Ralts swayed uncertainly by the riverbank, its small body trembling with indecision. Should it use its Psychic powers to pull Luther up? Something like this had happened just a few days ago, but at that time, Luther had been fully submerged in the water.
Now, however, Luther was merely dipping his head into the clear river, droplets cascading from his soaked hair.
Jiang Lin pulled his head out of the water, coughing violently as air rushed back into his lungs. Ralts edged closer, eyes full of concern, but Jiang Lin raised a trembling hand to stop it.
It had been four days since Jiang Lin crossed into this world, and the experience was anything but welcoming.
The previous owner of this body was named Luther. When Jiang Lin found himself inhabiting it, icy river water was already flooding his lungs. The suffocating pressure left his chest burning, making him believe that his journey to this world would end as swiftly as it began.
Jiang Lin's poor swimming skills couldn't save him from the weight of exhaustion and oxygen deprivation.
Fortunately, Ralts had intervened, using its limited Psychic abilities to lift his head just enough to keep him afloat. That small act of salvation was all he needed. His body, driven by pure survival instinct, thrashed its way to the riverbank.
Now, as Jiang Lin recalled the fragmented memories of Luther's life, he looked at the timid Ralts and felt a wave of disbelief. It was undeniable , he had crossed over.
He was in the world of Pokémon.
From the scattered bits of knowledge he gathered, it was clear that Pokémon had many names and were perceived differently across regions. Yet, no matter the perspective, they were the wondrous creatures that had once filled Jiang Lin's childhood with joy.
Even during the bleakest days, watching Pokémon shows on television had been a rare comfort. A world teeming with both adorable and awe-inspiring creatures , it was a dream come true for many, Jiang Lin included.
But even with the wonder of this realization, he couldn't shake the surreal feeling. For four days, he had returned to the riverbank, each time plunging his head into the water, desperate to confirm that he wasn't trapped in a dream.
The cold sting of water, the violent gasping for air, it all felt painfully real. The only relief in the ordeal was the river's coolness against his fevered skin.
No more. Jiang Lin swore that this would be his last self-imposed trial. From this day forward, he would accept the truth.
He was Luther now.
...
Luther drew in a steadying breath, his gaze settling on Ralts, who was still watching him anxiously. Over the past four days, he'd remained distant, uncertain. Though he'd stepped into a world he once adored, he had yet to touch any of these creatures.
Determined to break the invisible barrier, Luther reached out a hand, wanting to feel the warmth of the little Pokémon.
Ralts flinched. Panic flashed in its eyes as it spun around and dashed away, heading straight toward the Twinleaf Town Pokémon Center.
Luther froze, startled by the sudden reaction. Then, the memory struck him.
The original Luther carried a heavy burden.
"Pokémon Phobia."
It wasn't unheard of in a world where humans and Pokémon coexisted. For some, the fear of these creatures was deeply ingrained. And Luther was no exception.
A childhood incident had left him scarred, being a victim of a wild Pokémon attack. That trauma lingered, festering into a deep-seated fear. Even as he grew older, the phobia refused to fade.
Tragedy compounded his suffering. After losing both parents in an accident, Luther grew up without the guiding hand of a family. In the absence of nurturing care, he did not grow to hate Pokémon, but he never overcame his fear.
Raised in an orphanage, Luther had been recommended for a job at the Pokémon Center upon adulthood. Yet his duties were carefully chosen. He cared only for the elderly and children recovering from accidents, avoiding any direct contact with Pokémon.
Until now.
Luther sighed. Though he had inherited original Luther's memories, he refused to inherit his fears. If he was to navigate this world, he had to face its creatures.
And that began with Ralts.
The Pokémon at the Pokémon Center had grown wary of the person who had been around them for so long, yet always seemed distant and uneasy in their presence. Over time, they naturally kept their distance from Luther.
However, Luther understood another reason why Ralts avoided him. Ralts's horn could sense human emotions, and it gravitated toward positive feelings.
He could hide his emotions from others, but not from Ralts. The truth was, he had been feeling down.
At the entrance of the Pokémon Center, Director Shiran stood holding Ralts, his expression tinged with frustration as he eyed Luther's damp collar and sleeves.
"How long has it been since you nearly drowned? What if something like that happens again?"
Despite the scolding, Luther could hear the genuine concern in the Director's voice. He lowered his head in silent acknowledgment.
"Did you send Ralts to watch over me?" he asked quietly.
Director Shiran sighed and nodded. "You're already twenty years old; it's not exactly appropriate to have someone tailing you all the time. I thought Ralts could keep an eye on you instead. Don't worry, it won't come near unless you want it to."
Luther's lips curled into a faint smile. "Well, I want to touch it now."
Director Shiran blinked in disbelief, his mouth hanging open as if he had misheard.
"You... you what?"
"I mean it," Luther repeated, gesturing toward Ralts.
Director Shiran hesitated, stunned by the sudden change. His arms instinctively cradled the small Pokémon closer. "But your phobia…"
"I want to overcome it." Luther's voice was firm, his gaze unwavering.
Before Director Shiran could object further, Luther reached out and gently lifted the wriggling Ralts from his arms.
The sensation was incredible. Ralts's skin was velvety smooth and radiated a faint warmth. Its body yielded slightly under his touch, like the soft resilience of delicate silk or jelly. Luther marveled at the feeling, captivated.
Holding Ralts at eye level, he gazed into its large, light red eyes that peeked out from beneath its green hair. The Pokémon's bewildered expression was almost comical. Unable to resist, Luther reached out and affectionately rubbed its head.
Director Shiran looked as if his entire understanding of the world had been upended. For seven years, he had watched Luther avoid Pokémon like the plague.
Luther never dined with Pokémon. While others enjoyed meals alongside their companions, he isolated himself in a small corner to eat alone.
He never joined the Center's staff in tending to Pokémon. Even when injured or sick Pokémon needed care, Luther avoided any involvement.
He avoided even accidental contact. Once, after brushing against a Pokémon by mistake, Luther locked himself in his room for an entire day.
He refused Pokémon assistance. Tasks like moving supplies or heavy objects were commonly handled by strong Pokémon like Machamp, Ursaring, or even Onix. But Luther insisted on doing everything himself, relying on equipment and stubborn determination instead.
For Luther, childhood trauma had cemented one belief: the only way to protect himself was to stay as far from Pokémon as possible.
But now, as Director Shiran watched Luther hold Ralts with such ease, he realized that something within him had shifted. And perhaps, that shift was only just beginning.
Like a thorn-covered creature, he stubbornly wished for others to understand him. But every time someone tried to get close, they were inevitably pricked and pushed away.
He had seen psychiatrists, and the Pokemon Center had gently tried to help him through subtle exposure therapy. Yet, Luther had only ever managed to tolerate the presence of Pokémon without fleeing. And now, he was not only near one but actually holding Ralts?
Director Shiran, a devout believer, instinctively clasped his hands and murmured a prayer, hoping he wasn't merely hallucinating. But once his eyes reopened, there was no denying the sight before him, Ralts, no longer trembling, was nuzzling comfortably in Luther's arms, its earlier panic nowhere to be seen.
"Luther, are you feeling alright? You don't have a fever, do you?" Director Shiran's concern was evident, though he restrained himself from instinctively reaching out to check for a temperature.
Luther chuckled lightly. "It's hot today. If anything, I'm more likely to have heatstroke than a fever."
Director Shiran blinked, the worry lines on his face softening. After a moment's pause, he sighed deeply. "It's been seven years. You were just thirteen when you came to the Pokemon Center. I always hoped that one day you would face your fears. Pokémon are incredible creatures, cute, beautiful, mysterious, and endlessly fascinating. I've long wished you could break free from your past and see this world through your own eyes."
With trembling hands, the elderly director pulled Luther into a gentle embrace. "You did it, child. I don't know how, but you did it. I only hope you're not forcing yourself, masking your fear just to prove something."
"I'm not lying to you, Director. When Ralts saved me from drowning, I had a lot to think about over these past few days. And today, I decided to try. You saw it yourself, I succeeded." Luther's voice was firm, though a trace of hesitation lingered. "There are... some personal reasons that pushed me to change. I can't explain them just yet, but I hope you can understand."
Of course, he couldn't possibly admit the truth. The original Luther was gone. In his place was someone else entirely, a transmigrator from another world. Revealing that secret to Director Shiran would be unthinkable. Some things were best kept hidden.
Director Shiran studied him for a moment, then nodded with a smile. "Everyone has their secrets. If you aren't ready to share, I won't pry. All that matters is that this change has brought something good."
Warmth welled up within Luther, an unexpected sting of tears threatening to fall.
His past life had not been kind.
Depression had clouded his days, making every moment a struggle. Social situations became exhausting performances, with him constantly adjusting his face to suit the expectations of others. The crushing weight of financial strain loomed over him, adding frustration and helplessness to his every step.
He had known he was unwell, painfully aware of the dark pit that threatened to swallow him whole. Therapy had helped, providing temporary relief, but the underlying weight never truly lifted. Each return to the workplace reignited the torment. Sleepless nights left him restless, while the fear of panic attacks lingered beneath the surface.
In his most vulnerable moments, he had reached out, calling the people who should have been his strongest support. He had bared his pain in simple, careful words, desperately hoping his parents would see the cracks beneath his facade.
But they hadn't understood.
To them, their son was simply lazy, unmotivated, a disappointment. They couldn't fathom the agony that his calm voice concealed.
So, he had smiled. He bid his parents goodnight, showed up to work the next day, and ensured all his pending tasks were neatly passed on to colleagues.
That evening, he treated himself to his favorite meal at a local hotel, savoring every bite. Then, beneath the glow of city lights, he climbed to the rooftop of his apartment building. He gazed down at the bustling streets below, waiting for the traffic to thin, for the world to quiet.
Only once the streets were empty did he finally step forward.
And yet, he did not meet the end he had anticipated.
Instead, he awoke in a strange new body, in a world that had once only existed in the vibrant colors of a television screen. The name 'Luther' now belonged to him. But even as he stood in this fantastical world, the shadows of his past still clung to him.
In the howling wind, he recalled the aimless, disjointed years of his life. He felt sorry for the parents who raised him, but the overwhelming weight of his own existence had sapped all his courage. Just facing each day had exhausted him, and he couldn't find anyone to offer the comfort he so desperately needed.
For those battling depression, true relief rarely came from external sources. Beyond the endless cycle of self-healing and pushing through despair, little else seemed to offer lasting solace.
To outsiders, their cries for help often appeared like mere complaints, dismissed with jokes and accusations of overthinking. Every careless remark became a pebble on the shoulders of those suffering, with no one knowing which one would finally tip them into complete despair.
Luther's pain reached its peak the moment he hit the ground. In that instant of shattering both body and spirit, something inexplicable happened, he awoke in Twinleaf Town, the serene village he had once dreamed of as a refuge, a paradise from his darkest days. The world of Pokémon.
Director Shiran's gentle concern now pierced Luther's guarded heart. Warmth seeped into the cracks of his past, slowly pushing out the cold. Though he knew his depression had not vanished, a spark of hope had ignited, a hope for healing.
He looked down at Ralts. This time, he would face himself. No more running away.
---
Dinner began under the weight of stunned gazes.
Luther's colleagues at the Pokémon Center were baffled. To see him willingly sit down in the bustling dining hall, surrounded by people and Pokémon, seemed impossible.
The Pokémon, naturally cautious, edged away with their food bowls. Director Shiran had firmly instructed them to keep their distance.
Yet the most shocking moment came when a hesitant Growlithe passed by, trailing the scent of food. Without thinking, Luther tossed the bone he had set aside straight to the little Pokémon.
Gasps echoed through the room.
Luther... fed a Pokémon?
Compared to Director Shiran's composed reaction, the others were far from calm. Some reached out to check his forehead, others produced thermometers, and one particularly thorough colleague suggested taking more accurate readings from elsewhere.
The poor Growlithe, caught in the chaos, hesitated for a moment before deciding that the delicious bone was worth the risk. Ignoring the commotion, it chomped down, savoring its unexpected treat.
Luther blinked, not anticipating such an uproar over his childhood habit of feeding stray dogs. Just as one particularly enthusiastic coworker prepared to wield a thermometer inappropriately, Director Shiran stepped in to explain.
Silence fell as the staff listened. Then, with an infectious burst of energy, applause erupted. Cheers rang through the hall as his colleagues raised their fists in celebration.
Luther, overwhelmed, half-expected someone to shout, "Arsenal is the champion!" The surreal atmosphere almost made the thought plausible.
Amidst the raucous celebration, the head chef emerged triumphantly, carrying an enormous pot of stew. With a grin, she swung her ladle, piling a generous portion onto Luther's plate.
"In honor of Luther conquering his 'Pokémon Phobia,' everyone gets extra servings tonight!" she declared.
The cheers reached a crescendo. Luther, amused and embarrassed, rubbed his forehead before finally digging into the meal. Despite the lingering disbelief, he couldn't deny the warmth that surrounded him.
But then, mid-bite, something struck him.
The meat he was chewing, tender, juicy, and rich, was suspiciously familiar.
His gaze flicked toward the dining hall's menu. Relief washed over him as he read the label:
"Braised Beef."
He relaxed. Not Tauros. Definitely not Tauros.
In this world, Pokémon weren't just companions or partners, they were also part of the food chain. Unlike the idealized harmony shown in the animated series, the reality of this world was more grounded.
While familiar animals from his previous world existed, adding variety to the food supply, the coexistence of humans and Pokémon still reflected a natural balance where consumption played a role.
The Pokémon League and the regional governments had established strict regulations to protect most Pokémon species, preventing large-scale hunting. They also encouraged sustainable breeding programs, offering significant subsidies to ensure a steady meat supply without endangering wild populations. However, exceptions were sometimes made.
Luther's memories reminded him of a notable event from ten years ago when the League approved the mass capture of Magikarp during a population surge.
Despite its abundance, Magikarp wasn't exactly a culinary delight. If not cooked properly, its meat was notoriously tough. Only after hours of stewing did it become tender and somewhat enjoyable, leading to the rise of specialty Magikarp dishes.
While Luther wasn't entirely against enjoying braised Tauros, a little warning before dinner would have been appreciated.
After the noisy celebration, Luther retreated to his modest room, clutching a stack of old newspapers and magazines borrowed from his colleagues. Since the original Luther had avoided Pokémon-related news due to his phobia, he now had a significant knowledge gap to fill. He needed to quickly catch up on the state of this world.
Fortunately, he wasn't entirely clueless. Back in his original life, he had been a dedicated Pokémon fan, watching the anime religiously and playing the games with enthusiasm. While he wasn't a competitive player, he had a solid grasp of battle tactics and lore. The real question was which version of the world he had landed in.
Was it the anime timeline, where events tended to resolve without catastrophic consequences? The games, with their heightened challenges and more complex narratives? Or perhaps a completely alternate version of the Pokémon world? Luther hoped for the former, after all, the anime world's villains were far less terrifying.
He skimmed the headlines.
'"Pokémon League Announcement: Upcoming Sinnoh Region Gym Inspections to Ensure Compliance and Operational Standards."'
Luther frowned. He remembered that some League inspectors were famously powerful, with a few rumored to possess Legendary Pokémon like Latias. Such inspections were no mere formality; they were a reflection of the League's resolve to maintain competitive integrity.
In this expanded version of the Pokémon world, anyone with enough skill and resources could apply to establish a Gym. Upon passing the League's rigorous assessments, successful applicants received official Gym status and the authority to award Badges. Being a Gym Leader also came with a stable salary, government benefits, and regional influence, an enticing opportunity for aspiring trainers.
However, these inspections frequently exposed leaders who neglected their duties, prioritizing personal gain over their responsibilities. Some Gyms, especially those passed down through generations, suffered from lackluster successors who could not uphold their predecessors' reputations.
Luther flipped to another newspaper.
'"Team Magma and Team Aqua's Scheme Thwarted!"'
He quickly checked the date. It was an issue from five months ago. Despite the detailed coverage, it was impossible to determine which timeline he was in. Both the games and the anime had similar incidents, but their outcomes differed significantly. This lack of clarity gnawed at him.
Finally, he picked up a magazine. The cover featured a bold headline in bright, flashy letters:
'"Conquer the Battle Frontier: A Special Feature on Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"'
Luther blinked. 'Ash Ketchum?'
It seemed like his answer might be closer than he thought.
'(End of Chapter)'