September 5th in the Paldea Region; a new day dawns for Liko and her family as the young girl dons her Indigo Academy uniform and prepares herself for a significant milestone in her continued journey to become a great Pokémon Trainer and discover all the world has to offer about Pokémon including the ongoing mysteries behind her Terapagos and the Six Heroes.
"Liko! Liko, are you ready? It's almost time to go!" her mother, Lucca, called from the kitchen.
"Yeah, Mom, I'll be right down!" she reassured as she opened the blinds and was greeted by Floragato and Hatenna (who slept on her bed) emerging from underneath her folded blanket as the sun's rays shone on them and illuminated her room.
"Good morning, Floragato, Hatenna. It's time for us to go and meet the others," she smiled at her Pokémon before turning to Terapagos who yawned and happily cooed at her, getting a smile out of her. "Good morning to you, too, Terapagos. Hmm-hmm!"
Liko -My name is Liko and I'm a Pokemon Trainer. Until recently, I was traveling with the Rising Volt Tacklers as well as my best friend, Princess Sarah Tomoe, her husband: Race Konami, their family, and their friends from Alola, Unova, and Paldea on the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft
The young girl recalled everything that went down on her journey since her days at Indigo Academy including meeting Sarah and Race for the first time, her wild and haphazard introduction to the Rising Volt Tacklers including Asha's grandparents (Johnathan and Diane), and meeting Roy on his island abode along with Lazuli.
We went through so much during our travels while discovering that Sarah, Race, and their friends are part of a group of elite warriors fighting for peace and justice in the world known as Power Rangers. Along the way, a special Pokémon named Terapagos awoke from a pendant given to me by my grandmother, and through him, we met the Six Heroes, the Pokémon belonging to the Ancient Adventurer, Lucius, and his wife, Marnea
She then recalled facing Spinel's Pokémon in Levincia with her friends (with Sarah and her old friends redonning their Power Ranger alter-egos to protect her, Roy, and Dot from his treachery), meeting Lucius' Terapagos friend who had awakened from the pendant her grandmother (Diana) had given to her after meeting Arboliva, Marena, and Moltres, her witnessing Terapagos accessing his Tera Form for the very first time, and her and the heroes' fateful battle with Lucius' Rayquaza that saw Sarah and Race resorting to Mega-Evolving all of their Pokémon (including Diancie's Rayquaza friend, Stormy) capable of Mega Evolution and reuniting him with his family.
Meeting and battling them while watching Sarah and her bond with her Pokémon made me feel like... I need to learn more about Pokémon! ...And I have to become stronger and grow to be a true Pokémon Trainer like Sarah and her friends before me...and help Terapagos unlock his Stellar Form-a Terastal Form achieved by her and Race's Terapagos during their and Asha's own Paldea adventures! So, to learn more about the Terastal Phenomenon that our Terapagos created, I'm going to be an exchange student at Paldea's Uva Academy.
She even thought back to her, Roy, and Dot agreeing to join the little princess, her sister, and Race as new students of Uva Academy to understand the region's Terastal Phenomenon after deciding to continue their journey together.
Fondly remembering how far she had come and knowing she was about to embark on something greater when she reunited with her friends at Uva Academy, Liko placed Terapagos in a custom bag she had that would easily hide him as she went along her travels in her home region so nobody else (who had no idea about the Terastal Phenomenon involving him, Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet) would give her weird or suspicious looks.
"Okay, ready to head out?" Liko asked Hatenna as she carried her.
"Let's," the Calm Pokémon agreed as they and Floragato left to meet her parents.
Oh, yeah, about my parents, when I finally came home...
(Flashback)
"I'm home!" Liko grinned, wondering if her parents were home as she, Serrate, and Floragato returned to Cabo Poco.
"LIKOOOOOO! I MISSED YOU SO MU-U-U-UCH!" Alex cheered as he hugged his daughter tightly and cried tears of joy for her return, his tight yet loving embrace startling her and Hatenna who shared her bewilderment as she squirmed in her mother's hoodie.
"Welcome home, Liko," chuckled Lucca as she joined them moments after, prompting Liko to smile sheepishly at them before she warmed up to their love again (happy that she was back home with them and eager to tell them everything that went on during her journey).
It was kind of embarrassing to see them fawn over me when I finally got back. But, I was still happy to see them again after so long...
"I'm back, Mom, Dad. Oh, yeah! I have some friends I'd like to introduce to you, especially you, Mom; this is my Partner Pokemon, Floragato, and my dragon: Serrate, she's a Razorwhip dragon. Serrate helped me and my friends rescue a Family of Four Maushold when they were in trouble, and after all that, she and I have been inseparable," Liko said, formally introducing her parents to Floragato and Serrate.
"Liko?" Floragato puzzled at her partner while Serrate tilted her head at Lucca and Alex curiously before smiling at them.
"Hello there, I'm Lucca, Liko's mother. It's so nice to meet you at last; I've heard so much about you two during her travels with the Rising Volt Tacklers," Friede's old mentor grinned warmly at them.
Even Alex was amazed by Sprigatito evolving into her second form and the appearance of Serrate as he sang his praises to his daughter, "So, Sprigatito recently evolved into Floragato and you became friends with a dragon, a mythical creature of all things? Liko, you're so amazing!"
Liko chuckled as Lucca commented, "Are my eyes deceiving me, Liko, or have you gotten taller since I last saw you? You must've been through a lot as of late."
"Mm-hmm, I have so much to tell you," Liko smiled at her parents as Hatenna and Terapagos greeted them, sharing her happy sentiments.
(End Flashback)
"Good morning, Dad, Mom!" Liko greeted as she, Floragato, Terapagos, and Hatenna met up with Lucca and Alex in the kitchen with Serrate and Alex's Fidough waking up from their naps and reuniting with their rider and sister-figure (Floragato catching her in her arms as she noticed her).
"Good morning!" her parents smiled back as they had coffee or prepared breakfast.
After they finished breakfast, while Alex and Fidough decided to stay at home, it was time for Liko and Lucca to head out with the latter resuming her job as a schoolteacher and her daughter preparing to head for Uva Academy to meet with her friends and begin taking the Terastal Course with them.
"Well, Alex, we'll be off now."
"See ya later, Dad!" Lucca and Liko told Alex, saying goodbye to him and Fidough as they, Floragato, Hatenna, Terapagos, and Serrate headed out.
"Have fun and stay safe!"
"Bye!" the pair smiled as they saw them off.
It wasn't long until Liko and Lucca arrived at the fork on the road leading them to the schoolhouse where Lucca carried out her job as a schoolteacher and the path branching out to take Liko and her group to Uva Academy.
"Well, Liko, this is where we part until then. You all have fun and do your best when you get to Uva Academy, Liko," Lucca smiled, giving her daughter her best regards for her studies in Uva Academy's Terastal Course.
"Mmm, thanks Mom, you do your best, too!" Liko nodded as she, Serrate, and Floragato (with Hatenna in her Pokeball and Terapagos in her shoulder bag for him) went along the path to Uva Academy, eager to join their friends and begin their studies together (and, especially, to learn about the Terastal Phenomenon).
"Hey, Liko! Wait up!"
Liko, Serrate, and Floragato turned to whoever was calling them, and much to their surprise, they immediately saw Sarah, Marena, Asha, and Race racing towards them aboard Koraidon (with Astraeus and Petunia latched onto his head), Serpent (who had the Cat Pack riding on her as well), and Entei.
Joining them and their family (with the mythicals in the young couple's respective briefcases save for Luminoth and Verdant as the latter carried Bumblebee, Tiny, Pebble, Midge, Scooby, Scrappy, Della, and the Buddies on his back) were Kalahari, Aloe, Kleavor, Miraidon, and Athisua. Lapras was inside his Ancient Pokeball since he wasn't designed to move on land and Arboliva and Moltres were kept inside their own balls as they didn't want to cause a mass panic in the school while Rayquaza soared above from the heavens (keeping out of sight for his own safety).
With Princess Diancie and her friends including Nekkar, Nunki, Necrozma, Stormy, Articuno, Moltres, Zapdos, her wild Legendary Beasts, the Swords of Justice with her, her Tao Trio, the Eon Duo, Ho-Oh, Kubfu, Kyogre, Lugia, and her bodyguards (Glacial the Shiny Glastrier and Haunterstride the Shiny Spectrier, respectively (with Fidelius Bestia still used on them)), they joined them as the little princess didn't want to keep them cooped up in the Summerhouse Dome for long.
With Liberty, she was riding beside her family on her Power Scooter with Tot, Nano, and Mini happily riding with her on its sidecar.
"Race, Sarah, Asha! Marena! Hey!" Liko grinned happily as she and Floragato waved and Serrate happily warbled at her rider's friends and Lucius' wife.
"About time you slow-mos showed up!" Floragato smirked cheekily.
"We thought we were gonna leave ya'll hanging while going to school today!" added Serrate jokingly.
But, as she looked more closely at her three friends and classmates, the young girl was surprised to see them in specialized and contrasting Uva Academy uniforms:
- With Race, he wore a meticulously tailored navy blue blazer with subtle silver trim that reflected his refined taste and attention to detail (the blazer sporting silver buttons featuring the Uva Academy's emblem). He also wore a crisp and white button shirt with a custom navy blue and silver academy crest pin with a silver-striped silk tie (in a deeper shade of navy blue) adorned with interlocking geometric shapes and a silver pin engraved with the academy's crest. He even retained Comet's Miraculous Bracelet and Admiral's Bald Eagle Talon Pendant as they remained on his right wrist and neck. The former BF Champion also had a blue Frilly Backpack (which held his Mythical Briefcase and was equipped with the Undetectable Extension Charm) resting on his back, its coloration matching his navy blue and silver uniform while he also wore black dress shoes (adorned with subtle silver accents on the buckles) that matched his black socks with a discreet silver band at the top
- Asha's uniform is the school's Autumn Uniform featuring a maroon blazer with golden accents and the academy's crest on its left side. Underneath it was a crisp white shirt paired with a burgundy and brown and gold-trimmed plaid skirt and she wore black knee-high socks that matched her brown loafers. To complete her look, she wore a light scarf sporting Uva Academy's colors while carrying a Type III Frilly Backpack she bought at Cascarrafa
- And, finally, there was Sarah as her uniform sported a finely-tailored deep violet and gold and white-accented blazer with gold and white shoulder pads and silver buttons engraved with the academy's emblem. Beneath the blazer, she wore a high-collared and crisp white button-shirt with a silk tie sporting the academy's colors, a gold outline, and a subtle star and nebula motif. She even wore her Twilight Amulet, Zeraora's Wayfinder, the Prodigious, and her Miraculous accessories on her fingers, ears, and left wrist where her Z-Power Ring originally was
But, as Liko noticed, her best friend's uniform didn't end there; Sarah also sported a gold and white headband with gemstones that resembled her royal headpiece, adorned with sapphire and violet crystals shaped like nebulae on her head.
Her pleated skirt had a deep violet coloration with gold trim and white thigh-high socks featuring silver and gold stripes to go with it. She also wore gold and white steel pauldrons, a pair of white braces, and a custom gold and white academy crest pin. Her cloak was attached to her back as it flowed in the gentle breeze while Cosmic Grace and her Arrow Quiver were holstered to her belt (giving her a regal appearance). Her Talonflame backpack (which also held her Mythical Briefcase) resting on her back was larger unlike Race and Asha's Frilly Backpacks and was more vibrant in color, sporting fiery hues of orange, red, and charcoal. She even completed her look with specially crafted white sneakers sporting silver shading and a gold outline.
However, the young girl also saw that she didn't have Tommy's Dino Bracelet, her mother's Moon Shield, her Dragon Heart Scepter, and her Cosmic Morpher (even in its Wrist Com form) on her. Because she didn't want to draw attention to herself and the others around the school in public, she redesigned and combined her two satchels into one satchel (a golden brown and yellow shoulder bag that retained a slightly curved top) and stored all of her items from both bags in it including the Moon Shield, Dragon Heart Scepter, Tommy's Dino Bracelet and Dino Gem, the Miraculous Box, the Enchanted Jewelry Box, her Cosmic Morpher and Cosmic Orbs, Gerudeon's Treasure Chest, and the Celestial Zodiac Chest (the chest Hu had given to her with all of her gifts from her 18th birthday still inside it, temporarily shrunken with Reducio (the Wizarding World's Shrinking Charm)).
"Helloooooooo, Liko!" Rotoscope and Race's new Rotom Phone, Rotospark, greeted (sporting their Fuecoco and Pikachu smartphone cases).
"Hey, Rotoscope! Hey, wait, are you a Rotom Phone, too?" Liko grinned at Rotoscope before turning her attention to Rotospark.
"That's right! The name's Spark-Rotospark-and from today, I'll be shadowing my buddy, Race, as his Pop! How ya'll doing?" grinned the Pikachu-cased Rotom Phone at her, Floragato, and Serrate.
"Surprised by my girl and her lovebird and sister's school duds, Liko?" Liberty said, grinning at her owner, Race, and Asha in their customized school uniforms.
"I'll say, they're nothing like what the other students at Uva Academy let alone Indigo Academy wear," Liko admitted before she turned to Asha, asking her, "But, why are you wearing a skirt, Asha? I didn't think you'd like wearing one."
"...Just wanted to have something to connect with my original gender so I don't come off as too much of a man before I scare anybody off given my size and age," the older girl replied, blushing over Liko's observation as she held her head and ran her right head through her hair.
"At least you're only getting that outfit for one day," Sarah remarked at her, still not a big fan of skirts before turning to her best friend. "You want a ride on the way to Uva Academy? Take your pick."
"We can even have someone give your mom a lift to the schoolhouse she works at and double back to the academy with us if you like," Race added.
"No, thanks, my mom will be fine walking there. And, if I ever need a ride to the academy, Serrate can help me," the young girl politely declined with a smile. "Are the others already there waiting for us?"
Sarah chuckled, "Are they ever? They're at the main square and Roy couldn't wait to get started on the Terastal Course after Mollie helped them pick out their uniforms."
"That's our Roy," Liko giggled.
"Hey, let's roll to Uva Academy and find the others before the bell rings and you kids miss your introductory meeting with Clavell!" Marena reminded.
"Okay, let's go," Liko nodded as she got on Serrate's saddle and they went off.
After a fun ride along the path to Uva Academy, the group finally arrived in Mezagoza City's Town Square. They looked over the place for Dot, Roy, and the rest of their party before they went to the school to meet Clavell and Geeta for the young trainers' introductory meeting but couldn't see them anywhere.
"Hmm... This is where you mentioned we're supposed to meet them, Sarah... But, where...?" Liko pondered as she trailed off, wondering where the others were.
"Hey, look! There they are!"
"Hey! Hey, Liko! Sarah! Guys! Good morning!"
"Over here!"
"Hey!"
They turned to the owners of the voices that called them from their left, and there before them, were Reader (Sarah's Albinism NightWing Seer), Lazuli, Barkk, Breeze, Panthera, Dragonite (Daisy), Honchkrow, Timburr, Delight, Woobat, Gengar, Mismagius, Roggenrola, Lacey, Drayton, Crispin, Amarys, Kieran, Carmine, Quaxly, Plume, Fuecoco, Char, Roy, Dot, the Circle of Twelve, and Tsukumaro waiting for them a short distance from the steps leading to Uva Academy (as it was Kieran, Roy, Fuecoco, and Quaxly calling them over).
The old advisor decided to stay with his goddaughter (after his old friends and his former lord and lady wanted to stay in Alola after being away from home and family obligations for months) and Hu and his fellow Zodiacs remained with Lazuli to keep an eye on both of them. With the swordswoman, Seiya and Mary decided to stay with the Rising Volt Tacklers to know exactly what their daughter had been up to since joining the heroes and learn more about them while helping with the Dragon Craft and the Brave Olivine's repairs. They even encouraged her to join Sarah, Race, Asha, Liko, Roy, and Dot as a new student at Uva Academy and its Terastal Course, seeing it as a perfect opportunity to have her be given a dose of formal education and have her spend more time with her friends (to which she reluctantly agreed despite wanting to spend more time with her parents after getting them back).
She even had her own school uniform on her comprised of a deep purple and silver-accented blazer (sporting the academy's crest on its breast pocket), a high-collared crisp white blouse underneath it that gave her uniform a refined touch, a purple silver-trimmed pleated skirt that matched her blazer, black knee-high socks, polished black shoes, and a new Terra Whale Mylon Backpack that complimented her uniform with Seiya's sword and its belt clip attached to a waistband on the rim of her skirt (which he offered to let her keep while Hiccup, Sarah, and Zenna made him a new one after he heard what they did when it was first destroyed and how Lazuli didn't want to have let alone use a new sword other than his own ((something he greatly appreciated from three of his daughter's friends)).
As for Roy and Dot, they were given Uva Academy uniforms that best highlighted their individual styles and distinctive personalities:
- Roy's uniform gave off a slightly rugged and adventurous flair mirroring his energetic nature as his blazer was unbuttoned, its purple fabric and matching shorts with knee-high socks (sporting a purple rim at the top) matching his tie and he retained his signature shoulder pack
- With Dot, despite how awkward and out of place she felt in her new duds, she wore Uva Academy's Autumn uniform as she sported a purple sleeveless jacket over a white long-sleeved shirt, matching purple pants, and black shoes
Lacey, Drayton, Crispin, Amarys, Kieran, and Carmine instead wore their regular Blueberry Academy uniforms (a choice encouraged by Clavell and Cyrano to have them represent their school on Uva Academy's grounds).
"Smeebo! Smeeboo!" Bumblebee babbled cheerfully upon Verdant's back as her group joined them.
"Good morning, Roy, Dot, everyone!" Liko greeted happily as she dismounted Serrate and noticed Dot, Lazuli, and Roy's uniforms. "Whoa, are those supposed to Uva Academy uniforms?"
"Yep! Sarah and Ortega made them specially for us!" Roy grinned.
"...Y-Yeah, this feels, a little...awkward for me since, I've never worn a skirt... But, I will admit... Well, it has a, um...a certain... I guess...charm to it once Ortega showed it to me after he finished it," Lazuli gulped bashfully, blushing about her uniform and how she looked in it while gripping her sword to calm her nerves.
"Hey, come on, kid! Why are ya selling yourself short?"
"Quit being a downer, it totally digs your look. It screams 'you' all around, suck it up and wear it with pride. You're not a little girl anymore," Sydney and Rooster encouraged bluntly while throwing supportive smiles her way (with the Circle of Twelve in the human forms and Rabbit, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Horse, Snake, and Ox all being in their early 40s):
- Rabbit, in her human form, was slender and had delicate features that embodied her agility and speed while her long and soft hair cascaded in light shades of brown and framed her face with a graceful air. Large expressive eyes hinted at her constant state of alertness and curiosity and she wore flowing garments made from fine lightweight silks that swayed with her every movement. As for her robes, they were layered in soft pastel pink and lavender hues embroidered with intricate floral and vine patterns while her dress' helms were adorned with delicate lace
- Rooster, however, was strikingly handsome in his own right, having sharp and angular features reflecting his proud and flamboyant nature with his fiery red hair styled in a way that makes him stand out, his piercing eyes never missing a detail. His outfit mainly featured a richly tailored jacket adorned with vibrant patterns resembling feathers in red, gold, and orange shades while also sporting a high collar and intricate embroidery on the cuffs. And, underneath it, he wore a silk shirt with ruffled sleeves and fitted trousers
- Dog was sturdy and reliable-looking with short and tousled hair in earthly shades of brown, giving him a more down-to-earth charm and warm amber eyes to complement them while he wore a well-fitted leather jacket in deep shades of brown, a comfortable blue cotton shirt underneath, and rugged trousers with reinforced stitching at his knees and boots
- Given her jovial and well-rounded nature, Pig had rosy cheeks and soft and wavy auburn hair, wearing luxurious garments including a long flowing velvet gown with a deep red and burnt orange coloration that sported golden embroidery trailing down its sides in swirling nature-inspired patterns. Her sleeves were wide and billowing, lined with soft plushy fur and a finely woven silk belt cinching her waist (which was also adorned with small charms)
- Despite her Western tone, Horse was tall and athletic, having long flowing chestnut hair tied back in a single ponytail so it didn't get in the way of her vision. For her outfit in her human form, she wore a heavy leather vest over a loose linen shirt in warm shades of brown that sported gold accents on the edges, a wide leather belt with an ornate buckle, and trousers made out of thick durable fabric tucked into knee-high leather boots
- Snake displayed a mysterious and elegant charm in her human form, having long silky black hair flowing down her back, a fitted gown made from the finest emerald and silver silks with a slightly plunging neckline and long sleeves tapering elegantly at her wrists which were embroidered with sparkling silver thread, and her waist cinched with a silver belt adorned with emerald jewels
- And, as for Ox, keeping to his strong and dependable nature, in his human form, he had short dark hair and a more solid muscular framework while wearing a thick woolen gray tunic reinforced by the shoulders with leather patches, He also wore a heavy dark-blue coat fastened by a bronze clasp over it, sturdy well-worn trousers, and thick but well-crafted boots
"Looks good, Lazi! YEA-A-A-A-AH!" Goat bleated happily for the swordswoman.
"It does make sense since you would need to make a first good impression on everyone in the academy as its latest student alongside Dot, Liko, and Roy. You don't want everyone to think you're a laughing stock with something less than satisfactory, do ya?" Naomi asked her.
"Of course, I don't! I...um, just hope that, uh, you know... Well...we don't go overboard with snooty formalities, that's all," Lazuli replied, still blushing as Petunia fluttered over to her and happily babbled as she rested on her right shoulder.
Dot shared similar sentiments about her uniform as she quietly muttered, "These things are so tight, is this really necessary? Since when do short-term school courses become-?"
"Uh, hey, Dot!" Liko began, finding her reclusive friend's uniform fitting for her and adorable. "Your uniform looks great on you!"
"Oh... Y-You really think so?" Dot replied, blushing at her.
"Hey, Liko, that uniform you're wearing... Isn't that a schoolgirl uniform for Indigo Academy back at Kanto?" Lacey remarked, taking note of Liko's first school uniform.
"Yep, it's been a long time since I last wore it after joining the Rising Volt Tacklers and rescuing Sarah when Amethio first captured her. But, since we're starting fresh at Uva Academy with its Terastal Course, I figured, 'Why not?'. It's also for old time's sake," Liko smiled before Terapagos popped his head out of her tote bag with a cheerful "Hi!".
"Terapagos?!" Roy blinked in surprise.
"I didn't know he was in there!" balked Amarys.
"Yeah, I had a tote bag on me back home so I decided to put him in it," Liko confirmed.
"Good idea, nobody else knows about him yet so it makes sense since we don't have any unwanted company looking for him," Dot nodded in agreement before looking at Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet. "But, Sarah, Race, what about yours? Won't they be a hassle for you two to wrangle given that they're still babies?"
"Well, given everybody in the school knows about them, especially Topaz after our, Blair, Carmine, and Kieran's little excursion to the heart of Area Zero, we figured we let them roam around along with Petunia and Astraeus. They're much better behaved so they won't give anybody trouble and Blitz, Curly, and the others can help babysit them so they don't cause any grief in the long run," Sarah reassured.
"That's a happy thought," Drayton remarked sarcastically despite seeing the logic and truth in Sarah's words.
"But, don't you think the rest of your family would stick out like sore thumbs and won't roam around the school with us given how big they were?" the young recluse continued, concerned about the rest of Sarah and Race's Pokémon and dragons that were too big to wander around the academy with them.
"We'll have them in the schoolyard just as we did last term since it's more than big enough for all of them. They'll still feel better once we're in the open for our reports and tests after the Terastal Course begins. And, we talked about giving Char, Breeze, Plume, and Serrate free rein inside the school with Clavell and he agreed, provided we make sure they don't give anybody grief by accident."
"You did make sure to use thatFidelius Bestiathing on your mythicals, dinos, Kwamis, and Diancie and her friends before coming here, didn't you?" Crispin reminded.
"She didn't forget and they're nearby. But, it's okay; Island Girl and I have them safely stored in our suitcases. Besides, I think they preferred being in them so they wouldn't want to be seen nor cause trouble unless our lives are in danger and their help is needed. Hopefully, though, it won't come to that," Race explained.
"That's true. Now, with that said, shall we get going?" Lacey nodded with a smile.
Later, after the group climbed what the other students described as "The Worst Staircase in the World", Roy stared in awe and wonder at the school before them, "Whoa...! It looks so awesome!"
Then, he turned to the others and suggested, "Hey, guys, why don't we take a photo with all of us? You know, to commemorate us coming here together!"
"Uh-! Well, um, I'd rather not if I'm honest. Selfies and photos can sometimes be a pain in the neck," Dot gulped with a reluctant sigh.
"Oh, come on, Dot. We don't get to wear school uniforms more often and everyone back at the Brave Olivine, the Dragon Craft, and Sarah, Asha, and Race's summerhouse would love to see us in them!" Liko pleaded, wanting Dot to reconsider for a moment.
Plume chirped at his rider happily and nodded in agreement, gently nudging Dot as he encouraged her to take the photo with all her friends and she sighed in defeat, "Oh, okay, one photo... Guess I can't stop any of you, can I?"
"Good choice, cool dudes and dudettes! Now, everybody, bunch up like a berry pile and watch the Pikipeks! Say, ''Gochk!" grinned Rotoscope as he took the photo while everyone smiled and echoed "Gochk!". "Picture perfect, as ever! Now, you all got a treasured first memory to show our lovelies back in our respective abodes!"
"Wow, it looks cool! We all look great!"
"Let me see, let me see!" chirped Roy and Liko as they wanted to see the photo.
"Hmph, are you done yet? Can we go, now?" Dot snorted impatiently.
"Sure thing, Dot, the photo turned out nicely. Clavell and Geeta should be waiting for us in his office," Sarah nodded, smiling at the photo.
"Right!"
"Let's go!"
"Together!" Fuecoco, Quaxly, and Floragato cheered as everyone shouted, "TO UVA ACADEMY!"
(Theme Song - Hiten (TV Size - Rurouni Kenshin (2023)) ft. AyaseR-Shitei) Pokémon Horizons Pt. 3: Terastal Debut Ver.
~Kizu ari no sasurai no mi, itami ni donkan na boku tachi~ (Wounded wanderer, we are insensitive to pain!)
~Mou sabitsuitari wa shinai, nozarashi joutou no kissaki~ (Won't rust anymore, exposed to the elements, our blades are sharp!)
Our opening to Part 3 of Liko, Roy, and Dot's journey with the Rising Volt Tacklers and the Alolan Royal Family begins as Liko and Floragato walk out of Uva Academy's gates together before the young girl greets the readers/viewers first and she's later shown holding a Pokeball as they walked along. Roy then greets the viewers/readers before he is shown walking with Fuecoco and Dot and Quaxly following suit as the young recluse greets the viewers/readers herself. After Dot greets the viewers/readers, Sarah, Race, and their family are shown with the Paldea School Gang and their Partner Pokémon
Akumade mo kankaku teki ni, tadashii to omoeta michi wo~ (Always instinctively, we've been running, deceiving ourselves)
Boku tachi wa damashi damashi hashitte kitan da, machigai no hitotsu ya futatsu wa atta~ (Along a path that seemed right to us, there may have been a mistake or two)
Our Horizons Trio, Quaxly, Floragato, and Fuecoco are seen with Galaxagus (with Lazuli on his back), Char, Serrate, Plume, Breeze, and Shadow and his fellow Night Furies flying overhead beside Mistral (who was in her Dragon Form). Next, the group was shown with their Pokémon, mythicals, dinosaurs, and dragons enjoying sandwiches by a campfire at night.
Surikomareta soutai teki na, shiawase ni kyoumi nado nai~ (Ingrained relative happiness but we have no interest in it)
Yuzurenai mono mamoru tame kono, atama wo hineru katana wo nigiru~ (To protect what we can't give up, we grasp the sword that twists our minds)
Then, the group was shown trudging through a snowstorm as Articuno flew above them and Glastrier and Glacial covered them from either side, all keeping a watchful eye for anything that could give them trouble during the frigid blizzard. As our heroes then laid down on the grass (happy over the chance to catch a break after wandering around together), we are shown various Pokémon that reside in Paldea from the nearby trees and brush including a Kingambit.
Juujiro de kousa, kinou no you da, kioku no oku de me wo samasu douran~ (Intersecting at the crossroads, it feels like yesterday, disturbances awaken in the depths of memory)
Itomo kantan, miiraresou da, makka na ame ga kanaderu chinkonka~ (So easily, it could enchant us, a requiem played by the crimson rain)
A singalong shot features Ann and Nemona on the bench closest to the camera with Liko, Sarah, and Kieran directly behind them in the middle, Dot, Penny, and Race on the left, and Roy and Carmine on the right with Ann's evolved Dewott, Kieran's Hydrapple, Carmine's Mightyena, and Pawmot jumping and cheering to the beat first and Floragato, Quaxly, Blitz, Bella, and Fuecoco doing the same afterward. Soon after, we are greeted by good ol' Captain Pikachu, Friede, and the unconventional professor's Charizard as they smirk at the viewers/readers.
Hakanaku chiru mouja temaneiteru monban, mi no uchi kara yakitsukusu gouka~ (The fleeting undead beckon as the inferno consumes from within)
Jigoku darou ga, tengoku darou ga, miteru mae saki wo isogou ka~ (Whether it's hell or whether it's heaven, should we hurry ahead before our eyes?)
Amid a sunset or sunrise before them, Sarah, Race, their Pokemon, dragons, dinosaurs, and mythicals, joined by Diancie and her friends, Lazuli, Breeze, Galaxagus, Pantherra, Dragonite, Honchcrow, Timburr, Delight, Woobat, Gengar, Mismagius, Roggenrola, Lacey, Granbull, Drayton, Flygon, Crispin, Taloneflame, Metagross, Amarys, Incinearoar, Kieran, Mightyena, Carmine, Liko, Floragato, Serrate, Roy, Char, Fuecoco, Dot, Plume, and Quaxly braced themselves, ready for what lies ahead of them.
Kizu mamire nan da tokku ni, kasabuta mou ichido hagashi~ (Covered in scars long ago, peeling off scabs once again!)
Hiten takaku tobitatsu tame ni~ (To soar high into the sky!)
We are then shown Sidian, Coral, Garganacl, and Glalie as the two Explorers are in disguise, going incognito for a supposed mission of espionage for their comrades, Hamber, and Gibeon by secretly learning about the Terastal Phenomenon.
Tatoe kyou ga kusatta hi demo, asu ga motto owatteitemo~ (Even if today is a rotten day, even if tomorrow is even worse)
Returning to Dot, Liko, and Roy, they unleash the power of their newly-gained Tera Orbs amidst three Tera symbols glowing in their respective colors and Tera Crystals appearing after. Through the power of Terastallization, Floragato, Fuecoco, and Quaxly Terastallize, thus becoming a Tera Grass Type, a Tera Fire Type, and a Tera Water Type respectively.
Hitori kurai wa konna no demo, aishite kureru to honki de shinjiteru ze~ (I truly believe that at least one person will love me, even in this state)
Amid the approving stares of Jacq, Clavell, Geeta, and Dendr and a nonchalant stare from a disguised Chalce, Liko, Roy, Dot, and their partners run across a field to join their friends and face the challenges the Terastal Course provided for them as we're shown transitions of Paldea's Gym Leaders, the Paldea Elite Four, and their respective Partner Pokémon they would formally meet throughout the course: Katy and Teddiursa, Brassius and Sudowoodo, Iono and Bellibolt, Kofu and Wugtrio, Tulip and Espathra, Ryme and Houndstone, Grusha and Cetitan, Larry and Staraptor and Flamigo, Hassel and Baxcalibur, Poppy and Tinkie, and Rika and Clodsire.
Aa itsuka itsu no hi ni ka, doro no naka ni saite kumo no ue de chiru no sa~ (Ah, someday, somehow, blooming in the mud, scattering in the clouds)
Liko is then shown preparing to eat a sandwich she prepared only for Floragato to jump in and cheekily snatch it from her. Then, we see one of her eyes as it crystalizes as if Terastallization or something else dazzles and amazes her.
Aa baka mitai na hibi wo, ikinuite miseru no sa~ (Ah, those foolish days, I'll show you that I can survive them)
Finally, we see the heroes on a hill overlooking a stunning view as Lucius' Moltres and Rayquaza (with Marena riding on the latter's back again) soar overhead into the heavens before the opening closes with multiple Pokeballs thrown in the air before they become the new main titles and Cap, Blitz, Rosie, Chili, and Crest appear and wink at the viewers/readers, smirking together.
The Trials of Sarah - Pokemon Horizons Pt. 3: Terastal Debut
"Good morning, Mr. Clavell!" the heroes greeted as they arrived at Clavell's office and greeted the headmaster himself and Geeta who waited for them to arrive so they could begin Liko, Roy, Lazuli, Dot, and the Blueberry students' formal introduction to the Terastal Course.
"Good morning to you, too, children. As most of you know, my name is Clavell and I'm the headmaster of Uva Academy. And, for those who don't, this woman is our head of the Board of Directors and manager of the Paldea League," Clavell smiled as he and Geeta began the Terastal Course introduction.
"My name is Geeta, we humbly welcome you, our new students, to Uva Academy. And, for our returnees, we're honored to have you with us again this term," Geeta greeted in kind, bowing to the new and exchange students and returnees.
"Now, for those of you who are unaware, allow us to walk you through our Terastal Course and what you can experience from it," Clavell offered as he and Geeta played a course overview on the television to give Dot, Roy, Liko, Lazuli, and the Blueberry Academy students a glimpse of what they'll be learning as students of Uva Academy's Terastal Course. "One of the numerous Battle Studies programs offered here at Uva Academy features a specialized Terastal-only curriculum. To fully understand our region's unique Terastal Phenomenon, trainers from around the world come here to attend the Terastal Course."
"Terastallization is a special phenomenon in which Pokémon in battle can shine and sparkle like jewels, offering them a power and strength that can only be matched by Alola's Z-Moves, Galar's Dynamax Phenomenon, and Kalos and Hoenn's Mega Evolution," continued Geeta, showing the new/exchange students a Jigglypuff as a Tera Water Type and a Fletchling as a Tera Fire Type after Terastallization.
"They all look so cool!" Roy gushed as he, Dot, and Liko stared in awe.
"After Terastallizing, not only do these Pokémon gain these types of powers matched by Z-Moves, Mega Evolution, and the Dynamax Phenomenon, but they also change types depending on the moves they use in their move sets. Scientists and researchers in the region theorized that this phenomenon may be related to the Terastal Energy emanating from beneath the region and the heart of an abandoned research facility called Area Zero from the Great Crater of Paldea."
"Wait a minute, I've seen some of that Terastal Energy from my house!"
"There was also some I've noticed one time a few feet from the kid and her hubby and sister's summerhouse," Liko and Lazuli noted.
Geeta nodded as she continued with the overview, "However, despite what we've recently uncovered, we have many different facets of the Terastal Phenomenon that are yet to be understood. These lingering mysteries are the subject of an ongoing research effort by an elite team of our nation's top Pokémon Professors."
"Incredible..."
"It's still amazing every time we hear of it," Dot and Kieran remarked in fascination with Carmine and their friends smiling and nodding in agreement as Geeta completed the overview and presented a new pack of Tera Orbs for the Blueberry Academy students, Dot, Liko, Roy, and Lazuli.
"Trainers attending and who completed the Terastal Course can demonstrate this phenomenon with their Pokémon and their strong bonds with them. And, these objects, known as Tera Orbs, are the keys needed to help them achieve such a feat. The only caveat to them is that only trainers permitted to do so by Paldea can make the most out of these precious tools when they and their Pokémon really need them. Now, then... These Tera Orbs I give to you as you begin the Terastal Course; as Young Sarah, Race, and Asha have done before you when they were given their orbs, please make good use of them."
"Yes, M'am!" Liko, Roy, Dot, Lazuli, and the Blueberry Students agreed as they took up their respective Tera Orbs (with Lazuli planning to give her old Tera Orb from Hamber to her parents as she wanted to start fresh with her new Tera Orb).
"Oh, yes, Liko, Roy, Dot, Lazuli, I forgot to ask if any of you were previously curious about the phenomenon and the Terastal Course. Headmaster Cyrano from the Blueberry Academy informed us why Carmine, Kieran, and their friends were interested in Terastallization when we walked through the exchange student program with them and finalized everything on their end. But, do each of you have any specific reasons why you and your Pokémon want the power of Terastallization?" Clavell asked the three young trainers and the swordswoman, curious as to why they wanted to Terastallize (especially the latter since she already had a Tera Orb on her).
"Well, Sir, a friend of ours, Sarah's human advisor from Dragonstone Island... She has a special Pokémon on her that's really strong and Fuecoco and I want to learn how to Terastallize so we can prove ourselves to him that we are a great team against him!" Roy answered.
"Me; there is a special place I'm looking for with Floragato, our friends, and a very special Pokémon with us. I think it's something we should all have a chance to see!" Liko replied, subtly alluding to Laqua and Lucius' Terapagos friend.
"As for me... I...want to discover...all of the mysteries surrounding the world's Pokémon and the answers to them," Dot continued, recalling her interest in the extraordinary including all the things she doesn't know about Pokémon yet.
Lazuli thought back to when she first got her original Tera Orb from Hamber and everything she went through before and after breaking from the Explorers before she told Clavell, "...I've had a hard life growing up, going through childhood trauma and being a pawn of the Explorers for whatever it was they were planning. I've committed so many wrongs during my time with them and I don't know what I'm supposed to do after my time with them ended by my hand. But, ever since I met my friends and started traveling with them, I've been doing so much to help as many people and Pokémon as I possibly could to atone for all the sins I've committed. I want to start off fresh from this point forward; I want to start all over again with a clean slate and right the wrongs I made to ensure a better tomorrow for everyone!"
That was all Geeta and Clavell needed to hear and they smiled, nodding their approval as the headmaster explained what they and their classmates must do to pass, "Mm-hmm, that's good, all of you. As for the Terastal Course, its curriculum is simple but difficult to master unless you keep an open mind and heart to the wonders and challenges it has to offer. First, we'll have you learn about and understand Terastallization and its inner details. Then, you will all travel across the region to meet and battle its Paldea League Gym Leaders for your Basics, Implementation, and/or Advanced Tests, each test specifically designed to help you demonstrate your understanding of what you and your Pokémon must do to shine at your brightest through the Terastal Phenomenon."
Everyone gasped in awe before Clavell instructed, "Right. With that said, please report to your classrooms. Our student council president and Champion-Rank Trainer will-"
"Excuse us!" called a voice before Nemona, Penny, and Arven joined by Mabosstiff, Pawmot, and Penny's Sylveon stepped through the door.
"Hey! Liko, Roy, everyone!" the Champion-Rank Trainer grinned as she, Penny, Arven, and their Partner Pokémon joined the heroes.
"Hey, Little Buddy, guys! How've you been?" Arven chuckled at Sarah and the others.
"Arven, Nemona, Penny!"
"Good to see you again!" Roy and Liko replied, excited to see their three school friends again.
"Hmm, if I have to guess, you two are doing the Terastal Course Little Buddy, Race, and Asha took last year?" the Pokémon Cook grinned knowingly as he crossed his arms at the pair.
"Yep!" Roy confirmed with a determined nod.
"What a turn of fortune! Mm-hmm, by the looks of things and your partners and with our friends from Blueberry Academy joining us as exchange students, the work you've been doing since our scuffle with Rayquaza is bearing fruit," Nemona continued, impressed.
"Oh, yeah! Good to see you, Pawmot! How've you been?" Roy beamed at Pawmot.
"Terastal tubular, man!" Pawmot chirped happily in reply.
"We've been preparing for the new and exchange students coming to the school to attend our programs including the Terastal Course and we've been busy giving them a crash course of what they can learn during their time here," Penny added with a smile.
"It's been a whole lot of fun!" smiled her Sylveon.
"Mr. Clavell, we're pleased to announce that a sizable number of these exchange students and new applicants will be joining us from other schools including Indigo Academy," Arven announced.
"They'll be ready once they've been sent to their classrooms," Mabosstiff nodded in agreement.
"Good job, all of you. We'll have their teachers meet them and their fellow students soon," Clavell smiled.
"N-N-Nemo... In the flesh, i-i-it, Champion-Rank Trainer...? How did I not realize that...?!" Dot stuttered in surprise as she recalled the tippet about a Champion-Rank Trainer from Clavell.
"It's good to see you again, too, Dot. I hope you haven't been missing out on a little bit of fun battling," Nemona grinned at Dot, startling her.
"Y-Yeah, o-o-of, course not, heh..."
"And, we got good news for all of you; your student registrations are all in order," Penny continued proudly before she whispered to the group, "Thankfully, there was also no suspicious activity or illegal information from the Explorers as of late thanks to our new and improved software."
"Thanks a lot, Penny! Oh, yeah! I just noticed, where are your friends?" Liko asked the Team Star Leader.
"They're at their Team Star Training Centers and they were doing great; we've worked with Clavell and the rest of the faculty to turn them into official academy training centers for the Paldea League so they're open to all students including you if you want to train with them."
"That's great, thank you!"
"Oh, right! I almost forgot; Roy, I hope you haven't forgotten our promise throughout our time together before you and your friends came here, right? We'll have a straight-on battle between us after you and Fuecoco upped your game and you're ready to duel!" Nemona told Roy.
"Yeah! How could I forget? I've been looking forward to it since we first met and saw you battle at Artazon months ago!" the young adventurer beamed much to Nemona's delight.
"That's the way, I hope you're ready to shine! Now, let's get this party started!" Nemona cheered until she was interrupted by Clavell clearing his throat, hoping she hadn't forgotten why she, Arven, and Penny initially came.
"Excuse me, Nemona, I don't mean to interrupt nor make you back out on your and Roy's promise. But, as the school's student council president and our Champion-Rank Trainer, would you along with Penny and Arven mind showing our new and exchange students around the school first?" he reminded her.
"Ack! Of course, sorry, how silly of me," Nemona faltered as everyone else sheepishly smiled while Penny and Arven sighed at her.
With that, Nemona, Penny, and Arven showed everyone around the school (with Sarah, Asha, Race, and their family tagging along to help with the tour and reminisce about their first semester when they first took the Terastal Course). They showed the new and exchange students all of the areas where their fellow students and Pokémon would be learning about, speaking with their fellow students, consulting with the faculty, and relaxing throughout their duration in the Terastal Course until their tests including its classrooms, the art room, the lobby, and the library (something which baffled Tsukuarmo greatly as he discovered that it took up nearly two floors at the entrance hall).
"Uva Academy is a historical school and one of the oldest, all sorts of trainers-kids and adults alike-can learn a variety of topics in this facility, most of them involving Pokémon. And, with our friends from Blueberry Academy, Uva Academy is its sister school. With the Pokémon courses including the Terastal Course, you can learn everything you need to be a Pokémon Trainer here," Nemona explained as she, Penny, and Arven showed the group around.
"Everything!"
"With a touch of hands-on fun!"
"From your first Pokémon and the basics to advanced studies and the Paldea League, it's all here," Pawmot, Penny's Sylveon, and Mabosstiff concurred happily.
"Wow, look at all the Pokémon in this place; this is sort of like the Pokémon School Sarah, Race, Asha, and their old friends attended in Alola. Everyone seemed to be having so much fun!" Liko mused with delight, seeing the students take their courses with their Pokémon beside them while having fun until the group met with Hassel and Rika.
"Good morning, Hassel," Sarah greeted Hassel.
"Rika," Race and Asha added as they bowed politely to the Elite Four member.
"Ah, good morning, Sarah, Race, Asha! And, you too, Nemona, Penny, Arven, I see your friends are our new and exchange students for the Terastal Course, eh?" Hassel smiled.
He then turned his attention to Liko, Roy, Dot, and the Blueberry Academy students, formally introducing himself, "As you all know, my name is Hassel and I am your art teacher for Uva Academy."
"Hi, ya'll! Rika here! Hope you're ready and pumping!" Rika greeted jovially much to Hassel's annoyance.
"And, there you go again, goodness me, Rika..."
"Roy, Liko, I can't believe it...! Do you realize whom we've been meeting as of late?" Dot gulped quietly to her friends in shocked realization once it sank in.
"Uh, I don't know... Why'd you ask?" Roy whispered back curiously as he and Liko looked at her.
"Those two aren't ordinary faculty staff, they're both part of the Paldea League's Elite Four!" she replied hastily, surprising the pair as they stared at Hassel and Rika in astonishment.
Then, Rika noticed Liko's Indigo Academy uniform and smiled as she asked the young girl, "Oh, I recognize that setup. You must be an Indigo Academy student from the Kanto Region, am I right?"
"Eh?! O-Oh, right, yes, Ms. Rika! You may know me already but... My name's Liko!" Liko jumped, bowing politely to the Elite Four member speaking to her and trying not to falter in front of her.
"I've heard many an interesting tale that star trainers who could hold their own at the Pokémon League including the Indigo League Conference years ago are gatherin' here..."
"Uh-wait! For real?! Not at all, no! I-I, I'm...still new to this sort of thing!"
Rika continued to smile as she went off to teach her class and encouraged Liko, "Anyway, despite that, kiddo, you're doing a big favor by representing your academy here. Give it all you got, okay?"
That tippet of information surprised Liko; despite not being the best trainer in Indigo Academy, she was technically representing her school by being an exchange student. While it does put some pressure on her, she quickly realized that it was an honor not to be taken lightly given what she was in for as part of her ongoing studies.
"Representing...? I've never even thought of that before... But, if that's so... Yeah, she's right!" Liko mused until she smiled and promised Rika, "I'll do my best for you!"
"A representative, eh? Well, that's something getting me fired up!" Nemona grinned as she turned to Roy again. "And, you know what that means, right, Roy? ...A battle!"
"Yeah, let's do it!" Roy replied heartily only for the school bell to ring, telling everyone it was time for them to begin their classes.
Hassel chuckled knowingly, "Well, everyone, it's time for class. I wish you the very best of luck this term."
"Ack! Oh, not again..." Nemona whined as she and Roy faltered, knowing they lost their chance for a proper battle again.
Moments later, after showing Liko, Roy, Dot, and their Blueberry Academy friends to the classroom of their homeroom teacher, Dendra (the school's battle studies teacher) and Arven and Penny left for their respective classes, Sarah, Race, Nemona, and Asha went to the classroom headed by their homeroom teacher and biology teacher: Jacq.
"Ah, Sarah, Nemona, Asha, Race, good morning. It's wonderful to have you back in school again," he smiled at the quartet before he addressed his entire class (composed of a sizable group of new, exchange, and returning students joining them for their respective course classes). "Ahem, now then... Good morning, students!"
"Good morning, Professor!" the students, Nemona, Asha, Race, and Sarah greeted.
"Welcome to Uva Academy, my name is Jacq and I will be your biology teacher. As part of your respective battle studies programs including the Terastal Course, you will learn about topics such as how Pokémon interact and battle with one another and ecologically similar Pokémon or as we would call them, Convergent Pokémon. While a strong bond between trainer and Pokémon is key to Terastallization, other factors could affect this process and Pokémon in general-stuff you must remember as Pokemon Trainers. Now, then, shall we begin?"
45 minutes later, Jacq's class was over, and Sarah, Asha, Race, and Nemona joined him to meet up with their friends and Dendra. The two teachers also had to give them their secondary assignments (i.e. research papers) in between their Basic, Implementation, and/or Advanced tests to help them further understand Pokémon in general and how their research could impact them, their Pokémon, and their ability to Terastallize.
They soon arrived at Dendra's classroom but when they entered, they discovered that it was empty and realized they were at the schoolyard already.
"Oh boy, here we go again."
"The schoolyard?"
"She never sits still when it comes to battle studies."
"That's our Dendra," Jacq, Asha, Race, and Sarah sighed with sheepish smiles, knowing what Dendra was like.
"Well, I'll be at my next class but I promise to see you battle once you meet the rest of the new and exchange students. Good luck, guys!" Nemona grinned as she headed off for her next class.
"See ya," Sarah nodded as she, Asha, and Race went with Jacq to the schoolyard.
True to their suspicions, they found Dendra and her Hariyama in the schoolyard, giving Liko, Roy, and Dot along with Carmine, Kieran, and their friends a battle studies overview and exercise rundown. For their Terastal Courses tests, she explained that they would each be assigned a Paldea Gym Leader to learn from and battle with (specifically, whichever gym leader matches their respective aptitudes). Their training sessions with them can be on the Basics and Implementation difficulties, and as a crucial rule of thumb, they must not Terastal Battle with their fellow students during their training.
"There you are! I had a feeling you'd be here, Dendra!" the biology teacher smiled as the quartet approached the group after they had completed their morning exercises. "You weren't in your classroom when we went to see you so we decided to swing by."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Jacq... I simply couldn't sit still," Dendra smiled sheepishly.
"It figures," Sarah replied, snickering.
"Good morning, Mr. Jacq," Liko greeted kindly as she and Dot picked themselves up.
"Good morning, Liko, kids. As you know, I'm Uva Academy's biology teacher. Since you're officially students for the school's Terastal Course, I'll send you the school's app with all of the info on your curriculum you will need to know during your time with us," Jacq replied as he sent the Uva Academy app to Liko, Roy, Dot, Carmine, Kieran, Lacey, Crispin, Amarys, and Drayton's Rotom Phones.
"While you're with us, I encourage you to meet with and interact with our region's wild Pokémon as much as possible. I'll ask you all to do written and media reports on them along the way as part of the course so please be sure to save any videos and photos you take of them and their behaviors, activities, and relationships for them. Now, with that said, I'll leave you all for the upcoming battle introductions with the other students. Do your best out there!"
Then, Jacq took his leave to prepare for his next class with another group of students while Dendra smiled and told her students, "Osu! Now that you have the app, open it and find out which gym leader you will each be assigned to!"
"It's Larry for Amarys and I in Medali City for us and our Basics test, who did you guys get for yours?" Crispin noted as he saw the gym leader he and Amarys were assigned to based on their current skill sets.
"Sis and I have Ms. Tulip in Alfornada."
"Drayton and I; we got Kofu over at Cascarrafa," replied Kieran and Lacey.
"As for Lazuli and I, we've both been assigned to Ms. Katy in Cortondo Town."
"Gee, who would've guessed that? But, I wonder what she's like when she battles..." said Liko and Lazuli as they were assigned the Cortondo Town Gym Leader for their Basics tests.
"I'll be having my Basics test in Artazon Town... Yes! I got Brassius for mine!" Roy cheered excitedly, eager to see Brassius again.
"What about you, Dot?" Carmine asked the young recluse.
"...Levincia," she grimaced, her horror and dismay apparent for all to see.
"Levincia City...? Oh, then you must've gotten Iono for your Basics test! You are a big fan of her and inspired by her work with what you're doing so that makes sense!" Drayton realized, smiling happily at her.
"She's gonna make a big deal out of this test once she finds out we're coming!" Lacey added, grinning in agreement.
"You've got to be kidding me..."
"Osu! That's all for this lesson, everybody, let's segway our way back to the classroom!"
"Right!" Liko, Roy, Dot, Lazuli, and the Blueberry Academy students agreed and they followed Dendra and Hariyama back to their classroom just as a familiar Indigo Academy student and eight kids from Alola and Kanto passed by until they caught sight of the heroes.
"Liko?! No way, you're here!"
"Hey! Hey, Sarah, Race! Asha!"
"Hey, yeah! Hi, guys!"
"Sarah!"
"ALOLA SURPRISE!"
The heroes, Dendra, and their Partner Pokémon were surprised but Sarah, her family, and Liko were shocked to see who greeted them as the two friends cried, "Ann!?"
"HUH? Hau, Ash, Gladion, guys?!"
Moments later, the group sat down together as the Pokémon School Gang, Gladion, and Ash told the heroes why they and Hau decided to come to Uva Academy and how they met up with Ann before seeing them again.
"I can't believe you guys accepted the offer to sign up for the Terastal Course days after you decided to continue your own dreams. I expected that turnaround but I'm even more surprised that Kukui, Principal Oak, Lusamine, and Olivia allowed you to go through with it in days," Sarah told her old friends, smiling in surprise at them and their choice to come to Uva Academy.
"Well, Olivia did tell Ash and I before we graduated that seeing more of the world can broaden our perspectives. And, what's more, I couldn't resist wanting Turtonator, Pyroar, and I to try out Terastallization so she allowed me to take the course as part of my Kahuna training," Kiawe smiled back.
"Yeah, you remember how fascinated I was with Paldea's food, right? I'm taking the Terastal Course to broaden my culinary horizons and bring back what I've learned about its dishes to my family and everyone else at home. I want to make them part of our restaurant and my own but with a signature Alolan twist. Dad and Ulu can handle the restaurant while Tsareena, Shaymin, and I are here," Mallow replied happily with Tsareena and Shaymin nodding in agreement (with Shaymin and Seth taking a moment to get together again).
"If I could learn Terastallization, Primarina, Sandy, and I would shine out in the open seas as we and Dad uncover the mysteries of our world's Water Pokémon including Manaphy," Lana continued with a determined smile.
"I've always wondered what could happen if I could Terastal Battle in Outer Space as a Pokémon Astronaut so Mom, Dad, Molayne, and Kukui agreed I should come along to attend the course. It could also help me face my fear of the dark," Sophocles added.
"Mother and Father were amazed by what they heard when I told them about the academy and the Terastal Course and Gladion was just as interested to find out what the phenomenon was like. So, they allowed us to join the others as part of Uva Academy's exchange student program for the course," Lillie concurred while Gladion gave a soft smile, agreeing with his sister.
"And, Professor Cerise was interested to know more about the Terastal Phenomenon so he agreed to have me and Pikachu join you all while Goh was helping Project Mew. I also thought it could help me and my Pokémon become even stronger and push through the Master Class in the World Coronation Series!"
"Without a doubt! And, we're still your bodyguards in case you still need our help!" Ash and Pikachu said eagerly.
"I thought as much," Sarah sighed with a smile before she turned to Hau, "So, you're here for the Terastal Course, too, Hau?"
"You bet and I've completed my Island Challenge and the Grand Trials that came with it; Nanu's Grand Trial was tricky by Decidueye and I pulled through, Gramps had never been so proud when he saw us pass. He told us recently that you guys were with your new friends attending Uva Academy as you're part of the Terastal Course, so when Kukui mentioned it to him, he wanted to send me here to learn about the Terastal Phenomenon. I was so inspired when I found out what it was all about so I begged him to sign me up as a student for it with the others so Decidueye and I can become stronger!" Hau grinned broadly as he showed her his Z-Ring and Grassium Z as they glistened in the sunlight.
"Gramps?" puzzled Roy as he, Ann, Liko, and Roy turned their attention to the former rivals.
"Oh, right! Dot, Roy, Liko, Ann, this is Hau; he's the grandson of Alola's Kahuna of Melemele Island, Hala. We met over a year ago before the Alola League kicked in and Aqua and I defeated him and his partner, Decidueye, in the second half of the quarterfinals when we battled."
"No way!"
"Are you serious?!" Roy and Liko balked in amazement while Dot stared in surprised awe.
Hau and his Decidueye smiled at them as they greeted the trio, "That's right, Sarah's told me all about you in her letters and her friends also had nothing but nice things to say about you. It's nice to meet you and this is my number one partner: Decidueye."
"How do you do?"
"Wow! Nice to meet you, Hau! I'm Roy and that's my partner: Fuecoco!"
"Hi!" Fuecoco grinned in greeting as he, Ann's evolved partner: Dewott, Florgatato, and Quaxly played together.
"Yeah! Um, I'm Liko, this is my partner: Floragato, and my classmate from Indigo Academy: Ann."
"Nice to meet you," Floragato nodded as she saw Hau and Decidueye.
Ann nodded in agreement as she smiled at Hala's grandson, "That's right! I'm Ann and my partner playing over there is my Dewott."
"Yo, what's up?" cheered Dewott with a determined grin.
"Umm... Yeah, I-I'm Dot, my partner with Floragato, Dewott, and Fuecoco...is Quaxly," Dot added, introducing herself and Quaxly.
"What's up, Doc?" Quaxly smiled at the pair as he whip-brushed his hair tuff.
"So, Liko and I take it you're also here for the Terastal Course as an exchange student, Ann?" Sarah asked her, Liko, and Race's old friend from Indigo Academy.
"You got it, I'm amongst one of the students chosen to transfer here for a term, especially the Terastal Course. Are you and Race taking it, you two?" Ann confirmed to her friends.
"Yeah, and we're taking it with Sarah's sister, Asha, Roy, Dot, and our friends from the academy's sister school, Blueberry Academy," Liko smiled back and introduced Ann to everyone in her new class. "Let me introduce you; this girl is Ann and she is my classmate at Indigo Academy while Sarah and Race were there with us as guest speakers."
"Hey, Ann, I'm Roy! Liko, Sarah, and Race told me so much about you!"
"I'm Dot... How do you do?" Roy and Dot greeted Liko's happy-go-lucky classmate.
"Oh, hello, Ann! My name's Carmine and this here is my little brother, Kieran. We come from Kitakami City."
"Hey, there."
"I'm Drayton."
"Amarys is the name."
"My name's Crispin."
"And, I'm Lacey, welcome to Uva Academy," the Blueberry Academy students greeted.
"...Lazuli," Lazuli simply replied as she looked at Ann.
"Nice to meet you, too, everyone! I'm Ann, Liko, Race, and Sarah's BFF (Best Friend Forever) from Indigo Academy!" Ann replied cheerfully, giving them a wink before everybody returned their attention to their Pokémon playing with one another.
"So, if he's Dewott now, I'm guessing Oshawott recently evolved, right?" Liko asked Ann.
"Yeah, and so has Sprigatito! I could hardly recognize her now that she's a Floragato!"
"I guess you could say we've both grown while we were away."
"Mm-hmm. Oh, yeah! Hey, Liko, there's something I've always wanted to do should we meet each other again!"
Liko could only smile and blush at her old classmate as she knowingly replied, "Hmm, are you saying that we should...?"
"Of course, have a battle! You know, to commemorate our reunion and us and our friends taking the Terastal Course together!And, to see how much we and our partners have changed, too!" Ann winked in confirmation.
A little later, the heroes gathered on one of the stadium battlefields with several other students stopping by to watch the reunion battle between Liko & Floragato and Ann & Dewott with Dendra standing in as referee. Sarah and Race were also intrigued to discover how much the girls had grown during their time apart as they, Chili, Rosie, Crest, Koraidon, Miraidon, Serpent, and Athiusa joined the battle studies teacher in the middle of the field, anticipating what they would dish out coming into the Terastal Course.
"This battle between you two will celebrate your reunion and introduction to Uva Academy and the Terastal Course! Liko, Ann, are your bodies, minds, and souls ready?" Dendra announced to the two girls.
"Yes!" they replied as Floragato and Dewott took their respective places on the field.
Immediately, Liko recalled her and Ann's first battle back when they were Sprigatito and Oshawott and how she and her partner got off to a rocky start after they lost, musing, "It's been so long since Ann and I first battled... That day, I'd only just started my journey as a trainer with Floragato as my partner when she was a Sprigatito; we battled her and Dewott when he was an Oshawott and lost. It still stung but we learned so much since then..."
"Come on, you guys! You got this!"
"Give it all you got, Ann, Liko!"
"Good luck!" Roy, Kiawe, and Ash shouted as Fuecoco and Pikachu cheered for the two girls and everyone else watched (all while Terapagos poked his head out of his tote bag before he noticed Liko and Floragato preparing to battle their old friends which startled Snivy, Sarah's Oshawott, and Tepig as they came at him).
"Now, you two, it's time for you and your Partner Pokemon to get each other's hearts pumping in this reunion battle! Battle, begin!" Dendra signaled, beginning Liko and Ann's reunion battle.
"Let's go, Floragato! Use Magical Leaf!" Liko began as she made the first move.
"Right! Time to blow away, Dewott!" Floagato nodded, sending a Magical Leaf attack towards Dewott.
"Dewott, it's time for your Water Pulse!" Ann grinned in response.
"Let's get wet!" agreed Dewott as he fired Water Pulse and countered Floragato's Magical Leaf, causing them to cancel each other out.
Everyone watching the battle cheered as they saw how evenly matched they, Ann, and Liko were from the get-go.
"You two have gotten stronger, Liko!" Ann congratulated her old friend before she and Dewott made the next attack. "Okay, Dewott, slice and dice Floragato with Razor Shell!"
"Yes, Ann!" Dewott concurred, displaying his swordsmanship as he came up Floragato and tried to hit her up close (forcing her to dodge his blows and stay within his range while he caught up with her so she couldn't escape from him).
"Be careful, Floragato! Get away from him, quickly!" Liko warned, allowing her partner to dodge Dewott by jumping over and returning to their side of the field (prompting him to come at her with Razor Shell again). "Dewott's fast but we're even faster! Floragato, match him with Quick Attack!"
"Got it!" Floragato nodded, using her Quick Attack to try a frontal assault on Dewott.
"Dewott, give her a taste of your scallops, boomerang style!" Ann smirked, undeterred by Floragato's charge.
"Comin' right up, ha! HYAH!"
Dewott then threw his scallops like boomerangs and they seemed to have missed Floragato as she rammed him hard much to Liko's delight. But, at that moment, one of his scallops whirled around and hit Liko's evolved Grass Cat Pokémon from behind (making her let out a painful "AUGH!" and leave her with a nasty bruise on her back).
"Gotcha," he hissed.
"No use trying to fight if you let your guard down! Now, use your new Aerial Ace attack!"
"You're toast, Floragato! HA! HAAAA!" the Discipline Pokémon boomed as he unleashed his Flying Type move and proceeded to pound Floragato several times (dealing her a ton of damage given how weak she was to Flying Type moves).
"Floragato/Oh, no!" gasped Ash and Pikachu in shock.
"Oh, man!"
"He's not letting up!" Togedemaru and Vikavolt gawked in bewilderment at Dewott's speed and precision as he pounded Liko's partner.
"No!"
"Man, that was harsh!"
"No kiddin', my mind's going numb just by watching Ann's Dewott whomp Floragato as he did!" gulped Snowy, Sandy, and Turtonator in surprise, wincing as they saw Dewott deliver an Aerial Ace haymaker onto Floragato again.
"Oh, my... That Aerial Ace is super effective against a Pokémon like Floragato, Rika," Poppy (the youngest and most innocent of Paldea's Elite Four) gasped in fascination as she, Larry, Hassel, and Penny came to witness Liko and Ann's reunion battle.
"That's right; Ann had something up her sleeve to counter Dewott's weakness to Grass Types. But, by the looks of it, they're just getting started," Rika replied, grinning at the battle before them.
"Those two girls... They wouldn't happen to be Indigo Academy students, are they, Hassel?" Larry quizzed Hassel who nodded in confirmation.
"You can feel their fighting spirits in this battle between friends," the art teacher smiled.
"Are you alright, Floragato?" Liko called as she watched Floragato get back on her hind paws.
"Ngh, I'm fine, Liko! Keep going!" the spunky Grass Cat Pokémon reassured as she returned to her battle stance.
"Okay!"
Looking at Ann and Dewott and thinking over how well they performed throughout their battle, Liko mused,"Still, I have to do something about Dewott's attacks. But, he'll strike her down at any moment as long as he has his scallops, especially with that surprise boomerang tactic..."
Amazingly, after recalling his scalchops (and seeing that he only had one on him left), Liko suddenly had a brainstorm and decided to make a gamble based on what she realized, "Hey, that's it! Come on, Floragato, use your bud to stop Dewott in his tracks!"
"Roger, partner!" Floragato agreed, taking her bud and launching it at Dewott while putting her full trust in Liko and her plan to regain control of the battle.
"Nice try but we're on to you! Dewott, Detect!" Ann smirked again, allowing her partner to foresee her assault. "Finish it with Razor Shell!"
Dewott readied his remaining scalchop as he prepared to draw it from his left thigh but seeing her chance, Floragato manipulated her bud's vine and pulled it back, knocking it out of his right paw and leaving him completely unarmed.
"No way!" gasped the Discipline Pokémon, completely baffled by what happened.
"This is it! Floragato, end it with Magical Leaf, full power!" Liko signaled, allowing Floragato to strike at Dewott with Magical Leaf and full chat and clinch the battle (getting a perfect direct hit on her old rival and friend as he was knocked back hard and had swirls over his eyes).
Dewott groaned in defeat as Dendra witnessed and announced the results, "Dewott is unable to battle! The winners of this reunion battle are Liko and Floragato!"
Everyone cheered loudly as they congratulated Liko and Floragato for winning the battle and Ann and Dewott for putting up an amazing fight.
"Wow, what an amazing battle!"
"Liko and Floragato did it!" Roy and Liko cried excitedly on the heroes' behalf.
"Yeah, it just goes to show how much those two trust each other and how deep their bond was," agreed an impressed Dot.
Despite feeling disappointed about losing the battle, Ann couldn't help but feel proud of herself and Dewott as she returned him to his Pokeball, "Thanks so much, Dewott. Take a good long rest, now."
"We, won...?" Liko breathed until she excitedly went to her partner, "Ha-ha, Floragato!"
"No biggie, girl," Floragato replied proudly given what they did together.
"Hey, Liko!" Ann called as she joined the pair and smiled over their battle, "I know I'm a little bummed about us losing this time... But, it was so much fun that I didn't care! Let's battle again sometime. The next time we do, however, Dewott and I will be ready for you and Floragato!"
Liko nodded, sharing her smile as she promised her classmate, "Yeah, we'll get stronger in the meantime, too. And, we'll show you what we've learned when we see each other again. Right, Floragato?"
"Promise," Floragato concurred, sharing their promise.
Even the Paldean Elite Four couldn't help but be impressed as Geeta joined them and Penny and proudly remarked, "Now, that was a Pokémon battle worth witnessing."
"You read my mind," grinned Rika in agreement.
"Connecting with other schools including Kanto's Indigo Academy and Principal Oak's Pokémon School in Alola and its students will greatly help our school flourish, too."
"And, it'll be a big help to find more people to join the Paldea League and refine it further, no doubt. Always as shrewd and deep within insight as ever, ain't cha, Geeta?"
Just then, Nemona arrived after hearing about Liko and Ann's reunion battle (but sadly missed it as she arrived late), hoping to finally have her chance for her and Roy to have their battle. Unfortunately for her, the bell rang again before she could ask Geeta about what had happened, making her remember her duties as a student counselor (much to her dismay as she would have to push their promise to battle back yet again). This also meant that it was time for the Terastal Course student assembly as Liko, Roy, Dot, Lazuli, Carmine, Kieran, Drayton, Lacey, Crispin, and Amarys were about to start their Basics tests with their respective gym leaders.
Later that evening (save for Sarah, Race, and Asha), Liko and the others were given their camping equipment from the Lobby Manager as they prepared to leave.
"This is gonna be awesome, right, Fuecoco, Char? Camping out with everyone as we take our Terastal Course tests and do our reports? I can hardly wait!" Roy told his partner and Monstrous Nightmare gleefully.
"Totally!"
"You know it," they replied with Char giving his rider an eager nuzzle.
"That's right, I just realized. We'll have to sleep in tents as we go along, I'm just not cut out for this kind of stuff," Dot groaned in dismay after she and Lazuli got their equipment together while Plume gave his rider a happy and reassuring nudge.
"Dot no sad! Dot turn frown upside down! Great outdoors time mean more time to fly! Fly time, yeah!" he chirped at her.
"Well, Lazuli, are you ready for your hands-on crash course in Paldea's Terastallization with us?" Kieran asked the swordswoman.
"...Ready as I'll ever be. Although, I hope Mom and Dad don't take their cheering session too far if they're somehow watching me taking my tests from the ships," Lazuli replied.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, guys!" Liko called as she joined them. "So, now that we're all ready, where do we go first?"
"Cortondo Town is the closest stop from the academy; that's where you and Lazuli will have your Basics tests under Ms. Katy's eye and who you would be battling with first if you're doing the Paldea League. But, with my family and I joining you, we can get you guys there and to Artazon, Levincia, Alfornada, Cascarrafa, and Medali easily," Sarah replied as Rotoscope pulled up the Uva Academy app and showed everyone who's Basics tests are up first.
"That's right. And, as an added bonus, apart from being a gym leader, she is a pastry shop owner and her patisserie sells a particularly famous cake we want you to try out," Race added.
"PASTRY SHOP?!" Fuecoco and the younglings echoed as their eyes twinkled.
"Huh, Lazuli and I first...?" Liko blinked before she steeled herself, "Right, let's do it!"
"...Okay," the swordswoman agreed, trying to control her nerves.
"Well, I guess we'll see you again once you're done with your Basics tests."
"Yeah, we'll tag along to try out that cake you mentioned and we'll go on to complete our Basics tests elsewhere. I'm down with anything related to sweets!"
"Me, too! I can't wait to see what she's been baking!" Kiawe, Sophocles, and Mallow grinned as the others nodded in agreement.
However, Roy looked up in surprise before he turned his attention to the young couple and Asha and asked them, "Oh, yeah, I forgot! Sarah, Race, we know you two and Asha already took the Terastal Course after you first came here and you all passed despite what was thrown at you. But, since you'll be helping us with the course this year, what will you do in the meantime?"
"Well, with our continued research into Terapagos, Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet, while studying their abilities, powers, and ecological impact, Raifort and Ms. Blair suggested to us that we make it into an undisclosedTerapagos Conservation and Study Programjust for us. That way, we can figure out how to rebuild their long-lost population," Sarah replied.
"And, since Sis grew Herba Mystica at her castle abode in the Galar Region as you all previously saw, Clavell and Geeta have given us their approval to learn more about them and their effects on Pokémon which I'm helping her with for my project. It's not much of a problem since we're all getting credit for them," Asha continued.
"It also gives us, mainly Island Girl, an excuse to investigate the region's recent mass Pokémon outbreaks and you know what that means," chuckled Race, giving his wife a sly grin which she immediately noticed.
"Quiet!" she barked, pointing at him.
"You said you wanted to find mates for your Pokémon, not me."
"Hey, hope you don't mind us tagging along with you, Little Buddy, and your crew, Liko," smiled Arven as he and Mabosstiff appeared with his stuff ready.
"Oh, hi, Arven. Are you coming, too?" Liko grinned at the Pokémon Chef and his Boss Pokémon.
"Yep, along with helping you guys keep track of your progress throughout your tests, I'm helping Little Buddy and Asha with their Herba Mystica project to earn more credits so I can graduate."
"Good to have ya back on board, dude," Race grinned at him as they shared a high-five.
"That's all very well and good, guys. But, don't you think we should be ready for the Explorers should they be ready to pounce on us and the school at any given moment from outside or within?" reminded Lacey, knowing the Explorers were still at large.
The former BF Champion and his wife gave each other knowing nods as he told her, "We don't have to worry about them for now; Reader spent last week before today pouring over the timeline so she can give us the gist of what happens leading to the syndicate betraying Amethio and she's kept her crystal close so she can shadow them from afar."
The little princess then added, "It took us a little time to come up with a plan to try and keep Chalce, Sidian, and Coral from infiltrating the school after we found out about an act of espionage they'll be pulling under our noses but we got it done after running it through Geeta and Clavell."
What Sarah meant was that before the 5th of September, she and Reader informed Clavell and Geeta about Reader's visions involving the Laqurium (the strange pink crystal that was somehow related to Spinel's Umbreon going crazy) and the Explorers betraying Amethio in the coming weeks as well as Chalce, Sidian, and Coral's infiltration of Uva Academy or Blueberry Academy to find and steal the data they, Blair, and their researchers gathered involving Terapagos, Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet for their and Gibeon's endgame involving Laqua which would put them in jeopardy if they succeeded. The chairwoman and headmaster were deeply concerned about what they were told and wondered what could be done to prevent the syndicate from carrying out their plan.
Thankfully, the little princess and her NightWing Seer had an idea or two to keep the Explorers at bay and prevent them from reaching their goals as easily as they'd hoped:
- 1: After meeting Reader and knowing about Pyrrhia and Pantala dragons, a sizable platoon of them would stand guard on the school including more NightWing Seers and Mind Readers (they did have some reservations about that when bringing up the safety of the school and its students but Reader reassured them that Sarah could enchant whatever object they choose to help them remain silent and hidden)
Eventually, after carefully going through the safety measures the pair walked them through, Geeta and Clavell agreed and Sarah, Reader, and the Eight Queens (after calling them for a virtual meeting over the situation) managed to put together what they called theTalons of Paldeawho's job would be to safeguard Uva Academy and its students from any threats posed to them by the Explorers or anything else looking to cause trouble (mainly small fleets of four Pyrrhia and Pantala dragons from the queens' tribes save for the MudWings (as their troops were comprised of 5-9 individual sibling teams)), specializing in surveillance, defense, combat tactics, and diplomacy. Some were presently positioned at several points in the school for basic or added protection with their base shared and found within the completed Ohana Stables at the Great Crater of Paldea (which were more than big enough for all of them to live in).
- 2: Sarah, Penny, and Aurora transferred the information on Terapagos and the Paradox Pokémon on a specialized flash drive she created (a gold and white-shaded drive with a USB port at the end and a Nebby face) so the Explorers won't find anything on them in the school's computer system since Lazuli never told them about the Paradox Pokémon and specialized (full-proof enchanted) software to protect it against Spinel and Chalce's hacking prowess and illegal information
- And, 3: she and Arven would secure Briar's Terapagos book and the school's copies of the Scarlet and Violet Books to keep them out of the Explorers' hands
"We're ready to do our part should they make their move while Reader sticks with you all with Mr. Clavell and Ms. Geeta's blessings," a charming voice rang out as the heroes noticed a 19-year-old bright yellow RainWing and a 22-year-old orange-red SkyWing (both named Kiwi and Sunset respectively) approaching them.
They each wore a special Animus Necklace that Sarah created for the Talons called the "Veil of Shadow" which was an elegant silver chain adorned with intricate filigree patterns resembling dragon scales and a golden amber teardrop hanging at the center enchanted to make their wearers both invisible and silent at will (or, in the case of the RainWings due to their natural camouflage ability, become silent) whenever it was touched.
Liko nearly jumped and screamed at their sudden arrival but she did her best to control herself (and get used to such entrances) as she smiled, "That's good, you two, thank you..."
"Thanks, Sunset. And, for my family's safety and my own from Spinel's eavesdropping and spying, this is the key," Sarah went on, showing everyone a medium-sized Terapagos-shaped gadget.
"Me!" Terapagos peeped in awe as he poked his head out of Liko's tote bag and saw the device.
"What is that, Little Buddy?" Arven asked.
"My new Tera Cloak, an Animus-enchanted object infused with the Wizarding World's Concealment Charm that works as a cloaking device. Whenever it's activated in a designated area at the command of 'Stay Hidden', any objects and individuals within its field's range are rendered invisible to the naked eye and even the most advanced surveillance equipment. It also scrambles and masks all electronic signals including radio waves and digital transmissions. With this, Spinel's transceivers and Beeheyem will be rendered completely useless and he'll never pick us out.'"
"Wow, with this thing, we'll be protected from the Explorers' eavesdropping and tailgating should they be on the move towards us," Dot gasped in amazement.
"And, with everything you've planned to keep us and everybody in Uva Academy safe with Seers and Mind Readers such as Reader patrolling the place, the Explorers will really have their work cut out for them," Carmine smiled, impressed.
Sarah nodded, "And, I don't think we'll have to worry about them for a while; the newly-updated security system spearheaded by Penny picked them out through false permits and blocked them out instantly."
"Well, Kid, color me impressed. You've done it again... Though, I wish I could've seen Coral's face when they realized you and Paldea's number one tech wiz outfoxed them again," Lazuli chuckled as she could only imagine Coral's apocalyptic fit from what the little princess and Penny had done.
"And, with the info about the Great Crater of Paldea, Area Zero, the Paradox Pokemon, and Terapagos safely with us, they'll have to work twice as hard if not more to get one up on us again," added Kieran, liking the plan.
"Wow, Sarah, that's so cool! You're the greatest!" Roy gushed again just as the school bell rang, ending the group's first day at Uva Academy and its Terastal Course together as Clavell came to wish the students, old and new, the best of luck in the course.
"Good evening, students. From today, your true journeys in the Terastal Course begin now. Please, take care of yourselves and do your absolute best," he said to them warmly.
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Clavell," the students smiled as they left the school and began their Terastal Course escapades.
It was a momentous occasion for our heroes as dusk fell over the region with Liko, Roy, Dot, Floragato, Serrate, Char, Fuecoco, Quaxly, Plume, Lazuli, Breeze, the Circle of Twelve, Tsukumaro, Arven, Sarah, Race, Asha, and the Blueberry Academy students walked down the steps and made their way to their first stop: Cortondo Town.
"And, so, that's how our new journey together at Uva Academy and our Terastal Course finally began," Liko thought to herself as her and her friends' training into Terastallization officially got underway.
With the Rising Volt Tacklers, Diane, Johnathan, Seiya, and Mary, they were at a familiar shipping port and overseeing the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft (and being joined by Cam and Aurora who were called by Sarah to come and assist them with the repairs, especially after the latter finished helping her and Penny with the school's security software and her flash drive).
After going through their first day of major repairs, the Brave Olivine mechanic sighed as she sat down on a crate, "Ugh... This is nuts, it feels like I'm going through a scratch kit with this baby."
"Well, look on the bright side, Orla; at least you got some extra paws from two of the royal family's top mechanics to get the Brave Olivine flying again. And, the Dragon Craft didn't suffer too badly, either," Cam reassured as he wagged his tail.
"Yeah, As Rocky himself said, 'Don't lose it, reuse it', right?" Aurora joked in agreement through one of Rocky's signature catchphrases.
Orla smiled thankfully at them just as Friede, Cap, Johnathan, Diane, Seiya, and Mary came to check on her and the unconventional professor greeted, "Hey, Orla, how are the repairs going for the airship and the Dragon Craft?"
"The Dragon Craft, thankfully, isn't much of a hassle. But, the Brave Olivine, it's gonna be a while before the poor girl can fly again," she replied before her Rotom Phone rang and they got a surprise text from Liko.
"Hey, a text from Liko. Her message said, 'We're all doing okay and leaving to begin our Terastal Course now.' and-wha? Hey! She also said that Sarah's old friends including Ash are here for the Terastal Course, too! That's amazing! They're actually taking it!"
"Well, what do you know? They actually decided to make their Terastal debut with the others," Friede smirked.
"My baby... I hope she'll be okay out there," sighed Mary, wondering how her daughter would fare in the Terastal Course and traveling around.
"Me too, sweetheart. Me, too... But, even so, we must have faith in her as well as our old friends. They promised to watch over her for us after Friede signed her up with our approval and she has the kids supporting her, too," Seiya comforted with a gentle smile as he held her despite her continued woes for Lazuli.
"Easy for you to say, darling; if she's anything like you, trouble is bound to be looking for her when she least expects it."
Murdock and Mollie (who were working at Katy's bakery shop and looking after the Brave Olivine Pokemon and dragons, respectively) also got Liko's text on their Rotom Phones and wished them the best of luck, smiling. Even Ludlow had to smile and give the heroes his best wishes when he got Liko's text while fishing as always.
"You look like you got something in mind for your continued research, do ya?" Orla grinned at her childhood friend, seeing a familiar look on his face.
"You got that right, Cap and I will be out following a bunch in the meantime. We'll leave the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft to you, Aurora, and Cam, then," he replied.
"Right, you know we can, Friede. Come on, Cam, Aurora, let's get to it," Orla nodded with a knowing smile and she, Cam, and Aurora went back to work as the pups howled happily.
Friede smiled at them and he and Cap turned their attention to Seiya and Mary before the former told the resurrected Zodiacs (who were happy for their daughter being with her friends and the Circle of Twelve), "Well, that's our ships taken care of. It's time to return to our research, you're welcome to help out if you want."
"Of course."
"We're more than happy to help to repay you all for our daughter's well-being, Friede," they thanked.
With that, Friede, Seiya, Mary, and Cap returned to the apartment complex where their group was staying before the unconventional professor brought out and eyed Lucius' records and Marena's notebook (entrusted to him by the Sea Witch herself) for their investigation into the Laqurium and Terapagos' connection to it.
"Let's make sure we don't fall behind on our work, old friend," he told Cap.
"Wouldn't dream of it, Pal," Cap replied as they smirked at each other.
To Be Continued...
Occurred Events
Liko,Roy,Dot, Lazuli, Dryaton, Crispin, Amarys, Lacey, Carmine and Kieran all enroll in UVAAcademy.
Liko, Roy, and Dot, Lazuli, Dryaton, Crispin, Amarys, Lacey, Carmine and Kieran each receive aTera Orbeach from Geeta with Lazuli giving her parents her old Tera Orb from Hamber
Clavell revealsthey must battlePaldea'sGym Leadersto complete theTerastal Trainingcourse.
The friends are assigned with their respective Gym Leaderbattlesː
Liko & Lazuli will battleKatyinCortondo
Roy will battleBrassiusinArtazon
Dot will battleIonoinLevincia
Drayton and Lacey both gotKofu inCascarrafa
Amarays and Crispin got Larry in Medali
Kieran and Carmine gotTulip inAlfornada
The group set off for Cortondo to start their Terastal Training tests.
Sarah reveals to have put together the Talons of Paldea to protect the school
Orla with help from Aurora and Cam starts repairing the Brave Olivine.