//------------------------------// // Dreaded Family Squabbles // Story: My Little Pokémon: Grander World // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Equestria. Canterlot. The Pokemon School. Afternoon. "Phew. That's all of them." After a chaotic mess of Baby Pokemon running around, Brock managed to retrieve them all with the help of Blissey and a few others. And just for good measure, each of them were put to sleep. The library suffered the most. Many books have been damaged thanks to the Baby Pokemon. Books either had dents, were smoking because of rampant electricity or had a few pages burned thanks to some erratic flames. But it was salvageable and simple to reverse. "If you wish to play with the Baby Pokemon, next time, do it outside or ask permission." As for the children that caused this, speaking to them was a rather upset Roxanne as they would all incur her rather gentle wrath. "Glad that's over with. So about that Gym Battle..." Rainbow Dash flew over, nudging the Pokemon Doctor and part-time Breeder. She was eager to hop into that Gym Battle rematch with Luna. "Uh, yeah. I'll remember it. But maybe later. I have to take care of these little fellas after all of that." Brock held a baby Wynaut next to him. "Late afternoon sounds good. I'll be ready by then. You should use that time to train up, Rainbow Dash." "Right. I know just who to train up for this." She would hold out a singular Poke Ball, leaving the specific Pokemon amibigous. The library would find itself being healed as everyone else would depart for their classes. Not Rainbow Dash though. Thanks to this disturbance from the Baby Pokemon, she had the opportunity to be on her own. That way, she could catch up to Luna, who was already practising prior to this, having more free time than the pegasus. Discussions about their respective lessons have been cut short due to how long the chaos lasted. Their classes hadn't even started yet since it was so early in the morning when this outbreak occurred. Usually, some would see this as a blessing, but when it comes to Pokemon, learning about these Strange and Wonderful Creatures and their history was worth every second. During all of this chaos, over at Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia was alerted to something crucial. The Dread League had been spotted once more. This time, over at the Galar Region. Naturally, when trying to reach Magehold, where the Dread League could be found, entering that land was rather difficult. But this was an opportunity that could change that. "If they're at Galar, then let's watch them." Celestia gave out orders on how to approach this new Dread League appearance. "This is our one chance to try and enter Magehold without needing to get past that barrier. It doesn't affect the vampires except for us and the barrier is as dangerous as it is defensive. And here is what we will use." Celestia held out a Shift Stone. An object that was made of Rift Energy was originally founded by Trixie Lulamoon. Since then, these cosmic stones have been rather useful, having the properties of both a Zoroak and a Changeling, changing not just the user's appearance, but even their biology. The only disadvantage was that no moves from any Pokemon could be learned. "With this, either one of you will have the biology of a vampire. So I suggest that you stay away from the sunlight. You can find the Hyperborean Island this way by following them, going unsuspected." Celestia continued. One of the main issues with reaching Magehold was the fact that it was hard to find the Hyperborean Island, which was where Magehold could also be found. So as long as that island remains hidden from their sights, Magehold is forever hidden. But the Shift Stone could change all of that. "Unfortunately...because of how this world turned out, we have very Shift Stones left." Celestia looked at the Shift Stone which was emanating a rather weak cosmic aura. "Not only that, but their transformations won't last forever. At most, they can last for 2 days. So be careful and use them sparingly." "Yes, your majesty!" The guards all said as they were each given Shift Stones. And with how few Shift Stones were left, fewer guards would be going with them. After receiving the stones, the guards would all place them within their armour. "And of course, use it to transform into other beings just in case. If you find yourself in a predicament with water, a Water-Type will be beneficial. Head to the Galar Region at once." With that Celestia sent off her forces to the Galar Region, wishing them her best. She had to since this was the Dread League. They would go to extreme lengths just to achieve victory. Celestia's seen it. Everyone's seen it. Whether it's their many curses or the Box of 100 Demons that was now down to only 99 after one of them reverted to its original biology. Anything the Dread League does was critical and had to be dealt with immediately. Magehold. Afternoon. On the topic of the Dread League, over at Magehold, with some of the Dread League heading out to cause more trouble, Opal Vivacity, a well-known vampire was too occupied out there. Instead, she took the time to do her massive mane which possessed the power to change fate. This was her example of being occupied as her mane was being tended to by other vampires. As for her whereabouts, instead of the castle where she usually lurks around, she was residing in a massive manor that was only south of the Lich Queen's Castle. Having her mane done in this large manor while raising her head in a posh manner made her uppity and pompous. Then again, she always was, but this elevated it. In this room were various jewels and flash accessories that were perfect for any fashionable appearance. Next to them were pictures of Opal Vivacity herself in various poses, trying to look her best. If it was not clear already, this was her home. But it wasn't just her and these other vampires that were in here. "Sister?" Entering the room was none other than Fractured Note. The servant to the Lich Queen Rosa Maledicta. He called out for his little sister upon entering. "Hm. Smells like Rift in here." Fractured grimaced for a bit when the scent of Rift Energy passed through the room. "Yes. The cosmic power coming from my mane is splendid, isn't it? It makes me feel grandiose, honestly." The vanity vampire would brag about her beauty. "If I could harness it into the form of a perfume, I would most definitely give it a name. I'm thinking Cosmic Opal. How does that sound, brother?" "Anyway...you missed another request from the others. They're probably over at the Galar Region by now." "Another one? Oh, I pity them. My mane's stellar ability to change fate is so wonderful and prized that they want me on every mission for a guaranteed chance of success." Opal would arrogantly chuckle. "They've become too dependent on me. And I love it." "Of course you do. Then again, maybe you've become too dependent on that power you stole." Fractured Note gave his retort which immediately made the other vampires scrunch their faces, ceasing their work on Opal Vivaicty's massive mane. "Hm?!" Opal reacted to that reply. "Jealous of my sudden growth, brother?" "No not really. Nothing a good haircut can't fix. It's not like it's infallible anyway. But since you're still here and haven't left in a while, we still have work to do. Her majesty's starting to recover and we're just about this close to starting the Black Crusade." Fractured Note explained. "I will go at my own pace. The Necropillars I planned will be done soon and the complete control of Yveltal is inevitable. Among other things. Allow me to relax, alright?" "You've relaxed for many years. We've been hidden from Equestria for so long that we haven't done much. You at least put in a lot of effort during the past few months but that's about it." Fractured Note shook his head. "That's right. The past few months. So now I'm going to take a break from that...Even if I'm striving for revenge!" Opal suddenly exclaimed, slamming her hoof against the table, chipping a piece off. "Khh...I'm still rather bitter about how my previous plan failed. Most of Equestria was supposed to receive colossal damage and they just so happened to have the means to stop it." "That was your own fault. Just saying." Fractured Note said which prompted his little sister to grizzle her teeth at him. "Even with that mane, you're still shy of what you want to be." "Silence! The power to change fate is nothing to scoff at!" Opal roared at her big brother. "I am at least focusing on finding Xerneas, which is harder than it looks by the way! What have you even done recently? All you've done is stay here, next to the Lich Queen!" "I'm her loyal servant, that's my role. She will only send me out when I am absolutely needed. Recently, I've been tasked with a few things. I'm the one keeping an eye on Fantina and her actions and even overseeing Yveltal's actions. I'm here to keep things from falling apart from the slightest bit of scrutiny that might show up." "Keeping an eye on Fantina is an important task? What can she even do? Aside from that?!" Opal scoffed before aiming her hoof at the large cherry blossom tree that was outside. The tree that resembled the Heavenly Maiden of the Milky Way who even looked like Cresselia was the only major impact Fantina had left so far. "Is that not important enough? I quite like it." Fractured Note, much like many others, liked the Heavenly Maiden tree. "Sure, it doesn't fit here and it sticks out like a sore wing, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't beautiful. Isn't she something?" "Hmph. Nothing compared to me." Opal grumbled, finding herself to be more attractive than the Heavenly Maiden. "Well, it's time for dinner. Merry's already waiting there." Fractured would leave the room, waiting for Opal Vivacity to join him and his even younger sister over at the dinner table. Before she would leave her room, Opal would look back outside, gazing at the Heavenly Maiden Tree. When looking at it, all she could think about was Fantina. Despite the murmurs and disdain for having a human here, who especially got along well with the vampiric youth, Fantina left an impact that stunned many. Her presence here wasn't as hated as it was before but the hate was still there. Especially from Opal Vivacity. As for her manor, it was, as to be expected, absolutely beautiful. The dark aesthetic it had complimented the manor well. Laurels and wreaths of thorns hung from the walls which were all next to various paintings. These paintings appeared to be of other vampires who bared strong resemblances to Fractured Note, Opal Vivacity and Merry Dread. Similarities in their appearances compared to these modern-day vampire ponies were very present with some deviating from that. While walking down the stairway, bats would fly past Opal Vivacity before then transforming into other vampire ponies. Waiting for her in this dark room was her family, which consisted of only Fractured Note and Merry Dread. The dinner table for this family was unnecessarily long as it stretched to great lengths. Fractured Note sat at the very end while Merry Dread sat on the side. Which meant that the other end was for Opal. But right as she went for the dinner table, her eyes were stunned by the sight before her. "What is this?!" Opal gasped after witnessing multiple Pokemon suddenly on the dinner table. Ghost-Type Pokemon were frantically moving across the dining room, getting up to their usual mischief. "Oooh...Merry!" Immediately, all of her attention was pointed at Merry Dread. "What? They're hungry too. I was surprised to learn that Ghosts need food. I didn't think they did since...ya know..." "Merry. Remove them from the table at once." Opal ordered. "Pokemon shouldn't be on the dinner table. Especially when they're moving around like this." "Says who?" Merry questioned. "Says me," Opal replied before ducking her head, evading an incoming Misdreavus that was flying about. "You brought them all here? And when did you even catch so many of them?" "I've been busy. I took the time to catch some Pokemon of my own. I only had one and after that everything that happened back in Manehattan, I got inspired to catch more. Multiple Pokemon have a lot of benefits, ya know. And I learned that the hard way." "They do have their benefits...but they still should not be on the table. It's not like they'll be here forever." "Yes, they will. Ghost-Types live forever. Duh. As far as it goes, they'll be here longer than us." Merry shrugged, receiving a piercing stare from Opal. "She has a point. By the time we're gone, they'll be eating the food in here for future generations to witness." Fractured Note agreed with Merry Dread, much to the chagrin of Opal Vivacity. "Don't back her up! Opal yelled. "One of these days you'll listen to my orders, Merry." "Baha! Keep dreaming!" Merry wheezed. "You're only the middle child, which means you have no power over me!" "Ugh..." Fractured Note sat down as a family squabble had begun. "It's always these two..." "You're the one who introduced Pokemon to us. You used to snoop across Equestria, bringing in information for us and now all of a sudden Pokemon aren't cool? The Ghosts can phase through things so it's not that big of a deal." "Stubborn girl. I hope you realize that the reason you'll never see these Pokemon again is because they'll be skeletons by the end of it all." Opal smirked, making Merry's pupils shrink. "S-Skeletons...?" "Obviously. The Black Crusade involves everyone aside from us. Every Pokemon out there will be swept up by Yveltal's dark wave, losing their lives immediately. That will leave her majesty to bring them all back as skeletons. So in a way, you'll see them just not in their proper forms. And without all of this annoyance flying around." "But...I thought we were going to keep the Pokemon because they're so strong!" Merry Dread sat up. "Is this true, big brother?!" "It's true." Fractured Note confirmed it. "The Black Crusade will consume all aside from us. It's mainly because of our long lifespans that the Black Crusade also exists." "There you have it." Opal gave a smug smile to her little sister. "So don't get cosy. After all, the Black Crusade is fairly close so these will be some of the last moments you see them. You weren't supposed to get attached to them anyway." "Well, I did okay!" Merry slammed her hooves on the table, startling Opal. By slamming her hooves, one of her Curse Magics went off, affecting the table by slowly melting it. "I caught all these Ghost-Types because they have no bones, so I'll always have an easier time against my opponents! They'll be stuck, unable to do anything while my Ghosts do all the work!" "Genius, I'll give you that. But as if you needed them for that in the first place. Going solo back at Manehattan wasn't exactly your smartest play, sister." "It's because of what happened in Manehattan that I got them. Plus, they're a lot more fun to be around than you!" Merry bared her vampiric fangs. "At least the Pokemon will spend time with me!" "That time is limited. And as if I'd indulge in your childish acts anyway." Opal flipped her mane. "You still play around as if you are a child. Grow up. Then again, the Pokemon suit you because of how rooted in child-like behaviour they are." "Ohh...You always want to ruin things for me Opal!" Merry Dread closed her eyes as she was already riled up. Her blood was boiling due to this heated conversation between the sisters. "Why can't you just butt out for once! You have Pokemon of your own, don't you?!" "Only temporarily. Eventually, it will no longer be mine. End of story." "Technically..." Fractured Note would finally say something in all of this as the older sibling. "Not all Pokemon will have succumbed to it." "What?!" Opal and Merry both said as Fractured Note knew something they didn't. "I mean, you should've known this from the start." But in reality, in his words, it was something that should've always been known. "The Black Crusade is meant to affect all living things. And unfortunately, not all Ghost-Types are full-on spirits. Some are still living things but most are spirits that can have physical forms. So in the end, you'll still have some Ghost-Types around but some will be gone. Is that good enough for both of you?" "So...there's a chance!" Merry had a bright smile on her face before pumping her hooves into the air. "Woohoo! I mean it's gonna suck when some of 'em are gone but still!" "Way to ruin the enjoyment, brother." Opal crossed her hooves, upset that Fractured Note brought some balance to this, even though it was in the favour of Merry Dread. "Enjoy it while you can. Let us eat already." "Hah..." Fractured Note was glad that he managed to put an end to this conversation. Right as his sisters went to eat the food that was waiting there, the older sibling would turn around, facing the picture behind him. This picture was larger than the others in this house as it was wide enough to take up an entire wall. And on that picture was another pony who resembled the three siblings. But this time, she was the closest to them than the others across the wall. She had Opal's elegant manestyle before she stole Bayleef's ability with a bit of a ponytail on it. Fractured Note's coat and Merry Dread mane colour pattern. "Mother. What am I to do with these two?" Fractured Note said as the pony in that picture was none other than the mother of these three vampires, thus granting her the biggest picture in this house. Eating in here would be rather silent as there was still tension between them. Merry Dread was eating like there was no tomorrow, and for her Pokemon, it felt like it since only some of them would be exempt from the Black Crusade. Thinking about it, Merry Dread would not see all of them again. Only a handful. While she would have that handful with her, it was still rather disheartening to know that some would perish. And that made her rather upset while consuming her delicacy. "If you wish for more knowledge on Pokemon, Merry, then you should go and meet with Fantina." Fractured Note saw her sister's expression change, suggesting that she went to visit Fantina. "Visit Fantina? Why bring that up?" Opal questioned as another conversation had been born. "If anyone knows more about Ghost-Type Pokemon, it's her. She's the expert, being a Gym Leader and all. You caught these Pokemon for battle advantage, Merry. So go to her and gain some pointers. There's a lot about Ghost-Types that you should know and it would be embarrassing if the children knew more. Which they do." "Oh, you're right!" Merry Dread stood up, realizing how useful that would be. "Duh. I should've done that first. Not one for being taught but...just this once." "Be careful around that Fantina character though." Opal halted Merry Dread. "Even though her majesty has altered her memories and brought her to our side. I don't trust her one bit." "Why? Afraid she'll regain control?" Fractured asked. "That's exactly it. I've seen it firsthoof. Even before they knew of our existence. Fantina and those like her have this innate ability to break free of whatever is holding them back. Who's to say she won't find a way to free her mind?" "Don't judge her majesty's power. It would take someone of her calibre to free Fantina's mind." Fractured Note shook his head. "And besides, the children love Fantina. Some have started to see her impressive talents." "Hmph. They can't be that impressive." Opal looked to the side. "It's all about Fantina nowadays. That rather irks me. Sure she stands about but...must all the attention be on her?" "They've even complimented her beauty. Not as much as the tree but still. And she's an amazing dancer, stylist and hairdresser." Fractured Note continued. "Hang on...Those sound an awful lot like my skills!" Opal gasped. "They do. They've even compared you to her. I don't blame them. Even if she's been around a small group, I can imagine she can get out there and dazzle the others. If they wish to. Not everyone is too keen on her apart from the children and even the potion maker, Ebony Rhyme." "Bah! Makes sense that a defect like her would be around Fantina! I'll go and pay her a visit for the first time..." Opal narrowed her eyes as they would flash dark blue. "Since these claims are flying in. Comparing her to me? I should remind them who I am. I am Magehold's Most Fashionable Pony!" "Good luck with that. But I wouldn't underestimate Fantina...whatever it is you're planning." Fractured Note warned his little sister. "Why should I worry? What can she offer? Apart from maybe knowledge about Xerneas. Maybe I can use that." Opal Vivacity would walk off just to meet with Fantina. "You're gonna let her go through with it?" Merry Dread looked over at Fractured, surprised by his choice of words. "Why?" "Why not? It'll be fun won't it?" Fractured put on a soft smile. "Opal hasn't been competitive after she used her magic to decrease the competition. And Fantina is an interesting one. All humans are interesting to me, just as much as the Pokemon." "Fair enough. I gotta see this if it's public. Oh...I can't imagine what'll happen!" Merry Dread cackled, already thinking of the best possible scenarios in her head. "But it is also my duty to watch over Fantina. Before I get there...whatever my sister pulls, be careful, Gym Leader." As the journey continues. Chapter 53 End.