First a confrontation in the green room

When you arrive at Professor Oak's Laboratory, you and Green are quickly ushered into a room just off of the main auditorium's stage. The room is small, but comfortable. There are some snacks and bottled water on a table that runs across the far wall, and a worn sofa and an old armchair sit against the left wall. In contrast to the furniture, a large state-of-the-art flat screen monitor that takes up most of right wall.

The lab assistant that lead you there, a round faced woman in her mid-to-late twenties, gives you a pleasant smile, and says, "You two look great; I'm sure this will be a ceremony to remember. Just make yourselves comfortable in here for a little bit, it won't be too long before we get started."

"Just let us know," Green says cheerily, as you nod in agreement.

"Alright," the aide says, starting to turn away, then moving to face the two of you again and adding, "Oh, and congratulations. You've really earned this. I'm not sure if I should tell you this, but the Professor is always talking about the two of you. He has high hopes for both of you."

"Um, thanks," you reply, a little overwhelmed and embarrassed to hear that the Professor Oak thinks so highly of you.

To your surprise, Green actually seems a bit taken back as well. She grabs her upper arm (a nervous habit of hers) says, "Yeah, thanks."

The lab assistant chuckles and smiles warmly. "Don't worry, you'll both do fine. They'll let you know when they're ready for you. Good luck."

When the door closes behind the woman, you flop into the armchair. Green grabs a bottle of water and does the same onto the couch. "No pressure, huh?" you say with a grin.

"Seriously," Green agrees, unscrewing the top of her water and taking a drink. "It's like they're trying to make us nervous."

Before you can respond, the door opens, and the last person you want to see appears in the doorway.

Blue Oak, grandson of Professor Oak and third ranked in the program, struts into the room with his usual overconfident attitude. "What are you two nerds so nervous about, me showing you up?"

Green rolls her eyes, and says, "Oh, definitely. I'm sure you'll totally steal the spotlight when you pick up the leftover starter. Red and I fighting our exhibition match right after won't even compare."

Blue is unfazed and takes a seat close to Green on the couch, draping his arm over the back of the sofa behind her. He takes a moment to leer up and down her body with a sleazy grin on his face, his gaze lingering on her chest and bare legs. Looking back up at Green's face, he leans toward her and says, "No need to play hard to get. You may be a nerd, but I'd be more that happy to let you come along with me on my journey. We could keep each other company."

Before you can react, Green slams her palms into Blue's chest with enough **** to send him reeling until his back slams into the arm of the couch. Before he can recover, she stands and walks around your chair, putting it between herself and Blue. She takes a seat on the arm and leans against your shoulder.

Without thinking, you put an arm around your friend's waist, instinctively feeling the need to protect and comfort her. You glare furiously at Blue, unable to even put your anger into words.

"Oh, what, the nerds are dating now? It was a fucking joke. Like I'd do anything with a crazy bitch like her."

"I'll show you crazy," Green says, raising her fist and moving to get off the chair.

You tighten the arm you have around Green's waist, holding her in place. Keeping your eyes on Blue, you tell her, "Not right before the ceremony. He's not worth it."

Green relaxes in your arm and leans against you; a pleasant sensation, despite the circumstances. She lets out a disappointed sigh, and says, "Fine, I guess you have a point." Turning to Blue, she glares daggers at him, and says, "Try anything close to that once I have my bulbasaur and you'll get a face full of poison powder. Got it?"

"Whatever, nerd," he says dismissively, his words undercut by the fact that he's gingerly rubbing his back where Green knocked him into the couch.