Fourteen: Welcome Back to Uva

The next three weeks flew by, and while Elaina was sad to see Penny off to Galar, the thought that they'd only be apart for a couple of weeks made the parting less bitter. Nemona and Arven had both gone back to their places for a bit, so Elaina got to spend the last two weeks of holiday break with her family. There were laughs, fun, and merry times had by all. As Elaina packed up her suitcase and headed downstairs. Giovanni, Nemona, Trish, and Arven were in the living room. "Yo, 'Layna, are you hyped for independent study?" Nemona exclaimed as she pulled Elaina into a hug. "I'm so excited that I could burst." Giovanni chuckled. "You're so much more enthusiastic about school than I was at your age. Then again, Vaughn has to be a better instructor than Earl." Nemona smiled wide.

"I've had a wonderful time in Mr. Vaughn's class. I'm super excited for 352 and 354 after I get back from independent study." She said, as she grabbed her suitcase. "Alright, my love, I'll be back in a little bit. I'm off to take the girls and Arven back to school." Giovanni announced and the crew filed out of the house and into the car. Within a few minutes they were on the road.

"So, what's everyone doing for independent study?" Arven asked as they made their way to Mesagoza. Trish spoke first. "I'm hoping to find a home for myself here in Paldea. I've always kinda felt like an outsider since I'm from Hoenn. Do you ever feel that way, 'Layna?" She asked. Elaina shook her head. Trish turned to Arven. "What about you, Arven?"

"There's an old folk legend I'm following about the titan pokemon that I'm digging into. There's supposed to be some powerful herbs and spices called Herba Mystica that I want to find." He shook his head. I have no idea if they're even real, but we're going to find out." He smiled and looked around to his friends. "What about you, Nemona?"

"I'm hoping to find a rival I can battle with at my full strength." She responded. The glint in her eyes was unmistakable to Elaina. She had a soul for battle, that Nemona. They all turned to Elaina now. She blushed. "I want to find my people, so I'll be hanging around with everyone as we go on our adventures together." Everyone nodded at one another as Giovanni pulled off of the highway toward the airport. "Dad, why are we…" She paused. "Are we picking Penny up from the airport?"

"Of course, she landed about fifteen minutes ago. She'll be waiting for us in the unloading zone." Giovanni replied as he brought the car into the unloading zone. Penny waved and made her way over. She gave a huge hug to Elaina as she found her seat in the car.

"How was everyone's last fourteen days?" She asked excitedly as she snuggled up to Elaina. They all gave a sigh of "Ehh." As Penny kept talking. "I've missed everyone so much." The students all laid a hand on Penny's shoulders. "Welcome back, Penny." Everyone smiled, especially Penny as Giovanni pulled back onto the highway.

"I'm so glad to be here, everyone." The rest of the ride was quiet as they made their way back to Mesagoza plaza and the Great Staircase. As they pulled into the plaza and the students hopped from the car, Giovanni gave a wave and a hearty "Have fun, everyone, and go learn something." Then rolled up the window and headed out. The five turned and made their way up the Great Staircase.

"See, I told you we'd be back." Elaina said as they reached the top of the staircase. They all made their way to Dragontongue Hall where Trish, Nemona, and Elaina put down their suitcases. Arven bid his farewells and made his way to his room in MindsEye Hall. Eventually Nemona and Trish made their way across the bathroom. Elaina popped over to say hello to Allie, then her and Penny made their way across campus to Dojo Hall. As they climbed the stairwell and Penny opened the door to her room, the two shot each other a furtive look.

"I know we weren't really doing anything because your parents' bedroom was below the loft, but we're back now."She stepped forward and whispered into Elaina's ear."Take me, 'Layna.I need you." Elaina tackled Penny to the bed and planted a firm kiss onto her lover's lips.