Episode 228: Love At First Flight
A coupe of days had passed since meeting the prehistoric Pokémon, Anorith, Armaldo, Lileep, and Cradily, also Sora catching a Trapinch to boot. They also caught an Anorith and a Lileep of their own. They continued to make their way through the desert when they came across a wild Numel. It was slowly eating dimwittedly eating some dry grass.
"Looks like a good Pokémon to catch," Sora said. He takes out a Pokéball to catch the camel-like Pokémon. He takes out Corphish's Pokéball since Fire and Ground Types are weak against Water Type attacks. "You're going right in, Corphish!" Corphish comes right out to battle against the wild Numel. "Corphish! Bubble Beam!" Corphish fires Bubble Beam right at the Numel and it just took the hit, not even phased. Sora was at a loss for words at how Numel was just taking it like it was no problem. "Now use Crabhammer!" Corphish smacks Numel with his pincers and it just takes the hits. Numel then starts to feel the pain from Bubble Beam and bellowed. Sora was at a loss for words when he saw that. "Is its pain finally kicking in?"
"It looks that way, Sora," Kairi said.
Numel comes charging right at Corphish, but the lobster-like Pokémon dodges out of the way and sticks out his leg, making him trip. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it right at Numel, making him flow inside it. The Pokéball wobbles around and around for a moment before stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokédex starts buzzing asking him if he wants to keep Numel or send him off to Professor Oak's lab. Sora chose to keep Numel in exchange for Makuhita.
"That's that, I guess," Sora said, putting his Pokédex away and taking the Pokéball, containing his newest Pokémon. "But, at least he'll be in good hands."
"I think there should be a town close by here and we could have our Pokémon rest up for a bit. And we could use it too," Kairi said.
"I think you're right, Kairi. Let's get going, before we both get sunburned," Sora said. The couple made their way out of the desert and made it right into a nearby town. They started to make their way to the Pokémon Center when they came across such a beautiful lake. "Wow, what a beautiful lake!"
"I'll say it is! Just look at it," Sora said. He took out his PokéNav and looked up their current position. "It says we're at Lake May." He puts his PokéNav away. "If May were here, she would say something about being named after it." That made Kairi laugh.
"Oh, Sora. She doesn't have that big an ego," Kairi said. Sora chuckled a bit.
"Yeah, maybe," Sora said. He saw something out in the lake's distance. "Hey, what's that?" Kairi and Pikachu turned to see what he was looking at. What it looked like is a firefly-like Pokémon that has a black and bluish-purple body, with two vertical stripes going down the front. Her arms and legs are black as well, and are connected to the body by purple borders. On her front is what resembles a yellow bow or shawl. She has large, slanted eyes with blue irises. Surrounding her head is a purple appendage with curls at the end that frame its face. It also has small antannea.
"Is that a Pokémon?" Kairi asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
Just then, another firefly-like Pokémon came buzzing to the middle of the lake. It has blue chest and abdomen. There are two yellow stripes across its front: one on its chest and one near its legs. A red band separates each limb from its body and a thicker, incomplete one surrounds its shoulders. Two simple wings extend from the band around its shoulder. It has a blue face with yellow eyes, and curly, yellow antennae with black stripes. It has a spherical yellow tail. The two Pokémon then starts to dance with each other. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned the two Pokémon.
Illumise, the Firefly Pokémon
Type: Bug
Illumise attracts a swarm of Volbeat using a sweet fragrance. Once the Volbeat have gathered, this Pokémon leads the lit-up swarm in drawing geometric designs on the canvas of the night sky.
Volbeat, the Firefly Pokémon
Type: Bug
With the arrival of night, Volbeat emits light from its tail. It communicates with others by adjusting the intensity and flashing of its light. This Pokémon is attracted by the sweet aroma of Illumise.
"So, Volbeat and Illumise," Sora said, putting his Pokédex away.
"Oh, they're so cute!" Kairi cooed.
"Those two must be having fun dancing together like that," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Hello there!" A new voice called out. They turned to see where the voice came from. It belonged to Nurse Joy. "Have you come to see the May Festival?"
"May Festival?" Sora asked.
"It's a wonderful festival where you be able to see Volbeat and Illumise performing their dances," Nurse Joy explained.
"That sounds awesome," Kairi said.
"Well, it's almost time for them to begin practicing. Just over there," Nurse Joy said, pointing to the two people on the dock. One is a chubby-looking man wearing an oval white shirt with a red bow tie, along with suspenders holding, a pair of green pants and brown shoes. He has brown hair and eyes. Along with him is a woman wearing a salmon shirt and coral pants, along with white shoes. She has lavender eyes and auburn red hair. "Those are Illumise and Volbeat's trainers. He's Romeo and she's Juliet."
"Why do I have a feeling they were named after the characters of the same name?" Sora asked in his thoughts.
"I'm Juliet, and I pledge to make this May Festival a smashing success!" Juliet announced in an English accent. The locals clapped for support.
"Go for it!" One man called out.
"Good luck, yeah!" Another man called out.
"This should be fun to watch, huh, Sora?" Kairi asked her boyfriend.
"Couldn't agree more, Kairi," Sora said. He looked over to Nurse Joy and he had to ask. "Say, is there something special about this festival, Nurse Joy?"
"There is a legend that says when two people are in love who happens to watch Illumise and Volbeat dancing together will soon be blessed with super good luck," Nurse Joy answered.
"Blessed with super good luck when two people are in love?" Sora and Kairi asked in unison. They looked at each other and smiled. He wraps his arm around Kairi's shoulder. The couple already know they're already blessed more than enough.
"Is that right?" Sora asked.
"Right, Illumise, time to practice, dear," Juliet said.
"Illumi," Illumise nodded. Juliet twirls her glow stick.
"Let's start with Sweet Scent," Juliet suggested. Illumise unleashes Sweet Scent. SHe turned to Romeo was happens to be very nervous. "Oh, Romeo. Be a luv and let out more Volbeat."
"Oh, alright," Romeo said in an English accent as well. He dropped the Pokéballs. "Oh, bother!"
"Drop them again?" Juliet asked.
"I'll tidy up, then," Romeo said. Sora and Kairi couldn't help but feel bad for him since he doesn't look very dependable.
"What's the matter with him?" Kairi asked.
"I don't know. It's like he's just tripping over his own shoe laces, but they're perfectly tied," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Maybe he just needs more encouragement," Sora said. "You'll do fine, Romeo! Just keep your head in the game!"
"Thanks mate!" Romeo called back. "Alrigt, Volbeat! Everyone out!" He hurled the Pokéballs and out comes four more Volbeat. He turned to the Volbeat with the bow tie. "Alright, Beat. It's show time!"
"Volbeat!" Beat responded.
"Right," Romeo said. Beat led the other Volbeat to follow Illumise and she began to fly as the male firefly Pokémon followed her. But unfortunately, they were way too close to Illumise.
"They're too close to Illumise!" Juliet said. Romeo knew it wasn't part of the act. "Please direct the Volbeat like you're supposed to!"
"Right," Romeo said, taking out his glow stick and began to twirl it. "Now, Volbeat, do what I-" he was cut off when he accidentally drops it. "Oh no!" The Volbeat were out of synch completely and Beat accidentally bumps into Illumise and causes them to fall into the lake. Romeo and Juliet gasped when they saw that. Sora, Kairi, and Pikachu knew it wasn't going so well.
"Something is telling me that wasn't part of the act," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"You're right. We have to help those Volbeat and Illumise," Kairi suggested.
"Right," Sora nodded. Sora quickly accessed his Pokédex and exchanged Treecko and Taillow for Mudkip and Lotad.
"Illumise! Where are you, Illumise? Illumise!" Juliet called out frantically. She accidentally bumps into Romeo and he falls right into the lake.
"Somebody help me! I'm drowning! I can't swim!" Romeo exclaimed.
They took out their Pokéballs as fast as lightning. "Mudkip, Lotad, Corphish! Come on out!" Mudkip, Lotad, and Corphish comes right out.
"Feebas! Go!" Kairi called out. Feebas comes right on out to join the other Water Type Pokémon. "Let's go!"
"Right!" Sora said as the couple dived in the water. They swam up to Romeo as Juliet was underwater, searching for Illumise.
"Help me! I can't swim!" Romeo pleaded. Juliet came back up for some breath. He grabs hold of Juliet. "Thank goodness!"
"Romeo!" Juliet said.
"Don't worry, we're here to help!" Sora said. He turned to Mudkip, Lotad, and Corphish. "Mudkip, you dive underwater and see if you can help Illumise! Corphish and Lotad, you're with me and Kairi!"
"Feebas, help Mudkip search for Illumise," Kairi said.
"Kip!" Mudkip said.
"Bas," Feebas said.
The Pokémon went on with their tasks. Mudkip and Feebas managed to dive underwater and they followed the light below from the bow she wore. Sora, Kairi, Lotad, and Corphish helped out the Volbeat as Sora and Kairi helped out Romeo and Juliet. Mudkip and Feebas came back up with Illumise as the rest helped Romeo, Juliet, and the Volbeat on the dock. Nurse Joy went to see if Illumise is okay. Kairi came up to Juliet with a towel.
"Here, Juliet. Here's a towel," Kairi said.
"Thank you. I could use one," Juliet said, drying herself off. "But what about Illumise?" Kairi could tell she was very concerned. Illumise opened her eyes.
"She's waking up," Nurse Joy said.
"Illumise!" Juliet beamed with relief. Illumise flew up to her trainer. "Oh thank goodness!"
"Juliet, I think Illumise should have a checkup at the Pokémon Center," Nurse Joy suggested.
"Yes, of course," Juliet said.
"And Romeo, it'll be a good idea for you to bring those Volbeat there too," Nurse Joy said.
"Eh, alright," Romeo said with a nod. Juliet, Illumise, and Nurse Joy left for the Pokémon Center. He turned to the couple. "Thanks for saving me."
"Not a problem, Romeo. Anyway, my name's Sora and this is my girlfriend Kairi," Sora introduced.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Nice to meet you both. It seems you both have so much passion and I don't," Romeo said, sitting on Corphish's horns. "YEOW!" He jumps up and down in pain. "See what I mean? No energy!" He accidentally jumps in the lake again. They saw that he had more energy than he claims. He starts splashing around again. "Help! I can't swim!" Sora pulled him out and looked right at his Corphish.
"We really need to work on being at the wrong place at the wrong time," Sora said. Corphish didn't know what he meant and blinked twice. They all went on to the Pokémon Center to have the Volbeat rest up along with their Pokémon to have a check up. After waiting, Nurse Joy came out with the Pokéballs.
"Here Romeo, your Volbeat are going to be just fine," Nurse Joy said. He turned to Sora and Kairi as well. "All of your Pokémon are all fighting fit!"
"Thank you, thank you," Romeo said, taking back his Volbeat," Romeo said.
"Don't feel bad about earlier, Romeo. What happened today happens to the best of us," Sora said.
"I know, but the way my luck has been going I'm going to mess up; and royally," Romeo said.
"Not if we help you practice," Sora said.
"That's right," Kairi agreed. We're anxious to see your light dance." Romeo's face lit up.
"Good enough," Romeo said. "There's no sense of being a wet blanket, right?" Romeo is joined by Sora, Kairi, and Pikachu to watch his performance. "Without Illumise, we can't have a prooper rehearsal, but here goes." Romeo threw his Pokéballs into the air. "Volbeat, go!" The Volbeat come out for practice. He begins to twirl his glow stick. "Heads up, lads! Fly in formation!" The Volbeat does so and they do much better than the last time. "Somersault!" And the Volbeat does a somersault.
"Wow, you're better than you think you are. Something is different here," Sora said.
"Very good, Beat!" Romeo praised.
The Volbeat continues their practice. This amazes Sora and Kairi greatly.
"Wow, that's awesome," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"If you can perform like that, then you would have no problem," Kairi said.
"Thanks Kairi. Everthing's always aces when I practice alone. But when I try to practice with Juliet, we both fall flat on our faces," Romeo said.
"Yeah, we kinda saw that, didn't we?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Piiachu said.
"And whenever Beat gets near Illumise, gets out of sorts," Romeo explained. Kairi was definitely picking up something. She knew what was up. Sora stroked his chin.
"You mean Beat gets nervous he can't perform properly. I know I've been nervous before, but not THAT nervous," Sora said. Kairi walked p to Romeo.
"What about you, Romeo? How is it that you're around Juliet?" Kairi asked.
"I guess most of all, I get this tght feeling in my chest. And my heart starts beting fast. My hands get all sweaty. And before you know it, I get all goofy and clumsy. I start shaking like a leaf and I'm unable to speak. Then, I'm completely hopeless," Romeo said.
"Hopeless, huh?" Sora asked. Kairi then turned to her boyfriend.
"What do you think, Sora? You think he's got it bad?" Kairi asked. Before Sora could ask what she was talking about, she shifts her eyes to Romeo, making a hint. Sora caught on what she meant.
"Oh, yes. I do think he's got it bad," Sora said.
"Got what bad?" Romeo asked.
Sora spoke with a German accent, "Vell, it is my personal opinion that you have is vat we medical type people refer to as Infatious Lovigus." Sora dropped his German accent, "In layman's terms, you're in love." Kairi giggled at Sora's antics.
"You're in, love with Juliet, Romeo. That could be why you're acting so nervous," Kairi said. "I'm right, aren't I?"
"Well, to be honest, I don't know. Juliet and I have been mates ever since we were kids, so no," Romeo said.
"Actually, old friends can fall in love afterwards," Kairi said.
"Straight on?" Romeo asked.
"Yes. And I can bet Beat is in love with Illumise," Kairi said. He looked over to Beat and he saw his Volbeat blushing.
"So, we're both in love. This is just great," Romeo said dreadfully.
"It's not so dreadful, Romeo," Sora said. He looked right at him. "You're just worried that Juliet doesn't feel the same way, right?"
"I suppose I am, but I'm just worried about when I finally sum up enough courage to confess my feelings, she might end up laughing in my face," Romeo said.
"Here's the first thing I know about women, Romeo, a woman can appreciate a man who can make her laugh," Sora said. Kairi rolled her eyes. "Second, she won't know how you feel unless you just let it out. Trust me, Kairi and I were in the same boat as you."
"And how did you sum up the courage to confess your feelings?" Romeo asked.
"It's like this. Kairi and I were travelling with some friends of ours at the time, and we both got some pep talk from them. But the only thing is, I almost chickened out, and Kairi pulled me by the hand," Sora explained.
"I told Sora exactly how I felt about him and it all changed between us," Kairi said.
"And we've been a couple ever since," Sora finished. Kairi smiled as she hugged him and he hugged her back. Romeo felt envious of the two of them.
"I have to admit, I am envious of you. I mean, you're so young and full of love, but what about me? I'm so hopeless. Oh, what am I going to do?!" Romeo asked.
"Don't worry, Romeo. What you could use is some practice," Kairi suggested.
"Practice?" Romeo asked.
"What do you mean by practice?" Sora asked.
"We'll show him through example. I mean we'll help him out with his love problem," Kairi said.
"I had a feeling you were going to say that," Sora said. "And if I have to wear a dress or anything, then you and I are going to have words."
"Don't worry about that. I already have something else in mind," Kairi said, much to Sora's relfief. That night, Romeo had to practice what to say to Juliet. "Now Sora and I will give you an example of how to confess your feelings."
"Um, sure," Romeo said.
"Okay, Sora. You ready?" Kairi asked her boyfriend.
"Ready when you are, Kairi," Sora said. Kairi got into position. "And action." He approaches "Juliet" from behind. "Oh, Juliet." Kairi turned to her boyfriend.
"Yes Romeo, what is it?" Kairi acted her role.
"There is something I want to say to you. What I wanted to tell you is that I love you. I loved you since we were little," Sora acted his part. He turned to Romeo. "You see? It's simple as that." Romeo just wasn't sure of what to say and what to do. If only he could sum up the courage to do so on his own.
Meanwhile over to Juliet, she and her Illumise sat at the table at her home. She was feeling down about Romeo.
"I honestly don't know what has come over Romeo as of late. He was so much less clumsy when we were younger," Juliet said.
"Mise," Illumise said.
"Back when we were children, we both made a promise to be married one day. So much for that promise," Juliet sighed.
"Illu," Illumise said.
Outside, a Mimikyu was making its way through the town. The Mimikyu wondered about and manages to scare off some Pokémon, coming too close. A Loudred started to charge at the disguise Pokémon, but Mimikyu batted it away with Wood Hammer. Loudred's cry is heard from inside, making Juliet and Illumise almost jump.
"What in the world is that racket?" Juliet asked. She and Illumise stepped outside and they saw the Loudred run off in terror. "A Loudred? What has gotten it running about?"
"Mise," Illumise said, before she saw the Mimikyu. Illumise started to pursue the ghostly Pokémon.
"Illumise, where are you going?!" Juliet asked. Mimikyu saw the female firefly Pokémon coming and it ran off, making her chase after it. Juliet started to pursue Illumise. She stumbled onto Romeo trying to think of what to say.
"Um, Juliet..." Romoeo paused. "I l-l-l-l," Romeo try to say.
"Love, Romeo. It's only three little words, Romeo. It's just the easiest thing to say," Sora said.
"Oh, I wish it was so simple." Romeo groaned. "We have been at this for hours and I just can't bring myself to say it."
"Oh, Romeo," Juliet said. "Is this why you have been acting this way?" Pikachu turned and he saw Juliet standing there. Pikachu then starts pulling his pants.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
"Not now, Pikachu. We're kinda busy here," Sora said. Pikachu wasn't going to be ignored and he starts to sparkle his cheeks.
"PI!" Pikachu snarled, making SOra turn since he knew an imminent shock was coming.
"Okay! Okay! You have my undivided attention! Just turn down the juice!" Sora pleaded. Pikachu pointed to Juliet and he saw her standing there."I see why you wanted my attention." Kairi saw her too.
"Juliet?" Kairi asked, making Romeo turn and see her.
"Juliet? What are you doing here?" Romeo asked.
"I was out looking for Illumise and I thought maybe you have seen her?" Juliet asked.
"No, not since earlier today. Why do you ask?" Romeo asked.
"Because Illumise went of in such a hurry and I don't know what has gotten into her! I'm afraid something terrible could happen," Juliet said.
"We better help find Illumise before something does happen," Sora said.
"You're right, Sora. Let's go," Kairi agreed.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
They went off to search for the missing Illumise. Romeo has his Volbeat out since he knew they can find her just by smelling her scent. Beat and the other Volbeat followed the trail.
"They appear to have the scent," Romeo said. They followed the Volbeat through the woods. Beat knew they were getting closer just judging how strong the scent was getting. Pikachu's ears perked up since he heard something. He looked and saw some frightned Wurmple and Ledyba in the trees.
"How close are we getting?" Sora asked.
"We should already almost there," Romeo said. The Volbeat caught up with Illumise and she was catching up with Mimikyu. She uses Silver Wind and it stops Mimikyu in its tracks.
"Illumise, my darling!" Juliet cried out. Illumise flew into her trainer's arms. "You gave me quite a fright."
"And she's not the only one," Sora said. They saw what Illumise was chasing, a Mimikyu.
"What in the world is that?!" Romeo exclaimed.
"Mimikyu," Sora said. "And it looks pretty different from the one Acerola has."
"He does have that vibe. But how did he get here?" Kairi asked.
"I don't know, but if he ould talk like Meowth, I don't think he would be interested in explanations," Sora said.
Mimikyu begins by firing Shadow Ball right at his opponents. Sora and Kairi ducks out of the way. Mimikyu then attacks with Shadow Claw. It swipes at the Volbeat, except for Beat. Mimikyu then comes at Beat to do a Play Rough attack.
"Beat! Signal Beam!" Romeo ordered. Beat fired Signal Beam and it strikes Mimikyu on the spot.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt and it shocks the ghostly Pokémon on the spot. Mimikyu then comes after Pikachu. Mimikyu tries to attack Pikachu with Wood Hammer, but he blocks it with Iron Tail, making it look like clashing swords. Mimikyu tries another Shadow Claw, but Pikachu dodges it quickly. "Hang in there, Pikachu!"
"Beat! use Bug Buzz!" Romeo ordered. Beat flapped his wings rapidly and it struck Mimikyu on the spot. "Now fire Signal Beam!" Beat fires another Signal Beam and it hits Mimikyu again.
"Now use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu gave Mimikyu anohter shock. Having enough, he stumbles to the ground. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it right at Mimikyu, making him flow inside it. The Pokéball wobbles around and around for a moment before stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokédex starts buzzing asking him if he wants to keep Mimikyu with him. He chose to send Mimikyu to Professor Oak's lab. "Better to deal with a Pokémon like that, than Team Rocket." Romeo turned to Juliet.
"Juliet," Romeo spoke. "You see, the thing is what I wanted to tell you is that I love you."
"Took you long enough," Juliet said. Romeo didn't understand what it was supposed to mean, but she smiled. "Better late than never I suppose. And it looks like we'll be getting married after all. Just like we promised when we were children." Romeo smled as he remembered making that promise.
"Sure," Romeo said.
Sora and Kairi were happy for the both of them.
"Good for them," Sora said.
"I'll say," Kairi agreed.
"Pika," Pikachu looked at the couple and pictured the both of them getting married one day. Sora and Kairi had hoped they would end up being married someday, but wait until they were old enough. That night, the light dance was a smashing success. Romeo was more confident than before as Beat, Ullumise, and the other firefly Pokémon performed perfectly. The lights from the firefly Pokémon takes the forms of Pikachu and then Sora's crown necklace.
Morning had come as Romeo and Juliet have come to see the younger couple off.
"Thank you for everything. We just don't know what to say," Romeo said.
"Just be sure to support each other no matter what," Kairi said.
"We most certainly will," Juliet said. "We both wish you luck in your contest, Kairi. And for your Gym battle, Sora."
"Thanks. And good luck for the future," Sora said.
With that said, they said their goodbyes to the bride and groom to be and continued on towards Fallarbor Town for Kairi's next Pokémon Contest. And they have even more luck when witnessing the May Festival's light show.