Guest: Different was what I was going for. Erm, not really sure what you meant by the rest though, sorry.
Scooby-Doo 150: Yeah, I saw some of the episodes. The Sword and Shield anime looks nice. I especially like the Battle Frontier episode, the way they handled Ash's last battle was pretty neat. Heh, I got a lot more respect for Mr. Mime after seeing that. I don't know if the story idea you mentioned can happen though, I still think it's interesting but given how little info I have, I'm not sure if I can make it work.
Oh, but about the female rival...I'm thinking of making Zinnia one of those. Her Pokemon team was really something in the game. I can see her fitting in nicely with that role. I'm still debating how to use her in the story but it's definitely happening. Glad you liked the chapter though. Happy new year!
Advance shipper: Always nice to hear from you. Good to hear that you liked the chapter. That's basically the plan for me, as far as the shipping goes. It really wouldn't make sense to just have Ash and May like each other out of the blue like that without a little buildup.
Yeah, I want to use the Delta Episode but I don't know how yet. I might use the battle with Rayquaza and Deoxys like in game or maybe differently. I'm still trying to decide. Zinnia's definitely going to appear in the story but not just yet.
After they stopped near a lake for some rest, May took Wally's suggestion and did a little performance with Beautifly to give Swablu more information about contests. And it certainly seemed more effective than just explaining, not to mention that Swablu had clearly enjoyed it.
May was left pleased by the outcome but then Brock had a thought ''Wait, I don't think it could be that simple.'' At the girl's surprise, he added. ''Swablu, Pokemon contests are actually held on big stages in front of lots of people. Do you think you can handle that?''
His suspicions were proven confirmed as Swablu chirped weakly, now clearly unnerved. May frowned ''You don't have to say it like that, Brock!''
Ash thought his old friend actually had the right idea ''Swablu has to know that, May. This is all about preparing her for what would come, right?''
''Yeah, I guess...'' She glanced at the Pokemon, who was looking at the ground. Swablu had just gotten comfortable around them so May wasn't all that surprised to find that her newest pokemon might be uncomfortable around big crowds. ''...ah, don't feel bad, Swablu. We'll figure things out!''
Ralts patted the downtrodden bird pokemon's head, offering some support with a smile.
''W-well...maybe Swablu could have a preview of sorts?'' Wally offered. ''Ah, we can offer all the explanations we want but it wouldn't compare to the real thing.''
Max perked up ''Good idea! Swablu can stay with us in the stands and we'll all cheer you on, May.''
His sister was smiling ''Mmhm, I like that. Thanks, Wally.''
The boy smiled back before picking Swablu up ''You don't have to decide right away, no pressure, right?'' He glanced at May, who nodded. ''You lived all your life in the wild so of course you aren't used to people, it's understandable. Just see what you make of it then. For what it's worth, we all know you'd be great.''
Swablu chirped happily before nuzzling Wally in thanks and then doing the same to May, leaving them both to laugh. Max looked amused ''Wally's sure changing, huh?''
''Yeah, he's really opening up and getting stronger.'' Ash grinned, as he saw Pikachu sit next to the boy. Wally got along well with their Pokemon too and it was really nice to see.
''Hey, you go out into this big, wide world and anyone could change.'' Brock stated. Maybe it was that or maybe this was just who Wally was all along and he needed a push to let it come out to light.
''Hey, what's that?'' Ash stared at a strange Pokemon flying over the lake. It had a round face and a small, lithe body, mostly black but its face was blue and a pale purple. Its blue eyes were focused on the ripples it created upon touching the lake. It had a golden ribbon on its chest.
May perked up ''Oh, it's cute!'' She held up her dex and it buzzed...
''Illumise, the Firefly Pokemon. Illumise attract a swarm of Volbeat with a sweet fragrance. Once the Volbeat have gathered, this Pokemon leads the lit up swarm in drawing geometric designs on the canvas of the night sky.''
Then it was joined by another pokemon, this one was around the same size, with yellow eyes darting towards Illumise as it flew over. It had a pair of small yellow and black antenna, as well as a red collar like structure over its torso. Its stomach was striped black and yellow and there was a red bow tie on its chest.
Ash raised an eye and scanned the Pokemon. ''Volbeat, the Firefly Pokemon. Volbeat's tail glows like a light bulb. With other Volbeat, it uses its tail to draw geometric shapes in the night sky. This Pokemon loves the sweet aroma given off by Illumise.''
Both Pokemon then began to dance, to the group's surprise. Brock began to smile ''Oh, looks like they're in love!''
''Hello!'' A Nurse Joy walked over. ''You're just in time for the Annual Love Dance Festival.''
Max blinked ''Love Dance Festival?'' May and Ash were just as confused but Wally's expression was one of understanding, having just remembered something.
But Brock spoke up before any of them could ''Woooow! Those two are certainly spreading the love! I already feel it blooming in my heart for you, Nurse Joy!''
''W-what?'' The woman was understandably thrown off.
Fortunately, Max was on top of things.
The boy grabbed Brock's ear and began pulling him away ''How is that love? Get a hold of yourself already...''
''Ignoring that...'' May deadpanned at the usual display. ''...what's this about a festival?''
''It's an old tradition for Illumise and Volbeat.'' She looked at Wally in surprise but he explained. ''I heard about it from Leon. He took Wanda out to it when they'd just gotten together. The dance is the main event, but there's music and fireworks in the end, Wanda says it's considered something of a symbol of romance.''
''Oh, I can see why. This sounds lovely, like a perfect place for a date!'' May exclaimed.
''Sounds interesting. You know what it's like, Wally?'' Ash wanted to know, curious to see what such an event was about.
''Well...'' The boy tried to remember what his cousin and her fiancee said. ''...I think it's this synchronized dance...um, it's supposed to be managed by two conductors.''
''Right. That's them over there.'' Nurse Joy pointed out two people standing on a deck that lead to the lake, a man and a woman. The man was somewhat plump with brown hair and matching eyes. He wore a bow tie like Volbeat's. The woman had short light purple hair and bright blue eyes. The man appeared to be nervous but the woman was smiling and carrying herself in a confident manner.
''How lovely!'' Brock was instantly smitten by her.
Max spared him an annoyed look ''Be consistent already. I bet you anything she isn't interested.''
''How about we check this thing out?'' Ash asked the group at large. They agreed and followed Nurse Joy to the stands.
The woman waved to the crowd with a welcoming smile ''Hello, everyone! We're about to begin.''
Brock cheered loudly with the rest of the crowd, keeping his eyes on her. Meanwhile, Nurse Joy spoke to the others ''That's Julie and her partner is Romeo. They've been working to be conductors to put on a show for everyone and it's gotten them excited.''
''Ready, Illumise?'' Julie asked. Her Pokemon nodded and she took a rod which let up with a bright red glow when she activated it. Illumise flew off once Julie began to twirl it.
When her Pokemon used Sweet Scent, Julie looked at her partner ''Romeo, it's Volbeat's turn.''
''A-ah, right!'' He went for his fanny sack but he was apparently so nervous that it fell because his hands were shaking. The pokeballs which were inside all fell, making him freak out. ''No!''
Brock scowled ''What is this? Julie deserves a man who wouldn't make her look unprofessional!''
''That's a little harsh, Brock...'' Ash started.
May nodded ''The poor guy just seems nervous.''
Ash got up ''Come on, you can do it!''
Romeo appeared surprised but he then smiled at the boy ''Thanks!'' Ash grinned and sat down, missing how May looked on in approval.
They watched as Romeo released four Volbeats, flying towards the one with the bow tie. But then they spotted Illumise and flew towards her instead, hearts appearing in their eyes as they smiled widely. The four flew on in sync as a surprised Illumise's eyes widened as she flew on.
''That...seems a bit off.'' Max blinked twice. ''Hey Wally, was it anything like that in Leon and Wanda's story?''
The boy shook his head ''They told me it was a sweet and graceful sight.''
Brock grumbled ''It seems anything but that...''
''You have to control your Pokemon!'' A worried Julie exclaimed.
Romeo nodded and took out a red rod. Like Julie before, he began to twirl it but then it slipped out of his grasp. It would have fallen in the lake had the Volbeat with the bow tie not moved to catch it in time, making Romeo relieved. ''Thanks, Beato.''
Just as Beato made to bring it over, the four Volbeat flew into him, sending them all crashing off into Illumise. This left the poor Pokemon to spin out of control before falling into the lake.
Gasps rang out among the crowd as Romeo stiffened and Julie began calling for Illumise. The five Volbeat were struggling to stay afloat as Romeo moved to help but then he smashed into Julie, who dove to look for her Pokemon, making him fall too. He, like the Volbeat group, is having trouble swimming.
This was remedied by Ash and Brock, who sent out their water types to help them all out. Just as Mudkip and Lombre had gotten all the Volbeats out, Julie came back to the surface. ''I can't find Illumise!''
Romeo, who was holding to Corphish as the pokemon helped him get to the bank, stiffened. He wanted to help but knew he couldn't here. Brock stepped up ''It's all right. Mudkip, go look for Illumise!''
Nodding, the mudfish pokemon jumped in. Moments later, Mudkip was able to find the firefly Pokemon unconscious at the bottom of the lake. The water type moved fast and got the bug type to the surface in moments, allowing Julie to pick her up. ''Thank you!''
Nurse Joy let out a breath as she met Julie and Romeo at the Pokemon center's counter, her Chansey holding a tray with five pokeballs nearby. ''Your Pokemon are going to be fine. Romeo's Volbeats are already healed but Illumise needs a little more rest so I'll be doing another check up for her.''
''Right.'' Julie said, worry clear in her eyes. Romeo turned to Chansey as she approached him and picked up his pokeballs with a quiet thanks. Unable to look Julie in the eye after this blunder, Romeo quickly apologized and left before either woman could stop him.
It wasn't long before he was found by Ash and Pikachu ''Hey! Are your Pokemon going to be okay?''
''Y-yeah...'' Romeo trailed off as the rest of the group found them. ''...thanks for before...and helping our Pokemon too.''
''Don't worry about it.'' The boy waved a dismissive hand, seeing Pikachu nod. ''Romeo, right? I'm Ash and this is my buddy, Pikachu.'' The electric type waved. ''And they're our friends, Brock, May, Max and Wally.''
Romeo nodded slightly ''So you came to check up on things? That's real nice of you.''
''Hey, it's nothing, really.'' Max returned.
''You guys were interested in the dance too, right? I'm sorry I messed up...'' He trailed off, downcast.
''You shouldn't be beating yourself up now, the question is what are you going to do?'' Brock asked. ''You can't mess up like that again.''
Romeo groaned ''I know! Believe me, I know...but I don't know what to do, that always seems to happen. It looks like I can't fix it after all!''
''Drop the defeatist attitude! Julie deserves much better than this!'' The boy chided.
May spared him a glare ''He already feels bad, don't kick him when he's this down. Romeo, walk us through this, we might be able to help.''
''Y-you will?''
''Sure! What do you guys think?'' May inquired.
''Sounds good.'' Ash returned while Wally nodded.
''Yup, no problem here.'' Max added.
''I'll do it for Julie!'' Brock decided.
''Thank you!'' Romeo smiled.
''If we figure things out, you can surprise Julie and Illumise when they get back.'' May grinned
''Yeah! How do we start?''
''I think my sister has the right idea. Let's run through this whole deal carefully.'' Max said. ''First of all, can you think of any specific problem so we can work on them?''
They headed back to the lake and Romeo stepped up to face the group ''I've been thinking it over. The problem isn't the performance at all, we've had that covered.''
''Really? Let's check it out!'' An intrigued Ash exclaimed.
Nodding, Romeo released his Volbeats and took out the red rod from before. Except this time, he moved it swiftly and smoothly, and the Volbeat flew in perfect sync. After doing a few loops, they gathered into a V-formation as they flew over the lake and stopped behind their trainer.
''That was great!'' Wally stated.
''Yeah, how'd you mess up so badly before?'' Max inquired.
''That's, erm...that what I was getting at before.'' Romeo said sheepishly. ''I get real nervous when I perform with Julie. I want to be my absolute best for her. It's just so hard.''
''It shouldn't be if you care so much...'' Ash tralled off.
May hummed as she thought this over ''...Okay, Romeo, be honest. How do you feel about Julie in general?''
''She's absolutely amazing.'' The man began to smile. ''My knees go weak every time I'm around her.''
The girl grinned ''Aww, how cute...that sounds like love to me!''
Romeo spluttered, blushing. This showed that she was more than likely right on the money. Ash blinked ''Can't you just tell her how you feel?''
''W-what?! No way!'' Romeo exclaimed.
''Ash, confessing feelings like that is never easy.'' May admonished. ''Try to understand how it's like for him. There's always the fear of things turning bad if you do come clean. The consequences can be hard.''
''That sounds pretty specific.'' Brock noted with a raised eye.
May hid a wince, feeling her face grow a bit warm ''Oh, just leave that alone, we have to focus.''
Fortunately for her, Ash decided to help ''Yeah, we better keep our heads in this. So we basically have to find a way to make sure Romeo can stay calm around Julie. Only...how?''
''Well...''
''I think telling Julie the truth is a great idea!'' Brock exclaimed after a few moments where they all stopped to think.
May huffed in annoyance as it was clear that he was thinking about himself ''This is about Romeo, not hopeless dreamers.''
Romeo looked down ''I might be a hopeless dreamer too though...I'm still scared of Julie turning me down...''
Wally found himself thinking of Leon and Wanda again. He remembered when his cousin had doubts about their relationship given where they both lived and how hard it was for them to see each other. But Leon had taken that matter and did all he could to fix it, refusing to give up.
Back when the Rusturf Project had begun, there had been a lot of trouble due to the Pokemon present and for a while, it was likely to be abandoned. Leon had solved that problem all on his own, going through hard but effective methods to dig through as quietly as possibly without disturbing them, all to see Wanda when he could. Wanda had been incredibly moved once she found out and they had been engaged right around the time he finished up the project.
It all had him thinking ''Hey Romeo, it's obvious that Julie is really important to you...'' The man nodded, his expression curious as he wondered where this was going. ''...so can you stand to never act on your feelings for her?''
Romeo stiffened as he caught on, but unable to answer. Could he just leave things as they were? What would he do if Julie found someone? He didn't know if he could take it...
''Even if there are tough obstacles in your way to a goal, even if that goal seems unreachable, that doesn't mean you should let the fear of failure stop you. Especially if the goal means so much to you, failure can be hard but you can bounce back and keep going. The important part is that you shouldn't give in.'' Wally began to smile, seeming a little embarrassed now. ''Um, at least...that's how I feel about it.''
Ash and May exchanged smiles as they noted how the words seemed to affect Romeo. Perhaps they were more effective because their friend was talking from experience. He'd never thought he could be a trainer because of his illness and while it got him down for a while, he worked to try and find a way not to let it stop him. And it just got better from there; not only had he held up well in spite of said illness, look at him now. He had certainly come a long way.
''Wally's right, remember we're here to help you.'' May stated.
Ash nodded ''We'll figure it out together. You just need a little courage, that can go a long way, especially with the performance. You and your Pokemon worked hard to get that good, it'd be a shame to let that effort go to waste.''
Romeo spared the three a grateful look ''I'll give it a try.''
May cheered ''That's the spirit!''
No one had been sure what to think when May got an idea and suddenly dragged both Ash and Romeo away. It was only when Max went after them to find out what was going on that it became clear. Max and Brock were rather skeptic of this plan working while Wally, Pikachu and Ralts were left a bit puzzled at the turnout.
What was this plan, you may ask? Well, it started out when May had them all get together near one of the docked boats. The girl was waiting with a grin nearby while Romeo approached the boat, where Julie was waiting. ''Julie, I...I want to talk you...''
Max sighed ''May's too excited for this...''
''I...ah...I've been wanting to say this for a long time...'' He went on.
May frowned when he stopped ''Go on, say it!''
''I...I can't!'' He managed.
''Yes, you can! Come on, we've worked on this!''
''B-but...''
Julie, who was actually a disguised Ash wearing clothes like hers along with a wig, finally spoke up ''How long is this going to go on?''
''Just hold on!'' May said quickly. Under her urging, Romeo tried again but he stuttered too much and in the end, just couldn't go through with it. In fact, he was so nervous that he bit his tongue, leaving them to sweatdrop.
Max groaned ''I knew we should've tried Wally's idea...''
Brock sighed ''Yeah, it would've been a better option. But with May this worked up, stopping her is really hard. Why do you think Ash went along with this?''
Wally had been using Leon and Wanda as a reference again, since he knew them so well, he suggested Romeo getting Julie a present. Leon had done that when they first started going out, something that really helped with his nerves. Wanda had loved it and things had gone swimmingly at the time.
''Well, there's no point thinking like that...how do we fix this?'' Wally wondered.
May was already trying to do just that. She decided to try showing Romeo what it was like ''Here, watch.'' She cleared her throat. ''Julie, I've admired you for a long time. I've learned so much from you. But I realized my feelings go deeper than that, you're the most amazing person I know. That's why I want to be the best I can be for you-it's hard but I want to keep trying...''
Ash couldn't help but think that May was a good actress. In fact, hearing her talk with such feeling had him wonder what it would be like if this confession was for real between them...
The boy quickly shook himself, now shocked. Did he really just think that?
As it were, good confession or not, Romeo just couldn't do it. This lead to Brock taking matters into his hands and trying out his own confession. Once again, he launched into one of those flowery speeches he tried on girls he would hit on.
Trouble started when Brock really got into the role and he dashed to hug 'Julie', apparently forgetting that this one wasn't real. Ash understandably freaked out and ran away.
''Come back, my love, please!''
''You've definitely lost it, Brock! Back off!''
At first, the rest could only watched in stunned silence. May grimaced, not imagining her idea could turn out this badly. She made a mental note to make it up for Ash somehow.
Wally, feeling bad for Ash, had Ralts stop Brock with his psychic powers. Ash let out a big sigh of relief ''Thanks, guys!''
Max eyed the Pokemon breeder flatly ''Really, Brock?''
The boy laughed weakly ''My bad...sorry, Ash, I can imagine how awkward that was...'' Ash's response was to throw the wig and shoes at his face. ''...yeah, I deserved that...''
Romeo was left downhearted by that failure, leaving Ash and May to try lifting his spirits.
''Do either of you have someone you like?'' He wondered.
Ash replied negatively while May thought a bit more about her answer. She wasn't fully comfortable saying it but Romeo deserved their honesty. ''I'm...not sure yet.''
''You know, looking back, maybe I've been too focused on my journey to really think about that stuff.'' Ash said at last. ''But...now that I think about it, I might have been just as nervous as you are now if I have to come clean.''
''R-really?'' Romeo let out, surprised. Ash seemed so brave. He never imagined the boy would say that.
He nodded ''I don't think there's anything wrong with that. You really want this to work because you care about her a lot. It's just like Wally said before, you've got to try even if it seems hard. Either way, it can really pay off in the end.''
''Yup, besides, look at your Pokemon. Beato definitely didn't seem to have any problems talking to Illumise before.'' May reminded, thinking of the duo's interactions before everything got started.
''That's true...''
Julie sat with a recovered Illumise at a nearby boat, both reflecting on the day's events. ''You know, I really wish Romeo wouldn't be so nervous around me...''
That actually hurt, they were childhood friends and they had always gotten along so well. Once she'd even kissed him on the cheek and they'd just laughed about it. Now, Romeo would probably faint if she brought up that day now.
She gave a small smile as Illumise, likely sensing her sadness, gave her a worried look before hugging her. ''Thanks...''
A distant light caught their attention a moment later, coming from the lake. Julie blinked ''Is that...Volbeat?''
It was actually none other than Team Rocket, flying in their balloon. Meowth was dressed as a Volbeat, with the costume's tail being the source of the light. Meowth was shaking to get as much attention as possible.
Julie, being none the wiser, had sent Illumise to check this out. James grinned upon seeing the approaching Pokemon and quickly snagged her with a net. Julie was left confused as her Pokemon's light vanished, not sure what to make of all this.
Meanwhile...
The group decided to try Wally's suggestion after all, with Romeo being all the more interested upon hearing how the present helped Leon at the date and made Wanda happy. This brought on the subject of what the present actually should be, leaving him to mull it over before a couple of ideas came to mind.
''Hey, it sounds like you've got some good ideas. You know Julie this well, that definitely helps.'' Max offered.
''Yeah, but I really want to get this right, you know? It's bad enough that I messed things up so badly today. I have to make it up to her, Julie means so much to me. She's done a lot for me, she's a brilliant friend.'' Romeo admitted. ''I'd just be happy if it cheered her up at least...''
Julie, who had been approaching them, stopped and hid behind a tree upon realizing what they were talking about. She found herself blushing as she caught what Romeo said. As it were, she knew he cared but...he really thought of her that highly?
Her hiding wasn't about to stop Brock from noticing her though. His quick realization of Julie being here made him happy but then he realized that this could be bad and quickly warned his friends.
Romeo froze up when Julie revealed herself, wondering how much she heard.
Julie decided not to bring the matter up for the moment ''I thought that was Volbeat...Romeo, have you seen Illumise?''
He blinked ''No...not since we were at the Pokemon center. My Pokemon have all been in their balls for a while.''
''What? But then...'' Julie was alarmed, she quickly explained the situation to the others. ''...I didn't see Illumise anywhere so I thought she might be with you.''
Romeo's brow furrowed, knowing this was bad. He'd only sent his Pokemon out for the performance a while back. They were clearly missing something here.
''Not to worry, my dear! I will find Illumise!'' Brock assured.
''Oh, yeah? How?'' Max wanted to know.
This had the breeder slumping a little ''...I'm working on it...''
Romeo had an idea however ''We can have Beato and the others find Illumise's scent.''
Julie perked up ''That's a great idea!''
It was an effective one as well, for the five Pokemon had quickly been able to track Illumise's scent coming from the forest...
Beato's group led them through the forest to a path with a rushing river, flying over and pointing at the other side.
Ash's eyes narrowed ''So we're close...''
''Julie, stay back, it's dangerous.'' Romeo cautioned.
She watched, her eyes widening as he jumped between the stones poking at the surface to get to the other side. The Romeo she knew would've been really nervous to try, but now he was clearly too determined to let anything get in the way... and all for her sake...
''I'll stay with you!'' Brock volunteered.
While the offer was nice, Julie knew that she couldn't simply stay there after what Romeo just did, surprising everyone when she joined them at the other side too while Brock hurried after her. ''I appreciate you trying to look out for me but if you're going, so am I.'' She told Romeo with a smile, making him blush.
They hurried on to the clearing Beato guided them to, finding quite the odd sight waiting for them.
There were Jessie and James, dressed up as Illumise and Volbeat, respectively as they towered over Julie's Illumise, who was in a cage. It wasn't long before the trio of thieves noticed them, however.
Max looked appalled ''What're they doing?''
''That's weird even for them...'' Wally trailed off.
''I'd call it disturbing actually.'' May grimaced. Seriously, who in their right mind would dress up like that?
Jessie harrumphed ''As expected of you twerps, you have no taste. You definitely don't understand our brilliance.''
''You sure talk big as always. Wish I knew how you could say that with a straight face.'' Ash deadpanned. He definitely agreed with his friends, he always knew Team Rocket wasn't the brightest but come on!
The Kanto trainer noticed that Brock, Romeo and Julie were just as weirded out as they felt. Really, somethings you just don't want to see...
Meowth snorted ''Well, whatever. It doesn't matter what you say because we won!''
Jessie smirked ''That's right, so...Prepare for trouble!''
''And make it double!'' James added.
''To protect the world from devastation!''
''To unite all people within our nation!''
''To denounce the evils of truth and love!''
''To extend our reach to the stars above!''
''Jessie!''
''James!''
''Team Rocket makes a dash towards the speed of light!''
''Surrender now or prepare to fight!''
''Meowth, that's right!'' Meowth chimed in with Wobuffet popping up behind them.
''Now, without further ado...'' James grinned as they jumped to their balloon, activating the machine they had set up on top of the cage. The giant vacuum began to suck things with a lot of force.
Ash grabbed Pikachu before he could be taken up, with Wally doing the same to Ralts, their friends helping them holding on as they struggled against this power. The four Volbeats clung to Beato but they were soon overwhelmed and sucked into the machine, the same happening with Ash and Pikachu.
Jessie scowled upon noticing how they were stuck in the nozzle ''Lousy twerp...always getting in our way...''
Ash looked at his friends ''Romeo, do it! Beato can help now!''
Nodding, he looked at his Pokemon ''Use Quick Attack!''
The strike hit very fast, causing enough force to break the cage. This made Team Rocket angry and had them power up their machine, this time dragging Ash and Pikachu in with the four Volbeat.
An angry May sent out Swablu ''Ram that thing with Secret Power!''
Swablu let out a cry as she soared above the machine, landing with enough momentum as her body glowed, leaving visible cracks in the vacuum as a result, with it being unable to function. Seeing the Volbeat renew their efforts in escaping had Meowth attempt to stop them with help from Jessie, who had Seviper out.
''Ralts, Psybeam!''
Both were left caught off guard then, seeing the feeling Pokemon send out the multicolored ray which hit them both at once, sending them crashing back to Jessie and James.. Brock began to smile, remembering that Wally had mentioned how Ralts learned a new move just the other day.
Ash smirked as he took in the cracks ''All right, Pikachu, use Iron Tail!''
Pikachu slammed the machine with all the force he could muster, shattering it at once to Team Rocket's dismay. As Ralts helped him down, Ash had Pikachu jump and blast the machine with a Thunderbolt and thus Team Rocket crashed down.
Jessie got up, looking furious ''Like we'd lose now! Seviper, get up and finish this!''
''You too, Cacnea!'' James called, throwing a pokeball. But as usual, the affectionate grass type's first action was to hug him tightly, making him cry out in pain.
Seviper barely pulled itself up and charged at the group of Volbeat on command but then Julie took action ''Illumise, use Sweet Scent!''
This stopped the Pokemon at once, as it was dazed with the fragrant aroma. In fact, it was so effective that even James and Meowth were in a similar dazed state.
''Oh, wow...'' The first mumbled.
''Illumise sure is a beauty...'' Meowth grinned.
Jessie growled ''Seviper, move it!'' The snake shook its head, looking bewildered for a moment before it charged back in.
''Use Signal Beam together!'' Romeo called.
Beato and the other Volbeat all gathered their power and fired five beams that converged into a powerful one which caused a big burst of power, sending Team Rocket blasting off again. Max and May cheered while Illumise smiled at Beato before kissing his cheek.
May nudged Romeo ''See that?''
He nodded with a smile at the sweet scene. Brock, who also decided this would be a good time to make a move, made to walk over while holding flowers.
''Julie, I...I've been wanting to say this for a long time. I love you!''
She blushed but smiled warmly ''I thought so. I feel the same way.''
Romeo's face lit up, not even caring about the blush he was sure was on his face once she kissed his cheek, beaming at her instead.
May perked up at this while Ash and Wally smiled. Max and their Pokemon were similarly pleased, all wasting no time in congratulating them.
''It's all so sweet...'' May trailed off.
Ash and Max noticed Brock moping nearby, leaving the latter to roll his eyes ''Oh, brother...''
''Come on, there will be others.'' The former sighed.
Later that night, Julie and Romeo performed once again. Only this time it went excellently. The two guided their pokemon smoothly with the light rods, moving with poise and confidence. Illumise and the Volbeats proved this to be well founded as they flew into a synchronized dance with grace and everyone watched in awe.
''Nice to see Romeo isn't nervous anymore.'' Ash remarked.
''It's the perfect ending to this love story.'' May smiled.
''You're too obsessed about love, Sis...'' Max trailed off.
But she waved him off dismissively ''Most girls are. Anyway, Ash, would you dance with me? I liked Wally's story about Leon and Wanda. Dancing with the pokemon to this music sounds great.''
While surprised at the request, Ash didn't mind but he had no experience dancing. He did know, however, that he couldn't turn May down when she seemed this happy about it.
''Sure...'' May beamed at him and he hated to bring her mood down but this had to be said. ''...I don't really know how to dance though.''
It wasn't going to deter the girl ''That's okay, I'll show you! Just follow my lead.''
Max looked on curiously as they headed to the dance floor. Sometimes from her behavior, he was beginning to wonder about his sister's feelings regarding Ash. He was distracted from his line of thought upon noticing that they were missing someone ''Hey, where's Brock?''
Pikachu called to him and pointed to their far left, seeming unimpressed. Max instantly understood why as they could see Brock approaching Nurse Joy with flowers in hand ''Good grief...why can't he just give it a rest?''
''Let's just leave that be.'' Wally said at last. ''Anyway, you two want to check this place out? It looks like there's a whole lot of stuff to do here.''
Max smiled and nodded ''Sounds good.'' Pikachu chirped happily and jumped to Wally's arms before the three headed off.
Romeo and Julie watched hand in hand as Beato and Illumise lead the dance now. They drew a bunch of shapes in the sky, ranging from stars and flowers before they made a heart. Fireworks went off high in the air, commencing their success as they lit up the night sky. While there had been quite the trouble to make this happen, it had all worked out very well and everyone was delighted with the end result. Particularly the new couple, who were happy as they could be.
And we're done!
I hope this was good. I've been wondering how to use this episode for a while but there we go, writing it was pretty fun.
Just to make things clear, May isn't quite sure how she feels about Ash just yet but she does admire him and he taught her a lot so far. As mentioned above, Ash hadn't really thought romance just yet but just give it all time. I'm going to work through things and make sure they get together.
I think I had a suggestion a while back about having them catch a Volbeat and Illumise but while it was tempting, I just wasn't feeling it. Besides, I couldn't fit that in here. I have another pair of pokemon in mind when it comes to Ash and May that are going to get together down the line. But they still come in later, only one of them is a canon pokemon though. That's all I'm going to say on the matter.
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Happy new year!