Welcome/Welcome back, you crazy diamonds!

[spiritcrystal]

[An island! This is most certainly not where everyone was just a few moments ago. ...Alright, maybe some of you were on an island. Don't get cheeky.

At everyone's feet is a small note. It gives no description of their location or explanation, of course; it only says one simple thing.

Please choose one.

The note comes along with three Pokéballs with different "starter" Pokémon in them- the three Pokémon can be anything, from a Froakie, Charmander, and Treecko to a Rattata, Patrat, and Bidoof if you're particularly unlucky- and everything in between. If it's not a legendary Pokémon, it's fair game.

Of course, you can only pick one! Trying to go for a second will leave you thinking that you better not get too greedy. If you're one of those types that wouldn't care either way, the other two Pokéballs will simply disappear.

Now go forth, and into a world of Pokémon!]

Comments

[battlestandby]

Think about it: what kind of master lets his fears hold him back? If you let your trivial fears run your life, the people who can face their own fears will trample all over you and leave you in the dust.

[saikou_everyday]

But it's not really a fear, I just don't want 'em to feel bad! Jeeze, ya take everything seriously, even feelings!

[battlestandby]

And you're making a big deal out of something literally every trainer does the first day they start out. I assume Professor Oak didn't let you snag a Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle all at once just because you didn't want to hurt any of their feelings by choosing just one.

[saikou_everyday]

Nah, I didn't get to pick because I woke up late and the other trainers had taken 'em already! Pikachu and I meetin' up was the best accident ever.

But it's still different, those Pokemon will still get picked eventually.

[battlestandby]

[why does this not surprise us, like, AT ALL]

How do you know these are any different?

[saikou_everyday]

I don't! That's why it's even more important to give 'em all a fair chance.

[battlestandby]

You can't give them a fair chance if you don't even know what Pokemon they are, Ash. You're making a decision based on luck alone; how is that fair to the Pokemon?

[he can't believe he's saying this aaaaaa]

[saikou_everyday]

[yes, good, teach him about giving friends an equal chance paul!!]

But if I knew what they were, wouldn't that be judgin' with biases and stuff? What if they think I don't care about their type?

[battlestandby]

I seriously doubt any Pokemon with half a brain would think you didn't care. I think they'd be more upset that you never gave them a chance to prove themselves to you because of your stupid fears.

[saikou_everyday]

Prove themselves. . .?

W-woah! So ya mean, it'd be like the Pokemon League picking a winner at random? Even though we worked so hard to show everyone what we're made of?!

[battlestandby]

[.... roll with it.]

That's exactly what I mean.

[saikou_everyday]

[oh no]

[looks legitimately broken up about this]

Aaah! Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves! And even if ya don't win or get picked, knowing you did your best gives ya the drive to keep going or wait for your time! I can't believe I forgot that!

[battlestandby]

Neither can I. Now stop your whining and look at your choices before you pick.