The Sunny Day Festival had been a PCA tradition that went back decades. Many of the ‘mon who had attended had gone there when they were children; which could say something when some of those ‘mon were bringing their grandchildren. The Festival had the distinction of being one of the few things that many of the students and the surrounding area of Viridian looked forward to because it was a chance to relax and have some fun, with all of the proceeds going to the cause of keeping the school up and running. Some grumbled that the school had enough money flowing into its coffers, but it did little to stop the numerous attendees that showed up every year. If nothing else the surrounding grade schools got a kick out of being able to take their kids there for a nice little discount as a reward for good grades.

Rupert Snales had seen a number of the Festivals over the years even before he started at the PCA. While the previous trips had been spotty at best since most of them had come as a result of field trips while in grade school he still always had a special place in his heart for the fair and everything that it was supposed to stand for. As someone who’d grown up without a lot of money to do things with his trips hadn’t been much more than seeing the free stuff and the occasion ride, but it was still a chance to forget some of the aspects of his life. Once he’d started to attend the PCA he’d been quick to jump in and help build the booth that the Pokeball team put together every year. For him the fair meant time away from his worries. This was going to be one of the more special Festivals for him though as this time around, he had someone to enjoy it with.

The Magcargo made his way through the fairgrounds after he paid his entrance fee and headed for a booth in the back. He’d quickly learned where it was once he’d heard about it and knew he might spend a good amount of time there. As he walked up Rupert noticed a sparse crowd in front of the booth even though the show was about to begin. A small frown crossed his lips as his personal bias kicked in; he knew that had things been different he probably wouldn’t have been there himself but he still felt bad for the people who waited just behind the curtain. He pushed it out of his mind and looked up to watch the stage as said curtain pulled itself away and a Ditto dressed in a rather poofy outfit walked out to some snickers from the crowd.

“To be, or not to be, that is the question,” the Ditto started the famed Hamlet speech, “Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles no more; and by a deep to say we end,” the classic soliloquy started as he marched through the line with flare and dramatics. The people in the audience watched as some understood what was going on while others were just in it for the free show and the comments, “The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons be all my sins remembered!” As Sigmund Pavlov von Rorschach III, or Siggy the Ditto, finished the speech a curvy Altaria made her way out, her figure all the more voluptuous thanks to the bodice she was wearing. Rupert let out a whistle at the lovely Altaria and drew a bit of a blush from her.

“Good, my lord,” Marie Allmon started in a clear voice, “How does your honor for this many a day?”

“I humbly thank you; well, well, well,” Rorschach countered.

“My lord, I have remembrances of yours, that I have longed long to re-deliver,” Marie moved through the motions and the words fluidly, her vast acting training obvious, “I pray you now, receive them,”

“No, not I,” The Hamlet said and turned away from the Ophelia, “I never gave you aught,”

“My honor’d lord, you know right well you did;” Marie countered impassionedly, “and, with them, words of so sweet breath compos’d as made the things more rich,”

“Love to give her my sweet breath,” a young Stunky freshman said with a snicker to his buddy. The Grimer next to him snickered but stopped as he felt something on his shoulder. The two freshmen turned ready to tell off whoever had just tapped them on their shoulders but stopped as they saw a rather angry looking Magcargo stare them down.

“You two are gonna shut up, watch and enjoy. Got me?” Rupert whispered to them as steam came out of his nostrils. The freshmen gulped and nodded before they turned to watch the rest of the show, glad they hadn’t soiled themselves as a result. Rupert grinned and looked back up towards the stage as the two continued their back and forth between each other. The slice of Hamlet brought several other people to stop and watch as the actors went through their lines with gusto and determination. Eventually they came to an end as the pair finished the scene.

“O woe is me!” Marie cried out in anguish as she turned away from the Ditto, “I have seen what I have seen, see what I see!” The curtain was brought together to signify the end of the performance. The gathered cheered in various ways for the performance, though none cheered as loudly as Rupert to show his appreciation for his girl, even if he didn’t quite get what was going on. Slowly the crowd dispersed and talked to each other, the two freshmen that Rupert had talked to were gone as soon as they could, and a note mentioning the next performance was posted. Several ‘mon gave a small donation of some kind to the players as they too worked to raise money for the school. Rupert turned and made his way to the side of the stage as he waited for Marie to make her way out.

“Rupert!” Marie smiled as she came down the steps on the side of the stage and threw her arms around the Magcargo. He chuckled and returned the embrace, “How was I? Did I do all right?” She frowned suddenly as she started to critique her performance in her head.

“Ya did fine, Marie,” He smiled and assured her before he leaned to give her a kiss, “Even drew some folks as you were up on stage,” Marie smiled at the answer and nodded.

“I suppose you’re right,” she admitted, “Need to stop worrying about it and just keep it up,” Rupert laughed and nodded.

“’xactly!” He agreed, “So how long ya got before ya go on next?”

“I’ve got twenty minutes until my next performance but after that I’m done for the day,” She smiled and took his arm, the Altaria still clad in the Elizabethan dress that she’d put on for the show. He wiggled his eyebrows and started to lead her towards some food booths.

“Let’s go get us somethin’ to drink then,” He suggested, though it was more an idea than any kind of question. Marie just giggled and walked along with him.

“So are you doing anything to help with the festival?” Marie asked as they made their way through the crowd and dodged several small children as they walked through. They both blinked and pulled apart enough to allow a rather determined looking Shedinja make its way past them. They shrugged to one another before they hopped into a line for some drinks.

“Nah, figured this year I’d take a break and let the new guys run the Pokeball booth,” He explained, “Besides, wanted ta spend some of the festival with you,” His smiled caused her to blush.

“You could’ve still worked with them if you wanted to,” Marie said, not used to so much attention in a manner like this.

“Eh, let them handle it!” Rupert declared, “’sides, they’ve got Kreep there ta help keep ‘em in line,” the two soon found themselves at the head of the line and looked towards a rather cheerful looking Delibird behind the counter.

“What can I get you, Rupert?” Michiel “Michi” Kerstman asked with a smile.

“Hey! Michi!” The Magcargo smiled as he recognized the little guy. Michi had tried to get onto the Pokeball team for a couple of years, but his youth worked against him. Rupert still had a level of respect for him continuously trying, “Lookin’ to get a couple cold drinks for me and the lady! Whatcha recommend?”

“Well right now I’ve got a special Pecha Berry Shake that turned out pretty good,” the Delibird offered.

“That sounds lovely,” Marie said as she kept an eye on the time. Michi nodded and reached for the blender that the shakes were being made in and poured them two glasses.

“That’ll be five Poke,” Michi said. Rupert reached for his wallet and pulled it out with a flourish only to stop as he realized that there really wasn’t anything in there. He flipped through and saw that he only had a couple of bucks, not enough to cover the drinks. Marie looked over at him with some concern before she reached into her bodice and pulled out a five Poke bill to Michi.

“There you go, dear,” She said with a smile before she reached for her drink, “Good luck with everything, Michi!” Rupert frowned a bit and grabbed his drink as well.

“Yeah, uhh, good luck bud,” Rupert said with less than his normal enthusiasm before he quietly sipped on his shake. Marie wasted little time and took his hand with a squeeze of reassurance.

“You know I don’t mind covering you,” She reminded him. It hadn’t been the first time that Rupert had been short of funds for something or other. A great deal of the money that he earned went to making sure that his brother was okay or that his mother had what she needed to keep things smooth and to make sure his dad didn’t get on her case.

“I know,” He said back, “Just that…well, I should be pullin’ my own weight in this relationship!” Rupert gave a sigh before he took another drink of his shake.

“Rupert,” She said quietly, “You do that and you know it. Being able to pay for a dinner isn’t what makes a relationship, it’s what you give in take between each other,” The Magcargo smiled at her, Marie always seemed to be able to make him do that.

“Where’d ya hear that at?” He asked jokingly, “One of them Shakespearow plays of yours?”

“Day time talk show,” She giggled and answered. Rupert just laughed in response before he reached over to nuzzle her cheek.

“I’m glad Tabi introduced us,” He said quietly, “Nice havin’ someone I can look forward to durin’ the day,” Marie smiled and nuzzled him back gently.

“I am too, Rupert,” She kissed his cheek as they reached the stage again, only a few minutes before she was due to go on, “I’ll see you after the performance and after I change?”

“Ya really have to change out of the outfit?” He asked with a laugh. Marie blushed and looked down at how the bodice helped to fluff up her chest some.

“I’d rather not trip over it while we’re walking around,” She admitted. The Altaria gave him another kiss, this time on the lips, before she dashed up on stage, “See you in a bit!” Rupert watched her go with a smile. He still felt bad that she seemed to always pay for the lion share of their dates, but she’d always assured him what he was doing with his money was noble and so she didn’t mind.

“Hey Rupert!” A familiar voice cried out behind him. The Magcargo grinned and turned around just in time to tackle hugged by his buddy.

“Kreep!” Rupert shouted back as he hugged his friend Kenjiro “Kreep” Kudzu, “Whatcha doing here, bro?”

“Was comin’ to look for you,” Kreep said back and slugged Rupert in the arm, “Wanted ya to come and show the pansies at the booth how to do it!” Rupert looked to the stage where the show was about to begin and then back to his buddy.

“Ehhh, I don’t got a lot of cash right now, bro,” Rupert finally admitted.

“Pffft, like I’d charge ya!” the Carnavine countered, “Just show them jokers up and I’ll let you do it for free. Could win you’re lady a little somethin’,” Rupert looked back to the stage before he nodded and went with Kreep over towards the Pokeball booth. The Team had done the same thing every year at the festival; a booth that tested strength. Those that reached a certain point were given prizes and people with the highest scores were given bigger ones. The strength test game was set up not like most with a hammer and a bell or an arm wrestling machine but instead with a special measurer that a past team member had created; he used a tackle sled attached to a force measurer.

Rupert watched as multiple ‘mon went through and hit the thing as hard as they could, but none of them knew what the real trick was. Most of the large and burly ‘mon who attacked the tackle sled did so to high and tried to use pure brute strength to do it, the ones that did better knew that the trick was to use the whole body and not just the upper body. The two buddies watched as one particular contestant seemed to get it as a Torkoal started low and hit upwards which allowed him to slam into the machine with great force. Everyone watched as the machine measured one of the highest scores of the afternoon which caused the Torkoal and a nearby Ninjask to whoop in joy.

“Yeah! Dat’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!” Jared “Smoke” Flameshell shouted as he took the stuffed Natu that he’d won and handed it to his girlfriend Nina Ninten before she reached up to kiss him.

“Look at the faces of some of these guys,” She said with a giggle, “Don’t know what hit them,”

“Ain’t nobody gonna beat dat score,” Smoke declared with a grin. Kreep looked over to Rupert who already had a look on his face. The Magcargo walked over to the machine and fell into a perfect three point stance in front of it. The others at the booth stopped and turned to watch as the team knew that their star lineman settled in for his turn. Smoke turned to see what the big deal was and watched intently. With a cry Rupert exploded forward and slammed into the tackle sled with enough force to cause it to look like it was going to crack for a moment. Once he was finished he settled back and looked to see he’d scored ten points higher than what the Torkoal had done which earned him the next size up and a Xatu.

“Thanks, bro, I needed that,” He said to Kreep as he looked down at the plushy. A few people cheered Rupert on, especially his teammates, before they went back to line people up for more bruising action. Kreep patted his friend on the shoulder with a grin before Smoke walked up towards Rupert.

“Guess that hit weren’t so bad,” the Torkoal said as a bit of smoke came out of his nostrils. Rupert looked up and grinned towards the kid.

“Not bad yourself there, kid,” He encouraged the other, “You ever play Pokeball before?”

“Uhh, when I was younger,” Smoke admitted with a blink as he half expected something a bit more…harsh in response.

“Nice form. You should think ‘bout going out for the team next year,” Rupert knew better and held a hand out towards the other, “Names Rupert. Imma lineman for the team,”

“Smoke,” the Torkoal responded and shook Rupert’s hand with a firm pump, “Ain’t really ever considered it,”

“Gonna have to wait until next year, but think about it,” the Magcargo said with a grin, “For now, need to get back to my girlfriend. You take care, Smoke,” The Torkoal watched as the good natured Rupert walked back towards the stage where Marie was at.

“Well dat was a bit odd,” Smoke said as Nina leaned in against him.

“Why do you say that, Smoke honey?” Nina asked as she watched him go as well.

“Most guys like dat want a fight,” He answered, “Not really sure what to do when they’re actually nice like dat,”

“Try out for the team next year?” She offered with a giggle. Smoke couldn’t help but grin at Nina before the two walked off arm in arm towards the next attraction.

Rupert made his way back to the stage as the show came to an end; the crowd showed some appreciation for the latest performance while the curtain closed. The Magcargo clapped a bit from behind and moved to wait for Marie to make her way out of the back so they could spend a bit more time together. He watched around him as several couples and families made their way through the crowds and enjoyed themselves. One family in particular made its way past as he watched two small brothers happily drug their parents through the crowd and towards some new ride or booth. Rupert smiled a bit, though he couldn’t say he could relate to the scene itself but it still made him think of his little brother and mother. A sigh escaped his lips as he thought about lost opportunities for a moment.

“Rupert?” A soft hand rested itself his shoulder to catch the Magcargo’s attention. Rupert jumped a bit and looked back towards Marie before he offered her a smile.

“Hey, don’t mind me,” He said and turned fully to face her and give Marie a hug. She smiled and returned the embrace before she blinked and looked down to see a Xatu plushy in her hands.

“Well were did you come from?” She giggled and blushed as she looked at it.

“Kreep came ‘round and offered me a free shot at the team’s booth,” He shrugged but still smiled, “Figured I’d take it so I could win ya somethin’,” Marie giggled again and reached up to kiss Rupert. He blinked a moment in response before he returned it.

“So what did you want to do?” She asked and took his arm before the two started to walk away from the stage.

“Dunno,” He shrugged, “Didn’t really have anythin’ planned. Dad’s always sayin’ that’s one of my problems,” Marie quickly gave his arm a reassuring squeeze.

“I’ll have no more mention of that man while I’m around. Understood?” Marie said as she gave him a stern look. Rupert chuckled and nodded.

“Yeah, I promise,” He answered with a brief smile, though it didn’t last, “Though…kin I ask you somethin’, Marie?”

“Of course, Rupert,” She assured him, “What’s on your mind?”

“Well, been thinkin’,” He started.

“That’s always dangerous,” She teased him with a giggle. Rupert gave a flat look to her but continued.

“What’re doin’ after you graduate?” The question stopped her giggle as she looked over to him.

“Well, when I graduate I plan to go to Hearthome and work on becoming a stage actress,” She answered after a moment’s hesitation, “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, no reason,” Rupert replied and forced a smile to his face.

“Rupert Snales,” She used his full name, he knew he wasn’t going to get away with that answer, “What’s on your mind?” Rupert tried to think of something to get him out of the spot but knew better.

“Well, ya know that I’ve got graduation comin’ up,” He finally started, “And I ain’t got a clue what I want to do after I do,”

“Not planning on going on to a college to play Pokeball?” She asked, a little taken aback by the answer.

“Can’t. My grades ain’t good enough and…” He wasn’t sure how to put the next part.

“You’re worried if you’re gone that your mother and brother won’t have anyone to help them out aren’t you,” She all but read his mind. Rupert just nodded in response.

“I love Pokeball, Marie,” He stated the obvious, “But all the schools I’ve applied to have been leery ‘bout me because of my grades,”

“Not a one has even offered you a chance?” She was surprised to hear this, especially since she’d heard so many stories about colleges bending rules for good athletes.

“Few did,” He admitted, “But they’re both in Sinnoh,” He didn’t have to finish for her to go back to the second problem that she’d stated a moment ago.

“Is there a chance you can delay going to a school?” Marie asked as she pressed a bit closer to him to try and offer some comfort, “At least until your brother graduates?”

“Doesn’t really help my mom much though,” He sighed as his head drooped a bit, “Looked at goin’ to a cooking school but…don’t really got the money for it,”

“Would you be happy cooking?” She asked him. Marie knew about his job and how he enjoyed it, but this was the first time she’d ever heard about it being a potential career path.

“I think I would,” He admitted and shrugged, “Never really thought ‘bout it yet,”

“Have you talked to your mom at all about it,” Marie pushed as her free arm squeezed the Xatu plushy a bit more.

“She’s got enough to worry ‘bout,” He quickly said to her. Marie wasted no time and brought a downy finger up to his lips.

“That’s not very nice of you to go and worry about your mom and not include her in on things,” She admonished him gently, “This is something you should talk to her about because its her life to live, not for you to live for her,” Rupert stopped and wasn’t sure what to say in response.

“But I gotta take care of her!” He quickly protested. Marie would have none of it, though.

“Its good you want to take care of her, Rupert. But in the end she wants you to be happy too. Is it fair you deny her that?” He wasn’t sure what to say to those words. He stayed quietly for a long moment as the Magcargo and digested her words. Marie gave him the time to simply think on things.

“What about us?” Rupert suddenly asked and caught her off guard.

“What do you mean, Rupert?” She responded and needed a moment to think about it.

“Well I ain’t sayin’ anything big!” Rupert was quick to cover, “Just…I really like being around ya, you know?” He said with a smile, still not quite sure if he was phrasing it right or not, “And, well, it’d just kinda suck if things just ended,” Marie all but stopped at his words before a blush crossed her cheeks.

“I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you too, Rupert,” She said before a smile crossed her lips, “And I think I know what you mean about us now,”

“Oh?” He asked, not completely sure himself.

“Well, I’d like to think I’m rather low maintenance and that you have fun with me and I have fun with you,” She started to explain, “And since we both have our after school activities we don’t feel the need to spend all our time with one another which is a lot less stress on our relationship,”

“Yeah, that sounds ‘bout right,” He nodded in agreement.

“And I really do enjoy being with you,” Marie sighed, “I’ve…had a lot of trouble trusting the idea of a relationship but you’ve made it easy for me,”

“Huh?” Rupert asked in surprise, he didn’t expect to hear anything like that, “What do you mean?” Marie hesitated for a long moment before she pulled him off to the side a bit and began to quietly explain.

“Back in my freshman year when I first started with the theatre group there was this senior who was in a lot of the plays. His name was Garret Bennet, a Victrebell who usually got the leads in all the plays,” She stated.

“Yeah, I remember the guy,” Rupert said as he nodded, “Had a rep ‘round the boys’ locker room of being able to bag a lot of…oh,” And he suddenly figured it out. Marie looked down as she didn’t want to meet his eyes right then.

“He was so handsome and debonair,” She said with another sigh, “I bought everything he sold, thought he was being honest and at the first cast party I went to…we snuck into a closet and he was my first,” Rupert frowned and did not like where this was going at all, “The next day when I went to talk to him about it he acted like it was nothing. Like it was just another conquest. I was devastated,” the Magcargo reached out to pull her into a tight hug.

“Oh hun, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean ta bring up memories like that,” He tried to sooth her, one of his rough hands gently reached to smooth down her hair. A few tears fell from her eyes before she gives an adorable sniffle and pulled herself together.

“It’s all right,” She assured him, “I just wanted to let you know that I do care about you and that you’ve done a lot for me. I’m just…”

“Yer not ‘xactly sure about anything long term,” He finished for her. Marie gave him a quiet smile and nodded.

“I was just afraid to say anything because most guys don’t want to hear something like that,” She said and then quickly added, “not that I think you’re going out with me because you’re only interested in that!” Rupert gave a laugh and a nod in response.

“Well, be lying to say I wouldn’t like it but…that’s not why I finally asked ya out,” He assured her, “You’re pretty and smart and nice, and I couldn’t ask for anything better,”

“I’m glad,” She said with a smile, “you’ve been a great comfort to me in the last few months, and I really like you,” Marie blushed a bit at her own words.

“Well, tell ya what,” Rupert finally said, “How’s ‘bout we not worry about that just yet and just see how things go?” Marie nodded in agreement to that.

“Sounds good,” She said, “And Rupert?”

“Yeah?” He asked. Marie didn’t answer with words but instead leaned in to kiss him fully. Rupert blinked at first, caught off guard by the kiss, but closed his eyes and returned it as two powerful arms wrapped around Marie and pulled her in. The two stood there for a long moment, enough that a passing couple spotted them as the tall Poliwrath stopped to possibly say hi. His girlfriend, an Umbreon, smirked and just dragged him along so they two could have some peace. Eventually the two broke the embrace, Marie blushed all the while.

“How’s ‘bout we go and do some stuff, eh?” Rupert asked with a huge grin and offered his arms once more.

“Sounds wonderful,” Marie answered as she took the offered arm and ventured with him into the fair. The night was theirs, and they were going to take full advantage of it and every moment they had together.

Tons of love for this one. :>

What's not to love? Big lugs, shy ladies, honest emotions and some humor thrown in! Hollywood ain't got nothing on these two.

Wonderful! Oh, and thank you again for including Nina and Husk, you have my eternal gratitude!

It was my pleasure.

Who did vomit in the Roller coaster there?

I....don't know there wasn't a roller coaster involved in the story.

That is the most amazing response I have ever seen.

Good story, man, it's nice to see these two getting some screen time! Sorry it took me a few to get to it. :D

Me neither.

Thanks for using Smoke there. Maybe he will try out for the team.

Great excuse to hit things, or other 'mon, really hard.

Smoke: Yeeeeah!