//------------------------------// // Chapter 18: Preparations // Story: Equestria, I Choose You! // by BronyDJ //------------------------------// It wasn't long before the Pokémon demonstration ended. Reaper ended the spectacle with a Fire Blast and Dragon Pulse combo. The five arms of the Fire move were replaced by the beautiful bluish-purple energy of the Dragon move. The three ponies present applauded and cheered, while the Changeling watched with a small smile. "Well," Stephen began, "what do you guys think?" "I think," Swift Gale answered, "that we won't need all of them for this trip." "She's right, Stephen," Twilight agreed. "This is a dangerous mission, so I think you should bring the stronger ones along." "They're already at the strongest they ever could be," Stephen responded. "But I understand." "So," High Marks spoke, "which ones will you bring with us?" "Like you said," Stephen answered, "it's a dangerous mission. I might as well let the more peaceful ones stay here, maybe provide some defense." "Then who are you bringing?" Gale asked. "Tempest, Patrician, and Reaper." I answered. "Volta and Maple are actually pretty strong when attacking from a defensive stance, so they can stay here." "And they can keep Nova company if she wakes up earlier than scheduled." Twilight tried to an include an optimistic thought. "Y-yeah," Stephen knew she meant well. The memory of Nova just collapsing still hurt a lot. "That's right." "Well?" Facade finally spoke up. "Shall we all get ready for tomorrow?" The group nodded, while Twilight excused herself and teleported away. The group walked over to a long, stone-set building which Stephen came to recognize as the Royal Guards' barracks. The ponies, Changeling, and human entered to see that it was empty. "The Day Guard are all out in posts," High Marks explained. "The Night Guard get their own accommodations." He walked over to his bed and pulled out his two main tools as a Royal Guard: a trident spear and a golden circle shield. "Oh yeah?" Swift Gale called over to her bed, possibly where the other mares slept. "Check these out!" She opened a chest next her bedside. Inside were possibly the most badass weapons Stephen had ever seen. They were large blades meant to be worn on the wings. That would be one hell of a Steel Wing attack Stephen thought. "Would it be alright," Stephen started, chuckling to himself, "if I called you Skarmory?" "What in Equestria is a Skarmory?" Gale turned and asked. "In my world, it's a huge bird Pokémon with a body comprised mostly out of steel." Stephen explained. "Those weapons of yours reminded me of it." "I feel like I should be flattered," Swift Gale joked. "But no, you can't. I'd like to hear more about these other creatures from your world." "Come now, Commander." High Marks walked over. "Let's not get childish." "Childish?" Gale remarked. "This is the first time an alien with alien creatures is making contact with ponies, and your saying it's childish to ask about his world? You're doing it wrong." "I do agree." Facade popped in. "It is quite interesting. But for the moment, it is best we continues preparing for the journey tomorrow." "Do you need anything for tomorrow?" Stephen asked the Changeling, who shook his head. "Not at all!" The hybrid proudly smiled and, with a flash of green fire, changed into an Earth pony. Stephen's eyes widened in excitement. "No way!" the human was in awe. "You're just like Ditto! Now do Twilight!" "What?" Facade asked, but complied and transformed into the purple Alicorn. When he spoke, he sounded just like her. "Cool, eh?" "Hell yeah." Stephen marveled at this ability. It was nothing new, but cool nonetheless. "Oh, and Ditto is another Pokémon, and it has the exact ability as you: transforming into any other Pokémon, or, in your case, anypony." "Interesting, but again," Facade said. "Let's reserve the other creatures for the journey, alright?" The group nodded. Facade continued to address Stephen. "Since I can transform into any pony species, I can easily use the positive attributes each race has. In emergencies, however," the Changeling removed his disguise, walked over to Swift Gale's chest, and pulled out a short sword with his mouth. "I like to have a blade if things go south for me." Stephen nodded, acknowledging this. The group of four walked out and were greeted by the last pony anyone expected: Fluttershy. "Oh, Stephen!" She galloped forward and quietly called out. She then realized the Trainer was not alone. "O-oh, you're busy. I'll come back another time." Fluttershy began to slowly fly back to the castle. "No Fluttershy, wait!" Stephen called out to her. "What's up?" The yellow pegasus landed to meet him. "Well," Fluttershy said, "Twilight said that you were going to leave some of your Pokémon here. I know they're quite strong and capable of looking after themselves, but would it be okay if I helped and took care of them?" She asked, but quietly added, "if that's alright with you, that is." "It's completely alright, Fluttershy." Stephen smiled. "I'd really appreciate that. But there are some things one must have in case they get hurt. I'll show you later, okay? I'll even let my Pokémon out tonight to stay with you. Come by my room later, and we'll talk." Fluttershy gasped in happiness. "Oh, thank you!" she quietly exclaimed. "Thank you so much! I've always wanted to help take care of one!" She flew away happily back to the castle, no doubt to tell her friends what had happened. The troupe decided to walk inside together; it was about time for a late supper. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So, Stephen," Celestia opened with some small talk. Stephen, his fellow adventurers, and the other Princesses sat around that Royal Dining Room. They were waiting for the butlers to come and take orders. "What exactly do you eat?" "Well..." Stephen decided that now would be okay to tell them. "Back home, we humans are omnivores. We can't eat grass, hay and flowers, but we do eat most vegetables and fruits." "Interesting," Luna remarked. "Unexpected, but not uncommon." "Really?" Stephen asked. Luna and Celestia went on to tell Stephen about the other species that lived in their world. The Gryphons, Dragons, Minotaurs, Changelings, Crystal Ponies, and Diamond Dogs each had their own places and roles in the world. Stephen would have pressed on, but the waiter had arrived for the ponies' orders. Before Stephen could make up his own mind for lunch, Luna spoke for him. "Treat Stephen to the Gryphon lunch, sir." the Moon Regent requested, to which the waiter bowed and cantered out of sight. Twenty minutes of small talk and awkward silences later, the waiters returned with the ponies' lunches and Stephen's surprse meal. "Whoa!" Stephen was surprised by his platter. It was a large, perfectly cooked fish fillet. On the side was a small dish of sautéed mushrooms and onions. "That's quite the spread, even though it's just lunch." the human remarked. "Well, it's best that you enjoy a bit of luxury," Celestia responded, "before you leave and trek through the wilderness." "Even more for me to miss," Stephen joked, and began eating. Lunch was a short affair, and was finished within ten minutes. After the meal, Stephen excused himself and left the dining room, and let for his room. Waiting by his door was Fluttershy; the yellow pegasus was eagerly waiting to be assigned as caretaker of Stephen's Pokémon. "Oh, Stephen!" Fluttershy noticed him as he approached. "Will you let me take care of you friends now?" Stephen smiled when she said 'friends'." "Yeah, of course." he replied. "Follow me, and I'll tell you what you need to know to take care of them." Stephen opened his chamber door and allowed the pony to enter first and followed, closing the door behind him. He reached to his sash and retrieved two Pokeballs, and called out his companions. "Maple, Volta, come on out!" The Electric type and the Grass type popped out, ready for anything. They realized they were in no danger, and regarded each other with friendly smiles. Then the pair looked to Stephen, waiting for instructions. "Hey, guys." Stephen addressed them, petting them each on the head. "I'm going to go on a dangerous mission, and I need you two to help on the defensive, and keep Nova company if she wakes up." He looked to the wall between his room and Nova's, hoping she'd be alright. "I know you guys are capable of handling yourselves, but I need you guys to always keep to Fluttershy while I'm gone. She can heal you, feed you, and keep you company in the meantime, okay?" Stephen's Pokémon nodded in understanding, and looked to Fluttershy with kind smiles. Maple was the first to approach Fluttershy, as they were already familiar with each other. The Eeveelution nuzzled the pegasus's leg and the pony reciprocated. Volta plainly walked over to Fluttershy. Being the tallest of the three, Volta instinctively took a proud, protective stance over them. "Anything else, Stephen?" Fluttershy was giddy with the idea of taking care of these creatures. But what if they got hurt? "Do you have medicine for them just in case?" "Of course!" Stephen walked over to his bed, where his backpack rested. He pulled out good amount of yellow crystals and plenty of spray bottles that were filled with fluids Fluttershy didn't recognize. He showed the crystal first. "This is a Revive crystal. If any of them are knocked unconscious by a blow, place this against their forehead, and it will glow and disappear. This will wake them up, but not heal them fully." Stephen picked up a yellow spray bottle. "This is a Full Heal. If one of the gets burned, frozen, paralyzed, poisoned, or have fallen asleep against their will, use this and the ailment with go away." Stephen picked up a pink and white spray bottle. "Finally, this is a Hyper Potion. If any of them look weak, use this on them and their energy will be restored and they'll be healthy again." Fluttershy took some of the aforementioned items and held them in a hoof, mentally taking notes as Stephen described each medicinal item. She saw a certain look in the Trainer's eyes; he was right at home talking about his items and his Pokémon. She could tell he cared for them, especially Nova. "... and don't forget to make sure neither one of them eats too many sweets, okay? Fluttershy?" Stephen felt he was losing his audience. "You okay?" "Oh, I'm fine." Fluttershy assured him. "Don't you worry, I'll take good care of these two!" "And I'm pretty sure they'll do a pretty good job of protecting you, too." the Trainer said. "They'll know what to do if such a situation comes." "O-oh, good." Fluttershy was still a bit wary of the Pokémon fighting, but had remind herself that it was a natural thing. "Anything else?" "Just one more thing." Stephen said, a little quietly. "Could you check on Nova from time to time? And if she wakes up before I'm back, keep her company. I know you're a kind pony, so I trust you to take good care of my friends, at least until Nova is back in good shape." "Of course, Stephen." Fluttershy knew how much the Psychic Pokémon meant to him. "I'll do my best." With that, Stephen allowed Fluttershy to leave, Maple and Volta in tow. He know had four Pokeballs on his sash: the three that would go on the journey with him, and an empty one, Nova's. The Trainer reached for the latter and removed it from the sash. He walked over to a bedside table, where the Mini-PC and Pokedex sat. He picked up the Pokedex and replaced it with Nova's Pokeball. He regretted doing it, but he didn't want to end up losing it in the journey to Corruption's lair. He had already had a reason to fight, but Corruption had gone too far. Taking Kara was painful enough, but incapacitating Nova nearly broke Stephen. He would fight, not for the ponies and Equestria, but as vengeance for hurting those dear to him. What he didn't know was that Corruption was ready for him, and the draconequus was eager to break the human down even further.