The pokemon of the theatre are gathered around the stage area, collaborating on new ideas and ways to wow their audiences. They become interrupted when their bosses come forward with their shiny celebi/goodra hybrid baby, cradled in the goodra’s arms. The pokemon assemble to the two girls, giving off positive comments about their creation.
“Aw, look at her,” says Manny. “She looks so cute.”
“She’s got her mother’s eyes,” adds Richie.
“Which one?” asks Betty.
“Both of them.”
“Funny.” The brionne turns to the girls. “Well, congratulations to the both of you.”
“Thank you, Betty,” Elle tells her. “It took about two weeks for her to hatch, but it was worth the wait.”
“You have a name for her?”
“Cinella,” Gloria utters. “Her name is Cinella.”
“Cinella?” repeats Betty. “Why ‘Cinella?’”
“It’s a combination of my name, Elle’s name, and Cindy’s name.”
“I can understand the combination with you and Elle, but why Cindy, also?”
“She was the one who brought me and Elle together. It was only fitting that we give her some honor.”
“Well, congratulations to the both of you. A warm welcome to the world for ‘Cinella.’”
“What’s been going on here?” asks Elle. “Why’s everyone standing around?”
“We’ve been trying to come up with some new material. Find ways in which we can bring more pokemon in and dazzle them further.”
“And, what did you guys come up with?”
“Not much, really… Just a couple of tweaks to our normal acts, but nothing major…”
“Perhaps, it would be best to a walk around town. Might bring in some inspiration. And while we’re at it, some lunch at the tavern. How does that sound?”
“You sure about this?” Betty asks. “Taking a break from work?”
“I wouldn’t call it ‘taking a break,’ per se. It’s mainly a means to help with the old noggin generate ideas. Besides, I owe it to our big star for everything she’s done. How about it?”
Betty smiles. “Why… Sure…”
***
Out on the town, Betty strolls around with Elle. Their tour of Heroto takes them around the bustling streets. After spending some time walking about, they stop at the tavern to grab some lunch. Some ideas come, and some go.
“Damnit,” Betty spurts. “I thought it would’ve been a good idea to blast Richie with water and dry him off to make him a ‘puff-ball.’”
Elle laughs. “Wouldn’t really work too well. If anything, it would make him mad.”
“Elle, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Not to mention, the same for the whole circus, too.”
“We’re family, right? Family sticks together and helps each other out. Plus, you’re a good friend. You’ve had my back, even after Cindy left.”
Betty smiles. “Elle… You’re very kind. Hey, can you order me a Fruit Fizz? I have to step outside for a moment.”
“Want to start off hammered?” Elle chuckles. “Not a bad idea. Think I’ll get that, too.” Betty leaves the table and heads outside to get some fresh air. Upon stepping outside, she quickly takes notice of the riolu in the blue bandana, causing her to dive behind nearby shrubs. She watches as he treks along with the pachirisu.
“You’ve been quiet for a while, Zach,” Julie says, stopping and facing him. “Is something wrong?”
Zach rolls his eyes. “I… heard the news that Elle and Gloria’s baby hatched…”
“Oh? Aren’t you happy for them, especially for Elle?”
“I guess…”
“You don’t sound happy.”
“I don’t want to be selfish… but I feel like that should’ve been me…”
“Zach… You need to forget about her. I get it, you still have feelings for her and you are upset that she chose Gloria over you, but you need to drop it. It’s all in the past, now. You can’t let these feelings take you over.” Zach turns his head and stares at the ground. “What now…? Zach…”
Zach pivots back to her. “Julie, can you please let me know when you plan to abandon me…?”
Julie gets taken aback by his question. “W-what…? What makes you think I’d abandon you…?”
“Every pokemon has… Cindy, Ezma and Team Rescuers, Elle, my mother, Betty and the circus… After all I’ve been through, I’ve come to the realization I’m no good for any of them, or anyone else… I never will…” Zach turns his head down again. “I don’t even know what to think anymore…” Tears begin to form in his eyes. “I’m sorry… I just-”
“Hey…” She walks up to him and places her paws on his shoulders. “Zach, look at me…” Zach turns back up to her. “I understand… You’ve been pushed away and pushed down… I know how that feels… You aren’t alone, however. There’s nothing more you can do but just pick yourself back up and find strength to push yourself forward. Understood?” Zach gives her a small nod. “Also… how do you feel about going to the theatre tonight?”
“The theatre?”
“Yeah, and see Betty the Brionne?” Zach keeps his gaze to her. Julie sighs. “Look, I know you’ve had ‘issues’ with her, and you’re uncomfortable, but you shouldn’t care too much about her anymore. Besides, you both went your separate ways, right?”
“Yeah… If you want to see her, I’ll take you, then…”
Julie stares at him. “And you’re going to be okay with it…? You’re not going to be upset?”
“Julie…” He grabs both her paws and holds them in his. “I’m going to try my best and focus on us… Even if it means doing things I’m uncomfortable with… I will do this… for you…”
Julie looks down at her paws and Zach’s before looking back into his eyes. “Zach… I’m glad you’re starting to see things through.”
“I can’t promise you anything… I will try, however…”
“I’m okay with that.”
Betty sneaks away from the bushes and returns into the tavern. She goes back to rejoin Elle, who is a little tipsy from finishing her alcoholic beverage.
“There you are!” Elle begins. “What happened to you? You picking up some pokemon or something?”
“N-no,” Betty responds. “It wasn’t that… I just… was thinking about something…”
“What was it?” Betty keeps silent, but Elle nudges her. “Come on, you can tell me. We’re friends, right?”
“It’s… It’s just… Oh, forget it…”
“What? Did you forget?”
“Yeah… I did…”
“That’s a shame… Welp, I’m sure it was nothing, right?” Elle drinks her second glass, which was delivered before. Betty rolls her eyes, still pondering on what she had witnessed and heard.
