"Twilight! It's time for breakfast!" Twilight Sparkle groaned and rolled over under the sheets. Was it already morning? And what a crazy dream last night... "Twilight, I'm not calling again!"
"Coming, Mom!" she called after a moment. She scooted the covers off to the end of the bed and then plopped to the floor on all fours. "Ouch!" Twilight shook her hand and sucked on her fingers, as if the act would somehow quell the pain.
Fingers?
Her eyes shot open as she brought her forelimbs to bear in front of her. "H-hands?" She sat back on her haunches and stretched out her hind legs. "Feet?!" A moment later, she discovered the rest of her. What used to be fur was now bare skin. What used to be a horn was now just a forehead. What used to be a tail was now just a bony bump at the base of her back. What used to be a pony was now...
"Human..."
Twilight looked up and around to find herself in an unfamiliar and sparsely furnished room. In front of her was a TV set with a little grey box and controller. To her left, she saw a desk with a computer on it, as well as a small chest of drawers and a bookshelf. The floor was made of wood tiles, and at the end of the room was a stairwell.
Like a sledgehammer to the stomach, Twilight was hit by the realization that her dream was, in fact, reality. There really had been a fight. Princess Celestia really had banished her to the human world. Everything she knew and loved really was gone.
"Twilight? I heard a banging sound. Are you okay?" her mother called, but she couldn't hear. She fell to the floor, curled into a ball and wept silently. The soft sound of footsteps, not hoofsteps, made its way up the stairs, and a woman appeared at the top.
"Twili- Oh, honey!" The woman rushed over to Twilight's side and looked her over frantically for signs of injury. "Did you hurt yourself in the fall? Where does it hurt?!" The woman continued to search, but she found nothing out of the ordinary. No scrapes or bruises, no knots or broken bones. "Twilight, please. Tell me what's wrong."
"M-mom?" Twilight looked up at the woman. Her hair color was white with purple streaks in it, just like her mother, Velvet's. Her skin was a pale white with a slight tinge of lavender, just like Velvet's coat. Twilight knew this woman couldn't be her mother, but the similarities caused her to slowly pick up her hand and hold it just left of the center of her chest. "R-right here... It hurts right here..."
"Oh, Twilight..." Velvet held her daughter close to her chest and rocked softly. "You must have had a horrible dream. Why don't you put some clothes on and tell me about it? It will help to get it off your chest."
"O-okay," Twilight sniffed. Velvet went back downstairs and prepared breakfast while she slowly crawled her way to the chest of drawers. Inside were several fully prepared outfits, complete with a hat and purse. She pulled one out and put it on. It had a light blue sleeveless shirt, a red skirt, striped blue socks, and a matching set of white shoes and bowler hat. A yellow satchel completed the ensemble.
Twilight slowly balanced herself on her hoo- feet, using her hands to hold herself up against the chest of drawers. Getting used to walking on two legs again took her several minutes, but she finally felt like she could brave the stairs. Of course, a little rumbling from her stomach helped to urge her along. She grabbed a hold of the handrail and began to make her way down.
Immediately at the base of the stairs was a small red rug which led into a single large room. Near the steps was a single, yellow draped window. Just beyond it was a TV set, a large glass cabinet, and a sink and stove. In the center of the room stood a wide square table covered by a blue-plaid cloth and surrounded by four chairs, though it could probably seat as many as eight comfortably. Velvet sat in the chair closest to the stairs with a plate of eggs in front of her. Immediately across from her was another plate prepared from Twilight, complete with a fork and a butter knife. Twilight set her bag down next to the table and sat down.
"Please, eat. I'm sure you'll feel better after some breakfast." Velvet couldn't help but watch as Twilight attempted to grab her fork. Reaching for it was easy enough, but controlling her fingers was a feat that seemed beyond her ability at present. For a dream to be so traumatic as to affect her motor skills... Come to think of it, it had taken her a while to get dressed.
After a few tries, she huffed and slammed the table, rattling the dishes and silverware. Then she crossed her arms in front of her and put her forehead between them. She felt a touch take her hand. Slowly it guided her, then soft fingers gently positioned themselves behind hers and pushed them around the fork. When she looked up, she saw her mother behind her with a pitying smile.
"I'm sorry... I can't even grab a fork..."
"It's okay, Twilight. I'm here. I will help you through this."
Once again, the gentle smile graced her with its presence. Twilight couldn't help but allow a tiny smile to escape as she carefully maneuvered the fork to her mouth. A few minutes later, her plate was clean.
"Feeling any better?" Velvet asked.
"A little," Twilight admitted. "Thank you for helping me..."
"It's what moms do." She smiled. Yes, her mother had always been one to help her whenever she needed it, even when it was with the simplest things. "Now then, will you tell me about your dream?"
Only this wasn't her mother.
Her mother lived in Equestria, not here in the human world. The same with her friends, her brother, all of Ponyville, Princess Celestia...
I hereby banish you...
Those words echoed in Twilight's mind, several of Celestia's final words to her before sending her away to this realm. She was banished. She would never see her true family or friends again.
"I understand. We can talk later, if you want."
As painful memories as the memories were, she knew that if she was to survive here, she would have to make do with her new family and friends. Maybe Applejack and the others would be nearby.
"Perhaps after you meet up with the professor?"
She would also have to find this world's version of... Wait, professor?
"Professor?"
"Professor Celestia, of course. You know, our neighbor?" Celestia, a professor?
"I thought Celestia was supposed to be a high school principal?"
Velvet laughed. "Good heavens, no! I can't imagine Celestia of all people trying to manage a schoolhouse!" So this world isn't the world Twilight visited last time.
"I'm sorry, mom. I guess I'm still confused from my dream. It just seemed so real."
"I understand the feeling. Why don't you take a walk outside? Maybe it'll help to clear your head."
"That sounds like a good idea." Twilight stood up and reached for her plate, but Velvet stopped her.
"Don't worry about it, Twilight. I can take care of the dishes." Twilight knew Velvet was probably just trying to avoid an accidental mess, but the gesture was appreciated. She threw her bag over her shoulder and went for the door. "When you get back, I'll take you to the lab. Professor Celestia should be there." She nodded and walked outside.
It was beautifully green. The grass was kept nice and short, perfect for walking on. Twilight took off her shoes and felt the soft earth under her feet, and it was lovely. She grabbed hold of her hat and looked up at the bright blue sky. Not a cloud to be seen. Yes, it was as perfect an outdoors day as a pegasus could make it.
Not that pegasi existed in this world... Twilight sighed.
She turned her gaze away from sky and went about to explore. There were only three buildings in the area, surrounded by tree lines on three sides and uncomfortably deep water on the fourth. A small grassy path led away from the clearing and into more open land.
"And just what do you think you're doing, young lady?" That voice! Twilight whirled to see a tall pale woman with pale rainbow-hued hair striding toward her.
"Prin- Professor Celestia!" Twilight grinned. Finally, a familiar face! She looked exactly like Principal Celestia, only she wore a long white lab coat instead of a suit, and Luna wasn't with her. The professor walked in front of Twilight and crossed her arms.
"Didn't I tell you not to go into the tall grass? You could have been attacked by a wild Pokémon!" she scolded.
"A wild whattawha?" Twilight asked, thoroughly confused. Celestia regarded her closely.
"Hmm... You've never met a Pokémon, have you?" she finally asked. When Twilight shook her head, Celestia nodded. "Come with me." She turned back toward the town with Twilight close in tow.
"Where are we going?" Twilight asked.
"To the lab. If you're going to leave Pallet Town, you're going to need protection. And I have just the solution!"
The pair entered the largest building in the clearing, Celestia's Pokémon Research Laboratory. Immediately upon entering, Twilight's eyes lit up with a sort of giddy glee as her inner researcher leapt for joy. A wall of bookshelves completely filled with books separated the front of the build from the back. Celestia, however, merely passed by them and into a back room, so Twilight followed.
To the left was a large strange device with six circular slots on a panel. Behind the strange object, up against the back wall, was a series of other strange devices next to and on top of a set of long tables. The ones in the far left corner were rather large with many flashing lights, but as the devices approached the center, they grew smaller until they ended with two objects small enough to hold in her hands.
Off to the right and against the back wall were two more bookshelves, also completely filled with books. In the center of the room was a long table with three small red and white orbs on it. Each orb was labeled on the front of the table: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander from left to right. Near the table, somep- someone was waiting. A blue someone with silvery hair.
"Finally decided to show up, I see. Those who are Great and Powerful do not like to be kept waiting."
"Trixie?" Twilight ventured.
"Sparkle?! What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing!" The two butted head and glared into each other's eyes with low growls.
"Not in my lab, you two!" The teenagers hmph'd in chorus, facing in opposite directions with folded arms and upturned noses. "Now then. I've brought you both here for a reason. You are finally old enough to leave home and start your own journeys with Pokémon!"
"Well, it's about time! Trixie has been ready to be a trainer since she was a child!"
"A trainer?" Twilight asked.
"Of course! Trixie is going to to be the most powerful Pokémon trainer in the world someday, and don't you forget it, Sparkle!" Trixie sneered. "Of course, you've been so wrapped up in your books, you've probably forgotten what Pokémon training even is."
"Hey!"
"I said not in my lab! Trixie, since you are being mean, you will get your Pokémon after Twilight."
"What?! But Trixie has been waiting for years!" Trixie glared at Twilight. Then a glint entered her eye. "Very well. You may choose before Trixie, Sparkle."
Twilight leered at Trixie, trying to figure out her angle. Unfortunately, Twilight couldn't fathom what was going on. Everything was just too new for her to make much sense of anything.
"Go on then." Twilight looked up at Celestia and was greeted with the same smile that Celestia always wore when she was helping her students. "Choose one."
"What am I choosing?" Twilight asked. Trixie snorted in a failed attempt at withholding her laughter.
"There are three Pokémon hidden inside these pokéballs. You may have one of them as your partner," explained the professor.
Twilight regarded the pokéballs. "They must be awfully tiny," she muttered to herself.
Trixie smack her forehead with the butt of her palm. "Did one of your shelves fall and hit you in the head or something?" Celestia just chuckled.
"Okay, um... I guess I'll take this one." Twilight pointed to the pokéball in the center.
"In that case, Trixie shall take this one!" Trixie grabbed the pokéball on the far left.
"Press the center button, Twilight." Twilight did so, and a beam of red light shot from the newly opened ball. A moment later, a blue-skinned, brown-shelled bipedal turtle was standing in front of her, staring up at her with large brown eyes. She knelt to the ground, and the turtle walked up to her, then she took the turtle in her arms and lifted him from the ground in an embrace. He was surprisingly warm, and she couldn't help but smile. "Twilight, you chose the Squirtle. He is a water-type turtle Pokémon. When I found him, he was freshly hatched, so he is still very young. Would you like to give him a name?" Twilight pondered for a moment as the squirtle rested his head against her neck, much like a young colt would with his mother.
"Nuzzle," Twilight finally responded. "His name... is Nuzzle."
"Hmph! The Great and Powerful Trixie does not believe Pallet Town needs two new trainers! Trixie challenges you to a battle, Sparkle!"
"Trixie, what are you doing?!" Celestia exclaimed. "Why would you make such an ultimatum so soon after receiving your Pokémon?"
"Because Trixie refuses to be upstaged by Sparkle anymore! Trixie has been waiting for a long time for her Pokémon, but when Trixie finally had a chance to shine without Sparkle constantly getting in the way, you brought her and gave her that chance as well! Trixie's chance!" Trixie pressed the button on her pokéball, and a small green creature with a large bulb on its back appeared.
"Saur!"
Nuzzle hopped out of Twilight's arms and took a stance between her and the strange creature. Celestia rushed in between the two Pokémon. "Stop this senseless battle! I refuse to have my lab tainted with young blood!"
"Y-young blood?" Twilight shuddered, not wanting to think about what Celestia could possibly mean by those two words.
"Fine. Trixie will wait outside." Trixie strutted outside with bulbasaur close behind trying to emulate her Great and Powerful Swagger. There was a very pregnant pause before Twilight built up the courage to ask Celestia the question plaguing her mind.
"Professor, what did you mean by 'young blood'?"
Celestia looked into Twilight's apprehensive eyes. "Pokémon training is a cut-throat game of survival, Twilight. When a Pokémon goes to battle, it is to the death."
Twilight fell to her knees and stared into nothing. Nuzzle, seeing her distress, waddled over to her and placed himself in her lap for a hug. She held him close, never wanting to let go. She may have only just met him, but he was the closest thing to a friend he had in this world. Too many friends had just been lost due to a senseless fight between her and her world's Trixie.
"I refuse."
"Oh Twilight... I wish it were so simple, but you know how Trixie gets. When she sets her mind to something, she follows through until the end, especially when it comes to getting ahead of you. The only way she'll let you go is if you battle her, or you return your Pokémon. Can you do that?"
Twilight pondered Celestia's question. It was a simple matter, really. All she had to do was let go of Nuzzle, and everything would be okay between her and Trixie. Just open up her arms, put Nuzzle back in his pokéball, and hand him over to Celestia. No one would get hurt. No one would be killed. It was the best, most logical course of action. Yet when she tried to open her arms, they only tightened further. When she tried let go and reach for her pokéball, she held fast.
"...No, I can't do that."
"Then you will have to face Trixie." Celestia's voice was firm. "And I will help you. I can't help you during the battle, but you're a smart girl. Allow me to explain how a battle works."
*****
Twilight and Nuzzle walked outside and found Trixie waiting with her bulbasaur.
"Have you finally decided to fight? There is a way Trixie will let you go, you know. Just return your squirtle to Professor Celestia. You won't have to watch Trixie's bulbasaur kill it, and Trixie will finally be ahead of you. We both win, Sparkle, wouldn't you agree?"
"I'm sorry, Trixie. On most days, I would do the logical thing and return Nuzzle to Celestia, but I can't do that now. Not today, not ever!" Nuzzle ran in between Twilight and Trixie, ready to fight. Bulbasaur also stepped forward, locking eyes with Nuzzle. Trixie's haughty demeanor warped into a wrathful glare, and Twilight prepared herself for the battle ahead.
"Then I hope you are prepared to lose your first and last Pokémon battle! Bulbasaur, tackle her squirtle!"
"Saur!" The little green quadruped charged forward and struck Nuzzle in his soft underbelly, knocked him several steps backward. He clutched his stomach and doubled over.
"Nuzzle! Are you alright?!" Nuzzle brushed the slightly bruised area, looked back at Twilight and nodded. She breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, time to fight back! Nuzzle, whip that bulbasaur with your tail!" Nuzzle retracted into his shell and spun rapidly toward his enemy.
"Dodge it, bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur leapt out of the way, but just as Nuzzle passed by, he extended his range by thrusting out his tail and lashed bulbasaur's face. The bulbasaur doubled in mid-air and landed on its side. "Grr... Stupid Pokémon!" Nuzzle spun back to his position at Twilight's side and revealed his body again.
"Way to go, Nuzzle!" Twilight patted him on the head, earning her a happy smile. "We can do this!"
"A little tail whip isn't going to win you any battles, Sparkle! Trixie's bulbasaur hardly even felt it! Isn't that right, bulbasaur?"
"Bul-basaur!"
"That's right! Go, bulbasaur! You've already hurt her squirtle! It's only a matter of time until it falls, so keep attacking it!"
"You're turn, Nuzzle! You have the upper hoof, so tackle it head on!" The two Pokémon charged as quickly as their legs would carry them and rammed headfirst into each other like a pair of angry mountain goats.
Bulbasaur flew backward and landed at Trixie's feet.
Nuzzle crashed in a heap at Twilight's.
"Get up! Get up, bulbasaur! Trixie will not allow you to end her career as a trainer here!"
"S-saur..." Slowly the bulbasaur struggled to its feet. It's forehead was bleeding from the impact, and its legs were shaking as it tried to maintain its balance.
"Get up, Nuzzle! Please, don't let me lose you... A little headbutt like that isn't enough to beat a strong little warrior like yourself, right?" Nuzzle rolled off of his back and rubbed his head. After a little shake to re-orient himself, he stood up tall and grinned at Twilight. Twilight bent down and hugged him tightly. "Way to go, toughie. I knew you could do it."
"It isn't over yet, Sparkle! It won't be over until one of us doesn't have a Pokémon to battle with!" Nuzzle looked back and saw the weakened bulbasaur standing there. Suddenly, he leapt from Twilight's arms and rammed it with his shell. The bulbasaur flew backward and crashed at Trixie's feet, where it lay motionless for several seconds before struggling to climb back to its feet. Nuzzle's instinct took over, and he tackled it again. He could sense the battle was almost over, so he sprang forward and charged again.
"Nuzzle, stop!"
Nuzzle slid to a halt just before hitting the bulbasaur. He looked back at Twilight and cocked his head. Wasn't he supposed to end the battle? It was only natural that the stronger fighter should finish the weaker fighter, so why was Twilight making him stop? And why was she crying?
"Stop, Nuzzle. The fight is over. You won, so stop hurting Trixie's Pokémon..." Nuzzle looked back at the bulbasaur. Then he ran up to Twilight and hugged her. Nature called for survival of the fittest, but if it made her sad, then he would never kill another Pokémon.
"Damn you, Sparkle..." Twilight looked up to see a small red beam touch Trixie's bulbasaur and pull it into a pokéball. "Trixie's defeat is not enough for you, is it? You have to leave Trixie's useless Pokémon alive as a constant reminder of her failure."
"Trixie, I-"
"Not a word!" Trixie walked past Twilight and into the lab. To Twilight's surprise, Professor Celestia was standing just outside the doors. "Celestia, I'm using your machine to heal my Pokémon." The doors closed behind her, leaving Twilight and Celestia alone.
"You did well, Twilight. It's a rare thing to see a trainer who is willing to care for her enemy's Pokémon as well as her own."
"I just didn't want anyone to die."
"And that is what separates you from the rest. I'm glad your Celestia taught you to value life as much as I taught my Twilight." Twilight stared, her mouth slightly agape and her eyes a little wider than saucers for a brief moment before she regained her composure.
"How long have you known?"
"Since you first tried to walk into the tall grass. My star pupil would never have done something so foolish."
Twilight blushed. "Sorry. I really didn't know."
"It's okay. Tell me, if you were not trained in Pokémon handling, what were you trained in?"
"Magic! Celestia took me on as her personal protégé and taught me everything I know, even if I can't use it here."
"Don't worry. I get the feeling that an affinity for magic in your world equates to an affinity for Pokémon training here." Trixie emerged from the laboratory, pokéball in hand.
"You will not win next time, Sparkle. The Great and Powerful Trixie will train her Pokémon and make it stronger. She will rise from the ashes of this defeat and become the most powerful Pokémon trainer in the world! Then you will finally acknowledge Trixie as your better!" Trixie ran to the edge of Pallet and disappeared into the grass. Moments later, Twilight could faintly hear sounds of battle coming from that direction.
"How unfortunate. I was going to ask her to pick up a parcel for me from Viridian City, but she ran off before I could say anything. Twilight, would you mind going and getting it for me? The town isn't far, and the route is straight so you can't miss it. This will give you a chance to train your Pokémon as well, and to explore the region." Twilight nodded and began to walk toward the grass, but Celestia stopped her. "And Twilight? Remember that though you care for the lives of others, wild Pokémon won't think twice about fighting like their life depends on it. Be careful out there."
"Geez, Celestia wasn't kidding when she said wild Pokémon would fight like their lives depended on it," Twilight mused as she walked out of the last patch of grass between her and Celestia's lab. No less than four rattata and three pidgeys attacked her on her way to and from Pallet Town, despite her attempts at staying out of the grass as much as possible. Thankfully, there had been a wonderful place called a 'Pokémon Center' in Viridian City to heal her wounded Nuzzle.
As they approached the lab, she saw Trixie walking inside. "Maybe I should just wait until she leaves... What do you think?"
Nuzzle nodded. Even though he knew he could defeat Trixie's bulbasaur, he didn't want to scuffle with them again.
"Ah! Twilight!" Celestia called just as she was about to go back to her house. "Perfect timing. Would you mind coming inside the lab for a moment?" The professor disappeared into the lab, as if she already knew Twilight's response.
Twilight sighed. She knew she couldn't refuse a request from Celestia, even if the Celestia in question wasn't hers and it meant she would have to face Trixie again. "Let's go, Nuzzle. I'm sure Trixie won't want to fight so soon after our last battle."
When the two of them arrived at the lab, she saw Trixie in the back glaring at her. Celestia was also there, standing next to two small devices on the back table. "Trixie, Twilight, thank you both for coming. Twilight, do you have the parcel I sent you for?"
"I've got it right here." Twilight pulled the package out of her bag and handed it over to Celestia. "What's in it, if you don't mind me asking?"
Celestia opened the package, revealing two small pieces of plastic with tiny metal wires running every which way. "Perfect. With these, the Pokédexes are complete." She walked to the back table and inserted the plastic pieces into two hand-sized devices. "I called you here because I have a gift for each of you. Here." Celestia handed over one of the small devices to each trainer. "These are Pokédexes. Essentially, they are hi-tech encyclopedias that automatically update as you meet new Pokémon."
"You mean, like a book that writes your discoveries for you?" asked a wide-eyed Twilight. Celestia chuckled.
"I thought you might be interested. For the longest time, I have wanted to catalog the discoveries I've made about Pokémon, but writing all of that down by hand would simply take too long, so I created these devices. Unfortunately, I am too engrossed in my work here. I won't be able to make any use of them, but you two can. I want you to go out into the world and collect data on all the Pokémon you come across, fill up that Pokédex, and help me complete my research. Will you help me?"
For Twilight, given the similarities between her world and the world she currently lived in, the request was tantamount to the Princess asking her to research and catalog all the different forms of magic she could find. How could she pass up such an opportunity?
"O-of course I will help!"
"Trixie doesn't see why you're so googly-eyed, Sparkle. After all, you will not be needed on this assignment, for the Great and Powerful Trixie shall complete the Pokédex herself and become the greatest Pokémon trainer who ever lived!" A moment later, the silver-haired teen was out the door.
Celestia shook her head. "It's always a competition with her, but she is right. Going on this journey will build your skill as a trainer substantially. Actually..." She held her chin for a moment and regarded Twilight. "No, it's too early."
"What? What is it?"
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you go on this journey. You've only just become a Pokémon trainer, and the task is too dangerous for someone with so little experience."
"Professor, I can do this. Nuzzle and I work well together. We made it to Viridian City and back without too many problems, and we're both fine. Isn't that right, Nuzzle?" Nuzzle looked up at Twilight and smiled, nodding.
Celestia looked down at the little squirtle. "He does seem to be quite fond of you, but that doesn't change the fact that you are both still very new to this. Trixie has been practicing with me as long as, well, my Twilight, so I know she can handle herself. She also knows the upcoming dangers and how to deal with them."
"Then teach me about them! Please, Celestia, let me do this! I'm just collecting data, right? Nuzzle and I can run if we ever get into too much trouble to handle."
"It isn't that simple, Twilight. In order to reach the larger cities and regions of Kanto from here, you will need to undertake the Pokémon League Gym Challenge. Eight Gyms are scattered around Kanto, each one guarding a specific region, and each one leading to the next. Their leaders are the strongest trainers for their area. Sending you to face them before you are ready would be sending your Pokémon to their doom."
"Professor, let me do this. You said before that my affinity for magic and Pokémon training were likely to be equivalent. I was the Element of Magic in my world, so what would that make me here?" Celestia pondered Twilight's words, but said nothing. Seeing her hesitation, Twilight continued. "Let me face this region's Gym. If I can't do it, then I will stay here in Pallet Town and let Trixie complete the Pokédex."
Celestia sighed. "Very well. I don't think I could stop you if your heart is truly set on this path. Just be especially careful. Trainers will not let you run away if you get into trouble, and your Pokémon will suffer and possibly die if you are unprepared."
"I understand. Thank you, Professor."
"Here, take these. The more Pokémon you have by your side, the better, and these will help you catch them." Celestia gave Twilight several empty pokéballs. "Oh, take this map as well. You will need it to navigate Kanto."
"Uh, how do I use these?" Twilights asked, holding up the little red and white orbs.
"Just throw one at a Pokémon. A healthy Pokémon may break out of it, so it's better to weaken said Pokémon before you try to catch it."
"Alright, I'll remember that. Let's go, Nuzzle. Time for a little Pokémon research!"
Twilight rushed from the lab and straight toward the edge of town like a mad-mare on a mission. Just before reaching the tall grass, she saw a sign reading 'Route 1: Pallet - Viridian. Beware of Pokémon!' She paused, put her hand to her chest and breathed deeply, then exhaled slowly. If she couldn't remain calm, how would she be able to study the Pokémon without drawing attention to herself? Once she felt ready, she carefully stepped into the grass.
She froze a moment later. There was a rustling of leaves and a dull thumping noise coming from a short distance away, as though something were striking the ground. Slowly, careful not to make any noise, she crouched down low, crawled through the grass toward the noise, and spread a particularly thick section aside. There, flapping its wings at the ground, was a small pidgey.
"Gotta dig. Gotta dust. Gotta find a bug's nest," the pidgey chirped. "Gotta find a lot of bugs, or I'll never get to rest!"
"Fascinating! I didn't know Pokémon could talk." Twilight clapped a hand over her mouth, but it was too late. The pidgey was alert and staring straight at her.
"Eek! A human! It's a human, everybirdie fly away!"
"Shh! Please calm down!"
"Okay..."
Wow. That actually worked? "So, umm... Hello, pidgey." Twilight scratched the back of her head
"Hello, human. And squirtle." The pidgey leaned over and eyed the little blue turtle cautiously.
"I, uh, heard you singing earlier. Do you like singing?"
"Yeah... I sometimes sing to myself when nobirdie's watching." The pidgey scuffled toward the grass opposite of Twilight and her companion.
"Would you sing a little more for me?"
The pidgey paused. "You... You want to hear me sing?"
"If you wouldn't mind. You have a lovely voice." If Twilight didn't know any better, she would have sworn she saw a faint redish tint forming across the pidgey's face.
"Thank you, I guess. I've never sung with anybirdie else around, but I'll try. Um, here goes...
Oh, somebirdie once told me I should take my dreams and soar
That someday I would meet somebirdie who could make me more
But ever have I stayed below the bright and open sky
Because nobirdie told me that a birdie has to fly
Instead I chose to live below and spend my days down here
For even though the sky is nice, there's something far more dear
And so I stay inside the grass and live upon the ground
'Cause here the bugs are juiciest, the tastiest around!"
Twilight giggled. "Bravo! That was very good."
"Did you like my song?" Stupid, of course not! Humans aren't interested in-
"I did! I haven't heard such wonderful singing since-" Since Fluttershy lead her songbird choir... "Well, for a while."
"Really?"
"Absolutely!"
"Thank you, human." It was difficult for Twilight to tell, but to her untrained eye, it looked like the pidgey was smiling.
"No, thank you, pidgey, for giving me such a wonderful concert. I should probably get going, though. I have a lot of research to do, and I've only just started." Twilight stood up and began to walk away.
"Wait!" Twilight paused. The pidgey ruffled his feathers and looked away. "Um, you seem different from the other humans. You can understand what I say, and you don't just see somebirdie and try to kill him or capture him."
"Of course not! That would be heartless and cruel."
"Yeah, it would... So, um, good luck with your research and all. Goodbye, human..." Twilight regarded him more closely. His wings were sagging, and his eyes were dropped to the ground. Somehow, there seemed to be more to what he was saying than what he was saying, but she couldn't quite place it. Then an idea formed in her head.
"Pidgey, do you have a name?"
"A name? I guess so. Everybirdie calls me Duster because I stay on the ground so much."
"Nuzzle, meet Duster. He's going to join us on our journey."
*****
"Well, now! A lovely voice, and a bit of a scrapper too!" Duster beamed at the praise.
In the course of her continued research, several not-so-friendly Pokémon decided to attack. Duster didn't take to kindly to that, and so fought his hardest to protect her. Not that he was particularly good at it. Nuzzle had to rescue him on more than one occasion until he got used to battling actual creatures instead of the ground. Still, Twilight stroked the nape of his neck every time he went out for her, and he loved it.
Nuzzle watched as Duster continued to fight and get in over his head. One of these times, he's going to meet an opponent that's too strong for him, and I won't be fast enough to save him. Once again, Duster ran from his enemy, and again Nuzzle stepped in to finish the battle. Still, he is getting better. Pretty soon, he'll be able to handle himself.
"Well, that's just about everything I can get from here. You guys ready to move on?" Twilight put her Pokédex away, then began to head back to Viridian City with Nuzzle and Duster in tow.
Viridian City was larger than Pallet Town, but only just. There was a Pokémon Center at the southern edge of town, a shopping mart in the eastern edge near a tree line, as well as two homes and a Gym to the northeast.
"Wonderful! Celestia said I could face this region's Gym, and there it is!" She and her party ran up to the door.
It was locked. Twilight jiggled the handle, but it wouldn't budge. She shoved and rammed it with her shoulder, but no matter what she tried, the door simply wouldn't open.
"Please, step away from the door." Twilight jumped. An old man walked up to her and flashed a shiny badge. "Breaking and entering is a crime."
"B-breaking and entering? I wasn't-" He raised an eyebrow. Her brain frantically searched for some way of getting out of this mess. "I thought it might be, er... jammed, or something!"
"A likely story. Come with me, young lady." Twilight hung her head. She hadn't even traveled out of walking distance from Pallet and she was in trouble with the law.
The old man led her away from the Gym. Every so often, he would glance over his shoulder and make sure she was still following. A few minutes later, they reached a small house. The man opened the door and stepped inside. It was strange, though. The building looked more like a home than a jailhouse.
"Come inside, young lady," a woman called. "We don't bite."
Twilight was perplexed, but went inside. Instead of cells, she found a stove. Instead of prisoners stuck behind bars, there was a family sitting around a table, including the old man, a child no older than a filly, a matronly sort of woman, and a man who was slightly balding. Seeing her confusion, the old man laughed heartily.
"Hohoho! You thought I was a policeman, didn't you? Well, don't you worry. I just figured having a hot meal would be better than waiting for a Leader who won't show up."
"A hot meal?" The little girl giggled, since Twilight's belly chose that moment to display it's displeasure at having waited so long since breakfast to break its fast. "Ehehe..."
"Come, sit down. There's enough macaroni and cheese for everyone." Twilight obeyed. The scent was unlike anything she had smelled in all her years as a pony, save for one time in Mython's Cheese Shop in Canterlot. She had been devastated when the owner regrettably spilled the last of his fondue onto the floor, only for it to be eaten by his pet cat. Now, that same aroma wafted through her nostrils again, enticing her to taste what could have been on that day, and her watering mouth was ready to accept the challenge. She accepted a seat across from the child, and a bowl filled with cheese-covered... something was placed in front of her.
"Thank you. When your elder first came up to me, I thought I was in trouble." Twilight picked up her spoon (success!) and scooped a bite of macaroni into her mouth.
Fireworks exploded. A fanfare of brass and winds processed, accompanied by string and drum. A choir of Dusters lead by Fluttershy herself sang praises to Celestia, and a horde of Pinkie Pies danced the Pony Pokey as that first most magical bite of cheese and mush graced Twilight's tongue with its tantalizing taste, a flavor so full of delectable delight that she had no feasible option other than to die a happy mare.
"Mom? I think you broke her..."
"Are you alright, girl? Your eyes are glazing over."
"Hello? Anybirdie home?"
"Chew." As Twilight's mind was otherwise occupied, her body followed the external order. "Swallow." The last traces of macaroni left her taste buds, allowing the reverie that enthralled her to slowly begin lifting. Twilight's eyes regained their ability to see, and her eyes perceived the worried stares of four people and two Pokémon. "Back with us?"
"Sorry about that. I've just never been so overwhelmed by cheese before! It was amazing!" Twilight plopped another blob into her mouth and rolled her eyes back in delight.
"You don't eat much home-cooked Mac'n'cheese, do you?"
"Mmm-mm," she replied, shaking her head. After a moment, she forced herself to swallow. "But if I ever get back to Equestria, that's going to change. This food is delicious."
"Equestria?" asked the child. "Is that where you're from?"
"Yes it is. It's a far away place. So far away that Pokémon don't live there."
"So that's why you've still got a rookie's eyes. I wondered about that when you tried to break into the Gym. What was that all about, anyway?"
"Sorry," Twilight said sheepishly. "I'm doing some Pokémon research for Professor Celestia in Pallet Town. I've already done what I can here, so I had hoped to move on to the next region, but apparently only Gym Leaders can allow access to the next area."
"Oh, phooey! If you're waiting for the leader, you're wasting yours and the Professor's time. I can't remember the last time this place was open. Heck, I can't even remember who its leader is. I'd just move on if I were you."
"Are you sure? I don't want to cause any trouble."
"I'm the law here, and I say it's no trouble at all! Don't you worry, little trainer. It's been like this for a while."
"Well, if you say so." Twilight was a little disappointed that she wasn't able to face the Gym and prove to Celestia that she would be okay, but at the same time she was excited to continue her research. "Thank you for the meal, and for your hospitality, but I should probably get back into the field."
"It was a pleasure. By the way, what's your name?" asked the old man. "It shames me as a host not to have already asked."
"Twilight Sparkle."
"Well, Miss Sparkle, you take care of yourself. If you're looking to face off against the Gym Leaders, you're gonna have to toughen up your crew a little bit. Brock in Pewter isn't known for being a softy to new trainers."
"I will. Thanks again! Nuzzle, Duster, let's go." Twilight took her team to the Pokémon Center in preparation for the next area, then moved northward until she found a sign saying 'Route 2: Viridian - Pewter'. A new area, just waiting to be explored! "Onward!"
She didn't make it three steps before she spied a rattata slowly coming out from the grass. "That's unusual. Duster, all the rattata that I've seen prefer staying in the safety that the grass provides. Why would that one be coming out?"
"It's probably running from something. Look, it's been wounded. See its coat?" Twilight looked. Just on the transition from purple to white, a red smear stained the rattata's side. Suddenly it collapsed.
Twilight rushed up to the rattata and examined it. There was a large gash just behind its right foreleg, and the bloodstain on its coat was nearly dry. "He's been bleeding for a while! We have to get him to the Pokémon Center, and fast!" Twilight put the rattata into a pokéball and ran like a life depended on it. A few minutes later, she was sitting on a bench, waiting to hear back from the nurse.
"Well, it looks like your rattata will be okay. He was badly injured, but we were able to get him into the machine before his condition became critical."
"Oh, that's good news..." Twilight breathed.
"Here you go." The nurse handed Twilight her pokéball. "Try not to put your Pokémon in such dangerous situations, okay? I understand you trainers want to make them tougher, but waiting until this sort of thing happens will cost them their lives."
"But I-" The nurse was already walking away. Twilight sighed and sat back down with Nuzzle and Duster at her sides. "I wasn't the one who made him like that."
"We know, Twilight. You were only trying to help, and you did!" Duster said cheerfully. Twilight looked up and saw them smiling at her, to which she smiled back. "I've never met a human who would do what you did." Nuzzle nodded agreement.
"Thanks, guys." She hugged her partners close for a long moment, glad to have such good friends in this world. Then she took out the rattata's pokéball and pressed the center button. In a flash of red light, he appeared healthy and whole.
"Hmm? What is this place?" He looked around, absorbing the unfamiliar surroundings. "This place is full of humans. I haven't died and gone to hell, have I?"
"Nope!" Duster chirped. "Actually, you were saved by one those humans. This one, to be exact!" Duster pointed a wing at Twilight.
"Hello! My name is Twilight Sparkle. Who are you?"
"The horde called me Nibbles." Nibbles regarded her closely, taking in every detail of her scent and appearance. "You are the human that saved my life?"
"I am not. All I did was carry you back here," she replied. Then she pointed to the staff behind the counters. "It's the nurses who truly saved you."
"I see. Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. I was fighting a bug that was harassing my brothers and sisters, but it torn a gash in my side with its horn. I didn't expect to be alive after that battle, but because of your actions, I am still a part of this world."
"For a Pokémon who just skirted death's door, you seem to be doing well enough. Both physically and emotionally."
"There is no point in worrying about what might have happened. All that matters now is that I'm still here."
"That's true. Hey, would you like to join me on my journey? I can look out for you and make sure you don't fall into situations like that again."
Nibbles nodded. "I owe you my life. I will stay by your side until I can repay that debt."
Twilight chuckled. "You don't owe me anything, but I'm glad to have you anyways."
"Me too!" Duster hopped and fluttered about happily. "Finally, I have somebirdie to talk to! Twilight is a bit fanatic about her research, and Nuzzle doesn't talk at all. But you and me?" He wrapped a wing around Nibbles. "I've got a feeling we're going to be the best of friends!"
*****
"On the road, It's time for travel
Mysteries, we shall unravel
There Twilight goes, to learn about us a bunch
As for me, I really need some lunch!"
Twilight rolled her eyes. "Oh, quit your whining, Duster! You just had a baby caterpie not too long ago." Twilight was busy watching a nest of rattatas sleeping. Nuzzle was lying under a tree, blowing bubbles at a few falling leaves. Nibbles was off in the grass looking for some decent rocks for gnawing. That left Duster with nothing to do but complain about his diet as the sun started to set.
"Yea, but I'm hungry again! In fact, I think I could eat a- holy wingtips!"
"That's nice," Twilight said, autopilot kicking in as the nest of rattatas roused and began playing.
"Come to papa, juicy! You've gotta be the biggest bug I've ever seen!" Duster hopped around and scratched the dirt in anticipation .
"Weedle?" The bug looked up and saw Duster getting ready to charge. It lowered its horn and prepared to defend itself. Nibbles peered out from behind the grass. He saw the pair staring, each waiting for the perfect moment to engage the other. Then he noticed something strange about the weedle's horn. Its tip... was it dark red?
Duster was the first to strike. He charged in and rammed the weedle with his chest, knocking it over. Then he proceeded to flap and beat it with his wings as he had always done when hunting for his meals. The weedle struggled, unable to combat the assault until it managed to get its tail up under Duster and sting him with it.
"Yeowch!" Duster flapped backward and stared at his throbbing wing. A small welt was beginning to form. Then he looked back at the now upright weedle. "That hurt, you big morsel!"
"Duster, wait! That's-" Nibbles shouted, but Duster paid him no heed. He was too enraged by his meal fighting back to notice Nibbles running after him, trying to get him to stop. The weedle spat out a sticky stream of string that wrapped around his legs, tripping him to the ground. He got back up and charged again, but the string kept throwing off his balance. The weedle coiled backward, like a spring waiting to be released.
"You're mine!" Duster screeched as he jumped for the weedle and its juicy body.
"STOP!" Nibbles cried.
Twilight looked up from her notes.
Nuzzle glanced away from the leaves.
Everyone watched the weedle and its two-inch long horn shoot forward and pierce Duster through the fleshy portion of his throat.
The two combatants stood motionless for what seemed an eternity to Twilight. The weedle on its back sets of legs. Duster pinned to its horn. "D-D-Duster...?" Finally, Duster's body slumped and collapsed to the ground, a lifeless heap of flesh and bone. "Duster?! DUSTER!"
The weedle tried to escape as Twilight, Nuzzle and Nibbles charged, but his horn was stuck deep through the bird and refused to come out. Nibbles was the first to reach it, and with his powerful jaws and hard teeth, he chewed through the bug's neck and ended its life.
Twilight yanked the head and horn out from Duster's neck. She cradled him, wishing desperately for him to come back, to sing again, to whine about bugs, to do something. But his neck remained limp, his wings remained motionless, his voice remained silent.
Duster was gone.
