Nimbasa Festival Arc: A Dilemma
"Hey! Jayden!" Jacky called out to him, and he turned to them. He had indeed made an effort with the clothes. He wasn't wearing a suit, but black pants and a T-shirt with silver patterns on it.
"Hi." He waved at them.
"Did Mari invite you?",
"She very much did.",
"Oh reeeeally?" She side-eyed Mari. "Is there something I don't know about?",
"Shut up. I'm just making an effort to get along with him for once.",
"...Yeah, right." She snickered.
Jayden joined the two girls and scrutinized Mari intently. "You... uh... you... you look so pretty in that kimono.",
"Thanks." She gave a little curtsy, then gave Jacky a raised thumb. The latter winked back.
"Well, how's the food? Knowing you, you've tried everything already.",
"Nonsense." He raised his shoulders. "I haven't tried much yet... well... not everything, at least." Mari chuckled, then walked towards one of the empty tables. Her friends joined her and looked up as Soleil walked into the room as proud as ever in her dress. "Hurry up, Susan!" she called over her shoulder and shortly after, her sister arrived wearing a simple but fashionably cut bright orange dress. Jacky had to laugh as Soleil waltzed into the hall with a straight posture. "Look at her go. She looks like a proud Liepard. Endearing.",
"She owns the stage." Mari grinned, but noticed that Jayden was nervously playing around with his golden pendant. "Hey, relax. You're not gonna get eaten."
Jayden just laughed softly. "Heh... I just haven't experienced this kind of thing a lot, that's all. I'm not... used to being among so many people, I usually avoided service back at the monastery.",
"Mhm..." Mari looked at the pendant. "Did you get that one from Nate?",
"No..." Jayden shook his head. "My parents left it behind.",
"Oh. Is that why you gave it away?",
"... Not really, no..." He shook his head. "I always thought it was the last thing I had left of them, and a side of me would hold on to it sometimes when I felt lonely. But... The girl needed it more than I did, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel good to give it away... I am conflicted about it.",
"I see... Was it... bad we gave it back to you then?",
"N-No. No... it's okay..." He put it away.
"Okay..." Mari didn't ask any further because she knew Jayden was sensitive about this particular topic.
Jacky kept looking at the entrance. "What's up? Are you looking for you-know-who?" Mari asked. Jacky blushed. "No, no... Not at all. I mean, yeah, I hoped to see him, but I'm not looking for him in particular." She got up. "I gotta go somewhere real quick, wait for me here.",
"Where are you going?",
"I wanna have a word with Elesa.",
"About what?",
"That's a surprise.",
"Oh?",
"Yeah. You'll have to wait and see." She winked at her and then rushed off. Mari's gaze fell on the few people who were already daring to dance. Soleil was one of them, giving exuberant but elegant spins and moves like a ballerina. "Look at her. She's making me feel totally out of place here... I can't dance at all.",
"YOU feel out of place? Well, then you're not the only one", Jayden said. "In that regard, we're a perfect match.",
"I mean, I'd have been surprised if you ever learned anything about dancing at the monastery."
He cracked up at that and laughed. "Haha, yeah, it's not exactly common in a boring place like that." Then, he tilted his head mischievously. "Well then, shall we dance?",
"Really now?",
"What? You don't know how to dance. Neither do I. What could go wrong?"
She rolled her eyes. "You're out of your mind.",
"Well, wouldn't be the first time, no? So, what do you say?" He stood up and extended his hand to her. "Come on, we might as well try to have some fun instead of just sitting here and watching other people enjoy themselves."
Mari looked at it for a few moments and then sighed. She took his hand and stood up as well. "Alright, alright... But only for a moment.",
"At last." Jayden smiled with satisfaction. "I could have come here in jeans after all if I just cared about the food.",
"Pfft... Whatever you say."
Mari let him lead her to the dance floor. "Okay, let's embarrass ourselves then.",
"It won't be that embarrassing." Jayden put an arm around her. "Now relax, it's not gonna be the end of the world.",
"Yeah, yeah..." His chosen lady looked at the other dancers, then copied their positions- even if it made her feel so incredibly stupid. "See, that's a good start", he commented as the two danced as best they could near the table.
The next moment, however, Mari misplaced her foot and twisted her ankle. She almost lost her balance, but Jayden stepped back and held her securely so she wouldn't fall. Briefly, he held his breath as their foreheads touched. "... Careful there.",
"Ow... man, that sucks. Thanks." She took a step back and checked her ankle. "...Whew... okay, it's fine, I didn't hurt myself.",
"Are you okay? That was really close.",
"Yeah, I'm fine.",
"Dancing with you is really life-threatening", he smirked teasingly and Mari looked at him. "...For me. Yes. Okay, I already have enough. I'mma take a stroll outside, I need some air after this.",
"Oh, sure. I'll stay here and tell your friend you've gone out for a moment, okay?",
"Alright. I'll be back in a few minutes, so don't worry too much." She waved and then went outside the gym to finally take a breather.
She strolled down Route 16, listening to the wind as it passed through the leaves of the trees surrounding it. She saw a few Fletchindr dancing around each other. "Hmm... Even they are in a dancing mood..." The birds noticed her and landed on the fence that separated the grove from the road. "Hi, you two... I guess you're dancing your own waltz today, huh?" One of them chirped in reply. She giggled softly and held out her hand. One Fletchindr immediately flew away, the other remained seated, allowing her to stroke it under its beak. "Hmm..." Her thoughts drifted off as the bird began to coo softly. Then, she looked into its eyes. "Hey... Would you be interested in going on a journey with a trainer?",
"...?" It tilted its head.
"A friend of mine could use all the help he can get... Would you help him out?",
"..." The Pokémon didn't move until it made a sound.
"I know I'm asking too much. But I think a Pokémon like you could help him a lot. After all, we learn from each other..."
It made a sound of agreement.
"Thank you... On his behalf, too." She smiled and stroked the bird's head before capturing it and heading back.
She held the ball hidden behind her back when she made her way back to the table. "Well? Had a nice stroll?" Jayden asked, tilting his chair slightly as he casually leaned back.
"Yeah. Did Jacky come back already?",
"Nope... Haven't seen her anywhere. Dunno where she's hiding. Or what you're hiding.",
"Hiding? Me?"
He tried looking past her back. "What's that behind your back?",
"Ah... hehe. You'd like to know, wouldn't you?",
"Pretty much. Is it a snack?",
"...Not quite. I've found something when I walked around outside and... thought it would help you out on your journey ahead." She held the Pokéball out to him. "Here. This is for you.", "Huh...?" He looked at the ball in surprise, then at her. "Why... are you giving me this?",
"Well, I guess we're going to part ways here after for a while. And you could sure use some support on your way. Open it."
Jayden took the ball in his hand and stood up before pressing the white button in the center and opening the ball. A white beam shot out and the Fletchindr fluttered in the air.
"This is a Fletchindr", Mari explained. "A Pokémon home to the Kalos Region, but they have nesting sites around Lentimas here in Unova. They are fast and agile and very territorial. They'll fight with any other of their kind in a heartbeat unless they're looking for partners. They're fire types, spitting sparks and small flames to lure prey out of grass and trees."
Jayden reached out and the Fletchindr landed on his arm. "I've never seen one in real life..." he muttered in fascination. "Wow... it's so majestic.",
"Prr?" Fletchindr checked him out curiously.
"It seems so calm... I expected it to be more vivacious.",
"It agreed on helping you out. They are very intelligent Pokémon.",
"..." He started scratching it beneath its beak. "...Thanks... I... I appreciate it very much.",
"I hope you can become friends.",
"I'm sure we can... I'll do my best." He withdrew it again and gave her a hug. "Thanks so much.",
"No biggie." She patted his back before they sat down at the table again.
"You know...", Jayden tilted his head, "... of course I'm gonna participate in the tournament today. But I sure hope I won't be up against you anytime soon.",
"Why that? Because I'm a few badges ahead of you?",
"Well... yeah, that as well. But... when I battle you one day, I wanna win. And the only way I can do that is if I outrun you.",
"Oh, really? Well... I'm not going to let that happen too easily. I know we're moving at a much slower pace... seems we have to step it up a notch. I don't really know what to do after the eighth badge, though...",
"Aren't the eight badges qualifying you to participate at the league tournament?",
"Well... yes. They do.",
"Why don't you do that, then?",
"Trying to become the Champion of Unova?" Mari tapped her fingers on the edge of the table. "I mean, yeah... I could. But... I don't want to steal Jacky's dream, you know?",
"Isn't it yours, too?",
"... I haven't really thought about it. She's wanted it for a long time, even before I saw it as an option. I don't know if it's my dream, too... I'm not aiming that high.",
"So you won't even try?",
"...Well... I mean, since the eight badges qualify me... it would be a wasted opportunity not to participate at the biggest tournament in Unova. But... if Jacky ends up winning and fulfilling her dream, I'd cheer for her.",
"Huh... Well ... I think I understand what you're saying, but you might want to start chasing your own dreams, and start by looking for them. I mean... there's nothing wrong with going all the way with her, is there? I am sure she'd be glad if you stayed by her side and saw this dream through with her.",
"...But what if I end up winning instead of her? Wouldn't that be unfair?",
"That's how tournaments are supposed to go, right?" He tapped his chin. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but even making it to the tournament is a sign of one's strength, right? It's a tough challenge, after all.",
"... Yeah, that's true. Only the strongest of the strong will make it far in that tournament. Still... if I end up winning... I'm not even sure I'd want the title.",
"Strongest of Unova. The best of the elites." Jayden looked at her. "Isn't that a title most suitable for you?",
"...it does sound kinda fancy, I admit... Well... I guess you're right.",
"Heh... View it as a chance to test her as her best friend and biggest rival. I am sure your judgment of all is most important to her." He leaned back again.
"I suppose we won't see each other for a while after all of this is over... I'll go back to the monastery when my journey comes to a close.",
"Really? Didn't you want to get out of there?",
"Yes, but... In the end, there's nothing else I can do. It's my home... so eventually, I have to come back.",
"Huh... then, I'll definitely visit you at the monastery from time to time.",
"If it's not too far away from wherever you'll be at that time?",
"No way is too far for me. But... you're not going to stay there forever, are you?",
"I owe Nate an incredible amount. Maybe... I have to.",
"That's kinda sad... having to stay within your prison for the rest of your life.",
"I know." He looked to the side contritely. "I'd rather drop everything and follow your path of freedom, but I can't, because I would betray the monastery if I did that. My past is forever tied to him because he saved my life and allowed me to grow up. If I turned my back to him and the monastery, I feel like I would disrespect the gift of life that he gave me. I don't want to return into the cage that is my home, but I must. It's the only place I have in this world. And even if I might never be able to leave again after I come back... it's a sacrifice I have to make, for his sake. I can't leave the person behind who raised me. I just can't bring it over myself. However... neither can I leave the person I..." He gritted his teeth and sounded utterly heartbroken.