Author's Note: This story is pretty lighthearted. No majorly dark themes, no intense plot twists, no murders. The goal is to entertain through the use of interesting and dynamic characters that travel through the Kanto region. There will still be drama, action, and an interesting blend of anime and game-based mechanics. Make sure to leave reviews, as they motivate me to keep writing. If you want to see more, make sure you let me know!
Chapter 1
Oak's Laboratory
"Please go over the candidates with me once more. I want to make sure I have all the information straight in my head." The old man ran a hand through his graying hair, a somewhat embarrassed smile on his face.
"Of course, Professor," responded the bespectacled young man, holding a clipboard in front of him. "You've selected three candidates. The first is Chris, from Celadon City here in Kanto."
Professor Oak nodded as he sat back in his chair. "Chris reminds me so much of some of the trainers we've had before. Headstrong, brash, but caring and youthful. His fiery personality is more than a match for anything he'll face here."
"Next is Rachel from Blackthorn City in Johto," the assistant continued.
"Ah yes, Rachel. Athletic, strong-willed, and fierce. A good match to keep Chris in line, and she idolizes Pokéthletes. She'll make a fine competitor." Professor Oak picked up a glass of unidentifiable liquid and began to sip on it thoughtfully.
"Uh…Professor…?"
"Keep going, Damian," the Professor said. "Next is…?"
"R-Right." The assistant fumbled through the papers. "Next is Eric, from Lavaridge Town in the Hoenn Region."
"Eric, of course. Very laid back young man, but a thorough thinker and very knowledgeable trainer. Has interests in Pokémon Breeding and Coordinating. In fact, he bred his first Pokémon himself, didn't he?" Another sip.
"Not exactly," the assistant said. "He caught a Ditto on his own and used it to breed his friend's Pokémon, a Pichu."
The professor nodded. "Yes, of course. Not sure how I…"
"Professor, that's a tube of Pokémon urine!" the assistant shouted.
The professor's eyes widened briefly, but his face relaxed as he picked up a can of soda and washed his mouth out before spitting on to the lab floor next to him. Within seconds, a small robot appeared to clean up the mess. "Yes, well, I thought my soda had gotten a bit tangier than usual."
The assistant sighed. Only a few classes away from obtaining his own professorship, Damian Redwood was being groomed to take over Professor Oak's position as the Kanto Regional Professor. Sadly, Oak was getting a bit old, and somewhat senile, but the old man didn't want to retire. He kept working, choosing promising children to start their journeys in the Kanto Region. Every year, he selected three aspiring trainers from around the Pokémon world, from Kanto to Orre, and everywhere in between. He brought them to his lab, gave them a Pokédex and a starter, and set them out on their own to face their dreams and adventures to come.
This year, the trainer Chris, the athlete Rachel, and the Coordinator and Breeder Eric were on the docket. In less than two weeks, they would arrive in Pallet Town, ready to start their journey together to the Indigo League.