(Alex POV)
The morning sun washed Pallet Town in warm gold, the kind of glow that made everything feel like destiny was quietly unfolding. Alex tightened the straps of his small backpack, took a breath, and stepped out of his backyard.
Today wasn't just a day.
It was the day.
The day he had waited for since the moment he opened his eyes in this world as a newborn with memories of another life. The day he would finally choose his first partner — the Pokémon who would walk beside him through every victory, every loss, every impossible challenge.
His heart thumped with excitement.
'Professor Oak's lab… I've seen it a thousand times in the anime, but now I'm actually going there. Me. Alex.'
He walked down the familiar dirt path, passing white fences and the gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh grass. Pidgey chirped overhead. A Rattata darted across the road. Everything felt alive, vibrant, full of promise.
Alex smirked.
'Charmander… I'm coming for you.'
He could already imagine it — the flame on its tail flickering proudly, the determined eyes, the fierce spirit. And someday… the wings of a Charizard cutting through the sky like a blazing comet.
'Leon's Charizard… Red's Charizard… I'll raise mine to surpass them all.'
His footsteps quickened.
He wasn't just excited — he was hungry. Hungry for battles, for growth, for the thrill of pushing past limits. Hungry to carve his name into history.
As he approached the hill leading to the lab, he paused.
The building stood tall and iconic, its red roof gleaming under the sun. The wind carried the faint hum of machines inside. This was the birthplace of countless legends — Ash, Gary, Blue, and now…
Him.
Alex placed a hand over his chest.
'This is real. This is happening.'
He took the first step up the hill.
Then another.
And another.
Each one felt heavier, more meaningful, like the world itself was acknowledging the weight of his future.
When he reached the top, he stopped in front of the large double doors. His reflection stared back at him in the glass — determined eyes, steady breath, a boy ready to become something more.
He raised his hand to knock—
Click.
The door opened before he touched it.
Standing there, adjusting his glasses with a warm smile, was the man himself.
Professor Samuel Oak.
"Ah! Alex," Oak greeted, voice full of grandfatherly energy. "I've been expecting you. Today's a very important day, isn't it?"
Alex swallowed, then nodded. "Yes, Professor. I'm ready."
Oak chuckled. "I can see it in your eyes. Come in, come in. Your journey is about to begin."
Alex stepped inside.
The lab was everything he imagined — shelves of Poké Balls, machines humming softly, stacks of research papers, and the faint smell of metal and old books. A few aides walked around, busy with their tasks.
But Alex's attention was locked on the center table.
Three Poké Balls.
Perfectly aligned.
Perfectly waiting.
His heart pounded.
'Charmander…'
Oak walked beside him. "Before we begin, I must say — you remind me of someone. That fire in your eyes… that determination. It's rare."
Alex smiled slightly. "I plan to make the most of it."
Oak nodded approvingly. "Good. Then let's not waste any time."
He gestured toward the Poké Balls.
"Alex… choose your first partner."
Alex stepped forward.
The world seemed to quiet around him. His breath slowed. His fingers tingled.
He reached out—
But before he could touch the Poké Ball, the lab doors swung open behind him.
SLAM.
Footsteps echoed.
A familiar voice called out:
"Don't start without me."
Alex turned.
Hayden stood there, eyes glowing faintly blue, a confident smirk on his face.
Oak blinked. "Ah, Hayden! Right on time."
Alex raised an eyebrow.
'So he's here too…'
Hayden walked up beside him, hands in his pockets.
"Alex," he said with a grin. "Let's see who gets the stronger partner."
Alex smirked back.
"Oh, I already know who I'm choosing."
Hayden's eyes flickered.
"So do I."
The tension between them crackled like static.
Oak clapped his hands. "Now, now! There's enough excitement for both of you. Let's begin the starter selection."
Alex placed his hand over the Poké Ball he had been reaching for.
His voice was steady.
His choice was absolute.
"I choose—"
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