Anomaly

Chapter 5: Diverging Paths

Chapter 5: Diverging Paths

After catching Wurmple, I couldn’t wait to tell Professor Arbutus the good news. As Ed, Treecko, and I made our way back to the lab, I kept glancing down at Wurmple’s Poké Ball in my hand, still amazed at how the little Bug Pokémon had chosen me. It felt like a big step forward.

When we arrived, Professor Arbutus greeted us with a warm smile. “Ah, you’re back! I assume the expedition went well?”

I nodded, holding up Wurmple’s Poké Ball. “I caught a Wurmple!”

His eyes twinkled with delight. “Well done, Francesca! Wurmple is a wonderful choice for a young trainer like yourself. Be sure to take good care of it, and with time and effort, you’ll build a strong bond.”

I smiled. “I will, Professor Arbutus. I promise.”

He gave me a kind look and then gestured toward a side table where a few of his assistants were setting out plates. “Why don’t you and Ed have a snack before you head out? The staff has prepared something special.”

Ed’s eyes lit up at the mention of food, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Sounds good to me,” he said, already making his way to the table.

I followed, feeling my stomach rumble as the smell of freshly baked bread and fruit reached me. We sat down, and within moments, the assistants had laid out a spread of pastries, sandwiches, and a pitcher of iced tea.

As we ate, Ed started talking about his plans. “I’m heading to Mournstead City next,” he said between bites of sandwich. “I’m hoping to get my first badge there.”

“That’s exciting,” I said, taking a sip of tea. “I haven’t really decided where I’m going yet.”

Ed raised an eyebrow. “Well, you could always come with me to Fairlywise Town. I’ve heard there’s a contest coming up there. Since you like contests so much, you might want to participate.”

I paused, thinking about it. Mom had always loved contests, and she’d been such a big inspiration for me growing up. The idea of stepping onto the contest stage someday filled me with excitement—and a bit of fear. I wasn’t ready to compete yet, but watching the contest might help me figure out where I wanted to go next.

“That sounds fun,” I admitted. “Maybe I’ll go to Fairlywise, but just to watch. I’m not ready to compete.”

Ed smiled. “That’s fair. But I bet you’ll be ready sooner than you think.”

I wasn’t so sure, but I appreciated his confidence in me. After we finished eating, we thanked the assistants and went back to the main lab to say goodbye to Professor Arbutus.

“It’s time for us to head out,” Ed said, standing beside me.

The professor smiled warmly. “Of course. It’s been a pleasure having you both here. I have no doubt you’ll both go far in your journeys. Remember, my doors are always open if you ever need advice or help.”

“Thank you, Professor Arbutus,” I said, feeling genuinely grateful for everything he’d done. “I’ll definitely come back and visit.”

Before we left, Professor Arbutus handed each of us a folded map. “This will help you navigate the Itoriko Region,” he said with a wink. “You don’t want to get lost.”

We both took the maps with a laugh. “Thanks, Professor Arbutus,” Ed said. “I’ll definitely need this.”

After one last round of thanks, we stepped outside. The sun was starting to dip in the sky, casting a golden glow over the lab’s garden. I looked at Ed and Treecko, feeling a little sad to part ways.

“Well,” Ed said, sticking out his hand, “Good luck, Cesca. I know you’ll do great things.”

I smiled and shook his hand. “Same to you, Ed. I’ll see you at the contest, maybe?”

He grinned. “Count on it.”

I glanced down at Treecko, who had been standing patiently at Ed’s side the whole time. “Good bye, Treecko,” I said. “You’ve been a great help today.”

Ed chuckled. “Oh, by the way, my Treecko’s a boy.”

I blinked, surprised. “Oh! I didn’t realize.”

“Treecko-tree!” Treecko then puffed out his chest proudly as if to say, “That’s right.”

We both laughed, and I corrected myself. “Well then, good bye, Treecko. You’re awesome.”

With one last wave, Ed and I parted ways, heading down different roads. I stood there for a moment, watching him disappear down the path before turning my attention to my own map. I unfolded it carefully, taking in the detailed layout of the region.

Buzzilatian Forest stretched out behind me, and ahead were many towns and cities I’d never even heard of before. My journey was just beginning, and I had no idea what was waiting for me in each new place.

I took a deep breath and clutched the two Poké Balls in my hand. Glameow and Wurmple. I hadn’t expected to have two Pokémon so soon, and even though Glameow was still a mystery to me, I was determined to build a bond with her. As for Wurmple, I couldn’t wait to see how she’d grow and change on our journey together.

“What a day,” I sighed, glancing back one last time at Professor Arbutus’s lab. Then, with a determined smile, I set off down the path ahead, ready for whatever came next.