//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: Meetings in the Capital // Story: Pokémon Journey - A Trainer & His Adventure in Equestria // by NinjaMare //------------------------------// Matt was standing in front of the large castle of the ponies capital, and it was certainly a sight to behold. Especially how tall it was. Unlike other castles that Matt has seen, especially from his adventures in the Kalos region, where there were many castles and chateaus, this castle was at least triple the height of all of them. the reason as to why Matt was at the ponies capital city, let alone standing in front of the castle, was because his new equine acquaintance Twilight was able to schedule a meeting with the leader of the ponies. And the reason for Matt visiting the castle to speak with the leader to see if she knows a way to send Matt and his team home. “I’ll never understand why castles need such high ceilings, seems like a waste of space, and a perfect place for spies and assassins to hide.” Matt commented as he follows behind Twilight as the mare leads him to where they would meet the princess. “Well you don’t have to worry about that Matt, there hasn’t been any assassination attempts on the princesses ever in Equestria’s history, or spies and thieves.” Twilight responded confidently. “In fact Equestria has been peaceful for a thousand years.” “An impressive track record, but still, are these extremely high ceilings necessary?” Matt said as he kept looking up to the immensely high ceilings. Matt and Twilight continued to banter back and forth about the ceilings structural design, mostly to past the time, and as the duo continued to make their way through the halls of the castle Matt started to notice that the other ponies they pass by were giving him odd looks. Those that were dressed up like maids and butlers gave him startled and fear looks, while the occasional armored pony gave him a stern look as they watched him walk past them. but none of the ponies thus far have been rather threatening so Matt was scared by any of the armored one, but he did feel bad that some of the ponies were being scared of him. hopefully, that after meeting with this princess of the nation’s things will be cleared up. Soon enough the duo came upon their destination, a nice furbished looking wooden door with a stylized sun on it, upon reaching the door Twilight then gave it a few good knocks. “Enter.” A feminine voice said from the other side of the door before Twilight used her magic to open the door. As Matt followed Twilight through the door the trainer started to examine the room, which looked like a very well decorated off to very wealthy business man. On one side of the room sat a large bookshelf filled to the brim with books, there was also a nice looking chandelier dangling from the ceiling, and a nice rug with two couches facing each other with a coffee table standing between them. then on the other side of the room sat a desk that had various stacks and books stacks either on it, or around in neat little piles with a small fireplace just a few feet from the desk. And sitting at the desk was the familiar large, winged horn equine, who looked away from a sheet of paper and looked over to Matt and Twilight. “Oh good you’re here! Welcome, welcome.” The mare said in a very motherly kind voice as she gets up from her desk. “Greetings Matt, am I pronouncing your name right dear?” “Yeah.” Matt simply said as he allowed himself to be guided over to the couches, where he sat across from the two ponies. “Now the reason for this meeting is because you wish to know if I can send you home?” “That’s right. Twilight said that because of your long life you may have learned something that could help me.” Matt said to the princess. “I see. Could you explain to me on how exactly you came to our world, and where you initially ended up.” Matt nodded his head and started to explain the strange circumstances of his arrival, from being bathed in a strange prismatic light, the next part was a little tough for Adam to remember as he blacked out a moment later, but what Adam does remember is tumbling through what looked like a blinding white tunnel. “After that I’m not sure how long I was passed out, but once I woke up the next thing I knew was being in ruins deep in a forest that Twilight told me was called the Everfree. “Interesting.” Celestia said as she rubbed the wrist of her foreleg against her chin. “Now if I remember correctly Twilight mentioned in her letter that you may have some idea on how you could’ve gotten here.” “Well it’s more of a VERY far-fetched idea because I don’t think the one behind the idea would even do it.” “And what is this idea of yours?” Celestia asked curiously. “It has to do with a legendary Pokémon from my universe called Palkia.” “Before you continue could you perhaps explain what a, Pokémon, is?” Celestia inquired as she looked a bit intrigued as she leaned a bit in her seat. “Twilight’s letter didn’t explain what these creatures are.” “To put it as simply as I can, Pokémon a naturally wild creatures that are tied to nature very closely, and have attributes of nature and elemental forces incorporated into their biology.” Matt explained as best he could even if he was dumbing it down just a bit. “Could I see one of your Pokémon? I’ve only got a brief glimpse of them when we first meet.” “That’s alright with me. do you have a particular one in mind, or do you want me to pick.” Matt asked as he rested his right hand by his waist where his Pokéballs were. “Actually there is one I would like to see. It’s the light blue furred creature with the multiple tails.” Matt gave a small smile and reached for his belt and bringing the Pokéball up. a moment later the Pokéball popped open, and in a flash of light Matt’s Alolan Ninetales appeared beside him, where it started to nuzzle up to him and lick his face. “Down girl.” Matt said as he petted his affectionate partner. Once Ninetales had settled down he directed her over to the two ponies, who both were looking at her with intrigue, Celestia more so than Twilight. The Fox Pokémon then approached the princess cautiously while Celestia offered up a hoof as she drew nearer, and after a moment Ninetales became just as friendly towards the princess by nuzzling up to her, and even giving her some affectionate licks. “It’s really quite friendly.” Celestia chortled as she petted the Pokémon’s head. “This is Ninetales, a Pokémon that is an ice and fiery type.” Matt said to the princess as he watched his Pokémon just rest her head on Celestia’s leg and just enjoyed being pet. “So this Pokémon is able to use ice based magic?” Celestia questioned which Matt nodded his head. “But what does fairy mean?” “Well the fairy type is kind of hard to pin down, but it’s supposed to represent the more magical or supernatural forces of nature.” “Now you said that you might have a feeling that one of these Pokémon maybe the reason why you were brought here?” Celestia asks as she continues to pet the Fox Pokémon. “I wouldn’t really say a feeling, more like a very, very, farfetched idea about what might have happened.” Matt said uncertainty as he rubbed the back of his head. “You see in my universe there is a legendary Pokémon, a Pokémon that has immense power and strange abilities that they are considered as nothing more than mythical stories. But they are real.” “And this legendary Pokémon would be…” “It’s called Palkia, a Pokémon that is said to be the entity of space itself. By that I mean being able to control the very fabric of space itself.” “It’s able to…control the fabric of space?!” Celestia said in astonishment, which Matt just nodded his head. “That’s right. it can make things in space warp, change, or even fracture. And it’s perfectly capable of traveling and transporting things through space.” Matt continued on explaining but then started to look uncertain. “But the reason that I think that Palkia is not behind me being here is because of two facts.” “And what kind of facts are those?” Twilight asked, who has been relatively quiet throughout the meeting, just listening intently to what is being said. “The first fact is that Palkia RARELY, if ever, leaves its own personal spatial dominion which it calls home. and the second fact is that even if Palkia does travel to my world, for whatever reason, it rarely uses its space warping powers and abilities on anything unless its provoked or is being attacked.” “But what would even attack something that controls space!” Twilight asked as looked at Matt with confusion. “Palkia is indeed an extremely powerful being, but there are other Pokémon that are just as powerful, and would see Palkia’s movements into our world as its attempt to claim more territory to rule over.” Matt said before a groan left his mouth as she slouches back in his spot on the couch. “But there are people out there that would do anything to control or possess a Pokémon of immense power like Palkia, and attempt to trap it.” “That sounds like a bit of suicide for somepony to even try and attempt.” Celestia remarked as she stopped petting Ninetales head. “Oh it is, but it doesn’t stop people from preparing and make the attempt.” Matt then sat up straighter before he continued on with his original statement. “But like I said, the possibility that Palkia would even come to my world, or even use its power on me specifically, it’s practically a 1 out of a 100 percent.” “So given all of this, something else was the cause of you being brought to Equestria.” Celestia muttered aloud as she tapped her chin with her hoof. The room was silent for roughly about a minute as Celestia silently contemplated to herself before she looked up towards Matt. “As of this moment Matt I’m not sure if I know of a way to send you home, as I’ve never come across a situation like this. However if I do some researcher in the archives restricted area, I might find something that could help you.” “I’d greatly appreciate it princess!” Matt said gratefully as he bows his head. “However with my royal duties and other obligations that I have to attend to, I am uncertain on how often I will be able to commit to researching a way to send you home. I’m sorry.” “I understand.” “Princess if you want, I can help in with the researcher!” Twilight quickly cut it as she looked up to her mentor. “And while I would graciously appreciate the offer Twilight, but only royals can access the restricted section of the archives. So I’m afraid you won’t be able to help in this manner.” Twilight looked greatly disappointed as Celestia had to debunk the unicorns offer of assistance. “Now onto a different matter, Matt I suggest that you remain here in the castle grounds, that way if I do come across anything that could help you return home then we could initiate right away.” “Wait! You would let me just, stay in the castle as a houseguest?” Matt asked with a clear tone of surprise in his voice. “Of course. I’m not above in allowing non-noble or high class personal to stay in the castle, I just rarely get the opportunity to do so.” “Well if you’re okay with it then I accept your offer.” “Excellent.” Celestia said cheerfully. “Now is there anything else you would like to discuss?” Matt just shook his head. “With that I believe this meeting has come to an end, and it looks like it approaching noon, so why don’t we have lunch. Afterwards I’ll show you to one of the guest room that you can stay in.” Both Matt and Twilight agreed to Celestia’s idea in getting lunch, so after returning Ninetales to her Pokéball, the group left Celestia’s office and started to make their way through the castle. And as they made their way to the dining hall, Celestia started to ask Matt more questions about his world, as well as the different verity of Pokémon. Including the ones that are attributed to being referred to as legendary. Twilight also started to ask more questions from Matt, despite asking a plethora of questions yesterday that Matt thought that the unicorn wouldn’t have never ended. But aside from the questions about his world, the various types of Pokémon, and other facets about his world, both mares asked on how Matt acquired his team of Pokémon. Which he was happy to reminisce about. As Matt was wrapping up the story on how he came across his Kingdra, when it was just a little Horsea, where he even showed a picture of the little water-type to the two mares which they both gushed at, the group came upon the dining hall. entering said hall Matt spotted a pair of ponies already at the table. One of the two was a stallion, white coated with a blue mane and tail, and was wearing a bit more fancier looking armor than the other guards. So Matt figured that this one was a higher officer. The second pony was like Celestia, by an alicorn as well. However this mare was pink furred, and her styled curled mane and tail had three shades of color being purple, pink, and yellow. She was also wearing jewelry like Celestia, and was also dawning a small golden crown. “Shining Armor!” Twilight said happily as she dashed towards the table, where the stallion hopped out of his seat and meet Twilight halfway. “Twiliy! This is certainly a surprise; I didn’t expect to see you here.” The stallion said as he gave Twilight a hug. As the two had their hugging session, Matt noticed the mare at the table leave her seat and joined them. “Twilight it’s so good to see you!” the mare said, although Matt saw that Twilight looked a bit uncertain as she looked at the alicorn. “Um I’m sorry but do I know you?” “Twilight this your old foal sitter remember?” it seem to have taken Twilight a moment, but Matt saw a flash of realization spring up in the unicorn. “Cadence! Oh my gosh I didn’t recognized you.” Twilight said as she trotted to the mare, where she and this Cadence started to do a weird little dance and chant. But Matt decided to not comment on the act, as it seemed like an in-joke or private thing. but while the trainer turned away from the mares, he noticed that the stallion was giving a curious look. Thankfully Celestia came around Matt and approached the stallion. “Shining Armor this is Matt, an acquaintance of your sister as well as my guest in the castle. When you have the time, could you inform the rest of the guard, as well as the castle staff about this?” “Of course princess.” The stallion then looked back to Matt with an apologetic look. “Sorry if I was gawking at you a moment ago.” “It’s fine, I’m kind of used to it at this point.” Matt said as he lowered himself down and stuck out a hand. “My name is Matt.” “Shining Armor, captain of the Royal Guard.” After meeting Shining Armor, Matt was then introduced to Cadence who Shining said was his fiancé, which caused Twilight to hop around like a kid getting Christmas presents in Summer. And once Twilight was calmed down the entire group sat down at the table, where they talked as they awaited for their food. Most of the conversation was Twilight asking about the wedding, and when it was going to take place, as for Matt he and Celestia just talked amongst themselves. And this time Celestia was explaining a few details about the world he finds himself in, a little bit about herself, and the nation of Equestria. Plus some general tips about what goes about in the capital city, especially what goes on inside the castle so that Matt doesn’t make any mistakes. ‘Well at least things are progressing, even a little.’ Matt thought to himself as he saw a few servant ponies trot over to the table with trays of food. As the servants placed the food in front of everyone, they left and left the party to continue and talk amongst themselves, where Matt again answered questions from all of the ponies. But as the group took time to eat their meals Matt took a glance at Celestia as he ate away at his salad. ‘I really do hope Celestia is able to find a way to send me and my team home.’ ~~Elsewhere~~ Several miles from Canterlot Mountain in a large forest to the west something was stirring within the trees. Within the forests various black equine creatures galloped and flew about, while others spined green slime about the trees and creating what looked like nests. The small black creatures hissed and chittered about as they all fiddled about amongst the trees. But while this horde of small creatures scuttled about, a large ebony chiton figure looked towards the mountain while standing on a small hill in a small clearing in the forest. Just then the figure saw a one of the small black creatures flying towards the clearing, and when it reached the clearing it landed before the taller figure and bowed before it, while the tall figure just glared down at it. “Report.” The tall figure asked in a reverberating feminine voice, but her tone was more of a commanding one. “Things are going according as planned.” The smaller creature said which was also in a reverberating voice, but was instead male “The ponies are saying that the proceeding for the wedding are well underway, but the arrangements are still being finalized.” “Then we’re right on schedule.” The mare then flicked her head to the side. “Dismissed.” The smaller creature did as the mare said and flew off into the forest. “Now it’s my turn to infiltrate the castle, and carry out my plan.” The tall figure said as she started to flutter her wings. “And if everything goes as planned, not only will I be able to replace the princess of love, but it will give me the opportunity to take over the kingdom and absorb all the love and affection the ponies of these lands have for their rulers.” The mare then turned towards the forest where a small group of the smaller creatures stood. “Remember grubs do not show yourselves and remain in this forest until I say otherwise.” “Yes Queen Chrysalis!” the group said in unison before the mare took to the air, and made her way towards Canterlot Mountain.