Don't Stop Don't Stop! Keep Going!

-OoO-

If they were ever in need of a miracle, now would be it.

"Blaziken, lets go!"

Drew and Ash quickly turned around and looked down at the floor, as a red pokeball was tossed high into the high. A bird like creature then came out in great fashion, and landed gracefully onto the floor. The crowd cheered and parted, making way for May as she ran up the steps, picking up the corners of her dress so as to not trip on them, her Blaziken hot on her heels. Drew couldn't hold back a broad relieved smile, and offered her his hand when she reached the top of the stairs, as if he was helping her over a puddle of water politely.

She beamed back and swiped a fray piece of her brown hair behind her ear. "Sorry I'm late!"

Drew flashed a grin; one May had seen a lot of today with him. One that wasn't mocking, teasing, smirking or fake, but one that was happy to see her. "On the contrary May," he flipped his hair as his eyes sparkled, "Your just on time."

"What?! We missed a twerp!" Jessie cried, pointed at May. "Meowth, do something!"

"I'm on it! Super turbo arm Numbuh 4, go!!" Meowth shouted, pressing another button on his remote control. Team Rockets machine react, as yet another mechanical arm shot out of the stomach, heading straight for Blaziken.

May smiled slightly as she readily herself for a battle. "Blaziken! Go, dodge, and then use sky uppercut to cut the claws and set Drew's Pokemon and Pikachu free!"

With a battle cry of his name, Blaziken jumped high into the air, resulting the metal claw missing its target. The fire Pokemon grinned broadly, as he landed onto of the arm, and ran up it, his claw glowing.

"Jessie! I think we're in trouble!" James cowered and pointed to Blaziken.

But he was far to late. Blaziken leaped at the three claws holding Pikachu, Absol and Flygon, and as if cutting a thin slice of butter, Blaziken easily sliced through the arms.

Ash laughed and ran over, managing to catch Pikachu before hitting the ground. Drews Pokemon however, had the ability to land gracefully and coolly, despite the fact they had just been held captive by Team Rocket. Only Drew…

May beamed as her Blaziken landed back down in front of her, having completed his mission successfully and well.

"Hey, thanks May!" Ash grinned as Pikachu jumped down to the floor, ready for battle. "Yeah, I guess I owe you one." Drew smiled slightly and winked at May, which earned the girls down below shrills of screams.

"Okay, Pikachu! Lets finish this!" Ash shouted, pointing to Team Rocket. "Use quick attack!"

Jessie growled, whipping out a pokeball from one of her pockets. "Oh, no you don't you twerp! Seviper, front and center! Use Poison Sting!" "You too, Weezing! Go out there and use tackle!"

"Absol, Razor wind!" The crowd down below gasped, as a full-fledged Pokemon battle began up on the top floor. Ceiling pieces and debris began to fall because of the pokemon attacks, so Mr. Contessta quickly escorted Lillian, Nurse Joy and Mr. Suzko down the steps with the crowd, the seven other coordinators running after them were their hands over their heads, where it was to be thought more safer than up there.

"Flygon, use dragon breath on Weezing!" "Blakizen, use flame thrower on Seviper!" The two Pokemon did as they were told, and both performed their attack excellently, earning ohs and ahs from the crowd. Weezing and Seviper went flying back onto James and Jessie and Meowth, who let out a cry of pain.

Ash grinned, now it was his turn. "Okay Pikachu. We've done it once, we've done it a million times. Lets finish this up in the holiday spirit, by "giving" Team Rocket the shock of their lives!" Ash cried and laughed, pointing over to the heap lump of Team Rocket. Pikachu grinned matched the one of his trainer and best friend, as little electric sparks began to play on his little red cheeks.

"Pik-A-CHU!!"

Team Rocket screamed and shouted, before a small explosion went off, and they flew high up into the sky.

"That wasn't a very nice gift!" Jessie powted, her arms folded across her chest angrily. "Well you know what they say, giving is better then getting'" Meowth sighed. "And to all, a good night…" James sighed.

"Team Rockets blasting off again!!"

The crowd cheered, as the robot that had exploded began to rain down pokeballs, which the trainers happily caught and rescued. May, Ash and Drew all exchanged smiles, as Misty sadly watched them, and Brock waved down to all the pretty girls.

"Well, I guess-!!" May let out a cry of alarm. As she had been turning, her foot had slipped down into a hole that had been created during the fight. She gasped as she slowly fell backwards, back into the crowd, since there was no banister to break her fall behind her. As if everything slowed down, Misty let out a cry of alarm and pointed at May, but Ash was too far away to grab for her.

May closed her eyes tight, feeling her feet lift up against from the ground as she sank lower and lower to her ultimate last fall of her life. This was not good way to end her Christmas…

"May!! No!!"

And then, Drew reached out hurriedly, and grabbed her wrist. "My, May…" He panted slightly as held on tightly to May's wrist, sweating slightly, "You… you are, quiet the klutz."

May slowly opened her blue eyes, and gasped, looking at Drews slightly smirking ones. The Grande Hall was dead silent; everyone was hypnotized in watching the balcony. Then, May couldn't help herself. She broke into a wide grin, and laughed and when he pulled her back on to the balcony, she threw her arms around him.

And before either Drew or May knew it, the whole place exploded into cheer and claps. Drew and May blushed slightly, but Ash, Brock and Misty walked over and grinned at them, and threw their hands up in the air, signalifying the heroes. It resulted in much more applause and cheers. Which only embarrassed Drew and May more, as they blushed and exchanged sheepish smiles.

It took a few minutes for everyone to calm down, collect their stolen Pokeballs special from Team Rocket, and the judges returned back up to the balcony, to pick up from where they left.

May, Brock, Ash, Misty and Max all walked back down the long curving stairs back down to the crowd, where they were whispered many thanks and slapped on the back many times for rescuing peoples Pokemon.

May sighed, and looked up at the balcony, as Lillian was rambling on something about how that was quiet unexpected but she was sure we were all very thankful for the quick thinking of Drew, May and Ash, so another round of applause followed. May however, was not listening. She had shown up now, and had caught a glance of Lola. She was looking so pretty, her hair was all done up and she had sparkly jewelry, and the prettiest dress that just looked perfect on her. May slightly smiled, as she walked over and sat at a lone table on the side. She wasn't quiet sure why she was still here… she'd probably be going soon…

"And so Drew, picking up where we left off, we all know which part of the Christmas Poke Ball is next, before it officially kicks off. So, if you will go and find your special partner, we can award your talent as a Pokemon Coordinator by giving you the first dance. Please, if everyone could clear the floor…"

-OoO-

Misty bit her lip, she felt like a complete horrible person, but… she kind of wished May hadn't shown up. Looking, to her left, she noticed two big French doors leading out onto a porch, and she smiled slightly. She could use a breath of fresh air. Sneaking away from Ash and Brock, she slipped through the crowd and towards the doors. Once she reached them, the pulled the door handles down, and slipped outside.

She let a sigh of relief, she was the only one out there, underneath the starry Christmas Eve night sky. She stared up at the sky, leaning against the balcony, her teal dress dancing with a cold breeze behind her.

She had a lot of fun, here, back with Ash. But no matter how hard she tried, it just wasn't going to be what it was like when they were younger. He had forgotten about her, his thoughts concentrating on May now. And who could blame him? A preety girl who was just as passionate about Pokemon battles then Ash was. After all, she was a hero now, and just saved his Pikachu from Team Rockets clutches.

So, she was going to head home.

Misty sighed, and gave one last sad look up at the stars. Thanks for keeping me company…

She turned around, heading towards the door, but froze. There was a figured standing in the doorway, she must not of heard the door open… Ash stepped outside, and took a deep breath of the cold winter air. "Boy, it sure is cramped in there." He flashed a smile in Misty's direction, "You mind if I join you?" She shook her head and smiled, leaning up back against the balcony and facing Ash. "Sure…"

Ash smiled and walked over, leaning up against the rail and looked up at the sky. "Its such a beautiful night. Why aren't you inside? Brock is looking for someone to dance with." He laughed, but stop when he noticed Misty was still quiet.

He sighed, and looked down in front of him, his hands in his pockets. "Sam? Are you okay? You've been… acting weird all afternoon. Did something happen?" He looked at her out of the corner of his eyes as a soft wind rippled his black hair.

Misty bit her lip, turning quickly to look away from those brown eyes that were peering at her suspiciously but said nothing.

"You know… you can tell me if you're in trouble. I'll help you out anyway I can…"

Misty froze, her wide green eyes shimmering. "Wha….what did you say?"

"Like, you know. I went to help you find your Pikachu… though we didn't find him…" Ash frowned, completely oblivious to Misty's reaction, "But we did find out he was at your aunts house… that sure counts as something…"

"Ash…" He stopped, and looked at Misty. Instantly, he took in a sharp breath, as tears began to stream down Mistys face. Then, before he could do anything, she took one of his hands. "Ash, it was nice knowing you, and I had a lot of fun spending time with you, but I must go now. You see Ash, I don't belong here anymore." Misty gave him a smile, which made him speechless. "I'm glad you finally understand what love is, and you look like you have been holding your own ground."

She pushed off from the balcony and wiped her eyes, smiling. "Pikachu has never looked better too. Brock is still girl crazy, and Team Rocket is still keeping you on your toes. So, I leave you in the care of Brock. Please, take care of May and Max too. I hope you achieve your dreams of becoming the Worlds Best Pokemon Master," Misty sniffed, "And always remember, that I will always be there for you too." Ash stared at Misty, confused, horrified that she was crying, and knew he had to say something, but didn't know what.

She started to turn away, but Ash grabbed her arms. "Sam, what are you- talking about?! Why didn't you tell-"

Misty finally looked at him, straight in the eye, a tear trickling down her cheek. She lifted her hand and cupped his cheek as she sniffed and smiled. "It doesn't matter, Ash. Your happy now… and when, your happy…." She looked away, as the tears streamed down faster. "When… your happy, I'm…" Her body lurched, as she tried to keep from sobbing. She finally looked up back at him. "When you happy, I'm happy!" She sobbed and broke away from him, dashing back into the ball room and cutting across the dance floor.

"No! Wait-" But once Ash darted inside, he lost her in the crowd. Brock heard Ash cry out from the other side of the room, and caught a glimpse of Misty sprinting up the stair case and dashing through the doors, sobbing uncontrollably. Brock instantly put his two punch glasses back down on the refreshment table and raced over to where Ash was. "Ash, what happened? What's wrong?"

Ash growled slightly, searching the crowd for Misty. "Misty thinks she doesn't belong her anymore, so she's leaving."

Brock exhaled sharply before laughing slightly, "Is that so? Misty…" Then, he turned suddenly, and grabbed Ash's shoulders. He bent down some, so he was looking at Ash straight in the eye.

"Listen to me Ash, this is your Christmas gift. I have given you the oppruntunity to fix your past with Misty, to no longer regret that night were we three split up to head in different directions..."

Ash said nothing, looking down at the floor as the sorrowful night came back to him. They had been at the fork in the road, but there four different paths going in separate directions. Ash knew Misty didn't want to go home, and he truthfully didn't want he to either. And then Brock had to go home… they had been his best friends in his rough first years of being a Pokemon trainer. Without them… without her… he couldn't be the person he is, nor survived them.

Ash's head snapped up, a fire of determination coming to life in his brown eyes. "Alright, Brock. I'll do it."

Brock leaned back and grinned, then snapped his fingers. He leaned back down, and whispered something into Ash's ear. As he listened, his grin widened until he was laughing with joy. He looked at Brock, once he was finish telling the secret.

"Brock! That's…. that's awesome!! Can I tell her that?" Ash asked excitedly, referring to Misty. Brock nodded, smiling broadly at his own gift to Misty.

"Now, go get her and bring the old Misty back to us." Ash grinned and nodded, as he ran through the crowd.

It was now or never.

-OoO-

The lights began to dim, and besides the white Christmas lights that draped around the top of the walls on all sides, the candles on the tables, and the spot light that was now moving with Drew down the stairs, the Grande Hall was dark. May sighed, and saw out of the corner of her eye, Lola smiled and flip her hair over her shoulder, waiting and pretending to not notice Drew approached her from behind. Lola ignored him, as she chatted to Daniel, who was taking a break from the trumpet and munching on some cookies at the snack table. Then, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Lola turned around and gasped, "Drew! What-?"

Drew smirked slightly as he flipped his hair. "Lola, I'd like to tell you something." Lola blinked and stared, as the whole room whispered and murmured with each other. He reached behind her, and grabbed a champagne glass filled with punch. Then, Drew leaned over, and was so close to her that his breath tickled her ear. "Lola… go fly a kite." She gasped as her eyes went wide. Drew dumped the glass of cold punch on her dress, before setting it back on the table, as if he had drank it all.

Daniel couldn't help himself. "Zing!!"

Lola screamed, horrified and full with rage. She looked at Drew, then her dress, and went back and forth for a good minute. Finally, Drew flipped his hair and turned away. "Later, Lola. I have a dance to host."

May had not seen Drew and Lola. She didn't want to. Truth be told, she was on the verge of tears and very well considering to get up and leave the Ball. And just as she was thinking this, a shadow few across her face and a bright light was pointed over in her direction. May looked up, and gasped, as Drew grinned and offered his hand. "Miss Klutz, my number one rival in Pokemon Contest, little brown haired shrimp (As Harley likes to call you), or, better know as May to me…" He paused, then smiled.

"Would you like to dance?"

May's breath came out in shudders, as her blue eyes began to shimmer. "Drew… but you-Lola… I," She blushed and poked her two index fingers together shyly, "I… don't know how to dance."

"That's okay," Drew laughed slightly his green eyes dancing, "I don't either. But I figure you'll look worse than me, so know one will notice me."

May powted, but his eyes gave away his joke. Slowly, as if in a dream, she placed her hand in Drews and he pulled her up to his feet. They smiled shyly at each other, as they held their hands high in a mannered, sophisticated way, the light beam following their every move. They reached the ballroom, and paused, getting in position. Drew put his hand softly on Mays hip, slightly embarrassed as a small blush stained his face, and May placed a hand on his upper arm carefully, so as not to mess anything up.

Then, the quartet began to play.

The room was quiet, as the slow, classical Christmas music echoing off the Grande Halls walls. May recognized the tune to be Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and she smiled softly. It was one of her favorites…

It was like a dream, her and Drew, dancing in step, with everyone watching them. The music was beautiful, a viola, cello, drums, trumpet and piano all in sync with each other perfectly, as if they were doing everything they can to make it special for the two Pokemon coordinators. May was so happy, she could barely contain her excitement, and yet, she was so nervous… after all, everyone was watching them…

Drew glanced up and looked at May. Her blue eyes were sparkling, as a small blush danced across her face, as she looked down at the floor. Her red and white dress twirled around them, and seemed to shower them in sparkles. Drew then felt her hand tense up on his shoulder, and he cocked an eyebrow. She looked up, and caught his gaze, and she smiled slightly.

"Drew, everyone's watching us!" May whispered, unable to keep from smiling nervously. Drew swept her along the dance floor, and twirled her around, earning a few gasp and claps from the crowd. She twirled back around, her back leaning up against his chest.

"I know." Drew said softly, whispering into her ear, "They can't take their eyes off the handsome devil dancing in the spotlight with that other girl." May didn't have to turn around to know that he was grinning, but she did anyways. He let out a short laugh as they floated gracefully in twirling circles.

The music continued to play on, and Drew and Mays heartbeat seem to ring in their ears. This was it, the time of their life. Something they would never forget, and yet, it needed some repairing.

"Hey May…" May looked up at Drew, surprised. He sounded… a little upset. He looked at her briefly with those striking green eyes, before looking back down at the dance floor, all the while guiding her in the dance steps. He twirled her around again, so she wasn't facing him. "I'm sorry I yelled at you, this afternoon. Its just…" May gasped, her eyes shimmering. Then, she smiled slightly, and twirled back herself. Drew froze, as May beamed at him.

"Don't worry about it. I was just afraid you didn't like me anymore."

He gave a short laugh, and gave her a grin, as they continued to sweep across the marble floor. "Aw, come on May. Be reasonable."

She blinked and stared at him, "What?" He gave another laugh, before shaking his head.

"Oh, forget it. I sometimes forgot who I am talking to. After all, your not the sharpest knife in the drawer…" May powted at him angrily, but that only made him laugh.

"Have yourself a Merry little Christmas…" May and Drew glanced over to the quartet, and saw there was someone now singing, looked like… Erik!?

He saw them, smiled slightly and winked.

"Oh, and I got your gift too." Drew said softly, as Erik continued to sing softly into the microphone, "Thank you, its was very nice and probably the best gift I'll get this Christmas."

May broke into a smile, and giggled as her face lit up. "Really?! Gee, thanks Drew. I'm glad you liked it!"

"From now on our trouble will be out of sight…."

They found nothing else to say, so they just danced lightly in the silent, awestruck Grande Hall. Brock was leaning up against the wall watching May and Drew whisper and murmur to each other. He smiled, her arms crossed against his chest as his left leg was propped up against the wall. Max was over at the snack table, talking and laughing with Daniel quietly, so as to not disturb his sister. Ash was outside with Pikachu, running after Misty, who was running with the corners of her dress picked up way up ahead, running for the edge of town.

"Drew?"

He looked up, and saw May blush bashfully. "I had, a real good time with you today!" She laughed and smiled at him, which only made his heart stop and Drew blush hard. He laughed slightly, and looked at her.

"You know May," He said, "I guess I had a good time with you too… slave." May giggled, almost wrinkling his shirt as her fingers curled up.

"Have yourself a merry, little Christmas…" The music slowly died off. And both May and Drew began to panic. They didn't want it to be over, not yet! Drew saw Mays eyes cloud over, something still wasn't right…

"And have yourself, a merry little Christmas… now."

"Hey Drew?" He glanced at her one last time, as they stopped dancing and their hands fell down to the floor. "Merry Christmas."

And before either of them knew it, May had leaned up, and pressed her lips against his. His eyes went wide, but the he relaxed. And then, he leaned forward and put his arm behind May, to support her as they leaned back. May giggled, and broke the kiss as she threw her arms around him and laughed, laughing into his button up shirt. The lights came back on, and the crowd clapped and cheered. May and Drew blushed and bow/curtsy, still holding hands at their side. Drew caught May's eyes, and smiled. There was so many things bouncing in his head, millions of Butterfrees were flying in his stomach, and yet he thought there was only one thing that was appropriate for the moment. So…

"Merry Christmas May."

-OoO-

A lone figure was tearing down the streets, her heels in her hands swinging back in forth, as her feet where blue from running through the white, soft but cold snow. Tears streamed down her face, as she leaned up against a lamppost, holding her stitch in her side. She let out a short sob, as her orange hair fell in front of her face. She looked at the ground, and saw a small cluster of snowflakes caught her eye. She looked up at the dark clouds that were starting to cover the stars, and cursed her bad luck. Of course it was going to snow.

"Leaving without saying goodbye, Misty?"

Misty froze, her green eyes going wide. But she didn't look back, looking down at the ground, "So you knew…."

Ash didn't move either, staying a few feet behind her, and blew into his hands. He knew he should have grabbed his jacket on the way out. "Yes, I have known for a while now… where are you going?"

"Home." Misty replied stubbly, and sniffed.

There were many questions popping in Ash's mind but only one word managed to find itself out. "Why?"

"Because," Misty sniffed again, feeling her eyes starting to burn, "I don't belong here any more."

Silence…

"What?"

She bit her lip, and rubbed her arms to try to keep warm. "I-don't-belong-here, Ash Ketchum. Don't make me spell it out for you." Misty gave a short, sad laugh.

Ash took a step closer to her. "Misty, what are you talking about? You know that's not true." He then paused, scratching his chin intelligently, "You, you don't think you've been replaced, do you? By May?"

Her silence answered his question. "Misty! No! You know that me, or Brock would never replace you!"

Something snapped, and before she could hold her tongue she sharply turned around and glared at him. "Oh shut up!"

Ash froze, his brown eyes wide. Misty took in a sharp breath and continued. "You don't need to and tell me other wise… I saw how you gave those presents to May. I'm surprised you ran after me, when you should dancing with May back at the Poke Ball now."

Ash gave an impatient laugh, unable to keep it in. Misty shot him a death look, but he only returned it. "I don't know what you talking about, in the slightest," Ash snapped and shrugged angrily, "And I wish the real Misty would finally come out and have a reasonable conversation with me please. The one I traveled with for years, who always had my back but always making sure I didn't get over confident about something… Not Sam, just Misty."

But Misty turned away angrily. "Why bother?" She hissed, "You like May after all."

Her eyes went wide, and she slapped a hand over her mouth. She hadn't meant to say that, but it had found itself out anyway.

Ash cleared his throat, and looked at Misty, slightly amused. "Ah, excuse me? Where did you hear that from?"

Misty said nothing, but concluded she had gone on long enough. "Merry Christmas, Ash, but I'm leaving. I've had enough." And with a flick of her orange hair, she began to walk away.

"Misty! Wait!"

She heard Ash come over to her, first in a walk, then jog, then run. He grabbed her shoulders, and spun her around. Misty gasped, as he stared straight in her shimmering green eyes. And they stood like that, in the middle of the street, Misty looking into Ash's brown eyes, Ash looking into her green ones.

A soft and gentle breeze blew in between Ash and Misty, picking up stray fluffly pieces of snow and tossing them high in the air. They sparkled and shimmered, as if falling little stars. The Christmas Lights that lined the streets blinked on and off, as if they were talking to one another merrily. And far off down the round, the Grande Hall was lit like a Christmas Tree, casting light and shadows in the middle of the town. A pair of Pigeot curled up closer together and sang softly in a nearby decorated Christmas Tree, as if they were wishing their love a Merry Christmas.

Ash was about to say something, but he stopped, as if he realized something. Then, Misty watched him break into a wide sheepish grin, before stepping back, and bowing to her. She stared at him confused, not quiet sure what he was doing. Then, she held her breath as he looked at her, with those twinkling brown eyes, as he offered her his hand.

"Would you like to dance, Misty? For, old time sake."

If Ash and Misty would have bothered to look up, right in between the cloud cover, a bit of the dark blue sky peeked out. And right at that moment, a shooting star danced across the sky.

They would have seen it, if they had been looking up.

Misty looked at him, a strange look on her own face. Then, she heard it; A soft stream of music coming from the Grande Hall. Misty laughed slightly and sighed. Then she smiled and placed her hand in Ash's. "Sure, Ash." He grinned, as she pulled her close, and put a hand on her hip. She put one on his shoulder and the two grinned at each other, dancing in the snow.

"Why don't you have your heels on?" Ash suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

Misty smirked and closed her eyes, "Because their uncomfortable. I really wish I had my tennis shoes to wear instead." Then, her eyes danced as she looked up at Ash, a small playful look in her eye, "You think anyone would notice if I worn a long dress? Notice that I was wearing tennis shoes?"

Ash couldn't help himself, as he threw back his head and laughed. "I don't know Misty, but if you did, I promise I won't tell a soul. Though…" he paused, musing for a second, "I might whisper to Pikachu, and maybe Brock… and maybe Max and May, who would then tell Drew… who accidentally let his fan girls hear him speaking of it, then-" "Alright, alright already!" Misty laughed and yelled, hitting punching Ash's lightly in the arm.

They danced in silence, Mistys dress swaying back and forth, Ash's shoes leaving big footprints in the packed snow.

"Its funny," Misty looked up, surprised at Ash, who was looking thoughtfully behind her, "I was real worried you had forgotten about us, me and Brock, when we didn't hear anything from you. You know, like wishing us Merry Christmas or something." He laughed, "No wonder, you were here to whole time with us."

Misty giggled, it was kind of funny. "Oh, Ash. You were always a little slow."

"Hey!"

Misty continued to laugh, her voice echoing through town. Ash smiled slightly, it was time. He stopped dancing, and she watched him confused, as he stepped back and cleared his throat.

"Misty, I want to ask you something."

"Sure, Ash. What is it?"

"Well, it seems that Brock made a phone call and called your sister, Daisy, I believe. And well…" He rubbed the back of his neck a little sheepishly.

"Well?"

"Well, me and Brock… want to know, if you want to… travel with us again."

She gasped, and it seemed like the whole world just stopped. She stared at Ash, almost in disbelief. "Wh-What?"

He shrugged and turned around, "Well, you know, travel with us as I train my Pokemon and work to become the Worlds Greatest Pokemon Trainer. May and Max aren't traveling with us anymore, so someone needs to drag Brock away from the girls… and poor Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny."

Misty blinked, still trying to understand if this was a joke or not. "May and Max are leaving you guys?"

Ash nodded and smiled, "Well yeah. May and Drew have been in Johto the last year, with Harley and Solidad. And me, Brock and Dawn were in Sinnoh for a little while. But Dawn, decide to travel with Zoey, so me and Brock are heading over to the Terrion Region. And, well, we do have room for one more and-"

"And Daisy, Daisy said I could? Misty whispered.

"Yeah. She said that she was willing to take over the Gym for a while, you deserved a break."

"So how about it?" Ash grinned and offered his hand, his brown eyes sparkling, "You don't need an excuse to travel with us anymore. Now, were asking you."

Her hands balled up at her side, and Misty looked down to the ground quickly, biting her lip hard. "Ash Ketchum, If this is a joke…"

Ash saw her reached back for a mallet, and he quickly began to panic, he still had bruises from her. He threw his hands up high in the air, "No, no! I swear! Do you want to or not?"

Her head snapped up, and big excited grin on her face. "Me? Pass up a chance to travel with the girl crazy Brock, and the dumb heads-in-his-stomach Ash?" She laughed, and jumped on Ash, squeezing the breath out of him, "I never thought I would get the chance to again, but yes! I'll take the role of being the smart, responsible one the group again."

Ash laughed, and hugged her back. "I knew you'd say yes." They both laughed and beamed at each other, once they broke the hug. Then, Misty was so excited, that she didn't realize what she was doing, before she was doing it.

She grabbed Ash's collars, and yanked him in for a kiss. He let out a surprised yelp, his brown eyes matching Misty wide green eyes, but he didn't pull back. Instead, he deepened the kiss, surprising Misty. And it seems all the Butterfree's that were tapped inside them were sent free, as if all their years together made up for this moment.

Finally, Misty pulled back, breaking the kiss, out of breath. Ash panted but grinned, as the two began to blush heavily. Then, they suddenly realized what happened, and how comfortable they were with each other. They jumped back, letting go of each other, and coughed nervously.

"So, ah…" Ash laughed uneasily and rubbed his nose. "You want to head back to the Poke Ball?"

Misty nodded, and smiled slightly. "Yeah, it's a little chilly out here."

Ash bowed, and offered his arm, "Shall I escort you?"

Misty laughed. "Please, I think it would be more like me escorting you, Ash." He frowned and blushed, but Misty hooked arms with him, still laughing.

The two walked down the snow covered sidewalk, laughing and talking with each other as if they hadn't been traveling together for two years, and made their way back to the Poke Ball.

-OoO-

Misty and Ash returned to the Poke Ball, and met Brock up at the door, who had been waiting for them. The instant Misty saw Brock, she ran up to him and gave him a big, excited hug. Brock and Ash was all smiles, to have their first traveling girl back on the team.

That night had to be one of the best nights any once of our Pokemon heroes had ever experienced. May and Drew danced up a storm on the dance floor, with Misty and Ash right besides them. Brock finally managed to get Nurse Joy and himself under the mistletoe, and to everyone's surprise, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. Needless to say, Brock was in heaven, and he was found later that night dancing with an embarrassed but happy Nurse Joy. Max found a pretty girl his age, by the name of Emily, without a partner. So being the gentlemen Max was, he asked her to dance. She blushed, but nodded and I believe I saw those two not long ago, traveling with each other through the Kanto League. Harley was, believe it or not, at the Poke Ball dance, though only until he saw Drew ask May to the dance. Once he saw that, he smiled and left. His business was done, and now, he could go on tormenting those two without feeling a thing.

And now, were approaching the end of this Christmas Tale. And now folks, is where I wrap up this Christmas Tale, and tell you how it is.

"May! May we have to go, NOW!!" A loud pounding on Misty and May's door, before a little boy burst through, his winter jacket on, and a backpack strapped to his back. He glared at his older sister, who was digging through their closest.

"May!" Max yelled, pushing his glasses further up his nose, "Mom is going to have a fit if we miss the ferry back to Hoenn. What are you doing?"

May groaned, and sat down on her bed, heavily. "I can't find my other shoe, Max!"

"You mean, this one?" May and Max looked up and saw a smirking Daniel in the doorway, also having his winter jacket and backpack on, holding a yellow, black and red shoe in his right hand. May squealed and jumped off the bed, hobbling over to him.

"Daniel? Thanks!" She beamed at him, as she quickly put it on.

"What are you doing? You got to buy it back from me, May." Daniel said slowly, before breaking into a wide grin. May rolled hers eyes, but couldn't managed to hide her smile. Daniel was always cracking a joke about something.

"You heading home too, Daniel?" He nodded, "Yeah, back to Golden Leaf in Hoenn. Kat, Erik and Russ are already on the ferry back, but Kat forgot her scarf, so I had to run back for it."

Before May could say anything, Max cut in. He grabbed May's yellow pack, and tossed it to her. She snapped it on, as Max hurriedly pushed her towards the door. "Ash, Brock, Drew and Misty are waiting outside, for us. We have to be quick though!"

"Okay, okay. Sheesh Max." Daniel grinned and followed them outside. "You mind if I tag along with you guys for a minute? But you're going to have to hurry. Doesn't the ferry leave soon?"

"Yes." Max answered, "Five minutes soon."

Ash, Misty, Drew and Brock were all laughing about something when May, Max and Daniel emerged through the doors. Misty grinned, "You find your other shoe?" May giggled and nodded. "Yeah, it was in the hall."

And then, the uneasy silence of goodbyes settled in for a minute, between the six friends… and Daniel, who was wondering if he could give the driver of the ferry one dollar to let him drive the ferry himself.

"Well, May, Drew, Max," Brock smiled, "be careful in Johto. Make sure you take care of your Pokemon too…"

May nodded, before giving Brock a big hug, "Of course, Brock!"

"And Misty, make sure Brock doesn't go chasing after the girls too. Make sure he leaves them alone." Max smiled at Misty, as they too exchanged hugs.

She laughed, "Don't need to worry about that Max. Consider it done."

"Take care of May for me, Drew." Ash said, as she shook hands with Drew.

He nodded, and smirked, "As long as I don't lose my sanity first, I will." They all hugged each other, shook hands and then again, no one knew what to say.

Except Daniel.

"Potty Break! I mean, Ah… can we go now, because we're gonna miss the ferry… and Kat's gonna be real mad at me…"

"Oh, man, I completely forgot back that!" May! We need to go now!" Max shouted, slightly frantic as he checked his watch. "The ferries leaving in one minute!!"

"What?!"

Brock looked at his watch too. "Yikes! We need to go to, Misty, Ash!"

May quickly hugged Drew, who hugged her back fast. "I meet you on the ferry to Johto after New Years. You better be there, because I'm not waiting for you."

May powted and stuck her tongue out. "Bet I'll get there before you do!"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah!"

"Fine! Whoever loses has to be the other slave for a day!"

"May! We have to go!"

"Deal Drew! And this time, I'm going to win!"

"Whatever May! Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas Drew! You too, Misty, Ash and Brock! Bye! I see you all later, okay?"

"MAY!!"

"Geeze, ok Max. Keep your pants."

"Zing!"

-OoO-

And that's it. Not a very good ending, I know, but I don't think anyone is queit aware of how much I hate this chapter. It has taken me FORVER to write this, and theres a few spots which I do not like, but cannot find the urge nor the energy to go back and change it.

Again, spelling, sorry.

So, did you like it? I hope you did, I put a lot of time and effort into this damn story, I started back in November, but didn't post and finish the first chapter till a month or two ago.

Then of course, I had to finish the story. Bummer…

But okay! Please, post a review, and tell me what you think, ok? (Can you tell Im bored? My little authors note aren't even very long).

Now then, thank you again for wasting time on this story!

Until Nest Time

Back2Freestyle15