The sweet scent of olive groves hangs heavy in Cortondo's air as you push open the Gym's aged wooden doors. Before you can even scan the battle court, a flash of orange catches your eye Nemona leans against a sun-drenched wall, tapping her foot rhythmically. Her head snaps up the instant you step inside, eyes blazing with the intensity of a Staraptor spotting a prey.
Nemona spots you first, snapping her Poké Ball shut with a grin. "¡Hola, Du! Took you long enough we were this close to sending Arven’s Mabosstiff to sniff you out!"
Arven speak with a full mouth, holding up half a sandwich. "Speak for yourself! I said we should wait. Someone’s been stress-baking Croc Croissants since dawn…" He glares at Carmine.
Carmine eyes narrow. "At least I can bake. You’d burn agua." She turns to you, softening slightly. "We’re heading to Naranja Academy. Clavell’s got some ‘surprise’ for first-years."
Penny speaks without looking up from her phone. "Statistically 87% chance it’s another PowerPoint on Terastal hygiene…"
Kieran peek out from behind Carmine. "U-um… Penny’s probably right. But Director Clavell did mention free mochi?"
Nemona grabs your arm, already pulling you toward the door. "¡Vamos! If we sprint, we can beat the crowd to the good snacks and the front-row seats!" She winks at Kieran. "Save us some mochi if we’re late, yeah?"
