//------------------------------//
// Heart of Steel 
// Story: My Little Pokémon 
// by Amarvax 
//------------------------------//

Cobalion. 

Every time he enters the other world, everypony stops what they're doing and bow to him. He's not of royalty, nor is he related to royalty in any way. But the presence and authority he gives off is enough to assert a sort of dominance. 

And he's the only one that Celestia has fallen for, even though the rest of Equestria doesn't know. And the ones that do know are Luna, Shining Armor and Cadence.

Needless to say, he's made a name for himself in this world. Despite not being around that much.

Cobalion was relaxing, having a peaceful day at the Everfree Forest. What would normally be considered a dangerous area for many, Cobalion is capable of being there without any issue at all. No creature in the forest would dare come close to being who's horn is a literal sword. But that peace was disturbed by two ponies who walked up to him.

"You're really him. Cobalion!" A young filly said.

"He's just as tall as they say he is." Another chattered.

"Can I help you two?"

"Mr Cobalion, sir. Can we have your autograph?" The two of them were getting giddy.

"What is an autograph?" Cobalion had no idea what that was. Being a Pokemon that was distant from most of modern civilization.

"Oh, he's so modest. Is it true that you've protected Pokemon for centuries now?"

"Well yes. Countless of my kind have been keeping watch of Pokemon for years now. Many Cobalion's have come and gone, protecting all of Pokemon kind, even before I was born. And I-"

"Then does that make you the strongest of them all?!" He was interrupted.

"I am not sure of that an-"

"Obviously it does! They say the newer generation is always stronger than the old, duh." The other pony said to her friend. The two of them kept on blabbering as Cobalion couldn't interrupt the two of them once they started rambling. He sighed as he got up and moved away from the spot that he was in.

"Wait! Cobalion! Don't leave us in the Everfree Forest!" The two of them said, shrieking in fear.

Cobalion kept moving along, wanting to find a new place to relax. He entered Ponyville as all the other ponies fixed their gaze on him. The young ponies flocked to him, wanting to stand next to him so they can brag to their friends about meeting Cobalion.

The Iron Will Pokemon kept moving on though. He didn't mind the ponies. Even if they constantly bowed down to him. Though he wasn't a fan of feeling so important. 

He was then stopped by Twilight, who wanted to know more about him.

"Cobalion. I hope I'm not bothering you."

"No. At least not yet."

"Great. I have some questions to ask you. First. How is it that your horns are a sword. I mean, even Princess Celestia, despite how long her horn is, was never as sharp as a sword."

"How you may ask? Magic of course." He answered.

"Magic? Wait... you have magic too?!"

"You didn't think we had it, Twilight Sparkle?"

"Well, I thought about it. But most Pokemon don't seem like they're magic."

"That's because we're all magic. Every single Pokemon." 

This changed everything for Twilight. Everything.

"So then what does that mean for humans? Are they magic too?"

"Not necessarily. For you see, Twilight. Humans actually came before us." 

Again, Twilight's knowledge of the Pokemon World had changed. She thought that Mew came before humans. But it was the other way around?

"But I thought Pokemon came first? Mew is said to be the ancestor of all Pokemon. And Arceus predates that."

"It's true that Arceus is the first of them all. But in terms of Earth, humans showed up and then Pokemon. Humans and Pokemon are one and the same. Or they used to be even."

"Amazing... so how does that explain magic then?"

"We are made out of magic due to the remnants of Arceus. But only specific Pokemon are magic. Most notably Fairy-Types. For me and the other Swords of Justice, our horns draw upon an external source of magic, while Fairies draw a mixture of both external and internal."

"This changes everything!" Twilight was writing down notes, remembering everything Cobalion had said. The Iron Will Pokemon decided to keep on moving. "Wait, Cobalion! Where are you even headed? Where do you even go?"

"Wherever I can, Twilight Sparkle. And if I come across Pokemon that need my help, I'll be there. Right now, I feel like moving along to a peaceful spot. Do you have any recommendations?"

"Well, Canterlot is pretty peaceful despite how grand it may be. I'd love to take you there, but I have to get to Manehattan with my friends soon. Rarity's headed to the Fashion Week Contest and we're going to be supporting her there."

"Very well. I'll make my way to Canterlot on my own."

"Good luck Cobalion!" Twilight waved him goodbye as Cobalion kept on walking.



Making his way along Equestria, he arrived at Canterlot. And once more, everypony there stopped to gaze at him. Canterlot ponies especially since they consider him of great importance. Darkrai, who lurks around Canterlot Garden, saw Cobalion. He knew how Celestia would react if she saw him here. Since even after their talk a few months back, she still gets shaky around him.

Darkrai loomed over to the indoors of Canterlot, telling the Royal Guards and Luna that Cobalion was here. They understood as they were prepared to make sure that nopony saw Celestia freak out in front of Cobalion.

But Cobalion wasn't making his way towards the indoors this time. Instead, he decided to stay at Canterlot Garden. He found it to be a peaceful spot. 

The guards had seen Cobalion outside at the garden, thinking that Celestia wouldn't notice him if he just sits quietly. 

But she did. Straight from the window even. Her initial freakout was waiting to come out. She could've just sat down on her throne and waited for him to leave, but she felt brave enough to finally talk to him without stammering and acting like she's holding a jackhammer.

"Okay, Celestia. You can do this. You talk to ponies every time, even Pokemon. So one Pokemon can't be that hard. Even if it is the one you're infatuated with." She said, jittering. Passion shook her head, knowing that this could go south very fast. But, she let her trainer handle this.

Cobalion was just sitting there. He could feel the calm wind blow in the ears as he received total silence. Twilight was right about Canterlot being peaceful. 

Celestia peeked her head through the corner of the garden, looking at Cobalion. She went from bush to bush, hiding behind each statue. 

Cobalion could sense someone was here. Raising his head, he noticed Celestia zipping around. 

"Princess Celestia? What are you doing?"

Calling for her made her jump out of a bush. 

"Oh! Nothing! What are YOU doing?" She responded with a nervous grin.

"I'm sitting here, relaxing. There are times when I like to have some peace. When I'm not rescuing Pokemon for life-threatening situations."

"Good. Good. That's good. I too love to relax. Even though I rarely get the chance to since I'm the princess of Equestria."

"You don't seem busy though. Perhaps you came out here because you spotted me."

"Pssh. What? N-No. Hahaha... yes I did." She admitted, dropping her head.

"Is the concept of loving another on a romantic level that confusing to you?"

"Very. I've never truly had romantic feelings before. Forgive me if I seem to be a novice at it. But I do know where my heart is."

"Then why is it that you shake so much once you see me?"

"I honestly don't know. So, Cobalion. I don't suppose you're occupied? Maybe one day we can go on a dinner date?"

"What is a... dinner date?" This showed how far Cobalion was from modern-day.

"You don't know?" She seemed puzzled.

"Not sure I do. I've been around nature for many years now. I have no knowledge of this 'Dinner Date'."

"Guess I'm not the only one clueless about love." Celestia teased. Cobalion smiled back as all the shaking that Celestia had, vanished. Simply by talking, her nervous fears faded away. Passion looked over, seeing how well things were going. It was impressive. Previously she wouldn't stop shaking for 3 hours when he saw him, even when they both left.

Although Passion did feel a bit jealous of Cobalion. Just a tad.

Cobalion and Celestia chatted away for hours straight. The two of them started to develop their bond. They talked about their accomplishments, their failures, and even their embarrassing moments. Cobalion himself was growing fond of Celestia. He could appreciate her honesty. It was clear that she generally loves her entire kingdom and does everything she can to make sure her subjects and everypony are happy.

Celestia had noticed Passion watching from afar, getting jealous.

"Passion. You can come here, it's okay." 

Passion went over to Celestia, looking at Cobalion whilst moving. Cobalion looked down at the little Pokemon, scaring her a bit. Passion hid behind Celestia, holding her hoof.

"Seems she's terrified of you. Don't worry Passion. Cobalion won't harm you."

Passion moved away from Celestia, getting a bit closer to Cobalion. The Iron Will Pokemon didn't make a move. Passion sat next down to him, feeling a bit safe. 

"See? There you go." 

"Kirli."

"You know, Cobalion..."

"Yes, Princess?"

"Even if we are to both be in true love. Once the two worlds return to their normal states, I may not remember you. I also have the same fear that Twilight has." Celestia lowered her head.

"I can understand the fear of saying goodbye to someone you may never see again. I once lost someone close to me."

"You did?"

"Kirl?"

"I had a good friend once, many years ago. He was a Kommo-o. One day when a great disaster struck a forest of Pokemon, I, Terrakion and Virizion did our best to save all the Pokemon. And so did Kommo-o. But his rescue was the riskiest of them all. He managed to save an Eevee from a raging dark mist, but he was dragged into the mist as well. Despite all my efforts, I couldn't do anything to save him, nor was I fast enough. I lost the greatest friend I had that day. Which is why I vow to become stronger so that no Pokemon is lost ever again."

Celestia's heart sunk. And so did Passion's. Learning about Cobalion's loss really hit them both, making them feel sorry for him. He seemed so Steel Hearted yet he's just like everyone else. Soft.

"Cobalion. I am very sorry for your loss." Celestia placed her hoof on his.

"It's fine. I know Kommo-o is up there watching over me. Even in this world. So I won't let it all slow me down."

Cobalion's words had made Celestia fall for him more. She now had an even larger reason to love him. Just when things were peaceful, a Royal Guard came galloping in, breathing heavily.

"Princess Celestia! You must hear this!"

"What is it?" Celestia stood up.

"It's Saddle-Arabia. It's been attacked. By a 3 Headed Dragon."

"A 3 Headed...Dragon?" Celestia was remembering what she saw in her dream. It fit that description perfectly. "Is Saddle-Arabia alright?"

"Not really. The dragon completely invaded it and overtook all of it in mere minutes. The ponies there have been restrained sadly."

"Send as many guards as you can there. Find out more about this 3-Headed Dragon and make sure everypony is safe."

"Understood."

"And Cobalion. I hope-"  Suddenly, Cobalion was gone. "Cobalion?" 

He had gone to stop this threat. He knew it was a Hydregion so he hurried his way to Saddle-Arabia. 

This was the first move that Ghetsis made.


Chapter 67 End!