As Ash Crossed the small wooden bridge over the slow flowing river in Pallet, he could finally hear the crowing of the Dodrio, signaling the start of the day for the majority of the Pallet town community. With luck, that would mean the other trainers starting their journey today would just be getting up, giving Ash the first pick of the starter Pokemon.
Getting to the other side of the bridge, Ash looked up and saw the familiar yellow and red laboratory, complete with a four-pronged windmill. Giddy with excitement, Ash ran through the metal gates and sprinted up the steps to the door. Knocking loudly, he exclaimed, "Professor Oak! It's me Ash Ketchum! Ready to get my first Pokemon!"
The door slowly opened and Ash quickly stepped through only to see the smug face of one Gary Oak. "Took your time didn't you Ashy boy," said Gary with a smirk on his face. Ash's good mood quickly evaporated upon seeing his childhood rival was already there.
Throughout his childhood, Gary Oak had been the proverbial thorn in Ash's side and his near opposite in many ways. While Ash was confident, Gary was cocky. While Ash treated others with kindness, Gary put down those he thought beneath him, especially Ash. While Ash worked hard to study, Gary rested on his laurels and bragged about having a Grandpa in the Pokemon business.
Speaking of bringing up his grandfather, "Guess it doesn't hurt having family in the Pokemon business does it Ashy? Gramps let me stay over last night, so I could get first choice. Too bad for you loser," laughed Gary. "Take a look at this Ash," said Gary as he pulled it a Pokeball and began tossing it up and down in the air. "We haven't even left Pallet and I am already ahead of you. Hope this wasn't the one you were hoping for Ashy boy."
"Gary you sneaky little..." but Gary cut him off. "I don't want to hear it Ash. Besides, I can't afford to waste time talking to you. Smell ya later." With that, Gary was quickly gone still chuckling to himself, while a fuming Ash stayed behind.
"Just you wait Gary! We'll see who gets the last laugh when I become a Pokemon Master first!" Not wanting Gary to ruin this special day for him, Ash quickly threw Gary out of his mind and focused on the task at hand. "Professor Oak! Hello?"
"Is that you Ash? Earlier then expected, but can't say I'm surprised. Come upstairs lad," echoed the familiar voice of Professor Samuel Oak. Jogging up the stairs, Ash found the Professor drinking a cup of coffee and standing in front of 3 additional pokeballs. Professor Oak was a man in his early fifties with a full head of grey hair. He was wearing, as always, his customary white lab coat, red shirt, and a nice pair of khaki pants. He was also one of the world's leading experts in Pokemon, specializing in the relationships between people and Pokemon.
Oak turned to the youth and smiled. "Bright and early just like my grandson. Are you ready to begin your journey?" Ash frowned at the mention of Gary and couldn't help but comment on the Professor's apparent favoritism.
"Yeah I'm ready. Would have been nice to know that I could have slept at the lab for first choice though," muttered Ash in a clearly irritated voice.
"Yes well... You know Gary. Wouldn't stop bugging me until I gave in and let him stay the night. Sorry about that", replied the embarrassed professor. "In any case, there are still 3 wonderful Pokemon to choose from. How about I introduce you to them?"
With that the Professor picked up the three Pokeballs and tossed them in the air, revealing 3 marvelous creatures. "Given how much you have studied, I am sure you are more than aware of what species each of these Pokemon are. Care to tell me," asked the Professor with a grin.
In front of Ash were three Pokemon. At the very left was a dinosaur like creature with a tail of fire and an orange body. The middle Pokemon had a green bulb on its back with a light blueish-green color for its skin. The final Pokemon at the end with a small brown fox, with two pointy ears and a tail. It also had a slightly lighter brown mane.
As the professor guessed, Ash knew each of these Pokemon by heart and was not afraid to say it. "Sure Professor. The one on the left is the fire starter, Charmander. The one in the middle is the Grass Starter, Bulbasaur. The one on the right is the evolution Pokemon, Eevee. Guess that means Gary chose Squirtle. I am a bit confused about the Eevee though?"
"Yes I thought you might be. Normally the three traditional starters are more than enough. However, there are 4 trainers starting their journeys today and I was unable to procure an additional starter. Luckily, I was able to contact one of my associates, a man by the name of Bill, who provided me with this Eevee."
Ash perked up at that last comment, having studied some of the research published by the famous Bill.
"So my boy, I know the inclusion of Eevee may change things a bit, but have you made a decision," asked the curious Professor Oak.
Ash already knew what his first choice would be and smiled to himself. Gary may have chosen first, but Ash's first choice was still there. Seeing the Pokemon in the flesh made him know right away to stick with his gut. "I have made my choice Professor. I choose..."
END CHAPTER
And cliffhanger. Hated reading them and still do at times, but they are kind of fun to write. Yes Ash's starter will not be Pikachu, but read the next chapter before you jump to any conclusions. As for his choice, what Pokemon do you think he will choose? Remember to leave a review for your thoughts on the chapter and any critique. Smell ya later.
