Pallet Town

"The subject has what seems to be a deep shade of green in its leaves indicating a high chloroplast count. The subject also seems to have little muscle growth within its legs that could be evidence of lack of exercise or activity."

A disapproving grunt sounded behind me. "I take it you find Oddish's lack of effort to be less than stellar, hmmm Machop? Or is the fact you were nominated to carry my recorder and notebook," I smiled as I swiped some of my brown hair out of my eyes.

The Machop merely turned his head in a noncommittal gesture. I merely laughed and returned to examining the Oddish. Machop was partially right in his judgment. Oddish really should be more locomotive but it hardly matters since she isn't a battler, not that a Fighting-type would understand.

"Now Oddish I know you don't really to be at the same level as a great battler as say Machop." Another grunt went off behind me. I smiled at that. Machop was easy to mess with and was too good-natured enough to every truly be offend which always made him my preferred partner in my studies.

"But honestly you need to gain a bit more muscle mass, so I'm going to recommend Professor Oak give you a higher protein feed for a month joined by you joining the morning walk group."

I got a whine for that one.

"Now don't give me that. If you weren't simply basking all the time we wouldn't have to do this in the first place. It's only a month and if you stay at it you will be back to sunbathing in no time. Maybe if you push yourself you might even evolve. How's that sound?"

The response I got was expected. Oddish simply wilted and waddled off likely to find a patch of sun. I gave out a little sigh. While many Pokémon were pushed by the motives of getting stronger there always exceptions. I had noticed that certain species like the Oddish line tend to lean the more pacifistic route. They were still Pokémon, however, and perfectly capable of whopping my cute little butt. Not that I expected that while I was on the Oak Ranch. Even the most dangerous residents had known me for years now and generally ignored me unless I stupidly disturbed them. Usually, a stampede of Tauros beats ten-year-old no matter how smart they may be so I still played it safe.

"Well, Machop you ready to head back to the lab. I think we are done here."

My recorder and notebook were quickly shoved back into my arms as Machop stalked back to the lab. While very diligent Machop absolutely hated being a pack mule, even if he only held my things for a few minutes at a time.

Machop was the Pokémon that Prof. Oak loaned me to assist while I conducted research around the ranch. Machop would much prefer to be out on a trainer journey but sadly for him, he was not high on desired starter lists.

I had been working on the ranch since I was four. Having what seems like a genius level intellect tends to open doors. I knew that you can be the smartest person in the world, but if you have no knowledge to back it you're essentially useless.

While I mused to myself I saw Machop doing what he usually did when we went out. He fought everything. Not everyone mind you, every THING. The occasional Pokémon was his preferred opponent, but he was not against going the trees and rocks that littered the area.

While it exasperated the many other assistants on the ranch, I found it endearing. Machop was a lab-raised fighting type. This was essentially a death sentence to a fighting type that desired to belong to a trainer. Wild Machop were raised and trained by their parents and the harsh environments while lab raised Machop tend to have the instinct but not the training needed to truly excel. Now even wild fighting types need a true Master to unlock their potential, but lab raised generally were stuck at a lab.

Unlike the other assistants, I desired to be a trainer. I could identify with Machop. I had been put down because no one expected anything from me, too. In Machop I saw two things: myself and an untapped potential. Being at Prof. Oaks had allowed me to examine a multitude of fighting types. None had the desire to fight like Machop. No doubt the enjoyed battling and lived for the fight, but Machop would die for the fight. For both of us, it wasn't about winning or losing, even if winning was the goal, it was about the thrill of combat. The feeling of meat against our fist. The pain we felt from being hit. The euphoria of throwing everything at your opponent. You can't teach that. You either have the desire or you don't. We had it.

"You're daydreaming again Al," chuckled Prof. Oak. I looked up at my boss/mentor and smirked at him.

"It's internal conversation sir. It's a requirement since I'm unable to find stimulating conversation."

"You talk to the Pokémon and me plenty though."

"What does that tell you about the rest of the staff," I said giving a little grin. He tried to frown at that, but he found it hard. All smart people are arrogant. Even the kind ones like the Professor who hid it better than others.

The other assistants were not stupid. Far from it. If one wanted to work for the illustrious Oak, you had to be the best baring those that got their doctorate in the other regions. Now Pokeology, the study of Pokémon, had always been around. However, Oak making the Pokedex was like when Charles Darwin published 'The Origin of Species', it changed everything.

"Now Al do play nice. I know you're leaving for your journey tomorrow but do try not burn any bridges before you leave."

"Oh, it's fine Professor. Everyone loves me." Right then one of Oaks better assistants walked by. "Watch this. Hey Hallsey, your observations on Poliwhirl would be useful if you actually got in the mud instead sitting on the bank!"

"And you would actually be helpful to us if you filed a report that followed the standard!" she yelled as she continued moving to go inside the lab.

"Pssh. My reports don't need to be perfect. They just have to be legible," I smiled to Oak. He proceeded to roll his eyes. My relationship with the rest of the lab was pretty set. If they were new they hated the fact, someone, my age was so favored, while the veterans like Hallsey just treated me like the rest of the staff. A member that couldn't go out drinking with them despite how much I enjoyed rum.

"I'm more worried about your interactions outside of Pallet," smirked the Professor.

"My momma raised me with manners. I just choose to interact my own way despite that."

"Well, you better go and see her then. I believe she is making your favorite." I flinched at that. Caroline was fantastic. A good mother, but she wasn't my momma.

"Thanks. Let me go turn in this report."

"Oh, just tell me. It will be quicker," smirked Oak "I predict a two-sentence report."

"Professor I'm appalled. It is at least three. Oddish is healthy. Needs to walk more and sunbathe less. Protein enriched feed for a month and join the morning walk group for muscle growth in legs."

"Truly your quick reports are both a joy and bane to my lab."

I smiled at him as I walked away. "Remember don't tell Machop about tomorrow okay. It's a surprise."

"I wouldn't dream of it, Al. He will be ecstatic." I had told the Professor of my plan weeks ago. While I could have gone with a rarer starter or even my preferred type, I knew Machop would never let me down. Besides, I enjoyed teasing him far too much.

"I will see you tomorrow sir. When do you want me over?"

The professor was already perusing my notes now. I take good notes. They are just a bit…scattered. Thankfully he's had six years to get used to my writing. "Whenever you want is fine Al, you're leaving a bit before the training season starts so there isn't any rush."

"See ya tomorrow Sam," I yelled as I quickly ran home. I gave a quick yelp as I felt something hit me in the back of the head. I smiled as I kept running home. The professor let me get away with a lot, but he drew the line at the over-familiar use of his name. Only at work though, he didn't want to show too much favoritism.

I started down the dirt road to my house. I always like Pallet Town. It reminded me of home. Small and cozy. Everyone knew everyone if mostly because many of the citizens worked on the ranch.

xxx

So, the elephant in the room that I'm just going to get over with. I'm not from Kanto. I was not originally born in the Pokémon world. Now don't get me wrong I was born here. The second time.

My name is Al Brown. I was born in 19XX in Olivine City the second time and in 1994 in Texas the first. At some point, I died in my sleep at the age of 24 and was reborn in the world of Pokémon.

That's a bit of a bombshell. Yeah, I got over it quickly. Its hard to have an existential crisis when you're crapping your pants for a year. That was the worst part of being reborn. I was aware of everything.

By the time I was two though, the world didn't know what hit them. I was smart in my past life so add about half a decade of absorbing as much knowledge has done me well. That's why I went to Prof Oak when we moved to Pallet. Once he realized I was a "child" genius he snatched me up.

I've enjoyed my time on this earth, but the thing is I didn't want to die. I love my family. I miss my family. My dad is my best friend. My momma is the greatest mother of all time maybe not the best person but hey I had to get my asshole tendencies from somewhere. I even miss my brat of a sister.

I say this because not a day goes by where I'm not working towards my goal, to get back home. Thankfully Pokémon had a lot of reality warpers, so they just might be best chance to get me home.

xxx

Now the Pokémon world we were shown as kids in games, manga, anime, etc. are not the exact same as the one I live in. The differences are many, so I will cover them as it comes up. You didn't learn about the real world in one go. Learning is an organic process. So why am I saying this to myself? Simple, I'm a bit insane and if I don't talk to myself I will go even more insane.

Breaking me off from my little brood session, not too proud to admit I'm a whiner, I heard my mother call out.

"Al! How was your day, honey?" called out Caroline Brown, my second mother. Like I said Caroline is great. I love her like a second mom. I'd have to after a decade of being cared for by her, but she would never be my momma. I acted like a little cuss from about birth to three but I quickly realized that this woman didn't understand what I was or who. I was just her baby boy and I couldn't stand to break her heart by anything else otherwise.

"It was great Mom. Honestly, I'm just too excited for tomorrow. I've been waiting forever for this."

"Excited for your Pokémon journey just like your father," she cooed. I legitimately frowned at that. I did not like my second father. He wasn't a terrible person just he was a cold person. Very judgy which rubs a guy the wrong way. I loved Caroline but this second dad was just kind of prick that was never around. There wasn't a doubt Caroline and he loved each other but I'm not exaggerating when I say I've spent more time with Samuel Oak than him.

"I'm going to miss Pallet. I've enjoyed living here," I hummed.

"Well, a home will always be here, even if your father gets that promotion like we are hoping. I'm sure Samuel will gladly house you." That was always a thing about my father. He was always trying to climb up the League administration chain which led to moving a lot. We were lucky that led to Pallet after Olivine, but I knew us moving again was a matter of time.

"Now go feed the chickens and wash up dear. I've made your favorites."

"Thanks, Mom. I will be back quick." So, first clarification. Regular animals and Pokémon coexist in this world. How do you ask? Well, several ways to start with. Pokémon dominate the planet no doubt and certain real-world animals either died out or never existed, to begin with. Lions, tigers, and bear simply lost to the stronger more powerful Pokémon in most areas. While cows, chickens, fish and other commonly ate animals got protected by humanity on account they taste so good. We still eat Pokémon because honestly there are so much more of them, and they taste good too. Torchic nuggets are a little tough compared to chicken in my opinion though. Flying types ate actual worms and Caterpie. Water types ate fish and Magikarp. The examples go on forever. We had chickens in Pallet for the eggs. Which ironically I did back in Texas. I couldn't get Caroline to swing for an apiary, however. You win some you lose some.

I feel like I should have been more excited to go on my journey. As a kid, the first time, I constantly dreamed about this. Now I just had a loose plan. Find a Legendary that had enough deus ex machina power to get me home. Sadly, Legendries lived up to their name in this world. They existed there was no doubt, but you would be lucky if anyone in three generations of a family saw one. So, my plan is to go off the games plots to get to one. As far as I could that might work. Plan B is become a Champion and use my resources. Then there is plan C. I had a bad feeling about C, but it might lead to more good deeds done for the world. This wasn't my world but I'm not going to leave it a charred mess to get home. All life is sacred you know.

xxx

That night Mom and I ate Pasta a la Tepig which is fancy for butter noodles with pork. I then made sure I spent the rest of the night cuddled up with her on the couch watching TV. It didn't matter what. I learned in my first life how hard it was for my momma to see me off to college, so I gave Caroline as much time as possible. This wasn't for me. This was for her. Moms are our biggest supporters. The good ones anyway. That is probably why I dislike my father so much. I hate bad parents. If I hadn't already had great parents before I bet the prick would have caused me some developmental problems.

Tonight, wasn't about him or even my first parents. This was for Caroline. She had spent a decade taking care of me, even if as soon as I learned to walk it wasn't really needed. Parents aren't always who birthed you or raised you. A family is people who care and love each other despite everything about you being crap. I'd miss Caroline, but I had too many people that were waiting for me. As much as I hate the saying, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. I hate it, even more, when I must choose between people I love.

I woke the next morning in my bed. Caroline must have carried me up here. My stuff was already laid out. Camping supplies in addition to basic trainer supply such as potions and poke balls. Spare clothing and tools as well all in a handy Silph Storage backpack. While this world was quite as dominated by humans across the globe, they had maximized space and became innovative with their technology.

Due to Pokémon being more susceptible to biological change due to the environment and other external factors they evolved to have well evolution. Therefore, they conquered the planet instead of regular animals. It's said that Pidgey from fifty years ago vary greatly from Pidgey bred in the wild today. It has led to many problems in dealing with Pokémon, but thankfully humanity was full of tech geniuses. Because Pokémon are so susceptible to external change they have a higher electromagnetic signature than other organisms. The poke balls can take this signature, read it, break it down to it base level and store it inside itself. If it sounds like pseudo-science that's because it totally is. I said it didn't seem logical when Sam explained it to me, but it seemed to be something I just couldn't get. I'm a biology history guy, not a tech wiz.

Besides the science mumbo-jumbo of poke balls, Silph Co. had somehow found a way to make either pocket dimensions or something in a backpack. That's this worlds explanation for having a bag that can fit a bike, a tent and if your willing to shell out the cash a full table set.

I stretched a bit followed by my morning cleaning ritual and looked at the time then groaned. It was six am. While the professor was likely up, he probably wouldn't be thrilled to deal with Al this early in the morning. I just got dressed in what was to be my uniform for the next few months. Uniform is probably a bit much but there is a reason everyone wears the same clothes every day in the anime and it's not due to it being easy to animate. Okay, it is but there is a reason for here too. Simply put trainers are out in the wild for months at a time so they need clothes that can endure most weather conditions and last through the wear and tear. These trainer uniforms got expensive so most bought in bulk. I went with several pairs of jeans with various collared shirts that you may know as a polo. I had combat boots made from Druddigon hide and a black full zip jacket with a hood.

I piddled around my room for a bit until I smelled Caroline's cooking. That was as good a cue head downstairs as any.

"Good morning, sweetie. How did you sleep last night?"

"Like a log Mom. Thanks for carrying me to my room."

"Oh, it was no trouble hon. You looked too cute disturb."

"I'm not cute," I growled through the bacon. You got to let a twenty-four old keep his dignity even if he is only about 4'5 now.

"Oh, forgive me. You are a big bad trainer now. You don't need me mothering you now," smiled Caroline. "Maybe that's why I packed your bags for you last night."

"I did not ask you to do that, but it is appreciated," I whined out. So, I haven't matured in the 10 years I've been given. Sue me. Moms are annoyingly good at the caretaking game. Respect them for their mom sense. Caroline while not a genius, she had a quick wit that was usually able to match my own.

"Will you go straight to your journey after the ranch or can I expect you for lunch?"

"We will be here for lunch and head out for Viridian then."

"That's perfect. I can do a little trading while you're gone and then make a few snacks for you and your new partner. What Pokémon are going to pick anyway?"

I smiled a wide toothy smile "It's a secret."

"Oh, fine then you little stinker. What time do you need to be there?"

Glancing to the clock I saw it was 7:20 now. "I can probably finish breakfast and head over."

xxx

Caroline spent the next hour grilling me about my starter. She made great guesses going for mostly ground types on account they are my favorite type. If I was going to specialize they would be it. I'm not going to specialize though. To become a Master of a type takes time and dedication and time I don't have. A champion just needs to win a League tournament. Far easier than the decades of training a team to the point that they transcended type disadvantages like the Elite Four and Grand Champions of the various regions.

I was tempted to get a Nidoran I told her. Nidoking is my favorite Pokémon. Strong and bulky with a lot of versatility, but my heart was set on Machop. My gut said to go with him and I trust my gut. It's a good gut.

I entered the lab seeing a few of the assistants milling about. A couple of the vets were shooting the breeze over coffee while the newer lab coats rushed around to get everything ready for the day. Typical for any workplace really. I smiled at the ones I liked and smirked superiorly at those I didn't. Not that it mattered I was gone after this. I might keep in contact with Sam and others like Hallsey, but I had always been closed off from others. My goal was to leave this world. I didn't want to hurt anyone more than I had to.

Walking to the Professor office I saw Machop standing outside holding my recorder and notebook. I smiled. He had a frown on his vaguely human face but still always diligent in everything. He was a great support.

'A support? Hmm…'

"Morning, Machop. How are you this morning?"

I got a grunt and my stuff shoved into my hands. I smiled as I placed them on the table closest to me. He raised his eyebrow at that. We honestly were more acquaintances than friends, for now, but even he knew how much I valued my notes.

"Come on. The Professor has something to discuss with us," I said as I gave him a knowing smile. Machop was very wary of me now. He knew I would never go out of my way to hurt him, I had nothing against embarrassing him. Fighting-types are honorable and while I have a code of honor myself I only apply in certain contexts. It makes me a bit of an enigma for Machop. I enjoy it quite a bit.

We both strode into Prof. Oaks office where he was doing what he usually did at around eight am. He was asleep. Now the professor isn't lazy. He probably passed out four hours ago if it was a good night. Sam had a bad habit of overwork. You know the saying "if you love your job, you never work a day in your life."

"Wake him up, will you Machop." Machop gave an evil smile at that

While honorable, Machop had a bit of mean streak about him. Another trait of his I liked. While usually such little pranks got aimed at me due to our proximity, no one was truly safe. That included the professor.

Machop walked to right next to Sam as he readied his hands next to his ears. Then far faster than could be seen Machop's muscled hands smacked together in a loud clap that shook the room.

"Graaoohh, wh-what?!" exclaimed Oak.

Machop and I shared a smirk. Truly a great first battle. The mighty Machop defeats the sleeping workaholic. One for the record books. The professor glared at us as we just smiled as innocently as possible and failing at it spectacularly well.

"You two will be perfect for each," he groaned as he rubbed the sleep for his eyes. My smile grew at this while Machops eyes narrowed in not understanding what was meant by that.

"What time is it?"

"A little past 8, sir,'' I repeated back.

"You couldn't have allowed me another hour, Al?"

"Couldn't go to bed at a normal time?" I raised my eyebrow at this. Oak alarm clock duty was usually a new aide job, but I was anxious. Sam consistently overworked himself which led to it being a recurring issue for the lab. You come to Oak ranch to work with THE Samuel Oak, not the sleepy oak.

"Fine, well shall we get along with the formalities."

"Lets."

"Albert Brown…"

"Do you have to use my full name?"

"Yes. Now shush. Albert Brown, you have proven your aptitude, knowledge, and maturity in all things Pokémon. You have gone above and beyond your peers by studying at my ranch and in doing so have earned my personal recommendation for a license to become a trainer."

I preened at this. Hey, I got recommended by Professor Oak. It's a big deal even if a twenty-four-year-old in a ten-year-old body. Does that make thirty-four? Ugh, I'm older than Caroline. I noticed that as Sam said this Machop eyes seemed to turn downcast. He probably thought I was going to be another trainer that left him at the lab. I was going to prove him wrong.

"First I shall give you the most recent edition of the National Pokedex for your work here at the lab."

My eyes shot up at this. Most trainers nowadays got a regional Pokedex for their region and may be upgraded if they were recommended by a League member such as a Gym Leader. The National Pokedex worked like the internet while the regional variant was more like an encyclopedia that gets updated once a year. More information and more communication were the testaments of the National Dex.

"I also shall give you the choice of any my lab raised Pokémon to become your starter? Have you picked one?" Oak said trying to hide his smile. He was just as excited for Machop as I was.

"I have. I choose to be my first partner and friend, Machop."

At this, I saw Machop jaw drop as he stared up at me in disbelief. I just smiled my most genuine smile at him.

"Machop you have worked with me for years. I have seen countless trainers look past you. I want us together to show them how wrong they are. While they never chose you, I want you to know that I'm choosing you over all others. Now I don't someone that is beneath me. I need a partner. A Pokémon that makes me stronger and that I make stronger as a team. Someone I can call a friend. Can we be that?"

Now usually Machop would roll his eyes at such a cheesy speech, but I had never seen so much emotion in his face since I met him. Then after a few seconds as it settled in he stood up straight and slammed his fist into his chest in a salute followed by a bark of affirmation. I repeated his action and saluted as well, and I honestly could not stop beaming. I had waited since I was four (first life) to have a Pokémon and now I was a Pokémon trainer.

"Well, I will be out in the lab if you need me. I'm happy for both of you. I expect great things from you both. Try to say goodbye before you leave," called out Prof. Oak as he left his office."

"Alright, Machop lets set the ground rules."

I got a nod from him and continued. "You want to obviously get stronger and evolve. Correct?" Another nod.

"I want to win a League tournament and show how much better we are. Can we do that?" Another nod.

"Fantastic. Finally, I don't think you want to be rolled in with any ole Machop. Do you want a nickname?"

Machop cocked his head at this and looked down to think. He looked up and nodded his head. I gave a smile at that.

"Good because I have the perfect one for you. You're going to be my support. The basis for my whole team that everything is revolved around. The most important point. There is a name for that. It is called a Fulcrum. That is what you are and if you like your name."

I didn't get the response I liked. Machop crossed his arms and stared at me in what I can only assume in disgust.

"Hey, it has a good meaning behind it. Is it because it's a weird name? My full name is Albert you don't hear me complain…much."

Machop snorted at my name. I got no problem with my name its just no one goes by Albert. My choices were Bert or Al. I chose Al.

"Okay. What if we shorten your name? How about I call you Crum?"

Machop mulled this over. After a minute he looked to me and grunted at me.

Then I clasped him on the shoulder. "Looks we are partners then Crum."