As I stood before the doors of the Cerise Laboratory, my hands trembled.
Not from nervousness.
Not from fear.
From excitement. Pure, overwhelming excitement.
That was why I was shaking.
In my previous life, when I was just a kid, I dreamed of becoming a Pokémon Trainer. I wanted to travel. To explore. To see mountains, oceans, forests filled with creatures I had only seen through a screen.
But reality had crushed that dream.
"Be practical." "Grow up." "Dreams don't pay bills."
Now?
Fantasy had become reality.
And with a steady breath and a confident look, I pushed the doors open.
The interior stole the air from my lungs.
This wasn't a laboratory.
It was a masterpiece.
Polished marble floors reflected the sunlight pouring through a massive glass ceiling.
Holographic displays projected rotating ecosystems—deserts, tundras, oceans. Pokémon data scrolled across floating screens. Shelves of research journals lined pristine white walls.
It looked less like a workplace and more like the home of a genius billionaire obsessed with Pokémon.
Not wanting to wander in uninvited, I cupped my hands around my mouth.
"Is anyone home?!"
A voice echoed from deeper inside. "I'm coming!"
Footsteps approached. A blond-haired young man in glasses and a lab coat turned the corner.
Ren.
I recognized him instantly—but I couldn't act like I did.
"Are you Professor Cerise?" I asked politely.
He blinked… then laughed.
"Haha! No, no. I get that sometimes. I'm just a research fellow."
He adjusted his glasses and gave me a curious look. "You must be Oliver, right? The new Field Researcher?"
"Yeah."
Before he could say more, another voice called from upstairs.
"Ren, who is it?"
Footsteps descended with calm authority.
And then I saw him.
Professor Cerise.
Lab coat flowing behind him. Calm, intelligent eyes. The presence of someone who had spent his life chasing knowledge.
"Ah! Oliver Montclair! Welcome!" He stepped forward and shook my hand firmly. "Adrian told me you'd be arriving today. From Kalos, correct?"
"Yes, sir. Dendemille Town."
His expression softened slightly, but he didn't pry.
"Well then," he said, clapping once. "Let's not waste time. You're here to begin your journey."
My heart pounded.
"Yes, sir," I replied, unable to hide the grin spreading across my face.
He led me into a wide circular chamber.
In the center stood a sleek metallic platform. On it rested three Poké Balls.
My throat went dry.
Professor Cerise picked up the first ball.
"With these Pokémon, you won't just battle. You'll research. Grow. Learn."
Flash.
Charmander appeared, its tail flame burning bright and steady. Confident. Fierce.
The second ball opened.
Squirtle landed lightly, crossing its arms with cool composure.
Then—
The third ball burst open in a brilliant white light.
When it faded, a small green Pokémon stood quietly. Red eyes steady. A plant bulb resting on its back.
Bulbasaur.
The three stood side by side.
Waiting.
Professor Cerise folded his arms. "Take your time. A partner is not chosen with excitement alone."
No resets.
No save files.
No second chances.
Charmander's flame flickered proudly.
Squirtle gave a confident smirk.
Bulbasaur simply watched me.
Calm. Observing.
Underrated.
Just like I used to be.
I stepped forward slowly, stopping directly in front of them.
"I…"
My voice steadied.
"Choose you."
"Bulbasaur."
For half a second, it just stared at me.
Then—
"Bulba!"
It leaped forward with surprising speed, tackling me to the ground. I hit the marble floor with an "oof" as it nuzzled my face happily.
I burst into laughter.
"We're going to be the best team."
"Bulba! Bulba-saur!" It nodded so hard its bulb wobbled.
Professor Cerise chuckled warmly. "Excellent choice, Oliver."
He handed me five Poké Balls and a Pokédex.
"Do you have any plans for your journey?"
I thought for a moment… then my answer came easily.
"I'd like to challenge the Kanto Gyms."
He smiled. "Ambitious. Then I recommend starting in Pewter City. I happen to have a research task for you in Viridian Forest."
My heart skipped.
Brock.
But I kept my composure.
"What's the task?" I asked, barely suppressing a goofy grin.
Before he could answer, soft footsteps echoed behind us.
A woman with flowing purple hair entered the chamber gracefully.
Chrysa.
From the Pokémon Journeys.
"Sorry I'm late, Professor," she said warmly.
"No worries," Cerise replied. "Let me introduce our new field researcher, Oliver Montclair."
I stepped forward, extending my hand.
"Nice to meet you. Please call me Oliver."
She smiled and shook my hand gently.
"Then you can call me Chrysa. No need for formalities."
"Got it… Chrysa."
Professor Cerise continued.
"There have been reports of unusually strong Bug-type Pokémon in Viridian Forest. I want you to observe their behavior. Document habitats. Take photos."
"So… not catch them?" I asked.
He smiled knowingly. "Observation first. But if you wish to capture one for your team, that decision is yours."
I snapped a salute. "Roger that!"
They both laughed softly.
As I turned to leave, Professor Cerise called out—
"Good luck, Oliver."
I looked back, nodding firmly.
"Thank you."
Outside, sunlight bathed the city streets.
Bulbasaur walked proudly beside me.
I looked down at my new partner.
"Let's head to my uncle's place and pack. Then we're off."
"Bulba!"
Its eyes shone with determination.
As we walked through the streets, I felt it.
The beginning.
Not just of a journey across Kanto.
But of a life I had once thought impossible.
And this time?
I wasn't going to let anyone tell me it was unrealistic.