Complications Arise
~~~~~~~~~~~~Inside the Academy~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three whole hours had passed by. Spike had remained in the room with Rarity during that time, assisting her however he could. It wasn't until the sun began to set that the two noticed how late it had become. " Oh my goodness! " Rarity gasped before suddenly gathering her things, " You must forgive me Spike, but I have to be going! "
Spike's eyes widened, but not because Rarity was leaving. He had forgotten about Twilight! " OH NO!!! "
Rarity quickly turned towards the green-haired boy while she was recalling her pokemon back to their balls. " Spike, whatever is the matter? " She asked with concern.
" Twilight! My sister!!! I-I, she...he!! " He stammered in panic with his head grasped in his hands.
" Spike dear, please calm down. What about your sister? " She placed her hands on his shoulders, trying her best to keep him calm.
The young man kept his hands on his head while Rarity kept a hold on him. Caterpie remained sitting on his shoulder during all this. " She and I got separated! I was supposed to go find her, but I got so caught up helping out here that I totally forgot! " Spike hastily explained.
" Oh dear... " Rarity said quietly. She couldn't help but feel responsible for Spike's dilemma, after all, she was the reason he hadn't been looking for her. " I'm so sorry Spike...the fault is entirely mine, " she knelt to meet his eye level, " please, allow me to make it up to you somehow... "
Spike quickly took a large step back, his cheeks flushed red as he waved his hands in front of him. " N-no, no, no Rarity, nothing at all is your fault! So please, please don't blame yourself! " Once the waving of his hands ended he quickly moved them to the back of his head while a sheepish smile formed on his. The former dragon let out a loud sigh and turned away from the purple haired beauty standing before him, " I'm the one who forgot to even go looking for her, so it's my responsibility to go find her now...and fast... "
" Reee, " Caterpie nudged his head against his trainer's face.
" Don't worry Caterpie, we'll find Twilight in no time, " The green-haired trainer assured his Pokémon, as he made his way to the door.
However, Rarity wasn't just going to let the boy run off on his own. Not just because she felt responsible for the situation, but also because it was much too risky to travel around at sundown with just a Caterpie. With a snap of her fingers, Rarity had made up her mind, " It's settled then! "
Spike froze in place, " Uh, settled? What's settled? "
" I'm going to help you find your sister, " Rarity declared with a hand on her chest and a confident pose. " besides, I simply cannot allow you wander around on your own when the sun has gone down, it's simply too dangerous! " She pulled the smaller boy into a hug and ruffled his hair, " So don't you worry your precious little head, Spike. "
At this point, it wasn't Spike's cheeks that were red, it was his entire face, " Uh…um...well...I...you...uh... " Spike stumbled on his words, the hug being too distracting for him to give a straight response.
Rarity only smiled as she walked him and Caterpie out of the room and into the hall, " And I simply won't take no for an answer. Besides, I think I've grown fond of yours and Caterpie's company. "
" Reeee! " Caterpie expressed the joy of having a new friend, something his partner was unable of doing at the moment.
" Come now you two, we mustn't waste time now, " Rarity took Spike's hand and began walking down the hall in hopes of finding the boy's sister.
" I...uh..I...you...we...Twilight....we...I, " Spike muttered as he was practically drug down the hallway.
Not far off down the hallway, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were locking up the stadium for the night, having stayed late to help prepare for the tournament. Applejack rubbed her pokemon's back and pulled the set of keys away from the stadium door, " Well, Pinkie Pie, I'd say we did a darn good job settin' everythin' up. "
" Taur! " Tauros audibly agreed with his trainer. The bull pokemon had spent the majority of the day in the room helping with more than enough to know his trainer was right.
" Tauros took the words right out of my mouth, " Pinkie bounced in place joyfully with her Drifloon floating up and down, mimicking her trainer's movements. " Everything is super fantabulistic!!! " her outburst made her hop even higher, almost to the point where she hit the ceiling.
" K-Krok, Krokorok! " Pinkie's Krokorok waved its arms back and forth, pleading for its trainer to calm down.
" First of all, " Applejack started, " that ain't a real word. Secondly, ya got to settle down sugarcube, otherwise you're gonna shoot right through the roof like a Spoink with a little too much bounce. "
" Sorry! Sorry Applejack, but I just can't stop bouncing!! I'm soooooooooo excited about the party tomorrow!!! " the thought of a party only seemed to drive the pinkette's desire to bounce further.
Applejack wasn't sure what her friend was going on about. " Now what the hay are you talkin’ about, Pinkie Pie? Tomorrow ain't nothin’ worth celebratin’, it's just another one of Sunset Shimmer's hand-delivered victories. " Just the thought of the flame-haired girl made Applejack steaming mad, " Why if I couldn't control myself, I'd have the right mind to put her in her place once and for all. "
Pinkie Pie got extremely close to Applejack's flustered face and poked her in the nose, " Don't be such a grumpy pants, Applejack! Sunset Shimmer isn't gonna win this year; remember the new girl? "
" Course I remember the new girl. What about her? " Applejack asked as she began walking away.
" What do you mean what about her?! She's gonna beat Sunset Shimmer! Sure, she's still a new trainer, she's awkward when it comes to conversation, and sure she might be some sort of psychic... "
" Uhhh, Pinkie? " Applejack suddenly stopped her friends continuous rambling, " What does the rest of that have to do with the new girl and beating Sunset? "
Pinkie only stood there blinking while Applejack awaited an answer, " Absolutely, positutely nothing at all. "
The honesty in Pinkie's voice was enough to make Applejack want to collapse, " Should'a saw that one comin'. " Applejack continued making her way down the hallway, " Listen Pinkie, I ain't sayin' she can't win, all I'm sayin' is her chances are slim to none, and that's the honest truth. "
" Oh don't be such a sour apple, Applejack, " Pinkie hopped after her friend, " besides, even if she doesn't win, there is someone else that could win for her. "
Applejack halted in place and turned towards her friend, " And just who in the world would be crazy enough to enter that tournament with the queen of mean herself? "
However, instead of giving a straightforward answer, Pinkie made a zipping motion across her mouth. " Sorry AJ, but I'm not allowed to tell you. I made a Pinkie promise. "
A sigh escaped Applejacks lips as she kept walking with Tauros, " Well, at least one of us has faith that ol' Sunset will get a nice kick to the keister. What say you partner? "
Tauros let out a grunt, as his way of agreeing with his trainer, " Taur. "
" I figured as much, " she lovingly rubbed the wild bull pokemon's head. However, the display of affection was cut short by someone bumping into her from the side. " Now who in tarnation thought it was a good idea to walk into me?! " She turned to face the person she collided with, only to be surprised by their identity, " Rarity? That you? "
The person in question was in the midst of picking herself up off the ground, " Of course it's me, Applejack. Who else do you know stays behind this long? And please, explain to me the meaning of knocking me over in such a rude and brutish manner. "
Applejack quickly helped her friend to her feet, " Well excuse me, princess, I didn't know you were gonna be right around the corner I was goin' ‘round. "
Spike quickly rushed to Rarity, while poor Caterpie did his best to hang onto his trainer's shoulder. " Rarity! Are you ok?! " He quickly looked her over, making sure she wasn't hurt.
" ...Reeeee... " Caterpie's eyes had comically turned into dizzy swirls as it just barely clung to Spike.
" Now hold up a gosh darned second, you're Twilight's little brother ain't ya? " Applejack pointed when her eyes met the eyes of the green-haired boy.
Instantly recognizing the voice, Spike pointed back at the person speaking to him. " Hey, it's Applejack and Pinkie Pie, too! Hey guys! " He happily waved to the counterparts of his friends.
This interaction confused Rarity, " You three know one another? " to which they all nodded, " That's wonderful! That would mean you two might know where little Spike's sister is. "
" Nope, " Pinkie shook her head while giving her most sincere smile.
" All we know is that she went to get ready for tomorrow. So if that's the case, she could be outside, so maybe Rainbow Dash has seen her, " Applejack stated.
" Rainbow Dash?! " Spike echoed. " ...Probably should have figured that much out by now... " He mumbled to himself.
" Uh huh!! " Pinkie responded with a rapid head nod. " Dashie is always outside letting her birdies fly freely! Sometimes she stays out reeeeeeeeeeeeally really late, just like she is tonight. "
Rarity pondered on that thought for a moment. " Then perhaps we should ask our dear friend if she has seen Spike's sister, " and without another word, she was off towards the door.
Spike's eyes slightly widened as he saw Rarity walking off without him, " Rarity, wait for me!! "
"....Reeee... " Caterpie cried out desperately for his trainer to slow down, but his plea fell on deaf ears, as Spike had already taken off again.
" Hurry up Pinkie Pie! " Applejack called out as she and Tauros ran after their friend and the boy.
" Cooooomiiiiing! " Pinkie Pie chimed as she bounced behind them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~Meanwhile Outside of the Academy~~~~~~~~~~~~
Twilight's training had continued throughout the day, with very few breaks. Despite being a novice, she had potential, and she was a fast learner. So what she lacked in skill and experience, she made up for in her wit and learning speed, practically destroying the usual learning curve these trainings would typically have. Sure she had a long way to go before she could be considered good, though, but she was definitely on the right path.
Silence; that was all that could be heard on the field they had been using to train. The only semblance of sound being the wind, but even that was merely a gentle breeze. It wouldn't last for long though.
The sound of two metallic tails colliding resounded through the air from the impact. The source of the sound being both Eevee’s and Houndoom's iron tails clashing. The two pokemon had clashed time and time again as the day went on, with the larger of two holding back to prevent from injuring the inexperienced Eevee.
" Houn, Houndoom!! " Houndoom barked with excitement.
" Vee! " Eevee, having practiced her new move for a majority of the day, was exhausted. Despite this, the normal type couldn't feel happier; she had found the excitement of battling thanks to Houndoom.
" That's the way, Twilight! Eevee's really putting that TM to good use! " Junior praised, as he gave a thumbs up and a grin before calling Houndoom back to this side. Even with the minimal training due to time restraints, the progress made greatly impressed Junior.
Twilight scooped Eevee up in her arms and rubbed her cheek against Eevee's. " You're the best Eevee. There's no way we can lose tomorrow! "
" Hey, hold on for a second! " Junior called out towards her.
The suddenness of his voice resulted in her jumping, " Now I know how Fluttershy feels... " she mentally flinched as she started walking. " Um, is everything alright, Junior? We did do everything right, didn't we? "
Junior placed his hands behind his head and looked Twilight in the eyes. When their eyes met, Twilight could tell she had done something wrong, but she didn't know what that something was. " Nothing's wrong really, but I do think you're getting ahead of yourself. "
" Getting ahead of myself? " Twilight echoed.
" Yup, " he replied with a nod, which Houndoom mimicked. " I'm gonna be a little blunt here; you're still a little wet behind the ears. Don't go in expecting to win tomorrow, go in wanting to do your best. I mean you did just start…no one's the best when they start out, even I'm still learning things and I've been at this since I was a kid. "
Twilight wasn't sure how to feel, he was basically telling her she could and probably would lose. " W-what am I supposed to do then...I've got to win tomorrow, there's more riding on it that you know... " Twilight could feel her composure slipping.
" Veee... " Twilight's disheartened look saddened Eevee, who wanted to make her trainer happy.
" Woah, woah, woah! There's no need for tears, " Both Junior and Houndoom stepped back when tears started welling up in the girls' eyes. " I-I'm not saying it's impossible for you to win, I'm just saying don't go in thinking you'll win. Go in wanting to win, wanting to do your best so you can win, you understand? "
Twilight wiped her eyes and nodded, " I-I think so...b-but I really do need to win tomorrow, is there anything I can do to at least help Eevee get stronger?"
Junior just shrugged, " Besides getting some last minute training in, all you can really do is mentally prepare. For example, the last thing you wanna do is lose your cool during a battle. Pokemon can feel when a trainer's off their game and it throws them off too. "
" Houn! " barked Houndoom in agreement.
" How do I do that? " Twilight questioned, trying her best to keep up with what he was telling her.
A grin graced the more experienced trainer's face, " That part's not hard at all. You just gotta keep a leveled head during a battle. Keep your eye on the prize and support your pokemon through and through, otherwise you'll both crash and burn. " Junior stretched his arms behind his head, " And the most important part about preparing for a big battle, a full night's rest…nothing's worse than an exhausted trainer and pokemon. "
He received not only a nod from Twilight, but also a stifled laugh, " I-I understand Junior. "
" H-hey! What's so funny? " He had no clue why she would be laughing at him so suddenly.
She shook her head, " It's nothing really, it's just...you seem more like a teacher than a trainer, like someone who belongs here. "
This got a sheepish grin and a head scratch from him, " Heh, I guess so, but it's nothing special really. My mentor taught me all the same things. " He turned away from Twilight and placed his hands back behind his head, " Oh, yeah, the most important part of winning a battle: Believing in your pokemon, letting them know you got there back. You gotta stay in sync with them the whole time, even a Feebas can beat a Venusaur if their trainer is good enough. "
While Twilight didn't know what pokemon he was referring to, she did know sound advice when she heard it. " Thank you Junior, I'll do my best to keep that all in mind. " Since the day Twilight arrived in Ponyville, her life had been filled with so many new things. Experiences that she never would have dreamed of while living in Canterlot. But now? She’s literally gone to another world that is full of strange and amazing creatures, and all this just to get her crown back.
" You don't have to thank me, Twilight, I used to be new at this, too. You're a smart girl, and a fast learner, all you need is a little time and you'll be an awesome trainer. " He gave her a big grin, a wink, and a thumbs up, " So don't go giving up before you get a chance to start. "
Red, that's the color Twilight's cheeks had turned, " U-uh...um, thanks Junior...I'll remember that. " She returned the smile, but before anything else could be said, Twilight's curiosity surfaced after mulling over something Junior said. " Say, Junior, " she said, snagging his full attention, " when we first met, you said the people of ‘this region’ have odd names. "
" I did, " he said with an agreeing nod.
" That means you aren't from here, right? " Again, he nodded, which piqued her curiosity, " Then, where are you from exactly? "
The grin graced his face once more, " Me, I'm all the way from Laverre City in the Kalos Region! "
" Houn!! " Houndoom hopped up and barked with pride.
" Kalos? " Twilight repeated in confusion. " Is that far away? "
" I'd say so, " he responded while rubbing his chin, " seeing as the closest region to this place is Unova, which is where we just came from. "
Twilight absorbed every word he spoke, now curious about one matter, " Just how big is this world??? "
As Twilight stood there, assessing her newfound knowledge, Junior stepped towards his bag. " I had fun today, Twilight, " him speaking snapped her from her train of thought.
She watched him pick up his back and wave for Houndoom to follow him; he was leaving. " J-Junior, where are you going? "
He turned back and bashfully rubbed his head, " Sorry about that, I guess it would've been rude for me to just take off. It's getting kind of late, so I thought I'd head to the Pokemon Center in town for some shut-eye. "
" O-oh, okay then, " she made her way over to him, " will I see you again? Before my battle preferably... "
He started scratching the back of his head and sweat ran down his forehead, " I'm not sure about then, I've sort of got to do a few things for someone back home...sorry. " He saw the small look of disappointment on her face and froze, " H-hey but that doesn't mean we won't get to talk afterwards! You can tell me about your awesome win before I head off on my journey. "
" Journey? " Once again, Twilight's curiosity reared its head, " What sort of journey? "
Junior took up his thinking pose once more, as he went about finding a simple way of explaining it to her. " Well, to sum it up in a short way, I'm in the Eques region to challenge its gym leaders, get all eight badges, then take on its Pokemon league! And this won't be like my last two leagues, I'll win this one for sure! "
Despite not knowing what he was speaking of exactly, Twilight couldn't help but feel even more curious. " That sounds like quite an adventure... "
" Heheh, I hope so, I was all psyched on the boat ride over here, " he said with a smile. The loud sudden yawn was all Junior needed for him to know it was time to go, " well, that's all for me and Houndoom. I'll see ya tomorrow Twilight! " He started walking off, " Good luck, and I hope you and Eevee show ‘em what you’re made of! "
" Houndoooooom! " Houndoom howled and wagged his tail before catching up with his trainer.
" Thank you! I really hope to see you again tomorrow! " She waved back.
Vee! Eevee vee! " Eevee too wished them goodbye.
" ...If I win tomorrow, will I really get a chance to see anyone here again? " Twilight mumbled to herself.
"…Veee, " Eevee noticed the look of turmoil on her trainers face and couldn't help but worry.
Without realizing it, Twilight had spent the whole day outside with Eevee, gaining what little battle experience she could in the short amount of time. She had spent so much time out that she couldn't help but feel that she was forgetting something…something important, "...OH NO, SPIKE!!! " Twilight cried out in a panic. " Eevee! We were so busy that we forgot about Spike! " She quickly went the same direction Junior had just went, with it being the fastest way back to the main academy building, " Spike's no good on his own, Eevee! He must be panicking or curled up in a closet somewhere! "
She wasn't running for too long, when something, or someone, came into her line of sight. " TWILIGHT!!! " That shout could only belong to one person, or one dragon to be more specific. The young dragon-turned-human sprinted away from the group he had been searching with and towards his sister. Much to poor Caterpie's disdain, Spike leapt off the ground and right into his adoptive sister’s arms.
" Spike! You're okay! " Twilight caught the younger boy in a powerful hug, unintentionally squeezing the boy tightly.
" ...Twilight...can't…breathe... " Spike gasped as he fought his sister's grip.
Caterpie, who had been flung around all day by his trainer, found the situation rather humorous, " Reeeeereee! " The bug-type giggled, as his trainer fought to escape.
" ...C-...Caterpie! D-don't just sit there! Help me...!!! " Spike cried out with comedic betrayal in his voice.
It wasn't until the rest of the group caught up with the two that Twilight eased up on her death grip of a hug. Standing in front of her were the same people she had encountered previously; Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash. However, this time, they were accompanied by someone new, but familiar, and that someone was walking right up to Twilight.
" Oh my, darling, leaving your little brother behind to have a rendezvous with a handsome stranger, " she said in a teasing manner, " how scandalous~ " of course, she wasn't serious, but she couldn't help covering her mouth to stifle the laughter coming as a result of how red the girl's face had turned.
Twilight was speechless; her face was as red as the setting sky. " That's...I...we...Junior and I...that's not what happened!!! " She cried out, dropping her brother in the process.
" ...Ow, " Spike rubbed the back of his head while gasping for air, " Twilight...this...this is...is...R-..Rarity... "
Rarity smiled and nodded her head towards Twilight, " Forgive me for teasing you darling, I simply felt it was necessary. After all, what's a girl to think upon seeing someone like that leaving, and finding out the only other person in the direction they left from was you. Rarity, charmed to meet you, Twilight. When Spike told me he was supposed to find his sister, I felt terrible because I was the one who held him up. So to make right of it I helped the poor dear to you. "
Twilight just stood there and looked at the counterpart of her incredibly generous friend, " O-oh, uh...it's, nice to meet you too, thank you for finding Spike. " Speaking of the devil, Twilight glanced down at Spike, who was still on the ground, gazing up longingly at Rarity, " Different Rarity, same Spike, same story . " Just the thought made Twilight forget all about her previous embarrassment, and want to start giggling. For her brothers sake, though, she wouldn't. Besides, she wouldn't want to embarrass him. Twilight's gaze shifted towards the four others whom she befriended, " That doesn't explain what you girls are doing here though. "
" We've been helpin' Spike and Rarity look all over for ya sugar cube, " Applejack replied.
" Yeah! " Pinkie Pie stuck her head in front of Applejack's, " We were also kinda looking for you ‘cause we were thinking of tomorrow and how we reeeeeeeeeeally really reeeeally don't want you to lose. "
" You were…? Sorry every...one...I guess I got so caught up worrying myself, that when I finally found something to help, I got caught up a bit " Twilight responded in a somber and apologetic tone.
" Veeee... " Eevee apologized as well.
A hand belonging to Applejack started patting the disheveled Twilight's shoulder. " It's alright, sugarcube, " Applejack glanced back at Spike, who was back on his feet, his eyes glued to Rarity. " I think he forgives ya, " she said with a chuckle.
That's when Rainbow Dash stepped next to Twilight and pulled her close with an arm around the neck. The sudden contact was still something Twilight was getting use to, so to say she was slightly uncomfortable would be appropriate. A grin came to Rainbow's face as she started walking with Twilight, " Nice to see that you and Eevee could work up a sweat after all. "
" W-well, we did have a little help with our training, " Twilight said bashfully.
And that was the truth. Had she not happened upon Junior, she'd probably still be back in that field, fumbling over the basics...at least, that's what she told herself. Twilight was grateful for the trainer to extend his kindness onto her, especially seeing as he was a total stranger at first. He helped her with her "last-minute" training without asking for anything in return, and even imparted sound advice upon her. That sort of kindness was something she had only seen in Equestria, not to say her "new" friends here hadn't shown her anything similar.
Twilight's eyes had been glued to the ground, unaware that she had even been moving from how deep in thought she was. " Hey, Twilight! " Rainbow practically shouted in Twilight's ear, causing the poor girl to jump.
" Oh! Uh, s-sorry Rainbow, " she sheepishly smiled with a sweat drop, " guess I spaced out. Did you say something? "
" No Twilight, I've just been saying 'Hey, Twilight' repeatedly for no reason at all, " she said with just the "slightest" bit of sarcasm.
Without a single warning, an overly cheerful blur of pink popped up in between the two girls. Pinkie wore her usual carefree smile as she forcibly squeezed between her friends. " Dashie was just trying to tell you that we're going to the bestest-est-est place in Canterlot City! "
A sigh could be heard coming from Applejack, who was trailing behind the three, along with Flutershy, Rarity, and Spike. Without a word, the farm girl pulled Tauros's ball out of her bag and called the bull pokemon out. " Sorry partner, but this'll make the trip a whole lot quicker. "
Pinkie's vocal onslaught had yet to cease, " It's called Sugarcube Corner! It's the sweetest place in the whole world! Literally!! It's so sugary, not so cubey, it's also not a corner, so I don't get that part of the name but- " The two girls were finally saved when a hand placed itself atop Pinkie Pie's head, and pulled her backwards. Before anyone realized it, the pinkette was now atop Applejack's Tauros. " Oh, hiya there Tauros! Fancy meeting you here! "
" Taur, " the response came out as more of an annoyed grunt than anything.
The resounding giggles from his trainer and her friends did nothing for the normal type's situation. Applejack softly patted Tauros on his head, " Don't worry partner, it's just till we get to where we're goin'. " The reassurance seemed to be enough for the disgruntled pokemon, making the remainder of the trip that much easier.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sugarcube Corner was yet another surreal experience for Twilight. Everything, the appearance of building, the inside layout, even the foods, was different. Despite this though, it still felt like the Sugarcube Corner back in Equestria; it had the same atmosphere and the same friendly smiles from the Cakes when serving a customer. Being in the establishment with her "new" friends brought a strong feeling of nostalgia to Twilight. With everything that's been going on in her life, she's had very little time to just sit down with her friends and enjoy herself.
Twilight stared almost longingly out the window, whilst she absentmindedly stroked Eevee's head. Totally unaware of the conversation going on around her, she remained in this dazed state for almost a minute. That was until she felt a hand place itself on her shoulder, causing her to stiffen up. The owner of said hand was Fluttershy, who had been looking on at Twilight with concern in her eyes.
" Twilight... " she said just loud enough for her to hear, " is everything alright? You've been...quiet, ever since we got here. "
" Veee...? " Now Eevee was eyeing Twilight with concern.
A small smile was adorned on Twilight's face as she resumed stroking Eevee's head, " Yeah, I'm alright, Fluttershy. " She turned her head back towards the window, " It's just this place reminds me of my home, I haven't been gone long, but it feels like I have. "
Fluttershy's hand remained where it was on Twilight's shoulder, " I completely understand, Twilight...I moved to Canterlot City all the way from my home town of Cloudsdale Town. That was some years ago, and I still miss it, but I don't ever regret coming here. "
Suddenly, a pokeball from Fluttershy's bag popped open on its own, letting Ursaring out, who promptly pulled its trainer into a literal bear hug. " Ursa! Ring!! " it cried out with cheer as it affectionately squeezed Fluttershy.
She gained a smile of her own as she rubbed her pokemon's head, " Y-yes Ursaring, you're one of the reasons I don't regret coming here. "
Their friends all smiled as they watched the display of affection. " I didn't mean to eavesdrop on yer conversation, " Applejack started, " but Fluttershy is right, sugarcube. Bein' a bit homesick is normal, but yer real home is where your friends and family are, at least, that's what Granny Smith always taught us. "
Twilight's eyes wandered down to Eevee, then over to Spike, who was attempting to chat up Rarity, and finally to the counterparts of her friends back home. Looking at all of them brought a bigger smile to her face, " Thank you, you two. I really needed that. "
Before Applejack could respond to Twilight's thanks, a rather impatient looking Rainbow Dash butted in. " If you three are done with your sappy talk, we have more urgent matters on hand. "
Applejack turned her attention towards her magenta-eyed friend, only now she wore an annoyed expression. " Rainbow Dash, what could possibly be so important that ya just force yerself into a conversation like that? "
Rainbow returned the annoyed look with one of her own, " Tomorrow, that's what! It's already close to night time and we still don't know if Twilight is even ready for tomorrow. "
Then it was Pinkie's turn to pop up, this time, right next to Rainbow Dash's face, along with her Drifloon sitting comfortably atop her head. " Oh there's no need to worry about that, Dashy, two more people signed up earlier today! It's almost like they signed just 'cause Twilight signed. "
" Now hold on a gosh darn second, " Applejack spoke up, " you told me earlier only one person signed up and ya couldn't tell me who they were cause of a pinkie promise. You never mentioned a second person, when did they sign anyway? "
" When you were taking that long bathroom break, " Pinkie said with no hesitation.
A red tinge came to the farm girl's face as she averted her gaze away from the pinkette's, " Ah, I...I see now. "
" We get it, Applejack has bladder problems! What's important though is who those two people are! So Pinkie, go on and tell us. " Rainbow Dash raised her voice.
Pinkie shook her head, swinging Drifloon about as she did, " Nope, sorry Dashy, I made a Pinkie promise to keep their identities an extra-super-duper-uper secret! Aaaaaaand I never break a Pinkie promise. "
" But Pinkie Pie! This could be important, please?! " Rainbow practically pleaded.
"...Stop Rainbow, " Fluttershy spoke up as "assertively" as she could, " I-if Pinkie made a promise to keep them a secret...t-then we should support her choice to keep the promise. "
Rarity nodded, " Well said, Fluttershy, dear. " This brought a smile to the lighter pinkette's face, which in turn made Rarity smile. " Besides Rainbow, I'm sure she'll do just fine tomorrow, she did have a handsome stranger's assistance after all. "
A slight hint of red came to Twilight's cheeks as she pulled Eevee close and looked down, " Please stop saying that...Junior helped me out, out of the kindness of his heart...not because I called him handsome or anything. " She suddenly froze. " N-not that I said anything of the sort! Honest really! "
This caused her friends, save for Rainbow, her brother, and even Eevee, to all start giggling and laughing at the slight slip up. Being the first to finish their fit of laughter, Rarity scooted closer to the still red-in-the-face Twilight, " This 'Junior' sounds like quite the gentleman, although his name is odd. He must be from a different region. "
" He said he was from a region called...Kalos, I believe, " Twilight said, confirming her friends thought.
" Kalos?! " Rarity suddenly grabbed Twilight's hands, startling her and poor Eevee. " Kalos is by far one the most culturally rich regions in the world, and home to some of the greatest fashion there is! Oh, I simply must meet your friend after you win tomorrow, I have to ask him what it's like there! "
" IF...she wins that is, " Rainbow Dash grumbled, still sore over the situation on hand.
" WHEN she wins, " Applejack corrected her, " thanks to Pinkie, I got faith that Twilight here can hand Sunset and that prissy Flareon of hers a well deserved butt-whoopin'. "
Twilight suddenly pulled the farm girl into a hug, " Thank you Applejack. "
The friendly gesture was gladly returned as Applejack embraced Twilight as well, " You're welcome Twi, you'll do just fine, trust me. "
Eventually night began descending upon the city, and the girls prepared to head their separate ways. However, as the five girls of this world began to leave, they stopped when noticing that Twilight had yet to move. When they each spoke of heading home, they individually noticed that the more they talked about home, the quieter Twilight got.
Twilight remained at their booth, fiddling with the straw in her now empty shake. She had mumbled goodbye and that was it...it wasn't sitting right with any of them, but it was Applejack who stopped first. With a loud sigh, she went back towards the purple-haired girl and her Eevee, with the rest following close behind. " Alright Twi, what's wrong and why ain't you and Spike leavin' with the rest of us? "
Twilight stayed silent, opting to instead start rubbing Eevee's head. Spike however, decided to speak up for his adoptive sister, " We, uh...we don't really have anywhere to go. "
The expressions on the other five girls faces all morphed to sudden shock. " N-nowhere to go? " Rarity repeated, hoping she hadn't heard him right. However he nodded in response, " If the two of you showed up yesterday, where on Earth did you go last night? "
" ...The library, " Twilight mumbled, just barely loud enough for them to hear, " We slept in the library at the academy... "
" Vee... " Eevee nodded, confirming what her trainer was saying.
Suddenly, and without any warning whatsoever, Pinkie Pie practically gravitated towards Twilight in the booth, sticking to her like a magnet. " You can stay with me!!! " Her arms quickly wrapped around both trainer and pokemon alike, holding them in a friendship-filled vice grip. " There's plenty of room at my house, and with my parents away on official rock-based business, it's just me! But if you stay, it won't just be me, it'll be me plus you plus Spike plus Eevee plus Caterpie!!! "
" OK, Pinkie, we get it! " Rainbow Dash exclaimed with mild annoyance. Despite this, she couldn't fight the smile resulting from the girl's excitement.
Twilight, however, was a loss for words. Even though this Pinkie had only known her for a day she was offering them a place to stay as if they had known one another years, which back home, she had. " P-Pinkie... " She returned the girl's embrace, squeezing her twice as much, " A-...are you sure? "
Pinkie rapidly nodded her head, " Absolutely, positutely!! "
" Well, I do believe that settles that, " Rarity said with a smile as she made her way back towards the exit. " I must be going now, if I am not home soon, Sweetie Belle will have gotten into the ice cream again. Goodbye Twilight, goodbye Spike. "
" Uh...buh-bye... " the poor love struck boy muttered.
" Yup, I better get goin' too, " Applejack said, following her out the door, " Tauros needs a bath and who knows what Applebloom and Big Mac are doin' to get in trouble. "
" Cmon Flutters, let's get goin, " Rainbow Dash waved out the door, " I've gotta groom my pokemon's feathers, and I'm pretty sure you got...whatever it is you do, to do. "
Fluttershy nodded and gave Twilight and Pinkie a quick hug, " Bye Twilight, I'll see you tomorrow morning. Come along, Ursaring, we're going to finish that story you like so much tonight. "
" Ring, " Ursaring nodded with a grunt as he trailed close behind his partner.
That left just Twilight, Spike, and Pinkie sitting at the booth. " Weeeeellllllllll, I guess it's about time we get back. Krokorok gets suuuuuuuuper grumpy when he doesn't get in bed on time. "
Spike agreed with the pinkette, using a yawn as his reply to her proposal of leaving. " Caterpie and I could use a nice nights rest on something that isn't made books. "
" ...Reee... " Caterpiee groaned tiredly.
Standing up first was Twilight, " Then it's settled, let's get going before we have to carry Spike back, " Twilight said, fighting back a giggle.
However, as the trio and their pokemon left, they were unaware that hidden from view in a nearby alley, someone had been watching them, grinning as they walked on, " That's right, Twilight Sparkle, keep thinking tomorrow is your day. " A girl with fire-colored hair stepped out of the alley and began silently trailing the three trainers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It didn't take long to reach Pinkie's house. Much to the surprise of the former pony and dragon, it was incredibly bland in appearance compared to the Pinkie back home. Plainness aside, it was a quaint little home, and the duo quickly found out the inside was much similar to the outside in appearance.
As soon as the three stepped inside, Pinkie immediately called out her two pokemon, who looked just as tired as the trainers did. " Alright you two, it's time for beddy-bye! "
" Krok-rok, krokoroooook, " the crocodile pokemon yawned loudly.
" Flooooon, " Drifloon deflated herself atop Krokorok's head, being just as tired as the larger pokemon.
Staring; that's what Twilight was doing at the moment. Her eyes had been glued on the two pokemon from the second they were called from their balls. Nudging Spike with her elbow to get his attention, she then whispered towards him, " Spike, do you still have the pokedex with you? " he tiredly nodded. " Then let me see it, I want to learn about Pinkie's pokemon.
The half-woken young man reached into his coat pocket and pulled the device in question out, then handed it to his sister. " Knock yourself out...I'm gonna...be over here, " he let out a yawn of his own before literally crashing onto the couch.
Twilight raised the red device towards the two equally tired pokemon, " Let's check you two out. "
" Krokorok, the Sand Croc Pokemon; protected by thin membranes, their eyes can see even in the dead of night. They tend to live in groups of few individuals. Krokorok dislikes when its body gets cold. On nights when the temperature drops, it digs deep into the desert sand. "
" How interesting," she commented, before shifting the pokedex towards the already sleeping balloon-like pokemon.
" Drifloon, the Balloon Pokemon; a pokemon formed by the spirits of people and pokemon. It loves damp, humid seasons. Because of how Drifloon floats aimlessly, an old folktale describes it as a signpost for wandering spirits. "
A small chill ran down Twilight's back as she listened to the talking index's description of the seemingly innocent pokemon. " That's...mildly disturbing. "
" Yup! " Pinkie chimed with a smile as she led the two pokemon to a bedroom. " But after awhile, you get use to it, even if Drifloon's tried floating away with Applebloom a few times. "
" Riiiiiight," Twilight muttered and started looking around the room, trying to divert her attention. That's when her eyes landed on an old torn photograph. Without thinking, Twilight ran her fingers across it, feeling the creases and tears, before picking it up. In the picture, were four very young girls, one obviously Pinkie Pie, and another looking shockingly similar to the pony Twilight knew as Maud, Pinkie's sister. " ...These must be Pinkie's sisters in this world... "
Twilight's sudden curiosity and slight concern didn't go unsated for long. As soon as Twilight had picked the picture up, Pinkie had returned to the living room and saw her gazing at it. " Oh, uh, you found that old thing, huh? " Pinkie asked, sounding very much unlike the Pinkie who had left the room moments ago.
" Um...yeah, these are your sisters...I'm guessing! " she added on quickly, to keep from rousing suspicious. Pinkie merely nodded in response, " So, uh, are they here or will they be back anytime soon. "
At first, Pinkie remained silent, opting to instead walk towards Twilight and take hold of one side of the picture. " They don't live here, " she said, almost somberly.
" Th-they don't live here?! " Twilight echoed in shock.
Again Pinkie nodded, " When we were little, we got separated, there were four of us and our parents didn't have the means to keep us all...so my sisters told them to take me. I'm still not sure why, I begged them to take one of the younger ones...but...still. All I know is I miss them... "
This tone was something Twilight had never heard from her Pinkie Pie. In fact, besides a few select occasions, her Pinkie hadn't shown a bit of sincere sadness, always keeping a smile on her face. " P-Pinkie...I'm sorry...I didn't mean... "
She was cut off, however. Pinkie sat the picture back where it belonged on the mantle and turned to Twilight with her trademark smile, reassuring the girl she was ok. " It's fine Twilight, I met Krokorok that day because of what happened, and if they hadn't taken me, I probably would've never met you, or anyone else. " She turned away and started off towards the hallway, " I'll always keep smiling, because it's my goal to one day find them, and I'll do it too. "
The tone she spoke with was a serious one, something else her Pinkie lacked most of the times. " Pinkie Pie... "
Pinkie kept smiling though, and ushered Twilight to follow her, " Come on already Twilight, there's no use getting sad before bed time. We're supposed to have nice dreams, and you gotta get loooooooooots of sleep if you wanna be ready for tomorrow. " Having taken Twilight and Eevee to one of the guest rooms, she quickly made the bed for them, then sat Twilight on the freshly made bed, " Now you two get some sleep and don't let me catch you awake. Nighty night! "
A brief smile formed on Twilight's face as she heard the usual joy in her friend's nighttime chime, " Goodnight Pinkie. "
"Eee... " Eevee moved from her trainer's arms and squirmed her way under the blanket.
" Alright, alright, I can take a hint, " Twilight followed suit and snuggled up against the normal-type. " Goodnight Eevee... "
An hour passed by and everyone in the house was sound asleep. Outside the house was another story however, as someone had been prowling about the whole time. Sunset Shimmer, the bane of the academy and everyone in it, had been trailing Twilight throughout the day. Of course, she did this unbeknownst to the girl she was following. She held a phone in her hand, speaking with a rather private contact, " I know what I'm doing, don't patronize me... "
" Now, now Sunset. No one is patronizing anyone, I'm merely saying you should be careful. You're very sneaky, but are you sneaky enough? " The voice on the other end of the line cryptically asked.
She bit back an annoyed growl, this was one of her superiors she was speaking too after all, she didn't need him getting onto her case about her "temper". " If you're worried about me messing this up, then why don't you do all the hard work? "
A loud, almost insane cackle came from over the phone, " Where would the fun be in that? Besides, you were the one who told the lady in charge about the crown, now you gotta take all the right steps to get said crown. We're only here to: A. keep track of your progress, B. make sure you're actually working, and C. clean up your mess when all this eventually crashes and burns. "
"...Why you no good, crooked-eyed... " she grumbled out.
" Temper Sunset! You must work on that in the future. For now, I'll leave you to...whatever it is you're doing, ta-ta for now! See you soon. " A loud click was her way of knowing the call was over.
" Good riddance...who does he think he is, treating me like a bumbling child?! " She strode over towards the Pie residence, quickly finding a suitable window for her plan of ensured victory. Retrieving a pokeball from her belt, she tossed it to the ground, calling out its occupant.
" Wea! "What came out of the pokeball was a medium height, bipedal pokemon, with three razor sharp claws. Its head was adorned with a feathery crown, and two matching ears, as well as an amber gem embedded on its head. Its dark red eyes gave a perfect wordless explanation of just what kind of pokemon it was.
Sunset smirked as she looked at her dark-type pokemon, " Alright Weavile, let's get to work, you cut this window open and let me in. "
" Wea! Weavile! " The sharp claw pokemon lived up to its name, as it gave a nod and hopped up to the window, latching on and positioning its free claw against the glass. " Wea-ea-ea-ea, " it wickedly chuckled as it made a circular motion with its claw, cutting out a perfect hole in the glass, then climbed through said hole.
Sunset's smirk widened as the window silently slid open, allowing her to slip right into the house. " Good job Weavile, I'll be sure to reward you nicely when we get home, " she said in a whisper. Stepping into the spare room, her teal eyes falling right onto the sleeping Eevee, " And there's the prize. Come on Weavile, let's take Eevee to play hide-and-seek. "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Next Morning~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The morning sun shone brightly into the guestroom window, and right onto the face of Twilight Sparkle. Shifting about as the sunlight pulled her from her sleep, and the dream she had been having about showing Eevee to her friend's back in Equestria.
Her purple eyes just barely cracked open, " ...It was such a good dream too... " she said in a very pouty voice. She rolled over to face away from the sun, but as she did, she felt something off, something was missing that hadn't been when she went to sleep. Quickly sitting up, Twilight tossed the blanket off the bed, then looked under the bed, and then around the room, " Eevee? Are you in here?! " She stepped out of the room and started frantically looking back and forth in the hallway, " Eevee?! "
In the living room, both Spike and Caterpie were sound asleep, laid out in a way that took up most of the couch space. They had been sleeping peacefully, that was, until Spike felt someone shaking him. His eyes shot open, wanting to find out who wanted him up so badly. To his surprise, however, it was Twilight. " T-Twilight...? It's too early...what's the matter? "
Twilight was covered in sweat and her eyes were filled with worry and panic, " Spike...Eevee's gone, I can't find her anywhere... "
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Will you be using fake Pokemon?
8985789
No, only already existing pokemon. Not that I have anything against fakemon, I just prefer to use the actual ones for this.
It good your not letting the comenets denture you from writing, have seem to many as of late give up because of comments.
Also are you going to add Pokemon from Alola?
It’s alive.
(Blinks eyes) damn
I have a feeling that Ash and Pikachu are going to appear on the scene and defeat Sunset with Ash's Charizard who will teach Flareon and all of Sunset's Pokémon a painful lesson.