PK006: Stantler's Little Helpers

Stantler's Little Helpers (Japanese: クリスマスの夜 Christmas Night) is the Pikachu short that debuted on December 22, 1999.
==Synopsis==
Ash and gang are preparing for bed, waiting for Santa Claus to drop gifts at their house. While they are sleeping, the group's Pokémon spot a red flash in the sky and decide to investigate it. They eventually come across Santa Claus and his ill Stantler and decide to search for a special Berry to heal Stantler. As the Pokémon search, they are unsuccessful at first, though they eventually find the correct Berries at the side of a cliff before heading back to Santa and feeding his Stantler the Berries, making it better as Santa rushes off to deliver presents, thanking the Pokémon for their great help.
==Plot==
In a snowy cabin on a starry night, Ash states that he and his traveling companions should get to bed soon, as it will help Santa Claus arrive sooner. Brock wonders what he will bring while Misty states they will just have to find out in the morning. Pikachu and Togepi are called for bed as the lights are turned out and everyone heads to sleep. Suddenly, Ash's Chikorita emerges from its Poké Ball and excitedly runs over to Ash, using its vines to carry Pikachu out of bed and taking its place to snuggle. Bulbasaur, Heracross, Vulpix, Poliwag, Psyduck and Squirtle all emerge from their Poké Balls as Togepi and Chikorita both excitedly rush over to them, much to Pikachu's surprise. The Pokémon all look outside and see a decorated Christmas tree. Chikorita is amazed by the tree but suddenly spots a red flash dart through the starry sky. The Pokémon lean in and eventually fall out of the house and into a pile of snow. The Pokémon excitedly go rush to investigate the red flash as Ash's Pikachu worryingly tags along.
The Pokémon wander into the snowy woods and come across a glowing figure. The Pokémon approach the figure, finding it to be Santa Claus taking care of his Stantler, who appears to be sick. Santa reassures the Pokémon that he wants to take care of his Stantler, though there is not much time and they must deliver gifts. The group of Pokémon decide to go look for a special Berry to heal Stantler and rush off farther into the woods. The Pokémon dig through snow and look through bushes to no avail. However, Pikachu gets an idea involving the Christmas tree they saw before. The Pokémon head back to the cabin as Chikorita strikes down the star on top with Razor Leaf. Pikachu uses its electricity to light up the star, helping the Pokémon see in the dark and search for Berries. The Pokémon are still unable to find any Berries as Psyduck falls down a hill, collecting snow around it and landing on top of the other Pokémon, covering them with snow before Vulpix uses Flamethrower to melt it.
The Pokémon are unsuccessful in finding a Berry and begin to become worried. However, Vulpix calls the other Pokémon excitedly as it spots some growing Berries high up on a cliffside. Togepi attempts to climb the cliff before Pikachu grabs it and decides to climb the cliff himself. Pikachu climbs the cliff as the cheers of the Pokémon below encourage Pikachu to keep going despite the strong icy winds blowing his star off. He eventually reaches the Berries and plucks them, much to the excitement of the Pokémon below. However, the small cliff growing the Berries collapses, sending Pikachu tumbling down. Bulbasaur and Chikorita quickly catch Pikachu with their vines and the Pokémon rejoice, noticing that they must quickly rush back to Santa to give him the Berries.
The Pokémon return to Santa, feeding the Berries to Stantler. Stantler is quickly in top shape and ready to go. Santa thanks Pikachu and his friends for retrieving the Berries and saving Christmas. Santa's sleigh rushes off as the Pokémon wave goodbye and snow falls from the sky.
The next morning, all of the Pokémon return home to Ash, Misty and Brock as they enjoy their new presents. Outside of the house is the same Christmas tree, revealed to have the star returned to it.
==Characters==
===Humans===
*Ash
*Misty
*Brock
*Santa Claus
===Pokémon===
*Pikachu (Ash's)
*Bulbasaur (Ash's)
*Squirtle (Ash's)
*Heracross (Ash's)
*Chikorita (Ash's)
*Togepi (Misty's)
*Psyduck (Misty's)
*Poliwag (Misty's)
*Vulpix (Brock's)
*Stantler (Santa's)
==Trivia==
*The English dub title is a play on the term "Santa's little helpers", sometimes used to refer to elves.
*Brock's Geodude appears in the title card, though it does not play a role or even appear in the short.
Category:Shorts
Category:Christmas episodes
Category:Pikachu Shorts episodes