Little Lost Raichu
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Chapter 15
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Visiting the Swarm
Nica felt like luck had finally started shining down upon her. Who else could say that they were currently perched on a large shape-shifting creature, a leader of a nation no less, with a tiny Princess of Equestria and a tiny version of the princess’s student pressed against her cheeks. More or less doing it while on a mission to end a national crisis. Well, maybe not ending said crisis personally, but playing an itty bitty part in resolving it.
Still, the mission was important and she had friends who were counting on her, and there was a risk she could fail. She needed to help Thorax get along with his brother so they could work together in resolving the problem in the hive. The question was, how?
Nica wrapped the living dolls with her tail and rubbed her chin, thinking deeply with the bronze sky and numerous clouds in the background.
According to Thorax’s stories, his brother has protected him ever since they were very young, yet still bullied him over his weaknesses. It was a mean thing to do, but maybe he wasn’t bullying him for enjoyment. Maybe he thought it was for the best. Nica looked into the memories of her past. When she was a Pichu, she often found enjoyment in messing with her brothers and sisters, and pranking the human girl became a source of amusement. If Thorax’s brother found amusement in bullying him, why did he protect him in the first place? Wouldn’t it be more fun to just sit on the sidelines and watch as others picked on his brother?
“You seems distressed, is there something we can help you with?” Twilight asked, her tiny forehooves supported on the black part of the long tail.
“Why do you ask? She can’t answer us without writing, which is hard to do at such an altitude with all this wind,” Starlight commented, pointing at their tiny manes and tails waving on the wind.
Twilight nodded. “Good point.”
“Let’s just leave her to her thoughts for now, unless you want yet another snuggling/cuddling session,” Starlight suggested.
Twilight bit her bottom lip and her ears drooped, her cheeks blushing. “While I find the experience to be… somewhat pleasant… it’s really embarrassing.”
Starlight shrugged. “Personally, while I enjoyed all the hugs and snuggles, it gets really overwhelming, but I can’t resist her playful nature and say no to those pleading eyes. If we’re going to leave, it’s now or never.”
Both tiny ponies nodded in agreement before the dolls returned back to normal, flapping without resistance in the wind with Raichu’s tail keeping them in place.
My first goal should be… what was his name again? Nevermind... I need to earn Thorax’s brother’s trust. He’s a warrior and is very protective of the hive, but is also very aggressive and bossy about it. Being nice and cute will just annoy him. She closed her eyes, thinking back to her roots. Where she came from, pokemon were always very competitive, fighting each other to become stronger and prove their superiority, but rarely was there malice involved between them. As long as both sides respected each other, by fighting they only deepened their bonds and respect. Beating each other being a friendly sport that both sides enjoy… I can’t deny it, we have a very weird culture. She frowned. But… I don’t want to hurt him…
NIca’s ears drooped. Fighting seemed to be something a changeling warrior would respect, and it was in her nature to battle, but no matter how careful she could be, fighting would still require hurting each other. Was she even capable of fighting?
Closing her eyes again, Nica thought back to the countless fights she’s had as a Pichu. Day after day she’d faced stronger opponents, and only by becoming more skilled and learning from her failures was she able to keep up despite all her disadvantages. In fact, fair fights were such a rarity, that losing fair and square was near impossible. Maybe being in an actual battle will help me learn how to use my powers. There are also new attacks I used as Pichu that I haven’t tried out yet. She took a deep breath. She now had a plan, albeit a plan she didn’t like and a plan where she would need to improvise and hurt someone. Never before had she been so far away from her comfort zone.
“We’re here,” Thorax said, landing slowly on the top of a cliff, the very one where Discord learned about the magical throne that soaked all but changeling magic. Thorax pointed at the large structure ahead of him and asked, “This is my home, so… what do you think of it?”
Nica climbed up Thorax’s neck, peeking out from between his three horns. What she saw looked… odd, as if someone had turned a small mountain into a creepy castle and then cut it in half and covered with flowers and grass.
“Oh, right…” Thorax said before lowering his head and letting off his passenger. In a burst of green flames, he shapeshifted into a Raichu, chuckling at the surprise on Nica’s face as his saddlebags landed next to him. <So, what do you think of my home?>
<Well.. it looks sweet… creepy, but still sweet,> Nica said, not meeting his eyes. <Please, don’t feel offended…>
Thorax rolled his eyes. <And here I thought I was the one always afraid to hurt others feelings. As for the creepy part, this is what’s left from Chrysalis’ rule after her defeat.> He gestured over to the area with his paw. <With the changelings no longer feeding on love, we can finally plant flowers and grass and make this place much more appealing.>
Nica tilted her head to the side. <What do you mean by ‘feeding on love’, and what does it have to do with the flowers and grass? How can there be love in the grass?>
Thorax rubbed the back of his neck. <Well... it’s a bit complicated. In short, we need magic to survive, but in the past we’d steal it from other living creatures and even take bits of it from plants and grass. It just happens that emotions often affects the strength of one's magic. That’s why stealing it from loving creatures was very filling, especially if the affection and love were given to us. That’s why deception became an important part of Chrysalis’ arsenal.>
Nica rubbed the top of her head. She was a creature specialized in fighting and survival, not in thinking. Understanding complicated stuff proved more difficult than she thought. <Can you… repeat that?>
Thorax gave his friend a patient smile. <To make it simple. We were stealing magic from everything. Stealing magic from loving creatures like ponies was most efficient. But ever since I made friends, something in me changed. It’s as if I evolved. I’m never hungry and have enough magic to shapeshift many times with nearly no drawbacks.>
<Evolved?> Nica asked. From what she knew already, Pichu could evolve into Pikachu and next into what she was now. Each evolution made her bigger and most likely affected her power. Yet what Thorax described seemed much more advanced. Resolving an issue of endless hunger and eliminating the need to drain something as important as magic was undoubtedly big.
<Anyway… we shouldn’t delay. I need to accommodate you in my home so we can rest and start working hard tomorrow.> In a burst of green flames, he returned back to normal, picking up the tiny dolls from her friend’s tail and placing them back inside his saddlebag. “Want me to give you a ride, or do you prefer to explore on paw?”
Raichu poked her own chest and jumped forward, falling down the cliff with a soft landing.
Thorax bit his lip, but calmed just as quickly. “Your jumping speciality… I keep forgetting about it.” Using his wings, he slowly descended down the cliff and followed his companion.
Nica’s exploration was interrupted as she sensed an aura coming from… a rock? Curious and confused, she walked on two legs and sniffed the boulder. It smelled like a rock and looked like a rock, but no stone should feel annoyed as this one did. After a closer examination, there didn’t seem to be many cracks. The boulder was no bigger than a pony and was surprisingly smooth. At least more smooth than the other ones.
“Is something wrong?” Thorax asked, landing in front of the boulder before looking at it with narrowed eyes.
Nica pointed at it and nodded.
“Let me guess, you think it’s not a boulder?” Thorax asked, and she nodded in confirmation. “Do you think someone disguised himself as a rock?” This time Nica nodded at him energetically. With a smug, Thorax poked the stone and said, “You can drop the disguise, Pharynx. You're busted.”
Nica observed the green flames that changed the boulder into a dark bug-like creature. She smiled nervously and rubbed her arm, but not from surprise. If Pharynx was indeed the warrior brother that Thorax told her about, she would need to make a good first impression here and now. The bad news… she didn’t even get an opportunity to practice the attacks she remembered from her dreams.
Raichu looked between both changelings, finding each surprisingly different. Unlike Thorax, his brother had only three colors. Black body, violet back and wings, and something red on his head that reminded her of scales standing up on top of Spike’s head. Upon noticing two big holes in the changeling's legs, Nica took a step back and held a paw to her mouth. Her cheeks turned green.
The challenging growled at her and next glanced up at his taller brother. “Did you warn this thing about my disguise?”
“I didn’t. She was the first one to find out before I even sensed your presence,” Thorax answered. “Her name’s Nica by the way, and she’s a Raichu.” He looked down at his little friend. “Nica, meet Pharynx, he’s my brother I told you about.”
Pharynx lowered his head to her face level. “So you noticed me despite my disguise. You’re one keen-eyed creature, or is it just a disguise? Number and rank, soldier?!”
Thorax shook his foreleg dismissively. “She’s not a changeling, but she can sense emotions. She may even be better at it than we are. Well… maybe...”
“Oh really…” Pharynx said while rubbing his chin, examining the creature from top to bottom. “You beat me at my own game, so I must admit you’re not a worthless piece of meat. What are you anyway?”
Raichu was about to speak, but Thorax beat her to it.
“She’s a pet that Twilight and Starlight took under their care. She cheered me up when I was visiting Ponyville and agreed to help me resolve the infights in the pack,” Thorax explained.
“Oh really? And how can this thing help?” Pharynx slammed his forehooves together. His very glare made Nica take a few hesitant steps backward. “What is needed are strict decisions, punishments and the arrests of all traitors.”
Thorax smirked. “Don’t worry about that. Dragon Lord Ember taught me how to be more assertive and gave me some advice.” He stomped and narrowed his eyes. “I’ll show them that my decision is final, and if they refuse to see a reason, I can always turn into a big gorilla!”
Pharynx grinned. “Finally showing some backbone, brother, and here I feared you were completely hopeless.” He pointed at Raichu and asked, “But you still didn’t answer how this thing can help.”
“Well… it’s a long story,” Thorax said with a sheepish smile.
“Then I don’t have time to hear it. I have patrol to finish and other duties afterwards.” Pharynx looked at Raichu and hissed. “As for you, you’re on our territory so behave yourself. You may be under Thorax’s protection, but cause any trouble,” he stomped a small stone next to him, cracking it to pieces, “and I’ll punish you personally.”
Raichu nodded a few times at a quick pace.
“Now hold on a second,” Thorax said, but his brother had already started walking away. After taking a deep breath and mustering his courage, he shouted, “I said stop! That’s an order!”
Pharynx stopped and turned around, his face calm but impassive.
Nica glanced at Thorax, sensing distress and fear while seeing a face devoid of confidence. It became obvious that he wanted to keep his brother from leaving, but didn’t plan ahead.
She gazed at Pharynx and gulped. Commanding his attention on her own seemed near impossible, and if she wouldn’t do anything here and now, Pharynx would just leave. If she was going to make a move, it was now or never. Any delays would only reduce her chance of success.
Taking a deep breath, Raichu lowered herself to four legs and approached with firm steps, looking at the changeling with narrowed eyes.
Pharynx didn’t move or speak, but his glare and aura was filled with hostility.
Nica pointed at the black changeling and shouted, <I challenge you to a battle! And I won’t take no for an answer!>
Pharynx looked at Thorax and asked, “Permission to speak.”
“G-granted…”
“Why is this thing repeating Raichu and Rai? Is this a secret code, or is this creature some kind of moron?”
“H-hey, stop insulting her!” Thorax said with a growing confidence. “This is just how she communicates. I’ll translate.” In a burst of green flames, he turned himself into a Raichu and approached his no longer smaller companion. <So, what is it that you were trying to say?>
Nica smiled and approached Thorax, whispering into his ear.
Pharynx kept staring at the scene, not daring to move. It was an order after all, and part of him was proud of his brother for finally acting like a proper leader. The other part, however, was annoyed. Every second he wasted here doing nothing would be a second more for potential enemies to sneak into the hive or traitors to plan a rebellion. To make matters worse, his brother was now in the shape of a tiny feeble fluffy critter, an ultimate humiliation for a changeling ruler.
<What? Are you sure it’s a good idea?> Thorax asked.
<Not really, and I don’t like this plan, but it seems to be the best way to impress him,> Nica answered.
<Well… if that’s what you think. I suppose with my brother it can’t get any worse.>
Pharynx gritted his teeth. Hearing the same words repeating themselves was like a secret code, as if they were talking behind his back, and it was something he really hated. He could turn into a Raichu himself, but he would rather be tortured for hours than become something so unintimidating.
Thorax shapeshifted back into his real form and cleared his throat. “Sir Pharynx, Lady Nica is challenging you to,” he paused, struggling to get the following words out of his throat, “a d-d-d-duel…”
“A duel?” Pharynx asked before bursting into laughter, struggling to stand still. Only his years of experience and self-discipline prevented him from rolling on the ground. “If that was meant to be a joke, it was a very amusing one. And if it wasn’t… it’s still hilarious.”
Thorax chuckled. “Well… it wasn’t a joke. Lady Nica comes from a distant land, which is somewhere across the ocean. Where she comes from, she’s called a pokemon, and pokemon often combat one another. They fight to prove themselves, improve their abilities and gain each other’s respect.”
“Interesting,” Pharynx said, deciding to give some of his attention to this intriguing culture. In fact, it didn’t even seem all that different to what changelings used to do, as long as they had enough love to spare for combat.
“When I was telling Nica about my past and the problems I face at home, I also told her about you,” Thorax said, struggling to maintain a firm face. None of his emotions were concealed to the senses of a fellow changeling. “Knowing about you from my story, Lady Nica said that you’re a strong, loyal and brave warrior who cares about his hive, and she wants to challenge you to earn your respect in battle. She also hope you’ll impress her in turn.”
Pharynx blinked in confusion, looking between his brother and the fluffy creature. Were they actually serious? While there was much about this ‘Pokemon’ culture he admired, and Nica seemed respectful towards him, how could he take any of it seriously? Narrowing his eyes and staring at Raichu, he asked, “While I wouldn’t mind a battle since I need to keep my skills in shape, and lately finding a sparring partner has become difficult, why should I waste my time and energy on someone so small?” He stomped again, leaving a hole in the ground. “You’re as intimidating as a bunny. I would crush you with ease.”
Nica shook her head, and next stood on the tips of her rear paws while placing her forepaws on her hips. She puffed out her chest, showing nothing but confidence.
Thorax turned into a Raichu again and asked a few quick questions as Nica answered each of them. Turning back into his full might, he continued, “Lady Nica says that where she comes from, the size of a creature is very misleading. Tiny innocent beings possess enough power to bring mighty giants to their knees.”
Raichu poked her chest, forcing a confident smile, but Pharynx sensed fear. Still, it wasn’t a fear of being crushed into a puddle by a larger and more dangerous foe, it was… something else. If this creature wasn’t afraid of him, what was she afraid of?
“Lady Nica also believes that being intimidating isn’t the only option to gain an advantage in battle.” Thorax continued, “If you’ll allow her innocent and... cute appearance,” he gave the critter a dreamy smile,” to fool you, you’ll lose the battle before it even starts.”
Pharynx grinned as his wings buzzed in excitement. “Oh, I see, clever. Making yourself look weak and defenseless to give your enemies a false sense of security, and then strike them with no mercy while their guard is down.” He smiled. “I’ll be sure to remember that.”
Nica and Thorax glanced at each other and smiled sheepishly. This wasn’t what they were going for, but it was still progress… right?
“Alright then, I accept your challenge, but don’t expect me to go easy on you. Hope you’re not just bark and no bite, or else expect lots of broken bones,” Pharynx said while taking a fighting stance. His horn was surrounded by a rich green aura and his wings were ready. If his brother really had changed and was going to bring order back into the hive, he needed to be in top shape to deal with those who would still resist. This fluffy creature would serve as the perfect punching bag.
Yes!!! Let the fight commence! Raichu used Thunder
Pharynx gonna B ReKt
as much luck as I had so far, I image her totally being beaten into a pulp by his brother, leaving me to wish she could fight back. I know you said this and that, but I still wait to see her first actually win in a battle.
I say it again, but only because I feel like this explains it better, I think that just because he "evolved" first, he didn't needed to be the chosen one and king of their species. That is just a bit to chliche for my liking that he ended up to be the king and got the ugliest form of them. I really hate his horns sometimes.
?
I liked Pharynx? form in the show, but I would like it if some changelings stay in their old form, I guess the others could give him the love he needs.
Well like I said, my guesses are on brokem bones, but another question, can she even use her thunder at the moment?
8710027
I kind of hope that happens, I'm just not convinced yet.
Kick his crunchy backside, Nica! *summons theater-size popcorn maker and drink machines* I'm gonna enjoy this!
Can I join you?
Sure, Pinkie. In fact, anyone can.
Go Nica! You can beat Pharynx!
does she have static or lightning rod.
8710020
Sadly, in pokemon games 70% accuracity on Thunder basically means that you have only 50% chance to actually hit (for some reason, chance to hit in pokemon games seems to be waaay lower than the accuracity dictates, sometimes even missing twice in a row with attack that have 90% accuracity). What I try to say is that Thunder isn't all that reliable unless you have rain-weather team, and even in the show Thunder is rarely used.
8710027
Maybe, maybe not. Keep in mind that Nica is just trying to earn his respect, but she doesn't like hurting others, so she'll no doubt try to hold back. In the end it will all depend on how far Pharynx will push her and how many combat skills Nica will regain in the heat of battle. I suppouse if Pharynx won't know when to surrender, he'll get what's comming to him.
8710092
I think you're getting the wrong impression. Nica may be restrained by her missing memories, but her body is still battle-hardened. She can endure a lot of abuse for a long time, so she'll have a lot time for her skills to kick in in the heat of combat.
Raichu due to her small size and limited strength can do very little without access to her attacks, so Nica seems to be very weak, but should she remember how to use even a single attack, her combat prowess will jump to the roof.
I must disagree with you on this regard. Thorax had his own ark in the Crystal Empire, he was hesistant from following the ways of his hive from youth and was willing to give friendship a chance (even saved Spike), and he was the one who directly fought back against Chrysalis.
If anything, I find other changelings turning on Chrysalis in the same way Thorax did and getting their transformation to be rushed and came out of nowhere. At least Thorax made the first step and embraced the change early on, while other changelings didn't have any reason to do what they did.
Considering that her trainer went on Nica quite harshly when she was a Pichu and hold back her evolution until she proved herself, and since now she's a Raichu with a lot of durability, there's a fair chance that she know some strong attacks. The problem is for her to regain memories of how to use them. As for if she know Thunder, I can't answer. Revealing her movepoll would be spoiling.
8710245
Seems quite many readers are looking forward to Nica beating Pharynx in a battle. I'm sure the next chapter won't be a disapointed.
8710506
Still, its a powerful move, minus the low accuracy. And maybe the horns could act like lightning rods? Who knows, its your story. But thunderbolt is good.
8710452
I wonder. Do the reason why so many people cheer up for Nica to beat Pharynx is because they want Pharynx to have his flank kicked due to his arrogance and personality he showed in the episode, or do they cheer up for Nica's victory because they want her to show that she's not only innocent and cute, but can also be a badass?
8710498
Her ability is static. However, considering that when compared to Lighting Rod in the game, Static is a very poor ability, and since in the anime static proved to be quite useful on Ash's Pikachu, I boosted static significantly for the story. Let's just say that Nica can use her static ability really really well, she just doesn't remember that. (This ability activated on its own when Nica was slashed by the Manticore, giving her an opening to escape).
8710518
I think its for both reasons. I want her to win because Pharynx was a pain in the butt, and Nica is a freakin Raichu!!! She's badass already. WHy not let her show it in a good spar?
8710518
Nah, I love the character of Pharynx! He's one of my favorites of the new characters of mlp.
8710518
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Static an ABILITY? As in, you can't USE it. You get attacked someone, who has that, you have a chance to get paralized.
8711669
That's correct, but considering that when compared to Lighting Rod, Static is a very poor ability, I boosted it a bit in the story to make it more competitive. Let's just say that if Nica upon being hit would take action to make sure that her body stays in contact with her opponent for long time rather than being pushed away imidedly, her chances of paralysing said opponent increase from 30% to 80%, Basically, by increasing time her enemy's attack made contact with her body she can increase the chance of static to activate, which isn't easy considering that she's small and not all that heavy.
8711732
I see. I sometimes dislike games, simply because they force you to only use 4 moves. Sure, limitations on early game consoles, plus need to compromise, pland ahead and generally think hard on what you need and don't need, but usually, when you know how something is done, you can do it forever, until you just not able to. Little boy, who knows how to climb, can clim as a teen, but cannot climb as an adult. He still knows how, but just can't. Same SHOULD apply to pokemon, they are able to use all moves from their moveset, only losing them when they evolve, and only if evolved for cannot use them due to reasons.
Speaking of boosting, why don't have it not in persentage, but story telling. Like, in anime, pretty sure Ash's Pikachu had Static. And it only activated, like, once or twice.
8711908
You'll see what I mean in the next chapter.
8711932
No, I perfectly understand, I was just recommending you to go without persentage, but rather just saying that it worked or not. Keep writing.
Also, Will she know only four moves, or be more realistic, and have some semblance of a decent move pool. Like, 5-7, or more? =)
Don't let Rainbow hear this, Twi.
8714215
To be fair, even in the anime, pokemon never used more than four moves (even Ash's Pikachu stopped using one move when he learned another. Agility, Thunder, Volt Tackle, those were moves that he used at one point, but stopped when they were replaced with Iron Tail and Electro Ball.
If even anime limit pokemon to use of only four moves, I don't feel like going against it, however, one move can be used in many diferent ways, so I can say that Nica have a move that she use more creatively, though she doesn't remember it yet.
8714618
Rainbow Dash: So let me get this straight. You possesed a tiny doll to keep an eye on Raichu, only to end up having several snuggling and cuddling sessions with her? That's hilarious. I would pay to see that and add extra bits to see some belly rubs.
8720849
I think some anime Pokemon used more than four moves, if only to present challenge to Ash or some contestant. Also, from what I understood it still kinda followed games in some or other aspects. And I still stand by what I say. "Realistically", pokemon should know all moves that they ever learned, but only if they can use them. In games that could be justified to as for competition you're only ALLOWED(as you're only allowed up to six pokemon) to use four moves. As in, you make movesets of four from all that your pokemon knows, and can swap them in between battles. Considering only six pokemon rule, early in the show, the Charmander trainer came back, and when Char refused to go back, that trainer held a pile of pokeballs over his head. I know it was played for laughs, but still. Pokeballs got a hardvare/softvare later to make it impossible to have more than six active pokemons at once, in anime.
You can raise Thunder’s accuracy by having a Pokemon spam it. Because Nica has it in her moveset, wouldn’t it also count as a STAB bonus?
8971528
Finally someone pointed out that reference. Congrats.
*ahem* Raichu.. use Tackle. *watches as Pharynx blasts off*
I'm in love. This is such a good interpretation.