Seth was rummaging through his bag. He decided to take inventory while he had the chance, and set aside a few important items. He also hadn’t taken a good look at what Arceus had returned to him yet...
“Let’s see, I have my TM/HM collection, I had my Berries until I planted most of them. My supply of Potions... hmm, I should see about getting these replicated somehow. And my held items... well, most of them.”
He also had his extra Keystones and Mega Stones he got from the Carbink. So three Keys including his own, along with Mega stones for Charizard, Absol, Lucario, Ampharos. The ones from Carbink were one for Garchomp and one unknown one. It had shades of cream, orange and red. And it was nice of the Carbink to cut them for him. Raw stones were a pain to lug around.
“I wonder what this one is?” he mused. “Maybe the Carbink or Diancie could tell me.” As he looked over the stones, an idea occurred and he grabbed some before heading downstairs to find a certain gym leader.
It didn’t take long to find the girl. She wasn’t exactly the subtle type. She was sparring with Lucario and Seth just watched the two for a moment. He recalled the time he battled for her Gym Badge... a fight he had barely won at that. Mega Lucario was tough as hell.
Once the two looked like they could be interrupted, Seth cleared his throat to garner some attention.
“Excuse me? Korrina?” Seth asked.
“Oh, hey Seth," Korrina said once she noticed him. "What's up?"
“Nothing much,” Seth said. “I guess... Well I want to apologise for my earlier teasing. Applejack told me about you and Lucario. I wanted to say that I’m really happy for the two of you.”
Korrina blushed and looked away, but smiled softly, while Lucario chuckled. “Thank you Seth,” he said with a grin. “It hasn’t been easy... but it’s been well worth it.”
Seth nodded and smiled widely. “Actually... I have something for you. I’ve promised them to someone else already, but I wouldn’t mind you borrowing them for a bit.” Seth said as he reached for his bag. “I know we butted heads a few times back on Earth, because of our varied... opinions. So I hope we can be friends from now on.”
He opened his paw, revealing a Keystone and Lucarionite. “You can borrow these until I have to leave.”
Korrina’s eyes widened once she saw the stones. “But... how did you get those?”
“The Lucarionite I had from Earth, Arceus returned a few personal objects of mine.” Seth explained. “Your Grandpa helped me get it actually. The Keystone is a gift from some Carbink I saved the other day.”
“That’s... wow,” Korrina picked up the Lucarionite and examined it. “I’ve gotta remember to talk to Arceus about getting mine back.”
“You should, but isn’t there something else you’d like to do right now?” Seth smiled, tapping his own Keystone.
Korrina smiled and snatched the Keystone from Seth. “Alright Lucario,” she said with a smile, tossing him the Lucarionite. “Let’s do this.”
Lucario smiled and held the stone tightly in his paw as Korrina looked down at the Keystone. “Lucario,” she began, a grin creeping onto her face. “It’s time to MEGA EVOLVE!”
Squeezing the Keystone in her paw, Lucario’s body was engulfed in energy, fading to reveal him in his Mega Form.
“I almost forgot how good this feels,” he said with a smirk. He raised a paw as a blast of Aura washed over them. You could feel the power emanating from him. “Ohh yeahhh...”
Seth smiled, he didn’t fail to notice the ogling Lucario was getting from his Trainer. Seth chalked it up to the fluff, ladies could never resist the fluff~
“You should have seen Ignis when he finally went Mega again... I wonder if they’ve fixed those training grounds yet?”
Korrina smiled and laughed, then tore her eyes away from Lucario and looked back at Seth. "Thanks Seth."
“It’s no problem,” Seth smiled before his eyes glinted. “Now I’ll leave you two alone to ’appreciate’ one another. Have fun kids~” He let that insinuation hang as he left.
Korrina was about to ask what he meant by that, but stopped before she said anything, her mouth hanging open and a bright blush lighting up her face.
Lucario had to stop himself from laughing.
Life was bustling on Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Fritter and Seth were teaching Applejack about Berries and various planting methods.
“If certain Berries are planted in the same vicinity, mutations can also occur,” Seth informed the mare. “And with the magic that permeates the land here in Equus, along with the unique placement of Sweet Apple Acres, I wouldn’t be surprised to see entirely new Berries be born.”
“Well ah’ll be, but are the mutations dangerous?” Applejack asked with a hint of concern.
“It’s how a lot of new Berries have been discovered.” Seth replied. “If a new type is discovered, one not even known to us humans, you might be best consulting Lady Shaymin to see if they’re safe, before you cultivate them.”
“That’s a fine plan, and ah can’t believe y’all have already started on this in Canterlot.” AJ gave her cousin a warm smile. “You’ve really come into yer own Fritter. Ah’m mighty proud of you!”
Apple Fritter squeaked and blushed. Applejack... was proud of her? This made her more happy then you could imagine. Absolutely nothing could ruin this day now...
A bit later, the family was sitting down for a snack, while Fritter and Rika were teaching granny Smith a few Berry recipes. A distant sound caught Seth’s ear and he gave it a small flick.
“Hmm, that sounds...” He excused himself from the table and headed outside, and quickly caught a foul stench. He saw trails of smoke and hoped Christine hadn’t set anything on fire, but a closer investigation found a group of Poison-type Pokemon.
“Hey!” Seth called out. “What are you doing on Miss Applejack’s farm?”
A Toxicroak sporting a red scarf turned towards him and his eyes narrowed. “That... is none of your concern... we will be gone momentarily.”
“What are you sneaking about for?” Seth said, stepping closer. He didn’t know what it was about this group, but something about them unsettled him greatly. And that scarf looked familiar somehow...
“We have some... business in town,” the Toxicroak continued, his tone never changing and his eyes never leaving Seth. “That we would prefer to complete as stealthily as possible.”
Yeah, Seth totally wasn’t buying that for a minute. There was a shout as Apple Fritter and Rika caught up with him, the Sylveon eyeing the Poison types wearily.
“Sethy? Are these friends of yours?”
“I have yet to see about that,” Seth replied. “Care to introduce yourself, Mr. Toxicroak?”
He was silent for a moment before he said, barely loud enough to be heard. “My name... is Koga.”
“Koga?” Seth’s breath paused. “As in, Koga of the Kanto Elite Four?”
“Whut’s an ‘Elite Four’?” Fritter asked.
“A collection of some of the most powerful trainers in the world,” Seth explained. “Remember how Diantha is a Champion, while Elesa’s a Gym Leader? Well these guys are higher than a leader, but lower than a Champion.”
He turned his gaze back to Koga. “And what business do you have in a little town like Ponville Mr. Koga? If you’re looking for Red, you won’t find him there.”
Koga smirked. “While finding the Champion would be a rather pleasant surprise... that is not why we came,” he looked back at the rest of his team. A Weezing, an Ariados, and a Crobat. “We are hunting a... quarry of ours that has escaped us for far too long.”
“That’s... yeah, that’s pretty ominous,” Seth sighed. “Allow me to introduce myself, I am Seth Crescent, Captain of the Canterlot Guard, Pokemon Division. If you’re here to start trouble, then I’m afraid that I cannot permit that.”
Koga scoffed. “There will be no trouble,” he said, turning away from Seth. “We will be in and out with our quarry before anyone even knows we’ve been there.”
“To my knowledge, no-one in Ponyville has committed any illegal acts,” Seth said. “And even if they had, it would be up to myself or Ranger Trombley to apprehend them.”
“Master,” the Ariados spoke up. “Doesn’t his name sound familiar?”
Koga closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Yes... yes I know who you are Mister Crescent,” he opened his eyes again. “But you are not the prey for whom I hunt today.”
“As I said,” Seth replied. “By Equestria law, you have no power or authority here. If you choose to act, then as a member of the Royal Guard, I will be forced to apprehend you.” A slight shiver ran up his spine. It was kinda fun to deliver a line like that.
“Ooh, Sethy’s being all cool,” Rika giggled, kissing him on the cheek.
“Rika, not in front of the bad guys,” Seth sighed.
The Weezing chuckled, though it sounded more like a cough. “Please Master, may we handle them?” The two heads asked in perfect sync. “We are certain that we can take them,” both heads smirked. “Especially the Fairy.”
“You’d be surprised,” Rika smiled sadistically, her ribbons cracking like whips. Seth put his paw up and shook his head. “I will not resort to violence. You can come with me into town and plead your case with princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“I have... met the Princess,” Koga said calmly. “She and I do not exactly... see eye to eye.”
“Well, that’s a shame, but it’s either that or you turn back and return to where you came from.” he smirked slightly as he decided to say something else. “I’m afraid you lack the necessary Gym badges to proceed.”
Koga glared at Seth, but said nothing to him, instead, he turned to his Ariados and said. “Pin Missile.”
The Bug type grinned and turned to face Seth before firing several of the projectiles from the spikes on its back. The missiles never reached their target, as Rika jump forward and erected a Protect barrier.
“You dare attack my beloved!?’
Seth looked at Fritter, “Go and get Ignis and Selena. NOW!”
Fritter nodded and she galloped away, leaving Seth and Rika to defend themselves.
“You’ve started a fight with a Guard member,” Seth said. “Note that I will now place you under arrest by the authority vested in me by the Crown of Equestria. I will take you by force if necessary!”
“He’s not gonna listen,” Rika replied. “So just say the word Sethy!”
“What will it be Koga?” Seth said. “Last chance to walk away peacefully.”
Koga simply rolled his eyes, unimpressed. “Leech Life, and Sludge.”
Koga’s two other Pokemon sprang into action. The Crobat opening its mouth wide and shooting towards Seth, fangs exposed, while the Weezing spat an unsanitary orb of poison spit at Rika.
“Rika, dodge and use Psyshock!” Seth said as he ducked the swooping Crobat and fired a blast of lightning at it.
Rika stepped to one side as the gunk splattered against the ground. She glared at the Weezing as her eyes shone with blue light as several stones levitated around her, before firing at the Poison Pokemon with extreme prejudice.
Crobat managed to dodge Seth’s attack, while Weezing took the full force of Rika’s, sending the Poison type reeling backwards in the air momentarily.
Selena bolted into the barn, causing Ignis to look up from his haypile.
“What, no outfit this time?” he mused. “I was expecting a maid this time.”
“Not now!” Selena said. “Seth’s in trouble, south orchard. NOW!”
“This is why we can never go anywhere,” Ignis muttered as he got up and took to the skies, leaving through the loft window. Selena raced into the farmhouse and upstairs. It took a moment to find Fritter’s room, but once she had, she grabbed Seth’s bag, only to be stopped by Applejack at the door.
“Now whut in tarnation has you runnin’ around like this?” she asked. “Y’all nearly took mah head off with the front door.”
“There’s trouble in the south orchard,” Selena hastily explained. “We could use your help.”
Applejack nodded and followed the worried Pokemon, rounding up the rest of her kin while she was at it.
“I’ll admit, you have skill,” Koga said to Seth. “But you’ll find that I do as well. Crobat, Supersonic.”
The Bat Pokemon righted itself in the air in front of Seth before opening its mouth and uttering an unearthly screech.
The Luxray had no time to dodge as the blast of sound hit him dead on, now, being on the receiving end as a human was loud and painful, but as a Pokemon?
Seth saw red as his body exploded with lightning, firing errant bolts everywhere. Rika shrieked as she tossed up another Protect. Her Heal Bell didn’t work on confusion status, so all she could do was guard and try not to get hit.
Relief quickly came as a fist smacked Seth right on the head, knocking the Luxray to the ground as Ignis waved the tingling feeling of striking an Electric type.
“Well that’s annoying,” he said as he turned his gaze to Koga. “So... who’s first to the forge?”
Koga took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He might not be a Pokemon by birth, but he was a ninja by choice, having trained his body for years to the peak of human fitness, one thing he’d found, it had translated over somewhat.
“Poison Jab,” Koga sprang forward, his arms glowing purple for Poison energy, prepared to strike the Charizard with all he had.
Ignis hadn’t expected the sudden move and stepped to dodge, but the ninja was faster than he expected as the Poison Jab grazed his side. While the damage wasn’t that high, Ignis could already feel the poison setting in.
“Damn!” he growled as he twisted his head and fired a burst of Flamethrower at the ninja frog.
Koga sprang upwards and landed on a tree branch looking down at Ignis, then he smiled. “Ariados, use Venoshock.”
Ariados, having gone mostly unnoticed after the initial attack, fired a spray of purple liquid at Ignis.
Where were these guys coming from? Ignis had utterly failed to notice the spider as the attack struck, doubling in power due to him being poisoned. He roared in pain as he doubled over...
The tree that the Ariados was clinging to was suddenly severed, and the spider leapt away, narrowly avoiding being crushed by the toppling tree. Behind said tree was an Absol, her horn-blade humming with Psychic power from a Psycho Cut attack.
“Your deaths will be quick, but painful,” she murmured. Meanwhile, Rika had moved away from the flailing Weezing and over to Ignis, her Heal Bell going to work and curing the Poison.
Seth got to his paws, rubbing his head. In the brief moment he had been out, things had really gone to hell in a handbasket. “Okay, we need a plan, fast!”
Koga, noticing Rika’s Heal Bell, frowned. I’m going to have to take her out first... “Crobat! Use Poison Fang! Weezing! Use Sludge Bomb! Ariados, keep the Absol busy with Fell Stinger!”
While Ariados attempted to strike Selena with one of its stingers, Crobat and Weezing simultaneously attacked Rika with their Poison type moves. Crobat once again prepared to sink his fangs into something, while Weezing fired a Sludge Bomb at the Sylveon.
Dammit... no choice! Seth flung himself in front of Rika and Ignis, “Use Wish to heal Ignis, Ignis! Give us a Smokescreen! Selena evade and use Psycho Cut again!” he just finished his orders as the Sludge Bomb nailed him, causing him to stumble and Crobat crashed into his side, sinking the venomous fangs into Seth’s thick fur.
“Seth!” Rika cried, but used Wish regardless. Ignis opened his maw as a thick blanket of smoke covered the area, while Selena parried Ariados’ attacks with Psycho Cut.
Koga peered down into the black smoke from his perch. “Crobat, use Defog.” The Ninja smiled as the fog began to dissipate, revealing Rika, Ignis, and Seth. “Well Mister Crescent,” Koga said with a grin, jumping down from the tree. “Perhaps it’s my turn to ask you if you’d like to surrender.”
“I’ll admit,” Seth coughed. “You’re no slouch, the Elite Four really know their stuff...” He placed a paw against his chest, “Still, we’re not without our own tricks!” He activated the charm on his torc, as he felt the magic of the night imbue him. He took a deep breath and then...
“RROOAAARRRRR!” his attack, strengthened by the Royal Canterlot Voice, was ungodly loud, it sounded like some primal beast from the Everfree. Windows in Ponyville rattled and several trees in Sweet Apple Acres dropped their apples.
“Ahhhh! Warn us next time,” Rika said as she clutched her ears.
Likewise, Koga had his hands over his ears, and watched as his Crobat spiraled out of control before slamming face first into a tree and slumping to the ground.
Once his ears stopped ringing, Koga looked around, Weezing was floating by his side, while Ariados was still parrying attacks with Selena. Crobat may be down, but we’re not out yet.
Seth wasn’t done yet though. “I trained under Champion Diantha, so don’t think you have it easy today! Selena, dance in the light and strike from the shadows! Mega Shinka!”
“This will be fun~” the Dark type giggled as her form erupted with light, her Mega evolution complete.
“Yo, Puffball!” an unfamiliar voice said as a Gabite came in from the farm and stood by the Luxray’s side. “You called?”
“So?” Seth said, “You still game ninja boy?”
Koga eyed Ariados, who was currently surrounded by the Gabite and Mega Absol, then looked at Weezing, then nodded. “Ariados! Cross Poison!”
The Bug type spun around, both its front legs glowing purple as it slash at Christine and Selena.
“Too slow,” Selena said as she leapt into the air. Oh crap! She’d left Christine there... Oh dear...
The not-very effective hit caused the dragon to flinch, thankfully not poisoning her, but it still changed her type. The forcible change and purple flash was punctuated by her glare at the arrogant Bug. “You LITTLE INSECT!” She screamed, smoke coming out of her mouth. “I ATE bigger bugs than you in the wilds! NOW TASTE FLAMETHROWER!”
Koga watched in mostly concealed horror as the Fire attack engulfed his Pokemon, the first real emotion he’d shown since the fight began. “Weezing,” he said, clenching a fist. “HIT HER WITH EXPLOSION!!”
“Get down!” Ignis yelled as he gave a powerful flap of his wings, tackling Christine to the ground as the Weezing detonated. The dragon howled as his body took the brunt of the attack, Rika’s Wish kicking in at the same time. Being hurt and healed at the same time was a really, really weird feeling...
“Ignis!” Selena yelled, diving down and throwing up a Protect to block any further damage, though Ignis would be feeling this for a while...
“Oowwwww,” Ignis moaned. “That... that really hurt.”
Christine slowly wormed her way out from under his form and looked at both him, then Selena, before glaring at the Toxicroak that had ordered the Weezing to explode. “You hurt Ignis,” she stated simply, her every move sending tremors through the earth as she prepared Bulldoze. “I hurt you.”
“Christine! Stop!” Seth yelled. “You’ll injure everyone else here too!”
A claw grabbed her ankle as Ignis gave a cough. “Y-yeah... s’cool, barely felt a thing.”
Koga looked around the clearing for his Pokemon, Crobat appeared fine, and Weezing, despite having blown himself up, had looked worse for wear, but Ariados... Koga gulped as he finally spotted the Bug type, his exoskeleton appeared to have been fried, and had melted in a few places.
“... it... it can’t end like this,” he said, holding back his emotions. “He... deserved better than this.”
“Rika, use Wish on Ariados. Now!” Seth coughed, the poison still coursing through his system. “Selena, go and fetch my bag, and I want it here yesterday.” He looked at Ignis, “Can you hang in there for a moment?”
“M’cool,” Ignis said. “Just... owww...”
“Christine, take care of Ignis!’ Seth said. “And don’t kill anyone please... *cough, hack!*” He doubled over as a few spots of red appeared on the ground in front of him. “Oohh, that’s not good...” He collapsed, his breathing becoming more shallow.
“No promises,” the Gabite said as she stood between Ignis and the Toxicroak. “It takes a minute or two for me to change my Type back, and this little arrogant frog ordered these ‘mon around to hurt us. He steps out of line, I’ve got a Bulldoze with his name on it.” With that, she sat down near the Charizard and pulled his head into her lap.
Selena bolted as fast as she could to the farmhouse, almost knocking over Applejack as she raced upstairs to find Seth’s bag. In the meantime, Rika had crouched near the Ariados, first using Heal Bell to cure the burns and then following up with Wish.
“It takes a moment to set in, just hang on until then okay?” she whispered.
Fritter had run off as well, grabbing all the Berries she brought for Applejack and hurrying back. But upon seeing Seth, and the specks of blood that dotted his muzzle, she started to panic. She tripped as she reached Seth, spilling the assorted fruit all over the place. “Nononononoo which one is poison heal again!” she panicked, trying to remember what Seth had taught her.
“Pecha,” Christine absently replied. “Lum if you have any. Also if you have any Oran or Sitrus, they’d be good for getting their energy back. Could use a few over here...assuming flame-brain opens his mouth.”
“I suppose,” he groaned. “And you never close yours...” He could make jokes, he was fine.
Names didn’t help Fritter much. Which berry was which again!?
Selena returned, along with several members of the Apple family. She pulled items from Seth’s bag and handed them out, barking orders to who got what. Rika’s Wish kicked in as a pale light shone on Ariados, his wounds slowly recovering. It would be days before he was back to full strength, but at least he wasn’t at Yveltal’s door anymore.
Applejack hurried to Seth’s side, calming Fritter as she held a small vial filled with a yellow liquid.
“This here is an Antidote!” she said. “Selly says to give him this.”
Fritter nodded and she tried to give it to him, but the Luxray was out. “No, what do I do?” Then she got an idea. She placed the vial against her lips and drank the liquid. Holding it in her mouth, she pressed her lips against Seth’s and forced the liquid inside.
Meanwhile, Apple Bloom had brought a square container to Christine, filled with a bright blue liquid.
“Give Mr. Ignis this,” she said, hoofing over the Full Restore.
“Y’hear that, hothead? Open wide~” the Gabite sing-songed as she pried open the container with one claw, revealing the liquid within.
“In front of everyone?” Ignis coughed. “That’s pretty bold scales~”
“While I normally wouldn’t mind your teasing,” She returned, bringing the open Full Restore closer, “I think you’d rather drink a different fluid right now.”
Big Macintosh and Rika were tending to the Ariados, using potions and Wish to heal him as best they could. Applejack had moved over to Weezing, placing a green herb in its mouth, the Poison type’s face scrunching up in disgust at the sour Revival Herb.
Seth eventually opened his eyes and despite Fritter’s protest, got to his feet. “Well that sucked,” he groaned. “I hate poison...” He looked at Koga, who had been silent until now.
“And what about you?” he said. “Has this foolishness gone on long enough?”
Koga looked at Seth for a long moment before he finally moved, unwrapping the scarf from around his neck and placing it at Seth’s feet as he kneeled to the ground. “I surrender.”
“...You mean I don’t get to teach this arrogant frog why you don’t attack me?” Christine commented as Ignis drank the miraculous healing liquid.
“Ah wouldn’t mind kickin this varmit all the way to the Frozen North,” Fritter growled.
“He surrendered,” Seth said with a calm, yet stern voice. “His Pokemon are unable to battle and he himself is greatly outnumbered.” Seth sighed as he sat, standing was hard right now. “Let me rest for a moment, then I will escort you and your Pokemon to Ponyville. They are in need of medical attention and you yourself will be placed under the Ranger’s care.”
“I accept my fate,” Koga said calmly, still kneeling at Seth’s feet.
“Oh good. Me, him, five minutes in the forest…” Christine trailed off with a growl.
“Christine, be a good girl and cuddle Ignis for me while I help Seth,” Selena said. Ignis blinked, but was in no position to argue right now. Selena helped Seth get back to his feet, the Luxray leaning on the Absol and Fritter.
“Koga, answer me this,” Seth replied. “Who is this ‘prey’ you are after?”
“I was going to apprehend the fugitive Gene Phillips,” he said, his tone never changing.
Seth’s eyes widened, this was really not good. “We need to get to Ponyville, NOW!” Seth said. “Rika! I need you to run ahead, in case anyone is hurt or needs protection. We’ll catch up with you shortly.”
The Sylveon paused for a moment, but she saw that Seth was serious, much more so than usual. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and hurried down the road towards Ponyville.
“Stay safe, we’ll be there soon,” Seth said. He turned to his draconic brother and nodded. “Ignis? You up for a little flight?”
Ignis groaned as he got to his feet, much to Christine’s protest.
“What the hell furball? He’s in no condition to go flying!”
Ignis closed his eyes as his wings folded against his back, his Roost healing a good portion of his physical wounds. He was still exhausted though.
“Alright, what do you need me to do?”
Seth motioned towards the injured Ariados. “I need you to take this one to Ponyville hospital. He needs a place to recover with professionals that can assist should things take a turn for the worse. I can’t guarantee that Sweet Apple Acres will remain a safe place, especially if whoever is attacking knows that I’m here.” Actually, while he was on that topic... He turned to Koga. “Just who is a part of this little assault anyway?”
“A few Gym Leaders, Professor Rowan, some Top Rangers and Professor Hastings.”
“Hastings!?” Seth exclaimed. “Oh for the love of- Alright.” He turned back to his Pokemon, “Ignis I need any injured at that hospital, Christine? Can you protect this area?”
“You’re stupid and this plan is stupid...” She glared at Koga, “”You’re lucky that I think that these idiots are stupider though.”
“Thanks Christine,” Seth nodded. “Can someone inform Korrina? She’d be a big help here as well.”
“Eeyup,” Mac nodded and cantered off towards the farmhouse.
“The rest of us will head for Ponyville, and hope that all hell hasn’t broken loose yet.”
“One question,” Ignis said. “Where is the hospital?”
“Ah can show you!” Apple Bloom said.
“Like hay you are!” AJ replied. “Y’all are gonna stay right here!”
“But ah know the way, and ah’m the lightest, unless y’all think Ignis can carry Big Macintosh on his back.”
“At full strength, most likely,” Ignis smiled.
“Ah forbid it,” Applejack said. “It’s too dangerous fer a little filly!”
“Ah handled that swamp and Chimera jus’ fine didn’t I?” Apple Bloom retorted. “Ah’m not a little filly anymore! Ah’m a Pokemon Trainer!”
Seth laughed, then coughed. “Heh! I like you kid, maybe once things have calmed down, I’ll teach you a thing or two about training Pokemon.”
“Y’all mean that!?” Apple Bloom bounced. “Awesome!”
“Miss Applejack,” Ignis said. “I promise on my very life that nothing will happen to your sister.”
“See?” Apple Bloom said smugly. “Besides, we do waaay more dangerous stuff with our Crusadin’.... Uh, ah mean... Ah got this!”
Applejack sighed, choosing wisely to ignore that last part. Plus, with her sister’s puppydog eyes and Ignis being all noble and cool, there really wasn’t much room for argument. “Alright, but y’all better be careful alright?”
“Always,” Apple Bloom nodded, before climbing carefully onto Ignis’s back. “Ah get to ride a dragon! This is so cool, Scoots is gonna be sooo jealous~”
Ignis chuckled as he picked up the Ariados gently. It was a lot lighter than he thought it was. Seth handed him a satchel of Berries and a potion, before the dragon gave a grunt and took off into the sky.
“Alright everyone, let’s move out!” Seth said, as he headed towards town with Selena and several Apples in tow...
Apple Bloom watched in quiet awe as she soared on Ignis’s back. A small part of her was envious of every Pegasus, being able to see this sight whenever they wanted.
“Hey kid!” Ignis called out, snapping Apple Bloom out of her daydream. “Where’s this hospital?”
“Oh, um...” She peered over Ignis’s shoulder and pointed to the northwest. “Over that way.”
“Righto,” Ignis said. “Hang on tight everyone.”
Apple Bloom gripped the dragon's neck as he held the Ariados firmly. With a powerful flap of his wings, the dragon surged forward in the direction that Bloomy had pointed out.
*~*
Doctor Stable sipped at his coffee, it was a slow day today. No new patients and his rounds had been fairly orderly.
So one could only imagine that he nearly jumped out of his skin when a large, orange dragon burst through the doors, little Apple Bloom astride it’s back and it was holding a massive spider.
One would also have to give the stallion credit for his professionality. For after recovering from his brief fright, he cleared his throat and looked at the odd couple.
“Can I.. help you?” he asked.
“We got an emergency doc!” Apple Bloom said. “This here buggy is hurt real bad. Can y’all help it?”
“Young Apple Bloom, this is a hospital for ponies... not Pokemon,” Stable started to say, but one look at the giant, watering eyes of the little filly and all hope of resistance crumbled to dust and scattered in the wind.
“Alright, let’s take a look then,” Stable said as the filly beamed brightly. He examined the spider, a little spooked but he was a Doctor, one of Ponyville no less. No giant bug was going to get to him, no siree! It was a giant bug, and Doctor Stable’s training recently covered Changeling anatomy, so hopefully that would apply here in some way.
“It’s covered in third-degree burns and scarring. I can see several cracks and fissures in the carapace and it’s breathing is laboured.” Stable waved over a nurse and ordered a stretcher. “How were these injuries inflicted? We have received no word of a fire nearby.”
“Point blank Flamethrower,” Ignis said. “And this is an Ariados, a Bug-type Pokemon, They have a weakness to Fire in particular.”
“This Flamethrower must be quite powerful indeed,” Stable replied.
“I think the only reason Ariados survived in the first place was that the move was used by a non-Fire-type and Rika’s quick healing.”
“Rapid healing? That explains the scarring,” Stable noted on a pad. “What else can you tell me about the patient?”
“It’s also a Poison type, so be wary of it’s mandibles and the two legs on it’s back,” Ignis stated. “You may want to wrap it’s fangs just in case it bites by accident.”
“Thank you, that helps us a lot,” Stable replied. “You seem to have injuries also, do you require aid of some kind?”
Ignis looked over his wounds. He hurt like hell, but Rika’s healing and the Potions closed all the open ones. “I’m good for now, but you may want to prepare for a sudden influx of patients. Something is happening in town and I don’t think it’s good.”
Stable frowned, he was never, ever going to complain about a quiet day again. “Alright, I’ll call all my staff in. Thank you for the advanced warning Mister...?”
“Ignis Crescent,” the dragon nodded. “Alright Little Apple, let’s get you somewhere safe and then I gotta help my brother.”
“But Bulbasaur and ah can fight as well,” AB replied. “We’re getting pretty tough!”
Ignis laughed, “Ha, is that so? Well here’s a little tip from a pro. You gotta pick your fights wisely. Don’t charge into one that seems way too dangerous. You and your Pokemon could get seriously hurt. Look at that Ariados, would Bulbasaur have survived that?”
Apple Bloom’s eyes widened as that image flashed through her head. “...No, he wouldn’t.”
“You have great instincts Little Apple, you already seem to know yours and Bulbasaur’s limitations, but this battle will be full of Trainers just as strong, if not stronger than Koga and Christine.”
“So, we wouldn’t stand a chance...” Apple Bloom sighed, as Ignis lifted into the air.
“Not yet anyhow,” Ignis said. “You’ll get there someday, just not today.”
“Story of mah life,” Bloom sighed, staring at her blank flank. “Ah got no Cutie mark and ah’m a weak Trainer.”
“There is no weakness that I can see here,” Ignis corrected her. “You have instinct, guts and heart... you’re just lacking experience. That’s all.”
“Can we really do it?” Apple Bloom asked him. “Can me and Bulbasaur become as strong as you and Mr. Seth?”
“Hmm, well no-one is as strong as me!” Ignis boasted. “But I reckon so, you’re gonna be a great trainer Little Apple, and a fine mare one day.”
Apple Bloom blushed a little at the praise and hugged the dragon’s neck. “Thanks Mr. Ignis.”
“Just call me Ignis for now,” he replied. “But you’ll call me ‘Teacher’ when we start training!”
“Sir yes Sir!’ Apple Bloom giggled as they flew back to Sweet Apple Acres.
Rika raced through town, the dragon on her back holding on for dear life as he spat out directions on where this Fluttershy mare lived. Turns out that Twilight wasn’t kidding, the mare lived in some cottage a good ten minutes outside of town. Before she even got close, she could already hear the sounds of what could be dozens upon dozens of Pokemon and Equestrian critters.
“We she’s certainly not short of friends huh?” Rika mused to herself as she drew closer to the hut. She was stopped by something though, and she couldn’t help but coo at the sight.
A few under evolved Dragon-types barred her path. A Gible, Axew, Bagon and Dratini stood before her, wearing adorably menacing glares.
“No-one passes without our permission!” Gible said, raising her chubby little arms.
“Um, guys?” Dratini said in a timid voice. She knew what the Pokemon that stood before them was.
“Yeah! We’ll protect this place from anymon!” Axew agreed.
“Guys?”
“Fear our Dragon Rage!” Bagon puffed out his little chest.
“Seriously. Guys!?”
Rika stood there and blinked, before bursting out laughing. “Oh, My. Arceus! You little guys are the cutest things EVER!”
“C-cute!?” Gible spluttered. “We’re not cute... okay, maybe Dratini is, but the rest of us are fierce Dragons!”
Dratini had no idea whether to blush or be insulted.
“I’m sure you adorable little guys are,” Rika giggled. “But I need to see this Fluttershy mare.”
“Yeah, it’s serious guys,” Spike said, still clinging to the Fairy’s back.
“Oh, hey Spike!” Dratini waved her tail at him, but the rest of the Dragon Clan had other ideas.
“Well you gotta get through us first!” Bagon said.
“Yeah, this is our turf! and no-one messes with Fluttershy!” Axew added.
Dratini sighed, they were so dead. She just slithered out of the way and waited for the inevitable. Spike sensed the danger and hopped off his crazy pink ride, hoping that his friends wouldn’t get hurt too badly.
“You little guys need to move, this is super important,” Rika said. She’d just run from the farm, then clear across town. She was in no mood to deal with this, no matter how cute it was.
“Last chance!” Gible said. When Rika tried one last time, the dragon ordered the attack.
“Okay guys, Combined Dragon Breath!”
All three Dragons nodded and unleashed a torrent of azure flame. You can imagine the look of horror on their face when it did absolutely nothing to Rika.
“What the what!?” Gible cried. “Is she invincible!?
“I tried to warn you!” Dratini called out. “She’s a Fairy-type!”
Rika smiled sadistically as the three Dragon’s begun to sweat bullets.
Gible gulped as she took a tentative step back.
“Oh fangs...”
Fluttershy sipped at her Darjeeling tea, as the Eevee played tag with some of the other Pokemon. A sudden knock at her door caused her to almost drop her cup in surprise.
She went to the door, opening it ever-so-slightly. “H-hello?”
She shrieked when Rika popped into view, “Hello! Are you Miss Fluttershy?”
“EEEK!” Fluttershy slammed the door in the face of the intruder. There was a pained groan from the other side.
“Oww...”
“Fluttershy?” A more familiar voice called out. “It’s alright. She’s a friend.”
“S-Spike?” she stammered, her heart had almost leapt out of her chest. “Um, one moment,” she said as she opened her door again, to see a small pink Pokemon rubbing her snout. “O-oh my! I’m so sorry!”
“It’s alright,” Rika said, her nose was a little sore though. “May we come in? Princess Twilight sent me and it’s pretty important.”
“Twilight did?” Fluttershy’s attitude brightened. She opened the door fully and motioned for the Pokemon to enter. “Please come in.”
Rika nodded and walked inside, three little dragons were caught in the grip of her ribbons, while Dratini followed close behind. Fluttershy blinked at the sight.
“Oh my, what happened to these little ones?”
“They bit off waaaay more than they could chew,” Dratini said. “Serves them right too.”
“Now, now,” Rika smiled as she deposited them into a pile. “Perhaps they’ll have better manners from now on hmm?”
The three dragons nodded and bowed their heads. “We’re sorry Lady Rika! We’ll be good from now on!”
“Good,” Rika smiled, “Now where was I? Oh yeah!” She turned back to Flutters, who was still trying to figure out what happened.
“As I said, Princess Twilight sent me to help you out. There’s possibly going to be a battle in town, and I was sent to help protect this place, just in case.”
“A battle!?” Fluttershy exclaimed. “Oh my!”
“Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, these little ones will be safe,” Rika responded.
“Yeah,” Gible said. “Lady Rika is crazy strong! So don’t worry Miss Fluttershy!”
“O-okay?” Fluttershy replied. “But what about the others in town? Will they be alright?”
“I gave the Princesses a heads up, so I think they’ll evacuate anyone who could get hurt,” Rika said. “There may not even be a battle, this is all just a precautionary measure.” She smiled warmly at everyone. “Plus, my Sethy is there, and he’ll protect everyone. I can guarantee that!”
“Well I’m glad you’re here,” Fluttershy smiled. “Would you like some tea Miss, Rika was it?”
“That’s right,” Rika smiled. “And I will, thank you Miss Fluttershy.”
“Please, just call me Fluttershy,” the mare replied with a gentle smile as she poured the tea. Rika blinked and nodded. Holy crap this mare was cute!
“Same here,” Ria smiled.
“Big sis?” one of the Eevee said, poking at Rika’s leg. “Can you play with us?”
“Big sis?” Rika’s heart nearly exploded. This whole house was adorable~
“Cause you’re evolved,” the Eevee nodded. “I wish I could evolve too!”
“You will one day,” Rika nodded. “So what do you want to play?”