Oldie Fic #2, for "Neopets": a fandom I'll probably never write for again. And no one wants to hear about the "Fire-walls won't let me do anything" story I keep telling about why I've left Neopets. XDD Fun while it lasted though, including when I wrote this. (Jub-jubs are actually my favorites, but Usuls are squirrels, therefore cute, and I like 'em too. :) I had a purdiful Snowy*Usul once) And yes, I realize it's been outdated since the Mutant Usul's makeover. XDD Crud. Oh well.
...I actually did an "Iris" songfic right though. Goddamn it all, not a feat to accomplish everyday.
Title: Who I Am
Author: Jigglypuff in Blue Ribbons
Fandom: Neopets
Genre: Angst/Drama. Holiday-fic, (Christmas) with a bit of Romance.
Rating: G.
Warnings: Death and annnnnnnnngst. And OCs--it's Neopets, doi. XDD
Ships: OC/OC
Finished: Yes
8. Who I Am reviews
Actually a songfic of "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls, this is a story of a homeless mutant Usul named Matthew on how he became a mutant, and how he discovered love meeting a female Usul 8 years later. Also has a bit of romance. Feedback is welcome.
Neopets - Fiction Rated: K - English - Angst/Drama - Chapters: 1 - Words: 3180 - Reviews: 11 - Updated: 12-22-01 - Published: 12-22-01
Serebii37- Disclaimer: "Neopets" will never be mine, nor will "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls. I do own most of the characters though... all but Dr. Death.
Why the fanfic is rated G- No violence here. All it has are just a lot of sadness and angst.
Mewtwo- Angst/Drama huh?
Burakki- And G rated... that's new.
Natsume- Anyways, this fanfic is divided into 2 parts, though it isn't chaptered. The first is the main character's past. The next part is 8 years later, and the songfic begins shortly after a few paragraphs.
Kamex- Enough talk; let's get to work.
Serebii37- Already then... let's begin the fanfic!
**Who I Am**
By Serebii37
I could never forget the days of being homeless... and when my life changed forever. I am a male Usul... a mutant one. How I turned into this form is part of the story...
I was born a red Usul behind a trashcan in the darkest hallways of Neopia. Throughout my family's lives, we stolen food and toys whenever we had a chance, it had been our only best way for survival. If we didn't have any luck, we feasted on leftovers from the garbage can, which wasn't very nourishing, but it was better then nothing.
However, one day when I was a teenager, my parents, brothers, and sisters were all taken away. When wondering in the streets, the pound sometimes find us as strays, but we usually escaped. Not this time, however. Before I was about to be trapped under the net and caged, I ran up and grabbed Dr. Death's leg, tripping him. He screamed and fell down, and dropped a strange potion that would've been broken if it didn't land on his stomach first. After that, it rolled a bit on the sidewalk. Quickly, I ran towards the back of the van, and tried to find a way to fit through the cell window openings past the bars. Nevertheless, Dr. Death didn't sound nervous. Instead, he began to snicker and take out his keys...
"Matthew!" I heard my mother shout from inside the van. I peeked through the cell window. "Is that you mom?" "Yes," She replied. "Dr. Death is getting out his Lupes to come after you! You must leave right away!" Those Lupes... yes, I remember them... However, it didn't matter to me now. "But mom! I-" "Just get out of here! Don't worry about us. Please save yourself. You have no time to lose!" "But-" "Just go! I love you my son..." I was silent for a while. I didn't want to leave my family, not ever. But I had to do what they told me to do, and escape the pound. "I love you too, mom." I said. "I'll miss you..." "I'll miss you too, Matthew. Good-bye, and good luck." After that, I sped off, while picking up the potion that Dr. Death dropped for safekeeping.
Just as I reached back into the hallways, I began to hear growling and barking behind me. I ran as fast as I could from the Lupes, but they kept catching up to me. Finally, I scurried up a tall tree, but it was filled with birds and tough looking Pteris. As I moved to the lower branch, I looked down to see the Lupes barking, and leaping on the tree trunk trying to climb up. I didn't know what to do. I was much too tired to run anymore, and my heart was beating like mad. Yet, this tree is also filled with Pteris and birds that would peck at me to defend their nests any second. I always ran away from the Lupes with my parents, but now I'm alone, and I couldn't do anything... I had never been more scared in my entire life.
I looked at the potion I carried, seeing it as if it may be my last hope. The liquid looked very strange... there were yellowish orange colored swirls that kept spinning within the potion, and it moved slowly like paint being dumped on the floor. On the bottom of the glass, there was a label taped to it that said, "Usul Transmogrification Potion." However, I didn't know how to read for being a stray, and I shrugged. I quickly took the cork off, and began to drink the entire thing, praying it would increase my speed or something else good.
The potion tasted terrible. I felt rotten milk with a mixture of cough syrup on my tongue, and thought that sludge was creeping down my throat like a snake. I felt a weird feeling in my stomach. I tried holding it with my arms to push the ache back, but it remained all the same. Suddenly, the Pteris that once felt like attacking me shrieked, and flew away. The Lupes that were once barking sniffed the tree, and left. I breathed a sigh of relief. When I made positively sure that the pound was gone, I climbed off the tree, taking the glass bottle with me. Day after day, I noticed that something was wrong. The other stray Neopets were beginning to avoid me. Whenever I was caught stealing, the Neopet owner would look down at me and scream before running off. I was becoming puzzled. I wish I could ask the street neopets, but they kept darting away. The faeries lived too far away, so I couldn't reach them.
At last, at dawn, I saw my reflection in the glass bottle I kept for storing things. Shown in the sunlight was a deformed looking Usul, with two horns on my head. I used to have two ponytails, but now I had only one. There was a giant eye above my mouth, which the mouth had yellow fangs for teeth. I had orange-peach skin, along with a few yellow spots. My tail was made up of warts, and my feet's toenails and hands' fingernails were longer. Horrified at the image, I looked at my own hands and feet to see if it was true... I prayed that I wouldn't be any different, but the minute I looked at my hands, they had the same bumpy form and skin color... the same long nails... I stared down at my feet only to find the same feet that I saw in the reflection... I was horrified. I took the bottle, and hit it against the ground, breaking it into tiny pieces. I cried myself back to sleep. I didn't ever want to wake up again. I couldn't take it anymore- my family was gone... I had no one... and on that same day, I drank down the potion that saved my own life, with one cost... It had turned me into a monster.
**8 years later**
It had been snowing in Neopia, and everyone was getting ready for Christmas Day. Some of the neopet owners would even visit the Advent Calendar, which meant that I could sometimes steal more food, and even some clothing and blankets. One year on Halloween, I even managed to steal a small hooded cloak. In the middle of the hood, it had a black material in the middle of the hood to cover my face. The robe was too big at first, but I managed to steal a scissors, in to cut it in which to fit me perfectly. The cape worked advantages for many reasons... first it hid myself, so that no one can ever tell I had become a mutant. In addition, the rainbow fountain and the airport were too far away from where I live, so I never bothered to steal paintbrushes. For being a black cape, it was easier to steal whatever I needed to, because it was dark, and hard for other people to notice me. It even kept me warm during cold winter nights. The pound doesn't try to capture me as much anymore... whenever I see them; I simply act casual and walk with a nearby person, and act as if I were his/her neopet. My life was pretty much typical... just stealing, escaping the pound, and trying to survive. I never talked to other wandering Neopets though, afraid that they might ask about the cape.
Then one day, I met her...
I was strolling along the hallways, trying to find a nice shelter to rest in. I stopped in front of a large greenhouse, which had many varieties of flowers and plants within. I decided to walk in, and take a look around for a while. It was very warm inside, and had many windows to look out of. The flowers were very appealing... there were a lot of daisies, including some gardenias, sunflowers, and roses. There were as well some hibiscus bushes in a corner. I stared at the hibiscuses for the longest moment however... I thought that they were the most beautiful then any other flower. I felt like my old self again- joyful, outgoing, and felt significant when I'm around them.
"Hello, may I help you?" I turned around, and I noticed a blue Usul standing beside me. Her beauty amazed me. Her tan colored fur and mane was neatly groomed, and her ribbon near her tail was neatly tied. Her smile was friendly, and her green eyes shown like stars in the nighttime sky. I could do nothing, but stand there and gaze. "N-no, just looking." I stuttered as I turned back to the hibiscuses. 'I sounded like a complete idiot.' I told myself in my head. 'Now what?' Nevertheless, the Usul just grinned. "Okay, but whenever you need me, just ask, okay? Hold on, I've got some customers." After that, she darted up to her desk, where she awaited her visitors. "Hi there!" She greeted. "Welcome to the greenhouse! Please enjoy your stay." I amazed. This was her greenhouse??? She owned all of these flowers?
I noticed many things about the Usul too. She was hard working, as well as being kind and generous. She helped her customers choose the flower they wanted, and reasoned out a fair price. As I watched, I fell in love with her more and more minute after minute. She was like a flower herself... pretty and sweet. Pretty... something I'm not anymore... I was jealous of that. But in a likable way.
**And I'd give up forever to touch you, 'cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to Heaven that I'll ever be, and I don't want to go home right now**
Soon, it reached nightfall, and the Usul walked up to me and said, "I'm closing the store now. I think it's time for you to go home, too." I looked up at her. "... I can't." She looked at me with curiosity. "What? How come?" "... I live in the streets, so I don't even have a real home. I came inside to keep warm." "...Oh, I understand." The Usul replied. She was silent for a while, and then she said, "How about you can stay with me for a day in my Neohome? I normally get lonely living all by myself, and I could use another volunteer for my shop." I couldn't believe it. Someone had actually asked me to stay at her house for a while? A mutated thief like me to their house?
**And all I can taste is your sweet breath, and all I can breath is your life
When sooner or later, its over, I just don't want to miss you again**
"D-d-don't you have an owner?" I asked her. "No, it's just me alone." The Usul responded. As we walked out of the darkened store, I began to worry. What if she tries to see my face? Once she knows I turned into a mutant, it's all finished. She'll be running away screaming like what everyone else did before me. "My name is Gloria," The Usul said. "What's yours?" "Matthew." "I see... it's a pretty name." "Not as pretty as Gloria, though." Gloria giggled a bit. She spoke, "Anyways, I see my house. I'll show you your bed..." She did so, and told me goodnight. I suppose she went to bed okay, but as for me, who knows what would happen. I just pray she doesn't see what person is underneath my robe tomorrow.
***And I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am...***
The next day was Christmas Eve. We woke up early in the morning to the store, and Gloria taught me the basis on how to take care of plants, such us on how to water each, and how to keep them away from pests without hurting the environment. As well, she taught me some mathematics so I'll be able to calculate correctly at the cash register. I learned quickly on everything, and understood. Soon, the people began to arrive at greenhouse, and looked around to buy the flowers. Usual customers of Gloria were interested to know about how she got a 'new assistant', but she frequently said that Matthew was just helping out for the day. Time went slowly, as I helped Gloria with the customers. However, in the afternoon, I accidentally tripped on something on the floor, and fell down. I suddenly heard a lot of people gasp around me. I touched my face realizing that it was not the material in my hood. I knew why now... my hood had flipped back while I fallen, and my misshapen face had been shown.
**And you cannot fight the tears that ain't coming, all the moment and truth in you lies
When everything feels like the movies, yeah you bleed just to know you're alive**
***And I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am...***
I was horrified. 'No!' I kept thinking. 'How could this happen?!?' "What's going on here?" I heard Gloria's voice shout out. I kept my hands holding onto to my head. I wanted to die rather then face Gloria's fear. I started to recall on my memories 8 years ago... the pound took my family away, and I was being chased by Lupes across the streets until I managed to escape by drinking a bizarre potion... 'Curse that potion!' I thought with hurt and anger. 'Curse it! I should've let myself be captured...' "Matthew? Matthew? What happened?" Gloria... no, you can't... "Stay away from me!" I cried covering my head with my hands. "Mathew-" "No! Just don't look at me, DON'T!!!!!" Quickly, I ran out of the greenhouse, and into the snow.
When I was sure that I sprinted farther enough, I quit running. I wanted to just freeze out in the wintry hallways until I get hypothermia. I threw my cloak off into the ground, and silently began to sob. I was alone, like always, and what I wished I wasn't before. All I can say is that I hope my family wasn't put to sleep in the pound, who knows what it's like there. At least they may hopefully find their new owners, and be content. There wasn't hope for me left anymore, that is one thing for sure. I guess it's true on what they say that not everybody has a good life.
***And I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am...***
"Matthew!!!" I heard a voice calling out. "Matthew, where are you? Matthew!!!!!!!!!!" I just stood there in my own corner, not speaking up. "Matthew!" I heard Gloria's footsteps in the snow running towards me. "Oh Matthew, I'm so sorry of all the ruckus that went on in the greenhouse!!! I had no idea why you were wearing the cloak, please forgive me for what happened! Matthew, you're not mad at me aren't you?" I stood there confused. Why isn't she streaking off away from me? "No, it's all my fault," I said, turning to meet her. "That I've been hiding my true form from you all this time. I didn't want you and your customers to be afraid of me... I'm sorry if I scared away all your customers, and lying to you. If I ruined your Christmas, I apologize for that too."
***And I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am...***
**I just want you to know who I am, I just want you to know who I am,
I just want you to know who I am...**
Gloria just stood there. Then surprisingly, she smiled. "It's quite alright," she replied. "You're a caring person, which doesn't mean I shouldn't have any fear of you being a mutant." I never known... she knew about mutant neopets? "But after all, Christmas isn't about how much money you have or what value your presents are, you know," Gloria continued. "It's the loving that counts. Anyways, I saved up a wreath for you as an early Christmas present. Merry Christmas Matthew." After giving me the wreath, Gloria bent towards me and kissed my cheek. I remained silent for a while touching that one spot with my hand. Love... for a long time, it was something I lived without when my family left. This holiday... and Gloria, is bringing back the old me from 8 years ago. "... Let's go back to the greenhouse, they're waiting for us there." Gloria said. I nodded as I followed after her.
On Christmas day, the greenhouse had a large Christmas tree in the middle, and everybody celebrated. Everyone opened their presents under the tree, and rejoiced. I had a permanent home with Gloria, which meant I was no longer homeless, neither a thief. As I sat down, and watched the people, I felt something tugging my leg. I looked down to see two Kacheek children; one was a yellow Kacheek, while the other was mutant. I could tell the mutant Kacheek was a toddler, and didn't really speak well yet. The yellow Kacheek was obviously older, and was holding hands with him. "Merry Christmas!" The first Kacheek replied. "Mewwy Cwistmas!" The mutant one said. I smiled. "Here you go." I said as I handed two small presents to them. "And have a merry Christmas!" "Thank you sir, we will!" They replied as they happily opened up their new presents.
Since that day, I had a happier life. I would look upon this day to remind me of how I found happiness again, so it won't ever be forgotten, even when Gloria and me grow old.
*The End*
Mewtwo- Well that was cute.
Natsume- Heh.
Serebii37- I'm afraid it's a little corny and long though...
Kamex- Have no fear, Serebii37. If this gets bad reviews, there's always next year!
Burakki- You're right about that Kamex.
Serebii37- This was meant to be a Christmas fanfic, but it didn't seem to fit the tone until later... anyway, please review, and you'll make me happy. ^_~
Chibi Hime
2002-12-05
ch 1, signed Excellent! A wonderfully touching fic that even has my favorite song in it!
Great Job!
TurquoisePhoenix
2002-10-27
ch 1, signed *claps* ^^ Best Mutant fic I've read yet! (Although it seems a little outdated, what with the Mutant Usul changes and all...) Keep it up!
The Ratman
2002-05-12
ch 1, signed Wow! That was cute! I have one of the new kinds of mutant Usuls, named Memnock_the_Devil and he's SUPER CUTE! Great Fic!
Gijinka Renamon
2002-04-20
ch 1, signed I like this! But if you haven't visited Neopets.com, you'll know that they changed the mutant Usul. Oh well. I also really like the song "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls.
Gabriel-San
2002-03-16
ch 1, signed Awwww ^_^ How adorable :) This is a really sweet fic you have here :) You really ought to do more NeoPets fics.
Kirby6
2002-03-06
ch 1, signed Waaaaaaaaaah poor guy. how sad . make more of the stories you write booooohoooooo poor guy even thoug i couldnt read it all it might turn out good but i'll find out later and reveiw with out signing in!
Akai Kuu (signed in? Hah!) (Bob@no da .comO.o)
2002-02-15
ch 1, anonymous
Whoohoo! That was really sweet, Serebii-chan ^_________________________________________^
Dark Nation1
2002-01-05
ch 1, signed That was cool. I like the Goo Goo Dolls. Thanks for your review, by the way.
Cers
2002-01-01
ch 1, anonymous
Awwww...how cute ^_^, good job.
Sparkle Glowstick
2001-12-25
ch 1, signed Great! A little corny, but not as bad as any of mine! So be glad for that. Anywho, You've brightened my christmas! I'm going to see if you have any other stories now. Seeya! And to all the people who read reviews, please read my storys! At least the neopet ones! One is called 'NEOPETS!' and the other is called 'Neopets?' And they're 'coo'.
Mystik-chan
2001-12-24
ch 1, signed Wow. That was a great story!!! Usuls. Ya gotta love 'em.
Total: 11
Well, I'm ready to move on. ^_~ ...Kinda, but hey. XD Memories!