Surprise!
I'm just going to use the foreword and afterthought that I am using for FF.net, I really cannot anymore.
I'm posting this today because I'm gone on vacation tomorrow, and I don't know when the next time I'll have internet is.
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Foreword
From this point on, I will be having special holiday-themed one-shots for all of your reading pleasure. It’s also sort of my way of saying ‘thank you’ for all your support for my main fic. These holiday one-shots will have varying elements, such as where the point of view is told from, the characters, and even the ship if I choose to change it up. Some will be semi-related to the timeline and events of my main fic, Pokémon: Neo Genesis, but some could take place wherever or whenever else.
For this one-shot, it doesn’t exactly take place within the timeline of Pokémon: Neo Genesis, but something, or rather someone, is certainly present in this one-shot. That’s right, Altaïr. That is how I plan on doing a lot of my holiday one-shots; with the characters from my fic (and believe me, I will have more in the future) but not necessarily within the timeline. It just spices things up a bit, methinks. Some will be more ‘normal’ however. Just depends on how I want to write.
Anyway, this one-shot is told from Altaïr’s point of view. I will also say during which chapter this one-shot was posted (chapter 14) so that in case people read this in the future when my main fic has already advanced, they will know how much the storyline (if any) and characters are incorporated. This one has several minor story elements incorporated in it; see if you can spot them. Some things written in this one-shot may even be incorporated into my main fic as well.
Enjoy. Happy holidays to you all.
Disclaimer: I use Christmas ‘cause I’m a Christian. Plain and simple.
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One Spotlight
Well, it’s that time of the year again. That time when everybody’s family gets together for the holiday season. That time when everybody is off work and is able to go places for vacation. That time when families enjoy delicious home cooked meals on the one special night. That time when presents and kisses are exchanged…
All that is great and wonderful… for other people, as I have a little problem when it comes to this season.
I have no family.
Well, at least no biological family. But that’s alright, I’m used to it. However, this Christmas, I learned that I wouldn’t be as lonely as I usually was.
It was December 23, and I was just loitering around my small cabin on the side of Mt. Coronet, when my video phone suddenly rang. I wonder who would have time to call me, as when I receive calls it is usually for business. I shrug off the question and pull up a chair to the desk the video phone sits on, and pick up the receiver to answer.
When I do, a face appears on the screen and I blink several times.
It was Ash, a trainer I had met and helped out once while he was on his Pokémon journey in Sinnoh with two others. One, a younger girl named Dawn, who seemed to take an interest in me right away, and the other an older guy named Brock, who seemed to have some sort of extreme fetish for older women. They were quite a motley crew, and I had done them a great favor by sheltering them in my humble cabin when they were stranded in a blizzard. After they left the following morning, I figured I wouldn’t see them again, but I was proved wrong as I soon had to rescue them from an avalanche. After many thanks, Ash eagerly asked for my phone number, saying that he wouldn’t forget my exploits and that he would call me up when he had a way to repay me. I guess this was it.
“Hello Ash,” I greet plainly.
“Hey, Altaïr, long time no see, how’ve you been?” he gives me a wide grin.
“Been alright, still just training here.”
“Cool, cool. Hey, I was wondering… would you like to come to a party?”
“Party?” I raised my eyebrow.
“Yeah, a sort of Christmas and New Years party that’s going to be happening here in Pallet tomorrow through New Years. I know it’s kind of last second, but it’d really be great if you could join us!”
I consider his invitation, first wondering why I had only been remembered at this last moment in time, but then finding myself not particularly caring and I just wonder whether I wanted to go.
“I guess I might as well; I’m not busy.”
“Awesome! See you at Professor Oak’s laboratory tomorrow at 1 then?” he actually looked to be pretty excited at my acceptance. I definitely wasn’t expecting that. Guess some people do actually care a little bit about me.
“Yup.”
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A quick run down a mountain to the village at the base, a bus ride to the nearest train station, and a ticket onto a bullet train got me to Saffron City in the Kanto region at about midnight. In order to make it to Pallet Town the next day, I would have to catch a bus, if there was a bus at this time at night.
I waited for about half an hour at the bus stop before seeing a pair of large headlights making its way down the mostly deserted street. The bus saw me in the bus stop and stopped by the sidewalk, opening its doors to allow me in. The driver salutes me, commenting that I was a new face in town. I give him a short reply of acknowledgement and drop a few coins into the fare machine. I had expected the bus to be completely empty, but was surprised to see figures at the back of the bus.
I took a seat in the middle section of the bus, and attempted to restrain myself from looking back at the four people that sat at the very back. However, curiosity overtook me and I soon found myself with my head rotated to the left just far enough to take in the appearances of the four people behind me out of the corner of my eye.
At the left window seat sat a tall man with slick black hair wearing a dark trench coat over a red jacket, blue pants, and black boots. Due to a shadow, it was difficult to take in the man’s facial features, besides the fact that his eyes seemed to be closed, so I abandoned my examination of the first man.
I thought that there was no one sitting next to the tall man, but upon closer inspection, I noticed a green woolen hat and a pair of glasses peaking from above the seat in front. I safely assumed that whomever the hat and glasses belonged to was a child of a younger age. I could also tell that the head was leaning on the seat in front, leading me to the conclusion that the child was not as short as he seemed but was merely asleep with his head leaning forward. A shadow shrouded his face as well.
I shifted my gaze to the right side of the bus and noticed two heads with long brown hair, though the shorter head had some sort of covering that only allowed the hair on the sides of her head to be visible. There was no shadow on this side, so I could take in the full facial features of the two people, who I had identified to be a girl and a woman, and were very much alike in appearance. The woman was wearing a heavy tan colored coat while dozing with her head leaning on the window. She was also… attractive, despite being however old she is. I shuddered a bit as I thought that.
The girl, however, was wide awake. I think she caught the corner of my eye glancing at her, because she eventually turned her head to the side and seemed to look at the sleeping boy across the center of the bus. However, the girl interested me the most out of all of the other occupants. I now was able to identify the covering on her head as a red bandanna and noticed her long locks of hair that flowed down the sides of her head, covering her ears. She looked to be a couple of years younger than I, though that’s only a rough estimation. She was wearing a red jacket that had fluff on the hood, which matched her bandanna. I took note that she was quite… pretty.
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I woke up from a lurch, and rubbed the back of my neck, as it was now extremely stiff from sleeping upright on old bus seats. I quickly remembered where I was heading to, which was where I should have been at that moment, and quickly jumped out of my seat and strode towards the door of the bus. Before I exited, I took one last glance at the back of the bus, only to see that the four people, which I now assumed was a family, was gone.
Family…
I exited the bus, and looked up at a sign that hung above the station, which read Pallet Town. I had reached my destination, but now I had to figure out where Professor… Oak’s laboratory was. Asking one of the workers inside the bus station quickly got me in the right path for the lab.
The snow fell lightly on my black beanie that lay atop my head as I trekked through the white land. I assumed I was in the commercial section of the small town and was heading out into the suburban regions. Passing a bank, the scrolling sign that stood in front read 24 degrees Fahrenheit for the temperature and 12:14 pm for the time. The cold was nothing compared to how it could get on Mt. Coronet, though. I ambled on the snowy sidewalks and made my way out of the busy sector and into snow-covered trees and fields with houses spread out. The bus station worker had told me the laboratory was about three miles south of where I was, so I calculated that if I walked briskly and didn’t get lost, I could make it at the official start time of the party. Besides, showing up late is never polite.
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The scene before me struck me with awe. In front of me was a long stairway completely lined with golden lights, and atop of the hill at the end of the stairway was a building that I assumed was the laboratory, was a marvel just to look at. Decorations were everywhere; lights hung on the roof of the building, shapes of Pokémon made from lights were poised in the front yard, and several trees filled with ornaments were erected by the entrance. Behind the building of the main laboratory I could make out a giant dome that I figured was where the party was being held.
“Festive,” I said to myself.
Even the doors themselves I noticed were decorated with various lights and designs as I neared them. I took a good look at them before preparing myself to walk into a strange new world, for me at least.
The doors were pushed open, and a bright light blinded me. After a second of adjusting, I found myself in a large empty lobby, which I assumed was the atrium of the magnificent building. The interior was not as festive, but it was impressive nonetheless. Someone must clean this place often and keep it in top shape, I thought to myself.
I glance at a large grandfather clock standing to the right of me, and noticed the time was 1:20. I really should consider getting another watch or just any device that could keep time. My tardiness explained why no one was in front to greet me, even though if there even was a person to greet me, they probably wouldn’t know who I am.
Feeling stupid just standing at the doorway, I shut the doors behind me and quickly navigated myself to the back of the building, which I assumed would lead me to the dome and thus, the party. I felt surprised at myself as I felt a swell of excitement in my chest. It was unusual, as I usually felt a certain distaste for social gatherings, but this time, eagerness took over my rational.
Eventually working my way through the labyrinth of a laboratory, I finally found another pair of large double doors at the back. I swiftly pushed them forward and entered the premises. What I stumbled into was the inside of the dome I had been searching for, which was bustling with what looked to be more than a hundred people, and those were only the ones visible to me. Tables covered with mountains of food were placed everywhere around the perimeter of the dome, round tables that occupied the central area held many conversing occupants, a stage with unused band instruments and a DJ playing Christmas songs was visible at the far end, and the largest Christmas tree I have ever seen stood in the center. There were so many decorations on the gargantuan tree that I felt my eyes start to cross when I began staring too hard at it. Nevertheless, I couldn’t stop admiring the tree.
“Hey! Altaïr!” a female voice squealed out.
I whirled around and saw a familiar beanie-wearing blue haired girl running towards me. Despite being in an airtight dome, the temperature was still kept relatively cool so the snow on the ground wouldn’t melt and turn the land into mud. The girl wore only a light pink jacket on her body, and still wore her usual short skirt and pink boots. I wondered if it was cold down there…
“Hello, Dawn,” I said with a friendly smile, though it was pulled off with difficulty.
Dawn stopped a meter short of me and began jumping up and down with excitement, which caused me to back off another meter out of slight nervousness at her over-enthusiasm.
“It’s been so long! How’ve you been!” she squealed again.
“I’ve been… fine.”
“Oh hey, Altaïr, you made it!” another voice chimed in.
I turned my head to the source of the voice and saw the capped head of Ash beside me. He had that wide silly grin on his face that I had actually grown used to in the short amount of time I had spent with him. He wore a dark blue jacket with his usual jeans underneath. And of course, Pikachu was on his usual perch on Ash’s right shoulder.
“Hey Ash, Pikachu,” I nodded in acknowledgement.
“Pika!”
After the greeting was exchanged, I noticed another person to the side of Ash who had been just out of my peripheral vision moments before. I turned my focus to the person and was surprised to see a familiar face.
“Ash, introduce me!” I heard the bandanna-headed girl whisper to Ash. This puzzled me slightly; couldn’t the girl just have introduced herself?
“Oh, sorry,” Ash said to her with a sheepish look. “Altaïr, this is May. She and her brother travelled with me and Brock through Hoenn and the Battle Frontier. She’s a coordinator, like Dawn. Oh yeah, she and Max, which is her brother by the way, are the children of the Petalburg Gym leader, Norman.”
“Really?” I said with half interest. I was actually more interested in how the girl known as May seemed to look at Ash with a look of… actually I’m not sure…
“Ash… there’s more to me than just being the Petalburg Gym leader’s daughter,” May teased.
“Heh, yeah I know that May. It’s just an introduction, we can talk a lot more later, but I think Altaïr must be pretty hungry now.”
I thought about it and realized that I indeed, was hungry.
“Yup.”
“Well, there’s lot’s of food around here to go around!” he said as he began to make way towards the food stuffed tables. As the four of us walked, I took notice of May again, who was looking at Ash, again, only this time with a pout on her lips.
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Ash and I got platefuls of food while the two females said they weren’t hungry. We sat down at one of the round tables and immediately began conversing. Actually, it was more of Ash and Dawn asking me questions, and May just popping a word in here or there, as well as do her usual glancing at Ash. I was beginning to get signals.
“So, have you won any gym badges lately?” inquired Ash. I swear that’s pretty much all that boy thinks about.
“Nope, just stayed around Mt. Coronet mostly, ever since you, Dawn, and Brock left.”
“Well, I bet you’ve gotten a lot stronger!” the speaker of those words was Dawn, surprisingly. I had expected Ash to say something like that and then challenge me to a battle, even though it was the holidays.
Dawn’s eyes seemed to glisten as she looked into my eyes, which caused me to feel slightly awkward. I always did have a problem looking people straight in the eye in social situations like this. I blinked twice and then turned my attention back to my food that sat in front of me.
“Mm, who knows. I just want to get strong enough to prove myself worthy of doing anything.”
“Like Ash,” a voice said at barely a whisper.
The heads of Ash, Dawn, and me turned in the direction of the voice and we all found ourselves looking at May. She was blushing heavily as our eyes all pierced through her, and she then began waving her hands wildly while dropping sweat as she began sputtering incoherent words out. Ash and Dawn just laughed at her silly appearance, but I saw something else through her nervous eyes. What was it?
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Another few minutes of Ash and Dawn interrogating me and eventually, I was able to make an escape by saying that I had to use a restroom. Their incessant questions were beginning to wear on me. As I walked towards the laboratory, I saw a familiar squinty eyed man and chuckled as he hung around an attractive, older woman. Or rather, he stalked around the woman, as she seemed to constantly walk away from him. Hopeless Brock.
Suddenly, it hit me. The look in Brock’s eyes (though I can’t actually really see them) and the look in May’s; they were similar. Sure Brock only had infatuations with the women he follows around, but the look of attraction was evident in his and May’s eyes. Which lead me to the conclusion; May was into Ash. At the realization, I smiled devilishly, which was something I thought I wouldn’t catch myself be doing, even while dead. The gears began to turn in my head and after a minute of thinking, I got it. I ran over to Brock, and stopped him from his stalking by standing directly in front of him. He quickly recognized me and seemed to forget about the woman as I greeted him. He greeted me back, and we exchanged a few words on how were doing. Then, I explained my plan.
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It was a few minutes before 8 pm, which was the start of the Christmas Eve dance that was to be held for the teenagers. The dome was darker than it had been that afternoon since the dome was slightly translucent and the sky was pitch black. Only a few lamps on the round tables lighted the dome minimally. Brock and Dawn, who were dressed in formal clothes, the former in a tuxedo and the latter in an elegant blue dress, stood beside me as I went over details of the plan to them.
“So when I’m done, you know what to do, right?”
“Yup, don’t worry about us, Altaïr, worry about what you have to do,” Dawn simpered.
“I’ve told almost everybody that was coming to the dance here about the plan, it should work flawlessly,” Brock added with smirk.
“Excellent.”
Then, the large clock that hung on the side of the Christmas tree struck eight, and a Pidgey jumped out and chirped ht times, audibly signaling the time.
“Initiate Phase One.”
Brock and Dawn nodded as we went our separate ways. A large area in front of the stage where the DJ had been playing music earlier was now cleared for a dance floor. Tables were pushed the side and the ground was flattened and cleaned so snow wouldn’t be a distraction in the dancing. I walked over to one of the round tables at the side of the dance floor and sat down. I leaned forward with my arms on my thighs and looked around at the people who were now filling the center.
The DJ then walked onto the stage, yelled a few words to the crowd to pump them up, and started off with a energetic song. There was actually a good number of people, all dressed formally, that began dancing. A few more stood off to the side or sat at tables like I was. Too bad I stuck out like a sore thumb, as I was still dressed in my normal street clothes, since I hadn’t expected a formal dance and Ash had neglected to tell me so. At least my fleece jacket keeps me warm wherever I go.
I then leaned back into my chair and relaxed my body. It would be a little while until I would have to do my part in the plan.
Song after song played from the DJ and a live band while I observed the proceedings of the festivities. At several points of time, I noticed Ash, donning a blue tuxedo and having removed his hat, sitting at a table with Pikachu next to him on the other side of the dance floor. I also saw May, sans bandanna and wearing an exquisite red gown, sitting at another table a good distance away from Ash. Oh would they love what I had in store tonight.
Finally, I heard my cue.
“And now, we have a special performer here with us tonight. Please welcome Altaïr!”
There was much cheering and applause, which gave me the sign that Dawn and Brock had done their jobs. I got up and walked towards the stage, but not before stealing glances at the surprised faces of Ash and May.
I made my way up the stage and took up a microphone. I would have a few words to say first.
“So, how y’all doing tonight?” I said with more enthusiasm than I usually would, since of course I was now the star of the show.
Cheers and whistles blasted towards me. I stuck a finger in my ear in attempt to be rid of the ringing the audiences’ loud noise had caused me, and continued.
“Well, are you ready for…”
I did my devilish smile once again.
“A show?”
At that, all the small lamps on the tables were put out and two spotlights above the stage focused on their targets; Ash and May. I swear I saw their eyes grow twice their size.
“Oh yes, come on you two, get onto the dance floor!” I was having a riot with what I was doing.
The crowd began to chant “Ash, May, Ash, May!” in encouragement, and several people, including two boys that had been introduced to me as Gary and Tracey, and a girl called Misty, began to pull the couple up from their seats. Even Pikachu began to tug on Ash. I couldn’t hear them over the roar of the crowd, but I could see their lips moving in protest. However, they were no match for the combined force of the horde of supporters. Eventually, they were finally forced into the center, with the spotlights still focused on them, and the spectators surrounding them with no exit. My plan was working perfectly, and I had to restrain myself from laughing maniacally.
“Ash, May, you can’t hide it. Even I can see it, but I don’t think you two can, so that’s why you’re here now. Maybe this song will open your eyes.”
I turned back to the band and gave a nod.
I picked up the guitar next to me, and the music began.
The and drums started off the song with a moderate beat and soft sound. Following the short intro, I came in with the guitar rift and vocals.
It won’t be long now
The music’s on loud
We’ll sing this song out
And then we’ll lie down
I hold you close then
And let you know when
This space in time bend
And then we’ll fall in
The couple merely stared at each other, motionless but deep in thought. I continued to the pre-chorus and began to strum on my guitar rhythmically. The volume began to pick up.
Go put on your best tonight
It's you and me and one spotlight
One more show one last time
We are readyyyyyy
Some progress was being made. Ash had walked a step closer to May and seemed to be whispering a few words to her. The music then became loud, but still moderate in speed as I went into the chorus.
Say you will be
All around me
When your body
Sets your heart free
Say you will be
All around me
The volume died down once again, and now Ash’s arms began to move around the brunette before him. She brought her arms up to his neck and clasped them together.
I look for your eyes
To keep me inside
When everything dies
But one last sunrise
And when we stand there
Together not scared
I’ll dry your last tear
And then we’re just air
The volume increased once again as I transitioned into the next segment. Ash and May were now swaying to the tempo of the music. The crowd around stayed quiet as they watched the scene before them and listened to the music.
Go put on your best tonight
It’s you and me and not much time
To watch the world burning bright
We are readyyyyyy
Now they were in full sway and stared intently into each others eyes. I shut my own eyes as I continued to sing at a range higher than my normal range.
Say you will be
All around me
When your body
Sets your heart free
Say you will be
All around me
Say you’ll get me
Through the ending
Take my body
Set my heart free
Say you’ll get me
Through the ending
The volume died done as I began to play a guitar solo, but the couple was now in their own world, oblivious to all around them. I continued to play with my eyes shut.
Go put on your best tonight
It’s you and me and one spotlight
One more show, one last timeeeeeeeeee
The spotlights shut off…
It won’t be long now
… and then returned brighter than ever.
Say you will be
All around me
When your body
Sets your heart free
Say you will be
All around me
Say you’ll get me
Through the ending
Take my body
Set my heart free
Say you’ll get me
Through the ending
Say you will beeeeee (You won’t be long)
All around meeeeee (You won’t be long now)
The instruments continued for several more measures until I hit the final note. The song ended, the crowd cheered, the couple stared at one another, and the spotlights shut off.
I wiped the sweat off my brow and cleared my throat as it had just been put through a lot of strain. I noted to myself that I should probably change the key if I ever sang that song again. Being finished with my antics, I picked up the microphone and spoke into it once again.
“I hope you two enjoyed that…”
The couple still held each other close as they turned their heads toward me with smiles.
“If not, I have one last surprise for you.” The devil’s smile returned.
At that, every person that was part of the circle pulled out something from behind them. They were mistletoes, and now there were scores of them around the new couple. I chuckled at myself for my ingenuity, though lack of originality.
Shocked expressions came across the faces of Ash and May, which I of course had expected, and prepared for. I snapped my fingers, and the lights went out. The crowd went deathly quiet as they awaited for the conclusion of this tale.
Finally, one spotlight shined, and two figures closely intertwined could be seen in the lone source of light. The two figures held each other close and had their lips were pressed to one another. I was satisfied, my mission was complete. I made my way to the side of the stage and went to the light switch.
Ash and May, in one spotlight, were still passionately taking the love out of one another.
I decided they could use some privacy right about now.
I flipped the switch.
Gone was one spotlight.
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Afterthought
Well, couple of thoughts after writing this.
First, since this was told form Altaïr’s point of view, a lot of his personality (which is really reflected off me) is revealed firsthand by himself, and don’t be surprised if you hear some of the same things again (minor spoiler?). As I have stated in the past, Altaïr basically is just a hot anime version of me (wow that totally did not sound queer).
Next, I am aware that it probably does not snow in Pallet Town, or rather the entire Kanto Region. It was kind of implied in the second movie, and I still have yet to see it snow anywhere other than when the characters are on a mountain.
Oh yeah, the song of course. The song is You and Me and One Spotlight by Yellowcard, and like I always say to people that want to hear the song, YouTube is your friend. I know the song is a bit loud for a slow dancing song, but that’s alright. The tempo worked out.
So that’s it! That’s my first holiday one-shot. Stay tuned for the New Years one!
