As the Clever Appeal contest progressed, Mira and Eliza watched the other contestants' performances from the waiting room screen. There were moments of brilliance and creativity—one performer used a Spoink to bounce light off Reflect, creating a prismatic shimmer across the stage, while another had a Munna weave Dream Eater visuals into a haunting illusion. A third Coordinator brought out a Gothita that balanced a chain of Confusion-controlled petals while simultaneously spinning through a carefully rehearsed dance. The room buzzed with anticipation and admiration as each act brought something different to the table.
Mira scribbled occasional notes in her contest journal, but her eyes kept drifting back to Eliza and Glameow. Despite the impressive competition, there was a sense of calm in how the pair carried themselves. Eliza gently brushed Glameow's coat one last time, whispering softly as the feline stretched and flicked her tail with practiced elegance.
But none quite matched the balance of control, charm, and clever execution that Glameow had displayed.
When it came time for the Talent Round, Eliza stood calmly beside the curtain once more, Mira just behind her.
"Ready to make her shine?" Mira whispered.
Eliza nodded, her voice firm. "She's more than ready."
The lights dimmed again as the announcer introduced Eliza's second round.
"Returning to the stage—Eliza Hawthorn and her Glameow!"
This time, Glameow leapt onto the platform with a graceful flourish, entering mid-spin as the spotlight caught her polished coat.
The routine opened with Captivate, her signature move, delivered as part of a theatrical story. She took slow, deliberate steps forward, tail coiled elegantly, before pausing dramatically center stage.
Then came Assist—and this time, it mimicked the graceful arc of Psychic, borrowed from an earlier competitor. Glameow used it to levitate a series of small silver props placed across the stage, arranging them like puzzle pieces before launching into a seamless Aerial Ace, slicing between them with precision.
Her story, unspoken but clear, was of a clever Pokémon solving a problem with grace, intellect, and flair.
The audience was silent at first, fully drawn in—then applause swelled at the finish, followed by murmurs of impressed praise.
The judges' scores soon followed:
Contest Official: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Nurse Joy: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Fan Club Representative: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Total: 14/15
As the final scores were tallied, the top three contestants were called back onto the stage.
Glameow stood poised as ever beside Eliza, her expression cool and confident.
"Third place in the Clever Appeal – Normal Rank category: Munna and their Coordinator, Jiro!"
"Second place: Spoink and Arabelle!"
"Which means first place, with a combined score of 28/30… Eliza Hawthorn and Glameow!"
The crowd erupted in applause as Eliza stepped forward, visibly stunned for a heartbeat before straightening with pride. Glameow gave a slow, smug tail flick and tilted her chin upward as if to say of course.
They received a Clever Appeal Ribbon, shaped like a stylized silver sparkle with green accents, and—like Mira before—a Battle Company gift card.
Eliza turned to glance at Mira in the crowd and grinned widely.
Later, with the ceremony over and the Contest Hall gradually emptying, Eliza and Mira found a quiet corner by the windows.
"That was amazing," Mira said, beaming. "You two looked incredible."
"I still can't believe it," Eliza replied, glancing down at her ribbon. "But Glameow says she's already eyeing the next hall."
Mira chuckled. "Figures. Where to next?"
"I thought I'd try my luck in Nacrene. They've got an indoor hall with rotating categories. What about you?"
Mira tapped her Contest Pass. "I'll stay here a few more days. Petilil and Scout are signed up for the Team Appeal round this week."
Eliza smiled and extended her pinky. "Whoever gets their second ribbon first owes the other dinner. Glameow and Snivy's ribbons are tied to them specifically, of course—but you've got more flexibility with the Team Appeal. You can rotate between Petilil and Scout, right?"
Mira linked pinkies with her. "Deal. Yeah, I can switch them out depending on the routine—but that just means we all have to train extra hard if we want to keep up with you two."
The girls returned to the Pokémon Center together, their ribbons safely pinned to their passes and the excitement of the day still fresh in their minds. Nurse Joy congratulated them both at the counter, and a few passing trainers recognized them from the Contest Hall and offered cheerful compliments. Some even asked about their routines, clearly inspired by the creativity they had witnessed.
They decided to celebrate with a small treat from the café next door—fresh berry tarts and warm tea. Mira chose a tart with Nanab and Pecha fruit, while Eliza opted for a tangy Tamato-berry blend. Mira released her team into the shared courtyard, letting them stretch and play beneath the golden glow of late afternoon.
Petilil twirled through the grass, her leaves sparkling with dew as she spun, before scampering off to join Sewaddle at a nearby flower patch. The two Grass-types quickly bonded over the petals and leaves, exploring the vibrant blooms together with curious chirps and hums.
Scout chased sunbeams across the flagstones, occasionally pausing to bark excitedly at a passing Butterfree.
Snivy, ever poised, lounged in a patch of filtered sunlight, watching the scene with a calm and slightly amused expression. Sewaddle occasionally looked back at her, clearly curious about the quiet strength the older Grass-type exuded.
Eliza and Glameow relaxed on a nearby bench, Glameow grooming one paw with aristocratic precision.
Laughter, soft Pokémon sounds, and rustling leaves filled the air as the light dimmed. The courtyard felt like a sanctuary—somewhere outside of time, where ribbons and rankings didn't matter, only joy.
When the sky turned dusky purple, casting lavender shadows across the courtyard and turning the windows of the Pokémon Center golden, the girls began to gather their things. They bid each other goodnight, offering sleepy smiles and quiet yawns, and returned to their respective rooms. Mira paused at her window, watching the city lights flicker to life, before turning back to her bed. She lay awake for a while, gazing at the ribbon now clipped neatly to her bag, a soft, content smile on her lips. For once, the future didn't feel overwhelming—it just felt full of possibility.
The next morning dawned clear and bright. The girls met in the Pokémon Center lounge for a light breakfast—toast with jam, yogurt, and a small bowl of fresh berries each. The gentle clink of plates and hum of early trainers created a peaceful background as they sipped warm tea. They didn't speak much, but their quiet was the comfortable kind shared between friends who didn't need words to say how proud they were of each other. Occasionally, they exchanged glances and small smiles, still soaking in the feeling of accomplishment.
When it was time, Mira walked Eliza to the city's northern gate. The streets were still sleepy, cobblestones gleaming with morning dew, and the rising sun painted the tall buildings in hues of gold and peach. Pidove cooed from the rooftops, and shopkeepers opened their doors with quiet greetings. Glameow padded gracefully ahead, her tail curling elegantly as she stepped, while Scout trotted beside Mira, occasionally glancing between the girls.
At the gate, Eliza turned and gave Mira a quick but tight hug. "Keep me updated. I want pictures of the Team Appeal—every angle. And I want cheering sections too."
"You got it," Mira said, her grin half amused, half touched. "Expect at least three photo updates a day."
They exchanged one last look, full of unspoken gratitude, encouragement, and the quiet knowledge that this had been an important chapter in both their journeys. Then Eliza turned and headed down the road, her confident stride framed by the morning sun. Glameow followed with her usual flair, casting one last glance back as if to silently affirm they'd see each other again soon.
Mira watched until they disappeared around the bend, then took a steadying breath and turned back toward the heart of the city—toward the Contest Hall, the Team Appeal, and everything still waiting to unfold.