//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: The Eternally Green Paradise Part 1 // Story: The Mane Six's Pokemon Journey // by Cheesecake404 //------------------------------// The Eternally Green Paradise Part 1 The group walked in a comfortable silence until Twilight spoke up. “Hey, Zander?” “Yes?” “How did you give me that antidote?” “Oh um, Fluttershy suggested something she read in a book you gave her.” “So, what was it?” “That's not important.” “Yes it is! What if I need to do it to you?” “You won't, I have a high tolerance to poison, stun spore still hits me pretty hard but poison, not a big deal.” “But...” “Oh, look we're here!” Out before them was the vast city of Viridian. The girls grew wide eyed when they saw the sheer size of the city and the tall skyscrapers. The streets filled with people coming and going. “What? Never seen a city before?” “No that's not it,” Twilight said, “It's just so big. I, we never thought human cites would be so big.” “If you think this is impressive, wait til you see Celadon.” “What are we waiting for? Lets go!” Pinkie said with enthusiasm. “Hold on there Pinkie,” Zander said as he grabbed her bag, “before we go we need a cover.” “A cover?” she asked. “Yes, although I don't expect us to have any trouble, you guys still need a cover story. Remember, you're not from this world. If anyone asks say you're from Pallet Town, if they ask if you know someone from Pallet make something up, but don't say you do know someone if you don't you'll only make it worse. Everybody got that?” “Yes!” The girls said in unison. “Good. Now for mine.” Zander pulled out a pair of glasses and put them on. “Hey, where did Zander go?” Pinkie asked looking around, “And who are you?” Zander lifted the glasses up a little, “Pinkie it's me.” “Oooh, neat disguise.” “Okay,” Rainbow cut in, “why do you have glasses? Your eyes seem fine.” “They are, but like Pinkie said they are a disguise, they keep people from recognizing me. But don't worry you can still call me by my name, just the first though.” “Okay, can we check this place out now?” Rainbow said impatiently. “Can you at least wait for me to show you the important places first?” “Fine,” she said annoyed. __________________________ “Wow, this place is amazing.” “That it is Rainbow, the Pokemon Center is a trainers home away from home,” Zander said as he walked up to the front counter, “the first thing you need to do when you go to a city or town, that has one is sign in.” “Hello, Zander.” “Hello, Nurse Joy.” “Haven’t seen you in a while.” “Yeah well, I've been in Sinnoh and-” “Who are these young ladies with you?” She said in a suspicious tone. What is she, my mother? “Rookie trainers, anyway I-” “At their age?” “YES!” Zander realized too late he had loss his patience, “*ahem*, sorry could you please sign us in? A six person room and a one person please.” “No problem.” Nurse Joy took their pokedexs and registered them into the center. “There you are, you're all set.” “Thank you.” Zander lead the girls on a tour of the center, explaining the facility as they went. “You have rooms for spending the nights, computers, TVs, the lobby to talk with other trainers, cafeteria, bathroom, and the most important thing of all healing services for your Pokemon, and it's all free.” “So, can we do something cool now?” Rainbow asked. “In a minute I still need to show you the Pokemart.” _________________________ The group stood outside in front of a large building with a blue roof. “This is the Pokemart inside is anything and everything you'll need medicine, pokeballs, etc. Now did Aurora teach you how money works here?” The girls nodded. “Good, now lets go in.” Inside they saw rows of aisles stocked with all kinds of items. Zander noticed Rarity's eagerness to explore the store. “Now why don't you girls browse around while I get some things.” Zander was about to leave, when he remembered something he needed to ask them. “Before I forget who's taking the League Challenge?” “I am!” “Yes, Rainbow I know, Applejack how about you?” “Well, I recon' it could be fun.” “I will too.” “Okay Twilight, and the rest of you?” Fluttershy was the first to speak, “I don't think it's for me, sorry.” “That's okay I understand.” “I'm with Fluttershy, I don't think battling is something a lady like me should do.” “Wow, Rarity you have no idea how much that sentence doesn’t make sense, but I think I understand.” “I would love to, but it sounds more serious than fun, so I'll pass.” “Not a problem if you change your minds we can always get you your badge cases.” “Our what?” Rainbow asked. “Badge cases, they hold your badges. Alright, so let's meet back here in ten minutes, okay?” “Yes.” “Good.” The group split up and went their separate ways, except Twilight who stayed by Zander's side. “Twilight is there a reason you're following me?” “Well, I want to learn more about humans and Pokemon, and you're the best source for both.” “Thanks I think, I guess if you want to know more about humans I could tell you, as for Pokemon, you're more on your own.” “Thanks, I really...” Twilight stopped mid sentence. “What's wrong?” Zander saw what got Twilight's attention, a large notebook. “Oh, I see,” he said as he picked it up. “This would certainly help you, and you could even chronicle your adventure.” “Oh, you don't have to...” “But I want to. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you guys have a good time on you journey.” “Thank you, I'll find a way to repay you for all you've done for us.” “That's not necessary, I'm doing this because I can, and seeing you guys happy makes me happy.” He really is nice. Twilight thought to herself. ___________________________ After they were done in the Pokemart, Zander got their attention, “I was doing some thinking, and I figure this would be a good time to show how to catch water type Pokemon.” “How is it any different from catching other types?” Twilight asked. “You'll see.” Zander was leading them through the city. The girls getting an eye full of the buildings and people. Rainbow stopped the group when she saw a large brick building with a pokeball insignia on it and Pokemon statues in front of it. “Is that what I think it is?” Oh, crap! I wanted to avoid that. “Yes, it's the Viridian City Gym.” “Then what are we waiting for!” Rainbow ran off, only for Zander to grab her by the hand and pull her back. “Hey, what gives?” “You're not ready!” “I can try can't I?” “No you can't, for two very good reasons; one the gym leader was champion of Kanto before me, and two he only accepts challenges from trainers who have seven badges already. Even if you did get to battle him, he'd crush you.” “Aw man,” Rainbow said disappointingly, “the first gym and I can't challenge it.” “Sorry, I couldn't either the first time around, but for different reasons.” “If I may, what's with the statues?” Twilight asked. “Every gym is different, this one used to be a ground type gym. The statues are ground type Pokemon, Dugtrio, Marowak, Rhydon, Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Golem. Gary just never changed it. Come on lets go to the pond.” Soon after, the gang made it to the pond in the local park. “Okay, everyone take out your Good Rods.” “Our what?” Applejack asked. “They look like this.” Zander had out his Super Rod. The girls got theirs out. “How come yours looks better?” “It's because it is Rarity, it's a Super Rod.” “How come you have a 'super rod' and we have these?” Applejack said showing she was not pleased. “Super Rods are expensive and after everything else I got you guys it took a major blow to my bank account.” “Sorry, ah didn't know.” “It's okay. Now I assume you guys don't know how to fish?” The girls shook their heads. “Alright then, listen carefully.” Zander explained how to use the rods and how to reel in a Pokemon. “After you land the Pokemon you battle it as you normally would.” Zander's rod started to bend, “Oh! A bite!” Zander pulled the rod back and landed the Pokemon. “A Goldeen great.” He said his voice void of any enthusiasm. “Is it bad?” “No Twilight it's... well look at it.” The Pokemon was flopping about on the ground. “This is a problem with water types; almost half of them are limited in battle out of the water. This is why I can't use my Wailord as often as I'd like.” Zander picked up the Goldeen and put it back in the pond. “Want to give it a try?” Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow and Pinkie took spots around the pond, while Rarity and Fluttershy sat on a nearby bench. Zander walked to each of the girls that were fishing to see if they needed help. “Ah, got somethin'!” Applejack said, as Zander ran over. The Pokemon she got was about two feet tall, blue, and had a swirl on it's stomach. “Oh, a Poliwag good catch,” Zander said “Really?” “Yep, give it a shot Applejack.” “Alright.” Applejack sent out her Bulbasaur. “While you do this, I'll check on the others.” “Wait, you're not stain'?” “You got this Applejack.” Zander walked away giving her a thumbs up. “Alright Bulbasaur use Leech Seed!” The seed launched out and hit the Poliwag, it countered with a steam of water out of it's mouth. “Shake it off and use Tackle!” Bulbasaur ran into the Poliwag knocking it back. It looked straight at Bulbasaur then released a burst of energy, and Bulbasaur fell asleep. “Oh no! What happened?” The Poliwag then hit Bulbasaur with several Bubble attacks. “Come on back Bulbasaur. Go! Poochyena!” The Pokemon appeared and glared at Applejack. “Use Tackle!” Poochyena just stood there glaring at her, at least until the Poliwag hit it with Bubbles. Poochyena turned and charged Poliwag hitting it as hard as it could. “Okay, ah think that's enough.” Applejack threw a pokeball and the Poliwag entered, after a few seconds the Pokemon was caught. Poochyena went back to glaring at Applejack. “Um, good job, come back.” Zander met up with Twilight and Pinkie. “Hey, Twilight. Hey Pinkie, any luck?” “*sigh* No I haven't had a bite all day.” Pinkie then bit her. “Ow, Pinkie!” “Well, you did say you didn't have a bite,” Pinkie said. Zander started laughing he was followed by Pinkie, then Twilight. They were interrupted when Rainbow yelled out that she got something. Zander and the others ran over. What Zander saw was disappointing to say the least. Rainbow had her pokedex out, “Magikarp the fish Pokemon, A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.” “Toss it back Rainbow.” “Why?” “Magikarp is one of the most useless Pokemon ever. Granted, it's evolved form is good, but I don't think you have the patience to raise it.” “Is that a challenge?” “No, I'm only trying to save you time and headaches.” “I can do it, and it will be the best one out there!” “Alright, but don't blame me when you realize your mistake.” “Fine! Go!” “Wait!” “What now?” “Look at it, you don't need to battle it.” Rainbow caught the Magikarp with no effort. “I think we should call it a day.” “Aww.” The girls cried. “Tomorrow's another day.” Back at the Pokemon Center the group was enjoying the buffet. Pinkie, however was gorging herself on sweets, she had a mountain of cakes, brownies, and who knows what else. Zander was amazed at the rate she was eating them too. I guess that explains what happened to all the cupcakes and things she made in the lab. Zander thought as he put his hand to the side of his face, I feel like I'm getting a cavity just watching her. “Zander?” Applejack said trying to get Zander's attention. “Huh? What?” “You okay?” “Um, yes. Did you need something?” “Yeah, ah got a question about mah Poochyena when I tried usin' it, it just glared at me.” “I see, why don't we go to the lobby so you can show me.” The two left. Once in the lobby Applejack let out her Pokemon. Like before, it glared at Applejack. “You see? When I used it to get mah Poliwag it just stood there, until it was attacked anyway.” Zander approached the Pokemon, kneeling down and matched its glare, a minuet later Zander looked back to Applejack. “It doesn't like you.” “What, why, how?” “Let me explain, your Poochyena was a leader, but now it's a follower, and it's not happy about that, it also doesn’t think your up to the tasks of leading it.” “How do you know that?” “An experienced trainer can sometimes tell what a Pokemon is feeling. This does happen from time to time. A Pokemon doesn't like their trainer, so it doesn't listen.” “How do I get it to listen to me?” “You'll need to earn its trust, and no I don't know how. That's something you need to figure out on your own.” “Well, thanks at least ah know now.” “Anytime.” Zander was on his way to the phones, when Rainbow caught him. “Oh, hey Rainbow.” “Hi Zander, I was wonderin'...” “Wait, let me guess. You're bored and want something to do.” “Yeah! You're good, so are there any night clubs or anything like that around here?” “Not that I'm aware of, but I was about fourteen last time I was here so I wouldn't have been allowed in them anyway.” “Then what should we do til tomorrow?” “You could watch TV, read a book, or talk to people. Right now I was going to call the Professors and get an up date on their progress.” “Cool, can I come?” “Sure, I guess?” Zander said, questioning why. The two went over to the video phones and sat down. Zander entered the number and soon they were greeted by a man with blue hair that stuck up like horns. “Hello this is the-oh Zander.” “Hello Saturn, could you get me one of the Professors please?” He said in a neutral tone. “Sure thing.” “Who was that?” Rainbow asked. “An old adversary.” “A what?” “An old enemy.” Before Rainbow could say anymore Professor Rowan appeared on the screen. “Hello Zander, Miss Rainbow.” “Hi Professor Rowan just calling to see how things are coming along.” “Have things gone sideways or something?” “No, nothing like that, I'm actually enjoying my time on the road again. I just wanted an update.” “We only started a couple of days ago, but Cynthia's Mother did confirm your suspicions. There was a space-time event at the time they arrived, they could be in fact from another universe.” “We sort of already established that, but good to see you guys don't think I'm crazy.” “For the record I never thought that.” “Thanks, I'll check back in a few week then okay?” “That's fine. If that's all then I need to get back to work.” “That all, see you later Professor.” “Goodbye.” The screen went dark, and Rainbow looked at Zander. “Why would they think you're crazy?” “I don't feel like talking about it right now. If you or the others need me I'll be in my room.” Zander got up to leave, “Oh, and tell them to stay out of trouble.” ________________________ Later that night Zander was relaxing in his room. “Ah, comfy chair, hot cocoa, and newspaper comics, it really is the simple things.” As Zander settled in, there was a knock at the door. “Come in.” Twilight opened the door and stepped in, her face looking down. “Please tell me everything's okay.” “Don't worry, I only wanted to talk.” Her voice a little shaky “Well, sit down.” Zander motioned to one of the beds. The room was actually meant to house up to four people, but Zander didn't want to stay with three girls, or strangers. “Would you like some cocoa?” “Yes please.” Zander pored her a cup and sat across from her. “So, what did you want to talk about?” “Well, as you know I want to learn more about people and Pokemon.” “A huh.” “So,” Twilight's face became red, “The thing I want to know is something that may be uncomfortable to talk about.” Is this going where I think it's going? “I would like to know about human mating and courtship.” And there it is, I hate it when I'm right. “Yes, Twilight that is a sensitive topic.” “I'm sorry! If you don't want to talk about it I'll...” “Whoa there, I'm not offended or anything like that, I'm just a little surprised. Just please relax.” Zander moved next to Twilight to try and calm her. “Now, I'll try to answer any questions you have, but you should know I've never had a relationship before, except the time with Aurora.” “So, Applejack was right in her assumptions before?” “Well, yes and no. We dated a long time ago, but it didn't go anywhere. You see, we grew up together. So, it was like dating a sister or cousin... it was weird.” “So, incest isn't common here?” “No, is it in Equestria?” “No, I just wanted to make sure. What about things like polygamy and homosexuality?” “It varies from place to place. Polygamy isn't vary common but legal in some regions, as for homosexuals it's legal for them to marry in most places, too.” “I see, so how does dating work?” “Well, it goes like this, keep in mind this is my experience.” Zander explained how dating usually goes given what he's done in the past. “Now as for 'mating' how much do you want to know?” “Whatever your comfortable with.” Just then an idea hit Zander. “You know Twilight if you want to know more about sex we could...” “No! I mean, I'm not that kind of girl!” “Whoa, I didn't mean that! I was going to suggest talking to Nurse Joy. She is a medical professional after all.” “Oh, sorry I...” “It's okay, I could have worded it better. Could we pretend this didn't happen?” “Sure, but could you come with me to see her? It might seem strange for me to ask out of the blue.” “And the two of us would be suspect, but I'll go anyway.” The two found Nurse Joy at the front desk. Zander explained that Twilight's parents never explained the 'facts of life' to her. Nurse Joy spent the next few hours going in to great detail on the subject matter. After she was done Zander walked Twilight back to her room. “That was... informative.” Twilight said little flustered. “I'll say I didn't need to know the extra uses for a whisk.” The two arrived at Twilight and her friend's room. “Well, goodnight Zander.” “Goodnight Twi, could you not tell the others about...” “Don't worry I won't breathe a word to the girls.” “Thank you, see you tomorrow.”