53- Expected party! ….Unexpected turn of events?

It was already morning in Ecruteak and a very excited Hikari pulled Shinji along by the around the Eevee sister's home, the boy just went along rolling his eyes, as he knew what was coming. When they got to the huge garden area all the pokémon where there, there were many poffin and food of all kinds and the five Eevee sisters stood close together in front of a table as if hiding something behind with smiled in their faces.

-Shinji… CONGRATULATIONS!- All 6 exclaimed including Hikari, and steeping aside the girls revealed some more food and drinks, a cake and even some presents, at which Shinji stared in mild surprise.

Sakura followed his gaze –Ah don't worry those are for later… as of now, why don'tyou spend some time with us and your pokémon? Let's sit to chat and eat something, we made more cookies- She said happily, Koume held a tray with food as Satsuki and Tamao served some drinks, the majority of pokémon approached to eat from their own bowls. In just a few moments they were all sitting in a circle eating –So, how has this last week been for you guys?- Sumomo asked, petting her Vaporeon who had his head resting at her lap.

-Interesting- Hikari said drinking a bit, Dorinda laid by her side as Flora too rested her head in her lap –I mean, I've thought many things, the dojo and the city are beautiful and you five are amazing- The Sinnoh coordinator praised.

-You too were great company Hikari- Satsuki said, feeding her mothim some pokémon croquettes as he rested over her head –And our cousin Shinji, it's been fun having you here and seeing him again after so long… you've truly became a great trainer- She mentioned the last part turning to him with a small smile, her Jolteon nodded at her side.

-It's truly ben different- Shinji agreed nodding, Noctail and Psiana sat at both of his sides while little Pichu rested on his lap.

-You know, as of lately… well more like this last week, I've been thinking on the journey I've made with Shinji so far around Johto, the people I've met, the pokémon, and how I've been getting along with him- She said turning to him with a smile –We didn't start good at all, just didn't get along- She told the Eevee sisters as she tossed a teasing glance at the boy who just calmly darnk from his cup.

-Well you were pretty irritating at first- He replied simply.

-But we've really changed- Hikari said, almost ignoring him and petting Flora –And I'm surprised on how much he's strengthened the bonds with his pokémon… besides, after Karuma's and Lux's demonstration towards both of us I got surprised, I guess we could do very well in a double battle- She said happily

-He's also improved his battling style.

-You've also became stronger- He commented and she turned to him happily at the compliment, thought it changed after his next words –I guess you've outgrown the pathetic-ness a little- He smirked expecting her to get annoyed, Pichu just shook his head.

They talked for a good while among laughter and some arguments. A while after Tamao's Umbreon came running to call his trainer, she followed him and a few seconds later poked her head from the house –Hey Shinji, it's my cousin Reiji!- She called.

Everyone went over to speak with the breeder who received them happily from the other side of the screen –Hi again everyone! Shinji lil bro… turning 13!- He grinned.

The boy just nodded with a small smirk –Soon you'll need to stop calling me "little" brother you know?

However Reiji answered in a careless way with something that made all the girls laugh –Nonsense… I'm older by 6 years so you'll always be my little brother, besides I can't help it, it's December, your birthday and soon Christmas- He explained –And… we're far apart- He mentioned as his expression got a bit sadder.

-Reiji…- The younger one sighed. To be honest he had never spent Christmas away from home yet and it was indeed a bit… strange and sad.

Meanwhile on the other hand, Hikari's pokégear rang –Hi hi!- Haruka appeared on screen with a big grin as she answered –Obviously I'm calling to wish happy birthday like I had said… where's Shinji?- She asked.

-Well, right now he's talking to his brother- She said walking away a little so the two conversations didn't mix and make it difficult for the speakers.

-Oh, then I'll wait- The brunette said –In the meantime, you got any plan for christmas? Going home or not?

-Christmas…- She mumbled, remembering that it was just two days ahead-I really don't know yet, I spoke with mom and I miss her…- She sighed and then shot a quick look at Shinji –Shinji also seems a bit sad of not being with his brother in Veilstone…

-Hmmmm- Haruka hummed deep in thought –Though if you're still in Ecruteak, I don't think you'll make it right?- She said a bit sad.

Unknown to them the Eevee sisters heard both conversations, stared at each other and smiled, they seemed to have a plan in mind. After a few minutes Satsuki decided to interfere between the two brothers -Hey cousin, I think Hikari has another call for you, and I'd like to speak with Reiji a moment- She smiled.

-Ah, sure of course…- Shinji said confused , though Reiji was her cousin too in any case.

Satsuki just stared as the boy went over to his traveling partner and smiled at the screen –Hi again dear cousin… listen, we have a plan and need your help- She started.


After lunch it was almost two in the afternoon and the sisters decided it was time for -the gifts!- Koume exclaimed excitedly as she handed one to the boy, the five girls watched him open it quietly, it was a book.

-Ah! That one's mine- Sumomo said -I hope you like it- she smiled.

This went on for the rest of the gifts, the eevee sisters had given their cousin a few apricorn poké balls, some new clothes and other things including... –Tickets for... Goldenrod's magnet train?- He asked seeing the tickets in his hand, Hikari also looked surprised. Sakura took a couple of steps forward calmly.

-Yes... and you'll see why- She put her hands on the shoulders of both of them with a playful smile, her Espeon suddenly appeared from behind her legs and touched her with a paw, in a second the gem of her forehead shone and she used teleport.


The three of them found themselves in Goldenrod, in front of the train station -S-Sakura! - Hikari and Shinji exclaimed for their sudden act, espeon laughed.

-Admire! Goldenrod's train station- She said gesturing to place -Those tickets are a gift from all of us to you both. Lately we noticed that ... you'd like to be home more than here, and I don't blame you at all considering the holidays... - She explained - For some months now they have been finishing the global tracks of the magnetic train... and they were finally released last week! A few days after the announcement of the leaders – She continued - Now, the magnetic train reaches Hoenn and Sinnoh through underground, elevated trails, and even underwater tunnels- She said while watching all the movement in the place, many people waited, talked and ate around, going from here to there with their luggage and pokémon.

-So... we can go home?- Hikari asked excitedly.

-Well, yep- Sakura smiled, then looked up, the other two copied her and saw the screen of departures and arrivals -See yours? Your departure is at 4:40 today, train M11... you'll go through Saffron, in Kanto and then to Jubilife, in Sinnoh. You should arrive in the morning around 8- She commented while watching the screen.

-That fast?! - The coordinator said impressed.

-Goldenrod's bullet trains go at 550 kilometers per hour Hikari, in a few moments you go from being in one region to another- The youngest of the Eevee sisters said.

They both looked at the screen and the tickets in Shinji's hands -For me it's okay- Said the blue-haired girl -Although getting to Jubilife... - She murmured.

-You can talk to your mom, and Satsuki talked to Reiji.

*So that's why* Shinji thought -Well, I guess it's fine by me too...

-If it is already decided, then we should return and so you can get ready – She turned to her pokémon -Espeon, take us back!

-Pi!


-Oh my… Where the heck are my poké balls and my towel?!- The girl exclaimed to herself in a complaint, tired of searching around for the ítems all over the roomas she finished packing. Lux, Riri and Karuma were helping as Psiana and Noctail stared amusedly with a sweatdrop.

Shinji, who had already finished doing the same, crossed his arms and rlled his yes at the girl's franticness –Your poké bals were with Satsuki I think, last time I saw them she had them… and maybe you left your towel at the thermals- He said turning his gaze away, Hikari said nothing and just went to look for her things, almost all the pokémon tilted their heads curiously.


-Guys, come on fifteen minutes! The train will leave you for ho-oh's sake!- Sakura's voice was heard as she checked her pokégear, the five girls were ready to say bye waiting in front of the dojo's main entrance waiting for the two Sinnoh trainers.

Moments later both appeared at the front door, Hikari was mentally going over her things as she counted with her fingers while Shinji had his hands on his pockets as usual –You sure you got everything?- She asked the boy nervously.

-Of course, you're the one that was looking things like crazy at last minute- He replied.

-Humm hey guys- Sumomo called out both trainer's attention with a little giggle –I think you should look where you're standing.

The blue-haired girl stared at her in confusion a few seconds, then she remembered when they had been decorating and raised her gaze –Mistletoe?- She mentioned staring at the little plant hanging above their heads. They stared at each other, she sighed –I guess that means a kiss- She mumbled.

-Kiss?! O-Of course not! I'm not kissing you!- The boy immediately refused.

-And why not? It's just an innocent lil kiss- She said amused and trying to tease him –You act as if you were scared.

-Of course not- He replied. The Eevee sisters just blinked at the whole scene, none of them knew very well what it will end up in, but honestly they didn't have time for this…

-Come on just a cheek kiss, for tradition- She said crossing her arms though blushing a bit.

-But…- He thought for a moment –Fine…

Hikari smiled in triumph and closed her eyes leaning in a bit and turning her cheek, though somewhat embarrassed since Sakura her sisters were watching the whole ordeal. She counted up to then in her mind and…

Nothing.

-J-just do it alrea-!- When she opened her eyes and shifted a bit she ended up causing the boy lips to land… on hers!

The five Eevee sisters reacted in different ways among laughter and susprise. The two trainers split apart flinching back and blushing, and just reacted a couple of seconds later –W-why did you move?!

-So now it's my fault?!

-Well it certainly isn't mine!

-Guys! Ten minutes, let's go!- Satsuki called, partly to make them move already and partly t stop this from getting more awkward or they started arguing.


-Shinji, Hikari, it's really been fun having you both around these days, we hope you have a good trip back home- Tama said as she hugged both in front of the M11's station.

-No need to worry, we'll be fine and thanks for everything- Hikari said –We'll call as soon as we get to Jubilife- She added.

-Great, then… you need to go- Sumomo said a bit sad.

-Bye, and happy holidays.

-Of course, see you…- And they all bid farewell with gestures. Both trainers boarded the train and just a few minutes later the doors closed and the train was about to begin its path.

Hikari sat at one of the wagon tables, she stared down at her hands playing with her thumbs nervous, thoughtful… Shinji doubted a few seconds but seeing her expression he decided to ask –What's wrong?

She sighed turning to him –It's just… well, I was thinking now, I didn't give you anything to be honest, I mean I helped with the other gifts and the girls said those also were on my part but… truth is I just didn't know what to give you- She admitted.

Shinji was about to tell her that didn't really matter to him, but a young trainer caught the attention of both –Hey… You ok?- They both looked up.