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Poke U: Blossoming Crew

Rex met up with Heart outside of Professor Sol's classroom. Even though Rex tried his best to hide his facial expressions, Heart knew something was up, but did not want to pry too much into what was discussed between him and Professor Sol. As they walked back towards Rong, the two met Nocturne and Nico talking with each other. The pair waved their hands, yelling out to them. Nocturne and Nico smiled and ran over to meet our dinosaur buddies. Afterwards, they all entered the dining hall and grabbed everything the place had to offer before finding a table for the four of them to sit and chat with each other.

With a hamburger in his hand, Nocturne waved it around as a bit of ketchup dripped down the side of his maw. "I wish I was in your position Heart. Rex has got to be the luckiest Pokémon here on campus. Not only does he help me get into Instructor SnipeS class, he also hit a bullseye on his first shot. I mean, who does that?!?" Nocturne smiled and continued to devour his burger.

Heart smiled, cutting a piece of his steak before engulfing it in his big mouth. "Well, I wouldn't say he has all the luck. We got caught talking a little too loud in Professor Sol's class. However, Rex handled that like a champ, though he did have to meet with him right after class." Heart looked over at Rex, the concerned eyes staring back at him.

Rex sipped a bit of his soup, before placing his spoon back into the bowl. "Yea, it's a mix bag with what is going on with me. Things happen for a reason, so I wouldn't say luck is always involved." Rex looked over at Nocturne. "I just think that SnipeS was planning on adding one person anyway, and it just happened you were there Nocturne. And for the arrow, I just think it was a bit of beginner's luck, nothing more than that." Rex grabbed his glass of Poke Zero and chugged it down.

Nocturne shook his head, only a little bit of the burger left in his paw. "And what say you Nico? What is your input on this?"

Nico chomped down on a cookie that one of his vines were holding, with another holding a glass of milk which he happily gulped down. Nico looked at the group, a bit of a white mustache on his lips. "Mmm, these cookies are really delicious. Chef Vern is the most amazing baker. Anyway, this Bayleef thinks that Rex just has moments in his life where things goes his way. Like bumping into me and we becoming amazing friends or him helping you get into class. Maybe this is something Rex wants and he just wills the world to let it happen. Then again though, that did not help with Professor Leo and Professor Sol." Nico grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth of the milk mustache.

Nocturne tossed the last bit of his burger into the air before catching it in his maw. "Hmph, we will see. I mean, this is still the first week, and you still have one more new class right, Rex?"

Rex opened his phone and looked at his schedule. "That's right Nocturne, Heart and I have Biology class with Professor Kain. Do you know anything about him?"

Nocturne grabbed a napkin and wipes his sharp, red claws clean before placing them under his chin. "From what I do know, he does enjoy nature and greenery. He loves his students as well, and, pretty much like all of your professors, they all came from Floor 7."

"Oh...I see...is there something about Floor 7? Cause when I spoke with Professor Sol about it, he just..." Heart shifted in his seat, looking down at Rex with a serious facial expression as Rex continued his story. "...talked about how there is potential from Floor 7. Like for all of us."

Nocturne leaned back in his chair, momentarily staring up at the sky. "I see, well that is the rumor behind it. Professor Leo and Luna, Instructor SnipeS, Professor Sol, and Professor Kain. They are actually all in the same class, and they all lived in Rong, Floor 7 together. But, that is all I know when I became a Resident Advisor. I tried to pry more into it, but no one would say anything. It's like someone told my advisor to keep quiet about it."

"I see Nocturne. I don't think we should think too much right, guys? It's just a coincidence."

"Oui Oui. I just think we all should just focus on our classes now, and worry about that sometime later. It won't do us any good dwelling on it." Nico grabbed another cookie and slowly chewed on it.

Heart crossed his arms. "Rex, is that all you and Professor Sol talked about?"

Nico and Nocturne jumped a little in their seat, never seeing Heart look so serious before. They both sat quietly, as Rex looked over at Heart, seeing those eyes again. "Well, that and the fact that he did not like us speaking in class. He said that if I start to panic, I should have left the classroom and not disturb everyone..."

Heart slammed the table with his hand, causing the plates to jump a little as those nearby turned their heads towards them. "Rex...this is serious. I don't want our teachers harassing any of us. We have Nocturne here, we will vouch for you and bring it up. Even Nico here has seen what Professor Leo has done to you. This is not right Rex." Heart looked over at Nocturne and Nico. "Right guys?"

Nico nodded his head. "Yes Heart. Even though Professor Leo does have a rather eccentric personality, if it really bothers you Rex, then we should bring it up."

Nocturne nodded in agreement as well. "That's fine with me, but I can only bring it up if Rex fully agrees to it. Otherwise, it's all hearsay since I have not personally experienced it. So, what say you Rex?"

Rex looked down at his soup, twirling the broth around with his spoon. He felt so anxious. Even though these are his closest friends he has made at Poke U, Rex did not want to start any trouble with anyone. What do I do? I know I should have Nocturne bring it up with the Head of the Science Department and with the Dean. Nico and Heart will also back me up as well. But I just think everything will be okay. Professor Leo and Professor Sol, they are just teaching in their own unique way. "Ahem, it's fine guys. Really. I think it's just the first week and everyone is just adjusting to things."

Heart placed his hand gently on Rex's shoulder. "No Rex, this is very serious. I don't want to see you like this. This is not healthy for your mind. You shouldn't have to go to class worrying about if any of our professors will yell at you."

Nocturne walked over and placed his paw on his other shoulder. "Heart is right Rex. We can talk to the important people about this, so they are made aware."

Nico placed one of his vines on Rex's forehead. "Mmhmm. None of us want to see you like this Rex."

Rex started to cry, never having friends like these before. He looked up at all three of them with teary eyes. *sniffle* "Guys, I really appreciate you all. Really. Tell you what, let me get through this week and the first two days of next week. If it is that bad, then I promise you all, I will bring it up. Okay?"

All three sighed but nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, anyway, we should all get going soon. I know Heart and I need to head back to our room and get ready for Biology. What about you, Nocturne and Nico?"

Nico brought his vines down to grab his backpack and placed it on himself. "Mmm, I have Economics with Professor Fry. Don't know much about him myself, but I heard he is good."

Nocturne got up from his seat and dusted himself off. "I have my University Writing class with Professor Swamps. My upperclassmen told me he is a rather nice guy. But Rex, are you doing anything after your class?"

"No Nocturne, I do not have anything planned."

"Can you meet me at the recreational pool then? It's located near the Quad, right next to where your Biology class is. I just want to show you what the swim club is like."

"Oh sure then Nocturne, no problem."

"Awesome, can't wait. Anyway, I'll see all of you guys later for dinner."

All four Pokémon waved goodbye to each other as they went off on their own separate ways. Heart and Rex went back to their rooms and grabbed their belongings before heading off to their next class.

Along the way, Heart spoke earnestly with how he felt all the professors have been treating Rex. Rex reassured him that everything will be fine, but Heart was not happy to hear anything coming from the other dinosaur's maw. Heart told Rex that if he is mistreated by Professor Kain, then he will intervene. Rex nodded his head, not wanting to upset his roommate, but still told him that he will do his best to handle things on their own.

They arrived in the lecture hall, albeit a bit early. It was about 15 minutes before class started, but Heart and Rex preferred to settle in and get the best seats possible. As the two conversed with each other, they noticed a rather muscular and handsome Haxorus step into the hall. Heart looked over and waved to him. The Haxorus smiled and waved back, slowly approaching the two. Rex was amazed at what he saw in the Haxorus. Like Heart, this dragon was built like a truck, but had more an even amount of bulk in his arms and legs. His chest stood proud, even though it was hidden within the sweatshirt he wore. The shorts he wore didn't shy away from his powerful thighs and what attracted Rex's eyes were the Haxorus's feet. Though typical of a Haxorus family, this particular dragon's red claws look a bit sharper and more pedicured then most, almost like he made sure to take care of them. And the black sole looked rather big enough to grip his head, not like Rex would try that... Rex continued to stare wide-eyed at them, as Heart looked over in the corner of his eye and gave a soft chuckle, knowing exactly what his roommate was staring at.

"Hey there Heart...and you must be the lucky Rex I have heard so much about. The name's Axel, nice to meet you." Axel extended his paw out.

Rex snapped back to reality, blinking his eyes a few times before blushing and shaking the paw. "Nice to meet you Axel, I heard a little bit about you from Heart."

Axel smiled, his face looked like it could be on the cover of POKEMON magazine. It was so charming and handsome, yet no sign of vanity, only humbleness. As Axel was passing by Heart to sit down next to Rex, Heart leaned up and whispered in his ear. Axel's eyes widened just a bit, his red eye looming down to stare at Rex, a slight grin formed across his face. Rex looked up, unsure of what the two were talking about, thinking it was something football related. After a few more seconds, Heart sat down back at his seat and smiled at Rex, while Axel sat down on the seat vacant to Rex's left.

As Axel was retrieving his laptop from his backpack, Rex looked at Heart and said, "So what were you to talking just now?"

Heart chuckled, looking at the curious dinosaur's eyes. "Oh, nothing much Rex. Not of your concern right now anyway."

Rex tilted his head, a confused look on his face. "Hmm? This is not normal of you to talk like this Heart, don't tell me you want Axel to..."

A huge grin formed across Heart's face. "To what, Rex?"

Rex blushed, hiding his face, "Oh come on Heart. I don't think Professor Kain is like that. I'll be fine."

Heart smiled, but it felt a bit off to Rex. "Oh yea..., don't worry. We just want the best for you, right Axel?"

Axel placed his laptop gingerly on his desk and turned to the two and nodded his head. "Yea, what Heart said Rex. He told me a little about what is going on, so don't worry my little friend." Axel gently patted Rex on his back and rubbed his head. "Let Captain Unnerve handle things for ya. You'll be in good paws. Anyway..."Axel turned his head back to the stage as students started filling the room. "...I think class is about to begin, so let's focus, alright guys?"

Heart and Rex both nodded their heads as they turned their attention back to the center stage. As time continued to move, more students filled the lecture hall, almost to the point of near capacity. Like many of his other classes, there had to be at least 200 students. A few minutes later, the crowd got quiet as a Sceptile in a white lab coat slowly walked onto the center stage. Besides the coat, he had on a simple button up and tie, as well as khakis. The Sceptile also wore glasses that seemed a bit too big for him, as they clearly showed his eyes, the typical yellow sclera and black pupil. He adjusted the headset on his head, but fumbled with it numerous times before getting it right. The class gave a soft giggle, much to the embarrassment of the professor.

He walked over to the white board and wrote his name on it, Professor Kain Ju. "Ok class...please settle in, will you? Welcome to Biology, and you can call me Professor Kain." The Sceptile observed the entire class, spotting any potential sleepers. Rex made sure not to fall asleep as he looked over to his right and saw Heart give a warm smile at him. Rex smiled back before he turned to his left and started to turn red. Axel was sitting comfortable in his chair, his paws at the ready to take notes.

However, Rex's gaze was a bit lower as he saw Axel crossed his left foot over his right leg, exposing the black sole and red claws in Rex's direction. Rex could not stop staring at it, seeing them up even closer. His hand instinctively started to creep towards it, but he caught himself when he heard Professor Kain inform the class to start reading over the syllabus. He quickly turned back to face his laptop, but his eyes kept wandering down at Axel. What is going on here? Why am I staring at Axel and his feet of all things? I mean, sure he takes care of them just like I take care of mine, but why does my mind keep looking at it. Rex, focus on your classes and less on your classmates. I don't want Axel or Heart to think weird of me now. As Rex tried his best to pay attention to the syllabus, he could not stop staring at the sole. Unbeknownst to Rex, both Heart and Axel saw where his eyes were and gave off a slight smirk.

This time though, Rex was able to follow through the entire class. Luckily, time flew by rather quickly as Professor Kain finished the introduction to the course and bid everyone farewell and to read chapter one in preparation for next time.

As the three were packing up their belongings, Heart said, "Looks like everything was ok this time around. No bad vibes from Professor Kain, although he did not look like the type to want to bother anyone, right Rex?"

Rex looked up and nodded his head. "Oh yea, that's right. Professor Kain does not seem to be like Leo or Sol, or even SnipeS to an extent. I guess he is alright."

Axel chuckled, gently patting Rex's back. "You ok there little guy? You seemed a bit...what's the word...distracted." Axel smiled and extended his body, giving his legs and feet a firm stretch.

Rex's eyes wandered down again, admiring what Axel was doing to himself. He heard some chuckles and smirks around him before he was drawn back into reality once more. "Oh, umm. No I am fine Axel. Just making sure I kept my mind occupied so I didn't fall asleep again, heh." Rex smiled nervously at the two dragons in front of him.

Heart shook his head as he led the three outside of the lecture hall. Once they arrived, Heart said, "Anyway, you made it through class unscathed this time around Rex, call it luck or whatever you want."

Rex puffed up his face. "It's not luck Heart..."

"Sure sure, anyway, Axel and I have an emergency meeting with the team, so we have to get going. But I'll catch you later for dinner with Nocturne and Nico. I am sure Nocturne wanted you to meet him at the pool, right?"

Rex nodded his head. "Oh yea, that is right. Nocturne did want to show me the swim team and whatnot. I guess I should go do that."

Heart waved to Rex as he started walking off with Axel. Axel smiled and said, "It was a pleasure speaking with you Rex. Till next time, stay out of trouble, you hear?" Axel and Heart started laughing as they headed towards the football field, leaving Rex to ponder in his thoughts.

Rex rolled his eyes as he started heading towards the recreational pool, hoping to find Nocturne there.

As Rex approached the building that housed the pool, he was amazed at the sheer size of it. Right after he stepped through the doors, he had never seen so much gym equipment in his life. He saw other Pokémon running on treadmills, lifting weights, even playing Squash in some secluded rooms. He looked up above and saw a sign that directed him to the pool.

A Lucario standing behind a counter waved over at Rex, beckoning for him to come. The moment Rex approached him, the Lucario said, "Welcome to the Arc. My name is Luke, how may I help you today?"

"Hi there Luke, my name is Rex, and this is my first time here. I was going to meet my friend over in the pool. His name is Nocturne."

Luke smiled and nodded his head. "Ahh, that Zoroark fellow. Yes he was here some time ago. The pool is behind me and to the right. Do you have your Poke U ID with you?"

Rex reached into his wallet and pulled out his card and handed it to Luke. "You mean this one?"

"That is correct." Luke scanned the ID, and on the screen next to him, it showed a picture of Rex and a green light under his name. "Good, you are indeed a student here at Poke U. Everything in this gym is free for students to use. You are more than welcomed to workout or play Squash while we are open, which is until midnight. If you ever need anything from us, please let us know. Other than that, welcome and enjoy your stay." Luke opened the gate separating the lobby from the rest of the Arc.

"Thank you Luke, I sure will." Rex smiled and walked pass Luke, heading straight towards the pool. Rex could not stop admiring all of the wonders the Arc had in store. There was more gym equipment hidden in the back, with all kinds of other Pokémon working out to their hearts content. Rex wanted to stay and see what else the Arc had, but he knew he had to meet with Nocturne. Rex followed the hallway all the way to the end before turning and entering through the door to the pool.

The moment he stepped inside, the smell of chlorine hit his nostrils and caused his eyes to slowly tear up. He brought his hand up to his face to wipe his eyes and coughed a little bit, adjusting himself to the environment of the swimming pool. Rex also heard splashing, the sound of water moving in the pool as his eyes were drawn to the curious Pokémon that were enjoying their time. A Feraligatr butterflied with such deftness, while a Palkia showed the perfection of a breaststroke. In the other lanes, Rex noticed a Chestnaught practicing his backstroke and a Dragonite doing the simple freestyle strokes. Everyone here looks to be enjoying themselves...wish I knew how to swim though...

As Rex continued his thoughts, he felt sharp, cold claws on his shoulders. He looked at them, crimson red, before he heard a voice say to him, "Glad you were able to make it here Rex."

Rex turned his head and saw Nocturne, although he did see something quite different. Nocturne's hair was tied up and secured to his back, ensuring that it would not cause too much hinderance while he swam. As Rex looked down at the trunks, a slight blush formed as the swimwear looked to be really tight to the skin, revealing everything Nocturne had to offer. Nocturne brought out his claw and gently tapped Rex's head. "I assume this is your first time seeing this sort of stuff Rex. Don't get too curious now," Nocturne said teasingly.

Rex shook his head, hiding his face in a bit of shame. "Yea, sorry about that Nocturne..."

"All good Rex. For those of us in competitive swimming, we wear the best stuff we can, to prevent drag and all that stuff. I'm at a little bit of a disadvantage, due to my natural flowing hair, but I make the best of it and can still swim pretty well. But nothing beats our star swimmer. He's busy changing in the room right now, but when you see him, you will know why."

Rex tilted his head, curious to who this mystery Pokémon is.I wonder who it could be. Probably a water type, since they should naturally be good swimmers. I already saw a Palkia and a Feraligatr, and those seem to be the obvious choices. "Is he really that good, Nocturne?"

Nocturne smirked. "Of course, he was recruited as a swimmer for us here at Poke U. And, funny enough, he's also a resident to Floor 7."

Floor 7...why does it always involve our floor in some shape or form... "I see, I guess everyone really talks about how special our floor is, huh Nocturne?"

"It's just rumors okay. But the rumors tend to be true...oh look, there he is now." Nocturne began waving his hand back and forward. "Hey there Gabu!"

Rex looked up and was shocked at the sight that was approaching them. This was no typical, run-of-the-mill Garchomp. Gabu looked to have a well-toned abdomen, with all eight of his abdominal muscles showing how much he tended to his core. His arms and legs also had an ample amount of muscle, probably due to his constant training in the pool. Typical of his species, Gabu had his sharp talon and winged fins, along with three sharp, white claws on each of his feet. Rex was star-strucked as he couldn't keep his gaze off of Gabu's physique.

Gabu looked at the two, but paid particular attention to Rex, with his yellow iris staring intently at him. "Hmph, nice to see you Nocturne, and whose your little friend here?"

"This is Rex. He's roommates with Heart. I just asked him to come see what the swim team is like. Just want to give him a general idea of various clubs and organizations that we offer here at Poke U."

"Tsk. I see. Doing your job as our RA it seems. I won't bother you too much then. I need to practice a bit more to shave off my time for the meet."

"Gabu, you already broken our school records multiple times. I am sure you will do fine when the meet comes. Just go take a break and have fun with us."

Gabu sternly stood in front of Nocturne, staring intently at Nocturne's eyes. "Hmph, I am serious about this Nocturne. I don't have time for any of this so called, 'playing in the pool'. Not until the meet is over at least, and then maybe I can take a day off. You know I want to represent Poke U as being the best. So please, if you have nothing else to discuss, I'll be on my way then."

Nocturne sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "Ok, whatever Gabu. I won't bother you anymore. Go enjoy your time in the pool, Mr. Land Shark."

Gabu gave Nocturne an evil eye at the mention of that particular word, but walked pass him, but not before turning around and staring back at Rex, sizing him up and down. "Say...I think I recognize you Rex...Oh that is right...I know how to use a toothbrush, so there was no need to stare. If you wanted to know, you could have asked...I don't bite." Gabu emphasized that last word as he gave off a toothy grin, before walking over to his lane in the pool and stretched his body, warming himself up.

Rex turned his attention back to Nocturne and asked, "Is there something wrong with him? He didn't take too kindly to your words."

"Don't mind him Rex. He's very, very competitive. He takes all of his swim meets rather seriously. Though, he can lighten up from time to time. He came here on an athletic scholarship, and as you can tell, he is the best swimmer we had ever had. He's only a freshman too, so he will be setting records like no tomorrow. Still, his attitude can use an adjustment. If only he could be more like his roommate..."

Rex noticed that Nocturne said the last statement in a bit of a whisper, so he did not want to press the matter too much. "So, what is the swim team like then Nocturne. Are there certain aspects to your group?"

Nocturne smiled. "Oh yes that, we have various groups that we participate in. For me, due to my handicap with my hair, I am placed in the group that have similar qualities like that. For example, those other Pokémon that have hair or fur that cannot be tied die to reduce drag, we swim in different heats compared to like Gabu. That shark swims in all the four basic strokes, as well as the medley and team relays. His preference is the freestyle, although he also has an amazing butterfly stroke. When it comes to swimming, no one can even come close to matching Gabu's speed and technique. You can say, we are quite lucky to have him with us. Just take a look, he's about to start."

Rex turned his head and looked back at where Gabu stood. He stepped onto the swimmer's platform, both of his feet standing on the edge, his sharp claws hanging over as his talons gripped the board. As if he had heard a gunshot, Gabu immediately propelled himself forward, diving straight into water. As quickly as he jumped in, Gabu managed to swim at least one hundred meters before rising to the surface and beginning his freestyle stroke. Amazed, Rex saw how determined and concentrated Gabu was, the amount of water he kicked with his legs was harsh, but did not disturb too much water. As soon as Rex blinked his eyes, Gabu performed the dolphin kick and started to swim back towards him. Rex stood in awe, witnessing history in the making as he never saw someone of this caliber swim like this before. Gabu hit the edge of the pool with his talon and immediately looked at his wrist. "Tsk, only managed to shave off half a second."

Nocturne clapped, applauding Gabu. "Dang Gabu, that was so fast. You already hold the record, and you are still beating it."

Gabu chuckled and shook his head. "Naw, this is still not good enough for me. I need at least another second. I don't know what is wrong." Gabu jumped out of the pool and back onto the surface, the water slowly dripping down his entire body onto the floor. "The swim meet is coming up, and I feel so tense about it. Ugh. Whatever, just have to keep practicing." Gabu grabbed a towel and quickly dried himself off, before stepping onto the platform again.

As Gabu was toweling himself off, Rex continued to admire his body. Just everything about Gabu screamed like the perfect athlete everyone would fight over for an autograph. However, the attitude of him would be the deal breaker for anyone as well. Still, Rex would like to get to know Gabu a bit more. Hmm, Gabu said something is bothering him and he still feels tense. Nocturne isn't pushing the matter, and he's our RA. Maybe I can do something for Gabu, to make up for staring at him in the shower the other day. But... Rex's eyes wandered down to Gabu's legs and feet. For a swimmer, he has to have strong legs, especially to kick against the water. Even as a land shark, he knows how to swim so gracefully and fast. And his feet, they look so strong and the claws are so sharp. He really takes care of them too. I just want to tou... Rex immediately snapped back into reality, looking around him as Gabu was already swimming in the pool and Nocturne giving off a confused expression.

"Umm, Rex, you okay there? You were staring off into space for quite some time. I wanted to say something, but I just thought you were having a moment to yourself." Nocturne crossed his arms in concern.

Rex nervously smiled. "I'm fine Nocturne. I was just thinking, that's all. Anyway, I want to see you swim, if that is alright."

Nocturne smiled back, stretching his arms and legs before jumping onto the swimmer's platform. "If you say so Rex. But sure, you can see how fast I swim. Not to the record breaking standard of Gabu, but I still think I am top notched."

Rex stood at the edge of the pool and watched Nocturne begin his freestyle strokes towards the other end. In the corner of his eye, he witnessed Gabu doing the same, albeit a lot faster than Nocturne. Man, this has been one interesting week here at Poke U. At least today was a lot better. Professor Kain didn't want to eat my head, but this Garchomp over here wants to instead. I wonder what is up with him...I feel like he is troubled by something and maybe I can do something to help him out...And maybe in return, he will let me...