The rhythmic hum of the ferry's engine was a constant, a low thrum that had vibrated through the soles of Jan's sneakers for the past three hours. It was a sound he thought he'd be tired of, but instead, it felt like a drumbeat counting down to the first moment of the rest of his life.
He stood at the railing, the salty sea spray misting his face and ruffling his messy, side-parted black hair. Beside him, pressed warmly against his leg, was Leo, his Growlithe. The Puppy Pokémon's ears twitched with every new sound, his black-striped orange fur a bright spot of warmth against the cool grey of the ship's deck.
"Almost there, Leo," Jan murmured, his green eyes fixed on the horizon.
The sea between the grand continents of Sinnoh and Johto was a vast, unbroken expanse of churning blue, but somewhere in that expanse was their destination.
Leo let out a soft, happy "Arf!" and nudged his head against Jan's hand, his tail giving a few enthusiastic thumps against the metal deck. He was just as excited as his trainer, his body practically vibrating with pent-up energy.
They weren't alone on the deck. The ferry was packed with teenagers, all around thirteen years old, all chattering with a mixture of unbridled excitement and crippling anxiety. They were the new blood, the freshmen class of the Pokémon Master Academy. Some huddled in tight-knit groups, friends from the same town who had miraculously all been accepted. Others stood alone, clutching the straps of their backpacks like lifelines, their expressions a transparent mask of nervousness. A few looked almost bored, leaning against railings with an air of practiced indifference, their powerful-looking Pokémon partners mirroring their cool confidence.
"I heard the entrance exam for the Trainer Department had a 15% pass rate" a girl with bright pink hair whispered not far from Jan.
"No way," her friend replied, his voice cracking. "My dad said he pulled a lot of strings just to get me into the Research course. I can't even imagine the Trainer exam."
Jan's hand instinctively went to the Poké Ball clipped to his belt, a nervous habit. He had taken that exam. He had passed. The memory of the final practical battle a grueling one-on-one against a League-certified proctor still made his palms sweat. He and Leo had won, but barely. It had taken everything they had, every bit of training, every ounce of trust they had built together since Leo was a pup.
A sudden cry went up from the front of the ferry. "Land! I see it!"
A ripple of motion went through the crowd as everyone surged towards the bow. Jan, with Leo trotting closely behind, squeezed his way through the throng until he had a clear view. At first, it was just a speck, a smudge against the horizon. But as the ferry churned forward, the speck grew, resolving itself into an impossible sight.
Aether Island.
It wasn't a natural landmass. It rose from the ocean on what looked like colossal, gleaming white pillars, a marvel of modern engineering. Towers of glass and steel pierced the clouds, connected by elegant sky-bridges. Lush green parks and forests were visible, nestled between state-of-the-art academic buildings. A colossal, dome-like structure glittered under the midday sun to the north, and in the very center of the island, a magnificent stadium, vast enough to hold a hundred thousand people, stood like a modern-day coliseum. It wasn't just an island; it was a floating city dedicated to a single purpose: forging the next generation of Pokémon masters.
As the ferry drew closer, holographic projections flickered to life in the air above the main dock. A majestic, life-sized Rapidash galloped through the sky, its fiery mane leaving a trail of golden light. It was followed by the academy's crest: a stylized silver Poké Ball flanked by the wings of a Pidgeot. A booming, yet warm voice echoed across the water, seeming to come from the air itself.
"Welcome, Freshmen, to Aether Island and the Pokémon Master Academy. Here, your journey towards greatness begins. Here, you will be challenged. You will be tested. And you will discover the true meaning of partnership. Welcome to your future."
A collective gasp of awe rippled through the students. The nervousness that had permeated the air was replaced by a palpable wave of pure, unadulterated excitement. This was real.
"Wow," Jan breathed, his eyes wide. "We're finally here, Leo."
Leo responded with a confident bark, his stance now proud and firm. They weren't just visitors. This incredible place was their new home.
The ferry docked with a gentle bump. The gangplank was lowered, and the river of students began to pour onto the pristine docks of Aether Island. Jan took his first step onto the polished stone, and it felt like stepping into a new world. The air was clean and carried the scent of exotic flowers from the nearby parks. Senior students in their stylish uniforms a crisp combination of charcoal grey, white, and a color corresponding to their chosen department were everywhere, chatting with friends, grooming their Pokémon, or simply taking a walk
Jan pulled a small phone from his pocket, the student-issued Rotom phone he'd received with his acceptance letter. A map of the island glowed on its screen, a helpful "You Are Here" icon pulsing at the southern dock.
"Okay, let's get our bearings," he said to Leo, who sat patiently at his feet. "The orientation ceremony is in the Grand Hall in one hour. After that, we can head to the dorms." He zoomed in on the map. "Looks like we're in... Emerald Dorm. That's on the east side."
With a destination in mind, they began their walk. The scale of the place was even more staggering up close. What looked like a city from the ferry felt like a metropolis on foot. They first passed through the western district, a vibrant and bustling shopping promenade. Cafés had outdoor seating where students sat with their Pokémon, a girl sharing a Poké Puff with her Eevee, a boy deep in a chess match against his Alakazam. There were high-tech Poké Marts, boutiques selling custom trainer apparel, and even a store that specialized in rare and exotic Berries. It was a trainer's paradise.
In the distance, the Grand Arena loomed over everything. Its retractable roof was open, and even from here, Jan could see the perfect green of the battlefield within. The academy's jumbotron, a screen the size of a small building mounted on the arena's exterior, was playing highlights from last year's "Master's Challenge," the academy's final tournament. A Garchomp and a Metagross were locked in a cataclysmic battle, their attacks lighting up the screen in a dazzling display of power. Jan felt a shiver of anticipation run down his spine. One day, that could be him.
Veering away from the central plaza, he saw the sealed-off entrance to the northern section of the island: the Wild Area. It was a massive biodome, its transparent walls revealing a dense, untamed jungle within. Signs posted every ten feet warned in bold, red letters:
RESTRICTED ACCESS. FOR SENIOR TRAINING AND RANGER EXERCISES ONLY. DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION.
Jan could see the faint shapes of large Pokémon moving within the foliage.
This was the academy's training ground, a place where the dangers of the modern world were simulated and studied. It was a stark reminder of why they were all here. The world was no longer safe, and this academy was the world's best defense.
Taking his time, Jan decided to cut through one of the central parks on his way to the main academy building. It was a beautifully landscaped space with manicured lawns, serene ponds filled with Magikarp and Goldeen, and large, shady trees perfect for relaxing. Many senior students were scattered throughout the park, taking a break between classes.
It was there he saw it.
In a clearing, a crowd of about twenty students had formed a circle. Peeking over the shoulders of a tall boy, Jan saw a battle in full swing. It wasn't a casual spar, it was intense. On one side stood a girl with a long, silver ponytail and a focused, unyielding expression. Her Pokémon, a Gallade, moved with the grace of a dancer and the precision of a surgeon. Its arm-blades shimmered, a faint psychic energy humming around them.
Opposite them was a boy with a fiery red jacket and a cocky grin. His Mienshao was a blur of purple and white, flowing around the battlefield like water, its long, whip-like arms ready to strike.
"Mienshao, use High Jump Kick!" the boy commanded.
The Martial Arts Pokémon leaped into the air, coiling its body before rocketing down, its leg extended in a devastating arc.
"Predictable," the girl said coolly. "Gallade, Psycho Cut. Intercept."
Gallade didn't move from its spot. Its eyes glowed a bright pink. With a flick of its wrist, it launched two crescent blades of psychic energy. They weren't aimed at the descending Mienshao but at the ground just in front of it. The blades struck the turf, kicking up a cloud of dirt and grass, completely obscuring Mienshao's landing zone.
Mienshao crashed through the dust cloud, its powerful kick striking nothing but air. It stumbled, off-balance for a split second from the miss.
It was all the time Gallade needed.
"Now. Close Combat," the girl ordered, her voice cutting through the air.
In a flash, Gallade closed the distance, a phantom of green and white. It unleashed a furious barrage of attacksa punch with its fist, a slice with its elbow blade, a swift kick, another slice. It was a relentless,
overwhelming storm of strikes, each one landing with pinpoint accuracy. The Mienshao, tough as it was, couldn't withstand the assault. It was thrown back, landing in a heap at its trainer's feet, swirls in its eyes.
"Mienshao is unable to battle! The victory goes to Tessia and her Gallade!" another senior, acting as a referee, announced.
A ripple of impressed murmurs went through the crowd. Jan was speechless. The level of strategy, the speed, the raw power it was unlike anything he had ever seen in person. Back home, battles were straightforward affairs, mostly about who had the stronger attack. This was different. This was art. The girl hadn't just overpowered her opponent; she had out-thought him at every turn.
Leo let out a low growl, not of aggression, but of awe and eagerness. He had felt the power, too.
"That... was amazing," Jan whispered, looking down at his partner. "We have a lot to learn, buddy."
The thought, which should have been intimidating, was instead exhilarating. This was the level he had to reach. This was the challenge he had been waiting for.
---
The Grand Hall was even more impressive than the Grand Arena. It was a cavernous auditorium with seats for thousands, all arranged in a steep rake facing a large stage. A massive screen behind the stage displayed the academy's crest. Every freshman was already seated, filling the air with a low, buzzing hum of nervous energy. Jan found a seat in the middle section, with Leo sitting obediently by his feet.
The lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the enormous room. A single spotlight illuminated the center of the stage, where a woman with elegant silver hair tied in a neat bun and sharp, intelligent eyes stood behind a podium. She wore a pristine white lab coat over a professional dress, and she commanded the room's attention without saying a single word.
"Welcome," she began, her voice amplified throughout the hall. It was the same voice from the holographic message, but in person, it carried an even greater weight of authority and wisdom.
"I am Headmistress Aurora. On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Pokémon Master Academy, I congratulate you on earning your place here. Look around you."
Jan glanced at the faces to his left and right. Boys and girls from every region, each one a top prospect, each one having sacrificed and worked to be here.
"You are the best of the best," the Headmistress continued. "You are the most promising young minds, the most determined spirits, some of the most talented trainers of your generation. But do not let that fool you into a sense of comfort. Your acceptance here is not the end of your trials. It is the beginning."
Her expression turned serious, the warmth in her voice replaced by a steely resolve. "This academy was founded for a single, solemn purpose: to prepare you for the reality of the world we now live in. The world is not the one your parents grew up in. The bond between humans and Pokémon, once a source of universal joy and adventure, is now also a source of great danger. Wild Pokémon are stronger, more territorial, and more aggressive than ever before. Criminal organizations seek to exploit this new power for their own nefarious ends. The path of a Pokémon Trainer is no longer a child's game. It is a perilous and demanding calling."
A somber quiet settled over the students. Everyone in the room knew this. They had lived it. They had seen the warning signs, heard the stories of trainers who never came home.
"Here, you will be pushed to your limits," Aurora declared, her voice ringing with conviction. "You will learn that a battle is won not just with power, but with strategy, with intellect, and with heart. You will learn that a true partner is not a tool, but a trusted friend who you must understand and respect. You will be divided into your chosen fields of study, your Departments."
The screen behind her changed, displaying icons for five different courses.
"The Trainer Department," she said, as an icon of a roaring Charizard lit up, "will focus on the art of the battle. You will study strategy, typing, and advanced combat techniques. It is our most demanding and competitive course. For you, the ultimate goal is victory in the Master's Challenge."
Jan felt a surge of pride. That was him.
"The Ranger Department," she continued, and an icon of a Lucario's paw appeared, "will train you to be guardians of the peace. You will learn tracking, survival, rescue operations, and how to work with Pokémon to protect both the wild and our communities."
"The Coordinator Department," an icon of a Milotic gracefully swimming, "will cultivate the beauty and artistry of Pokémon. You will learn how to create dazzling appeals and contest combinations, proving that strength comes in many forms."
"The Research Department," represented by a glowing Porygon, "will push the boundaries of our knowledge. You will study Pokémon biology, behavior, history, and the new phenomena that are changing our world. You are the minds who will solve the mysteries we now face."
"And the Breeder Department," an icon of a Chansey holding an egg, "will focus on the care and nurturing of Pokémon. You will learn about genetics, health, and how to raise Pokémon that are not only strong, but also happy and well-adjusted."
The Headmistress paused, letting the information sink in. "No matter your department, your path will be difficult. You will be expected to maintain a rigorous academic standard, excel in your practical exercises, and above all, demonstrate respect for your peers, your instructors, and your Pokémon. Your time here will be three years. Three years to transform from a promising novice into a capable, licensed professional ready to face the world. Many will try. Not all will succeed."
Her gaze swept across the auditorium, seeming to meet the eyes of every single student. "But for those of you who do, for those who persevere, who embody the spirit of this institution… you will leave this island not just as a graduate, but as a beacon of hope for the future. Your first classes begin tomorrow at 8:00 am in the morning. Until then, find your dormitories, meet your roommates, and prepare yourselves. The real work begins tomorrow"
With a final, sharp nod, Headmistress Aurora walked off the stage. The lights came up, and the hall erupted in a cacophony of excited, nervous chatter. The speech had been both inspiring and terrifying. Jan stood up, his mind racing. He felt a new weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
"Come on, Leo," he said, his voice full of resolve. "Let's go find our room."
---
Emerald Dorm was a modern, comfortable-looking building on the eastern side of the campus, overlooking a calm stretch of the ocean. The interior was clean and bright, with a large common room on the ground floor already bustling with freshmen trying to find their rooms. Jan checked the directory and found his assignment: Room 204.
He and Leo climbed the stairs to the second floor and found the door. Taking a deep breath, he swiped his student ID card. The lock beeped green, and the door clicked open.
The room was larger than he'd expected, with a large window offering a stunning view of the sea. There were two sets of sturdy wooden bunk beds, four desks, and four wardrobes. It was simple, but clean and spacious. And for now, it was empty.
"Looks like we're the first ones here," Jan said, a small smile on his face. He walked over to the bunk bed by the window. "Might as well take advantage of it. I call top bunk!"
Leo barked in agreement. Jan tossed his backpack onto the top mattress and began to unpack. He neatly folded his clothes into the wardrobe, set up his desk with a few notebooks and a framed picture of his family, and plugged in his charger. His parents and his Little sister were beaming in the photo, standing on either side of him on the day he'd left. Their pride was his biggest motivation.
He had just finished when the door opened again. A boy with calm, observant eyes and neatly combed brown hair walked in. He was carrying a single, well-organized duffel bag. A small, green Treecko was perched on his shoulder, looking around the room with equal curiosity.
"Oh, hi," the boy said, his voice quiet but friendly. " this is Room 204 right?"
"Yep, that's the one...you can probably see it from the door but yeah," Jan replied, hopping down from the top bunk. "I'm Jan. And this is my partner, Leo."
Leo gave a friendly "woof" and wagged his tail.
"I'm Kent," the boy said, offering a polite nod. The Treecko on his shoulder chirped a greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm in the Ranger Department."
"Trainer Department for me," Jan said with a grin. "So, you get a top or bottom bunk?"
Kent considered the beds for a moment. "I think I'll take the bottom one here," he said, placing his bag on the mattress below Jan's. He was efficient and tidy, unpacking his things with a practiced economy of motion that spoke of a disciplined nature. He seemed like the calm, steady type.
They were making small talk about their hometowns when the door creaked open a third time. A smaller, thinner boy with glasses and a mop of slightly shaggy blond hair peered into the room nervously, clutching a stack of thick textbooks so tightly his knuckles were white. A sleek, geometric Porygon floated silently beside his head, its digital eyes blinking.
"Um, e-excuse me," he stammered. "Is this… is this the right room? Two-oh-four?"
"You got it," Jan said warmly, trying to put him at ease. "Come on in. I'm Jan, this is Kent."
"I-I'm Allen," the boy squeaked, shuffling into the room and avoiding eye contact. "I'm in the R-Research Department. This is Glitch," he added, gesturing to his Porygon, which emitted a series of soft, modem-like beeps in greeting.
"Nice to meet you, Allen," Kent said with a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we don't bite."
Allen managed a weak smile back and scurried over to the remaining bunk bed, choosing the bottom bunk and immediately starting to arrange his textbooks on the desk with meticulous care. He seemed incredibly shy, a bundle of nerves wrapped in a school uniform.
The dynamic was just starting to form when the door was thrown open with a loud bang, slamming against the doorstop.
"Alright! Emerald Dorm, Room 204! This is the place where the legends begin!" a loud, boisterous voice announced.
Framed in the doorway was a boy with a head of spiky, untamed red hair that seemed to defy gravity. He had a confident, almost arrogant smirk on his face, and his eyes glinted with competitive fire. Clinging to his leg was an Elekid, which sparked with tiny bolts of yellow electricity, mirroring its trainer's energetic entrance.
The boy strode into the room as if he owned it, dropping a flashy, bright red gym bag onto the floor. "So, you guys are my roommates, huh? Name's Sai. Remember it. You'll be hearing it a lot when I'm crowned in Master's Challenge champion in three years."
He pointed a thumb at himself, and his Elekid mimicked the gesture, puffing out its chest.
Jan couldn't help but crack a smile at the sheer audacity. "I'm Jan. That's Kent, and that's Allen. And I think you'll have some competition for that title."
Sai's eyes locked onto Jan, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh yeah? What department are you in?"
"Trainer Department," Jan replied, his voice even.
Sai's grin widened. "Excellent! A rival right off the bat! I was hoping I wouldn't be stuck with a bunch of bookworms and tree-huggers. No offense," he added, glancing briefly at Allen and Kent.
Kent simply raised an eyebrow, unfazed, while Allen looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him whole.
"My partner Sparky and I have been training for this our whole lives," Sai declared, patting his Elekid, who buzzed with electricity. "We're going to be the strongest team this academy has ever seen."
"Leo and I have done our fair share of training, too," Jan said, stepping forward slightly. Leo stood up, sensing the competitive energy, and let out a low, challenging growl. It wasn't hostile, but it was a clear statement.
Sparky the Elekid took a step forward, its cheeks sparking more intensely. The air in the room crackled, a palpable tension mixing with the smell of ozone.
"Alright, how about we save the battle declarations for the training fields?" Kent interjected smoothly, stepping between them. His Treecko hopped from his shoulder to the floor, standing its ground with a calm that belied its small size.
"We're going to be living together for a year. It would be better if we didn't short-circuit the room on the first day."
Sai looked from Jan to kent, his competitive fire still burning, but he eventually let out a short laugh. "Ha! You're right, you're right. Gotta save the fireworks for the arena. Fine." He looked at the last remaining bed —the top bunk above Allen. With a surprising burst of athleticism, he leaped up and grabbed the frame, swinging himself onto the mattress in one fluid motion. "This one's mine!"
The tension broke. Allen let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows and painting the ocean outside their window in hues of orange and purple, the four boys settled in. Sai was loud and boastful, telling grand stories of his past battles. Kent was quiet and methodical, listening more than he spoke. Allen was timid but slowly started to open up when Jan asked him about his Porygon and the research he was interested in.
Jan lay on his bunk, his hands behind his head, listening to the disparate sounds of his new life: Sai's confident chatter, Kent's quiet page-turning, Allen's soft typing on his laptop, and Leo's gentle, sleeping breaths from the rug below.
They were all so different. A confident rival, a calm ranger-in-training, and a brilliant but shy researcher. And him. He still couldn't quite believe he was here, in this room, in this incredible academy.
The Headmistress's words echoed in his mind.
'The real work begins tomorrow.'
He smiled. He was nervous, excited, and a little intimidated, all at once. But looking around the room, at the unlikely group of people he would be sharing this journey with, he felt a profound sense of rightness.
He was here. And tomorrow, his first day would begin. He couldn't wait.