Princess Celestia paced in her bedroom, thinking about the note Twilight had just sent her.
For one thing, she was extremely upset a creature such as that had been brought to Equus. For another, she was relieved Twilight and her friends were safe. And to top it off, she was finding herself surprisingly upset that such a creature had taken up residence in her old castle.
“First things first,” She said to herself. “Talk to Arceus and figure out why that thing’s here.”
She made her way to the door, but as she opened it her sister fell in. “Hello sister,” Luna greeted, getting up and dusting herself off. “I have a report for you.”
“Not now Luna,” Celestia said. “I have something I need to ask Arceus... and besides, I thought most settlements sent in initial damage reports already.” Thankfully damage had been kept to a minimum. Though the report from Hollow Shades had been... disturbing.
“I know,” Luna said. “But this is an update from Manehattan, on which I believe you would be most interested to read.” She held the scroll in front of her sisters face.
Celestia sighed and took the scroll in her magic, she unrolled it and began reading. As she read, her expression became... confused. “Luna, this says that most of the major disturbances have all but solved themselves.”
“I know,” Luna tapped her chin. “It is most peculiar, I assume it could be chalked up to a helpful Pokémon, possibly another transformed human, or just some helpful ponies.”
Celestia nodded. “Still, it would probably be a good idea to have someone look into. Preferably someone with experience on the subject.”
“So Twilight and her ragtag team of friends?” Luna asked.
Celestia blinked and stared at her sister. “In what way are they a ragtag team?”
Luna shrugged. “Brought together by circumstances beyond their control, vastly differing backgrounds, seems like the textbook definition of ragtag.”
Celestia sighed and continued. “Yes, Twilight and her friends.” Celestia levitated a quill and paper to her and began writing a letter asking for their assistance once again. “They’ve proven themselves more than capable of handling things like this already.”
Luna nodded her agreement as Celestia sent both the letter and the report from Manehattan to Twilight. “Is there anything else you needed Luna?”
“Yes actually,” The Lunar Princess said with a smile. “I’m looking for a good way to motivate my student, he just needs a push in the right direction for him to progress.”
Celestia smiled. When Luna had informed her she had taken a student, the Solar Alicorn had been elated to know her sister was passing down some of her wisdom. “I suggest using something that will connect to him personally. Not something from his personal life, but something similar if that’s at all possible.” Celestia thought for a second then added. “And I’m still waiting for you to introduce me to the student of yours... what did you say his name was?”
“I didn’t.” Luna said. “He’d prefer if we kept his private life between him and myself for the time being, until he can better control his unique abilities.”
Celestia looked shocked for a second, then nodded in understanding. Truth be told she would have rather taken that approach with Twilight at first. “Very well, but I still want to meet him.”
Luna smiled and said. “In due time sister.” As she exited the room.
Celestia stood there for a moment, remembering what she was going to do, then exited the room saying. “That door should still be with all the stain glass windows.”
Twilight frantically scribbled down notes as she read over the notes she had already taken. “Ghost and Dark-type are best.” Twilight jotted down next to a picture of a poorly drawn Cofagrigus. “But why is that?”
Twilight looked over the notes she had on Pokémon types. “If all attacks were energy based, then that might make sense. But some attacks are clearly physical.” She held up two sheets of paper. “And yet Grass is strong against Water, even when it’s a physical attack.”
Ever since they had gotten back from the castle, Twilight had been pouring over her notes on Pokémon. This was partially out of trying to find a solution to the Cofagrigus, but mostly because she was still trying to figure out what type of magic the Pokémon used. “It has to be magic.” She told herself again.
She got up and walked over to a blackboard where she had diagrammed the different Pokémon types, what types they were strong against, what types were strong against them, and what types they were ineffective against. “They must be channeling some form of magic in ALL their attacks.” She thought for another second. “Or the types themselves are what contain the magic.”
She looked at her diagram for Poison-types. “Strong against Fairy, completely ineffective against Steel, even if the Pokémon itself isn’t made of or coated in some kind of alloy.”
Before Twilight could continue her research, she heard an. “Eerp!” From the kitchen.
A few seconds later Spike came into the room. “Twilight! Letter from the Princess.”
Twilight took the letter, no, letters, there was another envelope attached, in her magic and began to read. “Why did the Princess send me a report from Manehattan?” Twilight asked.
Then she read the second one and her eyes widened. “Spike, I’ve got to go gather everyone, the Princess just gave us a mission!”
About five minutes later, Twilight galloped through town, heading for Sugarcube Corner. Once the building was within sight, she slowed her pace. The line outside the sweet shop was a bit longer than usual, and contained a few Pokémon.
“Excuse me.” Twilight said, trotting into the building. “Royal business.”
Once Twilight was inside she marveled at how different the store looked, not design wise but... different. The Cutie Mark Crusaders sat at one of the tables, sipping milkshakes alongside their Pokémon...yeah, it was probably the Pokémon.
The display case was filled with the normal assortment of sweets, but there were also quite a few things she didn’t recognize. “Twilight!” Pinkie called from the kitchen. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to get you,” She said. “I just got a letter from Princess Celestia and-”
“Pinkie!” Twilight was surprised to hear Gene’s voice come from the kitchen. “The next batch of Poképuffs are ready!”
“Hold that thought Twi.” Pinkie rushed out of sight and returned a minute later balancing a tray of what looked like cupcakes on her back.
“Order number twelve?” She called.
While Pinkie was dealing with the customers Twilight decided to investigate what was going on in the kitchen.
She made her way behind the counter and into the kitchen and saw Gene, the Pokémon Pinkie had tried to eat a few days ago, and Pinkie’s Rotom. “Gene?” Twilight asked. “What’s going on?”
Gene turned and smiled at Twilight. “Hi Twilight, Pinkie asked me if I knew anything about baking treats from Earth, which I do.” He held up a bowl of batter. “So, with Slurpuff’s help, we’ve been figuring out what ingredients we can substitute for berries and baking Poképuffs and Poffins.”
Twilight watched them for a minute and shook her head. “Alright, I got a letter from Princess Celestia. She wants our help with something.”
Gene raised an eyebrow. “What now?”
“Something’s going on in Manehattan. I don’t want to give all the details now, since I’d just have to tell everyone later.” She looked around for Pinkie but she was still up front. “When you’re done here could you bring Pinkie to the library?”
Gene nodded. “Sure.”
Twilight smiled and made to leave, then she realized something. “Where’s Belle? I don’t see her around.”
Gene grinned. “She’s at Rarity’s going over designs for her wedding dress.” Gene got this far away look in his eyes and a goofy smile plastered itself on his face.
Twilight decided that would be a good cue to leave.
“Bye Twilight!” Pinkie said as her friend left. “See ya later!”
As Twilight exited the bakery, she was fortunate enough to catch sight of Rainbow Dash in the air. “Rainbow Dash!” She called. Unfortunately, the Pegasus was either distracted, or couldn’t hear her.
Twilight sighed and flapped her wings. Raising herself off the ground, Twilight made her way to the cloud her friend was sitting on.
“Rainbow Dash, I need-” She realized Rainbow Dash wasn’t alone.
“Hello Princess Twilight,” Falkner greeted. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Oh, hello Falkner, Pidgeot.” Twilight said. “Haven’t seen you since Pinkie’s party.”
Falkner smiled. “Sorry, I may have gotten carried away with, well...” Falkner spread his wings and grinned. “It’s always been my dream to fly, and now...”
“These two were just asking me about weather magic.” Dash explained.
Twilight nodded, then somewhat frantically said, “Dash, I just got a letter from the Princess asking for our help with a situation in Manehattan.”
“What’s goin’ on over there that she needs us for?” Dash asked. “I mean it obviously involves Pokémon, but what specifically?”
“I’ll tell you once everyone’s together,” Twilight said. “Right now, could you get Fluttershy and Applejack and tell them I need them at the library?” She paused, then added. “And Korrina, Misty, Lucario, May and Blaziken.”
Dash nodded. “Sure thing, I finished my work for today.” One thing Dash liked about working in Ponyville, the weather was almost always sunny.
“Thanks Dash, now I’ve just got to get Rarity and Belle.” She remembered Falkner and Pidgeot were present. “You two are welcome to come too, if you want.” She added.
“Thanks,” Falkner said. “But no thanks.” The Pidgeot’s spread their wings and took to the air. “Pidgeot and I have our own things to do,” He smiled at her. “We have a nest in what Miss Dash told us is Whitetail Woods if you ever need us though.” And with that, they took off.
Twilight watched them leave, then turned back to Rainbow Dash. “I promise I’ll explain everything at the library.” She said.
“Alright,” Dash said. “See ya there.” She took off and headed for Sweet Apple Acres.
Twilight looked down from the cloud and sighed. “Guess this is a good time to practice my landing.”
Twilight winced slightly as she knocked on the door to Carousel Boutique. She still had some work to do on her landings. At least that rose bush was there to break my fall. She thought dryly, wincing as she pulled a thorn from her hoof, wondering which would have actually been worse.
Twilight waited a moment for someone to open the door, when no answer came she knocked again. “Rarity?” She called. Still no answer came.
Twilight paced outside the door for a moment before saying. “Ok, option one, she’s too engrossed with her work to come to the door, or she’s back in her design room and just can’t hear me. Option two...” Twilight opened the door and trotted inside. “Rarity?” She called. “Belle?”
Twilight made her way upstairs to Rarity’s design room. Sure enough, The unicorn and Gardevoir where there, along with Mage, and were sitting in a semicircle while Rarity held up different pages from her design book.
“- I’m going to make the neckline a bit lower, since we have to work around your spike.” Rarity said, sketching something into her next design. “And... Oh, Twilight!” She said, noticing her friend. “What brings you here?”
Twilight looked around the room at the different fabrics, designs, and supplies scattered about. “I got a letter from the Princess,” She began. “She needs our help with something in Manehattan.”
“Manehattan?” Rarity asked, she tapped her chin. “Hold on a moment.” She trotted over to her desk and flipped open her day planner. “Hmm, when does she want to be there?”
“The letter didn’t say, but I’d assume as soon as possible.” Twilight answered.
“How long would we be gone?”
“I’m not sure.” Twilight admitted.
Rarity shut her day planner and sighed. “Well Twilight, I’m sorry to say this but I don’t think I can make it.”
“What!” Twilight exclaimed. “What’s so-”
Rarity held up a hoof to cut off her friend. “Twilight, I have a business to run, and unlike most things, the fashion industry does not stop for world changing events. It adapts.”
Twilight was about to interject but Rarity continued. “Furthermore, I’m currently invested in Belle’s wedding dress, and a few other things involving Pokémon,” She blinked. “Actually that reminds me, when you next see Gene could you send him here? I still have to get the measurements for his tuxedo.”
“But I...” Twilight paused. “You make tuxedos?”
Rarity looked shocked. “Twilight, I’ll have you know that mares aren’t the only one’s who care about fashion.”
Twilight shook her head. “Fine, but I still think-”
“And one more thing,” Rarity flipped open her day planner again. “I almost forgot, I have a lunch date with Keldeo on Tuesday.”
That stopped Twilight cold. “Keldeo... you mean that Pokémon we met in the Hall of Legends?”
“But of course,” Rarity said. “He came to visit me before Pinkie’s party and we talked for quite a bit, here and at the party,” Rarity smiled. “So I invited him out to lunch on Tuesday.”
Twilight stared at Rarity for a second, then sighed. “Alright, I can’t ask you to just drop everything and come with. And besides, there’ll probably be enough of us going to figure out the problem.”
“I’m glad you understand Twilight.” Rarity said.
“No problem,” She turned to Belle and Mage. “Could you two come to the library when you’re done here? That’s where I’m going to tell everyone what the Princess needs us for.”
“Of course Twilight.” Belle said.
Twilight smiled and trotted out of the room. “Now then,” Rarity continued. “Back to your dress. How long of a train do you want? And would you prefer a veil, or not?”
About an hour later, Twilight and her assembled team where all within the confines of Golden Oaks Library. Needless to say, it was a bit cramped.
“Look, I’m sorry this place is cramped.” Twilight apologized. “I’m not use to having this many people in here at once.”
“I don’t know what everyone’s complaining about.” Gene said.
Mage rolled her eyes. “That’s because no one wants to risk you decapitating them by accident.” she deadpanned, as even though Gene’s control was getting better, he was still prone to accidentally cutting things whenever his blades accidentally extended.
Before the meeting could get derailed Twilight started talking. “Ok first off I called you all here because... Yes Pinkie?” Pinkie was waving her hoof in the air and Twilight knew she wouldn’t stop until she got to talk.
“If this is an official meeting, can I make a motion?” Pinkie asked.
“I suppose... what?”
Pinkie sprung from her seat and landed next to Twilight. “Alright, item number two, I motion that we get a better clubhouse. All agreed?”
A chorus of agreements came forth. “All opposed.”
“This isn’t what this meeting’s about!” Twilight shouted.
“Motion carried.”
Twilight face hoofed and pushed Pinkie out of the way. “First off, this isn’t a clubhouse, and we’re not a club. Second off, I called you all here because the Princess needs our help.”
“Yeah, we know Twi.” Dash said. “But you’ve kinda been skimping on the details.”
Twilight unrolled the report from the Princess, cleared her throat, and began reading. “-It has come to our attention that a large majority of the problems presented by these Pokémon, have disappeared in the last few days.” She paused for a second to judge her friends’ reactions. So far, they looked unimpressed. “Some of the more troublesome Pokémon, including the steel birds in the Statue of Harmony.”
“Skarmorys.” Gene supplied.
“And the sea serpents which were rampaging in the bay.”
“Probably Gyarados.” Misty said with a nod.
“Ceased their assaults in the days following the initial event. Other, more violent Pokémon, including what was described as a living mass of tentacles in Central Park, have been calmed down or have suddenly decided to peacefully leave the city.”
Everyone looked at the Pokémon expectantly. “... Probably a Tangrowth,” Korrina finally said. “They like dense vegetation.”
Twilight was about to resume her reading, but Applejack stopped her. “Not ta be rude Twi, but where’s this goin’? It don’t seem like there’s a real problem.”
“The problem,” Twilight said. “Is that we don’t know what’s happening over there. And the Princess is worried that somebody’s going to get hurt.”
Misty and May shared a look. “That’s kind of an occupational hazard for Pokémon Trainer, and Rangers.” Misty said.
Twilight sighed. “I know, but Manehattan is densely populated. And Princess Celestia is worried that whoever’s doing this is going to bite off more than they can chew and end up getting somepony hurt.”
“Ooohh.” Pinkie said. “Why didn’t you just say so?”
“I just did.” Twilight said under her breath.
“I’ll clear everything up with the Cakes and have my Party Cannon packed in an hour.”
“Wait Pinkie.” Twilight said. “When I was talking to Rarity earlier, I realized that I was asking you all to drop what you were doing and come with me to Manehattan for something that, in all likelihood, won’t be too much trouble. So before you all decide, I want you to know that I’ll understand if you don’t want to come.”
Everyone thought on that for a moment and chatted amongst themselves. Rainbow Dash was the first to come forward. “We’re still technically on high alert, so aside from bringing rainclouds to the farms and some gardens, the weather’s going to be sunny, sunny and sunny.” The Pegasus smiled. “I think I can clear my schedule.”
Twilight nodded and turned to the rest of her friends. “Anyone else?”
Applejack spoke up. “Ah think ah’m gonna pass on this one. In addition to m’ah normal chores, ah’ve gotta make sure those bee Pokémon get settled in and make sure no Pokémon start eatin’ our apples.”
“Have you tried Repel?” Belle asked.
“What? Like insect repellents? That ain’t really safe ta spray on food.”
“No,” Juniper interjected. “There’s a special type of repellent meant to keep low level Pokémon away, especially Bug-types. It’s all natural, so it doesn’t harm crops.”
Applejack’s eyes widened. “How do you make that stuff?”
Juniper shook her head. “Sorry, I don’t know the ingredients.”
Shoot! Applejack said inwardly, though she quickly made a mental note to ask any other humans they meet in the future if they knew how to make it.
“Um, I think I should stay too. If that’s ok.” Fluttershy said. “I just think someone should stay behind to look after the Pokémon.”
“Good thinking Fluttershy.” Twilight said. “And all those little ones at your cottage need someone to look after them.”
At this point, Misty got up on all fours and stretched. “I think I’m gonna take a pass too, I’m not sure how much help I’d be, and I’m still figuring out how to control this body.”
“And I’m not going into another city until I’m sure I won’t burn any buildings down.” May added.
Twilight was beginning to worry she wouldn’t have anyone besides Rainbow Dash with her on this one. “Pinkie Pie?” She asked.
Pinkie smiled. “Of course I’m coming silly,” She noogied her friend. “If it’s to help someone, I’m there.”
“I’m coming too.” Korrina said. “It’s not like I have anything better planned.”
“Then I shall come as well.” Lucario added. Korrina turned to her partner, but whatever she was going to say, she apparently decided not to.
Gene, Belle, and Mage had been discussing their plan. “We’ll come,” Gene said. “We’ll meet you at the train station, Rarity has to get the measurements for my tux.”
Twilight froze for a second. “I was suppose to tell you that.” She said.
“I think I’ll stay too,” Spike chimed in. “You’ve been closing the library a lot lately Twilight.”
“You sure Spike?” Twilight asked.
“Yeah,” Spike said with a shrug. “Turns out Manehattan isn’t as exciting as the comics made it out to be.”
Twilight deadpanned as she realized why Spike had been so excited to go to Manehattan the first time.
“I’ll come.” Juniper said. “I read a bit about Manehattan in one of your books, it sounds like an interesting place to visit.” The Beheeyem smiled. “Besides, maybe I’ll run into some more of my friends there.”
Twilight smiled. That meant she had a team of nine counting herself. “Perfect, I’ll check the schedule and get the tickets, everyone else just... do whatever you need to do.”
The next train to Ponyville was scheduled to leave at seven, this gave everyone enough time to get whatever they needed finished, and for a few last minute stragglers to volunteer for the trip.
Belle clung protectively to Gene in the seat across from Solana and Lunick, both with their Partner Pokémon. Gene had told her what had happened between them earlier but Belle was still unsure about the Rangers.
Twilight had honestly been surprised that the pair had volunteered to come along, as she had expected them to keep to themselves for the next few days. When she asked, they told her that they became Rangers because they wanted to help people and Pokémon in need, and now, as far as they were concerned, that applied to ponies too.
The train ride would take almost four hours, which meant it would be almost midnight by the time they arrived.
Originally, Twilight had been worried that they wouldn’t be able to find anywhere to sleep. Then, once again, the problem solved itself.
Princess Celestia had sent a message ahead and rented five rooms at the same hotel they had stayed at last time.
They had worked out sleeping arrangements rather easily, though Twilight was surprised when Lunick and Solana offered to share a room.
“Soo,” Twilight began. “Anyone have anything they want to share?”
“Do we have any idea what we’re looking for?” Solana asked.
“Uhh, not really. The authorities don’t know who or what’s been stopping the Pokémon,” Twilight answered.
“That probably rules out Rangers,” Lunick said. “We try to work with local authorities whenever possible.”
“Good,” Belle mumbled under her breath.
Gene sighed. “Belle,” He said softly. “Everything’s fine now. They apologized, and I forgave them.” He put his arms around her. “I’d prefer we not live in the past now.”
“I know,” Belle said, pouting slightly. “But it’s hard for me, they treated you like a criminal and, if they had their way.” She hugged him tighter. “I never would’ve seen you again.” Belle didn’t know what Rangers did with the Pokémon they ‘rescued’, but she had heard rumors ranging from (sometimes forced) rehabilitation, to euthanization. Though she chose not to believe the last one, since frankly, it kind of went against what they were supposed to be.
Since no one seemed to be in the mood to talk, Twilight went and sat next to Juniper, and once again the two began exchanging notes.
Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash flopped down in her seat and moaned. “Are we there yet?”
“Yes!” Twilight shouted as they got off the train after what felt like the hundredth time Rainbow asked the question. “We’re here, now let’s get to the hotel. We’ll start investigating in the morning, I’m exhausted.”
As the group made their way to the hotel, they noticed that the night life of Manehattan had changed a bit since their last visit.
Twilight saw crows with witches hats in the trees, saw abnormally large purple rats and a very abnormally large tan rat in the alleys, and heard something that was definitely not water in the sewer. Unless water had started saying “Grimer.”
“Why do some of these Pokémon look like they’re adapted to city life?” Twilight asked as she watched a pair of spinning gears float by.
“Steel-types tend to be like that sometimes,” Korrina supplied. “As do Poison, Electric, and even some Normal-types.”
Twilight nodded and decided to think more about that in the morning. For now, she needed sleep.
As the group continued through the city, Korrina noticed that Gene seemed a bit preoccupied. “You alright?” She asked.
He sighed. “Yeah, just... this place reminds me of Mauville, back in Hoenn.”
Korrina was silent for a second, then turned to Belle. “Is that place especially significant to him... or you?”
Belle nodded. “More to Fang than either of us, it’s where we first met him.”
Korrina had been wondering why they hadn’t brought the Houndoom along. His nose might have come in handy.
“He was a stray little Houndour when we first met him.” Gene said suddenly. “He had the cutest puppy dog eyes.” He shivered when he recalled when he had first seen the puppy. “Dark-type’s in Hoenn... they get bad reception.”
“Mightyena’s are stereotyped as violent, Sharpedo are even worse, Cacturne don’t help break the stigma, and I don’t think I need to explain about Absol.” Belle added.
Korrina nodded. She worked with Fighting-types, so she didn't have to deal with that kind of thing, but every Gym Leader worth their Badge knew how some people could get about some types.
“I don’t know how Fang got there,” Gene continued. “But he was all alone, and I could see his rib cage.” Korrina winced. “I gave him some food and took him to the Pokémon Center after I found him. After that,” Gene’s frown turned to a smile. “Even after going through that, he was such a sweet little pup.”
“You adopted him.” Korrina deduced. The term was used to refer to the times when a trainer captured a Pokémon without a battle, when the Pokémon wanted to go with them.
“He wouldn’t stop following me,” Gene said with a laugh. “And he kept licking my pant leg.”
Korrina smiled. She was sure every Trainer had fond memories of their early days. She knew she did.
Gene sighed. “I try to keep him out of big cities, since it brings back bad memories and he gets nightmares.”
After a good half hour, the group finally reached their hotel. Ignoring the startled looks they got when they entered they collected their room keys and went to bed. Not sure what to expect the next day.
Luna watched as Darkrai worked to contain his magic once again. She had moved the nights practice to a field on the outskirts of Canterlot so they wouldn’t have to use the training room.
Luna was glad that Darkrai was making progress, but he seemed to be at a roadblock in his training. He had thus far been unable to stop his nightmares from overtaking the dreams for any longer than his first attempt the night before. In fact often times he held it for less. That was what Luna was hoping to change.
“Alright Darkrai,” Luna said. “I think you need little incentive so here’s my offer. If you can keep your powers from destroying this dream,” She created another Dream Sphere. “For two minutes, then we’ll move on to the next step in your training.”
“But I’ve only managed thirty seconds so far!” Darkrai shouted.
Luna raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. “Then I guess we will continue at this until I say you are ready.”
Luna walked away and left Darkrai with the sphere. It was then that he felt something he had rarely felt before, regret. He realized that he didn’t want to let down his teacher. “It’s only one.” He told himself, hoping he wouldn’t psych himself out.
As Darkrai rose to the Dreamscape, he examined the dream as he always did. It was then he noticed something peculiar. Whereas most of the dreams he’d dealt with thus far had been viewed from the position of an observer. This one was viewed from the position of the dreamer.
Darkrai noted the scenery ‘he’ was in. It appeared to be a city similar to Lumiose, in that it ‘he’ was standing under a structure similar to the tower there.
Darkrai was very engrossed in this dream, wondering what Luna was planning. Then he saw her. A pale blue Pegasus mare with a yellow mane, a single pink stripe running its length. Her feathers, unlike the other Pegasi he had seen were a different color from her coat, a light shade of pink.
“Cresselia.” He whispered. He shook his head. It was just a tactic from Luna to shake him up. Then he saw her smile, and a black hoof took hers.
Darkrai watched as the dream continued to play out, until his powers started reaching for it. “No!” He said sternly. To his surprise the dark tendrils pulled back, before slowly inching forward.
Darkrai grit his teeth, he wouldn’t let his nightmaric powers best him this time. He concentrated on his most positive memories, many of which involved Cresselia and focused on holding back the his powers while the dream played out before him.
As he watched, the stallion he was viewing from lowered himself, and held out a small box. The mare gasped and covered her mouth.
Darkrai heard the stallion say something he couldn’t make out through the dream barrier, and he felt his hold on his power beginning to slip. “NO!” He said again, more forcefully this time. “I control you! Not the other way around!”
As he said this he recalled his earlier years, when he and Cresselia had been young, before he knew what his powers could do, and when they used to dance together in the moonlight. “Cresselia.” He said softly.
At that point, the dream came to a close as the mare said what Darkrai lip read to be “Yes.” And kissed the stallion. What happened next Darkrai was never able to explain.
The nightmaric tendrils, swarming around the dream like flies around honey, snapped rigid before retreating back into Darkrai’s own shadow.
The Pitch-Black Pokémon fell, rather violently, from the Dreamscape. “Darkrai!” Luna rushed to her students side. “I saw, you did it!”
“I... what?” He asked in shock.
Luna laughed. “Soon my student, you will have full control over the darkness that plagues you.” Luna couldn’t help but be pleased with herself, she had progressed Darkrai farther in a week than her sister had with Twilight in over a decade. Granted, what Darkrai needed was more encouragement and a magic control base than actual training, but still.
“What was that dream?” Darkrai asked. “That mare looked just like Cresselia.”
Luna raised an eyebrow in mock confusion. “Did she? What a coincidence. That style of feather dying is just popular in Prance.” Luna didn’t think that was true, but she wasn’t sure.
Darkrai glared at his teacher for a moment, then shook his head. “Fine, now what’s the next step?”
Luna grinned and said. “Meet me here tomorrow and we’ll continue, for now.” Luna spread her wings. “I suggest you return home, perhaps speak with a friend or two.”
As Luna flew off, Darkrai looked down at his shadow. His mouth curled upward slightly in a smile. “Cresselia,” He said again. “My dream come true.”