Action: Hello and welcome back.
L'Ark: Are we ready to continue?
Kaiser: I am prepared for an adventure.
Kenta: It's exam day.
Ruben; Hip hip, hooray.
Ignis: Let's get this started.
Action: Thanks for the enthusiasm.
Carter: Action doesn't own Pokemon, art, or music links if used.
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~Kaiser's~
(Tokoha's Fight - Vanguard G)
Opening my eyes all I could see was a blizzard passing me by and plain white covering the area. I looked around and I could tell I had black fur and my hands had red fur. Anywhere I looked was just a blizzard. It was hard for me to walk and I was shivering. After moving for what felt like forever I fell over on my face. I struggled to move as snow fell on my body. Looking up in front I could see a yellow glare in the distance. I wasn't sure what it was but it kept getting closer to me until I passed out closing my eyes. I then felt a vibration.
"Ah!" I shoot awake in my bed. I noticed my alarm for the morning going off. I sigh as I realize I had the same dream again. I looked at the time and it was seven in the morning. I went and got dressed for the day. Since it is summer I dressed up in some white shorts and a white shirt with a Pokeball in the top corner. I then wrapped my feet all the way up to my knees in white bandages. It's supposed to relieve lactic acid. I made my way out of my room and located the gym downstairs and saw some of the students from yesterday there. I decided to do some more training on some cinder blocks that were in the corner. I tested out my moves, Calm Mind, Shadow Ball, and Swift, and then I hesitated on the last move I had. Bitter Malice, it uses my resentment as a special ghost attack that I can use. I fear using it though, the last time I did, I lost control fighting Reuben.
"Hey, you okay?" there was a voice unfamiliar to me. I turned around and saw a Riolu.
"Uh, yes," I cleared my throat. " I am fine. Thank you for your concern" I said a bit fast. I don't think he bought it.
"Okay, you've been standing in cinder block dust for a minute without moving," He said, pointing out the destroyed blocks in front of me. "Here let me help you," he started to help clean up the broken blocks.
"Oh, thank you," I retorted as I joined him. I then started to hear whispers around the room.
"Who's that with L'Ark?" one voice said. Wait, is this L'Ark helping me? We cleaned up my mess. I had the chance to study him and he is just a bit taller than me being five feet. He was wearing blue shorts with the Bark company logo on them and a plain blue shirt with a Pokeball in the top corner. He also had white bandages around his fists and forearms.
(Engage - FE Engage)A/N: L’Ark’s New Theme
"Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm L'Ark Stone, sixteen and please call me Ark," he gave me his hand.
"I'm Kaiser Luna, fifteen," I officially shook his hand. Though I could see behind him guys and girls alike sending glares our way.
"Care to join me for breakfast? It's almost time," he offered his company. I mean I couldn't reject the chance to sit down with a prodigy tactician.
"Yes," I could see his tail wagging a bit behind him as we decided to leave for the dining hall. By the time we got there, they were already serving food and I got a tray full of fruit: Sitrus berry, Razz berry, and Pinap berry. They were sliced too. I then grabbed some water and joined Ark.
"Where should we sit?" He asked. I then saw Kenta waving at me and next to him was Reuben.
"I have some friends we can sit with, follow me," I led Ark to the table and we both sat down.
"Look, Snow White brought Gaston with him," Reuben made a smart remark.
"Rueben no need to be rude, as we know the famous youth tactician L'Ark Stone" I tried to correct him. Kenta looked at him with wide eyes.
"Please just call me Ark, but it is nice to meet you Rueben and you are?" Ark asked Kenta.
"I am Kenta, nice to meet you," Kenta had a massive smile and ate the pancake in front of him.
"How were your mornings?" I asked the table. Reuben just continued eating and Kenta was preparing to unload his whole morning.
"I went to the library to brush up a bit of my knowledge and it is so big it was a dream. They even have old dragon manuscripts here. They were a bit dusty but I dusted them clean," Kenta said very quickly.
"Thanks for the input Thumper, anyway I just slept in till breakfast," Reuben sighed. Kenta wasn't happy that he was called a Thumper again and puffed his cheeks. I could see Ark chuckle a bit at Kenta's reaction.
"You guys are too cute," I blushed at Ark's comment. I wasn't sure how to respond to such a forward comment. "Even when you blush," I was caught off guard by his comment again. As a way to cover myself up, I stuffed some berries in my mouth.
"Usually Snow White won't shut up. You've done something I couldn't," Reuben sounded amused. After that, we continued eating our breakfast and a few times some other attendees came up to get Ark's autograph. I understand he is a famous prodigy but it's not that serious. I then started to feel all the scorn in the room that was aimed toward our table. The more attendees that arrived the stronger the feeling was. I started to panic a bit. I could tell Rueben and Kenta were picking up on this.
"Is something wrong?" the chinchilla asked.
"Snow White over here is just picking up on everyone's malice and disdain," Reuben said with a chuckle.
"Uh," I then clear my throat as I stand. "I think I'll head to the first exam room," I quickly left, putting my tray away, and made my way to the lower level. Escaping the scorn of the other attendees. Making my way down here I saw that there were sixty desks and Iris sitting at a big desk facing everyone. There were instructions on a whiteboard behind her.
'Your exam begins at eight, please come up and grab a packet, and don't begin until time. You have an hour to complete this test. Those who pass will be able to go to the next exam' I read in my head. I looked at the time as it was a few minutes before the test started. I went up to grab my packet and surveyed the room. There were a few attendees in here though I noticed another vulpix, this one was an Alola form and was staring at me like the one from before.
(Tokoha's Fight - Vanguard G)
When I sat down I looked at the packet and read 'Opelucid Training Center first exam form B,' It must mean there are multiple forms of this test. Soon the rest of the attendees arrived and the first exam began.
I opened my packet and my first section was material on how the academy systems work. It was asking me to list the ranks your team can achieve in order. It was easy, beginner, super, master, elite, and crystal. Your team starts as a beginner when you all pass all the exams. Your team reaches super when your team wins the beginner rank region conference. Your team reaches master when you can beat your academy's headmaster; when your team attains this rank your team is allowed then to travel the world to hone their skills. Your team reaches the elite class by completing your elite scavenger hunt. Your team reaches the crystal by winning one of the fifteen crystal qualifiers. After that, your team is allowed to compete in the world conference. It then asked how many make a team and it's three.
The next set of questions was battle types and there were four; capture the flag, team battle, one-on-one, and king of the hill. The more common types are one-on-one and team battles.
After that were battle tactics and strategies. I'm not much of a tactician and did my best to fill in the answers the best I could. What threw me for a loop was the question asked about how I fight in battles. I like to think of myself as a balanced fighter regarding offense and defense skills, and I also use stat boosters. I then looked at the time and it was almost time for our exam to end. I guess I spent too much time on the battle tactics. I then looked around the room and a lot of the attendees were gone. I went through my exam again before getting up to turn it in. There was a note on the desk ' The results will be in by eleven, before lunch' I then noticed Iris was looking at me and was smiling. I smiled at her back before I left. On my way through the halls, I saw a sign for an aquatic center. I think I could relax there while I wait for the results to come in. I went upstairs to grab my trunks and came back down and entered the pool area. There was a twenty five yard lap pool and a hot tub, then there was a locker room for both men and women and inside there were showers and saunas.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
I decided it would be a good idea to take a quick shower and go into the sauna in the men's locker room. I then noticed the sign outside of the sauna and it read 'towels only,' I guess I have to take off my trunks and place them in a locker. I then grabbed a white towel and wrapped it around my waist. I find it a bit embarrassing that I have to be naked to be in here but to my knowledge no one is in here. I enter and I'm met with a mildly sweaty chinchilla.
(Area: Planet Wisp - Sonic Colors)
"Oh Kaiser, care to join me?" Kenta asked. I hesitantly took a seat next to him. "Is the heat already getting to you because your face is flushing a bit pink," he pointed out.
"Yeah, it's a bit hot in here, but I'm fine," I lied. Being this close to another guy and wearing nothing, that's something for lovers. Stop that, Kenta is your friend, we are here like normal Pokemon.
"I'm surprised we are the only two in here," Kenta started the conversation. "It's good for the mind to relax after a stressful test or exam. Hence why I am here," he explained like the bookworm he is.
"Yeah, I'm here for that reason too," as I continued, I could still feel that I was blushing.
"I find it funny that I'm relaxing now," Kenta chuckled a bit. "For the last five years, all I've been doing is studying, reading, and taking exams left and right. I was even crowned youth group genius before coming here this year" he sighed as if disappointed with his achievement. "I never had time to do what I wanted to do, I love reading and learning but I never really had the chance to play or interact with other kids. My parents said if I'm not the smartest I won't make it anywhere" I looked over at him and I could see the sweat dripping off his fur. "I know if I succeed and pass these exams and join the academy I will have freedom and be able to practice what I've learned from reading my books" Kenta then shook his head. He then looked my way and smiled at me. "Sorry about that, I guess the heat got to me" he then chuckled as he got up, but he knew he wasn't fooling anyone. "I think I'll be heading out, but if I'm being honest" he paused. "I'd like to be on a team with you and Rueben," He then left. Leaving me alone in this steamy room. For someone who just finished middle school, I wouldn't expect him to experience so much stress. To think Rueben and I are his few friends. I decided to sit in the heated room for a bit longer.
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After my sauna endeavors, I decided to take a shower and take a nap. There was an announcement to meet at the front lobby to hear about the first exam results. I made my way down and decided to sit on a couch next to L'Ark.
"Your fur looks so pristine and fluffy, you do look cute," L'Ark said without abandonment. All I could do was blush at his statement. "I wish I could just hold you and squeeze you," he continued and I didn't know how to respond.
"Looks like Snow White did eat the poison apple," Rueben came laughing while taking a seat. Kenta followed suit. Not too long after they sat down Drayden and Iris appeared.
"Thank you all for meeting here at the front desk promptly. We have the results of the first exam," Drayden said.
"If your name is not on the list we posted on the walls you have failed the first exam," Iris said in turn.
"Though you will not be required to leave, the four buses you came in on will not be leaving until later tonight after the final exam," Drayden explained.
"Though, those of you moving on to the second exam that will begin at one P.M. and we will be meeting in front of the Icirrus City Pokemon center," Iris sounded very excited.
"Everyone, you are free to have lunch and free time. You are dismissed," Drayden's voice boomed.
He and Iris then made their way out allowing us to look at the list of names. They were in percent order and there was nobody listed below eighty percent. There were only forty students listed meaning twenty got cut. Looking at the list L'Ark was in first with one hundred percent and Kenta got third with ninety eight percent. Looking for my name I was eighteenth with ninety percent and Rueben shared the same score and place as me.
"L'Ark! You're so cool," I heard some girls scream and circle him. He was acting nonchalant and dealing with them very well. I then noticed the attendees who didn't pass the first exam moped around a bit. I decided to grab lunch and take it outside. I sat down on a bench with an overview of the city. The wind was blowing, kids were playing and a nice man was playing some music. Eating my food in peace, I was allowed to enjoy everything around me.
"Can I sit next to you?" I looked up and there was an Alolan vulpix standing in front of me. It looks like the one I've been locking eyes with.
"Yeah that's fine," I made room for him to sit and he joined me. We sat in silence mostly and it wasn't awkward, more or less eerie. "How rude of me. I'm Kaiser Luna, fifteen, from Accumula Town," I greeted him properly.
(Bloom in the breeze - FE Engage)A/N: Sea’s New Theme
"My name is Sea Breeze, fourteen, from Mistralton City," he said back calmly like a breeze. "I've seen you around and think you would be a perfect candidate to be a student here and yet I don't know what you would be," Sea said so calmly like none of what he was saying was offensive or a compliment.
"Thank you?" I responded more as a question.
"No reason to thank me, I just wanted to introduce myself before we continued to our next exams," he then got up. Just as quickly as he arrived he left. It was so odd to me. I then noticed L'Ark leaving the Pokemon center with girls and guys alike following him. He then noticed me and came my way dismissing his fangirls.
"Kaiser, hey," I looked up from my food acknowledging he was in front of me. "Would you care to join me at the mall on route nine before we have to meet in Icirrus City?" He asked and I could hear some distraught gasps from behind him.
"Why not, I wasn't going to be doing anything else before the next exam," I got up from my seat and we quickly made our way to route nine.
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(Emotion - Vanguard G)
Being out in Icirrus City is pretty nice. Seeing the citizens in the street dancing and the nice breeze blowing. L'Ark and I were the first to arrive because of our shopping adventures. We only window showed and goofed around while going through the mall. However, I did try on a maroon bow tie and he said I looked cute in it and should buy it so I caved and bought it with the money I had. He bought two bandanas that were navy blue with white waves on them. After this shopping trip, I felt special that he wanted to spend time with me though I feel like I haven't learned anything about him. With the rest of the attendees here, we were able to continue to the next exam.
"Thank you for being prompt and ready, but I think a lot of you will not be ready for this exam," Drayden seemed a bit bashful while saying that.
"The next exam is a contest performance exam that will be judged by Drayden, Icirrus City's Nurse Joy, and me," Iris exclaimed excitedly.
"You are allowed to wear costumes and use whatever you find in the Pokemon center storage or whatever you make from the environment around you" Drayden pointed out.
"You all will be performing on this outdoor stage and after you finish your performance you will instantly know if you passed or failed," Iris giggled a bit.
"We will be going in order based on how you all placed during the first exam. We begin in fifteen minutes. You are dismissed," Drayden and Iris left to the judge's table as the students scattered. I decided to go to the Pokemon Center storage closet and found what I was looking for instantly. There was a white button up and black dress pants. They could go with my new bow tie. Now I just need to think of a performance. I then made my way into the lobby and there were a lot of mad Pokemon. Reuben is one of them.
"What does a performance have to do with a fucking battle," he seemed very pissed, but there were a few others in agreement. To avoid that angry mob I decided to go to the bathroom and change into my outfit and made sure I looked nice by brushing my fur.
While I was changing and preparing they were calling attendees left and right until I heard " Kaiser Luna please report to the stage!" I rushed out of the bathroom as quickly as I could and rushed my way onto the stage.
"Let's see what you got kid," Drayden taunted me. I then noticed that everyone in town and other attendees were watching me. All staring and judging. I wasn't able to pin out L'Ark or Kenta at all they were before me, did they fail? No, don't think that.
"If you are ready to begin, start!" Iris said with enthusiasm.
I start things off by ballroom dancing in a circle while I use Calm Mind which makes my body glow and leaves a trail of sparkles behind me. I then charge a shadow ball as I leap in the air doing a backflip. Shooting the ball of dark energy at the ground. While doing the flip the buttons on my shirt started to undo and my shirt started revealing my body. I need to focus. The shadow ball popped making a crown on the field and I landed inside it. I then saw all eyes on me and I started to panic. It doesn't help that my shirt at this point is down at my waist and my body is revealed to those around me. This is all embarrassing, I can't. I can feel my eyes turn a deep yellow as ghost-like energy leaves my body spreading in every direction. I have to make up for this mishap and turn it into a show finisher.
I quickly regain myself and shoot a shadow ball up in the sky like a firework and strike a pose "Finished!" I said out of breath. I then looked at my three judges and they revealed their scores to me.
"Young Kaiser Luna, you pass," Drayden told me and I could see his pleased face.
"If you please go back to Opelucid City and wait for us in the gym," Iris explained. I nodded listening to what they said. I quickly changed into what I was wearing earlier and made my way back to the gym. It was already four P.M. by the time I made it back and I entered the building. I saw Kenta, Sea, and L'Ark waiting inside as well as Three others. So far seven of us have passed. Sea stayed his distance as it seemed he didn't want to socialize with others.
"You made it, I was so worried," Kenta screamed full of joy.
"I told you he would be fine," L'Ark smiled at me. I could feel he had confidence in me.
"Though I feel like our next exam won't be too long after they finish this one," Kenta said, a bit spooked.
"Why do you say that?" I jumped at the sound of Rueben's voice behind me.
"Take a look at the screen behind the table," L'Ark explained. I looked at the screen. 'On the table are some snacks, bandages, and a change of clothes if you need them. This next exam will begin as soon as all of us get back and it will be free for all. We will be evaluating your battle skills. This is your final exam and decides if you will get into the Opelucid training center. We wish you all who have made it this far the best of luck,' I read.
"So this is the final test?"
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Action: Who will pass and what teams will our characters be on?
Kaiser: Not sure but, one thing I do know is I'm having fun.
L'Ark: Two chapters in and I feel like we understand Kenta.
Ignis: When do I get my true appearance?
Action: SHHHHHH.
Kenta: Wish we could understand Rueben a bit more.
Reuben: Shut it, Thumper.
Sea: Not sure if I like this.
Action: We still have one more member to introduce.
Kenta: Who?
Action: You'll see.
Sea: Don't forget to fav, follow, and review.
Ignis: We'll see you next time.
L'Ark: Bye!