Making Memories

Chapter One: The Journey Begins

AN: I'm experimenting with a new Pokémon fanfiction  because I have some new ideas that I'd like to put into writing, but the plan is very tentative and I'm not sure if I'll go through with it. I'm short on time and motivation (as usual) and am only posting this to see if you guys like the start - if so I might continue it.

---

The scent of salt permeated the air as I stepped off the cruise liner, taking my first steps onto Sinnoh territory. I breathed deeply, relishing the aromatic smell of the ocean as wind whipped around me, effectively messing up my short hair. People milled around me, leaving or boarding the ship, but I stayed firmly rooted in place, an anchor among waves.

At my feet were a single suitcase and a pink-furred Skitty, the latter of which was running in circles, apparently overstimulated by the bustle of the crowd. I leaned down and scooped her up, tucking her safely inside my totebag. I gripped the strap tightly so the bag wouldn't swing too much, and with my free hand I grabbed ahold of the rolling suitcase. With that, we were on our way.

The wheels of my suitcase rumbled across the wooden planks of the dock, sending vibrations up my arm, but that wasn't the source of the buzzing in my stomach. My nerves were on fire. I'd never been to Sinnoh before, and a mixture of excitement, hope, and anxiety churned inside me. This was only amplified by the clean air and dozens of people. Bright sunlight shone down on me, uncharacteristically warm for this time of year. Probably because I'm so far south, I thought, taking in the sight of Sandgem Town. It was a small but busy little town, swarming with people and sparkling under the sun's rays. To my right was a long beach, looking warm and inviting with its stretch of pale sand. Later, I reprimanded myself, first you have to settle in.

I glanced at the picturesque beach longingly, but forced myself to focus on the task at hand. Hopping gently off the end of the dock, I started down the boardwalk, admiring the surf shops and tourist traps alongside upscale restaurants and fancy hotels. I was vaguely reminded of Olivine City in Johto, a seaside port that I'd visited on vacation as a kid. I could also compare it to Slateport in my home region of Hoenn, but Sandgem was much smaller and less urbanized, and built more like a resort destination than a shopping district. But this only made it more attractive; I'd seen pictures of the town at night, and even in photographs the lights seemed to twinkle against the waves. I could only imagine what it would look like in person.

"Guess I'll find out tonight," I murmured to myself, glancing in at the shop windows. I passed an arcade with signs that flashed even in the daylight. Inside, the room was darkened but far from dreary, filled to the brim with kids and teens eager to pour their tokens into the game machines. A cacophony of noise spilled out from the open entryway, and I lingered casually. I knew I couldn't stop and play, not with what limited money I had on hand, but I mentally marked it down for future reference. If I had the chance later on, I'd definitely return to get a few games in.

I continued on, occasionally glancing down at my Skitty to see if she was doing alright. But she seemed perfectly content to rest in the totebag while I did all the walking, if her steady purring was any indication. Though a bit nervous about the hectic environment, she poked her head out from time to time in curiosity. I supposed that she was glad to be back out in the world again, among other people and trainers.

Eventually we came to the end of the boardwalk, so I turned and headed into town, which was quieter and more quaint. It didn't take long to find the PokéCenter, and once there I immediately checked in and asked to make a video call. After putting my bags in a locker and leaving Nurse Joy to care for my Skitty, I logged onto one of the PCs and started a video conference.

The first ring had barely finished when the call was picked up. "Hey, Mariela! How's it going?"

I smiled at the blonde girl on the screen, feeling refreshed to see a familiar face. "Pretty good, I just got into town. I'm kind of tired from the long trip, but nothing that sleep won't solve."