Pokemon : Rewind

"This is New Bark Town…" Ash stood outside the airport, taking in the lively atmosphere of what was fondly known as the Town of Open Winds.

Nestled in the southeastern part of the Johto Region, New Bark Town was abuzz with life, a stark contrast to the peaceful, village-like charm of Pallet Town. 

Here, the prosperity of the region was on full display, centered around the renowned Professor Elm Laboratory, where many rookie Trainers embarked on their journeys.

The town was a symbol of beginnings, offering rookie Trainers their choice of three distinct and remarkable starter Pokémon: the Grass-type Chikorita, the Water-type Totodile, and the Fire-type Cyndaquil.

Each Pokémon was known for its exceptional potential and its capacity to bond deeply with its Trainer.

Ash considered briefly whether he should select a starter Pokémon from Professor Elm. 

After all, starting fresh in a new region had its appeal. But his team was already strong and well-balanced, so he decided against it.

"According to Professor Oak, we should visit Professor Elm first…" Ash unfolded a small map of New Bark Town, noting that the laboratory was located on the town's eastern edge, while the airport sat to the north.

"We should stop by the Pokémon Center first," Ash suggested, excitement gleaming in his eyes. 

"We need to check in, and… we also need to register for the Johto League Challenge!"

Misty and Brock exchanged amused smiles, nodding in agreement as they followed Ash's determined stride.

---

New Bark Town's Pokémon Center, while not as expansive as those in major cities, was larger than those found in smaller towns. 

Its location in the heart of the bustling community made it convenient for Trainers passing through. The center featured four battle arenas in its corners, where rookie Trainers honed their skills.

Ash, Misty, and Brock entered the Pokémon Center, observing the bustling activity within. 

Young Trainers engaged in battles, their commands earnest but inexperienced, a clear indication of their novice status.

Despite the attention Ash had garnered in the past, he kept a low profile. His fame from events like the Orange Islands had faded into the background over time, but he knew that revealing himself would inevitably draw attention.

Approaching the front desk, Ash handed his Pokédex to the receptionist to begin his registration for the Johto League Challenge.

The receptionist, a young woman in her early twenties, took his Pokédex, her brow furrowing as she inserted it into the machine. Her eyes widened as Ash's profile appeared on the screen.

"Mr. Ash…!" she stammered, her voice trembling with excitement. "Y-Your registration is complete! Welcome to the Johto League. I hope you achieve great success at the Silver Conference!"

Ash smiled warmly, taking back his Pokédex. "Thank you! I'll do my best!"

With their registration complete, the trio checked into their dormitory and left their luggage behind. They then set out for Professor Elm's Laboratory, eager to continue their journey.

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The laboratory wasn't as grand as Professor Oak's but exuded a sense of industriousness. Surrounded by sturdy concrete walls and an iron gate, it stood as a beacon for scientific progress in Johto.

Ash rang the doorbell, and after a brief pause, a male voice answered through the intercom. "Hello, this is Professor Elm's Laboratory. How can I assist you?"

"Hello, we're here to visit Professor Elm on Professor Oak's recommendation," Ash replied, his tone confident.

"Wait—are you Mr. Ash? The Ash Ketchum?" the voice asked, now tinged with excitement.

Ash hesitated, slightly embarrassed. "Uh, yes. That's me."

The iron gate creaked open, revealing a young man, likely in his early twenties, sprinting toward them.

"Mr. Ash! I can't believe it's really you!" the man exclaimed, eagerly shaking Ash's hand.

"Pika?" Pikachu peeked out from behind Ash's shoulder, startled by the man's enthusiasm.

"Hello, I'm Ash. These are my friends, Brock and Misty," Ash said, introducing his companions.

"I'm Aoki, one of Professor Elm's assistants," the young man replied, his excitement still palpable. 

"Please come in! The professor is in the middle of his research, but I'll let him know you're here."

Aoki led them inside to a modest living room and offered them glasses of water before excusing himself to fetch Professor Elm.

The living room was plain, with sparse decorations, but it conveyed a sense of purpose. Misty glanced around curiously. "Is this entire lab run by just two people?"

Brock, with his experience working in labs, shook his head. "There must be more staff. It's unlikely such a large facility is managed by only Professor Elm and Aoki."

"I wonder what kind of research they're conducting," Misty mused aloud, her curiosity growing.

Ash remained quiet, his thoughts on the upcoming meeting. This was just the start of their Johto journey, and he couldn't wait to see what adventures lay ahead.

---

As the trio waited, anticipation filled the air. Ash's journey in the Johto Region was just beginning, but New Bark Town's bustling winds seemed to whisper promises of the challenges and triumphs awaiting him.

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