PokePal15
Pokemon Trainer since '98
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2009
- Messages
- 503
- Reaction score
- 62
This is my submission for the 2025 Writer's Workshop Winter Roundtable! I chose the prompt "New Year, New Me" (maybe taking that a little too literally, but I'll let you decide)
Content warnings: mentions of past loss, allusions to violence against/repressions of Pokémon
New Year’s Transformation
Two days before Christmas…
The air is cold as a lone Clefairy sits and ponders. On the edge of an inconspicuous rooftop looking down, she takes in the sights below: the festive decorations hanging from the buildings, the cheerful music dancing in the air, the delicious smells wafting from the storefronts. Happy voices ring through the busy alleyways as people and Pokémon hurry about, trying to get their last minute shopping done or scurrying off with a delicious snack in hand or paw from one of the many street vendors dotting the numerous city streets.
Christmas was almost here and as the Clefairy watched the city bustle with life all around her, a small, sad smile was upon her face, her small wings drooping slightly. This was one of her favorite times of the year: there was always so much excitement and merriment and the atmosphere was always filled with hope and love and warmth. And in a place like Lumiose City, that feeling is compounded with so many beings partaking in so many various holiday traditions. Every family, regardless of species, had their own way to celebrate the holiday season: some went caroling, some shared meals with friends and family, some devoted time to helping others, and some, like the Clefairy, just took the opportunity to observe and think about life and all that it contains.
Over the years, she had seen all kinds of celebrations from all kinds of places. Some were joyous and cacophonous, the multitudinous noises echoing the happiness in the celebrants’ hearts. Other celebrations were more somber and muted, a time to look inward and to reflect on one’s life and place in the world. But one thing that was nearly constant, no matter who you are or where you called home, was that the season was often celebrated in the company of loved ones. Friends and families, some who may have not seen each other for months, or even years, gathered to rejoice in a season that was all about joy and love and togetherness. It was a beautiful sight to see and the Clefairy felt her own heavy heart feel a little lighter as she saw everything taking place in the city.
She was alone. She had been for many years, and she knew that no matter where she went in her travels or what she saw, she would probably never again be able to truly appreciate the warmth and love of the family she lost long ago. At first, every new region she discovered and every new town she explored brought excitement and a sense of wonder that would alleviate the loneliness inside her for a time. Sometimes, that loneliness would dissipate for quite a while and she could almost believe that it was gone forever. It was those times that she truly believed that she could make a new life for herself, one unburdened by the loss and sadness that had first led her on her journey and that had defined so many of her years.
Inevitably, wherever she wandered, Christmas and the holiday season would come around and she would again be reminded of what she had lost and what she no longer had. She loves this time of year, she truly does, but each year, she endures her heartbreak all over again as she watches the happy families enjoy each other’s company. The mischievous smile that comes upon a young one’s face as they sneak a sweet treat away from their parents. The adoration in the eyes of two lovers as they shyly exchange gifts. The joy in the voices of friends as they greets each other from across the room at a cozy party. It was all so beautiful, so wonderful.
It was all so painful.
And so she keeps her distance. In every city she visits, she makes sure she stays hidden. She can hide just as easily in the shadows as she can upon the highest rooftops or the highest trees. So she did. Watching. Observing. Seeing life unfold around her and noting the vibrant rhythm of every creature going about their day, trying to find her place in the everyday while remaining apart from it. It was a lonely existence but it was hers.
Large cities like Lumiose offered her more places to hide and observe than some of the places she’d been, but no other place she’d visited had offered so many unique and intriguing opportunities. For one, the Lumiose’s Wild Zones allowed her to see how people and Pokémon could truly live, side-by-side. While there were city Pokémon that lived alongside the humans without fear, with some even helping their human companions with daily tasks, the idea that wild Pokémon could come and go and have their own safe refuge was fascinating to her and she had spent hours watching how the city’s denizens responded to these seeming intruders. While some were fearful and hesitant – perhaps justifiably so – to even approach any of the numerous Wild Zones, there were plenty more that believed the Pokémon posed no treat to them, that they deserved their own space to be free, to be their true selves
It was both refreshing and surprising for the Clefairy to see. All of her years of wandering had shown her that in many places, humans encroached into the places Pokémon called home with no regards to the creatures that lived there. She’d seen firsthand how human exploration and expansion often came at the cost of the lives and homes of Pokémon and how Pokémon had to suffer, adapt, or move on – if they even could – if they truly wanted to live. From her own travels, she’d seen that there weren’t very many places left that Pokémon could call their own that humans had yet to annex, to conquer, and, after losing her own family, she was unsure that she would ever find a place that would be so welcoming to Pokémon, especially one like her.
So it was a shock when she first arrived in Lumiose nearly a year ago and saw for herself that perhaps she had been mistaken, that perhaps there was indeed some place where wild Pokémon could live alongside humans comfortably, a place where neither side would fight the other for space or resources, a place where every Pokémon could not only live but thrive somewhere humans also called home, a place they could co-exist peacefully and harmoniously.
It had been a revelation and she had spent most of the last year keeping a careful, though still wary, eye on the goings-on of the city, afraid that she had been mistaken but fervently hoping that she wasn’t. Now, months later, she was glad to see that her initial surprise had grown into a desperate desire that Lumiose wasn’t a one-off, that there truly were more places that found Pokémon and humans living pleasantly with one another. It was the first time she had wished for anything since she left all that she had known behind and started on her purpose-less journey.
It had been a beautiful experience, a dream nearly fulfilled that had almost made her want to stay and call this place home. Forever. If it was always like this, Lumiose wouldn’t be a bad place to live.
But, as she turns her shining, watery eyes towards the stars just starting to glow as dusk settled over the cityscape, she knew she couldn’t stay. Long ago, she had made a promise that she would never again settle in one place, that she would never again call a single place home. After losing her family, no other place would ever feel safe, could ever truly feel like home. And she believed no other place would, not if humans and Pokémon would always be on opposite sides of some unknown war. That was why she journeyed, why she explored the world, why she refused to sit still. Nothing could hurt her if she was never there to be hurt.
That had been her life. Yet her time in Lumiose had taught her that there were still surprises and wonders to the world that she had never imagined; there were beautiful things in the world that she had yet to discover. And her beliefs, forged by loss, hardened by heartache and years of lonely wandering, and sharpened by observations of the often cruel nature of the world, were changing. Now, she realized, she no longer believed that every place was as dark and bitter as the land she hailed from; there was hope for something better. She could see that with her own eyes; she had seen that from the moment she arrived in this city.
Standing up from her perch, she takes one last look over the edge before retreating to the nearest hidden corner to sleep. Christmas was almost here and soon after it would be the new year. Then she would be off again on her travels, this time with a lighter heart and a less burdened mind.
11:59 P.M. New Year's Eve night…
There is a quiet hush as the crowds throughout the city hold their collective breaths, waiting. A week ago, the city was bustling with frenzied activity; now, all are still as eager eyes look up, quietly counting down.
Five...
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
Cheers erupt as fireworks explode above her and the Clefairy watches the brilliant colors light up the sky. In the distance, Prism Tower provides a perfect backdrop for the celebration, a quiet guardian to the revelry taking place all throughout the city. Pokémon and people everywhere rejoice and welcome the new year together, reminiscing about the year now gone and sharing hopes and dreams for the year ahead.
As she enjoys the show both above and below her, the Clefairy’s form shivers and shrinks within a bright white light. Seconds later, now blue as the Kalosian sky, a Ditto reforms, eyes still turned to the celebrations around it. Taking a deep breath, it looks towards the west, away from the city before it is engulfed in another bright white light.
High above the city, while hundreds of unknowing people and Pokémon celebrate in the streets below, a Pidgeot takes flight, starting the new year off on a new journey to a new land, resolved to find himself a new purpose, a place where he finally can belong and call home, and where he can transform into a newer, more fulfilled version of himself, one full of belief in the goodness and joy and companionship and harmony that he now knows can be found in the world and in the hearts of so many.
Content warnings: mentions of past loss, allusions to violence against/repressions of Pokémon
New Year’s Transformation
Two days before Christmas…
The air is cold as a lone Clefairy sits and ponders. On the edge of an inconspicuous rooftop looking down, she takes in the sights below: the festive decorations hanging from the buildings, the cheerful music dancing in the air, the delicious smells wafting from the storefronts. Happy voices ring through the busy alleyways as people and Pokémon hurry about, trying to get their last minute shopping done or scurrying off with a delicious snack in hand or paw from one of the many street vendors dotting the numerous city streets.
Christmas was almost here and as the Clefairy watched the city bustle with life all around her, a small, sad smile was upon her face, her small wings drooping slightly. This was one of her favorite times of the year: there was always so much excitement and merriment and the atmosphere was always filled with hope and love and warmth. And in a place like Lumiose City, that feeling is compounded with so many beings partaking in so many various holiday traditions. Every family, regardless of species, had their own way to celebrate the holiday season: some went caroling, some shared meals with friends and family, some devoted time to helping others, and some, like the Clefairy, just took the opportunity to observe and think about life and all that it contains.
Over the years, she had seen all kinds of celebrations from all kinds of places. Some were joyous and cacophonous, the multitudinous noises echoing the happiness in the celebrants’ hearts. Other celebrations were more somber and muted, a time to look inward and to reflect on one’s life and place in the world. But one thing that was nearly constant, no matter who you are or where you called home, was that the season was often celebrated in the company of loved ones. Friends and families, some who may have not seen each other for months, or even years, gathered to rejoice in a season that was all about joy and love and togetherness. It was a beautiful sight to see and the Clefairy felt her own heavy heart feel a little lighter as she saw everything taking place in the city.
She was alone. She had been for many years, and she knew that no matter where she went in her travels or what she saw, she would probably never again be able to truly appreciate the warmth and love of the family she lost long ago. At first, every new region she discovered and every new town she explored brought excitement and a sense of wonder that would alleviate the loneliness inside her for a time. Sometimes, that loneliness would dissipate for quite a while and she could almost believe that it was gone forever. It was those times that she truly believed that she could make a new life for herself, one unburdened by the loss and sadness that had first led her on her journey and that had defined so many of her years.
Inevitably, wherever she wandered, Christmas and the holiday season would come around and she would again be reminded of what she had lost and what she no longer had. She loves this time of year, she truly does, but each year, she endures her heartbreak all over again as she watches the happy families enjoy each other’s company. The mischievous smile that comes upon a young one’s face as they sneak a sweet treat away from their parents. The adoration in the eyes of two lovers as they shyly exchange gifts. The joy in the voices of friends as they greets each other from across the room at a cozy party. It was all so beautiful, so wonderful.
It was all so painful.
And so she keeps her distance. In every city she visits, she makes sure she stays hidden. She can hide just as easily in the shadows as she can upon the highest rooftops or the highest trees. So she did. Watching. Observing. Seeing life unfold around her and noting the vibrant rhythm of every creature going about their day, trying to find her place in the everyday while remaining apart from it. It was a lonely existence but it was hers.
Large cities like Lumiose offered her more places to hide and observe than some of the places she’d been, but no other place she’d visited had offered so many unique and intriguing opportunities. For one, the Lumiose’s Wild Zones allowed her to see how people and Pokémon could truly live, side-by-side. While there were city Pokémon that lived alongside the humans without fear, with some even helping their human companions with daily tasks, the idea that wild Pokémon could come and go and have their own safe refuge was fascinating to her and she had spent hours watching how the city’s denizens responded to these seeming intruders. While some were fearful and hesitant – perhaps justifiably so – to even approach any of the numerous Wild Zones, there were plenty more that believed the Pokémon posed no treat to them, that they deserved their own space to be free, to be their true selves
It was both refreshing and surprising for the Clefairy to see. All of her years of wandering had shown her that in many places, humans encroached into the places Pokémon called home with no regards to the creatures that lived there. She’d seen firsthand how human exploration and expansion often came at the cost of the lives and homes of Pokémon and how Pokémon had to suffer, adapt, or move on – if they even could – if they truly wanted to live. From her own travels, she’d seen that there weren’t very many places left that Pokémon could call their own that humans had yet to annex, to conquer, and, after losing her own family, she was unsure that she would ever find a place that would be so welcoming to Pokémon, especially one like her.
So it was a shock when she first arrived in Lumiose nearly a year ago and saw for herself that perhaps she had been mistaken, that perhaps there was indeed some place where wild Pokémon could live alongside humans comfortably, a place where neither side would fight the other for space or resources, a place where every Pokémon could not only live but thrive somewhere humans also called home, a place they could co-exist peacefully and harmoniously.
It had been a revelation and she had spent most of the last year keeping a careful, though still wary, eye on the goings-on of the city, afraid that she had been mistaken but fervently hoping that she wasn’t. Now, months later, she was glad to see that her initial surprise had grown into a desperate desire that Lumiose wasn’t a one-off, that there truly were more places that found Pokémon and humans living pleasantly with one another. It was the first time she had wished for anything since she left all that she had known behind and started on her purpose-less journey.
It had been a beautiful experience, a dream nearly fulfilled that had almost made her want to stay and call this place home. Forever. If it was always like this, Lumiose wouldn’t be a bad place to live.
But, as she turns her shining, watery eyes towards the stars just starting to glow as dusk settled over the cityscape, she knew she couldn’t stay. Long ago, she had made a promise that she would never again settle in one place, that she would never again call a single place home. After losing her family, no other place would ever feel safe, could ever truly feel like home. And she believed no other place would, not if humans and Pokémon would always be on opposite sides of some unknown war. That was why she journeyed, why she explored the world, why she refused to sit still. Nothing could hurt her if she was never there to be hurt.
That had been her life. Yet her time in Lumiose had taught her that there were still surprises and wonders to the world that she had never imagined; there were beautiful things in the world that she had yet to discover. And her beliefs, forged by loss, hardened by heartache and years of lonely wandering, and sharpened by observations of the often cruel nature of the world, were changing. Now, she realized, she no longer believed that every place was as dark and bitter as the land she hailed from; there was hope for something better. She could see that with her own eyes; she had seen that from the moment she arrived in this city.
Standing up from her perch, she takes one last look over the edge before retreating to the nearest hidden corner to sleep. Christmas was almost here and soon after it would be the new year. Then she would be off again on her travels, this time with a lighter heart and a less burdened mind.
11:59 P.M. New Year's Eve night…
There is a quiet hush as the crowds throughout the city hold their collective breaths, waiting. A week ago, the city was bustling with frenzied activity; now, all are still as eager eyes look up, quietly counting down.
Five...
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
Cheers erupt as fireworks explode above her and the Clefairy watches the brilliant colors light up the sky. In the distance, Prism Tower provides a perfect backdrop for the celebration, a quiet guardian to the revelry taking place all throughout the city. Pokémon and people everywhere rejoice and welcome the new year together, reminiscing about the year now gone and sharing hopes and dreams for the year ahead.
As she enjoys the show both above and below her, the Clefairy’s form shivers and shrinks within a bright white light. Seconds later, now blue as the Kalosian sky, a Ditto reforms, eyes still turned to the celebrations around it. Taking a deep breath, it looks towards the west, away from the city before it is engulfed in another bright white light.
High above the city, while hundreds of unknowing people and Pokémon celebrate in the streets below, a Pidgeot takes flight, starting the new year off on a new journey to a new land, resolved to find himself a new purpose, a place where he finally can belong and call home, and where he can transform into a newer, more fulfilled version of himself, one full of belief in the goodness and joy and companionship and harmony that he now knows can be found in the world and in the hearts of so many.
