It had been a few days since Ash got home for Christmas. Molly and Delia were, of course, happy to have him back, especially since this was going to be Molly's first Christmas with them, and without her dad.
Thankfully, some cuddles from Pikachu, Bellossom, and eventually Vee made the pain just a little bit better, especially when they decorated the tree together.
But there was also one other thing, when it was the week before Christmas, Ash sent a text:
—-
(Kanto Kids Group Chat)
Pokémonenjoyer: Yo, wake up number 3 and 2.
Smellyoulater: What do you want, and stop calling me that (¬¬ ;)
Leavesonthevine: Yeah? What's up, Ash?
Pokémonenjoyer: You guys want me to pick you up and drop you off here in Kanto?
Leavesonthevine: Oh really? Fun! Yeah, I'm down but only if I can stay over at your place. I wanna visit Molly, and my parents are in the Sevii Islands (╥﹏╥)
Pokémonenjoyer: Meh, I don't mind. My mom likes having you over, and I showed Molly the text she's already jumping around.
Leavesonthevine: Yeah! Count me in, Ashy~ (˶ˆᗜˆ˵)
Smellyoulater: Wait I feel like I'm missing something. Did you say Molly?
Pokémonenjoyer: Oh yeah, I guess I didn't tell you. Okay, remember Molly Hale? She called me big brother and all that.
Smellyoulater: Yeah, I remember. Why is she visiting?
Leavesonthevine: Not exactly…
Pokémonenjoyer: Look, long story short something happened to Professor Hale, and so my mom kinda adopted her.
Smellyoulater: Oh… Is Molly okay?
Pokémonenjoyer: She's doing better. We're baking cookies together right now.
Smellyoulater: Ah, I see. Okay… Hey, listen I wasn't gonna go since Gramps told me he was heading to the League and Daisy went abroad to Unova, but…
Pokémonenjoyer: Dude, you don't even have to ask. Come on, I'll tell my mom to warm up some more hot chocolate. (b^^)b
Smellyoulater: Thanks, man… (b^_^)b
Leavesonthevine: Oh yeah! Let's have a great party for Molly!
—
And that's how they got into this situation.
Ash was sitting at the kitchen table, sipping his hot chocolate as he watched Gary carrying Molly on his shoulders so she could place the star on the tree. Green stood nearby, clapping her hands and taking pictures with a bright smile.
"Yay, Molly! You did it!" Green cheered as Molly giggled and held onto Gary's hair.
"Ow! Hey, come on Molly, take it easy on the hair," Gary said helplessly.
"Hehe, sorry big bro Gary!" Molly laughed as she gently rubbed his head in apology.
As for Pikachu, he was curled up on Ash's lap while Vee was by the fireplace, snuggled up next to none other than Gary's Umbreon. Yeah, that little Eevee had evolved a while ago.
Speaking of which, when they found out about Vee, they were surprised, but they didn't ask too many questions. Ash hadn't told them about Vee's power. Not because he didn't trust these goobers, but because Vee wasn't comfortable revealing his "thing" yet. He'd only just met them. He'd share it when he was ready.
Delia smiled warmly as she pulled out another batch of cookies from the oven, Mimey helping her by her side. Around this time of year, not many people came to the restaurant since most wanted to stay home, so she turned it into a little bakery, selling cakes and cookies and treats like that.
"Mmmm…" Green hummed as she snapped another picture of the trio by the tree. "This is so going in the scrapbook. Molly, smile!"
"I am smiling!" Molly said with a giggle, her cheeks glowing pink.
Gary set her down carefully and gave her a soft pat on the head. "You did good, Molly."
"And you didn't drop the star this year," Ash called over with a grin. "Remember last time we put Gary on star duty?"
"Once," Gary growled, pointing at him. "That happened once, and the stand was defective."
"Hehe, oh yeah, sureeeee~" Green teased. "You sure it wasn't just your aim?"
"You guys are the worst," Gary muttered, but the small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth betrayed him.
Green poured herself another mug of hot chocolate and leaned on the kitchen counter. "So… are we doing gifts this year or what? Or is this one of those 'presence is the present' kind of things?"
"Really? I thought we were doing Secret Santa," Ash said as he gently placed Pikachu on the table.
"We can… if I can be Ash's gifter-something. Whatever it's called, the person who gives the present," Green said quickly.
"Not how it works," Gary replied flatly.
Ash shrugged as he grabbed a few note cards and started writing everyone's names on them. He looked over toward the kitchen. "Yo, Mom, do you want to join in?"
Delia giggled a bit. "Oh, you don't have to include me in your fun. Seeing you all happy is all the gift I need."
"Aww, but I wanted to give Mama my gift," Molly pouted.
Ash leaned over and fake-whispered like he was telling a top-secret plan. "You know, you can still give her a gift, and it'll be more of a surprise since she won't see it coming."
Molly gasped. "You're right, big brother!" She rubbed her small hands together. "Yes! I'll give Mama my present."
Bellossom, watching her with amused eyes, gave a hopeless shrug and went back to helping Delia in the kitchen.
Anyway, Ash tossed the cards into his hat and gave it a good shake. "Alright! Pull out a name,you know the rules."
They each took a note card and peeked at it. Ash took the last one, and when he looked, he saw it was Molly.
"Huh… interesting," Gary muttered under his breath.
"Yeah… I don't suppose I can switch with anyone?" Green asked, eyeing her card.
"Nope, that's cheating, big sis," Molly giggled as she held her own note card close to her chest.
"Right, well, we've got a bit of time, don't stress too much about it," Ash said. But just as he was about to say something else, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He reached for it. "Oh, gimme a sec… wonder who texted me…"
Ash pulled out his phone.
——
Supercutegirl: Hey Ash! This is the right number, right? We already accidentally texted a few different people. Please tell me this is really you ╥﹏╥
Pokemonenjoyer: Yeah, and let me guess you're Whitney?
Supercutegirl: Yay! Finally!
I♡Amphy: This really took way longer than you said it would, Whitney…
Pokemonenjoyer: Oh? Is that Jasmine too? Hey, how's your leg? Sorry I didn't check in sooner I've been taking care of my little sis.
I♡Amphy: Oh yeah, it's no problem! Actually, it's been doing much better thanks to you. I'm already back to being good as new. I can run around like normal again!
Supercutegirl: Wait, you also had Ash heal your leg?? Hey, he helped my broken arm! Twins! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
I♡Amphy: Not sure if we should celebrate that… breaking my leg hurt a lot, you know…
Pokemonenjoyer: Okay, as much as I'd love to talk about my healing adventures, why did you guys text me? Also, I'd ask how you found my number, but I remember I gave it to Jasmine and told her to call me whenever…
I♡Amphy: Hehe, sorry but she found out and begged me to call you.
Supercutegirl: (✧ω✧) I did not beg! I politely insisted!
Pokemonenjoyer: Uh huh, sure. So what's up?
Supercutegirl: Well... remember how I asked if you had any plans for Christmas, and you said you didn't…?
I♡Amphy: Okay, I'm just gonna say it would you like to come to the big Christmas party this year?
Pokemonenjoyer: ? There's a Christmas party?
Supercutegirl: Well, since we're totally besties, we have a big party every year in our towns!
I♡Amphy: And, well… you remember what happened in Olivine City. Yeah… it's not gonna happen there anytime soon. So it's in Goldenrod this year.
Pokemonenjoyer: Ohhh… I see. So it's a get-together with festive lights and probable chaos kind of thing?
Supercutegirl: Exactly! (≧▽≦) Fun for the whole town! You have to come, Ash! It's gonna be huge!
Pokemonenjoyer: Alright, I'll try and stop by. Can't stay too long, though I've got Molly here and stuff. Unless I can bring everyone?
Supercutegirl: Yay!!! ｡(TヮT)ﾟ｡ That means a lot! You can bring Molly and your other friends too if you want! I bet she'd love it! And it's a celebration for the entire town, not just between us.
I♡Amphy: There's even a sleigh ride through the square this year… and some of the Gym Leaders will be there too. Morty said he might show up if we bribe him with eggnog.
Pokemonenjoyer: Gym Leader secret parties, huh? You guys really don't do "normal" Christmas, do you?
Supercutegirl: You know us! Extra all the way!! (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
Pokemonenjoyer: Alright, alright. I'll teleport over in like… I dunno, 30 minutes.
——
Ash put his phone down as Gary looked over at him, "Yo, dude you good?" he asked.
"Yeah, just got invited to a Christmas party," Ash shrugged.
"Wow, really? Who invited you?" Green asked.
"It's one that's being hosted in Goldenrod," Ash replied, leaning back in his chair. "Whitney and Jasmine sent me a text about it."
"Oh wow! Can we go?! Please, big brother! I've never been to a Christmas party in another town before!" Molly asked, giving her best puppy-dog eyes.
Ash chuckled and rubbed her head. "I was going to ask you guys if you wanted to come anyway. Speaking of which—" he turned his head toward the kitchen. "Hey Mom, do you wanna go to a Christmas party over in Goldenrod City?"
Delia glanced up from her cookies, her oven mitts still on as she placed a fresh tray down to cool. She blinked in surprise. "Goldenrod City? Oh my… well, I haven't been there in ages. That's quite the trip, sweetheart."
Mimey gave an enthusiastic nod behind her, already miming riding a sleigh and throwing imaginary snowballs.
"It's hosted by Whitney and Jasmine," Ash explained, scooting his chair back and stretching. "They said it's a big town-wide thing. Lights, music, sleigh rides, the works."
"Ooooh!" Green clasped her hands together. "I've seen Goldenrod's holiday setup in magazines it's like something out of a fairytale! I'm in!"
"I mean, if it gets me out of doing the last-minute gift shopping here, I'm down too," Gary muttered, standing up and adjusting his jacket. "But we're teleporting, right? I'm not flying all the way to Johto in this cold."
"I mean duh, we aren't catching a ship there in a day. Besides, Abby can just teleport us all," Ash said with a shrug.
Delia dusted flour off her apron and gave everyone a warm look. "Alright, alright, just give me ten minutes to pack up the cookies and change into something nicer than this apron. Molly, sweetie, want to help Mama pick out a scarf?"
"Yes!" Molly bounced over instantly, dragging Delia off toward the bedrooms. "Can I wear the pink mittens too?!"
Ash glanced at Green and Gary, who were both halfway into layering up. Green had her coat stylishly slung over one shoulder, and Gary was already muttering about how he definitely wasn't going to sing carols.
"You're totally singing carols," Green teased. "I'll drag you into a duet if I have to."
"I'll teleport back immediately."
"I am the one with the teleporting Pokémon," Ash said playfully, "and I say it's funny when you struggle." He grabbed his phone again. "Anyway, give me a sec. I need to make another text."
—
{Kanto Squad Group Chat}
Pokemonenjoyer: hey, wake up you lay bums
Rockhard: Yeah Ash?
Amarillo: Yeah, I'm here too
Fourthsister: What's up? I was just about to try out some ugly sweaters with my sisters
Pokemonenjoyer: Ok first off, thank you Misty for changing that depressing nickname. Second, you guys down for a Christmas party?
Rockhard: A Christmas party? Where?
Pokemonenjoyer: It's in Goldenrod City. Whitney and Jasmine are hosting it. Town-wide thing, all the stuff.
Amarillo: Oooh! That sounds so fun!
Rockhard: Uhh, actually count me out. Unfortunately, I promised my siblings I'd make them Christmas dinner. Turns out they like my cooking more than our mom's… Yeah, she's kinda salty. I've been teaching her my tricks too.
Fourthsister: Yeah, same for me… I'm not really in Kanto right now. My sisters dragged me on this "sister bonding trip" to make up for all the Christmases they were jerks to me. My parents are even coming back from their vacation.
Pokemonenjoyer: Huh, alright, no worries. What about you, Yellow?
Amarillo: I'm in. It's been a while since I've seen the lights in Goldenrod. And it sounds like fun. Oh, should I bring a present?
Pokemonenjoyer: I doubt it. I mean, this isn't some small get-together it's the entire town. There's probably a giant tree in the middle of town. Anyway, I'll send Abby to pick you up. See ya!
—
A while later, Abby teleported the group to Goldenrod, and when they arrived, they could see just how festive the entire town was. Stalls and decorations lined the streets, and there was even a giant Christmas tree in the middle of town, covered in lights.
Delia had come along too, leaving Mr. Mime, Nidoqueen, and Bellossom in charge of the Pallet house, since she had already baked all the cookies and cakes.
"Wow, it's so pretty!" Molly said in awe.
"Look over there!" Yellow pointed toward a nearby stage where a band of Trainers and their Pokémon were warming up. "They've got live music!"
Gary raised a brow. "I swear, if they start playing 'Jiggly All the Way,' I'm leaving."
"You say that now," Green smirked, nudging him, "but I bet you'll be dancing before the night's over."
Ash, meanwhile, pulled out his phone and texted Whitney.
—
Pokemonenjoyer: yo we just got here, this place is wild
Supercutegirl: YAY! Look for the pink Miltank balloons! That's where we set up the cocoa bar!!
—
"Hey, I'm gonna get us some hot chocolate, alright?" Ash said, looking back at them. "You wanna go with me or should I just bring you one?"
"I'll take one. You know how I like mine," Green said, shamelessly putting the task on Ash.
"Same here," Gary added, casually stuffing his hands into his coat pockets.
"I'll go with you!" Molly chirped, latching onto Ash's arm.
Ash chuckled. "Actually, can you stay here and help keep an eye on Mom? Just in case she starts shopping for souvenirs again?"
Molly squinted suspiciously. "…She did say she wanted to look at those ceramic Slowpoke mugs."
"I knew it," Ash said, giving her a gentle pat on the head. "Keep her distracted and I'll bring back hot chocolate for everyone. Deal?"
Molly saluted. "Okay, big brother!"
Yellow sheepishly raised her hand. "I can go with you if you want."
"Thank you for actually thinking about me, unlike some other two people," Ash said, glaring playfully at Gary and Green, who both stuck their tongues out at him.
As they reached the cocoa bar, marked unmistakably by a pair of giant pink Miltank balloons and a sign that read "Whitney's Moo-Moo Cocoa Madness!" in sparkly letters, Whitney spotted them immediately and all but sprinted over.
"Ash!!" she shouted, tackling him in a hug that nearly made him drop his phone. "You actually came!! I was betting with Jasmine that you'd bail last minute."
Ash chuckled, managing to steady himself. "Guess Jasmine wins."
From behind the cocoa stand, Jasmine waved shyly. "Hi, Ash. Glad you could make it."
"Hey, Jasmine. Thanks for the invite. You guys really decked the place out. It's like walking into a fairy tale."
"Well, we do go all out, duh," Whitney laughed as a Sawsbuck peeked his head out from behind the stall and walked over to poke her.
Whitney jumped and looked back. "Ahh! Oh, it's you," she smiled and hugged the Sawsbuck. "This guy, I got him when I went on a quick trip over to Unova. Isn't he so cute?"
Whitney was wearing a red dress with green accents, red sleeves, and winter boots. She had on a Santa hat and, unsurprisingly, was still wearing shorts even though it was snowing. Her Sawsbuck was in its winter form, decorated with ornaments and small ribbons in his antlers.
Jasmine, on the other hand, wore a white dress with a matching beret, red gloves, and, unlike Whitney, had leggings on. Beside her stood Amphy, who had Christmas lights wrapped around her neck like a glowing scarf.
"So, where is everyone?" Jasmine asked, tilting her head.
"Ah, Misty and Brock couldn't make it, they had plans," Ash explained with a shrug. "But my little sister and mom went off to see the tree, along with my two useless friends who can't be bothered to get their own hot chocolate."
"Oooo, I know your pain," Whitney sighed, letting her arms droop. "It's so annoying when the other Gym Leaders don't come to the party we work really hard for!"
"Really? I thought you just don't send all of them invites, considering how you acted when we met Pryce," Ash said, raising a brow.
"We do invite everyone," Jasmine said, scratching the back of her neck. "But this year, Bugsy said he wanted to stay home to wait for his sister. And Chuck… well, he lives on an island. It's not really easy for him to come."
Whitney huffed and crossed her arms. "Don't forget those party poopers Mr. Pryce and Clair. We invite them every year, and every time they never show up. I mean, where's their Christmas spirit?!"
"I think they're just not into big parties like us," Jasmine said weakly, trying to defend them.
"I still say Clair's just scared of a snowball fight," Whitney grumbled, pouting as she handed Ash a steaming cup of cocoa topped with whipped cream and a peppermint stick. "Anyway, here! Moo-Moo Cocoa Madness special, on the house~!"
Ash took it gratefully. "Thanks. Got two more orders to pick up, and one more for my little sister."
"Ooh~ Is one of them for a cute girl?" Whitney asked with a teasing grin.
Ash rolled his eyes. "One's for Green."
"Ooh! So yes," Whitney sing-songed.
"And one's for Gary."
Whitney made a face. "So… one cute girl and one sad rival who peaked in school."
Ash was mid-sip when she said that and nearly choked on his hot chocolate.
"Pffffft— warn somebody before you make a roast like that, dear lord," he coughed between laughs.
Yellow just blinked in mild confusion as she patted Ash's back, more concerned that he was coughing like he was choking.
"Ahaha, sorry!" Whitney said with zero remorse. "I've been saving that one since back when I met you three the first time you came to Goldenrod."
"I can tell," Ash rasped, wiping his mouth. "No wonder you and Green get along, you have more in common the more I talk to you."
Whitney gasped dramatically. "Please! I'm chaos with a heart. She's chaos with a superiority complex. Completely different."
"Fair," Yellow said with a quiet laugh.
Jasmine also looked like she was holding back a laugh, but she quickly composed herself. "So, Ash, there's something I wanted to offer."
"Yeah? Sure, what is it?" Ash asked, just as he handed his hot chocolate over to Pikachu and Vee, who promptly stole the cup and ran off to drink it for themselves.
"I'm not even surprised… just disappointed in myself for not seeing that coming…"
(By the way, Vee was in base form. Whitney still thought Vee was just a Flareon, since no other than the main group, knew about Vee's power.)
"Well," Jasmine began, drawing out the word slightly as she tapped the leg Ash had operated on against the ground, "since my leg is all better, and since you got cheated out of the battle you wanted when we met, how about it?"
Ash blinked. "Here? We're not even in your Gym."
"Gyms are more like facilities, we don't have to battle there. Besides, why not? We can give everyone a big show… of how I beat you~" Jasmine said with a teasing smirk.
Ash laughed. "Alright then, deal. But how about we make things a little more interesting~" He pulled out his Keystone and balanced it on his finger.
"Oh… ohhhh, you want to do that?" Jasmine's smile widened. "Fun! I haven't been able to do that in so long. You're on!"
"Alright then, i accept your challenge," Ash said smirking
"Perfect, but don't think I'll go easy on you just because you saved my life," Jasmine said, as she blinked as the words left her mouth, "Does that come off as rude? Sorry if it does, i am grateful, please don't think i'm not,"
Ash waved his hand, "Don't worry about it your fine, besides I wouldn't want it any other way,"