Pokemon: Battles are Friendshipby GoodKnightChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4UPDATE: New managementChapter 1 **Dear Princess Celestia, I have failed Equestria, Princess. As the prime authority of the study of friendship I can say without a single doubt that I am not. I don't know what went wrong, and as my mentor I ask for your help, or perhaps something less than that. I feel as though the answer is staring me blankly in the face and laughing at my stupidity. I shouldn't beat myself up, but I feel as though it's my fault. By the way, I did not have Spike write this letter because I know he would have something to say about it... I cannot explain my situation through normal means, so I will instead just recap what happens every Thursday at 2:00 pm. (Please forgive me if my narration skills are shoddy.) "If ya'll wanna know what real hardwork feels like," Applejack would begin. "Come work at the orchard for a while." I would wince on the inside because of the direction of this conversation. It could not be prevented nor diverted. You see, every Thursday in the early afternoon, I would invite my friends to, as Rainbow would put it, "hang out." While we do spend time with one another, it always feels like we're saving the world, or just solving a problem. Yes, there are Pinkie Pie parties but they happen spontaneously (and you know it is because it's Pinkie Pie.) We rarely get to just enjoy each other's company. I didn't want us to drift apart for both the sakes of my friendships and Equestria as a whole. So, I crunched the numbers, collected data, and found a small gap of time on Thursday at 2:00 pm. Needless to say that they agreed with me that we did need to spend time together more often, and so the date was set on all of our calendars. At first, it was fun. Rarity dropped in the latest gossip, AJ would speak of this year's harvest and so on and so forth. We even began t discuss our own little adventures individually. For example, I bet you never knew that Fluttershy likes to cross-dress. (Nothing too over the top.) Yep. She went from Fluttershy to Butter Scotch. She wasn't shy about it at all either. You'd think s with her but no. Not at all. The look on Rarity's face was the one I'll never forget. You see, she as under the impression that she had made the clothing for a relative of Fluttershy. I digress though. It used to be like that. Nowadays... It's changed. I don't know when but whenever someone makes some reference to their job being rough in any way, one of the girls always has something to say about it... even me... I make one little allusion to the Dewey Decimal System and AJ or Rainbow, or Pinkie comments about it. Things sort of spiral down from their. I managed to get the voice-recording spell right and let it listen to our conversations that day. I realize that I had explained the situation perfectly here, but I have only so much parchment left and I really don't want to write another letter. "If ya'll wanna know what real hard work feels like, come work at the orchard for a while." "What's that supposed to mean?" Rainbow would ask in agitation. "It means what it means," AJ would respond. "I really do hate that phrase," Rarity interjected with disdain. "Please, do go on with what you meant Applejack. "Eenope," Aj would respond with a shake of her head. "I don't want to speak anything more about it. "Maybe it's for the best..." I added in a hope to drop the conversation. "I-If..." Fluttershy would begin softly. "I-If AJ doesn't want to talk about it, then we should... respect her... choice?" "Wait a minute though!" Pinkie exclaimed cheerfully. "If AJ didn't want to talk about whatever she wanted to talk about, then why even bring it up in the first place? I mean, it's not like she isn't prepared to answer, right?"[ "Alright. Fine," AJ would declare curtly. "I'm saying that working on a farm all day is a mite bit harder than stacking books, or making dresses." "If it's half as bad as cloud-busting," Rainbow would react in a similar tone. "Then you have it easy! I have to do that and manage the clouds that drift into the area." "I hate to disappoint you, darlings," Rarity interjected in a superior way. "My work trump all of you. Contrary to your belief, my career goes a little further than just making dresses. I have to create literal works of art that make a correct statement according to the common trend. Inspiration has to be the hardest simply for having to... well, have it during work." "Ummm..." Fluttershy's quiet voice said in a near whisper. "Taking care of the animals is hard work too... I mean, I don't know how hard your jobs are, but..." "Animals?!" Pinkie shouted while slamming her hooves onto the table. "I've got something much harder than that: babysitting! Do you know how hard it is to coax one of those little devils to want nap time? It's Practically impossible! On top of that, I have baking, and party planning. Sure, not all at the same time all the time, but still!" The writing stops there Princess because.. well... it can only track so many voices at once... I don't know what to do Princess. At the end of these get-togethers, we seem to be at each other's throats. I just don't understand. I thought we had conquered the disharmony between us with Discord. I just don't know what to do. Now, nopony is talking to one another much at all. Please, if you know anything Princess Celestia to help me, I would very much appreciate it. Your faithful student, Sincerely, Princess Twilight Sparkle Celestia's expression was in deep contemplation. To be truthful, what Twilight was dealing with was considered normal for anyone close in bond. The rough edges between friends are sometimes more prominent than the softer and kinder natures. It would be easy for her to just reassure her student that it's all going to be okay. Perhaps meeting every Thursday would be excessive. Perhaps every other Thursday would be better. Of course, that was the easy way. As Celestia placed the letter upon her desk, she strolled over to the balcony overlooking the whole of Canterlot. Her eyes did not rest upon anything in particular as she began to think deeply. Celestia did not want the easy way. She wanted to teach her student one last lesson about friendship. If she wanted to teach her student about how normal these occurrences were, she could invite her ex-student into the world of politics. In politics, pretty much the only thing felt by ponies were the abrasive side of things, even between ponies on the same side. She would no doubt connect two and two and understand a lesson of friendship. However, the question of what lesson of friendship she would learn might not be the one that she wants to teach. If anything, it could turn out ton be the opposite. Celestia's expression softened as a smile of satisfaction graced her thoughtfulness. She knew exactly how to go about the lesson... She would only need to borrow a few things. A mirror from Luna, and a few other things from someone across the inter-dimensional pond. Lord Arceus stood upon nothing at all. He did not float, nor hovered, nor even drifted. A better word would be that he existed in a bubble of nothing, watching over a small universe. He had created it, or so some believed. Regardless, he watched over it. His sons and daughters scurried about, moving from one place in the universe to the next... And then, he felt something. It was a small disturbance, but it was still something. "May I request the permission of the Creators to allow me entrance into their domain?" a regal voice echoed throughout the void bubble. To Arceus, it meant that Something want to gain access to his nothing realm. Something that could not survive in it like he did. It was a something he knew. The nothing around him changed. To him, it resembled a room in his universe, without windows or doors. It was a light shade of sky blue, and the universe had become something of a large globe resting in a stand. "But of course," he replied through telepathy. "How could I refuse a something of your stature, considering the debt I owe to you." Amirror shimmered into existence. It was set into the wall and through it stepped a being much like himself. Tall, graceful, and slender. "My greetings to you, Arceus," she greeted with an elegant bow. "And mine to you," he replied in turn. "What may I help you with Solar Princess?" "I need to borrow a few of your kin..." "Why? For what purpose could they serve to you?" "I need them for a lesson in friendship." The god-like pokemon stood upon the carpet. He wouldn't dare part with any of his pokemon under any situation. Even if one wanted to, he could not allow it. It would break everything he stood for. However, under this circumstance... his gaze looked towards one particular planet of the dimensional globe. Earth. Circling around it was a smaller one called the moon. Farther beyond that orbit was the life-giving light... the two things he could not create for his world... the two things that brought to life so many others... "I could decline politely to your acquisition, but cannot. I still owe you a debt. Very well, I-" "It is only for a short period," she interrupted. "They will stay only until my student learns her lesson." "... Very well..." the pokemon said thoughtfully and thankfully. "Whom shall you borrow?" Celestia smiled coyly. "I was hoping you could help me with that..." Chapter 2 **To my dearest Twilight, I received your letter, and have decided to help you. As your friend, I feel obligated to aid in any way possible. That being said, and as your former mentor, I must give you one final lesson of friendship. Consider it to be your greatest puzzle yet... Invite your friends over Thursday like any normal day, and wait for my next letter for further instructions. If all goes as planned, expect to receive it at 3:00 pm. With the Highest Praise, Princess Celestia Twilight read the letter over once more and bit her lip in anxiety. Her gaze scanned her friends whom gathered around the table. Currently, they were talking about their day: Twilight was not really paying attention. She kept stealing nervous glances at the clock. Now, she was an intelligent unicorn. She had been reading physics textbooks while most her age were starting Hop on Pop. She knew how the flow of time worked. In fact, she knew enough about it to understand how to travel back in time. Making time move faster, however, was impossible... for now... She snuck another glance at the clock. 2:04 pm. "What's up Twi?" a voice asked from above. Twilight was startled out of her trance, causing the hovering rainbow-haired mare to become a little more concerned. "Why're you so jumpy?" "Ooooh! Is it a new game? Are you playing a jumping game?" a bubbly and excited voice cut in. "Could I play? Please? Pretty please? Pretty please with sugar and whipped cream and sprinkles on top?!" "Wha- no! No..." Twilight reassured with a weak smile. "I'm fine. Really." "Come on now, sugarcube," an orange mare drawled while adjusting her Stetson. The farm mare leaned back casually in her throne, propping her hooves up on the table. "Ya'll should know not t' lie around me..." "Now, be reasonable Applejack," Rarity began while shoving the mares feet off the table with a sweep of her magic. "If Twilight wants to tell us, then she will tell us when she's ready." Twilight sighed with relief. "B-But..." Fluttershy's quiet voice began, making Twilight's heart sink. "Shouldn't we be concerned? I-I mean... What if it's something bad?" "It's not bad I swear!" Twilight spoke loudly,, causing the others to go silent. Even the party mare was quiet. Twilight glanced at the clock. 2:04 pm. Maybe she could figure this one out on her own. After all, how hard could it be? ~Aproximately 53 Minutes Later.... Twilight cowered underneath the crystalline table. Above, all she could hear were shouts of anger and miscellaneous items being tossed about. She was spiraling. She could hear Princess Celestia's words clear as if she were hear. "I am disappointed in you Twilight," the imaginary Celestia voice in the broken mare's head reprimanded. "Your alicorn wings shall be clipped and you shall be banished t the farthest-" The voice was interrupted by a book landing upon Twilight's muzzle. The book was supposed to be filed under mystery... The thought clicked, and Twilight's rage boiled over. Whatever was happening above froze in an instant as Twiight's magical aura tightened it's grip around everything. The table hovered above as the violet mare rose. Her eyes were glowing a burning white, and her mane flowed in an imaginary breeze. The scen that was frozen in place seemed confusing. Rainbow, seemed to be in mid air-roll, next to Pinkie who had a pie still in hoof, performing a seemingly uncanny flip. Applejack had her lasso in mid hogtie around Rarity. The ivory mare in question appeared to be doing nothing. Upon closer inspection, the mare seemed to levitate a drape near Appplejack to wrap up in. The room in whole appeared to be a complete and utter destroyed mess. After all mares eyes were upon Twilight, she released them from her hold, causing most everything to fall to the ground. She then spoke in the royal canterlot tongue. "WHO THREW THE BOOK?!!!" No mare spoke up. As Twilight's rage was about to burst, a small voice spoke up. From under a side table that laid against the wall, Fluttershy emerged with a very embarrassed and apologetic look on her face. Silence reigned once more, and Twilight's rage subsided a little. Her magic rearranged the room as it was before the pandemonium. Even her friends were placed by Twilight's magic. The last little detail left was the book that was threw upon the ground. Twilight blinked as her eyes lost their glow. Her gaze was hard and irritated. She walked over to the bookcase it came from and placed it in the correct space. As she turned to address the friends before her, she waved off any comments before they could leave anyone's mouth. "This has turned into an intervention," Twilight stated flatly. "It's not for just one of us. This is for all of us. I sent a letter to Princess Celestia, and she told me not to tell you about it, but you've pushed me to this point." The other mares looked to one another in worry, but kept their silence. Twilight drew in a long breath, and continued, "Our friendship is in jeopardy. Our... little hangout days are supposed to be happy and fun. They've become now... arguments and days to just tear each other's throats out. Celestia-" There was chime in the castle from a clock, cutting Twilight off. It was 3:00 pm. Twilight waited in suspense. She didn't know what to expect from her former mentor. As the panic appeared upon her face, so did it appear on the others. "Twilight?" Pinkie began slowly. "Um... T-twitchy tail...!" As if on cue, as all eyes looked up, a tear appeared in the air above. Within it was a swirling vortex of sorts. Not a few moments later, a few bodies as colorful as the ponies themselves fell from it. Without a single second to spare, the portal sealed itself, allowing a deafening silence to fill the air. Chapter 3"Oh sweet Celestia!" Rarity exclaimed theatrically. "Are they alright?" "Where did...?" Twilight began, looking back up to where the portal that dropped them used to be. "Wh-who are they?" "A fall like that... with that speed..." Rainbow flew up to that height and dropped onto the floor with a soft thump. "They're definitely knocked out..." "Oooh! I'll get some water!" Pinkie declared before disappearing into the castles many corridors. "Good thinking Pinkie," AJ said with a smile. She quickly followed the party pony. "A splash o' water'll wake 'em up." "U-um... actually," Fluttershy began with a soft poke to one of the strange looking quadrupeds. "I think they're waking up..." "What?!" Rainbow and Twilight exclaimed at the same time. "Ow... my head..." groaned one of the bodies. The taller one stood up with a stagger. It's features reminded all the mares of a giraffe, but much smaller. Instead of the yellow-brown spots pattern a giraffe would normally have, this being seemed to be yellow and purple, with rounded spots trailing along the neck and halfway along his body. Halfway down his back, the color scheme of his coat would change entirely. His eyes blinked open and scanned the room of mares. "Yo, buddy," Rainbow began with a little confusion. "You alright? That was one nasty fall..." "Was it? It didn't really hurt too bad..." he said with look over of his body. "Hey, wh-" "I got the water~!" Pinkie exclaimed quickly throwing it upon the pile of strange creatures. "OUCH!!!" shouted a feminine yet gritty voice. Suddenly, a pony leapt off the ground and began to run around the room as if her mane was on fire. ...Actually, it was on fire! "Hold on!!" AJ said, throwing the rest of the water. In one second, the giraffe leapt between the two and threw up a wall of yellow light. The thrown water splashed against it and fell onto the floor much to the chagrin of Twilight. "I really think you shoul-" "What the heck?!!" the fiery mare interrupted while walking through the screen. "Are you trying to kill me?!" "Yer mane's on fire!" AJ shouted back. She seemed fairly confused by why the mare seemed unharmed by the whipping flames. "A lil water won't hurt ya!" "Yeah, it will!" she replied curtly and with a challenging stance. "Show's what you know, ya Dunsparce!" "Who's shouting?" groaned another voice. Another stood up while rubbing his eye. His coat was mostly a dark black with white stripes partially crossing his body. It was almost like a reverse zebra. His mane stuck straight up and was shaped like a bolt of lightening. "Nobody can get any sleep around here..." "Like you need a few more minutes of Sleep, Blitz," the fiery pony said with a roll of her eyes. "I will if you keep shouting..." "Please stop fighting..." a different voice mumbled. Another stood up with a weary look. Her coat was mostly a bright pink, but also a cream color. Upon her head was a lone flower. "You know what happens when you fight..." "Yeah! I win!" The fiery pony declared. "Pfft," Rainbow huffed. "You got something to say?" "Yeah," Rainbow said with annoyance. "You should let the air out of you head before it pops." "Oh kettle! I see you've met pot!" Rarity exclaimed with sarcasm. Soon multiple arguments filled the room. Twilight was seemingly left helpless. "Hah!" a boyish tone scoffed, silencing most of the other voices. "You gotta admit it Brandi... You've got a little bit of an ego." Up stood a unicorn of a somewhat outrageous design. His mane was a deep red, but his coat was a yellowish cream color. Around his neck appeared to be a light blue frilled collar that matched his tail as well. Out of his forehead was a ridged grey . He had a charming smile on his face that faltered into confusion upon looking into the room. "Oh MY...!" Rarity exclaimed with sparkles in her eyes, She maneuvered over to him with a dreamy look. "You are simply fabulous! Please, you must come back to my boutique so that we can... get to know each other..." "H-hey!" th giraffe cried out, dashing over to get between the two. "S-stop that! You can't talk to him like that!" "And why..." soon the room was filled with arguments. Some were trying to stop the arguments, but it was in vain. Twilight slumped against the back wall, watching the friendship she had with her friends be ruined by these new beings. "Celestia... what do you want me to do?" the mare muttered to herself. She shut her eyes trying to think of something- anything to save the friendships she had. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't think straight with all the noise going on in the room. She rubbed her temples , hummed a song to drown them out, and even plugged her ears. She still could not think. "EVERY PONY BE QUIET!!!" she shouted. However, even her go-to solution for calming the masses did little to stop them all from arguing. While she was taken aback, the violet mare would not be dissuaded. She scanned her shelves carefully before finding the right book. Over One Million uses for the Bandanna: Advanced Edition. She hefted the massive book up into the air and, holding back her intense care for the things, dropped it onto the table. The resounding boom was loud enough to make thunder seem quiet. Everyone winced and stared at the unamused princess. "Right. Everyone who knows what the Elements of Harmony are, please gather on the left side of the table," Twilight explained in annoyance. "Everyone else, gather on the other side. Now... MOVE!" With a clatter of hooves, everyone went to their respective sides. Not a word was spoken, but a few glares were exchanged. Twilight gazed to both sides before moving over to her friends. "As much as we enjoy biting each other's heads off, I'd like to get to know everyone," Twilight said with a fake happy tone. "I'mPrincess Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends; Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity." The five beings stood in slight shock of the information unloaded on them. "Er... ok," the giraffe-esque being began. "I'm Jeri, that's Blitz..." "Hiya!" the zebra greeted cheerfully despite the obvious tension. "That's Fauna," Jeri said whilst pointing out the deer creature who gave a half-wave. "Next to her is FireBrand but she prefers being called Brandi." The pony with mane ablaze decided to act like she didn't care. "And finally," he began with slight build up. "This is the Legendary Keldeo." "Jeri... I'm not that important," Keldeo said with a slight groan. "I'm just a normal pokemon like you." "Poke-what?" Aj said with a tilt of her head. "And what makes him so special?" "He's one of the Swords of Justice," Fauna piped up. "They're sole purpose is to protect pokemon like you or me." "Yeah, they're kinda like superheroes," Jeri clarified further. "Except... real I guess..." "You're not a pokemon," Pinkie began with a dramatic point of her hoof. "You're a giraffe." "Girafarig," Jeri said quickly. "I'm a Girafarig." "I thought you were a pokemon..." Fluttershy mumbled. "I am. We all are," Jeri gestured with a cloven hoof. "W-wait a minute..." Twilight began with a wave of her hoof. "What you're saying is that you, a Girafarig, are a species of pokemon." "Yes..." Jeri said with a slow nod. "I have to say though that you guys are the strangest group of pokemon I've ever seen." "We're not pokermons," AJ stated flatly. "We're ponies." "Pokémon," Brandi growled. "And you aren't any Ponyta's that I've ever seen!" "She means that we are not pokemon at all," Rarity groaned before the potential argument could arise. "What do you make of it, Twilight? ...I-if you don't mind..." Fluttershy whispered. "Celestia said that this will be my greatest puzzle..." the princess of friendship hummed. "Maybe... hmm..." "Who's Celestia?" Blitz asked with an eyebrow cocked. "Or am I the only one who's wondering that." "I'm curious too," Fauna agreed. "She's, like, the ruler-" Rainbow began before being interrupted by bouncing blur. "Princess Celestia is one of the co-rulers of Equestria! She lived for over one thousand years, and raises and sets the sun all on her own!" Pinkie explained in seemingly one breath. "So she's like a legendary," Keldeo stated. "She's like Arceus." "Uhm... what's-" "I've get a bigger question!" Brandi declared, interrupting the yellow Pegasus. "Just where are we?!" "You are in Equestria," Twilight said calmly. "What region's that?" Fauna asked. "I've never heard of it. Is it a route...?" "No," Jeri said with a shake of her head and a thoughtful look. "I think she means...' "Jeri, you don't think..." Keldeo said with a knowing look. "I think it is..." Jeri sighed. "Arceus." "Who is Arceus?" Twilight asked with an exasperated gaze. "He's like Celestia, but different," Keldeo explained. "He has powers beynd imagination. He watches over all pokemon, but never interferes unless it's necessary." "What you're saying..." Twilight began slowly. "Is that this... being... sent you here?" "Yes," Keldeo said with a slow nod. "That... ok, too much information at once..." Twilight said, much to the remaining elements shock. "I think that we need to jut try and get to know each other. Now-" "DIBS!!" Pinkie Shouted, suddenly appearing next to the Ponyta. Before the fiery maned pokemon could react, she felt a Pinkie Pie hug cut her breath short. "Pinkie..." Twilght sighed. "Oh come now, Twilight..." Rarity began with a roll of her eyes. "We are fully capable of making our own decisions. Also..." She quickly stood next to Keldeo with an innocent look. "I call the legend~!" "I-I don't think that's a good plan!" Jeri said with a huff. "Keldeo should-" "I'll be fine Jeri," Keldeo said with a small smirk. "Why don't you stay with Twilight?" "But-" "You know more about our home than I do," Keldeo said with confidence. The Girafarig blushed slightly but nodded reluctantly. "Great! Now-" "This is ridiculous!" AJ stated with an annoyance. She stood up and began to trot out of the room. "I can't stay any longer! I got apples t' harvest!" "Hey Blitz," Fauna began in a small whisper. "Maybe you should..." "Way ahead of you," Blitz said with a wink. "Hey! Wait up! Let me help you out!" "I don't need...!" Aj's complaint faded into the halls of the castle. She was soon followed by Rarity. "That just leaves me, I suppose," the Deerling said with a cheerful smile. "Yeah... um... Unless you can fly," Rainbow said while rising into the air. "You might as well go with Fluttershy." "Y-you don't have to..." Fluttershy looked away from the pokemon. "No, I do..." Fauna smiled sheepishly. "If you don't mind putting up with me..." The awkward silence was near palpable as the two slowly sauntered out of the room. Rainbow Dash followed in flight. "W-well..." Jeri began with a cough. "What now?" "Now ylou're going to tell me everything you know about your world." Twilight summoned forth a parchment and quill and sat down at her table. "Oh... well could I-" "No." Twilight looked at Jeri with an innocent look that somehow made Jeri feel very uncomfortable. He didn't need to be psychic typed to know that it would be a long night... Chapter 4"HAH!!" grunted a rather peeved Applejack as her powerful hind legs thwacked the solid trunk of an apple tree. "Get t'know yah, she says!" Applejack grips the handle of a basket near the base of a tree in her teeth before placing it in a cart being tugged along by Blitz. The pokemon nodded along while looking around the orchard. "I've got a million other things to do on my farm, and she wants me to get to know y'all?" She asked rhetorically. "Well that's a load of Bull-" "Shiitake Mushrooms!" Pinkie Pie giggled aloud. "The recipe definitley calls for some Shiitake mushrooms!" "Err... Pinkie?" Brandi called from the other side of the kitchen. "Weren't you talking about your friends? Or am i really having the most vivid fever dream ever?" "Whoopsies! Sorry, but it's sometimes easier to talk out loud when you're doing two things at once. My friends? Well, they are pretty cool i guess, but lately we've been yelling at each other more than laughing. I mean, laughing all the time is amazing and junk, buuuuuuuuuuuuuuut..." she rattled off while mincing some mushrooms with great haste. "... but?" Brandi asked when the pink mare stopped. "I laugh all day long and keep a smile ALL day long. It's awesome and smiles go for miles, but i mean really! Sometimes, most of the ponies I try to cheer up and give a good time are real-" "Pricks! That's all this ensemble really needs. Sequence the size of pin pricks." Rarity exclaimed as she scrutinized her latest creation. It looked to be a dress inspired by the pokemon standing in the room. "Um..." he began only to be cut off again. He kept up a polite smile and wondered if he made the right choice back at the library. "Anyways, most of the customers i have to deal with are just too much to bear. I'd think that my friends would understand my plights. Why, I had a mare come in from Phillydelphia who I was making a wedding dress for, and do you know what she said? She said that I made the dress make her look fat! The very idea! She was such a stuck up-" "Bitch! Bitch! Bitch!" Fluttershy cried out in the comfort of her own cottage. She paced back and forth in the air in an exasperated manner. "That's all I hear from the farmer's who can't have such wonderful little critters even near their property because they honestly think that whenever a harvest goes missing it's their fault! I mean, yes... sometimes that happens, but not every time!" Fauna watched yellow pegasus go back and forth in the air from a small couch. She idly petted a bunny that trembled in her arms while listening to Fluttershy. "Sometimes I wish I could just scream!! But... no one would hear it so it doesn't matter," the pegasus flopped back to the floor and let out a long sigh. "Well..." Fauna began cautiously. "Have you maybe tried talking to your friends about this?" "Tried? TRIED?!" AJ repeated with a shout. She bucked another apple tree so hard that she left a slight mark on the bark. "Every time I do, Rarity or Rainbow, or somepony always says they got it harder!" "Do they?" Blitz asked innocently before getting a death glare from the orange mare. "I'll take that as a no." "Don't get me wrong! I love my friends, but they are just so...! They just...!" Pinkie began, lacking the words to describe her situationa s well as fumbling with the heat in the oven. "Don't get it?" Brandi asked with a roll of her eyes. "Exactly~!" Rarity sighed. "They just don't understand how hard it is to draw inspiration when you've already made so many fabulous dresses!" "I can't even imagine..." Keldeo said with a shake of his head. "I know, right?" Fluttershy said to Fauna. She had taken a seat in a nearby chair and toyed with her hooves for a moment. "They think they've got it so rough." "They think they've got it so rough." "They think they've got it so rough." "They think they've got it so rough." "So... to summerize..." Twilight began while holding up a rather long parchment. "Pokémon are creatures of all shapes and sizes who live in the wild or alongside humans. Humans are beings that coexist with you pokemon. They are not to be confused with the humans I have encountered. Some humans keep pokemon as pets, but others like to train them for competition. Am I right so far?" "Yes..." Jeri replied with a tired nod. "Pokemon can be classified into certain groups that describe what attributes and talents they can possess. There are Fire, Grass, Water, Normal, Rock, Ground, Fighting, Electric, Bug, Ice, Steel, Flying, Psychic, Dragon, Dark, Poison, Ghost and Fairy types. Each type has advantages and weaknesses to other types. An basic example being that Grass beats Water, Water beats Fire, and Fire beats grass. The basic idea is to use common sense." "Sounds right." Jeri let out a small yawn and looked out the window. "All right. That covers the basics for the most part," Twilight said before rolling up the parchment. "At least, it covers it for now. I'l have more questions that'll need answering later. Is there anything you'd like to ask me?" "Well... MAybe I should go over what I've learned from you...?" he asked. "That'd be a great idea." Twilight sat down and gave a sincere smile. "Ok... So..." Jeri thought for a moment before speaking. "We are in Equestria, which is currently being ruled by four princesses, but one, called Celestia, oversees the government. There are four kinds of pony as well. Earth Ponies are somewhat resposible for keeping the ground fertile, Pegasi have wings and can control the weather above, and Unicorns can control magic and manipulate it to cast spells. The fourth kind of pony are called alicorns. They possess the three other ponies abilities, and are the least common in Equestria. Most alicorns are in a position of power and are somewhat responsible for keeping the harmony in the land." "Correct," Twilight said with a nod. "Anything else?" "Can we have a break?" Jeri laughed. "I just don't think I can last much longer." "... alright... We'll have a 5 minute break," Twilight sighed before getting up. "But after that, we're going to move onto other matters... like history!" The Girafarig fell out of his seat and groaned in defeat. UPDATE: New managementSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 1 **Dear Princess Celestia, I have failed Equestria, Princess. As the prime authority of the study of friendship I can say without a single doubt that I am not. I don't know what went wrong, and as my mentor I ask for your help, or perhaps something less than that. I feel as though the answer is staring me blankly in the face and laughing at my stupidity. I shouldn't beat myself up, but I feel as though it's my fault. By the way, I did not have Spike write this letter because I know he would have something to say about it... I cannot explain my situation through normal means, so I will instead just recap what happens every Thursday at 2:00 pm. (Please forgive me if my narration skills are shoddy.) "If ya'll wanna know what real hardwork feels like," Applejack would begin. "Come work at the orchard for a while." I would wince on the inside because of the direction of this conversation. It could not be prevented nor diverted. You see, every Thursday in the early afternoon, I would invite my friends to, as Rainbow would put it, "hang out." While we do spend time with one another, it always feels like we're saving the world, or just solving a problem. Yes, there are Pinkie Pie parties but they happen spontaneously (and you know it is because it's Pinkie Pie.) We rarely get to just enjoy each other's company. I didn't want us to drift apart for both the sakes of my friendships and Equestria as a whole. So, I crunched the numbers, collected data, and found a small gap of time on Thursday at 2:00 pm. Needless to say that they agreed with me that we did need to spend time together more often, and so the date was set on all of our calendars. At first, it was fun. Rarity dropped in the latest gossip, AJ would speak of this year's harvest and so on and so forth. We even began t discuss our own little adventures individually. For example, I bet you never knew that Fluttershy likes to cross-dress. (Nothing too over the top.) Yep. She went from Fluttershy to Butter Scotch. She wasn't shy about it at all either. You'd think s with her but no. Not at all. The look on Rarity's face was the one I'll never forget. You see, she as under the impression that she had made the clothing for a relative of Fluttershy. I digress though. It used to be like that. Nowadays... It's changed. I don't know when but whenever someone makes some reference to their job being rough in any way, one of the girls always has something to say about it... even me... I make one little allusion to the Dewey Decimal System and AJ or Rainbow, or Pinkie comments about it. Things sort of spiral down from their. I managed to get the voice-recording spell right and let it listen to our conversations that day. I realize that I had explained the situation perfectly here, but I have only so much parchment left and I really don't want to write another letter. "If ya'll wanna know what real hard work feels like, come work at the orchard for a while." "What's that supposed to mean?" Rainbow would ask in agitation. "It means what it means," AJ would respond. "I really do hate that phrase," Rarity interjected with disdain. "Please, do go on with what you meant Applejack. "Eenope," Aj would respond with a shake of her head. "I don't want to speak anything more about it. "Maybe it's for the best..." I added in a hope to drop the conversation. "I-If..." Fluttershy would begin softly. "I-If AJ doesn't want to talk about it, then we should... respect her... choice?" "Wait a minute though!" Pinkie exclaimed cheerfully. "If AJ didn't want to talk about whatever she wanted to talk about, then why even bring it up in the first place? I mean, it's not like she isn't prepared to answer, right?"[ "Alright. Fine," AJ would declare curtly. "I'm saying that working on a farm all day is a mite bit harder than stacking books, or making dresses." "If it's half as bad as cloud-busting," Rainbow would react in a similar tone. "Then you have it easy! I have to do that and manage the clouds that drift into the area." "I hate to disappoint you, darlings," Rarity interjected in a superior way. "My work trump all of you. Contrary to your belief, my career goes a little further than just making dresses. I have to create literal works of art that make a correct statement according to the common trend. Inspiration has to be the hardest simply for having to... well, have it during work." "Ummm..." Fluttershy's quiet voice said in a near whisper. "Taking care of the animals is hard work too... I mean, I don't know how hard your jobs are, but..." "Animals?!" Pinkie shouted while slamming her hooves onto the table. "I've got something much harder than that: babysitting! Do you know how hard it is to coax one of those little devils to want nap time? It's Practically impossible! On top of that, I have baking, and party planning. Sure, not all at the same time all the time, but still!" The writing stops there Princess because.. well... it can only track so many voices at once... I don't know what to do Princess. At the end of these get-togethers, we seem to be at each other's throats. I just don't understand. I thought we had conquered the disharmony between us with Discord. I just don't know what to do. Now, nopony is talking to one another much at all. Please, if you know anything Princess Celestia to help me, I would very much appreciate it. Your faithful student, Sincerely, Princess Twilight Sparkle Celestia's expression was in deep contemplation. To be truthful, what Twilight was dealing with was considered normal for anyone close in bond. The rough edges between friends are sometimes more prominent than the softer and kinder natures. It would be easy for her to just reassure her student that it's all going to be okay. Perhaps meeting every Thursday would be excessive. Perhaps every other Thursday would be better. Of course, that was the easy way. As Celestia placed the letter upon her desk, she strolled over to the balcony overlooking the whole of Canterlot. Her eyes did not rest upon anything in particular as she began to think deeply. Celestia did not want the easy way. She wanted to teach her student one last lesson about friendship. If she wanted to teach her student about how normal these occurrences were, she could invite her ex-student into the world of politics. In politics, pretty much the only thing felt by ponies were the abrasive side of things, even between ponies on the same side. She would no doubt connect two and two and understand a lesson of friendship. However, the question of what lesson of friendship she would learn might not be the one that she wants to teach. If anything, it could turn out ton be the opposite. Celestia's expression softened as a smile of satisfaction graced her thoughtfulness. She knew exactly how to go about the lesson... She would only need to borrow a few things. A mirror from Luna, and a few other things from someone across the inter-dimensional pond. Lord Arceus stood upon nothing at all. He did not float, nor hovered, nor even drifted. A better word would be that he existed in a bubble of nothing, watching over a small universe. He had created it, or so some believed. Regardless, he watched over it. His sons and daughters scurried about, moving from one place in the universe to the next... And then, he felt something. It was a small disturbance, but it was still something. "May I request the permission of the Creators to allow me entrance into their domain?" a regal voice echoed throughout the void bubble. To Arceus, it meant that Something want to gain access to his nothing realm. Something that could not survive in it like he did. It was a something he knew. The nothing around him changed. To him, it resembled a room in his universe, without windows or doors. It was a light shade of sky blue, and the universe had become something of a large globe resting in a stand. "But of course," he replied through telepathy. "How could I refuse a something of your stature, considering the debt I owe to you." Amirror shimmered into existence. It was set into the wall and through it stepped a being much like himself. Tall, graceful, and slender. "My greetings to you, Arceus," she greeted with an elegant bow. "And mine to you," he replied in turn. "What may I help you with Solar Princess?" "I need to borrow a few of your kin..." "Why? For what purpose could they serve to you?" "I need them for a lesson in friendship." The god-like pokemon stood upon the carpet. He wouldn't dare part with any of his pokemon under any situation. Even if one wanted to, he could not allow it. It would break everything he stood for. However, under this circumstance... his gaze looked towards one particular planet of the dimensional globe. Earth. Circling around it was a smaller one called the moon. Farther beyond that orbit was the life-giving light... the two things he could not create for his world... the two things that brought to life so many others... "I could decline politely to your acquisition, but cannot. I still owe you a debt. Very well, I-" "It is only for a short period," she interrupted. "They will stay only until my student learns her lesson." "... Very well..." the pokemon said thoughtfully and thankfully. "Whom shall you borrow?" Celestia smiled coyly. "I was hoping you could help me with that..."
Chapter 2 **To my dearest Twilight, I received your letter, and have decided to help you. As your friend, I feel obligated to aid in any way possible. That being said, and as your former mentor, I must give you one final lesson of friendship. Consider it to be your greatest puzzle yet... Invite your friends over Thursday like any normal day, and wait for my next letter for further instructions. If all goes as planned, expect to receive it at 3:00 pm. With the Highest Praise, Princess Celestia Twilight read the letter over once more and bit her lip in anxiety. Her gaze scanned her friends whom gathered around the table. Currently, they were talking about their day: Twilight was not really paying attention. She kept stealing nervous glances at the clock. Now, she was an intelligent unicorn. She had been reading physics textbooks while most her age were starting Hop on Pop. She knew how the flow of time worked. In fact, she knew enough about it to understand how to travel back in time. Making time move faster, however, was impossible... for now... She snuck another glance at the clock. 2:04 pm. "What's up Twi?" a voice asked from above. Twilight was startled out of her trance, causing the hovering rainbow-haired mare to become a little more concerned. "Why're you so jumpy?" "Ooooh! Is it a new game? Are you playing a jumping game?" a bubbly and excited voice cut in. "Could I play? Please? Pretty please? Pretty please with sugar and whipped cream and sprinkles on top?!" "Wha- no! No..." Twilight reassured with a weak smile. "I'm fine. Really." "Come on now, sugarcube," an orange mare drawled while adjusting her Stetson. The farm mare leaned back casually in her throne, propping her hooves up on the table. "Ya'll should know not t' lie around me..." "Now, be reasonable Applejack," Rarity began while shoving the mares feet off the table with a sweep of her magic. "If Twilight wants to tell us, then she will tell us when she's ready." Twilight sighed with relief. "B-But..." Fluttershy's quiet voice began, making Twilight's heart sink. "Shouldn't we be concerned? I-I mean... What if it's something bad?" "It's not bad I swear!" Twilight spoke loudly,, causing the others to go silent. Even the party mare was quiet. Twilight glanced at the clock. 2:04 pm. Maybe she could figure this one out on her own. After all, how hard could it be? ~Aproximately 53 Minutes Later.... Twilight cowered underneath the crystalline table. Above, all she could hear were shouts of anger and miscellaneous items being tossed about. She was spiraling. She could hear Princess Celestia's words clear as if she were hear. "I am disappointed in you Twilight," the imaginary Celestia voice in the broken mare's head reprimanded. "Your alicorn wings shall be clipped and you shall be banished t the farthest-" The voice was interrupted by a book landing upon Twilight's muzzle. The book was supposed to be filed under mystery... The thought clicked, and Twilight's rage boiled over. Whatever was happening above froze in an instant as Twiight's magical aura tightened it's grip around everything. The table hovered above as the violet mare rose. Her eyes were glowing a burning white, and her mane flowed in an imaginary breeze. The scen that was frozen in place seemed confusing. Rainbow, seemed to be in mid air-roll, next to Pinkie who had a pie still in hoof, performing a seemingly uncanny flip. Applejack had her lasso in mid hogtie around Rarity. The ivory mare in question appeared to be doing nothing. Upon closer inspection, the mare seemed to levitate a drape near Appplejack to wrap up in. The room in whole appeared to be a complete and utter destroyed mess. After all mares eyes were upon Twilight, she released them from her hold, causing most everything to fall to the ground. She then spoke in the royal canterlot tongue. "WHO THREW THE BOOK?!!!" No mare spoke up. As Twilight's rage was about to burst, a small voice spoke up. From under a side table that laid against the wall, Fluttershy emerged with a very embarrassed and apologetic look on her face. Silence reigned once more, and Twilight's rage subsided a little. Her magic rearranged the room as it was before the pandemonium. Even her friends were placed by Twilight's magic. The last little detail left was the book that was threw upon the ground. Twilight blinked as her eyes lost their glow. Her gaze was hard and irritated. She walked over to the bookcase it came from and placed it in the correct space. As she turned to address the friends before her, she waved off any comments before they could leave anyone's mouth. "This has turned into an intervention," Twilight stated flatly. "It's not for just one of us. This is for all of us. I sent a letter to Princess Celestia, and she told me not to tell you about it, but you've pushed me to this point." The other mares looked to one another in worry, but kept their silence. Twilight drew in a long breath, and continued, "Our friendship is in jeopardy. Our... little hangout days are supposed to be happy and fun. They've become now... arguments and days to just tear each other's throats out. Celestia-" There was chime in the castle from a clock, cutting Twilight off. It was 3:00 pm. Twilight waited in suspense. She didn't know what to expect from her former mentor. As the panic appeared upon her face, so did it appear on the others. "Twilight?" Pinkie began slowly. "Um... T-twitchy tail...!" As if on cue, as all eyes looked up, a tear appeared in the air above. Within it was a swirling vortex of sorts. Not a few moments later, a few bodies as colorful as the ponies themselves fell from it. Without a single second to spare, the portal sealed itself, allowing a deafening silence to fill the air.
Chapter 3"Oh sweet Celestia!" Rarity exclaimed theatrically. "Are they alright?" "Where did...?" Twilight began, looking back up to where the portal that dropped them used to be. "Wh-who are they?" "A fall like that... with that speed..." Rainbow flew up to that height and dropped onto the floor with a soft thump. "They're definitely knocked out..." "Oooh! I'll get some water!" Pinkie declared before disappearing into the castles many corridors. "Good thinking Pinkie," AJ said with a smile. She quickly followed the party pony. "A splash o' water'll wake 'em up." "U-um... actually," Fluttershy began with a soft poke to one of the strange looking quadrupeds. "I think they're waking up..." "What?!" Rainbow and Twilight exclaimed at the same time. "Ow... my head..." groaned one of the bodies. The taller one stood up with a stagger. It's features reminded all the mares of a giraffe, but much smaller. Instead of the yellow-brown spots pattern a giraffe would normally have, this being seemed to be yellow and purple, with rounded spots trailing along the neck and halfway along his body. Halfway down his back, the color scheme of his coat would change entirely. His eyes blinked open and scanned the room of mares. "Yo, buddy," Rainbow began with a little confusion. "You alright? That was one nasty fall..." "Was it? It didn't really hurt too bad..." he said with look over of his body. "Hey, wh-" "I got the water~!" Pinkie exclaimed quickly throwing it upon the pile of strange creatures. "OUCH!!!" shouted a feminine yet gritty voice. Suddenly, a pony leapt off the ground and began to run around the room as if her mane was on fire. ...Actually, it was on fire! "Hold on!!" AJ said, throwing the rest of the water. In one second, the giraffe leapt between the two and threw up a wall of yellow light. The thrown water splashed against it and fell onto the floor much to the chagrin of Twilight. "I really think you shoul-" "What the heck?!!" the fiery mare interrupted while walking through the screen. "Are you trying to kill me?!" "Yer mane's on fire!" AJ shouted back. She seemed fairly confused by why the mare seemed unharmed by the whipping flames. "A lil water won't hurt ya!" "Yeah, it will!" she replied curtly and with a challenging stance. "Show's what you know, ya Dunsparce!" "Who's shouting?" groaned another voice. Another stood up while rubbing his eye. His coat was mostly a dark black with white stripes partially crossing his body. It was almost like a reverse zebra. His mane stuck straight up and was shaped like a bolt of lightening. "Nobody can get any sleep around here..." "Like you need a few more minutes of Sleep, Blitz," the fiery pony said with a roll of her eyes. "I will if you keep shouting..." "Please stop fighting..." a different voice mumbled. Another stood up with a weary look. Her coat was mostly a bright pink, but also a cream color. Upon her head was a lone flower. "You know what happens when you fight..." "Yeah! I win!" The fiery pony declared. "Pfft," Rainbow huffed. "You got something to say?" "Yeah," Rainbow said with annoyance. "You should let the air out of you head before it pops." "Oh kettle! I see you've met pot!" Rarity exclaimed with sarcasm. Soon multiple arguments filled the room. Twilight was seemingly left helpless. "Hah!" a boyish tone scoffed, silencing most of the other voices. "You gotta admit it Brandi... You've got a little bit of an ego." Up stood a unicorn of a somewhat outrageous design. His mane was a deep red, but his coat was a yellowish cream color. Around his neck appeared to be a light blue frilled collar that matched his tail as well. Out of his forehead was a ridged grey . He had a charming smile on his face that faltered into confusion upon looking into the room. "Oh MY...!" Rarity exclaimed with sparkles in her eyes, She maneuvered over to him with a dreamy look. "You are simply fabulous! Please, you must come back to my boutique so that we can... get to know each other..." "H-hey!" th giraffe cried out, dashing over to get between the two. "S-stop that! You can't talk to him like that!" "And why..." soon the room was filled with arguments. Some were trying to stop the arguments, but it was in vain. Twilight slumped against the back wall, watching the friendship she had with her friends be ruined by these new beings. "Celestia... what do you want me to do?" the mare muttered to herself. She shut her eyes trying to think of something- anything to save the friendships she had. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't think straight with all the noise going on in the room. She rubbed her temples , hummed a song to drown them out, and even plugged her ears. She still could not think. "EVERY PONY BE QUIET!!!" she shouted. However, even her go-to solution for calming the masses did little to stop them all from arguing. While she was taken aback, the violet mare would not be dissuaded. She scanned her shelves carefully before finding the right book. Over One Million uses for the Bandanna: Advanced Edition. She hefted the massive book up into the air and, holding back her intense care for the things, dropped it onto the table. The resounding boom was loud enough to make thunder seem quiet. Everyone winced and stared at the unamused princess. "Right. Everyone who knows what the Elements of Harmony are, please gather on the left side of the table," Twilight explained in annoyance. "Everyone else, gather on the other side. Now... MOVE!" With a clatter of hooves, everyone went to their respective sides. Not a word was spoken, but a few glares were exchanged. Twilight gazed to both sides before moving over to her friends. "As much as we enjoy biting each other's heads off, I'd like to get to know everyone," Twilight said with a fake happy tone. "I'mPrincess Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends; Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity." The five beings stood in slight shock of the information unloaded on them. "Er... ok," the giraffe-esque being began. "I'm Jeri, that's Blitz..." "Hiya!" the zebra greeted cheerfully despite the obvious tension. "That's Fauna," Jeri said whilst pointing out the deer creature who gave a half-wave. "Next to her is FireBrand but she prefers being called Brandi." The pony with mane ablaze decided to act like she didn't care. "And finally," he began with slight build up. "This is the Legendary Keldeo." "Jeri... I'm not that important," Keldeo said with a slight groan. "I'm just a normal pokemon like you." "Poke-what?" Aj said with a tilt of her head. "And what makes him so special?" "He's one of the Swords of Justice," Fauna piped up. "They're sole purpose is to protect pokemon like you or me." "Yeah, they're kinda like superheroes," Jeri clarified further. "Except... real I guess..." "You're not a pokemon," Pinkie began with a dramatic point of her hoof. "You're a giraffe." "Girafarig," Jeri said quickly. "I'm a Girafarig." "I thought you were a pokemon..." Fluttershy mumbled. "I am. We all are," Jeri gestured with a cloven hoof. "W-wait a minute..." Twilight began with a wave of her hoof. "What you're saying is that you, a Girafarig, are a species of pokemon." "Yes..." Jeri said with a slow nod. "I have to say though that you guys are the strangest group of pokemon I've ever seen." "We're not pokermons," AJ stated flatly. "We're ponies." "Pokémon," Brandi growled. "And you aren't any Ponyta's that I've ever seen!" "She means that we are not pokemon at all," Rarity groaned before the potential argument could arise. "What do you make of it, Twilight? ...I-if you don't mind..." Fluttershy whispered. "Celestia said that this will be my greatest puzzle..." the princess of friendship hummed. "Maybe... hmm..." "Who's Celestia?" Blitz asked with an eyebrow cocked. "Or am I the only one who's wondering that." "I'm curious too," Fauna agreed. "She's, like, the ruler-" Rainbow began before being interrupted by bouncing blur. "Princess Celestia is one of the co-rulers of Equestria! She lived for over one thousand years, and raises and sets the sun all on her own!" Pinkie explained in seemingly one breath. "So she's like a legendary," Keldeo stated. "She's like Arceus." "Uhm... what's-" "I've get a bigger question!" Brandi declared, interrupting the yellow Pegasus. "Just where are we?!" "You are in Equestria," Twilight said calmly. "What region's that?" Fauna asked. "I've never heard of it. Is it a route...?" "No," Jeri said with a shake of her head and a thoughtful look. "I think she means...' "Jeri, you don't think..." Keldeo said with a knowing look. "I think it is..." Jeri sighed. "Arceus." "Who is Arceus?" Twilight asked with an exasperated gaze. "He's like Celestia, but different," Keldeo explained. "He has powers beynd imagination. He watches over all pokemon, but never interferes unless it's necessary." "What you're saying..." Twilight began slowly. "Is that this... being... sent you here?" "Yes," Keldeo said with a slow nod. "That... ok, too much information at once..." Twilight said, much to the remaining elements shock. "I think that we need to jut try and get to know each other. Now-" "DIBS!!" Pinkie Shouted, suddenly appearing next to the Ponyta. Before the fiery maned pokemon could react, she felt a Pinkie Pie hug cut her breath short. "Pinkie..." Twilght sighed. "Oh come now, Twilight..." Rarity began with a roll of her eyes. "We are fully capable of making our own decisions. Also..." She quickly stood next to Keldeo with an innocent look. "I call the legend~!" "I-I don't think that's a good plan!" Jeri said with a huff. "Keldeo should-" "I'll be fine Jeri," Keldeo said with a small smirk. "Why don't you stay with Twilight?" "But-" "You know more about our home than I do," Keldeo said with confidence. The Girafarig blushed slightly but nodded reluctantly. "Great! Now-" "This is ridiculous!" AJ stated with an annoyance. She stood up and began to trot out of the room. "I can't stay any longer! I got apples t' harvest!" "Hey Blitz," Fauna began in a small whisper. "Maybe you should..." "Way ahead of you," Blitz said with a wink. "Hey! Wait up! Let me help you out!" "I don't need...!" Aj's complaint faded into the halls of the castle. She was soon followed by Rarity. "That just leaves me, I suppose," the Deerling said with a cheerful smile. "Yeah... um... Unless you can fly," Rainbow said while rising into the air. "You might as well go with Fluttershy." "Y-you don't have to..." Fluttershy looked away from the pokemon. "No, I do..." Fauna smiled sheepishly. "If you don't mind putting up with me..." The awkward silence was near palpable as the two slowly sauntered out of the room. Rainbow Dash followed in flight. "W-well..." Jeri began with a cough. "What now?" "Now ylou're going to tell me everything you know about your world." Twilight summoned forth a parchment and quill and sat down at her table. "Oh... well could I-" "No." Twilight looked at Jeri with an innocent look that somehow made Jeri feel very uncomfortable. He didn't need to be psychic typed to know that it would be a long night...
Chapter 4"HAH!!" grunted a rather peeved Applejack as her powerful hind legs thwacked the solid trunk of an apple tree. "Get t'know yah, she says!" Applejack grips the handle of a basket near the base of a tree in her teeth before placing it in a cart being tugged along by Blitz. The pokemon nodded along while looking around the orchard. "I've got a million other things to do on my farm, and she wants me to get to know y'all?" She asked rhetorically. "Well that's a load of Bull-" "Shiitake Mushrooms!" Pinkie Pie giggled aloud. "The recipe definitley calls for some Shiitake mushrooms!" "Err... Pinkie?" Brandi called from the other side of the kitchen. "Weren't you talking about your friends? Or am i really having the most vivid fever dream ever?" "Whoopsies! Sorry, but it's sometimes easier to talk out loud when you're doing two things at once. My friends? Well, they are pretty cool i guess, but lately we've been yelling at each other more than laughing. I mean, laughing all the time is amazing and junk, buuuuuuuuuuuuuuut..." she rattled off while mincing some mushrooms with great haste. "... but?" Brandi asked when the pink mare stopped. "I laugh all day long and keep a smile ALL day long. It's awesome and smiles go for miles, but i mean really! Sometimes, most of the ponies I try to cheer up and give a good time are real-" "Pricks! That's all this ensemble really needs. Sequence the size of pin pricks." Rarity exclaimed as she scrutinized her latest creation. It looked to be a dress inspired by the pokemon standing in the room. "Um..." he began only to be cut off again. He kept up a polite smile and wondered if he made the right choice back at the library. "Anyways, most of the customers i have to deal with are just too much to bear. I'd think that my friends would understand my plights. Why, I had a mare come in from Phillydelphia who I was making a wedding dress for, and do you know what she said? She said that I made the dress make her look fat! The very idea! She was such a stuck up-" "Bitch! Bitch! Bitch!" Fluttershy cried out in the comfort of her own cottage. She paced back and forth in the air in an exasperated manner. "That's all I hear from the farmer's who can't have such wonderful little critters even near their property because they honestly think that whenever a harvest goes missing it's their fault! I mean, yes... sometimes that happens, but not every time!" Fauna watched yellow pegasus go back and forth in the air from a small couch. She idly petted a bunny that trembled in her arms while listening to Fluttershy. "Sometimes I wish I could just scream!! But... no one would hear it so it doesn't matter," the pegasus flopped back to the floor and let out a long sigh. "Well..." Fauna began cautiously. "Have you maybe tried talking to your friends about this?" "Tried? TRIED?!" AJ repeated with a shout. She bucked another apple tree so hard that she left a slight mark on the bark. "Every time I do, Rarity or Rainbow, or somepony always says they got it harder!" "Do they?" Blitz asked innocently before getting a death glare from the orange mare. "I'll take that as a no." "Don't get me wrong! I love my friends, but they are just so...! They just...!" Pinkie began, lacking the words to describe her situationa s well as fumbling with the heat in the oven. "Don't get it?" Brandi asked with a roll of her eyes. "Exactly~!" Rarity sighed. "They just don't understand how hard it is to draw inspiration when you've already made so many fabulous dresses!" "I can't even imagine..." Keldeo said with a shake of his head. "I know, right?" Fluttershy said to Fauna. She had taken a seat in a nearby chair and toyed with her hooves for a moment. "They think they've got it so rough." "They think they've got it so rough." "They think they've got it so rough." "They think they've got it so rough." "So... to summerize..." Twilight began while holding up a rather long parchment. "Pokémon are creatures of all shapes and sizes who live in the wild or alongside humans. Humans are beings that coexist with you pokemon. They are not to be confused with the humans I have encountered. Some humans keep pokemon as pets, but others like to train them for competition. Am I right so far?" "Yes..." Jeri replied with a tired nod. "Pokemon can be classified into certain groups that describe what attributes and talents they can possess. There are Fire, Grass, Water, Normal, Rock, Ground, Fighting, Electric, Bug, Ice, Steel, Flying, Psychic, Dragon, Dark, Poison, Ghost and Fairy types. Each type has advantages and weaknesses to other types. An basic example being that Grass beats Water, Water beats Fire, and Fire beats grass. The basic idea is to use common sense." "Sounds right." Jeri let out a small yawn and looked out the window. "All right. That covers the basics for the most part," Twilight said before rolling up the parchment. "At least, it covers it for now. I'l have more questions that'll need answering later. Is there anything you'd like to ask me?" "Well... MAybe I should go over what I've learned from you...?" he asked. "That'd be a great idea." Twilight sat down and gave a sincere smile. "Ok... So..." Jeri thought for a moment before speaking. "We are in Equestria, which is currently being ruled by four princesses, but one, called Celestia, oversees the government. There are four kinds of pony as well. Earth Ponies are somewhat resposible for keeping the ground fertile, Pegasi have wings and can control the weather above, and Unicorns can control magic and manipulate it to cast spells. The fourth kind of pony are called alicorns. They possess the three other ponies abilities, and are the least common in Equestria. Most alicorns are in a position of power and are somewhat responsible for keeping the harmony in the land." "Correct," Twilight said with a nod. "Anything else?" "Can we have a break?" Jeri laughed. "I just don't think I can last much longer." "... alright... We'll have a 5 minute break," Twilight sighed before getting up. "But after that, we're going to move onto other matters... like history!" The Girafarig fell out of his seat and groaned in defeat.
UPDATE: New managementSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
