Hey there, I'm Archer, just a regular kid born and raised in Bharatsa, the newest member of the Kanto Pokémon League. It's still kind of weird for me, being part of this whole Pokémon thing.
You see, Bharatsa is still finding its footing, and security isn't as tight as in the big-shot cities of Kanto. I'm about 6 years old now, but the most glaring thing, other than Pokémon – I'm way tougher than I ever was in my previous life. I mean, seriously durable. Turns out, in this Pokémon world, humans are a bit sturdier and have higher limits.
It's all because of Pokémon training and bonds. No, it's not some mystic nonsense. It's a scientifically proven fact, thanks to Dr. Samuel Oak. He's got multiple degrees, not just in Pokémon studies but also in Human studies, and he's the one who established the whole new subject of Pokémon-human relations.
At least I know who the students are going to curse in this world. The guy literally started a whole new field of study. It's deep and tough; you can think of it like a new study as significant as math or physics, but it's interlinked with all of them.
{Knowledge point: After generations of bonding with Pokémon, humans' limits have increased. Especially famous families like the Blackthorn Clan in Johto or the Waterflowers in Cerulean, who focus on specific types, seem to gain concentrated benefits. But at the same time, they acquire traits too. For example, Blackthorn members seem to share a distaste for the Clefairy line or Azumarill line with their Dragon Pokémon, but to a mild extent. Similar to a bad first impression.}
My trusty AI – my greatest advantage, second only to my rebirth in this world. Even my achievements in medical sciences that filled me with pride are nothing new here. In fact, I'm decades behind the latest findings and literally not useful in most treatment options. But nonetheless, I at least don't need to start from scratch again. And with my AI I am rapidly catching up. These knowledge points at the required times are just on of the ways it is useful.
Strolling down the street from the library, I caught sight of a Pokémon battle unfolding nearby. A Beedrill was locked in combat with a Butterfree.
In the bustling streets of Bharatsa, the clash between two Pokémon trainers, Jon and Sam, unfolded like a choreographed dance.
JON VS SAM
Jon, with a confident grin, commanded his Butterfree to take the lead. "Butterfree, initiate with Sleep Powder!"
The elegant butterfly Pokémon responded, fluttering its wings to release a gentle cascade of powdery scales. The aim was to lull Sam's Beedrill into a deep slumber and gain an early advantage.
However, Sam wasn't one to be easily caught off guard. He always been sharp in mind.
With a sharp command, he directed his Beedrill to evade the Sleep Powder with nimble agility. "Beedrill, dodge and counter with Poison Jab!"
The aggressive bee Pokémon zipped through the air, avoiding the sleep-inducing particles and retaliating with a swift, venomous strike.
As the battle intensified, Jon seized the moment. "Butterfree, Psybeam now!"
With a graceful twist, Butterfree unleashed a dazzling display of Psybeam, a rainbow-colored beam that cut through the air. The radiant attack aimed to disrupt Beedrill's focus and turn the tide in Jon's favor.
Yet, Sam, unfazed, issued a calculated response. "Beedrill, Harden to defend against Psybeam!" Beedrill cloaked itself in a protective layer of hardened exoskeleton, deflecting the psychic assault with resilience. The clash between the delicate Psybeam and the reinforced defenses added a bit of complexity to the battle, unlike the games or anime.
In the streets of Bharatsa, where Pokémon battles mirrored the intricate dynamics of the region, Jon and Sam's clash was a spectacle of its cultural differences between clans - Bees and Frees.
Bug types and rock/ground types were everywhere in Bharatsa, more common than even water types, despite it being a peninsula filled with rivers. It's odd, but there's a reason for it. The Pokémon League here isn't fully in effect.
Its usual role is to manage the Pokémon species in the wild, assisting in planting wild berry trees and regulating species migration. It works well in other regions, given the intelligence of Pokémon, but Bharatsa is a different ball game.
The League's policy is not easy to fulfill here. Not to mention the lack of interest from officials and the strong untamed wildlife, most important reason - gangs and clans.
See, we've got gangs here, from street level all the way up to the country level. They change every day, fueled by grudges, politics, and even garner public support. It's like a constant turf war.
It is further exaggerated by each state completely different from each other, from language to culture. The only reason it is held together is the former royal family of Tyrannis. Named after their signature Pokémon - Tyranitar, it presents their control over the only land connection to Kanto through Silver Mountains.
Of course, the main problem is the clans. Bharatsa is said to have ruins that date back to be one of the oldest trainer signs but is impaired in its development due to its tradition. The reason is each citizen seems to trace the roots to their clan. Even the associations are limited to the same clans. Each clan forms a network of relationships from the farmer to even the royal family - [a part of Rock Clan.]
It is eerily familiar to me, similar to the caste system focused on either jobs, Pokémon, etc. The example being Jon and Sam, who trace themselves to respective clans - Frees and Bees. Each member had their representative Pokémon for generations; they hate each other's guts with passion.
The clans may not necessarily have some secret methods or like, it's just their signature Pokémon were something the members watched all their life - making them better in training them at different classes compared to the average trainer.
Beedrill and Butterfree were locked in a dance of agility and strategy, each move is visual fest for me.
As the final moments approached, Jon, with a triumphant gleam in his eyes, seized the opportunity given by beedrill's exhaustion, "Butterfree, finish it with Solar Beam!"
The elegant butterfly Pokémon gathered energy from the sunlight, a radiant glow enveloping its wings. The air crackled with anticipation as the powerful beam charged. Sam's Beedrill, recognizing the impending threat, attempted to dodge.
But it was too late.
The Solar Beam erupted, a burst of energy surging towards Beedrill. The impact was overwhelming, and as the glow subsided, Beedrill staggered, unable to battle any longer.
Jon's victory was clear.
With a confident grin, Jon recalled his exhausted Butterfree. "You did great, Butterfree. Rest up."
Sam, acknowledging defeat, sighed and returned Beedrill to its Poké Ball. Jon couldn't resist a teasing smile. "Well, Sam, seems like I win."
Sam, though visibly frustrated, managed a nod. "This isn't over, Jon. Next time, the Bees will triumph."
Jon playfully saluted. "Looking forward to my next win then.."
The onlookers, drawn to the spectacle, murmured among themselves. Jon, reveling in his victory, couldn't resist a parting taunt. "Maybe your Beedrill just needs a bit more training. Or perhaps you should pray to born among the Frees in the next life. We do have the winning touch."
Sam shot a defiant look. "We'll see about that, Jon. The Bees will always soar higher."
His beedril screeched at that showing his approval at the comment.
Bharatsa might not be as flashy as the Kanto gym cities, but hey, we've got our charm.