Birthdays
It had been a few days since summer camp ended and we can find our favorite boys on the way to Cerulean city to celebrate their friend's birthday. Ash couldn't believe how fast time flew by, he realized his brother and Green would be starting their journey soon as well. However, if Professor Oak, Uncle Blue, Dad and a few others had their way Red and Green will be starting their journeys after another year instead, once they turn thirteen, instead of twelve. The seven year old soon to be eight had a complicated expression as he thought about his own future.
Gary looked outside the bus window, "We are almost there. Are you okay? You have been very quiet."
Ash blinked, "I was just thinking of Red's birthday. It's coming soon, ........he will be twelve soon."
Pikachu looked at Ash, -Ash?-
Gary gave a sigh, "Yeah! Green did not want to celebrate his birthday. He just asked for a dinner gathering, though we got him gifts. He refused to have a party."
Eevee nuzzled Gary, -They are just growing up.-
Ash nodded, "I think Red will be the same."
Gary grinned, "After Red's birthday it's yours next month. You will be eight like me and of course Misty, who's turning eight today."
Ash smiled, "Can't wait. I hope Green and Red will be able to attend my birthday. I know their training is picking up and going fast."
Charmander, -Party, party, party!-
Litten just yawned, -We are here!-
The driver called out, "Cerulean bus stop."
Gary smiled, "Don't worry Ash, they'll be here.", he then held Ash's hand as they got down from the bus.
Delia who was holding Molly, "Stay close kids."
At the bus stop they were met by Goh, Chloe and Ritchie with a Pichu who waved them over to join them. Delia who had escorted them giggled as she led her kids to the group waiting for them. Professor Sakuragi who was curious about the new friends his daughter had made had come along to greet them. Delia was pleased to know her kids made more friends. She knew most kids in Pallet town were either intimidated or jealous of the two to bother being friends with them. And that had worried her, as they had pretty much been isolated from the rest of the children. Even Red and Green had friends in three other kids their age back in Pallet town, two girls named Yellow and Nessa and two boys named Gold and Ruby. They had moved to different regions with their parents but they still kept their friendship alive by calls and letters.
Delia greeted them, "Hello I'm Ash's mom. This cutie patootie here is my niece Molly. Nice to meet more of my kids' friends."
Professor Sakuragi greeted them as well, "Pleasure is mine. It's wonderful to meet my daughter's friends as well."
Goh, "Alright! We get to meet Misty for real."
Ritchie, "Yeah! I know we have been talking in video chats and all but meeting in person is different. Oh and this here is Sparky. She's my Pichu."
Chloe hummed, "It'll be nice to not be the only girl in the group."
Ash giggled, "You still can't be disappointed I turned out to be a guy. Hello Sparky."
Sparky, -Hi.-
Pikachu, -Welcome to the club!-
Eevee, -Don't worry we'll tell you everything you need to know.-
Pichu looked confused, -Okay.-
Chloe pouted, "You are so cute though, in fact even more cute than some of the girls in school."
Gary nudged his friend, "What did I tell you Ashy? Believe me now?"
Ash blushed, "Yeah, I guess."
Delia smiled wide, "My son is the cutest."
Ash spluttered before getting back on track, "Come on guys. We came here for Misty's birthday. It's her day today. Also it's three girls in the group, Molly is one of us."
Molly giggles hearing her name and the group cooed at how adorable she looked in her pink dress. Ash had tied her hair up in one of the softer ribbon that he had. The pale red matched with the rose pink dress really well, along with the white shoes. Ash explained how his Uncle and Aunt were in an expedition to research the secrets of Unown, a Pokemon of mysterious origins and wouldn't be back before next month. This week was a break week for the butlers and maids of the Hale family so his mom had requested Molly stay with them while the workers took a break.
Chloe, "Your cousin is really cute just like you Ash."
Goh nodded, "I bet she'll turn out to be really pretty as well when she grows up."
Ritchie, "I agree."
Delia chatted with the Professor as he talked about opening a lab at Vermillion city so that he could stay closer to his family. He told her stories of his youngest son, Parker who was currently with his mother. He was turning two years old soon. Delia was delighted to know more and expressed interest in meeting Talia and Parker. Sakuragi laughed and agreed to let his lovely wife know. They soon saw the famous water Gym but they passed by the gym and went to the residential area. The Pokemon were chattering among themselves and sharing stories.
Misty who was sitting outside with Staryu perked up on seeing them, "You guys are here. Welcome."
Ash hugged her while Staryu greeted the new Pokemon, "Were you waiting here the whole time?"
Misty pouted, "I had nothing else to do. Violet is on a decoration frenzy and she is ordering Lily and Daisy around. Dad is making sure nothing is broken while mom is making cake."
Delia giggled, "Sounds like they are working hard to celebrate your birthday sweetie."
Misty nodded, "But I wanted to help but they said I was too young."
Lily came out with her Butterfree and Poliwhirl, "Like you are baby sis. I rather not suffer like a heart attack seeing you holding something sharp like scissors."
Misty pouted, "But I'll be careful. They taught us how to use them in arts class."
Daisy joined them laughing, "Like just let us spoil you baby sis. It's your birthday today after all. Why don't you all come inside? Like everything is ready."
The kids beamed as they went inside the house. The parlour where the party would be held was decorated in white and soft blue ribbons and balloons. Daisy made a comment on colour matching Misty's eyes that had Delia coo in delight. Delia decided to join Serenity at the kitchen after Ash offered to watch over Molly, Chloe volunteering to do the same. Delia smiled as she sat Molly down on the play pen area and went to the kitchen to help make the food. The Pokemon gathered at the side where they could keep an eye on the group while also playing around.
Ash looked around, "Hey Misty... Um.. Are we early? I mean."
Misty sighed, "No, no, you are not. I don't exactly have close friends outside you guys."
Chloe furrowed her eyebrows, "Eh? What about school friends?"
Misty fidgeted, "Dad is the one that tutors Lily and me. We write exams at the school yeah but he's the one that teaches me most stuff. Mom tutors Violet and Daisy. Other stuff I learn online... You could say."
Ritchie perked up, "Oh yeah! I heard some Gym leaders do that. Especially those who have a family. It's for your safety right. I mean Gym leaders are in charge of the safety of the city so they are pretty high profile right."
Goh caught on, "So if a criminal wants an upper hand they just have to kidnap you.... Yeah I can understand why."
Misty smiled, "It's a bit weird I know but I don't mind. Dad is awesome and Lily is an amazing Choreographer."
Gary looked understanding, "I.. Well, Ash and I actually have online classes with teachers from High Schools so I understand."
Ash nodded, "We are not exactly normal kids."
Ritchie shook his head, "Just because you are different, it doesn't mean you are not normal."
Chloe nodded, "Yeah, you are special."
Goh smiled, "Besides you got us now, yeah."
Misty laughed, "Yeah, you are right."
Serenity soon called them, "Kids, time to blow out the candles."
The kids cheered and Gary decided to pick up Molly as Ash had her sat on his lap while Misty and Chloe took turns playing with her. Ritchie and Goh sang the birthday song the loudest when Misty blew the candles and made a wish. The cake was in the shape of a Squirtle, and was really light, fluffy and delicious to eat, it was a blueberry cake. Apart from the cake there were fried rice and crispy fried chicken and roasted vegetables. The drinks consisted of fruit and berry drinks for the kids and a little alcoholic drink for the adults. Aqua was talking about some of the things happening in Cerulean with Sakuragi, while Delia was sharing tips with Serenity. The Pokemon had special poke muffins made for them that they enjoyed. Molly fussed a bit but Delia had brought extra diapers so after a quick change she had settled down and became a giggling baby again. She loved attaching herself to Ash and Gary the most but that was probably because they spent time with her more than the others.
Misty at one point announced, "This is the best birthday ever."
Chloe cheered, "I'm not the only girl."
Goh, "Next month is Ash's birthday."
Ritchie, "Let's celebrate together."
Gary beamed, "Totally."
Ash laughed, "Why not."
The Pokemon cheered the festive and happy mood being contagious. They spent the whole day together, playing games sharing stories. Ash tying Misty's hair up in the ribbons, Chloe had gifted her and Gary putting the necklace Goh had brought for her as a gift. Ritchie had gifted her a book on the water type Pokemon available in the Jhoto region. Misty's eyes had sparkled on seeing the book. Ash had given her a handcrafted Staryu and Starmie statue, it was made of clay and hand painted. Gary had given her a wooden bracelet with Staryu and Starmie on crafted out of wood on it.
Misty was stumped, "Where did you get these from? These are amazing."
Ash grinned, "Gary made the bracelet himself."
Gary put his hand around Ash's waist smiling, "And Ash made the Staryu and Starmie statue, even hand painted it on his own."
Misty looked at the two boys who were her oldest friends, "They are amazing. Thank you! Everyone thank you."
Chloe, "Don't cry Misty."
Misty laughed, "Sorry. I just feel happy that's all."
The kids did a group hug and the birthday girl was smiling the whole day, even after the party ended and her friends had to return home. Her family saw her happy smile as she talked about everything she and her friends did, the next morning during breakfast. Aqua and Serenity were happy seeing their youngest smile and not looking lonely anymore. Lily, Daisy and Violet teased her on finding another cute girl to befriend making Misty blush and shout at her sisters.
Misty calmed down after a while, "I think Ash and Gary are together."
Lily, "Huh?"
Violet blinked, "What makes you say that?"
Misty rubbed her neck, "Well I just noticed it today but they are always close to each other and Molly acts as if they are her parents."
Serenity, "Oh sweetheart. I'm pretty sure she just connects more with the two of them after all Ash is her cousin and Gary his best friend."
Misty tilted her head, "Really? It's just Chloe also thought the same thing."
Aqua laughed, "Well those two have been friends the longest so I wouldn't be surprised if that's how it looks."
Serenity laughed, "Are you thinking about you and Koga?"
Aqua grinned, "We were best friends and rivals."
Misty scrunched her nose, "They are not rivals though Dad."
Aqua, "Perhaps, who knows. The future is not set on stone."
Daisy, "I think it's cute."
The breakfast was spent with the family talking about the past days events. Once breakfast was done Aqua took Lily and Misty with him while Serenity took Daisy and Violet. The Water Master was thinking about the position he was offered a few days ago but before he accepted he wanted to teach his kids all he knew. Lily would start her journey as a Choreographer soon and he wanted her to succeed and Misty, his sweet little Misty was definitely a Daddy's little girl. She wanted to become a Water type Master just like him. He would help his kids before joining the Elites.