Pokemon: The Scientist’s Rebirth

Ethan leaned forward eagerly, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Professor, what's the test? I'll do whatever it takes."

"Your hypothesis about Bulbasaur having the Thick Fat ability is intriguing. It hasn't been documented in a Bulbasaur before. Now, I need you to confirm it with research and evidence. You'll have a budget of 300 Pokécoins. Utilize the facilities at Oak Coral, but remember—you can only seek help from staff when they're free and willing. No disturbing anyone mid-research."

"That's fair," Ethan agreed.

"You have one month," Oak stated. "Submit your findings in a comprehensive research report before the deadline. If you succeed, you'll become the youngest Research Intern in Kanto's history. You'll earn a decent wage, enough to rent a good place in Pallet Town and continue your research. If you fail, you'll still be allowed to assist with errands and receive a small allowance, but formally becoming a Research Intern will be off-limits until you pass the scholarship exam after turning18, like everyone else."

Ethan nodded confidently, self-assured in his ability to succeed.

"Regardless of the outcome," Oak added, "I'll personally sponsor your education at Pallet Education Academy, where you can attend the Pokémon Preparation Programme—the mandatory five-year course necessary to become eligible for the ICAT."

Oak then handed Ethan a dusty old datapad from his drawer. "This is so you don't go borrowing someone else's anymore. It's currently set to Level 0 clearance. If you pass the test, you will become a Research Inter and it will be upgraded to Level 1."

"And remember—don't overstep your clearance anymore. If you need specific information, request access. I may grant temporary clearance if I find it necessary."

"Thank you, Professor," Ethan said earnestly, gripping the device.

"Is there anything else?" Oak asked.

"I would like access to all research reports related to every documented case of the Thick Fat ability in Pokémon," Ethan began, listing his thoughts quickly. "Also, all information on Bulbasaur morphology. If possible, details on how Bulbasaur's evolution affects its physiology would help too."

Oak considered this for a moment. "Alright, I'll approve your request. You'll have temporary access to this information for one month on your datapad."

"Thank you, Professor. I won't let you down."

Oak smiled warmly. "Good luck, Ethan. Take the rest of the day to try and find a place to stay in Pallet Town."

***************************

Ethan left Oak's office, stepping into the warm sunlight of a late morning. As he exited the sprawling Oak Coral compound, the quaint charm of Pallet Town greeted him. He glanced down the path leading to Route 1, his mind already racing with plans.

Reaching a familiar house, Ethan took a deep breath and knocked on the door. The patio reminded him of the time he'd collapsed there after escaping from Route 1's forest. Moments later, the door opened, revealing Delia Ketchum.

Ash's mother. A mature woman with a lively expression, her brown hair was tied back in a loose ponytail with a playful strand falling over her forehead. She was wearing a snug pink top and a skin fitting dark blue skirt that accentuated her curves and highlighted her toned figure. She was the very personification of the term MILF.

"Ethan! What a surprise," Delia greeted, her eyes lighting up.

"Hi, Mrs. Ketchum. I wanted to thank you again for helping me when I was in bad shape." He extended a small bouquet of Delia flowers he'd bought earlier.

Delia accepted them with a touched smile. "That's very sweet of you. Please, come in."

Ethan stepped into the cozy living room, savoring its warmth. Delia invited him to sit on the couch while she prepared refreshment, but he followed her into the kitchen instead.

"Ash isn't home?" Ethan asked, leaning against the counter watching Delia move with practiced ease, preparing a tray of refreshments.

"He's at the Pallet Education Academy," Delia replied, slicing fruit. "He recently started the Pokémon Preparation Programme."

"Oh? When does the Programme usually start?" Ethan asked curiously. "Professor Oak said he'd sponsor my admittance, but I don't know much about it."

"Well classes for this year's batch started about a month ago. Kids aged 12 to 13 can join," Delia explained. "How old are you now, Ethan?"

"I'll turn 13 in a few months," he replied.

"Then you can join now, but you'll need to catch up on the first month's missed material. If that's too difficult, you could wait and join next year's batch." said Delia as she offered him a glass of juice and some homemade snacks.

"I'll try to join this year," Ethan said enthusiastically. "That way, I won't waste a year and I can also be classmates with Ash!"

Delia chuckled. "It would be nice to have someone keeping an eye on him. He can be quite a handful sometimes."

Ethan sipped his juice, savoring its refreshing taste. "You're a great cook, Mrs. Ketchum. Ash is lucky to have you."

Delia laughed softly. "You're too kind."

"Do you live here alone with Ash?" Ethan asked, genuinely curious if his meta knowledge held true.

"Yes, just the two of us," Delia replied, a hint of melancholy in her voice.

"What about Ash's father?" Ethan pressed, asking the much-debated question among many avid Pokemon fans.

"He's been missing for over 12 years. He went on an overseas adventure before Ash was born, and we haven't heard from him since."

"So, Giovani isn't the father. That's one less thing to worry about. I certainly don't want to be under the surveillance of the Team Rocket boss for associating with Delia and Ash, especially now that I'm already on their hit list for escaping and putting a wrench in their orphanage recruitment racket." Ethan thought.

"But damn this woman has been abstinent for over a decade. Some really fertile fields have been lying fallow for so long. It probably is in need of a good plough." Ethan's imagination started running wild while his pants started to pitch a tent.

Frowning at his uncharacteristic horniness Ethan started delving into why his hormones are taking over his mind when he always has been a master of his own mind in his previous world.

But he was pulled from his self-reflection by Delia, who misinterpreted his frown as concern for her and Ash. "You don't have to feel sorry for us," she said. "We've learned to leave without Ash's father now."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Ethan said, reaching out and placing a comforting hand on hers. "You've done an amazing job raising Ash."

Delia smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you."

"Maybe he's just lost and trying to find his way back," Ethan offered gently. "If I had a wife as beautiful as you, I'd go through hell and back to return to her."

"Actually, scratch that. If I had a beautiful wife like you, I'd never let her out of my sight in the first place," Ethan remarked with a coy smile.

"You're such a sweet talker, Ethan," Delia blushed, laughing softly.

Ethan grinned, getting drawn into the mesmerizing depths of her large, brown eyes.

Sensing the awkward pause and prolonged eye contact, Ethan changed the subject. "Actually, I wanted to ask if you might consider renting me a room. I need a place to stay."

Delia's eyes widened. "Oh, Ethan, I don't know…"

"I can't go back to the Viridian orphanage," Ethan interrupted quickly, his voice strained with emotion. "That place was haunting. My memories of my time there are hazy, probably because of my head injury. But I know enough to realize they're better left forgotten."

Delia tilted her head, sympathy softening her features. Ethan continued, his words rushing out. "I've been living in the medical wing at Oak Coral, but that's not a long-term solution. And the staff quarters are oversubscribed. I really don't have many options. You're the only person I know in Pallet Town."

"I'm not asking for charity," he added quickly, placing a small pouch of coins on the kitchen counter. "I know it's not much—it's all I've earned running errands at Oak Coral—but I'm willing to make up for the rest. I'll do all the chores here: cleaning, cooking, washing—whatever you need. Please."

Delia looked at the pouch, then back at Ethan. His eyes were filled with a mix of desperation and determination, and she could see how much this meant to him. She folded her arms, leaning against the counter thoughtfully.

"Are you finished?" she asked with a small, amused smile.

Ethan blinked, surprised by her question. "Uh… yes?"

"Good," Delia said firmly. "As I was about to say earlier before you so rudely interrupted me, you can stay here in one of the guest bedrooms. We have more than enough space, and you won't have to pay rent or do chores."

"But Mrs. Ketchum, that's not fair," Ethan objected, shaking his head. "I don't want to take advantage of your kindness."

Delia's smile didn't waver. "It's not about fairness. You're a kid who's been through a lot, and I'm not about to charge you rent for a roof over your head. You'll need your money for other expenses."

Ethan opened his mouth to protest, but Delia cut him off. "However," she continued noticing Ethan defiant expression, "if it makes you feel better, you can help out around the house when you have time. Nothing too demanding—just little things. That's the deal. Take it or leave it."

He contemplated for a few seconds, then agreed to her offer.

Ethan then displayed a grateful expression, his eyes welling up with some fake tears as he hugged Delia tightly. "Thank you, Mrs. Ketchum. This means a lot to me," he said.

Delia's expression softened further. "You're welcome, Ethan. And call me Delia. You're part of the family now."

Inwardly, he was pleased with his successful manipulation of the naive woman. Outwardly, he maintained a grateful expression, his eyes still misty as he kept hugging Delia shapely body tightly.

She comforted him genuinely, oblivious to the facade he was maintaining. With his face buried in her shoulder, a smirk emerged on his face as he inhaled the intoxicating scent of the mature woman.