Cherreads

Chapter 37 - The Partner Met Ahead of Fate!

…Professor Oak eventually captured that wild Pikachu.

And of course, as a man of science and discovery—how could he possibly resist studying it?

Even if it was just a common Electric-type mouse found all across Kanto, any newly caught Pokémon was a chance to explore something new.

Thus began the tragic misunderstanding of destiny itself.

The pure, kind-hearted Pichu that had come to answer fate's call—to meet its destined partner, the boy who would one day change the world—found itself locked in a cold metal cage instead.

And its jailer? None other than that "benevolent" researcher, Professor Oak.

There, under the sterile lights of the lab, came countless tests and experiments.

So, the Pichu that once dreamed of friendship and justice… slowly fell into despair.

The innocence in its eyes dimmed, replaced by fear—then bitterness—and finally, a spark of rage.

That was how the cheerful, justice-loving Pichu turned into the defiant, battle-scarred Pikachu Ash would one day meet.

When Ash first received it as his starter, its hostility and refusal to obey weren't arrogance… they were scars left by betrayal.

But destiny doesn't end in tragedy.

Because when they faced danger together—cornered and chased by a furious flock of Spearow—it was Ash's courage and sincerity that reached Pikachu's heart.

In that moment of sacrifice, of selfless protection, the once-darkened Pikachu felt light again.

From the brink of despair, its miracle awakened—power beyond logic, beyond science.

The skies trembled. Clouds tore apart. Lightning danced like divine fury.

"Thundering Miracle—Pikachu!"

A single Thunderbolt of divine brilliance split the heavens, scattering the Spearow horde in a blinding storm of gold.

The darkened heart of Pikachu was reborn, purified by friendship.

And as the storm faded, a rainbow spread across the sky—glorious, radiant.

From the far end of that rainbow descended the majestic Ho-Oh, the Phoenix of Legends, bestowing upon the two destined partners a shimmering Rainbow Wing, symbolizing hope, life, and eternal bonds.

Back in the present—

Ash looked thoughtfully at the trembling bush where the tiny Pichu hid.

"If it hasn't evolved yet," he muttered under his breath, "then maybe it's still living alone… or maybe it's already been adopted by that Kangaskhan family in the forest?"

He frowned, realizing no one could answer that question but time.

"Still," he whispered, a faint smile tugging at his lips, "fate gave me this chance. If destiny wants us to meet early, then there's no way I'm letting you slip away."

He clenched his fist lightly.

"This weekend's Pokémon Summer Camp… the one that lets the top three participants receive their first Pokémon early. I've already made my choice."

His eyes softened, filled with determination.

"My first partner… will be you, Pichu."

Closing the glowing interface of the system panel, Ash took a deep breath. His mind was set.

——————

"Pichu…"

From within the bush, the little Electric-type peeked out again. Its round ears twitched nervously as it surveyed the clearing.

The broken fence nearby led back to the open forest, yet it didn't move toward it. The forest outside was dangerous—home to Beedrill nests and predators far stronger than it.

It hadn't meant to come here. It was being chased by several Beedrill earlier, stung and panicked, darting in random directions until it accidentally squeezed through the research lab's fence.

In the process, a sharp splinter had cut its hind leg, leaving a faint trail of blood.

For a wild Pokémon, instincts were everything. Danger. Safety. Hunger. Trust. These were truths burned into their very nature.

And right now, everything about this fenced area felt… safe.

So, despite seeing the humans nearby, it stayed.

"Tap, tap…"

The faint sound of approaching footsteps made its ears twitch.

"Pichu…" it squeaked softly, panicking and ducking back into the bush.

Ash had already spotted it. He raised a hand quietly, signaling the others to stay back.

"Shh…" he whispered, gesturing for silence.

Gary frowned, confused, but obeyed. Tierno and Trevor stopped whispering too.

Ash approached slowly, stopping about a meter away from the bush. He crouched low, careful not to frighten it further.

Then, gently, he activated both his Aura and Viridian Power—his natural bond with all living things.

A faint emerald light shimmered behind his eyes as he spoke softly, his tone tender and sincere.

"Hey there, Pichu," he murmured. "My name's Ash. Do you… want to be friends?"

Aura and Viridian Power—both were bridges beyond words, connecting hearts directly.

The moment Ash spoke, his message reached Pichu's mind—not through language, but emotion.

"Pichu…"

The little Pokémon froze.

The voice echoing in its heart wasn't frightening. It was warm. Calm. Soothing.

That warmth made it feel safe, the way the sunlight felt after a cold night.

And so, trembling slightly, Pichu stepped out of the bush.

Its big black eyes looked up at Ash curiously, a mix of fear and fascination.

Ash's breath caught.

Those eyes—so pure, so gentle—they could wash away every worry in the world. His heart melted instantly.

"You're so cute," he said softly, smiling. "I really like you, Pichu. Will you be my friend?"

Again, through the link of Aura, his sincerity poured straight into Pichu's heart.

"Pichu…"

The voice—his voice—echoed warmly inside it once more.

Pichu tilted its head, blinking up at the boy.

And then… it understood.

This human wasn't like the others. He wasn't threatening. He wasn't dangerous.

He radiated warmth—comfort—home.

When it first saw him, it had felt something pulling it closer. Now, that feeling blossomed fully—an overwhelming sense of trust.

So, with its tiny body trembling and one injured leg dragging slightly, the little Pichu took a leap of faith.

It hopped forward, then another step… and another…

Until it finally threw itself into Ash's open arms.

Ash caught it gently, cradling it against his chest.

"Pichu…" it squeaked softly, rubbing its cheek against his shirt.

Ash smiled, feeling the tiny sparks against his skin—but instead of pain, it was warmth.

In that moment, boy and Pokémon looked at each other—and both of them knew.

This wasn't just chance.

This was destiny.

The bond between them had already begun.

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T/N:

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