[14 August 2025]
The world shattered in a scream of tires and splintering glass. Elias, sixteen, had no time to react as the car barreled toward him. One moment, he was walking home, lost in thought. The next, pain seared through him, and darkness consumed everything. His last thought was a desperate plea: This can't be the end.
He drifted in a formless void, weightless, untethered. Time dissolved, meaningless. Then, a radiant presence materialized—a being of liquid starlight, its form shifting like a cosmic mirage. Its voice echoed in his mind, calm yet commanding. "Your death was a mistake," it said. "A flaw in the universe's design. I offer you a new life as amends. Choose wisely."
Elias' consciousness flickered, his sharp mind grasping the chance. "A new life?" he asked, his voice a faint echo. "Where? What are my options?"
The being's light pulsed, conjuring visions of worlds. "First, your world: a realm of Pokémon, alive with creatures and battles; a magical land of sorcery and ancient dragons; a sci-fi frontier of starships and technology; or a modern earth, grounded but familiar."
Elias' heart surged. The Pokémon world—vibrant, boundless, a place where strategy and bonds shaped legends. "The Pokémon world," he chose. "It's alive, full of challenges I can conquer."
The being nodded, its light shifting to show regions. "Next, your region: Kalos, elegant and mysterious; Sinnoh, rugged and ancient; Unova, driven by ambition; or Johto, rich in tradition."
"Kalos," Elias said, drawn to its beauty and complexity. "It's the perfect stage for a new start."
"Your starting place within Kalos," the being continued. "Lumiose City, a bustling hub; Vaniville Town, quiet and serene; a rugged mountain path; or a forest just outside Lumiose."
"The forest outside Lumiose," Elias decided. "Close to the city, but calm to begin."
The vision morphed into a lush forest, glowing with life. "Now, your companion," the being said. "Choose a Pokémon: Deino, a blind dragon of untamed potential; Bagon, a dreamer yearning for flight; Gible, a fierce burrower; or Axew, a resolute warrior."
Elias didn't hesitate. "Deino," he said. "Its raw power and evolution make it unstoppable."
"Your abilities," the being intoned. "Select two: unmatched mastery over dragon-types, needing no training; instant knowledge of a Pokémon's full potential and evolution line upon capture; mastery over fire or electric types; or learning faster than any human."
Elias' mind raced, calculating. "Dragon mastery," he chose, "to bond with them instantly. And instant knowledge of every Pokémon I catch—their moves, strengths, everything."
"Finally, an item," the being said. "A special Poké Ball with a dragon pattern, binding your starter; a rare stone of hidden power; a gadget for travels; or a map revealing secret places."
"The Poké Ball," Elias replied. "It'll mark my bond with Deino, make it unique."
The being's light softened. "Your appearance—you may choose freely."
Elias envisioned himself ready for adventure. "Lean and quick, dark brown hair, green eyes. Black jacket with a hood, jeans, sturdy boots. Built to move unseen."
The being's form shimmered, almost approving. "Your choices are set. But why this path?"
Elias' voice hardened with resolve. "I want a life where I can forge my own legend, outsmart my foes, and live without limits. No mistakes this time."
"So be it," the being said. "Your new life begins. But fate is never certain." Its voice faded, and warmth flooded Elias' senses. Grass brushed his fingers, sunlight warmed his face. He was alive.
He stood in a forest, towering trees filtering golden light, the air buzzing with wild Pokémon. His black jacket fit like a second skin, the hood casting a shadow over his green eyes. At his belt, a Poké Ball gleamed, etched with a swirling dragon design. His heart thumped. Kalos. It's real.
Elias gripped the Poké Ball, steady despite the thrill. "Deino," he called, pressing the button. Red light flashed, and the small, blind dragon appeared, its furry head tilting as it sniffed. "Dei-no?" it growled, curious.
Elias knelt, his draken-talent surging—an instant bond, like they'd always been partners. "Hey, buddy," he said, grinning. "I'm Elias. We're gonna take this world by storm." Deino snorted, nudging his knee, loyal already.
Elias stood, his sharp mind taking in the forest—winding paths through the trees, faint Pokémon cries in the distance. This was his chance to forge a legend, step by step, in the shadows. He gripped the Poké Ball, steady despite the thrill. "Let's do this, Deino," he murmured, his voice low.