Winter.

This season could seen as a season with two faces.

One of those could be seen as a season of misery and struggle. A merciless cold that freezes the hearts of the unfortunate. People may find themselves fighting against a cruel blizzard, a relentless winter monster that leaves people blind of any escape from this frightening white world.

On the other hand, winter can also be seen as a season of miracles. Especially on the month of Christmas.

Contrary to the harsh description earlier, Snowbelle City's snowy landscape was bright and peaceful. Light drops of frozen water tickled the happy faces of locals and visitors. Left and right, there were homes and trees decorated in colorful lights and decorations to commemorate the coming holidays.

Currently, Snowbelle City was holding their annual Winter Festival before the great holidays come around. In the central area, there a series of stalls holding all sorts of service, food, games, theater, just about anything. There wasn't a single person within the city who was missing out on this. Of course, that includes a certain trainer with a Lucario, Umbreon, and Leafeon, and Pichu.

Wayne couldn't be happier. Not only did he win his final badge, but he also just happened to finish around the time the Festival was starting. His victory against the gym leader only made his experience in the Winter Festival all the more rewarding and liberating now that those goals have been cleared.

After some fun at a shooting gallery, Wayne decided to buy a light snack for everyone. He found a bench and walked over to it.

"Wait here for a moment," said Wayne. "I'll be right back."

Walking away, Wayne walked over to a food stall.

Meanwhile, Wayne's Pokemon sat down and reflected on their journey. So, much has happened despite not being a group of six, like most teams would be at this point. They plowed through battles, met lasting friends, and had so much fun. All of his Pokemon were feeling good about themselves as well.

Or at least, all but one Pichu.

Pichu did his best to be as enthusiastic as his friends, but he couldn't stop thinking about something as he sat in wait of his trainer. In fact, for most of the festival, he was barely aware that he was in a festival.

"Hey, guys," called Wayne, who's now holding some steaming buns. "Thanks for waiting. I hope your guys like Pecha Berry buns. These just came out of the oven."

Everyone except Pichu cried out enthusiastically as they took one. Unaware of Pichu's distress, Wayne tried handing one to Pichu, but doesn't seem to pay much heed.

"Hey, Pichu. What's wrong?" said Wayne. "You don't like Pecha Berries?"

"Chu"

Pichu shook his head.

"Are you sick?"

Again Pichu shook his head.

"Are you tired?"

Yet again, Pichu shook his head.

Lucario read his friend's aura and seemed to have figured out something. Without warning, Lucario starting diggin into Wayne's backpack.

"Hey, Lucario!" said a startled Wayne. "What're you doing?"

Lucario eventually fished out his trainer's badge case and pointed at their a snowflake-shaped trinket, the eighth badge. Wayne was confused, but then remembered yesterday's gym battle.

"...Is it about yesterday?"

"...Pichu."

Pichu nodded his head a bit. At that point, the Tiny Mouse Pokemon started crying.

"Oh, Pichu," said Wayne as he gave his partner a hug. "It's okay. You gave it your best yesterday. You put a up a great battle against a tough gym leader despite not evolving. It's not something anyone can do. Your Static ability even gave Umbreon the advantage he needed against Bergmite."

"Bree."

Umbreon nodded in agreement.

Even so, Pichu didn't feel fully convinced that he was any help to the team. Up until the fifth gym, he managed to score at least one victory in every gym. Since then, though, he'd be lucky to get through half a battle.

What really vexed him, however, was the fact that less respectful trainers with a similar number of badges often teased Pichu because he has yet to evolve. What was he doing wrong? He trained super hard with Wayne and was able to make the shocks hurt less. So, why couldn't he evolve? Why couldn't he win a gym battle? Why couldn't he do anything right?

Pichu's thoughts were interrupted when a bun was held in front of him.

"Hey, Pichu," Wayne gently said. "Have a bite."

Pichu hesitated at first, but then bit into the bun. The young Pokemon huffed a bit at the hot temperature before gradually chewing. The combination of the bland pastry and Pecha berry Jam filled Pichu's taste buds before finally getting swallowed up. Pichu let out a small sigh before looking at Wayne.

"How about it?" Wayne said. "Don't you feel warm now?"

Pichu nodded a bit.

"Listen, Pichu," Wayne said. "Everyone grows at a different pace. I'm no different. We still have three months before Kalos's Pokemon League. That's plenty of time to train and prepare. We don't need to sprint to the finish line this minute."

Pichu slowly took in his trainer's wisdom as he started to come into terms with his circumstances.

"Plus," continued Wayne. "Evolution is a one way trip. Once you evolve, you can't turn back. So, have fun being a Pichu. Heck, we're in the middle of a festival. Today could be your last chance to play as a Pichu. So, let's all enjoy to our hearts content."

"Rarrr!"

"Bree!"

"Leaf!"

Pichu, was now convinced how much his team, his friends, care and love him. Let going of all doubts, he cried out.

"PICHU!"

Christmas Eve Evening

Since the day of Wayne's life lesson, Pichu was even more energetic and cheerful than ever. They continued to visit stalls and celebrate in Snowbelle City's Winter Festival. Following Wayne's advice, Pichu played and ate like there was no tomorrow."

Today is Christmas Eve, the last day of the Winter Festival. A closing event was to take place in the very center of the city, where a giant decorated evergreen stood. This was where countless people would present gifts to their Pokemon, and even vice versa.

Wayne and his team, of course, were participating. They and many others were gathered at a tree, where Snowbelle City's Gym Leader, Wulfric, was just wrapping up his speech.

"And, with this, I would like to thank everyone participating in our city's prided event," boomed Wulfric. "You may now exchange gifts. Happy Holidays to everyone."

The crowd went wild and clapped. About a minute later, trainers and citizens wasted no time in meeting with their Pokemon and giving gifts.

Wayne took off his bag and started opening it as he spoke.

"Well, guys," Wayne said. "To keep it short. I'm really proud of you guys. We've gotten so far and even secured a place in Kalos's Pokemon League thanks to all your hard work. So, I think this gift exchange would be a great opportunity to say thanks."

Wayne reached in and took out four Soothe Bells, each one tied to a separate silver chain. He put the first one around Lucario's neck.

"You and your Aura abilities got us out in a lot of tight spots both in and outside of the battle arena," Wayne said. "I hope this bell will remind you that I'll stay by your side."

"Rarr!"

As Lucario admired his present, Wayne took the next two bells and placed one around Umbreon and Leafeon's necks.

"Umbreon," said Wayne. "Your battles aside, your rings have lit up the darkest nights and ensured that we'd be safe from the dangers that lurk in it. With this bell, we'll be together no matter how far apart we are."

"Bree"

"And Leafeon," said Wayne. "In respects to your nature, I never forced you to battle, yet you're always out to cheer me and my team. Especially Umbreon. Let this bell be a reminder that you'll always be one of us, whether you like battles or not."

"Leaf"

The two Eeveelutions nuzzled each other as Wayne went over to Pichu and placed the last Soothe Bell on Pichu.

"Finally, Pichu," said Wayne. "You were so sad days ago about not being strong enough for our latest battles. But, look at you now. You're just a bundle of happiness."

"Chu"

"Pikachus, much like Lucario and Umbreon, evolve only when their happiness reaches a high mark. This Soothe Bell won't just increase your happiness. It will also serve as a symbol of our friendship. Never forget that."

"..Pichu!"

At that moment, Pichu glowed a familiar glow. Wayne and his teammates, along with several of the surrounding people, looked at awe at this unforeseen turn of events.

The Tiny Mouse Pokemon grew significantly as his tail grew longer and earned a few more zigzags. His ears thinned, but grew longer as well. The more his body grew, the mark sparks it seemed to let out.

The glow soon died out, leaving in its place a Pikachu wearing the same Soothe Bell Wayne just gave to his Pichu. No one breathed a single word at this winter miracle, not believing they just say. Eventually, Waayne spoke out.

"...Wow," breathed Wayne. "That Soothe Bell works fast."

Clap.

Suddenly, there were several claps around Wayne as his group. Understanding their intentions, Wayne turned towards his newly evolved companion.

"Pikachu," said Wayne. "Climb up to my head. Stand proud and say hi to these nice people. You finally evolved."

"...Pikachu."

Pikachu obeyed and soon found himself standing on Wayne's head. The Mouse Pokemon waved to everyone, prompted them to cheer more. Pikachu couldn't believe it. He somehow achieved a miracle in the very season of miracles. I was breathtaking.

Eventually, the clapping died out, and everyone turned towards the tree, which suddenly began a light show of sorts. Lucario, Umbreon, and Leafeon walked closer to their trainer to watch the colorful event.

Everyone was awed at the brilliance of the tree. But, nothing could have possibly shined even brighter than the miracle that transformed Pikachu.

The four bells silently rung as the group relished this memorable day.