A True Christmas Present
Part 4

By zapdos1alpha

Zapdos1alpha@hotmail.com

AAMRN

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Last time ash and misty enjoyed a luau with their friends. A mysterious creature brought another package
and they accepted what was in side.

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Ash looked at misty as she looked at him. Nodding he stood and placed the spent holoprojector on the table.
Picking up his belt and empty pokeballs he began to recall his pokemon. "Charizard, Squirtle, Bulbasaur,
Chikorita, Cassy return" Holding the various balls the pokemon returned for a rest. Misty had just recalled all
of her pokemon as well. Walking away form the crowd for a few moments they returned hand in hand.

"Guys this has been fun. We'd love to stay but we need to prepare for our first task." Ash said.
"It was wonderful for all of you to do this for us. Thank you. You have helped ash and I make our lives
complete." Misty said when ash finished.
"Now we need to ask you all a serious question." Ash began. "We would like you all to come with us. It will
be fun to have everyone come along. Yes mom even you." He finished looking at his mother. Smiling
sweetly she responded to his question. "Ash. You know as well as I do my Journey will be at home waiting
for you and your friends as usual."
"As is mine." Professor Oak stated. "Sending you new pokemon when you need them and studying the new
ones you send back to me." Nodding to his mom and professor oak he turned to Marcella and Sharron. "Our
time will be spent at home to. We need to keep your schedules clear until the two of you return" Sharron
said. Misty nodding to them turned to Tracey and Duplica. Looking at each other sweetly Duplica dropped
her bombshell. "We'd love to but can't. I'm expecting."
Tracey only grinned and rubbed her still flat tummy. Ash and misty both felt their jaws drop at this news.
"Congratulations." They said in unison and laughed. Turning to Brock and Melanie they awaited their
answer. They spoke to themselves for quite a few minutes. Melanie finally looking at her husband's eyes
and shaking her head she answered. "I need to return and watch the store and Stacey. Brock will be joining
you."  Kissing his wife deeply and thanking her he walked over to his closest and best friends he ever had.
"Looks like it's going to be like old times." He said. Ash and misty both nodded and hugged him.
"Still good at puzzles brock?" Ash asked.
"Yeah." He replied. "Have to solve puzzles all the time when breeding."
"Good we have a big one to solve." Misty said holding the manila envelope.
"Professor." Ash began. "We need all of our pokedexes. Can you..."
"Already on the way. All three." He said as they appeared in his hand. Thank god for the micro transporters
built into them he thought. "Here you go kids." He said handing them to each.
Ash had received a special Gold/Silver pokedex from Professor Oak the first time he won the Championship
and his masters title. It still looked brand new. It was now going to be broken in on a true adventure. "Kids,
please be careful." Professor oak began. "Delia and I will worry about each of you as will brocks wife and
your friends."
"We'll be careful professor." Misty replied.
"I'll be sure to watch over them." Brock intoned Looking to the professor ash walked up and hugged him.
Tears of joy came to his mothers' eyes.
"I'll be sure we all come home safe." He said. Everyone stood in shock except for ash, delia and Samuel
oak. Ash continued softly, "I promise you that... Dad?" Crying and running up to her son delia hugged him
hard and spoke "finally you accepted it. Thank you ash." Ash stood there and let his mom hug him. He
hugged her back as well.

Misty looked at the scene confused. Brock let her know that sometime last year the professor and ashes
mom went out and gotten married. No wedding ceremony. No guests and no ash. He had a hard time
accepting it until now. Stepping away from each other he turned to brock and misty.
"We need to figure out where we are heading," he said looking at the package in Misty's hand. Opening it
another smaller holoprojector was inside. Turning it on everyone stood and watched the figure,

"You have accepted my challenge. Good, I hoped you would. Your first task is to retrieve a specialized heat
and flameproof box from the Halema'uma'u Crater. You can see the box from the Crater Rim Drive stop #6.
Please heed all warnings. The box contains your next destination, and a new Holochip for this unit."

The projector turned off automatically. Looking to Brock he answered their question. "Kilauea" he said. "As
in the volcano." Ash replied,
"Yes." Brock said.
Ash looking to Misty "Maybe you should stay here. It's going to be dangerous and I don't want you to get
hurt. Not when we just found each other again," he said.
"No ash. Where you go, I go. From now on." she replied. Nodding he replied to her and also to brock "We
leave in the morning."

That night brock spent the remaining time with his wife. Professor oak and Delia had returned to their home
in Pallet. Marcella and Sharron retuned as well to keep their bosses schedule clear.
Ash had left Misty at her door after saying good night. But he could not sleep. He was up and thinking about
what tomorrow and the future will hold. He was about to retire when there was a soft knock at the door.
Opening it he saw Brock standing there. "I'm worried about tomorrow," he said.
"I am too brock. I don't want misty hurt." ash replied.
"Hmm." Brock signaled,
"What's on your mind brocko?" ash asked.
"All the times I tried to get you two together and it takes something like this to do it." he replied to ash.
"Brock. I'm sorry. I was too pig headed and scared to face her." Ash said. "We were stuck on the plane
together and we worked it out. A lot of pain and tears was shed on our way here. Now, well you see the
results." ash replied.
"Yeah and I'm glad. It's about time. I hated the time you spent apart from each other and the time where we
started to talk less and less. I still can't believe you missed the wedding." brock continued.
"I know and I feel bad for that still." ash said hanging his head low. Brock stood and placed a hand on his
shoulder in a fatherly manner. "Its okay ash. I forgave you long ago. I say we have fun on this journey."
"Great brock. Thanks." Ash said. Another knock sounded at his door. Walking over and opening it misty was
there. Smiling at her she smiled back. "I couldn't sleep and was curious if you were up too." She said softly
looking over ashes shoulder she saw brock. "Oh you have company. I'll head back to my room"
"Its okay misty. I was just leaving." Brock said smiling at the two. "Besides I need to get back to
Melanie."

Brock had left leaving the two of them alone. They both knew of the danger that was going to be there
tomorrow. Not having to say their feelings to each other they embraced. They just stood there for a long time
before separating. Ash walked over to the bed and laid down misty soon joined him and they cuddled each
other to sleep.

Ash awoke early the next morning. Knowing brock he would want to get an early start. Sure enough there
was a soft knock at his door. Opening it brock was surprised to see ash up so early.
"I was expecting misty to answer," He said. Ash grinned and informed him that misty was still asleep and
before he could jump to any conclusions as let him know nothing happened. Telling brock they would be
down shortly he closed the door on his friends retreating back. Ash opened the curtains on the window and
looked out at the Hawaiian morning. It was stunning but not so much as the red haired beauty still asleep in
his bed. Walking over he sat down beside her.
Leaning over he gently stroked her face and lightly kissed her awake.

Misty lay there for a few minutes enjoying the attention she was receiving from ash. To her it was heaven
and she did not want to open her eyes. But knowing they needed to go she slowly opened her eyes. Looking
ash in the face and smiling softly she returned his kisses. "Good morning handsome. Sleep well?" she said.
"With you here, better than I have for a while." He replied. "Need to get up angel. We need to get going. I
already went down to your room and picked up your stuff." He said pointing over to the couch.
"Thank you. I'll be ready in a couple of moments." She said and dressed. She was clad in her normal
clothing. Short, tight blue jean shorts, bright yellow tank top that bared her midriff, and of course red
suspenders. Grinning she pulled her long hair back into a ponytail. Looking to ash he to was wearing his
normal clothes. Faded blue jeans, a worn and faded jacket, black muscle T-shirt. To misty something was
missing, something from the past that helped her fall for ash in the first place. "Ash where is your hat?" she
asked
"What hat?" He asked puzzled then it donned on him what she meant after seeing how she was dressed,
"Oh that hat. It should be in my backpack. I haven't worn it in years. I haven't worn a hat in years."
"Please put it on." She asked. Pulling the old hat out and readjusting the size he put it on. With a loving
gleam in her eye she nodded "Now your dressed. Lets get downstairs for some breakfast"

"Well I'd better go up and see what is taking them so long." Brock said as he stood up. Looking out the
doorway he saw them come in "Well this is a blast form the past for all three of us. Looks like we all had the
same idea."  Ash and misty looked at brock all three of them laughed because they were all dressed in their
old traveling clothes. Together they enjoyed a wonderful breakfast before setting out.

"Ash, Misty, Brock. All of you are entered into the American Pokemon League Database. Being an official
league researcher like professor oak I need to inform you of a rule change. You are allowed to carry eight
pokemon with you." Gladius said
"Eight." Brock said. "Why eight Gladius?"
In the American League we have team battles. Team battles are more ferocious than a one on one battle.
There are two pokemon per team and usually one team battle per gym badge trial." He replied.
"Looks like we'll need to decide which eight we will take and which ones can work well as a two pokemon
team." Ash replied evenly. "I think we should take the pokemon given to us misty. They live their lives as a
team."
"Good point ash." She replied. "Yes lets pick them up from the habitat."
"Before you do. I must give you this. It is a special pokeball that will carry two pokemon. It was designed for
the pokemon that was given to you. It will allow them to stay together and not break the bond they share. It
is the bond that makes them stronger that a single pokemon. Now who gets it?" Gladius said. Ash answered
that question for them all by taking the ball. But before anyone protested his action he turned and gave it to
misty. "You have them. You deserve them more than I. Besides having a fire type in you line up will help you
greatly in your battle for the championship and master title."
"Thank you ash. How did you know of my match?" she asked puzzled.
"All of the Masters know about it. So naturally being the reigning master I would know about it." He
recovered flawlessly.
"Misty please come with me to the habitat to retrieve the pokemon." Gladius said holding the door for her as
they left for the habitat.
"That was a close one." Ash said softly.
"Please don't tell me she has to battle you for the title and championship." Brock stated. Ash looked at him
with a deadly serious look of dread on his face. "Things just got a lot tougher for this relationship. Does she
know?"
"No it's a draw to see who current masters will face for a champion and overall pokemon master match. I
happen to have won that draw. Thankfully the rules state that the challenged has the right to pick his field of
battle as well as time and place." Ash stated
"But only if there is someone of a masters rank there to referee the match." Realizing what he just said he
spoke seriously to ash "You can't ash. Your pokemon will be very tired after the battle with this guy. I won't
ref it."
"Brock if you ever done anything in your life for me please do this. I know my pokemon will walk all over her
if I don't battle them first. By battling them we will be more evenly matched." Ash said
"How high of a level is pikachu now?" Brock asked.
"Last measured reading was September of last year. Then it was near 300. Now I'd say about 375 maybe
400." He stated flatly. Brocks mouth was hanging open shocked at the high level of pikachu.
"And the others?" brock asked.
"Lets see. Charizard is near 275. Squirtle is at 400. Bulbasaur is close to 350. Cassy is at 250. The Onix you
gave me for my birthday is close to 375. I've checked the levels of her pokemon they are all near the 200
level. No match for my guys." Ash replied
"You've thought hard about this. What do your pokemon say about it?" Brock said
"Pikachu agrees. If he does I'm sure the rest will too." Ash replied.
"I'll do it. I don't much like it but I'll do it." Brock replied
"Thanks brock. Your more of a friend than you know or realize." Ash said. "Hey sweetie ready to go?" ash
asked misty as she reentered the kitchen.
"Sure am. Gladius offered us the use of a car to get to the park." She said after kissing ash on the cheek.
"Gladius that is very kind of you but its not needed we can walk." Brock replied warmly.
"Oh I insist. It is the way I can help you without coming along. I also had this made for you. It is a cash card
without a limit. You can use it for anything you would like. Just no vehicles bought with it only rented. Its my
Christmas present to you ash."
"Gladius, Sir. I can't accept this." Ash replied staring at the card in Gladius's hand.
"No you are the stepson of my teacher and mentor. It is the least I can do. You see I have no wife or children
of my own and very, very rich. It would honor me if you took it. It can be used through out your journey in our
country. Once home have your stepfather call me and I'll pay off the bill and close the card. All three of you
can use it and sign for the receipts." He finished and placed the card into ashes hand. "Please lets go down
to the garage and get you kids off to the park."

They walked in silence and were soon on their way to the park in a new SUV that was never driven before.
Ash let brock drive and he sat in the back with misty. He picked up his pokegear and dialed home.

Ring, ring, ring phone call ring, ring, ring
Ring, ring, ring phone call ring, ring, ring
Ring, ring, ring phone call ring, ring, ring

"Hello. Oh hello ash. Let me get your mother." Samuel Oak said.
"No it's you I need to talk to." Ash replied. "How well do you know Gladius Winthrope?"
"Well I did teach him almost all he knows about pokemon researching. His is also alone and very generous."
He replied back. "Why do you ask?
"Well his hospitality strikes me as odd. He offers all of us a place to stay. Loans us a car so we can get to
our task faster, and gives me a cash card with no limit." Ash said. Samuel smirked before answering. " Ash. I
still have a card he sent me nearly fifteen years ago. He calls on occasion to ask me why I haven't used it
yet. It is the way he is. I say let him be who he is and use the card for small things."
"I just..."ash began and Samuel finished "...feel odd"
"Yeah." He replied.
"I know so do I. Just use it for meals and small items. He'll be happy you used it. I've uploaded his number
into your pokegear. If you need to call him. We love you ash, all of you kids actually." He said back. Seeing a
father he had never had ash said the words Sam Oak needed to hear. "I love you too. Both you and mom.
Take care bye." With that he ended the call. He had tears beginning to form in his eyes. Misty slid over and
wrapped her arms around him comforting him. "I'll always be here for you ash." She whispered so only he
could hear

The drive was spectacular. Lush green forests growing out of the old lava flows. It was awe-inspiring. Pulling
up to the park gates they were greeted by a plump Hawaiian woman. "Hello kids. Welcome to Volcanoes
National Park. It'll be $10.00 entrance fee."  She said. Ash had hoped he would not have needed to use the
card so soon but not converting his money over to American dollars he had no choice. "Here you go ma'am."
He said handing her the card. "Do you have identification?" she asked. "I do, here you go this should work."
Ash said handing over his pokedex and keying the id up. The small unit spoke the print on the screen "Ash
Ketchum, trainer from Pallet Town..." It went on listing his age, id number, pokemon trainer certificate
number, drivers license number and all of his accomplishments as a pokemon trainer.
"Well young man." She said smiling. "A drivers license would have done well but that little device takes the
cake. I can see now why my nephew wants to become a pokemon trainer here in the states. Sounds like
you have been all over."
"We have. We are all pokemon trainers and masters." Misty replied to the gate attendant.
"Good for all of you. If I can have you sign that receipt Mr. Ketchum." She said handing two slips of paper to
him. He signed them and handed them back.
"Very good." She said handing brock two slips of paper one with tape on it. "Now if you will place the one
with the tape on your windshield in the upper left hand corner. That will show that you have paid your fee. It
is good for seven days. The other is the receipt for the charge. Have a great stay."

Saying their thanks they drove off and up to the main visitors center. There they picked up a map of the area
and of the crater rim drive. It was a short time when they pulled up to the sixth stop and the view was
awesome. They all admired it while scanning for the container. It was misty who spotted it sitting just inside
the caldera near the magma bubbling up to the surface. "Only pokemon I know of that could take that kind of
heat is Magmar." Brock said. "But he can not handle the rain that is falling."
"Misty call out Anonoa and Lailiani." Ash suggested. "My pokedex and the letter said they were strong
against both types of attacks."  Realizing what ash meant she nodded and called out her new team. "Okay I
need you to go over to the caldera over there and bring back that silver box.
Are you guys up to it?" she asked them.
"Ano/Lai" they replied nodding their heads yes. And started for the caldera.

Ash, Misty, and Brock could do nothing but wait and watch. The two small pokemon were tough and were
going across the hot valley pretty fast. Ash turned and looked to misty not saying anything to her he took her
hand and silently urged the pokemon on with her. Turning back he saw that they had stopped roughly three
quarters of the way there. Pulling out his binoculars and looking he saw the two pokemon standing there in
obvious discomfort. Handing the binoculars to Misty he pulled out his pokegear ready to call home for
Magmar. "Ash please wait?" misty asked. "Something is happening." Handing the binoculars back to Ash he
looked through them again and this time saw the pokemon talking to each other. Continuing to watch he saw
Lailiani step slightly away and created a shield around her and Anonoa. They proceeded to the caldera
retrieved the package and returned. Due to the shield the box was completely cool when they arrived.

"Great job you two. You've earned a long rest. Anonoa, Lailiani return." Misty said then turning her attention
to Ash, Brock and the box. Opening it they found three pokeballs and a new Holochip for the projector.
Pulling out the projector and inserting the chip the projector began to play.

"Greetings Ash. I also bid welcome to Misty and Brock. Yes I know that you have joined Ash on his journey
and that explains the three pokeballs inside the box. If you notice each one is lettered A, B, and M. The
pokemon inside are trained to respond to only the person which name begins with the corresponding letter.
They are yours to keep and take back home. I find them very useful in all situations. Professor Oak should
have fun studying them. Once he has them I'll forward the information I have on them to him.

Your next destination will be Las Vegas, Nevada. There you will retrieve three new pokemon and another
Holochip. I also recommend that you enjoy yourselves there.

By now my voice must be getting vaguely familiar. Ash you may remember it if you think back a long time.
Misty and Brock you might think I sound like the man in front of you. That much is true I do sound a bit like
him. I must tell you that the surprise that is awaiting you in your final destination will amaze all of you. I must
bid you farewell. See you all soon."

With that the projector turned off. Looking at each other puzzled they began to leave. Ash called the pilots to
the plane and told them to make ready for departure. He let them know to set a flight plan to Las Vegas. "We
can discuss this further on the plane." Ash said angry of being lead around but also intrigued as to what they
will find.

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Well that's it for part 4. I hope your enjoying the story. As it says our trio is off to the bright lights of Las
Vegas. What will they find and who is this mystery character that sounds like ash? Why is this person giving
them pokemon? Next part is on the way.

If you're reading the fic thank you. Please send your review to zapdos1alpha@hotmail.com

Any flamers please be kind it's my first fan fic. Not my first story but first fic.