Good to see you all readers again! The next instalment of my one-shot collection is here, and i hope you enjoy it.
Chris, Carol and Kaylin: 6 years old
Ruby: 9 months old
An orange glow filled the woods as the sun was seen dawning over the horizon. Slowly and gradually, the beam of light spread over the surrounding regions and a house came into view which looked quite ancient but at the same time, a nice feeling of warmth was seemed to be spiraling around the house which made the house alight like diamonds when the sunlight swallowed the darkness which bounded the mansion. The light danced on the outskirts of the mansion before peeking into one of the rooms where the curtains weren't raised, lighting the room.
The light brought the features of the room into view. The room was painted blue from all the sides except from one which was painted yellow. In front of the wall, stood a single bed where a girl about the age of six or seven, was deep in slumber covered tightly by blanket in which the characters of Disney fairy princesses were embroidered. Her hair had the shade of dark brown which was as dark as that of an integument of a Bouffant. Her hair was a mess and was tied in ponytail. She had delectable shade of grays under her eyes, and was constantly yawning all the time. Finally, a cool breeze blew into the room and the young girl shivered a little, before her one eye twitched and steadily, she opened her eyes and then closed it again due to the brightness in her room. She again opened her eyes and furiously blinked two to three times to adjust to the brightening light that was beaming from the windows.
The little brunette stifled a yawn while stretching her limbs to recover them from their numbed state. She rubbed her eyes from the back of her hands to clear her field of view. She quietly shimmed out of Glaceon's embrace, quietly squirming free before sliding off the edge of the bed. It seemed everyone else sounded asleep, by the looks of it…It was unlike for Chris and Carol to be quiet, but she didn't have it in her to muddle the precious scene as it would be horrifying to break their slumber. Her eyes lingered on Glaceon, and with a smile plastered on her face, the brunette tip-toed to the window, where once opened, the cool zephyr flew in through the window fanning her cheek, as well as abolishing the stifling humidity in the room. A dandelion seed floated past her window, rising ever with the winds, the opposite of falling leaves. Feeling a sense of tranquil, Kaylin observed the smallest details of the surroundings which put her at ease, making her realize that Pallet Town was only a small square of the huge word she yet had to see, and yet it seemed so endless. The houses, Flying Pokémon, roads, gardens, visible ponds, clouds and their gliding silhouettes, stood like the sore thumbs surrounded by the natural beauty, the natural imperfection of trees.
Humming, she peered towards the side table to check the time but what really caught her eye was the date on the calendar. A whitening smile spread across her beautiful visage, her heart beginning to race already and her bright auburn orbs sparkled as she stomped repeatedly with ecstasy. She slipped her legs into her slippers before running from her room and crossed the hallway to barge into her sisters' room.
She slammed the door open, struck the light and without a warning pounced on the figure that was sleeping contently on the bed.
''Oww!'' Carol yelped inwardly, ''What ya 'doing!''
''What you think I am doing!'' Kaylin repeated incredulously.
''Is that supposed to be a rhetorical question?'' Carol countered. ''We're not out of food are we?''
''Oh, Cozy! Today's the Day we have been waiting for!'' Kaylin squeaked, her eyes glimmering, as she shoved the digital alarm clock in her reach to hold it in front of Carol's face.
''For…you to go absolutely crazy?'' Carol flinched at the clock being shoved in her face, ''Cause I thought Chris has already taken care of that.''
''Oh Cozy, cut the jokes,'' Kaylin calmly argued. ''Let's go wake Mommy and Daddy up!''
Carol rubbed her eyes, feeling groggy. She had just woken up and Kaylin was acting like she'd eaten a barrel full of sugar. ''Nnn…I'm behind that…Hold on,'' she looked up through half-lidded hues, roused her energies and slid of the bed, as a lazed trudge carried Carol to the washroom, topped off by a shriek. Though Kaylin expected it, she winced.
''My hair…! Oh, it's a wreck!'' Carol whined, frantically attempting to pat down her bedhead. Kaylin's laughter could be heard from the room.
XXX
The sheets were untidy, propped up by the lumps that spanned the length of the bed. The culprits laid against an assortment of pillows, nestled together with their arms wrapped around each other. Ash and his messy bed-head were nestled into May's locks, where he slept soundly…Pardoning the occasional snore that made May stir, and an occasional defiant commands that were, no doubt, a product of a solitary dream. Between them profoundly reposed baby Ruby, with one little hand, naturally resting on Ash's belly that slowly rose and fell with each breath he took while rest of her body was sprawled on May, but how long did anyone know.
Carol opened the door with a loud BANG and both sisters rushed in! This stirred the members of her family from their doze but was unable to wake them up. They waited patiently for her parents or sister to wake up but no movement were seen, then she and her sister huffily moved across the room and started jumping up and down screaming at the top of her lungs," MUMMY! DADDY! WAKE UP!"
Ash woke up startled while a sound of wailing echoed the bedroom. ''No Mom, please don't be mad at me!'' he cried, whimsically as his eyes settled on the two brunettes who were looking at him with depict glitters in their eyes.
"What's the reason, Koko? Is everything okay?" he asked while rubbing his eyes to eliminate the last remains of his sleep.
"Yes Daddy! We are completely fine. Get up! We gotta go camping today?"
''Really, that was today?'' Ash pondered, rubbing the side of his face, looking at the sunlight that stole in through the window. ''Well, it would be nice to spend some time in the woods after a long time.''
''Yeah Daddy, look!'' Carol chimed in by pointed her finger to the calendar where the day 16 of July was duly highlighted, as if marked for something of chief significance.A yawn of higher pitch interrupted their conversation, as they turned their attention to May, who pulled herself into a sitting position and was now stretching her arms over her head. May smiled at the girls as she lifted the Ruby who wouldn't stop bawling and tried to entertain her.
"Don't worry, sweetheart! Momma is here." the woman lulled calmly while rocking her in her arms and continued by looking her elder children," Cozy, it's six in the morning. We won't be going to the woods until this afternoon, so why don't both of you go back to sleep?"
Kaylin shook her head vehemently in negative," No, Mummy! I want to go now."
''Told you it was a bad idea,'' Carol mumbled in Kaylin's ear.
Just then, a blur of blue and red entered the room, as Chris lunged in near the edge of the bed, which miraculously made Ruby's prolonged whimper to stop as she too cast her big brother a curious look. The key was Chris, this time, had dressed in a Superman Costume.
''I heard a noise. Did someone break into our house!'' Chris announced his arrival complacently, as he puffed his chest and placed his fists on his waist, in a style similar to the son of Krypton.
His mother was about to reply but was interrupted by her husband, "Give it a minute, May. Let's see where this goes."
''Not yet,'' Kaylin informed with her brow furrowed, while crossing her arms, ''But just out of curiosity, if someone actually would break into our house, you thought dressing up as Superman would stop them?''
''I'm just glad he didn't apprise Officer Jenny like he did the last time you ate his pudding,'' May slowly whispered to Ash.
''Come on, Koko,'' Carol added, she draped an arm over Kaylin's shoulder, 'Do you think anyone would bother to break into our house once they know Chris Ketchum lives here?''
''Thanks, Cozy!''
''Wasn't a compliment!'' Carol's eye twitched as she grumbled. It was quickly becoming evident that it was gonna be a stressful morning, when all May and Ash could hear was grumbles and tired, chattered complaints every now and then with some exclamations.
''This could go on all day, May. Why don't you wash Ruby while I ensure they get showered and have breakfast?'' Ash exhaled, leaning back onto the end of the bed. ''I'll even handpick Chris's clothes to wear today.''
"Thanks, Ash." May gleefully agreed, a comforting smile relaxed her lips. ''And please make sure he doesn't wear his underwear over his pants.'' Chris, who had heard that from the edge of the bed, crossed his arms and pouted while the girls giggled.
"No problem, my lady!" He took the opportunity to wrap a sturdy arm around her waist while May giggled and moved closer to enrapture his lips into a soft kiss and before it could get more passionate, a cough interrupted the two making googly-eyes at one another. Both looked about to take in the sight of their kids in front of them, going to painful lengths to avoid eye contact with their parents, except for Ruby, she was clapping merrily. Kaylin interrupted them," Awwww, that's so disgusting!" while Carol imitated of being gagged.
Chris, in particular, was burying his face in his hands, ''gross…~''
Ash and May shared similar shades of red when it became conspicuous that they'd put on a scene.
''Ahahaha… Sorry,'' Ash coughed. ''I guess we should split now, huh? "Now, guys go to your room and get ready for your baths. Then I'll whip up some of your favorites for the day."
"Okay, Daddy!" they gasped and with that, Kaylin ran to her room to do as instructed, with Carol trailing behind her slowly.
Chris snickered as he watched his sisters scamper away in their respective rooms. ''You wouldn't be such sedate runners if you were just Super!'' He called behind them, and made a dart striking for the door, except his feet landed on the cape of his dress. ''Oh…sorry!'' Chris smiled apologetically, and scurried away.
Dumbfounded at the act, Ash took notice of May's stern glare at him, and whistled looking in the other direction, ''Looks like we'll be missing Comic Con this year.'' he surmised, as May nodded in consensus at him.
"So…, can we continue?" Ash asked in a seductive tone which made May give him a quizzical look. ''We got some time before they are primed, you know…''
"Tempting,'' May wondered instinctively, by tapping her chin with her index finger, before turning her eyes up towards the ceiling, ''but No, I'm going back to sleep."
He mock glared at her but when she pecked his cheek, he grinned," Well, I think this is all I can get now.'' He propped himself up out of the bed, not as second had passed, until he set himself down on the bed again and…
"How about a quick foreplay?'' Ash negotiated persistently.
''No,'' May answered, his antics caused a smile to be crept on her lips. Comprehending her refusal, Ash got off the bed once again and headed for the door through which his kids had exited a few minutes ago and closed it behind him. But he slightly opened the door to stick his head inside the room from the doorway and yet again…
''Seriously, we can't even cuddle?''
The question prompted May to grab hold of Ruby's favourite Cleffa doll and cordially throw it in his direction, which she missed as he instinctively closed the door.
''I think you need to go through your vows once again lady!'' Ash scoffed from the other side of the room and made about an effective an exit as could be thought of as soon as possible.
XXX
In the kitchen . . .
Ash was pleased with his efforts as his eyes examined the luminous kitchen he had just polished, trying to find if he didn't miss any spot. The fragrance of mystic sandal and jasmine permeating the air, causing anyone's mind to wander to a peaceful heaven of scenic grass and tall, swaying trees.
''This sure ought to impress May,'' he remarked contently and set the cloth and the spray containing the agent aside. Before he was about to engage himself to prepare breakfast, a groggily walking Pikachu entered the kitchen and flew off like a frog splash, aiming for his trainer. Ash chuckled as he felt four paws land on his shoulder.
''Pikapi?'' the yellow rodent wished and slothfully licked Ash's cheek.
''Morning, buddy'' Ash reached out and scratched behind Pikachu's ear, earning a happy 'cha' from the electric type. Ash continued to pay the mouse special attention as he pulled out the apron from the side-stand, also noticing that Pikachu's sleep was disrupted.
''What's wrong buddy? Did KoKo wake you up too?'' Ash quirked a brow, wearing the apron and using his hands to tie the knot behind his back.
''Ka!'' Pikachu refuted, swiftly nodding his head to the left, his little paw pointing towards Ash.
''ME and MAY did?'' Ash repeated, this time much more enigmatically, ''Aw Come on, we were being so quiet!''
''Pikachu Pi-Pika!'' Pikachu adamantly confirmed that it was Ash who was the culprit.
''Doesn't matter,'' Ash shook his head before deciding not to argue back and shrugged the topic off, ''We're going for camping in the woods today.''
''Pika!'' Pikachu happily agreed. A little fun out in the sun sounded ideal, right about now. If he continued to lie around like that, he'd quickly become lazy. His trance was interrupted by piercing voices of blithesome squealing and jocund boisterousness which intensified as the source of the noise drew nearer. The triplets hurtled into the room to find swept and tidied, and settled themselves on the table with ravenous appetite and buoyant spirit. Pikachu, excited at their arrival, leaped from Ash's shoulder and perched itself on the center of the table.
''Oh Good Morning Pikachu!'' the three greeted in unison.
''Did you sleep well Pikachu?'' Carol asked, as Pikachu blankly stared at Ash, trying not to blow the gag away. Ash soon contemplated what Pikachu eye sign language meant. It meant ~Sure, What the hell~
"So, what do you want for breakfast, guys?" Ash took out a notepad which was rested above the refrigerator, and pretended to be a waiter to crack the kids up.
"Sausage and Cheese Omelets and Orange Juice!" Kaylin replied excited at the prospect of camping with her family.
''Say no more princess,'' Ash smiled, clicked the pen for noting it down which made her chuckle.
''And for you, pumpkin?'' Ash picked up from the notepad, and supplicated Carol for her order.
''I'll have Blueberry waffles and Banana Smoothie!'' Carol threw up her hands in amazement.
''And you Champ?'' He turned to his son, who was uncontrollably swaying his legs left to right.
''I wanna have Maple Loops, and Hash browns!'' he spit it out.
''Forgetting something champ?'' Ash reminded, wiggling a brow.
''And…some Spinach salad,'' Chris sulkily added, deeply emphasizing on the word ''some''.
''Well, at least I am glad I convinced you that Superman is not immune to everything that's green,'' Ash crowed. It was true, it took ash a few months but he finally made Chris eat green vegetables. It was a dare that he received from May six months ago. Ash's memory lane took him back to where he made Chris constantly watch Popeye and even hide veggies in Chris's Chocolate brownies. But at last, he did it. He always knew Chris was capable of a great change, for example, the time when he convinced Chris that the word ''Boots'' were totally different from the word ''Booty'' that Uncle Gary taught the little boy.
''Will that be all?'' Ash asked, hoping it will be all, and wished he didn't have to click the pen for a second time.
''And BACON!'' the three quickly interjected.
''Of course…'' Ash respired flatly.
He looked down at the list and was so shocked that he faked a smile, his teeth visible to the audience of four, ''oh darn,'' he thought, "I had to ask…How does Mom handle this?'' What pressured him even more was the desperate innocent faces of the triplets sitting in front of him, looking right up at him with lips full of craving and wide eyes that read aspiration. He smiled graciously at them and set aside the notepad, and retrieved his i-Pad from where he last kept it, and Googled the recipe he didn't knew.
''So I'll be making Bacon, Sausage and Cheese Omelets with Orange Juice for KoKo, Waffles in Blueberry Sauce and Banana Smoothie for Cozy, Maple Loops, Hash browns and Spinach Salad for Chris, Pokémon food with Sitrus Berries for Glaceon and same with Ketchup and Sitrus Berries for Pikachu which is not so surprisingly a very odd combination, May will have a Bruschetta'' Ash counted them off on his fingers, his eyes floating towards the ceiling, trying his best to remember everything he noted down, 'And I'll just have French Toast and some time to wonder ~Where's Brock when you need him? ~ he japed making the triplets giggle.
Around 45 minutes later…
Ash was beyond jaded as he placed the last plate on the table, which finally stopped the triplets from lustily banging the table, 'Here you go, guys. Dig in. Eat to your fullest. And don't thank God. I did everything.'' Ash breathed, mopping a sweat on his forehead, as he slumped down on an empty chair, and looked at his kids blitzing on their meal. He looked down to see Pikachu and Glaceon too enjoying their morning breakfast.
''Completely worth it,'' he susurrated, taking heavy breaths in between, ''I can totally be a super dad!'' He was about to grab his French Toast, but stopped and looked at the doorway when he heard soft murmurings he instinctually knew to be his wife's. The Pokemon's ears twitched at the sound and they stopped eating and turned their heads over their shoulders and scuttered for the threshold. Pikachu and Glaceon excitedly wagged their tails as May stepped through the doorway with baby Ruby in her arms. She was holding the infant close to her body, her lips pressed against the baby's forehead as she mumbled sweet words against it, which made Ruby giggle sensing her mother's jovial mood.
''Aww, look Ru'. Pikachu and Glaceon want to wish you Good Morning,'' May giggled, as she kneeled down to show her youngest one the two Pokemon she loved the most, and held her tiny hand, to wave back at them.
As she separated her lips from Ruby's forehead, and stood up back to her feet, May was astonished to find the kitchen, a room that she spends most of her time, which is very dear and important to her, completely scintillating and immaculate, spic and span. The room was flowing with beautiful redolence and variations encircling around her. The table spread for breakfast with her husband's excellent fare.
''Either this is comfort,'' May was left flabbergasted, ''Or I am still dreaming.''
Ash, who had heard both sentences, bantered, 'Here's a logical hypothesis, maybe you have entered an alternative dimension where everything is opposite to our regular lives.''
''No, I don't think that's it,'' May smacked her lips, and settled Ruby on her baby chair, continuing, ''If it were an alternative dimension, our kids wouldn't be eating at a pace of a Snorlax.'' Ash looked at the triplets who were literally stuffing their mouths, and understood what May meant.
''So I see that you have overdone yourself,'' May commented, without looking at him, fastening the bib around Ruby's neck, as the baby bobbed up and down on the chair excitedly once May placed the tray of baby food in front of her that Ash had readied.
''Ah, it's no big deal. I enjoy doing it.'' Ash smiled with a wink, ''So what took you so long?'' Ash couldn't help but ask, scrutinizing the time May took to get down in the Kitchen was almost an hour.
''I couldn't find Ruby's diapers where I usually keep them,'' May answered calmly. ,''What I am wondering is how did it get in one of the drawers of the TV unit?''
All three kids stopped eating and exchanged surprised glances with each other. They turned around to see their mother looking right back at them with suspicious eyes.
''It certainly wasn't me!'' Kaylin protested.
''Neither did I!'' Carol joined.
''I swear I didn't even touch the diapers! Why would I do something like that!'' Chris demurred, sticking his tongue out, expressing disgust. That could lead out to only one possible supposition. The four pair of eyes paused from glancing at each other and traveled in the direction of the last suspect sitting on the table, sipping his coffee, trying not to make an eye contact with any of them. A hem in May's throat was enough to intervene Ash's trance, as he looked up at her with guilty eyes.
''So, it was you,'' May supposed.
''There's a perfect explanation for this,'' Ash fibbed.
''Oh go on,'' May permitted, taking a seat adjacent to his, ''Enlighten me.''
''Maybe the Satan's minions were at work when we all were asleep,'' Ash elucidated, making the triplets snort out food while giggling. Ruby, who had no clue what the conversation her Mommy and Daddy were having, broke into a fit of laughter when she saw her elder siblings doing so too.
''Wanna try again?'' May raised a brow.
''Alright, I changed her diapers when she dropped one when I was playing Grand Theft Auto last night. And was too lazy to bring it back up to our room, so adjusted it in the drawer of the TV unit.'' Ash admitted, remorseful for his actions. Glad that her husband had confessed his mistake, May sighed and a half suppressed smile etched its way to her lips. She turned away from her husband to look at the various choices to choose from that dominated the entire space of the table. Reaching out for a bacon strip, she took a bite and the taste colored her impressed. She then went for the hash browns followed with a piece of her Bruschetta.
"Wow, this food is amazing.'' May remarked, gulping down what she had with a glass of orange juice, ''Hope you didn't use up all the ingredients on breakfast." The reply never came, because at the moment however, her husband who was going out of his way to entertain the kids, using the whipped cream as some sort of facemask as his beard, and placing a bacon strip foamed with whipped cream between his nose and upper lip, pretending it to be a moustache.
''Ho Ho Ho! I am Santa Claus!'' he voiced, which earned a delightful laughter from the kids. May knew that someday, one member of her family would do such a thing, but she expected it from Ruby or Chris, certainly not her husband.
''Ash, could you ever be more of a father than a Clown!'' May chastised. ''The cream is dripping from your neck!''
''But I didn't get to shake my belly like a bowl full of Jelly!'' Ash parried, negating May's assertion. While Ruby let out a happy shriek, and the triplets nodded emphatically, May, Glaceon and Pikachu took the occasion to groan, and rest their heads in their hands.
Soon, everybody was chatting merrily as they discussed the various aspects of their trip. On every face, including Ash's which he wiped clean his face with a napkin, much to May's relief, was a smile and the volume rose with chatter and laughter. The table was now becoming a bit visible, due to numerous plates being stacked one after the other which were previously all scattered over. Finally the table was cleared, and the family had now moved into the living room. Time passed by as everyone had their own little conversations that sounded like a bunch of whispers if you weren't involved in any conversation yourself. And at last, there was half an hour left until they had to get moving.
"Okay, It's time that we all get ready,'' May began, '' I'll allocate everybody different tasks so everyone listen closely. Koko and Cozy, you'll help me pack the food basket, utensils and water bottles,'' turning her attention from her daughters after their agreement, she turned to her son and husband, ''Chris and Ash, I'll need you to go look for the tents, camping equipment and the sleeping bags in the store room. Also, ensure that all of you get your backpacks ready. Bring along your caps, jackets, sweaters and woollen clothes as weather may turn chilly in the evening. Also you'll wear your waders. And remember I will correct you only because you will go wrong, apart from that Mommy loves you. Now get going. "May clapped twice as she finished instructing everybody to complete their pre-camping preparations. The kids nodded in accordance and screamed excitedly as they scampered to complete their respective tasks. May smirked as she watched them go. But unbeknownst to May stood a puzzled Ash.
''Hey May,'' he raised the question, ''if you assigned us with different jobs, what will you be doing? Obviously packing frozen food and grill sticks doesn't seem like a huge job to me.''
May simply hummed, blushing sheepishly ''I was afraid you will pick up on that.''
XXX
After 1 hour, Silkwind Forest
The Silkwind Forest had made a good spot to settle. A babbling brook fed by a small, picturesque waterfall marked it out as particularly scenic. May reclined, with Ruby in her arms, her back resting against Torterra as it lazed on the grass, relishing the three figures mounted on the Continental Pokémon's back. Ash in turn, had his head in May's lap as they played tickled their youngest one. Meanwhile rest of the team Ash had brought with him laid against one another.
"Wow, Tophy! Cozy! Look!" Kaylin yipped, wide eyes fixated on the wild Pokémon on the branches that were staring back at this interesting blue creature with four wheels settled into their habitat, wondering which Pokemon this could be?
''How cute are they!'' Carol chimed.
''Awesome!'' Chris agreed, exhilarated at the sight of various Normal Type Pokémon, hanging upside down from the branches.
Ash and May looked at each other and smiled at their enthusiasm. They were elated that their kids already loved Pokemon ever since they were babies, especially they were close to Pikachu, Skitty and Glaceon. Some people did judged them for letting their Pokemon near their children when they were so young but both Ash and May knew they were making the right decision.
Savoring the moment, Ash pulled himself up from May's lap and stood up, calling out to their kids. ''Hey guys, do you wanna help me setting up the tents?''
They nodded fervidly as slid down the tree on Torterra's back one by one and followed Ash to the car. May just watched the three waddle behind Ash and sighed peacefully. It had been so long since they went on a camping trip like this. It always seemed to her that her children were growing at blinding speed, and in coming few years, they would set out on their own journeys, in the enormous wide world. But she couldn't stop them from growing, could she? She just wanted to spend more and more of each special moment with them. Being a mother, May had learnt that her kids enjoyed every minute of their life. They never waited for something outside of themselves to make them happy in the future. When Nothing is promised tomorrow, they really knew how precious today was.
She was all smiles whe she gazed at her husband guiding the triplets to set up their tents. She chuckled, when he deliberately, made mistakes in order to make them intervene and aid him by holding his hands like he was a student while they were the teacher. She was so happy to glimpse see her triplets resolve into a fit of giggles, when Ash ''accidently'' missed the nail peg, and hit the hammer on his thumb. The former coordinator couldn't think of separating them at the moment. May was watching this episode with interest piqued and smiled inwardly about how good a father Ash had become and was feeling proud of him for taking excellent care of their children. She felt that she was right in her choice to marry him. But, her trance got busted when she felt her hands oddly lighter, and saw that Ruby crawl out of her arms towards the bushes close by .
With a look of horror striking her, May gasped as she instantly outstretched her arms to scoop up the baby in her tracks, and crooned as if a soft warn, ''Don't wander off like that baby.'' The last thing she wanted was her baby to tick off some Ursaring or swamp of Beedrills.
With that, she settled Ruby down on the grass when she tried to wiggle her way out of May's grasp, and sat beside her. The infant was seeing so many new things for the first time in her life. She was cautiously examining the new surrounding around her. She squirmed her head to look at Torterra and then other wild Pokemon nesting upon its massive tree.
''Ooh!'' the baby prattled, before trying to goad them into playing with her with a sway of her hand. They gave her kind smiles and chirp in greeting. ''Ooof!'' May bit her lip, as she gawked at the baby toll over in the grass. But then her attention was diverted when Ash called for her, requesting her with something. This gave Ruby the chance, as the baby crept slowly through the grass, where her head bumped into someone, as she flopped on her baby bottom, and rubbing her head.
''Dew!'' a high voice startled her.
But it was a similarly frightened Budew, who opted to hop away to safety. Ruby shrugged crawling her way back to where her mother, who was engrossed in spreading a blanket on the grass where everybody would sit. But a flicker of a black fur distracted her as the restless baby grabbed the swinging tail causing Incineroar's ear twitch. Looking over its shoulder, Incineroar spotted the little baby on the grass, and a pair of bright azure eyes glowing back at it. Ruby slowly sprung, tapping Incineroar on its left leg, as the Heel Pokemon simply blinked in dubiety at her.
''I think she wants to play,'' Glalie acknowledged its dilemma. Incineroar's eyes narrowed back to the baby's face reading her expression, its ears flicking in though and his lips quickly gained a mischievous grin. Squizzing at Glalie, it replied impishly, ''Sure, let's liven things around her!''
Lifting Ruby up to place her in its arm, the bulky feline sat up, intently watching Glalie and pounced at its target, nudging Glalie, before taking off, Baby Ruby could be seen tittering from its mane. ''you're it!''
''That's the game, huh!'' Glalie cried, before levitating as fast as it could towards its playmate, already oh-so close to catching...
''Blaz!'' Confounded, Glalie stopped and was now face-to face with the fire type that stood in its path. Blaziken was in for a surprise when Glalie grinned evilly and bumped into the Blaze Pokemon and hovered a few feet away.
''Hey, what gives!'' it snarled while Glalie's grin was the only answer. ''Gotcha~!'' Glalie's voice was heard, chaffed Blaziken by sticking out its defiant tongue. Blaziken cocked its head and snickered, as it gave Glalie a chase swiping at the Face Pokemon with its paw but that didn't stop Glalie from floating past its snout. ''Missed Me!''
''Hey, what about us!''
Blaziken and Glalie turned to face their teammate, who seemed to be getting pretty bored. Blaziken crept closer, scanning, the fellow fire-type and the baby in its right arm. He dove to tag Incineroar, but the opposition swiftly dodged, careful with the baby. Blaziken missed again but it realized it came in contact with something, when it looked down at a collection of spikes dug in its belly.
''Blaz!'' it hissed, stumbling back apologetically.
''Kroo!'' Krookodile chided, instantly rising up on its feet and firing off a stream of sand, that hit Blaziken point black.
Blaziken grumbled, arms igniting in a blaze, ''Whats the big idea? Gettin' jabbed in the belly was bad enough, but ya go and hurl sand at me? You know I am immune to ground type moves!''
Krookodile moaned, rubbing its head with its claw. ''You are heavy! You should watch where you go!''
''It was an accident. We were playing! And I may be heavy but I don't have spikes on my back like you do! Yeesh!''
''Hey, hey, it was just an accident! It wasn't…'' Glalie sweatdropped, as it appeared between the two might Pokemon to diffuse the tension, while Incineroar quickly trailed off, realizing that if it stood there, it'd be taking the blame.
The sound of the ruckus soon reached the humans as Ash sat up, squinting at the commotion that had become the center of the attention. Picking up at the faintest sound of Ruby, May sat up realizing Ruby wasn't with her. She looked at the spot where she had last left Ruby to find she had vanished and the only thing appeared in place of Ruby were three blank question marks. Her face paled in horror, as she screeched, ''Ruby!''
Hearing May cry in dismay, Incineroar skulked over to her, and placed Ruby, who was attempting to hide in it mane, in May's arm. The baby gurgling, as if nothing had happened. She gently reprimanded her young one, ''Aw…Ru', what will it take to stop you from meandering off like that?''
She kissed Ruby's forehead as she let out a pitched-squeal, bring smiles to everyone's faces around her. May looked up at Incineroar kneeling down in front of her, and brushed its cheek. ''Thank you very much, Incineroar.''
But it wasn't over yet…
Krookodile and Blaziken were still answering each other with irritated gurgles.
''You are old enough to know Birdie! Rough housing that close to a group is dangerous.''
''This wouldn't have happened if your grumpy ass wouldn't be lying under this alpine tree in the first place!''
''Trust me, y' haven't seen grumpy.''
''Bring it…''
Suddenly, an explosion ensued in front of their feet, which halted their altercation, as they perked their heads in the direction the sphere of teal orb had been channeled from.
''Terra!'' Torterra's roar brought about total silence. Only grass rustled by the breeze could be heard. ''That's enough!''
Blaziken shrunk ,''But he-''
Torterra's terrifying gaze didn't waver. Blaziken relented, muttering a quiet apology to Krookodile.
''Likewise…'' Krookodile affirmed. Torterra smiled lightly bowing its head, and laid itself, thankful for the cool grass that it felt quite comfortable. In fact, it wasn't far from dozing off , now that the commotion had settled.
''Now that everything alright over there, '' Ash stood up, twisting his lips, ''Any ideas what we could do know?''
Kaylin tilted her head, trying to come up with something, until her eyes fell upon Samurott, swimming in the blissful serenity pool at the bottom of the waterfall gushing down. There were other Water-Type Pokemon throwing themselves under the waterfall.
Pursing her lips, she implored, ''Could we please go swim near the waterfall, Daddy?'' she pointed in the direction of the pool. Ash looked over to the waterfall. It was swishing over the rocks joyfully, and thundering down into the pool like a gigantic water spout.
Pursing his lips, he smiled, crouching down to his little girl, and lightly pet her cheek. "Only if you're Mum permits and even then, you have to swim near the bank."
They acknowledged the segment, which they knew to be the green light from their father, and skedaddled to pursue the permission from their mother, who was taking a few pictures of the scenery as a memoir.
''Mommy, mommy, can we go swim near the waterfall?'' Kaylin pestered puerilely, gently tugged May's arm. May laughed as she accepted her request, ''Sure, sweetie, but all of you put on your swimsuits.'' May allowed tapping the girl's nose.
Seeing no obstacle standing in her way, Kaylin wheeched into their tent, and came out a few minutes later dressed, in her warm peach and coral colored bathing suit, with elegant frills. Soon, Carol came out of the same tent wearing, a purple roma swimsuit that had adjustable shoulder straps, a bow with a gold glitter logo and frills made from soft tulle, with another frill around the waistline. Chris didn't went through all the formality, as he on the spot, whisked all his clothes down to his red broad shorts.
As they neared the waterfall, the three gasped in astonishment at its clarity. It was spurting over the basalt rock, spilling eel-like over the ledges. Samurott popped its head beneath the water, and roared, inviting them to join him in the water. Leaving everything behind, the bravest plunged into the pool. The water was so catacomb cool that their bodies were quaking when would raise their bodies above the surface of the waterbed. From where they were standing, it looked like a sheet of velour swishing down. All of them were engaged in different activities, Kaylin and Chris were playing with a beach ball, while Carol was riding on Samurott's back, where she was privileged with an underwater tour.
Looking at their merry-making, May approached Ash who was engaged in setting up the table, arranging all the food they had brought which was yet to be cooked. While he was just igniting fire on the coals into the rectangular grill, May caught hold of a thermos bottle, on the wooden table. Feeling a bit thirsty, she chose the bottle by lifting it up, and bringing it to her lips, and as she took a sip, reveling the aroma of the chicken grilling on the rotisserie. But as the fluid touched her tongue, she spit it all out gaining the attention of her husband.
''What is this?'' May scowled, holding the bottle in her hand.
''Vodka.'' Ash replied hesitantly.
''Who brings vodka to camping!''
''Someone who thinks camping is no fun without alcohol,'' an uneasy chuckle left Ash's lips. Seeming that it wasn't worth arguing, May took in charge of the barbecue while Ash walked over to Ruby and placed her in the stroller. Taking the camera that was in May's possession a few minutes ago, and pushed Ruby's stroller nearing themselves to the shoreline. Seeing that triplets roistering in the pool, he decided to take some shots of them. He captured photos of the kids splashing water against one another, Chris grappling Samurott's neck as the sea lion dove carelessly in the glimmering water, Carol sticking her face halfway into the water and blowing bubbles, Kaylin diving in and bringing up whatever object Ash threw in the water, some Goldeens and Feebas Chris pulled out from the water, , Ruby playing with a Butterfree, May roasting the chicken, Pikachu and Glaceon getting cozy with each other and growling when they heard they were being clicked, their Pokemon circling up and gossiping amongst themselves, Incineroar and Blaziken in an arm wrestling match. The scene was so glorious that he had a lightning bolt moment. It felt like beyond paradise. It made Ash's inner soul realize, that beauty can be found in anything. All you have to do is look closely. With a sigh, he placed the camera in the back compartment of Ruby's stroller, and ambered his way to his wife.
25 minutes later…
"Alright guys. It's time to come out of the water. If you stay for too long you would get wrinkly fingers." Ash patiently reminded, but they groaned, refusing to let out of the water. Hanging down his head, he listened to his wife suggest him a different approach.
''You know, lunch is ready!'' he tried.
Without being told the third time, they all swam right back, as the mention of food raised their spirits. He had never seen them so energetic to something so fast, other than something that involved Pokemon. ''Good for me. I don't have to try too hard to prove they are my kids.'' he thought aloud.
They got out of the water drenched from top to bottom, shuddering as well as beaming from their excursion. He handed each of them their respective towels to dry up.
"You guys go put on some warm clothes while the food awaits your return." He prodded.
"Thanks!" and with that, Kaylin skipped to her tent to change with Carol following close behind while Chris followed the same pattern as his sisters. When they got out of their respective tents, the smell of the grills drifted towards them drool, and they couldn't wait another second to eat. Their stomachs were rumbling and growling as the distance between them and the blanket they are supposed to eat on decreased. To finish it off, their lips smacked with anticipation as all the creation on the sheets smelled scrumptious and looked appetizing. It was like barbecue was their tranquilizer for fatigue.
Ash meanwhile, was pouring Pokemon food for their roster as well as the wild one, who were a little shy to his persuasive invitation. Pikachu was tickling Ruby senselessly and the infant was flailing with delight and her mirth echoed in the woods. As soon as May despaired puffs of fume were washed from the barbecue grills, Ruby raised her hands in anticipation that May will lift her up. Complying to her baby's request, she scooped the baby and sat next to Chris, as she was bedazzled by the speed her eldest were piling up their plates with burgers, takoyaki balls, chicken, and fish sticks.
''Wow, Mommy! Everything looks so delicious!'' Carol exclaimed, her sapphire eyes twinkled.
''I can't stop drooling!'' Kaylin added, clasping her hands.
''I can't wait to eat!'' Chris reached out to pick up a fry, only to come to a halt, much to his groaning stomach's protest. ''…But we should probably wait for Daddy, first.'' May was marveled at her son's decorum that he considered to wait for Ash to return first.
The wild pokemon slowly peered out of their hiding spots, as they observed the human feeding processed food to his Pokemon. Completing the task in hand, Ash turned towards the other wild pokemon staring at him, with cautious eyes widened at a degree.
''Come out now, there's no need to be afraid,'' Ash fawned, placing one of takoyaki balls atop every bowl of pokechow laid out for everybody. The leader of the Growlithe pack, made the initiative to step forward and take an experimental nibble at the treat atop the pile of the chow and its eyes momentarily doubled in size. Unable to enumerate what exactly did it taste, but unable to care, it chewed on the takoyaki ball with a wagging tail. ''Told ya' it's good.''
Enjoying the snack, it encouraged other wild pokemon to take a bite too, which soon followed as the pack of Growlithe, a flock of Pidgey, a family of Butterfree and a few Ledyba, Sentrets, Zigzagoons, Aipoms, Mankeys and other grass types like Bellsprouts and Tangela hoarded their way to the group. More and more Pokemon came by. On the shoreline, Samurott was sharing its lunch with Poliwags, Psyducks and Marills. Hands on his hips, Ash smiled at the scene of wild Pokemon and his Pokemon munching side by side. He turned to head back to his family. ''Now I gotta refuel, too!''
Once Ash had returned, and they started for lunch, chatting with each other and Ash was telling them about pranks he played on Max and Gary when they were young. May was also telling them about her various hilarious pranks and Contest blooper moments. Within a matter of 10 minutes, all the food had disappeared. The food was a great luxury to them and enjoyed it with a sense of delicious voluptuous ease.
Once they were done, Ash and May espied that their children eyes were drooping. The triplets felt their consciousness ebbing away as they were trying to fight sleep but eventually, they dozed to a sleep, their bodies leaning against one another, with round, protruded bellies. Both of them lifted the three of them gently, discovering a new fact about their children.
''Wow, they weigh twice as much after eating,'' May laughed at Ash's impressed comment.
''Although I was hoping Chris would weigh less. Remember his little mishap on the spinning teacups?''
''Oh yeah, I still feel bad for that girl in the Cinderella costume in the cup behind us. To this day, I can't eat funnel cakes.'' Ash grimaced at the thought as the young parents floundered towards the camp. They tucked them in their respective sleeping beds and pulled the blankets over their limp state.
''They are such angels when they are asleep. They chase each other for hours, and eventually pass out.'' May cooed as she rested her head on Ash's shoulder, who in return put an arm around her shoulder.
''Yeah, now I know why our Pokemon love them even more in this state,'' May giggled at her husband's comment and brushed her lips against his. They stood there for some moments staring at the peaceful sight before them before they moved out to get an exhausted Ruby and with the energy left in them, sauntered over to their own tent to take a well deserving respite from their frenzied afternoon.
XXX
Around 6:00 p.m.…
The parents emerged from their tent, leaving Ruby in Pikachu's care. But the first scene their eyes saw left them breathless. The sky was changing its color as the sun neared the horizon, leaving the bold white moon to shine silver beams on the rippling facade. Silhouettes of flying pokemon could be seen giving out an indication that they were probably migrating. The gentle breeze made leaves rustle in rhythm, and they could listen to the music of mother nature. Their pokemon and the other wild pokemon joined them, mesmerizing the retreating sun and gazed into the sky, witnessing the divine moment. It was like heaven was about to collide with earth.
Ash took another shot with his cellphone adding it to the selection of the breathtaking snaps he had acquired today. Scarlet skies, brilliant hues of lavender and rich blue hues of clouds couldn't fail to draw gasps of wonder from anyone who cherishes looking at them. May's lips bear the semblance of a smile, just enough to know Ash was enjoying the view. She moved closer so that he felt her presence, allowing him to stay lost in the moment a while longer.
Sighing, and making a quite wish that they would get to witness something so aspiring another time, they strolled to the kids tent where they were pleasantly surprised to see their supposed- to- be asleep children were playing with each other.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Carol cheered when she spotted her parents entering the tent and slithered forward to embrace them.
"Why you didn't wake us up, pumpkin?" asked Ash.
"I didn't want to trouble you." An innocent response left Carol's lips.
''Aww…my sweetie,'' May was touched by her daughter's caring nature and kissed her on her cheek. For an hour they invited their parents to join them playing some indoor games. Ruby had woken up from her siesta and May got up to bring her into the kids tent.
"So who else his feeling hungry?" the question peaked their interest and they began to raise their hands briskly.
XXX
8:30 p.m.….
May looked over to the picnic basket. Most of the food they were done with but one particular object stood out to her.
''Hey, Ash,'' she started ,''Why did you bring your guitar along?''
''I thought of playing it.''
''I completely forgot about this guitar,'' May marveled at the instrument still in use.
Ash sat up, shrugging ."Well, I actually thought of selling it but in the end, I decided to throw this up in the attic. Basically my mom thought this and Pokemon battles were the reason I wasn't giving her any grandchildren. Luckily, just today, while I went to the attic to get our tents, I saw this and decided to bring it for today."
May quirked a brow, ''I mostly take you for a drum guy,'' she noted.
He grinned and walked over to the guitar. He picked it up, before strumming it briefly before frowning. He looked around, seeing that there was nothing he could use as a pick and started searching. After a moment, he settled on using a particularly flat rock he found as an aid. He repeated strumming a few chords, trying to mimic the melody of the song he thought of.
"Okay, let's gather around the bonfire to dance while Daddy plays the music. " May promulgated as her children joined hands and stepped forward to dance. Her husband smiled and he began to play the song, he used to play for her when they were dating. He rocked to and fro, like the ocean, he strummed out to the melody, or what he could remember of it. Side to side, the three kids moved in sync with the music, movements spry and lively.
May giggled, excited, as the Pokemon jumped in. ''That's it, my babies. Put into it!'' she sang loudly, rancorous and joyful. Ash kept on singing, tossing his head with the energy of the song. Though, the other Pokemon didn't know the steps, the energy of the dance became infectious. The song was meant to inspire to be fun! Ash stomped his feet as he really got into it, chest heaving, while together the triplets sang in with the chorus of Pokemon cries. The entirety of their group lulled, truthfully. Soon, even more guests joined the setting, darting out from the thickets at the edge of their clearing.
Ash kept strumming, his eyes lingered upon the wild Pokemon. He enjoyed the moment, drinking it in. He didn't even realize that it was getting dark enough. His eyes turned back to the night view of the city from the hill top. Barely visible beyond the trees, the city gleamed softly. He turned to look at his kids dancing around the song in motion copied by other Pokemon, and chuckled at their playful manner. He even let a few Mankeys and Aipoms strum his strings of his guitar. Off-key notes assaulting everybody's eardrums. The chatter and triumphant cries returned when a good note was hit.
The family danced around the fire for half an hour and by the end of the little folk song, they were a sweaty mess. The Pokemon laid down, some alone and some close in groups. Ash placed the guitar back on the blanket, while Chris, Carol and Kaylin dropped on their butt, panting.
By this time, night had rolled over. The air was still, heavy and thick clouds blotted out the stars. The waterfall glistened, mirroring the dazzling assemblage of the moon. It was a wraith-silver disc hanging in the lonely sky. The moon under siege by stars seemed to lighten the night by bringing forth stars that shone and hung in the darkness, filing up small specks of light, shining like a million flames.
Chris galvanized by the beauty, stretched out his palm, and tried to catch them. When he looked down and opened his fingers, there was nothing on it. He frowned and his cheeks bulged roundly.
After the digesting the supper, Ash stood up to make an announcement that they will star gaze tonight and placed two telescopes on the ground. His wife and daughters teamed up while he partnered with Chris to enjoy the beautiful night. Fortuitously, hundreds of stars started racing as fast as rockets, and abruptly disappeared. The meteor shower continued, while the stars were streaking across the sky, millions of trails were left behind them. The family laid down, and pointed out the shapes the luminous lines portrayed when linked together on the boundless purple-bluish canvas. Even Ruby driveled nonsense when she could see in what according to her vision looked like the pearls of her mother's jewellery dancing. They explained to their kids about the facts and history behind various constellations and stars. Suddenly, their focus was distracted by the sound the practically every heavy sleeper hates- the alarm on Ash's digital watch was ringing.
"So, guys, get ready for the big one. You will be going to see a shooting star in about five minutes." said Ash, setting off the device. They waited patiently and finally, a streak of light could be seen whizzing the night sky.
The three closed her eyes , joined their palms together, and murmured something under their breath thus making a wish.
Ash took a deep contended breath and looked at May, which she replied by a warm smile. He noticed that she had been staring at him all this time, and didn't wish for anything.
"Why didn't you make a wish?" Ash questioned May interested in knowing the answer.
"I don't need to make a wish. My biggest wish was fulfilled a long ago when we decided to start our family." she said and snuggled closer to her husband, and continued to watch the majestic sight before them.
Turned out to be long. But it's fluffy and very Advanceshipping-centric.
Have a good day and enjoy!