Never before in his life did Ash think he would want to kiss the ground, but after surviving Giovanni and his insane piloting, that wouldn't be far-fetched.

"We are alive, I will never get in a car again in my life." Ash fell to his knees and hugged his Pokemon. "Chu..." Pikachu mimicked its Trainer, causing Giovanni's eyebrow to twitch in anger.

Sounds of blows echoed through the airport.

"Stop the drama and get on board! I swear Ash, if you miss your flight, I will swim you across the ocean." Ash was going to open his mouth to complain about the 'unfair' aggression, but his former boss can be quite persuasive when he wants to be.

And if getting on the plane means staying safe from more blows to the head, Ash has nothing against a trip.

Slowly he got up and scratched the back of his head with Pikachu imitating his gesture. "Jeez, no need to be nervous all the time, I'm getting on board Ok? But I have a doubt, when I arrive in Hoenn, how will I find this 'Pokémon Academy'? I have never traveled to another region, and my sense of direction is terrible." Giovanni accompanied the boy to the departure point and for the first time since he arrived at the airport, he didn't get mad or fight Ash over a silly question.

"Don't worry, the moment you arrive at Slateport airport, there will be a Pokémon Academy employee waiting for you, and all your questions will be answered, even I don't have much to tell you other than the obvious, now go and boarding the plane, they are about to take off." Ash nodded and when he was about to get on the plane, Giovanni called out to him.

"Hey Ash."

He turned and Giovanni threw a small item into his hand, when Ash went to see what it was, he was surprised. "An Earth Badge, I can't accept that! It is only for those who defeated you in an official battle."

"Wrong Ash, any Gym Leader is able to hand over a Badge on two occasions: On defeats to the challenger in an official match, but can also hand over the Badge if he recognizes that a Trainer deserves to receive it. And Ash, you deserve it, consider it a parting gift." Ash looked at the Earth Badge, and memories of time working in the gym, and battling Rydhon ignited something in his soul. Closing his fist, Ash pointed it at his former boss.

"One day I will challenge you, and prove I can earn the Earth Badge in combat." Giovanni didn't show any reaction, he turned and started to walk away.

"So be the best student at that Academy, don't let my reputation be tarnished, after all, few are the ones who get the Badge of my gym." Ash watched the man disappear into the crowd, but a voice echoing through the airport caught his attention.

Attention Passengers: Flight to Slateport – Hoenn will take off in 15 minutes, board immediately. Have a good afternoon, Kanto Airlines appreciates your preference.

Ash looked at Pikachu and they both smiled excitedly, getting to know a new region and studying at the best school for Pokémon trainers in the world? They couldn't ask for anything better.

Ash got on the plane and whistled, impressed by the size of the aircraft, and hesitantly took his ticket.

Where the hell was he supposed to sit?

A stewardess approached him and caught his eye. "Good afternoon Sir, may I help you?" Ash looked at the source of the voice and blushed slightly with embarrassment, she was a beautiful woman, and he never did well in conversations with the opposite sex. It's not his fault he's shy!

"Eh...I don't know where I should sit, could you help me find my seat?" He handed over the ticket, and after the stewardess took it, he handed it back to the aspiring trainer.

"C1-008. First class, seat 8, please accompany me." Ash couldn't believe what he heard, he's never traveled on a plane, but even he knows that first class tickets are far beyond what his humble pocket can afford. Slowly he followed the woman and it didn't take long to reach her seat. The difference between first class and the rest of the accommodation was clear. More comfortable seats, a small private TV for each passenger and even a mini fridge attached to the ceiling.

"Here is your seat, Lord Satoshi. On behalf of Kanto Airlines, thank you for your preference, if you need anything, just press the button on your seat and immediately I, or another stewardess, will assist you." Ash sat down robotically, trying to process the fact that he was flying first class with not a dollar in his pocket.

"Pikapi?" Pikachu jumped onto Ash's lap and caught the boy's attention, who looked at his furry friend and scratched the electric mouse's cheek. "Cha..." Pikachu lay down happily in Ash's arms.

Ash recalled the events leading up to the current moment with a nostalgic smile. Even though it was a life filled with difficulties, he had his moments of happiness, and even if it wasn't planned, this was turning out to be the best unintentional birthday present of his life.

"Hey, this is seat 009, can I have a seat?" Ash snapped out of his reverie at the unfamiliar voice. "Sure, you can sit down, I don't… mind." In front of our protagonist, there was a beautiful girl apparently of his age, with long brown hair, a beautiful face with a pair of blue eyes framing it. A white hat with pink details was on her head, and she wore a cyan sleeveless shirt that flattered her developing figure, a short red skirt, with a pair of cyan sneakers and long socks in a darker blue tone. Of course. She was holding a black suitcase in one hand and had a slightly mischievous smile on her face.

"Oh thank you, I was afraid you were one of those stingy rich kids…eh…no offense." She scratched the back of her neck in embarrassment, something that was oddly familiar to Ash, as it's the exact same thing he does when he's embarrassed. She bent down and picked up the suitcase, but when she tried to put it in the luggage compartment, she ended up having difficulties, and Ash blushed with embarrassment as he got a, shall we say, privileged view of his unexpected company.

"Don't worry, I'm not a snob, trust me. So... I don't mean to be rude, but do you need help with your suitcase?" She stopped trying to reach her goal and looked at the boy who was staring at the window with his face flushed with embarrassment. She was confused for a few seconds, but then adopted a cheeky smile.

"I didn't expect to meet such a helpful guy, and with a cute face like yours. Unfortunately I'm not the tallest of girls, damn airlines and their high places!" Ash got up and the girl placed the suitcase in his hands, and with little difficulty he placed it in the correct compartment.

Ash was sitting down when a "pikapi" alerted him that it had a furry friend with a scolding face.

"I'm sorry Pikachu, I almost sat on you. I promise I'll give you some Ketchup when we get to Hoenn." The anger instantly disappeared, and the Pikachu jumped into its trainer's lap.

The girl looked at the scene in surprise, the trainer and her Pikachu seem to have a good relationship. She sat up and poked Ash's shoulder with her finger.

"My name is Leaf Green, may I know the name of the cute boy who helped me? Oh, and what a cute little creature you have on your lap." Leaf scratched Pikachu's head, who basked in the nice girl's affection. Ash on the other hand, blushed with embarrassment at Leaf's comment.

"My name is Ash, and this little guy on my lap is Pikachu." She raised an eyebrow, and let out a giggle.

"Wow, looks like I'm not the only one with the exotic name. Hey, I don't mean to be nosy, but what are you guys going to do in Hoenn?" Leaf isn't shy about speaking her mind, and surprisingly this was a relief to Ash, the conversation would be a complete disaster if she depended on him to keep it interesting.

"I go to the Pokémon Academy in Slateport, I used to work at the Viridian Gym, and my boss for some reason insisted that I go to study in another region." Leaf's eyes widened like saucers.

"Hey, wait a minute, Ash, you're telling me that you worked at the most challenging gym in Kanto, directly for Giovanni, and the Gym Leader made a personal recommendation for you to attend the Academy?" Ash slowly nodded, not knowing what was so impressive about it, but Leaf's next action left him deathly embarrassed.

She grabbed his hands and started swaying excitedly. "Oh my God! I can't believe I've met a future schoolmate, and one of the students with particular recommendation! You must be some kind of genius, old Oak only recommended me not to leave his idiot grandson alone, but what you've achieved is impressive!" Ash started to stutter indecipherable words, and when Leaf noticed the boy's reaction, she couldn't resist making a joke.

"Oh, don't be embarrassed, your face looks even cuter when you're blushing, and don't worry, I won't bite you." Ash's brain stopped responding, and he fell back into the chair unconscious, with Leaf cackling beside him.

"I can't believe he passed out, this is hilarious!" Pikachu growled at Leaf, and the girl scratched the back of her neck in embarrassment, maybe she was overreacting. "I'm sorry ok? I didn't mean it, but your trainer is a cute and kind boy, I couldn't resist a joke. Ash said you like ketchup, I might have something for you." Leaf took a small sachet of Ketchup from her skirt pocket, and handed it to Pikachu, who stared at her as if Leaf were the second coming of Arceus, and deftly tore off one end with his teeth and began to sip the condiment with a happy smile.

Leaf looked at the sleeping boy and his Pokémon for a few seconds and decided to get some sleep, Ash didn't look like he was going to wake up soon, and the trip would be a long one. With a serene smile, she closed her eyes, and the journey to Hoenn continued.

Hoenn, the southernmost island region on the planet, is known as a land full of culture and ancient myths, as well as welcoming people and beautiful landscapes that mix the tropical climate on the beaches, with a mild landscape that makes the fauna and flora flourish like nowhere else in the world. Destination of thousands of people throughout the year, for leisure, business trips or even permanent residence.

And it is also the fate of our protagonist, who has been sleeping since he was knocked unconscious by the beautiful girl next to him.

Leaf woke up with the plane landing at the airport, and rubbed his eyes to dispel any tiredness. Looking out the window of the plane, he noticed that it was already night. "Wow, how long did I sleep? Well, at least we made it to Hoenn, I can't wait to get to my accommodation and take a shower! Ash, what are you going to do when you get to the airport?" Only silence was what Leaf received.

She looked at her traveling companion and saw that Ash was sleeping with his mouth slightly open, the ridiculous sight almost made her laugh again, but he needs to wake up, and even though she's only known him for a few hours, Ash seems to be good company for her. to have, and she doesn't want to travel alone in a city she has just arrived.

Gently Leaf nudged Ash's face, making him slowly open his eyes. When he turned around to see what had woken him up, he was greeted by Leaf with a sympathetic smile. "Goodnight sleepyhead, we've arrived in Hoenn. Hey Ash, what are you going to do now that we're at the airport? I know we just met, but could I go with you to the Pokémon Academy? I don't know the city and my sense of direction is horrible." Ash scratched his cheek thinking about what to do, but he didn't see any problem keeping up with her, Leaf seems like a nice girl, and she's going to the same place as him, she just has no reason to deny the company.

"Okay, we can go together, but I have to find someone who is waiting for me, Giovanni told me that he would have someone to take me straight to the Academy, so we could go together." This confused Leaf, she thoroughly read the Pokémon Academy's admission memo, and it didn't say anything about helping students get to school, but a free ride is a better ride!

She hugged Ash, making the poor boy blush in embarrassment. "Oh thank you Ashy! I didn't want to carry that suitcase for a long time, it's too heavy. You are a good friend."

Leaf didn't last long in the hug and when he pulled away, Ash was confused. "Why did you call me 'Ashy'? And are we friends?" Leaf cocked her head cutely.

"It's common for friends to have nicknames, and since you have such a lovely face, I'm going to call you 'Ashy,' and no, you don't have a choice. And why all this fuss? We're friends…unless you don't want to." Leaf looked away and twirled a lock of hair with her finger, normally she wouldn't be nervous talking to someone in a relaxed way, but with Ash it seemed different, it's weird but that's the way it is.

Ash, on the other hand, was out of his element. He doesn't have any friends, life at the orphanage was tough on all the kids, and as you were never guaranteed to see the same face the next day, it was easier to just avoid bonding, and as Ash got older, his social skills it turned out awful, and he accepted that he wasn't going to be the most popular person in the world. But now a beautiful girl was genuinely wanting to be friends with him, why not take it?

He scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile. "Look, I don't have a lot of friends, and I'm glad you want to be my friend, but you don't have to call me 'Ashy'." Leaf perked up when he heard his new friend's words, but he didn't understand the last part.

"Why can't I give a friend a nickname?" Ash got more embarrassed and looked away.

"It's just... it might give the wrong image, I've never had anyone give me a nickname that wasn't offensive." The brown haired girl blinked and placed a hand on her cheek as she came to a conclusion.

"Ash, you're one of those shy kids, aren't you?" He nodded, and Leaf understood why he's been so restless since they met.

"Look, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, but that's who I am, and you're my friend, there's no need to feel ashamed. Don't waste that cute face, Ashy, how are you going to get a girlfriend if you keep swooning over a simple joke?" She winked one eye and stuck out her tongue.

Ash moaned despondently, remembering his non-existent love life was a low blow. "You're going to play with me until graduation..."

"Guilty as accused!" Leaf took Pikachu in his arms and started stroking the little mouse's fur, who was loving the attention he received. "Look at this, you have a cute face and an even more adorable little friend, and even though you're insanely shy, you have the look of someone not to be teased, and girls love that. I have made a decision! I'll make you stop being shy until graduation."

Ash narrowed his eyes at Leaf. "I'm going to regret this, aren't I?"

Leaf waved his hand dismissively. "Stop being a drama queen, I never said being shy is bad, just be careful not to let anyone bully you, but I highly doubt anyone is dumb enough to tease you." The plane finished the landing protocol and a voice came out of the loudspeaker.

Ladies and gentlemen passengers. We arrived in Slateport – Hoenn.

Kanto Airlines thanks you for your preference, I ask that you disembark within 15 minutes as the plane will go into refueling and maintenance protocol.

Have a good night.

Leaf stood up and put a hand on her hip. Pikachu let out a despondent "pika" and jumped on Ash's shoulder. "Well, enough talk, come on Ashy, we have to get off the plane soon."

The poor boy gave up trying to dissuade his friend from calling him 'Ashy', and got up. However, when he tried to get off the plane, Leaf stopped in front of him with his arms crossed.

"Leaf, I want to get off the plane."

"Ashy, I'm a girl who can't reach my suitcase, so would you be so sweet and get it for me?" The girl's sweet smile made Ash's blood run cold, in that moment he learned the secret law of all men.

Women are scary.

He picked up the bag and handed it to Leaf. Both got off the plane and went to the reception where thousands of people were waiting for acquaintances, family and friends to arrive. Ash looked out into the crowd and envisioned a gray-haired man in a suit, a small plaque in his hand.

Master Ashura Satoshi

I'm your Pokémon Academy Chauffeur.

"Look Leaf, I found our ride." Ash took Leaf's hand and walked over to the butler. Leaf was taken aback by her friend's bold action, and even though she blushed a little, she soon calmed down when Ash brought her to a well-dressed man.

The gray haired man looked at Ash for a few seconds, and greeted the boy with a respectful nod. "Mr. Ashura Satoshi, my name is Martin Williams, and I will be your chauffeur and personal butler during your stay at the prestigious Pokémon Academy, please accompany me to the limousine." Ash was in shock, why the hell would a limousine pick him up, why would he have a personal butler?!

But the fear of questioning the man was greater than curiosity, so Ash did his best to hide his surprise, and unbeknownst to him, his attitude was creating a huge misunderstanding, as he seemed to be someone without the slightest discomfort with the situation you are currently in. "Martin, I am not alone, my friend Leaf Green would like to accompany me, she is also a student, would that be a problem?"

Martin looked at the girl and narrowed his eyes. Leaf was extremely nervous, why did things escalate so fast? Has she already accepted the fact that Ash is a prodigy if what he said is true, but does he have a private butler, and a limousine to pick him up?

She was teasing a millionaire boy?! That should be obvious just hearing his name, Ashura Satoshi, that's a typical weird rich boy name.

Martin looked at the Leaf some more and nodded. "If Master Satoshi orders it, I will obey. Miss Green, accompany us." Martin took the suitcase from Leaf and headed for a limousine that was drawing attention from the public. Ash took her hand and followed the man.

When they reached the vehicle, Martin opened the door and Ash got in, followed by Leaf, and they were both alone in the huge limousine. When Martin got into the driver's cab, he started talking without taking his eyes off the road.

"Master Satoshi, would you like me to inform you of your schedule?" Ash raised an eyebrow, since when does he have a schedule? This must be common at school.

He shrugged. "Of course, I would like to know what my appointments are."

The limousine began to move slowly and a small TV appeared from the ceiling with informational text.

Ashura Satoshi's Schedule

Today

19:00 – Arrive at the lodge at the Pokémon Academy

20:00 – Dinner

22:00 – Sleep

Tomorrow

07:00 – Breakfast

08:00 – Go to the Tailor to make a tailored suit to attend classes

10:00 – Tour of the school

11:00 – Go to the academy auditorium for the formal presentation of students and teachers

12:00 – Lunch

13:00 to 16:00 – Introductory class

20:00 – Dinner

22:00 – Sleep

Both teens read it silently, and while Ash was digesting the information of what he was going to do the next day, Leaf confirmed her suspicions and accepted the fact that Ash is someone of many possessions, and she felt a little envious that he would have a tailored suit when the overwhelming majority of students have to wear the academy's standard uniform.

"Will all days be similar hours?" Ash asked himself, but he didn't expect Martin to answer.

"Master Satoshi, the schedules are made according to your needs, today's and tomorrow's agenda is closed because it's the first day of class, later you'll have fewer commitments and more free time, and get ready, we've arrived at our destination. " Ash and Leaf looked out the window of the limousine and widened their eyes as they saw the huge complex of buildings that could easily take up a few blocks. A few teenagers were arriving, and most of their attention was drawn to the limousine that had just pulled up to the gym's entrance.

Martin opened the passenger door and Ash was the first to get out, prompting murmurs from people trying to figure out who the hell he was. Leaf was next, and stood beside Ash waiting for Martin to hand him his bag.

The butler and chauffeur wasted no time and handed the girl her luggage, and then immediately extended a hand towards the entrance. "Master Satoshi, welcome to the Pokémon Academy, please escort me to your quarters. Will Miss Green accompany you?" Leaf was about to answer when a female voice called her name.

"Leafy, I can't believe it! We go to the same school, why didn't you tell me you'd come to Hoenn?" A girl put an arm around Leaf's shoulder. She has brown hair that extends down her neck and a beautiful face with a pair of sapphire eyes, with two side locks in a 'V' shape with a red bow on her head. She wears a red sleeveless shirt with a black top underneath, short white shorts, and black leggings underneath, reaching mid-thigh. On her feet, a pair of red sneakers.

"May?" Leaf said in surprise, and the girl who hugged her winked.

"Of course, who else could it be." May pulled her focus away from her friend and looked at the unknown boy, the limousine and the expressionless butler. "So…will you introduce me to your boyfriend?" Ash started to cough in shock, with Pikachu patting its trainer on the shoulder.

"MAY!" Leaf screamed in embarrassment, and May, well, she put her hands on her knees and started laughing.

"I can't believe I got my revenge so easily, that's for all the times you teased me around Brendan!" Leaf snarled in rage, May won this round, but she wouldn't go unpunished.

May ignored her friend's anger and approached Ash. "Hi, I'm May Maple, and as you can tell, I'm a friend of Leaf's, and I have to tell you Leafy, you hit the jackpot. Tall, strong, handsome, I haven't spoken to you for two weeks and what do I find? The 'indomitable' Leaf Green with a cute boyfriend, and that cute little Pikachu on her shoulder." Ash and Pikachu scratched their heads in embarrassment, and Ash accepted the friendly gesture by returning the greeting.

"My name is Ashura Satoshi, but everyone calls me Ash. And I'm not Leaf's boyfriend, I met her today on the plane to Hoenn." May smiled at him and teased Leaf.

"Wow, it was rejected in less than a day, someone is missing the touch..." May said in a melodious voice, and that was the limit for Leaf.

She grabbed May by her shirt collar and started dragging her away. "Ash, we'll meet in the auditorium tomorrow, I have to take care of a certain friend with a big mouth!" Everyone stared at the strange scene, Leaf dragging May who was reaching out to Ash as if she were going to the gallows.

"Help, Leafy has gone crazy, Ash! Help this poor helpless lady!" A loud banging sound knocked May unconscious with a comical bump on her head, and Leaf disappeared into the crowd with the unconscious girl in tow.

Ash pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming, and when he realized that all of this really happened, he looked at Martin and spoke in a deadpan tone. "Take me to my chambers."

Martin nodded. "Immediately, Master Satoshi." And so, Butler and student entered the main halls of the Pokémon Academy, and unbeknownst to Ash, his reputation began to be built at the school.

The Pokémon Academy lives up to its reputation, it is a huge complex of buildings dedicated to different sports, and for each type of Pokémon, there is a complete set of facilities to maximize the development of students who want to specialize in a specific type, in addition to a gym for battle and coordination classes, and even a large stadium with space for the public, where exhibition matches are held, even having support for live broadcasts.

Ash hasn't had the opportunity to tour even a third of the facility, but as he walks down the main hallway, he can get a glimpse of what awaits him as a student. The walk took about 10 minutes when they reached an elevator. Ash watched with curiosity the several floors that were available, 9 in total, not considering the helipad floor at the top of the building. Martin selected the 9th floor and they both waited in silence for the elevator to rise in silence.

The moment the doors opened, Ash was confused. "Martin, why does it only have one door, shouldn't this be a building dedicated to student housing?" Martin nodded.

"Precisely Master Satoshi, this entire building is dedicated to accommodating students, however, it is tradition to separate accommodation according to each student's credentials, to avoid any kind of unnecessary conflict. Don't worry, the 9th floor is reserved for your use only." Ash's soul nearly left his body. He has a whole floor to himself, where are the cameras? Where is the presenter saying it's a prank?

Martin was concerned about the lack of response. "Master Satoshi, is something bothering you? The facilities are not to your liking, I can arrange something to suit your tastes."

Ash waved his hands wildly. "No, please don't do this. Just take me to my room." For a second, Ash thought he saw the hint of a smile on the man, but then he dismissed the idea.

"As you command." Martin opened the door to the only dorm on the floor and Ash's mouth dropped open in shock.

It's not a simple accommodation, it's a fucking luxury apartment on the top floor! A huge living room with a sofa that should cost more than the salary he earns in a year at the Viridian Gym, with a huge TV mounted on the wall, ceiling lamp, and glass walls giving a complete view of the Pokémon Gym. Martin entered the apartment and started to show Ash around the house.

A fully equipped kitchen, two huge bathrooms, bigger than Ash's room at the orphanage, with oversized bathtubs, six fully equipped and ready-to-go guest bedrooms, an office and finally, Ash's room, with a huge bed, and being twice as large as the guest rooms.

"And with that ends the tour of your apartment, is everything up to your standards Master Satoshi?" Martin asked in a neutral tone, Ash slowly nodded, having no words to describe how absurd this place is, what is he going to do with all this living alone?

If Martin noticed the shock on Ash's face, he ignored it. "I see, there's a set of casual clothes in the closet, I suggest you wear them tomorrow when you go to the tailor, I'll retire and let you settle in properly in your new home. In about 50 minutes I'll be back with your dinner, see you soon Master Satoshi." Martin left the apartment, leaving Ash alone for the first time since he arrived in Hoenn.

Slowly he approached the bed and sat up, the softness almost made him fall backwards. "Pikachu, I don't think I'm going to get used to all this."

"Pika Cha" The yellow mouse ignored him, as he was more busy rubbing himself on the soft bed with a silly smile on his face. A comical bead of sweat broke out on the back of Ash's neck.

"At least one of us is getting used to it quickly." Ash stood up and sighed. "Well, if I'm going to live in this huge place, I better get used to it, I don't want to come across as ungrateful, Pikachu, I'm going to take a shower, wait for me until I get back." The little yellow mouse stared at him with narrowed eyes.

"What it was?" Pikachu crossed its paws, leaving Ash confused, until he remembers the promise on the plane. Digging through the pockets of his jacket, he found a small sachet of Ketchup, and tossed it to the Pokémon, who caught it deftly.

"Behave yourself, and don't smear anything with Ketchup, I don't think I have the money to pay for even a piece of curtain on the window." Pikachu ignored his friend, his only concern is opening the sachet that separates him from the delicacy of the gods.

Maybe Pikachu is addicted to Ketchup...

Ash left his furry friend with the ketchup and went into the bathroom that was attached to the master bedroom. He undressed and put the clothes in the laundry basket. For a moment he thought about using the bathtub, but decided against it, all Ash wanted was a quick shower, and it wouldn't be long before dinner was delivered.

15 minutes later, Ash came out of the room with a towel around his waist and grabbed a new set of clothes from the closet. The new clothing choice was a white long-sleeved shirt, black pants and a pair of white sneakers. They weren't flashy clothes, which was a plus point in his book, but something made him a little scared.

"How did they know the correct size of my clothes?" For the sake of his own sanity, Ash decided to ignore this small factor, and spoke to Pikachu who had finished off the Ketchup.

"I'm going to watch some TV, want to come with me?" Pikachu responded by curling up in a yellow fur ball in the middle of the bed. Sleeping in a soft bed also seemed like a good way to pass the time.

Ash laughed at Pikachu, took the empty bag and left the Pokémon sleeping in peace. Arriving in the living room, he sat in the center of the couch and started flipping through channels on the TV, and stopped when he found the replay of the last Indigo Plateau Conference. It wouldn't hurt to watch some professional battles on the eve of classes at a school that specializes in training trainers.

On the 5th floor of the same building, there were the female dormitories for the students, and in one of the rooms, Leaf and May were organizing their belongings in their respective suitcases. When they were done, they both sat down on the beds with tired sighs.

"Wow, classes haven't even started yet and I'm already exhausted, but at least someone I know came to school in a limousine and didn't have to walk like the average person." May finished speaking in a mocking tone, and Leaf raised an eyebrow.

"Since when do you complain about a walk? When your dad took you to Pallet last summer, every morning I saw you running up the hills 'Brendan wouldn't like a girl who can't exercise.' May flushed with embarrassment at the mention of her childhood friend and not-so-secret crush.

The brunette's response was to throw a pillow in Leaf's face. "Let me complain in peace!" Both girls started to laugh at the ridiculous turn in the conversation, but Leaf noticed that the twinkle in her friend's eyes was slowly fading.

She got up and sat next to May, catching the brunette's attention. "Hey, what's bothering you? I have known you for several years, and May Maple is not sad about anything." May placed her hands in her lap and looked down at her hands.

"Eh, insightful as always Leafy, but don't worry, it's nothing major. It's just... Brendan has been acting weird around me, it almost feels like he's been avoiding me. I tried talking to him when we were driving to school this afternoon, and he just ignored me, did I do something wrong?" It should come as no surprise to Leaf to discover that May's source of sadness had something to do with Brendan.

"Frankly May, why do you keep going after him when the boy never returns your initiatives? I don't mean to be nosy, but damn, he's not the only person in the world." May got angry, but she knew that Leaf wouldn't say that out of malice, she just wanted to help.

May started to cry, leaving Leaf worried, her friend doesn't cry, she does a lot of things, but it's extremely rare to see her really sad about something. "You think I don't know that? But I have to try, or I'll regret it, it hurts me that Brendan never gives me an answer, I know he's not an idiot, he knows I like him, but he still won't tell me he does or doesn't me, and it's eating me up inside." Leaf held the bridge of her nose, she has nothing against Brendan, but what he was doing to May, intentionally or not, is cruel.

She put a hand on May's shoulder and spoke seriously. "You need to resolve this situation permanently, be as frank as possible, and let him know how you feel. Let's face it, it's not going to be Brendan who takes the initiative, and I don't want to live with a girl who spends three years crying over some idiot addicted to athletics and Pokémon battling." The brunette blushed with embarrassment.

"And how am I going to do that?" May's vulnerable tone made Leaf hug her. "Tomorrow, after introductory class, take him somewhere private and do what a woman has to do. I'm not going to lie, there's a chance you won't get the answer you want, but I'll be here for you no matter what." May showed a tired smile and pulled away from the hug. She knew that day would come sooner or later, and there was no escaping reality, but something else came to the brunette's mind, who brightened up a bit and showed a provocative face.

"Let's enjoy that we're talking about my love life, and tell me, what were you doing in a limo with that cute boy, his name was Ash if I'm not mistaken." Leaf scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.

"Don't get too excited, he's just a friend, I met Ashy when I was boarding the plane to Hoenn, and quickly became friends with him, and he's surprisingly naive, I tried flirting to tease him and although it worked, it didn't go the way. what he intended. He's swooned over a simple prank, but Ashy is friendly and his cute Pikachu further adds to the appeal, the only problem is that he's really shy when he's talking to a girl." May raised an eyebrow, skeptical of what she'd heard.

"Are you sure Leafy? He looks like a playboy wannabe to me, 'Ashy' brought you in a limo, and you want me to believe he just did it out of kindness?" May emphasized the 'Ashy' with her hands to tease Leaf, but the lack of a smile puzzled her.

"Do I look like the type of girl who is easily fooled? His attitude is genuine, I promise. At no point did Ash try to flirt with me, and I gave him opportunities, and that creepy butler only allowed me into the limo because Ash asked." May whistled impressed, she doesn't remember seeing Leaf speak so highly of a boy, let alone someone who just happened.

The brunette smiled teasingly. "So Leaf Green is interested in the naive boy with the cute Pikachu?" Leaf blushed with embarrassment, but shook her head.

"Nah, he's just a friend, and I don't think Ash is looking for a girlfriend, he's too shy for something like that. But enough about him, I'm starving." May's eyes sparkled, no one in Hoenn loves to eat more than the brunette from Petalburg.

"Now you speak my language Leafy!"

Night advanced in Slateport and students from different parts of the world arrived, ready to start a new stage in their lives. Friendships and rivalries would be created, and different stories would emerge, about boys and girls in search of fulfilling their respective dreams.

And who knows, maybe go on an adventure or two along the way.

A shooting star streaked across the city's night skies, as if it were a sign that dreams could be realized, and with the dawn of a new day, the new generation of Trainers and Coordinators would begin to be shaped, one battle at a time.

Second chapter delivered. The first few chapters will be kind of introductory, before the action really starts. The characters' storylines will be revealed, but there will be many things to come.

If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment, criticism is also welcome.

Thanks to everyone who read, and see you soon with the next chapter of Wrong Side of Heaven.