A New World, A New Family

by Lance Skyes

14: Crossroads on the Horizon

Alonzo was walking through the Everfree Forest, searching for members of his team. As well as one person in particular…

He'd found that, as a Typhlosion, walking on all four of his legs was more efficient than trying to remain balanced on two. He was also able to move faster if he so chose. “Arceus, how big is this forest?” he asked himself as he looked around, only to see nothing but trees. “I seriously thought I'd at least come across-”

“Lancer! Sparkles! Jell-O!” Alonzo heard a strangely familiar voice call in the distance. “Tuff Puff! Kunoichi! Alonzo!”

“That voice…” Alonzo said to himself. “But it can't be… Gatsu! Is that you?”

“Alonzo?” the voice called back. Alonzo heard some leaves rustling before out from a bush on his right jumped an Umbreon. “Alonzo? Is that you?” the Umbreon asked as he gazed curiously at the Typhlosion before him.

“It's me, Gatsu,” Alonzo said as he ran up and hugged the Umbreon. “Oh Arceus, it's so good to finally see a familiar face in this twisted place!”

“Ah… it's good to see you too,” Gatsu replied, a little startled that his trainer was now a Typhlosion, though that was frankly the least of his concerns. “So… you look well.”

“Hm?” Alonzo asked as he released Gatsu, only momentarily confused by the Umbreon's question. He understood after a second, though. “Oh, you mean… yeah, I just sorta… woke up like this.”

“I think it suits you rather well, actually,” Gatsu commented. “I know you always wanted to be a Sylveon, but you seem to be okay like this.”

“Took a bit of getting used to, but I managed,” Alonzo replied with a smile, but that quickly faded. “By the sounds of your calling, I'm guessing you haven't found anyone else so far.”

“You haven't had any luck either?” Gatsu asked as his ears drooped. “Jeez, where do we have to be to have everyone so lost?”

“Well, Arceus did say we were on a world called 'Equus,' so that might be a start,” Alonzo said with a weak chuckle. “Outside of our team, though, you haven't happened to have found Jack, have you?”

“Afraid I didn't find him, either,” Gatsu replied. “Not from lack of trying, though. I know how close you two are.”

“Close?” Alonzo asked. “I was gonna finally ask him before all this happened, remember?”

“Sure you were,” Gatsu said with a sarcastic smile.

“Well… maybe not before…” Alonzo said while looking away. “But I've gotten a confidence boost since I've been here. As soon as I find him, I'm gonna pop the question. For real this time.”

“Like your past three meetings were for real?” Gatsu continued to joke.

“I mean it, Gatsu!” Alonzo shouted, the flames on his back flaring a little. The Umbreon giggled a little before replying.

“I'm just messing with you,” Gatsu said. “If you wanna be his mate, far be it from me to get in your way.” ”Although… that doesn't mean there isn't someone else who wants to get in your way…” Gatsu added in his head.

“Thanks Gatsu,” Alonzo said, calming down. “Have I ever expressed how happy I am you and the team are cool with me being gay?”

“Heh, a few times,” Gatsu laughed. “Though I'd have to say my favorite part is how much Tuff Puff considers herself your team mascot because of that.”

“Yeah, the poor girl,” Alonzo said with a chuckle. “Anyway, shall we continue searching for the others?”

“With one teammate down, why stop now?” Gatsu asked with a smile. “Come on. I thought I saw a quiet pond nearby where I'm almost positive Kunoichi is.”

“Really?” Alonzo asked as the two began walking. “Well, it'll be nice to have one 'Mon with us who has her head screwed on securely.”

Back in Ponyville, Lyra, Bon Bon, Felix, Kanga, Roo, and Pinky were all sitting and eating breakfast together. Conversation was kept to a minimum, which only Roo found odd. Everyone else had one reason or another to remain silent. Particularly Lyra, who was looking around nervously, wondering just who was the source of the “mysterious force” Pinky (or Shelly) told her about a little while ago. Lyra knew it was a ghost, so the only question was who held the ghost. Her gaze first fell upon Felix, and instantly she could feel a chill emanating from him. He seemed innocent and harmless enough, but there was definitely something about him that Lyra hadn't been able to notice until right now.

”I know someone, however, who is better with this subject,” Shelly's words echoed in Lyra's mind.

”So I shouldn't try to do much poking,” Lyra thought. ”Or should I? Celestia, this situation is confusing.”

“Someone's at the door,” Pinky suddenly said, breaking the silence at the table. A second later, there was a knock at the front door. “Hang on. I've got it.” The Slowbro got up and began walking towards the front door. She did a quick scan to see who was on the other side, and cringed as she discovered who it was. Despite this, she opened the door.

“Well good morning, Pinky,” Tiny said with a smile as the door opened. He then looked down at Pinky's midsection. “Well, looks like something's finally confirmed.”

“Don't. Say. A word. To. Anyone,” Pinky said quietly through gritted teeth. “And good morning to you, too. Where are Marcus and Blitz?”

“Dunno,” Tiny replied with a shrug as he floated into the house. “I kinda figured they'd show up a few minutes after I did. Anyway, where's everyone else?”

“We're eating right now, actually,” Pinky replied. “You don't wanna wait until after we're finished to annoy me?”

“On the contrary,” Tiny said, “I had a plan to annoy you in a new way, and this situation suits my plan perfectly.” The Togetic then flew into the dining room, where he was first noticed by Roo.

“Hi there, Tiny!” the baby Kangaskhan called as she waved. Everyone else looked up to see the Togetic fly in.

“Hello all,” Tiny said. “If your morning has been boring, consider that over.”

Everyone chuckled a little at this before Felix spoke up. “So what brings you by, Tiny?” he asked.

“Actually, I come bearing a gift of sorts,” Tiny replied. “Mostly for Pinky, but Lyra and Bon Bon will benefit as well.” He then turned to the Slowbro. “I noticed you looked a little tired. Want me to take one of your workloads off your hands?”

“What are you-?” Pinky started, but she stopped when she realized what Tiny was talking about. “No, you are not going to upstage me this-”

“A more efficient, longer lasting translation spell for the fine mares over there,” Tiny interrupted, flying over to Lyra and Bon Bon. “Pinky's too proud to admit it, but doing that psychic translator for you two really puts a strain on her.”

“It does not!” Pinky shouted, despite the fact that it was, indeed, a lie.

“Like I said, pride,” Tiny said. “Anyway, I've got a little something that'll work much better than what Pinky offers you. Ah, out of curiosity, neither of you have any kind of allergies, do you?”

“I'm allergic to Bugbears,” Lyra said.

“No idea what that is,” Tiny said, not losing his smile. “Anyway…” The Togetic then rubbed his hands together for a moment before throwing them outward, spawning a fine pink dust that spread out in the air and settled on Lyra and Bon Bon. The latter sneezed as some of the dust entered her nostrils. “So, that feel better?”

“Eh, not really,” Bon Bon said with a sniffle. “Wait, were you always talking that fast?”

“Am I talking fast?” Tiny asked. “Or did you hear us all talking slowly before?”

“Wait, is that actually a thing?” Felix asked. “I only ask so you two can make sure.”

“Yup, I think Tiny's right,” Lyra said with a confused expression. “I hear you faster and clearer.” The unicorn then turned to Tiny and smiled. “Thanks Tiny.”

“Oh don't thank me yet,” Tiny said with a smile. “I didn't even tell you everything else. First off, this translator will last for days without me having to refresh it, whereas with Pinky's, she had to be in the same room and actively put in effort in order to maintain it.”

“Are you done upstaging me yet?” Pinky asked with an unamused expression.

“And there's the best part,” Tiny continued. “It annoys the heck out of Pinky.”

“Don't you think that's a little… rude?” Kanga inquired.

“Well, I didn't really intend to upstage her,” Tiny said, “but it was a bonus.”

“And consider that bonus received,” Pinky deadpanned.

“Thank you for the new translator, Tiny,” Lyra said. “Oh, and Pinky, you're still welcome to stay here with us. Just in case Tiny was trying to get you kicked out.”

“Thank you,” Pinky said, casting a glare towards Tiny.

“Oh don't look like that,” Tiny said. “I was only here to upstage you, not kick you out onto the street.”

“So you did intend to upstage her!” Felix said a little louder than he intended to.

“Ah… well you know how things go between me and her,” Tiny said with a shrug.

“Well, between the chess game yesterday and this today…” Pinky said, but before she continued, she chuckled a little to herself. “Just you wait, Tiny. My move's coming up real soon.”

“Ooh, I'm scared,” Tiny joked. However, his smile quickly faded. “Actually… I think I kind of am. Now that I think about it, the last time I took two shots at her, she painted me purple and trapped me in a cage full of horny Venomoth. Helped me a little with my checklist, but…”

“Ha, you're worried about that?” Pinky asked. She then grinned evilly. “You should be begging me for a punishment so merciful now that I've got this new world with new space to work with.” She then looked over at everyone else. “Do you guys mind if I go out for a walk? I've gotta get the layout of this town so I can figure out where to lay my trap for Tiny.” She then turned to the Togetic. “You're welcome to join me, by the way.”

Lyra looked over at Felix. “You aren't going to stop her or something?” she asked.

“Nah,” the Meganium replied. “Their rivalry has always been healthy. She won't do anything to Tiny that'll leave any lasting injuries.”

“If you say so…” Lyra said, looking over nervously at Pinky.

“Alright, I'm heading out,” Pinky said. She then looked over at Tiny with a sinister smile. “Tiny, will you be joining me?”

“Uh… I'm gonna stay here,” Tiny replied, backing away a little.

“Heh, suit yourself,” Pinky said before she turned and walked out.

For a little while, everyone in the room was silent. Then Roo broke the silence. “Hey Mamma, what does 'horny' mean?”

“It means…” Kanga started.

“They all wanted to use Horn Attack on Tiny,” Felix said. “I think all those Venomoth had a hard time since they don't actually have horns, though.”

“Thanks Felix,” Kanga whispered.

“No problem,” Felix replied. He then turned to Tiny. “Hey Tiny, Kanga and I were going to have a battle after breakfast, and Pinky was going to be the referee, but… I think it's a bit obvious she's not coming back until later. You wanna take her place?”

“I'd love to,” Tiny said with a smile. “Thanks, Felix.”

“No problem,” Felix replied, returning the smile.

Somewhere in the Everfree Forest, Butters and Breeze the Butterfree Brothers were on their way back to Ponyville. At least, they were until they stopped to help a Raichu and a Wigglytuff who seemed lost.

“Thank you again for your help,” the Wigglytuff said.

“Not a problem, miss Tuff Puff,” Butters said. “Breeze and I are happy to help.”

“Alright, let's do this,” Breeze said. “You two know how to do this?”

“Concentrate on who we're looking for, form a mental image?” Tuff Puff asked. “I'm not new at this, you know.”

“Right,” Breeze said. “Sorry. Anyway, just get started, and Butters and I will help boost the signal.” The Butterfree then looked over at the Raichu, who was generally silent for the longest time. “You can help if you've got a really significant bond with whoever we're looking for, Sparkles.”

“Uh… it's a little complicated,” the Raichu replied. “I don't think I could help.”

“Alright, if you say so,” Butters said. He then flew over to Tuff Puff, quickly joined by Breeze. “Let it rip, Tuff Puff.”

“Alright,” the Wigglytuff said. He then turned to Sparkles. “Even with their help, I'm only gonna be able to look for two teammates. Requests?”

“Alonzo, obviously,” Sparkles replied. “Um… do me a favor and also look for Jack. See if… he's around.”

“Gotcha,” Tuff Puff said with a nod. She then turned to Butters and Breeze. “Alright, get ready. I'm gonna be searching a pretty wide area. 15 kilometers to be exact. I'm experienced in large search areas, but I'll need your help for the last five kilometers. Think you can handle it?”

“We should be able to handle that,” Butters said as he and Breeze held held close to Tuff Puff so as to keep a secure psychic connection.

“Alright, here we go…” Tuff Puff said as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

15 kilometers… that doesn't even cover this whole forest. It might if we were at the top of Spear Pillar… oh hey, that's Spear Pillar! Sorry guys. I'll focus. Alonzo… aha! There you are! And you're with Gatsu and Kunoichi! That's a sigh of relief. A little less searching to do later. Now for Jack. Ah… I should be able to recognize his aura in the same way as Alonzo, shouldn't I? Unless… Sparkles will be very happy about this.

“Alright, I'm done,” Tuff Puff said to Butters and Breeze. The latter pulled away, but Butters remained clinging to the Wigglytuff. “Um… you can get off of me, Butters.”

“I can't,” Butters replied. “Tuff Puff, I haven't said this to anyone ever before, but… I think I'm in love with you.”

Breeze just groaned. “Tuff Puff, do you have Cute Charm?” he asked.

“I'm afraid I do,” the Wigglytuff replied. “Are you alright with me Wake-Up Slapping him off of me, or would you rather I let him down gently?”

“Eh, go ahead and slap him,” Breeze replied with a shrug.

With a nod and a sinister grin, Tuff Puff pulled Butters off of her and tossed him a little into the air before rearing back and delivering a powerful Wake-Up Slap that rattled the Butterfree back to reality. “Ah! What?” Butters shouted as he shook his head. “What happened?”

“Better I don't tell you,” Tuff Puff replied. “But as a warning, please don't touch me again.” She then turned to Sparkles. “I found Alonzo, but as for Jack…” With a wink, she said, “No luck.”

“Really?” Sparkles asked as his face lit up. (Not literally, though.) “Great!”

“I take it you weren't really looking for Jack?” Breeze asked.

“Jack and Sparkles have an… uneasy relationship,” Tuff Puff replied. “They both want to be in the, uh… same place with our trainer, Alonzo. The only problem is that Sparkles has never-”

“Tuff Puff, do we really have to go into detail about all that?” Sparkles asked quickly. He then turned to Butters and Breeze. “Again, thank you two so much for our help. We're so indebted to you for helping us find Alonzo and not find Jack.”

“Think nothing of it,” Butters said with what was probably meant to be a grin. “We're happy to help.” He then looked over at Tuff Puff. “I hope we see each other again one day, Tuff Puff.”

“I am not afraid to slap you once again,” Tuff Puff said, causing Butters to backpedal and hide behind his brother. “But if you ever regain your sanity, I'd be happy to see you and your brother again… as friends.”

“Don't worry, Tuff Puff,” Breeze said. “I'll make sure he's back in top condition before we meet again.” Just then, the Butterfree realized something. “Oh no! Butters, we were supposed to meet Felix and the others so we could watch the battle in a few minutes!”

“What?” Butters asked. “Oh crap!” He then turned to Sparkles and Tuff Puff. “It was really nice meeting you two, but we need to dash.”

“It's no problem,” Sparkles said with a smile. “May we meet again.”

With a nod, Butters and Breeze quickly turned around and took off at high speed, leaving Sparkles and Tuff Puff. “So, shall we go?” Tuff Puff asked her companion.

“Lead the way, my furry friend,” Sparkles replied. With a smile, Tuff Puff turned and began walking, Sparkles following close behind.

In a field just on the outskirts of Ponyville, Felix and Kanga were preparing to have their battle, and most of their friends were there to watch… by which I mean Lyra, Bon Bon, and Tiny, though the latter doesn't really count since he was a referee.

“I seriously thought more 'Mons would show up,” Tiny said as he scratched his head. “I know Marcus and Blitz really wanted to watch this battle.”

“We might have to start without them,” Kanga said with a shrug. She then lifted Roo out of her pouch and onto the ground. “You go ahead and watch, little one. It's important we at least give Felix a fighting chance here.”

“What does she mean by that?” Bon Bon asked Tiny.

“A Kangaskhan usually fights much better if their child is with them,” Tiny explained as Roo ran up to Lyra and climbed onto her lap. “Something about a parental bond. I don't know much, but I know it's far stronger when they're Mega Evolved.”

“Mega Evolved?” Bon Bon asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

“I'll explain that another time,” Tiny said. “For right now…” The Togetic then turned to the field where Felix and Kanga were facing each other. “Now Felix, you should know up-front that Pokemon battling in the wild, while it's different from how humans battle Pokemon, there is still a structure… most of the time.”

“Okay,” Felix said with a nod. “Tell me what I need to know.”

“Alright,” Tiny said before clearing his throat. “This battle between Felix the Meganium and his mate, Kanga the Kangaskhan, will commence. This will be a one-on-one battle with league rules, meaning each Pokemon is only allowed four moves. The battle will end when one combatant feels they have taken enough damage and resigns or I feel the same way and declare a winner myself.”

“So in other words, you'll make sure we're not so focused on the battle we hurt each other too much?” Felix said.

“Basically, yeah,” Tiny said. “Try not to do that, though. I might know Heal Pulse, but you'll still be sore.”

“I can't make any promises,” Kanga said with a smile. “I'd rather you learn the best way possible, Felix. That's the hard way.”

“Uh…” Felix said, looking a little nervous. However, he quickly shook this nervousness off and smiled. “You know what? I think I just might be okay with that.”

“Okay, then it seems the combatants are ready,” Tiny said. “Now, without further ado…”

“We're almost there, Aria,” Marcus said to his Froslass as the trio neared the edge of the Everfree Forest. “With any luck, we'll get there in time for something exciting to happen.”

“Exciting?” Aria asked. “How so?”

“I… don't know,” Marcus replied with a shrug. “Something exploding, maybe?”

“Or what about a Pokemon battle?” Blitz asked.

“Yeah, something like that,” Marcus agreed. “Wait, why do you bring up a Pokemon battle?”

“Because I think one's about to start,” Blitz replied while pointing several yards in front of the trio at a Meganium and a Kangaskhan that were facing one another with serious expressions.

“Is that… Felix and Kanga?” Marcus asked. “They're battling already? And is Tiny refereeing?”

“Looks like we're in time for something exciting,” Aria said as a pink flare burst upwards from Tiny.

“Come on, Breeze!” Butters shouted as the two brothers flew at top speed above the canopy of the Everfree Forest. “Hurry up!”

“I wanna see this battle as much as you do,” Breeze replied. “I'm trying my best.”

Right as Breeze said this, the two Butterfree saw on the horizon what looked like a pink firework going off in the air. Immediately after seeing this, the brothers heard two words.

“Battle… BEGIN!”

Author's Note:

In the next chapter, we get something that I actually haven't seen so far in this AU. (Despite the fact that I haven't read that many stories here...) And that thing... an overarching storyline that includes three trainers and a grand total of 23 Pokemon.
...
Oh yeah, and there will also be a battle between a trainer and his Pokemon. Start looking forward to it, because it might not come very soon...

Comments

[Lance Skyes]

6184095 Your like makes me happy.

[The_Poket_Umbreon]

Not even five paragraphs in and I see this.

“That voice…” Alonzo said to himself. “But it can't be… Gatsu! Is that you?”

.....