The early morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew-covered grass as Aaron made his way through Pallet Town's quiet streets. The sun had barely begun its ascent over the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the rooftops and fields. The town was still asleep—windows dark, chimneys silent, the distant sounds of Pidgey calls the only sign of stirring life.
But Aaron was awake.
And for the first time in his life, he was certain of what he needed to do.
His mind was still replaying the events of the past few days—his growing bond with Shinx, its relentless independence, and the battle against the Spearow flock.
For so long, Aaron had hesitated. He had spent years learning, observing, questioning. He had told himself that he wasn't like Ash, that the life of a trainer wasn't for him.
But Shinx had shown him something different.
It had walked its own path—not following, not waiting, just moving forward, step by step, finding its way.
And if a lone Pokémon could do that , Then so could he.
He didn't have all the answers yet.
He still didn't know if he wanted to be a trainer or a researcher.
But he knew this:
He wouldn't find that answer by staying in one place. He needed to go.
And so, before the town had even begun to wake, Aaron found himself at Professor Oak's lab—standing before the familiar wooden door, hand poised to knock.
He never got the chance.
Because before his knuckles even made contact, the door swung open.
And Professor Oak stood there, already waiting.
Oak looked as if he had woken up just minutes ago—his lab coat slightly wrinkled, his graying hair in mild disarray. But his expression was warm, his sharp eyes filled with understanding.
Aaron blinked. "You… knew I was coming?"
Oak chuckled, stepping aside to let him in. "I didn't need to know." He gave Aaron a knowing smile. "I just knew that one day, you'd be standing at this door, ready to make a decision."
Aaron followed him inside, his usual spot in the lab feeling different this morning. The familiar scent of old parchment and Pokémon feed filled the air, but today, it felt heavier—as if the very walls of the lab knew this was a turning point.
Oak leaned against his desk, watching Aaron carefully. "So. You've decided?"
Aaron exhaled. "I… think so."
Oak raised an eyebrow. Aaron corrected himself. "I mean, I know I want to go. I don't know exactly what I want to be yet, but… I'll figure it out on the way."
Oak nodded approvingly. "A researcher seeks knowledge. A trainer seeks strength. But both—" He tapped the desk lightly, emphasizing his words. "—must first seek experience."
Aaron absorbed the words, not fully understanding them… but knowing he would remember them.
The professor turned, walking toward one of the many cabinets in his lab. "I've watched you grow, Aaron. You're not like Ash, nor should you try to be. Your path will be your own."
Aaron nodded, waiting.
Oak rummaged through the cabinet for a moment before pulling out a sleek, silver-and-blue device.
A Pokédex.
But not just any Pokédex.
This one was different.
The design was more refined, the outer casing reinforced, the edges smooth and professional-looking.
"This," Oak said, holding it out, "is an advanced Pokédex prototype—one that I've been working on for some time now."
Aaron hesitated, staring at the device. "But… shouldn't this go to someone else? One of the other researchers?"
Oak chuckled. "Aaron, you are one of my researchers."
Aaron blinked.
Oak smiled. "Consider it a reward for your years of hard work."
Aaron's hesitation melted away. Slowly, he reached out and took the Pokédex, feeling the smooth weight of it in his palm. The moment he did, the screen lit up, displaying a soft blue glow as the system booted up for the first time.
"This isn't just a database," Oak explained. "It has field research capabilities—you can document behavior, log patterns, even send live updates back to the lab."
Aaron's fingers tightened slightly around the device.
It wasn't just a tool. It was a sign of trust.
And he wouldn't take that lightly.
Oak gestured toward Rufflet, who was perched by the window, silently watching the entire exchange.
"And speaking of things long overdue…"
Aaron followed his gaze. And suddenly, he understood.
Rufflet had been by Aaron's side for years.
Ever since the day Aaron had helped him regain his courage to fly, Rufflet had never truly left. Unlike most wild Pokémon, he had stayed—not because he was weak, not because he needed Aaron—but because he wanted to.
But despite all their time together…
Aaron had never officially asked him to come along.
He had never offered him a Pokéball.
Because deep down, Aaron had never been sure if he was meant to be a trainer.
But now? Now, he knew what he had to do.
Aaron moved toward the window, heart pounding slightly. Rufflet tilted his head, watching him approach, his sharp gaze unwavering.
Aaron stopped just a step away and held out a single Luxury Ball.
"Rufflet," he said quietly, his voice steady, "would you like to come with me?"
Rufflet didn't hesitate.
With a single, decisive motion, he pressed his beak against the Luxury Ball.
The ball snapped open, a soft, blue light enveloping Rufflet's form.
And then—click.
No resistance.
No shaking.
Aaron slowly picked up the Pokéball, holding it in his palm.
Then, with a small smile, he tapped the button—releasing Rufflet back into the air.
The bird Pokémon flapped his wings powerfully, letting out a proud cry as he circled above Aaron before landing on his shoulder.
Aaron chuckled. "Didn't want to stay in there long, huh?"
Rufflet chirped in response, ruffling his feathers.
Oak smiled warmly. "That, Aaron, is what a true partnership looks like."
Aaron exhaled, finally feeling ready.
Oak stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "No matter where you go, Aaron, remember—observation leads to understanding. Understanding leads to growth. And growth will shape the trainer—or researcher—you become."
Aaron didn't understand all of it.
Not yet.
But he knew one thing , He was ready to find out.
The morning sun had fully risen, stretching golden light over the quiet fields of Pallet Town. The village, still waking, was peaceful—small houses lined the dirt roads, their windows glinting as the first signs of life stirred within.
But Aaron wasn't inside.
He stood at the edge of town, backpack slung over one shoulder, staring at the open road ahead.
The well-worn path leading toward Route 1 stretched into the distance, winding through rolling fields and sparse woodlands before disappearing into the unknown.
For years, Aaron had watched trainers leave down this very road. He had seen Ash run off with boundless energy, eager for battle. He had seen older trainers set off with clear goals in mind, knowing exactly what they wanted. Aaron wasn't like them.
He had spent years hesitating, unsure whether his place was on the road or in the lab. But last night—standing in Oak's lab, holding the advanced Pokédex, feeling the familiar weight of Rufflet's presence at his side—he had made his choice.
He would go. Not as a trainer.
Not as a researcher. But as himself.
And along the way , He would find out who that was.
But first—There was one last thing he needed to do.
Aaron made his way through the fields behind Professor Oak's lab, the familiar rustling of tall grass brushing against his boots. The wind carried the scent of damp earth and morning dew, cool against his skin.
Rufflet flew just ahead, circling the clearing where Shinx had last trained.
Aaron already knew it would be there. And he was right.
Shinx stood alone near its usual tree, its golden eyes sharp and focused. It was in the middle of a training exercise, lunging at a small rock, striking it with precise, measured Tackles.
It wasn't wild, reckless fighting.
It was calculating.
Aaron stopped a short distance away, choosing not to interrupt. He simply watched.
Shinx moved with purpose, its body coiling before each strike, its timing carefully adjusted. Every attack had a rhythm—testing, adjusting, perfecting.
Aaron found himself fascinated.
It doesn't train for fun. It doesn't train out of instinct. It trains because it's preparing for something.
And yet, for all of its strength, all of its precision…
Shinx was still alone.
Aaron's chest tightened slightly.
He knew that feeling. That feeling of wanting to be strong on your own. Of wanting to prove yourself, without needing anyone else.
It was why he hadn't pushed Shinx to trust him. Because trust couldn't be forced. It had to be earned.
Taking a slow breath, Aaron reached into his bag and pulled out a small pouch of berries—one final offering. He set it down near the clearing's edge, just as he had done before.
Then, this time, he reached into his pocket and pulled out An Ultra Ball.
He placed it gently beside the berries. Not as a challenge. Not as an expectation.
But as a choice.
Shinx's ears twitched. Its sharp gaze flickered toward Aaron, then down to the Ultra Ball.
Aaron held its stare.
"I'm leaving today," he said quietly. "Going out into the world. I don't know exactly where I'll end up, or what I'll become… but I know I won't find that answer by staying here."
Shinx didn't react. Didn't snarl. Didn't turn away.
Just listened.
Aaron exhaled, stepping back. "I won't force you to come with me." His voice was steady. "But if you ever decide you want something more… then maybe we'll meet again."
He turned, his boots crunching softly against the dirt.
Rufflet flapped his wings once, casting one last glance at Shinx before following Aaron into the trees.
Aaron didn't look back.
And behind him, Shinx remained still, golden eyes locked onto the Great Ball beside the untouched berries.
Thinking. Staring. As always.
Aaron's house was warm, the scent of fresh bread filling the air as Delia Ketchum moved around the small kitchen. When she saw Aaron standing at the door, backpack slung over his shoulder, she gave him a knowing smile.
"So," she said, setting down a dish towel. "It's time?"
Aaron nodded. "Yeah."
She studied him for a moment. Unlike Ash, he wasn't bouncing with excitement.
Aaron had always been quieter, steadier, slower to make decisions.
But when he made them, he committed to them fully.
Delia stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace. "I always knew you'd leave eventually," she murmured. "You have a different kind of strength, Aaron. You don't rush in. You think. You listen."
Aaron swallowed. He wasn't usually one for sentimental moments, but…
"I'll be okay," he said softly.
Delia pulled back, smiling as she placed a small bag of food into his hands. "Of course, you will."
Aaron took the bag, securing it in his pack.
Then, with one last look around the house he had grown up in, he stepped outside.
And this time, he didn't hesitate.
As Aaron stepped onto Route 1, the world stretched open before him.
The dirt road, lined with rolling hills and scattered trees, led straight toward Viridian City, the first stop on his journey.
Rufflet soared above him, wings outstretched against the clear blue sky.
Aaron exhaled slowly, letting the morning air fill his lungs.
For the first time, he had no set plan.
No clear goal. Just the road ahead.
And strangely… That was enough.
With a final glance back toward Pallet Town, Aaron took his first step forward.
And he never looked back.
The crisp morning air carried the scent of fresh grass and damp earth as Aaron and Rufflet made their way further along Route 1. The well-trodden dirt path stretched ahead, lined with tall oak trees that swayed gently in the breeze. It was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of movement in the underbrush—wild Pokémon starting their day, hidden from sight.
He didn't rush.
There was no need to.
His journey wasn't about reaching a destination the fastest. It was about learning, observing, understanding.
And yet, unbeknownst to him— He was being watched.
Deep within the tall grass, golden eyes gleamed. Shinx crouched low, its dark fur blending into the undergrowth, its body still as it watched Aaron and Rufflet from a distance.
It had been following them since Pallet Town—careful, calculated, keeping just enough space to avoid being noticed.
Why?
Shinx wasn't sure.
It had considered taking the Great Ball Aaron had left. Considered stepping forward.
But in the end…
It had chosen this instead.
It would follow, but not as a companion. Not yet.
Just as an observer. Watching. Thinking. Just as it always did.
Aaron had been walking for about an hour when he heard the unmistakable sound of running footsteps approaching from behind.
"Hey! You up ahead!"
Aaron turned to see a boy—probably around his age—jogging toward him. He had spiky brown hair, a confident grin, and a Pokéball already in his hand.
"I've been looking for a battle all morning!" the boy said, stopping a few feet away. "Name's Gavin. You up for a match?"
Aaron hesitated. A battle?
He hadn't exactly planned for this, but…
He glanced at Rufflet, who had already flared his wings in anticipation, his sharp gaze locking onto their potential opponent.
Aaron exhaled. Well… I guess there's no better way to start than now.
"Alright," Aaron said, adjusting his stance. "I accept."
Shinx, still hidden in the grass, watched closely.
Battle Begins: Rufflet vs. Growlithe
Gavin grinned and tossed his Pokéball into the air. "Alright, Growlithe—let's do this!"
With a flash of red light, a Growlithe materialized onto the battlefield, its orange fur sleek and well-groomed, its fangs bared in a confident snarl.
Aaron sized up the opponent. A Fire-type. Strong, but Rufflet had speed and agility on his side.
"Alright, Rufflet," Aaron said. "Let's go."
Rufflet took flight, wings beating powerfully.
Gavin smirked. "Growlithe, start with Ember!"
Growlithe inhaled sharply before releasing a burst of small, fiery embers into the air, aiming for the airborne Rufflet.
"Dodge and counter," Aaron instructed.
Rufflet rolled midair, narrowly avoiding the flames, before diving down in a sharp arc.
"Wing Attack!"
Rufflet's wings glowed white as he struck Growlithe head-on, sending the Fire-type skidding back.
Shinx's ears flicked. It was watching every move.
The battle continued—Rufflet dodged and weaved, using speed over raw power, while Growlithe fought aggressively, launching Embers and Quick Attacks.
Eventually, after an intense exchange of blows, Rufflet landed a final Peck to Growlithe's side, forcing the Fire-type to stumble back before collapsing onto its belly, exhausted.
Gavin sighed but smiled as he recalled Growlithe. "Man, that was a great fight! You're pretty good."
Aaron nodded, feeling a quiet satisfaction. He had never been as battle-driven as Ash, but seeing Rufflet's training pay off felt… good.
Gavin gave a thumbs-up. "Let's battle again sometime!" Then, with a wave, he ran off toward Viridian City.
Aaron exhaled, watching him go.
His first battle. And he had won.
Shinx, still hidden in the tall grass, lowered itself slightly. Aaron had proven he could battle.
But what interested Shinx more… Was how he fought.
Deliberate. Strategic. Not reckless.
It was different. And that intrigued it.
After walking a bit further, Aaron decided to take a break near a small clearing by a creek. He set his pack down, stretching slightly before pulling out the small lunch his mother had packed for him.
Rufflet perched on a rock nearby, preening his feathers, satisfied with his earlier battle.
Aaron opened his bag, taking out a sandwich and a few berries. He ate slowly, enjoying the quiet sounds of the forest around him.
But what he didn't know— Was that he wasn't the only one eating.
Not far from the clearing, Shinx crouched low in the tall grass, sharp fangs digging into fresh prey.
A Buneary.
Its hunt had been quick, precise, and clean. The Buneary hadn't suffered.
Shinx tore into its meal carefully, ears flicking at every sound, every shift in the environment. Even while eating, it remained alert.
Just like Aaron. Just like Rufflet.
Even though neither of them knew it…
Shinx had already begun mirroring them.
Lunch finished, Aaron dusted off his hands and glanced at the road ahead.
Route 1 was straightforward.
Most trainers followed the main path to Viridian City, an easy, direct route that saw a lot of foot traffic.
But to the right… A narrow, overgrown trail led deeper into the wilderness—a path Aaron had read about in Oak's research but had never explored himself.
It wasn't dangerous, but it was less traveled.
And he…
"We're taking the alternative route," Aaron murmured, more to himself than anyone.
Rufflet chirped in agreement, flapping onto his shoulder.
Aaron adjusted his pack and turned onto the less-explored path, stepping into the dense trees.
And behind him, still unseen—
Shinx followed.
The uncharted path twisted deeper into the wilderness, the overgrown trail winding through thick vegetation. The further Aaron walked, the denser the trees became, their towering forms casting cool shade over the ground. Unlike the well-worn roads leading to Viridian City, this route felt untouched—untamed.
And Aaron preferred it that way.
Rufflet flew just ahead, occasionally swooping down to perch on low branches, his sharp gaze scanning the area for movement.
Aaron, however, was focused on something else entirely.
With one hand holding his new advanced Pokédex, he was actively documenting everything he saw.
A fallen tree, its bark stripped away by a family of wild Spearow.
A cluster of blue mushrooms, known for their luminescent properties at night.
A series of small tracks in the dirt, likely belonging to a Zigzagoon that had passed through recently.
"Observation leads to understanding" That was what Oak had told him.
And understanding was exactly what Aaron sought.
But he wasn't the only one observing.
From the thick shadows of the underbrush, golden eyes glowed faintly.
Shinx followed silently, its pawsteps soundless against the damp forest floor. It had kept its distance ever since Aaron left Pallet Town, never drawing attention to itself, never making a sound.
And yet, it never turned back.
Even Shinx itself wasn't entirely sure why.
But its eyes remained locked on the duo as they explored—watching, analyzing, thinking.
And then— A rustle in the tall grass.
Aaron's head snapped up.
Something was nearby.
The bushes ahead trembled slightly, the leaves shifting from small movements within.
Aaron immediately slowed his pace, raising a hand toward Rufflet in a silent signal to hold back.
Rufflet obeyed, landing on a low branch, wings half-spread in anticipation.
Aaron's grip on his Pokédex tightened. He had no idea what he was about to encounter.
Then—
A small, round figure hopped out of the undergrowth.
A Shroomish.
Aaron's eyes widened slightly as his Pokédex screen lit up:
Shroomish, the Mushroom Pokémon.
Grass type
When it senses danger, it releases spores from the top of its head. It prefers damp environments and often lives in deep forests.
Shinx, still hidden, lowered itself slightly.
Aaron, however, was intrigued.
Shroomish's large, beady eyes locked onto him, its small, stubby legs bouncing slightly in a defensive posture.
It wasn't attacking outright. But it was clearly on edge.
Aaron lowered his Pokédex and took a slow step forward. "It's okay," he said softly, keeping his voice calm. "I'm not here to hurt you."
Shroomish didn't move. Didn't run.
But its tiny body tensed further.
Aaron could tell—it was ready to fight if needed.
And that was when he realized—
This was an opportunity his first real chance to make a capture.
He didn't want to reckless , didn't battle for the sake of it.
But if he was going to be traveling the wild routes, he needed to expand his team—to learn, to observe, to grow.
He glanced at Rufflet.
The bird Pokémon met his gaze and gave a sharp nod.
He understood.
"Alright," Aaron murmured, straightening his stance. "Let's do this."
Battle: Rufflet vs. Shroomish
Aaron didn't make the first move.
Instead, he waited.
And just as he expected—
Shroomish attacked first.
The Grass-type suddenly released a burst of yellow spores from the top of its head, sending them scattering toward Rufflet.
Aaron recognized the attack instantly. Stun Spore.
"Rufflet—back up and use Gust!"
Rufflet flapped his wings powerfully, sending a strong gust of wind forward. The force of the wind blew the spores away, dispersing them before they could take effect.
Shinx's ears twitched. It was watching closely now.
Shroomish hopped forward, trying to close the distance, but Aaron reacted quickly.
"Now—Peck!"
Rufflet dived, his beak glowing slightly as he landed a sharp strike against Shroomish's side.
The small Pokémon stumbled back, shaking slightly from the impact. But it wasn't done yet.
Shroomish suddenly crouched low, its body glowing a faint green.
Aaron's eyes narrowed. It's using Absorb.
Sure enough, tendrils of green energy snaked around Rufflet's body, draining a small portion of its energy and restoring Shroomish's own stamina.
Aaron exhaled. Smart. It's making up for its lower speed with endurance.
But he couldn't let the battle drag on too long.
"Rufflet—one more Peck!"
Rufflet dived again, beak glowing.
This time, the attack landed cleanly, knocking Shroomish backward.
It struggled to rise…
Then slumped forward. Still conscious, but unable to fight back.
Aaron didn't hesitate. He grabbed an empty Pokéball from his belt and threw it forward.
A flash of red light engulfed Shroomish—
The ball wiggled once.
Twice.
Three times.
Click.
The battle was over.
Aaron stepped forward, slowly picking up the Pokéball.
He exhaled, feeling something unfamiliar settle in his chest.
Satisfaction. Not because he had won.
But because he had earned something new.
"Welcome to the team," he murmured, securing the Pokéball to his belt.
From the shadows, Shinx watched. And for the first time…
It felt something unexpected.
Not curiosity. Not wariness.
But something closer to respect.
With his first capture secured, Aaron continued down the unexplored path, his Pokédex in hand.
He took notes on the changing environment, documenting everything—how the terrain shifted, the different Pokémon cries he heard, the subtle differences in plant life.
Shinx kept following.
But something had changed.
Before, it had observed Aaron as an outsider.
Now? It was starting to understand him.
And the longer it followed…The less alone it felt.
For the first time since being forced from its pack…
Shinx wasn't just watching a stranger. It was watching a leader.
And it was starting to wonder— Was this the kind of leader worth following?
The deeper Aaron traveled into the wilderness, the more the world around him changed.
The dense, overgrown path was nothing like the clear, straightforward Route 1 most trainers took. Fewer footprints. Fewer signs of people. More untouched nature, more unknowns.
And Aaron liked it that way.
He walked steadily, not rushing, taking in everything—the soft chirping of bug Pokémon hidden in the grass, the rustling of leaves as a Sentret darted away, the shifting of shadows as the sun began to lower in the sky.
Rufflet flew close, wings beating against the cool evening air, scanning for anything unusual.
And now, for the first time, they weren't alone.
Hanging slightly behind Aaron was a small, round figure, bouncing lightly with each step.
Shroomish.
Aaron glanced at it from the corner of his eye. The Pokémon wasn't trailing out of hesitation.
It was following because it had lost.
Not as a prisoner. Not as a captive.
But as a soldier who had submitted to a new leader.
Aaron had read about it before—how wild Pokémon, especially territorial ones, often responded to being defeated by another.
Shroomish had fought with everything it had.
And it had lost fairly.
Now?
It had chosen to follow Aaron because that was the natural order of things.
Even still…
Aaron could tell trust wasn't there yet.
Shroomish kept its distance, staying several feet away, never too close to him. It wasn't openly hostile, but it wasn't affectionate, either.
It simply followed and he could respect that.
Trust wasn't something he demanded. It was something that had to be earned.
From the shadows, Shinx watched.
It had noticed the way Aaron handled his Pokémon—how he commanded them not through fear, but through mutual respect.
It was something Shinx had never seen before. And so, it continued to observe.
As night slowly crept in, Aaron decided it was time to stop and make camp.
The wilderness wasn't safe to travel at night, and Aaron wanted to document the nocturnal Pokémon that came out after sundown.
He found a small clearing near a stream, setting his bag down before exhaling slowly.
"Alright," he murmured, cracking his knuckles. "Let's set up."
Rufflet flapped down from a tree branch, tilting his head in silent question.
Aaron smirked. "Think you can gather some sticks for a fire?"
Rufflet chirped once before launching into the trees.
Aaron, meanwhile, pulled out a small cooking pot and set up his portable stove. His movements were calm, methodical, practiced.
He was used to this.
He had spent years in the wild, learning from Professor Oak, traveling with field researchers, understanding the land and its Pokémon.
This wasn't survival. This was routine.
And that—more than anything—was what Shinx found most fascinating.
It had expected something different from a human.
Most humans were loud, reckless, demanding.
Aaron was none of those things. Aaron commanded, but did not oppress.
Aaron led, but did not force. And that made Shinx curious.
Very curious.
By the time Rufflet returned, the fire had been successfully lit, casting warm, flickering shadows over the clearing.
Aaron took the small cooking pot, filled it with water from his flask, and began heating it over the flames.
He prepared a simple meal—rice, some dried vegetables, and a few berries thrown in for flavor.
A quiet but comfortable atmosphere settled over the camp.
Aaron sat cross-legged, watching the fire while occasionally stirring the pot. Rufflet sat nearby, puffing up his feathers contentedly.
And Shroomish—
It stood at the edge of the fire's glow, eyes narrowed slightly, still hesitant.
Aaron noticed. He didn't push.
Instead, he simply set a small portion of food aside, closer to where Shroomish stood, before taking his own meal and eating silently.
The gesture was wordless, effortless.
Shroomish hesitated.
Then, slowly, it approached the food.
It didn't eat right away.
It sniffed first, checking for anything unusual. Still cautious. Still wary.
But after a moment, it ate.
Not eagerly. Not like it was starving.
But acceptingly.
From the darkness, Shinx's stomach growled faintly.
It, too, had been hunting earlier.
And just like before—it had caught its own prey.
Not berries. Not human food.
But a freshly caught Buneary.
Shinx crouched lower, biting into its meal as it watched Aaron's group from the safety of the shadows.
A Leader, Not a Master
Aaron stretched after finishing his meal, letting the warmth of the fire soothe his muscles.
Shroomish had eaten without complaint.
It was still wary of him, still not fully trusting, but it had submitted.
It would follow Aaron now.
Not out of affection.
Not out of obligation.
But because it had lost, and Aaron had won. And wild Pokémon respected strength.
Rufflet, meanwhile, had fluffed up, now perched on a low tree branch, keeping watch.
Aaron looked around the clearing—small embers rising into the night air, the soft hum of nocturnal Pokémon stirring in the distance.
It was peaceful.
He pulled out his Pokédex, carefully documenting his surroundings—taking notes on the different Pokémon calls he heard, jotting down observations about how the ecosystem seemed different at night.
Every detail mattered.
Because understanding led to growth.
And growth… Led to something even greater.
From the distance, Shinx watched.
And something clicked in its mind.
Aaron wasn't like the trainers it had encountered before.
He wasn't trying to catch Pokémon for power.
He wasn't forcing commands through dominance.
He was leading.
Not as a master.
But as something else entirely.
And for the first time…
Shinx wondered.
Was this the kind of leader it had been looking for?
The soft hum of the forest filled the cool morning air. The scent of damp earth lingered from the previous night's dew, and golden beams of sunlight streamed through the canopy, casting scattered patterns across the forest floor.
Aaron stirred.
His muscles ached faintly—not from exhaustion, but from the steady rhythm of travel. He sat up, running a hand through his hair, and glanced around.
Rufflet was already awake.
Perched on a low tree branch, the bird Pokémon had begun his usual morning training—practicing short aerial maneuvers, tightening his turns, controlling his wing movements with precision.
Aaron smiled. Rufflet always started the day like this.
On the ground, a short distance away, Shroomish sat, watching.
The Grass-type had woken up too but hadn't moved much. It simply observed, its large eyes shifting between Aaron and Rufflet, as if trying to understand their routine.
Aaron reached for his Pokédex, activating the screen and scanning Shroomish again.
Shroomish – The Mushroom Pokémon
Moveset: Tackle, Absorb, Stun Spore, Leech Seed
Aaron studied the list.
Shroomish has potential, he thought. But it needs guidance.
But guidance wasn't something he would force.
He didn't believe in pressuring Pokémon into training—trust had to come first.
So, instead of demanding, Aaron simply offered.
He stood, stretched out his arms, and turned to Shroomish.
"I'm going to start training soon," he said casually. "If you'd like, I can help you too."
Shroomish blinked.
It didn't immediately react, but it didn't turn away either.
It was considering.
Aaron kneeled down slightly, keeping his tone even. "You're strong, but with the right training, you can be even stronger. If you want my help, I'll give it."
Shroomish narrowed its eyes slightly, shifting on its stubby legs.
Then—
A sharp chirp.
Aaron turned his head slightly. Rufflet had landed beside Shroomish.
The bird Pokémon let out a series of low chirps and warbles, looking at Shroomish expectantly.
Aaron's eyebrows lifted slightly. Rufflet is explaining.
The two Pokémon exchanged sounds, their conversation lasting a few moments.
Finally, Shroomish exhaled, looking back up at Aaron.
And it nodded.
Aaron smiled.
"Alright then. Let's get started."
Aaron wasn't an aggressive trainer. He didn't believe in mindless repetition.
Instead, he focused on understanding strengths and weaknesses.
Step one: Familiarization.
"Shroomish," Aaron said calmly. "I need to know how well you can control your moves. Let's start with something easy—use Tackle on that log."
Shroomish bounced forward, preparing to strike.
But Rufflet suddenly intervened, stepping in front of Shroomish and chirping again.
Aaron watched as the two Pokémon communicated.
Rufflet fluffed his wings, gesturing toward the log, repeating Aaron's request.
Shroomish huffed but listened.
It turned, focused, and lunged forward—Tackle!
Direct hit.
Aaron nodded. "Good." He reached into his pouch and tossed a small berry to Shroomish. "That's your reward."
Shroomish hesitated at first but then ate the berry, eyes flicking toward Aaron.
Aaron smiled slightly. Progress.
They continued.
Each time Shroomish followed a command correctly, Aaron rewarded it.
Whenever it struggled, Rufflet stepped in, chirping and gesturing to make sure the Grass-type understood.
It was a slow process.
But Shroomish was learning.
Shinx, still hidden, watched everything unfold.
Aaron wasn't forcing dominance.
He was teaching. And that was different.
Once Shroomish had repeated each move a few times, Aaron decided it was time for his own training.
He dropped down into a push-up position, beginning a steady rhythm.
Rufflet, perched nearby, watched with amusement.
Aaron smirked. "You're laughing now, but wait until I make you do extra flight drills."
Rufflet let out a sharp squawk in protest.
Shroomish, meanwhile, tilted its head slightly.
Aaron continued. Push-ups, light jogging, stretches—nothing too intense, just enough to keep his body conditioned for long travel.
He wasn't just training his Pokémon. He was training himself, too.
Shinx's tail flicked slightly.
Aaron wasn't just a leader in name.
He trained alongside his team.
And for the first time… Shinx felt an unfamiliar tug in its chest.
Would this leader accept me, too?
It didn't know the answer. So it kept watching.
Once training was done, Aaron started on breakfast.
Using the same cooking pot from last night, he prepared a simple stew from the remaining rice and dried vegetables.
Shroomish hesitated when Aaron placed a portion near it.
It sniffed the food carefully.
Then, slowly, it began to eat.
Aaron didn't comment. Didn't push it to trust him faster. He just let it take its time.
And Shinx, further in the shadows, ate too.
Focused.
Still watching Aaron's team. Still thinking.
With breakfast finished, Aaron packed up camp, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Alright," he murmured. "Let's move."
Rufflet took flight again, scouting ahead.
Shroomish followed behind, still reserved, but moving closer than before.
They traveled for a few hours, navigating the lesser-known path, taking in the untouched beauty of the forest.
Then— Rufflet suddenly let out a sharp cry.
Aaron's head snapped up. "What is it?"
The bird Pokémon swooped down, circling a small clearing up ahead.
Aaron quickened his pace, pushing through the trees—
And then he saw them.
Shrines. Old, weathered structures, covered in vines, standing silently in the middle of the forest.
Aaron's eyes widened.
He pulled out his Pokédex, quickly taking notes.
"These don't look like any structures from modern settlements," he murmured. "Could they be remnants of an old civilization?"
The carvings on the stone were faded but still held meaning—symbols of Pokémon, engraved into the rock, untouched for who knows how long.
Aaron documented everything.
Because this
This was why he had chosen this path.
To find what others overlooked. To understand what had been forgotten.
And Shinx…
Watched it all.
For the first time since it had started following Aaron…
It understood something.
This human?
And that realization planted a seed in Shinx's mind.
Maybe, just maybe…
It had found the right leader after all.