(A/N : Ok, I just realised I send you all the wrong chapter so, here you go, sorry.)
On the train to Riverstone University, John was too relaxed to pull out his Gameboy. Instead, he passed the time with a novel in hand, exchanging jokes and light conversation with Grace, who sat beside him. They talked about everything from the upcoming semester to the quirks of university life, laughing about silly rumors they'd heard.
After about an hour and a half, the train finally pulled into Riverstone Station. The two grabbed a quick meal at a nearby restaurant, fueling up before making their way to the Blaze campus for check-in.
The university entrance was buzzing with activity. New students filled the walkway, most with parents in tow, all maneuvering through the excitement of their first day. It wasn't as intense as the entrance exam period, but the sense of exclusivity was still in the air; Riverstone was prestigious, and only the best got through the gates.
As they weaved through the crowd, Grace caught the eye of a few senior students volunteering to help freshmen. One male senior, obviously flustered, muttered to himself, "Man, why are all the pretty girls so beautiful these days?" He quickly looked away, his confidence apparently deserting him.
It wasn't just him; a few senior girls glanced Grace's way, their expressions cycling between admiration and envy. Grace, meanwhile, seemed blissfully unaware, focused on finding their registration desk.
"John, over here!" a cheerful voice called out. Lucy, a senior student and president of the student union, was standing by the registration table with an unmistakably energetic wave.
John and Grace made their way over, handing over their admission notices. "Volunteering again this year?" John asked with a grin.
Lucy rolled her eyes playfully. "Do I have a choice? When you're student union president, you get roped into everything."
Then, with a mischievous glint, she smirked at John. "So, where's the 'big baby'?"
Nearby students froze, exchanging curious glances. Grace blinked, clearly puzzled by the comment.
"What's this about a 'big baby'?" she asked, looking between them with growing curiosity.
"It's just my Shiny Kirlia," John replied, attempting to keep his tone casual.
Grace's eyes went wide, her voice rising. "Shiny Kirlia? You have a Shiny Kirlia?!"
The nearby students immediately perked up, turning to stare at John with undisguised curiosity.
"Shh!" John whispered urgently, glancing around. "Keep it down, Grace!"
Realizing her outburst, Grace flushed crimson. "Sorry! I just... I didn't expect that," she said, lowering her voice.
Lucy smirked, clearly enjoying the scene. "Alright, alright. Let's get you two to your dorms. But once you're settled in, I want to see this 'big baby' of yours, John."
Lucy led them across campus to the Breeder department's dormitory. To John's surprise, it was more like a collection of charming villas than your standard dorms, each with its own little courtyard filled with flowers and greenery. It was peaceful and scenic—a clear upgrade from the typical cramped dorm rooms.
"This is where you'll be staying," Lucy said, unlocking the door to one of the villas. "Pick any room you like; it's all yours."
John's jaw dropped as he took in the spacious courtyard and cozy interior. "I get this whole place to myself?"
"Yep, the Breeder students get these little villas," Lucy said with a knowing smile. "Battle department students share dorms, but being in the Breeder department has its perks."
Grace gave him a look of envy mixed with admiration. "I don't think I've ever seen anything this nice. We're crammed into shared dorms in the Battle department!"
"Of course," Lucy teased with a sly grin, "if you two want to share a villa, there's no rule against it."
Before John or Grace could respond, Lucy winked, adding, "Just saying."
Grace's face turned beet red, and she stammered, "We're not in that kind of relationship!"
Lucy chuckled, clearly enjoying herself. "Sure, sure. Anyway, I'll help you settle in. And don't forget—I still want to see that 'big baby.'"
John took a moment to look around the villa. The tranquil courtyard featured a stone table, a swing, and even a small pool. It felt more like a peaceful retreat than a dormitory—a perfect place for relaxing, studying, and some serious Pokemon training.
"This place is amazing," Grace murmured, gazing around. "It's like a vacation home."
"Yeah, hard to believe they give this to students," John replied with a laugh. "Definitely beats a regular dorm room."
Grace's eyes sparkled as she looked around. "This is perfect for Kirlia! The swing, the pool… everything."
John smirked. "And it'll be perfect for the rest of my Pokemon, too."
Grace shot him a look. "So, are you finally going to show me your Kirlia?"
With a nod, John pulled out his Pokeball. "Alright, get ready."
With a flick of his wrist, he released his Kirlia into the courtyard. In a flash of light, the radiant Pokemon appeared, its colors shimmering brilliantly in the afternoon sun.
Grace's jaw dropped. "It's even more beautiful in person…"
John grinned proudly as Kirlia danced around the courtyard, its iridescent form catching the sunlight. "Pretty amazing, huh?"
For a moment, Grace was speechless, watching the Shiny Kirlia move gracefully. "Yeah. This is incredible."
"Glad you like it," John replied, his eyes gleaming with pride. "But remember, it's not just for show. I've got big plans for all of my Pokemon."