Equestria. Canterlot.
"They've been swapped and missing?!" Celestia gasped after receiving shocking news. A Canterlot Guard had told her about how the gateways connecting to certain parts of the Pokemon World have been swapped and made harder to find.
"Yes. We found out just after the gala had ended. We informed Princess Luna first since she was awake. Many of the gateways that lead to different regions and areas have been switched, causing confusion. Some can't even be found."
"After the gala...Ghetsis!" Celestia then figured out who was the cause of this. After what happened last night it made sense. The disruption between two Auras is what resulted in a situation like this. "How much confusion?"
"Well, thankfully, it's not severe. But certain routes will need to be altered and adjusted. However, some of them have vanished without a trace. As if they had been taken away."
"That creates some unnecessary problems certainly." Celestia sighed. "The Canterlot Tag Battle is soon, and it would be a shame if those wanting to participate get lost. I'll handle the gateway issue soon. Let everypony know."
"Yes, your majesty!" The guard saluted before walking off.
Celestia slumped on her throne, knowing there was more to handle. And of course, Ghetsis managed to be part of this new problem. Only her, Ash and to an extent Discord could interact with anything Rift related.
Ash being a bit of a novice to it all since he's not exactly the most versatile Aura user out there. But he's getting there, that's for sure. So far, few gateways had been unaffected. The gateway to Pallet Town and Wyndon were in the same spot.
The most popular gateways such as Castelia City was now connected with Manehattan. Fitting. Lumiose City could be found near the Crystal Empire and Jubilife was smack dab over at the Faye Mountains AKA the new Changeling Hive.
If anything, Ghetsis' actions had done some good. But even if Ghetsis wasn't aware of these gateway placements, he now had the power to control gateways. Not just by opening them to reach certain locations, but interacting with pre-existing ones in whatever way he wishes.
Universe 11. The Solar Empire. Day.
And observing this was Daybreaker. She had seen how the array of gateways had been mixed up thanks to Ghetsis' plan. All for the advanced control of gateways, far beyond what Daybreaker and Empress Twilight could do.
"Yeesh. All of that trouble just for some portals?" Daybreaker grimaced. "Well, I could say the same about my previous actions so understandable. But that Ghetsis is truly persistent. Wanting to conquer everything, even universes not connected or related to each other in any way." Daybreaker slumped on her throne. "Reminds me of Empress Twilight but somehow more competent."
"Queen Daybreaker?" Entering the throne room was this world's Spitfire, who was the chief Air Warfare specialist. And the chief of course. "We should probably inform you that there might be...most definitely is a chance those Pokemon might show up here. The ones moving through other worlds to stop the rest of the Empress' rule."
"Oh, Reshiram and Zekrom? Hmph. They won't get here. Our universe will be made inaccessible. Even if Ghetsis has somehow managed to manipulate gateways to his own usage."
"Right. I'll still keep my forces completely focused on the skies in case they show up somehow." Spitfire said.
"I know you will. That's why you're the expert. Speaking of gateways, there's a place we're going to have to beat Empress Twilight's little group to before they get there." The alicorn put her hoof on her chin.
"Where? Say the word, your majesty."
"Well, my trusted sources did a little escapade through the Pokemon World at night...Eugh..." She shuddered at the thought of a nighttime considering who she was. She then used her magic to reveal a certain book that only had two pages on it. Most of them were ripped out. "This. The book about the Sea Temple. Samiya."
"Samiya?" Spitfire repeated as Daybreaker placed the book on the nearby table. Spitfire and Daybreaker then gazed on the book to see what it entailed. Only 2 pages to work with.
"The Sea Temple Samiya is an underwater palace built by the People of the Water. A complex structure that greatly exceeds anything we've built. The People of the Water built the temple where the Manaphy lived. All Manaphy have homing instincts that guide them to the temple's location even though it has a cloaking device."
"I see. And what of it? Is there something we need there?" Spitfire asked.
"Sadly, the pages are only two. Someone ripped off the rest to try and censor this part of history. But of course, everything will be found eventually. And this was the only record I had about Samiya apart from the Empress making her own discovery as well. And there is something there. For Necrozma."
Indeed. After hearing that, Necrozma's Poke Ball trembled with Spitfire looking over at it. "That thing...Yikes, it's creepy." Spitfire grimaced.
"Oh, you'll get used to Necrozma eventually. Especially when it reaches its complete form. Which is why Samiya is the place to be at. The same form of power that the Empress wants is there and can benefit Necrozma. The crystals can give off light. Perfect for Necrozma, but also perfect for being a ruler of practically the entire world. Ocean wise.
"Ruling? What are a bunch of crystals gonna do about ruling?"
"Because whoever wears this supposed Sea Crown is crowned King of the Sea. Since the sea is most of the world, including other earth's, essentially, the one who rules most of the world. But that's not the important part. What truly matters are those crystals. We need them for Necrozma."
"I get it. I'll have my forced and then some head for this Samiya and grab those crystals."
"Unfortunately, Samiya has inconsistent placing. It constantly moves across the world due to the sea's current, barely staying still for weeks or more. We won't find it in the same place."
"Then how are we going to find it?" Spitfire asked, lifting her hat. "Seems the Empress is ahead of the game. The answer is simple. We follow her forces there. You know what to do, Spitfire."
"Already on it." Spitfire saluted before heading off to give orders.
"As for me, I should get a move on first. More light for Necrozma is needed. And I think the Pokemon World, especially Alola is a good place to start."
The Human World. Day. Out in a forest.
Since yesterday after all that had happened, Ash promised Twilight that they would witness Pokemon evolution take place. They had just missed out on the Beautifly evolution process thanks to Ghetsis interrupting them. But today, the Cascoon into Dustox could take place.
"Thanks for showing up for today, Ash. Shame we couldn't see the Beautifly one." Twilight spoke, speaking to Ash and his Pokemon.
He had brought over Charizard and a few others even after yesterday. Thanks to Ghetsis, Twilight couldn't finish observing all of his Pokemon for the day before the gala could start.
"No problem. Just in time too. Plus, you got to learn a lot from Snivy, right?" Ash replied, looking at Snivy who was being held by Twilight.
"Mhm. I don't know why, but I like her a lot. Maybe it's her whole personality." Twilight looked at the Grass Snake Pokemon as Oshawott sighed, wanting to be adored by Twilight due to his crush on her.
"Oshawott..."
"Ah, don't feel down, Oshawott." Ash patted the Sea Otter Pokemon. "Twilight's still curious to know about you, after all, so cheer up and look forward to it, okay?"
"Sha? Oshawott!" Oshawott nodded, preparing himself for that moment with high hopes. But never mind that. Right now, the evolution process was about to begin. Twilight would have the chance to witness Pokemon evolution.
Apart from the Silcoon who tether themselves to tree branches with silk, the Cascoon create a protective cocoon by wrapping their bodies entirely with a fine silk from their mouths. Once the silk goes around their bodies, they harden.
And that was when they started glowing. A blue light consumed them all, the common look for Pokemon evolution. Twilight gawked as each of the Cascoon merged their lights to form one massive blue sphere that engulfed the grass and trees.
Afterwards, after radiating a vibrant blue light that had merged, the sphere had dispersed, revealing the Poison Moth Pokemon at last. After being revealed, each of the Dustox started flying through the air, leaving behind blue stardust and sparkles of the evolution light.
Twilight gawked at this sight after witnessing her first evolution. It was a beautiful sight, especially when it's with multiple Pokemon. The Dustox then took the skies, flying in a group like a flock of birds. It was unknown where they were headed, but it was beautiful either way.
"Wow..." Twilight uttered with wonder in her eyes.
"Neat ain't it?" Ash nodded as Twilight also nodded in approval. "There's like a bunch of Pokemon out there that can evolve. Pokemon that I didn't even know could have evolutions. And that's what makes it so much fun!"
"It was worth waiting another day!" Twilight got giddy. "Makes me want to see more and-"
"Osha! Oshawott!" Oshawott quickly stopped Twilight by nudging her boot once more, wanting attention.
"Oh, right. As soon as I learn more about you. Sorry." Twilight laughed as she switched her focus towards Oshawott and the rest of Ash's Pokemon. They had a lot to offer even if it wasn't limited. Twilight got to see what Ash's Pokemon were all capable of during their years of travel with their Trainer.
Oshawott, wanting to stick out the most, showed his move combination of Razor Shell and Aqua Jet in which the Razor Shell acts as a lance that causes more damage as Aqua Jet hits its mark. But unfortunately for Oshawott, that wasn't enough to compete with the rest of Ash's Pokemon.
Snivy would quickly outdo him with how she was currently Twilight's favourite. Snivy was nothing less than a Pokémon shrouded in mystery. But even Snivy would be outdone by the rest of Ash's Pokemon, especially Charizard and Infernape. Twilight had a plethora of fun studying and learning about all of them including what they've been through.
She learned about Infernape's Blaze and how the flame on his head gets hotter if he's pushed to his limit to the point where it acts as an explosive volcanic eruption. She learned about Donphan was a Pokemon that Ash saw before he got to the Johto Region and received a Phany of his own that became a Donphan later.
If anything Ash has seen a lot of Pokemon that predate the region he eventually learns about. But that was part of the adventure. Snivy and Twilight seemed to bond some more as she got to witness Ash's Pokemon perform amazing tricks and specialities.
Such specialities as the Counter Shield and Ice Aqua Jet which was helped by Gengar's Ice Punch. Even the newly discovered Makeshift Volt Tackle as Ash called it was showcased. By combining the usage of Quick Attack and Thunderbolt, Pikachu could bring back the powerful Volt Tackle without even needing to use the official move and having the power of two moves at his disposal to make it work.
She learned about their personalities as well. Each of them had unique personalities of their own. Snivy had the personality akin to the pompous princess yet she was earnest and honest respectively. Most of Ash's Pokemon listen to her when she has something to say despite her size.
Bulbasaur was almost identical to Snivy with how he can sometimes become the leader of the pack and even has the unique trait of calming everyone down and stopping fights when they start escalating.
Sceptile, Buizel, Pignite and Krookodile put on a cool persona at all times. However, Sceptile always gets a horrible flashback whenever he's around Bayleef. There was one instance in his life that involved the evolution of Bayleef, Meganium. An instance that he regrets and wishes to forget as Twilight laughed nervously.
Everyone had something to offer. And they all shared one thing in common. They were starving. Thankfully, Ash brought over some food that Pinkie Pie made him today as they would all eat away.
"Time to eat!" Ash rubbed his hands together, giggling with excitement at the food in front of him. So did his Pokemon as they were all pumped. In unison, they started eating the food in front of them.
Twilight watched how most of Ash's Pokemon either ate the same way or differently. Like gluttons eating like there was no tomorrow or gentle and normal with a natural pace. It was obvious which of his Pokemon did each action.
"Don't you get sick when eating so fast? It increases your risk of becoming overweight and obese, it's also linked to other health problems, including the risk of insulin resistance, which is characterized by high blood sugar and-"
"Nah!" He interrupted. "If you wanna become a Pokemon Master and the very best, you gotta have a strong gut!" Ash punched his stomach while holding some food. "That goes for all of your Pokemon too! Right guys?"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu and the others agreed with their cries.
"Guess I'm not one to talk am I? I love me some hamburgers don't I?" Twilight laughed.
"They sure taste great! Just like these cupcakes Pinkie Pie made. Want some?" Ash held his hand out, offering the food to her. Twilight shook as she would pass on it. Ash then tossed it into the air for Noivern to swoop by and catch.
"Noi-Noi!"
"You know, Ash. One day, I want to catch a Pokemon of my own. But I don't know if I'm ready for it." said Twilight. "I mean, I take care of Spike since he's my pet but...a Pokemon doesn't sound like a pet. From what I've seen from you and a few others, it's more like a friend."
"Spike's a friend too. Even if he's a pet." Ash replied. "And yeah. Having Pokemon kinda gives you some responsibility and such. But that's no problem. If you love Spike the way you do, then you'll definitely love whatever Pokemon you get. Spike and that Pokemon will be your friends forever. Count on it."
"Wow. Didn't take too long for you to convince me." Another chuckle came from Twilight. "How about we start Ummm...Next week? But I can wait if that's okay with you."
"Sure thing."
"Oh and uh, Ash. The Friendship Games are coming up soon as well. I was wondering if you could come and watch me take part in it?"
"Friendship Games?" Ash thought for a moment. "Oh! Like the Equestria Games! Sounds good to me! We'll be there when we can! First I gotta get through the Canterlot Tag Battle soon."
"You're a busy trainer, aren't you?"
"Can't slow down if I want to become a Pokemon Master. Every day and all the time, I'll train to be the best. No matter what. And with my friends with me, I can make that dream happen." Ash looked to all of his Pokemon as they cried out in agreement.
"Pika-Pika!"
A spark of inspiration came to Twilight from this. Ash had inspired her to press on when it come to learning more about Pokemon and even achieving her dreams. Twilight had dreams of her own that she wished to achieve and having a drive like this was perfect.
But more than that, Twilight saw more than just inspiration within Ash that she could learn from. Being that they were friends, they were getting closer each minute. Twilight could feel their bond growing as this was an experience she had never felt before.
Equestria. Ponyville. Twilight's Castle. Day.
"Geeeeugh!" Twilight shuddered as Starlight and Nyx took notice. Her teeth clattered, her mane and tail stood up as if she had Pinkie sense. Or Twilight sense in this case.
"Twilight, what's wrong?!" Starlight gasped, worrying for her friend.
"I've got that bad feeling in me again....!"
The Human World. Out in the forest. Day.
As the group kept eating, Noivern had something to report. After he had eaten the cupcake while ascending into the air, flying around, Noivern noticed something in the distance. Something surprising. He came back to Ash to tell him what he saw.
"Noi! Noivern!"
"Hm? What's up Noivern? What did you see?" Ash stood up.
"Vern! Noivern!" To translate, Noivern shown the spiral inside of his ears, allowing Ash to instantly put the pieces together, showing just how well synced he is with his Pokemon.
"There's a gateway here?!" Ash translated as all of his Pokemon gasped. "Seriously?!"
"Noivern!"
"Gateway? To where?" Twilight wondered. "And how long has it been here?"
"Food can wait!" Ash hopped onto Noivern's back to see this for himself. The rest of his Pokemon that could fly soon followed after him. AKA Charizard and Talonflame.
Twilight just sat there with the rest of Ash's Pokemon. Noivern spotted the gateway at the far north. And once they got there, lo and behold, there was indeed a gateway, lying near the mound of rocks.
"Woah! No way!" Ash gasped. "There really is one! But...where does it go?"
"Noi. Noivern."
"You peeked through already, huh?" Ash translated. "Let me see."
Noivern then brought Ash to a lower level, allowing for his trainer to look through the gateway. He would be surprised at which part of either world he would come across. While the portal back at Canterlot High leads to Equestria, this one led to the Pokemon World.
And once he peeked through, he was shocked to see which part of it. This gateway led to Eindoak Town. The place where the People of the Vale and Victini reside. This gateway was never here at all. Ash never saw it. That's when he remembered the encounter with Ghetsis yesterday. Just like how their first clash of Auras summoned more gateways, this could be another example of them.
The town found between Castelia and Nimbasa City now had a gateway accessible through this forest near another town. Twilight was curious as she and the rest of Ash's Pokemon followed after him. They soon arrived in the same area as Ash and the others were.
"Ash! What's going on?!" Twilight asked before coming to a screeching halt. She as well saw the gateway. Her very first one as well. "That's a gateway?!"
"Yeah. Right through Eindoak." Ash looked back at Twilight. "Oshawott! Snivy! Pignite! You guys remember that place, don't you?"
"Snivy!" Snivy and the other two Unova starters certainly recall Eindoak and the actions that went through during their time there.
"Man, this is exciting! We'll get to meet Victini, Carlita and the others through here!" Ash grinned. "Hey! You wanna come along Twilight?"
"Uh...go through there?" Twilight pulled back.
"Yeah. Check out Eindoak."
"Oh...I don't know. Maybe I'm not ready to visit new worlds just yet, Ash. I'll need some time for that." Twilight pleaded. "If that's okay with you."
"I gotcha. I should be getting ready myself for the Tag Battle. Let's finish up some research and maybe one day, we'll check Eindoak out. Plus, getting you your first Pokemon. Figure out which one you want?"
"Not sure." Twilight shook her head as Ash went up to her. "It has to be really cute! But I guess every Pokemon is cute, right? In their own way."
"Yep." Ash laughed before returning to snack on some good food with Twilight. The gateway to Eindoak will have to wait. But it was certainly a surprise to be sure.
Even though Ghetsis may have had his own plans concerning the gateways, this one scenario had brought new experiences to both worlds. Including the Human World which was smack dab in the middle of all of this. The gateway confusion was still prominent and would take some time to get used to as the journey continues.
Chapter 567 End.