The Adventures of Darren Cassidy - Chapter Seven, Part Three - Not so Great Expectations

‘It seems we understand each other,’ Mrs Williams said, commenting on the class’ silence. ‘Although, while we’re still on that particular topic, you ought to know that your homework for next week is the same as that of the previous lesson, which is to say, listing all possible Abilities concerning evolutionary stages. It goes without saying that the subjects of your homework will be the eleven Evolutionary Lines we shall discuss today.’

After Minerva finished writing down the homework, she looked up at Mrs Williams and hesitated before saying, ‘Err, miss, it’s twelve.’

‘What is?’

‘The number of Evolutionary Lines we are to discuss today. It’s twelve; you said eleven.’

Mrs Williams frowned. ‘There are seven in both Monster and Dragon, and four in both Monster and Grass. That adds up to eleven.’

‘There are five lines that belong to both the Monster Egg Group and the Grass Egg Group.’

By then, half of Mrs Williams’ eyes appeared to be hidden beneath her furrowed brow. Darren silently wished Minerva would just let it go, since in all the time that he had been taught by the Watchog, she had only ever made a few mistakes, and those she had identified and immediately corrected herself. He understood Minerva lived in a world where everything had to serve a purpose and make sense in general, but he was certain she could ignore the technicalities just once.

‘The Evolutionary Lines are those of Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Turtwig, and Snover. It’s understandable that you’d want to include Treecko under this category, but–’

‘You forgot Tropius, miss,’ Minerva said quickly. (So quickly, in fact, Darren had barely registered what she had said – as many of their classmates’ faces proved, she had been mostly incomprehensible.)

‘Tropius?’ Mrs Williams echoed. (It resulted in the rest of the class forming “Oh” on their lips.) ‘Isn’t it…? Ah, but of course. Yes, you are right, Minerva. It took me two decades of teaching before it happened, but I have finally been corrected by a student. I am not surprised you were the one to correct me, though. I suppose I shall have to start keeping notes on my desk.’

Aiden subtly tilted his head towards Darren and whispered, barely moving his lips, ‘I think she just made a joke.’

‘That would be correct, master Karman. And if you are wondering, which you probably are, my hearing is as good as my sight. Excuse me if my sense of humour does not amuse you – my husband says it is drier than the Ytridorian Desert.’

‘Mrs Williams, I didn’t mean–’

‘None taken, master Karman. However, it is not a joke that Tropius is included in your homework. And masters Donnelly and Cowell, you can cease your glaring. While your aversion to homework may be particularly powerful, you should actually thank Minerva for pointing out my mistake. If either of you had decided to exploit this error so as to do less homework – though let us be frank, you would both have tried it – you would have been found out and punished accordingly.’

Minerva turned in her seat and returned the glare. She was probably scolding them mentally too.

‘Now, we have wasted enough time. We shall begin with the first Pokémon in the Pokédex: Bulbasaur. It is obvious why its Evolutionary Line belongs to the Grass Egg Group, and though its inclusion in the Monster Egg Group may seem to require more explanation, it does not. Venusaurs have a somewhat menacing countenance.’

‘Is that really the only reason?’ Seamus asked.

‘The textbook describes many intimidating aspects of a Venusaur’s anatomy, but it is the primary one.’ Mrs Williams turned to the board behind her desk and began making a sketch. ‘In my opinion, the flower on your species’ back also contributes, for the resemblance between it and a flowering species that was prevalent during the ancient times before the Emergence…’

***

‘Do you think Duncan will be on time for Evolution?’ Tyler asked as he and his two friends headed for Mr Cameron’s class. (They had spent their break playing tag with Raymond, who enjoyed breaking the rules by frequently zooming high above them when they came close.)

‘Well duh,’ Aiden replied. ‘I was really surprised when he didn’t show up for Mrs Williams’ class, but he wouldn’t dare miss Evolution. Mr Cameron might pretend not to care about Duncan’s sleeping in class, but an angry Granbull is even scarier than an angry Watchog. Mr Cameron may be a Fairy, after all, but you can’t look past those fangs.’

‘Yeah, that’s very true. We didn’t have homework, did we?’

‘Not that I know of,’ Darren responded. ‘Why do you ask?’

‘Well, considering what we’re saying about angry Granbulls, I just thought…’

‘If we did have homework,’ Aiden said, ‘we all three of us are in hot water.’