Pokemon: Thunder & Fire

Episode IV: Start of curriculum

The dawn unfurls a tapestry of light, painting the sky with golden beams as clouds drift lazily above. This isn't just any day – it marks the momentous morning signaling the start of the Curriculum for aspiring heroes. Amidst this enchanting backdrop, a particular Flareon stirs, lured from slumber by the irresistible aroma of pancakes.

That tantalizing scent dances through the air, playfully teasing Enji's senses. Like a scene plucked from a Saturday morning cartoon, Enji finds himself whimsically lifted off his feet, buoyed by the enchanting fragrance. There, a mouthwatering tower of pancakes awaits, crowned with a slowly melting pat of butter and drizzled with rich, amber maple syrup.

The room is silent, except for the faint background sound of a Sylveon who's growing alarm. Observing the Flareon's anti-gravitational antics, the Sylveon is a mix of rattled nerves and curiosity. In a blend of concern and comic desperation, the Sylveon skillfully tosses a slipper, hitting its mark and startling Enji awake with an indignant "OW-". As consciousness floods back, he realizes – he's defying gravity! "I can fl-" Enji begins, but his proclamation is abruptly cut off as gravity returns, sending him crashing down with a thud and a groan.

"Have you brushed your teeth yet?" the Sylveon blurts out. Enji's eyes shift guiltily to the side. "n-" he starts, but the Sylveon interrupts with a firm command, "Go to the bathroom." "Yes, ma'am," Enji replies, his tone a mix of resignation and respect as he solemnly heads to the bathroom.

***

"Sensei!" A Jolteon calls out, bounding energetically from roof to roof towards his Division Building. Below, the Decidueye, attuned to the Jolteon's voice, gracefully leaps up, phasing through the roof just as the Jolteon lands deftly in front of him.

"Yo!" greets the Jolteon with a casual air. "Got any tasks for me today? Or maybe some advice for my first day in the curriculum?" he inquires, looking expectantly at the Decidueye.

"Well, there's nothing urgent at the moment," replies the Decidueye, his tone thoughtful. "There is a list of to-dos for after school, but that's a different matter. As for advice, just try not to cause a commotion on your first day. And shouldn't you be with your dorm partner, Akio?" he asks with a hint of concern.

"Huh? Oh, she's fine," Akio dismisses with a nonchalant wave. "I left her a plate of breakfast. By the way," he adds, holding up the Omni-Weapon the Decidueye had entrusted to him, "where should I keep this? I'm pretty sure it's not meant for the classroom."

"You're technically allowed to bring it," explains the Decidueye, "but you'll need a special case for that – a topic for another time. For now, just hand it over to me; I'll keep it safe." He extends his wing, resembling a hand, to take the weapon.

"Alright, thanks!" Akio responds, then vanishes with astounding speed, leaping and sprinting towards the main building. The Decidueye watches his student's swift departure, then sighs, murmuring to himself as he absentmindedly scratches his neck, "I should probably get to class too."

***

Akio hurriedly navigates the corridors of the main building, his footsteps echoing as he searches for his classroom. The task proves more challenging than anticipated, with each turn and hallway seeming identical, leading him in a confusing maze through the building.

After several frantic minutes, Akio catches a glimpse of the familiar classroom label at the end of a corridor. Skidding to a halt, he leaves a faint scorch mark on the floor. "Yeeesh, that'll fix itself," he mutters under his breath, quickly composing himself before sprinting to the classroom door. Upon opening it, he's greeted by the sight of a nearly full room, with Enji waving at him from inside.