Before we begin, I have something I need to say. This story was inspired by the story, The Christmas Tree. Now, before you leave this story screaming, allow me to explain. With bad acting, a bad story and bad animation, I couldn't help but feel that with a lot of work, this story could have some potential. I decided to take up the challenge and fix everything that was wrong with this story. Please have faith in me as I turn this unholy mess into a story that could at least get respect. Thank you for listening.
Bolded Text in this story indicates the Pokemon Narrator talking.
Christmas Time for humans and Pokemon has always been a wonderful time of the year. Almost all humans understand the meaning of Christmas, but that can't be said for Pokemon. Some of them understand in due time, and others just understand the feeling that goes on between them and their trainers.
This story is about a Pokemon Center, that didn't have a wonderful time during Christmas. At a Pokemon Center in a small town, five Pokemon live as orphans. Their trainers left them a long time ago. These five Pokemon lived under the control of a man named Mr. Clout. He was a tall man who wears glasses and a long silver trench coat. He also wears neat and tidy black military boots. Most of the time, he could be seen reading a book in his hand.
Mr. Clout had a very strict way of leading a Pokemon Center. The small Pokemon were always forced to do work and make the place look clean and spotless by the tall man. The food he gave them was cheap and poorly made, while he would spoil himself with a feast. He was greedy, and only took the job for his own personal gain.
The Pokemon never had toys, good food, or anything worthwhile for a Pokemon. But they held onto their faith. By the window of the poor Pokemon was a tall pine tree, that stood tall and looked very healthy. They would look upon that tree and think to themselves, "If that tree could be tall and healthy without any guidance, then so can we." One day, the Pokemon hope to decorate the tree and make it look beautiful.
They called it "The Tree of Hope". It might have been a simple name, but it fit it well. Gazing at the tree each day, and always thinking to themselves that they can be as strong as the tree stands, they continued on with their lives, hoping it would change one day. That someone would come to pick them up from the Pokemon Center, and take them away from the unbearable Mr. Clout.
Mr. Clout was a very clever man. Once every month, the mayor of the town would check the Pokemon Center to make sure Mr. Clout was doing his job properly. He spent money once a month to show that the Pokemon had food, toys, and even some clothing for display. But they were the same toys and clothes he continues to use every time. For that one day, the Pokemon finally feel happy to be taken care of, until Mr. Clout was given the money, and the mayor left. That was when everything turned back to normal. The mayor never noticed the Pokemon Center behind his back, and Mr. Clout's plan worked like a charm for more than two whole years.
Poor Pokemon, once more the victims of his numerous selfish tricks.
Mr. Clout used the money in an irresponsible way. He would invite gamblers over to bet the money given to him. They would drink, and play cards as Mr. Clout used the money to gain more for himself.
"There goes the Pokemon's food for the week."
So said Mr. Clout, smirking as he played another hand.
Most of the time, the Pokemon would go to bed without food one way or another.
Well, let's begin our story now. Ash and his friends were walking into a new town they haven't been to before.
"Man, I'm beat from walking." Ash says, dragging his legs a little.
"We're coming up on a city, so maybe we could rest there." Cilan directed his finger to the town in the distance.
"It's Christmas Eve, so we should celebrate it here. I think I speak for all of us when I say that none of us want to celebrate it by traveling." Iris added.
The three of them nod.
They head into town, and they looked around the town. The three gasp in awe at the sight of snow everywhere. The white snow lit up the buildings and streets with its pureness.
"Snow is such a beautiful sight." Iris says.
"Uh huh." Cilan agrees.
They walked around the town, and soon they found a tall brown building. They looked up to see the name of the building in gold letters: Frost Town Hotel.
"Looks fancy." Ash exclaims.
"Frost Town Hotel, eh? That must be the name of the town we're in." Cilan says.
"Pretty obvious, Cilan." Iris replies.
They walk inside and feel a blast of hot air. They all let out a delightful exhale at the feel of the heat almost melting their ice bodies from traveling. They walk up to the front desk.
"Hello, we would like to..." As Ash talks, the person at the front desk looks down at their hips to see their Pokeballs.
"Hold it! We don't allow Pokemon in this hotel." The man says.
"What? Why?" Iris asks.
"We try our best to keep this place as comfortable as possible. With fur, residue, and the possibility of mischievous Pokemon behavior, the place could end up looking a mess." The man answers.
"Then, where do we leave them?" Cilan asks.
"You can talk the mayor and temporarily place them in the Pokemon Center, where they will be taken care of. You're not from around here, are you?" The man asks.
"No, we're not. We're travelers." Ash replies.
"Typical." The man remarks, rolling his eyes. It's obvious they took offence to that, but they decide to not talk about it, and leave.
After a short time of searching, they find the mayor's office. After another short time, they are let in and walk into the mayor's office.
"Sir, we would like to leave our Pokemon at the Pokemon Center." Ash says.
"Hold on Ash, I don't feel right about this. I just... I don't want to leave Axew all by himself." Iris explains.
"Well, I can give you a temporary job working for Mr. Clout as an assistant. That way you won't have to worry about your Pokemon." The mayor suggests. "You can see it as community service."
"But Iris, are you sure you want to celebrate Christmas Eve there?" Ash asks.
"What do you think, Iris?" Cilan asks.
"I think that's a good idea." Iris replies.
"Very well then. I'll inform Mr. Clout of your arrival." The mayor responds.
Ash and his friends walk out of the mayor's office, and head to the Pokemon Center at the center of town. Iris rings the doorbell, and the man in the silver trench coat answers the door.
"Ah yes. I was expecting your arrival. I am Mr. Clout." He says.
"We come from the mayor to-" Cilan is interrupted by Mr. Clout.
"Yes, I already know. The mayor called me."
Ash and Cilan turn to Iris. They give her their Pokeballs.
"We better get going." Cilan says.
"Take good care of Pikachu and Oshawott for me, okay?" Ash asks.
"And Pansage too." Cilan adds.
"I will. Don't you worry, boys." Iris nods.
"We'll be back later on tonight." Ash says, as him and Cilan return back to the Hotel.
"Time is wasting. Come inside." Mr. Clout interrupts.
Iris walks inside, and opens up the Pokeballs. The four Pokemon pop out.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu says as he's set free.
"Oshawott!" Oshawott follows.
"Axew ew!" Axew exclaims.
"Pansage!" Pansage is the last to be released.
Mr. Clout walks them to their room.
"Here is your room. On such a short notice, this is the only room available."
"This is just fine, Mr. Clout. I could..." Iris looks around the room to find something that could decorate the room more. "Lay down the mattress here. With that, I think we'll be just fi-" Iris gets interrupted.
"Hold it! Don't think your Pokemon are going to have special treatment here. They are going to stay with the other Pokemon under the same rules and regulations."
"I apologize." Iris replies.
"Come Pokemon, follow me." Mr. Clout was about to walk out of the room, when he remembered something else. "Another thing. You, including the Pokemon must get up at 7. Iris, you will make breakfast for the Pokemon, feed them at 8:00. You must then clean and wash anything that seems dirty. I do not want you to forget to feed the Pokemon dinner at 6 so that every single Pokemon here will be in bed by 7:30. After 7:30, I better not catch a single Pokemon out of its bed. I repeat: no Pokemon walking around after 7:30."
Mr. Clout turns to the four Pokemon. "And you four. You may spend some time with the other Pokemon here after you complete the chores given." Mr. Clout turns back to Iris. " You may as well, but only half an hour and no more. The other Pokemon will sleep at the time given."
"Don't worry, sir. I will do everything stated." Iris says as Mr. Clout leaves with the Pokemon. "Who spat in his breakfast?" Iris thought.
Mr. Clout leads them to a room with other Pokemon. Pikachu, Oshawott, Axew, and Pansage notice the Pokemon.
A Leafeon, a Pichu, a Charmander, a Lilipup, and a Deerling look at the four with curiosity.
"This is going to be your bedroom. I want you to make sure you have your feet cleaned so you do not dirty the sheets. I want no messes, and no fights of any kind. That includes sparing. I do not want to hear any crying around here. Most importantly, no pillow fights. You understand?" Mr. Clout looks down at the four.
The four nod without saying a word.
"I want you four to get something in your head right now. If you think you will not be punished, just because one of your trainers are here, you will be extremely disappointed. You will get the same treatment as them." Mr. Clout gestures to the five Pokemon in the corner, not wanting to move or talk in fear. "Remember this: I am the one who is in charge here, not Iris." Mr. Clout leaves the room and closes the door.
The Pokemon could slightly hear Mr. Clout say something beyond the door. "That's just what I needed, more Pokemon. Good grief!"
The four look at the Pokemon orphans with happiness. However, they also notice that they aren't as happy as them. This creates an awkward moment of silence as Pikachu lays down on one of the beds. Axew follows, and so do Pansage. Oshawott sits up, and turns back at the Pokemon orphans.
"Oshawott." Oshawott smiles at them.
The Pokemon orphans start to smile at the sight of the new guests.
Well, from the looks of things, these Pokemon are shy, but they are willing to get along with any new Pokemon they see.
"Oshawott?" Oshawott takes off his scalchop, and gestures to them.
Looks like Oshawott is letting them look at his cool scalchop.
The Pokemon walk closer, and take a look at the cool shell-like blade. They look in awe.
Pikachu, Oshawott, Axew, and Pansage now have new friends around the orphanage. Tune in next episode to follow the journey these Pokemon are soon to experience.