Chapter 7

(The first class: Biology)

"Hello, hello. My name's Jacq, and I'll be your Pokémon biology teacher," Professor Jacq announces with a beaming smile. "In my class, we'll all learn about the various quirks of our beloved Pokémon together! I hope you all come to love Pokémon even more from the things you learn here.

As the students settle in, Professor Jacq continues, "In today's class, I'll teach you a great way to get to know Pokémon in more depth. If you'd like to become better friends with your Pokémon... you can let them come out of their Poké Ball and walk along with you! Sounds great, huh? Nothing cuter than watching your Pokémon run around underfoot, if you ask me. Once you let your Pokémon out, try speaking to them—they're sure to respond in some way. It's a great way to get to know them better! However! Letting your Pokémon out of its ball isn't such a great idea in some locations."

He pauses, surveying the classroom, "Can anyone tell me where it is that you shouldn't have your Pokémon walk along with you?"

I confidently raise my hand and respond, "Inside buildings?"

"That's right! Great job, Florian. I see you did your homework," Professor Jacq exclaims. "The correct answer is that we should not walk with our Pokémon indoors. How about that! Some Pokémon might damage walls, desks, and other things walking around inside buildings, so it's not allowed regardless of the species."

Professor Jacq walks around the classroom, emphasizing his point, "Therefore, please only let your Pokémon out of their Poké Balls while outdoors. OK, everyone? I think I see them out and about in classrooms from time to time, but still... Anyway, you may become even closer friends with your Pokémon pals by walking together! Oh! I almost forgot—keep in mind that you can only walk together with your lead Pokémon. You'll also want to remember that throwing a ball at a wild Pokémon will start a battle!"

As the bell rings, signaling the end of the class, Professor Jacq wraps up, "It looks like that's all the time we have for today. See you all next class!"

After class, I share my thoughts with Golly. "You know, I think Professor Jacq is a bit too strict. I always bring Pikachu and Absol indoors with me, and they've never caused any trouble."

Golly nods thoughtfully and replies, "That's because you're an experienced trainer with a lot of badges, Brother. You've got to remember that not everyone has the same level of experience or control over their Pokémon. Some trainers, especially those without many badges, might find it harder to ensure their Pokémon behave indoors. It's a matter of safety and respect for others, so being cautious about this makes sense."

(The second class: Math)

Our math teacher is Professor Tyme, known for her expertise in Rock-type Pokémon and as the sister of the famous Ghost Type Gym Leader and rapper, Ryme.

"Hello, everyone. Nice to meet you. My name's Tyme, and I will be your math teacher," she greets us with a warm smile. "Sorry to put you all on the spot at the start of class, but let me ask you a quick question—Do you enjoy numbers, arithmetic, and the like?"

The class response is mixed. Some students, like me, find math intriguing, while others seem less enthused by the subject's complexities. Tyme chuckles at our varied reactions. "Oh, my. Hahaha. Thank you for your honest responses. Some of you may like numbers, and some may not. I think that makes a wonderful mix. But no matter your opinion on math, I hope you find yourselves enjoying our lessons together! I'll do my best to find a good way to match up your interests with all types of math lessons!"

Then, she segues into a Pokémon-related topic. "Speaking of which, are you all caught up on your studies of Pokémon type matchups? For example, Grass is strong against Water, and Water is strong against Fire, correct?"

She turns to Serena. "Juliana, you seem to be good with Pokémon, so let me ask you this... Bearing in mind that Water is strong against Fire... If the move Water Gun hits a Fire-type Pokémon, what becomes of the move's damage?"

Serena, mistakenly called Juliana, answers confidently, "The damage doubles!"

"That's right! I knew I could count on you for this question, Juliana. Using moves of a type that your opponent is weak to is a supereffective tactic! it multiplies the damage of those moves by two! On the other hand, using moves of a type that your opponent is resistant to isn't very effective. It divides the damage of your moves by two," Tyme explains with enthusiasm. "Haha! I don't mean to encroach on Ms. Dendra's battle studies territory, of course, but I thought it best to use a lively topic as an example. That can make math fun even for those of you who don't much like the subject, don't you think?"

Just as the discussion heats up, the bell rings, signaling the end of class. "Oh, my. Is that the bell? I suppose that's all for now. What a shame... I'm looking forward to seeing you all in the next class. I hope you're looking forward to it, too!" Tyme says with a hint of disappointment.

After the math class, intrigued by Professor Tyme's unique teaching methods and her past as a Gym Leader, Serena and I decide to visit her in her office. Upon entering, Professor Tyme greets us with her characteristic warmth. "Oh, my. If it isn't Florian and Juliana. Hello there. Do you perhaps have a question about class?"

I reassure her, "Actually, the class was great. It really helps us understand better."

Her eyes light up. "Hahaha. I'm glad to hear it! Then perhaps you won't mind a little quiz. Flying-type Pokémon are weak to Rock-type moves. When a Rock-type move hits a Flying-type Pokémon, what becomes of the move's damage?"

Serena, curious, ventures a guess, "Does it double?"

"Yes, that's right! The correct answer is that the move's damage is doubled." Professor Tyme confirms with a smile.

Just then, there's a knock on the door, and another student eagerly enters to speak with Professor Tyme. "Oh, my. I see one of my more energetic students is here to see me. You'll have to wait your turn, dear! There is only one of me, after all."

"Um, Ms. Tyme? Is it true that you were a Gym Leader?!" the student asks with evident excitement after entering the office.

"That is indeed true. I'm quite the strong battler, you know!" Tyme responds with a hint of pride.

"Wow! That's so cool! Why'd you quit?" The student, unable to contain their curiosity, asks.

"So you want to know, do you? I might be persuaded to tell you if you wait your turn," Tyme replies playfully.

"OK! I can wait my turn! I sure can!" The student agrees to wait, leaving us alone with Professor Tyme again. She turns back to us, "I'm sorry for cutting our conversation short, Florian and Juliana, but I seem to be in high demand today. Feel free to come see me any time if you have questions for me."

We leave her office, both impressed and curious about her past as a Gym Leader. It's clear that Professor Tyme is not only a skilled teacher but also has a rich history.

(The third class: Battle Studies)

Professor Dendra's Battle Studies class in the school courtyard is quite the experience. With her energetic and unique introduction, she quickly captures our attention.

"Osu! Say hello to your battle instructor—The one! The only! The hot-blooded Dendra! "Osu" is a karate thing, by the way. Look it up!" she begins, brimming with enthusiasm. "My age? 25! My hobby? Working out! My...type?! Well... Strong and muscular Fighting types, of course! That's all for my introduction! As for my class, this is where you all get to learn the nitty-gritty of Pokémon battling!"

Her approach is dynamic and engaging. "We'll start with the basics so that no Trainer gets left in the dust! Even if you're new to this stuff, have no fear! Leave it to me and my muscles, and you'll be pros in no time. Let's set our fighting spirits ablaze—together!"

She elaborates on the intricacies of Pokémon moves. "Pokémon have all kinds of attack moves at their disposal, and each move has certain qualities that you'll want to remember! I'm talking about the power, type, and category of these moves! Higher power means more damage—especially if your opponent is weak to that move's type!"

Then she turns to me with a question. "Heads up, new kid! Question coming your way! There are two categories that attack moves can fall under. Know what they are?"

I answer, "Physical Moves and Special Moves?"

"Awesome! You're just as sharp as I expected, new kid! Looks like you have a handle on the basics!" Dendra exclaims. "Anyway, attack moves are split into two categories—physical and special! Physical moves do more damage the higher the Pokémon's Attack stat is! And special moves do more damage the higher the Pokémon's Sp. Atk stat is! On the other side of things, Pokémon getting hit by these moves can take less damage by having a high Defense or Sp. Def stat, respectively!"

She concludes with a key piece of advice, "In conclusion! Pokémon that are good with physical moves should raise their Attack stat! And Pokémon that are good with special moves should raise their Sp. Atk stat! Trying to raise both of these stats equally will just make it hard for the Pokémon to shine in battle! Make your strong points stronger, I always say—that goes for both people and Pokémon!"

Just as she's about to transition to practical exercises, the bell rings. "Aw, man! I was just about to suggest we do some hands-on practice to really drive the point home, but I guess we're out of time... We'll generally meet for my class here in the schoolyard—even for book learning! Nothing like a little fresh air to make studying more fun, am I right? But class is over for now! Take care, you little rascals!"

After the class, Serena and I decide to stay back in the schoolyard for some extra training. Professor Dendra, noticing our enthusiasm, joins us with her characteristic energy.

"Osu, new kids! Have you come out here to the schoolyard for some training?!" she asks.

Serena responds, "Yes, we are!"

"Aha! I knew I could see a fighting spirit burning behind those eyes of yours!" Dendra beams. "Why don't we do a bit of running together here to get to know each other a little better? Ready? Let's go!"

What we thought would be a session of Pokémon training turns into an intense jogging session with Professor Dendra. We run around the schoolyard, pushing our limits, and soon we're gasping for air, drenched in sweat.

"Phew! That really worked up a nice sweat!" Dendra encourages us. "You've got good pair of legs on ya, new kids! A good bout of training sure does make a body hungry, doesn't it? I'll let you have one of my homemade sandwiches as my way of saying thanks for running with me today! Feed those muscles!"

Eagerly, but a bit apprehensively, we try her sandwiches. Unfortunately, they aren't quite what we expected. They're dry and have a strange smell, a stark contrast to the delicious meals I'm used to at home.

Dendra, noticing our hesitation, asks, "How was it? I hope it was tasty."

I muster a polite response, "Uh, yeah, tasty…"

She laughs it off, "Sorry. I shouldn't have asked you that. Heh... I'm athletic and all, but I don't know the first thing about making good food…as your honest reaction just reminded me. Well, uh...see you later. Enjoy your sore muscles tomorrow."

With that, Dendra jogs off, leaving Serena and me with our sandwiches and a newfound appreciation for her dedication to fitness, if not her culinary skills. Despite the less-than-stellar snack, the experience itself is something to smile about.

In the midst of our school day, Serena and I are tasked with delivering health reports to the school's nurse. Upon entering the nurse's office, we're greeted by Nurse Miriam's warm and welcoming demeanor.

"Hey there! Come on in! Everyone's welcome in the nurse's office! What brings you here today? I don't see anything super wrong with you or your Pokémon..." she asks, her eyes scanning us and our Pokémon for any signs of distress.

"We're just here to hand in these health reports," I explain, handing over the documents.

As she takes the reports, Miriam realizes something. "Wait, this is your first time here, isn't it?"

"Yes, we're new here," we confirm.

Miriam's eyes light up with recognition. "Ohhh, so I guess you transferred in recently. You must be Florian and Juliana, right? Everybody's been talking about you! I've heard all kinds of rumors. Apparently, you fell off a cliff right after enrolling in the academy? And even picked a fight with Team Star?"

Serena looks a bit embarrassed. "Well... yes, but I don't think it's all that special..."

Miriam's enthusiasm doesn't wane. "Oh yeah! You've started your Treasure Hunt thing, right? Come tell me about anything super interesting you find out there in your adventures! I'm kinda bored just sitting in here all day, y'know? I don't have any classes to teach, and students only come here to skip class... Sooo yeah, drop by if you can. Deal?"

We nod in agreement, pleased to have made another friendly acquaintance at the academy. Nurse Miriam's lively spirit and genuine interest in our adventures add a touch of excitement to our routine visit. With a promise to come back and share our stories, we leave the nurse's office, ready to continue our day.

Now If I remember, the other class will be locked until you beat the first two gyms. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the beginning of the treasure hunt.

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