Pokémon: An Unexpected Odyssey

Chapter no.37 Misty and Austin: Morning

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Misty woke up with a long, satisfying stretch, sinking deeper into the plush mattress as she savored the soft embrace of a real bed. After what felt like an eternity of sleeping on uneven ground, rocks poking into her back, and the occasional rain-soaked night, this felt like a dream. She'd spent countless uncomfortable nights on her journey, and even more since that ill-fated decision to bring along a water-filled sleeping bag. What a disaster that had been—especially after a mischievous Weedle decided to puncture it. The memory made her wince.
One more reason to hate bugs, she thought with a frown, shaking off the unpleasant memory.

Today was going to be a calm day. Misty had told herself that as she lingered in the warmth of her bed, stretching luxuriously under the soft sheets. No battles, no drama—just a slow, easy breakfast, maybe picking up some supplies, and then hitting the road again. Her journey awaited, after all, and she was eager to get back to it. But for once, she wanted to start her day feeling refreshed.

After drying off from a long, hot shower, she finally pulled out one of the new outfits she'd bought back in Viridian City. Her trusty orange shirt and shorts were her usual go-to, a familiar look that had practically become her signature since leaving Cerulean. But lately, with her bike stolen by those Team Rocket goons, she'd found herself wanting a bit of a change. Something new to go with this new chapter in her life, even if it was forced on her by frustration.

In front of the small mirror in her room, Misty tied her short, orange hair up into a small side ponytail with a blue hairband, brushing out the stray strands so they framed her face neatly. It was a playful style, a bit different from her usual look, and she liked how the color of the hairband matched the rest of her outfit.

Next, she slipped into a white tank top with light blue straps that contrasted nicely with her sun-kissed skin. There was a small opening on each side near her ribs, giving it an edgy feel that made her grin at her reflection. The top felt comfortable and airy, perfect for the warmer weather. She paired it with a pair of light blue shorts with white and blue detailing along the seams, just snug enough to be flattering but loose enough to move in. Finally, she laced up her red and blue sneakers, each with thick white soles that added a little extra bounce to her step.

Before leaving, she decided to put on a mask—a simple blue one that complemented her outfit.

Once she was ready, she made her way down to the Pokémon Center cafeteria and ordered her breakfast: a bowl of Magikarp scale miso soup, a side of steamed white rice, and a glass of fresh juice. Settling down at a corner table, she took her time savoring each bite, letting the familiar, comforting taste of home settle her nerves. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed this, the quiet simplicity of a meal that didn't involve rationed supplies or eating on the road.

She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of the soup as it spread through her, letting herself just... be. She could feel the tension melting away, the weight of her journey slipping off her shoulders, at least for a moment. This was what she needed. Peace. Solitude.

Of course, it didn't last long.

"Oh, hey there, Misty!"

Her shoulders tensed at the sound of her name, her eyes snapping open. She turned slowly, hoping against hope that maybe it wasn't her he was talking to.

She exhaled, keeping her expression neutral. She supposed she should be grateful it was just Austin rather than someone who knew her or, god forbid, her sisters.