My name is Zari. Today is my 18th birthday.
What would you do if your pet could understand you?
I mean, they already can, right? But I mean, actually talk to them. And they talked back?

It was intense, I could feel the cold briny water all around me. Struggling to keep afloat, my arms flailed helplessly as I was tossed around by the merciless waters of the ocean. "Help! Save me!" I cried out to a figure of dark, standing over me, seemingly on some sort of boat. But they did not answer, staring down at me as I sank. I could swim, why was I sinking? Eventually, my vision began to darken, breath tight as there was a harsh chirping noise? Was this the last noise to hear before I succumbed to a watery grave? I shut my eyes and drifted away peacefully...

The noise continued, irritating and loud in my ears. My eyes fluttered open. "Only a dream..." I mumbled, looking at my beeping alarm clock just beside my bedstand. For once, I'd actually gotten it to work, I never knew how to work one of those silly digital clocks. All I knew was that it had a radio feature, one I would never use, especially to wake me up. If anything, I'd probably just fall back asleep!

The clock read 9:07 AM... I'd overslept. At least, until I looked at the continuing part... 'Sat 18' Now I remembered. That stupid recurring drowning dream wouldn't make me forget this time. I got up out of bed, deciding I wouldn't fix my sheets just yet. Later. Oh, and hit the alarm too, that thing was annoying.

Walking downstairs, I was greeted by my somewhat loyal cat, Oren. "Mrooow..."
And my definitely loyal Pokémon starter, Rowlet. "Rowlooo..."

"Hey you two." I said, of course giving my Rowlet the pats first. The inquisitive owl Pokémon cooed in delight, whilst Oren sat down, beginning to clean himself with a front paw. Honi was his name. He'd been a gift from my father, as both a present for reaching maturity and an apology for being absent in my life. I didn't blame him. Neither my mother nor father had been present in my life often, they were both very busy people. My father was a professor and helped young trainers begin their journeys, and my mother worked at the Pokémon center in the city. Despite that, there was always food in the fridge, dad would always give me a bit of money to spend, and both parents had always been there for me in spirit. Needless to say, I had it good.

And so, for the most part, I lived alone. But every story has its sour twist, I don't live alone. My older sister was asleep upstairs in the spare bedroom. Despite being the oldest between us, she was treated as younger with mom and dad. And for that spare reason, she hated me. Maybe that was why she requested her starter to be a Torchic. Besides the obvious type advantage and the fact they were both birds, it was nothing more than a sibling rivalry. I wouldn't go tell her to wake up today, if she was asleep, I could get an early start.

With my two pets trailing behind me, I walked into the kitchen. Wooden cabinet doors and wooden drawers hid the bowls and silverware necessary for my breakfast. Of course, I grabbed what I needed to, going to the pantry for the cereal I liked so much. Pouring some Honey Blasted Happy-O's into my bowl, I opened the fridge for the last part of this nutritious meal. The milk.

Of course, we didn't come here to watch me describe how I made a menial breakfast. Anyone could pour stuff into a bowl, really. I'd taken a seat at the table, pushing aside Pokéballs and paper cutouts my mother had made. She always went all out on celebrations. I took a spoonful of my meal, slowly pushing it into my mouth. I was used to the taste of Happy-O's by now, the moomoo milk making it much sweeter than it had a right to be. I remember the cashier at our store making some remark about how I'd 'wish my mother was a Miltank.' Thinking about it made me chuckle, which temporarily took my mind off the over-sweetened food I was ingesting. A familiar feeling on my shoulder made me realize that Honi had perched on my shoulder. Again, I chuckled, as I brought my spoon to his beak, allowing him to indulge in my meal. In truth, I did almost want that wish. If my mother was a Miltank, I'd be happy because it would mean she'd spend more time with me, and she wouldn't have to worry about work.

After eating, I did my usual of getting ready, putting on some clothes that weren't particularly dirty. A sweatshirt and sweatpants with a baseball cap. Always. Everyone always said I was laid back like a Snorlax and hot like a Magcargo. I don't see the problem with being comfortably warm all the time, I barely sweat anyway.

With Honi on my shoulder, I said goodbye to Oren, locking the front door behind me. I had everything, but really all I needed was my bag (with spare Pokéballs inside) and belt for my Pokéballs that would contain my future Pokémon. I was ready to travel the world and become the best trainer I-

"H-hey Zari!" A voice squeaked, loud enough to be heard from where I stood on the doorstep. I turned my head to look at my neighbor, Carol. A shy girl, we'd been friends since we were babies. At least, what her parents told mine. In truth, I only tolerated her. Sure, she was cute—blonde waist length hair, strawberry red eyes, and a pair of thick glasses that only amplified her nerdiness—but she was also very, very clingy. Probably to do with the fact she had few friends.

"Hi Carol." I waved at her slightly, walking to the fence that stood between us. She stepped back, like I was going to jump over and bite her. "You're g-going out on a Saturday?" She asked, head tilted like a confused puppy. "Yes, I am... Today is-"

"I know, happy birthday!" Wow. And I hadn't even told her yet. I wasn't about to ask how she knew though.

"Is that all you wanted? I really want to get going."

"Well, no!" She exclaimed, her arm shooting up as she held a Pokéball of her own. "Birthday battle?" I shrugged, what harm could it bring? Other than upsetting her if she lost to me. I nodded my head in confident acceptance. "Right, let's do it."

We now both stood in front of her house on the lawn. It was the perfect space for a small tussle between our starters. I couldn't help but stare at her hair for some reason. Something about it, like I just wanted to brush and comb it. Maybe I should be a hair stylist instead of a Pokémon trainer. The sound of a squeaky voice brought me back to reality.

"Go, Ribbon!" She threw her ball out. A bright flash of blue as a Snivy appeared in front of Carol's feet. True to the name she'd given it, there was a small teal ribbon on her head. "Snivy-ivy!"

I looked at Honi on my shoulder. Some would point out that he was eerily quiet, but I knew the reason. He was observing, planning his next move. "Go on, let's show 'em." I directed with a small fist pump. He seemed to understand, as he flapped off my shoulder, landing in front of me. "Rowlet.."

"Ribbon, u-use..." Carol blanked, staring at me. Or was she staring at Honi? I couldn't tell. "Use Wrap and.. Get a-around him?" But she sounded unsure. Ribbon reflected this with a confused look back at her trainer. "Sni?"

Now was my chance! "Go Honi, get her with a Razor Leaf!" Sure, a grass type move against a grass type might not be the smartest move to you, but I knew what I was doing. Honi flicked a wing out, as a swirling green blade reminiscent of the cutter ability from Kirby flew straight towards the oblivious Snivy, knocking her onto her rear. "Ouh!"

"Follow it up with a Tackle!" I shouted, pointing at the slightly dazed Mon, whose eyes read fear and a feeling of lostness. Honi didn't hesitate, flying with great speed as he crashed into Ribbon with a thud. The Snivy squealed as she skidded, eventually standing as she shivered. Honi now stood at Carol's feet as he turned proudly to me, fluffing his wings out. "Row row hoo."

Carol stared downward in horror. "No! N-no! Ribbon, get him back!" She kicked at Honi, who flew to my feet. I'd reprimand her for sure about that. The Snivy returned to Carol's feet as she glared shy daggers at the grassy owl. "Synthesis! And then Energy Ball!" There was a hint of confidence in her voice now, mirrored by Ribbon. "Sni!"

She'd glow in a bright light, the previous cut and bruises inflicted by Razor Leaf and Honi's sudden Tackling disappearing as if it had never happened. Then, raising her stubby arms, began to form a ball of grassy energy.

"Honi, get ready to dodge..." I mumbled, looking at Honi. He didn't look any scared. As was I, this battle wasn't serious, there was no reward for winning, nor penalty for loss. And I had a trick up my sleeve too.

Of course, I was too caught up in my own thoughts to tell Honi to dodge, but he knew that. I didn't however, and nearly fell as the grassy energy blast hit my leg. I soon found the fabric of my sweatpants had a sort of leaflike material where it had hit, which I'd later find out by touching that it felt exactly like a leaf. Back to battle, I had a confident look. "Honi, use Rollout!"

Carol and Ribbon looked confused, both watching Honi as he flopped onto his side. Then Carol began to giggle. "Zari, I think y-your Pokémon is defective, he's gone to use Rest instead of Rollout." She covered her mouth, letting arrogance and confidence run through her. I smiled, looking at Honi as he actually began to roll in place. Kicking up dust and dirt, he shot off towards Ribbon. The Snivy didn't even have time to react as Honi hit like a truck, sending her flying into the opposite fence. "Sniiiiiii-vgh!"

She slid down, Carol running over to check on her. Not wanting to stick around at get yelled at with her shrill voice about how I almost killed her starter, I made like a Nanab and got the heck out of there.

Author Commentary:

Hi there!

Sorry if this chapter seems a little short. I was aiming for 1,500 words or higher while staying under 2,000. I'm going to try and get the next chapter up by at least five days from now, though there are no guarantees. I thank you, reader for beginning to read this, and hope you enjoy the coming content!

- SlimyGlob