The following day, the Ranger that comes to pick me up is not the lady, but the guy with the Tauroses. Which is honestly a relief. I don't want to say I'd rather not see his colleague again any time soon, but if someone else says it I won't deny it either.

What happens when I'm at the base is, again, not that exciting. I return the clothes they lent me, they return mine and once I change back into them, I'm taken to a white wall to take pictures.

Seeing it has me wonder for a moment if that's supposed to be where they take mug shots, though the reasonable part of my head points out that those don't have plain white backgrounds.

After taking the photos, I'm told to wait for a bit. I'm then taken to the room where I was originally interviewed. The only real difference this time is the company within: rather than two Rangers, there's just some guy in a suit waiting at the opposite side of the table.

Once I sit down, Rex lies next to the chair's legs and Lola jumps on my lap. The guy in a suit presents himself as an agent of the International Police and starts showing me 'my new documents' and explaining them to me.

When he's done all that, though, he moves on to something else.

"Now, I want to discuss the details of your allocation."

I stand at attention. "Yes?"

Rather than continuing right away, he takes a moment to glance at Lola and Rex. "I understand you plan on keeping those two around. Have you been informed about the necessary licenses?"

Ah, that Johtonian girl mentioned that.

"I have."

"Good, that'll save me some explaining," the man says. "On top of the licenses, there is also the matter of getting you set up with both a residence and a job position that matches your qualifications. Speaking of the latter, though, you had recently stepped out of university and were unemployed at the time of your arrival here, is that correct?"

A knot forms in my throat at that question.

"Yes," I mutter.

The man nods. "Then I think there is one solution that can fix all three of your problems: enrolling at Naranja Academy."

My ears perk up and I spend the next few moments processing the man's words. Then, my brows shoot up before they slowly furrow.

"Excuse me, what?"

"You heard me. The local Pokémon League is heavily tied to Naranja Academy when it comes to Trainers. Enrolling in their Pokémon Training course would provide," he raises a closed hand before extending his thumb, "a Trainer license to legally keep Pokémon," he extends his index finger, "a room at their dormitories as residence," he extends his middle finger, "and access to the League's resources for your needs."

"But you said it yourself, I dropped out of university," I argue. "How is enrolling at another one going to be any different?"

Wait, did I come off as too aggressive?

If I did, the man makes no show of taking offense. "You will find their courses are not quite like… whatever you were studying before. Not to mention the accommodations they could offer given your situation."

As reasonable of an argument as that sounds, I still really don't want to go back to studying. Exams were hell back on Earth, and I bet they are here too.

"Do I have any alternatives?"

"Plenty, though none quite as accommodating as this one," he replies. "You can find proper lodging and a job separately at your own pace. I can assist during the process, but it's still going to take time."

That's not an issue. I can be patient.

"Your Pokémon, however, will have to be taken into custody by the Rangers until you obtain the necessary licenses. I cannot provide those for you."

That is an issue. Especially when Lola lets out a brief whimper and Rex an angry bark.

"T-taken into custody by the Rangers?" I tentatively voice.

He nods. "Yes. Legally speaking, they can't be left with you until you get those licenses."

"And… how long would that require?"

"As long as it takes you to prepare for an evaluation test."

So a while, and I'd end up having to study either way. What rotten luck.

"So… what does enrolling entail?"

When I find the Johtonian girl knocking at my door, I realize my assumptions she'd come visit me the other day were correct.

After an initial show of my room and some petting Lola and Rex, we sit and I tell her what happened at the base.

"Enroll at Naranja Academy?!" she asks, her eyes wide with bewilderment. "They can do that?"

I shrug. "I didn't ask, but I think if they proposed it, they can."

"This…"

She blinks her eyes a few times while a smile slowly spreads on her face.

"This is actually great! We can keep in touch more easily that way!"

Uh… what?

"Is there a reason the Academy is more accessible to you than this hotel?"

Much to my confusion, she lets out a chuckle. "Of course. I will be joining the academy soon too."

… what?

Wait, she came to this region to challenge the Gyms. And the guy from the International Police said the League is intertwined with the academy.

But she is a Trainer already. She even got all eight of her home's Badges. She shouldn't need the course to become one.

Or does she?

"Uhm, hello?"

I'm snapped out of my musings by her words and her waving a hand in front of my face.

"S-sorry," I say. "I just… I- I'm confused. You are already an established Trainer, and the Academy seemed a thing for novices a-and…"

She arches an eyebrow.

Okay, not the time to mumble, Aldo.

"Why?"

"Oh, that's simple," she replies nonchalantly. "I needed to enroll to participate in the Gym circuit."

I wince. "What?"

"Yeah, you heard me." Her smile feels a tad more… strained, as she says that. "It's not that the Paldea League is intertwined with the Academy, they are basically one and the same. I could not have participated without enrolling."

I blink in confusion. "How is that possible?"

She shrugs. "Paldea is a minor League. That usually means it's less grandiose and with some added twists to it. If you need another example, take Johto's League: outside of the Gym Leaders, we are heavily dependent on Kanto's. Even the Elite Four and Champion are the same."

"But why Paldea, then?" I insist. "You already have eight Badges to show for your efforts, and yet you want to go back to the basics?"

"Oh no, it's not going to be like that," she reassures. "I've already set up an independent studies course with the board due to my situation. It won't be 'back to the basics'."

That still doesn't answer why going through all this trouble. If she wanted to give a different League a shot, aren't Hoenn or Sinnoh much closer and with less twists and turns?

"Anyway, are you excited about the academy?" she asks before I can voice my doubts.

I shake my head. "Not really, no."

She recoils and her eyes blink in confusion. "Wait, what?"

"I was a university student not too long ago," I tell her. "I quit when I realized that was not my path."

"Ah," she replies. "So you're just… going along with it because of what that agent said?"

"Pretty much," I reply with a shrug. "It sounded like a better alternative than what else he proposed."

"But do you actually plan on following the lessons to the end or…?"

Once again, I shrug. "I don't know. Studying was not something I particularly liked back then. All I know going in is that I'll probably be winging it."

"Seriously?"

"I did have some plans about what I was going to do with my life." I spread my arms and gesture at the room around us. "Look how they turned out."

Between how her expression drops and the awkward look she gives the room, I get the feeling I may have overstepped myself.

"I-I mean, I don't mean that meeting you was a bad thing, I just-"

"Oh, I know what you mean," she chuckles, suddenly turning back to me, all smiles once more. "I guess I can't blame you, can I? Just taking things one step at a time is probably for the best."

I'm relieved she understands.

Can't say the same about the coy expression that forms on her face, though.

"Also, you don't regret meeting me? Maybe you're even happy you've met me, huh? Do I strike your fancy?"

Oh God, not that shit!

"Nope. You're not my type."

She chuckles. "You don't swing that way?"

"I don't swing period."

"Fair enough," she chuckles. "Anyway, anything you want to know about Pokémon training or the academy while I'm here?"

We spend the next few hours with me asking her questions on those topics. Sometimes she gives simple answers, others she goes on her tangents, but at least tending to either Lola or Rex serves as a perfect way to interrupt her.

I offer her the hotel's lunch when the time rolls around, but afterward she has to excuse herself and go buy some last minute items for the academy.

Even as she leaves, I fail to muster the nerve to ask her name again.

You really know how not to make your life more awkward than it needs to, don't you, Aldo?

It is a couple of days later that the man from the International Police escorts me to the academy proper, having set up everything as fast as he could according to him.

The walk up the stairs to the structure and over to its entrance is less eventful this time, though we still draw the attention of what students are in the garden when we pass by.

Just when do these guys have their lessons?

There's a different guy at the reception this time. One that thankfully doesn't recognize me as the agent asks for directions to the director's office.

An elevator takes us to the upper floors and then we arrive in front of a door with a plate reading 'Director Clavell' on it, and the agent knocks.

"Enter."

The four of us step inside. What we are greeted by is the sight of a large room, tidily ordered with one part occupied by strange machinery I don't recognize, and the other with bookshelves and a large desk.

Two people are standing by that desk. One is an older man dressed in white and an orange jacket, with a pair of glasses. The other is…

"No way!" the tanned girl with dyed hair from the plaza exclaims as her eyes land on me and widen. "It's you!"

Oh God…

The International Police agent frowns and–much to my discomfort–turns to look at me. The older man also frowns, but at least he turns to the tanned girl instead.

"You two are acquainted, Miss Nemona?"

"Oh yes, Director," the tanned girl responds, practically hopping in place. "A few days ago, his Maschiff got involved in a battle between me and Juliana."

Heat comes over my face as I try not to gulp. "S-sorry about that."

"Hey, who said that was a bad thing?" she chuckles. "I like Pokémon with that kind of fighting spirit."

Uh…

While my head is busy processing that statement, the tanned girl's gaze shifts to the area by my ankles. "And hey, the little guy is here."

I look down as well and find Rex looking up at the girl with rapt attention.

"Say," she continues as she looks up to me again, "would you like a battle with me?"

What?!

Before I've fully processed her request, she's already got a Poké Ball in her hand and a daring expression has settled on her face.

The situation is made worse by Rex making his snarling face at her.

"Uh… maybe another time, please?" I intervene as I step in front of Rex, all while trying to ignore his annoyed snorts.

"Yes, I quite agree," the older man chimes in as he adjusts his glasses. His head shifts to look at the tanned girl with a… not exactly scolding expression, but close. "My office is not the place for Pokémon battles."

"Ah, whoops," the tanned girl chuckles as she rubs the back of her head. "Sorry, Director."

A small gentle smile comes over the director's face as he just nods.

Just… how close are these two again? Better yet, why is she here to begin with?

The director clears his throat before setting back to a neutral expression. He turns to me and the man from the International Police. "In any case, I believe introductions are in order." He extends an open hand. "I'm Professor Hernando Clavell, and I'm the director of Naranja Academy."

The agent and I each shake his hand as we present ourselves as well. The agent, of course, does it with more confidence than I do.

Next, the director gestures at the tanned girl. "Allow me to also introduce our student council president, Miss Nemona Menzi."

The student council president?!

Okay, okay, shape up Aldo, you've got two important people in front of you. Be on your best behavior.

"Hey there," she chipperly says as she waves at us.

The director has the agent and I accommodate at the opposite side of the desk. There's only two chairs, but the gi– the president lets the two of us sit while she stands next to the desk.

Sadly, though, while Lola comes to rest by my legs, Rex decides to make his snarling faces at her again. The only reason I don't jump in to pull him back is the president's amused expression. Or how at some point she decides to make snarling faces of her own.

Which, sadly for Rex, look scarier than anything he does. And not in a sense that I genuinely find them scary.

Well, at least watching the two go at it is more attention-grabbing than the other two men talking about bureaucracy or whatever.

Of course, the moment I am addressed, all my attention has to turn back to them.

"Apologies," I hastily reply, "you were saying?"

Despite my blunder, the director still looks calm and collected as he repeats himself. "I was asking, Mister Lombardi, do you wish to become a Pokémon Trainer?"

"I, uh… I was told this academy could give me the legal means to keep Lola and Rex."

The agent massages the bridge of his nose at that answer. The director, though, doesn't have a real reaction, he just nods his head. "And you will, I can assure you of that. But I'm not asking why you chose to enroll at our courses, I am asking if you wish to become a Pokémon Trainer."

It takes me a few moments of contemplation before I can answer. "I… didn't really think about it."

The director remains still as a stone at my response. A brief glance at the agent results in him just waving for me to continue.

"Most of my exposure to Pokémon battling came from… video games and a tv show."

The director still remains impassive.

"I've… been informed it's all more complicated than those made it seem, but they were not too far off, so I'm not entirely in the dark about the profession."

This time, the director does react. By opening his mouth and uttering one word. "But?"

I steal a glance at the president, who at this point went from making faces at Rex to patting his head, heedless of his pouting face.

"I have seen just one battle since I arrived here. I… wasn't thrilled about it."

Considering how both games and anime showed the Pokémon world to be obsessed with battling, it almost feels like a taboo to be saying such a thing.

Yet the director reacts with an amicable expression and a nod of his head.

"Understandable," he calmly says. "It is not a lifestyle that suits all."

Despite the director's words, I notice the agent rolling his eyes at the side. I knew I shouldn't have said anything.

"If that is the situation," the director continues, and I brace for him saying I am not fit for the academy and should just leave.

"I would like to propose an alternative for you."

Uh?

"In special cases, the academy offers periods of independent studies on topics agreed upon with members of our faculty." He simply adjusts his glasses once more as he continues. "I believe being from another world does qualify for a special case, wouldn't you say Mister Lombardi?"

Uhm… that seems too obvious of a question to be genuine. What does he really want to know?

"I… suppose so?"

"Good, that was what I was hoping to hear." He glances down to Lola, who meets his gaze impassively. "Given your reasons for being here, I believe organizing a project with our biology teacher, Professor Jacq, would be in your best interest."

That's… actually not a bad idea. A biology professor in the Pokémon world has got to be familiar to some degree with all the Pokémon species that live in this region. I just have to hope he's not one of those old teachers that turn every subject into a snorefest.

"Does this proposal sound agreeable to you, Mister Lombardi?"

"It does," I answer.

"Excellent." The director's gaze shifts to the side, where I notice it lands on the president, who instantly lets Rex go and stands back to attention. "In that case, Miss Nemona will show you to your room while we discuss the final details."

"Certainly, director," she responds before turning to me and waving. "Come on Aldo, let's go."

I don't have the time to recover from the surprise of being addressed by my first name that she's already rushed out of the room.

"H-hey, wait for me!"

It is most fortunate that I manage to catch up to the president, because I doubt I would have been able to assume the path she actually shows me through. Back to the ground floor, to another elevator, and up to another floor.

Of course, Rex doesn't waste the chance to exchange mock snarls with her when he can. The fact the president keeps looking genuinely amused prevents me from intervening for most of the way. However…

"Sorry if I ask, but… is it a good idea to encourage it?"

Rex turns to pout at me. The president, on the other hand, responds with a chuckle.

"What's the harm in it?" she chipperly adds. "He wants to be tough, and he's learning the best way he knows."

"What if he ends up angering the wrong person or Pokémon?"

"That's a learning experience too. Plus he's got his Trainer to look after him, yeah?"

I… suppose so.

Though Lola rolling her eyes at the statement doesn't exactly inspire confidence.

That said, Rex's snarling habit isn't the only thing we talk about. Darn if it isn't.

"What's your world like? What was traveling between worlds like? Do you like Paldea?"

I try to answer her questions as best as I can, but it is hard to keep up with them all.

At least it's nothing that requires complex answers.

"What's Pokémon Training like there?"

Until we get to that.

"Uh… we didn't have it."

Her eyes instantly widen. "No? Why?"

Oh dear, how do I put it?

"We… didn't have Pokémon in our world."

Ten out of ten Aldo, really.

The president weirds out and recoils her head. One amused snort later, though, she's back to normal. "Come on, don't tease me. Surely you had them if you know what they are."

I… don't recall mentioning to her or the director I know of them. Did the agent tell them? Or maybe she's making assumptions?

No, that can't be. This academy wouldn't pick an airhead as their student council president.

"No teasing, I swear," I insist. "Just normal animal life without all the grass, fire, water and all else."

I swear her eyes literally beam at my answer. "Ooooh, so you only had Normal types? Interesting."

"That's… not what I…" My words die in my throat before I can finish.

I guess she makes a good point, what does normal mean to her? As far as I can remember, Pokémon were the only fauna of this world. How can I explain a simple dog or cat in a way that makes sense to her?

"Yes?"

The moment I notice her perplexed expression, I realize I'd veered off and left her hanging. Truly, your social awareness is through the roof today, Aldo.

"Nothing," I end up telling her. I have a feeling getting my point across would be more trouble than it's worth. "But the bottom line is, we don't have battling the way you have here. In fact, I think most countries banned it."

Her brows shoot up. "Really? But why? Don't Pokémon like fighting there too?"

I shake my head. "The only 'fighting' they got up to was mating season, food hunts and protecting their territory from invaders. Some of the domesticated ones did play-fighting, but it wasn't as v-"

Whoa there, easy with your words Aldo! Do you really want to anger the girl in charge with snide remarks?

"Erm, I wanted to say it was less…uhm…"

Think, think, what can you say instead of 'violent'?

"Flashy and intense, I guess?"

Wow, that's the best you could come up with?

"No way, really?" the president gasps. "I can't even imagine living like that."

There is something about her expression that feels… genuinely shocked. Maybe even a bit panicked?

"W-well, that's just my world," I say as I chuckle nervously. "So as long as you stay in this one, no problem, right?"

That's your idea of reassuring? Wow, you're on a roll with these ten out of tens.

Strangely enough, though, it actually works as the president returns to her cheerful self. "I suppose so," she chuckles. "Now, let's get you set up."

It is at that moment that I realize we have started wandering through a corridor with lots of identically-shaped doors on each side. The president pulls a card from her pocket and slides it before the lock of one of those doors as it opens.

She beckons me inside. "Come on in."

I follow her lead through the door. The room inside is larger than the hotel's, with an actual kitchen and study room, the former complete with a microwave oven and fridge, and the latter with a desk and chair.

The president gives me a quick tour of the place, though she has nothing to say that I can't figure out myself. I'm going to have to move what stuff I left at the hotel before I can properly settle in, but I thankfully have the rest of the day for that.

"And that's it," the president concludes when we're finished. "If anything breaks or you need to change stuff, just let the reception know and they'll handle it. Got any questions?"

I'm almost tempted to ask about the Johtonian girl, if only to at least know where I could find her. However, it doesn't take me long to realize it's a bad idea. Even if I remembered her name, it'd be weird to be asking that so soon.

Plus, a guy asking about a girl's room? Eww the obvious implications. Eww what everyone would think of me and her. Just a plain old eww.

"No, nothing," I say with a shake of my head.

"Glad to hear." The president extends her hand with the keycard she used to enter. I grab it just as she explains what it is, as well as what to do should I lose it.

"Also," her cheerful smile shifts to a challenging smirk as she looks down at Rex, "if your Maschiff ever wants to battle, I'm always up for it."

Rex responds by letting out a bark and… making some weird hybrid of his snarls and a smirk. Which does look a little unsettling. Just a little more than usual.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a battle with Juliana coming. I'll see you around the Academy!"

Before I have the time to ask who she's talking about, she's already left the room.

Gee, and I thought I used to be brusque.

Though you really aren't one to judge when she's younger and probably more accomplished than you, are you Aldo?

I shake my head and look down at the puppies. "Well guys, this is our new home. How do you like it?"

I'm answered in the form of Rex and Lola wandering around the room. The former glances around without making any particular show of emotion.

Lola, though… maybe it's her being made of dough, but she observes and walks through the kitchen area with visible attention in her eyes. The microwave especially seems to catch her interest, as her tail wags whenever her gaze lands on it.

I have a slight feeling that if I don't want an electric fire or a burned puppy, I'll have to keep the two separated.

Regardless, I clap my hands and draw their attention back on me. "Alright, I hope you're ready for some walking, because we've got some back and forth to do."

Rex remains impassive. Lola, on the other hand, lets out an exasperated huff.

An understandable sentiment, but I can't exactly leave them on their own.

Well, I suppose I could ask the guy at the reception to look after them while I'm away, just as his colleague did when I came to the library. Although it's gonna take a lot longer this time and it's a different person, so it's not a guarantee.

Maybe I should start considering Poké Balls…

This was supposed to come out last week, but I forgot. Sorry about that, the last month has been a whirlwind of stuff happening for me, and it doesn't seem to be toning down down in the near future. If updates get more sporadic from here on out, that's why.

Anyway, huge thanks to Krosrodes for beta-reading this.

You guys let me know your thoughts and I'll see you next time.