Chapter 6

As we make our way to the teacher's office to find Nemona and collect our dorm keys, we are taken by surprise to find the Top Champion of the Paldea Region, La Primera, Geeta, engaged in a conversation with Nemona.

"Very well, Champion Nemona. I trust you to handle this in my stead," Geeta says.

Nemona responds confidently, "Sure thing! You can count on me. In fact, I bet this is gonna be fun!"

Geeta expresses her satisfaction, saying, "I'm glad to hear it. Good day, then." As she prepares to leave, she notices our presence and apologizes, "Oh, pardon me."

As La Primera, Geeta, departs from the teacher's office, Nemona lets out a gasp of surprise. "Florian and Juliana, and you guys as well!"

Golly, intrigued by the situation, inquires, "Wasn't that La Primera? What was she talking to you about?"

Nemona, eager to share the news, exclaims, "Golly! I was just trying to locate you. Is it true that your brother is now in the Paldea Region?"

Golly, momentarily puzzled, responds, "Which brother? I have quite a few..."

Nemona clarifies, "I mean the famous one of them all, Ash Ketchum, of course!" Her mention of my name causes me to flinch slightly, realizing that our cover could be in jeopardy.

Golly appears to be enthusiastic about discussing "my" achievements, saying, "Oh, he's in the Paldea Region, all right. He's collected all the Champion titles except for Sevestar and Paldea. But I'm sure he's aiming for Paldea next!" Her remarks raise my concerns, as she seems dangerously close to revealing our true identities.

Expressing her admiration, Nemona continues, "I absolutely want to battle him! He's incredibly strong and seems capable of anything. Alongside La Primera, he's been a role model for all the Pokémon Trainers here in the Paldea Region."

Lucine, however, questions the extent of the praise, saying, "Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?"

Nemona suddenly recalls an earlier conversation, saying, "Oh! Which reminds me! Remember in homeroom when I asked you what your dream is, Florian?" She seems excited. "Well, since your heart is already set on becoming a really strong Trainer...I've got an idea for you! You should strive to reach Champion Rank like me!"

I attempt to maintain my cover, responding cautiously, "I'm not so sure about that..." It's essential to keep our true identities hidden, even if it means downplaying my ambitions.

Nemona continues to encourage me, saying, "Aww, but talent like yours deserves to be used! Hear me out..." She elaborates, "The Trainers who reach Champion Rank are the ones who raise their Pokémon really strong. They're pro-tier battlers. Their moves keep crowds absolutely on the edge of their seats! You have to prove yourself to the Pokémon League to officially get the title of Champion. And to do that, you have to do more than just take classes here."

Serena chimes in with her guess, "Let me guess, we have to challenge and defeat eight Pokémon Gyms to collect their Badges?"

Nemona nods enthusiastically, "Exactly! Once you've done all that, all that's left is a special test—the Champion Assessment. And once you pass THAT, then at long last you'll be a Champion! It's every Pokémon Trainer's dream! The coolest title anyone could ever hope to get! Not to brag or anything!"

"So you're a Champion Rank trainer?" I inquire, curious about Nemona's own achievements.

Nemona proudly responds, "I reached Champion Rank during our last Treasure Hunt, you know!"

Intrigued, Serena asks, "Treasure Hunt? What's that all about?"

Nemona eagerly explains, "Oh, the Treasure Hunt is a special independent study thing we've got here. Should happen soon! Our last one started not long after the beginning of this school year! It's great! You get to leave school to go have an adventure and learn however you want!" The prospect of a Treasure Hunt piques our interest, as it sounds like an exciting and unique educational opportunity.

"So reaching the Champion Rank is your treasure?" Luke questions, trying to understand Nemona's perspective.

Nemona considers his question, her expression thoughtful. "I guess you could say that my journey to becoming a Champion was the treasure I found...maybe? I don't know yet if that's the answer I'm looking for..." Her uncertainty shows as she reflects on her achievements. "Anyway, I have a feeling I'd be able to get even stronger if you and I were both working toward it... Let me go ahead and save the Gym locations in your map app in case you decide to go for it!"

Serena and I are surprised by this offer, as we've only just learned about the Gyms and their Leaders today. Our map app now displays the faces of the Gym Leaders, the cities, and their corresponding typings: Medali Gym (Normal), Cascarrafa Gym (Water), Cortondo Gym (Bug), Alfornada Gym (Psychic), Montenevera Gym (Ghost), Glaseado Gym (Ice), Levincia Gym (Electric), and Artazon Gym (Grass).

Nemona concludes with a smile, "Now give it some thought," before departing.

I try to inquire further about our dorms, but before I can finish my question, the school's broadcasting system interrupts us, drawing our attention elsewhere.

"Calling Mister Florian and Miss Juliana to the director's office, please!"

As the announcement resounds through the school, all eyes seem to be on us, and Drandon speculates, "Do you think it's because of Team Star?"

Expressing my concerns, I reply, "I really hope it's not..." With a sense of apprehension, we make our way to the director's office while the others decide to wait outside, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Thank you for coming, Mister Ash and Miss Serena," Clavell says, "No need to worry, we're in a private area."

"I see," I sigh in relief as we take our seats and drop our disguises. Director Clavell asks, "Have you been enjoying your time here at Narauva Academy?"

I respond, "It's been wonderful so far. We've made new friends, and Professor Jacq has been great."

Clavell nods and continues, "That is most wonderful to hear." He then rises from his chair. "Now, you may be wondering why we could not have simply conversed earlier in the cafeteria. But let me assure you, there is a reason why I asked you to meet me here in my office."

He approaches the television and remarks, "It seems that two friends of mine have a rather serious matter they would like to discuss with you." We exchange puzzled glances as Serena observes, "But there's no one here..."

Clavell explains, "Ah, no, I'm afraid they aren't actually here in this room with us. One moment, please. Just allow me to connect us..."

He activates the screen, and we see two individuals, a man and a woman, appearing on it.

"Hello, Ash and Serena. It's nice to meet you," the woman greets us with a wave.

"My name is Professor Turo, and this is my wife Professor Sada. The two of us carry out Pokemon research within the Great Crater of Paldea - at a site known as Aera Zero," Turo introduces themselves.

At that moment, they present us with an image of the enormous crater situated behind the school building. Clavell adds, "The professors are, in fact, graduates of our fine academy, as well as splendid researchers."

Professor Sada then gets straight to the point, saying, "Ash Ketchum, student ID number 805C393, Serena Yvonne, student ID number 805C394... both of you are the students with the unusual Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon, correct?"

Serena affirms, "That's correct."

Turo acknowledges our confirmation, saying, "Good, I appreciate that you were honest with confirming the facts."

Sada continues, "And we do not mean to offend you. In fact, we wish to ask for your assistance."

"Assistance?" I inquire, and to our surprise, two of our Poké Balls open on their own, releasing both Koraidon and Miraidon. The sudden appearance of our Pokémon raises our curiosity and leaves us wondering about the nature of the assistance being requested.

"Oh. How good to see that you are well. It has been quite a while since we last met," Turo comments, and both Koraidon and Miraidon nod in acknowledgment.

Sada explains further, "Koraidon was once in my care, and Miraidon was once with Turo. Their Poke Balls were originally ours. I assume you received them from a young man called Arven."

Turo adds, "Unfortunately, we're no longer in a position to manage these Pokémon ourselves."

Serena inquires, "What happened? Was there an issue?"

Sada responds, "Let's say that it's complicated. So this is what we would ask of you: Will you continue looking after Koraidon and Miraidon on our behalf?"

Without hesitation, we both answer in unison, "Of course."

"We do appreciate your agreement," Turo expresses his gratitude. "Koraidon and Miraidon have been greatly weakened and are currently incapable of battle. They can, however, take on a form specialized for mobility. In all likelihood, it will require some time to fully regain the capabilities they once had."

Sada then requests, "We will provide you with our contact information. If you would please get out your phones?"

Both Serena and I retrieve our phones, allowing the Rotom to assist us in saving the contact information. Turo adds, "We will be in regular contact going forward to keep tabs on your status. Until then."

As the call concludes, Clavell turns his attention toward Koraidon and Miraidon, pondering, "Could these Pokémon have originated from Area Zero...?"

We exchange curious glances with the director, but he seems lost in thought, murmuring, "Sada... Turo... don't tell me you actually did it..."

Seeking clarification, I inquire, "Did what?"

Clavell dismisses the matter, saying, "Ah, it is not something you should be worrying about. It seems that the Professors are asking quite the favor of you two. But of course, the academy is always here to support you in any way that we are able. I do hope you'll continue to enjoy your school life, together with both Koraidon and Miraidon."

In a moment of unexpected exposure, Nemona enters the hall, catching us off guard as we haven't had time to put on our disguises. She exclaims, "No way! Ash Ketchum and Serena! And you're wearing our uniforms!"

Nemona quickly approaches me, her excitement evident as she fires off questions, "Can I have a battle with you, pretty please? What class are you actually in? Are you transfer students like Florian and Juliana?"

The rapid barrage of inquiries leaves us somewhat overwhelmed, and we exchange awkward glances as we sweatdrop. Director Clavell intervenes, instructing, "Nemona, please keep it down." His calm and authoritative tone seeks to restore order to the situation.

Under the watchful gaze of Director Clavell, Nemona's enthusiastic questioning continues. However, realizing that we can't maintain the charade any longer, I exchange a knowing glance with Serena, and we decide it's time to reveal our true identities.

I take a deep breath and say, "Nemona, there's something we need to tell you." Serena nods in agreement.

Nemona looks at us with curiosity and a hint of confusion, her questions momentarily halted.

I continue, "Actually, we are Florian and Juliana..." We decide to show our disguises by changing our facial appearance back to our true selves.

Nemona blinks in surprise, her enthusiasm momentarily dampened. "Wait, what? You're Florian and Juliana?! That means... I've been with Ash Ketchum and Serena Yvonne this whole time!"

I nod, and Serena explains further, "Yes, we were using disguises to fit in and experience a normal school life without celebrity status. But we promise, we're still the same people you've gotten to know."

Nemona processes this revelation, and then a smile slowly spreads across her face. "Well, that's certainly a plot twist! I guess it's pretty cool to have you both as classmates. Though getting called into the director's office? How'd you land in that much trouble already?"

Serena mutters, "More like getting some requests."

"Yeah, I'm just kidding, I know you're not like that," Nemona reassures us. "I almost forgot to give you the dorm keys. I can also show you where the dorms are."

"Finally," I say, relieved that we're making progress.

Nemona continues, "And you two are lucky to have private school rooms. We have four-student rooms, and two-student rooms, and the rooms you're staying in are private student rooms."

As we enter our private student rooms in the dorms, we're pleasantly surprised by the accommodations. My room is located opposite Serena's, with Drandon and Luke as our neighbors. Beside Serena's room, we find Golly and Nemona.

Upon stepping into the room, I'm taken aback by its size and amenities. Not only do I have a spacious study area and a private bathroom, but there's also a fully equipped kitchen.

"All the dorms look the same when we moved in, so I guess that it will be fine for you two," Elline comments.

Serena shares my excitement, saying, "This is awesome. I mean, it's so big."

I agree, "Indeed. Now I can finally take a rest." I place my backpack down and flop onto the comfortable bed, Pikachu doing the same beside me.

Golly questions, "So let me guess, Nemona found out the truth, Brother?"

"Yeah. She accidentally stumbled across our private conversation with Director Clavell," I reply with a sigh. "You do remember to keep our identity a secret, right?"

"You can count on me, but I want you to battle me with your full strength! You're the 8-Region Champion, after all!" Nemona declares with her usual enthusiasm.

Serena and I exchange knowing glances, fully aware of Nemona's battle fanaticism. We chuckle and nod as Nemona continues, "You must be pretty worn out from all this stuff happening on your very first day, huh? A quick rest on a bed is all you need to get yourself and your Pokémon healthy again! I'll see you tomorrow when you've rested up. Then we can battle even more! Take care!"

With that, Nemona and the others bid us farewell, leaving us to enjoy some much-needed rest in our new dorm room.

And here is a new chapter, Ash and Serena get to meet Professor Sada and Professor Turo, and Nemona finds out the disguises. I hope you like this chapter.

Ash and Serena's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Primeape, Lapras, Wooper (Paldean), Girafarig, Dunsparce, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Bisharp, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Sneasler, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, Lechonk x2, Tarountula, Pawmi, Fidough, Shroodle, Wiglett