Sunset woke up the next morning to the smell of eggs and potatoes filling the group’s camp. Nelson was busy tending to the meal, cooking it neatly over the campfire. Esmeralda was setting up his travel table and chairs, using the metal rods to support the thick and sturdy fabric. Crystal was apparently still asleep, as was Flandre. Sunset stretched a bit, before slipping on her boots and walking over. “Morning, Nelson. Breakfast smells really good!”
Nelson looked up to her and smiled. “Thank you. I’ve always been a fan of cooking, so I’m glad I’ve got people to enjoy it.” He gestured to a set of plates next to his bag. “Would you mind grabbing those for me? I don’t want to leave the eggs unattended.” Sunset nodded and grabbed the stack, bringing it over. Nelson piled a few eggs onto five of them, and Esmeralda levitated them over to the table. “Potatoes are going to take a bit longer than that. In the meantime, could you wake up sleeping beauty over there? I’m afraid I’ll receive a less-than-warm welcome from her this early.”
“I’ll wake her up. Trust me on this one.” Esmeralda said, walking over to the tent and ducking inside. Nelson and Sunset glanced at each other before shrugging, the former going back to tending to the potatoes being seared in the travel pan. He added some salt and pepper to the concoction, spreading them out on all of the remaining plates. He turned sharply when he heard Sunset cry out in shock, as she was being assaulted by a large bird clad in midnight blue feathers, red feathers showing on the inside of its wings.
“Nelson, help me here!” She cried out as the bird flapped around her. Nelson let out a sharp whistle, and held out his arm. The bird turned its head and landed on it, nuzzling up against his face. “What the…?”
“Sorry about that, Sunset. This is Nightshade, one of my Pokémon. I sent him and Terra out to look for some berries to compliment breakfast.” He looked up to the bird. “Listen, nightshade, this is Sunset. She’s a friend, don’t scare her again.” The bird let out what sounded like a half-hearted ‘honchcrow.’ “So, where is Terra, anyway?”
“Statement: I who would be Terrabyte has been slowed by the berries he who is Nightshade found.” A voice boomed into Sunset’s mind. Shortly after, she saw what looked like a giant metal spider with only four legs enter the clearing. It had a blue body, red eyes, and a large metal ‘X’ on its face. “Surprised conclusion: You, who are you, must be She who is Sunset Shimmer, as he who is Nelson told I who would be Terrabyte the identity this morning. Ammendum: I who would be Terrabyte is surprised that You who is Sunset Shimmer is awake so soon.” The voice was completely monotone in its delivery.
“Uhh… it’s nice to meet you too?” Sunset replied, somewhat off-put by the being’s speech.
“Joyous Exclamation.” Terra said, before walking off towards the table. Sunset then noticed the large basket of berries upon its back. However, she was too busy being terribly confused at what the Pokémon had said.
“You’ll get used to it.” Nelson said. “Ever since he evolved into a metagross, he’s talked just like that. Must be the supercomputer brain or something.” He chuckled as Crystal, Esmeralda, and Rio exited the tent. Once outside, Dauntless was let out of his Pokéball to eat and it took the combined efforts of all three humans and Crystal’s other two Pokémon to keep him from jumping on Terrabyte, whom he obviously thought a friend. Sunset woke Flandre, who simply hobbled over to a plate of potatoes and slapped her face in them, eating them as groggily and lazily as possible.
“Is that normal for an Espurr?” Sunset asked. “I mean, Flandre always seems so… out of it. I’ve seen her do nothing but stare blankly and that sort of stuff.”
“Well, every Pokémon has their own personality, like us humans.” Nelson responded after swallowing a mouthful of potato. “I guess Flandre is just tired in the morning. Who isn’t?” Sunset shrugged, and took a bite of the eggs. Her eyes lit up just as Crystal’s did as well, both of them obviously loving the tenderly cooked breakfast. “Heh, I guess you like it?” Nelson asked upon seeing this reaction.
“Darling, this is one of the best breakfasts I’ve had.” Crystal said. “I’ve lived in Lumiose for most of my life, but very few professional chefs can even come close to your cooking. And this is just eggs and potatoes! I would so love to try anything you can cook up.”
“Thank you, Crystal.” Nelson responded. “People always did tell me I had a talent for cooking.” The rest of the meal was consumed in relative silence, the group of friends and Pokémon too busy savoring their food. When all was said and done, Rio offered his services to clean the plates with his Water Shuriken attack. Sunset saw the small blades of water fly through the air and strike the plates with just enough force to clean them, but controlled enough to not shatter them. After Nelson packed it all up into his bag, the Pokémon bowed as he was returned to his Pokéball.
The group began to travel along Route 7 as they had started last night, Sunset admiring the forest to her left and the river of sparkling water to her right. Occasionally, she spied a painter standing to the side of the route, capturing the beauty of it on their canvases. Each one had one or more Pokémon with them, and a few Pokémon were painting their own portraits of the land around them, or each other.
As noon came, the sun shone high in the sky above the travelers. “Oh! Sunset, could we stop up ahead? I wish to visit a good friend of mine, if he’s here.” Crystal said, pointing up ahead on the horizon. A beautiful manor stood to their right, suspended above the water on a small outlet of land. It was a light lavender in color, gray almost.
“Sure, Crystal.” Sunset replied. “I don’t mind a short stop. It’s about lunchtime anyway, so maybe your friend can join us.” She glanced over to Nelson. “I mean, if Nelson doesn’t mind cooking for another.”
The pink-haired boy shook his head. “I don’t mind in the slightest. More friends the merrier, I say!” With that, the group steadily made their way over to the manor. As Sunset approached, she saw that the building had several flags waving outside, from ones similar to those she saw waving in Lumiose, presumably a ‘Region Flag’ similar to the countries of the human and pony world, as well as flags depicting things such as crowns and Pokémon.
The large oaken doors swung out to greet them as they approached, two butlers opening them from the inside. One of them saw Crystal, and smiled. “Announcing the arrival of Duchess Crystal of the Kalos Region, and her guests.” He said this into a microphone, the voice echoing down the halls. Crystal performed a slight curtsey to the butler who did, and he graciously returned the gesture with a bow. “A pleasure to see you again, Duchess. May I presume you are here to partake in the activities of this manor?”
“Possibly, my good sir. But first I wish to meet with an old friend of mine. Tell me, is Duke Fredrick here?” Crystal replied, slipping easily into a more posh accent. Sunset turned her attention to the paintings lining the walls, each one showing one or more Pokémon in battle or in regal attire next to their trainers. “Sunset, come over here for a second, if you would.” Turning to her friend’s call, Sunset walked on over, standing next to Crystal and the butler.
“I take it you’ve been here before?” Sunset inquired of her friend, who giggled.
“Yes, as any trainer would, of course. This is the Battle Chateau, where trainers can come to meet, train their Pokémon together, and partake in the activities befitting a noble status.” She gestured to the butler. “If you’d like, we can get you a title to start out with. These titles do go a long way if you go to other places of refinement around the globe. The Battle Chateau and the Battle Maison, for example, have locations worldwide.”
“Well, why not?” Sunset asked. “I mean, this place sounds pretty nice, and a fancy title might not be my style… but what’s the harm in that?”
The butler walked up to her, and took her hand. “Then it is a pleasure to call you Baroness Sunset for the first time. Welcome to the Battle Chateau.” He turned to Crystal, and spoke to her, “Duchess Fleur is in the Mirror Room. Please do be careful on your way there, M’Lady.”
“Sir, you can’t possibly be serious!?” Another butler said, shocked. Sunset, Crystal, and the butler they were near turned to face him. He was sweating slightly as he stood in front of Nelson, who was holding out his trainer’s ID card. “Sir, it’s an honor…” The butler said, before speaking into the microphone. “It is my honor to announce the arrival of Grand Duke Nelson, of the Orre Region!” The young man in question bowed to him, and the butlers nearby eagerly did the same in response.
“G-Grand Duke?” Crystal said, slightly off-put. “Oh, my hair! I need to look presentable…”
“Uhh, Crystal?” Sunset said, placing a hand on the unnerved girl’s shoulder. “I don’t really know what that means, but I don’t think you need to freak out about it. Nelson’s a friend, after all. I don’t think he cares about your hair or how you act-“
Crystal grabbed Sunset by the shoulders and had a slight crazed look in her eyes. “A Grand Duke or Duchess is the highest noble title one can receive! Only eight people in the world have that title, Sunset! And we’re in the presence of the only one from Orre! We need to be better dressed than this!” With that, she grabbed Sunset by her arms and dragged her into the nearby restroom.
“Um, Lady Crystal?” The butler who was speaking to them said. He received no response as Nelson walked up next to him, Esmeralda nearby slapping her head down into her face.
“My trainer sometimes goes a bit overboard when it comes to making an impression with nobles.” She said. “Why didn’t you mention this earlier, Nelson?”
“Exactly for this reason.” He replied flatly, mimicking the Gardevoir’s current gesture. “I don’t like all the flair and fame that comes with the title. I just like to battle a lot, and the location in Orre is a good place to do that. It’s a nice break from the Coliseum fights, at least.” As he finished his statement, the door to the restroom opened back up. Sunset was thrust out with her hair tied back in a loose but posh ponytail, and was clad in a turquoise dress that trailed down to the floor.
“I seriously question the fact that your bag can hold all of this, Crystal.” Sunset said as she walked away from the door, off balance as she walked. The fashionista who exited next had her hair tied back into a bun, glittering sapphiric jewels strung throughout it. Her gown was very large and regal, being a soft pink color accented by waves of yellow silk. “And the fact that you manage to keep all of this without any wrinkling involved.”
“Sunset, darling, one must always be prepared for a change of fashion. Especially if it means being in the presence of one of high status.” She opened a small compact mirror, making sure her freshly applied makeup was perfect. Sunset sighed and hobbled over to Nelson.
“Having some trouble there, Sunset?” Nelson asked, seeing her trouble. “Do you need any help?”
“No, I got this…” Sunset said, attempting to ‘get this.’ She held a hand over to the nearby wall, steadying herself. “I’ve just never worn heels before. I can’t walk in the damn things.” This was further proven when she took another step and almost fell straight on her face. She was saved at the last moment by Esmeralda grabbing her by her torso, and hefting her up to her feet. “Thanks.”
Sunset and Nelson proceeded to follow Crystal down the hallways of the Chateau, admiring the paintings and statues inside. Other trainers and members of nobility passed by, politely waving as they walked. Eventually, the three people and two Pokémon (Esmeralda standing next to her trainer and Flandre on top of Sunset’s head once more) came across a room filled with beautiful marble statues and mirrors. Dominating the far end of the room was a tall suit of armor carrying an imposing two-edged sword in one hand and a shield with a mirror built into it in the other. The image of a smoky gray warrior seemed to live inside of the mirror-shield, but Sunset could not find what was reflecting to make it. “Good show, love!” A masculine voice said, echoing through the room.
It belonged to a well-dressed man with periwinkle hair. His hair was styled in a loose wavy pattern, and one of his blue eyes was hidden behind a monocle. His skin was a good tan color, the man having gotten much sun lately. His suit was finely tailored, and had a white button-down beneath the black jacket. He was in the midst of a Pokémon battle, his partner being a small bird, colored red and white. It occasionally reached into a bag slung over its shoulder to charge an attack.
His opponent was a woman about his age in equally eloquent attire. She had long red hair so light it looked pink at first glance, with eyes to match. She was in a gown colored the same as her opponent’s hair, which was supported by slinging a sash over her left shoulder. She was completely silent in giving orders to her partner Pokémon, which was a sword that levitated on its own power, holding its scabbard in a ‘hand’ of blue ribbon. Sunset eagerly looked through her Pokédex for more information, finding the entries for Delibird and Honedge to be matches for the two.
“Now, my good friend, use Present!” The man called out as his avian Pokémon pulled a small wrapped box from its satchel, and tossed it at the sword. The girl brought an arm up as if she was blocking the attack, and the sword Pokémon responded in kind, using its scabbard to defend. The gift struck the scabbard and exploded, causing the room to shake slightly. The girl held her hand out and swung it upwards, and the sword mimicked her actions while coated in a shining aura.
The Delibird was hit, and went down for the count. Unable to continue battling, the man recalled his Pokémon to its Pokéball, and the woman beckoned her Honedge over. It sheathed itself and wrapped its blue ribbon around her waist, its sash complementing her attire. She smiled softly and walked up to the man, giving him a quick peck on the cheek before gesturing to Sunset’s group. The man looked up and smiled once his eyes landed upon Crystal.
“Lady Crystal! A pleasure to see you once more. I truly enjoyed your last fashion line; my wife here owns several of your dresses, in fact.” He said, eagerly walking up and bowing politely to her. She responded with a smile.
“Why thank you, Fredrick. And Lady Fleur, it is nice to see you again as well.” The rose-haired girl nodded, either unable to speak or simply choosing not to. Sunset couldn’t figure out which. “These are my friends, Baroness Sunset, and er… Grand Duke Nelson…”
“My word!” Fredrick said, bowing immediately. “I barely heard his arrival over the sounds of our battle, but I did not know I would be graced by his presence!” The consistent actions of the ‘nobles’ here reminded Sunset a little too much of the higher end of Canterlot society, something she never really was fond of. She scoffed to herself, but it did not go unknown for long. “And a pleasure it is to meet you, young lady. You seem… distant, from the proceedings. Is something wrong?”
“No, not really.” Sunset replied. “I’ve just got a serious case of Déjà vu all of a sudden. I know I haven’t met you guys before, but I feel like I have. You guys remind me of some people I met back home once, that’s all.” She gripped her shoulder, reminded of all the meetings that she accompanied Celestia with. She never fit in with the rest of the noble class and occasionally a few of them would point that out, however stealthily. “It’s nothing, really.”
Fredrick simply nodded as Fleur wrapped her arm around his. “I understand, Miss Sunset. Now, my dear Crystal, what brings you around to the Battle Chateau on this fine day?”
“Sunset and I are on our way to Sinnoh, and Route 13 is closed down again due to power failure in the area. So we’re taking the long way to the ports.” Crystal responded.
“Oh, well why didn’t you say so?” Fredrick said. “My lovely wife and I travel here by boat on the river, and it connects to Coumarine City. We’ll be spending the rest of the day here, but I’m certain we would enjoy your company, if you so desire.” The offer was tempting, at least to Sunset. Saving time in getting to Sinnoh means she would get back home sooner. Who knows how time worked between dimensions?
“I’m sure that would be lovely, Fredrick, but it’s up to the group, I assume.” Crystal said, turning to Nelson and Sunset.
“I’ve got no problems. I can cook on land, sea, and air, so no worries here.” Nelson replied, receiving a nod in response.
“I…” Sunset started, before thinking otherwise. She was reminded of the posh atmosphere after one look at Fleur, and she still felt uncomfortable, especially since Crystal lovingly ‘gave’ her the dress she wore. It reminded her a little too much of her home, and the older one with Celestia. “I… agree. That sounds like a great idea.”
“Sunset, are you alright?” Nelson asked, noticing her discomfort.
“Yeah, I’m fine… I just need some air.” She said, walking out of the room. Concerned, Nelson followed her after telling the others to keep enjoying their company. Sunset wobbled on her heels until she was fed up with them, removing the shoes and walking barefoot out of the Chateau. Nelson followed her as she walked along the shoreline back the way they had come, the afternoon sun starting to fall in the sky behind them. Sunset stopped by a large patch of grass, a few trees sprouting around them as well.
Nelson saw her look towards the sun and close her eyes. He frowned, unsure on how to proceed. He shook his head and walked up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Sunset looked to him, small tears formed in her eyes. “Listen, Sunset,” the Grand Duke started, “I don’t know what’s going on in your head. You got kind of freak out back there. Want to talk about it?” She sat down on the grass, Nelson following suit next to her.
“I miss my home. I’m hoping to try to find a way back in Sinnoh, but I’m not sure if I could.” Sunset said. In her mind, the realization of how far away she was hit her. She wasn’t even sure how she got here, unlike the world of Canterlot High with the mirror. “I guess I’m just a little homesick.”
“We all get like that sometimes.” Nelson said. “My sister and I, when we travel, miss Orre a lot. It’s a big desert, lots of sand, and a lot more heat. But it’s the home we’ve made for ourselves for the past… I’d say twenty years or so. Being homesick is one thing. But look where you are now – a big Pokémon adventure, with Flandre by your side. I’d say that’s worth enjoying while you’re away from home.”
“Yeah. Sorry for that, and all. It only just occurred to me just how far away I am.” Sunset said. “Thanks for helping me out with this.” She hugged him, and Nelson was thrown off guard, completely unsure about how to proceed. Before he could react, she pulled away, a rosy tint reaching her cheeks form embarrassment. “Sorry… my friends and I hug a lot, it’s kind of a thing we do.”
“Uhh… it’s… erm…” Nelson stammered. Sunset laughed a little, before looking out to the water. They shared a moment of peace with each other, enjoying nothing but the breeze and the sounds of nature. That was, until the sounds of nature grew more violent. A loud cry came from nearby, and both of the young adults present turned their heads towards it. The tall grass nearby to them was rustling, a severely larger rustle following a much smaller one.
Sunset immediately jumped up, running into the grass. Nelson ran in after her, Pokéball in hand. The scene they saw was new to them, but familiar in nature to Sunset. A small group of Pokémon, resembling red and violet fireflies, was chasing a small white Pokémon, which had a black crescent-shaped horn coming out of its head. The white Pokémon was obviously very young, as pronounced by its occasional squeals that sounds a little too high-pitched. “We have to help it, Nelson!” Sunset said, somehow shouting while whispering.
“Sunset, it’s too dangerous.” Nelson responded. “Besides, this sort of thing happens all the time in the wild, you can’t risk Flandre’s or your own safety for a Pokémon you don’t even know!” Sunset shook her head before jumping into the clearing, Flandre landing near her and staring at the gathered Volbeat and Illumise. “That girl’s gonna get herself in major trouble is she keeps this up…” Nelson muttered to himself before jumping out as well, Nightshade coming out of the Pokéball he was clutching.
The gathered Pokémon were surprised at the new arrivals, but one of them cried out and flew straight at Sunset. Flandre jumped up and smacked it hard with a Slash attack, causing the Pokémon to ricochet into one of its fellows. Nelson ordered Nightshade to use Wing Attack, and Sunset called for Flandre to repeat her previous motion, and both attacks cut a swath through the horde of Pokémon before them.
Flandre’s eyes glowed while she attacked, and a few of the opposing Pokémon recoiled from an aura that struck them. Nightshade relentlessly pecked at the bug types, until they all scattered, too frightened of the massive black bird to go after their prey much longer. When the coast was clear, Nelson opened up his pack and gave small medicines to Flandre and Nightshade, who had gotten injured during the horde battle.
“Hey there, little one.” Sunset said in the meantime, crouching low enough so she seemed less frightening. “Are you okay?” The small Pokémon shook its head, looking down. “Well, the bad Pokémon are gone now. You’re safe.” The youngling looked up to Sunset with red eyes, and ran over to her, nuzzling her in thanks.
“So, what are we doing now?” Nelson asked. “I mean, it is just a baby, and now that you’ve rescued it…”
“I’m not sure. Do you know where your family is?” She directed the second part of the statement to the young Pokémon, who shook its head and muttered something unintelligible. “Okay, then. Do you know any Pokémon nearby who can help you?” Another shake. The creature pointed to itself and then swiped the dirt with its paw. It looked saddened while doing so. “Do… do you live on your own?” A nod, for once. Sunset looked upon the Pokémon as it gazed back at her.
Sunset looked at its eyes and saw herself, in a way. Lost, confused, and wanting to be strong, just as she was when she first fled Celestia’s school. This little one had run away from its home to prove to itself that it was great, like she had done. Sunset knew this was a dangerous thing to be – from personal experience, she knew this little one could become filled with spite and hatred. “Would you like to come with me?” She said rather suddenly, surprising herself.
The little creature cocked its head sideways. Continuing, not wanting to lose its trust, she continued. “I’m going on a journey, and you look like you want to as well. Why not come with me? I could help you grow strong, the right way. Not by picking fights with a group of Pokémon.” The little one looked a bit sheepish at the last bit, but nodded its head eagerly. Smiling, Sunset reached out and embraced the little one, hugging him close to her.
“Another Pokémon already, huh Sunset?” Nelson said. “He suits you, in a way. Now you just need to capture him in a Pokéball.” Sunset and the little Pokémon tilted their heads at him. “Capturing him in a Pokéball ensures that nobody else would be able to do that. They also give Pokémon a safe place to rest when you’re traveling.”
“Oh, I get it. Well, are you up for the idea?” She pulled a Pokéball out of Nelson’s bag, her own having been shoved inside due to Crystal’s antics earlier. The small Pokémon bopped the sphere with its snout, and a flash of red energy sucked it inside. The Pokéball shook a few times before emitting sparks, and laying still. “…Did it work?”
Nelson laughed. “Yes, it did. That little guy is now your partner, like Flandre is.” Cheering, Sunset ran back towards the Battle Chateau, eager to show Crystal their new companion. Flandre tottered after her, trying to keep up with the barefoot human. Nelson smiled as he pulled his necklace off and popped it open, looking upon the picture of the boy and girl once more. “She reminds me so much of you…” He muttered as he looked towards Sunset and the time of day matching her name in the background. He closed the locket and briskly walked after her, smiling as he remembered times before.