Go inside the lab

Chapter III - Professor Oaks Research Lab

"Hello?" Your call echoes throughout the vast building. The subtle beeps and grinding of technology gave the whole place a slightly eerie vibe. The whole place was dull, only a few of the hanging lights were working, and even then they weren't fully functional. You spot a middle-aged woman writing sporadically onto her clipboard as she examined a strange looking substance in a jar. "Excuse me?" You approach her rather cautiously. She glances at you through the corner of her glasses, still writing. "Do you know where I can find Professor Oak?" You ask, wondering if she had heard you. She stopped writing as she pointed her pencil behind her. "Oh... um... thank you."

You head over in the direction she was pointing. You admire the scientific instruments as the worked away at project all by themselves. A man, rather old looking, around 50, was stood at the back of the laboratory. His yellow tinted grey hair was short and side parted. His white lab coat contrasted his crimson shirt which concealed his bulging stomach. As you get closer, you see he's talking to a boy. The one on the bike? You feel your face turn red as you remember what had happened outside. But no, it wasn't him, though he was your age. His strawberry blonde hair was spiked in all directions. The sleeves of his black wash denim jacket were folded up to his elbows. And his pastel purple pants stood out the most. You grin in confusion as to this guys fashion choices, clearly, he doesn't know what works and what doesn't.

The conversation becomes more clear as you get closer to them.

"C'mon, Gramps, just let me have one." The whiny voice of the boy echoed.

"Not yet, we must wait for everyone to arrive." The man's voice was harsh and coarse. He barely moved his lips yet his voice was audibly present.

"Um...hi." You greet them shyly, not wanting to interrupt their conversation. "I'm Leaf, I'm here for my Pokémon?" You end your sentence with a questioned tone.

"Of course, Leaf." The man's rough voice was somehow comforting. He waved his hand to guide you closer towards them. You get a better look at the boy. He turns his head to face you, eyeing you up and down. You swear he's checking you out. You tug at the edges of your skirt, waiting for the man to speak.

"Leaf, I am Professor Oak." He smiles proudly like the name should mean something. Of course, it should. Professor Oak is known throughout the world as the smartest man and Pokémon enthusiast. He has written over 100 books, stared in multiple tv documentaries, and even been to unknown regions of the world. Any Pokémon trainer looked up to him. "This is my grandson, Blue." He continues. You glance over at him, not wanting to make eye contact. "Now this is an important start in your journey, whatever happens now will determine the outcome of any challenge you may face." Does he always speak like he's voicing a tv show? He takes out three Pokéballs, and puts them on the table in front of him. Blue grins as Oak stands back. "Inside these Pokéballs are creatures known as Pokémon. This world is widely inhabited far and wide by these creatur-"

"Gramps, why are you pretending like I've never seen a Pokémon before?" Blue cuts Oak off. "I don't need the tutorial just give me my starter." What is this guys problem? You were enjoying the whole introduction Oak was giving, it was like one of his documentaries.

"Very well." Oak clears his throat, clearly miffed that he didn't get to finish his speech. "You should at least know what's inside." He guides his hands over the three Pokéballs as he explains what they contain. "Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle." He puts his arms behind his back. "Leaf, would you like to pick first?" He asks. This catches you off guard a little.

"Hey! No fair, why can't I go first?" The whiny tone returns to Blue's voice.

"Patience, you'll get your turn as well." Oak sounds like he's telling off a child. You run your hand over each Pokéball, trying to decide quickly as to not hold up Blue. You didn't expect this to be such a difficult decision considering you thought you already knew. You're eyes linger on one in particular. Should you? This will be your partner for life. Of course, you've wanted this one since you were little.