After receiving a pleasant greeting from Apple, Jess seated herself at the sleek wooden table. In the minutes that followed, she became acquainted with B, his serenely floating Unown, and the Honedge on the table, which she'd initially mistaken as a conventional sword and, saying "What a lovely sword," attempted to grasp by the handle. Fortunately, the Professor managed to stop her before her fingers made contact, and quickly explained to her the life-draining properties of the Sword Pokemon. The event, though small and unimportant, really opened up Jess's eyes to the world she was preparing to embark on. Her cursory, intimate knowledge of Pokemon would soon grow to a vast index, encompassing types, the difference between special and physical attacks, and much more. She simply couldn't wait to begin.

Luckily, the other trainers weren't too far behind her. One by one they arrived, and Jess watched closely. If these were to be her group, be them friends or simply co-workers, she'd need to get to know them. First to arrive was a girl, long-haired, a few years younger than her, who introduced herself as Miu Kita. Despite Jess's hopes for companionship, there was something about this girl that Jess inherently didn't like. Maybe it was her constantly-narrowed eyes, her slight smirk, or just her bearing as a whole—Jess couldn't tell why, but first impressions indicated that the two might not mix. Instantly, Jess regarded the situation as a challenge; either they'd become fast friends or resolute enemies. Whichever the other girl made of her, she'd commit to. No room for hesitation. For a split second, Jess thought she saw the other girl's eyes glance at her torso, perhaps judging her for her pudginess. A spark of anger ignited in Jess's mind, but she instantly buried it. She wouldn't let this girl under her skin.

The other trainer was far less of a conundrum. Jess guessed him to be her own age, and he seemed objective and impartial to the world around him, as if his mind were elsewhere. Naturally, this Vincent Willow seemed a little excited -who wouldn't be?- and as he approached, Jess flashed a slight smile.

Finally, the fourth arrival appeared, proving herself to be a thin, agitated girl with short, lavender hair. Above all else, she seemed on edge, and either because of that or her obvious fatigue she mistook Apple's assistant for the Professor herself. Assuming that the Miu the snark would be unpleasant about it, Jess sought to distinguish herself by giving Bailey a sympathetic look when she glanced at her. After that, it was Pokemon time. The one-eyed boy fumbled a Pokeball once more before the lineup was complete. Jess was eager to make her pick, but once Apple declared that it would be a blind pick, it didn't matter so much, so Jess let Vincent choose first. She barely even registered that he ended up with an Azurill before she grabbed her own Pokeball, turned away from the table, and threw it at the ground. The ball bounced once with a metallic clang and opened midair.

Into the balmy morning air came appeared Zubat. Instantly, it sought shelter from the harsh sunlight by darted toward its new Trainer and clinging to the underside of her cap, where it was partially shaded from the bright rays. Jess was surprised. Growing up, she'd always heard what a common and garbagey Pokemon Zubats where, little more than cave-dwelling pests. This one seemed to like her, though, and now that she saw it up close she could examine its tiny, adorable ears and fuzzy blue fur. Yes, she decided, this would do.