Chapter 1

Alex stood on the frozen peak of Mount Lanakila, his gaze lost in the sprawling, icy landscape that seemed worlds away from the sun-drenched shores below.

He wasn't born into this world, not truly. His first memories in this realm had sparked to life when he first received Manny, his first Pokémon, who was just a small Swinub back then. Now, Manny was a towering Mamoswine, grown to a size larger than any other, nearly a meter taller than the already rare Mamoswine in this world. Manny had been by his side through countless challenges. That moment had marked the beginning of his second life, and with it, a slow return of memories from a world far less vibrant and fantastical.

There were no mystical beings to greet him upon his arrival into this world, no divine interventions to guide his path, and certainly no Arc Phone. The notion of Arceus as a deity lingered in his mind, a carryover from a past life filled with Pokémon games, shows, and cards. But here, in the cold air of Alola, such thoughts felt distant, almost irrelevant.

As a child reborn into the Pokémon world, Alex had matured unusually quickly, his mind a blend of youthful wonder and an adult's introspection. The Pokémon world was alive, teeming with creatures and characters that radiated a vitality and charm that the mundane world of his previous life could hardly match. Yet, he retained a fan's knowledge, an understanding deep enough to navigate this world with a certain ease, yet not so deep as to strip away the mystery and excitement of exploration.

In his early days, Alex had tested the boundaries of this reality, probing which version of the Pokémon world enveloped him—was it akin to the anime, the games, or perhaps something closer to the manga? If it was most like the anime, it promised endless possibilities but also terrifying futures.

He hadn't been able to figure it out entirely; he'd ascended Mount Lanakila earlier this year and hadn't found any mention of Ash before that.

However, questions lingered, haunting the edges of his new existence. Questions about the nature of this world, about his place within it, and about the untold stories that drove Pokémon and people alike. But Alex had chosen not to dwell too deeply on these mysteries, preferring instead to embrace the life laid out before him, to live fully in a world that was every Pokémon fan's dream.

Just then, Manny nudged him with a solid shove, reminding Alex that while the mysteries of this world were vast, the here and now required his attention. Manny's eyes sparkled with an understanding that seemed beyond his natural instincts, grounding Alex back to the moment.

Once, he had another name, another life in a world consumed by the ordinary. Now, he was Alex, a name as new and foreign as the icy winds of Mount Lanakila. It was like adopting a nickname in college—something new, yet inherently part of his identity.

As he prepared to descend from the mountain's peak, a letter from Pryce tucked securely in his pocket, Alex gathered his Pokémon team around him. He pulled out the letter, the crisp paper slightly stiff from the cold.

"Team," Alex began, holding the letter out slightly, "I received a letter from Pryce. He wants me to return to Mahogany Town and become the Gym Leader. What do you think? Should we go back and take on this new challenge?"

The air around them seemed to grow colder with their anticipation as each Pokémon reacted in their own way. Manny's grunt was approving, a deep sound that vibrated through the crisp mountain air. Laufey, the regal Baxcalibur, nodded solemnly, his draconic energy shaking the air slightly, a sign of his readiness and strength.

Chonk, Iroh, and the others showed their enthusiasm too. Chonk clapped his flippers together, causing a small spray of snow, while Iroh's dormant flames flickered with a spark of excitement, his eyes alight with the prospect of challenging battles ahead. Vandall darted around energetically, and Shiver floated closer, her ethereal form shimmering in the cold air.

Meanwhile, Hama, Mr. Freeze and Nessie responded with more subdued but equally supportive gestures. Hama simply nodded with a serene smile, Mr. Freeze gave a cool, affirmative grunt, and Nessie emitted a soft, soothing song, indicating their willingness to follow Alex's lead without question.

As the group's consensus filled him with warmth, a snowstorm began to gather around them, the swirling flakes intensifying as if his Pokémon couldn't contain their strength as well as they usually were able to. Alex was almost worried for the younger members of his team, but Hestia, ever the protective healer, had already positioned herself in front of Snom, Eevee, and the Alolan Vulpix, shielding them with her body. Her calm demeanor reassured Alex that they were in safe hands.

"Looks like that settles it then," Alex chuckled, heartened by his team's unanimous support. "To Mahogany Town we go. Let's show them what we're made of and start this new chapter together."

Reaching for his Pokéballs, Alex began recalling his team one by one, thanking each as they returned. Once only Edgar, his Corviknight, remained, Alex stepped forward and called to him. The large bird landed with a powerful beat of his wings, the steel gleaming faintly against the snowy backdrop.

"You ready to fly us home, Edgar?" Alex asked with a smile.

Edgar gave a sharp caw and immediately began stacking Agilities, his speed increasing with each motion. The air around him grew charged, and Alex laughed softly, climbing onto the Corviknight's back.

With a final look at the snowy peak behind him, Alex said, "Alright, buddy, let's take off. Mahogany Town is waiting."

With a powerful cry, Edgar launched into the air, the wind roaring around them as they began their flight home.