Galar. The Isle of Armor. The Pokemon Festival. Afternoon.
At this moment, running across the Isle of Armor was a Zeraora. Calm and peaceful at first, this Zeraora was said to have moments where she became hostile and aggressive for an unknown reason. At least, to everyone else. Recently, she had attacked Princess Celestia, seeing Daybreaker instead and that immediately triggered her to unleash her rage. But at that moment, she suddenly fled after her body started pulsating.
"It's weird...I didn't think she'd get that mad all of a sudden." Sitting next to Celestia and Luna was Rainbow Dash, who was completely bewildered by Zeraora's sudden outburst.
"Well, now we know the existence of the Pokemon that Cobalion and the other swords were following." Luna said, recalling the paw marks and electricity she and Celestia encountered since yesterday. "It was a Zeraora. That power was amazing...It generated plasma. And here I thought it was just Zekrom, Reshiram, Kyurem and Passion who could pull that off."
"I'm sure it's a lovely Pokemon, Rainbow Dash. After all, you're still healthy and we did see you sitting next to it casually. Clearly, it was my appearance that set it off." Celestia added.
"But why? What did you do? Why would she hate you all of a sudden?"
"Hmm..." It wasn't adding up just yet to Celestia. She wasn't 100% sure why Zeraora reacted in such a way. But thankfully, her wealth of knowledge and intellect allowed her to reach a possibility. "It might have something to do with Daybreaker."
"Daybreaker?" Luna and Rainbow collectively said.
"If I recall correctly, during one of our missions to stop Team Plasma, the Empress and anyone allied with them, we managed to throw one of their ships in disarray. I'm not sure it was the one where Jackie and Agent Sweetie Drops worked together. It might have been when Ash was on one of the Team Plasma Blimps. And after it came down, it must have released some Pokemon from it. By that time, Ghetsis was working with Daybreaker so when Zeraora saw me, she probably thought I was Daybreaker."
"Oooh...Really?" Rainbow Dash gawked.
"Well, I can't think of any other reason she would try and attack me. Plus, Passion was already reading her emotions and she was only targeting me. Not Luna. And I fear...she won't stop at me." Celestia already thought of the worst possible scenario. "If she does come from that airship Team Plasma had, she probably knows who Empress Twilight is. If she sees either Twilight, her rage could break out again."
"You're right! We should get going now!" The pegasus took flight, ready to set off.
"Finding Zeraora is what matters the most. And honestly, I don't think that'll be too hard. She leaves behind the sound of thunder and even some marks here and there." Celestia took a slower but average-paced approach. Thankfully, due to how rampant Zeraora's lightning had grown, the scorch marks she left behind made a trail.
"Zera...!" As for where Zeraora was, she ran off to find a cave. The cave would be her place of solace for the meantime as the destructive lightning was beginning to subside. However, it wasn't fading away. Instead, its destructive capabilities were weakening.
The rocks around her had already been shattered when she showed up, with scorch marks located across the walls and floor. Any Pokemon around here had already fled after the sound of thunder passed by. Zeraora was on her own thanks to the fearsome sound of thunder scaring everyone else off.
Zeraora still couldn't get Daybreaker off her mind. She could only think about her the second she saw Princess Celestia. But there was a reason for this sudden pain. In her head, a voice only she could hear spoke through her ears. This voice influenced her lightning, causing it to frantically fly everywhere without Zeraora having any control over it.
It was the voice of Ghetsis.
"Return to me." Ghetsis' voice reverberated through her head, causing a sudden vibration and headache. "You can't resist my power over you, no matter how hard you try."
"Ora!" Her yell was almost as loud as thunder. Holding her head, she unleashed a powerful blast of lightning from her body that ended up hitting her instead. Zeraora shocked herself with a powerful attack just to try and stave away Ghetsis' words. She managed to do so as she was at peace once more. The Thunderclap Pokemon took deep breaths but wouldn't start moving at all. Instead, she preferred to sit here, resting underneath the crater her lightning blast created.
Searcing for Zeraora before she could cause another rampage were the Pokemon Rangers plus Kidd Summers. And at this moment, by following the direction of where the thunderous noise came from and even the path of destruction left behind by Zeraora's plasma, it wouldn't be too hard to find the Thunderclap Pokemon.
"Geez..." Observing the path of destruction were Ash and his friends. Pure Plasma ripped the ground and even the seas itself. They saw how the seas had been split apart by Zeraora's rush. "On the bright side, the Isle of Armor's still around."
"Yeah, somehow." said Twilight. When looking at the split sea, she and her friends saw how the Water-Type Pokemon were struggling to get around.
The force of the plasma didn't just tear up the sea, making a huge part of it dangerous to cross which would result in someone falling through the abyss, but it also sent volts that continuously flowed through the waters, threatening their health.
Luckily, the Pokemon Rangers ere here to rescue them. Using all that they had, they managed to safely guide and carry the Water-Types out of the plasma-filled sea befor anyone of them could fall through. The land that had been scorched was already dangerous to cross as the plasma created a chasm,
"So, this has happened across the rest of the world too?" Scootaloo got close to a scorched part of the land, making sure not to touch it but she still wished to view it. She had to be careful since Zeraora's lightning was still capable of shocking anyone that gets too close. "How come we didn't hear about it?"
"It probably wasn't as bad as this. The Isle of Armor doesn't have many buildings after all." Rarity answered. "This is just...Eugh."
"Why would it do all of this?" Sweetie Belle asked, facing Kidd.
"Not by will," Kidd answered. "Zeraora wouldn't do this forcefully. There's something pushing it and we have a good idea as to what it could be. We've already figured out a while ago that this Zeraora belonged to Ghetsis."
"It's Ghetsis's Pokemon?!" Already, Kidd and the Rangers knew who this Zeraora's trainer was. It was surprising that she even had a trainer in the first place.
"No way! You're kidding!" Ash and many of his friends had their jaws on the floor.
"I wish I was but that is indeed his Zeraora. Even though Ghetsis is elsewhere, the Poke Ball containing Zeraora is still out there somewhere. But as you can imagine, this is one of the many Legendary and Mythicals Team Plasma sought out for power. And Zeraora served a purpose for them. Zeraora was meant to be a conduit for their weapons. The power of Plasma is a valuable one and very few Pokemon are capable of making it. It's why those allied with Ghetsis had Reshiram and Zekrom captured. Together they can create Plasma."
"Uh, I never understood how strong Plasma was. Passion uses it but is it really that dangerous?" A confused Scootaloo asked.
"Plasma is one of the strongest forces out there. It comprises 99% of the universe. Anyone who gets it can have all the energy they want and there's not much that can defend against it." Being an expert in science, Sci-Twi already knew just how dangerous plasma could be in the wrong hands. And the fact that Ghetsis still managed to find a Pokemon that can generate it was terrifying.
"Ash. You already know that Jackie helped save a Diance from the alliance Team Plasma was involved with. Zeraora is simply one of those Pokemon but we haven't got around to finding it just yet."
"Are there any other Pokemon Ghetsis and his team caught that are out there?" Fluttershy asked.
"Mmm..." Kidd thought for a moment, touching her lip. "Not at all. The only one left is Zeraora. Everyone else has been freed, sent back into the wild or even to their respective universe. But Zeraora's the hardest one by far. Faster than the rest and unfortunately, the most violent of them all. And the Ranger Union's taking a guess here and that's the possibility of Ghetsis being behind these rampages."
"If it was him, he'd be with Zeraora." Rarity wasn't sure about that. Ghetsis would have to be alongside Zeraora to cause this mess. But little did she and everyone else know, Ghetsis didn't need to be here.
"Oh, he's not with Zeraora tough. But his influence is." Kidd answered. "You know, we're not the Ranger Union isn't all about science."
At that moment, the sound of thunder going off occurred once more. This time, it was followed up by a blast of lightning that could be seen reaching the clouds for a moment. before dispersing. This was right when Zeraora managed to stave away Ghetsis's words. And just like that, they had another lead.
Zeraora knew that the lightning she made would draw some attention. After sitting there for a little bit, Zeraora would be on the move again, but this time, she would walk. Any running would unleash that thunderous sound. At this point, Zeraora was thinking of leaving the Isle of Armor and heading elsewhere.
In her mind, Zeraora was a threat to many. Her lightning could reach a level where even she couldn't control it and she just couldn't get the voice of Ghetsis out of her head, or even the visage of Daybreaker in front of Celestia. The Thunderclap Pokemon was barely capable of tempering her rage but was unable to minimize the damage. It truly was a surprise that the Isle of Armor was still healthy and stable since this is where she comes to a majority of the time.
"Hey! Zeraora!" Finding her yet again was Rainbow Dash, who followed the trail of destruction.
"Ze?" The Thunderclap Pokemon froze. But she had nothing to fear when seeing Rainbow Dash. While a bit apprehensive, Zeraora wasn't afraid to be near Rainbow Dash. "Ora..."
"There you are. It was pretty easy finding you." Rainbow Dash giggled, pointing out the destruction left behind by the plasma. "Are you alright now?"
"Castform?"
"Zeraora..." But even if seeing Rainbow Dash and by extension, Castform was a relief, it didn't fend off what had just happened and how Zeraora currently felt. The Thunderclap Pokemon groaned before weakly moving along, feeling somewhat safe at that moment. Her head was still ringing a bit. And she was also rather hungry, feeling her stomach grumble. "Ze..." She whimpered, patting her stomach before coming to a halt.
Hearing this, Rainbow and Castform both looked at each other for a moment. And with a collective smile along with a nod from Rainbow Dash, Castform would whip out something for Zeraora to consume. From the saddlebag, Castform revealed a milk chocolate that was being saved but now, it would be consumed by a Pokemon outside of Rainbow Dash's party. It has already been opened thanks to all the Pokemon who swarmed around Rainbow Dash after smelling the goods.
"Try this if you're hungry. Straight from Ponyville." Rainbow Dash suggested as Castform carried it on top of his head.
"Ora..." Zeraora slowly moved forward after glancing at the milk chocolate bar. She then took a sniff of it. At that moment, the lovely scent of the chocolate bar struck a sweet spot. She did not hesitate, opening her mouth wide and instantly devouring the bar. "Zera!"
"Cast!" Castform screeched as she was almost involved in that massive bite. Zeraora's serious face soon turned into one of wonder and satisfaction.
"Zera..."
"Thank you, Pinkie Pie..." The one responsible for this chocolate bar was Pinkie Pie. Her food came in handy, yet again. After consuming the milk chocolate bar, a part of Zeraora's discomfort subsided. She calmed down.
"Zeraora. I gotta talk to you about something. It's about Princess Celestia. I know she looks like Daybreaker if that's who you were thinking of..."
"Rrrr!" Her electricity flared up once more when Daybreaker's name was brought up.
"Okay...That's totally who you were thinking of. But she's not Zeraora, I swear." Rainbow Dash quickly calmed her down. "She's just her counterpart. She's not the Daybreaker you're thinking of. They don't even have the same name. You don't have to worry about her."
"Ze..." Zeraora lowered her electricity. She was rather rational despite showing hostile signs.
"But since you recognized that name...Were you in another universe for a while? Do you come from this universe or..." Rainbow Dash was fully curious as she walked alongside Zeraora.
"Ora." Zeraora knew the answer to that. To all of it. After all, she was one of the few Pokemon captured by that dastardly alliance. She recalled it all in her mind. And in fact, Zeraora originates from another universe entirely. She closed her eyes, recalling that universe and the day that Team Plasma showed up. But more importantly, she recalled the day Ghetsis had put a powerful influence over her.
Universe 28. Two years Ago.
Zeraora, along with many other Pokemon that Team Plasma, the Twilight Imperium and the Solar Empire captured, were placed in a lab. Prior to the destruction of the Twilight Imperium's resources, this lab was active at the time. This was one of the labs that experimented on creatures of Equestria, random animals and now, Pokemon.
This lab in particular was an eerie complex with flickering fluorescent lights and a maze-like layout. The pervasive scent of chemicals hangs in the air, mixing with the unmistakable metallic tang of Infinity Energy. Rows of glass tanks line the walls, each containing various specimens in various stages of experimentation, punctuated by the occasional yelp or roar of a confined creature. The scientists working for Empress Twilight were also working alongside Team Plasma to speed up their advancements.
Zeraora was currently restrained. Her arms were chained up by the material known as Dynasite. The hardest metal even in this universe. Other Pokemon were being contained such as Shadow Mewtwo, who Getsis already caught. But Shadow Mewtwo was untamed.
"Both Shadow Mewtwo and Zeraora are going to be a challenge to keep in line." Speaking to the scientists was Ghetsis himself, who was present in this room. He wished to keep these Pokemon controlled since they were rather difficult.
Even after catching Shadow Metwo back in the Farrum Region, the Genetic Pokemon still had a strong will to resist, refusing to be controlled by someone like Ghetsis. And the same goes for Zeraora, who also had a powerful will.
"Keep up that bravado and spirit as much as you want," Ghetsis smirked when gazing at the two of them. "You two will be bent to my will eventually. And you, Zeraora? Your power over Plasma is something that I cannot wait to use for myself. You will be able to power anything we use and scorch anyone that gets in our way. How wonderful it is for a Pokemon such as yourself to exist."
"Ze...!" Zeraora absolutely hated what Ghetsis was uttering and everything he stood for. Attempting to break free and scorch him, the Thunderclap Pokemon roared, unleashing a strong burst of lightning from her body. However, the technology here was meant to keep Zeraora and the other Powerful Pokemon in check. When she tried freeing herself, she was unable to get anywhere as the Dynasite had been heavily reinforced.
"As a contingency, to make sure you never forget who your trainer is..." At that moment, Ghetsis held his hand out, emanating the Dark Magic he stole from another King Sombra. By combining it with Rift Energy, he unleashed it onto Zeraora and Mewtwo. "My essence will reside in you. And when enough time passes, it will grow to the point where not even the Aura can free you."
Zeraora and Shadow Mewtwo groaned when Ghetsis passed over his pure essence. Within it was Pure Evil. For the first time, the two of them knew what that felt like and it was absolutely horrific in every possible way. Zeraora's lightning turned red as she screamed out in pain. Shadow Mewtwo took it better thanks to him having superior durability, but it still harmed him.
Ghetsis would pour more of his essence into them, making sure that eventually, they would be on his side with no signs of faltering. He cackled maniacally when unleashing more and more.
Zeraora had to sit there and take it all. And she was still trapped, unable to do anything but be a power source of this alliance. And when screaming out, not only did she see the face of Ghetsis, but she also saw the faces of Empress Twilight Sparkle and Daybreaker in the same room.
Zeraora remembered both of those faces. From Empress Twilight's devious smile, to Daybreaker's neutral expression. This was in contrast to the smirk that she envisioned when spotting Celestia. That was mainly because, in Zeraora's eyes, Daybreaker was as bad as them.
"You won't have to worry about a thing..." At that moment, Shadow Mewtwo spoke to Zeraora. By using telepathy, of course. Since the two of them were near each other, it was inevitable for them to meet.
"Zera?"
"I fear that at this rate, we might end up being controlled by them. But I don't see it lasting forever." Shadow Mewtwo continued. "You should have faith. Something like this won't go unpunished. I promise you."
"Rrr.." It wasn't that Zeraora didn't believe that. She just wanted to break free. It has already been two years since she's been captured and the Thunderclap Pokemon has seen no sign of freedom.
And this continued for months. Months of her being an experiment and power source of this alliance would have drained her. But since she doesn't have an organ that can produce electricity like most Electric-Types, she was being fed electricity instead.
Being fed so many large amounts of it was utterly painful, especially since some of them were coming from other Electric-Types. Pokemon such as Zapdos and Raikou were being used as Zeraora's fuel. They had high amounts of electricity and that was more than enough for the Thunderclap Pokemon.
Those months upon months were a nightmare for Zeraora, who was waiting for freedom. Until the day it happened. The day Ash entered one of the airships. And on that airship, Zeraora was present. When that debacle occurred, the airship came down and with it, some of the Pokemon that were captured.
Among one of them was Zeraora. She remembered the day it happened. The airship trembled as a ruckus was suddenly started thanks to Ash and his Pokemon going wild. When the airship came down, the damage it received left a hole in it. On top of that, it managed to free the trapped Pokemon, even taking down the Dynasite. The events that happened on that ship involved plenty of Aura and Rift Energy. That was more than enough to destroy the Dynasite.
Zeraora never knew that Ash's actions were responsible for her freedom. All she knew and remembered was the lab being set up in flames. Zeraora used this as an opportunity to flee and she never looked back. She never even saw Shadow Mewtwo again.
Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash couldn't receive this story since she didn't understand Zeraora. The most she could do was view Zeraora's expression, knowing that she's been through something rough. While Zeraora still had Ghetsis' essence and voice within her, she was at least glad to be away from that mess.
She wondered if she would see Shadow Mewtwo again. The one Pokemon she managed to interact with during those horrible months. Little did she know, Shadow Mewtwo, was already a minion of Ghetsis, unfortunately. Zeraora was technically on her own.
"Zera?" Suddenly, Zeraora stopped, sensing someone else. Zeraora had to be on high alert constantly, unaware if anyone was a friend or foe if she was meeting them for the first time. Rainbow Dash ended up bumping into her once the Thunderclap Pokemon suddenly stopped.
"I think she's probably here." This time, it wasn't Celestia and Luna making an appearance. Not at all. Thanks to her trail of destruction, others have found out where Zeraora is. Others, such as Twilight Sparkle and Sci-Twi.
Together, they both showed up when exploring the cave with their friends. And at that moment, they came across Zeraora, carefully following her trail. But following it so carefully while also having Fluttershy and Audino listen for any sounds, led them to Zeraora.
And when seeing them, a similar reaction to seeing Celestia kicked in. Unfortunately for both Twilights, they resembled the one who relished in Zeraora being used as a power source. Empress Twilight Sparkle. Both Twilights halted, not even spotting Rainbow Dash initially. But instead, they spotted Zeraora, who stuck out the most.
Rainbow Dash gasped as another unfortunate encounter had occurred. And when looking at both Twilights, specifically Sci-Twi, the presence of Midnight Sparkle was envisioned. After all, Empress Twilight was once Midnight Sparkle and Sci-Twi was once close to such a status. What will become of this encounter? Only Rainbow Dash could possibly get in between it.
As the journey continues.
Chapter 309 End