Ringmaster Raichu sits at his desk, overlooking some documents when he takes notice of knocking at his door. “Yes?” The door swings open and reveals the brionne in the doorway. “Ah, Betty! How goes it?”
“Ringmaster,” the seal pokemon begins. “Can I talk to you?”
“But, of course! Please, come in!” Betty does as she’s ordered, closing the door behind her and approaches the raichu. “To what do I owe this honor?”
“I want to express my concern about your newest performer. I don’t feel too comfortable around him.”
“Oh, nonsense! Zach has proven himself to be a great clown! Why, he’s really helped bring in a lot because of his little act!”
“Aren’t you worried he’ll still ruin everything?”
“Doubt it. So far, he’s spiked up our profits in a matter of months. I think it was a good decision to make; bringing him in.”
“Why did you even bring him in at all? Weren’t you worried he was going to destroy everything and endanger the rest of us?”
“Look, I felt bad for him. He had nothing left after he was booted from Team Rescuers. I came up to him and made him an offer, to which he accepted.”
“Probably because he was desperate and had nowhere to go.”
“What was I supposed to do? Leave him there to rot? You’ve got to take risks when running a business. Sometimes, the opportunities are more rewarding. Besides, you were the same when you first joined.”
“I was a different story, Ringmaster! I wasn’t a reject like that riolu!”
“Yet, I took a chance with you, and here you are; the star of the show!
“Pretty sure it’s the riolu, now that he’s stolen the spotlight from me… and the rest of us!”
“You’re in doubt, Betty. You should take a chance with Zach, like I did. You two could be great friends and run the show together. You know what, that might be a good idea! Have you and him perform a stunt together!”
“If you think I’m performing with the runt riolu of Team Rescuers, then you are dreaming!”
“Now, now, Betty. You’re just jealous he’s fit in here quickly and well. Why don’t you go and speak with him? Perhaps you two could work out amazing ideas together. I must continue with my work.”
“But, Sir!”
“Enough! Run along, now.”
Disgruntled, Betty exits the cabin and travels down the row of makeshift houses for each of the circus crew. She comes to the newly-erected hut made for Zach and pushes her way in. There, she spots the riolu standing in front of a mirror, checking himself.
Betty inches her way in. “You…!”
Zach perks up and faces the brionne. “Oh… Hello. I didn’t hear you come in… Can I help you?”
“I want to talk to you!”
“O-oh really? I’m glad you came to talk. I haven’t really talked to anyone here… Betty the Brionne, right? I like your performances. You do an amazing job.” He manages a slight smile.
“Cut the crap, Riolu!” Zach’s smile disappears. “You may have Ringmaster Raichu by your side, but you’re not going to deceive me or anyone else here!”
“W-what? But I-”
“You’ve only been here for a few months and already you’re the new star of the show?! You think you could just steal the spotlight from not only me, but the rest of us?!”
“I had no intention… I-”
“Let me tell you how this goes! I don’t care what Ringmaster Raichu says about you! You are not part of our ‘family,’ and you never will be! You do anything to pester us, and I will make sure you’re never heard of again! The ‘Rambunctious Riolu” will be no more! Just stay away from us! Got it?!”
“I… I…”
“Don’t make me repeat myself to you!” She turns and leaves, slamming the door on her way out.
The riolu looks down at the floor with drooped ears. He then looks into the mirror one more time. “Look at you,” Zach tells his reflection. “You’re nothing but a ridiculous riolu, now… You have no friends… no family… You are nothing!” He throws a punch at the mirror, shattering it into pieces in one hit. Blood begins to drip from his paw, having cut it on one of the shards. He just remains there, standing among the broken pieces. The noise prompts Betty to peek through the crack in the door and catch a glimpse of the riolu as he stands and cries.
