To be the Very Best (Pokémon X Male Reader)

MissingNo. Arc Chapter 1 - End of the Road

"Welcome to the world of Pokémon!" Oak began, his voice steady and kind, just as it had been for countless trainers before. "My name is Oak, but everyone calls me the Pokémon Professor. This world is inhabited by creatures called Pokémon. For some people, Pokémon are pets. Others use them for battling. As for myself... I study Pokémon as a profession."

He gestured to the table where three Pokéballs rested. Each contained a Pokémon that would serve as a faithful companion and partner to the aspiring trainers. The trio leaned forward, eyes wide with anticipation.

"Now, then," Oak continued, walking over to the table. "Inside these Pokéballs are three Pokémon. They're eager to meet you. You'll be making one of the most important choices of your life today, so choose wisely."

With a click, the Pokéballs opened slightly, revealing glimpses of the Pokémon inside. The trainers' eyes sparkled with awe as they saw the fiery Charmander, the cool-headed Squirtle, and the gentle Bulbasaur. Oak chuckled at their uncertainty, remembering how many others had stood in their shoes, debating which Pokémon would be their first.

"Charmander, the Fire-type," Oak said, his hand hovering over the first Pokéball. "Squirtle, the Water-type. And Bulbasaur, the grass type. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and whichever you choose will be your partner on this incredible journey. Remember, your bond with your Pokémon is what will carry you through the toughest challenges."

The trainers exchanged glances, each of them torn between the three Pokémon, their excitement palpable. Oak smiled warmly, watching them deliberate. "Take your time. This decision isn't just about strength or type—it's about choosing the Pokémon that feels right to you, the one you'll connect with."

Just as one of the trainers reached out, ready to make their choice, the world seemed to shatter around them. An explosion rocked the lab, the walls and ceiling quaking as smoke and debris filled the air. The blast sent everyone flying back, crashing into walls and tables. The Pokéballs rolled off the table, their contents spilling out as the Pokémon inside let out frightened cries.

Coughing and disoriented, Oak pushed himself up from the floor, his ears ringing from the explosion. His heart pounded in his chest as he took in the chaos. The once serene lab was in ruins, smoke filling the air and sparks flying from damaged machinery. The young trainers were on the ground, dazed and terrified, clutching their chosen Pokémon to their chests.

Before Oak could fully grasp what had happened, men in dark uniforms stormed into the lab. Masks obscured their faces, and they moved with terrifying efficiency, systematically tearing apart Oak's lab. They seized equipment, Pokémon, Pokédexes—everything they could lay their hands on. The professor's heart sank as he saw years of research and countless dreams being ripped away in an instant.

"No!" Oak shouted, trying to lunge forward, but he was quickly apprehended by two of the intruders. They held him back with a brutal grip, his frail body no match for their strength. He struggled, desperate to protect the remnants of his life's work, but it was no use.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Oak demanded, his voice raw with anger and fear. "You can't just come in here and destroy everything! Who sent you?!"

One of the men, clearly the leader, turned to Oak. The mask hid his expression, but his voice was cold and devoid of emotion. "We're with the Pokémon League. As of today, Professor Oak, your lab is being shut down. All research, training, battling, and interaction with Pokémon have been declared illegal."

Oak's breath caught in his throat, disbelief and horror flooding his mind. "Illegal? By what authority? You can't do this! Pokémon are—"

"The order comes from the Pokémon Master, Nyx," the man interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We're simply enforcing the new laws. You and your assistants will be taken into custody. Any resistance will be met with force."