinction between Type generalist trainers and Type specialist trainers. It was a topic that Nina had considered in depth in the past.

Basically generalists were more versatile, but being a specialist was more efficient. Specialists of a certain type can train new Pokemon up to battle ready condition in just a couple of months by having their more experienced Pokemon guide them, saving on the costs of TMs as well as food and other general needs.

There was a reason why most Champions, Elites and Gym Leaders of the world are specialists. And it’s not simply because it made creating and marketing their image easier. It’s because generalists spread themselves too thin and are usually unable to fully develop a Pokemon’s potential. For example, If a generalist’s Water Pokemon took on their specialist counterpart, in most cases, the specialist’s Pokemon will win.

There was a time when Nina often considered which Type to specialize in. But this was before Tini, when her future as a trainer was still filled with uncertainty. These days, she isn’t as strapped for cash, which made her concerns mute.

Besides, with a Dragon and a future Psychic in her team, that specialist boat had long since sailed. Doesn’t mean she can’t favor certain Types to make managing the rest of her team easier though.

“Do you wanna have lunch together?” Nina asked Kerry after their classes had ended for the morning.

The bubbly girl lit up at the offer. “Of course!” And for whatever reason, she also rushed Nina out of the lecture hall before any of the previous girls could catch up to her.

The Vermilion Flame’s cafeteria had a seating area, but Pokemon weren’t allowed inside to save on space. Instead, trainers who wanted to eat with their Pokemon can request for food to be placed inside handy little bento boxes which they can then bring outside to eat. In Nina and Kerry’s case, they opted to have a simple picnic on the inner courtyard.

“Kerry, I have a picnic blanket in my backpack. Can you get it for me please? You can stack your bentos on top of mine in the meantime.”

“Are you sure?” Asked the skeptical Kerry, whilst eyeing the large stack of three boxes that Nina was carrying on her person.

“Yeah, no worries. I’m stronger than I look. You’re looking for a little string pouch with flower patterns on it.”

Kerry reluctantly obliged and did as she was told, reaching into Nina’s backpack to procure said pouch and unfurling a blanket onto the grassy turf before retrieving her lunch from Nina. “Wow, you thought really far ahead huh?” Commented the girl.

Nina chuckled. “I’m living in the dorms and I’ve been around for a week now, so I know the rules. Besides, I’m not gonna let my Pokemon starve while I eat on my own.” In fact, Nina had shaken her head in disapproval at some of the first year kids she saw who got so enamored by their new group of friends that they had completely forgotten about their Pokemon.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to eat without Peppy either.”

“Oh, is your Pokemon named Peppy? That’s super cute.” By this point, Nina had placed her boxes on the blanket and took out her Pokeballs. “Alright guys, it’s lunch time!” She called, as she released Tini and Espy onto the courtyard.

“Tiin!”

“E.”

Kerry squealed. “Oh gosh, is that an Eevee?” The girl immediately approached in an attempt to pet Espy.

“Wait! Espy’s —” But before Nina could warn Kerry, the pink haired girl was already running her fingers through the Eevee’s fur, who looked oddly calm.

“Oh, sorry. Was I not meant to touch her?” Asked the sheepish Kerry.

Nina was looking at the girl with her mouth agape. “No, it’s just that Espy doesn’t usually like strangers touching her… Are you Psychic by any chance?” Nina was getting a sense of deja vu from this.

Kerry laughed. “No, not at all. I guess I’m just good with Pokemon? I can’t imagine such a cutiepie hurting anybody though.” The girl continued cooing at Espy and gently caressing her.

“Right…” Muttered the bewildered Nina. “Anyways,” she sighed as she went about unpacking her portion of the bento. For Tini she had asked the lunch lady for a high calorie seafood diet, which she now supplemented with some Bluk Berries from her Berry Pouch.

“Alright Tini, c’mere. Make sure to eat your lunch before digging into the Berries, okay?” Instructed Nina, much to Tini’s dismay. This was part of Nina’s effort to keep her partner’s sweet tooth under control.

Next, Nina grabbed handfuls of Berries and crouched in front of Espy who was still indulging in some belly rubs. “Milady, may I present to you our house’s finest selection for today.” Nina said, in a pompous Galarian accent, feeling very much like a sommelier presenting the wine list.

Espy recovered from her belly rub and assumed a much more regal pose. The Eevee took a careful gander at the random assortment of Berries on offer before tapping her paw to her chin in faux contemplation, much like the humans she saw do on TV, before eventually tapping on a few Berries at random.

Nina held back her laughter and lowered her head in servitude before lining her princess’s selection onto her bento box — a standard mix for Normal Type Pokemon of Espy’s size.

Kerry squealed at the adorable little act between the Eevee and her trainer. “Oh gosh, she’s so cuuute.”

“Yeah, Espy’s real adorable,” said Nina as she also settled down and unboxed her own food. “You should eat too, by the way. There’ll be plenty of time to play later.”

Kerry nodded in agreement and sat down to eat as well. Except, Nina noticed her Pokemon’s bento remained untouched. “Aren’t you going to release your Pokemon?” She asked.

The other girl jolted in surprise and averted her gaze in a somewhat dejected manner.

“I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?” Asked the slightly skeptical Nina. “This girl’s been acting weird this entire time. She looks familiar but I can’t seem to recognize her…” Just as Nina’s suspicions took a darker turn, the girl spoke up.

“If… If I show my Pokemon, will you promise to treat me just like anybody else?” muttered Kerry, in a barely audible tone.

Nina nodded. “I mean, you’ve seen my Dratini right? Unless your Pokemon is a Legendary or something?”

Kerry vigorously shook her head in denial. “No! It’s just…” The girl sighed and released her Pokemon for Nina to see for herself.

“Oh my gosh! Is that a Happiny?!” Squealed Nina. Now it was the other girl’s turn to rush over and pet the pink blob that joined them. “Oh Arceus, she’s so soft and bouncy, it’s like holding a giant marshmallow. And that little egg! So cuuute! Oh I could just eat you up right this instant.”

Happiny seemed to have taken Nina’s words a little too literally as it shivered in distress, eliciting giggles from Nina before she leaned in to smother the Happiny in kisses.

“Wait a sec… Pink hair, and owns a member of the Blissey line… “ Nina looked towards Kerry in wide eyed realization. “You’re a member of the Joy Clan!” She exclaimed.

However, Kerry-Anne Joy seemed to wilt at her classmate’s realization, as if she had just lost something precious to her.

Nina chuckled. “I get it now. Those girls from earlier were trying to cozy up to you in hopes of forming a connection with your family.”

The Joy Clan was the singular most powerful clan in the entirety of the eastern regions, being that they run all the Pokemon Centers. To piss off a Joy is to piss off the entire healthcare system, an absolutely horrifying prospect.

It was honestly a good thing that the clan of nurses prided themselves in neutrality and never swung their massive political capital around even in the midst of terrible wars happening. Otherwise, the world would be in an even more tumultuous state.

Kerry nodded somewhat dejectedly. “Yeah… I saw that you looked a little bored and there was also a single empty seat next to you, so I lied to them and said that I spotted a friend…” she sighed. “I’ve been homeschooled all my life so I was really looking forward to a normal school life.”

Nina nodded in understanding. “Yeah, I get you. I’m kind of in a similar situation, so don’t worry about me treating you any differently.” Nina then held Happiny in one arm and reached into her blazer’s inner pocket with the other to pull out her Pokedex.

“See,” said the girl, before gesturing towards the Pokegear on her belt. “I put that little decoy on display so that I won’t have to deal with the same problem as you.”

Kerry perked up at the sight and broke out into laughter. “Maybe I should consider putting on a wig then,” she mused.

Nina laughed along before returning Happiny to her owner. “You know, I always thought that your family dyed their hair in solidarity or something. It never occurred to me that it might be natural.” Especially since Nina had seen Nurse Joys with varying shades of pink hair.

Kerry shook her head in denial. “No, some of us are born with different hair colors, though most of us will dye it pink anyways. Some of the meaner kids will make fun of you if you showed up with blonde hair or something.”

Nina smiled, the thought of a ‘mean’ Nurse Joy just sounded ludicrous to her. “But I suppose kids will be kids. It seems that capable Nurse Joys were nurtured and not born.” This invalidates the rumor that all Joys were genetically identical clones of the original Joy Prime, not that Nina took much stock in it to begin with. But given the level of technology in this world, it wasn’t entirely outside the realm of possibilities either.

“So do all Joy women have to become nurses?” Nina asked, this was a question that she had been wondering about for a very long time now.

Kerry shook her head in between mouthfuls of food. The girl was evidently not a vegetarian, breaking another one of Nina’s preconceptions. “No, not all of us are cut out for this life. You have to pass an assessment before the matriarchs will give you an egg.”

She also said that it was always an egg, because nurturing an infant Happiny from its most fundamental stage was also part of an ongoing lifelong test. A Nurse Joy can only qualify as a matriarch and have a say on clan matters when they’ve successfully nurtured a Blissey into existence.

“Those who don’t pass the test or opted not to take it, are asked to change their family name and dye their hair,” continued the young Joy.

Nina nodded fervently, having pulled out her notebook to take notes at some point. “Man, I didn’t expect the usually genial Nurse Joys to have such a pragmatic system in place. But I guess you kind of have to when the life and death of so many Pokemon are in your hands.”

“Yeah… It can be a little… much, sometimes,” said the apprentice Joy in a somewhat wistful tone. Then she caught sight of her Happiny who was currently happily chatting with the friendly Tini and a warm smile blossomed on her face. “But I can’t imagine doing anything else really.”

Nina returned the smile and continued asking some less intrusive questions while offering tidbits about herself in return. The girl simply could not help her curiosity.

“You! I challenge you to a Pokemon battle!”

Unfortunately, their relaxing soiree was interrupted by a bratty looking kid who came up to them with a finger pointed at Nina.