Fanfiction Pokémon Training Academy: Season 1

Spoiler: Episode 1: A Fresh New Start

High school, the most influential time of everyone's life. It is the four years that prepare a young mind for the great, wide world that lies out there. For most, high school can be either be some of the best years of your life, or some of the worst. But then there are others who find high school to be in between the positives and negatives and just find it to be rather average.

And that's exactly what Sanderson feels about high school. It's not that he hated it or anything. Sanderson was a relatively bright Sandslash and doesn't really have too much problems at school, but the trouble was that he was rather shy, and it was a bit hard for him to talk to others or make any friends. His shyness has also hindered him from interacting with others outside of school. However, Sanderson did have a few friends and a loving family, which consisted of his mother Sandra, who was also a Sandslash, his father Exuma, who was an Excadrill, and his younger Sandshrew brother Santiago.

But this year was going to be different. This was going to be the year that Sanderson hoped he would be able to turn his life around. His freshmon year wasn't the best school year for him, but with his sophomore year starting, Sanderson hoped he would be able to have a fresh new start.

(Line Break)

The sun brightly rose over Everton, a town where Pokémon live just like us. A town where Pokémon run their own economy, community, and education. Everton rested on a continent with several regions where different types live, such as a forest area where grass and bug types live, a vast ocean filled with water types, and mountains where rock and ground types make their home among others. The sun's vibrant rays started to shine over a den in the desert area just below the mountains, the den that belonged to a certain family of ground types. The desert was rather peaceful in the morning.

*BEEP!* *BEEP!* *BEEP!*

Sanderson groaned as he heard the sound of his alarm clock beeping. He definitely wasn't a morning Pokémon, but he knew he had to get used to waking up at 60 every day. He blindly reached for his alarm clock and managed to shut it off. Sanderson then slowly opened his eyes and yawned like a Hippowdon as he sat up on his bed and rubbed his eyes. He looked around his room which was decorated with several posters of his favorite bands and musicians as well as several other famous Pokémon. Today was the first day of school, and he had to start waking up.

Sanderson got out of bed and headed upstairs where the rest of his family was in the kitchen eating breakfast.

"Good morning, Sanders." Sandra greeted. Sanderson didn't answer and just went over and sat down in his seat. She knew that he didn't like to talk to anyone when he first woke up, so she just decided to hand him his breakfast. "I made your favorite, waffles with Pecha berries." Sandra said as she placed a plate of waffles decorated with the sweet, pale pink berries. "So Sanders, you ready for the first day of sophomore year?"

"Yeah, whatever." Sanderson muttered as he popped a Pecha berry into his mouth.

"Can you believe it, Exuma? Our little Sanders is a sophomore and Santiago is in second grade."

"I'm not really little anymore, Mom." Sanderson muttered, and it was true. He had just turned fifteen last week, which meant he was a teenager, and he would really like to be treated like one.

"Well, even though you're fully evolved, you're still our little Sandslash."

Sanderson finished his breakfast and then headed back downstairs to get ready for school.

"The bus is coming in fifteen minutes. Get dressed, brush your teeth and your quills." Sandra reminded him.

"Okay, mom." Sanderson replied as he headed downstairs to get ready.

After getting dressed and brushing his teeth (as well as his quills), Sanderson grabbed his book bag and headed out of his den just as the bus came. It was a Salamence, who was one of the Pokémon that acted as transportation for students to their school. Sanderson as well as some other students from neighboring dens mounted onto the Salamence and was then off to school.

(Line Break)

After about a twenty minute trip, the Salamence arrived to where the biggest school of all lies: Pokémon Training Academy. It lay in the very center of Everton, and quite possibly the most advanced building in the town. It was founded about twenty years ago when Pokémon started to make their own civilizations. Back then it was just a relatively small school, but as the years went by, it became more advanced and more Pokémon began to attend it, leading it to become the massive academy it is today. The school had many entrances, a normal entrance most students as well as a landing pad for flying types and a river entrance for water types that are unable to walk on land. The front of the building had a bright blue banner that read "Welcome Back, Students", as well as a statue of the school's mascot since it was founded, the legendary bird Articuno.

As soon as the Salamence made its landing beside the school, the passengers got off and made their way into the school. Sanderson walked through the main entrance and marveled at what was inside. A lot had really changed since last year. The hallways had a new fresh feel to it with new tiles and painted walls. Many different species of Pokémon filled the hallways, talking among their friends about the school year that was about to begin.

"Hey, Sanders! Over here!"

Sanderson looked over towards the lockers to see an Omastar waving to him. This was Omarion, his best friend since grade school. Omarion's outgoing and optimistic personality was quite the opposite compared to Sanderson's quiet and timid personality, but he was one of the Pokémon that Sanderson felt understood him.

"Oh hey, Omar."

"What classes did you get?" Omarion asked. Sanderson showed him his schedule. "We've got second and fourth period together!"

"Looks like it's biology and type matchups. What electives did you get?"

"I got dance, drama, and-"

Just then, the first bell rang, meaning that the school day had officially begun. Sanderson said goodbye to Omarion and headed towards his first class which was in the art room. He managed to find his way to the art room without any trouble and was one of the first to arrive. He took a seat at a currently empty table and waited patiently for class to begin.

As soon as the late bell rang, the rest of the art class came in and sat down. The art teacher as you might expect, is a Smeargle, who introduced herself to the class and then they did an artistic activity to really get to know each other.

Next period was biology, and Sanderson was lucky enough to be sitting next to Omarion. The biology teacher was a Sceptile that actually managed to have to class start with some notes on biology.

Third period was Geometry, and Sanderson found it kind of ironic that his teacher was a Porygon-Z. Once again, all the class did was go over the rules and did some more icebreakers.

The fourth period of the day was the type match-up class. Sanderson remembered that this was the other class he had with Omarion, and the type match-up teacher Hawlucha explained that the type match-up class was one of the most important and required classes at P.T.A as it taught the students about type effectiveness.

(Line Break)

The end of fourth period was lunch period for Sanderson and Omarion. As soon as the lunch bell rang, they headed over to the cafeteria where they went and sat down since they both brought their lunches today.

"Whew, this first day is getting pretty tiring." Sanderson sighed.

"Yeah, I know. All we really do for the first few days are class rules and stuff."

"Hey, you guys!"

Sanderson and Omarion looked over to see someone. It was an Ekans, and he slithered over to their table with a rather nervous look on his face. "E-Excuse me. Can I sit here?"

Sanderson and Omarion looked at each other briefly and then nodded. "Sure. Go right ahead."

"Oh, thanks guys!" The Ekans smiled as he slithered onto the seat. "I was afraid that you guys wouldn't want me to hang out with you. You guys think I'm weird, don't you?"

"No, we don't think that at all."

"I-I am sorry. I get really nervous when I meet new Pokémon. Especially since this is my first day here. Are you two freshmon?"

"No, we're sophomores, but we don't mind having a freshmon here with us."

"Ah, you guys are too nice. Oh, where are my manners? I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Edward. What's your names?"

"My name's Sanderson."

"And I'm Omarion."

"Nice to meet you guys. I can't believe it! I made two new friends on my first day of high school!" Edward then looked over at the clock and gasped. "Oh, no! Only ten more minutes left of lunch!" He quickly placed his lunch box on the table. "My apologies. I sometimes get a little carried away with chatting that I forget to do some things."

"It's okay, Edward. We all have our quirks." Sanderson said.

"Besides, we can really use a little freshmon like you by our side."

"Really?! Oh, thanks guys." Edward blushed slightly at that compliment. "Well, it was really nice meeting you guys. I hope we get to hang out sometime."

(Line Break)

After lunch, only two more periods were left. For Sanderson, fifth period was music. He was glad that he had managed to get a guitar class as music was his passion. He had always dreamed of playing a guitar since he was young. He was introduced to his music teacher Ms. Meloetta, and his sixth period English teacher who was a rather eccentric Slowking.

Nothing really exciting happened in those classes, other than a few icebreakers that let Sanderson really get to know the other students and going over the rules in the classroom that he figured everyone would already know.

At long last, the first day of school was finally over, and Sanderson left the school to make his way back home.

"Hey, Sanders!"

Sanderson turned around to see Omarion along with their new friend Edward heading towards him.

"You want to go to the sweet shop with us?"

"Sure."

"Well, alright then. Let's go."

(Line Break)

The three of them headed downtown to where the sweet shop was located. After they had treated themselves to some ice cream, the three sat down at a table.

"Alright guys, now that we're through with our first day of school, let's go over our hopes and dreams for the year. Starting with you, Edward. What is it that you want to accomplish this year?" Omarion asked.

"Oh, well...the thing I wanted the most was actually granted to me today, and it's that I make some new friends at P.T.A, even though we don't really know each other yet. But I would also like to join some clubs and meet other nice Pokémon."

"Interesting. I'll go next. What I want to accomplish this year is for me to finally follow my dream in dancing. I finally got in that dance class with Ms. Lilligant."

"Well, congratulations." Edward smiled.

"Alright Sanders, what do you want to accomplish this year?"

Sanderson thought for a moment. "The thing I want the most this year is to...overcome my shyness towards others. I want to actually be able to communicate with others without feeling awkward about myself. I know I've been saying that for several years, but...this will be the moment I finally come out of my shell."

"That's the spirit, Sanders! Let's all make this the best school year yet!"

Sanderson and Edward nodded, and then all three put their hands together (Edward did it with his tail) and gave a cheer to start off the school year.

 

Spoiler: Episode 2: The Welcome Back Dance

It was lunchtime on a Thursday afternoon. It was already almost the end of the second week of the school year, and the school was going to celebrate with a Welcome Back Dance.

"So Sanders, you want to go to the Welcome Back Dance tomorrow?" Omarion asked.

"No, I'm not really interesting in going." Sanderson answered.

"Why not? I thought you said you wanted to participate in as much school activities as possible."

"Yeah, well...it's just that dancing is not really my thing."

"So? You don't have to dance, you know. It's still fun to just go with your friends and hang out." Edward said.

"Besides, there's a chance that Marissa will be there." Omarion added, pointing to a table where a female Marowak was sitting, talking to her two friends, one of them a Nidorina and the other a Gloom.

"M-Marissa?" Sanderson asked nervously as his face turned a bright red.

"You have a crush on that Marowak over there?" Edward asked.

"He has been for the longest time, ever since we were in grade school."

"She probably doesn't remember that I even exist."

"That's because you haven't went over and actually talked to her."

"I...I've tried to, but I...I just can't. But I'm not going to chicken out this time. I'm going to go to that dance and talk to Marissa once and for all."

The next night...

Sanderson sighed nervously as he looked at himself in the bathroom mirror. He had gotten into his best suit and brushed his quills for practically the hundredth time, but he still wasn't so sure if he looked good enough for the dance.

'I gotta look good for Marissa.' Sanderson thought as he brushed his quills again. Once he was finally finished in the bathroom, he then headed downstairs where he was about to head to the front door.

"Oh, Sanders. Are you getting ready to leave for the school dance?" Sanderson's mother Sandra asked.

"Yes, Mom."

"Who are you going with?"

"I'm just going with Omar and Edward. Why are you asking that?"

"Because I want you to take Santiago with you." Sandra answered.

"Mom, this is a high school dance. Only students that attend P.T.A can go."

"That's not what it said on the flyer. It says that students are allowed to bring up to two guests to the dance."

"Well, why would I have to bring an elementary school students to a high school dance?"

"He really wants to go with you. Besides, me and Exuma were planning on going out tonight and we thought about leaving you two home with a babysitter. But since you're going to the dance, we thought it would be perfect to have Santiago go with you. You know that he's too young to be home by himself."

Sanderson sighed as he headed to the door and gestured for his little Sandshrew brother to follow him.

Before making his way to P.T.A, the two ground-types made a quick stop at Omarion's place, which was a cave on the shore of the beach on the eastern side of Everton. When they arrived, Sanderson ordered Santiago to stay by the shore, and went over to the cave and knocked on the side, where he was greeted by a Cloyster.

"Oh, hello there. You must be that Sandslash Omarion was waiting for."

Sanderson nodded. "Yes, that's me."

"Wait here for a minute. Omar, your friend's here!" The Cloyster called out into the cave, and Omarion came a minute later.

"Sheesh, no need to yell, Dad. I was still getting ready." Omarion muttered as he exited the cave to greet Sanderson. "Hey, Sanders. You ready to go to the dance?"

"Yes. I am ready."

Omarion then noticed that Sanderson had his little brother next to him. "What's Santiago doing here?"

"Mom made me take him with me."

"Well, that's alright. When I went to the dance last year, Mom made me take Oswald with me." Omarion said, referring to his younger Omanyte brother. "Hopefully he won't be too much trouble for us. Come on, let's go. Don't want to keep Edward waiting."

"Yeah, let's just go." Sanderson nodded as the three of them left.

"Hope you boys have fun at the dance!" Omarion's father called out.

After making another quick stop to meet Edward, the three friends finally arrived at the school at around seven o'clock. The same "Welcome Back, Students" banner from the first day still hung up in front of the school and several Pokémon were making their way inside.

Once the four got into the auditorium, their eyes widened in awe as they saw the place. The whole place was crowded with Pokémon who were busy talking and dancing, and there were all sorts of decorations all over the place, as well as a refreshment table.

"Wow. So this is what going to a high school dance is like." Sanderson commented.

"I know, isn't it awesome?!" Omarion asked. "There's so much to do! I don't know what we should do first!"

"I want to take a look at the refreshment table! I hope they have some Poffins!" Edward suggested.

"Great idea, Edward! I could go for some Poffins myself! Hey, Sanders! Me and Edward are going to go get some refreshments! You want anything?"

"You two go ahead. I've got something else I have to do. I'll meet you guys over there, okay?"

With Santiago close to him, Sanderson looked around the crowd of Pokémon to look for a certain someone. He then noticed a Marowak on the far side of the gym. Sure enough, it was Marissa, who was currently busy talking with her two friends.

"There she is. Marissa." Sanderson said to himself. "Stay right close to me, Santiago." He told Santiago as he started to make his way towards the other side of the gym. "I can do this. I can talk to Marissa. I'm not going to chicken out this time."

Meanwhile, Omarion walked over to a Loudred, who was the DJ selecting the music that was playing.

"Hey, man. Would you mind if I suggest a song?"

"Sure, buddy. You can suggest any kind of song you want, as long as it's school appropriate."

"Okay. I'd like you to play a song for my friend Sanders."

"What does he like?" The Loudred asked. Omarion whispered something into his ear, and he then gave a thumbs up. "You got it, buddy!"

As Sanderson was walking through the crowd, a song started playing that was really familiar. It was the song Deerling in the Headlights by his favorite band, Noctowl City.

"Oh no, not this song. Why did it have to be this song?" Sanderson asked himself. Although he really liked Deerling in the Headlights, it was one of his favorites, but just the fact that it was playing while he was going to try to talk to the girl of his dreams caused him to become embarrassed due to the lyrics.

Met a girl in the parking lot, and all I did was say hello

Her pepper spray made it rather hard for me to walk her home, but I guess that's the way it goes

Sanderson continued to walk through the crowd, trying his best not to be distracted by the song.

Met a girl with a graceful charm, but when beauty met the beast he froze

Got the sense I was not her type by the black eye and bloody nose, but I guess that's the way it goes

Tell me again was it love at first sight, when I walked by and you caught my eye

Didn't you know love could shine this bright? Well, smile because you're the Deerling in the headlights

It's suffocating to say, but the female mystique takes my breath away

So give me a smile or give me a sneer, 'cause I'm trying to guess here

"Alright. I'm almost there. I can do this." Sanderson told himself. He was about to confront his longtime crush, but then noticed that something, or rather someone was missing. "Santiago?" He frantically looked around, but he couldn't see Santiago anywhere. "Oh no, Mom's gonna kill me when she finds out I lost Santiago." Sanderson took his focus away from talking to Marissa and instead searching for Santiago. He knew finding his younger brother was much more important.

"Santiago? Santiago, where are you?" Sanderson called out, but he couldn't find him anywhere. "Oh, where could he possibly be?"

"Hey, Sanders. You having fun?" Edward asked.

"Edward, have you seen Santiago? I can't find him anywhere."

"Don't worry, he's right here." Edward replied, and moved his tail to show that that Santiago was right next to him, munching on a Poffin. "He was at the refreshment table."

"Oh, thank you." Sanderson sighed in relief. "Santiago, don't you know it's not a good idea to leave your older brother in a crowded area?"

"Sorry, big brother. I just wanted a Poffin."

"Hey, look! There's that Marowak! Aren't you gonna go talk to her?" Edward asked.

"I...I..." Sanderson was about to head towards Marissa again, but he quickly chickened out. "I can't."

"You're afraid to talk to her? That's too bad, but I know that feeling. I remember I had a crush on a Dratini once. I always got so nervous just by looking at her, I couldn't even speak."

"Let's just find and just do our own thing." Sanderson suggested, and Edward nodded as the three went to look for the Omastar.

At around a quarter to nine, Sanderson knew it was time for them to start heading home, as it was almost Santiago's bedtime. He was a quite disappointed that he missed his chance of talking to Marissa, but he was glad that he managed to find Santiago and still had fun at the dance.

After saying goodbye to Omarion and Edward, the two of them headed home. It was only about a fifteen minute walk, so Sanderson hoped that they would get home just in time for Santiago to go to bed. Besides, their parents would most likely be home by now. He was still disappointed that he blew it with Marissa, but he still had hope. This was still the beginning of the year, so he will still have a couple of more chances to talk to the Marowak.

At least, he'll have another chance once Homecoming comes around.