Equestria. Manehattan. The Pokemon Festival. Afternoon.
From the heavens above, piercing through the beautiful clouds was a ray of light. Not just any ray of light, but the light of Lightwing. She was once again visiting this world, but not in her physical form. The Angel Lightwing couldn't appear in her physical solid form but instead had to show up as an Astral Projection.
After receiving permission to become this world's Guardian Angel, to properly re-enter in her physical form once more, she had to learn from its residents. She was tasked with learning to empathize and provide guidance while being subtle and being an Astral Projection was the way to go.
"I'm rather excited. Aren't you, Halo?" Lightwing found this to be enticing. To visit the Pokemon World again was a great feeling, even though she wasn't physically there. Appearing next to her in an Astral Form was her Wisp Friend Halo. She would start with Manehattan, focusing on a visitor from another universe different to this.
Twilight Moonlight could be seen with Pinkie Pie and Applejack, still having her magic restrained by none other than Nightmare Moon. Forced to stay in this universe a bit longer thanks to Twilight Luminaria's actions, she could not continue her mission at the moment. Not with Luna and Nightmare Moon eyeing her down. Lightwing would pay close attention to this scenario.
"Nightmare Moon wants you to join her? Really?" Pinkie Pie, who was currently speaking to Twilight Moonlight, was discussing matters about what happened yesterday.
"That's right. Last night before that whole Dream Incident occurred, Nightmare Moon suggested something to me. Something that I turned down in a heartbeat."
"And you're still denying it? What a shame." Nightmare Moon scoffed. "I proposed that if you join my group, you will be cleared of all your crimes. I would see to it personally."
"You're only suggesting it because my name has Moon in it." She grumbled.
"Correct!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed. "I was even thinking of a name for it. It has to be something that goes well with Midnight or Moon. There has to be another M-related name at the end that translates to Team. But what...?" The alter-ego of Nightmare Moon pondered.
"As if. I have my own group that I'm a part of. Joining yours is out of the question. I refuse to break my loyalty to them."
"Ooh! I'd like to be in this team!" Pinkie cried out.
"Impossible." But Nightmare Moon shut her down in an instant. "I've made it so that it can only be eligible for specific members. The Moon needs to truly shine and ponies and Pokemon with names related to the moon are a part of those specific categories."
"Mew?" Mew poked his head out of Pinkie Pie's mane, wondering if he could join. Technically, he can become any Pokemon, even the ones related to the Moon.
"Hmm...You do technically count in a roundabout way." Nightmare Moon pouted. "And besides, you two aren't exactly the best fit. The group I have will be tasked with missions."
"Hey! If we put our minds to it, we can get anything done!" Pinkie and Mew said with confidence.
Just then, Lightwing decided to read their minds, just to know what they were thinking. At most, Moonlight was bickering with all of them, expressing her dedication to this one mission while Nightmare Moon was vehemently trying to get Twilight Moonlight on her team.
However, their minds said otherwise. Lightwing focused on Twilight Moonlight's mind first, seeing what she was thinking. And while she was still boasting great confidence on the outside, on the inside, it was a different story.
"Even with all the extra time Twilight Luminaria gave me, will it be enough?" Moonlight was still doubtful about her capabilities after failing to capture Ash. Unbeknownst to her, an angelic presence had been observing Moonlight, curious about the turmoil hidden beneath her determined façade and of course, it was part of her mission.
Twilight Moonlight's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Her external confidence was a shield to the doubts gnawing within. Scenes of previous failed attempts flashed before the angel's eyes - the near misses, the escapes, the frustration that slowly eroded her unwavering belief in herself. By reading Twilight Moonlight's mind, Lightwing could look into her memories as well.
"I can do this," Twilight Moonlight thought, her inner voice laced with conviction, yet the angel could feel the doubt lingering beneath the words. "I've trained my whole life for this so there has to be a point where I can succeed."
"Hm." Lightwing slowly nodded her head, realizing that despite the strong disposition Twilight Moonlight shows from the outside, much like everyone else, there was a contrasting side that said otherwise. She would then shift her attention to Nightmare Moon, just to see what her thoughts were saying.
"If only you just take the offer, Twilight Moonlight." Nightmare Moon was still on this. "Your intentions are far more noble than what I once had. My pursuit for dominance over Equestria and an ever-lasting night came to an end. When will you realize that this is all pointless?"
Nightmare Moon was actually attempting to help Twilight Moonlight. That offer about joining her group was genuine and a way to eliminate her crimes. Nightmare Moon could see Twilight Moonlight's point of view in all of this and considering she shares the memories of Princess Luna, she knew about the Twilight Luminaria encounter. Lightwing saw it all for herself after reading these thoughts and memories.
She then went to focus on the minds of Pinkie Pie and Applejack, seeing what they had to offer. But at the moment, they weren't exactly going through anything serious. Pinkie Pie was thinking about a name that Nightmare Moon's group could have while Applejack was only thinking about this conversation in general. Mew was just thinking about what he could eat next and that was about it. They were completely fine, which meant other minds and emotions had to be read, but something else had to be done before that.
"Alright. Just subtle whispers." Lightwing figured that now was a good opportunity to speak to them without being there. But she would only speak to Twilight Moonlight who was having heavy doubts. With a light voice, Lightwing whispered to Twilight Moonlight, sending her messages that might help her. "Believing in yourself doesn't mean the absence of doubt but the courage to press forward despite it. But maybe you should take it easy for a while, especially in this world."
"Huh?" Twilight Moonlight gasped. She rapidly turned her head, attempting to see where that voice came from. But of course, she couldn't see Lightwing at all. The angel smiled. She left Moonlight with those words which felt like her own whispers.
"Mmrgh!" However, Twilight Moonlight shook her head, reflecting those words away. Her dedication to her mission was strong indeed. But a part of her was genuinely getting tired of this. Chasing Ash and his counterparts around was rather irritating to her, especially when she kept failing. "I need to be elsewhere."
She chose to walk off just to clear her head. Right now, she was powerless since Luna restrained her magic for the meantime. Until her magic rises underneath the Moon, of course. She also couldn't hope to find Ash without her magic, meaning she was stuck here in Manehattan at the moment.
Twilight Moonlight found solitude over at Manehattan's park. It was now just her as she did not take Pinkie Pie's suggestion. Left alone in the park, Twilight Moonlight stood in contemplative silence, the angel's words echoing in her mind. Despite how brief they were, the words of an angel were very effective.
She sat on a weathered bench, surrounded by fluttering flags, colourful posters, and vibrant balloons adorning the park in celebration of the very man she had failed to capture time and again. She saw the face of Ash on some of these posters and flags among other faces, but it was mainly him. Ash's popularity in Equestria was truly significant and was continuing to rise.
Her gaze drifted across the cheerful displays, each item a testament to The Enigma's widespread popularity and influence. Crowds bustled nearby, chatting enthusiastically about his enigmatic persona, his charisma, and the remarkable events he seemed to effortlessly orchestrate.
He had his fans. Plenty of them. Some young, some old and they were debating who Ash could and should defeat. His fame expanded past the ponies and reached some of the Dragons, who, much like Nate, saw him as one of them. He certainly connects well with Dragons.
And then there were the Changelings, who saw Ash as their King for a while before Thorax took over during the Black Crusade. He helped pull the Changelings out of their darkest moment and earned their respect.
As she watched the masses celebrate his existence, Twilight Moonlight's thoughts swirled in turmoil. How could someone she was tasked to capture be so revered by the masses? Doubt gnawed at her determination once more. But there was now one other thing on her mind. Seeing how beloved and popular he was, capturing Ash would definitely leave an impact on Equestria. She wasn't exactly focused on its inhabitants. Only the halves of Prisma.
After all, she didn't wish to see Twilight Sparkle harmed in any way since this was her home, but taking Ash away would count as some form of harm at the end of it all. "How annoying...!" Moonlight placed her hooves in her hair, trying to understand it. But in that moment of contemplation, amidst the bustling park and the celebratory fervour, a realization dawned on her.
Ash Ketchum wasn't merely a target to the world—he was an enigma even to her, a puzzle she hadn't yet deciphered. His allure and influence were undeniable, captivating not just her, but cities, towns and other species. Even if Prisma returns and destroys it all, that love would still be there.
With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Twilight Moonlight understood that capturing Ash would require more than just skill and strategy. It would demand an understanding of his enigmatic nature, an insight into what made him so revered by those around him.
"If that's how they do it in this universe...then I'll try it out myself." Leaving the park, Twilight Moonlight felt a new determination stirring within her. Since she was in this universe, which went about things differently than her universe, might as well play on their level. Twilight Moonlight wasn't one to give up, even if she had doubts.
Lightwing quickly noticed when reading multiple minds at the same time. And after catching Moonlight's thoughts, her jaw dropped. Her message certainly had an impact on Twilight Moonlight, but she was hoping that Moonlight would refrain from capturing Ash. "Oops. I don't think that's how I should've done it..." She bit her hoof. On the bright side, Twilight Moonlight would take the time to try to understand him.
"Well...I've finished every book there is." Chrysalis, whose eyes were baggy, had read all the romance novels that she managed to buy, carrying them in a cart. She returned to Manehattan, moving by herself the entire time. "And honestly, it was all worth it."
To Chrysalis, every moment of it was absolutely satisfactory. She got to experience so many stories, even if some of them were identical to each other. And after finally finishing them all, Chrysalis wall to the ground, exhausted. She was so into them that she rarely took the time to sleep.
Lightwing kept going, moving away from Manehattan and focusing on the rest of the world. She saw sprawling metropolises aglow with neon lights, where people hurried about their lives, consumed by the ebb and flow of daily routines. Some weren't partaking in the Pokemon Festival and had jobs to attend to. Yet, amid the chaos, she witnessed acts of kindness—a stranger offering a helping hand, a child's laughter echoing through the streets, and friends embracing in joyous reunions.
Lightwing's heart swelled with compassion as she observed the natural world—a lush rainforest teeming with life, majestic mountains reaching towards the sky, and vast oceans shimmering in the sunlight. She looked down to see the view of some Pokemon readjusting the environment just to fix their homes in this Grander World.
Lightwing did have a destination in mind. She wished to see how Ash was doing considering Twilight Moonlight would eventually try a different approach with her.
"Oh?" Just then, something else caught her attention. Not from above, but from the side. Flying next to her was none other than Strident Heart. Yet another angel has joined the fray. "Strident! You're here! Are you assigned to be their Guardian Angel too?"
"Absolutely not. But I am here to observe this world. You're so dedicated to protecting it despite what it brings to the table. You're my friend and I've never doubted you before but this time..."
Lightwing's wings shimmered as she turned to face Strident Heart, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "What do you mean, this time?" she inquired, her voice carrying a gentle tone laced with concern.
There was a hint of solemnity in Stident's voice as he replied, "I've been watching you, Lightwing. Your unwavering dedication to this world is admirable, but it worries me. I'm seeing all of this through with you to the end, to see if this really is a world worth fighting for."
"You'd better believe that it is!" Lightwing grinned. Eventually, she arrived at Dodge Junction where Ash was currently located at. And over at Dodge Junction, he could be seen with all of his Pokemon, enjoying the Pegalysium delicacies. Ash's Snorlax, Sci-Twi's Munchlax and the Alpha Snorlax that Siebold could be seen next to each other, fighting over who gets the next dish.
"Eugh...I'd be fine if it was everyone else but him."Strident Heart scoffed when looking at Ash.
"Hm? Still bitter about Ash beating you in that trial?" Lightwing teased. Strident Heart grumbled, feeling a little gutted at that remark.
Much like Twilight Moonlight, Strident Heart was going through a moment where she questioned everything surrounding Ash. Whereas Twilight Moonlight wondered why she couldn't capture Ash, Strident Heart questioned why Ash was, in her own eyes, invincible. She brought everything to the table to make the universe against Ash and yet he still won, being free of anything. The only thing that Strident Heart had that could be his downfall was Prisma, but he was missing in action and only one individual has seen him. Spike.
Strident Heart required justice against Ash Ketchum, believing the new world him and the many Jirachi have created brought too many flaws that could lead to an unprecedented disaster.
"Aah...Aaahh...!" However, at that moment, just when they thought they were invisible, someone saw them. Specifically, Sci-Twi saw them. Her arms were shaking while pointing at the two angels in the air who were only Astral Projections.
"What's wrong, Twilight?" Ash asked while stuffing his face.
"Aren't those...angels?!" Once she pointed out that they were angels, Lightwing and Strident collectively shrieked. They have been seen but only by Sci-Twi. This was all thanks to the Arceus Pendant around her neck. It was faintly glowing, allowing her to see the divine beings in their Astral Form.
"Angels?! Oh, is Lightwing here?!" Ash looked to where Sci-Twi was pointing, but alas, he didn't see or hear.
"How can she see us?!" Lightwing bellowed as her trial might be done for now that she was visible to someone.
"It must be that Arceus Pendant...And I believe she can hear us too." Strident Heart observed. That was very much true. Sci-Twi could also hear them talk.
"H-Hello~" Lightwing tried playing it off, waving to the Human Counterpart of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Strident Heart sighed, looking to the side as this was not supposed to be possible in any way.
But once again, the mortals have found a way to defy everything she's ever known. Strident knew that it was only because of that pendant that Sci-Twi could see her, even if she shouldn't be allowed to wear such a thing. Lightwing would descend, getting closer to Sci-Twi which was obviously not what she was supposed to do for this trial. "Ah! Lightwing!"
"That pendant of yours is the reason, is it?"
"Aren't you that angel that defended Ash?" Sci-Twi saw the trial as well, thanks to Strident Heart making it visible for everyone in the universe to see. Even the parallel world since it was a part of Universe 1.
"That's right. A pleasure to meet you." Lightwing greeted, meeting Sci-Twi for the first time.
"Uh...I can't see her." But Ash was left in the dark, as well as his Pokemon. Even Lucario, with his Aura, couldn't see Lightwing at all.
"That thing around your neck is a Divine Item." Lightwing pointed out. "How did you get a hold of it?"
"A Witch gave it to her." Strident Heart said before Sci-Twi could. "Or rather, led her to the path where she could receive it. Arceus-related items were originally outside of our supervision and jurisdiction, but now that they're one, that item is considered a Divine Item."
"It is? And aren't you the one who put Ash on trial?" Sci-Twi questioned.
"I am. I should have won that trial and not only that, you must speak with respect, mortal."
"S-Sorry!" Sci-Twi scrunched her face before attempting to change her words to be rather formal. She believed she had to use her Thees and Thous. "Thy meant to say...I believe you're the angel who attempted to umm..Thou..."
"It's fine, it's fine. Talk however you want!" Lightwing was on the more relaxed side. "It's your free will after all."
"Ah. Okay." Sci-Twi was relieved to hear that.
"When you officially become the Guardian Angel of this world, Lightwing, you'll have to deal with that item on her neck."
"My pendant? But it was given to me." She would hold onto her pendant as that was being targeted.
"Now that it is classified as a Divine Item, unless it was given to you by a Divine Being, you are not eligible to wield it." Strident Heart laid out some rules for Sci-Twi. "Not only that but those shards you are carrying. They are classified as Divine Items as well. You won't be holding them any longer. That goes for the others that are searching for them."
"B-But...the shards come from the past. Doesn't that mean they don't count?" Sci-Twi questioned. She had a point. They came from 200 years in the past, before the universal merge.
"I'm afraid she has a point" Lightwing frowned. "It's a rule we've had in this universe before it merged with the Pokemon World. As an angel, I have to follow those rules that have been laid out. But...When I become your Guardian Angel, maybe I can work around it."
"I think not." Strident Heart shook her head. "Even if you were to speak to our higher-ups, I doubt they will change your mind. Mortals have never been allowed to wield such power. Twilight Sparkle doesn't even have a clue as to what these shards can do and the potential her pendant brings."
"Mmm..." Sci-Twi grumbled feeling attacked at that moment.
"It's alright." But Lightwing would be there to comfort her. "It's a new universe so things will be rather rocky and will take time to adjust. When I become your Guardian Angel, I promise the best for you." Those words brought a smile to Sci-Twi's face. Not only that, but Lightwing had the most comforting aura. It was so serene and beautiful that it brought peace to her soul.
Meanwhile, Ash could only move his head around back and forth, generally confused by what he was seeing. If only he could see. Siebold and Bertha had the same reaction as him.
"Hah..." Strident Heart sighed. But seeing as Lightwing was her best friend, she would put some faith in her. "You'd better be right about this, Lightwing."
"Um, before you leave. Do you think you could tell me what else I can do with this pendant?"
"Mmm...Aah..." But at that moment, the rules hit Lightwing, making her grimace. "Apologies. But until I become your Guardian Angel, I'm disclosed from sharing any Divine Usage information with you. My deepest apologies!"
"It's fine. Thanks anyway."
"Right. I came to check on Ash, but he seems to be doing fine as always. I think leaving him alone is for the best."
"Mhm." Sci-Twi could agree with the angels on that before then looking at the confused Ash Ketchum.
Ash scratched his hair while pointing at himself. Clearly, Sci-Twi was referring to him in some way, when it was really Lightwing. The two Angels were about to depart as Lightwing would continue her trial. But staying behind for a little while was Strident Heart, who looked back to gaze at Ash.
"Live your life, Ash Ketchum. Eventually, true justice will appear." Strident Heart vowed it. That was the one thing she wished to see out of everything thus far. Simple justice.
But Lightwing was worried that Strident Heart's natural flow of justice was being obscured all because of her determination to punish Ash. She looked back at her fellow angel with a worried expression. But she did not fear the worst. What did she have to fear, honestly?
As the journey continues.
Chapter 366 End.