Finding Truth Amongst The Lies

Chapter 9: Serena's POV

My first night camping in the forest was an experience, to say the least. I was so grateful that the cashier at the Pokemart had suggested I buy a beginner's fire starting kit because I would never have known what to do without it. After making a strange tin foil dinner following the instructions I had downloaded to my Pokedex before checking out of the hotel, Roisel and I curled up in my new sleeping bag and fell asleep to the sounds of night-time pokemon.

After awkwardly brushing my teeth with water from one of the many Fresh Waters I had purchased, I packed everything away in my new storage capsules and began walking along the road towards Floaroma Town. Roisel would alternate between scurrying along the ground next to me or riding on my shoulder. I was amazed that the little thing weighed hardly anything. If she wasn't constantly nuzzling my cheek or neck I would probably not have noticed her presence on my shoulder at all.

During the three-day walk to Floaroma Town, I became more and more attached to my darling Roisel. She was excitable and curious and seemed to always be happy. I still wasn't sure why she had seemed so spooked by Professor Rowan, but that thought was soon forgotten as I enjoyed the new experience of traveling with a pokemon partner.

My mind often wandered to memories of Ash and his plans of how he would become a Pokemon Master and travel all over the world looking for new pokemon to befriend. Even though it was silly, I had brought the little handkerchief he had tied around my knee that day we met. I hoped that someday I would be able to return it to him and thank him for being my friend.

We got to Floaroma town the day before the contest was to take place and were able to stay in one of the rooms in the Pokemon Center that were available to trainers. Roisel got a quick check by the Floaroma Town's Nurse Joy and she said that she also had never seen a pokemon quite like her. The next morning I woke up early and was one of the first people in line to purchase a ticket for the day's contest.

Roisel was curled around my neck, hiding inside the curtain of my long hair and only poking her nose out to sniff at all of the people around her. I frowned at seeing her act so timid in the large group, but I left her there. It didn't seem right to force her to confront her fears when I myself disliked large crowds.

My eyes widened and I gasped in delight at the beautiful stage set out in front of me. Stadium seats surrounded the large stage where cameramen and reporters were milling about below the stage, waiting for the event to start. A small thrill went through me as I realized excitedly that for the next several hours I was going to be able to witness pokemon and their trainers working hard together. I quickly found a seat in the front of the upper section of stadium seats so I had a completely unobstructed view of the stage and the two jumbo screens that would show close-ups of the action I assumed. When I sat down, Roisel poked her head from around my neck and sniffed her nose rapidly in the direction of the stage.

"Satoshi told me that he thought I would be a good Coordinator," I told her gently as I reached up and pulled her down so she could sit on my lap and see a little better. "I've never watched a pokemon contest before, but if you like it, I hope you'll help me become a Coordinator," I said. Roisel blinked her purple eyes and tilted her head as her chest rose and fell in a quick rhythm.

I couldn't hold back my smile as I leaned down and touched my nose to her little cold one. Just like the first time I had done that, Roisel sneezed delicately and I laughed. When I pulled back, Roisel turned around and began walking along my leg. When she got to my knee she sat down on her hind legs and straightened her body, peering down at the massive stage with obvious interest. I stroked her back and rubbed her rounded ears affectionately as we waited for the contest to start.

"Hello, lovely people! And welcome to this year's Floaroma Pokemon Contest where the participating coordinators will do their best to earn the coveted Floaroma Ribbon!" A peppy woman with brown curly hair, wearing a pink pantsuit with a yellow belt ran onto the stage and pointed to the jumbo screens above her, which depicted the photo of a beautiful orange ribbon held together by a gold triangle with a small crown on top.