"The magic feeling, never let me down. I've got the greatest friends that ever could be found. Across every river, behind every tree. On top of every mountain, they're a part of you and me!" I sang. A smile on my face as I walked down Route 1, towards Viridian City.

Of course it would probably more appropriate to sing "Viridian City" but "You and Me and Pokemon" just holds a special place in my heart. So I decided to bust it out to kick this journey off.

By the way, all of the Pokemon's songs from my previous life exist here. In their English form mind you, but they exist. Which is both good and slightly disturbing at the same time. But at least now I can sing my favorite Pokemon-related songs as freely as I want.

Like I am right now.

"Sharing the same bright sun! You & Me & Pokemon!"

I continued singing the song until I made camp for the night on a riverbank I found.

After I set up all my gear I took Spyros' pokeball off my belt, where currently five others are sitting courtesy of Professor Oak, and enlarged it. I then released him.
"Okay pal, dinner time." I spoke. Placing a bowl filled with Pokemon food in front of him. Which he happily dug into.

Upon seeing this, and making sure he was eating, I went over to sit down at my table and eat my own dinner.

Now you're probably wondering how I have a table right?

Well the answer is that I had it with me when I left Pallet Town. It was just stored in my backpack. Along with my other necessities such as my own food, a few changes of clothes, my tent, and a few other essentials.

Once again all courtesy of Professor Oak. Who supplied me with all this before I left his ranch.

Just one of the many perks of being one of his sponsored trainers. Which not only nets me a stipend of 1,000 Pokedollar's a month, but also makes me entitled to use Professor Oak's ranch as my own personal corral for any and all Pokemon I obtain if I so choose to. Just like Ash did in canon.

Who I am now certain was a trainer sponsored by Professor Oak.

Since after doing the research I did in relation to Pokemon trainers and their journey's shortly after I arrvied here I now know there is no way Ash could've run all the place like did without support from Oak.

I mean not to rag or Ketchum or anything but he came from a moderate family home with only really his mother in the picture.

And Pokemon journey's are expensive.

So if Ash had only received support from her Delia Ketchum would've had to work herself near to death to make sure Ash could've enjoyed his Pokemon journey without any worries.

Because for the most part this is now a real world following real principles and rules and the like.

Though back to my bag and how I am able to place and carry all the stuff I have inside of it without breaking my back. It is because my bag was produced using special spatial and weight manipulation technology.

Which I have learned actually follows the same principle as the Pokeball.

But that makes perfect.

Otherwise how else could you explain how trainers carry around Pokemon like Aggron, Tyranitar, Lapras, etc, without being dragged down by all that extra weight and mass? You couldn't. Not without the technology I just mentioned.

Which once again showcases the wonders of the world of Pokemon.

In no time at all I finished my dinner, the same for Spryo. Once we did I cleaned up. We then got in some quick after-dinner training.

Drawing a crowd of wild Pokemon in the process.

Though Spyro and I really paid them no mind. Since I learned that in most cases if you don't antagonize Pokemon they will leave you alone.

However with some Pokemon species that isn't the case. But more on that later

Continuing our training Spryo and I finished it up.

The two of us then crawled inside of my tent and turned in for the night.

On the road to Viridian City.

Getting up bright and early the next morning Spyro and I got in some early morning training.

We then had some breakfast before packing up and setting off.

Reaching Viridian City by noon.

Though after a quick visit to the Pokemon Center to call professor Oak and let him know I arrived safely I'm getting the hell out of town.

Since I would not feel comfortable being in the same vicinity of the head of an infamous terrorist organization, who masquerades as a caring gym leader and philanthropist, that looks like he is one of the characters straight out of the Godfather film series in my previous life.

Yeah, no.

The faster I get out of range of Giovanni the better I'll feel.

Even if he has no idea I exist.

Because until I can say with confidence I have the strength to defend myself against him I won't ever feel comfortable being in his presence.

Which is probably going to be the case for a long time. Since from what I've been able to gather Giovanni's strength is actually on the level of an Elite Four member. He only reasons he's not one is because he keeps refusing to take up the position anytime it becomes vacant or is offered.

Now I won't bore you with all the details but to suffice it to say just like the difference between regular trainers and gym leaders is night and day, the same can generally be said for gym leaders and elite four members.

Yet Giovanni is a gym leader that can stand amongst the elite four, and if he's serious about training likely even higher.

Overall that man scares me.

In more ways than one.

Meaning with him, avoidance is the key to success.

For now at least.

Entering the city, after showing a local police officer, who is not an officer Jenny, my trainer license, I headed straight for the Pokemon center.
"Get back here you!"

Only to see quite the strange sight when I arrived.

A Nurse Joy and Chansey with black soot and angry expressions on their faces, chasing around a Magby who had a shit-eating grin on its face.

'Only in the world of Pokemon.'I thought. As I continued watching the nursing human and Pokemon chase around the Magby, until the fire-type Pokemon eventually started running in my direction. Getting a look in its eye when it did.

Catching it, and knowing nothing good would come of it, I didn't hesitate and released Spyro. "Thunderwave." I said. Pointing to Magby.

Who got a look of realization on its face just after I called out for Spyro to use its move.

But it was too little too late.

Magby had no time to dodge the Thunderwave and was thus hit with it, getting paralyzed and falling flat on its face.

Then before it had even a chance to do anything in response Nurse Joy and Chansey surrounded it, smiles on both their faces that didn't reach their eyes in the slightest.

Seeing this Magby started sweating bullets, and for some reason turned its head in mine and Spyro's direction and began giving us a pleading look.

Faced with this I did the one thing I could.

"Spyro, let us pray for this poor soul." I spoke. I then clasped my hands together and began praying for Magby. Spyro joining me.

"Magby!"

He cried.

May he rest in peace.

"Thank you so much for your assistance young man." Nurse Joy told me. Using a towel to wipe the black soot off her face. Her Chansey doing the same.

Meanwhile Magby lay on a nearby Pokemon hospital bed, several bruises covering its body.

All courtesy of Nurse Joy and Chansey.

Well it's their own fault. After all Magby broke one of the cardinal rules.

Don't fuck with the healer.
So now it must deal with the consequences.

And as to why Spyro and I are still involved in this entire situation, it's because after we helped them apprehend Magby Nurse Joy and Chansey invited us inside the Pokemon Center to thank us. Now here the two of us are.

"It's no problem Nurse Joy." I said.

"Dra." Spyro cried in agreement.

"Though I am curious as to why Magby messed with you two in the first place?" I asked.

"Its trainer abandoned it around this area some months back." Nurse Joy began. Taking the towel away from her face, since she finished wiping all the black soot off of it.

Chansey having done the same.

"And after that Magby started playing pranks on the locals. It's not a bad Pokemon, it just wants attention." Joy explained. Now sporting a slightly sad look on her face.
Same for Chansey.

"Tini?" Spyro cood. He then gave me a questioning look. "Dratini?"

"Well you see Spyro they're sad for Magby because it did nothing wrong yet it was abandoned by their trainer. But if you ask me then good riddance." I said.

Because any trainer who simply abandons their Pokemon is complete and utter scum in my book. I always hated those characters when they appeared in the anime. Now even more so that I actually live in the Pokemon world. And if I were to encounter a trainer like that, well let's just say they wouldn't come out of our encounter unscathed.

"By?" I heard. I then turned my gaze to Magby. Who was giving me a curious look. "Magby?"

"Yeah, you heared me right. Good riddance to that former trainer of yours." I spoke. Looking Magby directly in its eyes. "Since if they abandoned you they didn't even deserve you in the first place. But you already know that, right?"

"Magby." Magby replied. Getting a frustrated expression on its face before turning its gaze away from me.

Telling me all I needed to know.

"Hey Magby I'm not trying to get you down. But the sooner you come to terms with it and accept your circumstances the sooner you can move forward." I spoke.

When I did Magby turned to look at me again, this time a slightly angry expression on its face. "Magby!" It roared.

"I never said it would be easy. Most things like this never are. But even though we just met I get the feeling you don't want this weighing you down, right?" I spoke.

"Magby." It grumbled.

"Looks like I'm right on the money." I spoke. Putting a grin on my face.

Which Magby gave me the stink-eye for but I ignored it. Instead I kept the grin on my face and approached his hospital gurney. Then when I reached it I put a serious expression on my face. "Hey, I've got a proposition for you Magby. How about you become my Pokemon?" I asked it.

"Magby!" It cried in utter shock.

"I'm deadly serious." I replied.

Because again, even though we just met, I wouldn't mind having Magby join me. So what if it has a few issues. Everyone has issues in one form or another. And compared to most I don't think this Magby's are too severe. At least not to the level I don't believe I can handle it.

Besides I always planned to get a member of the Magby evolutionary line on my time anyway, since I want a Magmortar in the future, and what better time than the present?

As far as I can see this is a win-win situation all around.

"Of course you don't have to give me your answer right now. You can take some time to think about it. And if you refuse me that's your choice. I'll completely understand and never bother you again. But just so you know if you join me you'll become part of my family. And I'll never abandon you. Because I'll always have time for family. Not to mention I'll make you so strong your old trainer will shit bricks if they ever come around looking for you." I spoke. "Those are facts and promises my fire-type friend. But like I said, take some time."

I then got ready to move away, getting ready to resign myself to staying in Viridian City for a few days.

Only to stop in my tracks when I felt Magby tug at my shirt.

Turning back towards it I saw the look in its eye. When I did I simply took a Pokeball off my belt, enlarged it, then tapped it gently against Magby's forehead. The fire-type going into the Pokeball and me hearing the familiar click of a capture without any issues.

Which brought a smile to my face.

Since it's not even a day into my journey and I not only already have a second Pokemon, but one that will allow me to obtain the Pokemon I wanted on my team from the beginning.

What a glorious day this is.

"Young man, are you really sure about this?" Nurse Joy suddenly asked me. So I turned in her direction. "Magby has been hurt. He's been abandoned."

"I know Nurse Joy. I understand what Magby has been through. But if its willing to let me I'll help it move on and give it a better life than its old trainer ever could." I spoke without hesitation.

For that is the responsibility I now bear at its trainer.

"Well alright." Nurse Joy said.

"Thank you." I replied to her.

Spyros looking up to me as I did. He then gave me a curious look. "Dratini?"

"Yep, Magby is now part of our team and family." I spoke. "Oh and speaking of that, let's get him registered." I spoke.

I then slipped my free hand into my pocket and slipped out the device any true Pokemon fan would know, the Pokedex.

Which also functions as more than just a way to identify Pokemon. It also functions as a bank card, and even a communication device. It's like one of the phones from my old life.

Holding Magby's pokeball up in front of the Pokedex I allowed it to scan it. A few seconds after this occurred the iconic robotic male voice of Dexter began speaking from the dex.

[Notice. The trainer known as Mikoto Suoh has just caught the Pokemon known as Magby. Notice. The Pokemon Magby is now registered as one of Mikoto Suoh's Pokemon. Displaying Magby information. Gender: Male Height: 2'4" Weight: 45.1 Ibs Ability: Flame Body Type: Fire Moveset: Smokescreen, Smog, Ember, Leer, Confuse Ray Abnormal Status: None]

Looking at all of Magby's information I nodded my head.

'Not bad at all.'I thought. He's got a decent move pool and despite being an abandoned Pokemon he's in relatively good health. Which after doing my own research is not the case with most abandoned Pokemon.

Case in point, Ashs' Charizard when it was still a Charmander. Left alone by that British-voiced prick Damian.

If you remember it almost died.

No joke.

So again I'm glad Magby is in relatively good health.

No, actually now that he's apart of my team he has a new name.

Welcome aboard, Surtr.

Lying in bed I didn't feel tired in the slightest. So I turned my attention between staring out the window at the full moon, and Surtr and Spyros' pokeball's. Which were resting atop the stand right next to the bed.

Which is located within a room in the Pokemon Centre, where I am staying tonight.

But tomorrow I will get on the road again. That being where my thoughts are at right now. Or to put it in simpler terms, my thoughts are on the future.

Namely what I want to do in it.

I mean I know I want to go down the battler route when it comes to being a trainer, but exactly how I am going to walk that path is still a complete mystery to me.

For the most part.

Since I know for sure I want to participate in gym circuits and then by extension league conferences.

The issue I'm having with that right now though is that the qualification time to participate in this year's Indigo Conference is fast approaching, with there only being three months left if I want to get in.

And while I feel I could make the qualification deadline do I really want to put that much pressure on myself and by extension my Pokemon?

Turning my attention away from the window back to Spyro and Surtrs' pokeball's I instantly had my answer.

No.

Why should I go through all that trouble when I can just participate in the league conference next year. And with a team of fully trained and battle-experienced Pokemon at that.

I'm not killing myself or my Pokemon over a small chance at gaining fame and fortune. Considering the number of trainers who participate in league conferences each year. Which is quite a lot. I looked it up. Not to mention many of those participating trainers will have likely been so for a couple of years and have prior league conference participation experience. So pitting my new trainer ass, together with what would be my hastily thrown together and severely inexperienced Pokemon team, against them would be a fools errand.

And my mother didn't raise no fool.

Meaning I am not going to try for the Indigo Conference this year.

Instead I wait until next year, using the time in between to build up my team, get them properly trained, and just explore and enjoy myself.

My decision made concerning the future all the unnecessary thoughts left my hide. Giving me some semblance of peace. Right before my mind became filled with thoughts in regards to gathering my Pokemon team and training them.

Unable to get them to quiet down I found myself getting out of bed and getting a pen and notebook from my backpack. I then moved to sit down at the desk in the room and start writing down the ideas I was having in regards to Pokemon training.

Leading to me witnessing the sunrise itself, since I didn't get a wink of sleep.

But honestly I didn't feel tired at all.

For I was too excited about Pokemon training.

Man this is the life.

My eyes wide open I scrutinized the area surrounding me.

Spyro and Surtr, who loves his name and was happy to take it once I told it to him, following and doing the same.

The three of us currently on Route 22.

In search of a Pokemon I wanted to add to our growing team.

Two weeks have passed since I arrived in Viridian City, Surtr became my Pokemon, and I decided to take it slow in regards to my journey and try my hand at the Indigo league Conference next year.

Since then I have started making good on the personal goals I set for myself and have fully immersed myself in training Spyro and Surtr. The both of them just as enthusiastic about it as me. Making things that much easier.

Whether is sparring between themselves, training their moves, physical exercise, battle-strategy discussions, etc. Neither one of them have ever voiced a complaint.

Especially in regards to the Pokemon battles I've had them participate in against the other trainers also staying at the Viridian Pokemon centre who've accepted my challenges.

All of which I've won by the way. Allowing me and my team to not only rake in battle experience, but also cash. Because the wager system exists here. By betting most of the stipend money I get from Profesor Oak I've increased my account balance from a measly $1,000 to a grand total of $10,000. Putting me firmly in the green for now.

Though I know it won't last long considering how expensive being a Pokemon trainer is. Not only for the Pokemon but their trainer as well.

But like I just said I'm happy with my funds right now.

And since Spyro and Surtr have been making good progress I felt it was time to add something new into the mixture.

My third Pokemon.

Also yes, I decided to stay in Viridian City despite my personal reservations. Especially since its rated the "safest" city in all of Kanto, having the lowest percentage of Team Rocket activity.

Oh if only the poor bastards in charge knew the reason why this was the case.

The three of us continued moving down the route, scanning our surroundings for the Pokemon I wanted to capture. Still having absolutely no luck in spotting it despite having been coming to Route 22 for the past four days straight. But when I won't something I'm not one to easily give up. So I'll continue searching until I'm satisfied.

Our trio continued our search for another of hours, then stopped and took a break when lunch time rolled around.

When it did we found a quiet spot, in a small clearing, since we were surrounded by mostly tall grass, with a tree, and I quickly set things up.

After placing their perspective bowls of Pokemon food in front of Spyro and Surtr I took out my own lunch. A sub sandwich and bottled water.

Moving over to the tree I sat down and leaned against it. I then unwrapped my sandwich and began digging in without reservation.

"Nidoran."

Only to instantly stop and zero my eyes in on a female Nidoran that came out of the tall grass around us. Spyro and Surtr following my lead.

Because we have just met the Pokemon we have been searching for.

One that by capturing will allow me to one day have a Nidoqueen on my team.

Just like I did when I played the games.

But here it will be even more amazing since Pokemon aren't limited to that annoying bullshit rule of only knowing four moves. No, here, given enough time and effort a Pokemon can learn almost any move in their movepool. Even without TM's and TR's.

Which is a whole other thing.

One which I won't get into at the moment.

For I've got a Pokemon to catch.

"Hey there girl." I gently spoke to Nidoran. Making sure not to make any sudden movements that might scare her away. Because I have no desire to chase her down. Not when I am so close.

Plus given what I know about the Nidoran species I am not taking any chances.

"Nido." She said. Turning her gaze in my direction. Specifically to my sandwich.

Seeing this I broke off a piece from the end I hadn't been eating from and held it out in Nidoran's direction. "Want some of this?" I asked.

"Nido." She replied. Then a few seconds later she slowly stepped forward, until she was in range of my hand, and began nibbling on the piece of my sub sandwich I had offered her. A happy expression on her faec.

"It's good, right?" I asked.

"Nidoran!" She happily exclaimed, in between bites. Until eventually she finished the entire thing off.

Once this happened I gave her a few more pieces, before finishing the rest of the sandwich myself. For what I did give Niodran got her to stick around until I finished eating.

Same for Spyro and Surtr.

Then once we were all done I stood back up to my feet and looked Nidoran in the eyes. "Sorry for the late introduction Nidoran, but allow me to introduce myself. The names Mikoto Suoh and I'm a Pokemon trainer." I spoke. I then pointed to Spyro and Surtr. "And these two are my Pokemon, Spyro and Surtr."

"Dratini."

"Magby."

They introduce themselves.

"Nidoran." She replied. Nidoran then focused all her attention back on me. "Nido?"

"We're here because we came looking for a member of your species." I replied.

Having become an expert in Pokemonese since I arrived here. No wait, would it be Monese instead? Eh, whatever. The point is I can generally understand what Pokemon are saying and that's good enough for me.

"Ran?"

"Because as I just said I am a Pokemon trainer and I want a member of your species on my team. So that I may raise them and train them to become one of the strongest Pokemon in the entire world. And since you fit the bill of what I am looking for, I'm wondering if you would like to join us?"

"Nido." She replied. Nidoran then looked between me, Surtr, and Spryo in quick succession before focusing her gaze back on me. She then gently nodded her head. "Nidoran."

"Excellent." I replied. Putting a smile on my face. "I promise, you won't regret this decision." I told her. I then moved to take an unused Pokeball off my belt and capture her with it.

Only for Nidoran to shake her head and jump back, getting into a battle stance.

Me instantly understanding the meaning behind this.

"I see. You want to see what we're made of before we seal the deal." I said. Nidoran nodding her head in acknowledgment. "Understood. I can respect that." I spoke.

In fact this makes me like Nidoran even more now.

I turned to Spyro and Surtr. "So, who wants to take this battle?" I asked them.

When I did the two shared a quick look before Surtr stepped up a second later and Spyro didn't challenge it in any way. Giving me my answer.

"Alright Surtr, let's go then. Time to show our new teammate we're worth her time." I said.

"Magby." He happily exclaimed.

He then stepped forward.

"Listen Nidoran, this is nothing more than a showcasing of skills. Let's not take things too far. Alright?" I spoke.

Nidoran nodding her head in agreement.

"Okay. So with that let's get this bout underway." I said.

Then the moment after I did Nidoran opened her mouth and released several poison energy needles from it. Indicating to me she knew Poison Sting.

"Surtr, counter with Ember." I spoke.

"Magby!" He exclaimed. Surtr then sent out tiny flames from his mouth which countered each and everyone one of Nidoran's poison needles.

Seeing this Nidoran switched tactics.

Opening her mouth again this time she unleashed a rather powerful scream, which I knew was the move Growl.

At this Magby took a single step back.

Seeing this Nidoran began charging forward to close the distance. Most definitely trying to land some sort of physical attack.

'Too bad for her we're different from any opponents she's ever faced.'I thought.

Since while I can see Nidoran has good battle sense and instincts her strategies are too straightforward. That's definitely something we'll work on though, so I'm not worried.

"Surtr, Smokscreen." I said.

When I did Surtr regained his step forward and then blew out a cloud of black soot in Nidoran's direction, leading her to get a shocked expression on her face just before the cloud encompassed her.

Me knowing exactly what she's thinking.

Why didn't my move work?

Well Nidoran it's because while a good attack it hardly has any effect at all on my Pokemon given the training I've been putting them through.

"Surtr, Ember once more." I spoke.

"Magby!" He cried. Surtr then unleashed a stream of ember flames into the soot cloud, and a few seconds after he did we heard Nidoran cry out in pain.

Then when the soot cloud dissipated entirely we saw her lying on the ground, struggling to stand back up. A determined expression on her face.

'Oh yeah, she's definitely going to fit in with us.'I thought. "Alright, that's enough. The bout is over." I spoke.

When I did Nidoran got a shocked expression on her face. One which quickly switched to an angry one. But before she could make any sort of stink I cut her off.

"Look, I get it. You want to continue. And I can see you want to win. But the reality is at your current level you can't beat Surtr. The same goes for if you battled Spyro. Not with the training I've put them through. And didn't I say earlier this was not a real battle, but simply a showcasing of skills. Which we have both done, and I have to say Nidoran I'm impressed. You'll definitely fit in nicely on this team."

Hearing my words Nidoran closed her mouth and got a surprised expression on her face. She then silently stared me us for several seconds before sighing. "Nidoran." She mused.

"Well with that welcome to the team." I happily said.

Spyro and Surtr happily cheering in agreement.

"And since you are now on the team I would like to give you the name of Artemis. What do you think?" I asked.

"Nidoran?" She questioned.

"It's a name belonging to a powerful and mighty female warrior. Which you are, and one that will only get better now that you're with me." I said. "So again, what do you say to taking on the name?" I asked.

Because it truly does suite Nidoran perfectly. Especially her future evolutions. Unable to lay eggs, powerful warriors, and requires the Moon Stone to evolve into her final form. I can't think of a better name for her.

"Nido. Niodran." She said. Giving me a nod of acknowledgement.

"Okay, Artemis it is then." I said.

I then took a Pokeball off my belt and slowly walked over to her and tapped her with it on the head. She then easily went inside and almost immediately after I heard the sound of a successful capture.

Giving me my third Pokemon.

Feels good.

Standing up I got ready to release Artemis.

"Magby!"

Only to stop when I saw Surtr begin to glow with a very familiar light.

The light of evolution.

Not taking my eyes away once the process began I witnessed Surtr change form in a matter of seconds, and then just as quickly as the light of evolution appeared it disappeared.

Having taken away my Magby, but leaving a Magmar in its place.

"Magmar!" Surtr exclaimed. Beginning to flex his newly acquired arms.

"Well, that happened." I said.

A/N: First off Happy Thanksgiving readers! Now I know I said I would post on Friday, but since it's a holiday I wanted to deliver a special treat. So moving on. Yes, two captures in this capture by Mikoto. I bet you weren't expecting that this early in the story but that's why I put it here to surprise you readers. Though just to let you know I won't try to make this a thing in the story. Mikoto acquiring too many Pokemon too quickly. But in the next few chapters he will acquire more and then stop for a while. The reason I'm doing it this way is because I've already decided on a set limit of Pokemon for my MC. So I don't really see any reason for him not to get them. Plus when he does you can follow the trials and tribulations as he trains them up. Like he's begun doing with Spyro and Surtr. and I know Surtr's evolution was not what most were expecting. But I wanted to do it. Though now that I have I just want to mention he won't be evolving again for quite a while. He'll stay a Magmar for the foreseeable future but he will eventually become a Magmortar I promise you.

Mikoto's Team:

Spyro - Dratini (Male/Starter)

Artemis - Nidoran (Female)

Surtr - Magmar

Thor - Lightning fists

Luna - Moon worshipper

Poseidon - Firefighter

Casper - A Friendly Ghost

Smaug - Prehistoric Terror

Lancelot - Blademaster

Thalassa - Singer on the Seas

Hashirama - King of the Jungle

Vritra - Flying Bug

Nyx - Curse Bringer

Loki - Illusion Caster

Bellona - Samurai