For the next few days, everyone worked hard to help take care of the Pokemon and also help Professor Oak with his research. Twilight helped the Professor with his research directly, growing to understand individual Pokemon habits and all eighteen of the Pokemon types. Fluttershy spent a lot of her time with the Pokemon outside, getting used to feeding them and helping solve conflicts between them. Everyone else followed the orders given to them by Professor Oak and Ash.

Everyone grew to love the various Pokemon that they found in and out of the lab. In fact, many of them wanted to go out and see the world some more. However, they realized that they needed to find a way home and didn’t know if leaving the lab would keep them from going home.

As the week went on, everyone started to make friends with Pokemon that were at the lab. For instance, Rarity ran into a Slowpoke that made a nearby pond its home. At first, she didn’t think much of the Dopey Pokemon. However, the Pokemon quickly took an interest in her and her written down fashion designs. As time went on, she warmed up to the Slowpoke and they became friends, with the Slowpoke giving her inspiration for new designs.

Another friend that was made was Applejack growing friendly with a Growlithe. He was very energetic and helpful, helping her with the chores she had to do around the lab. Thanks to this as well as the fact that he reminded her of Winona, Applejack and Growlithe became friends.

Pinkie Pie found a Poliwag around the same pond that Rarity found Slowpoke. The Poliwag, like Pinkie Pie, loved to joke around and make others happy. As a result, they were quick to bond and become an effective team.

Twilight found a second Bulbasaur that was staying at the lab, becoming fascinated with the Grass starter and how Professor Oak said that it would evolve. For some time, Bulbasaur was more interested in playing with her friends and resting to give much thought to Twilight. Twilight felt sad that the Pokemon that she was taking an interest in didn’t want anything to do with her. However, Twilight’s friends soon found out about her problem and were quick to cheer her up. Twilight then talked to Bulbasaur, ultimately convincing her to give Twilight a chance. Twilight was happy to see that the Seed Pokemon was finally taking an interest in her.

Fluttershy took an interest in pretty much every Pokemon that was present at the lab and most of the Pokemon there shared this sentiment. Rainbow Dash, however, while doing all the work needed to take care of the lab’s Pokemon, didn’t make very many friends at first in spite of her interest in Pokemon. Things did change, however, during the last day before Ash’s journey was to start.

Fluttershy was feeding all of the Pokemon out in the area outside of the Professor’s lab. It was then that she noticed two Pokemon that were fighting; a Squirtle and a Pikachu. The Squirtle was shooting out powerful Water Guns while the Pikachu was dashing away from the water and hitting Squirtle with Thundershock. Fluttershy didn’t like how the two were fighting and went up to them to stop the attacks.

“Um, excuse me, but you really should stop fighting. You could end up hurting innocent Pokemon, which would be a very bad thing to do,” Fluttershy warned. However, the two just kept on fighting, her pleas falling on deaf ears. Fluttershy tried to pull them apart, but they both just continued their fight.

Fluttershy didn’t have much time to be disappointed though, as Ash walked over to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, what’s going on? Do you need any help?” Ash asked Fluttershy.

“Well, you see there are two Pokemon that are busy fighting with each other and I can’t get them to stop. Do you think you can help?” Fluttershy asked the more experienced assistant.

Upon seeing the two Pokemon that were fighting, Ash started to understand. “Oh, them. Squirtle loves to battle and can get carried away. As for Pikachu, he has what Professor Oak calls an electrifying personality. We can’t get him to do what we want without bribing him with ketchup half the time. He either electrocutes us or ignores us. In fact, it’s a miracle if we can get him into his Pokeball at all.”

“Well, maybe there is still one way to get the two of them to stop fighting. How about I try asking them to stop again?” Fluttershy suggested.

“I don’t know if that will work, Fluttershy. However, I guess we don’t have many other options to stop them. Go ahead and try,” Ash allowed the less experienced assistant to act.

“Excuse me! I told you that fighting was going to hurt the other Pokemon! Now I want you to stop fighting and walk away peacefully! Do you understand me?” Fluttershy demanded. Immediately, the two Pokemon looked sheepish. Pikachu ran off while Squirtle walked up to Fluttershy and proceeded to hug her leg. “Aw, that’s okay. Just be more careful next time.”

At this, the Squirtle walked away, leaving Ash and Fluttershy to talk.

“Good job. We usually can’t get that Pikachu to do anything. I’m not sure how I’m gonna get him to listen to me tomorrow,” Ash said as she shook her head.

“Wait, are you saying that you’re gonna go on a journey with Pikachu? I thought that you were gonna go with one of the other three starters,” Fluttershy said, confused.

“I was at first, but I figured that Pikachu could do better and hopefully be less hostile if he had a Trainer. So, I’m gonna start my journey to be the best with Pikachu! Besides, Professor Oak suggested it to me and I couldn't say no,” Ash explained joyfully.

“Well, good luck Ash!” Fluttershy wished the boy luck.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was watching the conversation unfold from behind a tree. She was taking a break in order to nap only to be woken up by Squirtle and Pikachu fighting. After the conversation ended and Ash and Fluttershy left, Rainbow said to herself, “Man, I just wish that we could get Snivy to open up more. Then she may stop being so fearful and bitter towards po-er-people.” Rainbow thought for a moment before coming to the realization, “Maybe Snivy could do better with a Trainer. That way she could see that not all humans are bad.”

After this, Rainbow looked around the lab grounds in order to look for Snivy. At first, Rainbow Dash had no luck finding the grass snake. Still, she decided not to give up and continued looking. After an hour of searching, however, she finally found Snivy sitting by a pond drinking water.

Rainbow was about to run up to the grass snake before realizing that would be a bad idea. So, she decided to sneak up to Snivy and sit next to her quietly. Snivy was quick to realize that Rainbow was right next to her. She was nervous and uncertain as to whether or not to run or not. After a tense moment of silence, Rainbow finally spoke. “You know, being here for the past week has taught me quite a bit about Pokemon. I learned that they can be powerful battlers, that they each have differing personalities even among the same species, and even that they react differently towards people. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again. Not all people are going to hurt you. Whoever hurt you are just the minority. You’re a great Pokemon that is bound to make any Trainer happy. I know you’d make me a happy Trainer.” At this, the Snivy looked up, surprised to hear this from the brash girl. “Maybe we can start off as friends though. What do you say?” Rainbow held out her hand ready to shake Snivy’s arm or vine, whichever she decided to use.

Snivy was uncertain as to what to do at first, seeing as how she didn’t know whether or not to trust the brash girl. However, after a minute of thinking, she was about to shake Rainbow’s hand only to be interrupted by two people laughing. Both of them were dressed in black outfits with red Rs on their shirts. “So, it looks like that Professor’s lab really is home to some rare Pokemon!” The female grunt said.

“Yes, and soon they will belong to us!” The male grunt laughed.

“Hey, who do you think you are, anyway?” Rainbow demanded from the two strange people.

“Our names are of no importance. However, do know that we are from Team Rocket, and our goal is to make all Pokemon ours both for profit and for world domination!” The female grunt explained as she threw out a Pokeball, which opened and released a Raticate to battle.

“Well, in that case you’re not going to steal any Pokemon today!” Rainbow yelled, blocking the two grunts from grabbing Snivy.

“My my, aren't we brave, and foolish. You really believe you can stop us? Well then, I think it’s time we see how much of a fight you can put up,” the male grunt said as he threw out a Pokeball, containing a Tangela, a creature made up of blue vine-like appendages. “Now, Tangela, use Vine Whip on that foolish girl!”

In an instant, Rainbow Dash was being bound and hurt by the Tangela’s Vine Whip. In spite of her pain, she didn’t give up. “Snivy! Quick, run while you can!” Rainbow called out to the shocked grass snake.

“Had enough yet, kid?” The girl grunt questioned.

“No! I won’t stand down!” Rainbow yelled.

“Well then, I think we should see about that. Raticate, use Bite!” At this, the Raticate bit on Rainbow’s hand, causing her a lot of pain. Snivy looked at both the grunt’s Pokemon and at the injured Rainbow Dash.

Looking at Rainbow Dash in pain caused Snivy to feel a lot of different feelings; concerned, scared, worried, but most of all anger. She realized that she couldn’t let the girl who was trying to save her down. She wanted to find a way to ease her pain, even if that meant getting involved in a battle. So, Snivy used Vine Whip to knock down Raticate, knocking him out in one blow.

“Hey, what is that stupid snake doing?” The female grunt demanded to know.

“Snivy is not stupid! In fact, Twilight says she is very smart!” Rainbow yelled.

“Well, we’ll see how long you have fight left in you. Tangela, continue using Vine Whip!” The male grunt called out sadistically. Rainbow screamed out in pain from being squeezed, but still refused to stand down.

Suddenly, Snivy also used Tackle to run right into Tangela, knocking him out in one blow as well and freeing Rainbow Dash as well. “So, you wanna fight us or do you just wanna go?” Rainbow challenged the grunts. The two grunts retreated, wanting to avoid fighting the strong Snivy. “Alright! You did it, Snivy! You were great!” Rainbow held out her non-injured hand and Snivy shook it without any nervousness. “So, I take it that we’re friends now?” At this, Snivy nodded, smiling for the first time in quite some time. Alright, let’s get going back to the lab. I’m sure Professor Oak will be wondering where we went.”

Later that night, the Mane 6 and Spike were ready to head to bed before seeing Ash and the other Trainers off on their journeys tomorrow.

“So, how is everyone feeling?” Twilight asked her friends.

“I’m feeling great, Twilight! Being around all these Pokemon has been one of the greatest experiences I’ve had in a while. It’s just like being around my animal friends!” Fluttershy revealed her happiness.

“I concur. These creatures, even some of the more uncouth ones have proven to be incredible! Still, I wish we had a way to head on home,” Rarity said.

“You said it! I love all these new faces to make happy, but I miss the Cakes and I have to wonder if Ponyville is doing fine without me being around,” Pinkie Pie said, surprisingly seriously.

“Wow, Pinkie. I didn’t know you felt that way,” Twilight was surprised.

“Well, I do. So, do you think we should throw a party for Ash and the other new Trainers tomorrow?” Pinkie Pie suggested.

“I’m not sure, sugarcube. I’m thinkin’ we should try and find a way to return home. After all, I need to help run Sweet Apple Acres,” Applejack said.

“Well, Twilight has been trying for some time to use her magic, but just like in Canterlot High her magic is unavailable. We may be stuck here for some time,” Spike revealed.

“What about you, Rainbow Dash? What do you think?” Twilight asked her friend. Upon turning to her, she saw that Rainbow was already asleep along with Snivy, who was sleeping on her chest. “Rainbow Dash!” Twilight woke up the sleeping girl.

“What? What happened?” Rainbow asked, confused for a moment before seeing an irate Twilight. “Sorry. I dozed off. So, what do you want?”

“What do you think about this place and our predicament?” Twilight asked.

“I’m actually interested in seeing this world and exploring a bit. Who knows? Maybe on our journey we may find someone or some-Pokemon that can help us find our way home,” Rainbow suggested.

“That sounds interesting, but I don’t know how well that will work,” Rarity said.

“Rarity’s right, Rainbow Dash. As much as I want to go on a journey with Pokemon, we still need to find a way home,” Twilight said.

“Yeah. I just wish I had a Pokemon,” Spike said. “Anyway, we should probably head to bed now. We can talk more tomorrow.”

At this, the Mane 6 and Spike said goodnight and drifted off to sleep.

When the Mane 6 and Spike opened their eyes, they found themselves in a strange space-like place.

“Whoa! What is this place, Twilight?” Spike asked the intelligent girl.

“I don’t know Spike,” Twilight answered uncertainly.

“Do you think we can float in this place?” Pinkie Pie asked as she jumped into the air only to come falling back down onto the floor of this place. “Note to self: Can’t fly in space-place.”

“So, does anyone else think that maybe we can get home from here?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t think so,” Applejack answered. “I honestly don’t even know how we got here.”

“Darn. Well, at least I can make some fashion based off of this place,” Rarity said.

“Does anyone else think that this may be due to a Pokemon?” Fluttershy asked the others.

“Maybe. Why do you ask, Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked the timid girl.

“B-because I see two Pokemon approaching us right now!” Fluttershy nervously revealed.

Fluttershy was right. Two Pokemon, a pink cat-like Pokemon and a black creature with a red and white head, flew up to the seven.

“Hello there you seven! My name is Mew, and I am here to deliver a message from Arceus, thanks to Darkrai here giving me a hand,” Mew explained.

“Um, Greetings there you ponies turned human. You’re probably wondering why you are all here,” Darkrai said.

“Who are you two? Are you Pokemon?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Mew is believed to be the ancestor of all Pokemon and Darkrai is the bringer of bad dreams and can impact the dreams of others. That must be how they are here,” Twilight said.

“Well, you see we have brought you to the Pokemon world for an important reason,” Mew said.

“Wait, did you have something to do with why we are in the Pokemon world?” Rainbow Dash asked angrily.

“Yeah! While this place is nice, I really would like to get home! Someone needs to watch over my two boutiques. And poor Sweetie Bell probably is missing me too!” Rarity overdramatically cried out.

“Well, to answer your question, the two of us didn’t transport you to this dimension. That was the work of Arceus. He wants you to help save this dimension from a series of predicted threats,” Darkrai answered.

“Hold on there, Darkrai! While we understand you all need help, you still took us from our home without even asking us first!” Applejack was upset.

“Now hold on, girls. Maybe we should listen to what they have to say first. I may not be happy to be separated from Angel and the others, but I still believe we should give them a chance,” Fluttershy tried to be fair.

“What do you think we should do, Twilight?” Spike asked his older sister figure.

After a moment of thinking everything over, Twilight decided, “We should at least hear them out before we judge them.”

“Thank you, Twilight. We don’t entirely know what all these threats are, but they could be of cataclysmic proportions. In fact, at least one of them could destroy far more than this world. If we don’t stop all these threats, your world too could be destroyed! Hey look! The moon is bright tonight!” Mew said, being briefly distracted after giving their warning. “Sorry, but we cannot take any chances on this. We need you all to go on a Pokemon journey and help save this world and possibly more from these threats. Fortunately for you, time will not flow at all in your world while you are here. When you return, it will be like you never even left. So, what do you say? Will you please help us?”

The former ponies and dragon looked at each other and took some time to talk it over. While most of them did want their world to remain safe and to go on a Pokemon journey, they also didn’t want to remain away from home for a long period of time. However, with these Pokemon holding the way home in front of them it seemed that they had no choice.

“Okay, we’re in. Just make sure that we return home once we are done, okay?” Twilight finally responded.

“Sure we can. You can probably find yourselves some starter Pokemon at Professor Oak’s lab. Well, goodbye!” Mew then left, flying around in loops as they left the area, with Darkrai following after.

In an instant, the Mane 7 woke up, realizing that what happened wasn’t a dream when they heard that they all had the same dream. It looked like they had to talk to Professor Oak and get started on their journey. After all, they were to be on a very long journey.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading so far. To note, while Ash is smarter in this story due to having spent time with Professor Oak, at least when it comes to Pokemon and nature, she is still the same Ash in other areas such as earlier overconfidence, brashness, and love of Pokemon.