The two friends had reached Gardevoir High. Many Pokémon of all types and species milled about, and Illumise couldn't believe how many there were! The lake where Water types practiced their move sparkled in the sun, and Nuzleaf noticed the garden where he and Illumise would be practicing their moves. There was an area covered in volcano rocks and coals for the fire types, and he saw several Chimchars goofing off while a Quilava practiced her Fire Spin. There was a place for every type of Pokémon!

Illumise was staring at Volbeat. He was one of the most popular boys, along with Arcanine, Luxio, Ninjask, and a few others. But it was Volbeat who Illumise had a crush on. She smiled at him and waved a little, but he was too busy talking to Ninjask to notice. Naturally. What was she thinking? He was one of the most popular boys and (compared to him) she was a nobody! Blushing, she quickly checked to make sure nobody had seen her wave. But two Pokémon had.

One was Nuzleaf, who was grinning wildly.

The other was Smoochum, who watched with a smug smile. She was the main gossiper of the school, the one you came to if you wanted to know the latest news. And she was self-appointed messenger to the most popular girl in the school (and also the meanest) Roserade. A story on the first day! What luck!

"Welcome, students." A graceful figure said as she glided onto the stage. Everyone looked up and quieted down as the principle of the school, Gardevoir, began to speak. "I hope you have had a wonderful first day. As you well know, one of traditions is to hold a school dance on the Friday of the first week. Normal, these are casual events. But this year, we have decided to try something new. We are holding this a week later, as to give time for everyone to acquire formal clothes. Yes, this dance will be a formal affair." She said, and then added, "And that means tuxedos, boys."

All of the boys groaned while the girls chattered excitedly. "Isn't this great, Nuzleaf? I can't wait! My first formal dance!" Illumise said, although she didn't voice the nagging worry that nobody would ask her to the dance. "Someone save me…" Nuzleaf moaned pathetically, barely listening to what Illumise said. "Shh!" She whispered as Gardevoir continued. "Bet you wouldn't have said that to Volbeat…" He muttered, and this time several girls turned around and glared.

Gardevoir continued. "I have heard that several of our students have set up a business where you can buy your own dresses and tuxedos here at school. If you need a dress or tux, simply go to one of the stations and to be measured, or put your name on the waiting lists. The stations are in the garden, next to the lake, and in the lava zone. Thank you, and have a nice day."

Some girls ran up to boys the minute Gardevoir ended her speech and asked around. Nuzleaf saw a couple of struggling boys being dragged off by girls to get their clothes made. Poor guys. Then he felt a hand on his arm. "Come on, let's go to get our clothes ordered before they get too busy!" Illumise said as she pulled him to the garden. "No, please, anything but that!" He pleaded. "Oh, stop being such a baby!" She replied unsympathetically. Nuzleaf shook his head sadly. "It's a sad day when a Pokémon is betrayed by his best friend, who forces him to do unspeakable nightmarish things." He stated dramatically. "Oh for goodness's sake, they're just going to measure you and make note! It will hardly take five minutes."

A Mawile who was dragging a moping Shinx accidently bumped into Illumise. "Oh, I'm sorry." She said. "It's fine." Illumise replied. "Good luck. If you survive, watch out for next week. By then they'll have the clothes done and we'll have to come in for another fitting!" The Shinx nodded. "Here's a tip I heard; never look in the eye of whoever measures you. She's pure evil and will eat your soul!" The two boys nodded solemnly to each other before Mawile dragged Shinx off to the station next to the lake.

"Hello. Me and my friend Nuzleaf would like to order some clothes." Illumise asked the Leavanny. "Sure. Right this way." Leavanny replied, pointing them inside the tent. "Thank you!" Illumise said before she and Nuzleaf entered the tent. "Help meeeeee!" He yelled as Illumise dragged him in, and Leavanny smiled. "Aren't the boys that come in so funny?" She remarked to Lopunny, who was bringing in some extra tape measurers. Lopunny just smiled and nodded knowingly.