//------------------------------// // Loyalty and Empathy // Story: My Little Pokémon: Grander World // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Alola. Akala Island. The Pokemon Festival. Late Afternoon. In a rough moment, Rainbow Daash, Castform and Zeraora were encoutering one part of Spitfire's crew who managed to find them. Away from Rainbow Dash and Zeraora, the rest of her friend group were elsewhere in this cavern, still recovering from the onslaught they had to deal with. Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were currently by themselves, only to hear the sound of a loud explosion, followed by a rumble. The distant echoes of the recent battle lingered in the air as they tried to comprehend the situation. That was the cause of the rays of light splitting a part of the cavern in half. "What was that?! What did they get themselves into now?!" Rarity stood up after hearing and feeling the rubble. Her mane was still full of pebbles and a bit wet. "Ow!" The impact of the tremor dropped a barrage of pebbles onto Pinkie Pie's mane, forcing her to the ground as some of them bounced away when touching that cotton-candy hair. "Do you think they were found?!" Fluttershy expressed her concern, her eyes reflecting worry. "Most likely. Just like you." But that wasn't the only voice in this cave. They weren't by themselves. With Pheromosa quickly turning her head, finding their way into this cavern was Tempest Shadow, who Spitfire already expected to be here. "Mmm. I'd much rather be going after Zeraora right now, but whatever," "You!" Rarity exclaimed, her initial relief turning into irritation. The confrontation between the two groups unfolded in the cavern, adding another layer of tension to the already eventful day. As they confronted Tempest Shadow, the cavern seemed to tighten with an electric charge, mirroring the intensity of the earlier battle. The air crackled with unresolved tension as the two groups faced off. "You don't need us! Why come for us then" Rarity demanded, her tone revealing a mix of annoyance and suspicion. "Zeraora could easily pass our plan off. And you already saw the Ultra Wormhole and Xurkitree," Tempest Shadow replied casually, her mismatched eyes assessing the group before her. "We can't let you leave with that knowledge. Especially not you three." "Wow? We're famous?" Pinkie Pie grinned, already knowing that those words involved a strong sense of familiarity. And in a way, they were. Only because of their achievements in helping take down massive threats. "That's right. We know how dangerous your group is. Queen Daybreaker takes you more seriously than.." Tempest Shadow had to pause when thinking about who else there was. "Everyone. The Dread League. Discord. Grogar. All of her fiercest enemies that she's crushed. But surprisingly, you and this entire world are larger than them." "Well, we don't mean to brag~" Rarity was feeling the urge to brag either way. Putting on a confident face before shaking her head, getting back into the seriousness of it. "But if you know this then perhaps you'll let us go, right? You wouldn't want any trouble." "Yeah. Plus, we already had to deal with our Tempest Shadow and it wasn't easy, ya know." Pinkie Pie raised her hoof, bringing up this universe's Tempest. "Know what I mean Fizz-" "Don't you dare." Her true name was the same in Universe 11. And as soon as those familiar words were uttered, Tempest Shadow released a fearsome gaze with her tone intensifying. Pinkie Pie scrunched her face and flinched, pulling back in response to Tempest Shadow's reaction. Fluttershy, always a beacon of kindness, tried to diffuse the tension. "Can't we all just get along? We're not looking for trouble." Tempest Shadow scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "Can't do. This universe is set for failure anyway. Once Necrozma gets all the light he can from this universe, that's it. Queen Daybreaker will decide what to do with this world. Most likely, it'll become an extension of her empire. It's practically the same world but bigger. You'll have your use, if her majesty wants you." "Phero...!" Pheromosa stepped forward, shielding Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Audino and Mew would do the same as all three of their Pokemon defended them. "Want to take your chances" Tempest asked, pointing out the numerical difference here. "Numbers don't mean a thing!" Rarity scoffed. "When we're together as friends, even the odds aren't all that impressive. Especially since we've grown and improved after the Dread League debacle." "Friends? That whole Friendship thing? Do you really think that means anything in the grand scheme of things? You're just ponies in a world that's far beyond your understanding." Tempest Shadow shook her head, so did the other troops. Rarity, indignant, retorted, "Well, we've faced our fair share of challenges before. This won't be any different." "Maybe we could talk and find a way to solve whatever issues there are without resorting to battles or conflicts." Fluttershy attempted to mediate. "I mean, we do it a lot recently, actually." "I don't think so. Shoot them." Tempest ordered. With the order, the troops would fire. Their horns lit up, unleashing rays of magic that would fly at them all. The unicorns would go first as Tempest Shadow, who recovered her horn in Universe 11, unleashed a beam as well. Audino, ever the protective figure, reacted swiftly. "Audino!" She called out, using the ever-reliable Protect to shield everyone from the incoming magical onslaught. The Protect barrier formed a shimmering, translucent shield around the group, absorbing the magical beams and preventing any harm from reaching them. As the Protect barrier held strong, the beams dissipated harmlessly. Tempest Shadow's expression hardened as she observed the resilience of her opponents. "Persistent, aren't you?" The group were in agreement to not confront them. They chose to avoid a battle since, despite the big talk Rarity made, the odds were stacked against them. Audino would then expand her barrier, pushing the beams away and even reflecting some of them. Some of the beams would crash into the troops, knocking them over while creating a good enough pressure to stun Tempest and the others. The best Pokemon for the job to take them away was Pheromosa, who would once again be tall enough for all three ponies to latch onto her. But Audino was on the larger side, making it a bit harder. As the confrontation continued, a distant echoing sound reached their ears, a reminder of the ongoing battle between Zeraora and Xurkitree. The urgency in the air heightened, and the group realized they were entangled in a larger web of events. Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth as she faced the overwhelming forces led by Spitfire. The cavern echoed with the sounds of battle, interspersed with the roars and crackles of Xurkitree's electric attacks. Rainbow Dash, Castform, and Zeraora stood firm, determined to stand their ground against the aerial forces of Daybreaker. Joining the battle were the Golurks, who emerged from the shadows and were summoned by their trainers. Zeraora looked to the side to see the faces of these giants emerging, ready to bump up the difficulty. One of them was even appearing behind Rainbow Dash, who was about to send out two Pokemon to help out. Spitfire, her gaze fixed on Rainbow Dash, wore a confident smirk. "You always did love a good challenge, Dash. But this time, the odds aren't in your favour." Rainbow Dash glanced at her surroundings. The cavern, once a place of relative safety, had turned into a battlefield. Xurkitree's electric attacks illuminated the darkness, creating a chaotic and disorienting atmosphere. The narrow passages made it challenging for Rainbow Dash to evade the relentless attacks of the aerial forces. "This isn't good," Rainbow Dash muttered, her eyes scanning the area for potential cover. "Cast!" Castform agreed, understanding the dire situation they were in. The Weather Pokémon's form shifted to that of a rock, providing some semblance of cover against the incoming onslaught. Spitfire, perceptive as ever, noticed Rainbow Dash's attempt to regroup. "No hiding, Dash! We'll find you, no matter where you go." As the aerial forces closed in, Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. She knew she couldn't outrun or outmaneuver the entire squadron. Instead, she opted for a daring move. "Zeraora, we need your help. Can you create a distraction?" Zeraora, though initially unsure, nodded. "Zera." Rainbow Dash seized the moment, her wings propelling her forward in a burst of speed. Dodging magical beams and aerial acrobatics, she aimed for the densest part of the enemy forces. Castform, maintaining his rock form, followed closely behind. Zeraora, with a burst of speed rivalling Rainbow Dash's, moved in the opposite direction. Her presence drew the attention of several enemy pegasi, diverting their focus from Rainbow Dash. Zeraora's agile movements and electrifying attacks posed a significant threat, forcing the enemy forces to split their attention. If there was one thing that was for sure, it was that Zeraora had the speed advantage. This would help against the numbers but it wasn't a sure-fire success. Spitfire and the others tried following her movements, but Zeraora was quite the speedster, leaving behind trails of lightning. "Use Superpower, Braviary!" "Viary!" By tapping into Fighting Energy and performing a thunderclap, Braviary's large wings generated powerful gusts of wind, targeting the ships in the sky while also knocking around all the dust and dirt in here. The added visibility allowed Whirlipede to unleash his Rollout, causing him to crash into some of the troops, knocking them over. And of course, receive a Speed Boost. Rainbow Dash, seizing the opportunity, took to the skies alongside Braviary. The imposing Pokémon unleashed a series of Aerial Aces, striking down enemy pegasi with precision. Whirlipede, utilizing his speed, zipped all over the place. However, Xurkitree caught him with his black cables, using Power Whip to slap the Curlipede Pokemon. "W-Whirl!" As for the aerial ships, they barely moved in response to Braviary's Superpower. Rainbow Dash gasped as the rays of light came down on her. Defending her was Braviary, who used Steel Wing as a shield. And it was an excellent shield. Thanks to the steel coating, it created a blinding light that would affect those who looked at it while also bouncing off the Valiant Pokemon. Either way, even Braviary was forced back down. "Use Brave Bird!" The aerial skirmish intensified as Braviary's Brave Birds collided with enemy forces. He moved at high speeds, charging at one of the ships with a blazing aura. Only for one of the Golurk to get in the way, using Hammer Arm to strike at the Valiant Pokemon. "Vi!" Braviary was soon knocked down to the ground thanks to that poweful downwards swing. In the midst of the chaos, Xurkitree unleashed another Dazzling Gleam, aiming for the trio. Rainbow Dash, quick on her hooves, veered to the side, narrowly avoiding the magical blast. Castform braced for impact, shielding himself and Rainbow Dash from the incoming attack. Zeraora growled as she couldn't get there in time to stop the attack. But looking away was a bad call as rays of light were shot her way. Zeraora was bombarded by them, taking repeated damage which began to tear the cave apart. Thanks to the boosted strength from before, she managed to take these hits well, but not for long. "Use Plasma Fists!" "Zeraora!" Igniting her fists with plasma, she struck the ground, sending plasma waves at high speeds to try and hit multiple targets. Unfortunately, this was stopped by the Golurk who stood in the way, allowing the attack to hit them with no effect. "Nice moves, Dash. But you can't keep this up forever," Spitfire taunted from above, her voice echoing through the cavern. She was right. No matter how hard Rainbow Dash tries or how much bravado she possesses, she couldn't take on this many opponents. However, Rainbow Dash grinned, undeterred by the taunt. "Who says I plan to? Braviary, use Superpower!" "Braviary!" With his talons lighting up, Braviary struck the ground, causing that tremendous power to not only generate a tremor but also create a temporary shield of clouds around Rainbow Dash and her friends. Spitfire observed the manoeuvre with interest, expecting nothing less from Rainbow Dash, no matter the world. As the cloud shield dispersed, Rainbow Dash scanned the area for potential escape routes. The cavern's intricate passages offered limited options, and the numerical difference remained a pressing challenge. Zeraora, in her distraction efforts, engaged in a high-speed chase with a group of enemy pegasi. Her agility and boosted strength kept them on their hooves, preventing them from regrouping with the main force. Despite the odds, Zeraora's determination shone through. Rainbow Dash, considering her next move, noticed a series of narrow tunnels branching off from the main cavern. "This way!" She said to them all. "Form!" Castform responded, keeping close to Rainbow Dash as they navigated the labyrinthine passages. Braviary would soar through them while Whirlipede just kept rolling, gathering all the momentum he could. The tunnels provided a degree of cover, disrupting the cohesion of the enemy forces. Spitfire, realizing the potential threat of the tunnels, issued orders to her troops. "Fan out! Don't let them escape into the tunnels. We need to corner them." The aerial forces adjusted their formation, attempting to block off any escape routes. Rainbow Dash, however, had a plan. "Castform, create a fog! Use Weather Ball! "Form!" Castform fired a quick Weather Ball directly at the ground, releasing a thick fog that enveloped the tunnels. The dense mist reduced visibility, creating confusion among the pursuing forces. Rainbow Dash, relying on her agility, darted through the fog-covered tunnels. The echoes of her hooves against the rocky terrain masked her movements, making it challenging for the enemy pegasi to track her. Spitfire, frustrated by the sudden turn of events, barked orders to her troops. They were not letting them get away. However, the ships would have a hard time flying in here, so those within the ships were ordered to stay behind. The rest of Spitfire's group who were on Ground Level would take it from here. In the misty labyrinth, Rainbow Dash and Castform continued their evasion tactics. Zeraora, having concluded her distraction, joined them in the tunnels. The trio moved with calculated precision, exploiting the confusing terrain to outmanoeuvre their pursuers. However, Spitfire's determination remained unyielding. She wasn't one to back down, especially when pursuing Rainbow Dash. As the fog gradually dissipated, the aerial forces regrouped. The echoes of heavy footsteps reverberated through the dimly lit caverns as the Golurks persisted in their pursuit. Their massive, imposing figures moved silently through the tunnels by flying instead of running, closing in on Rainbow Dash's group with relentless determination. Rainbow Dash, Zeraora, Braviary, Whirlipede, and Castform pressed on, keeping a vigilant watch for any signs of the approaching Golurks. The ominous atmosphere within the caves was heightened by the occasional echoes of the Golurks' mechanical movements. As they manoeuvred through the winding passages, the group's pace quickened. Rainbow Dash's instincts kicked in, guiding them through the labyrinth with an uncanny sense of direction. However, the Golurks, being relentless in their pursuit, adapted to the cave environment, using their Ghost and Ground types to their advantage. Suddenly, the cavernous tunnels widened into a larger chamber, providing a temporary reprieve. Rainbow Dash seized the opportunity to assess their situation. The Golurks would even phase through the caverns, attempting to catch them off guard. The hands of these giants would fly out of the walls, appearing as intimidating as possible. "Zera!" Only for Zeraora to use Fire Punch. She was stronger than ever before thanks to Volt Absorb, making her hits heavier compared to last time. This time, the Golurk actually staggered and were pushed back, showing growth. The group swiftly implemented the plan. Zeraora unleashed a surge of electric energy, creating a protective barrier around them. The crackling electricity illuminated the chamber, casting eerie shadows on the cave walls. Braviary spread its wings wide, poised for a counterattack, while Whirlipede prepared to use its Poison-type moves. As the Golurks entered the chamber, their eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity. Undeterred by the electric barrier, they advanced with relentless determination. The confrontation unfolded a clash between Rainbow Dash's group and the Golurks in the heart of the cavern. Braviary, with a mighty flap of his wings, sent shockwaves through the air, targeting the Golurks with powerful Aerial Aces. Whirlipede, using his swift movements, struck with Rollout which was also stronger than before. Despite their efforts, the Golurks proved resilient. Their Ghost typing granted them immunity to Normal and Fighting moves, rendering some attacks ineffective. The mechanical Pokémon pressed on, adapting to the evolving conditions of the battle. Rainbow Dash grit her teeth, realizing the difficulty of their predicament. Braviary's wings shimmered with light energy as it unleashed Steel Wing, striking the Golurks with as much force as he could. But that didn't stop them at all and they still had the rest of Daybreaker's troops to worry about who were right behind them. The Golurks, towering figures with glowing eyes, seemed to materialize from the shadows, appearing at every turn. Their mechanical bodies moved with an unsettling fluidity, undeterred by the maze-like structure of the caves. The echoes of their footsteps reverberated through the stone, creating an ominous symphony of metal against rock. "Keep moving!" Rainbow Dash urged her companions. The sense of claustrophobia grew with every passing moment, the oppressive darkness closing in on them like an unseen adversary. Zeraora's pace quickened, the urgency in her movements reflecting the imminent danger. The cavern's walls, adorned with ancient rock formations, cast eerie shadows that seemed to come alive. The Golurks, with their ghostly presence, appeared as spectres emerging from the depths of the caves. The combination of their imposing figures and the disorienting environment intensified the feeling of dread. Rainbow Dash couldn't shake the sensation that the Golurks were not just pursuing them physically but on a deeper, more visceral level. Their very presence felt like a relentless force. Suddenly, the cavern widened into a massive chamber, revealing towering stalactites and stalagmites that loomed like sentinels in the shadows. The group took a moment to catch their breath, the respite short-lived as the Golurks closed in. "I can't lose them at this rate! There has to be something I can do...!" Rainbow Dash growled. As if responding to her words, the Golurks emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing brighter as they closed the distance. The rhythmic echoes of their footsteps reverberated through the cavern, creating an unsettling cadence that seemed to pulse with malevolence. "Only one thing I can do." Rainbow Dash closed her eyes, hearing the wingbeat of the pegasi nearby. "In here, Braviary! Let's do it!" In unison, they tapped into the Harmony Phenomenon, ready to unleash Rainbow-Braviary. But not the full thing. Just for a bit since Rainbow Dash was beginning to run out of steam. Right as the Golurk approached them, suddenly, a mesmerizing pillar of rainbows began to descend from the ceiling, swirling and twirling with an ethereal glow. At first, the Golurk were captivated by the beauty of the spectacle, marvelling at the vibrant colours that seem to dance and shimmer around the duo. However, they soon realize that this pillar of rainbows is not just a benign display of colours. As it descends further, the very fabric of reality within the cavern begins to warp and distort. The once sturdy walls of the cavern start to crumble, forming a shockwave thanks to this union. This also opened up a new pathway in this cavern that they could take. While they had the time, they took this pathway before the troops of Daybreaker could show up. But that wasn't enough. Even with the usage of the Harmony Phenomenon, they were still unable to escape them. "No way! You can't be serious!" Rainbow Dash was in disbelief. As the Golurks closed in, Rainbow Dash felt a surge of determination. She knew that a direct confrontation wouldn't be enough against these formidable adversaries. With a resolute expression, she soared into the air, her wings creating a gust of wind that ruffled the group's fur, feathers and skin. "There's only one thing I can do..." There was one other option at her disposal. Even riskier than the brief Harmony Phenomenon. The Sonic Rainboom. "Return! And hold onto me Zeraora!" Rainbow Dash shouted, her voice echoing through the cavern as she recalled Braviary and Whirlipede while Castform stayed in her bag. The cavern's atmosphere became charged with anticipation as Rainbow Dash was picking up speed. It was the only way to outrun them while also cutting off their movements. Zeraora held onto Rainbow Dash, unbeknownst of what was coming. Rainbow Dash had faith in her friends, believing that they would do well on their own. She couldn't afford to go back for them in this scenario. Not when things were getting dire. And with the pegasi and Golurk closing in, now was the time to make a full getaway. Rainbow Dash's eyes glowed with determination as she initiated the Sonic Rainboom. With a burst of speed, she rocketed forward, breaking the sound barrier. The air around her shimmered with a dazzling display of colours as the shockwave rippled through the cavern. The Golurks, caught off guard by the sudden burst of speed and energy, attempted to shield themselves from the impending shockwave. The chamber vibrated with the sonic force, causing stalactites to tremble and stalagmites to shudder. The Sonic Rainboom reached its climax as Rainbow Dash, surrounded by a rainbow-hued shockwave, soared through the narrow passage. The force of the explosion created a chain reaction, causing the cave's rocky formations to crumble and collapse. Stalactites and stalagmites shattered, filling the air with debris as the Golurks struggled to maintain their composure. The overwhelming force of the Sonic Rainboom echoed through the cavern, creating a chaotic symphony of destruction. It even launched some of the troops back thanks to the pressure. Rainbow Dash was out of here, breaking through the walls of the cavern which ended up harming her. She found herself outside along with Zeraora and Castform as the golden Sun of Alola beamed down on her. Feeling the pain of charging through the walls, Rainbow Dash would fall to the ground, finding herself on a cliffside where the sea was right underneath it. "Hah...Hah..." Rainbow Dash sighed, catching her breath after performing that mighty Sonic Rainboom. She laid there on the ground while Zeraora sat down. As Rainbow Dash caught her breath, Castform joined her on the cliffside, their forms outlined against the azure sky. The aftermath of their escape was visible behind them, the cavern they had just traversed now a chaotic jumble of rocks and remnants. The Golurks were momentarily halted by the obstacle, navigating the wreckage to continue their pursuit. Zeraora, too, took a moment to recover from the intense escape. She observed Rainbow Dash with a mix of concern and gratitude. The Thunderclap Pokémon seemed to appreciate the lengths Rainbow Dash had gone to ensure their safety. Zeraora was starting to regret almost giving herself up. "Good job, everypony," Rainbow Dash said, offering a reassuring smile to her Pokémon companions. "We made it out of that mess. Right now, at least...Boy, that was rough." The group slowly rose to their feet, ready to press on. Rainbow Dash glanced at Zeraora, recognizing the Thunderclap Pokémon's internal struggle. The bond between them had deepened through adversity, and Rainbow Dash felt a responsibility to support her newfound friend. "Zeraora, you alright?" Rainbow Dash asked, concern etched across her face. "Zera." The Mythical Pokemon grinned, glad to have Rainbow Dash as her friend who would do all of this for her. "Congratulations." But alas, there was no time for a break. Approaching the cliff was none other than Spitfire herself, joined by Xurkitree. It was just the two of them this time. "You managed to avoid my team. Using the Sonic Rainboom too? Not bad." Rainbow Dash's eyes narrowed as Spitfire and Xurkitree appeared on the cliff. The adrenaline from their escape hadn't faded. But at least, it was just them now. "Spitfire..." She looked behind her, seeing that she was in yet another rough spot since falling here would mean dropping into the sea from a high height. Spitfire chuckled, a mixture of amusement and confidence in her expression. "I expected nothing less. But this time, it's just you and me. No interference from your friends or their Pokémon. My team will find their way here soon enough." "I don't get it. Why are you doing this? Daybreaker hasn't been around as much as Princess Celestia. So how come you're doing all of this?" Rainbow Dash questioned. "It seems you're the one who doesn't get it, Rainbow Dash." Spitfire shook her head. "We've always followed the Princess, no matter what. And after what happened to Princess Luna, we knew we had to support her even more." "Yeah, I know what happened. Flurry Heart spilt everything but..." "It's not about what's right; it's about loyalty. If you saw how bad things were in our universe, perhaps you'd understand. Princess Celestia, in all her years of being alive, went through the most crushing moment in her life and it's what made her stronger. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened at the revelation. The tragic turn of events painted a different picture of Daybreaker. A leader born out of loss and desperation. Spitfire remembred it all, especially when Daybreaker came to her. Universe 11. Equestria. It was 8 days after Celestia emerged as Daybreaker. After losing her sister Luna during the war against the Changelings and Dread League, Celestia adopted a harsher way of ruling, crushing those who took her sister from her. In just 8 days, she managed to win this conflict with her newfound power, showing no remorse to those who caused all of this. In the aftermath of the devastating war against the Changelings and the Dread League, Equestria was left in a state of disarray. The once harmonious land was now grappling with the aftermath of the conflict, and the citizens were trying to rebuild their lives. However, the ascension of Celestia into her alter ego, Daybreaker, cast a dark shadow over the realm. Daybreaker ruled with an iron hoof, her once warm and nurturing demeanour replaced by a ruthless and authoritarian approach. The loss of her sister, Luna, during the war had left a scar on Celestia's heart that festered into a burning rage. Consumed by grief and the desire for vengeance, Daybreaker declared a new era of strict control and punishment. Under Daybreaker's rule, dissent and opposition were swiftly crushed. The once vibrant society of Equestria now lived in fear, with everypony afraid to voice their concerns or stand against the tyrannical ruler. The Sun, once a symbol of hope and warmth, now seemed to scorch the land, mirroring the oppressive atmosphere that Daybreaker had created. Spitfire, the skilled and fearless captain of the Wonderbolts, had always been a staunch supporter of Princess Celestia. However, the day she was summoned to meet Daybreaker, the changed and formidable version of her beloved princess, she couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity. The meeting took place in the Grand Hall of Canterlot Castle, which now bore the marks of Daybreaker's harsh rule. The once lively atmosphere had been replaced with an oppressive silence as Spitfire stood before the imposing figure seated on the throne. The sun princess's fiery mane and stern gaze gave her an air of authority that left Spitfire uneasy. "As the Captain of the Wonderbolts, I saw all the effects of everything that happened with the Dread League and Changeligs firsthoof, losing comrades and friends to them. Right then and there, I knew the pain and grief that Queen Daybreaker must have felt after losing Princess Luna." Despite the new and rather intimidating approach to ruling Equestria, crushing all enemies, new or old, Spitfire found a sliver of empathy for the tormented ruler. "I'm glad you understand, Spitfire." Daybreaker, however, surprised Spitfire by acknowledging the sacrifices made by the Wonderbolts and expressing understanding of the difficult choices they had faced during the conflict. The princess, though unyielding in her rule, seemed burdened by the weight of her responsibilities and the pain of her past. "I knew I could count on you. Right now, almost nopony can count on me, but I have to do this." The cool night air embraced her, bringing with it memories of a time when the world was not weighed down by the oppressive rule of Daybreaker. The moon hung in the sky, casting a soft glow on the city below, but Spitfire's thoughts were far away, lost in the haunting echoes of the past. It was also a reminder of Luna's presence which was now gone. Her mind drifted back to the early days of the war against the Changelings and the Dread League. The Wonderbolts, once a symbol of unity and grace, had been thrust into a brutal conflict. Spitfire vividly recalled the faces of her comrades, the camaraderie that had fueled their flights, and the laughter that echoed through the halls of their training facility. "All that empathy clashed with my loyalty, and when we started understanding each other, I couldn't help but wonder if all those sacrifices made in the name of Equestria would mean something in the future. I had all my doubts from the start." "I can sense the conflict within you, Spitfire." Daybreaker turned back to face Spitfire. "All that Loyalty pulling you in different directions. But right now and forever, embrace the power of the sun, and you'll find necessary clarity that surpasses the shadows of doubt. Equestria needs ponies like you to usher in a new dawn." "I'm counting on you, Spitfire," Daybreaker said with a smile on her face, having her full trust in Spitfire and the Wonderbolts. It was her duty to serve and protect her. And that did not change even in those trying times. "This is what it takes to make sure we get true harmony. The way we went about it wasn't cutting it, since it wasn't helping us win that war. Your world may have won with it, but I can guarantee you, it's not gonna last. Come on. You should know that I'm right about this." said Spitfire. "But doing all of this and capturing Pokémon? What's up with that?!!" Rainbow Dash retorted, frustration evident in her voice. Hearing it all made her reflect but everything else wasn't up her alley. "I know what you're getting at but...You'd just go with all of that"? Spitfire chuckled, dismissing Rainbow Dash's objection. "Sometimes sacrifices are necessary for the greater good. You can't always see the bigger picture, Dash. Daybreaker ensures Equestria's prosperity, even if some have to bear the burden. And I'm not about to let her down. Xurkitree! Power Whip!" "Well, I'm not losing either way! Zeraora! Fire Punch!" "Zera!" The battle continued on this cliff. Zeraora ignited her paws while Xurkitree swung its cables around which would extend thanks to Power Whip. The attacks clashed, sending sparks everywhere. Zeraora would jump over the next swing, leaping towards the Glowing Pokemon. Xurkitree would say its body, avoiding incoming Fire Punch which struck the ground instead. After evading it, Zeraora was smacked by one of the cables, taking the first hit. Afterwards, Xurkitree brought another one of its limbs down for a follow-up. "Zeraora, use Plasma Fists!" "Zera!" Zeraora quickly changed elements, unleashing the power of Plasma. Her paws met with the cable, sending a powerful plasma burst around the area. This battle was beginning to break the cliff, putting their lives in jeopardy as the clash between Zeraora and Xurkitree intensified. The Glowing Pokémon's cables crackled with electricity, while Zeraora's fur brimmed with energy. The sky echoed with their powerful strikes, each blow threatening to shatter the fragile environment around them. "Dazzling Gleam!" Suddenly, Xurkitre's attacks grew fiercer. The next Dazzling Gleam was even more powerful than before. This was thanks to Xurkitree's Beast Boost. An ability all Ultra Beasts possess. Dazzling Gleam was greatly boosted as the stream of rainbows started flying in at greater speeds. Zeraora tried punching away at all of them, using Close Combat to do so. But she couldn't stop them all. Some of them overpowered her attack. Zeraora was blasted away, pelted by these rays. But she still managed to slide on the ground, recovering regardless. Rainbow Dash and Zeraora, battered but determined, stood there with fire in their eyes, eyeing Spitfire and Xurkitree. Spitfire, her usually confident demeanour slightly shaken, glared at Rainbow Dash. Xurkitree even displayed signs of wear from the intense battle. Spitfire gritted her teeth. "Impressive move, Dash. But this doesn't change anything. You're gonna wear out pretty soon, I can tell!" "As if..." Rainbow Dash, fueled by a mix of exhaustion and determination, retorted, "You can't keep doing this, Spitfire. There has to be a better way." Zeraora took a step forward, her voice resonating with a mixture of weariness and conviction. "This doesn't have to continue. We can find a solution that doesn't involve more destruction." Spitfire scoffed, a defiant smirk on her face. "You're naive if you think negotiations will solve anything. Daybreaker's vision is the only way to ensure a stable world." Rainbow Dash, refusing to back down, tried to reason with Spitfire. She shook her head as her mane was messier than ever now. "I get that you want to support Daybreaker, but there's no way I'm gonna let this be it. Not like this." Spitfire's expression hardened. "You don't understand, Dash. Daybreaker's world is different. We need strength to protect it and the way you do it just won't cut it. Power Whip!" Once more, Xurkitree brought down Power Whip on a battered Zeraora. The Thunderclap Pokemon prepared herself, igniting her paws in flames as she swung upwards at the incoming cable. There was another clash, but this time, Xurkitree won it. Overpowering Zeraora, it began to push the cables down, causing Zeraora to snarl. She was doing her best to stay steady, making sure the whip wouldn't come down. At the same time, the cliff below them was giving out and the nail in the coffin was a mighty push from Xurkitree. That push caused the edge of the cliff to break apart with Rainbow Dash and Zeraora being the victims. The Power Whip struck Zeraora, which in turn, struck Rainbow Dash too. At that moment, the cliff broke and with it, Rainbow Dash, Zeraora and Castform would fall. They screamed at the top of their lungs and as they plummeted, the world seemed to blur around them. The distant sounds of the cavern, the crackling electricity from Xurkitree, and the echoes of their recent confrontation faded away. Rainbow Dash, Zeraora, and Castform found themselves in a free fall, the rush of wind drowning out all other noises. Right then and there, the three of them would fall to the sea, but not before Zeraora, with all of her remaining strength, grabbed onto Rainbow Dash's body, shielding her and Castform from the incoming impact. Together, all three of them returned to the water. Spitfire walked over to view it all from the broken edge of the cliff. She stared with a stern expression, hearing the silence in the atmosphere. She actually didn't intend for them to fall but this worked out for her either way. "Hmmm....Thunderbolt." Spitfire ordered, wanting to make sure that they were defeated. Xurkitree unleashed a blast of lightning from its body, 100 volts of it. Upon contact, it created a fierce reaction that was sure to damage anyone who was near it. Spitfire knew it wouldn't harm Zeraora thanks to her ability, but Rainbow Dash was another story. For seconds, there was no response. No sign of them emerging. Spitfire stayed there for 20 more seconds until she gave up, walking away with Xurkitree. She saw no shadows or signs of the three of them moving around. The Captain of the Wonderbolts from Universe 11 continued on her way. In reality, Zeraora protected Rainbow Dash from all the damage. Rainbow Dash suffered no pain whatsoever, but now the two of them, exhausted and injured, were in the sea, barely having a lot of strength at the moment. As they floated in the water, Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes. The sea gently rocked them, and the warmth of the Alolan sun reflected off the water's surface. Zeraora, still holding onto Rainbow Dash, ensured they remained afloat. "Zera...ora?" Rainbow Dash looked at the Mythical Pokémon, gratitude and concern in her eyes. "Ze..." Zeraora weakly nodded, acknowledging Rainbow Dash's unspoken sentiments. She had indeed shielded Rainbow Dash and Castform from the worst of the fall. But that was all she had to offer right now. Drained, Zeraora fainted, losing consciousness at the worst possible time. Rainbow Dash was feeling it herself, needing the time to rest. But she couldn't rest here. Perhaps, Spitfire would've accomplished her goal afterwards as Rainbow Dash needed the oxygen. It looked like it would be the end. That is until someone appeared. From a glance, it looked like a butterfly, but not quite. It had a very pin aesthetic to it which made Rainbow Dash immediately think it was Pinkie Pie. But it was not. Whoever it was, came to their aid. Right before Rainbow Dash could pass out, her oxygen was preserved by a shimmering veil of psychic energy, forming a protective barrier around the struggling individuals. The energy acted as an invisible life preserver, preventing them from drowning. Rainbow Dash gasped upon receiving air. Her eyes were blinking as her heart was racing. At that moment, it was the one who saved her life. It was not a pony. But a Pokemon. The Guardian of Deity Akala Island. Tapu Lele. The trio, now enveloped in the calming embrace of Tapu Lele's psychic barrier, gasped in relief as the threat of drowning dissipated. With gentle movements, the guardian deity guided them towards the shore, gliding effortlessly across the water's surface. It was an unexpected intervention as all Rainbow Dash heard next was this before passing out after exhaustion. "Lele?" As the journey continues. Chapter 377 End.