Pokémon: Helping Pokémon Pays Off

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Hau'oli City, a place brimming with joy and tranquility. But right now, Hoshino sat slumped in a street corner, wearing an expression of utter despair, unable to feel even a shred of happiness.

"I'm doomed..."

Assaulting an officer is a serious crime anywhere. The body cam probably caught his face clearly—any moment now, there'd be a wanted poster. Getting a $4 bounty would already be considered a success.

This was only his second day in this world, yet it seemed like the rest of his days would be spent behind bars, singing prison blues every day.

*"Motosh Motosh~"*

Completely unaware of the gravity of its actions, the cheerful Cyclizar was busy rummaging through a nearby trash can, scattering stray Meowth in the process.

Hearing the commotion, Hoshino shot it a glance, picked up a torn piece of cardboard at his feet, and lightly bonked Cyclizar on the head.

"Don't mess with a vagabond bro's treasure chest! No matter how down we are, we don't scavenge from there!"*

"Motosh?"

Cyclizar looked back in confusion, then obediently closed the trash can lid and returned to sit beside Hoshino, wagging its tail happily.

"Seriously… I need to teach you some common sense before you get us both into trouble."

Hoshino sighed deeply. After a short rest, his body had somewhat recovered. To properly ride Cyclizar in the future, he'd definitely need a riding suit to fully utilize his skills.

But where could he even get one? First, he needed to find a place to stay… and maybe avoid the police for a while. If an opportunity arose to leave Alola altogether, that'd be ideal.

Opening the map app, he confirmed his current location. Although several Pokémon nearby were marked as needing help, it wasn't the time to attract attention. First things first—sort out his own issues.

He was near Hau'oli City's beachfront area, a bustling tourist spot, though the alleys remained relatively quiet and deserted.

"Hau'oli City really is huge. As a popular tourist destination, property prices must be insane—probably unaffordable for the average person. That means there should be plenty of abandoned buildings, perfect for squatters like me!"

"Forget areas near the beach or schools. What about near Mahalo Mountain? Not many attractions there, but people still live around… probably because it's cheaper. Still, I bet there are smarter options."

His eyes locked onto an unmarked area north of Hau'oli City. Oddly enough, no stores or facilities were labeled there.

Zooming in, he finally saw the name and a small note.

"Vagabond District… Home to stray Pokémon. Do not approach unnecessarily?"

Hoshino read it a few times, deep in thought. If no humans lived there, of course, there wouldn't be supermarkets. It's not like stray Pokémon run convenience stores, right? …Right?

It actually sounded perfect: free shelter with minimal human presence, making it easier to hide. Plus, being surrounded by stray Pokémon meant he could help them anytime! With so many, surely one would trigger a skill or ability!

"Though… I probably won't be the only one squatting there, huh?"

He doubted he was the only broke drifter who'd thought of it. Best to scout the area first—wouldn't want to accidentally squat in someone else's squat.

Pressing the map at the Vagabond District, a route popped up showing the quickest way there. Conveniently, it even offered options to avoid surveillance cameras and crowded areas.

"Way better than any shady map app. Let's go—maybe we'll have a roof over our heads tonight."

"Motosh Motosh~"

"Don't just sprint off again! The city speed limit's 50—stick to 30, got it? And stop picking fights with random Pokémon. I'll teach you the rest on the way."

"Motosh Motosh~"

Whether Cyclizar understood or not was anyone's guess. With its usual cheerful grin, it pounced on Hoshino—using the same hands it'd just rummaged through the trash with—then playfully bit his head.

"I'm so tired…"

Why was everyone else's isekai experience so easy? They get a starter Rowlet, a cool outfit, instant OP status… Meanwhile, his journey felt like a non-stop roller coaster.

Still, no matter how exhausted he was, he had to keep going. A man never gives up! Even if it meant sacrificing things—like pride, dignity… anything except his life.

He flipped Cyclizar off him with a dramatic spin, landing squarely on its back. Cyclizar immediately perked up, clearly thrilled to be ridden again.

"Let's go!"

"Motosh!"

Cyclizar dashed into the alleys. This time, thankfully, without incident. The moderate speed eased Hoshino's nerves.

The city's hidden alleys painted a stark contrast to its lively tourist spots. Garbage bags tossed from above littered the path. Stray Meowth and Alolan Rattata scavenged through the trash for scraps.

These Pokémon were quick to hide upon hearing Cyclizar approach, reappearing only after the coast was clear.

Hoshino couldn't help but notice the city's duality. The so-called "joyful and peaceful" Hau'oli City had a darker side, exposing the stark gap between the privileged and the forgotten.

"Even in this world, huh? The disparity just shifted from people to Pokémon. I bet the Vagabond District's full of Pokémon like these. Is it really my goal to help them? But can I even do that? I can't even feed myself and Cyclizar…"

Doubts crept into his mind, but he quickly brushed them aside. Deal with problems as they come. First, find shelter.

After navigating countless alleys, they finally arrived.

There was only one proper road leading in—long since closed off to vehicles, devoid of human presence.

"So this is the Vagabond District?"

It looked lifeless, like an abandoned ghost town. Yet, Hoshino couldn't shake the feeling of unseen eyes watching from the shadows.

Compared to the city's vibrant areas, this place felt like stepping into a relic from decades past—old five-story buildings, faded warning signs, and ominous red graffiti plastered everywhere.

"Weird… Something's off."

He couldn't pinpoint what exactly. But when he checked the map again, dozens of blinking dots appeared—over fifty Pokémon in the vicinity. More than he'd seen in the wild.

A grin spread across his face.

"Looks like we've hit the jackpot. Let's go."

Without dismounting, he urged Cyclizar forward.

But the moment they crossed into the district, his body tensed involuntarily. It felt like those unseen eyes had zeroed in, exuding a silent threat—as if they could strike him down in an instant.

Cyclizar's instincts kicked in. Its eyes shut tight, then snapped open—its black pupils transforming into colorful OLED-like pixel patterns!

A flicker of purple static crackled through the air. In an instant, all those ominous presences vanished, leaving Hoshino to wonder if it had all been in his head.

Cold sweat dripped down his forehead. Oblivious to Cyclizar's change, he muttered,

"What the hell was that? Did I just stumble into a goblin den or something…?"

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