NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Birth of a New Era
The world after the War was a fragile place. The scars left behind by human ambition and Pokémon's wrath lingered in every region, etched into the landscapes and the hearts of its people. Fear of Pokémon was tempered with newfound reverence for the Legendaries, whose actions had stopped the chaos but nearly shattered the world in the process. It was an age of rebuilding, both of structures and of trust.
In the wake of the Legendaries' fury, the monarchies that had fueled the war were no longer welcome. Across the regions, kingdoms were dissolved, their rulers deposed or forced to abdicate. For the people, this was both a symbolic and practical step toward healing—no single figure would hold the power to incite such devastation again. The shift from monarchy to independent governance marked the beginning of a new chapter in human history.
And yet, there were exceptions. Among the kingdoms that willingly chose to dissolve their power was one that stood apart in its legacy and purpose: the Kingdom of Thalioren, which ruled over much of what is now Sinnoh. This was no tyrannical empire, no seat of ambition and greed. It was a kingdom of scholars and healers, a beacon of light even in the darkest days of the war.
Thalioren's lineage was tied to the Hammond family, a line of rulers known for their steadfast commitment to peace and prosperity. Even during the height of the war, when Sinnoh was drawn into the conflict, Thalioren's armies fought only in defense of their lands. They refused to conquer or exploit, and their rulers openly denounced the cruelty of using Pokémon as mere weapons. Instead, the kingdom offered aid where it could, sending scholars, healers, and supplies to regions ravaged by the conflict. Thalioren was a sanctuary, a place where Pokémon and humans alike could find refuge.
After the war, King Alaric Hammond, the ruler of Thalioren, saw the opportunity to lead by example. Rather than cling to his throne, he chose to abdicate willingly, believing that true progress could only come from unity and cooperation. With his family and loyal retainers, he retreated to their private island of Theralune, a place that had long been a retreat for scholars and healers. From this serene haven, Alaric continued his efforts to rebuild the world—not as a king, but as a steward of peace.
Theralune itself became a symbol of hope in the years following the war. Nestled in the tranquil waters south of Sinnoh, the island was a sanctuary of learning and healing. Scholars from all regions traveled there to study, while healers trained to aid both humans and Pokémon in their recovery. It was said that the very air of Theralune carried the spirit of renewal, a fitting legacy for a kingdom that had always sought to heal rather than harm.
The Hammonds did not isolate themselves, however. Alaric and his descendants remained active in the affairs of the wider world, working closely with the leaders of other regions to promote unity and understanding. It was during one such meeting, two generations ago, that Alaric's great-grandson, my great-grandfather, Caspian Hammond and other visionaries conceived an idea that would forever change the relationship between humans and Pokémon.
Despite the growing peace, tensions still lingered between humans and Pokémon. Many wild Pokémon still viewed humans with suspicion, while people struggled to overcome their fear of the creatures that had once been used against them. The world needed a bridge, a way to foster understanding and cooperation between the two.
The idea was simple yet revolutionary: a profession dedicated to learning about Pokémon, living with them, and building bonds of trust. These individuals would travel the world, observing and interacting with Pokémon in their natural habitats, adapting to their nature as much as the Pokémon adapted to theirs. They would demonstrate that humans and Pokémon could coexist as partners, not adversaries.
Thus, the concept of Pokémon Trainers was born. It was not merely a profession but a calling, a way of life that symbolized the new relationship between humans and Pokémon. To oversee and guide this new endeavor, an organization was established: the Pokémon League. With branches in every region, the League became the heart of the Trainer profession, regulating their activities and promoting their values.
The Hammond family played a key role in these developments. Caspian Hammond, a visionary leader, worked tirelessly with other regional heads to shape the Trainer profession and the League itself. His name, like that of his ancestors, became synonymous with peace and progress. Under his guidance, Sinnoh and the other regions entered an era of unprecedented harmony.
And yet, the Hammonds' influence remained quietly in the background. They never sought to reclaim their throne or wield power for its own sake. Their focus was always on the greater good, ensuring that the mistakes of the past were not repeated. Through their efforts and those of countless others, the world of Pokémon began to heal.
Caspian's son, John Hammond, inherited his father's vision and expanded upon it and sought to build a foundation for lasting prosperity. He established the Hammond Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of both humans and Pokémon. Drawing upon centuries of research and the vast stores of knowledge from the scholars of Thalioren, the Foundation pioneered the production of medical supplies such as potions, antidotes, and various other healing items.
The most remarkable aspect of the Hammond Foundation's work wasn't just the innovation—it was the accessibility. John ensured that these lifesaving items were distributed across regions at subsidized prices, making them affordable for even the most impoverished communities. The Foundation's reputation grew rapidly, and soon, its name became synonymous with hope and healing. In the aftermath of devastation, it was this work that helped to restore faith and cooperation among the regions.