The lights of Viridian City shimmered against the darkened sky, the faint hum of street lamps buzzing over empty roads. Most of the city's activity had wound down, the once-busy streets now quiet except for the occasional passing trainer or wandering Pokémon.
Aaron stepped forward at an even pace, his body sore but his mind sharp. After a full day of travel through uncharted paths, he had finally arrived.
Rufflet flew just above him, wings slicing through the crisp night air.
Shroomish walked beside him now. No longer trailing. No longer hesitant.
It followed.
The two Pokémon had settled into their own rhythm, traveling under Aaron's quiet but steady leadership. And while the bond wasn't complete, the foundation had been built.
Yet neither of them knew—
They were being watched.
A shadow moved soundlessly through the alleys of Viridian, slipping through pools of light cast by the streetlamps, golden eyes reflecting against the dim glow.
Shinx had followed them all the way here. It didn't know why it had.
But its paws carried it forward, silent and unseen.
It had never stepped foot in a human city before. Didn't like the artificial smells, the hard concrete beneath its paws, the sharp sounds of passing cars in the distance.
But it stayed. Because Aaron was inside.
And Shinx wasn't done watching yet.
The Pokémon Center was quiet at this hour. A few trainers sat in the waiting area, some checking their Pokédexes while others tended to their Pokémon.
Aaron stepped inside, inhaling the familiar scent of disinfectant and fresh linen.
Approaching the counter, he met the warm but professional gaze of Nurse Joy.
"Good evening," she greeted. "How can I help you?"
Aaron pulled out his Pokédex, tapping the identification screen. "I'd like to register for a room."
Nurse Joy nodded, taking the device and placing it on the scanner. The system processed his information for a few seconds—
Then, she froze. Her polite smile faltered.
Her eyes widened—just for a fraction of a second—before she caught herself, returning to neutral professionalism.
Aaron didn't miss it. Something had surprised her. He glanced at his Pokédex screen, now displaying his profile:
Trainer Name: Aaron Ketchum
Affiliation: Professor Oak's Field Research Assistant
Status: Registered Trainer
Nurse Joy tapped a few keys, finalized the registration, and handed his Pokédex back.
"Your room is ready. Meals and training facilities are available for registered trainers," she said smoothly.
Aaron expected more.
Expected an explanation for that moment of surprise. But she didn't say anything else.
There was no mention of discounts, no explanation of any privileges.
She simply assumed he already knew. Aaron hesitated before pocketing his device.
"…Thanks," he said slowly.
She nodded. "Enjoy your stay."
As he walked toward his assigned room, his thoughts lingered on that brief look on her face.
What exactly had shocked her?
Was it just because of Oak's name?
Or was there something more?
For now, he let the questions go. He and his team needed rest.
After settling into his small but comfortable room, Aaron placed his backpack on the desk, stretched his arms, and sat down with a quiet exhale.
Rufflet had already flown up to perch on the headboard, fluffing his feathers as he relaxed.
Shroomish, on the other hand, curled up in the corner of the bed, still not quite trusting human spaces, but no longer resisting them.
Aaron pulled out his Pokédex, navigating to the call function.
The screen flickered, and after a few rings, Oak's familiar face appeared.
"Aaron! Good to see you," the professor greeted, adjusting his glasses. "I take it you made it to Viridian safely?"
Aaron nodded. "Yeah. Took an alternative route, but we arrived a few minutes ago."
Oak's brows lifted slightly. "Already choosing the road less traveled, are we?"
Aaron smirked faintly. "You expected anything else?"
Oak chuckled. "Not at all." Then, his expression turned thoughtful. "How's the research coming along?"
Aaron leaned back. "I've been documenting everything—flora, Pokémon behaviors, even a few ancient shrines we found along the way."
Oak's eyes gleamed with interest. "Shrines, you say?"
Aaron nodded. "Didn't get much time to study them in depth, but I recorded the details. I'll send the data over tomorrow."
"Good, good," Oak said. "Remember, the more information we gather, the more we understand."
Aaron hesitated for a moment, then added, "Also… something weird happened when I registered here."
Oak's expression turned curious. "Oh?"
"Nurse Joy looked shocked when she saw my profile," Aaron explained. "Then she just… acted like nothing happened. Did the League set something up for research trainers?"
Oak paused for a moment. Then, he smiled knowingly.
"Let's just say… there are certain benefits to working under me," he said vaguely.
Aaron narrowed his eyes. "That doesn't answer my question."
Oak simply chuckled. "You'll find out in time."
Aaron sighed. "Figures."
They spoke for a few more minutes, discussing small updates before Oak bid him goodnight.
The screen faded to black.
Aaron exhaled, then made his second call.
This one was to home.
A few rings. Then— His mother's familiar, warm voice.
"Aaron! I was wondering when you'd call," Delia said with a bright smile. "How were your days on the road?"
Aaron softened slightly.
"Tiring. But good," he admitted.
Delia's eyes twinkled. "Did you eat well?"
Aaron smirked. "Yes, Mom."
They talked for a while, Delia listening intently as Aaron recounted his journey so far—his first capture, his first battle, the uncharted paths he took. Delia smiled, proud but not surprised.
"You always had your own way of doing things," she mused. "I knew you wouldn't take the easy route."
Aaron chuckled. "Yeah, well… I'm still figuring things out."
His mother's voice softened. "You will. Just keep going at your own pace."
Aaron nodded.
After a few more exchanges, they said their goodnights, and the screen went dark.
Aaron returned to his room and placed his Pokédex on the desk, rubbing the back of his neck.
Then, finally, he lay back. Rufflet and Shroomish were already asleep. He closed his eyes.
And the city remained quiet.
But outside… The city wasn't truly still.
And Shinx remained. The Electric-type had taken shelter in a dark alley, ears twitching at every passing sound.
It had never hunted in a city before.
Here, the scents were wrong. The prey moved differently, darting between man-made obstacles.
But Shinx was a hunter. And adaptation was survival.
Its sharp eyes locked onto movement—a Rattata scurrying between crates.
Muscles coiled.
Then—
A burst of speed. Shinx lunged.
A small yelp. A flash of golden fur. Then silence. Shinx stood over its catch, panting slightly. The city was unnatural.
But food was food.
It settled in, tearing into the Rattata, all the while keeping its eyes on the Pokémon Center's entrance.
Waiting. Watching. Because Aaron hadn't left yet.
And Shinx wasn't done following him. Not yet.
The early morning air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and freshly cut grass. The city was still quiet, most trainers either still asleep or tending to their Pokémon indoors.
Aaron stood at the back of the Viridian City Pokémon Center, where a large, well-maintained training area stretched behind the building. The grounds were empty—no other trainers had arrived yet.
Aaron exhaled slowly. Good. That means I can focus.
He had decided to stay in Viridian for the day, take time to figure out his route ahead, and get some extra training in.
Because he knew something very well—
Strength wasn't just about battles.
It was about understanding, refining, improving. And today?
He wasn't just training his Pokémon. He was training alongside them.
Rufflet, already awake and energized, flapped his wings and took to the sky, circling overhead before swooping down for a quick landing. His sharp eyes gleamed, eager for whatever training was to come.
Shroomish, on the other hand, was more reserved.
Aaron could see it in the way it stood—not quite tense, but still processing everything.
The battle against Rufflet.
The defeat.
The capture.And now…
It had been following Aaron not out of submission anymore, but something different.
Acceptance.
Aaron took a step forward, stretching his arms. "Alright," he said. "We're starting simple. Warm-ups first."
He dropped down, beginning a set of push-ups, focusing on controlled movements.
Rufflet perched nearby, watching before flapping into the air, doing tight circles as a warm-up.
Shroomish hesitated—then, after a moment, started doing its own small bouncing exercises, mimicking a light motion to loosen its muscles.
Aaron glanced at it with a small smile. It's learning.
They moved into a more structured session.
Rufflet practiced precision flight drills—quick turns, controlled dives, maneuvering between invisible obstacles.
Shroomish focused on improving its attack execution, especially Tackle and Leech Seed, ensuring it could strike with greater efficiency.
Aaron pushed himself physically, running laps around the training area, keeping up his endurance for long days of travel.
It wasn't flashy. It wasn't high-intensity battling.
But it was progress.
And from a hidden perch above, Shinx watched it all.
Somehow, Shinx had found its way to the back alley of the Pokémon Center, climbing into a tree that overlooked the training grounds.
It had never been in a human city before. It had never been this close to a human for this long before.
But yet , Here it was. And it wasn't leaving.
Shinx's sharp eyes remained locked on Aaron, tail flicking with quiet anticipation.
It had been watching for days now.
Watching how Aaron trained.
Watching how he commanded.
Watching how he led.
And something deep inside Shinx was beginning to stir.
A thought. A choice.
One that could not be undone.
After an hour of structured drills, Aaron called for a break.
He knelt down, offering Shroomish and Rufflet fresh berries from his pack.
Rufflet eagerly grabbed his, perching on Aaron's shoulder as he ate.
Shroomish… hesitated, but only for a second.Then, it took the berry and ate it.
Not because it was unsure anymore. But because it had made a decision.
Aaron watched quietly as Shroomish finished its food, then looked up at him—not with wariness, not with reluctance, but with something closer to trust.
Aaron exhaled, feeling a quiet sense of satisfaction.
"Good work today," he murmured. Shroomish accepted the words with a small squeaking sound.
Just as it had finally accepted him.
From above, Shinx's heart pounded. It had been watching for so long now.
It had studied Aaron's leadership. It had studied his Pokémon.
And for the first time in its life…
It was considering something it had never considered before.
Should I join him?
Shinx's claws dug into the bark of the tree, tail lashing as conflicting thoughts swirled inside its mind.
It had been alone for so long. It had fought, survived, trained—all on its own.
And yet, human hadn't forced anything on his Pokémon.
He had let Shroomish choose.
He had given Rufflet respect.
He had trained with them, not above them.
He was not like the humans Shinx had encountered before. Shinx knew that if it stepped forward now…
It would never be alone again.
And that choice? Was terrifying.
But also—Thrilling.
So, for now Shinx waited.
Because soon—very soon— It would make a life-changing decision.
The day had passed in quiet routine.
After Aaron's morning training session, he had spent the rest of the afternoon inside Viridian City's Pokémon Center, planning his next steps, documenting his findings, and letting Rufflet and Shroomish rest.
It had been a calm day. But calm never lasted long.
Because as evening fell… trouble arrived.
The Pokémon Center's main hall was peaceful, trainers tending to their Pokémon, chatting quietly, or checking the available travel routes ahead.
Aaron sat near the back, flipping through his Pokédex, reviewing the terrain between Viridian and Pewter City.
Then—A sharp explosion shook the building.
Screams echoed across the room as a section of the Pokémon Center's exterior wall burst apart, smoke and debris clouding the air.
Aaron was on his feet in an instant, Rufflet already alert beside him.
Through the smoke, three figures emerged—standing confidently, illuminated by the flickering emergency lights.
And then came the voice.
"Prepare for trouble—"
"—And make it double!"
Aaron's stomach dropped.
He had read about them before, heard stories from field researchers and trainers alike.
Team Rocket.
The infamous troublemakers, Pokémon thieves, and general nuisances of Kanto.
Jessie, James, and Meowth stepped forward, their uniforms pristine despite the explosion behind them.
Flanking them—two Pokémon, one slithering forward, the other shrouded in toxic mist.
Ekans and Koffing.
James smirked. "A simple job—stealing Pokémon from a Pokémon Center. Nothing personal."
Jessie grinned. "And with no Officer Jenny in sight, well… let's just say we'll be taking what's ours."
Meowth flashed his claws. "You can make this easy, or we can make it fun."
Nurse Joy stepped forward, shielding the Pokéballs behind the counter. "You won't take a single Pokémon from here!"
Aaron clenched his fists. Oh, this was happening.
He stepped forward. "Yeah? We'll see about that."
And just as he did—
A familiar voice called out from the entrance.
"Aaron!"
Aaron turned just as Ash and Lyra burst onto the scene.
Ash skidded to a stop beside him. "Figures we'd run into these guys already."
Lyra crossed her arms. "Just our luck."
Aaron exhaled. "No time for introductions. Let's stop them."
Ash grinned. "Way ahead of you."
He grabbed his Pokéball. "Pikachu—let's go!"
Lyra sent out Marill, and Aaron motioned to Rufflet.
The battle had begun.
Team Rocket vs. Aaron, Ash & Lyra
"Ekans—Poison Sting!"
"Koffing—Smokescreen!"
Team Rocket's Pokémon attacked instantly.
A cloud of thick black smoke filled the room, reducing visibility.
Aaron coughed, covering his mouth. "Rufflet, get above it—Gust!"
Rufflet shot into the air, flapping his wings hard. A strong gust of wind blew the smoke away, revealing Team Rocket's Pokémon ready to strike.
Ash took his chance. "Pikachu—go!"
Electricity surged forward—but Koffing tanked the hit.
Jessie smirked. "You're going to have to try harder than that." Aaron cursed. They're tougher than I expected.
"Marill, Bubble Beam!" Lyra commanded.
A barrage of bubbles shot toward Ekans, forcing it to dodge with surprising speed.
Team Rocket was holding their ground.
And then— A blur of blue fur streaked into the fight.
A sharp, commanding growl filled the room.
Aaron's entire body froze.
Before anyone could react, Shinx was already moving.
It weaved through the battlefield with terrifying precision, avoiding attacks with calculated steps.
Then, without hesitation—It lunged at Koffing.
James barely had time to react. "What the—?!"
Shinx's tackle connected with Koffing's side, sending the Pokémon skidding back.
Ash blinked. "Aaron, that's—?"
Aaron couldn't speak.
Shinx was leading the fight.
It dodged, countered, moved like it had been waiting for this moment. And Aaron had no idea what was happening.
Jessie growled. "Ekans—Wrap it up!"
Ekans lunged, aiming to coil around Shinx.
But Shinx was faster. It leaped aside, golden eyes flashing.
And then— Its fur sparked.
Aaron's breath caught. Wait A burst of electricity surged from Shinx's body—
A raw, uncontrolled Spark attack.
It struck Ekans directly, sending it writhing backward.
James panicked. "Koffing, Smog—"
"Pikachu, thundershock!" Ash commanded.
This time, Pikachu's electricity connected, sending Koffing crashing into Team Rocket.
Marill followed up with Bubble Beam, sealing their fate.
And as the final explosion erupted, sending the trio soaring into the night sky, all Aaron could do— Was stare.
The Pokémon Center was safe.
Nurse Joy and several trainers scrambled to check on everything, ensuring that no Pokéballs had been stolen.
She turned to the trio, bowing in gratitude. "Thank you. If you hadn't stepped in, they would have gotten away with our Pokémon."
Then she looked at Aaron specifically.
"Especially you." Aaron blinked."…Me?" She smiled. "If your Shinx hadn't intervened, we wouldn't have been able to stop them in time."
Aaron's brain stalled.
"…My what?"
Nurse Joy tilted her head. "Your Shinx."
Aaron slowly turned his gaze downward. And there—sitting calmly beside him, licking its paw like nothing had happened— Was Shinx.
Aaron's body locked up.
Rufflet, who had just landed on his shoulder, also froze.
The bird Pokémon tilted his head at Shinx. Shinx ignored him. Aaron's brain refused to process what he was looking at.
Shinx was supposed to be in the forest outside Pallet Town. Shinx was not supposed to be here.
Yet Here it was. Standing beside him. Not caring about anything.
And it had fought alongside them.
Shroomish, who had been watching the entire thing, simply blinked—completely confused.
Aaron swallowed, his mind racing.
Finally, after a long silence, he managed to mutter—
"…What just happened?" Shinx flicked its tail.
And in its golden eyes, there was only one answer. It had chosen its leader.