//------------------------------// // Ch.1 - Exploration Pt.3 // Story: Little Lost Pikachu // by CommanderX5 //------------------------------// Little Lost Pikachu - Chapter 1 - Exploration Pt.3 “So, what do you think of this place? Beautiful, isn’t it?” Nica asked as she stood on a little bridge while gesturing at the scenery behind her. Pikachu crossed the bridge and looked around, examining the area ahead and behind him. On the ground he noticed several dens among the grass field, or rather the tops of many heads emerging from them. He glanced at several trees surrounding the area, noticing holes in the trees for bronze creatures to live in and nests on the branches that housed various flying beings. Each animal reminded him of smaller versions of pokemon with images of Pachirisu, Buneary, Ekans, and Pidgeotto being the first to come to his mind. Either these were a new type of pokemon species, or he did indeed end up in a different world. Seeing the excited face of Nica awaiting his answer, he nodded. “It certainly is a nice-looking place,  but to be honest, I saw more peaceful and colorful locations during my travels.” “Fair enough, but I would bet all the bits I earned that Miss Fluttershy will be different to anyone you have ever met. It’ll be so much fun!” Nica ran towards the cottage, knocking at it with her tail while her body was shaking in excitement. Pikachu followed, his attention now on the opening door revealing a yellow winged pony with a long pink tail and mane. A pony with wings is called a pegasus, and her name is Fluttershy… I got it memorized, good… he thought, remembering what his guardian told him about as they ran quite a distance to get here. “Oh, hello Nica, are you paying me a friendly visit?” Fluttershy closed her eyes and tapped her forehooves cheerfully. “How wonderful.” She tried to wrap Nica into a hug with her wings, who leaped backward in response. “Ummm… is something wrong?” “Two things actually,” Nica said as she pointed at a visible bandage on Fluttershy’s foreleg. “What happened.” “Oh… that.” Fluttershy paused. “A little black creature appeared near my cottage when I was having a picnic with my little friends,” she said while massaging her foreleg. “This pokemon looked just like the one which Darkrai summoned to help him escape right before you convinced Darkrai to end this conflict. He looked lost, confused and lonely so I tried to earn his trust, but he bit me and ran away.” Nica stomped and grit her teeth, her ears straight up and her tail slammed against the ground. “Where did he go?!” Pikachu flinched, once again caught off guard by her aggression. Fluttershy pointed at the nearby hills. “I saw him run away into the Everfree Forest, but later from my window I noticed him leaving it. He seemed to be going towards the Sweet Apple Acres.” Nica nodded. “That makes sense. I was escorting my friend here out from the Everfree Forest and I didn’t encounter any other pokemon.” “Wait a moment.” Pikachu rubbed the back of his head while staring at Nica in confusion. “You convinced Darkrai, a legendary pokemon, to stop his invasion?” “Oh, she did, and she was very brave while doing so. Despite all her injur–” Fluttershy was interrupted as the tip of a heart-shaped tail booped her muzzle. Nica held a forepaw in front of her mouth. “Sssshhhh... let’s not trouble our guest with details. What happened, happened.” The pegasus nodded. “Alright. If you wish to keep what happened to yourself, I will respect that.” She lowered herself to Pikachu’s head level, her muzzle millimeters away form his nose, and then spoke, “Hello little one.” She looked down. “Your feet are so tiny,” she looked up, “and those pointy ears and little nose. I must say, you look sooo cute.” The moment Pikachu blushed, she nuzzled his cheek, careful not to touch the red dots. “T-thanks… I think,” Pikachu said, taking a step back. There seemed to be something appealing in her calm voice. “Nica,” Fluttershy said as she looked to the side, catching her attention. “There seem to be some similarities between you two. Is he your younger brother or something.” “Younger brother?” Pikachu laughed and shook his head. “Nothing of the sort.” He gestured with his paws as if drawing a smaller creature in the air. “Pichu evolve into Pikachu,” he pointed at himself and next at Nica, “...and Pikachu evolve into Raichu. We’re the same species, just different evolutions.” Fluttershy nodded before raising herself to her full height, now towering over them both. “I must say, your evolution line is very cute.” Nica hid a blush behind her forepaw. “That’s true… but ponies are cute too, maybe even more adorable than we are. I can even bet that you find my pre-evolution cuter and more huggable than me.” “Not at all,” Fluttershy said before wrapping Nica with her wing and pressing her into her chest. “You may be bigger and a bit different, but I’ll always find you the most adorable.” Pikachu observed the exchange. That’s one warm hug. While all the ponies I meet thus far are very friendly, they're especially enthusiastic and trusting towards Nica. There’s no doubts she created very strong bonds with the ponies and played a big role in the conflict from more than a week ago. He rubbed his chin. But she also seems a bit secretive. How did she end up in this world? Her involvement in that conflict and so on. If she’s going to be my guardian, it would be nice to learn more about her. He smiled awkwardly, then looked down at his feet and next at the river nearby while holding his forepaws behind his back… waiting. That sure is a long-lasting hug. How long are they going to prolong it? A minute later, Fluttershy released Nica, who poked her own chest. “If he looked just like the pokemon that Darkrai summoned during our final encounter, I bet he’s the Umbreon from Astra’s team. He was always very aggressive to strangers. I’ll scold him and ask him to apologize.” “Oh, there’s no need for that.” Fluttershy shook her foreleg dismissively. “Of course there is. Injuring a mare as kind as you is inexcusable. In the meanwhile, can you show Pikachu your hospitality?” She grinned. “I order for him a full round of snuggles, belly rubs, wing hugs and a massage. Tea party being optional.” Pikachu gasped and spread his forepaws in panic. “W-what?! You gotta be kidding me!” “Don’t be like that, you’ll love it. Fluttershy’s feathers are sooo soft and her touch is so gentle. I will be back soon, so until then, enjoy.” “Hey, get back here!” Pikachu kept staring at the running Raichu and next looked to the side and up at the towering pegasus, who observed him with a bright smile. “Nica really loved to play with me, I hope you will as well. Please come inside. I will try my best to show you the affection, care and love you deserve.” Pikachu chuckled nervously, following it up with an awkward smile. That face, that calm voice, how was he going to say ‘no’ to that? His feet made contact with the red carpet with two golden stripes on each side which lay across the floor between the door and the table with four pillows around it. Upon noticing Fluttershy pat a space on a sofa at the end of the room, he rounded the table and leaped onto it, perching himself on the right side. Fluttershy sat on the left, supported against two pillows. He quickly examined the area, noticing two door-less entrances into other rooms, one probably being the kitchen, and stairs leading to the upper floor. There seemed to be numerous wooden houses all over the room housing small flying creatures. A little white creature sitting on the basket was glaring daggers at him for some reason. “Alright, let’s start with a wing-hug,” Fluttershy said as she spread her wings, slowly and carefully moving them towards him. Pikachu looked left and right, seeing the large wings close in from both sides, trapping him. He felt the soft feathers press against his limbs and fur, and then his head press into the soft fur on the pegasus’ chest. Pikachu’s muscles relaxed and a pleasant smile grew on his face. The warmth, the softness. It was sooo much different when compared to Pinkie’s hug as there was no enthusiasm in form of strong squeezing. I must say, this pegasus sure knows how to be gentle. It feels sooo nice. “Nica always loved my wing hugs and could last in them for minutes. I hope you like them too,” Fluttershy said as she looked into a small opening between her wings, one she left to allow him to breathe. “Sorry if you feel a bit trapped. You’re smaller than her so it’s easier to cover you whole.” “I don’t mind at all,” Pikachu said as he nuzzled the pegasus’ chest. While his trainer stroked him from time to time or held him in his arms whenever he was hurt, it was nowhere near this level of affection. “I prefer adventuring and tough battles, but I think a minute or two in your hug would be nice.” Fluttershy giggled, occasionally glancing at a clock on the wall in order to release her captive after two minutes. If I have to choose, I think hugging Nica is more enjoyable. There’s so much more fur to feel and she’s much more enthusiastic. Though I can’t deny that warmly embracing such a little creature feels nice too. The moment she felt wriggling, she loosened her grip over Pikachu, now holding him in front of her face on one wing. The yellow creature lay on her wing on his back with limbs spread in four directions, perched in between the yellow feathers. Cute, cute, cute… She lowered her muzzle and nuzzled his nose. Pikachu waited a few seconds before gently pushing her muzzle away. “Belly rubbing time,” Fluttershy said with a squeal as she raised her foreleg and carefully sank the tip of her hoof into Pikachu’s belly, moving it back and forth across his fur. The pokemon giggled in response. Fluttershy looked at his tail and her ears drooped. “Is something wrong?” Pikachu asked. “Oh… it’s nothing. It’s just that… when I played with Nica, she always returned my rubbing with the help of her tail, but it’s fine.” Pikachu stood up and approached the edge of her wing, pressing his tail against her belly before moving it. Short size of his tail making the task a little difficult. Fluttershy smiled cheerfully. It wasn’t the same, but she appreciated the gesture. With a delicate movement of her forehoof, she rubbed the top of Pikachu's head and next between his ears, causing him to smile ever more warmly. Pikachu slid his head from under Fluttershy's hoof and grabbed it. He climbed onto her foreleg and looked at her curiously, “May I ask you a few questions?” “Sure,” she said with a nod. “How long Nica has been here, and is she missing her trainer?” Pikachu asked, balanced on her foreleg. “She seems so carefree and happy, as if she doesn’t miss her home.” Fluttershy looked into the curious eyes of the little creature, her tone motherly. “There’s no need to worry about her. She doesn’t miss her home and really likes it here. She’s not putting on a mask if that’s what you thought.” “Not missing home, why? Doesn’t she care about her trainer?” “That’s not it, I’m sure she cares for her. It is more about the circumstances of her arrival,” Fluttershy said with a slow shake of her head. She perched Pikachu on her raised wing, his light weight barely making a difference. “When she first arrived in Equestria, it wasn’t a silent arrival but an extremely loud crash. I saw a portal in the sky and heard a loud noise a few seconds later. I soon find out from the Manticore that it tried to hurt Nica, who at this time was covered in bruises.” “Manticore? That’s what she called the poke… I mean… creature who I encountered. We were about to fight, but Nica found us and scared it away effortlessly,” Pikachu pointed out. Fluttershy giggled. “Oh, now with all her memories and skills at her disposal, it no doubt had to be easy. When she arrived for the first time though, Darkrai sealed away her memories. She was hurt, hungry and dehydrated while not remembering a single thing from her past. She didn’t even remember any of her own abilities or how to defend herself.” Pikachu’s ears and his jaw dropped. He shook his head and shouted with a panicked voice, “Wait a moment. So not only was she hurt, but had no idea how to use electricity… and she survived!” Fluttershy nodded. “B-but… for pokemon of our size, not remembering how to use a single attack move… such a large creature would outmatch us with ease.” He grabbed the tip of Fluttershy’s wing into his embrace and shivered. “It must have been horrifying for her.” “Oh, it was, but from what I heard, Applejack allowed her to feed on her apples, took her to Dr. Fauna for a check-up, and next took her to the castle where Starlight damaged the seal placed on her mind. Her memories had been returning little by little, and since it took time for her to remember her trainer, friends and home, she got attached to us instead. I think more than a month has passed since she arrived here, and Darkrai removed the seal from her memories as an offering of peace.” “I see, that makes sense. I suppose this is also why she’s trying her best to help me,” Pikachu said as he glanced at the window. “Even with limited memories, she was always such a sweetheart. I remember our first encounter very fondly. We showed affection to each other, had a tea party.” She tapped her forehooves in front of her face. “Back then she could only write to talk with other ponies, but my special talent let me talk with animals and I understood her perfectly, making our interactions so much easier. She chose to stay with Starlight though.” “She prefered to stay at the castle rather than in this lovely place? I thought she loved your wing-hugs and belly-rubs.” “Oh, she did,” Fluttershy said. “But it was Starlight who cheered her up when she was depressed, and Nica wanted to be helpful and learn how to control her powers.” “I suppose it was a bit unfair for me not to trust her. It’s time for me to accept that I’m no longer in my world and appreciate her efforts to help me,” Pikachu said, still staring at the scenery behind the window. “Twilight already told me she’ll find a way to send me back to my world, but I haven’t took her seriously because I didn’t want to believe it. As much as I want to return home and reunite with Ash, I can only put my trust in Nica and Twilight. If I started panicking, it would get me nowhere.” “You poor dear,” Fluttershy said as she nuzzled his cheek. “I know you must miss your friends, but worry not, I’m sure Twilight will find a way to send you home.” She rubbed his back. “And what about Darkrai, when did he arrive in this world and why did he try to summon pokemon and invade it?” Pikachu asked. “It is all because of Queen Chrysalis. She was an evil queen of the changeling swarm who tried to take over Equestria more than once. After her hive rebelled against her, she somehow found a way to summon Darkrai into this world and became his mentor of sort. She was a terrible influence for him. If it wasn’t for Nica…” She paused. “I’m sorry… I’m unsure if it is something she wants you to know. You should ask her yourself.” Pikachu sighed in defeat, his head lowered. Fluttershy pressed Pikachu against her cheek and snuggled him as his smaller limbs showed little resistance. Snuggles were part of what Nica suggested, and she wasn’t going to let him stay in a bad mood. “H-hey… stop it… it tickles.” Fluttershy looked at Pikachu’s tiny feet before moving the tip of her right wing towards them, tickling them playfully. Nica ran towards the cottage as a few drops of sweat were sliding down her face. Running all the way from Fluttershy’s cottage to Sweet Apple Acres and scouting the rich orchard for half an hour without a break put strain even on her stamina. Luckily, a befriended dog, Winona, was more than happy to sniff out the location of the Umbreon, as well as two other pokemon she did not meet before. She looked up at her raised tail, or rather at the pokemon balanced on it. An energetic blue pokemon called Popplio maintained balance on her tail with his own while clapping his fins. His snout white with whiskers and with a red nose at the end. A light blue ruff collar with four flippers decorated his neck. Nica stopped and sat in front of the cottage, supporting her back against the door to give her legs a moment to rest. She giggled upon seeing a backflip performed by her passenger whose tail landed on her tail once more. “Nice acrobatic trick. Once I rest a moment, I will show you mine.” Popplio cheered before backflipping once again, this time landing on the grass instead. Nica shook her head. "Maybe another time. While Princess Twilight searches for a way to return you and your friends back home, you need a place to stay and a pony to look after you." She looked at the horizon. Her slower companions now in her field of vision. Once Umbreon reached the cottage, she stood up and spoke in harsh tone, “Biting this sweet, kind, and innocent pony was a very mean thing to do. I’m really disappointed in you.” Umbreon’s ears drooped and he lowered his head, whimpering. A few violet, white and yellow flowers in his mouth. “The ponies have been very kind to me and we should be the same to them.” Nica crossed her forearms. “I’m expecting you to apologize.” Nica looked at the horizon, seeing as the other pokemon was making their way over the hills, only a minute away from reaching the cottage. With the help of her tail she opened the door and walked inside on her two feet. “Fluttershy, I’m back.” She placed her forpaws on her sides and said, “Enjoying the tea party?” “Of course we are,” Fluttershy said as she held a cup of tea between her forehooves. Pikachu lowered the cup which was only a bit smaller than his head and looked at her from his spot on four pillows. “It is… really nice.” Nica kept looking at Pikachu while examining his aura, something she learned from her friend Lucario after months of diligent training. She sensed some happiness, but also something resembling boredom and awkwardness. While she herself loved the calm and lovely atmosphere of Fluttershy’s tea parties and even was at one of her picnics three days ago, it was clear that this Pikachu wasn’t the biggest fan, most likely preferring athletic activities instead. There was also this lingering weak aura of jealousy and anger. Jealousy and anger… She started sensing it in tiny amounts among the other emotions ever since she encountered this Pikachu in the forest as they were barely noticable. They grew in strength a bit after she mentioned how she managed to pose for Rarity for hours, and grew quite considerably during Ninetales’ teasing. She couldn’t tell the reason behind those lingering emotions, but the fact that they weakened again was a good sign. There also seemed to be quite a considerable amount of pity directed at her. So Fluttershy told you a bit about my past. I should’ve seen this coming. Fluttershy stepped from her pillow and raised her foreleg defensively. A bandage still present on it. Nica stepped to the side and said, “Go on.” Umbreon approached, placing flowers on the floor in front of Fluttershy and lowered his head in shame. Pikachu blinked, looking between Nica and the Umbreon in confusion. Fluttershy lowered her foreleg. “Do you mean it?” Umbreon raised his head and licked the spot under the bandage on Fluttershy’s foreleg, and then picked up the flowers with his forepaws and presented them. Fluttershy smiled. “I forgive you.” She nuzzled the Umbreon, who groaned quietly but didn’t resist. Nica kept a close look at the black pokemon. While he seemed apologetic, she knew his nature. While he was very friendly and protective to her, Astra and the rest of the team, he responded in aggression to everyone else. Her attention shifted to Pikachu who now stood next to her and stared curiously. “Yes?” “What did he mean saying, ‘older sis?’” Pikachu asked. Umbreon turned round and growled aggressively. Nica shot his team member a glare of disapproval. Umbreon calmed down and turned back to Fluttershy, who stroked his head and rubbed his chin. Nica looked at Pikachu and said, “That’s because we raised him from an abandoned egg. We later found his parents, Jolteon and Leafeon, who were caught by a member of Team Magma, and we freed them, but for the Eevee, we were more of a family. He calls my trainer mom and he calls me his older sis.” “I… see,” Pikachu said as he looked at the four pawed pokemon, who glared daggers at him. “Doesn’t seem very friendly.” “Because he’s not.” Nica’s ears drooped. “Trust me, I tried to teach him to be more respectful to others and tone down his aggression, but he views everyone who isn't on Astra’s team as enemies. It takes time before he warms up to someone new. I suppose it’s a side effect of my trainer being targeted by criminals.” Pikachu rolled his eyes. “Tell me about it.” “Miss Fluttershy,” Nica called. “Yes?” “There’s someone else I want to introduce you to, another member of my team who agreed to live under your care,” Nica explained before running towards the main entrance, pointing at the face of a green creature. “And also two other pokemon which I am sure you will find to be very cute and cuddly.” Fluttershy and the others walked outside, now staring at a big fat pokemon with four legs and a massive tree-flower thing on its back. Behind the large flower hid a white fluffy little pokemon with green-blue patches on her forepaws whose tails and mane looked as if made of snow. Popplio sat next to the leg of the large pokemon. Fluttershy gasped, staring at the massive pokemon in disbelief. “Fluttershy, meet Venusaur, Venusaur, meet Fluttershy,” Nica said as her pokemon friend moved a small vine towards the pegasus, shaking her foreleg. “I would also like to introduce… Ummm… Fluttershy, are you listening?” As Fluttershy kept staring in disbelief, Nica looked at Pikachu and Umbreon before saying, “I found two more pokemon lost at the farm, Popplio and an Alolan Vulpix. Are they your friends?” Pikachu smiled cheerfully. He ran up to his friend and shook Popplio's fin enthusiastically. “I'll take that as a yes.” Popplio said before embracing Pikachu with his two fins. Nica kept watching the reunion between friends in silence. She looked up at the Vulpix, who carefully climbed down Venusaur's left side. She stretched her tail towards the Vulpix to help, but the pokemon flinched upon seeing it and landed on the grass. The Vulpix rounded her, keeping some distance, before approaching Pikachu, her steps slow and hesitant. Nica sensed this pokemon’s aura, which seemed to be on the shy side. Being pulled into this world had to be difficult for this cute little snowflake. Though the name Snowy kind of suits her, she thought before walking away, deciding to step to the sidelines and give Pikachu and his friend some time alone. She sat and supported her back against Venusaur’s leg, taking slow deep breaths of fresh air. Fluttershy kept staring at the unique creature. Was it supposed to be animal or a plant… maybe a living plant… or a walking tree… Whatever this creature was, it was a representation of nature. Fluttershy’s wings spread and a wide smile appeared on her face. “Of course, I would love to!” She flew up, stroking the big pokemon on the neck and said, “How does it feel to be part plant? Are you eating like an animal or are rays of the sun enough to sustain you? I must say, I have never seen a creature such as you.” She squealed. “You have to tell me everything about you. Oh… it’s sooo exciting!” Other critters and birds flew over, now studying and sniffing the pokemon with a growing curiosity. Venusaur raised his head proudly. He had to admit, he liked the lovely scenery and kind creatures of this world showing him so much attention. Certainly a nice accomodation to stay in. He expected nothing less from a pegasus so warmly praised by the captain herself. Nica rounded her large friend and approached the group. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Pikachu, but I need to ask; are there any friends you’re still missing?” Pikachu tapped his chin before looking at her, “If I remember correctly, there were two more pokemon with me when we played at the beach.” He smiled warmly. “But I really appreciate your efforts in searching for them. If you want to take a break…” Nica shook her head. “I had a break already, a minute or two is all I needed.” She looked at the other two pokemon and asked, “Popplio, Vulpix, I know this question may be out of the blue, but do you like kids?” Vulpix looked to the side. Popplio stood on his tail and clapped his fins cheerfully. Nica smiled. “Any experience with kids?” “Perfect,” Nica said, showing a toothy smile. “What are you planning?” Pikachu asked. Nica chuckled. “I just thought Litten may need some reinforcements in handling the Cakes, not to mention that Pinkie’s cheerful personality may be to Popplio’s liking.” Another round of cheerful clapping followed. Pikachu approached and placed his forepaw on Snowy’s shoulder. “Fluttershy is really kind and trustworthy. Trust me, I experienced it for the past hour or longer.” He escorted Snowy to Fluttershy and poked her foreleg. “Yes?” Fluttershy asked before immediately lowering herself to their heads’ level. “What a cute little foxie, and she looks so sad and lonely. Come here, Fluttershy will make you happy.” She gently picked the Vulpix with her forelegs. Standing on her rear hooves, she held the little pokemon like a baby before nuzzling her belly. Snowy licked the pony muzzle in return. After another round of snuggling, she sneezed, freezing half of Fluttershy’s muzzle. “L-l-let's… get some… hot tea,” Fluttershy said before walking into her cottage with Snowy in her embrace. Nica picked notepad and feather pen from her shoulder-bag, writing in it. “I already took all the parameters for Rarity. Let’s leave those three alone for now and go to our next destination.” “And where would that be?” Pikachu asked. Nica pointed at Popplio. “Sugarcube Corner of course. We need to escort Popplio there.” She pointed at the horizon. “And then we will visit Sweet Apple Acres. It’s a large farm filled with apple trees… with some pear trees in limited quantity. The Apple family is very welcoming. I’m sure they’ll share some with us,” Nica said before shaking her forepaw. “But no apple picking without their permission, they’re very sensitive about that.” “Got it,” Pikachu said with a determined nod. Umbreon said while giving Pikachu a glare filled with distrust. Nica waved at the pegasus who walked outside with Snowy perched on her spread wing. “Goodbye Fluttershy, and take care.” She raised her tail in front of Popplio who jumped onto it and balanced himself. he said while clapping his fins. Pikachu jumped cheerfully and shouted, “Goodbye Fluttershy, and thanks for the tea and all the hugs.” Umbreon bowed quickly. They ran through the hills towards the town, most using their paws with Popplio being the exception as he was riding an enthusiastic Raichu instead. Litten lay on the floor near the exit from Sugarcube Corner, staring at it with a tired expression. He had some tough fights in the past and even endured the harassment of an Alolan Persian, but those little ponies were on completely new level, like a big mix of innocence and extreme annoyance. To top that, he could barely keep up with the energetic party mare and her shenanigans. “Litten!” He raised his head, now staring at the face of Popplio. “Nica told me you may need help entertaining some kids,” Popplio said with an enthusiastic smile as his nose was centimeters away from Litten’s muzzle. “You have nothing against having me as your roommate? Do you? Why are you looking at me like that?” Litten stood up and his eyes opened widely. He displayed a big smile while angelic music started playing in his mind. An image of light from the heavens shining on Popplio before him  formed in his mind. In a surge of happiness, he tackled and hugged him. “My savior!”