Despite having only a few hours of sleep after the dreamwalking experience with Luna, Stephen was still awake and alert the morning of the start of the journey. He packed his bag with plenty of Potions, Revives and Full Heals, and made sure he still had plenty of berries if his team of three Pokemon got hungry. He needed to bring those three specifically along. They were the most physically intimidating, so it would be easier to scare away any potential attackers rather than going ahead and fighting everything.
Stephen put on his bag and ball-sash, looked around to make sure he didn't forget anything, and left his room. He stopped for a minute in front of Nova's room, praying that she'd be fine and awake by the time he returned. If he returned, that is. This mission was absolutely suicidal! He only had three Pokemon going up against most of the known Legendary Pokemon! Who's to say Corruption hasn't gone to Kalos and taken whatever Legedaries exist there? Stephen wouldn't have known, as he had never been to the region. Stephen took a deep breath and kept walking all the while thinking, I will come back, The thought repeated in his head. And we will all be safe and sound at home in no time.. The human passed some guards on the way to the Royal Dining Room. He would meet there with the others for an early breakfast and recap of what they were doing. The Pokemon Trainer took his time; it was still quite early in the morning, as the Sun had just came up. Oh, how he missed his home world's sun. It wasn't much different, but it just wasn't the same.
Several minutes later, Stephen made it to the Royal Dining Room. He stepped inside, and found Princess Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Queen Chrysalis, and his three fellow adventurers. He gave a nod to each as he sat down, a pre-selected meal had been served to him.
"How did you sleep, Stephen?" Celestia opted for some small talk to start what would be a troublesome day. "I hope you are still up to do this mission."
"I slept well, Celestia." Stephen answered, glancing to her sister, who was eating her breakfast. "I'm ready, of course. Can't just lie here and let things happen."
"I like that saying." Swift Gale nodded as she took a break from her meal. Stephen took this chance as a time to start his own breakfast of oatmeal and fruit. "We shouldn't just let things roll over us and take dominance, when we have the strength and ability to fight for and defend Equestria. We can't let Corruption win." Surprisingly solemn for the pegasus that was quiet energetic and enthusiastic about aliens Stephen remarked. Then again, she's a Commander, and I think she's an important part of this team. Stephen noticed Corporal Mirror was sitting next to Queen Chrysalis, both of whom were eating some kind of soup. The Changeling volunteer nodded at the human, acknowledging his presence.
"Stephen," Chrysalis spoke. "While we haven't exactly spoke as much as you would with the other ponies, I would like to say that I have complete faith in you. You stopped the Corrupted Changeling invasion single handed and without a casualty on either side. You'll not only save Equestria, but the my home and my subjects' home as well. Thank you, and good luck."
"I didn't do that on my own," Stephen corrected her. "I had my Pokemon by my side. Without them, I'm just another boring human being. Also, thank you. Maybe I can use some of that good luck to avoid being ambushed on the way there."
"That reminds me," High Marks spoke up. "We didn't tell you how we would be moving." Stephen took notice and beckoned the Unicorn to proceed. "Commander Swift Gale and I will stay up front, as we are the ones trained to fight and defend. If anything tries to charge at us from the front, the two of us and can take him. Corporal Mirror will cover our rear, as his Changeling senses are much more acute than a pony's, thus making him better to sense if anyone is trailing us or if anything is around us. You, Stephen, will stay in the middle. We are treating this like a standard escort mission, so the precious cargo will stay in the middle. Also, it's good for tactical purposes; if anything goes wrong on either side, just have your Pokemon join us in the front or back."
"I see..." Precious cargo? Stephen thought. I know I'm somewhat important to these ponies, but I'm not fragile. "What else?"
"Well," Swift Gale answered this time. "What if, for some reason, you can't get to your Pokemon friends in time? You need a sword or something to fight back."
"Um... I'm gonna have to say no to that." Stephen said.
"Why is that, Stephen?" Luna asked. "There may come an emergency where your Pokemon cannot be reached. Better to be safe than sorry."
"I am not one to fight like that." the human answered. "I try to dissolve all disputes first with words and compromises. A physical confrontation is only a last resort if all attempts fail. I have no desire to hurt anypony."
"Stephen," Celestia spoke up this time. "You will be going through the Everfree Forest. There aren't exactly ponies living there. It's mostly wild creatures that fight to survive. Like how the wild creatures fight in your world for dominance and food, they fight as well. What difference is there? At least bring something for a last resort for defense." Stephen took time to think this over. It was true that all he saw in the Everfree were wild creatures. He didn't want to fight anypony that came along though. He decided it would be worth it to add an additional line of defense. He eventually agreed to the idea of holding a weapon.
The rest of the meal went on with small talk amongst the other ponies and creatures in the room. There was still a nervous atmosphere no matter the topic; this would be a dangerous expedition and there was no guarantee that they'd all come back safely. Stephen made a promise to Nova, as well, that he'd come back when she was finally awake. He couldn't wait for this all to be over.
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The four adventurers had gone to a special part of the Royal Guards' section of the castle: the blacksmith. Princess Luna escorted them there after breakfast, to ensure all received what was needed. Swift Gale received her wing blade, which Stephen thought was really cool. High Marks received his trident and small circle shield. Facade was given a specially designed short sword, black, and almost scimitar-like in design.
"I took the liberty of asking the blacksmith to make something for you, Stephen." Luna told the Trainer. "And I think it would be nice, as it is mostly for defense than it is for offense." With that, the blacksmith approached Stephen with a medium sized shield, to be held upon the arm by leather straps on the back. It was bigger than High Marks's shield, and was surprisingly light. It had a small Pokeball symbol in the center, which Stephen that was a nice touch.
"That's quite the shield, Stephen." Gale admired it. "Strong and very durable, with a slightly sharp edge in case you might want to throw it or punch something with that thing."
"Is this actually necessary?" Stephen asked Luna.
"There are no friendly faces in the Everfree Forest," Luna explained. "It would be best to carry that. Stay close together, and let the soldiers do the fighting." Stephen nodded. He knew that he should only fight as a last resort if the others could not.
"Do you have your Pokemon?" Luna asked as well. "The ones you chose to bring along, at least?" Stephen nodded, pointing to his sash with his three remaining Pokeballs. "Good." Luna saw that he was ready. "Come to the Court Room when you are ready." With that, the Night Princess teleported away.
"Anything else you need, son?" High Marks asked Stephen. "Anything you forgot?" Stephen took his time to mentally check his item inventory, making sure that he had enough medicine and Berries, etc. The human shook his head in response when he confirmed he had everything he needed. High Marks looked to the rest of the travelling group and asked the same question.
To be perfectly honest, this was an impressing looking group. Facade had his own black, light armor to match his chitin and short sword. Swift Gale had her Wing Blades on, along with light battle armor that made her look almost like a Skarmory. Stephen then looked to High Marks, who resembled a quadrupedal Bisharp. His armor was a dark red, with steel boots on his hooves that went up near the pony's knees. His horn went through a opening in the helmet that required a unicorn to slide the helmet onto their head. His nape and back were also covered, but with a light, leather armor so as not to restrict movement. Then there was Stephen, who held a shield that looked like it could be used for just about any means of battle. To add to that, he had his three most fearsome Pokemon, so any attacking wild animals could be dealt with accordingly. Once everything was checked and all agreed that they were ready, High Mark's horn started to glow, and in seconds the group was in the Royal Court Room, and in the presence of the four Princesses and Queen.
"Are you all ready?" Celestia asked them. "Do any of you wish to bow out now?" All four travelers shook their heads. I wouldn't quit from this mission even if would mean my death. Stephen thought. He came too far and lost too much already. He needed to stop Corruption from taking any more from him. He looked to the ponies. Of course, He thought again,This isn't all about me. The ponies had volunteered because this was a way to get an advantage in battle. There was a war at stake,
"Ponies, Changeling, and human," Celestia spoke, and all eyes were upon the travelers. "It is with great honor that I stand before you, as you will soon partake in a journey most perilous. You have prepared and anticipated for today, and we hope that you are able to safely reach your destination and for your successful journey and return be a symbol of hope and inspiration as we await the incoming tides of battle." Celestia turned to Luna, and the two sisters lit their horns, then sad in unison. "As you travel under the sun and moon, may you be ever strong, brave and persevering. May be the stars above guide aide you in your journey to Corruption, and grant you favor in conflicts ahead." The two bowed their heads, and what began was the most impressive feat of magic Stephen had seen so far in Equestria.
Images of the Sun and Moon erupted from the Alicorns' horns, duplicating and swirling around the room. The images began to circle faster and closer to the four travelers, causing a wind to pick up. Stars began to pour out of the horns as well, and followed the larger images around the travelers. The entire room had grown as dark as the night sky, as if they were in space. The travelers only saw Celestia and Luna casting their spell, and the only light was emanating from the quickly revolving images around them. The images grew closer and closer, until the suns, stars, and moon touched the ponies, Changeling, and human. Stephen felt the heat from the magic energy course through his body as the images came in contact with his skin. He could not move, paralyzed in awe of the lights show. In moments the spell finished, and the atmosphere returned to the Royal Court Room.
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The moments after that were a gigantic blur as a rush of activity among the travelers began. All said their farewells, and were now on their way to their destination. It was going to be a long trip. The group was on their way down to the Canterlot Train Station, where they would be transported to Ponyville to start their journey. A large crowd had come to watch the interesting team depart from Canterlot, wishing them luck and cheering for them.
The train ride to Ponyville was quite uneventful. Despite a few attempts at small talk with each other, the four mostly sat in silence. Even as they got off the train, they were quiet and stoic. There was even another crowd of ponies their to watch the Pokemon Trainer and his group leave for their dangerous trip to Corruption's lair.
"Where do we start, High Marks?" Stephen looked to the unicorn, who currently looking at a map. The stallion then looked up to survey the area, and pointed to the direction of the Everfree Forest.
"We're going into the Everfree." High Marks answered, and the group walked past the crows of curious ponies and made their way to the edge of the Everfree, by Fluttershy's home.
"Are we ready?" Swift Gale asked everyone. "Have your positions and weapons ready." Stephen slowly raised his shield up in front of him, as the pegasus and unicorn walked in front of him, and Corporal Mirror covered the rear of the pack. "Good?" Gale asked again, and each traveler nodded. "Then, let's begin."