Bulbasaur.

Closing your hand around the ball on the left, you decide on Bulbasaur. The bulb-backed little thing is cute as heck, and you imagine it'll be a useful companion as you journey around Kanto.

"An excellent choice, Red!" Oak applauds.

Blue wastes no time in charging up to the table and picking Charmander. Typical. He picks the one that gives him a direct advantage over you. Of course, the prospect of a man-sized, flying dragon a few months down the line probably helped his decision. Damn, maybe you should've gone with Charmander after all...

"Mine looks a lot tougher than yours!" Blue sneers. Damn, you think. Even when he's acting smug, Blue's still pretty cute. Or maybe especially when he's acting smug.

You thank Oak, and make to leave. With Bulbasaur at your side, you should have no trouble getting to Viridian City.

Before you get too far away, Blue calls out, stopping you in your tracks.

"Wait, Red! Let's check out our Pokémon!" Your rival insists.

Nodding, you agree. Stepping back to provide your new Pokémon space to go at it, you both release your pets.

Ready and raring to battle, Blue's Charmander circles your Bulbasaur, both Pokémon waiting on their master's command.