The common area. Often it was cited as a place where students often went to relax following their respective classes.

And indeed we see that on full display as several students are currently in the common area and socializing with each other after there tough first day of classes in their respective courses.

We see a example of this as Kenan and Rex are currently on the main couch of the area as they watch the championship match of this year's Masters 8 tournament come to a end between the two competitors as they switch to what they are seeing on the screen.

"Folks you couldn't have asked for a better finals match then this! Currently right now both trainers have their last Pokemon remaining. For Champion Iris, it is her trusty Haxorus and for our current Monarch: Ash Ketchum, who else but his beloved Pikachu!" The commentator said as they both old friends squared off.

Soon Iris made the first move as she said "Haxorus used Dragon Tail!"

Haxorus' tail glowed green as ran towards Pikachu as Ash simply smirked.

"Pikachu! Meet it with Iron Tail!" Ash said towards his partner.

Pikachu's tail became iron-like as the two attacks met, and Haxorus was was sent back slightly giving Ash and Pikachu the perfect opportunity.

"Pikachu let finish this! Use Thunderbolt!" Ash commanded.

Pikachu nodded as he soon let out his signature attack and shocked Haxorus and ultimately knocked him out winning Ash the battle.

"And that decides it! After a long and intense battle between these champion, Ash Ketchum retains the title after a thrilling match!" The commentator said over the roar of the crowd while Ash and Iris congratulated each other on a great battle as the TV was turned off.

"Man that was so awesome! Wouldn't you agree Kenan?" Rex asked his roommate and friend as Weiss shakes her head agreeing with her trainer.

"Yeah, that was a pretty awesome battle." Kenan said agreeing with his friend though he was a bit taken back by his enthusiasm.

Rex soon petted Weiss before saying "Man, Ash is so cool. One day I wanna have amazing adventures like he did when he went on his journey!"

Kenan noted that was a tough task but decided not to say anything as he saw Tyson with another student and waved to him.

"Hey Kenan!" Tyson said as he and the other student moved towards the both of them.

"Hey guys, this is Felix Brighton! He is a trainer I battled during the free period of class!" Tyson said as Felix soon waved to both Kenan and Rex.

"Hey guys, nice to meet you." Felix said as his Helioptile, Nova came out.

"Hey, nice to meet you. Say, who won between you and Tyson?" Kenan asked.

"Me of course." Felix said as Nova giggled at the question. Tyson pouted but confirmed he did lose.

Soon Felix got a message on his phone that forced him to leave the three as Tyson introduced himself to Rex.

However at the same time, Robyn and Shion were getting sodas from the vending machine and were looking for a place to sit when Robyn pointed to the three boys.

"Hey! Let's sit next to those three Shion!" Robyn said to her roommate in her usual excited voice.

Shion was less enthusiastic about the idea, especially given how uncomfortable she got around guys compared to girls.

But she knew she wouldn't be able to dissuade Robyn from this, and she did want to start to overcome this… so she went along with it.

"Hey guys! Mind if we join you two?" Robyn asked the three of them with Shion walking next to her.

"Sure! Hey what a minute… aren't you the girl I helped out at orientation?" Kenan asked Shion.

Shion looked flustered but forced herself to speak "Yes, it is nice to see you again, my name is Shion." She said to them.

"Well hey I am her roommate, my name is Robyn nice to meet you!" Robyn said with her usual smile.

"Nice to meet you two! My name is Rex and this is my partner Weiss!" Rex said in a happy tone.

Tyson introduced himself leaving just Kenan for the last introduction.

"Well I guess that leaves just me. My name is Kenan, nice to meet you." Kenan said to both girls.

Soon the five of them got into a conversation talking about their various Pokemon and dreams that they want to achieve with them.

Kenan soon broke away to see the rest of the common area.

Lyna and Ema were talking about something contest-related while Fennekin and Umbreon were playing with each other.

Ava and Chris were stroking their Pokémon's fur while engaging in idle chit-chat with each other.

Gon was typing away on a computer doing some report.

And finally, Hikaru was at the bar while checking on his capture styler and checking his resources.

Kenan smiled. Despite his initial misgivings, he had a great time so far at the academy and he had found a great group of people he could consider his friends.

He was definitely going to get used to this place.


Meanwhile however, in the headmaster's academy, Gary was looking over several letters with threatening messages on them while Dawn and Goh stood across from him.

"So have you guys managed to find out who wrote these letters?" Gary asked.

Gon sighed. "No. They seemed to come from a unknown source, we aren't even sure if it is from anyone in the academy." He said.

"And what is worse, if they do come from the academy we have no idea who sent them given the amount of students and professors here." Dawn said with a frown.

Gary sighed. Receiving these letters now wasn't good give it was the beginning of the fall semester and the numerous events and guests they had lined up in the future.

Still he couldn't allow himself to worry, he just had to assume these were a harmless prank and just ignore especially given what was going to happen next week.

It was time to began the Shadow Stripe.