"Pichu~Pichu"
Rubbing its soft cheeks against Ash's face, Pichu's round eyes gleamed with pure affection and closeness.
Its enthusiasm was so strong that Gary, Tierno, and Trevor, standing behind them, were all left dumbfounded—each silently wondering if this little Pokémon was really wild at all.
"Thank you, Pichu."
Ash's voice softened. The sincerity he had shown was being returned a hundredfold, and that warmth filled his heart completely.
He reached up and gently patted Pichu's small head, smiling as the tiny electric sacs on its cheeks tickled his skin with faint static.
But then, his smile faded slightly when he noticed a faint scratch on Pichu's right leg.
Carefully, Ash lifted Pichu into both hands and set it on the grass.
"Pichu?"
It tilted its head, eyes blinking in confusion as if to ask why he suddenly put it down.
"Your leg's hurt," Ash said softly. "I don't know how you got injured, but stay still for a moment—I'll heal it for you."
"Pichu…?"
"You'll see in a second," Ash replied with a reassuring grin.
He raised one hand, placing it above Pichu's injured leg. Taking a breath, he closed his eyes and summoned the power within him—his Viridian Power—and whispered to himself,
"Healing Grace"
A soft emerald glow bloomed from his palm, washing over Pichu's small body. The injured leg shimmered faintly as the light enveloped it.
Before everyone's eyes, the blood vanished, and the torn skin knit itself back together in mere seconds. The wound closed completely—smooth, as if it had never existed.
"Pichu…"
The tiny Pokémon stared wide-eyed at its healed leg, astonished.
Behind them, Gary, Tierno, and Trevor were utterly speechless.
They had seen incredible things before—Pokémon performing moves, elemental powers unleashed—but never this.
Because in this world, the extraordinary belonged to Pokémon, not humans.
Yes, there were psychics and aura users, but they were rare—so rare that most people would live their entire lives without meeting one.
And yet, their childhood friend, the same Ash they'd grown up with, had just used a supernatural ability.
Their worldviews cracked right then and there.
But Ash didn't notice their stunned expressions. His full attention remained on Pichu.
"How do you feel now, Pichu? Does your leg still hurt?" he asked kindly, crouched down beside it.
"Pichu Pichu!"
Ash smiled. "No pain at all? That's great."
He lifted Pichu again, holding it gently in his hands.
"Pichu," he said with a soft, hopeful smile, "I really like you. Would you… like to become my partner?"
For a moment, Pichu blinked up at him, tiny sparks crackling around its cheeks.
Ash continued, his voice full of warmth.
"A partner means being the best of friends. We'll always be together—eat together, sleep together, play together… and one day, we'll travel the world side by side."
"So, Pichu—will you be my partner?"
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Premier Ball—its pearly white surface glinting under the sunlight. He pressed the central button, enlarging it in his hand.
He held it out toward Pichu, his eyes shining with excitement and sincerity.
"Pichu~"
The little Pokémon's cheeks puffed as it let out a delighted chirp. Then, with a cheerful hop, it slapped the Poké Ball's button with its tiny paw.
In an instant, its body transformed into a streak of rainbow light and disappeared into the Ball.
"Beep… beep… click!"
The ball rocked twice in Ash's hand—then emitted a crisp chime.
Capture complete.
"I caught Pichu—!!YEAH!!"
Overcome with joy, Ash raised the Poké Ball high, striking the same triumphant pose as his anime counterpart—grinning ear to ear.
"Come on out, Pichu!" he said right after, remembering from the original timeline that Pichu hated staying inside Poké Balls.
The ball burst open in a flash of light, and the little Electric-type reappeared—immediately leaping onto Ash's shoulder.
"Pichu~!"
It nuzzled against his face again, its tiny paws gripping his collar as soft sparks tickled his skin.
"Pichu," Ash said warmly, smiling from ear to ear, "from now on, we're partners. Let's take care of each other."
"Pichu Pichu "
The tiny Pokémon's eyes curved into two happy crescents as it chirped in agreement.
…
…
Ash stood there for a long moment, unable to believe it had actually happened.
He had met his destined partner ahead of time—and captured it himself.
He now truly possessed his very first Pokémon.
The gentle warmth on his cheek, the soft weight on his shoulder—this was no dream.
It was real.
Sure, this Pichu wasn't yet the legendary "Pikachu the God-Slayer"—the one that could trade blows with deities or dramatically lose to a level-five starter when the plot demanded it.
And according to the system, its potential wasn't Black, but Gold.
But that was fine.
After all, Pikachu might not be a god… but he's definitely a king.
Gary finally broke the silence.
"Ash… what was that just now?" he asked, still stunned.
Tierno and Trevor both nodded in agreement, eyes wide.
Ash blinked innocently. "Hm? What do you mean?"
"Your hand!" Trevor blurted out. "It glowed green! And then Pichu's leg just—healed itself! Are you… are you a psychic or something?"
At that, the others leaned closer, their faces filled with curiosity and disbelief.
Ash scratched his cheek awkwardly, feeling Pichu's little tail swish near his ear.
He could only smile faintly.
Because explaining this—the Viridian Power—wasn't going to be easy.
…
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T/N:
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