So the season is coming at me out of nowhere and at a rapid pace. Like yesterday, I just moved into my dorm. It's almost Christmas now? Where have I been? I had just gotten through my third showing of my church's Christmas play and this time I didn't mess up…except I jumped a little too high in a particular scene where I'm supposed to be dancing to the song 'All I Want for Christmas is You'. Yea, they said I looked a bit cheesy on the monitor too – insert awkward embarrassed laugh here – Three more showings and then I can finally relax…OH WAIT. No I can't. I have finals – insert blank expression here – but whatever. Enjoy this next chapter.
~Rolyn~
Chapter Three: Arceus
The drive maneuvering around the campus was interesting, to say the least. May only felt lucky she was sitting by the window in the truck that had picked up the group of seven soon to be college Freshman from the airport. The grass was lush and the trees ranged in size with emerald leaves that whispered with the wind. May smiled softly in appreciation of the natural beauty. The school could be its own national park. Buildings were scattered here and there. On their way in, passing the first check point, they had passed a massive recreational center that was nestled right next to what was called the Arceus Laze. It was smaller than the recreational center, but much taller.
Everything was very spaced out like Patou had said Ian informed her. The terrain was hills and valleys cresting and falling every turn they made. May was only slightly put off by the minor hikes it would take to bring her from one building to another. Most of the academic buildings were pretty close to one another though. It was the arenas and battle fields that stretched far and wide with yards of separation from one to the next.
"This place is really pretty…" Rolyn murmured, leaning against May's back as she gazed out the window along with the brunette. May could only nod in agreement. She still couldn't believe she was going to be here for the next four year studying what she loved most and living in the company of her closest friends. She wondered what her Professors would be like…what her classmates would be like and what friends she'd make. It both scared and excited her.
"Miss. Hayden," The driver addressed from the front seat, glancing over his shoulder briefly. Rolyn pulled away from May and hummed in recognition to her name being called. "You are to be dropped off at the Student Center, correct?" He questioned once sure that he had the young heiress' attention.
"Ah yes," Rolyn said with a nod. The driver nodded as well as they took another turn, driving up a steep hill. May tore her gaze away from her window to stare out of the windshield as the neared the top of the hill. It was then a parking lot came into view; cars were pulling in and out and people were walking to and from it. Across from the parking lot was another open field with trees and picnic tables scattered here and there. May could even make out a bonfire pit.
"This is the residence area, I believe…" Patou commented as she pointed towards the field as they pulled into the parking lot. May squinted her eyes a bit, noticing that just beyond the field and the trees were a bunch of large buildings ranging in size. They were all modern, intimidating structures, spaced out, barely. "The Student Center should be somewhere among the dorms...just on the edge of the academic campus."
May continued to stare out the window, even after her door was opened for her. Rolyn had to nudge the girl to get her attention. May murmured an apology as she slipped out of the truck, tugging on the sleeves of her red baby-doll dress. Her blue eyes jumped from place to place as she lost sight of herself for a second; zoning out long enough to be left behind by her group of friends.
"May!' Alex called out. The group of them weren't that far off, but May still had to jog a bit to catch up with them. Alex gave her a strange look before chuckling lightly. They talked lightly, but May barely said much outside of a couple of words. She was too distracted by everything else that was going on around her. Other people – other Freshman she presumed were talking loudly, laughing loudly and going to and fro as though they knew exactly what they were doing. Maybe May had missed a memo or a tour…
"You alright there May?" Aden questioned coming up beside the brunette. May almost jumped at his practically sudden appearance. She smiled sheepishly as she tilted her head back to look into Aden's face. He wasn't wearing an expectant look or staring at her as though she had grown a third head. That was something she loved about Aden.
"I'm just a little overwhelmed, is all…" She admitted with a nod. Aden nodded in understanding. College was an overwhelming concept and the fact that they were there, in the place where their futures would begin could be a little unhinging. "I just feel a little…unknowing." She added.
Aden laughed lightly. "Well I don't think any of us know much besides what was explained in brochures and digital tours." He offered with a shrug of broad shoulders. "We'll learn…that's what orientation's for after all. Things will settle down soon enough."
"Yea…" May breathed as they passed between a set of dorms and found themselves walking down a flight of stairs. Down at the bottom of said stairs was yet another open are. Grass, trees and picnic benches included, all situated at the front of a tall building dubbed the Student Center by a giant sign that had the Arceus school emblem on it.
The lobby of the Student Center was a huge open space, tables lined up on either side with one long table all the way at the end. May continued to look around, noticing other soon to be students at tables, signing papers, holding pillows and luggage and also speaking with parents. Orientation was a two day thing; an overnight stay that helped incoming Freshman cram enough info of the school into their minds before officially starting the semester about two months later.
"Welcome to Arceus University! Are the seven of you incoming Freshman for the Fall semester?" A girl too random and excitable to be paid much mind questioned coming from the group. She was dressed in a pair of khaki shorts paired up with a forest green t-shirt with gray stripes going down the sleeves. When the girl whipped around after Rolyn had confirmed they were there for orientation, May noticed that the back of the t-shirt had Orientation Leader slapped across it in white lettering.
They were led to a table where they were given a folder filled with papers consisting of the itinerary for the next two days and fliers for different events, along with a paper with numbers every student or parent might want to know. They were also given drawstring backpacks with the name of the school written across the back along with the school emblem once again. The emblem being a green, silver and white depiction of the old pokemon legend, Arceus.
"I think we go to the next table to get our room numbers for tonight." Rolyn said as she slid down to the next table. May followed her, looking towards the boy manning that next table. He was giving information to a parent. Smiling a charming smile enhanced by dimples. He was quite handsome, and quite familiar May noticed…then again she had seen a bunch of guys with bright, crystal blue eyes and dirty blonde hair.
"Name?" He asked kindly as he smiled at her. May smiled in return.
"May Maple." She offered. The boy, who was looking at his roster glanced up at her, his brown furrowing for a fleeting moment, May noticed.
"May…" He muttered, flipping three pages. He nodded once, probably finding her name by the way he brought a highlight across the paper as though he was crossing a name out. "You'll be rooming in the Tropius building in room two – ten." He explained handing her a small card with said information on it. May nodded numbly.
"And Rolyn…" He murmured looking towards the dark haired girl. Rolyn's brow furrowed, as did May's. Rolyn had never given her name and even if the Hayden name was popular, she couldn't have been that easily recognized here.
"Um…how'd you know my name?" Rolyn questioned taking a step towards the table. The boy glanced up from his roster, another of those dimple inducing smiles coming to thin lips.
"You really don't recognize me, do you?" The boy chuckled. May's eye's narrowed for a brief moment. "Then again, last time you say my voice was a little higher and I did have braces." The boy went on with a shrug of broad shoulders. "Maybe this will jog your memory…Hey Rolly, do you wanna train together?" He said, bringing his tone up an octave.
Rolyn's eyes widened as she took in a sharp breath. Alex, who had been listening the entire time busted out laughed as she pointed at the former princess. Yes, the nickname was a dead giveaway. Even Dawn could now recognize who this boy was with that little clue. May vaguely remembered the use of the nickname Rolly some years ago…it was a name that aggravated Rolyn and had reduced her to screams at one point.
"Marcus?" Rolyn laughed. The blonde boy nodded, his smile broadening. "Oh my goodness; where have you been? I haven't seen you since camp the summer May moved to LaRousse." Rolyn said just as Marcus stood up from his seat on the other side of the table and leaned across to meet Rolyn in a mutual hug.
It had been that long since any of them had seen the supposed stalker. May remembered how Rolyn would dread run-ins with the boy, but after seeing and hearing nothing from him for so long, she understood the surprise and excitement in the dark haired Hayden's voice.
"Ironically enough that was the summer I moved to the Serenity Islands." Marcus explained, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was desperate to see you one last time back when I had an infatuation with you before I left which is why I went to camp for a bit. After that, I was as good as gone. Just finished my Sophomore year of college."
"Wait…You're a Junior? I thought you were my age…or at least Drew's…" Rolyn trailed off. Marcus shook his head.
"Well yea, I'm the same age as Drew, but I started school a year earlier than most people. The whole age coordinating with my grade was completely thrown off since Kindergarten." He explained.
"That explains why ya'll were nevah in any of our classes…" Alex murmured.
"It's so good to see you again Marcus." Dawn inserted with a smile. Said boy smiled in return.
"It's good to see you all too." He responded with a nod. "Now that the Dragonite girls are here things should be a lot more amusing."
"Hello and Welcome class of 2018," Jocelyn began with a sweet, but rather forced smile as she gazed into the crowd of about two hundred plus High School graduates. They were all gathered in one of the schools smaller auditoriums. There were four in total, the largest being further away on campus. Prior to getting a bunch of information about dorming and which group you'd be placed in once orientation leaders split up, the group of young adults were herded for a brief meeting.
May felt as though everything was moving so quickly. One minute she was sitting on the plane the next she was being given a bunch of information and now she was here, getting a briefing from the girl Alex had pointed out as being Jason's older sister. May could see the resemblance. It was uncanny. Standing by her side was a man she looked to have taken some of her features from; her father obviously. This was the first time May had ever seen Jason's father in person. Jason looked like a perfect mix of his parents while Jocelyn looked more like her mother.
"I am Jocelyn Alvarez," The twenty three year old woman introduced, gesturing towards herself. "I am a graduate of this University from the year 2014 and I have been interning under the watch of my father, your school president and Dean, since then."
"I heard that since Jason refuses to be the next school President that Jocelyn has to take the job even if she doesn't want to." Patou muttered as she leaned over towards the person closest to her. That person just happened to be May.
"Really?" The brunette murmured looking towards Patou.
Goldie Locks nodded. "Their father wants to keep the school in the family." She added in explanation. May hummed in understanding as she turned her attention back on Jocelyn.
"And now I will hand it over to your School President." Jocelyn said looking towards her father and taking a step back just as he took a step forward.
Josh Alvarez was an intimidating looking man. Now May knew where Jason's sudden stature came from. His father was tall and obviously muscular even though his perfectly pressed suit was a little large on him. He looked like the definition of prim and proper; a perfect example of sophistication and education. He was the picture of a school principle. He held himself in the same way Alex's mother held herself…but Alex's mother was a High School Principle. This guy was a college president.
"Good Morning Class of 2018, and let me say I am excited to see such an excellent group of young men and women coming in for the Fall semester." Josh said in a voice that was deep enough to make metal vibrate. May's eye twitched. "Before we introduce you to your orientation team leaders, I will be going over some basic rules and regulations that you shall commit to memory before the school year starts."
"He's just as demanding as Jason." Aden murmured causing Alex to chuckle.
The rules and regulations were listed and explained. No drinking, blah, blah, blah…no drug usage, yada, yada, yada…no late night pokemon battling. The basics. May tuned most of it out knowing she did none of that stuff anyways. She was more anxious to see their orientation leaders. Even though she and Drew had only been separated for a couple of days, it still felt like forever. She only hoped she was in his group. Each incoming student attending that particular orientation was given a group number. May's happened to be seven just like Dawn and Patou. Rolyn, Alex and Paul were in group ten. Aden was the only one in group fifteen.
"And now, let's bring in our orientation team leaders," Jocelyn said. May had just noticed that her father was long gone. "For group one, we have Jessica Holt…" Names were listed off and once again, May paid it no mind. Her ears were only listening out for her number and her orientation leader. "…Group seven will be led by Drew Hayden…"
Somebody had to be looking out for the brunette. May smiled brightly as a familiar green haired young man sauntered into the auditorium. Hands shoved into his pockets and a nonchalant look on his face. How he could always look so blasé, May would never know, but he looked good all the same so she wasn't complaining. Even in that bland standard orientation leader outfit he looked captivating.
"Girls are already on the edge of their seats…" Patou murmured with a roll of her eyes. Sure, Drew was handsome…model worthy even but girls didn't need to turn into Pokemon in heat every time he strolled into the room.
"Drew is a sophomore here at Arceus, he is majoring in Coordinating and business and no ladies, he is not single so get any ideas outta ya head." Jocelyn sounded strangely like Jason at that moment.
"For group eight we have Ian Grey, another sophomore who is also taken…" Jocelyn said. Patou whined, crossing her arms over her chest. She wished she could have been in her boyfriend's group, but she was fine with being in Drew's. It wasn't like she was going to complain for the rest of the day as Rolyn had promised to do if she wasn't placed in Jason's group. "…For group ten we have my adorable baby brother, Jason Alvarez. He is also a sophomore majoring in Battling and business law and once again, we have another stud taken my friends. And beware of his girlfriend…she's the jealous type."
Jocelyn looked over in Rolyn's direction at that moment and said girl sunk in her seat. Jason smirked as he waved towards her enthusiastically. She waved back with barely a fraction of his excitement, trying to ignore the stares she was now receiving.
More groups were given. More leaders were introduced. A few more instructions were given before Jocelyn called out each number so those who had that number could get into their group and be whisked away by their leaders. It took May a few seconds to get out of her place in the audience but once she was clear, she made a beeline for Drew. Noticing the oncoming girl, he opened his arms and May ran straight into them, squealing when he lifted her off the ground.
"You are not allowed to leave me again," May said in a matter of fact tone as she pulled her head back to meet his eyes. Drew smirked. He set her down before swooping in and stealing a brief kiss in plain sight of everybody and anybody who were still in the auditorium, mainly group seven.
"Wouldn't think of it July…" He sighed leaning his forehead against her own. May laughed lightly. Yes, the fact that he insisted on getting her name wrong every chance he got still annoyed her, but she was used to it. If he were to call her May, he was either being serious or he was upset with her. She would worry if he actually called her by her name. "As much as I'd love to just alternate between staring into your big blues and kissing you senseless, I still have a job to do…"
May blushed at his words. He smirked at her once again before pulling away and addressing the entire group of incoming Freshman as a whole. He explained that they would be playing an ice breaker game just so everyone could learn each other's names before they went on a tour of the academic buildings. May just watched him, acting completely professional and answering questions that were suddenly brought up. With Drew there, things were no longer moving in a blur.
"You are so head over heels," Patou giggled leaning her elbow on May's shoulder. The two girls locked eyes, sharing playful looks. "I cannot wait for the wedding by the way. I expect to be a bridesmaid of course. I'll design the dresses too if ya want."
"Pat…" May laughed pushing Patou away gently.
"What, I'm only trying to be supportive." The golden haired girl offered nudging May in return. May laughed behind closed lips. "We're not getting any younger ya know and that promise ring that has been through rain or shine is definitely gonna start taking on new meaning as we get through college."
May paused.
"Alright guys, we'll finish the tour right after lunch and then after that I will be showing you where you'll be sleeping tonight," Jason explained to his group of incoming Freshman. In response he received talking amongst themselves and the occasional giggle from a girl. He rolled his eyes. It was like some of them were about to be Freshman in High School, not college. "Ask for you, young lady," Jason addressed looking towards his side.
Rolyn yawned. As much as she knew she should have been paying attention this entire time, she found it horribly difficult. The only thing keeping her awake was Jason's firm grip on her hand and him addressing her every now and then. She looked up at him and put on a smile, pretending she had been paying him mind this entire time when she was actually daydreaming about her bed back home.
"You should pay me a visit in my room tonight," Jason said lowly as he leaned over to get closer to her ear. Rolyn restrained a chuckle as she swatted him away. A blush began to burn in her cheeks.
"What's the magic word?" She retorted with fake firmness.
"Please get in my bed tonight?"
Rolyn blinked. "First of all that was a bunch of words and second of all, is that all you think about?" She sighed with a shake of her head. Jason smirked before planting a quick kiss on her neck, right below her ear.
"Yes," Alex responded for him with a roll of her eyes. Jason shot her a look and she beamed in response.
"No, it's not all I think about and you know I'm kidding. I just love being in your company." He said turning his attention back on Rolyn as he led her out of the building to head back to the Student Center where the cafeteria was. Rolyn couldn't restrain her smile. "You make me laugh and I would love having you to hold onto while you sing me to sleep."
"I'm gonna vomit." Paul grumbled passing the couple and taking the lead of the entire group. He already committed the Student Center's location to memory since, according to schedule, that would be the main meeting point and eating place for the next two days, not to mention for the oncoming school year.
"You're sweet," Rolyn murmured, a blush coming to her cheeks. Jason gave a lopsided smile. It was like he was the only one that could make Rolyn so bashful and nervous and he loved it. Rolyn was usually so loud, so vivacious and she only became anxious with him. A true sign that she felt more for him than she usually felt for people outside of her heart. "We'll see, alright? I'm rooming with Dawn tonight so I dunno if she'd like being in an unfamiliar place all on her own."
"Technically, we aren't obligated ta sleep tonight," Alex inserted in a matter of fact tone. Jason nodded in agreement. "Aden already offered ta take me on a walk at two in the morning. That guy is so weird yet so perfect."
"I repeat: I'm gonna vomit." Paul sighed shaking his head. Alex glared at the back of his head.
"Dawn will likely be spending time with either Patou and May or she'll be off with her Douche of a boyfriend." Alex explained. Paul turned his head slightly and Alex caught a glimpse of a brief narrowing of his dark eyes. "Ya'll can go off and sing lullabies ta your baby all night long if ya wanna." She added
"And I am an orientation leader so whose gonna object?" Jason added. "My father? My sister? Having connections surely has it's upsides."
"Yea but that doesn't mean you should take advantage of them." Rolyn said in a matter of fact tone as they just entered the back door of the Student Center that took them to the long lobby where they had received their information that morning. Jason led his group of about sixteen soon to be Freshman up a flight of stairs that led straight into a colossal cafeteria. Light poured into the immense room through windows that went from the high ceiling to the floor.
"Alright, today we're just allowed in but this evening after we get your IDs made up you will need them to get into the cafeteria and your rooms." Jason explained in a loud voice, just to make sure no one asked him to repeat himself. "We'll meet up in the Student Center lounge downstairs afterwards so we can get those IDs done and you can gather your stuff and take them to your rooms."
With that said, the group of sixteen High School graduates scattered. Jason released a sigh of relief leaning forward so that his chin rested on Rolyn's shoulder and his large arms wrapped around her midsection.
"C'mon," Rolyn said tugging on his arm. "I see Drew and May." She said pointing across the cafeteria. The couple were sitting at a long table already eating along with Patou who was talking animatedly with Ian. Dawn was just stepping up to the table with two plates; one with a small mountain sized amount of salad and a plate of pasta. Alex slapped her forehead when Dawn lifted the two plates above her head and twirled on one foot like the ballerina she was.
"Can we get food first? My sister has been denying me food for the last two days." Jason whined. Paul was already at the table picking at Dawn's food and she hardly minded. She looked more amused than distraught that someone was hijacking her food. Alex was also gone, finding Aden in one of the lines for food and joining him.
"Fine…" Rolyn grumbled as Jason led her to one of the food lines.
"This place is beautiful so far," May expressed with repressed excitement. Earlier that morning she was more overwhelmed than excited but now her opinion had changed for the better. Everything was less confusing and all over the place now that she was being guided around. It was only a bonus that the guide just happened to be Drew.
"I told you you'd like it." Drew breathed reclining in his seat.
"You told me nothing." May retorted flatly.
Alex snorted as she took a seat across from May with Aden sitting next to her. "So I have to admit, this place is pretty amazing in person." The purple haired girl began in her accent as she bit into a mozzarella stick. She let part of it hang from her mouth as she turned to Aden in invitation and he shook his head, a blush coming to his cheeks. Alex shrugged before shoving the rest of the food into her mouth.
"Yea, so much better than the digital tours." Patou agreed. "I feel like I'll get easily lost in those buildings though. There are so many rooms and so many floors." She admitted with a shake of her head.
"You get used to it." Ian reassured.
"I'm still not used to it." Drew snorted.
"Ooh, suddenly Mr. Perfect is not so perfect." May murmured. Drew's expression twitched and she smiled inwardly as he played with the food on her plate.
"I don't know what you're all complaining about," Jason breathed as he finally came to the table with Rolyn in tow. "I think its easy to know where everything is and how to get there."
"Jason, you've been visiting this school since you were four." Drew pointed out, his expression going blank. Jason perked a brow as if to say 'so what'. Drew rolled his eyes as he turned his attention back on his food.
"I think we'll all be fine…once the time comes I mean." May said with a smile. At least she hoped. Optimism was her thing after all.
Ten pages…bleh, there could have been a better word count though. I'm about to go down a nap. An empty dorm room plus rain outside equals the perfect opportunity for a nice nap. Later on I'll do my math homework. That shouldn't take too much time and I do it late out night anyways. Man I wish they'd switch the rain for snow. At least it would look a lot more prettier. Okay I know, this chapter was anything but eventful but I need to get all of this done before moving on to the school year. Oh and everything described about college is all based on reality. My school is all rolling hills and green pastures with tall trees. My orientation did go that way and they stuck us in groups by major. If only Jason really was my leader…my leader was a really overexcited girl…Please review.
~Rolyn~
