> Pokémon: Adventures of Equestria- Volume I: How It All Began
>  by MiraculousDragonMaster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Prologue


In the amazing and magical region of Equestria, people and Pokémon live together in peace and harmony. Music rings throughout the land, strengthening the bonds of friendship and love. From the frozen North of the Crystal Mountains to the mountains of Appleloosa of the South, it's a most wondrous land where anything could happen. Ruled by the Champions of the regional Pokémon League, the fair and just Princesses Celestia and Luna, life couldn't be better.

But, hidden somewhere in all of this joy and happiness, there's a darkness that is growing rapidly and slowly making itself known to the world. An evil that will soon envelope the peaceful land in hatred and disharmony. A secret organization with a dark magic long forgotten that will not stop until the land is under their control. They call themselves Team Strife, and though their true intentions are unknown, they do steal Pokémon and other resources for their nefarious deeds. But what scares people is not just their evil acts, but how they could just simply disappear from the public eye and from the law without leaving much of a trace. Everyone was hoping that they will be stopped before the worst may come. 

However, there is a way to stop them. Sensing the impending darkness, and hearing rumors and reports that possibly lead to Team Strife, Celestia and Luna researched everything that they could find and eventually discovered a legend prophesied by the wizard from olden times, Star Swirl the Bearded.

When eight pure hearts, friends despite their differences,
Become one with each other and their Pokémon,
They will unleash the power of the rainbow,
One that is greater than the moon and sun.

And when all of these hearts
Each pledge true love to another soul,
And have the same love returned,
The song that is in their hearts
Will vanquish the evil that has been churned.

That very same legend then showed a picture of eight human beings, each surrounded by one of eight colorful geodes: violet, blue, orange, yellow, pink, white, red, and green. All of them were placed around in a circle, with the violet at the center, and then the others circling around. 

The two princesses were surprised, for those are the Geodes of the mysterious Everfree Forest. And those geodes contain special and powerful magic that only will reveal their power if they were worn by ones worthy and pure of heart to wield them, and if they share a strong bond with their Pokémon and with each other. 

It had also been said by Star Swirl that if two people had some form of contact with one of the Everfree Geodes, the Chosen One and another of good heart or a lost soul, they will remain bonded for all of time as soulmates, either romantic or sharing a friendship that couldn’t be easily broken, no matter the trials that they will face. 

The Royal Princesses had kept the Everfree Geodes safe for several years, as it was the royal family’s duty to protect all mystical artifacts and objects that have been given to them from generation to generation. It were some hesitation among the two princesses to bring them out into the open after centuries of being in their family’s protection, but it seems that it was time to find the ones that were mentioned in the legend. They didn’t say exactly when the ones chosen will soon come to fight against the evilness of Team Strife, but when the slow climbing rate of their crimes, it felt like they could be needed within a few short years. 

So one cold wintery day, they did just that. Celestia took half of the magical geodes while Luna took the other four. And in disguise, and with their most powerful and trusted Pokémon, they set out throughout Equestria to find the Chosen Eight. The fate of their homeland and all that they love will soon be in their hands, and possibly even those who will be their soulmates. 
> The Chosen One of Magic
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Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Chapter 1



The Chosen One of Magic


Celestia wrapped her cloak tighter against her body to conceal her identity and to block out the winter breeze. It would soon be Hearth's Warming Eve, and decorations were beginning to appear all over the capital city of Canterlot.

The Princess of the Sun and one of the Champions of Equestria wore a pale green winter dress under her darker green cloak, showing off her snow white skin beautifully if one looked a little closer at the mysterious hooded woman. The hood also concealed her long flowing aurora hair which had pale pink, white, and aqua green stripes in it. The only visible thing that stood out from her disguise was her violet eyes.

She then felt a warm glow coming from in her cloak pocket. Celestia reached into it and pulled out the violet geode. It was glowing on and off, like a beacon. She discreetly guided the geode towards different directions. In one particular way, it began glowing slightly brighter. It meant that its Chosen One was close by. She then began following it.

Soon, she came to the Crystal Pokémon Preparatory Academy. Crystal Prep for short. It was a two story brick building with a tower on each corner. The roof was pitched and metal plated, looking like a little manor. This school was one of the very best of all of Canterlot.

The glow began getting brighter as she looked up to the windows. There, in the window on the right side, Celestia saw a familiar 10-year-old girl staring out of it. The geode glowed the brightest it has ever been as the Princess held it up to her. This girl is the one. The Chosen One of Magic. 

Celestia put the geode back in her cloak pocket to conceal the glow and went over to the side of the building to wait, since school was beginning to end for winter break. Students will be eager to leave in a hurry, but she knew that that girl won’t be. 



Staring out the window was the Chosen One of Magic. The young girl had indigo hair with violet and pink highlights down to her back, amethyst purple eyes, and light purple skin. She was the only student in the school that was not wearing the school uniform. Instead, she wore a pink shirt with semi-long sleeves that extended to her forearms, a light purple skirt with darker trim that touched her knees, and purple slippers with long white stockings.

Twilight Sparkle heaved another heavy sigh as she looked away from the window. Even though she was glad to leaving Crystal Prep, where she didn't fit in at all, she was depressed about leaving Canterlot.

Twilight was the personal protégé of Princess Celestia at Crystal Prep, and just a couple of days ago, she got a notice from her saying that she wanted her to continue her studies at a different school. The Pokémon School in Ponyville, a small but renowned town just south of the capital.

Well, Twilight didn't have friends at Crystal Prep, but she still didn't want to be away from her family. At least she would spend Hearth's Warming Eve with them before she leaves for Ponyville. However, she still felt like it wasn't enough.

She then saw through the reflection of the window students glaring at her as they walked down the stairs, putting on jackets and heading outside. Twilight just closed her eyes and ignored their glares. For good measure, she reached into a dark purple backpack and pulled out a guidebook about Pokémon.

For a while, as she waited for everyone to leave, she read through the guidebook. Twilight smiled at the brightly colored photographs of Pokémon. She couldn't wait until she would receive her own. And one day, she would journey across Equestria to achieve her dream of becoming a Top Coordinator.

Ever since she was a little girl, Twilight wanted to compete in Pokémon Contests, just like her mother did before her. Right now, her older brother, Shining Armor, was on a journey himself to prove himself worthy of being part of the royal guard here in Canterlot.

Soon, Twilight heard no more voices or footsteps. She looked over her book and saw no one. She closed it and put it back in her backpack. As she stood back up, her excitement vanished, as did her smile. Feeling lonely again, she began to sing as she walked down the stairs to her locker.

Twilight: I've walked through all these halls before.
I've been in and out of every door.
Oh, whoa.

There's nothing in this school that I don't know.
In every class, my grade's the best.
The highest score on every test.
I think that means it's time for me to go.

I know there's more that's out there,
And I just haven't found it yet.
I know there's more that's out there,
Another me I haven't met.

She then cleaned out her locker and closed it for the last time. As she turned around, in her mind, images of students walked past her in all directions.

This school is full of people,
But still, I don't belong.
They only dream of winning;
Look at me like something's wrong.

A few seconds after they all appeared, they dissipated into thin air, leaving Twilight alone in the empty hallway.

Maybe I'm better off alone.
Will I find what I'm looking for
If I just do it on my own?

I know there's more that's out there,
Something to fill this hole inside.
I know there's more that's out there,
And I'm not afraid to try.

Twilight then put on her dark purple winter jacket as she walked down the hall to the front doors, feeling so small compared to the tall walls and high ceilings.

There's only so much this school can offer,
And I'm not saying that it's wrong,
But I know there's more that's out there,
'Cause I've been searching all along.

Beyond these rooms,
Beyond these walls,
So much to learn,
I can't see it all.

When she went outside the building and into the softly falling snow, she relished in the brisk yet gentle breeze hitting her face, and with the floating snowflakes gently sprinkling onto her hair and sticking to her eyelashes. But as she was finishing her song, she didn't notice a figure from behind the stone staircase, who was eyeing her curiously. 

It was a boy about her age of 10 years old, with spiky blue hair, matching sapphire eyes, and pale orange skin. He wore a red shirt with a yellow lightning bolt and blue shield underneath a black winter jacket, dark jeans, navy blue winter boots, and black biker gloves on his hands. Snowflakes was sprinkled on his hair and on his gloves. The boy remained unseen as he watched this pretty girl sing out beautifully. 

There's something out there, 
Calling me.
And it's a mystery 
That I can't wait to see.

'Cause I know there's more that's out there,
Another place, another way.
And I know there's more that's out there,
And I'll find out someday.
I'll find out someday.

As Twilight carefully climbed down the steps to wait for her parents, she spotted something glowing in the snow.

"What is that?" She asked herself. Twilight walked over to it and picked up a glowing violet geode. The geode began shining even brighter and a small pulse of light shot out in all directions, hitting both Twilight and the boy that was hidden behind the staircase.

When the light faded, Twilight saw the geode had turned into a beautiful purple necklace with her signature pink star engraved in it. The necklace then began levitating in the air and tied itself around Twilight's neck.

The girl gently fingered the smooth surface, wondering what just happened. But then, the beeping of a car brought her out of her thoughts. Her parents were here. Twilight then got into the back seat with her mother's Glameow and her father's Abra happily greeting her, and they drove away.

Meanwhile, the boy came out of his hiding place. He still felt that rush of energy that flowed through him when that girl touched that strange gem.

"Flash!" The boy heard his mother call out his name. "Where are you? Let's go!"

The boy, now known as Flash, slowly left his spot and began going towards the direction from where his mother called him. But he had a feeling that he will never forget this experience. 



From the other side of the school entrance, Celestia had seen everything and softly smiled at the scene she saw. Ever since she took Twilight as her own personal protégé a few months ago, she knew she was definitely someone special. Now she realized why.

Celestia then reached into another pocket in her winter cloak and took out a beautiful Luxury Ball, with its black color, red stripes, and gold platings around its circumference.

"Gardevoir." She calmly called out as she threw the black and gold Ball up in the air. 

In a burst of blue light, an elegant female Gardevoir appeared. But instead of a white dress and pale green arms and hair like most other Gardevoir have, she had a black dress and light blue arms and hair.

"Gardevoir." She said, greeting her Trainer cordially.

"Where to go next." Celestia said to herself, thinking deeply about the next location of one of the Chosen Eight. 

Suddenly, another glow came from her pocket where the geodes were nestled. She reached into it and saw that the blue geode had started to light up. After holding it in all directions, she held it up towards the sky. When she did, it began getting brighter. In all of Equestria, there was only one city that is actually in the sky.

"Gardevoir, use Teleport. We're going to Cloudsdale." Celestia said, putting the geode away.

"Gardevoir." The Psychic and Fairy type's eyes began glowing, and in a million lines of rainbow colored light, she and her Trainer vanished from the streets of Canterlot. 
> The Chosen One of Loyalty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Chapter 2



The Chosen One of Loyalty


Soon, Celestia and her Gardevoir arrived on the outskirts of the literal sky-high town of Cloudsdale. The fluffy white clouds were as soft as grass, yet some parts could be as hard and firm as rock, which served amazingly for structures and roads. The story of this city and how it came to be was definitely an interesting one. 

About a thousand years ago, the Legendary Pokémon of the sky, Rayquaza, had blessed a tiny tribe of people that longed to live up in the sky. With that blessing, they received a power to build a city from the clouds and live up in the sky, just as they wished. In time, the tribe grew and Cloudsdale was established.

Celestia thought that someone from this mystical cloud city would be pretty special to be chosen as the Bearer of Loyalty. She called Gardevoir back to her Luxury Ball and walked through the wispy clouds to the cobble cloud city streets, following the glow of the blue geode. But soon, the beacon started to lead her back out to another section of the outskirts. Though she was confused by the change in direction, Celestia decided to trust it. 



Sitting on a patch of clouds a few hundred yards away from the cloud city, there was a 10-year-old girl moping and staring out to the horizon. The Chosen One of Loyalty.

She had cyan blue skin, her hair that reached to the middle of her back having all the colors of the rainbow, and rosy magenta eyes. She wore a white T-shirt with a tri-colored lightning bolt on the front, underneath a thick dark blue winter jacket with a matching scarf wrapped loosely around her neck, capri pants that was the same color as her eyes, and white sneakers with red running stripes. Beside her on both sides was a Dustox and an Archeops, the Pokémon that belonged to her parents.

Rainbow Dash sighed as she felt the grass-like clouds beneath her slightly shift, soft as a pillow. As much as she wanted to just a nap right there, she still kept her eyes focused on the horizon.

Archeops nudged her head against the girl's left arm gently. Rainbow smiled as she stroked the top of it. Dustox flapped down to her right arm to be closer to her. But Dash still had her gaze over at the skyline. She then began to recall the events that happened earlier that day.

School had ended for the holidays, and before she and the other students were dismissed, she was called to the principal's office. Though she didn't show it, Rainbow was a little nervous, for she had thought that she was to be punished for something, but she couldn't show it to the resident school bullies who would bug her every chance they get.

When she arrived at the office, she was relieved to learn that she wasn't in trouble. But then, she was surprised to discover that she is to be transferred to the Pokémon School in Ponyville next semester because of her parents volunteering her as one of two transfers that were randomly selected by the Cloudsdale school district.

At first, Dash was shocked that her mom and dad did something like this without telling her. But they reminded her that she told them a few times before that she had wanted to change schools because she wanted to escape her problems with her bullies and to see the world beyond and underneath Cloudsdale. So they had thought that it could be an opportunity for her. Eventually, Rainbow complied.

Now, as Dash stared at the horizon, she wondered why she was so reluctant to move. She had always dreamed of adventure, and becoming a Flying Pokémon Master was her dream. So, what's stopping her? She knew why, though. She couldn't imagine being away from her parents for a long period of time, her hometown, and her only friend.

True, her parents may tend to embarrass her from time to time due to their undying support, but Rainbow loved them dearly. She also had only known Cloudsdale her whole life. And, her friend. How will she survive next semester with Dash? She was so impossibly shy, and easy to pick on. Rainbow had always been there for her, whether to defend her or just to hang out. So, what will happen to her?

Not quite understanding why, but to try and understand why her feelings are so torn apart, Dash began to sing as she slowly stood up from the clouds. As she did, she would look back at the city, then return to the horizon.

Rainbow Dash: I've been staring over at the horizon
Long as I can remember,
Never really knowing why.

I wish I could stay that awesome daughter,
But I come back to see that sky-line,
No matter how hard I try.

Rainbow then began walking around the outskirts circling around the city, with Dustox and Archeops following close behind her.

Every turn I take, 
Every trail I track,
Every path I make, 
Every road leads back

To the place I know, 
Where I can't yet go,
Where I long to be.

She then stopped and ran over some of the more fluffy clouds to keep on watching the sunset with her parents’ Pokemon. 

See the line where the sky meets the ground, it calls me.
But no one knows how far it goes.
If the wind in my hair and the breeze stays behind me,
One day, I'll know.
If I go, there's just no telling how far I'll go.

Dash then turned back at the cloud town that she would not see for a long while. She walked even closer to the city, where she could see some people going through their daily lives.

I know everybody in this sky town
Seems so happy in this sky town.
Everything is by design.

I know everybody in this sky town
Has a role in this sky town,
But I'm not sure I can roll with mine.

As she sung, a young boy her age was walking around when he heard her voice. He carefully hid behind one of the buildings to listen and watch. He had wild navy hair, a dark blue T-shirt with a lightning bolt piercing through a storm cloud under a black winter jacket, khaki pants, and black running shoes. He watched her as she was pacing around near the sidewalk.

I could lead with pride, 
I could make us strong. 
I could be satisfied 
If I play along.

But that voice inside 
Sings a different song.
What is wrong with me?

Rainbow looked back over to the horizon, seeing the setting sun. Feeling a smile come across her face, she ran back out on the outskirts.

See that line where the sun shines up above, it's blinding.
But no one knows how far it goes.
And it seems like it's calling out to me, so come find me.
And let me know
What's beyond that line when I cross that line.

See the line where the sky meets the ground, it calls me.
And no one knows how far it goes.
If the wind in my hair and the breeze stays behind me,
One day, I'll know
How far I'll go!

As Dash finished her song, the winter sunlight was making her features glow; her prismatic hair was blowing softly in the crisp breeze, her cyan blue skin was having an angelic shine, and her magenta eyes were sparkling like gems.

The boy watching her felt his cheeks slowly turning as red as the red streaks in her hair. He cautiously began to walk over to her to try and strike up a conversation. But when she turned around, he quickly turned right and tried to appear as if he was just passing along.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow, sensing that something was amiss. But her attention was soon caught by a glowing blue light from the corner of her eye. When she went to see what it was, with Archeops and Dustox following her, the boy restarted his tracks to get a bit closer to her to see if he could introduce himself to her without seeming creepy.

Dash soon found a glowing blue geode nestled snugly into some tufts of cloud. How it didn't fall through yet, she didn't know. She slowly reached out and grabbed it, the geode shining brighter as she did. When she touched it, a pulse of the same light rippled through the air, hitting her and the boy who was a few meters away.

When Rainbow opened her eyes, she saw that the geode had become a necklace with her signature lightning bolt engraved on the stone and it fastened itself around her neck. Though Dash wasn't one to wear jewelry of any kind, she'll admit that it did look pretty awesome. She carefully placed a finger on the smooth blue stone. 

Archeops nudged her, getting her attention, and then gesturing to her to climb on her back. Rainbow then realized why.

"Shoot!" She exclaimed, and she quickly got on Archeops. "I’m late for dinner! I hope Mom and Dad aren't wondering where I am."

The First Bird Pokémon quickly flapped up into the air, flying over Cloudsdale with Dustox following close behind. The boy looked to where that girl flew off and slightly smiled. But just as it came, it disappeared, knowing that there was most likely a very little chance to meet her again, since he is moving to Canterlot to finish his studies.

"Soarin'!" Someone called out his name. Taking one last look at where Rainbow Dash flew off, the boy known as Soarin' ran back to the city. 



Celestia watched as the two ran or flew away and softly smiled. Loyalty had never let anyone down, and it will never start to do it now. Not when Equestria will soon start to teeter on the world’s balance.

Where to next? She thought as she released her Gardevoir again from her Luxury Ball.

Suddenly, another geode began to glow from inside her cloak. Celestia reached into her pocket and pulled out the orange geode, seeing that it was sparkling like a beacon. Its magical transponder began heading down from the clouds, back towards the ground. If Celestia recalled correctly, there was a small town on the ground, not far from Cloudsdale.

"I guess we'll be heading to Ponyville next, Gardevoir." She said, putting the orange geode back in her pocket. "Teleport."

Gardevoir obeyed, and both Trainer and Pokémon vanished into the millions lines of colored light and away from the cloud city. 
> The Chosen One of Honesty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Chapter 3



The Chosen One of Honesty


Soon, Celestia arrived in the small yet renowned town of Ponyville. All of the buildings, whether they were tall or short, but all covered in snow, were quaint and colorful with Hearth's Warming wreaths and soft twinkling lights everywhere, making the falling white snow seem even more beautiful. There was always this homey and comfortable feeling whenever one comes into Ponyville, since it was one of the oldest town establishments in all of Equestria, and the people who lived there were welcoming and kind. The famed Pokémon School was on the outskirts of the town, standing with all of its charm and significance.

Celestia called her Gardevoir back to her Luxury Ball and took out the orange geode. It was still blinking like a beacon, and it glowed even brighter when she guided it towards the other side of the town’s outskirts. If Celestia remembered correctly, over there was Sweet Apple Acres, which was considered the "core" of Ponyville, and the top-leading apple orchard in its industry. This one ought to be very interesting. 



Over at the famous Sweet Apple Acres, a 10-year-old girl was stringing up Hearth’s Warming lights around the top of the patio porch. The Chosen One of Honesty.

She had straw blonde hair tied in twin pigtails over her shoulders with a beige Stetson hat on top of her head, pale orange tan skin with small white freckles across her cheeks and along the bridge on her nose, and bright green emerald eyes. She wore a blue and white polo shirt underneath a thick, red winter jacket, dark wash jeans, and black cowgirl boots with light green apple prints. Around her neck, she wore a cream beige wool scarf to protect her throat.

Applejack finished steadying the soft white lights on the patio and carefully climbed back down the ladder. As she stepped back to make sure they were good enough, a sad look slowly came on her face. This will be the first Hearth's Warming Eve without her parents. 

The previous autumn, both of AJ's parents, Bright Macintosh and Pear Butter, or Buttercup as she was mostly called by, had passed away from an illness she couldn't understand right now at this age. All she knew that they would have trouble breathing, and that they were always cold. Her mother passed away first, and then her father followed the following week; the doctors mentioning that it was his broken heart that had added to the reason.

Tears soon went down Applejack's face and came dripping down into the snow. Why must they go so soon? They had a young teenage son who needed his father for some advice whenever he's out on his journey and not on the farm. They had her, a young daughter who needed them to learn more about life and how to help others when she gets eligible enough to begin her own Pokémon journey. And they had a younger daughter who needed her mama and papa to continue to guide her through life. It just wasn't fair.

Two barks caught AJ's attention, snapping her out of her mourning state. Two large Stoutland, a male and a female, who belonged to each of her parents, came outside to check on her. They were followed by an elderly yet strong woman with grey hair into a bun, apple green skin, and hazel eyes. She wore a worn-out orange work dress under a golden yellow shawl that was draped over her shoulders. It was her grandmother, Granny Smith.

"Applejack, sugarcube." Granny Smith said to her. "Come on inside and get yerself a nice warm mug of hot apple cider."

AJ shook her head. "No thank you, Granny Smith."

"Why not?" A much younger voice asked. A girl of five years old came out onto the porch. She had apple red hair in a cute braid held back with a pink bow, pale yellow skin, and eyes that matched her grandmother's. She wore a pink overcoat and matching winter boots. It was her younger sister, Apple Bloom.

Applejack sighed and came back onto the porch, sitting down on the swing. The two Stoutland came beside her and whimpered, sensing her sadness. She then began petting one of them softly on the head.

"I just miss Ma and Pa." She said, feeling the tears well up again.

Apple Bloom sat next to her sister and rested her head on her chest, silently crying as well. Granny Smith then took the other spot and took her elder granddaughter in a hug.

"We miss 'em, too, sugarcube." She said. "But what do we do when loved ones ain't here with us?" Both AJ and AB looked up at her, not knowing the answer. "We celebrate them, and as long as we remember them, it'll be like they're still here with us."

The girls smiled softly at their grandmother and gave her a big hug. "Thank ya, Granny." Applejack said.

Just then, a teenage boy of about 16 came out onto the porch, bringing a guitar. He had orange hair, pale red skin with freckles on his cheeks matching Applejack's own, and green eyes like hers, too. He had on a dark green coat over his overalls. It was Big Macintosh, the oldest of the Apple siblings.

"Hi, there, Big Mac." Apple Bloom said. "You here to play a little something?"

"Eeyup." Big Mac said. He isn't much of a talker, but when he wants to say something, he'll say it.

The eldest Apple sibling leaned against one of the nearby posts of the porch and began strumming a gentle tune. Feeling a little better hearing the calm tune, and remembering what Granny Smith told her, Applejack began to sing.

Applejack: When family cannot be here,
Havin' journeyed far and wide,
We sing a song to honor them,
To remember days gone by.

Her little sister then joined in with her.

Applejack and Apple Bloom: So take your cup and raise it high,
Just as surely I'll do mine,
And laugh we will at stories told,
As we smile at days gone by.
As we smile at days gone by.

Next, Granny Smith began singing along with both of her granddaughters.

Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith: For family not here, my dears
Havin' journeyed far and wide,
For loyalty and kindness both,
We smile at days gone by.

As the family began humming to the gentle tune, they didn't notice that a group of four figures were traveling past the orchard. But their lovely music caught the attention of the youngest one of the group, a boy about 10 years with spiky green hair, purple skin, and matching green eyes. He wore a black winter coat over a dark green T-shirt, jeans, and black shoes. The boy stopped to listen just as Applejack began singing again.

Applejack: Our paths will cross again one day,
In time to reunite,
For family is always near,
Even when the seas are wide.

The boy couldn't tear his eyes away from the girl about his age as she walked up to the end of the porch and leaned out, feeling the snow. It was actually a pretty sight, and her voice was just amazing.

Applejack and Apple Bloom: So take your cup and raise it high,
Just as surely I'll do mine,
And make a toast for family,
And the tales of days gone by.

By now, Big Mac joined his family in singing as he began to end the song.

All: For family not here, my dears,
Havin' journeyed far and wide,
For loyalty and kindness both,
Take joy at days gone by.

For loyalty and kindness both,
We smile at days gone by.

When the song ended, AJ saw a brief flicker of orange light deep within the orchard. Her youthful curiosity began to kick in.

"All right, now." Granny Smith said, standing up. "Who's up for some hot cider?"

"Y'all go ahead." Applejack said, jumping over the porch. "I need to check on something real quick." And before any of her family said anything, she ran off into the orchard, following the orange light. Little did any of them know that the boy that was watching them began to quietly pursue AJ into the many apple trees, wondering where she was going. 



Soon, Applejack found herself in a clearing at the edge of her family’s orchard. There, though it was winter, and the leaves had all but fallen off, was an enormous apple tree that was growing alongside a pear tree and they were intertwined with each other into the shape of a heart. She had never seen such an amazing sight. She wasn't the only one admiring it though, as the boy from earlier was watching her and the trees from behind a different apple tree.

The flickering orange light then caught her attention again. AJ looked around, and saw a glowing orange geode set in the snow. The young cowgirl reached down and, seeing that it was getting brighter as her hand got closer to it, hesitantly grabbed it. A pulse of the same light hit her and, unknown to her, the boy as well. 

When the light faded, Applejack saw that the geode had turned into an orange necklace with her three signature apples engraved on it. The necklace then tied itself around her neck, underneath her scarf.

"Well, that was kinda weird." AJ said to herself as she stood up, gently brushed the snow off her pants, and began walking back to the farmhouse, fingering the necklace.

Unbeknownst to her, the boy who was watching her was also surprised about what had just happened.

"Spike!" A voice called out to him. The boy, now known as Spike, flinched when he heard the voice. He was going to get in trouble. He took one last look at where Applejack went, then left the orchard to where his family might be waiting for him once they had noticed he wandered off. He couldn't shake the feeling that one day, he will see her again. Secretly, he hoped so. 



From another part of the orchard, Celestia had also witnessed the whole thing. She smiled. Honesty couldn't have chosen a more worthy wielder. It had always known what it was doing, so she trusts its judgment.

Where to next? She thought. Just then, the last geode she had, the red one, began blinking on and off. This time, it was telling her to head back in the direction of Canterlot.

All right, then. Celestia thought as she put the geode back in her cloak pocket. She then released Gardevoir again.

"Back to Canterlot, Gardevoir." She said. "Use Teleport."

Gardevoir complied, and once more, she and her Trainer became millions of rainbow colored lines and vanished from Sweet Apple Acres. 
> The Chosen One of Kindness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Chapter 4



The Chosen One of Kindness


Back up in the clouds of Cloudsdale, Princess Luna was wandering around the floating cobble cloud roads, scanning the crowds for whoever could be a Chosen One.

The Princess of the Night wore a pale blue winter dress under her much darker purple cloak, showcasing her pale bluish black skin. The hood on her head also concealed her flowing nighttime hair, having three different shades of blue that resembled a night sky. The only bright thing that stood out from her disguise was her light turquoise eyes.

From inside her cloak pocket, Luna suddenly felt a warm glow. She reached into it, and pulled out the yellow geode, which was shining faintly as she guided it around, waiting for it to find its bearer. Soon, the geode began glowing a bit brighter from right underneath the city of Cloudsdale. Though she was a bit puzzled, Luna decided to trust it and started to head back down to the ground.

She walked back out to the outskirts of the cloud city and pulled out a Dusk Ball. Its black and green coloring on the capsule felt like a part of her; two shadows born in the night and are part of the night.

"Alakazam." She called out, tossing the Dusk Ball up in the air. A flash of blue and purple light came out of the black and green capsule as it opened. An amber colored humanoid Pokémon appeared, with a long mustache and beard of the same color, and it was holding two simple silver spoons in its hands.

"Ala." The Psychic type said, turning to his Trainer.

"Use Teleport to get us back on the ground under the city." Luna said.

"Alakazam." The Psi Pokémon complied, and then crossed his spoons in an X shape. Soon, he and his Trainer vanished into millions of rainbow colored light lines. 



Down below the cloud city, a young girl of 10 years old wandered on the snowy ground in a forest clearing. The Chosen One of Kindness. 

She had long soft pink hair that trailed down to her back with a single long bang over her right eye, pale yellow skin, and teal eyes. She wore a pale green shirt under a pink winter coat, a pale pink skirt over dark brown leggings, white tennis shoes with teal straps, and there was a white and pink knitted scarf around her neck.

Fluttershy wrapped her coat tighter as she looked down at the snow beneath her. She was terrified, so her parents decided to bring her and her brother down below Cloudsdale to clear them of all of their thoughts. While her brother, Zephyr Breeze decided to play in the snow somewhere, Fluttershy went off on her own to look around and recall the events from earlier in the day.

She vividly remembered when she got called over to the principal's office at her school, with her parents already there waiting for her. She was shaking like a leaf when she arrived, thinking that she was in trouble. Luckily for her, she wasn't. But, she was to be transferred to the Pokémon School in Ponyville next semester. The thought of leaving the familiarity of her school made her more petrified.

She can't leave Cloudsdale, and it was all because of her only friend. She was the only one who stood up for Fluttershy when bullies tried to bug her. It was great having her to talk to, even though she was nothing like her friend. While she was timid, polite, and quiet, her friend was pretty much the exact opposite: outgoing, sassy, and rambunctious. But still, she couldn't say goodbye to her. She gives her the little confidence that she could muster. How could she become a great Pokémon Breeder if she's scared of almost everything that doesn't include Pokémon? Like speaking in front of crowds wanting to know more or getting through to hard-headed Trainers on how to take proper care of their team?

A tweeting sound caught her attention. Fluttershy saw a little Fletchling flying around her head. She giggled and held out her hand, the little Flying-type landing carefully onto her fingers.

"Hello there, little birdie." She greeted the Fletchling with a small smile. 

The Tiny Robin Pokémon chirped out a cheerful supposed greeting back to her, making her giggle again. It then twittered something with a confused look in its eyes while looking up at her. Fluttershy always seemed to have a hunch as to what Pokemon are asking her, so she had a sort of feeling of what Fletchling was curious about.

"Why am I sad?" She asked. The Fletchling chirped an affirmative answer. "Well, I'm just so nervous about school, since I'll be going to a new one. And, I don't want to say goodbye to my best and only friend there. The two of us may seem a bit strange together, but she's always there for me when I need her. She may be loud and outgoing, but at least she is brave enough to face danger for me. I'll never have another friend like her."

The Fletchling chirped a few sweet tweets that started to cheer her up a bit, even if she didn't know what it was saying to her. "Thank you, Fletchling." She said. The little Flying-type tweeted happily, probably saying, "You're welcome."

Just then, two more Fletchling flew to them, followed by a Fletchinder; probably an older sibling of the three little Pokémon. The Fletchling that was perched on Fluttershy's fingers lifted off and circled around with the other two. The three then began singing; their song beautiful and inviting. That little tune made Fluttershy feel much better as she hummed along. Soon, she was singing a little song her mother had taught her.

Fluttershy: Oh, sing sweet nightingale.
Sing sweet nightingale, high.
Oh, sing sweet nightingale.
Sing sweet nightingale.

While she was singing and the three Fletchling were flying around her in circles, loving her melody, they didn't notice someone who was coming from the other side of the clearing when it stopped and hid to listen to Fluttershy.

It was a young lad about her age, but he was much different than most other boys. He had wild dark hair, smokey gray skin, and his eyes were red with gold sclera. He wore a plain wool black jacket, worn out jeans, and brown boots. He blended in perfectly with the shadows of the forest as he curiously listened to this adorable girl sing with the Flying type Pokémon twittering and fluttering around her.

Oh, sing sweet nightingale,
Sing sweet.
Oh, sing sweet nightingale, sing.

Oh, sing sweet nightingale.
Oh, sing sweet.
Oh, sing.

When she ended the little ditty, the three little Flying types chirped her goodbye, and then flew off into the snowy horizon. The larger Fletchinder chirped to Fluttershy, saying farewell, and then followed its younger companions. 

"Goodbye, now." She said, waving them off with a much brighter smile than she had on before. When she did, she then saw something glowing in a patch of snow nearby. She curiously went over to it and saw a glowing yellow geode nestled in the wet white powder.

"Oh, this is lovely." Fluttershy admired the shining geode, and slowly reached out to it. No sooner did her fingers clasp the geode, a rush of golden yellow light rippled through the air and went through her and also through the boy watching in the shadows.

When that ended, Fluttershy saw that the geode had turned from yellow to a soft pink, her favorite color, on the inside of it and had transformed into a pretty necklace with her three signature butterflies engraved in the smooth stone. It then tied itself around her neck under her scarf. Fluttershy gently touched the smooth stone with her finger, curious about what had happened. 

"Fluttershy!" A sweet and gentle voice called out. "It's time to go."

The girl stood up, fingering her necklace, and then went off towards the direction of her mother's voice.

From his hiding spot, the boy watched her leave the clearing. He then shivered visibly, feeling much colder than before. What was that strange yet warm feeling that he had when he was watching her, and it got stronger when that weird light that came from the ground hit him. Maybe he was just being silly; thinking that he would feel the same warmth, or even see her again. As he left and disappeared into the forest, his head was wrestling with his heart. 



Luna had seen the whole thing from her hiding place in a different side of the clearing and smiled softly. Kindness has a way of reaching out to every soul, even the most cruel, dark, or lonely. That girl was a living representative of that.

Her thoughts then were drifted somewhere else when she felt something warm glowing in her cloak pocket. She reached into it and pulled out the pink geode; blinking on and off like a little beacon. As she slowly turned in a circle to see where this magical compass-like geode will take her, it glowed brighter when it was towards the east.

"I suppose that's where we're going." She said to herself as Alakazam came beside her. There were not a whole lot of settlements in this particular side of Equestria. The Princess of the Night turned to her loyal companion. "Teleport." She commanded.

The Psi Pokémon complied, and once again, the two vanished into millions of lines of rainbow colored light. 
> The Chosen One of Laughter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Chapter 5



The Chosen One of Laughter


Soon, Luna and Alakazam found themselves in a rocky, plain and completely barren part of Equestria. There was still a little bit of snow on the ground, but not enough to make this gloomy part of the land festive enough.

"Alakazam?" Her Psi Pokémon questioned out loud, wondering if this is the right place.

Their answer was received when a warm glow was felt inside of Luna's cloak pocket. She reached into it and pulled out a glowing pink geode. It glowed brighter when it was directed up to their forward direction.

Luna called Alakazam back to his Dusk Ball and started up the smooth but gravelly path. She still hoped that she could find the Bearer of Laughter in this desolate and isolated region of Equestria. 



Not far away, there was a large but pretty much empty farm with thousands of rocks of all kinds; big and small, black and white, and all in between, dotting the barren fields around it. Soft and colorful lights were strung around the perimeter and the giant silo. It was actually quite a pleasant sight to see around these parts.

In one section of the rock fields, a young girl, about 10, was drawing something in a worn out sketch pad. Despite the gloomy background around her, she was like a ray of sunshine; bright and smiling widely. The Chosen One of Laughter.

The girl had straight hot pink hair that went down to the middle of her back, pale rosy skin, and crystal blue eyes. She wore a pale blue shirt underneath a soft pink winter coat, a black skirt, dark gray fur boots with white stockings, and fluffy pink earmuffs were on her head, along with a matching scarf around her neck.

Pinkamena Diane Pie, or Pinkie Pie as she preferred everyone to call her, felt her smile fade away from her face and sighed heavily, her face flopping down onto her empty sketch pad. Nothing seemed fun around here lately. Hearth's Warming Eve seemed the only time of year where there was cheerfulness in her dull home.

Whoever heard of rock farming as an employment? Pinkie had lived her whole life on her family's rock farm. But, she knew that this wasn't the life that she wanted to live. There was so much more out there, and so much to see and learn and explore. But, it seemed like her chances of accomplishing her dream of becoming a Pokémon Performer and a Pokémon party planner were getting slimmer by the day.

But just a couple of days ago, a letter came from the Pokémon School over in Ponyville came to their mailbox, asking Pinkie's parents if their daughter could attend their facility next semester, after the holidays. Pinkie was overjoyed that this had happened, but it was obvious that her parents were not. Or at least were surprised. They told their second youngest daughter that they will think it over. But Pinkie felt her spirits sink so much that she ran to her room and sulked.

Today, instead of lying in her room moping, she decided to go outside and sketch some new ideas for performances in her sketch pad. It worked for a little while, but she still was waiting for her parents to give her their consent.

Suddenly, Pinkie had a great idea that could help cheer herself up. She could sing. Singing always seemed to make things better for her. Tucking her sketch pad in a coat pocket, she picked up a long stick nearby and pretended that it was a broom and started to sweep the ground.

Pinkie Pie: 7 AM, the usual morning lineup.
Start on the chores and sweep 'til the floor's all clean.
Polish and wax, do laundry, and mop and shine up.
Sweep again, and by then it's like 7:15!

She then dropped the stick on the ground and started dancing happily around in a circle while looking through her sketch pad that she took back out of her pocket, admiring the many colorful pictures of delectable pastries and Pokémon that she has seen around the farm a few times. Most of them were the Rock or Ground Pokémon that belonged either to her parents or her older sisters. Then, she picked up the stick again and pretended to shred it like it was an electric guitar, but then, with a bored huff, she tossed it over her shoulder.

And so I'll read a book,
Or maybe two or three.
I'll add a few new paintings to my gallery.

I'll play some songs and knit
And cook and basically
Just wonder when will my life begin?

Pinkie put her sketch pad back in her coat pocket again and headed towards the silo, near the decorated fenced border of the farm, and started skipping along the side of it, loving the colorful lights strung around it. At least this was the one time of the year where there was some spots of color and light at her gray and colorless world. 

Though there wasn’t much, and the presents themselves weren’t very impressive, at least what mattered to her was her family. Hopefully, her parents will give her their consent to go to Ponyville so that she can learn to become a Trainer. Then add a few years, and then, she’ll be on the road towards fulfilling her dreams. 

Unbeknownst to her, just a few yards away, wandering around the barren lands, there was a young boy about her age. He had curly brown hair, mustard yellow skin, and green eyes framed in thin black glasses. He wore a dark gray winter poncho over his body, a thin black jacket underneath, and matching snow pants and boots. Over his back was a red worn knapsack. He was just wandering around this part when he heard the most cheerful and sweetest thing that he had heard in a long while.

Then after lunch, it's puzzles and darts and baking,
Papier-mâché, a bit of ballet and chess,
Pottery and ventriloquy, candle making.
Then I'll stretch, maybe sketch,
Take a climb, sew a dress!

The boy chuckled at all the things that she was pretending to do. It was definitely funny, and he felt like he could just watch her forever.

And I'll reread the books
If I have time to spare.
I'll paint my walls some more,
I'm sure there's room somewhere.

And then I'll brush and brush
And brush and brush my hair,
Stuck in the same place I've always been.

And I'll keep wondering and wondering
And wondering and wondering
When will my life begin?

Pinkie stopped and looked up at the sky, seeing that it was still gray. Her smile faded again as she leaned against the silo and stared up. A longing look was in her crystal blue eyes.

Hopefully soon,
My dream will be made clear,
Just like I've been hoping for almost every year.

What is it like
Out there where everything's aglow?
Now that I'm older,
Mom and Dad might let me go.

She then slid down to the cold hard ground and huddled herself against her legs, hugging them tightly. The boy felt sorry for her. It was obvious that she didn't exactly like her life here in this barren place. Just like him, back when he was living in the city.

Suddenly, Pinkie felt a warmth coming from nearby. She lifted her head and saw a pink glow from the ground a few feet away. She slowly stood up and walked over to it. There, in the dry dirt, there was a sparkling bright pink geode. She had never seen such a beautiful and colorful rock before. Feeling drawn to it for some reason, Pinkie slowly reached out and grabbed it.

A blast of warm pink light rippled through the air as soon as soon as she did, making Pinkie's hair go all frizzy, and it also had hit the boy, who was seeing the whole thing. When the light had faded, Pinkie saw that the geode had turned into a pretty geode necklace of the same color that had her three signature balloons engraved on it, and it magically tied itself around her neck underneath her scarf.

She had just placed a finger on the smooth surface when the bell rang for supper. Pinkie looked around her, and had to do a double blink when she thought she saw a boy standing near the decorated fence. But, when she looked again, he was gone. Feeling slightly confused, Pinkie went to the farmhouse, hoping for a miracle to get a better life.

Meanwhile, the boy had gotten far away enough from the rock farm to catch his breath. He almost got caught because for a split second, the girl's eyes met his. He quickly took it as a sign to get going. He was going to Canterlot to see if he could attend a school there. Hopefully, like her, he could have a better life. 



Princess Luna saw the whole thing from a different part of the rock farm, and she smiled softly at what had transpired. Laughter wasn't just making others laugh; it was also being there for them and always wanting to see the brighter side of situations, no matter how hopeless or dire they might be.

As she thought of where to go next, a glow came from her cloak pocket. Luna reached into it and saw that the white geode had begun glowing. She positioned it around like a compass, and it glowed brighter when it was towards the direction of Canterlot.

Looks like I'm heading back home for now. The Princess of the Night thought as she put the white geode back in her cloak pocket and called out her Alakazam again.

"Teleport." She said. The Psychic type complied and once again, the two vanished into millions of rainbow-colored light lines. 
> The Chosen One of Generosity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Chapter 6



The Chosen One of Generosity


A few seconds later, Luna found herself back in the familiar sights of the capital city of Canterlot. She recalled Alakazam back to his Dusk Ball, and then took out the white geode from her cloak pocket. It began glowing brighter when it was turned towards the direction of a hotel that was near the castle, but not on the grounds.

She shrugged, and then headed towards there, hoping that she wouldn't be spotted by other nobility or guards that can draw attention to her. No one must know of the existence of the Chosen Eight until the time calls for all of them to face their destinies.

Outside on the balcony of one of the hotel suites near the castle grounds, a 10-year-old girl looked out towards the city instead of the castle nearby, as one would usually do. She had royal purple hair down to her back that had a slight curl, sapphire blue eyes, and skin as white as the snow that was falling. She wore a white winter dress with a blue ribbon on the bodice under a long navy blue winter coat, three blue cut diamond designs on the skirt, light blue boots with soft pink leggings, and a light blue scarf was wrapped around her neck.

Rarity sighed as she stared out towards the capital city. Her mother decided that the family can spend Hearth's Warming Eve here in Canterlot, where she was raised for most of her life. But, she had moved down to Ponyville when she had married Rarity's father; who was an honest country man born and raised in Ponyville. Then, they had her, and then, they had Rarity's little sister, Sweetie Belle.

Rarity loved her little sister very dearly, but Sweetie Belle can be a bit of a handful, and wasn't as proper as her, so the two would get into a few disagreements. But they do manage to make up, even if they were really mad at one another. She shares her sister's snow white skin, but instead, she had emerald green eyes, and curly pink and lavender hair that went down to her shoulders. She was around 5 years younger than Rarity. 

The young girl knew that even though she was born and raised in Ponyville, she knew that she is a city girl at heart. She wanted to one day live in Canterlot, but she knew that a lot of the people that lived in the capital city of the land were very posh, and would likely think that she would not be worthy of their presence.

Also, she had a very good friend back in Ponyville. It would at first seem that the two of them wouldn't even be friends because they are pretty much total opposites. While Rarity was prim, proper, and sophisticated, her friend was stubborn, down-home, and rustic in her upbringing. But yet, the two of them had bonded because of their love of Pokémon and of their little sisters, who became fast friends because of their strong desire to figure out their purpose in life.

So, that future decision has its pros and cons. Well, maybe her dream of becoming a Pokémon Performer along with being a famous Poké Stylist, can get her some recognition. With that dream in her mind, she began to sing.

Rarity: I'll be the toast of the town, the girl on the go.
I'm the type of person everybody, everybody should know.
I'll be the one to watch, the girl in the flow.
I'm the type of person everybody, everybody should know.

Becoming as popular as popular can be.
Making my mark, making my mark in high society.
I'm the belle of the ball, the star of the show, yeah.
I'm the type of person everybody, everybody should know.

Unbeknownst to her, someone had heard her singing from down below her and from the next hotel building nearby. It was a young man about her age, maybe even a little bit older than her, that also had pure white skin, cerulean blue eyes, and light blue hair that was combed nicely and wavy.

He looked up to where Rarity was beginning to spin and twirl around on the balcony as she sang, envisioning the many future scenarios in her head that could become a reality one day if she was given the opportunity and time.

The young man watched in awe as she leaned out against the railing of the balcony while singing out. The wind was now blowing gently, and through her curls. Her innocent yet exquisite beauty was definitely something to be admired, along with a dream like hers. It takes guts, practice, and patience to accomplish the goal of a Pokémon Performer.

See how they hang on every word that I speak.
My approving glance is what they all seek.
I'm the crème de la crème, not just another Jane Doe.
I'm the type of person everybody should know.

At home, at the opera, on a fancy yacht,
Becoming the talk, the talk of all of Canterlot.
I'm the crème de la crème, not just another Jane Doe, yeah.
I'm the type of person everybody, everybody should know.

Because I'm the type of person,
Yes, I'm the type of person,
Yes, I'm the type of person everybody should know.

After Rarity finished singing, she saw something glowing in a patch of snow on the balcony. She walked over to the small patch of snow. She gently ran her hands all through the white powder. She went through it so many times, that she almost missed the white geode that was perfectly camouflaged in the white frozen powder. She saw it glowing brighter as she reached her hand to it.

Once her fingers wrapped around the beautiful geode, a white pulse of light and power rippled throughout the wintery air, hitting her and the boy who was down below. They both felt the energy, as if it went through their very core. It wasn't painful or scary, but warm and powerful.

When the light vanished, Rarity saw that the geode had turned a royal purple necklace with her three signature diamonds engraved on it. It floated for a couple of seconds, and then it tied itself around her neck, underneath her scarf.

"Oh!" Rarity sighed softly, fingering the smooth surface of the transformed geode. "This is absolutely beautiful!"

"Honey, time to come inside!" Her mother called her from inside the hotel room. "We're getting ready to go get dinner!"

"Coming, Mother!" Rarity answered. Touching her new necklace one last time, she went back inside the room.

The boy quietly watched her go back inside the hotel room. She definitely was worth watching, and she showed that not only was she lovely, but she had a kind heart and a big dream that she will accomplish. After an extra minute of watching the now empty balcony, he retreated back into his own hotel room. He really hoped that he would one day see her again. 



Watching from behind a different building, Luna smiled. Generosity can really touch hearts; giving meaningful gifts and sacrifices with no intent of something in return. And it can come from even the most unexpected people.

Suddenly, Luna felt the last geode glowing inside her cloak pocket. She reached into it and saw the green geode blinking on and off. As she directed it towards different directions, it started glowing brighter when it was towards the northwest. If she remembered correctly, there was a small village up there, and it was basically cut off from the rest of Equestria because it was so near the mountains that bordered the Crystal Empire.

Luna tossed her Dusk Ball up, and Alakazam appeared once again. "Teleport." She said. "We have one more stop to make."

The Psychic type complied to her wishes, and once again, he and his Trainer transformed into millions of rainbow light, then vanished into thin air. 
> The Chosen One of Forgiveness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Chapter 7



The Chosen One of Forgiveness


Celestia soon found herself back in the familiar sights of Canterlot. After recalling Gardevoir to her Luxury Ball, she took out the red geode that was emitting light from inside her cloak pocket. She began positioning it in different directions. Soon, the geode began glowing brighter when it was in the direction where, if she remembered correctly, there was a lone apartment building nearing the outskirts of the city. 

Celestia then recognized the route. She once had to go that way a few months ago, to that very same apartment building to-

Her thought abruptly ended when that particular memory came back to her. A sad look then came on her face. She had to go there to tell a former student of hers, that she could no longer have those special privileges that were part of her tutelage. 

Pushing that bad memory aside, Celestia started towards the apartment building, keeping her violet eyes on the red geode. There was something particularly special about this geode, for it represents something that was very powerful, yet not everyone has the courage nor the humility to do it, for it can be very challenging to show it. 



Leaning out on a snow-covered balcony that led inside to an apartment, watching the setting sun, there was a 10-year-old girl carefully looking at the horizon. Though it was lovely, it did nothing to lighten her mood.

The girl had mid-length hair down to her back that resembled the setting sun, with its brilliant red and yellow stripes. She also had golden amber skin that shone in the reddening sunlight, and cyan turquoise eyes. She wore a dark red shirt underneath a black wool winter jacket, a magenta knee-length skirt with a red and yellow sun signature stitched on the side, black boots with long maroon stockings covering her legs, and a beige scarf around her neck.

Sunset Shimmer sighed heavily, feeling the guilt still eating away at what could be left of her consciousness. It had been a few months since her parents had called her from her room, saying that a visitor had arrived. She begrudgingly came out to see her then mentor, Princess Celestia. Nervousness then began eating her every nerve.

Tears sprang to Sunset's eyes when she recalled the conversation for the millionth time. Apparently, Celestia wasn't very pleased with Sunset's behavior at school, and neither were her parents. She knew that she was the queen bee and bully at the second-rate yet renowned school that Celestia herself was a teacher at, Canterlot Academy, all because she was the personal pupil of the Princess.

However, due to her bullying and prideful behavior, Celestia said that she had no choice but to cancel Sunset's studies with her completely. That was a knife in the heart for Sunset. Celestia also informed her that she had already found another student, over at Crystal Prep, the arch rival of Canterlot Academy.

At first, Sunset was furious, feeling like she was betrayed. But the following day, when she went to school, everyone gave her the cold shoulder, like she was invisible. Especially the ones she thought were her friends. They eventually moved, leaving Sunset alone, and that opened her eyes to see all of the wrong things she did.

For the past few months, Sunset hardly participated in her classes, just focusing on her work. The only thing that managed to get a smile on her face was when her teachers would bring their Pokémon to class, showing the students about their abilities. More than anything, Sunset wanted to become a Pokémon Researcher, but she still felt guilty about what she did.

Then, her parents had decided to give her a second chance by enrolling her in the Pokémon School in Ponyville next school semester. Though Sunset was honored to actually be accepted by the school, she still didn't care much about it. She just hoped that there, she can restart her school life, and become a better person, for herself.

With that thought set firmly in her mind, Sunset began to sing as she watched the final slivers of the sun disappear behind the horizon.

Sunset Shimmer: Power
Was all I desired.
But all that grew inside of me
Was a darkness I acquired.

As she walked over and looked at the sliding glass doors that led inside her home, Sunset saw that her reflection turned into the arrogant and selfish girl she once was. Feeling angry at herself, she immediately turned away from it. But then, when she looked back at it, she saw that she was now a broken girl left with nothing.

When I began to fall,
And I lost the path ahead,
That's when redemption found me,
And it lifted me instead.

Staring up into the night sky, Sunset saw that there was a shooting star zooming across the darkening purple. She reached out her hand, as if she wanted to grab it. But then, it vanished out of view.

Like a phoenix burning bright
In the sky,
I'll show there's another side to me
You can't deny.

The feeling of determination began to flood her entire being. She may have made mistakes, but now that she is going to a different school, this could be her chance to prove to herself that she is willing to change.

I may not know what the future holds,
But hear me when I say,
That my past does not define me
'Cause my past is not today.

Unknown to Sunset, as she was singing, there was a boy nearby the building, waiting out in the snow. He had burgundy brown skin, wavy dark aqua hair, and green eyes. He wore a dark green coat, faded dark jeans, and brown snow boots.

The boy was out waiting for his family when he heard someone singing. He looked up and saw Sunset singing out and boldly.

Ambition
Is what I believed
Would be the only way
To set me free.

In her mind, Sunset was clearing out all of the bad things that she had done and then throwing them away for good. She just hoped that the kids over at the Pokémon School haven't heard of her and are willing to give her a chance.

But when it disappeared,
And I found myself alone,
That's when it came and got me,
Now it feels like I am whole.

For the first time in a long while, Sunset had a smile on her face as she faced the setting sun again.

Like a phoenix burning bright
In the sky,
I'll show there's another side to me
You can't deny!

I may not know what the future holds,
But hear me when I say,
That my past does not define me
'Cause my past is not today!

The boy who was watching her from down beneath the balcony couldn't help but smile at the sight. Not only was this girl pretty, but that she had also decided to get a new start in life. Like what he wanted to do, yet he couldn't yet because his family needed him.

When Sunset finished singing, she saw something red flying towards her balcony. After backing away slightly, she saw a red glowing geode plopped into the snow. Curiously, she reached her hand out to it, noticing that it was brighter as she did so.

Right as her fingers clasped around it, a pulse of blinding red light went through the air, hitting Sunset. But, where the boy was below, the pulse strangely went downwards and hit him as well.

When the light had vanished, Sunset saw that the geode had changed into a beautiful necklace that had her signature sun engraved on it. The necklace then tied itself around her neck, underneath her scarf. Sunset fingered the surface before she heard her mother calling for her inside. She complied to her command, not saying a word.

From his spot down below, the boy couldn't shake that feeling when the pulse of light hit him. It didn't hurt, but it went right through him, like there was a sense of purpose in it. And it felt like it had something to do with her.

"Timber!" A voice called out, breaking him out of his thoughts. The boy turned to the direction where he had heard his name and saw his parents and his twin sister waving to him, trying to get his attention. With one last look up to the balcony where Sunset was, then left to join his family. 



From her spot behind the apartment building, Celestia felt herself bursting with pride and joyful tears. Sunset seemed so determined to clean up her act. That trait she developed was probably why she was chosen for Forgiveness. It's a powerful thing, especially for oneself.

Gardevoir then appeared next to her Trainer, having been released from her Luxury Ball earlier. The Princess of the Sun smiled at her partner. "Let's go home now, Gardevoir." She said.

The Psychic and Fairy type only nodded obediently and silently to the order, then used Teleport once more, taking her and her Trainer back home to their castle to wait for Luna. 
> The Chosen One of Understanding
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Chapter 8



The Chosen One of Understanding


Luna soon found herself on the outskirts of a quaint little town in the northwestern part of Equestria. All around her was dry and barren land, with hardly any trees for miles around. It was similar to the rock farm she was at earlier, but this part of the region was more mountainous.

The Princess of the Moon recalled Alakazam back into his Dusk Ball and then took out the green geode from her cloak pocket. It was blinking on and off. When she held it out to the village in the distance, the glowing got slightly brighter and more continuous. Luna put the geode back in her cloak pocket and started her way down to the village. But, she knew that she would definitely attract attention from the people living there, so she chose to circle around the backs of the buildings to see if she could find this Chosen One. 



One of the larger buildings in this little and remote town was an orphanage; Snowy Mountainside Children’s Orphanage to be exact. It was the only orphanage for miles around, so there were quite a number of children living in the building, about 25 children. Most visitors that would come to the village would come because of the orphanage and who are willing to adopt one of the children. Especially when it's around Hearth's Warming Eve. Being it as a time to get together with family, most caring folks would adopt to give a child that chance to either experience it for the first time, or to re-experience it for the first time in a long while. 

One of the orphaned children in particular was leaning out her bedroom window, looking out towards the small, sleepy town with a sad look on her face. The holiday was almost over, and no one has come to adopt her. She was about 10 years old, with pale purplish-pink skin, indigo eyes, and curly bright violet hair with aqua blue highlights tied up in two short ponytails on her head. She wore a dark purple shirt underneath a gray winter pea coat, a black skirt with dark teal diagonal stripes, black snow boots with purple leggings, and a light gray scarf around her neck.

Starlight Glimmer sighed sadly. Who was she kidding? No one would ever choose her to be a part of their family. She has lived in Snowy Mountainside ever since she can remember. She was found by some of the villagers on the far outskirts of town when she was a baby, wrapped in a lilac blanket with her name stitched in aqua thread in a basket.

And Starlight had remained in Snowy Mountainside ever since. At least she was happy that some of the children that also lived at the orphanage got to spend Hearth's Warming with their new families, including her best friend. He eventually would be heading to Canterlot to live with his new family. Unlike her.

Though Starlight was disappointed that she would have to wait yet another day for someone who might want to adopt her, she always believed that her real family was out there somewhere, looking or waiting for her. Whoever gave her that knitted blanket must have loved her so much. And not only that, she was also found with a black watch that was obviously too big for her at the time. On the center of the watch was a signature purple star, and engraved in silver on the right side of it were the words, "For our little twinkling star."

Starlight went over to her old bedroom drawer and pulled out that very same watch that had been found with her to look at the loving inscription once again. She smiled softly at it as she held it tightly in her hand. She then placed it back inside and started to head outside for one more breath of fresh air before bedtime. Some of the Chansey that would help with the children watched her leave out towards the back door.

It was obvious that Starlight was one of the favorite kids among the Chansey. And Starlight didn't mind the attention she received from the Pokémon. In fact, that was one of the few things that the orphaned girl loved about being in Snowy Mountainside. The caretakers were nice and kind, but Starlight preferred the Chansey.

Seeing that Starlight loved being with Pokémon, and that she was actually quite smart and very talented with them, the caretakers had asked her if she wanted to apply for the Pokémon School in Ponyville. Starlight, of course, was delighted. She would be sharing a place with another girl, but Starlight didn't mind. She would not only get to leave and explore the world as a Trainer, but she might find her family. And also, she would accomplish her dream of becoming a Top Coordinator like one of her heroes, Twilight Velvet.

Soon, Starlight was walking around aimlessly around the large and barren backyard of the orphanage, feeling snow gently fall down from the dark cloudy sky and onto the ground. Starlight now had a bright smile on her face as she recalled when she got the acceptance letter from the school, saying that she could come to the school for the spring semester. She was now getting one step closer to not only accomplishing her dream, but to also find her family.

Feeling that sense of excitement and happiness starting to swell up deep inside of her soul, Starlight then began to sing as the white snow that fell started to swirl around in the soft breeze as she looked out towards the sleeping town.

Starlight Glimmer: Heart, don't fail me now.
Courage, don't desert me.
Don't turn back, now that we're here.

People always say
Life is full of choices.
No one ever mentions fear

Or how the world can seem so vast
On a journey to the past.

As she was singing, a boy her age was walking around the property, looking around the town before he would leave it forever. He had orange skin, cyan aqua eyes, and short vermilion hair. He wore a dark red shirt under a black winter jacket, dark blue jeans, and dark gray snow boots.

The boy soon saw his best friend, Starlight Glimmer, dancing around in the snow, singing her heart out. A sad smile came on his face. He too was disappointed that his friend still hasn't found a family yet, and he had at first wanted to stay with her until they both found families of their own. But, Starlight had insisted that he'd go.

"At least one of us would have what we wanted." She had said to him.

And she was right. Not only did he now have a new father and mother, but he also now has a sister that was about the same age as him. He was happy that he knew that at least one of them had gotten their Hearth's Warming wish.

Somewhere down this road,
I know someone's waiting
Years of dreams just can't be wrong.

Arms will open wide.
I'll be safe and wanted,
Finally home where I belong.

Well, starting now, I'm learning fast
On this journey to the past.

Yet, the boy couldn't help but admire his friend as Starlight still sung out. She was so determined to find her family, who he was positively sure that she was not abandoned on purpose. Unlike Starlight and her mysterious arrival into Snowy Mountainside, his biological parents had died in a fire, sacrificing themselves to save him. Maybe something similar happened to Starlight. Maybe she was accidently left behind because her family wanted to protect her.

Home, love, family.
There was once a time
I must've had them too.

Home, love, family.
I will never be complete
Until I find you.

One step at a time.
One hope, then another.
Who knows where this road may go?

Back to who I was.
On to find my future.
Things my heart still needs to know.

Yes, let this be a sign.
Let this road be mine.
Let it lead me to my past
And bring me home at last!

When Starlight finished singing her song, she saw something green glowing in the snow. She slowly went up to it and crouched down to see what it was.

It was a beautiful turquoise green geode, sparkling brightly in the white powder. Curious, Starlight carefully reached her hand out to it, the geode glowing brighter as she did so. When her fingers wrapped around it, a bright pulse of light shot out across the ground, hitting her and the boy who was watching her.

When the light faded away, Starlight opened her eyes and her palm and saw that the green geode had turned into a light purple necklace on the inside with her signature star and glimmer symbol engraved on it in green. It then tied itself around her neck, underneath her scarf.

Fingering the surface of it, Starlight stood up and headed back inside to get ready for bed. When she did so, the boy watched her enter the building with curious eyes. What just happened?

"Sunburst!" A male adult voice called out in the distance. The boy, now known as Sunburst, turned around and saw a man with amber yellow skin, flaming red and yellow hair, and cyan eyes dressed warmly and waving over to him. Sunburst left the premises of the orphanage and headed over to his new foster father. 



Watching from a hill near the orphanage, Luna smiled softly. Understanding may be a bit vague, but it does have a big impact on people's lives. By knowing what people might be going through, and need someone to talk with, being understanding can lift them up significantly.

Luna then called out Alakazam from his Dusk Ball one last time. "Let's go home." She said. "Teleport."

The Psychic type complied once again to his Trainer's wishes. In a flash of brightly colored rainbow light, he and Luna vanished into thin air. 

When they materialized again, they were back in Canterlot Castle, just as Celestia and Gardevoir appeared.

"Have you finished your search, sister?" Luna asked her older sister.

"Yes." Celestia answered. "And I trust you have done the same."

Luna nodded. "When do you think they will be ready?" She asked.

Celestia shook her head. "I'm not sure." She said. "All that the prophecy says is that when they start on their journey, that is when their true powers will start to emerge. But, if there are side effects, they might come sooner or later."

Luna thought about that. "Well, very soon, they will at least have each other to help one another through it."

Celestia nodded slowly. "You are right about that, sister." She said. "Let's just hope that they all are strong enough for the battles they will have ahead of them when the time comes." 
> First Day Back at School
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Chapter 9



First Day Back at School


Three weeks later, once the snow was slowly starting to melt, and the holidays were over until next year, school was back in session. Kids were getting ready to go to school, and most were in a hurry to get to class before the first bell of the day rings. 

Presently, Applejack was waiting in front of Carousel Boutique, tapping her foot impatiently. After fingering her new orange geode necklace for the thousandth time, the cowgirl grabbed a small stone from the ground and threw it up at Rarity’s window. It bounced off the glass, thankfully not causing it to crack. In a few seconds, the window opened and Rarity peeked out. 

“Really, Applejack?” She asked her friend. “Must you do that?” 

“What’s taking ya so long?” Applejack demanded. “School will be starting in fifteen minutes.” 

“Just give me two more minutes, and I’ll be down there soon.” Rarity assured her friend before closing the window. 

Applejack only huffed in annoyance and once again began to tap her foot and fiddle around with her geode necklace.  

Luckily, just as promised, Rarity came outside a couple of minutes later. “Finally!” Applejack exclaimed with an exasperated huff. 

“Sorry, Applejack.” Rarity said. “But a lady must always look her best.” 

“We’re going to school, not to the Grand Galloping Gala.” Applejack said. “I just brush my hair, get some clothes, get a quick breakfast and head out. But I always like walking to school with ya.” 

“As do I, darling.” Rarity said with a smile. “You are my only friend here. Even though we have differing opinions, I can’t imagine not having a friend like you.” 

Applejack smiled at the sophisticated girl, rolling her eyes playfully. Then, the two of them walked in comfortable silence as they headed toward the Pokémon School. But then, Rarity noticed AJ’s necklace. 

“Darling, where you’d get that?” She asked, pointing to it. “It looks very similar to my new necklace, and I thought you didn’t like jewelry.” 

Applejack then saw Rarity’s indigo geode necklace that had flecks of white. It did look similar to her own necklace. Did that mean that they had similar experiences during the holiday break? She hasn’t told her family about where she got hers, just saying that she found it, which was the truth, to an extent. 

“I’ll tell ya after school.” She said. “Can ya come over to my place to practice?” 

Rarity nodded. “Of course.” She said, making her friend smile. 



Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash landed in the plaza on top of her father’s Archeops. She jumped off and petted the Ancient Bird Pokémon’s head. 

“Thanks for the ride, Archeops.” She said. “I’ll see you right here after school's out for the weekend.” 

Archeops cawed in affirmation before taking off into the air. Rainbow waved to it as it disappeared into the clouds. Then, she began to head out of the plaza, slightly playing with her blue geode necklace. But before she had left it, a very familiar voice called out to her. 

“Rainbow Dash?” The voice was soft and sweet. Rainbow turned towards the direction it came from and saw a familiar face, getting off the back of an Altaria. Rainbow recognized that Altaria. It belonged to Fluttershy’s father. 

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow immediately raced over to her friend, and the two girls shared a hug. 

“What are you doing here?” Fluttershy asked her. 

“I got transferred here to the Pokémon School from Cloudsdale Academy.” Rainbow explained. 

“So did I!” Fluttershy said, actually sounding excited. She then turned over to her father’s Altaria. “Thank you for taking me here, Altaria.” She said. “I’ll see you on Friday.” 

Altaria chirped an affirmative musical note before flapping its cloud-like wings and took off into the air. 

“This is so awesome!” Rainbow Dash said. “We’re still in the same school together!” 

“I know!” Fluttershy said. “I was so worried about what might happen to me if I got moved to another school without you to help me.” 

“No sweat.” Rainbow said. “I’ll always have your back.” 

Fluttershy smiled. “Thanks, Dashie.” She said. Then, she noticed Rainbow’s necklace. “When did you get this?” She asked. “It looks a lot like mine.” She held out her pink and yellow geode necklace. 

Dash’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s weird.” She said. “Well, I’ll tell you later, I promise. It’s actually a pretty awesome story.” 

Just then, they heard the bell ring. “Shoot!” Rainbow exclaimed. “We’re going to be late! Come on!” She grabbed her Fluttershy’s hand and began dragging her behind her toward the Pokémon School. 

But as soon as they left the plaza, there was a rumbling sound coming from the ground. The people that were around the area ran off to get some room of what might be coming. 

Suddenly, an Onix popped out of a hole in the ground near the plaza leading towards the outskirts. When it put its head on the ground, Pinkie Pie jumped off, having a bright blue backpack on her. She spun around and gave the huge Rock type a big hug around its massive head. 

“Thanks for the ride here, Onix!” She said to it cheerfully. She broke the hug and smiled brightly at it. “I’ll be waiting right here after school on Friday.” With that, she skipped away towards the school, humming a little ditty. She stopped for a second to look down at her pink geode necklace, and then continued on her way. 

The Onix roared proudly at Pinkie before it dove back down into the ground, leaving behind a large hole in the center of the plaza. Everyone came back and decided that it could’ve been worse and went back to normalcy. 



At the front of the school, Twilight Sparkle has arrived in a carriage being pulled by a couple of Pidgeot. The young violet-haired girl stepped out, holding the straps of her blue backpack tight in her hands. She closed the carriage door behind her and walked over to the Pidgeot. 

“Thanks for the ride, Pidgeot.” She said, stroking the top feathers of one of the Flying types. 

Pidgeot cawed happily at the attention. Twilight giggled lightly before she stepped away and walked up to the front of the school. She turned back and waved goodbye to the Pidgeot as they flew away, pulling the carriage behind them. Twilight then turned back to the school doors and took a deep breath. She fingered her bright purple geode necklace, and then she walked inside. 

Just as she did, another carriage being pulled by a couple of Staraptor came up to the front of the School. This time, it was Sunset Shimmer who stepped out. She was about to walk away from the carriage before she stopped and went back over to the Staraptor. 

“Thanks for the ride here, Staraptor.” She said. The dark feathered Flying type chirped happily. Sunset felt a warm burst of feeling in her chest when she saw and heard that. Was this what it felt like to do something right for a change? If it was, then it felt wonderful. 

She petted the top of its feathery head gently. The Staraptor leaned into her touch before Sunset had to remove her hand. The red and yellow-haired girl then walked up to the door and turned back to see the carriage take off into the air. Looking back at the doors as students began to enter the building, Sunset took a deep breath. 

This is a new start. She thought, looking down at her red geode necklace. Don’t screw this up. With that, she bravely entered the school. 

Just as she did, one more carriage appeared, this time being pulled by a pair of Swellow. Starlight Glimmer soon stepped out of the carriage, holding a brand new gray shoulder bag across her right shoulder. 

Her indigo eyes lit up as she took in the famous sight of the Pokémon School. “I’m finally here.” She breathed. This is the first step she will take towards her secondary dream of becoming a Top Coordinator. Starlight walked over towards one of the Swellow. 

“Thank you for the ride, Swellow.” She said, stroking its head. 

The two Swellow chirped with joy at the grateful comment that was given to them. Starlight carefully removed her hand off of the leader's head and jogged off towards the front doors. She stopped right at them and turned back to the Swellow, who were already taking off. She waved up at them until the carriage disappeared into the clouds. Then, with a quick look at her green and light purple necklace, she took off inside the building. 



Later, all the girls, unbeknownst to them, were in the same classroom, waiting for their teacher to come inside and start the class. Applejack and Rarity took their usual seats, with Rarity in the front row and AJ behind her. Fluttershy shyly took the empty seat next to Rarity, and Rainbow Dash sat down next to her friend. Next, Pinkie Pie literally hopped into the seat next to Applejack. Twilight aimed for the seat at the end of the row, filling up the front row. Sunset Shimmer then entered the classroom and sat down behind her. Finally, Starlight Glimmer came inside and took the seat in between Sunset and Pinkie. The other back row was filled by the time the teacher came in. 

She was a very nice lady named Cheerilee, with dark magenta hair, light fuschia skin and green eyes. She wore a green dress with a few small white ruffles and black flats. “Good morning, class. I trust you all had a wonderful Hearth’s Warming vacation.” 

“Yes, Ms. Cheerilee.” The students who knew her replied. 

“Good.” Cheerilee then looked through her list. “Well, it seems we have quite a few new students with us.” She said. “When I call out your name, please stand up and say where you’re from. Twilight Sparkle.” 

Twilight nervously stood up as she felt lots of pairs of eyes look at her. “Present, ma’am.” She said. 

“And where are you from, Twilight?” Cheerilee asked her. 

“Canterlot.” Twilight answered. 

“Well, we’re very pleased to have you here with us, Twilight.” Cheerilee said and went back to her list. “Sunset Shimmer.” 

Sunset slowly stood up from behind Twilight’s seat. “Here, miss.” She said. “I’m from Canterlot as well.” 

Cheerilee smiled at her. “Well, welcome Sunset.” She said. “Rainbow Dash.” 

Rainbow stood up next. “Right here, ma’am.” She said. “I’m from Cloudsdale.” 

“Welcome, Rainbow Dash.” Cheerilee said. “Fluttershy.” 

Fluttershy was shaking like a leaf so much as she stood up that Rainbow had to help steady her. “R-Right here, ma’am.” She whispered. “I-I’m from Cloudsdale, too.” 

“We’re pleased to have you here, Fluttershy.” Cheerilee said, trying to reassure her. “Pinkie Pie.” She called out next. 

Pinkie literally jumped out of her seat. “Present, Ms. Cheerilee.” She said with a bright smile. “I’m from Rockville. Pretty boring place, I know, but I’m super glad to be here in Ponyville and at a real school for the first time in forever.” 

Cheerilee looked a little bit baffled by her cheerfulness, but smiled anyway. “Well then, welcome Pinkie.” She said. “And finally, Starlight Glimmer.” 

Starlight slowly stood up with a smile. “Here, ma’am.” She said. “I’m from the northwestern mountains, in the only town there.” 

“Do you know what it’s called, Starlight?” Cheerilee asked. 

“Well, we have always just called it ‘Our Town’.” Starlight explained. Some of the other students giggled a little bit, but the main seven girls didn’t. “It always has been our town, so we thought why not?” 

“Well, welcome to the Pokémon School, Starlight.” Cheerilee said. “You girls may all sit down. Now class, let us begin with the day.” 

The class went by slowly, with some students falling asleep during the lecture. Twilight, Sunset and Starlight were pretty much the only ones who were taking steady notes, earnestly listening to every word that Miss Cheerilee was saying. 

Rainbow was trying to not fall asleep like some of the other students and instead reading one of her favorite adventure books. 

Rarity was doodling some dress sketches in one of her spare notebooks, while she was listening to the lesson. 

Applejack was also drawing in her notebook, but instead drawing pictures of her family, particularly her parents. 

Fluttershy was reading a guide book about Pokémon, and Pinkie was playing with her pencil, balancing it on the bridge of her nose. 

Finally, the bell rang for lunch, and the students quickly took off towards the cafeteria, taking some of their books with them. 

“Don’t forget to get back here for the rest of the class, students!” Cheerilee called after them. “Have a great lunch.” 

And it was to be a great lunch indeed, for eight girls will start a new friendship that will help protect Equestria from certain danger in the future.  
> New Friends at Lunch
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pokémon: Adventures in Equestria



Volume I: How It All Began



Chapter 10



New Friends at Lunch


Applejack and Rarity were in the lunch line, each holding a blue plastic lunch tray. Soon, their trays were filled with bowls of fruit, salad, and yogurt. They both then sought out a spot in the crowded cafeteria. They did eventually a surprisingly empty lunch table near the back. They both sat down by each other and began talking to one another. 

“So, darling.” Rarity said. “Where did you get that lovely necklace?” 

Applejack looked down at her necklace. “It's ...actually a funny story.” She began, not sure of how to tell her friend about her experience without sounding like she was crazy. Even though Rarity knew that she would never tell a lie, not after that incident, it still sounded hard to believe. 

Then, she saw that Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were nearing their table. Rarity smiled at them, and AJ knew what was going to happen next. 

“Oh, hello!” She greeted them, catching their attention. “Come sit here.” 

Fluttershy smiled shyly. “Thank you.” She said quietly, taking a spot across from them, with Rainbow sitting next to her. 

“Howdy.” Applejack greeted the two of them. 

“Hey there.” Rainbow returned the greeting. 

Just then, Fluttershy saw that Twilight and Sunset were looking around for seats. Rarity caught sight of them as well. “Oh, girls!” She called out to them. 

Both Sunset and Twilight looked over in that direction and saw that Rarity and Fluttershy were waving to them to come over. Slowly, they did so, but they both took spots across from each other and a seat away from the group. 

Then out of nowhere, Pinkie Pie literally jumped into the seat next to Twilight. “Hey, there!” She greeted cheerfully. “You must be Twilight Sparkle. I’m Pinkie Pie, and you’re Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity.” She said, pointing to each one of the girls.

They all shared a confused glance, and then nodded their heads in wonderment. “I thought so. Hold on one second.” She zipped away, and then came back a second later with tray balanced on her palm and her free hand holding Starlight by the arm. “And this is Starlight Glimmer. You girls don’t mind if she sits here, do you?” 

Once again, the girls were baffled, but just nodded their heads. Pinkie smiled a cheesy grin and then plopped Starlight into the empty seat next to Sunset. Then, she got back into her own seat beside Twilight. 

“Well, um, since Miss Pinkie Pie already introduced everyone to each other, we don’t have to go through all of that again.” Rarity said. 

“It...would seem so.” Sunset said. 

“So, how long have you two gone to this school?” Rainbow asked AJ and Rarity. 

“Since the two of us were little.” Applejack answered. “We’ve been here at this here school for the beginner’s class since we were six, and have been here ever since.” 

“What made you all decide to transfer here to Ponyville?” Rarity asked. 

“Our school had a random drawing to see who gets to transfer.” Rainbow explained. “And me and Fluttershy were the lucky duo.” 

“It took a lot of trying to convince my parents to let me attend since I was homeschooled.” Pinkie piped up. “But I finally managed to let me come here.” 

“I also got an acceptance letter to come here from the town I grew up in.” Starlight said. 

“My parents had enrolled me.” Sunset said. “They thought that it could be a new start for me from my old school in Canterlot.” 

“My mentor thought that I could learn better here than I could at my old school, too.” Twilight said. 

“Who is your mentor?” Fluttershy asked. 

Twilight looked around, and then whispered her answer. “Princess Celestia.” 

The girls all gaped at her, but Pinkie exclaimed, “WHAT?!” 

The loud exclamation drew some attention towards the table, and Rainbow quickly slapped a hand over Pinkie’s hand to keep her quiet. The other girls just smiled sheepishly, and soon, everyone in the cafeteria went back to their own business. 

Once they did, Dash removed her hand. “You have to be that loud?” She asked. 

Pinkie just smiled with embarrassment. “Eh, sorry.” She apologized. 

“So Princess Celestia is your mentor?” Rarity asked. “I must say, darling, that is something to be kept to a minimum.” 

Twilight nodded. “Yes, and it’s because I’m her personal student that I didn’t get along with any of my peers back at my old school in Canterlot.” 

“Which school is that?” Sunset asked. 

“Crystal Prep.” Twilight answered. 

Sunset felt a familiar twang of competitiveness swell up inside of her when she heard the name. “Well, I used to go to Canterlot School.” She said. “Our schools are big-time rivals.” 

Twilight nodded. “I never like how much Crystal Prep talked trash about your school.” She said. “So what if Princess Celestia is the principal there? It’s really not a good reason to fight.” 

“I know.” Sunset said. “So, you’re Celestia’s new student? Well, I used to be hers, too.” 

“Really?” Twilight said. “What happened?” 

The red and yellow haired girl bit her lip. “Well, I used to be a bit of a jerk at Canterlot.” She admitted. “When Celestia learned of it, she renounced me as her pupil. Now, I’m here to make a new start from the path I left.” 

The girls were silent for a moment. “Wow, that’s deep.” Rainbow said. 

“Well, darling, consider yourself going down a new path starting now.” Rarity added. “And you have some friends who will help you.” 

“Sure.” Applejack piped in. “If you want it.” 

The other girls voiced their agreements. “I’ve never had friends before, but I’m willing to give it a chance.” Twilight said. 

“Me, too.” Starlight added in. 

“You can use some friends, and it’s nice to make some.” Fluttershy said, not as shy anymore. 

“I’m in.” Dash said. 

“What do you say?” Pinkie asked, placing her hand in the center. AJ followed suit, then Rainbow, then Fluttershy, Rarity, Twilight, and Starlight. They all looked over at Sunset with expectant eyes. 

Sunset began to feel like she could cry tears of joy. These girls, who she just met and who learned of her past mistakes and didn’t shun her, were willing to consider her a friend? If she was being honest, that sounded like the best thing she ever heard. 

With a grateful smile, she placed her palm on top, and all eight girls threw their hands up into the air. 

“Ooh!” Pinkie squealed. “Now that we’re all besties, can we hang out after school?” 

The other girls all giggled. “Well, Rarity and I were thinking about hanging out at my family’s barn to play some music.” Applejack said. “Y’all care to join?” 

“You like music?” Fluttershy asked, a sparkle in her eyes. 

AJ and Rarity nodded. “I’ve been practicing to play the bass guitar.” The blonde cowgirl said. 

“And though I prefer the piano, I have been coming quite partial to the keytar.” Rarity added. 

“I’ve been taking guitar lessons for a while.” Rainbow said. “Count me in.” 

“Me, too.” Sunset added in. 

“I don’t have instruments at home, but I do love the drums!” Pinkie said excitedly. 

“I’m okay with just the tambourine.” Fluttershy said. 

“I do a little bit of piano, but I really just prefer to sing.” Twilight replied. 

“Me, too.” Starlight said. 

“Well, this sounds like we’ve got a band.” Applejack said. 

“That would be awesome!” Rainbow exclaimed. 

The other girls continued to chatter excitedly about their afternoon plans. The end of the school day couldn’t come soon enough.