Chapter 04: First Steps in Pallet Town
As the sun rose higher in the sky, I took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs. This was it—the beginning of my Pokémon journey.
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?
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.
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.
The houses scattered around had a quaint charm, reminiscent of the games, and as I walked, a sense of nostalgia washed over me.
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?
I stepped inside, a small bell above the door chiming softly as I entered. The woman behind the counter, likely the owner, was fiddling with a microphone, her back turned to me.
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[Name]: Masae
[Age]: 45
[Profession]: Shop Owner
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Nice. The Observe talent is already coming in handy.
"Ahm, Ahm. Testing, testing," she muttered, oblivious to my presence. "Is this thing even registering my voice?"
"Excuse me?" I ventured, trying to get her attention.
"Kiddo!" She jumped, finally noticing me. "Didn't see ya there! What d'ya need?"
"Umm, Obaa-san, where am I?" I asked, playing the role of a confused kid with a hint of amnesia for good measure.
She blinked at me, puzzled for a moment, before chuckling. "What did ya call me?! Obaa-san? You got some nerve, kiddo!" Her tone was more amused than offended. "Ya look a little lost. What's the matter?"
"I… don't remember much," I said while rubbing the back of my head. "Where am I?"
"Oh, ya poor thing," she said, her eyes softening. "You're in Pallet Town! Sounds like ya got a case of amnesia or somethin'. No worries, kid. I'm Masae, and I'll help ya out! What's yer name, at least? Do ya remember that?"
"Yeah… My name's Alex Riziero. I'm 16," I replied, deciding to keep my name unchanged.
"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. It's the big building over there with the windmill. Can't miss it!"
"Thanks, Masae-san!" I said, a smile breaking across my face. But then I hesitated. "But… I haven't eaten lunch yet."
"Oh, don'tcha worry! Masae's gotcha covered," she said, bustling into the back with a cheerfulness that felt warm and welcoming.
***
As I sat at the small table, the aroma of cooking wafted through the air, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. I learned that, along with running the store, Masae-san also worked as the radio jockey for the WPOK station, where she shared local gossip, especially about Professor Oak.
"So kiddo, this must be your first time visiting Pallet Town, 'cause I know you ain't from these parts."
"I guess so."
"Ah, kiddo, Pallet Town's got a story to tell. Founded by settlers seeking a peaceful life, this place has been a haven for Pokémon trainers and researchers for generations."
Masae's eyes sparkle with nostalgia.
"Twenty years ago, Professor Oak arrived, and everything changed. His research and expertise drew trainers from all over. This town became the go-to spot for anyone looking to start their Pokémon journey."
She leans in, lowering her voice.
"The Great Pokémon Migration, about ten years ago, brought Pokémon from all regions to our doorstep. It was chaotic, but Professor Oak's work helped stabilize our Pokémon population."
Masae gestures to the surrounding landscape.
"Pallet Town's unique location, nestled between the Viridian Forest and the river, makes it an ideal spot for Pokémon to thrive. And with Professor Oak's lab nearby, we've become a hub for trainers."
Her expression turns serious.
"But there's more to Pallet Town than meets the eye. Whispers of dark events and lost expeditions linger. Some say the Viridian Forest holds secrets..."
Masae trails off, lost in thought.
"Still, this town's got heart. We look out for each other, and we welcome newcomers with open arms."
Masae's expression turns conspiratorial.
"Between you and me, kiddo, there's been some buzz going around. You know how Red, the Champion, disappeared? Some folks say he left a hidden message in Professor Oak's lab."
Alex's curiosity piques.
"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."
Alex's mind races with possibilities.
"You think it's true?" Alex asks.
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."
***
Once I had my fill, I thanked Masae for the food and conversation.
"Thanks, Masae. You've been really helpful," Alex 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."
Alex nodded and headed out.
As he strolled through the streets of Pallet Town, he couldn't shake the nervous energy that accompanied his decision to feign amnesia. It was a risky move, one that could easily backfire if he wasn't careful. But he reminded himself that appearing clueless offered a strategic advantage. It allowed him to gather information without raising suspicion, giving him time to acclimate to this new world where Pokémon roamed freely.
Feigning amnesia was not just a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was a calculated choice. Alex knew that an outsider asking too many questions might attract unwanted attention, especially in a close-knit community like Pallet Town. By playing the role of a confused traveler with a blank slate, he hoped to blend in more seamlessly and avoid probing eyes that might question his origins or intentions.
Despite understanding the logic behind his choice, Alex couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. He was deceiving kind-hearted people like Masae, who had welcomed him with open arms. But he consoled himself with the thought that his intentions were pure. He wasn't here to harm anyone; he simply needed to navigate this world without revealing too much about himself too soon.
This tactic would also shape his interactions with others. By keeping his past ambiguous, he could build relationships without the burden of preconceived notions or biases. It gave him a fresh start, an opportunity to redefine his identity and purpose in this world. Yet, he knew the ruse wouldn't last forever. At some point, he would have to face the truth and hope that his new friends would understand his reasons.
In the end, Alex's decision to feign amnesia was driven by a mix of caution and curiosity. It aligned with his overarching goal of discovering his place in this world while unravelling the mysteries it held. As he walked toward Professor Oak's lab, he steeled himself for the challenges ahead, knowing that his journey would require both courage and cunning.
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End of Chapter 4