Chapter Seventeen: Mega Evolution

Charmander first realized it was different from its kin on a bright midday, as volcanic ash drifted lazily over Chimney Mountain. The warm sunlight bathed its scales while it played with others of its kind. That day, they were to be taught how to hunt Lava Worms—Pokémon that were highly nutritious for young Charmanders.

A Charizard, tasked with guarding them, caught a Lava Worm and let them freely use their moves to attack it. Anyone who could kill the worm would get to savor its tender flesh and abundant fire energy. The others rushed forward, using moves like Scratch and Fire Fang, but their efforts barely made a dent.

Anxiously watching from the sidelines, Charmander’s heart ached for the nearly lifeless Lava Worm. It longed to taste the tender meat and pushed past its companions. Its restless flames seemed to awaken a strange power within; its hands surged with strength, and a fierce impulse rose up, followed by sharp pain.

When the pain subsided, Charmander saw the Lava Worm split open with a deep gash, tender flesh and flames spilling from the wound. Without hesitation, it lunged forward, tearing greedily.

But to its surprise, none of the others joined in. Instead, it was met with fearful and disgusted glances. Even the Charizard guarding them positioned the others behind itself, watching Charmander warily.

Charmander didn’t understand why.

Yet it was rejected—feared, mocked, and bullied by its own kind. Despite this, the watching Charizard remained indifferent. However, when Charmander bared its teeth at its tormentors, the Charizard’s intimidation silenced it, stirring a deep resentment within Charmander.

That resentment festered until one day it exploded. Charmander again unleashed that strange power, severely wounding five of its tormentors and lightly injuring two more. This brought about a furious hunt by the clan. Its mother could not shield it, and the enraged Charizards were intent on killing it.

Then, Charmander met Zhao Fang.

A human Pokémon Trainer—this was what its mother had told it about these beings. They usually showed great interest in Pokémon like them. Its mother had seen others follow trainers and return as powerful Charizards, while some were captured and taken away, never to be seen again.

So Charmander resisted the trainer at first, unwilling to leave its mother.

Captured by Zhao Fang, its heart was full of defiance. But to protect its mother, it had no choice. To its surprise, this human seemed to value it greatly and made a solemn bond with it. Charmander’s desire to grow stronger began to intensify.

When it hesitated over whether to use the move that had brought it scorn and bullying, Zhao Fang’s encouragement gave it resolve. The outcome brought something new—Zhao Fang did not recoil or fear it but instead was truly delighted.

Seeing the joy radiating from Zhao Fang’s face and feeling the stirring emotions, Charmander happily reached out, placing its claw in the trainer’s hand.

“You’re amazing, Charmander!” Zhao Fang said, gently stroking its head.

The move it had just used was unmistakable—Dragon Claw. But what thrilled Zhao Fang most was that in that fleeting moment, Charmander’s form had shifted. That posture—the strong, powerful stance—Zhao Fang recognized it instantly: Charizard’s Mega Evolution!

Charizard had two Mega Evolutions—Mega Charizard Y and Mega Charizard X—and Charmander’s stance resembled Mega Charizard X perfectly. Seeing this, Zhao Fang had to admit he was both amazed and bewildered.

Mega Charizard X was a powerful physical attacker with the Tough Claws ability, which boosted the strength of contact moves. Zhao Fang was already planning Charmander’s future training focused on enhancing strength and speed, envisioning it as a formidable physical fighter.

Moreover, Charizard could fly! Unlike Gyarados, which could not learn Fly, Charizard had a clear advantage in this regard. Zhao Fang’s ideas included letting Charmander experiment with this ability.

Gyarados, overhearing Zhao Fang’s plans, brightened and mysteriously called Charmander over. The two Pokémon exchanged quiet words, which made Zhao Fang slightly uneasy—he worried Gyarados might teach Charmander Iron Head.

Zhao Fang nodded thoughtfully. Though not a Pokémon Professor, he understood that for a basic form like Charmander to forcibly use Mega Charizard X’s power before evolving would undoubtedly strain its body. He wondered if this would ease once Charmander evolved into Charmeleon.

“That move is powerful but too taxing on you. It’s best not to use it until you evolve. For now, I’ll focus your training on building strength and speed,” Zhao Fang said earnestly, patting Charmander’s head.

Despite his excitement, Zhao Fang quickly regained his composure and asked a crucial question, “Did using that move hurt you badly?”

Charmander tilted its head in confusion and responded with cries and gestures. After much effort, Zhao Fang understood: using Dragon Claw was painful, but it did not leave Charmander overly fatigued.

Zhao Fang smiled gently, already picturing the path ahead. Charmander was destined to become a mighty physical attacker, and with Charizard’s aerial prowess, it held great promise.

Looking toward Orange Grove Forest, Zhao Fang thought of the upcoming meeting with Gengar the next day. He also wondered how Dragmencia was faring—whether anything had changed. The thought of Dragmencia’s temperament made him anxious; after being away so long, was it well-fed?

Determined, Zhao Fang resolved to bring extra food and berries, knowing that if he couldn’t keep Dragmencia well-nourished, it might grow upset.

With these plans forming, the future seemed filled with hope and challenge alike.