3 days later:
"Alright, one more minute Ditto," Josh said as he used a stopwatch to see the progress of an Oddish who seemed to be struggling to maintain his balance. The eyes of said pokemon were becoming the original slime pokemon but still changing back as his transformation. It showed the sweat of the pokemon which surprisingly looks like pink in color. "10 seconds. 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1. And done."
The little leaf pokemon then gave a gasp as its body changed like a simple jump which transformed itself into a slime ball.
"ditto..." The slime pokemon tirelessly said as the human took the pokemon in his arms.
"Amazing progress pal, you just overcame the challenge from yesterday. And look where you are now. You already do your transformation on an extension of 12 minutes without rest. And it's the fifth time you did this morning. Now we know your limits. 5 transformations of 12 minutes. Now we can just go from here." Josh smiled as the Ditto gave a tired smile in the answer to the trainer, the slime pokemon would have said something if it wasn't for its mouth too tired to open. "The first phase is complete Ditto. If you want to spend the rest of the day resting, you deserve it."
"diiiitoooo." The tired voice of the pokemon was the answer to his question, as soon that Ditto closed its eyes and proceed to form a bulb as it showed slightly grown and small rhythms of its breathing.
Josh chuckled as he was brought back to the laboratory.
Opening the door Josh found something unusual to see. Professor Oak talked to a couple of kids who seemed excited to see their pokemon for the first time.
"Sorry kids, but you know the rules. In 6 days it will be the permission of the council which will approve all your poke-registrations, so that means that you will have one more week before going on a pokemon journey." Professor Oak smiled sheepishly as the kids pouted. "Oh hello Joshua, I'm glad that you are here. I want you to meet them, this is Stephanie and the young Erick."
At the first glimpse of them, Josh discovered that now he wasn't in the pokemon game, because now he can see by first-hand something different from the fire red games. The usual girl who gives the advice instructions from the menu, and the chubby boy who was an NPC of the game...
"Oh oh oh! So this is the boy who fell from the sky?" The girl with pigtails approached Josh who seemed to see that she was in fact so little like a usual kid from the game, and looked like she was 5 years old instead of 10. Still, she looked so excited about knowing about pokemon as she was at the game explaining the menu actions. "I was at home when we heard about a huge "BLAM" outside, just the next day the professor told my parents that a boy had fallen from the sky, caused by a strong twister."
"Wow, she speaks really fast." Josh thought to himself, it looked so different from the way in the videogame, people would always read the content before pressing the A button which made her continue her conversation. But knowing that it wasn't possible in the game. Josh decided to smile and nod at her.
"WOAAAAAH." The girl said energic as she frantically moved her head to the professor who seemed to enjoy the energy of the girl. Then turned back to the young man. "Hi, my name is Stephanie, I live 3 blocks on the left from here and he is Eric, he is the boy from the middle of Pallet Town."
"Yo." The boy who seemed a bit high for his weight raised his hand as a greeting as he wasn't even paying attention.
"So you both are the lucky children who will be starting the journey in 6 days?" Josh asked as he noticed that the boy who was in front of him was using a small radio on his head. As the girl looked at her friend exasperated.
"Yeah, I and my friend Eric always wanted to have our pokemon, while I dream to be the first girl to be a pokemon master. Go around the entire world, meet all kinds of pokemon, defeat terrible villains, and even meet legendary pokemon." The little girl quickly said all her dreams and expectations for her future, as she suddenly stopped and then scratched her head. "Hehehe...if I actually had the courage to leave the town... I mean, there are many dangers over there. And I kinda have fear about doing it... And I kinda am a coward..."
Josh, who was staring at the girl, suddenly felt a kind of pain in his chest. Knowing how many of his friends and even himself had the same dreams as the little girl, but knowing how the world would be dangerous for a 10 years old kid, it would be a real shock for them... Josh was surprised to see how much the girl wished to see the world, but she was so afraid to leave the city for it. And maybe one reason why Professor Oak was investing in her, was to ensure that her pokemon would protect her and give her a first step to try to achieve her dreams.
"It's indeed an ambitious dream Stephanie and I know someday you will find the courage to take the first step." Josh imagined how difficult it is for someone so young to have the courage of going on a journey to the entire region, fighting creatures that could potentially hurt you. And this young girl while she says it was cowardice, Josh thought it was good sense. Nobody in their right mind would actually leave their parents to explore the world alone. It was so irresponsible.
But she had her dreams, as he had when he had her age and watched Pokemon for the first time.
"And if you are afraid, it's okay to be afraid. At least hear some of my advice. Number 1, never go on a journey alone. It's always best if you have friends by your side to make sure that you have a good time together. Pokemon can be a great company, but I recommend another trainer as a friend. Number 2, always remember to find food for you to eat while traveling or have some supplies, it will help you later, trust me. Number 3, escape rope is essential when you are in caves, and a camping bag, you will prefer to sleep in something comfy instead of the cold floor. And mostly... Have fun. You will go into a world full of mystery, stories to tell your parents and in the entire world if possible, but you need to believe in yourself and in your comrades and they will protect you." Josh always imagined what he would say to himself if he was 10 years old and was in the same position as the girl who seemed so afraid to step outside of the world. "Success always favors the bold, so be ready for all kinds of challenges. And trust me, I will be waiting for you to tell me your stories when you achieve one of your dreams. And you don't need to be courageous, you need to be brave. And being brave isn't about not having fear... but having fear but still using all your will to surpass your fears and go beyond your potential."
The pigtailed girl's eyes went wide open, as it showed some tears, surprising even the young man as she jumped on him and hugged him so tight that made him almost flinch in pain.
"Thank you." Stephanie muffled voice as she sniffed from her cowardly side, as Josh patted her head. And looked at Professor Oak, smiling and giving a silent thank you with his mouth, which received a nod from the young trainer.
"No problem kiddo, I know for sure that Pallet will be known for having great trainers." Josh smiled warmly at the girl who smiled happily at him. "Just follow my advice and you will do good."
"I will, and I have a great friend to... ERIC, again!?" Stephanie was happy until she saw something which narrowed her eyes and shouted like it was a switch. She was kind and sweet but suddenly she felt like a wild beast, which screamed with the top of her lungs and made Josh see the chubby boy jump on his place and almost drop what would be a little radio from his hand.
"Woa... Stephanie what the hell?" Eric who was so focused on the radio looked annoyed by the girl who seemed fuming at that right moment.
"You were so focused on the radio that you even ignored the advice of this sir who fell from the sky." Stephanie got up from her place and stomped her foot on the floor, as the chubby boy scoffed.
"I don't know why we should follow advice from someone who fell from the sky." Eric scoffed as making a tiny mark on Josh who was glad to help the girl, but then he glared at the boy in front of him.
At the moment Josh was going to retort, Stephanie gave an exasperated sigh and looked at the streamer in an apologetic look.
"Sorry about Eric, he is a kind boy, but he has these negative thoughts about how our journey would be meaningless and he is more afraid to leave the town than me. Saying it will be a waste of time. So don't mind him." Stephanie knows that the blunt tone coming from Eric would have offended Josh and decided to stop the fight before even starting.
Josh didn't know how to respond to that, so he decided to remain quiet and nod his head. He looked at the boy who seemed to be more interested to listen to the radio instead of actually being there. It seems that he was the case of the boy who prefers to be at home instead of actually leaving.
"Anyway, what are you listening to this time?" Stephanie knows that the awkward silence was made by her friend. She even tried to look at Professor Oak, who seemed to be turning his head away, leaving her and Josh actually trying to create an environment to talk. Stephanie knows that even adults can be cowards when they want to be.
"Lavender town news. It seems there is a group of thieves going around the region taking pokemon from their trainers." Josh who seemed to be still stoic in his expression decided to give the news which surprised not just Stephanie but Professor Oak.
"A group of thieves?" Professor Oak finally after hearing something that would make him interact with the group, decided to appear and question more about the possible group who could be making the life of the trainers more difficult. "Who would be the group doing it?"
"Lavender Town doesn't know yet, but there is a rumor about them naming themselves as Team Rocket." Josh, after putting his radio in his pocket, gave a deep look at the group around him, noticing that the older boy in front of him didn't seem fazed by the news, but the researcher himself looked concerned about the danger.
"That doesn't sound good. I need to get in contact with someone from the council, this should be verified as soon as possible. I need you both to leave and wait until 6 days for you to choose your starters and start your journey." Professor Oak once again said, reminding them that it wasn't their time to take their pokemon and explore Kanto.
"Okay." Said Stephanie before grabbing Eric's shirt and dragging him to the door. "Sorry for disturbing you Professor, and thank you for your help, sir."
As the girl grabbed the boy who seemed annoyed but remained in silence, Josh looked at the professor who seemed deep in thought.
"What am I going to do?" Professor Oak walked to the coffee kettle and filled a cup of coffee, as he narrowed his eyes in concern.
Josh knowing full well about how the entire arc would be, decided to remain quiet and not say anything to change the events of what was going to happen in the next few days. But knowing that the professor would be without rest until he was assured something could be done. Josh decided to beat around the bush.
"Well professor, you could try to call the authorities and make a report in case you discover something about them. Talk to the council about them and make sure to have some protocols in case of a stolen pokemon." Josh knowing that even the police of Pokemon would suck, it was better than act himself and screw himself against the law and get in jail by accident, while Brock's interaction with officer Jenny, it was so dumb to see the policewoman screw such obvious cases that in the end, he would have a migraine.
It was best to not go against an empire by himself unless he has such stronger pokemon that would make his battle against Giovani easy to force him to calm down Team Rocket services in Kanto, maybe move them to another area where he wouldn't care less.
"I'm afraid that's the only thing we could do. So how was training Joshua?" Professor knew that he couldn't do anything much about the possible outcomes, the only thing that would make his mind relax was knowing what the young boy had done in his training.
"It has been fruitful, professor. Now Ditto is capable of maintaining his transformation for 12 minutes, for 5 times a day." Josh went with his Pokeball and the slime pokemon in his arms. "He exhausted himself again, but phase one of his training is finally over. So he deserves a great rest today."
"I'm glad to hear Joshua and I have to confess, I was afraid of you overworking your pokemon with the ideas you showed me yesterday. But since Ditto is keeping up with the training, I know the theory you told me a few days ago will be possible and I still can't believe that something like that is possible." Professor Oak as he drank his cup of coffee he offered a cup which he gladly accepted.
"It's on the between lines professor, many would have used Ditto for other ways. Some are more drastic than others, but there is one thing that I know that this little guy will do and when he becomes the pokemon he always wanted to be, then he will be one of the strongest pokemon from Kanto."
"You inspired him, Joshua, while the little story about Charmander and Ditto was indeed heartwarming and a good eye-opener..."
"You cried for about 5 minutes." Josh couldn't help but tease the professor who narrowed his eyes to the boy.
"I'm a sensible man when it comes to wholesome pokemon stories, okay? Don't judge me." Professor said as the boy smiled as an answer. "But continuing, the path you're creating for Ditto is indeed not just difficult, but if done incorrectly it will make serious damage to the health of the poor pokemon. Forcing a Ditto to become stronger like that is like creating many restrictions, and as a result, it can work perfectly, but one mistake can make him really sick and possibly make him stay at the pokemon center for weeks."
"I understand that, that's why I created the first restriction rule." Josh knew how much danger that the pokemon training can be, knowing that his Ditto wasn't ready. "That's why he will not transform himself into the evolved pokemon until he is ready."
"I found it absurd when you told me that you are making Ditto transform into nothing more than the primary pokemon until he is ready, but how are you going to know that Ditto will be in fact ready to transform himself into the evolved form?" Professor Oak knew at the moment he observed the plans of the training regime from the boy in front of him. It sounded so steady and slow, but solid enough that when it makes his pokemon stronger, it will force his Ditto to surpass its limit in a way that nobody ever thought before. But knowing when his pokemon would be better to transform himself into the evolved counterparts, it's something that nobody ever imagined or even planned before.
"It's an easy process, professor, but that is a training that we will use everything that makes it right. It's risky if I rush one single step and that's unacceptable for me. I will grind until I know that it is ready. Well, I will take a bath and change my clothes. See ya, professor." Josh, after drinking his coffee, decided to leave the Ditto resting as he prepared himself to walk over Pallet Town.
Leaving the professor looking at the boy in confusion.
"Grind?" A word that Professor Oak never heard about, made Professor Oak tilt his head in confusion.
3 days later:
"Alright Ditto, now use transform HP 45, Attack 50, Defense 55, Special Attack 75, Special Defense 65, Speed 30, total 320 stats points, Grass and Poison-type," Josh commanded as the little slime got ready as its body became a blue color and became more solid, as it appeared grass over its head. Looking at the solid pokemon without any defect or mistake made. Josh knew that the transformation was 100% accurate, even the eyes were perfect as the look of the simple Oddish. "You did great Ditto, now release the eyes, when you make the eyes as the pokemon you choose, it will cut the time limit of your transformation."
"Oddish." The blue pokemon said before his red eyes became more simplistic as it looked like the simple eyes of a Ditto once again.
"We focused on transformation training a few days ago, but now let's see if you remember the training on using this body. Now use Acid." Josh smiled as he pointed at the rock 2 meters away from him, as the little Pokemon focused his mouth and released a green goo which soon corroded the rock. "Ok, 1 of 4, now let's see Sweet Scent."
"Oddish." The transformed pokemon used its own leaves to release what would be a great odor which made Josh smile in delight at such a simple technique.
"Now I know why this attack would reduce the evasiveness from the others, nobody would want to leave a good smell area so soon. Alright, 2 of 4. Knowing from you, you did great watching Oddish using the skill set he had. Still, there is a lot we can do in the future. I will make a special training set of skills for you to learn. So be ready for when we go in the future we find great sparring partners that will help you with your new set of skills." Josh took his clipboard which Professor Oak let him use for his training and decided to write the ideas of possible outcomes of the training. "You need to learn skills that most trainers have never heard about and soon this will take all the trainers by surprise. All trainers will see a solar beam, but nobody ever could imagine a pokemon using an energy ball for the first time. So bear in mind that soon you will have skills that most Pokemon will envy."
"Oddish." The slime pokemon knowing that his trainer would be once again talking about things that it wouldn't understand did the only thing it knew, just nod and agree with his trainer.
"Alright, now that you made your transformations capable of having a skill set for attacks. Phase 2 is complete. This means that now you just need 1 more step to make you ready for being an amazing pokemon." Josh knew that his pokemon didn't actually listen to him, decided to show the last phase of his training and one that it will be the most difficult. "Ditto, this training actually will be the most difficult that you will ever have, so you don't have a time limit, because I know your limitations and I will not be disappointed if you pass 3 days and still be not capable of passing this phase. This phase I actually want you to achieve before in the championship league."
The blue pokemon looked at the trainer and tilted its head in confusion.
"Odd-oddish?" The pokemon was actually curious and confused about the meaning of the words from his training.
"The phase 3 Ditto is the ultimate transformation set. This will make you not just be capable of transforming at the pokemon you know and meet... But transform yourself into a pokemon you just saw by a picture and transform the pokemon you already know to its counterpart." Josh knew that it would take a while to explain, so he decided to sit down and look at the pokemon with a patient eye. "Let me give an example. You know the Rattata form right?"
"Oddish." The little grass pokemon nodded its head, and in the next second changed its body to its slime form before becoming a little rodent purple pokemon which Josh knew really well. "Rattata."
"That answers my question, but did you know that Rattata isn't just this look? In another Region named Alola, there is a Rattata which has black fur instead of purple, and a mustache on its face and while Rattata from Kanto is a normal type pokemon, Rattata from Alola is both normal type and a Dark-type pokemon, which means that having another attribute would make a difference depending on the battle you are in." Josh decided to make a little drawing using a simple pencil and using the transformed Ditto as a reference helped him to make it look almost exactly at the Alola version he wanted to show to Ditto. As the rodent pokemon looked confused but at the same time surprised, he saw the draw of what would be the version of its transformation from another Region. "This would be the counterpart of Rattata."
"Rattata." Ditto said slowly as it tried to comprehend the phase of his next training section which Josh knew would take a long time to achieve.
"Ditto, you don't have to worry about the why, but I know that you are capable of doing this. You already proved to me that you can change yourself from memory and if you use your memory and intelligence, you will be capable of doing this in a short amount of time. But remember, we are running a marathon, not 100 meters, it's better to have solid steps than rushing into a risky move and getting yourself hurt. That's why I forbid you to transform yourself into the Graveler and Arcanine, you are not ready to use the evolved versions." Josh knowing how excited Ditto wanted to transform itself into the biggest forms, forbade him to do something drastic like that because of the rigid training he was making for Ditto. The slime pokemon needed to understand that a pokemon shouldn't start at level 100 at the beginning, because it would result in being unable to listen to his trainer, or worse... he could become a bad egg glitch. Josh when he was at the time against elite 4, had a great time once, but by a glitch all his 100 level pokemon became eggs and that made him lose his save file forever. "Solid training, not rushing. It's a marathon."
"Rattata." Once again the slime pokemon decided to accept the orders from his trainer, as it understood how much his trainer wanted him to be strong and Ditto himself never had dreamed so much about becoming a strong pokemon. A week ago, the slime pokemon was just looking for a shelter to protect itself from the rain, and how much it changed its view of life in just 7 days. Something that Ditto never knew was possible.
"Alright, since we finished the basic skill training, it seems that we are free to rest for the entire day. So you want to go to the lab or do you want to pass some time here?" Josh got up and cleaned the dirt from his pants as he looked at the Rodent to turn itself into his slime body.
"Ditto." Ditto looked far away from where its head seemed to be interested in going somewhere.
"Alright, I will leave you here to enjoy yourself. You know where the lab is so be there before night, okay? I trust you Ditto." Josh chuckled as he knew how his slime pokemon enjoyed the simple things such as walking around and meeting all the pokemon around. Knowing that the slime pokemon wouldn't betray his trust, because it wanted to become stronger and for that, it would need time. Josh knew that his pokemon would need to play as well. "See you later."
"Ditto." The slime pokemon moved its head up and down showing its excitement as it slowly crawled over the field to enjoy itself.
.
.
.
Josh, holding his clipboard, walked at the lab which seemed completely empty like every time he goes there. But strangely it was morning and in the morning, Professor Oak would visit him as both of them would talk about research and projects.
"CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU." Suddenly a cry from far away in the forest and a flash of giant lightning was launched into the sky. It was an impressive scene that even made a few people over Pallet town stop their tracks and watch the lighting in surprise.
Josh, who always knew the iconic voices of the pokemon anime characters, knew full well what the lighting would mean.
"Oh sugar butter." Josh said as he placed his hands on his head. "Here we go again."
Josh, thinking about the possible outcome of having a freaking Pikachu which would be angry at that moment, went over to the table which was his equipment, placed it under the bed, and used a blanket to cover it. After thinking a little better, he even moved the bed behind a table which was turned as a barricade.
Waiting for a few minutes, what he was facing was exactly what he expected. The professor, who seemed covered with burnt discharged energy, covered into black ash, and his hair was messed up like he received 200 volts into straight hair.
"Oh Joshua, you are here. I'm glad. Come, take a look at this." Professor Oak took a Pokeball which made Josh look from far away.
"It's an electric pokemon?" Josh asked while sounding unamused, but even like that he surprised the professor who seemed with his eyes wide open.
"How did you know?" Professor Oak asked as Josh was still 20 steps away from him, but his eyes were still clear that he was annoyed by something that the professor doesn't have an idea of what it is.
"Giant Lighting at the forest, and you came here like you suffered a discharge from an electric tower... it was a guess." Josh, knowing which pokemon was inside of the Pokeball, remained away from it.
The professor chuckled from the sarcastic tone of the young boy in front of him.
"I always forget that you have a sharp mind, but yes. In fact what I have here is a Pikachu, which was one of the rarest pokemon to see in Pallet town, we have a rumor that if someone has one it would bring great luck, and if someone is a friend with one it would mean a friendship that would last forever." Professor Oak said as he approached Josh who seemed to be wary of the pokemon in some way.
"Oh I can imagine that, but one thing that I have in mind is... WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU BRINGING AN ELECTRIC POKEMON INTO THE LAB WHEN THERE IS A ROTOM MAKING A COPY OF MY ELECTRONICS!?" Josh shouted as he pointed out at the professor who seemed to take a few seconds to click what he meant by that.
"Ohhhh. I know your concerns, young Joshua, but you don't need to worry about it. Since the pokemon was captured with the Pokeball, it will become pacified and it will listen to my instructions like a pokemon and his trainer." Professor Oak once again smiled as it showed his optimism, which made Josh's eyes twitch before sighing to himself.
"Oh, how wrong you are professor," Josh whispered to himself as he walked behind the barricade and squatted to protect himself from the barricade.
"Joshua? Where are you?" Professor Oak's voice was said over the corridor while Josh remained quiet and waited. "Hm… he must be in a hurry. Well, now let's start."
The sound of the pokemon being released made Josh hold his breath.
"Well Pikachu, now that I captured you, let's start a good friendship and we together make good research about your prowess in electric power." The worst part of Josh's ears was the fact that Professor Oak definitely sounded naive as the sound of sparks was being heard from a little grow.
"PikaCCHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU." The answer was definitely a thunderbolt placing the entire lab where the sound of the professor's scream was placed from the entire town.
Josh focused his eyes on the blankets under the bed and it seemed that the Thunderbolt wasn't in fact hitting anywhere from the bed, which made him sigh in relief. As the sound of the thunderbolt and the shout of Pikachu can be heard for 2 whole minutes and the pained scream from the professor is high enough to show that Josh knew full well how much it would hurt to receive one of that.
After 5 minutes, the Pikachu was exhausted and Professor Oak's patience had enough and used the Pokeball to make the Pikachu turn back to his Pokeball.
After hearing silence, Josh decided to get out of the barricade, and watched the Professor's remains... he looked like he was burned crispy in so many ways. His hair looked like a plug since it still has electricity over the hair. And his clothes? Burned and with holes. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the Pokeball thinking about what he was going to do.
Josh would want to make a joke about the Professor, but it was the first time that he saw the same professor be so serious and furious. It seemed that the Pikachu went too far by using 2 minutes of its thunderbolt since professor Oak was using some machines over the floor and by a surprising speed he made a capsule with tubes to make sure that the Pokeball wouldn't be released by accident at the lab. After finishing the machine and placing the Pokeball, professor Oak finally could calm down. But then doubt passed through his mind.
"Rotom was hit by the thunderbolt?" Professor Oak asked in worry since Josh would be angry and disappointed if his stupidity would destroy the equipment of the young trainer.
"I placed them under the bed with a blanket and made a table barricade." Josh didn't let him worry much, since he was there, and even if some people are stupid, Josh wasn't one of them, he wouldn't trust having his equipment destroyed by that. Josh, still unamused, couldn't help but feel pity from both Professor Oak who trusted a peeved Pikachu and Pikachu by being placed in the poke prison like that.
Professor Oak remained in silence but nodded his head in appreciation.
"It seems that you have guessed the outcome from my experience, sorry for having you worry. Just to make sure, I will ask Rotom later to find a way to make your equipment electric-proof, since knowing that an electric pokemon could destroy your equipment easily." Professor Oak's still heart, he used a wet tissue to clean his hands and face which was covered in black ash. "Sorry about that."
"That's okay professor. Everyone has bad days, humans and even pokemon, you never know that. But please before doing something like that, I think it would be best if you use the open field, there will be more space to evade the attack and there isn't something precious to us to be destroyed." Josh, knowing that the Professor was really sorry, couldn't help but joke a little which made not just him chuckle but the professor as well.
"I will keep that in mind, but now let's talk about another issue. My grandson and my granddaughter are finally free from their studies and since they have their time to finally have dinner with me, I decided to ask you if you are interested in meeting my family." Professor Oak, who seemed to smile once again warmly at the young boy, who seemed surprised by his news...
"Me? Meeting your family?" Josh asked in disbelief...
