Graduation day - Piano man
First I dislike this story, I came up with the plot ages ago and though it'd make a cool idea. Then after I rushed through drafting on Monday I thought meh. Having typed it up I don't like it The conversation feels forced as do the actions at times. But I did promise that I'd have something up today in honour of it being graduation day here in the UK and I didn't have time to make a brand new thing
Disclaimers: This story is not encouraging you to drink lots of booze which is bad for you. If you do it this isn't my fault
Pokémon belongs to Nintendo
Piano man Belongs to Billy Joel and his label
Labyrinth belongs to enter shikari and their label
All characters are mine.
Oh a quick rundown as I couldn't fit some back-story in
Sy, Meteora, Obsydian: He's a hyderigon and it's his party. His step dad is loaded and out of town.
Mark Blayze: Sy's best friend team mate and guitarist. He's a charizard and comes from a stuffy middle class family
Cerise. Arcanine. Mark's ex and the school's know it all about everyone. She likes to help out those she likes by giving them what they need
Aurora: Latias. Aurora's unusual colouration is due to having died shortly after birth but being brought back by her mother.
Amanda: Mark's friend and team mate. A Kadabra with a green obsession.
Ok I'm finished enjoy your story. If you did read it please comment and rate
*****
They say the longest and most destructive party ever held has been going for nearly four generations and shows no sign of slowing down. There have been many parties like it but none have managed to match the original. It is now said that all other parties are but reflections of this party, no-one truly knows as any researcher sent to investigate has been rapidly incorporated into the party.
This party is no different. A simple affair celebrating the graduation of this year's class from Hill valley secondary school. It may only last for a single night but for these party goers one single night can change everything. Whatever happens it will certainly be a night to remember, if you can remember.
*****
It was past midnight, despite that the party was still going strong and had yet to show any sign of slowing down for the night. Sure for the dancers there was always the hazard of tripping over mon that had passed out or fallen asleep where they had been standing. For the most part they were ignored or avoided until some kindly mon would take pity and move the body to some out of the way location and place it in the recovery position.
It wasn't only partying mon that had broken. The music player had stopped working two hours ago after a clumsy Psyduck tripped over the tail of a dancing Dragonair. Sending his drink on a fatal collision course with the Speakers. By this point all of the electric types were either completely drunk or passed out. Meaning that they wouldn't be able to get the system working properly. The silence was broken sporadically by the speakers would belting out a few distorted bars of labyrinth.
Despite the lack of music the dance floor was still packed with the perspiring figures of dancing party goers. Instead of dancing to the music in the air they were dancing to the music in their heads or to a rhythm that their partner had set.
Above the dance floor ranks of strobe lights specially installed for this event shone brightly in every possible colour. At the centre of this a lone disco ball spun round reflecting coloured light across the entire room. filling the walls with spectral shadows and dots of light.
Occasionally A couple would decide that they had much better things to do elsewhere and would vanish into the depths of the mansion looking for a private room.
*****
Not every mon in the hall was dancing. There was plenty of room in the great hall for those that wanted to stand around and talk as well as those that desired to dance. Others were standing against walls or sitting down, simply enjoying the party spirit.
Mark Blayze was one of those. He'd chose his stretch of wall to lean against carefully, so it provided a position where he was comfortable, could see the entirety of the great hall and most importantly so that the fire on his tail tip wouldn't come into contact with the age oak panels that ringed the hall. His left hand gripped an empty cup which until recently had held a sticky bright orange drink of the kind that is better known as: "goodbye Mr. brain cell".
Mark knew he shouldn't have accepted it let alone drink it but when a pretty girl hands you a drink at a party where you want to score, it's in your best interests to accept it. His instincts had been right, as soon as he'd finished the drink Mark had began to feel like shit. What made him feel even worse was that, he'd only had three drinks that night. In normal situations three drinks would be nothing to a fire type. The alcohol would have been quickly burnt up in their flame sacs and the only effect would be a change in the colour of their flames. Provided they took it steady most fire types could drink for days on end.
*****
Unfortunately for Mark things hadn't gone according to plan tonight. He'd been enjoying his second drink of the night a double tequila and coke while watching a particularly energetic couple on the dance floor when it happened. "Plop." something had just been dropped in his drink.
A cursory glance revealed the intruder to a small coin which upon closer examination revealed itself as a one poké piece.
"hey Smokey" An unfamiliar Weavile leaned over his shoulder, wearing a malicious grin "Save the Queen, sucker." Without giving Mark a chance to respond she walked off laughing quietly laughing at his misfortune.
*****
He hadn't seen that Weavile since then. Good thing to he thought, if I see her again I'll give her an ass full of flamethrower.
"Hey Blayze" The shout was enough to drag Mark out of his revenge fantasy. The voice was familiar but Mark was struggling to put a face to it. There, towards the opposite end of the hall something appeared to be moving across the packed dance floor towards him.
As the moving figure emerged from the dance floor, Mark got his first good look at her face. Now he could put a name to her. It was Cerise. His ex girlfriend and leader of team BlitzschlagFeuer, who were his teams closest rivals. Despite the rivalry and the breakup the two of them reguarded each other with quiet respect and had managed to remain friends.
Clear of the crush of people on the dance floor, it only took Cerise a few bounds to cross the space between her and Mark. For an Acanine Cerise was tall at 6'5 which meant she towered over the smaller charizard. As soon as she reached Mark Cerise threw her arm over his should in a show of drunken companionship.
"Gr, gr gre great party Mark" she said, her upperclass accent polluted with druken slurring.
"Thanks I guess." he replied, stunned by Cerise's inensity. His libido chose that moment to pipe up. "Real original Mark, like that's going to impress her, do you not want to get laid?" Common sense joined in."She dumped you remember, even drunk I doubt she'll take you back or give you a drunk shag." "Shut up" He whisper smacking his head with his free head, in a vain attempt to silence his noisy thoughts.
"So then, wheer's the rest of you Darkskies" asked Cerise having either ignored or not seen Mark's self flagelation. "Especially the boss. I could swear I saw him earlier, in what I can only describe as a french maid outfit" She paused to allow an alcohol scented burp to escape before continuing. "What will you lot think of next. Fighting your next match only wearing blue body paint. she chuckled at her own joke.
His drink addled mind couldn't help it, against his will it began detailing Sy as Cerise had described. Tribal patterns covered his faces and a small tiara on each of his heads, carefully placed so as not to disturb his collar. A feather duster in one blue covered hand and a serving tray in the other. His chest muscles clearly visible through the flimsy material, had just a dot of blue upon each nipple. With a great force of will Mark shut his treacherous imagination.
Mark wasn't sure which shocked him more. His ex's brazenness or the image that he'd had painted in his head. Faced with a choice of weather to shudder or blush his body did both. In the corner of his eye, Cerise's hand span round indicating that he should hurry up and start talking.
"Amanda's gone for a walk, she said that people were thinking too much and it was getting too loud. I'm sure Sy and Veronica are around." He paused hoping that Cerise would accept his trivial explanation. No such luck.
"Uh huh" Cerise said with a slow nod. "You're avoiding the question, did I see your team leader wearing a French maid outfit." Despite his best efforts Mark's face had the answer written all over it as plain as day. "Holy crap, he was wasn't he. The mighty Meteora was wearing a sissy French maid outfit" She giggled hysterically. "Come on let's go and get another drink and you can tell me all about it, you know I love juicy information." her eyes sparkled with mischief and her smile was full of cheek.
"B.buh it's" Mark tried to protest but it was futile as Cerise cut him off mid sentence.
"Look we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Let's not forget that as your ex I have some very interesting facts about you. I'm sure your parents would to hear some of them. Any trace of mischief and joviality was gone replaced with a look of steel that demanded obedience.
Mark slumped in defeat. Cerise was right she had a lot of information about him that if it reached his parents ears. Well he'd rather not think about it. "Lead the way dear" he said putting as much venom into the dear as he dared.
For the sake of diplomacy and juicy gossip Cerise let Mark's acerbic comment slide. Instead Cerise fluffed he ruff before grabbing Mark and dragging him over to the drinks table. Afterwards Mark realised the Cerise must have been using extremespeed as they were able to cross the entire length of the hall very quickly and without colliding with any of the dancers.
The drinks table looked out of place amongst its surroundings. Whilst the rest of the room was a tribute to high society etched in its high ceiling, solid oak panelled walls and marble decorations in high places. By contrast the table was a simple metal and plywood affair, a tribute to nothing except Hill Valley cafeteria. Which by coincident was where Sy had "borrowed" it from in the first place.
The party had been going for slightly over six hours but there was still a healthy selection of hooch on the table. Once again this was Sy's doing. "A bright multi coloured shrine to inebriation, he'd described it as in his plans.
Mark cast his eye over the array of drinks, even with six hours of predation the selection was quite impressive. He still felt like shit and another drink would only serve to make it worse. Cerise growled, showing off a mouthful of pointed white teeth, making it absolutely clear that he should chose a drink and the consequences of not doing so. Begrudgingly, Mark leaned over and grabbed the first thing that came into his hand hoping it wasn't something truly terrible. He was in luck the writing on the side of the black can proclaimed it to be a Jack N' Coke. There had been more writing but it had been scratched out, except for a word that might have been responsibly.
Cerise on the other hand didn't hesitate, as soon as Mark had chosen his drink. Cerise's hands were flying over the table with a chink of glass on glass and her hands were occupied with the ingredients. There was the fizz of soda and the smell of cinnamon. "Cinnamon fireball whisky, best drink ever" she offered by way of explanation.
Before Mark could try to escape Cerise grabbed his should with her free hand and proceeded to drag the protesting charizard to an empty corner of the hall.
Cerise fixed him with a mean look" go on then spill the beans, I'm dying to know what this whole thing is about." Her voice may have been warm and friendly but her posture clearly emphasised the negative results of running away or keeping silent.
Completely defeated Mark sighed, holding up his hands with claws spread in the tradition gesture of pacification. "fine but everything I'm about to tell you is beyond top secret and must not be told to anyone else."
"Of course" Cerise was taken aback by Mark's sudden seriousness but her curiosity was far too strong to let such a simple thing as serious talk get in her way.
Mark chuckled as he watched conflicting emotions flash across his ex's face. "The big secret is." He took a deep breath "Sy and Veronica have a very passionate relationship and sometimes it gets quite kinky. It's actually not that bigger deal really."
Cerise's eyes were wide with surprise and disappointment. "That's it, just a little bit of harmless bedroom fun. No new team uniform, no maid service in the morning, no mad conspiracy."
"Yep" said Mark casually knocking back his drink.
Cerise sighed clearly disappointed. " I guess I owe you an apology, both for threatening you and peering into your friends private lives. We ended well and I've kinda ruined it now haven't I. There was an awkward pause in which neither person said anything.
It was Cerise who broke the silence with a snap of her claws. "I know exactly how to make it up to you. You're looking to score and I know someone who needs companionship for the night."
For the third time that night Mark felt Cerise take hold of him and drag him to another place.
Like the great hall this side room had been lavishly decorated but had considerably less inhabitants.
Even in the side room there were a few couples dancing. Most notably the prom king and queen, a mewoth and a purloin respectively were performing a slow waltz. While less than three meters away the detention duo, a pair of Mightyenas who were always getting in trouble, were performing a highly energetic Charleston.
The dancers weren't their destination instead Cerise lead him past the dancers towards an seemingly empty dark corner.
Mark was getting impatient, for all he knew this side trip would be a waste of time and he would miss out on getting with those dratini sisters. " So. Who's this mystery lady who needs companionship?"
"Her name is. Aurora, Aurora Darkside."
"Who" Mark was unfamiliar with that name and he prided himself on knowing at least one name of everyone in his year.
"Me" a strong feminine voice echoed from the dark corner. "I'm Aurora Darkside"
Like a magician pulling a size 10 rabbit out of a size 2 hat. A Pokémon that shouldn't have been able to hid in the corner separated itself from the wall and stepped forward into Mark's line of sight.
Like falling curtains, the shadows slowly peeled away from the figure revealing a Latias. Aurora looked stunning, in a simple long black cocktail dress that began slightly above her cleavage and ended just below her knees. Her legs were long and elegant, perfect for flying, her wings were symmetrical and perfectly shaped and proportioned. There was however one flaw with this image of eon perfection. Where normal Latias were red Aurora was pitch black and where they were white she was grey. Even her soul triangle barely visible through her dress was the wrong colour being a sinister dark purple.
Mark was struggling to keep his poker face. "Excuse me Aurora but Cerise and I need to have a quick chat about.. things."
Now it was Mark's turn to drag Cerise about. When he was sure they were out of earshot he turned on Cerise, his face filled with anger.
"Necros, you're trying to set me up with the dead girl. Really I thought you had standards. Why couldn't you set me up with a live girl. Like her over there?" he said gesturing to a female Salamence, who was sitting in the corner downing a bottle of scrumpy jack.
Cerise sighed, trying to keep her temper under control. This was exactly why she'd dumped Mark's red ass. He really could be an insensitive arrogant asshole. "Firstly that girl over there is called Alyss and to be blunt she bats for the other team. The last guy that flirted with her hasn't been seen since and I suspect your fate will be worse as her girlfriend has just dumped her."
Mark yelp as Cerise grabbed and span him around so he was looking directly at Aurora who was patiently waiting exactly where she had been a minute ago. Mark tried to fight but the taller and stronger Arcanine would have none of it, making sure Mark couldn't avoid looking at Auroras shapely form.
"Her name isn't Necros, nor is it dead girl. Her name is Aurora Darksider. Say it." Her temper was rapidly spiralling out of control.
Mark was scared, he'd only seen Cerise lose her temper once. When she'd seen some bullies attacking a defenceless mon just because he was different. The resulting beating they got nearly caused her to be expelled. "Aurora Darksider" He said.
"Now you listen to me Mark Blayze, Aurora is a perfectly normal living mon just like you or me. The fact that her mother loved her enough to bring her back from death hasn't changed anything. In fact I think her charcoal colouring makes her look sexy and I'm not into women." Rant over her voice regained its kindlier tones. "Look she's just like any other mon. All she wants is companionship and to be accepted by her peers. Especially here on this night."
I've been a total aresehole haven't I."
Cerise laughed, "you certainly have, you can make it up to me by making sure that Aurora has the best night ever."
"I'll make it a night she never forgets" he said with a wink.
Cerise caught his wink and smiled in acknowledgment. Having first hand experience as to how the Charizard could make a night unforgettable. Without another word Cerise strode off back to the main hall to have some fun of her own leaving her drink behind on the floor. Mark watched her go, making sure she wouldn't double back to keep an eye on him.
"Ah" Mark recoiled in shock. Aurora must have nearly silent footsteps as he hadn't heard her approach. Which explained his surprise when he turned round and ended up face to face with Aurora.
"My apologies, I observed that your conversation with Cerise had finished." Her words were formal yet her tone was that of someone enjoying an informal conversation. "Hmm, something still isn't right about your aura." Aurora focused for a second. A mysterious glow enveloped her which she accompanied with some mysterious muttering. "A kindly wish for the infirm."
Without giving Mark a chance to comment on her behaviour, Aurora began to circle him in a predatory fashion. Her eyes ran over the stunned charizard's well built frame absorbing every detail about him. From the green stain of spilt absinthe on his white shirt, to the way he'd tied the laces of his leather shoes.
Mark attempted to speak but Aurora silenced him by placing on elegant black finger over his mouth. "Cerise was correct, you are indeed a fine specimen of the char family. Hmm." She paused as if lost in thought. "It would appear that she was correct in her description of you." Aurora removed her finger allowing Mark to speak
HIs mind was swimming with questions but one was at the front of Mark's mind. "What did." Aurora replaced her finger.
"Cerise say about you. Oh don't look so surprise My colouration may be abnormal but my psyonic abilities are as strong as any other Latias. If you must know Cerise said "He may be an arrogant unthinking ass but he's a good guy, great company and knows how to show a woman a good time."
"Comming from Cerise I'd say that's high praise."
Aurora nodded slowly in agreement. " She was the first person at this school to treat me like a fellow mon, not something the feral dragged in"
Aurora's words may have been whispered but they were loud enough for Mark's sensitive ears to pick up upon. It made him feel guilty that this poor beautiful girl had been suffering ever since she came to Hill valley and hadn't even noticed her.
For the first time since Mark had seen her Aurora was wearing an expression other than cold indifference. Her smile was soo sweet and innocent, it seemed completely at odds with the serious persona she had been wearing but moments ago.
Aurora was giddy with happiness. Until now only two people (who weren't family) had ever been kind to her and now Mark made three. "Not just that" her libido added "unlike Cerise he's fit."
Mark was disappointed when Aurora stopped smiling ad her face reassumed it's serious appearance. It's a pity she looks much prettier when she smiles, somehow it brings her face to life he thought I'd like to see it again only someplace a little more. Private. "Hey Aurora you fancy going for a stroll we can explore the depths of Sy's mansion maybe even find a quiet place to talk."
Aurora almost laughed. She liked Mark she found him amusing in the way only a psychic could and he was treating her like an equal. His mouth might be saying "talk" but his mind had a very clear image of what he'd rather be doing with her. Even if he hadn't directly proposed situation his mind had and for Aurora that was more than enough. There was silence while she considered his proposition and made a decision. She would go with Mark on his "walk" and if she was truly satisfied with his character and person. Well Aurora would certainly be occupying his thoughts. "Let us tarry nevermore. Let me see, what therat is within and let us explore this mansion of mystery."
"Wha"
"Let's go silly." she said cheerily. With that Mark lead Aurora into the maze of corridors and rooms that made up Sy's home.
*****
The oaken door to the first room they discovered was solidly locked. On it the words "keep out" were written in the copper plate handwriting of Obsydian's step father.
*****
The second room appeared to be some sort of longue. Mark opened the Door for a second to check for inhabitants before rapidly closing it again. "Es ocupado" he said indicating that they should move on. Before they left Mark removed his tie and hung it on the door knob.
*****
At first glance the third room did appear to be luck number three for the couple. Unfortunately second glance revealed a sleeping Garbadour which also explained the mysterious smell that pervade the room. Again Aurora and Mark beat a hasty retreat hand in hand.
*****
The fourth door opened out onto the west balcony. It offered a fantastic view of the mansion's pool and the group of water types within. Somehow they'd managed to salvage a working set of speakers and were hosting their own mini party. For Mark and aurora the balcony wasn't ideal, a lack of chairs, heating and there being other mon within five meters. Once more they disappeared into the labyrinth.
*****
After a further five failures Mark was losing patience. He pulled Aurora into a alcove so they could talk in relative privacy. "we're getting nowhere, all of these rooms seem to be filled with couples, sick, unconscious mon or a combination thereof. So instead of wandering fruitlessly I'm going to take you to a special place. Just don't tell Sy about this."
"Of course, now let out foot falls tinkle upon the tufted floor to this secret place." That's really creepy he thought.
Their brisk walking pace quickly bore them to their destination. Technically only Mark was walking, Aurora was flying behind him.
"Here we are" he said with a definitive air. There was nothing there. Ahead the corridor ended and became a windowed wall. The corridor walls on either side were identical to the corridor walls everywhere.
Aurora sighed. Mark had seemed like a nice guy. He'd been friendly enough and her libido liked him but when the time came for some alone time, he just couldn't deliver the goods.
"Voila. That is to say there it is."
"What!" For the first time Mark heard anger in her voice. It was as unexpected as being savaged by a doormat.
"Look to your right."
Aurora did so and was surprised to see that a section of the panelling had withdrawn revealing a hidden door to a hidden room. Dammit I'm a psychic I should have read this from his mind.
"After you" offered Mark ever the gentleman.
Unlike every other room in the mansion this one didn't reek of old money. Instead it stank of sweat, hard work and rock N' Roll. Where other rooms had oaken panelling and sporting prints. This room had Pictures of histories greatest rock stars and a vast collection of musical instruments. The fourth and final wall was filled with a large stack of amps. Scattered across the floor was a piano, five drum kits and a variety of other instruments.
"Welcome Aurora to the practise room, which should be totally empty."
"Hi there Mark how's things and a hello to you." There was a pause. "Aurora, I'd ask why you're hear but I went a plucked it from your mind."
"Aw come on Amanda, do you really have to be here."
"Of course I do." The Kadabra replied with a petulant flick of her long green hair.
"Fine, looks like we're going to have to look elsewhere Aurora." He said angrily.
Amanda cut him off. "Nonsense it's a big room and besides." She paused mid sentence to share a glance with Aurora. "Tell you what while we're both here. Why don't you show you lady friend that piece you've been working on."
Mark looked despondent at her suggestion. "Do I have to, I've not mastered it yet"
"Yes" said Amanda fixing him with a glare from her jade green eyes.
"Please Mark do it for me" Said Aurora fixing him with her best puppy dog eyes.
He sighed, there was no way he'd win an argument against two girls nor would the gentleman within allow him to turn down a ladies request. "You win girls."
Pleased that she'd succeeded Amanda turned back to her drum kit. As she did so to drum sticks glowed green and met her hands in midair.
Mark's main passion may have been the guitar. But after seven years of compulsory music lessons he liked to think he was fairly competent at most instruments. Although he was more familiar with the keyboard the jump to piano wasn't a difficult one.
The only real advantage the piano has over the keyboard is that it comes with a really comfy stool. This one was no exception. The stool was a small wooden affair and the seat was aged green leather. As he sat down Mark took the chance to slide his fingers over the keys and slide his feet over the peddles, so he could get reacquainted with them. He checked the microphone was still in place on top of the piano before he signalled his readiness to Amanda
He cleared his voice "This song is for the beautiful lady at the back of the room and it's called Piano man."
As his fingers danced along the ivory keys, there was a creak and the accordion by the door began to play it's part of the song. It was startling but not enough to put Mark off his rhythm. Quickly he stole a glance over his shoulder and saw the old accordion covered in a lime green glow and was floating. Out of the corner of his eye Mark noticed Amanda nod confirming that she was doing it.
The piano tinkled out the tune, the accordion whistled adding depth, the drums tapped the rhythm and above them all Mark's tenor voice echoed all around the room, telling all that could hear the story of the piano man.
Aurora was mesmerised by the performance. She'd never had any friends so all she did in her spare time was sit and read. No friends had been around to take her to concerts or to introduce her to music. In fact until now Aurora had always been afraid of music refusing to go into any room when the radio was on. She was afraid, as what little music she'd heard had reminded her of the siren call of death. Now though, to her undeveloped musical sensibility this slow, sad song sounded like an ode to the god of happiness.
It's final note played, the accordion dropped back to the floor with a loud thud and the wheeze of valves.
Mark relaxed, leaning backwards and promptly fell of his stool.
"Hey Aurora here I hope this is enough to make up for me interrupting you planned alone time" Amanda dropped something into the Latias's hand before hovering back to her kit.
"what was the Amanda gave you" Mark asked as he rubbed his head and peered over Auroras shoulder.
"She said it was what we needed the key to one of the guest rooms."
"guest room eh. I know where those are. On the way there maybe you'd like the "grand tour"
"Mark Blayze, I'd rather we skipped the whole foreplay bit and skip to where you fuck me silly."
"Oh" he said clearly taken aback. " As the lady wishes."
*****
OK I hate the ending, I did have some terrible seduction/chat up line but I forgot it so I made that up.