A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 94 - Sick Daze

As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the snow-covered horizon, the cabin slowly stirred to life. The gentle crackling of the dying embers in the fireplace mingled with the soft sounds of awakening Pokémon and humans alike.

Emma was the first to open her eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep as she took in the scene around her. The living room was bathed in a soft, golden glow, highlighting the twinkling ornaments on their makeshift Christmas tree. Molly was curled up on the couch, nestled between Togepi and the Pikachus, all still fast asleep.

Emma's eyes widened in delight as she spotted the colorful gifts nestled beneath the tree, each one wrapped in vibrant paper and topped with shiny bows. "What's this?" she whispered to herself as carefully extricated herself from her sleeping bag, taking care not to disturb Ash, who was snoring softly nearby.

As Emma tiptoed closer to the tree, her heart raced with excitement. The gifts looked as if they had been placed there by the very spirit of Christmas itself, each one more colorful than the last. She knelt down beside them, her fingers gently brushing over the wrapping paper, feeling a sense of warmth and anticipation wash over her.

Just then, she heard a soft rustling sound behind her. She turned to see Ash stretching and yawning as he sat up from his sleeping bag. His eyes widened when he noticed the tree decorated with ornaments and the presents waiting beneath it.

"Morning!" Emma said cheerfully, waving him over. "Look at all the gifts!"

Ash rubbed his eyes, still sleepily clinging to the last remnants of dreams. "Whoa! Did we really get presents?" His surprise was evident as he shuffled over to join Emma by the tree.

"It wasn't you were put them here?" Emma whispered as she noticed Molly starting to wake up.

Ash shook his head. "Maybe it was Brock or Misty?" he suggested as the Pokémon, Misty and Brock woke up, stretching and yawning as they gathered around, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Misty blinked sleepily. "What's happening?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. When she caught sight of the tree and the vibrant gifts, her face lit up. "Oh! Look at all the presents!"

Brock, still half-asleep, stumbled over to join them. "Did we really get gifts? Who put them there?" he asked, glancing around the room as if expecting someone to pop out and take credit for the festive surprise.

Molly sat up suddenly, her little face lighting up with sunlight and joy. "Presents! Look at all the presents!" She jumped up, bouncing in place as her eyes sparkled with delight.

As everyone gathered around the tree, the Pokémon, without their trainers noticing, all exchanged a look, clearly knowing who put all the presents. "Santa came!" Molly shouted happily. "He really came!"

The Pokémon all smiled, as if agreeing with her, while Emma, Ash, Misty and Brock exchanged a soft smile.

As the excitement built, Emma reached for one of the brightly wrapped packages. "This one's for you, Molly!" she said, handing the gift to the little girl whose eyes were wide with wonder.

Molly squealed with delight as she tore into the wrapping paper, revealing a soft, plush Teddiursa doll. "Oh! It's so cute!" she exclaimed, hugging it tightly to her chest.

One by one, they distributed the gifts, each person's face lighting up as they unwrapped their surprises. Ash received a new backpack, sturdier and more spacious than his old one. Misty got a beautiful water-themed charm bracelet, while Brock unwrapped a state-of-the-art portable cooking set.

Emma's heart raced as she picked up a small, elegantly wrapped box with her name on it. Her fingers trembled slightly as she carefully undid the ribbon and peeled back the shimmering paper. Inside was a velvet box, and when she opened it, she gasped in surprise.