AN: The first chapter. I hope you like it.
I'm unsure how well I did with the battle; hopefully, as I write, I will improve.
Below is a link to the academy logo. I made it mixies both the academy logos together:
fanofmyth/737347742517673984/this-is-the-academy-logo-for-the-mixed-version-of?source=share.
Pokemon is, as usual, not mine.
Earlier in the year.
Cecilia Rastus gazed at her reflection in the mirror, donning the Huerta Academy's uniform. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't shake off the feeling of looking like a dork. Adding to her discomfort, her mythical Pokemon, Agravain the Zarude, laughed at her. Annoyed, she tossed her hat at Agravain to make him stop.
"Quiet you," Cecilia snarled, sounding like a Pokemon more than a human, forgoing the hat for an indigo headband to keep her ash-blond hair in line and out of her jade-green eyes. Cecilia would wear her hair in a ponytail if she couldn't have the headband.
The monkey-like Pokemon looked like any other of its kind. It was covered in coarse black fur with gray markings around his face. Leaf growth could be seen around his neck, arms, and feet. Agravain's eyes were dark green and were set in red sclerae. Agravain was more massive than most other Zarude and had additional leaf growth in the shape of a sleeveless shirt.
' Not with you looking so ridiculous,' Agravain said. Unlike most people, Cecilia could understand him as if he was speaking as a human. He could even talk in Zaudeish, Cecilia's term for his barking in the human languages of Kalosian, Galarian, and, as of the last three years, Paldean.
"This is my first time going to school," Cecilia said while making a sandwich. "Can you blame me?"
' This is new for me as well .' the Zarude muttered before sniffing the air and glowing low in the throat.
Cecilia remained focused on her task, and upon hearing the growl, she instinctively used her aura to sense any potential danger. Being adept at perceiving the emotions of others, she quickly detected a sense of irritation from someone approaching the house. However, she concluded it was not directed at her, so the person posed no threat. To prevent any misunderstanding, she said, "Agravain, don't attack whoever that is."
' Fine, and I'll let them in, but if they pose a danger,' the rogue monkey didn't finish speaking, letting the threat hang.
That was better than just attacking, in Cecilia's opinion. The last three years have changed them. Agravain now only attacks real threats instead of anyone in the vicinity. Cecilia has developed a greater empathy towards others and understands that some situations are beyond anyone's control.
A knock was heard, along with an older man's voice calling, "I am entering." he was approximately sixty years old, thanks to his white hair. He had round white spectacles and an outer scarlet jacket with violet accents, and his pants and shoes were also white. He had a brown bag with him." This is entirely unexpected. With your Zarude, Miss Cecilia, I predict you will be the talk of the school for years to come." The director noticed Agravain and then introduced himself. "Before we continue, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Clyde Clavell, the director of Huerta Academy,"
"Nice to meet you, though. I thought I'd meet you once when I was at school." Cecilia said, putting the sandwich in a bag for later. "That's Agravain. Be careful not to provoke him, or you'll quickly learn why people fear the Zarude."
The two eyed each other for a minute before Clavell started to speak. "Some of your enrollment papers only arrived this morning," He pulled out a folder and continued, "As the director of Huerta Academy, it's my responsibility to oversee everything that happens in the school, including any mistakes."
' That is more than a man should handle. ' Agravain noted.
Clavell glanced at the mythical-classed Pokemon in confusion if it was insulting him. Cecilia translated for him. "You will be the talk of the school; Mr. Jacq, the biology teacher, would like to look into this."
Cecilia looked through the papers and commented, "Many people come to me expecting to understand all Pokemon, but they often leave disappointed. I can only comprehend the language of Agravain and perhaps other Zarude."
"Why is that?" Clavell asked, curious.
Cecilia explained, "I've lived with Agravian since birth; it's like living with a parent speaking a foreign language."
"I understand," Clavell said with a nod. "Also, as an apology, I have brought two gifts. One is four sets of new uniforms, though I am not sure about the other one." he handed Cecilia the bag.
"Uniforms?" Cecilia blinked; she was intrigued and wondered about the second gift. "Not to sound ungrateful, but why?"
"It is an apology for your late papers and a welcome to the academy," Clavell explained.
"I understand. Thank you," Cecilia nodded in understanding.
"The company that produces our uniforms, Soldor, proposed a new design," the director explained. "We are currently testing it out. It may appeal more to our younger students than our traditional uniform."
"You're right; younger people would like different but similar things," Cecilia said, looking through the outfits. "I want to put one on, but I'll forgo the hat. No offense to the Soldors and the school; I prefer to wear a headband instead."
"While not standard, I will allow it so long it is either scarlet or violet." Clavell said, "A combination of both could also work."
"I'll search for one in Mesagoza," Cecilia said as she removed her headband and tied her hair into a ponytail. "What about the second gift? I'm curious to see it, too."
"The living room is hardly the place for them," Clavell said, looking around the house. "Also about this house?"
"I don't own it," Cecilia stated as she went to the loft room. "I'll return the key to the owner so they can rent or sell it."
"Okay, I'll be waiting outside. Just don't take too long," said Clavell as he left.
' Most likely Pokemon. Why else head outside? 'Agravain said as he proceeded to pack their belongings for storage until they settled into the school dormitories.
Cecilia took a few minutes to change into the updated uniform (Scarlet shorts and socks, violet tie, and shoelace). At the same time, her Zarude placed the boxes outside.
"In our academy, new students are given one of three Pokemon, but since you already have one, your chosen Pokemon will be your gift," Clavell explained as he presented three Pokeballs. "Alright, come out, dears," he said as he released the Pokemon.
On the right was a green kitten-like Pokemon with a cute pink nose and fluffy tail. The one in front of Cecilia was a red and white crocodile with yellow tufts of hair. The last one was a duck-like Pokemon that was white and blue with a crest that Cecilia couldn't help but think looked like toothpaste.
"These three are Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. " Clavell said, pointing to each in turn. Sprigatito mewed while licking its paw; Fuecoco cawed as it raised its hand; Quaxly quacked as it straightened its cress-like hair. "They are good company and never leave my side."
Cecilia laughed as she watched the three little Pokemon's next move. Sprigatito approached Agravain with a pleading look, leaving the Zarude puzzled and unsure. Meanwhile, the other two Pokemon walked over to Cecilia and greeted her with caws and quacks.
Clavell chuckled and said, "They find the two of you more interesting than me, even though they are more familiar with me."
' Quit it,' Agravain snarled lightly as his tail moved the cat Pokemon before his trainer.
"Don't let him get to you," Cecilia assured Springatito as she scratched its ears." It's been a while since he's been around anything cute."
"While I would like to see which one you choose, I have another house visit," Clavell said, pointing down the lane. "Once you choose, meet me there."
"That worked out as I'm heading there myself," Cecilia said; the director nodded as he left. " Let's go, everyone," she called to the four Pokemon as she started to walk. The younger trio walked in front while Agravain walked behind her.
Cecilia decided to turn on her new Rotom smartphone. While ordering, she had custom-made a case, choosing a black phone case with green accents that matched Zarude's color scheme. Even Rotom's eyes were red and green, completing the look. Cecilia was happy with her personalized phone.
' Out of all the colors, you had to go with mine .'
As Cecilia was downloading some new and old apps, she stuck her tongue out. "I thought it was cool to try, and I doubt I'm the only person making Pokemon-based cases." She returned to her phone and thought, ' There are some new apps I might look into later .'
' Any thought on which one you will choose? ' Agravain said as he watched the three walk around while his trainer took some pictures of the Pokemon.
"Choosing what you want takes time; some people already know, others don't," Cecilia explained while sending pictures to her friends in Galar. "I'm one of those who don't know right away. It doesn't help that every Pokemon I've ever had, including you, was given to me. "
Agravain nodded, knowing as a gift himself that it was meaningful to choose the first Pokemon one would have for the rest of one's life. They only arrived at the Máchi house for the three younger Pokemon to enter the front yard. Springatito ran to some flower beds to sniff some flowers, Quxaly went to a pond to wet its feathers into place, and Fuecoco found an apple but accidentally charred it after sneezing.
Cecilia smiled as she watched them, only to scowl when a person appeared and petted the small fire-type on the head.
"Are you their trainer?" the girl asked without looking up. Nemona Máchi appeared to be about sixteen or seventeen years old, with black hair tied back in a ponytail and what Cecilia had always thought were dyed green bangs. She turned her gaze towards Cecilia. Unlike Cecilia's mixed-color uniform, Nemona's had a violet hue. She also wore a brace on her right arm. "Hi, Cecilia. Are you here to battle me at last?"
"Miss Cecilia still needs to choose one," Clavell said as he approached Nemona from behind. "I wasn't aware that you had already met."
"We met three years ago," both girls said simultaneously. However, Cecilia sounded slightly annoyed.
Clavell decided not to ask, mainly due to the threatening look Agravain gave him, which said he would be attacked faster than he could blink if he asked. "Have you thought about which one you will choose?" he decided to ask Cecilia about choosing a new Pokemon.
"Why would she choose a Pokemon?" Nemona asked, looking at the director. "Cecilia already has a Pokemon, and a mythical one at that." The four Pokemon gathered around the humans.
Cecilia knew she was probably the only person who used "mythical" and "mythical class" to describe Pokemon like Zarude. ' Most people only use 'mythical,' she thought. She explained that she was getting a gift for entering the academy, and the second part of the gift was a new Pokemon.
"Miss Nemona is the student council president and champion-ranked trainer in her own right," Clavell explained, wondering if Cecilia knew that.
' Great, she is now champion level; you must honor your promise from three years ago when you met. ' Agravain whispered, though Cecilia was the only one who could understand him.
Cecilia let out a long sigh in response. She knew how seriously she took promises, which had even been used to manipulate her. When she first met Nemona three years ago, Cecilia had promised to let the other girl battle her Zarude if Nemona reached the champion level or its equivalent in the region. Fortunately, they somehow communicated despite speaking different languages at the time. Cecilia knew that she had to keep her promise. However, she also knew she could delay the battle for as long as possible or until Cecilia felt fully prepared."Congratulations! I guess you must live in the dorm. That's why I haven't heard about it until now," she said civilly in front of the director.
"Thanks, so can I battle your Zarude?" Nemona asked, looking far more egar than even Agravian felt comfortable with.
Cecilia quickly opposed, "No, I want to get used to life in the academy first. Plus, I only have one Pokemon at the moment, my Zarude. If he faints, the battle is over, and that wouldn't be very enjoyable, would it?" She could sense Nemona's emotions and used that to ensure that any battles would occur in the future, but not right at the moment.
"You're right; that wouldn't be enjoyable." The Champion trainer agreed, "So, who will be your new partner?"
"Have you decided which one you'll take with you?" Clavell asked Cecilia, surprised that she had managed to talk Nemona down.
"I want to make sure before deciding. I am an aura user, but I'm still a beginner. I can mostly sense emotions and wavelength compatibility," explained Cecilia. "Therefore, my choice will be based on compatibility."
"It's rare to find someone like you these days," Clavell said before pulling out his white Rotom phone. "May I record this?"
"I'm fine with it; it will help me as I train myself in this art." Cecilia nodded; she wondered if Pokemon other than Lucario could pick up aura. Cecilia extended her hand to identify her compatible Pokemon, although it wasn't necessary. She used her hand as a point of concentration, which took an entire minute before she could determine the most compatible Pokemon. "Alright, I have found the best match."
"Exalent." Clavell put his phone away for now.
"Sprigatito, that's the one that matches me the best. " Cecilia said as she picked up the cat. She laughed as the cat nuzzled her.
"Should have known, given Agravian's typing. "Nemona said after a moment, then turned to Clavell. "Could I have one as well?"
Clavell blinked after asking Cecilia if she would nickname her new friend. "You didn't get one of these Pokemon when you entered the academy?" he was surprised, as most students did.
"No, I was told that since I already had a Pokemon, I didn't need another one," Nemona explained. "Never brought it up until now."
Clavell scowled. "I don't see why not. I will allow it and look into other students in the same predicament."
"Bonita," exclaimed Nemona. "I want this little one," she said, pointing to Quaxly, who quacked happily.
"I would have gone with Fuecoco," said Agrvain and Clavell simultaneously.
"Now that both of us have new Pokemon, we must battle," Nemona pleaded. "You won't battle with your Zarude right now anyway."
Cecilia let out a sigh, knowing that Nemona had a valid point. "You're not going to let this go, are you?" Cecilia acknowledged. While she had not explicitly refused to battle, Cecilia had made it clear that she wouldn't battle only with her mythical-classed Pokemon, not any new ones she acquired. "Let me drop off the keys first."
"I will meet you at the beach once you're ready," Nemona said with a smile before running away with Quaxly close behind.
"Battle can be beneficial in many ways," Clavell stated while gesturing to Fuecoco, who followed closely behind. "Miss Nemona seems to enjoy Pokemon battles particularly."
After dropping off the key, Cecilia took a few minutes to leave the house. She then walked down to the beach where Nemona was waiting. Nemona was tapping her foot, perhaps out of impatience or due to the undiagnosed ADHD that Cecilia suspected she had.
"As trainers, we must help our Pokemon grow more powerful," Nemona said. "Are you ready for a fun battle?"
"Let's get this over with." Cecilia sighed, taking out the Pokeball containing her new Pokemon.
"This is exciting and, hopefully, as fun as battling Aliquis," Nemona exclaimed as she pulled out a Pokeball. Cecilia neither knew nor cared who Aliquis was. "I choose..."
Clavell, having followed, descended, followed by Fuecoco. "Miss Nemona, kindly note that Miss Cecilia has a Pokemon that she won't be using for now and another inexperienced one with her," the director called out.
"Whoops, I was about to send out one of my older Pokemon." Nemona chuckled nervously, putting the Pokeball away.
Cecilia was alarmed that Nemona would send out a more experienced Pokemon. Did she love battling that much? Yeah, Nemona did. Cecilia could tell she was a little sorry, at least.
Agravain snorted beside Clavell before looking left and seeing flying Pokemon scattering in the distance.
"No time like the present to test a new friend. "Nemona bounced back, pulling out what Cecilia hoped was Quaxly's Pokeball. "Let's have a fun battle."
"I'll be the referee," Clavell declared. "A Pokemon is considered fainted if it stays on the ground for a count of ten." Both girls nodded.
' I'm going to be exhausted after this.' Cecilia thought as she pulled out her new Pokemon's Pokeball. "Let's go, Olwin." her Sprigatito mewed as she came out.
"That's a cute name. Go Quaxly." Nemona called out the same duck. "Your first battle in Paldea will no doubt be fun. "
"That remains to be seen; I never considered myself much of a battler," Cecilia muttered before shouting. "Olwin, use scratch."
Her grass cat ran up to Quaxly and raised its paw, releasing its claws and racking them across Quaxly's face; it wasn't effective.
"Quaxly, use water gun," Nenoma called out, clearly taking advantage of Olwin being close. Quaxly opened its beak, shooting a jet of water out; it was as effective as Olwin's scratch.
"Olwin, Feuilage," Cecilia said before groaning while Olwin paused and looked back at her trainer in confusion. While Modern Kalosian and Paldean had a common ancestry, they were still different enough that most people didn't understand each other, let alone the Pokemon that lived in each region. "Try scratch again," she mumbled loud enough for Olwin to hear and attack again, though it wasn't sufficient.
"Look up Pokemon moves in Paldean to learn them in other languages," Clavell advised Cecilia.
"I plan on doing that." Cecilia said, "Hopefully, there is a library in Mesagoza with a list."
"Quaxly use Pound," Nemona ordered. Using its wing, Quaxly smacked Olwin in the face. It did better than the water gun.
"Petal Tempête," Cecilia tried to say the move petal blizzard but mistakenly said part of the command in Kalosian. Fortunately, Olwin understood the intended move, and petals began swirling around both Pokemon. Quaxly attempted to escape but was trapped by the leaves, which closed in on the duck. After a minute, the leaves dissipated, and Quaxly was found lying on its back. Clavell counted while Nemona attempted to encourage her Pokemon to get up.
"Quaxly is unable to battle the winners are Qlwin and there for Miss Cecilia." the director called out.
' Not bad for not battling for three years,' Agravain said as he approached with berries for the younger Pokemon to snack on.
"Not bad, schoolmate," Nemona complimented. "You have the potential to become a strong trainer."
Cecilia blinked as Kabu Huen, the Fire-type Gym Leader from Galar, said something similar to her. "We'll see if I do."
"Alright, new strategy," Nemona was abruptly stopped by a sharp smack from Cecilia that left her stunned.
"You're a Battle nut. Did you forget this was a test of our new partners?" Cecilia reprimanded the younger girl. "Did your ancestors come from Galar or somewhere like that?"
"Sorry, I was caught up in the moment," Nemona said. "And who knows."
"Not everyone loves battling that much," Cecilia said calmly. "I know I'm one such person; maybe it has to do with growing up in Kalos."
"I thought you were from Galar and spoke Kalosian?" Nemona was surprised, "Any way we can battle again, right?" She sounded hopeful.
Cecilia patiently explained, "I spent the first decade of my life in Kalos. So, it will take me some time to get used to calling moves in Paldean." Although she wasn't against battling, she wasn't ready to do it immediately.
"Well, you two became fast friends," Clavell said but flinched at Cecilia's annoyed look. He coughed before continuing, "Miss Nemona, I trust you in taking Miss Cecilia under your wing."
"You bet, sir." Nemona said, "By the way, do you have the Pokedex app." She turned to Cecilia.
"I haven't downloaded it yet. I planned to do it later," Cecilia said as she took out her phone.
"Great! Students can get the app with a special code," Nemona said, Taking the phone and downloading the app. "Our homeroom and biology teacher, Jacq Albarado, created it." She returned the phone.
Cecilia looked it over and saw that it had pictures and information about the Pokemon she had seen, except for Zarude. ' I wonder who took the pictures; maybe I could ask the crater if one so Zarude can be added .'
"Any Pokemon you catch will automatically be registered. I don't know about any you have back in Galar." Nemona informed Cecilia. Despite her father's involvement with the Rotom Phone company, Nemona considered herself more of a battler than a programmer, "A must-have for trainers."
"I transferred them to my step-grandmother before I left," Cecilia said, putting her phone away. "Finding Pokemon here from Kalos and Galar will be interesting."
"When I was young, we had to fill out the Pokedex using paper and pen," Clavell interjected. "What an age we live in now."
Cecilia snorted, knowing that that sounded time-consuming and tedious to people her age and younger.
Nemona proved that by her comment. "That must have taken a long time."
"But what hasn't changed is the meeting of new Pokemon," Clavell nodded before turning, presumably back to the school.
"Can't argue with that," Cecilia said, recalling Olwin leaving Agravain out for now.
"The more you meet, the more you will grow and change," Clavell smiled, "I hope you both work hard on completing your Pokedex."
"Of course, "The girls said.
"Miss Nemona, I need to discuss some matters with your parents. Can you please escort Miss Cecilia to school?" Clavell asked.
Nemona nodded confidently. "Leave it to me, director," she said as Clavell and Fuecoco returned to the house. "Perhaps I should work on my dex skills while I battle," she added, crossing her arms. Nemona then glanced over at Cecilia and Agravain, who were conversing. Cecilia seemed to be speaking in Kalosian.
"Vous pensez que quelque chose d'étranger a heurté l'eau au nord-est.(You believe something foreign hit the water to the northeast. )" Cecilia asked scowling in thought "Ne dites pas un prédateur local (Not say a local predator?)."
' I doubt it,' said the Monkey Pokemon, shrugging. ' How the flying Pokemon acted suggests something new is in the area, but who knows? '
"We might get to see it. We have to go north to go to the academy." Cecilia said before looking over to Nemona, who was ready to leave.
"Have you caught a Pokemon before?" Nemona asked, " If you haven't, I can give you tips. "
"I know the basic steps, but I've never tried it," Cecilia confessed.
"Alright, Vamos, let's get to Poco Path." Nemona said, then ran," So I can see if you can capture a Pokemon."
' She needs to slow down. Rushing won't change the outcome,' Agravain muttered, following first.
"I would agree, plus this is just convincing me she has ADHD," Cecilia said, the last to follow, deciding to ensure she wouldn't be out of breath.
"This way," Nemona called from the start of the path, which was halfway between the two houses. Once Cecilia was beside her, Nemona swept her arm around. "Welcome to Poco Path."
Agravain appeared bored as he walked down the path, searching for berries. Meanwhile, Cecilia took photos of the area and the Pokemon, having previously taken the taxi to Mesagoza to shop.
"The start of the adventure. " Nemona said, then sheepishly smiled. "I bet you know that Pokemon can be found everywhere between cities and towns."
"In most regions, roads are called routes. Is there a reason they are called paths in this region?" Cecilia asked, highlighting the regional differences.
"This is the only one I know called a path," Nemona explained. "There are numbered areas to the north, east, and west, and the area we are in is the south."
"There isn't much high grass," Cecilia observed as she walked along the Path. "Do you know where I can find a fishing rod?"
"No, except for fishermen from Porto Marinada, no one engages in fishing," Nemona replied.
"Thanks for that information," Cecilia said. A snort came from the side. It was a Lechonk with a black fur body, brown face, and pink snout.
"There's a Pokemon to practice on," Nemona said, rummaging through her bag. "You'll need some Pokeballs." She pulled out a few normal ones.
"For getting into the academy, my step-grandmother sent me some," Cecilia said.
Despite hearing that, Nemona still handed five Pokeballs to Cecilia, who accepted them without arguing before engaging the Pokemon in a battle.
AN2: I imagine the characters speak Paldean or, rather, Spanish. But as this story is written in English and I know Pokemon more in English than in Japanese, I will use their English names. I will also use different languages, like French, which in Pokemon is Kalosian.
I also give characters last or sometimes first names.
Yes, I gave my OC a Zarude. She will not use him for most battles. Once it is about halfway, Agravain will enter. And yes, I did name him Agravain. Cecilia is a fan of the Pokemon World version of the Knights of the Round Table, and Agravain was known to have Dark types on his team. Also, to get a good idea of this Zarude, think of Dadda from Secrets of the Jungle in terms of personality but close in appearance to the alpha Zarude.
I don't have to set a post schedule, so I post when possible.
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