//------------------------------// // Hope Under the Crescent Moon // Story: My Little Pokémon: Grander World // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Universe 5. Eclipsed Citadel. Inside the Castle, Celestia moved further through the halls, defeating as many Nightmare Monsters as she could, until she finally came across the throne room of Nightmare Rarity. However, no one was there, but Celestia did manage to find someone else. Up on the ceiling, restrained by tendrils, was Sweetie Belle, unconscious and wrapped in the tendrils. "Sweetie Belle!" Celestia called out, witnessing Sweetie Belle undergo a Nightmare Transformation a majority of her body was covered in scales, a Nightmare Energy coursing through her. By now, Sweetie Belle was mostly a Nightmare Monster as her cells and DNA have been fully rewritten by the Nightmare Magic. Celestia used her magic, casting a spell that would destroy the tendrils, causing Sweetie Belle's body to fall. She would catch her, lowering her down. Celestia looked at the filly, seeing how much she's changed, which was a lot. "Ngh..." Sweetie Belle's eyes were twitching, slowly opening up. The Nightmare Energy crackled around her body, making the little filly twitch in pain as her eyes were as black as the deepest darkness. "Sweetie Belle? Sweetie Belle, are you okay?" Celestia asked, hoping that the Princess was still conscious. "Princess..." Sweetie Belle uttered, her voice sounding a lot deeper, a lot more distorted. "Sweetie Belle...Can you hear me?" Celestia tried reaching her, hoping she could help Sweetie Belle recover. "P-Princess..." Sweetie Belle muttered, her mind being clouded. Clearly, she hadn't lost herself yet. And Celestia would have the perfect spell for the situation. "Hold on, Sweetie Belle. Let me-" Celestia said, but her words would be interrupted once she sensed an attack incoming. Coming her way was some type of slash which snuck up on her, moving through the shadows, almost undetected. Celestia's eyes as Passion would put up a Psychic Shield, catching the attack. And it was a good thing she did as she was able to catch a glimpse of her assailant. It was one of the Nightmare Knights. This was none other than the same Nightmare Knight that had defeated Sweetie Belle and her Pokemon. He dragged his blade across the floor, slowly moving out of the shadows and showing himself. It remained here, guarding the Queen's throne while she was away. "Hm..." Celestia scowled, glaring at the Nightmare Knight. She was prepared to fight, holding Sweetie Belle's body. The Knight slowly started approaching sound of his sword scraping the floor made a rather haunting sound, a sound that would be expected in a horror movie. "Garde...!" Passion stood in front of Celestia and Passion, readying herself. But right now, Sweetie Belle wasn't safe here. Not all. Especially in her condition. So the Princess of the Sun would have to protect her. A shield was formed around the little unicorn, forming into a bubble as it would act as Sweetie Belle's protection. "Stay in there. You'll be safe." Celestia whispered, gently placing Sweetie Belle's body inside, her body resting against the bubble's surface. Celestia would then stand up, staring at the Nightmare Knight. She would need someone to guard Sweetie Belle's barrier just in case. Taking out another Poke Ball, Celestia would summon her Arcanine. "Arcanine! Protect Sweetie Belle!" The Princess ordered. "Arcanine!" Arcanine nodded. The Nightmare Knight would start picking up speed all of a sudden, getting closer and closer. The Knight would charge his sword, a burst of Nightmare Energy being unleashed as it would fly straight for Celestia. "Gardevoir!" The Knight slashed, finally unleashing an attack, but Passion would block the attack, holding the Nightmare Knight back with Psychic. A great wall of Psychic Energy arose once the blade connected, the Knight's sword struggling to slice through. But as it would continue to struggle, Passion would find herself struggling as well, feeling the strength behind the sword. The Embrace Pokemon growled when struggling against this blade. However, she managed to push the Knight back, knocking him back, his sword sliding across the floor. The Knight would stop and pick up his sword, looking at the Princess. Celestia would point her horn forward, firing a beam of light, but the Nightmare Knight would deflect the attack, sending it right back at her. Passion would catch the attack with her Psychic Energy, stopping it. "Passion! Use Mystical Fire!" "Garde...!" From her hands, she would release a flare of magical flames that flew through the air, heading straight for the Knight. The Nightmare Monster had his body engulfed in flames, sliding back across the floor. He was still standing strong, quickly swinging his sword and releasing an air pressure. This would cut through the fire, dissipating the flames. After destroying the flames, the Knight would stab his blade into the floor, unleashing a surge of Nightmare Magic that would flow throughout the floor. The Princess' eyes widened, the surge getting closer. Passion would respond to this by using Thunderbolt, slamming her hands on the floor, sending a wave of electricity that would cancel out the surge. However, the Knight was gone, the smoke covering him. Celestia couldn't even feel his presence anymore, having lost track of him. This caused her to step back, Passion taking a defensive stance. "Gardevoir...?" The Embrace Pokemon would try and sense him, only to be caught off guard. Out of nowhere, the Nightmare Knight would appear right next to Passion, thrusting his sword forward, the blade landing directly. Passion grimaced, the blade sending her flying while also unleashing a powerful outburst of Nightmare Energy that would send a pressure around the area. Passion crashed, bouncing across the floor, skidding as she was also sent through a pillar. After being sent flying, the Nightmare Monster turned his attention to Celestia. He immediately swung his sword, wasting no time. Celestia reacted in time, releasing a bright flash of magic as a shield and an attack were combined, both colliding against the other. Celestia would struggle, her hooves firmly planted as she was pushing back. The Nightmare Knight kept up the pressure, the blade slowly coming closer to her body. However, Celestia would use a little trick. The light would suddenly burst, blinding the Knight as the Princess would move her head. "Voir!" Passion would recover, using Psychic to grab the Nightmare Monster's body from afar. She would hold him, lifting him up in the air, preventing him from moving. "Garde-Gardevoir!" Celestia didn't waste a second. She would immediately charge a blast of light, firing a laser. The attack would fly towards the Knight, landing a direct hit on his chest He was sent flying, crashing against the floor. "Gardevoir!" The Gardevoir would then slam him into the wall, keeping him there. However, the Knight could fight back against the Psychic Hold. By expelling Nightmare Energy from his body, he was able to break free. Passion put her arms up, blocking the pressure of the Nightmare Energy, protecting herself and the Princess. The Knight would then land on the floor, his body crouched down. He would pick up his sword, holding it in front of him. "This thing is quite resilient isn't it?" Celestia spoke while looking back at Sweetie Belle, who was still suffering. Her body was still being transformed even with the tendrils away from her. After all, her cells and DNA have been greatly altered. Right as she turned her attention back to the Nightmare Knight, he was building up an immensely powerful attack. He would hold his sword in front of him, the blade slowly growing in size, a powerful surge of energy being built up. It would cause his body to shake, the scales on his body glowing, the dark blade getting larger and larger. "Passion! Use Dazzling Gleam!" Celestia shouted. "Gardevoir...!" From her hands, she would release a brilliant and dazzling light, her entire body engulfed in the glow. She would launch a barrage of Magical Bolts and Blasts, each one being aimed at the Nightmare Knight. However, the Knight wouldn't move, instead focusing on his attack. As the bolts and blasts made contact, he would be hit, but the attack wasn't doing a lot to him. The Nightmare Monster would hold the sword, pointing the tip at the ground as he would then spin around. He would swing his blade, releasing a devastating attack. A massive vortex was released from the blade, creating a violent wind that would blow away everything around the area. "Goodness!" Celestia grunted, using her wings to protect herself from the vortex. She was pushed back, the wind blowing her body away. Passion was pushed back, trying to fight the wind, using her psychic to keep herself grounded. As for the vortex, it was destroying everything in its path. It tore up the walls and the pillars with some of them threatening to fall on Sweetie Belle. However, Arcanine would use Flamethrower, burning away the falling walls and pillars, saving her. Backing Passion up was Celestia, would unleash a powerful Golden Beam. With this attack, the vortex was blown away, the blast clashing against the tornado, destroying it. After destroying it, through the smoke, the golden beam would continue flying as Passion was seen flying alongside it, charging up another Dazzling Gleam and preparing to get up-close and personal. The Embrace Pokemon would charge forward, the beam of light following her. The Knight would then move to the side, avoiding the beam as it would blast the wall, exploding. He would then clash swords with Passion, the two battling in close combat. Passion was using her Psychic Energy to enhance her moves, the Embrace Pokemon clashing against the Knight's blade. Her hands would glow, her psychic power surrounding her palms. She would unleash a powerful burst, the energy colliding with the blade. The Knight responded with a similar counterattack, his hands glowing a dark purple. His Nightmare Energy would clash with the Psychic, the two elements struggling. Both powers were evenly matched, but the Knight would push further, his hand gripping his sword. Right as he was about to deliver a devastating hit, Celestia used her magic to generate a solar light that was at its absolute brightest. The Knight would be blinded by this light, his body unable to move, his grip weakening. Passion took the opportunity to strike, slamming Dazzling Gleam onto the Nightmare Monster's chest. The second the attack made contact, the Knight's body was met with a great flare of Fairy Magic that shined beautifully, piercing its armor repeatedly, blasting his body. The Nightmare Monster's armour would be destroyed, his body blown back. He would bounce across the floor, his body tumbling until he would crash, sliding across the floor and stopping right at the entrance of the throne room. Chunks of his armour went flying in the air before fizzling out, dispersing into nothing. There, the Nightmare Knght laid, sitting against the door of the Entrance to the throne room. His armour was broken, leaving the rest of his body exposed. Naturally, it was just a bunch of Nightmare Energy since that is what made up his body. His blade would lie next to him, no longer letting out that fierce surge of Nightmare Energy. Passion was panting, standing tall before facing her trainer. "Gardevoir!" "Good job, Passion. Now, let's hurry and wrap things up here." Celestia praised, rushing over to Sweetie Belle, who was still stuck in the barrier. Celestia promptly lowered the barrier, checking Sweetie Belle's condition. "Ngh..." Sweetie Belle moaned, her eyes barely opening up, revealing how distorted and black her irises had become. Celestia, having the solution to this problem, would cast a spell on Sweetie Belle, healing the young filly. Sweetie Belle's body would glow, the transformation beginning to reverse, her skin and fur regrowing, her horns returning to normal. Soon enough, her transformation would stop, returning Sweetie Belle to her original state. "Ah...Huh? P-Princess...Celestia?" Sweetie Belle gasped, feeling better than before, though she still felt rather exhausted. "Sweetie Belle." Celestia smiled, giving the little unicorn a gentle hug. "You're okay. Are you hurt? Does anything feel different?" "I feel so cold..." Alas, Sweetie Belle still felt the effects of the Nightmare Energy, feeling chilly and weak. Celestia would cast a healing spell, helping Sweetie Belle overcome the cold and regain some strength. Her body was warmed up, removing the chill. "Th-Thank you, Princess." Sweetie Belle uttered, smiling as she was helped up. "Alright. Let's get you out of here as soon as possible." Celestia added, promptly placing the little unicorn Arcanine's back. She shuddered, still feeling woozy thanks to the Nightmare Energy. It would take her a while to fully recover, but she would be alright. "Okay. Arcanine, please guard Sweetie Belle. Make sure no harm comes to her. Head back to our Universe and go to where Kommo-o is heading. You two will likely meet up along the way." "Arcanine." The Legendary Pokemon nodded. "Sweetie Belle. Arcanine is going to escort you to safety. I have some business to take care of. So, please head out as soon as you can." Celestia told her. "I'm bringing an end to all of this as soon as possible. After this, we won't have to worry about Nightmare Rarity and her universe anymore." "P-Princess...The throne..." Sweetie Belle would groan, her hoof slowly moving and aiming at the throne room. Since she was kept captive here for a while, she heard about Nightmare Rarity's order to have Crag transfer Divine Energy to her throne. "It has...Arceus's Power in it." "What?!" Celestia exclaimed, surprised by this information. "Arceus's power? In the Throne?" "Yes..." Sweetie Belle uttered, unable to continue speaking. Arcanine then knew he had to start moving, immediately rushing off as Sweetie Belle closed her eyes, resting against his back. Celestia then focused on the Throne, noticing that it was covered in a veil of darkness. Divine Energy had been transferred over for Nightmare Rarity to use eventually. Celestia would approach the Throne, glaring at it. Now that she had this knowledge thanks to Sweetie Belle, she wasn't about to miss this crucial detail. Knowing that this throne apparently had some Divine Energy around it, the Sun Princess already had a solution to dealing with it. Destroying the throne. However, as she planned to do so. Suddenly, the Nightmare Knight would start moving. He would rise back up, his body shaking, his armour and body slowly being repaired. He repaired at a lightning-fast pace, the Knight's body regaining its form and the armour slowly piecing itself back together. Celestia and Passion both gasped once they sensed and heard something far behind them. The Nightmare Knight was moving, and fast. He was charging straight for them, his sword swinging. Celestia would immediately respond with a flash of light, a barrier being erected. The Knight would crash against it, the impact unleashing a powerful explosion that would eclipse the entire throne room, blowing a hole in the roof. Outside, Ash had helped up Dimstar, looking directly at Oculus Gloom. They were in the middle of a standoff, the Nightmare Monster and the group staring one another down. "So you must be Ash Ketchum." Oculus Gloom spoke in her eerie tone while descending. She would touch the grass, landing and standing tall, her gaze fixed on Ash's. She was staring at him, studying him, taking him in. "I've heard quite a bit about you. How you have become quite the thorn in our sides for our alliance. The fact that you and your friends keep interfering is quite bothersome." "Yeah. We do that a lot." Ash then stood up after helping Dimstar up. "Only because you keep messing with our friends and family." "Where's my sister?!" Rarity shouted, her eyes twitching. She demanded to know where her little sister was and the same went for Applejack. "Up there..." Dimstar raised her hoof, aiming at Oculus Glooom's base. "Apple Bloom's in there, but she's surrounded by darkness, trapped with the others. As for Sweetie Belle, I'm not sure where she is..." "You want to know where Sweetie Belle is?" Oculus Bloom squinted her eye, speaking in a giddy tone. "As we speak, the Veiled Mistress has probably transformed her into one of us. Her cells and DNA have most likely been altered by now, making her a part of our wonderful family." "What?!" The group was taken aback, their hearts dropping. "Y-You're lying...!" Rarity snapped, tears building in her eyes. "It's true." Oculus spoke up. "The Veiled Mistress made sure she received special treatment. It's only a matter of time until her transformation is complete." "N-No...No!" Rarity sobbed, unable to stop herself from crying. Applejack was also heartbroken, her face showing sadness and shock. "I'll admit. You and your friends have done an admirable job. However, you've only slowed us down. We've dealt with your interference for far too long. And we are getting impatient. Especially the Veiled Mistress. And I will not have you interfere with us any longer. For this, I will make sure that every single one of you is dealt with. Your Pokemon will be transformed and used as tools and then your bodies will be converted to become new Nightmare Monsters! That's what the Veiled Mistress desires. So it shall be done." "Heh." Ash would suddenly grin, having a completely different reaction. Oculus noticed this, confused as to why Ash was putting on a smile. "What is so funny, Ash Ketchum? Do I amuse you?" "Nah. That whole thing about Sweetie Belle? I maybe would've believed you...But I can sense it. Her Aura. Sweetie Belle is fine. She's safe. Whatever you guys did to her, she's totally fine." Ash told her, making Oculus Gloom tremble, shocked by this revelation. "W-What?! You're lying! Sweetie Belle is definitely-!" "Ask him that." Ash would point ahead, already seeing the proof of it all, showing it to everyone. Up ahead, Arcanine could be seen running with Sweetie Belle on his back, the little unicorn safe and sound. "Sweetie Belle?!" Rarity gasped, her tears of sorrow turning to tears of joy. "Gah...!" Oculus Gloom growled in rage. She was beyond enraged. This was not good. At all. "Oh, Sweetie Belle! Darling!" Rarity would rush to her little sister, using her wings to fly over and embrace her, kissing her forehead. "Are you okay? What did they do to you?" "Ugh..." Sweetie Belle was a little sick, feeling the effects of the Nightmare Energy. Her eyes would open, meeting with her sister's face. "R-Rarity?" "How...How was she freed...?" Oculus Gloom muttered, trying to process this. This visibly annoyed the single-eyed monster. It would then occur to her. "Celestia!" "Alright. Use the gateway we came from, Arcanine." Ash suggested. "We used it over at Deerling Forest. She'll be safe there. We'll take care of the rest." "Arcanine." The Legendary Pokemon nodded before quickly dashing off, Sweetie Belle holding on to him. It brought Rarity great joy to see her little sister safe. While she wasn't healthy, she was hoping that would be solved later. "Now, there's one more thing we gotta do. We'll get everyone else outta here!" Ash pointed upwards, declaring this to Oculus Gloom. "Dimstar. Can you keep going?" "I'm a little beat up, but I can still do something. Only I can see through that darkness thanks to my eyes." Dimstar replied. "I can use that to try and save them all. But some of them are going through their own nightmares and even some Pokemon have already been turned. "Don't worry about that." Rainbow Dash grinned, holding a Poke Ball out. "My Luxray can see through that darkness, no problem. Trust me." "I'll have my Ampharos light the whole place up." Rarity would also hold a Poke Ball out. "We can get them all out!" "I'm glad to hear it. Alright. Come with me." Dimstar stood tall, spreading her vampiric wings out, ready to take flight. "Let's move!" "You won't be going anywhere!" With a vicious yell, Oculus Gloom would also ascend, revealing terrifying tentacles from her body. However, she was unable to intercept Dimstar thanks to Ash, who had Pikachu use Thunderbolt. "Pika-Chuuu!" 100,000 Volts raced upwards, shocking some of the tendrils, stopping them from moving. This would allow Dimstar and her friends to escape, the vampire taking flight, followed by Rainbow Dash who moved through the air and Rarity and Applejack who stayed on foot. "Grr...! No!" Oculus Gloom growled. Her gaze turned back to Ash, who was now with Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. She was absolutely livid, her body shaking, her single eye glaring down at them. "You...!" Oculus Gloom pointed at Ash with one of her tendrils, her rage reaching a fever pitch. "I'm going to destroy you, Ash Ketchum. And every single one of your friends." "Bring it on then!" Ash bellowed, adjusting his hat. Pikachu did the same, his cheeks sparking with electricity. "I'm not afraid of you! None of us are. We've taken on way worse!" "Silence!" Oculus lashed out, her body growing, the darkness spreading around her. She would then transform the tendrils into spikes, sending them at Ash and his friends. "Pikachu, use Iron Tail!" "Eve, use Shadow Ball!" Both Ash and Twilight bellowed, prompting their Pokemon to take action. Pikachu hardened his tail with Iron while Espeon summoned a blob of shadows in front of her mouth, firing it. The two attacks would combine, clashing against the spikes, exploding upon impact. Pinkie Pie's body would jitter thanks to the impact, giggling. She then promptly took out a Poke Ball, throwing one of her Pokemon out. In this case, it was Blissey. "Blissey!" "Okay, Blissey! Use Blizzard!" "Bliiissey!" With a happy giggle, Blissey unleashed a cold blast of wind and snow that flew across the area. This would freeze some of the spikes, preventing them from moving. "Audi! Use Hyper Beam!" "Audino...!" Putting her hands together, Audino would generate a sphere of energy, releasing a devastating beam that blew away a large group of the tendrils. Oculus would then unleash a barrage of Nightmare Spheres everywhere, shooting them from her tendrils. Pikachu would be blown back by the barrage of spheres, forced to run across the ground. Espeon would also be struck by some of them, causing her to hiss, her body being tossed about. Oculus Gloom continued the pressure, unleashing some of the spheres at the Trainers, only for Twilight to put up a shield. "I got it!" Twilight proclaimed, her horn glowing. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, along with their Pokemon would move behind Twilight's shield, being protected by the magical forcefield. Oculus Gloom was not amused, her rage growing as she would unleash more attacks, her body expanding, the tentacles and tendrils growing larger, moving and wiggling. They would form a dark cloud around her, spreading the darkness. The darkness would then start combusting aggressively, the Nightmare Energy causing the ground to be scorched, the grass burning up, leaving only ash behind. Moving through the smoke and the ash was Pikachu, who had used Quick Attack, dashing in at lightning-speeds. Oculus Gloom's tentacles would try to intercept him, but the Electric Mouse was too fast. He would dodge and weave through the tentacles, avoiding the attacks. Pikachu would use his powerful tail to swat away the tendrils, destroying them while he dashed towards Oculus Gloom. "Use Thunderbolt!" "Chuuu!" Pikachu would leap into the air, his cheeks sparking with electricity as a huge orb of power was charged up. He would release a devastating thunderbolt, the attack blasting Oculus Gloom's body, walloping her. Following up was Espeon, who unleashed Dazzling Gleam from afar, bombarding the Nightmare Monster with rainbow rays. These attacks would push Oculus Gloom further into the air. "Use Hyper Beam!" Together, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie would bellow the same command. "Blissey...!" "Audino!" Audino would release another Hyper Beam as she was joined by Blissey who would also use Hyper Beam. Both attacks were sent flying at Oculus Gloom. She was forced to move away, avoiding the beams by distorting her own body and leaving a massive hole on it as the two beams flew by. The hole would immediately close, regenerating in an instant. Suddenly, multiple eyes would start forming around Oculus's Gloom's round blob-like body. They would start opening and closing, each of the eyes having a different eye color. "What the-?" Ash uttered before seeing power beams of Nightmare Energy fly out of each eye. Pikachu was caught off guard, barely dodging the beams while Espeon would block them. Audino and Blissey needed time to recharge for Hyper Beam, leaving the two of them wide open. Their bodies were rapidly bombarded by the beams, aggressively striking them. The two Normal-Types cried out as they stood there, taking this beating while their trainers hid behind them. It was a good thing Blissey and Audno were known for being such durable Pokemon. "Perish! The lot of you!" Oculus yelled while continuing to unleash these beams. These beams would strike the ground, blowing a hole through the earth. This continued, the beams not letting up. They would even hit others in the distance, such as the ponies and Golurk. Oculus went crazy with these beams, hitting everything she could, even the buildings around them, the homes, the streets, everything. And she wasn't stopping anytime soon. The Dream Realm. Hyperdream. Back in the Dream Realm, Luna was still on the floor, forced to watch the Nightmare Monsters corrupt various dreams. But these dreams were specifically hers and the dreams of other ponies. She couldn't move, forced to sit here and watch this nightmare. There were countless numbers of them, each one of them having a pony, their minds being taken over by the Nightmares. Luna could only cry, unable to do anything. "No...Please stop..." She pleaded, wanting this madness to stop. She wasn't sure what was worse. The fact that this was her dream or the fact that they were targeting the dreams of others. She was so focused on watching that she failed to notice the sound of her own hooves. Something was touching her hoof. It was small, something soft and fleshy. It was moving, trying to reach for her. It was from one of the Nightmare Monsters, creeping up on her. This monster was prepared to over Luna in Nightmare Energy, ready to make her one of them. "Not like this...!" Luna snarled while Nightmare Rarity cackled. Zekrom was still suffering, his body struggling to contain all of this power. More and more, Zekrom was unleashing devastating attacks that would continue to explode, threatening the dreams here. Luna then clenched her teeth, tapping into her Sorrowful Rage Magic and using the power of Lunar Ire to help herself up. She would rise, getting on her hooves, her mane and tail flowing intensely. Her eyes would glow as her magic would surge. Nightmare Rarity noticed Luna getting back, scoffing. "And what will you do?" The Veiled Mistress taunted. "Take a look, Luna. So many of your dreams have been affected by my Nightmare Monsters and my Tantabus. You've already lost this war. The only option you have left is to accept your fate and join us. It's either that or become a Nightmare. Or...If you want to save them all, you have to accept the fact that you must sacrifice yourself and turn into a Nightmare. Only then will your friends and family be free." Luna could only growl, her eyes showing anger. She was beyond enraged. There was no way she would let the Veiled Mistress win. Even if the odds were against her, there was no way she could accept that. "Never!" Luna bellowed. "I refuse to become one of you! Even if it costs me my life! I will not give in! I will not bow to the likes of you! And I will not become a Nightmare! And neither will any of my friends and family! And neither will Zekrom!" Zekrom roared, his eyes glowing brightly. His body was still trembling, the black aura surrounding him growing brighter. He was going to burst. But even when knowing this, Zekrom would still his try his best. "You haven't won yet!" Luna used her magic to summon her Poke Balls throwing them. "Go my friends!" From each of these Poke Balls, her Pokemon appeared. Gliscor, Musharna, Aurorus, Florges, Manectric, Frillish, Excadrill and Xatu had emerged. They would all stand by Luna, looking at their enemies. "Go! Do your best!" Luna bellowed, the Nightmare Monsters and Tantabus staring her and her Pokemon down. They would all battle in Zekrom's place, rushing in and approaching these Nightmare Monsters. In an instant, the Dream Realm was lit ablaze with this battle. Nightmare Monsters and ponies were clashing against each other. The battle was intense. It was a fight to the end, both sides going all out. Various moves would be thrown around, some of them landing on targets, but others missed. Nightmare Monsters were being taken down, but the Tantabus would keep coming, their bodies shifting into different shapes and sizes. Luna would eye down Nightmare Rarity, going straight for her. Nightmare Rarity welcomed her approach as the two of them had their horns glow. Luna's eyes were a bright gold and Nightmare Rarity's eyes were a glowing white. They clashed their horns against each other, the two of them pushing forward. "Why are you resisting?!" Nightmare Rarity shouted, feeling a little bit of pressure. "Surrender already! I've practically won this already!" "In your dreams!" Luna shouted with her Royal Canterlot Voice, managing to overpower Nightmare Rarity, knocking her back. The force of her magic sent the Nightmare Queen back. Luna would then fly up, charging a powerful beam. From her horn, a powerful light was generated. The Nightmare Monsters and Tantabuses would all stare at the Moon Princess, her body trembling, the attack charging. Nightmare Rarity responded with her own beam, using a similar attack. The two of them fired their beams, the two attacks colliding against each other. This caused a massive explosion, a blinding light flashing throughout the entire Dream Realm. The blast was strong enough to blow away some of the Tantabuses, the blast spreading out. Flying through the dream smoke was Luna, who would approach the Nightmare Queen, surprising her. "What?!" The Veiled Mistress gasped as she was then grabbed and pushed upwards by Luna. "You...! You're not actually that powerful, are you?! Not on your own! If it wasn't for your army and your little tricks, you would have lost a long time ago!" Luna spoke while holding the Veiled Mistress, flying higher and higher, pushing through the Dream Clouds. "What are you going on about?!" "Your powers are not your own! It's all thanks to your army and your Tantabus, you were able to take over my realm! Without them, you would've lost a long time ago!" Luna snapped. "That's not true! You're just being delusional!" "Am I?! After all...You became this because of Nightmare Moon! Which was originally my own magic!" Luna grinned, knowing what she was saying since this all originated from Nightmare Moon "Gah! You're lying! Don't speak to me about things you don't understand!" "I can see you panicking now that I'm this close! I've got you right where I want you!" Luna laughed, still rising through the sky. "Now, Zekrom! Let's do this!" "Ngh...!" Zekrom was struggling, his body twitching. He knew what Luna was suggesting. If he was going to unleash his exploding power, he might as well use it on the main problem. With all of his might, Zekrom stood up, taking flight. His body was still crackling with electricity, his power growing. "Zekrom...!" Luna and Nightmare Rarity would both be shocked when they saw the Legendary Dragon flying through the Dream Clouds. Luna then turned Nightmare Rarity around, directing her towards the Dragon of Ideals. Nightmare Rarity lashed her hair at Luna, trying to force her off. But Luna was not letting go. Not for a moment. Zekrom was moving towards the two, the black aura around him growing stronger, his body pulsating. As the two struggled, Zekrom was drawing closer and closer, his body twitching, the aura growing wilder and wilder. "Zekrom! Hurry! I won't be able to hold her for much longer!" Luna cried out, still holding onto the Nightmare Queen. Nightmare Rarity would then unleash a blast of Nightmare Magic from her mane, trying to push Luna away. However, Luna's grip remained firm. Zekrom's eyes would flash, his body glowing with his signature red. He would then unleash a powerful roar, his mouth opening wide, an incredible amount of pressure building. His power was surging, the aura growing brighter and brighter. "NO! STOP!" The Nightmare Queen's eyes were wide open, seeing this powerful explosion coming straight for her. The explosion would then happen, the energy released blowing Zekrom away. The power would spread, causing the Dream Clouds to disperse and explode. Nightmare Rarity screamed, her body being bombarded by the tremendous power. Luna held on, feeling the power as well. A bright light was unleashed, the explosion engulfing the Veiled Mistress's body. As the blast was released, a loud screech was heard. The Tantabus and the Nightmare Monsters all froze, the monsters being hit by the explosion. The Dream Bubbles all rippled from this pressure, the entire Dream Realm quaking. Everything fell silent. It took a few seconds, but the smoke was cleared, the dream clouds dissipating, revealing the aftermath of this explosion. Standing before Luna was the Veiled Mistress, but something was off. "Ngh..." Nightmare Rarity uttered, her body twitching, her form flickering, the dark mist around her was starting to leak out aggressively. "I...I...No..." Due to the damage, a huge chunk of her body had been greatly damaged, giving her an appearance that was anything but beautiful. Nightmare Rarity's body was covered in cracks, her legs trembling, her body shaking. She looked weak and frail, her appearance no longer appealing. "I-Impossible! How?!" The Nightmare Queen gasped, not believing what was happening. Her Nightmare Monsters were also affected, their bodies cracking as well. "My beautiful body! What have you done?!" "Heh...That puts a scar on your beauty, doesn't it?" Luna grinned, also greatly injured, but still standing tall. Her grin angered the Veiled Mistress. Nightmare Rarity was at her angriest. She couldn't believe it. Her beautiful body was cracked and damaged, the dark mist leaking. As for Zekrom, that was the most amount of power he had unleashed, which actually helped him move easier. The spell was still affecting him but now he would have to start from the beginning to build up all of that power again. "Grr...! Curse you...!" Nightmare Rarity snarled, her anger causing the cracks on her body to expand, the Nightmare Energy leaking. "You've ruined my beautiful body! LUNA!" Outraged, Nightmare Rarity would expel all that Nightmare Energy from her body, shooting it upwards with great ferocity. "You shall pay for this!" Luna would then gasp, seeing a massive Nightmare Storm rapidly flood the Dream Realm from above. It was coming fast and was going to completely overwhelm them. Luna tried something but she was too damaged to do so. So was Zekrom as he needed time to recover. Nightmare Rartiy's yell could be heard in the storm, her rage reaching its maximum already. She was beyond furious. Her body was shaking aggressively, the Nightmare Monsters around her were all losing their minds, their bodies falling apart. All of her power was being unleashed, affecting even her own monsters and the Tantabus. Luna would still try and do something, staring down the Nightmare Storm above. It was all coming down to the wire here. The Veiled Mistress was at her most vulnerable right now but certainly her most powerful. "Whatever it takes..I cannot lose here." Luna said to herself. "Everything I've been through...I've come too far to lose here. There's far too much on the line that I love. That I wish to protect. So even if my magic becomes null, I won't let you win." Her words fell deaf on Nightmare Rarity and her screaming. From above, the Nightmare Storm would then unleash a gigantic beam with an insane radius, threatening to engulf everything in the Dream Realm. Luna and Zekrom could only brace themselves, seeing this massive attack heading straight for them. Luna's hooves were planted as she stared the Nightmare Storm down, Zekrom hovering, waiting for the impact. Right as it looked like there would be a collision as the nearest Dream Bubble was about to be engulfed, something happened. It was all cleared. The Nightmare Beam was promptly dispersed by another great power. One that would shock Luna and Zekrom. The Veiled Mistress's eyes would widen, her heart dropping. She was shocked. "What the...?!" She gasped, seeing the person who had saved them. Or rather, Pokemon. Descending from above with a light that matched the Moonlight was none other than the Pokemon opposite to Darkrai. The Giver of Joyful Dreams herself. The Lunar Pokemon, Cresselia. "Cresselia!" The Dream Guardian had made her appearance, the Nightmare Storm having no effect on her whatsoever. She would use her psychic power to deflect the Nightmare Storm, preventing it from engulfing anything else. "C-Cresselia!" Luna had a wide smile form on her face. She was more than happy to see her again. And it was the exact Cresselia she helped save months ago, making an appearance. "Cresselia...I knew we'd meet again some day...!" "Cre...!" Cresselia would fly to her friend, greeting her with a warm hug. This gesture would make Luna shed a few tears. Seeing Cresselia here brought immense joy and hope to the princess. Cresselia was paying Luna back for saving her months ago. And what better way to do so than saving the Dreams of others? Such was Cresselia's duty. "W-Who is that...?!" Not even Nightmare Rarity knew who this was, seeing Cresselia for the first time. "What nonsense is this?!" Cresselia would eye the Nightmare Queen, floating in the air. Cresselia, while gentle, was showing some anger when facing Nightmare Rarity, who had threatened so many Dreams. "Cre...Selia...!" She hissed, glaring at the Nightmare Queen. Luna then stood up right next to Cresselia, having the strength to continue once more. All of Luna's Pokemon would stand by her while Nightmare Rarity twitched uncontrollably, visibly angered and confused. "This is it. This is where we finish it." Luna declared, holding her hoof up, pointing at the Nightmare Queen. "This is our chance. We can end this right here. Together." "Cresselia!" Cresselia very much agreed. This has gone on long enough and she was planning to end this once and for all. The final confrontation was now with both sides at their strongest and weakest at the same time. As the journey continues. Chapter 479 End.