Author's Notes:

SPOILER WARNING!
This chapter is part one of three of a crossover between myself and Ausbrony's story, A Brave New World.
This crossover contains SPOILERS for said story, so if you wish to avoid them, turn back now.
This has been a successful deployment of the Spoiler Warning system.

The odd family of Pokemon disembarked from the train from Ponyville and did their customary stretches after being free to roam once again. The city they found themselves in seemed to be the definition of ‘high society’. At least, the parts around the palace in the distance did. Everything here seemed to be...well, similar to how it had been in Manehatten, but there was this element of ‘more’ to it. It was intangible, yet present. “Anyone else get the feeling we should be more dressed up than we are for even walking around in this city?” Sam questioned.

At those precise words, Vincent smirked and flared one hand up. With a flurry of flashes, Lucy was wearing her sunhat, Bit was wearing his monocle, and Sam found his neck encircled with his bowtie. Vincent’s top hat had already been on, and the Kadabra gave his mental ‘voice’ an edge of smugness to it. Anything else you’d like to mention?

“Besides the luggage?” Lucy deadpanned. “No, I think we’re good.”

Ah, thank you for reminding me. Another trio of flashes saw the family’s rolling luggage summoned from its position in the train and placed besides them. We really should introduce concepts like lighter money to the ponies, you know, Vincent mused.

Bit dinged a few times as the idea wove its way into his mind. “An interesting...and useful idea, with both pros and cons. Perhaps we should mention it to someone...later. For now, I believe we are on a vacation. How goes the information gathering?”

Was just about to, Vincent replied as his head and right arm glowed blue. He closed his eyes and focused his mind before snapping his eyes open again. Ping!

The wave of blue light rushed out from the Kadabra’s cranium, into the city beyond, in search of surface thoughts about the city to bring back to the boy. Third time’s the charm?

Really, if he’d learned anything from Checkmate, he would have known better.

There was a moment's pause, then the sound of a clearly irritated voice responded.

“And what in the name of Arceus do you want!?” she snapped. “I have been up all night, re-organizing hundreds of memories... this had better be important!”

Vincent blinked at that before executing a portion of his training. Deepening the links between his family and himself and then shielding their minds and the links from detection, he carefully responded to the sound of an angry female.

Eheh. Actually, this couldn’t be more UNimportant, and I apologize for disturbing you. I’m new in town, you see, and wasn’t planning on staying long. So I sent out a wave of psychic energy to gather loose thoughts about what there was to do in town from the ponies who live here. Once again, sorry.

There was a pause and then Vincent could hear the voice sigh. “I.. sorry for snapping... it’s been a rough couple of nights.” She paused again before continuing, “Do you have a healer on you by chance? I could really use the help...”

Vincent shook his head before replying to the voice. My apologies, no. While in theory I could know Recover, that wouldn’t help you. My family...actually. There may be a roundabout answer in Bit, but not an easily accessible one. It would involve somehow getting at the list of moves the Simulator room had, then finding Heal Pulse, if it existed there, and teaching it to Lucy. Not an easy order.

She groaned, “I have no idea what you are talking about, but the answer seems to be no... ah, wait.” The voice was suddenly cut off, only to return a moment later. “Well, it would seem the cavalry has just arrived. Thank you for considering anyway. Oh! I haven’t introduced myself, I am Gardevoir, or just Gardy for short. Wha? Oh, yes... of course Mistress...” She cleared her mind as a Heal Pulse washed over her, and then she resumed her talk with Vincent, sounding much more coherent.

“My Mistress has invited you and your family for lunch. Would you care to join us Mr...?”

In order, yes, I figured you were a Gardevoir. You remind me of Luke...or Gene, or Belle. Vincent chuckled at the memories. Ah, the ones who cared. And...I’m not certain it would be wise to tell you my name, especially my last one, as it has a few negative connotations, but if you insist… The Kadabra trailed off as he mentally prepared himself for either extreme reaction.

“Well then, Mr. Kadabra,” Gardevoir chuckled. “Should you decide to join us, we will be eating here.” The vision of a cafe appeared in Vincent’s mind, a large cafe called ‘The Daily Grind’. “It’s a rather laid back little place with excellent coffee. Hopefully we shall see you there~” And with that, the connection was severed.

Pity, Vincent mused. I was at least going to throw her a bone with my first name. Ah well. Come along, I’ve picked up the location of a hotel nearby.

And with that, the small family went off to secure a room for their funds.

The small family had checked into the hotel and booked three rooms, eating up only a small portion of their bits, thankfully. Bit himself didn't need to sleep and said he would find his own accommodations, if he needed them. After going over the directions that had been passed on to him, Vincent led his family to the small cafe. Sam entered first, followed by Lucy, then Vincent, and finally Bit brought up the rear. Within, the family saw two Gardevoirs, one of them Shiny, a Luxray, an Absol, a Sylveon, and an Earth Pony. Once the smell of coffee hit their noses, the Scizor and Lucario turned to the Kadabra and said one word in unison.

“No.”

...Never let me have any of that stuff...I swear, one of these days, I WILL have a cup of coffee! Anyways, we’re looking for a Garde- oh hello, we just found one… Vincent's eyes landed on the pair of Gardevoir, wondering which one was the one he'd 'talked' to. The fact that the Kadabra hadn’t actually opened his mouth and was still ‘heard’ didn’t pass by anyone.

“And here they are, the mysterious, nameless Kadabra and his friends,” the Gardevoir giggled. “Mr Kadabra, this is my Mistress, Lady Diantha and our friends.”

Vincent grumbled a bit. I would have given you my first name to chew over, if only to avoid that introduction, had you stayed connected a moment more, you know. I’ll still do it now, but I’ll withhold my last name for the time being. I’m Vincent. The one floating behind me is Bit, the Lucario is Lucy, and the Scizor is Sam. And we’re not just friends.

“Indeed not,” Lucy said. “We’re family. Brothers and sister. We’re there for one another, no matter what.”

The Earth Pony smiled and then walked up to Vincent, shaking his hand rather vigorously. “Well howdy Mr. Vincent, ah’m Apple Fritter and this here as mah kin.” She pointed around the table, “The moody-lookin’ Absol is Selena.”

“I’m not moody...” Selena grumbled.

“The little pink one is Rika,”

The Sylveon smiled before locking eyes on Lucy’s hat. “That... that hat is simply adorable~”

“Should have seen me in it as a Riolu, then,” was the retort.

“An’ the banged up Luxray is Seth. Jus’ go easy on im, he’s had a rough couple o’ days.”

“That’s an understatement,” Seth groaned. “But regardless, hello to all of you.”

Vincent sighed at the sight. I am sorry that I can do nothing. Like I said, we have no real ‘healer’ in this family. In theory, if I could somehow access the list of moves from the Simulator room that’s still stored in Bit’s head and use that to teach Heal Pulse to Lucy, we’d have an answer.

“Don’t worry about it,” Seth replied. “These injuries are mostly muscle pains and over exposure to magic, Heal Pulse wouldn’t do a whole lot. The doctor’s say I should recover in a few days.”

Vincent nodded and looked to the pair of Gardevoir before smiling softly. So. Still want that last name? Or do you think you can guess it?

“I could pull the information from your mind,” she said aloud, rather than using telepathy. “But that is a rather severe breach of privacy and my personal ethics. Should you refrain from telling us, that is your own choice and one we will not force...”

I withhold telling my name for a simple reason: I know not how everyone will react to the one that bore it before me.

“Everyone has a secret or two,” Seth replied, sipping at his coffee. He gave a content sigh and smiled. “Don’t worry about it.”

Vincent nodded again and the family of Pokemon sat down at a table. Well, those that had legs. Bit opted to hover and observe. It’s just...the last time I shared my name, it turned a peaceful situation sour real fast. However, my visit to a certain God has done much for my anger, so unless any of you are Rangers, I think I can do so without too much anguish.

“No Rangers here, just a League Champion and a Pokemon Rights activist. So, I take it you used to be a human as well then?”

Vincent gave off a strangled laugh at that. Not wholly. Not completely. And it’s all thanks to what he did. The Kadabra waved a hand to encompass Lucy and Sam in his next statement. You’re looking at my broken little family of the ones who survived. The family of Nurem.

“Nurem?” The Luxray frowned before he replied to the latest name-drop. “Sorry kid, never heard of him before. What about you Diantha?”

The shiny Gardevoir set down her teacup and sighed. “Unfortunately, I have heard that name before. Nurem was the name of a scientist whose experiments were... ghastly to say the very least. You were survivors of his? I can only speculate at what horrors you must have endured.”

Sam winced at the thought of his experiment again. “Yeah...but we’ll give you two hints for free. We all Evolved in this world, yet our issues from his experiments remain.”

“And,” Lucy chipped in, “One of us has lasted longer than the others. Bit confirmed it. Care to guess?”

And it was for a very good reason, Vincent mused, thinking over his visit with Lady Xerneas.

“Well, I’m going to guess that’s it’s you Mr. Vincent,” Seth said. “Though it makes me wonder what your role in all this is.”

Oh that’s easy! Vincent said in a slightly-too-chipper tone. Madam Diantha, what do you know of the Doctor’s first experiment?

“Not much I’m afraid, I only know of the name and what his experiments were like. I know nothing of the actual details.” She had an inkling that she wasn’t going to like what Vincent had to say next.

Oh, details were easy to retrieve. Bit was in the mainframe for eight years, after all. He’s got records. But there’s a very good reason I was called Subject thirty-seven all my life. Before...when Rupert Nurem had a heart and actually cared, he tried something daring. Something bold. Something I think quite a few would love to have had. He tried to bridge the gap between man and ‘mon.

“Bridge the gap?” Seth drank from his before responding. “Okay, I’ll bite, but I think the answer isn’t going to be sunshine and rainbows.”

Indeed not. Genetic manipulation. He was rather good at such things. Somehow he got volunteers for it, hale of mind and body. They practically threw themselves at the chance. He wanted to create humans with not only the ability to understand Pokemon, but use their powers as well. Think on it...on what such a world would have been.

“That... would have been both a good and a bad thing, power is a double edged sword after all.” the banged-up Luxray shuddered at the thought, then a question occurred to him, and he asked it aloud. “I wonder if you could catch ‘em in a Pokeball?”

We’ll never know, Vincent solemnly replied. For the gap is too great to be bridged by man. Only a Legendary has that power. However, it was a...delayed reaction. After his test subjects didn’t die, he tested me. And after I didn’t die, he tried to do what he set out to do: save his ailing, comatose, brain-dead mother...just as the first thirty-six test subjects self-destructed.

Seth just went wide-eyed as he dropped his mug, shattering all over the floor. Rika looked like she was going to be sick and Selena just remained silent. Diantha’s reaction was the most unique... she moved over to where Vincent and his family sat and pulled them into a hug.

Bit picked up the narrative. “Rupert Nurem then became convinced that the answer he sought lay within his son, and proceeded to run as many tests as he could think of to extract an answer before his mother died. Sadly, he didn’t before he ran out of time, and the lady died, truly and completely, on the next Halloween night. And thus, the moniker of Subject Thirty-Seven was attached to Vincent, and the doctor never referred to him by name, so as to make it easier on himself.”

Seth moved off of his chair as a unicorn came out and cleaned up his broken mug.

“Seth...” Selena said. “He never even knew his parents. They passed away not long after he was born and the Ranger’s covered up the whole thing.” She looked out the window at the Luxray sitting on the grass. “Perhaps this topic should be put away for now...”

More than willing to, Vincent replied. If, uh...you could help free us? Indeed, Diantha hadn’t let go, nor did it look like she was going to anytime soon.

“Yeah... if I did that...” Selena looked at Rika, whose ribbons were twitching, fighting the urge to hug everyone. “That’s a fate that you will just have to deal with,” the Absol said with a smile.

Diantha eventually let go, and Rika quickly replaced her as Seth walked back inside, a large Charizard behind him. The unicorn eyed the fiery dragon warily, but just smiled and greeted him anyway.

“Sorry about that,” Seth replied, sounding a lot better. “Oh, and this is Ignis, the best brother one could ask for.”

Sam glared at the Sylveon holding his family captive as well as he could before leaning in and whispering two sentences. “I know Steel Wing. Please stop for now.”

Rika turned and smiled, almost sadistically. “And I have a Fire element Hidden Power, but alright. But you get extra hugs later~” she giggled and bounced to the other side of the table.

Ignis sighed and shook his head. Suddenly he caught a faint scent and looked at Vincent’s group. “This will sound a bit strange,” he said with a deep voice. “But have you encountered a Noivern called Edge?”

Selena visibly flinched at that. Vincent nodded as he recalled the events of days previous. Checkmate...they were okay. After their initial ‘greeting’ anyways. Someone needs to put them through some form of therapy until their first reaction to everything isn’t ‘Punch it.’ Heck, we could all use it, but good luck finding a starting point with us! His strangled laugh did nothing to ease the sudden tension.

“I see...” Ignis replied. “Well, I owe her a rematch at some point.”

“And I owe her a beating...” Selena muttered under her breath. “Stupid, fight-happy flame brain!”

“You say something?” Ignis asked Selena, who simply shook her head.

“Nope, not plotting the death of a dragon, not at all...” Ignis shuddered.

Vincent’s reaction, however, was worse, as he turned to Selena and growled. I consider them one step away from friends, and I’ve precious few of those. So, care to rephrase that sentence? The Kadabra’s eyes were glowing blue, and the ‘pressure’ around him had increased drastically.

“Well, I could have said that better, but she did ‘mark’ my mate, so I owe her some... remuneration.” Selena replied. “I do apologize however.”

Xavier, their Metagross tactician, put me through a psychic battle’s paces and tried to crush me and my sister during their ‘hellos’, Vincent deadpanned. And like I said, though their first instinct was to ‘punch it’, we eventually walked away nearly friends. So...once more, with feeling?

“I do apologize, and ‘technically’ Ignis wasn’t my mate at the time... So yes, I’m sorry.” She laughed at Vincent’s story though, “It would seem our own little Checkmate member acts no different though. The first words from her mouth was that her team wished Seth dead... Rika here, persuaded her otherwise.”

Seth shuddered for a moment. Lucy and Sam had finally finished off their own cups of coffee by this point in time, and Lucy spoke up next. “Eh, I could have handled it, I’m sure.”

“Lucy,” Sam replied, “You can take a hit, sure. But I’m pretty sure a Metagross dropping from the sky isn’t something you should be eager to test yourself with.”

Bit dinged next. “The odds of you surviving the impact as calculated were less than ten percent.”

“This Xavier sounds tough!” Ignis grinned, his tail flame flaring slightly. “I want to fight him!”

Selena sighed and poked him, “Really? Can’t you just be satisfied with beating Moltres?”

“Until I defeat Arceus himself... NEVER!” Ignis roared, spooking several customers and causing Seth to growl, putting a paw on his head.

“Not. So. Loud,” he hissed, earning a sheepish look from Ignis. “So... how are you liking Equestria?” Seth asked.

What we’ve seen so far is enjoyable, Vincent said. Even if it has been merely Las Pegasus, Manehatten, and Ponyville. We’ve seen plenty of sights and met quite a few new faces. Including Xerneas, Vincent let that hang there, waiting for someone to take the bait.

“Xerneas!?” Diantha exclaimed, “You actually met Xerneas?”

Seth smiled, “I’ve met Arceus, Mewtwo and a bunch of other Legendary Pokemon... and I kinda attacked Arceus when I met him.”

“I can’t believe he let you get away with that,” Fritter sighed. “Y’all are crazy Seth. But I do appreciate that gift he gave me.”

Lucy held up a paw and began ticking off names, making her smaller spikes suddenly evident to anyone who cared to look. “Regirock, Regice, Registeel…”

“Vincent said he met with Xerneas and Arceus,” Sam pitched in.

Bit dinged once before adding the last name. “As well, advice was exchanged between the family of Nurem and Lord Genesect.”

But in my eyes, Vincent finished, none come before Xerneas. Hell, even invited her to look me up in Las Pegasus someday. My door’s always open to her.

“It’s funny huh?” Seth grinned. “Meeting a Legendary back on Earth almost never happened, and now they’re like our next door neighbors.” The unicorn came over to them, all smiles despite a broken mug and spooked customers.

“You guys want anything else?” she asked. “I sell lunches here too! Just tell me what you want and I’ll try and make it.”

Lucy and Sam exchanged a look and a nod before looking at Vincent, who sighed. Fiiine...three of your best pasta dishes. Gonna need more bits…

A flexing of his will brought a piece of luggage from their apartment to sit nearby, and the Kadabra muttered as he rummaged through it.

“Don’t worry about it,” Diantha said. “We invited you so it’s our treat, okay?”

Vincent blinked a few times before smiling and taking a few coins out anyways. Should still give the mare something for her quick, here he looked over at Ignis before continuing, And courteous service, despite everything.

“It’s fine,” the mare giggled. “You should meet my friend Silvermane, he’s much more rowdy than your dragon friend here. Though I do need to replace that mug...” She smiled and took a single Bit. “Now I’ll get started on lunch, it so happens I’m quite good at pasta dishes... and for you and your friends Fritter?”

Seth gave the Apple mare his best puppy dog eyes and it took a full two seconds for her to cave in. “Yeah, yeah.” She got up and headed to the kitchen, “C’mon Mocha, ah’ve got a few new recipes to teach you.”

“Apple Fritter is the best cook in Canterlot, probably all of Equus.” Seth said. “Once you’ve had something made by her, then no other meal can compare.”

“I beg to disagree,” Sam said. “A Shiny Sandslash down in Las Pegasus does a mean pizza, and just loves to cook dishes that will make anyone’s mouths water. She might have some trouble changing her recipes to be more pony-friendly, but I think the griffons will eat it right up as-is.”

“You’ll have to take me back there when we return,” Lucy mused. “Which one did you say she was?”

“Twenty-nine, third of five escapees,” Sam replied.

“Meat~” Seth drooled. “Well, I guess we have to visit Las Pegasus at some point huh?”

“And Ponyville again, along with a bunch of other places.” Rika counted. “Plus we still have the Pokemon Contest to organize-” She quickly put a paw to her mouth. “Oops, that was supposed to be a secret.”

The family exchanged a look before shrugging. Bit dinged once. “We are good at keeping secrets,” He replied. “In fact, I essentially am information given form. I can assure you, should you desire for this to not be known, it will not.”

“Thank you,” Rika sighed. “It’s hush hush right now, but we plan on holding a Pokemon Contest...” she paused for a moment before asking, “Do you know what they are?”

The family shook their heads in unison. We were captives of a madman, Vincent replied. And Bit was second in command in keeping us where we were meant to be. I was given what was deemed pertinent information through a screen. Contests weren’t one of those things.

Sam spoke up next then. “While I had the most time outside of the walls, my experiences...let me leave it at ‘a dirty old man adopted me’.”

“And I was taken when I was still a Riolu,” Lucy replied.

Bit came down a short ways before replying. “They were merely being talked about before I was...taken.”

So no, Vincent summed up, None of us know.

“Oh...” Rika’s ears drooped. “Sorry...” Then she picked herself right back up again. “Seth? SethSethSethSethSeth-”

The Luxray clamped a paw over her mouth. “I already know what you’re going to ask and yes, I’ll send them an invitation and tickets once the Contest is finalised.”

“Yay~” Rika cheered.

Heh, Vincent laughed. The most I can offer in exchange is aid in meeting any number of my ‘contacts’. Though I do seem to be accruing them. Checkmate, Abby, Gene...and of course, we can’t forget Mary, who does the best pizza.

“Don’t worry, we have the... announcement... all planned out,” Seth grinned.

At that point, Mocha came out with the pasta dishes Vincent and his family had requested, and they all eagerly dug in. Mmm! Bright side of psychic powers: talking while your mouth is full!

“True words, well thought,” Gardy replied. Seth tried to reply too, dropping crumbs everywhere.

“Very classy,” Diantha deadpanned.

Fritter just chuckled and dug into her own food, opting to have a pasta dish like Vincent. She hummed happily, letting the savoury flavours fill her mouth and belly.

Hmm...better than Manehatten’s, but not better than Mary’s. Sorry Mocha, but Mary’s had a few years and a lot of practice with her claws as culinary instruments. A solid second.

“Well thank you for the praise Vincent,” Mocha smiled. “I may have to visit your friend Mary and see if she’ll impart some tips and tricks.”

Sam swallowed his mouthful before saying a simple word. “Meat.”

Lucy nodded and cleaned her mouth before expounding on it. “Quite a few Pokemon are at the very least omnivores, with even more carnivores. Mary will have a bit of work making her foods pony-friendly. But in that department, take heart, Mocha, for you’ve a lifetime of experience over her.”

“You think I can’t handle meat?” Mocha laughed. “I serve Griffons too, so I’ve made a meal or two that most ponies would lose their lunch over.”

“I’ll be back later for one of those dishes,” Seth said, licking his bowl clean. The door rang as another patron walked, or rather, floated in. A lovely-looking Florges.

Vincent shrugged at the thought. Just take care in how you ask. From what we gathered, she managed to supplant a griffon chef in his own restaurant by sheer stubbornness. It’s only when she showed off her skills that they started to get along, and afterwards it was very clear that she was the one in charge. He then turned and looked at the new arrival. Ah...greetings. Might we inquire as to your name?

The Florges gave a single look at the Kadabra and then looked to Seth, “So you’ve been here the whole time?” she said with a haughty tone. “I have searched half of Canterlot for you lot.”

“I left a note,” Seth replied. “And don’t be so rude, introduce yourself to our guests here.”

Titania turned back to Vincent, “Humph, very well. I am Lady Titania, Queen of the Checkmate Guild. You are?”

Bit beeped and turned his disconnected head in her direction. “Bit.”

Sam nodded as he pushed his empty bowl forward. “Sam.”

Lucy shrugged as she wiped the last of the sauce from her mouth. “Lucy.”

And Vincent merely smiled. Oh well hello there. Perhaps we should be on guard, my family. At the eye-rolls of the others, Vincent laughed slightly and continued. My name, dear wayward Queen, is Vincent. Vincent Nurem.

“Nurem...” Titania tapped her chin. “That name strikes a chord...” She pondered for a moment. “Oh! That rather demented human scientist. How is it you know him?”

Seth and his group suddenly backed away from the table at that rather blunt question. Well that’s rather simple, Vincent said in his too-sweet tone. I’m only his son.

Titania paused before replying. “Well, how interesting,” she replied. She looked over at her friends, “And what’s wrong with all of you?”

“Just wondering how much longer you’ll be a colossal idiot,” Seth replied matter-of-factly.

“Humph, how rude!” Titania scoffed.

To be fair to him, you are picking at fifteen years worth of pain and anger and hate in a Psychic shell, Vincent pitched in, and that familiar ‘pressure’ around him started to grow again. Tell me, how well do you know the stories? Cause if you knew them well enough, you’d know what I’ve seen.

Titania paused, clearly taking in the new situation. “I’ve heard as much as any other member of my team. And I seem to have struck a nerve, so I think I’ll take my leave.”

“That is the best thing you’ve said today,” Seth called out, now on the other side of the room.

I’ll make you a deal, little Queen. We both get ourselves under control and act like sane ‘mon for one day, and at the end, I’ll tell you about my time with Weiss and the other members of Checkmate I ran into. The Kadabra breathed deeply a few times, and the pressure vanished from the room.

Titania halted in her retreat. “Well,” she coughed. “I appear to have acted rashly and ill-becoming of a Queen. Please accept my heartfelt apologies and let us talk.” She seemed to recall something and suddenly turned to Diantha. “Ah, also, your Tyrantrum is awake and wishes to see you.”

“Tyra’s awake!?” Diantha raised her hand to teleport. “Ah, sorry to duck out like this, but something rather important has come up. It was nice to meet you friends, let’s do it again soon.” With that, she and the other Gardevoir vanished.

Vincent chuckled and motioned for Seth and his friends to come closer from their places on the other side of the room. Very well then, let’s talk. Specifically, where’s the Sundial? Or anything else worth seeing while my family and I are here? Weiss mentioned it, and my curiosity has only grown between then and now.

“Arceus’s crystallized ego?” Seth chuckled. “Yeah, we can take you there... hmm, and other places?”

“There’s the Palace?” Fritter suggested. “Afternoon Court is in an hour or so. Maybe we could take them to meet the Princess?”

“That could work too,” Seth nodded. Vincent thought about the matter, but shook his head.

We’ve already seen to it that the logs of what happened...there...were passed on to the Regi Trio, and from there, to Arceus and Genesect. That’s the only reason I could see us needing to see any authorities in this land. Though I’ll not say no to a simple tour of the palace, assuming they give those…

Seth seemed unsure as he replied. “Maybe, I’ll ask Grissom later. How long will you be in town?”

“Today, at least,” Lucy said. “Longer if necessary, but we’ve a home back at Las Pegasus we’d like to get back to sooner rather than later. Think of us as tourists, if it helps.”

“Honestly, I haven’t seen much of the town myself, despite waking up here.” Seth laughed dryly. “The museum is closed due to... problems. Same for the Airship yards.”

“Well there’s the theater district,” Rika suggested. “Or Artists Alley, you get to see a lot of street performers, painters, musicians, that sort of thing. It’s also the place a musical number is most likely to take place.”

The family of pokemon blinked a few times at that before sharing a glance. Riiiiiight, Vincent drew out. Well, just keep the location of any libraries away from Bit. He tends to...not literally, consume information, and then we end up with him quoting books for the rest of the day.

“Libraries?” Fritter said, “Y’all mean like the Canterlot Royal Archives? It’s the biggest library in Equestria.”

Bit’s head was suddenly very close to Fritter, and after a moment, the rest of his body followed. “Please enlighten this unit as to the location of the Canterlot Royal Archives.”

I warned you, Vincent said.

“R-right...” Fritter said, slightly unnerved. “It’s right next to the castle... can’t miss it.”

And with that, Bit was gone, almost as though he knew Teleport. Lucy and Sam sighed, but Lucy spoke up faster. “Not it.”

“Oh come on! I dragged him out of Ponyville’s library!” The Scizor waved his claws around in agitation.

“Yeah, and now you can track him down and drag him out of this one too.” Lucy was ever so slightly smug.

Sam grumbled and stalked off out the door, muttering under his breath, but giving a wink to the Lucario as he passed her.

Rika looked at the two, tilting her head in confusion before questioning what she'd seen. “So um, are you and Sam...?”

Lucy gagged and shook her head violently. “No! We’re not like that. Arceus’ sake, he’s like an older brother to me and Vincent!”

“Oh! My mistake,” Rika giggled and looked at the Vincent. “I see...”

Lucy looked over to Vincent, who was apparently engaged in negotiation with Titania at the moment, before leaning in a bit towards Rika. “Yes, but he’s thicker than lead. Which is why I’m looking forward to the Sundial. I’m thinking there...I might be able to talk about it with him.”

Rika nodded, placing a sympathetic ribbon over Lucy’s shoulder. “I know your pain,” she muttered, looking at Seth chatting with Fritter. “At least you don’t have competition.” She suddenly perked up. “Sunset! We have to go to the Dial at sunset!!”

Vincent turned to the talking duo at that, his eyebrows perked. Well, that’s one plan made: the Sundial at sunset. Seems...fitting, I suppose. Any more?

Rika laughed, a laugh that was borderline maniacal. “Alright, so the Sundial is set, but we need something...” After a moment, Mocha offered a suggestion.

“What about visiting Canterlot Falls? They can be quite the sight this time of year.”

“Sounds inviting,” Lucy said with a nod. “How about a museum and a dinner restaurant, to round out our trip?”

“Like I said, the museum is closed unfortunately.” Seth replied. “But if you don’t mind a few broken windows, I might be able to get you in.”

Vincent shot Seth a deadpan look before replying. I’ve already been on the wrong side of the law in Equestria, I’ve no desire to repeat the experience. We’ll skip the museum. Music, then. Perhaps directions to the theater district?

Seth gave him a confused look before he realized what had been implied. “What! Oh, no! I didn’t mean like that. I know a few of the Royal Guard, and I could probably ask them if we could look around. But a busted up museum isn’t fun, so music is a good idea.”

“Pity,” Lucy mused. “We come to town right after…” Her eyes widened as she made the connection between Seth’s injuries and the museum’s state. “Oh. Is...that what happened?”

“Yeah...” Seth sighed, “Some Unicorn got it in his head that it was a good idea to brainwash Pokemon and get them to steal for him... confronting him was...less than pleasant.”

Selena hung her head, “Son of a Beedrill used me to attack my friends...”

“Yup, shouldn’t have trained you so well,” Seth chuckled. “And we didn’t think he had magic like that either. Controlling muscles, rather than the mind. Marionette Magic he called it.”

While Lucy growled in the back of her throat at the thought, Vincent’s reaction was more profound for a simple reason:

He’d lived under such a madman and seen what he did to his less than useful ‘tools’.

The thought of that, coupled with someone being forced to attack their friends and the memory of Xavier doing something similar to Sam triggered a slight surge in his psychic strength. Briefly, until the Kadabra got his self under control again, there was the incredible sensation of even the air having far more weight to it than usual. Of power hanging in the air.

“Too bad we didn’t have a powerhouse like you two nights ago,” Seth replied tersely, feeling the pressure come off of him. “Well, we had Mewtwo... but if he’d gotten involved, then I doubt there’d be much of Canterlot left.”

My apologies, Vincent said. My emotions and my memories, when coupled with my new powers...are not always the best combination. What you just said triggered...something from our past. Control comes faster these days, but there will still be surges. He shook his head a few times and smiled. Anyways. Plans?

“Of course,” Seth said. “So Canterlot Falls, then the Sundial. Followed by a nice dinner and a night at the theater... sound good?”

Lucy looked to Rika with a raised brow, seeking advice on the matter. The Sylveon nodded, leading to the Lucario nodding in turn before voicing her agreement. “It sounds agreeable to me,” she stated.

“So it’s a date.” Seth smiled, missing the small squeak from Rika and Fritter turning her head, a small blush gracing her cheeks. “But should we wait for Mr. Sam and Bit?”

If we do, we’ll be waiting all day. Nothing gets between him and more knowledge except operating hours. He even traded for information with the Regis while I was seeing Arceus and Xerneas. Vincent sighed at the Porygon-Z’s antics. I think he misses being a part of the mainframe…

“Well I suppose you could tell our plans via telepathy anyhow,” Seth said. “Well then, let’s get underway shall we?” He moved to the front door, holding it open for the girls. “Ladies first.”

Lucy nodded at the others, letting them go first., though she would quickly catch up to Rika once they were all out. Someone to aid her in her endeavor? Yes please!

Why do men do that? Do you know? Vincent mused. I’m aware it’s a custom, but not of the reason behind it…

“To be honest, I don’t really know myself,” Seth chuckled. “I was taught to be polite by my adoptive mother, and it just stuck I suppose. Maybe Bit could tell you? I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d picked up trivia like that.”

He did get into an ‘information-off’ with Xavier in Manehatten, the Kadabra mused. Plus there was Ponyville’s library.

“How awesome was that place!?” Seth grinned ear to ear. “I mean, a library inside a tree? Irony at it’s finest!”

“My brother has a love of strange and unusual architecture,” Ignis explained.

Ah. Two words, then, the Kadabra said while smirking. Sugarcube. Corner.

“Utterly brilliant!” Seth laughed. “Ponyville was delightfully quirky.”

Meanwhile, Lucy and Rika were exchanging tips, tidbits, and most important of all, tricks that the Lucario would need to know.

“So please enlighten me how we’re going to get it through Vincent’s head what I see him as,” she groused as the enormity of the task settled back in her head.

“You could just do what I did,” Selena said. “Seeing as how I actually have a mate and Rika here... does not.”

“Hey!” Rika pouted, but it was true. “All you did was pin Ignis to the ground and kiss him!”

“It worked didn’t it?” Selena argued.

“At this point,” Lucy sighed, “I’m not sure there’s a lot else that’ll get through that...thick stubborn head of his! He said Hastings could teach mountains about not moving due to his stubbornness. Vincent could teach anyone to be invisible by just not noticing them!”

“Yeesh, is he really that bad?” Rika looked at the Kadabra. “Now even I’m thinking you should just grab him by the mustache and kiss him... but that’ll probably just confuse and even scare him off. It worked on Ignis cause he’s an idiot.”

The Sylveon thought for a moment before speaking up again. “Well, okay. We’ll use the Falls as an experiment, see if Vinny’s good at picking up on subtle romance or at least the mood. If that fails, we may need to resort to more drastic measures.” She gave Lucy a firm look. “But I swear by the time the night ends, that Kadabra will be all yours~.”

Lucy blushed, but held up a paw. “Answer me one question. Are the falls known to be relaxing? Soothing, even?”

“I... have no idea,” Rika confessed. “Hey Fritter? What are the Falls like?” she called out.

“Um, Ah know that some Unicorns use it fer meditation, and that a lot of painters will sit there fer hours just staring at em.”

Lucy nodded at the meditation line and turned back to Rika. “Five bits says he’ll use this as a chance to take a nap.”

“Seriously?” Rika sighed.

“I know Vincent,” Lucy replied. “And while he likes to blame that whole ‘being fused with Abra DNA for most of my life’ for it, I think he’s just lazy. So if you’re gonna try anything, you’ll have to keep him from napping first and foremost. I’ve tried, it doesn’t work.”

“Well, with Ignis around, being quiet is all but impossible... but then he’d probably nap too.” Rika growled slightly. “Okay, so we need to liven things up... let’s see what’s there when we get there. Maybe there’s something I can work with.”

Seth looked at the girls chatting away ahead of them. “What do you suppose they’re planning?” he asked aloud.

I don’t ask, Vincent replied. If I can’t hear it with my ears, then when it comes to my family, I don’t pry. I keep links active with them, yes. But I don’t pry into their minds. It’s not my place.

“Well, I can respect that,” Seth nodded. “But when Rika gets involved... just, be on your guard.”

The Kadabra looked at the Luxray before slowly extending one hand. Hello, perhaps I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Vincent fucking Nurem, on guard is my default state thanks to what I’ve been through!

“Okay, okay,” Seth chuckled.

So Ignis, if I understood Seth correctly, you beat up Moltres?

“Hell yeah I did!” Ignis thumped his chest. “Though I did a lot of training before hand. Fought against a flirty Noivern and a hardheaded Blastoise. Had a lot of smaller, less intense battles too, but the one against Moltres was intense.” He chuckled at the memory, “Shaymin and Celebi sure as hell didn’t appreciate the area of forest we turned to ash though.”

I see, Vincent mused. What can you tell me about the Legendaries you’ve met? They were treated as just that at the facility: Legends, nothing more. So my knowledge about them is somewhat…lacking.

“Well, Moltres was pretty gracious about her loss, and it sure as hell didn’t stop Reshiram from utterly curb stomping me.” He winced at the beat down he got from her. “Meloetta healed me up after the fight and I stayed for a bit, but honestly, I didn’t talk to that many of them.”

“Ignis only tends to remember Pokemon that give him a good fight,” Seth said.

Heh, with his personality, I can understand that. The Kadabra looked to the sky and sighed wistfully. Whereas I...do you know what Alakazams are famed for?

“IQ greater than a supercomputer and they never ever forget, thanks to continuously multiplying brain cells,” Seth replied, quoting the Pokedex. “Am I right?”

Close, Vincent replied. The line I recall reading said they can remember everything that happened to them from the time they hatched as an Abra.

“Well, you weren’t born an Abra right, maybe it won’t be the same? But look on the bright side, if you ever got married, you’d never forget an anniversary.”

...That would require someone to want this broken little psychic-type… Vincent quietly said. I don’t think the demand is high for those that ought to be seeing a psychiatrist.

“There’s always someone... just gotta keep your eyes and ears open,” Seth replied, earning a laugh from Ignis. “What?”

“Nothing, just thinking you should practice what you preach sometime,” he laughed loudly.

Vincent perked a bit at that. Wait...what? Someone is interested in both of us?

“Like my brother said, there’s always someone.” Ignis replied. “Sometimes they’ll be strangers at first, or they could be ones that have been beside you all this time. It’s all a matter of perspective and just going for it. You may not find ‘the one’ right off the bat, but life is nothing if a harsh teacher. Learn and grow, and eventually...” Ignis trailed off as he gazed at Selena.

“That... was pretty deep,” Seth said, amazed.

Hidden depths lie to everyone, it would seem. And as to the words themselves...I’ll keep them nearby should such a matter arise. I doubt it, though. I really do.

“Like I said,” Ignis smiled, poking Vincent on the forehead. “keep you eyes, ears... and your mind open.” He turned to his brother and frowned, “And that goes double to you. Just how long are you going to drag your feet? You have some beautiful girls that adore you you know.”

Seth just sighed. “I... I know, I just... I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to hurt them.”

“Deciding to do nothing isn’t a decision,” Ignis said.

Actually, Vincent chipped in. It is. The worst decision. The decision to do nothing is the equivalent of saying ‘oh I hope this blows over without me doing anything, because I’m scared that if I do anything, I’ll only make it worse.’ It’s the cowards’ decision. And you don’t strike me as a coward, mister Seth.

“I guess I have some things to think about then.” Seth replied with a soft smile. “I’m glad to have met you Vincent. I think you and I will be good friends.”