Chapter Text
Blanche and I sat in the empty costume room, anxiously waiting for our call to work. The wall clock promptly showed 6:30. The birthday party started in half an hour, then it would be time for our special show. Any minute now we’d be called to do our thing and entertain a crowd of ravenous children.
Six was also the time Go and I was supposed to meet for our date. I winced thinking about how disappointed I must’ve let him down. I tried to put it out my mind, but Go was so hard to forget. Every minute, I felt like texting him another apology. He would probably get sick of them but my gut was twisted in guilt.
There was a knock on the door, then Danny popped his head in. “Showtime!”
Blanche put their costume head on and waved for me. I could hear their voice huffed in the costume, “Let’s get this over with?”
I gripped a fake smile and chuckled, “Yeah.” Putting my head on, I followed my Articuno and handler to the park’s restaurant. Outside of one of the employee’s only a golf cart was waiting to drive us through the crowd of heavy park-goers. In a quick zip, we arrived at the Canopy.
Outside, the building was painted in party lights. From the windows, red and blue rays danced out. The outside of the building was coated in streamers and balloons of the same color. I guess when you plan a party with Professor Willow’s Pokemon Park, we try to make an experience.
Danny led us through the back way, which was hidden in an alley of bushes and dumpsters. A slight odor of discarded fried foods and trash mixed into the head of my costume. I held my breath until we shuffled into the dark backstage stage. Even without the giant bird costume and flame ribbon on the top covering the eye ports, I couldn’t see in the pitch black. From the other side of the curtain, I could hear children laughing and screaming over the blaring magic.
Our manager pulled out a flashlight to help us to place, but it still didn’t help me see anything. An arm tugged me into place, then before running off he whispered, “Ok guys you're going to do great!” The last thing I remember was the quick steps of Danny running off of stage. I took a deep breath and made my starting stance.
The curtains suddenly opened. The spotlights poured into my eyes blinding me for a second. It was hard to see, but I could see the outline figures of peoples standing below, looking to us with excited screaming. On the intercom of the restaurant, Danny’s voice spoke with ecstasy: “Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Get ready for two of the most powerful pokemon of the Kanto region! Professor Willow’s Pokemon Park would like to introduce you to the icy bird pokemon Articuno and the blazing fire pokemon Moltres!
Together Blanche and I performed our show. The first part of the act was the choreographed song and dance I spent all afternoon performing. It went well enough, I didn’t end up tripping or passing out, and I barely hit my mark as the costume erupted in bright light-up flames. Because of the blinding stage lights, I couldn’t see the faces of the kids, but the oohs and aahs of the audience was a good sign.
Blanche performed the same dance beside me, more elegant and practiced. The crest of their head lit up a shining blue, which followed down their wings and tail. As the music ended, the crowd filled with cheers and screams. I was already exhausted from the work, but Blanche and I had more to do.
Next was the birthday kids battle. The child and a friend got to simulate a pokemon battle, choosing who they want as a partner. A party attendant came up on stage, bringing two children. They both looked around seven or eight, were wearing party hats, but the boy had a more festive one with silver garland. The girl’s hat was a more generic paper hat rolled in the shape of a cone.
The birthday boy, Edmon looked eagerly at both of us, racing on stage to give us a big hug. A smile crept on my sweat-drenched face under the mask.
Danny announced, “Now who will you choose as your partner in battle!”
Edmon’s face looked up to me, “I want Moltres, he’s cooler!”
The little girl was timider, standing next to Blanche. She nodded at the arrangement, “Ok I’ll have the icy one”
“Alright let’s battle!” They were separated to the other ends of the stage, with us in the middle. This part of the show, we were told to improv what they told us. Edmon went first, pointing a command. “Ok Moltres, use Flamethrower.”
“Um…” I whispered to myself. I did a big gesture, pretending to roar something towards Blanche. Luckily, there were lighting commands for the situations. Overhead, a light engulfed Blanche in red swirling flames. They played it off as if they were melting, then cried out ‘Articuno!’
Next was the girl’s turn. She called out, “Uhh, use fly!”
“No no Amanda!” Edmon scolded, “Use something cool like ice beam!”
“Oh okay! Artybird, use ice beam!”
Blanche did a similar gesture, their head lighting up again. A blue light shined on me and I had to act I was hurt. Maybe I overdid it falling to the ground because Edmon whined, “Aw but that’s not effective.” I stood up quickly. “Okay then, let’s end it. Moltes use brave bird!”
I screamed out, “Moltres!” Charging towards my enemy, I swiped Blanche with my wing. They crumbled to the ground, twitching.
Danny’s voice boomed, “Looks like Articuno was defeated, Trainer Edmon won!”
“Yayay!” Edmon came rushing towards me. I kneeled down and gave him a hug in my wings. Instead, he tackled me to the ground. At least I could make someone happy today.
“Now it is time for the birthday boy’s prize, a Pokeball cake!”
Both the kids cheered and jumped off stage to join their friends. I sighed. Even though that was admittable fun, I still had a sad feeling about Go. The last thing we had to do was take pictures and cut the cake, then we were free to head back. Articuno helped me up, whispering in my ear. “Hey… isn’t that.”
They pointed their wings out past the crowd. I looked over, and couldn’t believe it. I saw him, Go. He was slumped over in the booth, sadly playing with a corndog. He was more dressed up, wearing a button-down flannel.
I just wanted to go up to him, but the birthday boy Edmon came up at me. “C’mon partner let’s go!” He grabbed my wing and pulled me towards the food table. The entire time we were cutting the cake and taking pictures, I couldn’t keep my eyes off Go. He finished his food, then checked his phone constantly. I wondered if he was hoping to see a text from me or not. It was sweet, but hurt my heart every time he pulled out his phone in disappointment. He looked over to the party one last time, then started walking out of the restaurant. I watched him leave, disappearing to the outside crowds.
The cake was cut and the kids were too busy with sugary dessert to care about us. Edmon gave me one last hug, then we disappeared backstage. Danny met us, “Great job you two! Now you're free to head back-” I wasn’t listening. Once we got behind the curtains, I already started taking off the costume. I yanked the costume head of handing to him.
“Spark what are you doing?” I slipped the bodysuit off and turned to head out of the restaurant. Danny pulled me back, “Spark!”
Blanche put a wing on his shoulder. “Let him go, he needs to find someone.”
Danny let go of my arms, and I started sprinting out, struggling to catch my breath. I passed the kids, who didn’t even notice me out-of-costume. I maneuvered my way out of the restaurant into the crowded outside. It was almost time that the majority of people left the park. I looked around, but the sea of people made it hard for me to spot him.
Finally, about a block away, I saw him. I tried to call out, “Go! Go!” he didn’t turn around. I tried louder, but he kept getting farther. My attempt to push through the crowd made me feel I was going against an army of tired parents with cranky kids. I shot up my hand, calling him again, “Go!”
This time he turned around, not seeing the person calling him. I was almost there, but he kept walking towards the exit. My breath heaved heavily. I kept tripping over people, but I couldn’t give up. It was like I was working on instinct, trying to find the best way to get to him.
He was at the exit turnstiles before I got to him. I grabbed his arm. He looked back confused, but seeing my face he settled down. I was so out of breath, my chest pumping in and out. I managed a simple, “Hi.”
“Hi.” People were pushing him forward, eager to leave. He left the line and we found a line bench to sit on. He gave me a moment to rest before asking, “I assumed you were working, so I decided to meet you after.” His face was a subtle pink, in a cute blush. “But when I didn’t see Zapdos at the party, I just thought you blew me off.”
I felt terrible, I should have just explained it. “I’m really sorry. My coworker sprained her ankle last night and I had to take her place in the Moltres suit.”
He looked down, embarrassed. “Oh.” There was an awkward pause, neither of us knowing what to say. He looked at my face, staring at awe at me.
“Well, I just got off work. And the park is still open for another hour or so… Could I make it up to you?” I smiled at him, looking deep into his eyes. His hand was hanging off his leg. I was hesitant because of how sweaty and gross I must have been from wearing the mascot costume, but slowly he let me grab his hand tenderly.
“I would love that.” At that moment, I couldn’t believe how all of this happened. How taking a job led me to meet such a caring, person. As we started walking towards one of the park’s rides, our fingers interlocked, I couldn’t feel anything else but happiness. It may have just been my instincts, but something told me he was the one.