🌹First Day of School, Oh Boy🌹

"I'm all for following traditions and such, but there is such thing as being 'too much."

"I'm with Persian," Grim agreed.

Cater sighed. "Yeah, I'll admit. Riddle can be a bit well. . . . Extra, when it comes to rules."

'A bit?'

"You're telling me, but I gotta be honest. I don't have time for this ridiculous stuff. Do you know where Riddle is now? Is he here? I need to talk to him,"

"He might, but are ya really sure you'd want to do that? You don't happen to have an apology tart on ya right now, do you? Ya know, to replace the one you ate?"

"Um, no. I came here to apologize when I got here."

"What does a new tart have to do with it?" Lia asked.

"Ah, well, see, here's the deal. It's rule number 53, 'Stolen items must be replaced."

"This couldn't have been mentioned before?" Persian deadpanned.

"And since you don't have a new tart to compliance, I can't really let you guys in."

"Wait, what?!"

"Are you serious?!" Grim and Ace shouted.

"Yep! Sorry, but all dorm members must comply with the rules. If I just let ya slide in, it's going to be off of my head next! Sooo, I hate to say it, Ace. But I'm going to need you to leave now before Riddle catches ya. Thanks for your help, though. ~" Cater said, his expression making a complete one-eighty.

"Are. . . Are you kidding me?! G-guys! Do something!"

"What!? What do you expect us to do?!" Deuce jumped.

"Just, please help me out here! I can't use magic, remember?! Hurry before he,"

But it was too late; Cater already started to use his magic. "Gotta be quicker than that!"

In a blink of an eye, Cater practically beat the two before they could even make a move.

"What the?!/Pika?!"

"Did he use 'Double Team or something?! Cause I'm pretty sure they had him a few times!" Persian asked, bewildered and shocked at the same time.

"It's nothing personal, but rules are rules. ~"

In a split second, Cater had each of the parties tossed out of the garden (except Lia, who was kindly escorted out) right where they entered the dorm grounds.

"Sorry, fellas, ya can't come back till you have that tart the next time I see ya here. M'kay? Kay! Bye-Bye~!" Cater returned to the gardens as the gates slowly closed behind him.

"That was. . . . unexpected." Lia breathed, letting go of her breath, which she didn't know she was holding.

"Okay, seriously!? Was he for real?! He could've just asked us out instead of literally throwing us out!" Ace scorned, more so than he did that morning.

"Aragh, was he using some illusion magic or something? Cause the times we were able to hit him, he managed to bounce right back!" Deuce wondered.

"He must have been using some sort of trick to fool us or something." Grim thought.

"So, let me see if I got this right. We came all the way here to find out that we needed a replacement tart as an apology. But instead of telling us that first, that guy has us painting the stupid roses and then makes us 'dance with him like fools before throwing us out without any remorse!?"

"Pretty much, it made us look like a bunch of chumps, huh?" Grim huffed.

"Well, not like you didn't look like chumps before," Persian shrugged.

"HEY!"

"*Sighs* Guess there's only one option for you, Ace. You'll have to just get an apology tart if you want to come back. Hmmm, maybe after classes we can - Oh Crap!" Deuce shouted, making everyone jump.

"Pika?" (What's wrong?)

"I realized we missed the first bell! If we don't hurry now, we'll be late for our first period!"

"Gah! Seriously?! I can't get blemished attendance on my first day! I must start my day at Night Raven Collage with glory!"

"What glory?/Pikachu?" Persian and Pikachu roll their eyes.

"Watch it, step to it, you bums! To the classroom!"

"Hang on, what's your guy's first class anyway? Your freshmen like us, right?" Ace asked.

"Uh, yes. Yes, we are. Um, hang on." Pikachu jumped out of Lia's arms and onto her shoulder as she pulled a piece of paper.

"Madame Eva left this with my uniform. Ah ha, here we go. It says that Grim and I are in Class 1-A."

"That's our class, which means you're in the same homeroom as us. Potionology." Deuce exclaimed.

"Nice! That sounds so cool!" Grim beamed excitedly.

"Sounds like I might like this one. It's a bit close to herbal making."

Ace sighed. "It sounds like I might not need my magic for this one. That's a relief."

"Don't relax just yet, kid. You might not be so lucky with the others."

"Let's just hurry before we're late!" Lia called out to them as she started to run toward the mirror entrance.

"Hey! Wait for us!" Grim shouted at her.

_______________________________________________________

The group made it to their first class just in the nick of time. They grabbed a lab coat and made their way to an unoccupied table. As everyone chatted with each other while waiting for their teacher, the doors opened, revealing a man with black and white hair separated to the sides, wearing a thick fur coat.

"Now, let's see here. You all must be my new homeroom students~. Hmm, you all have quite unusual furs. Do make sure you all are properly groomed before entering here,"

'For some reason, he looks familiar.'

"I am Divus Crewel. But for you all, it is Master Crewel. Let us begin, shall we? We will start with the basics for now. I want you all to drill into your minds all the names and distinguishing characteristics of all one hundred herbs and poisons—the mycelia, especially for that matter. In time, I hope you all can walk out without accidentally putting anything poisonous in your gaping maws. But I see most of you have as much self-control as voracious hounds. That said, I will let you know that I will not tolerate any failing students in my class. So expect to be drilled accordingly by my firm hand."

Persian sweat-dropped. "Why do I feel like he and Opel would get along well?"

"Pika, Pika." (It may be because they both have their own way of challenging others.)

"It sounds like we have real harda** for a homeroom teacher." Ace groaned.

"You think so? It seems to me that he's pretty passionate about teaching us. Um, do any of you know what mycelia are?"

"They're a vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments. They're similar to plant roots, but they're found in mushrooms and any kind of mold," Lia explains.

"You sound like you know a thing or two already about this stuff," Ace said, impressed. "But me, I've never been one to be able to memorize this kind of stuff."

"Well, back home, I am a certified herbalist, so I pretty much already know most of this," Lia notices something in the textbook. She raises her hand. "Um, Mr. Crewel. How come the explanation summary for this herb isn't recorded?"

"Hmm? Oh, that's because it's been recently discovered. Its properties and functions have yet to be found."

"Well, you don't need to wait any longer. We have this kind of herb in my hometown: a 'Spellimy herb. ' It's an Aushidari perennial that's used to lower fevers and alleviate pain when you steam and dry the roots."

"Really now?" Mr. Crewel looked at her, impressed by her knowledge. He then surprised her by giving her an affectionate, fatherly smile. "Seems you already know most of this; you might be the one teaching this class instead of my little puppy.~"

Lia started to get embarrassed, "Oh no, sir! I definitely couldn't do that! There's obviously a lot for me to learn cause half of the herbs and stuff in the book I've never heard of!"

Persian sighs. "There she goes again, getting all flustered when praised."

"Honestly, I just care about seeing the difference between the yummy plants and the nasty ones," Grim says blankly.

"Pi." (I kinda agree)

_______________________________________________________

The group went to their second period, Magic History. Their teacher was an older man in a red robe over his formal suit. But the Meowth-like animal in his arms got Lia and her Pokémon's attention.

"Hello, students. I am Mozus Trein, your teacher for this class. And this is my familiar, Lucius."

"Mrrrrrroooooow." Lucius meowed with a dual look on his face.

"In this classroom, you will learn the rich history of magic and how it's sculpted this world, which most of you have no doubt taken for granted. Do know that I will evaluate your work and behavior while you attend this class. Also, please know that I will not tolerate you sleeping while I give the lessons. Now, with that out of the way. Please open your books to page fifteen. In this section, we will discuss the concerns of the discovery of the magic stones back in the Dwarf's Mine,"

"Mrrrrrroooooow."

"As knowledge and awareness of magical energies began to spread across the globe, at that time of year, it was considered the beginning of the Golden Age of the Magic Era."

"Mrrrrrroooooow. *Yawn*"

As Mr. Trein continued his lecture, Lia and Deuce focused on taking notes. Pikachu and Persian also made sure to pay attention. They may not have been in the class, but learning about the world they were currently living in would have been smart if they wanted to survive. Ace dosed off in the middle of the lecture.

" *Yawn!* "

"Pikachu, would you mind?"

Pikachu nodded and crawled off Lia's shoulder over to Ace, leaning into his hand while napping. Pikachu knocked his arm away with a slight tail swipe, making Ace almost bang his forehead.

He quickly straightened himself up before Mr. Trein looked his way. Seeing there was no issue, Mr. Trein proceeded with the lesson. Ace glared over at Pikachu as he laughed.

Lia was interrupted with her notes when she felt Lucius jump onto her lap, getting comfortable.

"Humph looks like someone's already a favorite student." Persian teased as the cat familiar purred.

"Geez, when are we gonna get to the classes where we learn to blow stuff up?"

"I don't think that's until we learn the basics first Grim,"

_______________________________________________________

Then, their third period led them to an open sports field. In gym class, everyone was in their gym clothes and stood by as a tall, bulking, ripped man came over and stood before them. He wore a red and black sweatshirt and pants with some yellow accents. His face was well-edged. He's well-built and handsome if you're into hard-core athlete sports.

"Alright! Listen up! I'm Coach Vargas, and I'm here to physically educate you, feeble little twig bodies, into shape! Great sorcery starts with a great physique and phenomenal strength!" Coach Vargas then thumbs to himself, "Look here! These are the muscles you can build into shape from a diet of raw eggs!"

'That doesn't sound healthy for you at all!' Lia and her Pokémon thought in shock.

"To better control your magic, a great mage must have a great physical constitution! And to start, give me twenty laps and a hundred push-ups!"

Ace complained before the boys started, "Argh, the sudden hard-core exercise is bad enough. But I can't stand meatheads like this guy."

Grim scoffed. "Can someone explain to me why we should run around in circles?! Do I look like a hamster?!"

On the other hand, Deuce was thrilled, "Finally, a subject I'm good at!"

Suddenly, Coach Vargas blew his whistle at them, "What are you three standing around for?! Get going, or I'll have you all do the routine again! Miss Magus has started and is already on her fifth lap!"

The boys looked; sure enough, Lia and her Pokémon were running the laps, barely breaking a sweat.

After the routine, Coach Vargas had everyone partner with someone else in the class. "Alright! We will now do some basic combat training. You and your partner will spare for the remainder of the class. Rule number one of combat training, 'Always protect your face. Unless you want to end up knocked out cold or lose your eyes and teeth, believe it or not, having magic won't always save you. This lesson will be your best defense should you ever be alone and back to a corner."

Ace and Deuce were paired, and Grim was paired with Pikachu, as he was the only other one who was a good size for Grim. Lia was paired with a boy a few inches taller than her. He had short mint-green hair, a pale complexion, and a strong face. But what threw her off was his eyes.

They didn't look human, 'Isn't anyone somewhat normal in this world?'

The boy's brow twitched for some reason, and he then turned to Vargas. "I'm sorry, sir, but I can't do it."

"What's the problem?"

"I just can't fight a feeble woman, especially a human woman."

That pushed Lia the wrong way, big time. "And what's so wrong with me being a 'human woman?"

"I just don't see the point in sparing with a woman who relies on her familiars."

*Snap!*

"Oh," - Persian

"Crud," - Grim

"Pika," (Well, he's a goner)

Before anyone could react, Lia swung the bow staff over the boy's head. He immediately blocked it with his, but Lia made another move before he could. With another fast swing, Lia knocked his feet away, instantly making him fall flat, knocking the wind out. Before he could get up, his face was met with the end of Lia's staff. He looked up, and a cold sweat began to form on the back of his neck. The look in Lia's eyes made him feel so intimidated that it was like a falcon observing its prey.

"Rule 'Two of combat: Never underestimate your opponent. I'll have you know, I'm not as 'feeble as you make me be."

"Remind me never to get on her bad side," Ace uttered.

"For sure." Deuce agreed.

"If you boys think she's scary when she's mad, you don't even want to know what we Pokémon will do if she's ever hurt or offended,"

_______________________________________________________

After P.E., the group started heading to their third class before lunch.

"Let's see now, our next class should be,"

"Man, this sucks. This so-called magic school is turning out to be no different than a regular school." Ace complained, interrupting Deuce.

"We're just starting, Ace. So, it's necessary to learn the basics first. Have you heard the saying, 'Slow and steady wins the race? You'll never learn or master something if you rush it." Lia says.

"You know, for someone who has never used magic, you sound like you've had experience,"

"That's because a Mage or Wizard sounds no different than a Pokémon trainer or Gym Leader." Persian quipped.

"Gym Leader?" The boys questioned.

"They're a Pokémon trainer who specializes in training with specific types of Pokémon and do battles with them. For example, one of our friends is a 'Water-type gym leader. She trains and fights with water-type Pokémon. It's no different from your world having specific types of wizards specializing in specific magic." Persian explains.

"So, if Lia had a specific type of Pokémon with her and trained hard, could she have been a Gym Leader?" Deuce asked.

"I could have, but I wanted to be a Pokémon Caretaker instead. I wanted to help lost Pokémon find their way and provide a home for them until they found a new start,"

"Now I'm more interested in your world, Lia."

"When we have a break, I can take you guys. But you'll have to promise not to tell anyone about it."

"I swear I won't!"

"Either way, this isn't what I expected when I joined. But at least the collar's not as problematic as I thought. You with me on that Grim? . . . . Grim? Huh?"

Lia looked around, "Where did he go? He was just here."

"Pikachu." (I have a bad feeling about this.)

"Guy's look!" Deuce pointed out to the window. "There's a ball of fur running around in the courtyard!"

They all looked, and sure enough, it was Grim jumping around without a care in the world. "Is he seriously cutting off classes on the first day? He does realize that if the headmaster finds out about this, he's going lose his position as a student." Persian stated.

"What a slacker, does he ever learn?" Deuce sighed.

"Bad luck, losing your only dorm student on the first day is not a good look for you. Do you want us to help you catch him?" Ace asked smugly.

"If you're gonna act like that, then no." Lia deadpanned at him.

"Pika, Pikachu." (That face makes you look like you want something from us.)

"Just state what you want so we can get this over with," Persian growled.

"Just the chocolate croissants they serve."

"If it's not too much trouble, an iced latte for me," Deuce informed.

"You know, you could've just said that you wanted food instead of trying to con your way for it,"

"Come on, Lia. There's obviously no point in asking for help from these 'Chumps. ' They couldn't be gentlemen even if you paid them. Besides, you know that Pikachu and I can get Grim for you better and faster anyway," says Persian.

"Hey!"

"Alright, enough. If you guys want a snack or something in the cafeteria, that's fine. Let's get this over with so we can get to our next class,"

"Pika pi." (Yeah, cause something tells me this teacher is someone we don't want to mess with.) Pikachu said when he got a look at Lia's schedule.

It didn't take long for the group to get to the courtyard and start chasing Grim. And the little monster didn't make it easy for them either. "Grim! Get back here if you know what's good for you!" Ace shouted.

"No way! The classes are too boring! The great Grim doesn't need anyone teaching how to blow stuff up!"

"Grim! Did you seriously forget what you promised the Head-mage and Madame Eva?! If you keep this up, you'll get kicked out permanently this time!" Persian yelled.

"You're gonna have to catch me!" Grim ran off again. But was cornered by Deuce.

"Don't make things difficult for Lia; she's already doing so much for you already."

"Grrrr, you guys are so infuriating!" Grim huffed a blaze of blue flames at Deuce as he was about to use his summoning spell, almost hitting Ace in the process.

"Gah! Hey, watch it!"

"Not my fault the Furr-ball is being tricky!"

"Heh, heh! While those two are distracted, I'll make my exit. ~"

"I don't think so."

Grim froze when he saw Lia in front of him. "Pikachu, use 'Electro Web."

"Pikachu." (Coming right up.)

"No! Wait!"

"If you don't want to go through that again, then stop being a pain and come to class,"

"But they're so boring!"

"We've only just started Grim. To get better and become a master, you must first learn the basics. Otherwise, you'll never be the 'great mage you've been dreaming yourself as." Lia exclaimed.

Grim took a moment and reluctantly complied with her reasoning. "Fine,"

Lia kneeled down to him and petted his head with a soft smile. "Hey, how about this? If you can make it through this next class and our last one after lunch, I'll make you your own batch of Poképuffs. Each in whatever flavor you want."

"Really?"

"Pika, pi." (Only if you behave, she will.)

"Poképuffs? What are those?" Ace asked as he and Deuce ran up to them.

"They're a treat for Pokémon commonly made in the Kalos regain in our world. Humans can have them, too, but that completely depends on how they're made," Persian explained.

"Think we could try them?" Deuce asked, even more curious about the Pokémon world.

"Maybe later. Right now, we need to get to class before the bell rings."

Soon, the group made it to their fourth period. The classroom looked similar to Mr. Trein's; however, the room was more extensive, like a lecture room, with all sorts of strange antiques and relics that looked many years old. The desks were all on one side of the room, and the teacher's desk was in a corner on the other side of the room. It looked like any other lecture classroom but had a vast round space between the desks and the chalkboard, almost like a stage.

"This looks like an interesting class," Lia said, looking around.

"Well, this is called 'Sorcery 101. I'd imagine it stands out more than the other classes we've had so far." Deace replied, equally curious as she was.

"Great, that means this stupid thing will be a problem."

But as soon as Ace stepped into the classroom, strange ruins appeared in the doorway, and some magic happened around Ace. "What the?!"

Before he could react, the collar that was around his neck suddenly disappeared. "Whoa! The collar! It's gone!"

"As a class that specializes in spell casting and summoning, Professor Xavier expects all of his students to be able to use their magic in whatever lesson he's teaching. So, for insurance purposes, he has a spell warden charm at the entrance of the classroom. This means no outside magic, charms, or enchantments will be active while in the room." A familiar voice answered as they entered the room, too.

"House warden Riddle!?" Ace and Deuce shouted, surprised.

"W-What are you doing here?!" Ace asked.

"What does it look like to you? I'm here for the class. Were you unaware that this is a combined class for the first and second years?"

"Our schedule only said the name of our next class. We were never told about that fact; I'm sorry if it offended you." Lia apologized, hoping to avoid any conflict.

"There's no need to apologize, Miss Lia, especially when you are not at fault for rude behavior," The said boy cringed in fear.

"Don't be thinking you're in the clear for your actions. The moment you step out of this classroom, the spell will return. Anyway, quickly go to your desks. First years are to sit in the first few front rows." Riddle tells them, pointing at the desks.

The boys and Grim didn't waste a second as they made their way to the first row of desks. Not wanting to face their dorm leader's wrath. Lia did the same but quickly turned to Riddle before he passed her to get to his seat.

"Um, Riddle. Professor Xavier, what is he like?"

"Hmm? You do not know of him?"

"The name sounds familiar, but I can't make a face,"

"Well, to put him into words, he's very... blunt even though he puts on a straight face. But don't be fooled; he's very stern and takes his teachings seriously. So, I suggest you and your familiars behave best when he arrives. He doesn't waste time judging those by their actions,"

"Thank you for the advice. We'll be sure to keep that in mind." Lia says as she thanks him with a slight bow in respect. Pikachu and Persian do the same.

"I'm sure this will be of no issue to you. After all, you are a Magus as well. And I can't imagine Professor Xavier downgrading his brother's only daughter."

'His brother's only daughter? Wait, does he mean that our teacher is my un-!?'

Before Lia could finish that thought, someone suddenly came into the classroom, walking straight toward the teacher's desk. The man wore a heavy black trench coat with a fedora to match.

"I swear, the National Magics Museum of History is cursed to have heavy rainstorms over it." the man mutters begrudgingly as he removes his coat and hat. He turned around and looked at the class as he dropped his coat in his chair, "And I see we have new fresh faces... and the old ones,"

"Well, isn't the land of Albia known for its rainy weather, Professor?" Questioned another familiar voice. Lia turned to see it was Azul, sitting at a desk just two rows behind her.

"At some parts of the region, Mr. Ashengrotto said yes. But it seems that the town of 'St. Avalon decided to pour down on the day I needed to teach class. Thank you for the input," Professor Xavier replies with a crooked smile as students laugh while he places his coat and hat on his desk; Lia gets a better look at him. He wore a nice dress vest with a shirt underneath, but on his arms were knitted sleeves and fingerless gloves. He also had grayish-white shaggy hair and a trim goatee beard on his face. Above all, his appearance looked a bit ragged, but he still held class.

'Wait, I think I do know him.'

Just as Professor Xavier looked about ready to start the class, he looked at the floor and became more annoyed than before. "Unbelievable, I tell Crowley not to refurbish the floor in my classroom. Yet he does anyway, every year. Good thing I brought some prominent chalk with me." Then he turned to the class. "Mind waiting for a minute?"

"Not at all, sir."

"Honestly, it's quite a thrill when you do that."

"It'll give the first years quite a show. ~"

Some of the second-year students replied, making Lia, the boys, Grim, and the Pokémon question what the teacher was going to do. Professor Xavier goes off and stands in front of them in the middle of the round stage-like floor. He gestures his arms to channel his focus as the lights in the room start to flicker as if there is going to be a power outage.

"Here it comes! ~"

"Kalim, quiet. He's trying to concentrate."

Then suddenly, the floor around Professor Xavier burst into flames, causing most of the first-year students to jump in surprise.

"Pika!" (Holy!)

"What in the world!?"

"Is that normal!?"

Pikachu and some of the other students shouted. The flames started to die down, showing Professor Xavier was still there as he stood in the middle of the flaming ring. Then, he made gestures with his hands once more as large carvings began to form within the rings.

Soon, Professor Xavier turned to the class, "For all you freshmen, what you see before you is the Merlin circle, created by the great wizard himself. Within this circle, it will help you focus your energy and learn and master new spells, along with conjuring your own spells."

"Finally! Something worth learning!"

"Grim, quiet."

"But I'll have you all know. That magic isn't a game; there are no shortcuts or loopholes for you to use it all willy-nilly like a child. If you screw up even the simplest of spells, you'll never attain the full potential within all of you." He looked around, and he saw some first-years look worried as he gave a smile. "It didn't take me a minute to mess up my levitation spell. Don't wanna fail my class, definitely don't make a mess in my classroom or destroy it".

Some students relaxed as they laughed at his joke, seeing that he was trying to tell them that no one was perfect.

"However, you won't be able to control your magic if you cannot control yourself. The magical energy that surges through us is no different than the life energy that makes us who and what we are today. It is connected to our minds and souls, and that's what makes it unique for each individual. Sort of like a fingerprint, magic is so distinctive that there are no two magics that are the same."

"But what about family magic? Wouldn't that be considered the same?" a student asked.

"Yes and no. In some powerful families where magic is hereditary, it doesn't make it necessarily the same. Take me for example; I am one of the descendants of the Great Sorcerer, Yen Sid. But my magic isn't the same or as powerful because I use and make magic differently. For another example, if you had twins with you, their magic could be the same if they were completely identical. If fraternal, their magic will be different. Depending on the mage, magic can be however and whatever they want it to be. Magic is like art; everyone has a different view of it, especially family, so keep that in mind."

'It sounds pretty similar to Pokémon. If you have two Pokémon of the same species, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are the same.'

"Is this just going to be another boring lecture?"

"Could you be any ruder?" Persian hissed in a whisper.

"Oh, forgive me if my lesson isn't as entertaining as that stunt you pulled the other day, Mr. Trappola."

"How did you,"

"Heard of mind reading?"

"Gah!" Ace looked at him, thinking it was true.

"I'm joking. No, but you and Mr. Spade here were quite the chit-chatter the other day, had to stop my lesson to know what happened. I'm honestly impressed. I don't think I've ever heard of such bold students. Not to mention the stunt you pulled in Main Street. Not really the best first impression I'd want to make," some students chuckle under their breath.

Ace and Deuce held their heads down in shame and embarrassment. Lia couldn't help but feel bad for them.

"That said, I hope you're planning to give Miss Eve her apology letter soon. Let's say Troublemakers are her favorite students. Ask some of your second or third years in your dorm. They know from experience."

Lia, Persian, and Pikachu heard some of the other boys behind them moan in agreement, making her curious and worried at the same time. 'Let's hope we don't see her angry side,'

"Now, moving on. Do all of you have your magic pens?"

Everyone in the room held out their pens for him to see. Lia and Grim, on the other hand, placed their hands and paws over their magical items.

"Excellent, the crystal on your pens is not there to make you look flashy like a piece of jewelry; never lose it, or else I'll show what happens when you lose it. The crystal is like a conduit that projects the magical energies inside you out into the physical world. Without the crystal or any conduit, a mage is pretty much defenseless and powerless. Some of you may be able to use spells without your magic crystal, but it will only be as effective and as controlled with it. Unless, of course, you're dumb enough not to one a wand, then that's another whole discussion. That's why you must always have your magic crystal on you. Once you have mastered the art of sorcery, you'll be able to use magic without your magic item. It won't be as strong, but at that point, you're open to more options with your magic. Also, within time, you'll be able to give your magic crystal a new form rather than a pen."

He then turns to some of the students, "Mr. Rosehearts, Ashengrotto, Al Asim. Would you three please step up and give us an example?"

The three got up from their seats and walked down to the center of the circle with Professor Xavier. Lia recognized the one that stood next to Azul. 'Isn't he that boy who got his backside caught a flame?'

All three took out their pens and twirled them around in their hands. Within a few seconds, their pens started to change shape and form. Riddle's pen turned into a long staff with a crowned heart on top and his crystal just below it. Azul's turned into a fancy can with a silver figurehead that looked like an odd Grapploct holding the crystal. Then, the last boys turned into a short staff with an Arbok-looking serpent wrapped around a jeweled-looking sphere.

"Whoa."

"Pika," (Cool,)

Grim and Pikachu looked at the three in awe. "Thank you, gentlemen. You may return to your decks." Professor waved them off. "As you all have witnessed, a magical item can be in the shape of whatever of your choosing. It all depends on you and how you want your magic to be. Another thing is your crystals also act as a gauge. It measures how much magic you're using and how you are projecting it. Keep in mind that your magic reflects your ingenuity and your emotions. In terms of taking it with a grain of salt, learning and having Magic isn't a game. If you are not careful, magic will eventually be your undoing." he said in a low tone at the end.

This made Lia uneasy as he continued, "As I've said before, magic is not a game. Sometimes, it can have a mind of its own if you are not careful. Many mages who have lost their way ended up succumbing to a tragic fate. Never lose sight of yourself or your magic. And never overlook the warnings you'll face when you learn new spells. Even the smallest or simplest of magics can be dangerous. If you take so much as one wrong move, it will very likely be your last. Always have control. Some of you may not see it now. But you all are stronger than you anticipate."

_______________________________________________________

It was finally the hour Grim had been waiting for Lunchtime. Thanks to the eventful mission, Lia and the boys went on. The chandelier hung ever more gloriously than it did before. The whole cafeteria was hustling and bustling with students; the food looked as if it were made by professional chefs who work for royalty. Both Grim and Pikachu were drooling as they eye-balled the buffet.

Persian whistled. "I've never seen this big of a spread since that big gathering for all the Gym Leaders."

"Or this fancy,"

"Whoooo! They got some good-looking grub!"

"Pikachu!" (So many fruits! They look just as good as the berries back home!)

"Look at those fluffy omelets. Ooo, they have grilled chicken and a bacon and egg tart!"

"Dudes! Inside voices, will ya?! Seriously, where was this energy earlier today?"

"I think their stomachs are doing all the yelling." Lia laughed a bit at the two as she and the boys grabbed a tray and went in line.

"Lia! Get me the grilled chicken, quick! It's the last one! And oh! And the omelet, and the jelly-filled bread, and the."

"Grim! Calm down, I'll get you your food. Just wait a bit; Pikachu and Persian have to eat, too, you know." Lia tells him as she takes two bowls of fruit salads on her tray. For herself, she grabbed the alfredo pasta and the Caesar salad.

"Do the people in your world have a vegetarian taste or something?" Ace asked her.

"Most do, in a way; however, there are some regions that actually. Well, eat pokémon." She whispered the last part to him.

"That sounds dark. I mean, I can't really see anything about these guys being edible, even if some of them look similar to regular animals,"

"Yeah, that's why some other places, like some locations in Galar. My home region has recipes that imitate meats."

(A/N - I'm not really sure what the people in the pokémon world do for meats or if they really do eat pokémon in general. But I'm not doing that in the story because I wouldn't say I like the sound of that fact at all. I mean, can any of you imagine eating a pokémon? I know I can't.)

"Well, as much as I like the fact that you don't consume these creatures, you're going to have to get used to eating the kind of food we have here. And it's important to maintain good health," Deuce tells her.

"Then do you guys know of any good dishes I should try?"

"Hmmm, well. I think you should try beef stew. It doesn't have a lot of meat, but it's a good start." Deuce suggests, pointing at the dish that was near her.

"Okay, I'll give it a shot."

As the boys got their trays ready, they left Lia alone so they could find a table to sit at. While they did, Lia handed a small bag to a passing chef ghost who was placing some food trays on the buffet. "Excuse me, could you have this made for me, please? Oh, and add the additional ingredients that are listed?"

The ghost took the small bag and looked at the note that was with it. Then he turned to her with a smile, "It'll be done in no time, miss."

"Thank you very much."

Pikachu jumped off Lia's shoulder and looked at the varieties of fruit on the buffet. His eye landed on the stack of juicy red apples at the end of the buffet. Scampering over, he sniffed them for a moment or two until he happily cheered when he found the right ones. Taking two for him and Lia, someone else tried to take one of the apples he was grabbing.

"Hum?"

"Pika?"

Looking up, Pikachu was face to face with a young boy who had light lavender hair and big blue eyes. The said boy just stared at Pikachu with curiosity and awe. He had never seen a creature like that before, nor one that was so cute.

"Here you go, miss." The ghost came back, handing Lia a cup.

"Thank you, alright. That's all for me. Ace took Pikachu's and Persian's fruit bowls with him, and I got most of what Grim wanted. Am I forgetting anything? What do you think, Pikachu? . . Pikachu?"

"Hey, Lia, look." Grim pointed at the end of the buffet.

Looking over, she found the tiny mouse Pokémon staring at a student. Worrying about the outcome that might happen, Lia took her food trays and walked over to the two.

"Pikachu?" (Did you want this, too?) Pikachu asked, holding out one of the apples.

"Um, you can have it. You grabbed it first."

"Epel, what is the delay? Were you not just grabbing a small goûter to go with your pallet?" The two turned to find another boy walking over. He had blonde bob-cut hair and a feathery hat.

"Oh, Rook. Um, I was. But then I came across this."

Rook looked over at Epel and at Pikachu, his eyes widening at the sight of him. "Sacré bleu! What a fascinating and adorable little creature!"

"Have you seen it before?"

"Non, I have not. It looks like a mouse, but I know for a fact it is not. Pardon little Souris Jaune, but may I ask what you are?"

Pikachu sweat-dropped, "Pika," (Well)

"Pikachu!"

The three looked over and found Lia hurryingly walking over to them with Grim and Persian by her side. The two boys' eyes widened when they saw Lia. They have heard from their superiors and heard some rumors of a girl attending school, but they did not expect that she would be so stunning to the eye. The minute she came up to them, she gave Pikachu a small glare.

"Pikachu, what have I told you about going off on your own?"

Pikachu lowered his ears, "Pika, pi." (I just wanted to grab some apples for us.)

'How adorable!' The two boys squealed on the inside.

"I appreciate the thought, buddy, but you still need to let me know where you're going to run off to."

"Pardon, miss, but does this little créature belong to you?"

"Hmm? Oh, yes. He's with me; I hope there weren't any problems here."

"Non, non, not at all. We were just curious as to what the little Souris jaune is."

"Let's just say that Pikachu is one of a kind. Oh! Where are my manners? I'm Lia. These other two are Persian and Grim,"

"Hey there!"

Persian bowed his head.

Rook humbly bowed to Lia, "Bonjour mademoiselle, I am Rook. Junior here of Night Raven. And this here is Epel,"

"Nice to meet you, miss."

"You too, I'm sorry for cutting our meeting short. But we have some friends waiting for us. Maybe we can see each other again some other time,"

"That would be merveilleux, miss. May you and your extraordinary partners have a nice day."

"And to you as well, come on Pikachu. Let's go." Lia turned to leave, but her mouse Pokémon didn't follow.

"Pikachu,"

"Pika, pi." (Just a minute.) He sniffed the apples again. Then, he squeaked happily as he grabbed a third apple and handed it to Epel.

"Pi, Pika? Pikachu!" (Here you go, you wanted one too, right? Here's a good one!)

"Oh, thank you," Epel replied, a bit surprised, not expecting the kind gesture.

Pikachu beamed at him, then hopped off over to Lia, jumping up to her shoulder. "That was very nice of you, Pikachu." Lia smiled as she rubbed her cheek against his.

"Chaaaaaa! ~"

"Hey Lia, do you think you can give the chef the recipe for Poképuffs? I can't get their taste out of my mind! I mean, I could eat a whole basket full of—oof, hey!" Grim interrupted himself when he bumped into the legs of another student. And they didn't look nice.

"Hey! Watch it, you hairball! Don't you have eyes!?"

"He's gonna be a real trouble magnet for me, isn't he?" Lia groaned.

"Not like you weren't yourself on your journeys." Persian retorted.

"Pika" (I have a feeling this is going to be different.)