Pokémon and Ponies
#48-The Pokemon Festival Part 4
The 4th day of the festival was still young and early. Only two more hours until the afternoon hits.
Right now, four different events were taking place. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Rarity are at the Crystal Empire. Ash, Twilight and Applejack are headed to Ponyville to find Cocoa and Rosestar. Obsidian and Emerald Aura are planning to intervene in the alternate universe that Queen Pyrestar comes from and the two universe hopping friends, Cocoa and Rosestar are both figuring out a way to travel back and just enjoying the festival.
Ash and the two ponies had arrived at Ponyville, in search for Cocoa and Rosestar. They might be tough to find in a crowd like this. Festivals are usually packed like crazy.
"Alright. Look out for anypony new. Queen Pyrestar didn't give us a clear description so keep an eye out." Twilight spoke.
"Got it. Anypony new." Ash started to gaze around.
"Pika..."
"Sooner we get this done, the sooner we can enjoy this festival without any distractions." Applejack said. "I wanna try those attractions myself, ya know."
The group split up to get searching. The wisps wouldn't help them for this part since they already led them to their destination. It was up to their own instincts this time.
The two ponies they were searching for were actually partaking in an attraction. The attractions in Ponyville were much tamer compared to the ones in Canterlot and the Crystal Empire. Probably due to the scale different. The attraction the were on was the Tug of War, formed by Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee. Suitable for the young ones and smaller Pokemon.
"We could be searching for another spell that allows us to travel through universes...but we're here playing Tug of War?" Rosestar commented, feeling as though they were wasting time.
"Chill out. Have fun, Rose. We have all the time in the multiple universes to enjoy this festival. We can find a spell at any time." Cocoa replied. "Besides. I wanna have a go at this. The Pokemon competing seem tough. ya know. Now help me out."
"Ugh. Why do you have to take the long route in every situation and scenario." Rose shook her head as her, Cocoa and the other ponies and Pokemon grabbed and bit onto the rope, ready to pull.
"Hitmon...chan!" The Punching Pokemon gave off the call to start as the Tug of War was on. The littles ones the smaller Pokemon. They each put their all their strength in their hooves, paws, teeth and other limbs they carry with them. Cocoa ended up showing to be the more physically fit pony of the group, as she was causing her team to win with ease. To their surprise, her strength was oddly overwhelming, even without using her magic. The Pokemon on the opposing side tried to increase their strength, but it wasn't enough. And the young fillies with them weren't holding up any better. Soon, in the span 9 seconds, Cocoa's team ended up winning with ease, and she ended up doing most of the work.
"Woohoo! Victory!" Cocoa cheered as the opposing team were on the floor, overwhelmed.
"Nice going. You overwhelmed them." Rosestar commented.
"Hehe. Woopsie. My bad everypony!" Cocoa laughed. "So. What should we do next?"
"Figure out a way to travel back. We can't afford to keep on playing around like childr-"
"Let's try that attraction! A race sounds fun!" Cocoa was about to rush forward but Rose stopped her by biting her tail.
"Slow down Cocoa! The sooner we find a way back, you can play around in this festival as many times as you want. Okay? So can we please focus on the task at hand. It's been months now."
"Alright, alright. I get it. We'll find a way to get back. I think I might actually know a way we can.£
"You do?"
"Mhm. This is just a parallel Equestria, meaning that they've probably got spells about universe hopping as well. So we'll just head to their version of Canterlot Library and we're good to go."
"Hm. That's is pretty simple when you think about it. Okay. Let's get going to Canterlot. Just don't get distracted Cocoa."
"I won't. You can count on-" Just then, Cocoa could smell something delicious near the food stands as she was floating towards that enticing scent. "Oooh...what's that?"
"COCOA!" Rosestar bellowed. Not only did it stop Cocoa in her tracks, but it also drew the attention of Ash, Twilight and Applejack. It seems they have found their Cocoa. Their heads turned to the direction of where the shout came from as they saw the pale pink Pony pull Cocoa back by grabbing her tail with her teeth.
"That's her. We found our pony!" Ash spoke.
"Pika!"
"Focus! Why are you so easily distracted?" Rosestar babbled.
"The stuff they have in this version of Equestria smells much more delicious! Makes me wanna chomp the whole thing away!" Cocoa grinned as Rose facehoofed. Just then, Applejack, Ash and Twilight had come up to the two pony pals, finding their objective.
"Hey. You're Cocoa, right?" Ash asked.
"That's me. The one and only!" Cocoa said with a proud voice.
"Yes! That was pretty easy. I was worried it was going to be a hassle to find her." Twilight commented.
"Oh, hey. Aren't you that Midnight pony? Your mane looks different in this universe. You don't look like a serious pony also. Weird."
"My name is Twilight Sparkle in this universe. And this is partner Pokemon Eve."
"I'm Ash. And this is my partner Pikachu."
"Pikachu!"
"The name's Applejack. A pleasure to meet ya'll." Applejack shook Cocoa's hoof.
"Great to meet you all too. And this is my bestest buddy in the whole world. Rosestar." Cocoa put her hoof around her pegasus friend. "So what did you want with me?"
"We came to find you, hoping you would be able to send Queen Pyrestar and her Canterlot back to their universe." Twilight explained.
"Aha! See? Now that's something of great importance!" Rose spoke.
"Oooh. Sorry. We haven't found a spell yet that can do that. Our spell for universal travel is kinda back at our world. But we're headed to Canterlot Library to see if we can find one."
"Canterlot Library? I'm not sure it has a spell or any information about universal travel." Twilight put her hoof on her chin.
"How come? There has to be something." Applejack said.
"I was surprised when I found out there wasn't. When our worlds first crossed, Princess Celestia informed me that this was the first time our world has ever experienced something like the Rift. If anything we've never had universal travel in our world at all."
"Really? But in our universe, universal travel exists. How come it's not the same for here?" Cocoa asked.
"Maybe it has something to do with how every universe is different from each other. It's called the Multiverse Theory." Rose stepped forward.
"Multiverse theory?" The three of them said in unison.
"Cocoa and I have been to many other universes. Some of them end up being the same but alternate, like this one. They may share the same appearance here and there, but one has something that the other doesn't. So in this universe, there must not be a spell for universal travel at all."
"My favourite one was when we went to that universe with the guilds! There were talking flying cats!" Cocoa exclaimed.
"Point is. We won't end up finding a spell here... unfortunately."
"So then now what? If there's no universal travel spell in this universe, then how are we going to get Queen Pyrestar and her Canterlot back?" Twilight wondered.
They were now in a tricky spot. Cocoa and Rosestar knew about universal travel, but they didn't have the spell with them. And if they don't have it, then how are they ever going to hope to send Queen Pyrestar back and help restore her version of Equestria. Not only that but the concept of universal travel is non-existent in this version of Equestria. That's when Applejack of all ponies suddenly sparked up an idea that she believes just might work.
"I got it!" She shouted.
"What is it Applejack?" Twilight turned to her.
"We've got one pony who can help, probably. Our newest family member. Cold Colt."
"Cold Colt? Oh yeah...he's a creation from the Rift, so he might be able to help us with universal travel! Applejack you're a genius!" Twilight said. "Where is Cold Colt now?!"
"He's all the way back at the Crystal Empire with the rest of my family. We're gonna have to make our way back there if we wanna get his help."
"Then the Crystal Empire it is! Honestly, I'm surprised we didn't think about this sooner. We had a cosmic being in front of our faces the entire time." said Twilight. They had their first sign of hope in the form of a once old enemy turned friend. But they weren't the only ones getting involved with universal travel.
Emerald Aura and Obsidian had asked the Rift to send them to the universe where Queen Pyrestar originated. They travelled through a cosmic tunnel, seeing many stars pass by them in the process. This was normal for them, nothing special really. Once they finally passed through the tunnel, they arrived at the alternate Equestria. And what an odd sight it was. What Queen Pyrestar spoke of was true. Her Equestria had been ruined by Grogar. With the unicorns being the only race of ponies around, they do not have the same strength or capabilities to do what the other two races can. No pegasi to tend the skies and the weather and no earth ponies to tend the earth and the lands. As such, this world struggled greatly, and the essence of magic grew weaker. The unicorns had managed to keep this wasteland from fully fading away by using spells, but those could only get them so far. Magic cannot surmount to what the pegasi and earth ponies were capable of. They had arrived at Ponyville specifically. This version of Ponyville was mostly the same. But the homes and other structures were mouldy and ruined. Possibly from some of Grogar's creatures.
"This place is a wasteland." Emerald commented.
"No kidding. Grogar really did leave them a parting gift. A pretty ugly one." Obsidian spoke.
"So all the earth ponies and pegasi are sealed away, huh? Where could they even be?"
"Who cares. We're not here to find out about that. We're here to see what we can bring over to the more colourful Equestria. Let's see..." Obsidian started to search through Ponyville. The unicorns there were looking at Obsidian and Emerald Aura, but they weren't too surprised since they were unicorns as well. The two had also spotted a familiar-looking building that was heavily run down. Rarity's Carousel Boutique. It had been centuries here, so Rarity was no longer around. As such her boutique was in a horrible state.
In fact, many of the ponies here were unfamiliar to the two. Obsidian and Emerald Aura have seen what everypony in Ponyville looks like. They know their names, their occupations, what their Cutie Marks are, what they sound like, etc. But since centuries have passed, they had passed on. And as such, new unicorns ended up inhabiting Ponyville. Even have their own new mayor, who was trying her very best to keep Ponyville intact. However, despite them all being new ponies, some looked to be descendants of the old residents. Obsidian could spot what looked to be descendant of Amethyst Heart, one of Lyra and many more. All unicorns. Emerald as well. She could see descendants who had some similarities to their ancestors. Although they don't share the same energy as their ancestors. Mostly due to the wasteland that they all live in now.
"Ugh. This place is making me feel sad...For once, I wouldn't mind having Darkrai scare me at this moment." said Emerald.
"Nothing good here to bring. It's so...dry." Obsidian winced. "There has to be something that we can bring over. Or else this must be the most hopeless universe ever." Obsidian stopped for a moment, thinking of what he could possibly do. With the way this alternate reality is, what could they possibly bring over that could change everything? The unicorns wouldn't do. They're too weak to change anything really. Since magic has grown weaker over the centuries, they're not as powerful as they used to be. And the only pony powerful enough is Queen Pyrestar. But right now, she's in the other universe. And she is the only alicorn that exists in this universe. The others were reverted thanks to Grogar. But then, Obsidian had an idea that sparked in him. Since the Rift mostly listens to him and he hatches the plans most of the time, he came up with one that could really spice things up in the other universe. "I got it."
"Oh no...What's on your mind now?" Emerald backed up.
"If we can't find anything useful in this universe...we'll just summon someone to change the course of this universe."
"Uh...who exactly?"
"Ghetsis."
Hearing that made Emerald gasp in shock. This was not a good idea at all. "WHAT DID YOU SAY?! YOU'RE GONNA BRING GHETSIS HERE?!"
"That's right. He's already conquered Saddle-Arabia and made it his own. How about we let him conquer this version of Equestria, making him be the complete owner of this world."
"Okay. But how's that gonna help change things up? He's just gonna be stuck here."
"Oh, no-no. Cause we're going to give him access to universal travel. Meaning he can go back and forth from here to the other Equestria. It's genius."
"It's insane! Ghetsis is pure evil! If you give him all that power, who knows what'll happen! He could start up an entire army and bring them over to THAT Equestria and it'll all go downhill from here! You saw what he did to Celestia!" Emerald was panicking.
"Relax. We're only gonna let him go through two different universes. It's not like we're giving him the power to let him go through every universe to ever exist. Well...That's just a disaster waiting to happen."
"Alright. Are you sure you want to bring Ghetsis over here?"
"Positive. He's the best problem that we've brought back so far. If anything, I'd say he's the perfect enemy to Equestria. Now then. Shall we?"
"Fine...but I still think this is a bit much. It could even put us in danger."
"Rift!" Obsidian called to the sky. And just like that, the cosmic rift revealed itself, pulsating in the skies as it responded to Obsidian.
"Yes? What have you found, Obsidian?"
"I've got a new idea that could really spice things up to a large degree. Would it be good enough to give Ghetsis access to travel between this universe and the other? So that he can conquer this world and build his own empire that can clash against Equestria's. If that's okay with you."
"Hmm. Universal travel to Ghetsis? Possibly one of the most dangerous beings to ever exist. Giving him and Team Plasma that amount of power, especially with Pokemon involved, could spell a cataclysmic event. If anything... that would cause a future large scale war against both universes, including the Pokemon universe. It is a precarious chance. But...it could work. Greatly. Very well. I shall grant Team Plasma universal travel to this world. Let the events play out."
"Oh geez." Emerald cowered as she was terrified of what the results would be once Ghetsis decides to really make his move.
And speaking of Ghetsis, all the way at Saddle-Arabia which was now named the Harmonia Kingdom, Ghetsis was met with a sudden shock in his heart.
"W-What is this?!" He winced, holding his chest as he could feel an unnatural flow of cosmic energy inside him. He raised his hands up, attempting to call for help, but he unknowingly summoned a gateway to the other universe. And just like that, the shock in his heart had faded away. Ghetsis stood up, gazing at the portal. Through it, the first thing his eyes set on was the run-down and dry Ponyville. "This is interesting. What could the Rift be planning now?" Ghetsis looked at his hands. He knew that for something like this, Colress would be the one to talk to.
"You might want to see this, Lord Ghetsis." Colress was running a scan on Ghetsis in his lab as he had found something that he would never expect. He showed the tyrannical man an x-ray diagram of him, but inside of his bones were what appeared to be cosmic dust. "It seems that your body has been given cosmic energy. It's now flowing through your bones, emanating out of you. It has also seemed to pile up with your newfound aura."
"And what does this mean? How does this benefit me in any way?"
"It benefits you... because I have found that you now have Planewalking. Or Universal Travel as it is normally known as. Seems like the Rift has bestowed you with the power to travel between universes. More specifically, the one you unconsciously summoned. And you have opened up a gateway to a rather...bleak universe."
"I see..." Ghetsis grinned as he started to laugh maniacally. He knew what this meant. "To be honest, I should be grateful to the Rift. Not only has it granted me freedom and even heightened my aura...now it has given me the power to travel to another universe. Clearly, my destiny is being fully realized. Soon, I will reach the zenith of my reign. This universe that I have summoned a gateway too... it seems to be hopeless. Conquering it will be easier than even Saddle-Arabia."
"It is interesting. If you now have this sort of power, could be it possible to heighten it more? Perhaps we can elevate your power to make it so that you can travel to other alternate universes, besides this one."
"Work on that. Right now, I have a world to conquer. Bring along Chrysalis and her Changelings. This is the start of something wonderful."
The Crystal Empire, Afternoon. The 4th day of the Pokemon Festival.
Cold Colt is the current potential answer to universal travel. He is made from the Rift, so perhaps, he can help.
"You want me to help you travel through universes?" The young colt said to them.
"Mhm. Cold Colt. You're a pony who we've befriended and also is connected to the Rift. So you might know a thing or two about universal travel." Twilight spoke.
"Plus, this is a chance for you to help out and forget about what you did to those Weavile's back then," said Applejack. "Think you can help?"
"Well. I guess I could but have you all forgotten? My magic kinda sucks. The Rift won't even listen to me anymore so I can't enhance it. And it only causes problems and nothing else. How am I gonna help then?"
"That is true...your magic is more of a cause for problems..." Twilight started to think, wondering how they can work around this. "Any ideas?" She turned to Applejack, Ash, Cocoa and Rosestar.
"I got nothing, sugarplum." Applejack shook her head.
"Nope!" Cocoa exclaimed.
"Sorry. Nothing comes to mind."
"Hmm... Hold on. I think there's one way." Ash had sparked something up.
"What is it, Ash? What have you got?" Twilight went up to him.
"We get Victini to help!"
"Pika!"
"Victini? Isn't that the Mythical Pokemon with the giant V on its head?" said Cocoa?
"Victini has the power to make anyone pumped up and enhance what they're normally capable of and all that other stuff right? Why don't we let Victini boost Cold Colt's magic?"
"That is true...But there's still the issue of his magic only causing problems and nothing else. How do we work around that?" Twilight asked.
"We've got a Pokemon for that too. Togetic!"
"PiPika!"
"Togetic?" Twilight and Applejack both said.
"Togetic is a Pokemon that brings that good luck. If it sees anyone with a pure heart, all that good luck just soaks into ya." Cocoa explained.
"If that's the case, then both Victini and Togetic are our best bets." Rosestar commented.
"Yeah. If I was pure of heart. Which I'm not. I ended up causing a bunch of Weavile's to go rouge, worked alongside Sombra and I even worked alongside Obsidian and Emerald. No way it's gonna shower me with good luck." Cold Colt turned around, calling back to his previous actions. Applejack went up to him, putting her hoof around the young colt's neck.
"It's true. You were a pretty bad egg before. But after seeing you not wanting to be a troublemaker even if you're stuck like this and how you're crushing on my sister, you're not so bad as you were. If anything you're a pretty decent colt now. If I'm being honest, you're almost good enough to be a little brother and proper member of the good ol' Apple family."
"You really think I'm decent?" Cold Colt looked up at her as the Element of Honest nodded her head.
"Don't let it get to you Cold Colt." Twilight walked up to him. "You're still young and just a little boy. You're still growing...at least, I think cosmic creations can age. But point is, you're learning from everypony in Ponyville and all across Equestria now. I'm sure that eventually, you'll grow into a kind-hearted pony."
"Mmmrgh...okay I get it! Quit talking all mushy to me." Cold Colt felt embarrassed with his cheeks blushing but didn't want to show that he was grateful for them being this kind to him. He wanted to act all tough. "Let's hurry up and find those Pokemon already."
"Great! All we gotta do is head back to Canterlot, head to the relief zone and ask Victini to help. And if we get lucky, we bump into a Togetic." Ash exclaimed.
"Pikachu!"
"But first. Can we stop for some food? I'm hungry from all that adventuring so far." Ash held his stomach.
"And in the meantime, we can help you improve as a pony, Cold Colt. I'm sure Togetic would give you all its good luck once it sees how much you've changed." Applejack said.
Whilst they focus on getting Cold Colt to help them travel through universes, Queen Pyrestar could feel something off. She put her hoof in her face, sensing an odd feeling through her. This unexplained sensation was coming from her original universe. Ghetsis had made his way to her universe and had overtaken it. "What is this...?" She uttered. Even if she was away from her world, everything that happened there, she could still feel. Just then, that feeling was gone. She took a deep breath, worrying evermore.
Staying inside this castle wasn't helping either. It just reminded her of the unfortunate events that occurred centuries ago. And waiting for Ash and the others to send her back might take a long time. She had to get all of these thoughts and worries out of her head. So for once, in centuries, she decides to exit out of the once glorious and beautiful Canterlot Castle.
Stepping out, she came across the ponies who lived here. Normally they would be upset at Queen Pyrestar, but after Ash told them what really happened in the past, their anger towards her had been diminished. Pyrestar on the other hoof wasn't feeling this new look. Everywhere she looked, it was nothing but mouldy buildings and unicorns wearing Alicorn Amulets in order to preserve their lost magic.
She continued her walk until she came across the tunnel entrance. Once she passes through that tunnel, no longer will she be in a century-old kingdom. But in the Crystal Empire. An Empire that had died out in her universe many centuries ago. The tunnel opened up for the fused Celestia and Luna. The unicorns watched as they saw their once cheery rulers walk away without saying a word. Normally, Celestia would smile and wave, but not this time.
Pyrestar had left that area after so many centuries, and once she did, the first thing she laid her eyes was the Crystal Empire and the Pokemon Festival. What she saw was something she thought she'd never see ever again. She saw not just the Crystal Ponies but ponies from across the world at the festival. Not only that, but she saw ponies from Canterlot here as well, visiting for the festival. A smile came to her face. One that hadn't been seen for years. Ever since her subjects back in her universe were sealed away other than the unicorns, she was pleased to see pegasi and earth ponies roaming around.
Ash was having a quick snack as he spotted Pyrestar standing there." Hm?" He then saw how she was about to break into tears. And for good reason. She hadn't seen a ray of hope and light in so long. "Queen Pyrestar?" Ash's words had grabbed everypony's attention. Soon, all ponies had seen Queen Pyrestar, identifying her as a new princess. But they had no idea that she was actually the fusion of the two sisters, Celestia and Luna. They all flocked to her, admiring her appearance and mane. All the chatter that she was hearing about her only made her tears more visible.
"Queen Pyrestar? What's wrong?" Twilight walked up to her.
"Eevee?"
Pyrestar couldn't reply as she covered her eyes with her hoof. The tears she formed were about to drop on the floor, but due to the solar heat of her body, they evaporated before they could. Everypony else was confused about why she was crying. And then all of a sudden, Ash's Dragonite flew towards Pyrestar, giving her a warm hug. This had ceased the crying for a bit, but Pyrestar returned the favour by pulling everyone else closer to her. She gave every single of them a hug. A hug that can only be described as being equivalent to a family reunion. And that's what it felt like. Reuniting with family. Because to Pyrestar, before she fused into one, Equestria was her home and everypony there weren't just her subjects, but they all felt like family. And she felt like a mother seeing her children once more.
"I've missed you all." She uttered.
Ash, the Mane 6 and their Pokemon knew exactly why she was feeling this way. They knew that it must've been hard missing a majority of the population whilst everything seemed hopeless in your universe, and you were doing your best to try and fix everything. So seeing her like this was heartwarming even if it did have a tragic factor to it.
Just then, Cadence had looked over her balcony, seeing the huge hug pile. It had caught her curiosity for a bit as she flew down to the pile. "What's going on here? Is there a hugging activity that I don't know of?" She asked as everypony looked to her. Pyrestar's tears kicked in once more as she flew over to Cadence, hugging her as well.
"Cadence!"
"Uh...Hi. D-Do I know you?" Cadence said as she was surprised at the sudden hug. She didn't mind it though. Hugs are always good, and Cadence could tell this hug was made out of love, even if she didn't know who she was yet.
"That princess seems very emotional. Is she a princess of emotions perhaps?" A pony asked.
"She looks a lot like Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Bizarre..." A mare placed a hoof on her chin.
"That's because she is Princess Celestia and Luna. They kinda fused into one. Queen Pyrestar." Once again, Ash casually explained. Everypony turned to Ash, then to Pyrestar, then back to Ash and then back to Pyrestar. Cadence had heard this as well she was looking Pyrestar in the eyes.
"Huh? HUH?!" Everypony bellowed at the same time.
"Ash. You can't just go around casually explaining important stuff." Twilight walked up to him. "Then again, that is exactly like you." She laughed.
"Hello." Pyrestar waved as everypony recognized the dual voices of Celestia and Luna in Pyrestar. It really was her.
"How...a spell that allows two ponies to fuse? How is that even possible?" Cadence looked at Pyrestar, walking around her. "When did you do this?"
"And how come you didn't announce you were?" A pony asked from the crowd.
"No, silly. This is a different Celestia and Luna from another universe." Pinkie spoke. "Our two princesses are still the same and on their own."
"Another universe? What happened in your universe that caused this?" Cadence asked.
"I think it's best that you don't know for now." Fluttershy fluttered over to Cadence.
"Well, Cele- I mean. Queen Pyrestar. Glad to have you with us in our universe. Hope you enjoy the festival." Cadence gave off a soft smile.
"Hey! I've got an idea! Why don't we show you to OUR Celestia and Luna?" Pinkie put her hoof around the fused princess.
"Is that even a good idea? What'll happen if they meet? WHAT IF THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE SPLITS IN HALF IF BOTH VERSIONS END UP MAKING CONTACT, CAUSING A DIMENSIONAL PARADOX?!" Twilight exclaimed.
"Calm down, Twi. The universe won't break apart if two versions meet. Trust me, I know." Ash reassured.
"I'm not sure what my old selves used to look like. I've been fused as Pyrestar for so many centuries that I barely even remember what my two selves were appearance-wise." Pyrestar commented.
"I'm sure once you see them, you'll know what you used to look like. Why don't I come along with you? I just finished all the work I had to do today anyways."
"So should we tell them about how her universe ended up?" Cocoa whispered to Rosestar's ears.
"Now's now the best time Cocoa. Let's just get Victini and Togetic, and we're good to go."
Canterlot. The Pokemon Festival. 4 hours left until the moon rises.
"I must be seeing things." Celestia rubbed her eyes along with Luna. They had ended up bringing Pyrestar to this Canterlot and their eyes almost looked like they were playing tricks on them.
"No. I see it, sister. She really does look like a fusion of the two of us." said Luna.
"Pyrestar is it? I didn't think we'd adopt a new name once we fused, honestly. I wasn't even aware that a fusion spell like that existed. I've heard of fusing magic but not ponies." Celestia commented.
"In my universe, such a thing exists. But I am surprised that this is what I used to look like." Pyrestar suddenly placed her hooves on Celestia and Luna's face, feeling them. "Was my skin always so smooth? When I was Celestia, were my eyes always pinkish?" And when I was Luna, was I always this short?"
"Short?!" Luna winced.
"You must have been fused for a long time if you've forgotten what parts of us look like," Celestia said. "But it is odd. How is it that you managed to and gain an appearance like this?"
"The magic that was used to merge me was actually known as the Synchronize-Spell. It is capable of merging anypony into one single entity. It does not matter what race the pony is. Pegasus, unicorn or earth pony. They can all become one and create their own individual pony. It is a high-risk, high-reward spell. The reward and outcome are wonderful but the risk and process can cause potential damage to the two."
"Potential damage? What do you mean by that?" Luna asked.
"Even though any pony race can merge if one pony has significantly weaker magic, wingspan or hoof strength than the other one who holds much more, then once both of them fuse, the much more potent pony can end up gravely harming the weaker pony. When I was still Celestia and Luna, we were both on equal levels, meaning that once we fused, our bodies were fine and there was no harm done."
"It sounds like a doozy of a spell..." Twilight spoke. "But you two can defuse, right?"
"The concept of us infusing is...unlikely."
"Huh?!" Twilight ran up to her. "There has to be a way you can return to being Celestia and Luna. There's no way that the fusion is permanent!"
"It's not that it is permanent, Midnight. Sorry, I mean Twilight Sparkle. One of the flaws of the Synchronize is that depending on both ponies and how they both compare to each other, the time limit is decided. If the ponies are relatively weak, the fusion will last around a day or a few hours or minutes. If they are slightly stronger, it can up to weeks and possibly even months. But for us alicorns, it can feel like an eternity. I still to this day have no clue on when I will defuse and return to being Celestia and Luna. That is my one major regret on performing this spell."
"You obviously must've done it for a greater cause." Celestia placed her hoof on Pyrestar's back as she and Luna smiled at their fused counterpart. "If you went out of your way to perform a spell that grand, then your heart must've been in the right place. So the regrets you hold do not compare to the sacrifice you made."
"And we can safely say that we would make the decision you have." Luna commented.
"Thank you. Me...or rather, Celestia and Luna. I suppose I can tell you two and Cadence why I decided to fuse. Twilight Sparkle and the others already know of the reason. So it is best that you three hear this as well."
"We are curious as to why you ended up like this." Luna sat down.
"It started...with Grogar."
Canterlot. The Pokemon Festival. 3 hours until the sun sets for the day.
Outside, the festival continues as usual, but on the inside, Pyrestar had explained what happened in her universe to Celestia, Luna and Cadence. She had already explained it all to Ash, Twilight and the others, but the other 3 alicorns needed to hear this, especially since she is their fused counterpart.
"Unbelievable. To think such a universe exists." Luna had just taken all of that information and lore in.
"So your universe's Grogar returned. By the Rift of course." Celestia spoke. "And only the unicorns remained..."
"It's even crazier the second time you hear it!" Pinkie uttered.
"That is why I must return to my universe and set things right. If I can somehow find a spell that can break the seal, then my Equestria can thrive once more. I just hope I can find it soon enough."
"That's where we come in." Ash stood up. "We've found a possible way to fix all of this. In the form of this little guy." Ash picked up Cold Colt, showing him to the three princesses.
"Heh. I get to be the hero for once." Cold Colt smirked.
"All we have to do is get help from Victini and Togetic. Togetic can spread good luck so his magic won't cause any trouble and Victini can give him loads of energy to make his magic much more powerful! Sounds like a straight-forward plan eh?"
"Pika-PiPika!"
"When you put it like that, it does seem like a plan that could smoothly play out without fail," Luna said. "I assume that you know the location of these two Pokemon?"
"Well, we know Victini's hanging around in the relief zone. But as for Togetic, that's gonna take some searching." Ash explained.
"I am truly thankful to you all for wanting to help me return back to my universe." Pyrestar smiled.
"Yeah! And it means we'll be getting back to ours very soon. Although I kinda wanna stay in this one for a while." Cocoa grinned.
"We shall wait for you all to return with the two Pokemon. Until then, Me...or rather, Pyrestar. Perhaps, to get your mind of all that gloominess...why don't you enjoy the festival with us?"
"Enjoy the festival? I...have not been to a festival in centuries. I may have even forgotten how to even have fun." Pyrestar looked down.
"That is why we are here. You are us and we are you. So this will not be a problem for us, at all." Luna said.
"Very well. I shall go."
"Then let's not waste any time!" Celestia cheerfully said as she and Luna dragged their fused self outside of the castle to experience the fun of the festival.
At the festival, the first thing that Pyrestar was introduced to was the food. This was Celestia's decision, mostly due to her love of cakes, which is the food that she is hoping that Pyrestar can enjoy. If she's half Celestia, then her love of cakes must still remain.
"If you're part of me, you'll obviously love cakes." Celestia used her magic to grab a slice, lending it to her fused self.
"I...have not eaten cake in centuries. In fact, I have barely eaten for so long. What if my taste buds have diminished greatly?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Any cake is forever delicious. Here." Celestia sent the cake near Pyrestar's mouth as the fused alicorn took a single bite out of the pastry.
Once she did, countless years of bliss had returned to her mouth. The wonderful taste of not just cake, but food itself had been revived for her. This made her break into tears once more, but again, the heat of her body evaporated the tears into nothing. "I've missed this feeling." She wailed. Her happiness was so great that she face-planted into the cake, crying inside of it. But the cake ended up melting due to her body heat. So now she was just crying in a puddle of icing. Celestia and Luna pat their fused self in the back to try and cease the crying as Mr and Mrs Cake awkwardly looked at each other.
"Well. You've experienced my sister's love for cake. Now it is time for you to experience what I love as well." Luna said.
What they ended up doing next was participating in a Pokemon attraction. Luna had grown fond of them ever since she saw everypony else partake in them. The most popular one which was still here ever since the first day was Lopunny's Dance Inferno. Only one pony has ever won this fast-paced attraction and that is Rainbow Dash. Everyone else can't even keep up with Lopunny once the music increases in speed.
"This Dance Inferno is particularly my favourite of the attractions. Although I have yet to conquer it. But when I do, I will revel in the shock of Lopunny. You hear that rabbit?!" Luna bellowed over at Lopunny raised her hoof at Rabbit Pokemon.
"Lo." The Rabbit Pokemon turned its head, aggravating Luna as the moon princess grit her teeth.
"But perhaps...since you are a fusion of me and my sister, this Dance Inferno will barely even be trouble for you. Not only that, but that will technically count as me beating the Dance Inferno." Luna turned to Pyrestar.
"I suppose so. I have not danced since the Grand Galloping Gala as Celestia from centuries ago."
"Forget about the centuries and the time distance. Just have fun. You have all the time in the world now that you're here at the Pokemon Festival." Celestia put Pyrestar in the back. The fused princess walked up to the stands as she was competing against a unicorn. Lopunny gave the other to start the music as the process repeated itself once more. Lopunny tends to use the same moves it knows but switches it up by throwing in new moves, so the dancers have to really keep an eye on her if anything is different.
For Pyrestar, it was going well, but the look on her face was a bit unenthusiastic. But as the dancing moved on and she followed Lopunny's movements, that unenthusiastic look on her face was slowly evolving into a much more chippy expression. Everypony gathered up to see this fused alicorn dance away. Most of them weren't even aware she was Celestia and Luna yet. Not everypony has gotten the word so far.
Celestia and Luna watched as they saw Pyrestar slowly starting to enjoy all of this. Her frown morphed into a smile as she was getting with the music and movements. Soon, it was time for Lopunny and the music to speed up. The unicorn that Pyrestar was facing couldn't really keep with Lopunny's movements. Just like every other pony. But as for Pyrestar, since she's a fusion of two alicorns, everything about her is magnified. Including her speed. Soon, she was the only pony other than Rainbow Dash who could keep up with Lopunny's pace. The unicorn, on the other hand, had fallen on the floor due to exhaustion.
"Lopun." Lopunny had raised up Queen Pyrestar's hoof, declaring her the winner. Everypony, including Celestia and Luna and the humans, gave her a mighty congratulatory applause. This all reached Pyrestar's ears. All the resounding applause from everyone was reaching her heart. She knew that she had cried enough for today, but she couldn't help it. This really was something that she just missed with all her heart.
Celestia and Luna saw that the sun was slowly moving along, meaning that the time for the moon was nearing. Now all they had to do is continue to wait for Victini and Togetic.
And what of Victini and Togetic? Well, heading to the relief zone, Fluttershy had convinced Victini to help Cold Colt improve his magic prowess. Victini being a friend to both Ash and Fluttershy was up to help. That one was simple and easy to do, but the tricky one came in the form of Togetic. A Pokemon that is fairly hard to find unless you can catch yourself a Togepi and evolve.
"Ash. You're the Pokemon expert. Where do we find a Togetic?" Twilight asked.
"Hmm. Tough to say. They're not as common as most other Pokemon. Pretty rare to see one just flying or walking about in the wild."
"There isn't any at the Pokemon House either." Fluttershy shook her head.
"If we don't find a Togetic, this might take a while." Rosestar sighed.
"Why don't we just ask Hollow? He's a Pokemon Teacher so he might know where to find some. Most likely." Rarity suggested.
"Great thinking Rarity!" Pinkie bounced up. "And I think I see him now!" The pink earth pony dashed over to the gothic dressed human who was about to take a bite out of an apple." Hollow!"
Hollow was startled as he dropped his apple, catching his breath. "What is it Pinkie?"
"Well! My friends and I were hoping if you could tell us where to find a Togetic. We kinda need all that yummy good luck."
"A Togetic? Well...they're pretty hard to come by honestly. You can only find them in Sinnoh and Johto. The easier route is to catch yourself a Togepi." Hollow explained.
"That would be easy, but I don't think we can waste any time." Rosestar walked up to Hollow. "We have to return to our own universe as soon as we can."
"Your own universe?"
"It's a long story. Point is, we're planning to use the good luck of Togetic and the unlimited energy of Victini." Twilight explained.
"Well, you're in luck. You won't have to go all the way to Sinnoh or Johto." Hollow stood up from his seat. "In my Pokemon Box Link, I've got some Togetic's lying around. I was gonna save the box link for my class but if it's for a good cause then I can pitch in."
"Woowee! You'll be performing fancy-schmancy magic with good results in no time, Cold Colt." Applejack patted Cold Colt's back.
Hollow pulled out his Rotom-phone, tapping into his Pokedex. This was the first time Ash and the others were seeing something like this. And what they saw was a bit bizarre for the eyes. Hollow had decided to swap out his Sandile for Togetic by having his Pokeball digitize into a smaller size. The Pokeball was then transferred through the phone as another one came out in the form of a Great Ball. Hollow held the Great Ball in his hand, tapping the button on the ball as it sent out the Fairy-Flying-Type Togetic.
"What the?! How is that even possible?!" Twilight was flabbergasted along with the others.
"That was FREAKY!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. Applejack rubbed her eyes, thinking that she was seeing things.
"So cool!" Ash shouted.
"So that's Togetic?" Rainbow Dash pulled out her Pokedex.
"Togetic. The Happiness Pokemon. Togetic is said to be a Pokémon that brings good fortune. When the Pokémon spots someone who is pure of heart, it is said to appear and share the full force its happiness with that person. It grows dispirited if it is not with kind people. It can float in midair without moving its wings. It scatters a glowing essence called "joy dust."
"Alright. So, all you need is that good luck combined with Victini's energy right? Togetic will be happy to help. Right?" Hollow turned to his Pokemon.
"To!" The Happiness Pokemon replied. Togetic flew over to Cold Colt as the rift pony looked up at it. He was a bit nervous that Togetic wouldn't see him as kind-hearted. Especially not pure of heart. Applejack held her breath in, hoping the Pokemon would see him as a good pony.
Togetic flew around Cold Colt reading his character. In order to spread its joy dust, Togetic reads the character of anyone it meets, so that it doesn't end up giving good luck to the wrong person or Pokemon. The Happiness Pokemon could see that while Cold Colt used to be a mischievous pony, he was only doing what the Rift assigned him to. Not only that but he wishes to have his magic be at least on the safe side, and he had fallen for Apple Bloom out of pure love, even if she hasn't seen it. Togetic had also seen that Cold Colt has been slowly evolving into a fairly good pony. He's still on the gruff side, tending to have squabbles with Applejack and making up a heap of lies in order to impress Apple Bloom and so on. But other than that, these past weeks and months that he's been with the Apple Family over at Sweet Apple Acres have changed even this cosmic creation for the better, even if the progress is a bit on the slow side. Togetic had nodded its head, choosing to give some of its joy dust to him, but only a little for being a decent pony.
"Toget-To." The Happiness Pokemon flew back to Hollow.
"It's done and done. Now you've permanently got good luck in you. Even if it is on the small side." Hollow said.
"So...does that mean my magic isn't for trouble anymore?" Cold Colt looked up to Applejack.
"Only one way to find out. Try using it on this here pie." Applejack held a pie in her hoof. "See what you can do."
Cold Colt turned to the delectable food, starting up some magic in his horn. The cosmic magic that flowed through his body was emanating, having blue sparks fly out of them. This was the first time he felt like this. Normally whenever he uses his magic for trouble, it was fairly easy, no struggle at all. Then, a tiny sparkle of magic flew out of his horn as it made contact with the pie.
Normally, if his magic came into contact with anything, two outcomes would occur. Mind control and rouge Pokemon and ponies running about. But in this case, with the joy dust flowing through him, the magic ended up actually causing the pie to sparkle. It gained a beautiful yet faint sparkling aura in it that resembled sparkling water. Everyone leaned in to get a good look at this newfound pie.
"Sparkling Apple Pie!" Pinkie Pie said. "I own that name now."
"Amazing. It's so fabulous!" Rarity gazed. "Although it is a bit on the faint side, darling but that's fine. Small beginnings after all."
"It won't be small beginnings for long. Not with Victini around." Fluttershy looked up at the Victory Pokemon.
"Victini!"
"We're ready to power you up via Victini. But a quick notice." Ash raised his finger up. "Victini's power boost lasts for a bit, so make sure you use it as fast as you can."
"Pikachu."
"And even then, Victini never runs out of energy so it can keep you powered up forever if it's around you." Hollow stepped in.
"All these feats that Pokemon perform make me wonder where all that magic source is coming from." Twilight wondered.
"Don't think about it for too long, darling. I think we've already agreed that Pokemon are just beyond our understanding," said Rarity. "Now. What are we waiting for? Shall we get started?"
"Right. All I have to do is tap into alternate universes...I can do this." Cold Colt took a deep breath as Victini surrounded him.
"Tini..." The Victory Pokemon shared its infinite boundless energy towards Cold Colt. Just then, the young pony could feel a ridiculous surge of magic building up in him. Unlike anything that he had ever felt before. Twilight and the other ponies stood back, watching the blazing aura surround him. They were wondering what it would be like to be powered up by Victini as a pony. It must be something special.
Cold Colt felt all that victory energy surging through him. The sensation was tough to describe. "I feel...I feel...I feel..."
"Like you can do anything?" Ash commented. "It's an awesome feeling ain't it?"
"Yeah! Okay. Here goes!" Cold Colt then focused his magic once more, and this time it came up in an instant. There was no buildup. Even for an alicorn, it takes 1 second for their magic to come up. But with the energy of Victini, that second is reduced into an instant flash.
Not only did he end up summoning a portal, and in broad daylight in front of everyone at the festival, but also ended up summoning multiple portals, all leading to alternate universes with their own outcomes. Celestia, Luna and Pyrestar turned their heads to see the multitude of gateways spreading across the skies of Canterlot. Victini's energy tends to transcend the limitations of anyone.
"Woah nelly." Applejack took her hat off as she was perplexed by this sight.
"Those are all alternate universes...every single of them," Twilight uttered. "Look at that one!" She raised her hoof up to a portal that showed a universe where Fluttershy became an alicorn instead of Twilight.
"Oh my. That happened there?" Fluttershy was surprised.
"Forget that! Check that one out!" Rainbow Dash flew over to a portal showing a universe where the Mane 6 ended up becoming apart of what seemed to be a space federation. There was one where the Mane 6 were stallions, one where King Sombra was good and even married Celestia, one where the Mane 6 were replaced with Sunset Shimmer, Trixie, Soarin Big Macintosh, Cheese Sandwich and Cloudchaser. Everywhere they looked, something was different one way or the other.
"There are so many of them. Which one is ours and Queen Pyrestar's?" Cocoa wondered.
Just then, in one particular portal, Twilight noticed a universe that had her, but something was not right. That version of her seemed to be wearing a sort of robe fit for an empress. And behind here was a massive fleet of spaceships. It was similar to the space federation universe, but in this one, Twilight seemed to be under a tyrannical rule. She gasped seeing this horrible alternate universe and how she could end up like that.
"Have you found yours yet?" Celestia asked Pyrestar.
"I believe it may be...that one!" Pyrestar pointed her hoof over at the gateway that led to her universe. But what she saw and what everypony else saw shocked them. Standing in the gateway, looking down on them all was the greatest threat that continued to loom over them all.
Ghetsis.
He stood there in Queen Pyrestar's Equestria with a mighty stance over a balcony. He had overtaken Equestria easily due to there barely being any resistance, and he had transformed its dreary appearance into an entire utopia of Team Plasma. Granted, it wasn't finished yet since he had just gotten there, but he had certainly made a huge change to everything. Not only that, but everypony in that universe were serving under Ghetsis's rule, living in buildings made by Team Plasma as the grunts kept an eye on them. But really, the unicorns couldn't do anything to try and resist. They had already lost a lot of hope, so there was barely any resistance. Now this version of Equestria was apart of his Harmonia Kingdom.
"Hahaha! How do you, Equestria? Do you like what I have done with the place? To be honest, it was unbelievably easy! The entire world was nothing but a wasteland. So I changed it for the better."
"Ghetsis! You would even go as far as to conquer another universe?!" Celestia bellowed.
"But of course. I have been given a second chance with my freedom, to rule over all! This universe was simple enough to conquer, and eventually, yours will be mine as well! I can already see your seething rage, Celestia. I already have a mass rule over what once used to be your precious Saddle-Arabia... And now with this universe in the mix, my kingdom only grows in size evermore."
"Release my subjects!" Pyrestar took off from the ground, charging towards the gateway. However, to her surprise and everyone else, she was denied entrance from it. Ghetsis had outstretched his arm, blocking her from returning to her universe. "W-What?"
"But...if I am to rule all universes... I obviously must have control of universal travel as well! Now I can pass through both worlds whenever I want! This is proof that my destiny is even greater than it used to be. So rest well, Equestria. Very soon, you will be under my rule and only my rule. The time will come when I end up taking what I will soon own. Farewell. I'll be seeing you back in this universe. And as for you, Ash Ketchum." Ghetsis turned to Ash and Pikachu were looking up at him. "I will make sure that you do not stop me a second time. You only got lucky thanks to that no good son of mine, N. But this time, luck won't save you. I'll crush all those dreams you have and even that pathetic magic of friendship your pony friends hold." Ghetsis laughed maniacally as he closed the gateway to Pyrestar's universe.
"My universe. My subjects." Pyrestar sat down on the ground, lowering her head. "This can't be happening." She started to lose all hope as everypony turned to Queen Pyrestar. They started to chatter about what just happened and Ghetsis's threat against them. Ash walked up to Pyrestar, putting his hand over her back. The saddened fused alicorn looked up to Ash, seeing him and Pikachu give her a smile.
"No need to worry."
"Pikachu!"
"We'll stop Ghetsis, take down his kingdom, and get you back home so you can bring back the pegasi and the earth ponies."
"How can you be so sure...? Not only did I fail to protect the other two pony races from Grogar seal, I have also lost access to my home. It is hopeless."
"You can count on me, Pyrestar. I'll make sure that it all turns around."
"Pika-Pikachu!"
"I'd listen to him." Delia suddenly spoke as he walked to them. "What Ash says its true. He may not look it, but there's no one better to put all your faith in that Ash.
"Ash's stubbornness tends to guarantee success a majority of the time." Oak nodded his head.
"What they say is true, Pyrestar." Celestia walked up to her, helping her stand up from the ground. "Ash has proven time and time again that he can guarantee the safety and happiness of others, even if it means his own life. He will do whatever it takes to make sure that anypony has a smile on their face. So all you have to do is put your faith in Ash and his friends." The words Celestia said had been heard by everyone in Canterlot. Their fear of Ghetsis had been diminished, knowing that they have a source of hope right there. Pyrestar looked up to Ash as he gave her a thumbs up. All it took was a few actions from the trainer and he brought hope to her.
"Alright. I will put all my faith in you. Ash Ketchum." She let out a soft smile.
"Awesome! We'll flatten Ghetsis and laugh about whatever silly stuff we get into next time!"
"Pikachu!"
"Now let's continue this festival. I'm in the mood for some more attractions!" Ash walked off as everypony continued the festival with their moods lightened up.
"He always knows what to say, doesn't he?" Rarity looked at Ash.
"Mhm. My boy is a strange one, that's for sure." Delia went up to the Mane 6. "I can guarantee you, there's no in any universe like Ash. But that's what makes me such a proud mother."
"And we'll follow Ash's ideals. We'll put our faith in him too. Right girls?" Twilight said.
"Mhm." They all shook their heads.
"And as for you Cold Colt. I can teach you about some magic now that you can use it for good." Twilight turned to Cold Colt. The power-up from Victini had worn out as the portals were vanishing. Every last one of them. But the final portal that closed was of the universe were Twilight had become an empress.
At her universe, she saw the entire thing go down, overhearing it all. She sat down on her throne, now learning about universal travel herself. Something that was even unheard of in her own universe. "Universal travel? Not a bad form of transportation. If I can somehow get access to an amazing power like that..."
Night had arrived at the festival. The 4th day was finally coming to an end. Meaning that only 3 days remain for the Pokemon Festival.
Pyrestar was standing over the balcony of Canterlot. Looking down at the festival. She was grateful that Ash is willing to help fix everything for her, but she couldn't get Ghetsis off her mind. Celestia walked up to Pyrestar, seeing her in a deep thoughtful state.
"Still unable to get Ghetsis off your mind, Pyrestar?"
"Yes. Even though I have put all my faith in Ash Ketchum, I still fear this Ghetsis character. Just as much as I feared Grogar."
"I understand. Ever since our worlds crossed over and the Rift appeared, life has been vastly different. Especially for us alicorns that live for an exceedingly long time. But to be honest...life is a bit more fun with the inclusion of Pokemon in our world."
"Is it now? I would not know. Fun has faded away from my world."
"For now. I can guarantee you...He will make things right. And I will make sure that I help him. All of Equestria will help." Celestia gave a reassuring smile. "Now come on. There's still some cake left that hasn't been finished yet."
