a.n.: Decided to post this one a bit earlier today since it is Christmas Eve and I will be working part of the day and then I'll be busy during the rest. I may even post the fifth and final part later on tonight instead of tomorrow as an early present to everyone who is reading this (and since I'll be spending the morning with my family and the evening at work). Check the disclaimer from Part II and remember to read, review and enjoy!
Pallet Town, Kanto Region
A party was in full swing at the famous Oak Pokémon Research Laboratory. A cacophony of happy voices, joyful Pokémon cries, and harmonious melodies surrounded the famous structure. Holiday lights were strung out all around the building and festive decorations adorned the many surfaces. Even out back in the famous Oak Corral, the spirit of the holiday season could be seen. Several Christmas trees of various sizes were spread throughout the vast area, each decorated with its own unique decorations. Each of the trees had a pile of presents stacked beneath it, hardy enough to survive even the most curious of Pokémon peepers. A small radio was placed on a table outside, blasting Christmas music for the many creatures that called the area home.
Back inside the laboratory, the festive mood was in full force. Even more Christmas décor graced the interior. The furniture of the living room was all pushed to one side to make room for dancing, conversation and eating. A buffet table stuffed with sweets and treats lined one side of the room, just as festively decorated as the rest of building. Seated on the many couches and chairs, the party-goers chatted amiably with each other and amongst themselves, enjoying the presence of their friends and loved ones.
"…and then Forrest ordered Steelix to use its tail to block Squirtle's Water Gun. I knew that it would be a great counter, but even I wouldn't have known that Steelix would spin its tail like that and completely destroy that attack. I sure wasn't the only one surprised by that tactic; that Trainer couldn't believe what had just happened either. I don't think she was able to recover from that attack and was too stunned to order further attacks. Forrest defeated her soundly. I couldn't have been prouder of my little brother."
"I've got you beat there Brock. My sisters have actually been making an effort to be more responsible with the Gym. As you know, I've been training all three of them so that one day, I won't have to deal with ALL of the challengers by myself. Just the other day I challenged each one of them to a one-on-one battle. I managed to defeat all of them, but it wasn't easy. I had to work harder than I ever have before just to come out on tip. There were even several close calls that I barely managed to pull out of. I think they are actually improving and might even be enjoying these faux Gym battles. Maybe one day, I can get them to enjoy the real ones. Though, they did decide that they needed to 'like, go somewhere to like deal with what happened' and went to the mall afterwards." Misty smiled at the memory of her sometimes still immature sisters. "At least Forrest seems to be growing up and accepting responsibility; my sisters still act like little kids sometimes."
"Don't worry Misty. From the way you're talking about them, I know that you're proud of them. And I know they're proud of you for being willing to put up with them and all of their nonsense over the years. I've seen the four of you together when I visit you guys and I know that in spite of that tension and immaturity, you all love each other. I also know that they appreciate all of the hard work you're putting in to them. They'll get there; they just need a bit more time and patience."
"Thanks Tracey. I know they are trying hard and I DO love them, but they can just be so frustrating sometimes."
"Frustrating? Misty, if you recall, I have TEN younger siblings; you only have three AND they are all older than you. You don't know the meaning of the word frustrating."
The red head stuck her tongue out at her spiky-haired friend and hugged the Azurill on her lap tighter. "You talk big Brock, but I happen to know that despite your protests, you enjoy every moment you spend with your family. Even if they are sometimes a bit…unconventional." Brock smiled lovingly at that rather apt description of his family. Misty was right. His family may be big and frustrating, even annoying at times, but he loved them all just the same and would not change them for the world.
"Brock, you still haven't told us how your studies are coming along. How is your journey to becoming a Pokémon Doctor going?"
"Well, Professor," Brock began, "it is a bit difficult. I knew it would be, but I am enjoying it. You know me: I never back down from a challenge. And boy is it challenging! So much stuff to learn and to study and to memorize; sometimes, I don't think I'll be able to do it all. But, this is something I want to do, something I know I can do and something that I do really enjoy, even so early on. I know that I will be able to help Pokémon and people alike someday and this knowledge keeps me going when it gets too hard. And from all of those years spent traveling on the road, I've managed to pick up a few helpful things."
"Brock, we believe in you. We know you can do anything you set your mind to. You have always been successful in whatever you set out to do."
"Thanks Mrs. Ketchum."
Misty smirked. "Well successful, in anything except getting a date." Everyone snickered at her comment. Brock just glared at her. At least she assumed it was a glare. It was hard to tell with him sometimes.
Tracey looked around. "Say Professor, I still haven't seen any sign of Gary. You did say he was going to be here right?"
Professor Oak nodded. "When I last talked to him, he said he would be here. He was just finishing up his research in Sinnoh and would be back in Pallet any day. And if I know my grandson, he will be here any moment. He never could pass up the chance at a party." The group laughed. Everyone knew how ambitious and driven the young researcher was. He had always been a hard worker who was eager to get ahead as soon as possible and stay that way. When he first began his Pokémon journey, that drive and determination had served him well and he became a well-respected and knowledgeable Trainer. After he had decided to shift his focus from training to research, that same ambition and drive had become even more valuable assets and he began to pour his energies into whatever project or experiment he was working on. But even after all of these years and after all of the changes he made in his life, he was still the cocky young man who enjoyed a good party, though he did tend to be less of a spotlight hog nowadays.
As if on cue, the door to the lab opened and a young man with spiky brown hair entered.
"Gramps? Hey Gramps, are ya here?"
"In here Gary," Professor Oak called back, "we're all in here." The group turned and watched as Gary Oak walked into the room, his dark backpack hanging off his back and laptop bag slung over one shoulder. His dark shirt and black jeans contrasted with the festive decorations in the room, but his cheerful smile fit right in. All of the guests got up to welcome him, Professor Oak being the first to grab his grandson in a hug. Handshakes and hugs were exchanged and the conversation quickly turned to his research in Sinnoh. The group soon settled back into their seats as the amiable atmosphere and friendly chatter resumed. One member of the group, however, was missing.
Misty stood out on the patio that led to the corral behind the lab, a small sigh escaping her lips. She let down the squirming Pokémon in her arms and watched as her little Azurill bounced away to play with some of the lab's Pokémon, including a certain Pokémon Watcher's Marill. Even though she had a smile on her face, Misty couldn't help but let a small tear escape her eyes as she thought about what this time of year meant. It was a time for friends and family to get together and celebrate being together. Although her sisters weren't here with her, they much preferred the excitement of the season that a large city like Cerulean offered to the intimate small town celebrations of Pallet, she knew that they would spend at least some of the season together. In fact, they would be going out, just the four of them, a couple of days after Christmas to spend some time together as sisters, an occurrence that was becoming increasingly more common as the four them put aside their differences and focused on being a family. And even without her sisters, Misty still had plenty of friends to celebrate with her, some of which she would even dare to call family.
But there was one particular person, a certain Pokémon Trainer, that she was missing even more than anyone else, someone who wouldn't even be anywhere near here to celebrate with them. With her. Looking around, she saw so many reminders of him, no matter how much she wished it otherwise. An energetic Bayleef was running around, happily chased by a Quilava and a dancing Totodile. Up above, a Noctowl and Swellow soared peacefully. A Sceptile and Staraptor were sleeping quietly in the branches of one the larger trees while a Heracross sucked happily on the dripping sap. In the distance, a herd of Tauros rumbled by. A Torterra and Infernape were mock battling one another at the small battlefield off to the side while a Glalie waited its turn. She saw a playful Muk chasing after a stout Gible as a Torkoal and Donphan looked on. In the lake, a Corphish, Kingler and Buizel happily played with her own Corsola and Politoed. Nearby, a familiar Bulbasaur and Squirtle played with one another and underneath another tree not too far away, a snoozing Charizard and Snorlax were snoring quietly. Squirtle and Charizard had no need to be there, but even THEY recognized the importance of this time of year and had come to celebrate with their friends. So why couldn't HE? Did he even think about them anymore? About her?
"Is everything okay, Misty?" A soft, motherly voice interrupted her sad musings. Misty turned towards the lab and her startled eyes met Delia Ketchum's warm brown ones. The older woman had a concerned look on her face and placed her hand gently on the young girl's shoulder. Misty sniffed and reigned in her tears.
"I'm f…fine Mrs. Ketchum." Delia looked at the girl, unconvinced. She stood there silently, letting the redhead get control of her feelings. As long as she had known the girl, Misty had always been an emotional one. Most of the time, she was able to keep those emotions under control, unless, of course, someone made her mad. But when it came to feelings, deep, true feelings, the girl often kept a collected, neutral façade. Delia Ketchum couldn't remember ever seeing the girl cry, though she knew that she harbored some secret, powerful emotions deep inside her young body. And she knew on what, or rather whom, those feelings were now focused.
"Misty, I've known you for four years. You know you can talk to me about whatever is bothering you. But I think I have an idea of what's wrong." Misty looked at the woman, her mother figure for the past four years, and she saw a familiar knowing look in her eye. Delia probably did know Misty's thoughts; she herself was probably having similar ones since she was bound to be thinking about the same person. Misty needed someone to talk to, someone to lean on; she certainly couldn't tell any of the guys what was bothering her.
"You're right, Mrs. Ketchum. There IS something bothering me. I guess I can't keep anything from you." She smiled nervously.
Delia smiled back. "Not for long, anyways dear." Misty laughed, more at ease with the woman now and more willing to open up.
"It's just…this time of year…Sometimes it makes me think things, feel things, wonder things that I normally wouldn't at any other time. I am grateful to have so many friends and loved ones in my life and to be here with you, with them," she gestured towards the on-going party and the loud ruckus that was emanating from inside, "but it's just not the same without…"
"Without Ash. I know, dear." Delia nodded solemnly, a sympathetic look on her face. "I miss him too, Misty. He's my baby, my only son; I can't help but to miss him. And being so far away…I can't help but worry about him. It's a mother's prerogative to worry about their children. No matter how old he is, no matter how far away he is, I will always worry about him. And you're right: this time of year is for family and friends, to remember what we have and to be grateful for all of it. I know Ash is missing us and I'm sure he wishes he could be he here with us too. The last time I talked to him, he said he was sorry for missing this Christmas with us, and for all the past ones he missed with me while he was traveling. I told him that we would all be thinking about him and to not worry about us. He said he would try, but I know my Ash and I know that nothing in the world could stop him from thinking about his friends and family, both Pokémon and people. And I know that out of all of his friends, well at least out of all of his HUMAN friends, Ash thinks about you the most." Misty's eyes lit up in both surprise and wonderment.
"Really?" Delia smiled knowingly.
"Really. I am his mother after all; I know things about him that even HE doesn't know. Believe it or not Misty, my Ash has matured over the years. I know he can still be a bit dense at times…well, most of the time, but he does have feelings and thoughts of his own that he doesn't always let out. Kind of like someone else I know." Delia winked at Misty. The girl blushed. "Misty, it may not seem like it, but Ash DOES care about you as more than a friend, I'm sure of it, even if he isn't. You will ALWAYS be in his thoughts, no matter where he is, what he's doing or who he's with. He can't help it; he loves you."
Misty's blush grew even more as Delia finished, her thoughts straying to the raven-haired Trainer that she cared so much about. Did Ash really care about her that much? His mother seemed to think so. She knew that she cared about him. All of their friends already seemed to think they loved each other. But did Ash feel the same way? She sighed. Perhaps, the next time she saw him, she would tell him the truth about her feelings. Perhaps he would feel the same way. Perhaps.
Delia put her arm around the girl comfortingly and smiled down at her. Misty looked up, her tears gone and a bright smile on her face. Together, they turned back towards lab to rejoin party.
"Let's see what kind of trouble the boys got into while we were gone, shall we? We never know what they're capable of, do. And I'm sure the rest of the guests should be here soon, too."
Misty shook her head gleefully. "We just have to make sure that when Ritchie and Sparky arrive, we tell him to keep Zippo away from Charizard. I still don't think they get along and we don't need ANOTHER fire-powered explosion here."
With that, the two women disappeared into the house and back to the party, their hearts and minds settled, but their thoughts still occupied by the one who brought them together.