(A/N): ...it's been a while. Oops. Sorry. Also, I was hoping for an epic battle scene, but then I realized that starter pokemon fights aren't actually that eventful. This chapter is a little dry, but I hope you all enjoy it.

Thank you to SilentXD7, Wonderland Tea Party, Jss2141, and FieryMonarch for reviewing the last chapter! I really appreciate it.

Standard Disclaimers Apply.

"Well? Do you accept his challenge, Izuku?" Kahuna Bakugou asked, and Izuku swallowed his fear and determinedly smiled when he met Katsuki's fierce gaze.

"Yes, I accept. You ready for your first battle, Rowlet?"

The grass-type cooed and ruffled its feathers, taking to its battle position in front of Kastuki and Litten. Kastuki grinned, Litten spitting out a flame of anger to show it meant business.

"So you're not a wuss after all. Let's begin!"

From his various notebooks and embarrassing amount of time studying battle strategy and type match-ups, Izuku already knew immediately that he was at a type disadvantage. He also knew his Pokémon's moveset immediately too.

"Tackle, Rowlet!"

"Dodge, Litten, and retaliate with your own tackle!"

Kastuki and Izuku went back and forth, their starters dodging and tackling each other, both waiting to see who had the offensive advantage. In all honesty, it was rather boring, seeing as the starters only really knew one offensive move each, and the crowd around the stage soon dissipated as the heated battle atmosphere slowly fizzled out. Izuku wondered if Kastuki had anger issues.

"Tackle again, Rowlet! We've almost got 'em!"

"Like hell you do! Don't let me down, Litten! Wha – what did I just say, Litten?!"

Kahuna Bakugou howled with laughter as Kastuki raged, calling the battle," Litten has fainted! Our new friend Izuku has won the battle!"

Izuku smiled awkwardly at Kahuna Bakugou and her son before scooping up his Rowlet, praising him for a job well-done, then scurried off stage back to Professor Yagi and Fuyumi before Kastuki would turn his rage on him.

"That was a fine battle, Midoriya! You have the makings of a fine trainer!" Professor Yagi praised, patting Izuku on the back and beaming at him proudly. Fuyumi scurried over with a potion, Nebby struggling to get out of her bag.

"I don't really like watching Pokémon battles, but you did really well, Izuku. I'm sure you'll become a good trainer with more training. I think you chose a wonderful Pokémon for a partner. Please take very good care of that Rowlet, alright?"

Izuku nodded, smiling, murmuring thanks to Fuyumi as she restored Rowlet to full health. The owl Pokémon cooed and fluttered, contently nesting itself in Izuku's bed of messy curls. "Thank you, both. I've always wanted to become a trainer, and I'm glad its finally coming true. I'll be sure to take very good care of Rowlet, and any other partners I bond with along my journey."

"Well said! You remind me of myself in my younger days, I'll be honest," Professor Yagi smiled at Fuyumi, gesturing for her to hand him a few parcels. "I think, from what I've seen and heard of your character today, my boy, that you're worthy of receiving this."

Izuku gaped, awed by such an honor, "I-is that…? I…I can't accept this, I just got here, you hardly know me! Why would you choose me?"

Professor Yagi smiled, pressing the brand new pokedex into Izuku's hands. "You're just like how I was, when I was an aspiring trainer. I could have gone all the way to the league and won. But I stopped short. Keep your head up, Midoriya. I have an inkling that if someone can make it all the way to the league without being discouraged, it'll be you."

Izuku blinked back tears, incredibly touched, honored beyond tears that his childhood hero would bestow upon him as something as amazing as a pokedex, something that only the elite of elite trainers were given to hold and maintain. Professor Yagi and Fuyumi patted his shoulders, encouraging with gentle smiles, and Izuku felt that this was the start of an amazing journey.

Please leave me a review letting me know what you thought (remember, its the only way I know what you all are thinking). Until next time lovely readers!