With Friends Like These...

    It always rained in the Everfree forest. Most anthros would run away from this area of Equestria, but not one particular king. This was his home. Where he was banished, and found his own family. Sombra grinned in content before turning back to his partners, who waited for their leader to give orders.

      Discord was probably the oddest of them all. With mismatched animal parts, and a sense of humor that could make mares cry, he became a valuable member to their plans. He was cunning, sneaky, and very clever. Chrysalis, on the other hoof, was more serious than him. She would always groan whenever a joke was said, wanting to get right down to business. She had a bug-like aurora about her, something that Sombra found quite attractive. There were two other admins, but they were inside working on a project of their own. They were all just a group of misfits, bound together by world domination. Only time will tell if they could really please their leader.

   "Ugh! How long could she possibly take?" The draconquues muttered, slapping his head. Chrysalis raised her eyebrow and kicked him.

    "Our master has other duties, you nitwit. Stop your whining and stand guard."

  "I am the Lord of Chaos! I do NOT SIT AND DO NOTHING!" He roared at her, taking out a pokeball from his pocket.

    The changeling scoffed at him, leaning against a dead tree. "Former Lord of Chaos, mind you. Now we serve under her Greatness. I suggest you think twice about sending your beloved Pokemon against me."

   Sombra rolled his eyes, shushing the two. "Is all you admins do fight? Remember the last time we nearly destroyed the hideout in Appleloosa?" He nodded over to their new head-quarters. "Look alive, I think she's coming."

  And he was right. The door revealed a beautiful woman; whose skin was as black as night and her hair the embodiment of shadows. She wore a silky navy blue dress that hung down to her knees, her shoes matching. She had a horn and wings on her body as well. She bore a pleased expression on her cold face, regarding her followers with a nod. "I have figured out something I know you three would enjoy. Rumor has it that Arceus, the legendary God Pokemon, has been sighted here in Equestria. We need it to gain complete control of the region, as nobody would ever want to face off against it and defy us. However, it would be a very difficult catch, and we need time to prepare and create HQ’s. Your first task is to go to the Everfree Forest, and gather intelligence from there, in order to build what I have in mind—something that we’ll discuss at our next meeting. Do you think you can accomplish this task? For if you fail, my other colleges would be more than happy to pick up the pieces."

     Sombra immediately bowed down to her, and the others copied.  "Yes, master. We'll do what we’re told.”

"Count on us to spread Chaos." Discord grinned, snapping his fingers to reveal a pink cloud. Chrysalis shook her head. Grabbing the admin’s arm, Discord had skipped into the forest.

     The mysterious woman nodded, and held her gaze on the former king. “Hnhnhn,” She smiled, raising her eyebrow curiously. “Keep an eye on those two, will you? They are valuable to my plans, and somebody has to keep them in a straight line.”

   Sombra rolled his eyes but he agreed. “Of course. I do that every day—shouldn’t be too difficult.” Nightmare had an amused look in her eyes, but eventually she turned, and he was staring at the wooden door.

******

     Trinity refused to wake up at the sound Starly made, flying overhead. She merely groaned and rolled back to the other side.

"Star! Star!"

"Ugh... Starly, leave me alone." She mumbled, swatting at the Bird Pokemon.

    "STARLY!" He began to wail, hoping that Trinity would get the message that something was up. She gasped and smelled the smoke coming from the kitchen downstairs. In only a few seconds, she got dressed, hair a frantic mess as she tried to take out the fire. Mom probably forgot to turn it off again... She thought with a frown, scrunching her nose in disgust. Well, I'm not eating that.

She decided to go with a muffin the local delivery girl always left, and looked through her saddlebag on the counter. Professor Celestia, her hometown’s favorite evolutionist, had wrote to her saying that everything was ready for her journey. She had been more than excited to hear that, since she'd longed to have a partner for the first time. Starly didn't exactly count.

    With a determined expression, Trinity slipped her saddlebag over her shoulder, aiming for the door. She almost left when her mother stopped her, giving her a drunken smile."You're leaving so soon, sweetie? Why can't you stay?"

The anthro pegasus gave her a firm look. Her wings fluttered back and forth nervously. "M-mom, I told you, I'm going on a journey. I can't baby you anymore."

She frowned, while Starly hid her face in her wing. "Pity. I'm going to miss you."

   Trinity shook her head with her hand on the doorknob. "If I find you pregnant here when I win the Pokemon League, I'm disowning myself from you."

All she heard was laughter when she finally walked out into the fresh air.

   The short walk to the Professor's Lab seemed longer than usual. It didn't help that her local bullies wouldn't stop teasing her, while she just continued on. Trinity narrowed her eyes as she gripped onto the strap of her saddlebag, trying her best to ignore them.

    "Hey, where do you think you're going, looser? Running away?"

"Hah," Another chuckled, "She probably wants to abandon her psycho of a mother. At least we know where she gets her craziness from!"

   "I wouldn't be surprised," A familiar voice smirked, causing Trinity's shoulders to scrunch up. Oh no... not HER... "But as far as I know, she wouldn't last a day outside here. I’M gonna be the one to win the Pokemon league, and my Turtwig can whoop your ass any day.”

That last comment made Trinity snap, and turned to face her former friend. "What makes you so sure?"

Paige began to hold up her fingers, as if checking a list. "Well one: you're annoying, two: you have no sense of direction, three: you're a looser, and four: you're a bitc--!"

The bully didn't get to finish her sentence, for Trinity had punched her, sending her into the ground. Her hands were shaking as she took a few steps closer, glaring down at her. "Finish that word. Go on."

"Bitch."

From the corner of her eye, Trinity saw Professor Celestia by the doorway. She nodded, sending out her own Pokemon, which made a terrifying roar.

"Gahh! A Rhyperior!" One of the bullies screamed, waving his hands around before running for his life. Paige barely got away as she latched onto him, and the two disappeared down the block. Trinity smiled gratefully at the large Pokemon, who had quickly turned into a sneaky Zoura. He was Princess Celestia’s most prized capture, and was around ever since she was a kid.

"Haven't seen ya in a while, buddy. Thanks for that."

The professor smiled at the two and walked down the road to return her friend. "Sometimes I just don't know what to do with you." She sighed, eyeing Trinity with a sympathetic look. "Are you okay?"

Trinity flexed her shoulders, frowning. "...I guess. I'm used to them."

    "Right," Celestia clapped her hands together, knowing that this particular subject was something that couldn't be touched. She motioned over to the Lab. "So, we should move on now. I'm sure you're excited to finally meet your first Pokemon."

She nodded at this. "Yeah! You've been searching different eggs for months. I can't wait."

The professor chuckled and passed a smile to one of her co-workers, as they walked through the Lab. She finally stopped when they reached a door in the back room, and Celestia pushed it open. "I should formally welcome you. The world we live in is filled with creatures that we call Pokemon. Some people use them as pets. Others use them to battle. And others study them as a profession, like I do." She grinned and held out a pokeball, her beloved Zoura yipping in excitement on her shoulder. "This world sure is interesting, isn't it? So let this lead you to your dream and new adventures! I have complete faith you'll be able to pursue your dreams." She nodded over to a small desk, where many pokeballs were presented. "It's your turn. Choose carefully."

Trinity grinned, smiling in anticipation as she walked closer. On a screen above, the eighteen selected pokemon could be seen, some she wasn't familiar with yet. She pinched the bridge of her nose and thought carefully.

When dad left to complete the National Dex around the world, Fire-types were always his favorite to battle with to match his blazing radiance... or at least, that’s what mom said, before she became an alcoholic. He owned a Charizard that was such a gentle giant, and let me ride him sometimes. To honor him, I should pick a Fire-type to begin my journey. Maybe someday I’ll battle him with it and bring him back home to mom. She smiled with that realization, glad that she had narrowed down her choices. Now, there were Charmander, Torchic, Cyndaquill, Chimchar, Tepig, and Fennekin to decide. Every Pokemon that was listed seemed to be an excellent partner, but one stood out to her.

   Professor Celestia smiled knowingly as her and Zoura moseyed their way towards her desk, searching through it for a few Pokeballs, a Pokedex, and a badge case. She knew that sending Trinity on this journey would be a very difficult feat, but it would be good for her. She’s been through too much, that girl, and she deserves to meet wonderful people and new Pokemon. She had already sent her assistant out with her brother, and had told them to meet up with her. There were so many things that Trinity was capable of, and with friends by her side, she can accomplish anything.

   “Have you decided on anything, hun? If not I can always give you these Pokeballs to capture a wild one.” She suggested, but Trinity had shook her head.

“It’s a nice offer Prof., but I’m gonna go with a Chimchar. I hear that when it grows into  Monferno and an Infernape, it becomes a fighting type, and I need a good bodyguard to fight my battles.”

     She nodded at the teen, but she had also known the hidden meaning behind her choice. “Alright then. Chimchar it is—here are some items necessary for your journey, and I’ll get its Pokeball from the back room.”

Trinity couldn’t sit still as she waited with excited nervousness, her hands shaking as she gripped her Pokedex. She didn’t want to put her items into her bag just yet, as she knew when she did she’ll drop everything. Finally the Professor came back with the Pokemon she wanted. She eased a soft smile as she handed it towards her. “Hey, let me take those things off your hands. Make it easier on yourself.”

She gulped silently and nodded, grasping onto the tiny ball. She could feel the Pokemon’s energy from within it, just itching to come out and greet the world. Happily, she let out an excited shout, and a blinding light escaped from it.

“Chimchar, chim chim!” The monkey cried, hopping up and down.

“SOO AWESOME!” Trinity wailed, unable to hold anything in anymore.

Professor Celestia laughed as she clicked on the Pokedex to save it’s number. The machine-like voice began to describe her new friend.  Chimchar, the Chimp Pokemon. Chimchar easily climbs the sheerest of walls and lives on mountain tops. When it sleeps, its flames go out. This one is female and has the ability Flame Body. It knows the moves Scratch, Leer, and Ember.

Upon hearing this, the Pokemon grinned and pointed at herself for indication. She puffed out her chest proudly towards her trainer. Trinity couldn’t help but smile back as she knelt down on her knee to pet her forehead.

“Heya, girl. I’m really nervous to go on this journey with you, but I know we’re going to be great friends. So bare with me whenever I screw up or make an idiot of myself, okay?” She murmured, to which the Pokemon waved her off as if to say, ‘Don’t worry about it.’

The professor, who had already placed all her items within her bag, handed it to her and gave her a curious smile. “So, now that you chose your Pokemon, I usually give Trainers the chance to name them. Do you have any in mind that you would like to call her?”

Trinity nodded. “Yeah, actually. I wanna name her Blaze.” The Chimchar made a happy noise in agreement, hopping on her shoulder.  “Wow. I didn’t think you’d actually agree with me.”

“Chim, Chimchar!” Blaze just laughed, and played with her trainer’s ear. She made a face.

Professor Celestia was just about to say something when a boy, who was much older than Trinity trudged into the Lab. He, too, was going on a journey, but for his own reasons. The evolutionist had offered to give him a Pokemon; thankfully she managed to get him to agree. She gave him a soft smile, but he had barely looked up at her. Trinity, on the other hand, regarded him with a mixed look of aggravation and curiosity. The two had been close friends ever since they were little and dated when they were in the Trainer’s School, but the love only lasted for a year. Both of them realized that it wasn’t working out and they called it split, much to the disappointment of their classmates.  And now he was here, looking for a Pokemon. Just what is wrong with him? Why show his face now after three years?

Blaze made a squeak of fear and hid herself in Trinity’s cap, feeling intimidated by the boy. She didn’t know what the connection was between him and her trainer, but she sensed the discomfort. It was so awkward.

“Good afternoon, Quill. Are you here for your Pokemon?” She asked, to which he nodded in return. “Aaalright then. Which one? Trinity over there has already taken a Chimchar, but you have so many other good choices…” She trailed off, passing a look towards the girl. She scoffed and puffed out her cheeks like an angry Jigglypuff.

Quill, refusing to say anything, pointed at Froakie. Another moment of silence continued as they waited for Professor Celestia to come back. Trinity had grown more and more into herself, though millions of questions raced through her thoughts. She didn’t realize that she was tapping her foot until Quill groaned in annoyance.

“Will you shut up, Trinity? I can practically hear your thoughts.” He sneered, his right eye twitching.

Trinity smirked at him. “Good to see ya too, you jerk. Thanks for not calling me after three years.”

Quill stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Yeah, well. I had issues that needed to be taken care of.”

“Issues?”

Finally, the Professor came back with the Pokeball and necessary items along with a Town Map, handing it to him. Quill took everything without a word before bolting out, refusing to say goodbye to his former girlfriend. Celestia sweat-dropped and Trinity let out a sigh of relief. Blaze peeked out from her hat, glancing wearily at the retreating Quill near the doorway.

“And that’s that. Here’s your Town Map, hun. I can’t believe I forgot to give it to you earlier. Things have been so busy here recently.” She yawned, and Trinity took a quick look. “Given that you’re going to be collecting Pokemon and battling the Gyms, I would suggest going to Ponyville first. It’s a nice town, with pleasant folk. The Gym Leader there is an old friend of mine. Though, you would have to go through the Everfree forest, so train up your Pokemon before you do any of that. It’s about… a three days trip, give or take.”

She thanked the professor for everything and gave her new friend a smile.  “I have to do one thing before I leave, though, I hope you don’t mind. I’ll head out when I’m ready.”

“It’s not over until it’s over! Allons-y!” She called in return, waving wholeheartedly. Zorua, who was on her shoulder, yipped in excitement.

*****

Dodge Junction, despite its name, was actually a very small area on the map of Equestria. It was one of those places far beyond the borders of civilization, and yet, people thrived there. However, there was some unknown factor about it that caused traveling Trainers to take a few steps back, and head their way to another town. It’s only purpose was it had the best crops winter year, and farmers traded with the mayor for exceptional goods. Trinity would never know why the Professor decided to do her research there, or maybe it was just for the sake of the plot. And, well, it was hella boring every day.

Trinity shared a loving glance with her Chimchar, unable to believe that it was actually hers. From what she’s been through in her past, she expected to be the last person to ever get a Pokemon. Paige and her bitches were probably asleep by this hour so at least she didn’t have to worry about running into them. The monkey was taking a nap on her head, her cute little fire tail barely lit. She walked quietly now towards her house, positioning Blaze so that she could comfortably wrap her paws around her neck, like a child giving their mother a piggyback ride.

When she finally came to her house, it was quiet. There were no lights on, just the sound of the TV crapping out from being on too long. Trinity peeked in the window quickly and noticed with relief that her mom was snoring, with some guy naked underneath her. She slapped her head in annoyance, taking her eyes away from the disgusting sight. She took a few long, deep breaths to calm herself before continuing on. She had to capture her Starly and take him on a journey, for she knew her mother would forget his existence. She had to take an extra change of clothes, food, and her medication. And she had to accomplish all of that without getting caught.

Slowly, she crept by until she saw the fire escape, and wringed her hands together. I got this. Imma ninja. Nothing gets past me, She smiled and started to climb. She was able to peek into her bedroom, letting out a sigh of relief when she saw her Pokemon resting on her pillow. She whistled softly in an effort to get his attention. However, this only woke up Blaze, who was completely unaware of what was going on. Trinity calmed her down almost immediately and pointed to the Starly.

Blaze gave her a thumb up and climbed into her bedroom, curiously glancing at everything she saw, with Trinity following her. She wasted no time when she hopped onto her bed, peering at the bird Pokemon. It looked to be sleeping, for it wasn’t alert to the fact that they came in. Her trainer was looking through her closet for a few things, but she turned her attention back to the task at hand. Gently, Blaze poked him, causing him to open one eye in annoyance.

“Hi! I’m Blaze! How would you like to come on a journey with us? Sorry I woke you from your nap…”

Starly yawned and stretched his wings, cleaning his feathers. “Anything to get away from here. Where is my pet?” Blaze turned around to see Trinity with her bag packed up, a confident smile on her face. She nodded towards the two and together, they sneaked downstairs. They were as quiet as possible on their way to the kitchen, and Blaze passed an odd look towards Trinity’s mother.

“What happened there?”

The Starly, who didn’t want to talk about the ‘Pidgeys and the Beedrills’, simply ignored her. Their attention was distracted by Trinity as she looked through the fridge for food. In a separate case, she took everything she needed to last her a week or so. If she ran out she would stop at a Market with her winning money. When she had everything she needed, she nodded towards her Pokemon, and they all climbed out of the house successfully. Considering that everything goes as planned, she can head to the Everfree Forest in a few hours…

“What the hell are you doing?”

Interrupting her thoughts, she hissed in pain as her knee hit against stone that she fell on. She hit the ground in frustration as her Pokemon made noises of alarm, ignoring Quill. She should’ve known better that he of all people would be the one spying on her.

“What does it look like I’m doing, dumbass?” She snapped, wiping off the blood from her hands. “Ah, that’s going to leave a mark…” Quill chuckled as he took out his aid kit from his backpack and helped her up, much to her disappointment. “Quill… I can handle this on my own. Go away.”

He shook his head stubbornly as he helped her towards the gazebo, since it was the closest place to reach. “You won’t last a day outside here with that cut. Just let me do this.”

“Grr…” she mumbled, but it was followed by an annoyed sigh. “Shit, it burns!” She wailed when Quill had put on some anti-biotic, and Blaze had covered her eyes. She hated seeing the sight of blood. Starly just glared at the boy because he hurt his old friend. Thankfully though, the cut wasn’t that deep, and Quill was able to clean it up nicely, and put a band-aid over to stop the bleeding.

They sat in silence for a long time, listening to the Hoothoots in the trees. It was barely 12:00am, but neither party were tired. Finally it was Quill who spoke up. “’Oh thank you Quillison, you’re such an amazing guy to heal me like that.’” He mocked, looking down on her.

Trinity narrowed her eyes at him. “You think that just because you helped me out that I won’t stay mad at you?”

Quill suddenly looked older than he was supposed to be then, and ran his fingers through his un-kept hair. “Listen, if this is about what happened, I—“

She cut him off, “Shut up! No! I’m pissed, okay, because you didn’t even bother to call me, when I CLEARLY STATED that even though we weren’t dating anymore we could still chat. I texted you. I e-mailed you. And what did I get in return? ‘We’re sorry, that number no longer exists in this region.’” She threw up her hands in defeat. “Just what the hell were you doing?!”

He groaned and rubbed his blood-shot eyes. “I was working underground with an old friend of ours. You remember Clockwork—he’s an Elite Four member now, though.”

“Likely story,” She grumbled, but he chose to ignore that.

“We were researching in the Hayseed Swamps, because rumor has it that a horde of shiny pseudo- legendary Pokemon nested there with extremely rare natures, and a group called Team Nightmare were after it. Hell, believe me or not, but it took us five long years to chase the grunts off, and memorize the area like the back of my hand. We made it a reserve. That experience is why I decided to go on a journey, to train strong Pokemon of my own, and put an end to the vicious team. Also… I… I wanted to pass by and see how you were doing, Trinity, and I’m glad that you’re moving out too. Whatever friends you make on your quest will be lucky to have you.”

Trinity didn’t even realize she was fighting back a sigh as he shifted comfortably on the wooden bench, and feel asleep. This gave her a moment to think about his words, and she glanced at her Pokemon. Blaze had fallen asleep on her lap already, since she was only a baby, while Starly was keeping watch on her shoulder. This already turned out to be an interesting adventure, and she was more than ready to face what else was in store for her. However, getting through the night without ending up falling asleep on her ex boyfriend was the top priority.