Pokemon: The Scientist’s Rebirth

Ethan's journey through the dense forest had been arduous, each step a battle against pain and exhaustion. As he stumbled onto Route 1, a wave of relief washed over him, yet the gravity of his situation weighed heavily upon his battered frame. Blood trickled down his forehead, obscuring his vision with a crimson haze. The urgent need for medical attention gnawed at him with every throbbing pulse, driving him to seek help without delay.

He hazily registered a worn signpost before him, the weathered paint proclaiming two destinations: Veridian City and Pallet Town.

Veridian City, the closer of the two destinations, beckoned with the promise of a well-equipped hospital that could address his immediate medical needs. However, it was also the place where Ethan's original body's ordeal had begun, where the orphanage stood as a dismal testament to the child's past. Images of the evil matron of the orphanage and the sinister men who had whisked away the older children flashed before his mind's eye; their intentions veiled in shadows yet unmistakably sinister.

With a sinking feeling, Ethan realized that the men who had orchestrated his predicament might indeed be associated with none other than Team Rocket. The infamous organization's clandestine grip on Veridian City was now evident with his meta knowledge, casting a dark shroud over his prospects for safety and security. If Ethan returned there, he risked not only falling back into the clutches of his abductors but also becoming entangled in Team Rocket's web of deceit and villainy.

And he does not fancy crime and atrocities, he is a researcher, not a goon. It's true that he may have occasionally crossed ethical boundaries when experimenting on live embryos and zygotes when the law explicitly prohibited it. However, his intent was noble – to advance human understanding of stem cells. Similarly, while he may have dissected a few destitute homeless individuals but it was all in the pursuit of knowledge about the energy that leaves the human body upon death. Sacrificing the lives of a few burdens to society in exchange for insights into the soul and consciousness seemed like a justifiable trade-off to him.

So yes, he occasionally skirted the law and engaged in questionable practices, but it was always in service of science and research, not out of enjoyment for crime and torment. Hence returning back to the hands of a terrorist organisation when he had little knowledge of the actual workings of this world doesn't seem like a smart choice.

Turning his gaze to the second destination on the sign, Pallet Town, Ethan's thoughts turned to Professor Oak and the sanctuary his renowned research lab offered. The prospect of finding solace and aid in the esteemed professor's care ignited a flicker of hope within him. Pallet Town, though farther in distance should also have healing facilities. "Oak is the Pokemon professor of Kanto region so his lab should probably be able to heal me" Ethan reasoned.

Pallet Town should be able to not only meet his immediate medical needs but it could also be the place for Ethan to find his footing in the new world. Professor Oak's expertise in Pokémon research was legendary, his contributions to the field unmatched as per his knowledge. Within the confines of his laboratory, Ethan believed he could find answers to the myriad questions that plagued him, by delving into the mysteries of this extraordinary world.

Surely, safety awaited him in Pallet Town's tranquil embrace. If Ethan's meta-knowledge served him correctly, Professor Oak was a figure of integrity and compassion, a stark contrast to the malevolent forces that lurked in Veridian City's shadows. With a sense of determination, Ethan made his decision, setting his course for Pallet Town despite the uncertainty that lay ahead.

With his decision made, Ethan set forth on the path ahead, each step a testament to his resolve despite the throbbing pain that radiated from his head. Blood continued to trickle down his forehead, a grim reminder of the perilous journey he had endured thus far. The route stretched before him, desolate and quiet, the fading light of dusk casting long shadows across Route 1, amplifying the sense of isolation that permeated the deserted road.

Fortunately, Ethan did not encounter any violent wild Pokémon that could easily end his life on a whim. Unfortunately, he also did not come across any trainers whom he could ask for help to reach Pallet Town. "Was it simply the late hour that deterred travelers?" he thought. "Route 1 should be traversed by newbie trainers, maybe they avoid travelling at night and are tucked away somewhere safe for the night."

Despite his dwindling strength and the relentless march of exhaustion, Ethan pressed on, his determination unwavering in the face of adversity. Each labored breath and faltering step brought him closer to his destination, yet the fear of collapse loomed ever present in his mind. The thought of succumbing to his injuries before reaching Pallet Town spurred him forward, driving him to defy the limits of his body in pursuit of salvation. He couldn't allow himself to succumb, not when he had only just begun his journey in this extraordinary world that defies all known science.

Finally, a beacon of light emerged in the distance, drawing Ethan like a moth to flame. As he drew closer, the source of the light materialized – a quaint, two-story house with a well-kept garden. A thrill shot through him as he recognized the house from the OG Pokemon anime– the home of Ash and his mother, Delia Ketchum. He had reached Pallet Town.

Summoning the last reserves of his strength, Ethan approached the house, his footsteps faltering with each passing moment. His vision blurred, the world spinning around him in a dizzying whirl. Yet, fueled by the certainty that help was within reach, he persisted. Heaving himself onto the porch, Ethan rapped his knuckles against the wooden door.

A moment later, a figure appeared at the window, a beautiful yet mature woman, her face etched with concern. As their eyes met relief washed over Ethan, a warm wave dispelling the chill of his fear. He had reached his destination. The dam within him broke. His body, battered and broken, surrendered to the exhaustion. The woman's concerned face blurred, her voice a distant murmur before it faded entirely. The world surrendered to darkness, a blessed oblivion claiming him.