A/N: Ah, I wish I didn't have to an introduction for this one, but it's always fair to let the readers know what they're in for, right? 3 (And yes, I know TheNightDragon has a Christmas NiD fic too. If any of you come across it, please read it. It's very funny. I love the part when they're all having a snowball fight!)
Now, let's see. Pairing wise: Claris/Elliot and slight NiGHTS/Reala. No OCs, no extreme OOC or AU.
All of the NiD bosses will make an appearance (some will even be main characters), and I will try to give them all a fair amount of time. There aren't really any nightmaren in this chapter, but I promise there will be in the next one.
And, before it come up in reviews, NiGHTS is referred to as a "he" in this story. However, "he" is androgynous. I tried to do what JoD does. Refer to NiGHTS as a "he" but make he/she sound "feminine". That's a little harder in a story, though, but I hope that comes across. So, if you want to think of NiGHTS as a girl while reading this, go ahead. It doesn't matter, I suppose. I was going to try and switch but, I figured that would be too confusing so I just nixed that idea. Sorry for the confusion. :)
Umm, I really hope you all like this. I really wanted to do something special for NiD, since it's always helped me out of writer's block before. Merry Christmas! (Well, not now but…)
Disclaimer: I own nothing in this story. NiGHTS into Dreams and all related characters © Sega. But, I did write it!
Christmas Dreams
Prologue
~ * ~
A gentle snow flurry had begun.
Gradually, the little snowflakes began their lazy descent to the ground to join the previous night's snowfall, which was dirty and unceremoniously lumped on the side of the street. As for the ones that were lucky enough to make it to the shoveled sidewalk, their long fluttering journey was cut short by the slush encrusted boots of passerby.
People marched down the sidewalk with a furious determination, and neither the enticing, warm lights of the store windows or the begging eyes of homesick dolls could slow them down. Unless it was half-off and they had a coupon, there was nothing that could get in their way. The night was cold and everyone was tired. For some, they were nearing the end of a long checklist of errands that had been controlling their lives all month long. Others muttered curses and chided themselves for starting their holiday shopping so late. Christmas Eve was tomorrow and that meant there was no time left in the world. No time for laughter. No time for cheer. Just gifts, errands, and for the lucky ones, bed.
As the people marched, they couldn't help but to cast nasty glares at anyone who was taking their time. Why couldn't some people understand?! There was no time! A perfect example of one of those people was the pink-haired girl that was getting plenty of glares from passerby. Oh, yes. She was definitely wasting precious time. She was standing in the middle of the sidewalk and regarding the lit windows with wonder.
"Watch it, kid." A man grumbled as he walked by. The girl turned red with embarrassment.
"Sorry, sir!" She exclaimed. "I'm just waiting for someone and I don't know where-"
But, the man was already walking off. The girl simply sighed. Oh, well. She wasn't going to let a city full of grumpy people ruin her day. The Seeds at Christmas! The mere thought of it put an irrepressible smile on her face. It had been such a long time since she had been back to Seeds! Now, if only…
"Claris!"
There he was! That blue hair was unmistakable. The boy expertly weaved in and out of the crowds, which was quite feat since he was holding two steaming cups in his gloved hands. Claris laughed and started to wave.
"Elliot!" She called.
His heart skipped a beat for a moment when he saw her standing there, waving. Play it cool, Elliot. He told himself. Don't act stupid.
"H-Here!" He stammered. "T-Take yours! W-Why aren't you w-wearing a heavier c-coat?! It's fr-freezing!"
"Oh, I don't mind. I like the cold!"
"Y-You're insane." He handed her one of the cups and eagerly took a sip of his own. Hot chocolate. That might keep him warm for a while. "H-How've you been?"
"Oh, fine. I tried out for the Christmas play yesterday, but I didn't get in."
"W-Why?!"
"The director said I was good, but I would have to dye my hair if I was going to play the Virgin Mary. He said he was pretty sure she wouldn't have pink hair…"
"Tough break." Elliot answered. He was starting to feel a little warmer. "Are you upset?"
"Nah, its fine. I'd rather not spend Christmas vacation rehearsing anyway. I would much rather spend time with y-" She cut off with a blush. "My family. I, um, don't get to see them much…"
"Yeah, that makes sense. I'm seeing too much of my family, if you ask me. Come on, let's walk. We're holding up the crowd." And indeed, they were receiving a lot of angry glares from the people marching by so they headed down the sidewalk.
Every store window was decorated for Christmas to provide little glimpses of merry scenes. Teddy bears swooped ballerinas into a low dip before spinning them in the air for an audience of enraptured dolls. Stars twinkled from their hiding places among piles of wrapped gifts. A little choo choo train whistled as it winded through a countryside covered in snow and weaved beneath long ladders.
They were sure to stop at every window and press themselves against the glass, laughing at the silly antics of toys and silent with awe at the optic wings of angels. They closed their eyes and listened to the whistles of the train and the jingling of bells as they imagined.
It was difficult over the Christmas bustle behind them. A car screeched to a halt to avoid hitting a man who was darting across the street. Honking. Cursing. Two woman carrying parcels accidently bumped into each as they ran into a store. Yelling. Cursing. A man dressed up like Santa hounded a passerby for donation money. Cursing. More cursing. The sounds of rushed footsteps were even louder than the sound of jingle bells. And yet, Claris laughed. It was a small giggle, barely audible over all of the noise.
"I love visiting the Seeds during Christmas!"
Elliot, who was leaning against the wall, simply sighed.
"Yeah, but you don't have to live here." He pointed out. "You've got the money to live in the nice, quiet suburbs. I'm the one who has to plug my ears and actually try to close my eyes for a couple minutes. It's hell living by the Seeds Tower."
"But, I heard it looks beautiful during the holidays!"
"What? You haven't seen it yet?"
"No, not this year."
"Aw, man!" In spite of all the chaos around them, Elliot grinned. "If you think this is cool, the Tower is going to blow your mind. They decorated it all like a Christmas tree this year. Lights, ornaments, the whole thing. Come on, we'll head back to my apartment and you can see it. Mom's been dying to have you over for dinner since the day we met."
So they walked along the street, trying to ignore all of the insanity around them.
Although they wouldn't admit it, both of them had been looking forward to this night for months. It was easy for them to hang out while Claris was in the city, auditioning for shows and doing private performances of the centennial celebration for the mayor and the state's governor. But now that it was over, they didn't get to see much of each other. Claris was having a difficult time persuading her father to drive her into the city on weekends. And Elliot's mom didn't even own a car, since they were generally unnecessary between 24/7 bus lines and winding subways. So, today was a rare occasion and they were both hoping to make the best of it.
The Seeds Tower reared up over the city, sparkling against the dark sky. It was impossible to miss. Elliot scanned Claris's face, watching as her expression went from surprise to complete wonder as they drew closer. By the time they reached the base of the tower, she was speechless.
The tower was draped with nets of lights and sparkling ornaments that made it glitter, reflecting both the lights of the tower and the lights of the little city crowded around its base. To welcome the busy passerby, the whole front door was adorned with bows and curtains to make it look like it opened up into a Christmas world. Of course, Elliot knew the inside was nothing but boring offices, and an auditorium for the few performances the city funded. But the illusion of it was enough to make even the most grouchy Christmas shopper feel a just a little bit of the holiday spirit. And, if the sight of the tower didn't work, the look on Claris's face probably would.
"It's incredible!" She cried, "I can't believe this is the Tower!"
"I know," Elliot said with a grin. "It looks completely different. I guess I'm just used to it."
They both looked up at the tower, in awe of its beauty.
They flew through the air, admiring the far away light of the city below. The clouds were beneath them, the moon was by their side. And the spire of the Tower reached above all, beckoning to them in the distance…
"Hey, what's wrong?" Elliot asked. His friend gazed up at the sparkling tower, looking thoughtful.
"You know, it needs something…" She answered. "But I'm not sure what…"
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I don't think there's anything else they could possibly add, though…"
As they flew, the wind whipped past their face. Freedom welled in their hearts. All the while, he waited patiently in his glass cage as they soared above the city. They waved once they came close enough. With a grin bright enough to light the darkess of the Unconscious, he cheered them on. He praised their courage…
"A star." Claris said, firmly. "It needs a star.
He inspired them to hope. He inspired them to take flight.
Elliot tried to picture it. He could almost see a glittering gold star adorning the top of the tower.
He inspired them to believe.
It would be just at the tip of the tower, glowing with all seven different colors of the rainbow at the same time. It wouldn't matter where you were in the Seeds. You could be in the suburbs. You could be looking out of an apartment window. But, you would be able to look out the window and say: There's the Seeds Tower. That's where I dream.
Come, he called with a laugh. Come fly with me one last time, and I will preserve your dreams once and for all.
"Yeah." Elliot said, "I could see that."
Then the two walked off down the street, away from the sparkling store fronts to the darkness of the residential streets where tired people were finally lying down to sleep after a day filled with rushed errands and quick thoughts. Christmas Eve was tomorrow. And dinner was getting cold.
~ * ~
A/N Sorry for such a short little opening. It's only a prologue though, don't worry. The chapters will be much, much longer than that. Thank you! I hope you enjoyed! Read and review! Please?
Oh, by the way, I'm sure you're all wondering why I'm posting this now instead of in December. Well- Oh, you're not? Hmm. I'll just tell you anyway.
Well, here's how it's going to work. About eight chapters are already written (they need work, but they're mostly finished) and there should be at least a few more on the way. I will update once (or twice) a week until Christmas. So, I want you guys to tell me what day you'd like to see updates on. I'm thinking either Mondays or Fridays. Maybe both, if I need to double up. Which do you guys prefer? I'm going to give it a week or before I post chapter one. I just want to make sure chapter 7 gets finished and chapter eight is coming along alright.
Press the button! It calls to you…
