- Vagabond - Male Reader x Pokémon

Chapter 1: Origins

[National Pokémon Association, Pokémon League, Lily of the Valley Island, the Sinnoh Region]

The Pokémon League Headquarters stood as a monument to history and power, a castle that had weathered centuries of storms, battles, and triumphs. Perched atop Lily of the Valley Island, its spires and towers reached high into the heavens, an unspoken challenge to both man and Pokémon who sought to prove their worth. Every stone of its intricate gothic arches seemed to tell a story, etched with legends of trainers who had come and gone. The centrepiece was the rose window, a dazzling mosaic that sparkled in the midday sun, refracting light onto the crystalline waters below.

The sight alone was a promise to challengers, an assurance that greatness awaited those who could endure.

The scene surrounding the castle was a tranquil snapshot of Sinnoh's untamed beauty. The lake mirrored the cerulean sky, its surface disturbed only by the playful leaps of Buizel, sending cascades of shimmering droplets in every direction. Starly glided overhead in perfect formation, their cries blending harmoniously with the gentle hum of nature. A Chatot perched on a nearby branch sang a lilting melody, each note drifting lazily on the breeze, a sound that was equal parts music and mischief.

In the tall grasses near the shore, wild Pokémon roamed freely. Bidoof waddled with their usual goofy determination, Budew clustered together like budding flowers, and the rhythmic chirps of Kricketot mingled with the occasional hop of a startled Buneary. Families and trainers alike wandered the grounds, some sharing quiet moments of bonding with their partners, others laughing as children darted after mischievous Pikachu and Piplup.

On this rare warm day in Sinnoh, the island seemed like paradise itself.

The peace shattered as the growl of an ancient engine broke through the idyllic sounds. Heads turned as a weathered Jeep came careening up the gravel path, kicking up a storm of dust in its wake. The open-top vehicle bounced and jolted with every uneven patch of road, its rusty frame squealing in protest. The erratic arrival left a trail of tire marks across the meticulously maintained grass, drawing gasps and mutters from the onlookers.

The Jeep screeched to an abrupt halt in front of the grand entrance, its engine groaning one last time before sputtering into silence. A cloud of dust swirled around the scene as the driver's door slammed open.

A figure emerged with an air of urgency, breathing heavily as though the weight of the world pressed against his chest.

At first, the crowd only saw a man dishevelled from travel. His clothes, a sweater-vest paired with a suit jacket and tie, were more fitting for a professor lecturing in a grand hall than a Champion of Pokémon battling in a stadium. Yet as he stepped forward, the light caught his face, the stern eyes, his dark brown windblown hair, and, most of all, the unmistakable thick moustache that had become a trademark in Sinnoh.

Recognition dawned like wildfire.

"That's, that's Professor Rowan!" A young trainer whispered, awe and disbelief in their voice.

"Champion Rowan." Another corrected in hushed tones, as if speaking louder might shatter the illusion.

The murmurs spread quickly, rippling through the crowd as Rowan surveyed them, irritation flickering across his face. He had no patience for gawkers today, but then again, he rarely did. For a fleeting moment, he considered turning back to the Jeep and driving off, but his sense of duty rooted him in place. Sinnoh needed him now more than ever, even if being Champion often felt more like a burden than an honour.

Rowan clenched his fists at his sides, steadying himself. He didn't have the luxury of dwelling on his frustrations. Inside those castle walls awaited the Pokémon League Council, a group whose squabbling could rival a nest of squawking Murkrow. He could already hear their voices, sharp and accusatory, echoing in his mind. Decisions needed to be made, and as Champion, it was his responsibility to represent the region with strength and resolve.