Light's Adventures
Chapter 22: Bad Beginnings
Four days later, Light woke up to see Nick already up. This surprised him greatly. It was the first time Nick had woken before him during their stay at his mother's home.
Light looked out the window and saw that clouds covered the sky. Snow was falling much faster than it had been before. Even though Light was an Umbreon, he sort of missed the light from the window waking him up. Maybe that was why Nick was awake and active. In fact, he was already heading downstairs.
Soon, Cream began to stir and they started out the door after their trainer. When they got down there, they saw his mother talking urgently to Nick. She kept pointing out the window and seemed flustered.
Nick's mood soon matched hers. Once she was done talking, Nick started to look through the drawers, much faster than he should be. Nick, is something wrong? Light asked.
Without slowing down, he answered, Maybe, I need to find a radio.
A radio, got it . . . What's a radio? Light asked.
It will take too long to explain, Nick thought, ending their conversation.
Light lowered the channel, Well, I wonder if we're getting breakfast. Usually, his mom would be done by now.
I think something else is more important right now, Cream thought back. She started into the living room, Light trailing behind her.
As they entered, Light saw Ace was actually up and active already, too. That was really strange, for he wasn't even acting sleep or anything. Was everything turning weird today?
Hey, look out the window, Cream thought.
Light turned his attention to Cream, who had jumped up onto the bench in front of the window. Light leaped up beside her and looked out at the world. Outside, snow was coming much faster and thicker than Light had previously thought. There seemed to be nothing but snow outside. Everything was covered and no color could be seen. It seemed oddly eerie to Light.
Do you think that may have something to do with it? Cream thought.
Maybe . . . What a second, Nick's father was coming back today! Light thought.
Well he won't make it through this high of snow. It's already as high as your head, Cream thought depressingly.
That must be it. They're worried about him not making it. Remember when they were excited when he said he would be back? This must be hard for them,Light thought.
Especially for Nick's mom. I couldn't imagine being separated from you,Cream thought.
They looked over their shoulders as Nick and his mom came in. Nick held some sort of little box with a circle on front. He took a cord running from it and put it in the wall. They placed it on the arm of the couch and sat down. Soon, noise could be heard coming from it. Nick and his mother watched it, holding their breaths. They had hopeless faces on.
I think we should go comfort them, Light thought.
Yes, we should, Cream thought.
They jumped down and headed over to the couch. Cream jumped up onto the couch and climbed into Nick's mom's lap. She looked surprised at first, but started to gently pet Cream. Cream simply curled up on her lap and closed her eyes.
Light knew he couldn't do something like that, so he simply sat at Nick's feet and put his head on Nick's lap. Nick started to absentmindedly scratch Light's head. Light tried to listen in to the noise, but was unable to distinguish what it was talking about.
The noise changed and both Nick and his mother held their breath. They waited as it continued to make noise. After a little, both of their shoulders sagged. What's wrong, Nick? Light asked.
It's snowing too much. Dad won't be able to make it through all this snow, Nick depressingly thought.
I'm sorry, Light thought.
It's not your fault. I'm going to . . . go do something, Nick thought before getting up. He slowly walked away, his whole posture showing depression.
Light looked over at Nick's mother. She was staring into space, her lips slightly turned downward. Though it seemed like a small thing, it somehow showed more sadness to Light than Nick had had. Not only that, it was the first time that Light had seen anything but a smile on her face.
Light, open a channel with her for me to speak, please, Cream thought. After she had given enough time for Light to finish it, she thought, May, it's okay to cry, you know. As Cream said this, she uncurled and reached up to put a paw on May's cheek.
No, no, I'm okay, she thought, closing her eyes.
No you're not. I would be sad, too, if I was separated from Light. I understand, Cream reasoned.
Soon, her shoulders began to shake. Presently, tears started to stream down her face, accompanied by quiet sobs. She bent her head down and started to cry on Cream's mane while pulling her into a hug.
After a while, she finally stopped and leaned back up. Thank you. I needed a good cry, she thanked.
We all do sometimes, Cream thought. Suddenly, Cream's stomach growled. Cream's face instantly resembled a Flareon's as she lowered her head in embarrassment.
"Oh, look at me. You guys are starving and I'm just sitting here. Let me get you some food," she said.
It's okay, we understand, Cream thought, slipping off her lap.
"Where did Nick find you? You two are the sweetest Pokemon. Nick's a lucky trainer," she said, getting up.
They followed her into the kitchen and waited as she filled their bowls. As they ate, the others soon appeared. "Well, you guys slept in late," Light commented.
Red yawned, "I don't know why. Tiger and I went to bed early."
"Us, too," Blair said.
"Nick beat us all up, though," Cream said.
"Nick got up before you? Is this a dream?" Tiger asked.
"No, but it seems today has turned into a nightmare. Brandon won't make it through all the snow that's falling," Light said.
Tiger looked wretched. "No! That's horrible," he said.
Blaze looked slightly sad, also, though not as much, "Just another reason to dislike the winter."
The news seemed to put a gloomy feel on everything throughout the day. Light and Cream watched the snow most of the day, but it slowly got higher and higher. They weren't cheered as it stopped near the end of the day. It had risen half way up the door and would take days before melting or being plowed while Christmas was only two days away.
The temperature also dropped. Light and Cream were unable to get to sleep as they laid on their cushions. Finally, they decided to move and took their cushions downstairs quietly, as not to wake anyone. They had left the fireplace on, as it was called an 'electric fireplace' and wouldn't start an uncontrolled fire if left alone.
The fire quickly warmed them. However, it was still a while before they fell into a light, uneasy sleep.
(0)
The next day went pretty much the same. Nick didn't even get out of bed until his hunger or other needs became too great. Everyone else just laid around, too depressed to get up and move.
The day seemed to be the longest Light had ever had. The day seemed to drag on and on. Light and Cream just sat and watched the now clear sky. The sun seemed to have lost its power of heat. The sun shone on the white ground, doing nothing but making a bright light that blinded them.
To make matters worse, it started to snow heavily again a little after midday. It was so strong, Light couldn't see past two feet of the window. It really didn't make a difference as there was nothing to look at before. Light was starting to see why Blaze and Nick disliked winter so.
Light's ears twitched as he heard a new sound. However, before he could think on it, he heard Nick's mom call for dinner. Light and Cream sat up slowly. Nearby, the others were too.
Then the sound came again. Light looked around and saw the others hadn't noticed. Light waited and soon heard it again. He was able to pinpoint it this time. It was coming from the entry.
One second, Light told Cream. He headed into the entry. Cream looked into the dining room for a second, then followed Light into the entry.
Light paused and the sound came again presently. He followed it to the door. What's wrong? Cream asked.
Something . . . something's at the door, Light thought. He searched the other side with Psychic and found a slightly familiar presence. Something that's somehow familiar.
What's it feeling? Cream asked.
It's feeling . . . desperation and determination, Light answered. I'm going to let it in.
Be careful, Cream advised.
Light nodded and opened the door with Psychic. A figure fell into the entry, followed by some snow. Light quickly shut the door to keep the cold out. He heard hurried footsteps and turned to see Nick run in, followed by his mother and the other Pokemon.
Light turned his attention back to the figure as it stood up. It had a large overcoat along with a scarf that completely covered its face. It had large gloves and boots on, also. It was holding a large sack that was slung over its back.
The figure raised its hand after putting the bag down and pulled the scarf off and Light barely recognized who it was as its nose was a bright red and quickly blinking eyes that were trying to adjust to the inner light. It was Nick's father!
Nick and his mother rushed and wrapped him in a hug that he quickly returned. "Oh, I've missed you guys," he said.
"Dad! We thought you wouldn't make it through all the snow," Nick confessed.
"I wouldn't let a little snow stop me from being with you. That's one heavenly smell. I think I arrived at the right time," he said with a laugh.
"Oh, we were just beginning to have dinner. Here, let me take your coat and snow stuff off," Nick's mother said. She quickly pulled off his items and hugged him again once it wasn't blocking a closer hug. "I'm so glad to see you."
"I am, too. Come on, let's eat. I'm starving," he said. However, before he could move, Tiger ran up and jumped up at him, yipping enthusiastically. Nick's father bent down and hugged Tiger, "It's great to see you, too, Tiger." He got up and then strode into the dining room, Nick and his mother quickly catching up.
The mood instantly changed. Instead of the gloomy feeling, a joyous feeling, strengthening by the second, had replaced it. Everyone's head was slightly higher. At the table, questions started to fly at Nick's father.
He waved his hand to dismiss them, "Later, later. It's dinner time. Afterward we'll talk."
The questions finally stopped and they started to eat. The food seemed to be much better now. In fact, everything seemed better. Their spirits had been lifted.
After dinner, no one went to bed for a while. Instead, everyone stayed up, all their unused energy starting to kick in. Eventually, they started to head to bed. Soon, Ace, Light, and Cream were the only ones left in the living room. Light and Cream curled up on the cushions in front of the fireplace. Everything seemed to be perfect.
(0)
Light woke to the sound of whooping and feet slamming down the stairs. Light groggily raised his head to see Nick coming down the stairs, practically bursting with excitement. Light shifted a paw over Cream's ears just in time to muffle Nick's loud burst that he had expected.
However, the sound still woke Cream. She slightly opened her eyes, but decided to continue lying down and snuggled closer to Light. Light put his head on hers and decided to join her.
He heard Nick shuffling about at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for something impatiently. Soon, more footsteps could be heard, much slower than Nick's. They joined Nick and came into the living room. They sat down on the couch while Nick sat in a chair. Light opened an eye and saw that it was Nick's parents.
They talked calmly and quietly with Nick, trying to keep him quiet, though it wasn't much good. Eventually, the others started to come down, just as groggy as Nick's parents. Seeing there was no more time to sleep, Light got up slowly. Cream stretched and then joined him.
"Okay, okay, son, calm down. You can open your presents first," Nick's father said, yawning.
Nick let out a whoop and headed over to the tree. Light looked over and was surprised to see several colorful boxes under the tree that weren't there before. Nick headed over to the boxes and picked up one. He started to open it and found a package of potions.
"Great, I was almost out of these," he said.
"We didn't really know what to get since you would be traveling again soon," Nick's mother confessed.
"Don't worry; I really needed these. Thanks," Nick said, hugging his parents. "Now for your present," he finished.
"Aw, honey you didn't need to get us anything," she responded.
"Yes I did. Here," Nick said, pulling something out of his pocket. Light saw a small little watch like Nick wore. "It's a PokeGear. It keeps the time, has downloadable apps, and has a digital phone part on it. This way, you can always call me when you want."
"Thanks, honey," his mother said, hugging him.
"This is great, son," his father said, also giving him a hug. "Now, Tiger, it's time for your present."
Tiger stepped up and waited as Nick's father put a present from under in the tree in front of him. Tiger grabbed the ribbon on top and pull it off with his teeth. He then tore into the box, pulling off a layer of shiny, colorful stuff off. Inside were a collar and a package of treats.
Nick's father laughed at Tiger's excited yip, "I knew you'd like it."
Nick laughed also and then turned to Blaze and Blair, "Here, I got you two presents, too." He picked up two presents from under the tree and put them in front of them.
Blaze and Blair exchanged confused glances before tearing them open. Blair's present had a red scarf and a comfortable looking blanket. Blair smiled and looked over at Blaze to see what he got.
Blaze's expression, however, was a mixture of happiness and grief. Inside Blaze's was a small charcoal piece and a small stone. Something appeared to have been written on the stone, but Light couldn't see it was it read.
"Light, please tell Nick thank you," he whispered, pulling the stone closer.
Light passed the message on and Nick scratch Blaze's head. "You're welcome, little buddy. We'll go there again soon," Nick promised.
Blaze nodded and leaned against Blair.
Nick turned to Red, "Now for you." He put a present in front of her.
Red opened it quickly. Inside her present were a Pink scarf and a small bundle of Cheri berries. Tiger picked the scarf up and put it on Red. It settled around her neck, putting a nice touch to Red's looks.
Nick turned to Ace, "Okay, your presents aren't wrapped because I knew it would be hard for you to open it, so here."
Nick pulled out some items from farther under the tree and gave them to Ace. Light saw that they were a small claw on a thin necklace and a decorative black feather. He placed the claw over Ace's neck and the feather on his head.
Finally, Nick turned to Light and Cream, "Okay, here's your two." He put a present in front of each of them.
Cream started on her present, but Light paused. Instead of the cube shape like everyone else's present, his was some undefined formless shape covered in ribbons and bows. It was also much larger than the others.
Nick laughed at his hesitation, "It's a personal puzzle, Light. I made it really complicated to try and stump you. Try and open it without tearing it."
Light stared at his present and studied it. He noticed a small pattern and followed it. Soon, he saw exactly how it had been wrapped. Nice try, Light thought to him, before using Psychic. He pulled a ribbon and then tugged at a corner of the wrapping paper. All of the wrapping fell off.
"Ah man, I thought it would entertain you longer," Nick sighed.
Don't worry; you tried. That's what counts, Light thought. He looked at his presents. There was a pair of black glasses and a cube thing that was covered in small square colors. Each side had nine of the same color. Light had no clue what it was.
"It's a puzzle cube that you can twist and turn. You mix up the colors and try to get it back to the original cube," Nick said.
Light nodded and turned to look at Cream. She had opened her presents. Inside were a blue scarf and an apple. Thanks Nick, Cream thought, knowing Light still had the channel open.
"Here, let me," Light said. He picked the scarf up and Cream lowered her head. Light slipped it over and let it go around her neck over her mane. "You look beautiful. It brings out your eyes," he whispered in her ear.
Cream blushed and nuzzled him.
"Well, I think it's time for some Christmas breakfast," Nick's mother said, clapping her hands and standing up.
Everyone started to head to the kitchen, but Cream stopped Light. "Wait, I have a present for you," she said.
"I already have the best present: you," Light said, nuzzling her cheek.
"Aw, thanks sweet, Light. Thank you," Cream said, "But I do have something anyway."
"And that is?"
Cream reached over to his ear and whispered, "I'm with egg."
Light head started to spin, "Wait, so we're . . ."
Cream nodded, barely holding her excitement. "Yep, we're parents," she finished for him.
"That's great, Cream. You'll make an excellent mother," Light said, licking her cheek.
"Well you'll make an excellent father," Cream said.
"Well we won't if we don't eat. Come on," Light said, leading the way into the dining room. No wonder why everyone liked Christmas so much.
(0)
Light looked around confused. He was in a large black cage. He heard others nearby, crying out in distress. Light felt a sense of dread hanging in the air. He saw the door of the cage and touched it. His paw was forced away from it.
Light looked around, trying to look outside the cage. However, he couldn't see past the cage bars, even when he brightened the glow of his rings. A shadowy fog seemed to block his vision.
Light began to shiver in fear. How had he got here? He tried to remember, but his head seemed to be covered with the fog also. Light laid down, not knowing what to do. Suddenly, Light began to be pushed from side to side.
Light shot open his eyes to see Cream shaking him worriedly. A mask of fear was on her. "What's wrong Cream?" Light asked, his attention instantly on her.
She seemed to instantly calm down. "I was worried. You were tossing and turning in your sleep and whimpering," she whispered.
Light looked around and saw that it was in the middle of the night, though Nick and his parents were still up. He was still in the house. Light sighed, "So it was just a dream."
"What was?" she asked, giving him a lick on the cheek.
"I . . . I dreamed I was in some sort of . . . cage. I couldn't see outside the cage or think clearly. I could hear others crying out," Light said with a shudder.
Cream rubbed up against him and licked his cheek again. "Well don't worry; it was just a dream. Are you okay?"
Light took a deep breath. "Yes, now I am. Thanks for waking me. I'm sorry I scared you," Light said.
"I'm just glad you're okay," cream said, nuzzling him.
Red and Tiger walked by. "So, are you two staying up, also?" Tiger asked.
"What do you mean?" Light asked.
"It's almost midnight. Soon, it will be New Year's Day," Red said.
"Yeah? So?" Light asked.
"You don't know?" Tiger asked. Light and Cream shook their heads. "When it becomes midnight and the new year starts, couples will kiss to start the year off. Are you two going to do it?"
Light glanced at Cream. She nodded and he replied, "Sure. What do we do?"
Tiger glanced at Nick and his parents, who were watching a clock intently. "They're watching the clock. When it rings again, it will be midnight. Then you kiss. That's all there is to it, for Pokemon anyway. The humans usually make some vows that they plan to do and usually forget about, and then they party for a while," Tiger explained.
Light nodded and Red and Tiger left into the other room. Light and Cream waited on their cushions. Light was deep in thought when the clock sounded and almost missed it. He turned to Cream and met her halfway, closing his eyes. Their lips met and he passionately kissed her. After a while, they finally parted, panting a little for breath.
Light nuzzled Cream's cheek and said, "I promise to always love you and protect you, Cream, and all our children."
Cream blushed, "Thanks. And I promise to always love you and care for you, Light. Our children will have the greatest father ever."
Light blushed at her compliment. "Thanks. Let's get some sleep now," Light said.
They curled up together. Nick and his parents had started to party, but Light and Cream still quickly fell asleep. Light's nightmare had gone to the back of his mind.