In the original anime Pokémon Journeys, Gary Oak had joined one of the world's most prestigious research initiatives—the ProjectMew. His qualification test? Retrieve a feather from the legendary Fire-type bird, Moltres.
And he had done just that.
With the immense strength of his Blastoise and Electivire, Gary had challenged Moltres head-on and succeeded, securing its blazing feather as proof of his strength.
That was Gary Oak—powerful, disciplined, and ambitious. A perfect example of how being a great Pokémon Trainer and a great researcher weren't opposites, but two sides of the same coin.
In fact, strong Trainers often made the best researchers. After all, understanding Pokémon through real battle experience deepened one's insight far beyond what data alone could offer. Professor Oak himself was living proof.
Among the four boys walking together that day, Ash had the simplest dream—but also the grandest.
Whether it was his past self from the original world or the "new" Ash reborn in this one, his ambition had never wavered: to become the world's greatest Pokémon Trainer—no, the ultimate Pokémon Master.
Life offered limited time and energy. You could juggle a few small goals, maybe, but to climb to the very top of a single field demanded everything—focus, sacrifice, and unrelenting resolve.
And Ash knew this truth better than anyone.
He didn't need to chase multiple careers or split his heart between paths. Just the pursuit of mastering Pokémon battling—of reaching the summit—was enough to fill a lifetime.
He wasn't aiming to be a minor league champion or even a regional Elite Four member.
He wanted to stand at the absolute pinnacle—the one name every Trainer across the world would revere.
That was his dream. That was his destiny.
…
…
The four boys continued chatting about their dreams as they made their way toward the Oak Laboratory, which stood atop the gentle hill behind Pallet Town, backed by a sea of green forest.
Just as Gary had said, the town below was bustling. Every corner was filled with Summer Camp students being shown around by local kids. For once, peaceful Pallet Town was lively and loud.
Ash and his group, however, decided to avoid the crowds and take the quieter path up the hill.
When they reached the Oak Lab, the scene there wasn't much calmer. A group of curious children stood clustered near the entrance, eager to peek inside—but the staff stood firm, blocking the way.
"Sorry, kids," said Oak's assistant, Thorne, smiling gently but firmly. "The researchers are still working inside, so the lab isn't open for tours today. But don't worry—Professor Oak's giving everyone a day off tomorrow. You'll be able to visit then."
The disappointed groans were immediate.
"Aww, really?"
"Fineee…"
The group of kids eventually dispersed, muttering but obedient.
Once the area cleared, Gary and Ash's group stepped forward.
"Hey, Uncle Thorne," Gary greeted. "What about the two Kalos students I asked you to show around?"
"Oh, those two? I took them to the archive room next to the media lab," Thorne replied. "They're watching footage from one of Professor Oak's recent field expeditions."
He looked at Gary curiously. "Are you planning to show your friends around the lab too?"
Gary shook his head. "Maybe later. Everyone's busy right now—I don't want to get in the way. We'll just walk around the backyard for a bit."
"Good idea," Thorne said approvingly. "There are plenty of Pokémon back there—mostly ones left here temporarily by Trainers. They're all friendly, but still, be careful."
"Got it!" Gary replied, giving a little wave.
The group followed Thorne through the main hallway of the laboratory.
As expected, the staff were swamped—researchers in lab coats hurried from room to room, carrying stacks of documents, data drives, and Poké Balls. Their focus was so absolute that not a single one stopped to glance at the passing children.
Ash took in the sight silently. The clatter of machines, the faint hum of incubators, the rhythmic beeping of scanners—all of it painted a picture of quiet dedication.
Gary, who'd grown up around this environment, looked unfazed. But Tierno and Trevor were practically vibrating with excitement, their eyes darting from one piece of equipment to another.
"Most of the research projects here are wrapping up," Gary explained, lowering his voice as they walked. "That's why Grandpa could finally spare time to host the Summer Camp this weekend. But since everyone's still working, we shouldn't bother them. Let's go to the backyard first—later, when things calm down, I'll give you the full tour."
"Got it!" Tierno and Trevor said in unison, cheeks slightly flushed with embarrassment for having been so obviously curious.
Ash smiled. "Don't worry about it. You'll love the backyard even more. The Pokémon there are way cooler than anything inside."
"Pokémon?"
The instant he said it, both Kalos boys' eyes lit up like fireworks.
Research machines and data logs were interesting, sure—but for six-year-olds who dreamed of adventure, there was no competition. Nothing thrilled them more than meeting living, breathing Pokémon.
"Shh!" Gary hushed them, pressing a finger to his lips. "Keep it down, or we'll get yelled at for interrupting the experiments."
He gestured for them to follow, and the group slipped quietly through a side door leading toward the back.
Despite being called the "backyard," what awaited them was more like a private nature reserve.
The Oak Laboratory's "rear grounds" stretched far beyond what any of them had imagined—a massive open sanctuary fenced off by sturdy wooden rails, with landscapes ranging from grassy plains to shimmering lakes, dense forests, rocky hills, and even small patches of marshland.
It was enormous—over four thousand acres wide.
And scattered throughout the fields, meadows, and ponds were Pokémon of every kind—some lounging peacefully under the sun, others playfully chasing each other, and a few training under the supervision of researchers.
These weren't wild Pokémon. Most were temporarily entrusted to the lab by Trainers—either for care, observation, or research assistance. Others were part of ongoing studies led by Oak and his team.
To the wide-eyed children standing at the edge of the wooden fence, it felt like stepping into a dream.
The wind rustled through the grass. A Doduo sprinted by in the distance. A Butterfree fluttered past, glittering in the sunlight.
And for Ash Ketchum—the boy who dreamed of becoming the world's greatest Trainer—this sight reminded him exactly why he loved Pokémon in the first place.
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