Being sent out into a battlefield wasn't what I expected when sent out, I opened my eyes locking gazes with the opposing Pokémon. It was a round pink ball that looked like one of the plush toys on Nora's shelf at home. I believe Nora called it a Jigglypuff. A normal-type Pokémon that happens to be fond of singing if what I remember from listening in to the insufferable man's lectures in class.

[Battle Begin!]

[Ms. Jiggle use Sing!]

[Rock Smash.]

Jigglypuff opened its mouth to begin singing its song, but I had cleared the distance between us with a burst of speed my paw raised glowing with energy heeding my Lady's orders. Devoid of all mercy my eyes glittered with malice as I struck the embarrassment of a fighter right in the side batting it across the field before rushing towards it again not keen on letting my opponent catch their breath if they were still conscious.

[Alistar!]

I skidded to a stop and turned my head to Nora tilting my head slightly confused. Was I not to hit them that hard? That didn't make much sense. The look on her face didn't match with anger.

[You just did a Quick Attack!]

Nora sounded so excited and the joy on her face made me happy too. I turned my head back towards the recovering Jigglypuff. The strike I hit them with had nearly all my strength behind it. I can see a mark where my paw struck blooming into a nasty bruise. If I were to hit them there again, they'd be done. I was glad she was excited it filled me with determination to do more. I snort flickering embers narrowing my gaze on my target I plant my paws prepping for my Lady's command.

[Alistar, Quick Smash!]

I flicked my ear in acknowledgement blitzing towards the Jigglypuff again I could feel the difference now. My body felt like fluid energy was pumping into my legs as I sped towards them.

[Protect!]

I watched the green barrier start to rise as I rushed towards the pink blob. I felt my mind speed up planning what to do. Protect, I remember this move from the television. Instead of smashing into that barrier, I used Rock Smash into the ground making a bunch of dust and rubble to scatter and halting my advance. Using the dust as cover, I took a deep breath and dove under the ground burrowing the rest of the way towards Jigglypuff. I waited a moment so they could wonder where I am. I feel a vicious snarl of a smile come to my face as I popped out of the ground slamming my paw into the same spot I had hit earlier, sending the Jigglypuff careening out of bounds and into the land of unconsciousness.

I sat down raising my head and puffing out my chest. My first battle was rather disappointing, but I suppose this is the level of challenge I am to expect from school children, but it did still feel good to bring my Lady victory. I stood up and moved to Nora who knelt down to pick me up.

[You were amazing Alistar. You whooped that Jigglypuff's butt!]

I feel my tails wag at the praise. I can see a table of what appears to be teachers conversing with each other. I don't remember anything like this being mentioned. Was there perhaps a battle examination? I wonder if Nora knew about it or if it was a surprise to her too? I couldn't say but I hope I did well enough to give Nora a good grade. I could hear a bit of what was being said between the adults. 'A possible prodigy,' and 'It's a shame she's from Galar.' was all I could hear before Nora carried me out of earshot.

================

It seems I had become the most feared Pokémon on the playground. Apparently, my showing was enough to get anyone who was supposed to face Nora after that to get a better battle score immediately refused. They didn't want to fight me. I don't blame them. It was probably the smartest move they could make. From what I have seen of every other child and their Pokémon they have yet to have trained seriously even a single day. I have spent nearly every day since I woke up here pushing myself to be better. Stronger and faster than I was yesterday. I work to become a pillar that Nora can always rely on to keep her safe from anyone and anything. The world is dangerous, so I must become even more so to destroy the danger that threatens her.

[E-excuse me, Nora could I get a second?]

Nora turns herself and subsequently me in addition towards a boy who looked familiar. Oh, I remembered this boy. It didn't take much to figure out who this boy was. The slight tensing of Nora's body and the ever so tightening of her arms holding me whenever this child got near was enough for me to know. This was the ringleader of the group of five that chased my lady into the forest and had picked on her.

I feel my lips draw back in a snarl, but I didn't make a sound. I pinned the boy with all the menace I could through my gaze. The look of fear creeping across his face must have alerted Nora to what I was doing because she took a large step backwards. I let my face return to normal, but I kept my eyes locked firmly on him. He is so fortunate I am still incapable of breathing fire, or I would roast his face off.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Apparently, they had exchanged a few words when I wasn't focused enough to pay attention. Understandable since I was trying to think of several ways to roast the little bastard and how to get away with it. I lifted my paw gestured to my eye and pointed it at him in a silent threat of 'I'm watching you,' as we moved to find a different place to wait for the results of the battle assessment.

I listened in to the chatter around us and gathered up some interesting tid bits of info. Turns out that several kids had gone missing on the first year of their journeys over the past three years. The Pokémon League apparently is scrambling to find answers but with no evidence to follow they have added a battle exam just this year to ensure kids are better prepared for the wild. Not that Nora would have to worry with me to protect her. I'd sooner die then let some kidnappers get their filthy mitts on my innocent Lady.

The results were posted on the board and while I couldn't read much, I could spot Nora's name and next to it are three numbered scores that all were the same. One hundreds across the top, it was a forgone conclusion. She studied hard while I was working myself into the ground outside. Occasionally she would run with me, and I'd slow down to keep pace with her. She never ran longer than twenty minutes or so, but it was really good at the pace she was going at. She should do so for a longer time given she never looked too tired afterwards so maybe she did so to spend time with me. It warms my heart that she does so.

Ah here comes the insufferable whack job. I wonder what he wants. He stopped about a yard away and bowed a bit before stepping any closer and offering an envelope.

[As the top scorer this year you have been invited to go to Oak Labs for a possibility at a sponsorship by Professor Gary Oak. It is unlikely you'll be given a starter Pokémon given you have Alistar but perhaps you could make some friends to travel with when there. I wish you the best of luck in the future and I'll be cheering you on Lady Nora.]

Nora reaches out and takes the envelope from him.

[Thank you, Mr. Ben. Alistar says so too.]

I snort a bit of hot air but begrudgingly nod my head. I wouldn't make my Lady out to be a liar. I'd thank the irritating man if it makes Nora happy.

[Haha. High praise indeed! Well, as of now you've graduated. You can set forth towards Pallet town as soon as your folks give the okay. If you ever need any help, I put my phone number in there. I may not be your teacher anymore, but I always got time to offer some advice.]

[I'll be sure to call if Alistar and I can't figure something out. Right Alistar?]

I gave a nod with a soft 'Vul' as a verbal confirmation.

After saying farewell for now to the guy who gives me headaches out of annoyance, Ben. No need to add the Mister before his name anymore. We meandered our way back to the house at Nora's pace that gives us both time to look at stuff. The streets were full of activity today. No small amount of people going store to store getting things like portable fire making sticks that smell strange to things like a rather spacious tent. I wondered if Nora had these things already and if she didn't then perhaps her mother and father are getting them for her? I wondered about it for a bit. By the time I sorted out my thoughts on the matter we had arrived back home.

===============

It seems prep work for our departure was already done and alarmingly fast. There was a burned yellow satchel bag that matched my fur color on the kitchen table accompanied by a note. I didn't know what it said but Nora decided to read it to me after a big smile bloomed on her face.

'Dearest Norielle,

Your mother and I decided to get you a brand-new bag for your journey that will start as soon as tomorrow. Parents know when their kid is going to do great. As your parents we thought it would be good to save you the troublesome task of packing up what you'll need out there in the wilds. Take a look inside to get familiar with what's in each pocket. Organize and have your bag ready to go at any time. You never know when you'll need to get a move on. Oh, don't think we forgot about Alistar. We got him a new cushion that's travel sized. It is not nearly big enough for when he evolves in the future but is about the size of a pillow for his head once he has.

With Love,

Mom and Dad.'

A parents love and care. It makes me miss Arcturus. He was as close to a father figure an abandoned kid like me could have. He died on the battlefield like all knights eventually do. It might be selfish of me, but I hope he is here. Somewhere in this wide world getting stronger just like I am. That old War Bear is probably raising hell wherever he is. I can only hope that is true.

============

Waking up in the morning before dawn wasn't something I did often. I sat on the windowsill across the room from Nora's bed looking out at Pewter City. The city is quiet this early in the morning. The sun has yet to rise, and several lights dot the view from various buildings. It seems like I'm not the only one up. A few people wandering the street below accompanied by Pokémon of all different shapes and sizes. From what I can see nothing walking near the humans are overly big. They range from rodent looking ones to about the size of a dog.

There is a rare few that are large, but they seem to be canine in nature. They are big fluffy dogs that stand around 6 feet or a bit taller. They are orange with black stripes in various spots with cream fluffy fur on top of his head, chest, underbelly and tail. I believe they are called Arcanine. A fire type Pokémon, like me. It's the evolved form of Growlithe called the Puppy Pokémon and Arcanine is known as the Legendary Pokémon. It's hard for something to be Legendary when there are more than a handful of them. I suppose it could be due to a time in the distant past. Watching that old professor on television had its benefits, his name is Samuel Oak. Apparently, he's a retired Pokémon Professor who is the grandfather to Gary Oak.

I look forward to seeing what Oak Labs looks like. If it's anything like an alchemist lab I will be sorely disappointed. I turn my head to the sound of shuffling sheets. Nora rolled onto her side. Spying the clock near her reading 6:55 I hop down from the window moving my way towards her dresser to grab the clothes that Nora had said will be her traveling outfit and place it on the chair. Sherry would be taking us to Pallet town after breakfast on with her Pokémon. It seems I was right to assume it was too big to be let out in the house. It's something called a Corviknight. I find myself looking forward to meeting it.