Lily steps out of her mom's van and onto the sidewalk in front of dorm Decidueye, nerves jittery like thousands of invisible bug Pokémon are crawling on her. Volunteers and freshmen swamp the brick building, dozens of potential witnesses of her embarrassing herself. Her knees tremble, composure already falling apart at the merciless jaws of anxiety. While she's rendered unmoving, upperclassmen and Pókemon hustle furniture and boxes from cars to the front entrance. Some who have probably been working since early this morning rest under the boughs of Eterna forest's treeline, rehydrating and staving off the heat.
She can feel her mom's deprecating stare digging holes into her back and shoulder blades, even though she had just faked a warm goodbye. So she shuts the car door behind her, putting a barrier between them that she's been longing to do for a long time. All and all, despite the enthusiasm ready to breach the surface again, right now she feels pretty fucking awful. Between the packing, long uncomfortable car ride that put a crick in her neck, and insufferable tension of her unsupportive mother behind the wheel, she just wants some peace before the welcome ceremony tonight.
She's so busy brewing in her negative thoughts and anxiety that her foot catches on the curb when she attempts to step forward. To her surprise, a strong, springy limb catches her, and she startles when she comes face-to-face with a Hitmonlee that's helping unload her vehicle. Its dark, intense eyes are intimidating on an otherwise blank face. But then its eyes crinkle up, almost like it's smiling. Admittedly, it's sort of creepy, but she can see the kindness there.
"Thank you," Lily says, giving thanks where its due, staring at Hitmonlee. Seeing another Pokémon for the first time lifts her spirits a little. She's only seen a Hitmonlee in pictures: it's almost as tall as she is without its legs stretched out. What a powerhouse Pokémon. "I'm just nervous I guess."
Hitmonlee pats her on the shoulder as if to soothe her, before getting back to work. Some strain deep in her heart feels subdued by the Pokémon's empathy. Once again, she's reminded as to why she worked so hard for this scholarship, and to be with Pokémon, in the first place. She can do this. Taking in a deep breath, she adjusts the backpack slung over her shoulder and heads towards the front doors, making sure to keep out of the way of people and Pokémon working. The idea that people are staring at her and judging her nags at her brain, but she tries to let the anxious thought pass. It's probably normal for freshmen to feel this way, especially on the first day. And wow does it suck.
The front doors are propped open for opening day, an introductory table set up right where she steps in. A few upperclassman trainers sit behind it with laptops and sign-in sheets. On the tabletop, a Happiny notices her approach and starts cheering that she's here, grabbing a sign-in clipboard and waving it around, encouraging her to write down her name. Again, a Pokémon cheering her up. A wide smile spreads across her face. What a cutie.
"Hey! Happiny, she can't sign in with you waving it around like that," who looks like the oldest of the group scolds her, and Happiny beams at him, unfazed as she sets down the clipboard.
"Sorry about that, she's quite excitable with so many people around today," he pats Happiny on her head and she waves her tiny arms with delight. "What's your name?"
"Lily Rose," she says to him, awkward, shifting her weight. He scans through a list on his laptop. While he does, she scribbles her name on the sign-in sheet with the time and date.
"Lily... Lily... ah! Here you are." He reaches under the table for her key and hands it to her. "Third floor, room 232. Looks like I'm your resident assistant or RA! I'm Brock." A professional but friendly expression comes to his face. "This is Happiny. She's learning to be my assistant for when I become a Pokémon doctor and breeder."
Happiny seems delighted at him discussing her and picks up the clipboard again. Lily manages a light laugh while Brock shakes his head. "She's just a baby," he says, "she'll get the hang of it."
"It's nice to meet you, looks like we'll be seeing more of each other." Lily politely nods at him, and he gives her a thumbs-up.
"It's in the plan! Don't forget the freshman opening ceremony starts at one!"
Lily waves goodbye to Brock and Happiny, her hopes of her liking it here rising a bit with a successful— although somewhat uncomfortable— conversation under her belt. As she heads for the elevator, she clutches to that hope. All she can do is be herself— whoever likes her will be potential friends. Confidence right now is a must, even if it's hard to manage. She pushes the button to go up, and when the elevator finally arrives, she moves out of the way of some Machoke pushing a cart. Slipping inside, she heads up to the third floor. It's stuffy in the space, it turns out to be hotter today than she expected.
She is beginning to sweat in her light sweater and high-waisted jean shorts. Her dark curly hair looks nice down and under her backwards cap, but it's grown long enough that it is covering the nape of her neck and she's heating up faster than she would've hoped. Ugh, she gets overheated so easy— she would much rather it be cold than hot. It's possible the air conditioning for the main building is broken.
Stepping off the elevator and onto her floor, Lily heads down the spacious hall until she finally reaches room 232. Decidueye dorm is one of the smaller dorm buildings on campus: so she isn't sure what her room size will be. She toured a bigger hall on campus during orientation and has no idea if the room sizes are the same. Being lucky enough to snag a single room means it will be smaller than a double or triple, but she just hopes it isn't too cramped.
Lily immediately comes across her items stacked near her door for her to organize and put where she wants them. It's going to take some work, but she's starting to be thrilled to be here. It helps that she's getting some personal time away from her mother.
Again, thinking of her mom makes her frown. Part of her wishes she came up with her to see her new dorm— but she's still not happy about Lily choosing Pokémon being involved in her career. Fishing her phone from her pocket, she sees she has no new messages. Of course, they had hugged and said goodbye... but her not giving her full support hurts. Sighing, she tucks her phone back in her pocket. Who cares? She's on her own now.
Putting a laundry basket with her stuff in it on her hip, Lily flashes her new keycard against the lock, and dorm room 232 clicks open. She thrusts open the door with the weight of the basket and ogles at her new room, and what will be her home for at least this school year.
From looking around, she can see the college essentials: a bare double bed mattress atop a frame, a desk, and a dresser. A peek to the left reveals a humble kitchenette— something she wasn't expecting. There's a door beyond the main room that she's curious to see.
This looks like an apartment, not a dorm room. Pokéversity is more exclusive than she gives it credit for.
But she doesn't have time to dawdle just yet. Move-in helpers are bringing her stuff up the elevators and leaving them outside her door hastier than she thought they would. Lily needs to put everything inside promptly so when other trainers arrive they have leeway for their items and everyone can keep working efficiently. There's no way she's going to be rude and leave it out there to mull about her room, poor mood aside. The last thing she wants to be is a nuisance. She puts down the laundry basket and shoves it further into the room with her foot, before heading back out into the halls.
It is scorching now in the dorms, or maybe her body has accumulated too much heat. With so many Pokémon and helpers in the halls and without AC in the main building, she is starting to realize it's going to be miserable in here for at least today. Soon, she will plug in her fan and get a cold drink. Lily grabs her bags and miscellaneous furniture she brought from outside and starts placing them inside as fast as reasonably possible.
A Machoke approaches her from the elevators, holding her TV, impressive muscles bulging. She becomes eager to interact with the Pokémon at the sight of it and can't help practically bouncing in her trainers when it even brings it inside the room for her and sets it on the dresser. Her own sudden change in mood just because of a Pokémon surprises herself.
"Thank you so much!" She thanks it, excitement overwhelming her exhaustion and it grins and cheekily flashes a bicep, before returning to help the other volunteers. The exhilaration for the opening ceremony tonight and receiving her first Pokémon is beginning to win her over, it's become impossible to stifle even despite the drawbacks she's faced today. Having a fighting type like Machoke would be nice... it's hard to not get lost in a daydream.
Lily tugs her Snorlax beanbag from outside the door and heaves it into the apartment, glad it finally has a place in her dorm. It was a birthday present she bought with money mom gifted her. Admittedly, she has brought way too many plushies and items solely for decoration. But she can't help it. One of the biggest perks of having her own dorm is she can make it look as pretty as she wants. Hopefully, her new Pokémon will like living here— that is, if it isn't too tall to stay with her in the room. Man, she can't wait to go shopping and spoil her new partner with all the things they need!
At long last, she drags the last of her stuff in and grabs her fan, plugging it in. Turning it up to the highest setting, she breathes out in relief as the breeze begins to move around the space. Pulling free her phone, the time flashes 11:04 AM. Lily still has around 2 hours to kill before the ceremony, so she is going to put it to good use by organizing her stuff and checking out her new room. Immediately, she heads to the door she saw in the back right corner, unable to subdue her curiosity any longer.
A bathroom! She blinks twice, stunned she has her own. Like normal universities, she expected the hall to share a public bathroom. She has her own tub and shower! Wow, she's loving the amenities here so far.
Heading back to the main room, she takes all of her perishable food and tucks it away in the small fridge before assembling her bed and putting away clothing. She has a dresser and closet and is thankful she has plenty of room as she knows for a fact she brought too many clothes. Turning on her favorite playlist, she hums to the songs as she gets to work putting things where she wants. Her music cheers her up as she allows her mind to be strung along by the sounds and lyrics.
There is a sudden loud bang from outside her room that definitely wasn't the bass in the song. Concerned, she opens her door to the outside hallway and flips down her doorstopper so she won't be locked out. At the door across from hers, a girl with dark blue hair is struggling to lift a couch. To be honest, her first thought is she doesn't want to get involved, and enjoy more alone time, but she knows she needs to try to be social and make friends.
"Hey, need some help?" Lily asks her. The girl suddenly heaves with all her might.
"No need to worry!" She strains out because of the weight of the couch. Dragging the couch a few more inches, she collapses under the weight and it drops to the floor, making another loud slam. Definitely a reason to worry. Her face is pink from assumedly the heat and exertion, but Lily has an inkling she is embarrassed.
"Here, let me help you. Us girls need to help each other," Lily gives her a gentle smile and moves to the other end while she nods, defeated. With the two of them lifting it, they are able to pivot it to get through the door, and both work together to push it inside. They both puff out at the hard work when it is finally in a place that seems best fit.
"Thank you, that stupid thing was way heavier than I expected. Those Machoke made it look as light as a feather!" She vents, pointing an accusatory finger towards the elevators. Lily chuckles at that, wiping at the sweat forming on her brow. Yeah, she should probably introduce herself. It's the first time she realizes her anxiety is flaring.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Lily."
"I'm Dawn." The girl responds, a twinkle in her eye. Her eyes are a beautiful shade of blue, with a dazzling smile to match. "My roommate May should be here soon, you can meet her when she shows up. What are you studying?"
"I'm studying to be a coordinator and battler," Lily says, tentativeness evident in her voice. She doesn't want to seem like a showoff for being involved in two programs.
"Wow! Both? Sounds difficult!" Dawn says, pushing a few boxes inside while they make conversation. "I'm studying to be a coordinator too. So is May!"
A strange relief brews inside Lily's chest, thick and comforting like warm, gooey honey. She's proud of herself that she left her dorm to help her, it looks like she might have already made some friends. Based on the vibes she gives off, Dawn doesn't seem like the judgmental type.
"I'm glad I came out to help you," Lily confesses honestly, even if it's mortifying. "I was worried I wouldn't be able to talk to people and maybe make friends."
Dawn looks up at her from a bag she just dropped onto the floor and bobs her head. "I was worried about the same thing. I mean, I have May who has been my friend for years here with me, but of course I want to meet new people!" She clenches her fist, determination oozing from every pore. "And make new friends, rivals, and grow with the partner Pokémon I'm finally going to meet today!" She squeals. "God I'm excited! And I haven't seen May in person in ages, this is going to be so fun!"
Lily decides in that moment she really likes Dawn. Even from their brief conversation, she can tell something just clicks with her. It's hard to explain. They both seem to be in a similar mindset. The anxiety giving her a headache is beginning to trickle away.
"Me too! Good news is we live right across the hall from each other, so if you would like to, I would like to be friends." Lily wonders if it's too forward, but it's worth a try. Over-fixating and worrying too much will get her nowhere.
Dawn grins. "I would love that, Lily! Just be a good one!" She gives her a pointed look, and then they both giggle. The first time she's had a genuine laugh all day.
"Would you like a cold drink?" Lily offers. "It's hot in here."
"Oh my gosh, yes, that sounds so nice," Dawn says dreamily. "I asked Brock at the front, but he said the AC broke and it won't be fixed until at least late tonight. The one day where my hair needs to look its absolute best! It's frizzing up."
"It looks great to me, but I feel you," Lily says with honesty. Dawn has amazing hair, it is straight but silky and shiny— she doesn't even know what frizz she's talking about. "Let me give you that drink. If you don't have a fan you are more than welcome to chill in my room, at least until May gets here."
"Thanks so much!" She chirps, and Lily steps into her room across the hall and into the fridge for some bottled peach tea. She grabs one for herself and hands the other to Dawn, who just finished bringing all her things inside. Grabbing the bottle, Dawn presses the cool glass against her cheek to cool herself down, sighing in temporary relief. Lily pops the cap and takes a swig, the refreshing cold drink lifting the worst of the hot misery.
"I hope I get a water pokémon today, I'm dying," Dawn wails.
"Me too. Being hot and sticky is the worst." Lily watches Dawn chuck bedding onto her bed and realizes she feels rude watching her and not offering help.
"Do you need some help putting things away? That's of course if you don't mind. I have some time to kill before the ceremony and the majority of my stuff is away already." Lily asks Dawn, who is pulling out shirts and dresses still on hangers.
"I would love your company, but you don't have a roommate that needs help?" Dawn asks with a lilt in her tone, then watches as Lily shakes her head.
"Nope. I'm in a single," Lily responds, and Dawn's eyes widen.
"A single? That's awesome! Usually, it's hard to get a single as a freshman," Dawn chatters, "I would prefer having a roommate, but having your own space seems nice, too."
"I like the idea of having a roommate but I don't know anyone here, so I just requested a single," Lily says, averting her eyes. "So I'm free to help."
"Well, okay then," Dawn gestures for her to come deeper inside of her room. "No need to worry, you have me now." Lily steps in and observes their undecorated dorm room. It's bigger than hers, but it does have to fit two people and Pokémon. They have the same furnishings from the university, but with two of everything so each roommate has their own storage.
"This is so nice! I can't wait to see you decorate it," Lily enthuses. "I bought so many things to make my room just the way I want it," she admits, taking some clothes from Dawn and starting to hang them in her closet. "I'm aiming for pink, cute, and comfortable."
"May had to tell me to tone down the pink," Dawn laughs out, "but we worked on coordinating our room look together. We compromised on pink and blue." Lily smiles.
Lily sorts the shirts from the dresses so they will be easier to find. "That's going to be a pretty look. Young me would have vomited at the idea of my whole room being pink. But maturity is accepting it's the best color ever." Dawn snorts into a swig of tea and they both laugh together.
"Dawn?" A female voice says from the doorway.
"May!" Dawn springs up, wrapping her roommate in a hug. "You're finally here!"
A brunette wearing a red bandana steps into the room. "This is looking great already!" Her eyes fix on Lily and she smiles despite her uneasiness flaring up again. "Hey, nice to meet you, I'm May!"
"Lily," she introduces herself, accepting May's handshake. "I just met Dawn five minutes ago, but we're vibing."
May laughs out loud. "That's college life, but Dawn was always good at making friends." She jabs an elbow at her roommate, who suddenly looks bashful at the compliment, and is turning red under her beanie. "But any friend of Dawn's is a friend of mine."
"Is your stuff here, May?" Dawn says, eager that her friend is here and heading towards the hallway to check.
"Yup, the volunteers are bringing it up. Seems like my bedding and some clothes." May grabs a plastic storage container and slides it into the room. "We've still got time before the ceremony, so I'm also going to focus on unpacking. I'm already starving, so I need the time to pass faster and I've got to do it anyway." She sighs and tosses her yellow fanny pack onto the bare, unclaimed mattress.
"Isn't the room nice? I told you so," Dawn teases. "Zoey would never lie to me."
"It's much nicer than I expected, I'll admit!" May says in response, ducking her head to check out their own private bathroom.
Lily smiles at the two friends ecstatic to start living together. She's fine being somewhat of a third wheel. Closeness in friendships is special because it's earned. Lily continues helping Dawn sort out her clothes as the two girls begin rifling through their things. She has a lot of pretty, fashionable clothing. Looks like she's going to ask Dawn for fashion tips— maybe they can go shopping together.
They work for the next forty-five minutes getting their room situated. May has a fan so they hook that up to keep as cool as possible, even if it just seems to be pushing hot air around. In the end, most of their belongings are organized and their decorations have a place. Dawn is just finishing up making her bed when May looks down at her phone.
"We have fifteen minutes before it starts!" May announces, all the girls crowding around her, fervent for it to start. "Let's all head over to the main lawn together!"
"Sounds good! Dawn says, peeking in the bathroom to check herself in the mirror. She adjusts her hair before bounding back out.
"Lily, let me get your number so in case one of us gets lost, we aren't left stranded." May flashes her dimples at her and hands her phone with a new contact field open.
"Of course!" She punches in her contact information and then the same for Dawn when she asks her for it too. Seeing May ask her for her number makes her relax a little. It seems like she likes her enough.
"Okay, ready! Let me just make sure my room is locked and we can go," Lily says, closing her own room's door and double-checking she has her key. Her knees are shaking. She can't believe she's so close to meeting her new partner. Joining Dawn and May in the hallway, they head to the elevator to leave the dorm together.
"Man, I wonder what it's going to be like! And when we get back, we'll all have our starter kits and first Pokémon!" May enthuses aloud, clutching her hands together, already in a daydream. "I hope mine's cute!"
Dawn adds: "and hopefully we see cute guys." She winks. Lily chuckles at that. She's got to be truthful with herself— that wouldn't be a bad thing.
They make it out of the front doors where a parade of freshmen from their dorm are already heading in the direction of the campus's freshman opening ceremony. Lily's glad she can just follow them: the campus is huge and she doesn't have a sense of how to get around without getting lost yet. The three girls walk shoulder-to-shoulder, chattering with passion about what they think will meet them when they arrive.
They make it to the lawn where an overwhelming amount of new students have gathered. A humble stage is set up on one side, with booths prepping different foods hugging the border. And in the back, there are tables for each dorm stacked with their starter kits. Lily's jaw drops when she sees each dorm table is represented with their in-the-flesh mascot Pokémon. A strong and stealthy-looking Decidueye lingers near her dorm's table, and Lily can't help it anymore and apparently Dawn and May feel the same because they all break into a run onto the plush grass, joining the masses of trainers talking and sitting in groups.
"This is amazing!" Dawn exclaims, staring at the stage, wondering who will be there any second now.
"I know, right!" May shares the sentiment, looking around. "And ah! I can smell the food already. Delicious!" She appears to ascend into heaven with the smell alone.
"You want to see the Decidueye before they start talking?" Lily asks, and both the girls agree with vigor. They near the Decidueye dorm's table, where the Decidueye studies the trainers who pass by under its green-hooded cloak. Its trainer is by its side, beaming as the girls' approach.
"Hiya! Are you from our dorm?" The girl asks, her cheeks balling up.
"Sure are!" Dawn says, examining her Pokémon with awe. It looks impressive, especially in person— seeing it in photos alone it's an incredible sight, but when it's standing right next to them it's impossible not to be astounded. It looks well cared for, with stunning, shiny feathers and piercing, hunter-like eyes.
"I'm Selene, and this is my partner, Decidueye." She introduces, gesturing towards it as it starts preening its feathers. "I'm a battle major and me and Decidueye have been through many tough battles together since he was a Rowlet."
"Wow! He's so cool!" May coos. "Can we touch him?"
"Of course," Selene responds happily, "he's a bit of a silent brooder but secretly loves attention. Here, you can stroke his feathers like this." She shows them to pet him in a downward motion, smoothing out his feathers instead of going against the natural fall of them. Timidly, the three girls reach out, and the calm Decidueye peers over as they begin to feel the strong feathers along his shoulder and wing.
Lily is shocked by how much power she can feel brooding beneath such pretty and smooth feathers. His body is solid but lithe and flexible.
"So, what do you guys know about Decidueye? Anything?"
Lily pipes up: "their signature move is Spirit Shackle, and they have an amazing aim when it comes to firing quills. It's a grass and ghost type." Selene nods in approval. Her times studying and researching different Pokémon out of interest have paid off.
"Correct. Decidueye, why don't you show them the beginning of your Spirit Shackle move?" The girls step back as Decidueye's wings flutter open, and he pulls out a quill, nocking it like an archer with the vines dangling from its hood. He pulls it back with force, the quill charging with an intense, white light before Decidueye stops the move and returns its quill, wings closing again. It was an impressive show. The potential power of that move against an opponent could be devastating.
The girls clap, impressed. Selene grins and thanks Decidueye, patting his head.
"At the end of next month, the dorm will be holding a raffle for a Rowlet egg. It costs a few dollars to get a ticket, but all the money will be donated to protect wild Rowlet, Dartrix, and Decidueye all across Alola." She opens her arms wide, showing her enthusiasm for the cause. "With every competition you enter the Rowlet in after that, the university will donate again to protecting this Pokémon, it's a great cause. I implore you guys to try your luck, you might just win!"
"I'm so going to enter!" Lily says, in love with Selene's Decidueye. "They would be an amazing addition to any team!"
"I'm going to try too!" May pipes up.
Dawn pumps her fist. "You can count me in!"
"That's wonderful!" Selene exclaims. "I hope you find happiness with the partners you receive today and maybe a Rowlet will cross one of your paths!" She smiles at them and Decidueye gives them an accepting glance.
Out of the blue, a woman starts speaking through a microphone on the stage, and the sound of trainers talking on the lawn quiets, all their heads swiveling to pay attention.
"Hello new trainers, and welcome to Pokéversity!" The trainers cheer at the introduction, the energy rising as the zeal of the freshman class spills into the summer air. "We are so excited to finally have you here on campus and the day has finally come for you all to meet your new partners!" The cheering swells louder, Lily, Dawn, and May clapping, exchanging excited glances.
"Before we open the food stalls for a yummy lunch courtesy of the best cooks from across campus, please give a warm welcome to your dean of the college and Sinnoh league champion, Cynthia!"
At the announcement of her being here, the crowd swells into an absolute frenzy. Shocked, the three girls look at each other squealing, unable to contain their joy. Lily is almost bursting at the seams. Cynthia is her absolute role model for what she wants to achieve as a trainer and battler. The tall blonde champion rounds from behind the stage and whoops and cheers burst across the lawn. Her figure is elegant but powerful, long, gorgeous hair tumbling away from a perfect, porcelain face. She waves prettily at the students who all look up to her. Behind her to also greet the class is her partner Pokémon, Garchomp: a devastatingly formidable opponent that towers over the student body, jagged, toothy face studying the crowd.
The woman steps aside and leaves the mic open for Cynthia to speak. Everyone quiets down as the Sinnoh league champion settles onto the stage, Garchomp flanking her side, staring down with loyalty and respect at his trainer.
"Hello, new freshman class of Pokéversity, my name is Cynthia and I am pleased to meet you all not only as of the dean of students but also as a fellow trainer." The crowd is dead silent out of admiration, clinging to every word. "As you all know, today is the day that will change your lives forever. Today is the day your journey between Pokémon and trainer begins."
She takes a breath, continuing to speak. "Fifteen years ago, I left my hometown, Twinleaf town, in hopes of becoming a Pokémon trainer. I studied under the prestigious Professor Rowan, who at the time was looking after a headstrong Gible who loved to get into trouble," she glances with love at the Garchomp who is on stage with her.
"He got separated from his mother in Wayward Cave— a researcher found him dehydrated and curled up in a small crevice between some rocks." Cynthia frowned. "When he came to live with us after searching for his mother to no avail, we thought he was so stubborn and independent because of the trauma of having to fend for himself at such a vulnerable age. Turns out he just needed a friend... and we've been partners ever since." The solemn air that spread over the people listening lifted.
"The Pokémon you will receive today have all come from different backgrounds. Some were born here at Pokéversity's daycare. Some were rescued from perilous situations, abandonment, and neglect. As trainers, it is our duty to grow together with Pokémon from all walks of life, as we all need a friend: and partnership heals wounds."
The emotion bubbling up in Lily's chest makes tears spring to her eyes. She wants that more than anything, has needed it for so long.
"The admissions team worked very hard to read through all your personal summaries and to match you with a Pokémon in our care that we believe would lead to a fitting partnership." Cynthia goes on, glancing at the starter kits that all contain a pokéball holding a Pokémon. "Every starter kit assigned contains a Pokémon, a summary of their known backstory, and a list of necessary items needed to keep your Pokémon happy. Everyone has different needs and the university is going to work with you to make sure all you and your Pokémon's needs are met. Class schedules for freshmen will be released on Saturday, and classes begin the following Monday. If anyone has any questions about their Pokémon, please visit your closest Pokémon research center or the daycare. Thank you so much for being a part of our mission to bond with Pokémon from all walks of life. Congratulations and good luck growing together."
Cynthia steps back from the microphone and the crowd erupts once more. She waves goodbye as she heads off the stage and the woman from before takes the mic.
"Thank you Cynthia for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here! Freshmen: as you know, tomorrow the rest of Pokéversity's students will be moving in, so take the time today and tomorrow to get acclimated to your new partners and explore campus. When you receive your starter kit, do not release your Pokémon for the first time until you are in the comfort of your room to prevent the chaos of a lot of new Pokémon from new trainers released at once. Every Pokémon from the university assigned to students has gone through a course on not to use moves indoors. If you end up having a Pokémon that can only be in water, please head to your closest pool and the lifeguard trainers on duty will assist you. Thank you for sitting through all this pulmonary information and please enjoy the food and drinks now being served. Good luck, freshmen!"
The mic clicks off, the ceremony is over and now trainers begin conversing. Some decide to get food while others choose to get their starter kits first. Lines to the stalls and dorm tables grow.
"Want to get our kits and then food?" Dawn proposes, and Lily and May both agree and get in line for their kits. Lily's heart is beating so fast she almost can't stand it. Finally. The time to meet her partner has come. It's a step towards having the life she wants.
The line is moving faster than the three girls expected— the university must have done a good job planning so everyone gets their boxes in a timely manner. Dawn and then May step up to the table and receive their boxes, then step off to the side to wait for Lily to get hers.
"Lily Rose," Lily says to Selene, who is working at the table with Decidueye to find appropriate boxes.
"Sure! Lily... Rose! Here it is!" She grabs one of the cardboard boxes that are underneath some others and passes it across the table. "Good luck!"
"Thanks so much, Selene!" With shaky hands, she picks up the box, her mind dwelling on the fact her new partner is now in her possession. She joins Dawn and May with an uncontrollable smile.
"This is so amazing!" May bounces up and down, and the three sit down with their boxes in the grass. "I'm almost scared to finally see!"
"Same," Dawn says, staring at the box on her lap. "Let's look at our Pokémon's information to share what Pokémon we got, and then we'll grab some food to go and finally meet them!"
All three girls agree and then nervously begin to remove the tape and pull back the flaps. When Lily pulls it open, she's greeted with a card with a picture of a Skitty with an adorable smile beaming at the camera, and she presses her palm against her mouth.
"Oh, my god!" Lily gushes, picking up the card, "what a cutie!" Unreserved, she shows the card to May and Dawn, who both begin to fangirl at the precious picture with her. "I got a Skitty!"
Dawn and May reveal their cards. "I got a Piplup!" Dawn says, overjoyed. "I ended up getting a water type after all!"
May's eyes are big and full of love. "Look at this cute baby Torchic!" She coos. "Oh, it's probably so warm and soft! Perfect for contests!"
They all place the cards aside for now, invigorated by finding suitable partners, and observe their new pokédexes. There's a list of items to shop for like Cynthia mentioned and each of their boxes contains a small bag of pokéchow that will hold them over until they go shopping at the campus supply warehouse. All three of them stare at the respective pokéballs in their boxes.
"I want to open it so bad," Dawn whines.
"Me too, it's soooo tempting," May agrees.
"Let's get food first so we can eat and then we'll head back to the dorms to meet our new friends," Lily suggests, and they all tuck their boxes under their arms and go to celebrate with burgers and hot dogs.
Lily can barely get through her meal even though she's starving. She's got a Skitty and her thoughts are brewing with ideas on how to make its life the best it can be.
