Summary: Ending up in a world where monkeys can set things on fire and where weird bubble creatures can control dreams isn’t quite a comfort. Especially as you end up not in a world you are familiar with, but rather a hell mode itself. (SI into Pokemon Reborn)
In my sleep, I could not dream.For a time, it frustrated me. I liked to dream and being unable to do so certainly made a difference as to how I woke up. But after the first few nights, it was strangely therapeutic, slipping into that state of poignant darkness.The room they had provided me was located somewhere in the Grand Hall in an attached complex adjacent to the main building. It was miniscule, with just enough space for a Television, a bed, a tiny closet, and a bathroom with a basic shower and toilet. It honestly reminded me a lot of those motel rooms they showed in movies sometimes.I felt a bit nostalgic at the thought, knowing all too well that all those movies and games from Earth will now forever be out of my reach.After what seems like forever, I push myself to get off the bed. My eyes are tired, my body wary, and my mind fatigued after another day of research. I drag my feet across a carpeted floor into the bathroom.I stare at my reflection for a moment. My transmigration here was not accompanied by some great metamorphosis of my physical form, so I looked relatively the same as I always had: slightly dark skin, black hair, and a tired expression on my face. I scratched my chin, finding that stubble had started to grow again. My body was unathletic and a bit paunchy, an indicator of the sedentary life I lived before.It had been five days since my arrival in this world, and I was still stuck in that state of purposeless limbo. Nervousness accompanied my every action, as I hesitated to make firm decisions on my future, primarily because of my fear of overreaching. Ame had been kind to me, very kind, setting me up in this room and giving me an allowance so that I could purchase clothes and belongings, but she had not taken my reluctance to formally become a Pokemon trainer very well.She seemed more disappointed than anything really. And I couldn’t exactly blame her. From what I heard, there were several new trainers on the train which exploded, all of them from regions outside of Reborn. This was technically a diplomatic nightmare for her, so I couldn’t exactly blame her for trying to salvage the situation with one guy who did manage to make it out alive.I clenched my fist as I sighed, stepping out of the bathroom. I toweled off and began to change, mentally preparing myself for the decisions I am about to make. Because I knew that there was no going back from this.The past five days have been spent in research, study and catching up on everything Ineeded to know about this world. I was aware of ‘Fallers’ from the Alola games, and how travelling through Ultra Wormholes had made them targets for Ultra Beasts due to the energy which lingered on their forms. I did not know if that was the case for me or if some Aether Foundation-esque organization was on the lookout for me, but I didn’t want to take my chances. Knowing the basic history and societal functioning of the world to create a backstory would be the barest of requirements for my protection.From my research, it seems that the history of the world was more closely linked with the events of the games rather than the anime or the manga. Red was a legendary trainer who had become Champion around a decade ago at this point and had vanished soon after his ascension, and Blue was a famous Elite Trainer who still operated as the Viridian City Gym Leader.Dawn had surprised everyone by retiring from Professional Battling only a year after becoming Champion, the post returning back to Cynthia who retained the title to this day. May and Gold were still the Champions of their respective regions. Hilda became the Unovan Champion right after beating N, but had disappeared from the public eye, being replaced first by Iris, and then by Nate.It felt... strange, reading newspaper reports and articles about these people. It was only a few years ago that I actually was these people to some extent. I knew each of their journeys, their trials and the difficulties they faced even under the games’ kid-friendly lens. I remembered playing the games with gusto, indulging in my own personal escapist fantasies as I imagined myself travelling the world, surviving on the merits of my wits and my Pokemon alone. It was something which enthralled me, a distraction from the pressures and pains of the day-to-day.To see the vessels of these childhood fantasies be real people and achieve true success fills me with a suffocating sense of pride which felt wrong to have. These were genuine people now in a real world which I also inhabited. I had no claim or right to their achievements.I looked at the clock hanging from the wall above. I also didn’t have the time.My fingers ran over the smooth leather of my wallet, one of the few items I actually owned and had since my arrival here. Ame had provided me with a surprisingly large allowance, sufficient for me to buy a full new wardrobe, along with some other stuff for my day-to-day use. The day I went to get these items was the only day I actually left my room in the Grand Hall, as I spent the rest of my time on my research. The Grand Hall’s wifi was thankfully free, and my Pokegear conveniently had an internet connection I could use. My meals were free as well, thankfully, and sent straight up to my room.When Ame had asked me to be a Pokemon trainer, I was definitely taken aback. I had asked for more time, and she accepted, probably considering the trauma I must have suffered during the accident. However, I could tell she was disappointed, wanting me to start on my journey right away.In all honesty, I am fine where I am, I think. I get free, surprisingly tasty food, and free internet to browse through all the battles and articles I want. And I am sure that Ame wouldn’t kick me out. She seemed like a nice person. She would probably let me stay on, or more likely give me a job or something.But I knew I couldn’t exactly rely on her charity any more. I didn’t want to rely on her charity any more.I sighed softly, standing up after a moment. I could hear the tick of my watch in the deafening silence of the room. It was close to 9, and my appointment was to start half-an-hour from now. I got up on my feet, put on my brand new running shoes, and made my way downstairs and into the main atrium, my thoughts a chaotic haze.I could feel the gazes of the staff and other regulars as I walked to the Grand Hall’s public area. I had become well acquainted with them over the past few days. They knew me as a survivor of the Grandview Incident and treated me with sympathy accordingly.I wiped my forehead instinctively, noticing my sleeve was soaked in light sweat. As I took a seat in front of the TV, which was now playing some weird Batman spin-off cartoon centered around a ‘Gligarman’, I fidgeted nervously. I looked around, carefully observing the surroundings while playing with the silent Pokegear in my fingers. It was a surprisingly nifty device, capable of both communication and accessing the internet along with other miscellaneous functions. A bizarre smartphone which was simultaneously clunky with its build while also shockingly elegant with the holographic screens it projected.“Alex? Alex T-Tektonius?” I heard my new name called out. I quickly stood up and walked over to the receptionist. “Ame is ready to see you.”The familiar hallway leading up to her private office was one I had travelled through only once before, on that fateful day I first appeared here.The Grand Hall was a deceptively large building. A massive amount of space was taken by the Central Hall, which even housed a Pokecenter and a small shop for basic supplies. The rest was a bit too small for the office spaces and other more specialized facilities. They couldn’t exactly build more space around the building, since the Grand Hall, and Opal Ward by extension, was restrained to an island surrounded by bridges branching off to the rest of Reborn.So, they did the next best thing: they built it underground. Reminds me of the Harry Potter movies, really.Three floors of varying facilities were constructed right underneath the main complex. The first two floors containing administrative offices while the last having battling facilities. Ame’s office was on the first floor, separated by a divider and a door from the rest.I did not fail to notice the plaque showcasing her title of “League Manager and Interim Champion.” The letters were fading and dulled.The door swung open, and as I took a seat in front of her, I could feel the cold of the metal doorknob linger on my fingers. She smiled seeing me, but there was a tenseness there. “I hope you have come to a decision?” Ame asked.“I have.” I quickly replied with a nod. “I think... I think I’ll do it. I’ll become a Pokemon Trainer.” I said, my voice gaining steel as I spoke.There was a moment’s silence, but I could tell that Ame had suddenly become excited somewhat. There was visible relief on her face as I informed her of the conclusion I reached after those few days of thought.The logic behind my decision was simple. Reborn was a landlocked country, with no real way out. Surrounded by treacherous mountains, wilds, and wastelands, the best way to get out of here was by train, through Grandview. And the station was wrecked, leaving me stranded.Flight was another option, but air travel was notoriously expensive and difficult in this world. Kinda obvious, considering the amount of Flying Pokemon which could just ram into your windshield or engine if you aren’t careful, and how some aggressive Pokemon like Salamence or Skarmory may even directly attack your plane if you veer into their turf.Which leaves me stranded in Reborn.Reason alone did not dictate my decision, as a growing itch, a smouldering passion was also its fuel. I could stay at the Grand Hall, and it wasn’t like I couldn’t get a desk job or something. It was dangerous after all, with that Team Meteor kicking about.But honestly? That felt pathetic.There was a whole new world out there, just waiting for further exploration. A world plucked straight from my childhood dreams. How could I not get out there?It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows though. Meteor exists. They are a threat, a very dangerous one at that with no qualms about civilian casualties. I have no question that if our paths ever crossed, I’ll probably be the one putting my life on the line. But it wasn’t like the journeys the other protagonists took were any different.Team Rocket killed Cubone’s mom and countless other Pokemon. They experimented on Mewtwo, the Shiny Gyarados of the Lake of Rage, and Cloning in their rampant pursuit of power.Team Galactic bombed a lake which killed both Pokemon and people, from what I could see on the internet. Cyrus’ plans had left behind a trail of blood on which Dawn and Cynthia walked to stop him, and while Saturn had successfully guided much of Galactic in a better direction, messing with the Origin Legendaries had consequences Sinnoh was still reeling from.The actions of Team Magma and Aqua led to the capsizing of countless ships and weather calamities all over the world. It is a bit of a shocker that Archie and Maxie got off scot-free, but, to be fair, most experts agreed that the magnitude of the reaction of the Orbs was unexpected.Team Plasma shot an ice cannon at a city. Even if the reports of the countless casualties had not existed, you can’t convince me that people made it out of that unscathed in the games. Moreover, Ghetsis actively tried to kill the Nate/Rosa, only being stopped at the last second by N.There are always risks. Humans are naturally frail, and even back on Earth, simply bonking your head hard enough is sufficient to kill you. A simple glitch in your organs could cause the loss of function and worse.Was I willing to risk my own life recklessly that way? Probably not. I was a bit of a coward after all.But in reality, the best way to avoid these risks and dangers was to grow and rise above them after all. And here, in a world where even Gods can be tamed, that is very much possible.It was a bit contradictory. To reach a state of absolute safety, I have to put my own life on the line. But it was a thought process which had clung to my mind like glue once I first thought of it.Become strong. Stronger than anyone. And become strong quickly. That was my aim here.And I told Ame as such, who seemed delighted at my acceptance.“That’s wonderful news!” she said, gushing. She pulled out a bunch of documents from a drawer in her desk. “Now, normally we would have a whole test and everything for a new Trainer before we issue their ID, but I think that we can get you your Starter Pokemon straight away. You’ll still have to take the test, but it will be a bit later from now.” She explained.That had certainly taken me off guard.A Starter Pokemon. An exceptional Pokemon from a Fire, Water, Grass Type, with outstanding growth rate. Even the ‘weaker’ Starters from the games back home like Meganium were superb performers here, and a useful asset to any team. Essentially the symbols of their respective generation and some of the most beloved Pokemon around.“I’ll be honest. I thought I would be starting with a Pidgey or something,” I confessed.Ame laughed at that. “We have a surplus of starters right now, really. More than what we really know what to do with. You can have your pick of any of them,” she said. “Would you like to go to the Starters room right away then?”Tempting. Very Tempting. But…“Can I have some time? Not too much. Just about an hour or so.”“Certainly. It will take some time for the paperwork to be filed anyway. And there’s supposed to be another trainer coming in,” Ame replied. She stood up, and I took that as my indication to leave. “Think carefully, in any case. Choosing a starter is a big decision, one you should only take if you are absolutely certain,” she says wistfully, probably reminiscing over her own journey.
A quick, last-minute research session later, I was seated back on the chair in Ame’s office. She was absent, busy dealing with some official matter or other. I looked down into my hands, well aware of the nervousness suddenly stuttering throughout my body.Can I really do this? Can I actually succeed as a Pokemon Trainer without the plot armor provided by the games?‘Eh, probably not.’ That was the reply which came back. And it was hard to disagree with it.I was a fish out of water in this situation. Even with my knowledge of the games and other miscellaneous materials, my information does not correlate to reality one-to-one. Compared to someone who grew up in this world, will I have a chance?I sighed. I had already acquiesced to becoming a trainer and the moment I did so, the die was cast. I had to calm myself and deal with the sheer nervousness I felt. It was hard to stop my hand from shaking.I clutched one hand in the other and looked down, my foot rapping lightly against the floor. At that moment, the door to the office swung open.“Excuse me, is this Ame’s office?” A voice, an unfamiliar female voice, spoke from the door. I turned around to look at the newcomer.She was tall and pale with long black hair which cascaded around her back. She had fine features, and her overall attire resembled a martial artist’s gi, just black instead of white. There was a coat-like apparel over her martial outfit, and most prominently, a pair of Yin-Yang symbols stood out.“Yeah,” I said hoarsely, slightly recovering my nerves to talk to this stranger. “And... um... You are?” I asked, almost hesitatingly.“Victoria. Victoria Marlowe,” she said, approaching me and offering her hand to shake. I took it and noticed her firm grip. Yowch... is she a Martial Artist or something? From the Gi she’s wearing that doesn’t seem unlikely. “You’re... Alex aren’t you?”“You know me?”“Ame mentioned you in the passing,” she nodded. “You’re a new trainer?”“I am,” I confirmed. “You too?”“Kind of,” she said with an uneasy smile. “I’ve helped out with Pokemon before, but this really is the official start to my journey.”I nodded in response. Hmm... Starter Pokemon aren’t exactly given out freely. I’m only getting one presumably because the people who actually applied for one aren’t here right now. Then, she must be a local of Reborn who used their connections to get a Starter Pokemon. And from her gi, she’s probably related to the Fighting Type Gym Leader.She sat next to me, and I could feel her tenseness. My own posture had become much more relaxed with her arrival. At least I am not going through this alone.“Are you from outside Reborn, Alex?” she asked out of the blue.“I am. I’m from Nuvema Town in the Unova Region,” I said, recalling my fake backstory. “And you’re from here, I guess.”“I am,” she confirmed. I could identify hesitation in her expression. “Were you on the train that crashed?”I winced and that seemed to tell her everything she wanted to know. Her face immediately turned apologetic. “I’m sorry for-”“It’s- It’s okay,” I quickly cut her off. “It’s fine. I’m over it.”“Still, it’s a bit wrong for me to bring it up so soon,” she said softly. “It must have been a... rough experience.”To be fair, it wasn’t the disaster itself which bothered me. The incident happened in a flash, and the worst of the calamity was kept away from me. Under normal circumstances, I have no doubt it would have, but I wouldn’t exactly call my situation normal.The silence which fell over us at that moment was distinctly awkward. I was fairly certain that neither of us knew how to commandeer a conversation from here out, and the topic we did end our discussion on left a bad taste in the air.Which is why I let out a subtle sigh of relief at Ame’s return.There was a frustrated look on her face as she walked in, sitting right in front of us. She seemed to clear some of that frustration as she sat down, but I could still see some displeasure in her face. “Sorry for taking so long, guys. There was a report about the attack on the station with one of the perpetrators being caught.”Now that was news. “You caught the culprit?” I blurted out.“Unfortunately no. The man we caught was a... decoy of some kind. He’s the third one so far we’ve found during our search of Peridot, and it seems that the real culprits are manipulating some of the lesser criminals to distract us. They spread rumors that they’re responsible throughout the criminal underworld leading our Police force on a wild goose chase. And after the attacks in Jasper and Beryl..” she said with a shake of her head. “We have no clue how they’re accomplishing this, but they won’t get away with it for too long. It’s only a matter of time that we find their base here.”She sighed once more. “Sorry for rambling so much. This is a big day for the two of you after all. Come on, follow me then.”She walked out of her office and me and Victoria followed closely behind. We quickly stepped into the elevator which descended downward into the Battling section of the Grand Hall.The Grand Hall wasn’t just the administrative centre of the region. As the centre of the Pokemon League, it also focused on Pokemon and their development. Trainers from abroad are invited to challenge the League, and the Grand Hall acts as a sort of ranch and repository for any Pokemon they catch. Naturally, a full space was cleared out underground focused entirely on the upkeep of these Pokemon. There was a large arena in the centre, and several rooms branching off. I could see some assistants move about carrying large bags of feed, and some carefully observing some of the Pokemon out and about. I could identify a Tailow, a Pinsir, a Gogoat, and a Blaziken among other Pokemon.That was quite the variety. A sensation of excitement passed over me as I looked around while I followed Ame. Will the Pokemon I catch end up here some day?“Here we are,” Ame said cheerfully as we stopped in front of a door. “Behind this door, we have a collection of Starter Pokemon from other regions. All you have to do is go in and take your pick.” she said with a grin. “Who wants to go first then?”“Alex can go,” Victoria said quickly. “I’ve already decided what Starter I want, so I can wait.”Was she trying to be nice to make up for that thing she said earlier? That’s a bit too much. But I nodded anyway as I followed Ame into the chamber.The Starter Selection Chamber was spacious and wide. Three long tables for each of Fire, Water and Grass were arranged in the center, each having seven Pokeballs each to make up a total of twenty-one potential options. Three Starters from Seven regions all the way from Kanto to Alola. Reborn had generally good relations with many foreign countries, a diverse variety of habitats and a fairly less number of active trainers joining each year, allowing them access to such a variety of Pokemon to act as Starters.“I hope you’ve made a decision on which Starter you will be selecting. It’s a very important choice, so I do hope you’ve given it some thought. Although, if you can’t decide you can leave it to chance,” Ame spoke, pointing to a strange device to the side. “That device will use a random number generator to pick a Pokemon at random from those that are available. Chance may be quite helpful here.”“Thanks,” I found myself speaking. “But I don’t think I’ll need it. I’ve already made my decision.”Well, sort of. I had narrowed down which Starter I wanted however. I recalled my thought process as I started to walk towards the Pokemon I wanted.A Starter Pokemon was important. Having a strong Starter Pokemon essentially guarantees the capture of strong Pokemon in the future and allows you to take on challenges and tasks a weak Starter Pokemon simply won’t allow. Moreover, your Starter Choice will also influence the remainder of your journey. You might avoid or enter certain areas depending on your Starter Choice, and you may change your team to match specific challenges you may be facing in the future.When selecting a Starter, it's important to know what you have in mind. You would normally picture their final form in your head while you think of them. While the initial physical attributes of most Starters are relatively similar, as they grow and evolve, their kit changes to resemble that of their final form.The requirements I had in my Starter were simple: a fast, reliable and versatile offensive Pokemon who can take multiple roles in a party. It would be preferable if they weren’t frail as well.There was one primary factor influencing this criteria for my Starter: my current Financial situation.The League provided a stipend, but to be honest, it wasn’t great. Coupled with free housing and cheap food in Pokemon Centres, it was enough to survive on, but it really was not sufficient to build a Team with. Maintaining Pokemon is expensive: you need food, water and medical supplies and if you are raising competent battlers, stuff like TMs would also be quite helpful.On pure personal preference, my favourite Starter out of the twenty-one they offered me was Bulbasaur. I loved the little frog-plant hybrid and in the long term, it was a good option. It could easily fill in a tank role and pester the opponent with its Status Powders and Poison and Grass types attacks, as well as its excellent regenerative capabilities.But that is not what I want my Starter to do. I want my Starter to be offensive and direct with a focus on attacking. I want to win my battles quickly and handle multiple rounds in quick succession with the same Pokemon. An offensive play style, focused on bringing down opponents in the most efficient manner possible.Really, apart from some bulky ones like Torterra, Blastoise and Venusaur, I’d imagine any of the Starters could play that role. But I had narrowed down my list to four.Sceptile was probably the most interesting option and simultaneously the one I would probably not pick. It was true that it was fast, and it had good options due to a vast movepool which contained plenty of both physical and special moves. And, unlike its counterpart in the games, it did learn Nasty Plot which granted a boost to its Special Attacking ability. Unburden was also a fairly straightforward ability to work with.The downside? It was a pure grass type with weaknesses to some very common types and without a gimmick good enough to justify using it over one of the better options. In addition to that, it was also dangerously frail. It was hard to hit, that was true, but if even a stray wind grazes it, it was definitely going to be having problems.Its fellow Hoenn Starter, Blaziken was another option. Hits like a truck and can learn one of the most dangerous abilities both in game and in this new world in Speed Boost. It also can learn a solid set of moves thanks to its Fire-Fighting typing.Greninja was another option. The fastest Starter I could get with really good coverage and one of the best abilities possible in Protean. Moreover the sheer variety of both Physical and Special moves Greninja had at its disposal should be illegal. Water Shuriken, Dark Pulse, Shadow Sneak, Dig, Power Up Punch, Gunk Shot, Extrasensory... the list seemed to go on and on.But Greninja and Blaziken seemed to have similar problems. Their frailty. In fact, out of all my Starter Options, they were some of the weakest defensively. I couldn’t remember their exact stats in the games back home, but here at least, that was the case. While I didn’t need my Starter to be a tank, they should be able to take a hit or two and keep pushing.Balanced Offensive. Or at least, that was what the online forums and articles called it. An all-round strong Pokemon focused on attacking and attacking consistently.Which led me to my final choice.I came to a halt. The Pokeball in front of me was suddenly intimidating. Ominous, even, in a way that I previously failed to realise. The creature within will be my partner and my main ally in this foreign land. I will have to care for it as it will have to care for me. For a Pokemon such care is instinctive, they will protect their guardian and their friend.Me? I have never had a pet before. Or really even a close friend. Will I be sufficient for this Pokemon’s standards?My hand did not shake as I reached out to the Pokeball, sitting quietly at the centre of the Fire Table. The device was cold to the touch, a sharp contrast with the being it contained. My fingers ran over its contours, as I touched the central button with my thumb, feeling its edge.I turned to my left, finding space there as I pointed the Pokeball in front of me. It seemed to snap open at my action, a flash of light indicating the appearance of my Starter.The creature in front of me was a bit smaller than I first realized. It was also warm and I could tell that from here. It blinked for a moment, scratching its behind in a very monkey-like action before realizing my presence. Immediately, it seemed to understand what was going on and its posture suddenly became more alert as it looked up at me. It seemed to try to emanate a sense of readiness and enthusiasm for the journey that came ahead.To my eyes though, it was just adorable .I knelt down on one knee to get closer to the small creature, and I offered it a hand. It approached, and there was hesitation in its motion as it did so, but it approached anyway. Its eyes were glowing as it examined my much larger hand. I leaned in and picked it up.Its weight was the first thing I noticed, and it was something I wasn’t prepared for. My arm strained slightly as I raised it up and above me, but with a slight adjustment I could lift my Starter easily. It weighed roughly around the same amount as a human child. It- no, He. He was also warm to the touch, almost unbearably so, but the gloves I was wearing certainly helped. His shining eyes seem to glitter in the dim lights of the room.‘He’s so young.’ I thought in wonder. ‘And I don’t think it's his physical age even. He must have been cooped up in here for so long.. He’s eager to see the world with a Trainer. Maybe even excited.’I paused my train of thought. And went to a different matter.Anyone’s first Pokemon is important, especially if you want to be successful in the Gym Circuit. Your first Pokemon is the de-facto leader of your Team. As the closest to the Trainer, and the longest member on one’s journey, it naturally takes stewardship of the team for the Trainer’s sake and whenever they aren’t available.A Captain, if you will.Huh. A Captain. And he’s a monkey.At that moment, something seems to click.“Chimchar. I’m weak,” I spoke to the Pokemon, who seemed startled by my sudden voice. “I’m probably weaker than anyone around right now. I want to be strong. Stronger than anyone else. I don’t want to lose at all, at least not until our journey reaches its end,” I paused. “I am going to be the strongest Trainer in the world. And it’s not going to be an easy road. Will you accompany me down this path?”Chimchar chirped at my little speech, and he punched the air in enthusiasm.“Then I have a nickname I would like to offer you,” I said as I let down my Starter on the table. “I’m going to make you the strongest among your species. Unmatched in every aspect. A King,” I said, a light smirk on my face. Chimchar tilted his head, slightly confused as to where I was going with this.“What do you think about being called ‘Luffy’?”
A/N: And that’s that! Chapters are being worked on right now, but I am going to take my time releasing them. I want to ensure this story is as good as I can make it to be. Please review and comment. I would love to here criticism for my writing so that I can make improvements where needed. Thanks to cat_and_crow from AO3 for beta-ing for me. You’ve been great help.