"Pfft. Don't listen to your father. He's always been a bit of a stick in the mud." Grandpa sniffed, his eyes focused on the road.

As soon as I had gotten into the car, he had quickly deduced something was amiss-- he seemed to have a sixth sense for things like that when it came to his grandchildren. Admittedly, I did feel a bit deflated, but I didn't think I was that easy to read. After a bit of prodding I had told him about the unceremonious-partly hostile-sendoff my father had given me earlier.

"He's worried that I might damage the family's reputation." I muttered, my gaze focused on a few Wingulls flying off into the distance. The sun had only barely begun to rise.

It had just now dawned on me (pun intended) that Florian must have gotten up extra early just to see me off. My chest tightened at the thought. I didn't remember having any siblings back on Earth, but if I did, I was sure I'd liked Florian better. Hopefully, I'd be able to bring back a cool pokemon for him to meet.

For a long moment, I zoned out, watching the the landscape of opulent houses and buildings speed past. Little by little, the sights of the city gave way to a vista of beautiful Lilycove shores, copses of tropical flora dotting the brilliant landscape. In the distance, the looming form of Mt. Pyre stood, dwarfing everything else by comparison.

I wondered if I really could find some ghost pokemon there.

"Reputation," Grandpa scoffed, jerking me from my trance. "Listen, kid. The Carmine family name wasn't built on kissing ass,"

The annoyance in his voice was palpable.

"It was built on expertise--finesse. Skill." He motioned with one hand, flicking his wrist. "Skill that your father wouldn't know if it smacked him in the face."

I winced a little. Grandpa had never made much of an effort to hide his disdain for my father-- his own son, which likely contributed to Father's grumpy-old-bastard behavior. Ultimately, Father always put the good of the family first- and though he could afford to be a bit nicer about it, it wasn't like he was downright cruel, either.

"You just focus on yourself, kid. Become someone that you can be proud of. As long as you're happy, that's what counts. Anyone who has an issue with my granddaughter can take it up with me." He smirked back at me, giving me a thumbs up.

"Grandpa-the road!" I panicked as we swerved for a moment, eliciting a honk from a vehicle in the lane opposite to us.

Grandpa chuckled sheepishly, hurrying to correct the wheel. "Don't tell your mother about that."

I stared at him dubiously for a moment, and sighed. "Snitches get stitches." I smirked.

Grandpa rumbled out a raspy laugh.

"Atta girl! I knew I taught you right."

"...But seriously. Don't tell your mother." He muttered, his face becoming serious for a moment.

Damn. Even Grandpa didn't want to get on her bad side.

We talked a bit more throughout the drive, discussing my upcoming final year at the Academy. He asked if I was hoping for any pokemon in particular as my first partner, which I denied. Honestly, just thinking about having my own pokemon--any pokemon, made my heart pound with excitement. While I was fuzzy on some of the details of my previous world, I knew that pokemon did not exist there- at least, not in the way they did here. In my old world, pokemon were fictional creatures; only existing in video games and anime. Here, pokemon were very real--and an essential part of everyday life.

In this world, catching your first pokemon and becoming a trainer was considered a necessary rite of passage before truly becoming an adult. A rite of passage that soon enough I would be undertaking. I swallowed, wiping a bead of nervous sweat from my forehead. I was practically vibrating in my seat with anticipation at this point. Somewhere out there was a pokemon--my pokemon, waiting for me to find them.

I felt a seed of anxiety take root within me. Would I be good enough to be their trainer?

I quickly pushed the thought away-- those kinds of thoughts did not serve me. 'There's a pokemon out there for everyone' was a common expression in this world for a reason. Plus, given the sheer diversity and abundance of pokemon, I had no real reason not to be optimistic. It would all work out in the end, I assured myself.

"Wont be long now. We're almost there," Grandpa said, perhaps noticing my mounting anticipation.

We talked a bit more, before reaching a natural lull in our conversation. We fell into a companionable silence for the rest of the drive.

---------

After making our way through airport security, we were greeted by a steward who sent out a Machop to help with my luggage. It felt a bit unnecessary, as I only had but one suitcase and a small backpack, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't grateful to be spared a few extra moments to say my goodbyes. I was really going to miss the old geezer. Asides from Florian, Grandpa was the only person here who I felt ever really believed in me.

"Make sure to call me, and your parents when you get there," Grandpa said, scratching his white, fluffy beard. "I suppose its a little late to ask, but you're sure you've got everything, right?"

"I'm sure, Gramps. Mom wouldn't let me live it down if I forgot anything important." I sighed, clutching my carry-on bag.

"You've got that right," He chuckled, and made an exaggerated, terrified expression. I mimicked while comically clutching my chest and mouthing the words, "The horror!"

Behind me, a woman cleared her throat. I ceased my miming and straightened out, shuffling awkwardly out of the woman's way. Grandpa and I exchanged a glance, before giggling to ourselves once we were sure she was out of earshot.

"Attention all passengers of the Hoenn-Sinnoh Flight 82, we will begin boarding now. Passengers in the seating rows A through B, please have your tickets ready before you board." A stewardess called over the loudspeaker.

"Looks like that's your cue, kid. C'mere." Grandpa said, pulling me into a tight hug. "I'm proud of you, Pep. I know you'll do great things out there."

I squeezed back. "Thanks Grandpa. I love you."

"I love you too, bean-sprout." He released his grip, giving me a gentle push- and a wink. "Show those Sinnoh brats what-for."

"You got it!" I flashed him my cheesiest grin and gave a thumbs up, before making my way to the gate, fumbling for the tickets in my pocket. Panicking for a half second, I turned behind me to see Grandpa still standing there, staring at me with a quirked brow, as if to say, "You better not have lost them."

"Just kidding!" I stuck out my tongue, revealing my tickets. He rolled his eyes and snorted. "Get out of here already!" He shouted back.

Turning my attention back towards the stewardess's desk, I realized the woman at the desk had seen my childish display. I cleared my throat and handed her my tickets, my face flushed with embarrassment.

"Enjoy your flight, miss." she said with a smirk.

"You too," I replied, internally facepalming as I entered the gate. Nice one, Pep. Real smooth.

---

The long flight had-so far- been uneventful. I had hoped to be seated a bit closer to the front of the plane, but truthfully I was just grateful to have gotten a window seat. I had watched from the window as Hoenn disappeared beneath me, and an endless sea of clouds now spanned the horizon as far as I could see. I had seen a few Swablu and Altaria soaring through the clouds earlier, but I supposed that our current altitude might be a little too high up, even for them.

I silently wondered if any pokemon could actually live this high up. I seemed to recall that there had been legendary and mythical pokemon that lived in outer space, at least there were in the Pokemon games from my last life- but I couldn't quite remember their names. Images of a green serpent jetting through the clouds popped into my mind. "Rayquaza, was it?" I muttered.

"I sure hope not." I jerked as the woman next to me spoke.

I had made little note of my seat-neighbor upon being seated, but now that I really looked at her, I realized that she was beautiful. The woman appeared to be in her mid-to-late thirties, sporting a mop of thick, fluffy brown hair. She wore a thick, fur-trimmed jacket- which sported a pattern reminiscent of a stony cliff-face. Matching clothing to your preferred pokemon type wasn't uncommon- even if a little on the nose. Advertising what pokemon you're going to use could be counter-intuitive in battles, but confident trainers often liked to show off- and this woman did have a certain air of confidence about her. Judging by her outfit, I would have speculated her to be a rock or ground type trainer.

"What do you know of Rayquaza, girl?" The woman's brown eyes narrowed at me.

"I-uh," I stammered. "Not much really. I've just heard stories."

"Hey, relax. You're not in trouble, kid." The woman laughed, her expression relaxing. "Are you a student?" She asked.

"Yeah- er, yes ma'am." I replied, fidgeting with the buttons on my corduroy jacket. "I'm transferring to the Jubilife Trainer Academy for my final year."

"Ho? Why so far away?" She asked, looking puzzled.

"Its supposed to be the best of the best," I replied. "At least that's what I've heard from my parents."

I knew the real reason, though. At best, I would do well, and potentially make a name for the Carmine family in Sinnoh. At worst, well-- at least I would be far away enough from home that it wouldn't embarrass my parents too much.

The woman pursed her lips for a moment. "I see. Well, they wouldn't be wrong about that."

An awkward silence set in, and I felt myself zone out again as my eyes drifted back towards the window. After a few moments, the woman spoke again. "Rayquaza does exist, by the way."

"...Huh?" I replied, coming out of my daze.

"Rayquaza," she started. "It isn't just a story. It exists."

Really? There really was a forty-foot giant sky serpent out there? Color me interested.

"Really? How do you know?" I turned, giving the woman my full attention. "Have you seen it?"

"Simmer down," the woman laughed. "And no- to answer your question- I've not seen it myself, but there are people who have."

"I guess it wouldn't really be a legendary if you could see one so casually." I mused.

"Yes, but- who knows? You might get to see it one day, if you're lucky." The woman smiled.

I could certainly hope so- or rather, maybe I shouldn't hope to see a giant space dragon, capable of leveling cities on a whim. That generally wouldn't be something a normal person would hope for. Dragons are just objectively awesome, though. What would it be like to capture such a beast? To ride it into the heavens? I sighed dreamily at the thought.

---------

I waved good-bye to the woman from earlier as I made my way through the terminal. I had been instructed prior to my flight to wait at baggage claim for someone from the Academy to collect me. After retrieving my luggage, I tentatively scanned my surroundings, but didn't see anyone that seemed to be waiting. I sat down on one of the benches, attempting to pull my gangly legs in closer so as not to obstruct traffic.

I waited for about ten minutes before being approached by a girl in what looked to be a Japanese school uniform. She wore a long white skirt that went down to her shins, and dark navy stockings underneath. Admittedly, the uniform was very cute--and tasteful I might add-- but I couldn't help but hope that I wouldn't be forced to wear a skirt.

"Excuse me, are you Peppa Carmine?" she asked, tucking a lock of jet-black hair behind her ear.

"That's me," I replied, rising to my feet.

The girl stiffened for a moment as I towered over her. I gave her a smile, trying my best to not look intimidating. (Which rarely worked.) "Er, you are?" I asked.

"Beatrice. I'm here to take you to the dorms," the girl spoke with clear composure. If she was intimidated, she definitely wasn't showing it now. "Please, follow me."