One Last Christmas
Elsewhere in the shopping center, a man on a stage began speaking to the crowd. "Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for coming to this year's The Battle of Christmas Eve Tournament. As always, we welcome each and every one of you and the participants. Now to kick off things, let's present you the participants." With that, everyone participating in the tournament stepped onto the stage with their Pokémon. "Ladies and Gentlemen, will you please take a look at the sixteen participants standing before you. One of these will walk away with a gift card to purchase anything they would like at participating stores" the announcer continued.
Hearing the cheer of the crowds, Dawn ran towards them hoping the tournament hasn't begun. "Due to time constraints, we will be holding two battles at a simultaneously with a 5 minute time limit." Seeing all the contestants on stage, Dawn's heart sank. No there was no way to obtain a gift for Ash. She put her head down in frustration. This was not how things were supposed to turn out. She shed a tear knowing all her efforts were for nothing. Hearing the cheerfulness of the crowd, she only wished she could join them in their excitement. Now that she thought about it, this was Ash's idea in the first place. If she had never agreed, she wouldn't be in a desperate position.
"Hey Dawn, what's wrong?" she heard a voice calling out to her. It was Ash.
Immediately, she came up with a lie. "I'm just thinking how I wouldn't be spending Christmas with my mom again" she quickly let out. As much as she hated lying to her friends, she didn't want to let Ash know the real reason for her mood.
Unfortunately for her, Ash could see right through her lie. In a way, it did hurt him to know that she would even lie to him as if she couldn't trust him. Still though, he would do whatever it takes to cheer her up. Putting his arms around her, Ash hugged Dawn. "I may not know what's going on, but remember this. I'll always be here for you if you ever need it" he said in a low whisper.
"Now our first two battles will be between Ash vs. Barry and Ricky vs. Bobby" the announcer spoke.
Ash let go of Dawn and left Pikachu behind. "Take care of Pikachu for me" he said running off towards his first battle. On the battle field, Ash calls out the Pokémon he registered for the tournament. "Infernape, I choose you" he released the fire type.
On the opposite side of the field, Barry released his Pokémon. "Come on out Empoleon" the impatient trainer called out his Pokémon. With the two ready to battle, all that was left was for the announcer to begin the battle. "Hey will you hurry it up. You said so yourself, you are under a time constraint" Barry impatiently shouted to the announcer. "Unless that was a lie in which case I'm going to have to fine you. You have ten seconds to pay up. Ten, nine, eight" he rapidly began his countdown.
In the crowd, Dawn face palmed herself. Even in a friendly tournament, Barry still had the indecency to rush the tournament organizers.
With everyone ready, especially Barry, the tournament could start. "Let the battles begin" the announcer signaled the start of the battles.
"Let's get this over with Empoleon. Use Hydro Pump on Infernape" Barry was the first to call out his attack.
Ash predicted that Barry would try to make quick work of Infernape due to his type disadvantage. Still though, he wasn't one to run from a super effective attack and neither was Infernape. "Use Flamethrower to cancel out that Hydro Pump" he ordered the Flame Pokémon. The two attacks collided in the air producing a thick fog. "Now get in close with Mach Punch" Ash ordered. He too planned to use type advantage to the fullest.
"Empoleon quick, intercept it with Steel Wing" Barry quickly let out. The Emperor Pokémon repelled each punch with his own wing. "Give it up Ash, I'm going to win this tournament and you know it" Barry taunted his opponent. Ash however decided to remain quiet and use the fog to his advantage. He motioned for Infernape to use Dig without Barry noticing. "Now Empoleon, end this by using Hydro Pump" Barry shouted knowing a point blank Hydro Pump would knock out Infernape.
The water type did as he was told. He let out a massive stream of water right in front of him clearing away most of the fog. "Empoleon?" the Emperor Pokémon asked rather baffled.
Even Barry couldn't believe that Infernape was gone. "Sorry Barry, but I have so much at stake in this tournament and I can't afford to lose" he responded to his rival. "Now Infernape" Ash gave his Pokémon the signal to come out of the ground. Infernape launched Empoleon into the air. "Now use Mach Punch" Ash ordered.
In the air, Empoleon had no control over his movements, mainly because he was caught off guard. "Infernaaaaapppe" the fire type let out as he used Mach Punch on Empoleon. He sent Empoleon crashing down into the ground below.
The announcer saw Empoleon down and with swirls in his eyes. "Empoleon is unable to battle. Looks like Ash is the first person to advance to the next round" he said. The crowd cheered over such a great battle.
"Thanks Infernape, you were great out there" Ash praised his Pokémon. "Are you okay to battle again?" he asked out of concern for his Pokémon. If they didn't want to continue battling, he wasn't going to force them to.
Knowing what was at stake, Infernape did not dare letting Ash down one bit. Ash was always there for him when he needed him the most so now it was his turn to return the favor. "Infernape" he nodded while giving Ash a thumbs up.
Barry walked over to Ash after the battle was done. "You may have beaten me this time but next time I'll be sure to show you which one of us is the better one" he pointed at Ash. There was still one thing running in his mind. "And what exactly do you mean you have so much at stake in this tournament" Barry asked wondering if it was the important.
Ash looked over to the crowd and saw Dawn standing there. He turned back to Barry to answer his question. "Brock, Dawn, and I agreed to exchange gifts this year. I'm here so I can get Dawn her gift" he briefly explained. "But you're more than welcome to come and spend Christmas with all of us at the Pokémon Center" he invited Barry.
Barry had a mischievous smile after hearing that Ash was in the tournament for Dawn. "It seems you must be motivated by that special someone huh Ash" Barry nudged the trainer. Giving Ash something to think about, Barry walked off the stage and left the tournament.
With his battle with Barry over, Ash waited on the stage until it was his turn to battle again. Much to his surprise, he had to remain on the stage or he would be disqualified from the tournament. This was due to their limited time. The last thing the organizers needed was to search for a trainer when it was their turn to battle.
While he waited for his next battle, Ash thought about what Barry told him. Whenever he thought of special someone, his first thought would return to Dawn for some strange reason. If special someone meant best friend, then he already had one. But for some reason, he couldn't stop the feeling that this tournament meant more than just a Christmas gift. Whether he realized it or not, Dawn was his main source of motivation for this tournament. "Will Ash and Ricky please head over to the battle field? I repeat, will Ash and Ricky please head over to the battle field" the announcer said the names of the next two who were going to battle.
Infernape stepped onto the battle field ready to begin. "Let's go Staraptor" Ricky let out his Pokémon. Ricky had a smirk on his face. Clearly he had a type advantage in this battle. "I will win this tournament and obtain that Masterball in the Pokéball Emporium" he told Ash rather arrogantly.
"Let's see how bad you want it" Ash simply replied. The last thing he wanted to do was provoke the guy into talking some more.
"Battle begin" the announcer signaled the start of the battle.
Ricky laughed as he called out his first move. "This is too easy. Staraptor, use Aerial Ace and end this already" he said in a condescending tone. The Predator Pokémon gained some altitude before pulling in his wings and feet. He dove straight for Infernape with his beak first.
Ash knew an Aerial Ace could spell disaster if it hit. Fortunately however, he also knew Staraptor were a lot like glass cannons. "Infernape, use Mach Punch" Ash ordered his fire type. The Flame Pokémon timed his attack. When Staraptor was in close ranged, he unleashed his attack.
"Inffffeernape" the fire starter let out sending Staraptor crashing into the ground with a good amount of force.
Ricky immediately saw the condition of his Pokémon. "Staraptor no" he cried out. Staraptor had been knocked out.
"Wow, ladies and gentlemen, never in the history of this tournament have we ever had a one hit knock-out" the announcer was quick to say.
Everyone in the crowd gasped. Either Ash was a really good trainer or he must have some pretty good motivation or both. Even Dawn found her friend's quick victories quite strange. Ash isn't really known for making quick work of his opponents so why now.
With the battle over, both Ash and Ricky shook hands. "So tell me Ash, why are you really in the tournament?" Ricky was genuinely curious as to what was it that pushed Ash to perform great accomplishments.
Ash shrugged his shoulders. At this point, even he wasn't too sure anymore. After talking to the bicycle shop owner and Barry, he honestly didn't know what to think anymore. One thing however remained the same. "I'm doing this for a friend of mine" was all he said.
Satisfied by his answer, Ricky walked off and Ash returned to wait for his next battle. "Looks like Ash has a chance of winning this tournament" Dawn told both Piplup and Pikachu. The two Pokémon agreed, although Pikachu would rather be up there battling. "Hey Pikachu" Dawn spoke getting the electric type's attention. "Is there any reason why Ash signed up for this tournament other than to battle?" she asked curious as to why he even entered. Sadly though, she missed the registration deadline by a longshot.
Pikachu thought what would be the best way to explain to Dawn in a way she could understand him. "Pika Pika Pi Pikachu" he pointed to Ash while letting out small electrical charges from his cheeks.
"I'm guessing that means that Ash is battling" she did her best to interpret Pikachu's gestures.
Pikachu nodded before he continued. "Pi Pika Pikachu" he pointed to Dawn. Hopefully she would understand that last part.
"Ash is battling for me?" she asked wondering if that was what Ash's Pokémon was trying to say. Pikachu nodded his head. In that moment, she realized that even Ash was having the same trouble finding a gift just like she did. While that did explain why he was in the tournament, she still wondered how exactly is he winning the battles with minimal effort.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now in the semi-final stages of the tournament and so far these are our contestants" the announcer pointed to the remaining four trainers. "First up are Clemont and his Luxray. Then we have Hank with his Rhyperior. Next up are Tony and his Gabite. And last but not least is Ash with his Infernape. Each of these trainers have been quiet impressive in their own way" the announcer said. Drawing two names from a hat, the announcer read the names of who would battle who. "In the semi-finals we have Clemont vs. Hank and Ash vs. Tony" he said the names of the trainers who would battle each other.
Knowing who was battling who, the remaining four semi-finalists prepared to battle their opponent. "Hang in there Infernape. We made it this far so I'm sure we can go all the way" Ash told the Flame Pokémon. Clearly their opponent had the type advantage, again.
"Let's show them our training thanks to the power of science" Clemont began. Despite being at a great disadvantage, he was used to dealing with ground types on a regular basis.
"Let's go Clemont. Serena and I are here cheering for you" a small young blonde shouted from the crowd.
"Thank you Bonnie" Clemont replied to his little sister.
"Battle begin" the announcer started the battle.
"Infernape, get in close with Mach Punch" Ash issued his first command. Infernape sped towards the opposing Gabite at a fast pace hoping to strike first.
"Block it using Dual Chop" Tony ordered. The Cave Pokémon did as he was told and defended himself from Infernape's Mach Punch. With both Pokémon sustaining no damage, the two were within arm's length reach from one another. "Gabite, use Dragon Pulse" Tony ordered.
Ash also had the same idea in mind. "Infernape use Flamethrower" Ash ordered. The two attacks collided canceling each other out. Once again, Ash had Infernape use Dig without letting the opponent know.
"What the?" Tony seemed to have lost Infernape. "Look around for any sign of Infernape" Tony warned his Pokémon. There was one place however where they forgot to look.
"Infernape, come on out using Flame Wheel" Ash said. In that instant, Tony began looking around even faster. Infernape was nowhere to be seen.
Feeling the ground below him shake, Gabite knew where the attack would come from. "Fly into the air" Tony instructed his Gabite in order to avoid the attack.
Too late. Infernape came out of the ground covered in flames. He struck the dragon sending him soaring into the air. "Gabite no" cried out Tony. Fortunately for him, the dragon type could still battle. Realizing the close proximity to his opponent, Tony took advantage of the moment. "Gabite, use Dual Chop again" he ordered. The dragon type slashed away at Infernape sending him crashing onto the ground below.
"Infernape, are you alright?" Ash asked hoping his Pokémon could continue to fight. The fire type stood back up and nodded. Again, there was no way he would let his trainer down, especially now of all times. Seeing as how Gabite was descending towards them at a rapid pace, Ash has Infernape use Dig. He has a plan to take down Gabite.
Sure enough, Tony had a way of attacking Infernape. "Gabite, use Earthquake as soon as you land." Landing on the ground, Gabite began stomping on the ground to cause an earthquake.
Little did he know, he fell into Ash's trap. "Infernape, come on out of the hole and use Mach Punch" Ash ordered. Since he didn't dig too deep, Infernape came out instantly with both his hands glowing. With incredible speed, he sped towards Gabite punching the dragon type once to make him lose balance and again to send him soaring into the air. "Now use Flamethrower" Ash ordered. The fire type let out a Flamethrower and hit Gabite.
The dragon type came crashing down onto the field below. "Gabite, are you alright?" Tony asked his Pokémon unsure if he could continue battling.
The dragon type managed to struggle onto his feet. "Gabbbiiiiittte" the Cave Pokémon shrieked in pain. He had been burned by Infernape's Flamethrower. Unable to withstand the damage, Gabite falls over and faints.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, looks like the first to advance to the final round of the tournament is Ash" the announcer told the crowd. "And now all that's left if to see who will make it between Clemont and Hank" he continued.
"Alright Luxray, let's finish off Rhyperior with Ice Fang" Clemont ordered his Pokémon. The electric type's mouth became a light blue as his jaws took hold of Rhyperior's arm. "And now Iron Tail" Clemont had Luxray follow up with his attack.
"Luxxxrayy" the electric type cried out attacking Rhyperior with everything he had. The Drill Pokémon was unable to withstand two super-effective attacks in a row and falls over.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, looks like Clemont will also be moving onto the final round of the tournament" the announcer told the crowd as soon as Rhyperior was declared unable to battle. "Folks this will be a memorable final round. Both Ash and Clemont were at a severe disadvantage and still managed to win. The final battle will certainly be a treat for us all" he pointed out. "For now, the two competitors will be given a 10 minute break to heal their Pokémon and do whatever else they need."
With the ten minute break, Ash decides to meet his final opponent. He walks over to Clemont, "Hey there, my name is Ash" he extends his hand.
The blonde accepts Ash's hand and replies, "I'm Clemont." With the two acquainted with one another, Clemont is the first to start the conversation. "Let's make the final battle one to remember" he said to Ash.
Unlike his other opponents, Ash could easily tell Clemont didn't seem interested in winning the prize for himself. It was pretty obvious since he didn't say anything about it from the very beginning. "Yes, let's make this a battle to remember" Ash replied agreeing with his final opponent. Not too long after, Ash saw two females approach Clemont.
While Ash was watching Clemont and his 'friends' tend to Luxray, he failed to notice that Dawn was next to him. "Hello, are you there?" she waved her hand in front of the trainer breaking him free from his trance.
"Huh" Ash regaining his composure.
"Here you might want to give this to Infernape" Dawn handed Ash a water bottle. "Hopefully it'll help Infernape with his next battle" she said. It was pretty clear that Dawn wanted Ash to win.
"So Ash" Clemont returned his attention to his next opponent. "I read that Chimchar is one of the starters of the Sinnoh Region. Was Infernape your first Pokémon?" Clemont asked. Even though there were rivals, he would still like to get to know new people.
"No, it was Pikachu" Ash replied. On cue, the electric type jumped onto his trainer's shoulders. "We're from the Kanto Region. I'm just here in the Sinnoh Region because I'm going to compete in the Sinnoh League" he began explaining. Seeing Dawn next to him, he thought it would be best to introduce her too. "And this is my friend Dawn and Piplup. We are traveling around the Sinnoh Region together" he explained.
"Oh I almost forgot, this is my little sister Bonnie" he motioned to the small young blonde. "And this is Serena" he motioned to her introducing the other two people around him.
Serena however found Clemont's introduction quiet annoying. She walks over to him and arms both her arms around one of his. "Oh come on Clemont, are you still embarrassed to say that I'm your girlfriend?" Serena teases the blonde causing him to blush.
Even Bonnie shook her head sideways in disappointment. "I've told you this many times already Clemont, it's not enough to have a girlfriend. You have to make her feel like you care" Bonnie scolded her older brother.
While Ash and Dawn were busy watching the three interact with one another, Dawn comes to realize something. Seeing how happy Serena was around Clemont, she realized now that she too wished for the same but with Ash. No wonder she had such a hard time deciding what to find Ash. Even though she didn't see it then, she wanted to impress Ash all along. And here she was giving up all because she wasn't able to register for the tournament. Dawn decided after it ended, she would find something else just as meaningful in the short amount of time left.
"Will the two finalists please return to the battle field" the announcer spoke. Both Ash and Clemont returned ready to win and take first place in this year's The Battle of Christmas Eve. With both of their Pokémon ready to battle, they nodded to the announcer. "Battle begin" he said.
"Flamethrower"
"Thunder"
The two trainers issued their first command simultaneously. The attacks collided in mid-air canceling each other out.
"Mach Punch let's go"
"Get in there with Wild Charge"
The two Pokémon met in the center of the battle field, both struggling for the upper hand against the other.
"Come on Luxray, you can win this" both Bonnie and Serena shout from the sidelines.
"Let's go Infernape, you can't let this beat you" Dawn also shouted from the sidelines.
The two Pokémon ended their attacks unable to gain any momentum against their opponent. "Infernape, use Dig" Ash commanded deciding to change his strategy.
Clemont on the other hand was prepared to deal with the attack. "Alright Luxray, use Double Team." The electric type created clones of himself all over the battle field. Trusting his trainer, Luxray knew Clemont had a plan as soon as Infernape reemerged.
Ash also realized that Clemont was prepared to take the offensive as soon as Infernape came up. However thanks to Dawn's help in their special training sessions, Ash had a perfect way to counter any incoming attack that Clemont had planned. "Infernape, come on out using Flame Wheel" Ash ordered. The Flame Pokémon came up making one of the clones disappear.
"Now Luxray, use Iron Tail on Infernape" Clemont said the moment he saw Infernape come out of the ground. Luxray and all his clones dove straight for the fire type with his tail glowing white.
"Now use Flamethrower while you're spinning" Ash called out. Infernape had flames going in all directions. One of them managed to hit Luxray.
"It's been a while since we've seen Ash use a counter-shield" Dawn pointed out to both Piplup and Pikachu.
"Luxray, are you alright?" Clemont asked his Pokémon. The electric type nodded although he panted heavily. It seems the strain of four consecutive battles was beginning to show. Looking over to the other side, Infernape was in the same position. Out of nowhere, Luxray was surrounded by a red aura. "Luxray no" Clemont cried out. His Pokémon is suffering from a burn.
"Luuuxxxx" the Gleam Eyes Pokémon growled. Surround by a white light, his special ability, guts, had been activated.
This was a bitter-sweet moment for Clemont. He was on the verge of losing the battle but on the other hand, his Pokémon gained a noticeable boost in power. "Use Thunder" Clemont called out. Luxray unleashed the electric type attack onto his opponent.
"Push it back with Flamethrower" Ash responded. Infernape intercepted the attack in mid-air. Unfortunately for him, the Thunder attack overwhelmed him and struck. "Infernape" Ash cried out seeing his Pokémon take the attack. With the attack over, Infernape could barely manage to stand. Seeing that Luxray was just about to faint as well, he decides it's all or nothing.
"Infernape, use Flame Wheel"
"Luxray, use Wild Charge"
Luxray covered himself in electricity and charged straight at his opponent. Infernape on the other hand was surrounded by a blue flame before charging forward. "Huh, is that a new attack?" Ash noticed the difference in his Pokémon's attack.
The two Pokémon charged straight at each other knowing this time, one of them would fall.
"Luxraaayyy"
"Inferrrrrrnape"
A cloud of smoke covered the area. Everyone held their breaths while they waited to see who will emerge victorious. "Folks, this is a very tense moment" the announcer added to the already tense mood.
Slowly but surely the smoke began to clear. Both Bonnie and Serena had their fingers crossed for Clemont will Dawn, Piplup, and Pikachu paid close attention to the field. They hoped that Infernape would remain standing.
With the smoke nearly gone, everyone could see a figure stand on two legs. It was obvious by now who had won. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present you the winner of this year's The Battle of Christmas Eve, Ash Ketchum" the announcer spoke. The crowd erupted into cheers.
"Alright Infernape" Ash ran towards his Pokémon. Dawn also made her way towards the stage to congratulate her friend.
Although the fire type was worn out, he was more than satisfied by the results. "Infernape" the Flame Pokémon let's out while holding a thumbs up.
"Well that's the end of that" Clemont said as he recalled his Pokémon. "Thank you so much Luxray. You were amazing out there" he praised his Pokémon. Both Bonnie and Serena ran onto the stage to cheer Clemont up. "I'm sorry you two, I thought I could win the tournament and get you two something nice for Christmas" Clemont seemed a bit down.
Both Bonnie and Serena hug Clemont tightly. "Oh come on big brother. Do you honestly think we would mad if you didn't win?" Bonnie asked the older blonde.
"Bonnie's right you know. We would rather see you try your best and spend time with you than have some present" Serena added.
Instantly Clemont's mood changed for the better. Showing a smile, he couldn't deny that he would rather spend time with two of the most important people in his life. "Nene nene" a Pokémon cried out from Bonnie's bag. It climbed onto Clemont's shoulder and nuzzled the trainer's cheek.
"Fenn Fennekin" another Pokémon came out but this time from Serena's Pokéball. The fox looking Pokémon also nuzzled her cheek against Clemont's leg. Serena picked up her Pokémon so it could also enjoy the moment.
It was in this moment, that Dawn realized what she would get Ash. Rather than a gift she knew she couldn't obtain, she planned on her gift being personal. She planned on confessing her feelings to the trainer once and for all. Just seeing how happy the three were with each other, Dawn couldn't help but feel jealous of the trio.
While Dawn was busy with her thoughts, Ash noticed some strange looking Pokémon. Pulling out his Pokédex, he was shocked to find out it didn't contain any information about the strange Pokémon. "Where are you guys from if you don't mind me asking?" Ash asked Clemont.
Clemont wasted no time answering. "We're from Lumiose City in the Kalos Region. I am the Lumiose City Gym Leader" he told Ash.
In that instant, Ash took immediate interest in Clemont. "After I'm done with the Sinnoh League, I'm going to the Kalos Region next" he replied to the gym leader. "And I want my first gym battle to be with you" he added.
"Then I'll wait for your challenge as soon as I return to the Kalos Region" Clemont replied accepting Ash's challenge. With that, the three left the battle field.
"Will Ash Ketchum please present himself" the announcer called for Ash. The trainer heard his announcement and headed towards the announcer. "For winning The Battle of Christmas Eve, we present you with this" he held out a plastic card. "This gift card is good for any item at any participating store" he told Ash.
With his prize in his hand, the only thing left was for them to take a picture of the winner of the tournament. "Wait, can Dawn be in the picture with me?" Ash asked getting a curious look from Dawn. Why would he want her in the picture to begin with? "She was the main reason and inspiration for winning this tournament" he admitted.
Listening to Ash's reason, Dawn couldn't believe the trainer would go to such lengths just for her. Even though Pikachu told her himself, it was much different hearing it from Ash. The camera man nodded. Being Christmas, this was supposed to be the time of the year when people spend time with those important to them.
Both Ash and Dawn posed for the picture along with Pikachu, Piplup, and Infernape. "Now please wait a few minutes for the pictures to print" the camera man told the two.
With a few minutes to spare, Dawn decided to ask Ash a few questions she had on her mind. "Did you really enter the tournament just for me?" she asked. Although there was more than enough proof to suggest yes, she wanted to hear it from Ash.
"Well we needed to find each other a Christmas gift and this was the only way I could get you one" Ash explained.
It all made sense. The salesperson at the Pokéball Emporium said the gift card was needed to get any item from a participating store. Since Ash already has a gift for Brock that meant the gift card was going to be used for her. Seeing the gift card in front of her, she wonders why Ash was showing it to her. "Wait don't you need this" she asked confused wondering why Ash left it next to her.
The trainer stood up and recalled Infernape back into its Pokéball. "I honestly didn't even know anything about the prize for winning the tournament" Ash admitted much to Dawn's annoyance. "But I want you to have it. Besides, all I needed to do was win the tournament" Ash explained as Pikachu climbed onto his shoulder. "Well I have to hurry, I'll see you around later" Ash sped off almost like Barry leaving Dawn with more questions than answers.
Amazed by the change of events, Dawn now had high hopes about her Christmas gift for Ash. Not only had he given her the confidence boost she would certainly need for Christmas, she could now obtain the Masterball she sought out from the very beginning. Collecting the printed pictures, she quickly puts them away without looking at them. "Let's go Piplup, we have a lot of things we need to do for tomorrow" she said cheerfully. The two headed towards the Pokéball shop from before.