4 Years Later
It had been four years since I was reborn in this world of Pokémon.
During that time, I'd finally awakened the power of Aura and Viridian.
Even though I already knew how they worked, mastering them was another story entirely. I'd been training in secret for the past year, and so far, I'd only managed to grasp the basics of both.
The hardest part wasn't controlling the power it was guiding it. You had to let it flow naturally through your body, to treat it as an extension of yourself rather than something separate.
"It's still too early for me to master this power… but I've got time before my journey begins," Licht murmured, opening his eyes as the morning sunlight filtered through his window.
He stood up and walked over, gently opening it. The air outside was cool and fresh. Pidgey chirped in the distance, and a faint scent of flowers and grass drifted in with the breeze.
"This world really is beautiful," he whispered with a small smile.
Just as he was enjoying the peace, a familiar voice called from downstairs.
"Licht, dear! Can you please wake up Ash? Breakfast is ready!"
"Okay! I'll get him up!" he replied, closing the window and heading toward his little brother's room.
As always, Ash was fast asleep sprawled out, mouth open, drooling slightly, and muttering, "I'll become a Pokémon Master…" with a goofy grin on his face.
"This kid… just how long did he stay up watching the Indigo League tournament? It's already eight in the morning," Licht thought, shaking his head with a sigh.
Leaning closer with a mischievous smirk, he suddenly yelled, "Wake up, Ash! We have to go to Professor Oak's lab today, remember?"
Ash shot upright, startled. "Can you not yell so loud, big brother? My ears…" he mumbled sleepily, still half-dazed.
Licht crossed his arms, pretending to frown. "Do you ever wake up on time? If I didn't drag you out of bed every morning, you'd probably sleep till noon. Now come on Mom's waiting downstairs."
Ash only let out a muffled, "Mmm…" before rolling out of bed to get ready.
Downstairs, the smell of toast and eggs filled the air. Delia moved around the kitchen with her usual gentle smile.
"Good morning, Mom," Licht said, taking a seat at the table as the warm smell of toast filled the air.
"Good morning, Licht. Is Ash awake?" Delia asked, setting down a plate of eggs and toast in front of him, her usual gentle smile on her face.
"Mhm," Licht mumbled, already taking a bite of the bread.
A few minutes later, Ash came running down the stairs, full of energy as if he hadn't just been asleep moments ago. He dropped into his chair and started eating like he hadn't eaten in days.
Delia smiled and sighed. "Slow down, Ash. The food's not going anywhere."
"Mmmph but today we get to see so many Pokémon!" Ash said through a mouthful of food, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Licht chuckled quietly. He really never changes, he thought.
"And we'll be helping Professor Oak too," Licht reminded. "Don't forget we also have to feed and wash the Pokémon."
"Yeah, I know! But it's gonna be fun! Aren't you excited, big brother?"
Delia smiled warmly, her voice soft but firm. "That's wonderful, but please be careful, both of you. And Ash no wandering into the woods, alright?"
"Okay, Mom! I promise!" Ash called out, already hopping around as he threw on his shoes, his excitement practically overflowing.
Delia sighed, shaking her head with an affectionate smile before turning to Licht. "Please look after your brother, and come home before evening, okay?"
Licht stood up, slinging his small bag over his shoulder. "Don't worry, Mom," he said gently. "I'll keep an eye on him."
Just then, Ash's voice echoed from outside, loud and impatient. "Come on, big brother! We'll be late!"
Licht chuckled, grabbed his bag, and followed.
The brothers walked through the familiar streets of Pallet Town, their steps light and clumsy full of that childlike energy only kids could have. In a town this small, everyone knew everyone. They weren't famous, but people recognized them especially since their mom ran the only restaurant in town.
As they walked, Licht's mind wandered. If I'm right, Umbreon and Espeon haven't been discovered yet… and Fairy types aren't even classified. If I can work with Professor Oak and publish something, it might earn us recognition maybe even some money.
"Big brother! Hurry up or I'll leave you behind!" Ash yelled.
Licht smiled, snapping out of his thoughts. "I'm coming, I'm coming."
Soon, they reached Professor Oak's lab. Licht knocked on the door, and a muffled voice called out from inside, "Come in! The door's open!"
They stepped in and froze.
Professor Oak was lying on the floor, tightly wrapped up by an Arbok.
"Oh, Licht, Ash welcome!" Oak wheezed, struggling to breathe. "Would you mind helping me out and recalling Arbok into its Poké Ball? It's on the desk over there!"
Licht blinked, then quickly grabbed the Poké Ball and aimed it at Arbok. "Arbok, return!"
With a flash of red light, Arbok disappeared. Oak slowly got up, adjusting his glasses with a sheepish grin.
"Professor, what on earth happened?" Licht asked, half-concerned, half-confused.
Oak chuckled nervously. "Ah, just a little… research accident. Nothing major."
Licht's eye twitched slightly as he asked, "What kind of research involves getting strangled by an Arbok?"
Oak's expression lit up instantly, his tone switching to that familiar excited one. "I wanted to observe how predators react to Arbok's belly patterns whether it scares them off or confuses them. Fascinating, right?"
Licht couldn't help laughing. "You got way too close this time, Professor."
The three of them laughed, breaking the awkward tension. Oak then clapped his hands together with a smile. "Alright, enough about that! Licht, Ash you two ready? I could use some help feeding and washing the Pokémon out back. Gary and Daisy are already there."
"Don't worry, Professor! I'll wash all of them!" Ash said proudly, puffing out his chest with a grin.
"Then I'll help you make the food Professor," Licht added.
Oak smiled warmly. "Perfect! Let's get to it then. We'll need everything ready before noon."
Time passed as Licht and Oak worked side by side. Licht prepared berries while Oak handled the machine that turned them into Pokéblocks. Outside, the sound of laughter and splashing came from Ash, Gary, and Daisy washing the Pokémon.
After a while, Licht spoke up. "Professor, can I work here as your assistant? I want to help with your research."
Oak blinked, surprised. "That's quite the request, Licht. You're bright, but you're still a bit young for that. Tell you what if you still want to help in a year or two, I'll make you my assistant for real."
Licht thought for a moment, then said, "I understand, Professor. But… there's something I really want to test. A theory, actually. I was hoping you could help me see if it's true."
"A theory, huh?" Oak asked, his tone shifting to genuine curiosity. "Let's hear it."
"It's about a new evolution," Licht said seriously though his small face only made him look adorable. "A new evolution of Eevee."
Oak smiled, amused. "A new evolution, you say?"
Licht smiled and said. "You'll see, Professor. I'll prove it someday."
Oak chuckled. "Alright then, Licht," he teased. "Tell me more about this mysterious evolution."
Licht leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "I think Eevee can evolve when it truly loves its Trainer not with a stone, but with emotion. When it feels safe and happy. And if that happens at night, maybe the moonlight helps it evolve."
Oak blinked, clearly intrigued. "Emotion-based evolution, you say?" he murmured, tilting his head slightly. "That's… quite an idea. What makes you think so, Licht?"
Licht hesitated for a second, his gaze softening. "I've seen how Pokémon act when they're treated with kindness. They fight harder, heal faster… it's like they grow stronger just by feeling loved. Eevee's different from other Pokémon maybe it changes when that bond becomes strong enough."
Oak rubbed his chin. "So, evolution triggered by emotional bonds and environment, rather than physical catalysts… Interesting."
"Yeah!" Licht said eagerly. "Like how sunlight gives plants energy, maybe moonlight gives Eevee something special!"
Oak's eyes softened, impressed. "You've got quite the mind, Licht. For a four-year-old, that's remarkable."
Licht smiled proudly. "Thanks, Professor. I just… want to learn more."
Oak's expression turned thoughtful. Then, with a grin, he reached for a Poké Ball on his desk. "Well, as it happens, I do have an Eevee I caught long ago. She's gentle and loyal maybe the perfect Pokémon for your little experiment."
Licht's eyes widened. "Really?! You mean we can try it?!"
Oak laughed. "Of course. But you'll have to tell me exactly what to do, Licht."
With a soft click, he released Eevee. The small creature stretched and blinked sleepily before wagging her tail.
"She already trusts you," Licht said softly. "That's good. But this won't work with commands she needs to feel happy. You should spend time with her, play, let her rest near you, and make her truly comfortable."
Oak raised a brow. "So emotional bonding instead of training?"
"Exactly," Licht nodded. "And when her bond is strong enough, let her battle a little at night under the moonlight."
Oak's smile turned intrigued. "Fascinating. Alright then, I'll give it a try. We'll record everything that happens."
Licht grinned. "You'll see, Professor"
Oak chuckled, patting his head. "You sound pretty confident."
Licht's smile widened. "That's 'cause I am. You'll see Eevee's going to surprise everyone."
Oak laughed again, the warmth in his tone unmistakable. "I'll be looking forward to it, Licht."