Who am I? A soul princess to a king and at the bottom of the deepest depths of the ocean, reveals a secret past of mine. In what name did he betray me after all this time? Whether I'm in the right mind to blame anybody or not, it is now day two of my captivity in a broken world. A world I was to rightfully rule, until that very night my crown was robbed of me...

Off I went!

All by my lonesome, with the crackon's tentacle squeezing every inch of my body until I could barely move. The space was too tight to wriggle myself out of it, and the two eyes that my own parents warned me about. Never look into them, they said. You'll forget who you are.

Now... I'm far away from home. In a cave it would seem. A ravine? Ugh. It was too dark to notice. 

The crackon hungers. Everso slowly, I was being reeled in towards it, almost as if it was sparing me to compose my final words before I was swallowed up. 

"MY PRINCE, IF YOU'RE LISTENING, NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO RESCUE ME!"

Stay hopeful! He's probably looking under every rock, in every reaf across the cold and dreary wilderness. Before I knew it, everything went black!

"Popplio?"

Popplio: You certainly took your time! Fancy waiting until I was... wait a minute. That's not right either. 

Dewgong: What's not right?

Realising it wasn't her imaginative prince charming speaking to her, Popplio stopped typing on her laptop to see who it was and her uncle was standing near her bedroom door and she immediately lowered the screen down, pretending she wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary.

Popplio: Hahaha! H-Hi, uncle!

Dewgong: It's a school night. Shouldn't you be in bed by now?

Popplio: Yeah. Sorry. I was just... uh... doing something... incredibly silly! Yeah, that's it. Hahaha...

Dewgong: Well. Don't stay up too late. I know it's exciting, but the more you stay up writing---

Popplio: Who's writing? I wasn't writing? Hahaha...

Dewgong: *smirk* Right. Right. I'll believe you. Night, Pupper!

Popplio: Night, uncle!

The moment her uncle left the room and closed the door behind him, Popplio leaned back in her chair to see if her door was closed and she sighed in relief.

Popplio: Phew...

She turned off her laptop and closed it gently before getting up and climbed into her cosy bed. After much stretching, she yawned before drifting off to sleep and cuddling up to her plushie.

Popplio: *sigh* Goodnight...

Hours drifted on and it was only a matter of time before she was in a deep sleep. Her alarm clock went from 10.30PM to 3.45AM and her sleeping position changed, with her duvet slightly over the edge of her bed and was now sleeping the bottom up. The moon was casting a soft glow through her window as she slept, drooling onto her pillow.

Popplio: Darn you... evil ice cream man... you took my... sprinkles...

In the midst of her sleep talking, her phone was on her bedside table and without warning, it pinged. Her eyes shot open and she quickly sat up, looking around her dark room.

Popplio: MY SPRINKLES!!

Looking half asleep, she woke up and looked around her room in every corner. Everything seemed normal.

Popplio: *sigh* It was just a dream. Who's messaging me at this time?

She reached for her phone just to see who messaged her, and she seemed to have been added to a group. Pressing on the selected message, she was surprised to recieve a message from Rowlet and decided to read through it.

"Hey, Popplio! Sorry if this is late, but I actually want to show you something. It's urgent. Could you meet me at my house at 7.00? Thanks! Here's my address."

Popplio: Why seven? Wait a minute! How did he even get my number? I never told him?

She quickly put her phone down and stared up at her ceiling, feeling a little creeped out, holding tightly onto her plushie to give her some ease, but she was even more nervous to know what that surprise actually was, but the longer she stared at her ceiling, her eyes began to close and eventually, she drifted off to sleep.

The very next morning, the sun was barely up and the sky was an orangey hue, making way for a new day. It was now seven o'clock. By this time, her uncle would be doing his morning routine and checking if his motorbike was up to speed. Her uniform was all dry and clean from yesterday and feeling slightly nervous again, she took deep breaths before heading downstairs to get her bag.

She could hear her uncle's radio playing country music in the background whilst testing his engine in the tiny garage, but his motorbike seemed to be having some trouble. The engine ran like a malfunctioning printer. At least from her ears. She approached the garage door and saw her uncle trying to get his motor started.

Dewgong: Agh! Come on, you blasted thing! Start! Huh? Oh, pupper?

Popplio: Hey, uncle!

Dewgong: You're up early? What are you doing up? School doesn't start in two hours?

Popplio: I know, but I just figured I'd uh... get the day started with an... uh... an enthusiastic smile! And I uh... want everybody to feel that too! Haha.

Dewgong: Well, that's wonderful! I'm glad you're happy this morning. I'll get breakfast started soon---

Popplio: No! No. I-I mean, you don't have to do that. I only plan on having cereal.

Dewgong: Cereal? Awh what? Come on! You're talking to a soon to be five star chef here! Chocolate waffles? Hmm?

Popplio's eyes sparkled, but knew she was going to be late for what Rowlet had planned. Wished she knew what it was.

Popplio: That sounds yummy, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass on that one. I'll be late otherwise.

Dewgong: Late? Hohoho. Goodness, no. You'll be far too early. Unless... you're going for a reason and one reason only!

Popplio: Huh?

Dewgong: *smirk* You're meeting a boy, aren't you?

Popplio: UNCLE! I-It's not like that, I swear! I'm just... meeting somebody.

Dewgong: Yeah. Normally when you say you're meeting somebody, it often means you're meeting up with a boy---

Popplio: Not true!

Dewgong: *laughing* Only joking! It's so easy to get you.

Popplio just smiled and rolled her eyes as Dewgong chuckled to himself after teasing her first thing in the morning. Of all his favourite things to do, this was probably at the top of the list. His laughter was short lived when his motor stopped.

Dewgong: For the love of everything that is greasy, why did you choose today to not function?!

Popplio: What's wrong with it?

Dewgong: That's what I'd like to know!

Trying one more time at the handle, Dewgong put some more elbow grease into it, but the motor just wouldn't start. After trying multiple times, he was afraid to come to the conclusion that something was in fact wrong.

Popplio: It's karma for teasing me.

Dewgong: Well, if this thing won't start, I don't know how you'll be getting to school today. It's a bit of a distance to walk it. Unless of course that someone you're meeting up with can give you a ride?

Popplio: I guess, but two is better than one. Is there anything I could do to help?

Dewgong: I don't want your uniform at risk of getting anymore stains. It's not like this oil is going to show mercy on your jacket unlike that pen incident you had yesterday. Though thinking about it now, it could do with a bit of sprucing up.

Popplio: Sprucing up? You mean like... a redesign?

Dewgong: Precisely! A fresh coat of paint is what it needs! I must've overdid it yesterday, driving you to school.

Popplio: You might want to take it to the repair shop then. They'll sort it.

Dewgong: Nah. It's too expensive. Especially if you want the pattern done right. Thanks for the offer though! I'm sure I'll get this thing fixed by the time you come back from school. I swear it!

Popplio: Okay, well... have fun! Haha. See you later, uncle!

Dewgong: Love you too, pup--- Wait a minute! What about breakfast? Popplio!

Popplio exited the garage and began walking towards the front door, opening it and closing it behind her until it clicked. The motor was too loud for her to listen to what her uncle had to say and she hummed a little tune.

With a huge smile on her face, she shielded her eyes from the sun. It seemed to be brighter than yesterday. Determined to get the day started, she walked down the driveway and looked at her phone to check the message Rowlet had sent her earlier this morning.

It seemed urgent.

Popplio: Let's see. Uh, meet me at my house as soon as possible. What? Why? Here is my address...

As she was walking down the public pavement, she kept looking at her phone to check to see where she was walking, but she seemed to be struggling to find the correct road to turn on. She certainly wasn't risking herself getting lost on her second day either.

No way!

Popplio: It's great telling me your address, but it's not like I know where everything is? *sigh* If only I had visual directions. Like, show me what your house looks like or something! That would make my life so much easier. Again! How did he get my number?

In the midst of her frazzled, the gentle breeze blew a piece of paper into her face and she immediately pulled it off just to see what it was. It was so random. A colourful drawing of a rainbow and a cat holding a pepperoni pizza slice. She didn't know who it belonged to, but it did cause her to giggle a little. It was definitely the drawing belonging to a child.

Popplio: This is cute.

Suddenly, Pichu came running towards her, almost like he was running from something and was almost out of breath and didn't look where he was going.

Pichu: AH!

Popplio: Woah! I'm sorry. Are you okay?

Pichu: My drawing!

Popplio: Oh! Is this yours? I'm sorry. Here.

Pichu immediately snatched it off her before resuming his sprinting down the pavement. Popplio watched as he disappeared on the horizon and she began scratching her head in confusion.

Popplio: Okay, that was weird? I really should've asked him for directions. He seems to know where he's going. Huh?

On the otherside of the road, she saw a cat that seemed to be searching for something and looked a little worried. The moment he saw Popplio standing there staring at him, she waved towards him and he ran in the middle of the road to get to where she was.

Popplio: Hey! I'm sorry, but could you help me? I'm trying to find this address. Do you know which way it is?

???: Mhm! I do! It's that way.

He pointed towards the left and Popplio sighed in relief that she was able to get some directions.

Popplio: Thank you!

He seemed nice. Hopefully he finds whatever he was looking for. Thanks to his directions, she was able to find the right road and she crossed over the crossing to get to the otherside of the pavement. Eventually, she arrived at Rowlet's house. At least she hoped it was the right house anyway. She opened the little gate, so she could walk down the little path and she stood right at the front door, confused.

Popplio: I wonder why he told me to come here? I hope everything's okay. Rowlet? Where are you? I got your text!

Just as she was about to knock on the door, Rowlet came round the back, feeling everso excited and ran up to her, holding a white cloth of some sort. His actions seemed suspicious. Why were there arrows on the floor?

Rowlet: Popplio! You're here! *sigh* I'm glad. It wasn't too hard finding the address, was it?

Popplio: Well, I thought I had gotten a bit lost, but this kind little boy---

Rowlet: Yeah, yeah. Now quickly! Hold still.

Popplio: Huh? W-Why? What's the urgency?

Rowlet: No time to talk! Just bare with me for just a moment.

He went from behind Popplio to tie the white cloth to cover her eyes and the moment he tied the knot together, he went back in front of her and with a huge grin, he waved his wing in front of her.

Rowlet: Alright! Can you see me?

Popplio: No?

Rowlet: Perfect! Now just keep walking forward and follow the sound of my voice.

Popplio: But why?

Rowlet: Don't ask questions!

Popplio: B-But your message! You said it was urgent. Is everything okay?

Without answering her question, Popplio was even more confused. Why so early? Why so urgent? And why a blindfold?! None of this made sense to her. Rowlet took her by the arm and guided her through some archways towards the back garden and Comfey could see their shadows from the otherside.

Comfey: *whispers* Quickly! They're coming! Places!

Comfey, Fennekin and Pikachu all hid in their hiding spots just in time. Popplio stood there with a blindfold on her face, she felt uncertain about what was happening. Her imagination was taking her places. A part of her felt like she was about to be set up for disaster. Like being thrown into a ditch of some kind.

Or worse...

Popplio: A-Am I being hold to ransom?

Rowlet: Nope!

Rowlet took off her blindfold and Popplio's surprise was revealed. She found herself in Rowlet's back garden with a banner hung illustrating Popplio's welcome to the friendship group and a table was laid out with what looked to be pizza and burritos combined into one. Pikachu, Fennekin and Comfey each came out of their hiding spots, wearing their party hats and exclaiming in unison.

Pikachu, Fennekin, Comfey: Surprise!

Popplio: Woah! Okay! This is defintely not a ransom. What is all this?

Comfey: Well, we felt like we weren't prepared enough to recieve you yesterday, so we thought it would be a good idea to do something for you now. Call it your belated welcome gift.

Fennekin: We're glad to have you, hun.

Pikachu was sat in an orange beanbag, blowing into his party blower, making a funny sound, but then immediately threw it over his shoulder and onto the ground.

Pikachu: Speechless?

Popplio: Hahaha! I'm sorry. It's just... you went out of your way just to do this for me? You didn't have to.

Pikachu: Believe me. We did.

Fennekin: Bird brain told us about your dilemma the other day and he felt as though he didn't do a very good job with welcoming you properly, so here's your proper introduction with a free breakfast with friends!

Popplio: Breakfast?! Oh I knew I forgot something!

Pikachu: Doesn't kick in til much later.

Popplio: Me and my ignorance. Oh well. I really appreciate it, but you guys didn't have to go through so much trouble. Besides. I'm an enemy to myself. Yesterday didn't do me any justice.

Comfey: We heard. How are you feeling today?

Popplio: A little nervous, and... well... mixed feelings I suppose, but I can't predict what's going to happen today either. That's why I'm choosing today to make today a better day for myself!

Fennekin: With an attitude like that, you'll adjust in no time at all.

Popplio: So, uh, this was the urgency?

Rowlet: Well I needed to find a way for you to get here, so I sent that message without context. Me, Pikachu, Fennekin and Comfey will not only be keeping an eye on you---

Fennekin: That sounds creepy.

Rowlet: *sigh* As I was saying, not only will we be looking after you, but we'll be your friends too. Only if that's what you want though. We're not forcing you or anything.

Comfey: We just don't want anybody to feel lonley and we didn't want you feeling like... well...

Pikachu: Not that we did this out of pity, but we genuinely wanted you to... oh...! Bird brain, this was your idea!

Rowlet: In simpler terms, we want to be your friend. Is that okay?

Popplio's eyes widened and a wide smile formed on her face with gratitude.

Popplio: Okay? It's more than okay! I'd love to be friends with you guys! Thank you!

Fennekin: It's no trouble at all, hun. This group could stand to gain a few pounds.

Pikachu: And just what is that supposed to mean?

Rowlet: Well go on, guest of honour! This is your party. Come and eat with us! Ever tried a pizza burrito?

Popplio: Pizza burrito? So that's what they were. I was confused at first regarding the smell, but now that you've told me, it kind of makes sense now.

Pikachu: Hey! I thought you were just going to order pizza?

Comfey: And I thought we were only having burritos?

Rowlet: Well you two were arguing over it and I didn't have much of a budget to buy burritos and pizza separately, so I thought the wisest thing to do would be to buy the two of them but conjoined into a burrito instead. At least then you both get what you want.

Comfey: I suppose so.

Pikachu: But I didn't ask for cheese?

Rowlet: It's not really pizza without cheese, is it?

Fennekin: You don't like cheese on your pizza?

Pikachu: Of course I don't! It's slimy and it makes me sick. I don't like it.

Popplio: What? Not even... cheesecake?

Pikachu: Cheesecake is cheesecake. Anything revolving cheese to cheese spread is a no go for me. And no. I don't have a lactose intolerance. I just can't stand cheese. Which I would think Rowlet, being the host would've learned to accomodate for those who have a general dislike for things that taste like candle wax!

Rowlet: If you're still bitter about the brie, don't worry. I'm not bringing that in again. Though I don't see why that should stop you from eating cheesecake?

Popplio: I think I'm going to be sick...

Comfey: What's the matter?

Rowlet: Oh no! Not on the burritos! Not on the pizza! NOT ON THE PIZZA BURRITOS!

Fennekin: Great, Pikachu. Now look what you've done.

Pikachu: All I said was cheese!

Popplio: I-It's fine...! Just... thinking about that poor cheesecake being desecrated by a couple burritos. It's unforgivable...

Popplio then sobbed to herself as she ate her burrito and Comfey didn't know where to put her face other than pat her on the back.

Comfey: Uh. There, there.

Rowlet: You wanted burritos and Pikachu wanted pizza! How was I supposed to decide between the two?

Comfey: A doggy bag would be beneficial.

Fennekin: Oh no, hun. We can't have you being sick on the second day of school. Here, take this bottle of water. It'll help.

Popplio: *sigh* Thanks... um?

Fennekin: Fennekin. I'm sure I introduced myself to you yesterday?

Popplio: Haha. Sorry. I'm still getting used to everything. It's not easy going from one thing to the next in two days, you know.

Pikachu: Give her some credit. She's only just started.

Fennekin: Sorry. Don't mind my bluntness, hun. I may come off rude, but it's a habit I have sometimes. I'm not as sharp as Pikachu says I am.

Popplio: Oh don't worry! I'm glad that you're honest with me. The last thing I'd want is to offend anyone, so no hard feelings.

Fennekin threw a burrito at Pikachu, but hw managed to dodge it just in time and flew over the fence.

Pikachu: Ha! Missed me!

Rowlet: Hey! Hey! Don't throw food here! My dad will have me!

Comfey: Hahaha! Oh, Popplio. We're sorry. Are you feeling better?

Popplio: A little, yeah. Thank you.

Rowlet: Since you're new here, and you've been given the semi tour by yours truly, I suppose you're wondering what else SolarStar Academy has to offer, huh?

Popplio: Well, I do have two questions.

Rowlet: Fire away!

Popplio: One, why did you wake me up at three in the morning? And two, how did you get my number?!

Fennekin: Pfft. He does that. I mean, where else did you think this saying comes from? The early bird catches the worm.

Rowlet: Don't you start! *sigh* To answer your second question, Lunala filled me in on some things. As ambassador, I have access to your critical information.

Popplio: AHHH! WHAT?!

Rowlet: Not everything, don't worry! I wouldn't breach it. That would be illegal. Sorry if I creeped you out.

Popplio: *sigh* Thank goodness for that...

Comfey: In all seriousness, is there anything you perhaps want to know more about the academy? Just to ease your conscience a little bit.

Popplio: Thanks, Comfey, but Rowlet pretty much summed up the academy when he gave me that tour yesterday.

Rowlet: Hey, hey. Not everything? Only snippets of the classrooms and all that and a few teachers, but I wouldn't say I told her everything. There's simply too much to talk about.

Popplio: From the way you were talking, it sounded like you mentioned everything?

Comfey: Hehe! Perhaps not all?

As she cast her eyes down at Popplio's uniform, she just stood there in confusion as to what was running through her mind. Was there something she forgot? Was her uniform still stained from yesterday?

Comfey: You haven't been assigned a house yet, have you?

Popplio: House? What do you mean?

Pikachu: Oh yeah. I did notice. Hey, Rowlet. You were with her. Did Lunala or Solgaleo say anything?

Rowlet: Regarding houses? Uh, not yesterday, no.

Comfey: I see. Well... that's great! Maybe Lunala will assign you one today!

Fennekin: Or Solgaleo. One of the two. You don't get to choose though.

Popplio: I'm sorry. I'm a little lost here. What on earth are you guys talking about?

Rowlet: One thing you need to know about SSA, my bubbly friend, is that we like to ravish in a bit of competition. Students are assigned and divided into one of the two houses we have. Dayflare or Nightwalk.

Comfey: And they play a vital role at the end of the year! Depending on how many credits are earned, they're tallied up at the end of the year and we win prizes! When our house won last year, we went to a popular theme park for a week long trip!

Popplio: Woah, really? That sounds awesome! Do you know which house is currently in the lead?

Comfey: Well, since it's a freshers week, the ballots have been reset, so we won't know until it kicks off again. Haha! I can't wait!

Rowlet: Well I can't wait to see what house Popplio gets put into. Say, we should bet right now!

Fennekin: Oh no.

Pikachu: Let's do it! How much dough do you propose?

Rowlet: Ten.

Pikachu: You're on!

Popplio: Wait! You guys don't need to---

Rowlet: I think she'll be put in Nightwalk.

Pikachu: Well I think she'll be put in dayflare!

Fennekin: And I think you're both being ridiculous. That's half of your lunch money down the toilet!

Suddenly, they heard a horn from outside and Comfey looked out the window to see what it was or where it was coming from, and she was shocked to see the school bus pulling up outside the house.

Comfey: Sorry to break it up, but our party's been cut short. The ride is here!

Pikachu: Shoot!

Rowlet: Alright! Tell her to wait! I need to grab my bag.

Popplio: Bus?

Comfey: Yeah! So all of us can travel to school together.

Popplio: Wha--- really? (Guess that solves my transport problem.)

Pikachu: Quickly! The bus will leave without us if we don't hurry up!

Fennekin: Unless any of you prefer walking?

Rowlet and Pikachu: No!

Eventually, they got on the bus and it was semi packed with students. Rowlet and Pikachu were sat together, still betting with each other about what Popplio's assigned house was going to be. Fennekin and Comfey were sat together and Popplio was sat in front of them and looking out at the window, watching the scenery go by.

Popplio: *yawn* The sun is too bright.

Fennekin: You and me both. Personally, I would've fired that sun long time ago if I'd known about my migraines, but this is expected here.

Popplio: Hm...

Comfey: Are you okay?

Popplio: Haha. Don't worry. I'm fine. I'm just nervous that's all.

Fennekin: Nerves do this to you on purpose to ensure you have the worst day possible.

Popplio: I know! That's what I'm worried about!

Comfey: Don't think about it too much. Everything will be fine. Relax and enjoy yourself, but don't relax too much or you'll be putting your grades on the line.

Rowlet: Nightwalk!

Pikachu: Dayflare!

Rowlet: Night---

Suddenly, a ball of paper was thrown from the back of the bus to Rowlet's chair and turned around in curiosity. The moment he saw who was sat in the back seats, it was Scorbunny and Pancham, two of Litten's friends taunting him and laughing.

Scorbunny: Hey, bird brain! Is that electric mouse with you? I have a football with his name on it!

Rowlet: Uh, no! He's---

Pikachu recognised his voice and immediately stood up in his chair whilst the bus was moving, just to insult him from a distance, and Rowlet just face palmed.

Pikachu: Oh, I'm sorry! I thought you were off on an easter egg hunt! Now go and leave me in peace!

Pikachu sat back down, chuckling to himself at the insult he threw back at Scorbunny, folding his arms with complete satisfaction and mumbling a few words to himself.

Pikachu: Cih. Easter egg hunt.

He then had a football thrown at the back of his head and he rose from his chair again, ready to begin another argument at him.

Pikachu: *angry* THE TREBLE NINE JUST CALLED! YOU'RE OVERDUE A SERIES OF HEAD INJURIES!

Scorbunny: OH YEAH?!

Rowlet just rolled his eyes and looked everso fed up with Scorbunny picking on Pikachu. At least Pancham wasn't bothered. He just sat there, looking on his phone and not paying any attention to what was going on around him.

Fennekin just put her earphones in and listened to her music in peace. As Pikachu and Scorbunny's argument faded out, Rowlet heard a ping from his phone and checked to see who it was and it was a message from Lunala.

"Hello, Rowlet! This is Lunala. Could you bring Popplio to my office when you arrive? Me and Solgaleo have something for her. Thanks!"

Rowlet: Ah! This could be it. Yes!

Just as he was about to respond to the message, he looked to the window he was sat next to and as the bus stopped at a traffic light, he saw Litten in the backseat of a fancy car in the lane next to where the bus was and just stared at him.

Litten looked to the side and saw Rowlet's face and he grinned spitefully before laughing and rolled up his window. The traffic lights eventually changed to green and Rowlet watched as the fancy looking car rode passed him before the bus could and he just groaned.

Rowlet: It's a good thing I can't hear him.

Comfey: So, Popplio. How do you normally get to school?

Popplio: Oh. I go on my uncle's motorbike and he drives me there. He... can get over excited though when he's out on the road. Especially the open ones when they're not so busy.

Comfey: Wow! That's so cool! I'd like to meet him one day.

Popplio: Haha. Yeah. Unfortunately, his bike wasn't working, so I just hope he's---

"Hello students! We are just at the turning point. Please remain seated once the bus has come to a complete stop."

Popplio looked outside the window and saw the school coming up on the horizon. Just looking at it made her feel daunting, but she was determined to have a good day regardless. Comfey, who was sat behind her, placed her hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile and Popplio smiled back, appreciating the kind gesture she had recieved.

Eventually, the bus stopped outside of the entrance on a parking space and one by one, all of the students got off. Rowlet had seemed to be in the midst of the bickering between Scorbunny and Pikachu for the entire bus trip, and he didn't have much sanity left to deal with it anymore, so he just ignored them, getting off the bus and walked over to one side until they were finished. Popplio was the last to get off and she expressed her gratitude to Cleffable, who was still in the drivers seat and was adjusting her mirrors.

Popplio: Hey uh... thank you for the lift.

Cleffable: Well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine? Thank you! Take this flower. It's artificial, but unlike the real ones, they don't die. Keeps the bus lively.

Popplio: Wow! I love it. Thanks!

Cleffable: You're most welcome. You have a lovely day now.

Popplio: You too! Bye!

Before she made it onto the last step, she sniffed the flower and her eyes widened, pausing.

Popplio: Oh, I forgot. It's not real--- AH!

Suddenly, she wasn't looking where she was going and tripped, but was immediately saved by Pikachu's back as he was fighting with Scorbunny. Realising what she had done, she took a long gasp after Pikachu fell face first and Popplio followed afterwards, leaving Scorbunny laughing his head off.

Popplio: Ouch...

Pikachu: Ow! Wh... Oh, I suppose you think that's really funny, don't you?! Well, it's not!

Scorbunny: Yeah, you're right. It's not funny.

Pikachu: *sigh* Thank you!

Scorbunny: It was hilarious! Pfft hahaha! My entertainment this morning has just been scored.

Zeraora: See you around, losers.

Scorbunny's laughter faded out as he began walking away from him and Zeraora followed him, leaving Pikachu and Popplio on the ground.

Pikachu: *groans* I hate that rabbit.

Popplio: Oh my arceus! I am so sorry, Pikachu! I didn't mean to!

Pikachu: It's fine.

Comfey: Wow! That was quite a fall there. Does this happen all the time?

Popplio: Unfortunately.

Pikachu stood up from off the ground first before lending a hand to help Popplio out, and eventually, she was back on her feet.

Popplio: *sigh* The last thing I want is to end up in the nurse's office. I guess I'm just clumsy.

Fennekin: Weaknesses are an enemy to us all, but there's no beating yourself up about it. Now let's head in already!

Pikachu: I agree! Let's go!

Rowlet: You guys go ahead. I need to stay with Popplio anyway. Lunala's orders.

Comfey: Okay! We'll see you inside then.

Fennekin: Why are you walking like that? Did you blow in from a retirement home?

Pikachu: In this case, why not?

They both watched as the three of them went up the stairs towards the door and Popplio stood there watching Pikachu as he was walking funny and holding his back like an old man.

Popplio: Oh dear...

Rowlet: Something wrong?

Popplio: Nothing bad I hope. Never mind about me getting sent to the nurse's office, I think Pikachu's the one that'll be needing it most. I might have done his back in!

Rowlet: He doesn't let those things bother him as such. Don't worry about it. Hey, guys! Wait outside Lunala's office, okay? Oh, and Pikachu? Before I forget. Nightwalk!

"DAYFLARE!"

Rowlet: See? He'll be fine. Anyway, the bell will ring soon, so we better head in quickly and find Lunala. Whilst we were being driven, I recieved some additional information from her this morning.

Popplio: Additional information?

Just a few minutes later, Rowlet took her to Lunala's office and Popplio was sat on one of the chairs, watching her go through her files and throwing them about. Not that they knew what she was looking for, but she looked to be in a right muddle.

Lunala: Oh dear, dear, dear! That's not it. Nope! No, no, no, no.

Popplio: Uh, I'm sorry. Do you need some help?

Lunala: You're too kind, Popplio, but it's a vital document that I told myself time and time again to put it in my drawer, but can I find it? Nope! I just had to put it somewhere else. It should have a red ribbon on the front.

Popplio: Red ribbon? So, it's that important?

Lunala: But of course! It has your student info, your current record, references and medical history that your uncle gave us yesterday! You know, all that boring stuff. Plus I had written what your assigned house was going to be! If I can't find it, we'll have to do this the old fashioned way.

Popplio: *gasp* Yay!

Rowlet: You better hope for my pockets sake, it's nightwalk.

Popplio: Then why did you bet with Pikachu if you knew you'd be risking your lunch for it?

Rowlet: It's entertainment for morons.

Lunala: ARGH!!! WHERE HAS THAT BLASTED FILE GONE?!

Suddenly, Solgaleo burst through his sister's office with a file in his hands and in the midst of her rage, he didn't take much notice, but it did give Lunala hope at least.

Solgaleo: You left this in my office.

Lunala: I WHAT--- *clears throat* I what?

Solgaleo: I believe this is the one you were desperate to find?

Solgaleo handed the file over to his sister with a big smile on his face and as she skim and scanned through it, her face beamed.

Lunala: Excellent! Let's see now. *clears throat* Before bestowing a housing of your choice upon a pupil, ensure they're completely comfortable with it and it's before the first bell rings and blah blah blah...

Popplio: *whispers* Should it be this complicated?

Rowlet: *whispers* Not really, but they both like to be dramatic, so just play along with it.

Lunala: Alright! I think I've read everything I needed to read. Solgaleo? Do your thing.

Solgaleo: Right! By the power vested in me!

Rowlet: Oh boy. Here it comes...

Solgaleo: As headmaster of this academy, I now pronounce you... uh... Popplio, assigned to... dayflare house! Wahoo! *whispers* A.K.A the best house ever.

Popplio: Yay! Did you hear that, Rowlet? I'm a dayflare pupil! Wahoo!

Rowlet: NOOOO!!!

He leaned too far backwards into his chair and the chair went with him after realising he was going to be low on funds very soon. Popplio looked down at him in confusion and began scratching her head.

Popplio: Rowlet?

Lunala: Wait a second! That wasn't the house I assigned her in?

Solgaleo: Oh. That's a shame. I wonder how that happened?

Lunala: You did this, didn't you?

Solgaleo: Err...

Lunala: Solgaleo?

Solgaleo: Sorry.

Lunala: SOLGALEO!

Solgaleo: I said I was sorry, didn't I?

Lunala: So, that's why I couldn't find my file earlier! I never misplaced it! You did this on purpose so Popplio would be assigned to your house and not mine!

Solgaleo: Well, it's not like you can do anything since you used the seal for the document prior. Better luck next time.

Lunala just slammed her head on her desk after her brother fooled her this entire time. Her voice muffled, she groaned to herself.

Lunala: This wasn't part of the plan...!

Solgaleo: Now then. Popplio, do you object?

Popplio: Uh... no?

Solgaleo: *smirk* Any objections, sis?

Lunala: *sigh* No.

Solgaleo: Great! That's that then. Here's your little present.

With a huge smile on his face, Solgaleo gave Popplio her new tie and she took it from him, examining it in confusion.

Popplio: So... what now?

Solgaleo: You may kiss the groom!

Popplio: *blushes* AHH! What?!

Solgaleo: I mean you may wear the tie! Sorry.

The bell rang to commence the school day and Popplio just sat in her chair, looking at the orange looking tie she was given and her smile was crooked as she clipped it onto her collar.

This was almost as strange as the welcome pack she recieved yesterday with the confetti bucket. Solgaleo and Lunala sure were weird. Popplio looked to the side and blinked a couple times as Rowlet got up from off the floor and was ringing a tiny handbell feeling gutted about his money.

Rowlet: Congratulations, Popplio.

Popplio: Again. Does it have to be this complicated?

Lunala: It wouldn't have been so complicated if my brother wasn't playing such childish games and put you in my house as planned!

Solgaleo: You had your turn yesterday. It's only fair if today I did something to make her feel more at home.

Lunala: I'm going to get you for this! I--- *sigh* It's okay. It's fine. This is just perfect! Hahaha! Alright! You win, but now that she's one of your pupils, she's your responsibility now.

Solgaleo: That's fine by me.

Popplio: Huh? What do you mean?

Lunala: Me and Solgaleo run this place fifty fifty, remember? The two houses are separate so we can keep track of our own students without one overseeing all of them. It just makes things easier for us. I lead nightwalk house whilst Solgaleo leads dayflare. I was originally going to have you in mine since we had already become accquainted with one another, but it would seem my plans were sabotaged...

Lunala cleared her throat and began coughing in her brother's general direction, putting the blame back on him for what he had done earlier and Solgaleo just looked at her, pretending he had no idea what the reason was.

Solgaleo: Do you have a sore throat, sis?

Rowlet: With dayflare being your assigned house, it means Solgaleo will be the one to oversee you now. Not Lunala.

Popplio: Oh, I see. Fifty fifty.

Solgaleo: Now you're getting it! Here's your new diary. And Popplio? I look forward to seeing your achievements. Do dayflare proud.

Eventually, when the meeting was over, Popplio and Rowlet walked out of the office and closed the door behind them. No doubt the heads were going to start arguing the moment they left the room, but that was the least of Rowlet's worries.

Rowlet: That's my money gone. Dayflare, huh? Looks like you and Pikachu are buddies then.

Popplio: Oh. He's in dayflare house too?

Rowlet: Yep. You might be in his home class yet, but we'll see.

The two of them walked around the corner and Pikachu, Fennekin and Comfey were waiting for them to tell them which house she was put into. Pikachu began pleading to himself and pacing back and forth still holding his back in place.

Pikachu: Dayflare, Dayflare, dayflare...! Come on! The anticipation's killing me here!

Comfey: Here they come!

Both Pikachu and Fennekin turned around to look in the same direction as Comfey and Rowlet and Popplio came out with two different reactions. One, Cheery. The other, right in the gutter.

Comfey: This is speaking volumes...

Fennekin: So, what house was it?

Popplio: Hehe!

Rowlet: *sigh* Dayflare.

Pikachu: DAYFLARE?! YES! WOOOO!!! IN YOUR FACE, BIRD BRAIN!

Rowlet: Alright, alright! No need to shout.

Pikachu: You know how it is. The winner earns the bragging rights. It's time to cough up the dough.

Rowlet rolled his eyes as he reached into his pocket and just slammed it on the palm of his hand, sighing in defeat, and Pikachu was chuckling to himself.

Fennekin: This is why I told you not to bet like this. You're sacrificing your lunch money. One's empty pocket is greater than enduring a growling stomach in class for a few hours.

Rowlet: At least they're serving cold in the cafeteria today. I'm not going to be missing much.

Pikachu stopped chuckling and bending the note for a moment after hearing what Rowlet said and tried to process what he meant, but couldn't wrap his head around it.

Pikachu: Wait what?

Comfey: Anyway. Speaking of class, what's on your timetable today, Popplio?

Popplio: Good question. I... honestly have no idea. This whole timetable thing is so confusing.

Fennekin: What's so confusing about it?

Popplio: Well, I mean just look at the way it's laid out! I mean, ideally you would have the timings displayed on the left instead of leaving a few gaps to measure the duration of each lesson! Even the weekdays are back to front.

Rowlet: Must've been a mess up in the printers.

Pikachu: *snorting* Yeah. Maybe somebody was using cheap toner again.

Comfey: The solar spreads are responsible for that. We're not allowed to use it without permission. Anyway, the timetable may look complex, but it's not so bad once you get the hang of it. Would you like me to crack the code?

Popplio: Thanks, Comfey, but if I'm going to be studying here, I need to be able to get a grip on this, or one of these days, I'll find myself on my own without any assistance because you're all off doing your own thing.

Fennekin: Fair point, but you won't be able to get a grip on it unless you let us help you.

Popplio: Ah! Of course. Hahaha! S-Sorry, Comfey. Here.

Comfey: Let's see... that was yesterday... Oh! You're with me!

Popplio: Really?

Comfey: Yeah! Food studies is my all time favourite! Miss Shiinotic runs the class. You'll like her! Trust me.

Popplio: Wow! Thanks!

Rowlet: *chuckles* Well, what do you know? That's not too far away from here. See, Popplio? Didn't I say we'd look after you?

The bell rang to commence the starting period and all of the students came out onto the corridor, and very soon, it wasn't so quiet anymore.

Comfey: Come. I'll show you the way. Follow me!

Pikachu: Sorry. My class is in the opposite direction.

Fennekin: Yeah. Mine too.

Popplio: That's okay. We'll see you guys at break!

Rowlet: Yeah. Meet us outside on the pitch. It's a sunny day, so we can make the most of it. *mumbles* And I can avoid you know who...

Fennekin: Okay! We'll see you guys around.

Pikachu: See you later, Popplio.

Popplio: Bye!

Both Pikachu and Fennekin went their separate ways and Popplio followed Comfey and Rowlet through the crowd of students as she held her new diary. She seemed less intimidated than yesterday, but still a little nervous. Either way, if she was going to be studying here, she needed to get used to the environment.

Popplio: (The weight of this bag is going to kill my back one of these days. I wonder if I'll get my own locker this week?)

Rowlet: You're probably wondering when you're going to get your locker, huh?

Popplio: (HE'S IN MY HEAD?! GET HIM OUT, OUT, OUT!)

Comfey: Hahaha! That's Rowlet for you. He can read us like a book.

Suddenly, Popplio bumped into Rowlet and backed up a little after realising he had stopped in the middle of the corridor and he was looking without surprise at what was ahead of him. Comfey stood beside him in shock.

Popplio: What's going on? Why did you both stop?

The moment Popplio looked in his direction to see what or who he was looking at, her face dropped the moment she saw the graffited wall with a capitalised message saying, "Solarstar sucks!"

Comfey: Who would do this?

Rowlet: Farfetch'd and Pidegott.

Popplio: Huh?

Rowlet: Them troublesome twins are at it again. This has their names written all over it.

Comfey: Eh. They've always been like this though. It's normal.

Rowlet: Not normal when a teacher finds out and Snorlax has to spend more on cleaning supplies! This calls for an emergency ambassador mission. A trip to the office! Excuse me, ladies.

The warning bell rang and Comfey and Popplio were left standing there, confused.

Popplio: Why do they do this?

Comfey: They want to stir up trouble. Kind of like Scorbunny and all that. Come. Let's head to class.

Popplio: Coming!

In a dark corner of the corridor, someone was standing there, folding their arms and with a spiteful grin on their face before disappearing back into the darkness. Rowlet didn't look to be coming back, so Comfey took Popplio to Miss Shiinotic's class on her own. They both opened up the two double doors with students just about sitting down at their tables and talking amongst themselves before the teacher could arrive.

Popplio: You have quite a facility here.

Comfey: Yeah. First head likes to invest, but hey? The best for our students is what he always says. He's crazy, but we like him.

Popplio: Sounds like my uncle.

Comfey: Come, Popplio! You can sit next to me.

Popplio: Thanks!

As Popplio was walking over to the vacant chair next to Comfey, she took one look at her seat and her jaw dropped the moment she saw gum stuck to it. She didn't want a repeat of what happened yesterday or let anything stop her, so she quickly opened up one of the utensil drawers nearby and grabbed a spatula to scrape the gum off.

Popplio: Hahaha. You're not getting me today!

Comfey: What are you doing?

Popplio: Just ensuring my day is off to a good start.

Proceeding to scrape the gum off, the double doors opened and Miss Shiinotic came in with panic on her face.

Miss Shiinotic: I'm so sorry, class! I was caught up with something and I didn't realise what time it was! But I'm here now, so we'll get started, shall we?

The class watched as she stood at her front desk with her clipboard on hand and she took a glance ahead of her just to see her class that was silent as a mouse.

Miss Shiinotic: Ooh! I have a well behaved class this year? That's new. Very new indeed. And speaking of new, I believe I see some new faces here today. What a sight! Let's start with you at the back, shall we?

Cubone: Who, me?

Miss Shiinotic: Yes, please. Tell us your name and an interesting fact about yourself.

Cubone: Okay. Well, I'm Cubone and something interesting about me is that I'm afraid of bees.

Miss Shiinotic: Thank you, Cubone. And... you next to him. What's your name?

Slowpoke: Huh? Oh. Uh, Hi. I'm Slowpoke. Not much to say about me really. Also, Merry Christmas.

Half the class laughed under their breaths whilst Slowpoke sat back down in his stool feeling quite satisfactory, not realising it was nowhere near Christmas. In fact, it was far from it. He pulled out a mini Christmas tree ornament, placing it on the table in front of him and Cubone just face palmed and lightly shaking his head.

Miss Shiinotic: Haha... uh... merry Christmas to you as well. What about you?

Popplio: Huh? Me? Well uh...

Comfey: *whispers* You can do it.

After some reassuring words from Comfey, Popplio took a deep breath before standing up.

Popplio: Hi. I'm uh... I'm Popplio, and I'm new here. I arrived yesterday, so... I'm a little nervous.

Miss Shiinotic: The student breaker? So, that's what all that talk was about in the staff room earlier! I see your badge. It's lovely to meet you, Popplio. Do you have an interesting fact about yourself?

Popplio: Well, I... love to sing?

Miss Shiinotic: That's lovely! We're happy to have you here. Let us proceed with the lesson today, shall we?

Popplio sat back down in her stool and felt all the breath she held whilst standing up and introducing herself was going to choke her, she finally exhaled and Comfey smiled at her.

Comfey: *whispers* You did great!

Popplio: Thanks.

Miss Shiinotic: Alright class! For those of you who don't know me, I'm miss Shiinotic and I will be your food studies teacher this year. Just for a brief rundown of the class, you will learn the processes of food handling, food preparation and identifying the risks, but that will be much later on. The first case study we'll be going over is health and safety whilst being in the kitchen. So! Who here has cooked or baked anything before?

Some hands went up and Miss Shiinotic looked around the room with a smile on her face. Slowpoke put his hand up as he finished fiddling with his little Christmas tree.

Miss Shiinotic: Interesting. I'm curious now. What did you attempt?

Slowpoke: I made Christmas pudding.

Miss Shiinotic: *sweat drop* Of course.

Cubone: *whispers* What are you talking about? It isn't Christmas yet!

The teacher looked around the room to see who she could pick on and she saw Comfey in the front row with a smile on her face.

Miss Shiinotic: Comfey! Excellent. Tell me about your experiences.

Comfey: Well, I wouldn't call myself a professional, but it's fair to say that I can do the basics.

Miss Shiinotic: Interesting! What have you made thus far?

Comfey: Let's see. I've baked brownies, cupcakes, flapjacks, shortcake, muffins, cinnamon rolls, cake loaf, cookies, banana bread, cheesecake, banoffe pie...

Popplio: *whispers* You call that basic?!

Miss Shiinotic: As expected from you, Comfey. Glad to see you haven't changed. I'm expecting great things from everyone here. You should all have in front of you a clipboard. I want you to assess your surroundings. See what you can see as a health and safety risk and once you have it, I want you to write down on the worksheet. You have precisely twenty minutes starting now!

Later into the lesson, everyone was working in silence and Slowpoke was putting a little star on his tree before picking up his pen and getting on with his work. At the front row of the classroom, Popplio was writing some notes and she looked up at the clock. Fifteen minutes went by so quickly. Soon it was going to be break time.

It wasn't a stuffy room either. With the amount of facilities that it contained, it was no wonder they needed the air conditioning on twenty-four seven. Popplio then felt a light tap on her shoulder and she turned towards Comfey who was trying to get her attention and under their breaths, began talking to each other.

Comfey: Psst. Popplio!

Popplio: Huh?

Comfey: Hehe. Class won't go by any faster if you're constantly looking at the clock up there.

Popplio: Sorry. I guess I'm just shocked with how fast this lesson is going. I didn't know you could bake?

Comfey: Well. It's a hobby of mine. I certainly wouldn't call myself a professional either.

Popplio: What are you talking about?! Not a professional? You can feed an army with skill like that! If you love what you do, then don't sell yourself short.

Comfey: Thanks. I don't like to brag about it, so I try not to put myself out there, but you're right. I love baking. I feel more composed when I'm behind a hob or when I'm stirring something. It's therapeutic for me.

Popplio: Wow. Really? That's cool!

Comfey: If I ever bring something to share with everyone, I'll let you be the first to try.

Just hearing that made her eyes sparkle. If she could squeal right now with excitement, she would, but didn't want to risk getting in trouble for unnecessary disruption. Comfey observed her facial expression and couldn't help but smile.

Comfey: I get the hint that you like sweets, huh?

Popplio's face flushed with embarrassment realising her inner excitement was beginning to display, and she quickly disciplined herself, but it was too late. Comfey gathered enough information to know that she certainly had a sweet tooth.

Comfey: *giggles* Don't worry. I won't judge. What about you? Can you bake?

After she asked her that question, Popplio blinked a couple times and thought back to when she was a bit younger, messing up in her uncle's kitchen.

FLASHBACK...

A mop wasn't going to clean this up. There was flour everywhere. Egg shells all over the floor, and Popplio was on the floor wearing her little apron, trying to use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture which was too high for her to reach, and singing little tunes.

Popplio: La la la la la!

Suddenly, Dewgong entered the kitchen and his jaw dropped. Any further, it would drop to the centre of the earth. He stood at the doorway at the amount of mess his niece made and Popplio turned around with a giddy laugh.

Popplio: Uncle, I made pudding!

Dewgong blinked a couple times before eventually fainting to the floor. He either fainted from a messy kitchen or Popplio having chocolate and flour all over her face. Popplio just kept licking her wooden spoon.

END OF FLASHBACK...

Soon, Popplio found herself staring into space as her life was being flashed before her. So much so she forgot about her work her conversation with Comfey. She kept tapping on her shoulder to try and bring her back to reality, but Popplio was gone.

Comfey: Popplio? Yoo hoo? Popplio? Are you there?

Popplio: Uh buh... funcle d... doughnut... nahaha...

All was silent as Comfey began scratching her head in confusion. What was she seeing?

Miss Shiinotic: The twenty minutes are almost up everyone! Please reach a stopping point soon before we come together to share our thoughts.

Comfey began waving in front of her face, but Popplio had a somewhat traumatised look on her face. She didn't know what to do.

Comfey: Oh dear.

Miss Shiinotic: Is something wrong, Comfey?

Comfey: Uh, yeah. Popplio isn't responding.

In that moment, the class turned their attention towards the front of the classroom to see what was going on, but their lesson was soon disrupted again by a member of staff shouting on the corridor as they were sat in their seats.

"Oh no you don't! You both stay right where you are!"

Miss Shiinotic: Huh?

"But sir! We didn't do anything!"

"You know the rules! No recreational items during school hours! These are the kind of things you use when you're off campus! And shouldn't you two be in lesson?!"

Squirtle: Ooh! Someone's in trouble.

The class was too busy distracted by what was going on outside that they had forgotten about the lesson. It seemed like a pupil was getting yelled at by a teacher. Either way, it was enough for Popplio to snap out of it.

Popplio: Huh? I know that voice.

Comfey: Popplio, you're back! Are you okay?

Popplio: Yeah, I'm fine. That yelling sounds familiar. Is it...?

Miss Shiinotic: Now class. Don't worry about what's going on out there. Focus on your---

"Well there goes some credits, I'm afraid!"

"But sir, that's not fair!"

"Yeah!"

Miss Shiinotic: On second thought...

Suddenly, Popplio rushed over to the double doors and Comfey followed along, and some from the middle row tables. Popplio opened the doors slightly just to get a peek at the situation and Comfey was also watching with her. Mr Mewtwo and three of the school ambassadors were standing there, watching Farfetch'd and Pidegott getting in trouble.

Rockruff quickly shoved both Popplio and Comfey a little just so he could see and a few of his friends did the same, looking through the crack in the door.

Rockruff: *whispers* Move over! I want to see.

Bewear: *whispers* What's going on?

Rockruff: *whispers* Oho! It's them again! The two twins. That's no surprise.

Charjabug: What? No surprise that Mr Mewtwo is more angrier than he usually is?

Rockruff: You know what that means. No doubt they're sure to get the pink slip. I wish I had some popcorn to watch this in action.

Popplio: Pink slip?

Comfey: Yeah. It's one of the key stages of punishment at the academy. Did Rowlet tell you?

Popplio: Either he did or I can't remember.

Rockruff: *whispers* Shhh! I want to listen.

Farfetch'd: What proof do you have that we did it?!

Pidegott: Yeah! We're innocent!

Mr Mewtwo: *angry* You have paint on your uniform and caught you ditching class! What more proof do you want?!

Pidgeott: That was because we were painting for Mrs Altaria! It was art club!

Mr Mewtwo: *angry* A likely story! You both are coming with me and that's final! To detention with you!

As Mr Mewtwo was dragging the two troublemakers down the corridor, they both tried to reason with him and began complaining, but Mewtwo wasn't having any of it.

Farfetch'd and Pidgeott: BUT SIR!

Mr Mewtwo: *angry* NO BUTS!

Behind the door, Rockruff, Bewear and Charjabug had excited expressions on their faces and chuckled to themselves, whilst Popplio and Comfey exchanged concerned and confused glances at each other. These ambassadors were hard at work.

Miss Shiinotic: Alright everyone! Away from the door please. It's time to come back together and share our notes.

Popplio and Comfey went back to their table, still a bit concerned with what had happened and Rockruff and his friends did the same, but seemed unfazed by it all. Slowpoke began shaking his head in disbelief.

Slowpoke: Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Someone's going on the naughty list this year.

If Cubone could facepalm a million times, he would, but it was pointless telling him that it wasn't Christmas yet when he wouldn't understand.

It wasn't long before the bell rang and the lesson had ended. When the corridor was busy again, Comfey and Popplio were walking together, talking and giggling to each other by what happened back there. They didn't know who to feel concerned about. The twins or Mr Mewtwo. I mean, he was getting paid for this.

Popplio: That was... uh... something.

Comfey: Yeah. Maybe that graffiti we saw earlier was done by those two. I mean, they're often the ones with the spray cans anyway.

"Hey guys!"

They both turned their attention towards Rowlet who was walking over to them with a satisfied grin on his face and saluted.

Rowlet: Mission accomplished!

Comfey: Don't tell me. Mr Mewtwo found them and sent them to detention?

Rowlet: Yeah. How'd you know?

Popplio: We were a few feet away behind a door, so we peeked and saw everything.

Rowlet: Looks like that's done the trick. Good news on that in fact! They'll be serving their time in there all day, so there hopefully won't be anymore trouble. It's what they deserve. So, how was lesson anyway?

Popplio: Wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. Less nervous about introducing myself, so at least it's a bit of an improvement.

Comfey: And check this! Slowpoke brought in a Christmas ornament into class.

Rowlet: Why? It's not Christmas yet?

Popplio: I'm not sure, but apparently it is according to him.

Rowlet just stood there giving a shrug and didn't know whether to laugh or feel concerned.

Comfey: It's Slowpoke. Let's not question it.

Rowlet: Yeah. No comment from me. Haha! He's a funny guy. Sign him up for open mic night happening in just a couple weeks.

In the midst of Rowlet's laughter, Popplio was trying to adjust her straps of her bag to ease her shoulders, but she wasn't getting comfortable. Eventually, she just threw her bag on the floor, giving up entirely.

Rowlet: Woah! Careful! You probably have some valuable items in there!

Comfey: What's wrong?

Popplio: *sigh* I tell you. Carrying a bag around school is alright, but when you realise that even the essentials can bring extra weight, it's unbearable! My poor shoulders...

Comfey: Try stretching. That helps.

Following Comfey's advice, Popplio began stretching in the corridor as students were walking past and began dancing, raising herself up and back down again.

Rowlet: Oh she's got it. She's got it!

Comfey: You go, Popplio!

Popplio: And one, and two, and three, and four! And one, and two, and three, and---

"OH NO!"

Suddenly, Popplio stopped dancing and remained in her dancing position the moment she heard Mr Mewtwo's raging voice as he walked down the corridor, coming back from escorting Farfetch'd and Pidgeott to detention.

Mr Mewtwo: *angry* Absolutely not! No dancing in the corridor! We have a strict no dancing policy at this Academy! I'm not yelling anymore today. That's it!

The three of them watched as Mewtwo stormed down the corridor and Popplio just stood there, remaining in her dance position not knowing where to put her face. On the opposite side of the corridor, she could hear a group of laughter by the lockers and she saw Litten and his friends standing around and looked to have witnessed the whole thing.

Infernape: Oh! Oh yeah! I'm a party animal, alright! Omph!

Litten: Do we care? No we don't!

Zeraora, Scorbunny and Pancham laughed before heading over to second period. Braixen just rolled her eyes and Litten just winked in their general direction before reverting back to his default scowl and walking off with his friends, their laughter fading out.

Popplio felt a chill up her spine and stood up straight, brushing her uniform and pretended everything was normal. Rowlet rolled his eyes at Litten's so-called uncouth behaviour, shaking his head slightly. Comfey turned to Popplio in confusion.

Comfey: Was he winking at you or me?

Rowlet: The cheek. What else can go wrong?

Popplio: The end of my dignity as we know it? *sigh* This academy is weird.

Comfey: You get used to it.

Rowlet: Yeah. Like putting up with hooligans whose purpose is to try and make your life a living nightmare. Now I have to find Snorlax and get that key from him, so me and the ambassadors can get some sponges. That graffiti isn't going to clean itself.

Comfey: Why do you guys have to do it? It was the twins' fault?

Rowlet: Hey, don't ask me I'm not the one incharge? I'm not deputy?

Popplio: What if they're telling the truth then? What if they really are innocent?

Rowlet: They're the only ones who think it's funny to paint the walls around here. I'm not putting it past them. Oh, and don't worry about your bag, Popplio. We'll figure a way around this. Actually, I have means to speak with Lunala about it before you were assigned to your house, but she's in a meeting right now, so I suppose the wisest thing to do would be to wait patiently and who knows? Those break time cupcakes might give you good luck!

Popplio: Oh yeah! I never got the chance to try them. Are they good?

Comfey: Good? They're better than good! They're amazing! Come. Let's find your next lesson, shall we? The sooner we find it, the sooner the work, and the sooner the bell...

Rowlet: The sooner the cupcakes!

Popplio: Yahoo! Uh, bare with me for just a moment. Let me just put this bag on my shoulder.

Behind a dark corner, someone was watching her from behind a wall and Popplio placed her heavy bag back on her shoulder and could feel a weird presence from behind her and quickly turned around to see who it was. The corridor had quietened down and she couldn't see anyone. Who or what was watching her?

Popplio: Hm...

Rowlet: Hey, Popplio! Are you coming?

Comfey: Yeah! We'll be late!

Feeling sceptical, she didn't take her mind off it the moment she turned back around and proceeded to walk with her friends to her next lesson. At least to make sure she was safe and her conscience was cleared, she held her bag close to her tightly.

Popplio: Y-Yeah, I'm coming!

Must've imagined it.

To be continued...