"WAKE UP! IT'S CHRISTMAS!" Wataru's excitable voice rang throughout the boys' and girls' rooms from the build in speakers, startling all their occupants awake.
"Whose idea is it to make him our alarm clock?" Maya grumbled as the girls reluctantly got up in their room and get ready for their trips back to their hometowns.
"Come on Maya, you can't deny that you're excited." Reika smirked.
Maya only shot her a withering glare, inwardly loathing to admit that the auburn Elite was right. She wasn't as annoyed at the hyperactive Psychic Gym Leader as she made out to be. But the late night from the countdown made everyone (save Wataru) very lethargic that morning. That and the effects of a hangover lingering on the three contestants of the drinking competition last night.
Soon, everyone was dressed and wishing their greetings before heading back to their hometowns. Red and Arata lingered back to lock up the League before heading back to Shiroma Town on their respective Charizards.
XXXXXXXXX
When they got back to Shiroma Town later in the morning, Prof. Darcy was already waiting outside her lab. As soon as the boys touched down, she greeted them with a hug.
"Had fun last night?" She asked with a knowing smile.
"Yup." Arata grinned at his mother. "Maya, Nick and Yuko had a drinking contest. That was the highlight of the night. But the rest of us didn't drink anything other than juice and soft drinks." He quickly added.
Prof. Darcy subtly cocked her head at Red for confirmation who subtly nodded back. She beamed and led them into the house. "Why don't you boys let your pokemon out in the yard? Delphox and I have set up a special Christmas meal there."
"Thanks mom/Prof. Darcy." They thanked her and let out their pokemon in the yard, Red taking longer since he brought all of his pokemon. Once they were done, they headed for the dinning room where Prof. Darcy had set up the Christmas Lunch. Mouthwatering pies, dips and crackers, ham, and berries decorated the table with a candlestick in the center. The three humans enjoyed the meal greatly while the pokemon chowed down their food outside.
"Thanks a lot for inviting me to spend the day with your family, Prof. Darcy." Red thanked her as they did the dishes while Arata ventured outside to collect the food bowls.
Prof. Darcy smiled warmly at him. "It's no bother at all. Christmas is all about being with your love ones. Just because you believe you don't have any here, doesn't mean that we'll let you spend it alone."
Red quietly considered her words. He indeed didn't have any love ones here. But he felt like he had a new family here with the Heiwa League. It may seem like they are only doing this because he is the Champion, but because it took them a while to warm up to him, he could tell they are sincere with their efforts.
"Hey Red!" Arata poked his head into the kitchen. "You have someone looking for you on the phone."
"Who?" Red lifted his head curiously.
"Anabel."
Instantly, Red dried his hands, muttering apologies to Prof. Darcy and ran to the living room where the video phone was. Prof. Darcy and Arata only smiled at his reaction.
"She's one unique girl." Prof. Darcy remarked to her son as he took Red's place at the sink. "As far as I know she's the only one Red trusts and love."
Arata nearly faltered at those words as he nearly burst out laughing. "Mom, Anabel might like Red, but I doubt that Red knows that. He's as dense as a brick."
"I'm not talking about that kind of love." His mom responded drily. "The love I was talking about is the love of friendship." She said wistfully. "It's so pure and honest. Like my friendship with Brandon and Solaris once was."
Arata flinched at the mention of his mother's former friendship with the leader of Team Dawn. Sometimes, it was hard for him to deal with that fact, knowing how much it hurts her to have her son fight her former best friend.
But Prof. Darcy patted his head. "I believe you and the others can have that friendship with Red too. Red knows that you're sincere. He just needs time to accept it."
"I know." Arata smiled slightly.
XXXXXXX
"Merry Christmas Ash." Anabel greeted the raven head trainer when he appeared on screen.
"Merry Christmas Anabel." Red smiled at her. She was one of the few people he still allowed to call him 'Ash'. "How are things at the Tojoh Falls?"
"Cold." She deadpanned. "But Scott's having a dinner party later tonight at Saffron City, so I'll be heading out later."
"Give him and Brandon my greetings." Red smirked and then after a moment of thought, added. "And Prof. Darcy's too."
"I will. How's your Christmas?"
"It's good. Prof. Darcy and Arata invited me over after we had a party last night at the League."
"So you're not spending it alone." Anabel sighed in relief.
"They wouldn't let me." Red shrugged.
"Glad to hear that. So you're getting along with them?"
"Most of the time. But…"
"You're not sure if you can trust them fully yet." Anabel guessed. At Red's nod, she looked thoughtful. "I see."
"Is it wrong of me not being able to trust them like I trust you?"
"No, it just means you're cautious." She reassured him. She tilted her head and smiled. "I have to go. I think there's some carolers outside the door. I hope to see you again soon. Once again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year." Red smiled back as the call ended. Maybe, maybe this year, he can have a new start with his new family.