Anomaly

Chapter 7: Of Ribbons and New Friend

Chapter 7: Of Ribbons and New Friend

I woke up to the soft sound of some bird Pokémon chirping outside the window. The morning sun was already peeking through the trees, casting a warm glow across the room. After spending the night at the Pokémon Center deep within Buzzilatian Forest, I felt rested and eager to continue my journey.

I sat up in bed, stretching my arms. Glameow’s Poké Ball and Wurmple’s Poké Ball were sitting on the small desk nearby, a reminder of the wild turn my journey had taken thus far.

After taking a quick bath and changing into my usual outfit—my beige cardigan, a light cream puffed blouse, tan-colored shorts, and my favorite ankle-length white boots—I packed my things, and headed out the door. Today was the day I’d leave the forest and start traveling again, but first, I needed to get some breakfast!

As I entered the cafeteria, the comforting smells of warm pancakes and coffee filled the air. There were a few other Pokémon Trainers around, grabbing food before heading out. I joined the line, picking up a tray of pancakes and some berries for myself, along with Pokémon food for Glameow and Wurmple.

While waiting in line, I glanced over at the TV in the corner of the room. An announcement was playing:

“Attention, all Pokémon Trainers and Coordinators! The Pokémon Activities Committee is pleased to announce the upcoming Pokémon Contest in Fairlywise Town. The contest will be held the day after tomorrow! Coordinators and Trainers alike are encouraged to attend, with performances beginning at noon.”

My stomach did a small flip. Fairlywise Town? That’s where Ed had said the next big Pokémon Contest would be held. I had no plans to compete, but maybe watching would be a good way to get inspired.

“You seem interested,” said a voice next to me.

I turned to see a girl about my age, still in her sleepwear—a set of Torchic-patterned pajamas. She had a cute bob-cut hairstyle and wore thin-framed glasses. I smiled, a little embarrassed that she had noticed me staring at the TV.

“Uh, kind of,” I admitted, shrugging. “I’m not a Pokémon Coordinator, though! Just thinking of watching the contest.”

“Oh! You should definitely go,” the girl said with enthusiasm. “I’m competing in Fairlywise. It’s going to be my second contest.”

I perked up. “Really? That’s awesome! I’d love to see your Contest Ribbons!”

The girl blushed slightly, rubbing the back of her head. “I’ve only earned one so far. But it was my first, so it’s special.”

“Still, that’s amazing,” I said, genuinely impressed. “I’d love to see it!”

“Sure! Meet me in the garden after breakfast, and I’ll show it to you,” she said, smiling. “By the way, I’m Missy.”

“I’m Cesca,” I said, shaking her hand. “I’ll see you later then.”

Missy waved as she walked away, and I grabbed my tray, heading back to my room to eat. Once inside, I set the food on the table and pulled out Glameow’s and Wurmple’s Poké Balls. Tossing them into the air, I called them out to join me.

“Come on out, guys!”

Glameow appeared on the table first, landing lightly on her paws with her usual graceful flick of the tail. Wurmple appeared next, squirming excitedly on the table’s surface.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of both Pokémon sitting on the table. The thought of them eating breakfast with me was endearing. My mom’s voice echoed in my head about table manners, reminding me how she always insisted how her Delcatty shouldn’t be on the table back home in Hoenn.

Wurmple seemed curious about Glameow, slithering over slowly to get a closer look. But Glameow, as usual, looked irritated by the intrusion. She sharpened her claws on the edge of the table, letting out a low growl, clearly warning Wurmple to back off.

“Glameow, be nice,” I scolded lightly, but it was too late. Wurmple had already recoiled, hiding in my arms. I gently stroked Wurmple’s spiky red back to calm it down. “It’s okay, Wurmple. Glameow’s just… grumpy.”

Glameow flicked her tail dismissively and turned her head away, completely uninterested in my attempt to mediate. I sighed. “You know, Glameow, you could try being a little friendlier.”

Glameow blinked at me but didn’t respond, content to focus on her meal instead.

“Don’t worry, Wurmple,” I said, placing the little Worm Pokémon in front of its food bowl. “She’ll come around.”

Wurmple hesitated for a moment before nibbling at the Pokémon food. I watched them both eat, wondering how long it would take for Glameow to warm up to Wurmple. They were so different—Glameow, with her sharp, independent attitude, and Wurmple, so innocent and curious. It felt like I was caught in the middle of a tiny rivalry.

After finishing breakfast, I packed up our things and decided it was time to meet Missy in the garden. With Glameow and Wurmple’s Poké Balls tucked safely back into my bag, I headed out of the room, eager to see Missy’s Ribbon.

As I stepped into the garden, I spotted Missy sitting on a bench beneath one of the tall, shady trees. She was dressed in casual clothes now—a light pink sweater and jeans—and held a small scarlet case in her hands. When she saw me, she waved me over with a bright smile.

“Hey, Cesca! Come check this out.”

I hurried over to the bench, sitting beside her as she opened the case. Inside, nestled on a soft cushion, was a single Ribbon. It shimmered under the sunlight, though its exact design remained unknown to me. But it didn’t matter—it was clearly special to Missy.

“Wow,” I breathed. “It’s beautiful.”

Missy smiled, her pride showing. “It was my first Ribbon. Me and my Torchic worked so hard for it.”

I looked at her, feeling a rush of admiration. “You must be really good! I mean, earning a Contest Ribbon is no small feat.”

“Thanks,” she said, a little bashfully. “I still have a long way to go, but I’m hoping to win more. I’ve learned a lot since my first contest.”

“Are you nervous about Fairlywise?” I asked.

Missy nodded. “A little. But I’m excited too. It’s a great chance to grow not only as a Coordinator but as a Pokémon Trainer as well.”

“You’ll do great,” I said encouragingly. “I’ll be cheering for you!”

“Thanks, Cesca. I appreciate that.” Missy paused, then added, “You know, if you’re not competing, maybe we could travel together? I’m leaving for Fairlywise before lunch. It’d be nice to have some company.”

I blinked in surprise. Traveling together? It sounded like a fun idea, and I had been wondering how I’d get to Fairlywise anyway. Plus, having a companion on the road could make the journey less lonely.

“Sure!” I agreed, smiling. “I’d love to travel with you.”

“Great!” Missy said, her eyes lighting up. “It’ll be nice to have someone to talk to on the way. Plus, we can get there in time to see the sights before the contest.”

We stood up, and I could already feel the excitement bubbling inside me. Missy was right—it would be great to explore Fairlywise together. And who knew? Maybe watching her compete would give me the push I needed to step onto that stage myself one day.

We made our way back to the Pokémon Center, agreeing to pack up and leave before lunch. As I returned to my room to gather my things, I couldn’t help but smile. This journey was shaping up to be more exciting than I had ever imagined.