"Hahahaha, sorry, sorry, Samuel thinks this is good publicity for the Union and I was so wrapped up in paperwork that I forgot to tell you."

I am currently in the Principal office of the training school, listening to Professor Birch explain why the Union is making a public announcement and now I am the news of every affiliated region.

"Professor."

"Call me Nigel, we are colleagues now." He interrupts me.

"So Nigel, can you tell me what this situation means?"

"During the meeting we come to an agreement to grant you the title of professor along with payment for your decision to provide evidence of the evolution method for Kleavor."

"Isn't he too young?" Roxanne, who was on my back like a mother hawk, asked the professor.

"Professor Kukui also got his qualifications at a similar age, and Samuel says that if he already choose to present the thesis to the Union he must already choose his path, after all with this he is ready to graduate and his age is only an obstacle to participate in the conference or league related things."

"Hooo, so you're telling him to skip school?"

Roxanne is angry, after all she is the biggest advocate of institutional education.

"Not at all, but you can't deny that continuing here as a professor won't help him."

Roxanne looks reluctant.

"While it's true that I have a lot to learn here, I also believe that it's better for my research and future projects if I finish here."

"Ho ho ho, you hear the boy Roxanne, I also think that the professor is right. Our school hasn't been of much help for his discovery, or I'm wrong." The headmaster, an older man who looks frail with a well-groomed beard, speaks.

"The gymnasium was his main support, but that doesn't mean the school is useless for him."

"Not useless, but secondary to him at the moment, and you know there are things that only experience can teach."

She looks at me reluctantly for a moment before she sighs.

"That's true, and he deserves the credit."

"Ho ho ho, and with a young professor graduating for the school, the league will double our funds."

He said taking a diploma from his desk, I don't need to mention the glare Roxanne gave him afterwards.

"This is for you."

He handed me the diploma, well the best thing about it is that I won't see a damn division for a long time, praise the calculator.

"Now it's time for me to tell you what your new title entails." Nigel said, releasing an Alakazam.

Damn, it must be nice to be able to teleport.

Hello young one.

*gasp*

"So this is what telepathy feels like."

"Hahaha tingling right, take us to the lab."

Tingly?

"Roxanne, I'll see you later for training, goodbye, headmaster."

"Call me first."

"Take care, Marcus."

And then the world goes white for a moment, like a camera flash, before I find myself in a place with disorderly books on shelves and, a glass roof? Huh, I wonder what they call that kind of roof.

"How do you feel, the first teleportation can be disgusting."

"I feel fine, not at all uncomfortable." I glanced at the Alakazam.

No matter with how much desire you look at, nothing will happen.

"Sorry, teleportation is just so convenient."

He just nods, looking proud.

"You can go, Caz will bring him back."

The Alakazam banishes as soon as he says that.

"Sorry for the mess, the pre-season is always busy."

I follow him to a table with various items on it.

"First things first, congratulations Marcus on becoming a professor."

"Thank you."

"The first thing you need to know is that with the title you also become a member of the Scientific Union and that comes with a number of benefits."

"Like what?"

"The first is access to our shared database where all our published investigations are, and one of these."

He grabs a case and hands it to me, I open it and find

"A Pokédex."

"Yes, it's the latest international model with data on Pokémon in the 7 regions that are currently part of the Union, it also serves as your new identification and wallet."

This is useful.

"Please give me your PokéNav."

"Here."

He fiddles with his PokéNav for a moment before handing mine back.

"I've installed an application for you to access the database, the next thing is the fact that you can apply for funding or resources to help with your current investigation or project, in addition to a stable salary based on your contributions."

"Really!"

"Of course, the Union is financed by the respective leagues of each region, and in exchange, we will assign a regional professor who will be in charge of advising the league on any Pokémon-related issues they may have, as well as looking after the local species and environment."

"I bet it helps that the latest technological advances and Pokémon research come from the Union."

"Exactly, we also do other things, but they are not important right now. Normally, you start at the Union as a lab trainer or assistant, but thanks to the completion of the project, you are a professor, so your salary will be 125,000 Pokémon per month."

"..."

I swallow, understanding that while items related to Pokémon training are expensive, the overall cost of living in this world is very cheap.

"But I am jealous, you know, evolution methods tend to be very expensive, unlike my own research, the payment for the Kleavor evolution method is 1,500,000 Poké, plus fees if someone buys the information."

fmaosdfkmmjsidfm…

"Hahahaha."

After 5 minutes I managed to compose myself, but not enough to wipe the grin off my face.

"I... I see, is that all?"

"Not quite, Samuel told me to ask if you wanted a specific Pokémon."

"Professor Oak, why?"

"He has a soft spot for children, and I bet you want to start your investigation as soon as possible, am I right?"

"Yes, but which Pokémon?"

"As long as it belongs to our region, almost any Pokémon."

RALTS! RALTS! RALTS!

No wait, I can always get a Ralts in Hoenn, don't be horny, what would your uncle say?

"Marcus, go for it." He was not the best example.

Think, eeeeeeh I know.

"A want a Goomy."

"A Goomy?"

"Yes, as freshly hatched as possible, if not, an egg."

"May I ask why?"

"You see, although it is not a Noble Pokémon, in Hisui there was an evolutionary variant for the Gommy line."

"I see, then this is well deserved."

Nigel says, before picking up my Professor certificate from the table.

It reads: Marcus Poplar, Professor of Mythology and History.

"I didn't know you could be a professor of that."

"To be honest, we weren't sure what we were putting in there, so we agreed on this."

"It was quite rushed after all, then we finish."

"The last thing and maybe the most important."

He then walks over to what I thought was a large closed cupboard and opens it, taking out a package and handing it to me.

"These are your lab coats."

I open the package and take one of the coats, which I put on.

"That window has a good reflection." Nigel points out.

I look at myself, brown sneakers with matching trousers and a light beige t-shirt, my medium-length brown hair and green eyes. I have long since come to terms with my new appearance and I like it.

"Thank you."

"No problem, as regional professor I am in charge of the Union business in Hoenn, so contact me for anything related to the Union, it will be faster than our branch in Mauville City."

"I will."

"Then I'll take you back to Rustboro, CAZ!"

With his cry, an Alakazam materialises, a different one to the one that brought me here, as far as I can tell.

Yes, Master.

"Take Marcus to Rustboro." He points at me.

As you Wish.

And then world go white again.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

-------

After saying goodbye to the Alakazam, I head to the orphanage, where I am greeted by surprised looks from the children as I hurry to my room, where I stash my new possessions, not without putting my Pokédex in the inside pocket of my coat.

Now that I have some money, I should buy one of those spatial bags, a shoulder bag, so I don't ruin my aesthetic.

That being said, while it's a lot of money, it's a deceptive amount, sure basic living is cheap, but everything related to Pokémon is absurdly expensive, especially at the elite level, for example, if I wanted a Hyper Beam MT, it would cost 120,000 for the standard one and it can go up to 750,000 if it's provided by, let's say, Lance Dragonite.

When I see on the news about a shiny Eevee going for 10,000,000 Poké for contests, but that is a concern for high-end trainers, after all, becoming a trainer is rooted in this world culture, so the entry bar is extremely low, by contrast, I mean a regular Pokéball only costs 200 Poké, the real cost of training is the act of training itself, having a pet is not expensive, but actually raising a Pokémon to an acceptable level of strength is another matter.

*knock* *knock*

"Marcus, it's me."

"Sophia, come in." She enters my room.

Before I can speak, she hugs me as I go stiff.

"Congratulations, shall I call you Professor Poplar now?" she teases me as I awkwardly return the hug.

"Flaaf." Cloud congratulates me too, it seems.

"Thank you, and as you can do with respect to everyone."

"Hey."

"How are you Cloud, was the show good?"

"Flaffy." I'll take that as a yes.

"Don't ignore me." She starts to play with my hair.

"What?"

"Teresa wants to see you."

"Mrs Harper eh, I want to ask her something too."

"Go on then, I have a date today." She beams with one hand on her hip and the other on her chest.

"Sure you do, see you Cloud."

"Flaf."

"I'm not lying!"

I run to Ms Harper's office, I think it is time for me to leave the orphanage with the money I have now, the only problem is getting permission to do so as I am still a minor. So I knock on the door.

"Come in."

"You wanted to see me?" I enter the office.

"Ah, Professor Poplar." She said a little too happily.

"Ms Harper, please call me, Marcus, it's strange to hear this from you."

"Sorry, not always do I get to see a young man grow up so fast." She said laughing.

"So you called me?"

"Yes, I wanted to know what you were going to do, I got the message about your graduation. I see it was not a mistake to leave this room to you, as Sophia said".

"I will be training in the gym until the start of the season, after that I will take a journey to continue my research."

"So soon?" She looks surprised.

"Yes, my recent discovery only strengthens my momentum, it also led me to ask you a favour."

"What is it, darling?"

"I want to be emancipated."

"Do you understand what you are asking for?" She became serious.

"I do, once I start my journey I'll be on the move and I'd feel bad forcing my things here in case someone needs the room."

"I understand, its a shame to see you leave, but your arguments make sense and you are a professor now, while I worry I believe you will be fine."

"Thank you for your confidence, I'll take my leave, I have a previous appointment."

"I understand, the process will take a while, but I should be ready before the season starts."

"Goodbye."

-------

I was on my way to the gym after calling Roxanne and Alan, but I still have a while before I arrive, so I start making one last call.

"Marcus, I've been waiting for your call, let me congratulate you, I knew you wouldn't disappoint."

"Thank you Mr Maxie, I suppose there is no need for an update then."

"Of course, it's hard not to know what you've been up to."

"I'm calling to let you know that I will be training my Pokémon for the next two weeks before going on a journey to continue my research, do you happen to know anything about the family in Sootopolis?"

"Unfortunately, I've been busy with my hobby, so I don't know anything, and don't worry about the contract for now, just call me if you discover anything new about the orbs."

"I will, thanks for the support."

"It's my pleasure, when you get older, maybe we can see if you can become Team Magma Professor."

"It would be an honour."

After that he hung up, I will be lucky to escape that fate once Steven declares them terrorists, but that will paint a target on my back as I am the one who told them about the orbs, a loose thread from their perspective.

I have to be ready.

-------

I reach the gym and see Alan waiting in the doorway.

"Alan."

"Marcus! You need to tell me everything."

"Of course, let's go in, I have to get Roberto."

I fill him in on how to get my fancy coat, and as we enter the training area I find Roberto lying on his back on a rock, blissfully asleep while Roxanne reads. I guess Mark is done with the maintenance today.

"Roberto, wake up." I was unsuccessful.

"Mrs Neill." Alan greets Roxanne.

"Alan, good to see you, did Marcus drag you here."

"Yeah, he told me what happened, I can't believe he won't have to go to school anymore."

"Are you surprised?"

"I know Marcus, he is always reading or with you it was only a matter of time before he did something like this."

"ROBERTO!"

"Rith!" That woke him up.

"I hope he hasn't given Shale any problems." I say to Roxanne.

"He was happy if anything."

"Roxanne, you can referee."

"Ah, I see." Quick witted as always.

"What?" Alan in the other hand.

"Alan, after the start of the season I will start my journey, so before that I challenge you to a fight!" His eyes widen.

"You're on!"

We move to the centre of the training field and take up positions at the ends of the arena, Roxanne by our sides.

"Are you both ready?"

"Yes." Alan releases Sunny.

"No one." She looks determined, I wonder how a Pokémon can maintain awareness inside the ball.

"Roberto, in position."

"Anorith." He steps forward.

It is time to see the results of our training.

"Begin!"

"Rock Polish." The first thing Roxanne teached us.

"Headbutt.

"Left and Harden" Sunny may be fast, but Rock Polish is one hell of a buff.

"Pursuit".

Sunny turns left and the dark TE pushes her forward, but thanks to Roberto not moving while he uses Harden, she doesn't get the speed buff.

"Riith." He still gets a good hit and a push back, Sunny is way too strong for Roberto.

"Take Down, Sunny."

"Jump to the right."

Thanks to being pushed back on the last attack, he managed to avoid Sunny.

"Rock Polish."

"Pursuit."

It was too late for Roberto to buff himself. Sunny reached him, only to hit dust as he disappeared.

"Roberto hit and ran with Fury Cutter."

And then it began, Roberto abusing his temporary speed and stacking the energy of his attack and on his third hit.

"Linooone." Sunny fainted.

"Come back," Alan calls her back.

"Good battle." I shake Alan's hand.

"I got my ass handed to me." He looks down.

"That's the thing, until now you only had to deal with Cloud or your father's Pokémon, you need to use more buffs and learn priority moves to deal with speedier enemies, one more hit and Roberto was done."

"Now that you are a professor, you want to teach every little thing, right?"

"You know me."

"I'm going to get Sunny treated. Come for dinner tomorrow, Georgina can't stop talking about you since this morning."

"I will, see you."

"Bye."

Alan leaves and I remember Roberto, after praising him, he has win his rest.

"This tactic won't work once he's evolved." Roxanne comes close to me.

"I know, but he needed the win and Alan the lose, he was getting arrogant since he beat Cloud."

"I trust your judgement, after all you worked with Shale to teach him Iron Defence."

"Watching Shale has helped me a lot."

"So... a journey?"

"Let's sit down."

Roxanne and I sit on one of the benches before I continue.

"I want to continue my research into Noble Pokémon and help Steven find the orbs."

"He's a champion, it will be fine, and you can continue your research here."

"It will be easier if I follow my plan."

"I see."

She looked ahead in silence.

"Remember when Tommy forgot to lock up and the Arons filled the area?"

"We spent the afternoon chasing them." She said with a nostalgic smile.

"Or when Mark tried to flirt with that fire specialist."

"I've never seen a woman so confused."

"He was so bad, I almost burst out laughing."

"When you ask me for help with home economics."

"I've never cooked for a Pokémon before."

"Teaching you how to make juice with the Shuckles."

"...Thank you, for everything."

"It's nothing."

"You know, when Maxie offered me the sponsorship, I was excited, it was a chance to grow and realise my ideas to make it on my own. Then you gave me Roberto and shook my world."

She turns to me.

"Grief is strange, you never know when it will hit you, the first few months after I arrived I ate a spicy stew, just like my mother used to make, it broke me down, I cried myself to sleep a lot during the first year.

I had to come to terms with being alone. I hate making people sad, so I distance myself so as not to be a nuisance.

So when you gave me Roberto, I almost fainted, not because of the gift or him being my starter, but because of you, it meant I was not alone and it opened my eyes to the bonds I have been able to make since I have been here.

It gives me hope, so I dispel my doubts and begin to prepare for Project Kleavor. I want to help with Team Magma and Aqua, not because they are a risk to me, but because I love this world and everything it gives me.

So I'll say it again, Roxanne, thank you for believing in me.

She just starts stroking my head and looks ahead.

"You're welcome."