Viridian Forest stretched endlessly before them, a vast green labyrinth of towering trees and thick undergrowth. The air was damp, carrying the scent of fresh earth and foliage, while the distant cries of wild Pokémon echoed through the canopy.
Aaron had read about this place—its unique ecosystem, the variety of Bug-types, and the unpredictable terrain that often left new trainers lost for hours.
Yet, as he walked with the others, his thoughts drifted to something Professor Oak had mentioned a while back.
Gary Oak.
Aaron's memory replayed the professor's words "My grandson, Gary, left Kanto to train under a dojo before starting his journey. He wanted to master the fundamentals of battle, discipline, and control before setting out as a trainer. He's always been determined to be the best."
Aaron glanced at Ash, who was several feet ahead, practically bouncing with excitement as he scanned the trees for wild Pokémon.
Gary and Ash were the same age.
Yet their approaches to Pokémon training? Completely different.
Gary sought mastery first, then adventure. Ash sought adventure first, then mastery.
Aaron?
He still wasn't sure where he stood.
But after the past few battles, one thing had become clear— If he was going to continue on this journey, he needed to start leading properly.
And today would be his first real step toward that.
The group walked along the forest path, the leaves above shifting gently with the breeze.
Suddenly— A rustling in the bushes.
Ash froze, eyes wide. "That's a wild Pokémon!"
Misty instantly tensed. "If it's a Bug-type, I am staying far away."
Aaron raised an eyebrow. " afraid of Bugs, huh?"
Misty huffed. "They're creepy."
Aaron smirked. "And yet, we're in a forest full of them."
Before Misty could snap back, Ash had already thrown a Pokéball.
A small, green Pokémon was captured in a flash of light.
Aaron sighed. "Did you even battle it first?"
Ash grinned. "A capture is a capture!"
Caterpie blinked, then inched forward—directly toward Misty.
Misty screamed. Aaron laughed.
Lyra smirked. "This is going to be fun."
While Ash was busy with his new Caterpie, Aaron focused on something far more important— Training Shinx and Shroomish to follow commands.
The last few battles had made one thing obvious:
Shinx wasn't responding to him. Not in the way a trained Pokémon should.
It had fought based on instinct, choosing its own moves, reacting to threats on its own terms.
Shroomish?
It listened, but hesitated.
If Aaron was going to be a proper trainer—or researcher—he needed them to trust his commands.
So, while the others rested, Aaron pulled aside Shinx and Shroomish.
Shinx stretched lazily, golden eyes watching him with quiet expectation.
Shroomish just stood there, neutral as ever.
Aaron exhaled.
"Alright. We're training today."
Shinx flicked an ear, clearly listening but unimpressed.
Shroomish blinked. Aaron smirked. This is going to take time.
Training Begins
Aaron started simple.
Shinx practiced dodging on command, rather than purely on instinct.
Shroomish worked on executing moves precisely when instructed.
Aaron made his commands clearer.
At first?
Shinx ignored him. It would dodge before he spoke.
It would move on its own, trusting itself more than him.
Shroomish, at least, tried.
After an hour of repetition—
Shinx finally waited for Aaron's command before dodging.
It wasn't perfect. But it was progress.
Aaron smiled. "Good. Let's keep going."
And Shinx?
For the first time, it seemed to approve.
After training, the group set up camp in a small clearing, preparing for the night.
Aaron took charge.
Rufflet gathered firewood.
Shroomish searched for edible plants.
Shinx—after some convincing—kept watch.
Misty raised an eyebrow. "You really assign them tasks?"
Aaron shrugged. "It builds teamwork."
Lyra smiled. "Makes sense. You treat them like partners, not just Pokémon."
Ash leaned back. "I guess that's one way to do it."
Aaron smirked. "You could try it."
Ash scoffed. "Nah. Pikachu and I have our own way of doing things."
Aaron chuckled. "Fair enough."
As the fire crackled softly, casting warm light across their camp, Aaron leaned back, gazing at the night sky.
Shinx had settled beside him, tail flicking idly. Rufflet perched above, keeping watch. Shroomish, as always, simply existed.
And for the first time since leaving Pallet Town he felt in control.
His team was growing.
His Pokémon were learning.
And he?
He was finally starting to understand what kind of trainer he wanted to be.
Tomorrow, Viridian Forest would test them even further.
And Aaron was ready.