Pokemon: The Scientist’s Rebirth

A month had passed since Ethan began living in Oak Coral. His days were filled with a mix of learning, observation, and quiet reflection. It was a strange but welcome change from the chaos of his arrival. He now had a routine and, for the first time in what felt like forever, a sense of wonder at the mysteries around him.

Today, Ethan was walking alongside Jacob, a Junior Breeder and Research Assistant at Oak Coral. Jacob was in his mid-twenties, tall and lean, with a messy mop of brown hair falling over his forehead. He wore a simple green vest with Oak Coral's insignia, practical for the work he did. A pair of gloves were tucked into the front pocket of his vest, and he carried a sack slung over one shoulder. His expression was friendly yet focused—someone who exuded warmth while maintaining professionalism.

They were headed toward the Pallet PokeRanch, one of the key facilities at Oak Coral. It was a vast, open sanctuary where various ecosystems had been recreated to house and study Pokémon in their natural habitats. The air was crisp, and the soft rustling of leaves filled the silence between their conversations.

Jacob was speaking animatedly about the ranch's purpose. "It's a blend of research, conservation, and education. We get to study Pokémon behavior in a natural setting without the constraints of a typical lab. And the best part? It acts as a refuge for rare and endangered Pokémon that might otherwise be lost to the wild."

--- Flashback ---

Ethan's mind drifted back to the day he first earned Professor Oak's trust. After an extensive tour of Oak Coral, Oak had been impressed with Ethan's deep knowledge of Pokémon. Ethan had asked insightful questions, showing not just curiosity but a nuanced understanding of Pokémon biology and behavior.

"That's not something you pick up from books alone," Oak had remarked with a raised brow. Ethan had deflected the compliment with a smile, but Oak had seen through it.

Later, Oak allowed Ethan to stay at the medical facilities—a decision Ethan suspected wasn't solely because of his displayed ability. Oak was cautious, likely wary of exposing Ethan to potential Team Rocket spies while rescue operations for the other kidnapped children were ongoing.

Jacob had been introduced shortly after, a young but skilled Breeder with a kind demeanor. His task: guide Ethan and ensure he stayed out of trouble.

--- End Flashback ---

"We're heading to feed the Grass-types today," Jacob said, pulling Ethan from his thoughts. "Let's start with the Bulbasaurs and their evolutions."

Ethan's eyes lit up. "Bulbasaur? Really?"

Jacob grinned. "Yep. They're one of Kanto's rarest Pokémon. Ever heard of them?"

"Of course," Ethan replied. "It's one of the royal starters. Who hasn't heard of them?"

Ethan had learned a lot about Pokémon during his time in Oak coral, but he hadn't encountered a royal starter up close. Bulbasaur, along with Squirtle and Charmander, are the royal starter Pokemons of the Kanto region. These Pokémon were not only powerful in their final forms—Venusaur, Blastoise, and Charizard—but also are rare and highly protected. Due to poaching incidents, their populations had dwindled, and the League had put strict measures in place to monitor and protect them.

Catching these Pokémon in the wild was nearly impossible as almost all the places they are naturally found is under League protection and trainers are restricted access to these places with strict patrolling by Pokemon Rangers.

Only those ranked among the top of Initial Companion Aptitude Test (ICAT) conducted by League or those who excelled in scholarship tests conducted by specific breeding houses or facilities like oak coral that have a royal starter species breeding program can get such pokemon as a starter. The League also set strict quotas on the number of such Pokémon taken from their herds for training making access to royal pokemon very difficult for a normal trainer.

They arrived at a sunlit clearing where a bunch of Bulbasaurs, a few Ivysaurs, and two Venusaurs were scattered. The Venusaurs lounged in the sun, their massive flowers soaking up the rays, while Ivysaurs grazed leisurely. The Bulbasaurs darted around in playful bursts.

Jacob pulled out a bag of PokéBlocks. "These are specially made for them. High in nutrients to support their growth. Watch and learn."

He crouched and placed a few blocks on the ground. The Bulbasaurs perked up, running toward him with enthusiasm. Ethan watched as Jacob distributed the blocks, explaining how these PokéBlocks were tailored to meet the Pokémon's dietary needs.

Ethan took a handful of blocks and began feeding the nearest Bulbasaur. The Pokémon were gentle, their large red eyes shining with trust as they nibbled at the treats.

As Jacob continued feeding the others, Ethan noticed one Bulbasaur sitting apart from the group. It was noticeably larger and seemed disinterested in the commotion. Curious, Ethan approached, holding out a PokéBlock.

The Bulbasaur glanced at him but turned away with a huff.

Jacob noticed and walked over. "Ah, that one. She's a bit of a challenge."

Ethan tilted his head. "What's wrong with her?"

"She's a bit fatter than the others," Jacob explained. "So, she is not as fast as others and can't keep up with them, so they avoid her when they play. Because of that, she's put herself on a self imposed diet. Problem is, she's refusing to eat anything, and it's affecting her energy levels."

Ethan frowned, watching the Bulbasaur. "She doesn't seem to be losing weight, though."

"Exactly," Jacob sighed. "It's a bit concerning. She's losing energy, not fat. If this keeps up, a Senior Breeder will have to step in."

Ethan crouched, observing the Bulbasaur closely. "Do you mind if I try?"

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "Be my guest. I'll finish feeding the others." He handed Ethan a few more PokéBlocks before walking off.

Ethan sat cross-legged, quietly observing. Minutes passed. The Bulbasaur occasionally glanced his way but didn't move. Her large, round eyes occasionally flicked in his direction, but she remained stubbornly seated, turning away whenever he made eye contact. Ethan wasn't discouraged. He knew this wasn't about force; it was about connection.

"Hey there," Ethan said softly. "You know, being fat isn't a bad thing."

The Bulbasaur's ear twitched, a sign that she was listening. Encouraged, Ethan continued. "In fact, it might just make you the strongest among all your brothers and sisters."

This piqued the Bulbasaur's curiosity. She turned slightly, one eye now fixed on Ethan. He smiled and beckoned her closer, placing a PokéBlock on the ground between them. "Come on. Let me show you something."

He pointed towards the sunbathing Venusaurs in the clearing. "Look at them. They're huge, right? They're not running around like your siblings. Who do you think is faster, them or your siblings?"

The Bulbasaur blinked, glancing between her active siblings and the resting Venusaurs. Ethan answered his own question. "It's your siblings, of course. And what about your Ivysaur uncles and aunts? Who's faster, them or your siblings?"

The Bulbasaur's gaze shifted to the Ivysaurs, who were leisurely munching on grass. Again, Ethan supplied the answer. "Still your siblings. But what does that tell you?"

The Bulbasaur tilted her head, intrigued but confused.

"It tells you that speed isn't what makes your species strong," Ethan explained. "When your siblings evolve, they'll lose that speed. A Venusaur can't do a Quick Attack like a Bulbasaur can. So what use is there for having speed now?"

The Bulbasaur's eyes widened in interest. Ethan leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Venusaurs are tanks. They're not meant to be fast. They're meant to stand their ground, take hits, and dish out even more powerful moves. Defense—that's what makes them strong."

He paused for effect, letting the words sink in. "And you? You're already ahead of the game. You're fat because you have something special: an ability called Thick Fat."

The Bulbasaur's ears perked up at the term. Ethan grinned. "It's a rare ability. It means you've got extra layers of fat under your skin that protect you from fire and ice attacks. Those are the worst enemies of grass-types. When other Bulbasaurs easily get knocked out by a fire or ice moves, you'll be standing strong."

The Bulbasaur blinked, clearly impressed but still hesitant.

"Just imagine," Ethan said, his voice filled with encouragement. "When you become a Venusaur, you'll be able to tank attacks that others can't. Your siblings will look up to you for your strength. Don't you want that? Don't you want to be the one everyone respects?"

The Bulbasaur stared at Ethan, processing his words.

"It's your choice," Ethan said, leaning back. "You can keep trying to be faster, running around like the others, or you can focus on becoming the strongest. If you want to be strong, start by eating this PokéBlock." said Ethan as he pointed to the PokéBlock he kept beside him. "More food means more fat, and more fat means more strength".

After a moment of contemplation, the Bulbasaur let out a low grunt and leaned forward, sniffing the PokéBlock. She gave Ethan one last wary glance before taking a tentative bite. The moment the flavor hit her, she devoured the rest eagerly her suppressed hunger re-emerging with renewed vigor.

"That's it," Ethan encouraged, placing more blocks in front of her. "Go on, eat the whole lot. You're on your way to becoming the toughest Venusaur around."

The Bulbasaur didn't need more convincing. She gobbled up the blocks with newfound enthusiasm, her stubby tail wagging slightly.

Jacob returned, carrying an empty sack. He stopped in his tracks, eyes wide at the sight of the once-stubborn Bulbasaur now eating with gusto. "What the—? How did you manage that?"

Ethan shrugged, a playful smile on his face. "It's a secret between me and Bulbasaur."

Jacob chuckled, clearly impressed. "Well, whatever you said, it worked. She hasn't eaten like that in days."

Ethan patted the Bulbasaur's head gently. "Keep it up, okay? I'll check on you later." The Bulbasaur gave a satisfied grunt, nuzzling his hand before returning to her meal.

As they walked away, Jacob gave Ethan a sideways glance. "You've got a knack for this, you know."

Ethan grinned. "Maybe. Or maybe she just needed someone to remind her how special she is."

Jacob laughed. "You might just have a great future in breeding, Ethan."

Ethan didn't respond immediately, his thoughts drifting to the road ahead. "Maybe," he said softly. But for now, he was content to simply have made a Pokemon friend.