A PokéTransmigration Adventure

Chapter 04: First Steps in Pallet Town

The sun rose higher, its golden light spilling over the cobblestone streets of Pallet Town. I took a deep breath, the air tinged with the sweetness of Berries and the earthy freshness of blooming flowers. This was it—the beginning of my Pokémon journey. Or at least, the beginning of the lie I'd crafted to survive it.

My fingers brushed the hair clip in my pocket, its edges worn smooth from years of secret fidgeting. Emma's out there somewhere. I'll find her. The System interface flickered in my periphery—[Location: Pallet Town]—its blue text crisp against the idyllic scenery.

I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. What would await me in Pallet Town? Would Professor Oak be as wise and kind as I had imagined? And more importantly, would he believe my story?

With the system interface providing guidance, I felt more prepared than I had moments ago. Glancing down at my Trainer ID, I decided to leave my hometown blank for now. There was no sense in raising suspicion. I had to play this smart. Just like I had to play it smart back then… back in the real world.

I looked at the map again. The route to Professor Oak's lab was straightforward. A few minutes of walking should get me there. I started, mentally preparing myself for the first steps of my adventure.

As I walked through Pallet Town, the fresh air and serene atmosphere calmed my nerves. The windmill marking Professor Oak's lab stood tall in the distance, its blades spinning lazily in the gentle breeze. Small, two-story houses with brightly painted doors lined the cobblestone streets. Window boxes overflowed with colorful flowers, and I heard the cheerful chirping of a nearby Pidgey. The air smelled of freshly baked bread and something sweet, like berries. A sense of nostalgia washed over me. It's just like… like stepping into a postcard.

The first building I spotted was a shop with a large sign: WPOK Store – The Only Place to Get All Your Essentials. A bit much, don't you think? The shop's bell jingled as I stepped inside. Behind the counter, a woman hunched over a microphone, her voice crackling through a dusty radio: "—odd static reported near Viridian Forest. Trainers, stay vigilant!"

[Masae – Shop Owner – Age: 45]

"Welcome to WPOK, your one stop shop for trainers! We are currently renovating the second floor to include a radio station!"

"Testing, testing—*kzzzt*—is this thing—?"

"Excuse me?" I ventured, trying to get her attention.

"Oh!" She jumped, sending a stack of Pokéball cartons teetering. "Didn't see ya there, kiddo! What d'ya need?"

I rubbed my neck, summoning the hesitant charm I'd perfected in foster homes. "Umm, Miss, I… don't remember much. Where am I?"

She blinked at me, puzzled for a moment, before her expression softened.

"Pallet Town, sweetheart. Rough night, huh? Name's Masae. Yours?"

"Alex. Just Alex." *No last name. Safer that way.*

"D'ya remember how old you were?", asked Masae.

"Yeah… I'm 16," I replied.

"Hmm… 16, huh?" she said, studying me with a maternal eye. "Well, that explains it. Ya probably came here for yer Trainer's License! Today's the big day for most kids, but yer just a year late! Nothin' wrong with that!"

My eyes lit up. "So I can still become a Pokémon Trainer?"

"Of course!" she exclaimed, grinning widely, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Head on over to Professor Oak's lab. Follow the path towards the windmill. But first—" She vanished into the back, returning with a bento box. "Eat. Ya look like a half-starved Shinx."

–––

As I sat at the small table, the aroma of grilled Magikarp and rice filled the air. There were also some pickled vegetables and a small, sweet mochi. Masae leaned on the counter, her eyes twinkling.

"So, kiddo, first time in Pallet Town?"

"Yeah," I said, poking at the food. "It's… peaceful."

"You should eat, first. Then we can talk."

I nodded, taking a bite of the Magikarp. It was surprisingly good, flaky and seasoned with something that tasted like lemon and herbs. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

After a few minutes of eating in comfortable silence, Masae spoke again.

"Peaceful?" She laughed. "Now, maybe. But ya should've seen it ten years ago. Pokémon everywhere—Tauros stampeding through the streets, Pidgey nesting in every tree. It was chaos!"

"What happened?"

"The Great Migration," she said, her tone turning serious. "Pokémon from all over flocked here. No one knows why. Oak's research helped stabilize things, but…" She trailed off, her gaze distant.

"But?"

"Some say the forest's never been the same. Strange things happen out there now. Trainers go missing. Pokémon act… odd."

I frowned. "Odd how?"

"Aggressive. Erratic. Like they're not themselves." She shook her head. "But that's nothin' compared to what happened to Red."

"Red? The Champion?"

"Yep. That Red. Some folks say he left a hidden message in Professor Oak's lab."

My curiosity piqued. "A message? What kind?"

Masae leans in closer. "Nobody knows. But some trainers claim to have seen Professor Oak arguing with the Gym Leaders, especially that stern-looking one from Viridian City. Wonder what's cooking between them…" Masae glances around, ensuring no one's listening. "Some even whisper that Red stumbled upon something big, and Professor Oak's trying to keep it under wraps."

My mind raced with possibilities. "You think it's true?" I ask.

Masae shrugs. "I don't know, but one thing's for sure: Red's disappearance has the Pokémon community spooked. Some are even saying it's connected to those strange occurrences in the Viridian Forest. Somethin's brewin', kiddo. Mark my words."

–––

Once I had my fill, I thanked Masae for the food and conversation. "Thanks, Masae. You've been really helpful," I said, standing up.

Masae smiled warmly. "Anytime, kiddo. Now, off you go! Professor Oak's lab is just down the road. Can't miss it."

"Oh, and Alex?" Masae added, a thoughtful look on her face. "Today's the last day of Trainer's Registration Week. All the new trainers gather at Professor Oak's lab to get their licenses and starter Pokémon. It's been a tradition for years, ever since the Great Migration calmed down. They have a little ceremony and everything. It's quite a sight."

As I left, guilt gnawed at me. Masae's kindness deserved honesty—but survival demanded caution. I'm no hero, I reminded myself. Just a guy who's good at hiding. I took a deep breath and started walking towards Oak's lab. Time to meet the Professor. And hopefully, get some answers.

***

Chapter End