Equestria.Canterlot. Day.
"They haven't done anything yet..." Luna spoke, currently looking in a room where the only thing residing there was the Magical Aura Prison that held Lucien and Sienna. The two Rift Humans. "They were also completely safe during the Unown attack as they said. Something is amiss."
"I understand, Luna. They wouldn't be this stationery at all." Celestia shook her head. "Either they're unbothered by their imprisonment, or it's something else."
"Nothing else here." Hearing their conversation even when hushed were Lucien and Sienna.
"We're just minding our own business here." Sienna shrugged.
"You two seemed far too comfortable and safe during the Unown attack. Though...I suppose you were protected and would come back eventually by Arceus. But you've stayed too silent for too long."
"Relax, princess. We can't do anything after all. Aura's our biggest weakness out of anything else." said Lucien. "You can't expect us to do much, can you?"
"Hmm..." Luna backed away, narrowing her eyes at the two of them.
"Luna. We can handle them later. Right now, we should continue focusing on that stairway to space." Celestia said, focusing on what mattered more than anything else right now.
"Right, right." Luna sighed before leaving with her big sister. "I should probably catch an Audino just in case..." Her voice faded in the background whilst trotting away.
"Of course...Who said we needed to be out and about to do the things we do?" The moment they left, Lucien popped a smirk, raising his finger. "This is the one time we've agreed to help each other, right?"
"Just this once." Sienna stood up. "I'll still outdo you in whatever comes up next. But for this, let's shake the world up a bit." She then held out her hand with Lucien responding with a shake. "Summon a source of cosmic power that no of those power chasers. Start the greatest alliance of villains that this world's ever seen?"
"Sounds good to me." With that agreement, they had come up with a collective plan for the first time. The closest were the Desires but that was mainly Sienna's doing. From within the orb, they had managed to use their Rift Magic. While they were limited in where they could go, their magic, not so much.
Their magic could still work on the outside, not exactly on the inside. And they made sure it would work. Their plan was to lure out certain individuals. Seen as villains to those in this world for obvious reasons. And to unite them all was the main goal.
This went past Equestria. Out of its lands and elsewhere in a wasteland. In that wasteland, erupting in the middle and scaring off some of the Pokemon that resided here even outside of Equestria, was the emergence of Rift Energy.
High-value Rift Energy.
It appeared as the traditional orb that most Rift Energies appear as. Nothing new about that. But the difference was that this one held more of it than any other Rift Energy that had previously emerged in Equestria. From the earlier days of the world's crossing over to the usage of it in Pegalysium.
It had shot a mighty pillar of blue and purple light into the skies, piercing the clouds as it acted as a beacon. The ground below cracked with a large crater being formed by it. The rocks from the crater started levitating constantly from the sheer power of this sphere.
It stayed there for minutes, doing nothing but continuing to spiral there, letting out a horrific cosmic sound that was hard to describe unless someone were to be from space itself. However, despite the shining beacon that it turned out to be, the Pokemon nearby here could not see it.
They could hear its sounds and see the destruction that it caused upon emerging, but any view of this sphere was taken away. It was as if they were staring at an invisible force. But it was most definitely there. Only unable to be seen by them
Except for a select group.
Spotting this from afar was Malamar. Malamar was currently moving across Equestria, making plans for his massive revenge, when he had seen the light in the distance. His eyes could see it, unlike other Pokemon. Not only that, but upon gazing at it, Malamar, in an ironic twist, felt compelled by it. Much like how he compels others with his advanced hypnosis.
Malamar stopped what he was doing, standing on the hills to gaze at this light. By looking at it, it was as if the light was telling him to approach.
"Such amazing power..." Malamar spoke to himself via telepathy. "I need it." He desired that power. It was too vast to ignore as Malamar was the first to approach it. But being that he was a slow Pokemon, he would need a quick mode of transport to help him reach past Equestria's outskirts. Luckily, with his mind-controlling capabilities, he looked to the skies for the nearest Flying-Type Pokemon to use.
He wasn't the only one drawn to it and able to see it.
Elsewhere in Equestria, the bickering duo of Cozy Glow and Togepi were drawn to it as well. Their bond as Pokemon and Trainer was still jumbled and unrefined.
"Huh?" Cozy Glow and her froze once their eyes met with this light. They stared at it for a bit before Cozy Glow's hoof kicked Togepi away.
"To!"
"Oooh...Can you feel that?" Cozy Glow could also feel the amazing magic flowing through it. Togepi growled, running over to COzy Glow. But the presence of the Rift Magic in the far distance was too grand to ignore as any attack on Cozy Glow had been halted for this. "Oh imagine if I had that magic..." She rubbed her hooves together.
"Togepi..." Togepi nodded, also trying to rub her arms together. Unfortunately, they were too short. Togepi and Cozy Glow looked each other in the eyes, knowing that they both wanted that power. "Toge!" Togepi then hopped onto Cozy Glow's back, causing her eyes to bulge out. "Togepi!"
"Ugh...!" Cozy Glow groaned. "Yeah, I get it!" Cozy Glow was the only one here who could fly and Togepi was aware of that, already wanting to take advantage of it. "I'm going already!" Cozy Glow too as she spread her wings out. Now she and Togepi were heading for the far outskirts.
This light didn't reach just Equestria. Due to the towering visage of it and how it broke through the clouds, it had also drawn the attention of a pony in the sky. But of course, the light was only made for certain eyes.
There at Pinnaculum Pegalysium, a nation only made via time alteration, Second Wind caught wind of the light. At her castle, she saw the radiant glow of the Rift Energy, already recognizing this familiar feeling.
"This power..." She walked out to her balcony. "It's Rift Energy. But it feels so much greater than the previous one I had." The Grand Queen then pondered for a moment, realizing that not only would she have the power of the Unown by her side, albeit small, but there was a chance that she could retain some Rift Magic. A larger amount than what she originally had. Second Wind wouldn't pass this at all. "I could try and perfect it this time. Anything to keep me at the top."
Second Wind then spread her wings out, ready to head for the light. But she wouldn't come alone. The Unown would be by her side along with some Pinnaculum Pegalysium Guards. The plan that Lucien and Sienna had made was already coming together so nicely.
Universe 11. The Solar Empire. Canterlot. Day.
This light was not just visible to Universe 1. It had reached Universe 11 as well. Its light could expand that far despite appearing thin. And this time, three individuals had seen it. Daybreaker, Empress Twilight Sparkle and Ghetsis. However, instead of being heavily attracted to it like the previous two who had seen it, these three already knew that something was amiss.
"That's far too out in the open." Ghetsis spoke. "But it is tempting."
"Someone is calling us to come for it," Daybreaker observed. "It's a call for us to have all the power we need. I've seen something like this before."
"I say we go for it." Empress Twilight suggested. "Can't you see and feel how much that is? It's reaching all the way to this universe right now. If we have that...I could get back up to speed. Retrieve what I had lost from Celestia. At least equivalent to all the magic from before."
"You could." Daybreaker nodded. "And Necrozma could feed on it. Light is light after all. No matter how different its colours may be. But it could be a trap."
"If it is a trap, then we will simply dispose of whoever stands in our way to it." Ghetsis thought ahead of them. Daybreaker and Empress Twilight looked at each other before shrugging. They made up their mind.
"Very well then. Let's make our way there, shall we?" Daybreaker replied as they were set to head to Universe 1. They would go with a larger force. Mainly with the Plasma Frigate and the Sunstorm Ships as their main way to travel through the skies or even the seas.
The ships had started up as Colress had been ordered to open up the gateway to Universe 1. A massive hole made for two large ships had been formed. It required the power of multiple Travel Spheres to make it happen. Once opened, they had then passed through, entering Universe 1.
It wouldn't just be an entirely different universe that would be graced with this view.
The Pokemon World. Sinnoh Region. Day.
The Pokemon World was not exempt from this. And the eyes of it were made exclusively for two individuals that were currently working here, on the move and active with ever-growing plans.
Hunter J and the Shiny Gardevoir.
However, J, upon looking at it, dismissed it. Mainly due to the voice of her Desire that spoke to her about it. J did originally plan to head over to see what that entailed during her Pokemon Hunting, but the voice said otherwise.
"I shouldn't go after it?" J spoke to it.
"I'd advise staying away from it. The Twilight in me knows where that could lead to."
"Tch. But it's so out there." J still felt the temptation to chase it down. Despite having a Desire within her, this Desire rejected its natural tendencies. However, she ended up taking the advice of her Desire over anything else. Then again, there wasn't anything else.
However, while it didn't work with J, it certainly worked with Gardevoir.
Nicknamed an Aura Vampire due to her constantly absorbing Aura just for the goal of living forever, the Embrace Pokemon had returned to reality, no longer trapped in the realm of Delayed Aura Ataxia. Funnily enough, her enemies were the ones who freed her.
Ever since then, Gardevoir had been brought to the present day realm, overwhelmed by how different things were. Mainly with the bonds between Humans and Pokemon. Gardevoir thought back to when Humans were terrified of Pokemon. That wasn't the case anymore.
Because of this drastic change, stealing Aura had only been made harder since everyone could fight back. Not just the Aura Guardians she tried to steal from. "I can't believe I was almost caught..." She groaned as her failed battles even involved herself almost being caught in a Poke Ball. "Huh?"
Eventually, Shiny Gardevoir spotted the light beaming from another universe. Her eyes met with it, utterly compelled and drawn to it already. It wasn't Aura, but there was something about it that she couldn't resist. "Ooh...I could use that." She started levitating, already making her way there. All she needed to do was find a gateway to Equestria. And luckily for her, those are abundant.
Equestria. Out in the wasteland. Afternoon.
Eventually, they were all making their way towards the wasteland. The Rift Energy was there waiting for them. And one consistent theme was that they were all travelling by air.
Whether by using a Pokemon to fly, being a pegasus that can always fly, using levitation to fly or rather float, or even massive ships to fly through the air, they had already governed the skies. And it was only a matter of time before they would notice each other. Especially with those large ships in the sky.
"Huh? W-What are those?!" Cozy Glow gasped upon seeing the two large ships flying through the skies, almost being masked by the clouds as they came from the east.
"Out of the way, brats!" And shoving Cozy Glow and Togepi out of the way was Malamar, who had mind-controlled a Fearow to travel faster.
"Ow!" Cozy Glow and Togepi flinched after being shoved by Fearow and Malamar slapping their face with his appendages. They recovered, equally shaking their heads. Though in this case, Togepi's entire body was her head. In unison, they had growled at Malamar and Fearow.
Passing underneath them at a faster pace than Cozy Glow could ever hope to achieve was Gardevoir. Then again, in this instance, everyone was faster than Cozy Glow. Especially the ships. Gardevoir's levitation proved to be quicker than Fearow's flying, passing it and Malamar by.
"Hm?!" Malamar gasped.
"Pardon me~" Gardevoir whistled after passing her. "But I'm just in a hurry for that light over there~"
"Faster, you!" Malamar ordered Fearow. Fearow started picking up the pace. Before, it was only flying moderately to the scene. Now with Gardevoir revealing that she was heading for the same location, Fearow could speed up.
"Toge!" Togepi smacked Cozy Glow in the head, ordering her to also move faster.
"Ouch! I'm trying my best here!" Cozy Glow cried out as she was moving at her absolute best. At the end of the day, she was just a filly. Full of energy, but not exactly holding the speed to make it seem great.
Coming from the west was Second Wind, her Unown and a few of her Pegasi Guards. They saw the large ships before flying over Cozy Glow and Togepi. Cozy Glow simply pouted, knowing that practically everyone was passing her by at this point.
"What are those ships doing? They're not heading for the same location are they!?" Second Wind gasped. She couldn't allow that to happen. Not when so much power is sitting there, untouched so far. "Unown! Stop them!"
Commanding the Unown, the various Symbol Pokemon had used their combined powers, focusing on one spot. Together, they had made a powerful forcefield that got in the way of not just the ships, but Gardevoir and Malamar as well. They ended up crashing into the forcefield, which had an elastic nature to it when they made contact.
"Gh!" Gardevoir grunted with her face pressing on the forcefield. She held her face as Malamar felt dizzy afterwards. Cozy Glow stopped flying, seeing them all crashing. She was surprisingly lucky for being slower than all of them. Second Wind and her group weren't affected, easily passing through the forcefield.
"Later losers!" She taunted, chuckling away as now Gardevoir and Malamar started growling. One by one, everyone's anger was being tested in this. All except for Ghetsis, Empress Twilight and Daybreaker. Even after crashing, their ships remained fine. They were not bothered by this forcefield in the slightest.
"That's a problem," said Colress. "We aren't the only ones going for it and it seems that pegasus over there is using the power of the Unown. Not a bad choice."
"Power of the Unown? Tch." Ghetsis scoffed. "Let me handle this." Ghetsis chose to be the one to deal with the forcefield. Everyone else had their personal ideas through it, but it was mainly Ghetsis who got ahead to it. He entered the upper deck of the Plasma Frigate, gaining the attention of Malamar and Gardevoir.
Cozy Glow took the opportunity to get a lead. And the way to do that was by flying to one of the ships, immediately landing on the back. Mainly of the Sunstorm. They all moved faster than her. Might as well use them to her advantage as Togepi hopped off of Cozy Glow. As for Ghetsis, he had used Hydreigon, summoning him into the fray.
"Hydreigon! Blow this forcefield to bits!"
"Hydrei...!" Hydreigon had various ways of damaging this forcefield. But sensing that it was made via Psychic Energy, allowed him to resort to the Dark-Type. All three of his mouths had used Dark Pulse respectively and to make them stronger, merging them was the go-to option.
With the power of darkness from this mutated Hydreigon, the forcefield that the Unown formed had been damaged greatly. In just seconds, it had shattered. Second Wind was alerted by this, witnessing the forcefield shattering so easily. Even the Unown couldn't help but be blown back by this.
Ghetsis' Hydregion had easily made short work of it. Second Wind continued flying, hoping to outpace them and make it to the light before they could. "Get back here!" But Ghetsis wouldn't allow that.
Using his Dark Magic, he made a black whip that came out of his hands. That whip wrapped around Second Wind's wings, instantly pulling her back. "Oh!" Second Wind screeched after being pulled back by the black whip. Ghetsis then released the black whip, causing Second Wind to hurl through the air.
The Unown had saved Second Wind, using their power to open a dimensional hole. That hole brought Second Wind back to the spot she was originally at. The Grand Queen shook her head, feeling perplexed as the Plasma Frigate and the Sunstorm sped up, easily passing them.
The guards were blown away by the force of these massive moving ships, being sent off course and away from the scene entirely. Second Wind joined the group in growling. That was the common response when something unexpected happens, mainly from another contender.
"Who are you all?!" Gardevoir flew next to the ships, coming close to Ghetsis. Malamar did the same with Fearow as Ghetsis saw both of them on both sides.
"I should be asking you the same thing!" Malamar shouted. "You are currently in my way from achieving ultimate power!"
"I think you mean, my ultimate power?" Gardevoir scoffed. "Power that can help me live forever. And I can sense some Aura coming from this human right here now that I think about it."
"Your ultimate power?!" Second WInd's voice came through. "I think not! You creatures don't need ultimate power when you're already so destructive! Leave it for those who deserve it! Like myself!"
"You're all in my way. Get lost." Ghetsis said as the Plasma Frigate sped up, blowing them away with its wind pressure. The Psychic-Types and the pegasi continued their chase, yearning to get there before anyone else.
Eventually, they all managed to reach the wasteland. The two ships had descended with Cozy Glow and Togepi hopping off. Malamar had no use for Fearow anymore, quickly hopping off of it and releasing the mind control.
"Fear? Fear?" Naturally, Fearow was greatly confused. Unaware of why it was here, Fearow simply went on its merry way, unable to see the Rift Energy nearby.
All except for those who were chosen to. Ghetsis and everyone ended up converging at one spot. Now they could all see each other at a closer angle and distance. And as to be expected, the tension was high with the atmosphere changing.
They all collectively stopped at the crater where the sphere lay. Some of them, such as Gardevoir and Malamar, appeared alone while others appeared in groups. Team Plasma, Solar Empire and Twilight Imperium Guards coupled with a few Unown. All large groups.
Cozy Glow and Togepi could count in a way being a duo. However, to prevent Togepi from doing anything else that could compromise things, Cozy Glow quickly returned her to her Poke Ball.
"Hm?" Empress Twilight, among everyone else, was the only one who had recognized Cozy Glow. From her timeline, she had already met with this particular pegasus before, knowing all about her. "She's here?"
"So. All of you chose to come here," Daybreaker spoke. "Not too surprised. Look at that thing. Isn't that just the largest source of Rift Energy you've ever seen?"
"Why else?" Second Wind stepped forward before recognizing Daybreaker's voice and parts of her appearance. "H-Hold on! Aren't you Celestia?!"
"Not the Celestia of your universe. Call me Daybreaker."
"Doesn't matter. You've all come here for what I need," said Gardevoir. "A major part in my goal to immortality. This sphere could help me realize my goal. And if I have the time, which I will, payback against Ash Ketchum and Equestria can be due."
"Immortality?" Malamar spoke. "Pah. What a weak wish. Why use it for that when it can be used for something greater. I need it for my goal of absolute conquest over everything! First some revenge on Canterlot and then the emergence of my perfect world."
"For a Psychic-Type, you are incredibly moronic," Colress spoke, adjusting his glasses. "Immortality can help with ruling the world for years. That Gardevoir at least has the right idea of achieving something many would want."
"Oh, why thank you." Gardevoir very much liked that compliment.
"My absolute rule is coming from that sphere." Next was Second Wind with her reason. "I had some Rift Magic once but lost it due to how unstable it was." She then started talking to herself with her eyes fixated on the sphere. "But with how I am now, that might not be the case. I could be like Paramount and learn to control it to its fullest. And soon some sweet revenge on Equestria while making it a part of my growing reign!"
"Well, I need it to get back up to speed." Empress Twilight chimed in. "I lost too much magic during that invasion. If I can use this to retrieve all of it back and possibly more than I already had...Then my reign can continue smoothly as if nothing ever happened."
"Again conquering..." Gardevoir squinted her eyes, noticing that some of these reasons were similar in terms of their big end goal.
"Hello, there~!" Cozy Glow ran over, making a cheery and melodic tone. She soon alerted the entire group, causing them to gaze at this filly. Upon being spotted, Cozy Glow had already put on a facade. One that she knows best. And it started by having a cute smile with fluttering eyes. "I hear you're all after that sphere over there...
"Who the..." Ghetsis uttered, pausing on his words.
"But...You wouldn't mind letting little ol' me have that power would you?" She asked with an innocent voice, obviously feeling that since she was the youngest, she could have that power. Of course, this didn't make sense to the others as they all collectively had the same expression.
A collective expression of disparagement and derision could be seen on their faces. They were all unimpressed, confused and abhorrent of Cozy Glow's offer. They could all at least agree on that as Cozy Glow's cute facade did not work on them. Colress didn't even bother to look at her. Only looking at his device.
"Who is this lost child?" Ghetsis asked, pointing at Cozy Glow. The little pegasus pulled back as her offer had been wiped out.
"Eh. Cozy Glow. Dealt with her in my universe." Empress Twilight shrugged. "She was a threat once. But not anymore. Ignore her."
"Hey!" Cozy Glow shouted.
"Anyway...what else could you possibly want this for?" Gardevoir asked. "It sounds to me that all of you have the same idea. Seems that it all boils down to conquering everything that you can. Is everyone here just focused on ruling the world?"
"Yes." Ghetsis, Empress Twilight, Second Wind, Malamar and silently, Cozy Glow, collectively said as a lot of them had the same goal for different worlds. Sometimes even both worlds.
"Aren't you the one who also wants revenge much like some of us?" Second Wind called Gardevoir out as she still had something similar to all of them.
"They all can have the same plan." Daybreaker stepped forward. "I have something else in mind. Two things. To satisfy Necrozma's hunger and to bring back my sister."
"Did you say Necrozma?!" Malamar and Gardevoir were both alarmed by that name.
"Ah, you know about that Pokemon. Good." Daybreaker smirked, now knowing that Necrozma's name alone can strike fear into them. Hydreigon snarled at Gardevoir, Malamar and the others, wanting to attack them as soon as possible. Cozy Glow was the odd one out as the Unown backed away from Hydreigon.
Gardevoir shifted her eyes, already transferring Psychic energy to her legs to move as fast as she could. Malamar had the plan of mind-controlling some of them to do his bidding. Mainly the Unown. Strength in numbers after all. Second Wind scrunched her mouth as a visible sweat drop had been seen. Empress Twilight's horn started glowing with the first spell on her mind being reserved.
Tensions were rising as any of them could attack each other at any moment. And they would not hesitate for a second. Daybreaker was the only one exempt from this. If anything, she saw value in all of this. Everyone here had some grudge against one common enemy. Two to be exact. Ash Ketchum and Equestria.
"Hold on." Daybreaker managed to stop them all. "Let's all not obliterate ourselves here. After all, we have a common goal, don't we? Revenge against those who we lost to. Well, mainly all of you. I haven't lost yet."
"Yes...?" Second Wind lowered her wings.
"So why fight? When we can work together." Daybreaker suggested. "That must be the reason why this sphere had even shown up. As a massive way to make us all gather. You all want the ultimate power that it holds, but how about we act wisely about this? Even you, child."
"Oh?" Cozy Glow was finally acknowledged. By Daybreaker of all ponies.
"I'd never work with anypony else. Especially not two who are exceedingly close to Celestia and Twilight Sparkle." Second Wind scoffed.
"But you'd work with Pokemon. And from what I can tell, you lost to them too, didn't you?" Daybreaker walked around Second Wind. "I can tell how you act from just hearing you talk and seeing you act. You would work with anyone to help reach your goals."
"I...That..."
"Don't try hiding it. I already know many others who have been there too." Daybreaker then stood in the middle. "If we were to battle here the...I won't even need to say the outcome. It could go different ways, but no one here wants to find out, do they? There's a chance any of you could be defeated and lose your chance of gaining this power for yourself."
In their ears, Daybreaker raised a good point. The chances were all over the place due to the vast number differences. Daybreaker was mainly speaking from her side with Ghetsis, Colress and Empress Twilight. They did have the superior number advantage.
"So. What do you all say? Does an alliance against two common enemies sound like a brilliant idea?" Daybreaker raised an eyebrow, waiting for their response. They all collectively closed their eyes before groaning. A majority of them were not fond of teaming up, but at this rate, what other choice did they have aside from being defeated. Daybreaker received their answers via collective sighs. "Good. Then it's settled."
"I hate doing this..." Gardevoir and Second Wind sighed, speaking in unison. "But, it could work out somehow."
"I will require some assistance," Malamar said. "Even if it isn't the way I pictured it being."
"But since we are going to teamup, we will need a name. It's a Pegalysium custom to always do so for alliances. I suggest the Indigo Alliance!" She ended up using the old name for her old organization.
"Malamar Assembly!" Malamar flailed his appendages around.
"The Immortals!" Gardevoir chimed in, raising her arm.
"Cozy Glow and Friends!"
"Destroy Ash Ketchum." Ghetsis said with a monotone voice and face.
"Celestia Crushers!" Empress Twilight laughed, having her own name idea. Everyone did and they were certainly unique.
"Ugh..." Daybreaker shook her head "We'll work on that. Although...The Immortals isn't a bad idea at all." Afterwards, their alliance had been truly formed.
They put their hands, hooves and appendages in one spot, swearing to this team-up. And as if they were on the same wavelength, they collectively stared laughing. Giving off maniacal ones too in the process. They looked each other in the eyes before then facing the sphere of Rift Energy. All of them would hold it. The Ultimate Power would be theirs.
A terrifying team-up had been formed. One out of a shared common goal. The biggest enemies that Equestria had to offer plus some that the Pokemon World had to offer as well, all working together at last. All according to the plan of Lucien and Sienna. Unknown horrors could come from this as the journey continues.
Chapter 727 End.