Hey :P It's New Year's Eve so like I said, here's a special update. It's just a little bit of Ben and Pikachu bonding and welcoming in the New Year :3 I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own only the story :3

"Five minutes everybody!"

Upon this slightly wavering but loud call, everyone's head turned in the direction of Ash and began to squeal in delight. That means five minutes until the fireworks would start. It was New Year's Eve and like every year, all of Ash's family and friends, old and new gathered in his childhood home in Pallet Town. My family enjoyed turning every special occasion into a big to-do and bringing in a new year wasn't any different. I glanced around at everyone rushing about so as not to be late for the firework display. My eyes cast over Ash's childhood friends and all of their children and couldn't help but think how amazing it was. Everybody knew one and other because of Ash. He was a special someone who connected us all.

After scanning around for the mini version of Ash for a few minutes I stopped and frowned. Where on earth had Ben got to? I began to get filled with worry for the young boy and even more so when no one else seemed to be noticing his absence.

Calling his name, I darted in between the legs of all my family and friends. Man, why did we have to invite so many people?

I dashed upstairs, my heart beginning to pound due to a mixture of its intense use and worry. I was starting to get really concerned for Ben's safety. I checked his and Katie's bedroom. Nothing. I checked all of the children's bedroom and bathroom. Still nothing. As I dashed past Ash and Misty's room to head back down the stairs, I noticed their balcony doors were open and decided to check it out. It only took one step closer for my nose to be filled with Ben's scent. He was safe but what was he doing out there all alone?

As soon as he heard my footsteps, the raven haired boy spun round and gave me a grin. His cheeky little smile warmed my heart as he looked exactly like Ash did when he around his age.

"Hey buddy…" he smiled and picked me up onto his lap. His small fingers made their way to the gap between my two ears and he began to stroke my head. I couldn't help but let out a coo, forgetting for a moment to ask what he was doing out here in the cold. After a few minutes of cuddling, I didn't have to ask as Ben told me.

"I just wanted some quiet, Pikachu. Next year's going to be a big year and I'm not sure I'm ready to face it."

I was baffled by his honesty. Ben was a rash and stubborn boy, just like his father. He showed emotion often but he rarely admitted defeat or being scared. James was the more sensitive and nervous of the Ketchum boys.

"Next year, I'm leaving home to go on my journey. When I was younger I thought ten years old was so old but it's not really, is it?"

I looked over at the young Ash lookalike and gave him a warm smile. He was dense like his father but had quite a lot of brains like his mother when he really put in the effort.

No, ten years old isn't that old but you're allowed to go on a journey at that age. Of course, if you're not ready, you can always put it off until next year.

"No! No!" Ben seemed horrified at my suggestion before smiling back down at me. "No, I am scared but excited scared. Besides, I always face the fear and challenge, I'm not James."

I just nodded my head, nuzzling into his stomach. Ben did get nervous but when push came to shove he always went for it. James on the other hand was even more of a worrier and often didn't show up. Then again, he was only four.

We both stayed silent for a few minutes and stayed huddling close to keep warm. We continued not talking even when Ash began yelling that it was only a minute to go until New Year.

Eventually, Ben broke the silence.

"I guess I didn't really understand just how big a new year is until now. Like it's a whole new chapter of your life story and there are so many friends to meet and adventures to experience. It's scary, but exciting."

I looked up at the young boy with eyes full of wisdom and put my paw on his hand.

Ben, you could say that about anything. You could say a new day is a new chapter of your life because it is, even though it's a much smaller version. I've experienced lots of new years and there's no use worrying or hoping that it's going to be an amazing year. Just wait and see and remember to just take one day at a time.

The raven haired boy nodded, giving me the biggest hug in the world when the fireworks began to explode in the sky. We watched the world fill with light as we held tightly onto each other.

"Thank you, Pikachu. I was nervous about the New Year but now I'm excited. I'm especially excited to share it with you because you'll always be there for me, even when I'm on my journey."

I didn't say anything as there was a lump in my throat but I nodded and gave him a quick lick on the cheek.

I was amazed how everybody I knew was growing up and learning, regardless if they were adults or children. Many people I knew had changed for the best and just kept getting better and better. I was particularly delighted to see Ben grow up. He was becoming more and more like his father everyday but still his own person too. I was excited to see how things will change and what will happen in the next year.

The End.

There you go! Thanks a lot for reading and I hope you enjoyed. I also hope you all have a really good 2015 and I hope my writing gets even better :3 I might take a break for a little bit because I've uploaded a lot this month but we'll see. Maybe I'll see you next Wednesday, maybe not :P Thanks again!

AmyBieberKetchum signing out :3