A soft blanket was spread over a patch of wildflowers, nestled between a bend in the cobbled path and a small grove of trees near Liberty Garden Tower. Mira sat cross-legged in the middle, surrounded by her Pokémon, a light picnic laid out before them. The morning sun bathed the island in a golden glow, and the breeze was soft, carrying the scent of blooming petals.
Scout gnawed happily on a berry puff, occasionally pausing to nudge Mira's hand with his nose or cast a playful glance toward Servine. Petilil sipped delicately from a shallow saucer of spring water, occasionally humming and swaying in rhythm with the gentle breeze. Sewaddle nibbled contentedly on a leaf-wrapped snack Mira had packed the night before, occasionally scooting closer to share a crumb or two with Petilil. Servine, poised and proud, lay curled near the edge of the blanket, her eyes half-lidded in comfort as she listened to the quiet chatter. From time to time, she flicked her tail in a relaxed wave, acknowledging the others' presence. Mira reached out to brush her fingers over each of them in turn, grateful for the warmth they shared in this moment of celebration.
Mira lifted a piece of soft bread to her mouth, still smiling from the evolution ceremony earlier. They had all taken turns congratulating Servine again, laughing and remembering how proud Snivy had looked when the Leaf Stone began to lose its glow.
"Not a bad way to spend our last morning," Mira said, watching the way the light danced through the grove's leaves.
The team agreed in their ways—barks, chirps, leaf flicks—and slowly finished their meal together. Mira carefully gathered their things and brushed off the blanket as the chime of the ferry's arrival echoed faintly down the trail.
The short walk back to the pier was peaceful. Flowers swayed in the path's edges, and a few wild Pokémon—Cutiefly and a particularly curious Pidove—watched from the treetops.
When they arrived, a different sailor was already preparing the boat—a tall woman with sun-worn skin and a cap slightly askew. She looked up from her work and grinned.
"Morning! Heading back to Castelia, right? You're just in time," she called.
Mira nodded. "That's us. Thanks for the ride."
"Hop aboard," the sailor said, lowering the ramp with a practiced pull of the lever.
The boat ride back was quiet. Mira sat near the rail, her team enjoying the breeze one last time before resting in their Poké Balls. At 2:30 pm, they docked in Castelia again—just enough time to walk the short stretch toward the ferry platform for Virbank City.
Mira reached into her satchel and pulled out the ferry ticket she had bought the day before. "Alright," she said softly, feeling the gentle weight of it in her hand. "Next stop: Virbank."
She smiled, her heart light, and took a final look at the dock as the next chapter of her journey waited just beyond the harbor.
The ferry glided across the shimmering water, carrying Mira and her Pokémon toward the coastal silhouette of Virbank City. Smoke from the nearby industry mixed with the scent of salt and iron in the air, and towering cranes and warehouses soon came into view. It wasn't as polished or grand as Castelia, but there was a rugged charm in its honest bustle.
As they docked, Mira stepped off the ferry and into the heart of the harbor. Her eyes immediately scanned the city layout—the Pokémon Center stood bright red against the industrial grays and purples of the city buildings. Waterways crisscrossed between warehouses, and further north, she spotted the modest gym entrance tucked between graffiti-tagged buildings.
Just beside the port, Mira found a city map posted near the docks. Tracing her finger over the details, she noted several key locations: the Virbank Complex to the south, Pokéstar Studios up north, and what looked like a small Contest Hall nestled between a music venue and a performance square. Her eyes lit up.
"A Contest Hall... maybe Servine could aim for her Super Rank ribbon here," she murmured. Servine, hearing her name from the Poké Ball at Mira's belt, gave a subtle but proud pulse of energy in response.
Mira decided to head to the Pokémon Center first to get settled in. The familiar warmth of Nurse Joy's greeting and the gentle hum of healing machines gave her a moment to breathe. Once her team was checked in and rested, she made her way toward the central plaza. There, the sounds of music echoed faintly from the Virbank Gym.
Curious, she let Scout out of his Poké Ball. The Lillipup's ears perked immediately, catching the faint pulse of music on the wind. With a happy bark, he trotted ahead, weaving through alleyways and streets, occasionally glancing back to make sure Mira was following.
Soon, Scout led her to the venue's underground entrance. Inside, flashing lights lit the black-painted walls, and a crowd swayed to the rhythm of a punk-rock performance. The floor throbbed with the beat of the drums, and colored strobes pulsed in sync with the high, wailing notes of the electric guitar. On stage stood Gym Leader Roxie, her electric bass slung over her shoulder, leading her band with wild hair and even wilder energy. Her voice rang out raw and confident, her presence magnetic. The space smelled faintly of sweat, amplifier static, and salty sea air drifting in from the harbor vents—a strange mix, but somehow perfectly Virbank.
Mira stayed at the back, bobbing her head to the music, a small grin creeping onto her face. The crowd was a mix of trainers, musicians, and Contest fans alike. Scout stood by her side, his ears perked and tail wagging in time with the bassline. He let out a small, thrilled yip every now and then, clearly delighted by the noise and energy. Despite not planning to challenge the Gym, Mira found herself inspired by Roxie's passion and showmanship, and seeing Scout so engaged only deepened her appreciation for the moment.
After the concert ended, Mira made her way toward the small Contest Hall she had seen on the map. A notice posted outside detailed that a Super Rank Cool Appeal round was scheduled for the next morning. She signed up Servine for the solo competition, deciding that they could reuse their previous routine from Castelia, with some thoughtful adaptations to suit Servine's newly evolved form and presence. Her movements were longer now, her energy deeper, and her grace sharper. Mira jotted down a few notes, considering how to adjust the pacing and staging to reflect Servine's new capabilities.
With the city buzzing around her, Mira returned to the Pokémon Center, her mind already working through combinations, steps, and storylines.
Once in her room, she took a few quiet moments to unwind before reaching for her PokéGear. She dialed her parents, and after a short ring, her mother's cheerful face filled the screen, her father leaning in just behind her.
"Mira! We saw your PokéVision uploads! Two ribbons already—you're amazing, sweetheart!"
Mira laughed, her cheeks flushed. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I wanted to call and tell you myself, too. Snivy evolved—she's a Servine now. It happened on Liberty Island. It was... kind of perfect."
Her father whistled softly. "A Servine already? That's incredible. She must be proud."
"She really is," Mira said, smiling toward Servine's Poké Ball. "And we're entering another contest tomorrow—a Super Rank Cool Appeal. It's just her this time."
"Also," she added with a grin, "we've got a new teammate—her name's Sewaddle. She joined us back in Castelia. Wanna meet her?"
Her mother leaned in closer, smiling wide. "We'd love to!"
Mira unclipped the Poké Ball and let Sewaddle out. The little Bug and Grass-type blinked up at the screen, then gave a shy wiggle of her feelers.
"Aww, she's adorable," her mom cooed.
"She is," Mira agreed, beaming. "And she's already fitting in great."
The rest of the team emerged too—Scout barking excitedly, Petilil twirling in greeting, and Servine offering a poised nod to the camera.
Her parents waved to them all. "What a beautiful team you're building. We're proud of every one of you."
"Thanks," Mira said, her voice softening. "It means a lot."
They chatted a bit more, exchanging little stories and laughs about her journey and the contest hall in Virbank. Her father joked that he hoped they wouldn't be battling her on stage next.
"Don't worry," Mira grinned, "you're safe for now."
"We'll be cheering you on from here," her mother said.
"Love you both," Mira said softly, waving as the call wrapped up.
Once the screen faded to black, Mira looked at her team huddled around her. Sewaddle had curled up near her pillow, while Scout stretched out at the end of the bed. Petilil hummed contently and nestled into the folds of her blanket, and Servine sat near the foot of the bed, gazing out the window.
"Alright, everyone," Mira whispered. "Time to sleep—we've got another beautiful challenge ahead tomorrow."
The city that pulsed with rhythm and ambition, Mira was ready to perform.