AN: Now I was originally going to post this in my Tales of the Louds Pokemon Adventure story. However as I wrote more of it, I realized it had a lot of things related or tied into this story. So I put it in this story instead. I won't be going into the McBrides or Casagrandes Christmas, only the Louds. But most of the other story focuses on Clyde and Ronnie.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything, I make no money or profit from this.
Chapter 31: I'll Be Home For Christmas
[Royal Woods, Michigan]
It was December 24th and on this sunny Christmas Eve morning, Rita and Lynn Sr. Loud were finishing touch up's for tomorrow. Leni, Lincoln, Lynn Jr. and Roxie were coming home for Christmas. Luna was going to spend it with her girlfriend and the Sharp Family. Lori did come back, but she only came back to pick up Ronnie Anne and was going to spend Christmas with Santiago/Casagrande Family this year. Luan was looking over Lily while they were running around getting everything ready. Lola, Lisa, and Lucy were somewhere in the house doing their own things, Lana meanwhile was waiting for Lincoln and Lynn Jr. so she could hear about their adventures. Lincoln and Roxie were already here in Royal Woods, but the 2 of them had left to go walk around to do some sightseeing. Leni should get here some time in the afternoon and Lynn Jr. should be coming any time now.
As if being summoned, at that moment Lynn Jr. walked out of the basement followed by her students Clyde McBride and Ronnie Anne Santiago. "So we're back home huh?" Clyde asked no one, looking around the Loud house while Lynn greeted her mother.
"I guess, but I still need to get to Great Lakes City" Ronnie Anne answered, thinking she needed to call her family for a ride home.
"That's not a problem" a female voice said from above the group. The younger teens looked to Lori at the top of the stairs. She was wearing a maroon winter jacket, black jeans with a teal cardigan, and white winter boots. "I literally came to take you back to Great Lakes since I'm spending Christmas with your and Boo Boo Bear's family."
Both were surprised to see Lori, but for different reasons. Ronnie Anne wasn't expecting Lori to take her back home and Clyde because of his crush on her. This was the first time he saw Lori in a few years, but to his surprise he didn't act like a robot, had a nosebleed and passed out. His nervousness was still there, but it wasn't as strong as it used to be. "Lori? How did you know I'd be here?" The Santiago girl asked with confusion.
"I told our parents when we were coming back" Lynn Jr. replied, trying to peel Lana off of her. "Though I'm surprised to see you're the one taking her home Lori."
"I know, Maria was going to be the one picking her up…" the oldest Loud child started saying while going to give her younger sister a hug. "...But since I literally had presents to drop off here, I volunteered to pick her up and bring her with me." After releasing her sister from the hug, she turned her attention to the solo male trainer. "Hello Clyde, how are things?" She asked him politely.
"Everything is alright, what about you?" Clyde answered nervously, still a little surprised he hadn't passed out.
"Things have been literally going good for me" she replied with a little giggle. "I'm glad to see you've grown out of that habit of acting like a robot and passing out in front of me." Clyde could only chuckle nervously and look away shyly. She then focused on the young female trainer. "Are you ready to go?" Ronnie Anne said she was and they were heading for the door, when Lynn stopped then.
"Wait, I already told her mother that I want her back here before 12pm on the 26th" Lynn Jr. told them. "Are you going to bring her or will it be Mrs. Santiago?"
"It will probably be Maria, Bobby, and myself bringing her back," Lori replied. "Bobby was literally heartbroken that he couldn't see his sister off before, so he won't miss this chance." The 2 then left to start their trip to Great Lakes City.
"Well C'mon McBride, let's get you home as well" Lynn Jr. said as she walked to the door, after getting Lana off her.
"I can get home on my own" Clyde responded, feeling a little insulted.
"He can go home on his own! I want to hear more stories of your journey!" Lana argued while pouting. "I still have to wait for Lincoln and he will try to spend most of his time with Roxie."
"Me getting you home is part of my job as your mentor, teacher, guide, whatever you want to call me" the older girl replied, looking at the boy. She then turned her attention to her younger sister. "I promise I'll tell you stories when I get back. Getting McBride back is part of my job right now." Both nodded in acceptance, but Lana was still pouting. With that dealt with, the 2 trainers left the house to get one of them home.
As they walked the snow covered streets, Clyde looked around. It felt both nostalgic and strange walking through Royal Woods. He had only been gone for a couple of months, but it almost felt like years for the young man. There were no huge changes to anything, but because he had seen so many different places and things in a short time, being back home felt different. As he was dwelling on these thoughts and feelings, his mind drifted to the solo Loud boy. He started to wonder if this is how Lincoln felt after finally coming home. Did he feel like an outsider in a place that was supposed to feel like home? He saw familiar faces as they walked, but at the same time they felt distance. Almost like he wasn't sure if he could connect with them like he used to. He then thought about school and how alone he would feel if he suddenly started going back now. That just made him think of how Lincoln must've felt since he was gone longer.
"What's on your mind McBride?" Lynn suddenly asked him. He looked at her to see a serious expression on her face. "You started to look all depressed while in deep thought."
"Just thinking about how I'm currently feeling," he replied with a sigh. "A part of me feels like I don't belong here anymore. Like I'm looking through a window at a familiar scene. This just makes me think this is how Lincoln must've felt after coming home that first year. It just makes me feel worse because of how I treated him."
Lynn Jr. stared at him for a bit before she started speaking. "I know how you feel, our sense of time changes when you're journeying in the other world. Lincoln believes it's because one sees so many different places in such a short amount of time, it makes us think we're gone longer than we actually are."
She then shrugged her shoulders. "Or maybe we are gone longer in the other world without knowing it. Lisa said she fixed the transportation so they match time and date, but she also said she doesn't know how she did it or fully understand how transporters work. However the point I'm trying to make is I felt the same way on my first journey. The strange sense of distance you feel with people you knew for years. If you keep doing this, that feeling will go away or you get numb to it. But don't let it stop you from trying to reconnect to people or close the distance. That was Lincoln's mistake when he came home."
She then went back to looking in front of her again. "But it's good you're starting to finally understand how Linc felt when he came home and little of what he was going through. What you did years ago really hurt him, even if he never showed it or said anything. His life and everything he knew was thrown upside-down and the only people he could talk about it with were his Pokemon and Roxie. Unfortunately Roxie was in another world with no way to communicate, and his Pokemon did what they could. He needed a friend during that time and we as his family could only do so much." She saw the boy becoming more depressed the more she talked from the corner of her eyes. "But Linc never held it against you," she told him, seeing him perk up.
"He never approached you in all these years because he didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable. He still cares for you, but he's waiting for the day you come to him." The younger trainers started to smile with eyes building up in his eyes. "The reason for not talking to Santiago all these years is different. While the two parted on good terms, Linc was nervous about seeing her again. He did reject her, so he feels awkward around her. Which makes me can't wait till they meet at the tournament at the end of the season." Both trainers started to laugh, unaware they were being watched from behind them.
A distance away to see them but couldn't hear them, was a couple with white hair. The young man was wearing an orange puffer jacket, black cargo pants, with purple and black sneakers. The young woman was wearing a purple parka, black jeans, with black platform boots with teal platforms. "Is that your sister?" Roxie the Virbank Gym Leader asked her boyfriend.
"Yeah, I guess she's taking Clyde home," Lincoln Loud replied to his girlfriend. "I remember Lori was back home to take Ronnie Anne with her to the Casagrandes."
"Do you want to go say hi?" The white hair rocker asked.
"Nah, it's not the right time yet" he replied cryptically with a small smile. "We'll see each other in a few months." Roxie said nothing and they continued their walk around her boyfriend's hometown.
[With Clyde and Lynn Jr.]
After several more minutes of walking, the duo made it to the home of the McBrides. They knocked on the door and waited, instead of using Clyde's house key. When Howard opened the door, he immediately started hugging his son while calling for his partner Harold. Soon both men were hugging and fussing over the boy. "Oh my sweet little Clyde, I can't tell you how happy I am to see you" Harold told him after breaking off the hug.
"Have you been sleeping well? Are you eating properly? Are you brushing your teeth? Have you been-" Howard started asking a long list of things Clyde is and isn't doing.
"Now Howie, remember what Dr. Lopez told us" Harold told his husband. "We need to stop fussing over every little thing when it comes to Clyde. We need to trust he can take care of himself while on his journey." Howard still looked a little nervous and upset, agreed and calmed down. "Thank you for escorting Clyde home Lynn, did you want to stay for a snack?" He asked the Loud athlete who was standing off to the side. "We have some freshly made cookies for Clyde coming home."
"It was no big deal, it's part of my job to get my students home safe," Lynn told both older McBrides with a smile. "Thanks for the offer Mr. McBride, but I need to get home. I promised Lana I would spend time with her until Lincoln comes home."
"I see, well we won't hold you up anymore" the older man told her with a smile.
"Now remember Clyde" Lynn Jr. started to say looking at the youngest McBride. "Be back at my house no later than noon on the 26th. We still have a long journey ahead of us." Clyde nodded and Lynn left to make her way back home.
[With Ronnie Anne and Lori]
While Lynn Jr. was getting Clyde back home, Ronnie Anne was watching the scenery fly by in Lori's car passenger seat. She was feeling the same way as Clyde with the sense of time, feeling like she was gone longer than a few months. This feeling was also making her nervous to see family. Sure she saw and talked to them when she called home, but this felt different. Her discomfort and nervousness showed on her face, and Lori noticed it. "What's on your mind Ronnie Anne?" She asked with concern in her voice.
"It's nothing," the younger girl replied, not looking at her.
"I literally know that's not true" the Loud girl told her, her voice a little more firmer. "Talking about what's bothering you will help."
Ronnie Anne glared at her a bit, before backing down knowing she was right. "It's just…" she started, trying to put her thoughts into words. "...I know I've been gone only a few months, but it feels longer. Like I haven't seen my family for years or something, and that's making me nervous about seeing them. I don't know why I'm feeling like this or how to handle it."
Lori looked at her a bit of sadness and familiarity. "Look I don't know what you're going through…" she started saying, returning to look at the road. "...But I think I got an idea. When Lynn would come home when she became a trainer with Lincoln, the girls and I would talk and she would say things similar to you. The best way I can put it together is like going to university for a month, before going to a different one in another state and continuously repeating. I know what you're doing is different from me going to university, but there are similar feelings between the two. I would literally recommend talking to Lynn and Clyde after Christmas, they would know exactly how you're feeling and help you." She then looked to the side and muttered quietly "Probably".
"Yeah, you're right Lori" the young Santiago thanked the older female with a smile. "I'll talk to Lynn when I get back, she has been helping me and Clyde a lot on our journey. I'm sure she can help me out with this." Lori returned the smile and was happy to hear that. She had heard how Lynn put up a big fight when asked to watch over them. Both returned to looking at the scenery around them and enjoyed driving to Great Lakes City.
[The McBrides House]
After Lynn Jr. left the McBride family, the small family started to talk and catch up with what's been happening in each other's lives. Clyde released his Pokemon Milcery, Gloom, and Blissey out to show his dads. His dads were very interested in Milcery and Blissey, but were nervous when it came to Gloom. This was because of Gloom's numerous poison attacks. Even though Clyde constantly reassured that Gloom was safe and wouldn't harm them, they still were hesitant around him. He also showed them the badges he won and his yet to hatch Pokemon egg.
"So you don't know what kind of Pokemon will hatch from this?" Harold asked, carefully examining the egg.
"I just hope it's not anything too dangerous," Howard added, looking and playing with Milcery.
"Dad!" Clyde scolded his one dad, while holding onto Gloom. "I can handle it, even on the off chance I can't Lynn will be there to help."
"I know sweetie, I'm just worried about it all" the red head man replied.
"Well I'm going to go find a sturdy container and some electric blankets for the little one" Harold announced. Walking away taking the Pokemon egg with him. Seeing his one dad go he turned to his other dad.
"I know you're worried about me, but I'll be okay," the young boy told him with a sympathetic look. "I got Lynn and Ronnie Anne with me, plus mine and their Pokemon. None of them would let something happen to me." All his Pokemon nodded in agreement, forcing the overly worried man to let out a defeated sigh.
"I know that," he replied, giving him a small smile. "I trust Lynn and Ronnie Anne, but these Pokemon are something I just have to get used to. It's just hard seeing you grow up so much in such a small time. I still see you as the little boy we used to tuck in every night." Working up all his courage, he put a shaky hand on Gloom's head and started to pet him. The Weed Pokemon let out cries of joy, while Clyde smiles at his father's nervous attempt to bond with his starter Pokemon.
It was at that moment Harold walked back into the room, the egg in a plastic bin surrounded by an electric blanket. He smiled at the touching scene, happy his husband was starting to move forward like their son. "We still have those cookies," he said to grab their attention. "Why don't we put on a Christmas movie and eat them as a family." Both humans and Pokemon nodded in agreement, Howard went to get the cookies while the other went to the proper room to pick the movie.
[The Casagrande's Home]
When the duo finally made it to Great Lakes City, Ronnie Anne started to feel even more like Clyde without knowing it. Seeing familiar places and faces, yet feeling distance at the same time. However she was nervous and excited to see her family again. Upon reaching the familiar apartment building and walking into her home, she was immediately swarmed by her family. All of them were talking at the same time and she couldn't make sense of what was being said. Maria eventually calmed her family members down and they started greeting her individually. After greeting and giving hugs to her family she saw her best friend Sid Chang with her parents and little sister was there as well. After saying hi to them too, Sid asked to see Ronnie Anne's Pokemon. Thinking it would be alright she did, adding more chaos to the small apartment.
"No Salazzle! Put that down!" Ronnie Anne cried out running to the Toxic Lizard Pokemon. She grabbed the glass plate away from her and put it back, while the Pokemon went to find something else. Houndour was playing with Lalo the family dog, Sid's little sister Adelaide, CJ, Carlino, and Carlitos. Nidorina was being looked over by Sid's parents Stanley and Becca Chang, Carlos Sr., Frida, and Hector. Poochyena was hiding under a table growling at everyone with Carlota, Rosa, and Sid trying to get her to come out. Bobby went back down to the bodega with Lori joining him, with Maria helping her daughter with Salazzle.
"Come on out, we're not going to hurt you" Sid softly said, trying to get the Bite Pokemon out from the table.
"I know what will get it out," Rosa announced, getting an idea. "No one can resist my tamales, let me go get one." As she went to the kitchen, Carlota was going to attempt to reach under and grab the little Pokemon. However she was suddenly met by her cousin Ronnie Anne stopping her.
"Whoa there cuz, you might not want to do that" the young trainer said, pulling the older girl back. "While she hasn't bitten anyone yet, she certainly snapped at Clyde a few times for getting too close." Sid and Carlota looked at her with shock and concern, but Ronnie Anne's attention was quickly directed elsewhere. "Salazzle, be very careful with him!" This statement got everyone's attention and looked to see what was happening. What they saw was Salazzle holding Carlitos and examining him like any other object. This caused all the adults to gasp in shock or worry. Ronnie Anne didn't think her Pokemon would hurt the young boy, but Salazzle did have a habit of just dropping items or throwing items after looking at them.
Looking around she remembered Poochyena and got an idea. "Hey Salazzle, can you do me a favor?" The Toxic Lizard stopped examining the boy and looked at her trainer. "Can you grab Poochyena and put her under the bed in that room?" She asked while pointing to where Poochyena was then in her bedroom. Salazzle nodded and gently put the toddler down and started doing what she was asked. Poochyena growls at the Fire/Poison Pokemon, but nothing else and lets her be moved. "Thanks Salazzle, now how about a deal" she said after the Pokemon did her task. "Now you stay in here until dinner, you can look at anything in here and I won't stop you. Does that sound good?" Salazzle looked around the room for a bit before nodding enthusiastically. "Alright, then it's a deal" she replied with an extended fist for a fist bump, to which Salazzle grabbed with both her hands and shook like they first met.
"That'll keep her busy," Ronnie said, returning to her friends and family. They all looked at her surprised and awestruck expression, with her mother being the first to speak.
"Mija, where did you learn to handle situations like that?" she asked, impressed at her daughter's quick and calm thinking.
"It's just something I picked up traveling," she replied with a shrug. "I've handled similar situations when camping or staying at pokecenters. Plus I've seen Lynn handle worse situations, so I learned things from her." She then looked back to her bedroom. "The only ones who can handle Poochyena are me, Salazzle, Clyde's Blissey, Lynn, or her Pokemon. Unfortunately she only seems to listen to Lynn and her Pokemon at the moment. She believes it's because Poochyena knows Lynn is a stronger trainer and respects her enough to listen, the same with her Pokemon." Hearing the made everyone, Pokemon included, give her sadden expression. "But I'm not giving up," she continued, looking back at them with energy and determination in her voice. "If I keep trying, I'll eventually get through to her. Lynn and Clyde believe I can, so I have to believe in myself as well."
Everyone was glad and surprised to hear her speak so passionately, while also sounding very mature. "Hey Bestie, how about you tell us about something we haven't seen about your journey?" Sid eagerly asked. All her cousins with Sid's little sister and her mother agreed. The young trainer thought it was a good idea, so she sat down and started telling them about what happens when traveling to different places. Rosa went back to finishing up dinner, Hector went down to check on Bobby and the bodega, while Carlos, Frida, and Carlota joined in on listening to Ronnie Anne's story.
[The Loud House]
While the 2 still new trainers were bonding with their families, Lynn Jr. had returned home and was immediately forced by Lana to tell her stories of her journey. During that time Leni had returned home and greeted everyone. Lynn Sr. was still in the kitchen cooking for dinner and tomorrow, Rita was checking in on all her daughters and doing anything that needed to be done, Lisa was in her room doing whatever study that had her current attention, and Lola was in her room watching beauty and make-up videos. Lily was in her room, which was Lincoln's old room, playing with her toys. While Luan, Lucy, and Leni joined Lana in the living room listening to Lynn Jr. and asking questions.
Lynn Jr. was just telling them about her and her students made it to Vermilion City, when the front door opened. Lincoln and Roxie walked in, Leni and Lana immediately got them in a hug as soon as they saw them. After getting free from Leni's surprisingly strong hug, both trainer and gym leader made their way to Lynn Jr. with Lana still clinging to him.
"It feels like it's been forever since we've last seen each other," Lincoln commented, extending a fist for a fist bump.
"I know, it feels weird not traveling together," Lynn Jr. replied, returning the gesture. She then looks to the young gym leader. "How have things been in Virbank?" She asked, extending a fist for the same gesture.
"Things have been going good" the rocker gym leader replied, returning the gesture. "How's being a teacher for two newbie trainers?"
"Challenging, exhausting, and harder than I expected" the athletic girl replied with a sigh and small chuckle. "Honestly, I don't know how Linc was able to deal with me on my first journey."
"It helped that I have experience taking care of ten sisters," the white hair boy replied with a laugh. "But I want to hear your thoughts about Ronnie Anne's and Clyde's being trainers."
"Aww but Lincoln, I wanted to hear some stories of you traveling through Kanto" Lana whined, still latched onto him. "I've been waiting all day while you were walking around with Roxie."
"Don't worry, I still will" he replied with a chuckle at his pouting sister. "But I first want to talk to Lynn about Ronnie Anne and Clyde, since I'm the one who asked her to mentor them." Lana still pouted, but nodded in understanding.
"Well sit down and I'll tell you" Lynn Jr. said with a grin. So the solo Loud boy joined the group, with Roxie going to see if her boyfriend's parents needed any help with anything. Soon the day ended and the trainers and their families went to bed, looking forward to tomorrow. Since Lincoln's room had become Lilly's, he stayed in the attic with Roxie, while Lynn slept with Lucy like old times.
[The Next Day]
It was Christmas and the 3 families started celebrating the holiday. The McBride house was simple, organized, and full of Merriment. The Casagrande apartment was chaotic, bustling, and full of excitement. Finally the Loud house was crazy, hectic, and of course loud. While the McBrides and Casagrandes celebrate it their own way with their own schedule and traditions, the Louds had something special this year.
So after a small breakfast, the children opened their presents. Lily got clothing, toys, and coloring books of Pokemon from her older Pokemon trainer siblings. Lisa got clothing and science equipment and copies of science journals of Pokemon professors from Lynn Jr. and Lincoln.
Lana got clothing, tools, and official Pokemon League merchandise from her older trainer siblings. Lola received beauty products, clothing, and 2 custom made outfits from a professional tailor who makes Pokemon coordinator outfits from Lynn Jr. and Lincoln.
Lucy got some notebooks, clothing, books from some of her favorite authors, and ghost stories books of pokearth and books of Ghost Type Pokemon from her older siblings. Luan received clothing, things for pranks, joke books, and things that could be used for pranks from the other world and joke books from there from Lynn Jr. and Lincoln.
Leni got clothing beauty products, fashion accessories, and 2 unique outfits from pokearth from her younger trainer siblings. Rita and Lynn Sr. got fictional books and cooking ingredients from their traveling children and outfits from Leni.
As for the 2 trainers of the family, since they had a source of income and stayed in the other world most of the time, it was hard for their parents to get gifts for them. So they gave them some new clothing and things they could use while traveling, while Leni gave them a new jacket and vest. Lynn Jr.'s was a new red Letterman's jacket with "Lynnsanity The Fighting American" stitched on the back with white thread. Lincoln's was a new orange and vest with "Lincoln The Other Worldly Trainer" stitched on the back with purple thread.
Even Roxie received gifts from the Loud parents and Leni. Getting some recipes from Lynn Sr., some casual clothing and some of Rita's favorite books, Leni gave her a purple rocker jacket with "Virbank City Gym Leader" stitched with orange thread on the back.
"Okay everyone" Lincoln started saying to grab everyone's attention. "Lynn and I have two more special gifts for Lily and Lana." Everyone, sans the parents, looked confused with the 2 in question being excited.
"We both got each of them a Pokemon and we want the family to pick who got the better Pokemon for each girl" Lynn Jr. added in. This made all the girls gasp in shock and had the 2 special girls cheering with more excitement.
"We vote who got a Pokemon that better suits each girl" Rita clarified for everyone.
"Your mother and I already got the licenses to have them as pets, so we expect you girls to look after them" Lynn Sr. told Lana and Lily firmly, with both girls saying they would.
"Then let's start with Lana" Lincoln said, pulling a pokeball from his pocket. Lynn followed by pulling an ultra ball from her pocket. Both gave them to the overly excited Lana and she wasted no time opening them.
"What came out of the pokeball was a green sludge Pokemon and a garbage bag with limbs came out of the ultra ball. Lana immediately ran and hugged both of her new Pokemon, while the rest all examined the Pokemon.
"I knew you were going to give her that one" Lynn Jr. grumbled at her only brother, to which he just smirked smugly at her.
"Alright guys, I got her an Alolan Grimer and Lynn got her a Trubbish" the solo Loud boy said out loud. "Now you decide who got Lana the better Pokemon that suits her."
The family carefully looked at each Pokemon and thought about Lana, with Leni staying away from them so they don't mess up her clothes. As Lana was talking with her new Pokemon, the family, including Roxie, were huddled together. After a few minutes of discussing, they turned to the 2 trainers with Luan speaking up. "This was a tough decision, but we think Lincoln wins this one." Lincoln let out a small cheer, while Lynn Jr. grumbled with a frown.
"While the Trubbish does remind us of Lana's old habit of eating from the garbage" Lynn Sr. started explaining, everyone shivered in disgust after hearing that. "The Grimer has more of her messy nature like being covered in gunk fixing things or her old habit of playing in the mud."
"Alright, Alright, let's move onto Lily" the sporty Loud commented, pulling a parkball. Lincoln followed by pulling out a loveball. Lily happily accepted both and gave them a little toss to release the Pokemon.
What came out of the parkball was a small equine with a cotton candy mane and tail. While a tiny creature wearing a yellow crown sitting on a floating white flower. Lily stood stunned looking at the Pokemon, before snapping back to reality and started hugging both Pokemon.
"I didn't expect that," Lincoln said in surprise. Lynn Jr. simply smiled at him and shrugged her shoulders. "Alright, so I got Lily a Flabebe and Lynn got her a Galarian Ponyta. Now you decide who got the better Pokemon that suits Lily."
Once again the family huddled together while Lana and Lily talked about their new Pokemon pets. When they broke apart, Rita spoke up. "We feel Lynn has won this one." This time Lynn Jr. was celebrating, while Lincoln just let out a sigh of defeat.
"Sorry kiddo, but the Flabebe just doesn't seem to fit Lily other than her name also being a flower" Lynn Sr. told his only son.
"Besides, what girl didn't want a pony when they were little?" Lola asked. Lynn Jr. then raised her hand to answer Lola's question. "Alright Lynn didn't, but I stick by what I said."
"So it's a tie," Lucy commented. "Do you have a way to break the tie?" Both trainers shook their heads negatively
"We thought this was going to happen," the female trainer replied.
"Our tie breaker is going to be when we face each other in a tournament at the end of the season," the male trainer added. "If one of us won this, then no big deal. We just wanted to do something special this year and decided to make it a competition."
"Lana already said she wants to be a trainer like me and Linc" Lynn Jr. continued where her brother left off. "While we were not pressuring Lily to become one as well, we thought she would like to have some companions since more of us are leaving home."
The Loud parents quietly shared a look. While they did say Lana could be a trainer when she turned 12, they were hoping they could talk her out of it. Lincoln and Junior were trainers, Luna and her band occasionally went to the other world from concerts thanks to Roxie's help, finally Lucy and Lisa were considering going over there to study their own interests. So many of them were leaving for the other world, which sometimes made it very hard for them to come home for the holidays. Lana was dead set on becoming a trainer like her older siblings, now they were worried Lily might want to pursue something over there as well. "Well that was very thoughtful of both of you" the patriarch said to his children happily. "Now let's clean and you can go do whatever until dinner is ready." Everyone started to pick up any wrapping paper or other garbage, then off to do their own thing.
Everyone was doing their own thing until dinner. Lisa and Lucy hangout with Lana and Lilly with their new Pokemon. Leni dragged Lynn away to talk about the fashion in the other world, ignoring her annoyance and not wanting to be there. While Lincoln and Roxie talked with Luan and asked what her plans were after finishing high school. Dinner came and went, with evening coming. Lincoln, wearing his new vest, and Roxie were leaving to go back to Virbank City.
"You sure you don't want to stay another night?" Rita asked the couple, sadness and disappointment laced her voice.
"We're sure, it's not a holiday over there and I still have a job to do" Roxie replied, slightly disappointed.
"And I'm still on a time limit" Lincoln replied, chuckling nervously. "I'm making good time, but you never know what will happen." Everyone knew he didn't want to risk running into Clyde and Ronnie Anne tomorrow, but no one said anything. After saying their goodbyes, Lincoln approached his sporty sister and handed her 2 gift boxes. "These are my gifts for Clyde and Ronnie Anne, make sure they get them."
"No problem bro" Lynn Jr. replied, taking the gifts. "Are you going back to Celadon City, or going somewhere else?"
"I'm planning to catch a boat from Virbank City to Fuchsia City" he replied. "What about you? What's your guys plan?"
"We're probably staying in Vermilion tomorrow to decide and leave the next morning" she replied. "Since you're going to Fuchsia City, they may want to go there to try to meet up with you." Lincoln just nodded, although nervously, and the couple then walked to the basement to go back. Soon it became later and time for everyone in the house to go to bed.
[The 26th, Boxing Day]
It was the morning of Boxing Day and Lynn Jr., wearing her new jacket, was waiting for her students to show up. Lori had texted her an hour ago saying she, Bobby, and Maria were just leaving. Clyde texted her 15 minutes saying he was just leaving as well. Now all she had to do was wait. Soon there was knocking at the door Leni opened it. Clyde walked wearing new clothing. He was now wearing a white long sleeve shirt under a blue and black zipper jacket, new blue jeans, and brown hiking boots. Clyde greeted everyone while making his way to his mentor. He asked about their Christmas and told them about his. Telling them how his dads got him new clothing for his journey as well as other items such as bug repellent, extra flashlights, more water bottles, and another blanket. He also got a cookbook that had recipes for camping.
After talking for a good amount of time, the front door opened. Lori came in followed by Bobby, Maria, and Ronnie Anne. The young female trainer was also wearing new clothing. She now wore a purple t-shirt under a black leather jacket, black jeans with a purple design on the legs, and white and black runners. The older Santiagos greeted everyone while Ronnie Anne went over to Lynn Jr. and Clyde.
"Now that Santiago is here, let's get back to Vermilion" the Loud girl said standing up. "We're going to stay in Vermilion for the rest of the day to decide where to go next and leave first thing in the morning. Which means today we can stock up on anything we might need." Both younger teens nodded in agreement, Ronnie Anne said her goodbyes to her mother and brother, then joined her traveling companions to go down the basement to continue their journey.
AN: Now I might take a small break from writing the next chapter. I'm starting to get burned out writing about Pokemon and to a small extent, the Loud House as well. I also have an itch to write something else that's been on my mind, don't know if I'll post it. So I don't know when I'll get the next chapter out.