Date night has come. The riolu sits at a high table in front of his company; the shiny celebi. At first, the two talk about their backgrounds with Elle restating her position in theatre.
“Really?” Zach asks. “Must be a good job to be an actress.”
“It’s been my dream,” Elle tells him. “I’ve wanted to make my way up and become famous. Once I saw my sister become known for her hard work as a rescuer, I went on to follow my ambition as well. Of course, I couldn’t have made that possible without Betty egging me on to go for it.”
“So, how long have you been in the circus?”
“A few years. Cindy and I have always done well together as a circus act. It wasn’t until she accepted Ezma’s offer that things changed from there… I’ve always lived within my sister’s shadow until then… I didn’t know what else to do afterwards. It was Betty who nudged me to try out for acting in theatre.”
“Do you still ask your sister for help?”
“Not really… We don’t really interact very much anymore. I’ve been sort of on my own for much of everything...”
“I know that feeling… I wanted to be part of Team Rescuers but no one liked me much, not even your sister. I was kicked out and forced on my own.”
“So, I’ve heard. How did you manage to get into Ringmaster Raichu’s?”
“He found me and took me under his arm. I’ve been performing as a clown for several months, not knowing what to do… I’ve been sort of stuck here… Not motivated to follow my dreams… I’ve learned to move on from Team Rescuers, and Cindy… Betty was right; you shouldn’t rely on others for everything. You should make your own choices and choose your own happiness.”
“Is that what she meant by pushing me? I mean, it’s possible… Do you still want to be in a rescue guild?”
Zach nods. “Rescue guild or adventure guild.”
“Why don’t you apply for guild school? You can still chase your dream.”
“Really? You think so?”
“If you put in the effort and work hard, you’ll be able to achieve your dreams. I did, and I have done well for myself.”
“You know what? Yeah, I think I’ll give it a shot. Thanks, Elle.” She gives him a smile. The night continues on with the two having dinner and continue to talk about themselves, common interests, and work.
Elle swallows her food before asking her question. “How has the circus been for you? Has it been stressful the last few months when you began?”
“It has.”
“Were you nervous?”
“At first, I was… jumping through fiery hoops and getting tossed around weren’t pleasant, they still aren’t, yet I have to get used to it…’
“Why would you do that?” Zach goes on to reflect his experiences in the circus to Elle; his performances where he would be an accidental riolu and be involved in various, dangerous stunts. He also makes mention of how the other performers refuse to interact with him or respect him. Elle’s smile disappears when she learns of this treatment. “That doesn’t seem right… Why does everyone despise you?”
“I’m not sure, honestly… I think it’s because of my reputation with Team Rescuers that have made them uncomfortable with me… They don’t include me in anything…”
“Did you tell Ringmaster Raichu about all of this? Or better yet, did you let them know how you feel?”
“Nobody wants to listen to me… They all think I’m some freak pokemon who doesn’t belong here… just like your sister and her team did… They all hate me… I’m no good…”
“Don’t think that way.” She puts her hand on his shoulder. “I will talk with them about it and help resolve this.”
“R-really? You’d do that for me?”
“Of course! The circus is meant to bring joy to pokemon, not misery. Even the performers should be happy doing their job to make others feel the same.”
Zach manages a small smile on his face. “Thank you, Elle…” She reflects his expression.
***
Later on, the two pokemon take a stroll, down passed dimly-lit by lanterns along the path. They then stop in front of a lake to enjoy the scenery as the bright moon reflects off the water’s dark surface. They both lean on the fence that keeps them from accessing the body of water.
“It’s so beautiful out, isn’t it?” Elle asks.
“Yeah,” Zach responds. “It sure is. Just like you.”
“Aw, Zachy, you’re so sweet.”
“You think so?”
“Of course.” She lays her hand on top of Zach’s paw. The riolu takes notice of this and then turns to meet her eyes. “Zach, I really enjoyed our time tonight.”
Zach’s cheeks turn red. “You have? And I wasn’t a burden?”
She lets out a chuckle. “Not at all. Not used to taking compliments, are you?”
“No… This is a first…”
“You never got compliments from anyone? Not even your parents?”
“I… never had parents… I was raised by Ezma and the rest of the team. Though, I have heard Ezma and Lana talking about my mother being some… ‘runaround riolu.’”
“Oh?”
“Ezma said I was given up as an egg. That’s all I know… Now that I think about it, it’s probably another reason why pokemon don’t like me being around…”
“Well, I liked being with you tonight.”
“Thank you, Elle…”
“When do you want to meet up for the next date?”
Zach becomes shocked and blushes. “Y-you want to go on another date?!” Elle giggles. “I-I mean… I’m fine with whenever… So long as it’s not during work…”
“Heh, that’s fine by me.”
