Pokemon: The Scientist’s Rebirth

Ethan sat at the computer terminal in his room, browsing the Pokenet. He had spent the past few hours reading up on psychic Pokémon and the world's current state. He let out a sigh of relief as he learned that psychic Pokémon typically only read surface thoughts. Delving into deeper memories could cause severe damage, a practice reserved for heinous criminals or terrorists. This revelation brought him immense relief, knowing he could hide his extra-dimensional origins by simply controlling his thoughts around psychic Pokémon.

Ethan's curiosity drove him to explore more about this world. Gone were the days of ten-year-old's venturing out with a single starter. Here, the Pokemon training journey was a meticulously planned affair, beginning at the seasoned age of eighteen. Aspiring trainers embarked on a rigorous five-year academy program called the Pokémon Preparation Programme after completing their basic education by thirteen. The first three years focused on theoretical Pokemon knowledge, followed by two years of practical training. The first year of practical training emphasized survival skills - building camps, foraging, and navigating the wilderness. Only in the final year, the culmination of the program, were students introduced to Pokemon. This phase encompassed catching, battling, and caring for their companions.

Finally, a standardized test - the Initial Companion Aptitude Test (ICAT) - determined their eligibility to receive a starter Pokemon. Specialization required additional exams for careers like healers, breeders, researchers, and more. Various guilds, clans, businesses, and institutions held their own entrance exams to recruit trainees and junior members, in addition to the Pokemon League's standardized ICAT test.

The sheer organization fascinated Ethan. It was a far cry from the haphazard adventures he'd witnessed on his childhood television screen. This, after all, was a real world, not a fictional creation, and no responsible parent would allow their ten-year-old to travel unaccompanied through dangerous routes in the name of training, especially with minimal survival skills.

His thoughts were interrupted by the swish of the door. Professor Oak entered, followed by two familiar figures who instantly sparked recognition – Ash Ketchum and his mother, Delia.

"Ethan," Professor Oak announced, " you have visitors. This is Ash Ketchum and his mother, Delia. They are the ones who got you help after you collapsed at their doorstep," Professor Oak introduced.

A wide grin stretched across Ash's face. "Hey there! You must be Ethan, right? You were pretty beat up when Mom found you. Feeling alright now?" His voice bubbled with childish enthusiasm.

Ethan stood, offering a grateful smile. "Thank you so much for helping me. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't helped me."

"You would've been toast, no doubt," Ash quipped before receiving a sharp glare from Delia.

"ASH KETCHUM!" Delia bawled, "That's no way to speak! Apologize to Ethan."

"Sorry," Ash mumbled, but Ethan intervened.

"I truly appreciate the help," Ethan said warmly. "It means a lot." Seeing his sincerity, Ash offered an embarrassed smile. "Hey, it wasn't a big deal. We just called Professor Oak, and his Alakazam came and teleported you away."

Delia also offered a gentle smile. "How are you feeling, dear? Are you recovering well?"

"Yes, much better now. Thanks for asking" Ethan replied.

Delia's expression turned serious. "Anyway, what happened to you? How did you get so seriously injured?"

"Well, I was..." Ethan began, but Professor Oak cut him off.

"He's an orphan from Veridian, Delia," Oak explained kindly. "Unfortunately, he got tangled up with a child smuggling ring. They left him for dead in the forest after he was injured by a wild Pokemon. He somehow reached your place while escaping from the forest."

A look of shared sympathy washed over Ash and Delia's faces. "That's terrible!" Ash exclaimed.

Delia offered a comforting nod. "We're so glad you're safe now, Ethan. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need any help."

"Thank you, Mrs. Ketchum, and thank you, Ash." Ethan said, his gratitude genuine.

As the conversation continued, Professor Oak reminded Ash, "Ash, your classes are about to start. You should get going."

Ash's face fell momentarily before morphing back into his usual energetic expression. "Oh, right! Thanks for reminding me, Professor. See you around, Ethan!" Ash said cheerfully, waving as he exited.

"Take care, Ethan," Delia added before following her son, leaving Ethan alone with Professor Oak. The silence stretched for a moment after the door shut, then Oak spoke.

"For now, it's best to keep the details of your experience to yourself," he said, his voice low. "Team Rocket, a notorious terrorist organization, was likely behind your ordeal, and the investigation into them is ongoing. We wouldn't want them to get wind of us being on their tail, would we? Whoever was smuggling you kids likely believes you to be dead with no evidence left behind. Let's keep it that way so we can catch them off guard and rescue your friends unharmed. Until then, you can stay here and use this as your room. Don't wander off too much, and try to limit your interaction with people here until we rescue your friends. Loose lips sink ships, you understand?"

Ethan nodded solemnly, "I understand, Professor. I'll be careful."

Oak's expression softened. "How have you been feeling? Did you have lunch?"

"Yes, Professor, thank you," Ethan replied. He paused for a moment, then changed the subject. "Professor, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could I perhaps have a tour of your lab? I've always dreamed of seeing your Pokemon lab in person, but I never thought I'd get the opportunity.

A genuine smile broke across Oak's face. "Very well, Ethan," he chuckled. "I have some time available now. Come along, then."

With that, the two exited the room, Professor Oak leading the way, ready to introduce Ethan to the wonders hidden within his renowned laboratory.