Time to meet whoever it is that Sango's found to train Kitty in her using harmonia! Will Kitty's teacher help her get a good hang of things? Hopefully so.

KedharS: Trust that feeling.

Hellraiserphoenix: Blake's dating life certainly causes a lot of drama. Usually thanks to Cynthia turning everything into a big deal.

Aakareo Kokokuhikari: Makes sense. She's nice and has harmonia, why not?

Tambry96bj: Yeah, that probably wouldn't go very well.

Duskzilla: It probably won't be that bad.

JoshGamerV: It's a secret. One I look forward to revealing. Congrats on catching up.

Pokemon Academy: Beginning of Beginnings

Chapter 136

"Are you guys done?" Sango walked over to where Blake and Kitty were packing up their bags after their Pokemon Caretaking Class had let out. "Ready to go?"

"Yup," Kitty said, audibly gulping. No big surprise she was nervous.

"Professor Reinhart's office is in Victini Hall," Blake said. "I'll lead you guys there." The group of three left the smaller Kangaskhan Hall and began the long walk to the center of campus, where Victini Hall was located.

"Hey!" Three heads turned to look at the building adjoining Kangaskhan Hall, Chansey House, and the girl running out of it.

"Kate? You live in Chansey House?" Blake asked, moderately surprised. "I thought that dorm was reserved for Juniors and Seniors in the Caretaking Course?"

"I don't live there," Kate said, shaking her head, "I was just visiting someone… to get them to look after my pokemon…"

She raised her head to look at Blake, her eyes shimmering.

"I-I definitely wasn't in there waiting for you, or anything, after asking Julia what your schedule was! Not one bit!"

"O-okay," Blake said, accepting Kate's flimsy-at-best excuse on face value. Something was different about her, he noted. Her face looked a little less sour, and her hair was a little less unkempt, and a little less greasy, and… "Oh, hey, you put a ribbon in your hair!"

Blake pointed at the purple bow tied on the side of Kate's head.

"A-and some makeup," Kate huffed, turning her nose up into the air, crossing her arms over her chest. "No big deal. Now, where is my book?"

"Oh, right, I forgot!" Blake said, putting his backpack on the ground, and withdrawing Kate's book on Galarian Archaeology, handing it over to her. "I read it last night, it's really cool!"

"I know, right?" Kate gushed, her expression brightening. "Actually, I was talking with Professor Reinhart about it, and-"

"Oh, we're actually going to see him right now," Blake interrupted. "You want to come with?"

He glanced back at Kitty and Sango.

"Sure, another girl, what a surprise," Sango commented dryly.

"Er, um…" Kitty glanced nervously at Kate, not sure she wanted to bring up her harmonia in front of the girl.

"Please?" Kate asked, her green eyes sparkling hopefully.

"…It's okay," Kitty said quietly, though she was still wary of the older student.

"Oh, thank you!" Kate said, smiling.

"I'm surprised, this is the most smiles I've seen out of you," Blake commented. "…Wait, is this about what I said last night about how you're always toxic and abrasive?"

Kate flinched, and her smile fell away to reveal her usual unpleasant scowl.

"Feh…" she muttered, storming past Blake. The three shrugged, and followed her across campus to Victini Hall.

Blake knocked on the door to Professor Reinhart's office.

"Come in," he said, the four entering the room. It was a rarity to see Professor Reinhart without his hat on, but there in hung on the hat rack behind his deck. He looked up from his computer, his brown eyes conveying both seriousness and an air of calm.

"Blake Harker. And Kate Nomia. Back so soon? We only spoke a few days ago… and these other two…"

Kitty flinched when she felt Professor Reinhart's eyes land on her. It was like he was staring through her eyes and into her brain, reading her thoughts like a book. She gulped, waiting for him to pass over to Sango.

"What can I do for you?" He asked, closing his laptop and leaning in over it, intent to hear what they had to say. "If this is about the change in location for the November trip-"

"Oh, right! The expedition! I forgot!" Sango gasped. "That's still happening?"

"Uh, yes, and you are?"

"Sango Akana," Sango said, sticking her hand out eagerly.

"You're not in any of my classes," Professor Reinhart said, frowning, taking her hand regardless. "Akana… are you Uboss's daughter?"

"You know my dad?!" Sango gasped. "Have you heard from him?"

"We've worked together in the past," Professor Reinhart explained. He blinked. "Are you here because you heard he would be assisting me on the expedition to Galar?"

"He will?!" Sango's face brightened hopefully. "Then I absolutely have to go! Please!"

"…Usually these sorts of events are reserved for students in my classes," Professor Reinhart said, frowning. "…But I suppose I could make an exception, come talk about it with me later. Now, what can I do for you?"

"Um, actually, still me!" Sango smiled, reaching into her bag. "I… I came from the Probationary Ranger Exam, and while I was there… I found this. Um, some weird stuff happened with it, and I found it in some shrine thing… and we were wondering if you could tell us what it is."

She set the stone on the table and unwrapped it, Professor Reinhart staring at it for a moment, his eyes widening with interest.

"Well, well, it seems you've found quite an interesting thing, now how about that…" Professor Reinhart whispered, reaching out to it. "May I?"

"Be careful," Kitty warned. "It… it…"

"I will," Professor Reinhart took the stone, making sure not to touch it directly, turning it over in his hands.

"Do you know what it is?" Sango asked hopefully.

"I have a fairly good idea," the professor said, nodding.

"Hey, wait!" Kate said, frowning. "Let me see that!"

She snatched the stone out of the professor's hands, looking closely at it. "Hey, yeah! It is!"

"Is what?" Sango asked, confused.

"It's exactly the same as her highness's treasure!" Kate exclaimed.

"What?" Professor Reinhart said, narrowing his eyes. "Do you mean Alcea Vermeil?"

His gaze put Kate off slightly, and she put the stone back on the desk, stepping back a little. She felt slightly uncomfortable now.

"It-it's about the same size," she explained, a little flustered, "but it's green, not white…"

"I see…" the professor said, nodding. "In truth… I've been researching these stones for quite some time…"

He reached into the top drawer of his desk, and withdrew another stone. This one was the color of night. He placed it beside the white one, staring calmly at the two of them.

"Ah…" Kitty's eyes grew hazy and she reached toward it, Blake stopping her before she got too close.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention," Professor Reinhart said, nodding at them. "Kate, do you think it would be possible for me to see Miss Vermeil's stone, as well?"

"I-I don't think so," Kate said, shaking her head. "It's her treasure…"

"I see, what a pity," Professor Reinhart said, sighing. "What about you, Sango? Do you mind if I hold onto this for safekeeping? It would greatly help with my research."

Sango blinked.

"Well… could I go on the expedition?" She asked, smiling demurely.

"Heh," the professor chuckled, flashing her a charming grin. "You drive a hard bargain, young lady."

"That stone was earned with blood, sweat, and tears," Sango shrugged. Professor Reinhart nodded.

"As you wish, I'll make an exception for you, find a way to get you to take part." He glanced at Kate and Blake. "And you two haven't submitted your applications yet, either…"

"Sorry, I kinda forgot," Blake admitted. "It's been a busy time."

"I'll get mine in by tonight, I promise," Kate said. "I wouldn't miss this for the world, traveling to Galar!"

"I'll keep working on this, and I'll let you know when… or if, you can have it back," Professor Reinhart declared. "You may be excused."

The four exited the professor's office, a little unclear about things, and more than a little worried. Sango also felt a little unsure. She didn't mention that someone had been hunting for it… she didn't think it was necessary to inform the professor, or anyone else, about that. The Ranger Union already knew about it, after all. But it certainly made her entirely uninterested in reclaiming the darn thing anytime soon. Whatever those stones were about, it didn't exactly make her feel that comfortable. Better to leave this matter up to the teachers.

"Okay, let's go meet the harmonia user I told you guys about," Sango suggested. "Now that we're done here?"

"Mind if I tag along?" Kate asked.

Kitty and Sango looked at each other, and shrugged. She hadn't been that annoying so far (mainly because she hadn't been talking much) and she was close to Alcea, who certainly was (somewhat) a friend of theirs… and it was abundantly clear that she and Blake had a kinship that, while not friendly, was at least accordable. So they allowed her to accompany them as Sango led the group to their destination. Sango was a little suspicious about the furtive glances she'd been giving to Blake, but unlike with Ayame, if she had any feelings at all they seemed unreciprocated, at least on the surface. Besides, she wasn't the sort of petty bitch who would try to squash another girl's attempt to get close to the guy she liked.

And it wasn't like she had any right to feel possessive of him to begin with, if she still couldn't raise the guts to actually ask him out on a date or let him know how she felt. She certainly couldn't blame Kate for her own insecurity! While these thoughts were on her mind, she saw they'd arrived at the large building of the aquarium. Fortunately, unlike the prior day, the target of her search was parked on the dock, fishing in plain sight.

"Yo!" Sango called, the tanned girl snapping out of her fishing trance and glancing up, waving at Sango from a distance. She waved them all to come over.

"This is Marion," Sango said, introducing the senior to her friends and Kate. "Marion, I don't know if this is okay, but I told them about-"

"My…" Kitty's eyes widened and she stepped closer to Marion. "Your… your harmonia, it's…"

Marion beamed up at the girl, batting her eyelashes bashfully.

Kitty closed her eyes and inhaled. The energy flowing off Marion was cool and refreshing, like a summer stream, or a babbling brook… just being in her presence seemed to relax her.

"You're getting quite there yourself, little missy," Marion giggled. "It's a dim light right now, but it's quite warm and caring. You're that friend Sango told me about back then… the one she called 'the sweetest little thing' I'm certain."

"Ehe…" Kitty's cheeks flushed bright red, and she looked down bashfully.

"She's um, she's just starting to get the hang of her abilities," Blake said, glancing to Kitty. "And we were wondering if you could, uh… help guide her the rest of the way?"

"Of course! I'd be glad to!" Marion said, glancing back at her line for an instant before turning her attention back to Kitty. "I'm Marion, as you know! Happy to help!"

"I'm Kitty," Kitty said shyly. Marion flinched, her expression souring. She turned back to stare at the water.

"Changed my mind."

"What?!" Sango gasped.

"I don't wanna."

"Marion!"

"Cats eat fish," she pouted. "Pass."

"You gotta be kidding me!" Sango exclaimed.

"Yup~"

Sango cradled her head in her hand, Marion cackling joyfully.

"C'mere, Kitty! Time to get started!"

"Uh… what should I…?" Kitty stepped up beside her, a little nervous. Marion patted the wood beside her, Kitty sitting down where she indicated.

"Okay, here," Marion said, passing Kitty the fishing pole.

"Wha-? How do I…? Why-?"

"Relax, just hold your hands like this…" Marion said, gently guiding Kitty's small hands around the fishing pole, into the proper positions. She stood and stepped back, placing her hands on Kitty's shoulders. "Now, calm down, inhale, and close your eyes…"

Kitty did as she was asked.

"I'm going to direct my harmonia to you," Marion said, closing her eyes as well. "When you feel it… wave hello, 'kay?"

Kitty nodded… and gasped, her eyes snapping open.

"Did you feel that?" Marion grinned. "It was like hearing our souls, right?"

"Yeah, but how… how do I do that?"

"It's hard without a teacher," Marion admitted. "Here's what you should focus on for now. Concentrate on the fishing pole in your hands. Focus yourself, and become a part of the fishing pole… use it as a conduit to guide your intentions. Don't guide the line with your hands. Instead, will it to move like you would your arm. Think of it like an extension of you."

Sango remembered Marion giving her similar instructions.

"What if I get a bite?" Kitty asked.

"Let it come, let it go," Marion said. "You aren't trying to catch anything. You're just trying to feel the flow of the ocean, and the tug of the pokemon. They'll come and go with the waves. Swim with them. Play with them! And if you think you're going to be swallowed, just open your eyes, and reel the line back in. Like this."

Marion demonstrated how to reel in the line, and then helped Kitty cast it back in.

"Work on that, little one," Marion tittered, patting the small girl on the head as she stood up, turning to the other three. "She'll be at that for while. Repetitive activity is the best way to build up ability, and for harmonia users, directing ones' harmonia beyond themselves is a good way to start. It's slow going, but Kitty's a light touch!"

Marion put her hands on Sango and Blake's arms.

"In the meantime, I'll show y'all around! You're Blake, right?"

"How'd you know?" Blake asked.

"Easy, Sango has a-"

"Marion!" Sango hissed, shooting her a death glare. Marion flinched, dropping her hands.

"I mean… I guessed?"

Marion glanced back at the lone figure of Kate, who was staring at Marion in utter shock.

"What about Miss Qwilfish Hair?" Marion asked, gesturing at Kate's wild hair. "You coming?"

"You… you're… you're Marion Rivers!"

"The one and only!" Marion grinned. "Well, I mean, only one I've met. I guess there could be other Marion Rivers out there somewhere… oh, dude! That would be great! Like, a whole school of us just swimming around, going fishing together, it would be the tops!"

"You're one of the Four Holy Swords!" Kate sputtered. "Marion Rivers, the Mermaid!"

"I mean, mermaids are super awesome, I love it as a nickname!" Marion smiled.

"You're one of the Daevas?" Blake asked, equally shocked.

"That was my reaction, too," Sango said, nodding. "Hard to believe."

"Don't worry about it, just come on!" Marion grabbed Kate and Blake's wrists, dragging them into the aquarium.

Sango chuckled, following after them. When it came to Marion, it really was best to just go with the flow, and hope you didn't get dragged under by the force of her personality.

"Good luck, Kitty!" Sango called out, Kitty's eyes snapping open as she jumped up slightly, startled out of her harmonia.

"I-I'll do my best," Kitty called back, trying to get back into the feeling she'd explored before.

"Lookie! Lookie! Over there's the incubator where we hatch the pokemon eggs, and we've got a Corsola colony way over there in the back! Come take a look, it's beautiful! You guys have any pokemon preferences?!"

"Any poison types?" Kate suggested.

"Oh, boy, do we?!" Marion giggled. "C'mon out back, we've got a seawater habitat set up for Tentacool and Tentacruel, wanna see? Or, if you want to look a little closer, we just got a brand new one!"

Marion led them over to a small enclosure designed to resemble a miniature beach, tiny (pointless) palm trees and everything to add to décor. It was enclosed by a large fence to keep the pokemon inside. Sitting in the waters, lounging about lazily, was the Mareanie Marion had fished up the day before.

"Whoa, look at that!" Blake said, leaning down and looking at the small starfish pokemon. "She's so cute!"

"Mare?" The Mareanie tilted her head to the side, staring up at Blake and Kate with her big, yellow eyes. She moved closer to him, wading through the water, smiling sweetly up at the trainer. She tilted her head towards him, offering herself.

"Hey there," Blake said, petting her gently, running his hand across her head.

"Mareeee!" Mareanie purred, her eyes glinting cheerfully.

SCHLEAK

Blake looked down at his hand. A long barb pierced through it.

"GYAAGH!" Blake cried, yanking his hand back, the venom oozing out of the hole in the center of his palm.

"Shit, Blake!" Sango cried, dropping her bag to the ground and fetching her first aid kit.

"Mareashishishi!" The Mareanie cackled, rolling around in the water.

"Hah!" Kate laughed. "That's what happens when you take poison types lightly, Blake."

The Mareanie sat back up and waddled over to her, smiling up at her affectionately. Kate reached over and patted the Mareanie on the head.

"See? She and I get along together just fine."

"Yeah, because you're both toxic." Blake muttered, nursing his wounded hand.

"Come on, Blake," Kate laughed, petting the small pokemon lovingly. "Don't be so mean. You just need to get a better affinity for poison types, like me."

SCHLEAK

"Motherf-!" Kate exclaimed, clutching her bleeding hand and stumbling backwards.

"MAREASHISHISHI!" Mareanie gleefully wailed, thrashing about in the water in hysterics.

"Yeah, I forgot to tell you guys, Mareanie have some pretty terrible temperaments," Marion said. "Touching is not recommended."

"Hang a sign!" Kate snapped.

"What, the great poison type expert didn't think 'oh, hey, the last guy who touched this poison type got stung, better not'?" Blake snapped back.

"Shove it in your ear," Kate snarled.

Sango glanced at the cackling pokemon. It was cute. But she was certainly not as dumb as those two, and was more than happy to admire it from afar.

Warning: Don't touch poison types with sharp barbs, no matter how adorable they might look.