Chapter 1:
In the early 14th century of this parallel world, where Europe's landscape stretched as vast and tumultuous as our own, Pokémon had long shared the Earth with humans. The continent was divided into kingdoms, each with its own rules, traditions, and hierarchies. One of the most defining aspects of this world was the rigid five-tiered caste system, which governed the lives of all who dwelled within its boundaries.
At the top of this hierarchy stood the Human nobility, those blessed by noble birthright, recognized and revered by the kingdoms. Below them, the Human aristocrats, individuals of non-noble lineage but enjoying considerable wealth and influence. The largest stratum was the Human peasantry, comprising 40% landowning citizens and 60% serfs toiling on the vast estates.
Further down the rungs of society lay the Humanoid Pokémon, beings of relative human shape and intelligence or greater. Among them, 10% were landowning, non-citizens, while the majority were serfs or even slaves. Finally, the lowest tier encompassed non-humanoid Pokémon, considered mere animals and left to wander freely through the land.
Tule, a Kirlia, found herself in the midst of this complex societal tapestry. Her world was one of whispered secrets, concealed prejudices, and a relentless struggle for survival. She hailed from a family of extraordinary Pokémon - Gardevoirs and Gallades, well-known landowners, and astute businesspeople in their own right.
Her parents, Seraphina and Percival, were among the privileged few Pokémon who owned land, a rare and coveted distinction in this parallel world. They were engaged in a variety of businesses, trading resources and managing their properties across their holdings. Over the years, they had wedded all of Tule's sisters off to other esteemed Pokémon families, securing the family's legacy and wealth.
But Tule, despite being in her early twenties, had not yet evolved into a Gardevoir. Her parents, increasingly frustrated and desperate, couldn't help but view her as a burden, an impediment to the family's future prosperity. Their frustration had grown into deep-seated resentment, and their once-loving home was now plagued by incessant arguments.
The ornate, candlelit room in their opulent estate became the stage for one such bitter dispute. Seraphina, her silken, sapphire gown shimmering in the flickering light, stood on one side of the room. Percival, dressed in a tailored tuxedo, clenched his fists in frustration. Tule watched from the shadows, her eyes filled with sorrow.
"You promised us greatness, Seraphina," Percival hissed, his voice heavy with resentment. "Our daughters have evolved into elegant Gardevoirs, our sons have become proud Gallades, but Tule remains a Kirlia. We're the laughingstock of the other landowners. They say our family's prestige is nothing but smoke and mirrors."
Seraphina's eyes blazed with anger. "I promised prosperity, Percival. I've done everything in my power to secure our future. It's not my fault that Tule hasn't evolved. It's in her nature."
Tule's heart ached as her parents placed blame upon her, like a boulder crushing her spirit. She longed to evolve, to prove her worth, to be seen as a valuable asset to her family. But her latent potential remained locked away, hidden beneath layers of unfulfilled expectations.
As the night wore on, the discussion turned darker. They spoke of ways to get rid of Tule, of the shame she had brought upon their family. It seemed her parents were willing to go to extreme lengths to ensure their success. Tule's heart felt heavy, knowing she might be an unwitting casualty in their ruthless pursuit of status and prestige.
With the moon high in the night sky, the arguments subsided, leaving the once-gilded family on the precipice of a heart-wrenching decision. As the first chapter of Tule's story unfolded, it was clear that her path was fraught with trials and tribulations, and she had yet to discover the strength hidden deep within her.