Christmas Kindness

It was a snowy Christmas Eve at the St. Sebastian Orphanage. Only six kids were left there after the big Christmas Eve adoption event, six kids that didn’t get adopted, like last year and the year before.

~~~

Leon sighed, as he sat by the christmas tree.

“Leon?” An adult said.

“Mrs McColley?” Leon replied.

“I got you this, to cheer you up.” Mrs. McColley handed Leon a Book about Lucario and Riolu.

“WHOA! Thank you!” Leon said happily, accepting the book.

Leon was kind and gentle kid, who loved fighting type Pokemon, especially Riolu, which was his favorite. Sadly, no one wanted to adopt him, for one reason alone. He had Asperger’s Syndrome, the mildest form of autism, without any mental retardation. When adopters looked over his info and saw this part of it, they feared he’d be nothing but a weirdo that was doomed to failure, and moved on to the next choice. A shame really, since Leon was such a good kid.

“No problem, Leon.”  Mrs McColley smiled. “You Blue camo pajamas are waiting on your bed, okay?”

“Okay, Miss McColley!”  Leon responded as he ran off to his bed.

~~~

Reggie let out a yawn as Mr. McColley walked over to him.

“Feeling a little tired buddy?” Mr. McColley asked.

Reggie nodded.  “Yes sir.”

“Here, you can take this to bed then.” Mr.McColley gave Reggie a cute little Charmander Plushie.

“Thanks, sir.”  Reggie took the plushie from him.

Though he is a very nice kid, Reggie was shy and nervous, not helped by the by the fact that he had Dyslexia, a condition which makes reading and writing difficult for him and makes it harder for him to say stuff to other people. Adopters avoided him because of his condition, which stinks since he has a big heart and a love of Pokemon.

“Don’t worry about it.”  Mr. McColley said, picking up Reggie. “Come on, your Teddiursa jammies are waiting.”

“Okay.” Reggie said as Mr. McColley carried him to the room.

~~~

Poor little Tommy was in tears, crying. He wanted to be adopted, but again no one wanted.

Mrs McColley walk over to him and gave him a hug.  “It’s okay, sweetie.”

“But... nobody wanted me...” Tommy said, sniffling.

“That’s not true. This little one wants you.” Mrs McColley offered Tommy an adorable Buizel plushie, “And here’s something to let you match,” She pulled out a cute little Buizel mitted Footie.

Tommy’s eye’s lit up with joy when he saw the plushie and footed pajamas.

Tommy was a playful and friendly little boy who adored Water Type Pokemon. However, people refused to adopt him, because of one thing. Heterochromia, Tommy was born with differently colored eyes, one was blue, the other was green. His Heterochromia would turn some people away from him out of disgust. That was unfair, Tommy is such a good kid.

“Let’s get you into these pajamas, Tommy.”  Mrs McColley said as she helped Tommy get into the pajamas.

“Thank you, Mrs McColley.” Tommy smiled as he cuddled his new plushie.

“Now let’s get you to bed, Santa might have something nice for you in the morning.” Mrs McColley said, picking Tommy up.

“Alright then.”  Tommy said as Mrs McColley carried him back to the bedroom

~~~

Sirius let out a disappointed sigh as he stared out the window.  He was a little upset for being passed over again for another year in a row.

“How are you holding up, Sirius?”  Mr. McColley asked.

“I’m doing fine, Mr. McColley.”  Sirius said.  “I just wish that I was able to be adopted as well today.”  He spun his wheelchair around and faced Mr. McColley.

“Maybe this will cheer you up.” Mr. McColley gave Sirius a Oshawott themed watch.

“Oh cool!”  Sirius took the watch from him and put it on.  “This will go great with all of my other Oshawott stuff.”

Sirius was an honest and understanding kid who was a huge fan of the Water type, his favorites being in the Oshawott line.  His only problem was that he paralyzed from the waist down after an car accident that also took his parents.

“It’s no problem, Sirius.”  Mr. McColley said.  “Your orange sleeper is waiting on your bed, okay?”

“Okay!”  He spun the wheels on his wheelchair and went back to the bedroom.

~~~

Mike looked out the window, watching the snow fall. He sighed.

“What’s the matter, Mike?”  Mrs. McColley asked.  “You’re not your usual cheery self right now.”

“No family... just like the rest of my life... all because of my arm...” Mike began to tear up.

“Here, this might help cheer you up then.”  She hands Mike a Gligar plushie.

“OH! Thank you!” Mike happily accepted and cuddled the Plushie.

Mike was a generous and cheerful kid that loved pokemon. But one thing makes others not want him as their son. He was born with birthmarks all over his right arm. Adopters get disgusted by his arm and ignore him. Shame, he’s a nice kid.

“I also got you this.” Mrs. McColley pulled out a cute little Gligar Sleeper.

“It’s so cute!  I can’t wait to try it on.”

Mrs. McColley helped Mike get the pajamas on. “How’s it fit?”

“It fits great.  Thanks for the sleeper. I‘ll treasure it.”

“You’re welcome sweetie, now let’s get you to bed.”

“Okay.” Mike let Mrs. McColley take him to the bedroom.

~~~

Altair was sitting in a chair reading a book.

“You doing okay, Altair?” asked Mr. McColley.

“I’m doing fine, sir.  I’m just reading a book to get my mind off of the fact that I wasn’t adopted today.”

“This book might be more fun to read.” Mr. McColley offered Altair a  comic, Adventure of the young Squirtle.

Altair took the comic from him and started reading it.  “Thank you.  I love Squirtle’s.”

Altair was a really smart kid, and often spent his time helping others, a selfless and kind boy.  The only thing that was considered ‘wrong’ with him was his OCD.  It often had him compulsively have things put directly back in place once he was finished with them. For some reason people didn’t like his compulsive habits, and refused to adopt him. Which is quite unfair to such a lovable boy.

“It’s not a problem, Altair.”  Mr. McColley said.  “I’ll even put the book you were reading away for you.”

“May... I take this comic and read it in bed please?” Altair asked.

“Of course you can, Altair.  It’s yours to keep, after all.

“Thank you.” Altair happily ran to the bedroom.

~~~

In their shared bedroom, the boys were getting ready for bed.

“Mr. and Mrs. McColley sure are nice to us, aren’t they?” Sirius said, already in his pajamas and in bed.

“Yes they are, Sirius.”  Reggie said.

“I really wish they could adopt us.” Tommy said, “They’re the only adults that care about us.”

“Me too.”  Altair said.

“Well... on the bright side, they can take care of us for another year... right?” Asked Mike.

“Right.”  Leon said.  “But I’m not sure how long they can though.  Eventually we will have to leave this place.”

Reggie gave off a sigh.

“Well guys, let’s get some sleep.” Sirius said.

“Yeah.  Maybe we can figure something out later.”  Reggie said as he walked over to his bed.

~~~

“Well, this is it...” Mr. McColley said. “Which first?”

“You know the answer to that. Remember he was treated by the adopters?” Mrs. McColley said.

“I know. Alright, he can go first.”

~~~

That night, the six boys were all sleeping soundly.

But then, a noise woke Leon up.

“Huh?” Leon wondered, as something opened the door, but nothing came in.

Curious, Leon climbed down from the third bunk, and quietly left the room.

Outside the room, Leon looked around and saw a bunch of lights leading downstairs. Leon followed the lights downstairs, ending up at the tree.

“What’s going on?” Leon wondered.

Then, Leon heard something roll, and stop at his feet.

“What was that?”  Leon asked before he looked down at his feet.  Down there was a Pokeball, colored blue and black.  “A Pokeball? Is... there a Riolu in it?” Leon curiously opened the ball.

Once he opened the Pokeball, he found inside a note.  Leon looked at the note and read it.

“Dear Leon,

This letter may change your life, so read it carefully. We know how unfair life has been to you. How you truly deserve a family, but are denied one. But we may have a solution for you and your friends.

Would you like to be our kid? We’ll adopt you and your friends, so that you can all be together still. We’ll care for you, and love you, and treat you the way you deserve. The choice is solely yours, think carefully about your answer.

YES

NO”

There was no sender.

Leon thought long and hard about his choice before settling on an answer.  “Yes...”

A blue gas exited from the pokeball and covered Leon’s face. He coughed as it entered his lungs. Feeling dizzy, Leon fell onto all fours, dropping the Pokeball as the gas entered his system.

Leon opened his eyes and was shocked by what he saw.  Blue fur had covered his hands along with noticing that they had turned into paws.  Also, a white oval was on the back of his hands as the fur soon covered his arms as well.

Leon was speechless, he looked at his new paws in awe, as his shirt felt uncomfortable.

Leon removed his shirt and let out a gasp.  Black fur covered his chest and back, turning blue again as it started down his waist.

Then, Leon took another good look as his new paws, and the fur on his chest and waist. “I... I’m... I’m turning into a Riolu.” He realized, amazed at what was happening. “Is... this.. for real?” He wondered. Then he realized his pajama bottoms would restrict the transformation, so he quickly sat himself down and took them off.

Just then, a small blue tail appeared above his tailbone. Leon looked at it, becoming happier. As the fur spread, he shrank a little, feeling younger, becoming more Riolu sized.

Black fur soon appeared on his legs while his feet transformed into paws and gained paw pads underneath.

Leon could feel it, he was almost done. He’d tried pitching himself, only to still be in this moment, meaning it was real, he really was turning into Riolu. “Wow, this is incredible.” he said.

Just then, yellow fur appeared around his neck as blue fur covered his face.  Black fur appears around his eyes while his mouth and nose extend out into a muzzle.

Soon Leon was an adorable little Riolu cub, now done, he stood up on his new paws. Leon looked over himself, amazed, happy to his favorite Pokemon.

Then, his new Riolu ears picked up on someone approaching.

It was Mrs. McColley, coming out the darkness. “You okay Leon?” She asked.

Leon was a little surprised she knew it was him, but he nodded anyway.

“Listen closely. I rolled the pokeball over to you.” Leon was shocked, but he wisely continued to listen. “My husband and I have wanted to adopt you and your friends for a while, but we didn’t have the authority, as you were our charges. But someone by the name of ‘Arc’ gave us these pokeballs, telling us what they can do. So... We wanted to make you happy, and adopt you. So I ask you once more, would you like to be adopted?”

Leon’s tail wagged happily, he smiled. Overjoyed he jumped into Mrs. McColley’s arms, cuddling and hugging her.

“I’ll take that as a yes then.” She smiled, she then checked her watch. “It’s almost time for your friend’s midnight, would you like to roll the pokeball to him when time is right?”

Leon nodded his head yes.

“Okay then, but let’s get you a little midnight snack before your friend comes.” Mrs. McColley carried Leon into the Kitchen.

~~~

The other boys continued to sleep soundly.

But then, Tommy woke up, his tummy growling.

“I’m hungry. I wonder if I can get a snack.”

Taking his new Buizel Plushie, Tommy climbed down from the other third bunk, and quietly walked to the kitchen.

He opened the pantry as quietly is he could, and found a bag of Cheddar Chex mix. Taking the bag, he went into the living room, sat on the couch, and started munching.

A rolling sound could be heard going across the living room until it clanks against the couch.

Tommy curiously looked down to see what it was.  It was an orange and yellow Pokeball. Curious, Tommy picked it up and opened it.

Inside was another note.  Tommy looked at it and started reading.

“Dear Tommy,

Hope you enjoyed your little midnight snack.  We wrote this letter to tell you that you are in for a treat tonight.  We heard your pleas for a family and we have solution just for you and your friends.

Would you like us to adopt you?  We'll adopt you and your friends and take good care of you.  You’ll have a roof over your heads, three square meals, and be able to play and make friends. But the best part is that you’ll have a family and your friends. But this choice is purely yours, will you take this treat?

YES

NO”

Tommy read the note again and again. He gave this a lot of thought, he closed his eyes, and took a deep breath before opening them again. “...Yes...”

The Pokeball gave off an orange gas right in Tommy’s face. The poor boy coughed as the gas entered his lungs.

As the gas worked its way into his system, Tommy fell over on the couch, he couldn’t move. Then, some shadowy figure came, Tommy couldn’t tell who it was, cause the lights were now out, but the figure seemed to undress Tommy from the Buizel Sleeper, got the Buizel plushie snuggly in Tommy’s arms, and left.

The lights soon return to the living room.  Tommy looked around the living room until he feels something tugging from his tailbone.  He looked behind him to see two orange tails with cream tips appear above his tailbone.

“A-A tail!?” Tommy was scared, but most of his body was still limp, he couldn’t move. He then felt a tingling sensation in his hands.  He looked at his hands and watched as they turned into paws. But these paws looked familiar.

As the orange covered his arms, he regained control of them and the paws. He moved the plushie a bit and looked at it’s paws, then he saw that his new paws matched, as did the tails.

“Am I… turning into a Buizel?” Tommy suddenly felt sleepy, his eye grew heavy.  He fell fast asleep on the couch as the changes continued.

~~~

“Tommy? Wake up.” A voice said. “Wake up, Tommy, please?”

Tommy opened his eyes and saw Mr. McColley, he was in Mr. McColley’s arms.

“Mr.... McColley... I was having a dream... about turning into a Buizel...” Tommy said.

“It wasn’t a dream.”

“Wait, you mean I was really transformed into a Buizel?” Tommy took a good look at himself. Indeed he was a cute little Buizel pup. “I... I am a Buizel... But I can talk?”

“Of course, it would be cruel to take away your voice.” Mr. McColley said.

“Wait... you did this?!”

“Calm down, here, how about you enjoy some cold milk while I explain?” Mr. McColley offered Tommy a bottle of cold milk.

“Okay.” Tommy said, he took hold of the bottle, and being drinking.

“Listen carefully, little one.  My wife and I were looking for a way to be able to adopt all six of you when a mysterious guy named ‘Arc’ handed us these Pokeballs.  We already used one of them to turn your friend Leon into a Riolu.”

Tommy stopped drinking. “Leon... a Riolu?”

“Hi Tommy.” A young voice said.

“Hi Leon?” Tommy looked.

It was a young Riolu, just as cute as him. “Yup, it’s me. I rolled that Pokeball over to you.”

“...Wow...”

“Cool, right? Okay, Mr. McColley, finish your explanation.” Leon said.

“Alright Leon.” Mr. McColley continued, and had Tommy resume drinking the milk.  “So basically, we decided that in order to make you happy, We’re going to ask you if you want to be adopted again.  So Tommy, are you sure you want to be adopted by us?”

Tommy finished the milk, let out a cute little burp, and smiled at Mr. McColley. He nodded.

“Alright then.”  He hands Tommy his Buizel plushie and takes Tommy and Leon to another bed room, right below their old one. “You two relax in here, we’ll have the other kids adopted and still leave enough time for St Nick to come.” Mr. McColley said, tucking Leon in.

“Wait... may I roll the next Pokeball, please?” Tommy asked.

“Of course you can, Tommy.  But after that, it’s off to bed for you.”

“Okay,” Tommy said, tucking in his plushie, “Aqua can keep my bed ready.”

“Ada boy.”

~~~

Back in the bedroom, Sirius let out a yawn and stood up in his bed.

He noticed that Leon and Tommy were not in bed, and the door was open.

“Where did Tommy and Leon go?” Sirius wondered, He moved himself onto his wheelchair, and wheeled himself to the hallway.

He noticed the next door room was open and the light was on.

“Odd, why is this door open? Danny, Vincent, Cero and Una were all adopted.”  Sirius wondered as he wheeled himself into the room.

He heard something roll in and clank against the wheelchair.

“What was that?”  He looked down at the floor.

Next to his wheelchair was a navy blue and white Pokeball with a Scalchop where the button would be.

“That’s a weird Pokeball, who rolled that in here?”  Sirius asked before bending over to pick up the Pokeball.  He opens it up to reveal a letter inside.

“Dear, Sirius

Read this carefully.  We heard about what happened to your legs and might of found a way to restore them and give you more.

Would you like to be our kid? We’ll adopt you and your friends, so that you can all be together still. We’ll care for you, and love you, and treat you the way you deserve. The choice is solely yours, think carefully about your answer.

YES

NO”

This got Sirius thinking.  On one hand, he might be able to walk again.  On the other hand, he might be able to actually find someone who might be able to adopt him.  He thinks about it for a couple minutes before giving his final answer.  “Yes…”

The pokeball ejected some white gas right in Sirius’ face. He coughed as the gas entered his lungs. “What was that?” He said as the gas entered his system.

His feet and legs started to funny as the gas started to work.  He looked down at his feet and watch as they turned blue and turned into paws.  Meanwhile, his legs seemed to shrink and disappeared into his body.

Sirius felt dizzy and sleepy.  After a couple of minutes, he soon fell asleep

~~~

“Sirius, up and at them sweetie.” A voice said.

“Wha, who’s there?”  Sirius said as he opened up his eyes.  “I had a dream that I was turned into an Oshawott and that my legs disappeared.”

It was Mrs. McColley, “It wasn’t a dream. Look.”

Sirius looked at himself. He was indeed a cute little Oshawott.

“Oh wow, I look so cute now, Mrs. McColley.”  Sirius gasped.

“There’s more.” Mrs. McColley placed Sirius down, on his feet.

“There is?”  He carefully takes a few steps on his new feet.  “Oh wow, I can walk again.  Thanks a lot.”

“You’re welcome, Sirius, now how ‘bout you go get a snack to enjoy while I explain everything.”

“Okay, Mrs.”  He walked over to the kitchen and grabbed a bag of Cheetos before heading back to her.

“The Pokeball that changed you was a gift from a man named ‘Arc’, who said he was a helper of Santa, he gave Me and my husband six pokeballs to transform you and your friends. You are the third kid to be turned into your favorite Pokemon.”

“And who are the others who were transformed?”

“Leon was turned into a Riolu, and Tommy was turned into a Buizel.”

“And where are they at this moment?”  Sirius asked.

“In bed, in the bedroom below your old one. Anyway, we turned you into a Pokemon not only to give you back your walking ability but also to we can adopt you. So I ask once more, would you like to be adopted by me and my husband?”

He thought about it for a minute before giving his answer.  “Yes, I would like to be adopted by the two of you.”

“Good, now, you can roll the next pokeball, but then it’s off to bed for you as well.”

“Alright, Mrs.”

~~~

Mike soon woke up from a nightmare, he was scared and frightened. “...I need a snack.”

Mike took his Gligar plushie and headed into the kitchen. He got some Oreos and some Hawaiian Punch. “This will calm me down.”

He walked over to the dining room and sat down to enjoy his snack.

After he ate the cookies and drank the punch, he let out a contented sigh.  “Aw, that was a delicious snack.”

Then something rolled into his gligar footie.  He looked down and saw a purple Pokeball at the foot of his Gligar footie.  “Huh, what’s that?”  He bends over and picks it up.  Inside was a note.

“Dear Mike,

I see you had another nightmare and snack. But I know you want to be about to go through a night without a nightmare. I can help you with that and grant you much more, with one question.

Do you wish to be adopted by us? Would you like to be our kid? We’ll adopt you and your friends, so that you can all be together still. We’ll care for you, and love you, and treat you the way you deserve. The choice is solely yours, think carefully about your answer.

YES

NO”

Mike thinks about it for a moment before coming up with an answer. “Huh?”  At the bottom of the note was another small message

“PS, please remove your Gligar sleeper before you answer.”

Mike just shrugs his shoulders before obeying what the note said. He took off the Gligar sleeper before saying. “Yes please?”

The pokeball released a purple gas and covered Mike in it.  It caught Mike by surprise and entered his lungs. “What the...” He said

Within moments, the gas entered his system and gave him a slight purple sheen to his skin as the transformation began.  He soon noticed that his hands were turning into pincers “What’s... happening...”  He then noticed that a blue membrane soon appeared on his arms and connected to his chest and legs. He soon grew dizzy and sleepy, his eyes growing heavy.  “Can’t...sleep...must...stay...awake…”  He said as he soon fell into a deep sleep.

~~~

Mike woke up alone, discovering he was now a little Gligar cub, fear gripped him, as he was alone.

“Ah, you’ve awakened little one.”  Mr. McColley said as he stepped into the room.  “How was your nap, Mike?”

“Mr. McColley!” Mike ran into his arms. “Help me! I’ve turned into a Pokemon, what’s happened to me?”

He walks over and comforts Mike.  “There, there Mike.  We transformed you into a Gligar cub in order to adopt you.”

“I... I don’t understand.” Mike said, teary eyed.

Mr. McColley sat Mike at the table, and gave him more Oreos and Hawaiian Punch. “Here, your favorite snack will calm you down.”

Mike looked up at Mr. McColley and accepted the snacks.  “Thanks, sir.”

As Mike enjoyed his snack, calming down, Mr. McColley explained the pokeballs, getting them from ‘Arc’, who’s been transformed, where they are, and they he’d been turned into his favorite Pokemon to give him a little more comfort in his dreams, and so the McColley family can adopt him. “So then, would you like to be adopted?”

Mike thought about for a moment as he finished off his snack.  “Of course I would, Mr. McColley.  Can you please tell me what happened to them and where they are?”

“I told you who, and they’re in bed, remember?”

“I remember now.  I’m sorry if I wasn’t paying attention to you while I was eating my snack, papa.”

“It’s okay, now, here’s your little buddy.” Mr. McColley handed Mike his Gligar plushie, “You can roll the next Pokeball, but then it’s off to bed, okay?”

“Okay!”  Mike had a happy look on his face as Mr. McColley carried him out of the room.

~~~

Altair was tossing and turning in his bunk, waking up because of some nightmare.

“Oy... first nightmare in years... huh? Mike? Tommy? Sirius? Leon?  Where are you?”

Altair stood up and exited his bunk.  “Maybe they left to find something to eat in the middle of the night.”  He walked out of the bedroom and headed down to the kitchen to get a snack.

In the kitchen, he got some Pokemon Cookies and a tall glass of water.  “Ah, a nice snack.”  He walked out of the kitchen and walked over to a table and chairs before sitting down.

“Up a bit late, Altair?” Mrs. McColley asked.

“Yeah, I just had a small nightmare up in my bunk.”

“Gli gli?” A voice said, surprising Altair.

“Who’s that pokemon?  He looks new around here.”

“It’s a Gligar, he’s here to give you a gift, Altair.  Go on, sweetie,”

The Gligar nodded, rolling something on the table to Altair.

Altair took a look at what was rolled at him.  It appeared to be a Pokeball painted to look like a Squirtle’s shell.

“Cute.” Altair said.

“Okay little buddy, you know where to go, it’s bedtime.”

“Gli!”  The Gligar jumped out of her hands and started gliding off towards his bed.

“They’re so cute when they’re cubs. Anyway, open it.” Mrs McColley said.

“Alright.”  Altair picked up the Pokeball and opened it.  Inside the Pokeball was a note.

“Dear Altair,

We heard about your compulsive desire to have a family and so, we decided to grant your wish.  Inside this Pokeball is something that can help.

Do you wanna be our kid?  We’ll be sure to take good care of you and feed you as well. But the choice is strictly yours.

YES

NO”

“What do you say?”

Altair thought about it for a minute before giving his answer.  “Yes!”

The Pokeball sprayed altair in the face with water blue gas.

He gave off a cough as the gas entered his lungs.

“What the?”  Altair gasped as the gas entered his system, and his back and stomach started to feel weird.  He looked at his stomach and saw pieces of a cream colored shell started to appear on him while his back turned brown. He was now encased in a rather familiar looking shell.  “I remember this shell.  It reminds me of a Squirtle.”  He lets out a yawn as soon as he realizes.  “I’m...not...ready...to...fall...asleep...yet.”  He soon dozed off as soon as he realized it.

~~~

When he woke up, he was being cradled in Mrs. McColley’s arms.  He looked at himself immediately.  “I’m.. a Squirtle!?  Did that Pokeball do something to me?”

“Relax sweetie, You still need your snack. I kept your water cold.” Mrs. McColley fed Altair the cup of water.

Altair was overjoyed when he drank the water.  “This water tastes delicious, Mrs. McColley. It’s so cold and yummy.”

“Water Types love water.” Mrs McColley said, giving Altair his pokemon cookies.

Altair took the cookies from her and started eating.  “Thanks, Mrs. McColley.”

“You’re welcome sweetie. That pokeball was given to me by someone named ‘Arc’. It turned you into a Squirtle, your favorite Pokemon, so that Mr. McColley and I can adopt you. So, what do you say?”

“I say yes, Mrs. McColley.  I would love to be adopted by you.”  Altair said as he gave her a cuddle.

“Good, now then, one more kid to go. You can give Reggie his Pokeball, but then it’s straight to bed, like the others, so santa can come.

“Alright, mama.”

~~~

Reggie soon let out a yawn when his stomach growled.

“Midnight sna- huh? Why am I not hearing ANY snoring?”  Reggie wondered.  “I guess everyone already left then.  But why haven’t they come back after their snack was finished.  I-I better go check and see if they’re alright.” His tummy growled. “And get my own snack.”

He exited the bedroom and walked down to the kitchen.

He found Mr. McColley feeding a cute little Squirtle water.

“Hi, Mr. McColley.  Can I help feed the Squirtle?”

“Oh, evening Reggie, sure.” Mr. McColley gave Reggie the Squirtle and the bottle. “You getting your usual midnight snack?”

“Yes sir.  I came to get a bag of chips and a glass of milk before I go back to bed.  Also, I can’t seem to find my other friends, do you know where they are?” He said, feeding the Squirtle.

“They’re fine, probably another late night game.”

The squirtle happily sipped and sipped the water. “Squirtle.” it said, finishing up.

“So cute.”  Reggie said.

The Squirtle then offered Reggie something.  “What is that, Squirtle?”

It was an orange and red Pokeball.

“It must be a gift.”

The Squirtle then yawned.

“Aw, the little guy’s ready for bed, here, I set up the fold out bed for him.”

“Alright then.”  Reggie gently walked over to the fold out bed and tucked the Squirtle in.  “Good night, little one.” The Squirtle gently slipped into gentle slumber. Reggie then looked at the Pokeball.  Inside was a note, sadly, Reggie’s dyslexia kicked in, oddly... the letters seemed to switch in a way that made the letter... normal, it seemed the note was written with this in mind.

“Dear Reggie,

I’m going to get straight to the point. We know about your condition, and how other adults refuse to adopt you because of it, same with your friends. We have a solution to all your problems, and all I we ask is one question.

Do you wish to be adopted by us? We’ll be the loving parents you and your friends deserve. But this choice is yours, think long and hard about it.

YES

NO”

Reggie thought about his decision for a long time before finally giving an answer.  “Yes! Yes! Y-” He was interrupted when the Pokeball sprayed reddish-orange gas in his face.

He gave off a cough as the gas entered his his lungs and started coursing through his system.  He began to feel warm, very warm as his temperature rose into a soothing warmth.

“What… What’s happening, Mr. McColley?  I feel very warm.”  Reggie said.  He soon started to feel itchy on his arms and hands.  He held them up in front of him and saw orange colored scales had started to grow on him as well.  He then heard a creaking sound coming from his hands and watched as two of fingers had merged together while white claws also appeared.

Reggie was feeling scared when he saw what was happening and started shaking.  “Please, Mr., can you help me?”  His voice cracked as he started crying.  “This hurts.”  Soon, his legs and feet had started to shrink as he cried, orange scales appearing on them as well.  He looked down at his feet and saw that they had gained claws as well. The boy shrunk down a bit.

Mr. McColley picked the boy up, cradled him, and began bottle feeding him fresh cold milk.

Reggie soon started to feel calmer as he drank the milk.  “Thanks, Mr.”  It helped take his mind off of the next change.  A tugging feeling occurred as his tailbone extended out into a cute little Charmander tail.  It started wagging of it’s own volition, indicating that Reggie was feeling happy.

Reggie just kept sipping down milk, he refused to think about anything else.  Cream colored scales appeared on his belly while orange scales appeared on his back.  His mouth and nose extended out into a lizard like muzzle as he kept sipping on the bottle while his hair disappeared into the orange scales that were covering his head.

As Reggie kept sipping, Mr. McColley sat him down on the ground.  Soon, the tip of his tail ignited, indicating that his transformation was coming to a close. Reggie was now a little Charmander cub, just as he finished drinking the cold Milk.

“Ahh, that was some refreshing milk.  Thanks, Mr. McColley.”  Reggie said.  “Also, why does the world seem bigger to me for some reason?” He then discovers his new form.  “Wait, am I a Charmander now?”  He then notices his new tail was wagging, waving a small fire around.  “Help me!  Don’t let the tail flame go-” The flame went out.... then ignited again. “-Out?”

Mr McColley let out a small chuckle when he saw the scene unfold.  “Don’t worry, little Reggie. it’s been proven that if a Charmander’s tail flame goes out, it doesn’t die, the flame reignites itself at the first chance. On top of that, it only ignites items on contact only if you want it to.”

“Phew! What a relief!”  Reggie sighed.  “I thought for a moment that I was a goner.”

Mr. McColley let out another chuckle.  “No problem, Reggie.  You’re the last of the kids transformed.”

“Really?”  Reggie soon thinks back to the Squirtle.  “I think I remember taking care of a Squirtle a while back.  Was that one of my friends?”

“It’s Altair.”

“And the rest of them?”

“They’re also in bed. Leon’s now a Riolu.”

“That sounds awesome.  I can’t wait to play with him.”

“Tommy was turned into a Buizel.”

“That’s cool.”

“Mike is now a cute little Gligar.”

“Adorable!”  Reggie responded

“And Sirius got his legs back when he was turned into an Oshawott.”

“That’s amazing that Sirius can walk again.  I can’t wait to play with him tomorrow.”

“But for now, it’s bedtime, let’s get to bed so St. Nick can come.” Mr. McColley said, picking Reggie up, and getting him tucked in with Altair.

“Alright, Mr. McColley.”  Reggie said as he dozed off into dreamland.

~~~

Christmas morning.

The four kids in the bedroom began waking up.

“Whoa! It wasn’t a dream!” Leon said, discovering he was still a Riolu.

“I’ll say”  Sirius responded.  “I can walk again!  I’m amazed that the Pokeball allowed me to walk again.”

“I really am a cute little buizel.” Tommy said, overjoyed.

“And I’m a Gligar.”  Mike said. “I’m so cute and cuddly.”

Then the four noticed the door opening, and Mr. and Mrs. McColley came in, with two more Pokemon, a Charmander and a Squirtle. “Morning kids, and merry christmas.” Mr. McColley said.

“Merry Christmas, Mr. McColley!”  Everyone said.

“Hey, those Pokemon with you, who are they?”

“It’s Reggie and Altair.” Mrs. McColley said.

“Cool!  They look so cute as well.”

“Guys! Come over to tree!” Reggie said excited.

“Santa came!” Altair added.

Everyone turned their attention to the tree and was amazed.  There were presents that appeared to reach up to the ceiling underneath the tree.

“Whoa!” they said.

“Okay kids, before we open them, we need to have breakfast.” Mr. McColley said. “I will sort out the presents while Erika gets you all fed.”

“Alright, Mr. McColley”  They all turned around and walked to the kitchen.  “We can wait till after breakfast.”

~~~

Soon the kids were rubbing their tummies.

“Is everyone full?” Erika asked.

They all nodded.  “Yes, mama.  Can we go open presents now?”

“Okay, let’s hand back to the Christmas tree.”

~~~

Soon, everyone was back around the Christmas tree in front of their presents.

“Eric, you get them sorted out?” Erika asked.

“Yep, Leon, the Blue Presents are yours, in the top bunk on the left.” Eric pointed.

“Pawsome!”  Leon exclaimed as he climbed up to his bunk.  “I wonder what’s in this tall one.”

“Tommy, yours are in the bunk below Leon, the orange ones.”

“Alright, mama.”  He ran over to his bunk and climbed inside.

“Mike, the Purple ones in the bottom bunk are yours,”  Eric said.  “Just be careful when you open them.”

“Yes papa.”  Mike said as he glided over to them.

“Sirius, the white presents in the bottom bunk located in the middle of the room are yours.” Erika said.

“Thanks, mommy.”  Sirius said as he walked over to them.

“Altair, the black presents on the top bunk are yours to open.”

“Thanks.”

“And Reggie, you get the light blue presents.”

“Alright then!  I can’t wait to see what’s inside of mine!”  Reggie exclaimed.

“Okay, how bout we start with you then, Reggie, pick a present and open it.”

“Okay!”  Reggie walks over and opens a small light blue present. Inside was a Charizard shaped plushie.

“That looks cute.” Leon said.

“Thanks Leon!  I love my new plushie.”  Reggie gives his new plushie a hug.

“Okay, Leon, you can go next.”

“Thank you Papa.” Leon picked out a blue present, and opened it. It was a Lucario Plushie.

“Adorable!”  Sirius said.

“Yay!” Leon Cuddled the plushie.

“Okay Sirius, your turn.”

“Alright then.”  He grabs a box and opens it.  Inside was a Samurott plushie.

“You got one too!” Tommy smiled.

“Yeah!  I like it.”  Sirius said.

“Okay Tommy, It’s your turn next.”

Tommy happily opened a present, it was a Floatzel Plushie. “A new cuddle buddy!”

“It certainly looks cute and it goes well with your other plushie.”  Altair said.

“Your turn Altair.”

“Okay!”  He grabs a present and opens it.  “Oh wow, it’s a Blastoise plushie.  Thank you!”

“That’s great!” Mike said.

“Thanks Mike.”  Altair said back.

“It’s now your turn Mike.”

Mike happily opened his present. “A Gliscor Plushie!”

“That’s awesome!”  Reggie said.  “It looks very cool.”

“Okay kids, you should each have a present that’s more wide than tall, like a rectangular one.”

“Okay!”  They all search through their presents until they find it.

“Is this what you were talking about, mama?”  Reggie asked when he held up a rectangular box.

“Yep.” Erika said.

“Awesome!  Do you mind if I open mine first?”  Reggie said.

“Not at all.  You can go right ahead.”

Upon hearing those words, Reggie opened the present to find a cozy looking red sweater and matching slacks, designed for a Charmander.

“Huh, what’s this mama?”  Reggie asked.

“Clothes for you sweetie. You may be a pokemon, but you can still wear clothes.”

“Okay mama.”  Reggie said as he put his new sweater on.  “How do I look?”

“Not fully dressed, put the slacks on too.”

“Oh alright.”  Reggie sighed as he put the slacks on. The clothes were warm and comfortable, making Reggie feel good.

“You look cute, Reggie.” Eric said.

“Thanks papa.”  Reggie said.

“is this the present?” Leon asked, finding his.

“That’s it.’  Eric said.

Leon curiously opened his.  Inside was a blue sweater with matching slacks and a Lucario shaped stocking cap.

“Put it on sweetie.” Erika said.

“Alright then.”  Leon grabbed the sweater and slacks and put them on.

“You look adorable, how does it feel?”

“It feels very comfortable.”  Leon responded.

“Can I get a little help?” Mike asked, having found his. “I don’t wanna risk my pincers ruining it.”

“Of course you can, Mike.”  Eric said as he walked over.

“Thank you, Papa.”

“You’re welcome, Mike.”  Eric says as he helps open the present.  Inside is a nice brown sweater and slacks. Eric helped Mike into the clothes. “You look great, and how does it feel?”

“It feels great, papa.”

“I found mine!” Tommy said finding his box.

“That’s good to hear.”  Erika said.  “Do you need any help over there, Tommy?”

“Yes please. My paws can’t open it.”

“Alright then.”  Erika walked over to Tommy and helped him open up his present. It was a light blue sweater and slacks.  Erika helped Tommy get the sweater and slacks on him.  “How does it fit?”

“It fits perfectly and it’s nice and warm. How does it look?”

“It looks wonderful, Tommy.”

“This the right one?” Asked Sirius, finding his.

“That’s the one.”  Eric said.

Sirius opened it.  Inside was a white sweater designed to cover an oshawott’s whole body. Sirius put on the sweater.

“It looks cute on you, do you like it?”

“I love it!”

“And I found mine.” Altair pulled his out, opening it.  Inside was a green sweater and slacks.

“That’s interesting.” Altar said putting it on.

“You look great,” Erika said.

“Thanks mama.”

~~~

The boys opened their other present, getting more clothes, toys, games, books, etc. Then Eric and Erika got the kids moved into the six kid bedroom right next their own master room.

“So you kids enjoying your first Christmas as Pokemon?”

“It was a blast!”  Reggie said.

“Everything was awesome and the food was delicious.”  Sirius remarked.

“It was fun to open presents as a family.”  Altair spoke.

“I love being a pokemon!” Leon said.

“It feels great!”

“This is best christmas-”

DING DONG! Went the door bell.

“Now who could that be at this hour?”  Erika said while walking over to the door, the kids following.

At the door was an orphan boy, shivering and in tear.

“D-d-d-do you h-h-h-have for a b-b-b-boy to st-st-st-stay?”

“Oh you poor thing! Come inside.” Erika said, bringing the boy in. “Reggie, Leon, can you warm up the fire place?”

“With pleasure, mama.”  They both said as they walked off.

“Tommy, Mike, can you get a blanket from upstairs?”

“Yes, mama.”  They headed upstairs to find the blanket.

“Sirius, Altair, you remember how to make hot cocoa, right?”

“Say no more, mama.  We’ll get the hot cocoa out in two shakes of our tails.”  They ran off towards the kitchen to start making the hot cocoa.

“Don’t worry sweetie, we’ll take care of you.” Erika said to the boy.

“Thank you...”

~~~

And so the St. Sebastian Orphanage continued its job, caring for orphans and finding them homes. But now the McColley family had six new little helpers.

Leon, Tommy, Mike, Sirius, Altair, and Reggie lived happily as Pokemon, loved by their new parents, and they now helped out at the orphanage.  Also, the orphans had a blast playing with them when they weren’t busy with their other chores.

Basically everything was better.

But one question was never answered.

Who exactly is ‘Arc’?