Equestria. Ponyville. Twilight's Castle. Day.
Quite a lot has happened recently. Mainly with how events were increasing. A few days ago, the Changeling Queen Chrysalis has been gravely injured by Rosa Maledicta, potentially nearing the end of her life. And the current Changeling Ruler was now Thorax, who took this role after Chrysalis asked him too. She saw the most potential in her after all. Tensions were growing and from what Twilight found out, the Black Crusade was close by.
"Do you think Thorax will be okay? Taking charge of the entire Hive?" Twilight asked Spike about Thorax's current situation.
"Uh, not sure." Spike shrugged as that was hard to say in every way. "I could try calling him but maybe he's not ready for that. Let's uh, give him a few days or so."
"I'm afraid we might not have that much time, Spike. The Lich Queen's grown so furious that she's speeding up her plan. With Yveltal on her side, any faults in the Black Crusade can be ignored with that much destructive power." Twilight shook her head. "But...Let's forget about that for now. What should we do today? We have our options."
"Well, I'm still focusing on my work as Dragon Trainer. I'll probably head to that special mountain pass where all the other dragons gather up. What about you?"
"I promised I'd take Eve to her favourite place for a while. But she has a lot to choose from and I definitely can't choose." She shook her head, promising to give Espeon some time to relax and take a break from all of this. She did experience what it was like to go up against the Lich Queen after all.
"You'll think of something. Hopefully, you don't run into the Dread League anywhere. That'd be a shame, wouldn't it?"
"It would. But...I have faith that Galaxy Master will show up again. He's on our side now." Twilight smiled as Equestria had a powerful ally in the form of Galaxy Master. "But I would like to meet him again. Apparently, he's got somepony working with him. Not just his Pokemon but another pony."
"Who?" Spike asked.
"She goes by the name Potion Nova. She uses potions to get things done as the name suggests. I've heard about potions before obviously, but for the most part, I never bothered looking into them. I always stuck to these." Twilight poked her horn, relying on standard magic. "Oh! I bet if we ask her, we'll know where Galaxy Master is! She's always with him, isn't she?!"
"Yeah. But do you even know where she is?" Spike questioned as Twilight was eager to head out and find this Potion Nova.
"She lives at a place called Mareflower. That's her hometown and where we can find her. Call Ash since he's been looking for Galaxy Master. I think we can get this over with as soon as possible."
Mareflower. Potion Nova's Green House. Afternoon.
Mareflower. It wasn't just home to the pony known as Potion Nova but it was once the home of Ebony Rhyme, a vampire who now lives in Magehold. Potion Nova and Ebony Rhyme were good childhood friends before being separated. Not much has changed about the place ever since the two of them were children. Other than the fact that Potion Nova had her own base separate from Galaxy Master's base which exists in another dimension.
Bringing Ash along, it wasn't that hard to find Potion Nova's whereabouts. She wasn't exactly secretive apart from her mysterious potion-making skills. And when looking at her Green House, there was a massive Potion Beaker that was also a chimney, letting out potion bubbles. It seemed like something was already brewing in there. It was very easy to find her indeed with something like this out in the open, sticking out from the rest of the buildings in this town.
"Hello?" Twilight would knock on the door, calling for Potion Nova. "Is Potion Nova here?" When knocking on the door, she would get a response. But it wasn't a voice. Instead, her action on the door would reveal something. A potion would drop from above without Twilight and the others noticing, crashing next to her. Twilight pulled back as the effects of the potion kicked in instantly.
The potion affected the entrance, suddenly duplicating the doors. New doors would rapidly appear, covering the different parts of the walls with Ash and the others watching in amazement. They experienced a potion at work for the first time and it appeared to be Entrance Duplication.
"Oh, nice!" An amazed Ash and Spike collectively exclaimed.
"Duplicates?!" Twilight gasped. "Is she trying to juke us out? One of these entrances is obviously fake if she's trying to keep us out or something."
"No, it's just numerous entrances for you to choose from." The owner of this house, Potion Nova herself would finally speak, appearing via a window view. "They lead to different places in the-" She would pause for a moment, eyeing down the individuals beneath her. Her eyes widened before she opened the window. "No way! Aren't you Ash?!"
"Yeah?" Ash spoke as Potion Nova focused on him mainly.
"Great! Come on in, quick!" Potion Nova gladly invited him in. Most likely, it was to do with her partner Galaxy Master. After all, he wished to see Ash as well, but the Dread League have certainly kept him busy. Ash, Twilight and Spike had numerous doors to choose from which would all lead to different areas within the Green House. Feeling adventurous as always, they would each choose a different door, opening them simultaneously. The doors would let off radiant lights that they gravitated towards as if they were entering a new world. It reminded them of the gateways and whenever they would pass through.
And each of them would end up in different rooms that all had potions sitting there. Tables, shelves and cases of potions galore for all of them to witness. Potion Nova had copies of the same potions all perfectly categorized and next to each other to avoid any confusion.
Each room looked the same with these potions all stacked and organized but depending on the room, different categories of potions could be found. Spike found himself in a room full of Emotion-based potions. Twilight walked into an affliction-based Potion room. And Ash ended up in a room full of potions that were based around affecting objects and the environment.
"Great to meet with you, Ash! I thought we'd come to you but you came to us instead." Potion Nova ended up in the room that Ash chose, coming to him. Joining her was her partner Pokemon Galarian Rapidash would gallop into the room. "But here you are!"
"Hey. Potion Nova, I'm guessing?" Ash greeted her.
"That's right. The one and only." Potion Nova bowed her head along with Rapidash, showing respect. "It's great to finally meet you. You made quite a name for yourself these past 4 years, haven't you? Or has it been 5 years? I've lost track."
"Gee, thanks. Nice place you got here. All these potions...Way different from what we've got." Ash admired the scenery. The potions he mainly knew about were only based around healing Pokemon if they were badly injured or afflicted with something.
"I appreciate it. Years of my craft are here for everyone to see. And boy, it wasn't easy. It took at least 2 years for hooves to stop being so red from making so many potions." Potion Nova held her hooves up. "It was all worth it. I've expanded my knowledge and boundaries on what Potions I can make. But enough about me. Let's focus on why you're here."
"Yeah. You've been working with Galaxy Master this whole time, right? You two show up whenever the Dread League gets up to something and always gets in her way. That's so cool! It's just like what I wanted to add in my story when I was a kid!" Ash envisioned something like this when he was a child, giving Galaxy Master a partner that he would work alongside with. Potion Nova seemed to fit that bill.
"I guess I am." Potion Nova shrugged. "I didn't think it would be me though...Anyway. You've been looking for him and he's been looking for you as well. But he hasn't had the time to do so. Truth is...Galaxy Master could always show up at Kanto whenever he wants."
"Yeah?" Ash would take a seat, ready to listen to whatever Potion Nova had to say.
"The gateway to Pallet Town is the only one that never left compared to the others, so it stands to reason most would know about it. Truth is, I've been working with Galaxy Master right after that whole Galaxy Tower mess that happened up in space. I was working on a potion that would help me travel across dimensions."
"Oh, really! You've got a potion for that?!"
"Pikachu?!"
"I do. But it's hard to make. The hardest one I've done so far and I use it sparingly. I'm not able to go with Galaxy Master on every mission out there since I'm conserving it. When I first used that potion, it's how I found him in another dimension. That's also where his Galaxy Tower can be found."
"So then... what's this other dimension? Does he live there now?"
"Away from Equestria. It's a dimension that exists in our world that's already populated. It looks like it's always been there and Galaxy Master's been protecting it as well. He's actually been alternating between the two worlds, defending that dimension and stopping the Dread League."
"Awesome..." Ash smiled with amazement on his face. Galaxy Master was being a Hero on both sides this whole time. Granted, this also meant that he was very busy for a reason and struggled to meet up with Ash. "So what's up with this other dimension then?"
"You'd think it'd be its own planet, but nope. It's as large as let's say...Maybe the Everfree Forest or even a city at best. Some dimensions are their own worlds but this one isn't. It may be small but it has a big problem that he's trying to figure out. He would visit you if he could, Ash, but he's been so busy with this and that. I hope you can understand."
"I totally do." Thankfully, Ash understood it perfectly. He had no issues with it. "He's just doing his best, that's all. And you're helping him out to handle things. I get it."
"Oh. Wonderful!" Potion Nova squeed. "Glad you understand! Even so, would you like to meet him now?"
"Oh yeah! I really wanna see him! And maybe even help him out." Ash would still love to see Galaxy Master. "He's based around my dad and that's the closest I'm ever gonna see him, ya know. Do you think I can head there right now?"
Sure. But, it'll be tough for your friends to come over. The Dimension Potion's already running low. One drink of it and you can travel through dimensions but I did say it's hard to make." Potion Nova warned. She would then use her magic to summon the Dimension Potion here, giving Ash and Pikachu the chance to look at it.
Lo and behold, the colours of the potion resembled that of the Rift. Blue and Purple with stars continuously sparkling and glimmering from within. "Woah! Is that the Rift?"
"Ah, right. I used Rift Energy to help make this possible. It's the only known way to travel through dimensions aside from the Pokemon that can make that happen. Because of how the world's united, very few traces of the Rift are left. I only discovered dimensional travel during the third Pokemon Festival and even then, I stuck with going through the potions more than anything." She explained. "This is all I have, so share his with your friends carefully."
"Got it." Ash passed the potion, nodding in understanding. His one opportunity to meet up with Galaxy Master was here. All he needed to do was drink this potion and he could enter the dimension that his fictional creation was residing.
"Oh! I should probably check up on your friends!" Potion Nova gasped, galloping away with Rapidash. "Just in case something happens to my potions! Hold on for a moment!"
Leaving Ash and Pikachu to themselves, the duo would stare at the Dimensional Potion. Granted, Potion Nova specifically said that they could cross dimensions. She didn't exactly say it would take them to one dimension. It seemed like there were many possibilities with this potion. It could be considered a substitute for the missing gateways. Ash was this close to meeting up with Galaxy Master once more.
"Amazing..." Twilight was busy admiring all the potions here, being careful not to touch any of them. Despite what she said about never seeing a point in studying potions, she was impressed and interested in Potion Nova's craft.
"Like it?" Potion Nova would suddenly appear behind Twilight, startling her.
"Oh!" She would almost crash into the potions only to instinctively catch herself with her magic. "Y-Yeah...Nice place you have here. All of these potions..."
"This is just the Affliction Room. You haven't seen anything yet. I've got other rooms for specific potions and what they're supposed to do." Potion Nova held up a Patience Potion. "Wanna see the rest of it? Oh, wait, I just promised Ash I'd take him to see Galaxy Master now. Nevermind. Forget what I just said."
"I'd love to either way. Maybe later. But you made all of this? While still using unicorn magic?"
"Best of both worlds." She tapped her horn. "I know I have regular magic but as a child, I was also very interested in making potions. Just the process and all the possibilities that come from them...It's just so much fun. And it was worth diving into Potion Making. Nopony else knew how to do it that I could find so I had to learn by myself."
"Just you? No teachers?"
"Nope. Just me. Well, I had a friend who helped out when we were both kids but...She's doing her own thing." Potion Nova scrunched, referring to Ebony Rhyme. "Anyway, if you're interested, I could always be the Potion Teacher that nopony else ever had. I-If you want, that is. No pressure."
"I'll think about it. So, what about Galaxy Master? You're working alongside with him, aren't you?"
"I am. I told Ash everything, so don't worry about it. All you need to know is that we're heading over to the dimension he's living a right now. Are you ready for that?"
"I'm used to travelling through worlds by now, even with the decrease of gateways. Let's do it." Twilight was ready to enter another dimension. It was casual for her at this point. It was now off to see Galaxy Master and reunite him with Ash. That was all that mattered. And Twilight would definitely do whatever she could to make Ash happy.
Eventually, they all gathered up in the same room Ash was in. There, the DImension Potion, which was relatively low, was within Ash's grasp still. While it was incredibly low, it was enough for most of them to use it. To make sure it wasn't all wasted, Twilight, Spike and Potion Nova would return their Pokemon to their Poke Balls. They would be brought into the other dimension that way without needing the potion.
"Alright. The potion's effect can last up to 10 hours. Drink it and you can cross dimensions. Drink it again and you'll be brought back to the dimension you originally came from. Which is here, so that's straightforward. Galaxy Master can help you get home if we run out too. Be careful though. It took me a while to reach the dimension where Galaxy Master's tower is. There's a powerful ripple that will try and knock you off the Dimensional Tunnel, sending you elsewhere. So follow my lead and stay firm, okay?"
"Okay. Got it." Ash and everyone understood. It was all about being careful since this wasn't as simple as travelling through a gateway. There was some risks here. They would finally begin with Ash being the first to drink the potion, only going for a bit of it so that everyone else can get a chance. Afterwards, he would pass it on to Pikachu, who would also have small drops.
"Pika." Pikachu then passed it on to Twilight, taking small drops as well as the potion was already starting to lose its liquid. Potion Nova scrunched her face when seeing how low it was getting. But she had nothing to fear considering Galaxy Master could also cross dimensions. Then it was off to Spike who took a quick sip and finally, Potion Nova, who drank enough to the point where the bottle was on the brink of being empty. It was barely hanging in there.
And once everyone drank the potion, they felt their bodies suddenly surge. Ash took a deep breath as dimensional energy pulsated through his body, letting out cosmic sparkles. Twilight felt the same with her eyes widening, her pupils gaining the patterns of the celestial skies. Spike's scales were filled with stars too and Pikachu's red sacs received a similar treatment. Potion Nova had her mane light up with stars as they all had different feelings when drinking the potion.
"Brace yourselves!" Potion Nova exclaimed as things instantly changed for them. Their bodies were flung elsewhere at light speed, causing them to vanish from this room and Mareflower entirely. Their eyes only saw one thing next. A tunnel.
A Tunnel of Space appeared in a flash, replacing everything else that their eyes laid upon. It was a rather thrilling and instant sight. Even with the gateways, those are easy to bare with how calm and gentle they usually are. But this was different. It was exhilarating and hyperactive.
And since it was so different, it was difficult for them to stay stable. The Tunnel of Dimensions rippled violently around them. There wasn't even enough time to take all of this in. They were in for a wild ride indeed. And from this point onwards, they had to be careful if they wanted to meet with Galaxy Master, otherwise, they would end up elsewhere as the journey continues.
Chapter 107 End.