The Jubilife City Contest Hall was a sea of flashing lights and roaring voices, but for a moment, the world felt like it was moving in slow motion. As the dust and sparkling energy from the final explosion began to settle, the entire arena leaned forward, their eyes fixed on the center of the stage.
"The results are in!" Vivian's voice cut through the tension. "Piplup is unable to battle! And look at the scoreboards—Julian has maintained his lead until the very last second! Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the Jubilife Ribbon is... JULIAN!"
The crowd erupted into a thunderous ovation. On the stage, Aoko was already running to her fallen Piplup, scooping the brave little penguin into her arms. I started to move toward my partner, but I stopped dead in my tracks.
Flabébé was glowing.
It wasn't the soft green light of a move or the pink shimmer of Fairy energy. It was the brilliant, blinding blue-white light of evolution.
"Wait! Look at this!" Vivian shouted, pointing toward the center stage. "A double blessing! Not only a victory but an evolution on the final stage! This is the kind of magic you only see once in a lifetime!"
Inside the light, Flabébé's tiny silhouette began to shift and grow. She became taller, more elegant. The blue flower she had cherished since she was a sprout seemed to expand, its stem lengthening into a sturdy, graceful staff. When the light finally shattered like glass, a new Pokémon hovered there.
Floette.
She looked like a tiny, floral queen. She held her blue flower above her head like a delicate parasol, her new white-and-green body swaying with a natural poise that made her previous form look like a toddler.
"One year," I whispered, a lump forming in my throat. "Congratulations, Floette. You finally did it."
"Flo-ette!" she sang out, her voice richer and more melodic than before. She didn't stay still for long; she zipped through the air, circling me in a dizzying blur of joy, showing off her new, grown-up form.
Judges' Verdict and a Growing Star
The judges were already standing, clapping along with the audience.
"What a spectacular finish!" Mr. Contesta remarked, his usual stern expression replaced by one of genuine admiration. "To condense the entire power of a Grassy Terrain into a single Magical Leaf... that requires a level of focus I haven't seen in years. And the evolution? That is the ultimate proof of the bond between Trainer and Pokémon."
"I like it!" Mr. Sukizo yelled, his squinty eyes beaming. "I super! Like! It!"
"And let's not forget Aoko's Piplup," Nurse Joy added, looking over at Aoko. "That combination of Peck and Fury Attack was brilliant. To strike the same point repeatedly while breaking through a Fairy Wind... that's top-tier training. Both of these youngsters have bright futures."
Aoko walked over to me, her Piplup resting on her shoulder, looking a bit dizzy but okay. She puffed out her cheeks in a way that was half-frustrated and half-impressed.
"Well, you got me, Julian," she said, holding out a hand for a shake. "I thought I had that win in the bag, but your 'Flower Queen' over here had other plans. Don't think this means I'm giving up, though! I'm going to train twice as hard. Next time we meet, my Piplup won't be falling for any pink hearts!"
"I'm counting on it," I laughed, shaking her hand firmly. "We'll be waiting for the rematch."
The lights dimmed, and a single spotlight focused on the center of the stage. Mr. Contesta walked out, carrying a small, polished wooden box. Inside, resting on a bed of pink silk, was the Jubilife Ribbon. It was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship—a gold-rimmed medallion shaped like a star, attached to a shimmering pink-and-gold ribbon.
Floette landed on my right shoulder, her blue flower parasol resting against my cape. At that moment, I reached for a Poké Ball on my belt and released my other partner. With a flash of light and a spray of pink ribbons, Sylveon appeared at my feet, sensing the celebratory mood and letting out a happy, melodic cry.
"Julian," Mr. Contesta said, his voice echoing through the silent hall. "You came here as a newcomer, but you leave as a Champion. Your performance was a masterclass in coordination and combat. It is my honor to present you with your very first Ribbon."
I took the Ribbon, the cold metal feeling heavy and real in my hand. It was the first physical proof of my journey. I felt a sudden urge to do something a bit dramatic—maybe it was the "Aura Hero" outfit getting to my head.
"Alright! I've wanted to try this for a long time!" I laughed, feeling a bit awkward but doing it anyway. I held the Ribbon high against my chest, striking a pose for the cameras. "I just got the Jubilife Ribbon!"
"Flo-ette!" "Syl-veon!"
My partners struck their own poses beside me, and the arena exploded into one final, deafening cheer. Cameras flashed from every angle, capturing the moment the "Newcomer Sensation" became a legitimate threat in the Sinnoh Contest circuit.
Two hours later, the frantic energy of the Contest Hall felt like a dream.
I was leaning against the balcony railing of my hotel room, looking out over the neon-lit skyline of Jubilife City. The cool night air was a welcome relief after the heat of the spotlights. Behind me, the room was quiet. Floette was perched on a lamp, admiring her new reflection in the mirror, while Sylveon was curled up on the rug, already half-asleep after a massive celebratory dinner.
"You were amazing today, Floette," I said, turning back to look at her.
She chirped happily, twirling her blue flower. She looked so much more confident now, so much stronger.
"But now that the Contest is over, we've got a different kind of challenge," I said, looking down at Sylveon. "The Oreburgh Gym is next. Sylveon, it's going to be your turn to lead the charge. Roark's Rock-types aren't going to be as graceful as a Piplup. Are you ready?"
Sylveon's eyes snapped open. She stood up, stretching her legs, and her feelers instinctively wrapped around my arm in a reassuring squeeze. She gave a determined nod. She'd been watching from the sidelines all day, and I could tell she was itching for her own time in the spotlight.
"Good. Then we rest for tonight and set off tomorrow."
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a physical photograph I had requested from the official recorders. It was a perfect shot: me in my blue cape and hat, Floette on my shoulder, Sylveon at my side, and the Jubilife Ribbon shining in my hand.
I sat down at the small desk in the room, picked up a pen, and flipped the photo over. The back was pristine and white. I took a deep breath and began to write, my handwriting a bit messy from lingering excitement.
April 16th, 243rd Year of the Alliance Calendar — Jubilife City
Julian and my partners — Our first Contest, and our first Ribbon!
This was more than just a debut; it was the start of everything. I didn't expect the world of Coordinators to be this intense, but I love it. The way the crowd roars, the way the moves clash... it's a different kind of fire. Floette evolved today, too. She's grown so much, but we still have a long way to go.
Next stop: My first Gym Battle in Oreburgh City. I wonder if Roark is as tough as the rumors say? And I wonder when I'll run into some of those famous faces I've heard about...
Our adventure is just getting started. I can't wait to see what's over the next hill.
I tucked the photo back into my pocket and looked back out at the stars. The Jubilife Ribbon was safely tucked into its case on the nightstand, but the memories of the day were burned into my mind.
I wasn't just a researcher anymore. I was a Trainer. A Coordinator. And most importantly, I was a partner to the two incredible Pokémon sleeping in this room.
"Goodnight, Jubilife," I whispered, closing the balcony door. "See you on the road."