In the Kingdom of Luthadel,Captain Valen knelt on one knee before the towering throne, his heart steady but his mind alert.
The grand throne room was vast, with polished stone floors and towering columns that reached toward a ceiling adorned with intricate tapestries. The air was cool and still, every sound echoing softly against the high walls. Beside him knelt Tom, his second-in-command, equally composed yet watchful. The two soldiers had just returned from their investigation of the forest, summoned to report directly to the King.
King Aldric sat upon his gilded throne, dressed in deep, royal blue robes embroidered with gold. His sharp, calculating eyes were fixed on Valen, studying him as one might study an opponent in battle. Around the throne, the King's advisors stood in silence, their gazes cold and curious. The atmosphere was tense, heavy with anticipation.
The King's voice broke the silence. "Captain Valen," he began, his tone measured but with an undeniable edge. "You were sent to investigate the strange occurrences in the forest near Nahir. I have heard rumors, but I do not deal in rumors. I want the truth. Tell me—what did you find?"
Valen raised his head, his eyes meeting the King's. "Your Majesty, we found much more than we expected. The creatures in the forest are unlike anything we've ever encountered. They are called 'Pokémon,' and they possess remarkable powers. However, they are not mindless beasts but are rather intelligent. They follow the guidance of a man named Daniel, who appears to act as their caretaker."
The King's brow furrowed slightly. "This... Daniel. What manner of man is he? Should he be considered a threat to the kingdom?"
Valen hesitated only for a moment before answering. "He is a man of principle, Your Majesty. We've never encounteted him in the past—at least, not from what I can gather. But while the Pokémon under his care are powerful, I do not believe they pose a threat unless provoked. Daniel seeks peace and is dedicated to protecting the Pokémon and ensuring they live in harmony with humans. He made it clear that he wishes no harm to the kingdom or its people, as long as his Pokémon are treated with respect."
The King leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "And you believe him?"
"I do," Valen said, his voice firm. "I believe that Daniel is sincere in his desire to coexist peacefully. He allowed my men and me into the forest, gave us knowledge of these creatures, and even demonstrated their abilities. He has power, yes, but he does not seem to wish to use it against us. His loyalty lies with the Pokémon, not necessarily with or against us."
The King's fingers drummed lightly against the armrest of his throne as he considered Valen's words. The advisors exchanged quiet, uncertain glances, but none spoke.
"Power," the King repeated softly, his gaze shifting to Tom, who stood beside Valen. "I have heard you are a man of caution, Captain. But words are not enough to sway me. Do you have proof of these creatures' abilities? How am I to know that this Daniel and his... Pokémon, as you call them, are not biding their time, waiting to strike?"
Valen turned his head slightly toward Tom and gave a nod. "Tom, bring out Elekid."
Tom took a deep breath, then reached for a small, red and white sphere attached to his belt—a Pokéball. The King and his advisors watched curiously as Tom held the ball forward.
"Your Majesty, allow me to introduce Elekid," Tom said, his voice steady, though he couldn't help but feel a hint of nerves. He pressed the button, and with a flash of light, Elekid materialized before the throne.
The small, yellow Pokémon blinked, its pronged horns sparking with electricity. It looked around the room, eyes wide and curious, before its gaze settled on Tom. The King's advisors shifted, unnerved by the sight of the unknown creature. The creature was small—no more than a child's height—and its round, playful appearance seemed anything but threatening.
King Aldric's expression remained impassive, though Valen could sense his skepticism. "This... is Elekid?" the King asked, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of disbelief. "This is the creature you speak of? It seems unique yet... unremarkable."
Tom's lips twitched into a small smile. "He may look small, Your Majesty, but Elekid is far more capable than his appearance suggests. With your permission, I'd like to demonstrate his abilities."
The King raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued now. "Very well," he said, gesturing for Tom to proceed. "Show me what this so called 'Pokémon' can do."
Tom knelt down beside Elekid and placed a hand on its shoulder. "Elekid," he said softly, "let's give them a little show. Use Thunder Shock."
Elekid's eyes brightened, and a mischievous grin spread across its face. It took a step forward, raising its small arms. The prongs on its head sparked again, this time crackling with visible electricity. The advisors took a collective step back as the room filled with the hum of gathering energy. Before anyone could react, Elekid released a burst of electric energy that shot across the room, striking a metal chandelier near at the roof of the throne room. The electricity danced along the metal, sending sparks flying and illuminating the room in a brilliant flash of light.
The King's eyes widened, and even the stoic advisors couldn't hide their shock. The electricity crackled for a moment longer before fading, leaving the chandelier scorched but intact. Elekid lowered its arms, a satisfied expression on its face as it looked back at Tom.
Tom looked back at the King, trying to suppress a grin. "Elekid may be small, Your Majesty, but his power is very real."
King Aldric leaned back in his throne, his expression unreadable. The room was silent, save for the faint crackle of residual electricity in the air. Finally, the King spoke, his voice measured but laced with a hint of caution. "Impressive. I see now that these creatures possess abilities far beyond what we've known. But their power also raises questions."
The King's gaze shifted to Valen. "Captain, you say that Daniel has control over many of these creatures. If he were to turn against us, could we defend ourselves?"
Valen straightened his posture. "Your Majesty, I believe Daniel has no intention of becoming our enemy. He is a man of peace. But if we were to provoke him or harm the Pokémon under his care, I cannot say what his response would be. The Pokémon are loyal to him, just as my soldiers are loyal to me. If we respect their boundaries, I believe they will respect ours."
The King considered this for a long moment, his fingers once again drumming against the armrest. "You have given me much to think about, Captain Valen. For now, I will heed your counsel. I expect a full written report by the end of the day, leave out no details. You are dismissed."
Valen and Tom both bowed deeply. After Elekid jumped onto Tom's shoulder, they turned and left the throne room, the doors closing behind them.
As soon as they were gone, the King turned to his advisors, his voice low but filled with intensity. "What do you make of this?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over the gathered men and women. "These creatures—these Pokémon—could be an asset or a threat. I want your opinions."
One of the advisors, an older man with a weathered face and sharp eyes, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the demonstration was indeed impressive. But I am wary. We do not know the full extent of these creatures' power, nor do we know the intentions of this Daniel. If he controls many of them, as Captain Valen says, he could become a dangerous adversary."
Another advisor, a younger woman with a calm demeanor, spoke next. "I see potential, Your Majesty. If these Pokémon can be persuaded to serve the kingdom, they could become powerful allies. But we must proceed carefully. Captain Valen believes Daniel seeks peace, and it may be wise to foster a relationship with him rather than treating him as an enemy."
The King nodded slowly, taking in their words. His mind was already turning over the possibilities. Daniel and his Pokémon could be a boon to the kingdom—or a grave threat. For now, he would tread carefully. But one thing was clear: the world was changing, and the Kingdom of Luthadel needed to be prepared for whatever came next.
"Send for a messenger," the King declared, "I want to meet this 'Daniel' in person."