"Defense Curl!" I shouted as I woke up, suddenly feeling a bit more 'safe' from the nightmare I woke up from. It took me a moment to calm my breathing and to look around before I remembered where I was.
I was still at Zecora's and I had apparently just used Defense Curl, something, that made me grin, seeing as how it was a 'Transfer only' move for a Pikachu. This could only mean one of two things, either I could use any Pokemon move I could think of, or I could learn, or already had access to 'Transfer only' moves. Either or would do for me, since both meant I could learn some special moves that would be priceless in the real world. Anyone who knew what I was thinking, would agree that the move 'Fly' would be fun to try out.
I smiled at both the revelation and the fact that 'Rest' had seemed to work since I had fallen asleep and now felt perfectly completely rested and at the top of my game. At least I was having some form of luck after all that had happened. Focusing on the positives was most likely the best in this situation.
Zecora soon noticed I had woken up and informed me that it a few hours past sunrise and offered me some breakfast while asking me how I felt. It was interesting listening to her rhyming, but it eventually got a bit old and I soon lost interest. After breakfast, I voiced my wish to try and practice my moves, hopefully manage to preform another 'transfer only' move. Zecora was reluctant at first, but once I let her make sure I was at the top of my game, she decided I was good enough after all.
This led to my current situation, standing outside in the small clearing surrounding her home, trying to once again preform 'defense curl', unfortunately having no luck, only making myself dizzy from spinning around in my attempts, having no real idea how to preform the move. Which put a real damper on my excitement. I, however, would not be deterred! So, I decided to keep on trying until Ember showed up.
After what felt like hours of me trying out different spinning motions, curling my body together and simply trying to re-create the move, I was interrupted by a slightly worried voice.
“You okay there, Caesar?”
Turning around, I saw that Ember had joined me and Zecora in the clearing. My frustration immediately evaporating as I smiled towards her.
“Yeah, just a bit excited. I managed to do ‘Defense curl’ in my sleep! So I was trying to do it again and see if I could learn it properly and maybe learn some other transfer-only moves.” I told her, unable to keep my returning excitement from leaking into my voice before I lost my balance and fell over from the returning nausea.
“Heh, guess I got to work on it some more, getting really dizzy…” I explained myself as I closed my eyes and shook my head a little to try and dispel the feeling of the world rotating around me. While I was recovering, Zecora took over my conversation with Ember.
“Good day Ember, You have come for Caesar as I remember. Caesar is so much better today, I don’t think he has any reason to stay.” Zecora said looking back at me as I was getting back up, having managed to calm the typhoon in my head enough not to loose balance.
“All this talk about his ‘moves’, at first I thought they were just a ruse. But alas I was wrong, this boy is quite strong.” Zecora continued with a small smile.
“I can tell.” Ember smiled happily. “You look like you’re getting the hang of your abilities.” She stated.
“Yeah. I discovered early on that I can use any moves a Pikachu can learn. But it seems that the transfer-only moves are a bit more tricky. But I guess that makes sense, some of the moves don’t really fit a Pikachu. But I would still love to learn them… if it’s possible that is.” I explained, once again remembering that I might be able to fly one day.
“Right… I’m starting to think that you don’t want to see Applebloom and the rest of your new family, do you?” Ember suddenly asked me, folding her arms for a brief moment. Her question catching me off-guard as I felt my right ears twitch and my cheeks spark a little. “Applebloom is excited to show her new little brother to the rest of her siblings.” Ember continued.
“Oh, no. Of course I do! I was just so excited to learn about transfer only moves that I… forgot. Sorry.” I explained sheepishly. Glad that my cheeks couldn't actually get any redder.
“It’s alright, little guy. You’ll have enough time to learn your moves afterwards, I promise.” Ember chuckled, as she turned around and offering me a place on her back to crawl on. “Ready to go?” She asked. Having nothing against it, I simply smiled and nodded before jumping up on her back. I then turned back to look at Zecora and used one arm to wave towards her since Ember used her arms to support my legs.
“Goodbye Zecora. Thanks for taking care of me.” I thanked her, genially thankful since I most likely wouldn't have made it if she hadn't found me, I decided not to over think it since I rather not remind myself how scarily close I was to dying.
“Bye Zecora. Thank you so much all of your help!” Ember shouted her goodbye as well, already having begun our walk back.
“I guess there’s no reason being late, the time spent with you has been great.” Zecora responded while waving her own hoof at us until I could no longer see her, at which point I turned back forward and decided to ask Ember a little about Applebloom's family.
“So… um… how is Applebloom’s family? I mean, I’ve met Applebloom, but I don’t really know anything about her family…” I asked, a little bit nervous about if they would really be okay with me staying with them.
“You mean what are they like?” Ember asked me back before answering. “Well, she has two older siblings. A sister and a brother and besides me, she also has a grandmother.”
Even if Ember couldn't see it, I nodded at that. “Yes, I think it would be good to know a little about them before I meet them, but I also think I should know more about… ponies in general. I mean, the only one I’ve met is Applebloom and she is only about my age. And I really don’t want to do something inappropriate or embarrassing only because I don’t understand something.” I explained, imagining that they most likely had a different culture, the chances being slim it was anything like the one I was used to.
“Well, it’s kind of complicated if you ask me. But let me try to help,” Ember said, flames taking the form of three kinds of ponies in front of us. “Applebloom herself is an earth pony. A pony that is one with the land. Therefore, they have a lot of talents that involve hard work and strength. There are only two other normal kinds of ponies. Unicorns that have horns and can control Magic and Pegasi that have a pair of wings and can control the weather in the sky.”
“Wait, magic?” I asked, my eyes going wide as I tried to comprehend what that would mean.
“Yeah. Like mine, but different.” Ember said, pointing out her flames. “Think like when an Alakazam picks something up with Telekinesis or when Mewtwo teleports.” Ember explained.
“Oh, I think I get it… is it very specific in what it can do, like pokémon moves or can it do a lot of different stuff beyond what you mentioned?” I asked, thinking about the possibilities involving magic. Being young, I had of course yet to concede to the harsh truth that magic was non existent, and now, it seemed my stubbornness had paid off.
“Yeah, but it varies depending on who uses it and how much power they have. Unicorns and Alicorns, a species of ponies only found in royalty, can control magic, but it is limited by certain guidelines. Like you can only use certain moves out of combat for you like Flash or Strength. However, another species called Draconequus though, that’s a whole different story.” Ember tried explaining to me.
I rubbed my head thinking about it, “That is quite a lot to think about… but… isn’t it unfair?” I asked, believing that magic should most likely be equal to all who wished to use it, or at least put up an effort to learn.
“Well, it really focuses on you and your strengths. Draconequus like Discord though,” Ember said, showing a fiery projection of the Spirit, “-are masters of Chaos Magic. Almost like a legendary Pokemon. They can learn any move and master it with ease depending on the guidelines they follow.” Ember said, making me remember the first time I accidentally killed a legendary pokémon, not realizing what it was, rendering me forever unable to catch it. Not that I was able to catch many legendaries anyway. The ability of the Draconequus however reminded me of a certain move, one only learned by a pokémon named 'Smeagle' I believe it was called, but was unsure on that point.
“Reminds me of a move that allows a pokémon to learn a move it observes permanently, don’t remember what it’s called though… But I was more hinting towards the fact that Unicorns and… Alicorns you said? - well, while they get to use magic, pegasi are limited to flying and earth ponies have a connection to nature? Isn’t that like… far less possibilities for them?” I inquired, frowning slightly.
“Honestly, it depends on that ponies talent. There Cutie Mark on their flank that they earn tells a Pony what they’re skilled at and how they could help others. As for the Pegasi, they can control the weather and are responsible for the rainy seasons in Equestria while Earth Ponies are the only ones capable of growing food.” Ember said, pausing for a moment… before speaking again. “It’s like a cycle. Are you familiar with the Pokémon of Alpha, Omega and Delta?”
“You mean the ruby, sapphire and emerald remakes that came out on Nintendo 3DS?” I asked her, a bit unsure since I hadn't heard anything about any Delta version, but took a guess anyway.
“Yeah. Groudon represents the Land. Kyogre represents the Sea and Rayquaza represents the sky. Now… think about that and then think about this. Earth Ponies represent the Land, Unicorns represent the magic that flows through this land like the waves of the sea and the Pegasi represent the weather and the sky. Does that make sense?” Ember asked, looking back at me.
“Yeah, I think I understand… wait a sec,” I said as I suddenly remembered I had had my 3DS XL with me before I got transported. Checking my pocket I quickly found my 3DS XL and sighed in relief. It was black and had a golden motif of a Pikachu on it, a limited edition I had barely been able to get. I opened it up and begun writing everything Ember had just told me down on virtual notes with the little stylus that came with the small handheld gaming device. “There, now I won’t forget and… what? how come it’s charging?” I asked in confusion as I noticed the small lamp for charging was glowing, completely baffled and glad at the same time that I wouldn’t have to worry about charging DS, yet I was still worried.
“Seems like your cheeks react to electrical devices. Since Pikachu’s are electric types.” Ember pointed out to me, once again looking at me.
I quickly put a hand to my cheek and felt that they truly were reacting to something. Looking down to DS, I felt myself frown.
“That doesn’t make much sense… I mean, you can’t just carelessly charge something by using a random power source, you have to take into account the stuff like watt, ohm and things like that. Otherwise it could break!” I recounted what little I knew from a friend's brother who had been working with electronics and once explained some things to us when we tried using triple A batteries and some wire for a controller that used double A batteries. Realizing whatever I was doing to the DS right now was most likely even worse, I immediately let go of the DS, afraid of breaking it. The DS fell to the ground which fortunately consisted of soft dirt. Looking at the DS I saw that the small light indicating that the device was charging had turned off and felt my cheeks having stopped sparking.
“I… I guess I’ll have to be careful with it. Think they possibly have regular DS chargers for sale somewhere around here?” I asked, already suspecting the answer to be no.
“Yeah. You kind of are a human light socket.” Ember replied, not really giving me an answer, which I realized there most likely wasn't any way for me to safely charge my DS. It was something that hit me hard. I had many times been the victim to bullies, one of the many reasons I had so often switched schools. But through it all, I had always been able to rely on my DS since the day I first got it. And now, I wouldn't e able to do that.
The mere thought was enough for my mood to drop and I began feeling my eyes fill with tears.
“Y-you mean I won’t be able to play on my DS, ever?” I asked no one in particular with a trembling voice.
“I never said that. What I was trying to tell you is that over time, if you control your powers, then you can play your DS without damaging it.” Ember said, lighting a beacon of hope. After all, I did know what the appropriate Voltage, ohm and watts were, I now only had to figure out which one was which and learn to control them myself.
With my mood improved, I sighed and jumped of Ember’s back to pick up my DS and quickly shoved it into my pocket, making sure to expose it to my own powers as little as possible until I knew I could charge it without it's battery swelling up and exploding. Looking around some, I tried to judge the distance we had already traveled during our conversation. I was unsuccessful to say the least.
“How far is it until we’re there? Maybe I could walk rest of the way? I don’t want to be an inconvenience…” I suggested, realizing I probably should have said something about it earlier.
“Actually,” Ember replied as we reached a clearing. “We’re here.”
“Oh.” I simply replied as I took in the sights of the place. The most noticeable things being the overwhelming amount of apple trees and a big, bright red barn. Outside the barn, stood a huge red stallion and a orange mare. Both of them ponies like Applebloom. As soon as I thought that, Applebloom came out, turning around to see both me and Ember, a smile immediately finding it's way onto her face with a twinkle of happiness in her eyes.
“Oh. Hi Applebloom nice to-” was all I managed to say before Applebloom tackled me with a hug, making him fall over from the sudden “tackle”. I suppose she's a clingy friend...sister? I noted to myself as I felt her hug me, only to notice my air intake diminishing.
“Looks like somepony’s excited to see you.” Ember giggled, unaware of my predicament.
“App-Applebloom, Air!” I managed to squeeze out as she was suffocating me with her affection. She was very strong.
“Aunt Embah, who is this little Critter?” The orange Pony asked as she trotted over to us. “And why is Applebloom hugging him like that?” She asked, looking at us as Applebloom had lessened her grip to let me breathe.
“Applejack. Big Mac. I would like the two of you to meet Caesar. He’s a lot younger than me, but came to Equestria the same way I did. Since he’s around Appleblooms age, I thought we would let him stay here for the time being and let him have fun with Applebloom and her friends. Plus, it’ll be good to have extra hands-er I mean hooves on deck for when Zap Apple season is coming.” Ember said, confusing me about her replacing hands with hooves. I still had hands, didn't I?
“Zap Apples? What’s that?” I asked, forgetting about the hooves thing for the moment.
“They’re special apples that only come around during the spring.” Ember explained before anyone else could. “But I believe Applebloom can explain more about them.”
“Yah, ah reckon ah can do dat,” Applebloom stated with a smile. “Come on Caesar, Ah show ya where tah trees are.” With that, I departed together with Applebloom. I couldn't refuse her if she wanted to show me around. Besides, if this was where I was going to stay, I'd have to know my way around this place, I had only seen a small part, and already it seemed massive to me.
“So, what is it that’s so special about these ‘Zap’ apples?” I asked, starting up a conversation as I followed Applebloom.
“Zap Apples are special apples that come during the harvest, but before they are ripe, they give off a nasty shock that would hurt anypony. Almost like if you were struck by lightning.” Applebloom explained, making me stumble as I imagined electrifying fruit.
“Wouldn’t that be dangerous? Are you sure it’s safe to even go near them if they can do that?” I asked, not really willing to risk my own health for such a fruit. “Also, why would you be harvesting such fruit, is it really worth it if someone gets hurt?”
“Ah believe so. Besides, a little shock doesn’t seem to be that much of a problem for ya.” She smiled. Where exactly was she going with this? Sure, I was basically a Pikachu right now, but I could still be hurt by lightning. Electric types weren’t immune to electric type moves after all, and I was fairly certain that it was something that carried over from the games, much like the ‘transfer only’ moves.
“Applebloom. Just because I can actually do some electrical moves, it doesn’t mean they don’t affect me, I think they might not do as much harm to me, but I think it would still hurt for me to be hit by lightning. Honestly, I’d rather not try and find out.” I explained it to her in case she ever thought of trying it out on me.
“Aww, an’ ah was hopin’ we could try pickin’ dem apples early again.” Applebloom pouted. making me feel bad, even though I was thinking about everyones safety, not just my own. Wait, again?
“Wait, what do you mean again?” I asked, curious about it.
“Well, Ah and my friends Sweetie Belle an’ Scootaloo once tried pickin’ dem before they were ripe. Not only could we not pick the fruit, but the tree ended up zappin’ us all.” Applebloom explained.
“You got zapped? What happened, you don’t look like you’ve suffered a lightning strike…” I said, surprised to hear that she herself had been a victim of such a dangerous force.
“Caesar, that was a few years ago. Now with the crop season being back and with Applejack being real busy, ah just thought ah could do something nice for her.” Applebloom told me, seemingly completely missing the point of how dangerous a lightning strike is, maybe she was over exaggerating when she said the shock was like a lightning strike?
“So, how long is it until the trees bear fruit then?” I asked, looking around at the healthy looking trees, all of them already showing what looked like small gray apples, making me question if the trees were either sick or magical somehow, besides being electrical…
“Well, the trees work of of ah five day cycle. Once they begin to show signs of bearin’ fruit, it takes up ‘ntil the fourth day for the fruit to show, but it has been said for us to wait til day five before we pick ‘em so the magic in the fruits could die down. Otherwise, we end up getting zapped, as in the name. Wait too long and on day six, the entire crop disappears.” She had me follow her to where the trees were in the forest and that was when I had a first glimpse of these apples.
“Are the apples really supposed to look like that? They seem a little small… and rather gray. The shape is nice though…” I asked Applebloom, thinking of how the apples actually worked rather well with the color of the leaves. I even considered to take my DS out to take a picture, but decided not to. I could probably get one from somewhere else, but replacing a busted DS would be hard.
“Normally, Zap Apples are a lot different than these.” She replied. “Mostly because we’re a day early. Applebloom explained. Making me wonder.
“So how do they look once they are done?” I asked, before being startled as a few nearby trees had some solid blue lightning course up along the base of the tree, making me look at them with wide eyes.
“Normally, it looks like a rainbow, but since it’s a day early, the tree’s discharge lightning every now and then until that happens. Hence, getting zapped.” Applebloom explained.
“Wait, they actually become colored in the colors of a rainbow? Like the whole color spectrum we can see in actual rainbows, and in the right order as well?” I asked, assuming they could have the colors arranged in the right order as well, since they already sounded way past unbelievable.
Applebloom nodded her head, “Yeah, that’s right. If ah had my saddlebag, then ah would show you a picture I had kept from the last harvest so I could show you. But unfortunately, that’s back at the barn.” Applebloom said, making me nod in appreciation.
“That sounds great. In fact we could maybe do that right now. After all, you’ve already showed me the orchard, and you can probably tell me anything else about the trees back at the farmhouse, right?” I asked her, wanting to see this magical fruit as soon as possible, even if only as a picture.
“Yeah, sure! Come on, I’ll race ya!” Applebloom replied, getting into a head start by sprinting into a full on gallop. I smiled at the sight, but before I could begin chasing after her, I noticed the trees beginning to charge up as she ran past them, the charge jumping to the next tree in line, charging it faster than the last one as Applebloom flew past. Before I could warn her, the charge had already reached the tree right next to her, and I saw it lash out.
“Applebloom!” I shouted out in vain as I saw the charge leaving the tree and traveling towards her.