Chapter 3: My Childhood Friend

As a thousand-year-old ancient city, Riverhaven holds firmly to its traditions and pride, one of which is preserving the authenticity of its old town area as much as possible.

However, with persistence comes sacrifice—maintaining traditional-style architecture makes it difficult to construct advanced, modern buildings.

This is why Ethan's neighborhood lacks the Pokémon Centers that are commonplace in most cities. Instead, the residents rely on the local Rosa's Clinic as their first choice.

Ethan stood in line, holding an Eevee in his arms that appeared particularly docile in his embrace, waiting for their turn.

Most of the people ahead of him were elderly, holding Pokémon like Glameow or Yamper—pet-like Pokémon.

Only the elderly would have the leisure to queue up at this small Pokémon clinic early in the morning for something as minor as their beloved Pokémon sneezing.

Ethan, known throughout the old town and surrounding areas as a handsome young man, chatted warmly with the elderly neighbors in line as they inquired about the Eevee in his arms.

"Ethan, you've finally got a Pokémon! Oh, and it's an Eevee—such a cute little thing!"

"Eevee is great—it can evolve into so many types. Whatever type you like, it can become. Though evolution stones are a bit pricey."

"How much would an evolution stone cost? Ethan, why not marry into our family? We can raise a whole family of Eevee together!"

"Don't start, Grandma Lu! If you keep saying things like that, Rosa might get upset!"

In this area devoid of high-rise buildings, the community relationships were especially close-knit. Ethan had to juggle the neighbors' teasing and concerns while also keeping an eye on the Eevee in his arms.

"Eevee~"

The little Eevee, sensing Ethan's care, snuggled closer into his arms.

Meanwhile, the other target of their teasing, the young woman sitting behind the reception desk, blushed faintly.

Pretending to focus on examining a Yamper that seemed to be experiencing breathing difficulties and occasional spasms, she acted as though she hadn't heard the neighbors' good-natured jests.

After a brief examination, Rosa roughly deduced the cause of the Yamper's symptoms.

…

She lifted the Yamper from the table gently and spoke softly, "Dumpling, walk a few steps for me."

"Yamper!"

The Yamper, called Dumpling, stretched its four stubby legs with difficulty and walked slowly across the open space.

Rosa crossed her arms thoughtfully and nodded, "Dumpling, try using Tail Whip on the Chansey."

The Yamper wagged its short, lightning-shaped tail sluggishly, sending an invisible energy wave toward the Chansey next to Rosa.

"Lucky~" The Chansey acknowledged the status effect it sensed and nodded toward Rosa.

"Once more, use Tail Whip," Rosa instructed again.

The Yamper wagged its tail once more, but this time, it frowned and stopped the move halfway.

Rosa smiled slightly, gently lifting the Yamper back onto the table and writing something down swiftly.

She explained, "Dumpling must've accidentally inhaled some Stun Spore released by a Grass-type Pokémon. Chansey, prepare an antidote for paralysis."

"Yamper!"

The Yamper looked at Rosa with big, pleading eyes, seemingly reluctant about the diagnosis.

Ethan chuckled from behind. "If you don't like bitter medicine, a Cheri Berry would work too. You probably won't find it in a regular berry shop, though. Try a large Pokémon department store."

Rosa blinked in surprise, then nodded vigorously in agreement. "Right, Ethan's absolutely right. Eating a Cheri Berry also cures paralysis."

The Yamper, elated by the alternative, perked up immediately.

With its short tail standing upright, it leapt toward Ethan to express its gratitude.

However, the Eevee in Ethan's arms shot it a sharp glare, exuding an invisible pressure that sent the Yamper scurrying back to Rosa's side.

Before Ethan could glance down in surprise, the Eevee shifted its demeanor back to its earlier lethargic state.

The transformation was so swift it was akin to a magic trick.

…

"All right, Grandma Lu. Go ahead and get a Cheri Berry. Also, I know you don't plan to have Dumpling battle, but light training can make Pokémon healthier. It also improves their resistance to various statuses and illnesses."

Rosa spoke earnestly, and Grandma Lu nodded with a smile. "Got it, got it. Rosa, you're becoming more and more like Ethan. Looks like your dad can rest easy leaving this clinic to the two of you."

"What are you talking about?! I—I'm going to be the Champion of the Valoria region!"

Rosa's face flushed as she protested indignantly, her chest rising and falling with her breaths. It wasn't clear which part of the teasing she was denying.

Good thing Grandma Lu wasn't familiar with internet slang; otherwise, a simple "She's panicking!" would've been the final blow.

After the laughter subsided, it was finally Ethan and Eevee's turn.

"Morning, Rosa. Is your dad out on call again today?" Ethan greeted the familiar young woman with a smile.

Rosa stuck out her tongue playfully. "Yep, so I'll be coming over to your place for lunch again."

The two had grown up together, and even their parents knew each other well. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them childhood sweethearts.

To Ethan, who carried memories from two lifetimes, Rosa was familiar on another level as well.

That's right—this Rosa was none other than the protagonist from the Pokémon Black and White games in his past-life memories.

How could one describe Rosa?

If Gardevoir was the most popular Pokémon in fan works, then Rosa was undoubtedly the most popular female character.

With her side bun-twin tail hairstyle, exquisite features, and an almost unrealistically perfect figure, the girl before him seemed like a protagonist who had stepped straight out of a manga.

She was also the only character Ethan recognized from his previous world.

Though Ethan couldn't understand why the protagonist of Unova ended up in the Valoria region in this world.

…

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Ethan handed the Eevee in his arms over to Rosa.

"Eevee~"

The Eevee clung to Ethan's clothes with its little paws, reluctant to part.

"Is this Eevee your starter Pokémon? When did you start raising it?" Rosa asked, puzzled by the sudden appearance of Ethan's Pokémon.

Although it was summer vacation, the two met every two or three days. Rosa couldn't recall Ethan ever mentioning this Eevee before.

Ethan shook his head. "It's not. Actually, I've only known it for less than half an hour. I found it by the roadside on my way to buy groceries."

"Eevee~"

The Eevee murmured softly from the examination table, Less than half an hour? We've known each other for ten years!

Rosa was surprised but then grew even more confused. "Just half an hour, and it's already this attached to you?"

Ethan spread his hands helplessly. "No idea. Maybe because I saved it?"

That was the only explanation. Rosa refocused her attention and began examining the Eevee.

As part of the standard procedure, Rosa gently pulled back the Eevee's eyelid, only to be startled by the complex emotions in its gaze.

There was dissatisfaction, nostalgia, and a hint of joy at seeing an old friend.

The layered emotions left Rosa momentarily stunned, and she instinctively asked, "Do we know each other?"

"Eevee?"

The Eevee tilted its head, feigning innocence as though it didn't understand Rosa's question.

"Maybe it's lived in the old town for a long time and saw you in passing?" Ethan speculated, unaware of the fleeting moment.

"Hmm, maybe I just imagined it," Rosa muttered.

The brief, intense gaze was replaced by an expertly innocent act. Watching the now-completely-innocent Eevee, Rosa could only convince herself it was a mistake.

(End of Chapter)