Professor Oak's Courtyard
The courtyard of Professor Oak's Laboratory was a massive space, designed at great expense to accommodate a variety of Pokémon habitats.
Each area catered to different Pokémon types—a rocky terrain for Rock-type Pokémon, a desert for Ground and Fire-type Pokémon, and lush grasslands for Bug and Grass-types. Several ponds provided a home for Water Pokémon, creating a balanced ecosystem.
Marn could see Kanto's native Pokémon playing together. Some ran freely across the open field, while others basked in the sun or swam peacefully in the ponds.
These Pokémon, if placed on an auction market, would be worth millions. However, here in Professor Oak's care, they roamed happily, oblivious to their potential value.
Of course, security was not a concern. Professor Oak was once a formidable Trainer, and his laboratory was under heavy protection.
One particular guardian caught Marn's eye—a Dragonite resting lazily under a giant tree.
Marn had seen Elite-level Pokémon before, thanks to his grandmother's Gengar, and he could tell with absolute certainty that this Dragonite was Elite-level as well.
Despite its immense power, Dragonite was completely relaxed, its eyes half-closed as it enjoyed the shade.
It noticed Marn approaching and gave him a brief glance before returning to its nap. To Dragonite, anyone allowed into the lab was no threat—Professor Oak's guests were trusted individuals.
Marn couldn't help but approach curiously. Standing before Dragonite, he reached out and gently pressed a finger against its yellow belly.
Hmm… soft and elastic.
In response, Dragonite lazily lifted a paw and swatted Marn's hand away, its expression mildly annoyed but not aggressive.
Marn chuckled and took out a bag of snacks from his bag, offering them to Dragonite.
The moment Dragonite caught the scent of food, its annoyance melted away. It happily took the offered snacks, chewing contentedly, no longer concerned with Marn's "evil hands."
Seeing this, the nearby Pokémon—who had been playing moments ago—immediately swarmed Marn.
Clearly, they wanted snacks too.
Marn, unfazed, began handing out food to each Pokémon, taking his time to pet them and secretly rate their textures in his mind.
His final conclusion?
"Bulbasaur ranks last in fluffiness."
---
Haunter's Examination
Meanwhile, inside the laboratory, Professor Oak had completed Haunter's full-body examination.
The Professor pushed up his glasses, nodding in satisfaction.
"Your Haunter is in excellent health," he informed Marn. "Its Contest Condition is even better than that of most wild Haunters, and its Ghost-type energy output is extraordinary."
He tapped a few keys on his computer before adding, "Additionally, its Ghost, Dark, and Poison-type moves are much stronger than usual."
Marn's expression brightened. "And its mental condition?"
Professor Oak smirked and pointed toward the courtyard.
"Take a look for yourself."
Marn turned to see Haunter floating outside, gleefully making faces at the Pokémon in the yard. Some Pokémon laughed, while others looked mildly disturbed.
Marn let out a sigh of relief.
Seeing Haunter this playful reassured him—there were no hidden issues caused by his unique abilities.
Professor Oak handed Marn his Pokédex. "I've sent Haunter's full report to your Pokédex. You can check it yourself."
Marn opened the Pokédex and read through the detailed stats:
Pokémon: Haunter
Type: Ghost, Poison
Gender: Male
Ability: Levitate
Potential: Elite
Strength: Elite (Beginner)
Moves: Lick, Shadow Punch, Shadow Ball, Dark Pulse...
Inherited Skill: Perish Song
Marn's eyes widened slightly.
"No wonder my Haunter is so powerful…"
It was an Elite descendant—a natural talent passed down through strong genetics.
Just as Marn finished reviewing the data, a loud commotion erupted outside.
---
A Familiar Duo Appears
A pair of young voices argued loudly as two children ran toward the laboratory.
One had messy black hair, while the other had neatly combed brown hair.
Marn immediately recognized them.
Ash Ketchum. Gary Oak.
"I got here first!" Ash declared, puffing his chest out.
"You're kidding! I was ahead of you!" Gary retorted.
Ash huffed. "Whatever! There's a guest today, so I'll let you off the hook!"
Gary snorted but didn't push the argument further.
Instead, he noticed Marn and, after a moment of hesitation, greeted him.
Before Marn could respond, Professor Oak introduced them.
"Marn, this is my grandson, Gary Oak, and this one over here is Ash Ketchum."
"Big brother!" Ash exclaimed, eyes shining with curiosity. "Are you a Pokémon Trainer?!"
Marn nodded. "Yes, though I just started my journey today."
"Wow! I'm so jealous!" Ash groaned. "Everyone says I have to wait a few more years before I can become a Trainer…"
Gary smirked. "Tch, even if you become a Trainer, you'll just be dead last anyway."
"You take that back!" Ash snapped. "I'm gonna become a Pokémon Master!"
And just like that, the two started arguing again.
Marn simply chuckled, letting them bicker as he continued chatting with Professor Oak.
After a while, he decided it was time to continue his journey.
---
Professor Oak's Nostalgia
As Marn left the laboratory, Professor Oak stood silently for a moment.
Then, he walked back inside, heading toward his private quarters.
Opening a locked drawer, he retrieved a worn photo album.
Flipping through the yellowed pages, he paused on a particular photograph—one featuring a group of young boys and girls, smiling brightly at the camera.
Slowly, he took out the letter from Agatha and tucked it carefully between the pages before closing the album.
He walked to the window and looked outside.
In the courtyard, Ash was currently being sprayed in the face by a playful Squirtle, while Gary stood nearby, laughing hysterically.
A wistful smile crossed Oak's face.
---
Marn's Next Destination
Walking down the road, Marn began planning his next steps.
His first major stop would be Pewter City in the Kanto Region.
As for the Indigo Plateau Conference—he wasn't sure yet.
Even if he didn't participate, he still wanted to challenge Gym Leaders to gain combat experience.
However, one Gym was off-limits—Viridian Gym.
Its current leader, Giovanni, was the boss of Team Rocket, though the world had yet to uncover his secret.
Marn had no intention of catching his attention.
Right now, Giovanni was likely focused on Mewtwo's development, but that didn't mean he wouldn't take an interest in Marn's abilities.
Instead, Marn set his sights on Pewter Gym.
At this time, its leader was still Flint—the father of Brock.
Marn didn't particularly respect Brock's parents for abandoning their children, but Flint's strength as a Gym Leader was undeniable.
And so, with his next destination in mind, Marn continued forward, his journey just beginning.
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