3 months ago in a faraway facility

"Are the preparations ready?"

"Yes. Everything is set up. We're waiting on your command."

"Right. Bring Chris in. And tell him to take the Pawniard with him."

"Yes sir."

A few moments later a teenage boy with silver hair, ripped pants, and a black shirt with a vest.

"Yo pops! Do you need me for something?" The man sighs irritably in response.

"Chris. I have a mission for you. It involves the secrets held at Concordia Academy. I need you and Valerie to go and investigate."

"Aww Valerie?! Why do I gotta go with her? She'll cramp my style." He stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"She. Will help you make sure that the mission is a success. Don't fail me."

"Ugh fine. At least I get to bring Pawniard with me!" Chris threw a special pokéball in the air, releasing the bladed pokémon.

"About that. Pawniard has gone through some genetic modification. I suggest you only use it in case of emergencies lest we draw attention to our operation."

"You got it pops! Alright, I'm off!" The boy ran off with his pokémon following close behind. The intimidating man sighed and sat back in his seat.

"That boy is gonna be the death of me…"

Present day (Devon POV)

"Alright… I think that's everything put away!" I sighed in relief. The new dorm room was amazing and riddled with all sorts of devices! A thermostat, a kitchen with a stove and oven, my own closet! The only thing it doesn't have is a washer and dryer which kinda sucks.

"Gallade, Misdreavus. Thanks for helping me out, you two!" The two pokemon let out happy cries as they immediately got comfortable on the couch. I glance at the clock on the wall.

8:30

I made a mental note of the time. Apparently, we're having an assembly today along with orientation at 9. I haven't heard how Fiona and Roy did on their exam, but I hope they got in considering it'd be nice to see some familiar faces at school.

I decided to make something quick to eat to pass the time. The problem was… There was no food.

"Crap! I knew I forgot something!" I groan with my head in my hands. I can't believe I forgot to get food of all things!

"Mis…" Misdreavus tried consoling me.

"It's alright…" I rub her head. "I'll just have to go grocery shopping when I have time today." She smiled brightly at me. I glance over at the couch to find Gallade fast asleep with his arms resting on the couch cushions. Yep… I can tell dad used to raise him.

The time was now 8:50. I put Misdreavus and Gallade in their pokeballs, locked my dorm room, and left the Quartz building. It was quite a walk to the auditorium, but I managed to make it there in time.

As I'm waiting in line to get in for the assembly, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn and it's Fiona waving at me!

"Hi Devon! I see you managed to pass your exam!" She smiled.

"Y-yes I did… To be honest I was worried that I wouldn't make it." A tinge of red appears on my face. She's standing so close…

"I never doubted that you wouldn't! After all, your battle with Roy was really good!" She put her hand on my shoulder.

Keep it cool Devon… Keep it cool…

"Fiona, I was wondering if-" My sentence got cut off by a boy shouting.

"Outta the way people!!" The voice sounded a lot like Roy, and unsurprisingly it was. He was dashing full speed ahead towards me and Fiona. "Devon! Hahaha! It seems like you made it into the academy as well! As expected of my rival!"

"Hey Roy. I'm glad you got in too." The red tint on my face slowly went away.

"Oh hey Fiona! Glad to see you as well. I gotta say, your battle was a sight to behold!"

"Fufu… Thanks Roy. I'm glad you enjoyed it." She smiled softly.

"So do you guys know what the assembly is about?" I speak up.

"From what I've heard, the headmaster is supposed to be speaking to the student body, and we're supposed to have a free day for us to adjust to the school environment." Fiona explained. This made Roy excited upon hearing the words "free day".

"Aww yeah! Devon! As soon as the assembly is over, you and I are having a rematch!"

"Fine by me. I've got a trusty new partner by my side!"

Our conversation was cut short as the faculty started letting everyone into the auditorium. Once we were inside, we picked some seats to sit by each other. The atmosphere felt very tense in contrast to our lighthearted conversation. Everyone must be serious about being top notch trainers…

"Students of Concordia High. Please give a warm welcome to Headmaster Coral." All the students clapped as the headmaster came on stage with a Dragonair by his side.

"Students. I'm so glad to be your headmaster for another year. For those who don't know, before being an instructor, I used to be a member of the Pokémon League. However, my days of battling are behind me. I've dedicated my time and energy to ensuring that the future of the young trainers of today are safe and secure. I ask that while you're attending this academy, think about what you will accomplish once you graduate. Think about the reason why you want to be a top trainer in the first place. As instructors, we are responsible for providing you the tools for success. It is up to you how you use them."

Everyone in the auditorium clapped and cheered as he left the stage. Another teacher got back on stage and explained what was going on today.

"Now, the reason we called this assembly was to help the incoming class be more comfortable with the campus, as well as their peers. So we've decided to allow students to battle on campus as they see fit. All we ask is to not destroy the campus in the process."

"Alrighty! Devin! It's time for our rematch!" Roy pointed at me as we stood on a battlefield.

"If you say so Roy! Just know, you're gonna lose again!" I took out Gallade's pokéball ready to fight.

"STOP RIGHT THERE YOU DWEEBS!!" A voice boomed and some random guy ran up to us.

"Huh?! Who the hell are you dude?! We're about to have a battle here!"

"Hmph! My name is Chris! Now move over dweeb, I'm battling Devon!" He pouted and took out his pokéball.

"Get ready Devon! I'm coming at you with everything I got!"