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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: First Steps with Blaze! A New Journey Begins

Chapter 3: First Steps with Blaze! A New Journey Begins

Kai sat cross-legged in the grass, the soft wind brushing through his hair as the golden morning sun poured over the hillside. His hand hovered just inches from the small orange Pokémon curled up beside him, sleeping peacefully for the first time.

Blaze had hatched only an hour ago from that radiant, glowing egg—bursting into the world with a flash of fire and stardust. But he wasn't a Charizard. Not yet.

He was a tiny Charmander. A newborn.

But not just any Charmander.

This one's flame flickered with streaks of gold. His scales were a deeper orange, with a faint shimmer, and his eyes—those eyes—burned with wisdom far beyond his age. He was small. He was sleepy. But Kai could feel it in every breath: this was no ordinary baby.

This was god-tier.

Kai gently exhaled, resting his hands on his knees. "So… this is real," he whispered, almost afraid to break the moment.

Blaze stirred.

His small arms stretched, and his tail swayed lazily behind him, the fire at its tip glowing softly. He blinked up at Kai with those deep golden eyes, then yawned. A tiny puff of flame popped from his mouth. The sound made Kai laugh softly.

"You're awake, little guy."

Blaze blinked, then slowly waddled closer. The grass crunched gently beneath his clawed feet.

Kai didn't move. He let the baby come to him.

Blaze stopped just short of Kai's knees, looking up with a curious tilt of his head. Then, without warning, he reached up a tiny hand and placed it gently against Kai's chest—right over his heart.

A sudden warmth pulsed through Kai's body.

Not hot like fire—warm like… connection. Like trust. Something invisible passed between them. A thread of emotion. Of bond.

> 📢 [System Notice]

Unique trait unlocked: Aura Sense (Level 1)

You can now feel emotional states of bonded Pokémon.

Kai's eyes widened.

"That… that was real?"

Blaze squeaked quietly. His eyes sparkled. He knew.

Kai reached out and placed his hand over the tiny claw still resting on his chest. "We're really doing this, huh?"

Blaze gave a proud little chirp.

---

🏞️ On the Road

The forest path was quiet except for the sounds of birds and Blaze's soft footsteps.

Kai had packed up quickly after the hatch, tucking away the cracked eggshells in a small pouch. He couldn't leave them behind—not when they felt so important. Now, with his new partner walking beside him, he followed the gentle dirt road leading toward Viridian Town.

Blaze waddled at his side, looking around with wide, fascinated eyes. Every leaf, every sound, every butterfly that passed made his head turn.

Kai grinned. "You're curious about everything, huh?"

The Charmander chirped again, tail flame swaying behind him.

As they walked, Kai opened the system mentally.

> [System Menu]

– Partner: Blaze (Charmander – God Tier)

– Aura: Level 1

– Points: 50

– Shop

– Missions

– Inventory

Still pretty empty. But it was growing. He tapped the Missions tab.

> [Daily Missions Available]

First Wild Encounter — Win a battle against a wild Pokémon (Reward: 30 points)

Make a Meal — Cook something for your partner (Reward: 10 points)

Bonding Time — Spend time relaxing with your Pokémon (Reward: Random item)

Kai chuckled. "You want food first, don't you?"

Blaze's head shot up like he understood. He tugged gently at Kai's pants and pointed at the small bag slung over his shoulder.

"Alright, alright. I got the message."

---

🔥 Lunch with a Baby Dragon

They stopped at a small clearing by a gentle stream. Trees shaded them from the sun, and soft moss grew between the roots.

Kai unrolled a small mat and sat down, setting Blaze gently on it. The Charmander sniffed the air, tail waving lazily.

Kai pulled out a small pot, a few berries, and the mini stove the system had given him.

"Not fancy, but let's try this out."

He mashed some oran and pecha berries together and added a pinch of dried herbs. The pot sizzled quietly. Blaze sat patiently, eyes glued to the pot. His little nostrils flared with every breath.

"Smells good, right?" Kai asked.

Blaze nodded quickly. Then his tail brushed too close to a leaf pile, lighting it in a tiny flame.

"Whoa—tail, buddy!"

Blaze squeaked, panicked. Kai quickly stomped out the tiny fire.

"It's okay, it's okay," Kai laughed. "Just gotta watch where you swing that thing."

Blaze looked guilty.

Kai smiled and ruffled his head gently. "Don't worry. You'll get the hang of it."

When the berry stew cooled, Kai poured a small bowl and placed it in front of Blaze.

The Charmander took one sniff—and dove in.

It was gone in seconds.

Kai stared. "You didn't even chew!"

Blaze let out a happy chirp and leaned against Kai's leg, full and content.

> ✅ [Mission Complete: Make a Meal]

+10 Points

Blaze's Bond increased!

🎁 Bonus Item Received: Tiny Fire Amulet (+5% Fire-type power, auto-equipped)

Kai opened Blaze's status and saw a small charm now looped around his neck. It glowed faintly.

Blaze looked proud.

"Looking sharp," Kai smiled.

---

🌿 First Encounter!

They walked again, slowly following the curve of the stream.

Suddenly, Kai's Aura Sense sparked.

Something was nearby. Watching.

He paused. "Blaze. Left side."

The bushes rustled—and a small purple shape shot out!

"Rattata!"

A wild one. Its fur was sleek and its eyes sharp.

Blaze stepped forward, stance low.

"Wait," Kai said softly. "Stay calm."

The Rattata growled and charged—Quick Attack!

"Dodge left!"

Blaze's body moved fast, rolling aside just before the tackle hit. His movement was awkward but instinctive.

"Now—Scratch!"

Blaze lunged forward, tiny claws glowing faintly white. He slashed across Rattata's side, sending it skidding back.

The wild Pokémon hissed and prepared another charge.

"Hang on, let's try Ember!"

Blaze opened his mouth. A small puff of fire sputtered out, barely missing the Rattata's feet.

Too small. Too weak.

Kai narrowed his eyes. "It's okay—try again. Just focus!"

Blaze's body glowed faintly. This time, the flame he launched was cleaner, hotter—a burst of orange fire hit the Rattata head-on.

The wild Pokémon squealed and bolted into the bushes, smoke trailing from its fur.

Blaze stood panting, chest heaving.

Kai ran over and scooped him into his arms.

"You did it!" he grinned. "First battle!"

Blaze leaned into his chest, exhausted—but smiling.

> ✅ [Mission Complete: First Wild Encounter]

+30 Points

🎁 Bonus Item: Small Heal Orb (Heals minor wounds)

Used automatically on Blaze.

Kai felt Blaze's breathing ease as the soft glow of healing washed over him. He hugged him close.

"You were amazing out there."

Blaze chirped quietly and fell asleep against Kai's chest.

---

🌙 Campfire Dreams

That night, they camped under the stars.

Kai sat beside the small fire, Blaze curled up on his lap. The baby Pokémon's tail flicked gently in rhythm with his soft snores.

Kai looked up at the sky. "This is just the beginning."

> ✅ [Mission Complete: Bonding Time]

🎁 Bonus: PokéSnack Set (Blaze will love this tomorrow.)

The system chimed softly, but Kai didn't even glance at it.

He was too focused on the way Blaze's breathing matched his. The fire, the stars, the quiet.

The start of a journey.

Not one of world-saving, not some grand mystery.

Just him.

His partner.

And the road ahead.

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