Tepig, I choose you!

Julian was a little late to the pokemon game. He was twelve years late, to be exact. Even after all that time, though, Professor Juniper had still been happy to help him get started on his journey. Thankfully, though, she’d understood his hesitation at going to the normal starter ceremony and had arranged for him to meet her privately. 

“So today’s the big day,” she chirped, bringing him outside. “It’s a good day to start your journey. Not too hot, not too cold, and look at those gorgeous clouds!” Professor Juniper’s chattering continued through the back door and into the grass.

Instead of the usual three pokeballs, Julian was greeted by three pokemon playing.

“I know it’s not the traditional way to do it, but it’s such a nice day I thought they might want to get out and play.” Juniper shrugged and flashed him a smile, plopping in the grass to snag the Snivy and tickle his belly. “Sit down, sit down, Julian! Get to know them a bit. See who you bond with.”

“Oof, as if this wasn’t hard enough, already,” he laughed. Uncertainty, Julian sat beside her, smiling when the tepig crashed into his knee. “Hey there buddy.”

The next twenty minutes were a whirlwind of playing with the trio of starters, helping Tepig hide from Oshawott’s shell when he accidentally ate the last berry, and scooping the little water pokmon up before he could tumble into the stairs, even Snivy perched on his leg for a few moments to watch the other two chasing each other around. Playing with them did not make the choice any easier. At last, though, Julian was able to choose.

“Make a choice, yet?” Juniper asked.

“I think so.” Julian placed the Snivy back on the ground and the three pokemon stopped playing to sit in front of him. Silence fell. Multi-colored eyes scanning back and forth over the trio, his decision solidifying. “I choose,” he paused, erasing any doubt, “Tepig.” A smile broke out over his face and he opened up his arms, scooping the small fire pokemon up. “How does that sound, buddy? Wanna go on an adventure with me?”

Tepigs eyes went wide and joy slowly spread over the pokemon’s face. “Tepig te tep!”