Pokémon: Roots of Pallet - Episode 02: Beginnings at Professor Oak's Lab
Professor Samuel Oak's laboratory was much more than just a research center: it was the beating heart of Pallet Town. Between walls lined with shelves overflowing with ancient books and state-of-the-art scientific equipment, stories and discoveries intertwined. Genetic scanning machines stood next to incubation tanks for Pokémon eggs, emitting a soft hum that filled the air, as if curiosity itself had a sound.
At the back of the lab, beyond the large glass windows, stretched a vast grassy field surrounded by century-old trees whose canopies danced with the breeze. There, under the watchful eyes of the assistants, several Pokémon trained freely, showcasing the diversity and harmony of the place. A flock of Pidgeys flew in circles, practicing quick maneuvers, while a small group of Bellsprouts stretched their stems toward the sun. The Pidgeys sang in a distant symphony, mixed with the rustling of the leaves.
Further ahead, a restless Rattata ran between the rocks, chased by a cheerful Squirtle trying to teach it water games near a small artificial pond. On top of a rock, a Geodude observed the scene with its stony expression, while a Charmander warmed its tail with controlled flames, preparing for a race.
"Watch out for him!" Gary warned, wearing a victorious smile.
In his arms, an Eevee — small, with soft fur and attentive eyes — watched everything cautiously, its ears twitching at every sound. Ash approached, eyes shining with excitement.
Before he could finish his sentence, the Eevee gave a sharp tail swipe to Ash's nose, causing him to fall back with a muffled "ow!" Gary laughed out loud.
"Hahaha! Ash, you idiot! That's not how you approach an Eevee!"
Green, arms crossed, smiled faintly.
"He just didn't like your rushed approach."
"I just wanted to pet him..." Ash muttered, still sitting and pouting.
Gary naturally stroked the Eevee while feeding it an Oran Berry taken from his pocket. The little creature purred, satisfied.
"Eevee is known as the Evolution Pokémon," Gary explained in that tone of someone who knows more than the rest of the world. "It can evolve into many different forms, depending on the environment or the bond with its trainer. That's why it's sensitive. It doesn't like unstable places."
Ash listened intently. Gary seemed born with the gift of handling Pokémon.
"Wow... how do you know all that? You're almost becoming a professor."
"Of course, I write everything down in a notebook. If only you paid attention instead of daydreaming..."
The three of them moved to the lab's living room, where a monitor displayed an old recording. The image flickered slightly, as if taken from a VHS tape. It was a Pokémon battle. But not just any battle: it was young Samuel Oak, blond hair and determined posture, facing Agatha — also young, but with a gaze sharp as a blade.
On the battlefield, Professor Oak's powerful Kangaskhan roared, while Agatha's Arbok coiled in circles, ready to strike.
"Kangaskhan, Mega Punch!"
"Arbok, Toxic!"
The voices echoed with intensity, and Ash and Gary mimicked the commands as if they were there.
"Kangaskhan, Double-Edge!"
"Go, Arbok! Tail Whip!"
Suddenly, the real Professor Oak's voice sounded behind the sofa:
"You're still watching this video again?"
Ash and Gary turned around, surprised. The old professor crossed his arms, smiling with tired nostalgia.
"That was one of my last battles before becoming a full-time researcher. Agatha was always a worthy rival... and today she's one of the strongest members of the Elite Four."
Gary smiled, almost proudly.
"That's why it's the most legendary video of all! The first Kanto Pokémon League final. And you got there before anyone else!"
Oak smiled and walked away, leaving the boys immersed in the past.
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Later, at dusk, the three sat in Pallet Town's plaza. The wind was gentle, and the leaves danced softly. Green was reading a notebook filled with school notes while Ash and Gary discussed their latest school assignment: "What do you want to be in the future?"
"I think I want to be a professor," Green said, eyes fixed on the clouds. "I want to study Pokémon feelings. Understand what they really think when they battle or evolve."
Ash and Gary fell silent for a moment. It was a different kind of answer, deep — the kind only Green would give.
Gary jumped up, hands in his pockets:
"I already know what I want: I'm going to win the Pokémon League and become the strongest trainer in all regions. Better than even my grandfather!"
He looked at Ash with a mischievous grin.
"And when I become champion, you can work for me as my assistant!"
Ash jumped up:
"Are you kidding?! I'm going to be the greatest Pokémon trainer in the world!"
"You always say that, Ash. But... I beat you at everything!" Gary said with a smirk as he walked away.
Green tried to keep the peace:
"You two are always fighting... It must be because competing is your favorite hobby."
Ash didn't answer. He just stood there, watching Gary walk away confidently. Green also said goodbye shortly after, waving before heading down the road to her home.
Soon, the three went their separate ways, each lost in their own thoughts. The afternoon slowly faded over Pallet Town.
Ash, however, stayed for a moment, standing still and staring at the horizon. The sun was already touching the tops of distant hills, painting the sky with shades of orange and gold. The afternoon breeze brushed his face, and in that peaceful silence, he felt something awaken inside him.
The world out there was calling him — a world of battles, discoveries, challenges... and friendship.
"One day... I will surpass them all. I will be the best."
And with that thought burning like a living flame, Ash stomped his feet on the ground and shouted to himself:
"Time to go home!"
Then he turned and began walking, the sun setting behind the horizon.
To be continued...