Chapter 21: Love in Floraoma Meadow
The scenery ahead was beautiful - wherever you looked, Floaroma Town had so many pretty flowers. Both Dawn and May looked in awe.
"I think we should split up and meet a bit later - I'll book a room for six at the Pokemon Center" Brock announced - figuring Ash would want to spend time with May. "Max - let's go and do some training and check our supplies" he added. "What will you four be doing?"
"I think Paul and I should go sightseeing too - and show our Pokemon Egg the scenery!" Dawn said smiling as she held the Pokemon Egg safely in her arms. Paul nodded - though flowers weren't his thing, he wanted to make Dawn happy and ensure she was safe. Chimchar was sitting on Paul's shoulder and admiring the scenery.
"That leaves the two of us then, May" Ash said smiling as he looked at her.
"Pik-a-chu! (And me too!)" Pikachu added from Ash's shoulder.
May nodded in excitement. 'It'll be my chance to tell Ash how I feel!' she thought, blushing as she looked at him lovingly. "Hey Ash - where should we go first?" she asked.
"It's up to you - May" Ash said smiling to her.
"I want to find the meadow that Sakura was talking about but at the same time I want to look around" May suggested - eager to tell Ash how she feels.
"We could do both in any order" Ash said.
"Mhm! The meadow would probably take longer to find" May told him.
"There's actually something I want to tell you when we get to the meadow, May" Ash said, blushing as he spoke.
"Me too, Ash. I mean - I want to tell you something too" May blushed as she looked at him.
The two friends and Pikachu began their search for the meadow, on the way, May saw so many beautiful flowers.
"They're just so pretty!" May gushed.
"Mhm" Ash nodded. 'Just like you are, May' he thought.
"Pik-a-chu, Pik-a-chu-Pi? (Are you going to tell her now?)" Pikachu asked.
"Not yet - Pikachu but soon!" Ash said as he gently patted his Pokemon. Pikachu pouted.
It took the two friends a while to find where the meadow was, mainly because May was looking at all the flowers in admiration and imagining herself putting a flower tiara on. How she simply loved flowers - they made her feel right at home.
"Ah - that must be it, Ash!" May said pointing to an opening path.
"Hopefully! Let's go, May" Ash said smiling to her.
Dawn handed Paul the Pokemon Egg as she looked at the scenery ahead of her - flowers everywhere. The coordinator was so happy to see them. "You know - I wonder what it'd look like in my hair" she said, longing to pick one and put it in hers - but deciding not, though it's tempted to do so.
"What will you do when our baby hatches?" Dawn asked hoping he'd stay.
"It depends - if the mother wants me to stay, if not, I won't" Paul replied.
"The baby's mother wants you to stay" Dawn said, not wanting him to leave. She loved his company and was worried that something could happen to him like the other night when she almost lost him to Officer Jenny. "We're co-parenting a Pokemon, Paul" she reminded him.
"Fine" Paul said. Dawn would've hugged him if she wasn't holding the Pokemon Egg. The two stayed silent for a while as they began walking around Floraoma Town, Paul was thinking of the other night about what Kenny had done as was Dawn.
"Paul..." Dawn started to say. "Do you think it's possible what Kenny did was because he hates seeing me with you?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"Hn. It was pathetic what he did and unforgivable" Paul answered.
Dawn nodded in agreement. She figured the reason why Kenny did it was because Kenny loved her and wanted her to himself, but she never felt that way about him, she loved Paul but hadn't told him yet. She was more concerned of Paul rejecting her and calling her pathetic or a stupid girl and he never showed emotions.
"I don't know what I would've done if I lost you, that night, Paul" Dawn said - with tears starting to form in her eyes, the last thing he wanted to do is to see her cry. "I probably would've fought for your freedom" she added.
Chimchar jumped from Paul's shoulder to Dawn's and hugged her. Dawn gave Chimchar a small smile.
"Your Daddy would've been away from me too" Dawn said looking at the Pokemon egg, she looked at Chimchar again and patted him with her free hand.
Paul stayed silent as he thought about the recent events and wondered one thing: Will Dawn be safe if he had left her to go on his own or will she run into danger? Which had him concerned if she did and he wasn't there to protect her - her friends would most likely not be around all the time to keep her safe. He knew he'd rather avoid talking to Ash and the others if he could though, he was relieved that Ash helped back him up from being arrested. Looking at Dawn, there was just something about her that made her special compared to everyone else, and it was rare for people to make him feel that way.
"Stupid girl!" Paul muttered, watching as Dawn cried.
"What do you mean by that, Paul?" Dawn asked, wiping away her tears.
"Because you're crying" Paul told her.
Dawn gave him a weak smile. "Do you think it's possible that everyone knows about Team Shadow?" she wondered now that she knows Kenny had told Officer Jenny that had her more concerned.
"Hn - depends on if she believed him or not. The only way we'll find out is through other people" Paul said. Silence filled the atmosphere again as the two walked around Floroama Town.
"Let's go in here, Paul! I need to buy some costumes for my Pokemon" Dawn gushed spotting a Pokemon Costume Shop not too far from the Pokemon Contest Hall.
"DO we have to?" Paul hated costume shopping. He'd rather be battling.
"Yes - it won't be long, and we'll have a lunch break after" Dawn promised as she gave him the Pokemon Egg - Paul gently took it from her and groaned. For her he'd follow but for others he probably would rather not.
The two friends walked into the Pokemon Costume Shop which was a small store full of cute outfits for Pokemon to wear. Paul thought this shop was too girlish for his taste and wanted to go outside with the Pokemon Egg and wait for her to finish shopping.
"Hi Dii-Dii!" Kenny's voice boomed the atmosphere as Dawn and Paul walked in together. "I'm surprised you haven't broken the egg yet" he snapped at Paul.
"Why would I? What are you doing here?" Paul replied with anger in his voice.
"The name's Dawn. Why did you do it, Kenny?" Dawn asked.
Kenny glared at Paul and looked at Dawn. "Because - I don't want you to end up with a cruel person like him. Don't you get it? Paul is cruel - he is mean towards other people and Pokemon - I don't want you to be around him! I don't want him to be your boyfriend"
"Pathetic" Paul simply replied. "It's her choice on who she wants to be around - what are you, her father?" Paul snapped angrily at Kenny, putting one arm in front of Dawn while holding the Pokemon Egg with his other. Many customers began gathering around to watch on expecting a fight to break out any minute.
Several Beautifly flew past as Ash and May made their way in the entrance of the Floroama Meadow. The scenery was simply beautiful.
"Wow! This is beautiful" May commented as she admired the flowery scenery ahead of them. It reminded her of how she visioned it even the lake was in the middle.
"Pi-ka-chu! (It sure is!)" Pikachu agreed, Ash nodded. The two walked closer to the lake and noticed several Roselias and Bellossoms dancing and using Petal Dance as Beautifly flew past them. The atmosphere felt right for Ash and May.
Pikachu jumped from Ash's shoulder and onto the ground. "Pik-a-chu, Pik-a-chu! (You can do it, Ash!)" Pikachu cheered his best friend on.
Ash looked at the lake and noticed several Luvdisc swimming, May walked up to him, blushing as she did.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" May asked.
"It sure is. May - there's something I need to tell you" Ash began - with his heart pounding. He was nervous but wanted to tell her at the same time.
"I need to tell you something too, Ash" May said, her heart was racing and like him, she was nervous too. "You go first!"
After taking another glance at the scenery, Ash looked at May and began to blush.
"May - I hope what I'm going to tell you won't ruin our friendship..." Ash began as he looked at her nervously.
"Nothing ever will, Ash, I promise" May said, blushing.
Relieved to hear that - Ash gained the courage for the next step. "May - we've been friends for a long time, and you make me the happiest guy, being around you. Watching you grow into a strong coordinator. I came to realize, the more time I spent with you - the more I noticed one thing - that I can't imagine being without you, and that I love you more each day. I don't think I could ever stop loving you, May. You mean the world to me - you're my everything - my light, my ray of sunshine, you always brighten my day when you're with me, seeing you smile makes me happy. I love you - May, and always will. Will you be my girlfriend?" Ash asked, he was nervous as he spoke to her.
May flung her arms around him. "Oh Ash! I've been longing to hear you say that. You are my everything too and I can't imagine my life without you, I love you endlessly, Ash and will always will. My love for you is endless, I will always be here to support you to help you follow your dreams and achieve them. I'm the luckiest girl in the world right now and yes, I will be your girlfriend" May said, smiling as she looked at her now boyfriend. Ash smiled as he returned her hug.
"You make me so happy, May!" Ash gushed, pressing his lips against hers. Blushing, May returned her first kiss with Ash, as she wrapped her arms around him, the couple closed their eyes and enjoyed the moment together. Ash nearly forgot about the pendant but decided to wait until they finished their first kiss, he didn't want it to end. May remembered her badge.
Pikachu jumped up and down with excitement as he watched the new couple kissing. "Pi-ka-chu, Pik-a-chu! (Yay, you did it, Ash and May!)" he cheered them on.
A gentle gust of wind blew the Petal Dance from the Bellossoms over to Ash and May - making it appear to be like a confetti of rose petals. A couple of Luvdisc came out from the lake for a moment then dove back in to spray a heart shaped water display. Neither of the couple wanted to part from their first kiss - but knew they eventually had to.
"I must be dreaming" May gushed after she parted from her boyfriend's kiss for a moment. "That was truly wonderful, Ash. That reminds me - I have something for you" she said, smiling as she looked at her new boyfriend. She quickly unzipped her bag and dug around then pulled out a small box, at the same time, Ash took his backpack off and unzipped it, pulling out a small box.
"I have something for you too, May" Ash told him. "You're not dreaming, and we really did kiss. Look at Pikachu, he's really happy for us" Ash said, smiling knowing what she meant.
May smiled as she looked at Pikachu. "You're a cutie, Pikachu" she told him.
Ash gave May his gift and she gave him hers. The couple opened them at the same time.
"A Manaphy Pendant/Badge" they both gushed in excitement.
"Could you help me put my pendant on, Ash? Thank you so much, it's beautiful" May asked, blushing as she looked at it.
"Sure, I can do that. Could you help me put my badge on?" Ash asked - he could do it himself, but felt it'd be more special if May did it. After the couple put their gifts on one another, Ash helped May put the pendant around her neck, while May helped pin the badge on his shirt, they smiled and looked at one another.
May hugged him again and pressed her lips against Ash's, Ash returned the kiss, wrapping his arms around her again, the couple enjoyed the moment with their eyes closed. It wasn't until a while later, they parted and noticed the pendant and badge glowing and same with the water in the lake.
"What's going on?" May asked in concern, noticing that the Pokemon suddenly stopped their dancing and ran off, Pikachu hopped back onto Ash's shoulder.
"Pik-a-chu! (Be careful)" Pikachu said.
Ash put an arm out in front of May. "I'm not sure but whatever it is - I won't let it hurt you!" he promised, watching in concern as the water glowed white for a moment and a sudden flash of white light appeared in front of them. The Pokemon returned to their normal routine, May however, was uncertain and stayed close to Ash.
"Phy!" a familiar voice to May cried out as the light vanished.
"Mama!" the voice continued, the water stopped glowing as did the badge and pendant, in front of the couple was a familiar Pokemon.
"Manaphy?" May asked in excitement.
"But how?" Ash asked as excited as she was.
"Papa!" Manaphy flew over to May and hugged her, smiling May returned the Pokemon's hug- Ash removed his arm from in front of her after figuring out what had just happened.
"I missed you too, Manaphy. Your Papa and I both missed you" May told the Pokemon as Ash watched on. He was relieved that May wasn't in danger and removed his hand from protecting her.
"Does this mean you'll stay with us?" May asked hopefully.
"Phy! (Yes!)" Manaphy nodded.
"This is great news, May and Manaphy. Welcome back, Manaphy - my question is though will we catch Manaphy or will he stay like this?" Ash asked not sure on the next step. He was just as happy to see the Pokemon as May was.
"Manaphy - what would you like to do? Do you want to be caught in the Master Ball or be as free as you are?" May asked looking at the Pokemon.
"Mama - catch me!" Manaphy replied, May nodded.
"Okay, Manaphy here it goes. I'll give you a special ball, a Master Ball but you'll be allowed out all the time like Pikachu is" May promised. "Though - your father and I need to watch out for bad guys in case they want you because you're a rare Pokemon. We'll protect you" May said smiling as she looked at him. May took out the Master Ball she had won in the dance contest and used it to catch Manaphy, once Manaphy was caught - she released him from the Master Ball and put the Master Ball away. Manaphy smiled and hugged May then jumped into Ash's arms.
"Manaphy loves Mama, Papa!" Manaphy chirped as he hugged Ash.
"We love you too, Manaphy!" Ash told the Pokemon as he hugged him. "What should we do now, May?" he asked.
"I think we should explore the meadow a bit more and finally try to catch up with the others and plan our first date" May answered smiling to her boyfriend, as she held a hand to him. Ash smiled in return and put his hand in hers, their fingers interlocked. He held Manaphy with his free arm.
"Do you remember the plan, Biff?" Cassidy asked her partner as the two disguised themselves as scientists working for the Pokedex. They arrived in Floroama Town the night before after figuring that's where Ash and his friends would be staying next and stayed in a motel.
"It's Butch and yes! We'll say we're working as Professor Rowan's new assistances, and we give out prizes when Pokedex entries reach a certain number. When he shows us his one - we'll tell him to come with us as we'd have a big prize for him - that's where you need to come in and somehow knock him out then capture him and take him back to Team Rocket's hideout. We'll have to do something similar to May but need to wait until the right moment. If they're separate, then that's perfect if not - it'd be harder" Butch explained, confident that their plan will work. "Shall we get things ready, Cassidy?"
"Good - glad you have your role sorted and yes we will get the truck ready. He won't know he's in the truck since he'd be knocked out by then" Cassidy said with a smirk. "These two should know where the rare Pokemon are."
With that - Cassidy and Butch finished dressing themselves in scientist costumes, even changing their hairstyle and colour. As a final touch - they got a device that will help them change their voice so that Max wouldn't recognize it.
"The only thing we need to do is avoid breaking out in our motto" Cassidy warned him. "That'd be a dead giveaway. Let's go" with that, she and Butch made their way out of the motel, locking the door behind them and began to look around for Max. It didn't take them too long to find them much to their delight and Brock was busy flirting with ladies to notice the danger lurking beside them.
"Hello - you're working on a Pokedex aren't you, kid?" Butch asked, feeling stupid to say that. Max stared at the two scientists in surprise.
"Who - me? Yeah why?" Max asked stunned as he looked at Treecko then back at Butch.
"We're working under Professor Rowan and are his new assistances. We give out prizes when the Pokedex entries reach a certain number - could you please show us your Pokedex?" Butch said, hoping this plan will work.
Cassidy got ready for her part.
"Cool, I'll tell my friend about this" Max said, eager to tell Brock.
"OH no no no! You don't need to tell your friend; he might get jealous. Please show us your Pokedex then you can come along with us and get your prize" Butch continued on - Max thought it sounded like a harmless deal, and he smiled.
"Sure - so far this is how many Pokemon I've caught and seen in Sinnoh" Max said in excitement showing the duo the Pokedex.
"Ah that's fabulous - congratulations young one you've won a really big prize - please come with us and we'll show you what it is and don't tell your friend!" Butch said. Max thought it was weird not to tell Brock about it but shrugged, he was excited to get this prize. He wondered what it could be.
"Your eyes are as beautiful as you are!" Brock gushed to a random woman while Max was talking to Butch and Cassidy, unaware that his friend was in danger. Croagunk popped out of his Pokeball and used Poison Jab against Brock, snapping the teen out of it, which was lucky as Max was about to go with Cassidy and Butch.
"Hey Max! What are you doing?" Brock asked.
Butch and Cassidy froze when Brock called out.
"I'm going with these scientists who say they have a surprise for me for catching the amount of Pokemon" Max said in excitement. "They work for Professor Rowan."
Brock grew suspicious. "Do they have ID Cards?" he asked. Just at that question, Butch and Cassidy fled, making Max and Brock look at one another.
"That was weird..." Max said.
"Yeah - why did they run off?" Brock wondered. "Let's go to the Pokemon Center and book two rooms - a single room for Paul and a room of five for us."
"Of course, I'm not her father - I'm the same age as her. Unlike you, I'm nicer to my Pokemon and to those who I care for - I love you, Dii-Dii. Paul should've gone with Officer Jenny the other night - he doesn't belong here" Kenny knew full well he was making a scene but that was the point - he wanted to show people how bad Paul was and push the purple hair teen to the limit.
"Keh!" Paul grit his teeth in anger, the trainer refused to let Kenny to step a foot closer to Dawn. "Don't even think about it!" he hissed.
Dawn blushed as she looked at Paul. "Kenny - I think you should stop. I've already made up my mind. What happened to your dreams on winning the Grand Festival?" she asked.
"I want to be one but with you by my side, Dii-Dii" Kenny said as other people watched on. "Paul abuses Pokemon - whenever they lost, he'd call them pathetic or would release them when they don't meet his criteria. He's probably a member of Team Shadow. He's also mean towards other trainers too why can't you realize that? He's not good for you!"
Paul stayed quiet but listened to Kenny ramble on, he watched as many other customers gathered around muttering to others. He stayed close to Dawn to protect her from Kenny. Chimchar stayed close to Dawn too.
"Kenny - if you really did love me - you'd leave Paul and I alone. We've got a baby Pokemon coming soon and the baby Pokemon needs their mother and father" Dawn hissed, getting angry at him.
"Anyone would think you're in love with him!" Kenny snapped back.
"So, what if she is? It's no-one's business" Paul replied. "Why is it your concern if she and I are together or not?" he added in Dawn's defense, still holding his arm out to protect her. Dawn stayed close to Paul and quiet. She couldn't believe her childhood friend was acting like a jerk.
Kenny looked at him in anger. "I already told the media station about Team Shadow since you wouldn't tell others about them - I don't get what Pokemon they took from Dii-Dii, but I got her a Premier Ball to replace it" Kenny said softening up as he took the Premier Ball out and showed Dawn in hopes to give it to her.
"Team Shadow?" someone whispered as other people began talking about them.
"Team Shadow are some bad guys who are stealing other people's Pokemon - they disguise themselves as everyday citizens" Kenny explained at least to his knowledge. He hoped to be helpful to warn other people - however, he did more harm than good as many began screaming and rushing out of the store, some nearly shoved Dawn and Paul over which made them worried about the Pokemon Egg - thankfully, Paul had it safely in his arms.
"Are you okay, Paul?" a worried Dawn asked as her concerned eyes met his.
"Fine - you?" Paul replied. Dawn nodded and looked at Kenny who was no-where in sight.
"He's going to make things a lot more difficult in finding our Pokemon now" Dawn muttered.
"We'll find them. We need to avoid him though" Paul said, Dawn nodded in agreement. Kenny was just getting too much for her.
"What do you mean by that? I figured the more people know about Team Shadow the better chances of you finding them - it's the way I want to help you find your Pokemon" Kenny said. "And why avoid me?"
"You really are pathetic" Paul simply stated and nodded to Dawn - telling her they should go. Dawn clutched onto Paul's free arm and walked out the store without another word - they were both angry at Kenny.
"Our Pokemon Egg isn't harmed - is it?" Dawn asked as she looked at the Pokemon Egg referring to the people rushing out the store.
"I think the egg is safe, Troublesome - but he isn't exactly the right person to hang around with" Paul answered as he glanced at the egg which seemed to be in good condition.
Dawn nodded in agreement. "I used to like him as a friend but now I'm not even sure. If he really did love me - he'd let me go" she said. "This makes me more determined to beat him in the upcoming Pokemon Contest! So much for buying clothes for the Pokemon" she sighed at the last part. "I think we should head back to the Pokemon Center and meet the others and figure out what to do next now that Kenny's told the media about Team Shadow."
Paul was silent as she spoke, he was thinking of the situation with Kenny and about their Pokemon. "We should train" he said.
"Contest training or battle?" Dawn asked.
Paul shrugged - he didn't care he just wanted to battle. His anger towards Kenny was getting the better of him and he wanted to get stronger.
"When?" Dawn wondered.
"Now - your turn to hold the Pokemon Egg" Paul replied.
"Who are you going to use?" Dawn asked.
"Chimchar" Paul replied nodding to the Pokemon indicating he should get ready for battle.
Dawn smiled. She and Paul walked away from the Pokemon Costume Shop and to an open area in Floroama Town.
"Where do you think we should go on our date, May?" Ash asked as he looked at his new girlfriend.
"Hm - maybe a nice cafe? Wonder if they have one in Floroama Town and we could do some fun stuff together as other couples do on dates" May suggested.
"What do you mean by fun stuff?" Ash asked - that meant many things to him like Pokemon Battles.
"I mean like going to the movies or carnivals - stuff like that" May told him. "What are your ideas for dates, Ash?"
Ash thought for a moment. "Truthfully - I have no idea, there's so many different places we could go to as a couple and spend time alone together with our Pokemon" he said.
May smiled as she watched Manaphy snuggle in Ash's arms. "I know that feeling, Manaphy. Now I get to do that to Ash. You're right - Ash. There's just so many places - we should get a brochure at each location we get to and see what there is for couples to do" she told him. Pikachu happily at on Ash's shoulder as the couple explored the meadow.
"Another thing we could do is have a picnic here at night" Ash said, imagining May snuggling up to him on a picnic blanket near the lake.
"I think that's a great idea - Ash! Why not tomorrow night? That'll give us time to prepare" May said smiling as she stole a kiss from his lips.
"Mhm! It's a date - we should go back and tell the others about us and our parents" Ash said happily.
May nodded in agreement - she could hardly wait to tell her friends that she and Ash were now a couple.
As soon as Max and Brock entered the Pokemon Center, Brock had hearts in his eyes as he gazed upon Floroama Town's Nurse Joy, he rushed up to her as Max watched on. "Nurse Joy, hi I'm Brock and did you know meeting you was the best thing that's ever happened to me? I can't..." Whatever Brock was going to say next was interrupted by Croagunk who had popped out of his Pokeball and given the breeder a Poison Jab saving Max the job. Croagunk dragged the love-struck teen away and Max walked up to the confused nurse.
"Heh - sorry about that. He always says that to every pretty girl he meets..." Max began.
"He thinks I'm pretty?" Nurse Joy asked and blushed. "That's sweet! How can I help you?"
"I'd like to book two rooms please: One with five beds and the other with one" Max asked smiling and told her who it'd be under.
"Of course - here are your keys" Nurse Joy handed the boy two sets of keys.
"Thank you, Nurse Joy - and yes he does. Our friends should be here soon" Max said smiling. "Could you heal my Pokemon too?" he passed his Pokemon to Nurse Joy who happily took them for a moment and returned them when they were fully healed.
Brock returned with Croagunk no-where in sight - Max assumed he was back in his Pokeball.
"Why didn't we think of the ID cards?! We were SO CLOSE!" Butch muttered as he and Cassidy fled in a truck.
"We need to come up with a better plan - we can't reuse the scientist disguise either otherwise he'd get suspicious. How can we attract May?" Cassidy said.
"She'd swoon over Pokemon Clothes - right? Why not set up a fake store with free Pokemon clothes?" Butch suggested. "She's a coordinator."
"I like how your thinking, Bluff. We'll target May next - but we have to keep a close eye on them for a while..." Cassidy muttered in annoyance. "We have to be better prepared. What will our next plan be if we catch Max alone?"
"Hm. Maybe get something to do with having a shiny Pokemon?" Butch said.
Will Team Rocket (Butch and Cassidy) be successful with capturing Max and May?
How will Ash and May's first date go?
What Pokemon do you think will hatch out of Dawn and Paul's egg?
Will Paul go his own way? Or will he stay with the group afterwards the Pokemon Egg hatches?
What would you like to see happen in further chapters?
Why do you think Kenny is doing this?
How will Dawn and Paul's battle go and who will win the Floroama Town contest?
To be continued...
Badges:
Dawn: 1
Ash: 1
Max: 1
-
Ribbons:
May: 0
Max: 0
Ash: 0
Dawn: 0
Pokémon:
Ash:
Current: Pikachu, Sceptile and Swellow
Stolen: Noctowl, Turtwig, Starly and Charizard
May:
Current: Bidoof, Sunkern and Munchlax
Stolen: Blaziken, Shinx, Beautifly, Skitty and Glaceon
Dawn:
Current: Starly, Cubone, Budew and Shinx
Stolen: Piplup, Aerodactyl
Shared: Pokemon Egg
Max:
Current: Treecko, Kricketot, Zubat and Shinx
Stolen: Azumarill, Magikarp and Ralts
Brock:
Current: Croagunk and Onyx
(Stolen: Geodude and Bonsly)
To be continued...