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Florian didn’t expect to be invited to a beach party during his time in Pasio. But when Juliana told him how she and their friends from Naranja and Blueberry Academy were going to heading to one of Pasio’s shores to enjoy some fun in the sun, Florian couldn’t help but feel excited. He rarely had the chance to go to the beach when he was doing his Treasure Hunt assignment, so savouring this moment with their friends was something his heart yearned for.
Their friends, he had thought.
But wasn’t it really Juliana’s friends and not his?
They may have had the same faces, but Florian was technically from a different world from the others. He went to Uva Academy, did his own adventures with his Nemona, Arven, and Penny, and braved through multiple challenges with his Carmine and Kieran. He forged strong connections with them that he held dearly.
Ones that just weren’t the same when he was with the familiar trainers during his time in Pasio.
Because those challenges and experiences he had along the way were unique with his own friends. And in the end, Florian wouldn’t trade those moments in the world. He tried to take solace in thinking that Juliana’s friends had similar experiences with her that it felt like the same, even if they weren’t the friends he had connected with.
Did that make things okay, though?
He couldn’t help but feel a pang of pain in his chest when he thought that.
No! He shouldn’t be thinking that way. Juliana and the others had been so friendly and welcoming when they first met on this artificial island. And he had been enjoying getting to know how similar and different their lives were whenever they talked.
Especially whenever he spent time with Juliana. Just like him, she had a great sense of adventure and curiosity towards the world around her. He could help but chuckle with amusement over how excited she was once they arrived at the sandy shores before them. It was a small group, consisting of her, Florian, their friends in Paldea, along with Carmine, Kieran, and Lacey.
They were all trainers who they were already friends with back home, and happy to enjoy each other’s company to the fullest under the shining sun. Everyone had already changed into their swimsuits, with Nemona and Carmine wearing a more risqué style with the two-pieces they wore. Lacey, Juliana, and Penny opted for more subdued, yet colourful swimsuits that still gave them a stylish appearance for all to behold.
Meanwhile, he, Arven, and Kieran didn’t really bother much with their swim trunks. They simply opted to wear a violet, orange, and blue swimsuit combination respectively. They were still all too happy to enjoy this day at the beach to the fullest so long as they enjoyed that time together.
“The water looks so clear! And the sand’s shining like the brightest stars ever. I know we’re going to have so much fun together!” Juliana chirped towards the others.
“Oh, we are gonna have so many battles today!” Nemona answered enthusiastically. “This is the prime place to go all out with our Pokemon clashing it out for sure!”
Arven sighed. “Leave it to Nemona to always challenge people to a battle the first chance she gets. There are other things to do at the beach, you know?”
The spunky girl turned her head with great intrigue. “Really? Like what?”
“Well, we can always go swimming.” Lacey suggested as she pondered over the possibilities. “Or we could play some beach volleyball together. Maybe even show off our adorable Pokemon under this here bright sunny day!”
“Racing along the beach sounds like fun too! I’m not plannin’ on losin’ though!” Kieran suggested.
“We’ve brought enough food for a big lunch too, you know? I’ll whip us up some tasty sandwiches that’ll knock all your socks off!” Arven proudly declared.
“As long as you’re not nagging me about what I eat today, I’m cool with that.” Penny remarked.
“Yeah, Arven’s sandwiches are the best!” Juliana gushed. “They’re so soft and delicious you’ll be begging for more once you’re done!”
At the mention of the sacred word, Koraidon and Miraidon appeared as they stared at the budding chef with pleading eyes along with slight drool dripping from their mouths. Seemed like him and Juliana had discovered another thing they had in common.
The shaggy-haired boy didn’t seem annoyed at their presence while he merely shrugged.
“Figures the two brutes would want some too. But I’m already used to it. You guys can have some too.”
They growled with affection as they nuzzled Arven’s face to his surprise and slight displeasure over the physical contact.
Florian giggled. “Sorry they can be such a handful.”
“They just love sandwiches too much to act any differently.” Juliana giggled back.
“Don’t worry about it, little buddy. I’m happy to do my best to make as many as we can all handle. Better get started on them now so I don’t keep anyone waiting.”
“I’ll help you out, Arven.” Lacey offered. “I’m not used to making sandwiches like Crispin does, but I’ve done plenty of work making sweets that I’ll bet will come in handy.”
“Nice! In the meantime, I’m itching for a battle. Any challengers ready to step up to the beach court?” Nemona asked excitedly, leaning closer towards Carmine as she said those words.
“Do I really want to deal with another Nemona battle-fest?” Carmine softly muttered before shaking her head. “Whatever. You’re not going to leave any of us alone if don’t say anything, so I’m in. Besides, this’ll be a good chance to finally make you eat dirt after you beat me last time!”
Carmine’s eyes flared with both determination and the thrill for vengeance while Nemona simply smiled enthusiastically for the chance to battle.
“Yay! I’m ready whenever you are, Carmine. Let’s get this hours-long battle fest started!”
She dragged the Blueberry student farther away while Carmine looked like she was already questioning the situation she got herself into. Everyone else just chuckled awkwardly as they went further away. But it was nice to see that they were getting along in this world too.
That made the soft pain more bearable for now, Florian thought. That just left him, Juliana, Kieran, and Penny left on what to do.
Juliana thought long and hard for a few moments before grinning excitedly. “Why don’t we go swimming together? The water’s so clear and shiny that I’m sure we’ll be able to relax to the fullest!”
Kieran looked apprehensive. “Me and Sis never really learned how to swim. I don’t wanna be a burden to everyone just flounderin’ about like a Goldeen.”
“There’s no way you’d be a burden!” Juliana argued back. “You just being here with me is already enough to make this day as fun as it can be, Kieran! As long as we’re together, I know we’ll have a good time ehehe.”
“U-Um. Y-Yeah! Bein’ with you is always gonna be amazing no matter what we do, Juliana!”
Kieran’s cheeks flushed scarlet as he tried his best to retain his composure. He wasn’t doing a good job though with how much he attempted to sputter a response to the cheery girl.
“I feel like we’re just a third and fourth wheel in this conversation right now…” Penny sighed with exasperation, leading Florian to nod in agreement.
Though, he was happy Juliana and Kieran managed to work things out, their relationship becoming stronger than ever. Just like during those remarkable times he and…
Sigh. There was that pang in his chest again.
He needed to keep smiling so he wouldn’t ruin the moment.
“Well, let’s just make sure we make the most of this wonderful day together!” Florian brightly added.
They walked along the sandy shores towards the cool water ahead, looking forward to all the relaxation and fun their beach time had to offer.
That had been an hour ago.
Florian sat along the shade of the beach umbrella on top of him. The sandy shores along with the gentle breeze of the waters made him feel relaxed for the most part. While Juliana and everyone else continued doing their own thing, he decided to take a break from all the excitement.
He was glad everyone was enjoying themselves, seeing their smiling faces as they ran across the beach. But deep within his heart, Florian couldn’t help but be unable to do the same.
Because he still knew that the friends he was watching weren’t really his. Not the ones he had spent so much time connecting with during his journey. Their struggles and joys they had were with Juliana, not him.
In the end, they were basically strangers.
And that made Florian miss his own friends dearly, separated who knows how far because he accepted a certain Pokemon’s request to come here with excitement back then.
His friends cheered him on to go and he knew he had wanted to take the opportunity to explore another unknown place. Despite leaving them, he decided to be strong, letting his curiosity take him whenever he could. And he didn’t regret that this experience when he got to meet such amazing people.
Yet, even as he tried to keep himself happy and smiling at the start, the cracks in his heart began to manifest. It just became harder to keep himself like this, the cracks becoming bigger like his heart would eventually break.
He looked down at the ground. He didn’t want to make everyone worry with his troubles. They didn’t deserve that when they were having so much fun today.
He couldn’t bear the possibility of ruining their fun.
As he continued to stew in his troubles, he saw another boy sitting beside him.
“Hey, Florian. Are you doin’ alright?” Kieran asked.
Florian tried his best to retain his smile. “Yeah! I’m fine ehehe. I just wanted to take a break since I was feeling a little tired. Plus, I got worried Juliana and Penny would go so far that I wouldn’t be able to swim back. I’m glad everyone’s having fun, though.”
Kieran giggled over the response. It felt so familiar, yet not in his eyes. Just like how his Kieran did the same with him whenever they talked back in his world.
That gentle kindness and radiant gaze whenever they got to know each other during their days in Kitakami were memories he would never forget. Ones that were precious to him, along with their interactions during their days at Blueberry Academy.
He longed to embrace him like he did back then in his world, but he held himself back knowing that he wasn’t the one he felt that way towards.
“You’re so thoughtful towards everyone just like Juliana. Shining brightly like the sun with how warm and kind you can be. I can see why everyone got along with you so fast before me and Sis came to Pasio.” He replied.
Florian felt his heart warm from the compliment. “It’s nothing much. I’m just…me. How about you, Kieran? You’ve got to have lots of stuff you want to do besides sit there with me.”
“Nah, things were gettin’ too overwhelmin’ with Nemona and Sis tryin’ to out battle each other with some sorta beach battle contest while I stopped by. Still can’t believe Nemona managed to rope Sis into their little competition after our dozen battles back in Kitakami.”
Considering how competitive Carmine could get and how much she hates to lose, Florian didn’t doubt she’d want to outshine a Champion trainer like Nemona to satisfy her ego.
“I’m guessing Nemona tried roping you into it too?” Florian inquired.
Kieran grinned with his adorable smile. “Actually, Sis wanted someone to cheer her on with her usual pushy attitude. She was getting huffy after all the wind Nemona had been gettin’ against her. I agreed at first so she wouldn’t have a meltdown later, but then Nemona wanted to challenge me too. I didn’t wanna get into that knowin’ how that would go…”
Kieran shivered in fear just at the mere thought, something Florian had complete sympathy towards his alternate world friend knowing how battle-crazed Nemona could get no matter what world she was in. It was the reason why Penny affectionately named them the ‘Nemona Survivor’s Club’. Even he had his limits whenever they battled the entire day to quell her passionate frenzy.
“Besides. I wanted to get to know you more.” He added.
Florian looked at the other boy with surprise. “Really? I mean, you could always hang out with Juliana and Arven while they’re out swimming. Or you could talk with Penny and Lacey about different types of Pokemon. It’d be a lot better than hanging back sitting just talking to me.”
But Kieran simply shook his head. “I…don’t really know how to swim, so I wouldn’t be comfortable in the water. Besides, we’ve only really talked since that time you wanted to be friends with me and Sis. And if you’re like another version of Juliana, I want to get closer to you, Florian. See what your experiences during your travels and how you grew as a trainer.”
Florian gave him a wistful smile. “You really care a lot about Juliana, huh? I can hear it in your voice. She’s the one you treasure the most.”
That caused Kieran to blush up a storm, but he tried his best to muster up a response.
“U-Um, I guess she is. Juliana’s amazin’ with how cool and strong she is. How incredible she shines with everybody she meets. And…how kind and forgivin’ she is after how badly I treated her back then. So, yeah…”
Florian giggled with amusement. No matter what Kieran he met, they would always be the same. A bit dorky with self-confidence issues, but someone who always tries his best when it matters. Someone who did his best to get to know Florian during their time together. As well as someone who could be cute at times with how he flinched at the simplest expression of feelings.
“You two sound like you’ve got a great relationship together.”
“Mhm! Juliana’s like my guidin’ star that pushes me towards the right path whenever I think about her.”
Florian wished he could experience the same right now. Compared to everyone else here, he felt like he didn’t belong. Even though they treated him so nicely during their time together. They had something with one another that he couldn’t experience with them.
Florian kept reeling in his thoughts until he saw Kieran move closer together with a concerned look on his face.
“You look like something’s botherin’ you. Would you be okay tellin’ me about it? I might be able to help.” Kieran offered.
Oh, right. This version of Kieran was also pretty perceptive just like the one in his world. He might as well take him up on that offer. Maybe talking with him would help soothe those throbbing feelings.
And so, he spoke. “I feel like I’m out of place here. Compared to Juliana and the others, I’m just an outsider from another world. Even though I know their faces and personalities, I can’t bond with them like Juliana did. They’re…not the friends I’ve come to know after so much that happened between us.”
“That includes me, Sis, and Lacey, right?” Kieran commented.
Florian nodded solemnly. “Yeah. It just feels like I’m alone even when I’m with you guys. I don’t think it’s right to feel that way, so I try my best to keep going with a smile. But…it’s getting harder and harder to do that each day we’re here.”
He felt his body shudder from the raw emotions he was feeling. He wanted to let it all out, but he didn’t want to bother anyone with his troubles. That was when he noticed Kieran’s hand pressed on top of his.
The violet-haired boy stared at him wide-eyed over what he just did, laughing awkwardly with slight embarrassment as he spoke.
“S-Sorry. I didn’t mean to surprise you like that. You just looked like you needed someone to comfort you. Hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable.”
Kieran tried moving his hand away, but he was shocked to feel Florian’s hand clasping tightly at his as Florian looked at him fondly with a slight tear in his eye.
The chestnut-haired boy leaned closer toward him as if his mood were elevated by Kieran’s presence, causing both of them to lessen their distance with a sort of warmth in their hearts.
“I don’t know how they’re doing right now, but I can at least be by your side until you can see them again. Juliana did the same for me when she put all that effort in snappin’ me out of my twisted mindset, so support you if you’re feelin’ down too.”
“Thanks, Kieran. You’re just like the Kieran I know and love with how much you care about others and try to understand them.”
“What was your Kieran like?” He asked Florian with great curiosity.
Florian took some time to think about it before he answered. “He’s pretty pure-hearted and shy at times. But he’s really interested in learning about Pokemon, and his eyes always sparkle whenever he talks about his interests. He’s always patiently listening whenever I have something exciting to say. And he can be really stubborn too, especially when it’s about things that cares about a lot.”
Kieran couldn’t help but laugh playfully at that last part. “That sounds a lot like me too. I’ve been workin’ on managing those reckless and stubborn feelings of mine. I don’t wanna put anyone in danger like last time. That’s why I’m grateful Juliana was there to help me when I needed it to most. Even though I was so cold to her when we reunited at the academy, she still cared for me. Treated me like a friend. I…honestly don’t deserve all the support she gave me.”
Florian grinned. “My Kieran said the same to me. It was because we were such great friends that I did my battled my hardest for him. Why I wanted things between to go back to how they were. The memories when we were together are some I’ll treasure forever. And I’m sure Juliana feels the same.”
“You really care a lot about your Kieran, just like I care so much about Juliana.” Kieran chirped. “I wanna make sure I do what I can to enjoy my time with her to the fullest! Oh, along with my sis and my other friends here too. And I especially want to enjoy my time with your, Florian!”
“I want to start over from zero, with you by my side as long as possible!”
“Of course! No matter what happens and where we are, we’ll stay connected together within our hearts. Because you’re someone precious to me!”
Remembering those precious times, Florian couldn’t help but let out a fond expression.
“I feel better now thanks to you being here, Kieran. Why don’t you spend our remaining time here with Juliana. I know my Kieran would want to do the same with me hehe.”
Kieran snickered a little but shook his head in the end. “I’m fine bein’ here with you for as long as possible. Juliana would understand. She’s always kind like Ribombee honey like that. If you’re okay with that ehehe.”
“I’d love that very much.” He beamed with content, moving his head closer towards Kieran’s shoulder to relax listening to the ocean’s sound while the other boy happily accepted his touch.
Florian and Kieran merely spent their remaining time sitting under the shade of their umbrella, watching the others enjoy themselves while enjoying each other’s company.
They didn’t need to say any more.
Their hearts were connected despite being separated by different worlds, both coming to a better understanding with one another and their new bond growing stronger because of it.
One day, when Florian would eventually leave Pasio and reunite with his friends, he would remember the love he felt from the versions of them he had grown to become fond of as well.
He had nothing more to fear. No ache in his chest that kept him down in sorrow.
For the first time today, Florian felt free from any such burdens.
And he would continue enjoying that freedom with the boy who helped him through his radiant kindness.
“Food’s up, guys!” He could hear Arven yell. “Time to dig in on Chef Arven’s sandwich extravaganza!”
“I even made sure the designs were as cute as they could be!” Lacey gushed was she clapped her hands together and swung them with absolute delight.
Kieran slowly stood up from his spot before extending his arm towards him with a cheery grin and a slight blush on his cheeks.
“Ready to go?”
With a bright smile, Florian reached for his hand as he spoke back.
“Yep. Let’s go!”
They walked together hand-in-hand while meeting their friends at the picnic table ready to continue spending the rest of their beach day in earnest.
Enjoying each other’s company while the gentle breeze blew along the calm ocean waters around them.
It was that moment that Florian at last felt that he truly belonged, surrounded by the people he could genuinely call his friends.