Prologue

Professor Sycamore was at a crossroads. He wanted to study the behavior patterns of Pokémon capable of mega evolution compared to Pokémon that weren't capable of mega evolution. However, there were too many variables to get accurate data.

The test subjects would be entirely different species of Pokémon. Not all Pokémon had the same number of evolutionary stages either. Those were just a few of the issues with picking proper test subjects.

Sycamore frowned in thought. He needed to find two Pokémon, one capable of mega evolution and the other not, that were as similar to each other as possible. But he didn't have the foggiest idea as to which.

Sycamore was pulled from his musing by the sound of happy yips and barks. He saw Garchomp chasing after a group of giddy Fennekin in a game tag in the garden.

"That's it!" Sycamore exclaimed.

Sycamore rushed to the phone and called one of his colleagues in the Kanto region, Professor Oak. Sycamore tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for Oak to pick up. A bright grin appeared on his face when Professor Oak appeared on the screen.

"Ah, well if it isn't Augustine! I'm delighted to see you again, old chum! How have you been?" Oak asked with a jolly smile.

"I'm doing great! In fact, I had an idea that would allow me to study the differences between Pokémon that are capable of mega evolving and those that aren't as they mature from an early age until they are fully evolved," Sycamore explained.

"Oh? Please, go on," Oak said.

"Well, I had trouble deciding which Pokémon to study, because there were too many differences between species," Sycamore began. "But then I realized that the perfect subjects were starter Pokémon!"

"Of course! Each set of starters have almost the exact same types, abilities, and beginning move sets," Oak said excitedly.

"Exactly! All starters are meant to be similar so that no matter where a new trainer begins their journey, they will have similar options for a starter wherever they are in the world!" Sycamore added. Oak's excitement was infectious, and Sycamore was feeling the man's elation.

"Genius, my boy!" Oak praised. "But I must ask. Why did you call me about this? I doubt you simply wanted to share your brilliant idea."

"Ah, yes, about that." Sycamore's excitement had faded now that they were back on topic.

"I wanted to ask if you could send me a set of Kanto starters to study alongside a set of Kalos starters. I'd be happy to send you a Chespin, Froakie, and Fennekin in return."

Oak gained a thoughtful look. "Well, we do have plenty of starters here at the lab. And I was planning on giving the next batch of new trainers an invention of mine I like to call the National Pokedex, or National Dex for short."

"National Pokedex?" Sycamore asked.

"It's an expanded version of a regional pokedex that includes Pokémon from every region," Oak explained. "I was going to test it anyway, so I might as well give this year's new trainers a foreign starter to test it out. Who knows, it may encourage them to travel to other regions in the future."

"That's marvelous, professor!" Sycamore said.

"Oh, please, there's no need to congratulate me. It was honestly easier than I expected. I'm just surprised that no one else thought to make it before."

"Of course, whatever you say, professor," Sycamore chuckled. "So, I'll just send you three of my starters right away then?"

"Yes, and I'll do the same!" Oak proclaimed. His infectious smile had returned and shined brighter than ever.

"Then I'll talk to you soon. Have a good day, professor," Sycamore waved.

"And to you, as well!" Oak grinned.

The screen turned off with a blink. Sycamore's smile was in full blast, and his earlier gloom was gone.

"Alain, gather up all the starters! We'll be sending them to Professor Oak to find trainers in the Kanto region. Find the starters that want a strong trainer the most. If I know Oak, his trainers will be nothing short of extraordinary," Sycamore called.

"Right away, sir," Alain said. He rushed down the hall with his Charmander in tow.

"And if I know that Froakie, I bet he'll jump at the chance to find a good trainer," Sycamore grinned. "Maybe in Kanto he'll finally find a partner that'll match his spirit for battle."