Standing in a line behind Serena, we watched her approach the front counter, clutching her Pokédex in her hands. Taking a deep breath, she placed the Pokédex on the screen in front of her. The screen scanned the Pokédex and brought up her picture and other information.
"It's all done! You're now registered to participate in the Pokémon Showcase Rookie Class," Nurse Joy said.
Serena smiled and removed her Pokédex. "Thank you." She turned to us. "Is it possible for me to be this nervous?"
"You still have a little more time before it starts for last-minute preparations," Ash said.
"I'm confident in our routine, but I guess a little more practice wouldn't hurt." Serena bounced on her toes. "I'm just so excited, I can hardly wait! Is this just like when you're about to have a gym battle?"
"No doubt. Since my gym battle is over, it's time to focus on you. We'll all root for you in the audience, and I know you're going to do great!"
"In the meantime, why don't we take this chance to look around the town?" Clemont said. "After all, the only thing we've really seen in Coumarine City is its Gym."
As we headed to the door, we heard construction work coming from outside. The doors slid open, and we saw multiple civilians hurrying by. The streets were heavily adorned with decorations, and people were adding even more. Ribbons, ornaments, and lights filled the trees, and shopkeepers and house owners hung up PokéBall wreaths on their shrubbery, windows, and rooftops.
"Gee, what's going on here?" Bonnie said, cupping a PokéBall ornament in her hands from a nearby bush.
"Howdy, y'all!" We turned and saw Ramos, the small, elderly Gym Leader of Coumarine's Gym riding on top of his Gogoat.
"Hey, Ramos. What's up with all the decorations around the town? Is something happening?" Ash said.
"Everyone's getting ready for the Coumarine City Festival. You young folks came at a good time of year. The origins of the festival date back to long before this town was built. A trainer and his beloved Pokémon lived here after a long and adventurous journey. In honor of their everlasting friendship, the trainer gave his Pokémon a tree to remind them of all they went through together. That tree, which became known as the Pledging Tree, just so happens to be that one right up there." Ramos pointed above our heads, and we followed it to the gargantuan tree standing tall in the distance. "Since then, it's said that when a trainer gives his Pokémon a gift while standing under that tree, the bond between them will grow even stronger. The folks here have kept this tradition going for many, many years."
"What a great tradition!" Serena said. "Why don't we all join in on the festival?"
"That's a great idea!" Ash said. "This is going to be so much fun!"
"I'm glad to see you young 'uns so enthusiastic about these things. If you want to be a part of the festival, make sure your gift is placed under the tree by sundown. Once the sun is gone, that's when the gift exchange will begin. If you'll excuse me, I'll be heading on over to go and decorate the tree. I'll see y'all tonight."
We thanked Ramos as he passed, then turned to each other. Serena pulled out her Town Map and pointed to a glowing red area.
"There's a shopping district by the port. We'll find the perfect gift there," Serena said.
Clemont adjusted his glasses. "I'll skip out on the shopping today. I have something different in mind for my gifts," he said.
"I bet you're going to make them yourself, right?" Ash said.
"Of course. It's what I do best."
"Just make sure they last longer than ten seconds," Bonnie mumbled. "I don't think Pokémon like piles of charred metal as gifts."
"Not all my inventions explode, thank you very much!"
"Are you coming with us, Rylee?" Ash said.
"No, thanks. I think I'll take a stroll around the town. Maybe the sights will inspire me," I said.
"Since you're all going to be out shopping, can I take care of your Pokémon?" Bonnie said with her hand raised high in the air.
"Sure thing!" Ash plucked Pikachu off his shoulder and set him on the ground. He pulled out his PokéBalls and brought out the other members of his team. "You all just relax, and we'll go and get your presents, okay?"
The combination of all their cheers filled the air. Clemont added his Pokémon to the group. I crouched down and placed Zoroark on the ground next to Sylveon.
"Have a good time with the others, all right?" I said. They both nodded.
"If you need us, we'll be at the Pokémon Center," Clemont said. "Have a good time!"
Clemont and Bonnie led our Pokémon into the Center. Once the doors closed, Ash and Serena headed on their way.
"We'll see you later!" they said with a wave. I smiled and waved until they turned their backs to me. I turned the other way and started my casual stroll down the street. It seemed like the more I walked, the more the excitement in the air stirred. I saw hordes of people and their Pokémon carrying gifts of different shapes and sizes as they made their hike up to the Pledging Tree. It all brought a smile to my face; all this cheer could make any sourpuss happy. I walked over to a tree and touched a tiny PokéBall ornament hanging low on one of its branches.
I paused as I stared at the ornament. As my fingers played with it, my other hand reached up and touched my neck, but I only found my locket. My hands fell back to my sides as my thoughts flew out of the city, out of the region.
This festival isn't complete without everyone here.
I turned and continued down the street, my stride even slower than before and my eyes to the ground.
~TPPOV~
"All right, everyone! Line up for brushing!" Bonnie said, waving a hand in the air with the other one holding a hairbrush. "After this, we can all have snack time! Serena made plenty of Poké Puffs for you all!"
The kids' Pokémon rushed to get into a line. At the end, Sylveon, Bunnelby, and Hawlucha stood in a small huddle. Hawlucha flexed and posed while Bunnelby cheered and Sylveon smiled.
"Come on, you three, get in line! The brushing includes you, too!" Bonnie said. The three hurried to get in line.
Zoroark trotted over to the table Clemont worked at and hopped on the top of the bench. She peered over his shoulder and watched him screw two pieces together.
"What are you making for your Pokémon?" she said.
"You'll just have to wait and see like everyone else," Clemont said.
"It's not going to blow up, is it?"
"Ha, ha, very funny." Clemont paused in his work and looked up. "Can I ask you something?"
Zoroark hopped onto the table and sat down. "Sure."
"What do you do when two sides are at a stalemate and you want something to happen, but neither of them know they have the power to change things?"
Zoroark tilted her head curiously. She tried to meet Clemont's gaze, but he focused on the wall.
"Hm..." Zoroark said, flicking her tail side to side. "I... guess... I guess maybe they need someone else to push them in the right direction and help them realize things. If neither side will take the first step, then you'll have to be the one to do that for them."
Clemont finally looked at Zoroark.
"Did that help?"
After a long, thoughtful pause, Clemont smiled and nodded. "It did. Thanks."
~RYLEE~
The sun began its descent into the horizon, and the sky and clouds began to show an orange tint. I climbed up the last part of the hill leading to the Pledging Tree. The more I drew closer, the more I can to crane my neck back to see the top of the tree. People and Pokémon were crowded at the tree's roots, so I took a detour and hid behind a group of bushes. I transformed into a Fletchling, flying above the people to the branches of the trees. I transformed back to my human self and planted my feet on the branch, placing a hand on the trunk to keep my balance. I sat down, stretched my legs along the sturdy branch, and leaned against the branch. The leaves and strung-up lights obstructed most of my view of the sunset, but I had a clear sight of the people below me.
I leaned my head against the trunk and stared at the leaves. My mind wandered to my PokéVision video. As it replayed in my mind, I remembered when it was first created and released to the public.
"Just imagine: both our videos in the PokéVision Top Ten!"
"If you do they'll be broadcasted to every region in the world."
Every... region...
My eyes widened, and I sat up.
"Ever since it got uploaded, thousands of people have been watching it!"
My heart skipped a beat, and I held my locket tightly.
...Did he see it?
~TPPOV~
"I'm back!" Serena said as she entered the Pokémon Center. Fennekin ran over and jumped into her arms.
"How'd your shopping go?" Clemont said.
Serena set a shopping bag on the table and sat down across from Clemont. "It went great! I found the perfect gifts for my Pokémon. How about you?"
Clemont poked his thumb at an object hidden underneath a white cloth. "I finished my first gift a little while ago. I was just about to start on the other one. It shouldn't take too long, though."
Serena eyed the tiny, golden pieces of metal laying in a pile in front of Clemont. "I'll say. What are you going to make with this?"
"You'll know when it's finished."
Bonnie tugged on Clemont's sleeve. "Hey, Clemont... Do you think I could give the Pokémon a present, too?"
"Of course you can."
"Really? I don't have to be a trainer to be a part of this?"
"Anyone can participate," Serena said. "And besides, whatever you make for everyone will be greatly appreciated! I'm sure they'll love it!"
Bonnie smiled. "Okay, I'll get started right away!" She turned and hurried over to the Pokémon to speak to them.
"I need to get started on my gifts. There's not much time left before the festival starts," Serena pulled tissue-wrapped items out of the shopping bag and placed them on the table.
"Then we'd better hurry," Clemont said. He picked up a pair of thin pliers and a tiny piece of metal.
~RYLEE~
The commotion below was louder than before. I cracked my eyes open and rubbed them; I must've fallen asleep. I looked below and saw the crowd of people much bigger than earlier; the entire town stood at the tree's roots. The last of the presents were placed at the base. Among those setting their gifts down, I saw the tiny silhouettes of my friends and their Pokémon. They joined the front of the crowd while Ramos stood before everyone and spoke. Whatever he said, the distance prevented me from hearing it. I sat up straight and shifted my sitting position, dangling my feet over the branch. The crowd began to chant, and I strained to hear it.
"Three... two... one!" the crowd cried.
I shielded my eyes as a bright light pierced the night air. When they adjusted, I lowered my hand and gasped at the lights. The tree was aglow, and the leaves shimmered with multicolored lights around me, as if thousands of fireflies covered the tree. It took my breath away. The lights made it hard to see the people below me, but through squinted eyes, I could see the gift exchange begin.
Tears filled my eyes. I should be a part of that...
Hugging my arms and bowing my head, I turned invisible.
The chatter of the citizens below began to fade; the festival had ended. I remained still with my eyes closed as I listened to the dying festivities. Eventually, there was silence. The lights of the tree burned through my eyelids, making my vision red instead of black. I willed myself to open my eyes.
Looking below, the crowds of people and the piles of presents were gone, already handed out to the desired Pokémon.
However, standing at the base of the tree, I saw a yellow and blue silhouette. I lifted my head and turned visible. I pushed myself off the branch and placed my feet on a platform of Protect. I flew down to the ground behind Clemont. He turned to me.
"There you are! You missed the festival," he said.
"Sorry. I guess I wasn't feeling up for it," I said. "Did everyone like their gifts?"
"They loved them."
"That's good." I sighed and lowered my eyes. "It seems like I'm the only one who didn't get gifts for my Pokémon. Some trainer I am."
Clemont stuck a hand in his pocket. "That's not true. We all know you care about them a lot. You didn't get them a physical gift, but you give them many other things: friendship, love, and protection. I think that's as good as any tangible present." Clemont shifted on his feet. "Speaking of presents... I have something for you."
I looked back up at Clemont. "What?"
Clemont pulled a small, wrapped box from his pocket. "I made this for you. I got a little help from Zoroark, too." Clemont held the box out to me.
I accepted the box and held it in my hands. Stealing a glance at Clemont, who watched with a smile, I pulled off the ribbon and lifted the box. Laying on a small layer of tissue paper was a gold chain.
"It's a necklace. Back when you showed me your memories of Unova, I noticed you wore something like that. Since you don't have it anymore, I thought you could use this one. That way holding your PokéBalls would be more convenient again," Clemont said.
Setting the empty box on the ground, I held the chain in my hands. Tears filled my eyes and fell down my face.
"So... Do you like it?"
I clipped the chain around my neck and attached my PokéBalls to it. I grabbed Clemont's shoulders and pulled him into a tight hug.
"Thank you," I said.
Clemont returned the hug.