It took Alex only half a day to leave Viridian behind and head toward Pallet Town.The journey wasn't long, but the change in scenery was striking—gone was the somber, weathered look of Viridian, replaced by the open, peaceful air of Pallet, a place that carried the charm of the countryside yet brimmed with life.
Though still called a "town," Pallet's scale was enough to surprise newcomers. Its stone-paved streets, small workshops, surrounding farmlands, and, most prominently, the vast territory dedicated to the Oak Research Institute gave it the feel of a small city—one whose heartbeat lay in research, education, and Pokémon.
The moment Alex entered the town, he glanced upward and spotted Pokémon soaring through the skies, ferrying goods, documents, and even passengers. Now and then, a pair of massive Pidgeot glided past carrying small mail pouches; at other times, flocks of Taillow or Staraptor sped overhead with crates of laboratory equipment bound for the Institute. Scenes that might appear ordinary to locals gave Pallet the air of a bustling hub—perhaps not the largest in Kanto, but certainly one of the most interconnected.
It was impossible to miss the building that dominated the center: the Oak Research Institute. Its sprawling grounds were ringed by a low white fence, shaded by towering old trees, with stone walkways winding toward entrances on every side. Informational boards, outdoor displays, and even small stalls run by local farmers gave the place a curious mix of scholarly prestige and rural warmth. Alex slowed his pace, taking in the atmosphere—he wasn't only here for Pokémon; he wanted to understand the social fabric of this place.
Near the Institute gates, a small family caught his attention. A bright-eyed girl of about ten stood between her parents, clutching a pristine Poké Ball. Her father called out, "Miko," and the girl, unable to contain her excitement, pressed the release switch. Light flashed, and a tiny Squirtle emerged, shrinking shyly behind her legs even as its curious eyes darted about.
Her mother crouched down, gently stroking the back of its shell. "So, Jenny, what are you going to name it?"
"I'll call it Jenny!" Miko answered, cheeks flushed pink.
The warm exchange brought a faint smile to Alex's lips—and a thought to his mind. In Pallet, the age of ten was more than just a birthday. It was a milestone. It marked the day a child could be entrusted with one of the three members of the legendary Starter Trio, a first partner for their journey as a Pokémon Trainer.
The Oak Institute wasn't merely a research facility. It was a guardian of tradition, a bridge between science and culture. Professor Oak himself—famed across the Pokémon world—was not only a pioneer in Pokémon studies, but also the chief overseer of the League's Starter Pokémon program.
As Alex walked, he reflected on the scale of the operation: nearly half of Pallet's land belonged to the Institute, and more than half of its residents worked in roles connected to research, caretaking, logistics, or education. From aerial transport crews to DNA analysts working on ancient fossils, from habitat preservation teams to field instructors for new Trainers—Pallet lived and breathed Pokémon.
Yet not everyone could start out like Miko. Overhearing snippets of conversation from passersby, Alex confirmed what he'd already heard before: registering for an official Starter wasn't cheap. Families had to pay a steep annual League fee—hundreds of thousands of Alliance Credits—for years before their child's tenth birthday. It was no wonder that receiving a Starter was a subtle mark of middle-class or higher status. The perks, however, were undeniable. Alongside the Pokémon came a Pokédex and a list of privileges—free healing at Pokémon Centers, complimentary meals, lodging during travels, and even occasional stipends for early-stage Trainers.
Still, Alex's mind turned to those who couldn't afford such beginnings. Many Trainers started with whatever Pokémon they could catch: Weedle, Caterpie, Rattata… humble creatures that, with dedication, could become formidable allies. He recalled a famous story—a young man who began with nothing more than a Weedle, only to train it into a Beedrill so powerful it could stand toe-to-toe with Champions. In the world of Pokémon, the starting point mattered less than the care, patience, and skill poured into the journey.
The further Alex walked into the Institute's courtyard, the busier it became. Signs marked areas like "Recovery Research," "Fossil Exhibit," and "Pokédex Registration." Researchers, interns, and caretakers moved briskly, clutching clipboards, tablets, or specialized equipment. There was even an education wing, where schoolchildren sat wide-eyed through lectures on Pokémon ecosystems—a reminder that the Institute's mission wasn't only to study, but also to preserve and teach.
In the midst of the bustle, Alex noticed a young woman standing some distance away. She had a calm demeanor and an unmistakably intellectual air. She raised a hand in greeting, a gesture both professional and familiar. Alex blinked in mild surprise—it felt as though she recognized him, or perhaps had been expecting him. He returned the wave with a polite nod and quickened his pace. He hadn't come to Pallet simply to look around; he wanted to meet Professor Oak himself, learn about Kanto's current affairs, gather intelligence on upcoming missions, and—if fortune allowed—seek advice on refining his skills alongside his Pokémon.
Passing a small kiosk, Alex paused to take a leaflet advertising the Institute's educational programs, internship opportunities, and the benefits of Pokédex registration. He skimmed the description: a Pokédex wasn't just a cataloging device—it was an indispensable travel companion, granting Trainers instant access to data, terrain knowledge, and League support services. Even with Lucario and Gardevoir by his side, Alex knew that information was a weapon in itself. The better he understood his opponents, the terrain, and the rules of each region, the stronger his chances of victory.
By the time Alex left the Institute's gates, he carried more than just a mental map of the facility. He carried a sense of its role in the wider world: not merely a collection of laboratories, but a living community where science, education, and tradition intertwined. Pallet was where countless journeys began—not just for children like Miko, but for Trainers like Alex, who sought challenge, friendship, and perhaps answers to their purpose in the vast Pokémon world.
He crossed the plaza, heading toward the road that would lead him deeper into town—toward the man whose name was known far beyond Kanto's borders, who spent his days researching, listening to stories, and opening doors for those truly ready to step through.