The next day came by quickly enough, after a good night’s rest. Sunset carefully browsed the stock of food and supply items the small store had to offer. She had already bought certain items that seemed useful, such as medicine for both her and Pokémon, a small cooking set for camping, and a gray sleeping bag designed to withstand several weather problems. The only thing left to buy was food itself. Crystal, who was wearing a light purple shirt, was debating with Esmeralda on whether to get a certain kind of berry or not, but Sunset was more focused on the easy to make, just-add-water meals. “Can I help you find anything, miss?” The store owner called over, noticing her confusion.
“No, I’m just looking for now. Thanks, though.” In truth, it was due to the fact that she didn’t recognize many of the meals. She’s never heard of ‘Tauros Burger’ or ‘Steamed Krabby Cakes’ before. Assuming it was just their version of beef and shellfish, she grabbed more than enough packages for a two-week trip and went up to the counter. The total came up, and she paid using her remaining funds – which were now down to a simple 1,200 ‘Poké,’ as she found out the currency was called. “Alright, Crystal,” Sunset said outside, as they walked down the sidewalk. “Anything else we’d need? We’ve got clothes, medicine, food…”
“Do you have any Pokéballs, dear?” She asked. She was then faced with Sunset’s confused look. “Well, I’d imagine you are a trainer, one who’s not unused to travel. Surely you have more Pokémon than little Flandre.”
“Flandre?”
“Surely such a darling Pokémon deserves a nickname to match! Besides, I think it’s a great name for her!” Sunset considered that for a second, then realized Crystal could be right about that. She’s been going around calling her Pokémon by the name of its species. It would be like going around saying her name was ‘unicorn’ or human.’
“You alright with that, then?” Sunset called up to the Espurr on her scalp. It mewed happily, confirming its new name. Changing topic, she continued. “Why would I need more Pokéballs, exactly?”
“Oh, dear.” Crystal said flatly. “You’re a new trainer, aren’t you?” After a shy nod form Sunset, she continued. “Well, most trainers would like to travel with more than one Pokémon. So, having spare Pokéballs on you would let you take ones you meet with you as you travel by them.” She said, Esmeralda nodding.
“That’s how we met. Crystal was starting her own journey a few years ago, and met me on Route 4.” She said telepathically. “We’ve been together ever since, and we’ve cared for each other and the other members of our little family.”
“Other members? You have more Pokémon?”
“Oh, goodness yes, darling!” Crystal reached into her purse and drew out two orbs, one of them a standard red-on-white and the other was a black sphere with golden trim. She threw both orbs up into the air, and a red energy came out of one, spawning a large frog-like creature, blue in color and wearing its tongue as a scarf. The other released a creature that resembled a boulder, with three large legs and red gemstones growing out of its body. “Say hello to Rio and Dauntless!”
“Uhh… hello.” Sunset said carefully. The frog-like creature bowed to her, muttering something along the lines of green ninjas. The other simple stated ‘GIGALITH’ incredibly loudly before tackling Sunset to the ground, its skin surprisingly exactly like a rock as she went straight to the concrete floor. “Ow! Dear Celestia, that hurts!” Sunset almost screamed, but her voice was muffled by the rock creature above her.
“Dauntless, you know better than that! Get off my friend and apologize!” He groaned in protest, but ultimately did get off Sunset, who felt at least a dress size smaller form being crushed like that. Rio walked over and offered his hand, helping her to her feet. Meanwhile, Crystal returned Dauntless to his black Pokéball, sighing. “I apologize for his behavior. He is very affectionate towards others.”
“No… urk… problem…” She coughed out, grabbing her stomach to try to alleviate the now-fading pain. Flandre jumped up, shook slightly, and sat on top of her head. After a few minutes of rest, the pair traveled back to the Pokémon Center, and Crystal directed her friend to a collection of Pokéballs. “So, just get a few of these? The price for a basic one says 200 P.” Sunset ended up buying three of the spheres, if only due to her being curious as well. “So, if there’s absolutely nothing else,” Sunset said, after they left the building, “would it be time to leave?”
“I would assume so, Sunset.” Crystal said, checking her bag. “Alright, off we go! An adventure awaits us, darling!” She struck a pose before heading off towards a gate that had a large ‘5’ above it. Sunset merely smiled at her friend’s dramatic tendencies before following suit.
“I guess every world has parallels to each other,” Sunset mused. “It certainly helps with getting to know others, especially Crystal here. I’m technically already friends with her, after all!” The gate led to an open path, tall grass growing here and there along it. A skate park was located to their immediate right, several people practicing tricks on bikes and roller skates. The route stretched into the distance, the horizon blocked by a dense tree line.
“Hey! Watch out!” A voice called. Sunset barely managed to jump out of the way of a roller skater as she flailed slightly to keep on balance. “Sorry about that, I’m normally good at this, but there’s still some water on the course from the battle a couple of trainers had.” He offered her hand to Sunset, then Crystal. “The name’s Dominic. And you are…?”
The two girls introduced themselves, followed by their Pokémon. “It’s nice to meet you, Dominic.” Sunset said.
“It is to meet you two as well.” He said, before snapping his fingers. “Hey, you’re a trainer, right?” Sunset hesitantly nodded. “Why don’t we have a battle, then? It’s only customary for trainers who meet themselves to do so.”
Sunset started to sweat a little, but said, “Sure, I’ll battle you. I’ve only got one Pokémon, though.”
“No worries!” He replied, before skating backwards. He stopped a respectable distance away before he threw out a Pokéball. A small, cat-like being popped out, black fur covering its body with yellow rings circling its limbs and tail. “Umbra, come on out!” Crystal and Esmeralda retreated to a safe distance, sitting down to observe the fight.
“Alright, Flandre, Let’s do this!” Sunset called out, her Pokémon jumping off her head and taking its usual fighting stance. Its stance being a blank stare into the enemy’s eyes, however. “Use slash!” The Espurr ran up, paw glowing with power.
“Dodge it, Umbra!” Dominic shouted, and the Pokémon obeyed his command. “Use bite!” Umbra’s mouth clamped down on Flandre, and the Espurr cried out in pain.
“No!” Sunset shouted. “Slash! Slash!” Flandre flailed around with her glowing paw, but missed each attack as Umbra held on, biting even harder.
“Finish this up with crunch, Umbra!” The Umbreon opened its jaws wide, then slammed them down on Flandre, causing the small Pokémon to faint. “Yeah, that’s how you do it!” Dominic cheered and Umbra pawed at Flandre, trying to wake up the smaller Pokémon. Sunset ran over, concerned for her friend’s health, until she saw her regain consciousness. “You must be a new trainer, sorry if we went a little overboard.”
“No worries, I guess. You alright, Flandre?”
“Espurr!”
“I think she’s fine. Just some rest is in order.” Crystal said afterwards.
“What I don’t get is why Flandre didn’t last longer. Against a… Totodile, I think, she was able to take a lot more hits.” Sunset questioned.
Dominic laughed. “You don’t know about type matchups? Espurr is a psychic-type Pokémon, and Umbreon is a dark-type, which is very effective against the former.” Dominic explained. Sunset, however, was still confused. “Alright, let me give you a quick rundown…”
(Insert exposition here)
“…And that’s pretty much Pokémon type matchups and move types. Any other questions?” Dominic asked. The explanation had taken most of the day, and the three humans decided to walk along the path. The sun had begun to set as Sunset nodded in unsure understanding.
“Yeah, I think I’ve got it. Thank you for your help, Dominic.” She said, though it still didn’t make much sense. Pokémon had elemental types attached to them? It was strange and new, but her inner scholar awakened at the prospect of observing a brand new form of life. She was silently glad she bought that notepad and pen set back in Lumiose.
Soon, night was falling, and Dominic bid the party farewell. Sunset made a small fire to camp out, and the ready-meal of stew was rather good. Crystal was sleeping away in a tent she packed into her bag, Esmeralda with her. Flandre was fast asleep in the sleeping bag next to Sunset, and the girl herself was jotting down something in her journal.
Dear Princess Twilight, it read, I’m not too sure on this world just yet. It seems full of life, and lovable creatures to be sure, but I’m anxious to get home. I know you won’t actually read this for a while, but it helps me… relax, I guess, trying to have some sort of familiarity here. Flandre, my own Pokémon, is an affectionate friend, but kind of odd at the same time.
Apparently, Pokémon are the creatures of this world. They each have a ‘type,’ which is a kind of physical classification the humans here have come up with. Flandre herself is what’s known as a ‘psychic’ type. In short, I have a whole new form of magic to study here – the magic that makes Pokémon work the way you do.
I am also making new friends here, too. I’ve met a girl named Crystal, who reminds me a lot of Rarity. Maybe this world has parallels as well, but they’re called something different due to this world’s customs. Either way, we’re headed to the Sinnoh region together, to try to find a way for me to get home. Well, she’s planning on meeting a friend there, but still.
Your friend, Sunset Shimmer.
Below that line was a crude picture of Flandre and Sunset, each one looking happy. Smiling herself, Sunset closed the makeshift journal, and drifted off to sleep as well.