Growing up wasn't all that bad, except for my sister antagonizing me. At school, nobody bullied me, rather my friends were the targets. One time, my best friend Jess was caught by the big bully at our school and forced to do unspeakable things. After that day, Jess was deathly terrified of any Eevee he saw.

My soft sprinting out of my neighborhood turned into a jog, and then into a speedy walk. I wasn't ready to face Carol yet. In the time it'd taken me to get this far, I returned Honi to his ball. We were both proud of the win, him more than I. Hopefully the win didn't go to his head. Nor the loss to Carol's. I almost felt bad for beating the Shuppet out of her Snivy. Almost.

As I walked, I came across strangers on their morning walks. I wasn't sure where I was heading, but I'd probably find it. For now, I was watching people.

A couple, Mr. and Mrs. Lake. with their pet Rockruff sat on the porch of their house. Successful berry farmers, they also bred Pokémon on their farm, located out in the country. Since they were here, I guessed they were probably on vacation. I waved to them, and they waved back. The only people I knew, despite walking through this area for so long.

As I continued walking, I looked at faces and waved occasionally. The only time someone stuck out to me was when a guy walked past me. He didn't look but a year older than me, a Kirlia and Buneary trailing behind him. I'd heard about what those Pokémon were usually used for besides battling, especially their evolutions, and I seriously hoped that he wasn't using them for that purpose. My fears were only cemented more as a Seviper followed behind, a distinct buzzing trailing it. Needless to say, I didn't feel like sticking around any longer and kept walking in the opposite direction. How someone could use them like that, I didn't understand. They were pets, not objects to toy with!

The suburbs hit the small city, as I looked about all the buildings. This was Caflave City, and my small town was Caflave Town. How creative. I couldn't shake that person I saw last from my memory, and I swear that his Pokémon were eying me. It sent chills up my spine.

I decided to go to the Pokémon Center. Maybe mom was voluntarily working there right now. As I began to walk across the street, I heard a strange noise coming from a nearby alleyway. It sounded like... Whining? Was someone in trouble? I had to investigate. I slowly walked towards the source of the noise, peeking down the narrow alley to find...

A man. And his Purrloin. And they were kissing. I looked at the man and was disgusted. He noticed me before I could leave, pulling his face away from the Purrloin's, huffing. They both looked at me with lax eyes. "Hey, if you're going to stare, make it worth our while and join us, won't you?" he asked with a smirk. I was almost frozen in shock. Why did the Purrloin look like she was enjoying this? And weren't they going to wipe that saliva away? No thank you, I wasn't going to experience something like this. I got away from there.

As my clouded mind settled, I finally made it across the street to the inside Pokémon Center. Compared to most, this one was bigger. It was like an animal hospital. One side was for normal animals, like cats and dogs, the other was for Pokémon. There was also a shop to purchase items like balls and healing items, and a small café here too, where one could purchase drinks and food.

Walking up to the main counter, I waited for the nurse to come. I liked how all the nurses in this region had the same outfit and hairstyle, it made them seem a lot more uniform and experienced than most actually were. Anyone could put six balls in a slot, I thought. Finally, the nurse arrived, a smile on her face.

"Hi there, welcome to the Caflave City Pokémon Center! Would you like to rest y-"

I raised my hand, quickly silencing her. Though she looked at me with disappointment, I didn't care. "I'm here to see my mother. She works here? Mrs. Torres?"

"Although rudely interrupted..." She squinted at me. "I can bring you to your mother. She's told us much about you, Zari. You're bound to be a successful young man." That brought another smile out of me, which also made me realize I had been frowning most of the time. Even though that was just my resting face. "Thank you, miss..?"

"Rachel, dear." Miss Rachel, a name I'd soon be familiar with, for all the wrong reasons. I followed her behind the counter as she walked into the depths of the center. Why didn't I think to look at her name badge? My face turned pink as I felt extremely stupid.

It's about time I talked more about my life. For the past 18 years of my life, the most important being the last 3 years, I was unemployed. No, not because I was lazy. Because I was enrolled in two schools. Normal high school, and a Pokémon school. The latter was more important to me because ever since I was five, I'd wanted to one up my sister.

My older sister, Zara... She was only a year older, 19. Of course, I'd never gotten the chance because we were both enrolled in the same schools. Meaning we learned the same material, and with her being a grade ahead, she learned more before I did. Everything I tried to use against her, she already knew. At least now we were out in the world, with countless knowledge at our fingertips. I could learn at my own pace, hopefully faster than hers.

Zara wanted to become champion of our region. I didn't see the point, what was so great about becoming champion? Besides, you had to do a bunch of things like gym battles and stuff, none of which interested me.

Me? I wanted to become an explorer. People may have explored before me, but it was nothing compared to seeing with your own eyes. And I thought having my own team to explore with me would be pretty cool.

My dream team of course had Honi as the leader. I liked the idea of having a strong beginner, so a Rowlet he would stay. I'd have to get an everstone from someone, because in school we learned they could freeze the evolution of a Pokémon if it was in their presence.

I was so trailed off in thought that I jumped when someone touched my shoulder. "Zari, hi honey! See you came to visit mommy during her work?" My mother, I realized.

My mother... I'm glad dad wasn't wimpy, else she'd be taking shots from other men left and right. She turned any man into a drooling Arcanine at just the sight of her.

"Moooom..." I protested, pushing her hand off my shoulder as I chuckled. "I don't call you mommy anymore."

"I know, but it's sweet for you to call me that. How's my little boy been doing, hm? Did you see the gifts I left you this morning?"

"Of course, mom." I pointed to my bag. "You didn't buy any for Zara, did you?" I teased.

"Now now Zari, that's not very nice. But yes, I admit I didn't buy anything for Zara. She's older, and as you know, you are my favorite."

Her favorite. My brain was showered in dopamine. Although I knew that not to be true. Anyone, especially my parents, would not pick favorites.

I hoped.

"Whatever you say mom. I'm glad to have caught you during your work. What were you doing anyway?" I said, looking around the room. That's when my eyes fell upon a male Mudsdale in a harness. It looked younger than most, its eyes twinkling in the fluorescent lights. Mom looked oddly calm as I stared in shock.

"Relax honey, it's just for testing." She reassured me. "I promise I'd never touch a 'mon like that, not even little Windon here."

"Muuuuud!" He made himself known, bucking around in the harness at the mention of his name. If not for the flailing around of his member, I'd mark it as a majestic sight. Although everything I was concerned about was assured by my mom to be testing, I still had my suspicions. But I'd keep it to myself.

Talking with mom a little more, I finally left, though not before she'd given me a special ball. A Premier ball. She said there was something... Someone special inside, and to wait until later to open it.

I'm impatient. "Let's see what you have inside you..." I chucked the ball, something I didn't mean to do. I mean, I did mean to throw it, just not so hard.

I wasn't ready for what came out.

In front of me, appeared a sleeping Espeon. Its fur looked softer than most. And it had more of a whiter purple color to it... Surprised, I bent down, placing a hand on its soft fur. It felt soft, if not softer than silk.

The mon stirred at my touch. I pulled my hand back; I didn't want to wake this beautiful creature. But it was mine... Right?

Eventually, the one side of me won, as I reached out again and gently jostled the Espeon. "Hey, wake up."

"Mmmg..." It groaned, turning its head to me. Not particularly happy to see me? Or was it just tired still?

"Hi there, Espeon... My name is Zari. Are you ready to get up?"

"Do not treat me like a child, Zari." A booming female voice rang through my head. Though it wouldn't help, I instinctively covered my ears from the loud noise. "Ouch!" I knew Psychic types could talk to their trainers, but that was louder than I expected. 'That was rude...' I thought, rubbing my head softly to relieve the sudden pain I got from the loud sound.

Obviously, she could read my thoughts, and she stood up, looking at me. "Sorry, I did not mean to be so loud or disrespectful." She bowed her head. Wow, mom must've gotten some royalty's Pokémon, I'd never seen an Espeon act like this. Well, to be fair, I hadn't seen an Espeon either outside of a few TV shows.

"It's alright, and thank you for being respectful... Oh, could you maybe not read my thoughts, just saying that ahead of time."

"Of course, I must remain obedient." She closed her eyes and nodded. "Am I the only one you own? I sense another presence nearby."

"Oh, that's just Honi!" I pulled his ball out. Bright flash, Honi was there.

At first, he looked at me, before looking at the Espeon.

"An Espeon, huh?" Honi walked toward her.

"And you are a Rowlet..." She mumbled. "So the trainer has given you a name it seems... I think Honi suits you." Placing a paw on her chest, she smirked.

Honi glared at her. "Is that an insult? I will make sure Zari gives you an embarrassing name."

"What? No, this is just how I act..." She tried to explain, but he was not having it. Honi flew up and landed on Zari's head, glaring down at her. "You may be a psychic, but I am the one who plays the mind games."

She lowered her ears. "I understand..."

"Are you guys getting along?" I looked up at Honi on my head. Clearly not, as the Espeon seemed to have taken some steps back. "I can't understand poke-speak, want to explain what's-"

"Everything is fine." Her voice inside my head blurted out.

I shrugged. "Uhhh, alright then... Hey, I think I have a good name for you. How does Gala sound?"

She seemed to think, looking up at Honi before back at me, giving a soft nod.

"Alright, Gala it is!" I did a little fist pump. I think that was my signature move. Gala smiled meekly.

Two Pokémon in tow, my journey was truly beginning. I was getting a little tired though. I pulled up my phone. Opening the message app, I looked for Mom's contact.

"Hey mom, know any good hotels to stay at?" I texted.

Luckily, I got a reply instantly. "yes i will send a few good ones"

After picking one of the hotels she'd listed for me, I made a reservation online for the exact day. The one I chose was Pokémon friendly, so I could keep them outside of their balls.

"Hello, welcome to the Ragon Suites, finest hotel in Caflave City!" The receptionist exclaimed, looking at me. She just barely stood over the counter, any shorter and she'd need a stepladder and a pair of heels just to be seen. Her bubbly energy was relaxing though.

"Hi, I'm Zari. I made a reservation."

"Oh, wonderful! Yes, your room is on the third floor, very first door from the elevator!" She slid a keycard over the counter, smiling brightly. I took the card, smiling back. "Thank you."

"Of course!" As I walked away, I turned to get a better look at her. All I could see from in front of the counter was that she had her hair in a bun. But now I got to see what she was wearing. Her dress was awfully short for someone who worked at the front desk. I didn't think much of it though.

I rode the elevator up with my Pokémon, glancing at Gala. She couldn't keep her eyes off Honi, and she looked fearful. I almost chuckled, wondering how anyone could be afraid of him. Perhaps he did say something to her that affected how she felt.

Finally, I reached my room. Unlocking the door, I stepped inside. A soft whistle left my lips as I looked around. Everything was neat and tidy, there was a sink, microwave, and even a stove on a nearby countertop. But what I was most interested in was the bed. It was big. Bigger than mom and dad's bed back home, I realized. I didn't waste a moment, running and diving onto it. "Hell yes..."

I felt Honi and Gala climb up onto the bed as well, the former flying to the bedstand and shutting his eyes there, the latter getting close to me and sliding under my arm. I was a bit surprised that Honi didn't snuggle with me, but I figured it had something to do with Gala. I'd get them to love each other eventually.

Before I knew it, I'd fallen asleep, snuggled into the warmth of a fluffy Espeon, blankets over me.

I swear I heard her say "Goodnight, trainer." just before drifting off...

Author Commentary:

Hey! 2,000+ words... I feel good about it! The past days have been a blur, so I don't know if I got this chapter by my set deadline or not. I have noticed you people who followed and favorited my story, and I thank you! I encourage all of you to leave a review, and if you have an OC you'd like featured, you can DM me and I might answer your request and add them in. Again, thank you all for reading, and I hope you enjoy!

- SlimyGlob