//------------------------------//
// Pursuit for the Box 
// Story: My Little Pokémon: Grander World 
// by Amarvax 
//------------------------------//

Chrysalis' own Space. A Flowery Paradise.

That same field from before. Only existing in Chrysalis' mind during her most vulnerable state. She ended up here once again and it was most definitely because she was in her most vulnerable state yet. Struck by a Curse caused by Rosa Maledicta, the Changeling Queen was suffering on the outside but here, she was at peace. She sat on the beautiful bed of flowers under the bright sky. Skies so bright they lit everything up.

But Chrysalis knew that even though this was beautiful, it did not correlate with what was happening outside. This was all fake and a way to make her feel better, but Chrysalis wasn't feeling any solace when she knew what was happening out there.

"It's been weeks...and I have no idea what my condition is. I left everything up to Thorax, putting all my faith in him." She has been here for weeks now ever since she was hit by the curse, having only this scenery to comfort her. Nothing has happened and it seemed like the only thing she could do was wait for the Curse to take her out. But Chrysalis had hope that she would make it. She wasn't sure how and she was still waiting for it.

That is until something finally happened. At last. Chrysalis opened her eyes to see a dark flicker materializing. It stood out from everything here. It looked like this space of hers was cracking as something was tearing into it. Chrysalis finally stood up, moving at last instead of just sitting on the bed of flowers.

"Who's there?" She asked. She got her answer immediately as not one, not two, but multiple beings started flying out of the crack. The crack expanded, growing in size with each entity that flew out of it, appearing in this flower-filled space.

And these entities were none other than the 100 Demons. Or rather 98 as some of them were absent. Chrysalis' eyes widened as these 98 Demons descended, entering her space.

"W-What are you all doing here?!" She readied herself, expecting the worst now that the demons have shown up. She recognized none of these demons from anywhere. Not a single one gave her any memories. The only one she knows about is the Centipede Demon and she regressed it into its original form, making the Box one demon short. Chrysalis was ready to take them all on even if she was on her lonesome. All these demons were once prisoners from Tartarus and creatures across Equestria, becoming terrifying versions of their original selves.

However, they did not attack her. Even with all of these demons here, they showed no signs of hostility whatsoever. Chrysalis actually felt to. She gasped for a moment, suddenly gaining a new sensation. Something that she never had before until now and it only happened until the Demons showed up here.

"This feeling..." Chrysalis looked at her hooves, trembling for a moment before looking back at the demons. That strange feeling she was getting was coming from the 98 Demons. There was something different about them and Chrysalis could tell.

She compared this feeling to when she first encountered the Centipede Demon. The entire encounter was terrifying and violent. Everything about that moment drove Chrysalis to the edge and she believed these demons would give off a similar feeling. But not at all. Instead, she felt something comforting.

Something familiar.

"It's coming from all of you? Why does it feel so familiar?" Chrysalis questioned. She was waiting for an answer, however, these demons, for the most part, were rather feral. Not all of them could form sentences. However, since some used to be Tartarus Prisoners, they would speak.

"It should be familiar. You made us, Queen Chrysalis." One of the demons stepped forward, appearing as a Cobra with twelve legs. "All of us are your creations and you should only feel a sense of familiarity."

"I know that but...It feels comforting. Why? Why now?"

"It's because of the condition you're in. Just like when mourned for you," Another demon who appeared as a bulbous entity spoke. It brought up the time multiple demons started crying in response to Chrysalis. This was done at the same event when she unleashed hidden fury against the Centipede Demon. "Your tears prompted us to cry as well."

"That was my doing?" Chrysalis gasped. Now she knew who caused all of that crying during the attack on the Third Pokemon Festival. She was the cause of it since the demons responded to her emotions. "You responded to my emotions too? How come you've never shown up all those other times?"

"You were never powerful enough to do so. But ever since you took on this new form, you've grown, creator." Another demon answered. "Our emotions are tied to you. And right now, we are powerless as to what is happening outside."

"What? What's happening out there?" She asked.

"We all showed up to warn you. The Box we all reside in is being fought over. The Dread League have come."



Equestria. Faye Mountain. 

Indeed, the Dread League have attacked the Changeling Hive. And already, panic and chaos had emerged from it. It was the Despair Plants that came crashing in, surprising the Changelings. A group of Cordyceps rained some explosive seeds, damaging the homes of the Changelings as they were joined by the fused Despair Plant Triphyophyllums.

The draconic Despair Plants caused the most damage, breathing out a stream of destructive black flames. The vampires would also storm the hive from below alongside some Despair Plant Cobras, attacking the Changelings. However, it wasn't just the Changelings they encountered but also the Fairy-Type Pokemon that lived here with them at the Faye Mountains.

It didn't take long for the Changeling Hive to spiral out of control. And of course, their main objective was the Box of 100 Demons which they once had and were now aiming to retrieve it. Melody Moon was the one who chose to take it back, only to encounter someone who was already protecting it.

"Y-You're not getting this box!" Thorax was holding onto the Box of 100 Demons while backing away from Melody Moon. The singing Vampire already used her magic around the Changeligns that stood in her way and that was by using Fire to her advantage. There was an array of Fire around and in the Changeling Hive, thanks to the current attack and this would even benefit Melody Moon thanks to what her magic was capable of. As she hummed her melody, she started manipulating the flames themselves with this beautiful but cruel music.

"Unlike most vampires, I can actually use Fire to my advantage. Watch as the Flames dance to my Melody and chase you down. You won't be leaving here with that box~" Melody sang as the flames would fly forward, approaching Thorax as if they were fearsome

"Zo! Zorua!" Jumping in front of his Trainer was Zorua. He immediately made his entrance, intercepting the flames with Hyper Voice. A powerful blast of sound came flying out, meeting Melody's Dancing Flames. They managed to block the flames while also startling Melody Moon thanks to how loud the soundwaves are.

"Tch! You dare try and drown my voice out?!"

"Zo...!"

"Unfortunately for you, the flames I control will dance around whatever you do next. Like so~" In response to her voice, the flames would start dancing, flying to the side and changing their movements.

The flames started slithering as if they were snakes while Melody stayed in the middle, avoiding any damage. She was still a vampire after all. Thorax and Zorua would then run and fly as fast as they could while the flames ate away at the hive. 

Thorax couldn't afford to engage as he didn't want to risk any damage being done to the box. But Zorua would take that risk, shooting out a Shadow Ball from his mouth.

Melody would then form a wall of flames which intercepted the Shadow Ball, consuming it. Afterwards, those same flames accelerated, homing in on Zorua and Thorax. Zorua gasped before jumping through a hole that Thorax already went through. The hole was small enough to fit them both while the flames crashed right into it.

A bit of the flames managed to enter the hole but did not fully reach the duo. Not when they took one of the paths within this hole. Melody was unable to see them past the hole as her own flames were blocking the view. With this advantage, Thorax and Zorua escaped the sights of Melody Moon.

"No way you're avoiding me that easily." She scowled before raising her voice. With her music intensifying, so did the flames. She bashed them against the walls that had many holes to choose from, immediately causing a fiery explosion to go off. She would start burning away as much as she could, just to clear the space easily.

Even though they were caught by a surprise attack, the Changelings did not let themselves fall so easily. After Ghetsis and even the Centipede Demon, they wouldn't let the worst happen again. And with the Fairy-Type Pokemon to aid their already massive numbers, they could hold their own.

Speaking of massive numbers, that was what the Changelings exceeded at. Since there were so many of them in and out of this hive, they gave the Dread League plenty to focus on. And since every single one of them had a Pokemon of their own, it would be harder to mow through them as they previously thought.

The holes of the hives which had multiple pathways that led to different areas were being incinerated as Melody Moon hunted down the Box of 100 Demons, ruining the network the Changelings had made. At this rate, they might end up losing their new home.

Thorax and Zorua managed to gauge some distance from Melody Moon. At the moment, they were away from their sights. They took some time to breathe while hearing the flames viciously roar in the distance. "Okay...I think I already know what I want to do. I want to get this box away from the hive as soon as possible."

"Zorua?"

"That's right. This is what they want more than anything since they used to use it. As long as it never gets into their hooves, they'll lose their biggest advantage. I just need to figure out where to take it..." Thorax thought for a moment, trying to come up with the best possible place to hide the Box of 100 Demons away from the Dread League. Unsure of what location would be the best choice, he resorted to asking a friend of his. And that came in the form of the Xtransceiver. He would quickly take the Xtransceiver out, looking at his list of friends which was rather massive, ranging from other changelings to humans, ponies, dragons and Pokemon.

And his decision for this would be a pony. Specifically, Starlight Glimmer. He selected her Trainer ID before leaning forward, wanting to keep quiet in case any vampires were hearing. They did have slightly heightened hearing after all. After a bit of ringing, Starlight answered.

"Thorax? What is it?"

"Hi, Starlight...Having a bit of a problem here." Thorax said, with a lowered voice. "Pardon the low voice but the Dread League are currently here and-"

"It's for the Box of 100 Demons, isn't it?" Starlight answered before Thorax could even finish his sentence.

"Y-You knew?"

"Ash figured that they would go there pretty early on since they used to have it before we managed to retrieve it. And they're there right now, right?"

"And going wild. Everyone's doing their best right now and I just want to try and get that box away from them. W-Where are you and do you have any ideas on where to put it?"

"Right now, I'm heading over to Magehold with the Crystal Empire. We're about to finally tackle the main place and get everyone that's been captured back as soon as possible. All we have to go is get past the Hyperborean Island."

"Straight to Magehold? Okay then...But I might need a lot of help here."

"I'll try and send some over. Don't worry. Just keep that Box safe. I don't know where to put it, unfortunately, but hold on tight. I can speak to Shining Armor for you."

"T-That's great. I'll do my best to keep it safe." Thorax sighed as he could at least smile knowing that help would come. Even with the Changeling Numbers being so large, the Dread League were still terrifyingly powerful to handle. He didn't have a place to hide the box, unfortunately. For now, he just had to make sure it was safe. He hung up the call, ready to get out there and continue protecting his hive. He was now the king so he had to.

"There you are." A voice spoke to him, instantly jump scaring Thorax. He believed it was Melody Moon who had tracked him down based on that sentence. However, that was not the case. Instead, it was another Changeling. Specifically, his brother Pharynx.

"You still have the box too."

"Ah...you scared me...I didn't even hear you coming." Thorax sighed. "Yeah. I still have it. I tried thinking of a place to hide it but nothing comes to mind. Right now, I guess I just have to defend it from them. Plus, this is connected to Queen Chrysalis. If something bad were to happen to it..."

"Mmrgh. If we were still our old selves this wouldn't be happening, you know?" Pharynx scowled, bringing up the old changelings. Pharynx himself was a bridge between the Old and the New. A perfect representation of those two sides. "If we were our old selves, those vampires would be long gone by now."

"I mean, maybe. But we should at least try and work with what we have right now, Pharynx. Help is coming and we need to do all that we can to protect our home. We can't do anything about those Despair Plants, unfortunately. We don't have the light that can harm them, I'm afraid."

"That's true. I can't argue against that. What can we do about those plants?"

"Hmm..." Thorax thought for a moment, thinking as hard as he could. The Despair Plants were the biggest problem here since there was a lack of Pure Light to take them down.

"I've got something actually." Pharynx was the one who came up with something and the answer was already right in front of him.

"What?" Thorax asked.

"...We could use that." Pharynx aimed his hoof at the Box of 100 Demons, choosing to use that as a way of retaliation. Thorax gasped once Pharynx suggested the usage of the Box. "There has to be something in there that can stop those plants."

"Use the box?! Are you sure?!"

"Zorua?!"

"I'm very sure! Let's use it! If it's up against the Dread League, then all's fair, right?"

"I know but...is it safe? Can we even control the demons inside of this thing?" Thorax was mainly worried about the 100 Demons being rather destructive and they might be hard to control. "The vampires have a good grasp on them and if we send them out, they could just order them around."

"As if it's that easy. We're the ones with the Box and the original creator too. They'll have to listen to us since we're the ones who'll open it. Let's use it, Thorax. We have to protect the Hive no matter what, right? That means getting all the help possible and even though there's one demon short, 99 can do the trick, don't you think?"

"Hmm..." It was a tough decision for Thorax. Does he risk letting all those demons out, unsure of what they might do when they emerge? Will they attack him or will they listen to him? He heard the sounds of flames and other attacks going off in the distance as the Changeling Hive was struggling against the Dread League's power. "Let's do it." He accepted Pharynx's idea.

"Zorua?" A shocked Zorua uttered. Thorax was actually going through with it but it was unknown if it was for the best. He might just unleash another destructive force onto the world but perhaps it could get rid of the main problem. With so many demons, there was bound to be one that was the most efficient.



Magehold. Magehold Chamber.

Meanwhile, down at the Magehold Chamber, Fluttershy, Cadence and Flurry Heart were at the deepest part of the chamber. The darkness was absurd as the only visible things poking out of it were the tubes that they were being kept in and the visage of spikes. These spikes seemed to be protruding out of the walls and parts of the floor. But thanks to the darkness, it's hard to see where they originated from.

On top of that, there were already other vampires here, guarding the three tubes from the intruders. So far, no one has managed to reach here. The closest was Applejack's group but they had to leave elsewhere, only managing to destroy three Necropillars in the process.

Cadence was waiting patiently, knowing her friends were up there, doing their best to reach her and the others. No matter how long it would take, she would wait for them, putting all of her faith in them. Flurry Heart grew tired, falling asleep in the tube while Fluttershy was still unconscious. Cadence knew that the Lich Queen would need her and Flurry Heart again just to take more of their lifespan, however, that might be harder than before. Now with the intruders running around, getting to the Lich Queen would be a difficult task.

"Hm? Yes, your majesty?" Suddenly, one of the vampires spoke up as the Lich Queen was speaking to the ones down here as well across the chamber. Cadence looked over, making sure to get whatever information she could from the Dread League. There might be something valuable after all. But she wouldn't have to listen that closely as Rosa's voice was present when near the vicinity of other vampires.

"According to the Windigos, the Crystal Empire's Forces have arrived at the Hyperborean Island," Rosa spoke. "With our orders, they should attack them even if there is no conflict brewing. But the fact that they are getting closer to us is worrying. The barrier is not as powerful as it used to be after all.

"My Shining Armor..." A smile formed on Cadence's face, knowing exactly who was approaching. She knew from the start that Shining Armor would arrive. Granted, he wasn't here just yet but he was close. The love of her life could always be counted on.

"This time, I'll be coming to the alicorns myself. Which means...I'll be entering the Chamber. The intruders will be disposed of by myself as well." Rosa Maledicta was now making her next move. Now, she would be approaching the Chamber, no longer staying in the castle. "The barrier should keep them at bay for a while but not forever. By the time I get there, they should still be trying to break through it."

"Understood, your majesty. We'll make sure they stay here and do not move.

"So she's coming straight for us...This deep into the chamber. Shining Armor might take a while to get down here since it's so far away from everyone else." Cadence thought to herself now that she knew that Rosa Maledicta was coming here. She closed her eyes before reopening to focus her attention on Fluttershy and Flurry Heart.

Cadence was hoping that she would be taken straight to the Lich Queen just so that the brawl across the chamber would ruin the transportation, but that wasn't the case. And now that Rosa Maledicta herself was approaching, everyone who had shown up here were at great risk. Even Cadence knew that.

As the journey continues.


Chapter 171 End.