บท 37: Chapter 37: Evolving Pikachu to Raichu

The morning light filtered through the window, casting a soft glow over the Pokémon Center's modest room. I lounged on the sofa, my fingers absently tracing the Pokéball beside me—the one holding Venusaur. Across the table, Pidgeotto nudged it with his beak, wings ruffling playfully. His loyalty ran deep, and he was always around, ever watchful. Pikachu perched beside him, clapping his paws together with that electric energy buzzing around him.

I placed a hand on Pikachu's head, feeling the static crackle. His wide eyes met mine, and I gave him a gentle pat.

"Pika! Pikachu!" he chirped, bouncing onto my chest like a kid who couldn't sit still. I held him for a moment before setting him back down on the table.

"Hey, buddy," I murmured, keeping my voice low. "I need you for something important. You think you're up for it?"

Pikachu cocked his head, ears twitching in curiosity. His eyes narrowed, a spark of caution flickering behind them.

I exhaled, leaning in slightly. "I want you to evolve. Into Raichu."

Pikachu stiffened, the light in his eyes dimming as he scratched at his ear. His whole demeanor screamed confusion, uncertainty.

"Look," I said, watching his reactions carefully. "It's not like when Ivysaur evolved into Venusaur. You won't be that big. But Pidgeotto's going to evolve soon, and when that happens, he won't be able to help in those close-quarter situations. You're quick, agile. I need you to evolve, to be stronger for those moments when I can't rely on anyone else."

He blinked, glancing over at Pidgeotto, who nodded in silent agreement. Pikachu's tiny paws clenched, his determination sparking in his eyes. He looked back at me, then took a deliberate step forward.

"You sure?" I asked, my tone challenging.

Pikachu puffed up his chest and gave a firm nod.

A small smile crept across my face. "Alright then." I pulled out my Pokégear, placing an order for a Thunder Stone with a single swipe. The confirmation flashed across the screen just as the door to the Pokémon Center slid open.

In walked Alisha, her usual energy rippling through the room. Splash, her Squirtle, followed her closely, wearing his signature mischievous grin. Her Pikachu clung to her shoulder, giving the room a cautious once-over.

Without a word, Alisha shoved past me, nearly knocking me off the sofa as she plopped her Pikachu onto the table beside mine. My Pikachu's growl reverberated through the air, his fur bristling as he took a defensive stance, ready to strike.

I grabbed Pikachu, rubbing his ears in slow circles until his growl softened. His tension melted, and soon he was back to his playful self, leaning into the comfort I offered.

Alisha, oblivious—or more likely, uninterested in the tension she'd caused—eyed me. "You packed our stuff, right?"

I gave a curt nod. "Yeah, it's ready."

"Good." She crossed her arms. "So, we leaving or not?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Got a bike?"

She blinked, like the thought hadn't even crossed her mind. "Nope."

I sighed, pulling out my Pokégear to order her one. Just as I confirmed the purchase, she snatched it from my hands, glaring at me with a flash of frustration.

"What is your deal?" Her voice was sharper than usual.

"What?" I leaned back, trying to read the sudden shift in her mood.

"Why are you so damn nice to me after everything I pull?"

I paused, thrown by the rawness in her voice. "I don't know."

Alisha's expression softened, almost hesitant. "You're too kind-hearted for your own good."

I scoffed, shaking my head. "I'm not."

She wasn't done. "Seriously, why? I mess with you all the time."

I gave her a hard look. "You're traveling with me, right? I got you a bike because I don't want to waste time. That's it."

She opened her mouth to respond, but I was already done with the conversation, turning back to Pikachu, my fingers absently brushing over his fur. His laughter filled the air, breaking the tension between us.

"Pika, pika, Pikachu!" he chirped, his tail swishing happily.

Alisha shot a glance at my Pikachu. "He looks like he's having the time of his life."

"Yeah, well," I muttered, but couldn't help smiling. Her Squirtle, Splash, leaped onto the table, batting his eyes in a way that screamed manipulation. Alisha scooped him up, oblivious to the act.

"That little rascal never gives up, huh?" I said, tapping Splash's cheek lightly. He looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes.

"He's not a rascal!" Alisha protested, hugging him close.

I smirked. "Yeah, tell that to the Pokémon who knocked me over so I 'accidentally' kiss you. Or the one who keeps following me like a shadow."

Alisha turned pink but didn't back down. "Splash isn't manipulative!"

I shot her a sideways glance. "Sure."

Before the conversation could continue, the door slid open again, and the man from TMA walked in, holding a package in his hand. He spotted me immediately, offering a nod. "Good morning, Punit. Madam."

I stood, motioning for him to come over. "The Thunder Stone?"

He pulled it out of the package, the stone glowing faintly with raw, untapped power. I could feel the electric hum of it from where I stood.

Alisha's eyes widened as she quickly pulled her Pikachu and Splash closer to her. "You're not seriously doing this now, are you?"

I ignored her, turning to Pikachu. He stood on the table, his body vibrating with energy. The excitement in his eyes was unmistakable.

"You sure?" I asked, crouching down to meet his gaze.

"Pika!" Pikachu's tail swished, the sparks dancing around him growing stronger. His decision was clear.

Without another word, I pressed the Thunder Stone to his fur. The air around us crackled, electricity arcing in every direction as Pikachu's body glowed. I had to step back, shielding my eyes from the blinding light. The ground trembled as Pikachu's form grew larger, taller. His tail sharpened into a jagged lightning bolt, his entire body radiating power.

"Rai…chu…" His voice was deeper now, filled with newfound strength.

When the light faded, Raichu stood where Pikachu once was, his eyes locking onto mine. The same playful energy was there, but now it was layered with something more—focus, determination.

I smirked. "Not bad."

Raichu flexed his paws, electricity rippling through his body like it was second nature. He leaped onto my shoulder, lighter than I expected for his new size.

The TMA man motioned for us to follow him outside, where two bicycles waited. One sleek and black, the other a vibrant green that matched Alisha's personality.

I gestured for her to take the green one. She hesitated, then leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek before hopping onto the bike.

With Raichu on my shoulder, I kicked off, heading straight for Mount Moon, the path ahead filled with uncertainty—and opportunity.