Disclaimer: DOP (Don't own Pokemon)

Believe it or not, imagining a life in a fictional world is completely different from experiencing it. First of all, the screeching of a Dodrio at 5:30 in the morning every day can get old really fast. But I'd take that over waking up on the floor sore from being kicked or punched out of bed by a restless 5 year old. Of course I love Ash to death, and we're partners through and through, but it'd be nice to wake up after a restful night sleep and not have new bruises. Quite frankly I'm thinking of creating a make-shift bed on the floor next to his bed until he grows out of the "moving" phase…

Speaking of restful nights, even if I sleep on the floor I doubt I'd actually get through the night without waking up from the countless number of dreams I have. I swear, every night my head jerks up, ears alert to every sound, and ready to attack. My heart pounds from whatever I experienced, and most of the time I don't even remember what happened. However, the times I vaguely remember a dream, it's been different from the "Lucario getting sucked into the staff and Sir Aaron dying" dreams I used to have. But they all still involve those two characters, and it confuses me to no end. I wish I could figure out what my mind's trying to tell me, but since I've got no leads or real clues, I'll just have to deal with them.

I forgot to mention how I'm not human anymore. Being a Pokémon has its perks, but it takes some getting used to. Walking on four legs without tripping? Not being able to see what Delia's making on the stove? Using the bathroom outside? Those were tough to deal with. But hearing a flock of Pidgey from over a mile away, or knowing that Delia has dinner on that stove when Ash and I are at Oak's lab? It was nice. Do I miss being a human? Sometimes. But being in the Pokémon world with none other than Ash Ketchum and helping him learn about the world he lives in and understand the creatures that reside around him is priceless. Albeit challenging…

~/o/~

I swear this kid is going to kill me one day…

Ash continued running around the pond haphazardly as if a bird Pokémon. I smiled softly as laughter rang through the air, but kept a wary eye on him from where I laid in case of trouble. Delia trusted me with her son, and since he's now 6 years old, his curiosity and adventurous spirit grew evermore.

"Poochyena! Come play with me!"

I stared at him, hung my head, and knew I couldn't refuse him. I stood from my shady spot from underneath a tree, shook out my fur, and jogged over to where he was. I panted and turned my head questioningly as if asking what he wanted me to do. We had figured out a way to communicate since I couldn't necessarily speak to him, and until we found a better way I made due with gestures and looks.

"Let's play tag!" A sneaky glint flashed in his eyes as he yelled "Tag! You're it!"

He took off in a dead sprint around the pond, and I allowed a few seconds to pass as a headstart before beginning my chase. You're not getting away from me that easily, Ash Ketchum!

"Bet'cha can't catch me-Woah!" Coming to a dead stop, I watched Ash slip on some mud and knock into an unsuspecting Poliwag. I cringed, and quickly made my way over to the two fallen, noticing that the Poliwag didn't seem to take the accident well. I nudged Ash with my snout, and snuffled him all over until he laughed and looked at me.

"I'm okay! Thanks, Poochyena!" He looked at Poliwag, and his eyes widened out of fear, for the Pokémon glared at us before rearing back to shoot out a Water Gun. Quickly, I jumped in front of the attack to shield Ash from danger, and shook off the water before growling menacingly at the Poliwag. Luckily that intimidated it and the Pokémon jumped before rushing back to the pond where it lived. I then sighed, and decided to check up on my young friend. His eyes glassed with tears as he forcefully lifted me up into a hug.

"Are you okay? You aren't hurt, are you? I'm so sorry!" Those tears fell without resistance, and he held me closer as he fell to his knees. I barked at him once, causing him to fall silent while whipping his head in my direction. I wiggled out of his grip and landed in front of him. With his full attention on me, I reprimanded him for his behavior and told him to be more careful next time in my own way. After my rant finished, Ash stared at me with sorrowful eyes, and I knew he understood me. I licked his cheek quickly, letting him know I forgave him and then remembered that we never finished our game of tag. I crouched down with my tail wagging in the air in a playful manner, and lunged at him, knocking him over. I then raced away from him for a short distance before crouching again and barking a few times until he got the message. His bright smile appeared once again, and I led him away from the pond back towards Oak's lab.

~/o/~

As time passed, I realized that Ash would be starting his journey soon. Even though I still had a few years, I worried that I wouldn't be strong enough to help him. It was at that point I knew that I needed to train.

Now, training was interesting, for I watched the anime, played the games, and read some manga, but all barely mention how to truly train Pokémon. Obviously battling other Pokémon helped immensely, but I felt totally unprepared to command my own body to attack. I then decided to get into the best shape I could, and practice whatever attacks I knew along with gaining speed, strength, and agility. I thought back to my P.E. classes and to when I played sports to figure out where to begin.

My first training regimen focused solely on building up my physical body and practicing basic attacks. I would jog a few miles to build up endurance, and then I'd do some agility work by weaving in and out of bushes and trees. Sprints would come next, and I'd focus on how my paws connected with the earth beneath me in order to optimize speed. With my attacks, tree stumps would be my opponent and I'd practice my tackle, and biting twigs helped build up my jaw strength. Every day I would practice, and I'd go to bed sore and tired. Soon I felt that I was ready to battle, and one day, I walked towards Route 1 by myself to find some wild Pokémon.

A/N:
Apparently I only have the ability to write stories late at night. *sigh* Probably because my mind doesn't work in sweltering heat haha
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~Wolffyychu18