As Rita and I made our way down the hall, I couldn't help but notice that the sea of students seemed to part to let us through. Despite my best efforts to keep my eyes down, I couldn't help but feel the stares of our fellow peers pelting us from all sides.

  I swallowed, feeling a lump of anxiety forming in my throat. This was the prestigious Jubilife Academy-- surely transfer students weren't so uncommon as to illicit this amount of attention?

  Battling my nerves, I raised my head as I continued to shuffle through the crowded hallway, following behind Rita closely. Some students whispered as we passed, giving furtive glances -- or straight up scowls -- in our general direction. While the student's gazes seemed to hang on me just for a moment, it was clear to see that the majority of them had their eyes fixed on Rita.

  I internally facepalmed at my own self-absorption; feeling a wave of relief-- and then concern-- wash over me. On one hand, I was glad that I wasn't somehow already the object of their ire; but I couldn't help but wonder what their beef with Rita was about. She seemed nice enough to me, even if a bit standoffish.

  Upon entering the classroom, I was greeted by an elderly woman who introduced herself as Mrs. Briar, and explained that she was the substitute teacher for the day. Apparently, the class's regular homeroom teacher was out sick. She pointed me to my seat, which happened to be smack in the middle of the classroom. No protagonist window seat for me, I mused. That spot appeared to be taken by Rita, who stared out the window with an uninterested look on her face. I couldn't help but internally chuckle to myself about how well that spot suited her, on account of all the brooding.

  Despite Rita's insistence that we 'book it' to class, it seemed that we had been rather early, since we were among the first few students to take our seats. I yawned, watching as others steadily gathered in the classroom, taking their seats and engaging in small talk with their peers. A rather portly boy took his seat next to me, giving me a friendly smile as he sat down.

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  "I haven't seen you around before," the boy spoke.

  "Yeah, uh. I just got in last night. I'm new here."

  "Well hello, new here. I'm Tom." He grinned.

  I gave a playful scoff. "Interesting choice for a first impression, Tom."

  "What can I say? It's a gift. So, do you have a name or--?"

  "Peppa. I prefer Pep though."

  "Well, it's nice to meet you, Pep."

  Tom and I chatted for a bit before class started. Fortunately for me, Mrs. Briar graciously allowed me to skip over the whole "transfer-student-introduction" bit, (Arceus bless her,) and instead opted to get right down to business.

  "Now, as I'm sure you're all aware, it is customary that students in their final year be given their first partner Pokémon," Mrs. Briar paced as she spoke. "But today, we will be going over some basic information you need to know before you can take that first step."

  "Jubilife Academy is known for its rather.. Unique approach in teaching these skills. While most schools may focus on written curriculum, we believe that hands-on experience is what truly makes a difference in our student's futures." Mrs. Briar turned on her heel and stopped. "Which is why we will not be giving you a Pokémon."

  An air of shock and confusion filled the room as Mrs. Briar paused. Her gaze seemed to sweep across the room, giving each of us a hard glance.

  "You will be capturing your first partner yourselves." She gave a shrewd smile. Puzzled looks shot around the classroom, but before anyone could raise any questions, Mrs. Briar continued.

  "Now-- I'm sure you're all wondering how you're going to be capturing a wild Pokémon without already having a partner Pokémon to keep you safe; and you'd be right to ask that question. The answer is simple: It won't be safe. But you'll find out more from your homeroom teacher tomorrow."

  I swallowed. I'm going to be meeting my partner Pokémon tomorrow.