Me: I don't own Pokemon
Meowth: *hiding from Jessie since last chapter*
Jessie: Meowth, I've forgiven you for now.
James: Then let's get on with this! I want to see how Cacnea does, even though I obviously already know what is gonna happen, as do the other characters. Now, lets hurry up before we end up blasting off again!
"I'm going to train really hard, but I'll be back for my badge!" the challenger, Starr, said brightly to Gardenia before rushing off to the Pokemon center, her eyes more determined than ever.
"I look forward to that day." Gardenia's tone was bright also. She liked meeting determined young trainers who treated their Pokemon well.
"Cacnea! You were great!"
"Cac! Cacnea!" The green Pokemon was surprised to hear that voice. He hadn't heard that voice in such a long time! Turning, eyes bright with pleasant surprise, he saw James, and leaped forward, clinging to his former trainer with delight.
James welcomed the Pokemon with open arms, ignoring the immense pain that shot through his body as Cacnea clung to him. It was good to see his old friend again, and it was obvious that Cacnea was glad to see him again too. Gardenia smiled, while Meowth looked cautious. He was just hoping that James wouldn't start to cry.
"James, it is easy to see that you have missed Cacnea just as much as he's missed you. I thank you for giving me the privilege of working with him, would you like to take him back now?"
Gardenia's question made Jame's jaw drop. He had not been expecting that question at all. He thought that Gardenia would just keep training Cacnea indefinitely. Clearly, that was not the way it was going to work.
Shaking his head, he got a hold of his tongue. "Thank you Gardenia, but it's clear that Cacnea enjoys being a gym Pokemon. I know that you will always treat Cacnea well. He's yours now."
Orange eyes round with shock, Gardenia nodded mutely. Something else unexpected in the conversation.
"Well then, let me make you dinner, as a 'Thank-you'. It's the least that I can do, especially after you giving me full ownership of Cacnea."
"Well..."
"Sounds great! I'll have Jimmy at your house at, is six o'clock good for you?" Meowth butted in brightly.
Gardenia smiled and nodded. "Yes. Six is fine."
Then, the gym leader walked away. Cacnea gave James one last powerful, and very painful hug before joining his now permanent trainer. James smiled until both were out of earshot. Then, he turned to Meowth.
"Why did you set me up with Gardenia?!" James shouted at Meowth, his face red with anger.
"Eh, you know, Jimmy, you gotta get out a little. Learn to live. The girl asked you out. It's about time that you spend time with a girl that isn't Jessie." Came Meowth's response.
"But Jessie is my co-worker and my best friend."
"Trust me James, you won't regret this."
"Oh I give up. Fine, I'll go."
*
"Meowth, do I look alright?"
"You look perfect."
"Thanks."
James was dressed in khaki colored dress pants, and a short-sleeved white dress shirt. Meowth had made sure that James looked nice for his date with Gardenia, but not too formal. Neither of them had told Jessie yet.
"And when she opens the door, give her this." Meowth said as he held out a red rose.
"Alright."
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