"Professor Oak, I'm coming in!"
Alex knocked once and stepped into the gleaming research lab.
"Alex! Right on time. You're looking full of energy this morning."
Professor Oak studied him for a second, then smiled with a hint of hesitation. "You've got an extraordinary physique and a frighteningly deep understanding of Pokémon. A regular starter wouldn't give you much of a challenge. Luckily, I have something… very special. Would you like it?"
Alex felt the Super Combat Physique thrumming under his skin and grinned. "Professor, I'm not picky. Whatever you think is best."
They walked over to the secure storage unit. In the center sat a single Poké Ball marked with a bright electric symbol.
The second Alex saw it, his pulse spiked and his eyes lit up with pure excitement.
"Ding! Main Mission complete: Arrive at Professor Oak's Laboratory on time and receive the Pokémon Pikachu!"
"Mission Reward: Pikachu's affection greatly increased + Pikachu's exclusive item Light Ball (Doubles Pikachu's Attack and Special Attack when held!)"
"Hey, hey, calm down a little," Professor Oak chuckled, raising a hand. "This particular Pokémon has… a tiny personality quirk."
Alex's breath caught as the professor continued.
"The Pokémon inside is Pikachu — an Electric-type."
Professor Oak pressed the button. The Poké Ball burst open in a flash of golden light.
Arceus's son!
Pikachu materialized on the platform: bright yellow fur, two brown stripes across its back, a lightning-bolt tail, rosy red electric sacs on its cheeks, and tall, alert ears. A tiny, adorable yellow mouse.
"Pika~chu!"
The moment it appeared, Pikachu locked eyes with Alex, head tilting curiously.
Alex extended his hand, voice warm and sincere. "Pikachu, I'm Alex. From today on, I'm your Trainer. Let's take care of each other, yeah?"
"Alex, careful!" Professor Oak warned, already pulling on thick rubber gloves. "This one has a habit of—"
But nothing happened.
Pikachu felt the honest excitement rolling off Alex — no tricks, no fear, just pure anticipation of the journey ahead.
"Pika~Pikachu!"
It reached out its tiny paw and placed it gently in Alex's palm.
Professor Oak's eyes widened. "Huh…?"
He watched the pair, stunned. Pikachu was actually being gentle? This was nothing like the usual sparks-flying chaos. He cautiously removed one glove and reached out to pet it himself.
Zzzzzzzzt!
The cheek sacs flared. Professor Oak got the full plasma perm — hair standing straight up, face blackened with soot.
"Definitely Pikachu…" he muttered, coughing smoke. "The other half of that glare was definitely aimed at me."
Alex bit back a laugh and stepped back to a safe distance.
Professor Oak, still smoking slightly, handed over a stack of TMs, a shiny new Pokédex, five Poké Balls, and Pikachu's custom electric-marked ball. "There are plenty of TMs here that suit Pikachu perfectly. Use them well on your Gym challenge. And good luck out there!"
"Thank you, Professor Oak."
Alex clipped the Poké Ball to his belt, let Pikachu hop onto his shoulder, and headed out.
Once outside, he opened his status screen.
Pokémon: Pikachu
Level: 18 (Novice)
Ability: Static
Hidden Ability: Master Actor
Moves: Thunder Shock, Quick Attack, Thunder Wave…
Potential: ???
That Master Actor hidden ability really explained a lot. No wonder the little guy could trade blows with Legendaries one minute and lose to a random Snivy the next.
Alex glanced at Pikachu riding on his shoulder. "We're gonna fix that hidden ability later. You only need to be Legendary-tier — no more jobbing to rookies."
"Pika-pi?" Pikachu tilted its head, confused but happy.
"Come on, let's go level you up."
They headed straight for the nearby Safari Zone area.
A flock of Pidgey fluttered down from the sky and perched on a tree. A Rattata darted through the bushes, eyes sharp. In the tall grass, a few Caterpie trembled, more afraid of the birds than the rodent.
A breeze rippled across the river. Willow branches swayed under the bright morning sun. The forest hummed with life — peaceful, alive, perfect.
Alex took a deep breath of the fresh air and grinned down at Pikachu. "It really is you, huh?"
"Pika?"
"From now on, we're partners. We're going all the way to Pokémon Master together."
Pikachu nodded eagerly.
"Alright, first opponent — that one."
Alex slipped the Light Ball onto Pikachu's collar. The moment it clicked, Pikachu's eyes sparkled with power. Alex pointed at the sneaky Rattata eyeing his backpack.
Pikachu shot forward like a yellow bullet, slammed a headbutt into the Rattata, and dropped it instantly.
Next came a couple of Pidgey — but Alex deliberately steered clear of the big Spearow flock. No need to poke that hornet's nest yet.
After a few quick battles, Alex pulled out the bento Delia had packed and a bottle of her special fragrant ketchup.
"Pika-pi!"
Pikachu's eyes turned into hearts. One bite of the ketchup-drizzled food and it was vibrating with joy.
They were just relaxing under a tree when a loud chorus of angry "Spearow!" cries echoed through the air — followed by a panicked girl's voice.
Alex looked up.
A cute redhead was pedaling her bicycle for dear life, long fair legs pumping furiously. Behind her, an entire flock of furious Spearow was in hot pursuit.
The same flock Alex had carefully avoided.
"Get out of the way!" the girl shouted as she barreled straight toward them.
Bang!
She never saw the rock. The front wheel hit it at full speed. The bike flipped, and the girl went flying.
Alex reacted instantly — he caught her easily in both arms.
But years of muscle memory with Delia kicked in. His hands automatically slid down and landed squarely on her soft, round ass, fingers giving a gentle squeeze before his brain caught up.
Misty's face went bright red as she stared up at him, still dangling in his arms.
"Uh… hi?" Alex said, not moving his hands yet. "You okay?"