The infinite, prodigious and miraculous world of Pokemon.
A world that is multitudinous of the most fantastical creatures out there that thrive in so many ways that differ from each other with unique spins. The number of Pokemon out there is practically nigh-impossible if not fully impossible to even counter. There are many Pokemon old and even new that exist out there and there are more of them likely on the way in the future.
No matter where you go, there will be a Pokemon. From the lush green lands, the vast and tall mountains or even in populated areas such as towns, cities and even entire kingdoms and empires. Truly, their numbers know no bounds with no sign of slowing down.
And alongside these mystifying and romanesque creatures are the greatest friends close to them. The Pokemon Trainers. Appearing in different shapes and sizes much like their Pocket Monster partners. Whether it be the humans who had been with the Pokemon from the beginning and the earlier years of their world or even the newer species such as the ponies, dragons, changelings, griffons and more that exist in another universe on another earth.
No matter what they are, their bonds are ever-present. Pokemon Trainers and Pokemon, competing together against others in the Pokemon Battle and hoping to one day emerge as the best of the best. Possibly champions.
But there is one young man who seeks to aim beyond the title of a Pokemon Champion. A Pokemon Master. The greatest of them all.
And that man is known as Ash Ketchum, who hails from Pallet Town. Alongside his partner Pikachu, both of them are shooting to the very top with the main goal of becoming a Pokemon Master. And one of the main big steps to achieving that rank is challenging the best of the best in Ash's eyes.
To become a Pokemon Master. The first one ever. Truly an ambitious goal that has been going on for years for Ash. However, his dream is being supported by those close to him. Not just by Pikachu, but by many others he's met along his various journeys. Even the friends he has made in the otherworld.
Such as Princess Twilight Sparkle and her mishmash of friends who were also Ash's friends. They don't just support Ash to reach his goal. Ash, Pikachu and each of them support each other. Such is the bond that they've all formed.
And with every friend, every encounter and every event that they all go through, something new is always waiting in the future. Whether near or far.
Acreus' Perspective.
"And when I watch from afar, I can't help but fixate on this world and how it develops with magical creatures. My attention is drawn toward a certain household located in the long-standing Kanto Region. Two good friends of mine live here. Ash and Pikachu"
Kanto Region. Pallet Town. Ketchum Household. Day.
It has been exactly three weeks since the Cosmos event. All was calm. Entering the Ketchum Household was none other than the Twilight Sparkle from the Human World, paying a quick visit. Arceus watched from the skies, masked within the azure beauty and the clouds with only a faint golden glow sparking here and there. He noticed the counterpart from another world show up.
"HI, Mrs Ketchum. Is Ash home?" Twilight greeted her with Hisuian Zorua and Spike jumping out of her bag, immediately running around inside the Ketchum Household.
"No. Ash went off to explore for a bit," Delia replied. "Sorry."
"Drat..." Twilight lowered her head in disappointment.
"But, he'll be back soon, I can guarantee that. Did you need him for something?"
"Ah, we were about to search for those other Alpha Pokemon that are out there in the world. I'm still on that goal to catch them all. Or at least as many of them before Pokemon Hunter J can use them."
"Oh, how goes that? Have you caught any new ones so far?"
"Eh...there's no new info about any new Alpha Pokemon. Professor Oak usually gets them, but he said that the occurrences for Alpha Pokemon have settled down. The first few weeks were when they became spontaneous. It's calmed down now, but they're still out there. I'm just waiting." Twilight sat at the dinner table while Zorua was backing away from Mr Mime who was trying to approach her.
Zorua squeaked, dashing away as Mr Mime lowered his head, not meaning to scare her. "Patience, Twilight." Delia came over, placing some food down for her. "That's the one thing a Pokemon Trainer should always have. Then again, my little Ash wasn't exactly very patient in the beginning."
"No?" Twilight looked up at her.
"No. Well, it's too be expected for when he was a child. But during his 10th birthday, when he was about to head for his first journey as a Pokemon Trainer, he just wanted to try and catch every Pokemon out there and beat the league. Nothing else was on his mind. Very different to the Ash you know today."
"Oooh..." Twilight was now very curious. Arceus was curious as well, wanting to know about one of his friends. He made a cosmic apparition of himself in the form of a golden light, descending from the skies and his realm. This tiny sparkle of light entered the household without making a sound or being seen.
"Even with his friends and him visiting different locations, getting up to all sorts of antics, he would still be on the move with such swiftness. This carried on for a while with all the stories he told me when he came back home." Delia continued.
"So, what happened? When did he learn to slow down? He still has some speed to everything he does so far."
"Well, it started with his friends and how they would let him slow down here and there. But it truly began when he visited Sinnoh and it took off when he went to Kalos. But Alola was where it came full circle. If it wasn't for all of his friends, many of his accomplishments wouldn't be made. Or even some of the people and Pokemon he met in the past wouldn't be found or become close to him."
"I see."
"Having friends is a joy. Especially those who will stick by you and enjoy things with you. Perhaps, that's Ash's one skill that surpasses his battling skills. Being able to make friends along the way. And you're one of them."
"Oh geez. Thanks, Mrs Ketchum." Twilight chuckled from that before going for a bite. Only for Spike to jump over the table and snag the food with his mouth. "Ah! Spike!"
"Hehehe!" The cheeky little dog laughed before chewing the food in front of Twilight, running upstairs to Ash's room. Twilight facepalmed before shaking her head. She still had some more to go.
"Well...I'd best be going soon. This was just a quick visit." Twilight looked at the food before beginning consumption. "After I get a quick bite."
"Ash is out there, but you should meet him at the Unova Region, funnily enough. You took the boat from Castelia to here, after all. He went to Nimbasa City for PokeStar Studios, so that's some fun to be had over there~"
"Mmm! Sounds great!" Twilight replied while chowing away. She would make it quick but the food was too good to speed through with how delicious it was to her. Arceus gathered a lot from this as he made his golden light fly out of the house, once again, not making a single sound.
"I've learned about Ash from years ago. The words his mother said intrigue me. I have made friends of my own. Some from the far past. Starting with Damos. And now in the present with many more. But is staying in my realm for so long and only making scarce appearances all that I do? Could I do so much more with others by my side? Do the three beings that I created count as such? I have to see more of this bond of friendship for a clearer answer."
Equestria. Canterlot. Afternoon.
Over at Canterlot, Premium Polish was currently playing around with not only her Pokemon but also Celestia's Pokemon. Despite it only being three weeks after the attack that Cosmos had made, Celestia still felt like taking a break here and there more frequently while still managing her duties as the ruler of Equestria.
Premium Polish was on Celestia's back, holding on tight as the alicorn took the skies, giving the young android pony a beautiful view of Canterlot. "Higher, please! I want to see all of Equestria!" Premium pleaded.
"Are you sure?" Celestia questioned. "For that, I'd need to be extra high. Can you take it?"
"Uh..." Premium Polish squinted her eyes, pondering that question. She wasn't so sure. Neither had she ever reached that high before.
"Ah, I can just use this." Celestia laughed before using her magic to form a magic coating around the little unicorn. Arceus showed up here as well, wanting to know more about friendship at its core. He appeared right next to the golden stairway that involved some of his light, thanks to Phione. He even stood on it without even being seen still.
"I arrive at the other Earth. This world is developing with magical creatures gradually despite the hardships that come with it. I spectate the first pony I met ever since the Rift brought the worlds together in a combined yet separate state. Princess Celestia. I watch her and ponder about the meaning of friendship to a ruler of a massive nation."
Celestia brought Premium Polish to the skies that were far beyond Canterlot. She broke through the clouds before reaching a certain height. There, Premium Polish got an amazing view of Equestria. The wonderful land that she and many lived in with the beauty of the Sun shining its golden rays through the clouds while also beaming down on various places.
"Better?" Celestia asked.
"Way better! Thanks for this, Princess Celestia!" Premium hugged Celestia's face out of excitement while Arceus raised his to continue watching how a bond between others works. "It's so pretty...I rarely get to see sights like this."
"Oh? How come?"
"Mom and I never went out together. At least not to sightsee. But...I bet if I saw her again, we'd end up seeing everything together. She wouldn't have to be busy anymore. What do you think, Princess Celestia?"
"I believe you're right about that, my little pony. I too believe that Skyblue Shine's return will involve some mother-daughter bonding between you both. A family experience is something truly wonderful that should always be experienced."
"That's true isn't it?" Premium patted Celestia on the head. "You're like family to me!"
"Oh!" Celestia's eyes widened with her tail and ears rising. "W-Well...That's nice."
"I mean it." The little android giggled. "Auntie Celestia!"
"I'm always an auntie, aren't I?" Celestia lowered her eyes with a quick giggle. "Ah, sometimes I wish I could be more than auntie..."
"Like?"
"Like." Celestia closed her eyes before smiling. "I want to be a mother someday. Have children of my own and future grandchildren. I have dreams such as that as well."
"Oooh. And with who?"
"Hehehe...." Just then, while still having her eyes closed the Princess of the Sun made a dumbfounded laugh before thinking of the one individual she wished to live her life with. Cobalion, of course.
"Princess?" Premium waved her hoof in Celestia's hoof trying to snap her out of it. Celestia couldn't help but think about Cobalion and her future with him.
"I watch over the Sun Princess and how she lives with the bonds that she had made. Even with a pony that is an android, she is seen as family. That makes me wonder. Do I have a family? Are the three creatures I made my family as well? I suppose I am a father. And to an extent, a mother. Perhaps every magical creature is my child. Even if they are man-made. It wouldn't be hard to believe as no matter the species families can be seemingly formed in any way. I see now. But I yearn to know more."
Ponyville. Day.
"I arrive at a town that has developed with magical creatures far quicker than any location in this world. Ponyville. In this town, the Phione that I gave my blessing to exists here waiting for a moment where I give her another message to continue the construction of the stairway when the time is right. I come across a place known as Carousel Boutique where Phione currently resides."
"A Guide on the Harmony...Phenomenon." Currently, Sweetie Belle was sitting on the floor looking at a book that Twilight had brought over. It was a book full of blank pages but with a book cover already being made. Present within the boutique was Twilight Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Pinkie Pie.
"Princess Celestia decided that we should try and teach everyone about the Harmony Phenomenon," Twilight replied. "I figured I'd get a headstart, so I asked if I could make a book about the Harmony Phenomenon. This is where it all starts...I'm so excited to be the first one to make a book about it!"
Twilight couldn't handle her excitement. Something like this was a golden opportunity for her. She already assumed the role of a teacher to Starlight Cold Colt and as of recently BigTime Ben. She was getting used to being a teacher of many things. From magic, Rift Energy and now an all-new phenomenon that was exclusive to this world.
"It only has a few pages. Those are about Princess Celestia and Rainbow Dash. The only two so far who've unlocked the Harmony Phenomenon. We have two examples already. Fusion and something similar to the Bond Phenomenon. Once we discover more possibilities we'll add new sections and categories to this book."
"Oooh." The CMC and Pinkie Pie all gawked with interest.
"Fluttershy. I was already thinking of putting something about you in it." The Princess of Friendship turned to Fluttershy.
"Really?"
"Mhm. You have advanced hearing now. Straight from Audino's amazing sense of hearing. It most definitely happened when you first used Mega Evolution. Princess Luna has something new that she has yet to reveal with Darkrai. Or I guess because it's mainly effective during the night, we won't see it 24/7."
"Like a werewolf!" Pinkie Pie appeared in-between them.
"You also share something with Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie that makes you eligible for this book. You have the ability to see things that not many can see without Fairy Eyes, right?"
"That's right. I see all kinds of Fairy Magic in the air. But it's only when I'm around my Slurpuff. And when Audino Mega Evolves and stuff. But I'm hoping I get those special eyes that Valerie has! Maybe mine would look different!"
"Oh! What do you think I'll have?!" Scootaloo cried out. "I'm hoping it's for either my Rapidash or Horsea! I could gain a flaming mane or even become a dragon-pony! That'd be sweet!"
"I'd like to be a Moon with my Teddirusa. A whole moon!" Sweetie Belle expressed her hopes for the Harmony Phenomenon.
"An actual moon?" Apple Bloom noticed how stellar that sounded.
"That's right! I'll travel around as a mini-moon! That symbol of Teddiursa's chest might come into play right?"
"Well, we'll have to find out." Twilight laughed. "Whatever it turns out being, it's going in the book. And so much more. I'm sorta hoping that I get a Harmony Phenomenon with one of my Pokemon."
"Oh yeah. With who?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Come on out!" Twilight used her magic to throw all of her Poke Balls out. Absol, Togekiss, Ninetales and Cinccino had arrived as Twilight had multiple selections. Espeon ran next to her teammates. "I'm wondering about what it would be like with all of you."
"Esp?"
"I could have an extra coating of fur that'd be so smooth that no magical attack would harm me! Straight from Minccy!" Twilight aimed her hoof at Cinccino.
"Cinccino." Cinccinon nodded in approval of that.
"Or, I could have nine tails justl like Ninetales!" She switched to her next Pokemon. "Or even nine horns!"
"Nine horns?" Rainbow Dash repeated.
"That's right. Using magic would never feel any easier. And maybe I'll have some latent power within them that could curse someone. Or make them feel happy, I don't know. It'd be creepy but...I'd love to get something from Ninetales! Like maybe absorbing fire!"
"Nine-Nine!"
"How about Togekiss?! Could I also tap into Fairy Magic and have those special eyes? Maybe..."
"Togekiss!"
"I already have Mega Evolution for Absol but what if I could sense disasters just like him? Then I wouldn't have to worry about missing out on my next lecture!"
"Absol..." Absol turned his head as he found this jibber-jabber of the Harmony Phenomenon to be uninteresting to him.
"I'm not sure that's a disaster..." Scootaloo scratched her hair.
"To Twilight, it is." Rainbow Dash flew over to her fellow pegasus. Missing out on something like a lecture was considered a disaster to her.
"And um...Eve! I could get something similar to your fur. It might let me predict the weather...and the thoughts of others! I'd be ahead of the curve with that!"
"Espeon?"
"The possibilities are just endless!" Twilight pranced on the spot before almost slipping only for Ninetales to catch her with one of his tails. "Oh. Thanks, Ninetales."
"Ninetales."
"Hmmm...Maybe I could go for more than just my Braviary." Rainbow Dash smirked, thinking of other ways she could have the Harmony Pokemon benefit her other Pokemon. Not just Braviary. "It'd be so cool..."
"Wouldn't it hurt? Having more than just one Harmony Phenomenon?" Fluttershy questioned. "Rainbow Braviary already harms you."
"Uh...You got a point. But I'm sure we'll figure out the fainting problem and we'll be smooth sailing afterwards." The multi-coloured maned mare chuckled.
"Whatever it ends up being...it'll be the best example of the bond we've made with our Pokemon," Twilight replied before hugging both Cinccino and Espeon. Ninetales used all of his tails to bring his teammates closer, resulting in a ground hug. They laughed together with Absol scowling, still being hesitant towards hugs.
"You too, Phione." Sweetie Belle then turned to Phione.
"Phi?"
"That's right. You're one of us after all." Sweetie Belle chuckled before bringing Phione over with her magic. "A tried and true friend!"
"Phi...Phione!" Phione agreed to that notion. She did indeed make some new friends here. Just then, Phione looked up sensing a familiar presence. "Phione?"
"What is it?" The little unicorn asked.
"Phione says that she senses Arceus nearby." Fluttershy translated. "Wait, Arceus is here?!"
"Ah. It seems my presence had been made aware in this area. Either way, I have learned more here at Ponyville. The Harmony Phenomenon. A new phenomenon that is not of my creation but rather a result of this world's magic. Mainly Equestria. A power that is strikingly similar to that of Aura and the Bond Phenomenon, tied to the relations between not just friends but also family. I understand how this kind of power had come to be. It also helps me to understand friendship. I have seen so little yet learned so much. And yet I yearn to keep searching. I wish to see exactly what this world has gone through."
Arceus continued on his way but he stayed within Equestria, wondering about the nation and this world. He had already seen so much at the Pokemon World since he's been watching it from the beginning. Now it was time for this world to be watched over since his children also live here as well.
The Alpha Pokemon used his almighty power to immediately see the events that had transpired across Equestria, similar to how the Time Flower shows memories but on a grander scale. And within seconds, Arceus had seen so much.
"I see the emergence of a behemoth made out of storms. One that even threatened the Pokemon World. It is truly a terrifying force as many homes had been ravaged because of its electrifying pulse. And yet I bear witness to Ash and so many others coming together to stop this one force."
He saw the Storm Behemoth and the events that transpired from it. Starting from the Pokemon World and ending up here going on a rampage. He saw how even this monstrous behemoth had been defeated despite its overwhelming power. It was the combination of so many others that believed in each other that helped them succeed.
"Again. I see another instance of bonds emerging as the victor. A horrible invasion from a universe that shares similarities to this one. They face off against a mighty force from a tyrannical Empress who is once again a counterpart to Twilight Sparkle. The battle is a ferocious one, lasting one night and almost an entire day. Legends and Myths become involved in this battle on opposing sides. But, this universe succeeds with the help of those from the Pokemon Word. Once again it is their bond and belief in each other that grants them the power to win."
Arceus saw the invasion of the Twilight Imperium. He saw how there was a constant back and forth with neither side letting up. However, because one side only sought conquest the side that fought against that and stood for harmony emerged victorious because of the bonds that they had formed. A recurring theme that Arceus has seen.
"I see so many of them. An event that takes place high in the skies in a nation known as Pegalysium. Twice. A moment where I saved the lives of them all from my own creations. I see the attack of a Spiritomb that threatens the spirits of others. And so much more that are short-lived but vast nevertheless."
Arceus saw everything. Even the event where he had to get involved by saving everyone's lives. He saw the previous Pegalysium event that involved a kidnapping. Arceus also saw the moment when Passion's power went out of control when she was just a Kirlia. And so on and so forth. He even saw the most recent event. The attack of Cosmos.
And despite how much this world goes through, it manages to pull through and survive. That was something that Arceus admired and respected.
"Realistically this world would've been destroyed at an earlier time. But it is thanks to the Humans and their magical creatures that the creatures that live here can continue. Because of the humans and the lessons, tips and advice that they share this world shall truly live on. Even building a school here to help them. I will continue to watch this world and every event that transpires. I too believe. I believe that they can over anything. But there is one last thing I must do before I continue my endless observation."
Unova. Nimbasa City. PokeStar Studios. Day.
"I arrive at where Ash and Pikachu are. Just as his mother, Delia Ketchum had said he would be at. I see him with another of his friends. Her name is Rarity. I come at a time where she seems to be asking him something."
"So, Ash darling. With how I'm being given permission to make an idea for a movie here...I was wondering if I could take some pointers from you?" Rarity asked whilst Pikachu played around with Pheromosa and the others.
"Yeah? What's it about?" Ash replied.
"Your goal. To become a Pokemon Master. I want to make something similar to that. A success story. Maybe a trilogy would work if I'm given that permission."
"Oooh...That would be pretty neat."
"Neat is right. I'm also thinking of making the events from back home into a movie as well. That would be enjoyable. I can already see my future. From a stunning actress to even an amazing script writer!" Rarity chuckled.
"And I'll rush over to watch them all!" Ash replied with gusto.
"What about you Ash? Everyone else has their future planned out. You have your goal as a Pokemon Master but...what next? When you finally achieve the final frontier goal, what will you do when you become a Pokemon Master?"
"What will I do?" Ash looked to the sky where the Sun shined with such beauty and love. "That's easy. I'll keep going. Maybe before I become a Pokemon Master or even after I become one. It's just like what Olivia said. The world is so vast. And there's so much I haven't seen yet. Even in other universes."
"That answers my question." Rarity shrugged. "So a timeless adventure it is then?"
"Got that right Rarity." Ash winked while Rarity nudged his leg.
"Now I see. For someone like Ash who lives for the thrill of the adventure the journey is truly endless isn't it? Endless enough to revel in. That makes me wonder something as well. What shall I do? I will continue to watch over everyone and their bonds with the Magical Creatures. But is that all? Perhaps I will have a Trainer of my own? Shall I give them a part of myself to use in battle and explore the world? It seems that spectating over the ones that I can call my friends has taught me a lot. Even I have a future to look forward to."
Arceus had learned a lot. It was a bit like a Friendship Lesson. The same thing Twilight used to do. But Arceus found it out on his own. He had seen and heard enough despite continuing to watch over them. Arceus will do so for both worlds and learn along the way. After all, even he knows that he is much like the Strange and Wonderful Creatures he created. And the thought of that made Arceus somewhat feel warm.
Such is the gift of Pokemon. And the gift of Friendship. It reaches far beyond the limits of any creature. Whether they be human, pony, Pokemon and more. And much like how there are more friends to be made out there, there are other Pokemon out there waiting to be found.
"As the journey continues."
Chapter 800 End.