Desmond nodded quietly as April spoke, seeing the stories as possibly learning experiences... Stories of friendship between Trainers and Pokemon... His mind wandered off momentarily to his father's work, the man's research being relevant to the conversation. [I]'The bonds between Trainer and Pokemon...'[/I] He thought to himself, being raised on such subjects. His mother didn't work as close to home as Desmond would have liked growing up, leaving him with his father more likely than not. Not that he didn't spend time with her, of course. Just... Less.

When with his father, he was learning the importance of such bonds by his father. Who himself was kind to Pokemon, beyond anything else Desmond had ever witnessed. His Pokemon were loyal, obviously having been with him for quite a long time. Though recalling all of them felt impossible to do, as he certainly had more than just a team. Desmond never truly questioned it, but always assumed his father had ventured out on a journey before him. Though that was a tale he'd never heard, and he wasn't certain if he ever would.

"Those stories are interesting," He replied, a slight tone change expressing his amusement. "The bonds trainer's have with their Pokemon are interesting, aren't they? Some could never be pulled apart, through any trial. The strength of such a relationship is more impressive than just the pure power some Trainers try to use." He sighed, having encountered more than one trainer just concerned about strength. He cared, too. But not at the careless levels of some people. They were irritating, but this wasn't the time to go on about that. He was in a good mood, and didn't want to ruin it.

He chuckled as she commented about going on, and on. But honestly, Desmond was happy. Having someone to talk to made him feel a lot better on the road, so even if it was a few minutes, or hours, he'd be willing to listen. Was that sad...? He wasn't certain, but didn't think so. Even if it lurked in the back of his mind. He decided to focus on her curiosity, as it helped push all the nonsense away.

"I'm from Cyllage City," He answered. "My father's a researcher that settled down there." He added, smiling. "He's not from Kalos, but ended up traveling here during his own journey. He met my mother while getting his Pokemon checked up on in Lumiose City and it kicked off from there... She tried to get him to settle down in Lumiose City but he said the place was too crowded. He found Cyllage City to his liking and ended up settling there, and about a year or so after, I was born."

"I stayed with him a lot..." He said softly, looking ahead and losing track of the city itself. "His research involved the emotions of Pokemon; And the bonds formed between them and trainers. He considers such friendships to be the most important thing in this world... I really look up to him, he's smart, and knows what he's doing most of the time." Desmond smirked, looking down at the ground. "Though he can be a little ridiculous at times, Eheheh." He recalled his father's personality, feeling comforted by thinking about it. Though he realized this wasn't what she asked, and shook his head. "Sorry. You were asking about the city itself... I got off topic." He grumbled, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"Cyllage City's a nice place. It's got a pretty nice view of the ocean, and the people are generally nice. It's not uncommon to see some kind of athletic event going on, either." He thought about the city for a moment, before speaking again. "The Gym Leader, Grant, is also really strong. I was actually coming out this way to train so I could return and challenge him to a battle." He smiled, thinking about it. That was one obstacle he planned on overcoming, but he'd have to improve. 

"Other than that... There's a nice cafe in the city, and I know someone who can give some really relaxing massages to your Pokemon." He looked over at Hope, unsure if she'd like it or not... Possibly? He was uncertain. He thought about maybe taking Klauser to see the woman, maybe she'd manage to calm him down a little. A small smile crossed his face at this thought.