Pokemon Ranger: Kate of Almia.

The New Girl

Ms. April had me stand outside of her classroom door. "Wait here so that I can introduce you. If you're nervous about your classmates and making friends with common interests, just rememver that you're with kids who are just as dedicated to their dreams as you are. I'm sure you'll be fine."

I nodded and I was left, alone, outside of the class. I looked around while I waited from my spot beside the door. The corridors were so quiet, which was calming, yet unsettling.

I heard Ms. April clear her throat. "And with that little announcement..." She raised her voice. "You may come in now, honey."

I jumped. I had already made a bad impression by making a late entrance! Nervously stepping into the classroom, I was met with gasps.

"It is a girl!"

"She's pretty cute..."

"She's out of your league, dude."

Gulping, I started towards the front of the class only to trip over my own feet. I was met with a smothered chuckle and traced the source to a boy with spiky red hair who had clamped his hand over his mouth to stop himself from bursting into hysterical laughter.

I promptly got up, dusted myself off, and walked towards Ms. April with less pep in my step. I felt my lip starting to quiver involuntarily. I already messed up.

Ms. April saw the telltale signs of a crybaby breakdown and put a hand on my shoulder. "Our new friend came alone to our Almia region to become a Pokemon Ranger." She informed them. Ms. April bent down slightly to softly ask for my name.

The soft way she talked to me made me disgusted with myself. Was I really so pathetic that people had to walk on eggshells around me? All eyes were on me once again. I squirmed beneath their gazes.

"K-Kate Hitomi," I softly muttered.

"What was that, hon? I'm afraid I couldn't hear you very well." Ms. April tried again.

"I'm K-K-Kate! Kate H-Hitomi!" I forced out, loud enough for just Ms. April to hear.

Ms. April looked back over the class. "Our new friend is named Kate. Let's make her feel welcomed. I understand that she scored quite well on our entrance exam..." She trailed off when she saw the mischievous glimmer in the red haired boy's eyes. "What is it, Keith? Why the big grin?"

She got no resonse out of the boy. The boy just turned his attention onto me and winked as if we shared a secret that no one else knew.

"Anyway, we'd better get you seated somewhere, Kate." She scanned the class room. "Oh, there's a seat available right next to Keith! Keith, raise your hand."

I prayed that Keith was somehow not the grinning student with spiky red hair. No such luck. Before Keith could get his hand up in the air, I resigned myself to my fate and slipped into the seat. Deep down, I was glad I was assigned to this seat because he seemed friendly enough.

He held out his hand for a handshake. "I'm Keith Dazzle. You're looking at a Top Ranger in the making."

I shook his hand with all the strength I could muster which, sadly, wasn't very much.

"You call that a handshake? What about a firm grip?" Keith teased, nudging me with his elbow. "I guess you're pretty weak then, huh?"

"I'm sorry if I disappointed you," I apologized, pulling on my ponytails. "I don't set very high standards for people, do I?"