Before Gary can make anymore snide comments, Ash says, "Well, Duc, when I first started out, I was pretty stupid. I mean I was late getting to the lab to get my starter, and, all the starters were gone. All the professor had was Pikachu, which right now, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way, because Pikachu's the greatest. But, Pikachu hated me. It took us almost getting killed by a flock of spearows for Pikachu to realise how much I cared for it. Then a little later, after I caught a caterpie, I sent it out against a pidgey, which could have been disasterous! I was really stupid. Misty keeps me in check by riding me when I do stupid things so I do them less often now." Professor Oak clears his throat and Ash adds, "Well, I think I've taken up enough of your time Professor." Ash waves at the class as he walks to the back door. "Nice meeting you all." He says as he leaves.
Gary follows Ash. As he passes Duc, he hurrumphs once more, "Ash may still not be the best, but there's some in here I warrant won't get to his level." Gary turns up his nose as he leaves the lab.
Professor Oak clears his throat to get everyone's attention. He gestures to the desk up front, "On my desk are deluxe pokegear. They have pokedex integrated into them, which makes it more handy than having it separate. Those of you who don't have one, please come up to get yours. Ruki, if yours isn't the deluxe model, you can choose to take one, or use yours and take a pokedex." He points to a couple of pokedexes that are by the pokegear. "Then you all can pick your starter. Except you of course, Sam, since you have your cubone." He gently smiles towards Sam.