“When Man first took shape from the dirt, the heavens were there to greet him. Boundless and vast, the ever-stretching, ever-reaching cosmos provided comfort and query for his developing mind and soaring imagination. Scholars set their sights on the skies, hoping to unravel the mysteries hidden amongst the stars; philosophers sought meaning in constellations and cosmic phenomena, seeking their aid in solving the puzzle of Man’s heart; writers gazed upon spangled emptiness, reflecting in the void above as well as the void within; children whispered their wishes to falling meteorites, sharing with them their frivolous desires and ambitions. Yes, even Pokémon–as powerful and mysterious as they may be–they, too, look up for heaven’s guidance.
That which lies above; that which encompasses around; that which we lie within, and lies within us. The Universe is all. The Universe is you. To ponder the nature of the cosmos is to, in turn, ponder the nature of one’s own self. That is the sole ideology of our University. Here, we ask the questions, and it is up to you to find their answers. Equipped with telescope and microscope, let your heart and mind search in tandem for answers yet undiscovered! We here at St.Leonora’s Institute of Astral & Soul welcome you with open arms! May your search take you to the stars and back!”
Signed, DIR. Maya E. Cambridge.
Henry folded his acceptance letter, resealing it along the creases for the umpteenth time since the first Pidgey of the morning sang its greetings. The University Emblem was coarse against his fingers, reflecting a glare as he played its azure shape against the rising sun.
Years of hard work–of overdue library books and more aliases than he could keep track of–he finally did it; he was accepted, and the parchment sucking every ounce of sweat from his fingers was a testament to that achievement.
A future beyond the crummy, backwater town he called home. A life away from the farm, away from the same old dull people and the same old dull places.
The entire span of the Nouveau Region was his to conquer. It was his playground for his ambitions–his dreams.
The only thing standing between him and that future was the few hours it would take to get there.
A clack from behind sent shivers down his spine. Someone was undoing the deadbolt lock; someone was stepping out into the morning with him. Who could have heard him? He was a Rattata on a mission from the moment he woke up. No one should have stirred at his morning routine, for he was as quiet as quiet could be.
“Henry?”
Of course, Mother’s ears always were especially sharp.
