I stared into the golden light, a hulking shadow looming in the midst of it. I felt the strangest creeping numbness grip my entire body.

This is your life now. Embrace it.

The voice echoed in my head, feeling almost too big to be contained by words, reverberating my skull. Before I could make sense of it, the figure and light were gone. And, suddenly, I was falling, deep into a void.

I landed hard and suddenly, I'm hit with a flood of memories. Family members and birthdays I've never experienced but somehow remember, affection and love interwoven in every echo. Wave after wave hit me, before it finally subsided, leaving me completely drained. After a long while, I finally opened my eyes. And immediately closed them again in abrupt denial. Where am I? But, deep in my bones, I knew. I'm no longer in "my" world. Hello, Pokémon.

I staggered up before going over to the mirror, where a pale, angular face stared back at me, framed by long red hair. Lily Wataru, my mind supplied, and I grip the edge of the vanity to keep myself upright. Wataru. As in Lance Wataru? I wracked my brain, but couldn't recall a Lily Wataru, which honestly didn't mean much. I casually played all the games growing up, but only sporadically watched the anime, so she was an npc in Blackthorn City I just happened to forget for all I knew. And now I'm her.

Somehow, that felt alright, like I had already settled into being Lily. Already, my memories from the other world felt hazy. I could recall facts about the Pokémon world, but I couldn't remember any personal details. Instead, when I grasped around my brain, flashes of my past 14 years in Blackthorn city came up.

I frowned, something about my age feeling significant, but I couldn't reach the answer. My mind felt like a computer that was still in the process of syncing, all the information there but not yet immediately accessible.

Before I could spiral further, I heard a voice calling me.

"Lily! Time for breakfast!" My mom said, my brain helpfully conjuring up an image of a pretty older woman, who looked a lot like me but with brown hair instead of red. I took a deep breath, feeling a conflicting sense of nerves and comfort, before turning instinctively towards the door to the hallway.

By the end of breakfast, a lot of things became very clear to me. I took my Rotom phone out and began furiously noting down the biggest discrepancies. First off, I was right. Fourteen was a big year for me because this was the year I got to take my trainer certification test to go on my Pokémon journey. Unlike in the games, trainers here generally start out at 15, after passing a rigorous test. Depending on how well you did on the exam, you could get a better starter or even endorsements, which would allow you to gain access to a Pokédex. Most trainers never make it past their first few badges and don't even get near having 6 pokemon. This is because of my second point; pokemon training is a lot more involved and difficult than the games would have you believe. There's nothing quite like seeing an actual, 2.2-meter, 210 kg dragon staring down at you to make you realize that it won't be quite as simple as having 4 good moves and an Exp. Share.

The average trainer starting out usually ends up with a Pidgey or a Rattata, and it doesn't get much better from there. If you scored very well on the placement exam, your local gym might give you a starter, generally from the type they specialize in. And, if you scored amongst the highest in the region, you got one of the traditional starter pokemon from the Professor, along with a pokedex.

It made sense now why there are so many specialists in the game. Turns out, the technique to achieve moves like Fire Blast or Hydro Cannon are guarded jealously, passed on through specialized clans. So, there went my dream of just recreating Cynthia's team and curb stomping.

Which brought me to my current problem. I was not a very good student. Neither ambitious nor hardworking, I had planned on coasting by, secure in the knowledge that I'd be given a dratini and content to ride on my family's coattails. Needless to say, I had not seen the need to do very well on the upcoming test and my current knowledge definitely reflected that. I didn't have the first clue about camping, first aid, pokemon handling or wilderness survival.

And that's how I spent the first 3 months in a mythical world bent over my desk, studying my ass off. I was completely devoted, spending long hours identifying edible plants, and the differing shrieks of various Pokémon. My parents had been shocked at the renewed enthusiasm, but extremely supportive. They even mentioned that they had a surprise in store for me if I did well. So, I spent my time alternating between manic studying, daydreams about conquering the league with my powerful team by my side and obsessing over my parents' surprise. I was hoping for a goomy, although I knew my chances were slim. I'd honestly be happy with a horsea, which were pretty common in Johto and Kanto. I'd given them some "subtle" hints, which included constant links to articles about various dragon types, and long conversations about how cool it would be to start my journey with 2 dragons. Disappointingly, they only smiled back mysteriously.

It helped that there was literally nothing exciting to do in Blackthorn, since every other kid my age was also studying. The most interesting thing to happen was when Lance came to visit once. But he just shut himself away with my parents in their office for hours. When they finally emerged, he looked over at me approvingly, and told me to do well on the test.

Thanks, bro. Love you too, I thought sarcastically. I was not close to Lance, who had spent his adolescence joined at the hip with Claire. Our 5-year age gap didn't help matters. I sympathized with Hop now. Although, while Hop tended on the hero worship side, I was more on the I-will-beat-you-or-die-trying side. Initially, I wanted to crush down the simmering resentment and jealously, determined to be more mature. After three months slaving away, that resolve had flown out the window and died a fast death.

No one would shut up about that guy. My mom, my dad, the elders, hell, even the shopkeepers. I couldn't catch a break. I felt the overwhelming urge to prove myself, to make everyone stop and go "hey, maybe she's the prodigy in the family". But Lance had set the bar very, very high, and Clair hadn't done much to help that.

I fueled myself with that determination, and by the time testing day came, I was actually excited for it to be over. All of us Blackthorn kids filed up outside the gym, where the inside has been temporarily arranged as a testing room, complete with League sent psychic Pokémon and officials to watch over us. I walked into the gym with my nerves thrumming inside me.

The test went fairly well, I aced the written portion, but struggled a bit more with the practical aspects. I could not, for the life of me, hear the difference between a pidgey and a pidgeot. But I still felt pretty good walking out. Did I think I did well enough to beat Lance's score? No. But I certainly did a lot better than my family expected of me three months ago, and that's the first step.

I was the first to finish, and once I opened the door, I was greeted by my mom.

"Lily! You're home so soon. How was the test?" my mom asked anxiously, almost more invested than I was. I was a bit taken aback, but shrugged it off, smiling,

"Pretty good. Hopefully, good enough to get that surprise," I hinted with mu typical subtlety. Patience has never been one of my virtues, and my nudging was only getting more obvious.

"Oh, honey. You'll know by tomorrow morning. You've always had a dragon's temper," she said teasingly, and I stuck my tongue out playfully at her. She was right, it wasn't too long a wait. Thanks to the help of the psychic pokemon, and honestly, the wondrous technology of the league, results came within 24 hours, so there wasn't much of a wait.

My parents and I watched a movie after dinner, then I spent the rest of my night looking up various things to put on my "to pack" list, eager to get my mind off my test results. Before going to sleep, I made sure to set my phone to the highest volume, so that I would wake up the instant the results came in.

XXX

I woke up to the shrill sound of my alarm, blearily squinting at the screen to turn it off, before I remembered the importance and startled, suddenly wide awake. I looked up my results with shaking hands, heart thrumming with excitement. 230. I felt my face splitting into a wide grin, and I pumped a fist into the air, leaping out of bed. A 230 was usually good enough to get first pick of a city's starters, if not one of the rare regional starters from the professor.

I raced to the living room, where my parents were already sitting.

"I got a 230!" I yelled, and they beamed before excitedly hugging me.

"What's my surprise?" I asked, like a growlithe with a fire.

They sat back down, exchanging looks. I paused, feeling a sense of dread creeping up before I pushed it aside. Surely, it couldn't be anything bad, right? Who would give their child bad news as a reward?

"Lily, we have some good news for you." My mom was smiling hesitantly, which instantly set all my alarm bells off. "Do you remember how recently, the Indigo and Galar League announced that they wanted to strengthen their ties?"

I nodded, since it had been a very big deal, on account of the new businesses, scientific advancements and even pokemon that would be entering Kanto and Johto.

"They're sending their dragon types over to us, right?" I asked, feeling a bit relieved. At a big clan gathering, everyone had talked about how the Blackthorn gym would be receiving some new Galarian dragon types. Maybe they were just going to give me a different starter than a dratini, which I would honestly be fine with. Just looking at a Dragonite made me want to piss myself, so it wouldn't be too bad if I got an easier starter. One who would be less likely to be able to kill me if I messed up or even by accident.

"Well, one thing they're doing this year is having an exchange program. Eight trainers from Indigo will be sent to Galar, and vice versa. We weren't sure before if you would qualify, but with your scores, you'll be sent there for your journey!" she said excitedly, like she hadn't just derailed every plan I had made.

I stared at my family in shock. What did they just say? An exchange program? With Galar? See, over the past three months, I'd picked up that a lot of in-game knowledge just didn't apply. But I'd still always thought I would be starting my journey in my home region. It's not that I didn't like Galar. But, aside from the fact that the chairman was crazy and the fans kept blocking my way, I remembered next to nothing from that region.

"What if I don't want to go?" I asked desperately.

"Oh, honey. You're the only person related to the current Elite Four who's at the right age to begin training, I'm sure Lance will appreciate it very much. This will also be really helpful towards our clan, since if you do well in Galar, it'll boost our political standing here, and allow us easier access to other dragon types," she said, and I nodded, still hesitant. My mom reached over to take my hands in her.

"Regardless of all that, I truly do think this will be good for you. I know you're worried about being compared to Lance and Clair. This way, some of that pressure will be taken off," my mom said in a softer voice, and I shot her a startled look. "Oh, don't look at me like that! Of course I know about it, I'm your mother. Besides, I'm sure you'll have lots of fun! If you truly hate it, you can always come home."

I mulled it over, despite already knowing that I was going. She'd raised a very good point. What better way to get rid of expectations than by going to an entirely different region? It was only for a year, and even if I hated it, I could just come home.

"Okay, I'll go," I said, and my parents sent me matching proud looks. "What can I expect? I don't know their system so I'm not sure what's next."

"In some ways, it's not that different. Like our gym circuit, you'll still be endorsed, but this time you'll be directly endorsed by the Indigo League, which will definitely be helpful. You should also be able to pick up some sponsorships along the way. The biggest difference is that your starter will be coming from one of the pokemon sent over from Galar. You'll get first pick," my dad said eagerly, sounding relieved that I agreed to go.

Once I heard that I got to pick my pokemon, I decided that this might be a good turn of events after all. I immediately jumped on that thread.

"When can I pick my starter?" I asked impatiently, despite having no idea what pokemon I would pick.

"The League officials and pokemon from yesterday are also the ones handling the pokemon hand off, which is happening later today. We don't know the exact time yet, but it'll be after the pokemon are checked over and quarantined for 24 hours. So, in 2 days at the earliest," my dad said apologetically, "But you can spend that time deciding which dragon you want, and what moves you want to work on or teach it, so it's not like the time will be wasted!"

I sighed, seeing the logic in his words.

"Yeah, you're right, dad. I don't really know much about Galarian pokemon, so it's probably good that I have time to research," I said, before remembering something. "You mentioned that the biggest difference was my starter. Is there anything else I should know?"

"The Galar League will be sending over a welcome packet, which should be arriving any day now. Inside of it will be everything you need, including a temporary trainer card, access to the Galarian pokedex, and all the information you need about their gym challenge, along with information about Galar," my dad said. "But, based off my own personal knowledge, things will be quite different. There is a much heavier focus on battling, and everything is recorded. You'll probably have to be in public a lot, since the gym matches are held in stadiums. There's also a lot of sports betting and online polling, so it'll be a much more competitive environment. You'll be able to directly compare other trainers' progress with your own, since the gyms have to be challenged in a set order. Luckily, Galar isn't that big of a region, so the travel shouldn't be too bad."

I let the information sink in. I hadn't known about the online polls or sports betting, although I supposed I should have connected the dots. Otherwise, nothing I didn't already know. I couldn't wait for that packet.

"Does their gym challenge start at the same time? And do you know who the other trainers going with me are?" I asked.

"Their challenge starts on the first of August, and no, sorry," my dad apologized, before frowning thoughtfully. "I do know that the Indigo League wanted an equal representation, so four are from Johto and four from Kanto. If I had to guess, a lot of them will be related to gym leaders, ace trainers, or the head of big businesses. After all, the goal is to get the Galarian people exposed to our trainers, and through that, develop a positive impression of our region and our league and corporations."

"Don't think about it too seriously," my mom chimed in. "Your only job is to have fun, make friends, and see the world!"

"Okay, mom," I said, with an affectionate smile. "I don't mind helping our league, though. I mean, there's eight of us, so I don't think it'll matter too much, anyway."

I shrugged at the end of my statement. My parents seemed happy enough, and we moved onto other topics while my dad got breakfast ready for me.

XXX

As I walked to the gym, my parents a bit behind due to the hurried pace I set, my mind drifted to the past two days, which I spent trying to settle on a starter. I had absolutely no initial preference for any of the dragon types, and my internet searches weren't helping. Since this wasn't just a game, there were no visible stats, so the internet was loaded with opinions and arguments. I was stuck sorting through various forums, trying to form a definitive opinion. The common consensus was to get a Charizard because that's what Champion Leon had, so clearly it was the best, who cared if it's not actually a dragon type? So that was utterly useless. I settled on reading about the nature of the pokemon instead, knowing that whatever starter I picked was going to determine the typing of my team. I thought long and hard about it and decided not to become a dragon type specialist.

Dragons, unless you raised them straight out of the egg, and sometimes even then, were aggressive, dominating, and defiant. They were at the top of the food chain, so getting one to actually obey you required a tremendous amount of willpower, strength, and determination. Moreover, they were notoriously slow growers, taking years to reach their potential if you raised one from its first evolutionary stage. However, capturing and training a dragon past its first stage was extremely difficult, since they were (rightfully) arrogant, and didn't obey anyone who couldn't soundly and consistently beat them and gain their respect. If you went on a losing streak, they were prone to losing that hard earned respect, becoming defiant and even turning their firepower on their surroundings. And all of that is without factoring in just how rare they are in the first place. It made sense why dragon type specialists were so rare, and those that were able to master dragons ended up in such high positions.

I wasn't exactly the firmest of people, and I didn't have the unshakeable confidence needed to gain a dragon's respect, so I needed to be realistic. Dratini were an extremely popular choice, due to their kind and forgiving nature, which was almost unheard of for a powerful dragon. The Galarian dragons weren't nearly as beginner friendly. A few fossil pokemon, a duraludon, an applin and a dreepy.

I cut out the fossil pokemon immediately. Equally famed for their temper and power, I didn't want to die my first week as a trainer. That left the duraludon, applin and dreepy. Duraludon was a steel and dragon type, two very unforgiving types that only respected a firm trainer. So, I eliminated that. The choice between applin and dreepy was a bit harder, but I wasn't sure how to go about evolving an applin, since it had 3 different evolutions. I tried to research which form was the best, but it seemed like most applin would grab an apple whenever you weren't looking and you'd be stuck with whatever form that resulted in. This left Dreepy.

Dreepy were extremely underpowered up until their final evolution. In fact, they were famously weak and friendly. I was immediately drawn to the idea of having a nice, friendly starter. I didn't mind the wait for it to evolve, since I figured I could just catch other pokemon in the meantime. Besides, it was still more powerful than the average zigzagoon, and it evolved into a pseudo-legendary. The one downside to a dreepy was that I'd have to become a ghost type specialist. Ghost types were as hard as dragon types to master, resulting in lots of accidents and deaths. But I did some research, and as long as I avoid gengar, frosslass and aegislash, I should be okay.

With my mind made up, all that was left was to make it official, and my dash to the gym made it clear I was ready.

"Guys!" I said, as my parents finally reached the doors. "Let's go!"

My parents sighed exasperatedly, but followed along as I barged through the gym doors unceremoniously. A gym trainer directed me to a back room, where I immediately spot three pokemon. An applin was playing with a dreepy, with the duraludon watching on. I don't see either of the two fossil pokemon, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

"What do I do?" I asked expectantly, and was told that I could just go ahead and introduce myself to my starter. Time to make a good impression.

I confidently walked over, smiling and trying to project friendliness.

"Hey, buddy," I said cheerfully, beaming my best smile at the cute ghost. "I'm about to start my adventure, where we'll have lots of fun. I'd love it if you'd join me."

Dreepy cocked its head up at me, eyes darting around like it was overwhelmed. The applin lost interest, moving away to poke at the duraludon. Tough crowd.

Next strategy, I thought, as I took a poffin out of my pocket and offered it.

The dreepy pounced, devouring it like it had been starved, before turning to look at me, pleading for more.

"You can have many more of those if you join me," I said, holding another one out enticingly, feeling absolutely no shame about having resorted to bribery.

This seemed to seal the deal and the dreepy nodded. My parents lightly clapped. My face turned red.

"Great," I said, a bit underwhelmed. I gave it the proffered poffin, before turning back to the gym trainer. "Uhh, what do I do now?"

"Here's his pokeball," the trainer said, handing an ultra ball to me, and I held it reverently.

"Do you want a nickname?" I asked the dreepy, still clutching his pokeball tightly.

Dreepy wiggled in excitement and I rubbed his head, deep in thought. Hmm.

"How about….Phantom?" I asked, and the dreepy shot me an unimpressed look. "Right. What about Nightmare? Rascal? Mischief?" The dreepy had merely stared at me after each name, but at the last one, he wriggled again and I knew we had a winner.

"Alright, Mischief!" I said, clapping my hands together once. "Let's get started on our adventure!"

Mischief thrilled, and together, we marched out the gym doors. Just a reincarnated girl, a dragon ghost pokémon and a dream. Nothing to see here, folks.

AN: I said in 2016 I planned on writing a Pokemon fanfic, and 8 years later, here it is. I have the story written out in advance, so I will be consistently uploading every Monday and Friday. Over the past decade of fanfiction reading, and much longer of playing the games, I've been so inspired by other fanfics, including Pedestal, Traveler and The New Normal. I hope you guys enjoy!