Equestria. The Crystal Empire. One Night Ago. Nightfall./i]
It happened last night.
A peaceful night at the Crystal Empire. Undisturbed by anything, making it free to live silently until morning arrives. For the most part. A flash of light emerged one night, coming from the mountains of the Frozen North. Cadence, who was asleep at the moment, found herself waking up thanks to the light. It beamed through her windows, catching the attention of the alicorn.
She groaned after being woken up. The Princess of the Crystal Empire would then raise her head, managing to peek over the windows. And what she saw truly opened her eyes. She witnessed the light but the way it appeared was rather familiar. It wasn't just an average flash of light.
This one resembled that of the Sea Temple with how it flowed like water. Cadence's eyes opened up some more as there were multiple flashes of golden lights going off. Seeing this meant something big was going on. At least, for a while. Very soon, the lights would fade out as Cadence missed out on most of it.
But she knew what light was as rubble from the mountains would drop because of the flashes that went off. Silence would fill the atmosphere once more but that moment wouldn't be forgotten as there was only one thing that could make that specific light go off multiple times. Or rather, one person. Galaxy Master. However, Cadence wasn't the only one disturbed at night.
Faye Mountain. Changeling Hive.
At the same time that the lights over at the Frozen North went off, the Changeling Queen Chrysalis found herself being woken up by something. But it wasn't the light of the Sea Temple Crystals. Instead, Chrysalis was woken up by a shock. She gasped, sitting up from her bed which was near Anthophilia's bed.
The Changeling Queen was taken aback by something in the middle of the night. It felt like something struck her heart as her head suddenly felt heavier and heavier. Each pulse of throbbing pain pounded Chrysalis's senses over and over again. What was causing this? Chrysalis couldn't exactly see it. Only feel it. It didn't help that this was during the middle of the night when she was exhausted and weak at the moment.
The sharp, burning sensation was all Chrysalis could focus on. The pain subsided at times, only to flare up again and with seemingly increased intensity. She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. Perhaps if she could shift her focus away from the pain it'd be easier to manage.
She looked over at Anthophilia and Ribombee who were peacefully sleeping. They were completely fine compared to Chrysalis. Nothing was wrong with them. Chrysalis would then walk around her hive to check up on her subjects and they as well found themselves to be asleep without anything to bother them. It was strange. Everyone else was fine but not her. Chrysalis figured that she might just be ill and she was singled out.
Fortunately, there were some calm moments, moments when the pain was easy to manage and even easy to ignore, but it was still recognizable and worrying. Chrysalis would later enter her healing cocoon to try and stave the pain away. Thankfully, the cocoon fended off this pain but it was certainly unnatural, unlike anything Chrysalis had felt before. A part of it was still there, lingering menacingly. Chrysalis would then put herself to sleep within the cocoon for some true peace and quiet.
Magehold. Nightfall.
And in unison with these two instances, something was occurring over at Magehold. Currently, ruptures were coming from Rosa Maledicta's Healing Room where she was still recovering. Feeling these ruptures were the vampires, who saw the walls near them crack and the floors shatter. This was the result of the Lich Queen's powerful magic, still having this level of power in such a weakened state.
"W-What's happening?!" A vampire cried out, backing away from the destruction. The windows were falling apart in different rooms, disrupting the vampires that were within them. It felt like the whole place was starting to come down as dark magic would erupt from the cracks.
As for Rosa Maledicta, even though she was in the Healing Chamber Room, she was currently holding something in her hooves which ended up being free. The Box of 100 Demons. Well, almost 100. The 99th one had been reverted into its original form, making this box short on one demon.
"Her Majesty is currently facing off against someone from afar. It's Galaxy Master again." Fractured Note explained what was going in there. And the cause for all of this destruction was none other than a clash with Galaxy Master. This late at night, across two entirely different lands, the Lich Queen was facing off against the Fictional Superhero.
And it was a fierce clash indeed. So fierce that the energy that Galaxy Master emitted was showing up at Magehold. Bursts of light would fly out of the room, piercing the roof above and leaving a hole in it for many across Magehold to view. The light was sensitive to the vampires, who were cowering in fear of this light energy. But really, it was Rosa Maledicta's fierce clash that was causing the light to act so violently and it was impressive that Galaxy Master had such a reach.
"I didn't expect his mental capabilities to be so impressive...!" Rosa Maledicta growled as it was a mental battle between her and Galaxy Master. The Fictional Character revealed more of what he was capable of and it seemed that abilities from the mind weren't an exception.
She was growing so agitated that her magic was starting to affect the Box of 100 Demons as well. In return, it affected Chrysalis who was tied to the box. At this moment, Galaxy Master was attempting to thwart another one of the Dread League's plans that involved harming the world. This struggle threatened Magehold with how much Rosa Maledicta was affecting the area around her.
This went on for minutes. Almost an hour even. But eventually, it would come to an end. Not many would know what occurred during that night. Only a select few.
"I've driven him and his potion-loving friend away from the mountains." Rosa Maledicta sighed. "But the seed I planted will have to grow somewhere else. The light from the Sea Temple...It's a troublesome thing. Even for the demons inside this box. Any more and it would've been only 98 Demons." She also managed to retrieve one of the demons that was confronting Galaxy Master. Because of that light, it was threatening to the 100 Demons because of how it was tied to Arceus.
"Your majesty. If I may...Should I take the box back?" Fractured Note arrived, offering to take the box with him. Rosa Maledicta would pass it on to her loyal servant, allowing him to send it away since this mental confrontation was over. The box was still missing a demon and Rosa Maledicta could not afford to lose another one. She wanted strength in numbers and the demons certainly had that while also packing a ton of power.
"Listen well, Fractured." She stopped him before he could leave the room. "Your sister and her group have already planned ahead in getting rid of one other obstalce. Xerneas. Due to recent events, I have no choice but to accelerate my plans. I've called for assistance from the Pony of Shadows who already has a vendetta against Equestria."
"You want us to go after Xerneas then?"
"It gives life so it must be snuffed out. If Yveltal's power allows it to destroy everything, then it only makes sense that Xerneas would be immune to this power. That cannot happen. The Pony of Shadows is already working his magic throughout Equestria and I've ordered others to scatter across the different regions but Galaxy Master had to show up with perfect timing as always. I can predict that I shall be at full strength once more and then, I can fully spearhead the Black Crusade."
"Understood. But might I suggest something? If you want to know more about Xernea,s maybe going through the hassle of searching for a book about a Pokemon can be skipped this time. Why not ask Fantina?" Fractured Note recommended Fantina for advice. "She has knowledge of Pokemon and from what I can tell, she might be from Kalos."
"I can't risk Fantina having her memories restored in anyway. But asking her might be our quickest option. Your sister and her group have already left for Kalos since yesterday but I will make sure to relay whatever Fantina can find. Now leave me be." Rosa Maledicta would continue resting, this time, possibly for the final time as she could see when she'll be fully healthy once more.
When leaving the room, Fractured Note would remove the dark magic around the box with his own magic, using what was left of his Lich abilities. After all, he was the previous Lich King centuries ago before becoming a vampire. But with that unicorn horn on his head, there were signs of his past life still around.
He did an excellent job in keeping his plans secret from the Lich Queen, still focused on breaking this cycle before another Lich can be born. He had the support of other vampires who were keeping this a secret but with Rosa Maledicta accelerating her plans and throwing more aggression towards Equestria, he had to also act fast and keep up with her.
Canterlot. Canterlot Castle. Currently. Nightfall.
Returning here from the Human World were Ash, Rarity, Twilight and Spike. Red, Ethan, Brendan and Hilbert were still over at the Human World, deciding to stay around for a while. Much like Ash, they just went anywhere.
"You're back." Greeting them here was none other than Princess Celestia. "How did things go over there? Anything interesting to note?"
"A few things." Indeed, Twilight and the others had something interesting to share. Mainly the existence of the Infinity Gateway and how it acts. And of course, the information about counterparts but Twilight has had quite enough of that for a day. "A bit exhausted to share it all though."
"I see. I still have enough energy to share something though. And it's something you all want to hear. Just this afternoon, Chrysalis and Cadence came here to tell me something important. It's about what happened around the Arctic mountains near the Crystal Empire."
"Really Does that mean you found something out about the Dread Leauge?" Ash asked, realizing that this would connect to the Dread League since they were hidden somewhere in the Frozen North.
"Maybe. It was only yesterday night. Cadence said she saw a flare of light in the distance. Meanwhile, Chrysalis felt something within her on that same day. She wasn't sure what it was so she came to me for assistance." Celestia explained, sharing what she learned. "Ash. This one involves Galaxy Master. You might want to hear this."
7 hours ago.
Canterlot Castle was occupied with three different forms of royalty. Princess Celestia was the obvious one while Chrysalis and Cadence were the other two. They had gathered here on important matters instead of just spending time with each other as friends. Alas, they wish they could.
"Gardevoir!" But their Pokemon had that freedom without a doubt. Gardevoir greeted Sylveon and Ribombee as it was a gathering of Fairy-Types right now with Alcremie involved.
"Alcremie!2 Alcremie would greet Sylveon by shooting vanilla cream at her. The Intertwining Pokemon was pushed back by the cream stream as that was a rather delicious way to greet someone. Sylveon would even take the opportunity to taste the cream, feeling bliss from its taste.
"So, you wanted to see me? What have you two found out?" Celestia asked, facing the Changeling Queen and the Princess of the Crystal Empire.
"Well, it only showed up for us recently. It was just last night away from our kingdom but near one of the Arctic mountains. Something went off there." Cadence began explaining what she learned. "There was a prism of light that suddenly appeared and it looked a lot like the one that comes from the Sea Temple Crystals."
"Oh, well then that means it's probably Galaxy Master. If I had to guess, he's probably going up against the Lich Queen from afar like before. And you, Chrysalis?"
"Something shocking came to me last night. I wasn't sure what it was so I came to you for assistance. It felt like there was something out there connected to me that gave me harm. I used the Healing Cocoon to try and stave away the pain and it worked but I can still feel it. I couldn't quite figure out what it was at all so I came to you. That's how it felt to me, Celestia."
"And this all happened in one night?" Celestia asked once more, wanting to make sure that these two were connected in some way.
"Mhm." The two of them nodded in unison. Indeed, it all happened on the same night. And there was a connection that they haven't made out just yet.
"Well, then...I'm not sure about you, Chrysalis, but I can guess what's going on over at the Frozen North. Rosa Maledicta's magic is so grand that she can interact with anyone from afar. So as long as they're near Despair Plants or a Despair Plant Garden. Galaxy Master's clashes with Rosa Maledicta aren't surprising, but I wonder why it's only now that this light is appearing from the mountains. Magehold is hidden somewhere around the Frozen North after all."
"If I knew, I'd tell you." Cadence sighed. "It might happen again if he confronts the Dread League somewhere else."
"Well, if it happens, alert me and I will be there. This might be the closest we can get to tracking down the location of Magehold. It's all a matter of getting through that barrier and retrieving Yveltal and Fantina. As for you Chrysalis...I can't help you with whatever you're experiencing. But you could always ask your mother." Celestia suggested that Chrysalis went to her Mother Mellifera for help. "She always knows something with her extensive age."
"I suppose I should've gone to her first." Chrysalis sighed. "Alright. Thank you anyways for your time. I wish I came here under different circumstances though."
"One day you can. You can just hang out with us." Cadence replied, offering a chance for Chrysalis to hang out with her and Celestia one day. "You already did back at the Grand Galloping Gala a few days back and the Pokemon Festival is another opportunity."
"Now that I think about it...If there's light coming from the mountains, could that mean that Galaxy Master's power is affecting the shield as well?" Celestia thought for a moment, wondering if Galaxy Master was the one who could break through the shield with his power. It wouldn't be too farfetched to believe that he was capable of it. After all, with how he was made, he could seemingly do just about anything.
Present Night.
"That's what I managed to get. How is that for development?"
"That was...something." Twilight blinked. "Well, I should be getting home now for some rest."
"You should. Ash. Should we run into Galaxy Master, I'll try and call for you while also trying to speak with him. I believe he may be the key to pushing through that barrier. Actually, I also believe the Sea Temple's Crystals are the key."
"Oooh, those crystals are very powerful, aren't they? So powerful that they're the reason the temple was so secluded for so long," said Rarity, seeing where Celestia was coming from.
"It's a better alternative than what was offered before. I'll never use Daybreaker's power and instead resort to something else. This might be what we need. If we ever manage to find Magehold, I will request help from the Sea Temple to break through that barrier. As King of the Sea, I'm counting on you."
"You got it." Ash nodded in understanding. "Leave it to me."
"Splendid!" Celestia put on a wide smile. "Now get some rest, all of you. Big days are coming ahead. Such as the addition of Pokemon Facilities to Equestria."
"Facilities? Like what?" Spike asked.
"Luna recommended it and with enough talks across the different regions, we've come to an agreement. And of course, BigTime Ben helped out mostly. I know you'll love this, Ash. A Battle Frontier will be coming to Equestria soon."
"A Battle Frontier?! Awesome!" That was music to Ash's ears. He was eager to see that as that would be Equestria's first Battle Frontier. And the other facilities that had yet to be named were exciting as well.
"Awesome, indeed. And we've decided that the Battle Carnival will be that facility after some talks. I'm sure you remember that." Celestia then revealed that the Battle Carnival is what would be the Battle Frontier Facility. It was fitting since it was originally meant to be one over at Hoenn, but never came to fruition.
Now, it could finally fulfil its true purpose by existing here at Equestria. Celestia didn't want to spoil the other facilities, so she left the room to get some sleep herself. Ash and the others would soon do the same. Big days were indeed coming ahead. Good or bad.
Seviper Swamps.
Another day went by. Chrysalis had arrived at the swamps one day later, searching for her mother Mellifera, who never stayed in one position at all. She was constantly on the move it seems. However, she found herself a place to live and call home after the previous one was in shambles.
A swamp that was mainly populated by Seviper and its natural enemy Zangoose along with other Pokemon. It was solitude and eerie enough for Mellifera's taste. And the perfect place for Chrysalis to start searching as she approached the hut.
"Chrysalis? What is it now?" Mellifera opened her doors to greet her daughter. "Still struggling to reach Magehold, are we?"
"It's not like you're being much of a help either way. You've shared a lot with Celestia and I but you haven't found a way to break through that barrier and we're already struggling to come up with something." Chrysalis replied.
"Fair enough. Even if I was younger, there is nothing I could do about that barrier. It truly is powerful, made up of the magic of all the previous Lich Kings and Queens." Mellifera replied. "But what are you here for then if it's not that?"
"I have something to ask. It's about something I felt last night and the night before." Chrysalis entered her mother's home. When entering it, she thought she was in the presence of a witch as Mellifera had already decorated it, making herself comfortable. All sorts of Changeling-based items were here that could only be found at the oldest Changeling Hive in the world which was now abandoned. Bugs were crawling everywhere, also making this hut their home as they fed on the walls and furniture. "I felt an unknown pain. Unlike anything I've felt before."
"How unknown?"
"It didn't feel natural at all, Mother. The cocoon fended it off but I can still feel it somewhere. In fact, it's the same sensation I gained when that one Centipede Demon attacked my hive last year. But that one was filled with anger instead of pain. Even if there was a pain within me due to the destruction that it caused."
"What are you on about? What kind of sensation is that even?"
"That's what I am trying to figure out. Celestia recommended that I come to you since you know so much about Changelings. Even more than me. This pain...it felt like it was connected to something. Something that I don't know. Do you know?"
"..." Mellifera's pupils shrunk. She knew something. "You said it was similar to when a demon attacked you, yes?"
"That's right. That one was based around my anger but this one is just pain in general but completely unnatural. Do you actually know what it is?"
"Hmm...There is a reason for that." Mellifera sighed, knowing the true reason. She already knew about the Box of 100 Demons, revealing it to her daughter and the others. But there was more to it that she never revealed. "But I believe it's best that you don't need to hear about it."
"Oh come on. You're going to do this now?" That wasn't the response that Chrysalis wanted to hear. "I need answers more than cryptic words. Please, Mother, if you know something, just tell me. You can trust me. Your own daughter."
"I know I can." Mellifera crossed her hooves, looking away. "I trust you. However, what I know is rather shocking and I'm not even sure I should say it." Truth is, Mellifera didn't want to reveal Chrysalis' connection to the box at all, fearing what might happen and how she would react.
"I'm sure it can't be as bad as the pain I felt recently. This might be the best way to stave it off, Mother. For good."
"Mmrrgh...That pain you're feeling will go away eventually, but it can always come back if something specific were to happen." She referred to the box being affected by something which resulted in Chrysalis feeling it. "But...do you honestly think you're ready to hear it?"
"I am. Tell me and I'm sure I'll be fine." Chrysalis said with a smile of confidence, truly feeling like she could tackle whatever was shared with her.
"Alright then." Mellifera turned to face her daughter, hoping that she could back it up. She certainly wasn't going to hold back at all. "My dearest child. You are connected to the Box of 100 Demons. You are its original creator."
"...Huh?" That was not what she was expecting. It turns out that Chrysalis was not ready for this revelation at all. This hit her like a truck, making her pupils shrink and her mouth open wide in disbelief. She did not mishear her mother or require her to speak those words again. It was all clear to her. On this day, Chrysalis had been told about a part of her origin that was hidden away.
On the day she was born, the Box of 100 Demons was made. Her life and everything was tied to it, being the original creator of the box. The original creator of all the demons that lie within it. Indeed, she had some knowledge to take back with her that could rock everything greatly as the journey continues.
Chapter 101 End.