Yuki: The First Day of School
"Don't be so nervous, Yuki!" her aunt reassured as they walked through the halls of Tangelo Elementary School.
"B-but Aunt Daisy..." the eight-year old girl whined, her favorite blue dress fluttering around her. "I don't like it here. It's so busy...and loud!"
"I'm sure you'll get used to it soon. Just be yourself, okay?"
Although she didn't think so, she nodded to please her aunt. When they arrived at the administration desk, Yuki watched her potential new classmates while Daisy filled out the registration forms. She paid close attention to two boys walking by: one with spiky red hair wearing a dark red shirt and the other with parted green hair wearing a green polo shirt.
"I can't wait for class to start, Forrest!" the boy with red hair shouted, raising his arms in the air.
Forrest calmly smiled. "Me too, Magma. They say fifth grade is the most important, socially and academically."
The fiery boy noticed the classroom sign. "Looks like 5-A's here."
"Great. Let's go inside."
Daisy tapped on her shoulder. "All right, Yuki. I finished getting your registration ready. Good luck."
The two hugged, but Yuki didn't want to let go. After all, she moved to a region so far away, even the climate was different. But it was lucky that Daisy was able to care for her after her parents disappeared, otherwise she would be truly alone. She reluctantly let go and sadly waved goodbye to her aunt. After she left, the receptionist guided Yuki into classroom 3-A. A person who caught her eye was a girl with a light blue and white highlighted braid that contrasted her long black hair. The girl gave off a haughty but alluring aura.
The friendly teacher, Ms. Raina, took her hand, then introduced, "Class, please welcome a new student. Her name is Yuki, and she came all the way from the Sinnoh Region. She was the top of her class, so I'm sure she'll do well here. She'll be in the Coordinator course, so please help her in any way you can."
The class monotonously greeted, "Hi Yuki." The girl with the braid scoffed, her eyes rolling at the newcomer.
"Now then. Why don't you sit next to Azura over there?" the teacher said with a warm smile.
She nodded quickly and slowly walked to the desk. She couldn't ignore the piercing stares from her new classmates, especially from the girl. Yuki quietly sat down; the pale wooden desk reflecting her nervousness. Hopefully the day will end sooner like she hoped.
Lunchtime...
Yuki wandered around the courtyard, looking for a place to eat her lunch. Everyone took all of the benches, and they all seemed to be in their own groups. Class went longer than she liked, especially since she knew all of the answers Ms. Raina asked. Though some were impressed, that Azura girl wasn't.
Maybe I should go eat inside, she pondered. It's too hot out here anyway.
As she started to climb up the stairs into the building, the girl with the blue and white braid stood in her way. "Yuki, right?" she asked arrogantly. Her two friends behind her had slightly malicious grins.
The new student fearfully nodded. The girl then brushed her braid back with her right hand and ominously approached Yuki. The new student tried to flee but was backed into a wall by the girl's friends.
The popular girl ominously warned, "Well then, Yuki. I never liked people like you: those who can succeed in life because of some special talent. Time for you to know your place here at Tangelo Elementary-."
"Hey, back off Azura!"
Azura and her friends looked behind them as Yuki peered past them. Forrest and Magma crossed their arms, angry at the unfolding events.
"What do you want, Magma?" Azura impatiently asked, ignoring their senior status. "I'm kind of busy here."
Forrest stepped forward. "Leave Yuki alone. Can't you see she's scared?"
The aggressor glanced at her target then glared at the boys. "So what? Wanna settle this with a battle?"
The boys were hesitant. They knew battling during school hours was forbidden. But if they didn't do something, Yuki would be in greater danger.
Magma took out a Pokéball. "Let me handle this, Forrest. I know you and Loren have been training hard, but I have the better advantage."
His friend nodded. "I'll go find a teacher. Good luck."
As Forrest ran into the school, Azura's friends ran off, not wanting to get involved. The girl was angry at the betrayal and took out a Pokéball.
"If I'm getting in trouble, you're going down with me, Magma! Come out, Nuvola!"
"Fine by me! Let's show her, Jupiter!"
A Swablu and Charmander burst out of their Pokéballs, ready to battle.
"HOLD IT!" Ms. Raina shouted with her right index finger pointed at the two children, preventing the battle. "Azura! Magma! You know battling isn't allowed during school hours! You two are coming with me to Mr. Bontan's office!"
They returned their Pokémon and trudged behind their teacher, who shook her head at their reckless behavior. Yuki was shaken by the events, but she relaxed when Forrest approached her.
"Are you okay, Yuki?" he gently asked. She nodded and allowed him to take her lunch bag.
"Th-thanks... Who are you and the other boy?"
"My name's Forrest, and my friend's named Magma. It's really nice to meet you, Yuki."
She smiled and shook his hand. Magma ran over and shouted, "Don't forget about me!"
Forrest and Yuki were surprised. "How did you get out so quickly, Magma?" Forrest asked.
Magma replied, "After I told Ms. Raina and Mr. Bontan what happened, they let me out with a warning. Azura didn't get out as easily. She has detention later."
Yuki then looked at Magma. "Thanks for helping me earlier, Magma. I really appreciate it."
"No sweat! After all, we students need to stick together, right? We need to not only pass our classes, but our career path lessons as well!"
Yuki giggled. "You're right." The two boys then told their new friend more about the school and themselves. Then she told them about her former home in Sinnoh and her career path, and she was relieved they liked her photographic memory. Soon, the bell rang, interrupting their fun conversation. The three happily walked inside, and Yuki felt like she would get used to her new school.
"So, that's what happened?" Professor Ivy asked the school principal.
He nodded, adjusting his glasses. "Yes, it seems Azura attacked Yuki because of her academic prowess. Plus, both want to become Coordinators…and you know how Azura doesn't like people sharing her passions." The man shook his head. "She needs to overcome her insecurities towards those better than her."
"Don't worry, Mr. Banton. I'm sure Azura will learn from this experience." The professor then watched the students leave school, with Yuki waving goodbye to Forrest and Magma. "Maybe the Pokémon I have will suit Yuki. After all, he has some adjustment issues as well."
"You mean that Squirtle who doesn't like battling? I think those two will complement each other quite well. I hope Yuki can coax him by participating in Contest battles."
The woman smiled. "I hope so too…"
