Prof Sycamore's Lab
While Maria was thinking of something and went silent. High-tech machinery lined the walls, monitors displayed continuous streams of data, scanning devices hummed softly, and containment units emitted a faint glow. At the center of the room stood a circular machine enclosed in transparent glass. Inside, three Pokéballs rested on a sleek metallic platform.
Without a doubt, that was what they had come for.
Cought...cought..
Professor Sycamore cleared his throat gently.
The soft sound echoed just enough to draw their attention.
All three of them straightened at once, their gazes turning toward him.
He stood with his hands loosely behind his back, lab coat pristine, black hair catching the sunlight filtering through the tall windows.
"Welcome," he said calmly , looking at the young trainers before him "Today marks the official beginning of your journeys as Pokémon Trainers."
He stepped slightly aside, gesturing toward the central machine.
"These Pokémon have been carefully selected and raised under specific conditions. They are not merely strong, they are adaptable, intelligent, and capable of growing alongside you."
His eyes briefly lingered on the three girls, one after another.
"But remember," he continued, "a starter Pokémon is not a tool, nor a symbol of status. It is a partner. The bond you form today will determine your future."
The soft hum of the machines seemed louder in the quiet that followed.
With a soft mechanical hiss, the transparent glass casing slowly split apart. The three Pokéballs were now fully revealed, resting within reach.
Professor Sycamore stepped forward. With a smooth motion, he picked up the Poké Balls and tossed them gently into the air one by one.
Click—
The Pokéballs burst open midair, releasing streams of blue light that spiraled downward before taking shape on the platform.
As the light faded, three Pokémon stood before them.
The first is a small fox-like Pokémon with sleek golden-yellow fur appeared gracefully. Its large ears were lined with fiery red tufts that flickered like embers, and its bright crimson eyes gleamed. Its fluffy tail swayed lightly behind it as it tilted its head, observing the three girls with curious eyes.
Fennekin the Fox Pokémon.
Next, a blue figure formed from the fading light. It stood upright, slender yet agile, with smooth pale-blue skin and darker blue markings along its body. A white, cloud-like foam collar wrapped around its neck. Its large yellow eyes scanned the room sharply, and it shifted its weight lightly, ready to spring into motion at any second.
Froakie the Bubble Frog Pokémon.
Finally a small, round-bodied Pokémon with a brown fur encased in a spiky green shell that covered its head and back like protective armor. The shell's pointed edges gave it a rugged look, yet its bright brown eyes shone with cheerful energy. It bounced slightly on its feet, fists raised with excitement, as though already eager to charge into battle.
Chespin the Spiny Nut Pokémon.
Professor Sycamore folded his hands behind his back once more, observing them quietly.
"You may now choose," he said calmly.
Then, after a short pause, his gaze moved between the three girls.
"Now… who would like to choose first?"
The three of them looked at each other before finally one of them raise her hand.
"Me. me first." Sherry, with a cheerful voice said while waving her hand high.
"Sure. Go ahead." he gestured.
Sherry stepped forward and crouched slightly, bringing herself closer to their eye level.
Fennekin tilted its head, its large ears twitching as warm air faintly shimmered around them. Froakie remained still, watching her quietly with unreadable eyes. Chespin bounced once, then twice, unable to hide its excitement.
Sherry placed her hands on her knees and leaned forward just a little.
"Hmm…" she hummed thoughtfully.
Chespin suddenly stepped closer, its tiny claws clenched in determination. It looked up at her with bright, eager eyes, as if saying, Pick me! Let's go already!
Sherry blinked.
Then she laughed softly.
"You're energetic, aren't you?" she said, reaching out her hand slowly.
Chespin didn't flinch. Instead, it puffed out its chest proudly.
Behind her, Maria held her breath. Evelyn watched quietly, her expression unreadable but attentive.
After a brief pause, Sherry straightened and pointed decisively.
"I choose you Chespin."
The Grass-type Pokémon let out an excited cry and hopped forward, nearly bumping into her legs.
Professor Sycamore smiled faintly.
"A fine choice," he said. "May your partnership grow strong."
Sherry turned around, grinning brightly as Chespin clung to her side.
"Looks like I'm starting with full energy, huh?" she said proudly.
The atmosphere in the lab shifted subtly.
Maria and Evelyn watched as Sherry laughed brightly, already crouching down to talk to Chespin as if they had known each other for years. The Grass-type responded with energetic chirps, puffing out its chest proudly.
Maria's gaze softened at the sight.
Then she turned to Evelyn, who stood quietly beside her.
"You can go ahead first," Maria said gently. "I'll go last."
Evelyn glanced at her. "Are you sure?"
Maria nodded without hesitation.
Evelyn studied her friend for a brief moment before giving a small nod. She didn't press further.
"Alright."
She stepped forward.
Fennekin's large ears twitched at once, the Fire-type lifting its head to look directly at her. Its crimson eyes gleamed with curiosity. Beside it, Froakie remained composed, watching quietly with steady, unreadable eyes.
Evelyn stopped in front of them, meeting their gazes without hesitation.
For a heartbeat, the laboratory seemed to fall silent.
Then, Fennekin moved first.
The Fire-type trotted toward her with light, confident steps. It circled once around Evelyn's feet, its fluffy tail swaying gently behind it, before stopping right in front of her. Its ears flicked slightly as it tilted its head upward, studying her expression as if trying to read her.
Evelyn blinked, faint surprise flashing across her face.
"…You're quite straightforward," she murmured softly.
Fennekin let out a small cry in response a bright, clear, and self-assured.
For a brief second, neither of them looked away.
Fennekin took another small step closer.
This time, it didn't hesitate.
The Fire-type gently placed one paw against Evelyn's shoe, as if staking its claim. A faint warmth radiated from its body, not burning, but comforting, like standing near a fireplace on a cold evening.
Behind them, Maria watched quietly. Even Sherry, who had been whispering excitedly to Chespin, paused to glance over.
Froakie still hadn't moved.
It remained in place, arms crossed lightly, foam collar resting around its neck like a composed guardian. Its eyes were calm, not disappointed, not eager. Simply observant.
Evelyn slowly crouched down to Fennekin's level.
"You chose first," she said softly. Fennekin's ears perked up at her voice. She extended her hand.
For a brief second, the fox Pokémon stared at it, then leaned forward and pressed its forehead gently against her palm.
A quiet warmth passed between them.
Professor Sycamore watched the exchange without interrupting.
Evelyn rose to her feet and turned slightly toward him. "I've made my decision," she said calmly. Her scarlet eyes were steady.
"I choose Fennekin."
Fennekin gave a bright, delighted cry and hopped in place, its tail flicking with excitement.
Behind her, Maria exhaled slowly.
Silence settled briefly over the lab.
Professor Sycamore gave a small nod. "Very well."
Froakie remained where it stood. The space beside it, once shared, now felt noticeably emptier.
Maria stepped forward at last. She stopped a short distance away from Froakie, meeting its steady gaze.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Neither moved.
Maria felt it. That steady, measuring stare.
For a brief moment, the noise in the lab faded. Even the soft hum of equipment seemed distant. It was just her… and the Pokémon standing a few steps away.
She straightened instinctively.
Froakie tilted its head slightly, as if evaluating her posture, her breathing, her resolve.
Maria didn't step back. Instead, she met its eyes directly.
"…It's just us now," she said.
Froakie's expression didn't change, but it took another step forward.
Behind her, Evelyn smiled faintly, already sensing how this would end.
Maria lowered herself slightly, bringing herself closer to Froakie's level. She didn't reach out immediately. She simply held its gaze.
"I won't chase after you," she said quietly. "If you come with me, it's because you choose to."
A second passed.
Then another.
Froakie's eyes softened, just barely.
It stepped forward once more and stopped directly in front of her.
After a short pause, it lifted one hand.
An offer.
Maria allowed the smallest smile to appear. She extended her hand and gently clasped Froakie's.
The foam around its neck shifted slightly as it nodded once.
Agreement.
Professor Sycamore smiled warmly from across the lab.
"It seems the choice has been made."
Maria rose to her feet, Froakie now standing at her side with quiet confidence.
Unlike Fennekin's lively energy, Froakie's presence felt calm, like a steady water beneath the surface.
Maria nodded, " I choose Froakie." finally a gentle smile appear at her face.