Hello readers and bienvenidos to the next chapter. This one and the next are a bit on the shorter side, but I'm hoping to get the next one after this out fairly quickly. Let's get to it.

"This is Juliana Almeida-Araújo, correct?"

Jules' drew in a sharp breath and she turned around to stare at Rian in disbelief. The voice on the other side of the call was distorted, syncing perfectly as if several men and women were speaking at once. No doubt it was some sort of software to disguise their true identity.

How does this person know who we are?

She was hesitant to answer. While it could purely be a coincidence, either someone knew a lot about them or something else had been compromised.

Her first guess had to be that someone stole her number, but aside from her parents, brother, Arven and Nemona, nobody else really knew. The look of surprise Rian shared with her automatically ruled him out as a prank call.

"Are you still there?" The voice asked. "Hello?"

When Jules didn't say anything, they continued. "I am assuming you are there, considering you're staring at your phone in the middle of the cafeteria. Do me a favor, tell your brother Rian to stand on your left so I can speak to you both."

Immediately instead of doing as he had been asked over the phone, Rian scanned the cafeteria in a subtle sweep of his head. Everyone was focused on their food or chatting with other students sitting close by. Amazingly, nobody else was on a RotoPhone except for the two of them.

So how did?

"I hacked your smartphone so I could speak to you. Hope you don't mind." Whoever it was had taken great lengths to speak to them and casually flaunted that skill.

"Hack?" Jules asked, speaking for the first time.

"Ah, so she does speak. Good. And Rian; I applaud your effort. You've got some tact, but you'll have to search a whole lot more than out in the Academy's cafeteria if you ever hope to find me."

What the hell? Rian blinked, feeling called out and thoroughly embarrassed. Can this thing read my thoughts too?

"To answer your question Juliana, hack as in I'm basically in control of your phone right now. I can call and answer it whenever I want. I can also see everything else you've done. Who you've texted, your list of contacts…and yes that includes your internet search history."

"Well I kind of do mind." Jules grumbled, clearly displeased she was unable to do anything to get rid of the distorted voice of the individual speaking to them. "I'd like a little privacy."

The voice snorted. "It's always the lot that complains the bloody loudest about privacy that has something to hide. You happen to be in luck that even though I could take a look at that; I have no interest or reason to delve into either yours or your brother's personal life."

"As if that makes me feel any better."

"My name is Cassiopeia." The voice continued, ignoring her last remark. "But never mind that. It's the two of you I want to talk about. I hear you both are some trainers with serious potential. If that's accurate, there's something I'd like to ask of you."

"Huh?" Jules glanced back at Rian who had an equally perplexed expression on his face. "We just became trainers yesterday."

"And suddenly we're being called prodigies?" He stepped up to his sister's side. "First off, Nemona wants me to shoot for Champion Rank and we just had haircut ask him to find something that probably doesn't exist. We're already in demand enough as is…and now someone else wants something from us?"

"I just wish we could have a normal school life." Jules gave a sigh and shook her head. "Guess that isn't happening. Okay, Cassiopeia. Shoot."

"Tell me Juliana or you can as well Rian. You know about Team Star, right?"

"Team Star?" So that's what this is about? Rian thought to himself. Though they had run into a trio of grunts at the front of the school, he had assumed it was just a handful of students role playing or putting on an exaggeration of how they hated school life. Are they really that big of a problem like Nemona said? "Yes. Yes we ran into a couple of them harassing a girl earlier today."

"Great." They heard Cassopeia sigh with relief. "I appreciate you being up-front here."

"I mean, you did hack Jules' smartphone and probably know everything about us down to our blood types. You'd see right through us lying if we denied it."

"You'd be correct." Cassiopeia said. "Team Star is a group of troublemakers formed by some academy students a while back. They cause headaches for the school here and try to bring other students down to their level. And I refuse to sit idly by and let them get away with it!"

"Okay, it's not a bad story. You're a one person hacktivist that hates muckraking students." Rian folded his arms. "You're probably not the only one either. I can't believe I'm saying this for the second time today, but why is it that you need us or rather…why are you telling us this?"

"I've come up with a plan to bring down Team Star and force them to disband for good. I call it…Operation Starfall!"

The twins exchanged a look and Jules had to fight the urge to smack Rian upside his hat. Her brother had covered his mouth while trying his damndest not to laugh.

"But I'll need allies to carry out this operation. I can't do this alone." Cassiopeia explained further. "And I'd like you both to be two of them."

"Hang on just a second," she said. "Just because we ran into some Team Star and beat them in a battle doesn't make us qualified trainers and if it's really a problem what about going to the school's st-"

"There's no need to reply right this second. We can discuss the details some other time. 'Till then, I'll leave you to it. Bye." The line clicked dead and Jules' RotoPhone clicked back to a locked screen before it zipped back into her pocket.

For a second, neither twin spoke as the entire conversation continued to get processed in their heads. From the unexpected call that answered on its own to the warped voice calling themselves Cassiopeia to wanting their enlisted help in an operation that probably only they knew about.

"Starfall?" Rian shook his head, still trying not to laugh. "Team Star? What kind of a name is that? That's like Babydog."

Jules nearly groaned out loud at her brother's joke. Oh not that game again.

"Ah Miss Jules." Both twins were interrupted as they saw director Nicolas Clavell step into the cafeteria, just passing them and stopping short. His face remained expressionless as he tapped the side of his glasses and straightened the spotless collar of his shirt. Both of which seemed to be ingrained habits. "Please do try to keep your voice down if you're going to be making calls within the school, won't you?"

"Of course sir." Jules' cheeks suddenly felt hot and she shook her head. "Sorry, I'll be more careful."

"And do remember that phone calls are prohibited while class is in session. If it's something urgent, step out into the hall so it doesn't disrupt others."

"Got it." She and Rian each gave a nod in understanding.

"Hmm. You don't want anyone else overhearing any personal information, after all." Clavell waved a hand. "Honestly…there are so many things we need to be careful about in this day and age, especially with private information."

Didn't Ca-

"Off you go then." The Director dismissed them with a nod and watched the twins as they briskly exited the cafeteria into the main hallway. He cupped his chin and swore he had heard them talking about something familiar…that had been discussed in the main entrance hall earlier when they had first arrived. In an earlier meeting, he had been asked about these newest twin students and now even more business concerning them. There were a lot of pupils enrolled at Uva Academy from all walks of life, Paldean or foreign born, rich and poor.

Somehow, these two were shaping to be unlike any he had hosted.

"Team Star, you say?"

"Well I'd say we've had more excitement here going on in one day than a full year back at Cabo Poco." Jules said. She and Rian were back at the main entrance in the middle of an intermediary period. They had visited nearly all the teachers and slowly began to develop an idea of how a typical school day would work.

The only teacher they had yet to meet was for art. When they and other students had walked to the directed room on their phones to where the class was held, the doors were all locked and a note had been taped by the handle that due to other matters; the art teacher was presently not at school. In neat handwriting, the note also stated that they would be back in a couple weeks' time and the expected date for the classes to resume. The period would be theirs to do as they wish until further notice.

"From Nemona asking me to take on gyms to Arven saying we need to go after gigantic Titan pokemon to this…Cassiopeia wanting us to go after Team Star. I guess we're destined for a school life that's anything but normal. I wonder if Mom and Dad had to deal with this type of stuff when they went?"

Jules shrugged. She had no idea. As they sat and continued to chat, more students happily greeted them as they passed by. Some of them even gave the twins thumbs up of encouragement and one commended them for standing up to Team Star, saying he had been in the crowd when they battled the grunts from earlier. Rian got an ovation from him about how well he terastalized with Baron after using it just once. The Paldean teen sheepishly tried to downplay it, still knowing how rambunctious his pokemon was, but his attempt to stay modest only increased the amount of respect being given out.

The school's intercom bell chimed from speakers overhead before a professional sounding woman's voice came through. "Calling Master Rian and Miss Jules Almeida-Araújo to the Director's office. Once again, Master Rian and Miss Jules to the director's office, please."

Ugh. "Does everyone want to talk to us on our first day? Or is this just a coincidence?"

He and Jules finally stood up from their chairs, using a computer terminal to send directions for the Director's office to their RotoPhones. Long free of Cassiopeia's hacking, the devices quickly programmed them the turns and path that would take them directly to their destination starting just past the library and entrance foyer.

The walk took just a few minutes and after checking in with a pretty blond haired secretary named Miss Neves, they were waved into Clavell's office.

He greeted them both with a warm smile sitting behind his desk. "Ah, Master Rian. Miss Jules."

As they approached, they took a look around, seeing that it was far different than what a headmaster or principal's office would normally appear. While the walls and support columns were made of the same stone, it was painted in warm brown colors. Close to the entrance sat a multitude of strange white and gray machines that likely belonged in a laboratory while the rich violet carpet in the middle extended to a long antique stained wood desk. Behind Clavell were several bookshelves containing thick volumes and a trophy case that held some well polished gold awards. On the top of his desk was a stylish green banker's lamp, potted plant and a speaker with a numpad that served as a phone line and an intercom.

"Gracias for coming so quickly. Have you been enjoying your time here at Uva Academy?" Clavell asked politely in greeting. He gave a thin smile seeing them both nod and gestured for them to sit in the chairs on the other side of his desk. While neither seemed wanting to talk about details, they couldn't deny it had been eventful to say the least.

I'd probably wish for some excitement if it was boring. So I'll take it.

"That is most wonderful to hear." As the Director watched them nod, he leaned back in his chair that hardly made a sound. "Now, you may be wondering why we could not have simply conversed in the cafeteria. But let me assure you there was a reason I asked you to meet me here in my office."

He folded his hands together. "It seems that a dear friend of mine has a rather serious matter they would like to discuss with you."

"Okay? But uh, where's your friend?" Rian asked. He walked in fully expecting they'd be there to talk about them nearly getting caught speaking to the Cassiopeia individual. "They're not here…unless they want to play hide and seek or something."

"Ah no. I'm afraid they aren't actually here in this room with us. One moment please."

Clavell gestured to the television in the corner as the twins scooted their seats so that they faced the screen. "Just allow me to connect us."

He turned around and fished a remote from his pocket, hitting a button to activate the device. It didn't take long to connect to a video call that had been established for some time. On the other end of the line was a man in what appeared to be part of another lab.

"Hello Florian. Juliana. It is nice to meet the both of you." The man greeted them both politely in a deep, cultured and sophisticated voice. He appeared to be late thirties or early forties, roughly the same age as their parents, with light brown eyes, high cheekbones and a well maintained fade haircut. While not a fully grown beard, his facial hair was trimmed in designer stubble.

Rian saw Jules shift in her seat. Though he was nearly twice their age, no doubt she had briefly considered him attractive. Like the woman he saw talking to Nemona in the staff room earlier, he was pretty sure the man could've had a career in modeling.

"My name is Professor Nestor Turo." He continued with a nod. The lab coat he wore was over a dark gray and black undersuit with bright purple lights flashing with occasional pulses like a wire circuit. It took Rian a second to realize it was at the same pace of a heartbeat. "I carry out pokemon research within the Gran Crater de Paldea at a site known as Àrea Cero."

THE Professor Turo? The guy that's been one of the biggest names in pokemon research for the past decade? "Woah, so you're actually in the Crater?"

"That is correct." Professor Turo replied, giving another fluid nod of his head.

"The professor is in fact, a graduate of our fine academy as well as a splendid researcher." Clavell explained. "His rapport speaks for itself. He had contacted me to speak with you both about something. Nestor?"

"Well allow me to get straight to the point." Turo stroked his stubble as Clavell's gesture had given him the floor. "Florian Joaquim Almeida-Araújo. Student ID number 805C393. Juliana Renata Almeida-Araújo. Student ID number 805C394. You are the students who travel with the unusual pokemon that is known as Miraidon correct?"

"Yes." Though they hadn't mentioned it to anyone else, neither twin saw any benefit to lying. Nor had they been sworn to any secrecy regarding Miraidon in their possession.

"Thank you. I appreciate you were honest in confirming the facts."

"You're uh…welcome?" Rian and Jules were still a little confused at what this was all about. Clavell hadn't shifted since they had started talking, but he kept a respectful silence.

"Ah not that I…I do not mean to offend you. In fact, I wish to ask for your assistance."

"My…our assistance?" Rian asked. "With Miraidon or what?"

(Trainer detected. Remote activating poke ball opening mechanism.)

Rian and Jules gasped in surprise as Miraidon's poke ball suddenly sprung open and the large creature deftly landed on the ground with the silence of a liepard stalking its prey. It finally revved and suddenly took the attention of everyone in the room.

"Oh. Cuprementos." Turo was unfazed as he greeted Miraidon. Its head drew back in apparent recognition through the screen. "How good to see that you are well. It has been quite a while since we last met."

(Trainer detected. Protocol One enaction possible. Proceed?)

(Protocol One enaction incomplete. Error code: Tynamo. Protocol One link already established. Authorization to transfer link not received.)

He turned back to the twins and Clavell. "Miraidon was once in my care, you see. Its poke ball was also originally mine, registered to my name. I assume that you received it from a young man named Arven."

"I know. We met." Rian said, ignoring the scowl that had begun to grow across Jules' mouth. Remembering what Nemona had said about Arven being the son of the famous professor Nestor Turo suddenly whipped up more questions in his mind. Before he could answer them, the professor had begun to speak to them again.

"I am no longer in a position to be able to manage that pokemon myself." He said, tentatively. "This is what I'd ask of you; will you continue looking after Miraidon on my behalf?"

"Uh." Rian sighed, still a bit unsure. "We just became pokemon trainers yesterday. I don't know if we're ready to handle a pokemon as powerful as Miraidon apparently was just yesterday."

He glanced at Jules who had a similar hesitant look on her face, but an unspoken moment of eye contact between the two facilitated an understanding.

"But we'll do it." Both siblings said, giggling as the dragon in question had stepped forward and stuck its elongated head between them to rest on shoulders. "Miraidon seems to like us already." Jules added.

If Turo was going to show emotion at the display, he did an impeccable job at hiding it. His face remained unchanged in nearly the entire conversation. "I do appreciate your agreement. Miraidon has been greatly weakened and is currently incapable of battle. It can however, take on a form specialized for mobility. In all likelihood, it will require some time to fully regain the capabilities it once had."

Some time? We fed it a sandwich and turned it into its true form. At least that's what Arven had said. Should we mention that?

"Any idea what could help? Or what caused it to be like this?" Jules asked.

"There is nothing for certain. Many factors involved could be possibilities and any one of them make it rather convoluted. Miraidon is one of the few pokemon that has programming built into its functions that I've managed to decipher during the time it was in my possession. As with most machines, they can multiple faults and from my monitoring of it, Miraidon's error code of sneasel has come up frequently. I have deduced that Error code: Sneasel refers to its inability to return to its optimal battling form."

"That actually makes sense. So it's a machine? An artificially created pokemon?" Jules asked the professor.

"No." Turo shook his head. "Or rather I should say it's complicated."

Artificial pokémon aren't unheard of. Rian thought to himself. The porygon line from scientists of ages ago and there's the President of the Aether Foundation who has the one called Silvally which was built to fight creatures from another dimension.

"I will provide you with my contact information. And I will send an exception form to you, Director so you can submit it to the Paldea League. This will allow both Florian and Juliana to be able to carry Miraidon as an acceptable seventh pokemon for transportation if they opt to carry the maximum six. If you would please get out your phones?"

Rian and Jules did so. The devices floated in front of the screen and pulsed upon receiving new information before slipping back into their pockets.

"I will be in regular contact going forward to keep tabs on your status as well as that of Miraidon's. Until then." The professor gave them a casual two fingered salute before he smoothly walked out of the camera's line of sight. Moments later, the screen winked off as the call ended.

Neither of them first heard Clavell sigh off to the side as he mused on some of his thoughts out loud. "Could this pokemon have its origins within Àrea Cero? Nestor…don't tell me that you…you actually did it."

Did what? Rian had caught the last part, but couldn't question it any further when Miraidon revved and nuzzled Jules again.

"Okay buddy, back in your ball." She said, taking it from him and returning it. This time she kept it in her backpack instead.

Clavell cleared his throat after appearing to be deep in thought. "Well it seems that the professor is asking quite the favor of you. But of course the academy is always here to support you in any way that we are able. I do hope that you'll continue to enjoy your school life, together with that Miraidon."

"Of course sir." Rian said. "We will let you know if we need your help."

"Excellent. That will be all."

Rian and Jules had just gotten up from their chairs when the door to the office suddenly flung open and Nemona was already bounding inside.

"Buenasssssssss! 'Scuse me!" She gasped upon seeing the twins. "You're both still here? What did you do getting called into the Director's office? How'd you land in that much trouble already?"

"Trouble?"

"Nah, kidding! I know it wasn't that. If it was, the Director wouldn't look so relaxed over there." Nemona pointed back where Clavell had sat back down at his desk, busying himself with paperwork. It was like he had never noticed Nemona's presence. "Anyway, Mister Jacq wanted me to show you your way to your room in the school dorms. Your very own private rooms! Let's go and check it out!"

"And home for the years ahead." Jules smiled. "Okay Nemona, lead the way."

The school dorms were located in the side sectors of the Academy. There were six of them in total and though each one was co-ed, two of the four floors was dedicated to one gender. Nemona explained that while students of the opposite gender were allowed, a curfew was put in place where one would have to be on their assigned dorm floor two hours prior to midnight and actually in their rooms one hour. Sector V was the location of both theirs and Nemona happed to let them know she was the dorms' resident advisor. Any problems they'd defer to her.

At the beginning before the hall was a wide area that served as a lounge. Multiple coffee tables, lounge chairs were arranged on one side. A pair of vending machines that were well stocked with various options such as snack boxes, pocket sandwiches, cup noodles, candy, snacks and drinks sat in the corner. Close to the other side were a few desks and cubicles for students opting to study in private.

This was the second floor, which seemed to be one for boys. After showing Rian his room outside, Nemona and Jules took the stairs to the third floor which was one for girls. It was also where her own room was assigned. Though she had still felt a little nervous about settling into a new place, she was also excited. In a way, it was a different set of rules, but the benefits slowly revealed themselves. Said rules were nonexistent in the home she lived with Rian and her parents, except for the ones she'd establish for herself and the ones the Academy had set forth. While staying in the dorms, the resident students were expected to keep it clean and presentable. There weren't inspections like the ones her mother had to prepare for in the Armada and privacy was highly respected. Students who attended and had residency in Mesagoza were not permitted a dorm.

Jules followed Nemona's lead as she took out her student ID and held it close to the reader. Upon recognition, the device beeped and the light above the handle turned green while an audible click was heard inside the satin stained metal door. It reminded her of the electronic lock of an upscale hotel room.

She turned the knob and pushed it open to show off an inviting room that was the perfect size for a single person. Dark wood flooring covered all except for the area ahead and to the right where a full size bed was against the wall. A wide desk sat opposite the bed, encompassing the corner. It had a second layer above, where books or other things could be stored above the main working area.

The kitchenette was small, but inviting. A single hot plate was stored in the corner alongside a microwave and toaster oven. Jules noticed a lot of usable electrical sockets, perfect for adding other appliances such as a coffee maker or those new air fryer appliances. The sink was a dual basin stainless steel. Cupboards mounted above served as a small pantry and she spotted a fridge at the counter's end. Directly to her right past the entrance door was a single bathroom sink, toilet and bathtub with a railing to mount a curtain for the shower.

"Ta-ta-tachán!" Nemona pumped another fist. "From today on, this is your room Jules!"

She looked around. "Actually, it's as new to me as it is to you. Never been in here before."

"I like it." Always from watching those home designing shows on television, the possibilities of decorating just to her own preference swam about in Jules' mind. The simplicity had some homeyness to it that was alluringly inviting. Immediately she knew where she'd want a snake-wired lamp.

"Maybe check out your new bed? Looks comfy. And you and Rian must be pretty worn out from all this stuff happening on your very first day huh? A quick rest on a bed is all you need to get yourself and your Pokémon healthy again! Best way to test out a brand new room is by giving the bed a good ol' flop."

"If I know my brother. He's probably already done that…or all the more happy to be in the shower."

"Yeah I bet. It was a pretty long journey and a lot of stuff happening." She went to thinking for a second. "Oh, that does remind me. There's a checklist in the school app that needs to be signed by you. Tomorrow, make sure you've checked off everything in the dorms that it's all working properly, from each of the lights to the garburator and everything in between. We've got dorm maintenance on call one hour after curfew ends until one hour before it begins. Anything that isn't checked off has to be addressed before the school year starts."

"Okay. Honestly Nemona," Jules sighed. "I'm quite tired. I'd like to get to that right away, but I think I just need to have a good night's sleep."

"Yeah yeah, no rush as long as you get it done by then! I'll see you tomorrow when you've rested up. We can take a look around more classes and maybe check out the society and club fair that happen over the weekend!"

"Sounds good." Jules smiled at her. Nemona was definitely growing on as a friend. "I'm excited to see what it's all about!"

"Perfect! Then we can battle even more! Take care! I gotta go and let Rian know what I just told you!"

Jules shook her head and laughed as Nemona quickly walked out the door, giving a half wave as she closed it behind her.

I wonder what Rian would feel if Nemona was coming back for him again?

The next few days flew by as Rian and Jules got settled into their new life at Uva Academy.

Their father Tavo had made the drive up to Mesagoza with the family car loaded up with boxes of their things, from new appliances, mirrors, toiletries to familiar reminders of home. After class orientation had finished up over the weekend, they had spent the better part of the afternoon moving the majority of their stuff into the dorms. With their father's help, both had comfortable study areas and most everything else set up. What wasn't available was readily ordered online and set to be arrive in the school's delivery holding area in a few days.

Both twins were eager to show their father around, who looked at the hallways and classrooms with a longing familiarity. It was an adorable display of both kids dragging their father along with Baron, Basil and Dani in tow around them.

Tavo's expression brightened as they got to the schoolyard, a large wide open cloister that was on the upper floors. Four large stone columns with floodlights on each corner held up the central spire that could be seen from nearly all of Mesagoza. The ceiling was high enough where flying pokemon were able to move about comfortably with a slight breeze wafting through the open air. Though sunlight was filtering down from above, there were plenty of trees and awnings that were around to keep those lounging cool. The schoolyard had three full sized battle courts surrounded a quarter mile track in the middle. When needed for a larger event such as a school assembly, the courts and track would have other segments joined in to create a large floor area instead of the softer grass.

"This is where we're going to have the yearly opening assembly and the society and club fair over the weekend." Rian explained.

"And it's also where the school dance is held." Jules added.

"Oh yes, I remember that very much." Tavo was still going down memory lane. "Including when I had asked your mother."

"Woah," her expression suddenly became more enamored. Rian resisted the urge to roll his eyes at how much of a romantic his sister could be...sometimes. "Really?"

Their father chuckled and gestured to a half moon terrace veranda that overlooked downtown Mesagoza. His smile grew fonder. "I made out with her on that balcony right there."

"Dad!" Rian cried as Jules' eyes widened and she faked a gagging noise. "Way to kill the moment."

"I'll never forget that one."

Before long, the day had passed by where they had busied the afternoon setting things up in their rooms. Jules' chair, Rian's gaming systems, the television screens and other posters or knick knacks to help make their new home feel like home away from home. Tavo compressed the remaining cardboard boxes and stored them in the corner of the closets where they'd be available and ready to be used again once it was time to move out.

The Almeida-Araújos finally celebrated a job well done with a dinner at a restaurant known as Seafood Fresco where the specialty seafood pasta had caught their eye. With the outdoor seating friendly to pokémon, the twins and their father enjoyed a delicious meal while Basil, Baron, Dani and Hector munched on food themselves. Conversation was lively and the sun finally set on the horizon for a fantastic evening. Their father was delighted to officially meet Dani and looked very proud of Jules for catching her very first pokemon. Rian was thankful that the subject wasn't brought up with him. He didn't want to go further into a conversation about how he was less successful at the same thing.

I'll catch something. Soon enough.

Unfortunately the bad news came when Tavo said he was going to have to make the drive back home after dinner.

"You really have to go Dad?" Rian asked as they returned their pokemon and made their way back to the Academy. Tavo's car was parked on the school grounds on a guest pass, but neither twin was really ready to accept the reality that they were on their own. It had only been three days since they last saw their parents.

"Unfortunately yes." He sighed and put his hands on his hips. "I understand your reluctance and how much you're going to miss home. But this is very big for the both of you. You're finally setting off on your life's next and greatest chapter. Enjoy it to the fullest. Before you know it, you'll be fine young adults and you'll wish you were younger again."

"Yeah, true." Rian had to agree with his father on that. "But there are some benefits to adulthood."

He cleared his throat. "I know we've shown you a lot around school Dad, but there's uh…one more thing Jules and I have kinda been entrusted with that we haven't been told anyone." A look at his sister who gave a slight nod told him that she too, was okay with them letting their father in on the secret.

Tavo nodded and they stopped at a small park where there weren't many people around. Though the Academy was in sight at the top of the hill in front, the walk back was still going to be daunting.

Not to mention we get to climb the stairway to hell again.

"The source of that noise from the day back. We figured out what it was."

"Really?" Tavo's face turned to surprise. "Cabo Poco policia couldn't figure it out for the life of them."

Jules threw Miraidon's poke ball, causing the large purple dragon to stretch its back and rev its motors. Their father shook his head in clear surprise.

"So…this was what caused the disturbance. How curious."

"It's called Miraidon." Rian explained, choosing to leave out his near death experiences of falling off the cliff and getting attacked by a pack of houndour. "We found it at the beach by the Inlet Grotto and couldn't really find anything to help…until it ate Mom's sandwich."

Their father laughed. "So we're not the only ones to enjoy your mother's cooking."

(Accessing Paldea La Liga Trainer database files. Match found. Gustavo Angeles Almeida-Araújo. Age 45 years. Trainer Rank: Proficient. Inactive competitor. Identified as father of Trainer Rian and Trainer Jules.)

Tavo held his hand out as Miraidon craned its neck to carefully sniff it. Rian and Jules immediately saw that its body posture relaxed and it happily nuzzled the offered hand.

"Did you get any more insight on where it came from?"

"Yes we actually did." Jules patted Miraidon's head as it sidled up to her and sat on its hind legs like an obedient dog. "We actually got tasked by Professor Turo himself to watch over Miraidon. He says that it's incapable of battle and we'll be helping him out by gathering data to see about how it can recover."

"Huh." Tavo gave it a thought and nodded in agreement. "The Treasure Hunt hasn't even started and you're already roped into a bunch of adventure. As your parent, I'll fully support whatever it is you do."

"Thanks Dad. But we're not gonna sit around."

"I would not advise that. Not when you get an opportunity like this that so few do."

Miraidon whined sadly when it saw Rian pull its ball back out. The boy almost bought into the act, but brushed it aside.

"Sorry bud. When we know it's okay to have you out and about, we'll do it more often."

(Understood. Entering dormancy.)

In a flash of light, Miraidon vanished inside and Rian tucked the ball back into his backpack. The three of them then made their way back to the school where Tavo had his car parked in the visitor's lot.

"We're gonna miss you Dad." Rian felt a little homesick, but surprisingly less so than he imagined. Maybe it was the excitement of a new life at the Academy and the upcoming Treasure Hunt.

"And I'll miss you both too. So does your mother. We'll see you once the winter break starts."

Ready for this damn tutorial part of the story to be done.

You may have also noticed that I've made another major change into Miraidon thoughts/processes are now bold, italicized and in parenthesis. This will hopefully help to distinguish it from others. I was going to have the Treasure Hunt start put in here, however there's just a tad too much in that one which would make this an even bigger chapter and I'd like to get the story going past the start. However there wasn't a stopping point where I'd be inherently satisfied.

However once the next chapter is done, I will likely be shifting focus to AHHK to get another chapter done and dusted. It's long overdue for an update and I'd like to be one step closer to finally closing the book on that. As soon as it's finished, this story will have my undivided attention when it comes to my writing.

As always, thank you for reading and reviewing. You give my writing purpose.

Brav