Alex stopped before the tall white structure that towered over the hill—Professor Oak's Laboratory.
His heart thudded softly, excitement and nerves weaving together like threads of fire and air.
He drew in a deep breath, steadying himself, then pressed the doorbell.
Moments later, the door opened with a soft click, revealing a man in a white lab coat. The assistant's eyes studied him curiously.
"Hello, young man. What can I do for you?"
Alex straightened his back, offering a polite smile.
"I'd like to meet Professor Oak. I want to register for the upcoming summer camp."
The man gave a small nod. "Ah, you're early. Follow me—I'll take you to him."
As Alex stepped inside, the air shifted.
Everywhere he looked, life pulsed with purpose—gleaming machines hummed in rhythm, researchers hurried past with tablets, and rare Pokémon moved gracefully within their habitats. A Vulpix curled atop a counter, its tails flicking lazily. A Magnemite floated by, chirping in mechanical tones.
Alex's eyes widened. So this is it… the real thing.
Every sound, every scent—it was all real.
The assistant led him through the long, bright corridors until they reached a large hall filled with soft bursts of light and the muffled sounds of battle.
At the center stood an elderly man in a brown vest, holding a clipboard, his sharp eyes following the movements of a Nidorino and Gloom sparring under controlled conditions.
"Professor," the assistant called out, "this young man wishes to join your summer camp."
Professor Oak looked up, and the moment their eyes met, Alex felt a strange calm wash over him.
"Ah, I see. Thank you, James, that will be all," Oak said kindly, dismissing the assistant with a nod.
Now it was just the two of them.
Alex bowed slightly, remembering his manners. "Good morning, Professor Oak. My name is Alex. I'd like to register for the camp."
The professor studied him in silence for a moment, then smiled—gentle, yet full of understanding.
Oak already knew who he was. The Pokémon Alliance had informed him about this boy: an orphan from Goldenrod City, whose ranger parents had perished in the line of duty.
"You must be Alex," Oak said softly. "Welcome to Pallet Town. I'm glad you've decided to join us."
Warmth filled the professor's tone, and Alex's chest eased.
"Thank you, sir," he replied quietly.
A few minutes later, a young woman entered the room, holding a neat stack of papers. Her chestnut hair was tied in a ponytail, her features gentle—Daisy Oak.
"Grandpa, the new registration forms you asked for," she said, before noticing Alex.
"Ah, perfect timing," Oak said. "Daisy, this is Alex. He'll be joining the summer camp."
She smiled, handing him the form. "Here, fill this out. It'll only take a minute."
"Thank you," Alex said, taking the pen.
As he wrote, Daisy found herself sneaking glances at him. There was something unusual about this boy—something calm, steady, almost mature. Unlike most twelve-year-olds, there was no recklessness in his eyes, only quiet determination.
When he finished, she accepted the form and smiled again—soft, genuine.
Before Alex could leave, Oak spoke once more.
"Alex, before you go, there are two boys I'd like you to meet. You'll likely become close friends."
Curious, Alex followed him out into the laboratory's backyard.
The warm breeze carried laughter and Pokémon cries. Two boys were playing there—one with spiky brown hair and a confident grin, the other with messy black hair and a light in his eyes that could outshine the sun.
"Gary, Ash," Oak called out, "this is Alex. He'll be joining the camp with you."
Gary crossed his arms, smirking slightly. "So, another competitor, huh? Don't slow me down."
Ash laughed, waving cheerfully. "Hi! I'm Ash Ketchum! Nice to meet you!"
Alex chuckled, shaking both their hands. "I'm Alex. Let's do our best together."
It didn't take long for their conversation to flow naturally. They talked about Pokémon battles, favorite regions, dreams of becoming trainers. Gary's smugness softened the longer they spoke, while Ash's boundless energy made even Gary laugh.
By the time the sun began to dip, they were already teasing each other like old friends.
As Alex prepared to head home, Ash suddenly called out, "Hey! Alex! Come have dinner at my place tonight! My mom's cooking is amazing!"
Alex blinked, surprised by the sudden invitation—but the warmth in Ash's voice was genuine. He smiled.
"Sure. I'd love to."
He didn't say it aloud, but part of him was curious to meet Delia Ketchum—the kind, graceful woman he remembered from his past life's memories of the show.
After thanking Professor Oak and saying goodbye to his new friends, Alex left the lab. The sun painted the sky in shades of gold and crimson as he walked down the quiet path home, humming softly.
When he finally reached his house, he dropped onto the sofa, a tired smile tugging at his lips.
"This… really is the beginning of my new life," he whispered.
And far above, in a realm beyond mortal sight, a goddess watched through a shimmering veil of light.
Her long hair danced like strands of starlight, and her emerald eyes softened as they followed the boy she now called her husband.
"How adorable," she murmured, resting her chin upon her hand, her lips curving into a faint smile. "You're adjusting far too quickly, my dear Alex…"
Her divine glow pulsed gently, filling the celestial garden with warmth. For the first time in eternity, the Goddess of Eternity felt something she had never known before—
not reverence, not curiosity, but something far simpler.
Affection.