(Ken POV)
I woke up to stare at the bright sun. Yawning i stretched and got up and realized something was wrong. I looked at my hand. I looked at my feet. I reached up to where i thought my head should end. Instead i feel the inside of a…. Mushroom!!!
I was a Breloom!! A Breloom!! I had the urge to scream before hearing something. Turning around i saw a Ponyta like creature walking up a stone path. It had an amber fur and an orange mane. On its head was a horn like a Rapidash but instead it was spiraled. On its flank was what looked like orange colored ice cream with bubbles surrounding it. On its side was a small burgundy pouch.
This Pokemon isn’t in Sinnoh. I should know. I completed and memorized a sinnoh detailed Pokemon Encyclopedia on Invasive and Endangered species. It’s not native nor has it ever been seen before. I thought to myself.
I hid behind a nearby bench before it could see me and crouched. Just to my luck, it saw the bench and sat on it. Folding its legs under it started humming. The horn on it’s head glowed a bright orange and the pouch opened with a drawing pad and pencil.To my surprise it started to speak in a distinctly female tone. ”Now i can concentrate and begin drawing advertisements.” she said while beginning to draw Ice cream cones on her pad.
She isn’t a Pokemon and definitely not human. She seems harmless though. Maybe i can ask her where I am.
(Orange Cream POV)
I was drawing on my sketchpad when a green thing of some sort walked out from behind the bench. Not recognizing it i peered into its eyes. It gained a bewildered look before backing up and shaking it’s head. It then open it’s mouth and spoke.
“Breloom, Loom?”
“Um, what are you saying?
“Breloom, Loom?”
“You’re trying to ask me something but i don’t understand you.”
It pointed to my pad with its little forearms. Understanding that it was going to write what it wanted to say, I lowered my pad so it could reach it while giving it my pencil. It grasped the pencil in between its two finger like things and began to write something in a sloppy scrawl. When it was done it held it up to my face.
“Where are you? You’re in Central Park in the middle of Manehattan. Any dummy would know that.”
It erased the page and scribbled again.
“I’m not from here. Where is Jubilife City?” was written on the pad.
“Jubilife City? Never heard of it. Lemme ask a question.”
It nodded.
“What are you?”
It scribbled some more.
“A Breloom? What do you mean you used to be a Human? What’s that?”
It sighed, and then started to write again before we both heard a roar. A purple beast with sharp teeth and fins on the end of its arms was charging toward us causing nearby ponies to scatter. Almost immediately the “Breloom” grabbed me, stretching its arms. It jumped over the bench and ran away depositing me in the field behind us.
“What’s going on? What is that thing?”
It turned to me and winked before rushing toward the hulking beast.
(Ken POV)
I ran into the path of the speeding Garchomp and held up my hands. Its neckline was raised at a small angle and its dorsal fin was whole, marking it as a female.
“Ma’am! What’s the problem? You're scaring the Ponytas.”
She stopped and looked at me rage and tears in her eyes. “My hatchlings! They took my hatchlings!” It cried out with a roar.
That makes sense. Garchomp are adept predators capable of flying, swimming and prowling for prey. However while the male hunts the female stays in their underground nest defending their young until they’re mature enough to leave. If a premature child goes missing, both parents will go on an Outrage until they find the child. She’s probably worried sick!
“Ma’am, calm down i’m sure they have nothing to do with your children. Perhaps if you calmed down and searched they would be found easily…..”
“But they could be anywhere!” She yelled making a slash at the ground. I jumped out of the way and tried to speak again but she cut me off with a swipe at my head.
“Don’t get in my way!”
At this a drawing pad flew from the left and bounced off the Garchomp’s head. It turned to the side to see the source of the projectile to find the Ponyta from before shivering in fear.
“You!” said the Garchomp, eyes boiling with anger.
Suddenly, with convenient timing, a shiny Gallade materialized out of thin air on one knee holding 3 giggling Gibles in his arms.
“Momma!” they all chimed in Unison.
Madame. I believe you were looking for this mischievous lot.
The Garchomp's anger was replaced with tears of joy. She reached down and took her young from the Gallade hugging them close, nuzzling each one. “Oh, I missed you.” she said, tears continuing to fall. “We missed you too Momma.” said the largest of the three. The Garchomp looked down at the Gallade and smiled. “How can i repay you for your kindness?”
No need to at all Madame. Debt is a very weighty thing that no one should have to carry.
Suddenly 6 Ponyta dressed in clothing similar to that of police uniforms cautiously approached. One with a mustache came forward. It cleared it’s throat and started to speak. “Excuse me but you are um under arrest for destruction of public property and disturbing the peace. If you could kindly come with us, um.. Ms. Purple Dragon we can avoid all conflict.” He said motioning for the Garchomp to come forward.
Before the Garchomp could react the Gallade stepped forward and spoke telepathically.
Good day officer! You see this is all one big misunderstanding. Our friend here had lost her children and was simply distressed and worried. I can assure you she had no ill intent at all.
The officer, briefly befuddled at how he was hearing the Gallade, shook his head and replied, "I'm sorry sir but your friend here has broken law and someone has to be held responsible for the damage she caused. I’m sure we can smooth this all over at the police station we just need her to come with us.”
The Garchomp now confused said was about to ask what was going on when the Ponyta from before stepped forward and started to speak.
“Sir what he said is the truth.”
“Again Ma’am, I still have to take her in. It’s protocol.”
The Gallade turned to the Garchomp and spoke in Pokespeak to her. The Garchomp nodded and the Gallade turned to the officer.
Only if we can all go with her.
“Sure it's fine by me.”
At this it was time I thought I should chime in.
“But Lucas, I don’t wanna go to jail!”
Shuddup
“But-”
Shuddup
Fine, following Lucas and the rest of our entourage we began to be escorted to the Police Station.
(Narrator POV)
The police chief nibbled on a donut while filling out paperwork. He sighed and thought over the day’s events so far. Around midday reports of creatures just popping up in random places. Some were peaceful and attempted to communicate. Some were…. Destructive. Now Manehattan was a very accepting place. A minotaur walking down the street would be given just as much respect as any pony. So they were trying to take a tactful approach at these creatures. However there isn’t a very tactful way to approach a large giant beast making a dent in the road by stomping. When laws were broken arrests needed to be made. Looking up the Police Chief took in the silence.To deal with the problem he had dispatched every single personnel who could legally arrest someone. The office was empty, just him at his desk filling out paperwork. He took another small bite of his donut. At least he wouldn’t have to personally deal with one of these creatures himself. I mean hopefully one wouldn’t walk right up to the police……
As if to spite him a Garchomp holding 3 Gibles, Gallade, Breloom, a mare and several officers all enter the police station.
“Hey Boss! We got one here for destruction of Public Property and Disturbing the Peace. What should we do?”
Sighing, the Chief addressed the situation at hand.
“What was the extent of the damage?”
“Cracked the stone walkway in central park, trampled some grass and trampled a park bench in Central Park”
Sighing again, the chief flipped through his paperwork and replied.
“Call the Judge see what he says.”
As if on cue a Pegasus in a police uniform flew in. Saluting, she opened her pouch and took out a rolled up document.
“Judge Matthews says all of these new “Pokemon” as he’s been told, who have caused property damage, are to do community service, fixing whatever it is they have destroyed and are to be held in solitary confinement for 5 days, or until the task is completed.”
“Gar-Garchomp!!!”, the Garchomp cried out.
“What did she say?” , the chief asked.
What happens to her children?
“Well i suppose they stay with a trusted guardian which would be you I assume. Based on the damages she’ll only be here for a night and finish working around 3:00 tomorrow. Not too long in my opinion.”
Lucas looked up at the Garchomp who was currently looking at the Gibles in her arms as if she was fighting battle with herself. Seeing the cells in the corner of the station changed her mind. Tears in her eyes, she handed the babies to Lucas.
“Take very good care of them and be back as soon as the sun rises tomorrow.”
Yes Madame.
Despite not being able to understand the Garchomp the ponies in the room were moved by the moment with the pegasus blowing her nose in a tissue while sobbing. Ken too was sobbing on the floor, killing the moment when he launched into an off key version of a farewell song.
So do we go then?
“I suppose so?”
With the Gibles bidding one last farewell to their mother, the group left the Police Station, but not before the police chief yelling something about saving him a vanilla coffee float the next day to the mare.
“So where do we go now?” Ken asked looking at the bustling city around them. By now it was around evening time and the hints of a sunset were showing on the horizon.
Where do we go?
“Well I have a place. I live upstairs of my store and I have plenty of space so you guy’s can stay there if you would like.” Was the mare’s timid answer.
Perfect.
“Speaking of that.” Concentrating , the mare’s horn glowed and the rest of the group was bathed in orange light.
“What was that?” asked a Gible.
“Translation magic. I can understand you now”
“Then what’s your name? Asked the smallest of the three.
“Orange Cream”
Now that’s a weird name
“It’s because of my family’s business.”, Orange Cream replied while blushing.
“That explains it.” replied Ken who was pointing to the symbol on her flank.
Before Orange Cream could open her mouth to explain a loud voice rang out.
“I am Lord Arceus, creator of the Pokémon realm. You have no reason to fear me, I come in peace.”
Ken’s jaw dropped. Lucas looked around realizing they weren’t the only ones hearing this. Orange Cream looked very confused. The Gibles however displayed a positive reaction gasping in awe.
“I have revealed myself to inform you that I am the one responsible for the Pokémon’s presence in this world, for the citizens of Equus, the Pokémon are the beings who have appeared over the past few days.”
Ken’s eyebrow started twitching.
“I have my reasons for bringing them here, and to the leaders I will reveal them in time, but for now a warning, the Pokémon, while some may not seem it, are just as intelligent as any race who calls Equus home, and, seeing as how they are my subjects, I will not tolerate them being treated any differently than you would treat your fellow Pony, Griffin, Minotaur, Diamond Dog, Changeling, Deer, Hippocampi, Zebra, Horse, Buffalo, Cow, Donkey, or Dragon depending on whichever race you belong to.”
Ken eyebrows furrowed.
“To my Pokémon, I say this, I brought you, all of you, here so that you could live in peace, do not seek to harm the natives of this world, for I am the one responsible for your displacement. And to the Pokémon who went through changes when I brought you here I say this. You are the ones who proved themselves worthy, those who were fair, kind and good in the old world, consider this your reward. And to all of you, as sapients the laws of Equus, and the varying countries, now apply to you, and only the laws of Equus.”
Ken was now seething, visibly angered.
“That is all for now, but just to be clear, the Pokémon are not to be harmed simply out of spite, if you have a problem with what I’ve done, feel free to contact me, I currently reside in an ancient temple deep in the Everfree Forest, or a pocket dimension outside of the space time continuum, so if any of you wish to face the sheer power of a god, feel free to come by.”
“Is that a challenge?” Ken remarked clearly angry and annoyed.”
“Goodbye for now, though I doubt this will be the last you hear of me, and peace to you all.”
Ken paused and looked up at Lucas with a face that could only be described as sheer determination. Lucas recognized that face.
NO!! Not in a million years
Ken smirked, punched his open hand and said, “Next stop, Everfree Forest.”
Questions, Answers and Orange Mares
Theme Song
(Narrator POV)
It was night in Manehattan and the Moon was a crescent in the sky. At the Pop Cream, Orange Mare had sat down Ken and Lucas in her room up stairs to ask them several questions, regarding Arceus’ revelation. Meanwhile the Giblets were sleeping dreaming about meeting their momma the next day. Ken and Lucas sat cross legged in front of Orange Mare ready to answer whatever questions she may have. She cleared her throat and began to fire away.
“So you come from a different planet, correct?”
Ken nods.
“You used to be a human?”
Ken nods again.
“What’s a human?”
“We’re mammals, kinda like apes. Except without hair, well only on our heads and in…. Certain places.”, Ken explained.
Orange Cream nodded. She used her magic to carry over a notepad and pencil from her dresser. Beginning to take notes she looked up and asked the next question
“So right now you are a Pokemon, a Breloom to be exact right?”
Ken nods.
“So what was your job on your planet?”
“I was a Pokemon trainer.”
“Explain..”
Lucas interrupted and answered the question.
There humans who train Pokemon to battle in arena style combat. Their trained intensely for battles to a knockout.
“That’s horrible!”
On the surface yes, however it is shown that Pokemon have coevolved with humans and benefit from a close relationship with a Human. In fact some Pokemon can only mature by developing a close relationship with a human or exposure to items that are more easily accessible when with a trainer. However, i’ve seen humans abuse Pokemon for their own sick ends and i'm more than glad Arceus got rid of those sick people. However a Pokemon who wants to end a relationship with human can easily do it.
At this Lucas’ eyes glowed and Orange Cream saw a picture of a ball shaped device with a red top and a white bottom. In the center of it was a button.
This is where things got messy. Humans created this device to minimise the complications of having several large destructive beings walking through an area. They also served a double purpose they allowed the easy capture of a Pokemon. They activate upon being thrown or having the button pressed. They scan the nearby vicinity for non human DNA, assuming it’s a Pokemon and release a tractor beam that deconstructs a Pokemon molecule by molecule, compacts them and reforms them inside a stasis chamber inside, miniaturized. The real problem is what a Pokeball does inside. It release hypnosis waves that give a Pokemon a sense of calm, telling them everything is ok. Many horrible people use this to convince Pokemon they’re ok in a harmful relationship.
“Did you do that?”, Orange Cream worriedly asked Ken.
“Only when necessary. In crowded places like a city i could only have 2 Pokemon out at a time.”
“Was Lucas one of the Pokemon you trained?”
“Yeah, kind of.”
I mostly just drift in and out teleporting in when necessary. I make sure he never comes to harm, but I mostly travel separately.
Orange took some more notes and then asked: ”Did you train any other Pokemon?”
Ken nodded. “That’s why I want to go to Arceus. He’ll be able to tell me where everyone is and give me my stuff back. Speaking of which.” Ken looked at Lucas and tapped his head. Lucas getting the message started reading Ken’s mind.
The Looker., Ken thought, Lucas picking it up.
He’s probably here., Lucas replied.
We need to find him
No, we don’t.
Why?Ken thought, puzzled. We can't just desert.
Ken think, Arceus only took the people who are worthy. If all the bad people aren’t here there is no need for a WPO or a junior division. You don’t have to impersonate Diamond anymore because there’s no Team Galactic. We can do whatever we want now, no responsibilities at all.
Orange cleared her throat gaining their attention. “Tell ya what. If your friends are that important, i’ll help you find them. Just help up around the shop and i’ll buy us tickets to Ponyville.”, Orange said. “Where’s Ponyville?” Ken asked “That doesn’t sound like the Everfree.”
“Well you see Ponyville is the closest place with a trainstop to the Everfree forest.”. Levitating over a map she circled it with her pencil. “See.” She said, placing her pencil on top of the neighbouring forest.”It’s right there.”
Suddenly a knock was heard was heard from downstairs. Orange got up, sayings she’ll be right back. Upon reaching the glass door she saw a Lucario carrying a badly bruised Azumarill. Seeing the Azumarill’s condition she quickly opened the door and called for Ken and Lucas. Ken and Lucas immediately ran downstairs sensing something was wrong. Ken seeing the Azumarill ran forward and helped the Lucario place her on a table.
“Riku what happened!” Ken asked worried.“I was tracking her aura and found her like this.” He responded, sensing his trainers worry. The Azumarill stirred before sitting up. “Ken is that you?”. Blinking her vision focused and she asked: “And why are you a Breloom?”. Ken, relieved, chuckled and replied, “Well that’s a very long story Azura.”
Stepping forward, Lucas closed his eyes and used Heal Pulse. The bruises on Azura eventually got smaller and began to lose color. Smiling Azura stood up on the table and stretched. Jumping off the table she winced upon landing but kept her ever optimistic smile. “Thanks Lucas.”, she said turning to the Gallade. Orange Mare turned to Lucas with a look of awe, mixed with jealousy on her face. “What kind of magic is that?” she asked while examining the now healed Azumarill. Lucas smirked, “Heal Pulse, it’s not magic but a psychic type move that allows the user to manipulate their internal energy to heal those around them. Riku forgot how to use the move due to training offensively so i picked up the slack.” Orange Mare seemed confused by the new vocabulary, and was also surprised by Lucas' sudden use of speech. Suddenly she remembered. “Guys I thought we were answering questions?”. “And we’ll finish as soon as Azura tells us how she was attacked.” Ken replied shifting everyone’s attention to the small blue rabbit.
(Flashback Azura POV)
I remember floating somewhere in water, the sun was high in the sky but everything was blurry and then it went black.
Where am I?
I was floating in water, staring up at the night sky. I swore I was only in my Pokeball a few seconds ago. I flipped over and raised my head seeing… lights. So many of them, reflecting off the water, shing in my face from the city right in front of me.
Where’s Ken?
I looked around in the water not seeing my trainer anywhere. However i did see a fin making it’s way toward me. A Sharpedo mistaking me for an easy meal was trying to get the jump on me. I got ready to attack when I noticed it wasn’t alone. There were 2 fins, then 3,4,5. Doing a full revolution in the water only confirmed my suspicions. I was surrounded by a whole shiver of Sharpedos. Funny how the human name for a group of Sharpedos fully describes my fear. I saw them get close and closer and then I dived under and used Aqua Jet, hoping to make it to the safety of the city harbor i saw before me. However they were too fast and caught up to me in seconds. They started tackling me, trying to weaken me before they started to split me up into bite sized chunks. That’s how I got all the bruises. Right when i was dazed and confused, my vision blurred and I saw the biggest one open his jaws. I passed out after that.
(return to present)
Riku then started to tell his part of the story.
(Flashback Riku POV)
It was after Arceus’ announcement, the sun had sent and the moon rose high in the sky. I was walking near the part of the city closest to the sea hoping to be able to find a harbor with seafood of some sort to satisfy my hunger. It was then that my aura flared and i felt feelings of fear. I ran to the docks and saw a group of Sharpedo trying to weaken an Azumarill. Sensing that it was Azura i jumped in the water and used Extreme Speed to get there as quickly as possible. I then took out the leader and the rest dispersed. I grabbed her and swam back to the docks. My Aura flared again and this time i felt a sense of longing. Realizing it was you looking for us I was able to track you here so i could get help.
(Return)
“Oh, and maybe some food.” Riku said his stomach growling. Giggling, Azura leaned into his side and said “Thank you my sweet, lovable Riku.” Riku nuzzled her and said, “Anything for you my adorable Azura.” At this Ken falls over groaning, mumbling about how it’s even worse to hear them now. Lucas begins to laugh while Orange donned a puzzled face. “I’m just gonna go get some food.”, she said realizing that the longer she kept her new guests the more questions she would amass.
(After some really good ice cream and soda)
Everyone was off to bed in the 2 spare rooms upstairs of the shop. Orange sighed in the third room wondering if what she was making a really good life decision by housing this group of crazies. Then again she came from a family of nuts (and tended to be one herself) and could really use the company and help running the business now that her parents were in retirement and her brother was off chasing his dreams at the one of the best schools in Equestria-for a pegasus. Her dad always said he got his brains and his mom’s determination, and her brother’s dream was to prove he was smart enough to attend Celestia’s School for Gifted Young Unicorns. There he would gain the knowledge he would need to build a magic/diesel hybrid powered rocket, that could send a pony into space. That’s exactly what he said upon leaving the their shop, claiming he wasn’t gonna tie himself down as a “soda selling simpleton”. Surprisingly her parents seemed perfectly fine with him leaving the business as long as she was there, alone and tired from working all day by herself. At least i have help now. Sighing she drifted off to sleep hoping life was taking a turn for the better.
