Htee knew from his past life that in the Pokémon world, the best way to get started, get a Pokémon, and obtain official documentation like a Trainer ID and a Pokédex, was to find the region's Pokémon Professor. In Hoenn, that was Professor Birch.
He surveyed the small town, which, given the presence of a Pokémon Center, was likely Littleroot Town, the starting point for most Hoenn journeys. He needed to find the Professor's lab.
He spotted a young boy, no older than himself, with a backpack, walking purposefully towards a building on the outskirts of town, slightly larger than the other houses and with a small garden teeming with plants. The boy had a familiar, spiky brown haircut. Could that be... Brendan, one of the Professor's children and a potential rival?
Deciding to follow the most obvious lead, Htee headed in that direction. As he got closer, he saw a woman tending to some flowers in the garden. He hesitated for a moment, then approached cautiously.
"Excuse me," Htee said, trying to sound as polite and natural as possible. "I'm new here. Could you tell me where I might find Professor Birch?"
The woman, likely Mrs. Birch, looked up, a kind smile on her face. "Oh, welcome to Littleroot! You're looking for my husband, the Professor? He's usually out doing field research, but his lab is right inside. Though, he might have just stepped out again. He's always chasing after a new discovery!" She gestured towards the building. "Just head on in."
Htee thanked her and walked towards the lab. The boy he had seen earlier was just entering the building. As Htee stepped inside, the interior was exactly as he remembered from the games: scientific equipment, shelves packed with books, and a large, empty table in the center where new trainers would usually receive their first Pokémon.
But the Professor wasn't there. Instead, the boy Htee had followed was looking around, a slight frown on his face. He turned as Htee entered.
"Oh, hey," the boy said, a bit surprised to see another stranger. "Are you here for my dad too? He's probably out in the field again. He tends to wander off."
Htee recognized the opportunity. "Yes, I am. I'm Htee. I'm hoping to start my journey as a Pokémon trainer." He paused, wondering how much to reveal. "I... seem to have found myself here without any Pokémon or equipment, and I was told Professor Birch could help."
The boy's frown lessened. "Oh, a new trainer, huh? My name's Brendan.
It happens sometimes, my dad finds people who need a bit of a kickstart. He specializes in Pokémon habitats, so he's often deep in the tall grass. He can get into some trouble sometimes." Brendan chuckled. "I guess we'll just have to wait for him. Or maybe..." He trailed off, then snapped his fingers. "He often goes to Route 101, just north of town. Sometimes he needs a little...
rescue." He grinned mischievously.
Htee immediately understood the implication. This was the classic scenario. Professor Birch getting chased by a wild Pokémon, giving the new trainer a chance to "save" him and get their first starter.
"Route 101, you say?" Htee asked, a spark in his eye. "Maybe I should go look for him then."
Brendan nodded. "Yeah, probably for the best. He can be pretty helpless without a Pokémon to help him out. Good luck, Htee!"
Htee now had a clear objective. He needed to find Professor Birch, probably help him out of a sticky situation, and then hopefully, he'd get his official start as a Pokémon trainer in Hoenn. He walked out of the lab, a new sense of purpose driving him towards Route 101.
Htee left the Professor's lab with a renewed sense of urgency. Route 101. That was his immediate goal. He walked through Littleroot Town, noting the small details – a Zigzagoon rummaging in a trash can, a healthy-looking Wurmple wiggling its way across the path. His Potential Sight didn't activate on them, likely because they were too far away or not the focus of his attention.
He soon reached the northern exit of Littleroot, where a path led directly into a patch of tall grass. This was it. Route 101.
Taking a deep breath, Htee stepped into the rustling emerald blades. The air here was thicker, filled with the hum of unseen insects and the faint chirping of Pokémon. He pushed deeper, his eyes scanning for any sign of the Professor.
Suddenly, he heard it. A frantic shout.
"Help! Someone! Get away from me!"
It was a man's voice, unmistakably Professor Birch's, laced with panic. Htee quickened his pace, following the sound. He burst through a particularly dense clump of grass and saw the scene.
Professor Birch, a portly man with disheveled hair and glasses askew, was scrambling up a small ledge, a look of pure terror on his face. Below him, circling agitatedly, was a wild Poochyena, its barks sharp and aggressive.
Htee immediately focused his
Potential Sight.
POKÉMON: Poochyena
TYPE: Dark
POTENTIAL: Bronze
"Bronze, huh?" Htee thought quickly. Not intimidating in terms of potential, but definitely aggressive enough to scare an unarmed professor. This was the classic scenario.
"Professor Birch!" Htee called out, drawing the Poochyena's attention. The canine Pokémon turned its head, snarling slightly, its dark eyes fixing on Htee.
The Professor looked down, eyes wide with surprise. "Oh! A young man! Thank goodness! This little fellow won't leave me alone!"
Htee knew what he had to do. He didn't have a Pokémon, but he could act. He sized up the Poochyena. It wasn't large, and while agitated, it seemed more focused on bluffing than a full-on attack.
"Hey! Leave him alone!" Htee shouted, taking a step forward. He tried to project confidence, even though his heart was thumping. He stomped his foot loudly.
The Poochyena flinched, startled by the sudden, direct confrontation. It let out a confused whine, taking a hesitant step back.
Htee pressed his advantage. He clapped his hands together sharply, making another loud noise. "Go on! Get out of here!"
The Poochyena, perhaps intimidated by Htee's unexpected bravery, or simply deciding the Professor wasn't worth the trouble, let out one last huff and bolted, disappearing into the tall grass.
Professor Birch slowly clambered down from the ledge, brushing himself off. He looked at Htee, a bewildered but grateful expression on his face.
"Well! That was certainly... unexpected!" he exclaimed, adjusting his glasses. "You saved me from a bit of a pickle there, young man! Most people would have just run the other way." He extended a hand. "Professor Birch, at your service! And you are...?"
"I'm Htee," he replied, shaking the Professor's hand. "I came looking for you. Brendan told me you might be out here."
"Brendan, ah, my boy! Always looking out for his old man," Birch chuckled. He then looked at Htee more closely, his gaze sharp. "You seemed to handle that rather well, Htee, especially without a Pokémon of your own. Are you perhaps interested in becoming a trainer?"
"More than anything, Professor," Htee said, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "I'm new to Hoenn, and I don't have anything to start my journey. I was hoping you could help."
Professor Birch beamed. "Of course! It's the least I can do after you rescued me. Come with me, Htee. We'll head back to the lab, and I'll get you properly set up. Every great trainer starts somewhere, and it seems yours is beginning with quite the heroic rescue!"
As they walked back through the tall grass towards Littleroot Town, Htee felt a profound sense of accomplishment. His journey had truly begun, not with a whimper, but with a daring rescue. And soon, he would have his very first Pokémon. The thought of checking its potential made his heart race.
The Starter Selection
Back at the lab, Professor Birch bustled around, clearly pleased to have Htee as a new recruit. "Alright, Htee! Since you helped me out, it's only fair I help you. Every trainer needs a partner, and I've got three excellent choices right here!"
He gestured to a large table where three Poké Balls rested. With a press of a button, they sprung open in flashes of light, revealing the three iconic Hoenn starters:
* A bright green Treecko, sleek and quick-looking.
* A fiery orange Torchic, chirping excitedly.
* A small, blue Mudkip, with a large fin-like head and tiny, curious eyes.
Htee's Potential Sight flared immediately, assessing each one.
POKÉMON: Treecko
TYPE: Grass
POTENTIAL: Diamond
POKÉMON: Torchic
TYPE: Fire
POTENTIAL: Champion
POKÉMON: Mudkip
TYPE: Water
POTENTIAL: Diamond (with Hidden Legendary Potential)
Htee's breath hitched. Legendary Potential! The system hadn't just shown him the current tier, but a hidden ultimate potential. This Mudkip, this unassuming little tadpole, held the promise of unimaginable power. While its current state was 'Diamond,' the prospect of nurturing something with Legendary potential was intoxicating. He'd never imagined such a thing was even possible.
Professor Birch, oblivious to the shimmering text only Htee could see, gestured to the trio. "So, Htee? Which one calls out to you? They're all excellent Pokémon, capable of great things."
Htee kept his excitement carefully hidden. The Torchic had "Champion" potential, which was excellent, but the Mudkip... the Mudkip was a game-changer. It would be a monumental task, requiring immense dedication and perhaps unlocking something the system wasn't fully revealing yet, but it was a challenge Htee felt compelled to accept.
He pointed a steady finger. "I choose Mudkip, Professor."
The little Mudkip blinked its large eyes, then let out a soft "Mudkip!" and waddled a step closer to Htee, seemingly recognizing his choice.
"Excellent choice, Htee!" Professor Birch boomed, clearly pleased. He carefully picked up the Mudkip. "Mudkip are sturdy, reliable Water-types.
They'll grow into powerful Swampert, capable of both offense and defense!" He handed the Mudkip to Htee, who carefully cradled the tiny Pokémon. It felt surprisingly light in his hands.
"Now, then," Professor Birch continued, moving to a nearby desk. "Since you're starting fresh, you'll need these." He presented Htee with a Poké Ball, a Pokédex, and a Trainer ID. "The Poké Ball is for your Mudkip, of course.
The Pokédex will record all the Pokémon you encounter, and your Trainer ID will serve as your official identification."
Htee accepted the items, his fingers tracing the smooth surface of the Pokédex. This was it. He was officially a Pokémon trainer in Hoenn, with a starter that held a secret, legendary promise.
"Thank you, Professor," Htee said, a genuine smile on his face. He felt the weight of the Pokédex, the potential in his Mudkip, and the infinite possibilities stretching before him.
What will Htee and his Mudkip do next?