Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.


Chapter 4: I Keep My Home in My Heart

Misty was having a nice conversation with Mrs. Ketchum. Delia told her a couple of funny stories about Ash in his early days. She loved Ash's mom – always so cheerful, thoughtful… not to mention a great cook. Misty wouldn't be forgetting the cake that Delia had made anytime soon. After a while, Nurse Joy came over and complimented Delia on the condition of her Mr. Mime. Delia blushed and started thanking Joy profusely. Smiling, Misty decided to get another root beer. She half-expected Brock to be informing Nurse Joy of his perfectly-raised Pokémon when she got back. It was then that Misty noticed that Brock was nowhere to be seen. Getting slightly worried, she searched the cabin, finally finding Brock sitting on the small porch in the back. He was gazing off into the distance.

Misty felt that something was amiss. "Brock, what's wrong? Aren't you having a good time?"

Brock seemed a little surprised, but then looked away again. "Oh, sure Misty."

"Then, come back inside and join the party." She smiled encouragingly.

"I will in a second," replied Brock, his voice wavering ever so slightly.

"Brock, are you... crying?" Misty exclaimed. It seemed very unlike the older boy to cry.

Brock blushed. "No, it's just... cold out here, and I'm..." he faltered.

Misty sat down next to him. "And you're what?"

During this time, the band had crept up to the window. Geodude had borrowed Ash's Squirtle's glasses. It coolly plucked the bass guitar as the band began playing in the background of the conversation. Strangely, no one seemed to notice them. Then again, back-up bands rarely are noticed.

Brock started singing without really knowing why:

I'm thinkin' 'bout Christmas back home.

In Pewter City the lights are pretty.

And even though I love to roam

On Christmas Eve I make believe I'm home.

The attractive, yet decidedly creepy, back-up singers joined for the chorus.

I close my eyes and I see

My friends, my family,

The happy times that I shared

With all the people who cared.

I'll be so far away

From them on Christmas Day

And though we may be apart...

I keep my home in my heart.

Misty sighed. "I know how you feel Brock."

"You do?" Brock turned to her.

"Sure. I love it here, but..." Her face flooded with emotions. "I miss Cerulean City a little too."

I'm thinkin' 'bout my sisters back home.

The bells would ring to songs we'd sing.

And even though I love to roam

On Christmas Eve I make believe I'm home.

Brock, Misty, and the singers sang out as Geodude slapped the bass.

I close my eyes and I see

My friends, my family,

The happy times that I shared

With all the people who cared.

I'll be so far away

From them on Christmas Day

And though we may be apart...

I keep my home in my heart.

Brock:

When you're out on your own

You're always alone

Even when there's somebody there

Misty:

But when you know from the start

There's a home in your heart

Both:

You can go, anywhere

Chorus:

I close my eyes and I see

My friends my family

The happy times that I shared

With all the people who cared

I'll be so far away

From them on Christmas Day

And though we may be apart...

I keep my home in my heart

They repeated the chorus once more:

I close my eyes and I see

My friends my family

The happy times that I shared

With all the people who cared

I'll be so far away

From them on Christmas Day

And though we may be apart... (Bulbasaur performed a short little drum solo here).

I keep my home in my heart.

The final note echoed across the snow. After a while, both Brock and Misty returned to the party, cheered up a bit.