Our heroes continue their journey onwards on Team Rocket's balloon, Brock navigated with Ash, Misty and Laoise watching the view. While Laoise had her headphones on listening to Kildson Araújo's "Precioso". Although she didn't speak Portuguese let alone Spanish (in which her grades were average), she discovered the translated lyrics and enjoyed the song. And it was especially fitting with an upcoming holiday.
Right now their current mode of transportation had reached a place that shivered in the shadows of the mountain.
The captured balloon sailed down towards the mysterious town, ropes held taut to control its descent. As they floated nearer, Laoise scanned the rooftops below with a growing sense of unease.
"Something ain't right here, I can feel it in my bones..."
Her words rang true as they touched down on the town square.
The settlement looked like an old German village full of modern conveniences except... The streets were deserted, only a few lights were on. An eerie silence hung heavy as a shroud over the seemingly empty village.
"Helloooo?" called Brock, voice echoing back unanswered. "Anybody home?"
Soon they heard voices coming from City Hall, it turned out the whole town was there.
Our heroes cautiously approach City Hall to investigate the gathering of the townspeople further.
"This is it? It looks like the most boring place ever." Ash remarked with a frown.
Brock said, "It's just an ordinary village full of ordinary people in a town meeting discussing a proposal."
"I don't like it one bit. Something is obviously missing. Well, two things." Laoise said suspiciously.
"Either I'm starving or I think I see what you mean," Misty said, her eyes narrowing as she looked around from her spot. "Where are all the Pokèmon?"
"At the Pokèmon Center?" Ash guessed and Pikachu shrugged.
But Brock was blushing and he pointed to a concerned Nurse Joy sitting in the first row.
The town meeting ends with both sides of the unheard debate leaving the building, though the Nurse Joy who was present there was still rather glum.
"Uhm hi...? Excuse me, Nurse Joy?" Laoise waved her over.
Brock butted in trying to cheer Nurse Joy up. "A beautiful woman shouldn't be so sad especially around..."
Misty interrupted, dragging Brock away by the ear. "Give her breathing space."
Ash piped up. "We were just wondering where all the Pokèmon were."
Pikachu nodded, "Pika! Pika!"
"Oh well, that's part of the reason why the town meeting was held." Nurse Joy replied sadly.
"And why isn't anyone decorating their houses with it being so close to Christmas?" questioned Laoise.
"You've obviously haven't met the mayor." A girl with long, dyed lavender hair noted the looked over the group. "Oh. Pokèmon on the kid's shoulder, confused disposition, questioning authority. Cool. I'm gonna just take a wild guess here. You're all pokèmon trainers that just arrived to Thornfield grove, home of the world's most uptight authority figures save for a few."
"Hello Melinda." Nurse Joy greeted cordially.
"Uptight?" Misty questioned the girl, Melinda. "How?"
Melinda gave a sly grin at the group. "The mayor runs a tight ship around here. Almost nobody celebrates Christmas. The townspeople have gotten used to it, well not everyone but it's hard to change things."
Nurse Joy nodded solemnly. "Yes, "Melinda's mother Mayor Hughes has reinforced strict rules on young people for three entire years now. Not to sound rude, but her desire to ensure that the rules are followed down to the letter have turned Thornfield Grove into a dull and predictable place to live. I fear if the younger ones are wound too tightly it could cause severe problems."
"Your mother is the Mayor?" Laoise questioned.
Melinda shrugged. "Story of me life. But that don't make it easier."
Nurse Joy then sighed. "However, all these excessive rules and the banning of Christmas isn't the only problem. Recently something else has come that's riling up the townspeople into a debate. And this involves..."
At that moment a stuffy looking teenager with thick curls and a beauty mark came out spraying disinfectant at random.
Our heroes are annoyed, as are Melinda and Nurse Joy. Nurse Joy scolded. "Oh really now, Prunella Rockstead, that's too much!"
"Watch it!" Ash snapped. "You almost got Pikachu!"
"I hope you don't try to disinfect the Pokèmon with that stuff." Misty remarked.
The girl with the spray, Prunella, went pale. "Pokèmon? I never go anywhere near the dirty things. It's filthy having people touching those animals then using the facilities without even washing their hands."
"Excuse me dirty?!" Laoise scowled, as did the others. "Who do you think you are, Petunia Dursely?!"
Prunella stuck her nose in the air. "Mom's undersecretary to the Mayor this year. She's promised to make anything pokèmon related history."
"Is that one of the crazy ones trying to do away with Pokèmon next?" Misty glowered.
Nurse Joy and Melinda looked sour. "She is."
Brock approached about to say something flirtatious to Prunella as the girl flounced away, but the look on Misty and Laoise faces' stopped him.
"You try to flirt that oversized bully, and we'll box your ears personally." Laoise threatened under her breath.
"So what's that Mayor's problem?" Ash demanded. "It's bad enough people are trying to ban anything that has to do with Pokèmon but why did people stop celebrating Christmas?"
Melinda shrugged. "You got me. I never got much out her, and she's my mother."
"That's just it." Nurse Joy said, "No one truly knows. Some say it's because something awful happened to her on Christmas."
"Or something mundane like Lynette Rockstead's man running off with another woman." Melinda added then did a dismissive gesture. "But that's just me watching too many soaps."
"And as you can see, Mayor Hughe's secretary is already trying to ban Pokèmon from the town." Nurse Joy said soberly. "This has caused quite a stir among the townspeople, too many have pokèmon for companionship, careers and more."
Ash frowned. "But why?"
Melinda shrugged. "Another mystery, but it's caused a lot of tension in Thornfield Grove."
"Mayor Hughes has been trying to gain publicity for the hot spring but we've had less visitors especially pokèmon trainers.
"And who is that witch's mother anyway?" Misty questioned.
Not to sound like a gossip but Lynette Rockstead is just as unpleasant. She was very rude to some children speaking candidly."
"This bites!" Laoise snapped. "Let's go gang, I'm not staying in this miserable town a second longer."
"That goes double for me!" Misty agreed.
"Pika!" Pikachu glared at town hall.
Laoise began to walk away. "Let's just take Team Rocket's balloon and head on over to the next… GUYS! Team Rocket's balloon's gone!"
Laoise, Ash, Misty and Brock spotted it floating at a distance of a sharp rock and popped before deflating.
"We could just walk downwards to the next town." Ash suggested weakly.
Melinda shook her head in sympathy. "Sorry kids, only way down is by vehicle and all the roads are blocked with snow from the blizzard the other night."
"I'll lead you to the Pokèmon Center, you're all more than welcome to spend the night there." Nurse Joy offered.
Aw nuts! They're were going to have to spend Christmas in this gloomy Stepford town!
Our heroes sighed in resignation as they followed Nurse Joy towards the Pokémon Center.
As they walked, Ash caught Melinda's eye. "You don't seem too happy about the way things are run here either."
Melinda shrugged. "My mom's gone power-mad since dad left. But what can I do? It's not like the town ever listens to me."
An idea began to form in Laoise's mind. "Maybe it's time they did. With a little help..."
But that was a concern for later. Up ahead, the Pokémon Center seemed like an oasis of joy amid Thornfield Grove's strangeness.
Nurse Joy showed them inside. "Make yourselves at home! I'll go prepare some treats for you all." She bustled off towards the kitchen.
As they sat down, Misty gazed out the window at the gloomy town. "I wish there was a way to bring back the Christmas spirit around here... what's Winter without a good holiday celebration?"
The next morning the quartet awoke having their pokèmon tended to, and giving Nurse Joy some encouraging words.
If they were going to be stuck in the miserable place the least they can do is somehow make it more bearable. First of all, they'd need some supplies for when the roads cleared.
But it seemed as though they would run into an unpleasant face from the night before: Lynette Rcokstead.
The unpleasant teenager was only a few feet away, so it was easy to hear what she was saying.
"I've had enough," she said. "And I'd be amazed if some of you haven't too. It's time to do something before one of us is injured, killed or gets some kind of disgusting disease."
"What's that Beldam wannabe babbling about?" Laoise said, making Brock and Misty elbow her lightly.
"Didn't you hear? The Pokèmon Center". One teen jock replied. "She and her old lady are trying to get it closed down."
"WHAT?!" The quartet yelled.
"And you agree with her?!" Ash snapped.
The teen shrugged. "Big whoop. I don't interact much with Pokèmon anyway."
"But we do!" Ash retorted.
"Why don't you just shut up, Prunella?" Laoise ended up snarling.
Those gathered fell silent at once, as if someone had switched off some noisy machine. Some little kids laughed and made fun of Prunella. A few teens 'oohed'.
Prunella folded her arms. "My mother, as you all know, is secretary to the Mayor and she's organized a meeting for students and parents about this Pokèmon problem for December 24th. That gives all of your parents a chance to let Mayor Hughes know your thoughts."
"You can't just throw out Nurse Joy and other sick pokèmon!" Misty yelled. "It's not fair."
"It's not fair for me either," Prunella snapped, "being stuck with those filthy things every year."
"You just said you don't even go anywhere near them. How can they hurt you?" Ash growled.
"People like you bring the dirt back to town. You have hair on your clothes and bacteria on your hands and you touch everything!" Prunella was breathing hard.
"You're crazy!" Misty shouted.
"And we're not gonna let you do this!" Ash yelled.
Prunella rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Who's Mayor Hughes going to listen to? I've lived here forever. My mother pays taxes and went to school with her. Why would she listen to some little nobodies who crashed into town?"
"Maybe you don't!" Melinda Hughes, in her leather jacket and lavender hair stomped over. "Just because you and your mother can't stand Pokèmon doesn't mean you get to slam it in our faces."
This time the two opposing teens got into each other's faces shouting counter arguments. Then Melinda mischievously patted Pikachu's head, making him giggle. Next she held her hand out to Prunella.
"Watch it, Rockstead. I petted an electric mousey and I'm not afraid to use the hand."
Prunella hissed like a vampire and stormed away.
Melinda then greeted the quartet. "Kinda figured you could use some help against little Miss Snooty."
"Thanks, but we still need to convince the townsfolk." Brock surmised.
"Yeah, alot of people have pokèmon and they're not gonna go with it..." Melinda explained. "But, as you can see the debate was tied."
"Right."
"Just about on my way to pick up my brother hope you don't mind." Melinda grinned.
Ogden as it turned out, was a quiet little 9 year old sweetheart. He obviously looked up to his sister and cared for her. Out of the corner of their eyes they could see him stare at Pikachu with innocent curiosity.
"You know you can pet Pikachu if you like." Ash smiled.
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu confirmed with a cute smile.
Ogden looked unsure. "I'm not s'posed to go near the pokèmon."
Ash frowned. "Why not?"
Ogden's shoulders shot up to his ears, his cheeks darkening. "Mom reckons I could get hurt."
"Hey, Tater tot," Melinda gently encouraged. "If you gently pet his head instead of the orange spots on his cheeks its fine."
Ogden reached out a hand hesitantly to Pikachu, who allowed it. By then both were giggling.
"There you go." Laoise smiled.
"Maybe you guys better follow me." Melinda said to the trainers.
"But you gotta keep it secret!" Ogden put a finger to his mouth for emphasis.
The Hughes kids lead our heroes to an old Victorian house. It didn't look like much outside, but inside it was set to make for the best Christmas party ever. Lights, wreaths, all that was missing was the Christmas tree and presents.
"Many of us still remember when times were happier. And with Christmas put away and forgotten... we all feel..." Melinda winced at the words, "...normal and logical. But we don't want that. We want to enjoy wonder and wishing for miracles. Even if it's just for one night. Because it's fun!"
"That's kinda of the point." Misty smiled.
"Miracles, giving and the true meaning of Christmas altogether." Laoise added.
"The kids of Thornfield Grove want their Christmas back," she said. "And on December 25th, I'm going to give it to them. Come what may."
"And we're gonna help you!" Brock said passionately holding Melinda's hands.
Then Misty dragged Brock away. "She gets the picture."
"Let's do it!" Ash agreed.
Melinda smiled, grateful for their support. "Alright, here's the plan..."
She explained how they would gather a "Grand Army of Christmas" made of all the town's kids and Pokémon friends. While the parents attended the bogus meeting on Christmas Eve, the children would decorate the town in secret.
Meanwhile, Laoise suggested helping spread their story to win over more townsfolk. "If we get them reminiscing about old Christmas traditions again, they'll want to celebrate too!"
"Great idea!" said Misty. "I'll help with that while Brock handles the cooking and snacks!"
Ogden beamed. This was the most excited he'd been in years. With the secret army's help, maybe they could rekindle Thornfield Grove's Christmas spirit after all.
In the days they were in town waiting for the roads to be officially cleared, our heroes also end up helping various kids deal with their issues by letting them chill out instead of stressing life too much In so doing, inspiring them to want to enjoy the upcoming Christmas celebration.
While bringing holly, Laoise and Misty see a young girl named Elsie sitting alone on a bench, looking dejected. They approached her and found out that she was worried about her sick pet Pokèmon. Laoise sat down next to Elsie, offering her a kind smile and listened attentively to Elsie's concerns. Meanwhile, Misty a super potion to help Elsie's pet feel better. Soon, Elsie's face brightened up as she saw her pet starting to recover, and she thanked the gang for their help, feeling a newfound sense of hope.
As he looked over recipes, Brock encountered a group of teenagers who seemed troubled and aloof. He struck up a conversation with them, learning that they were feeling overwhelmed by the strict rules and pressure in Thornfield Grove. Brock shared stories of his own challenges as a Gym leader before choosing to learn to become a Pokèmon breeder, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion and finding joy in what they do. Inspired by Brock's words, the teenagers opened up about their dreams and aspirations, feeling motivated to pursue them despite the obstacles in their town.
And so on it went.
Then Ogden hesitantly approached the gang one afternoon, looking conflicted. Ash, sensing Ogden's unease, offered to take a walk with him. As they strolled through the quiet streets, Ash shared tales of his own adventures and the importance of facing fears head-on. Ogden revealed his secret about the evolved Pokèmon he was hiding, a Furret. A pokèmon known to inhabit the Johto region.
It was a long, slim-bodied mustelid Pokémon with cream-colored fur and dark brown rings along the length of its body. The back of its head and neck are also dark brown; this marking extends to below its arms where the first ring is formed. It has cream-colored tips on its ears, two brown, whisker-like markings on each cheek, and round, black eyes. Its four limbs are stubby; the forepaws are brown and the hind paws are cream-colored. Furret is capable of standing on its hind legs but prefers to move on all fours. Its body and tail are so similar in structure that it is impossible to tell where its tail begins.
Ogden explained that he found the little one a few months ago, and hid it because was afraid of his mother's disapproval. Ash encouraged Ogden to be true to himself and not let fear hold him back regardless.
Unknowingly, the situation made half the adults furious due to perceived rules "being broken".
None of them knew Team Rocket had made to the town and were planning on pulling off a heist to steal pokèmon and everything else in that Christmas party.
Jessie's eyes shone. "Look! There are tons of presents and food fit for a Queen!"
James sniggered. "This'll be the best Christmas ever!"
Meowth rubbed his paws together. "Only for us."
Finally everything was ready, all that was missing was the Christmas tree.
"Oh, it wasn't difficult." Mayor Hughes sneered. "I just followed the line all the way here thanks to the 500 dollar bomb we got in the mail from the electric company!" She held up an electric bill.
Oops. An oversight.
"It's not their fault, we put them up to it!" Ash suddenly blurted.
So long as they were being rebellious...
"We just wanted to bring Christmas cheer to town with or without your approval!" Laoise snapped.
"That explains it." Prunella sneered.
Mayor Hughes pointed a finger at the quartet. "I knew you were all trouble. Putting all these thoughts into their heads, lollygagging with such nonsense. Now they're lying, sneaking out as is every other child in town."
"With all due respect, here-" Brock tried to reason.
"Aaugh! What is that?!" Mrs. Rockstead then pointed behind Ogden.
"Ogden is that a pokèmon?" Mayor Hughes demanded. "You think this is a joke? Do you know how dangerous this is?! Get away from that creature!"
"No, Mom! No!" Ogden threw his arms around the little mustelid pokèmon.
"Yes! The pokèmon are bad enough now they got you into this! Christmas is just another excuse to waste time on nonsensical things and-"
Melinda had enough. "He said no! And let me tell you, this was all my idea. My idea to celebrate! It was all ME! I like pokèmon! I love Christmas too! I'M seventeen, DEAL WITH IT!"
"Melinda Isobel Hughes!" Mayor Hughes was taken aback. "What's gotten into you?!"
"All I wanted… was to have enjoy celebrating a nice holiday with my loved ones and to enjoy what I love best pokèmon!" Melinda was not done. "Well, sorry I'm not a cookie cutter normal loving bore like Prunella..."
"HEY!"
"Well sorry to interrupt this Afterschool special..."
A cold laugh echoed ominously. From the shadows emerged Jessie, James and Meowth of Team Rocket!
"Prepare for trouble right here in this grove!"
"And make it double, we're taking charge of the show!"
"To protect the world from Christmas fun..."
"To unite all people under 'bah humbug!'"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket, stealing Christmas is our quest!"
"Surrender now or face our yuletide pest!"
"Meowth, that's right!"
"What do you losers want?" said Melinda bravely.
"We're just here to join in the fun," smirked Jessie.
"And what better way than stealing the things that bring them joy?" added James.
But the mayor seemed shaken from Melinda's outburst. "Now see here, I may dislike all this Christmas foolishness, but I'll not have any criminal element mucking things up further!"
"Yeah, get lost Team Rocket!" cried Ash.
"It ain't over til it's over!" Meowth fired back and he stomped his back paw.
Just then, a cracking sound rang out across the frozen river. A crack formed under him. Team Rocket tried to avoid the crack, but it looked as though wherever they ran on the ice, the cracks followed.
The thin ice warned of was starting to give way beneath the weight of tree and people.
"It's thin ice!" Brock shouted. "Everyone off the river!"
People and Pokèmon alike scrambled as the ice split into several icebergs, with little Ogden stranded on one of them with his frightened furret.
"Aaahh! Melly!"
"Ogden!"
Seeing the little boy in danger, everyone rushed to rescue him. Mayor Hughes and Melinda hurried to the low bridge to grab his hands but only managed to pull off his mittens.
"There's no time!" Ash declared. "Bulbasaur, I choose you!"
"Bulby, we need your help!" Laoise sent out her Bulbasaur too.
"We'll need those ropes!" Misty said, she sent out her water pokèmon tied to one end of the ropes.
Brock tied the other end of the ropes to his Onix while the townspeople held another part.
The Pokémon knew just what to do. The two Bulbasaur shot out their vines, lassoing them around Ogden's waist to secure him safely. Meanwhile Onix and Misty's Pokémon teamed up, using their strength to slowly ferry the cracked iceberg towards shore.
"It's working!" cried Melinda with relief as her little brother was reeled in.
But Team Rocket had lost their footing, flailing helplessly as their ice chunk drifted further out. Even the mayor gasped at their peril.
"We gotta help them!" said Ash. At his command, Bulbasaur stretched out another vine, this time grabbing Jessie by the belt.
With combined effort, all were pulled to safety one by one. As they collapsed on the bank, even Team Rocket was too shaken to scheme for once.
But they scurried off when the townsfolk looked ready to attack them for nearly causing everyone else to fall in thin ice.
Team Rocket won't be bothering them for little while. But there were other pending things.
"Sweetheart, was this your father's furret?" Mayor Hughes held her son.
Laoise got up and faced Mayor Hughes. "What is your problem? So your kids like pokèmon and Christmas. So what? They found people who like them just the way they are. Why can't you?"
"Mom thought she was protecting us from the memories of Dad after he wanted to help bring attention to the town on a pokèmon conference... but he never survived the Christmas of that year." Melinda grumbled.
"Well, now that the boy is saved, we can now go back to the eviction of the Pokèmon center-" Mrs. Rockstead began pompously.
But an annoyed villager snapped at her. "Oh put a sock in it, Rockstead! Just because you and your kids never made it in pokèmon related careers, doesn't mean you get to punish those that do!"
"Let the kid speak."
Laoise sweat dropped but cleared her throat. "Maybe there is nothing in a store that people truly need.
But what about some token of love-what about love itself... and kindness… and friendship...
and understanding... and consideration...
and a helping hand... and a smile... maybe a wish...
and dare I say it, a prayer?
You can't buy these things in any store, and these are the very things people need. We all need them... Blessed will they be who receive them this Christmas or at any time.
We can't let cynicism and the rush to crowd Christmas out of our hearts... for that is where it belongs. Christmas is not in the stores- but in the hearts of people."
Mayor Hughes fell silent, reflecting deeply. Memories she'd buried long ago were brought to light by these brave souls.
"You're right," she said at last. "I let fear and grief cloud my judgment. But protecting you children can't mean taking away what brings you joy."
She turned to the town with new conviction. "If helping Pokémon was truly my husband's passion, perhaps it's time we honor his memory by embracing that spirit once more."
Loud cheers rose up at this unexpected change of heart. But Mrs. Rockstead still fumed at the setback to her plans.
"Don't think this is over!" she hissed. "I'll find a way to be rid of those filthy beasts yet!"
Ogden hugged his Furret close, unafraid. "No you won't! 'Cause we got friends to help us now!"
And as their eyes found Ash, Misty, Brock and Laoise, the kids knew he spoke the truth. A new chapter was dawning in Thornfield Grove, where joy, wonder and compassion would flourish once more.
"Do something Piper, the place is turning to gumbo." Mrs. Rockstead insisted.
"Not a chance Lynette, failure is not an excuse to hurt others either. This is the future." Mayor Hughes stepped forward, gazing at the scene in a new light. "You all worked together splendidly. Perhaps...I've been too harsh in my views."
Melinda beamed, taking her mother's hands. "So does this mean Christmas is back?"
The mayor smiled softly. "I believe it does. Thank you all for opening my eyes."
Cheers arose as Thornfield Grove's Christmas had been saved by the gift of friendship and unity in times of need.
When dawn rose, the townsfolk gasped at the magical sight.
Ash laughed. "Wow, what a turn of events! I'm glad everything worked out in the end."
Misty said, "It's heartwarming to see the town come together for a Christmas celebration after all the doom and gloom."
Brock nodded. "Mayor Hughes putting her family first and making amends. Family is so important, take it from someone who knows."
Laoise agreed. "I'm glad that the town is finally embracing the spirit of Christmas."
Pikachu chirped. "Pika pika!"
That night, the town gathered around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and sharing laughter, our heroes felt a sense of fulfillment. They had made a difference in Thornfield Grove and brought back the joy of the holiday season.
And then the local mechanic came up.
"Good news the roads have been cleared," the local mechanic informed. "I can take you kids on the right path to the main road. You should be well on your way to Stone town in just a few days."
Our heroes breathed a sigh of relief at the news. But they weren't quite ready to leave this special place yet.
"Let's enjoy one last Christmas here before we go," said Brock. "I'll cook up a feast for the whole town tomorrow!"
The others cheered at the idea. So the town gathered under colorful lights for their first true Christmas celebration in years. Carols rang out as Pokémon and people of all kinds enjoyed each other's company.
In the end, Mayor Piper Hughes steps down from office to make it up to her children to listen to them more often, removed all the strict rules and curfews, while her secretary Prunella Rockstead is terminated from her position now she and her daughter are considering moving.
Come dawn, hugs and well-wishes were shared all around. Though parting ways, the bond between Thornfield Grove and our heroes would last forevermore. They had proven that the true spirit of Christmas lies not in rules or traditions, but in bringing people together in love.
With heartfelt goodbyes and promises to return someday, the group boarded the mechanic's vehicle, ready for their next adventure.
Author's note: Some of it's a little jumbled up, but I truly wanted to give it a try. Stay tuned for the next chapter the gang's headed for Stone town next. *Wink-wink*
