TDBigJ's message: All right. Here is the chapter on a Friday like I promised. I hope no one is coming after me with pitchforks and torches after last week's late update. But don't worry, this week is on time. *Urp* Sorry about that. My stomach is burning as I type this. I had a burrito for dinner that had habaneros in it. I know, I'm an idiot for eating habaneros. Everybody knows how hot those things are. But hey, I love spicy food. It's a bad habit. I've had a pretty fun week. From Monday through yesterday I had been watching E3, and I have to admit, some pretty cool looking games coming out within the next year, and those customizable Xbox One controllers, man, I've got to get me one of those. New Xbox One S coming out this year and Project Scorpio coming out next year, oh boy am I hyped. Enough with my gaming fantasies for now, the new chapter is here. Here is the conclusion to the Christmas break for everybody. And everybody other than Ash and Serena are going to be in this chapter, and we'll see what gifts they got. I've really got nothing else to say, so let's get to the responding of the reviews and then the chapter.
Espeon44: It was great! Even though the Mariners lost I still had a lot of fun. My mom suggested that we do it again, and I couldn't agree more. Thanks for the review!
Rams30 (Guest #1, to both reviews): You'll find out this chapter. If you want him to. If you want her to. Sure. Of course they do! I don't think that will happen. Thanks for the reviews!
Klay (Guest #2): Glad you like it! Thanks for the review!
Jaguars5 (Guest #3): You most certainly will. I can't leave them out. I'm not sure if I did a good job with all of them though. Thanks for the review!
Bryce (Guest #4): That won't happen, don't worry. Thanks for the review!
Raiders89 (Guest #5): His girlfriend is May. Yes, they will hug. Thanks for the review!
Wolves22 (Guest #6): No, she probably won't be. Maybe. Maybe not. Mariners game was great! They could. Thanks for the review!
49ers (Guest #7, to both reviews): I will put them in. Thanks for the review!
Brig nodrm2347: Yeah, I felt like I dragged it on for a while. The presents he gives, her, hey, you never know. Those would seem like a gift she would like and what he would like. I will try watching the episodes in Japanese. Glad you like that final line I put in, nice that you thought it was funny. Thanks for the review!
Guest #8: The crossover is making progress. And thanks for the amourshipping support. Thanks for the review!
Oliverqueen01: Yeah, I know right? I wonder why a lot of the people prefer the sub to the dub. I've heard something like "the dialogue is better". Her reaction was considered that bad? Oh boy, that ain't good. With your guesses, we'll see. Thanks for the review!
Mad Ass Dragon: Ha ha! You see that a lot on tv shows, don't you? Liked the last part of your review. I'll try not to kill you again this chapter, although I'm afraid. Thanks for the review!
Mixt Number XV: Glad it was a good chapter! Chocolate wasted does sound good. Thanks for the review!
Shadic4566: It's good to know you find my endings funny. I don't aim them to be that way, but thank you. Thanks for the review!
Golden Tiger (Guest #9): Don't worry, she won't get pregnant. I wouldn't even consider it. Thanks for the review!
Rockies27 (Guest #10): Yes, those things could happen. Thanks for the review!
Becky (Guest #11): We surely will. Thanks for the review!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or it's characters, they belong to Game Freak and Nintendo, and… whoever else.
The day was getting near, Christmas. Just one day away. It was currently Christmas Eve, and everyone was making their final preparations for the big day that everyone treasured. Most people were wrapping up their presents, some were shopping for dinner.
Ash at the moment was wrapping up his gifts to Serena. He got two gifts for her. He hoped that she would like them, but like Grace said, Serena wasn't picky, so he doubted that she would care what he got her, as long as he put some thought into it. He knew she would do it with his gifts as well, so he wanted to take extra precautions.
He sighed. "Serena, I really hope you like these."
He put the last couple pieces of tape on the gift and put a bow on top. He checked around the gift to see if there were any open spots. None. Perfect. He went downstairs and put them under the tree. He wiped the sweat off his forehead. Wrapping gifts and feeling nervous sure makes you sweat a little, even in cold weather. He walked over to the couch and sat down, laying back, looking up at the ceiling. His mom looked over at him.
"Done wrapping your gifts, honey?"
"Yeah, just finished."
She looked back down at her magazine. "Good job. It's good to be prepared ahead of time."
"I guess."
Suddenly, Pikachu hopped up onto the top of the couch next to Ash's head and started patting it.
"Pika, pika!"
Ash looked up at Pikachu. "What is it, buddy?"
"Pika!" Pikachu said, slowly raising his arms.
"Okay buddy, I'm not following you."
Pikachu jumped off the couch and went and grabbed some flowers off a nearby table and went up to his previous spot on the couch.
"Pika, pika!" Pikachu said, pointing at the flowers in his mouth, which made his voice muffled. Ash suddenly go the clue.
"Oh I see. You want to call Buneary. I'll go put her up on the monitor for you." He said and got up and went up to the monitor in the other room and brought up Dawn's number. Within a few seconds, Dawn popped up on the screen.
"Oh, hey Ash, what d'ya need?"
"Hey Dawn. Do you have Buneary with you?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Pikachu wants to talk to her. Is that okay?" Ash asked.
"Yeah, of course."
After that, she got up from her seat and went and got Buneary. A minute later, Dawn had Buneary in her arms and placed her down on the seat. With that, Ash moved off the monitor and Pikachu hopped up on it. Buneary, no doubt, was happy to see Pikachu and waved to him.
"Buneary!"
Pikachu waved back. "Pika."
Pikachu regained his composure. "Pika, pika." He asked, wondering if she received his gift.
"Bun, Buneary." She nodded, confirming that she did, holding it up for him to see.
"Pika Pi." Pikachu said, relieved that Buneary got his gift.
Ash went and sat back down on the couch in his previous position. His mom was curious to why Pikachu wanted to call Buneary.
"Why did Pikachu want to call Buneary?"
"He just wanted to know if she got his gift to her."
"What did he get her?"
"Some flowers and berries he picked himself."
Delia didn't know Pikachu had that amount of thoughtfulness, let alone feelings for another Pokemon. She was surprised but was happy that he was like that.
"Aww, so sweet!" She commented and went back to reading her magazine.
Meanwhile upstairs, Serena was putting the final touches on her gift to Ash. She was confident that he would like it because it was about something he was really dedicated to.
Once it was fully wrapped, she took it downstairs and put it under the tree like Ash did. She went over to the couch and bounced down into the spot next to him.
"Ready for tomorrow?"
Ash looked over at her. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Definitely."
"I really hope you like the gift that I got you. I put a lot of thought into it and I know that it's you."
Ash liked what she was bringing up. "And I got you something that I know is your style. I hope you like it."
"Well, we'll find out tomorrow, won't we?"
"We sure will. Seeing as to how we described our gifts to each other, I'm hyped to see what they are." He stated.
Pikachu, having finished making his call to Buneary, came running over and jumping up onto Ash's lap.
"What were you up to Pikachu?" Serena asked.
"He made a call to Buneary. Made sure that she got his gift to her." Ash answered. Pikachu hopped onto Serena's lap a moment later. She stroked the top of the rodent's head, making him let out a "cha" as a sign of relaxation.
"You're an interesting little mouse, aren't you Pikachu?" Serena stated, mentioning his thoughtfulness.
"Believe me, he is. I haven't really seen this side of him until I met you." Ash said.
Serena chuckled. "I guess he's taking after you."
Ash raised an eyebrow. "How's that?"
"Since you met me, I may have changed you in a way that changed Pikachu as well. I guess it's like he's a Pokemon version of you." Serena explained.
"Hm, I never really looked at it that way. I kind of like the sound of that." Ash remarked.
"I thought you would."
It was now 3:00 in the morning, and everyone was sound asleep. It was now Christmas, but everyone had to wait until the morning for the day to start. Some people could hardly sleep because they were so excited. Even the adults were excited for it, showing their inner kid. But for most, sleep came easy. Not even the anticipation for the most treasured day of the year could keep some people awake. Waiting for Christmas day for a day, a week, a month, or a whole year since the last Christmas was such a pain, but good things come to those who wait.
A few hours later, at the time of 8:00, the sun was rising. But for the young couple, the curtains were closed and the glare from the sun was barely shining through, so it didn't wake them. Pikachu and Fennekin were already raising from their slumber. Looking over at the clock, Pikachu noticed the time, and now looking over at Fennekin, gave the fire fox a small nod and they went over and jumped up onto the bed and within a few seconds, jumped up on the top of their trainers. Since Serena was a light sleeper, she awoke in an instant. But Ash was otherwise. He was a pretty heavy sleeper, so he stayed asleep. Pikachu knew how to wake Ash up in these situations if the method he tried didn't work, and if you knew him, you would too.
He went to the edge of the bed and with knowledge of this particular thing, Fennekin leaped off the bed, Serena wondering why. But within a second, she realized what he was doing and swiftly threw the covers off of her and got out of the bed and stood next to Fennekin.
Pikachu, without any hesitation, sprung into the air and started jolting up with electricity. He spun around once and in a quick maneuver, let loose a powerful thunderbolt (Okay, not powerful enough to kill Ash or knock him unconscious, but powerful enough to keep him awake for a week). Once the thunderbolt hit Ash, Ash was flung off the bed, suffering the effects of the thunderbolt. Ash cringed and grunted at the attack. After about five seconds of being electrocuted, Ash fell back down onto his bed, feeling like he was barbequed well done.
"Not the way I imagined waking up on a day like this." Ash commented, laying spread eagled on the bed. Pikachu came up to him and rubbed his head against his.
Ash chuckled. "Don't think that makes up for what you just did." He said sarcastically. Serena giggled at the scene. She even had to admit this was funny. She went over to his side of the bed and slid her hands under his back and lifted him up.
"Well, if you weren't such a heavy sleeper, maybe that wouldn't have to happen." She remarked, giggling at the beginning of her sentence.
"Hey, I can't help what kind of sleeper I am." Ash exclaimed, being playful.
"Come on, just get up. You're awake so there's no use dozing off again." She said.
"Hey, I wouldn't doze off anyway. It's Christmas and I'm stoked to the point where I couldn't get anymore sleep." Ash stated.
Ash went into his back and grabbed a few clothes. "I'll just go into the bathroom and change so I'm not doing it in front of you."
"Why? You still nervous to change in front of a girl?" She asked.
"Is that wrong?"
"Come on, Ash. It's the wet jacket and shirt thing all over again."
Ash did remember that day earlier that year. Last school year that one day when all the Senior chaos was going on, when he saved Serena from being hit by multiple water balloons and taking all the hits himself. Afterwards, when she insisted they go to his house and dry his wet clothes, it made him feel uncomfortable, especially when she stared at him after he took them off. But at that time, they weren't in a relationship. They were now, and he thought that he should probably get used to it.
"Maybe I can try to get over it." He stated. "Now, I'll get changed into my day clothes." And he went into the bathroom to do so.
Serena had a confused look. "And yet he still goes into the bathroom." She said to herself.
Dawn, Ally, May, and Shadow
Since Ally and Shadow were siblings, Dawn and May and their families spent the holidays together. But were they really complaining?
All four of them and their families were down and already opening their gifts. In fact, they were down to their last ones. All that was left were Dawn's and Ally's gifts to each other, and May's and Shadow's to each other. They each handed their gift to one another.
Dawn started opening her gift that Ally gave her. "You didn't have to get this for me."
Ally shrugged her shoulders. "It's Christmas, I wanted to."
Once Dawn was finished opening it, she took the lid off the box. She put the box down and lifted up what was in the box. It was a white dress. It had pink frills on the neckline and diamonds around the sleeves.
"So?"
"Ally, it's gorgeous."
"Yeah. I got it for you because I know what you like. You can wear it during contests when you're on a journey."
Dawn smiled. "Thank you so much. I love it! Now, see what I got you."
Ally tore the paper off and what was inside was a scrapbook. And there was frames in the cover, and each frame contained a picture of her Pokemon.
"I really like it. Thank you."
"I got the pictures you took that you gave me and I trimmed them so they could fit in the frames. I'm glad you like it."
Ally smiled and kissed Dawn. They loved what they got each other. But now, it was May and Shadow's turn.
"Why don't you go first?" May suggested.
"Hey, hey, ladies first." Shadow stated.
Liking that Shadow was being a gentleman, May unwrapped her gift. What was under the paper, was a video camera, in a box of course. May was surprised. Shadow went all out for her.
"Wow, Shadow, this is great! But why?"
"Look, I know how when you're on a journey and you like to do your "May's expeditions" thing. When you put your fingers in front of your face like a camera, I kind of got the idea for this. I knew that it would be something you like." Shadow explained.
"Uh, thanks Shadow. Now I can film my expeditions for real." May said. "Look at what I got you."
After Shadow unwrapped the paper, he lifted the lid off the box and took the item out. It was a leather jacket, something he had been wanting for a few years.
"A leather jacket? Wow! I love it! Now I can wear something when it's cold out. Thanks babe."
The two of them kissed and hugged. Looks like the all four of them were having a great Christmas.
Clemont and Shauna
It was a little different for them. Clemont and Shauna weren't in a relationship but they still decided to spend Christmas together.
They had given their gifts to each other and were going to open them. Clemont insisted that Shauna open her's first. She unwrapped the paper and saw what was inside: a new phone.
"Thanks Clemont. But I've already got a phone."
"Look, I know how much you've been hating your phone lately. How it's always slow and crashing often. So I took the liberty of getting you a new one." Clemont explained.
Shauna smiled and planted a peck on Clemont's cheek, making him blush.
"Wait, you didn't make this yourself did you?"
"Uh, no I-"
Shauna giggled. "I'm just playing around." She looked down at her phone. "It's kind of almost like the gift I got you."
"Oh." Clemont then started opening his gift. Once it was visible, he found out it was a tablet.
"Ooh, wow! Shauna, how?"
"I just knew a way. You like it?"
"I love it!"
"It's just something you can use to plan your inventions. You can create layouts, design them, whatever. You name it. I thought you might need something like that."
Clemont was surprised. He didn't know how she got it but she did. He pulled her into a tight hug, which she returned.
"I'm getting closer." She thought to herself. Bonnie, who was near them, had a grin on her face.
"He's getting closer." She thought to herself.
Brock and Lucy
Brock was excited. He was spending Christmas with a girl. Well, with a girl other than his mother and sisters. He was spending it with Lucy.
They were about to open their gifts to each other. But Brock was nervous. He wasn't sure if she would like it. She unwrapped it and it was a blue box. She opened it to reveal to blue pearl earrings.
"Brock, they're beautiful."
"You like them."
"I love them! But, how could you get these? These must have cost you a lot."
"Actually, those blue pearls are from a real Clampearl."
Her eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
"Very serious."
"I hope that you like yours." Lucy stated.
Brock opened his. It was a video picture frame. Pictures of the two of them went through on the screen. He was amazed with it.
"Is it okay?"
"I really like it."
"I hope it's not too frugal."
Brock smiled and kissed her. "Hey, it's the thought that counts."
Lucy smiled. "Merry Christmas, Brock."
"Merry Christmas, Lucy."
Ash and Serena
It was now the time to exchange gifts. Everyone present went to get their gifts. Two of them went at a time so they wouldn't spoil what they got each other.
Ash and Serena were both excited to see what they got for each other. They both had told each other it was a great gift. They of course didn't give any hints as to what it was. They didn't want to ruin it.
When all the gifts were downstairs and organized to each person, they started and went in order of rotation. Ash and Serena both held their gifts to one another in their hands, hopes high in their minds. They were going to open each other's gifts last.
"Serena, I hope you like this. I put a lot of thought into it."
"Ash, I hope you like this. I don't want to disappoint you."
When all but Ash and Serena's gift to each other were open, now it was time. They each were a little nervous about how the other's response would be. They stood in front of each other and took a deep breath. Now it was the moment of truth.
Ash handed his gift to Serena. "Here, I hope you like it."
Serena took hers then handed Ash his. "I hope you like yours too."
They both looked at their gifts for a moment. Ash thought he would be a gentleman and let Serena go first.
"Why don't you go first?" He asked.
"Actually, how about you?" She asked.
"Come on, ladies first."
She sighed. "All right."
Serena started unwrapping her gift. When she finished tearing off all the paper, there were two small white boxes. She was wondering what Ash was up to. What kind of items would be in these boxes?
"Aren't you going to open them?" He asked.
Serena snapped back into her focus. "Oh, right, sorry." She then placed both the boxes down in front of her and opened them both at the same time. Once she saw what they were, she gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.
She took the item out that was from the smallest of the two boxes: A charm bracelet. It was really stunning. There were many different charms on it, each of something that she liked. Some of the charms were of her Pokemon. It had a Fennekin, a Pancham, and an Eevee. Other charms consisted of: A pokeball, a heart, a rose, etc. She really liked it.
The other box consisted of a necklace. It was simply beautiful. It had a key on it, but what caught her eye was that there was a heart on the top of it. What did that mean?
"So, what do you think?" He asked.
She held each gift in her hands and looked up at him. "Ash, I… I… don't know what to say. How-"
Ash frowned a little bit. "Is it too much?"
"No, it's just… I'm just a little surprised you were able to get these."
"It's no big deal. I just wanted to get you something that you would like. Do you?" He asked.
"Ash, I love them. I really like the bracelet, but, what does the heart at the top of the key mean?" She asked.
"Well, you know that it's a key right? But ironically, it's the key to my heart."
Serena gasped and her eyes widened a bit. "Really?"
"I know it may be cheesy, but, that's how I really feel about you. I don't know what kind of person I would be if you weren't here right now. It's just… you've changed me a bit since I first met you."
Serena was literally speechless. She couldn't think of one word to say. Everything Ash said had meaning. She knew it came from his heart. And she was beyond ecstatic. Tears were forming in her eyes. She then slammed into a hug with him, letting all the tears flow.
"Thank you." She said, sniffling. The tears that trickled down her cheeks stained onto Ash's shirt. Ash didn't really feel it, mainly because he didn't care. She was happy, and he couldn't care about anything else.
"Wait!" Serena exclaimed. "You haven't opened my gift to you yet."
Ash's eyes opened up. "Oh."
He picked up the gift and unwrapped it. It was a box just like his gift to her, but it was black instead of white. He opened it and saw what was inside: a silver case. He opened it and what it contained shocked him. Inside it was six Pokeballs, each one a different color: black, blue, green, etc. It was truly something.
"Wow, Serena, this is great. I love it!" He exclaimed.
"That's not all." She stated.
"What?"
"Look below the case." She responded, pointing down.
Ash took the case and placed it next to him on the coffee table. It was another box, but white. He took it and opened it. It happened to be a necklace with a locket on it. It was heart shaped.
"Wow, Serena, this is pretty cool. Thank you!"
"I wasn't sure if you would like something that was heart shaped, but I saw what it looked like and I thought you could do something with it."
Ash liked it, but there was one thing that caught his eye…
There was a keyhole in it.
He wondered. Why was there a keyhole on it? What did it do?
Wait! He suddenly thought of something.
"Hey, could you give your necklace to me for a moment?"
Serena gave the necklace to him and he took the key and put it into the hole. And wouldn't you know it, it opened.
"Well, what do you know? Your necklace actually unlocks mine." He said.
Serena giggled. "I guess now that literally it's the key to your heart."
Ash smiled. "Thanks for this. It really means a lot."
Serena smiled as well. "Right back at you."
They then kissed and embraced each other, their moms watching in happiness.
It truly was a Christmas to remember.
Author's note: Aww. Look at their gifts. How adorable. Uh oh, am I getting too mushy? Oops. I shouldn't be doing that. Come on BigJ, man up! Now's not the time to show your feminine side. Anyway, This personally has to be one of my top three favorite chapters to this story. I liked how it progressed. It's nice that everyone got gifts to each other that meant a lot to them. Leave me your comments, but before doing that, read this preview.
Who knew that something like this would happen? Why is it that things like this happen often when they're outdoors?
Many more Arboks came towards them. Ash and Pikachu were on their own. Their training from their journeys would give them a good fighting chance, despite the odds.
Pikachu let a few more thunderbolts loose and hit some of the Arboks with a volt tackle. Multiple Arboks fainted but there were still numerous ones left. Ash and Pikachu were hopelessly outnumbered. They could defeat most of them but they needed some extra help to handle the rest. But there was no one else around to help them. What were they to do?
"Fennekin, use flamethrower."
Suddenly, a blast of flamethrower shot past Ash and Pikachu and collided into the Arbok, knocking out about five of them. Ash looked back at Serena.
"Thanks for showing up!" He shouted.
"Thank me later. Let's get these Arbok dealt with." She commanded.
With that being said, they each gave out orders to their Pokemon. Each attack either knocking out a few Arboks or dealing a lot of damage. After a devastating number of attacks shot out, the Arboks that were still standing, cowered away in retreat, valuing their lives and booking it out. Ash, Serena, Pikachu, and Fennekin were heavily panting, having gone through a lot of work to get through those Arbok.
"Good job, Serena. You too, Pikachu."
"You two did a good job, and to you too, Fennekin."
"Pika."
"Fenne."
But then something started happening.
Author's note: Whoa, what's going on? Yeah, yeah, I ended the preview with a bland line, but I didn't want to spoil anything. What is going on? Can you guys guess? If you want, leave your guess in your review. In the meantime, I'll chug a gallon of milk and try not to get sick. I'll see you in the next chapter, if I haven't vomited my guts out by then. Until then…
TDBigJ out!
Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.
-Forest Gump
