Author's Note:

People seemed to either like or not care about Marie's files, so I'm going to do those. I'll update it fairly often, though not necessarily after every chapter. Thanks as always, for all the reviews and I hope you enjoy the new chapter!

I'm really sorry there are so many introductions all at once, I don't expect you to remember who they all are at the moment, but the classes will start soon that put them in smaller groups and hopefully you'll be able to get to know everyone better then.

So, Zair has a Lapras and I'm assuming the water Pokémon have some sort of levitation abilities since you can use them anywhere in the game (except aerial battles), so his Lapras is able to travel over land, but prefers the water (sorry if you don't like this, but it makes sense to me).

One more thing, Mira's name is still Mira Lee, even though she is married to Wolf because she became famous under the name Mira Lee and it's also the last remnant of her original family. Just in case anyone was wondering. (Sorry for all the notes)

Chapter 2: Got a Reaction

Excerpt from Dance of Fate, by Mira Lee

It was a large group of people who took Razan down, some of us more well known than others. I don't want anyone to be forgotten, so I'm going to write about them in this chapter. Let's start with the Salems. Blake Salem, older brother to Nami, worked for Razan. He was one of the many Pokésouls in the city who was threatened into joining Nature's Guardians. Razan threatened Nami, so Blake joined Razan to protect his sister. Nami knew something bad had happened to her brother to make him leave, so she searched for him. After three long years, she finally found him and brought him back from Nature's Guardians. He then joined the fight with the rest of us to bring down Razan. Since Razan's fall, Blake joined the Guardian Force and Nami started working with Pecha at her lab.

Ri woke and sat up. Good morning, she sent to Clef. The Clefairy yawned and returned the greeting. Looks like Marie's still asleep. You hungry?

Starving! Clef exclaimed. I could eat a Ponyta!

That's disgusting, Ri chided.

Clef giggled. Come on Ri! To breakfast!

Yeah, yeah. I'm getting up, Ri said as she stood up. Clef jumped off the bed and ran to the door. Ri opened it and the Clefairy charged forward. The doors were all closed, but a faint light under Cerise and Cassie's door implied someone was awake. Ri guessed it was Cassie; the girl seemed like a workaholic. Ri walked quietly down the stairs and outside. It was still early and the morning light was painting everything a faint pink hue.

Breakfast! Clef sang.

Ri smiled in amusement at her Pokémon's excitement as she opened the cafeteria door for the Clefairy. The two made their way to the door at the back to get into the kitchen area. Ri hadn't been in this room before and was thankful that the kitchen looked nice and fairly modern. They must've added it when they fixed up all the buildings. What do you want? Ri asked. She began opening cabinets to see what there was. The cabinets were pretty well stocked and there was quite a bit of variety.

Have they got any pancakes? Clef wondered.

Not ready, I could make some if you want, Ri offered. Clef's joy at the thought was enough for Ri to go find the flour. Ri didn't know much about cooking, but pancakes were one of the things she could manage. Mostly because Clef absolutely loved them.

Ri began mixing up the batter as Clef chattered a made up story to her. Ri was just pouring the batter into a frying pan when the door opened. It was Cassie.

Company, Clef said.

Yep, want to see how quickly I can run her off? Ri replied. Clef giggled in response.

Ri turned on a bright smile, something that was completely fake but she had mastered with years of practice. "Hey Cassie!" Ri said. "What're you doing up so early? Want some pancakes?"

Cassie gave her an annoyed look. "No thanks," Cassie said. She went to the cabinet, grabbed a granola bar and quickly vacated the kitchen.

New record? Ri wondered.

I don't think this one counts. She already didn't want to be here, Clef replied.

Ri was very good at talking. A skill she'd honed over the years when she found that people were rather quick to discount the girl who spewed seemingly endless amounts of friendly nonsense. If Ri were to stand quietly in the back instead, she would be remembered. The ditz who talks too much? Very forgettable. It was also a very useful talent to have when one wanted to annoy stuck-up, ginger-haired city girls.

Ri finished flipping the last pancake and dropped it on the plate. She'd made a few too many, but someone would eat them. Clef had already found a plate and was eating a pancake. You want a fork? Ri asked.

I'm good, Clef replied as she held her pancake like a cookie and took another bite. Ri got herself a plate and silverware and served herself a couple of the pancakes.

The door opened as Ri started on her second pancake. It was Mari. "Hiya Ri!" Mari said.

"Want pancakes?" Ri offered, gesturing towards the leftovers.

"Really? I'd love some!" Mari exclaimed lunging towards the leftovers. Ri watched this with some amusement. Sparks flitted around the other girl's body and Ri noted with some interest that the metal objects in the room began rotating towards her. Nothing actually flew at her, but judging by the slight tug Ri felt from her fork it wouldn't take much for metal things to start flying at the girl.

Mari grabbed a fork, which jumped into her hand - literally - and sat down to eat the pancakes. "These are good!" Mari complimented.

"Thanks," Ri said. "I worked at a restaurant in one of the places I visited."

"Really? That's cool," Mari said. "Have you traveled a lot?"

Ri started talking about some of the places she'd been, embellishing some of the stories more out of habit than any particular desire to look impressive. Ri often forgot what it was she was talking about when she went into what Clef called her 'chatty' mode. This was something that Clef liked to have fun with, as when the Pokémon said something to Ri, Ri would then add that in to whatever she was saying, despite lack of relevance to her current topic. Ri was fairly certain it was Clef's fault Ri had told Marie that story about aliens.

Ri had finished with her meal and was washing her plate when the door opened again. Marie stepped inside. Ri immediately plastered on her overly happy grin, careful to keep off any hint of annoyance. "Hey Marie! Good morning!" Ri greeted in the most cheerful voice she could manage.

"Ugh," Marie said when she noticed who the other two people in the room were.

"Mariririe! Together again!" Mari exclaimed around a bite of pancake.

"I'm not a part of that," Marie insisted.

"Yes you are," Ri replied. "You're part of our group!" She was probably overdoing the cheer a bit, but the look of complete annoyance on Marie's face was too funny for Ri to stop.

Marie grimaced and looked back at the door, but finally decided to go forwards towards the food. She opened the cabinet and a faint look of disgust crossed her face.

"Is the food not good enough for ya?" Ri asked.

"It's boring," Marie complained.

"Ri made pancakes earlier. They were good," Mari said, having just finished the last of them.

"I wouldn't eat anything made by her," Marie grumbled.

"You say the nicest things," Ri said. This awarded her another glare.

Marie apparently either decided the food wasn't good enough, or just wasn't worth being in Ri and Mari's company, and left. Ri's smile darkened to a more normal level at the girl's exit. "She's not very cheery is she?" Mari said thoughtfully.

"She doesn't like the Outerlands or the people who live here," Ri replied. "Being here is probably not great for her mood." This was rather more forgiving than Ri actually felt - it wasn't Ri's fault she was born in the Outerlands after all - but she doubt Marie was actually that surly all the time.

"That's stupid," Mari declared surprising Ri slightly. "It doesn't matter where people are born or where they live."

"If more people thought like you did the world would be a much better place," Ri said. She wasn't sure she could really count herself among those who did think like Mari. Ri wanted to, but it was just too easy to blame the cities for her problems sometimes.

"Well, I'm amazing, of course the world would be better with more people like me," Mari replied with a grandiose gesture.

A girl wandered around the dirt clearing in the center of the academy, looking around at the buildings in obvious curiosity. There was an intelligent gleam in her bright amber eyes and a smile on her face. A Ninetails walked at her heels, though she was staring at the ground rather than the buildings.

The girl had long, strawberry blonde hair that was currently tied up in a ponytail to keep it out of her face. She was wearing white jeans shorts, a short sleeved blue top and white sneakers. This place looks nice, doesn't it? She commented to her partner.

I suppose, the Ninetails replied.

It was still quite early, and there didn't appear to be anyone around. That is until a ginger haired girl left one of the buildings and began walking across the clearing. "Hi there!" The girl with the Ninetails called out.

The ginger haired girl stopped to look at her. "Did you just get here?" She wondered, her voice had a note of incredulity.

"Yep," the Ninetails girl replied. "I'm Ash. This is Pixie." The Ninetails inclined her head.

"Marie and Barrett," the ginger girl said. "It's pretty early to be arriving isn't it?" She gestured to the still mostly dark sky.

Ash shrugged. "I woke up and decided to come on over."

"Right, well that's the cafeteria," Marie said pointing to the building she'd come out of. "The girls' dorm is that one. I haven't actually seen much else of the school yet," Marie said.

"I guess I'll head to the dorm to put my stuff down," Ash replied.

"Well I'm headed that way anyway so come on." Marie headed off to the building she'd pointed at earlier and Ash followed. Inside was a common area with several couches, and Ash recognized the woman sitting in the chair by the window as Nami Salem. "Good morning Nami," Marie said.

"Good morning," Nami replied. Her eyes then landed on Ash. "Hello, did you just arrive?" She asked.

Ash nodded. "It's very nice to meet you Ms. Salem. I'm Aspen Woodville," Ash said.

"Just call me Nami," Nami said. This was surprising to Ash as her parents had always been big on formality. She supposed she could get used to it though. "It's nice to meet you Aspen."

"I usually go by Ash," Ash informed.

"Your room is upstairs if you want to put your stuff down." Ash nodded and headed for the stairs followed by Marie. Ash checked the signs until she finally found the door with her name on it. Marie had passed that one, but turned when she saw Ash stop.

"You're Mari's roommate?" Marie said. "I don't envy you."

"You've met her?" Ash asked, pointing to the sign that said 'Marisa.'

"Unfortunately," Marie grumbled.

"Is there something wrong with her?" Ash wondered, becoming a bit concerned.

"She's -," Marie started.

"Hello Nami!" A voice downstairs exclaimed.

"Loud," Marie finished.

The owner of the loud voice came up the stairs dressed in a witch outfit. "I haven't seen you before! Did you just get here?" The witch girl asked.

"Yeah, are you Marisa?" Ash asked.

"My reputation proceeds me!" Marisa exclaimed. "But generally people call me Mari."

"I'm Ash," Ash said as she pointed to the name 'Aspen' on the door.

"You're my roommate?" Mari said excitedly. "Nice to meet you!"

A door by Marie opened and a blonde head poked out. "Keep it down," the scowling girl demanded.

"You're awake though," Mari pointed out.

"It doesn't change the fact that you're too loud," the girl growled.

"That's Cassie," Marie said. Cassie slammed the door. "She doesn't like noise."

"Noted," Ash replied.

"Come on in," Mari said, pulling on Ash's arm. She tugged Ash inside the room which was decorated on one side. There were a couple posters from the popular witch series, PokéWitch hung over the bed and desk. Ash put her bag on the undecorated side. Pixie came in and settled onto the floor.

"So you're a fan of PokéWitch?" Ash asked.

"Of course!" Mari said. "It's so cool, I've read all the books and seen every episode!"

The series was not very popular in the city, mostly because all the main characters used magic. It had a devoted fan base in the Outerlands though. The magic wasn't quite the same as in real life, but the similarities were enough for city dwellers to be wary of it. Since the defeat of Razan and the increased acceptance of magic by the government, the show had begun to gain some fans in the city, but it was still a very small following there.

"Are you a fan?" Mari asked hopefully.

Ash shook her head apologetically. "I've seen a few episodes, but I never watched it regularly."

Mari sighed but didn't seem overly disappointed.

"So you're from the Outerlands?" Ash surmised.

"Nope," Mari replied.

"You're from the city?" Ash said in surprise.

"Yep, is that a problem?" Mari wondered.

"No, it's just unusual for someone from the city to be interested in magic."

"People who don't like magic are stupid," Mari declared. "Magic is awesome."

"I've never used it, but I don't have a problem with it. I'm from the Outerlands though, so that's not a huge surprise."

"Do you have any spell books?" Mari asked excitedly.

"No, sorry," Ash replied.

Mari shrugged. "I'm sure I'll learn more in the magic elective anyway. Which one are you taking?"

"Tech," Ash replied.

"You like computers?" Mari wondered.

Ash nodded. "I love them. I lived in a small town, but I was able to talk to so many different people using my computer."

Mari didn't seem to really understand what that meant, but nodded anyway. "Computers aren't as cool as magic, but they're alright," Mari said.

A few hours later, at a more reasonable time, another girl approached the school. The girl's hair was short and blonde, cut into a slightly angled bob. Her eyes were grey. She wore an orange shirt with denim shorts and black leggings. Upon her head was a blue cap with a brilliant red feather sticking out. Across her shoulder was an orange bag and there were sneakers on her feet. Here we are, she mused to her partner.

Yep, her Gallade agreed.

"Hey there!" A female voice said from behind her as the girl felt an arm being slung around her shoulders. She jolted in surprise and turned towards the voice.

The girl was blonde, like the first girl, but hers was much longer and was tied into a braid that hung over her left shoulder. Her outfit consisted of a silvery-white t-shirt that was tucked into a pair of neon pink shorts. On her feet were dark blue slippers and over her shoulder was a white tote bag. "I'm Faye," the girl said. She was several inches shorter than the Gallade Pokésoul.

"Katie," the first girl replied, still reeling a bit from being snuck up on.

"I just got here," Faye said. "How about you?"

"I just arrived as well," Katie said. "This is Hermes, by the way." Katie gestured to her Gallade.

"Cool," Faye said, staring at the Pokémon. "I'm not a Pokésoul myself."

"Really?" Katie said in surprise. The two girls had started walking again and were now in the center of all the buildings.

"Yep! I do have Pokémon though," Faye said. "Where are we supposed to be going?"

"I'm not sure," Katie said.

"Hey there!" Katie and Faye turned towards the new voice. The call had come from Wolf Winters.

"You're Wolf!" Faye said. She finally removed her arm from around Katie's shoulders to point at the white-haired man.

"Yes I am," Wolf replied. "Did you two just get here?"

"Yes sir," Katie answered.

Wolf laughed. "Just Wolf, sir makes me feel old," he said. Katie nodded. "If you're looking for the girls' dorm, it's that building." Wolf pointed towards one of the buildings.

"Thank you," Katie said.

"Yeah, thanks!" Faye said. The two girls made their way to the dorm. When they opened the door they stepped into a lounge area, but it was empty.

The two walked up the stairs and began looking at the doors for their names. "Hey! We're roomies!" Faye exclaimed pushing open the door to their shared room. Katie followed more sedately and sat down on one of the beds.

"New people!" They heard someone exclaim from next door. There was the sound of a door flying open, then a girl in a witch outfit appeared at their door. "Hello there!" She exclaimed. "I am the Great Marisa! You may address me as Mari."

"Hello Mari," Katie replied on instinct. Her mind was still reeling from the noise. "My name is Katie Nakamura and this is Hermes."

"I'm Faye," said the other blonde, looking much less startled than Katie.

"Hi there, I'm Ash," said a girl standing behind Mari. Her voice was a much more normal volume. "We're next door to you." The girl pointed to the side.

"You want to meet the others?" Mari asked. "They're all here."

"Sure," Faye said. Katie nodded as well.

Mari grinned and marched down the hallway. She opened one of the doors and threw it open. "Double M! We have new people!" Katie peered around Mari and Faye to see the two girls in the room.

"Double M?" Faye asked.

"I'm Mari, that's Marie and Ri." Mari pointed to the two girls. "Ri's full name is Marian, so we're Triple M," Mari explained.

"So you're Marie, Mari and Ri?" Ash wondered.

Mari nodded. "Double M, this is my roommate Ash, and that's Katie and Faye."

"Hello," Marie said. Ri just gave them a wave.

The door on the other side of the hall opened. "Could you keep it down?" A blonde girl demanded.

"Sorry Cassie!" Mari said, though her apology wasn't any quieter than anything else she'd done. "That's Cassie and Cerise." The second name apparently applied to the purple haired girl who quickly hid after her name was said.

"Has anyone seen my physics book?" Cassie asked.

"Oh, I have that," Mari said. She vanished into her room for a second, then reappeared with a book. She handed it over while Cassie stared at her suspiciously.

"How did it end up in your room?" Cassie demanded.

Mari shrugged. "I must've grabbed it," she said unapologetically.

"From my room?" Cassie asked. Mari just shrugged again. Cassie glared, then went back into her room, closing the door behind her.

"She's a bit mean," Mari said to the others.

"Did you steal her book?" Marie wondered.

"I just borrowed it," Mari corrected.

"Without asking?" Faye wondered.

"If she'd asked then Cassie would've known where it was," Ri pointed out. Mari didn't protest this statement.

Faye shrugged. "Just don't take any of my clothes."

Mari looked at Faye. "My clothes are way cooler anyway," Mari said.

There was the sound of a door opening down the hall and the girls all exchanged a look. Mari then grinned, and bounded down the hallway for the last room. The door was open and Mari charged right in. "Hi there!" She called. The others, even Marie, followed, though much less loudly.

"Who are you?" They heard a new voice demand. Katie finally got to a position where she could see and found there were two unknown girls in the room. One was staring at Mari with a cold look and the other seemed to be completely ignoring everyone.

"Marisa! You can call me Mari though," Mari replied. "Who're you?"

"Mayday," the girl replied. Her hair was in a pageboy style and was a grayish-black color. Her eyes were very similar in color to her hair and appeared cold. She wore a sleeveless black tank top, combat pants and black boots. Her pants had pockets all over and they appeared to all be full.

The other girl in the room was lying on her bed with a Banette sitting next to her. This girl had pure white hair that fell all the way to the middle of her back. Her eyes were very strange, as they were red on black. She was wearing dark jeans and a dark blue hoodie. "So are you Faith or Shion?" Mari wondered as she looked at the sign on the door.

The girl ignored her. Mari looked to Mayday who shrugged. "I just got here." Mayday turned away and began sorting through her things. Katie noted that she had a lot of weapons and survival gear.

"Do you want to meet everyone?" Mari asked.

"Whatever," Mayday replied. The complete lack of interest was actually seeming to get to Mari slightly. Katie tried to find something to say to make her feel better, but Ash cut in.

"I'm Ash. This is Marie, Ri, Katie and Faye. If you ever need anything we'd be happy to help," Ash said.

Mayday nodded but didn't respond. "So you're not going to say anything?" Faye said to the girl with the Banette. The girl continued to ignore everyone.

"We don't even get a name?" Marie wondered.

"Excuse me, this is my room," a quiet voice said. Katie, who was near the back, quickly stepped out of the way. The new girl was older than the other two in the room, but younger than everyone else. She had dark brown hair that fell just above her shoulders. Her eyes were an odd scarlet color and she avoided making eye contact with anyone. She wore a black beanie with a red tank top and black ripped jeans. On her hands were black ripped gloves and on her feet were red high tops. At her side was a shiny Eevee.

"What's your name?" Mari asked the girl.

"Shion," the girl said.

"So you're Faith!" Mari said in triumph, pointing at the white haired girl.

The girl flicked her eyes towards Mari, then went back to staring at the ceiling. "Got a reaction!" Mari exclaimed.

"Congratulations," Marie said sarcastically.

"We should leave them to get settled," Ash suggested. Katie agreed with this immediately. The quiet and strangely intense girls were unnerving her. They left and all ended up in Ash and Mari's room, though it was a bit crowded.

"They're very intense," Faye commented.

"Yeah," Ri agreed. "They may be more intense than Cassie."

"She actually looks personable compared to them," Marie agreed. Mari grinned hugely and Marie gave her an odd look. "What?" She demanded.

"You two are getting along!" Mari exclaimed.

"I think one thing Ri said wasn't stupid, that doesn't mean I like her!" Marie yelled.

"I think we're besties now," Ri said with a big smile, wrapping an arm around Marie who jumped out of her chair to avoid it. The two left, Ri chasing Marie.

"They'll be friends soon," Mari said sagely.

"I'm not so sure about that," Faye doubted.

"It's possible," Ash said, though she didn't sound very convinced.

"So, um, what elective classes did you sign up for?" Katie asked, hoping to get to know the others better.

"I'm in the art class," Faye replied. "Mostly for the music."

"Tech," Ash said. "I love technology!"

"Magic for me," Mari said, which was not surprising at all judging from the girl's outfit.

"I'm in magic too," Katie said. "I want to learn healing magic."

"Cool!" Mari exclaimed. "We'll be in the same class then! Magic buddies!"

"Do you want to go talk with everyone?" Cerise asked. "They sound like they're having fun." The distinct sound of Mari's laughter and voice was clear even through the closed door.

"No," Cassie replied as she continued to work.

"What are you working on?" Cerise asked. She was frightened to ask, but the other girl had been working all day and school hadn't started yet.

"I'm studying," Cassie said.

Cerise wanted to ask what it was she was studying for, but the girl was already sounding irritated. We could go by ourselves, Lampent suggested.

Cerise felt a huge spike of fear. It was safe, here in this room. Out there were people Cerise didn't know. She was much more comfortable right here, in the silence and safety.

It'll be fine, Lampent assured.

No, I'll stay here with Cassie, Cerise decided. "Can I help?" Cerise asked.

Cassie actually stopped writing for a second to look at Cerise. "What?" Cassie asked, though Cerise was fairly certain the girl had heard her.

"C-could I help?" Cerise repeated, already mentally berating herself for offering. She didn't want to make the other girl mad.

"Uh, sure," Cassie replied, sounding rather surprised. Cerise in turn was surprised her help wasn't rejected. "If you could quiz me on these words that would help."

Cassie handed her rather large book over to Cerise, who took it very carefully. Cerise read the words and their definitions, but whatever it was Cassie was studying was so far beyond what Cerise knew, she wasn't even entirely sure what subject it was. Nevertheless, Cerise read out the first word. Cassie answered, and the two passed the time this way.

A man walked up to the buildings of the academy, hands behind his head as he slowly continued on his way. At his side a Lapras floated, swimming though the air. I miss the water, the Lapras, Sky, sighed.

There's supposed to be a pond there, the man assured. His hair was short and brown, his bangs parted to the right side and slightly covering his hazel eyes. The man was rather tall and was wearing a black beanie over most of his hair. He wore a simple, loose white shirt and a pair of brown trousers. At the moment, he also had a large bag but it was clear this was just his luggage for school.

"Hey, you just get here too?" The man turned to see a younger guy walking up to him. The younger man had black hair that stuck up all over the place, but somehow didn't look completely weird. He was tall as well, but not quite as tall as the man with the Lapras. He was wearing a dark blue t-shirt along with black jeans and black hiking boots. At his side was a Kirlia.

"Yeah," the older man said. "I'm Zair."

"Equinox," replied the other. Equinox appeared rather stern and somewhat intimidating by his appearance, but his tone was friendly. "Nice to meet you."

"You too," Zair replied.

"Here's the boys' dorm," Equinox said as he read a sign by a building.

"And it's right by the water," Zair added. Sky made a happy sound and floated over to the water, making a loud splash as she dove in.

"So you're a Lapras Pokésoul?" Equinox asked.

Zair nodded. "Her name's Sky."

"This is Celsius." Zair nodded to the Kirlia.

The two guys, plus Celcius, walked into the dorm building to find it rather quiet. Zair looked at the doors and found his name almost immediately. "Looks like this is my room," Zair said. Equinox looked at Zair's door and the one across.

"Mine must be upstairs. See ya around," Equinox said. Zair nodded at him and entered his new room. No one was inside, but two of the beds already had things on them. Zair shrugged and dumped his stuff. He walked around the room for a little while, but then got bored and decided to look around the rest of the building. The room across from his had two names, Leo and Silas. He tried knocking on the door, but there was no answer. He shrugged and walked up the stairs Equinox had gone up earlier.

He found Equinox standing in the hallway staring inside one of the rooms with a look of bemusement on his face.

"What's going on?" Zair wondered as he walked over to the younger man.

Equinox just gestured through the door. Zair noted the words, 'Common Room' written on the door before he looked inside.

The interior of the room had a couple couches and several chairs, most of which were occupied by sleeping boys. The younger boys were asleep on one of the couches, one hugging a Shuckle and the other using a Ditto as a pillow. The oldest, and someone Zair recognized as Christopher, had gotten a full couch and was snoring slightly. Two people were one the floor and a boy with a Leafeon was curled up in one of the chairs. On the TV was the title screen for Mario Party.

"Are they alive?" Zair wondered.

They could use some food, Sky commented, monitoring the situation through Zair.

"They look like they're breathing," Equinox replied. "Though if they were playing Mario Party I'm surprised no one killed anyone else."

"Terrible game," Zair said. "Should we wake them up?"

"And face the wrath of a bunch of people who just played Mario Party all night? Nah, let's leave them be," Equinox replied.

"Probably a good idea," Zair agreed. The two left the common room and Zair went back down the stairs.

Equinox joined him a couple minutes later. "Want to look around the rest of the school?" Equinox suggested.

Zair shrugged. "Sure," he agreed. The two walked outside and found a few girls talking with someone Zair immediately recognized as Mira Lee.

"Hi there," Equinox greeted.

There were two unknown girls with Mira and Zair assumed they must be students. "Hello!" Said one of the girls, who was wearing what appeared to be a witch outfit. "I'm Mari, this is Ash."

"Equinox, Celsius and Zair," Equinox replied.

"Welcome to the school," Mira said. "Has Christopher showed you around yet?"

"He was passed out upstairs," Equinox replied.

"Passed out?" The girl named Ash repeated incredulously.

"Apparently he played video games all night," Zair explained.

"Oh, well I get that," Ash replied.

"He's supposed to be helping out, not sleeping," Mira said with a bit of annoyance.

"I'll go wake him up," Wolf offered, appearing beside his wife.

Mira smiled fondly at him. "Don't make him too mad," she suggested.

He grinned back at her. "I make no promises."

"I'll help!" Mari offered. She trotted off after Wolf looking excited.

"That's not going to end well," Ash mused.

"It's really not," Zair agreed.

"Hello boys!" Greeted a new face.

She had long blonde hair and Ash greeted her with a, "Hi Faye." There was another blonde next to Faye who looked much quieter.

"This is Faye and Katie," Ash introduced. "Equinox and Zair," She explained to the girls.

"Nice to meet you," Katie said politely.

"Likewise," Equinox replied.

"Katie, you're Liliana's cousin, right?" Mira asked.

"Yes. She suggested I come here," Katie replied.

"Well I'm glad you came," Mira said. "It's nice to have you here. All of you."

"Thank you," Katie said.

"We were just going to get some breakfast," Faye said. "Want to join?"

"Sure," Zair said. Ash and Equinox agreed as well, though Mira did not as she had to stay and help arriving students. The group of five walked to the cafeteria and they all got in line for food. There was a ginger haired girl already at one of the tables and Zair's group went to join her.

"Guys, this is Marie," Faye introduced. "Marie, this is Equinox and Zair."

"Hi," Marie said. She was already half-way done with her meal. "This is way better than yesterday's," she commented.

"The food was bad yesterday?" Katie wondered as she picked at her food.

"It was made by Christopher," Marie replied.

"Well he definitely didn't make this," Equinox said.

"How do you know?" Marie wondered.

"He's passed out in the boys' dorm," Equinox replied.

"So are most of the guys," Zair added.

"I had wondered why we hadn't met any boys yet," Faye said.

"I met some of them yesterday," Marie said.

"Any cute ones?" Faye wondered.

Marie gave her a weird look. "Who cares?" She wondered.

"I care!" Faye said.

"Were they nice?" Ash asked.

"They seemed fine," Marie replied. "None of them are as annoying as Ri or Mari, though pun master Hibi comes close."

"We live with a pun master?" Equinox asked.

"He's awful," Marie complained.

"We met Mari," Zair mused. "And presumably Hibi is one of the people asleep in the common room. Haven't met Ri yet."

"Hope that you don't," Marie said darkly.

Ash laughed a bit. "I talked to her earlier she's really not bad."

"You haven't been tortured by her," Marie countered.

"Tortured?" Katie said nervously.

"She thinks I talk too much," a girl standing behind Marie said. Marie jerked and turned around.

"What are you doing here?" Marie demanded.

"I missed you," the girl who must be Ri said with a grin. Marie glared at Ri who smiled back, then Marie grabbed her plates and stomped off. Ri took the newly vacated seat and her Clefairy jumped up on the table. "So who're these guys?"

"I'm Equinox. That's Celsius and Zair," Equniox explained.

"Nice to meet you," Ri said.

"So are you a Pokésoul?" Faye asked, the question directed at Zair.

He nodded. "My partner Sky is a Lapras."

"Too big for the lunch room then," Faye surmised.

"She's a bit big, yeah," Zair agreed. "What about yours?" Zair looked around, but couldn't see a Pokémon that seemed to belong to Faye.

"Don't have one," Faye replied.

"You don't?" Zair said. "Why're you here then?"

Faye shrugged. "Why not?"

"She's not the only one without a partner," Ri remarked. "One of the boys, Darn, isn't a Pokésoul either."

"Really?" Katie said in interest. "I wasn't really expecting there to be any non-Pokésouls here. Not that I have anything against them!" She added quickly.

Faye just laughed. "I'm not offended," she assured. "My father thought I could learn a lot from the school here and I agreed. Besides, I always enjoy being different."

"This is probably the one place where being a non-Pokésoul makes you weird," Equinox commented.

Sorry for the abrupt ending and lack of male characters. I really meant to have the guys wake up at some point in here, but it got long.

Character Credits:

Aspen Woodville - Dragon2920

Faith Mayfly - PokeSpeBanette

Shion Katashi - Animewovles

Mayday Amoratia - negimafanman

Katie Nakamura - LadyLucina28

Faye Breighton - Imagination Heaven

Equinox Soluna - FlameUser64

Zair Spear - imafangirlforever