The office room was a bit larger than I expected it to be. Gary was seated behind a desk in a rather plush and comfortable looking chair. Nora had taken a seat across from Gary after closing the door.

[Norielle Carolina of Hammerlocke City in Galar. Twelve years old and got perfect scores at Pewter City Trainer school final exams after only going for a hand full of months at least. It's safe to say you got a good head on your shoulders and a spectacular Pokémon partner in that Vulpix you're holding. Now I have a few simple questions that I ask you to answer as honestly and to the best of your ability. Everyone before you were asked the same questions.]

[Okay professor.]

[Good. First question, what is your favorite Pokémon?]

[Alistar is my favorite Pokémon.]

The answer was immediate, and it made Gary blink. I could feel pride swell in my chest.

[That so? I take it the Vulpix here is Alistar. Vulpix is a good choice for a favorite Pokémon.]

[No, Alistar is my favorite Pokémon. Not my favorite species of Pokémon.]

I watched Gary blink again and the smirk he was wearing turn into a smile.

[I see. Okay then allow me to rephrase the question. What is your favorite species of Pokémon?]

Nora didn't seem to have an answer because she was quiet for about a minute.

[I don't think I have one I could call a favorite. All Pokémon can be our friends. I don't think it matters what species they are so long as we can become friends.]

[That's a very good answer. Definitely one of the best I have ever heard. Next question, what is your goal or reasons for going on your journey?]

[I don't really know what my goal is. Mom and Dad were trainers and participated in the gym challenges in different regions. I think Alistar and I will try for the Indigo Pleatu at least while here in Kanto. After that I don't know. I think maybe traveling around I might find something I want to do after my journey ends.]

Gary nods writing down something on a clipboard he picked up off his desk.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

[It took me a while to figure out that I wanted to study Pokémon like my Gramps does.]

I zoned out a bit due to the questions being asked to Nora seemed rather uninteresting. I kept myself occupied by looking around the rather basic looking space. The walls are a powder blue, and the ceiling is white-ish. The fixture that holds a light source seems to have pieces of wood attached to it, spinning at a fixed slow pace.

I can't say I know what it's called but it is a new thing for me. I can pass the time watching it spin and contemplate how it works.

===============

Exiting the room and sending in the next person Nora seemed more relaxed now that the interview was over. I once again caught Katherine staring at me but I didn't turn my head to specifically look at her. The cold looks seem to be a mask to his her nerves around people. Perhaps she isn't what initially perceived but I will restrain my judgement on the matter. I'm sure we will see Katherine again at some point on the way. Talking with whatever Pokémon she ends up picking later will get me the true character of the ice queen. It is hard to hide oneself behind a mask when with partners and companions that you trust.

Before I know it both the boys have gone through their interviews. Both had seemingly contemplative looks on their faces. Perhaps some of the questions really poked something in their heads. Perhaps I should have been paying more attention to those? I have been zoning out a lot. Perhaps there is something wrong?

I snap from my musing upon Nora moving and placing me down on the chair.

[Stay here Alistar. I'll be right back. Okay?]

I dip my head in a nod before Nora pats my head. She moved to join the other four kids in front of a table with five similar capture balls placed on it by Gary Oak who stands on the other side of it.

[Now, traditionally the Pokémon given by Oak Labs are known as the Kantonian Royal Three. Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur. Now while I'd like to offer each of you a choice between all three options however it's not exactly easy to gather up that many Pokémon for something like this. This year I was given two Pokémon from different regions. The choices are Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, Chimchar, and Chikorita.]

I personally have no clue what any of those Pokémon are but I believe that Nora will make a good decision for a second friend to have along for the ride.

[Any questions?]

The kids were quiet for a time before Sona raises her hand.

[What order are we to go in?]

[In the order you were called into my office. It's first come first serve. Like I said I'd like to give you all the options available but it takes a lot to get the Pokémon let alone ones that are willing to take a partner. Each of them have been looking forward to being chosen and going out to see the world.]

This is when Yami raised his hand.

[They have Pokémon already. Shouldn't those who don't have a Pokémon get to choose before they do?]

Gary shook his head no.

[Nope. While that could have been the case provided you two boys were on time, which neither of you were. It was within my right to turn the two of you away. I'm being lenient by allowing you to get a Pokémon today at all.]

Yami nodded seeming a bit disappointed by his shoulders slightly slumping but it's hard to tell not being able to see his face. A minute went by without another raised hand. Gary nodded and clapped his hands together.

[Alright Katherine, you can start us off by picking one. Choose wisely.]