3 - Ends and Beginnings

Daniel POV

Tomorrow is the day, the day Ash goes off on his journey. Today, however, is the day I need to resign from working with Professor Oak. The plan is for Xander and I to travel with Ash all the way until we either hit Misty's gym, or Xander gets a call. In either scenario, Xan will go off on his own, while I stay with Ash and the others. Xander Hawthorn, his name having been officially changed, had no need to resign, as he was a Professor all on his own.

Just last week he had been double promoted to 'Specified Area Professor', meaning he has to choose a certain topic about Pokemon and research it intently. Xander chose a very interesting topic of research, one that apparently got strict Rowan's approval.

He studies the abilities of Pokemon. Apparently, everyone, even Oak, was surprised at this, as nobody had even thought of studying the abilities of Pokemon before, and were eager to see what he could discover.

"Professor Oak?"

"Hmm?" The kindly elder turned from his computer to look at me.

"Umm… I…"

"I've already transferred your working allegiance to Professor Hawthorn," Professor Oak suddenly stated. "He is the one you now work for, as he already told me you wanted to go out on a journey of your own with Ash and Gary. Professor Hawthorn is also starting his own journey, though I suspect you already knew that."

I blink at that.

"He… already told you?" Sure, Xander may be my friend, but he doesn't normally intervene on the matters of other people, me included. He believes that what people need to do is not his business, and doesn't bother with it. Yes, he helps me occasionally, but normally after I ask for his help.

Professor Oak sighed tiredly. "Xander is quite the confusing character, isn't he?"

I nod. "Indeed."

Professor Oak leaned back in his chair. "My first impression of him was, honestly, quite poor. His cold demeanor towards everything and horrendous sleep habits…" here he looks at Xander's workplace, where the Professor of Abilities was slumped against his desk, sleeping. "And not to mention his depression, I was quite concerned how Celebi could vouch for you."

"You know about…"

Professor Oak smiled slightly. "I study the relationship between humans and Pokemon. As such, I need to understand how both work individually. I have a PhD in Psychology, Daniel, I can spot such mental issues in an instant." He sighed as he got back on topic. "Anyways, I was terribly concerned how the Pokemon would react around such a person. But Celebi did vouch for you, and it would be wrong for me to not at least give him a chance."

"And…?"

At my expectant look, Professor Oak smiled. "And I saw one of the greatest men I've ever seen. I can see that behind that cold mask, there lies a kind, gentle, caring, and joyful soul, one who enjoys learning and uncovering the mysteries of life. I don't know if he knows it, but he often smiles whenever we really get into our research, especially those Marathon Analysis things that he does.

"Then there's his connection with Ash. To be honest, I thought it would be a horrible meeting, but somehow, Ash actually connected with my cold apprentice. I knew Ash had a talent for getting people to open up, but seeing Xander smile while teaching the young Ketchum is one of the brightest things I have ever seen."

I couldn't help but smile at the grandfatherly figure. "I'm glad… I'm glad someone else was able to see who Xander used to be, the Xander I befriended so long ago…"

We both sigh as we think about the Ability Professor's current demeanor. He was not as cold as he was when he first came here… but it was clear his mask was still there, only now instead of cold and harsh, it was blunt and somewhat unfriendly. Ash, Oak, and I didn't really see his mask much, but we weren't seeing his true self either. This place has truly been good for him… but both the professor and I wondered what caused that mask to appear in the first place.

"I believe he has shut his emotions away… most likely due to immense emotional pain…" Professor Oak sighed. "But in doing so, he only let the pain gather and grow, to a point where if he let his emotions run free again… he could possibly lose his mind. A shame, I was hoping he wouldn't suffer the Psychic's Curse."

I wasn't surprised Oak knew about Xander's power. Professor Hawthorn used it quite often in his studies, usually in front of Oak.

"Coming here has changed us both for the better…" I say softly. "I no longer feel so inferior to him, even if he is leagues ahead of me. I am comfortable with myself, and I am fine with being the average one in the duo. It lets me connect with people, people who I know will help me when I need them."

Oak smiled at me. "I did notice that maturity within you within the last month, and I must say I am very happy for you. You're work in the field has helped our research speed up several times over."

"It may seem like a small role," I smile slightly, "but every role is important."

"Well said," Oak replied, nodding with approval.

Xander POV

Today's the day. The day we start the journey. As such, I am no longer wearing my office outfit. Instead, I am wearing grey sneakers, thin dark sweatpants, a white tee, and my open grey lab coat. The color due to me accidentally mixing the dark clothes with the white clothes in the laundry. That was a bit embarrassing… though despite Oak's offers to replace the coat, I decided to keep it. I'd never admit it, but Daniel was right, I only kept it because it was a dark color. I also had a waterproof shoulder bag filled with various essentials, and my laptop.

Daniel had also changed his outfit. He was wearing black sneakers, his original camo jeans, a black tee, and his original red and silver jacket. He also wore a backpack.

"So… Ash is late?" I sigh. While the words portrayed a question, my tone made it more like a statement. Professor Oak sighed at my blunt tone, while Daniel just shook his head. Gary, of course, decided to boost his ego.

"Ashy-boy probably got scared!" He laughed. "I mean, he'll have to live in the greatest trainer's shadow, after all!"

"Or he's scared he'll get flattened by your ego…" I scoff.

"Hey!"

"Nice one…" Daniel commented.

"Well…" Professor Oak sighed. "I'll deal with Ash later. For now, let us begin." He cleared his throat as he brought out three Pokeballs. One had a leaf sticker on it, another had a water drop sticker, and the last had a flame sticker.

"Welcome, young ones… and not so young ones…" Oak began, a slight grin on his face as he directed the second part of his starting sentence at Daniel and I, though he continued his speech without pause. "Today is a great day, as you will take the first step into becoming a Pokemon Trainer! Within each of these Pokeballs is a Pokemon, a Pokemon that is young and in need of nurturing. As a Trainer, it will be your goal to raise them into strong and healthy Pokemon, and to make bonds with your Pokemon that rival the greatest of friendships!"

"Now, come forward, and choose your Pokemon," Oak gestured for them to step forward. He then gestured to the leaf Pokeball. "The grass and poison type Pokemon, Bulbasaur!" He gestured to the water Pokeball. "The water type Pokemon, Squirtle!" He then gestured to the flame Pokeball. "And last, but not least, the fire type Pokemon, Charmander!"

He looked to his grandson. "It is tradition for the youngest beginning Trainer to choose first. So come, Gary Oak, and choose your starter."

Gary smirked smugly at Daniel and I before walking forward and picking up Squirtle's Pokeball. "I'll take Squirtle!" He announced dramatically. "You ready to take Kanto by storm, Squirtle?" he commented arrogantly. He then was just straight up rude and walked straight out, not even bothering to watch Daniel or I.

Professor Oak sighed. "I should have disciplined him more… I fear his ego truly will be his downfall as a trainer." He shook his head and turned back to us. "Come, Daniel Wood, and choose your starter."

Daniel almost bolted for Charmander's Pokeball. "I've always had a soft spot for fire types. Let's do our best, alright Charmander?" The Pokeball wiggled slightly in response.

"Come, Xander Hawthorn, and choose your starter."

I snort. "Not like I have much to choose from," I comment as I pick up Bulbasaur's Pokeball. "So, guess it's you and me, eh Bulbasaur? Let's make sure the others see their folly in ignoring you, how about that?"

"I like the sound of that!" A low but young voice replied happily as the Pokeball shook in my hand. I smirk at the response and clip the Pokeball to my side before turning to my teacher. "We'll wait here for Ash."

"I thought you would do that," the Professor replied. "And I was going to request you stay a moment anyways, Professor Elm just sent over the item he promised you at the conference last week. He was still wondering why you wanted it though…"

I smirk. "Ah, then I guess I'll be here for a while… where is the item?"

"It's on your desk," the Professor replied. "I assume you'll occasionally drop by, so I'm keeping that area how it is." I nod in thanks and make my way to my desk, where there was the very item I was looking for. Call it a cheat item, if you wish, I just call it using my knowledge.

I bring out Java's Pokeball and hook it to the analyzer connected to my computer, and pick up the item I managed to convince Elm to get for me.

An Up-Grade.

Daniel POV

"Umm… Professor Oak?" I ask as my friend leaves with a mischievous smirk on his face. "What exactly did Professor Elm send over?"

"Hmm… something called an Up-Grade, I believe…" Professor Oak replied slowly, trying to remember if that was what Elm had called it or not. I blink at the item name, wondering why Xander would be smirking over one of the most useless items in the game, since it was only good for Pory-

Oh.

Wow… couldn't even wait a bit, huh?

"Is something wrong Daniel?"

I sigh mirthfully, chuckling a bit. "I believe that the item Professor Elm sent over is capable of evolving Porygon. It is the programming Pokemon, and the item does deal with programming." Professor Oak rubbed his chin at that.

"Hmm… now that you mention it, I should have remembered that," he said thoughtfully. "There was a piece about the evolution of Porygon in his paper a while back… though he suggested it was possible to even evolve the evolution of Porygon… Porygon2, he called it I believe. However, he was not entirely certain as to how… Though, now that I'm thinking about it, he did hypothesize that the Up-Grade, when used in conjunction with a machine that Porygon was within, was a possible way to cause Porygon to evolve."

A brief moment of silence passed before Oak turned to me. "Xander really likes to keep to himself, doesn't he?"

I sigh and nod. "He's more sociable now, but he really only ever talks about meaningless things. Anything that might be of value to him he keeps close to himself, unless he wishes to make a point about something. Though… I've noticed him occasionally taking out this piece of paper and looking at for a moment, before sighing and going back to whatever he was doing."

"Sorry that I don't like spoiling surprises," Xander commented, making us turn to him. "I keep to myself because nobody has any business knowing much about me unless it involves them. Also, don't ask about the paper. It's private."

"So, evolved Java yet?" I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from a topic that I can clearly see that Xander is touchy about. "Heard Professor Elm had given you an Up-Grade."

"It'll take a bit to download," Xander shrugged. "Should finish in about five minutes."

"I assume you used the analyzer?" Professor Oak stated. Xander just nodded as an answer.

"What level is Java, by the way?" I ask. "I know you've been training him every day since you caught him, similar with Abra and I… though Abra being unable to attack makes leveling her up pretty difficult."

"Level 31," Xander replied off-handedly.

"Now that you mention it," Professor Oak suddenly interrupted, smiling hugely, "I must say that this 'leveling' system, along with this 'stat' of yours has truly been a massive hit with the other Professors, and the few tests they've run with it have been absolutely spectacular! This will not only provide a numerical comparison between Pokemon, but many Professors believe that it will increase the safety of Trainers and their Pokemon, as they would know when they are up against an opponent they have no chance of beating! In fact, the upcoming Annual International Professor Conference is all about getting a system that can identify a Pokemon's 'stats' and 'level' into the Standard Pokedex! Both you and Daniel have potentially revolutionized the world of Pokemon Battling!"

I blink at this. "Wait, what? I hardly did anything…" All I did was mention how it'd be nice to have visible levels and stats, and occasionally did some personal requests to Xander in catching Pokemon. Xander did everything that was important, so why was I getting attention? Not that I minded, of course, I'm just confused why they thought I was so important.

Xander coughed suddenly and looked away. "I should go check on Java, be right back."

I blink again. What the…?

Professor Oak looked between the furiously typing Xander and me, before chuckling.

"What's so funny?" I ask, curious as to what was going on through my previous employer's head.

"Oh… nothing," he replied simply.

I sigh.

"Professor!" a voice suddenly shouted before a familiar black haired kid crashed into the lab. "Professor Oak! I-I'm so sorry, my alarm- I didn't…" He sighed sadly. "Gary was right, I really do screw everything up."

I was about to reply when I hear a slight growl from behind me. I turn to see what the noise was, got terrified, and immediately look back to Ash, who was now pleading with Professor Oak for a Pokemon. Gary was going to face hell from Xander when they next meet, because he is pissed. Sure, Gary and Xan never got along that well, but Xander despises those who hurt others. Bullying is one of the very few things that makes Xander act solely on emotions.

"Ash, truly, I have no Pokemon left-" Professor Oak tried to inform the distraught boy. I was confused, didn't Oak have Pikachu? I was even the one who caught when he was chewing on the wires… oh wait, I never told Oak about that…

"Wait, Professor," I interrupt. Professor Oak turns to me with a questioning expression. "Earlier this month, I caught a Pikachu chewing on some wires. I completely forgot to tell you, probably because I needed to fix the mess before Xander found out."

I move over to the lab balls. "I believe he should be somewhere over here… ah!" I take the Lab ball and set it in the transfer system with an empty Pokeball, in order for Pkachu to become registered as a 'caught' Pokemon. Once the process was completed, I give the Pokeball to Oak. "It's your job to give it to him… though Ash…" I turn to him. "He's a bit… temperamental…"

Ash looks at me in confusion. "Tempa what?"

I frown, trying to describe how Pikachu is. Then an excellent comparison pops into my head. "He's pretty much like Xander when he just wakes up."

"Ooohhh…" Ash sais, realization clearly hitting him. "So he's grumpy and doesn't like people? Oh well! A true trainer can train any Pokemon to be the best even ones that act like sleepy Xander!"

"Daniel…" An annoyed voice says from behind me. Crap. Oak, hurry it up, please!

Like Arceus was blessing me, Oak cleared his throat and turned to Ash. "Well then, Ash Ketchum, I entrust this Pikachu to you. May you succeed in your career as a Pokemon Trainer." With that, he handed the Pokeball to Ash.

Ash instantly let out Pikachu. The yellow mouse was clearly ticked and glared at Ash. "Pika…"

Ash, however, saw it as a greeting he picked him up. "Hey Pikachu, I'm your new trainer, Ash! I hope we can-"

ZZZRRRT!

"ACK!" Ash shouts in surprise and pain as Pikachu zaps him. As Ash recovers, Professor Oak moves over to Ash.

"Perhaps it would be best to put PIkachu back into his Pokeball…" he suggested. Ash nodded in understanding and lifted the Pokeball towards Pikachu, who immediately went to hide behind the table.

Ash frowned and put the Pokeball away. "Do you not like Pokeballs, PIkachu?"

The electric type hopped onto the table and shook his head. "Pi…"

Ash shrugged. "Alright then. I won't force you. A true trainer doesn't force his Pokemon!"

I frown at that. In my opinion, that statement is only partially true. You shouldn't force unfair things onto a Pokemon, yes. However, you should force some form of training on them. It will do no good for the Pokemon to do nothing but laze about. I do not say anything, however, as Xander walks back in.

"Hey, Pikachu, try trusting Ash," my friend said. "You may be surprised…"

"Pika!" Pikachu huffed.

"Yeah, I agree that most humans are bad, but there are the occasional few who aren't."

"Chu pi!"

Xander snickers. "Yeah, I'll give you that, but try to warm up to him, at least."

Pikachu suddenly blinks, then stares at Xander and exclaims, "...CHU!?"

Xander shrugged. "Yeah, I can hear you. I'm a Psychic… well, one in training, at the least. I can hear Pokemon through their thoughts now.."

"I wish I could do that…" Ash sighed.

Xander turned to him. "Ash, if you bond with your Pokemon well enough, you won't need to hear them like I do, you'll be able to understand them easily."

Ash looked, a determined expression on his face. "You're right!" He turned to Pikachu. "Pikachu, I know I'm a novice trainer, so I'll probably screw up a lot… but, I really hope you'll be my Pokemon… no, I hope you'll be my friend."

Pikachu blinks in surprise at Ash, then walks over to him. "Pika."

Xander's mouth seemed to curve slightly as he turned to Ash. "He says he'll give you a chance."

"Thanks, Pikachu!" Ash smiled.

"Well, that sounds like a great way to start off this journey, eh Xander?" I nudge my friend. The Ability Professor just rolls his eyes.

Sorry if this all seems Xander-centric, I'm trying to establish his personality, but he's quite hard to actually get right. This is due to the fact he has three personalities in one. His mask, his shell, and his core. His mask is what he uses in public or when he's really ticked, his shell is what he uses around people he knows or respects, and his shell is used once every super black moon.