Gabe couldn't stop staring at the little round sphere in his hand. He was actually holding an Ultra Ball, not the fan made kind either. This one actually had the alchemic power built in. There was a real Aron inside. The cold, smoothness of the sphere would serve as another reminder that he was in a new world and sadly, that he was dead in his world.

As he walked towards Lucas's house, he took in the sights around him. Patches of snow covered the grass in certain areas, signifying that winter had begun. Several Starly fluttered into the trees around him. A few stray Buneary were at play as well. Gabe stopped under one of the trees and looked up. Some Starly were singing together, though it was cold, and that only served to heighten Gabe's excitement.

Gabe moved away from the tree and continued towards his friend's house. Reaching the door, he raised his hand to knock, only to stop as a certain thought hit him.

Hold on a sec. Lucas is gonna think something's weird if I'm not in a hurry or anything. It was already awkward enough watching my mom look at me funny, I don't think I want to have that happen again.

Gabe took a deep breath and knocked.

Just be Barry. You're not Gabe anymore. You're Barry. Roll with it!

The door opened and a fairly tall woman with blue eyes and long black wavy hair, answered the door. Gabe blinked. This woman had on formfitting jeans that hugged the curvature of her legs, hips and trunk. Her top consisted of a long sleeve white sweater that for some reason, accentuated her very pronounced bust. Though she was slender, this woman was curvy.

This can't be Lucas's mom. It's supposed to be Johanna! Wait... come to think of it, in the games, we never really see his mom or Dawn's if they are the assistant to Professor Rowan. By Arceus this is weird!

"Barry? what a surprise. What brings you here?" asked Lucas's mother with a smile.

"I-I was just... coming to see if Lucas was up. He's always been a bit slow on the uptake ya know?" Gabe stated.

Way to go genius, you just insulted your friend in front of his mother!

"My Lucas does like to take his time doesn't he? well, why don't you come in and go see him?" she suggested.

Roll with it...

"Thanks! I'll do that," Gabe replied, making a bolt for the stairs.

"Ah! shoes mister," said his friend's mother in a stern tone as Gabe was halfway up the stairs.

"Right, sorry," Gabe apologized, going back down to take off his shoes.

"Thank you Barry. Now you may go," she added.

Nodding, Gabe hustled up the stairs to his friend's room. He was about to knock when yet another thought hit him. Barry never knocked. He just pushed himself inside. With that thought in mind, Gabe did just what the loudmouth blond would do. He twisted the knob and entered unannounced. And what he saw filled him with a wave of nostalgia.

The TV was blasting news about Professor Rowan and was just coming to the end of the broadcast. His eyes shifted over to the desk in the corner to find Lucas, wearing his signature winter hat and jacket. It was really Lucas! The main protagonist that Gabe had played for years was now right in front of him.

In that moment, a smile crossed his mind as he realized that he was looking at this world, at Lucas, through the eyes of a rival! Containing his excitement, Gabe cleared his throat.

"Hey Lucas! what's up?" He asked, immediately grabbing the black-haired boy's attention.

"Oh hey Barry, didn't see ya there. What're you doing here?" Lucas asked, turning away from his PC to face his friend.

"Why else would I be here? I came because we start our journey today, slowpoke!" Gabe said with a smirk.

"Oh shoot, that's right! I almost forgot!" Lucas replied as he hastily got up after shutting off his PC.

So this is what it's like when the protagonist actually talks. Neat, Gabe thought, crossing his arms in order to imitate Barry's impatient mannerisms.

"I'll meet'cha outside in five minutes. Don't be late or you'll owe me a million bucks!" Gabe hollered back as he bolted down the stairs.

"But I don't even have that kind of money!" Lucas exclaimed.

As Gabe reached the end of the staircase, he put on his shoes and breathed a sigh of relief.

Did I really just say that? I always thought it was stupid. There has got to be a cooler way to say it...

Gabe shook his head and headed out the door. Remembering what he told his mother, he made haste back to his house.

Upon entering, he rubbed his hands together for warmth and stomped the snow off his shoes onto the mat inside the door.

"I'm back!" Gabe called out, venturing into the house to find his mother.

"I'm in the office sweetheart!" His mother called out.

We have an office? Gabe wondered while scratching his head.

With a shrug, he made his way through the living room and down the hall where he heard his mom call him from. Sure enough, the sound of her typing was heard as he neared. With a smile, he poked his head inside.

"Hey mom," he greeted her, getting a surprised look in return.

"Oh my, you really did come back. How's Lucas?" She asked curiously.

"He's the same as ever. We're about to go see the Professor. I just stopped in to say hi before we did," Gabe told her.

"That's very thoughtful of you Barry. Oh, what would you like for dinner tonight!?" she questioned her son.

"I'll think about it," Gabe replied, unsure of what to ask.

"That's alright. Just let me know when you get back," she smiled, waving him off.

"Will do! anyway, gotta jet! see ya in a few!" he called over his shoulder as he ran out the door.

Situated on the Valor Lakefront was the famous Seven Stars Restaurant. It was a grandiose establishment where high class individuals came to dine and also, battle. Customers would compete in double battles against one another before obtaining their seats. The sound of battle could be heard within as four trainers duked it out for a table.

One team consisted of a middle-aged duo. The older gentleman named Leonardo, who sported a tan coat with hat to match and wore a green vest beneath with a tie. He had on gray slacks and black shoes and carried a cane. Before him was a Pokémon known as Chatot.

The woman beside him, named Rebecca, was tall and slender with graying hair like her partner's. She wore a pink dress beneath a tan coat with a hat of her own to match. Her teammate was a plump looking feline called Purugly.

Facing the pair were two younger women in their early twenties. The first one was a fairly short redhead with fair skin and scarlet hues. Her hair was reminiscent of a Gardevoir with a spike of hair sticking up at a diagonal. She wore a stylish red blouse with black slacks and matching black and red heels. Though she was petite as far as her upperbody was concerned, she had a fit, curvaceous form with a nicely pronounced lower half. Before her also stood a Purugly who seemed in better shape than that of her opponent's Purugly.

Beside her was a much taller woman with violet hair that flowed down to her shoulders in waves. Some of her hair was done up in a bun. She wore a formfitting black, v-neck dress that hugged her every curve. Though thin like her partner, she wasn't lacking much in her upper body which sported an impressive bust. Her lower proportions were toned and strong like her red-haired tag partner's were. She had on a pair of black and purple heels to match. Battling alongside her was one of the regions more avoided Pokémon, Skuntank.

Upon further inspection of the area, it was clear that the necessary safety precautions had been taken. Two Alakazam were stationed on either side for attack trafficking, making sure that a barrier stayed up so as to prevent damage to the surrounding area and other diners.

"Purugly, use Quick Attack!" Rebecca commanded.

"How cute," the redhead smirked. "Giga Impact!" She commanded her Purugly.

"Chatot, intercept with Steel Wing!" Leonardo shouted.

"Not so fast! Skuntank, use Flamethrower!" The purple-haired woman commanded fiercely.

Both Purugly charged at one another, one moving faster than the other towards opposing targets. As Rebecca's closed in on Skuntank, Chatot flickered into view and crossed his wings, lacing them with steel in an attempt to cushion the attack of the oncoming freight train that was the opposition's Purugly. However, as he did so, a cone of fire blasted him straight into the barrier, while the opposing Purugly powered into Rebecca's Purugly with crushing force. At this, the hand of the restaurant judge went up.

"Both Purugly and Chatot are unable to battle! Purugly and Skuntank win the round. This means the victory goes to Mars and Jupiter!"

Clapping was heard as the barriers were let down. Both sides returned their Pokémon. Afterwards, Jupiter and Mars were escorted to the seat of their choice. After being seated, the two opened their menus and began to decide what they wanted.

"That was rather fun, although their synergy could have been better," Jupiter stated, setting her menu in front of her for the time being.

Mars shrugged and scanned the menu.

"I guess. I mean, we've battled stronger opponents. I thought battling another Purugly would be fun, but it was a bit of a letdown," Mars replied.

"That's true, we have had tougher opposition. But at least we got to take our aces out for some fun," Jupiter giggled.

Mars chuckled and shook her head.

"It has been a long time since they came out to play," Mars added. "Purugly was getting restless."

The waiter swung by the table with a pair of drinks which happened to be the duo's usual drink. After a few minutes, the two ordered and sent the waiter on his way.

"Now that we've gotten our orders taken care of," Mars began after taking a sip of her Pecha Berry tea, "let's take a look at that file Cyrus was talking about."

Jupiter nodded and reached into her bag to pull out a laptop and set it at the right side of the table near the wall. Turning it on, she pulled up a file that was labeled as "Project Mega."

"Come on slowpoke, we're almost there!" Gabe called back to Lucas who was just catching up to Gabe as he ran.

"Do you always have to run everywhere? don't you ever get tired?" Lucas said as the two approached Sandgem Town.

"I can't help it if I like to run," Gabe fired back, keeping a steady pace as he ran.

Man, I knew Barry ran a lot, but I never really took him for someone who would be this fit! It feels like I have limitless endurance!

"Tell me something I don't know! anyway, it looks like we're here. We can slow down now," Lucas said, slowing to a walk.

Reluctantly, Gabe began to walk as well. It wasn't long until they reached Professor Rowan's lab. After Lucas caught his breath, the two walked inside.

Gabe and Lucas paused inside to look around at the expansive laboratory. There was a small habitat for Pokémon to roam about, complete with shrubbery and various other wildlife accommodations. Standing by the habitat was a short, blue-haired young woman wearing a red coat with pink buttons. She wore matching pink winter boots. She had on a white scarf and a white hat with a partial poké ball symbol on it.

Gabe simply stood there looking at her. There was Dawn. No, not the anime, not into gym battles, cheerleader Dawn. This was the battle ready, professor's assistant Dawn. Beside her was a medium-sized, penguin-like Pokémon. A Prinplup.

Shoot, she's already got her Piplup to evolve huh? nice! Gabe thought with a smirk.

Dawn's eyes shifted towards the entrance as she heard the doors to the lab opening. A smile painted itself onto her features as she spotted Lucas and Gabe.

"Hey guys, long time no see," she greeted with a cheerful smile.

Lucas grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head while giving her a wave in response.

"H-Hey Dawn. How's it goin'?" He asked with a nervous smile.

Hold on a second here, Gabe thought, casting a befuddled look towards Lucas. Looks like Lucas has a bit of a crush on Dawn. That's right! He always did, didn't he? Gah, what was that ship called again?

"I'm alright. Was just wondering when you two-"

"Fortuneshipping!" Gabe said aloud, covering his mouth immediately afterwards.

Dawn gave Gabe a quizzical look. "Huh?"

Gabe let out a nervous laugh.

"Sorry, I just uh... remembered something from an... article I was reading. That was the title." Gabe replied hastily.

"That's a strange title, but okay..." Dawn stated, deciding to just go with it. "So, did you two decide the Pokémon you wanted? I know you have both had your eyes set on them for a while now," Dawn asked.

Gabe placed his hands behind his head and responded, "actually, I already have mine."

Gabe reached down and unclipped Aron's ball and released him. The little Steel-type cooed on his way out and nuzzled against Gabe's leg.

"Awww, you're taking your Aron? I'm surprised. You were so deadset on Piplup. What changed your mind?" Dawn asked him.

"Yeah, you're usually fixed on things like that," Lucas chimed in.

Gabe crossed his arms and smirked.

"Come on you guys, it's me we're talking about. Mr. Impatient, remember? you guys gave me that nickname for a reason," Gabe deflected.

"Point taken," Dawn shrugged. "So I guess that opens things up for you a bit more Lucas," Dawn added, bringing out all three Pokémon from their spheres. "Which one do you choose?"

A smile formed itself on Lucas's face as he saw the three starters he had to choose from. Though all of them were amazing, there was only one he wanted. Without hesitation, he pointed to Turtwig.

"I choose Turtwig," Lucas stated confidently.

Dawn nodded and returned two of the three back into their spheres.

"By the way, where's the professor?" Gabe asked curiously.

"I'm right here," came a gruff sounding voice to their left.

Standing before them was the vessel of Pokémon knowledge himself, in all his gray-haired, mustachioed glory. Professor Rowan made his way beside Dawn and turned to look at Lucas and Gabe.

"My apologies for my tardiness. I had a bit of business to attend to. I had Miss Berlitz here, take over for me in case I should be late. I see she has done so. Excellent!" the professor added with an approving nod.

"It was no trouble at all professor," Dawn stated with a smile.

Rowan nodded and turned to the two young men before him.

"From what I understand, it is your birthday today, am I right?" he asked, looking directly at Gabe.

"Err... that's right!" Gabe replied, still getting used to that fact.

"How fortunate to be able to start your journey on such a day. Here then, is my gift to you," Professor Rowan added, taking out a small, red device that Gabe had seen time and time again in all his years of playing and watching Pokémon.

Gabe took the device and held it in his hands. It was a real Pokédex! he could hardly believe it.

"Thank you!" Gabe exclaimed, hardly able to contain his excitement.

"You're welcome young man. And here's one for you as well, Lucas," the professor added, handing Lucas the same device.

"Thanks professor," Lucas replied, placing it in his pocket after receiving it.

"You're welcome. Now, I am certain you remember the purpose of these devices, so I won't go into detail in reminding you. The both of you went to school after all. Now, do your best to fill those up. The more Pokémon you find and capture, the more research we will be able to conduct and the more rewarding it will be for all of us," Professor Rowan said simply.

"That sounds awesome. I can't wait to get started!" Gabe beamed, turning to head for the door when he was stopped short.

"Hold on there Barry, aren't you forgetting something?" Dawn asked, holding out a handful of small poké balls.

"Oh... right. Sorry," Gabe replied with a nervous laugh, taking the spheres with gratitude. "Thank you."

Slow it down a minute Gabe. You're getting ahead of yourself. Tone it down a little.

"Now that you two have what you need, perhaps you should be on your way home. I'm certain your families will be eager to learn of your little venture and want to see you for a while until you go on your journey," Professor Rowan stated.

"That sounds great actually. I did tell mom I would come back and say goodbye," Lucas chimed in.

"I guess I can go back too," Gabe began, returning Aron as he spoke. "I'm super stoked to get started! hey Lucas, race ya home!" Gabe shouted, bolting out the door.

"H-Hey! You got a head start!" Lucas shouted, turning to Dawn to wave goodbye.

"See ya Dawn!" he shouted before tearing off after Gabe.

"Uh... bye Lucas!" Dawn called out, letting out a sigh as they left. "There they go again," she giggled.

Gabe and Lucas raced along the path home, bursting with excitement at the thought of their adventure starting the next day. Finally, the day they had waited so long for, had come.

Lucas chooses Turtwig! Oh, and Dawn is just a tad ahead of the two. I purposely did that to make things more interesting. Dawn has been with Rowan as an assistant for several months and has since trained her small team. She will have a significant impact on this story as well. So, Gabe and Lucas will finally start their journey! Isn't that exciting!? Catch you guys later!