Pikachu, Twilight, Fluttershy, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle walked in silence as they progressed through the Everfree forest. Twilight had tried to get Pikachu or one of the others to tell her more about themselves, but they all had decided to keep quiet until they reach the town. A bright light up ahead signaled that they had reached the end of their trek and they all ventured into Ponyville.

The four Pokémon stared in surprise at the simplicity of the town. It was nothing like the cities that the four creatures were used to, but more like the small villages they had seen on the road. They also took note on the lack of cars and other modern technologies, but saw also saw many ponies out and about on the beautiful sunny day. When they noticed the group of Pokémon and ponies, some stopped and stared at the strange creatures. Pikachu took notice of this.

“Are we really that strange looking?” he asked to Twilight. She giggled a little in response.

“No, but some of the townsfolk are not so good with new creatures. You should have seen what happened when Zecora came to town before everything was settled.”

“Zecora?” asked Charmander.

“Zecora is our zebra friend who lives just inside the Everfree forest. She’s very good at brewing potions,” Fluttershy explained.

“What’s a zebra?” Squirtle asked, racking his brain to find such a word.

“It simplistic terms, a striped pony,” replied Twilight. With the questioning done for now, the group headed into town. As they walked, more ponies stopped to stare in wonder at the Pokémon. Pikachu and Bulbasaur were feeling cautious, Charmander was nervous, and Squirtle just seemed not mind. The six of them reached a large tree near the center of town and stopped.

“This here is the Golden Oaks library where I live and work as the librarian. My assistant Spike will be inside as well, but be prepared as he can be overly protective,” Twilight said as she opened the door.

“Don’t worry yourself. The four of us can take on anything! Right guys?” Squirtle boasted.

“Be careful what you say, Squirtle,” replied Bulbasaur. “Dangerous things happen when you tempt fate.”

“Spoilsport,” the turtle Pokémon huffed. They all entered in behind Twilight as she called into the hollowed tree.

“Spike? You here?”

“Yeah, I am here, Twilight!” came a voice from somewhere amongst the many rows of bookcases inside the library. Pikachu marveled at the vast collection of knowledge before him, the same for the others as well. The sound of footsteps approaching caused Pikachu to zone in on the source. What he saw was confusing. The creature was obviously young, its eyes giving off such an appearance of young innocence. Its voice also made it clear that the creature was male and his purple scales and green spines glinted softly in the light. He looked like a purple Charmander without the flame on its tail.

“You called Twi—whoa! What are those things?” he asked with surprise.

Pikachu was a little miffed. “We could say the same of you. You look like a mutated Charmander.” He wasn’t usually like this, but insulting his friends irked the mouse the very much so. The creature didn’t like being talked back to either.

“I don’t know what a Charmander is, but I am not a mutant. I happen to be a dragon, thank you very much.”

“A baby dragon that is,” Twilight added. “Now be nice you two. Everypony this is Spike, my number one assistant. Spike this is Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. They rescued us from some Timberwolves in the forest and need our help finding their lost friends.”

“How did these guys rescue you from Timberwolves!?” Spike asked in surprise. Before anyone could answer, the library exploded as a multi-colored blur plowed through the building. Once the dust settled, there was a pile of books at the far end with a polychromatic tail sticking out of it and groaning.

“Ugh, man that hurt,” said a pony who rose out of the books.

“RAINBOW!! This is the fourth time you crashed into my library this month! Stop doing your tricks near my house!!” Twilight screamed. The four Pokémon just stared in confusion at what just happened.

“So, um, Twilight? Who’s your friend?” asked Pikachu after a moment to try and comprehend what was going on. Rainbow took notice of the four as well and her eyes bugged.

“Whoa, you get some new pets, Twi? They look kinda strange?”

“What’s with everybody calling us weird today?” Squirtle huffed.

“Cool! They talk! What else can they do?” Rainbow said as she flew into Pikachu’s face making him feel entirely uncomfortable.

“Would you please give me some space? I don’t like being in close quarters and you don’t want to know what that can cause me to do.”

“You threatening me?” Rainbow asked angrily, pushing further into the little mouse’s face.

“No, just warning. Please get out my face?” he pleaded, already feeling the electricity building in his cheeks.

“Who do you think you are threatening Equestria’s fastest flyer? Who are you guys? Are you spies? What do you want with Twilight and Fluttershy, huh? Are you after the Elements of Harmony?” Rainbow just kept pushing and pushing until Pikachu couldn’t take it anymore and had to let his power go.

“Thunderbolt!” he screamed letting the massive electrical buildup out. Lightning shot from his small body, immediately attracted to the one causing his discomfort. The jolt caused Rainbow to scream in pain. It was over in moments, leaving a crispy pegasus on the floor of the library. “Oh no! What have I done!?” said a hysterical Pikachu.

The others stared in amazement at the small mouse’s power, but were aghast at what he did to their friend. “Rainbow!” cried Fluttershy who flew over to her friend to check if she was alright. Pikachu backed away as she flew over, fear overtaking him. Charmander walked over to his friend to offer support.

“What did Pikachu just do?” asked a fearful Spike. Bulbasaur took the initiative to explain things.

“Pikachu’s kind are extremely claustrophobic and their power can be released when they are extremely uncomfortable. Electric types like him are not known for their subtleties either. Please don’t be too angry with him. Pikachu is more often than not trying to keep others from fighting. Fear can make people do things they are not proud of.”

Twilight came to that understanding. “When you put it like that, and he did try to warn her. But if she’s hurt…” Twilight tried to say something threatening, but one look at the distraught face on the yellow Pokémon made her think twice. He was already feeling awful about it, so no need to make it worse. “How is she, Fluttershy?”

“Just a little singed, nothing more. She’ll be just fine after a little rest.”

Pikachu let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “Oh thank the maker. That has to be in the record book for worst introductions ever.”

“Ya think?” Spike commented.

Twilight glared at her assistant. “Not helpful, Spike.”

“Yeah, there’s no need to be such a meanie, Spikey!” said a bubbly voice next to Charmander and Pikachu. They looked over and yelled in shock.

“GAH!!” They fell over as they took in the sight of a smiling, pink mare with hair that looked like it was made of cotton candy. She also seemed to be bouncing in place.

If Squirtle had his glasses on, he would have taken them off right there. “Am I trippin’ or did that mare just pop into existence?”

“Pinkie?” asked an equally surprised Twilight. “When did you get here?”

“Silly Twilight! I’ve been here this entire time! My Pinkie Sense told me there were new ponies in town. My twitchy knees are never wrong, but then my ears flopped so that meant that it wasn’t ponies that were new in town, but something else. I came here because the strange things always happen around Twilight!” She explained it like it was completely obvious.

Bulbasaur looked at the bubbly mare with suspicion and confusion. “Did that make any sense to anyone?”

“Silly talking plant! Of course it did. I explained it quite well.” She started to bounce around Bulbasaur.

“I am NOT a talking plant. I am a Bulbasaur. Just because I’m a grass-type doesn’t mean I’m a plant! And stop bouncing around me, it’s making me dizzy.” He used his vine-whip to catch her mid-bounce.

“Ooh! Look at me I’m flying!” Bulbasaur just shook his head in exasperation. In that moment, the door to the library opened and two more mares walked in.

“Hey, Twi, Rarity and I were wonderin’ if…” The orange mare stopped her sentence and her walking, along with the white mare upon seeing the sight before them. Pikachu noticed it as well. A lizard with fire on its tail, a singed pegasus lying unconscious on the floor, and another pony being held in the air by a creature with vines coming out of its back.

“This looks bad, doesn’t it?” Pikachu sighed. Twilight and Fluttershy looked at him with a questioning glance, but the orange mare prevented them from saying anything.

“Put mah friend down this instant ya dang plant monster!!” She charged Bulbasaur. With is only vines being used on Pinkie, Bulbasaur couldn’t do anything. Squirtle, however, was free to do as he pleased. The turtle Pokémon put himself between the attacking pony and his comrade. He then called on a powerful defensive move.

“Withdraw!” He pulled his appendages and head into his shell and it glowed blue. The mare turned around and bucked the glowing shell, sending it flying into the reaches of the library. Squirtle had planned for this, however. “Rapid Spin!” He took control of his flight and angled himself towards the angry pony, striking her hard.

“Aah!! Ya dang varmint! You’ll pay for that.” Twilight had another idea, though. She lit her horn and captured the feuding creatures. “What the hay Twi?”

“Applejack, just calm down. Nopony is being hurt, these creatures are some new friends of mine.”

“But Rainbow—“

“That was an accident and Rainbow brought it on herself. Now I am going to put you and Squirtle down. Will you two play nice if I do?”

“Fine!”

“I’m cool,” he shrugged. “Long as no one’s attacking my comrades, we’ll get along just nicely.” The two were released from the levitation spell and put back on the floor. The white mare, through all this commotion, found herself right next to Pikachu.

“Can I help you?” he asked the unicorn. There was no malice in his voice, just simple curiosity considering she kept staring at him.

“Oh you are so cute!!” she gushed and hugged Pikachu tight. Charmander was too surprised to do anything to help his friend. She pulled him away to take full sight of him. “You would look so dashing in a suit. Maybe some diamonds running down the middle. No! Rubies! They would be perfect and would match those puffy cheeks so well! So much inspiration!”

Pikachu was confused. He was still uncomfortable, but not to the point Rainbow had pushed him to. “Um, thanks. I guess. Can you put me down now?”

“Okay girls! That’s enough! Everypony in the dining room now!” Twilight bellowed. Everyone was too shocked to say anything, so they complied with her request. A few minutes later, six ponies, a dragon, and four Pokémon found themselves gathered around a wooden table. Fluttershy had been able to wake Rainbow up, but she was still pretty disoriented and unsteady so Fluttershy was sitting next to her for support. “Alright, now that were calm, let’s start some introductions, shall we? I’ll go first. My name is Twilight Sparkle. I run the public library we are in now and the personal student to Princess Celestia. Spike, your next.”

The dragon spike up. “Okay. I’m Spike, Twilight’s number one assistant. I’m the go to dragon around these parts and run the library when Twilight’s out.”

“Um, I’m Fluttershy. I take care of all the animals around Ponyville, from pets to wild ones that need help.”

“I’m Rainbow Shock—“ started the cyan pegasus, but was interrupted.

“Dash,” Twilight corrected.

“Right. My brain’s still a little scrambled. I’m captain of the weather team here in Ponyville and the fastest flyer in Equestria!”

The pink mare spoke next. “The name’s Pinkie Pie and parties are my game! I make sure that every new pony in Ponyville gets their own super special welcome. Oh, and I’m a baker at Sugar Cube Corner!”

Orange went next. “Ahm Applejack. Owner of Sweet Apple Acres where you’ll find the best darn apples this side of Canterlot. That’s the honest truth.”

The white unicorn put in her two cents. “I am Rarity. The up and coming fashion designer of Ponyville with my dear Carousel Boutique. Now, who are you fine gentlecolts?”

“I’m Pikachu, an energetic electric type.”

“Bulbasaur, at your service. And I am a member of the peaceful grass-types.”

“I-I’m Charmander, a fierce fire-type.” His timid nature did nothing to prove his statement true.

“I’m Squirtle the awesome! Coolest of the cool water-types.”

Twilight nodded in satisfaction. “Well, with introductions out of the way, would you four mind answering some questions?”

“Sure, just direct them to me. These three consider me the de-facto leader when our friends aren’t around.” None of them said otherwise, knowing it to be true and not minding in the slightest considering Pikachu’s caring nature.

“Alright, let’s start with—“

“Why’d you shock me!?” said an angry Rainbow Dash.

Pikachu looked ashamed. “I’m really sorry about that, but I did warn you to give me some space. I really don’t like being in small spaces. I think they call it claustrophobia?” He turned to their resident dictionary, Bulbasaur, who nodded in return. Always the calm, braniac Bulbasaur. “My electricity is a natural defense, so when I let my fear get out of control I defended myself. I am truly sorry for that.”

Rainbow took a look at the mouse and sighed. “Alright, you’re forgiven.”

“Great. Now as I was saying before we were interrupted, what exactly are your four?”

“We’re Pokémon,” Pikachu answered. “There are over one hundred and fifty different kinds of us. Our names are also the names of our respective species as Pokémon and there are many different types as well, each one a type of element.”

“You mean those types you mentioned?” Pikachu nodded. “What do these ‘types’ mean?”

“They refer to many things. Such as physical characteristics, habitat, as well as techniques.”

“’Techniques’?” asked Applejack.

“Yes, or moves as others call them. They are the powers that we are capable of, though we are restricted to four of these techniques at one time. As we grow, we can learn more, but must still restrain to four unique techniques.”

“Why?” asked a curious Spike.

“No one is quite sure, but it could be considered an evolutionary factor. We can learn more than four after so many years, but restrain ourselves to four to make it fair.”

“Make what fair?” Fluttershy asked.

“Battling!” announced Squirtle causing the girls to gasp.

“You mean fighting? How barbaric!” Rarity proclaimed.

“Not really. Battling is a part of Pokémon nature. We battle to grow and become stronger, but it also gives us a chance to make new friends and rivals that help us as we grow. We thrive on this exchange of strategy, power, and wits. Sure we get banged up a little, but it’s all in good fun. Only the truly despicable fight to the death and most other Pokémon would shun or attack any who thought as such.”

“So you fight as a sign of equality and understanding as well as hobby?” asked Twilight who was writing in a notebook everything Pikachu was saying.

“Yes, it’s a truly wonderful thing. The rush, the power, the everything! It’s such a thrill.” Pikachu smiled as he looked back at past battles in nostalgic wonder.

“Interesting. We ponies haven’t fought for over five hundred years; not since the last war with the griffons. We have enjoyed this peace, especially since Princess Luna was freed from her one thousand year banishment.”

Charmander was bewildered. “A princess was banished?! Is that possible?”

“And for a thousand years?” questioned Bulbasaur. “That’s seems highly unlikely.”

“You doubting our princess?” Applejack said with a threatening tone.

“Woah! What’s with the hostility? It’s just a question, calm down Appletack,” Squirtle said.

“It’s Applejack!” AJ huffed.

“Whatever.”

“Princess Luna and Princess Celestia are alicorns. They are immortal and are responsible for raising the moon and sun respectively,” Twilight explained.

“I do not mean to sound rude, but that simply is not possible,” Bulbasaur said, being careful with his wording this time. “The sun and moon orbits are dictated by gravity, not two beings. Science says this quite clearly. It’s the only explanation.”

“It’s true! I have seen Princess Celestia raise the sun with her magic many times,” Twilight retorted.

“Did you say ‘magic’?” Pikachu asked, truly curious.

“Yes, watch.” Twilight’s horn lit with power and she began to shove the many books around the library that were knocked down by Rainbow’s crash back into their place. The Pokémon gawked at the display in amazement. When the spectacle was finished, Squirtle spoke up.

“That was awesome! It’s almost like she’s a psychic-type.”

“Psychic-type?” asked Rarity.

“Allow me to list off the types,” Pikachu said. “There are electric, grass, fire, water, bug, flying, normal, ground, poison, rock, ice, psychic, fighting, ghost, and dragon. Some are rare to the point of legend, while some you can find just about anywhere.”

“Why is it we haven’t seen creatures like you before?” asked Rainbow.

“I’m starting to think it’s because we come from somewhere else,” Pikachu said with a sigh. The mares looked at him in confusion.

“What, exactly, do you mean by that, darling?” Rarity asked cautiously.

“I mean that I don’t think we are on the right planet anymore. Or is it the right dimension? Either way, I’m pretty sure we aren’t home. This is just fantastic!” Pikachu yelled, causing everyone to tense. “We’re lost, missing our friends, surrounded by creatures we know absolutely nothing about and to top it all off there aren’t any other Pokémon on this world. Ya know what? When we get back home, I’m gonna become a carnivore just so I can get rid of those blasted Gyrados that sent us here.” Pikachu face planted on the table with an audible sigh of exhaustion and stress. Charmander stroked his friend’s back, hoping to calm him down.

“Sorry about him,” Bulbasaur apologized. “He stresses out easily, too.”

“Hehe, he kind of reminds me of Twilight,” Pinkie pointed out.

“I like this mare,” Squirtle quipped. “Now we got two problems to take care of immediately, though. One is to start the search for our friends, and the other is where we are going to sleep tonight. I don’t about you guys, but I really don’t want to go sleeping in that creepy forest.”

“I’ll write to the princess and see if she could help us find your friends. In the meantime, I have enough room for one of your to stay here, but the others will have to find places of their own,” Twilight said.

“Pikachu,” Bulbasaur said, causing said mouse to raise his head and look at the grass-type. “You should be the one to stay here. You and Twilight will be able to cooperate efficiently in finding the others. We can find are own spots.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to take a bed from you guys.”

“Don’t worry about it!” confirmed Squirtle. “Worse comes to worse, the three of us will just return to the Pokéballs for the night. You, however, don’t have that option.”

“Pokéballs?” asked Twilight.

“They’re special habitats for us that we can use to rest,” Pikachu explained, now sounding really tired.

“I would like to request an open field to sleep in,” said Bulbasaur. “Perhaps one near other animals?” Fluttershy lit up.

“Oh, I have a small room at my cottage that I could offer you, Mr. Bulbasaur. I have many animals at home.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Fluttershy. There is no need to call me mister, though. Just Bulbasaur will be fine.”

“Then you can call me Fluttershy,” she said with a smile.

“Ah suppose Ah got room at the farm for one you critters. Long as you’re willin’ to work hard for it. No such thing as a free meal in the Apple household.”

“I-I don’t think that’s for me,” Charmander said with sad look. “I’ll probably just burn everything.”

“Ooh! Charmander can stay with me and the cakes. He’s like a walking talking oven! What say you, Charmander? Willing to cook for a room?” Pinkie said with a grin.

“I would love to,” Charmander said happily. He so enjoyed helping others.

“I guess I’ll take AJ’s offer then,” Squirtle said with a bored tone. “I guess I could water the crops or something. As long as I get fed for it, I’m good with anything.”

“I like that you sound so enthusiastic about it,” Applejack said sarcastically.

With living arrangements settled, everyone went their separate ways as the sun was beginning to set. After a hearty dinner of fruit, everyone at the library got settled in for a good night’s rest. Spike curled up in his basket, while Pikachu fell into slumber in the guest room bed. Twilight herself would be going to bed soon, but she wanted to finish out her letter to the Princess first. It would be ready for Spike to send out in the morning.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I have had the great chance to meet four new creatures here in Ponyville. Their names are Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Pikachu seems to be the leader of their group and is very kind and fair. Bulbasaur is very intelligent and peaceful. Charmander is quite timid, but very powerful in his own right. Squirtle can be very obnoxious and boastful, but quite protective of his friends.

These four are lost and looking for some friends of theirs. I was hoping that you would be able to help them in their search for their lost companions.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

Author's Note

Told you I would get a new chapter out by the end of the month!! So enjoy the first meeting of Pokémon and the Mane Six. I will see you all next month.

Next time: Waking up in jail is never a good sign.