//------------------------------// // Knee-Deep in Enemy Territory // Story: My Little Pokémon // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Equestria. Afternoon. "Here." Mayor Mare suddenly came to a halt with Stoutland. Still, at this very moment, they were searching for Big Macintosh and Machamp to try and bring them both back to Ponyville. "The footprints end here and lead to the sea. Seems like we were too late to catch up before they entered it." "But how? I mean, if it's a Gigantamax Machamp, he shouldn't move that fast. How did we lose him?" Cold spoke. "That I can't answer. But we're close for certain. Although...with a size like that, Big Mac would survive out here during the invasion, wouldn't he?" Mayor Mare pondered. "Well, the Apple Family are survivors so that shouldn't come as a shock anyway." "So do we keep going? I mean, if Big Mac's alright and has a giant Machamp on his side, he's safe right?" "Not quite. Apple Bloom wants her big brother back. And as Mayor of Ponyville, it is my solemn duty to make sure that the citizens are 100% satisfied, happy and feel safe. If I were to abandon that, then my name would just be-" "Stoutland!" Stoutland suddenly barked, looking right at the sky. "Nice." Cold nodded at Stoutland, agreeing with his perfect timing. Just before Mayor Mare was about to announce another name of hers, probably her original name. "Wait. Was is it, boy?" Mayor Mare asked her partner, looking up in the sky as well. "Land! Stoutland! Stout!" Stoutland just kept on barking at the sky, making Mayor Mare and Cold wonder what he had spotted. For him to be barking at seemingly nothing, that meant only one thing. Whatever was coming this way had to be gigantic. Immediately, the two ponies suspected that it was Gigantamax Machamp. But it couldn't be further from the truth. In actuality, what broke through the clouds and revealed itself was one of the many ships that came from the Empress' side. Same design and everything. However, this ship was a bit different. Mainly what was painted on the side of the ship to be exact. Mayor Mare and Cold Colt stood firm, preparing themselves for what was to come. However, when the full view of the ship was revealed, to their surprise, painted on the very side was the Team Rocket symbol. "Team Rocket?" The two of them said. "Stoutland?" "Oh?" From the ship, a voice speaker could be heard. One meant for speaking to large crowds even from a high distance and more. "Mayor Mare! Cold!" And from that speaker came the voice of Lyra. "Lyra...? How are you up there?!" The mayor scrunched her eyes while yelling at the top of her lungs to try and reach the ship's interior. "We're all in here!" Lyra responded. "Everypony from Ponyville! Well, the ones who were in the shelter that is." "All of you?!" Cold exclaimed. "Yeah!" Scootaloo cried out. "This ship is really nice inside! You should come and see it! James is flying right now!" "Sure am!" James' voice also came from the speaker. "I'll let you three in immediately. "Why do the bad guys always get the cool stuff?" Sweetie Belle spoke. "Did you find Big Mac?!" Apple Bloom yelled through the speaker. "Not yet! But we have a good indication on where he and Machamp could be!" The mayor bellowed back as the ship descended slowly. The hatch door of the ship underneath had opened up for the two ponies and Stoutland as their manes and fur blew in the wind. Afterwards, when the ship was close enough, a small ramp emerged from it, touching the ground and allowing Mayor Mare, Cold Colt and Stoutland to climb on board. The Big-Hearted Pokemon rushed indoors alongside Cold Colt with high energy whilst Mayor Mare casually trotted her way to the ship, taking light gentle steps along the way. Once entering, they were met with the interior of the ship. And of course, it matched Canterlot Castle's interior but with a more futuristic and striking look. The ship's hatch closed to make sure that none of the Empress' forces would enter if they had the chance. It was still their ship. Now under the ownership of Team Rocket. "Well now..." Mayor Mare moved her head around the ship's interior, glancing at what there was to see. And inside, everypony from the shelter was here, greeting the Mayor. "So, you're all here after all?" "Mhm." Roseluck nodded. "We're helping out to stop the invasion as well." "It's gonna be super cool!" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both said. "So what about Big Mac?" Apple Bloom whimpered. "Oh. Big Mac? Well, it seems his Machamp has Gigantamaxed. We were tracking down the giant footsteps but they promptly stopped at the ocean. Now we have no clue on where to find them." Mayor Mare explained. "How did they even get that far if he was super big...?" Amethyst Star silently said. "With this baby, we can catch those invaders by surprise with their own machine! They won't know what hit them!" Meowth patted the ship. "We even tweaked it a bit to fit our standards. Team Rocket is unmatched with it comes to inventions, that much is true!" Jessie exclaimed while crossing her arms. "Wobbuffet!" "Plus the food here's surprisingly good." A pony chomped on some food from the ship's canteen. "I see..." Mayor Mare nodded. "This is one major advantage. Perhaps finding Big Mac and Machamp in this will be easier. James is piloting this ship?" "Apparently he flew a rocket ship when he was younger. Which is...something." Cherilee scrunched her face. "Just you watch. Those ships will be blown out of the sky in a matter of seconds with my expertise aerial marksmanship skills." James grinned. "You almost crashed us a few years ago when on our official rocketship with that Togepi. You'd better not do the same here, okay?" Jessie squinted her eyes at James. "That was an honest setback. Besides the Togepi and Happinny were the cause of that." James flipped his hair while holding onto the controls of the ship, ascending it to the air. He had quickly remodelled the ship's controls to better fit the feeling of a human holding them. If there's one thing Team Rocket is known for, it's their innate ability to mangle with technology and items to form whatever out there contraption they can think of. Mainly for catching Pokemon. They're genius inventors by skill but thieves by heart. Truly very versatile in what they can do. Faye Mountains. The Changeling Hive. Afternoon. The offensive on the Empress was about to begin. Celestia had gone over the plan with Chrysalis and Adagio. But it was a really straightforward one. Mostly because it was going to consist of them heading for a head-on full-on attack. Straight towards enemy territory with all they had. However, there was still some planning behind it. The changelings were already lined up, ready to march over to Canterlot to join in on this full-on attack on the other world. And arriving at the Changeling Hive, here to assist others, were Starlight, Trixie, Goh and Thorax. Starlight, Trixie and Goh were more than happy to help. But Thorax was nervous coming here because of obvious reasons. When arriving here, the changelings saw Starlight and the others, welcoming them since they were friends. But noticeably, the changelings were mostly looking at Throax recognizing him. And this was the main thing Thorax feared. All these looks could mean that they were not happy with him returning, but it was unclear if that was the case yet. "Ugh..." Thorax winced as he lowered his head, hiding behind Goh. "Doesn't seem so bad," Trixie whispered as she and the others were approaching the inside of the hive. "I wouldn't say those are bad looks." "Yeah. Keep your head up, Thorax." Starlight said to the changeling. "There's nothing to fear from them with how they are now." "It's not them I'm mostly worried about meeting again." Thorax winced as he was referring to one specific changeling. The Queen of all the Changelings and the one at the very middle of the hive with Celestia and Adagio at the moment. Queen Chrysalis. And just now, she had finished speaking with Celestia and Adagio, and now she was ready to head off to Canterlot with her changelings, pass through the gateway and end this invasion with one big attack. Chrysalis and the rest had noticed the arrival of Starlight's group. And of course, Thorax was at the very end. "Thorax?" Chrysalis said with a surprised tone and widened eyes. Thorax immediately whimpered as he masked himself behind Goh's tall stature. "Uh, hi." Starlight waved. "We were just coming here to see if any help was needed right now. We're just moving across Equestria to help others caught up in this invasion, ya know?" "Well, right now, we're planning on ending this." Celestia stepped forward. "It'll be us going on the offensive instead of them. We also aim to rescue Pyrestar and apparently a few others. Twilight, Ash and the others are already heading towards Canterlot at the moment. And so are we?" "Wait, really? Whew! Finally, this thing's gonna end!" Trixie let out a sigh of relief, pleased to hear the words ending. "Oh, that's good to hear. Great that Twilight and the others are okay." Starlight nodded. "We'll need all the help we can get in this. I've already called upon mostly everypony that can continue battling. How about you four?" Celestia asked. "I just really want this to end. So I'll chime in." Starlight offered. "The rescuing part sounds uh...less chaotic? Maybe?" "Mhm." Trixie agreed wholeheartedly. "Now that I think about it...I could snag some items there for my school..." She rubbed her hooves together, thinking about what else she could obtain in that world for special trick purposes. "Count me in." Goh gave a thumbs up. "I think I'll take the rescuing part too. "And Thorax?" Celestia looked to Thorax? "M-Me? I uh...I guess so. But, I'm not sure Chry- I mean, Queen Chrysaliswould approve of me helping out." Thorax hushed. "What makes you say that?" Chrysalis said, startling Thorax? "What?" The changeling peered his head to the side after hearing Chrysalis' reply. "I need my subjects, no, my children now more than ever in this instance," said Chrysalis. "If you're nervous and afraid of what I may do to you after your apparent betryal a few months back, I would reconsider it." "Really?" "Perhaps, you had the right incentive at the beginning Thorax." Chrysalis sighed. "Leaving our old hive because of how things were and you being less engaging in everything we do. Making friends was the only thing on your mind after all. That is what caused all of it." "Uh yeah..." Thorax let out a sheepish grin before nodding slowly. "At first, I thought it was ridiculous. But now, after making such wonderful friends like Ash and Pikachu, and new ones such as Adagio-" "Just acquaintances." Adagio intervened for a quick word. "Fluttershy and even more. Friendship is a nice and warming thing. And so is what else I had discovered." Chrysalis looked to her subjects. "I never realized that I never saw you all as family. And discovering family is something that I definitely needed. And you're family too, Thorax?" "So...you...?" "I forgive you." Chrysalis nodded. That prompted Thorax's fast-beating heart to slow down as a cheery and joyful expression graced his face. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" "But I am still fairly upset about you just abruptly leaving the old hive." Chrysalis's expression changed. "Oh. Sorry about that." Thorax squeed. "Ha! That worked out better than expected." Starlight laughed with a nervous tone behind it. She honestly thought this could've gone badly when Thorax returned here to the hive. "Splendid. Now then. I believe we're all ready." Celestia looked to everyone within the hive. She walked outside with Chrysalis and the others following after her. She entered the outside, facing the rest of the changelings here. She then spoke to them all. "Remember. We may not fully stop the Empress' empire due to her massive reign over multiple worlds, but we can do something significant with just one world. Let's make this count. Everypony get close to me. I'll teleport us all to Canterlot." "Can you imagine what my students are gonna think of me when this is all done?" Trixie said to Starlight as they all went close to Princess Celestia. "Barry's gonna be so jealous, it'll be priceless!" "You and Barry are still being competitive?" Starlight responded. "Well, yeah. Thinks he can 1-UP me on everything. We'll see about that." Canterlot. Approximately 1 hour later. Arriving at Canterlot, everyone was all set. The remaining forces of Celestia's side arrived at Canterlot, still able to continue and not unconscious at the moment. There was a surprisingly large amount of soldiers left on Celestia's side. And that's what Celestia wanted to see for sure. Also showing up, or essentially crossing paths, were, Ash, Twilight and Rainbow Dash's group. After being separated on different sides, even in different parts of two worlds, they had finally met up in one spot at last. "Oh, nice! You guys made it!" Ash said to his arriving friends. "Pikachu!" "Ash! Where were you?" Twilight said to Ash. "I went over to rescue Flurry Heart from Ghetsis. Totally got her safe home to her parents." Ash gave a thumbs up. "I tried to stop Ghetsis and Team Plasma, but I only sorta did it. They left to another world." "A draw? Lame." Rainbow Dash pouted "So, Ash. You're keeping that staff?" "Yep." Ash looked at the staff. "Lady Ilene trusts me with this. I won't give it back until I've ended the Ataxia for everyone out there." "This is Sir Aaron's staff?" Luna squinted at the staff. "Hm. I thought it would have more flair to it for something so important and legendary." "It may not look like it. But boy is this staff something." Ash replied. "You're all here. Splendid." Celestia faced Ash and the others. "How are you? Any of you hurt along the way?" "We're fine," Fluttershy said. "We did go through a lot these past 2 days." "That'll be nothing once we head through that world." Applejack responded. "We're gonna head straight for our other-selves first, right?" "Definitely." Twilight nodded. "Pyrestar's my aim." Celestia pointed her hoof at herself. "Adagio here will take every last magic from the Empress with the Magic Siphoning Jar. And obviously, retrieve the magic she gave to me. Then, I plan to use the power of the Travel Sphere to try and block out any further access to our world from the Empress' side. If it can be done. If not, then another approach with this sphere will be made. Afterwards, we'll return them to their original owners. W-Whoever they may be." "That plan of yours from the Pokemon Festival really paid off, didn't it?" Sunset Shimmer, who was also here, said. "Of course it did. Who else could come up with something simple yet so effective?" Adagio smirked. "But it hasn't fully paid off yet. Every last drop of her magic will be taken from her. Even her own original magic." "Are Big Mac and Machamp still okay?" Fluttershy wondered. "They're fine." Applejack had confidence in her big brother and his partner. "With a Pokemon that strong and that big, ain't no way they're gonna have that much trouble." "There's still Zekrom. Reshiram's going up against it, right?" Spike questioned Celestia. "Reshiram can handle this," Celestia reassured before taking a deep breath. She then spoke in her Royal Canterlot voice but at a lower level. "Now then. Everypony. My subjects and allies from other parts of Equestria. I believe it is about time to end this. After all of this is said and done, not everything will be fully peaceful again, I can say that much with what other threats are waiting for us in the future. However, all together, we'll gradually work towards that wanted peace and harmony until it becomes. With the Pokemon involved, I'm not sure what else to expect if I'm being honest. But we'll tackle it together won't we?" Everyone could agree on that. Ever since last year, they've all been through so much. Mostly from the Pokemon side considering how wild everything is when involving these Strange and Wonderful Creatures. But despite all the antics and wild events, they've made it through to this very day where they're taking on one big enemy. it's certainly the first but it won't be the last. "Here goes." Celestia held up a Travel Sphere with her amplified magic. Everyone could see how grand Celestia's magic was now. They noticed the golden and cosmic light shining from it as they couldn't help but gawk at its splendour. Truly something they'll miss seeing once the magic is all returned. Empress Twilight's World. Canterlot Palace. "Tch! This should've been over at the fourth of firth hour..." The Empress growled as she had just recovered after having millions of magic taken from her. "Where's Tempest?! She should've been here already!" "S-Sorry, Empress!" A guard shuddered. "B-But you sent her group to conquer another world, remember? They weren't able to attend the invasion among the others. I-It's not a full-scale invasion after-" "It should've been one instead of medium-scale. What was I thinking?" The Empress put her hoof on her face. She then started acting in erratic behaviour speaking to herself rapidly. "How did it come to this? I didn't underestimate them. Did I? I couldn't have. I knew what I was getting into. I always do. It's fine. I still have more forces from other worlds. So who even cares? Yes." She then let out a cruel and haunting smile that made the guard slowly back away. "I haven't lost yet. I haven't lost at all. I can win this without having a full-scale invasion. I can still win!" "Um...A-Alright. I'll just be somewhere see." The guard said as he backed away, not wanting to be in the same room with the Empress and her intimidating smile. "Who cares how long it will take? I can-" "Empress!" Interrupting her shout, another guard came bolting in as fast as he could. "It's the enemy! They're attacking us now!" "What?!" After opening a giant gateway with her magic, Celestia and her forces had arrived at Canterlot. And they arrived in a big way. Instead of just passing through it first, a different approach was made before that. When the gateway opened, Passion and Salamence had both used Plasma Bolt and Hyper Beam, firing two huge attacks passing it through. Once the attacks passed through, not only did they tear through the ground, melting parts of it with the heat of plasma, but they also crashed into the castle, causing an immediate explosion to happen and a fairly large hole in the wall to form as rubble fell. The plasma from Passion's Plasma bolt was also starting to spread with tiny little plasma volts. The volts themselves had the capability to melt the building gradually as they kept moving rapidly. When you have something hotter than the sun itself, it will do that guaranteed. And passing through the gateways next were the Wonderbolts and all other Flying-Type Pokemon. Immediately, the Flying-Type Pokemon all collectively used a flurry of Flying-Type attacks. The attack Hurricane was formed as moves such as Air Slash, Gust and Air Cutter were added onto Hurricane, increasing its size and wind pressure. This was a downright surprise attack. The hurricane travelled across the ground, picking up huge chunks of rocks from the rubble as well as nearby guards. Here in this universe's Canterlot, there were already ships ready to enter the other world to continue the invasion. However, from this surprise Hurricane, the ships had been pulled into them. "Plasma Bolt, again!" Celestia commanded. "Gardevoir!" Passion had jumped through the gateway, merging Mystical Fire and Thunderbolt as one, forming Plasma yet again as she unleashed the bolt of plasma, this time on the Hurricane. When coming into contact with the Hurricane, the plasma from Passion's attack had been wrapped around it, merging the moves into one even greater move than it already was before. Now it was a Plasma Hurricane. And this Plasma Hurricane was not only tearing through the ground, picking up nearby ships and soldiers, but it was also shooting out sparks of plasma from the turbulent movements. The sparks spread out, hitting parts of the palace. Windows, rooms, floors, the courtyard had all been struck by the flying sparks as the hurricane kept moving. The soldiers couldn't do anything against this Plasma Hurricane. The Plasma Hurricane attacked the outer walls, ripping them apart as they kept moving. While the Plasma Hurricane raged on, along came Celestia's forces through the gateway, finally showing up. And standing behind were various ranged Pokemon attacks for back support. It was time for Celestia's side to return the favour to the Empress' world. "Everyone, do your best!" Celestia said before turning to Ash and the Mane 6 each. "Let's head to the dungeon! That should be where Pyrestar and the rest are!" "Got it! Dragonite, Twister on that Hurricane!" Ash pointed at the Plasma Hurricane. "Dragonite!" The Dragon Pokemon faced the Plasma Hurricane, flapping her wings ferociously. She made her own turbulent wind but this time with draconic energy within it. After flapping her wings and forming the Twister, Dragonite sent it towards the Plasma Hurricane, adding some extra wind to it. Plus, the size had just increased, growing to a substantial size that could prove to be a threat for all of Canterlot. Chrysalis herself and her changelings chose to go for a more stealthy approach. They had transformed themselves into the soldiers of this world's Canterlot. Having the ability to also mimic clothing was certainly a benefit for all shapeshifters. Zorua included. Chrysalis herself changed into Skyblue Shine specifically to blend in. To let Celestia and her forces know that they were changelings, they kept a visible C on the sides of their armours for clarification. Ash and the others were going for a straightforward rescue while everyone else takes care of the action. The Probopass had also come through, using their magnetism on any other piece of metal that was even within their sights. The Flying-Types continued to give aerial support. And this time, with the addition of the changelings, the Fairy-Type Pokemon chimed in with whatever mystical Fairy hijinks they could give out. The Empress went over to the balcony as she looked outside at the highest point of the palace, witnessing the conflict and immediate scuffle across her own grounds. "Celestia...!" The Empress twitched as she was losing her cool at this point. "She was supposed to be obliterated by Zekrom! Why is she still here?! Forget about heading to the other world! We'll deal with them here!" "Yes, your greatness!" A guard said as they bolted off, ready to give off a counterattack. Within the palace, of all the many rooms here, the Princess Celestia of this world had heard all of the commotions from outside. She was currently cleaning one of the rooms within the palace when she felt the whole place rumble. "What was that?" She wondered as she placed the duster down with her magic. She felt another rumble through the palace as she quickly galloped out of the rooms to see what was unfurling at the moment. The depowered alicorn looked outside to window to witness two opposing sides going against each other. One from the side she puts all of her faith in to free her and everyone else from the Empress' reign and the other she's bound to against her will. The forces from the Empress' side started fighting back by bringing in their whole arsenal. They were originally planning to head to the otherworld, but now that their enemies were here, that wasn't going to happen now. They would have to take them on in their own world. But the first major issue was the giant Plasma Hurricane that was tearing through the city. It was seemingly unstoppable considering that was pure plasma within it. An element that not even metal could do much against. And touching it would just result in unpleasant and unwarranted burns. However, while they couldn't do much, they had a response to this horrifying hurricane. The Empress herself. High on the balcony, with the remaining amount of magic she had, the Empress had used a powerful spell to hold the hurricane in place. An abrupt halt came to the Plasma Hurricane as the Empress was actually straining. Because of all the magic taken from her, she had a harder time using her magic on grand scale attacks such as this one. But, she still had a considerable amount within her. Thus, with what she could do, Empress Twilight used a spell to dissolve the electrons of the plasma as she then separated the hurricane, scattering the remains into the wind. With the Plasma Hurricane gone, the Empress' forces could now attack without anything major standing in their way or picking them up with turbulent speeds. Both sides charged at each other or just stood back with far-ranged attacks for support. Very soon, it was an all-out brawl with both sides. "Look! There she is!" Spike cried out as he and a few others looked up at the balcony, noticing the Empress after she had ended the Plasma Hurricane. "That's her...?" Twilight said as she had finally seen her alternate universe self for the first time. She glared at the older version of herself. To say she was stunned was an understatement. This was a perplexing and odd sight to her. The height difference and everything. And the Empress herself looked down at her younger self with a different expression. One of irritation and scorn. The two alicorns locked eyes for a moment before the Empress walked away from the balcony, scoffing at her younger self. Twilight herself ran with Ash, Celestia and the others, going straight for where Pyrestar and the Elements of Harmony were located. However, it wouldn't be so easy as there would be forces that would stand in their way. As for the Empress herself, she needed Zekrom in this instance considering how everything was going awry and her magic had been diminished. Zekrom was her ace in the hole and the only thing powerful enough to help her. Because she had influence over Zekrom and was telling him to keep on rampaging, the Empress decided to do it again, but this time for a different reason. "Zekrom...Come back. I need your help." Equestria. Out in the mountainside. Speaking of Zekrom, his battle with Reshiram continued. A giant pillar of electricity burst out of the ground, shattering the mountain that was near it as Zekrom flew out of the smoke, charging at Reshiram. Both were already surrounded by their respective sphere-shaped auras of Fire and Electric. They smashed their spheres into each other, going back and forth while obliterating the landscape before them. Zekrom unleashed a short-burst blast of lightning from his mouth with Reshiram promptly avoided. The Dragon of Truth then advanced towards Zekrom as they collided once more. The Pokemon and ponies looked up in the sky from great distances as they witnessed the sight of a red and blue light going back and forth. The mountains were being shattered, shockwaves were filling the sky as the red and blue lights zipped around, showing just how fast the two Dragons were. The weather itself was changing from their battle. Not only were thunderstorms raining down but the summer sun was increasing with heat too, causing an immediate drought. Zekrom used Dragon Claw, slashing Reshiram in the stomach as the Vast White Pokemon was launched into the air. Zekrom then pursued Reshiram, using Fusion Bolt to speed himself up. The Deep Black Pokemon flew past the Dragon of Truth, appearing above him and using Dragon Claw once more, slashing down on Reshiram's back. Reshiram was promptly sent spiralling downwards after that Dragon Claw as he was inbound for a direct crash to the ground. And when he did hit the ground, a crater large enough to cover an entire city had been formed from Reshiram's collision. But right after hitting the ground, Reshiram got right back up while Zekrom approached him. The Vast White Pokemon then saw the approaching Deep Black Pokemon as he responded by using Fusion Flare, shooting it on the ground and masking himself in a giant dome-shaped fiery explosion. Zekrom came to a halt when diving down as he almost connected with the flames. The already large city-sized crater had grown thanks to Reshiram's Fusion Flare, growing to the size of an island. Zekrom then moved back from the flames, descending on the ground as Reshiram's blue eyes flashed in the dome of plasma-level flames. The Dragon of Truth let out a roar that had blown away the flames revealing himself to Zekrom. Reshiram then flew forward, attempting to grab Zekrom, but the Dragon of Ideals had the same idea. Both flew forward, locking their claws together with intensive stares. The two Dragons growled while holding claws, trying to push each other back. But all their struggle was doing was just shaking the mountainside with large rubble rising from the ground itself. Cracks were forming as the crater below them was only getting bigger from them both exerting their pressures. Soon, all of Equestria would feel their clash. They might end up destroying Equestria without even having to be everywhere at once. They smashed their heads against each other a few times, only further destroying the ground. They went for another one, but Zekrom pulled a fast one, shooting Dragon Pulse out of his mouth and blowing Reshiram back. Reshiram cried out, sliding on the ground before returning the favour with his signature move Fusion Flare. Zekrom bellowed as he used Dragon Claw as a quick rebuttal. By swinging his draconic claws, the Dragon of Ideals not only stopped Fusion Flare, but he also knocked it back. The giant ball of fire was sent downwards, moving on the ground like a bowling ball and heading straight for Reshiram. The Dragon of Truth had been hit by his end attack, sending him upwards after the large explosion of flames emerged once colliding with his body. After being sent to the air, giant thunderbolts crashed down, striking the Vast White Pokemon's back. Reshiram was promptly sent crashing to the ground after receiving a smite from the thunderbolts that Zekrom made. The smoke cleared as Reshiram was lying face-first on the ground. Zekrom closed his mouth as his glowing eyes. From how Reshiram was laying there, he believed that he had finally defeated the Vast White Pokemon after a long and arduous battle. But to his surprise, Reshiram could continue. The Dragon of Truth stood back up by groaning. He had obviously taken a lot of punishment but his endurance was absolutely gob-smacking. Flames fumed out of Reshiram's mouth with smoke added to it. The Vast White Pokemon then raised his head, locking his eyes onto the Deep Black Pokemon. Reshiram wouldn't stop until he got to Zekrom. This battle looked like it was about to enter its next phase until Zekrom heard the voice of the Empress reach his head. His eyes flashed a darker purple after hearing it. "Zekrom...Come back. I need your help." After hearing that, Zekrom chose to return to the other world. By flapping his wings, the Deep Black Pokemon took the skies, facing the other direction. He would have to find one of the gateways that lead back to the Empress' world since they were everywhere in this invasion. Reshiram noticed Zekrom flying off as he chose to follow after him. He still had to snap his direct opposite out of it in whichever way he could. Empress Twilight's world. Canterlot Palace indoors. While all the major action happens outside, less hyperactive actions were occurring inside. Or at least, that would be the case, thousands of soldiers were marching outside of the palace to grant assistance while also inside, Ash and the others had made their way indoors. And the best way to make an entrance is the usual break something down. Ash knows a thing or two about that. In fact, Lucario used Aura Sphere to break a whole wall down to enter the palace in the first place. "This whole place looks like Canterlot castle but it's got more floors!" Ash noticed when running across the palace with his friends. This whole palace was absolutely ridiculous in size. So spacious and expansive it was just ridiculous. "Differences or not, the dungeon is still at the lowest part of Canterlot!" Celestia replied. "Just head there and-" However, being knee-deep in enemy territory, especially the very universe itself would lead to Ash's group coming across some big surprises. And the surprises certainly came when something interrupted Celestia's sentence and order. Through the giant metal doors, each of them had opened up. Multiple of them even were the many robotic creations made by the Empress' scientists. But this time, some new creations were involved. More of those Robotic Sea Serpents, a smaller variant of the Robotic Octopus and some more of those aerial robots. But aside from that, there were also these giant metallic spiders that crawled onto the wall when coming out of the hatches. The metallic spiders had shot out webs like normal spiders but these webs had a bit of a poisonous touch to them. "Oh!" Starlight gasped as she was almost hit by the poisonous webs. It just passed her, hitting the ground instead and adding some poison to it. "They obviously have defences for the indoors too! Everypony scatter into groups!" Celestia ordered as everyone else went into different groups, moving in random directions to try and grab the attention of the metallic creations so they do not take them out in one spot. Already, pandemonium had been created in the palace. And more of it was about to be made as some of the soldiers from Celestia's side had barged into the castle. So did the changelings with their stealthy nature. And to be expected, the metallic creature also spread out, chasing after their own groups. But they all had one set location. The dungeon where Pyrestar and the others are being kept. That was their main goal. And obviously putting an end to the invasion at once. Luna had her own group. As always, Darkrai was by her side but hers was fairly small. It was just Darkrai who was with her right now. One of the aerial robots followed them but Darkrai took quick work of the aluminium creations with a quick and easy Thunderbolt to fry their systems. Luna and Darkrai had unknowingly entered the second floor due to how vast this palace was. The floors here had a different organization than what Luna's own Canterlot has to offer. "Where is that dungeon?! Was it necessary to remodel the castle?! It was perfectly fine with how it was before! This is just doing too much for no purpose!" Luna bellowed while flying through the castle. "Don't you dare disrespect the Empress' design choices, Princess Luna." Someone had replied to Luna after her little rant about the palace's interior. And of course, the one to defend the Empress with any chance she could get with her words was the Android and arguably most loyal subject to Empress Twilight. Skyblue Shine. She stood before Luna with multiple soldiers behind her. These soldiers were all earth ponies as seen by their large builds and stature. And some Cyborg Manticores were added into the mix. "You." Luna groaned as she descended to the floor with Darkrai. This isn't the first time Skyblue Shine and her have met. Their previous encounter was actually one that barely involved them even meeting each other. The Empress was the one who mainly met Luna anyway. Luna knew that if she wanted to get any further, she would have to get past Skyblue Shine. But a part of her knew that if she were to do this, Premium Polish would be distraught and heartbroken even further. However, at this point, Luna was willing to take that risk. As the journey continues. Chapter 462 End.