Selene, an Alolan wannabe trainer - [Ongoing]

"And here she comes folks! Give it up for your new Champion, Selene Forrest!"

Selene, Selene, Selene!

Taking a deep breath, you walk out onto the stage. You can't help but grin as you scan the crowd, watching as fans chant your name with adoration. "Thank you, thank you all! I'm so glad to be here!"

The interviewer patiently waits for the cheering to die down, before clearing his throat. "So, Selene, what's it feel like to be the greatest trainer in the Alolan region?"

"Oh, it feels beyond incredible. You know, ever since I moved to Alola, beating the Island Challenge and becoming the Champion has been a dream of mine... but I never thought I'd actually do it!

He nods sagely. "That showing of yours was really incredible. I haven't been that close to the edge of my seat in ages. Have any words for fans who might aspire to have battles like that?"

You smile and turn towards the audience, before pumping your fist into the air. "Never lose sight of your dreams! Even if things seem grim, keep on chasing them!"

The audience erupts into thunderous applause. The interviewer shakes his head in amazement. "Truly inspiring, truly. Meow?"

You begin to open your mouth, before pausing. "Excuse me?"

"What?" he asks, confused.

"You just... you meowed."

"Did I?" He shrugs. "Well, what I was trying to say was, meow."

"Why are you doing that? Why are you meowing?" you ask, now somewhat uneasy.

"Meow." he replies. "Meow. Meow. MEOW!"

With a jolt, you wake up. Your mother's Meowth is sitting on your chest. Ugh. Why do Meowths insist on being fed so damn early? That was such a nice dream...

As you head downstairs to the kitchen, where Meowths food is kept, you catch sight of a picture of yourself from five years ago, when you'd first moved to Alola from Kanto with your mother. You sigh. You'd certainly grown, now possessing more mature proportions, but it was a little sad that a senior in high school still had the same sense of fashion they'd had at 13.

"Selene, 5 years ago. Look how you've grown!"

Looking at that photo brings back memories. It was a tough move. 13 was an awkward age to be, and losing all your friends had been awful. It was lucky that everyone in Iki Town were so welcoming. If you hadn't befriended Hau, Annie, and Luke, who knows how things might've turned out.

You reach down to grab Meowth's food dish. Of course, it might've been even better if Mom had let you join the Island Challenge with Annie and Hau. But no, it was "too unsafe" for you at that age, and besides, "it's important that you don't miss out on school!" But whatever. You suffered in solidarity with Luke, who's parents held similar ideas.

You smile to yourself as you pour out Meowth's food and set it down for him. Of course, that was all gonna change soon. Now that you were 18, and almost done with school, you'd soon be free to try your hand at the Challenge. Maybe you should call up Luke and start planning it out with him. To stand at the top... to have everyone in Alola- no, the entire world know your name; could there be anything better?

The ring of your cell-phone derails your train of thought. You shake your head. Man, you gotta get your head out of the clouds. Maybe Annie's right in calling you an airhead. Not that you'd admit it.

Picking up your phone, you see that the caller is Luke. How does he even have the energy to be up this early? "Hello?"

"Hey, Selene! I know it's early, but I got big news! Come meet me by the beach!"

"Dude, it's like 8 AM on a Saturday. We were up until, like, midnight playing games last night."

"Oh come on! You were awake already, right? I mean, you picked up quick. This is big, trust me!"

You sigh. "Alright, alright. No way I was falling asleep again anyway. Stupid cat. Gimme a minute to get dressed."

"Gotcha! I'll be there waiting! See ya soon!" With that, he hangs up.

Heading back to your room, you sift through your closet. Eventually you settle on a classic: a baggy t-shirt, which you tie off, a pair of shorts, and your favorite cap. Not that it matters much; most of your wardrobe is pretty similar. Comfort is number one!

After taking a quick trip to the bathroom to brush your hair and splash some water on your face, you grab your wallet, phone, and bag, before slipping on your shoes and socks. Time to head out!