The Plan in Motion
Zander woke up later than he would've liked. Aurora was standing over him again.
“Do you know how creepy that is?”
“Sorry, I just thought we could talk.”
Zander got out of bed and started getting dressed. “What about?”
“Well, first why am I going to teach those girls about Pokemon while you go shopping? It seems like it should be reversed.”
“I know but I have the larger bank account.”
“I guess that makes sense. But you could give me your bank card.”
Zander just stared at her. Like I'd trust you with my money.
“Okay, no need to look at me like that. Here.” Aurora gave him a small notebook. “It's their measurements, the colors they want, and I added descriptions and sketches of their 'cutey marks'.”
Ah yes, their cutey marks. I remember Twilight telling us about those. I'll see what I can do about adding them to the outfits.
“Good. Where are the girls?”
“Around the lab. Doing their own things.”
“Okay I'll be down in a minute.”
Aurora left and Zander finished getting ready for the day.
Once downstairs, he saw Rarity and Fluttershy watching a bad chick flick on TV. This one Zander particularly hated. Fortunately there was only a half hour left. At the commercial Zander approached the two.
“Hi girls.”
“Oh, good morning Zander.”
“Um, yes good morning.”
Zander smiled, “good morning to you too. Listen, I need to talk to you guys. So can you meet me in the study when this is over?”
“Sure thing darling.”
“Yes.”
Zander set his poketch alarm for thirty minutes. “Okay, see you in 30.”
As Zander walked away, the smell of baked goods stopped him. He made his way to the kitchen. There he saw Pinkie baking up a storm. Much to the cook's shagrin.
“Hey Pinkie.”
“Hi Zander, don't worry I'll be there.”
“What?”
“You were gonna ask me to go to the study in a half hour right?”
“Yeah.”
“Like I said I'll be there!”
Zander was dumbfounded. I'm gonna have to set some time aside and ask her how she does that.
Once Zander was able to put that bit of weirdness behind him he made his way out side. He figured he'd find Rainbow or Applejack out there. He was right. Siting on the back porch was Applejack with a glass of what looked like apple juice. Zander walked up to her.
“Hey.”
“Hey yourself,” she said with a warm smile. She was starting to warm up to him.
“Do you know where Rainbow is?”
“She's in that tree over yonder, taking a nap.” She pointed to a near by tree.
“Really?”
“Eeyup. Did it all the time back home. At least when she couldn't find a cloud.”
“Right. So you think the two of you can come to the study in,” he looked at the timer. “25 minutes?”
“Sure thing sugar cube.” Sugar cube I like that.
“Thanks.” Zander turned to look for Twilight then stopped. “Do you know where Twilight is?”
“She's probably in the study already.”
“Thanks again.”
“Hey, what's this about anyway?”
“You'll find out soon.”
Applejack gave a silent humf as Zander went back inside.
Zander opened the door to the study. Sure enough Twilight was there. She was siting on a couch reading a book.
“Hey Twilight.”
“Oh! Hi Zander.”
Zander sat next to her. “Whatcha readin'?”
“One of the professor's research papers. What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you. I asked the others to come here too. They'll be here in... 20 minutes. Wanna talk until then?”
“Yes, I'd like that. Do you mind if I ask you some questions about yourself?”
“Not at all, as long as I can do the same.”
“Of course. Now, first question, why did you become a Pokemon trainer?”
Zander was taken aback by the question. For most kids it was a no brainer. Turn ten, get Pokemon, come home when tired or bored of it. But Zander had a reason.
“For the adventure!”
“Is that all?”
“That's kind of the point. I mean, I got to travel the world. See rare sights, meet new people, even saved the world a couple of times. I've seen and done things you can't even imagine! I wouldn't give it up for anything!”
“Really, yesterday you sounded tired of it.”
“I know but being a trainer is all I’ve ever wanted. Right now I just have no challenges to make life more interesting.”
Twilight took in what he said. She could tell Pokemon training wasn't a hobby for him, it was away of life.
“Okay, my turn. I know you like reading, studying, and magic. But what else do you like to do for fun?”
“That's easy. Hanging out with my friends!”
“Is that all?” Zander said, trying to mimic Twilight.
“Remember when I told you about Nightmare Moon? Before that I didn't have any friends,” Twilight said in a sad tone.
Zander put his arm around her. “I'm sorry.”
“Don't be. I have friends now. The best friends in the world! They're like an extended family.” Twilight's mood started to pick up. “Now you said you've been all over the world, what's your favorite place?”
“Wow, that's a tough one.” Zander thought about it, “I'd have to say... Ecruteak City. It's an old town where the past is still preserved. One of my favorite places is a hill that over looks the whole town. Sitting up there in the fall watching the sun set is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.”
“Wow, do you think we could go some time?”
“There is a distinct possibility. Now my next question. What's it like to do magic?”
“Wow now that's a difficult one. Magic is part of a unicorn’s very being. It's like having a power flowing through your body. A power to do almost anything.”
“You must miss it.”
“Yeah.” The sadness returned to her face.
Dammit, man quit upsetting her.
“Hey, it's only temporary.”
“Yeah I know. Thanks, I know you're trying to make me feel better. So um, what do you think about my friends and me?”
“Hmm, considering I've only known you guys for a few days? Well...” Zander tilted his head back and closed his eye to think. He then looked back at Twilight. “I'd think Rainbow seems a bit brash. The kind of person who charges into things before thinking them through. But her heart is in the right place.
“Applejack however, seems like she can keep a level head. And it goes with out saying she always tells it like it is. I can also tell she's a hard worker and dependable. Pinkie is... Pinkie is... the best word I can use to describe her is random. I can't figure her out. And I don't think I can.”
“Don't try! I did and it did not end well!”
“What happened?”
“I don't wanna talk about it.”
“Fair enough. Now Rarity, at first glance looks like an uptight high class person, and is to some degree. But I can see she would drop everything and get her hands dirty to help her friends. Fluttershy is kind. She's the kindest person I've ever met. Her only problem is her self confidence. She needs to believe in herself more.”
“And me?”
“You... you’re the glue that holds them all together. You're the leader, the voice of reason. And I believe you are more then the element of magic. You have a piece of all the others loyalty, kindness, generosity, honesty, and laughter. And I’m happy to have met all of you.”
“Do you really mean that?”
“Of course I do.”
“Thanks, that means a lot.”
“Your welcome. Now, I have to ask and I know you can't speak for your friends, but what do you think of me?”
“Well I um...” Twilight searched for the right words that would best describe what she saw in Zander. “If I had to say, you're like me.” Zander was surprised by that. “Like you said about me, you hold the elements too. I've seen your kindness, loyalty, honesty, generosity, and you sense of humor.”
“I wouldn't say I've been vary generous or loyal.”
“But you have! You put yourself in harms way for complete strangers. You vouched for us and kept us safe. You're the nicest being I've met. And I'm happy to have met you too.”
“Thanks. That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
Twilight was shocked by that. How could some one so nice never be told so?
*beep beep beep*
“What's that?”
“Oh, the timer. The others will be here shortly.” Zander got up and headed to the door. Sure enough they had gathered there. “Hello ladies, come in and have a seat.” Once everyone was settled, he began.
“So, you're probably wondering why I called you here.”
“Ooh, ooh!”
“*sigh* Yes, Pinkie?” I'm going to regret this.
“You're gonna tell us who your special somepony is!”
Zander stood there with a blank look on this face. “What?”
“You know the one you like. Is it me? No, wait it's Fluttershy isn't it! Wait it has to be...”
“PINKIE! I have no idea what your saying! Nor do I care. Could you just let me finish!?”
“Okey dokey lokey.”
Note to self: get lots of aspirin. Zander took a minute to calm himself. “Okay, the real reason I called you here is, to tell you that the professor has called everyone he knows to help get you home.
“Ye haw.”
“Awesome.”
“Wu who.”
“Yes, but! There's more.”
“More?” Twilight said a little worried.
“Yes, more. The professor thinks having you here would,” He looked straight at Pinkie, “be a distraction.” Everyone else looked at Pinkie, who was blissfully unaware of the implications.
“So in order to rectify this...”
“What does that mean?” Rainbow asked.
“It means to put or set right.” Twilight answered.
“Ooooh.” The girls said together.
“Getting back to the point. The professor suggested I take all of you on a Pokemon journey.”
Before Zander could say anymore his vision became obscured by a pair of magenta eyes.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
Rainbow took a step back. “That's so awesome!”
“I'm glad you're so excited.”
“Um, is this optional?”
“Well Fluttershy I guess so. But you'll going to miss out on a once an a lifetime opportunity.”
Rarity turned to Fluttershy, “You did say you wanted to see more Pokemon dear.”
“Well, then this would be the perfect opportunity to do so.”
“I guess if all of you are going.”
“Good, anyone else have any reservations?”
“...”
“No? Good. So this is what's gonna happen. I'm going to tell the professor we're good to go. Aurora will spend the next few days teaching you the basics of Pokemon training. While I get the supplies you'll need. Any questions?”
“Yes,” Rarity said, “why aren't you teaching us?”
“Because I have the money to get stuff you guys need. Besides you learn as you go anyway.”
Zander was off to tell the professor the good news. Then he was off to the Celadon Department store.
“Alright girls time to start the lesson!” Aurora said ready to start them on their way.
____________________________
Okay, so lets see what I have already. Bags in their 'coat colors', basic Pokemon medicine, pokeballs, first aid kit, town map, good rods, and pokegears. All that's left is proper clothing. Great! Zander was standing outside the clothing department. “Well better get this over with.”
Zander wandered the aisles looking for what he thought the girls would like. Alright, so back in Equestria they where 'ponies' and had coats. Twilight had lavender, Applejack orange, Rainbow cyan, Rarity 'ivory', Fluttershy light yellow, and Pinkie shock of all shocks was pink.
The trick wouldn't be finding the right outfit, but getting two. It was generally a good idea to have two outfits. One to wear, while the other was being washed. This could be difficult considering how expensive trainer clothes are, due to them being more durable than normal clothing.
“Can I help you sir?”
“What? Oh yes, I'm looking for some trainer outfits for some friends.”
“How many?”
“Six, two of each kind.”
“Okay, them follow me.”
The two of them walked for a bit. Zander told the shop employee what each girl was like and what they wanted.
“Hows this for Applejack?” The employee was holding an orange flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a brown leather jacket.
“That's perfect.”
Next, was a cyan tank top, blue jeans and red jacket with rainbow sleeves for Rainbow. Pinkie would get a pink dress with a pink bow around it, and white jacket.
“And these?” This time the employee was holding two large dresses.
“Either one of those would be good for Fluttershy or Rarity but they're not very practical.”
Shortly after that Zander saw the perfect outfit for Fluttershy. A yellow sweater that exposed the shoulder, pink sleeveless tank top, and pink mid-skirt. For Twilight he found a lavender blouse, brown cargo pants, and a dark purple jacket.
Finally Rarity! Zander figured the others wouldn't care much about their clothes, but she probably would. But he found a good dress, not too long, not too short. It was white with a coat and sun hat.
“Will that be all sir?”
“Yes, thank you for your help.”
“No problem.”
I hope they appreciate this. It didn't come cheap. Zander thought as he checked out. He then sent his purchases back to the Pokemon center. Though he still had one more stop, he saved the worst for last. Buying underwear! Oh god. This is going to be awkward, Zander thought as he stood outside the store. Just go in buy the damn staff and get out. Better do it soon before they think I'm a perv or something.
_____________________________
“Okay, so that covers the twelve Pokemon you'll be able to choose from, and Pokemon evolution. So next is types.” Aurora was really getting into teaching. She went so far as to commandeer the professor's lab. She even had on a lab coat, glasses, a pointer stick, and an electronic white board. She brought up a type chart and the three Kanto starter Pokemon.
Her 'students' were sitting at a table. Twilight was eagerly paying attention while rainbow was drifting in and out of consciousness. The others were some where in between.
“Like Zander said they are seventeen types. Each type has at least one or more weakness'. This means there is no universally strong Pokemon.”
“Zander said there were Pokemon with two types and some could change their types.”
“Yes Twilight, but for now we'll stay on mono types. Let's take the basic starter types. Water, fire, and grass. Water is weak to grass, grass to fire, and fire to water. See what I saying?
“Now on to moves. Pokemon's moves have types too. A Pokemon's type doesn't limit it to just that type. For example, a water type can use ice type moves, too. However, a water move will always be stronger when used by a water type Pokemon.
“There are also three kinds of moves, physical attacks, special attacks, and status attacks. Physical attacks make direct contact with the opponent, and goes against defense. Special attacks don't make physical contact, it's more like projectile attack, they go against special defense. Status attacks don't do damage, they're used mostly for increasing or decreasing a Pokemon's power. Learning how to use these moves can help tip the tied of battle in your favor.
“ Alright, that's enough for today. Tomorrow we'll talk about how to use the technology, like the pokeball, pokegear, and the pokedex.”
The girls went back into the living room. Rainbow wanted to show them a new movie she found, Silences of the Mareep.
*Ring,Ring* Aurora's pokegear started ringing. Must be Zander.
“Hey, Zander.”
“Zander?”
“Oh! Silver!”
“How do you know Zander?” Silver asked in an accusing tone.
“Calm down. We’re old friends.”
“Just friends?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, I guess. So what up?”
“A lot of complicated stuff right now. I'll tell you later.”
“How bout tonight, dinner at eight?”
“I think I can do that. Oh, I have another call. Call you back?”
“Sure.”
“Hello.”
“Aurora?”
“Zander hows it goin'?”
“Pretty good all thinks considered. I'm done shopping and I'm on my way back.”
“When will you get here?”
“Tomorrow morning hopefully, I had to take a ferry.”
“Okay, see you tomorrow.”
“Wai-.”
______________________
“Wait how did...” She hung up on me! Zander let out a heavy sigh. He wandered around the ferry, looking at the various venders that had set up shop. He saw nothing in particular he wanted until he saw a man selling patches. I wonder? He walked over to him.
“Hello, young man. Would you be interested in my patches? I can even sew them on for you, if you like.”
“Actually I am. Do you make these yourself?”
“Of course!”
“Can you make custom ones?”
“Yes, if I had a sketch or something to go off of, then yes.”
Zander took out the notebook, and tore out the page that had the girls 'cutey marks'.
“Think you can make these?”
The man took the paper. The drawings were incredibly detailed, size, shape and color all down to a T.
“Sure, if I start now I could be done tomorrow morning.”
“Good. One more thing. Do you sell sewing kits?”
“Yes, for the person who wants to do it himself.”
“Great! I'll take one and a pokeball patch.”
Zander when back to his room. For the first time in long time he was excited.
______________________
The girls were back in their room. Aurora had gone out on her date, leaving them to wonder who he might be.
“He has to be nice. Otherwise Aurora wouldn't be with him.” Rarity said as a matter of fact.
“Ah still think Zander and she have a thing goin' on.”
“What makes you say that Applejack?”
“It's the way they act around each other. Like more then friends kinda deal.”
“Ugh, enough about that. I mean, who cares. Soon we're gonna get Pokemon! That's what we should be talking about!” Rainbow said, “I'm gonna get all the badges, then take down the Elite Four and become Champion.”
“Well, someone has high goals.” Twilight laughed.
“Hey, if your gonna dream, dream big!”
“Do you know what Pokemon you're going to pick?”
“No I figure I'd asks Zander when he got back.”
“Makes sense. I want the one Zander started with first.”
“Why's that?” Applejack asked.
“I think by choosing the same Pokemon I can understand him better.”
“Come on,” Rainbow said, “lets go to bed! The sooner we go to bed the sooner we can get started on our adventure!” She got in to bed and the others followed.
Soon, Twilight thought, I will be able to study Zander more thoroughly.
Rainbow was thinking about her delusions of grandeur. Fluttershy about the cute Pokemon she would meet. Rarity wondered if Zander bought soap (he did not). Applejack thought about her family. Pinkie was thinking about clowns on unicycles.