As Akg, Gary, and Daisy chatted casually inside the lab, the door creaked again. A green-haired girl, carrying a light travel bag and wearing forest-colored clothes, stepped confidently inside.
She looked at the remaining Pokéball table—now empty—but turned to Professor Oak with a warm smile.
"I'm here for my starter. I'll take Bulbasaur."
Professor Oak blinked in surprise, then nodded. "You're just on time—he was still waiting for someone like you."
She released Bulbasaur, knelt, and rubbed its head.
"We're going to do great things," she whispered. Then, with a polite bow to everyone:
"Good luck to all of you. Let's meet again someday, as strong trainers."
With that, she turned and walked into the distance, the vines of Pallet Town brushing gently past her.
2 • The Slam of Destiny
Back at the lab, only Akg, Gary, and Daisy remained—waiting.
Suddenly, BAM!
The front door slammed open as Ash Ketchum, wild-haired and brimming with energy, skidded into the lab.
"Professor Oak!" he yelled, panting. "I choose Charmander!"
Oak raised a brow. "Already taken."
"Then Squirtle!"
"Also taken."
"Bulbasaur!?"
Oak sighed. "Ash… you're late again. All the starters have been claimed."
"WHAT!?" Ash's jaw dropped.
Gary burst into laughter. "Seriously, Ash? Late on your own Pokémon day? What a loser!"
Ash clenched his fists. "Oh yeah!? Just wait till I—!"
But Akg merely watched it all with a soft smile, chatting idly with Daisy. Rena stood beside him, also smiling warmly at the boy's antics.
3 • Ash's First Partner
In desperation, Ash turned and grabbed Professor Oak by the shoulders, shaking him frantically.
"Please, please, please, Professor! I'll take anything—even a Magikarp! Just don't leave me behind!"
"Alright, alright—stop shaking me!" Oak grumbled, straightening his coat.
He walked to a separate console and pressed a hidden button. A small Pokéball with a lightning bolt insignia rose up.
Oak held it up. "This is a… special case. This Pikachu is strong—but very disobedient. He doesn't like being handled, and he tends to… attack without warning."
Ash's eyes sparkled. "I'll take him! I'll train him to love me!"
Oak hesitated… then nodded. "Very well. He's yours."
Ash opened the Pokéball. A blinding spark flashed—and out came Pikachu, fur fluffed up, cheeks sparking.
"Awwww!" Ash cooed. "He's so cute—!"
He lunged forward to hug the Electric Mouse—
ZAAAP!!
A thunderbolt engulfed the lab. Ash and Pikachu both sizzled, hair puffed and eyes spiraling.
"AAAAHHHH! Dr. Oak, you didn't say this much electricity!"
Professor Oak crossed his arms. "I did say be careful."
Gary doubled over laughing. "Nice job, Ash! You found the only Pokémon who hates people more than you!"
Akg chuckled softly, while Rena leaned in toward Daisy and said quietly, "They're… energetic."