Well, now that we've managed to resolve the romantic drama well enough, let's get back to what people are really waiting for… pokemon (and body) training!

Aakareo Kokokuhikari: Mythical Pokemon are rare? Because TPC seems to be popping them out by the truckload, I'm not so sure about that.

Rosealine gold: Maddison's introduction was more of a cameo appearance, so her role in the story hasn't really had the opportunity to take prominence. We'll see a lot more of her at some point, just not for a while yet.

TREBOR.E: Good question, I wonder… should be interesting.

Just a Bad Writer for Fun: Yeah, the romantic comedy aspect should be a hoot. And the party won't stop with just them, either.

Hellraiserphoenix: Diancie is really the only correct choice for Gerard. You'll find out why eventually. And yes, the love drama should be a blast, it's like a trashy harem romcom at this point.

JoshGamerV: Awesome, we'll be waiting for you here.

Pokemon Academy: Beginning of Beginnings

Chapter 128

"Come on, what's the matter with you?! I thought you were trying your best! What have you been doing for these last two weeks?!"

Kate glared at Julia, the frustration on her face evident. The two girls were on one of the battlefields in Alcea's garden, Kate having just given Julia's Seedot a thrashing with her Amoongus. Alcea was looking over them with a watchful eye.

"I-I'm doing my best!" Julia exclaimed. "I've been training Seedot every moment I can! It's just not enough!"

Kate scoffed.

"Blaming your pokemon won't get you anywhere! I thought you were trying to get stronger? Is part of that making excuses?"

"I'm not…"

"Julia, Kate is correct," Alcea informed her.

"But… but I've been trying my best, honestly!" Julia exclaimed. She knelt down next to the injured Seedot, restoring his health.

"You say that… but your results say otherwise," Alcea said. "Getting to know your pokemon, is it?"

"But Seedot and I spend a tone of time together, and-"

"What's his nickname?" Kate suddenly asked.

"I-I haven't thought of one yet, I guess…" Julia said, glancing down at her Seedot.

"So what have you been doing?" Alcea asked.

"Fighting against wild pokemon… training against other grass types, like you suggested… taking care of his health…"

"And what have you learned?"

"That… I'm not suited for him…" Julia admitted, looking down. "We lose more than half of our battles… I don't think I can really draw out his potential… milady, you said this Seedot was suited to me, but-"

"He is. There are few pokemon better suited, is it?" Alcea confirmed, the look in her eye insistent.

"But… every time we fight, he won't move how I ask him to," Julia said. "He's too slow, we get outpaced so easily, and before we know it…"

"You are once again blaming your pokemon for your own weaknesses, is it?" Alcea asked. Julia looked down at Seedot, an expression of guilt crossing her face. "Next, will you blame the fact you only have one arm presently?"

"Then tell me, what am I doing wrong?!" Julia asked.

"I can't answer that question," Alcea said. "I will say this. The fact you think that child is unsuited to you… is what makes him the most well-suited, is it?"

"That doesn't make sense!"

"Hey!" Kate said. "Stop yelling at her! Her highness knows what she's talking about! Her expertise in the grass types is unmatched! If she says that Seedot is suited for you, then he's suited for you! It's that simple!"

"You're just a yes-woman!" Julia snapped.

"Ha! I'm her star pupil!" Kate laughed. "You're just a selfish first year who can't understand her highness's greatness!"

"If you're such a star pupil then why is it you couldn't hack it as a grass type trainer and switched to poison types?" Julia asked. "If you're as skilled as you say, then-"

"Are you insulting poison type pokemon?!" Kate interrupted her.

"I'm not insulting poison types, I'm just insulting you!" Julia shouted back.

"Why you-! Is that how you address your upperclasswoman?!" Kate demanded.

"Only insensitive and unhelpful ones like you," Julia replied.

"Be silent, the both of you!" Alcea shouted, Kate and Julia flinching.

"P-pardon, milady!" Kate cried, bowing her head. "I-I just…"

"Kate, you are her senior student. Should you lose your temper at the slightest provocation, how can you claim to be a student worth looking up to?"

"I-I understand. But she said…"

"As for you," Alcea said, moving on to Julia, her eyes ablaze, "Julia, you crossed a line with your words."

"I-I know, milady. I'm sorry…"

"I have no need of apologies from you," Alcea said, nodding her head to Julia.

"Sorry, Kate. It was wrong of me to say something like that about your choice of pokemon."

"…Whatever," Kate muttered, turning away from her.

"You're frustrated, is it?" Alcea asked. "But still… you must not take your frustrations out on others. Look inside yourself, and you will find the root of your problem. Think about what it truly means for something to be suitable."

"Yes, milady," Julia said, bowing her head.

"Good. As for your punishment… for the rest of the day, you are to deepen your connection with your Seedot. Find what it is that you are truly misunderstanding in yourself."

"As you wish," Julia agreed with a nod, but her face seemed conflicted.

"One more thing… when you first came in seek of my tutelage, you said that you wished to be a gym leader upon your graduation. Do you still feel as you did then?"

"I-I do," Julia said, nodding.

"What type do you wish to specialize in?"

"…Dark types," Julia said. "I have dark pokemon… and some fire pokemon… but I really want to train dark types."

Alcea nodded.

"And all dark type pokemon are the same, is it?"

"Wh-what?"

"If you wish to master training pokemon… it cannot just be those who are suited to you. Even among pokemon of a single type, there are differences as many as the species of pokemon themselves, is it?"

Alcea turned away from Julia, Kate following after her.

"When you understand the meaning of my words, then you will know what it is you are currently lacking," Alcea declared to her.

What I'm lacking… Julia glanced down at her Seedot, who looked back up at her with his big, golden eyes.

"Milady, about Julia…" Kate frowned, preparing tea for the both of them in the Gardening Clubroom "I don't think…"

"You dislike my decisions on how I'm teaching her?"

"N-no! I think your decision is great! It's just… it seems like you're wasting too much time with things, is all… does she really need this much special treatment?"

"Julianna… she reminds me of how you used to be," Alcea replied to her.

"Wh-what?!" Kate exclaimed. "M-me? How?!"

Alcea smiled.

"You both insist that you know what is and is not suited for you, and stubbornly refuse to consider otherwise. Is it, Miss Poison Type?"

"Er, well, that was…"

Alcea chuckled.

"She insists that she is unsuited to train that Seedot… that she is incapable of bringing out its true potential… but she never seriously tried it."

"Huh?"

"Julianna does not strategize in her fights. So she seldom thinks deeply on what to do, and relies on fast and strong pokemon like her Houndoom and Umbreon that can hit her opponents relentlessly."

"True, she has like four or five different canine pokemon," Kate nodded. "Is… that bad?"

"Not at all," Alcea said, shaking her head. "But complacency is. It is essential for her to grow beyond where she believes her limits are. And raising that Seedot is only the first step."

Alcea smiled.

"I quite look forward to what she will come up with."

Alcea's phone beeped, and she withdrew it from her purse, the red casing glistening in the sunlight. Her expression darkened.

"Milady, is something wrong?" Kate asked worriedly.

"No, nothing…" Alcea said, her tone vague. "Just… an inconvenience has arisen."

"Inconvenience?"

"I've been putting it off for some time… but it appears that they've grown impatient…"

"What do you mean, milady? …If you don't mind me asking…"

"Not at all," Alcea said, smiling at Kate, though her expression was forced. "My family will be coming here shortly, is it?"

"The… the Vermeils?!" Kate gaped. "Coming here?! To Pokemon Academy?! Wh-why?! They aren't afraid because of the whole thing that happened in the finals of the Fall Festival Tournament, are they? They aren't here to take you out of school, right?!"

"Nothing so worrisome," Alcea said, shaking her head. "Merely… a marriage meeting, is it?"

"Oh, good," Kate sighed in relief. "Just a marria-MARRIAGE MEETING?!"

"Oui," Alcea nodded. "I had been hoping to delay things until I graduated… But it appears my fiancé has been arranged."

Kate blinked in shock.

"B-but… are you sure?" Kate asked. "You're taking this so well…"

"Of course," Alcea smiled. "My duty to my family, is it? It is nearly my 18th birthday. To not have a fiancé by now… is already irregular. My accident is partially responsible for the delay, but most girls of my station could expect to be married within a few years…"

Kate frowned. Alcea looked honestly troubled by this revelation.

"What… what about Kanone, milady?"

Alcea coughed into her tea, her face bright red.

"Wh-why would you speak that man's name?!" Alcea exclaimed.

Kate rolled her eyes.

"I-I hold great respect for Kanone Harker as a trainer," Alcea said, setting her teacup down. "Do not confuse my admiration for romantic intentions. And even if I did hold such feelings, he is far too old to consider pursuing."

"Respect, is it?" Kate said, playfully mocking her president. "As you say, milady."

"O-oui, respect. Nothing more, certainly nothing taudry like you're insinuating," Alcea confirmed. Her cheeks were still flushed with embarrassment.

"…" Kate frowned. Her highness certainly doesn't want something such as an arranged marriage. Even if Kanone is unrelated… I'm certain that she would not want for her future decided for her… if she's married while still in school… will she even be able to continue with her goal of being a gym leader after graduation…?

Kate swallowed, bowing her head to Alcea and excusing herself.

"Wh-when her family gets here… I'll have to step in, that's all." She tried to sound confident. Though… I'm just the first daughter of a nouveau riche family… I'd basically be dismissed out of hand… If only there was someone who they might listen to…

Kate stopped in place.

"Wait…" Her eyes widened in realization, and a blush crossed her face. "No… maybe?"

She giggled to herself.

"I-I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask… j-just as a favor to her highness, of course! Certainly not because I want to see Blake again! Right! Definitely not!"

She shook her head frantically, quickening her pace.

"Not enough…"

Nick fell back, slamming on the ground. He rolled onto his front and took Bea's hand, standing up.

"This is rough…" Nick said, shaking his head until the room stopped spinning. "My body's already so sore…"

"You're telling me…" Callie wailed. "Senpai's training is too rough… she spars with her pokemon just like us…"

"Is that why we're being beaten up so badly by her?"

"'To be strong in training pokemon, you must be strong in spirit. To be strong in spirit, you must be strong in body.'…So she says." Callie translated for Bea's silence. Bea nodded her head sharply.

"Can… can we at least take a break?" Nick asked, sitting back down. "I stayed up late last night… and I'm still real sore…"

"…" Bea leered at him, before turning around and walking to get some water. Nick let out a sigh of relief, flopping backwards onto the floor.

"'You good?" Callie asked, sitting down next to him, placing a caring hand on his cheek.

"…Like I said… I'm feeling really sore right now…" Nick sighed. "I guess I'm just burnt out… forget training our pokemon… we're the only ones getting a workout…"

"Senpai said… that the only ones who can increase our pokemon's strength is us…" Callie said sadly, shaking her head. "And the only thing she can do for us… is show us the best way to do that. By building up our fighting ability… and teaching us her own methods through our bodies…"

"That sounds like the absolute worst way to train…" Nick sighed.

"I thought so when I first tried it… but it's the real deal. It's how I train my pokemon now, too," Callie said. "I'm sorry you're having a hard time… but-"

"But you called her here for my sake, I know," Nick said, cupping her hand over his cheek as he glanced up at her. "Thank you. I appreciate it. That's why… I'm going to keep doing my best."

"…Yeah," Callie said, nodding, a big smile on her face. "We both have to do our best…"

"If not, things will get much worse soon…" She murmured under her breath.

"Worse how?" Nick asked, frowning.

"Wh-wha? Y-you heard that?" Callie gasped. "I-I didn't… sorry, I…"

She sighed.

"No… I might as well tell you… Actually, I want to tell you. I wouldn't want you to get worried when the rumors start to spread…"

"Rumors?"

"You've felt the tension going around campus, right?" Callie asked. "It's like there's a storm brewing. All thanks to that idiot Gerard…"

"Huh?"

"Because he lost to Kanone Harker, the Eight Leaders have lost a significant amount of prestige among the student body… and now we seem like we're not really as strong as everyone thought. So because of that… it seems the sharks have begun circling."

Callie turned to Nick, and frowned.

"Soon… we're going to start getting a lot of challengers."

"Really? Challengers?" Nick asked, surprised. "Why? Even if people think they can win now, is there even a point to fighting you? I guess I don't get it…"

"It isn't because they want to fight us," Callie said, shaking her head. "Actually… it's because they're after our positions."

"You positions?!"

"Yes. They're trying to become members of the Eight Leaders like us," Callie explained. "And the way they're attempting is by defeating us in battle. See, there are four ways for a student to become a member of the Eight Leaders."

Callie held up a finger.

"The first way, and the way that happens the most, is when a slot opens up for whatever reason, the Eight Leaders gather together and come to a consensus on what student should fill that role. Usually, this is done when taking in a student's position in the class, school tournament results, school record, all sorts of things, and is done with the faculty's full support. Most of our current numbers, myself included, got appointed through this process. You might say it's the easiest and most consistent method."

She held up a second finger.

"The next way is a lot less common. A graduating member can appoint another student as their personal successor. It's a lot like the first one, except you don't need to get elected in on majority vote. The person appointing you acts as a sponsor, and you communicate directly through the school to approve your application. It's often a very smooth transition. The problem with this method is that it is a lengthy and time-consuming process, and very rarely are students talented enough to warrant a nomination."

She held up a third finger.

"The third way is similar, but instead of coming from a member of the Eight Leaders themselves, the faculty may see fit to directly appoint someone into the position if they think that person would be a valuable asset to the school. For example, Mirar, the Seventh Leader, due to his abilities and his work in assisting campus safety, was directly chosen by the faculty to hold the position. In fact, he was put on in his first year, which never happens! No one knows what criteria the school really has, and it very rarely happens, so people don't really consider it. Mostly, the Eight Leaders are allowed to choose their own members, so long as they meet campus standards."

She held up a fourth finger, her expression turning serious.

"The last way… you could say it's both the easiest way, and the hardest way."

"What is it?" Nick asked.

"A Title Defense Challenge," Callie stated. "Each student who is either a Freshman or a Sophomore is given the right, with permission of the Campus Selection Board (to make sure they meet all the other criteria), to challenge any member of the Eight Leaders for their position."

"Seriously?" Nick gasped.

"Seriously. You only have one chance, though. Each student can challenge any one member of the Eight Leaders exactly once. And if they win, then that member is removed from their position and the challenger immediately takes their place. It was a method set up to safeguard against the previous methods being abused; if the student body is outraged enough, they can challenge for a position. It's also useful to making sure new blood gets into the group, which is why it's limited to the first two years. To get some shakeup, and keep the distribution balanced. Unfortunately… that's the trouble we're facing now."

"I see… so because Gerard lost…"

"Exactly. People are looking at us like we're beatable now," Callie said. "There have been lots of challenger forms submitted already, that the faculty are overviewing to ensure that they meet the requirements. But the ones that do… we'll have to end up battling them. That's why I need to get stronger. Because I'm in the toughest spot here."

"Why?"

"Because I'm the newest member… and not only that, I'm also the lowest ranked member, the First Leader. That means that I'm the weakest of the bunch. A huge chunk of the challenges aimed at us… I'm the one who's being targeted. People see me, and they think 'pft, I can take that girl down'. It's so frustrating!"

"Wait, then doesn't that mean… shouldn't Cynthia have taken your place when she beat you?" Nick asked. Callie made a face.

"Don't remind me… but no, she wouldn't have. See, the benefit of the Title Defense system is that a lot of control is given to the Eight Leaders," Callie explained. "We get to choose the time and place, the number of pokemon to be used, and the battle style. It's to keep people from doing what Cynthia did, and take advantage of someone's lack of talent in certain areas…"

Callia slammed her fist into her palm, smiling wickedly.

"She might have been able to kick me down in a double battle… but in a single battle, I would have crushed her…"

"It doesn't sound like there's much to worry about, then," Nick said. "I mean, this system seems really unbalanced for the challenger…"

"It has to be that way," Callie objected. "Otherwise, we'd just get a lot of frivolous challenges, and we'd waste all our time addressing them! This way, only the serious challengers have the opportunity. Plus… there are some disadvantages for our side, too…"

"Like what?" Nick asked.

"Not losing isn't enough," Callie sighed. "We have to win. Even if we're forced into a draw… the challenger wins in those circumstances. The logic is, if they're good enough to force a draw with one of the Eight Leaders, that means that that member doesn't have the strength to adequately defend their position, and need to be swapped out for some new blood."

"So even if you draw, you still lose…"

"Right, and even if you lose, if you put on a good enough show, you might still get in," Callie said. "That's how Raizer, the Fifth Leader, did it. He challenged Alcea to a battle, and with one pokemon he managed to take out five her party before finally going down. Because his performance was so impressive, though, and we had empty slots that had yet to be filled, he was given a position anyway, right beneath hers. So even if we manage to win… if the other side still shows us up… it's possible that the other members will determine that they're the better candidate, and we'll be kicked to the curb…"

Callie shook her head.

"But I don't want to lose, or draw! I want to win, to show I'm not some weakling that can be pushed around! That's why I need to maximize my training with senpai, in order to do the very best I can!"

Nick nodded, smiling, sitting back up.

"Don't worry, then, Callie. I'll be rooting for you."

"Awww!" Callie gushed, hugging him tightly, causing his sore muscles to seize back up in pain.

"Callie, ow… ow! Let me go…"

"No, never! That was the sweetest thing I've ever heard, no way I'm letting you go now!

Hopefully, with their training, our freshmen friends will be able to increase their talents fast.