Ch.4 - Tests and Regrets Pt.1
Little Lost Pikachu
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Chapter 4
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Tests and Regrets Pt.1
Blinding rays of the rising sun on the horizon greeted Pikachu as he rubbed his eyes, and then pushed himself to a sitting position. Using one forepaw for support, he examined his surroundings.
A fountain, empty sunbeds, a view of the city on a mountain in the distance. Yes… he fell asleep under the open sky, now remembering yesterday’s events. To think… that such a wonderful and exciting day ended up on such a depressing note. He whimpered quietly. A small part of him feared that his competitiveness against his evolution would sooner or later get in the way, something he tried to avoid, yet he didn’t expect that sharing his past would be what would upset his guardian. I definitely shouldn’t have told her that I almost died in that one fight… she seems sensitive to those sort of things.
He quickly noticed a blanket with apple inscriptions decorating it. Half of it covered his left rear leg and his tail, while another half was hanging from the edge of his sunbed. Did Nica cover me with this blanket when I was sleeping? That’s very considerable of her. I probably pushed this blanket aside by accident.
Steam coming from a bowl of vegetable soup lying next to his sunbed caught his attention. He massaged his forepaws, feeling the chilly morning wind as it flapped his ears and tail. He stepped down from the sunbed carefully and grabbed a spoon before eating the soup, feeling pleasant warmth fill his chilly body. Was it Nica who left this soup for him in advance, hoping it wouldn’t get cold before he woke up, or maybe it was Spike who made it? He couldn’t tell.
As half of the soup was inside his belly, Pikachu looked at the empty sunbed before him… staring at it… one second, five seconds, ten seconds… staring in silence as his ears drooped. He lowered his head and sighed.
Walking through a maze of empty repetitive hallways while holding an empty bowl half-the-size of his body only deepened his feel of loneliness. Looking to the right he imagined Nica walking beside him while giving him a cheerful smile. Looking to the left and up, he imagined Ash walking with an excited smile, more than eager to explore this mysterious place, only to plop down and complain that this castle is actually boring.
Now that he thought about it, he stopped thinking about Ash ever since Nica agreed to become his guardian, and only thought about him during the fight against Starlight where his commands and strategy would have been quite helpful. He had to admit, she did a really good job in keeping him distracted and entertained. He felt happy in the company of this enthusiastic Raichu, and now when she wasn’t around, the loneliness struck with full force.
Too distracted by his imagination and not paying attention, he didn’t notice the stairs as his little foot failed to make a proper connection with the step. He tripped, yelping and throwing the plate ahead of him as he bounced against the stairs. With the help of his forepaws, he stopped his fall as his eyes focused on the falling plate. He bit his bottom lip and jumped, grabbing the plate in mid-air before crashing into the floor with his face, the plate raised and safe.
Using his head and rear feet, he stood up and examined the plate, not noticing any cracks. Huh… that was close. After finding the spoon further ahead, he continued walking. Letting my imagination run while walking towards the kitchen from the highest spot of the castle, certainly not my best idea. As he kept walking, his ears drooped and a sad whimper escaped his mouth. He missed his home, he missed Ash… and he actually missed the company of his guardian. Until now he always had someone to interact with and loneliness was unbearable.
After carefully walking down the stairs with the bowl balanced over his head, he opened the door into the kitchen and jumped towards the sink.
“Did you come for a snack?”
Pikachu looked towards the source of voice from the counter, seeing a stretching and yawning Spike entering the kitchen. The young drake scratched his backside and stared back with half-closed sleepy eyes. “No, I just came to return this bowl.” He massaged his belly. “I’m full.”
Spike chuckled. “Really… oh, so Nica made you… yawn… breakfast.” He rubbed his eyes. “She sure became an early bird ever since she recovered all of her memories.”
“Speaking of Nica, have you seen her?”
Spike shrugged. “I just woke up, so no, and I didn’t see her while getting here.” He pointed at a bowl with multi-colored objects. “Since you’re already there, mind handing me over my favorite snacks?”
Pikachu nodded before picking up the bowl, his forepaws trembled from the surprisingly heavy weight. With a quick leap down and tiring steps, he placed the heavy bowl next to the young drake, who took one of what looked like a gemstone into his mouth. A crunching noise followed.
After a moment of eating, Spike lay down on the floor, the side of his head supported on his hands.
Pikachu gasped. Did the young drake just eat a rock or something like that? Or was that just candy in such an odd shape? He picked up one gem as its weight seemed quite large. With a weak bite, he tested its durability, only for his entire body to shake as if static electricity went through it while his eyes opened widely. No, definitely not candy. He gave the sleeping Spike an odd look before leaving the kitchen, now exploring the castle. He already checked Nica's room on his way to the kitchen, which left him with a lot of ground to search over.
“Nica, Nica! Where are you?!” he shouted as his voice echoed through the hallway.
“Would you mind toning it down a little, I’m reading here.”
Pikachu looked at Ninetales who was lying on his belly with an open book before him on the floor. A pillar hid most of his body. Upon closer inspection, a silvery collar with red flames inscribed was present on his neck. One of its tail was surrounded by a silvery aura as pages of the book turned. A usage of an extremely weak ‘Psychic’ attack for this simple task.
Ninetales chuckled. “Isn’t magic fascinating? It not only allows the unicorns to use spells in greater diversity than our attack moves could ever allow, but they also let pegasi control the weather and earth ponies to improve the quantity of their farm-products. It’s also the main source of ponies strength and durability.” He gave him a calm smile. “Their magic is like a substitute to our power, similar, yet so different. While our power is more combat and survival orientated, their magic is more specialized for everyday tasks. No wonder Darkrai was so interested in combining the two. Should our power be enhanced by magic, it would reach a much greater level.”
“S-sure…” Pikachu said, not paying too much attention to the Ninetales’ lecture.
“So you’re more of an athlete with little interest for the mysteries of this world. Certainly something that the captain has an edge over you.” He shook his paw in a ‘go away’ gesture. “Now, shoo, shoo, leave me. I’m waiting for Starlight to wake up so we could have an intellectual discussion about the culture of the three tribes before they came together to form a nation under the alicorn’s rule. Not that someone with your curiosity and intelligence would be interested in such fascinating lore.”
Pikachu frowned. “And that’s the Ninetales I know, and here I was surprised by your sudden change of attitude.”
Ninetales raised his eyebrow. “Oh really?” He sat up and turned towards him. “Now, make no mistakes, I learned from Nica that you’re the partner of Ash Ketchum, the one that Astra admires so much. They may idolize you and your trainer for your achievements, but for me you are both just very lucky. You’re also responsible for the Captain’s low self-esteem.”
“What are you talking about?” Pikachu asked.
Ninetales looked to the side and sighed. “Better low self-esteem than jealousy, I suppose. Nica and Astra would give up everything to be in your place. If achievements and adventures could be traded, I’m certain both parties would be more than happy with the exchange.”
Pikachu rubbed his chin. Nica was his his fan, that was obvious, so she probably wanted to be part of the adventures he had, but why would any of this lead to her having a low self-esteem? Raising his head, he asked, “You said both parties would be happy with the exchange, what do you mean by that?”
Ninetales lay down and looked back at the book with mild-interest. “Last night the captain asked me for a favor, and in respect for that I shall remain silent.” He narrowed his eyes. “She seemed a bit panicked over this. You didn’t say something that upset her, did you?”
“N-no… of course not.”
“Good.” Ninetales closed the book and give him an angered glare. “I advise you to make sure it stays that way.”
Pikachu rounded the pokemon, maintaining two meters distance before being on his way. Interacting with this Ninetales certainly wasn't a cure for his loneliness.
His search continued with his mind being more conflicted than before. Did his story really upset Nica that much? But why? Sure, he told her that he didn’t want to evolve… though finding difficulty in justifying it due to the friendly Raichu having quite solid arguments. Nica didn’t seem upset yet, though. It was when she asked about the Raichu he faced, but why would that upset her? Sure, two of the challenges he faced nearly took his life, but just because Nica is a Raichu as well didn’t mean she should feel guilty about it.
He shrugged. If she needed some time to herself, he would let her. She was his guardian and a fan after all, he just needed to wait for her to be ready to talk again.
“Greetings, champion of justice,” Gliscor said as he swooped down from the ceiling before performing a polite bow. “Are you heading outside?”
Pikachu nodded. “Nica is nowhere to be found. I want to give her more time for herself, so I decided to visit Litten instead.”
“Understandable.” After opening the large double door, he landed in front Pikachu and lowered his wing to the floor. “Do you wish for me to provide you with transportation?”
“Thank you for the offer, but I will do fine on my own. Litten lives nearby and I memorized the way.” He stretched with a raised right rear leg and left forepaw. “A bit of running will do me good.”
“As you wish, safe trip.” He stepped to the side.
Pikachu walked outside and waved at the friendly pokemon before running towards Sugarcube Corner, occasionally giving a glance to bypassing ponies. Despite being in a different world, its residents didn’t seem to mind him.
The building which certainly wasn't made of candy came into his view.
With the sense of loneliness and homesickness returning, he sped up, opening the upper part of the door with a quick jump and handle-pull. Once inside, he jumped onto the counter and pressed the bell with his forepaw.
“Well, if it isn’t Pikachu. Early bird I see. Were you enjoying yesterday’s festival?” Pinkie asked as she bounced towards the counter, her face on level with his body.
“Yes, it was a lot of fun.”
Pinkie looked behind Pikachu, scanning the floor. “Where’s Nica? I thought you two were inseparable?”
“Well…” He rubbed the back of his neck while looking to the side. “After I told her about my adventures, she asked me why I didn’t evolve yet. Our discussion… probably… upset her a little.”
Pinkie gasped. “Upset?!”
“Well… maybe, maybe not, I’m not really sure. She wasn’t in her room and I couldn’t find her anywhere in the castle so I came to visit my friend. I hope she’ll be willing to talk later.”
“I see.” Pinkie moved her head closer, her muzzle now sinking into the fur on her belly. “Just remember to tell me if Nica is upset. The best way to cheer someone up is a party!”
Pikachu flinched, falling from the counter onto the floor by the strength of Pinkie’s voice alone.
“I’m the best party planner in all of Ponyville and I couldn’t stand knowing that my friend Nica is sad, so keep me updated.” Pinkie’s head sank behind the counter, vanishing from Pikachu’s sight.
“You’ll find Litten sleeping in my room, follow me,” Pinkie said.
Pikachu turned away from the counter, now finding Pinkie standing behind him with her forelegs but centimeters away. “H-how… Seriously, what’s up with your silent teleporting? Even Rowlet doesn’t move this quietly.” With a little giggle being the only response, he frowned and followed, finding his fire-pokemon friend lying curled in a basket next to a large puffy bed with balloons and candy decoration embroidered into the eiderdown.
He looked to the side and up, seeing a tall shelf for clothes, and a table with a lamp perched on it. On the other side of the bed was another table with a cute little mirror, and a few balloons seemed to be tied up to the bed.
“Wakey, wakey,” Pinkie said as she rubbed Litten’s soft fur.
Pikachu looked back at his friend, seeing a similar collar to the one Ninetales wore. It was smaller, but the color and design was identical.
“Wake up!”
Pikachu covered his ears form Pinkie’s shouting while Litten screeched and shot flames towards Pinkie.
The party mare looked at the flames on her mane and chuckled nervously. "I must say I'm on fire today, literally... be right back.” She dashed towards the bathroom as the noise of running water followed.
“Sorry,” Litten said apologetically before stepping from his basket, his attention now on him. “Hey Pikachu, visiting already?”
“I am.”
Litten approached and poked his side while maintaing a sassy smile. “What about your guardian? I have heard you both enjoyed each other's company…” he poked his side and winked, “if you know what I mean.”
Pikachu nodded. “Of course we did, we had a lot of fun. She planned so many interesting events for us, like a fight against Starlight, a game of buckball, a festival and so much more.”
Litten rolled his eyes. “So much for my joke.” He sat and said, “But seriously, I miss Ash a bit, and considering how close you both were, you no doubt miss him way, way more. How are you coping with it?”
He shook his head. “Not really. I mean, I know we’ll reunite eventually, and Nica was really good at keeping me entertained. Seeing her energetic and enthusiastic personality almost makes me feel as if I was with my beloved trainer, as weird as it sound.” He placed his forepaws on his sides. “You won’t believe it, but Nica and her trainer heard of the biggest adventures I and Ash had and she views me as a hero.”
“You’re right, I don’t believe you.”
Pikachu crossed his arms. “I’m not kidding. She got even more excited than before and started admiring me. I tried to impress her with my skills, to live up to her expectations…” He lowered his head and tapped his forepaws. “It could have gone better.”
Litten sat next to him and patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. She’s a Raichu so she has the advantage from the get go, so impressing her may be a bit harder than if she was unevolved.”
“It’s not about the power actually. I had difficulty keeping up with her speed and reflexes during the various games, yet she admired me anyway. It was our discussion that could have gone better.” He looked Litten in the eyes, who stared back in confusion. “She asked me to tell her about our top adventures, so I did, and she was happy. The problem started after she asked me why I didn’t evolve yet.”
“Oh… now I get it,” Litten said as he withdrew his paw.
“I tried to explain to her why I don’t want to evolve and she kept repeating how much I deserve it and what a great Raichu I would become. In the end she asked about the Raichu I defeated and... “ He took a deep breath. “When I mentioned that I nearly died after one such a fight, she seemed to take it hard.”
“I see.” Litten patted him on the back and gave an encouraging smile. “Don’t worry. I’m sure she’s just shocked after hearing that the hero she idolises almost died after a fight against a Raichu. She’ll get over it quickly. Give her time.”
Pikachu smiled and nodded. “You’re right.” He looked over the room and added, “Though I must admit that I started missing my trainer again." He raised forepaw up to his chest. "And he without a doubt must miss us a lot. He must be filled with panic and search every corner of the island for us. I know that there is nothing I can do about it and worrying will do me no good, but I can't stop. Without Nica around, it got really lonely. There's nothing to distract me."
“I get you. I started missing him too, but then that pink pony picked up on it and organized a ‘cheer up’ party for me and rest of the crew, and after that she organized a ‘you’re happy again’ party. It’s just impossible to get sad around her.” He massaged his belly. “Though she’s too generous with sweets, I need some non-sugar food as well.”
“Speaking of sweets, Nica really loves them, both eating and baking, but she made me vegetable salad and soup as well for diversity,” Pikachu said.
“Getting food from a nice lady as well, you’re lucky.” He stood up. “How about we exercise together and have a small fight afterwards. I’ll burn off some of that sugar.”
“Sounds good.”
Pinkie jumped into the room with Starlight Glimmer following her. “Twilight is organizing an experiment and she wants you both to participate. Sounds like fun!”
Both pokemon looked at Starlight, who stared down at them.
“I came to pick up Litten, but it’s good I found you too, Pikachu. Twilight really hoped for you to join,” Starlight said with a satisfied smile.
“What kind of experiment?” Pikachu asked.
“You’ll see. I’m sure it’s something you’ll enjoy.”
With a quick teleportation, Pikachu found himself in familiar surroundings with Litten by his side. It’s the same location where I fought against Starlight. His attention shifted to the training equipment scattered on the desolate ground. A large stack of heavy weights, each seemed to have ten kilograms written on it. There also seemed to be four treadmills and some large boxes with unknown cargo inside.
“Perfect, I’m so glad everypokemon’s here,” Twilight said with a cheerful flap of her wings.
Pikachu flinched as the alicorn appeared before him in a flash of teleportation.
Twilight lowered herself to his level. “I’m terribly sorry for delaying research on the spell that will send you home, but I guarantee that I’m making steady progress. I just can’t focus on it knowing that a chance to study pokemon is in hoof’s reach.”
Pikachu looked to the side and narrowed his eyes as the image of panicked Ash shouting his name flashed in his mind. Part of him wanted to yell at the princess to get back to work.
"Are you angry at me? N-not that I can blame you."
“N-no… I’m not.” Pikachu exhaled, taking a few seconds to calm down. He turned towards the alicorn, forcing a smile, and patted her on the muzzle. “An hour or two delay, no biggie.” In the end he could only depend on the scholar of this world to send him home, and no one can work without a break. If satisfying Twilight's curiosity is all he needed to do, he didn't mind.
“Thank you. I think I would go crazy if I passed on such a golden opportunity.” Twilight nuzzled him for a moment before teleporting back to the training equipment, gesturing at it. “In the past I only got the opportunity to test Nica’s skills and strength, back when she didn’t remember how to use any of her attacks.” She clapped her forehooves together as her wings flapped with rhythm. “Now with two of the same pokemon on a different level of their evolution, and with two fire pokemon with different sizes, I can make a comparison and gather better data. I’m sooo excited!”
“Two different evolutions?” Pikachu asked before smiling. “Do you mean Nica’s here too?”
Twilight nodded before levitating a large box to the side, revealing the pokemon hiding behind.
Both Pikachu and Nica looked at each other.
Feeling a surge of happiness, Pikachu looked at his guardian with a big smile on his face. A seed of worry was planted in his mind as Nica returned his warm smile with an awkward one, a clear indication their yesterday’s discussion was still haunting her mind.
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Yeah and you might be able to remember more than 4 moves at once.
I wonder how Pikachu is going to react when he finally finds out about who Nica's trainer is.
Silly, Pikachu, I didn't do teleport. I just move from point A to point B, that's all!
9117675
Haven't seen the anime in years, so i wouldn't know.
Seriously? "Everycreature" is awful enough.
9117573
Fixed, thanks.
9117584
Eeyup. That's certainly something that magic would help them with.
9117591
Shock, admiration, jelousy, take your pick. But with all seriousness, I am sure it will be a big deal to him. After all, being a pokemon master was Ash's main goal. Getting to know partner of pokemon master will be a big deal for him for sure. The question is, will his admiration for skills, strength and achievement shine, or will his rivalry, jelousy and competitive nature win over. Pikachu will be have a lot of inner struggle. The question is, which side of him will come on top in the end.
9117760
Pikachu: "Why thank you, this explains sooo much."
9117675
I never watched such episode? Does this mean that two version of Ash and Piakchu meet with each other?
9118032
It was my last-moment idea to replace "everyone" with "everypokemon." Sorry about that. It just felt like a MLP tradition that needed to be carried over.
I'm feeling sad that Pikachu misses Ash. And it looks like Litten ships Pikachu and Nica.
I just came up with a brilliant idea (that is totally not biased). So Emily’s team consists of pokes you can catch in the sun and moon games and named after military stuff, so how about a super mischievous Ribombee named Bombadeir! It’s too perfect!
winked
as the image of a panicked
exhaled