Hello guys and bienvenidos to the next update where we're going to get a first look at our heroes. Yes heroes. I'm very pleased at the feedback I got for the pilot chapter especially since I wasn't sure how well the idea of the game's opening sequence with the 'raidon running away from Area Zero was going to go. So thank you all for letting me know you all enjoyed it even if it's a little bit cryptic at the start.

This story is going to continue the trend of using the Pokemon region's IRL inspired section of the world. Ergo, Spanish and Portuguese motifs, phrases and words are mentioned as it goes along with rough translations and explanations at the closing AN. Now my knowledge of both those is far less than that of Hawaii, so bear with me if it's a bit clunky. It's been a while since I remember what I had learned in Spanish class and I have never been to either Spain or Portugal. (which hopefully changes this year)

Anyways, onto the chapter.

An unexpected booming noise shook Juliana out of her daydream at her desk.

The young sixteen year old girl was just beginning to rub away the edges of sleep, first spurned by the sound of her father downstairs in the family kitchen turning on the coffee maker and milk frother at precisely seven in the morning. It was an indication that he would be leaving for work within the next half hour to arrive at eight. Until the noise, things had been an otherwise uneventful, relatively peaceful morning in the quaint Paldean town of Cabo Poco. The place they had called home for so long.

Juliana was a rather light sleeper, in contrast to her twin older brother in the next room over. Adrenaline and surprise had surged through her gut and she breathed out slowly to calm her rattled nerves after the sound of some sort of machine had abruptly cut out as quickly as it had started. It took a few seconds as she repeatedly reassured herself that nothing was out of the ordinary. She was still trying to wake up.

What was that?

Knowing that there was little sense in going back to sleep now that she was more awake, she slid her legs off her chair and eased her feet onto the floor to head into the bathroom she shared with her brother.

Today's the day. I think. A few minutes later she had finished to refresh herself, slipping on her newly issued Uva Academy uniform. A light gray short-sleeved polo with a white collar and a light pair of shorts that were colored in a dark violet. A matching tie was cinched underneath the collar. Admittance letters should be here any day now.

Juliana was just finishing the braid in her hair with a red clip before heading downstairs into their family kitchen and dining area. She passed the childish sign that was nailed on top of the door threshold to her room with a spelling of her full name Juliana Renata Almeida-Araújo. A glance into the next room over with a similar sign hanging over the door labeled Florian Joaquim Almeida-Araújo showed that her twin brother Florian was still sound asleep, not awakened in the slightest by the crashing noise earlier. Along the painted trim of both doors were a series of lines struck into the side by markers, followed by dates that had measured their heights as they grew up from small toddlers to their present teenage selves. She was currently an inch and a half taller than her brother, but he had yet to enter his final growth spurt that would likely put him above.

Like the rest of their house, the kitchen shared the usual rustic Paldean architecture of mixed yellow, gold and bronze colorations, combined with vibrant reds and greens to give it a warm and vivid appeal. A couple of elegant and simple paintings in a few colors were mounted on the wall. The house's air conditioning unit softly clicked on, providing a cool waft compared to the warmer humid and salty air outside. It wasn't the largest or the most modern house in the vacation getaway town of Cabo Poco, but it had been their same home for as long as she could remember.

"Buenos dias Jules." Her father sat at the dining table and had glanced up when he sensed her presence, his favorite brown porcelain mug full of the usual café con leche at his lips. His daughter was nearly a splitting image of him; clear skin that was ever slightly tanned, amber brown eye, chocolate colored hair and the same angular jaw structure. He wiped his finely trimmed mustache and took a bite of toasted fresh bread that was topped with a slice of cheese. His other slice was sitting on a plate, instead spread with dark berry jam. Behind him was a rather large brown pokemon with a yellow tuft of fur that lined the back of his head. The gumshoos growled happily at her before returning to wolfing down its own bowl of pokefeed.

A familiar chime sounded from his datapad played the morning news before she could greet her father. Juliana played little attention to it until the plucky voice of the famous Mesagoza reporter carried through the airwaves.

"With Mesagoza Civil News, I'm Jisu Calerondo coming to you live. Residents of Mesagoza reported an unexpected loud and fast object accelerating over the cityscape early this morning before turning south with similar claims at Artazon just hours before. Initial belief was that this was a test flight for a military or new supersonic aircraft. The flying object temporarily caused a noise disturbance in local residential areas and a brief ground stop at Balthazar International Airport. A spokesperson for the Paldean Ministry of War has said that no aircraft of that capability were scheduled for any flights over the city area today. The Ministry of Aviation has opened an inquiry into the matter of what appeared to be a purple dragon-like pokemon and asks that any eyewitnesses to please contact the local police station to give statements. Mesagoza Civil News will provide updates when they become available. This is Jisu Calerondo signing off."

She stopped hearing the report. Could that have been the loud noise from this morning? Like over here?

"Buenos dias Papá." Juliana kissed his cheek. She didn't care for her formal first name and eventually the shortened variant "Jules" had stuck by her brother and parents since childhood. "I thought you and Hector were leaving already."

"Later." Gustavo Angeles Almeida-Araújo waved a hand towards the desk drawer where he kept his detective badge and service pistol. "There's no way I'm going to be at the station to do paperwork when we still have to see your mother off. Or with you two supposedly starting school."

Right. That is today. Jules glanced at the entrance of the house where a pair of enormous blue and gray camouflage pattern duffel bags lay.

Their mother was a ranked officer in the Paldean Navy. Better known as the Armada, it was one of the oldest waterborne organized military forces in the world dating back to the rise of the nation as its older empires centuries ago. Today was the day she would be leaving for her ship to participate in a pre-planned set of annual wargame exercises with the navies of the neighboring nations Kalos and Galar.

"And look at you! Already in your new uniform and ready for your first day at your new school!" He finished off his toast and drained the last of the coffee before going over to the desk drawer to retrieve his detective badge and gun. Inside was also a pack of his favorite cigars that came from the region's westerly Pinhiero Province.

"Where's your brother?" Jules saw him lock it once more. Gustavo took great care in keeping the weapon restricted to necessary access only and both she and her brother knew all the basics and rules.

"He's still asleep." She wrinkled her nose, but moved over to the kitchen counter to start making herself breakfast. "I think he was up for a good portion of the night playing video games."

Her father chuckled. "Sounds like him. Won't be able to do that much longer now that school is right around the corner. And I'm not surprised that the noise from earlier this morning didn't come close to waking him up."

Jules almost laughed at that. Unlike her; Florian could probably sleep through their mother's military live fire exercises without any issue.

"Your mother's going to be leaving soon." Gustavo told her. "Why don't you go and check the mail before you wake him?"

Jules thought that was a good idea. She pecked her father on the cheek, snagged the keys from the basket where they were always kept and gave Hector a friendly scratch on the top of his blond hair before bounding out the door. The gumshoos growled in happiness as she left outside.

The Paldean sky was a bright blue and the morning sun immediately warmed her up the moment its rays hit her skin. She nearly gasped in surprise as her foot stepped on a pebble and hit warm cobblestone. In her haste, she had forgotten to put on some footwear.

She took a moment to marvel at the view. Their house at Cabo Poco was up on a hillside west of the main town that sprawled before them hugging the coastline. Like the interior, the slated hacienda style of the homes was a bright reddish contrast to the rolling greens behind them. On the other side of her house was a small garden and backyard that her mother worked on. It was a hobby that she had while not at sea or duty. Fresh fruits and vegetables grew perfectly in the warm climate and the view out to the ocean was absolutely breathtaking. Flocks of bird pokemon soared overhead to compliment the picturesque morning.

At least the mailbox isn't far away. With a little haste, Jules crossed the front porch and down the pathway to the mailbox erect at the edge of the street. She opened the lock with the key and leafed through the dozen letters. Each one had their address stamped in the middle;

Calle Arcega 1505

11207 Cabo Poco

Province Navarro, Paldea

Most of the mail was addressed to her parents be it bills, junk mail, qualifying offers for credit cards. None of it was really anything that caught her interest. She remembered her father and Florian joking one day that they'd make a tall pole to put a mailbox specifically designed for the never-ending stream of bills they had to pay.

Finally she got to the last two letters, the ones most recently delivered.

She stopped seeing the bushel of grapes in a purple and silver seal.

Uva Academy.

The prestigious institution was known all throughout Paldea and quite possibly the world. It drew in students within the region and abroad thousands of miles away. Ever since they were kids, it had been both her and Florian's dream to one day don the uniforms and walk the halls of the same school their parents did many years ago. They had always spoke fondly of their time there. Now it was their turn.

No. It can't be!

With haste, Jules spun on her heels and sprinted back into the house.

"Dad!" Her exuberance caught Gustavo and Hector off guard as she bounded back inside the house, practically slapping the bundle of letters at his empty breakfast plate. "Dad look! Uva Academy mailed something to us!"

"Did they now?" Her father was just slipping his badge and gun holster onto his uniform. "You better go wake your brother and see what it's all about."

Dropping the letters, Jules practically ran up the stairs into his room. Unlike hers which had posters of various vacation scenic parts of regions and Palafin the Pelagic Protector, Florian's was decorated with a mix of La Liga futbol, PalMoto Racing, some swimsuit models and a collage of famous pokemon champions. At the opposite end of a worn gaming chair was his Switch OLED console connected to the large flatscreen television mounted on the wall.

Her sixteen year old twin brother Florian was still sprawled on his back, perfectly centered in his bed. His smooth hair was the exact same shade as Jul's though much shorter with bangs covering most of his forehead. Despite him sleeping heavily; Florian seldom snored and she saw his mouth slightly open. His chest rose and fell under the covers.

"Rian." Like her and the rest of their family, Florian didn't particularly care for his formal name. In his case; while she shortened her own from the first part, he found he liked the latter half himself, which was much like their father. Jules had to agree with his reasoning that Flor sounded girly and she used it to annoy him all the time when they were younger.

Jules reached over and nudged his shoulder. "Riiiian."

It still blows my mind how he can sleep like that.

"Rian!"

The boy's brown eyes snapped open in panic and he bolted upright, stopping for a split second to realize there wasn't any danger. Jules yelped and nearly fell backwards, clearly not expecting her brother to startle her so abruptly when he awoke.

"Ay por dios! J-Jules!" He stammered, glancing down and realizing he was shirtless in the company of his own sister. He shook, covering his bare chest and finally managed to calm his nerves much quicker than her. "Don't scare me like that!"

"Don't scare you?!" She exclaimed, still startled by his reaction. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Rian blinked as if he was still trying to process everything. "Wait, what the hell are you doing in my room?" It wasn't like she was forbidden, she just didn't come often unless it was to play video games together, a hobby the two of them shared.

"We got letters for us from Uva Academy!" His sister was practically beaming, the awkward moment between them already passed, "And I think Mom is leaving today!"

Rian's brow wrinkled in confusion. "Today? Oh how could I forget?!"

I better not miss Mom leaving. And this letter might mean we're finally ready to start at Uva Academy!

"Okay, give me a few minutes. That uniform awaits!" Rian whipped off the covers as Jules turned around to practically jump with excitement out of the room. "I'll be right down!"

He was just that, skipping every other step on the staircase zipping downward while finishing up buttoning the top of his shirt. He smoothed out the last of the wrinkles, appearing in a virtually identical unisex uniform to his sister. Hector rumbled at seeing her brother and Rian pat him on the top of his head before he went to the table.

"Buenos dias Rian," their father greeted, exchanging a knowing look with Jules. He was done with his breakfast and now had begun scrolling through a laptop. "Sleep well?"

"Just fine Papà." He gave Tavo a curt hug. "Aren't you supposed to vamos?"

"Not until your mother is gone. She's going to leave shortly."

As if on cue, the door to the master bedroom opened and Gabriella Christina Almeida-Araújo stepped out. With a trim figure and her dark brown hair styled into a bun per Navy standards, she gave a strikingly sharp demeanor that would be complete once the broad brimmed white officer's hat was on top of her head.

However her softened expression at seeing her twin children betrayed this as she gave off a huge smile as she approached. Both Rian and Jules received affectionate kisses on the cheek while her husband cradled her in his arms.

"So soon," he lamented. "School right around the corner for Rian and Jules. You going off to do pretend battle with the Galarians and Kalosians. It's going to get very lonely around here with just me and Hector."

"Ah but orders are orders Tavo." She smiled up at him. "And it's just a few months. Capitán Diaz emailed me last night saying that they will be slipping our moorings early due to incoming weather."

Gustavo nodded and slipped his arms away chuckling before whispering softly. "You should have told me, Gabby. I would have made last night a little more…something memorable."

Rian and Jules took the opportunity to slip away as their mother had a sultry chuckle, not needing to pay attention to the details. Like her daughter, Gabriela kept her own name shortened with the beginning to simply; Gabby.

"Ah mi amor!" Gabby went into the kitchen after them, hugging both siblings under one arm each again. Despite her average figure at five nine, she was quite strong for her size just one inch shorter than Jules and half an inch taller than Rian. "I cannot believe how much you two are growing! The first day of your new school is coming up and I hope you are both ready for your life's next chapter!"

"We're going to miss you Mom." Rian said.

Gabby beamed at seeing both of them together in their new outfits. "You looking adecuada in your uniforms! Did Uva mail you anything yet?"

"Actually they did." Jules wriggled out of her mother's arm and went to the table where she held up the gray envelopes. The Uva seal seemed to shimmer in the sunlight that filtered through the kitchen. "We were about to open them before you got here."

"Well there is no sense in wasting any more time on it." Rian took both letters and an opener blade. He cut through the top in one swift motion and carefully unfolded the papers inside.

Dear Master Florian/Miss Juliana Almeida-Araújo,

Let me be the first to congratulate you on hereby accepting your admission into Uva Academy! This is a very high honor to have you at our esteemed facility where you will begin to take the next steps to enlighten ourself and those around you with knowledge, understanding of the Paldea region, the world and the wonderful creatures at our side known as pokemon!

Pokemon are all around us, they grow with us as partners, help us in labor and everyday tasks. I also imagine you know about how many of us use our pokemon to grow and battle one another in competition. The research of pokemon continues to this day as we continue to make new discoveries and breakthroughs. The possibilities are endless, with new species continuously being discovered!

At Uva Academy, we open the halls for students of all ages who wish to learn more about themselves, the arts and pokemon. It is our hope that once you graduate with a diploma or degree, whichever you choose, that your time in this institute was well spent in enriching yourself and the world around you!

Enclosed with this admissions letter are your student IDs, which are what you will be required to carry with you at all times while on campus and can be used to access areas permissible to you and your peers. The Uva Academy app is available to download on your Rotom Phone, should you choose to do so and your specific ID will be required to access your assigned dorm room. If you ever lose your ID or come across another student's that has been lost or stolen, please report this to the nearest staff or campus security member so we can reunite it with its owner. Also enclosed are your trainer license cards, which have been approved and activated immediately upon the opening of this letter.

School approved uniforms are mandatory while on campus public grounds during regular campus hours with the exception of the student commons areas in the academy dormitories. There are four differing garments in each uniform set depending on the season. However you are free to wear any of the seasonal uniform garments at any time of the year if you wish.

I have informed our student council president of both your arrivals and to assist you in moving into your dormitories. You are both assigned in Sector V which also falls under her resident advisory, who will present you with the dormitory Sector's rules and regulations upon arrival. With your expected arrival and orientation date, there will be one week's worth of getting accustomed to campus life and two days of Uva's Society and Club Fair Expo before class schedules are distributed based on your curriculum of choice.

Pokemon are allowed and encouraged to be out alongside their trainers in the designated areas as long as they demonstrate the appropriate behavior and follow both the height and weight limits as permissible. Students are liable for their pokemon's care and actions within campus grounds. Pokemon battles, while encouraged; are only allowed in sanctioned fights in the schoolyard. Any pokemon showing tendencies of wanton violence are strictly prohibited and their responsible trainer may be subject to disciplinary action. Large and destructive pokemon such as gyarados will not be allowed inside rooms and residential Sectors where the space required to reside is insufficient. Additional rules and policies of pokemon conduct will be in your student handbook which can be accessed in your dormitory when you arrive or downloadable on the Academy app of a RotoPhone.

Taking lessons from tradition to grow stronger and greater. It's time for you too, to dive into the world of pokemon. Paldea is a sprawling region bursting with lush nature and magnificent landscapes. It is also home to the mysterious creatures known to us as pokemon. They reside here in great numbers. Pokemon can be found living all over; in the seas, skies above us, even in our cities and towns. We humans coexist with pokemon, as we both help one another to live and thrive. Uva Academy is here to help you learn even more about these precious partners. Within these halls, people from all regions gather to study together. And as pokemon trainers, they have their pokemon to do battle and grow alongside them. While our robust curriculum of coursework helps our students draw forth their fullest potential, it is within these halls that you will find your friends, your pokemon and your true self. Myself and all the faculty and staff here at Uva Academy can't wait to welcome you with open arms!

Those who seek knowledge look no further than the grapes of Paldea.

Regards,

Director Nicolas Clavell

Rian and Jules' mouths fell open. No way!

"We got accepted?" He looked at her in disbelief.

"We finally got accepted!" She flung her arms around him, unable to contain her excitement as the siblings cheered loudly. Though they already had the uniform sets and figured it was just a prelude to the real thing, the confirmation letters had fully pushed the fact into their minds. "We did it! We got into Uva Academy!"

"I can't believe this!" Rian pumped a fist. "Yes! We did it! We actually did it!"

"Congratulations!" Both Tavo and Gabby were proudly beaming at the display from their children. "You both worked so hard to get here and we as your máma y pápa couldn't be more proud of you."

"We couldn't do it alone." Jules told them, going to both parents for a hug. "Gracias…thank you so much."

"We love you both so much and can't wait to see what you two end up doing over there." Tavo said. "But remember that being a student at Uva is a privilege and a distinct honor. Your acceptance means that other students who applied may not have gotten in themselves. Be proud that you are pupils in their halls and that the opportunities that lay before you should not be squandered."

Rian felt his father's eyes on him. He knew that his particular fondness for distractions such as video games, PalMoto and watching futbol had caused his grades to fall behind his diligent sister's on occasion.

But he knew that in order to fulfill his own dream of becoming a champion class trainer and traveling the world like his idols, he had to pay attention and study extra.

I don't want to be a dropout. Not after I worked so hard to get in.

"You got it pápa."

"Hold on a second," Jules' eyes lit up again. "If we got accepted into Uva, does that mean?"

"A pokemon?" Rian paused as well, also seeming to understand when his eyes lit up. "We're gonna get our trainer licenses?"

He reached into his envelope and drew a pair of cards, one that said "Uva Academy" stamped on the back with his student identification and a profile photo they had taken just a couple of weeks ago. The second card had the compass signet of the Paldea Pokemon League.

"I can't believe this!" Rian nearly shoved Jules in excitement. "We're gonna be trainers! And then I'm gonna train as hard as I can to become champion!"

"Woah let's slow down there." Gabby patted Rian on the shoulder. "Why don't you get the basics of pokemon battling first before you talk like you're going to own the leagues?"

"At least let me have my fun." His face fell. "I mean, guys like Brendan, Michael, Lucas and Elio did it before."

Tavo chuckled at his son's exuberance. Those were four of the champion posters in Rian's room that he had grown up idolizing. "Yes. Very true. They did indeed. And they also had to put in the effort which measured their success. Neither of those champions were gifted with the strength of a champion overnight."

"They also went and finished school." Jules smirked, joining in the fun at jabbing her brother.

Rian sighed, knowing they were right. "Yeah I know. I'm just excited."

"You should be. This is just the first step."

They were interrupted by the sound of an approaching car as it pulled next to the Almeida-Araújo's driveway. The engine shut off and they heard the muffled sound of footsteps on the cobblestone path up to their front door.

Hector slinked forward, eyes set forward sensing someone approaching.

"Stand down." Gustavo ordered his alert pokemon, knowing that it wasn't a threat. If someone were to be breaking into their home, they'd be far more inconspicuous and less revealing of their presence.

Still, the family wasn't expecting visitors.

"I wonder if it's about that loud crash?" Jules asked out loud.

Gabby checked her RotoPhone. "I've heard nothing from my CO about it yet. Couldn't be anything big, otherwise I'd know about it by now."

Knuckles rapped on the door as the family exchanged uneasy glances. After a few moments of hesitation, Tavo stepped forward and unlocked the knob, swinging the door open.

"Cuprimentos," on the other side revealed a tall slender man with white hair and wire-rimmed glasses. His firm jaw and mouth looked as if it were set in a permanent scowl, yet his posture was relaxed and nonthreatening. "I'm here to ask if this is the Almeida-Araújo residence?"

"Yes." Their mother said as everyone around had relaxed a little bit. "Who is asking?"

"Ah, pardon my straightforwardness. Do forgive the intrusion." The older man tapped his glasses and bowed his head slightly in apology. "I am Nicolas. Nicolas Clavell, Director of the Uva Academy to be specific. I have come to speak with Master Florian and Miss Juliana."

Director Nicolas Clavell was about what Rian and Jul expected. He stood nearly as tall as their six foot father with carefully groomed silver white hair and the beginnings of a trimmed beard. A dark purple jacket and pair of trousers was freshly clean, pressed and starched, complimented with a belt of six white and red premier balls. He studied the twins with sharp hawkish gray eyes as their own lit up in recognition at hearing his voice on early acceptance videos for Uva Academy.

"Greetings to both you Master Florian and Miss Juliana. I do apologize for the rather early appearance, but I have those late enrollment documents for yourselves and your parents. I was fortunately able to get both your student IDs processed and complete. You should have received them in the mail this morning."

"Óla Director." Rian was the first to step forward and clasp his offered hand in a firm grip. The older man was surprised at the strength, but allowed the ends of his lips to curl upwards in a smile. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Florian, but I…I like Rian better. It's what I've been called almost my whole life."

"Same. Mine's shortened to Jules." Jules followed suit to shake his hand, a little more gingerly than her brother. "We're very very excited to finally start attending Uva Academy."

"I'm glad to hear it." Clavell nodded, still thoughtfully smiling which put the family more at ease. "Rian and Jules. I'll be sure to remember that."

"Good to meet you as well Director." Both Tavo and Gabby shook his hand afterwards. "It's very thoughtful of you to come all the way over here to help both our son and daughter with their very first day!"

"Well I am responsible for the entire academy. Which does include any failures on its part."

Clavell produced a pair of folders that he had been carrying in his other arm. "So at last, here are the papers to finalize everything and I once again apologize for any delay or inconvenience it may have caused." He adjusted his glasses again. "Though it appears I did just that."

"Don't worry about intruding on us, Director. Gabby is leaving later today to go on month long exercises out to sea with the Armada." Gustavo explained. "Though since you've come all this way, can we offer you something? Tea? Café?

"I see. No need to trouble yourself on that. I shall not keep you long. However, that requires me to discuss some things with the both of you in private."

"Rian, Jules, why don't you grab your backpacks and hats while your mother and I speak to the director." Their father glanced at Clavell. "If so, I insist you please come on in and join us for a drink. Café con leche?"

"I suppose I can't refuse such a kind offer." The Director smiled again, knowing it would be rude to refuse a second insistence. He did have a discussion to make with them after all. "Please lead the way."

"C'mon," Jules poked Rian on the shoulder as their parents gestured towards the family kitchen. "Let's go get our stuff."

The twins scrambled up the stairs into their rooms. Right at their desks were two large dark nylon backpacks that they had used ever since they grew into them years ago. They had a large compartment in the front for books and a smaller secondary pocket on the back, flanked by three others on the sides for writing utensils and smaller supplies. Embroidered across the back top and a keychain on each had their shortened names of choice.

Next came the uniforms. Unlike other academies in other regions, Uva's had unisex uniforms with both male and female students having identical garments. Since it was still summer outside, they had both opted for light wear to stay cooler.

After slipping their packs on, they each grabbed a wide brimmed white sunhat with the Uva Academy seal stamped on the top.

A perfect fit. Rian set it on his head, easing it backwards so that it rested on the aft, leaving his bangs exposed. He took one long look around at his room, diligently tidied up with older action figures and other toys boxed up to be put away. The posters of famous PalMoto racers, bikini girls and pokemon champions throughout the years were still on his walls. Guys like Brendan Maple, Lucas Drake, Elio Northstar and Michael Orison; all people he had watched growing up battle their own hearts out with pokemon in epic rises to stardom. His ultimate goal.

One day…one day I'm going to be like you guys.

Rian heard Jules going down the stairs and sighed. It was probably going to be the last time in months he'd ever see his room again. He gave himself one final look in the mirror as if he could find a wrinkle on his newly steamed shirt that needed to be etched out.

"Ah, that was many years ago. When these two were barely able to walk." He heard his mother reminiscing, likely a picture that lined the family's hearth in the living room. "The Third Fleet of Hoenn was visiting Paldea and that was when I had gotten to shake the hand of the famous Admiral Drake aboard the Almirante Alvero."

He knew the picture she was talking about. Admiral Drake was formerly the final member of Hoenn's Elite Four. Though he never saw him battle live, he knew stories and videos of the historic Pokemon League battle between him and Hoenn champion Brendan Maple.

"He's lived quite the accomplished life." Clavell agrees. Both him and their parents sat on the couch sipping mugs of their father's favorite breakfast beverage and looked up when the twins approached.

"Ah magnifico!" Tavo grinned at them. "Rian looks just like myself when I was your age! The sombrero never changes!"

Clavell turned to see them and nodded in an approving agreement. "Indeed. The full uniform of our storied academy fits the both of you quite well."

Gabby had her RotoPhone out, snapping a series of quick pictures as both Rian and Jules tried not to look too flustered.

"This is so exciting!" She practically squealed. "Our babies are finally leaving the nest!"

"Mama," Jules had to restrain herself from groaning out loud. "We're going to Uva Academy, not kindergarten."

"Just put on a face for her and Dad." Rian shrugged. "She's not going to see us for a long time."

No arguments here. Jules thought to herself as she put an arm behind her brother and felt him do the same. Unlike most siblings they knew their age, the Almeida-Araújo twins were known to be very tight knit and close despite the teasing and fighting that was common among children. Jules knew that while they were on their own, she could trust him to look out for her.

She'd do the same for him.

Besides, there was bound to be new friends to be made. The thought of it filled her with excitement.

Clavell stood up just as Gabby was done snapping a dozen or so photos. No doubt one of them was going up on the family's album hearth. "Oh goodness, how very careless of me to nearly forget. I have something else for the both of you. Something very important indeed."

What could it be? Rian let go of Jules and they both stared at the director with curiosity. Even his parents seemed suddenly interested.

"However, your living room is hardly the place for it. Why don't you follow me outside?" Before anyone could ask further on it, the director strode to the front door and opened it to let himself out.

"I wonder what it could be?" Gabby asked before nodding at them. "Let's follow him outside and check it out for ourselves."

Jules was first, followed by Rian as they met up with Clavell who stood at the driveway next to a rather expensive-looking convertible car that had a sharp looking birdhood ornament on the front.

A Bentley. Rian recognized it right away. Made in Motostoke of Galar.

"Right then," The twins watched like a pair of eager fletchinders as Clavell reached into his pockets and took out three familiar sphere shaped devices. The iconic poke balls shined bright in the Paldean sun as he tossed them upwards. "Time to come out of your poke balls, you three."

No way! Both young teens' eyes went wide as the pokeballs opened in their usual clamshell manner and expanded to reveal three small pokemon creatures in a flash of light. The starter pokemon of Paldea!

"We provide each student entering the academy with a pokemon of their own. Or at least the means to catch one." The director explained to them. "I will ask that you both choose one of these three to be your partner."

Clavell gestured to the one on their left; a green feline with wide reddish eyes and tufts of darker shaded fur lining its ears and collar. "Sprigatito, the grass cat pokemon."

"Aww!" They knelt down as the pokemon yawned softly. "He's adorable!" Jules' smile was contagious and Rian was pretty sure that was most likely the one she'd be picking.

"Fuecoco, the fire croc pokemon." Clavell moved to the reddish orange crocodilian pokemon in the center which stood on two stubby hind legs. Its face and belly were a pasty white and a small tuft of orange plumage stuck out from the top of its head. Fuecoco opened its mouth to show off a couple rows of shredders in a toothy smile of its own.

That could be who I want. The fire one. Rian thought to himself. As aspiring trainers themselves, they had known about the Paldea region's three starter pokemon and there had been a slight quarrel between him and Jules from time to time as kids from which starter was better to the ones they'd end up getting to pick.

"Lastly but most certainly not least, we have the duckling pokemon, quaxly." The final pokemon was a small avian that resembled a wide-billed duck with a bluish white body and small wings. A large blue coif resembling a sailor's hat was on top of its head. Quaxly shook its head promptly and brushed it on its head with a wing.

"All of them are very good company," Clavell told them. "Why most of the time they're out at my home, they refuse to leave my side. My wife believed that she had some competition."

Rian and Jules laughed, stopping when the three small pokemon took notice of them and cautiously approached. Fuecoco was the first, followed by the other two.

The move took him by surprise. "Oh what's this? It seems that they have taken a bigger interest in you two than familiar old me."

"Hiii!" Jules' grin got even bigger as she held her arms out. Almost immediately fuecoco and quaxly ran over to nuzzle her. "My name's Jules! You two are soooo cute!"

"Hey buddy," Rian gently rubbed sprigatito on the top of the head, who purred happily in delight. "It's great to meet you. I'm Rian."

"I'm glad you all are becoming fast friends," Clavell allowed a curt smile. "I do wish I could see the one you end up picking as your partners, but I'm afraid I must be off on my next home visit. I do believe your mother is set to leave any minute. Come and find me once you've made your decision. And take your time in making a decision, this is your partner for a very long time."

"O-okay." Rian half laughed as the sprigatito nuzzled his chin with the top of its head. It looked over to Jules and leapt out of his arms towards her. Similarly it seemed that the quaxly had taken a newfound interest in the boy, leaving her and standing next to him. He smiled and picked him up in his arms.

"Until then." Clavell gave a formal bow as Tavo and Gabby walked out of the front door to join them. Their mother had her RotoPhone in her hand from snapping pictures of them greeting the pokemon. "I will be seeing you shortly. Señora Gabriela, good luck on your deployment and be safe."

"Thank you so much Director for everything." She waved back at him along with the rest of their family. "You take care now."

As Clavell got back into his car and drove down the street, giving a wave as he sped off, their parents approached and knelt down next to their kids. Hector followed his trainer, folding his hands behind his back to assume the role of protector as he scanned the neighborhood for any possible threats.

"Wow, what impressive looking pokemon and they look so fond of you both!" Tavo told them. "Have you two decided which ones you'll want?"

Rian and Jules exchanged uneasy glances. I haven't yet. I love them all and I wish I could keep them all…but that would be unfair.

"I'm not sure," Jules pursed her lips. "I want them all. But sprigatito, fuecoco and quaxly are amazing too!"

"Same." Agreeing with his sister, Rian sighed, knowing how heavy of a decision this was going to be from the Director's words. One of them was about to be his longtime partner and a historic milestone in his trainer career he had waited so long to start. "It's going to be so hard to choose and who does first."

"We could do a number of other things." She suggested, to him. "Spin a bottle, flip a coin on who gets to pick first. Maybe even like how they do it in Alola; let the pokemon pick who they want to go with?"

The last one doesn't really sound very appealing. Rian wanted to choose his pokemon, not the other way around. "I dunno about that."

"Or the way you've always done it how we've taught you." Gustavo said. "Remember?"

"Right." Being twins meant that sharing fairly was something their parents had emphasized often whether it came to turns at the arcade, toys to splitting their favorite dessert. One sibling would make the split and the other would choose first. Of course that didn't stop quarreling, but it ensured that they would make things as even and fair between them as much as possible.

But there would be no splitting of starter pokemon. Whoever picked first would have a greater variety to choose from than the other.

"We'll flip a coin." Rian finally decided. "That way neither of us can argue."

Jules nodded in agreement. Tavo reached into his pocket and gave them a hundred pokeuro coin which Rian held between his fingers. On one side was the number 100 to signify its value while on the other side were a trio of flowers.

"Heads or tails?" He asked Jules, since he was the one flipping.

"Tails."

Rian spun it in his hands onto the back of his thumb and flicked it into the air, the silver disk spun rapidly before falling down and he caught it in his fist. Slowly, he opened it to reveal the 100 number on the top. Tails.

Jules was going to pick first.

"Yes!" She smiled triumphantly and made a fist of her own. "Picking first! I love it!"

Rian nodded in agreement, still disappointed in the result, but it was a fair decision and he had to accept it. There was a chance Jules could pick the pokemon he wanted. Even though his mind had previously been set on fuecoco, the thought of having other options made him second guess himself.

Guess I'm picking second.

"I'm very glad you two are able to decide between yourselves in something like that. Your father and I have taught you well" Gabby smiled and hugged each sibling. "I know for a fact that you'll both make the right decision and be very pleased with your very own pokemon partner."

"Me too." On the other hand, Rian was just purely excited to actually get his own pokemon in general. Whether it was his choice or not.

"These three are so lovely, but the both of you have to choose only one." Tavo reminded them, glancing over at the eager looking pokemon. "Not an easy task! I don't envy you in the slightest."

Definitely not.

"Why not take the opportunity to walk about and get to know these little ones while you go and meet the Director?" He suggested, Gabby next to him nodding in agreement. "While you're out there, your mother and I have something else for you."

He let go of two thin metal objects in his hand as they automated flew over to hover in front of Rian and Jules. Their eyes went wide again, recognizing the electronic devices immediately.

"RotoPhones?"

"Si. Now that you will both be gone from home for a while, it's imperative that you find the means to speak with one another and with us." He took a second to think. "As well as any other friends and familia you might make along the way."

"This is great! Thank you!" The phones quickly floated in front of one twin to make a pinging noise before syncing their data. It took a matter of seconds to complete.

Their parents nodded and smiled. Gabby gestured down at the little starter pokemon watching them carefully. "Why not take this opportunity to walk with the pokemon? I'm sure they will have much to teach you!"

Rian and Jules nodded in agreement. "Good idea. Maybe that'll help us decide on who to pick. Okay papa, mama. Bye!"

Gustavo hugged them tightly. "I'm so proud of you both. I know you will make the right choice in whichever pokemon. The academy is very special, you're going to learn so much and make friendships there that last lifetimes." He gave a smirk. "Perhaps you will find love there too as I did."

"Papa!" Jules' face flushed red in embarrassment. It was true though; he had met their mother while they both were in attendance at Uva Academy. A photograph of when they were younger also adorned the living room where he had asked her out as a date to the Baile de Finalistas, a formal ball that took place at the school year's final week before the three month summer break.

Gustavo chuckled. "But focus on your studies and we'll be sure to wait for you in Natal-Navidad."

That was the three week-long break between midterms and the second semester in a celebrating holiday that marked the near end of the year and often spent time with families and gift exchanges. Uva Academy was no exception and students would be leaving their dorms to return to their families wherever they may be while the staff spent a couple of days after the actual holiday to prepare for the latter half of the school year.

"We will. Thank you papa." Rian did feel a bit of sadness of being away from his parents…but like Jules, the prospect of meeting new friends and being on his own excited him.

Gustavo and Gabby returned inside the house, closing the door and leaving the twins on their own. The pokemon cooed again, watching the family separate and glanced up at the two young teens with inquisitive expressions.

"Ready to go for a walk?" Jules asked her brother.

"Y-yeah." Rian exhaled a breath that he didn't even know he was holding. "I can't believe it. Once they're both gone…we're actually on our own."

"It's crazy," she agreed with him. "We felt like it would be forever."

"And now it's actually happened."

Silence lapsed over the group as they began their trek down the sidewalk. The three pokemon curiously followed and gave out various cries of interest as they looked around with that same type of wondrousness of a new child exploring the world before them. Bird pokemon chirped as they flew in flocks above and in the very distance they could hear a rhythmic lull of waves crashing against the shore. A gentle breeze wafted through the area, carrying a faint salty tang of the sea.

With the pokemon in tail, the Almeida-Araújo twins stepped forward together, ready to plunge headfirst into the new adventure that beckoned and awaited them.

And we're off alongside our heroes on this new adventure!

But yes, it's heroes as opposed to hero. Instead of one protagonist like in A Hui Hou Kākou, this one is going to give us two protags which are both the male and female avatars of the Scarlet/Violet games. The moment I saw their official art, it screamed twin brother and sister hence which spawned this idea.

Spanish Translations

Adecuada - Proper

Magnifico - Magnificent

Familia - Family

Café con leche - Coffee with milk. Coffee is extremely popular in Spain as it is with much of Europe with this particular beverage using espresso and scalded milk to create a foamlike consistency at the top. A small amount of sugar or sweetener is added. Café con leche is enjoyed at any time throughout the day although it is most often drank at breakfast.

Portuguese Translations

Cuprimentos - Greetings

That'll do it for this chapter! Up next we'll be having the big choice of which twin picks which starter pokemon as their very first partner! As always, thank you for reading and reviewing. You give my writing purpose!

Brav