Nuzlocke: Hearts of Gold and Souls of Silver

“I know you know about the legend of the creature that sleeps under the seas and guards it. Considering it's not known if such creature exists here, do you believe in it?”

“So you are saying that this pony, Jane, the one who ran from me after I asked her name, paid for my medication?” I stated after Blackburn told me of their time in Cianwood. My friend nodded, with a smug smile in his face. “Hmm, that seems a bit odd. Why was that?”

“I don't have a clue. I guess we convinced her you were a good guy, that's all.” He replied.

Our small group was up on the boat, we were making our way to Cianwood now since we all had to beat the 6th gym. Violet was resting on her seat while me and Blackburn shared a conversation over the balcony. We kept talking after his story was over, and that went on for a while.

“I know for a fact that zebra's medicine heals quite fast.” Blackburn said. “When do you plan on taking that bandage of yours off?”

“Ah, this ol' thing with my blood on it? I kinda like the way it looks on me, so I might just switch to a clean one later and keep the visual.” I replied. "makes me feels like a survivor of some kind of apocalypse or fallout"

Blackburn laughed. “That's stupid, y'know? I mean, why would you bandage your leg just because of the way it looks? What are you, a cosplayer now?”

“Maybe I should have told you that it would hide a heck of a scar.” We shared a laugh. “I'll be cosplaying as the Lone Wanderer next time a convention is in town, what you say?”

“Well, scars are way cooler than stumps” He said.

“Agreed.”

A few minutes later we shared silence. That was because we saw four islands, all of them blocked by rocks and whirlpools. Those were the Whirl Islands, more specifically, where the legendary pokemon Lugia is known to slumber, deep down on the sea. At least it was on the games I played as a child.

For all the time I have taken part on a competition like this legendary grade pokemon like Lugia were disabled, but it was before virtual reality and all this stuff started making part of it. It was during the times I had to sit in a chair with a screen in front of me and with a controller at my hooves. Things are changing just before my eyes, and it can be seen by comparing the NPCs I met at the start and the NPCs I talk with now, they were given personalities, emotions, and even minds. I wouldn't be surprised if a legendary pokemon suddenly appeared for one to catch. I only hope that, like in the games, it has to be someone who understand and deserve it.

Would I be honorable enough to be able to be given such a legend where powerful pokemon here, where who I am really matters?

Hell, I would love to, but I don't think that I would be the one. The games teach us that the one is the person who takes care of their pokemon, and the bond between them makes the one really worth the honor, and while I have such bond with my pokemon, I have let them down, multiple times.

“Hey Atlas.” Blackburn called for me. “What's got you so focused there?”

I sighed. “I was thinking if I would be honorable enough to be the chosen one to capture a legendary pokemon here if they were put into this world.” I then explained the whole thought process behind the reason I thought I wasn't worthy.

“Aw, come on. You really think the ponies back at Equestria would throw a legendary out here for us to catch? The one who gets it would be so powerful that winning this thing would be the easiest thing for him.” Blackburn said.  “And besides, I think any of us would be worth, including you. The way we treat our pokemon with love and care, and the bonds we all have. We even dedicate a an hour or two of our day just to talk with them and spend time together. All of us.”

“Sometimes I think you worry too much.” He continued. “Always getting yourself worked about a problem or another like if it was the end of the world, and while I think that is an important part of you since you put a lot of dedication on such things, I think it fucks up your mind a lot.” He chuckled. “You always try to come up with a plan for everything, even for the things you can't plan for. I also find it funny how insecure of things you are. "What would the princess say if I told her I loved her?", Celestia help me, just do it and worry about the rest later, it's not like you are gonna get killed over a love interest.”

“Here we go again...” I rolled my eyes and smiled. Blackburn never failed to cheer me up. Making fun of my actions was his way of doing it, even if I felt sad. He comes up, make me look stupid, and I laugh.

I sighed again. “You know, sometimes I miss some moments back home a few years ago.”

“What do you mean?” Blackburn raised an eyebrow.

“It's just that I wonder how it is going to be back home. My family is all gone after all, I've got nopony.” I explained. “Gonna be a little lonely now that you will be spending more time with Violet.”

“Hmm... I never thought about it. It can be a little hard for you after all.” He started thinking. “But you can still spend time with Luna, can't you?”

“She has her duties. Going out with her, as either friends or something else, is going to be rare.”

“Ah, don't worry Atlas, I'm sure we will figure something out on the way.” He tried to comfort me, and his words seemed true enough for me, enough to work. “Besides, once you become a professional musician, I bet you're gonna meet a lot of new and cool people.”

“Yeah, I hope you are right.”

“You get too sad sometimes.” He said. “You need to stop that, it's depressing.”

“I love the tropical weather.” Blackburn smiled. He was wearing his sunglasses, recently bought from a vendor on the beach.

“So why did we only spend moments here last time?” Violet asked. She was wearing a hat and sunglasses as well along with a hat that suited her just fine in colors and style.

“We were in a hurry, we didn't had time for this.” He answered.

The three of us were walking to the gym, carrying our stuff on our backs. We weren't going to stay long after all. We were going to defeat the gym and head back to Olivine again. I loved this weather just like my friends, but we didn't plan to stay here for long, since we wanted to have a advantage over the rest of the competitors. Most of the were still on Ecruteak still, and we didn't want to lose it.

The fighting gym. Nothing unbeatable. The gym owner was a Earth pony named Chuck, and if I remembered correctly, he didn't have more than just two pokemon: a Poliwrath and a Primeape. Both could be easily taken down by Scout, and I would be done with this battle pretty quick;  Blackburn had his trusty Charmeleon, very close to a Charizard already, and by far his favorite pokemon since I barely saw the rest of his team in action, and a Noctowl. The dude could easily live with just this two pokemon, and that made me think about the Tyranitar I battled not long ago. Maybe he just had battled against the sixth or seventh gym to be that powerful; Lastly, Violet had a Kirlia and a Staravia, both could easily steamroll this gym.

We walked in. The gym wasn't any different from the last ones. A simple battleground as always, but now themed around fighting types, which means it was painted brown. Chuck stood on one side, sitting on the ground with his back to us and probably meditating. His two pokemon stood beside him, now looking at us. Both were bipedal and round pokemon. One had the body covered in whitish, shaggy fur. There was a stress mark on the left side of its forehead, and it had triangular ears with pink insides and a pink, snout-like nose. Its arms and legs were brown and had metal shackles on the wrists and ankles. The hands had no visible fingers, and resembled boxing gloves, and the feet had only two toes. That was the Primeape; Poliwrath had two muscular arms. It had bulbous eyes that protrude from the top of its head. Its belly was covered by a white and black swirl. There appear to be white gloves on its hands, and it has rounded, digit-less feet.

“I will go first” Violet went forward before any of us could do anything. I thought that was strange because she never offered to go first. I always thought her lack of knowledge for this place dragged her down a bit.

She went close to Chuck and the two pokemon walked forward, near violet. The battle just started, and Chuck hasn't even bothered to look back.

She walked back to me and Blackburn, who both stood with mouths open, and she was wearing a smug smile. Her Kirlia had just single-handedly one-hit KO'd both of Chuck's pokemon. I only saw two pokemon flying, one to each side, one hitting the wall and sliding it down until it laid on the ground. The other went all the way bouncing every two meters, and it went on a long way.

That had to hurt. Hurt bad.

“Your turn boys.” She said passing by us. She headed out of the gym. “I'll be waiting by the beach, catch up with you guys in a few minutes.”

Both me and Blackburn nodded and answered. “Yes, ma'am.” Blackburn said. “Sure thing.” I said. Meanwhile, both of the pokemon that just took a train to Celestia's heaven and back got up and walked back to Chuck's side, cleaning the dust and checking for scratches on the way. I looked at Black, he looks at me, and then he rolled his eyes. He went first.

“If I ever wanted a recording of the most awesome moment in this game...” Blackburn commented with me. “This would be it.” Then he jumped at his big, orange dragon he just got out of an evolution. His very own and "real" Charizard.

It was my turn now. Blackburn said “Cheerio” and went to be with Violet, leaving me alone in here with my Chuck and his pokemon. I have only now realized how their faces scared the living soul out of me. Angry expression-less eyes and no mouth. I even wondered if they could eat, and if so, what did they eat.

I shook my head and stopped that train of thoughts before I ended up with nightmares and so fucking with Luna's life. I used my magic and dragged one pokeball out, Scout's pokeball. I let him out, and right away he decided to have a loop around and perfectly and on my back, carefull not to have his talons hurt me. I had to admit he was a majestic little bird.

“Hey, you ready to get even more pumped up?” I asked.

“If you mean turning bigger and stronger, you betcha.” Scout replied with determination.

“Then go, for it!” I replied and pointed my hoof in Chuck's direction.

Chuck has been sitting there, his back to us all this time. He hasn't even bothered looking back for an instant, all he did was sit through the last two battles.

Scout started to fly his way to the battlefield. The Poliwrath jumped on his stance, ready to attack, and from what I've seen in the last two battles, he definitely wasn't faster than Scout.

“Scout! Use -” I was about to command Scout when I was interrupted by Chuck.

“I have heard of your many achievements boy” Chuck said and got on his four hooves. “You do seem to love the spotlight they give you on the news. You are not someone to be underestimated, and I have been looking forward to battling you for a while now.”

“Aaah, bollocks.” I sighed. This was getting old.

“Scout, use Wing Attack!”

Scout wings flapped fast, making two small tornadoes of which flew over to the Primeape and sending him flying once again for the third time. This battle was over in two turns since Scout's speed was over theirs. The now Pidgeot pokemon flew back and landed on my back, a smug smile in his face.

“Boo! I thought this was going to be different when you said you have been waiting for this.” I taunted. It wasn't usual of me, but this really deserved a good taunt. “This was over before I could even ask my friends to get me a drink while I battled you. Shame!”

I took my badge, by force, from Chuck as he stood there with a surprised expression and a sad dog look in his face. I walked out off the gym, and like that, I had just beat one a gym that offered no challenge at all, in no time at all.

“So long, wanker!” I taunted him again from the door. “Next time bring a rock type!”

This was a next level of needed humiliation I have never felt before. The fact that everyone was judging me for something they read on a biased newsletter was bugging me.

I had Scout go back to his pokeball and started to head over to my friends, who waited by the beach, eating some food they just ordered, when I was stopped by a pony wearing a suit and a hat. He reminded me of those detectives from movies due to his white coat and serious face.

“Excuse me, Atlas, I was asked to hand this over to you right after you defeated Chuck.” He searched his suit for something and moments later handed me a pokeball and a note. “Have a nice day.”

The pony walked away and I stood there looking at the stuff he just handed “Thanks, I guess...?” I looked up and the pony wasn't anywhere to be seem. Where had he gone to?. On the other hoof, I also wondered if this was another thing I would have to keep, just like the present that was given to me from Drake. Only, this time, I was allowed to open it. I continued to walk to my friends while I stored the pokeball and opened the letter. It said:

"Dear Atlas,

"This is Jane and if you received this, you should have a pokeball with you. Within that pokeball, holds a Espeon, one of my pokemon, and I'd like to get it back. I gave it to you for now as a demonstration of trust. I trust you will not leave me hanging on this one, as you still own me thirty thousand bits for that remedy. I'll be waiting for you near the city, far north of the city, sitting in a campfire all by myself, and I trust you will stay for the night. I have something to discuss with you after all that might be worth your while.

"I'll be waiting, Jane.

"P.S.: You can tell your friends you will be meeting with me, but please come alone tonight."

“Hm... That's new.” I commented out loud.

“What's it Atlas?” Violet asked me. I looked up and realized I walked all the way to my friends' table. “What's that letter?”

“I just got a letter from Jane telling me to stay and meet her tonight here at the beach. I'm not sure about this though.” I showed them the pokeball. “She gave me this too, as a sing of trust that she is not planning anything wrong, I guess.”

“Sounds like a date to me.” Blackburn giggled. “I for once think we should go, she seems like a nice gal.” Then he turned to Violet. “You're still better, love.”

Violet rolled her eyes and smiled.

“She says I must go alone...” I added.

Blackburn instantly bursted into laughter. “Now that is definitely a date!” He commented. “I guess that after Luna decided it was for the best you did not date her, you just went for another, ehh big boy?”

“Blackburn, shush.” Violet interrupted. “Will you go Atlas?”

“Me and Luna are just friends, and besides, I'd ruin her schedule when it comes to helping rule a kingdom along her sister and the other princesses. I'm just there to help her as a friend. Also, how can you be so sure Jane likes me?” I told Blackburn without even paying attention to Violet. “And yes, I'll go.”

“Well, first of all, she felt really embarrassed when you didn't turn out to be the fearless badass psycho she thought you were. Second, she still agreed to pay for your medicine. Anyways, if you need us, me and Violet will be nearby. I guess we will have to keep around town and see how it goes.” Blackburn commented, back on his normal self. “Also because the inn's full.”

I walked with Pulse a few meters away from where my group and I would set camp.

“Alright Pulse, I will need your help with this.” I was alone with Pulse. It was a while before the sunset and I wanted to check on Jane's Espeon before what Blackburn called "our date".

“Now, what do I have to do with all this?” Pulse asked me.

“I know for a fact you met an Espeon before and that both of you evolve from the same thing.” I explained. He looked at me, unamused “I don't know, you're my best shot.”

“Alright, but I don't guarantee anything.”

“Aw come on, we are just going to say hello!” I insisted that he tried harder than that.

“Fine...” Persuasion attempt successful.

I floated the pokeball in front of me and pressed the button to activate it. The ball opened and the Espeon got out. It looked around, then turned to around to see us, only to be startled to see we are not her trainer. Pulse also jumped back a little.

“Daylight?!” Pulse talked with the Espeon.

“Pulse?!” The Espeon replied. These two knew each other, and if I recall correctly, Daylight is the Espeon Pulse met at the daycare

Pulse straightened himself. “Uh... Sunny, this is Atlas, my trainer. Atlas, this is Daylight.”

She did the same as Pulse, as she felt safer, or at least I think she did, near Pulse. “You may also call me Sunny. I'm sorry, I didn't know where I was so for an instant I got startled. Where is Jane?”

“Jane?” Pulse asked.

“It's her trainer.” I replied. “I'm going to meet her tonight and hand you back to her. I just thought it would be better to check on you before that.”

“But why am I with you guys? Not that it is a problem,” She winked at Pulse. Ah, great. I was now the third wheel for two couples. “I just don't get it.”

“Eh.. It's an strange story, and I can't make sense of it too. I only know that I think I own something to her and she told me to meet her tonight, and while I could have just left the island, I don't really want to be known as a pokemon thief.” I could have added that I already had too much infamy on my back.

“Jane and her crazy plans. I should have guessed it.” Sunny looked around. “It's strange, I don't feel connected to her in any way, it wasn't like that a while ago. Anyway, thanks for the heads up.”

“You don't think that she... y'know...”

“Nah, not her with the team she has. She is a skilled competitor and she knows her way around, or that is what she tells us. She is a very experienced overall gamer, whatever that is, so.” Sunny replied. “If it's any indication that she is still around, it's that I'm still here, and as far as I know, as long as that pokeball is my home, I'm not released.”

“Makes sense. I'm still going to be around here for a while before meeting with Jane. Do you want to wait in the pokeball?” I asked.

“Nah, I think me and Sunny have a lot to catch up to, Atlas. We will be fine over here.” Pulse replied to the question that wasn't even to him.

“Well, okay.” I said turning back to the under construction camp. “When night falls, come back to me and we will leave.”

They nodded and I started walking away. Isn't it funny how love is everywhere but with me?

The sun had gone down and the stars started to come out. Pulse and Sunny were back to their pokeballs and I was ready to leave my camp and go meet with Jane. I only felt a strange sensation on my stomach. Could be one of my many bad feelings about things, or the same thing I felt when talking to Luna. Just that this time I didn't know the mare at all. Luna, as the princess, I had studied about her in school and knew a few things about her, but Jane, she ran away from me after knowing my name. Something told me strange things would be happening tonight. It just was one of those days.

“Alright guys, I'll be leaving. I should be back soon, I think.” I waved a hoof to my friends.

“Okay, have a great time Atlas.” Said Violet.

“Don't forget to be safe.” Blackburn laughed, his quotes always had at least two meanings. Phrasing.

I followed the beach, the water to my right, for about ten or fifteen minutes before seeing a small campfire on the distance. There was only a pony sitting around the fire, so I guessed it had to be Jane.

I approached the fire to see I was right. the yellow earth pony mare, with her long, beautiful, dark blue mane. I even felt myself blushing for that thought, and realized that I would let Blackburn's comments take over my head very, very easily. I straighten up and kept walking, a clear mind this time, not making any assumptions before actually meeting Jane.

“Jane?” I called for her attention as I arrived.

“Atlas, you actually came to see me!” She sounded excited. “I was starting to think you weren't coming.”

I took the pokeball she gave me early and handed it to her. “I always keep my word, even if I haven't given any.” I smiled.

“Look, I'm sorry for the way I acted back at the pokeathlon by running off like that.” She apologized, looking away in shame. “I guess I had a totally different opinion about you back then... Also, sorry for kinda forcing you to come here tonight.”

“Well, I thought it was a strange way to ask me to a date-” I realized. “I-I mean, not a date, but more like a encounter, right?” I always fuck it up, don't I?

She sat again. “You think this is a date?” Then bursted into a short laughter, but I could see her blushing very lightly. “I-I wouldn't a-ask you on a date like this” She sounded like she had a broken voice now. “Ahem.” Now, this was awkward to a whole new level.

“Anyways, how can I help you?” It took me a while to say that, the silence was just killing me.

“I wanted to tell you I'm really sorry for the way I acted on our first... encounter. Running away like that wasn't nice of me.” She said.

“Ah, it's all right. Violet and Blackburn told me about that. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if other ponies ran from me after what I did on the middle of that storm.” I told her. She smiled softly back at me (damn Blackburn and what he calls " his Black magic", puns intended). “I think it's me that should be thanking you for paying for that medicine. by the way, how did you manage to keep that much money?”

“Saving for not having to buy that much food for myself and my team, not having to buy one of that super expensive gadgets like you, battling a ton of other competitors and winning, and gambling on the game houses. Yeah, mainly battles and gambling.” She laughed. “I'm joking about the gambling. Now, you don't seem to have seen your fair share of competitor battles on your journey so far. Never wondered why?”

“Wow, you know your shit.” I laughed with her. “If you are that good, why did I never see you on these competitions before?”

“Hey, dude, I'm a professional. This is what I'm good at, and I'm playing to win something out of it, even if it's my first try.” She sounded much more fun than the pony Violet and Blackburn had described. She sounded more relaxed and not as formal as her description. I guess trust changes formality.

“Playing games for a living, must be more exciting than depending on musical shows.” I commented, almost challenging her to start a discussion on who had the most awesome cutie mark.

“Hey, music doesn't sound so bad.”

“Yeah, it's not bad at all, but I kinda love playing games much more than I do playing a piano.” I replied.

“Ah, the pony with the wrong talent for a cutie mark.” She frowned as a joke and said sounding sarcastic: “How sad.”

“Hey, I never complained about it.” I rolled my eyes. “It is actually quite fun playing an instrument.”

“A piano huh?” She looked at me doubtfully. “How do you playing a instrument like that with hooves.”

“Well, you just play it. After a while you get used to it and learn how to play only a note at the time. A chord is another thing, which I don't know how most other pianists do it.” I pointed at my horn with my hoof. “I just let it do all the job. The hard part is concentrating enough to read and play with magic at the same time, but I manage it.” I put on a smug smile.

“And what is a pianist doing in Johto?” She asked. “Shouldn't you be playing everywhere to make a living?”

“I was just got done with school. My life as an adult will start only when I'm out of here.” The sense of responsibility for myself suddenly hit me as I remembered about the death of my father, but I held it in. “Enough about me, tell me how fun it is to travel the world competing in game tournaments.”

“It is as you would imagine. I get sponsored by a diversity of people, they give me money, and I try to win. The more time I stay in the game, the more they pay me for product placement and they also pay me some good hotels. I guess we are similar in some points, at least we can be once you start your career.” She explained it with a basic level of detail, but I felt her holding her excitement in so I don't get lost in some of it. “But I'm not on work right now. I'm competing here for some extra money, other than fun of course, and because I never tried a Virtual Reality World before.”

Her eyes widened. “I've got an idea. When you start playing, you will reserve a sit all for me, all right? I still don't have my head all wrapped around that magic piano thing.”

“I'll have a seat on the front row reserved just for you.” I promised. “Hell, I will even let you watch me practicing if you want. Nobody has ever wanted to watch me, other than my... parents...”

“Atlas, are you okay?”

“I'm fine, it's just memories.” I smiled lightly, gladly thanking her for caring.

We stayed in silence for a while. Both of us were staring endlessly to the dark, starry sky only by the noise the wood made while it burned.

“Hey Atlas, sorry for being this excited. I'm usually more formal in these "first encounter" things, I believe your friends did not comment on that.” She broke the ice.

“Oh, they did.” I said. “At first it was unexpected, but it was fun. We could get some laughs out of this and also get to know each other better, you know?” I said. “Also, this is technically our "second encounter".”

“Yeah, I do.” She replied. “I have been thinking... You guys wouldn't have a fourth slot that is currently unoccupied on your travelling group, would you?”

“You are kidding me right?!” I was surprised. “I mean, sure you can travel with us. I- We would love it!” I was making a decision for my group without even having them know it. “But I thought you were going alone in this so you could win, why would you travel with us?”

“I don't have any friends outside of this world, and even in here, my only friends are my pokemon.” She explained. “I got some fans, but they are nothing more than that. Maybe with you guys I could learn to value something more than an extra few bits, even if that means three friends.” She looked thoughtful. “So can I come with you guys?”

“Sure. I bet Pulse would like you to come with us.” He wasn't the only one who would like that. Why did I have to fall in love with every mare that gives me a little bit o attention?

“Pulse?” She asked.

“My Umbreon.” I told her. She was still confused. “You do know my Umbreon and your Espeon are... dating, right?”

She laughed. “Now I'll be third wheeling for two couples, eh?”

“Trust me there sister, you won't be alone in that aspect.” I rolled my eyes.

“Must be quite frustrating to have people in love near you, specially when you are all going in a journey together, am I right?” She asked me. I think I could see her blushing a little, but I wasn't quite sure since the fire was low and dying.

“Yeah, but you grow used to-” I was interrupted by someone screaming my name over the distance. It sound like Blackburn. “You hear that?”

“Yeah... I think I do.”

We both stopped to try and hear it. It was definitely getting closer to us. Although, I heard the sound of more than just four hooves galloping at the time. It could only be Blackburn and Violet.

Jane and I waited in silence, the ponies coming in our direction kept calling my name, but this time I could easily distinguish Blackburn's voice. “Blackburn? Violet?” I screamed back to them. Jane kept sitting in the camp fire, curious about this whole situation.

Minutes later, Blackburn and Violet got near enough so I could see them with the light the campfire provided me. Both of them stopped in front of me and paused, panting as they probably galloped for a while.

“Black, what is the matter?” I asked him. He lifted his hoof, as if asking for a moment to catch his breath. “Come on, just tell me what's wrong.”

He shook his hoof. I noticed it was the hoof that held the Pokewalker. I took a close look at it, and it seemed that Blackburn had the "news" section open. “They are changing the rules. Something big is about to happen.” He grabbed my hoof and opened the news feed on my Pokewalker. “There, read it yourself.” He then sat down and continued panting.

I started reading it out loud. “To all competitors, we inform you that, by midnight of the date this is being published, there will be changes to the safety policy of the tournament. By midnight, competitors will be allowed to have battles with each other at any moment, including nighttime-” Oh fuck.  “- And now there will be other safe zones on buildings other than the Pokemon Center and Pokemon Market, of these include: Gyms, the trading outposts, and areas too small for battles. These changes are being applied due to a decision from the development team after a discussion of the latest events and to also help reduce the number of competitors for a more tight final phase in the future.”

“You see what I mean now?” Blackburn asked me. “It's only ten minutes until midnight, and having you two alone by yourselves here got me worried. We should have seen that news earlier.” He explained. “We are sorry to ruin the moment for the two of you, but this is serious and I'm worried we have to get inside somewhere soon.”

“The moment? Wait what?” I asked confused. “Now hang on Blackburn, I think you are just getting over the top now. I don't think anpony would just attack the pony on their side in the middle of the night.”

“Well, I wouldn't like to be at that full inn right now and wait for our door to break open!” He was agitated. “And neither do I want to go there watch it.”

“Now, now, it says that rooms too small for battling wouldn't be allowed. I don't think that the inn's rooms are that big.” Jane added. “I have never been in one of those expensive inns, yes, but still.”

“I have had my Nidoking fit just fine inside of one, along with a bunch of other pokemon and enough space for everyone and some more.” I replied. “I don't doubt battles could be had inside of one of those rooms.”

“Guys, there is no point in just standing here discussing.” Violet had finally caught her breath. “We need to move so we don't get to know the answers for such questions this soon. And we really need to move. Now.”

“Well, There is a house not so far north from here and there is a cave west from there that leads to Route 47 and 48.” Jane said. “You guys can pick where we can spend the rest of the night at.”

I looked at my friends, then looked back at Jane, and looked back at my friends again. Violet and Blackburn had obviously went with the most comfortable one, that being obviously the house. I was fine with either one, I have slept on both ground and cloth, bed and rock.

“The house it is then.” Blackburn said. “We should get going.”

Blackburn and Violet took the lead, while me and Jane followed silently right behind them.

Moments later, I could hear the sound of an explosion on the distance, more likely in town.

Celestia save us all. Janus said inside of my head.

The house had finally found the house Jane told us about. It was a quiet house, but strangely distanced from town. When we got in, it was full of furniture, just like any other house in the game, but nopony seemed to be in it. It definitely wasn't abandoned, but it was empty. “Remember, lights out, we don't want to attract any attention.” I reminded everyone

“I had scouted ahead during this afternoon, just to pass sometime before my meeting with Atlas.” Jane commented. “Caught some pokemon and headed back. These two routes aren't that big, so it shouldn't take much time to explore it, and I definitely recommend us to go there tomorrow.”

“Us?” Blackburn asked curiously.

“Yeah... I invited Jane to join us.” I told him. “I hope you guys don't mind it.”

“Oh no, that isn't a problem.” Violet said. “I specially think that this is a great opportunity. You have a mission to defeat Freddie after all, haven't you Atlas? Any help we can get is good.”

“Wait, you are going after Freddie? Freddie, like, the pony that is creating an army?”

“Eeeyup, that one.” I said. “I think I forgot to mention it.”

“You are definitely more crazy than I thought.” Jane had no expression. “That is nearly impossible, considering how many trainers he already has.”

“Well, you could always keep going on yourself. I won't be forcing you to help us.” I explained. “I mean, I'm the one with the mission. Blackburn and Violet doesn't need to follow along either. It was their choice to help me.”

“Hey, I never said I was quitting.” Jane replied. “This seems like a challenge, and I'm all in for it. The elite four is way more easier than them an army, and besides, it was about time something like that came up.”

Suddenly, the room lights went on. An old mare stood by the doorframe and seemed very pleased for some reason

“Visitors!” She sounded excited about it. “It's been a while since I received any visits from travelers like you, specially at this time of the night.”

“Oh, we are sorry ma'am, We didn't know someone was here. We just wanted a place to stay for the night!” Blackburn tried to explain ourselves.

“Oh, that is quite alright sweetie. I heard that something dangerous was going to happen tonight.” The old mare avoided my friend's excuses. “Y'all must be quite frightened and anxious, but y'all shouldn't worry. I don't think anyone would be coming this far at this time of the night.”

She invited us over to the kitchen, and we all gladly accepted the invite, not only because she seemed like a nice pony, but because I was a little hungry. Blackburn seemed much more calm by the presence of the mare and so did the rest of my group. The tension we were through moments ago had just ended.

My group and I sat on a table, while the old mare served us some cake using some magic. Only now I had noticed the lady was an unicorn.

“Would y'all like to hear about story?” The mare asked. “Well, more like a legend, but would y'all?”

I saw my friends gladly accepting the invite, and I followed. I wondered what tale the old mare could tell us.

“Did any of y'all happen to hear about the pokemon that slumbers deep down at the bottom of the sea, the legend called Lugia?” She started. “Legend says that a long time ago, Lugia would control the seas, helping sailors on their travels so they wouldn't go through much trouble in the middle of big storms, and in return, the region of Johto would praise him, along with the rainbow bird, Ho-oh.”

“Big storms huh? Where was Lugia yesterday when I needed him in that storm?”

“The Guardian of the Seas, Lugia, and the Guardian of the Skies, Ho-oh where the two pokemon the region of Johto praised, and both of them loved the sound the bells at Whirlpool Islands and the Bell Tower made. But, as time passed, the Bell Tower was burned to the ground, and Lugia disappeared, and allowing the raging storms to take the bells down to the sea. As time passed, their story become legend, and from legend to myth. Some believe Lugia can still be found on the depths of the Whirlpool Islands, but the explorers that went there can say that there is nothing down there or that the layout is too confusing for anyone, and anyone that went there could get stuck for days.”

“You folk arrived in a good time. I believed that the storm that raged yesterday might just be the one to wake such creature up, or at least the rains will help bring rainbows to the region, making the return of Ho-oh.” The mare finally finished her story. “I think it's kinda late, you lads should get some rest for your journey tomorrow.”

I looked at my friends and they all seemed to agree with the idea. I was very tired too. The mare took us to a room in the house. It only had two big beds. “I'm sorry y'all, but that is all I have available.”

“Oh well.” I said out loud.

We were now in an awkward position. Blackburn and Violet would obviously take on bed just for them, leaving me and Jane on the other one, but considering the state of awkwardness we were in, I don't think I was ready for this. The kind mare had already gone to sleep again, and I wasn't the one to go disturb her.

“Black, you and Violet will take one bed, yeah?” I asked, just to make sure.

“Seems like it, I guess.” He replied, and thanks Celestia he wasn't joking just to make things more hard for us. “I mean, only if Violet agrees.”

“Considering our only way is to share them, I don't see why not.” Violet said. It was set then. Blackburn and Violet in one bed.

“Well, in that case, Jane, you want to share the last bed?” I asked her, except that for me that sounded way too much awkward. “I mean, it's okay if you don't, I can just sleep on the ground or something.”

“Well, uh...” She was nervous too. “You could the bed for yourself too, I don't mind sleeping in the ground. I mean, I have been doing it all this time.”

I heard Blackburn whisper to Violet behind me. “These two are so cute together.” and then the two of them giggled. Hopefully, Jane didn't hear that.

“Well...” I was out of words. “I think it's better if you take it. I can stay out guard tonight, anypony could always get here and want to battle us.” It was the only thing I could think of.

She was out of words too for the first moments. “Yeah... you go do that. Thanks for taking one for the team and all” she said, followed by a very nervous laugh.

“Well, in that case, good night everypony.” I then rushed out of the door and headed outside. I was going to stand guard there. Once I was out, I started speaking to myself.

“Okay, just how awkward was that for the two of us? I mean, I'm not even sure I like her, and I'm not even sure she likes me.” I lit up my horn to get myself some light. “Ah, never mind, I should worry about that later.”

I was sitting by myself, watching the night sky, when the house's door opened and Blackburn came out. He sat near me and said: “Thought maybe you could use some company.”

“It's nice from you to think that, but I think you should get some sleep.” I replied.

“And so should you.” He said. “After you left moments ago, Jane got really guilty since she kinda forced you to leave and-”

“She didn't force me to leave, I chose to leave myself.” I interrupted.

“Right.” He continued. “and decided to ask if she could share the bed with Violet instead, so you and me shared the other one. That is, in case you accept to share a bed with me.”

“Aw, come on.” I said. “We have shared beds before when we went in our little non-gaming adventures.”

“So what do you say?” He asked me. I did not respond, unsure if I really wanted it. “Atlas, come on, I can see there is something wrong.”

“I don't know, it's something about Jane.” I said. “I can't remember anyone getting me without words on moments that seem so natural. I mean, I was just fine before you two came a long, now neither of us can say shit.”

“You guys are just nervous because you might think we are messing it up.” He replied. “It's natural because you're afraid of what we will think.”

“It's not only that, I'm afraid to actually ask her out, that is, if I really love her, and she actually say no.”

“Aw, come on!” He laughed. “You're gonna tell me you can't she that she like you the same way? I mean, I don't know how she acted with you when you were alone, but she is acting just like you.”

“Yeah, I can see that, kinda.” I said. “It's just that... I don't think we are ready. It's too soon and I'm impatient.”

“Just relax, take a breath.”

“It's just that a lot of things are happening lately.” I started playing with the sand. “Got rejected by Luna, as expected; my father died; I got no idea where Freddie might be and what might happen soon. I'm currently emotionally unstable, and I don't think Jane is ready to make that decision if she really likes me.”

“So you're scared of the "no"?” Blackburn asked me, summing up everything.

“Yes!” I yelled a little bit. “Sorry. Yes, I'm afraid of the no. If anything able to get me even more emotionally confused such as that "no" happens, I will definitely go insane.”

“Hey, hey, buddy, calm down.” Blackburn tried to comfort me. “You're under a lot of stress, so jut relax. Jane will be travelling with us now. You will have a lot of time to get used to her near other people. Now come on, you need to get some sleep too.”

He got up and started to leave. He went through the door and waited for me on the other side. I got up, but as I was about to walk through the door, I heard a thunder far off, very far way, but probably coming this way. “Yup, maybe I should.” And maybe you should take care of this storm Lugia.

I slowly opened my eyes, my eyes focusing on the beauty of a background I have been so familiar in my dreams. It never gets old.

I've become quite used to this scenery that I don't even have to ask myself if I'm dreaming. Of course I'd just keep laying here until Luna arrived, and she would do that in her own time. After all, time passes differently when you're asleep.

Luna descended from the beautifully lit stars and landed in front of me. She immediately took her usual spot and sat right by my side.

“Good Night Atlas, it's good to see you tonight.” Luna calmly said.

“Night Luna.” I replied. “How's been your day?”

“Quite normal, and boring if you can say that.” Luna said. “On the other side, I could see you had a quite unusual day, am I right?”

“Sort of.”

“Sort of?” Luna asked, sarcastically. “I could see you made a, let's say, a new "friend", huh?” She smirked at me.

“Okay, yeah, I met this mare, big deal.” I replied. “Her name is Jane, and we are just friends, alright?”

“Friends, riiiiight” She replied.

“I can't believe you caught the same disease as Blackburn.” I facehoofed. “Okay, I might like her, to some extent, but I'm not even sure yet.” I replied. “You're making this conversation quite awkward, y'know?”

“Yes, I know. I'm sorry.” She apologized, sounding a little... shy?

“You're not going to tell me you're jealous,” I asked. “Are you?”

“Well, it just feels somewhat weird.” She started explaining. “It's just that I feel happy for you that you found somepony this fast after I refused your... invitation. I thought you would be feeling a little down because of it.”

“Oh, so it's that.” I blushed. “Luna, I thought you would be jealous because I made it seem I just moved on from you.” I said. “I was kinda worried you wouldn't visit me here anymore.”

“Why would I do that?” She asked. “After all, you're one of my only friends, and one of the best I could ask for.”

Silence followed for a few seconds that felt like an eternity. It was awkward.

“So you are not mad that I like Jane a little?” I asked.

“I don't see a reason for that, I'm even quite happy for you.” Luna said. “I just hope I can meet with the lucky mare one of those days.”

“Well, if it turns out to be something first.” I replied.

Moments later, Luna got up again, ready to fly back to her portal in the sky (an Stargate, if you will). “I'll be leaving now Atlas, it was a pleasant, and awkward, night.” Luna said. “Time really flies when you are in a dream.”

“It sure does.” I replied. “Again, sorry for this awkward night.”

“We talked about an awkward theme to be talked, why wouldn't this be awkward?” She replied with a question.

I smiled. “Yeah, that's true. I'll see you another night Luna.”

“Until next time, Atlas.”

Morning had come, everything was wet from last night's storm, but the sun was out and so me and my crew were up already, ready to leave. It didn't take us 10 minutes to walk out and go through the cave near the beach, right by where we were staying for the night. Route 47 and 48 were just after this empty cave. After we got out, Route 47 wasn't much other than a small islands connected by some bridges. They were open to the sea, so I hoped to go swimming, maybe find a water pokemon and move on to Route 48. We were going to spend the day here and would only go back to Olivine City through flight, now that we were able to fly. Blackburn never been so happy to be free to fly again, and now to fly alongside his Charizard. I would take the day to train the new pokemon I found and train Aurora as well.

We crossed a few bridges and had just finished walking up some exhausting stairs that led up a waterfall. I took a look around and we were back into a forest area, with a river that led to the sea right by us. There were patches of grass here and there, and I had high hopes for what I could find in one of those. As this route was highly option and brought no benefits at all, I didn't have to worry about anyone that could pose as a threat for us. There were the normal trainers, but they weren't other competitors that could surprise us and possibly wipe us out.

“Hey guys, What you all say about taking a small break for a swim?” I asked, excited to search for a Water-type.

“We were on the beach moments ago, for Celestia's sake Atlas.” Blackburn grunted.

“Aw come on Black,” Violet sided with me. “There is nothing wrong with a small pause. Besides, this water shouldn't be salty like the beach's.”

“Well, I'm all up for it.” Jane said. “I'm a little sleepy after all. Some fresh water should help me.” She then added: “And for the record, you guys wake way too early in the morning.”

“We just don't want to burn daylight.” Blackburn explained. “We want to stay ahead.”

“Ahead?” Jane laughed. “You might be ahead most of the competitors, but the good ones are all ahead of us.”

“Then how do you explain the fact that you're here with us?” Violet asked, trying to counter Jane.

“If it's not clear enough, I like to wake up late in the afternoon.” Jane explained. “I might be this "professional-highly-trained-player", but I'm still the lazy pony I always been.”

“Is Freddie one of those people ahead of us?” I asked. Jane nodded.

“I heard rumors that he barely stops, just so he can stay ahead and recruit more members that are behind him. I don't even know how can he be that fast.” Jane said. “Well, enough talking, I'm jumping in.”

Jane went for a running start. She galloped until near the water and jumped, going for a cannonball. Water went flying until near us.

“I'm next!” Violet went right behind her. She ran and took a direct dive into the water.

I began thinking about years ago, about some pool party I wanted to go but was never invited to. It isn't a big deal for me now, but back then, it mean being excluded. I have never been the most popular, but I wasn't exactly lonely too. I had my group of friends that I talked to sometimes, like the guys over the Music Club, the Geeks, and I was somewhat friends with everyone. I had no enemies, other than Freddie and his gang, and I always stayed out of fights. Being friendly isn't always what ponies usually look for someone one, more like their reliability or the things they share in common. Well, that was about it. About the pool party, Blackburn and I invited some of our friends and made a small party for ourselves. It turns out that the geeks, musicians and shooters (on Blackburn's end. We also shared the geek group of friends) all enjoy playing FPS games while listening to music.

Anyways, I was looking too much back into my other reality. “Blackburn, aren't you going to jump?” I asked.

“No.” He sounded grumpy.

“What got you so grumpy, huh?” I asked.

“I just think we are wasting time being here.” He explained. “There is no need to be here. We could be battling the Steel gym right now.”

“Ah, stop with that. Look who is worrying too much now.” I said. “Come on, let's go for a swim.”

I turned my back to him and started walking to the water when I heard him sitting. “Well, I'm not going.” He removed his saddlebags and laid his head on them.

I rolled my eyes and said: “I don't think you have an option.” I smirked. I wrapped his body in magic and levitated him, floating him by my side.

“Whoa, put me down Atlas.” He was starting to laugh, nervously. Jane and Violet were both holding their laughs. I stopped right by the water and dropped him in. “Hey!” He alerted me, but it was too late since he went underwater, making a loud splash. Violet, Jane and I all laughed. When Blackburn got back, he looked mad. Then he smiled. “So this is how you want to play?” He then grabbed my hoof and pulled me to the water. I wasn't ready.

“Whoa!” I screamed before going underwater. When I emerged, I was already laughing from my karma, and so were my friends. “Oh, now you're taking the piss out of me, I see how it is.”

“And you just got back to the language you used before you turned into a cheeky musician, 'ye bloody wanker'” Blackburn made fun of my rarely used English slang of the not-so-rich of Canterlot. Since I turned into a musician, I learned to talk like one of those high class ponies, as I would probably play for them, but I can't help but let some of those words I wasn't supposed to say escape sometimes. This time, it was an uncommon and very recognizable one.

“Oh, bugger off.” I replied, used the language me and Blackburn were so used to. And so, our playfulness went on for Celestia knows how long. And it was quite enjoyable.

After we were done swimming, we decided to head deeper in the route.