//------------------------------// // An offer he might refuse // Story: My Little Pokémon // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Pegalysium. Sky Monarch Afternoon. "Son. Son?" Paramount spoke within the hallways. At the moment, he was searching for his son, wandering around without seeing or hearing him. The same went for Queen Luminary. "Hm. Have you found him yet, dear?" "No. Not yet. Oh, did he go ahead of us to the lower land?" Luminary frowned, worrying about her son's sudden disappearance. "Not at all. He enjoys going places new with his family. Just like his cousin and grandfather. Perhaps he may be outside in the street sale. Guards." Paramount called for the royal guards as they instantly arrived. "Yes, your majesty!" "Find my son. We'll be heading to the lower land for the first time. Possibly even Equestria." He ordered as the guards saluted, rushing off to find the young prince. Paramount had a foreboding feeling while Luminary believed her son was alright. "I hope this isn't a repeat of the past." "What do you mean by that, dear?" "Not only did I bring up the Indigo Alliance last night, but I even recited the words from the story. Just like with what happened with my parents." "Oh, dear. No, no." Luminary went up to Paramount, shaking her head already as she knew what he was about to say. "They couldn't have taken him. Besides, don't they operate at night?" "They do. But it seems all too suspicious. I swear, if they've gotten their hooves on my son, I'm going to..." His anger was showing up as he was already thinking of all the things he could do to the Indigo Alliance if he found out where Shooting Star was. "He'll be fine." Luminary calmed him down immediately. "And he'll be here. After all, he wouldn't want to miss this for the world." North of Pegalysium, within one of the nobility houses. Late afternoon. Within the nobility with many homes, another affair was occurring within one of the nobility's homes. The one where the Indigo Alliance can be found. And in the main courtroom where many Indigo Alliance Members gather, they had a fairly important guest with them. A guest that shouldn't be here and was forced here against his own will. Shooting Star. "Oh..." The young prince groaned as he was finally waking up. He had previously been hit by a sleeping spell. He was out for a few hours. With his eyes opening, he saw them all. Robed ponies with hidden faces, obscured voices and eyes that continuously gazed without every closing. From every corner, there was a member of this secret society. He took a moment to breathe and take in the scene for himself. Thousands of them were gathered here today, only staring at Shooting Star with those never-closing eyes. "Welcome, Prince Shooting Star." And greeting him, standing at the podium and being the most important pony here aside from Shooting Star himself, the Grand Judge. "Ow..." He tapped his hoof on his head, feeling a bit numb. "Some welcome. That stung." "We tried to be as gentle with royalty as we could, young prince." "Who are you anyway?" "I am the Grand Judge of the Indigo Alliance." She introduced herself. "Oh, so it wasn't totally a legend or foal's tale." Shooting Star's jaw dropped as he quickly realized where he was. In the heart of the Indigo Alliance. His first time seeing them. "We are indeed a legend. But, a factual legend to be exact. As they say, we stood behind every corner of Pegalysium. Whether it be a wall, shadow or the skies themselves within the clouds. Any time our name is mentioned, Pegalysium quakes with a foreboding sense of fear. Truly, we are in the golden age. But, not for long." "Uhh...?" The young prince wasn't sure where this was going as he was scratched his mane. "Your father. King Paramount could bring this golden age to an end with what he has. Aiming to put an end to what our parents and great grandparents created. We are and always have been the sons and daughters of some of the wealthiest ponies in Pegalysium. Not more than your family, of course." Shooting Star then looked around to see that there were some children in the crowd, wearing smaller versions of the robes. That threw him off to see foals being a part of this secret society. "Whoa..." "Unlike your father, we know far better what's best for Pegalysium. Especially more than some rabble." "Oh, so you wanna like control Pegalysium?" "How else to build a better city than what your father is aiming for. Besides, you should know about the far past. How Pegalysium was only formed due to the refusal of becoming a part of Equestria. The reason our ancestors stuck by this choice from the beginning. And you father aims to break that choice by reaching Equestria and possibly other lands." "Isn't that a good thing?" "No. There was a reason why many pegasi strayed away from Equestria in the first place. It has been steady for generations with no interruption. And now, your father had put a wrench between it. Then again, he wasn't the first to do so." "Then...who did it first?" "His mother and father. King Thunderglaze and Queen Ascent. They had the same ambitions and goals as your father. If anything, that speech he gave was a perfect mirror of his parents. They tried to break this steady and calm cycle as well in the past. If that comes to fruition, Pegalysium would never be the same again." "That doesn't sound so bad. I mean, there's like a whole bunch of stuff down there. Not to mention, Pokemon!" The prince then spread his hooves out in enthusiasm. "They're like these magical creatures that look like all sorts of things. And can do a lot too, like-" "That is not important." The Grand Judge interrupted. "The vision of Pegalysium's future, our future, stands in line with Pegalysium only. Not your father's outlandish vision. But you, young prince. You can understand what this could bring. You're not fairly bright though..." "Hey." "But you should know that your father might end up dooming us all with his decision. Which is why you can help make him see what he might bring. You are his son after all." "But what dad said is pretty neat. I mean, making new allies and friends beyond Pegalysium sounds good to me. Plus, I already met some last month. I don't get how that's gonna doom everything." "Thought you might say that. Which is why he had this to let us see the truth." The Grand Judge them aimed her hoof at an object covered in cloth. One of the members took off the cloth to reveal a speck of Rift Energy inside. What's left of it. "Wait a sec..." Shooting Star squinted before noticing what that was. "That's Rift Magic. Just like what my dad just got." "Your father owns it as well?" That alerted the judge and the rest of the ponies inside as they started making small gossip and chatter with each other. "Yeah. He got it last month but he's pretty great at it so far. So this is where the other energy went?" "Indeed. Under our custody. But not without a reason. I had absorbed most of the magic that it held for myself. And when I did, I saw a vision of a future Pegalysium." "You did." "Correct." To demonstrate and further prove her point, the Grand Judge used her magic to create a projection of Pegalysium. The entire nation. "Pegalysium, a glorious nation, will soon spiral into chaos." As she said that, the projection began showing destruction and anarchy affecting the entirety of Pegalysium. Showing Shooting Star just what could apparently happen in the words of the Grand Judge. "It could become a cesspool of nothing but trouble. The vision that the Rift showed me how Pegalysium would become a magnet for deranged ponies from other sides that have...other intentions. Everything that had been kept safe and contained will be broken. Little control. And it will bring about horrible forces that my vision had given." Appearing on the projection was a humanoid figure of a familiar appearance. One that was a silhouette of Ghetsis. And the others were silhouettes as well. Multiple of them. "But, that all can change, young prince. And be prevented as well." But just then, right below Shooting Star, another podium was appearing. But this podium had robes. The same robes that every Indigo Alliance Member wore, tailor-made for the young prince to make him seem more important than the rest. Royalty, after all. "Join us. Together we can prevent what is coming. Before this vision can be fully realized. And perhaps, your father can see the same." "Hmm..." Shooting Star raised the robe by holding it. He pouted his lips before examining the garments before him. "It doesn't look like it'll fit me." "We can adjust it to further fit your size.." "But I don't like wearing robes. They kinda itch." He grinned. "You need to be kept in secrecy. Who cares if they itch?" "But I get pretty loud when I'm itchy? Oh, can it be white too?" "We're the Indigo Alliance. Indigo is in the-" "It'd be pretty neat if it was. It'd go with my fur and all that. I'd be extra sneaky and all that, blending in." He then made the movements of sneaking around, trying to demonstrate how he would act as a member. Certainly, an expressive one for sure as everypony here froze, watching the prince's actions. They knew he was enthusiastic but in the face of danger, he still kept his personality. "Oh, and gold would go pretty good with it too. But that would take away some stealth points. Can I also get an awesome cape too?" "Our dress code doesn't involve capes." "But you've got a cape on yours." Shooting Star pointed at the Grand Judge who did in fact have a cape with her robe for extra flare. "How come no one else has one?" And by saying that, the ponies actually looked at each other, somewhat agreeing on how nice the cape looked. At the end of the day, capes are beloved, no matter what. By most individuals anyway. "W-Well, because I'm the Grand Judge, that should be obvious." She stuttered, pointing her hoof at herself before keeping everyone's chatter. "Well, I'm a prince. So I want a cape." He let out a cheesy grin that the Grand Judge didn't take kindly to. "Fine, fine! You'll get your cape!" The Grand Judge was feeling a bit irritated by Shooting Star's way of words. She took a moment to breathe, regaining her cool. "Doesn't change anything either way. But are you ready to join us, young prince?" "Wait. I just wanna know one thing." That's when Shooting Star recalled something. Before, he wasn't alone in the forest. Even before the Indigo Alliance found him. Garnet was with him. "Where's Garnet? The pony that was with me before?" "She's being kept and prepared for something greater. A pegasus of her potential will be great for our Cloven." "Clo...ven?" "The Cloven are our highly-skilled members in our alliance. They are only used for special situations. But are great to rely on. Garnet can be one of them. We've seen what she's capable of. And that doesn't involve her role as a foalsitter. She will become something greater." "You kidnapped her for that? Does she even want that?" Shooting Star didn't like the sound of that at all. "And what's this about a pony named Jade Skies? Are you trying to kidnap her as well?" "For a good reason. She holds more Rift Energy than the sphere I had taken for myself. She could become either a great member of our alliance or the best Cloven we have." "Yeah right." Even Shooting Star could see through those words, shaking his head. "Let her go. And whoever else you've kidnapped. Uh...since I'm a prince, I order you to!" "You have no power here, young prince. And by what we're hearing, it seems that you are refusing our offer, correct?" Shooting Star shifted his eyes around, seeing how outnumbered he really was. There really wasn't much he could do. But he was set on getting himself and Garnet out of here. So, he came up with a plan. "Let me think about this." Shooting Star placed the robe back on the podium. "Back home. But I still want Garnet free. Or else I'll let my mother and father know about this place." "You wouldn't dare let King Paramount be aware of our location." "I totally would. But I won't unless you let her go." He smirked, knowing how much the Indigo Alliance fears the king. The Grand Judge growled for a bit. She actually believed that Shooting Star would join them under that one condition. She also knew that since Garnet comes from the town as her, once everypony finds out she's missing all of a sudden, it could cause quite a stir unless the Grand Judge, AKA Second Wind, could make up an excuse. So, she conceded. "Very well. We'll let her go. But you have already agreed to be one of us." "Oh yeah, totally. S-So where's Garnet?" "Right here." She aimed her hoof to the side of the wall. By doing so it had opened up with the members making way. And with the wall opening, a secret room had been found. One that had large containers with multiple ponies inside. And within those containers were strange green liquids where the ponies laid. They had their eyes closed as it was unaware if they were unconscious or in a worse state. And of course, Garnet was there. However, her container had yet to be fully covered with that same green liquid. It was filling up and hadn't reached her full body. But she was certainly unconscious. And also within containers were the kidnapped ponies from 5 days ago. "What is this...?" "This is where we make our Cloven. They remain sleeping deep within this inner sanctum until they are called upon for our services. Most of these are ponies from the past." "Ponies from the past?" "Yes. Some of them come from different decades, centuries and generations. They have been kept here to conceal their lifespan and become our cloven. With their years of experience, they are truly an amazing force to have on our side. And keeping them alive only helps with that. What better ally to have than one with this much life experience." "...So they're like zombies? You've been keeping zombies here?" "Not zombies, young prince. They are still very conscious and aware." "But you haven't let them pass on peacefully at all. And you were gonna do the same to Garnet for a long time? and everypony else that's been kidnapped?" "Precisely. Now. Take the girl and leave. And return here with open hooves to our alliance." That was all she had to say to Shooting Star for now. The young pegasus now had a lot to inform his father and everyone else. For now, he was sticking to Garnet. Matters like Jade Skies and the kidnapped ponies are something he knows only his father can handle. The container with Garnet inside had opened with all of the liquid falling out. Garnet was kept unconscious as to conceal the location of the alliance's base. And the same went for Shooting Star. The Grand Judge used the sleeping spell once more, flapping her wings towards Shooting Star. "Aw, not this again..." Shooting Star sighed before falling to the floor, sleeping once more. The members would take things from here as they picked both Shooting Star and Garnet up to take them out of here. As they were being carried away, the Grand Judge watched with one of her members walking up to her. Obviously, something needed to be said. "I don't trust that boy. I can sense massive hesitation in his heart." A member spoke. "Of course. He is his father's son. But, deep down, I can sense he's one of us. He is still young after all. He can change sooner than you think. But, somepony should keep an eye on him to be sure if his thought of joining us was true. The spy in the Sky Monarch is still present there, correct?" "Still. The King and Queen have not suspected a thing." "Good." Second Wind removed her hood before grinning. She then let out a light chuckle afterwards with some of the members looking at her and then at themselves. Apparently, she tends to do this a lot. Pegalysium. Out in the forest. "This is where the citizens said they last saw him, your majesty." Right now, King Paramount and a few guards had arrived at the same forest where Shooting Star was previously at. They had asked the citizens at the city and street sale about where they last saw Shooting Star. Lo and behold, the soda hat that he had bought could be found here as well as his other purchased street sales items. Including his communication shell. King Paramount picked them up, seeing that his son's objects had been just casually left here. Including one from his favourite series. The guards could already feel the king's anger rising. He holds his family close to him more than anything. Even more than Pegalysiu mas a whole. And anyone that comes across that might have an unpleasant experience. However, before the king could erupt with anger, something else occurred. "Your majesty! We found him!" One of the guards said as the king's attention shot that way. Indeed, Shooting Star had been found. Along with Garnet. He and Garnet were still asleep due to the spell as the Indigo Alliance had just left them here. Paramount rushed over to see his son and Garnet laying on the ground. He was relieved as Shooting Star was snoring. "Thank goodness..." Paramount let out a sigh of relief. "Perhaps a burnout was the cause. But what of Garnet over here?" "We found her asleep here as well, your majesty." The guards observed after examining the foalsitter. "Plus, Garnet seems to have some liquid substances on her that are unnatural." "So, someone did this to her." Paramount stepped forward. "I'll find out who. But as long as they're both alright, that's all that matters now. "And whatever is wrong with Garnet, take her for some medical attention." The guards did just that, picking Garnet up from the floor. They also had to be careful with her. The green liquid from before was clearly not natural at all. As for Shooting Star, King Paramount would pick him up himself. The trip to the lower land was still a-go. But, he has yet to know about what truly happened with his son and Garnet. 20 minutes later. The spell wasn't as potent as before. And this was shown with Shooting Star waking right up after 20 minutes. He let out a powerful yawn before stretching his hooves. His eyes were open as he was met with the face of what wasn't really a ceiling. More of the skies themselves. "Mmm...What's going on?" Shooting Star groaned as he sat up. He then realized he was in a chariot with his father and mother. "Mom? Dad?" "Good. You're finally awake." Paramount spoke. "Worrying us like that. When do you not get into odd situations?" Luminary nudged Shooting Star. "My bad." The young prince laughed, thinking it was just another scenario where he had just fallen asleep on the spot. But after a few seconds, he had quickly realized what had really happened before. While not the brightest, he certainly wasn't slow or unaware. He remembered the scene where he was in the court, facing the Grand Judge, witnessing the Cloven and Garnet and the sleep spell. "Well, there's actually a reason and...hey where are we going actually?" "To the lower land for the first time. You wanted to see the Pokémon, after all." His father explained, seeing his son's excitement shoot up. Both Paramount and Luminary enjoyed seeing their son happy. Any family member really. "Oh sweet! Pokémon here we come!" He then raised his hooves with joy before putting on his serious face in a flash. "But seriously. I didn't fall asleep like normal. Someone put a spell on me." "Hm?!" Paramount and Luminary shot up after that. They were all ears. "Who?!" And once they asked that, one of the guards carrying the carriage shifted his eyes to the side. "Dad. That Indigo Alliance thing? It's pretty real. They took me and Garnet earlier by putting us to sleep. I was there." "So that's why. Why those..." Paramount felt like breaking something as he was definitely not fond of his family being caught up in this secret society. "Really son?" Luminary asked. "It really happened?" "Yeah. They wanted me to join them too. But uh...I said no. Plus, they were planning to make Garnet into some sort of special pony called Cloven? I didn't really get that part myself." "Son. Tell us everything carefully." Paramount held his son. "This is the biggest lead of the Indigo Alliance that we have after all. I want to make sure you're safe next time. As well as everyone else." "Okay. I got it, dad. But uh..when are we gonna get to the lower land?" "You won't have to wait. We're already here." Luminary said as she was right. The chariot had broken through the final clouds as they came across a nation separate from there. They had arrived at Equestria at last. And the first view was the beautiful fields that were either Equestria-made or the cause of the Pokemon changing the world itself. Either way, it was glorious to look at. Shooting Star and Luminary had open eyes of pure joy and wonder while Paramount just had a simple smile. But he was excited either way. They weren't sure what to expect here, but they were certainly going to have an experience and have it to the fullest. The chariot had landed on the fields as the royal family were far from Pegalysium for the first time. The guards had stood by at the chariot, biding their time until the king and queen finished their journey. One guard needed to head back to Pegalysium for an extra chariot or updates on the royal family. Just for safety. And that guard was the same guard who reacted to the words surrounding the Indigo Alliance. He chose to head back to Pegalysium while the others stayed behind. But as he took off, he revealed his communication shell within his own armour. He had other information to give out. Still concerning the royal family of course. But not on good terms. As the journey continues. Chapter 526 End.