//------------------------------// // Chapter Thirty Four // Story: A Brave New World // by Ausbrony //------------------------------// Hastings held up his walking cane just as Gene threw the first strike. The glowing blade of the Gallade left a shallow scar in the cement, the Leaf Blade dealing little damage and Hastings was unharmed... for now. The elderly Pokemon swung his club around, the powerful Hammer Arm nearly taking Gene’s head off, had the Gallade not ducked at the last second. His Mega form offered such power, Gene felt as light as air as he danced around the wild swings, a small smile on his face. Seth watched Gene fight, he seemed to be able to do so quite naturally. “Send me in,” Selena said. “I’d end this fight in an instant!” “I know you could,” Seth replied. “But this is their fight. We’ll step in if something goes wrong, but they both have an overwhelming advantage.” Gene’s blades shone with a magenta hue, as he slashed with the Psycho Cut attack in a vertical arc. Hastings heaved his heavy body backwards, to avoid being cut in two. And while he was able to dodge it, it was apparent that he wouldn’t win this battle should it continue. He... didn’t like his odds. Both of his opponents were Psychic types, and Mega Evolved at that. I didn’t even know Gallade could Mega Evolve, he thought to himself. Not to mention that the other three Pokemon present had yet to make a move. One soon did however, Belle took the opportunity to launch a Shadow Ball into his gut while he was distracted,the Professor wheezed as he doubled over and fell to the ground, the wind knocked from him. “You wanna just surrender?” Gene asked with a smirk. “I wouldn’t blame you.” Hastings gritted his teeth as he stood up. “A Ranger never surrenders... Hammer Arm!” The Conkeldurr swung his cane downward, trying to hit one of them, but failed as Belle Teleported them out of the way. “Oh please,” Belle scoffed, as psychic power built up in her right hand. “You’re just the Union’s director, not a Ranger.” Hastings growled. “I was once,” he said, squeezing his cane. “Until I lost my partner to a man like you!” He thrusted his cane at Gene once more and Belle switched her attack to a Protect, blocking the pillar as sparks showered from the collision. “What?” Gene asked in confusion. “She fell in love and left you or something?” “No,” Hastings said coldly. “We were... separated while we were investigating a possible attempt by Team Rocket to expand in Almia... one of the grunts caught her,” Hastings’ look was now one of sadness, his cane held at his side. “I spent years tracking her down, almost got kicked out of the Union more than a few times... and when I finally found her,” Hastings eyes hardened and he glared at Gene. “She had her arms wrapped around some perverted monster who claimed to have ‘rescued’ her... I tried to arrest him but she resisted and... when I called for backup... something went wrong. He got away and my dear Mienshao... didn’t.” Seth’s eyes widened, so, was this where all that hatred had come from? Sure, that was sucky, Seth didn’t know what he’d do if he lost one of his Pokemon like that. But still, it was a flimsy excuse to pull crap like this. The old Professor was actually crying now. “My fault... all my fault.” Gene looked at Belle, who shook her head. He looked back at Hastings and sighed before stepping forward. “Hastings I... I’m sorry that happened... but you’ve been letting that cloud your judgement for your entire life... please... I love Belle with all my heart, just... stop this. I can talk to Princess Celestia, I promise she won’t be too hard on you... what do you say?” Gene held out a hand to the Conkeldurr, a soft smile on the Gallade’s face. Hastings... frowned. “Get. AWAY FROM ME!” He swung his cane as hard as he could and slammed Gene across the clearing where he collided with a tree. “GENE!!” Belle shouted. Seth ran over to the fallen Gallade, his eyes flashing to check for any broken bones, and sighed in relief when he didn’t find any. He still had a few nasty scrapes though. “You alright?” Selena asked as she walked over. Belle seemed to have everything under control. She was hovering over Hastings, her body blazing with psychic energy. The elderly Pokemon seemed too scared to move. “I’m fine,” Gene groaned. “These new bodies of ours a pretty durable huh?” “Yeah, small blessings,” Seth chuckled. His ear flicked as he turned back to the fight and his eyes widened at the sight. Hasting’s was on his knees, his eyes wide in shock and his appeared to be barely breathing. Belle stood back, a small smile on her face and she poured hundreds of memories into his head. ‘Belle, what did you do?’ Seth wondered, as the Gardevoir turned her head to look at him. ‘He ignored the truth... I showed it to him,” she simply said. The woods were eerily silent, as the Conkeldurr finally collapsed, he was muttering something over and over, as Seth sighed and stepped closer to him, his eyes filled with pity. “Albert Hastings,” he said softly. “You are under arrest...” Once Gene recovered, the group headed back to the library, where Princess Celestia would be waiting for them. The Fighting Pokemon was far too heavy for Seth to carry, so Belle simply floated him with Psychic. Eventually, the treehouse came into view, with quite the gathering of ponies and Pokemon waiting for them. Applejack and her friends had run over to check on Gene and Belle, while several armed members of the Royal Guard took Hastings into custody. “So is that it?” Selena asked her trainer as the two Psychic pokemon were ushered inside. It appeared to be quite cramped in there as is, but Seth needed to speak with Celestia. “I guess so,” Seth nodded. It wasn’t the way he’d wanted it to end, and he was wondering if Belle’s methods were the right thing to do... “I know that look,” Selena replied, staring into her Trainer’s eyes. “You aren’t satisfied with this ending are you?” “I just hate it when things end on a sour note like this. But, we stopped people with misguided intentions, and hopefully they can come to see that things aren’t always so black and white.” Seth poked his head through the door as Celestia spoke a few words. “Thank you all for coming,” Princess Celestia said, addressing the beings gathered before her. “Now I know you all are very tired and probably just want today to end, but before that can happen we need to discuss the... misguided individuals whom we currently have in custody.” “How many of them are there again?” A cyan-coated mare asked. Seth couldn’t remember her name, Rainbow Connection or something. “I’m confused on who we actually arrested.” Celestia sighed. “Professor Hastings, Grimsley, Lt. Surge, Brandon and Koga are all in custody with various assault charges.” “Did we miss any of ‘em?” Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow. Celestia shook her head. “No, but-” “Then ship ‘em ta Canterlot and lock ‘em in the dungeon,” the farmpony said, crossing her front legs. “They threatened our town.” “While that is true... it’s a bit more complicated,” Celestia said, obviously deep in thought. It seems that Seth wasn’t the only concerned about how to proceed with this. “What’s the problem?” Gene asked, holding Belle close to him. “I’m... I’m afraid two of them may be mentally disturbed,” Celestia said with a sigh. No one spoke for a moment. “Uh, Princess?” the rainbow one said again. “They tried to force their laws on others and arrest people cause of love, I think they’re all a little disturbed.” “Or the byproduct of a society that demonized that kind of love since they were born,” Aurea said angrily, crossing her arms. Once again, everyone fell silent. “Oookay,” Dash said, giving the Beheeyem an odd look. “Not sure what that was about.” “Mental health issues are no laughing matter back on Earth,” Belle said, rubbing her head. “At least three people with them tried to destroy the world.” Seth remembered some of those incidents. More than once, he had run into Team Rocket and Plasma. “...You were saying Princess?” Twilight asked, hoping to get back on track. “Yes, well, I spent a short time talking with each of them, and while Koga seems penitent about his actions, Brandon is... very hard to read, even in a prison cell, and Grimsley at least realizes that what he did wasn’t entirely appropriate, his words, not mine, Hastings and Surge are... worrisome,” Celestia shook her head. “Surge almost certainly has war related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Hastings...” The Alicorn turned to look at Belle. “... is apparently going through some sort of existential crisis. And as Professor Juniper said, they’ve all been raised to hate people like Gene and Abby simply due to their sexuality and life choices.” “Sexuality?” Gene asked quietly. “So what are you going to do with them Princess?” Twilight asked. Celestia sighed. “Take them back to Canterlot I suppose, try and get Surge and Hastings the help they need. It’s the best I can do at this point.” “And what about everyone who was part of his group, but didn’t attack?” A Delphox asked worriedly. Celestia smiled. “The others are under arrest for assault... I can’t arrest people for public speech.” The Delphox let out a sigh of relief, she was happy her father wasn’t going to end up in prison. “So... is that it?” Korrina asked. “We won?” “It was easier than some of the other things that’ve happened recently,” Pinkie pointed out. “Buuut, this means I can throw us all a victory party!” Several of the others groaned as Pinkie pulled out her Party Cannon. “Maybe wait until tomorrow Pinkie?” Twilight suggested. “It’s been a long and stressful day for all of us.” Pinkie paused for a moment, then slid the cannon away. “Alright... but it’ll be a double party then!” Seth waited until most of them had left. Abby was upstairs talking with Belle and Gene, so that left the Luxray alone to speak with Celestia. “What a day,” she sighed, levitating her crown off and rubbing her temples. “Agreed,” Seth nodded. “I apologise about being so inefficient today. This is the kind of thing you hired me for, and I really didn’t do anything.” “You stopped Koga, and I’m sure you provided valuable assistance to Belle and Gene...” “But I didn’t,” Seth replied. “I did nothing. Gene and Belle handled the entire thing by themselves. My presence accounted to absolutely squat.” He frowned as he sat on the hardwood floor. “I mean, I’m glad that it all ended without any major incidents, I just wish that...” “That it could have ended without incident at all?” Celestia finished and the Luxray nodded. “Is it really such an impossible task?” Seth said. “I don’t know,” Celestia replied. “But as long as there are those that wish for it, it can happen.” Seth nodded, he didn’t really feel all that great, but still... “So what now?” he asked. “Did you need help escorting them back to Canterlot?” “No, I have all the assistance that I need,” Celestia replied. “I still want you to go to Las Pegasus. The rumours that I’ve heard don’t sit well, and the last time something happened, Arceus himself intervened. I do not want that happening again.” Her horn flashed and she summoned a scroll bearing her seal. “This should convince Captain Ace to let you poke about. Assess the situation there and decide if they require a Pokemon Task Force of their own.” “Vincent lives there, and is a trouble-magnet like myself... problems are bound to arise,” Seth chuckled. And I’m taking Christine there... the trouble will be doubled!” Celestia allowed herself a small smile. “Do you have an estimate for your return to Canterlot? You have your Contest soon yes?” “I plan on it for the 31st,” Seth nodded. “With any luck, I should be back on the 26th or so, but I tend to lose track when with Vincent. The little guy’s kinda fun to hang with.” “Well then I wish you well Seth,” Celestia turned her head as Abbey, Gene and Belle were coming downstairs. “Oh, what about announcing your Contest? We put flyers up around Canterlot... but as for other regions...” “Well, I want to ask Arceus, so prepare for that,” Seth grinned. Celestia sighed and shook her head as the Luxray took his leave. He offered a wave to the others, but they didn’t seem to notice, so he slipped out quietly and headed back to Sweet Apple Acres. Fritter and Rika met up with him along the way, Seth nuzzling his loves as they discussed what had happened. It seems that Rika had quite a bit of fun while she was out. And Fritter had tended to all of Draco’s injuries, and had left to find Seth, but didn’t know where he’d went. “I just hope Ignis and Christine haven’t burned the farm down,” Seth muttered as they got closer. There were no plumes of smoke, or anypony running and screaming. In fact, it was quiet... too quiet. “I think I’m even more concerned now,” Selena said. “That snarky lizard better not have seduced my dragon!” “Pft, Ignis’d be too dense to realise if she was,” Seth chuckled as Rika and Fritter stared at him with deadpan looks. “Now that’s a case of the pot calling the kettle black if ah ever heard one,” Fritter said. Seth just blinked as he looked back at them. “What?” All three girls looked at him and sighed. Seth shrugged as he turned... and saw Christine hiding behind a tree, her form shimmered slightly and his eyes flashed, making out her form a little better. “Uh, Chrissie... what are you doing?” “Playing hide-and-seek with three little ponies and their just as easily excitable friends,” the Landshark hissed.  “Better than them trying to get cute-whatever by helping you guys.” “Ah!” Seth nodded. Applebloom had been quite adamant about helping them, so this is what they were doing. “Aw, so cute,” Selena cooed. “You’d make such a good Mommy Christine~” “Chrissie’s gonna be a mom?” Rika gasped. “When did that happen? Why am I never told these things? WHY CAN’T I HUG YOOUUUU!!!???” “...Hey girls, Rika wants to play too!” Christine said before jumping into a sturdy tree and all but vanishing from sight. “What?” was all rika got to say before a half-dozen fillies piled on top of her, giggling madly. Seth and Fritter laughed as Selena was already bolting. No way was she getting caught up in this. A voice sounded from behind Christine as warm breath washed over the back of her neck. “Found you~” Ignis smirked, grabbing the Gabite around the waist and taking off into the air. “And now that you have me, whatcha gonna do with me, big boy?” Christine asked with as sultry a voice as she could manage. “Just this,” he purred, as he put her right next to Rika. “Hey girls, I found her~” “DRAGON HUG!!” they cried, half of the group splitting off from their Rika assault to tackle-hug Christine. Ignis gave a deep, belly laugh at the look of pure indignation on her face and flew off. “...I have no words,” Seth sighed. The antics still made him smile though. “You just lost points, hothead,” Christine sighed as she resigned herself to the hugs the foals were giving her. Later that day, Seth finished recounting what had happened to Christine and Ignis, along with the Apple family. “Well, at least y’all are okay,” Applejack smiled. “And those dragons did a fine job of protectin’ our farm and keeping those foals outta trouble.” “That was a distraction!?” Applebloom cried out as she looked at the two lizards, who just shrugged. “Tain’t fair.” “Well, my offer still stands as well,” Ignis said. “Should you ever find yourself in Canterlot, Seth and I will be happy to train you and Bulbasaur up.” “You’re gonna train them?” Korrina said, as she reluctantly handed back the Keystone and Lucarionite. “Arceus help us....” “Not even he can save you once we’re done!” Ignis roared, waking up a dozing Granny Smith. “Dagnabbit!” she said, clocking the dragon on the head with a ladle. “Keep yer voice down whippersnapper!” “..Yes Ma’am,” Ignis groaned, rubbing his head. “So what’s next fer y’all?” AJ asked them. “Staying in Ponyville fer a spell?” “We have plans in Las Pegasus tomorrow,” Seth replied. “We gotta return Christine home to her family, and i have some work for the Princess to do there.” Christine frowned, she was excited to finally find Sam again, but at the same time, she was enjoying her time with this mob. Seth wasn’t so bad once you got to know him, and Ignis was great fun to mess with. Those memories were pushed aside, as thoughts of her Scyther replaced them. Soon, they would be together again. Applejack did her best to withstand the huge, watery eyes of her sister. But even Applejack could only take so much. “Fine! Once Seth and his friends return to Canterlot, we’ll plan a trip there... BUT! Only if it’s alright with them.” Seth didn’t even try, Applebloom’s begging would have destroyed his resolve in an instant. “Once the Contest is done, I should have quite a bit of free time. So that’s fine.” Applebloom cheered and bounced around with Bulbasaur. The extended family spent one last feast together, as Korrina and other Sweet Apple residents soon discovered the life-changing greatness of a Fritter Feast. With AJ and Granny Smith also helping, the food was something that even the gods couldn’t hope to produce. *** Arceus stared at the mountain of sugary confections. He was never letting Mew design the dinner menu again... *** Ignis found himself unable to sleep again, and perched on the roof of the barn, staring at the stars. He raised his tail, staring into the flickering flame and emptying his mind. He wondered, if he’d had a more... reserved fighting style, if he could have been more help. he’d already started to practice more direct attacks, Dragon Tail and Flame Charge to start, plus that fight with Axle the other day had given him a lot of ideas and pointers. Dragon Dance shouldn’t be too hard to learn now. “If only I could master this stupid stone,” he muttered, holding up the Charizardite X. “Maybe I should ask Seth for help...” He looked back at the sky, half-expecting an answer to just fall from it. Yeah, as if life was that easy. “Drake’d laugh his ass off if he heard me talk like this...” “Isn’t it a little late for philosophical introspection?” a voice asked, causing the dragon to flinch slightly. He looked over his shoulder as Christine stared irritably at him. “Did I wake you again?” Ignis asked. “Sorry about that.” “I’m used to sleeping odd hours, but you could at least keep some yourself,” the landshark replied tersely.  “So what’s up, hothead?” “The usual, me questioning my usefulness,” he replied, resuming his staring at his tail-flame. “On earth, it was easy. I had an opponent, I defeated them. Simple and clean. But here...?” He motioned out over the farm. “I only seem to cause damage and destruction. The enemy that stood before me doesn't fight fair anymore. Hell, if today is any indication, I don’t know who the enemy even is.” He gave his tail a flick, scattering embers into the night sky. “I dunno, just wondering what my place is in this world I suppose...” “I’ve been there,” Christine said as she sat next to Ignis.  “Maybe not exactly there, but I’ve been in the neighborhood of where you are.”  The Gabite looked up at the stars for a moment before sighing. “This world is not kind to fighters like us,” Ignis agreed. “Honestly, I don’t know if I can ever get used to it.” “Or,” a third voice spoke up as Selena climbed up onto the roof. “You two simply find a new way. If a path doesn’t exist, make one. If a wall gets in your way, knock it down. You two should be used to that at least.” “Hey fluffy,” Christine said without looking.  “Mind if I share my tale with Ignis before you dispense any more sage advice?” “Go ahead,” Selena replied. “Didn’t mean to interrupt storytime.” “It was a night like this one, clear skies.  I’d just broken out and found a clear, uninhabited lake.”  The Gabite waved one claw to the skies.  “I caught sight of what I looked like, and just sat there for a minute, looking up, wondering what the hell I was supposed to do now.  All my life, I’d been hoping for that one moment of freedom...and then I had no purpose.  So yeah, I get what you’re going through, Ignis.” Ignis nodded, he moved his tail so the glow caught her scales, causing the purple to shine like glittering amethysts. “I think this world will be a little kinder to you,” he smiled. “You fought because you had to yes? Against a world that couldn’t accept someone as special as you. Equestria is quite accepting for the most part.” “At the very least,” Selena spoke up, placing a paw on her side. “You’ll always have a place in this family, no matter what.” “Thanks,” Christine said with a smile.  “But yeah...both there and here, when I woke up and realized my purpose had been taken or fulfilled?  I made a new one.”  The Landshark looked at the stars a moment longer, but snorted and looked away after.  “On Earth, my new purpose was to train up so that I could break back in and save everyone.  And here?...while Sam would be a nice bonus, I mostly want to find Vincent again and keep the kid safe.” “Heh, with you as a guard dog, no-one’d be stupid enough to go against him,” Ignis chuckled. “Arceus forbid if you ever evolve.” “Meh, I’d still take her,” Selena shrugged. “Invisible. Garchomp!” Ignis countered. “Even I’m dreading that encounter. But yeah, so make a new purpose huh?” The dragon’s mind wandered to what he could do, what he should do. “For now,” he said. “I’ll do what I can. I’ll keep protecting my friends and being the best mate to Selena that I can be.” Selena cooed and nuzzled her mate, planting a small kiss on her neck. Ignis reached out and pulled Christine into the hug as well, content to just lay like that for a while. “Good enough for me,” Christine said as she enjoyed the warmth. The next morning, everyone milled around the station as they waited for Seth. He’d gone to visit Arceus about something and waited for him to return. Rika tilted her head at Ignis and Selena, the two seemed especially huggy today. She looked at Christine, who glared back. “Just try it Fairy,” she growled. “Aww,” Rika pouted, choosing to hug Fritter instead, who took little notice as she spoke with her cousin. “So plantin’ Berries is as simple as that?” she questioned. “Yup, jus’ water ‘em regularly and they sprout in a matter of days, some in just hours.” Fritter held a basket of assorted berries that they’d grown in the last two days. “Ah mean, we got this many in such a short time, imagine what we’d have in a year? Applejack just stared at the fruit, with Christine eyeing the bounty of Oran Berries that Fritter held. A shout garnered their attention as they saw Seth running towards them. Once he got there, he panted lightly and held up a paw. “What took you-” Ignis started to say. “Wait... for it,” he panted. *** To All the inhabitants of Equus. On the last day of the month, Canterlot, the shining capitol of Equestria will be host to something truly special. The Canterlot Contest Spectacular! That's right, the very first Pokemon Contest in all of Equus. It will be open to all ages and all species. If you and your Pokemon partner think you have what it takes. Then come! *** Arceus’ voice rang out in their minds, causing more that a few Pokemon and Ponies to stop whatever they were doing and stared at the sky. “You seriously convinced him?” Selena blinked. “I’m surprised... but not as much as them,” she motioned towards the crowd that murmured amongst themselves. Mostly ponies questioning what a Contest was, and Pokemon wondering if the news was true or not. “Well, I believe I’ve caused enough trouble for one day,” Seth smirked. Ignis just facepalmed as the train pulled into the station. “Thanks for bearing with us Miss Applejack.” “T’aint no problem,” AJ smiled. “Y’all are family now,” she said, causing Fritter and Seth to blush. “Yer welcome to come back anytime!” Apple Fritter gave her cousin one last bonecrushing hug before Rika dragged her onto the train. Seth and Christine shuddered, wondering if walking to Las Pegasus was still an option. “There aren’t any teleporters around... I can still make a break for it,” Christine blinked as her vision blurred and she found herself staring out of the train window, Pinkie Pie waving happily from outside. “H-How? What...? I just.... WHAT?” Seth just chuckled, figuring that he’ll just deny what he saw, and chalk it up to the sun getting in his eyes. He wondered what happened to Abby and Kasai, as well as Gene and Belle. He hadn’t seen them since yesterday, after Celestia had left. “Well, I guess I’ll meet them again. Let’s go and return a lost little dragon.” “Don’t patronise me!!” Christine yelled. She was going to eat that pink anomaly! “Right...” Seth turned to Pinkie. “Think you can say goodbye to the others for me?” “Will do Sethy!” Pinkie saluted. “Also, when’s your birthday?” “Uh, January 3rd,” he responded. “Hmm, still quite a ways off,” Pinkie hummed. “Well, no problemo! Take care okay?” Applejack nodded in agreement and Seth boarded the train. Las Pegasus and a whole new set of dramas awaited him.