Cherreads

Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Old Letters and New Deals

As Professor Oak began testing my theory on Eevee, Licht picked up the Pokémon food and walked out to the backyard. There, he saw Ash and Gary completely drenched, with noticeable bumps on their heads. In front of them stood Daisy, her fists clenched in anger.

Licht walked closer and asked, "What's going on here?"

Daisy took a deep breath, trying to hold back her frustration. "These two idiots started competing with each other again… and now look at the mess they've made," she said with a sigh.

Ash and Gary lowered their heads in shame. "We're sorry," they muttered.

Licht sighed softly. "You two should go dry off before you catch a cold."

Ash and Gary quickly nodded and ran off, clearly afraid of another scolding. Watching them go, Licht couldn't help but shake his head those two were always fighting, yet they cared for each other more than they'd ever admit.

With a small smile, Licht turned his attention back to the Pokémon and set down their food.

Daisy watched her younger brother and Ash running off into the distance. She sighed. "Seriously, why are those two always fighting?" she said, glancing toward Licht, who was calmly feeding the Pokémon. "If they had even half your maturity, my life would be so much better. Gary's always complaining and challenging me over every little thing."

After petting a few Oddish and Growlithe, Licht stood up and smiled. "Well, I might be a special case," he said lightly, "but they're still kids. It's normal to act like that. Ash and Gary may fight all the time, but deep down, they're good friends."

Daisy nodded, letting out a small laugh. "Yeah, that's true. Anyway, forget about them. Licht, come help me wash Rapidash."

Time passed, and by the time Ash and Gary returned dry and looking a bit embarrassed they quietly joined in to help. Under Daisy's supervision, they worked hard, too scared to cause any more trouble. Before long, everything was done.

Just then, a gentle voice called from the house beside the lab. "Kids, come eat something! I've prepared some snacks!"

"Coming, Mom!" Daisy called back as she washed her hands. She looked over at the boys. "Alright, guys, we're done here. Go wash your hands and let's go eat."

After washing their hands, Ash and Gary unsurprisingly decided to race back to the house. By the time everyone arrived, the two were slightly out of breath but grinning as if nothing had happened.

"Sorry for the trouble, Aunt Sophia," Licht said politely to the woman who bore an uncanny resemblance to Daisy.

As she set the food on the table, Sophia gave him a playful smile. "Oh, come on, Licht. You don't have to be so formal. Your mom and I were good friends back in the day we even travelled together. So technically, I'm kind of your and Ash's godmother."

Ash, already stuffing food into his mouth, looked up and mumbled, "Really? Was Mom a good Pokémon Trainer? Was she strong?"

Sophia's smile faltered slightly, a faint shadow crossing her eyes as if the question had stirred an old memory. "Your mom may seem kind and gentle," she said softly, "but when she battled… she became someone completely different."

"Oh! So just like Big Brother! When I train with him, he turns into a monster too!" Ash said with a grin.

Bonk!

The next second, Ash crouched down, clutching his head in pain.

"Before you say something like that, try looking around first," Licht said with an annoyed sigh, settling back in his seat. "And that was for your own good."

Sophia chuckled quietly while Daisy shook her head, trying not to laugh. The room filled with light chatter as everyone continued eating, the warmth of the moment pushing away any leftover tension.

Later, after helping Professor Oak with a few tasks, the sun began to dip below the horizon. As Ash and Licht started heading home, the air was cool and calm.

"That was so much fun, Big Brother! Did you see all those Pokémon? There were so many!" Ash said, his voice full of excitement.

"Of course," Licht replied with a small smile. "Professor Oak's a researcher he studies all kinds of Pokémon. It's his job to understand them."

Ash nodded eagerly, his energy undimmed even as the day came to an end.

When they arrived home, Delia greeted them warmly and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Meanwhile, Ash and Licht went upstairs to freshen up after the long day.

Time passed, and as night fell, the three of them sat together for dinner. The house was filled with the quiet comfort of family simple conversation, laughter, and the sound of plates clinking. After eating, Ash and Delia went to bed, but Licht stayed awake a little longer.

He sat cross-legged near the window, eyes closed, his breathing steady as he began to meditate. Deep within, he could feel two distinct forces the power of Aura and Viridianflowing through him in harmony. They pulsed softly, like living energy, growing stronger with each passing day.

He focused on that connection, feeling how Aura resonated with life itself and how Viridian represented the calm strength of nature. Together, they slowly shaped the power within him something pure, balanced, and limitless.

[Author's Note: Hey guys, when I was writing this chapter, I started thinking about how to use Aura and Viridian more effectively. I want to make these powers feel stronger and more meaningful something tied to life and nature itself. I might take a little inspiration from the Sage Mode concept in Naruto, since I truly believe the power of Aura and Viridian can become something incredible if used and developed the right way.]

Three Years Later

Time passed quickly, and Licht had become far more skilled in using his powers. Every morning, he would head into the mountains to train, pushing his limits little by little. His stamina, speed, and control improved day by day. He could freely channel both his Aura and Viridian energies. By now, Licht's control over Aura had grown so refined that a single punch, coated in its energy, could shatter a boulder with ease.

Meanwhile, his research had also made remarkable progress. The long-awaited evolution experiment with Eevee had finally succeeded. Licht could still remember that unforgettable night Professor Oak bursting through his bedroom window, his face glowing with excitement and joy. Delia, half-asleep and thinking a burglar had broken in, stormed in with a frying pan and smacked Oak before even realizing who it was.

A few days later, Professor Oak published the research paper, naming Licht as the co-author. The discovery introduced two brand-new Eevee evolutions: the Dark type Umbreon and the Psychic type Espeon. The paper spread through the Pokémon League like wildfire, causing an uproar especially when Oak revealed that the theory and core ideas had come from Licht himself.

Soon after, Professor Oak officially accepted Licht as his personal assistant. Delia was overjoyed yet deeply worried. She was proud that her son had achieved something incredible at such a young age, but she also feared the attention might bring him unwanted danger.

Licht, on the other hand, understood the risks that came with recognition. Still, knowing that Professor Oak and the League would protect him.

Now worried about his mother's safety, Licht remembered that she had once been a skilled Trainer. After countless pleading sessions and a few perfectly timed Baby-Doll Eyes from both Licht and Ash Delia finally gave in. 

That night, she made a decision she hadn't thought about in years to bring her Pokémon back to stay with her.

After dinner, she contacted Professor Oak and asked him to return the two Pokémon she had left in his care long ago. The next morning, the familiar Poké Balls arrived at their home. As Delia held them in her hands, a faint, nostalgic smile appeared on her face.

"It's been a long time… hasn't it?" she whispered softly.

When she released them, a brilliant flash of light filled the backyard. Ninetales stood gracefully, its fur shining like gold under the sunlight, while Meganium let out a gentle cry, the aroma of blooming flowers filling the air.

Both Pokémon blinked for a moment before recognizing the woman before them. Their eyes softened, and in an instant, they ran to her Ninetales brushing its tails affectionately against her, and Meganium lowering its head for her to pat.

Delia laughed quietly, a mix of joy and emotion in her voice. "I missed you both so much."

Ash and Licht watched from the porch, speechless. To them, Delia had always been their warm, gentle mother but in that moment, she looked like someone entirely different: confident, strong, and full of life.

"Alright," Delia said with a small smirk as she stood up. "Let's show these two what real strength looks like."

By the end of the battle, both Pokémon stood proudly beside her, their eyes full of loyalty and love. Delia knelt down, placing a gentle hand on each of them.

"From now on," she said softly, "you'll stay with me. I think it's time we became a team again."

Both Pokémon nodded in understanding. Ninetales wrapped its tails around her protectively, and Meganium leaned closer, nuzzling her shoulder.

Licht smiled quietly as he watched them. For the first time, he saw not just his mother but the trainer she once was, and the strength that still burned within her.

Inspired and more determined than ever, Licht decided to continue his research, aiming to reveal the Fairy type and three more of Eevee's evolutions Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon. His achievements earned him the title of Professor, making him the youngest professor in history.

Even so, he continuing to learn from Professor Oak while pursuing his own studies in ancient Pokémon history and language preparing for the day he would reveal ancient evolutions like Wyrdeer and Kleavor, with research solid enough to back it up.

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"Licht, my boy! How's your research going? Found anything interesting?" Professor Oak asked as he entered the lab, spotting Licht studying a few photographs spread across the table.

"I'm not entirely sure yet," Licht replied, eyes still on the pictures. "But look at this. These ruins mention something about Unown. It says they appeared out of nowhere and there's talk about some kind of power that can alter or manipulate reality itself."

"Unown, huh…" Professor Oak said thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "I remember one of my students, Spencer Hale, did some research on that Pokémon."

"By the way, Professor," Licht said, glancing up, "where were these ruins discovered?" He looked genuinely curious after all, even in the official anime or manga, the true nature of Unown was still a mystery.

"These came from the Sinnoh region," Oak explained, as he examined the translations Licht had written. "Professor Carolina sent them to me recently."

He looked genuinely impressed, nodding at Licht's work. "You've done a fine job here. Your understanding of these ancient texts is remarkable for your age."

Setting the papers aside, Oak leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful smile. "By the way," he said after a brief pause, shifting the conversation, "I'll be hosting a summer camp soon. I was wondering if you'd like to help out. Though knowing you," he added with a light chuckle, "you probably don't need lessons on basic Pokémon knowledge."

Licht leaned back in his chair, thinking for a moment. "Sure, I don't mind helping. But am I just assisting you, or do I have to teach something too?"

Oak chuckled warmly. "Well, my boy, you may be a well known professor now," he said with a teasing smile. "But still, it wouldn't hurt to make a few friends outside of Pallet Town for once and maybe get a bit of fun while you're at it."

Licht smirked, crossing his arms. "Oh, I get it now. You're just looking for an excuse to slack off and spend time chatting with Granny Agatha, aren't you?"

Professor Oak froze mid laugh, his face stiffening. "Wh-What are you saying, my boy?! It's nothing like that! This is purely for official business!"

Licht's grin widened. "Oh, come on, Professor. Don't act so innocent. I know you still keep those old love letters tucked away in your desk drawer. I've seen them."

Oak's eyes went wide, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple. "H-How do you even know about that?! Those were uh just old memories! Strictly personal!"

Licht chuckled, clearly amused. "Relax, Professor. I'm not judging. Everyone's got a past."

Oak sighed in defeat, slumping slightly. "Fine, fine… What do you want, my boy?"

Licht leaned back, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Oh, nothing right now. But I'll let you know when I do."

Oak groaned, rubbing his forehead. "You're going to make me regret this one day, aren't you?"

Licht gave a playful shrug. "Probably."

Oak muttered under his breath, "Why do I even agree to these things…" as Licht's grin only grew wider.

Licht placed a hand over his chest, pretending to look offended. "Do you really think I'd blackmail you, Professor? I'd never do something like that."

Oak exhaled in relief, though he should've known better.

Licht's expression turned sly again. "But… there is something I'll need from you in the future. I'm sure you won't say no when the time comes."

The old professor could only stare at him, realizing there was no way out. With a long sigh, he nodded in defeat.

Licht chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the moment. "Glad we understand each other."

And just like that, time moved on and the day of the summer camp arrived faster than anyone expected.

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Author's Note:

Hey guys! First of all, sorry for not being able to upload daily. I've got an exam coming up soon, so I've been focusing on studying. But here's the next chapter!

I know this one might feel a bit fast-paced and not my best work, but I really wanted to move things forward toward the main part of the story the journey. The real adventure will probably start around Chapter 5 or 6.

Also, I've been thinking about adding a small harem just two or three female leads at most. Right now, I'm considering Dawn and Serena, and maybe May as the third. What do you guys think? I'd really like to hear your opinions on this.

Thanks for reading and supporting the story!

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