- Vagabond - Male Reader x Pokémon

Chapter 3: Sandgem Town

[Sandgem Town, Sinnoh Region]

Sandgem Town was a charming, secluded village perched on the edge of Sinnoh's vast shoreline. While it wasn't the largest settlement in the region, its breathtaking views and pristine beaches made it a beloved destination for tourists and a tranquil retreat for locals. The salty tang of the sea filled the air, carried on a gentle breeze that whispered through the village. Waves crashed rhythmically against the sandy shore in the distance, their constant cadence a natural lullaby.

Encircled by dense woodland, Sandgem stood as a quiet sanctuary, with the colossal mountain range that split the Sinnoh region looming in the background. Its snowy peaks seemed almost ethereal, framed by the soft mist that cascaded down their rocky surfaces like a slow-moving waterfall. Despite its natural barriers, the village itself occupied a wide, sunlit plain, its streets lined with tidy houses, cozy shops, and family-run businesses.

Life in Sandgem Town carried a simple, unhurried rhythm. Shopkeepers greeted each other as they swept their doorways or arranged goods on outdoor displays. The occasional truck rumbled slowly down the cobbled streets, its driver mindful of the children darting about in joyous games of tag. Starly perched atop rooftops, their melodious cries blending with the occasional chatter of Budew and Cherubi nestled among flowerpots. The sleepy Burmy hung from the eaves of houses, while Buneary and Glameow wandered through the quiet streets, sometimes joined by the ever-present Bidoof or the chirping Kricketot. It was a place where humans and Pokémon coexisted effortlessly, their harmony woven into the fabric of daily life.

Yet, Sandgem Town was renowned for far more than its natural beauty or tranquil atmosphere.

It was the proud home of Professor Rowan's Research Laboratory, a landmark that had placed the village firmly on the map of every aspiring Pokémon Trainer. Each region had its resident Professor, esteemed as the leading authority on the study of Pokémon in their respective locales. Sinnoh, however, held a unique distinction. Professor Rowan, a man of immense intellect and unrelenting discipline, was not only Sinnoh's foremost researcher but also its reigning Champion.

His role symbolized the region's rugged spirit, a place where even its scholars were battle-hardened warriors.

As the midday sun bathed the village in golden light, three figures emerged from the dense forest that bordered the town. [Y/N], Cynthia, and her small but spirited Gible stepped from the shade of the trees into the open. The sunlight caught Cynthia's hair, its golden hue gleaming like threads of light itself. [Y/N] found himself momentarily captivated by her presence. He hadn't taken the time to observe her features too closely during their initial meeting, but now he noticed the subtle sharpness of her cheekbones offset by the warmth in her expression. Her demeanour was kind, almost carefree, but it was her eyes that held his attention, deep, stormy grey, like clouds heavy with rain.

To call her beautiful felt inadequate.

He quickly averted his gaze, feeling a warmth rise to his cheeks and unwilling to be caught staring.

As they walked toward the town's small police station, [Y/N] kept a steady stream of questions flowing, his curiosity insatiable. Cynthia, always patient and eager to teach, answered each query with enthusiasm. She named every Pokémon they passed, her knowledge flowing effortlessly. They talked about the geography of Sinnoh as well, though the lack of a map made explaining its sprawling landscape more challenging. A map would be his next goal. With one in hand, perhaps he could find his bearings, or better yet, spark a memory.

But no matter how much he observed, questioned, or learned, something about this world felt profoundly wrong. Every sight, every sound, every detail felt like a distorted echo of something he should have recognized but couldn't. The Pokémon he encountered were the strangest of all. Each one seemed familiar, yet alien, as though viewed through a cracked mirror. Cynthia found his ignorance puzzling, the idea of someone unfamiliar with Pokémon was incomprehensible to her. She couldn't fathom a world without them, and [Y/N] couldn't fathom why he felt so displaced in this one.