Strongest Lottery System in Pokémon World

Chapter 6: Journey Begins

In Professor Oak's research lab,

When the smoke cleared, Marcel stood off to the side with Eevee in his arms, both unscathed, while Ash sat on the floor, his hair sticking up comically from the shock and Professor Oak not far from him was also singed from Pikachu's outburst.

Marcel, having the foresight to steer clear of Pikachu when Ash arrived, was the only one unscathed.

"Professor Oak, why did it shock me?" Ash asked, looking at Pikachu, who was sulking on the ground with an uncooperative expression. His face was a mixture of grievance and confusion.

Professor Oak sighed, shaking his head. "Well, I did try to warn you…"

Professor Oak coughed awkwardly, straightened up, and put on a serious expression. "Ash, do you realize you were late? On such an important day, no less! All the starter Pokémon were taken by the other new trainers."

As he spoke, Professor Oak gave Marcel a subtle wink, clearly signaling for cooperation.

Marcel resisted the urge to laugh. Professor Oak was obviously hinting him to play along and steer Ash into accepting the situation.

Hearing Professor Oak's words, Ash grew visibly anxious. "Professor Oak, are there really no Pokémon left?"

Professor Oak sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "Not a single one. Marcel's Eevee was the last."

Finally noticing Marcel standing nearby, Ash blinked in recognition. "Wait, are you… Marcel?"

As someone who had attended the same Pokémon Summer Camp, Ash was familiar with Marcel and the infamous incident where they'd been chased by a flock of Spearow. [T/N: it seemed like they're aged up a bit, maybe sixteen or seventeen, not sure yet.]

"Long time no see, Ash," Marcel greeted casually.

Ash tilted his head curiously. "Didn't you pass the League's trainee enforcer exam? Why are you here?"

"Resigned," Marcel replied with a shrug.

Ash didn't press further. His attention quickly shifted to the Eevee standing beside Marcel. Ash's eyes lit up. "Wow, an Eevee!"

He reached out to pet it, but Eevee deftly avoided his hand and gave him a disdainful glance.

"This little one isn't used to strangers yet," Professor Oak explained with a chuckle.

"That's still so cool…" Ash said wistfully before his mood shifted back to despair. He thought of his situation and sighed deeply. Was his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master going to end before it even started?

"But…" Professor Oak hesitated, as though holding something back.

Ash perked up immediately. "But what?"

"Well…" Professor Oak hesitated again, clearly trying to build suspense.

"Professor Oak, don't tell me you're talking about that Pokémon," Ash said, nervously pointing at the defiant Pikachu nearby.

"Yes," Professor Oak confirmed. "The only Pokémon left is this Pikachu. Are you willing to accept it?"

Ash's face twisted in reluctance. "Are you sure there's no other Pokémon? None at all?"

Professor Oak shook his head. "If there were, do you think I'd lie to you? You can even ask Marcel."

When Ash turned to him, Marcel nodded calmly. "Professor Oak is telling the truth. There really aren't any other Pokémon here right now."

Technically, he wasn't lying. The lab truly didn't have any other Pokémon at the moment, though that wouldn't be the case in a few days.

Seeing no other options, Ash sighed heavily. "Fine, I'll take Pikachu…"

Though he was clearly reluctant, Ash had always been resilient. Marcel was sure he'd quickly adjust to his new partner.

After watching Ash leave, Marcel turned to Professor Oak. "Professor, are you sure it's okay to trick him like that?"

Professor Oak chuckled lightly. "That Pikachu has incredible potential. And Ash has such a deep love for Pokémon that I'm confident he'll be able to connect with it. But of course," he added with a knowing smile, "if it really doesn't work out, I'll just arrange for another Pokémon once the transmission device is repaired."

Marcel nodded in understanding. Professor Oak was more thoughtful than he let on. Poor Ash, however, still thought Pikachu was truly his only option.

"Well, Professor Oak, I'll be heading out too."

Having received his Pokédex and starter Pokémon, it was time for Marcel to set off on his journey.

"Haha, safe travels, Marcel! And if you happen to run into my grandson Gary or Ash, keep an eye on them for me, will you?" Professor Oak requested.

"Of course." Marcel smiled. After all, he considered Ash and Gary friends of sorts, so he didn't mind looking out for them.

---

Outside Pallet Town

Marcel stopped in an open field just outside the town and pulled out two additional Poké Balls. "Come out, Bulbasaur, Metagross! Time to meet your new teammate."

With a flash of white light, Bulbasaur and Metagross appeared.

Bulbasaur greeted him cheerfully, but Eevee, upon seeing Metagross's towering metallic form, froze in fear. Its fur puffed up in alarm, and it quickly darted behind Marcel, peeking out cautiously.

Marcel chuckled at Eevee's reaction. "Don't worry, Eevee. They're friends, not foes."

He turned to Metagross and Bulbasaur. "This is Eevee, your new teammate. Say hello!"

Metagross emitted a low, friendly buzz, while Bulbasaur extended a vine whip in greeting.

"Eevee…"

Eevee hesitated but eventually reached out a paw to lightly touch Bulbasaur's vine in acknowledgment. Its aloof demeanor remained intact, but Marcel wasn't bothered. That was just Eevee's personality.

"Alright, I expect you all to get along from now on," Marcel said, addressing his Pokémon. "No fighting, okay?"

"Eevee!"

"Bulbasaur!"

"Buzz!"

The three Pokémon responded enthusiastically, agreeing to the truce.

"Good. Let's head to Viridian City!"

Although the Viridian City Gym was currently closed, Marcel had to pass through it to reach Pewter City. Plus, it was a convenient place to rest for the night.

Recalling Metagross to its Poké Ball, Marcel continued his journey with Bulbasaur and Eevee walking beside him, ready to face the adventures ahead.