UPDATE (AS OF JULY 30th, 2010)- PLEASE READ: I AM VERY SORRY TO SAY THAT I WILL UNFORTUNATELY NOT BE UPDATING UNTIL OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER. IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO THINK OF NEW IDEAS FOR THIS STORY WHEN IT IS CLEARLY NOT ANYWHERE NEAR CHRISTMAS xD. I'M EXTREMELY SORRY TO ALL MY REVIEWERS, BUT I FEEL THAT THE STORY WILL COME OUT MUCH BETTER IF I HAVE A LITTLE MORE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN ME TO KEEP WRITING. AS I PROMISED, I WILL NEVER ABANDON THIS FIC, EVEN IF IT TAKES ME A LONG TIME TO UPDATE. I PROMISE YOU WILL SEE A NEW CHAPTER BY EITHER THE END OF OCTOBER OR EARLY NOVEMBER, WHEN THE DAYS GET COLDER (FOR SOME OF US xD) AND CHRISTMAS DRAWS NEARER. ONCE AGAIN, I APOLOGIZE FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE DELAY. UNTIL THEN, HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE SUMMER. -POLI P.S. I MIGHT START OR UPDATE MY OTHER STORIES IN THE MEANTIME! =D
A/N: Hey guys! Back for another story; hope you like it. I've been wanting to write something like this for a long time, so finally I worked up the effort to begin! Just some things to know before you read:
I do not own Pokemon. If I did, I would get Brock a girlfriend.
This chapter is supposed to take place during the new Galactic Battles episode, "Beating the Hustle and Bustle!", but I am substituting that episode for when Ash, Brock, and Dawn come back to Pallet.
If I forgot anything, I will be sure to clear up any mistakes or errors that there might be in the story when the next chapter comes around.
I tend to get writer's block very frequently, but since I've thought about this fanfic a lot, I don't think I'll get it that much. Still, feel free to send me any ideas that you might want to see in the story. Just please, no OC's, and nothing that's too inappropriate or out-of-character.
I hope I wrote everything correctly! *Gets nervous and chews nails*
Please enjoy the story!
-Poli
~*~The Ultimate Pokemon Christmas Special~*~
~*~Poliwhirl42~*~
Christmas is a time for remembrance, joy, and love- and, hopefully, this year, our heroes will be able to make this Christmas season one of their best yet!
The days are growing shorter and colder, and many of the hard-working trainers, breeders, coordinators, professors, and citizens of the pokemon world are growing eager to settle down for once and really make it their goal to enjoy the holidays without any irksome distractions or nuisances. What everyone unanimously wants is to have a happy, healthy, and safe Christmas complete with presents, food, joy, and, most importantly, family and friends.
Location: Cerulean City Gym/Waterflower Residence, Kanto
Saturday, December 12th: 2:46 P.M.
Seventeen-year-old Misty Waterflower sat at the white lobby desk of the Cerulean Gym, finishing up some last-minute paperwork, and paying some of the bills that her sisters had failed to notice. Ugh, she loved Lily, Violet, and Daisy, but sometimes, they could either be really be forgetful, have a superior attitude (which all the more reminded her of how much older they were and could do pretty much whatever they wanted while she had to work at the gym all day) or just plain 'get on her nerves' (which is what happened most of the time).
As she finished writing out one last check for gym expenses and sealed the envelope shut, she brushed a stray lock of fiery orange behind her ear and sighed a sigh of both boredom and contentedness.
Why, there was simply just nothing to do.
The redhead glanced down at the desk and caught sight of a blue picture frame. She smiled as she saw Ash, Brock, her sisters, the gym's pokemon, and herself smiling back up at her. That picture was taken the day that the trio had come back to Cerulean for the day and her sisters had put on the famous underwater ballet that they had forced her into starring in. Despite a run-in with Team Rocket and not wanting to be able to do the show when they first mentioned the idea, she had to admit that in the end, she really did have a great time that day.
It seemed like almost yesterday that she was still traveling with her old friends…
Well, it wasn't anything new that she missed Ash (and Brock, for that matter). Ever since the day that the three of them had split up, things hadn't been the same. She loved the gym and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, but she would jump at the chance at being able to travel with them again. Plus, she's always wanted to see some of the regions that she hadn't been able to travel to yet.
And suddenly, a thought hit her like one of Pikachu's thunderbolts.
Well, if I miss Ash so much, why don't I just call him? I hope he'll be happy to see me, Misty thought, frustrated at herself for not thinking of this before.
She went up to Daisy's room, turned on the PC, and asked Delia which town or city Ash, Brock, and Dawn were in at the moment. Delia, ecstatic that Misty wanted to give Ash a call, told her that they were currently in Greenstation Town.
"Thanks, Mrs. Ketchum. Bye now."
The brunette smiled warmly and said, "Bye Misty. Oh, by the way, did you happen to get a letter in the mail from Professor Oak yet?"
"No, I didn't," the gym leader replied confusedly. "In fact, I don't think I checked the mail today at all. Was it something important?"
"Well, I guess you could say that. You'll be excited, but I won't tell you what he wrote."
Misty half-smiled said goodbye once more, and then she typed in the video phone number of the Greenstation Town Pokemon Center that Delia had given her.
A familiar face framed by strawberry-colored pigtails greeted Misty with a smile. "Hello, this is Nurse Joy. How may I help you?"
"Um, hi Nurse Joy," Misty said shyly, "I was just wondering if a boy named Ash Ketchum is there."
"You're in luck, Misty. They just stopped in a half an hour ago," Joy said, and left the screen to call Ash.
Misty, heart beating with both joy and a little nervousness at the thought of seeing her old friend who she hasn't seen in a little over two years, straightened out her yellow shorts and fixed her orange-colored locks.
"Sinnoh Pokemon Hustle, what's that?" Ash asked.
"It's where trainers and their pokemon work together to try to clear a bunch of super-hard stages, and the team that succeeds wins an awesome prize!" Dawn explained to her raven-haired friend, as they watched the excitement of the game show unfold on the T.V. screen in front of them.
"You know, that sounds kind of cool," Ash replied.
"Ash," Nurse Joy said walking up to the trio, "You have a phone call from Cerulean City-"
"-Joy, oh what I would go through just to get a phone call from you; you don't even know what-"
"CROAGUNK!" The poison jab came as fast as lightning, cutting off the breeder from proclaiming his love to the nurse that he desired.
"Maybe…you…could phone me…from the hospital…" he said, earning sweatdrops from the rest of the crowd as he was pulled away by the frog-like pokemon.
"Cerulean City?" Ash said, looking at Brock (who quickly recovered), who shrugged and said, "The only person we know who would call from Cerulean is-" He and the trainer simultaneously shared a knowing look and grinned as the three of them raced to the video phone. A girl with bright orange hair, green-blue eyes, and a corsola in her lap greeted them.
"Misty!" Ash and Brock exclaimed at the same time.
"Hi, guys! It's so great seeing you again. I just thought I'd give you a call. Is this a bad time?" she asked concernedly.
"Not at all," Ash replied. "How are you?"
"Pikachu-pi!" Pikachu said, trying to jump up to see Misty.
"Hi, Pikachu! I'm doing pretty good, just very busy with the gym and all," Misty said.
Brock smiled. "I can understand that. I remember how busy everything was when I was gym leader around this time years ago."
"Well, with your family and all those brothers and sisters you've got there…" Misty added humorously, causing them all to share a laugh.
The redhead glanced to the blunette standing next to Brock, smiling shyly.
"And you must be Dawn," Misty said, giving her a smile.
"Uh, yeah. Nice to meet you, Misty. I've heard so much about you!" Dawn said excitedly.
"Same here. I've seen you in contests. You're really good," Misty complimented.
"Thanks!"
Misty turned her glance to the small penguin who stood next to Dawn. "By the way, your piplup is adorable. I love water pokemon," she said.
"Thanks, I like all types, but Piplup was so cute when I first saw it, and we've been best friends ever since," the blunette explained.
"Pi, piplup!" the penguin agreed.
"Speaking of water types, I can't wait to show you my Buizel," Ash said, looking back at his old friend.
"I'd love to see it-" Misty said, but was cut off by Dawn when Piplup and Pachirisu got a hold of a vase on the table in the center and were wreaking havoc throughout the place.
"Hold on, I'll be right back," Dawn said, running off to try to catch her pokemon. "Pachirisu, don't touch that!"
"You know," Misty started, causing the trainer and the breeder to turn back to her, "I really miss you guys. I'm sorry that I haven't stayed in touch with you in awhile."
"That's okay, Misty," Ash said sympathetically. "We miss you too."
"Y'know, we're all kind of busy. Dawn has contests, Ash is almost ready to compete in the Sinnoh League, you're the gym leader; it's no one's fault," Brock explained.
Misty sighed. "Yeah, I guess you're right, Brock. But what I would give just to see everyone in person again. Even Gary, and May and Max. I wish it could be just like the old days. Being the gym leader is fun, but it kind of gets lonely after awhile."
"You're not alone. I feel exactly the same way," Ash said, his chocolate-brown orbs meeting her aquamarine eyes.
"We all do," Brock agreed.
"Yeah." Suddenly, Misty remembered. "Oh, I only have a few more minutes on this. By the way, Ash, your mom said that Professor Oak sent everyone a letter in the mail. I didn't see it yet, but I wonder what it could be."
"Hmm…I'm not sure. But it's probably something good," Ash said. "So anyway, how's everyone back at home?"
"They're all doing great," the red-haired teen replied. "You're mom is a sweetheart, like always, Mr. Mime and all of your pokemon at Professor Oak's are healthy and happy, my sisters are fine, Tracey and Professor Oak are doing well- oh, by the way, Tracey seems to come over a lot more than usual lately," she added with a smirk.
"Really, why's that?" Ash asked, a slight hint of jealousy sparkling in his eyes.
"Well, I guess I never told you…but him and Daisy are sort of, well…boyfriend and girlfriend."
"No way!" Ash whispered. "That's awesome!"
Brock, on the other hand, wasn't too pleased. "Well, that's just…great!" he said, forcing a smile.
"You're jealous by the fact that Tracey got a girlfriend before you did, right?" Misty narrowed her eyes a bit and smirked teasingly at her spiky-haired friend.
Brock looked down in embarrassment. "Does it show that much?"
"Which reminds me, I never asked you how the girl-hunt is going, huh Brock?" the gym leader asked with a tone of both sympathy and amusement in her voice.
"Well…not so great," Ash answered for his older friend, who was currently crying and wishing he could switch places with Tracey for a day.
"Same old Brock," Misty said, causing Ash to laugh. "Well, I guess I'd better be going, I have to feed the pokemon dinner and I think my sisters are coming home soon."
"Aww, man," Ash said, clearly disappointed. "I hope I see you soon, Misty. And say hi to everyone back home for me, okay?"
"I will," Misty replied, smiling. "And if I don't see you by then, I hope you guys have a Merry Christmas!"
"Thanks, you too," Ash said. "Bye Misty! Nice meeting you!" Dawn added, trying to pry the vase out of Pachirisu's paw in the background. "See you soon," Brock said, tears still visible in his squinty eyes.
"Bye!" Misty finally said, and closed the PC. She closed her eyes and wished she could see them in person, but this was good enough.
"Misty! Like, we're home!" She heard Lily's voice echo through the house as they opened the door.
"Hi," the redhead said as she came downstairs. "Did you get the mail?"
Violet took her coat off and hung it up on a hanger. "Yeah, and we like, got a letter from Professor Oak. Here, you read it."
"Okay." Misty opened the envelope to find a fancy designed piece of paper.
Dear Citizens of the Pokemon World,
As the holidays are approaching near, I couldn't help but feel like everyone seems to be so busy this time of year. I felt the need to get together with family and friends, as so, I invite all trainers, breeders, coordinators, researchers, professors, gym leaders, and citizens of all regions to attend a Christmas Eve Bash taking place at The Eternal Mist Mansion, which is right on the beach of the serene Seafoam Islands in Kanto (address, time, and directions to follow).
There will be food, karaoke (my favorite!), games, gifts, and fun. We encourage you to bring your pokemon as well, as long as they have a well-behaved temperament and are not too large (large ones will need to be kept outside).
I can reassure you that this gathering will bring laughter, memories, and joy to your all of your hearts. Enjoy the Christmas season!
Sincerely,
Professor Oak
Misty had to read the letter twice before registering the concept in her brain. Sure, she couldn't wait, and plus, she knew that Ash and the others would be there. But was the professor really serious when he said he was inviting almost everyone in the pokemon regions (excluding Team Rocket/Magma/Aqua/Galactic and all other criminals and threats to society, that is)? This was going to be some party…
"I like, can't wait for this! I wonder how many people are coming," Daisy exclaimed excitedly as she finished reading the letter over her younger sister's shoulder.
"I like, have to phone Tracey so he can give me all the details!" the oldest sister cried, making a dash for the phone, her golden curly locks flowing behind her.
"But Daisy, we like, have to finish rehearsing for the Christmas underwater ballet," Violet reprimanded. But it was too late. Daisy was already on the phone, chatting to her boyfriend and trying to pry the juicy details about the party out of poor Tracey.
Violet sighed and turned to the pink-haired girl in front of her. "Lily?"
But the second-youngest sister was too busy showing and gushing over Misty the new gift she got for her boyfriend.
"I think you should give it to him at the party," Misty said, taking a whiff of the sweet cologne.
"Or maybe I should give it to him beforehand, so he can wear it to the party!" Lily said slyly, causing the both of them to laugh.
The blue-haired middle sister sighed once more and looked down at her notes for the show. Always the beautiful but smart and intellectual one, Violet wrote all of the shows that the gym had put on. Lily was usually in charge of music, and Daisy was the master of directing and choreography. Sure, those jobs could be difficult and stressful at times, but they didn't seem to understand that writing the script could be a grueling and demanding process.
"What's wrong, Vi?" Misty suddenly asked, glancing up at the blunette.
Violet sighed for the third time, disheartened. "I like, really want to practice this for the show, but apparently, no one seems to be listening," she explained, holding up a script that had millions of tiny side notes scrawled on it.
Misty looked at the two girls that were oblivious to Violet's proposition. This time, she was the one that sighed. "I'll take care of this," she said, and confidently walked up to Daisy and Lily as soon as the oldest set the phone down, glowing with happiness.
"Can we puh-lease rehearse the show now guys?" Violet asked exasperatedly, crossing her arms.
"You'd better agree with her, if you don't want me to take out my mallet," Misty added, narrowing her eyes.
"Okay, okay, like, we'll do it. Chill out, Vi," Lily said.
Violet smiled and gathered up her script as the three of them started to head to the gym.
"I like, can't wait to tell you guys everything that I found out about Professor Oak's party from Tracey. I like, can't wait for it," Daisy chattered as they she turned the doorknob to the hallway that led to the pool area.
"Oh, and Misty," Daisy started.
"Yeah?" the gym leader glanced up after skimming over the letter for a third time.
"We'll talk later, but I want you to come to the store with me to like, get you a dress for this thing. You do like, want to impress Ash, don't ya?" She winked and closed the door, leaving her baby sister alone before she had the chance to reply.
Misty blushed and pressed her back up against the cold door, closing her eyes. Why did someone always have to bring that up? At least she knew Ash was coming to the party. She would finally get the chance to see him in person.
And, maybe, just maybe, she would have the chance to work up the courage and tell him something she'd been waiting to tell him for the past seven years…
A/N: So, how'd ya like it? I know this section was mostly about Misty, but I'm kind of doing that with everyone, like everyone has a small subplot to add to the story. I will update soon, so stay tuned!
Btw…"Car", if you're reading this, I hope you didn't think that I was copying your idea of having Misty call Ash at the PokeCenter. You had it much more different, though, by adding the presents and all. Yours was better written, too. =)
I will add lots of shippings as the story progresses, and I'll be sure to add all of the characters on the show that I could think of! I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas/holidays, and I hope everyone has a great New Year's Eve/New Year tomorrow! See you all next time! =D –Poli42
Hey, it's Poli again, back for Chapter 2! Happy reading, and btw, Happy New Year's Day! =)