//------------------------------// // Genuinity in the mountains // Story: My Little Pokémon // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Equestria, Faye Mountains One of the newly formed locations in Equestria caused by the connection of both worlds. A combination of both a mountain range and a large ocean. Here, Fairy-Type Pokemon are the most common of all types. But living alongside them are the Bug-Types, Grass-Types and Water-Types along With the existence of the fairies and all the love and happiness they bring, this was deemed Equestria's most soothing landmark. Even surpassing that of Ponyville. The grass was obviously its usual vibrant green, however, due to all the Fairy magic scattered everywhere, bits of the bladed grass had gained pink tips with fairy dust flowing out them. Even the mountains and ocean were affected. Although, due to the current cold weather, they were a bit toned down. Judging by how the wind was moving, a snowstorm might kick up. They had a romantic and mystical aura with tiny little pulses emanating each time a Pokemon jumps out of the water or scales the mountain. There was a lot to see here in this mountain range with many Pokemon claiming it as their home. However, one extra Pokemon-Type also resided here. The one type that can handle Fairies. The Poison-Type. But surprisingly, the Fairies and the Poison-Types got along pretty well. There was barely any conflict between them and when there was, one Pokemon would be the voice of reason and put a stop to it. Mostly a Fairy-Type. Ash and Pikachu, being the boundless adventurous spirits they are, went on a solo journey to explore yet another Equestria exclusive Pokemon area. "Woah...Check out the mountain range on this place. Kinda reminds me of Kalos a little bit." Ash stood atop a mountain, gazing at the incredible view. "Pikachu." "Let's see what this Fairy filled place has to offer, buddy!" "Pika!" The two made their way towards the populated area of Pokemon as the wonderful Pocket Monsters greeted the trainer and his partner. As usual, Ash and Pikachu have a lot to explore yet again. It's always unknown how long they'll spend their time in one area. But the outcome is always filled with rush and joy. However, besides the massive array of Pokemon that populate this area, there were currently three other species here in the Faye Mountains. Those being the Changelings. Three Changelings had arrived at the Faye Mountains under the order of Queen Chrysalis who was also ordered by Ghetsis to send them. It went a little something like this. "If you wish to absorb heaps of love for your entire colony, seek out the many areas filled with Fairy Pokemon." Ghetsis spoke. "According to Colress, there is a higher ratio of Fairy areas in this world than any other Pokemon type." "Why Fairy-Types exactly?" said Chrysalis. "They're just small little creatures only made to look cute and cuddly." "Hoh? Are you not aware. Compared to all other types, the Fairies are notorious for spreading love and joy across the world. In more ways than one." Ghetsis stood up from his throne. "Whether it's the joy dust from a Togetic or the soothing aura from a Sylveon's feelers, Fairy-Type Pokemon have no limit to how much love they can spread." "Unbelievable..." Chrysalis's jaw dropped. "This entire time...there has a been a Pokemon-Type that I could've been absorbing all my love from?" "Of course. If you were to steal love from a Fairy, I can guarantee that your magic will grow to levels you couldn't even begin to imagine. And you can thank Infinity Energy for that. "So, you're sure that these Fairy Pokemon are the ones I should be stealing from, correct?" "Indeed. Take as much as you want. You require all the love you need, right? This is an opportunity I recommend you seize." And that leads to the present day. After gaining knowledge about the infinite love that Fairies can spread, Chrysalis had sent these three to see for herself. If they return with magic that they've never felt before, then they've got themselves a catch. Currently, other changelings were out there in the world, searching for Fairy types and stealing all the powerful love that they hold. The information that Ghetsis gave to Chrysalis had made the changelings go on a field day. Although, these changelings are a bit inept. They weren't exactly the strongest changelings around by a long shot. Actually, they're the youngest changelings so far until the next changelings are birthed into existence. They could still be considered children in a sense despite them looking like every other changeling. As such, Chrysalis specifically chose these three to head to the one area where there are the least amount of Fairies due to how weak they are. The middle one seemed to be the leader of the group who always attacks when the opportunity is there, but he tends to underestimate his prey, thinking that he can get the better of them. The right one acts like he knows what he's doing by acting smart. When really, he's not. But he can make some clever remarks here and there. The left one was a bit of an air-head. Easily distracted and so lazy that he barely bothers to put in any effort. Most of the time anyway. The middle changeling spotted a purple tail with two stingers on them. Obviously, it was a Pokemon but they weren't sure which one. But they did believe that it would be a Fairy-Type regardless of its unidentified appearance "Finally. Found one." The middle changeling spoke. "Do we rush it?" The left changeling asked. "No. Let's be subtle about it. The best attacks are the ones where an attack is least expected." The middle one grinned. This could be a chance to start stealing all that powerful love that Fairy-Types posses. He approached the unaware Pokemon with his wings buzzing lightly so that he doesn't make any noise. He bit on the mysterious tail without hesitation, landing a direct hit on the unknown tail. Unfortunately, this wasn't a Fairy-Type. But instead a Poison-Type. And there's only one Poison-Type Pokemon that owns this tail. A Drapion. "Drap?" The Ogre Scorp Pokemon rotated its head 180 degrees, spotting the one creature that decided to be stupid enough to take a bite out of its tail. This Pokemon was the opposite of love in every way possible. Drapion is known as the Sand Demon due to its vicious nature. Even though it can tear foes apart with its immense strength that it takes pride in, it finishes them off with powerful poison. So the changelings have essentially come across a Pokemon that can tear them limb from limb without even breaking a sweat or worse, torture them with poison until their last breath. "Uh...hehehe..." The middle changeling removed his teeth from the Ogre Scorp Pokemon. "Whoops." "I thought Fairy-Types were supposed to be small and cute..." The right changeling gulped. "M-Maybe this is an exception?" The left one shuddered. "Pion..." Drapion, obviously not too fond of his tail being bitten out of nowhere, felt like annihilating these three on the spot. However, due to him spending some time with the fairies, the Poison-Dark-Type has softened up. So, it'll give the three changelings a warning instead. The Ogre Scorp Pokemon had used the move Cross Poison by slashing a poisonous blade on the ground, startling the three of them. The impact of Drapion's Cross Poison left not only a hole in the ground, but it also dissolved the grass into nothing, showing how quickly his poison can finish his prey off. With screams of terror, the three changelings made a run for it, not wanting to get caught up in Drapion's attacks. The Ogre Scorp Pokemon rubbed his tail as he watched the trio dash off. The three changelings got away from Drapion as they hid near a cave that was high up in the mountains with a pink glow flowing out, thinking that the Pokemon was still after them. "Subtle, huh? What happened back there?!" The right one yelled at the middle one. "Hey! I didn't think it would be a big Pokemon! Queen Chrysalis said that Fairy-Types are just small little creatures!" "That didn't look small and little at all..." The left changeling shook his head. "Ah, it's fine. It was probably just that one that was huge and scary. We'll find another one and get it for sure!" The middle changeling said with a reassuring voice. "How about inside here? There's a bunch of pink looking lights inside. " He looked over at the cave they were near. "Let's just hurry up and get out of here. I already feel uncomfortable being in this place." The right one shuddered. All three entered the cave in pursuit of the Fairy Pokemon. They had no idea that Drapion wasn't even close to a Fairy-Type. But they also had no idea that there were barely any Fairies inside of the caves of this mountain range. The only Fairy-Types that exist in the caves are the Carbink's. Small little fairies that are very fragile. However, they were equally as dangerous as Drapion since they defend themselves by wiping out their attacks with destructive beams from their jewels that inhabit their body. Every changeling was heavily clueless about Pokemon. Only Chrysalis has some minor knowledge about them thanks to Ghetsis but as for the entire hive, not at all. They were new to all of this despite encountering some Pokemon at the Royal Wedding in Canterlot. "That!" The middle changeling spotted Carbink floating around, minding its own business. "That's small and cute. Not big and scary. This'll be an easy steal!" "Car?" The Jewel Pokemon turned around to face the three changelings. "Right you are on that. Let's see if these fairies really have a ton of love in them!" The right one grinned as all three of them lunged at the Rock-Fairy-Type. "Car...Bink!" And as expected, Carbink retaliated with its signature beams of crystallized energy towards its attackers. All three of them were hit by the same attack due to how wide of a range it had. As a result, they were blasted out of the cave from Carbink's beam. They didn't even get the chance to make direct contact with them. Their entire body had been hit with the force of 100 crystals with their wings being damaged in the process. "Agh!" They said in collective unison. Carbink's blast sent them so far out of the cave that they went tumbling down a multitude of steep mountains. Due to how huge this area was, they would be tumbling for a while. Meanwhile, with Ash and Pikachu, they came across a small spot that had healing magic oozing out of it. This was due to a party of Clefairy's and Sylveon's using Moonlight to heal anyone that may be injured. The Fairy-Types look out for each other and everyone else. If they see someone in pain, they will go out of their way to help them, no matter what. Perhaps it's that defensive nature that makes the Fairy-Types so full of happiness. Among other things. "Fairy." A Clefairy went up to both Ash and Pikachu, greeting them. "Clefairy." "Pikachu." Pikachu greeted back, hopping off his partner's shoulder. Once he got near the healing spot, he could feel the soothing and divine energy flow through his body. "Pika..." All of his nerves were calming down because of the healing spot. "Hm? What's wrong Pikachu?" Ash noticed that Pikachu was in an odd state. His ears dropped down as if they were melting. The trainer took a step forward, also getting near the healing spot. And just like his partner, the Fairy magic flowed through him. "Oh...This feels great!" "Pikachu!" The two of them laid on their back, taking in the calming aura of Moonlight. "We should bring the others here someday. This can really cool you off, huh?" "Pika..." A cold chill came through the mountain range since it was still winter. The Fairy-Types, unfortunately, aren't resistant to ice so they weren't good out in the cold. "It's getting a bit a cold now." Ash shivered. "P-P-Pikachu..." It wasn't just getting a bit cold, if this keeps up, a snowstorm could potentially occur. And from the sounds of the roaring wind and how it was increasing in pressure, there was a good bet that this snowstorm was coming soon. "Fairy...Clefairy." The Fairy Pokemon nudged Ash's leg, showing him a cave where they can all get away from the cold. "Good call, Clefairy." Ash and the rest of the Fairy-Types made their way towards the various caves plastered all over the mountain range. Inside of each of these caves, they all had the same pink glow with lights flaring out. These lights were similar to that of Moonlight's glow. Matter of fact, they also healed like Moonlight. They all watched as the wind raged on with snow flying all over the place. The Ice-Types have really left an impact on this world. If they're capable of causing cold weather this powerful, then once summer comes along, the Fire-Types are bound to have some fun as well. "Whew! That was close!" Ash let out a sigh of relief along with the Fairy-Types. "This weather's been getting stronger and stronger for the past few weeks now." "Pika..." "Everyone alright?" Ash turned to the Pokemon. They all let out cries in response. Each of them was safe and sound inside this magical cave. But not all were safe. The changelings were about to get the worst of this snowstorm. "aaaaaaaaaaAAAAAH!" The sounds of the three changelings falling were getting closer and closer. They were close enough to reach the ears of Ash, Pikachu, and the Fairy-Types that were near them. The trainer and his best friend looked outside, noticing that the changelings were falling from a high place. "Changelings...?" "Pika?" The three of them attempted to fly out of this, but unfortunately, due to Carbink's blast damaging their wings and pretty much their entire body along with the fact that there was a snowstorm present, that wasn't happening. Seeing how they couldn't force themself to take flight with their wings barely fluttering, Ash knew that if they fall, it'll be an ugly outcome. So, out of instinct, Ash had decided to do something about it. "Ah! Dragonite, catch them!" Ash sent out his Dragonite to save the lives of the three changelings. The Dragon Pokemon immediately took flight without wasting any time. It would be a bit of a struggle for Dragonite since it is heavily weak to anything involving the cold. Especially it's dual Dragon typing, but the Dragon Pokemon didn't care about that at all. When focusing on saving someone, Dragonite is capable of breaking past its weaknesses for the safety of others. Essentially becoming immune to them for a short while. The three of them noticed that a 7'3 Dragon was heading their way at high speeds out of nowhere. They assumed it was here to attack them whilst they were defenceless. So out of fear, curled up into a ball, preparing for the worst to happen. Due to that fear, their injured bodies and the sheer cold of the weather, they fainted in midair, expecting Dragonite to finish them off. But it didn't happen. Dragonite is a kindhearted Pokemon that will selflessly help those in need if there is any potential danger. Much like its trainer and ironically enough, the Fairies which it was heavily weak to. The Dragon Pokemon grabbed the three changelings in its big and meaty but surprisingly soft claws, saving their lives from impending doom. "Nice catch Dragonite!" Ash exclaimed. "Pikachu!" As the Dragon-Flying-Type carried them to safety back to its trainer, the three changelings were out cold, completely unaware that their lives had been saved by Dragonite. "Dra..." The gentle Dragon Pokemon placed the trio down on the Moonlight spot, leaving the Fairy aura to work its magic. "Good job, Dragonite." Ash went up to his Pokemon, patting it on the belly. "Dragonite!" The changelings couldn't feel the Fairy magic flow through their entire body since they were out cold. Moonlight was gradually healing their wounds whilst they were in a fainted state. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be able to negate the chill of the snowstorm. "Hmm...Changelings huh? Guess they know about the love that Fairy-Types have, huh?" "Pikachu." "Hmm..." Ash looked down at the changelings, seeing them in this state. Being the sunny and benign person that he is, Ash couldn't help but see how defenceless they looked. He thought back to what he learned about the changelings. How they feed on love by stealing it from others who already had it. It was clear as day to Ash that the changelings don't understand the true nature of love. Much like Queen Chrysalis. "Pikachu..." "You feel it too, don't you pal?" "Pika." He nodded in response. "Yeah. The changelings. They just want love, don't they? Reminds me of someone." Ash chuckled. For now, he and the Pokemon just waited until the changelings were back to full health. 1 hour had passed. The trio was finally waking up. Their injuries had been healed along with the wings, giving them the ability to fly again. "Urm...Hm?" The middle one was the first to spot Ash and the other Pokemon here. And especially the huge Dragonite they saw before. "AGH! Terrified of the Dragon Pokemon, the three changelings backed up away from it, huddling together. "You three feeling good now?" Ash asked. "Pikachu?" "Achoo!" The middle one sneezed all of a sudden. "Ah, you shouldn't move yet. You're still a bit cold." "Ugh..." He rubbed his nose. "What happened?" "Dragonite over here saved you thanks to us spotting you three." "Dragon!" "What were you three doing actually?" Ash went up to them. "Back off!" The middle one tried to stand up as he hissed at the trainer with his wings spreading. However, he was still a bit under the weather."Achoo!" "Pika...!" Pikachu wasn't fond of the changeling snapping at his best friend like that so he was ready to attack if the changelings tried anything funny. "Wait, Pikachu." Ash suddenly stopped him. Why he did this was for one reason only. He's had the most encounters with Queen Chrysalis besides Ghetsis and he recalls the two times they have faced each other. The first time, it was during the Canterlot wedding and the second during the Pokemon Festival. In those two instances, Ash and Chrysalis had their own views of love. Chrysalis steals love without knowing any concept of its true power which lead to her defeat against Shining Armor and Cadence whilst Ash understands how powerful love can be when experiencing it in its purest form. Despite all that, Ash never despised the changelings on their view of love and how they steal it. He's seen many Pokemon in his lifetime to know how to recognize something similar to this. "Pikapi?" "You guys are here for the Fairy love, right?" "What else? We heard there's a lot of love here!" The middle one scoffed. "Figured as much." Ash nodded. "You need it don't you?" "More than anything!" The right one narrowed his eyes at Ash. "If we're gonna rule Equestria one day, we'll need to get stupid-strong!" "Is that even a word...?" The left one turned to the right changeling. "Come to think of it...you've got a lot of love in you from what we recall." The middle one smirked at Ash, knowing just how powerful his love is since he was able to go up against Queen Chrysalis even when she had absorbed Shining Armor and Cadence's love. The three of them slowly walked towards Ash. But the trainer was completely unphased. "Pikachu..." Pikachu knew from the look in their eyes, they were ready to attack and steal all of Ash's love. "It's fine, buddy." Yet again, Ash stopped him. "You don't need to fight." "What's the matter? Scared?" The middle one mocked. "Nah. I don't wanna fight you guys. It wouldn't make sense to do it after you got hurt earlier." "Don't wanna- but you've battled against our Queen twice now? Why aren't you doing anything now? Actually...why did you even save us?" "Because you were in danger. Your wings got badly hurt so you couldn't save yourself. So I had Dragonite do it." "You saved us...?" The left one uttered. "Right. And so did everyone else here. Right?" Ash looked over at the Pokemon as they all let out collective cries. "Clefairy!" "Sylv! Sylveon!" "Ralts!" "Dragonite!" The Dragon Pokemon went up to the three changelings with its large shadow cast over them. This could only mean one thing. Dragonite's famous warming hug. The Dragon Pokemon gathered all three changelings together with its huge arms, giving them a collective hug. The trio paused for a moment, completely frozen by Dragonite's sudden hug. Not only that, but their cold was put to ease a bit. "What is this...?" The middle one gasped. He and the other two have never felt a feeling like this before at all. It was completely new to them. "It's so warm..." The left one's eyes widened. "That? It's just Dragonite showing its love." Ash explained. "Dragonite hugs anyone it sees a lot. Sorry about that. "Pikachu!" "Nite!" "Get off of me!" The middle one realized what was happening as he tried to push Dragonite off of him. He bit onto the Dragon Pokemon's arms, trying to feed off its love. But Dragonite's hug was just too strong. "Let me...Achoo!" He sneezed yet again. "Dragon..." Dragonite seeing how cold they were intensified its warming hug. In this instance, this one moment inside the cave with Dragonite's hug along with the Fairy magic, the changelings managed to get the love that they were seeking without having to do it themselves. However, this was different. They weren't stealing love like always. It was coming to them. Not only that but from a someone who shares it. For any other changeling, they would do everything in their power to break free, but these three are still young and the weakest of the changelings so far. So once they felt this, they also discovered what genuine love feels like. Dragonite let them go as the three was starstruck. They were so confused that they could barely utter any words. Other than the middle one. "You might wanna stay here for a while until the snowstorm ends." "Wh-what was that?" The middle one asked. "What was what?" Ash raised an eyebrow. "That feeling...what was that?" "Oh, you mean Dragonite's hug? Like I said. Dragonite's just showing its love, right?" "Dragon!" "Well...I guess you guys have never really felt genuine love before, huh?" Ash touched his chin. "Genuine love?" The trio all said. "Yeah. When you love someone or something for what they are. Like my family and all my friends." Ash explained thoroughly. "You guys feel the same about Chrysalis right?" "Queen Chrysalis? Why would we?" The right one asked. "She's your mom right?" Ash stood up. "She's the one who brought you into this world, after all." "Queen Chrysalis is our mother?!" The left one gasped. "You just now noticed...?" The right facehoofed himself. "Well, we'd do anything for our queen. We'll go above and beyond to steal love with her!" The middle once exclaimed. "And I know what you're trying to do..." "Hm?" "You're trying to make us like those ponies. Get real. I'm getting out of-" Once he reached the outside of the cave, he was immediately met with the horrible snowstorm as he was blown back. "It's not safe to go out now." Ash looked down at him. "Maybe just stay in here for a bit." "Mrrgh...Fine..." He groaned. As the snowstorm rages, the three changelings, Ash and the Pokemon sat down inside of this mystic cave, waiting for the weather to finally calm down. The trio of changelings sat on their own side of the cave away from Ash and the Pokemon. They didn't want anything to do with them. Ash could tell that even being inside of this cave wasn't working so well. He had to find a way to stay warm. "Which one of you knows a Fire move?" Ash asked the Pokemon. The Bug and Fairy-Types shook their head along with a few Poison-Types. Although one Pokemon was an exception. "Toge!" A Togepi responded. It had one Fire move at its disposal. "Togepi! "Really? Great! Alright, Togepi. Warm us up. "Toge..." The Spike Ball Pokemon held its breath in, unleashing an unexpected Flamethrower. Thankfully, it was a scaled-down Flamethrower not its usual huge size. The flames from Flamethrower gave everyone inside of the cave some much-needed warmth finally. Everyone except the three changelings who decided to distance themselves. But Ash wasn't about to let that happen. He picked up the Fairy-Type, bringing it near the trio. The three of them got defensive, expecting Ash to attack them with Flamethrower, but he didn't. Instead, he just warmed them up either way. "Toge!" "T-Thanks..." The middle one stuttered. "No problem." "Pikachu!" Some more time passed as Togepi kept everyone warm. The trinity of changelings ended up falling asleep due to a ton of inactivity. Plus, the cold weather just made them sleepy. Along with a few other Pokemon. A Ralts and a Swirlix fell asleep on Ash's lap whilst Pikachu rubbed his eyes, feeling the urge to clock out. Eventually, the snowstorm had passed. The sun could be seen through the clouds once more. And with that, Ash figured it was best to get going before it kicks up again. But before that, he had one final thing he had left to do. Seeing how the changelings were still asleep together, he couldn't leave them here. By seeing how a Swadloon was amongst the Pokemon here, he hatched an idea. "Swadloon. Could you do something for me, quickly?" Ash asked. "Swad?" Ash's idea was simple. Have Swadloon use its strings to keep the changelings warm continuously. And that's what it did. By weaving a large string blanket via String Shot, Ash had something to protect them in the meantime. He placed the string blanket on the three changelings, giving them some extra warmth for the day. Ash knew that the changelings would still feel animosity towards him even after saving their lives. But he didn't mind it. Wouldn't be the first time anyway. So, he and his buddy Pikachu simply left without a word. The changelings didn't want anything to do with them and they knew that. Ash wasn't expecting something like this during his trip to the Faye Mountains. Changelings were the last thing he would've thought he'd come across. But instead of engaging in battle with them, he showed kindness to the injured changelings despite their conflict with the rest of Equestria. The future of the changelings is completely unknown to Ash. But one thing he does know for sure is that all they need is to find that right kind of love as the journey continues. Chapter 242 End.