Pokémon, simply known as 'Pokémon', are incredible creatures that inhabit this planet. There are hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of them. These creatures and humans coexist as friends and partners, though sometimes they find themselves at odds. They inhabit various parts of the world, and this is where Red's journey begins.
...
Time flew by, and in three short years, Red and Beedrill had grown together, becoming good friends with Mew, whom they encountered by chance.
Red had reached the age of ten, ready to embark on his journey.
In this world, at the age of ten, everyone is eligible to receive their starter Pokémon. However, to get a starter Pokémon trained by the Pokémon League and a Pokédex, one must pay a decade's worth of fees and obtain a recommendation from a Pokémon Professor. This is why Red became an assistant at Professor Oak's lab at such a young age, as Delia had to cover the expenses for both Red and Ash.
But being an assistant had its perks. Professor Oak covered all the expenses for Red and Ash. As a respected authority in the research community, Professor Oak considered this a small price to pay. He hoped Red wouldn't let these expenses hinder his future.
"Good morning, Mom!"
After tidying up and dressing, Red hurried downstairs for breakfast. Because he didn't have to pay any fees, Red's meals were plentiful, providing him with the necessary nutrients to grow more robust than his peers.
"Red, where's Ash?" Delia asked, puzzled.
"Ash wanted to sleep for another five minutes. I wonder if he'll be late…" Red muttered. He could have woken Ash, but doing so would mean missing Ash's destined encounter with Pikachu. Red didn't want this crucial moment to be forgotten, so he told Delia to let Ash sleep.
After breakfast, Red set off for Professor Oak's lab. A keen observer might notice a Poké Ball clipped to Red's belt—Beedrill's Poké Ball. For the past three years, Red and Beedrill had been secretly training, with Mew as their training partner.
As a result, Beedrill's strength had improved significantly. With its dual abilities, few trainers outside the Elite Four could defeat Beedrill, and even they struggled.
At Oak's lab, a crowd of adults had gathered, cheering and applauding Red's arrival, as every new trainer from Pallet Town was a source of pride.
After exchanging pleasantries, Red entered Oak's lab, finding Gary and a girl already waiting. The girl, Leaf, was pretty with long brown hair, wearing a white hat with red stripes, a light blue off-the-shoulder top, and a red skirt, carrying a pale yellow crossbody bag.
Leaf was a friend Red met at summer camp when he was seven, and they got along well.
"I never thought you'd be late, Red," Leaf greeted him with a smile.
"There was a slight hiccup," Red replied.
Before arriving at the lab, Red had gone to the training forest to say goodbye to Mew. Mew had rubbed its cheek against Red's, reluctant to part, but understanding Red had his journey, it left, disappearing into the forest.
"Well…" Professor Oak scratched his head awkwardly, "Red, there was a little mishap with the Charmander I prepared for you…"
"Huh? What do you mean?" Red asked, puzzled. Could the official starter Pokémon granted by the League disappear?
"You'll have to see for yourself!" Professor Oak activated a device, revealing three Poké Balls. However, the middle one didn't appear. As someone familiar with the lore, Red knew Pikachu's Poké Ball was hidden inside.
"Red, I'm sorry, since you chose Charmander…" Gary stepped forward, taking Squirtle's Poké Ball. "I've been looking forward to this Squirtle for a long time!"
Red smiled faintly. Gary's choice of Squirtle was not just preference but strategic, with Squirtle's type countering Charmander. As a rival, Gary wouldn't miss the opportunity.
"Then I'll choose Bulbasaur!" Leaf selected Bulbasaur's Poké Ball. Red noticed Leaf sighed in relief, happy no one else chose Bulbasaur.
Seeing Gary and Leaf receive their Poké Balls, Red quietly took Charmander's, curious about its situation.
"Come out, Charmander." Red released the Pokémon, expecting an enthusiastic Charmander, but was met with a hostile Flamethrower.
"Be careful!" Leaf exclaimed.
"It's alright; this little flame won't hurt Red at all," Gary remarked calmly.
A waveguide shield appeared, blocking the flames easily. Afterward, a small, one-meter-tall Charmander with red pupils appeared.
"Professor Oak, does this Charmander have a different lineage?" Red observed.
"Indeed, this Charmander's father was a purebred pseudo-legendary Dragon-type Pokémon, inheriting a strong bloodline. However, it's very aggressive. The original Charmander was injured by this one, so we paired this unruly Charmander with you!" Professor Oak explained, observing Red's reaction, who smiled, seemingly pleased with Charmander.
"Thank goodness I didn't choose Charmander!" Gary joked, but Charmander glared at him. Without Red, it might have used Flamethrower on Gary.
"I'm satisfied with you, but it's not the right time to catch you yet." Red used his mental power to control Charmander, recalling it with a Poké Ball.
"Why not release your Pokémon to strengthen your bond?" Professor Oak suggested. Gary readily released Squirtle, while Leaf hesitated, wary after Charmander's attack.
"Don't worry, Red's Charmander was an exception!" Professor Oak reassured Leaf.
Gary and Squirtle bonded well. Initially shy, Squirtle warmed up after Gary's hug, happily jumping into his arms. Professor Oak nodded approvingly, proud of his grandson.
Leaf released Bulbasaur, which, sensing her fear, extended its Vine Whip for a handshake. Leaf, relieved, hugged Bulbasaur, apologizing for her earlier hesitation. Bulbasaur accepted, its eyes squinting happily.
With their starter Pokémon in hand, Professor Oak explained the Pokédex's functions and Poké Balls, offering advice for their journey.
Leaf listened attentively, taking notes. Meanwhile, Red and Gary, familiar with the information, listened casually.
"These are your Poké Balls and Pokédex!" Professor Oak handed them their tools, wishing them success in their adventures.
Red's Pokédex was unique, a collaborative improvement by him and Professor Oak, and only he possessed it.
This is my debut work, and I appreciate your five-star reviews and support!