A few weeks went by at the Academy; finding myself knees deep in different studies, endless battles with Nemona, small talks with Arven, and dinner invites with Kari. With each passing day, I found myself more and more fascinated by the world I lived in, and had a more clearer understanding of the Pokémon within, and I had fully come to appreciate being a Trainer. Today, however, was a special day for River and I both as I woke up from my bed, and heard the bell ring as the Director over the intercom said, "Attention, all students! Today marks the start of a very special assignment. Please gather in the schoolyard, where I will explain in more detail." I shook River awake as I cooed softly, "You heard him, River darling. Time to wake up for the day!" River yawned, and stretched his little wings as I threw aside my covers, and swung my legs over the side of the bed. As soon as my feet touched the floor, my room door opened, and in barged Nemona with an excited expression on her face as she exclaimed, "It's TIIIIIIIIIME!" "Good morning, Nemona! Did you sleep well?" I asked, standing up to sift through my wardrobe for a uniform to wear. "Spirit! What're you doing still in your pajamas?!" She asked, shocked. "I was just about to change into my uniform before you came in. Rest well?" I asked again after explaining. "Hardly a wink. I've been waiting FOREVER for today! Hurry up and get dressed so we can go to the school yard!" She replied, and I quickly ran to my bathroom and threw on my uniform. I didn't have time to fix my tie properly, for Nemona had dragged me from my room with River in my arms and I pleaded her to slow down so that I could put him in his ball at least, but she had her sights, and heart set. Once we reached the schoolyard, we stopped, and Nemona quickly straightened out my tie before taking me by the hand towards a podium where the Director, and my instructors stood in a uniform line. I took my place up front, still holding River in my arms as the Director cleared his throat, making everyone there go silent as he looked around. "Excellent. It appears everyone is in attendance and present." He cleared his throat again as he began in a booming voice, "Well the, it's time I explained you your special independent study assignment. As usual, the chosen theme will be "A Treasure Hunt"!" The kids and adults around us cheered and hollered, causing poor River to dig himself into my chest out of fright by the sudden noisemakery. After the cheers died down, the Director started back up again, "I ask each of you to set out into the world, and search for your own Treasure." He closed his eyes, and smiled as he said proudly, "You've all learned so much within our fine academy walls..." he opened his eyes again, and continued in a gentle demeanor, "But now it's time you turned your sights upon the world beyond, and deepen your understanding." He paced a bit as he said in a mystical sort of way, "Explore Paldea's abundant nature; soak in the rich culture provided... Discover the vast variety of Pokémon that live here, and get to know the people as well." My eyes lit up with a burning fire to explore, and I could feel River itching to get going as the director asked curiously, "Where will you travel? Who will you meet? And most importantly, what will you achieve?" He closed his eyes again, and said in a sagely tone, "Of course, you'll have your Pokémon partners to help you..." Director Clavell opened his eyes again, and smiled as he continued, "You will journey together; learn something new together..." he closed his eyes again before finishing in a heartfelt way, "You will share each other's thoughts and feelings, and find something that you might always treasure!" He opened his eyes once more, and gave a jovial grin as he went back to his normal, booming voice, concluding, "I look forward to welcoming your return from your independent study, and come back to us as fine, young Trainers! Let the Treasure Hunt commence! Onward dear students!" And the courtyard burst into louder cheers and hollering as my River and I shared an excited glance with each other. Once the speech was done, I walked through the halls of the Academy with River, and I said to him, "Today's the day, River. You're going to be the best of the best that anyone has ever seen in Paldea; you, Buttercup, ALL of you, just you wait!" River seemed pumped by the idea, waving his wings around as he cried in agreement, "Quax-axly!" I giggled, seeing my beautiful River surge with life as we came to the front doors of the school, and entered onto the courtyard where students were hopping onto the backs of their ride Pokémon, or racing each other down the stairs giggling. "We're gonna shop till we drop! Come on!" A girl exclaimed, dragging her friend behind her. "Pawmi, let's go! We have SO much to start on!" A boy called to his Pokémon. Everyone was in a rush to start their Treasure Hunt, and eager to leave school that it was nearly impossible not to get bumped and slightly jostled in the buzz! I took a deep breath of air through my lungs, and River followed in my stead as we both released together. "Hehe! We're so in sync, aren't we?" I laughed, tickling my Pokémon under his chin when I heard the Director announce, "Take care, everyone! Remember- the Great Crater of Paldea is EXCEEDINGLY dangerous! Entering it is a violation of school rules!" "Understood Director!" I called, making him look my way with a smile before nodding. Nemona came rushing out of the double doors like a blur, and approached me as she said quickly, "What are you doing standing around for, Spirit? Let's go!" She said, ushering me to the front gates with her. Once we were there, we slowed to a stop as Nemona sighed dreamily, "The Treasure Hunt-it's FINALLY starting!" "What exactly are we supposed to do, Nemona?" I asked, cradling River so that he was comfy. "Yeah, fair question- what with it being your first time and all. Let's walk and talk, huh?" "S-Sure." I replied, and the two of us began decending the painfully long staircase as Nemona explained, "The Treasure Hunt is a huge part of the year here at the Academy. The point isn't to get us looking for some hidden Treasure, necessarily." "Then what are we looking for?" I asked, continuing to listen on as I looked at the ground beneath us. "We're not "looking" for anything, silly. We're more just making our own adventures to see what experiences and memories Paldea has to offer!" "That sounds like fun!" "Right?! You could take on and beat Pokémon Gyms, help people in need, or if you'd like to, hunt for real capital T- treasure." "Wow. But, wait, why is it more important than SCHOOL School?" I asked, stopping alongside her. She faced me fully, and with a soft smile she explained, "There's stuff you'll never learn just sitting there in a classroom, y'know? This is our chance to do just that!" We continued to make our way down the stairs as Nemona continued, "Plus there's so many chances to battle and get stronger, which is obviously PERFECT for me!" "And I suppose for Riv and myself as well, seeing as how we're going to be roughing it ourselves." I replied, and I put River on the ground as he cried, "Quax-Quax! Quaxl-lyyyyy!" Nemona and I giggled at him as he ran around us energetically. "You and me for SURE gotta battle when we run into each other out there. Hope you're ready!" Nemona said, holding out her hand for me to shake. "Of course! Wouldn't like anything more, Nemona." I reciprocated, taking her hand firmly, sealing my promise to her. "Oh yeah- battling can wait. I meant to tell you..." "Yes?" "Did you know your phones map app let you set your own locations?" "No, I did not. Thank you for telling me that little tidbit!" "No problem! You could try setting one of the Gyms as your destination! That'd get you on your way easy!" Nemona suggested with a grin. I opened my mouth to respond when I heard someone sneer from behind us, "Tch! How's THAT for a student council president! Giving your own friends an insider advantage?" Startled, the two of us turned to find Arven coming down the stairs in heavy sounding strides as Nemona exclaimed, "Ay! A-Arven!?" Arven came closer as Nemona's expression switched to irritated, and she huffed in offense, ""Insider Advantage"? Sheesh, Arven, you make it sound like we're being graded on this! All I did was suggest she go check out the Gyms. It's up to Spirit whether she goes or not." I recalled River as the boy stopped beside us, and he replied brushing her off, "Spirit's gonna have her hands full searching for Titan Pokémon with me. She doesn't have time to chase the Champion title! We're gonna go visit the lairs of Titan Pokémon to nab some of their Herba Mystica." I opened my mouth to try and quell the two, but I was prompty ignored as Nemona sighed in annoyance, "En Serio? Don't go planting silly stories in her head!" Arven smirked before replying smugly, "All I did was invite her to tag along! It's still up to her whether she goes or not, right?" Nemona growled at his upity attitude when my phone began to ring, capturing the attention of the two long enough to stop their bickering. "Your phone's ringing, Spirit." Arven said, and I took it from my bag quickly as I pressed the answer button, and let it suspend itself in the air. My blood ran cold as I heard from the other end a high pitched, automated voice respond, "Hello? Does this happen to be Spirit's contact?" Nervous by the unfamiliar voice, I answered quickly, "Ah! P-Pardon me, but who are you? How'd you get this contact?" The mysterious caller in question introduced quickly, "I'm Cassiopea. I saw the way you battled by the steps, and decided to extend my invitation for you to join Operation Starfall on the behalf of your.... Eccentric friend...." I was confused as I repeated, ""Eccentric friend"...? "Operation Starfall"?" "I'll cut to the chase; you know about Team Star by now, right?" Cassiopea asked. "Yes?" I replied sheepishly, wanting to know more about what this person had in mind, and furthermore why she had contacted me. "Good! So you must know about the predicament at hand. Team Star picks fights, and give students and staff alike a major headache! They MUST be stopped... And your special friend referred your strength to me over these past following days. Please, could you help me?" Cassiopea implored, sounding oddly desperate. Before I could say anything, Nemona went on full alert as she demanded, "Wait ONE second! Who are you?! And Team Star-they're REALLY dangerous to be around! They're not Spirit's problem!" "Right!" Arven added, equally as alert, "Because she's got more important stuff at hand, like searching for awesome Titans, and raiding their Herba Mystica with me." I could hear the voice over the phone sigh exasperatedly, and Cassiopea sternly reminded, "I thought it was HER choice, whether or not Spirit goes... Is that not what you said Nemona? And Arven?" Upon revealing that it knew their names, Nemona and Arven's eyes grew wide with shock, and I could tell they were having the same reaction I was. "H-How do you-" "I'll be eagerly awaiting your response to join my cause. Goodbye, Spirit." Cassiopea said quickly, and my phone screen showed that they had hung up. The three of us stood in silence for a while, feeling creeped out and awkward by Cassiopea's sudden call. "What was THAT about?" Arven asked after a while, breaking the silence. "Spirit..." Nemona began, a worried look on her face as she continued, "I'm glad you're making friends, but you MUST be careful not to get involved with anything dangerous, you hear?" "I won't Nemona, I promise! I'll stay to my own, and be as cautious as I humanly can." I reassured, giving her a gentle smile. Nemona smiled back in relief before saying energetically, "Anyway! No more weird vibes-let's get to our adventure! My aim is to battle every single Pokémon Trainer I meet. I suppose if I just keep pushing to become stronger, I bet that experience may be the thing I'll probably treasure! Guess I'll start by heading to a gym to train up some more Pokémon. Here, I'll send you a picture so you can spot them!" With a simple swipe, I recieved Nemona's image of the tall, silver colored building bearing a Pokéball symbol on the front. I continued to observe the image for a bit until Nemona said, "Oh, and... I know we've been going back and forth, but you do what you want to, and go where the wind decides to." Arven stood deep in thought before saying, "A treasure... of our very own..." he beamed as he began, "For me, that's to get Ma- I-I mean! Erm, my dream of finding those Herba Mystica!" He smiled as he added, "Once we find them, I'll make you the tastiest sandwich you've ever eaten!" I laughed, and replied gratefully to the two of them, "Thanks Nemona! And you too Arven!" Just then, my backpack began to make a low rumble before violently shaking until Miraidon materialized, leaving me flustered as Nemona began to giggle. Miraidon shook itself before crying happily, "Mirahhhhhh! Don-don-Mirai!" Arven's face scrunched up in disdain for Miraidon, and he growled in annoyance, "Argh! What do YOU want?" "Oh my gosh! Did it come out 'cause you said "sandwich"? How cute, teehee!" Nemona laughed. Arven grumbled first before sternly stating to the creature, "Well, you're NOT getting one..." seemingly disappointed, Miraidon turned to me, and cried, "Mira! Rai-rai-Mira!" "Seems like it wants to get going..." Nemona said, observantly, "Is it trying to tell you to get on, Spirit?" "I-I'm not sure..." I replied as Miraidon continued to beckon, "Miraidon! Don-D-Don- Mirai!" Finally, I caved as I approached Miraidon slowly, and I leapt onto its back as it began to glow brightly, and grow just a little until we beheld a new form. Miraidon shook itself again, letting out a valiant, strong roar as Nemona fawned, "Whoa... It changed again! It really DOES look like some strange Cyclizar now! With Miraidon, you can go pretty much anywhere you please. Paldea's your Cloyster!" Disgruntled, Arven glanced over at her as he said, "Hmph... Yeah? Maybe." Before sighing, and adding calmly, "Well, if you're to look for those Titans, I'd say set out from the gate in the east!" "But since she's ACTUALLY taking on the gyms," Nemona began, sounding a little possessive, "I'd say go for the gate going west. Besides, it's WAY too dangerous out east, and easy to get lost!" This made Arven furious as he cried, "Tch! Man, THIS is why we don't get along. I'm out!" He turned back to me with a smile, and said, "Catch up soon little buddy!" And with that, he quickly ran to the eastern part of the city. Miraidon turned to face me towards Nemona, and she began with a smile, "I'll be at a Gym. See you around, Spirit!" And she, too, quickly raced off towards the western part of the city as I replied on deaf ears, "G-Good luck!" After she was gone, I just stared off into the direction of Nemona, listening to the gentle breath of Miraidon as I pondered what I should do next when I heard a hearty voice say, "You seem in high demand today." I turned Miraidon around in time to find Kari making her way toward me, causing Miraidon to start slowly backing away as she gently held up her hand. "C-Careful, Kari, I think it's afraid." I warned, but she just continued to walk while making a strange, high pitched purr. I felt Miraidon ease up, and Kari placed her hand atop it's head before resting her forehead against it. "There... There...." she cooed, and Miraidon completely relaxed much to my shock. "H-How did you-?" "My mother, remember? She taught me how to quell Pokémon of ALL kinds, and could bring a Legandary at ease with a simple spin of her body! Oh, but this warrior has seen battle, and faced losses.... It's grown weary, and wants company! You were right to catch it." Kari said, looking up at me with a smile. "A-Actually it was given to me because it's original trainer couldn't any longer. It's a real sweetie, though; saved my life from a pack of Houndour, and a Houndoom!" I explained. Kari's beige eyes lit up, and she said proudly, "A fine spirit lives within this one, and a desire to protect it's clansmen. Truly a noble Pokémon. What is it?" "It's called "Miraidon"." "Oooooohhhh. The valiant Miraidon, and it's trainer Spirit! A nice combination of strength, and meek." Kari replied, petting the beast of a Pokémon before her as it gave a confident, "Don!" "So, I'm guessing you saw that little argument going on, then?" I asked, embarrassed as I pat Miraidon on the back. "Seen it? I HEARD it from across Mesagoza! Both of them seem to have a path lain for you, and yet they left you alone so that they could do the paths that they offered to you. I'm curious as to why they would suggest an adventure, and not at LEAST accompany you on said adventures if they're TRULY your friends." Kari said, rubbing her nose to itch it. "Well they got stuff to crack down on, and places to go as well Kari. I'm sure they wouldn't want to lug me around everywhere with them anyway, I mean, you're technically supposed to be a free roamer in this Independent study of ours." I defended, and Kari clicked her tongue in disapproval. "You can roam free, but a forlorn soul is an empty one. You don't always gotta be at their heels, but that doesn't excuse them for leaving you on your own!" She replied, and to be fair, she was right... I really DIDN'T  want to be alone in this foreign place! "Well you and I seem to be on good terms. If you don't like that they left me behind, you could always join me if you want to." I offered, and Kari smiled before nodding happily. "I am pleased that you would have me and my small clan. Myself, and my Pokémon thank you for your kind offer. But I have a small request before we move on." "Which is?" Kari's stomach began to growl, and she laughed a hearty laugh as she said, "Let us fill our bellies with the fine food here in Mesagoza, yes?" My stomach began to growl as well, and I heard Miraidon's rumble loudly as I giggled, "Yeah, you're probably right. Come! Let's eat before we leave for our Treasure Hunt."