The morning sun streamed through the curtains of the small Ketchum home, casting a golden glow over the wooden floorboards. The air carried the scent of fresh bread and roasted berries, signaling the start of another peaceful day in Pallet Town.
Aaron sat at the kitchen table, idly poking at his breakfast with a fork. Normally, he'd be in a hurry to finish eating and dash outside to see Rufflet, but something weighed on his mind today. He could feel it even before his mother sat down across from him, her expression unusually serious yet gentle.
"Aaron," Delia began, her voice soft but firm. "I want to talk to you about something important."
Aaron blinked, suddenly alert. "Is something wrong?"
Delia smiled slightly and shook her head. "Not at all. But… Professor Oak visited last night. He spoke to me about you."
Aaron stiffened. "Me?"
She nodded. "He's been watching you for a while now. He thinks you have potential to be a great Pokémon trainer."
Aaron felt a lump form in his throat. "Oh."
Delia studied him carefully. "I never asked, Aaron… is that something you've ever thought about?"
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, suddenly aware of how tightly he was gripping his fork. "I… I don't know."
It wasn't a lie. Aaron had spent so much time with Rufflet these past few months, and he had always liked Pokémon, but… a trainer? That felt like a big step. It was different from just spending time with Pokémon—it meant battling, traveling, and dedicating his life to it.
Delia leaned forward, her gaze warm and understanding. "You're always helping Rufflet. You took care of him without hesitation, even when you didn't know what he was. And I've seen the way you watch Pokémon. You're always so curious about them."
Aaron swallowed, suddenly feeling exposed. "That doesn't mean I want to be a trainer," he muttered.
His mother nodded. "And that's okay. No one is saying you have to be. But I don't want you to ignore something just because it feels uncertain. Professor Oak told me he'd be happy to teach you—let you learn about Pokémon at your own pace."
Aaron looked down at his plate, the remnants of his breakfast now forgotten. He hadn't expected this conversation, and he certainly hadn't expected Oak to be so interested in him. He had always admired the professor from a distance, but the idea of learning directly from him… it was a little overwhelming.
Delia reached over and placed a gentle hand over his. "All I want is for you to think about it, sweetheart. Whatever you decide, I'll support you."
Aaron took a deep breath and gave a small nod. "Okay. I'll think about it."
Delia smiled. "That's all I ask."
But as Aaron got up from the table, heading outside to see Rufflet, he couldn't help but feel a strange mix of excitement and unease settling in his chest.
Would he really be able to do something like that?
After his conversation with Delia, Aaron couldn't shake the weight of her words. The idea of becoming a trainer had never been something he seriously considered, yet now, it felt like a door had been cracked open—one he wasn't sure he was ready to step through.
Still, he tried to push those thoughts aside as he made his way through Pallet Town, a small basket of neatly packed food in hand. Delivering meals to Professor Oak was part of his routine, something he had been doing for a while now. It was simple—drop off the food, exchange a few words with the professor, and leave.
Today, however, felt different.
The lab stood atop the hill, bathed in the late morning light. Its white walls and domed roof reflected the sun, standing as a beacon of knowledge and discovery. Aaron adjusted his grip on the basket and took a deep breath before knocking on the large wooden door.
A few seconds later, the door swung open, revealing none other than Professor Oak himself. The elderly man gave Aaron a warm smile.
"Aaron! Right on time, as always." He stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter. "Come in, come in."
Aaron hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. The air carried a mix of parchment, ink, and the earthy scent of Pokémon habitats. Large bookshelves lined the walls, packed with research papers and ancient tomes. Various Pokémon were scattered around the lab—Pidgey perched on high beams, a Bulbasaur snoozed in a sunlit corner, and a small herd of Tauros could be seen grazing outside through the window.
"You know," Oak began as he took the basket from Aaron, "I had a very interesting chat with your mother last night."
Aaron stiffened slightly. "She told me."
Oak chuckled. "I suppose you weren't expecting that conversation, were you?"
Aaron shook his head.
The professor studied him for a moment before nodding to himself. "I won't pressure you, Aaron. But I am curious—what do you think about Pokémon training?"
Aaron frowned, shifting his weight. "I don't know. I like Pokémon, but… I don't really think about battles or traveling like others do."
Oak hummed, stroking his chin. "That's completely understandable. Training isn't just about battling—it's about understanding, growth, and forming deep bonds with Pokémon. Even if you don't want to battle, learning about Pokémon can still be valuable."
Aaron glanced around the lab. He had always been fascinated by Pokémon behavior, the way they interacted with the world. He just never considered that learning about them could be just as important as battling.
Oak smiled knowingly. "Why don't you stay for a bit? I'd love to show you something."
Aaron hesitated. He had already done his job—he could leave now. But… a small part of him was curious.
"…Okay."
Oak clapped his hands together. "Excellent! Follow me."
Aaron followed him through a side door, stepping out into a large fenced area behind the lab. The land stretched far, filled with lush grass, a clear pond, and large trees that provided shade. Pokémon roamed freely—Eevee played among the bushes, a Doduo ran alongside a Growlithe, and a Gyarados rested lazily in the water.
"Watch carefully, Aaron," Oak said, his voice calm but focused. "Tell me what you see."
Aaron furrowed his brows. What did he see? Pokémon, obviously. But as he observed them, he started noticing details.
"The Doduo is fast, but it keeps stumbling over its own feet. The Growlithe is ahead of it, even though it's smaller."
Oak nodded. "Why do you think that is?"
Aaron thought for a moment. "Maybe… because Growlithe is better at maneuvering? It doesn't have to focus on balancing two heads."
Oak smiled. "Very good. Observation is key to understanding Pokémon. Every movement, every interaction—it all tells a story."
Aaron found himself drawn in. This wasn't about battling. It was about understanding Pokémon. And for the first time, he felt like maybe… just maybe… he wanted to learn more.
Aaron had always considered himself observant, but today, standing beside Professor Oak and watching the Pokémon interact, he felt like he was seeing things in a whole new way.
The professor hadn't spoken much after his last remark. He had simply let Aaron watch. And strangely enough, Aaron didn't feel the need to ask questions—at least, not yet. Instead, he focused, analyzing the Pokémon the way he had with Rufflet over the past month. The Growlithe and Doduo had moved on, leaving Aaron's eyes to wander.
Near the pond, a Poliwag and a Psyduck were splashing around. The Psyduck was rubbing its head, looking lost, while the Poliwag kept nudging it forward. Aaron tilted his head.
"…It looks like the Psyduck doesn't know what it's doing," he murmured.
Oak chuckled beside him. "That's very likely. Psyduck's headaches often make it forgetful. But do you notice how Poliwag is responding?"
Aaron watched as the Poliwag let out a series of chirps before circling the Psyduck, tapping the water with its tail.
"…It's trying to guide it," Aaron realized.
Oak smiled. "Correct. Even among different species, Pokémon communicate. They support each other, learn from each other. Some trainers miss these small details, but those who observe… they gain insight beyond battle strategies."
Aaron nodded slowly. He had never thought about it that way. Pokémon weren't just partners in battle—they were living creatures with behaviors, emotions, and instincts. It made him think about Rufflet and the way the little bird had struggled, not just with his injury, but with trusting Aaron. Had he understood that completely before?
"Professor Oak," Aaron started, hesitating. "Do you think I could… learn more about this? Not just battles, but Pokémon in general?"
Oak's eyes softened. "Of course. That's exactly what I was hoping for."
Aaron glanced down, rubbing the back of his head. "I don't know if I want to be a trainer like Ash does. But… I do want to understand Pokémon better."
Oak placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then that's what we'll do."
Aaron let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Somehow, making that decision felt… good. Not like a burden, but like he was choosing something for himself.
Just as he was about to say something else, a familiar voice called out from the distance.
"Aaron!"
Aaron turned to see Ash running toward him, arms waving excitedly. His younger twin had likely been looking for him after breakfast.
Aaron smiled slightly. Ash had no patience for quiet observation—he just did things. But that was fine. That was just who he was.
As Ash approached, Aaron felt something shift inside him. He had always followed along, moving at the same pace as his brother. But now… maybe his own path was starting to take shape.
And for the first time, he was eager to see where it led.
Professor Oak watched as Ash excitedly chatted with Aaron, completely unaware of the quiet realization his older twin had just reached. Though Aaron wasn't one to show his emotions as openly as Ash, the subtle shift in his posture, the focused look in his eyes—it all told Oak exactly what he needed to know.
Aaron had taken his first step toward something greater.
The professor folded his arms, a thoughtful smile forming. He had been watching both Ketchum boys for a while now, but Aaron… Aaron intrigued him. While Ash's fiery passion was reminiscent of many eager young trainers, Aaron possessed a quiet curiosity—a mind that questioned and analyzed rather than charged forward without hesitation.
And now, Oak was certain.
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting warm hues across Pallet Town, Oak found himself standing on the Ketchum family's doorstep. Delia answered the door, smiling warmly.
"Professor! This is a surprise."
"Good evening, Delia," Oak greeted. "I was hoping to have a word with you and the boys."
Delia blinked, then nodded. "Of course, come in."
As Oak stepped inside, he saw Aaron and Ash sitting on the living room floor, a book open between them. Well, Aaron was reading—the serious concentration on his face made that clear. Ash, on the other hand, was half-paying attention, his foot tapping restlessly against the carpet.
"Aaron, Ash," Delia called, drawing their attention. "Professor Oak wants to speak with us."
Ash perked up immediately. "Huh? Did I do something cool again?"
Oak chuckled. "Not this time, I'm afraid." He took a seat across from them, his expression turning a bit more serious. "This is about your future. Both of yours."
Aaron and Ash exchanged glances.
Oak leaned forward slightly, resting his hands on his knees. "In a few years, you'll both be old enough to start your Pokémon journeys. I'm sure Ash has already made up his mind."
"Of course!" Ash grinned, full of confidence. "I'm gonna be a Pokémon Master!"
Oak nodded, expecting nothing less. Then, his gaze shifted to Aaron. "And you, Aaron?"
Aaron hesitated. "I… don't know. I like Pokémon, but I don't know if I want to be a trainer like Ash."
Oak smiled. "That's perfectly fine. There's more to Pokémon than battles. And that's why I came here tonight." He looked at Delia. "With your permission, I'd like to take Aaron under my wing. He has a keen mind, and I believe he could learn a great deal about Pokémon if given the chance."
Delia's eyes widened slightly. "You want to mentor him?"
Oak nodded. "Not in the traditional sense, but yes. I'd like to teach him about Pokémon, research, and everything in between. He doesn't need to decide his future right away, but if he's willing, I'd like to help him discover what he truly wants."
Silence settled over the room. Aaron was staring at Oak, processing his words carefully. Ash, for once, wasn't interrupting—just watching with wide eyes.
Finally, Aaron spoke. "…I'd like that."
Delia's expression softened, a quiet pride shining in her gaze. "If that's what you want, Aaron, then I support you."
Ash blinked, then grinned. "So, does that mean you're gonna be like Oak's assistant or something?"
Aaron huffed. "I'm not gonna be carrying his papers, if that's what you're thinking."
Oak laughed. "Don't worry, Aaron. I have lab aides for that." He stood, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "You'll learn at your own pace. No pressure, no expectations—just the chance to explore."
Aaron exhaled slowly, but there was something new in his expression—determination.
For the first time, he wasn't just following in Ash's shadow.
He was walking a path of his own.