I could tell Touya was annoyed with me by the time we reached the entrance to Route 1. I still can't believe that this is really happening—that I'm actually being forcibly taken out of my hometown…I'm not ready!

"Let me go!" I tried my best to slow Touya down. Unfortunately, despite my heavy weight, that I had hoped would help me out for once, Touya was strong…

Fuck.

"Your sister entrusted me with you and told me to keep you safe," Touya explained. "She wanted me, specifically, to guide you to Striaton City because she was worried that you would hurt yourself along the way."

Wow, is that what Lucy really thought of me? That's sad…I can take care of myself! I mean, I never got injured…at least, seriously. The most I have ever gotten were bruises, lots of them…up to the point where I didn't even know where they came from… Except for that one time I fell and sprained my little finger, only to later find out that I fractured it but the fracture was so small that it didn't need a cast. Then there was that one time I stepped on glass when I was much younger… Dammit! I'm contradicting myself!

"Osha?"

I stopped my struggling and looked down at my Oshawott, Kairi. They were rather confused with what was going on. I wouldn't blame them, it's been a clusterfuck of a day for the little guy and—god dammit, Touya, my wrist needs to breathe!

"Oi, Touya!" I exclaimed. "You're cutting the circulation in my wrist!"

Touya stopped walking and looked at me. He arched his brow, probably wondering if I was lying. After a few seconds, he released my wrist and his expression fell when he saw the red mark encircling it.

"S-Sorry…" I know he didn't mean it, but I'm still annoyed.

"You're lucky my mom isn't around…" Mama can be very damn protective of me to a fault and the last thing I want happening is Touya having to put up with Raul. Mama's Hitmontop could fuck up anything if he wanted to, be they a person or a Pokémon…or just random furniture that happened to be in the way.

R.I.P kitchen table, you shall be missed.

"Yeah, lucky me…" Touya seemed completely unfazed. "Why do you have to make everything so difficult?"

"Welllll…" Oooh, ooh, I know the answer to this one! "I just got kicked out of my own house, for starters."

"Shaaa!" Kairi nodded their head and then patted me on the arm. What a precious Pokémon…I love you so much, we're going to be the best of friends, aren't we? Why yes we are—

"Yes?" I turned to Touya after giving Kairi some much-needed love. Kairi seemed rather delighted, a light blush tinging their cheeks red.

"Well, for someone who got kicked out of their own house, you seem rather…tranquil." Touya scratched at his head. "I'd expect you to be a little more…hostile."

"And that's where you're wrong, buddy!" I walked closer to Touya to give his nose a light tap. "I refuse to let this bother me!"

Touya stared blankly at me. "Is that so…?"

"Okay, it bothers me a lot, but I will NOT rage over this!" My rage is completely exclusive to videogames, because I am not relapsing into some bad childhood habits. No more temper tantrums from me!

"Huh…" Touya crossed his arms and smirked. "I'll be a bit generous and give you, say…two days?"

"Oh get bent, ya bastard!" I immediately clapped a hand over my mouth when I saw Touya's expression harden. Oh shit—I just said an unmentionable. Fuck— "Oh god, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry—Touya, please have mercy!"

Next thing I knew, I was running away from Touya while holding onto Kairi for dear life. Kairi was confused as hell and I was terrified. Not because Touya was going to possibly beat the shit out of me, but because I probably just jeopardized my friendship with the guy. Calling Touya is very touchy subject that will earn you his ire, because…well…

"Just because my father isn't at home, doesn't make me a bastard!" Touya has dealt with some rather nasty rumors growing up that ended up having a rather negative impact on him and Touko. Touko's a lot more passive about it, but Touya—yeah, good luck with staying alive, buddy.

"Touya, I didn't mean it!" My heart nearly stopped when I almost tripped over a rock. I'm not exactly the most coordinated person in the world and I've honestly tripped over things that are more ridiculous. Like a shoe or even the goddamn remote—IT CAN HAPPEN. "FUCK!"

And so can tripping over a fricken' tree roo—ahhhh!

Thud!

Ow, my face…please tell me my nose isn't bleeding, because this isn't the time. I lifted my face off the ground and felt my nose for any blood. I sighed in relief when I felt none and smiled when I saw that Kairi was standing right in front of my face. They looked rather confused, but otherwise, they were completely unharmed. I am so glad that I dropped Kairi when I did, because there was a good chance I would have landed on them and the last thing I need is for the little guy to get hurt. That's how I managed to fracture my finger.

Kairi gestured at something behind me. "Waaaaa!"

"Aww, what's wrong little—" Shit—Touya's still after me! "Go! Save yourself! I'm not worth it!"

Not the best time to be dramatic, but I might as well try to lighten up the situation and—oh screw you, Kairi! I immediately made a face when I saw my Oshawott start to walk away, having literally taken my words to heart. That's the last time I try acting dramatic and—

"AAAGH!" Touya loudly exclaimed.

"Aaaaaugh!" I felt the wind knocked out of my lungs as Touya's body weight slammed down on me. "OOF!"

Hecking Arceus, how much do you weigh, Touya?! And I thought I was heavy!

"Uuuguha…" Oh god, why is everything spinning? Huuuurk—probably not a good time to mention that it hasn't been that long since I last ate. "Getoff—Touya, get off!"

"Not until you take back that insult!" Dammit Touya, read the situation!

"'m gonna be sick—huuuurk…" Get off before I throw up, asshole!

"Oh fuck!" And now Touya gets it.

Of course, by now, it was a little too late, because Kairi decided to take matters into their own hands and used Water Gun on Touya. How the fuck does a three-month-old Oshawott know Water Gun this early—oh, right! Kairi is the spawn of my brother-in-law's Samurott—breeding was a thing. Ha, genetics…god damn, Lucy wasn't kidding when she said the little guy packed a punch.

The force of the attack was enough to knock Touya off of me. It drenched the both of us completely in water, though while Touya got sent back a few feet, I was allowed to get up and tend to my aching stomach.

"Ulp…" Okay…okay…I think—I think I'm good.

"Oshaaa!" Kairi happily cried out before scampering over to my side to give me a few reassuring pats on the leg.

"Thanks, buddy…" I returned the favor by giving the little guy a gentle pat on the head.

"That thing…is a monster…" Touya stared wide-eyed at Kairi. "Was Kairi bred?"

"Yes…I'm glad you noticed." I'm sure that it'll only continue to show from this point on, so maybe you oughta keep your hands to yourself, buddy. "By the way, I am sorry for insulting you like that, it just slipped out."

Touya hesitated for a moment and then tugged down on his cap. "Sorry for jumping you—do you feel better now?"

"I don't feel like throwing up, so yeah…" And I'd like for it to stay that way. "Can you try to at least ask how long it's been since I last ate before you go doing stuff like that?"

"I'll…keep that in mind…" Touya sighed as he got off the ground. "Geez, you're rather soft."

"I might be soft, but my survival rate is off the charts!" I exclaimed while making finger guns at Touya. "It's been like that since that one time I fell off the slide!"

"You scared the crap out of the kindergarten teacher when you did that!" Touya protested, looking genuinely concerned. "How are you still alive?"

"I have no idea!" I cheerfully replied, still keeping a grin on my face and my finger guns pointed at Touya.

Touya had a pained expression on his face. "This is why I'm here—because you worry me and everyone else. Let's just…get going. Accumula Town should just be ahead. If we keep going, we might make it by nightfall."

"Good luck with that, buddy, because I'm staying!" Screw you Touya, I'm gonna rebel!

Touya stared at me for a full minute…and then spoke. "I challenge to a battle—winner gets to keep Ivy…"

"I'm in." I responded far too quickly to Touya's offer than I would have liked, but what can I say? I want that Snivy…dat Snivy…

"Ah, ah, ah!" Touya grinned widely as he held up his index finger. "I'm not finished with the terms and conditions, but there's no taking that offer back!"

Awww, fuck.

"Winner gets to keep Ivy—but the catch is that no matter what, both the winner and the loser have to keep on going on their journey." Touya pulled out a Poké ball from his pocket. "This is why it's important to not jump too quickly to offers like that—but I can understand. Not everyone wants to read the terms and conditions—or in this case, listen to them."

Well, I walked into that. Win or lose, I'm stuck on this journey…I hate my life. Still, might as well make it worthwhile by winning that Snivy…dat Snivy…

"Kairi…" My Oshawott looked at me.

"Osha?" Kairi tilted their head to the side in question.

"Want to help me beat up my friend's Pokémon?" It'll be fun~!

I can tell this got Kairi's attention by the sparkling look in their eyes and the ecstatic tone in their voice when they loudly exclaimed, "Osha-oshawott!"

My god, Pokémon can be such blood knights…but Kairi is my little blood knight who is ready to take on the world.

I turned to Touya, smiling somewhat smugly. "Okay, since we're battling for the ownership of Ivy, that means you have to use Ganon."

Touya just shrugged. "That's fine."

I get the feeling Touya already foresaw his defeat…or his victory, whichever comes out of this battle. I mean, there have been Trainers that managed to lose to their rivals despite having the advantage in typing with their Pokémon. The same could happen to me, but I won't let it happen…not without a fight!

Though, the fact that we're battling for Ivy…that raises up a question. "Why do you have two starter Pokémon?"

Why do you even have them in the first place, I thought the Professor was out of viable Pokémon?

"Aunt Juniper actually had two more starters on her," Touya explained, "But since you were already getting your own from a different source, she decided to give me the one that was meant for you since she won't be expecting any new Trainers for a while."

"So what I'm getting from this is that Ivy is supposed to be my Pokémon, had I not gotten Kairi…" If that's the case, then I definitely gotta win this now!

"Right you are—see, you are smarter than you make yourself out to be!" Don't patronize me, Touya!

"I'm gonna wipe that grin off your face!" You best watch your back!

Touya just smiled at me and released his Tepig from its Poké ball. "Okay, Ganon…we're playing for keeps. Winner gets to keep Ivy—ya wanna keep her on this team, we have to win."

Ganon just blinked and nodded his head. "Te!"

"Ganon…use ember!" Touya directed Ganon at Kairi.

Looks like Kairi wasn't the only one capable of packing a punch!

"Piiig!" Ganon inhaled deeply as he charged towards Kairi. When he had gotten close enough, he exhaled through his snout, sending a wave of fiery embers at my Oshawott. Kairi didn't bother waiting for my command and just dodged Ganon's attack.

"Water Gun, Kairi!" You got this, baby!"

"Shaaaa!" A forceful jet of water shot out of Kairi's mouth and was directed at Ganon, who was still rather close by. Ganon never had a chance to dodge as he was hit with Kairi's Water Gun. It was super-effective!

"Te…piiiig…"

Aaaaaand a one-hit K.O, from the looks of how Ganon just passed out.

Wow…

I stared at Ganon for a few seconds before turning to Touya. "That was anti-climactic."

"Well, Ganon might have a higher move set, but he's still young." Touya held out Ganon's Poké ball and pressed the button on the capsule, allowing the Pokémon to return into its Poké ball. "He is also not the best when it comes to defense, since his hasn't developed that aspect of himself fully yet. According to Professor Juniper, he'll grow out of it eventually with time…or evolution—whichever comes first."

"I see…" I was still expecting a bit of a fight, but what can you do?

"I'm okay with it though," Touya remarked. "Ganon has really grown on me."

"What about Ivy?" I mean, yeah, it hasn't been that long, but really—he has to at least feel something.

"She bit me, so I dislike her." Touya held up his right hand, which was bandaged up—how the hell did I miss that?! Well, that explains why he doesn't seem so worked up about losing Ivy to me… "By the way, it hurts like a bitch, so do take care with her."

Right, she's mine now! "Gimme, gimme!"

Touya shrugged and tossed me Ivy's Poké ball, which I caught immediately with both hands. "She's all yours."

I inwardly squealed as I released the Grass Snake Pokémon out of her Poké ball. Ivy looked around, somewhat confused with her surroundings.

"Sni?" Her red eyes focused on me.

I smiled widely and knelt down to her level. "Hey, guess what? I'm your new Trainer~!"

Ivy stared at me…

And then gave me the tiniest of all smiles before scurrying onto my shoulder. Touya looked dumbstruck at Ivy's surprising acceptance to me being her new Trainer. I grinned and clapped my hands repeatedly in a childish manner.

"Yay!" I jumped up and down in place. "I always wanted to own a reptile!"

Oh my gosh, we're gonna beat up so many Pokémon and Trainers, earn lots of money, and be the best of friends!

"Osha!" Kairi cried out.

I froze for a moment and then looked down at Kairi, who frowned at me. Aww, they thought I forgot about them…

"Oh, I'm sorry, sweetie…come over here!" I looked at Kairi with open arms.

Kairi smiled and jumped into my arms. "Osha!"

I smiled and embraced my Oshawott. Ivy gave my cheek a few pats, making me smile even wider. My face was starting to hurt so much from smiling, but I was just so happy. I have two Pokémon now—two more friends that are now part of my life!

Okay, now I feel horrible because I just left Touya short one Pokémon…

I wonder…

"Hey, Touya…do you know what kind of Pokémon are roaming around Route 1?" It was a simple question, really.

Touya blinked and took out his Pokédex. "Let's see…Patrat and Lillipup are the most common with Pidove being uncommon."

I nodded my head. "Okay, give me a few minutes, I'll be right back. Watch Kairi for me!"

About fifteen minutes later, I came back to Touya. I was carrying a new Pokémon in my arms. It was a brown, short-furred puppy Pokémon. The Pokémon barked happily as I ran up to Touya.

Touya looked confused as he stared at me. "What is that?"

I took out my Pokédex and looked up the Pokémon's entry. "I believe this is a Lillipup…anyways, here!"

I promptly shoved the Lillipup into Touya's arms. Touya blinked as a small bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face. He was still confused…

"I named him Scruffy!" I chirped. "It's simple and it fits!"

Touya stared at Scruffy the Lillipup as he lifted the Pokémon into the air. "Uh…Scruffy's a girl."

I stared at Scruffy. "Wait…he's a girl?"

"You didn't check before you named her, did you?" Touya was grinning.

"Yes—no…shut up!" I'm not good at these things, dammit!

We continued making our way to Accumula Town after that. Touya now owned a female Lillipup named Scruffy (the name stuck on and the Lillipup had quickly grown accustomed to it) and I owned a female Snivy named Ivy.

"Touya, how long will it take us to reach Accumula Town?" I am really bored. All I want to do is play Kingdom Hearts and—I think I'm going through videogame withdrawal…

"It's going to take a while, so please don't ask again." Touya sounded rather annoyed…I should probably shut up.

Five hours.

It took us a total of five hours to reach Accumula Town. Do not ask what happened along the way—let's just say that we managed to stumble upon a pack of angry Patrat. It was horrible…

I still have scratches and bite marks—how could anyone underestimate these Pokémon?!

"You okay?" Touya looked increasingly concerned when he saw my eyes start to well up with tears the instant we stepped into Accumula Town.

"Civilization!" I exclaimed as I dropped to my knees on the ground.

Touya took one look at me and shook his head. Kairi just stared at me weirdly before giving my arm a small pat—as though they were trying to tell me that everything was fine. I ignored them because I was cool like that…

Except I'm not, because I'm a fucking loser.

We were promptly greeted by a familiar face not long after that. Whom were we greeted by? Why, it was our good friend, Professor Juniper! I wonder what she's doing here… Who cares, because oh my gosh, I missed you! I dropped Kairi onto the ground and rushed towards the Professor.

"Holy crap!" Professor Juniper choked out when I gave her a spine-cracking hug. She started to laugh after quickly recovering from the sudden embrace, to which I ended up getting a face full of boobs (shoulda seen that coming, with me being such a shorty and Professor Juniper being rather tall). "Missed you too!"

"Aww, Aunt Juniper—c'mon!" Touya loudly complained as he tried to pull the Professor and me apart, his face burning red from embarrassment. "Not in public!"

Touya refused to look me in the eye as Professor Juniper gave us a tour around the Pokémon Center. I wasn't paying that much attention, because been there—done that! I've seen my fair share of Pokémon Centers already. Hell, I'm pretty sure I have a relative somewhere along the lines in one of these regions running her own Pokémon Center. I forget which one, though, but I do know her name is Felicitas! She rather fits perfectly alongside the Nurse Joys that run the Pokémon Center business.

Anyways, I've been in and out of many Pokémon Centers in my life, thanks to my siblings. One time, I got put to work there, because I had nothing better to do and the Pokémon League item center needed some help unpacking stuff. And then the Nurse Joy appointed at the healing center decided that it would be fine to teach me a few things about how Centers work. Needless to say, I remembered a lot of shit, for someone with such a crappy memory.

"Professor, do you mind if you just let us go now?" I asked. "I need to get my Oshawott checked."

The Professor stopped walking and focused her gaze on me. "Oh, well, all right! Truth be told, I'm actually glad you interrupted me. You see, I have to head back to my lab to finish some business. Touya…you know what to do, right?"

Touya just nodded his head, his face still somewhat red. Professor Juniper smiled and waved at us as she made her way towards the exit.

"Don't get hurt!" she said, her smile never once leaving her face.

"No promises!" I responded back.

"Dude!" Touya was appalled. "Don't even!"

"Dude, try me." I'm not making any promises I can't keep. "Weren't you the one who said this is why you're coming with me?"

Touya sputtered as he tried to think of a comeback. He tightened his fists and stamped his foot on the floor when he couldn't. "You…made your point."

"I know!" I laughed, feeling proud of myself…wait… "This isn't something I should be proud of."

"No shit." Touya huffed. "You worry me."

"I wouldn't blame you…" Well, that was a conversation…let's go get Kairi checked out! I looked down at my Oshawott and smiled at them. "We're gonna see if you're a boy or a girl!"

"Osha?" Kairi tilted their head to the side.

"It's okay, sweetie—it won't take too long!" I really don't mind if Kairi is male or female. However, I'd at least rather get a clue so I don't have to deal with some infatuation shenanigans from Cute Charm or Attract in the future. And at the very least, I'd also like an idea on what to expect when Kairi starts getting older. I mean, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Touya focused his eyes on me as I tapped my foot impatiently on the floor. I never was one for being patient, but damn, I didn't think it would take this long to get my Pokémon back. Must be a busy day—it sure seems like it, but the amount of Trainers doing business at the Center. Wonder what they're doing…wonder what I'm supposed to be doing? I don't know what to do anymore. It's my first day and already, I'm in Accumula Town…do we keep going from here? Or do we spend the night in the Center?

"Touya, are we going to spend the night here?" I mean, it sure beats going outside again. I'm not in the mood to camp out after our encounter with those Patrat—fuck, man, they have no right to be that deadly! I better not find out who the hell pissed them off…

"I got a call from Touko this morning, saying that she's still here with Cheren and Bel," Touya replied. "So…yeah, we're staying—uhhh…"

"Where are they?" I literally got in Touya's face for this. It was a bit difficult, because I had to stand on my toes to even look him directly in the eye— "Did you get taller?"

A small bead of sweat rolled down the side of Touya's face. "C-Can you—can you back up a bit?"

He didn't really wait for me to answer, because he backed up a few steps. His face was somewhat red, his hand clasped tightly over his chest. "Th-They're out in the dining hall…don't—don't do that again, please?"

"Ohh…sorry…" I frowned, feeling rather guilty. "You okay?"

"Y-Yeah…I just need a moment." Touya exhaled shakily. "And to answer your question, yes…I did get taller."

"Boo…" Looks like I'm now shorter than him…at least I'm taller than Bel! Then again, everyone in this group of friends is, but whatever! "So…I gotta go to the dining hall!"

I bolted towards a random direction, not bothering to ask where the dining hall is. It took me almost a full minute to realize, "Where's the dining hall?!"

My voice echoed throughout the hallway, earning me a couple of stares from nearby Trainers in the area. While I might have visited my share of Pokémon Centers, that doesn't mean the layout is always the same. I don't really know much about Unova's Pokémon Centers, since I never really got out much in this region.

"It's down the hall to your left," a nearby voice responded.

I turned and smiled at the sight of my favorite glasses-wearing boy. "Cheren!"

Cheren adjusted his glasses and crossed his arms. "Hello…when did you get here?"

"Uh, just a few minutes ago…I think?" I really need to pay attention to the clock more often…

Maybe this wouldn't be a problem if you actually had your X-Transceiver!

Too bad I left that in my room, because I forgot to ever take it out of the packaging.

"What happened?" Of course, Cheren would suspect something wrong.

"I got kicked out of my house by my own family!" And it so sucks! "I don't need your pity, by the way."

"Too late." Cheren smirked. "Though, I guess that means you and Bel are on similar terms." He uncrossed his arms and looked around. "Are you alone?"

"Nope…Touya's with me and it's going to be like that for a while until we reach Striaton City." That's the plan and I'm sticking with it!

"So what did you get as a starter?" Wow, Cheren, you're asking a lot of questions—

"You're sizing me up as a potential rival, aren't you?" I know that look…

"Hmm, I guess you could say that…" Cheren shrugged. "I honestly don't know what to expect from someone like you."

"I'll…take that as a compliment." I'm desperate for validation. "Anyways, I got an Oshawott!"

Cheren's glasses gleamed in the light. "So you chose Oshawott as your starter?"

I shook my head. "No…I didn't. It came with a backpack and the fact I got kicked out of my house."

"Ah…so that's it," Cheren said as he reached for something in his pocket. "Would you like to battle me sometime?"

"Not now, my Oshawott's getting a check-up." Ask me tomorrow, and maybe we'll see. "By the way…where are Touko and Bel?"

I really want to talk to them right now.

"They're sharing a room right across from mine…want me to take you to them?" Cheren…sometimes you are a prick, but today, you are awfully nice!

"You lost to Touko's Oshawott, didn't you?" I could tell by Cheren's disgruntled expression that I was dead-on. "You chose Snivy—am I right?"

"Actually, Touko chose Oshawott first and then Bel got Tepig—"

"And that left you with Snivy…" Wow, that makes two of us who didn't get to choose.

Cheren adjusted his glasses. "Anyways, it's not like I didn't want Snivy from the start."

There's the tsun-tsun from Cheren that I've come to love!

I grinned. "You're actually relieved that they didn't pick Snivy, aren't you?"

Cheren sputtered a bit as a small blush tinged his cheeks. "No, I was just…"

"Don't lie to me, Cheren, it won't work!" You already gave yourself up with that blush of yours! Awww, you're so adorable!

Cheren diverted his eyes to the side as his face turned an even brighter shade of red. "Yes…I was relieved."

"See, that wasn't too hard to admit, right?" I grinned widely at Cheren as I gave his arm a few pats.

"Go to hell…" And he's back to being a prick.

I narrowed my eyes at Cheren. "Already there—it's been like that since the moment I got kicked out of my house. Now take me to Bel and Touko!"

"To the Trainer with a Snivy and Oshawott!" called out a voice. "Your Pokémon are ready!"

"Right after I pick up my Pokémon!" Oh, this is the moment of truth…the moment where I learn if Kairi is male or female.

Nurse Joy smiled at me kindly as she handed me my Poké balls. "Your Pokémon are doing quite well…do you have any questions?"

"Yeah, did you figure out if my Oshawott is male or female?" I need to know…

"Oh, yes!" Nurse Joy smiled. "Your Oshawott's female—and my, what a strong little girl she is!"

That's nice to know—I guess I currently have an all-girl team…at the moment. That might change later on, but for now—I need to think of a name for us! It has to be cool and it has to have some meaning!

Team Amazon has a nice ring to it…

"Why do you own a Snivy?" Cheren looked curiously at me.

I blinked and turned to Cheren. "Oh, I won her from Touya. She's sort of my motivation for even getting this far."

Not really, I would ditch Touya if I could, but I can't do it. I'm not that jacked up to ditch my own friend! Besides, I took up his offer on that battle for Ivy and I will not go back on my word!

"Hey!" Speaking of Touya, here he comes!

Cheren turned his attention to Touya and smiled. "Hello, Touya…it's been a while."

"It's only been five days," Touya remarked. "If anything, I'm surprised you're still here."

"Bel wanted Touko and me to wait for you," Cheren explained. "I just didn't expect you to also have come along."

"And I did, ever so reluctantly." I hate being kicked out of my own house…all my videogames and other forms of entertainment are there! "Oh, and Kairi's a girl!"

Touya blinked. "Another girl?"

"I'll balance out my gender ratio later." Before it bites me in the ass when I encounter a Trainer with a Pokémon that either knows Attract or has Cute Charm as its ability. "For now…take me to Bel and Touko, Cheren!"

I really wanted to see them…especially the lovely, bubbly Bel!

Cheren led us to a hallway full of doors on the second floor of the Pokémon Center. Each door was labeled with a number. Cheren's room was at the end of the hallway, which meant that Bel and Touko were right in the room across from him. I quickly ran up to the door and started knocking on it.

Bel was the first to have greeted me at the door and when she realized who I was, she immediately pulled me into an almost spine-cracking hug.

"Heeey!" she exclaimed. "You're here!"

"Bel…can't…breathe…" Air…I need air, woman!

Bel blinked and loosened her hold on me. I breathed in and out, trying so desperately to regain my lost oxygen. For such a tiny, harmless looking girl, Bel is fucking strong. By now, Touko had walked out into the hallway to see what was up. She took one look at me and then turned to Bel.

"Bel!" she exclaimed. "What have I told you about hugging?"

Bel laughed awkwardly. "I'm sorry, but I'm just so happy! Everyone's here! It's just like before! We're all together again!"

Cheren blinked and asked, "Yeah, but for how long?"

Bel's cheerful expression dimmed as she frowned. I found myself frowning as well. I never liked it when Bel frowned or looked sad…I especially hated when she cried. Bel never did anything wrong, so when I see her cry or look sad—I can't help but get mad. And that is why I was glaring at Cheren.

"Cheren, you prick!" I snapped. "Would it bother you if you tried not to be a killjoy for once?"

"I was just asking a question…" Cheren crossed his arms. "How long do you suppose it will be before we go our separate ways?"

No one answered or rather—no one wanted to answer that question. Not even Cheren, whom had asked the question, himself. However, he just made it much more difficult when he added, "We won't always be together, you know."

"Heeey, what do you wanna do?" Bel suddenly asked as she smiled.

Oh, Bel—you loveable bubbly blonde…How I admire the way you bounce back and not kill moments like someone I know! I'm looking at you, Cheren!

Cheren just stared at me with the same blank expression on his face. "What is it?"

"Tomorrow afternoon…we battle." I have a serious urge to fight somebody and you fit the bill of who I'm looking for in an opponent.

"Hmm…fine," Cheren said as he opened the door to his room. "Hey, Touya, do you want to room with me?"

Touya blinked and nodded. "Uh, sure…I guess I'll see you guys around."

And with that, the guys left us…

Bel smiled widely and latched onto my arm. "You can room with us tonight! Heeeeey—do you mind if I do something to your hair? I brought my straightener!"

And looks like I'm rooming with Touko and Bel tonight…wait! Did Bel just offer to fix my hair? No! No!

"Get away from my hair, Bel!" I know you mean well, but today is not a good day— "Touko, help me~!"

Touko just watched as Bel dragged me into their room. She sighed and followed us in, closing the door behind her.


A/N Well, here's chapter two and I'm kinda happy to see there are still readers who follow this story, so thank you very much! So yeah, OC is still nameless and we finally get to see a battle! And a rather crappy and short battle…yeah, no epic rival battles yet! We'll get there eventually!

Also, shout out to friend kurobook, because the credit goes to her for the existence of Felicitas. I mean, there's a current running gag with OC in that OC has family like...everywhere. So kurobook suggested that what if OC had a Joy as a relative and bam, here's Felicitas. Yeah...I'll probably go into it one of these days, but whatever.

By the way, do feel free to point out any mistakes I've made, since I'm using old chapters to edit and expand on stuff for the reboot, so I might miss some things. Also, regarding the situation involving infatuation shenanigans, I had an encounter with an Ace Trainer during my Black run and ended up facing a serious problem when his fucking Swoobat used Attract on my team. Like...that's what I mean when I say infatuation shenanigans. Don't underestimate infatuation is what I'm trying to say.

By the by, got at least someone interested in a PDF of the old fic, I'll get on to doing that one of these days when I'm not so busy. As a reminder, this fic is kinda AU, in the sense that, apart from OC, you also have stuff like Professor Juniper being Touya and Touko's aunt. There's a lot more where that came from, by the way, but we'll get to that eventually.

And something I need to address… (feel free to skip this)


To anonymous reviewer, Guest, who had this to say about this fic:

Hhh it ok won't say it good but a little below average but not horrible like other fanfics sorry to say but what your doing have already been kinda done with other fics but it not bad maybe better but who really knows.

First off, I don't really care if this has been done with other fics (I haven't read any Pokémon fics in years, yo). And second of all, if you were trying to make me feel bad, you need to do better than that. Not everyone has to like what it is that I write, but at the very least, tell me what makes the fic a little below average if you have enough time to leave a review like that in the first place.

This fic is mostly here, because it's always there for me whenever I need a pick-me-up.


ANYWAYS, I hope you guys are enjoying this fic so far! I'm putting off chemistry homework to get this up, but yeah, do feel free to tell me what's on your mind in a review! Until next time, everyone! KD out! XD