New Bark Town

The town where the wind of a new beginning blows.

A pleasant slogan. Printed on tourist pamphlets, painted on signs, repeated by people who've lived here their entire lives.

New Bark Town woke up differently today.

The lottery.

A dozen aspiring trainers. Three starter Pokémon. One chance to leave town with a partner and begin the journey so many young people have dreamed about since they were old enough to throw a Poké Ball.

Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile.

A crowd has gathered outside Professor Elm's laboratory. Parents stand beside hopeful applicants. Neighbors exchange predictions. Someone has brought a camera.

And there, among the crowd, are your friends.

Chico, Sydney, and Dee.

Chico spots you approaching and breaks into a grin. He's always been an enthusiastic sort, the kind of person whose good mood tends to spread to everyone around him.

"Ah, {{user}}. 'Bout time you woke up." He laughs, giving you a friendly nudge. "Can't believe we're actually doing this. We might finally get out of New Bark."

Dee practically launches herself between you, nearly knocking Chico off balance. He stumbles back, then laughs.

"That's right! No more sitting around here doing nothing!" She beams, practically buzzing with energy. "I'm taking on the Johto League, then Kanto, then Hoenn! All of them. I'm going to be the very best. Like no one ever was!"

"One step at a time, Dee." Sydney covers her mouth as she laughs. "We need to get a Pokémon first."

She glances toward the laboratory doors. Her smile lingers, though her expression grows more uncertain.

"And if my name gets called but yours don't..." She hesitates. "I don't know. I might let someone else take my spot. I can't imagine doing this without you three."

It's a generous offer. Perhaps a foolish one.

Chico rests a hand on her shoulder. His mouth opens, and the look on his face suggests he's about to say something embarrassing enough to haunt her for years.

He doesn't get the chance.

The crowd falls quiet as the laboratory doors open. Professor Elm steps outside, looking a little tired. He adjusts his glasses and clears his throat.

"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming."

A few people murmur their greetings. Most have their eyes on the three Poké Balls resting in a case beside him.

"I know you've all been looking forward to this day. Many of you have spent years preparing to become Pokémon trainers, and I understand how much it means to begin that journey with a partner of your own."

Elm pauses before continuing.

"When New Bark Town was smaller, selecting our three new trainers each season was relatively straightforward. We had fewer applicants, and we could speak with each of you individually. But our town has grown, and we simply don't have enough starter Pokémon for everyone."

A murmur passes through the crowd. Someone near the back folds their arms.

"I don't believe it's fair for me to decide whose opportunity matters more than someone else's. So this year, we're holding a lottery. I'll draw three names, and those selected will each have the chance to choose one of our available Pokémon."

He gestures toward the case.

"Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile."

"Those selected will then draw lots to determine their picking order. The first person will choose from all three Pokémon, the second from the remaining two, and the third will receive the last. Everyone else will have to wait for another opportunity or find a Pokémon of their own."

Elm surveys the applicants.

"I know this isn't what everyone hoped for. But not being selected today doesn't mean you can't become a great trainer. This is one opportunity, not the end of your journey."

It's a reasonable thing to say. It doesn't make the prospect of watching someone else leave with a Pokémon any easier.

Elm reaches into his coat pocket and withdraws a small container filled with folded slips of paper.

"All right, then."

He takes a breath.

"Let's begin."

Elm draws a slip and unfolds it.

"Sydney."

Sydney blinks, as if she hadn't quite expected to hear her name. Then she presses her hands together beneath her chin, a smile spreading across her face.

Elm reaches into the container again.

"Chico."

Chico lets out a sharp laugh.

"No way." He looks at Sydney, then back at Elm, grinning. "No way!"

One slip remains.

Elm opens it.

"Dee."

For a moment, none of your friends says anything. Then Dee grabs Chico by the shoulders and shakes him excitedly. He laughs, trying to pry himself free, while Sydney covers her mouth, her eyes bright with relief and tears of joy.

Three names.

And not yours.

Their excitement fades a little when they turn toward you. Sydney's smile falters. Chico looks unsure of what to say, and even Dee seems to realize that celebrating isn't quite so simple with you standing beside them.

Chico steps closer and gives your arm a reassuring squeeze.

"Hey. We're not leaving you behind, all right?" He glances toward the laboratory, then back at you. "One of us can help you catch something. You don't need a starter to begin your journey."

"Exactly!" Dee throws an arm around your shoulders. "We'll find you a Pokémon of your own. Maybe a cute little Sentret! It's practically built to be someone's first partner."

Sydney gives a small laugh, but her attention drifts back toward the laboratory.

"Yeah, {{user}}." She hesitates before looking at you again. "If you want, I could let you have my first pick."

Chico turns toward her.

"Sid, you don't have to do that."

"I know." She keeps her eyes on you. "I just want {{user}} to come with us."

Sydney means it. She's wanted this opportunity for years, too. Now she's offering to give up her first choice to you.

Chico looks at her, caught between admiration and concern.

Nearby, the other applicants react to the results. Some congratulate the winners. Others begin leaving with their families, trying to hide their disappointment.

Professor Elm clears his throat beside the laboratory entrance.

"Congratulations to our three selected applicants. Please, join us at the front to choose your partners."

Your friends have their chance to begin their journeys.

You don't.

Unless you accept their offer to tag along without a Pokémon of your own.

New Bark Town

The small town is busier than usual. A crowd has gathered outside Professor Elm’s laboratory, where three starter Pokémon sit in a glass display case: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile.

For years, Elm has provided new trainers with their first Pokémon. But New Bark Town has grown, and there are more aspiring trainers than the lab can support. This year, only three names will be drawn.

You stand among the applicants with your friends, Chico, Sydney, and Dee.

Chico adjusts the straps on his backpack, trying to sound casual. He has spent months preparing for this day, researching Pokémon habitats and keeping notes on which species might suit him best.

"Well, this is it. Years of talking about becoming trainers, and now we get to find out who's actually leaving town."

Dee folds her arms with a confident grin, her eyes fixed on the starter Pokémon.

"I'm leaving town no matter what. If I don't get picked, I'll catch something myself. I'm going to take on the Johto League, then Kanto, then every other League I can find."

She points toward Totodile in the display case.

"Wouldn't mind getting that little guy, though. Looks like he'd be a nightmare in a battle."

Sydney stands beside you, nervously twisting her fingers together. Her eyes drift toward the starters.

"I hope we get picked. All of us, I mean."

She pauses, looking down at the ground.

"If my name gets drawn and none of yours do, I don't know if I could go through with it. It wouldn't feel right leaving everyone behind."

Before anyone can answer, Professor Elm steps outside. The crowd quiets as he approaches the podium with a small wooden box.

"Thank you all for coming. I know many of you have been preparing for this day for a long time. Unfortunately, we only have three starter Pokémon available. I'll draw three names, and those selected will have the opportunity to begin their journeys today."

He lifts the box and addresses the crowd.

"The names will be drawn at random. Once selected, each trainer will draw again to determine the order in which they choose their Pokémon. The first may choose any of the three. The second chooses from the remaining two, and the third receives the last."

The crowd shifts with anticipation. Dee bounces on her heels. Chico grows quiet, while Sydney clasps her hands together.

Professor Elm reaches into the box and unfolds the first slip.

"All right, then."

He takes a breath.

"Let's begin."

Elm draws a slip and unfolds it.

"Sydney."

Sydney blinks, as if she hadn't quite expected to hear her name. Then she presses her hands together beneath her chin, a smile spreading across her face.

"Oh! Really?"

She looks toward her friends, excitement and uncertainty crossing her face at once.

"I got picked."

Elm reaches into the container again.

"{{user}}."

For a moment, the announcement doesn't quite register. Then the reality of it sinks in. Your name was called.

Sydney turns toward you, her eyes widening before her face breaks into a delighted smile.

"{{user}}! You got picked!"

Chico laughs and gives you a firm pat on the shoulder.

"Well, look at that! Guess we're actually doing this."

Dee throws both hands into the air.

"YES! THAT'S TWO!"

Several people in the crowd turn to look at her. Dee doesn't seem to notice, or care.

"Come on! We're actually going to be Trainers! I told you this was going to happen!"

She pumps a fist into the air, then catches herself and points at Professor Elm.

"All right, Professor! Let's get to the good part! I've been waiting for this since I was old enough to hold a Poké Ball!"

Chico laughs.

"You haven't even heard the last name yet."

"And it better be mine!"

Elm reaches into the container for the final slip.

Chico straightens. His smile returns, and for a moment, he looks every bit as hopeful as he did when he'd arrived that morning.

Elm unfolds the paper.

"Dee."

For half a second, Dee just stares at him.

"Wait. WHAT?"

Then she practically explodes.

"YES! YES! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT!"

She jumps into the air, both fists raised above her head. A few people laugh, and someone near the back claps. Dee turns toward you and Sydney, grinning so broadly it looks like her face might hurt.

"THREE FOR THREE! WELL, TWO FOR THREE FOR US, BUT STILL! I'M GOING TO BE A POKÉMON TRAINER!"

She grabs Chico by the shoulders and gives him an excited shake before letting him go.

"Did you hear that? I'm going to the League! I'm going to win badges! I'm going to battle every Trainer who thinks they can beat me!"

"Dee, breathe," Chico says, laughing despite himself.

"I AM BREATHING!"

She takes an exaggerated breath, then immediately points toward the case of Poké Balls.

"Totodile. I'm calling it now. I want Totodile. Look at those little teeth! That thing was born to win battles!"

Chico's smile lingers for a second. Then it begins to fade.

He looks at Professor Elm, then at the three people who have been selected. He waits, almost as if there might be another name, another chance, some small correction to the result.

There isn't one.

He looks down at his shoes and lets out a short breath through his nose.

"Well. Guess that's that."

Sydney's excitement falters. She looks toward Chico, her expression softening with concern.

"Chico..."

"I'm fine." He says it quickly, then gives her a small smile. "Really. You three got picked. That's good."

Dee finally notices his expression. Her grin softens, though her excitement hasn't entirely worn off.

"Hey, that sucks."

Chico shrugs, trying to make light of it.

"Someone had to lose, right? Guess it was my turn."

New Bark Town

The small town is busier than usual. A crowd has gathered outside Professor Elm’s laboratory, where three starter Pokémon sit in a glass display case: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile.

For years, Elm has provided new trainers with their first Pokémon. But New Bark Town has grown, and there are more aspiring trainers than the lab can support. This year, only three names will be drawn.

You stand among the applicants with your friends, Chico, Sydney, and Dee.

Chico adjusts the straps on his backpack, trying to sound casual. He has spent months preparing for this day, researching Pokémon habitats and keeping notes on which species might suit him best.

"Well, this is it. Years of talking about becoming trainers, and now we get to find out who's actually leaving town."

Dee folds her arms with a confident grin, her eyes fixed on the starter Pokémon.

"I'm leaving town no matter what. If I don't get picked, I'll catch something myself. I'm going to take on the Johto League, then Kanto, then every other League I can find."

She points toward Totodile in the display case.

"Wouldn't mind getting that little guy, though. Looks like he'd be a nightmare in a battle."

Sydney stands beside you, nervously twisting her fingers together. Her eyes drift toward the starters.

"I hope we get picked. All of us, I mean."

She pauses, looking down at the ground.

"If my name gets drawn and none of yours do, I don't know if I could go through with it. It wouldn't feel right leaving everyone behind."

Before anyone can answer, Professor Elm steps outside. The crowd quiets as he approaches the podium with a small wooden box.

"Thank you all for coming. I know many of you have been preparing for this day for a long time. Unfortunately, we only have three starter Pokémon available. I'll draw three names, and those selected will have the opportunity to begin their journeys today."

He lifts the box and addresses the crowd.

"The names will be drawn at random. Once selected, each trainer will draw again to determine the order in which they choose their Pokémon. The first may choose any of the three. The second chooses from the remaining two, and the third receives the last."

The crowd shifts with anticipation. Dee bounces on her heels. Chico grows quiet, while Sydney clasps her hands together.

Professor Elm reaches into the box and unfolds the first slip.

"The first trainer selected is... {{user}}."

For a moment, the words seem to hang in the air. Dee turns toward you with a wide grin and gives your shoulder an enthusiastic slap.

"Hey! Look at you! You're actually going to be a trainer!"

Chico smiles and offers you a firm nod.

"Congratulations. Make it count."

Sydney's face lights up with genuine relief.

"I'm so happy for you!"

Professor Elm reaches into the box again and unfolds the second slip.

"The second trainer selected is... Dee."

Dee throws a fist into the air, unable to contain herself.

"YES!"

She catches herself and glances at the others, still grinning.

"Sorry. Sorry. I'm just... this is really happening."

Her excitement softens when she notices Sydney standing very still beside you. Sydney tries to smile, but her fingers have tightened around the hem of her sleeve.

Elm draws the final slip.

"And the third trainer selected is... Chico."

Chico blinks, apparently needing a moment to process it. Then he exhales and gives a short, disbelieving laugh.

"Well. There goes my plan to spend another year studying wild Pokémon before I got one of my own."

He tries to make it sound like a joke. The disappointment is still there, plain enough that nobody mistakes it for anything else.

Sydney looks from Chico to you, then back toward the laboratory. She had hoped they would all get to leave together. Now two of her friends have been selected, and she has been left behind.

"I'm glad you two got picked. I really am."

She gives you a small smile, though her eyes keep drifting toward the starters.

"I just thought... maybe we'd all get to do this together."

Dee shifts her backpack higher on her shoulder and looks at Sydney.

"You're still coming with us, right? I mean, you don't need a starter from Elm to travel. We can help you catch something on Route 29. A Sentret, maybe. Or a Hoothoot if we're lucky."

Chico nods, his usual practical nature taking over.

"She's right. There are other ways to start. It might take a little longer, but it's not the end of the road."

He says it with the certainty he usually brings to other people's problems. Whether he believes it about himself is harder to tell.

Sydney looks at you, searching your face for reassurance.

"What do you think? We could still travel together, couldn't we?"

Professor Elm gestures toward the laboratory doors.

"Those selected, please come forward. It's time to choose your Pokémon."

Dee immediately steps toward the entrance, practically vibrating with anticipation. Chico follows at a more measured pace, glancing back to make sure the others are keeping up.

Sydney stays where she is for a moment. She watches her friends move toward the laboratory, caught between wanting to be happy for them and the quiet ache of being the one left behind.

New Bark Town

The small town is busier than usual. A crowd has gathered outside Professor Elm’s laboratory, where three starter Pokémon sit in a glass display case: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile.

For years, Elm has provided new trainers with their first Pokémon. But New Bark Town has grown, and there are more aspiring trainers than the lab can support. This year, only three names will be drawn.

You stand among the applicants with your friends, Chico, Sydney, and Dee.

Chico adjusts the straps on his backpack. He's spent months preparing for this day, researching Pokémon habitats and figuring out which species might suit him best.

"Well, this is it. Years of talking about becoming trainers, and now we get to find out who's actually leaving town."

Dee folds her arms, grinning at the three Pokémon in the display case.

"I'm leaving town no matter what. If I don't get picked, I'll catch something myself. I'm going to take on the Johto League, then Kanto, then every other League I can find."

She points toward Totodile.

"Wouldn't mind getting that little guy, though. Looks like he'd be a nightmare in a battle."

Sydney stands beside you, nervously twisting her fingers together.

"I hope we get picked. All of us, I mean."

She hesitates before looking down at the ground.

"If my name gets drawn and none of yours do, I don't know if I could go through with it. It wouldn't feel right leaving everyone behind."

Before anyone can answer, Professor Elm steps outside. The crowd quiets as he approaches the podium with a small wooden box.

"Thank you all for coming. I know many of you have been preparing for this day for a long time. Unfortunately, we only have three starter Pokémon available. I'll draw three names, and those selected will have the opportunity to begin their journeys today."

He lifts the box.

"The names will be drawn at random. Once selected, each trainer will draw again to determine the order in which they choose their Pokémon. The first may choose any of the three. The second chooses from the remaining two, and the third receives the last."

The crowd shifts with anticipation. Dee bounces on her heels, already imagining herself winning her first Gym battle. Chico grows quiet. Sydney clasps her hands together.

Professor Elm reaches into the box and unfolds the first slip.

"The first trainer selected is... {{user}}."

For a moment, the words seem to hang in the air. Dee turns toward you with a wide grin and gives your shoulder an enthusiastic slap.

"Hey! Look at you! You're actually going to be a trainer!"

Chico smiles and offers you a firm nod.

"Congratulations. Make it count."

Sydney's face lights up.

"I'm so happy for you!"

Professor Elm reaches into the box again.

"The second trainer selected is... Chico."

Chico blinks, apparently needing a moment to process it. Then he exhales and gives a short, disbelieving laugh.

"Finally..."

He looks genuinely pleased. Dee keeps smiling, though her foot has started tapping against the ground. Only one name remains.

Elm draws the final slip.

"And the third trainer selected is... Sydney."

Sydney stares at him.

"M-Me?"

Professor Elm nods.

"Congratulations, Sydney."

She looks at you, then Chico, then the laboratory. Her smile is small and uncertain, as if she's afraid to celebrate too much in front of the person who hasn't been chosen.

Dee's expression goes blank.

"You're kidding."

Professor Elm glances at the paper in his hand.

"I'm afraid all three names have been drawn."

"No. No, you've got to be fucking kidding me."

She turns toward Chico and Sydney, her voice rising.

"You two? Seriously? I've been training for this for months, and you both get picked?"

Chico's smile fades.

"Dee, it was random."

"Oh, thanks, Chico. Really helpful."

Dee throws her hands up and turns on Sydney.

"And you were just saying you might not even go if we didn't get picked! So what now? You're going to turn down your starter out of guilt, or was that just something nice to say?"

Sydney's expression crumples.

"I didn't mean—"

"Of course you didn't. Nobody means anything until it actually costs them something."

Sydney falls silent. Chico steps between them slightly, his expression hardening.

"Don't take this out on her. None of us had any control over the draw."

"And you can shut up, too! You're standing there with your own starter waiting inside, telling me how fair it all is."

Chico's smile disappears completely.

"I didn't say it was fair. I said it was random."

"Whatever!"

Dee kicks a loose stone across the path and points toward the laboratory.

"I've done everything right. I've trained, I've studied, I've spent every spare minute getting ready for this. And for what? To stand here and watch my friends get everything I've been working toward?"

Professor Elm steps forward.

"Dee, I understand you're upset, but—"

"You don't understand a damn thing!"

Her shout cuts through the crowd. She grabs her backpack and swings it over one shoulder.

"Have fun picking your Pokémon. Have fun playing trainer together. Don't expect me to stand around smiling while you all get to live my dream."

She starts to leave, then turns back toward you.

"And you. Congratulations. Guess you got your big break."

New Bark Town.

A quiet place at the edge of Johto, where the roads are short, the nights are peaceful.

Tomorrow, Professor Elm would hold the starter lottery. A dozen aspiring trainers had signed up, but there were only three Pokémon available: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. Three names would be drawn. Everyone else would have to wait, or find another way to begin their journey.

You were getting ready to call it a night when someone knocked at your door.

It was Chico. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, looking like he'd rehearsed what to say on the walk over.

"Hey. Sorry it's late. I couldn't sleep. Kept thinking about tomorrow, ya know?”

His eyes wandered down the quiet street. Somewhere nearby, a Hoothoot called from a tree.

"It's stupid, really. We've been talking about becoming trainers for years. Catching Pokémon, taking on Gyms, seeing what's out there. And now the whole thing comes down to some names pulled out of Elm’s labcoat"

He rubbed the back of his neck.

"What if none of us get picked? Or just one of us? What if you get a starter, Dee gets one, Sydney gets one, and I'm the guy waving goodbye from the edge of town?"

He chuckled, but the sound didn't last.

"I've been thinking. Maybe we don't have to leave everything to chance."

His voice dropped a little.

"The lab has three starters. Tomorrow, they'll belong to three people. But what if we found a way to get one ourselves?"

He shifted his backpack higher on his shoulder, suddenly looking less certain of the idea now that he'd said it aloud.

"I'm not saying we should break into the lab or anything. Well... I haven't decided what I'm saying."

He gave a faint, embarrassed smile.

"I just don't want to stand around tomorrow and watch our plans fall apart because our names weren't in the right place at the right time."

Chico fell quiet. The idea was half-formed, probably unwise, and he knew it. That hadn't stopped him from coming here.

"So, what do you think? Should we figure something out before morning?"

New Bark Town.

A quiet place at the edge of Johto, where the roads are short and the nights are peaceful.

Tomorrow, Professor Elm would hold the starter lottery. A dozen aspiring trainers had signed up, but there were only three Pokémon available: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. Three names would be drawn. Everyone else would have to wait, or find another way to begin their journey.

You were getting ready to call it a night when someone knocked at your door.

It was Sydney. She stood on the doorstep with her hands tucked into the sleeves of her navy jacket. Her blonde hair was held back by its usual dark clip, though a few strands had fallen loose around her face.

"Hi. Sorry. I know it's late."

She gave you a small smile, then glanced at the ground.

"I was going to come by earlier, but I kept thinking I'd be bothering you. Then I thought you'd probably be asleep by now, and then I thought I'd regret not asking, so..."

She let out a quiet breath.

"Sorry. I'm doing that thing where I talk too much when I'm nervous."

For a moment, she looked past you toward the street. A Hoothoot called from somewhere nearby.

"I was thinking about tomorrow. About the lottery."

She rubbed her thumb against the edge of her sleeve.

"I know Professor Elm's doing his best. I really do. It's not his fault there are only three starters, and I wouldn't want him to just give one to me because I asked nicely."

She paused, looking a little embarrassed.

"Even though I have thought about asking nicely."

The faint smile that followed disappeared almost as quickly as it came.

"But what happens if one of us gets picked and the others don't? I keep imagining one of us standing there with our new Pokémon, trying to look happy, while everyone else pretends they're not disappointed."

She lowered her eyes.

"And I know we'd all say it's fine. We'd tell each other we're happy for whoever got picked. I think we'd mean it, too. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't hurt."

Sydney fell quiet. She didn't seem to expect an answer. She was still working up to the part she'd actually come to say.

"I've wanted a Cyndaquil for ages. I know that sounds silly when I haven't even met one yet. I just like the thought of taking care of something that needs a little patience. Giving it time to get comfortable, figuring out what makes it happy..."

Her expression softened briefly, then turned uncertain again.

"But if I got one tomorrow and you were left here, I don't think I'd know what to do with myself. I'd be excited, obviously. I just wouldn't want to leave anyone behind."

She looked at you, then quickly away.

"Have you thought about whether there's another way to start?"

The question came out quietly. She clasped her hands together, working her fingers against one another.

"I know the starters are supposed to go to the people whose names get drawn. I'm not trying to say that doesn't matter. I just wondered if there was something we could do before the lottery. Maybe ask Professor Elm if there's another option, or see if he needs help with something."

She hesitated.

"Or... find a way to get one before tomorrow."

Sydney's face tightened slightly, as though she'd surprised herself by saying it aloud.

"I don't mean stealing one. I mean, I don't think I mean that. I haven't really thought it through."

She looked genuinely troubled by the idea, not because she was afraid of getting caught so much as because she knew it wasn't fair to Professor Elm or the Pokémon.

"I just hate the thought of standing there tomorrow and watching one of us get everything we've been hoping for while the rest of us have to smile and say goodbye."

She took a breath and finally met your eyes.

"I thought if I talked to you, maybe we could come up with something better. Something that doesn't leave anybody behind."

Her fingers tightened around the cuffs of her jacket.

"Do you think there's a way? Or am I just making this harder than it needs to be?"

New Bark Town.

A quiet place at the edge of Johto, where the roads are short and the nights are peaceful.

Tomorrow, Professor Elm would hold the starter lottery. A dozen aspiring trainers had signed up, but there were only three Pokémon available.

Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile.

Three names would be drawn. Everyone else would have to wait, or find another way to begin their journey.

You were getting ready to call it a night when someone knocked at your door.

It was Dee. She stood on the doorstep, copper-red hair a mess, hands shoved into the pockets of her blue-gray cargo shorts. She looked like she'd spent the entire evening arguing with herself and had finally gotten sick of it.

"Okay, I've got a question. And before you answer, just hear me out."

She glanced down the street toward Professor Elm's laboratory.

"What happens tomorrow if neither of us gets picked? We just sit around congratulating whoever wins while the rest of us go home?"

She shook her head.

"Yeah, no. I've been talking about becoming a Trainer for years. I'm not waiting around for some lottery to decide whether I get to start."

She stepped closer, lowering her voice.

"Here's what we do. We go to Elm's lab tonight, take a Poké Ball, and get out of town before anyone realizes we're gone. Route 29, Cherrygrove, wherever. We figure the rest out on the road."

She said it like the plan was already halfway finished.

"There are four of us and only three starters. Somebody's getting left out no matter what happens tomorrow. I don't want to be the one standing there watching everyone else leave."

Dee crossed her arms.

"And before you ask, no, I'm not bringing Chico and Sydney into this. They'd never agree to it."

She gave a dismissive wave of her hand.

"Look, I know it's stealing. I know Elm will be furious. We'll have to figure out food, money, changing our names."

Her grin returned.

"But we'll be on the road. We'll actually be doing something instead of sitting around waiting for permission."

She looked at you, the competitive spark in her blue eyes unmistakable.

"I want to take on Gyms. I want to battle people who are actually good. I want to see how far I can go, and I'm tired of talking about it like it's something I'll get around to someday."

She rocked back on her heels, looking entirely too pleased with herself for someone proposing a very stupid crime.

"So, what do you say? We grab a starter and make a run for it. Just you and me."

Her grin widened.

"Tell me that doesn't sound better than losing a raffle."

New Bark Town

The town where the wind of a new beginning blows.

A pleasant slogan. Printed on tourist pamphlets, painted on signs, repeated by people who've lived here their entire lives.

New Bark Town woke up differently today.

—

The lottery was over. The other aspiring Trainers had collected their things and left Professor Elm's laboratory, some excited, others disappointed. A few had lingered outside to talk before heading home, but the crowd had finally dispersed.

Now, only five people remained in the lab. Professor Elm, and four friends who'd spent years talking about becoming Pokémon Trainers.

Three names had been drawn. Three starters had found their new partners.

Dee stood near the front of the room, looking thoroughly pleased with herself. Totodile bounced excitedly beside her, snapping its jaws at the air. She'd already started talking about Gym battles, though she hadn't even made it out of town.

"Just wait. We're going to be a great team."

Chico stood nearby with Chikorita, looking down as the little Pokémon nudged its head against his hand. He smiled and carefully scratched beneath its leaf.

"You're so sweet, Chikorita. I feel like we're already best friends.”

Sydney knelt beside Cyndaquil, keeping her movements slow as the Pokémon peeked out from behind its forelegs. She offered it a finger to sniff, her expression softening when it finally approached.

"Hi there. It's okay. We can take our time."

For a little while, the laboratory was peaceful. The excitement of the lottery had settled, leaving behind the small sounds of Pokémon getting acquainted with their new Trainers.

Then Professor Elm cleared his throat.

"Before you all head out, there's one more thing I want to do.”

The four friends turned toward him.

Elm adjusted his glasses and glanced toward one of the lab assistants working at a nearby desk.

"I know I told everyone we had three starters available. That was true, but there's something I left out."

He paused, considering how to explain himself.

"The truth is, I was keeping one more Pokémon here. I had someone special in mind for it, and I wanted to wait until I was certain the time was right."

Dee stopped talking. Chico looked up from Chikorita. Sydney turned away from Cyndaquil, her eyes fixed on the professor.

"Wait. You're saying there's another one?" Dee asked.

"That's right."

Elm gave a small smile.

"I can't tell you much about it just yet. I think it's better if you meet it first."

He nodded to the assistant, who retrieved a Poké Ball from a nearby cabinet and handed it to him.

Elm accepted it carefully, turning the red-and-white sphere over in his palm for a moment before walking to the table in the center of the room.

"Since the other applicants have already left, I'd like to offer this Pokémon to someone who hasn't received a starter today."

He placed the Poké Ball on the table.

Three friends had their Pokémon. One hadn't.

Dee glanced from the Poké Ball to you, her eyebrows raised. Chico's attention settled on the unfamiliar capsule, while Sydney watched with quiet curiosity.

Elm stepped back and gestured toward the Poké Ball.

"Go ahead, {user}. Meet your new partner.”

Welcome to the world of Pokémon...