//------------------------------// // Second try at negotiations // Story: My Little Pokémon // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Canterlot. Day. "You know, Passion, I thought you were a Grass-Type when I first came across you." Currently, Celestia and Passion were having a conversation together. "Gardevoir?" "Then again, I've mistaken a lot of Pokemon Types. Some of them can be misleading, can't they?" Celestia giggled along with Passion. "Garde." "Your highness." Just then, a Canterlot guard had arrived, walking up to the Sun Princess. "Important news." "Hm? Yes? What is it this time?" "A Rift Pony would like to speak with you." said the guard as he moved to the side. Moving through the open doors were a few Canterlot Guards and behind them was most definitely a Rift Pony. Emerald Aura was here. "You. You're Emerald Aura, aren't you?" A wide-eyed Celestia raised her hoof at the emerald-coloured unicorn. "Yeah, that's me. This is kinda awkward." Awkward for a couple of reasons. Emerald is fairly known by Celestia. Previously, she was an accomplice with Obsidian. But she is also a good friend of Cold Colt, making her safe for the moment. But, Emerald felt a sense of dread around her either way. "Hm. Why are you here exactly? Is this about the Rift?" "Well...kinda." Emerald rubbed the back of her mane while having a nervous grin. "I...kinda screwed up. Big time." "Gardevoir?" "So uh, you know that Pegalysium place? I mean, I just found out about it two days ago." That caught Celestia's attention as she and Passion leaned forward. "You've been to Pegalysium?!" "Y-Yeah..." Emerald stuttered. "Met the king and everything. And I may have kinda doomed everything." "How so? What happened between you and King Paramount?" "Uh...So, he wanted to apparently change fate or something like that. And he thought that the Rift magic would-" "He has some of it doesn't he?" Immediately, Celestia put the pieces together with her fast thinking mind. She didn't even need to wait for Emerald Aura to finish talking. "Y-Yeah..." Emerald scrunched her face. "But it was an accident! I wasn't gonna give him any, I swear! He totally gipped it from me! I didn't even know he could affect Rift magic, no ordinary pony can!" "I can affect it as well." Celestia suddenly spoke, throwing Emerald Aura off guard. "My Boundless Cutie Mark allows me to do so." "O-Oh...Okay then." Emerald then turned around, whispering to herself. "Geez...What have I missed out on?" "I understand that you did not mean for that to happen. But now that he has Rift magic at his disposal..." A nervous Celestia bit her hoof, imagining what Paramount might be doing at the moment. "We're going up there." "Wait? We?" Emerald pulled back. "Having assistance from a Rift pony wouldn't hurt. Besides. Queen Luminary offered to have a second chance with us. Let's hope we can discuss this properly with them or else everything might spiral out of control." "I don't know. That king looked pretty serious...Do you really think he'll listen, Princess?" "We won't know unless we try. Adagio." Celestia turned to her student. Adagio immediately came over, having the Magic Siphoning Jar at her hold. "Already on it. Should I bring the jar now?" questioned Adagio. "If you wish. But we won't engage in any conflict despite our previous interaction with them. Understood?" "Yeah, yeah. I got it. Still think this is a great ace in the hole." Adagio shrugged before placing the Magic Siphoning Jar in her saddlebag. Just in case. Luna already heard everything from the next room. She was certainly ready to head there a second time. It would just be Celestia, Luna, Adagio and now with the company of Emerald Aura. They were hoping for a better outcome as compared to the last time. Pegalysium. Sky Monarch. Afternoon. And speaking of Pegalysium, over at the Sky Monarch, Queen Luminary was waiting for the day that Celestia and the others would return. She hoped that they had accepted her invitation. All the while, she was worried about her husband. He had just obtained Rift Magic at last. And with his great adaptability, there's no telling how long it could take for him to properly understand it. But in the meanwhile, over at Shooting Star's room, that was a different story. His room was one fit for a prince. It was truly regal as it was beyond the mansion that belonged to Skyblue Shine and Emerald Aura's. But aside from that, right now, the young prince was too busy looking at the Pokedex given to him by Ash. Ever since he was gifted it, he was glued to this Pokemon Encyclopedia, scrolling through the various lists of Pokemon that Ash has scanned for his Pokemon Research for Professor Cerise. He's even been cooped up in his room ever since. Thanks to Ash's research, he has managed to enter over 753 Pokedex entries. "This one is so cool!" Shooting Star gandered at a Ninetales, reading its dex entry while admiring its regal and majestic appearance. Having nine tails is fairly impressive after all. "Ninetales. The Fox Pokemon. Legend has it that Ninetales came into being when nine wizards possessing sacred powers merged into one. This Pokémon is highly intelligent—it can understand human speech. Ninetales casts a sinister light from its bright red eyes to gain total control over its foe’s mind. This Pokémon is said to live for a thousand years. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse." "That sounds pretty serious...But boy do they look fluffy! Wonder if they feel soft and hot at the same time?" As he gawked at the Pokemon, entering the room was his father. King Paramount. "Son. You haven't left your room in a while now." Paramount spoke. "Usually you enjoy socializing with everypony. Is something wrong?" "Oh, dad. Sorry about that. I've just been pretty glued to this thing right here. Ta-da!" The young pegasus held out the Pokedex to his father, in all of its crimson glory. "...What is that?" Paramount had no idea what he was looking at. He wasn't sure what to make of the Pokedex's appearance. Was it some sort of book? It had the shape but not quite, "It's a Pokedex. It's like some sort of encyclopedia for Pokemon. Tells me everything about these monsters. And there's like a bunch of them. You won't believe how awesome this thing is!" "Pokemon...? An encyclopedia for them?" The king's attention had been caught. The creatures that he was determined to send away from this timeline and restore everything to how it was had been mentioned. "Yeah. Well, it's not all of them. There's a bunch more. But 753's a pretty good number anyway. My favourite's the one with the Aura." Shooting Star was too fixated on the Pokedex to realize his father's current emotion. However, King Paramount did not panic in front of his son's new form of entertainment. Instead, his curiosity had been peaked. He sat down with his son, wanting to know about the Pokedex. "So. It holds records of Pokemon, does it? How does it work exactly?" "Oh, like this. How about I show you...this Pokemon!" Shooting Star scrolled through the dex before selecting Dragonite's dex entry. "Dragonite. The Dragon Pokemon. Dragonite is capable of circling the globe in just 16 hours. It is a kindhearted Pokémon that leads lost and foundering ships in a storm to the safety of land. This Pokémon is known as the Sea Incarnate. Figureheads that resemble Dragonite decorate the bows of many ships. Incur the wrath of this normally calm Pokémon at your peril, because it will smash everything to smithereens before it’s satisfied." "Pretty fast, huh? I can't even fly that fast. Can you dad?" Shooting Star turned to his father, wanting his opinion and answer on it. But Paramount just sat there, taking in what he had just heard. "Dad?" "Hm. I see I see." Paramount nodded his head a few times. "All the data it needs and reveals truths about them, hm?" "Huh?" "So they have Dragons as allies. And what other kinds of Pokemon are there?" "Well...there's this one. Blissey." Shooting Star scrolled over to find Blissey's Dex Entry. "Blissey. The Happiness Pokemon. Blissey senses sadness with its fluffy coat of fur. If it does so, this Pokémon will rush over to a sad person, no matter how far away, to share a Lucky Egg that brings a smile to any face. Even the most ferocious Pokémon become calm when they eat Blissey’s egg, which is said to be filled with happiness. Whenever a Blissey finds a weakened Pokémon, it will share its egg and offer its care until the other Pokémon is all better. Only Chansey that share a strong bond with their Trainer can evolve, so people say." "How do you think that egg tastes? I mean, it must be really good if it can just make you happy instantly. Might be better than the Sky Hens and their eggs, right dad?" Once more, Paramount was too focused on the Pokemon's dex entry. When reading them, he had already learned a lot from just two Pokemon. Hearing Dragonite and Blissey's Pokedex reminded him of something Celestia said during the first discussion. "Down below, we have managed to actually form bonds with the Pokemon, gaining new friendships from them. Even the humans from the Pokemon World have become closer to us, forming unseen relationships. And they are certainly scared about having everything return to normal. Having them just vanish from our memories as if none of this happened would be devastating and the loss of the friendships that we have formed. So are we choosing to keep things the way they are" "I wonder..." He spoke to himself instead of his son, locking his eyes onto the Pokedex. "Son. May I see the rest of the dex entries for a moment?" "Uh sure. Oh, check this one out." Shooting Star then began showing his father many dex entries about certain Pokemon. Paramount himself wanted to make sure what he was getting himself into. Many of the dex entries were varied and unique. King Paramount noticed how every Pokemon had something about them that could be considered friendly and safe but also dangerous and lethal. From Gardevoir's black holes, Leavanny's nurturing nature, Haxorus' intimidating appearance yet kind-hearted soul all the way to Tyranitar's brute strength. There was a lot to take in. King Paramount was right to worry about certain Pokemon as they definitely had the power to cause mass destruction. The black hole part from Gardevoir was a massive red flag. Tyranitar didn't make it any better. However, Pokemon like Leavanny, Haxorus and more also showed him the pure side of Pokemon. But as he watched the dex entries, reading them closely, entering the room was one of the guards, here for their own important news. "Your majesty. You must hear this." "Hm? Yes, spill out what you have." Paramount nodded, flailing his hoof as he was too focused on the Pokedex to look at anything else. "It's Princess Celestia again. She's making her way here. Along with a few others." But he could focus on that for sure. His eyes shot away from the dex as he stood up tall. He looked his soldiers in the eyes with his usual sharp look. The guards were a bit intimidated by their king's sudden stare. Paramount knew that this was only because of Luminary. After all, she issued a second meeting in the first place. "Let them come." Paramount allowed Celestia to arrive as the guards nodded in response. A second meeting was due. Besides, Luminary wouldn't let Paramount hear the end of this if he didn't go with it. The guards then left the prince's room to meet with Celestia, Luna, Adagio and Emerald Aura. "Oh, Celestia? Are you gonna try again with them, dad?" "Possibly. Stay here and continue enjoying this...Pokedex." Paramount turned to his son before walking off. Shooting Star would just stay here in his room, looking at all the Pokemon in the Pokedex. But before the king could reach the throne room, he felt like checking up on one thing for a moment. That room was the same chamber where the mural laid. The same mural that had Shooting Star as the apparent Pegasus of Destiny along with three other pegasi who will assist him in the future. Paramount opened the doors to the chamber, wanting to speak with his Royal Advisor one more time. Speaking of his Royal Advisor, he was taking a short nap, dozing off with his head on a table. But he immediately woke up when he heard the hoofsteps of the king. "Ah, you're majesty. Anything new you might need?" The advisor yawned, stretching his hooves. "Goodness, I'm getting old." "Just something quick. Tip-off." Paramount spoke the same of the Royal Advisor. His name was Tip-off. Fitting since he gives advice at the end of the day. "Yes?" Tip-off replied. "Your vision of the Pokemon destroying the universe. That was truly what you witnessed, wasn't it?" The king questioned. After reading the dex entries of multiple Pokemon, he found out that some of them aren't that dangerous, but some were certainly capable of destroying nearly everything. "Yes? Is something wrong, my king?" "...Hmm. Join me for this next meeting soon. We have much to discuss." "Another one?" Tip-off adjusted his hooded robe before seeing the king leave the chamber. "Hm. Oh well. Some more rest would be nice right now..." The throne room. A rearrival. Celestia, Luna, Adagio and Emerald were in this room for a second time. And once more, Paramount and Luminary were present as well. And this time, Tip-off, the Royal Advisor and the one capable of having visions was within the room. A tense atmosphere could be felt between the two groups. And Luminary noticed. She was the only one not adding fuel to the tense atmosphere. Paramount was certainly not happy to see Celestia again and neither was Celestia happy to be in this room. Their differing views could really be felt. "Ahem." Luminary attempted to break the silence. "So. Welcome back. We certainly got off on the wrong hoof the other day, but second chances can't be wasted, can they? Dear, would you like to start?" "So. Here to convince me again?" Paramount spoke. "We're here for what you have, The Rift magic inside of you," Celestia replied, pointing her hoof at the king. "Seems like you got ahold of it at the right time." "Exactly. The magic I need to put everything at peace. After I do so, I will leave behind this newfound magic." Paramount put his hoof on his chest. "Totally mine in the first place..." Emerald puffed her cheeks. "B-But aside from that!" Luminary exclaimed. "We should probably focus on finding a middle ground. My lovely husband is obviously worried about everything that exists in our world and wants to protect it. And you all wish to not only protect this world but keep things the way they are. Clearly, we all have good intentions here." "Yeah, if you count making us forget about our friends' good intentions," Adagio spoke, leaning forward while jeering at King Paramount. "Tch. Bite me." He gave a quick retort. "What our Royal Advisor Tip-off envisioned clearly spoke of something horrifying and shattering that could end us all before the Rift even leaves. The Pokemon themselves," said Luminary as everyone turned to Tip-off. "You're the one with the visions?" Luna asked. "That's me. Pleasure meeting new pony races." Tip-off bowed to Luna and the others. "What they say is true. Having a precognitive vision is my forte." "What if you're just doing it as a scare, huh?" Adagio stood up. "I bet there's no major chance the universe is gonna end with the Pokemon doing so." She was in denial, refusing to believe that the Pokemon would cause this. And what reason would they? "Please understand that the Pokemon would never want this themselves. They are indeed highly destructive and some are very much threats. But none would destroy the universe. It doesn't make any sense." Celestia shook her head. "Tip-off did certainly see the universe end from the Pokemon's actions. And as much as I hate to admit it, his visions are never wrong." Luminary explained. "They always come into fruition one way or another." "The Pokemon will destroy the universe. How? I don't know. When? Don't know that either. But they will. And they can." said Tip-off. "But we can reach a solution." Luminary put her hoof on the table. "I propose we find a workaround to solve our problem. If we can work together, we can prevent this issue from occurring. You're searching for this Jirachi Pokemon, right?" "Yes. Jirachi has the power to grant wishes." Celestia nodded. "We will have it wish for this timeline to remain. And technically..." "We would have two wishes left. Jirachi can grant three in total." Luna followed. "Prevention of the universe being destroyed could be our second wish. I-If Jirachi is generous." "Can you even reach this Jirachi in time? If it's so elusive, who's to say that it might be too late?" Paramount questioned. "We'll totally reach that Jirachi in time!" Adagio scoffed at the king. "And we'll prove you wrong!" "Vision's can't be proven wrong." Tip-off shook his head with a proud smile, making Adagio's eyes twitch. "Even if you return everything to normal, there's still one major obstacle that you cannot overcome!" Luna stomped her hooves on the table. "And what's that?" Paramount raised an eyebrow. "You'd have to deal with Empress Twilight and her invasion. You know, the same invasion that put the stakes of our nation and world at risk?" Luna smirked. "If everything reverts to how it was in the original timeline, how do you expect to go up against a force that has connections over various universes and numbers too large for you to count? We managed to win the assistance of the Pokemon and that was fairly difficult in its own way." "...You underestimate the kind of force Pegalysium holds," Paramount replied, showing no concern over this. But from how he stared at Luna and how serious his response was, he could be right that there was something Pegalysium had that was definitely powerful. "An empire of massive force is nothing new to us. If they threaten Pegalysium and our world again, then they will have to answer to us." "And you expect to beat them all by yourself? What happens if you can't even do it?" Adagio asked. "We can and we will." Paramount leaned forward. "Without the Pokemon." "Pah! There's no way that you have something that can be greater than the Pokemon!" Adagio chuckled. "You'd be surprised." Another response and this time it sent chills down Adagio's spine. What kind of force did Pegalysium have that could potentially be greater than the Pokemon themselves? If it was greater. "Dear. Princess Celestia, Luna and everyone obviously care about the Pokemon as much as they care about the ponies they already know and love." Luminary turned to her husband. "I want to keep our universe safe as well as them, but surely there's an easier way around this. If this Jirachi Pokemon can truly fix everything, then please give them a chance." "Hmm..." Paramount looked at the pleading eyes of his wife. His answer would be swift. He could obviously sense the tone of Celestia and the others when it came to Pokemon. And after reading some Pokedex entries, he was obviously smart enough to know not all Pokemon are that dangerous. But there are equal amounts that are safe and destructive at the same time. The king pondered for a moment before concluding. "Alright fine." "Oh?!" Celestia and the others gasped. "Clearly, I misjudged the Pokemon. And it is my own fault for not giving you all that chance. I speak of changing fate, yet I refused to let you do the same for a better future. My deepest apologies. Take that chance to prove me wrong and reach Jirachi." "Really? Oh! Thank you very much!" Celestia had a grin beam her face as Luna, Adagio and Emerald Aura had a sigh of relief grant their hearts. "I promise you, King Paramount. We won't fail." "However." Paramount suddenly stopped them. "If everything gets too out of control, that's when I will need to step in. Understood?" "We understand." Celestia nodded. "Success!" Luminary cheered, clapping her hooves together. "See? The second try is always the best! I'm sure we'll all save our universe together without fail! And you're welcome back to Pegalysium to tour around it anytime you want!" "That's not what I said dear-" Paramount wasn't too keen on the touring idea but he knew there was no point in arguing with his wife. She tends to make up her mind immediately. "Nevermind." "Oh my." Just then Tip-off felt a sensation go through him. And in the blink of an eye, his body started glowing a green and yellow colour while his eyes flashed. Everyone's attention was immediately shot towards him. "W-What's happening to him?!" A wide-eyed Emerald Aura stuttered. "Oh. He's just going through one of his visions." Luminary answered, showing everyone how Tip-off's visionary abilities work. "Tip-off. What can you tell us? What have you seen this time?" "Oh." His visions instantly ended with the light fading away as he held his head. "More about the Pokemon." "Yes? Go on? What is it?" Paramount, Celestia and everyone leaned in, wanting to know about this one. "Still couldn't make it out. But I did see something. Some sort of prism. Something that appears to be constructed out of a black crystalline material." "A prism?" Celestia repeated. "Black crystalline material? D-Do we know a Pokemon that's like that?" Adagio asked but Luna simply shrugged. "Ah, that's all I can give you. Sorry." Tip-off shrugged. "Well. In any case. Be on your way. However, my son has obviously grown a great interest in the Pokemon. If you would be so kind as to teach him, and possibly my wife and I about these strange creatures, it would be an honour. Just nothing too drastic." Paramount requested. "Oh, that's easy. We can have Ash, Fluttershy and few others be your guide." Celestia smiled. "Thank you for this second discussion. I promise we won't fail in saving the universe." "I hope that you don't fair," Paramount said. "Hey hold on! What about my Rift magic? I still want that back!" Emerald exclaimed. "The magic stays with me. End of story." And just like that Paramount shut the Rift pony down, making her sit down, crossing her hooves with a pouty face. "No fair." Equestria. Canterlot. Afternoon. "Well. That went well. Not so bad as I thought he was, hm?" Luna nudged Celestia as they had returned to Canterlot after their trip. "Yes. Though he is very sharp and strict. He'd make Starswirl look kind in comparison if given enough time." Celestia laughed after the nudge. "Shouldn't we be serious about this prism and black crystalline Pokemon? That sounds major." Adagio asked. "Right, right. We're still clueless on what Pokemon that could be. Emerald Aura. Would you happen to-" Celestia requested an answer from Emerald Aura but she was long gone from here. She only came to inform Celestia and hopefully retrieve the Rift magic from the king. Only one of those happened. "Oh well. We'll find out eventually. But in any case, let's focus all of our efforts on Jirachi, shall we?" Celestia declared. Now more were involved with finding Jirachi. Larger numbers could be the key to finding this powerful wish-granting Pokemon. Hopefully. A new promise had been made with the King and Pegalysium. A promise that they would not break at all costs as the journey continues. Chapter 501 End.