ACT I, SCENE 2
INT. PROFESSOR OAK'S LABORATORY
The books and research equipment have been cleared away, replaced by a lavish buffet—fillet of Magikarp, Shellder on the half shell, crispy Slowpoke tail, Taurus teriyaki strips and, at the center of the table, a magnificent punch bowl in the shape of an open Poke Ball, carved out of ice. Red and white streamers hang from the walls, balloons shaped like Oddish, Snorlax and other round Pokemon bob against the ceiling. A banner proclaims, "Congratulations". Everyone is talking, laughing, drinking and swaying to the sounds of DJ JIGGLYPUFF. They are waiting for the guest of honor to arrive.
Enter ASH surrounded by a group of admirers. His favorite PIKACHU is perched on his shoulder, looking beat up and confused.
PROF. OAK: Well, if it isn't the new Pokemon League Champion, Ash Ketchum! A round of applause, everyone.
The music cuts off. The crowd hoots and cheers. A young woman named DAISY OAK glances at ASH from across the room. ASH catches her eye and grins.
PROF. OAK: Raising a hand for silence. Alright, alright, that will do. Lifting his glass. I'd like to make a toast to this bright young man's achievement. Ash, you have been like a second son to me.
ASH closes his eyes and blushes. He does not see GARY OAK sulking in the corner.
PROF. OAK: I always knew, with the proper encouragement and guidance from yours truly, you would grow into a topnotch Pokemon trainer, but I never expected this. Congratulations, Mr. Ketchum—you are the pride of Pallet Town. To Ash! He takes a sip.
EVERYONE: To Ash!
The party resumes.
PIKACHU: Nervous. Piii? Piiika?
PROF. OAK: Herm. Your Pikachu looks like it's seen better days. Maybe you should take him home to rest.
ASH: Nonsense! He'll be fine! This little guy pulled me through to the end tonight—he deserves to stay and party. Don't you, boy?
ASH scratches PIKACHU behind the ears and gives him a treat from his pocket.
PIKACHU: Pikapii! Munching joyfully.
ASH: There, see?
PIKACHU scampers off.
PROF. OAK: Very well. My granddaughter's been asking about you, you know. Everyday, "When is Ash coming home?" Haha. Charming girl. You should go talk to her, and leave this boring, old man to his own kind.
He nods towards a group of PROFESSORS. The lovely PROFESSOR IVY waves at him. PROFESSOR OAK waves back.
ASH: You don't need to tell me twice! Shaking hands. Good luck, Professor.
PROF. OAK: Good luck to you, grandson. Winks.
Exit PROFESSOR OAK.
