A True Christmas Present
Part 3

By zapdos1alpha

Zapdos1alpha@hotmail.com

AAMRN

Disclaimer: See Pt 1

~     ~     ~     ~

Misty and Ash had boarded the plane to Hawaii. Nearing the end of their flight
they made up with each other.

~     ~     ~     ~

Ash and misty spent the rest of their flight cuddling each other and talking
about everything that had happened to them over the past year. Ash knew that at
the end of this adventure he and misty were to battle for her masters title and
the championship. She didn't know who she was to battle. She only knew when it
was. Ash kept dropping a hint of which pokemon she should use and which attacks.
All she said is that she needed to do this by herself. To prove to herself she
could do it. Ash supported her and the decision and offered his help if and when
she needed it. Smiling at this she kissed him softly.

"Well we are approaching Hawaii. Please be sure your seatbelts are fastened and
tray tables are in the upright position. Thank you for flying with us today.
Enjoy your stay," the pilot said.

"It looks like we both get to play detective." Misty stated. A lot of her old
fire that she had when they were traveling on their journey had returned to her.
She felt like she was 14 again, and she loved it. Talking to ash over the past
couple of hours had laid a lot of problems to rest. They both agreed that they
needed to apologize to everyone for their behavior over the last year.
Especially to brock. He tried so hard to make them see the truth in each other
and they didn't listen.
"Yes we do." ash replied." and its time that we get started" grabbing his carry
on from the overhead storage. Misty had gone back to get hers and returned
moments later. "Go pikachu." ash said tossing the pokeball down the isle.
"Pikachu." it said and stretched it darted onto ashes shoulder and nuzzled his
trainer.
"Yes we are here. You don't have to go back in your pokeball for a while." Ash
replied.
"Hello pikachu." Misty said, "I want to apologize for what happened and all the
pain I've put you through. It was unfair to you. I'm sorry"
"Pika" the small electric mouse replied.
"Pikachu its okay to still be angry. We've talked and worked out our demons
everything is okay now between us. I've forgiven her. Can you?" ash said in
response.

Pikachu was torn between the master he loved and the girl that he thought of as
a friend and betrayed them both. Looking into ashes eyes he nodded is approval.
"Its your decision pikachu." he said. Pikachu saw something in ash he hadn't
noticed in a long, long time. Love. Jumping from ashes shoulder and into misty's
arms and hugging her, he forgave her.

"Thank you pikachu." she said with tears in her eyes. "Lets go"
"Right." ash said and they got off the plane. Knowing it was now safe pikachu
charged up and thunder bolted the both of them. Getting to a point so they could
both see him he scolded both of them. "Chu pika chu chu pipikapi chu pika pi
pikachu" he said angrily.

Misty was getting up groggily and looking to ash for a translation. "He said
that if we ever do what we did to each other again he and the other pokemon,
yours included, will get even. They hated seeing us the way we were." he said
getting up himself. They both looked at each other then to pikachu. "Okay you
made your point," he said. "Lets go little buddy." He offered his shoulder to
pikachu again and they headed for the rental car area.

On the way to the rental cars, ash and misty were talking and laughing. They
didn't notice the young man running toward them and he didn't notice them
either. In a big crash everyone was knocked to the floor. Shaking his head the
young man realized what he had done. "Sir, Madam, I'm so very, very sorry." he
said.
"Its okay. None of us are hurt, our luggage is intact, so it's okay." Ash said
getting up then helping the young man to his feet. "May I get your name?"
"My mane is Johan." he replied. "I'm late meeting a couple of pokemon masters.
The traffic was terrible and I hope they have not left." Ash and misty just
looked at each other then laughed.
"Well Johan. Your not late." she said.
"You know the pokemon masters?" he asked puzzled.
"Slightly." Ash replied. "I'm Ash Ketchum, Pokemon Master and League champion.
This lovely lady is Misty Waterflower, Water pokemon master."
"Oh my goodness. I apologize again for my ineptitude." Johan said. "Please I
have a car waiting for you." He picked up their baggage and made his way to the
parking garage. Ash and misty could hear him muttering to himself. Picking up
what he was saying ash hurried to walk along side of him.
"Johan, It's going to be okay. Traffic was terrible and you were hurrying to
come and find us. No harm is done. You found us and picked us up as you were
asked to do," he told the worried man.
"Ash is right. You've done exactly what you were supposed to do. To us you did
your job. We'll explain that to your boss if he asks. Besides we are about to
see the traffic that caused you to be late." Misty intoned.
"You are everything we were told you were. Thank you my friends." He replied
happily. "Ah here is the car." Ash glanced at misty in amazement. Car wasn't the
word for it. It was a Stretched Chevrolet Trailblazer. It was a beautiful aqua
blue color that made misty sigh. "Johan, this was not needed." misty said in
awe.
"My boss likes to do things right the first time. That is why he sent his
private vehicle and me. Please get in.," he said holding the door. Once they had
climbed in Johan quickly placed their luggage in the back. Soon they were headed
down the road and Johan was right. The traffic was horrible.

Ash and misty admired the view that was around then. They all thought the Orange
Islands were beautiful when they traveled there as kids but they didn't compare
to the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. After thirty minutes of traveling ash
spoke up. "I just can't think of who would do all this. I know that you,
professor oak, brock and my mom are capable of thinking this up. But I know its
not you." Ash said.
"Well we will find out when we get there. It may take a little bit of time
before we know who did all this. She replied to him hugging him close. "Ah
finally." They heard Johan say. "I welcome you to Coracola."

Ash and misty looked at the surroundings and they were fantastic. Ash new he was
going to like it here. For once since this started he felt good to be here.
Gently squeezing misty he leaned over and kissed her softly. "This is going to
be great," he said. Misty only could smile. When they pulled up an older
gentleman came up and opened the door for them. "Welcome to Coracola. I'm
Gladius Winthrope. I own this place," he said to them.
"Johan, please see to it that their luggage is placed in the rooms."
"Yes sir." Johan replied and busied himself with the task. Ash stepped from the
car first then helped misty out.
"Ah you must be Miss Waterflower. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Gladius said to her and lightly kissed her hand.
"I am and the pleasure is mine. Thank you for having us here." she replied
"It is no trouble," he said turning his attention to Ash. "And you must be Ash
Ketchum." he said shaking ashes hand vigorously. "Its a pleasure to  have you
here. Both of you."
"Thank you again for having us." Ash replied.
"Have you released the pokemon that were sent to you?" Gladius asked.
"They did release and were out for about 20 minutes." ash replied to him.
"Hmm not long enough." Gladius said. "Please would you follow me." He led them
into the home and through it. It was a gorgeous house but that wasn't on ashes
mind right now.
"Mr. Winthrope." He began and was interrupted
"Please, Ash its Gladius." he replied. Smiling ash continued. "Gladius, Why were
we sent these pokemon? Why are we here?" ash asked. Sighing he began. "I
unfortunately do not know any more than you. I received a call from Professor
Oak asking if you two could come and stay here. I of course agreed. Any friend
of his is mine as well. He had another person on the phone with him and he
briefly spoke to him saying it was set he just needed the dates to relay to me.
The other man said something I did not understand and then I was given the dates
of your arrival. I know another young man was here for a short time to catch the
pokemon you have. He was very knowledgeable about them. I enjoyed his company.
As to the reason your here I do not know. I'm sorry." Gladius replied.
"Its okay you've actually given us some information. I thank you for answering
those questions." Ash Replied
"Ah here we are. This is my Pokemon Habitat. I created one for the pokemon you
have, shortly after they were sent to you. They need to spend time alone to get
to know each other again. Please release them." Ash and misty released the two
special pokemon. Once free in the habitat they ran off together.

"Please follow me. I'll show you to your rooms." Gladius said cheerfully. As he
lead them back through the home they all chatted and got to know each other a
bit better. Once to their rooms ash and misty both relaxed but only for a few
minutes. Ash began to head towards misty's room while she headed for his. They
met in the middle of the hall. Both embarrassed about heading to each other's
room. Ash motioned for misty to follow him and they went back to his room. Ash
offered her a seat, which she took on the couch. Ash sat on the bed opposite
her. "Well misty. Here we are in Hawaii with a mystery and adventure on our
hands." he said breaking the silence.
"We do have a good one too." she replied. "I put some of the info together and
know who possibly caught the pokemon."
"Really." He replied. "Who do you think?"
"Honestly. Brock. Melanie said he went to the islands for a couple of weeks when
I called her last night," she said.
"When I called this morning she said he had been real popular with Professor oak
calling twice, you calling and then me." ash replied. "I don't know."

Ash was just beginning to enter deep thought on the problem when there was a
knock on the door. Answering he saw Johan there. "Sir. I've been asked to inform
you of a Luau tonight. I was also asked to give this to you. It is the items you
will need to wear to the Luau. Also is Miss Waterflower with you?"
"Thank you Johan. I'd love to attend and yes Miss Waterflower is here." Ash
replied
"Good the invitation is of course extended to her too. She did not answer her
door could you give her this package. It contains her dress items for the Luau."
He replied warmly.
"I sure will Johan," he said in return.
"Thank you sir. Have a nice stay." he replied and hurried off to attend to the
Luau preparations.
"Well looks like we get to have some fun while we are here." Ashh said handing
misty her Luau clothes. Opening his own package he was shocked. Misty saw him
slump down then groan audibly. "Ash what is it" she said laughingly. Getting up
she looked over his shoulder at the clothes or lack of. Sitting there was a
grass skirt, leggings, wristlets and a decorative headpiece. Stifling a laugh
she wrapped her arms around ash and hugged him close. "Don't rub this in.," he
said shaking his head. She held him closer and whispered in his ear "I think
you'll look very handsome" She lightly kissed his neck and stood there holding
him. A short while later misty had retired to her room. Opening her Luau clothes
she was amazed at the difference. All she could think is ash was going to love
this on her.

That evening being a good sport Ash put on his outfit. Even though it was
unusual it was quite comfortable in the Warm night. He headed down to misty's
room to escort her to the Luau. Embarrassed he knocked on her door. Answering it
and seeing ash her breath caught in her chest. He's gorgeous she thought to
herself. "Umm Hello ash." she said blushing at his appearance. Ash couldn't
answer right away. His gaze was locked on misty. She was wearing the most
stunning turquoise dress with multiple prints of lilies on it with a matching
lily in her hair. Snapping out of his stupor he answered her "He...Hello Misty.
You Look beautiful" Giggling she took his arm and softly kissed his cheek "thank
you." she said. "You don't look bad yourself." With ash blushing at this they
preceded downstairs for the Luau

Along the way they met up with Johan. He was dressed the same as ash. With a
surprised look he spoke to ash. "Sir. I did not think you would wear such items.
Gladius will be pleased that you did. Miss you look absolutely stunning." Misty
beamed at the compliment "Thank you Johan." Nodding he went back to work.

Walking outside they were confronted with a loud cheer. Looking around amazed
they saw all of their friends. Brock and Melanie with their little girl. Tracey
and Duplica. Professor Oak and Delia Ketchum. Even Marcella and Sharron were
there with all of ash and misty's pokemon. With a sly grin ash looked to misty
and in front of everyone he quickly grabbed her and kissed her deeply. Misty let
out a small squeak of surprise before letting herself go into the kiss. Everyone
was too shocked to say anything as they watched the two kiss. As they separated
needing to catch their breath Gladius spoke "Welcome everyone. Thank you for
being here. I take it ash and misty have surprised all of you. That is good.
Lets Eat." The Luau began.

The night progressed everyone was happy to be in such a beautiful place and let
Gladius know in their own way. Being a Pokemon Researcher like professor oak,
Ash was able to learn a lot from Gladius about Americas Pokemon. The luau was
beginning to wind down, everyone had congratulated ash and misty on solving
their issues and getting together. At that moment Marcella looked to the sky to
admire the stars and noticed an object heading for them. "Ash what is that?" she
asked pointing. Ash looking to where she was pointing saw it too.
"I don't know." He said. "Pikachu, Charizard. Be ready for anything." his two
pokemon took up a position between ash, and all his friends and the thing
heading to them. "Staryu, Dewgong Stand with them." misty said supporting ash.
Keeping his concerned look on his face but glancing at misty she could see the
smile on the inside. She nodded her head to him and watched the creature
approach.

As it drew near ash could see it was big, bigger than Charizard, even bigger
than Lugia. It looked faintly like a dragonite. But very, very different. It had
a mane of silver hair, long and lean like a Dragonair, the colors of articuno
and zapdos combined. It was pretty. It did not attack the group ash noticed it
had a bag with it. "Ash that's a Cyrix. It's one of Americas rare and Legendary
Pokemon. Whoever captured and trained it must be an excellent trainer." Gladius
stated. It pulled from the bag a device and fixed it around its neck. The
pokemon spoke. "Please do not be alarmed. I'm not here to hurt you, but to
deliver a message. It is from my master who put all of this together. Please who
are Ash Ketchum and Misty WaterFlower?"
"I'm Ash." he replied to the creature.
"And miss WaterFlower?" it asked politely.
"Uh-uh." Ash replied, "Anything you have for both of us you can give to me. You
may have told all of us you were not here to hurt us..."
"... But it would not be wise to trust me." It replied finishing ashes sentence.
"My master said you would be untrusting. I respect that. This package is for
both you and miss WaterFlower." It pulled a book-sized package from the bag and
placed it in front of ash. "It will explain more. Please look at that and then
press the green button to send your own video response to my master. He will be
most disappointed in you if you did not accept. I must return now." With a
slight bow it removed the translating device and placed it back in the bag.
Within moments the Cyrix was out of sight.

Looking at the package cautiously ash called for his best detection device.
Cassy again indicated the package was safe. He and misty looked at the package
then to each other. Ash reached down and opened the item. It was a small
electronic device a holoprojector. Ash activated it and the silhouette of a
young man appeared. The voice sounded electronically altered.

"Ash, Misty. It appears as my plan is working out. You are back together again.
Merry Christmas to you both. The trip was my plan to get you together. I
researched and contacted everyone you know and elicited their help to make it
work. I thank you all for understanding and generosity." he said "Now ash. Time
for the good stuff. Inside the manila envelope you will find instructions to a
new destination. It is yours and misty's chance for another adventure together.
You can bring anyone you like on this journey. It will consist of major tourist
locations of the United States and your chance to catch some of America's
pokemon. I have already paid your fee for the American League. Misty and anyone
you take are covered also. I hope you can give me the Christmas present I want.
To battle the ten year Champion of the Pokemon League. Please send your reply no
later than an hour from now. If I do not receive it then I know you have found
everything you need. Thank you in advance and again Merry Christmas." The
hologram disappeared.

"Well Ash, what do you want to do?" Misty asked. "Whatever your decision I'm
with you." Ash only needed to think a few minutes before reaching his decision.
He keyed the green button and the unit began to record. "This is Ash Ketchum. On
behalf of Miss Waterflower and myself I accept you offer and challenge. When we
finish your tasks we will meet. See you there and thank you from the bottom of
my heart for all you have done." Releasing the switch a send button lit up.
Looking to misty she nodded her support and smiled. "We do this together misty."
he said and hit the send button.

Meanwhile in New York City, in the headquarters for the American League we see a
man in his mid fifties. Upon a closer look we see he has a striking resemblance
to Ash. He is unmoving, waiting for something to happen. Then it does a light
winks on. Reaching over he keys the button next to it. "Receiving message" the
voice form the computer said. "Beginning playback." With a crackle the voice
changed, "This is Ash Ketchum. On behalf of Miss Waterflower and myself I accept
you offer and challenge. When we finish your tasks we will meet. See you there
and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done." The computer
finished the recorded playback and turned off. Turning to the window the man
looked out at the New York skyline and began to talk to himself. "Well ash. When
you do arrive here on the 24th you will have the most shocking Christmas present
of all. And I can finally live my life in peace."

~     ~     ~     ~     ~     ~     ~

Well that's it for part 3. I hope your enjoying the story. I know I'm enjoying
writing it.

If you feel the need to flame me please be gentle its my first attempt at fan
fics.

Reviews can be sent to zapdos1alpha@hotmail.com

Part 4 is on the way.