Kirlia stages, featuring a "classmate" of sorts who didn't make Athena's disposition any easier growing up. wanted her to have a feel of the "adorably clumsy though anxious newbie to ballet" kid whereas Evan had a lot of early signs that he'd gravitate to being a fighter more.
Aaand lil Salem before he lost his horn/spike. He didn't "grow up" with Athy or Evan but they knew of eachother later down the line in life.