All you had to do was follow the dang story, CJ!

Hiya! Right now, it's Luanastar. I'm glad to see how last chapter turned out. The reviews from y'all really warmed my heart. Regardless, do remember that this is an AU story, just so you don't get mixed up. Also, big, big shoutouts to my guy DegenerateFluffington, for beta-reading. He's a huge help. Credz!

Luanastar does not have anything to do with Pokemon, or any other copyrighted franchises mentioned in this story.

The rest of your classes were quite normal. You got to socialise with your mini-group of friends a bit more in the meantime, until the school day was over. It was at that time, you were walking outside the school gates alongside Anais, the Sylveon. She was going on about one of her misadventures involving her cousin, Barry.

"Sooo, I let go of the shopping cart, and he crashed into a huge tower of shopping glasses!" laughed the Sylveon, nearly toppling over in her walk cycle. You chuckled quite a bit too. The antics that went on between those two were as if they had their own sitcom.

"That's really funny of you to do, Anais. But, he wasn't hurt, was he?" you cautiously questioned.

"No, he was fine." said Anais, waving you off. The both of you soon found yourselves outside the school building, now. Anais put up her paw to her chin, rubbing it softly. "So uh, which way do you walk?"

You pointed down a pathway on the side of the main road. "Just down Jericho street. My house is then on the left."

"That's sorta lit, since that's the way down to Barry's yard, which is where I'm going today." explained Anais, making you smile on the inside. You were growing quite fond to Anais' outgoing and fashionable personality. "Maybe, we could wait up for him, before all walking down together?"

You weren't too sure how your parents would react if you were late on your first day of school. However, Barry seemed like he wouldn't take too long anyway, so you nodded and proceeded with Anais' plan.

"Awesome. Oh, and one thing, (Name) - you have a cellphone, right?" asked Anais, taking out her own phone from Arceus-knows-where, and waving it about in her paw.

"Yeah, I do."

Anais smiled toothily. "That's major. Do you wanna exchange numbers? You seem like a really decent person, so I thought we may as well; we can get to know each other some more, you know?"

You felt increasingly warm in your insides as Anais told you that. "Sure, that sounds really great."

"Okay, my number is 497-619-7707. Did you get all of that?" said Anais, recounting the whole thing off the top of her head. That really stunned you. How many people in this school has she exchanged numbers with?

"Uhm… No..?" you muttered, red with embarrassment.

Anais laughed aloud. "Don't worry, no one gets it on the first time. Anyway, my number is 497-619-7707. Did you get it that time?"

Thankfully, you were able to enter the said combination of those numbers with lightning speed. "Yeah, I did. Thank you."

"No worries." Anais said, smiling. She wasn't like this all day, was she? "Oh, oh! You'd probably want Barry's number too, right? He doesn't use his phone that often, though, but it's worth knowing."

You nodded your head again, getting your cellphone out to get typing.

"Barry's number is 257-003-1997, but the chances of him giving you a text is little to none; the poor boy doesn't do much aside from training and goofing off." cheekily spoke Anais, inducing you to giggle some more.

"Right! Thanks again, Anais." you gratified, now putting your phone away… in wherever you keep it, you know?

"No worries."

Both you and Anais took to leaning on the school walls as you waited for Barry to make his presence known. What the Blaziken could be doing after school hours was beyond you, that was for sure. Soon enough, however, Barry was finally seen walking out of the main building, with a regular grin on his beak.

"Hiya, guys!" Barry yipped, waving to you especially. "Sorry I was late, Anais. My class was only let out just now, an-"

Anais rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let's get going already. You comin', (Name)?"

"Sure!"

You walked in between Barry and Anais, who both strolled/pranced in an orthodox fashion.

"Oh, right!" exclaimed the Blaziken, looking into your eyes. "You do come down this way, right? No wonder we met before school. Although, I don't think I've seen you around in general. Not to be rude - I don't want to impose - but did you move here recently?"

You weren't exactly sure how Barry was able to piece all of that together, but you answered his question regardless. "Oh, yeah, I did. My family and I used to live in (insert city here), (insert Region here), but we moved here since housing was cheaper."

"Wow, that place sounds exquisite." mumbled Barry, looking up towards the sky. "I love Hoenn and all, but I wouldn't mind leaving the region for a holiday. But, it would be a lot better with someone to go with."

Your face slightly flushed, since you doubted he was talking about Anais. On holiday with nothing but you and Barry? That sounded like a big feat… As friends, of course. Right?

"Haha, don't tell me you're talking about Lola!" guffawed Anais, her simple stride turning into a teasing trot.

You looked over to Barry, who had an uneasy emotion on his face. "Uhm, I mean, if she'd accept, of course. We are friends after all, right?"

Anais could only look and laugh at the Blaziken making a fool out of himself. You smiled a little too, but had a little bit of sympathy for Barry.

Soon, you, Barry and Anais had reached your house within a few more minutes of walking. They smiled at your cozy and standard accommodation.

"Wow, that's a very nice house to be in." said Barry, in a minor stupor.

"Thank you." you replied, walking up the steps to the door. "Thanks for showing me around the school, too. I'll see you guys tomorrow!"

You waved Barry and Anais goodbye, as the two of them trekked further down the street. You opened your front door, and stepped in, breathing a sigh of relief for getting through your first day of school with little to no problems whatsoever.

Your mother was in the lounge. She was reading a newspaper, while drinking out of a coffee mug. Meanwhile, your father was in the kitchen, furiously scrubbing the dishes and preparing food.

"Hello, I'm home!" you yelled, entering the lounge. Your father briefly turned and waved, while your mother barely looked away from her newspaper.

"How was school, (Name)?" your mother questioned, sipping from her mug. "Nevermind, by the look on your face, that you just wiped off right now, I could tell that it was more than just a delight."

Your mouth went slightly agape, but you speedily closed when you found your mother smirking. Before you could speak, your mother interrupted you.

"Oh, also. Who was that Blaziken you were with this morning? The one that looked just like Brendan Bursyamo? There's no way you've gotten yourself a partner already, is there?" interrogated your mother, squinting at you closely. "Nevermind. Judging by that flush of yours, he probably isn't your boyfriend, but rather just an indecisive crush. Am I wrong?"

"Uhhh…" you started, the pressure mounting as soon as your father entered the room. "UHH, I have to use the washroom!"

You immediately darted out of the room, and up the staircase to your room. Enough of that for now. Your closed the door shut, and took a relieved glance around your room: The room's interior had the theme of a generic plain white. Your bed was arranged perfectly, with various dolls placed around it. On one of your walls, there was a poster with a flexing Blaziken battler celebrity, with the words "Learn to walk before you take to the streets!" captioned across the fire type's chest.

It was quite a lovely room, you had. You flopped on the bed, spreading yourself out on the sheets as you did so. A vibration sound came from your desk; it was your cellphone, screaming it's head off. Sluggishly, you stepped from the bed, to the desk, and grabbed your phone. It was a text message from Anais.

Anais: Yo, (Name)! I jst wanted 2 kno if you wanted in on a lil group outing tomoz w/me, Lolz and the 'Yamo. We finna nab a speedy ice creamy and then sum holly if ur about it. R U? XD jks. Jst headin out 4 some ice cream. Raidon culd com too but i gotta txt him first. Den, we gonz kick it at Lolz' yard 4 un poco. U in? R ur parents gd w/it? Rply asap. Ty. -Ann

For a long while, you stared at the message that the Sylveon sent you. To be honest, you weren't even sure if that was a language you understood. You sat there in confusion until you heard a voice in your head.

How about I translate this for you? Anais said: "Salutations, (Name)! I just wanted to inquire about your availability in attending a group event with the following companions: I, Anais Breon-Solian, Lola Punnichi and Barrágan Bursyamo. We intend to treat ourselves to a few pints of frozen yoghurt, and possibly some alcoholic beverages if you're feeling daring! Well? Are you? Hahaha! I jester. We are solely heading out for the frozen yoghurt. Our secondary acquaintance, Raidon Atos, may join our party also, but I have yet to notify him about our scheme. After we eat, we will take rest at Lola Punnichi's residence for a brief time. Do you agree with our plan? Are your parents fine with this notion? Please respond as soon as the opportunity arises. Many thanks. Yours faithfully, Anais Breon-Solian. Does that help?

Firstly, you were stunned that Anais' message actually translated to give that. Secondly, you were stunned that your conscience took the Sylveon's incoherent speech, and turned it into something legible. Nonetheless, you typed in your response.

(Name): Sure, I can make it. Thanks!

You sent the message, and put your phone away for now. Maybe, it would be worse staying up to wait for a reply; your mind seemed to be playing tricks on you today. You folded yourself inside the blankets, and closed your eyes. Snoozing away, sounded like a really viable option here…

"(Name)! (Name)! What in Johto are you doing?" screamed your mother, waking you up immediately and throwing the blankets off you, just for good measure. "You're going to be late for school!"

You peered at your alarm clock, reading 7:00 in the morning. "Uhh, Mom? School doesn't start until half past 8?"

"How about you take a look at your clock again?"

Once you had blinked, you turn around to glance at your alarm clock. There would've been bricks in that bed of yours, as the clock suddenly read 8:25, flat. You were tempted to swear, if only your mother wasn't in the room too, grinning mischievously while she watched you scuttle to the bathroom. You could've sworn that you heard her laugh afterwards.

Scrub scrub scrub, and you were finally done. You barely had time to dry yourself, as you hopped out the main door of the house, shifting gear as you turned to rush down the street. However, as you made another turn, you collided into something very tough and hard.

"Ow!" the something wailed. You did recognise that voice, however. You looked up and saw Barry, flat on his backside.

"Oh, Barry! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you at all!" you cried, rushing to the Blaziken's side to help him up.

Barry rubbed his beak, as he accepted your aid. "Thank you. I just didn't expect that to come out of literally nowhere. You really packed a punch back there, (Name)!"

Although Barry laughed, you found it a bit tricky to keep up with his humor since the fear of being late still shook you on the inside. "Haha, yeah. But Barry, aren't we going to be late? I don't want to be late on my first week of attending school!"

You noticed a bit of sweat crawl from Barry's temple downwards. "How? It's only seven thirty? The clocks went backwards yesterday."

Pressure filled the inside of your mouth, urging you to release rage in the form of noise. A very loud noise. "What? Really?" Sadly, Barry did nod his head. "Well… what were you doing so early in the morning anyways?"

Barry smiled, happy to answer your question, supposedly. "I was heading to the gym early so I could have an early spar with Raidon before lessons started."

Your eyebrows raised a little bit in suspense. You knew that both Raidon and Barry were accomplished martial artists, but you still had yet to see them in action. Perhaps, this could be your lucky day.

"Wow, really? I'd love to come and watch!" you yipped, but you didn't actually mean to sound so excited. Thankfully, it didn't make Barry feel uncomfortable or anything, as you saw on his face. Instead, a grin came upon his beak.

"Oh, of course you could come and watch us spar! Having company will make this even better!" told Barry, looking quite ecstatic to have you on board.

Now that you were hooked on the idea, you and Barry got on your way to the school grounds. It seemed like it took less time to make it to school now that you were in a rush. Funny, right? Regardless, when you and Barry got to school, you both went straight to the gymnasium.

Raidon was already there on the main mat in the centre of the large room. The Luxray's glittering irises took notice of your own, while the very realisation of your presence put a smile on his face.

"Oh, (Name)! Hello and good morning! I didn't know that you were coming! Are you going to watch us spar?" asked Raidon, suddenly jumping up from his seat on the mat.

"Morning to you too, Raidon. Oh, and definitely!" you chirped, taking a seat on the nearest bench to the action.

Barry stepped onto the mat. You could tell that he wasn't so impressed with the fact that Raidon didn't greet him also. "Good morning, Raidon."

"Morning, Barry."

Barry took off his hoodie to reveal a vest of the same colour and brand underneath. However, in the process, you did catch a glimpse of his toned abdominals. Quite impressive, you thought… Amid other things, that obviously weren't important.

Both Barry and Raidon bowed down in front of each other, before they both looked at you expectantly.

At first, you thought that there was something on your face. However, it all came together when you realised, you were technically the only person available to officiate the match.

"Oh! Uh… On your marks, get-set, go?"

The contestants roared in laughter, before eventually commencing the battle. Attacks were happening within the blink of an eye, making it slightly tricky for you to catch up with them. You did see Raidon lunge with the intent to tackle the Blaziken, but Barry had responded with a deadly spinning elbow to the Luxray's gut, launching the electric type backwards.

You weren't sure who to root for, so you decided on keeping that trap of yours closed for now. So far, Barry had landed more successful hits on Raidon, but that didn't mean the Luxray showed any sign of faltering. You admired that greatly from the electric type.

Barry breathed in, and sent a streak of flames Raidon's way. Raidon easily dodged, though, and retaliated with a discharge of current all around him. You could say, Barry was quite shocked from the result. The Blaziken yelped as his insides were made a bit too hot for his liking. Nothing that he couldn't handle, however, as he stood firmly on the ground and reiterated his fiery tactic.

This time, Raidon had jumped up to dodge the attack. However, as you could tell by the look of eagerness on Barry's face, this wasn't about to end in the Luxray's favour. Barry slipped over to Raidon's shadow, waiting for the force of gravity to do it's work. Eventually, when Raidon was in range, Barry flipped himself onto his talons and used his arms are springs to send his legs skywards. Destination? Raidon's poor, pretty face.

You winced at the sound of Barry's feet-talon thingies slamming into the Luxray's unsuspecting nose with forces that could give a hydraulic press a run for its money. To say the least, you could only sit and watch while Raidon's ragdoll-like body spun out of the mat and onto the floor surrounding it.

"Dang…" Raidon croaked, holding his nose tightly. "You've bested me again, Barry. How do you do it?"

Barry smiled gratefully, but shrugged his shoulders. "To be fair, I do spend a lot of time practicing. However, that was an amazing battle, Raidon. Thank you. I was certainly worried on the mat, I'll admit." The Blaziken then turned to face you, after complimenting Raidon. "Oh, and thank you, (Name), for spectating the match."

"Yeah, thanks, (Name). I so thought I had Barry there, but you know." Raidon lifted his shoulders. At least, you were fond of the good sportsmanship between the two cohorts, as well as their technical abilities.

"It was an honour to be here, honestly! You guys are such good battlers, there's no way you won't make it to the professional leagues someday!" you joyously cried, from the bottom of your gut. "Is it alright if I watch you guys often? I could learn something from you two!"

Barry grinned, while Raidon beamed.

"Of course!"

"Sure, no problem!"

You cheerily mirrored their smiles, as a motive was made amid friends. To be honest, you had no problem saying that these two were your best friends. They probably felt the same way… right?

The two of them continued sparring for a bit longer, keeping you entertained before it was time to get going to classes. You followed Barry and Raidon to registration, but this time, took a seat next to Barry, who sat next to Raidon. Hopefully, Lola won't mind too much. It wasn't like she had appeared yet, anyway.

You watched Barry and Raidon chatter for a while, before a cream-furred Ninetales walked over to Barry's desk, taking turns in gazing at you and Raidon, with a weird look on his face. You recalled from yesterday's conversation with Lola, that this Ninetales was Nester Queueneufs.

"Hey, Bursyamo?" spoke up Nester, cocking his head. "Do you know these herbs? Because at least one of them is sitting in my seat."

This worried you greatly, as well as Raidon by the look on his face. You didn't want to be in the bad books of anyone on your first week. Thankfully, Barry had replied calmly.

"Yes, I do know them very well. I'm sorry, Nester, but you may have to find a new seat." said Barry, but the Ninetales didn't look too impressed. "Or if you want, you could have my seat."

Nester opened his mouth to retort, but then he stopped to steal a good look at you, before he smirked. "You know what Bursyamo? Keep your seat; I'll find another." With that, Nester departed the scene, not without sending you a very, very discrete wink, however, sending you into a wild flurry of emotions: What did that mean? Why would he do that? What is he going to do next? WHO IS HE?

I don't know, but you're a very loud thinker.

What in the heck? Am I going crazy?

Well, once you get to know me, You'll probably find yourself going crazy. Don't worry, though, that's natural.

What in the Distortion World? Who are you?

Shoutouts to my homeboys in the DW. Oh, uh… just imagine me as your conscience. I'm here to like, guide you, dude.

Oh, right… I just want to know what this Nester person's deal is.

Not too sure, but dang, he's a hunk, right?

Well, y-yeah, but that's not the poi-

Then the case is closed.

You saw Barry peer over to your side a little bit. "Sorry about Nester." he mumbled, twiddling his talons. "He can be a bit of a… What's the word?"

"Jerk?" added Raidon?

You giggled a little, as Barry shrugged. "A little less than that! He can just be bit pompous sometimes."

"Do you guys like him?" you asked, and their responses did surprise you. Barry scratched his head, while Raidon shook his head to give you a flat-out no. "Well, why do you hang around him?"

"I don't." sternly declared Raidon, sticking his (slightly bruised) nose in the air. "Barry's the one responsible for that."

You didn't know Raidon could a minor snitch. He had an adorable childish attitude. Regardless, you turned to Barry for an answer, who looked like he was beginning to sweat very nervous pellets of salty water. Quite ironic for his typing.

"Uh, well... I just don't really have a problem with him; we both enjoy battling, too, as well as other things." explained Barry. For now, you simply nodded your head and quit interrogating him. Barry seemed like one of those people who were too kind to have an issue with anyone, honestly.

"Fair enough." you stated, smiling on the inside.

"Hey, Raidon!" you heard from your left. It was Anais Breon-Solian. "Oh, hi (Name)."

You waved at the Sylveon, but was concerned with Barry not being greeted in the same manner.

"Oy, Barrágan! Are you broken? Why didn't you wake me up today, you gormless plonker?!" scolded Anais, leaning on the Blaziken's desk menacingly. Barry looked to Anais with nervous eyes, and it seemed his feathers had went from red to a pale white within literal nanoseconds.

"O-Oh! I'm sorry, Anais!" sputtered Barry, not quite understanding the insults that Anais threw at him. "I didn't mean to, I swear!"

You would've forgiven the pleading Blaziken at the get-go. However, you could see that Anais was not about to let him off so easily.

"Well next time, you'd know to at least set an alarm for me!" Anais then looked at Raidon, who looked shaken out of his mind. "Oh, and Raidon! I just wanted to know if you were interested in coming with us after school for ice cream! We were also gonna stay at Lola's place for a bit, too."

Raidon's emotion of pure confusion definitely mirrored your own. However, the Luxray nodded for the sake of argument, so that was +1 a member that you'll be seeing after school today. What an event this was to be later on.

"And, just to confirm, (Name), you're on board with the program after school, yah?" reminded Anais, flicking Barry's beak with her paw once you signalled a 'yes' response. "Awesome. And Barry, make sure that you wake me up next time, should I be late again."

"Today was just a mistake. Sorry." assured Barry, but Anais only seemed to squint at the Blaziken threateningly.

"Today? And what was so important about today that you needed to wake up early and get to school? Was it so you could frolic around with someone before school hours?" Anais interrogated. You did catch Anais give you a quick glance while she said that. Your cheeks grew a rosy red; she wasn't pertaining to you as that said "someone", was she?

Barry shook his head, although Anais' hypothesis wasn't exactly false. "No, no! It was nothing like that! I had met up with Raidon and (Name) to do some sparring for our next tournament."

Anais peered at you, then Raidon, before eyeing up the Blaziken warily. "I believe you for now, Barrágan, but don't fool around with my attendance like that."

You saw that Barry would wince whenever he was called by his actual name, rather than his nickname. With a tone like Anais's, you wouldn't be surprised at all.

Anyway, Anais left the array of desks. Although it was quite a hostile atmosphere, you did sort of adore the brother-sister relationship that was shared between Barry and Anais. It was adorable, just as it was scary.

The bell rung, and your class was off to their next lesson (which was always gym, first thing in the morning). You stuck around Barry and Raidon once again, not forgetting the subtle wink that Nester had given you only a few minutes prior. They walked and talked about battling and other miscellaneous related factors surrounding battling on the way to the gymnasium. Now, you were starting to get your head around the layout of the school.

*CREEEEEAAK*, went the gym doors as the trio of yourself, Raidon and Barry - as well as other students - walked through it. This time, there was a teacher. It was a Weavile, who you thought was quite familiar. The Weavile stood tall in front of the bleachers, gesticulating for students to expeditiously scoot in and take a seat.

Once you and everybody else was sat on the bleachers, the Weavile finally started the lesson.

"Okay, students, listen up. Glad to see you're all back. Hopefully, your form hasn't dropped over the weekend. Also, apologies for not being present yesterday; my dear friend Br-" immediately, like at light speed, the Weavile's eyes snapped over to you. "Oh. I do see that we have a new student. Would you like to make your way over to my desk? Everyone else, commence with some circuit training."

The many students isolated you on the benches, leaving you under the stern gaze of your gym coach. You stepped off the bleachers as well, following the Weavile to a corner in the gym that had their desk. The dark type swivelled around the table to take a seat. Meanwhile, you stood patiently on the other side, waiting for something to happen.

"Okay, from what I understand, you must be (Name), yes?" questioned the Weavile, to which you nodded. "Right. I'll be your gym coach for the rest of the year. You may call me Ms. Easel, or just coach."

Easel? Where have I heard that before?

Hmm. Maybe you've been reading the prequel as of late.

Prequel?

Uh, nevermind. Maybe you're imagining things. Wooo, spooky!

"Right, yes." you replied, going for a salute, but changing your mind halfway in, so it just sorta seemed like you had a minor spasm.

Thankfully, Ms. Easel wasn't looking at you at that particular moment. She pulled out a sheet of paper from underneath the desk, reading it promptly while glancing up at you from time to time. Occasionally, she'd throw up her eyebrows. Was there something surprising about what she was reading? If that was your biography, hopefully it wouldn't be too embarrassing.

Ms. Easel cleared her oesophagus, putting the paper back where it came from, and crossed her arms. "Okay (Name), would you say you have experience and/or the will to pursue battling in this school to a semi-professional level?"

You thought about that question carefully. On one hand, having experience of battling at a semi-professional standard would certainly stand out on a resumé. Also, if you could go pro, you'd definitely make it far. Yet, battling certainly put a lot of strain on the body, and if there was one thing you didn't mess up, it was the only body you had.

"Hey, are you going to answer the question?" Ms. Easel deadpanned, slumping back in her chair. "Today would be nice."

"Uhh, yes!" you said a little bit hastily, feeling a painful pang on your insides. "Battling is quite an, uh, exhilarating pastime for me."

Ms. Easel nodded, writing something down on a sheet of paper. "Well, your training examination thus begins now. BURSYAMO! OVER HERE!" she yelled, blowing you away as well as attracting the attention of your friendly neighbourhood Blaziken.

"Yes ma'am?" nervously responded Barry.

"(Name) here says they're fond of battling, so take 'em for a brief one, and come back to me, okay?"

Barry smiled at the order as he looked at you. "I understand, ma'am. Let's head outside, (Name)."

You were shaking on the inside, as your "skills" were soon to be put to the test. You could only hope to the divine beings above that you wouldn't have to fight Barry. Please, anyone but Barry.

Giratina sat on their beanbag peacefully, lounging within their private quarters and drinking from a cup of an unknown solution. For the first time in a eon, the dragon didn't seem to be stirring up any trouble at all. Slowly, from the doorway, Arceus emerged with a confused demeanor on their face.

"Giratina… did you hear something?"

Exasperatedly, Giratina shook their head. "Dude, that rare candy stuff is doing things to your head." they stated, slowly placing their cup around to a view were Arceus couldn't see it. "I suggest that you take the rest of the day off. I'll cover for you."

Arceus sort of smiled. "Thank you, Giratina."

"No worries, dude. I'll get to work right now, actually." assured the dragon, leaving Arceus to exit the room with a joyous attitude. Immediately, Giratina brought a laptop out from seemingly nowhere, typing up 'Furfroutube' in the search bar with their… bodily things.

"Alright. Now, what is a 'Burger-Kingler foot Latias'?"

Okay, chapter 2 is done. Credz to Degenerate Fluffington for reviewing this one also. Credz! Credz! Furthermore, thanks to all those who reviewed the last chapter. You'd have no idea how much motivation they give you. Anyways, I'll catch you all next chapter!

-Luanastar