Fifty Three – Christmas

Skylar - Clemont - Gallade - Misdreavus

"WAKE UP! GET UP, GUYS!"

Sky groaned, and wiped the sleep out of her eyes. She looked up at the ceiling's window, and frowned. It was still pitch black outside.

"Bonnie… Just a little more sleep…" Ash mumbled into his pillow, while Clemont's and Serena's expression showed the same.

Bonnie shook her head, looming over everyone with her Tyrantrum pyjamas. "No way am I going back to sleep, and I'm not going down there without you guys. Just wait until you see what Santa brought!"

Sky couldn't help but smile, despite sunrise not even arriving quite yet.

"Pleeeaaase?" Bonnie asked, and everyone got up. It was hard to say no to her.

Sky mentally thanked her dad for putting everyone's gifts under the tree for them, because they were all stacked neatly around the tree. She wasn't used to seeing so many gifts… Last year, it was just a very small number of presents to Sky from her dad, and to Professor sycamore from his daughter, plus maybe a few scattered ones- like maybe a gift to or from Diantha, or to the professor's assistants.

However, the gifts were not organized in any way- so Sky gladly took up the task to pass them out, calling out people and Pokémon to come and receive their gifts.

Bonnie was extremely happy- she got a new hair accessory from Serena, a Pokémon grooming kit and the candy bouquet from Sky, a set of Pokémon figures from Ash, and giant Minun and Plusle set of plushies from Clemont.

Ash got a new hat from Serena, a new invention to help him with training with his Pokémon from Clemont and Bonnie (she decorated it nicely and gave it a better name), and a book about legendary Pokémon from Sky.

Serena got a new performance dress from both Clemont and Bonnie (Bonnie had picked it out), a set of many TMs from Sky (she said they'd be great for new competition strategies), and of course the ribbon necklace from Ash. She was so happy that she nearly cried- constantly thanking him, and even hugged him.

Sky got a framed photo of her and Sylveon that Serena took long ago, a drawing that Bonnie made of all the Pokémon (yet again, but updated), some Rare Candies for her Pokémon from Ash, yet she couldn't find Clemont's. He just told her to wait until later tonight when they would be outside together, and nobody else noticed.

Clemont got a set of tools from Serena, a new jumpsuit from Bonnie (that she had picked out while with Serena), and he also got some Rare Candies from Ash… But he couldn't find Sky's present- until he looked over at her and saw it in her hands. "Just wait until later, mister." She responded with her tongue sticking out. He laughed, nodding. 'She's way too adorable.'

Everyone received a new Pokédex from Professor Sycamore- even Bonnie! When she questioned why he gave her one, he responded with: "I know you're not quite old enough to be a trainer just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't have such an important tool. Plus, I know you love Pokémon anyways."

Then it came time for the Pokémon to open the presents from their trainers. Ash and Serena had fallen asleep together, their heads leaning on each other's shoulders- with Pikachu on top of Ash's other shoulder. But Sky still gave out the presents to their Pokémon- they were too impatient and nobody wanted to wake them up.

Ash gave all his Pokémon lots of berries like at the festival before, which everyone enjoyed; even Chespin and Dedenne joined in- Pikachu woke up from the smell and are some.

Serena gave Eevee, Pancham and Braixen some new accessories for future competitions; they all loved them.

Bonnie gave Dedenne some Poké Puffs that she had tried to make on her own, without Serena's help- they turned out great!

Clemont gave his Pokémon all an machine that he made- a small box that was like a "theatre" and made Luxray, Chespin and Bunnelby dance around and use their moves- such as Swift, Pin Missile and Mud Shot.

Sky got a new bow for Sylveon, and a new anklet for Altaria. However, her presents for Misdreavus and Gallade were different.

"Misdreavus…" She said, walking up to it. "I have something pretty special for you. But I understand if you don't want to use it, alright? If you want me to get you something else, then… Of course I can." At this point Misdreavus was completely confused, until Sky pulled out a Dusk Stone and its eyes widened. Misdreavus wasn't sure what it was, but something was drawing it towards the stone.

"It's called a Dusk Stone. If you touch it, and you really want to, you can evolve." Sky explained, watching the Ghost type's expression. Everyone watched as it touched its gem against the stone, and the room was enveloped in a light blue glow as the evolution began.

Then the glow faded, and a witch-like Pokémon was revealed. Bonnie took this opportunity to use her Poké Dex for the first time, and scanned it.

"Mismagius, the Magic Pokémon. It chants incantations. While they usually torment targets, some chants bring happiness." The Poké Dex read, and Bonnie was smiling widely- as was Sky.

Mismagius studied itself, then cried out happily. "Mis magi!" It then span around in a circle, disappearing and reappearing all around the living room.

Sky laughed. "Well, I suppose you like you gift. That's great, Mismagius!"

After playing with it for a while, Sky turned to Gallade. "Now… Time for your gift." She smirked, a special look in her eye. She was incredibly excited.

Gallade tilted its head, confused. Yet it watched as Sky pulled a small wrapped box from her bag, labelled: "To Gallade, From Sky."

It slowly unwrapped the presents with its blade-like arms, then all you could see was its shocked expression as Gallade looked from the box to Sky, over and over again.

Since Ash and Serena weren't awake to see it, Bonnie and Professor Sycamore, who already knew, were smiling widely as well. Inside the box was a circular, glowing stone- Clemont was left with a shocked expression. "No way… Is that a Mega Stone?!" He asked Sky.

She nodded. "Yep. A-According to Dad, this is Galladite." She turned back to Gallade. "So… Wanna try it out?"

Gallade nodded eagerly, standing up and running out to the battlefield.

Bonnie woke up Ash and Serena, telling them it was a surprise they had to see, as everyone followed the Psychic and Fighting type. All the Pokémon were returned, except for Sylveon, Pikachu and Dedenne of course.

"The only th-thing is," Sky said with Sylveon on her shoulder, looking around as everyone arrived. "I need a battle partner. Mega Evolution is only used in battle."

Both Clemont and Ash wanted to step up, but Professor Sycamore beat them to that. "I would be honored to have a Mega Evolution battle with my daughter... Garchomp against Gallade."

Sky nodded, her battle attitude already showing. "Of course, Dad. Let's get started."

Serena's eyes were wide, yet Ash was wiping his. "What...? What's going on?"

The Professor returned after getting Garchomp and the Garchompite.

Sky and her father went to either side of the battlefield. Clemont went up to referee, while the others tried to stay back as far as they could; while staying somewhere they could get a good view.

Professor Sycamore took out his new Key Stone of his own- clutching it in his hand as Garchomp held onto its own stone. He called out: "Garchomp, Mega Evolve!" And it did just so; evolving once more as it covered the battlefield in a bright glow.

Gallade turned to look back at Sky, a grin on its face. Sky nodded, but mentioned: "If you are too overwhelmed… Please let me know, okay? Do you promise?"

Gallade nodded, but it seemed distracted. Sky frowned slightly. "I'm serious, Gallade. Mega Evolving can put you under some possible strain, and I don't want you ending up too hurt. We can call off the battle at any time."

Gallade nodded more firmly this time, understanding. It held on tight to its Galladite.

Sky reached for her ring, and placed it over her heart. "Gallade, Mega Evolve!" The words felt unfamiliar on her tongue, but she couldn't hold in her excitement- and worry.

Gallade's form changed as it evolved, its blade arms growing larger and more formed, while a cape grew from its back. The horn-like helmet on its head also grew larger, and soon the glow disappeared, revealing Mega Gallade. It stood up straight, still smirking.

Ash was now the one wide-eyed; he had no idea what was going on until now. Serena and Bonnie were smiling brightly, and Clemont felt overwhelming pride for Sky and Gallade. They had done it. Even though Sky hadn't expected Gallade to Mega Evolve from the beginning, she still believed in it- like she does with all her Pokémon- and now Gallade was even stronger.

Sky was speechless, but in a good way.

The battle started as Professor Sycamore called out a command, but she didn't focus on that. The only thing she saw was Mega Gallade's grin fading as it slowly crumpled to the ground, shaking violently with its eyes shut tight.

Sky ran over to its side, not even paying attention to Garchomp... who had finished charging a Hyper Beam.

Professor Sycamore had no time to stop it- Hyper Beam was released, and it was heading straight toward Mega Gallade and Sky.

Sky looked up in time to see it only feet away from her- but the shaking form she was trying to comfort stood up right in front of her, its arms glowing white as it used Psycho Cut to stop the Hyper Beam.

The beam stopped completely, and Mega Gallade fell over- instantly transforming back into Gallade.

Sky gasped, moving over to it again. "Gallade! Gallade, are you okay?!"

It groaned slightly, getting Sky's attention as she sighed in relief. "Thank goodness…We'll get you healed in the lab soon, okay?"

Everyone rushed over. Mega Garchomp went back to normal as well, ash the Professor ran over. "SKY! Are you alright? You could have gotten hit, and you're still hurt!"

Sky frowned sightly, ready for the others to lecture her about trying to protect her partner, but none came. Everyone was looking down at her, seeing the tears in her eyes. "I'm fine, Dad. I just didn't see it coming." She wiped the tears away, and proceeded to help Gallade onto its feet. "We need to get Gallade to the healing area… Please."

Professor Sycamore nodded. Ash helped carry Gallade's other side, and Bonnie picked up the dropped Galladite; holding it close so nothing happened to it.


After that, nobody was quite as happy as before. Sylveon and Pikachu tried to lighten the mood by encouraging everyone to play charades- Sylveon was pretending to be a Wailord, while Pikachu was a Skitty. Bonnie gave half-hearted guesses, but couldn't quite get it. Her and everyone else were just too worried about Gallade and if it would be okay.

Sky was taking it the worse. Everyone was in their same spots as before on the couch, so Clemont tried to comfort her by holding Sky's hand behind their backs. It helped her a lot, yet Sky still struggled to hold back tears. She was just too worried: her anxiety was kicking in once more.

Some time passed, until the professor said Gallade was feeling better, and was fully conscious- yet it still had to stay in the medical area. Sky got up quickly, rushing to see Gallade; the others followed.

Sky didn't even wait outside the glass window- she went right in, feeling so much more relieved again once more- he was fine. Just covered in cuts and bruises, and seemed quite exhausted.

She walked over to him, smiling slightly. "I'm so glad you're okay. I told you we had to be careful about Mega Evolving, right? Some Pokémon have trouble with it. Even Altaria did." She explained, yet her smile didn't fade.

Gallade nodded. It was still determined to try again- not yet, but sometime soon.

"You'll just need to get accustomed to your new strength. It might take awhile... But we'll get through, won't we?"

Gallade smirked, nodding once more.

"Alright." She turned to the Professor who had came into the room after her. "Is Gallade okay to come back out in the living room?"

He nodded. "As long as Gallade can sit down and take it easy, then yes."

Sky smiled even more, then helped Gallade up as they headed back to the living room.

Everyone else was back in their own spot just like before, only everyone's moods were elevated. All the other Pokémon were out there too now, enjoying their gifts and socializing with the others.

Just relaxing and enjoy their Christmas. That was until the new Mismagius got a great idea- a new prank to play.

Turning invisible, it took a piece of mistletoe from another room, then floated back into the living room, right above Skylar and Clemont.

Still remaining invisible, it kept the mistletoe visible and still directly above their heads, waiting to be noticed- and just to ensure they saw, it cried out quietly. That got Clemont's attention.

He slowly looked up, seeing the mistletoe somehow floating above them. "Uh... Sky...?" He nudged Sky, his face red.

She turned away from the others, facing him. "Yeah...? What's wrong?"

He slowly pointed upwards, showing her. Sky's eyes widened. "Uh- umm..." She stammered.

Bonnie heard her, and saw- her grin became huge. "Well, guys. Go on!"

"Okay..." Sky mumbled, and she leaned forward- giving Clemont a quick kiss on the cheek. Both their faces were tomato red. That was when everyone else noticed- smiles on their faces.

Sighing, Bonnie shook her head. "No, a real kiss. Not just that."

However, they didn't do so because Mismagius seemed satisfied. It then made the mistletoe float over to Ash and Serena. Bonnie encouraged them to have a "real" kiss. Eventually, they agreed- and then Mismagius appeared, chanting happily as its work was finished.

"Mismagius!" Sky called out, yet didn't sound mad. "I really thought it was hung up on the ceiling- you little trickster!"

Mismagius made a giggle-like noise, put the mistletoe back, then returned to playing with the other Pokémon.


Later on, the others left the lab and headed to Meyer's house for dinner. Everyone was in a great mood and enjoyed all the food that he had made- and some gifts he gave.

Sky went up to Meyer to thank him for the new bag he gave her, but he'd responded with: "Don't speak a word of it, Sky. I should be thanking you for the gift that you gave me." He chuckled, smiling afterwards.

Sky shook her head, but smiled back as well. "You're completely welcome, Meyer."

"I've noticed something." Meyer responded, not wanting their conversation to end. "Your stutter. It's gone."

Sky thought about it- then nodded. "I-I guess it's because I'm in a good mood?" She sighed. "Nevermind. I just did."

"No worries! You're getting better, and that's all that counts. Although, I have noticed that you never speak like that around Clemont. I wonder why?" He said teasingly, smiling.

Sky's face went red, and she shrugged. "Uh... I'm not sure, m-maybe because we're great friends?" She responded, then walked away to avoid him teasing them anymore.

After enjoying spending more time together, Bonnie began yawning a lot and everyone started to feel tired- even though it was only early in the evening. Meyer carried Bonnie up to bed after she fell asleep on top of Luxray, and soon everyone else went up to bed- excluding Sky and Clemont. They still had to give each other their gifts.

Both took theirs out, looking at each other as they sat together on the couch. "Do you want to open mine first?" Clemont asked, to which Sky agreed.

Clemont passed her the present. It was rectangular, with a small lump on top. Sky gently opened it, trying to be quiet with all the wrapping paper, and gasped.

Clemont went right into explaining. "That's just a normal sketchbook, you see... I noticed you drawing sometimes." He smiled. "But that pen is special- I made it so that by pushing the combination of buttons on the side, you can create almost any colour you want!" His glasses grew foggy, as he displayed his invention.

Sky's smile grew even wider. "Clemont... This is awesome! Thank you so much!" She answered gratefully, hugging his side while holding her gift.

Clemont blushed a little. He was just happy that she liked it.

Still overwhelmingly happy from his gift, she handed Clemont his- a small, cube like box that contained something she hoped that he loved.

Clemont slowly unwrapped it as well, revealing that the cube was completely white- he looked at her, confused as to what it was.

"Go on, open it!" She asked, watching his expression.

Clemont did so, and his expression was pure shock. He stared at the glowing stone in awe. "No way... Sky..." He stammered, just looking at her.

"Well... I kinda lied..." She sighed slightly, hoping he wouldn't be upset at this. "That wasn't Meg's Key Stone. When you saved me from Team Flare, they were trying to take it from me. I saw it inside a special chamber hidden inside that tunnel... My own Key Stone led me to it."

Clemont took in that explanation. "So... You found another Key Stone. And instead of giving it to your dad, or Ash, or Serena, or anyone else, you gave it to me?!"

"Of course I did!" Skylar explained, feeling worried. "You're my best friend, Clemont. I think you'll put it to greater use than any of the others... Plus, I know that you understand the risks and the science of it from listening to me rant all the time." She laughed slightly.

"But... But I don't even have a Mega Stone for any of my Pokémon-" he started, passing the box back to her.

Sky cut him off. "Clemont, that's enough. I'm giving you a Key Stone because I know that you're someone that's perfectly able to use it. It doesn't matter if you aren't able to use Mega Evolution right now. I wasn't either, at first. None of that matters, Clemont. I trust you with it one hundred percent." She passed the box back, making sure he kept it.

"Sky... I don't know what to say." Clemont answered, not protesting any longer.

"You don't have to say anything. As long as you like it." Sky answered with her smile returned.

Clemont leaned over, and hugged her full on. He didn't say anything else, but enough was said through the hug.

Sky hugged back, not even blushing anymore. Hugging had become something somewhat normal for them, yet it was something she treasured each and every time it happened.