The sensor on his head flared to life, bathing his vision in a soft, ethereal glow. The world around him sharpened, the familiar reality of the PokéCenter overlaid with a vibrant, augmented reality interface. A Rattata darted between people's feet, and a Pidgey sat above one of the vending machines. How could they not see them?
A crisp, synthesized voice echoed in his mind. "Welcome to the world of Pokémon ReGenesis!"
Miles Lennon stood inside the PokéCenter, the adrenaline still pumping from the launch day excitement. He remembered the rumble from before, but decided to ignore it since the game did not recognize it. He took a deep breath and headed for the exit. He was ready to start.
A holographic display appeared before his eyes, outlining the basic features of the ReGenesis system. It explained how to navigate the user interface, access the Pokédex, and interact with Pokémon. The tutorial also mentioned the potential for future tournaments and events where skilled trainers could earn real money, adding another layer of excitement to the experience. It was a rudimentary tutorial, clearly designed for complete novices. This was, after all, a world entirely new to the concept of Pokemon.
Miles skimmed through the information, a wave of both excitement and disbelief washing over him. He was in a world where Pokemon didn't exist until today! It was unreal. He had a second chance to create his life over again. But before that, he must master this world, just like he did back in his old one.
The tutorial explained the very basics of Pokémon. What type advantages were, and how to throw a pokeball. But these people didn't even get the reference! They were taking the tutorials with a straight face. It's kind of bizarre, a new world that has no idea what he has been doing all this time in his past life.
He stepped out into the bustling street, now even more chaotic than before. Digital Pokémon were everywhere, interacting with the environment and with each other. A flock of Spearow soared overhead, their digital forms seamlessly integrated into the real world sky. People were starting to get excited.
He saw a group of players standing near a park bench, attempting to catch a Pidgey. They were throwing Poké Balls haphazardly, yelling commands, and generally making a mess of things. The Pidgey, clearly agitated, pecked at one of the trainers before flying away.
Miles suppressed a smile. They had no idea what they were doing. It was as if they were trying to catch a real bird with a net, not a digital creature with a complex AI.
He watched as another trainer approached a Rattata cautiously, offering it a virtual berry from the ReGenesis store. The Rattata, initially wary, cautiously approached and nibbled at the berry. The trainer then threw a Poké Ball, and the Rattata was successfully captured.
Miles nodded to himself. That was more like it. Kindness, patience, and understanding were key to building a strong bond with Pokémon. Not brute force.
As he walked, he activated his own Pokédex, browsing the available Pokémon in the area. Pidgey, Rattata, Caterpie, Weedle all the common starting Pokémon were present. He could easily catch one of them, add it to his team, and start battling.
But he hesitated. He wanted something more than just a common Pokémon. He wanted a partner, a companion, a friend. He wanted to build a connection, just like he had seen in the anime. He also wanted to train the right way and make bank at official tournaments.
He knew that he couldn't do that around town. He needed to get away from the starting area, to a place where the more interesting Pokemon would appear.
He headed back to his house, a small but comfortable place on the outskirts of Clearview, a quiet town nestled in the rolling hills of what would be called Pennsylvania in his world. He grabbed his trusty bicycle from the garage. He mounted it, adjusted his sensor, and started pedaling, leaving the town center behind.
He enjoyed the ride, the wind in his hair and the sun on his face. Clearview was beautiful, with its tree lined streets and its quaint, old fashioned charm. It reminded him of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, from that one show. As he ventured away from town, the landscape shifted. He passed sprawling farms, verdant meadows, and dense forests. He pedaled for about fifteen minutes, until he reached a small wooded area that looked promising.
He knew that Grass type Pokémon were often found in such locations. He dismounted his bicycle, leaning it against a tree.
As he entered the wooded area, he noticed something odd. The leaves on the trees seemed to flicker momentarily, as if there was a glitch in the AR overlay. He blinked, thinking it was just his imagination.
He dismissed it and pressed on, his eyes scanning the undergrowth for any signs of Pokémon. He knew what to do, he knew where to go.
He paused, his senses on high alert. He could hear rustling in the bushes ahead, and he could smell the faint scent of mushrooms?
His heart quickened. Could it be?
He carefully pushed aside the branches, peering into the shadows.
There, nestled amongst the roots of a large tree, was a Shroomish. It was small and delicate, with a mushroom shaped cap and wide, innocent eyes. It was an uncommon find in starting areas, making it even more special.
The Shroomish looked up, startled by his presence. It hesitated for a moment, then darted behind the tree.
Miles smiled. This was going to be interesting.