When Licht extended his aura, he immediately sensed just how strong and lonely Charmander was. But there was a problem: as a proud, powerful Pokémon, Charmander wasn't going to follow a new trainer without a reason he had his own will, his own pride.
Licht knew what he had to do. He decided to battle Charmander one-on-one. It was time to put his own training to the test.
For years since awakening his aura and Viridian powers, Licht had trained every single day. Now, though he wasn't fully reach his potential, he was no weaker than a fully evolved Pokémon. He might not win outright, but he could go toe-to-toe with them.
Licht thought carefully. To make Charmander his first Pokémon, he needed to prove himself in battle. He had to show what he was truly capable of.
Liza, standing to the side, watched quietly. "If you've set your eyes on Charmander, I'm not going to stop you," she said, "but you have to be careful. Wait here I'll bring his Pokéball." With that, she walked toward the cabin in the distance.
Seeing this as the perfect opportunity, Licht unleashed his aura, letting it ripple toward Charmander, then began walking steadily in his direction.
Charmander, who had been sleeping moments ago, suddenly sensed someone approaching. He opened his mouth to fire a Flamethrower but froze mid-action. A tremendous aura descended upon him. His eyes widened in shock. Char… Charmander… who is this human? How is he this strong?
"Nice to meet you, Charmander," Licht said, stepping in front of him with a serious expression. Half of his aura was on full display; the ground beneath them creaked and shifted under its pressure.
Licht noticed how Charmander struggled to stay on his feet, yet refused to lower his gaze or back down. He couldn't help but smile this was the perfect Pokémon for him. Both shared that same stubbornness, the unwillingness to retreat.
Suddenly, Licht withdrew his aura and spoke calmly. "Charmander… how about we make a deal? If I beat you in battle, you come with me. If I lose, I'll give you this." He held out a small box of Pokéblocks, specially made to increase a Fire-type Pokémon's energy, keeping it steady for Charmander to see.
Charmander stared at the box, swallowing nervously. Even knowing this human was anything but normal, his pride would not allow him to refuse a battle. With a determined nod, he accepted.
Licht grinned, setting the Pokéblock aside. He took a step back, readying himself for any attack.
The battle had begun.
Charmander gathered fire-type energy in his mouth and unleashed a massive Flamethrower at Licht. But instead of dodging, Licht stood completely still. Just as the flames were about to hit, a faint blue aura flared around him, forming a protective barrier. The fire engulfed Licht, yet he remained unharmed.
Watching this, Charmander quickly used Smokescreen to block Licht's vision and began charging Dragon Rage.
"Hmm… smart move, trying to block my sight," Licht said, calm and focused. "But it's useless against me."
He suddenly focused his aura in his feet, propelling himself forward with a burst of speed . In an instant, he appeared in front of Charmander through the smoke and delivered an aura-infused punch.
[Authors note: It's a technique similar to Sunpo from the neighbouring world Bleach, but instead of using reiatsu, Licht focuses his aura into his feet and, with a sudden burst, propels himself forward]
The punch sent Charmander skidding across the dirt, claws digging in as he tried to stop himself. He winced but quickly forced himself upright, the flame on his tail flaring brighter with determination.
"Not bad," Licht said, lowering his hand. "You can still stand. Good."
Charmander growled, planting his feet firmly. The energy he had been charging for Dragon Rage stabilized, blue flames swirling inside his mouth.
"Oh? You still had that charged?" Licht tilted his head, clearly impressed.
Charmander unleashed Dragon Rage in a sudden, explosive blast.
Licht didn't move. He lifted his hand and let his aura wrap tightly around his palm. The Dragon Rage slammed into him head-on, shaking the ground and throwing dirt and debris into the air. Then Licht closed his fist, crushing the attack as if it were nothing. When the light faded, he was still standing completely unaffected.
Charmander's eyes widened. His strongest move had done nothing.
Licht exhaled softly. "You fought well. But I'm ending this now."
He raised his other hand, forming a small blue Aura Sphere that hummed with controlled energy. With a flick of his wrist, he shot it straight at Charmander. The impact wasn't lethal, but it sent him rolling across the ground. He lay there trembling, clearly injured, yet still struggling to push himself up, refusing to admit defeat.
"Stubborn," Licht murmured quietly. "You really don't want to give up."
Finally, Charmander collapsed, exhausted. Licht walked over, crouched beside him, and placed a hand on his back. A warm green glow spread from his palm the power of Viridian. Slowly, Charmander's wounds closed, and his breathing steadied as the pain faded.
A few moments later, Charmander blinked awake.
Licht stood a short distance away, giving him space. No pressure, no soft tone just calm, unshakable confidence.
"You're awake. Good," Licht said, crossing his arms lightly. "I didn't hold back for most of that fight. But you still pushed through."
Charmander's gaze sharpened. He remembered every moment of the battle his attacks doing nothing, Licht moving through smoke as if it were air, the Aura Sphere dropping him instantly. There was no humiliation now, only clarity.
This human… is different.
He took a slow breath and walked toward Licht with steady steps not submissive, just certain. He stopped in front of him and looked straight up, eyes serious.
Licht met his gaze without a word.
Charmander had battled plenty of trainers and their Pokémon before. None of them had made him feel this.
Finally, he nodded once a clear, deliberate gesture.
Licht understood. "So you've decided?"
Charmander let out a low, steady sound this time not just resolute, but wholehearted. He had made his choice. From this moment on, he fully accepted Licht as his trainer and was ready to follow him anywhere, to protect him with everything he had.
Licht nodded. "Good. Then from today onward… you're with me. I'll make sure your strength is never wasted."
Charmander's flame burned a little higher not just with excitement, but with purpose. For the first time, he felt he'd found someone worthy of his trust… someone strong enough to push him to his limits. And for the first time in a long while, he wasn't alone and that thought made him feel lighter.
For a moment, they stood in solid silence mutual respect, shared understanding.
Then everything flipped.
Licht's serious expression vanished. His eyes sparkled, and a wide grin spread across his face. Before Charmander could react, Licht lunged forward and pulled him into a tight, crushing hug.
"MY FIRST POKÉMON!" Licht shouted, practically vibrating with excitement as he patted Charmander's head vigorously.
Charmander's eyes went wide. He flailed helplessly, squeaking in panic, looking around for help trying to figure out how the calm, disciplined fighter he had just acknowledged could suddenly go completely insane.
From the cabin, Liza heard the commotion and hurried outside. She froze when she saw it: the proud, strong Charmander trapped in Licht's crushing embrace, struggling, eyes pleading silently for help.
"Licht… what happened here?" Liza called, stepping closer.
Licht finally let go of Charmander and coughed lightly. "Well… you see, we had a chat. After understanding each other, we became friends."
Charmander collapsed onto the ground, catching his breath, and glared at his trainer with wide eyes that clearly asked: Have you gone insane? What chat? What understanding? What happened to the beating you just gave me?
Liza, watching the scene, smiled softly. "I'm glad that Charmander finally found a home," she said, extending a Pokéball toward Licht.
Jokes aside Licht took the Pokéball, kneeling down in front of Charmander. Holding it out toward him, he spoke with calm determination. "Charmander, this is the beginning of our journey. In the future, we'll face many strong opponents but I promise you, no matter what happens, we will become the strongest. One day, we'll be strong enough to even face the legendaries."
Hearing this, Charmander stared straight into Licht's eyes, his own burning with determination. He clenched his teeth and bumped his head against the Pokéball, entering it with full trust.
Licht, now holding Charmander's Pokéball, smiled warmly. Turning to Liza, he said, "Thank you so much, Liza."
Liza returned his smile. "Oh, don't mention it. I didn't do anything. It was you who convinced Charmander to follow you." She paused and added, "Good luck on your journey… and take good care of him."
"I will," Licht replied, securing the Pokéball on his belt.
Liza guided him deeper into the valley, showing him the various areas where Pokémon lived and trained. Eventually, they reached a quiet clearing where the valley elders and the old Charizards gather, their bodies marked with battle scars, their presence alone commanding respect.
When they learned that Charmander had chosen Licht, several exchanged surprised glances. A few murmured among themselves, clearly impressed. After a moment, a Charizard stepped forward and gave Licht a slow, firm nod a silent approval from the highest authority in the valley.
Licht returned the gesture with equal respect.
After walking through the valley a bit longer and chatting casually with Liza, Licht finally offered a small smile.
"Well… I should get going."
Liza nodded. "Safe travels, Licht. And thank you for taking care for the Charmander."
With that, Licht stepped back and pulled out the Pokéball containing Alakazam the one Professor Oak had entrusted to him. He gave a quick nod.
"Alakazam, take me to Pallet Town."
The Psychic-type appeared in a flash, lifting both spoons, and the air around them shimmered. In the next heartbeat, Licht vanished from the valley and reappeared inside Professor Oak's lab.
Unfortunately, they materialized right above the professor, who was about to enjoy a bowl of instant noodles. The noodles spilled to the floor in a dramatic crash.
Licht looked at Alakazam, thinking, You did this on purpose, didn't you?
Alakazam simply grinned and teleported away.
Turning back, Licht helped Professor Oak to his feet. "Are you alright, Professor Oak?"
"Oh, don't worry about me," Oak said, glancing sadly at the spilled noodles. "That rascal always gives me trouble."
Before the professor could ask anything about his Pokémon, Licht turned toward the exit. "Well, goodbye, Professor Oak. It's getting late, and if I don't leave now, Mom will be angry."
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One month had passed. During that time, Licht had trained a little with Charmander, and their bond had grown stronger than ever. Meanwhile, Ash had grown restless, eager to finally begin his own journey. And at last, the day had arrived.
Licht woke up early. He didn't go to train today; instead, he went downstairs to make breakfast.
Soon, Delia woke, freshened up, and headed to the kitchen. She paused when she saw Licht bustling around, preparing a variety of dishes.
"Good morning, Mom," Licht said with a gentle smile.
Delia blinked in surprise. "Did you make all of this? What's going on? Why the sudden change?" She stepped closer, still trying to process her son cooking such an elaborate breakfast.
"Well," Licht said, arranging the last of the plates, "since we're leaving today, I thought I'd make something for you."
Hearing this, tears welled up in Delia's eyes. Without thinking, she stepped forward and hugged Licht tightly, her shoulders shaking as she whispered through her tears, "Oh, Licht… you're growing up so fast… I'm so proud of you."
Licht gently hugged his mom back, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Mom… don't cry. You know we're both going to be fine, and I'll make sure to call you every now and then."
Delia smiled through her tears. "You've always been strong, Licht. I just hope you find good friends… and Pokémon that trust you as much as you'll trust them."
Licht nodded. "I already have one who trusts me completely." He glanced at the Pokéball on his belt, where Charmander rested inside. "Charmander's coming with me, and we'll face everything together."
Delia hugged him one last time. "I have no doubt you'll do great. Just… promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise," Licht said calmly, his gaze steady. "I'll take care of myself."
After finishing breakfast and gathering his things, Licht prepared to leave.
Delia spoke softly, "Licht, you should wait for Ash and go together."
"Well," Licht replied, "Ash still has some time, and Professor Oak called me today to explain some of the work I'll be doing during my travels." He added with a small smile, "Also… it's probably better this way. You wouldn't want to see both of us leave together."
Hearing this, Delia felt a pang of sadness. She stood there, watching as Licht stepped closer, wrapped her in one final, warm hug, and gently pulled back.
"Take care, Mom," he said softly, giving her a reassuring smile.
Then, with a determined nod, Licht turned and began walking toward Professor Oak's lab.
"Be careful on your way, Licht! Make sure to brush your teeth and change your shorts every day, and don't eat anything weird on the road!" Delia called after him, waving her hand in the air. Ninetales and Meganium also appeared, as if nodding in agreement with her warnings.
Licht twitched his eyes at her advice but smiled and waved back politely.
Soon, he reached the lab and saw Professor Oak stretching outside, just opening the building. Oak spotted Licht and waved. Licht returned the greeting, and together they stepped inside.
"You're early, my boy," Oak said.
"Well," Licht replied, "I always wake up this early."
Professor Oak walked over to a shelf holding four Pokédexes. "Licht, remember Green from the summer camp?"
Licht looked at him. "Yeah, I remember her. What happened to her?"
"Oh, nothing happened," Oak said, installing a Pokédex into his computer and inputting some data. "But she and her family are moving here to Pallet Town, so she'll be starting her journey from here as well."
Licht's eyes shifted to the table on the right. Only two Pokéballs sat there. He frowned slightly, wondering about the uneven number of Pokémon and trainers.
"You must be thinking about the uneven number of Pokémon, right?" Oak asked, giving Licht a guilty look. "That… my boy, is why I asked you to come early today. It's not about the work you already know that but I need to explain something to you."
Licht, noticing Oak's guilty expression, remained silent and simply nodded.
Oak sighed. "First of all, I knew Green and her family were moving to Pallet Town and would start their journey here. I applied her Pokémon for her she wanted a Bulbasaur, and Gary chose a Squirtle. Since you already have your starter, the League didn't send a third Pokémon. That… leaves Ash."
Professor Oak paused and sighed again, then looked at Licht. "Licht, my boy… do you believe me?"
Licht, still confused, said, "Just tell me everything, Professor. I believe you."
Oak nodded. "Alright, then. The thing is… I never sent Ash's Pokémon choice to the League."
Licht's eyes widened in surprise. So it wasn't just because Ash woke up late… Professor Oak arranged this from the beginning.
His mind raced as he recalled the movies he had watched in his previous life Professor Oak being brought into the future by Celebi during that event in the movie timeline. Could this be connected? Was Oak's experience somehow influencing these events? as if the pieces were finally falling into place, confirming a theory he had only suspected until now.
Professor Oak walked toward the window, hands clasped behind his back, and looked out into his backyard. His voice softened lower, steadier, carrying the weight of years.
"When I was young… I encountered a mythical Pokémon called Celebi."
He paused, eyes distant. "I don't remember everything that happened afterward most of it is a blur. But I do remember a dream. In that dream, I saw you standing with a Charizard beside you… and Ash with a Pikachu."
Licht's breath hitched slightly.
"At first, I dismissed it," Oak continued, shaking his head gently. "I thought it was nothing more than a strange vision my mind created. But then, when I met you both, watched you grow, watched you train I began to realize… it couldn't be just a dream. It felt too real. Too specific. Like a message."
He turned slightly, just enough for Licht to see a faint, nostalgic smile.
"And when you asked me for a Charmander that day, everything clicked. I became certain Celebi had shown me something important something about your futures like both you and Ash are destined to meet Charmander and Pikachu. Something I wasn't meant to ignore."
Oak then slowly walked toward a nearby shelf, picked up the special Pokéball with the lightning mark, and held it gently in both hands.
"And twenty days ago… this Pikachu appeared in my orchard." He exhaled. "It wasn't just wild. It was unusually strong, unusually smart. It felt like it was waiting for something or someone."
Finally, he turned fully toward Licht and met his eyes directly.
"You remember when I told you that your father also had a Pikachu? One that was different stronger, sharper, unlike any of its species?" Oak lifted the Pokéball slightly.
"This Pikachu… is the same."
Silence settled between them heavy, meaningful.
Professor Oak's expression softened even further, but there was seriousness in his tone.
"So you see, Licht… I didn't forget Ash's request. I didn't delay anything by accident. I was preparing for what I believe Celebi tried to show me years ago. Preparing for the moment the two of you finally began your journey."
Licht listened carefully, and finally, everything clicked. He understood now. When Professor Oak had encountered Celebi all those years ago, it had brought him into the future. And when Celebi returned him to his own timeline, it had erased his memory keeping only the message to give Ash his Pikachu when he began his journey.
But what troubled Licht the most was the part of that dream where he had been mentioned…but as a being who wasn't even supposed to exist in this world, he somehow became part of the timeline. Rather than remaining an anomaly, his very birth altered reality, reshaping the timeline from its original course.
Seeing Licht remain silent, Professor Oak added quickly, "Don't worry, Licht. The Pikachu that Red caught became a champion-tier Pokémon. It even defeated many of the Elite Four's Pokémon. And this Pikachu… it has the same potential."
Licht snapped out of his daze, meeting Oak's eyes. "I know, Professor. Mom has always told us about their journey and how strong Dad's Pokémon were. And if Celebi really sent you that dream… then it must have some meaning. After all, it's a Pokémon connected to time."
Hearing this, Professor Oak smiled and walked over to his computer. He retrieved the Pokédex and handed it to Licht. "Thank you for understanding, my boy. Here take this. It's the new Pokédex I've been working on. I've installed the Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh Dexes, and it also functions as a Pokégear and a camera. You can contact me or anyone else as long as you have their info."
Licht examined the device. It looked like a Rotom Phone from the games but without the eyes. Its shape was more like a modern smartphone, sleek and practical.
"Thank you, Professor. And say goodbye to those three when they arrive. I'll be going now." Licht said, walking with the professor toward the exit as he prepared to head out toward Route 1 and the road to Viridian City.
"Hmm. I will. And be careful on your journey, Licht. Make sure to send lots of Pokémon," Professor Oak called after him, waving his hand.
Licht waved back and stepped onto Route 1, the morning sun warming his back, his mind focused on the journey ahead.
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Authors Note: Thank you so much for reading this chapter!
I'd love to hear your thoughts whether it's your favorite moment, any ideas for future chapters, or just your general feedback.
So don't hesitate to share your thoughts I read every single one.
Thank you again, and I hope you'll continue to join us on this journey.