//------------------------------// // New Trainer // Story: Spike's Pokemon Journey // by The Soviet Turtle //------------------------------// Spike awoke to the sunshine hitting his face, keeping him warm on the sofa in which he slept on. His eyes twitched before fully watching the world around him. He let out a yawn and stretched his arms and legs, which felt tired but Spike walked it off as he stood up from the sofa. He looked around and realised he was in Fluttershy’s cottage, and his memory came back to him as he recalled the previous events of the day. “The Charamander!” He said as Fluttershy walked down the stairs to see the boy up. “Ah, you’re up Spike. How did you rest?” She asked. “Oh fine thanks. How is the Charmander?” Spike asked. “He’s resting now. Good thing you helped it Spike, he had a lot of scratches and he was actually poisoned. It could have been worse if you didn’t help the poor dear.” Fluttershy said, Spike sighed in relief. “Thank Arceus, I thought I would be to slow.” Spike admitted. “Come upstairs Spike, I think he’d like to thank you.” Fluttershy said. “Alright.” Spike walked behind Fluttershy as he followed her up the stairs. Spike walked up stairs to see the Charmander lying on his stomach on a small bed on a bench, eyes closed as it breathed peacefully, the clean bandages wrapped around his arms and on his tail. Spike smiled at the sight, and to see the Charmander better then when he first met it. The Charmander opened his eyes to see Spike and instantly raised his head. Spike froze at the sudden motion as he had no idea really what the Charmander was thinking. Fluttershy walked up to the Charmander and began to pet its head, to which the Charmander replied by rubbing his muzzle into the hand and making a noise that sounded like he was enjoying the feeling. Fluttershy smiled at Spike and motioned him over. “Come over Spike. Why don’t you try it?” “Umm, sure…” Spike said unsure as he walked over, he uneasily raised his hand to pet the Charmander, who had noticed the boy again and turned his attention to the hand. The Charmander looked up at Spike which didn’t help Spike as he tried to guess the Charmander’s feelings towards him. “Easy boy, easy. I don’t want to hurt you.” Spike said as he slowly and carefully moved his hand forward. Spike touched the Charmanders face, the contact making him feel awkward and even scared that he may never see his hand the same again. But the Charmander slowly began to nuzzle Spike’s hand, and soon a weight was lifted off of Spike’s shoulders as the Charmander nuzzled him. Fluttershy smiled as she saw the connection between the boy and the Pokémon. The moment was interrupted however as a Bunnelby jumped onto the bench, and tapped its foot while looking irritated. Fluttershy, Spike and the Charmander all turned to the Bunnelby. “Oh, is it time for afternoon tea Angel? Okay, Spike, can you help me in the kitchen?” Fluttershy asked. “Of course.” Spike said as the two walked back down the stairs. The Bunnelby looked at the Charmander and blew a raspberry at the Charmander before turning around, arms crossed and waiting for his food. But after a while, he began to smell smoke, and felt very warm behind him. He looked back to see his fur was almost set alight by the Charmander’s tail fire. The Bunnelby named angel immediately jumped up and ran out of the room and down the stairs, a trail of smoke following him as the Charmander chuckled. Spike and Fluttershy were definitely not expecting to see Angel run down the stairs with his rump on fire. Fluttershy quickly finished what see was doing and reached for some water to pour on the Bunnelby. Spike watched as Fluttershy helped the Bunnelby and although he wouldn’t admit it, he took a small bit of enjoyment for the Pokémon that as far as he knew wasn’t very fun. Fluttershy finally ended the fire and got Angel to calm down and sit while he waited for his snack. Fluttershy walked over to see Spike holding the finished snacks. “Here we are, two servings of Pokemon food.” “Oh thank you Spike. Why don’t you go up and fed Charmander while I take care of Angel.” She said. “Um, okay.” Spike said. He knew the Charmander somewhat trusted him but the sight of Angel of fire brought a scenario to the back of his head. He walked up the stairs with the tray and brought it over to the Charmander. The Charmander got excited as he saw the food being brought towards him, and instantly grabbed the food before stuffing his face. Spike chuckled at the little creature before he rubbed the back of the Charmander’s head, who let the boy procced as he ate his food. Fluttershy walked back up to see the boy and the Pokémon getting along. “Looks like you two are becoming fast friends.” She commented. “Yeah, he’s seems really happy when I scratch him in the right spot.” Spike said, proving his point as the Charmander made a noise in appreciation. Fluttershy giggled at the silly behaviour before something dawned on her. “Spike, you’ve never had your own Pokémon have you?” Fluttershy asked. “Yeah. I’m always waking up to late before the starting Pokémon are gone.” Spike said. “Well Charmander here seems to really like you, maybe he could be your Pokémon.” Fluttershy suggested. Fluttershy’s suggestion made Spike and Charmander stop the scratching and let the idea slip into their judgement. Spike himself was really interested. He always wanted a starter Pokémon so he could finally go somewhere other than Ponyville and sometimes Canterlot. But he trusted the Pokémon he got from the Pokémon league because they were trained before they arrived, but this Charmander was a wild Pokémon, and he had no idea what it would be like. Most of the books in the lab on wild Pokémon talk on how to battle, avoid or capture them, not having them as a starter Pokémon. “Um…maybe, but what about Charmander? What if he doesn’t want to become a caught Pokémon?” Spike asked. “Oh that’s simple.” Fluttershy said as she leaned towards Charmander who paid full attention to what she had to say. “Mr.Charmander, would you be okay if you became Spike’s first Pokémon?” She asked. The Charmander looked down on the ground, as it went through its own gains and losses. Spike and Fluttershy waited for some time until Charmander looked up to Spike. The two looked each other in the eyes for a while until Charmander looked at Fluttershy and said ‘Char’. Fluttershy smiled and looked at Spike. “Looks like you have a new friend Spike.” She said. Spike grew a smile as he finally got himself a Pokémon. “Yes!” Spike jumped in joy, and Fluttershy giggled at his victory pose. “I have a spare Pokeball, I’ll give it to you so you can make it official.” Fluttershy said as she walked back down the stairs. Spike walked in front of the Charmander and got down to eye-level with him. “You really want to be my Pokémon?” Spike asked. A lick to his face was the answer he got, and he laughed at the Pokémon’s act. Fluttershy soon came back up with a Pokeball in her hand. She handed it to Spike as he walked to the other side of the room and Fluttershy removed the bandages from Charmander. Spike looked at the Pokeball and then back to Charmander who was now standing on his legs again. “Go ahead Spike.” Fluttershy said. “Char.” Charmander nodded. Spike smiled at the two before throwing the Pokeball at Charmander. The Pokeball hit the Charmanders yellow stomach before the Pokeball opened and Charmander was encased in energy and sucked into the Pokeball before closing. Spike watched anxiously as the Pokeball wriggled once. Twice. An audiable click was soon heard. “CONGRATULATIONS!!!” Spike had an immediate heart attack and fell forward onto the floor. He stopped just from smashing his nose and turned around to see who shouted right behind him. It was another girl Fluttershy’s age, with pink poofy hair that could be mistaken for cotton candy. It was Pinkie Pie, a girl Spike knew as someone totally unpredictable. She wore a pink shirt with three balloons on it, two blue and one yellow, a pink skirt and two pink shoes. “Pinkie!? What are you doing here? How did you even get in?” Spike asked the girl. She just giggled as an Abra and a Sandile appeared from behind Pinkie. “Abra used teleport to send us here from town!” Pinkie Explained. “But how did you know I was catching a Pokemon?” Spike continued. “Oh I have my ways.” Pinkie said with a sly smile. Spike gave up and walked over to the Pokeball and picked it up. “Hello Pinkie, would you like something to drink?” Fluttershy asked. “No thank you, I’ve got to organise a party right away!” “Party? For what?” “For Spike becoming a trainer of course! He’s been waiting so long to become a trainer, and now he is, we have to celebrate!” Pinkie said supporting her logic. “You don’t have to throw a party just for me Pinkie.” Spike said. “Are you kidding!? I have to throw you a party! It’s what I do! I want to do it Spike! Please?” Pinkie said that last word with a pout and puppy dog eyes. How she does that I’ll never know. “Okay Pinkie, but as long as it’s only us and our friends.” Spike said. Pinkie jumped for joy and had a huge smile. “Okie, Dokie, Loki!” She said before disappearing as her Abra teleported her out of the room. “I’ll never understand Pinkie Pie.” Spike said out loud. “I don’t think anyone does.” Fluttershy said giggling. Spike suddenly realised something he forgot about. “Oh no! Twilight’s probably worried sick about me. I better get back home.” Spike said as he began to run for the door. “Sorry to leave in a rush Fluttershy! Thanks for the help!” He yelled to her as he ran out of the cottage. “See you at the party Spike!” She yelled back with a wave, which Spike replied with a wave of his own before he continued running, his new Pokémon in hand. Spike ran through Ponyville once again, passing through the crowds to make his way to the lab. He passed through one last group of people before the laboratory was in sight. Spike was excited, he wondered how Twilight would react. He would always wake up to see other children leave with a smile on their faces leave the building with their new Pokémon. Now he could go and explore more of the region other than Ponyville and Canterlot, he couldn’t wait! Spike was quick to open the door and was about to call for Twilight except she was standing there with a scowl waiting for Spike. “Twilight! I-“ “Where have you been Spike? I was worried sick!” Twilight cut him off. Spike’s expression changed quickly from happy to slightly embarrassed. “It’s, uh, a long story.” Spike said. “I’ve got time.” Twilight said. “Well, I was bringing the apples back. But an Aipom grabbed the bag and ran off into the Everfree. I followed it to try and get the apples back when I ran into some Mightyenas and-“ “Mightyenas!” Twilight immediately forgot everything and pulled Spike into a tight hug. “Are you hurt!? Are you alright!?” “Twilight, I’m-“ “How many fingers am I holding up!?” Twilight said holding up three fingers. “Twilight.-“ “Oh no! You’re delusional! Quick, lets head to the-“ “TWILIGHT!” Spike yelled, snapping Twilight out of her worried state. “I’m fine, really, just a bit tired.” Spike said. “Are you sure?” Twilight asked, still worried. “Really. I’m okay.” Spike pulled Twilight in for a hug, which she happily accepted. “Okay. Thanks for stopping me going overboard…again.” Twilight giggled. “That’s what I’m here for.” Spike said as they broke the hug. “Actually Twilight, I didn’t just run into Mightyenas.” He admitted, tightening the grip on the Pokeball behind his back. “You weren’t chased by a Luxray were you?” She asked, concern coming back. “No, something better.” Spike said as he pulled out the Pokeball and pushed the button. The Pokeball opened as energy flowed out onto a nearby bench, before it formed the Charmander. Spike smiled as Twilight eyed the Charmander with curiosity. “A Charmander? Whose is it Spike?” She asked. “Mine Twilight. He’s my first Pokémon!” Spike said excitingly, Charmander nodded his head to confirm Spike’s statement. Twilight’s eyes widened as she stepped back a bit, her balance slightly off. She looked at the Charmander and then at Spike. “Twilight? You okay?” Spike asked. Twilight slowly regained her balance before she put on a fake smile. “I’m fine. That’s great Spike. You finally have your…own Pokemon.” She said, fake smile all the way. “Yeah, Pinkie’s throwing a party to celebrate. Anyway, I’m going to quickly show Charmander around before Pinkie probably comes by. Come on Charmander, follow me.” Spike said. Charmander jumped down from the bench and followed Spike upstairs to the living quarters. Twilight sighed in relief as she could stop the fake smile since Spike left, but she began to grow worried. She walked up and down the lab floor, her mind in deep thought. Oh no, oh no. What do I do? I wasn’t ready for this! If only this happened a few years later. What’s stopping Spike now from- “Whatcha doin’?” Twilight screamed and jumped high as she turned around to see Pinkie Pie standing behind her. “Pinkie! When did you get here!? You gave me a heart attack!” Twilight said. “Abra used teleport! Sooooooooooo, what were ya doin’?” Pinkie asked. “Um…just thinking.” Twilight responded, hoping Pinkie would buy the lie. “Okie dokie! I came by to grab you guys for the party! Everyone else is at Sugarcube corner.” Pinkie explained. Soon Spike walked into the room with Charmander next to him. “Hey Pinkie, the party ready?” Spike asked. “Yep! See ya there!” Pinkie said right before she flied out through the door. “Spike, what’s this party about?” Twilight asked. “Oh. Pinkie decided to throw a party to celebrate me becoming a trainer. She only invited our friends though, so it’s not like her usual parties.” Spike said as he walked down the stairs. He then pulled out his Pokeball and spoke to Charmander. “Okay Charmander, back into your Pokeball for now.” Charmander nodded and was soon returned to the Pokeball, which Spike then put back into his pocket. He then looked up to see Twilight in deep thought. Okay, calm down Twilight. It’s not bad. It’s just your little Spike going out into a world he has no idea about fighting monsters that could easily- “You coming Twilight?” “Huh?” Twilight looked to see Spike looking at her slightly worried. “Yeah, sure. Let’s go.” She said as the two left the lab and headed for Sugarcube corner. The two arrived at a building that looked like it was built out of candy, and walked in to be greeted by Pinkie holding a tray with green cupcakes. “Hey guys! Cupcake!?” Pinkie asked. Twilight and Spike grabbed a cupcake before Pinkie zoomed off. “I swear even Starswill wouldn’t be able to understand her.” Twilight said. “She IS Pinkie.” Spike pointed out as he took a bit out of his cupcake. “True.” Twilight said, her mind still in a loop as she took a bit of her cupcake. This cupcake is delicious at least. Spike also enjoyed the cupcake as he walked over to the drinks table. He finished the cupcake and whipped the crumbs of his face and grabbed a can of lemonade. He cracked the can open and was about to drink but was stopped as he was grabbed around the neck by someone behind him. “So, what this I hear of my favourite guy getting a Pokémon of his own?” Spike recognized the voice, and looked up to see a girl with Rainbow coloured hair. “Hey Rainbow, can you let me go?” Spike asked. “Not after this.” Rainbow said as she began to rub Spike’s head, with Spike trying to resist the annoyance. “Oh Rainbow, leave the poor dear alone. It is his party.” A voice said. Rainbow released Spike, who rubbed his neck to see Rainbow wearing a cyan jacket, a cyan sport t-shirt, a pair of cyan sport shorts, and sneakers. He also looked to see a girl wearing a pure white dress, dress shoes and purple curly hair. Spike was immediately captured by the girl’s beauty. “H-Hello Rarity.” Spike said. “Hello Spike. Congratulations on getting a Pokemon.” Rarity said as she hugged the boy, who eagerly returned the hug. “Thank you Rarity.” Spike said. Rarity giggled and pecked Spike on they broke the hug. Spike immediately blushed and stood stiff. “I think you broke him Rarity.” Rainbow commented as she started to try and break Spike out of his trance. “Dude? Dude? Hey, Spike!” Rainbow yelled, causing Spike to shake his head and look at the rainbow girl. “Yeah?” “What Pokemon did you get anyway?” Rainbow asked. “A Charmander.” Spike replied as he finally took a sip of his lemonade. “Charmander? I thought you guys didn’t have a Charmander.” Rainbow pointed out. “Yeah, I caught the guy after saving him from some Mightyenas in the Everfree.” Spike said. “Mightyenas! Oh you poor thing!” Rarity said as she grabbed Spike and examined him violently, not that he minded. “Are you injured? Hurt?” “I’m fine Rarity, Fluttershy patched me up.” Spike explained as he escaped Rarity’s grip. “Oh thank Arceus, I couldn’t imagine if anything happened to my Spikey Wikey” Rarity exclaimed, a bit over dramatic to the amusement of Rainbow. She laughed and got a sour look from Rarity, while Spike took a sip from his drink. “So Spike, when can I expect you to come around the gym?” Rainbow asked. Spike opened his mouth to answer but nothing came out as he realised he never really thought about it. He was more concentrated on getting a Pokémon more than getting gym badges. Rainbow herself was the gym leader of the Ponyville gym, and regularly battled the new trainers that arrived straight from Twilight’s lab, confident they could win. “I-I don’t really know Rainbow. I’ll probably train Charmander first before fully challenging you.” Spike told Rainbow. Rainbow smiled and patted Spike on the back. “Looks like you learned something from me Spike, Keep it up and you might have a chance to beat me. But don’t push your luck; you’ll need to seriously train if you want to challenge me.” Rainbow said, Spike smiled to her and took another sip from his drink. The party went on for several hours, all into the early night. Spike got congrats from Applejack, who gave him a jar of zap apple juice and some apples for his trip. Fluttershy also gave Spike some potions and other bottles to cure any condition Charmander suffered from. Pinkie pie gave Spike a bag filled with sugary sweetness and some special lemonades in case he or Charmander got hurt. Rarity gave Spike several gems, many he had helped Rarity gather, to use as money in Pokemarts to buy any extra goods he might need. Rainbow also gave Spike some advice for battling and catching Pokémon, so that he could challenge the gyms. By the end of it, Spike and Twilight entered the lab with full pockets and tired bodies. The next morning, Spike made himself, Twilight and Charmander breakfast before he got ready to leave on his journey. Spike made sure his bag had all the items he had gotten last night and Charmander’s Pokeball before the two meet with Twilight near the door. Twilight held out several Pokeballs and a Pokedex in her hands. “Here you go Spike. Here’s my gift to you for your journey.” Twilight said as Spike grabbed the Pokedex and the Pokeballs and placing them in his pockets. “Thanks Twilight.” He said. The two pulled each other into a hug as a final goodbye. Spike felt this hug was different however, as Twilight seemed to be gripping onto him tighter. She also held on the hug for a long time. “Twilight? You okay?” Spike asked, Twilight finally letting go. “Yeah, I’m fine Spike.” She said. “Okay…see you later Twilight.” Spike said as he and Charmander walked out of the lab. “Be sure to visit!” Twilight called out, Spike turned around and waved back. “We will!” Twilight watched as Spike and Charmander disappeared, she sighed as she say her longest friend and assistant leave her. Please just be safe Spike. I need you back here.