Chapter 77: Love, Alolan Style
In the Hau'oli City Mall, Ash, Brock, and Misty ate and caught up. Although they had remained in touch over the years, their goals in life often made it difficult to get together in person. So when they all had a free day, they decided to get together and swap stories.
"So Ash, are you going to compete in the Alola League?"
"You bet! And this time, I'm gonna win!"
Brock and Misty chuckled. One thing they loved about Ash was his boundless determination.
"Have you caught any new Water Pokemon, Misty?"
"Tons! in fact, I caught one just the other day. Check it out!"
Misty opened her Pokeball, revealing a Dewpider. Excited, Ash's Rotomdex floated out and began taking pictures.
"Ooh, a new Pokemon! Dewpider, the water bubble Pokemon. Dewpider, the Water Bubble Pokemon. A Water and Bug Type. Dewpider come out of the water, looking for food. They create water bubbles to breathe and protect their soft heads."
The typing surprised Ash and Brock.
"Misty, did you know this is also a Bug Type?"
"Oh please, like I wouldn't look up a Pokemon's type before I caught it! Actually, I've managed to overcome my fear of Bugs. I've realized that they're no more or less frightening then any of the Pokemon I already use. Certainly not more than my Gyrados!"
The three friends shared a good long laugh at that.
"Well, I'm proud of you Misty."
"Thanks, Ash! How're you and Lillie doing?"
"Great, actually! We're still learning the ins and outs of a relationship, but we're learning together. What about you, Misty?"
"I'm not really dating at the moment. Being a Gym Leader takes up enough of my time!"
"What about you, Brock? Do you have a Girlfriend, yet?"
Ash smiled sheepishly.
"Well...I actually have a date tonight."
"What, really? With who?"
"Olivia."
Ash and Misty's jaws dropped.
"Olivia? You mean the Kahuna of Akala Island? That Olivia?"
"Do you know anyone else who goes by that name? I met her a few days ago, and we bonded over our love of Rock types."
"Well, good luck Brock."
"Thanks. Oh, that reminds me, I need to go and get ready. Later."
"Later!"
Once Brock had left the building, Misty yanked Ash towards her. HARD.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"Ash, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"That you pulled my arm out of its socket?"
"No! We need to follow Brock on his date and make sure it goes well!"
Ash just stared at her for a minute before answering.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Ash, you and I both know Brock is absolutely hopeless at love. We need to make sure he doesn't screw up this chance!"
Ash just sighed as he rubbed his arm.
"Look Misty, as much as I'd hate to help you, I've got a date with Lillie tonight. Besides, Brock just needs to be himself. You need to have faith in him."
With that, he too took his leave, leaving Misty to plot to herself.
"Don't you worry, Brock. Misty's going to make sure your date is perfect if its the last thing I do!"
Later that evening, Brock stood outside of Olivia's house, his regular outfit traded for a one piece suit and tie and a boquet of flowers. Nervously, Brock knocked on the door. Olivia opened it, equally dressed for the occasion.
"For you, my lady."
"Oh, how sweet! Just wait here while I put these in a vase."
Once she did so, the two left arm in arm for their reservation. Once they had left, a bush beside her front porch shifted as Misty poked her head out, notepad and pencil in hand.
"So far, so good."
Later, she spied on them from a table across the room from theirs. It was close enough for her to keep an eye on them, but far away enough that they wouldn't be seen. Currently, Brock and Olivia were talking about their respective leagues.
"So, is being a Gym Leader anything like being a Kahuna or Trial Captain?"
"In some ways, yes. Our main concern is helping trainers grow, just like yours. Of course, in Kanto trainers can challenger the Gym Leaders without having to go through any hoops like with your challenges, so they're not that similar."
"Fascinating."
Misty growled as she strained to hear what they were saying.
"If only I could get closer, but I can't risk being seen!"
"Misty? What are you doing here?"
Misty turned to see Ash and Lillie standing beside her.
"Ash? What are you two doing here? This doesn't seem like your kind of restaraunt."
"Professor Burnett had a bad bout of morning sickness today, so Kukui stayed home to take care of her. He didn't want his reservation to go to waist, so he asked Ash if he wanted to go instead."
"And I wanted to treat Lillie to some place fancy, so I decided to take it. How is their date going?"
"Heck if I know. They're too far away for me to hear a word their saying."
"Bummer. Well, good luck with that!"
"Wait, don't go! I need your help."
Sighing, Ash turned back around. Misty dug around in her pocket for a minute before pulling out an earpiece.
"Put this in your ear and go over there. Its a two way, so I can listen in on your conversation."
"I don't know, Misty. Maybe we should just let Brock take care of it himself. From what I see, they seem to be having a good time."
"Please? I just want to make sure he's happy."
"Come on Ash, don't you want their date to go well?"
Seeing that they weren't going to let the matter go, Ash sighed and begrudgingly took the earpiece from Misty. He then turned to Lillie.
"You're lucky you're cute."
Lillie giggled before half-leading half-dragging them to their table. Olivia saw them coming and waved them over.
"Ash, Lillie, alola! Fancy seeing you here."
"Well, we were just having a date night when we saw you over here. We're not interrupting anything, are we?"
Brock shook his head, motioning for them to take a seat.
"Nonsense, we were just talking. How have you guys been?"
Misty listened intently to their conversation, pleased at how casual it was.
"This is good, this is good. Now ask them if they plan for a second date!"
Ash was shocked by how forward she wanted him to be.
"I will not!"
"You will not what?"
Ash froze, not sure how to proceed. It was then that Olivia noticed a gleam in his ear.
"Ash, what's that in your ear?"
"Well, you see, uh..."
Brock twisted his head around so he could see. He was livid when he realized it was a receiver.
"What the...Ash, were you two spying on us?"
Realizing the operation was a bust, Misty ran up to save her friend.
"Wait, don't be mad at them, I put them up to it!"
"Misty? But, why?"
Misty sighed sadly before answering.
"Because I know how badly you've been hurt by girls before, and I wanted to make sure it went well. But now the whole night is ruined because I couldn't mind my own business. I'm sorry, Brock. And you too, Ash and Lillie."
Brock smiled before giving her a gentle hug.
"I'm not mad, but next time I'd appreciate it if you'd give me a little credit. Also, could you not mention my history of rejections in front of my date, please?"
Misty chuckled, as did Ash. Brock then turned to Olivia.
"I'm sorry about all this, Olivia. If you want, I can pay and we can end this all right now."
"Are you kidding? I'm having the time of my life! In fact..."
She then stood up and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.
"I'd like to do this again sometime. But next time, maybe don't make it a double date."
Everyone had a good laugh, and all was forgiven.
