Chapter 77

As we step into the dorm room, a wave of disappointment washes over us. It looks almost identical to the dorm room back in Paldea, with the only difference being the windows revealing an underwater world instead of the familiar cityscape.

"Well, it seems like this is your room. Most BB students live in the dorms, you know. So, what do you think? How does it compare to the dorm rooms back at your school?" Carmine inquires.

"Other than the outside view, it's identical to our own dorm room," I sigh, and the other seven of us nod in agreement.

"What? That's no fun at all... Well, later on, you can also take a look at my room if you'd like," Carmine suggests. "Oh, but I got sidetracked. There's something I need to tell you! It's about Drayton and... well, Kiki."

"About Drayton?" Lucine questions.

"Ugh, Drayton... Don't trust that knucklehead! He might seem like a slacker, but don't let him fool you! He's up to something! He's a real annoying super jerk! He barely even attends class! He's had to repeat the same year three times! The point is, don't let your guard down around him... ever!" We all exchange nervous glances at her stern tone.

"That's Drayton for you," Drandon sighs.

"But what about Kieran?" Serena asks.

"Kiki is... Well, you saw how he is. He's scaring me nowadays. Ever since we got back from Kitakami, it's like he's become a totally different person. He battles and trains every day... He even cuts back on sleep. He's... definitely getting stronger," Carmine says, her voice filled with concern as she lowers her head.

Alice chimes in, "I think I can understand... I mean, I did see him back then when he vowed to become stronger..."

Carmine continues, "After Alice left, Drayton used to be the strongest student here, but Kiki beat him. Now Kiki's the president of the League Club AND the BB League Champion. I guess he must be pretty busy... He barely talks to me anymore. Oh well! He's probably just going through a rebellious phase. Kieran's changed... but you? You've stayed the same. If Kieran's down to just one friend these days, I'm glad it's you. Keep sticking with him, would you?"

"Of course, we will," I reassure her.

"Thank you! And there's one more thing I need to tell you about! You're going on your date—I mean, you're gonna go hang out with Drayton later, right? I'd go with, but if I don't finish up this report today, I'm really gonna be in trouble... I'd love for you to join the League Club... But if Drayton gives you any trouble, don't be afraid to give him a good Sucker Punch!" Carmine adds.

"Well, okay..." Serena sweatdrops as we place our luggage before heading to the cafeteria.

In the Cafeteria, it resembles our school's cafeteria, but there's a noticeable abundance of unhealthy food options. However, there's also the Academy Special, rumored to boost our chances of encountering shiny Pokémon.

Drayton spots us and says, "Hey, guys. No need to stand there. Grab a seat."

We all take our seats, and he continues, "Here's the Drayster take: The Academy Special's the best thing on the menu. It's so soft you can practically gulp it down. Barely even need to chew."

"Seriously? Chew your food, Drayton..." Insey sighs.

"Heh heh! You and my ma would get along," Drayton remarks, causing Insey to be slightly irritated.

"So, listen—your Pokémon are pretty strong, yeah? With a team like that, you've got a shot at becoming the BB League Champion. Wouldn't that be wild? An exchange student just rolling up here and snatching the crown? I wanna see you join the BB League, Ash. You in?" Drayton asks.

"I would like to... but-" Before I can continue, Drayton shifts his gaze towards the door and says, "Look who's decided to grace us with their presence."

We notice Kieran and the other three Elite Four members entering the cafeteria, drawing the attention of many other students.

"...What did you want to talk to me about?" Kieran asks Drayton.

"Nothing special. Just thought we could grab a bite. Where better to do that than the cafeteria?" Drayton replies.

"What a waste of time... If you've got so much time to goof off, why don't you go train your Pokémon? You think maybe this is why you always lose to me?" Kieran closes his eyes and responds in a cool tone.

"I'll take that as a no. So, I can't swing a lunch date with you, even if I've got your ol' pals with me?" Drayton asks as he gestures toward us. Kieran finally notices us and gasps, "Huh-? Ash and Serena?! Alice, Bryce, Insey, and Daniel as well?!"

"Long time no see, Kieran. It's quite unusual to see you here, of all places," I remark, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Why?" Kieran is too shocked to utter a word.

"You didn't hear that Ash and Serena were coming to study abroad here? And the exchange program for Alice and the others is also finished," Drayton adds.

"For real?" Kieran's eyes widen in disbelief.

"Yes, it's true," Lacey confirms with a nod. "Director Cyrano himself introduced them to me when we met at the school's entrance."

"We're already tight. In fact, I was just asking Ash to join the BB League!" Drayton smiles, his enthusiasm evident.

"Ooh, I like it! That'd be fire!" The boy with red hair and a chef's pan adds, grinning.

"A student from another school joining the BB League? Unprecedented," Amarys remarks with a raised eyebrow.

"That's right! Ash may be wonderfully capable in battle, but that doesn't necessarily mean he belongs in the BB League..." Lacey says, voicing her concerns.

"Aw, c'mon. Do you all hate fun and friendship or something? You wanna exclude someone who's taking the same classes and living in the same dorms as us? Isn't this place supposed to be all about students having autonomy? I think we should vote on it. I'm a yes, obviously. How 'bout you, Lacey?" Drayton asks, looking at her expectantly.

"I...I'm sorry, but considering the rules, it's a no from me. What about you, Crispin?" Lacey turns to Crispin, seeking his opinion.

"Huh? Yeah, why not! He's at our school. That makes him a student like us, right?" Crispin replies, nodding in agreement.

"How about you, Amarys? What do you think?" Drayton directs his question to Amarys, who has a stern expression.

"I abide by the rules of this institution. Proposition declined," Amarys states firmly.

"Two against two, huh. All right, then! What says the reigning BB League Champion, our mighty Kieran?" Drayton turns his attention to Kieran, who gazes at us with determination.

"It doesn't matter who I'm facing... I don't lose," Kieran asserts confidently.

"Heh. Guess we've got our answer," Drayton remarks.

Kieran, after giving me a long stare, leaves. Lacey confronts Drayton, her voice filled with frustration, "Ah! Kieran, wait—! Drayton! Manipulating people to get what you want—it's just not right!"

"Manipulating?" Serena questions, clearly confused, as we watch the other Elite Four members exit the scene.

"Sorry, Ash... Guess you'll be joining the BB League, huh? Well, let's look on the bright side! Maybe you and Kieran'll come out of this better friends! Don't worry, I'll be right behind you. Every step of the way. But now that the decision's been made, we better get you officially signed up. Meet me at the reception desk in the school's entrance area!" Drayton explains, his tone hopeful.

As he leaves, I can't help but frown, "I guess I might be stuck into a bigger hole? I mean... I'm only here for two months before returning to Paldea..."

Alice adds thoughtfully, "You're right... if you somehow become the BB League Champion... that will be a little messed up... though I'm sure a lot of people will want you to be one considering your fame..."

At the reception desk at the school's entrance, we find Drayton, and he greets us with a smile, "There you are! This is where we can get you signed up for the BB League."

As I walk to the reception desk, I explain my intention to join the BB League, and the staff member looks at my profile before saying, "Ah. It says here that you're an exchange student, which means you're not technically enrolled here at our academy..."

"Oh, don't mind that! We Elite Four talked it over real quick. My friend here's good to join," Drayton comes to my rescue, offering reassurance.

"I don't mean to sound rude, but I'm not sure if I can take what you say at face value, Drayton..." The staff member responds cautiously.

"No, he's telling the truth." Kieran and Carmine approach us, and Kieran declares, "I'm allowing Ash to join the BB League."

"Yes, Champion! One moment, please!" The staff member is now visibly flustered as she quickly proceeds with the paperwork.

"Didn't expect you to ride up in shining armor and save the day," Drayton remarks, with a hint of sarcasm.

"I've got a feeling you're trying to play puppet master... But if I get a shot at battling Ash, then that's fine with me," Kieran says, his tone determined.

"Heh heh. That's just peachy," Drayton sighs, his expression showing a mix of emotions.

Kieran also notices Ogerpon and mutters under his breath, "You've got some nerve... Bringing the ogre here..." His voice is barely audible, and I choose not to inquire further. It's clear that the others didn't catch what he muttered either.

"Ash... You better not go losing to anyone until our battle," Kieran declares, his tone firm and serious.

"Of course," I reply, equally determined.

"Good. I'm not a little kid anymore. And you'll know it when I show you how the best of the best battle." Kieran gives a creepy smile that sends shivers down my spine.

"Kiki! You shouldn't talk to Ash like that..." Carmine interjects, her voice filled with concern.

"Shut it, Sis. Looking forward to seeing you climb the ranks," Kieran retorts before he leaves.

We exchange confused glances, and I can't help but notice the change in Carmine's demeanor. She used to challenge Kieran and even attempted to beat him up, but now, she appears genuinely terrified of him.

"... ... ... I'm sorry, Ash! Kiki was really acting out, wasn't he? That was my first time talking to him in a while, too. Man, such an attitude..." Carmine frowns, her concern evident.

"Well, he's Mr. Big-Deal Mighty Champion, after all," Drayton remarks, folding his arms in a somewhat dismissive manner.

"Drayton, you're the one who dragged Ash into all this BB League drama, aren't you?!" Carmine accuses, her tone accusatory.

"Me? No way. This was all his idea! Right, Ash?" Drayton quickly shifts the blame, turning to me for confirmation.

"Uh... yes?" I reply hesitantly, feeling caught in the middle.

"That's the spirit. Feeling the human urge to do great things, right?" Drayton cheers, trying to lighten the mood.

"I dunno, I think something fishy's going on... But, well...if you're gonna do this, you might as well do your best. I'll be cheering for you. And please...keep an eye on Kiki for me," Carmine sighs, her concern evident.

"Of course," I say sincerely as we watch Carmine leave.

The staff finishes the registration process and informs us, "Thank you for waiting! Your entry into the BB League is complete!"

"Great timing," Drayton says, acknowledging the staff's efficiency.

"Ash is cleared to compete in the BB League! Usually, you'd start by battling regular students and climbing the ranks... But seeing as how you've got recommendations from several Elite Four members and Director Cyrano, you'll start from a higher rank. You'll skip straight to challenging the Elite Four at their respective bases in the Terarium. Once you clear their trials, that is. I'll go ahead and mark their locations in your Rotom Phone now!"

As we locate each member in their respective biomes, I also take note of their types. Lacey is Fairy, but she didn't use any Fairy types in our first battle. Drayton is obviously Dragon. Crispin is Fire, and I have a feeling that's it. Alice mentioned Amarys is Steel Type.

"To challenge the Elite Four, you'll need BP, which you can earn by doing BBQs. Then, if you defeat all the members of the Elite Four, you can challenge the Champion. All right, then! Best of luck in the BB League!"

Drayton adds with a grin, "You can start with whichever of us you want. Your call. Any time you want to battle one of us, you'll have to do a fun little trial we cooked up first. Sounds good, right? Catch you in the Terarium, bud!"

Then he leaves, and as a group, we sigh, ready to head back to the Terarium and begin the challenging BB League journey.

Here is a new chapter, and now we're finally going to start the BB League in the next chapter. I hope you like this chapter.

Ash and Serena's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Tauros (Paldean) x3, Lapras, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Ursaluna (Blood Moon), Sneasler, Meowscarada, Skeledirge, Quaquaval, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Lokix, Pawmot, Maushold x2 (Family of four/three), Dachsbun, Arboliva, Squawkabilly x4, Garganacl, Armarouge, Ceruledge, Bellibolt, Kilowattrel, Mabosstiff, Grafaiai, Brambleghast, Toedscruel, Klawf, Scovillain, Rabsca, Espathra, Tinkaton, Wugtrio, Bombirdier, Palafin, Revavroom, Cyclizar, Orthworm, Glimmora, Houndstone, Flamigo, Cetitan, Veluza, Dondozo, Tatsugiri X3, Annihilape, Clodsire, Farigiraf, Dudunsparce x2 (Two, Three segment), Kingambit, Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Slither Wing, Sandy Shocks, Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorns, Baxcalibur, Gholdengo, Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, Chi-Yu, Roaring Moon, Iron Valiant, Koraidon, Miraidon, Dipplin, Sinistcha, Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, Ogerpon