Harry Kim stared down past the whispy clouds. There, solemnly drawn across the natural landscape, stood elegant Violet City. It's spaced out metal buildings along several small lakes seemed to reflect a balance between nature and technology. Even the Academy, located towards the edge of the town, seemed to mix part of the school grounds with nature's life.
Looking back up to his grandfather, he watched as the wise, old man guided Dragonite down from the sky towards the academy. He was a practical man. His small eyes, jutting chin, and good posture all supported his personality of serious ideals and good old fashioned work. He even wore brown boots for this small errand, claiming that one should always "be prepared" for the worst. There might be a heavy storm where mud might be a serious problem. Knowing the right knowledge for the situation and having the right tools were essential for surviving and winning, a lesson he constantly drilled into Harry's mind. Yet, as serious as he was, he taught Harry well. Harry would need to know everything that he learned if he was to succeed in the Academy.
The Academy... Harry's grandfather always said that if he had the chance to enter a pokemon school when he was young, he would jump at it. All the mistakes he could have avoided, all the wisdom he could have gained... Though, he failed to mention that if he had went to an academy, he would have never learned everything he did on his journey. A one sided debate.
Harry on the other hand was hesitant to enter the academy. In truth, he believed that a pokemon journey would be more educational then a school. Not only that, but it would save his parents money, at least, that's what he told them. Yet, deep inside, he knew it was because he would be one of the oldest freshman there. With the Academy closed for part of last year, his family decided to wait a year. Perhaps not demeaning to anyone else, Harry felt ashamed that he would be about a year older than his classmates. But, his parents claimed it was nothing to be ashamed off, that it was normal. The experience, they said, would last him a life time. So, at the recommendations of both his parents and his grandfather, he applied for admission.
And now, it was time to begin the school year. With the acceptance letter tucked safely in his backpack, Harry left home with his grandfather.
Suddenly, Harry reeled back into the present. Dragonite, with all its might and grace, had finally landed in front of the entrance of the academy. A large, looming golden gate marked the front of the Academy. Looking past the gleaming bars, Harry could see a orderly row of gold statues with a pokeball sitting imperialously on top. Finally, behind them stood a humongous building. From his view, Harry could still see that a lot of the building had been finished recently. Just in time for the new year.
Slowly sliding off Dragonite, Harry stepped lightly upon the pavement, before turning to help his grandfather off. His grandfather waved him off with his hand, and slowly managed to half walk/half stumble off of Dragonite.
"See." he replied. "I'm not as weak as I look."
Harry mentally rolled his eyes, but kept his face straight. His grandfather continued speaking.
"So this is the place." he mused. "Smaller than I thought, and fancier. But I guess that's what you see when you lived in Saffron for so long. Nothing like a cheap, tall building to make your day." He smiled and Harry couldn't help, but grin with him. He always commented about the capitalistic tendencies of their busy city.
"Anyway.." he continued. "I suppose you need to go in."
"Yes Grandpa." Harry responded. "Thankyou for the ride.'
Then turning slowly, Harry took a step towards the Academy, but stopped halfway. Spinning around, he hugged his grandfather tightly.
"I'll miss you Grandpa." he managed to say at last.
"So will I, Harry. But you are big enough to handle yourself. You may not know anyone here now, but soon, you'll have friends and the ache of homesickness won't cry so loudly as now. Go on in. It's time."
In all his experience, Harry knew that his grandfather was never wrong. Turning away hesitantly, Harry looked back at the Academy. Even now, it seemed to loom over him, ready to swallow him up. But, taking his grandfather's words to heart, he stepped forward. Then took another step, and again and again, until... he reached the main door.
Pulling the door open, Harry had only one thought on his mind...
"And so it begins."
