Chapter 14: Un-Fair by Midnight.
It had been two days since the play at Canterlot. Ash and Pikachu stayed at Rarity's home last night as Pikachu snuggled with a white cat with bows in its hair. Ash slept on the couch when Sweetie Belle came to his side, admiring his face. "What a cute face," she quietly squealed. She leaned in and kissed Ash on the cheek. However, the kiss woke Ash from his sleep. Quickly, Sweetie Belle realized her mistake. "Oops… too soon?" Ash yawned to the morning air becoming blue.
"A little," he groaned. He soon stumbled off the couch.
"Sorry. I bet it was a lot better here than it was at Pinkie's." Ash laughed to the wish.
"Hey, come on. Seeing how edible glass was made for the bottles for the play, I couldn't help but bring some over."
"That's true. I'm still mind-blown about something like edible broken glass." Rarity had made some cinnamon rolls for everyone as she viewed Pikachu and the cat.
"It's a surprise how close Opal and Pikachu have become after he shot a few bolts at her," she pointed out. Pikachu heard his name and woke, although Opal's paws wrapped around him to cuddle. "Besides, I did finish updating your clothes for when you return to your world." Ash smiled to the news of his outfit he wore coming to this land.
"Rarity, thanks!" he praised. Sweetie Belle focused on the animals now coming to the table.
"I don't mind Opalescence as long as she's not so stingy on who she meets," Sweetie Belle pointed out. "She's nice to Fluttershy-"
"All the animals I've know have been nice to Fluttershy," Rarity corrected. "Not saying that it's a bad thing, really…" Ash nodded to Rarity's claim.
"No doubt any Pokémon would like her, even some that aren't really animal-like," he added. The girls blinked to the point.
"What do you mean?" asked Rarity. Ash pulled his PokéDex out, skimmed through some before finding an example.
"Here we go," he discovered. "And this one I own." He revealed a black boulder-like creature with two holes for eye and three stone legs. It also had red crystals protruding out of its back, feet and underbelly.
BOLDORE – HT: 2' 11" - WT: 249.9 LBS. - TYPE: ROCK – ABILITY: STURDY
"Boldore, the Ore Pokémon and the evolved form of Roggenrola," it computed. "Boldore absorbs energy into the crystals on it's back." The girls became timid at the sight of Boldore.
"That… rocks," Sweetie Belle punned. "And I couldn't think of a better pun than that."
"Maybe…" mulled Rarity. "By the way, how was it the other night with Pinkie?" Ash blinked before shook his head.
"It was fun until we crashed," he remembered. "I woke up and... her grip all around me is strong. I couldn't move at all until she woke up." Rarity irked to the sight described. That's when the phone rang.
"Mine!" She raced to the phone and answered. "Rarity speaking."
"Hey, Rarity!" cheered Pinkie. "Turn on the TV! It's about the play!" This made Rarity curious. Nevertheless, she turned the TV on.
"It's been two days since Canterlot High had their play with George Lucas' 1981 adventure: Raiders of the Lost Ark," an anchorwoman started. "But a lot of the buzz has been circled around the young man who played Indy: Ash Ketchum. People who had gone to see Canterlot's play have sent mail to the school which Principal Celestia has gathered in her home with her sister, Vice Principal Luna." The TV now showed Celestia being interviewed.
"We originally had Flash Sentry be the titular character," she explained. "But after his injury, we felt as if our play was ruined until the student body demanded Ash to fill Flash's shoes. We lucked out with Ash who not only cooperated with the students' demands, but played Dr Jones to a T."
"The mystery of Ash Ketchum continues to resonate among those in the city," the anchorwoman continued. Rarity shut the TV off and looked to her sister and their friend.
"Listen, we should be fresh for today's day with the fair opening up for the weekend," she suggested.
"Okay!" the two agreed. After freshening up for the day, Ash faced Rarity with something in mind.
"Can I ask for your opinion?" he asked. Rarity turned to Ash with the curiousness.
"Of course…" she pondered. Ash took a deep breath.
"Do you see me better with Fluttershy? Or Sunset?" Rarity blinked to the question.
"What… brought this on? Did you have… Were you arguing with-" Rarity shook her head from her attempts at understanding. "I'm sorry… Are you asking because you're in love with both?"
"Actually, the other way around. Don't get me wrong, they've been of great help to me since I came here on my way to Icirrus City."
"Yes, and the student body unified in welcoming you as well. It's best that you don't think about it much. We're celebrating the success of the play today." Ash nodded. They soon traveled out to the large fairgrounds. The multiple rides, the tents, kiosks, picnic tables… All who came became excited to have fun. Meeting up with Fluttershy and Sunset, they joined on the rides and played carnival style games. Ash showed the girls his accuracy as he blasted can pyramids of six with one throw at the stand run by Rainbow. Fluttershy lucked out with ping pong balls going into fishbowls holding goldfish as she won three while Ash and Sunset got none. However, Sunset had a pair of strong arms as she nailed the bell on a hammer strength game, Ash second and Fluttershy, not even close. Rarity and Leavanny helped paint faces with different items like flowers and butterflies. Sci-Twi joined up with Gloriosa and Timber and Twilight was with Flash. Pikachu enjoyed eating a large soft pretzel on Ash's shoulder.
"Good, isn't it?" he asked. Pikachu squeaked happily. The Crusaders came to Ash and grabbed his arms.
"Let's go, Ash!" cheered Apple Bloom.
"The Roller Coaster's a thrill!" suggested Sweetie Belle.
"Come on!" urged Scootaloo. Pikachu bailed on Ash to allow the Crusaders to take Ash.
"Alright, I'm coming!" he surrendered. The Crusaders dragged Ash to where Sunset wanted to start chasing.
"Sunset?" called Fluttershy. Sunset stopped at the calling of her name and turned to her friend.
"What's up, Fluttershy?" she asked.
"Can we… discuss about Ash?" Sunset gulped and cringed.
"Can I start?" Fluttershy nodded to Sunset's request. "Let's face it, I love the young man! He's… I mean, he's everything! Even more than Flash would ever be! Never in my wildest of dreams would I say that I found someone after Twilight reformed me! It's like Leo, Ash isn't someone I can let go!" Fluttershy gasped to Sunset's confession.
"Oh my gosh!" Sunset turned her head away.
"I want to say it to him. I'd rather live in his world, live with him…"
"Same with me!" Now Sunset became surprised. She didn't expect Fluttershy to suddenly confess.
"You… too?"
"I know it's out of the blue, but I've been having such a great time with him and I-I just don't wanna let him go! He's done so much for us, bringing him home would create a void for everyone, including me! I… don't wanna let him go. I-I just can't!" Sunset began to smile and met Fluttershy in a hug. Fluttershy looked perplexed.
"I don't need my magic to tell you had a dream of being with Ash. I did as well." Fluttershy gasped to the briefing.
"You did?" Knowing now about the dream, Fluttershy hugged Sunset back.
"Ash can be with us. I don't want to fight friends." Pikachu leaped to Fluttershy and Sunset's shoulders to nuzzle. The Crusaders and Ash had come off another ride. The girls seemed to be enjoying the time with Ash.
"How about we get some snacks?" requested Apple Bloom. Ash nodded and all proceeded to Pinkie's tent when Ash sensed something nearby. He started to move toward the origin when screams echoed. He turned to see the students and others attending becoming entangled in steel that wasn't present before. Echoes for help flooded the air. Then, evil laughter.
"Don't tell me…" he murmured. "You followed me!?" Team Rocket appeared to confront Ash as his Pokémon returned to Ash.
"'You followed me!?' is such a twerpish reaction to me," Jessie mocked.
"And how the whining of such is one to see," James rhymed.
"Bringing the blinding white light of evil into the future…"
"Thrusting the hammer of justice down onto the black darkness of the universe!"
"And carving our names in da Rock of Eternity!" gloated Meowth. This made Pinkie gasped to Meowth's tongue.
"Am I hearing things or did that cat have a Brooklyn accent?" she questioned. Team Rocket continued.
"The fiery destroyer," Jessie identified herself. "Jessie!"
"And with thunderous emotion," James added. "It's James!"
"Wisest of the wise," Meowth lied. "It's Meowth!"
"Now gather!" they chanted together. "Under the name of Team Rocket!" Ash groaned to the trio's motto.
"Somehow, I doubt Iris and Cilan had asked you three to look for me and Pikachu," he guessed.
"And why would I take requests from twerps and twerpettes like those two?" scoffed Jessie.
"Though, I will admit," James spoke up. "That new look definitely suits you! The suit, the haircut, you look a little more grown-up than before you left that nasty Dragon-Type twerpette."
"But enough of us, except for taking Pikachu to da boss!" ordered Meowth. Ash didn't want to give Team Rocket a chance.
"All you're taking is the electric train home!" he snapped back. "Pikachu. Electro Ball!" Pikachu began charging electricity on his tail when a bolt of energy shot at the group. Ash and the Pokémon jumped back and turned. They saw Midnight. "Sci-Twi?" Midnight shook her head.
"Twilight Sparkle's not here," she denied. "You're facing Midnight Sparkle!" She shot another bolt which made Ash retreat more. Those watching became scared of a repeat of before. Twilight now had a good view of Sci-Twi's new form.
"So that's Midnight Sparkle?" she realized. Ash then slipped. A bolt nailed Ash that sent him flying a few feet. Ash staggered to a knee.
'What am I supposed to do?' he minded. Trixie, who was trapped within feet of Ash, tried to coax him to fight back.
"Ash, you can do it!" she encouraged. "Remember Indy! You have what it takes!" Jessie came to Trixie, lifting her chin to sneer at her.
"I don't know who this Indy-twerp is, but he's still a Pokémon Trainer," she reminded. "He's not going to do anything, so keep your twerpish trap shut while we take Pikachu off his hands." That's when Trixie saw herself within Jessie's eyes and shuttered as the Rocket woman walked to Pikachu where Leavanny protected him. Ash struggled after taking more shots from Midnight. His aura began to show.
"There it is," Midnight came to Ash and picked him up. "That energy… Soon, I'll make that mine. Allow me to give you my support." She gave a startled Ash a kiss to the lips and her tongue reached his uvula, licking it.
"NO!" screamed Sunset. A black veil began to leave Sci-Twi and coat Ash. The blue veil blended with the black and white lights as Sci-Twi collapsed. Ash tried to fight but the spirit became overwhelming and soon, the spirit laughed.
"Now, this power is mine!" she cackled. "I can feel it!" White flames formed glasses and his hair flared wildly. Using Ash's body, she picked Sci-Twi who regained consciousness. "I shall thank you for being in your body all these years. Now, you're no longer of use to me." She threw Sci-Twi away to which the Pokémon gathered around her. With a wave of his arm, Midnight began making holes in the darkened sky.
"Looks like dat twerpette spirit had more to show off," Meowth awed. Jessie ignored Meowth and pursued Pikachu.
"Come here, Pikachu!" pleaded Trixie. Pikachu listened and raced to Trixie with Iron Tail. With one powerful swipe, Pikachu freed Trixie who then clutched him. Ash, beginning to stir inside Midnight's power, wanted to let the spirit know who's body she's trying to take.
'You have no idea what you're dealing with,' he growled. 'And what my aura can do with your magic.'
"What!?" gawked Midnight. Without warning, Ash's hand reached for Jessie as she dove. A magic missile nailed Jessie in the face, knocking her into the steel pile where she became snared. She struggled to free herself.
"Wait a second!" she snapped. "You're working for me!" Ash's arm now pointed to Meowth who exposed his claws. Midnight's lightning shot stopped the Alley Cat Pokémon and sent him to a tent and tied with the rope and fabric.
"It's not me!" claimed Midnight. With a stomp, James fell into a hole with his head and shoulders sticking out.
"What's going on?" he asked, shocked. Now, Midnight grasped her new body.
"It's futile!" she screeched. Her hands clenched. "Why are you resisting?!" Her arms continued to remain outstretched. The hands opened in a snap, releasing everyone but Team Rocket from their restraints.
'You know why, and let me show you the power of my aura!' roared Ash. A blue flame enveloped Ash's body.
"My power has merged with your aura! If you rid yourself of me, you'll not live to regret it!" Ash scoffed to the warning.
'I… haven't regretted… anything, anyway!' With one gasp, the black and white veil exited the body. A ghostly image of Midnight formed from the veils as the aura became a flame, burning the spirit.
'This… cannot… BE!' Finally, the aura gathered the veils which evaporated. The area returned to normal aside from the broken wood and twisted metal. The skies brightened and Ash's arms fell. He didn't move for a few seconds before he fell onto his back with a horrific thud. Quickly Sunset and Fluttershy reached Ash's fallen body as well as Pikachu and the rest of the Mane 8.
"Ash!" called Sunset. "Come on! Ash!"
"Please Ash!" urged Fluttershy. Sunset shook Ash, trying to stir him awake.
"Ash? You there?" She put her hand on his chest. That's when it struck her… He had no heartbeat. "No…" Immediately, she began pumping his chest with her palms. "Come on…" She became desperate. "Wake up… Come back to us!" Tears began to drip from her eyes. Twilight stayed close to Flash, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle embraced their sisters as Rainbow and Pinkie clutched the Pokémon. It became futile for Sunset. She began to cry. She slowed the pumping until she stopped and dove on his chest. "Why!?" Fluttershy realized that Ash died.
"No…" Her eyes wallowed up in tears as she cried. Pikachu and the other Pokémon couldn't believe that his friend had sacrificed himself for them. "Don't go! Don't leave without us!" Seeing what happened, Sci-Twi felt even worse.
"I killed him…" she whimpered. "I can't believe I killed Ash." Everyone began to mourn. Someone who became a star for helping with a play was now gone. Not a dry eye existed. That's when there was a groan. Sunset felt his chest beating. Hearing and feeling Ash, Fluttershy and Sunset looked on as Ash began to open his eyes.
"Sun… set?" he groaned. "Flutter… shy?" Gasping at his awakening, Sunset dove onto Ash with her arms wrapped around his head.
"Ash!" she cried. "Oh my goodness!" Sci-Twi shed a tear with a smile, knowing he lived. Sunset had more as Fluttershy joined. "I couldn't live with myself if you did bite it!" She jimmied her head to give Ash a series of kisses to his face. She held onto one on the lips while Fluttershy giggled.
"Not before we explain why we're in love with you!" she teased. A second after Sunset's lips parted, Fluttershy kissed away to his face, the lips last. The Crusaders also came to give Ash some love.
"You saved everyone, Ash!" cheered Apple Bloom.
"You're a hero!" praised Scootaloo.
"You beat that Midnight Sparkle!" added Sweetie Belle. They hugged Ash, even though his body ached tremendously before they had their fun with kisses to his face. Trixie let Pikachu see his trainer while everyone cheered that Ash rid the evil spirit.
"I suppose he deserves the love necessary," she smiled.
"It would've been better if he didn't survive whatever the heck that was," Jessie scowled. That made Trixie's eye twitch.
"Speaking of not surviving…" she mocked. Out of her purse, she pulled out an electric trimmer… and turned the device on. That made all three tremble.
"What are you gonna do with that?" shivered James. With one charge, Jessie wailed out in fear. An ambulance came to pick Ash up. Two EMTs strapped Ash onto a gurney. Ash's head, arms and chest were wrapped in bandages. Being loaded onto the lifting gurney, Ash was on his way to the hospital. Fluttershy clasped his hand in a prayer.
"We'll keep an eye on your Pokémon," she promised. Ash nodded the best he could while having the neck-brace on. Just as he was loaded into the back of the ambulance, Celestia and Luna arrived.
"What's going on?" the principal asked. An EMT stopped Celestia as she saw Ash.
"I'm sorry, Principal Celestia," he warned. "Ash needs medical attention." Once inside, the doors closed and the ambulance drove away. Sci-Twi checked herself.
'Midnight's no longer a part of me,' she thought. 'She's no longer a part of anyone now. I can now live a lot easier… if only Ash didn't get hurt because of her.' Celestia and Luna received information from the witnesses as they all wished for Ash to recover. How bad were his injuries from ridding Midnight from existence?
TO BE CONTINUED…