Once I was cleared by Nurse Joy after a few days, I was scooped off the bed and into Nora's arms. She was definitely holding me a bit tighter than before and while slightly uncomfortable I wouldn't dare complain. I was the source of her anxiety and it rolled off of her. Even if it wasn't directly my fault. I found out how long I was gone. She had stayed here and waited for my return. She had waited nearly ten days. In my own personal perspective ten days wasn't much but I couldn't help but be happy that I am once again where I wish to be.

  I was greeted by Zinnia and Belladonna upon going to the room Nora had spent her time while waiting for me. Both were pleased by my return and the snake dipped her head to me and I could see the release of stress in her body. Her coils had loosened, and her eyes seemed to have dimmed from the awareness I had seen up on entering with Nora. It seemed Belladonna had taken it up on herself to be Nora's sword when I was absent. Such a difference in her attitude was welcome and it made me wonder if Nora was far more special than I believe her to be.

  Zinnia was the same, although she did complain a bit about not being able to train as hard without me being present. It made me want to shake my head but I just snorted a bit letting out some amusement. I guess even wannabe heroes could be complacent and lazy without their teachers. Funny I never thought I'd be that way in either of my lives, but here I am.

  Nora had picked up her bag seemingly having remained packed for when I came back. It seemed she wanted to leave now rather than later. I don't really know why but I was more than happy to leave in my Lady's arms. Zinnia and Belladonna were recalled into their balls and she sped her way through the center and handed in a room key to Nurse Joy.

  We didn't stay for any pleasantries though. The nurse was nice enough from what I could tell but there had to be a reason Nora wanted to leave so quickly. The reason however wasn't exactly what I suspected. It seemed she was trying to avoid Officer Jenny. It was simple enough to tell when her arms tightened around me when leaving the Center, only to be cut off by said officer not even ten steps outside. She'd opened her mouth with a stack of papers in her hand only to be cut off.

  [No.]

  I wasn't sure why Nora had said that with such irritation and anger but the officer didn't seem too put off by it. Her face had twitched and the smile on the Jenny's face wasn't real anymore. I'd seen so many of those fake smiles back when in the noble court when watching over the Princess. The officer however, was no master at the art, that was for certain. Especially when I could see through it.

  [I am not a full Kantonian citizen. I was born in Galar I don't have to apply Alistar into any programs, nor will I do so. I talked with my mother and you cannot make me. If I sign those you'll take him away when I attempt to leave Kanto and return to Galar.]

  I felt rage boil in my stomach. So, that was their play? Interesting. It seems not all law enforcement could be trusted. It was one thing to have a pretender steal me away, but an officer trying to do so from a child. How disgusting can one be?

  This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  [Now leave me alone.]

  The officer seemed to be angry as I could see the subtle cracks but she nodded before pinching the bridge of her nose. It seems she wanted to argue technicalities but gave up because Nora was dead set on me not being taken from her again.

  We however began heading south instead of north which puzzled me. If we were to continue forward we would have to go through Viridian Forest. The hell hole I had escaped from. While not happy with that, I would deal with it if necessary.

  At least that's what I'd believed. I now know that wasn't the case. My nose caught a familiar scent and I saw Nora's mother, Sherry. She was waiting for us in a small clearing just outside town, which took us about thirty minutes of walking.

  Sherry was happy to see me again. It seemed Nora had told her parents I had went missing. I dipped my head in greeting and her smile widened a bit.

  [It seems his time away didn't do anything to Alistar's manners. I'm glad you found your way back.] I answered Sherry with a soft 'Vul' but that's all I could do considering Nora's grip on me. I tilted my head up and nosed at Nora's chin which made Nora giggle and Sherry to do the same. [I'm glad. Now let's go back to Pewter City.] Sherry looked up and started to shout. [Oi! Get your metal feathery arse down here Corviknight!]

  -----

  Corviknight as a species are massive birds. It's no wonder why I had been recalled into my ball before. He cuts a rather intimidating figure and his landing was heavy enough to make debris scatter without flapping his wings. He had metal like armor and I could tell just by looking it was far better than what I wore in my past life. It was fascinating to look at even with the leather saddle that was strapped to him.

  The huge bird lowered himself and Sherry climbed up and reached. I was handed up to her and Nora climbed up after. It seemed like I'd get to experience of flying this time. I was excited about it but I kept myself in check. Can't make Sherry think I'm nervous about it and make Nora recall me.

  I was placed back in Nora's arms after she was strapped in. It wasn't long before we were in the air and heading north up and over Viridian Forest. I hope I never have to enter such a place ever again. While I definitely had enough of forests for two lifetimes.

  I remember losing a few friends in an ambush in my previous life. It was in a forest much like the one below us. Perhaps it would be an interesting story to tell to Zinnia. I'd have to bend it a bit but I'd perhaps she could learn from it. Maybe even Belladonna could as well. It is a shame I cannot converse with Nora. For now I suppose that is okay. Some day she may come to understand me. Maybe not everything, but enough for her to understand. Perhaps one of those elusive Psychic Pokémon could assist me with that.

  We were flying for a few hours. I could tell we crossed distance that would have been days of travel on foot through the forest. The view of Pewter was in the distance and I wondered just what it would have looked like at night with all the lights on. It might have even looked like stars perhaps I could convince a flying Pokémon to take me up into the sky so I could see it just once. Maybe I could see it from the mountain in the east, of Nora will take me there and we camp out for a night. I spent the rest of the time on the way reminiscing about places I'd seen in my past life that had great visual appeal. Maybe places in this new world I find myself in would hold even more beautiful places? Only time will tell I suppose.