Reader: Eh, maybe? I didn't think of using the Flute Cup before.
RHatch89: Thanks
Advance shipper: Oh, I remember that episode. No, I haven't gotten that far. It's still a ways ahead. If I remember right, May had 4 ribbons then and her chance to compete in the Grand Festival was at risk. But yeah, Date Expectations was a good episode. Hmm, I don't know about having May get a Donphan. I have a few non canon pokemon settled for her but honestly, I never considered that one. I really like your idea though-about how mentioning that pokemon can take the feelings of their trainers. I think I might use that to help Ash realize his feelings in the future. And you're right, every little idea helps.
I did consider adding unofficial gym battles or contests before but I don't really care for pointless fillers, so it'll happen if I can work them well into the story. I like what you're saying and it could work. I definitely do want Ash to try a contest before the Terracotta one, hmm...
The group left the Garcia residence early the next morning. Brock went with May and Max, who were looking forward to visiting their home. Ash went for a little training while Wally decided to visit Nurse Joy...
The green haired boy paused as he entered the pokemon center, smiling for a moment as he was hit with nostalgia. He had just asked Nurse Joy for a little help, deciding not to simply study from books all the time to learn about pokemon. Before he even knew it, he had gotten used to coming here and picking up all he could from the woman who quickly became his teacher.
A sound of a familiar bell brought his attention to the counter where Chansey was bringing up a tray of pokeballs to Ash, who picked them up with a thanks. The boy paused, perking up as he noticed Wally.
"Hey...''
He was distracted as Chansey's face lit up, hurrying over to the younger boy who smiled when he saw her. ''Great to see you again, Chansey.''
The egg pokemon gave a happy trill in return. Ash looked amused ''...so you guys go back a long way, huh?''
"Chansey's been like a big sister to me.''
Ash didn't miss the pokemon in question beaming at this. Wally spoke highly of this center's Nurse Joy so he wasn't surprised to see that her partner liked him this much. He had quickly proved that he learned a lot from the time he spent here. ''You know, I thought you would've beat me here.''
"Ah...'' Wally gave a sheepish smile. ''...I ran into a few old friends on my way, I haven't seen them since we left months ago. It was nice to see them again but now I'm wondering what kind of things my parents told them about our travels. They said a lot of nice things but all the praise was over the top...''
"Oh, come on-that's the kinda thing you said about your family after beating Watson. Ever consider that you just deserve their praise?'' The boy returned, smiling. He was still so modest...
"Well, I wouldn't know...'' Wally stated, embarrassed. ''...say Chansey, where's Nurse Joy?''
The egg pokemon pointed towards an area further in the center...
Around the same time...
May, Max and Brock arrived at the siblings' home only to encounter Kenji, one of Norman's best students who was helping out at the house. They were found by Caroline shortly afterwards and the woman wasted no time in welcoming all three of them, happily hugging their children after not seeing them for so long.
Brock smiled at the siblings' exuberance, suddenly reminded of his own brothers and sisters back in Pewter when he went back months ago. It wasn't too surprising though, Ash was as good as a brother to him at this point while May, Max and Wally were very good friends. They were almost like a family.
"So hey, where's dad?'' Max wanted to know.
Caroline and Kenji stiffened, confusing the three. The former made to speak but looked down while Kenji quickly spoke ''Ah, hey-I'll just finish cleaning up. You should have a meal together, Miss Caroline!''
She gave him a smile but it was clearly forced ''That's a good idea. Thanks, Kenji.''
May stared at the two in confusion while Brock adopted a pensive look. There was the strangeness around Norman again-just like yesterday. Now that he thought back, they never did figure out those rumors...
"Norman!''
The man blinked and turned at the familiar voice, finding Ash, Wally and Chansey heading over. ''Hey, boys-it's been a while!''
Nurse Joy smiled at Wally ''Oh, it's so good to see you.'' She hugged her old student, who happily returned the gesture. Already she could see how he was changing-being more open and outgoing than a few months ago. ''You've grown up, Wally.''
He laughed a bit as she ruffled his hair fondly ''Thanks...''
She looked at his companion ''Hello there, you must be Ash. I've heard a lot about you.''
"Hehe, back at you.'' The boy returned.
"I was surprised to hear you've been traveling together but I can tell she's right. You both definitely have grown since the last time we met.'' Norman remarked.
Ash beamed ''You bet.'' He had a thought. ''Hey, Wally-how about you let Kirlia say hi?''
The boy blinked, smiling then ''Good idea.'' He held up his starter's pokeball, which released him then. The pokemon smiled at them, greeting Norman, Nurse Joy and Chansey with a happy cry.
"Looks like we'll have quite the battles soon.'' Norman stated, leaving Ash to grin back.
"Oh hey, did you go to your place yet? May and Max were really looking forward to seeing you-they should be there by now.'' He informed.
The man smiled ''I'd love to see them but no, I've been busy working on a little plan with Nurse Joy's help.''
Ash and Wally shared curious looks but Norman went on, winking as he added ''This is a special surpise.''
May and Max gladly regaled their mother with tales of their travels. Caroline, who knew about a bunch of the stories-was more than intrigued by the ones from today. Things did get a little awkward when it came to the subject of Team Magma and Team Aqua though...
Max, things did work out but that's not something to take so lightly either.'' Brock chided the young boy after he talked about the days they faced the two groups. ''Mt. Chimney was bad enough but Rustboro...''
Max winced, remembering what they learned the day after the attack. They hadn't been able to save everyone. Team Aqua had caused plenty of damage to go around with for sure. ''...Yeah, sorry...''
"Well, we weren't happy to hear you had to deal with such things but it couldn't helped.'' Caroline stated, thinking back to the talk they had with the Garcias around this. ''Besides, you did handle the second time with very good care so let's leave it at that. You can't be a trainer without running into danger at one point, I suppose.''
May spared her a grateful look ''We do have a knack for finding trouble.''
She definitely understood Ash's tendency to rush into danger that day. The fact that Team Aqua tried to hurt those kids still infuriated her. And to think of what those who were injured had to go because of those lowlives...for once, she didn't think she could keep from fighting them if it would make them answer for that day.
Something her mother said had her curious ''So Dad had to deal with loads of chaos too?''
She quickly regretted the question when Caroline stiffened while Kenji hid a wince. Just what was going on?
Ah, hey-I only heard a little but what kind of pokemon do you have, May?'' He said quickly.
May frowned, barely listening to Max as he explained about her team. She definitely didn't miss Caroline's darkening expression at the mention of Beautifly.
Okay, she knew Beautifly held a significant meaning for her parents but the memory shouldn't be making her mom so sad. ''Mom, what's...''
She stopped as the door bell rang. Kenji went to get it, soon coming back with Diana. She greeted them all and spoke briefly to Caroline before Brock was able to pull her aside. ''...Somehing's obviously up,do you have any idea what happened, Mrs. Garcia?''
Diana sighed ''It's...a little complicated, Brock.''
Ash, Pikachu and Wally decided to head to Norman's home but they agreed to stop at Mawile's place first...
It didn't take them long to find the deceiver pokemon, who was sitting with a few wild pokemon while a few of his charges playing nearby. Wally smiled to himself, seeing how content his old friend was. It was a wonder to think that for a time, Wally was the only one he'd let anywhere near him. But now he found a home and so many friends...that was great news.
Ash gave him a little nudge ''You really did great with him, you know? That over there-you made it possible.''
Wally smiled a bit ''Ah, anyone would've done that...''
The boys called out a greeting to Mawile, who smiled and joined them. Ash grinned ''Hey, you sure got a lot of pals around here, huh?''
Mawile beamed at this, gesturing at the other pokemon to assure them that it was all right. Those of his charges who met the boys and Pikachu came over to greet them while the others looked on curiously. The mouse talked to a few of them and the boys let out their pokemon to have fun. Pikachu was joined by Electrike, Kirlia, Corphish and Tropius, who began playing with some of the pokemon.
"Someone's living it up...'' Ash mused wryly, keeping an eye on Corphish while Wally petted a little Taillow who was sitting on his shoulder. Corphish was definitely the liveliest of that bunch.
Before either of the boys knew it, they were levitated over by Kirlia's powers. The psychic and fairy type giving them an almost cheeky smile as he gestured to the others. Ash quickly had to avoid a few stray bubbles which brought his attention to a rather amused Corphish. The boy pulled on his gloves ''If that's how you want it...''
He was quick to try catching the water type, who jumped away, laughing. Ash wasn't one to give up so soon though. Wally and the pokemon nearby watched them continue to play with growing amusement before deciding to get in on the fun. And so, they began to play as well.
A short while later, most of them sat under a big tree...
So we were going to rejoin our friends in a bit, you want to come?'' Wally inquired, receiving a happy grunt from his old friend as he nodded.
The now group of five arrived at the house to find Caroline and the others with some of Norman's pokemon. Diana smiled and waved at her son while May was scanning Slaking with her dex. Kenji appeared to be telling them something...
"Hey, what's up?''
Max turned at Ash's voice ''Oh hey, guys.'' He glanced at Diana and Caroline, who were talking to their right before lowering his voice. ''Things are...kind of weird with Mom. Kenji was going to explain why they're acting so off when we mention Dad.''
"They do?'' Wally blinked. ''Um, we just saw Mr. Norman at the pokemon center.'' Kenji held back a grimace at this.
Ash nodded ''It looked like everything was fine with him-he was real happy.''
Brock decided to check his earlier theory ''Is this about the rumors? What the people say about him lately?''
"Oh, come on-those rumors were meaningless.'' Max said dismissively.
"...I'm not sure they are.'' They looked at Kenji in surprise. ''Those rumors are...a big part of the problem. I think that's why Miss Diana's here too-to check on how Miss Caroline's holding up. There's no easy way to say this but...Mr. Norman's in love with Nurse Joy.''
"Whatever they expected, it certainly wasn't that.
"Wait, what?'' May stared while Max's eyes widened. ''Back up! What makes you say that?''
"Well...he's been spending an awful lot of time with her lately.'' The young man exhaled. ''He's been disappearing at random times to go to the center. No one knows what he's up to there and he refuses to say a word. He's been seen with her a lot...''
"Lucky-if only that could've been me...!'' Brock exclaimed.
"Brock!'' May and Ash said sharply.
The teen winced, understanding that it wasn't the time or place for this. ''Sorry, couldn't help it...''
"About the rumors-Max is right, they were actually started by a few sore losers before they got out of hand.'' Kenji put in. ''But now no one's even sure which is real and which isn't...and seeing as how Mr. Norman doesn't seem to care...''
"Hold on, Kenji. Dad wouldn't cheat on Mom, no way!'' May cut in.
Nurse Joy wouldn't be a part of something like this either.'' Wally added. Mawile and Kirlia nodded to that, both also having gotten to know the woman well.
"To be fair to her, I don't think she knows.'' Kenji offered. ''Mr. Norman hasn't admitted it but I heard they've been flirting...''
Max frowned, clearly unconvinced ''How do we know this wasn't some more made up stuff?''
"Well...'' The former trailed off, unsure how to answer.
"Max has a point but...what's the deal with Beautifly? Caroline seems to react a bit strangely when we brought that up.'' Brock recalled.
"Mom told me about that.'' May piped up. ''Their most romantic moment was in a field of flowers with Beautifly in the sky. I guess she doesn't want to be reminded of that now...but why does she believe that of him...?''
Wally spoke up after a few moments ''Well, there's no point guessing. Can't we just go get the story straight from Mr. Norman?''
Kenji blinked ''But he wouldn't say...''
"We can't just leave things like this-we can explain what's going on.'' The boy insisted.
Max agreed ''We'll make sure he comes out with the truth.''
May nodded, Caroline was clearly upset and she refused to let this go any longer.
After some asking around, they were able to find out that Norman was near the pokemon center so they went to find him. They were joined by Caroline, who quickly revealed that she had overheard everything-and Diana, who was there out of concern for a friend.
Ash glanced at May, who spared her mother a worried look before grumbling to herself. ''Hey, you've gotta calm down.'' She looked at him. ''I know it's weird coming from me but you're the one who told me not to trust into things the other day. Handling this carelessly will just start more trouble-no need to make a bigger mess of things.''
She sighed and nodded, sparing him a grateful smile ''Thanks...''
They soon ran into Vincent near their destination, noticing the man sighing irritably. Surprised to see the group, he was quickly brought to speed, leaving him to grimace. ''Not this again...look, he's not in love with Nurse Joy. He's just a stubborn idiot.''
Remembering how their parents were getting along well, Max decided to ask if the man knew anything about this. Vincent admitted that he did, having found out by pure chance. But Norman had him and Diana promise to keep quiet.
"We don't know the whole story. But if things are this bad, there's no point in keeping this a secret. We can explain...'' He started.
"I appreciate that but no.'' Caroline frowned. ''I want to hear this straight from Norman.''
With her tone brooking no further argument, they dropped the subject and went on. Trying to get rid of the tense mood, Vincent tried to dismiss the mood by sharing a few stories about their days here.
"Ah, so you saw the house?'' He looked amused when Max mentioned Cindy's home. ''Yeah, it's really something, huh? You should see it from the inside-it's even more impressive.''
"I'll bet. Actually wait, how'd you meet Cindy anyway, Wally?'' The young boy asked.
"Oh, now that was one nice story.'' Diana remarked, smiling at her son.
"Dad's boss works with her dad.'' Wally began to explain. ''We were just passing by when he called Dad to help them there and...she looked lonely. It looked like she wanted to talk to some people but it's like she wouldn't let herself do it.''
Ash blinked ''Wait, how come?''
"The way people kept treating her was ridiculous. Her first few days here were rough. She actually really likes fashion-when she found girls who were the same, she tried to talk to them but they wouldn't give her the time of day.'' Diana huffed. ''Of course, they changed completely when they found out who her dad was-not that it mattered then. If she didn't have that, then there were those who tried sucking up to her to get some favor with her dad.''
The boy grimaced ''Now that's just lousy...''
"Isn't it? Wally knew about the wealth but he wanted to become her friend anyway-that's how they're so close now. Cindy told me all about him just taking her out for some fun and he never said a word about it before she asked.'' She finished, beaming at her son.
Brock smiled ''That was real nice of you, Wally.''
The boy felt his face grow warm as Electrike barked in assent and some of the others echoed his sentiment ''I just wanted to help...she looked lonely and no one should have to put up with that sort of thing.''
Ah, don't downplay it-that was a great thing to go.'' Max insisted.
He blinked, noticing Kenji scowling at something just ahead. Just as Max was about to question this, a new voice spoke up ''Oh, look who it is...''
He grunted ''You brats again?''
A pair of boys faced Kenji, one was burly and the other lanky but both wear similar sneers. Caroline's brow furrowed, recognizing them as some of her husband's latest challenges. Bad enough they had taken their losses to Norman badly, they had grown much worse when Norman refused to accept them as students.
"Oh, look who it is.'' The lanky boy scoffed. ''Don't think that the fact that he took you on means a damn thing-we're loads better than that stupid gym leader now. We never should've bothered with him.''
An outraged Max was about to speak up for his father but Kenji beat him to the punch ''That's awfully big talk considering you've never been able to beat me. Mr. Norman was right to turn you down-I don't know who would consider you brats ready to be trainers.''
"What was that?! I'll show you!'' The boy snarled.
The other one appeared calm ''Why're you listening to him? They're obviously losers-like he wasn't bad enough, look who else they've got.'' His gaze traveled from Kenji to Wally, which was when Max saw that Kirlia was glaring daggers at them.
"Wally, you know those jerks?''
The older boy was frowning. He should've known something like this would happen. They hadn't changed a bit since their last encounter. ''We've met.''
"Someone's got a big head here.'' The burly boy stated, towering over him. His eyes narrowed when Wally met his gaze head on, he was quickly forced back when Kirlia and Mawile stepped in front of the boy. ''So your pipsqueak evolved? That doesn't mean a damn thing-a weakling like you has to be a joke for a trainer.''
"Hey, you take that back!'' May snapped. Now this definitely explained things-those two were some of their friend's old bullies.
"Oh, please. He's pathetic, everyone said how he'd be so good as a trainer cuz he learned a few things. But we're so much better, guess losers just flock together. You can't even deal with a bit of dust without falling apart...'' The second boy added, only to be cut off by Mawile, Electrike and Kirlia growling in anger at this.
Vincent scowled ''Don't you dare talk about Wally like that, you little brat! You got away with this just because your families wouldn't listen to us but Norman must've seen right through you.''
"Yeah, you're the only losers I'm seeing here!'' Ash snapped, Pikachu crying out in agreement at that.
"You leave our boy alone! This terrible behavior went on long enough...'' Diana started, just as angry while Mawile and Kirlia glowered at them.
Wally barely heard one of the boys taunting him about needing help, remembering something he talked about with both his parents and Leon and Wanda...
The best way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them. Don't let them make you feel inferior. Hold your head up high and show everyone what you're made of-show them they can't keep you down.'
"...What does it matter to you?'' He asked, surprising the boys. He met their gazes head on, his expression now calm. ''Whether or not I became a trainer, it has nothing to do with you. You're awfully determined to put down someone who you think is so beneath you.'' The two glowered back. ''It's true, my illness does make things harder but I've accepted that. Yeah, you're right-I do need people to help, so what? I've already set out on the path I chose, you won't change that. You don't get to live my life for me-whatever you say or do doesn't matter, because I refuse to let it matter.''
The duo seemed at a loss of words for this but the Garcias watched their only child with a growing sense of pride. The words hurt, like they had in the past but Wally not only faced the bullies head on but effectively rendered their words meaningless.
Vincent grinned ''You tell 'em, kiddo. You're so right.''
The two tried to continue their insults but they had obviously been outplayed. Ash was smiling as he saw how effective Wally's words were. ''...Yeah, they're not worth bothering with. We're all glad you're our friend, wouldn't have it any other way.''
"Yeah!'' Max chimed in, grinning when Wally smiled at them in return.
Caroline stared at the boys with disdain, idly noting some passerby doing the same ''Why am I not surprised you stooped to bullying? You're terrible.''
You two really are pathetic.'' Kenji agreed.
Brock crossed his arms ''The fact that you're so determined to put Wally down to feel better about yourselves just proves how small and petty you really are.''
"Yeah, Wally's worth a million of you!'' May added.
"I think you're underestimating him, Sis.'' Max put in.
Wally looked on with a growing smile, heartened by their support. His family and friends were the reason he had come this far. There were even a few people who Wally had come to know over time and were quick to defend him as well, including kids who had to suffer because of those boys too. All were calling them out on their rotten behavior, which was very satisfying.
He didn't even bat an eye as the boys stormed off. Those bullies used to make him feel bad about himself but not anymore-he wouldn't let that happen again.
Why'd they get away with this for so long? They even made fun of that sickness and look at how much it hurt him...'' Ash grumbled in disgust.
"Oh, they got help.'' Vincent stated, pointedly glaring at a man and a woman he knew to be one of the boys' relatives. The two were clearly avoiding his gaze. ''They refused to believe that their precious boys would ever do something like this which left people like Wally to put up with those brats. They couldn't stand it when Wally quickly outshone them back in school. Not that it's anything to worry about anymore.''
"Mmhm.'' Diana beamed. ''You were amazing, sweetie. You handled that so well!''
Wally smiled back ''Thanks to you all...besides, I just went with what you taught me.''
It wasn't long before they spotted Norman near the entrance of the pokemon center...
Norman stopped when his children called out to him, smiling at the sight of the siblings running over. Just as he greeted the two eagerly, he noticed the rest of the group. ''Ah...did something happen?''
Max was quick to inquire about what he was up to. He evaded the question, to general exasperation as they saw that Vincent was right about his secrecy.
Ash frowned ''Look, May and Max are really worried and all the talk about is getting to Caroline too. This can't be so important-hiding it is just making everything worse. If you won't tell us, at least tell them. They really need to know.''
Nurse Joy seemed worried, picking up on the general mood ''Maybe he's right...it doesn't have to be this way. I think they'll understand if you tell them what you told me.''
"The thing is...'' Norman faltered under his wife's gaze.
"Well?'' Caroline prompted, her expression stern.
Sighing, he explained that he was actually working on a surprise for her. He was just hanging around here so much so no one would catch on. Taken aback, Caroline was about to question him further when they heard the sound of an explosion from somewhere nearby.
What just happened?!''
Alarmed, they hurried out the building to see smoke rising from somewhere up ahead. They could hear screams and cries of fear, calling out something about pokemon thieves. Norman immediately headed off, ready on defending the city from danger as its gym leader.
When the others caught up, they found a blue mecha with a red R painted on its chest, using a vaccuum from one of its arms. The vaccuum was drawing many things to the robot, including pokemon and pokeballs to a big cage on its back.
The robot's chest opened up, revealing the smug faces of Team Rocket. ''Well, if it isn't the twerps!'' Jessie smirked. ''Just in time-your pokemon are ours. So prepare for trouble...''
"Oh, save it! No one cares about your lame motto!'' An annoyed May cut in.
"Lame?! Oh, I'll show you!'' The woman retorted, making to redirect the robot towards them. Ash had Pikachu use Thunderbolt but to no avail. The boy was forced to grab his starter les he sucked into the vaccuum while Mawile did the same for a sttruggling Kirlia.
"It's bad enough you insulted out motto twerps, you won't get away this time!'' James exclaimed.
As the mecha drew closer, Wally couldn't help but note that its legs had less armor than the rest of it. After a moment of thought, he sent out Electrike, having him and Mawile attack the legs. Team Rocket watched with derision even as Mawile ensured Electrike wouldn't be sucked in the vaccuum.
"Done wasting time, twerp? Give it up!'' Meowth exclaimed.
But Wally chose to ignore that ''Fire Fang once more, Electrike!''
Barking in acknowledgement, the lightning pokemon struck once more. But Team Rocke just laughed it off and Max looked on in confusion ''What's he up to?''
An equally puzzled Diana followed her son's line of sight, her eyes widening when she saw that the mecha's legs were damaged, a few wires currently visible. That gave her an idea ''Wait a minute...''
Wally wound up confirming her suspicions in a moment ''Use Shock Wave into those openings!''
Smirking, Electrike proceeded to do just that. Team Rocket discovered, to their chagrin, that the robot wasn't nearly as invulnerable as they believed. Thus it took a lot of damage from the unexpected attack, falling on its knees.
"Nice!'' Kenji exclaimed.
You go, kiddo!'' Vincent grinned.
Ash grabbed a pokeball ''All right, Corphish, I choose you! Break that cage with Crabhammer!''
The Ruffian pokemon leaped up high, using the descent to power up his attacks and shattering it in a couple of blows. Team Rocket sent out their pokemon to strike the water type but they were forcefully thrown back via Kirlia's Psychic.
"Cacnea, fight back! Pin Missile!'' James ordered. The wide spread attack was quickly dodged by its intended targets, making him scowl. ''Needle arm!''
Cacnea charged at Mawile, arm swinging. The deceiver pokemon stopped him cold by using Iron Defense before swiftly grabbing him with his second mouth and tossing him back towards James, who fell back with a yelp.
That was when Max noticed a box that had apparently been hidden in a tree nearby. It was damaged, revealing a machine within. ''What's that?''
Norman stiffened as he saw it too ''...That does it. Come on, Slaking!'' He hurled a pokeball up high, releasing the big normal type.
They're in for it now...'' Kenji muttered, being very familiar with Slaking's strength.
Meowth almost recoiled but his eyes widened as he realized an issue. May's eyes widened ''Slaking's asleep?!''
Jessie laughed ''Come on, you're making this too easy!''
Norman remained unfazed ''Wake up!'' Slaking immediately did just that, to their surprise. ''Blast them with Hyper Beam!''
The powerful attack struck Meowth, Seviper and Cacnea, knocking them at once. As Jessie and James tried to make their get away, Ash and Wally had Pikachu and Electrike send them blasting off with a combined Thunderbolt and Shock Wave.
It wasn't long before they found all of what Team Rocket stole, allowing their owners to come retrieve what they lost.
This included a few of the kids who spoke up against the bullies as well as the two boys in question. Electrike growled at the two, who stiffened. The lightning pokemon looked up when Wally placed a hand on his head. ''It's okay, there's no need to fight.''
One of the kids was glaring at the duo ''You'd really help those meanies?''
"It's only right.'' Wally remarked, stroking Electrike's fur, the pokemon smiled at him. It was for others who also also suffered from this scheme. ''I'm still learning as I go along but one thing's for sure. I couldn't have asked for better friends so I wouldn't want to just let anyone lose their pokemon. Because at the end of the day, pokemon can make amazing friends.''
The kid smiled and nodded ''Yeah!''
Electrike gave a pleased bark at this. He hadn't known what to expect with a trainer but Wally was a brilliant one to them. He would always be glad to have met the boy and he would keep doing his best for him. Feeling power well up within, Electrike let it flow.
Just then...he began to glow!
Everyone looked on in awe as he grew in size and height with the light fading to reveal a Manectric.
"Whoa, it evolved!''
"Wow!''
Manectric smirked as their friends began congratulating him. Wally hugged the first pokemon he caught with a smile ''Wow, Manectric...this is great!''
"My, congratulations!'' Diana beamed.
"See? Just another thing to show what a great trainer Wally is. Manectric evolved for him after all.'' Max stated.
The electric type nodded, giving the bullies a hard stare. While he applauded his trainer's stance with them, he would not let those boys trouble him anymore.
The two decided to leave however, seeming at a loss. May huffed ''And stay away!''
"Norman?''
The girl blinked at her mother's voice, seeing Caroline's attention on her father. Norman seemed rather upset that the odd machine was damaged...but why?
"So what is that thing?'' She inquired.
The answer came from Nurse Joy ''It's for fireworks. Norman was hoping to surprise your mother with special fireworks for their anniversary.'' They looked at her in surprise before glancing at Norman. ''The plan turned out harder than we thought so it took a long time...''
"...And it was for nothing.'' A frustrated Norman grunted.
"Not necessarily.'' Vincent gave the machine a once-over. ''...I think I can do something about this.''
Following up on his words, Vincent had indeed been able to fix it. Thus, Norman finally had the chance to show what he was planning. The machine created lovely fireworks shaped like a Beautifly, to Caroline's delight and the others' awe. She was touched that the memory of that day meant so much to him.
Norman gave her an apologetic smile ''Sorry about all this...I looked forward to the surprise but I really was too stubborn.''
She hugged him ''It's all right. I love it.''
Nurse Joy sat with the Garcias as everyone continued to watch the fireworks. They were all making sure to give Norman and Caroline some privacy. But could see enough of the pair to know that any trouble between them was over...
"I really do like your friends, it's good to see you're doing so well.''
Wally returned the nurse's smile with one of his own ''I don't think it'd be that way without all of you...'' His eyes traveled from her to his parents and finally his pokemon. Manectric met his eye and grinned. ''...I can't thank you enough for being there for me.''
"Aw, that's not something to be thanked for.'' Diana held him close. ''It's just what family and friends are about-don't forget that, okay?''
Wally nodded back and they all looked back at the sky as the fireworks continued to fly...
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. The thing about Rustboro is something I forgot to mention back in the earlier chapters. But yeah, Team Aqua hurt plenty of people that day. You can bet the gang will have a few things to say about that when they meet again.
For a while, I wasn't sure how to handle this one and I wound up deviating from my original plan because I didn't quite like it in the end. There'll be a couple of more chapters in the city before the group leaves. I didn't want to cram both Ash and Wally's gym battles, so I'll be doing them seperately.
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!