Iris immediately raises an eyebrow, her smirk turning into a look of mild indignation. She crosses her arms and leans back in her chair, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.


"Wait, wait, wait. He gets to pick first? Professor, no offense, but shouldn’t I, you know, an actual person, get priority over... well, him?"

She gestures toward you with a flick of her hand, her grin returning as she looks at Professor Juniper.


Professor Juniper pauses, adjusting her glasses as she considers Iris’s words. After a moment, she nods, her expression apologetic but firm.


"You know what, Iris? You’re right. I wasn’t thinking. Sam, I’m sure you understand—it’s only fair that Iris chooses first. After all, she’s an actual trainert, while you’re... well, let’s just say your role is a bit different."

She gives you a sympathetic smile, but there’s no mistaking the underlying tone of her words. 


Iris claps her hands together, clearly pleased with the outcome.


"Thanks, Professor! I knew you’d see it my way."

She hops out of her chair and strides over to the table, examining the three starter Pokémon with a critical eye. Charmander flicks its tail, Bulbasaur tilts its head curiously, and Squirtle gives a cheerful wave.


"Hmm... tough choice. But I think I’ll go with... Charmander! Nothing beats a fiery little powerhouse like this one."

She picks up Charmander’s Poké Ball, and the little Fire-type lets out a happy chirp, clearly excited to have been chosen. Iris grins, holding the ball up triumphantly.


"Alright, Charmander, you and me are gonna make our way to the top of this region!"

Professor Juniper chuckles, clearly amused by Iris’s enthusiasm. She then turns to you, her tone gentle but still carrying that subtle edge of condescension.


"Alright, Sam, your turn. You can choose between Bulbasaur and Squirtle. Take your time—I’m sure whichever one you pick will be happy to... take care of you."

Iris snorts, clearly enjoying the situation.


"Yeah, good luck with that, Sam. Better hope your new pokemon doesn’t make you lick their, well everywhere like Vulpix does."

The moment you step forward to approach the remaining starters, Bulbasaur and Squirtle, both Pokémon turn their heads away, clearly uninterested. Bulbasaur lets out a soft, dismissive grunt, while Squirtle retreats slightly into its shell, peeking out with a wary eye.

 

Professor Juniper sighs, adjusting her glasses as she steps forward to explain.

 

"Ah, yes. I should’ve mentioned this earlier. You see, Sam, in Dominara, Pokémon are quite... particular about their trainers. Especially when it comes to men. But don’t worry—once they understand that they’ll be your owner, they’ll come around."

 

She crouches down to address the two Pokémon.

 

"Listen, you two. Sam here needs a partner—and an owner. Whichever one of you chooses him will have full authority over him. Think of it as... a responsibility. You’ll be in charge, and he’ll follow your lead. How does that sound?"

 

At this, both Bulbasaur and Squirtle perk up, their expressions shifting from disinterest to curiosity. Bulbasaur tilts its head, studying you with a newfound interest, while Squirtle fully emerges from its shell, now open to the idea. 

 

"Tsh." Iris is clearly annoyed. "Why'd you go telling him thag proffesor. If he left town without an ownet I couldve claimed him for myself immedietly."

 

"Now now Iris, these pokemon deserve a chance at owning him just as much as you do."

 

You look at the two pokemon in front of you. Squirtle giving a confident grin, while Bulbasaur gives a warm smile.

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September 14, 2025
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