Little Lost Pikachu
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Epilogue
With Celestia’s sun no longer on the horizon, only a few flickering candles and the magically supplied glow filled the map room with light. The lavender and blue shine from Starlight and Twilight’s magic was reflected by the memory gems dangling from above, illuminating the room with a collage of colors similar to that of a disco ball.
Twilight sat in her respective seat with a hay sandwich on a plate before her, a humble supper for the humble princess.
Starlight snagged a seat close-by, choosing the one with Rainbow Dash’s cutie-mark decorating it. A few electric burns were visible on her forehead and chest.
On the opposite side, taking Fluttershy’s throne, were two tired creatures still exhausted from their intense training regimen. Both had a vegetable salad and a slice of strawberry cake on their side of the table.
Standing on the bronze tips of her rear paws, Nica eagerly reached for the cake slice, taking another quick bite as the frosting smeared around her mouth. Even though she still had a few bruises and stray patches of dirt decorating her fur, only her head and bubble-like cheeks were visible across the table as she chewed the food with a big smile on her face. Her long, flexible tail flapped left and right in delight while her rear legs trembled a little from the training and weight lifting they had just recently endured.
The yellow, mouse-like pokemon laid flat on the table next to his plate, his legs stretched in four different directions while his fur was soaked in sweat. His breathing was quick and ragged as he fought against the overwhelming desire to close his sleepy eyes.
“So let me get this straight,” Starlight mumbled, rubbing the burns on her fur. “Your teamwork was not only enough to pierce my strongest barrier with a single attack, but was also able to knock me out?” She looked at both chu’s with a proud smile. “And after you placed me in my bed, you both continued your training alongside Litten and Ninetales? I must say, I am impressed.”
Nica licked the frosting from her mouth and gulped, her trusty magical translating collar decorating her neck as a slight blush bloomed on her chubby cheeks. “Well, I wouldn't call it a single attack. Me and Pikachu used a combination of my ‘Volt Tackle’ and Pikachu’s ‘Quick Attack.’ She paused, glancing down in thought. “Actually, after we touched each other’s cheeks, we were able to charge one another with electricity, making each other faster and stronger the longer we powered our combined attack. If we struck your barrier separately, it would have most likely resisted us.”
Twilight nodded in understanding. “Sounds similar to the spell that Starlight created.” She pointed at herself and her student. “When we used it to channel our magic into you or Pikachu, your durability, speed and power increased immensely, even if only for a limited time.”
“Exactly,” Nica said. She showed her teeth in a wide smile and explained, ”During my adventures with Astra, I learned that when two electric pokemon work together, they can accomplish some incredible things.” She looked at the exhausted Pikachu, her grin growing even larger. “My hero is not only really strong, but was eager to cooperate, making our teamwork that much stronger.”
Pikachu pressed his trembling forepaw against the table, pushing himself to a sitting position with a large huff. “I just… I just wish…” He took a deep breath. “I wish I had at least half of your stamina.” He wiped sweat from his forehead. “While I loved every second of our training, it became harder for me to keep up the longer it lasted. I still can’t believe you managed to keep a smile on your face the entire time!”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Nica said as her ears drooped. She looked down in guilt, murmuring, “I should have gone easier on you.”
“No way!” Pikachu shouted, jumping up in alarm. He stumbled for a moment, nearly falling to the side, before steadying himself and looking at Nica. “Pushing myself to my limits is what makes me stronger!” He shook his head. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He sat a moment later, too tired to stand.
Starlight grinned and spoke up, exclaiming, “Considering that soon you’ll reunite with your trainers, there’s nothing wrong with going a little overboard.”
“It’ll no doubt made your time together more memorable,” Twilight cut in.
“I couldn’t agree more,” Pikachu said as he looked at the Raichu with a mix of happiness and respect. Nica returned the glance in kind.
The Raichu climbed onto the table, held her forepaws on her hips and spoke in a teasing tone, “So when you push yourself to your limits, it’s fine, but when I do it, everyone is worried. How is that fair?”
Pikachu and the others rolled their eyes.
Starlight stepped from the throne, walking along the side of the table until both pokemon were in hoof’s reach. “And to think that only a few days ago you two couldn’t even talk face to face, and now you’re the best of friends!” She sighed, shaking her head. “All that drama for nothing.”
“Drama, whatever are you talking about?” Nica teased, plopping herself down beside Pikachu. Getting comfortable, she wrapped the black cord of her tail around her hero’s belly, using the lightning tip to support his shoulder. Much to her surprise, Pikachu crawled closer, supporting his other shoulder against the side of her belly.
Starlight stood on her rear hooves, placing her forehooves on the rounded table before her with a dull thud. “Nica,” she began, her expression becoming serious. “For the past month you’ve been here with us, I’ve seen the pain you’ve endured due to your inferiority complex and humility. No matter how hard you worked to protect and serve the creatures of Equestria, including us, you always believed it wasn’t enough. It hurt to watch you beat yourself up day after day for doing so much more than anyone asked for, and frankly, deserved.” She paused, gesturing towards the Pikachu curled up at her side. “To think the one you’ve admired all this time helped you take the first step to overcoming it.”
Twilight gulped, quickly finishing the sandwich before glancing at the smaller pokemon. “I must admit, you possess a very competitive nature and your unfortunate experiences with two mean Raichu left a very bad impression of your evolution. I’m glad that Nica was able to show you a better side of your evolution and help you overcome your jealousy.” She looked at Dash’s throne and added, “There is nothing wrong with being competitive and trying to do your best, but if taken too far, it can bring out anger and depression.”
Nica and Pikachu looked at each other. No “thank you” was needed as their stares alone showed their gratitude.
Starlight spread her forelegs, wrapping both pokemon into a firm hug. “I won’t say goodbye yet, because I plan to explore these islands of yours.” Leaning down to Nica, she whispered, “I’ll learn first-hoof what it’s like to be a trainer and make you proud.”
“And I’ll be cheering you on,” Nica responded as she wrapped her tail around Starlight’s belly, tightening their embrace.
“Alola is very welcoming,” Pikachu said, allowing himself to be squashed into the embrace. After the grueling training session, he simply couldn’t resist the mare’s strength. “I’m sure they’ll welcome ponies with open arms. Oh, and thanks for the translating collars. I bet everyone will flip when they can understand our speech.”
“You’re very welcome.” Starlight released both pokemon from the hug, giggling as Pikachu stumbled for a moment and fell to his side.
“Oof,” Pikachu grunted, landing on his stomach. His limbs quivered as he tried to push himself up, but to no avail. Nica dashed over and gently pulled him to his paws, standing beside him as the smaller pokemon thanked the Raichu with a quick ‘thanks.’
“Haha, sorry about that,” Starlight said, flashing the pokemon an apologetic smile. She went to pat Pikachu on the back but stopped when she spotted his concerned expression. “You okay?”
“Yea, it’s just, I… I hope Ash didn’t take our disappearance too hard…” Pikachu murmured to himself before distracting himself with the dazzling gems swinging from the ceiling. ”Hopefully when we tell him about the adventures we had and about Equestria, it will make up for making him worried.”
“Don’t feel bad. It wasn’t your fault you were summoned here and it’s not like you could return earlier.” Nica grabbed Pikachu and hauled him over to the edge of the map, attempting to carry the pokemon to his guest room. “Better get some rest. We’ll have one extra training session tomorrow morning, and I think I’ve figured out how to improve your fighting style a tiny bit. It would make me happy if my teachings could help you and your trainer even a little bit.”
“It is always about helping others, isn’t it?” Pikachu asked from his somewhat awkward position. “Ash really likes meeting strong pokemon and skilled trainers. I am sure he’d love to meet you and your friends. We can even get our trainers to meet each other.” Pikachu clapped his paws together in excitement. “Imagine if we could travel together! That would be fantastic.”
Nica leaped onto the floor, now walking towards the exit. “I… don’t think that will work.”
“Huh, why’s that?” Pikachu asked, giving his friend a confused and slightly saddened glance.
“Well… do you remember how much I was afraid of you learning more about me… afraid you would grow jealous of me and see me as a rival to overcome?” Using her tail, she opened the double door, waving farewell at the ponies who soon returned the gesture. She shut the door with her tail and walked through the hallway. “Astra has similar fears. She’s determined to avoid the heroic Ash no matter what.”
Pikachu smiled and poked Nica’s nose playfully. “Then we just need to help her open up to him. If we work together, we can do anything.”
Nica nuzzled Pikachu’s nose with her own. “You can count on me.” She looked at the ceiling, now deep in thought. While she grew to enjoy her hero’s company over the past four days, feeling much more than simply respect and friendship towards him, she could sense his emotions in turn. While the time was running out and part of her wanted to tell her hero what she really felt before their paths would split, she didn’t sense similar feelings from him. If he only saw her as a great friend, she would only hurt him and possibly ruin their friendship by trying to make it anything more.
She looked down at the smaller pokemon in her arms, who had already departed for the land of dreams. She stared warmly at his cute little smile, wishing she could hold him like that much longer. There was still some time before they would find their respective trainers and say their goodbyes. She needed to make the decision by then. Should she stay silent and let them go their separate ways as great friends? Or should she reveal the feelings she had tried so hard to suppress, knowing that he would most likely not return them?
Efficiently opening the door to Pikachu’s room, she leaped onto the bed, slowly and gently placing the exhausted and bruised pokemon onto the soft pillow. “Maybe I can convince my trainer to visit yours often… assuming you don’t leave Alola anytime soon.” She looked at the window of the guest room, then back at Pikachu. Not only had she met and befriended the superior hero, but also made friends with Twilight and other gold-hearted ponies. Finding time to visit them all was no doubt going to become a headache, but it was worth the trouble.
Nica smiled. “Sweet dreams.”
Starlight looked away from the closed door, picking up the empty plates from the table with her levitation. “So… we’ll finally explore the world that raised such powerful and kind creatures like Nica. I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit nervous. And you? Are you nervous or excited?”
Twilight spread her wings, flew over the table and landed in front of Starlight, their muzzles now only a few centimeters away from each other. “Just look at my face and tell me.” She grinned, her teeth shining white as flames burned in her eyes.
Starlight took a step back, chuckling nervously. “Well… I’m not sure if I would call it a nervous or excited smile, but it certainly isn't the face of mercy. It looks as if you’re ready to blow away anyone who gets in the way of your exploration.” Starlight shuddered. “I’m scared to think of what would happen if someone ruined your notes.”
Twilight giggled before flying for the exit. “Finally my work will bear fruit. I think I’ll invite Ninetales and Rainbow Dash to join us.”
Starlight nodded. “I’ll go to Sugarcube Corner tomorrow morning to ask Litten as well. Ace is staying with Coco at Rarity’s, but as Emily’s partner, we should take him too. He could help us navigate alongside Nica and Pikachu.”
“Agreed,” Twilight said. She opened the door with her magic, but as she was about to take a step forward, she stopped and glanced at her student. “By the way… wasn’t Astra’s Gliscor living with us? I haven’t seen him at all in the past few days.”
“Now that you mention it, I also haven’t seen him. Maybe we can ask our friends to look for him while we’re away.”
“Good idea,” Twilight said as she rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “I hope that wherever he is, he’s not in any trouble.”
“For justice!” Gliscor shouted, sharply gliding towards a raging creature. Below the pokemon sat a massive beast, sporting a thick, impenetrable shell on its back like a turtle. Four tree trunk legs sprouted from the shell, holding the creature up off the ground as moss coated its back. As Gliscor darted closer, a snake sprang out of hiding from within, opening its mouth for a brutal blow.
Using ‘Acrobatics,’ the pokemon dodged left and right in the nick of time, avoiding the beasts fangs before descending upon them, using his scorpion like tail to deliver a devastating strike. With a boost of speed, he zipped around each of beast’s body parts, leaving sliced marks on its neck, snake-tail and legs.
“And for good measure!” He slammed both of his clawed hands into the ground, causing the earth to shake and split apart under the massive turtle. The heavy beast bounced against the walls of stone and dirt before crashing at the bottom. “Can’t jump over ‘Earthquake’ with that heavy shell? Your reign of terror is over.” He scanned the area for any other possible threats, sensing nothing but rocky mountains all around. While only the stars and moon were present in the sky, the lack of visibility was no issue for him.
“Wow, that was quick. I must say, you’re efficient.”
He landed and rubbed the back of his neck, giving a polite bow in greeting. He was now staring at white-yellowish mare with her mane and tail split into a collage of pink and blue. Three candies were present on each flank as the ponies cutie mark. “Thank you for your praise, Dame Bon Bon. I am glad I could aid Nica in her effort in making this world a safer place.”
“Pity we don’t have more fighters like you. Our agency that was supposed to keep monsters in check is now nothing but a joke when compared to what it used to be. Our best ponies are long retired and we haven’t had any good recruits to train in decades. As hard as it is to admit, we’re nearly useless now,” Bon Bon muttered as she opened her saddlebag. “Here’s your payment. There was a bounty for capturing this creature. It was particularly nasty.” She grabbed a small pouch with her teeth.
“I shall take only half and share it with Captain Nica. Keep the rest for yourself,” Gliscor said as he patted his armored chest.
Bon Bon nodded before placing the pouch of bits back in her saddlebag. “That’s generous, considering you did most of the fighting. How about we split the reward at the local inn and return to Ponyville. Your friends must be missing you.”
Gliscor shook his head before pointing at a large mountain in distance, or rather at some sort of settlement at the top. “I can’t return yet. I shall visit that place and see if they need any help.”
“That place?” Bon Bon sighed. “That, my friend, is where the griffons live. I’ve heard that they are mostly mercenaries and all they care about are bits. But if you’re determined, search for a griffon named Gabby. She was in Ponyville once and she’s the nicest of the bunch.”
“I shall. Thank you for the advice, Dame Bon Bon. I shall search for Lady Gabby and offer her my services.”
The pony rolled her eyes. “Has anyone told you that you’re too formal?”
“Too many to remember.”
Bon Bon chuckled, patting the pokemon on the back. “Why am I not surprised.”
Fluttershy yawned, sleepily making her way upstairs with her left wing spread out to the side. Once in her bedroom, she approached her bed before glancing at the fluffy creature resting on her wing. The white vixen was curled into a ball, perched in between her yellow feathers. A feeling of nostalgia overcame her.
“It seems Nica is not the only one who likes to sleep on wings,” Fluttershy murmured before gently placing the little creature on top of one of her pillows. She gently nuzzled one of the pokemon’s cheeks and whispered, “Good night, my little Vulpix. Sweet dreams.”
As she perched herself on the bed, keeping some distance from the ice pokemon, she looked at the ceiling and slipped under the covers. “I’ll need to teach her some more about self-control. Poor Angel.” She lay down on her side and closed her eyes, ignoring the slight chill that came from the ice pokemon at her side.
In the meanwhile, one trembling white bunny held a blanket around his body, desperately trying to warm himself up, while buried within numerous pillows in his basket. Specks of frost formed white, bushy eyebrows on his forehead as a few stray icicles hung from his ears. While his pride and ego demanded he fight for Fluttershy's attention and show the newcomer her place, teasing, taunting and pranking the ice pokemon certainly didn’t end as he expected.
Angel raised his shaking head, and peeked from underneath his blanket at the window. He shivered just thinking about the large, flower monster that slept next to the rabbit dens outside. After being turned into a living icicle by a little fluff ball, he certainly didn't feel like becoming a fertilizer anytime soon.
Deep inside Sweet Apple Acres, rested a quaint tree house. A thick, shaggy carpet was stretched across the floor, sporting a little filly and a ghost pokemon. The mare had a single pillow propped underneath her and a blanket tucked over her small form, as Mimikyu dozed off beside her, both sleeping beneath the starry sky. What looked like a recipe for disaster was in fact a sleepover between the harmless filly and the powerful ghoul. A strong blush was present on Mimikyu’s costume and a small smile was decorating his stomach.
Scootaloo and Mimikyu’s cheeks were pressed against each other.
Suddenly, a faint buzz alerted the ghost pokemon. Mimikyu’s eyes shot open as he spotted a hungry mosquito in the dim light, making a beeline for the sleeping filly. A black destructive claw shot out from under its costume, crushing the little bug into a bloody pulp before it got the chance to suck some of the pony's blood.
<Goodnight,> Mimikyu whispered.
Far underneath the ground rested Maud, who was in a deep sleep. She was surrounded by a collection of shimmering rocks that provided light to see by. A trusty Lycanroc lay on the carpet by the bed’s side as the pony’s forehoof was resting on top of his head, no doubt from the petting session they had right before they felt asleep.
<So… looks like we’re going home soon,> Ace mumbled as he sat on his tail and floated before the riverside, gazing at the water’s ripples as he tossed a stone.
Indeed, spoke a familiar voice in his mind. A large starfish was floating on the water before him.
<Pity we can’t stay longer. Helping Coco with her shop and playing with Rainbow Dash was a total blast! Pinkie Pie also seemed fun to be around, what with all her random parties and cheerful smile. So sad I won’t get the chance to get to know the other ponies better.>
It makes little difference to me, Starmie answered, remaining stoic. The dim shine of the moon was reflected by the ruby on it’s stomach, casting a crimson glow on the Alolan Raichu's face.
Ace lowered his head and sighed. <I hope I can convince Emily to befriend that heroic trainer. If they could spend time together, I would get to adventure and learn more about his Pikachu. I’ll need to think of some new tricks to impress them.”
You like him? Starmie asked telepathically.
<Of course I do!> Ace shouted, shaking his forepaws in excitement. <He’s brave, proud, playful and kind. He wants to earn respect and respects others. While it is a bit sad that he doesn’t want to become a Raichu, I can at least admire his resolve and determination.>
Does he like you and Nica?
<He definitely likes and respects me, which is super cool.> He paused and crossed his arms over his chest, growing a smug grin. <I mean… it’s not like I’m too surprised. Especially after he saw how cool my ‘Naval-Storm-Dragon’ move is.
<As for Nica...?> He pressed his forepaws against his cheeks. <I ship them.>
Ship them? Elaborate?
<Well...> Ace tapped his forepaws together. <You know… like… ummm… like getting those two together on a large luxurious ship. You wanna have great food, a wonderful view of the sunset, and a romantic atmosphere... that kind of stuff.> He held his forepaws close to each other. <I would keep them there together until…> he slapped his forepaws together, <they kissed!> He raised a forepaw up to his mouth and giggled. <Usually the process speeds up if the ship is about to sink.>
How so?
Ace rolled his eyes and spoke telepathically, Man… I really need to get you to watch 'Poketanic' one of these days. You’ll totally understand the meaning behind shipping pokemon after that.
Acknowledged, Starmie responded before swimming away.
Ace looked at the sky, and to his surprise, spotted a falling star. <Pikachu seems a bit blinded by his adventurous spirit, not interested in romantic relationships in the least.> He closed his eyes and thought deeply, Please, shooting star, grant my wish. Help my sis score a date with the hero she admires so much. I hope Nica makes the first move. He lowered his head and held his forepaws together, displaying a dreamy smile. <Ooohhh… it would be so amazing if she really did it.>
Glancing down, Ace placed a forepaw on his chin. <Hmm, I wonder. What would be their ship name. Nicachu or Pica?> After a moment of consideration, he mumbled, <I like Nicachu, but don’t know for sure. Maybe Starmie can decide.>
Ace paused and smacked his forehead. <Oh no.> He muttered, shaking his head. <I forgot to tell Starmie about ship names!> Jumping to his paws, he stood and darted after the starfishes retreating form.
<Starmie wait!>
Under the cover of night, a cream colored fox darted between buildings, searching for a particularly tasty-looking one. It wasn’t long before Ninetales spotted the bakery and snuck around back, before silently leaping in through an open window. He began to explore the sweet shop, making sure to stay as quiet as possible. Using his memory of the place, he checked the kitchen and then the rooms upstairs, spotting Popplio sleeping with the twins, a fin wrapped protectively around each one. After more searching with ninja-like steps, he slowly opened the door into Pinkie’s room, noticing Litten sleeping on the carpet next to the bed.
Ninetales stepped forwards and cringed as the floor beneath him gave a small creak. Litten’s eyes flickered open in alarm, but they quickly softened after spotting the vixen.
With slow steps, Ninetales approached the cat-like pokemon, pointing at the carpet. Upon receiving a nod, he rounded Litten and perched himself on the same carpet, wrapping a few of his tails around his little pupil. A strong blush was present on his face as he snuggled beside the pokemon, though his initial embarrassment passed as Litten began to purr in his embrace, placing his head on the foxes tails. He closed his eyes, praying that Pinkie wouldn't drive him crazy tomorrow.
Lucario sat in silence, maintaining his position as he stared at the house floating above him. From within the cloud’s walls, he could sense Rainbow Dash’s aura, feeling her exhaustion as stars speckled the night sky.
He remained still, holding his meditation pose before closing his eyes. He prefered to sleep outside of his pokeball, not bothered by the wind nor cold of the night. While he regretted he couldn’t explore the home of his pegasus’ companion, he didn’t mind sleeping outside.
The ponies… their magic… great potential… Battling, rising potential… inefficient. Peaceful talents, great development, combat talents, poor development. Ponies peaceful… pokemon competitive… skill gap massive… He opened his eyes and stood up with a clear goal, interrupting his thought process. With firm steps, he walked through the night, his direction, a forest in the distance. Forest filled with predators. Size… superior to ponies, magic and power… inferior to ponies. Pokemon, returning soon. Time limited… Dangerous forest… worth exploring, worth learning.
Staring into the distance, Scizor guarded the entrance to the Apple family home, as if awaiting an attack at any moment. His metallic ears picked the noise of an opening door from behind as he turned around, wary.
“Can’t sleep?”
He looked at Big Mac before shaking his head. The large pony sat by his side before staring at the sky.
“Nice view, isn’t it?”
Scizor turned around, observing the stars on the sky before nodding.
“Silent fellow, ain’t ya?”
He nodded again, not giving the pony much attention. He kept his eyes trained on the outside forest, determined to stay focused.
“Ah see…”
Minutes turned into an hour of silence before Big Mac grinned. “Nice to meet someone who can admire the peaceful view in silence. Good night bud.” He patted the pokemon’s back before walking back inside, returning to his deserved sleep.
Scizor crossed his hands and closed his eyes, listening for any threats while standing in front of the door.
While the elements were returned to the Tree of Harmony, taming the enraged forest, some side-effects remained as a pack of Timberwolves made their way towards the apple-filled orchard. Their wooden bodies shone with green magic in the darkened atmosphere. They crept within the trees, planning to snag a few apples enhanced with earth pony magic, though weren’t opposed to catupring more suitable prey.
The pack’s attention shifted toward some slight movements in one of the trees, their ears perking as the leaves rustled. Each Timberwolf growled in sync as some sort of creature jumped onto the ground. Its black coat perfectly camouflaged the creature into the night, yet bright gold rings encircled the creatures form, betraying its location. The pokemon gave a furious growl, his eyes blazing as he stalked closer to the wolves.
Umbreon approached with firm steps, not betraying a bit of fear. There seemed to be no magic emanating from the creature, leaving the wolves turning their noses in distaste.
The leader moved to the side, walking around this mysterious newcomer, only for it to jump in their way.
The alpha gestured with his head, giving the signal to his pack to surround the smaller creature. One eager pack member couldn’t help himself though, jumping at the critter with a desire to kill.
A black sphere shot from Umbreon’s mouth, blasting the attacking Timberwolf into splinters as resulting black flames ate away at the wood, burning it. The once proud Timberwolf reformed into a little wooden puppy, glancing around in confusion before darting away with its tail in between its legs.
Each member stumbled backwards before turning towards the forest they came from and fleeing, following the puppies example. None were interested in fighting against a creature who could damage their bodies and weaken their magic on this scale.
Umbreon raised his head proudly, before turning back and preparing himself for another attack. No one was going to enter Sweet Apple Acres on his watch.
A series of muffled noises came from under a mass of fat as Hariyama slept on his belly. His massive form crushed both the bed underneath him and the little filly that was sleeping beside him. It didn’t take long before the large pokemon ended up being thrown off, creating a hole in the wall before rolling across the road. Hariyama remained asleep, now snoring.
Lily Longsock took a quick breath of fresh air before she bit her bottom lip, staring at her destroyed bed and the hole in the wall. “Oops… Mom and Dad won’t be happy about that.”
She walked towards the hole, examining the damage. While she didn’t have much of a problem with restraining her strength at home, ending up trapped under a half-ton heavy pokemon in her sleep caught her off guard. She looked at the sleeping Hariyama covered in sand and dirt from the road. “You just had to roll onto me in your sleep.” She lowered her head and sighed. “I should have let you sleep outside after all.”
Sleeping inside a cozy cottage was a light grey mare, dozing on her belly with her wings flared out behind her while a serene smile was present on her face. Her limbs were sprawled across the bed, casting creases against the comforter, though one forehoof was wrapped firmly around a small, rounded pokemon.
With a quick roll, Derpy pressed Rowlett into the sheets, causing it to open his eyes and screech in alarm. Springing to life, the owl trashed the mare’s room, dragging the pony around as it smashed into walls, a table and the ceiling. Even with the ruckus, Derpy remained sleeping, slightly snoring as Rowlett darted around the room like an enraged rocket.
Derpy tightened her hold over Rowlett without a care in the world, causing the pokemon to turn a deep shade of purple from the sudden lack of oxygen.
Rowlett felt sweat drip down his body as he tried to gasp for air. Was the crushing hug a punishment for his outbursts? If I survive this, I will keep my outbursts in check, I swear! Please, don’t squeeze the life out of me! he prayed in his mind as his struggle against Derpy’s hold proved fruitless. Maybe I can use Leafstorm to push her away? I just hope it has an effect on this indestructible pegasus. He considered his options, hoping he wouldn’t be forced to turn his caretaker’s room into a more of a complete disaster than it already was.
Octavia looked from her comfortable spot in the bed at the pokemon, Primarina, a majestic naval creature with a love for singing. Her face displayed nothing but guilt. Was it alright to let such an artist sleep on the floor while she slept on a warm, toasty comforter?
After a moment of contemplation, she thought about her roomate. I wonder if Vinyl would mind much if I donated her bed for Primarina. Surely she wouldn’t refuse to make such a noble sacrifice? She displayed a mischievous, little grin as she stood up from her bed, taking silent steps before opening the door. Her destination, Vinyl’s lair.
<So, how’s working in the hospital?> asked Audino, only a small patch of snow white fur showing on her belly, chest and face. Pink fuzz covered the rest of her body, like a hood with an opening in the middle.
<Very quiet. Whenever I was brought to the pokemon center or volunteered to assist Nurse Joy, there were trainers left and right demanding assistance.” Blissey gestured towards the empty building. “Now, it’s just boring. I feel as if my talents are being wasted,> she responded, sitting on a bench next to her ally. <Working as a bodyguard and healer in Astra’s team is much more exciting. I am missing all the action.>
Audino looked away from Blissey, now staring at the stars in the sky, finding the view so much greater than any outdoor night back in their world. It was as if an artist had personally looked into painting the sky for them, creating the perfect canvas to share this beautiful night. <Working at the veterinary clinic is somewhat demanding. Other creatures living here seem to rely on ponies’ care a lot.>
<These peaceful ponies seem to live in a world filled with dangers,> Blissey pointed out. <If what I learned from the doctors and Nurse Redheart is true, whenever there is a great danger, everypony relies on Princess Twilight and her friends to resolve it and protect them from harm. It almost feels as if everyone placed all their burdens on that group of mares.> She looked at Audino, finding slightly difficult to turn on the bench due to her egg-shaped body. <Twilight and her friends must really care about others if they are willing to put themselves in danger just to protect them. I can understand and respect that, but…>
Blissey paused, taking a moment to find proper words. <Do you… do you think that if we leave, that Twilight and her friends will manage to keep Equestria safe?>
<What do you mean? I understand that they failed against Darkrai, which is why Nica was sent here, but they overcame all other threats,> Audino pointed out. <Besides, Darkrai wasn’t from their world. He was very powerful and had combat experience that surpassed all villains that they successfully defeated. Are you afraid that one day they may face an opponent that they can’t overcome?>
<Exactly. If we stayed here, we would be able to support them. I just think it's unfair that everyone expects Twilight and her friends to keep them safe, while she can’t count on anyone but her friends to support her. I wish she had more allies, that’s all.> Blissey explained, looking at Audino with a look filled with worry. <If Equestria was to be invaded by an army, the moment Twilight and her friends fall, Equestria would crumble right alongside them.>
<Ironic, isn’t it?> Audino asked as she looked at the mountain sporting this country’s capital. <The heroes of this world must remain strong, because if they fall, so will this nation. Yet, because the heroes are so strong, everyone depends on them too much, becoming weaker themselves.> She lowered her head and sighed. <When the Guardians were betrayed and the criminal organizations thrived from ignorance of the populace, I was sure that it was only a matter of time before they captured legendary pokemon and used them to harm our world.>
<Yet it didn’t happen,> Blissey pointed out. <Astra took the torch from her parents and did her best to weaken those organizations before they recovered and before they could become too great of a threat, becoming a stepping stone. Other trainers rose against criminals as well, and I heard that Ash made many allies who have helped him in every fight. People and pokemon in our world can rise together to fight off those threats.>
Audino yawned. <I’m getting sleepy.>
<Me too,> Blissey murmured as she yawned as well, both pokemon now supporting each other’s sides against one another. <Good night, Queen.>
<It was nice meeting those kind ponies, but this is not the place for us. Good night, Blissey.>