The Artful Dodger

(an instrumental of "Only the Beginning" plays as the word "Previously..." appears onscreen)


Niji(voiceover): Previously, on "Kochou and the Beautiflies"....

(We see scenes of the Starbolts performing)

Niji(voiceover): The second night of the Beautifly Jam almost didn't happen...the Rockets tried to get inside the house and steal the pendant of the Starbolts' lead singer, Umi. (we see the Beautiflies taking Umi to another room) We spent the better part of the night trying to find her another place to sleep. (we see scenes from the "Time is Runnin' Out" sequence). As if that wasn't enough, the Rockets even tried to ruin the performance with feedback! (we see the feedback machine) After we had chased them off, the Jam went on without further incident. (we see the Starbolts performing)

Today we're going to shoot a video for one of our greatest hits--with a director that is more than he seems.

Episode 26: The Artful Dodger!

(We open inside a Rocket base on the outskirts of Olivine City. Kage and Yami are at the window, watching the gear trucks of the Beautiflies set up nearby the dock. Yami has an envelope in one hand, which she clutches tightly.)

Kage: Why would Beauty-boy want to be filming a music video out on the docks?

Yami: Maybe he's going to be singing "Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay"? (she toys with the envelope)

Kage: He doesn't have a cover of that one, I'm afraid...

(By this point, Meowth spots Yami's envelope)

Meowth: A letter for you?

Yami: Yes...

Meowth: Who from?

Yami: One of my pen pals from the Rocket Academy that transferred to another bosses' base... (she opens the envelope and takes out the letter inside) Her name's Anya...

Kage: Wasn't that the girl with deep purple hair in braids that always got the best grades in class?

Yami: That's her, all right! We've kept in touch ever sense she left our class...

Meowth: Well, what does da letter say?

Yami: It says...'Dear Yami: Greetings to you and your partners. Judging from your last letter, it sounds like you are having trouble pulling off your heists and completing missions. I've considered your request for help, and Joen and I will be arriving tonight at your base--"

Kage: Hang on, who's Joen?

Yami: Joen's Anya's partner...(she continues reading the letter) 'Hopefully Joen and I will be of some help to you...' (Yami continues reading as the scene fades to show the base later that day. At this time, the three Rockets are about to start eating dinner.)

(Just as Yami sets a platter full of meat on the table, the doorbell rings)

Yami: I'll get it! (she runs to the door and opens it, revealing a tall girl with braided purple hair and her partner, a deep teal-haired boy; on the stoop. These Rockets are wearing the same style of Rocket attire as Kage and Yami are.) Anya! Joen! Come on in!

Anya: Hi, Yami... (she and Yami hug) I hope we're not interrupting you...

Yami: No, you're not. We were about ready to sit down to dinner when you arrived!

Joen: Then perhaps you can tell us of your misadventures with Moonlight Head over dinner?

Kage: Moonlight Head?

Anya: What Joen likes to call Kochou... (she takes a plate and begins piling it high with food)

Kage: It's better than Silverhead! (everyone laughs)

(We see various scenes of the Rockets eating and Yami talking. When we return to the kitchen, Yami is finishing her account of the story so far as Kage and Joen do the dishes)

Yami: ...and that's why Beauty-boy's been bothering me so much.

Anya: I see...you want to make your own hits, or start a mission and he messes you up...

Yami: Yes!

Anya: Kochou's going to be filming a music video tomorrow...so if you wish, I can send Joen to the dock in disguise to sabotage it.

Kage: You sure you can do that without getting caught?

Joen: Relax, I'm a professional. (smiles, making a tooth sparkle)

Yami: If Joen goes in disguise, Beauty-boy's in for a surprise!

Meowth: Ooh, I feel a song comin' on!

(music begins)

(Surprise! Surprise!)

Kage: Do you like surprises? (Chibi Kage asks the question to Chibi Kochou)

(Surprise! Surprise!)

Yami: Well I've got one for you! (Chibi Yami offers a gift box to Chibi Kochou)

(Surprise! Surprise!)

Anya: I hope you like surprises, (Chibi Kochou tears open the gift box...)

(Surprise! Surprise!)

Joen: Cause there's one comin' at you! (...and gets hit with a pie)

(Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!)

Joen: You won't believe your eyes when I get through, (Chibi Kochou and the Chibi Beautiflies look aghast at a damaged dock)
When you least expect it, baby I'll be there!
I'll catch you off guard cause I don't play fair! (look out, look out)
You'd better beware!

(Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! )

Anya: If you were wise, you'd get outta my way!

(Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!)
(Surprise! Surprise!)

Kage: So you like surprises? (Chibi Kage asks the question to a now clean Chibi Kochou)

(Surprise! Surprise!)

Anya: They're a lot of fun!

(Surprise! Surprise!)

Yami: Well, here's another one! (Chibi Yami gives Chibi Kochou another gift box)

All Rockets: Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

Anya: I'm gonna make you pay!

All Rockets: Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

Yami: I'm gonna win the day!

(Ha ha ha ha, Surprise!)

(the Rockets laugh as the song ends)

(The next morning, Ash and the gang arrive at the dock, unaware that four Rockets are watching them from behind some crates)

Anya: There they are...

Kage: Ready, Joen?

(We cut to see Joen in disguise as the video director. The real director is bound and gagged behind some barrels)

Joen: Roger! (He climbs on some ropes, away from where his comrades are located, and heads toward where Ash and the gang are waiting. Before he can land before them, some movement of sets and costumes spurs him to hide behind some barrels nearby the set.)

(With the gang, May takes a big sniff of the salt air as the last of the set is rolled into place)

May: It sure was an awesome idea for us to film this on a boat!

Anabel: So long as it's not moving, I'm fine...

Misty: The director said it's not going to move, so you don't need to worry about seasickness. (Anabel breathes a sigh of relief as Misty runs to help the crew unpack)

Anabel: Glad that's over...

May: Then let's rock; Beautiflies! (she touches the ruby in her ring and claps twice, her shirt lengthens and gains silver buttons. Next, she taps the ring on her shoes, making them turn into red high heels. Upon tapping the ring on her legs, she gains a white skirt with rubies dotting it. Finally, she claps over her head twice, and an electric guitar appears in her hands, as well as her hair turning red.)

Akaichou: Haeru wingu, Akaichou yo!

(Brock touches the emerald in his ring and claps twice, making his shirt turn silver. Upon touching the jewel to his legs, he gains a pair of emerald studded pants and golden shoes, also studded with emeralds. Next, Brock claps twice over his head, making the rest of his normal clothes become a sparkling green jacket. Finally, he claps twice again, making his hair turn black and forming a pair of drum sticks in one hand.)

Midorichou: Haeru wingu, Midorichou yo!

(Crystal touches the sapphire in her ring and claps twice, making gloves appear on her hands. When the sapphire is tapped on her feet, her shoes become aqua sandals studded with sapphires. Next, Crystal claps over her head, making her slip into a shirt that starts out royal blue at the top, then turns white at the bottom; followed by a aqua skirt. Finally, she claps twice again, and her hair is magically braided, plus a harmonica appears in her hand.)

Mizuirochou: Haeru wingu, Mizuirochou yo!

(Whitney touches the topaz in her ring and claps twice, making her shirt and shorts turn into a short yellow dress. Touching the ring to her shoes turns them into small boots. Clapping over her head makes Whitney's hair turn yellow and put itself up in a ponytail, as well as making a yellow sash and small topazes appear on her costume. Whitney claps again, and lace appears on her costume.)

Ierochou: Haeru wingu, Ierochou yo!

(Anabel touches the amethyst in her ring and claps twice, making her shirt gain purple sparkles. Touching the ring on her legs makes her capris lengthen into purple pants with matching shoes. Clapping over her head forms a purple vest with blue trim, which Anabel slips into; Anabel next claps twice again, lengthening her hair to shoulder length and forming a bass guitar in her hands.)

Aiirochou: Haeru wingu, Aiirochou yo!

Ash(holds his hand in the air, then sings in a noticeably older sounding voice): Ai-yai-yai, I'm your little Beautifly! (Ash's hand begins to glow) Green, black, and blue; make the colors in the sky!

(MUSIC-"Beautifly" (instrumental))

(We see a glowing outline of Ash's body against the background of Beautifly wings. As Ash hangs in this position, his torso begins to glow purple, and a silver and purple shirt appears on him. Next, a checkered jacket appears over that in a flash of purple. Next, we look at Ash's legs as sparkling black pants appear on his legs in a flash of blue, and silver shoes appear on his feet. The view next shifts to Ash's head, where we see his eyes finally open. His normally black hair begins to lengthen and turn silver. A white rose appears in the right pocket of the jacket, which the young man holds in one hand as he poses for the audience.)

(Music cut)

(As Kochou emerges from the dressing room with his bandmates and Misty, Joen awaits them on one of the prop boats in the water, which doubles as a stage.)

Joen: Okay, which one of you's the manager?

Misty: That's me!

(Joen is surprised by how beautiful Misty looks as she steps before him)

Joen: Wow...I've never seen someone so beautiful before...

Midorichou: She really makes an impression, you know...

(we hear the sound of drum sticks tapping together before music begins. The band is now aboard one of the sailboats, which fades into a scene of Misty waking up. Kochou sings in the background as Misty climbs out of bed and walks to her closet)

Kochou: Her outfit is chosen with the greatest of care, (Misty sifts through the different outfits before selecting one)
She does the same when she does her hair... (we see Misty brushing her hair)
Oh, she wears what she wears with pride, (pride)
It reflects what she feels inside! (Misty smiles as she looks at herself in the mirror)

She makes an impression,
Wherever she goes!
She makes an impression,
It's more than her clothes!
She makes an impression!
You bet you won't forget!

(We see Misty walk along the street during an interlude)

Misty: Sing it, Kochou! (winks)

Kochou: Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Beautiflies: She makes an impression...

Kochou: It's not the store or the designer's name... (Misty enters the mall and browses through the different stores)
It's not the price, she won't play that game! (we see different items and price tags)
But the moment the girl steps out, (steps out)
You can tell what she's all about! (Misty steps out of a fitting room in a new outfit, to some oohs and ahhs)

She makes an impression,
Wherever she goes!
She makes an impression,
It's more than her clothes!
She makes an impression!
You bet you won't forget!

(She makes an impression) She makes an impression!
(She makes an impression) She makes an impression!
She makes an impression!

(Joen applauds as the band bows)

Joen: Impressive! Now, shall we get down to business?

Aiirochou: Let's do this!

(when we see the Beautiflies again, they're dolled up in clown costumes)

Aiirochou: I didn't mean do it like we're about to do a kid's show...

(Niji and Pikachu laugh hysterically at the costumes the gang's wearing)

Niji: You guys look hilarious!

Kochou: Thanks...we think...

Misty: How's the video coming al(she sees the gang's costumes)-AAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! WHO TOLD YOU TO PUT THOSE ON????????

Mizuirochou: Joen did, Misty....

Akaichou: And he IS the boss...

Misty: I don't care, those are not the costumes you're supposed to wear!

Ierochou: But--

Misty: Take them off!

(the band reluctantly takes the costumes off. The scene fades to show Joen watching the sea when Anya lands next to him. She holds a diamond in one hand)

Anya: Here's the diamond you wanted...and a few more. (she empties a bag full of diamonds on the ground. Joen picks them up and puts them in a larger bag)

Joen: Thanks, Anya...

Anya: Now what?

Joen: Since SOMEONE messed up my first plan to humilate the Beautiflies, I have another way to humiliate them while we look for more diamonds. (gestures to a barge full of trash)

(When we join the Beautiflies, they're now aboard the barge; but try as they might, the smell and the sheer amout of trash makes it hard to move)

Midorichou: Talk about trash talk...

Aiirochou: Now we're all messy!

Mizuirochou: All we need is the singing Slugmas and we're set...

(Sure enough, the barge passes by a group of Slugmas that appear to be singing to the tune of "Don't Worry, Be Happy". Kochou speaks as the Slugmas sing in the background)

Kochou(voiceover): Even though the Slugmas were telling me to not worry, I was thinking about who our director really was--no legitimate director would ask us to dress up in clown costumes or dance in trash--that was plain crazy! Add to that the fact that anything that wasn't focused on embarrassing us went horribly wrong...

(the music changes as we see the gang on the dock again, where various sets fall and items break or fall)

Kochou: Sometimes it all breaks down,
Sometimes it comes apart,
Sometimes you feel like a clown;
You just can't make things start!

Well, this is one of those days,
One of those, one of those days!
When nothing goes quite right
And you're feelin' all uptight!
This is one of those days!

Sometimes it all seems fine,
Sometimes you move along...
Sometimes it's time to shine,
And everything goes wrong!

Well, this is one of those days,
One of those, one of those days!
When nothing goes quite right,
And you're feelin' all uptight!
This is one of those days!

Well, this is one of those days,
One of those, one of those days!
This is one of those days!

(We rejoin the band on the docks again. As the band emerges from the showers, Midorichou notices something shiny on the ground by some barrels)

Midorichou: What's this? (he picks it up and examines it) A diamond...

Ierochou: Odd...

Akaichou: What would a diamond be doing here? (Mizuirochou is a little further out, examining another diamond)

Mizuirochou: Here's another one! (Ierochou grabs three more behind boxes)

Ierochou: I found three here!

Kochou: Plus the real director! (he unties the director's bindings)

Girl: Thank you, Kochou! (she hugs him). A pair of Rockets jumped me while I was on my way to meet you guys...they've been involved in a diamond smuggling scheme, and they're using the docks as their base!

Kochou: That explains the diamonds everywhere...

Girl: What's more, the male grunt has been in charge of you, and trying to embarrass you! (as the girl speaks, the band arrives along with Officer Jenny)

Kochou: And that explains why we've been asked to do things like dancing in trash and dressing as clowns. (he leads the girl back onto the docks, where Officer Jenny watches Joen being led away)

Jenny: You won't need to worry, we've captured one of the two Rockets that have been smuggling diamonds as of late... (while Jenny is talking, Kochou spots Anya fleeing the docks)

Kochou: Oh, Violet! (Anya glances at Kochou as music begins)

Misty: Message from Kochou!

Kochou: You thought you had it made,
Didn't you, didn't you? (Didn't you?)
Thought I was bound to fade,
Didn't you, didn't you?
You came on real strong...
But now you realize you were wrong!

I've got the last laugh,
Nothing you can do!
I've got the last laugh,
Knowin' you are through!
What a joke, a joke and a half!
The last laugh's on you!

You tried to put me down,
Didn't you, didn't you? (Didn't you?)
Tried makin' me the clown,
Didn't you, didn't you?

I've got the last laugh,
Nothing you can do!
I've got the last laugh,
Knowin' you are through!
I've got the the last laugh on you!

Anya: We'll see, Beauty-boy... (she runs into the night as the scene fades out)

(an instrumental of "When Tomorrow Comes" plays as the word "Next..." appears onscreen)

Misty(voiceover): Next time, on a very special "Kochou and the Beautiflies"...

(We see Brock drawing a circle of green light around him, which begins to form his costume)

Misty(voiceover): The Rockets FINALLY have a legitimate hit song, and it couldn't have come at a worse time! (we see "The Rocket Quartet" albums and MP3 download stats). Their album release happens to come at the same time we kick off our Shinou tour, and it seems no one wants to hear us play. (we see the band looking dejected.) However, Niji has a few ideas for a new look (we see five glowing watches). Can we take flight in Shinou and overtake the Rockets? (we see the gang drawing circles of light around them in their respective colors) Stay tuned, 'cause it's time to fly!