Hey everyone, decided to go into a new series. So just as a heads up as the title suggests this is a high school AU where the characters are in high school. There will be two new characters added. James Kanter the main character and Zachary Snook one of the main antagonists. Also of note, I don't know all of the character's "cannon" last names so some will be made up by me while others should be somewhat familiar as they are names from other fics an example would be Dawn Berlitz and so on and so forth. Anyways all characters are juniors in high school. This excludes Max who is a freshman and Bonnie who is a freshman otherwise adults and other obvious people are the same canon age. So anyway let's get it going

It was a bright sunny day in Pallet Town where our hero James Kanter is currently sleeping. James a Junior who was just starting his first day of school at his new school. He had recently been going to school in Alola but it closed down because of the lack of teachers. Only he and a professor went to Kanto High while everyone else went to the new Alola High that was on a different island. He only left because he wanted to restart his life and he was done with the many rumors that were spread about him. This was mostly because his parents had disappeared a few years ago without notice. Most believed they were kidnapped, killed and the bodies haven't been found or James is hiding them. James believes that at this point they are dead and he hasn't been killed yet, which is why he left so he could get away from it all.

Pallet Town had recently grown in size due to the famous professor Oak building a school and inviting some well-known trainers, performers, and brainiacs. It isn't as private as the school was previously but they still didn't let just anyone in there. James only got it because he was a top trainer at his school, ranking top five overall in Alola at the high school level. Which is no small feat but he was against telling anyone about his achievements because he wanted to earn his place at his new school.

His alarm started blaring out an annoying beeping sound which instantly woke James up. It was currently seven A.M. and school started at eight twenty-five which gave him about forty minutes to get ready because he had to arrive early to meet Professor Oak. He did his morning routine like everyone else, wake up, shower, get dressed, eat, brush teeth, select your team, and leave.

James walked his way to school, he had brown hair that was short on the sides but slightly longer on top and he had a cowlick as well but that was concealed by a white and black hat. He has a white skin complexion that was slightly tanned from his time in Alola, he also had hazel eyes. He also wore a plain white T-shirt and a hoodless black jacket that was left undone, he also wore a pair of blue jeans with a simple black belt and a pair of black running shoes.

He was walking his way to school as he was only a mile away and the exercise was beneficial for him to stay healthy and in shape. He arrived at the school in about fifteen minutes, if he ran he would have made it in six but he didn't want to be sweaty on his first day. The school looked to be three stories tall with bricks layered all the way to the top. He walked into the school not knowing where the principal's office was but thankfully for him, it was just to the right next to the entryway. He found Oak sitting in his office presumably dealing with some paperwork for the beginning of the new year. James knocked on the door to get Oak's attention.

"Ah welcome James, please sit,"

"Thanks, professor,"

"I would like to thank you for joining the school, our top students have become somewhat complacent, I think you will be able to bring a new spark to the competition of this school,"

"Thanks, but you don't need to sell me on coming here, I'm already here,"

"Oh I know, but you are extremely talented. My friend you are a generational talent, you could do great things with your career as a trainer,"

"I know, but I'm not looking to have everyone know who I am on day one and not battle me. I would rather start from scratch and earn my place here, I think you understand,"

"Of course I do, I have done that for a few trainers in the past,"

"Anyway, I came in early so I could get my schedule so I know where I need to go inside this place,"

"Ah yes, of course, here you go. Is there anything you would like to change,"

James's schedule included Algebra two, English, Biology of Pokémon, Battle Class, World History, Mechanics, and Wilderness Survival. These classes looked familiar to him as these were pretty much the same classes as the ones he took in Alola.

"These are the same classes as I took in Alola,"

"Yes they are, I decided that it would make it easier for you to transition to this school. I mean you transferred in the middle of the year, that would be difficult for anyone."

"Well I mean I have no complaints, I was pretty successful in all of these classes anyway so it shouldn't be too hard. Alright, I should probably get going I've only got about ten minutes until class starts, don't want to be late on my first day,"

"No no you don't, Let's talk soon alright?"

"Of course professor."

He left Oak's office and started down to his first class, Math class which was taught by a Professor Rowen. He started down to the Math hallway which was on the first floor. The school he noticed had each subject in a separate hallway, Math in one, Science in another and the list continues with History, Electives, Art and so on. The only exception was Battle Class and P.E. as those were held outside. He walked to his class which was room 112. He walked in and felt multiple gazes coming his way but ignored them, they weren't necessarily important at the moment. He walked to Rowen's desk and asked

"Excuse me, Professor Rowen,"

"Yes kid," his voice sounded gruff and it seemed like he had a low tolerance so James decided very quickly that this guy was not a guy he wanted to piss off.

"Sorry for bothering you but, I'm new here and just wanted to ask where I should sit,"

"Oh of course, um how about you sit at the desk in the back corner over there, it's the only empty one,"

"Alright, thank you, professor,"

"No problem kid, just don't cause trouble and don't be late and we won't have problems,"

"of course professor."

James went to sit in his designated seat, which as of right now there was no one next to him, but Rowen said all other seats were taken so he assumed his neighbor would be here soon. He sat down and began to go through each of his Pokémon making sure he brought his correct ones. He wanted to make an impression and he knew that he needed the perfect team. He went through his team and was happy that he brought the correct ones, full well knowing that Battle Class in this school was the most important class in this school to the teachers, students, and other important people like region champions.

The clock struck eight twenty-five and at this point, all of the seats were filled. Sitting next to James was a blonde-haired girl with green eyes and a white skin complexion. She wore a sundress as well as a pair of white shoes, and a giant white sun hat. She also let her hair flow past her shoulders and down her back. She was currently talking to another girl, a brunette who wore a red bandanna with a white Poke ball design on it. She also had a red jacket with some white mixed in, and she had a pair of blue athletic shorts as well.

After the bell rang Professor Rowen began to call attendance where he learned that the girl next to him was named Lily and the girl she was talking to was named May. After Rowen called attendance he said

"Attention class we have a new student joining us today, please introduce yourself," The class began whispering to each other saying things like, "I didn't know there was a new student did you?" or "A new student in the middle of the year that's odd," another common sentence was "How did this guy get in here, what is he good at," James stood up and introduced himself to the class.

"Well hello everyone I'm James Kanter, I'm from the recently shut down Alola High School, so I have just recently moved here. " James said then sat back down

After Rowen realized he was finished he then proceeded to teach the lesson and asked for the whispers to cease but they didn't. More words of gossip continued like about him not being any good if his old high school shut down, and that he looked more like an athlete than a trainer based on his body and build. They were also wondering whether he was any good at battling.

Class went like any other Math class, you had the people who answered all of the questions, you had the people who sat on their phones and pretended like they weren't on Poke Snap that new social media app. Other stereotypes included the sleeper, the do the homework before it's assigned, as well as the brainiac who doesn't pay attention. The class was quick to end as it only lasted only forty-five minutes which was considerably shorter than James's previous school which was a little over an hour.

His next two classes Pokémon Biology and English which went the same as Math class but what he noticed was that the people that were in his Math class were almost always the same people in his other classes. He was unsure whether it was because of luck or it was because of the junior class is small or whether the class sizes were just small, to begin with. To him, it gave him something to ask someone if he ever talked to anyone.

It was now lunchtime, the way lunch was set up was that you either sat inside at your choice of about seven lunchroom tables or you sit outside in the courtyard or you could sit on the floor in the hallway. James had brought his own lunch so he skipped the line and went outside and found a bench farther away from the school. He sat down and immediately started to eat his lunch when he noticed a group of kids who looked to be harassing a couple of girls at a different bench. James looked around seeing no teachers but he did see one other student walking outside. He looked over at the student and attempted to get his attention.

The student had spikey raven black hair that was covered by a red and white hat that also had a green design on the front. He also wore a black T-shirt with a blue and white jacket that was zipped up, he also wore a pair of black jeans and red and white shoes. He also had a white skin complexion as well as hazel eyes. He locked eyes with him and nodded in the direction of the bullies and immediately understood what he wanted to do.

"Hey, idiots!" Getting their attention they turned around and stared daggers at the two boys.

"If you are going to pick on someone, how about someone who can beat your ass," That got the harassers attention they started to walk towards the two boys as if they owned the school and felt them as mere pests rather than a threat.

The boy that seemed to be the leader of the group of three was slightly shorter than James standing at five ten while James stood at six foot. The boy had brown hair that fell to just above his shoulders, he had a white skin complexion with hazel eyes, he wore a black shirt and leather jacket, a pair of blue jeans and a pair of black shoes. The one to his right was shorter than the first boy standing at around five seven, he had reddish-brown hair that also fell just above his shoulders but spiked outwards at the bottom. He also had a white skin complexion and also had brown eyes. He wore brown khakis, as well as a lime green long sleeve shirt and a short sleeve shirt that was a darker shade of green and the shirt also had a white stripe in the middle over it as well as green and white shoes. The final member of the crew was a taller boy about six three, he wore a blue jacket with a white stripe down the sleeve, black jeans, and red shoes, as well as a red cap. He also had black hair that almost hit his shoulders, he had a white skin complexion and grey eyes completed him.

They obviously felt that they ruled the school and quite possibly did by how they walked and how confident they were. James didn't feel intimidated more so annoyed that these kids were disrespecting and bullying others to just be cruel to others who had nothing to do with them.

"So I see we have a new kid on campus getting help from who Ass Ketchup," The leader of the club said. "Look, my name is Zachery Snook, this is Kenny Grant, and this is Calem Casper we rule this school," first indicating to himself then the short one and lastly the tall one.

"Oh so we have Snooky was looking for a cookie, Short Stuff, and Casper the friendly ghost, oooooh I'm so scared," James said in a mocking tone. A crowd was starting to form around the five boys. After James's comments, everyone began to laugh at the new nicknames given to the tyrants.

"Who do you think you are talking to us like that!" Zachary demanded.

"My name is James Kanter and I'm about to kick your ass," This got some oos an oohs from the crowd, people were now pulling out their phones expecting a fight.

"So are we going to throw hands or are you going to chicken out Snooky." James mocked them.

"Fuck this," Zachary went for the first punch. James dodged and punched him back making him stagger back and almost fall over. The other two charged the other guy who James would later find out is named Ash. Ash dodged the first punch from Calem and then tripped Kenny sending him flying face first into the cement. Back to James and Zach, Zach charged again accept this time James sidestepped and punched him the back sending him like Kenny, right into the cement ground. This knocked Zach out and then he joined Ash who was fighting both Calem and a broken Kenny, James first punches Kenny and knocked him out and then he grabbed Calem from behind and body slammed him into the ground where Calem stayed for the next couple minutes.

James then leaned over Zach and spoke "So what did we learn today,"

"That you are a bitch and I will end you,"

"No wrong lesson, it's you don't harass anyone or I will kick your ass worse than I did today," Zach and his followers got up and stared them down then ran away from the scene. James then shook hands with Ash and said his thanks and grabbed his backpack and slipped away from the crowd who were trying to get his attention. He wanted nothing to do with the crowd knowing it was bad news. He wasn't planning on the fight but he knew if he didn't do anything he wasn't any better than the harassers. Ash eventually caught up to him so he could speak with James,

"Hey, I just wanted to say that was extremely cool of you to do that, no one has had the balls including myself to take them on" Ash praised James.

"It was nothing really, they just needed to learn their lesson. But they will be back, everyone who is ever beaten wants a rematch." James replied humbly.

"James right, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town" Ash stuck out his hand for a handshake.

"Yeah I'm James, I'm also originally from Pallet Town but moved to Alola at a young age," James replied shaking Ash's hand.

"Oh really, I don't recall you being around."

"Yeah I moved when I was five so I never really got a chance to meet anyone."

"Well, that would explain why I don't recall you."

"Anyway if you don't mind me asking, why is everyone in the same class every period and not different classes?"

"Oh well there is only twenty kids a class and only sixty students in the whole entire junior class, the same applies to the other three classes as well."

"Well that would explain that, also what sports teams or if any teams do you guys have?"

"Well our main teams include the Battle Team and the Baseball team, there is other stuff like Contest Team and so on but the first two are the main ones."

"How do I sign up for them?"

"Well for the Battle Team you just have to beat the coach in a battle, and as for baseball you sign up and try out for the team."

"Alright cool, when do they start?"

"Well Baseball tryouts don't start until March and the Battle Team is year round so you can join at any time."

"Alright, so who is the coach for the Battle Team?"

"It's a new guy, I believe his name was Kukui. He teaches Battle Class as well."

"I have that next I guess I could challenge him then."

"Yah you could, the class is basically people battle and the teacher makes corrections to your techniques and strategies if he feels you can improve."

Bell Rings

"Well there's the bell, I'll talk to later I guess" Ash smiled

"Sure I guess" James replied unsurely

James parted ways with Ash unsure whether he had made a new friend or not. But none the less he walked to battle class full well knowing he was going to do when he sees his former professor.

He arrived at the class well after everyone because he didn't know where it was but he did not arrive late which to him was always important. Some people he recognized from previous classes, while others were entirely new to him. He walked in and took his seat towards the far end of the bleachers, again away from everyone else. After the bell rung Kukui the professor and coach of the battle class and team strolled in. Kukui scanned the room and his eyes eventually settled on James.

Kukui was a more relaxed man, he wore a white lab coat with no undershirt, he also had black shorts and sandals. To finish his attire he had a pair of sunglasses and a white hat with a rainbow on it. His black hair was tied back into a man bun and he had an extremely dark tanned skin complexion.

"Welcome everyone, obviously I am new here at this school so normally a new teacher would take a class to introduce himself or herself but I think today it would be better for me to battle one of you or more specifically a former student of mine as my introduction today, James come now get up and join me on the field." Everyone looked James's way, most knew of his earlier fight and expected him to say some snarky comment to the professor, but they did not get what they expected.

"Now now Kukui why don't you battle someone else, you have already battled me a few times now."

"I know, but since I am the new coach of the battle team, I kind of figured you would want to beat me and get on the team."

"Well if you must insist, what are the terms of the battle?"

"How about something quick but not too short, how about a two v two battle."

"That's fine with me."

They each took a side of the battlefield, while Kukui's assistant took the referee podium.

"This is an official school two vs two battle between Professor Kukui and James Kanter. Battle begin."

"Bravery let's go!" Kukui threw his Poke ball and out came the giant bird screeching. Everyone was eager to see what Pokémon James would choose because no one had seen or heard anything about James and his Pokémon.

"Kukui you know this one well, Decidueye let's give it all we got." Decidueye appeared from his Poke ball and stood straight up and motionless, his wings seemed to be worn as a cloak giving him a mysterious identity to him.

"Battle Begin."

"Your move Kukui."

"Alright then, Bravery let's set up, use Tailwind," Bravery used his wings to create a gist of wind that increases Bravery's speed while also sending wind directly at Decidueye slowing it down slightly.

"Oh, so you want to set up, I can put a stop to that Decidueye use Confuse Ray." The attack hit causing the bird Pokémon to start inflicting self-harm upon itself.

"Come on Bravery snap out of it."

"I'm sorry Kukui, Decidueye Shadow ball." Shadow Ball hit its mark and because Bravery hurt itself multiple times it made Bravery easier than normal to finish.

"I am sorry Bravery I should have seen that coming, now Incineroar come to me." Kukui threw his next Pokémon revealing a daunting fiery cat that looked like a boxer.

"Thank you Decidueye but this is not your battle," James stated returning his Decidueye to its Poke ball. "Now Kukui I know that you were expecting Vikavolt with that pick, but I felt that a different bug type would be better, Heracross let's show this kitty cat who's boss," James stated throwing a Poke ball in the air which revealed Heracross. This drew some whispers from the crowd.

"A Johto Pokémon I thought he was from Alola," Others said "I wonder if he has traveled in other regions, that is the only way he could have gotten that Pokémon" No one could explain why an Alolan had a Johto Pokémon but they were eager to see the battle.

"Alright Heracross use Bulk Up"

"Let's end this quick Incineroar, Fire Punch"

"Heracross use Bulk Up and take it" Everyone gasped, why would he want Heracross to take a move that was super effective, no one was understanding James at this moment. Incineroar came in an landed the punch as Heracross was bulking up, but the fiery Pokémon lingered for too long.

"Now Heracross, Close Combat" Heracross started punching Incineroar at a rapid rate ensuring a lot of damage upon Kukui's Pokémon. Incineroar staggered to its feet but still looked raring to go.

"I'm surprised Kukui, I haven't seen anyone even top trainer's Pokémon survive that but I think it is time to finish this" James confidently stated

"Thanks, James but I think it's time this pesky bug gets lost"

"Incineroar feel our bond, its Z-move time" Kukui started using his Z-move and James knew he had to go over the top to stop this.

"Heracross let's show them all our power Mega-Evolve," Soon everyone could see James's necklace has a mega ring on it and then everyone noticed Heracross's Mega-stone on its wrist. Soon a connection between trainer and Pokémon was a established bond and Heracross developed to his final form before The Z-Move hit, "Now Heracross use Close Combat to defend yourself."

A massive explosion hit the field leaving a cloud of dust. Everyone was on their feet looking to see if there was a winner or not. It would ultimately be the ladder as both Pokémon were still standing albeit barely but still able to battle.

"Incineroar use Fire Punch."

"Heracross finish this, counter with Brick Break."

The two Pokémon charged at each other at full speed and then they collided into each other creating another dust cloud, but this time only one Pokémon was left barely standing.

"Incineroar is unable to continue, Heracross wins. James Kanter is the winner of the battle," Many were surprised that the new kid beat a battle professor because most battle professors are supposed to be anywhere from the level of gym leader to elite four member. Kukui was no slouch from what people knew about him on his bio page on Bulbapedia. James and Kukui walked to the middle of the field and exchanged their thanks and then James walked back to his spot on the far side of the bleachers.

"Alright if anyone else would like to battle they are more than welcome to," Kukui stated.

"I Barry Campbell challenge the new student James Kanter to a one on one battle!" A boy with crazy blonde hair yelled the boy had a white skin complexion. He wore black skinny jeans, an orange and white striped jacket, and a green scarf.

"Really Barry, just shut up!" A blue haired girl yelled. The girl had a white beanie with a pink Pokémon design on it, she also had a black and white vest as well as a pink skirt. She had a white skin complexion and her bangs were held back by two yellow hair pieces.

"Um, Barry is it, I'll battle you but I mean it's your choice on what you want to do," James said kindly.

"Of course I want to battle you, and I will win!" Barry yelled confidently.

"Ok whatever you want to think," James said sarcastically rolling his eyes while Barry shot him a glare.

The two boys walked to the battlefield, Kukui stood off to the side and smirked at James as if to say that James should easily mop the floor with Barry. They each took a side of the field and readied their Pokémon.

"This is an unofficial battle between Barry Campbell and James Kanter, Battle Begin!" The referee sounded.

"Empoleon lets win this" Barry announced throwing a Poke ball in the air and out came the giant metal penguin Pokémon.

"Alright then, Donphan get this done quick," James said throwing his Poke ball in the air releasing the rolling elephant.

Another surprising choice from James because Ground Type is weak to Water Type. No one understood his thinking here because electric was unmistakably the best choice here. The other question was where was James capturing his foreign Pokémon, as far as everyone knew Heracross and Donphan don't originate in Alola.

"Hmph, a Ground Type against a water type you must be stupid," Barry laughed, already thinking that he has won.

"Barry I would shut up and make your first move if I were you, otherwise you won't be able to," James commented.

"Fine then, Empoleon Hydro Pump," After the command, a cannon of water blasted out of Empoleon's beak.

"Use Roll Out to dodge, then charge him" Donphan then curled up into a ball and started rolling all about the battlefield.

"Come on Empoleon hit it!" Barry complained

"Rookie mistake bud, you should have a move to counter this sadly you don't," James lectured, Donphan then connected with Empoleon knocking him off his feet. "Now Donphan finish with Earthquake" The ground started to shake violently causing Empoleon to be damaged the faint.

"Empoleon is unable to continue, James Kanter wins!" The referee yelled.

James returned Donphan and thanked him, then walked to Barry to give him a few parting words. "Barry your Empoleon is strong you just need a better move set and plan, rather than just Hydro Pump, but that comes with time and practice. If you want any advice don't be afraid to ask." James smiled and stuck out his hand for a handshake and Barry accepted

"I know I have work to do I just didn't think you were that good," Barry explained.

"Never underestimate your opponents Barry that is always important." James lectured.

"I understand that now, but I only have one question how good are you?"

"I would rather keep it a secret but, I guess I can give you a hint. I have traveled through every region and, I have every gym badge but, I have not competed in any leagues for personal reasons."

"What kind of reasons?" A boy with spiky brown hair with a collared black shirt and blue cargo pants asked.

"I knew I wouldn't win them at the time, but now I have a shot at it. But I heard something about a massive tournament coming up where the winner gets a shot at each champion."

"Yeah but that isn't until July." The same brown haired boy stated

"I know, but it is better to over-prepare than to under-prepare that is one of the many things I have learned over my many travels and adventures."

Bell Rings

"Well that's the bell class, have a great day," Kukui said waving goodbye to the class.

The rest of James's classes went more or less the same. He would sit and listen to the lesson and then also listen to the gossip going on around him. he would get constant stares from girls and boys alike, this didn't bother him much but what he was looking forward to the most was going home.

Time Skip

After multiple hours of school work, the bell had rung and, James was walking out of the school where he saw Ash, the blonde haired girl Lily, and a girl with long brown hair and a pink hat with a black bow on it, as well as a red skirt and, a black and white vest. She also had a white skin complexion with deep sea blue eyes as well.

"Oh hey James, are you heading home?" Ask asked

"I was actually, I assume you are as well?" James assumed

"Yah I was, oh, by the way, these two girls here were the ones that you saved earlier. They are friends of mine, this is Lily and this is Serena." Ash introduced the two girls, first indicating to Lily then to the brown haired girl.

"Hey there, I'm James nice to meet you," James said smiling extending his hand for a handshake. Instead, he got a surprising hug from Lily. But because of the surprise, James did not immediately reciprocate the same act but he was able to come back from his shock and hug her back.

"Thank you so much, James. Those three have been harassing us for some time now." Lily was almost in tears at this point.

"It was nothing, really" James responded humbly.

"It was really brave of you, we are forever in your debt," Serena said.

"You guys don't owe me a thing, but I really should be getting home. I live on Kingsgate so I have a bit of a walk."

"No way us three live there too," Ash replied

"Huh well I guess we can walk home together," James responded

After about fifteen minutes of walking and talking about the eventful day they each went to their separate houses with Lily across from James, Serena was about five houses farther down the road and Ash was on the street corner. James entered his home and went to the kitchen to grab some food then he went to the couch and ate his snack while watching a baseball game between The Cerulean Clefables versus The Vermilion City Venomoths. The score was three to two in the top of the seventh with the Venomoths winning and, the Clefables up to bat.

He finished watching the game with the Venomoths winning six to four. He went upstairs to his room and grabbed a guitar that he carried around with him. He liked playing the guitar, it was one of the few things that allowed him to relax. He walked out his front door and went to a near forest that was just down the street. In that forest, he found a clearing and sat down. He started playing a song that he made two years ago back in Alola. He called the song Searchlights (Yes I know the song is by Phillip Phillips but for the story's, sake go with it). He started playing the guitar, then he began to sing. Little did he know he had an audience listening to his song.

Alright, that is the first chapter. Let me know your thoughts on the chapter. My goal with this story is to make the main character not OP like other stories but not underwhelming like Unova Ash. I was hoping to find a middle ground where he is powerful but, still human and can easily lose if a careless mistake is made. I also am going to try to avoid High School AU clichés but some will more than likely occur. Also, this story could go on long unexplained hiatuses which I will try to give you guys a heads up for. This is usually because of motivation or focusing on other projects. Anyway, I hoped you enjoyed. Oh and also I thought it would be a cool idea to show James's confirmed Pokémon and show their win-loss ratio from the story.

Decidueye 1-0
Heracross 1-0
Donphan 1-0
Vikavolt 0-0