The evening sun painted the mountains in gold as Tharion sat cross-legged across from Nina, her Luxio proudly standing by her side. She was brushing its mane, humming softly, her eyes filled with a determination that reminded him of someone far older.
"Nina," Tharion said, his tone carrying a seriousness that made her pause.
She looked up quickly. "Yes, big brother?"
He studied her carefully before speaking. "Do you… want to come with me on a journey? Not just training here in the mountains, but traveling far—battling, learning, seeing the world."
Her eyes widened instantly, sparkling like stars. She didn't even hesitate. "Yes! I want to! I want to go wherever you go, big brother!"
Luxio let out a low, approving growl, its tail crackling faint sparks as if it too agreed. Nina quickly pulled out her Pokéball and, with practiced ease, recalled Luxio inside. She clutched the ball to her chest. "Luxio's my first Pokémon… and I'll make it proud!"
Tharion felt a small tug in his chest at her enthusiasm. 'Good. That's the spirit she needs.'
But as he stood, another thought settled. He couldn't reveal Mew—not yet, not to anyone. Its existence was too great a risk, and fame required him to blend in as a regular trainer. If he wanted to rise, he needed a beginning that made sense in this world.
So, with a breath, he pressed his fingers together, activating a teleport. The mountain scenery blurred, and in an instant, he appeared just outside the familiar rustic rooftops of Pallet Town.
Before setting out, he had carefully prepared something vital: a legitimate Pokémon Trainer ID, registered under his name through channels the system had opened for him. It meant he could walk into the lab as if he were just another starting trainer. Nina, however, was far too young to be registered—so for now, she would travel only by his side, watching and learning.
The oak-scented breeze of Pallet Town carried him forward to the white-walled laboratory atop its small hill. The doors slid open with a quiet hiss, and inside he found rows of books, maps, and advanced research devices humming with energy.
At the far desk, an older man with sharp, intelligent eyes looked up from a stack of notes. His white coat swayed as he adjusted his glasses.
"Ah… I don't recognize you," Professor Oak said, his voice warm yet curious. "You must be one of the new trainers, yes?"
Tharion gave a small, respectful bow. "Yes. Tharion. I've come to receive my first Pokémon and register for the League challenge."
Professor Oak studied him for a long moment, almost as if weighing his spirit. Then, with a small smile, he motioned toward the polished counter where three Pokéballs rested.
"You're just in time, young man. You may choose one of the three starters from Kanto: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. Each has its own strengths—choose wisely."
Tharion's gaze lingered on the Pokéballs, his mind calculating not just type advantages but also the path of his fame, the battles to come, and how this choice would shape Nina's future alongside him. He would carry this Pokémon as both partner and shield, hiding Mew's existence while rising as a trainer strong enough to stand at the League's summit.
Behind him, Nina tugged at his sleeve, eyes wide with excitement, though she said nothing—she knew this moment was his.
Tharion placed his hand above the Pokéballs. 'This will be the first step… toward power, toward recognition, and toward protecting Nina's tomorrow.'
Tharion's hand hovered briefly over the three Pokéballs before finally settling on the one in the center. He picked it up slowly, feeling the smooth, polished surface against his palm. His choice was instinctive, as though the flame inside had already called to him.
"I'll take this one," Tharion said firmly.
Professor Oak nodded approvingly. "Ah… Charmander. A fiery heart, a determined partner. Treat it well, and it will blaze brighter than you can imagine."
With a click, Tharion pressed the button. The Pokéball burst open in a flash of white light, and from it emerged a small, orange lizard-like Pokémon. Its tail carried a flickering flame, swaying as the little creature blinked up at him with wide blue eyes.
"Char…?" Charmander tilted its head curiously, staring at the tall figure before it.
The first moment stretched, silent but heavy. Tharion crouched, lowering himself to meet Charmander at eye level. He didn't reach out immediately—he let the Pokémon study him, sense him. The flame at its tail flickered a little higher, cautious but not hostile.
Then, slowly, Tharion extended his hand. "I'm Tharion. From today, I'll be your partner."
Charmander sniffed the air, then stepped forward with small but deliberate movements. It placed its tiny clawed hand against Tharion's palm. Sparks of warmth—not fire, but trust—passed between them. Its eyes softened, and a small smile stretched across its face.
"Char!" it chirped, tail flame flaring brighter as if declaring agreement.
Behind them, Nina let out a squeal of delight. "He's so cute! Big brother, he already likes you!"
Professor Oak chuckled softly. "That Charmander has been waiting for the right trainer. It seems you were the one it was hoping for."
Tharion gave a rare, faint smile. He placed a gentle hand on Charmander's head, and the little Pokémon leaned into it without hesitation. "Good. Then let's get stronger together."
The flame on its tail blazed upward, as though sealing the pact.
In that moment, something stirred in Tharion—a reminder of the bonds he had forged in another world, and a new determination to build them again here. His journey had begun.