Author's Note: I had posted this story years ago, but it got deleted, so I'm putting it back up. It takes place in a slightly alternate universe setting where kids actually have to go to school before heading out into the world on their own. They're all a little older than in the series. For a complete list on the characters' ages, please see my profile page.

Okay, I think that's it. Enjoy the story, and please remember to review!

Summary: When May Maple is accepted into LaRousse Academy, a prestigious boarding school for prospective pokémon trainers, she thinks her studies will be her only concern. But when one of the students goes missing, May and her friends set out to uncover the truth before they become the next victims. Contestshipping. Hints of Ikarishipping and Palletshipping.

Chapter One: A New Beginning

"In other news, Team Rocket member, Michael Flint, was murdered last night after turning himself in to local authorities. He'd said in an interview, 'I apologize to anyone—human or pokémon—that I've hurt. I've realized the error of my ways and will spend the rest of my life making up for it.' Sources confirmed that Flint was killed with a Barrett M98 Sniper Rifle, primarily used by the military and police force. Michael Flint and James "Pierce" Handel had agreed to go in to witness protection in exchange for information on the Rocket Organization. Unfortunately, James Handel disappeared shortly after Flint's murder, and his current location is now listed as unknown. More on this story at eleven. Many are wondering how this will affect-"

May Maple switched off the TV in annoyance and hopped off her bed to head out and check the mail, completely disinterested in Team Rocket politics. They were an evil, corrupt cult that forced pokémon to do their dirty work, and if all of them were murdered in their sleep by Barrett M98 Sniper Rifles, she wouldn't cry over it. Reaching the mailbox, she opened it and pulled out a stack of letters. A large, manila envelope was among them, and she hurriedly ripped it open and read it over.

Dear May,

We are pleased to inform you that you've been accepted to LaRousse Academy. Please report to the Pokémon Director in your city to pick up your very first pokémon on Friday, August 1st or Saturday, August 2nd. We also encourage you to attend PokéPrep Week, which will begin August 4th. It's a great way for new students to get acclimated to the school and meet other dedicated trainers before the school year officially begins. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit our website. Congratulations on your achievements, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,
Kathy Mark
Dean of Students

May couldn't believe it. After years of anticipation, of dreaming about her very own adventure, she would finally be attending LaRousse Academy, a prestigious boarding school for students interested in becoming pokémon trainers, gym leaders, coordinators, researchers, or breeders. It had been founded by Damian Lamont and was run on private funds and donations. It ranged from eighth grade to senior year of high school and was considered one of the best schools in the country. After graduating from LaRousse Academy at the age of eighteen, students received their pokémon licenses and went out into the world as officially registered pokémon trainers.

She'd applied for the academy the previous year and had passed the written exams, but her fear of pokémon had held her back during the battle portion of the application process. She'd continued on with her eighth grade year in the public school system and worked with her father and brother to overcome her fear. The next time she applied for the academy, she passed with flying colors. Unfortunately, she'd be going to the school a year behind everyone in her age group, but that didn't bother her too much. She'd just have to work a little harder. She gave a squeal of excitement and ran up to the house, waving the letter around wildly.

The weeks flew by as May prepared for LaRousse Academy. The evening before she was to leave, she sat out on her front porch with the Torchic she'd received from Professor Birch and the Wurmple she'd recently caught and stared up at the night sky. The stars flickered brightly against the pitch blackness and May allowed her mind to wander over everything and nothing. All her emotions were jumbled with nerves, leaving her slightly on edge from all the excitement. For several moments the fear and doubt overpowered her. It would be several months before she'd see her family again, and she wasn't sure if she could leave her home in Petalburg City. What if she couldn't handle the pressure of classes and pokémon training? What if she let her family down?

She turned and looked at Torchic when she felt it bump her hand with its beak. It cocked its head slightly, its beady eyes staring curiously up at her as if sensing her distress. May put a hand on its head and gave it a tiny smile as she ruffled its bright, orange plumage. A sense of calm settled over her as she realized that just because she was leaving her family, she didn't have to be alone in this. She'd make new friends, and her pokémon would always be at her side. They'd overcome whatever challenges the Academy threw at them, and they'd do it together.

That night May fell asleep and dreamed about traveling around the world with her pokémon.

The two hour car ride to LaRousse City was a quiet affair as May stared out the window, her Torchic sitting in her lap. She knew this would be the last time she spoke with her mother, Caroline, face to face until she came home for break but found she had nothing to say. Instead, she watched the blur of scenery and wondered what academy life would be like.

When they finally pulled up to the front gate of LaRousse Academy, a luxurious lawn was sprawled out before them, marked with trees and concrete walkways that led to a large, brick structure with a sign that said "Administration Building".

Once in the main office, May placed her bag on the floor and sat down in one of the chairs at the front desk, waiting for her mother to finish filling out the necessary paperwork. The woman behind the front desk shuffled some papers to make room and handed May a manila envelope. "Here's your schedule," she said. "Inside you'll also find your assigned room key, Student ID, meal plan, and room contract. If you lose your ID or room key, there will be a twenty five dollar replacement fee, so I suggest you keep those things somewhere safe."

May nodded and glanced over her schedule. LaRousse Academy used the "block schedule", which meant she had four classes one day and four different classes the next.

Red Day:
Pokémon Biology I
English
Lunch
Coordinating 101
World History.

Blue Day:
Battle Room
Geometry
Lunch
French
Pokémon Nutrition

She had her own room but shared a bathroom with her suite mate, Brianna. They'd emailed a couple times over the summer, but this would be their first official time meeting. May was anxious to get to know her.

"Classes begin Monday, so you'll have a chance to get settled in and explore the campus beforehand," the woman at the desk was saying. Her eyes flickered to somewhere behind May, and she raised an eyebrow. "Speaking of which... Mr. Ketchum, please come in."

May glanced over her shoulder to see what had captured the woman's attention and blinked in surprise. A young man stood in the doorway, looking slightly uncomfortable as though unsure whether or not he should interrupt. His mop of black hair seemed to stick out in all directions. A Pikachu sat on his shoulder, looking around curiously.

"This is May Maple, the new student you agreed to mentor," the woman behind the desk said.

"Hi, I'm Ash," he said, offering his hand to May. "I'm from Pallet Town."

"Hi, Ash. It's nice to meet you."

"Our school has a program to help new students adjust to life at the academy during their first year," the woman said, gesturing to Ash. "Mr. Ketchum here is one of our Elites, or students in the top ten percent range. If you have questions about anything, feel free to ask him."

"Oh, thank you," May said, "I'm sure I'll take you up on that."

"Uh, if you're not busy now, I could take you on a tour?" Ash offered with a sheepish grin.

May and Caroline followed behind Ash as he led them around campus, pointing out important buildings and giving them interesting facts about each one. Apparently, the Administration Building was one of the first buildings constructed at LaRousse Academy and had been expanded once the school began to gain in popularity. There were two dormitories next to the Administration Building, each with their own dining halls. Beyond them was the Academy Building where students attended class. Several extensions had been added over the years to include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a gym for strength training pokémon and students alike, and most recently, a wing for students who wished to study the art of pokémon coordinating. It also had a state-of-the-art research center located under the math and science wings.

Next door was the Birtwick Building which held the infamous Battle Room, a place for students to train their pokémon by battling each other or a specified computer program. If students didn't want to use the Battle Room, there were also outdoor fields for training and one-hundred and thirty acres of forest that surrounded the north side of the school.

Top students had the option of living in the apartment complex on the edge of campus. Ash had been given that opportunity but had chosen to stay in the dorms with his friends. And, of course, the school had its own Pokémon Center with a full-time staff.

Once they finished the tour, Ash left May with an invitation to join him and some friends for a movie night to celebrate the last night before class. They exchanged phone numbers, and Ash gave her his room number as well.

For the remainder of the afternoon, Caroline helped May unpack her things and settle into her room. They arranged her bed, dresser, fridge, and desk around to utilize the most space. There was a large window along the back wall with a shelf under it where May set her TV. Her books and movies went on the shelves on the wall above her bed. Once May was satisfied with her living arrangement, they went out for a late lunch. When they got back, she sat down on the bed and heaved a tired sigh. She'd been hoping to meet Brianna, but the adjoining room was still dark.

"Now, you're sure you're going to be all right?" Caroline asked, hovering in the doorway.

May nodded but felt her stomach knot in apprehension. Once her mother left, she'd be on her own in a new place without any real friends to support her. But May tried to clear her head of those negative thoughts and gave her mom a bright smile. "Don't worry, Mom, I'll be fine," she said. No sense worrying her mother when the woman hadn't even left the building yet.

"Ok," Caroline said uncertainly. "Remember, your dad and I are just a phone call away. You can always come home if you need to."

"It's ok, Mom. You don't have to worry about me."

Caroline smiled. "I know. You have your father's spirit. Just promise me you'll call sometimes, okay? Don't get so caught up in school that you forget about your family." After a brief farewell, Caroline stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her. May was left alone. She switched on the TV for a few minutes but found she couldn't concentrate. Deciding to take up Ash's offer, she wandered over to the boys' dormitory and found his room number. She could hear voices inside and knocked tentatively, feeling her stomach squirm. The voices quieted before Ash called, "Come in!"

She opened the door and stepped inside, smiling shyly at the room's occupants. Ash was sitting on his bed with his Pikachu in his lap. There was another boy with auburn hair, who had a Pikachu perched on his shoulder. A girl with red hair pulled up in a ponytail sat in a chair at the desk, a Togepi clutched in her arms. The fourth occupant was an older guy slouched over in one of Ash's bean bag chairs. His brunette hair hung in his face in wayward spikes, but he didn't seem to care. An Umbreon sat loyally at his feet.

"Hey, May," Ash said, standing up to greet her.

The Pikachu jumped onto the bed and sat up on its hind legs, looking at her curiously. "Pika?" it said.

"Decided to take me up on my offer?"

"Yep," she said, "Thanks for inviting me. I didn't really want to be by myself."

"I understand." He looked around at the other people. "Hey, guys, meet May. May, this is my suite mate, Richie, and my good friends, Gary and Misty," he said, gesturing to each of them in turn.

After introductions were given, May released her Torchic from its poké ball and sat down in the bean bag chair next to Gary, making herself comfortable as they started The Last Airbender. The movie itself was horrible, and Ash, who May discovered was a restless individual, soon began making fun of the acting and dialogue. Gary joined in and eventually all five of them were laughing and cracking jokes at the movie's expense.

When May finally returned to her room, she felt happier and more hopeful about the upcoming school year.

When Monday morning rolled around, May stared up at the doors of the Academy Building where she'd be attending most of her classes. With its technological advancements, the school was impressive and far surpassed her old one in terms of commitment to exceptional student instruction. Or at least that's what she'd read on the school's website. Only about six-hundred students attended each year, and the classes averaged about ten to fifteen students each. Because the school was so small, May realized there would be a greater chance she'd see the same kids every day, which could either be a good or bad thing.

She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders before pushing open the large, glass doors. She glanced around, at a loss of where to go, and stared up at a large, spiraling staircase looming at the building's entrance. Students were milling around it and talking with friends on the steps. Some of them glanced up at her, but after a few moments, they went back to what they'd been doing. May picked at her skirt self-consciously, though every other girl was wearing the same thing. They were required to wear black skirts, dark blue blouses with white polo shirts underneath, black stockings and polished, black shoes. The guys had a similar outfit but wore dress pants and jackets instead of skirts and blouses. Overall, they weren't bad uniforms, but May still wasn't used to such formal wear.

The warning bell rang and students began heading toward their classrooms, their laughter and conversations echoing throughout the hall. May stared down at the map in her hands, trying to make sense of it. It seemed her classroom was on the other side of the school, but she wasn't sure which direction. She didn't even realize her feet were moving until she walked straight into someone and jumped back in surprise. "I'm so sorry," she stammered. "I wasn't watching where I was going." She looked up, eyes widening in surprise when it registered who she was talking to.

A tall, attractive guy with green hair smirked down at her. His jacket was open, and his polo shirt was untucked with the top couple buttons unfastened, blatantly defying the school's dress code policy. May mentally labeled him as a rule bender. The guy chuckled and flicked his bangs out of his eyes. "Well, that's pretty obvious," he said.

The action forced May from her silent assessment of him, and she couldn't stop herself from flinching in surprise. "Um, I said I was sorry. You don't have to be a jerk about it."

The chorus of "oohs" alerted her that the people around them had stopped talking and were watching the exchange with growing interest. The boy glanced back at the group of guys behind him, presumably his friends, and turned his attention back to May. His demeanor was laid back, cocky, as though he knew he was in control of the situation.

"You gonna let her talk to you like that, Drew?" one of the guys asked.

Drew ignored him and lifted an eyebrow at May. "You're new around here, aren't you?"

He sounded more amused than angry, and May stared at him in confusion. "Yeah, I… Look, I need to find my classroom, so I'll just…" She made a vague gesture and stared pointedly down at her map, giving him a wide berth as she attempted to walk around him.

Before she could get very far, Drew snatched the paper out of her hands and raised it above her head as she made a grab for it. "Let me give you a few pointers," he said with a smirk. "First of all, walking around with a map in your hands is like taping a neon sign to your back that says, 'Hey everyone! I'm new here. Feel free to take complete advantage of me.'"

"Hey! Give that back!" she snapped, jumping at the paper in his hand. "I need it!"

Drew continued as if he hadn't heard her. "Secondly, don't pick a fight with the most popular guy in school, especially within the first ten minutes of your first day. It won't win you any favors." The crowd around them tittered appreciatively.

"Wow. Charming and modest. It's no wonder you're so popular," May said sarcastically, punctuating each word by grabbing at the map. Drew put the palm of his other hand against her forehead and pushed her back. "What's your problem?" she demanded, stomping her foot. "Just give me the stupid map already."

"Say please, and I'll consider it."

May was about to retort, but a voice behind her made her jump. "Hey, cut it out, Drew. It's her first day." She turned in surprise to see Ash walking toward them. He gave her a lopsided smile and nodded his head in greeting.

"Oh, yeah? What do you care, Mr. Hero?" Drew snorted.

"She's a friend, so leave her alone." They stared each other down until May began to feel uncomfortable. Then, to her surprise, Ash began to chuckle, and Drew smirked back at him. "Mr. Hero, Drew, really? Like I haven't heard that one before."

"Well, what can I say? I'm not feeling very creative. Besides, don't tell me you don't wake up every morning and think to yourself, 'What a beautiful day. I can't wait to start helping people!'" he said, mimicking Ash in a falsely high tone.

"I do not!" Ash said, indignantly.

"'I hope I get to help an old woman cross the street. Maybe I'll even find a Meowth stuck up in a tree. Gee, wouldn't that be wonderful?'"

"Shut up, Drew! I don't sound like that!" Ash said, clearly starting to get riled up. "Anyway, what's wrong with being nice and trying to help people?" Pikachu jumped off his shoulder and sat up on its hind legs with a "Pi pi!" as though trying to defend Ash's honor.

"Well, that's just adorable. Even your pikachu is a goody two shoes," Drew said with a smirk. May was about to open her mouth to retort when the final bell rang, signaling the start of classes. Drew tossed the map in May's general direction with a dramatic flick of his wrist and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Looks like that's my cue. I'll see you around, Klutz," he said and turned on his heel through the parting crowd. His group of friends trailed after him.

May watched him for a moment before turning back to Ash, who was scowling after Drew. "Thanks," she said with an awkward smile. "You didn't have to do that."

"Yeah, well, you look like you could've handled yourself, but it bothers me when Drew picks on new kids like that."

"Yeah, he sure seems like a swell guy," May said, still trying to figure out where they were on her map.

Ash glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "At least he gave you a nickname. That's a good sign."

"What nickname? Klutz?" She made a face at him. "That's more like a rude description, I think."

"Drew does have a flare for the dramatic, but he's not really as bad as he seems. He's actually a pretty good guy. You know, once you get past his layers of crap."

"And his supersized ego," May added with a smile. Then she looked up at the clock and the end of the hallway and groaned. "Great, now we're both going to be late for class."

Ash chuckled and gently took the map from her hand. "That's okay. No one expects you to be on time on your first day, and I can say I was showing you around. Now, let's see what room you have."

May smiled as she gratefully accepted Ash's help. It looked to be the start of an interesting year.

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Comments and constructive criticism are always appreciated!