The next morning was very emotional for me and my mom as we said our goodbyes. I had told her with full confidence that I was ready to return to the Academy with haste; making her smile softly before kissing me on the cheek, and telling me how far I've come since the move. I couldn't have been more grateful to have such a loving, and patient mother at my side as I leapt on Miraidon behind Kari. "Goodbye mom!" I shouted, waving my hand in the air to her as she called out, "You two take care! Learn LOTS of new things and be safe!" "Will do!" Kari replied, starting Miraidon at a steady pace before slowly telling it to accelerate. I was quite eager to get back to the Academy- seeing my teachers and friends, and DEFINITELY eagar to see Director Clavell again before starting my Treasure Hunt back up. There was no backtracking at this point, and I sought to fulfill my promises for the ones who truly mattered as I felt the breeze sting my face. It wasn't long until the smells from food stalls crept upon us from Los Platos, and for the first time, I wasn't afraid to actually take a look at it all as it passed by me. The Pokémon along the trail to school were more magical, and captivating than ever, and in the distance, Mesagoza glimmered brighter than I could've imagined upon my first arrival! Everything, though I've been with it a while now, seemed brand new to me- no longer did I feel pinned or alone. This was my new life, and I'm ready to embrace every aspect of it! Kari and I heaved on the big, dark oak doors covered in gold patterns, and it was like I had Nemona with me to rediscover the charms that Mesagoza held- the beauty of the tiles that glimmered in the sun, the brightness of the laughter as kids ran amok the street, and even the music was more lifting than when I first arrived. I let River out of his ball to walk with me up the stairs as the three of us made our way to the plaza, and I stopped before the battle court once more to observe the Water Type mark, gleaming proudly in the morning sun like a badge itself.... Like it was made for me.... I bent down to touch the stone bearing the mark, feeling a deep pride within as River joined me; connecting us deeper as I looked into his happy gaze. I knew he was proud, and rightfully so as Kari kneeled to touch the Fire Type mark with Hálogi- two unlike spirits becoming close, with hers and Hálogi's being both a force with warmth and guidance, and River's and mine portraying cunning and gentleness- only using the strictness of the rapids when the time would ever call upon it. I guess it's true what's said about polar opposites being the ones to get along! We continued our way towards the school, but not before being greeted by two familiar faces at the base of the stairs that beamed brightly upon seeing me for the first time in days. "SPIIIIRRRRIIIIT!" Nemona and Arven called simultaneously, running towards me like charging Turos! I smiled, and laughed brightly before breaking into a sprint myself to meet them halfway, and I leapt into both of their outstretched arms as I replied, "I missed you guys!" It was nice, having them there with me, and bringing me close like they did as they both tightened their grip on me. "We were SO worried about you chica!" Nemona cried, adjusting her grip as Arven added, "I wish I'd have known sooner so I could come check on you! Luckily Kari kept us in the loop, and updated us as you were getting back on your feet." "W-Wait.... How did Kari-?" I began, looking up at them before twisting my head around to look at Kari as she laughed nervously. "They were texting non-stop, so I copied their numbers to my phone to quell the panic. Sorry for not saying anything sooner..." "It's alright I suppose.... So long as my friends know that I'm alright too. How far did the two of you get on your "adventures"?" I asked, remaining discreet for the sake of not starting an uproar. "We can't POSSIBLY continue our hunt without YOU! Plus the last few days had us absolutely SWAMPED in schoolwork...." Nemona groaned, letting me go as Arven set his hands on my shoulders gently. "Oof... THAT bad, huh...? Man, I'm gonna have homework to my neck!" I replied, rubbing the back of my head in embarrassment when Arven countered, "Mr. Jacq gave you a curve courtesy of Director Clavell! I say you dodged a MAJOR bullet with THIS one." "Th-The Director? O-Oh yeah!" I cried, remembering what it was I needed to do upon arrival; making me gently remove Arven's hands from my shoulders before explaining, "I need to speak with Clavell. Is he available now?" "Definitely! In his office as usual too." Nemona confirmed, and I quickly thanked the two before quickly hugging them again, grabbing Kari's hand, and rushing off while bidding them goodbye. It wasn't long until I found myself at the double doors of the Director's office, and I let go of Kari to tap the smooth, dark oak surface as I called, "E-Excuse me? Is Director Clavell there?" I waited a bit in silence, then I heard a familiar, inviting voice respond, "You may enter." "This is where I must leave you. See you in class later!" Kari whispered, giving me a quick Ursaring hug from the side, and rushing off. Taking a slow, shakey, deep breath, I obliged to the invitation to enter- first sticking my head in to peer around the office before fully entering, and closing the door softly behind me. Sure enough, Director Clavell sat at his desk, discussing something with Nurse Miriam when he glanced my way; smiling wide as he boomed happily, "Ah, Miss Spirit! How good it is to know you are finally well. Our walls have felt rather empty without you here!" "H-Hello Director... I-I'm positive that it didn't feel all THAT empty- seeing as how there's only ONE of me, sir." I stammered, approaching his desk while messing with the vest of my uniform. The Director simply chuckled, making me confused as Nurse Miriam chimed, "True, you're one person. But your deeds around the Academy means multitudes! In fact, so many people missed you that they compiled a few things for you in your dorm." "H-HUH?!" I gasped, shocked. Did I..... REALLY make THAT much of a mark?! I wanted to go to my dorm right away to see if the claim was true, but before I could turn around, the Director had beckoned for me to join him at his desk for some tea and sweets- which I couldn't pass even if I wished to. Sitting down in the comfortable, leather chair I was in before leaving the Academy temporarily, Nurse Miriam began to do some of the necessary procedures of someone who was returning from being sick: taking my blood pressure, checking my temperature; anything that could indicate that I was either ready, or not quite to snuff yet. Trying to ignore Nurse Miriam working, I observed the Director's face closely to see that his injury had healed, which made me delighted as I commented, "Hey, it looks like you've gotten better too!" "Oh, the wound? It was only a bruise, Miss Spirit. Naturally, it healed as soon as it begun to show- but enough about that! How is it YOU'RE feeling?" "Me? To be honest, I feel as fine as fine can get. I had.... So much going on from the move, and the adjustments that I was making that it kind of put me on edge. I'm sorry if it burdened any of you- I didn't mean it!" I apologized, feeling guilty that I had everything stop for my sake. "No, no, child. You've got NOTHING to apologize for! Moving to a new region; learning the ins and outs is NEVER easy for anyone. That shouldn't mean that you try to bottle up your stress to keep on a tough exterior either." Clavell comforted, taking my hand firmly but consolingly in his as he finished, "It never hurts to talk to someone about how you're feeling, wether it be a Teacher, Classmate, Nurse, or even myself. And you can say anything on your mind, and we won't judge you one bit!" The way he acted.... It was no wonder why he was beyond respected by his students and peers. He kinda reminded me of what a grandpa would be like to his grandkids, only, he had TONS of them from different backgrounds, and treated them ALL the same. I suppose..... The desire to belong somewhere was what I REALLY wanted the entire time as my eyes welled up with tears, and like a bursting dam, I spilled EVERYTHING- from my initial growing up in Kalos, to everything I had thought about and done while here in Paldea! As he promised, Clavell sat quietly- listening to all of my pain, my wishes, my regrets, and never once made a judgment on his part. "It was Grusha that helped me to realize how good I was starting to have it.... And if he were here now, I'd thank him again, and tell him how sorry I was for the outburst I had...." I trailed off, thinking about that battle with the not so cold Ice Type leader. It really WAS Grusha who opened my eyes to all of it! After a while of silence, and thinking, Clavell placed his chin on the backs of his hands before smiling warmly. "That sounds like Grusha, alright. I'm glad you found your guiding light in that darkness you felt, Miss Spirit. And I must hand it to Miss Kari for her devotion to you as well!" "She puts family and friends above herself... I admire that point of veiw- makes this crazy world just a sliver better to be in. And I can't forget River, Arven, and Nemona either!" I replied, thankful for the people I've met and how good they were to me. Chuckling, the Director stood from his chair, and came over to see both his hands on my shoulders gently as he began in a soft tone, "It very well may seem, Miss Spirit, that you have already found your Treasure this past month you've been here. Keep that treasure close, and never lose sight of what matters to you!" Finishing my tea, and taking another treat, I thanked the Director for all of his time, patience, and kindness before asking to be excused to my dorm, which he allowed after Miriam's results cleared me as good to go. I stood before the door- River hiding behind my legs in anticipation as I took a breath, turned the know, and opened the door. I closed my eyes, feeling along the wall until I found the switch, and pressed on it with trembling hands to illuminate the room when I heard River squeal in delight. Opening my eyes, I covered my mouth with a gasp; looking around the room I found a mountain of small odds and bobs, and a few trinkets lying about as well as bags Pokémon food, snacks, and a gift basket full of treats- fresh from Mr. Saguaro's classroom, and warm! To think I have done so little, and know that I'm this appreciated was staggering to believe, and rather lifting as I joined my ecstatic Quaxwell at his side while he determined where to start looking. The little trinket knick knacks were that of Water Type Pokémon from different regions around the world: A Quaxly, Dewgong, Corsola: Johto form, Lombre, Finneon, Simipour, The ultra rare Volcanian, Pyukumuku, and an Inteleon, which I lined up all on a shelf in order from final, to mid, to beginning evolution with the exception of Volcanian being rare, and I looked from one to the next as I thought of my beloved River in the graceful beauty each statue posed. There were picture frames, clothes, plushies, and even a painting from my class mates that I placed neatly around my dorm, and I stored the packaged snacks and cards from my teachers in a drawer in the kitchenette portion of the dorm before opening the basket to see what needed to be eaten, and what could be stached before placing the box of Pokémon treats with the food bag in the cupboard. Once I was done, I flopped back onto the bed to admire how full my room looked as River nestled up beside me, and I couldn't help but smile at how bright everything seemed for the first time as I said, "In all my life, I've never felt like I was this important to anyone. But Paldea was a blessing that I never appreciated; all of that changed when I first chose you, River." I brought him closer to me, making him gurgle instead of purr in happiness as his smiling gaze met mine, and he used his wing to caress my face lovingly. It was no longer Trainer and Pokémon, or simply friends.... No.... River was family now- like a brother that I could confide in when I needed him, and I knew if he needed to, he could confide in me in turn. We both took a nap until evening, which Kari invited me to supper with Arven and Nemona, and I decided to try out one of the outfits one of the students got for me; putting my coat on over the button up blouse to maintain dress code before meeting up with them at the entrance. It was amazing, being with them in one spot finally, and their Pokémon all around them- even Arven's Mabosstiff, who was partially sick still, seemed to enjoy the liveliness of Nemona's Pawmo, as well as River and Hálogi's playfulness while the four of us caught up with ongoing events. That night I curled up with River in a ring of plushies around my bed, reminding myself of all the joys and blessings I had experienced today, and keeping true to my promise to River.

The morning sun shone brightly through the window, and I swore I could feel a light breeze waft through before a tickling across my nose caused me to stir. I opened my eyes slightly to find River wide awake, and beaming eyes glittering as his shadow engulfed my head from the opened window. "You wanted some air, huh? It feels nice, doesn't it?" I asked, sitting up while I rubbed my eyes, and taking a large breath of the cool air from outside. "Are you hungry, Riv? You've been eyeballing that bag of food we got yesterday while I was sorting out, and putting away. I suppose I should let all of you out to stretch, and get some food in you." I slid out of bed, and got some dishes down before sorting out food portions for my beloved family, and I called them out to enjoy their meals as I took out an oatmeal cookie from the jar. Looking around at my merry band of Pokémon, I spotted Lolly looking a little bit wistful at her friends, and she was hardly touching her food, which sent me into alert as I asked, "Lolly? Is something wrong?" Lolly looked my way, and looked back around at the others before shifting uncomfortably in one spot..... Was she...... Upset she hadn't evolved yet? In fact.... How DOES a Happiny turn into a Chansey? Feeling bad, I took my phone from the charger, and quickly looked up how to evolve a Happiny in the Pokédex app when it explained aloud, "Happiny evolves into Chansey during the daytime while holding an Oval Stone. It works better if you have gone on a walk with your Happiny, while having high bondage." "I have TONS of Oval Stones. Do you want to evolve, Lolly?" I asked, and her saddened face seemed to light up at the mere mentioning of evolution. In fact, I feel stupid that I'm JUST figuring out! "Hapiiiii- Niniiiiiii!!!!" She cheered, bouncing up and down happily, and I laughed before sighing, "Okay, I'll take you on a walk if River doesn't mind." As if hearing my proposition to Lolly, River's eyes widened as Lolly began to bounce around him pleadingly- making him seem uncomfortable at first. "Whoa, calm down missy! You're making him shy. Well? Do you agree, River?" I asked, and he thought about it for a quick moment before nodding in agreement. Happy, Lolly toddled as fast as she could towards my backpack, dug around for an Oval Stone, and met me outside of the room before seemingly sprinting down the hall while singing with glee. "Lolly, slow down! I get you're excited, but you CANNOT run off like that." I called running to keep up with her. Once we got to the courtyard, Lolly seemingly began to wander around on her own as I shadowed her, stopping after every ten steps to see if she'd evolve. "HEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYY SPIIIIRRRRIIIIT!" I heard Kari call, but when I looked around for her, she wasn't there. My notification for a text message pinged, and I brought out my phone to see a text from Kari instructing me to look up. Looking up, I was met with Kari's gaze from the top of the school, waving me down frantically as I called, "HOW DID YOU GET UP THERE?" "I HAVE MY WAYS. WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?" "EVOLVING MY LOLLY INTO A CHANSEY. I JUST FIGURED OUT HOW TO DO SO!" "REALLY? WOW! I'LL MEET UP WITH YOU IN A BIT, I HAD TO LET SÆLL FLY AROUND FOR A SPELL!" She replied, calling Sæll back to her ball before making her way down from one of the terraces. It took a bit, but she finally found her way towards me as I continued to watch Lolly trod around. "Here I am! So, Lolly wants to evolve, huh?" "Yeah. She seemed upset that the others had seemingly changed, so I used my Pokédex to see how to evolve her." "I admire that greatly, letting your Pokémon decide when it wants to evolve instead of forcing it to. They get stronger that way than the alternative! The alternative sets them up for failure, you know?" "Oh, absolutely! I would think that a strong trainer would take precious time, care, and preparation for their Pokémon- or I'd at LEAST hope so...." I replied, keeping my eyes trained on Lolly. After a couple minutes of silence, Kari finally spoke back up, "Let's go get Breakfast. Lolly can walk about with us while we discuss where to take the hunt from here." "Clavell thinks that I've already found my treasure, though." "Doesn't mean you cannot find another. Come! Let's eat." Kari took my wrist, and the two of us followed her lead as she began, "So... The Gyms?" "We stopped at Grusha's gym last, so I don't see why we can't just go back the way we came to get to Montenevera." I suggested when Kari laughed. "You SURE like to do a lot, don't you?" "What's THAT mean?" "Why go back through the East, when you can get to the same place by going west? Of course we'd be cutting through Cortondo, and Cascaraffa to get there, but it's a better alternative than just going back through Artazon, Levincia, and Zapapico, yes? Not to mention we can simply backtrack from Montenevera because by then you'd be strong enough to face Tulip in Alfornada!" She explained, to which I replied confidently, "Who says I'm not ready NOW?" "Easy there, it's dangerous to be TOO precocious. But Miss Katy should be a breeze- so much so that your Ruby will seem MORE than well fit for the job! And Daisy, why she could total ole' Kofu in a few swipes! And I'll be there to help you through ALL of it- you have a Nord's word." "Awww, thanks. If you say the West is a better route, then West is where we shall go. Especially if we wish to help Arven out with Mabosstiff- I've been reading Articles online about a massive bird Pokémon dropping boulders in the west, and a HUUGE Tatsugiri leading a small gathering of tiny ones at Lake Casseroya." "Indeed. There are kingdoms to topple, and adventures still to be made, all before the next moon can lift it's pale head." We stopped by a Café, where this time I offered to buy breakfast from my own pocket to pay Kari back for the many times she did, and after we finished, and mapped out where to go from here, we left to head back to the school when Kari quickly shouted, "Spirit! It's Lolly, look!" I turned around, and sure enough, Lolly's body was cloaked with light from head to toe.... She was FINALLY evolving! Once the light faded, I watched as Lolly took a look at her new arms, then smile as she cried in glee, "CHANS-CHANSEY!" There it was.... My beautiful healer at last....! I ran to Lolly, and threw my arms around her as I expressed how overjoyed I was to see my new Chansey, making Kari giggled in response as she said, "Yes, tomorrow shall be a hunt to remember!"