Author's Note: Hi! Yeah, so I really needed something to do today. I figured I'd start (another) Pokemon fic.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. I own my characters and my region (the Lochbay Region).

Prologue: The News

Room 210 of Whitevale Public School hummed with the excited voices of twenty-something ten-year-olds. Tomorrow being the start of Whitevale Beach's Summer Breeze festival could have had something to do with the chirpiness of the class. Sun rays streaked through the large arched windows at the side of the class; there wasn't a cloud to be seen in the blue skies above. Since it was Friday, teenagers could be seen on the beach, tanning, playing a game of beach volleyball, or battling their Pokemon.

Miss. Nariko stood at the front of the classroom behind a lab bench with a long wooden pointer in her hand. She tapped on the board without focus. Even she was getting excited about the week to come. There would be no school, and no worries. The kids would be out with their friends, playing, or enjoying the carnival and fireworks. Nariko sighed dreamily. Her long blond hair was tied in a high pony tail which was starting to hurt her head. She couldn't ever keep it down during school hours, as it always got in the way. Sometimes she considered cutting it short- some would say that was the style these days.

To add to her students' happiness, today she would be informing them that in a week's time they would be receiving their first Pokemon. Nariko knew that some of them had a feeling that this announcement would be coming soon. They had been angry when they found out that the other ten-year-old class was ready for their Pokemon before their class. However, it was Nariko's firm belief that kids should be properly prepared before receiving their first Pokemon. Only being in her twenties herself, Nariko could remember when her professor held her class back from getting their companions. It had paid off in the long run, as it was proven that these students had made it a lot farther in life that the ones who got their Pokemon first.

Nariko had decided that she would make her students take a test. Although most students hated tests- and she knew it- this one would be different. It would be a personality test of sorts, to figure out which Pokemon is best suited for each individual. Having been studying at the Lockbay Region National Pokemon Academy- or L.R.N.P.A. - she knew each Pokemon's attitude towards its trainer and towards life. Each Pokemon had a very different personality, but Nariko had found that each species as a group shared certain traits, as they did abilities.

The professor stood tall in front of her class and prepared herself for her announcement. True, she had run over it many times in her head already, but it would be different this time. Despite being a professor, Nariko had an issue with public speaking, and even though she tried her hardest to cover it, she couldn't help but thinking that the fact was obvious.

She faced the chatting kids and cleared her throat two times, eventually catching their attention. A chorus of 'shh' covered the class until all was silent.

"Okay class," The professor started, "I have an announcement to make."

The students all turned to each other and began to whisper joyfully. Even the girl at the back- Nell was her name- began talking to the boy beside her. If Nariko wasn't the girl's cousin, she would have sworn it was the first time she had ever seen the girl say anything.

"Well? Do you want to hear what I have to say or not?" The woman asked, and the class fell silent at her voice. "Thank you. Now, I know that a few of you probably know what I am going to say, and I would appreciate if you would be quiet while I tell everybody else." Nariko smiled at her little cousin, who was smirking. "As you all know, it is typical that when a student turns ten-years-old, they receive their first Pokemon. You also know that this is not the case in Whitevale Beach. Here, we divide classes by age, and the ten-year-old classes will normally start their Pokemon journeys at the same time. Again, this is not the case. Now, I know that you were all angry with me and our principal, for not letting you guys have your Pokemon at the same time as the other class. However, I hope to make this up to you. Next week you will all receive your first Pokemon."

The class began to cheer. Some students got out of their seats and started to talk excitedly with their friends on the other side of the class. Nariko couldn't blame them for being excited. She knew she was when she found out she was going to receive her first Pokemon- which was a Sunkern. She thought it was the most adorable thing on the planet, and it nearly killed her to evolve it when her battle record wasn't very good.

"Students! Return to your seats!" The professor said impatiently. "There is more. I know that some of you are not going to like this, but there will be a test. Don't worry though. It is a personality test so I will know which Pokemon to give each of you."

There was a murmur of approval spread across the room. It wouldn't be that bad. At least they didn't have to study!

A few seconds later the school's bell shrilled loudly, signaling the end of classes. As was tradition, the kids lined up at the door and waited to be dismissed. Nariko stood to the side of the door before opening it and saying her goodbyes. However, one student stayed behind.

"Nariko?" Nell asked, looking up at her cousin.

"Yes?"

Tugging at her dark blue school blazer nervously, Nell asked, "Will there be a Pokemon out there for me?"

"Of course! There are Pokemon in the world with all sorts of personalities! I'm sure there will be one that suits you perfectly." Nariko said, trying to convince her cousin. That was the problem with Nell. The girl had a split personality of sorts. In public she was very shy, but in the company of close friends and family she was the most outgoing person Nariko knew.

"But…How will I take this test. Do I answer the questions as the way I am here, or as the way I am at home? Either way, I'll feel like I'm lying." Nell confessed. She averted her violet eyes toward the ground and ran a small hand through her short, carnation-pink hair. Today she had her bangs clipped to the side. That was the most Nariko had ever seen her do with her hair.

"Do what you feel is right." Nell's cousin encouraged, giving the girl a soft smile.

"Thanks Nariko."

"Oh, and Nell? Have fun this week. Don't worry about what is to come." Nariko said as Nell turned to walk out the door.

The younger girl turned back around, smiled at her, and then walked out the door. Least did she know that her journey would be greater than most others.

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