The sun broke through the early fog of Pallet Town, spilling golden warmth across the fields. Bird Pokémon chirped from the rooftops, and the familiar rustle of wind through the trees signaled a good day.
It was the perfect kind of morning for a childhood adventure.
"Race you there!" Ash shouted, already halfway down the dirt path.
Red rolled his eyes but sprinted after him.
Aiden stood near the garden fence with Blue and Gary—both scowling as Ash and Red kicked up dust.
"We were supposed to walk together," Blue muttered.
"They'll trip on their own egos," Gary added with a smirk.
Aiden laughed, then turned to Daisy. "You sure you're okay walking with us? No backup from Grandpa today."
She smiled gently. "I've visited the lab so many times with Grandpa, I could give the tour."
Blue crossed his arms. "You say that like it's impressive."
Gary leaned toward Aiden, whispering, "Blue just hates being the last one to get inside."
Aiden grinned. He knew all of them—from a different life, a different world. But here… here they were just children. Messy, emotional, brilliant in their own way. Real.
And today, they'd be walking into the very heart of Pallet's greatness: Professor Oak's Lab.
⸻
[Ten Minutes Later – Professor Oak's Lab, Front Gate]
The building stood tall, lined with reinforced glass, gentle solar panels, and dozens of Pokéball-wielding machines on balconies. It was easily the most advanced building in the entire town.
The gate was unlocked today—Oak had left it open for them.
Ash was already at the door, staring at a nesting Pidgeot high in a tree nearby. "One day, I'm gonna ride one of those into a storm."
Red elbowed him. "You'll need a flying license first, dumbass."
"I'll ride it before I get the license."
Aiden chuckled. They hadn't changed at all.
They stepped inside together.
⸻
[Inside the Lab – Controlled Chaos]
Oak wasn't there today—he was off on an emergency conference with the League—but his assistant, a younger man named Roke, waved them in.
"Professor said to give you kids a short tour," Roke said. "No touching the machines. No running. And definitely no messing with the Pokéball storage systems."
He said that last part while glaring at Ash, who was already eyeing the automated ball chamber like it was a toy chest.
The tour was fast—but unforgettable.
They passed incubators filled with Pokémon eggs of varying types and glow intensities. Some glowed soft green, others dim yellow. None of them had yet been tested for Talent—too young.
Roke even showed them a display of Pokémon hair and feather samples, organized by Talent category. Every kid leaned forward eagerly as Roke explained the differences between White, Green, and the legendary Blue-tier specimens.
He didn't even mention anything above Blue. Smart move.
The fenced area stretched over three acres of lush terrain. Here, Professor Oak's personal Pokémon lived freely: grassy hills rolled into shaded woods, with a small lake reflecting the clear blue sky.
As soon as they stepped outside, the group froze.
A towering Charizard flew overhead, its wings throwing a shadow across the field. It wasn't wild — a collar with the League emblem wrapped around its neck.
"Whoa…" Ash whispered, eyes wide.
Aiden's heart skipped. He recognized that one — Charizard X-17. Oak's personal battler. In the anime, it was retired. Here, it was still in its prime.
A Blastoise lumbered out of the lake with slow, deliberate grace. On the far edge, a Venusaur dozed beneath the sun, vines twitching with contentment.
None of them had their Talent tested yet — they were protected Pokémon, registered before the current Talent machine was installed. And that mystery added to their presence.
"These aren't just any Pokémon…" Daisy murmured. "They feel… different."
"They're Oak's old team," Gary said, suddenly respectful. "Champions don't catch weaklings."
Blue narrowed his eyes. "Think we'll have Pokémon like that one day?"
"We'll have better," Ash blurted. "I'll be Champion by twenty!"
"Please," Red groaned. "That's my line."
Aiden smiled faintly, watching the banter — but he wasn't paying full attention.
⸻
[A Break in the Garden – By the Lake]
They sat on a patch of grass under a tree near the water, sharing some snacks Daisy had brought in a small picnic box.
Red and Ash tossed a Pokéball-shaped frisbee back and forth. Blue and Gary were arguing over whether Electric-types or Ground-types were better long-term.
Daisy plucked a wild flower and twirled it. "I want a Gardevoir one day," she said. "Not just for battles… but for the bond."
Aiden looked at her. That would suit her.
"What about you?" she asked, eyes curious. "What kind of Pokémon do you want first?"
Aiden hesitated for a second too long.
"Don't say Pikachu," Gary warned.
He smiled. "Something strong. But more than that… something that believes in me, even when I'm weak."
Daisy tilted her head. "That's… a really mature answer."
Ash threw the frisbee too hard, knocking it into the lake.
Red groaned. "Smooth."
Ash dove in after it without hesitation.
Aiden laughed with the others, but deep inside, something stirred.
He knew what was coming.
In just a few years, the world would start to shift.
Talents would awaken.
Lines would be drawn.
Legendaries would stir.
But for now — just for now — they were kids under the sun, dreaming about Pokémon they didn't yet have, and a world they didn't yet understand.
——
[Back at the Lab – Late Afternoon]
Roke called from the porch. "Time to head back, kids!"
They groaned in unison. Even Blue.
Ash was dripping wet. Red had grass stains on both knees. Gary was carrying a handful of strange feathers he'd found. Daisy was tucking one of the wildflowers into her braid.