Evolved Episode 20: Will You?

The gang rests in their suite, each with their eyes closed on the train. They ignore the rattling of the car as they snug together, while they asleep. The train stops and wakes them from their nap. Melissa stretches and yawns. “Are we in Mandelberg yet?”
Nick turns to the window. He notices the familiar buildings of the hometown. “Yep.” Everyone eases to their feet.
Zach stretches. “I feel refreshed. So good to be home again.”
Alex looks out the window. “So, this is the town where you guys live in, Mandelberg?”
Nerelia nods. “Yup! Home sweet home.”
“Wait,” Tom says. He turns to Zach. “I thought the base was destroyed when I was out.”
“It was,” Zach implies. “Wait until you see it now.”
Caitlin lifts her bag and swings it over her head. “Well, I wish I could come with you guys, but I’m sure Sheldon is worried about me at City Hall.”
Zach gives her a hug. “Take care, Caitlin. Be careful.” He winks.
Caitlin smiles. “I will. Thank you.” She winks too and leaves the train. The gang follows her off onto the platform and watches her travel towards Mandelberg City Hall, where a statue of Team Young was erected a few years ago.
Tom turns to Zach. “So, what’s in our old base spot?”
Zach smiles. “You’ll be surprised when you see it.”
Melissa claps her paws together with excitement. “Oh, I love surprises!”
Nerelia lets out a giggle. “Me, too.”
Nick rubs his chin. “Hmmm...”
Alex slaps him on the back. “Come on, Nick. We won’t know until we get there.”
Nick chuckles. “All right.” He faces Zach. “Lead the way.” They follow Zach along the path.

***

The team arrives at the spot where their old base used to stand. Everyone’s faces morph from serious to surprise at the sight of a two story house sitting on in place of their old base’s foundation. A fresh coat of cobalt blue paint covers newly constructed walls, which stands out to them under a rosso-corsa red shingled roof. A garage with a large, snow-white door lays adjacent with the house.
Zach faces them. “Well? What do you think?”
Melissa stares at the house, and then at Zach. “That’s why you were talking to that Lucario on EVA?” Zach nods. Melissa turns back to the house. “My Arceus.”
Nick’s jaw drops. “How could you afford to build this?!”
“Mayor Sheldon was sympathetic that our old base was destroyed, so he offered to build us a new one, courtesy of the town,” Zach explains.
Tom turns to him quickly. “For free?!”
“Whoah,” Alex comments.
Zach smiles. “Why don’t we take a look inside?” He leads the gang up the porch steps and through the Mahogany beveled door that has a glass encrusted oval in the center. Everyone gasps and sighs at the sight of a square, glass table with six red, scalloped dining chairs around it. A small bathroom stands across from the front door next to a set of stairs. The team explores their new base. They notice the modern-style kitchen, complete with an electric stove, reinforced refrigerator, and working appliances, including a microwave and coffee/tea maker. The living room takes a casual style with a three-cushioned, charcoal sofa in front of a large, flat screen television set. Adjacent to it are a matching loveseat to its right against the wall and two stand-alone chairs of the same color separated by an oak wood end table. Upstairs, three, big bedrooms with their own bathrooms are laid out. Another room houses a table and a supercomputer; the team room. After exploring, they meet up with Zach near the front door.
“So, what do you guys think?” Zach asks.
Tom’s mouth forms a small ‘o’. “Zach… I don’t know what to say.”
“Then don’t say anything,” Nick says.
“That’s not all, though,” Zach continues. “To celebrate the addition of our new base, Mayor Sheldon is hosting a dinner in our honor at City Hall.”  
Nerelia clenches one eye. “Sheldon invited us to have dinner with him?”
Zach nods. “Caitlin and some of our other friends will be there too.”
“What’s the occasion?” Alex asks.
Zach smiles again. “That too, is a surprise.”

***

Sheldon greets the gang in front of City Hall. Caitlin is next to him. He smiles. “Ah, the famous Team Young! So good to see you again. Caitlin and our other friends have been expecting you. Follow me.” He guides them towards the center where a large fountain spits water under a glass dome. Caitlin follows. Tables covered with white linen cloths are arranged throughout the lobby. Reggie the Beheeyem and Mimi the Audino are seated by the fountain with their friends, Kiki the shiny Garbodor and Jade the Serperior. Across from them, Natalie the Pachirisu chats with Sparks the Pikachu and John the shrinking Dewott. Vincent the Lucario and Veruka the Infernape share a table with Mooncheeks the Gardevoir and Cleargaze the Sableye. Nicky the shiny Lucario and Sarah the Servine sit along with Hatsoon the Gliscor.
Nick’s eyes widen with happy surprise. “All of our friends are here?!”
“Well, most of them,” Caitlin says. “Some couldn’t make it.”
Alex looks around. “Wow, I didn’t know there’d be a lot of Pokémon here.”
“Melissa.” Zach grasps her paw with his. She turns to him. “Can I talk to you?”
“Sure.” Melissa walks with him in front of the fountain. She faces him.
Zach smiles. “I was going to be old fashioned, and do this after dinner, but I can’t wait.” Everyone stops and watches him. Tom, Nick, Nerelia, and Alex faces them. Zach places Melissa’s paws in his. “You’re the most beautiful Lopunny. I remember like it was yesterday when I asked you to be my girlfriend.” He kneels down on one knee while he takes her right paw in both of his. Melissa covers her mouth with her other paw, and blushes. Everyone at the tables watch with silence. “Melissa. I love you with all my heart. I love being with you, I love living with you. And, I love thinking about you. Which is why I want to ask you.” He pulls out a small, black box and opens it. A golden ring with a beautiful oval diamond twinkles in the light. “Melissa, will you marry me?”
Melissa’s smile grows bigger as she jumps with joy. “Yes! Yes I will, Zach the Lucario!” She swipes the ring and slips it on her finger. Zach stands to her level. She wraps her arms around him, squeezing him tightly. Everyone claps and cheers.
Nerelia smiles as well. “Aw, it’s so adorable.”
Tom clears his throat and grasps Nerelia’s paw. “Um, Nerelia. I wanted to ask you something too.” His cheeks turn red. She turns to him. “Nerelia, I can’t give you diamond rings, bouquet of flowers, or any fancy dresses. All I could give you is love.”
Nerelia manages a smile to him. “It’s okay, Tom. I love you for who you are.”
Tom lets out a sigh. “I’m not as prepared as Zach, but I wanted to ask you this question on my mind.” Nerelia blushes. “Nerelia.” He grasps her paw tightly with both of his. “Will you… marry me?”
Nerelia’s mouth opens, and then pulls him in for a hug. “Of course, Tom!”
Nick smiles. “Well, congratulations to you both.”
Alex grabs Nick and holds him close to his chest, hugging him, while staring at Tom and Nerelia. “Aw, I’m just so happy! You two make a great couple. So does Zach and Melissa.”
Nick flails his arms. “AH! Let me go!”
Alex releases him, causing him to stumble backwards. “Oops, sorry, Nick.” He rubs the back of his neck. Tom and Nerelia giggle.
Nick shakes his head. “That’s okay. I’m all right.”
Alex smiles. “Hey, maybe if you’re closer with Mooncheeks, you could propose to her too.”
Nick flinches and blushes. “W-what?”
Alex elbows him lightly. “She’s a lucky gal to have you.” He winks at him. Nick stares at the table where Mooncheeks is sitting. She waves toward him. Nick’s cheeks become darker as he waves back. Mooncheeks giggles.
Tom nods and smiles. “I agree, Nick. Mooncheeks is a great girl.”
Nick quickly turns to him. “What?! Who are you and what have you done with Tom?” Zach and Melissa laugh.
Reggie stands and walks toward them with Mimi behind him. “Congratulations, Zach and Melissa. I hope the wedding turns out well.”
Nicky nods. “Yeah! The same for Tom and Nerelia.”
Cleargaze stands and smiles. “Nick, will you propose to Mooncheeks soon?”
Nick flinches and blushes again. “Really? Why is everyone asking me that?”
Mooncheeks laughs. She stands and walks towards him. “Don’t worry, baby. The time will come.” She caresses his cheek.
Vincent turns to Veruka. “You know, I was thinking the same thing.”
Veruka’s eyes widen. “Don’t push it!” She turns away and blushes. “Though, it might happen.”
Natalie covers her mouth, giggling. “Love is in the air.” Everyone laughs.