Pokémon and Ponies
#39-Twilight's Knigdom
The Crystal Empire. Day.
Twilight, Eve and her friends had arrived for apparent important business. They saw all the ponies glistening like crystals once more.
"Seems like only yesterday I was saving this place from being totally destroyed." Spike boasted as he walked with a proud strut. "Hey, you guys remember that?" He stopped near a statue. Which was of him.
"You only mentioned it about 15 times on the train here." Rainbow said.
"Yes, and we never hear a peep out of you about your exploits." Rarity said to Rainbow Dash, knowing she does it all the time.
"Heh. Point taken."
"I'm glad you all wanted to come. But I don't think it's going to be that exciting." Twilight commented. "I pretty much have to smile and wave as the dignitaries arrive."
"Yes but you get to smile and wave like a princess." Rarity responded.
"How exactly is that different from smiling and waving like... not a princess." AJ asked.
"It isn't." Twilight sighed, being a bit worried about something.
"What's wrong Twilight?" Fluttershy asked her.
"Why the looooong face?" Pinkie stretched her friends face.
"I've just been feeling a little unsure about things lately. It doesn't seem that my new role as a princess equates to all that much."
"That's just silly." AJ uttered. "You've got a real important role in Equestria."
"Princess Celestia wouldn't have asked you to come today if she didn't think so." Fluttershy spoke.
"I guess you're right..."
"Of course we are," replied Rarity. "Now hurry along. You don't want to risk having that important role diminished because you're tardy for your regal meet-and-greet.
"Eevee!"
The sounds of trumpets blew all over the kingdom.
"The Duke and Duchess of Maretonia!" Flash Sentry announced. Four royal and well-dressed ponies walked forward towards Celestia, Luna and Cadence. Twilight stood on a balcony, watching from above. Twilight used her magic to remove a rope that held a flag together. The flag opened up, revealing the symbol of Maretonia. They all bowed at each other as a greeting, and that was it. They all walked onwards, not saying a word as Twilight waved from above.
"That was it?!" Spike exclaimed. "Princess Celestia had you come all the way to the Crystal Empire just to do THAT?!" saving that made Twilight lower her head and close her eyes. "Uh, I mean Woah! Really regal and important." He gave off a nervous laugh as the other looked at him in disappointment with Applejack smacking his head.
Twilight was inside the castle as she greeted the Duke and Duchess herself.
"Your highness." The Duke spoke. "Thank you for understanding our desire to keep a number of those privy to these confidential discussions to a minimum."
"Of course," Twilight replied as they walked past her. She just smiled and waved them off. Along came Celestia with her Passion, Luna with her Darkrai and Cadence with her own Pokemon which ended up being a Sylveon. One she caught and evolved from an Eevee while ago. "Is there anything else I can do to assist with their visit?"
"I'm sorry, Twilight. But their visit is already over." Cadence answered.
"Oh." She lowered her head.
"Something wrong?" Luna asked.
"I guess I just don't really understand why I'm here. Couldn't one of the Royal Guards unfurled the banner?"
"Having all 4 of us in the empire to greet them lets the dignitaries know that the visit is considered an important one." Celestia explained.
"Plus, it gives me an opportunity to see my favorite sister in law." Cadence put her hoof around Twilight.
"And I'm happy to see you. All of you." Twilight still had a distraught look on her face.
"But...?" Cadence knew what she was going to say next.
"But I... well it's just that. Princess Luna raises the moon, Princess Celestia raises the sun, you protect the Crystal Empire. And all I seem to do is... smile and wave."
As Twilight wondered what she was even worthy of being a princess for, there was a familiar figure lurking about. Obsidian. Recently, he had just gotten a change in appearance. He asked the Rift to make him into a unicorn. Wings were cool, but magic was much more useful. As he listened to their conversation, he heard Twilight go on about what her role is meant to be. All the other princesses do something important and major. From the sun to the moon and love. Just like the 3 princesses, Twilight will play her part.
She became an alicorn for a reason.
Obsidian had vanished from the empire, returning to wherever it is that he hides. "I recognize that conversation. That means on this day... Tirek's coming back." Obsidian remembered the original timeline in the original universe. And this is the start of how Tirek returned and Twilight and her friends defeated her. "I've waited for this moment. Might as well get started." Obsidian had teleported to Ponyville, appearing to the underground hideout that Emerald Aura had been in for days and days.
"Oh! Obsidian! I was so lonely!" Emerald said with bags in her eyes. "Please don't leave me again!"
"Alright, calm down you. It's time you proved yourself useful."
"Huh?"
"I told you that I was waiting for this day. The whole Tirek event that went down."
"Oh yeah. So it's finally here. What do we do first? Do we get Ghetsis involved?"
"Yeah... we're not getting that maniac involved with this one. Instead... I got a better idea." Obsidian rubbed his hooves together.
"Hold on! I already know how this is gonna go!" Emerald stopped him.
"Hah?"
"Tirek ended up snatching every unicorn's magic in Equestria in the original timeline, even the alicorns."
"And your point is?"
"Uh, hello? We're unicorns too! He's gonna steal our magic too! And I may be nothing but a fake creation formed by cosmic dust, but I love magic okay?! Makes me feel cool."
"Oh, he won't have to. Because I've got a much better source of magic he can steal." Obsidian grinned.
Over at the streets of a town, a stallion was walking through the streets at night with a basket of food. He heard a noise, starting to worry. But it just ended up being a can rolling about. He let out a sigh of relief as he was about to continue walking, but halted when he saw a hooded figure in front of him. "Very sorry. Haha. You came out of nowhere."
"Is he friend or is he foe...? The pony wonders..." The hooded figure said with a fairly weak voice. "I can assure you, I am no friend. I am Lord Tirek." His hand came out of the darkness, rising up. He suddenly began to steal the unicorn's magic from him. "And I will take what should have been mine long ago." All that magic was entering his mouth, feeding him. Not only did he steal his magic, but his Cutie Mark had vanished as well. The poor Stallion fell down on the ground with his eyes all dull and locking vibrant colors like it used to. Tirek's body started to grow as well, increasing in size.
Over at Canterlot, Celestia woke up, having a fright. She just had a vision of Tirek. Luna rushed to her sister as she saw it all.
"Sister, are you alright?"
"I've just had the most terrible dream."
"Why do you think I'm here? You know as well as I that this was not a dream. But a vision."
"Then we haven't much time." Celestia got off her bed. "The stronger he becomes, the more we are all in danger."
The next day, Celestia and Luna had summoned Twilight and Cadence to Canterlot, giving them some information on who Tirek was.
"Tirek and his brother Scorpan came here from a distant land. Intent on stealing Equestrian magic. But Scorpan soon came to appreciate the ways of Equestria, even befriending a young unicorn wizard." Celestia said.
"Scorpan urged his brother to abandon their plans. When Tirek refused, Scorpan alerted us to Tirek's intentions." Luna explained.
"Scorpan returned to his own land and Tirek was sent to Tartarus for his crimes. But it appears he has found a way to escape." Celestia finished the story.
"We believe it happened when Cerberus left his post at the gates." Luna uttered.
"But that was a long time ago," Twilight commented. "Why is just now starting to steal magic?"
"His time in Tartarus left him very weak. He has just now gained enough strength to use his dark powers." said Celestia.
"But with each passing moment, he grows stronger still." Luna commented.
"And I know just the princess who could stop him." Cadence spoke.
"Yes. I'll find him and-"
"No Twilight." Celestia had halted her. "I'm afraid I must call in another to stop Tirek. Discord." Twilight, Luna and Cadence all gasped at what Celestia just said. It sounded like the worst-case scenario.
Back at Ponyville, Twilight had informed her pony friends about this.
"As in, Discord, Discord?" AJ said.
"Yes." Twilight replied.
"I don't think it's that big of a surprise." Fluttershy stepped forward. "He can be very helpful." The rest of her friends did not agree with that all.
"He can sense when there's a magical imbalance. The next time Tirek steals magic, Discord will be able to track him down." Twilight explained.
"So, what are you supposed to do in the meantime?" Rainbow Dash asked her.
"Nothing." Twilight sighed, turning around. "Unless of course one of you needs me to smile and wave." She then walked off.
"Where are you going?" Spike asked.
"To the Castle of the Two Sisters. I'm not really needed anywhere else. Might as well catch up on some of my reading."
"You want some company?" Dash questioned as the others followed her.
"It was been a while since we've visited the castle. Might be fun." Applejack babbled.
"Maybe I could use a little company right now."
As they were headed to the location of the castle, they came across the area where the Tree of Harmony was.
"I still can't believe we had to give back the elements." Rainbow Dash uttered.
"It had to be done or the Tree of Harmony wouldn't have survived." Rarity retorted.
"But Twilight was right." Fluttershy spoke. "Even without the elements, our friendship is as strong as ever."
"I just hope another FRIEND of ours never makes us sorry we had to give them up." AJ was referring to Discord. And speaking of Discord, his laugh could be heard. He arrived by flying in with an umbrella and a bag.
"You're talking about me I presume."
"How'd you guess..." AJ replied, not amused.
"My ears were burning." His ears were burning as he put them out with water.
"What are you even doing here, Discord?" Rainbow asked.
"Oh, just a bit of light reading before I head off on my extremely important mission." He donned a military outfit with the Equestria flag behind him. "I suppose you all know I've been tasked to capture a certain escapee."
"Big deal!" Spike spoke.
"You're right Spike. It is a big deal." Discord blew a bubble at Spike, trapping him in it as it flew up, popping. Luckily RD caught him. "Seems I possess a magic that gives me quite an important role in Equestria. Maybe they should make me an alicorn princess." He gave himself a horn and some wings, mimicking Twilight.
"In your dreams." Rainbow knocked the crown off his head.
"Oh, I never dream of such things. Ask Princess Luna."
"Don't you have a creepy magic stealing villain to track down?" Applejack reminded him.
"Yes, yes, yes. Of course." He pulled them all together, sending them to the Tree of Harmony. It's just that I couldn't help but notice that Twilight hasn't yet opened this little chest of hers." Discord referred to the mysterious chest with 6 keyholes. "It got me thinking, what if what's locked inside is something that could help her prove her royal worth? I only bring it up because she said that she's been feeling like her role as a princess doesn't equate to much."
"Wait a minute! How do YOU know how she was feeling!" Pinkie bellowed.
"Oh? Is eavesdropping not the way you're supposed to find out what your best pals are up to? Woe is me. Will I ever learn the intricate nuances of being a good friend?" He was acting all dramatic. The rest of them, except for Fluttershy were not amused. "Ahem. Well, in any case, I suppose now is as good a time as any for me to make my exit." He hopped on a moped. "Tell Ash I said Hi!" He had teleported away.
"And good riddance!" shouted Applejack, thinking he was gone, but he appeared right behind her.
"Oopsy doopsy. I almost left with the little journal you've all been keeping." Discord held the journal in his hands. "What a fascinating read. Haven't you girls just learned so much? I've bookmarked a few more interesting passages, you really should take a look." He placed the journal on Twilight's horn. "We're still for later, aren't we Fluttershy?" Discord whispered to her.
"I wouldn't miss it." She kindly replied.
"Oho! Well, I'll bring the cucumber sandwiches." He finally left, exiting through a random door.
"Sometimes I think the 'Reformed' Discord is more obnoxious than the before he was reformed Discord." said Applejack.
"Indeed." Rarity agreed.
"But he could be right couldn't he?" Fluttershy joined in. "What if there is something important in that chest?"
Twilight wondered for a bit. "There's only one way to find out."
They had eventually reached the Castle of the Two Sisters, searching for any information about the chest.
"Anything?" She asked them. They all said various forms of no, not making any progress. "There must be something in this library that can help me figure out how to open it. The answers' in one of these books. I just know it." She rapidly read through them, searching for anything.
Meanwhile, Tirek was continuing to steal as much magic as he could. Going up to every unicorn he could find and eating their magic. He continued to grow as he spotted another unicorn, slowly creeping up on him. The unicorn turned its head around, revealing to be Discord.
"Tirek. I presume?"
Tirek froze for a second, recognizing Discord.
"Discord? You're free?"
"As a bird." He transformed into an odd bird.
"I commend you on your escape."
"I'm afraid the feeling isn't mutual." Discord snapped his fingers, causing chains and cuffs to appear on Tirek's arms. Tirek, in response, fired a magic beam at Discord's head, but the Lord of Chaos split his head apart, making the beam miss.
"Oh, I should've known you would want to have Equestria all to yourself."
"Oh, I'm not doing this for me. I'm doing this for my friends." He said wearing a cop outfit. "Just between the two of us, it's mostly for Fluttershy." He whispered.
"Fluttershy? You're not saying you're friends with... ponies?"
"Surprise!" He popped out of a cake as some got on Tirek.
"I am surprised that someone with your intellect does not see this 'Friendship' is but a new form of imprisonment. Clearly you've had to abandon your true nature to stay in their good graces."
"I have done nothing of the sorts." He responded, playing a harp as an angel halo was above him.
"Oh, please. I've seen this before. But he was always weak-minded." He was referring to his brother, Scorpan. "You are Discord. You are a legend. You cannot fall into the same trap that claimed my brother. He'll need to grow strong and be rewarded with something far greater than 'Friendship'. Freedom." This grabbed Discord's attention. "Once I've stripped these ponies of their magic, nothing will give me greater pleasure than to see their world turned upside down. Who better to do so than the Master of Chaos himself?"
Discord was actually thinking about it for a bit.
"Join me Discord. And reclaim your greatness. Unless of course, pony errand boy is the role you've always wanted to play in this world?"
Discord looked over at the portrait of him and Fluttershy along with the Discord Lamp he made from the destroyed fragments of her old lamp.
"Hold it!" A voice called out to them. It was Obsidian with Emerald Aura hiding behind him, quivering. "I've got a better source of magic for you."
"Hm? A willing unicorn?"
"Oh. Those are just those Rift ponies. What do you want?" Discord said.
"You're off to eat unicorn magic aren't ya, Tirek?"
"Correct. And I see two new ones in front of me."
"Wait! What if I told you... there's something greater than unicorn magic?"
"I know. Alicorn magic."
"Even better. How would you like a taste of the apex of all magic? Fairy Pokemon magic."
"...Go on."
"You can still eat up your unicorn magic. But I'd say that Fairy-Type magic will benefit you a lot. Pokemon are all magic by nature, but the Fairy-Types are brimming with the most magic. Alicorn magic is powerful, but Pokemon magic has no limit. Pokemon continue to get stronger. Learning new moves and achieving new forms and evolutions they didn't even know they had."
"Interesting... All that magic power in this... Pokemon creature." Tirek rubbed his chin.
"What do you say? How about we all pitch in and steal some magic eh?"
Kanto, Pallet Town.
"Alright, Ash. Here you go." Delia handed his son a refill on Pokeballs.
"Thanks, mom."
"Pikachu."
"You know the other day, that Sonata girl and her sister Aria came along here again. They just couldn't get enough of that Slowpoke tail. They eat just as aggressively as you." Delia laughed as Ash laughed back. "Although when I asked them about their other sister, Adagio, they said they fell out. I hope they didn't get into some sort of horrible argument or fight."
"Don't worry mom. The two of them are pretty distant from Adagio, but I'm sure eventually they'll work it out with her."
"If you say so. Then again, you have a habit of sticking to your word. Now run along. Some of those Pokeballs are meant for your pony friends too, you know."
"Alright! See ya!"
"Pika!"
The two of them ran out of their house, entering the gateway to Ponyville. There he was greeted by Derpy who came flying in, crashing into him.
"Ough!"
"Pika!"
"Oh, hi Ash. I've got a delivery for you." Derpy handed him a package. "Straight from Pinkie Pie."
"Thanks, Derpy."
"Pikachu-Pi."
"You're welcome." Derpy flew off.
"Let's get a good look inside shall we Pikachu?" Ash started to open the package.
"Pikachu!"
He opened it as inside revealed to be a band of some sorts. The band had 8 colors in total. All of them represented his friends. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike and his color which was a mix of blue and yellow. It was a friendship band made just for him. "Oh sweet." He placed it on his right hand. "A friendship band, huh? I like it! Guess we got something to remember them by when it's all over huh Pikachu?"
"Pika!"
"But... I am gonna miss this world when everything reverts." Ash took a look at Ponyville, getting a glance at its vibrant view. "But, let's enjoy it while it lasts, kay buddy?"
"Pika-Pikachu!"
Back with Twilight and her friends, she had just found something in her journal that might help.
"I think I found something! I've been reading our journal, and there's something interesting about the sections that Discord bookmarked." They all gathered around her. "Applejack. Do you remember when you had to tell everypony that the tonic Granny bought from the Flim Flam Brothers didn't really work?"
"How could I forget? It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do." Applejack reminisced that moment. Being honest and telling the truth to her Granny who looked so happy and energetic was a tough thing to do. "But in that moment, I knew I had to be honest. I just knew it. But, what's that got to do with opening the chest?"
"I've found that each of you has had to face a situation. Where living up to the Element of Harmony you represent isn't easy. Fluttershy, it was when you realised that the way to show kindness to the Breezies was by forcing them to leave your home."
"Oh, the looks on their poor little faces. But I knew that was difficult as it was...pushing them away was the kindest thing I could do."
"Rarity. Even after Suri took advantage of your generosity at Fashion Week in Manehattan, you didn't let it cause you to abandon your generous spirit."
"I simply couldn't have lived with myself if I didn't do something special for the friends who have always been so generous to me."
"Rainbow Dash. You had the chance to fly with the Wonderbolts at the Equestria Games. But instead, you chose to compete with your friends."
"Sure. But being loyal to my friends was way-"
"Oooh! Ooh! My turn! My turn!" Pinkie interrupted Rainbow Dash.
"Pinkie Pie. You realised that seeing your friend laugh was more important than proving you were a better party planner than Cheese Sandwich."
"Best party I've ever had." Rainbow placed her hoof around Pinkie.
"It's clear we've all had our moments to shine Twilight." Rarity spoke. "But I'm with Applejack. What does any of this have to do with the opening of the chest?"
"All of you had tough choices to make. But when you made the right one and embraced your Element, it helped somepony else make the right choice too. Each of you received something from the pony whose life you helped change." Twilight referred to Cheese Sandwich's pal Boneless, the bit, the flower pin, the thread, the golden lightning medal. "I know it sounds crazy. But maybe there's something special about those objects that could lead us to the location of the keys. The chest is connected to the Tree of Harmony, the tree is connected to the elements, and the elements are connected to all of us. There must be a connection! I hate to admit, but maybe Discord was trying to be a good friend after all."
So, to the chest, they went, bringing along all the items they were given.
"I don't see anything on them to give us a clue on where the keys might be. They're just... ordinary everyday objects." Twilight said, examining them.
"Come on Boneless!" Pinkie picked up Boneless. "Give us that key!" She shook him about.
"I don't think that's going to work." Twilight replied. She ducked as Pinkie threw Boneless. But it was a good call, as Boneless hit the chest, connecting to a keyhole as the chest started to give off light that held the boneless chicken. They all gasped as they saw Boneless transform into a key that Pinkie Pie's Cutie Mark as the holder. The light pulled the key forward, inserting it into the keyhole. The others did the same, placing their items on the chest as well. It worked its magic, grabbing all of them and transforming them into keys with their Cutie Marks on them as well. They all entered the keyholes, but there was one left. "There's still one key missing. The key that represents the Element of Magic. My element."
"Oh, but I'm sure if we've gotten our keys, you have too Twilight." Fluttershy commented.
"Think Twilight. When have you completed a difficult magical task, and in doing so, encouraged another pony to do the same?" Rarity questioned.
"I haven't. If I had I would've written about it in the journal."
"Don't worry Twilight. I'm sure you'll get your key eventually" said Spike. All of a sudden, he felt a scroll coming through as he held his mouth, feeling the need to barf. He barfed out a new scroll. Twilight opened up the scroll as she read it. "What's it say?"
"That I'm needed in Canterlot at once!"
Twilight flew to Canterlot as fast as she could, finally getting used to those wings. She hurried inside as Celestia, Luna and Cadence were expecting her.
"I came as quickly as I could! Is something wrong? Is it Tirek?"
"I'm afraid I put too much trust in Discord. And the effect that Friendship would have on him." Celestia had caught news of Discord going about, helping Tirek steal magic. So many unicorns were losing their magic and Cutie Marks, left and right. "But... it's worse than I thought. Now Tirek is after Pokemon magic. Specifically Fairy-Types. With the combined might of both unicorn magic and Pokemon magic, who knows how powerful he's become."
Tirek was growing stronger, his body increasing in size, faster than ever. In the original timeline, it took a few hours for him to become large, but with this timeline and Pokemon, it took one hour and a few minutes tops. This Tirek was far more dangerous than the original timeline.
"How could he do this?! I thought out friendship meant something to him! I thought he had changed!"
"Tirek has stolen enough magic that he now has the strength to steal flight as well." Celestia said. And it was true. Tirek stole the flight of all the Pegasi. At the end of the day, magic is everywhere. But he didn't' stop there. Even the Flying-Type Pokemon were next. Soon, Tirek had gone after all of the Pokemon of every type. All 18 of them. "Without Pegasi to control the weather, there will be no rain in Equestria. And.. it seems every other Pokemon have had their magic stolen as well. Not just fairies. Pokemon are magic by nature, so they still have magic in them, just not as large as Fairy-Types. There is word that he has gone after Earth Ponies as well. Without their strength, they will not be able to tend the land. But even more worse, is that he hasn't stopped at Equestria."
Tirek had been taken to the Pokemon World next. He had currently been to Sinnoh, Johto and Hoenn. He returned back to Equestria to steal more magic there and he'll return to the other side for seconds.
"Ponies and Pokemon will no longer be in control of their own worlds," Luna spoke. "That power will belong solely to Tirek."
"There is no doubt that Tirek is after alicorn magic," said Celestia. "With Discord by his side, we will not be able to stop him from taking it."
"Once it is in his possession, his power will know no bounds. And all hope will be lost!" Luna exclaimed.
"But there is one solution."
Passion had peered over the corner, watching this. She was terrified of what she was hearing about Tirek.
Celestia, Luna and Cadence both flew over to Twilight as Celestia stepped forward. "It is only by making this sacrifice, that Equestria and the lands beyond it might be saved. We must rid ourselves of our magic. Before Tirek has the chance to steal it from us."
Both Twilight and Passion had gasped. What did she just say?
Canterlot Castle.
"Tirek is set on possessing alicorn magic," Luna spoke. "When he comes for us, we cannot have what he is looking for."
"I'm more than willing to do my part and give up my magic." Twilight replied.
"You misunderstand. Our magic just cannot disappear into thin air. Somepony must keep it safe." Luna explained.
"That somepony is you, Twilight." Cadence walked up to her.
"Why me?"
"We do not believe that Tirek is aware that a fourth alicorn princess exists in Equestria," Celestia said. "If we transfer our magic to you, Tirek will not know where it has gone."
"Do you understand what we're asking of you?" Cadence asked.
"Yes... it's just...I'm only now learning how to control my own alicorn magic." She showed off her wings. "To take on even more..."
"Twilight." Cadence halted her. "You represent the Element of Magic. If there is anypony who can do this, it's you." Celestia and Luna nodded their head.
"Taking on this task will be one of the most difficult things I'll ever do. But with the help of my friends-"
"I'm sorry Princess Twilight." Celestia stopped her. "But you must keep your new abilities a secret. I fear that your friends being aware of your new power could put them at great risk."
"Even Ash? He might be strong enough to-"
"Even Ash. I don't know if he and Pikachu are also capable of taking this threat on. Do you still think you can take on this responsibility?"
Twilight took a moment to think as she gave her answer. "This is the role I'm meant to play as a princess of Equestria. I will not fail to do my duty!"
"Then we must begin at once." Celestia spoke. Passion watched from the side, not knowing how to feel about this. She didn't want her trainer to lose her magic but it was for her own safety. Darkrai and Sylveon, on the other hand, accepted this, knowing it had to be done.
All 3 princesses surrounded Twilight in a triangle formation. They each concentrated their magic at the same time with all of it coming out of their horns. Their eyes flashed as they unleashed all of their magic, sending it upwards and creating a ball of pure concentrated magic. All of the magic in it came down on Twilight, filling her with overwhelming magic that she has never felt before.
Discord could feel this. He could feel tons of magic being poured somewhere as it made his body all wobbly.
"That can't be right..." He uttered.
"What can't be right?" Tirek asked as his voice became much deeper than ever.
"N-Nothing. Carry on."
All of the princess's Cutie Marks had vanished. Luna and Cadence were blank but strangely enough, Celestia's Boundless Cutie Mark was still there. But it was barely hanging in there.
Twilight, on the other hand, was overflowing with magic as she could feel so much power in her. Her body started twitching and glowing. She hadn't felt this much magic ever since the day the Sonic Rainboom jumpstarted her as a filly. The magic eased down as Twilight went to hug Celestia. She looked over, seeing their Cutie Marks vanish but Celestia's.
"Sister. Your Boundless Cutie Mark. It's still there." Luna pointed out. "I thought you gave up all your magic?"
"I did. I don't know why it hasn't vanished either. I can't feel any magic in me anyways. But right now Twilight. You must hide."
The night had come, but this time it wasn't Luna raising the moon. It was Twilight. Spike was asleep as he heard Twilight quietly trot in the night.
"You weren't gone very long. Does that mean that everything's okay?" He asked.
"Yep. Everything's fine." Twilight smiled as her own was twitching, unable to control all that power.
"In that case, I'm going back to bed. Sun's not up and neither am I." He dozed off. Eve had joined him in his sleep.
"That's strange. The sun should be up by now..." She took a second to realise that she had to raise the sun, gasping. "The sun should be up by now!" She went outside, looking at the sky and taking a deep breath. "You can do this." She concentrated all her magic at the moon, trying to lower it. Her mane started to gain stars in them as yellow electricity surrounded her, making her float up. She then made the moon fly about like crazy. She did end up bringing the sun, but then the moon again, and the sun, until she was just shuffling the two of them around like crazy.
Shining Armor looked up at the sky, seeing the oddity of the sun and moon going wild. Unbeknownst to him, the guards behind him were floating up without control. All of a sudden, his royal helmet was taken from him as Discord appeared wearing it.
"Shining Armor. Why whatever are you doing here?" He asked.
"Back off, traitor." Shining wasn't going to chatter with Discord.
"The only one Discord betrayed was himself." Tirek had arrived, looking like an absolute behemoth. Every footstep did rumbled the entire place. Obsidian and Emerald Aura stood behind him, using him as cover. Tirek was holding a guard, absorbing his magic as well as he dropped him. "Abandoning his true nature to make 'FRIENDS' with weak-minded equines that offer him nothing!"
Shining Armor decided to do something by unleashed a magic beam at him, but it was no use. Tirek easily caught it, eating it in one go. He then grabbed Shining Armor by the head, eating all of his magic as well. With Shining Armor down, nopony is left to guard the princesses. And they can't protect themselves either with all their magic gone. "H-How could you... do this?" Shining looked to Discord, fainting.
"Why don't you go and have a little fun?" Tirek put his arms around Discord. "I won't stand in your way."
Discord laughed, ready to dole out some chaos as he teleported off.
"Oh and as for you two." Tirek turned to Obsidian and Emerald Aura. "I thank you for teaching me about Pokemon. I never knew this much power could exist in tiny little creatures from another world."
"Well. We know our stuff." Obsidian boasted.
"Indeed. You've been useful enough." Tirek grabbed both of them, eating their magic in the process.
Not only did he now have unicorn, pegasus, earth pony and Pokemon magic in him. He now possessed a semblance of the rift. He tossed the two of them away as they became dull as well. He walked off, entering the castle.
"W-What did I say?" Emerald stammered.
"I-I knew it was gonna happen... but not this soon. M-Minor setback." Obsidian replied. "Not to worry... the Rift will just restore us. And so it did, their magic returned to them as Emerald shook her head.
"I'm out of here! I'm not gonna deal with that anymore!" Emerald Aura walked off, returning to her hideout.
"Meh. I played my part. I gave him all the power he needs, so I say this is a win. Now let's see how they tackle this problem." Obsidian grinned, flying off to wherever he goes.
Tirek had reached the princesses, ready to eat some alicorn magic. They could feel the tremor-like steps as he was staring them down. He broke through the doors like they were nothing. Passion and Sylveon had hidden to make sure Tirek wouldn't steal their magic too. Darkrai hid in the shadows.
Tirek grinned as he picked up Celestia with his magic, ready to eat. But he found out there was nothing. No magic at all.
"What have you done?!"
Celestia smiled knowing what has really happened. Passion didn't want that monster harming Celestia. She wanted to do something so badly. Tirek went over to Luna and Cadence, trying to eat their magic as well, but nothing. "WHERE IS YOUR MAGIC?!"
Passion had mustered up the courage to do something as she stepped forward, standing in front of her trainer.
"Passion?"
"Kirlia!"
"I'll just take more of this one then!" Tirek went to grab Kirlia.
"Not my Passion!" Celestia yelled. Passion had to protect the ones she loved. So out of impulse, she used every ounce of her psychic and magical powers to teleport Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Darkrai and Sylveon out of the castle. Tirek stomped his hoof on the floor, breaking it apart.
"Curses! Where did those mares put their magic?!"
Passion had teleported them all outside to Saddle Lake, wanting their safety, but mostly Celestia's.
"Passion...did you use Teleport?" Celestia asked.
"Kirlia..." Passion went over to hug Celestia.
"Oh, Passion. You were that worried. It's okay." Celestia hugged her back. "But now... we just have to hope that Twilight isn't found." Celestia and the others looked over to the distance, spotting Ponyville.
"Princess Celestia? Luna? Cadence?" Ash had come across them. Seeing them in their current state. Even noticing their Cutie Mark's being missing. Except for Celestia's. "What happened?"
"Ash Ketchum. You have to get somewhere safe. Tirek is loose." said Luna.
"Who?"
"Pika?"
The princesses explained everything. Who Tirek was, his brother Scorpan and how Discord betrayed them and how he's taken the magic of countless ponies, including the Pokemon and how they gave up their magic, storing in Twilight so that Tirek can't take it, and how Twilight is in hiding.
"Oh, man." Ash sat down' taking it all in. "That's rough. So this guy's stacked with magic now?"
"Yes. His power has grown larger than any creature in Equestria. Or even both worlds. By giving up our magic, we had essentially removed our natural way of life. Forever. But we had to, or else Tirek would be unstoppable."
"Hmm." Ash thought for a moment, thinking about what to do. Then an idea struck his head. "It's settled then."
"Huh?" The 3 princesses both said.
"We stop Tirek and get everyone's magic back."
"Pikachu!"
"Ash Ketchum. You make this sound easy. And you cannot face Tirek with all the power he has." Luna spoke. Ash just simply smirked. "Do not tell me... you have a way to defeat Tirek?"
"Of course I do. All we gotta do is defeat him. Simple. Who cares how much power he has? Me and my Pokemon have been getting stronger for years. Growing together. He just now got stronger after being trapped for so long. We'll show him how much hard work beats shortcuts!"
"Pika!"
"You're insane. But then again... what did I expect. I can't stop you once you've decided." Celestia replied. "But, can you really do it with just Pikachu?"
"Of course not. I've got other Pokemon. In fact, you all have Pokemon too right? Why don't you put your trust in them and they can help you win."
"Put our trust in our Pokemon?" Luna looked at Darkrai.
"If a trainer and a Pokemon team up, and put all their trust into each other, they'll be able to take on as many foes as they want."
"Kirlia." Passion looked up at Celestia. Celestia also looked back and realised that giving up so easily was a bit of a drawback. Her eyes flashed as the Boundless Cutie Mark began to flare. Celestia was then given visions of the original timeline, where Twilight succeded against Tirek. However, she also saw this current timeline and saw how Tirek easily defeated Twilight, becoming victorious, and Equestria being doomed. With Discord's immense magic and Tirek's overwhelming power, Twilight could be in even greater danger than anypony else. And with the inclusion of Ghetsis, it was practically an apocalypse waiting to happen. Just then, the Boundless Cutie Mark started to slowly gain its color back.
"My magic... It's returning?" Celestia's eyes had more color once more as she looked at herself. Once more he alicorn magic had been restored.
"How is this possible?" Luna said.
"The Boundless Cutie Mark." Celestia looked at her infinite mark. She then remembered the two visions she saw of the timeline. The first one was a success but this one seemed like an imminent disaster. "Twilight is in danger. Unparalleled danger." Celestia stood up tall as Passion smiled, seeing the trainer she loved back to her true self.
"What are you going to do, Celestia?" Cadence asked.
"I'm going to stop Tirek and save my star pupil. Ash. Pikachu. Passion. Will you help me?"
"Of course!"
"Pikachu!"
"Darkrai..." Luna called to her Pokemon. "I may not have my magic anymore... but will you help us stop this?"
"Of course. It was about time until you realised that we're still here." Darkrai responded.
"Sylveon. I know you're not much of a battler... but do you think you can help us?"
"Syl!"
"That's the spirit! If you don't give up, your Pokemon won't give up! Let's do this!" Ash exclaimed.
"Pikachu!"
Over at Golden Oak, Twilight tried to open her door but ended up destroying it. "I have to gain better control. I sure can't practice here." Twilight ran out as Spike, Eve and Minccy followed.
"Twilight! Where are you going?!"
"Oh uh, hi Spike. Gotta go...somewhere else!" Twilight flew off, causing a crater to form due to the immense flying power she now posses. She was struggling to fly even more, and just when she had finally gotten used to flying. She flew by Rainbow Dash, causing a sonic boom to make her rainbow friend spin and leaving a trail of cosmic streak.
"Twilight?" Rainbow Dash chased her. Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie saw this, following the two. Twilight crashed down, sliding on the ground and leaving a long dirt trail.
"Oh my goodness! Are you alright?" Fluttershy worried.
"Jumpin junebugs Twilight! Are you alright? When did you learn how to fly fast?" Applejack asked.
"I...must have caught a particularly strong breeze..." She suddenly teleported behind them. "Or something."
"Must've been or something." Rainbow commented. "Because there wasn't any breeze up there."
"I don't know what happened. But I really don't have time to figure it out right now." Her body twitched with magic.
"Another visit to the Castle of Two Sisters I presume?" Rarity asked. "We'd be more than happy to accompany you!"
"Not today. Tirek may still be a threat. I need you to stay here and encourage everypony to remain inside." Twilight was about to fly off, but she figured it would be best if she just walked this time.
With Tirek, he sat down on the throne, still wondering why they didn't have any magic. But he stopped thinking about it as he had all the power he needed now.
"No matter. Soon every Unicorn, Earth Pony and Pegasus will bow down to my will. And there there is nothing no one can do to stop it!"
"You meant our will? Didn't you?" Discord commented, playing with the stain glass windows.
"Of course. Here. I want you to have something." Tirek took off the necklace that was on his neck, handing it to Discord. "This was given to me by someone very close to me. I give it to you as a sign of my gratitude and loyalty."
"Oh my." Discord looked at the golden necklace. "I do love a good accessory. I suppose that's Rarity's influence."
"Now! With the princesses out of the way, we can now-" Tirek stopped as he noticed a stain glass window with Twilight on it.
"Is this meant to be humorous?!"
"Oh, ho ho, no. I haven't touched that one yet."
"There is a fourth?!"And you did not tell me this?!"
"I just need some assurance, that you truly considered this a team effort. And now I have it." Discord held the necklace.
"Then where can we find this fourth princess? Where is her castle?"
"Castle? Hahaha! Princess Twilight lives above a library in Ponyville. Castle?" Discord continued to laugh.
"Not for much longer." Tirek grinned, knowing where he has to be next.
At Ponyville, the rest of the girls and Spike had finished warning them all.
"Alright, ya'll. I think we've warned everypony to stay inside." said AJ.
"I'm sure Discord will catch Tirek and this will all be over soon." Fluttershy spoke.
"I'll bet he takes his sweet time." Rainbow Dash replied.
"Or perhaps these things just take time." Discord had appeared here. Fluttershy ran over to hug him.
"You're back! Did you bring the cucumber sandwiches?"
"I did." Discord popped some cucumber sandwiches in his hands. "I imagine they'll be your last decent meal for quite some time." He suddenly dropped them on the ground. The group were suddenly trapped inside of a cage. "Ta-dah!"
"You've gathered up all of them?" Tirek said to him.
"And her little dragon too."
"Why are you doing this? I thought we were friends." Fluttershy started to cry.
"Oh, we were. But Tirek offered me so much more than just tea parties. Surely you saw this coming?"
"I didn't. I really didn't..." She wept.
Tirek then lifted the cage, eating their magic and strength as well, eliminating their Cutie Marks in the process. Discord felt a little bad about it. Tirek was now the size of many mountains, much larger than his size in the original timeline. "You really think she'd do anything for them?"
"If Twilight has magic to give...it will be yours. Soon there won't be a pegasus, earth pony, unicorn or Pokemon, who will be able to stand up against us!"
"Us? Who said anything about us?" Tirek grinned.
"You did." Suddenly, Discord was grabbed my overwhelming magic as Tirek brought him closer. "You helped me grow strong. You've provided the means by which I can obtain Princess Twilight's magic! And now you are no longer of any use to me." Tirek started to eat Discord's magic now. Now he had chaos magic at his disposal. The monstrous centaur walked off, ready to find Twilight and take her magic next.
"B-But you said... this was a sign of your gratitude and loyalty." Discord weakly said. "A gift from someone close to you."
"My brother who betrayed me. It is as worthless as he is." Tirek responded, jumping high into the air with all that grandiose magic in him.
"Surely you saw this coming?" Applejack said the same thing he said to Fluttershy.
"I didn't. I truly didn't." Discord lowered his head, feeling horrible. Just when it all seemed down. They heard a familiar voice.
"Iron Tail!" Pikachu came in, destroying the cage. Cadence and Luna had arrived as well as Celestia along with their Pokemon too. "You all okay?!"
"A-Ash!" Pinkie Pie said with a smile on her face.
"Tirek got you all too huh?" Ash held the weak pink pony.
"Ash. He's off to find Twilight. Stop him." Pinkie said.
"Don't worry. The princesses and I will handle it. You all help too."
"But Ash... we don't have our magic anymore." Rarity said. "And our strength has been stripped from us."
"You still have your Pokemon though. They're your backup magic." Ash replied. The girls looked at each other, remembering that they have Pokemon to help them.
"What if he absorbs the Pokemon's magic too? What then?" Applejack asked.
Ash and Pikachu, along with Darkrai, Kirlia and Sylveon then smiled, laughing all of a sudden. They were starting to scare the ponies.
"W-Why are you laughing?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Well, you see..." Darkrai spoke. "It's true we Pokemon are magical creatures... but there is one factor that puts us above the rest."
"We have an ace in the hole..." Ash looked to Fluttershy.
Meanwhile, Twilight was sitting atop a cliff alone. "I can do this." She started her magic up, trying to control it. She ended up teleporting to point a to point b. Slowly getting the hang of it as a smile showed on her face. "See? Perfectly controlled teleportation." She spoke too soon as she was teleporting all over the place. From Canterlot to other familiar locations, until she found herself stuck in a rock.
"PRINCESS TWILIGHT!" Tirek's voice bellowed at immense levels. "You have something that belongs to me!"
Twilight flew out of the rocks, breaking them as she dashed past Tirek. She flew wildly, crashing back down as she slid on the ground, smacking into Tire's hoof. She looked up to see this 200ft monster standing in front of her. Unlike anything she's ever seen before as she backed away.
"You're going to give me what I want!" Tirek was about to steal her magic but the young alicorn teleported away in time, returning back to Golden Oak. She looked through her telescope, noticing Tirek from afar. The Centaur fired a beam of magic that raced towards her. It was moving fast. Twilight instinctively grabbed Owlicious out of the library, flying away from the building. The beam hit the library, obliterating it into pieces. Much more devastating than the original timeline.
Golden Oak Library was no more. Owlicious had flown as Twilight stood up, angered. She decided to finally do something as she took to the skies, unleashing a beacon of magic towards Tirek. Tirek put up a shield as the large beam engulfed him, barely pushing him back. Tirek realised just how powerful he had become as he obliterated the beam with his magic, causing a large colorful explosion to emerge.
Twilight was surprised that it did barely anything against him.
"Now I understand what you're fellow princess's had done." Tirek now knows where all the alicorn magic is now. Twilight took off once more, unleashing another beam. Tirek fired back this time as they both met. However, Tirek's easily overpowered hers by a long shot. Twilight was knocked back by the overwhelming being, feeling the sting of it. She shook her head as she saw Tirek lunge over, about to step on her. She gasped, teleporting away as a giant crater formed underneath, causing the hills around the area to fall apart.
Obsidian and Emerald Aura were watching this happen from afar, terrified.
"Holy moly. Can you imagine if he was like this in the original timeline? They'd be screwed." Emerald commented.
"I think they already are. I wanted him to become powerful but... how are they gonna solve a problem like this now?" said Obsidian.
Tirek chased after Twilight, making the ground tremble as the purple alicorn was flying away. Tirek easily caught up to her, grabbing her by the tail. "Gotcha!"
Twilight gasped as she teleported away, appearing above him and unleashing a destructive blast down on him. A pillar of magic occurred by that blast as Twilight flew back. But Tirek emerged from the smoke, grinning.
"BAHAHA! POKEMON MAGIC IS THE GREATEST! I've never felt so much power... The earth...the land.. the sea and the skies. Lightning, fire, water, darkness, fairies, ice, steel. All forms of powers that I never even dreamed would make this powerful! I should've thanked those two ponies from recommending Pokemon to me. Who knew that these tiny little creatures could hold so much power?" Tirek summoned a huge ball of destructive magic dropping it on Twilight. Twilight teleported away as the entire area continued to get destroyed constantly.
Tirek appeared behind Twilight, slamming her down to the ground. Twilight felt all that pain as instantly, her entire body was immobilized for a bit. She struggled to get up as she looked at Tirek. She charged up the mother of all blasts, firing it up at Tirek. But Tirek easily cancelled it out with a tiny ball, causing another colorful explosion. Twilight could feel her body falling asleep due to the intense strength of Tirek. But she hasn't given up yet. She used every ounce of her strength to lift herself up. That uncontrollable flying came in handy this time as she escaped from Tirek.
She decided to go for an easy weak point. Doesn't matter who you are, if you're hit in the eye, especially with something devastating, it will hurt. Unless you're immune to that. So Twilight zapped Tirek right in his eyes, making him feel all that pain. Tirek held his eyes as Twilight blasted him away with another beam, this time returning the favor to him. Tirek then unleashed a blast of his own. It grazed Twilight, making her fall back down to the ground.
"Enough games!" Tirek looked down at Twilight. "Your magic...is mine!" He went to pick up the young alicorn but was stopped by a zap of magic that struck his hands. "What?!" He turned around to see Celestia. Healthy again. "But how! I thought your magic was gone?!"
"I thought so too. But my Boundless Cutie Mark doesn't want me to stop here!" Celestia exclaimed.
"Princess...Celestia." Twilight smiled.
"Get away from my student." Celestia walked up to him. She looked up the large centaur, not even afraid at the slightest. Then, her Boundless Cutie Mark began switching up. Twilight's Cutie Mark grew in size as the others shrunkk. Soon Twilight's Cutie Mark was next to Celestia's. Twilight saw this, wondering what it meant.
"Now that you're here and healthy. I'll finally be able to consume alicorn magic!" Tirek went to grab Celestia, but the sun princess had teleported away from him, heading to Twilight and getting her to safety. "W-Where'd she go?!"
Celestia had teleported her and Twilight behind a pile of rocks.
"Twilight. I am so sorry about this. I only ended up causing more danger for you and your friends. I should've never given up my magic in the first place or put my trust in Discord. I should've just dealt with the situation on my own from the very beginning. I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault Princess Celestia. I should've just stayed inside. Then maybe, Tirek wouldn't find me." Twilight responded.
The conversation the two just had made the Boundless Cutie Mark act up. They both looked at as it was trying to tell them something.
"Princess Celestia. I think I know what this Boundless Cutie Mark finally means!"
"You do?"
"Yes! There's a reason why it chose you. Because you are the ruler of Equestria obviously. But also because it must mean that you're the only pony who can do this!"
Celestia looked at her Cutie Mark. What Twilight said could be true. She could be the only one capable of this. But...
"No Twilight. We're the only ponies who can do this. I may be powerful... but not on my own. A ruler isn't someone with all the power in the world. Neither are the ones with a royal lineage. Or a kingdom to rule. A true ruler is somepony who inspires others. They help others reach their goals, and never judge anyone, even if they are beneath them or their accomplishments are greater than them. I wasn't being a great ruler back there. I did not have the courage. But now I know that courage is what will drive me to improve myself. I may be thousands of years old... but I still have a lot to learn. So what do you say? How about we save Equestria, Princess Twilight?"
"Okay!"
"Gh... no sign of them. In that case, I'll just drag them out with this." Tirek snapped his fingers, bringing Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Spike with him. "Out of your cages? No matter. PRINCESS TWILIGHT!" Tirek called out. "I HAVE SOMETHING OF GREAT VALUE HERE!"
Celestia and Twilight flew out of the rocks, seeing Tirek holding Twilight's friends.
"How's this for a trade? All the alicorn magic in Equestria for the release of your friends. If you decline... I'll obliterate them here. And besides. You can't stop me. I'm already brimming with more magic than I could ever expect. You know what the right choice is..." Tirek grinned. Twilight's friends chattered in the bubbles they were stuck in, pleading Twilight and Celestia not to do it.
"Don't do it Twilight!" Rainbow Dash pleaded
"We aren't' worth it!" said Fluttershy.
"Oh, but you are Fluttershy." Discord spoke. "You're the pony who taught me that friendship is magic. I had magic and friendship. And now... I don't have either."
"ENOUGH!" Tirek stopped this sappy chatter. "I want an answer! And I want it now!"
Twilight looked at Celestia with a worried look on her face. Twilight then looked at her friends, seeing a flash of colors surround them. Each being their own colors. That's when that similar rainbow color flashed in her eyes. Celestia saw this and knew that she had to let Twilight make this decision. Besides... Celestia knew there was something to keep Tirek occupied in the meantime.
"I will give you my magic. In exchange for my friends." She made her decision. All of her friends had gasped.
"As you wish." Tirek snapped his fingers, releasing them all, but Discord.
"All of my friends."
"After the way he has betrayed you, you still call him a friend?!"
"Release him!"
"If that's what you want." Tirek released Discord as well.
"Thank you Twilight..." Discord then turned to Fluttershy. "I'm sorry."
"I know."
"Your turn." Tirek started to take all the magic away from both Twilight and Celestia. All of it feeding him with every ounce. But the Boundless Cutie Mark still remained.
Tirek now went from 200ft to 490ft. He was juiced. He let out a mighty roar, feeling complete.
"Twilight... what were you thinking?" Spike said.
"Tirek tricked me into thinking he could offer something more valuable than friendship. But there is nothing worth more." Discord sighed. "I see that now. He lied when he said that this medallion was given as a sign of gratitude and loyalty." But when I say that it is a sign of our true friendship, I am telling the truth." Discord removed it from his neck, placing it on Twilight's. This medallion was the final item needed for the chest.
Seeing this made Celestia realise that Discord isn't perfect. Not at all. And he can be fooled easily like others.
Twilight figured out that this was the final key.
"You think that might be the last one we need?" Applejack said.
"We have to get to the chest." Twilight ran off along with Discord as Celestia stayed behind with her magic slowly coming back. She looked over to the distance to see Tirek rampaging. "Now Ash. It's time for you keep Tirek occupied until Twilight and her friends return."
Tirek entered Ponyville as everypony looked outside, terrified at what they were seeing. They cowered in fear, hoping that this behemoth wouldn't notice them. But there was someone outside. A few actually.
"Hold it!" Ash's voice called out to Tirek. The Centaur turned around to see Ash and Pikachu down there.
"And who are you, boy? Here to have your Pokemon lose their magic as well."
"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town! And this is my partner Pikachu! And we're here to flatten you!"
"Pikachu!"
"HAH! Big talk from a runt!"
"Oh yeah? You'll find that I can back it up all the time. Pikachu! IRON TAIL!" Pikachu jumped up, striking Tirek right in the face with an Iron Tail, making him feel all that damage.
"GAH!" TIrek held his face as he turned to Pikachu, attempting to grab him.
"Dodge and use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu dodged the grab as he sent a bolt of lightning at Tirek, shocking him in the process.
"YOU RAT!" Tirek then unleashed a beam towards Pikachu, knocking him back. But Pikachu stood strong.
"You okay, buddy?"
"Pikachu!"
"How are you still standing!? You should be obliterated by now!" Tirek yelled.
"Heh. Pikachu doesn't go down so easily, pal. Allow us to show you what us trainers and Pokemon can really do! Get in there, you guys!" Ash sent out his other Pokemon to join in. Dragonite, Gengar, Riolu and Farfetch'd.
"You're just some kid with pets! You don't stand a chance against me!" Tirek was ready to unleash a beam on them.
"Dragonite! Hyper Beam!" Dragonite stopped Tirek's beam with its own as the two collided. To Tirek's surprise, Dragonite was powerful enough to hold his magic back. As expected from the Dragon Pokemon. "Gengar! Ice Punch!" Gengar dashed in, striking Tirek's legs with a freezing punch. Tirek groaned as the Hyper Beam powered through his beam, hitting him in the face.
Everypony was outside watching this, seeing Ash take on that giant. Scootaloo's eyes widened as she stood outside the front door of Carousel Boutique.
"COME ON ASH! BEAT HIM!" Scootaloo cried out. Tirek turned to Scootaloo, aiming to get her next.
"You're next, my little pony!"
"Oh no she's not! Pikachu! Thunderbolt! Dragonite! Dragon Claw!" Thunderbolt struck his face, paralysing him for a bit as Dragonite struck draconic energy claws at his face, actually pushing Tirek back, making him fall down. The ponies of Ponyville opened their windows as they started to encourage Ash and his Pokemon to do it. They were shouting words like win, you got this and so on. "Thanks everyone. But it's not just gonna be me who takes all the glory."
Tirek got back up, letting out an aggravated roar. "I SHOULD NOT BE LOSING! I HAVE THE POWER OF 4 ALICORNS AND COUNTLESS POKEMON! HOW CAN A CHILD BE BESTING ME!"
"Because you'll never be able to handle the combined force of trainer and Pokemon," Luna said as she and Cadence had also arrived. "Darkrai! Ice Beam!"
"Sylveon! Fairy Wind!" Cadence also commanded her Pokemon. A beam of ice and pink wind were targeted at Tirek. He could feel the pelting of wind and pixie dust bombarding him as an Ice Beam struck his body, freezing a part of it. Just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, Pokemon, specifically the ones he had stolen their magic from in Equestria had arrived with Audino in front.
"How are you all back and healthy?! I took your magic!"
"Audino." Audino replied, feeling proud of herself as she knows the reason why. She had gotten rid of her Safeguard move and replaced it for Heal Pulse. Tirek did not know that Pokemon can just simply get better and back to full strength if they are healed. Whether by Nurse Joy or healing moves. And he never will.
"Heh. That's a secret." Riolu! Force Palm! Farfetch'd Brutal Swing!" Riolu and Farfetch'd both hit Tirek's legs with some hard-hitting physical attacks. Tirek was having enough as he stomped around, frantically firing blasts all over the place out of frustration. "
The other Pokemon had used their moves, specifically ranged special moves to hit Tirek from afar, causing him to be overwhelmed.
"Dark Void!" Darkrai flew up, tossing a Dark Void at Tirek, hoping to put him into a nightmare state. It worked for a few seconds, but he broke out of it. Gengar appeared behind Tirek, using Shadow Ball on the back of his neck. Tirek grunted, swinging his arms towards Gengar, but the Shadow Pokemon turned itself intangible, making it unaffected.
"Gen Gen!" Gengar laughed at Tirek, making him riled up even more. But Tirek lost focus as Iron Tail came straight to his face along with Dragon Claw.
"ENOUGH! I WILL NOT BE BESTED BY POKE-" Tirek's words were put to a halt as he felt an attack him in the back of his neck. It was Passion. Along with Celestia who had arrived here with some of her magic back thanks to her Boundless Cutie Mark.
"Celestia! Glad you finally joined." Ash said.
"Pikachu!"
"As always Ash, you prove to go against all odds and last this long. Now then...Passion. Shall we?"
"Kirlia!"
This was their first battle ever. But thanks to them bonding for a long time, they were in perfect sync with each other.
"Passion! Teleport and use Psybeam!" Celestia made her first command. Passion teleported upwards, being in Tirek's face as she unleashed a Psybeam right at his nose. "Now follow up with Stored Power!" Passion then released all of her energy, pelting Tirek with psychic energy.
"Woah, Celestia! When did you get so good at battling like that?!" Ash asked.
"I've been learning from you."
"Awesome. Let's keep this going!" Ash and the princesses were just keeping him occupied now. It was up to Twilight and her friends to seal the deal.
They had arrived at the Tree of Harmony as Twilight placed the final key at the chest. The 6th key was in the shape of her Cutie Mark as it entered the keyhole.
"Together! I think we have to do this together!" Twilight exclaimed. They all went up to their keys, turning them as a ray of rainbows shot up from the chest, rising up. The rays had gone to each of their Cutie Marks that were on the trees, surrounding them with the vibrant lights.
6 lights shot down on the ponies, filling them with a different kind of sensation. Their appearance started to change as a flash of light emerged. Their manes and tails were so different. They now represented their personalities and Cutie Marks perfectly. All of their manes and tails had that same rainbow streak on them.
Pinkie Pie looked puffier and more aloof.
Rainbow Dash looked cooler and even more awesome than before.
Applejack looked like a real gal.
Fluttershy looked like a divine maiden.
Rarity a true beauty to behold.
And Twilight a true princess.
They were all surrounded by this rainbow power as they flew up, heading to Ponyville.
Back at Ponyville, Tirek was struggling so much against Pokemon. More than he expected.
"Let's hit him from all sides! Go!" Ash commanded as all of his Pokemon attacked Tirek from the left to the right, top to bottom.
"Passion! Psybeam!"
"Darkrai! Ice Beam!"
"Dragonite! Hyper Beam!"
3 beams connected at Tirek, dealing major damage to him. Tirek felt like he couldn't take this anymore, feeling overwhelmed. "IRON TAIL!" Ash then commanded Pikachu to strike him with Iron Tail. And strike him he did. The tail hit his stomach making him roll back.
"T-This can't be happening..." Tirek slowly got up from the ground. "HOW CAN THIS GET ANY WORSE?!"
It got worse.
The Mane 6 had arrived, showing off their dazzling new forms. Tirek turned around to see this, confused and shocked. He fired a beam at them, but the light surrounding the 6 of them negated it.
"How is this possible?! You have no magic!"
"You're wrong Tirek!" Twilight exclaimed. "I may have given you my alicorn magic, but I carry within me the most powerful magic of all." Then 6 lights hit Tirek directly, pushing him back. They engulfed him completely as he felt his power diminishing. He was getting smaller, weaker and scrawnier. He had been reverted back to his old lanky self. The light of the rainbow had transported him back to Tartarus. Where he originally was. This was a light that corrected imbalance. And correct imbalance it did. It spun around, releasing a pulse of rainbows that spread all across Equestria.
Everypony could feel their magic, flight and strength return to them. What they had lost, they had been given back as the Mane 6 flew by them all, restoring them.
The girls returned to the Tree of Harmony, feeling like they've done their job as they stared at the mystical tree. Then, the tree began to vibrate, releasing another rainbow light that rose up from the ground it was underneath as a rainbow reached all the way over to Ponyville. The light had also carried the chest to where the rainbow ended, sending it to the ground. The entire earth began to tremble as what came next, nopony expected.
Out of the ground, a castle was emerging. Not just a castle. Twilight's castle. It was taller than any building in Ponyville. It even had her Cutie Mark on the very top and flag as well. Everypony and Pokemon looked at the sight as the girls had their rainbow power taken away from them. Their job was done for today.
"Sweet Celestia!" Rarity exclaimed. "Are you all seeing what I'm seeing?"
"But... who's is it?" Twilight asked.
"I believe it is yours, Princess Twilight." Celestia answered as her, Passion, Spike, Cadence, Luna, Ash, Pikachu and Discord along with their Pokemon were standing together.
"Check it out."
"Pika..."
They had entered inside this new castle, getting a good look at it all.
"You've been wondering what you're meant to do as a princess. Do you know now?" Celestia said.
"As princess, I believe I have the power to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria. That is the role I am meant to have in our world! The role I choose to have! But I didn't defeat Tirek on my own! It took all of us to unlock the chest!" Twilight hugged her friends.
"Then it is unlikely you are meant to take this task alone." Celestia opened a door that revealed a room with a round table along with chairs representing her and her friend's Cutie Marks. "You are now Twilight Sparkle. The Princess of Friendship."
They all walked in, sitting on their respected Cutie Mark seats. Even Spike got one of his own.
"But what is the Princess of Friendship, without her friends?" Celestia gave off a soft smile. Discord peeked from the corner, unsure if he was even considered a friend now. Twilight carried him over to join in on the hug.
"You too, Ketchum." Twilight said to Ash, carrying him over here along with his Pokemon.
"Wait a minute! Where's my throne?" Discord asked.
"I don't think you're quite there yet. Fluttershy giggled.
"One final thing. Ash. Pikachu." Celestia said as they all looked over to the boy and his friend. "You have proven once again that not only do you sacrifice your own life for the safety of others, help everyone you see, even if you don't have a reason, you have also shown that you will step up to any challenge, any foe, no matter how large or overwhelming they may be. Even saving Ponyville from pure destruction."
"Aw shucks. You guys."
"Pika..."
"For all that you've done for us. You are now Ash Ketchum the Hero. And Pikachu the Noble" Celestia declared.
"Woah! You got an awesome name Ash!" Rainbow Dash flew to him. "Guess you learn from the best, huh?"
"At this rate, we might have to start calling you Hero. How does Hero Ketchum sound?" Rarity said.
"Nah. I'm good with my real name. Right Pikachu?"
"Pikachu..."
"Pikachu says that he wouldn't mind being called the Noble." Fluttershy translated, making them all laugh.
What a long day it was. Everypony from Ponyville had gathered to see this new castle. Out if it emerged Twilight and her friends, giving them all a smile as they cheered them all on for their victory. Today they had proven to them all that even when things looked dire, it worked out in the end. Thanks to the combined efforts of those who truly care for each other.
Friends.
This power will continue to grow as it can be seen throughout the entire world. And with that power, they will always shine.
But... over at the Harmonia Kingdom. Colress has been recording and capturing data of everything that happens in Equestria, especially Ponyville.
"Hm. Giants. Eating magic. Rainbow powers. This world truly is an oddity. What do you make of it, Lord Ghetsis?"
"Feh. I'm not worried about some hunky-dory friendship. The time will come when I crush that feeble meager force they call friendship. And soon they will know that only absolute power and dominance towers over all. No matter what."
"Hydreigon."
