//------------------------------// // Weird Ponytas... // Story: A New World, a New Life // by Viper Redbird //------------------------------// Chapter 2 Hiro Hiro looked at the unfamiliar trees as he woke up from his sleep. They were not the trees he and Skye slept under the night before. Hiro then realized that Skye was nowhere to be found. Then he decided to save that information for later and look around instead. He was in a forest. And he wasn’t in Eterna Forest, unlike when he and Skye had lain down. The trees here were crimson, and they were a lot more twisted. And that’s coming from a grass-type. Hiro nearly jumped when he heard voices. Thankfully, he was able to hide in the bushes before anyone saw him. He observed as a group of creatures walked past. They had similarities with a Ponyta, but they didn’t have fiery manes and tails, and they were colorful. He blinked At The scene in front of him. Why are there colorful creatures that look like a Ponyta? Hiro thought to himself before shrugging and walking away. They aren't worth the trouble. He told to himself. Hiro began to walk away from the path. He wanted to look for Skye, his Trainer. Hiro barely knew why he felt that way. For some reason, Skye had treated him with kindness. Unlike her mother, who had often hit Hiro with a stick. Hiro sighed as he unknowingly walked further and further away from Ponyville, and deeper into the Everfree forest. Hiro kept on walking until he saw another Pokémon, a Cottonee. Hiro stopped, wanting to talk, but the Cottonee beat him to it. “Hiya! My name’s Cotton!” She said. Hiro sighed. Of all the Pokémon to meet, it had to be her. Hiro hated Cotton with every nerve of his body. She was just so aggravating to Hiro. “Cotton, go away.” Hiro said as he prepared to use Tackle on the offending Pokémon. When Cotton didn't move, Hiro unleashed a barrage of attacks. Okay, more like he attacked Cotton six times in a row until she fainted. “Humph, easy as pie.” Hiro commented before leaving and walking away. He really didn't want to deal with Cotton right now. ~^~ Skye Skye sighed as she began to despair. She had been walking for two hours straight, along with the fact that she had just battled a few Pokémon. Skye was pretty sure she should have found some civilization by now. All morning, she had endured the sound of snow crunching under her hooves and puddles being stepped on. So when quite a different sort of sound was heard, Skye wanted to thank Arceus. Skye could hear someone yelling loudly. And they were either yelling very loudly, or Skye’s hearing was better, because she couldn't see whoever or whatever was yelling at her. At least, Skye hoped they were yelling at her. She really wanted to go lie down on a nice comfy bed and sleep somewhere without snow/water. Now that she thought about it, she really wanted some food. And a good, long drink, along with somewhere dry to rest on. What she would give for a nice and cozy place to rest… Skye felt her eyelids grow heavy as she dreamed about all the things she used to take for granted. ~^~ Skye groaned as she felt herself return to consciousness, thanks to a bucket of very cold water being splashed on her face. “Do you think it’s awake?” Skye heard someone ask. “I’m sure if it’s even alive, Rose.” Skye opened her eyes and her vision was blurred. As her eyes adjusted to the blinding light, Skye could make out the things around her. A red… pony, was it? At least, I’m pretty sure that’s what Lord Arceus called them… Skye shook her head, both to show she was alive and to clear her head. A red pony with blue mane and tail stared back at Skye. She could only assume the pony was Rose, since her coloring fit. There was another pony. A white unicorn with blue mane and tail. “Hello?” Skye asked. “Who are you?” “Oh, so you’re alive. Heh-he… Sorry for doubting you. It’s just that you’ve been unconscious for two days.” The white unicorn answered. “My name’s Winter Magic, by the way. My friend over here is Ember Rose. What’s your name?” “My name’s Skye. I’m… a Ponyta, I guess… Wait, how come you can understand me?” Skye replied to the pair. “Oh, that? Winter here placed a transalation spell on you. It’s standard protocol here since we get a lot of visitors. So, Skye, where are you from? I heard Pokemon were all transported here by Arceus-” Ember Rose began, but Skye cut her short. “Lord Arceus, and he didn’t just transport Pokemon.” Skye said. “Ah, sorry, but some humans tend to refer to Arceus as a God, and usually we call him Lord Arceus.” “Well, it’s a lot like how some ponies always refer to the Celestial Sisters as Godesses, so it’s fine.” Winter told Skye. “Besides, I’m not going to get in the way of Religion, that’s Heavy Tome’s job.” “Yes, now Winter if you would please let the Chief introduce himself…” Ember said as she trailed off. When Skye looked around, it became clear why. A new pony had entered the cave, and from the looks of it he was in charge. He had a black coat and his mane was brown. “Ah, I see you have awoken.” He said. He looked like a normal pony, but there was a necklace on his neck. “I trust that you find your stay here somewhat comfortable?” He asked Skye. “Yes Sir, my stay here has been somewhat comfortable. Thank you for your hospitality.” Skye answered back at the stallion. “Good, I hope you won’t give my folks a hard time, some of the Pokemon here have been rampaging and we had to… subdue them.” The stallion continued. “By the way, my name is Dusty Coal. What would yours be?” “My name is Skye, Sir. And no, I won’t purposefully give you and your ponies trouble, Sir.” Skye said. “Ah, good!” Dusty said as he grinned like a maniac. “Well, then, I shall leave you to do as you wish. If you need me, I shall be in my office.” He said before leaving the cavern Skye was in. “So Skye, what do you plan on doing when you get out of bed?” Ember asked the Ponyta. “Honestly? I have no idea whatsoever. My partner, Hiro, is missing and so is Jewel, my other partner.” Then, Skye blinked in realization. “Hey, Winter, have you seen any bipedal Pokemon? I’m especially looking for a Snivy and a Kirlia.” She asked. “What are those? Skye, the only Pokemon I cast the translation spell on was you. The rest were rampaging around destroying the tunnels.” Winter Magic informed Skye. “Speaking of which, we should get you out of this cavern and into the Main Cavern.” Ember said. Then, she paused to think. That is, until Skye’s stomach rumbled. “And don’t worry; we’ll get something to eat on the way there.” Ember reassured Skye. “Good to know.” Skye said as she giggled. “So, when are we heading out?” She asked.