Pokemon: Legends of Kanto

The morning sun cast long golden rays over Pallet Town, the peaceful village waking up to the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of Pidgey. Standing in front of Professor Oak's Laboratory, Alex Ketchum adjusted the strap of his travel bag, taking a deep breath.

Today was the day. His journey was finally beginning.

Unlike his younger brother Ash, who still had years before he could begin his own adventure, Alex had spent his childhood training—not just for battles, but for something greater. He wasn't interested in merely collecting Gym Badges and aiming for the Indigo League. He wanted to surpass every trainer in history.

As the automatic lab doors whooshed open, the familiar scent of books, medicine, and Pokémon food filled the air. Professor Samuel Oak, the leading Pokémon expert of Kanto, greeted him with a warm smile.

"Alex, you're early. I expected you to at least sleep in like your brother."

Alex chuckled. "Not today, Professor. I'm more than ready."

However, he wasn't the only one here for a Pokémon.

Leaning against the counter was another older teen, about the same age as Alex, with neatly combed dark brown hair and sharp blue eyes. Dressed in a stylish black jacket with the Oak family emblem on the sleeve, Daniel Oak, grandson of the Professor and older brother to Gary Oak, smirked at Alex's entrance.

"Took you long enough, Ketchum," Daniel said, crossing his arms. "I thought you were chickening out."

Alex smirked back. "I'd never pass up the chance to beat you."

Their rivalry had lasted years, ever since they were kids. Daniel came from a lineage of Pokémon Professors and breeders, while Alex had inherited his mother's battle instincts and willpower. Their personalities clashed, but one thing remained true: they both wanted to be the best.

Professor Oak chuckled at their exchange before clearing his throat. "Alright, enough banter. I have your Pokémon ready."

He walked over to a sleek metal table with two Poké Balls resting on top.

"Alex, you'll be getting Riolu—a rare Fighting-type Pokémon with incredible potential."

Alex's eyes widened as he picked up the Poké Ball. "A Riolu?"

With a press of the button, the ball opened in a flash of white light, revealing a small, blue jackal-like Pokémon. Riolu's red eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence, and it flexed its small fists, analyzing its surroundings before locking gazes with Alex.

It tilted its head, studying him, then gave a confident nod.

Alex knelt down and extended his fist. "You and me, buddy. We'll push past our limits together."

Riolu hesitated for only a moment before tapping its tiny paw against Alex's fist. A bond was formed.

Meanwhile, Professor Oak handed Daniel his Poké Ball. "And for you, Daniel, a Growlithe."

Daniel released his Pokémon, and a small orange pup with black stripes and a fluffy mane emerged, letting out a proud bark.

Growlithe wagged its tail before stepping beside Daniel, standing tall and proud.

Daniel grinned. "With my breeding expertise, I'll make him the strongest Arcanine in history."

Professor Oak handed them both Pokédexes and a set of Poké Balls before stepping back. "Now, I expect you both to uphold the Ketchum and Oak names with pride."

Daniel turned to Alex with a smirk. "What do you say? One quick battle before we head out?"

Alex grinned. "Thought you'd never ask."

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Battle: Alex vs. Daniel

Location: Behind Professor Oak's Lab

The field behind Oak's lab was the perfect battleground—open grass, scattered trees, and enough space to go all out.

Daniel stepped forward, pointing at Alex. "Let's see if that Riolu of yours can keep up with Growlithe."

Alex chuckled. "Don't underestimate us."

Professor Oak watched from the sidelines, interested to see how both trainers performed.

Battle Start!

"Riolu, Quick Attack!" Alex called out.

Riolu vanished in a blur, appearing right in front of Growlithe and slamming into its side with incredible speed. Growlithe let out a grunt but quickly recovered.

"Counter with Ember!" Daniel commanded.

Growlithe took a deep breath before releasing a small burst of fire. Riolu managed to dodge, but the heat forced it to back away.

Alex narrowed his eyes. "Alright, let's get close. Force Palm!"

Riolu charged forward, a soft golden glow forming around its small paw. It struck Growlithe square in the chest, sending the Fire-type skidding backward.

Daniel gritted his teeth. "Growlithe, use Bite!"

Growlithe lunged, jaws glowing dark as it clamped down on Riolu's arm. Riolu let out a cry but didn't back down.

Alex saw his opening. "Use Counter!"

Riolu's body glowed faintly as it absorbed the damage before flipping Growlithe over and slamming it into the ground.

The dust settled, and both Pokémon were breathing heavily.

Daniel smirked. "Not bad… but let's call it here. No sense in injuring them too much before we even start our journey."

Alex sighed, recalling Riolu. "Fine. But next time, I'm winning."

Daniel returned Growlithe as well, his smirk unwavering. "We'll see about that."

Professor Oak clapped his hands together. "That was an excellent first battle. Both of you have strong bonds with your Pokémon already."

Alex and Daniel shook hands, their rivalry set in stone.

With that, their journey officially began.

As they left Pallet Town, walking side by side toward Viridian City, Alex looked up at the sky, feeling the weight of his adventure settle in.

He wasn't just aiming for Gym Badges.

He was aiming for something greater.

And he wouldn't stop until he became the strongest trainer in the world.

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End of Chapter 1