> A Distorted Reality
>  by URMajin
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The once clear and peaceful skies were distributed by roars and cries of Dialga and Palkia, the beings who controlled time and space respectively. What had led to their bickering was an unfortunate event that led to their dimensions colliding, but neither were willing to explain their side as they fought against each other.

Both were under the false impression that the other attempted to invade or kill each other as the result of their dimensions colliding which led to them defending themselves against the other. 

The aggravated legendaries blasted attack after attack, trying to be the victor of the battle.

Dialga attempts to use Roar of Time, trying to keep Palkia in place however Palkia was quick to dodge, and landed a powerful blow against Dialga, causing him to fly back and collide with one of the pillars. He got back up with no struggle however he needed to recharge after that attack.

Palkia took this opportunity to land Spacial Rend, tearing both Dialga and the space around him and dealing a critical hit, knocking him down into the pillar once more until it collapsed from the weight of the legendary.

Both began charging up before Dialga fired Flash Cannon while Palkia fired Hydro Pump, both attacks colliding against one another and creating a massive explosion in the middle, covering the area with smoke as both legendaries landed on the ground.

Without hesitation, both of them ran up towards each other and attacked with Dragon Claw. However, both attacks were stopped by the others causing them to jump back to create some space between them. Palkia began creating a small orb of aura before launching it towards Dialga while releasing a cry of frustration. Dialga simply responded by knocking it back into him while using Iron Tail. 

Palkia was sent back by his own Aura Sphere and shook off the smoke forming around him before he launched himself towards Dialga, both colliding once again.

Once the two have clashed, Palkia once again created an aura sphere. With no time to react, Dialga was sent back however he dug his feet into the ground which brought him to a halt. He, too, used aura sphere; however this time, he roared, using his Roar of Time on Palkia.

Unable to move, Palkia was hit by both attacks, the Roar of Time held him in his place and froze him for a moment before he was sent back by the Aura sphere. 

Before Palkia even had the chance to get back up, Dialga came in head first and forced him back into the ground. He struggled against his grip before he used Spacial Rend to once again, once again tearing the space and Dialga himself. As Dialga struggled against the attack, Palkia decided to fire another Aura sphere back into Dialga’s throat, pushing him farther back which gave him space to stand back up. It took Dialga a second, however, he, too, got up.

The two stood far from each other, catching their breaths. They had been fighting for who knows how long, no one was the clear victor yet. This made the two more aggravated as they launched themselves into the other, hitting with Slashes and their respective tail attacks. The two went at it relentlessly before both were struck by the same move, causing them to be sent flying back again.

Dialga stood back up and roared out of frustration. "You fool! If only you had know not to invade!" He shouted as he began to charge up.

"No, you are the fool here! You know very well that we are forbidden to trespass between realms, yet here you are doing so!" He shouted back and began charging as well.

Palkia prepared his Spacial Rend once again and targeted Dialga until he was caught off guard by the ground suddenly collapsing with small pillars erupting upwards, damaging and holding Palkia in place until he burst out using Aqua tail, destroying the ground that held him captive.

Angered, he flew right into Dialga, slamming his body against him, forcing Dialga into the ground which created a small crater from the weight forced on him. He jumped back only to watch Dialga stand up and jump out of the crater.

On sync, both fired an Aura Sphere which collided and created a small explosion, releasing smoke that covered the battlefield before both flew up into the sky and released a power beam, one being flash canon and the other being hydro pump. The attack collided yet neither held back. It continued for what felt like minutes, with neither one reaching the upper hand.

Meanwhile, a shadowy figure looms inside the distortion world. It was his home and gave him a sense of comfort as he roamed around in his own world that he was supposedly "banished" to, yet, in reality, it was Arceus helping Giratina learn how to control his power, anti-matter. The distortion world helped the pokemon return to his original and unique form, his Origin forme, allowing him to fly around in his serpentine form and slither about with his six wings. 

However, he was not aware of what his brethren were up to. To his surprise, the distortion world began to shake. He tried to examine what was wrong with the reversed platforms before another tremor came about. Confused, he began to make his way over to one of the mirrors which helped him observe and travel about. He discovered his brethren, fighting against each other. He thought the two of them knew better and knew the consequences of this battle. He continued to observe until...

The mirror shatters into small pieces.

He backed away, worried. Is it really happening? Many questions began forming as he slithered towards another, hoping to continue observing the battle yet it shattered in front of his very eyes. He turned and saw as each mirror shattered into multiple pieces as well as the platforms tremble and quake.

He tried to escape his own home which was destroying itself bit by bit, everything dissolving into nothingness until...

It was all gone.

With silence filling the air and nothing seemingly indicating that he was alive, Giratina drifted in the now destroyed vacuum of the Distortion World.

How could they act out on each other without realizing the consequences of their actions, especially when they slowly destroying the World they worked together on creating?! It was infuriating. Why? What compelled them to act out like that? Could I have stopped it?

'..Did I fail my task on protecting the World that I was assigned to?'

Only silence answered his question which left the Ghostly Dragon in a very aggressive state towards anything that came towards it.. Anything, but there was nothing now, there was no feel of life nor was there supposed to be life in the Distortion World besides Giratina.

'Damn them..' Thought the serpent deity as his body drifted deeper and deeper into the Distortion World, the peace he was now welcoming soon turned to a wet feeling, as if he was underwater

In fact he was underwater from the looks of it and this surprised the serpent greatly as he didn't form a portal to leave the Distortion World.

Bringing himself out of the Water, Giratina noticed somethings oddly different about himself. As any other the serpent went on ahead to look at his reflection in the water to his surprise, he is a hexapod being with three gold half rings wrapped around his neck. His head has a gold crown-like object with two large horn-like shapes pointing sideways beside his ear and one in the middle which was his true horn. A thick black stripe runs vertically down from his neck to his body with red horizontal stripes. His six legs are thick and have gold like claws with two golden semi-circles similar to those on his neck wrapped around. Each of the shoulder have golden horns. He has two large black ghostly wings. His mane and tail is black with the tips faded to red with red orbs tied at the end, however with his tail, those red orbs have two golden spikes.

Giratina was filled with confusion, this forme, it was unlike his altered forme. His appearance combined many elements from both formes he was able to change into however the body structure was unlike it at all. Sure, both his altered forme and this shared six legs however the size was smaller in comparison to that of his altered forme.

He took a moment to look at his own reflection before noticing the muddiness of the water blur up the water. This led him to examine his surroundings. The dark and swampy trees along with the frightening vibes certainly caught his attention and caused him to wonder why he was there. He did not recall a single place similar to this and a thought came into his mind, was he in a different world?

He noticed a path paved with dirt and began to follow it to where ever it led. It had not led him to a strange place. It was a small city however there were floating islands as well as buildings flipped upside down. While this is no surprise to the being as his own world was revered and upside down, he could not help but decide to inspect this city.

He continued to follow the path which rather than grass, it was a blue or purpled checkered ground. Not only that but a strange cloud came rolling by raining chocolate rather than rain. He couldn't help but question the laws and way the world works now.

His path finally led him to the strange city, no one seemed to be about the area so he continued his inspection of the place. He suddenly felt a strange feeling, causing him to slow down and act cautious. He soon spotted a lengthy being floating about, his shadow seemed like he had multiple parts of different creatures that just don't match each other and a large labyrinth made out of hedges. He could sense that the lengthy being is a dangerous one which led him to turn around and follow the trail back into the forest.

Hours have passed and finally, with Discord now defeated, order was brought back to Ponyville. There were no more floating land, no more buildings upside down, and no more strange clouds and grounds. Ecstatic, the main six plan to meet up and celebrate their victory.

Rainbow dash came flying out of her home and down into Ponyville and began walking around as per usual, heading over to Twilight's home. On her way there, she began to hear the whispers coming from the young fillies around. She couldn't help but be curious and leaned in to listen.

"Really?! What did he look like?" One whispered.

"I dunno! I just heard he looked like a tall pony with six feet!!!"

"Six!? that's no normal pony!"

"Uhuh, I know! Someone told me that it went back to the forest-"

"The everfree forest!?"

"Yeah! Wanna go over and check?"

"No way!"

Rainbow became both curious and confused, a strange, six-legged pony? There was no way it was natural. She suddenly thought, could this be discord's influence!? Is he still causing chaos!?

She instantly zoomed over to the Golden Oak Library and bursted through the door, shouting, "TWILIGHT!"

The purple Unicorn jumped and tumbled over, resulting in a large stack of books knocking over.

"Rainbow Dash!" The rest of the main six cried out of surprise.

"Where were you?! Don't you know we were supposed to meet up half an hour ago?" Rarity asked as she helped Twilight back up to her hooves.

"I know and I'm sorry but you gotta hear this," Rainbow said as she flew over to the rest of them to get closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Have you guys heard, of a scary, six-legged pony!?" As she spoke, her voice got louder and louder until it was enough to frighten Fluttershy, who backed away in fear.

"Rainbow Dash, we dont got time to listen to your ghost stories or anythin'" Applejack said as she looked at the pegasus with a disappointed look.

"Okay okay, believe me or not but we gotta take this seriously!" She said, landing on her hooves. "A pony with six-legs!? It sounds unnatural! and Y'know what recently happened?"

Twilight hesitated, "Discord-"

"Exactly! So we have to go check!"

"But shouldnt... Shouldn't there be no chaos at all...?" Fluttershy questioned.

"But what if there is! That means Discord could come back any time and catch us off guard!"

"I hate to admit it but Rainbow is right," Twilight spoke. "We should be cautious and make sure there's no way he's coming back."

"Rainbow, if this is one of your pranks, I swear to Celestia, I'll-" Rarity spoke before being cut off.

"It's not! It's not!" Rainbow said as she backed away.

"Alright, come on, every pony! To the Everfree Forest!" Twilight said.

The main six made their way deep inside the Everfree forest, following one path as the rumors had said. Each of them were huddled up close to each other as Twilight holds a flashlight out using her magic.

"Rainbow, are you sure this is no prank?" Rarity asked as she cautiously looks at her every step, being wary about stepping on any goo.

"Yes, Im sure!" Rainbow replied with an annoyed tone.

"Hush with all that yappin', we got a pony to find," Apple jack said as she turned to the two of them.

"Fluttershy, did you really not see anything?" Twilight asked. 

"No...No, not at all..." Fluttershy admitted. "If there was... Someone... My friends would have... would have told me."

"I bet this is just a big bug crawling around and Rainbow got scared!" Pinkie laughed.

"No way-" Suddenly, a shadow caught Rainbow's attention. From behind a groups of trees was a tall figure lurking before disappearing.

She zoomed over and peaked over the tree before screaming, "I got you!" Only to see there was nothing there.

"Ahaha, good job Rainbow," Rarity said as she rolled her eyes.

"Nuh-uh! There was really something there!"

"Right." 

All of a sudden, Twilight came to a halt, causing the rest to bump behind her.

"Twilight...? What's... What's wrong...?" Fluttershy asked. 

"What's... That?" Twilight asked as she looked through a strange portal into a world where everything was upside down.

"Do ya think this is where Discord lives?" Apple jack asked as she looks through it with the rest of the main six.

"Looks pretty tacky to me-"

"Shush! If he heard you he'd be real mad!" Rainbow joked before a sudden shadow came looming over them, causing the air to go tense.

The main six slowly turned around and faced a large alicorn with their wings spread out. Their menacing, red eyes stared into them. Twilight quickly looked up and down and noticed that this strange creature had six legs. They began to back away, terrified of the creature looming above them. Seconds pass until...
> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"AAAAAAA!" They all screamed before bolting into different directions.

The six of them all ran in different directions in two groups and all of them tried to look behind them, hoping that strange being didn't follow either one of them. That was until they crashed into something.

All six of them looked up and noticed that they were finally regrouped which was awesome! However...

The shadow continued to loom over the six of them, quietly eyeing the ponies. The creature with six feet was still standing there, with a glare that would have anypony shaking in their hooves They all screamed once again and ran in different directions once more.

After a few minutes of running, they bumped into each other once again and all caught their breaths. However, the strange creature was still right there.

This went on for an hour as the ponies desperately tried to outrun the creature only to return right in front of him.

Exhausted, all of them were laying in a pile on the ground with Twilight on top. The creature began to approach the ponies, which made Twilight roll down to the ground and create a barrier to protect her friends from this demonic pony.

"You...You won't hurt my friends you..!" She said, out of breath and exhausted like her friends. "If...If you don't back up... We'll use the elements of harmony against you..!"

The creature tilted its head, confused as to what the unicorn was talking about. She could tell that the creature opened its mouth but... Nothing made sense.

All that came out of his mouth was a loud cry, causing Twilight to push her head down from the noise. It kept on making those noises causing the others to complain too.

"Ngh- Stop that!" Twilight said, hoping the creature would listen. When it continued to make that noise, she fired a small beam of magic at it, hoping that would stop the creature.

And it did, however. He stared with his menacing red eyes, she could tell she made a mistake and angered this being. Although she was ready to defend her exhausted friends even if she was exhausted herself.

"Twi... Why'd you do that!?" Applejack asked, trying to get up on her hooves to help Twilight.

"It was just being obnoxious and it wouldn't listen to me!" She said as she watched the rest of her friends stand up as well.

Rainbow caught her breath and began to fly next to her friends. "Well, if you're gonna start a fight, we'll help you out-"

"Yeah! Cuz that's what friends do!" Pinkie said, returning to her cheery self.

The main six were all back up on their hooves and ready to face against this strange being before it let out another loud cry, causing them all to attempt to cover their ears.

Giratina couldn't help but be a bit angered, all it did was try to ask for information and now this purple unicorn tried to strike and her friends are joining her too? He was a little frustrated over why they did not just give him answers although he kept his anger all to himself and continued to stare at all of them. However he did pick up on what they were saying, he began to calm down, realizing that they couldn't understand him.

As the main six began to prepare themselves, Giratina attempted to speak their language, hoping they'd understand him for once.

"Excuse me," He said, causing the six ponies to jump in fear.

"W...WHAT!?" Rainbow said in shock. "IT CAN TALK?!"

"You were all speaking a familiar language. I managed to pick it up from you six," He explained. "Do not attack, I only seek for information, the Distortion Realm demands it."

"Information? Distortion Realm?" Twilight repeated, slowly dropping her guard and approaching the creature.

"As I said, I only seek for information about this place." Said the mysterious creature, his eyes glowed a bright red which soon faded away, it continued to stare intensely into Twilight's eyes, waiting for an answer.

"Woah, Woah, Woah, Twilight," Applejack began, putting her hoof in front of the unicorn. "You really think we can trust this fella?"

"Yeah... He might... He might be working with... with Discord..." She whispered, adding a little annoyed look at the mention of his name.

"Discord?" The creature repeated. "I have no affiliations with anyone known as Discord."

"Really?" Twilight questioned. 

"Yes, now will you answer my question?"

"What... What question?" Twilight asked hesitantly, staying at her place while the rest of the main six stayed by her side. "And why should I answer?"

"They're just questions to help a.. lonesome being like me," Giratina replied, unsure of what to call himself. "If it eases you, you may ask for something in return."

"Then... We'll answer your questions, but you'll have to come with us to Canterlot."

"Canterlot?"

"Yes, to see Princess Celestia."

"Twi, you think that's a smart idea?" Rainbow Dash whispered as she leaned into Twilight's side. "I mean, what if he starts some mischief?" 

"We'll use the elements of harmony then-"

"Yeah! You heard that! We'll use the elements of harmony against you if you start attacking!" Rainbow Dash shouted at the hexapod being, who was merely unfazed by the threat.

"I have no plans on harming nor attacking," He stated. 

"Hush, Rainbow! You just gave away our last resort!" Rarity whispered in an angry tone, though, she secretly admired his physique.

Rainbow simply backed away and whispered an apology before they returned their attention back to Giratina.

"Alright, you'll come with us and on the way, we’ll answer your questions," Twilight stated.

"Thank you," Giratina replied, bowing his head. "May I get your names or?"

"What's yours first?" Applejack asked, acting defensive. 

"Lord Giratina, but please, call me Giratina," He replied.

"Is it... Is it really right to share our names?" Rarity questioned, leaning into the main six to speak in a low voice.

"It's... It's only right to..." Fluttershy whispered back.

"I'm Twilight, that's Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie pie." She pointed out each of the main six and their names before turning back to Giratina. "So… Lord Giratina. Follow us. Rainbow, Fluttershy, Pinkie, stay behind him and make sure that he doesn't run anywhere."

The three ponies nodded their head and began to make their way behind him. The rest of the main six began to follow the path out of the Everfree, having Giratina follow in the middle of them.

"Alright big fella, we'll start answerin’ any questions ya got." Applejack turned around and began to speak in an impatient tone, looking at the hexapod being.

"Where am I?" He began.

"Equestria, silly!" Pinkie replied almost immediately.

"That was the Everfree forest, the closest city is Ponyville. Again, we're going to Canterlot." Twilight elaborated as she led the group to another path to the train station.

"Does everyone look the same as you six do?" He questioned.

"I mean, there are earth ponies like Applejack and Pinkie pie, the cool pegasi like me and Fluttershy, and Unicorns like Rarity and Twilight," Rainbow Dash answered with the others rolling their eyes. "Wait, speaking of-"

"How about a horn and wings?" Giratina continued his question.

"I was getting there, sheesh," Rainbow said, rolling her eyes. "Those are called alicorns, like Princess Celestia."

"Princess Celestia.." Giratina thought to himself.

"Normally, those who are alicorns rule a place," Rarity added on. "Where did you come from?"

"The Distortion Realm, I will not say anymore till I meet this... Celestia," Giratina replied.

"So that's something you're not willing to share," Twilight took note as she began to question whether he came from a dangerous and evil place.

"Hey big fella, where's your cutie mark?" Applejack asked.

"Cutie mark..?" 

"Yeah, it's a ponies' unique talent that makes them happy," Pinkie added to the conversation, hopping along at the back before pointing at her haunch. "You see! I have three super fun balloons cuz I love to party!" Out of nowhere, she took out a party popper and popped it before giggling.

"But your haunch is covered by spikes, why're ya still wearin' armor anyways," Applejack asked, assuming that these spikes were armor.

"It's not armor, it's a part of me," Giratina explained.

"Right, as if we'd fall for that!" Rainbow dash laughed.

"Alright every pony, the train is right there," Twilight said pointing at the train.

The main six and Giratina board the train and a few hours have passed, they finally arrive at Canterlot. Once they exited, multiple guards came, pointing their weapons at Giratina. From his appearance, they assumed he was a villain that the main six have caught.

"It's okay, we're escorting him to Princess ourselves," Twilight said as the guards hesitated to put down their weapons. 

They began to make their way down into the throne room where Celestia sat by herself. She turned to see the presence of the main six and someone new.

"Twilight, my faithful student. Who is that?" She asked, confused and worried as his appearance gave off a villain presence.

"Salutations, your majesty, I am Lord Giratina," He introduced himself. "Twilight and her friends brought me here in exchange for answering my questions."

"Princess, we brought him here because we came to an assumption that he might have been teaming up with Discord," Twilight explained.

"I mean, look at him! He has six legs! Clearly, it has to be Discord's doing!" Rainbow dash added in.

Princess Celestia observed the being, noticing his spikes and golden features as well as his horn and his wings. She could tell he was an alicorn but she had not seen one with six legs ever. "You are an alicorn, but just... What exactly are you?" 

"I am one of the creators of the universe and the embodiment of anti-matter, as well as the representative of the Ghosts that roam the land" He explained calmly.

"Creator of the universe and the embodiment of anti-matter!?" The six said in unison.

Giratina nodded his head and continued. "I rule over the distortion realm which is the opposite of this current realm, where time and space do not apply in any shape or form. It is an endless void where everything is reversed. No living being besides myself resides there"

"Distortion realm? Sounds lonely and depressing, why do you have to rule over that place?" Pinkie asked.

"Yeah, if you're one of the creators, why are you there?" She added on to Pinkie's question.

"I was banished for my uncontrollable power and soon sent by my father, Arceus, in order to control my abilities," Giratina explained.

"Uncontrollable powers!?" Twilight repeated. "How do we know you have it controlled? How do we know you aren't going to destroy Equestria!?" 

"Well, take anti-matter and matter together, what do you get?" He asked in a pretty sarcastic tone, leaving the Unicorn dead silent. 

"Twilight... What's the answer..?" Rainbow dash asked leaning into the unicorn's side.

"An explosion..." She answered.

"Oooooohhhhh," The rest of the main six said, remaining silent as well.

"How did you get here?" Princess Celestia questioned.

"I don't have a clue myself, all I recall were my brothers fighting and my world collapsing into an endless void. I suddenly awoke inside that strange forest, where these six have found me in." 

"Hold on," Twilight began, "What was that thing we saw then?"

"Yeah, we were lookin' through some strange window," Applejack added. 

"That was the Distortion Realm-"

"But didn't you say it became a void?" Asked Twilight.

"Yes, however, it must have replicated and reversed this new world," He explained, "Now I'll need to watch over this Realm from there."

Princess Celestia seemed confused. "Watch over?" She questioned, tilting her head.

"Yes, as one of the creators of the universe, it is one of my duties to watch over this realm," He explained, "Does that clarify anything?"

"A little, however," Celestia continued. "That leads me to question, will you be willing to aid us for when conflict arises?"

Giratina was silent for a moment, lingering in his thoughts before he answered. "It depends. If it is a serious threat, then I shall. Otherwise, I will leave it up to the rest of you. After all, these six spoke of using an... 'Elements of Harmony' if I were to act out of line."

"Wait, hold on-" Twilight suddenly spoke. "What if it is serious and you don't come over and help? Is there some way we can go and find you for help or-"

"You do not need to worry," He replied. "I reassure you, if it is serious, I will come to lend my aid."

"But-" Twilight spoke before being interrupted. 

"My student does have a point," Princess Celestia spoke. "Where would you go if you aren't watching over us in that realm? Would you rather stay inside Canterlot or roam around?"

He thought once again, shifting his gaze towards the main six. "I would rather be accompanied by one of these six," He answered, turning his head back to Celestia. "They seem to know the realm quite well and I would like to learn from them."

"That's no problem-"

"Oh, oh! He can stay with me!" Rarity declared, raising her hoof up in the air in excitement, only to receive strange looks from the rest of the main six.

Princess Celestia cleared her throat once again. "Excuse me. I think it's best to let him choose for himself."

Rarity's cheeks turned a bright red before she returned her hoof back to the ground, looking away in embarrassment.

"Hmm, I think I shall change places once in a while," He replied. "For now, I will stay with Twilight."

"That wouldn't be a problem, right?" Princess Celestia turned to the main six, who shook their heads. "Well, that is now settled. Twilight, if you may."

"Of course Princess!" Twilight responded with a cheery tone. "I'll escort him to the Golden Oak Library."

With the conversation now brought to an end, they say their goodbyes as the seven of them leave. 

The train ride led them back to Ponyville and both Giratina and Twilight arrive at the Golden Oak Library.

Giratina was fascinated with the collection of books, intrigued as to what the contents are on each one of them. "Am I allowed to inspect these books later on?"

"Oh, yeah, you can anytime," Twilight answered before leading him into a spare room with a bed and some extra furnitures. "This will be where you'll be staying at."

"Thank you," He said as he looked around the room before turning back to Twilight. "If I may, can I gather a collection of those books and read them in here?"

"Uhm, go ahead? Just not any on the pile on the floor, I have to finish reading those," She replied.

Giratina simply nodded his head before he made his way over to the book shelves and chose a few selection of books, some of which Twilight had decided to recommend since she was very excited to have another pony who was interested in books. The two remained in the main room, sharing a conversation of the book's contents as well as matters related to the contents and topics.

Hours began to pass until the two decided to call it a day. Twilight left to her room and the same for Giratina. However, the hexapod did not sleep. He focused his eyes on the rising moon, watching as it shined in the night sky. As he did, his body glowed a crimson shade with a red tint fading in and out, his accents were a glowing shade of gold as well with a lighter shade doing the same too. He was able to feel it, his powers were returning.
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The hexapod creature sat quietly on the side as Twilight's companion, Spike, paced back and forth, wearing a purple dragon costume with derpy yellow eyes. 

"Ugh," Spike groaned as he buried his face in his hands. 

Giratina peered up from the book he was reading, looking at Spike with a confused look. "What's the matter?" He questioned.

"Twilight's taking so long and we're going to be late for the Nightmare Night festival!"

"I'm all doonneee!" Twilight called out as she galloped down the stairs proudly. She wore a dark blue cape paired with a wizard hat with stars and moons littered around the design. With that, she also wore a grey beard that hung low from her muzzle.

"Uhm... Who are you again?" Spike questioned, earning an annoyed huff from the Pony.

She stood tall and proud before she spoke, "I'm Star Swirl the Bearded! Duuuhhh!" She soon turned to Giratina. "Hold on, aren't you coming?"

"You never explicitly invited me to whatever festival you are going to."

"Oh..." She mumbled, "Well, here's your invitation! I don't think you even need to dress up considering you have all these spikes and accessories!"

Giratina couldn't help but tilt his head. "Could you tell me more about this... Nightmare Moon Festival?"

"Sure! We just gotta-!"

A few knocks were heard from the door, attracting Spike's attention.

Spike made his way to the door and opened it, only to be frightened by three young fillies, each wearing different costumes, with an elderly pony.

"Nightmare night! What a fright! Give us something sweet to bite!" They chanted before giving him a cheery grin.

He wiped off the sweat beads on his forehead and returned an awkward grin before he walked over to the candy bowl to give them some candies. As he did so, Twilight approached the three of them and smiled as well.

"Wonderful costumes!" She complimented before she looked up at the elderly pony. "Happy Nightmare moon, Granny Smith!"

Granny Smith gave the pony a tiresome smile before Spike approached the group with a bowl of candy. With the aid of Twilight's magic, they handed the fillies a piece of candy, dropping it in their pouch before a smaller pony pushed his way through the three, swaying around as he lost his balance. 

Unable to keep himself steady, he falls onto the ground and drops the wooden sword from his muzzle before he swiftly got back up and saluted. "Pip-Squeak the pirate, at your service! It's my very first Nightmare night!" He spoke, earning a little grin from Twilight.

Before either one could say anything, Pinkie burst out of nowhere wearing a chicken outfit, frightening them all. "Enough chit-chat! Time is candy!"

"Pinkie Pie... Aren't you too old for candy?" Twilight asked as her friend pretended to act like a chicken.

"Whaaa!?" Pinkie gasped in shock. "Too old for candy!? Never!" 

Twilight couldn't help but roll her eyes before she dropped a piece of candy in her pouch. 

The four fillies as well as Granny Smith waved goodbye to the two ponies before leaving. Twilight turned back to Pinkie and swayed her head back and forth, letting the bell of her wizard hat ring. 

"You like it?" Asked Twilight.

"Yeah!" Pinkie responded. "You make a great weird clown!"

Twilight couldn't help but glare before she felt the presence of Giratina. He observed Pinkie pie with a confused look.

"What... Are you?" He questioned before Pinkie replied with a series of clucks, answering his question. "So... Nightmare Moon is simply a night to wear costumes and give candy?"

"Baaasssiccallyyy..." Twilight mumbled before nodding her head. "Yeah-"

"And it's the best night ever! And you get to dress up as a clown just like Twilight!" Pinkie pie added before she dug her head into the bow Spike was holding, taking the majority of the candy before she bolted off.

Twilight groaned before she was pushed by Spike. "Come on you two! We're gonna be late!" He reminded them.

As the three walks, Twilight turned to Giratina and Spike with an annoyed expression. "Come on! You both can tell that this is a wizard and NOT a clown! These were all hoof-stitched!" 

"Yeah, right," Spike said before chuckling. "Grandpa."

Twilight growled before Giratina awkwardly patted her back. "Don't let it get to you, I can see the resemblance myself."

"See! Finally!" 

The three of them continued walking into a street filled with decoration and other ponies dressed up in many different costumes. Twilight began to ramble on about Star Swirl the Bearded and his backstory, only interesting  Giratina and boring Spike.

"He's only the most important conjurer in the Preclassical era!" She complained before a group of fillies cheered in the background. "He created 200 spells! You know, maybe I should set up a pony group to teach ponies about history! I bet many ponies would love that! Don't you think so?"

Spike mindlessly nodded his head as he shoved a few bits of candies into his mouth. Meanwhile, Giratina nodded his head, genuinely interested. "Yes, I would find it interesting to learn more about the history."

"See! I knew others would be interested!"

Twilight suddenly came to a halt, causing Spike to bump into her and drop all of his candies. "Ah! We're here already! Why don't we get some food?" She suggested.

"I feel that your companion is already... Filled up from the sweets," Said Giratina, followed by a loud burp from Spike.

"Twilight, Twilight!" Twilight turned to see Pinkie pie and Pip-Squeak running towards the three of them. "Look at our haul!" She said as she showed her pouch before shoving her face inside the pouch, eating whatever candy was in there.

As the two continued to speak, Giratina observed the surroundings before spotting a figure from atop the roof, who instantly vanished once his sight was on them. He turned to Twilight and Pinkie, the two of them still busy discussing Pinkie's haul before he noticed a dark thundercloud move towards their location. Before he was even able to warn the two, suddenly a thunderbolt came down and zapped Pinkie pie, shocking the pony. This caused the pony to bolt away from the location with the smaller filly following behind.

From atop the thundercloud was a burst of laughter. The three glanced up and saw Rainbow Dash in her costume, laughing at the frightened ponies who had run away.

"Rainbow! That wasn't very nice!" Twilight told
her in a lecturing tone.

"Lighten up, Twilight!" She looked down at the three with an evil grin. "This is the best night for pranks! Hey big guy, you should try it!"

Giratina shook his head in response. "I'm not very interested in that type of stuff." He replied.

"Come on!" She groaned before turning to see another group. "Oh! Oh! Another one!" She said with excitement before she swiftly brought the crowd over to the group.

Twilight rolled her eyes before motioning the two to follow her. As they began to walk once again, a loud thunderclap was heard followed by a fit of laughter, causing Twilight to grumble even more.

"You don't seem very please like the other two," Giratina pointed out. "Is there something else you are looking forward to?"

Twilight groaned before she nodded her head. "Uh-huh, I guess you can say that." 

She soon noticed Applejack close by and began to approach her. "Happy Nightmare Night, Applejack!" She greeted.

"Oh hey you three," She said with a grin before the pony who was participating in the apple bob game looked up and noticed Giratina, shouting out of fear of the creature's appearance. "Oh, would ya look at that? Seems like you fit in tonight pretty well, big fella.” She soon turned to Twilight and played with her beard. “And wouldja look at you, Twilight! I reckon you’re some sort of country singer with that beard.”

Twilight replied with an annoyed groan whilst Spike with a giggle.

“While y’all are here, wanna try bobbing some apples?” She offered before a pony with derpy eyes came up from the basin with the drain plug, causing all the water to fall down the drain. “Oh shucks…”

Soon, a round of applause could be heard from the background, the four turning their heads to notice the mayor of Ponyville wearing a clown outfit speaking up in the stand.

“Come on!” Twilight told Giratina as she dragged him over to the crowd. Due to his size, he stayed far behind to not disrupt anyone’s view and as well as not to draw any attention to his appearance. Meanwhile, Twilight and Spike were deep inside the crowd to get a better view of the mayor.

“Now, all of our little fillies who’ve been gathering candies, please follow our friend, Zecora, to hear about the legend of…. Nightmare Moon..!” She said, mentioning the name in a spooky voice.

She pointed her hoof at the side of the stage before a green cloud began to form. Slowly, a Zebra emerged from the smoke, wearing her own costume, and smiled at the crowd.

“Follow me,” She spoke in a spooky voice. “And you’ll soon hear the tale of Nightmare Moon!”

Zecora walked off stage and motioned the fillies to follow her. Twilight walked out of the crowd and towards Giratina. “Follow us! You’ve never heard of Nightmare Moon so I bet you’d love to hear this!” She said.

“Hmm…” Giratina thought for a moment before she nodded his head. “If you believe so.”

The three of them began to follow Zecora as well. The group began to go deep into the forest until they came to a halt once they arrived at a statue of the pony named Nightmare Moon.

“Listen closely,” Zecora began. “And I’ll tell you where you got your fears.”

She approached a few of the fillies as she spoke. “Of Nightmare night, so dark and scary!” She took a bundle of green dust and blew it into the air. “Of Nightmare moon who makes you wary.” All of a sudden, the dust formed a pony-like figure with a cunning smile, it began to run around the fillies before diving into them, erupting into a large dust cloud.

“On these nights, we wear our costumes to save ourselves from her searching eyes…” A sudden pair of eyes appeared behind a pair of fillies, frightening them and causing them to fear. All of a sudden, those pair of eyes were simply revealed to be Zecora, messing with the children.

“But Nightmare moon wants just one thing. To gobble up ponies in one quick swing!” Once again, she blew green dust into the air before speaking. “Hungrily, she soars the sky. If she sees no pony, she passes by…” The cloud of dust came shooting down to a group of fillies, turning into Nightmare moon before going to another group. “So if she comes and all is clear…”

“Equestria is safe for another year!” She declared as the green dust rose to the air, turning into the shape of Nightmare moon before dissolving into green sparkles. 

“But.. Miss Zecora…” Pip-Squeaked muttered in a frightening tune, hiding close to the Zebra. “If we wear our costumes to hide from Nightmare moon, why do we still have to offer our candy?”

“A wonderful question, my little
friend,” Zecora said. “For Nightmare moon, you must not offend.” She once again blew green dust which turned into Nightmare moon once again. “Fill up her belly with a treat or two. So she won't return to come and eat you!” The green pony pounced onto the group as if it was trying to eat them all, causing them all to scream.

“Everypony!” Pinkie screamed as she approached the statue. “Drop some candies here and get out of here!” She dropped a lot of her candies before the wind began howling, causing her to grow more fearful. 

The clouds began to swirl around the moon before everything flashed white. All of a sudden, a royal carriage came flying down, being carried by two pegasi. Everyone began to whimper as they backed away. It stopped in front of the group before the rest of the group ran, leaving Twilight, Giratina, and Spike at the location. 

The pony on the carriage looked around before the pegasi began to bring the carriage to Ponyville.

“Oh no! They’re going to Ponyville!” Spike pointed out, causing Twilight to worry, and began bolting towards the town with Spike and Giratina following behind.

Twilight came to a halt once she arrived and watched as the pony descended from the carriage. 

“So that is Nightmare moon…” Giratina silently mumbled as he observed from the back.

The pony landed on the group and brought down her hood, revealing herself to be Princess Luna.

“Previously, my friends and I fought against Nightmare moon, and then she was revealed to be Princess Luna, the sibling of Princess Celestia,” Twilight quietly explained.

While Twilight seemed calm about the Princess’s arrival, the rest of the ponies weren’t and immediately bowed out of cowardice. She attempted to approach Princess Luna before Spike grabbed her and brought her down so she bowed down as well. 

Meanwhile, Giratina stayed hidden behind a building, observing the situation from afar rather than being part of the crowd.

The Princess cleared her throat before she began to speak in a loud voice, enough to cause a wind to push the ponies back. “Citizens of Ponyville! We have graced your tiny village with our presence so that you may behold the real Princess of the night!” She began to pace herself back and forth. “Creature of nightmares no longer, but instead a pony who desires your love and admiration! Together, we shall change this dreadful celebration into a bright and glorious feast!” As she continued on with her speech, the ponies began to crawl backward. 

“Did you hear that, everypony!?” Pinkie pie said with a shocked voice. “She said she’s going to feast on us all!” 

Everyone screamed out of fear and all ran away, leaving Princess Luna confused. “What!?” She said, shocked by what she said. “No, no! That wasn't my intention! You no longer have any reason to hear us! Screams of delight are what your Princess desires, not screams of terrors!” She said. Out of frustration, she stomped her hoof down to the ground. 

She soon turned to the mayor, becoming more frustrated. “Mayor! Your Princess of the Night has arrived!” She attempted to approach her but noticed that the mayor was shaking, causing her to become more confused.

“What is the matter!?” She questioned, turning to another pony to only the others react the same way. “Very well then, be that way!” She became very frustrated and began to walk away.

“I'll go and talk to her-” Twilight began.

“No! You can’t!” Spike said, grabbing her cloak to stop her from approaching the Princess. “She was Nightmare Moon!”

“Was,” Giratina corrected from the back. “According to Twilight, she has changed, hasn't she?”

“Ah- well-”

“If you do not want Twilight to speak to her, then I shall.” He began to walk towards the direction the Princess walked to. 

“Besides Spike,” Said Twilight. “I saw the Elements of Harmony change her to good, I’m sure she’s just struggling to adjust.” She followed behind Giratina, making Spike groan.

The two of them entered the forest only to see Princess Luna resting in front of the statue of Nightmare moon. 

“Here, let me try to speak first…” Twilight said, approaching the Princess first. “Excuse me? Princess Luna.”

Twilight watched as the Princess immediately stood up. “Hello! I'm-”

“Star Swirl, the bearded!” Replied Luna. “A commendable costume. You even got the bells right.”

“Thank you! Finally, someone else recognizes it!” Twilight said with a bright smile on her face. She turned to Luna only to notice the Princess was frowning. “Uhm, anyway, I just wanted to welcome you to Ponyville! Same with my friend.”

Giratina appeared behind Twilight and bowed down in front of the Princess. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Princess Luna. I am Lord Giratina, however, Giratina is alright.”

“Ah, my sister spoke of you. One of the creators of the world, it is a pleasure as well,” Luna replied, bowing down as well before returning to a sorrowful frown.

Twilight nervously cleared her throat before she began to speaks “Anyways, my name is-”

“Twilight Sparkle,” Luna began, her voice returning to the same loud tone as she did back in Ponyville. “It was you who unleashed the powers of harmony upon us which took away our dark powers!” The clouds began to swirl up in the sky as she spoke.

“And… That was a good thing, right?” Twilight replied, backing away from the strong gust of winds.

“But of course! We could not be happier! Is that not clear!?”

“It was not,” Giratina responded, standing his ground rather than being blown away. “You are shouting rather than speaking at a conversation level. It was why so many ponies fear you back in. Ponyville.

“But this is how we speak! The royal
Canterlot speech! We use ‘we’ and speak with this much volume!”

“That would make your subjects fear you even more,” Giratina replied.

“Princess Luna… You’ve been gone for too long…” Twilight added.

“Indeed, and that sudden change in culture has led with mixed results.”

“Yeah, but surely if you changed your approach, the results would be much better!” Twilight added to Giratina’s comment.

“Well… It has been 1,000 years, we are not sure if we can change our approach…” 

“Well, we can go ask my friend, Fluttershy! Come along, Princess!” Twilight smiled and began walking ahead, having Giratina and Luna follow behind her.

Luna seemed to still be sorrowful over the reaction given to her. 

“Princess, no need to worry, though you have been gone for a thousand years, you will adapt and learn from your subjects the same as I have,” Said Giratina.

“As you have?” Luna questioned.

“Yes, I came to this world recently and I am just beginning to get used to the history of this world.” 

“And don’t worry Princess! Fluttershy is delicate and demure! She’ll surely be lots of help!”

They finally arrived at Fluttershy’s house and Twilight immediately knocked on her door.

Her knocks were met with a seemingly annoyed Fluttershy. “Go away! There’s no candy here! Visitors are not welcomed here!” 

Luna looked over at Twilight with a suspicious look. “I thought you said she was… Delicate?”

“Ahaha…” Twilight laughed awkwardly before she approached the door. “Hey, Fluttershy? It’s me, Twilight!”

Fluttershy slowly opened the door and seemed relieved to see Twilight. “Ah, it is you…” She said with a soft sigh before she opened the door fully. “Oh, and Nightmare moon-” She soon took a step back and fear. “Nightmare moon!?” She let out a scream before she slammed her door shut.

The Princess looked annoyed after the reaction. “Aha, please wait right here,” Twilight said before she approached the door once again and entered. Luna rolled her eyes before taking a step back, staying with Giratina.

“May I suggest that you speak in a ‘normal’ voice.” Said Giratina, looking at the Princess who was annoyed at the request.

“Once again, we royals must speak in such a way,” Luna said, once again returning to her blaring voice.

“Okaaaay!” Twilight said, dragging Fluttershy out of her house. “Come on Fluttershy! Give Princess Luna a lesson!”

“Now, we desire a lesson from you!” Luna spoke, ignoring Giratina’s suggestion of speaking in a lower tone. 

“Okay-” Fluttershy whimpered.

“Shall we replicate your tone?”

“Okay-”

“Is this good!?” Luna asked, continuing to speak in her blaring tone.

“P...Perfect- Lesson over,” Fluttershy whimpered before attempting to bolt back into her house, only for Twilight to slam the door close which caused her to collide with it.

“Princess,” Giratina spoke, “Once again, try to lower your voice.”

Princess Luna sighed before she cleared her throat. “Is this better?” She asked, finally her tone wasn't booming.

“See! That's better!” Twilight said happily.

“So… Is this better?” Luna said, lowering her voice once again.

“Yes, that’s enough,” Said Giratina.

Fluttershy was suddenly picked up by the Princess, who suddenly hugged her out of delight. “Wonderful! Thank you for your lesson!” She said, her voice booming once again.

Suddenly, Pinkie and a group of fillies came running towards Fluttershy’s home. “Fluttershy! You have to come to hide with us! Nightmare moon—” She soon gasped, seeing that Fluttershy was in the grasp of ‘Nightmare moon’. “Oh No! Nightmare moon has Fluttershy! She’s going to gobble her up!” Both her and the children scream before bolting off to the opposite directions.

Luna gasped before dropping Fluttershy. “Nay, children, wait!” She said in her booming voice before gasping. “No… Wait!” She muttered.

Both Giratina and Twilight notice how saddened the Princess was. Without hesitation, Twilight approached Luna with a smile. “Come on, let’s try plan B.”

“And what is that plan B?” Giratina asked. 

“We’ll go to Applejack and ask her for some advice! She’s a very likable pony and-”

“Yes, although she is in the middle of the festival, is she not?” He pointed out. “The presence of the Princess may end the same way it did in the first. Why don’t you try to bring Applejack to us?” He suggested.

“You think that'd be better?” Twilight questioned. “But wouldn't it be better if we brought Luna to the festival to practice those tips Applejack gives her?”

“I believe that it would be best to see what advice she would give and how Princess Luna would follow them before we send her off to interact with the rest.” He replied.

“Well…” Twilight mumbled before she nodded her head. “If you say so.”

With that, Twilight turned around and walked back into the town in search of Applejack, leaving Luna and Giratina to wait by the forest.

“Princess, I would like to discuss something with you,” Giratina began. “From what I have seen tonight, it seems as if this ‘Nightmare Night’ has something to do with how others react to your appearance.”

“What makes you say that?” Luna questions, perking up with interest as to what he was discussing.

“Tonight, I have observed that it is a night filled with fright and sweets. Many ponies pull pranks on each other and share sweets,” Giratina explained, sitting down as he observed the moon shining in the dark sky. “I believe that perhaps they do not truly fear you, they just feel like it due to the festival being celebrated.”

“They… They simply feel like it!?” She said out of shock. “How do you know that?”

“Well, from what I’ve noticed, they simply enjoy that type of fright, especially from the stories. Why do you think Nightmare Night seems to be the most celebrated? Not only for fillies but for everyone as well. They take time to wear costumes and go door-to-door to ask for candies. From the story I had heard, they did that in order to hide from Nightmare Moon and to remain safe for another year, it is not something they do out of fear but out of joy.”

“Hmm…” Luna hummed to herself, now deep in thought as Twilight came running back with Applejack close behind her. 

“We have an idea!” Twilight said.

“Ah, Twilight Sparkle, thank you for returning with your friend.” Luna smiled as she turned to look at Giratina. “However, I would like to try something new.”

“Oh?” Both Giratina and Twilight said, surprised by the sudden idea.

As time passed, Twilight came back to the statue of Nightmare with the group of fillies. “Come on! We have to give Nightmare Moon some of our candies.”

The fillies nodded their head enthusiastically as they dropped pieces of candies from their pouch before a strong gust of wind began to blow the fillies back.

“Children!” A loud booming voice was heard from the statue. “We are pleased with your offerings! It pleases us so much that we shall feast on your candies rather than you!” The children began to scream out of fear before they ran away.

Once the children ran away, Luna returned to her regular form and looked around, a little bit worried. Twilight approached her and gave her a pat on the back. “No worries Princess, I’m sure your idea worked.”

“We do hope so…” Luna mumbled. “I was very proud of it.”

“Princess Luna? A voice suddenly called out, revealing to be Pip-Squeak. “Can we do this again?” He asked, smiling with excitement. “It’s very fun to get scared by you!”

Luna smiled before laughing a little bit, nodding her head. “Of course,” She cleared her voice before her voice began to boom. “I shall return every Nightmare night!”

Her voice was enough to push Pip-Squeak back, however, he was laughing happily. “Yaayy! You're my favorite Princess ever!” He ran up to her to give her a quick hug before scattering away towards the group, calling out that she agreed.

Luna smiled softly as Twilight and Giratina approached her. “That ended off nicely!” Twilight said proudly as Giratina nodded his head.

“This has been an eventful night,” Luna said before turning towards Giratina, bowing her head. “Thank you for your help as well, Giratina.”

“It is nothing, I was simply sharing an observation with you,” He explained. “With that being said, I shall take my leave and continue reading more about this world.”

“Awh, you’re not going to stick around and play some games?” Twilight asked.

Giratina shook his head. “I’m not very interested in games, I would rather take the rest of the night reading more.”

“Aha, understandable. Well, I’ll see you in the morning!”

After sharing their goodbyes, Giratina returned to the Golden Oak Library, gathering many books with topics focused on the ponies and their history. The events that occurred intrigued him further to how ponies came to form the land they now reside in as well as how Princess Luna was formerly known as ‘Nightmare Moon’. He hoped what he would come across would help him further understand the realm he now had to watch over and aid him with understanding trivial topics as well. 
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun rose as it did every morning. Giratina shared his goodbyes with the two sisters before making his way to Fluttershy’s home. He was strangely intrigued by the cottage’s design and the animals who were attracted to it. As he walked by, different animals stared at him before running away, startled by the newcomer. He thought nothing of it, instead, he made his way towards the entrance and knocked on the front door.

It took a few minutes however Fluttershy opened the door and peeked her head out. At first, she was surprised by his appearance, almost startled, but she reminded herself that he wasn't a threat and opened the door fully.

“G...Good morning,” Greeted Fluttershy. “Welcome to my… My home. Please watch where you're going, I don't… I don't want any of my friends to be frightened…”

“Good morning, I shall keep that in mind,” Said Giratina as he stepped inside. He was surprised by the amount of small creatures running and flying about. To him, it seemed to be a peaceful yet chaotic environment. 

Once he began to walk around, most of the animals were made aware of his presence. All but one, which was a white rabbit. The two of them caught each other’s gaze and stared at each other for what felt like hours. However, only a few seconds had passed and the two nodded at each other, seemingly accepting each other's presence.

Fluttershy looked over at the two and gave Giratina a little smile. “Oh…! That’s Angel… He tends to be a bit… Bossy but he’s very sweet.”

Giratina nodded his head, acknowledging the information given to him. “I see…” He responded before turning back to Fluttershy. “May you show me where I shall be staying?”

“Oh..! Of course!” Fluttershy nervously chuckled before walking over to a spare room. “Here, this will be where you’ll sleep… Don't worry! I've made sure none of my… of my friends would bother you!” 

Giratina nodded his head once again. “Allow me to ask, do you know where Rainbow Dash is? I would like to ask her for some flying lessons.”

“Flying? Why… Why flying?” Fluttershy asked with a suspicious tone.

“Ah, the gravity in this world is not the same as my own, it’s a strange thing to understand but it hinders my ability to fly which was why I was hoping to ask lessons from her.”

Fluttershy was a bit doubtful although she gave him the benefit of the doubt and nodded her head. “Well… She might be at her home… If… If you’re still struggling to fly then… Then I’ll get her for you.”

“Thank you, that would be much appreciated.”

“Alright, uhm… Would you like me.. to get her now?”

“Yes, I'd like to get started as soon as I can.”

Fluttershy nodded her head before she made her way out of the cottage with Giratina following behind her. She began to fly up into the sky, leaving the hexapod by himself. 

Fluttershy soon arrived at Rainbow Dash’s house and awkwardly knocked on the door. “Rainbow? Uhm, I’d like to ask you something…” She called out in her meek voice.

Rainbow dash opened the door and tilted her head. “Yeah? What’s up?”

“Ah… You see…” Fluttershy began. “Giratina said that… Because of the gravity here, he can’t fly properly… He… He was asking if you could give him some flying lessons.”

“Well, he came to the right person!” Rainbow Dash said proudly. “The fastest pegasus in Ponyville would love to give him a lesson or two!”

With that, Rainbow dash zipped back down to the ground, causing Fluttershy to spin around from her speed.

Giratina was surprised to see Rainbow speeding her way over to him with Fluttershy far behind. She came to a sudden halt in front of him with a big grin.

“So! I heard you want some flying lessons from me!” Rainbow Dash said quite arrogantly. 

“Yes, you will help me?” Giratina asked.

“Yup! Now come on! Let’s go to some clear area to make this more easier with fewer distractions and obstacles!” She soon zoomed away in a certain direction, leaving Giratina to follow behind. 

Once the two had found a clear area, Rainbow Dash began her first lesson with him.

“Okay, do you know how to fly first of all?” Rainbow asked as she lifted herself off the ground using her wings.

“Ah, yes, I believe so…” Replied Giratina as he began to flap his bat-like wings and lift himself off the ground. It took a while as he was not used to this form and the gravity although he was sure he’d ease into it after some practice.

“Awesome!” Rainbow cheered as she began to fly forward at a slow pace. “Here, try to follow me!” 

Giratina tilted his head, unsure of how. Before he could even ask, Rainbow was ready to give an answer. “All you gotta do is give yourself a little thrust! If it helps, go back on the ground and give yourself a running head start, like this!” Rainbow got back on the ground and ran up before she used that momentum to thrust herself and fly forward.

Giratina nodded his head and mimicked her running head start before he jumped up and used his wings to thrust himself ahead. “How do you slow down?” He asked, beginning to worry about his momentum as it was faster than Rainbow Dash at the moment.

“Just pull yourself back a little!” 

Giratina followed, leaning back as his speed began to decline. It soon reached a state where he was simply hovering rather than flying ahead.

“Yeah! That's it!” Rainbow said proudly as she flew to his side and gave him a pat on the back. “For now we’ll work on the basics, flying forward, turning left, right, and back, stopping, slowing down, speeding up- then we’ll work on gliding and soaring!”

“Will there be other techniques I will learn from you?”

“Nah, not really! I think the things I'll be teaching you for today would be enough to last till the sun sets! So now, let's continue!”

Giratina nodded his head, staying mid-air as Rainbow dash flew in front of him. “Now, it should be pretty obvious how to turn, right? You just gotta lean to the side you wanna go to!” She began. “First, let's try when we’re not moving! Just leaaaannn like this!” She leaned over to her right side, causing her to spin to her right.

Giratina nodded as he followed what she had done, leaning to the right. Once he had noticed he turned, he tried to lean on his left side, and then until he did a 180 and a 360 spin.

“Yeah! You got it! It’s the same thing when you're moving but you gotta be slick with it!” Rainbow Dash began to fly around, turning left and right. “Oh yeah! I’ll show you how to go up and down later cause that's a whole different thing!”

Giratina began to move forward, at first he started at a slow pace, getting used to turning around before he sped himself up. After a few minutes of turning around a few cones Rainbow Dash had set up while he was practicing, he was already used to it.

“Alright! Now before I teach you about going up and down, let’s try to speed up and slow down!” She said. “If you wanna speed up, flap your wings as fast as you want! And to slow down, you gotta change the angle of your wings.” She landed on the ground and showed him an example, lifting her wings up so it was at a higher angle. “Like this, this is how you slow down! Cause the wind and all that.”

Giratina hummed as he observed her wings and the angle it was at. He began to fly up and attempted to increase his speed by flapping his wings faster before he held it at a certain angle, which caused him to slow down. While he held it at that angle, he tried to flap his wings slower than he did before, finally reaching to a full stop.

“Aha! Look at that! You’re really good at this!” Rainbow Dash said with a big grin. “Man, one day I bet you'll be as fast as me! Not faster though, cause I bet you can’t make a sonic rainboom like I did!”

“A sonic rainboom?” Giratina repeated with a curious tone. “May I ask what that is?”

“It’s like a mix of a sonic boom and the rainbow effect! I made a huge circle that had the colors of the rainbow and I got my cutie mark at that exact moment!” She said with a proud tone, showing off her cutie mark as she explained.

“I see…” Giratina muttered before he nodded his head. “Well, shall we move on to the next lesson?”

“Yup!” Rainbow nodded her head. “Now, let me show you how you fly up! All you gotta do is have enough lift to help you out! So make sure the wind is pushing you up and have your wings like this to help them out, but you gotta flap your wings too!” She demonstrated first, flying up and reaching a certain height before Giratina followed along.

It took him a minute or two to properly reach the same height as Rainbow dash and he insisted on another try, this time getting it right after a few seconds.

“Now, to go down, you just gotta lean yourself down a little, not completely cause that’s a nose dive and you're going to hurt yourself that way!” Rainbow dash warned as she demonstrated the safer way to fly down. “This one is basically gliding!”

Giratina nodded his head and followed along, keeping his wings out and his body at a slight angle of depression, and finally hit the ground softly.

Rainbow turned towards him. “Let’s try the faster way! I know you’ll be fine, all you gotta know is that you have to have your front hooves ready to soften the impact. Watch me first!” 

Rainbow flew up before pointing her body at an angle of depression and flew down faster than before. Before landing, she used her front hooves to soften the impact before her back hooves reached the ground. She turned to Giratina once again. “Did you get that?”

Giratina nodded his head. He flew up once again and prepared himself. He dove down, holding out his front hooves as he prepared to hit the ground. He landed on his front hooves first before the back two, landing softly as Rainbow dash did. 

“Woo! We’re almost done and it’s only the afternoon!” Rainbow cheered proudly. “Now, I’m pretty sure we got soaring down, I just have to make sure that you can soar for longer! And here’s how we do that!”

Rainbow Dash zoomed away for a moment, leaving Giratina by himself. She soon arrived back with a cloud.

“Man, I just saw Apple Bloom with a hula hoop while balancing some plates, how weird-”

“Apple Bloom?”

“Yeah, Applejack’s little sister,” Said Rainbow Dash. “Man, she must have gotten her cutie mark, I can’t wait till Scootaloo gets hers. And before you ask, Scootaloo’s like my younger sister!”

Giratina nodded his head before looking at the cloud she had. “What is the cloud for?” He asked.

“Ah, here,” She gave it a kick with her hind hooves, causing a huge gust of wind to begin blowing. “Try to stay soaring for 5 minutes with this! Soaring is like gliding, just keep your wings out and have it so that your wings are pushing the wind down to help you stay up in the air.”

Giratina nodded his head as he flew up towards the wind, being blown back by the force before he flapped his wings to stay in a steady position and began soaring. He had to adjust his wings once in a while to ease himself to a better position and not be pushed back.

Minutes passed and finally, Rainbow Dash gave the cloud another kick, causing the wind to halt. Giratina glided his way back to the ground and rested on his hooves.

“Ah, I must admit, that was a bit of a pain…” He said before Rainbow Dash laughed gleefully.

“Aha! It feels like that when you haven't used your wings in a while! All you gotta do is give them a stretch!” She said as she stretched out her wings, motioning Giratina to follow.
Giratina nodded his head and began to stretch his wings out as well. 

“Ah, with that over with, what shall we do next?” Giratina asked, expecting there to be more to learn.

Rainbow Dash grinned brightly. “There’s nothing left to learn actually!” She gave the hexapod a or on the back. “Now just keep practicing while I set up a nice testing grounds to see if you pass my lessons!”

“Alright, how long shall that take?” He inquired.

“Hmm, maybe an hour? I’m gonna make it more difficult since you mastered all of these pretty quickly!” Rainbow Dash patted his back. “I’ll be off now! Train here until you're ready!” She zoomed away in an instant, excited to prepare the testing grounds.

Giratina nodded his head as he began to fly around the clearing, turning every once in a while. He decided to give himself a challenge and began to fly around a few trees, turning left and right to dodge them and sometimes flying over a few trees if they were too small for him. 

Eventually, he felt like he was used to his new form involving flight, it was not the same as his previous form as he was able to float around and the change of gravity was something he had gotten used to now. Previously Giratina was able to float around in the distortion would due to the lack of gravity although, in the dimension, he felt the gravitation pull which definitely caught him off once in a while. 

It had been past an hour and Rainbow finally returned with a gleeful smile. “Hey! Big fellow! It’s ready! Come along!” She said as she flew up into the sky with the hexapod following close behind her.

The two pierced through the clouds, revealing a well-created and difficult obstacle course made entirely out of clouds. 

“This is the obstacle course! Pretty cool, amirite?” Rainbow Dash said with a grin as she crossed her arms pridefully.

“Yes, I am looking forward to completing this.”

“But! There’s a catch!”

“And what may that be?”

Rainbow Dash grinned once again. “You’ll be going up against me!”

Giratina nodded his head, unfazed by the catch. “Alright, shall we begin?”

Rainbow nodded her head as the two made their way to the starting line.

“3…” Both ponies began to prepare themselves, getting into position.

“2…” Rainbow Dash glanced over at Giratina, observing his facial expression. He seemed very calm, she didn't know how to feel about that. She decided that maybe she can go a bit faster than what she intended to go.

“1…!” She brought her focus back on the track and grinned, she was the one who made the track, she knew how it goes. She was confident that she was going to win.

“Go!”

The two began flying, Giratina’s speed matching Rainbow Dash’s. She hadn’t expected that so she began to speed up, causing Giratina to speed up as well to stay on track with her. The two sped through the course, taking sharp turns and flying up and down, dodging and going through whatever obstacle was on their way. 

The course tested out all that Giratina had learned, speeding up, slowing down. turning, flying up and going down, as well as soaring over a certain section. With this, he began to understand his new form and this new way of traveling. To him, it seemed far different from his previous form, although there were some similarities, the gravity he felt and the structure of his body was something he had to get used to and finally did.

It was at the final section, both of them kept speeding up, trying to take the lead over the other. Giratina may not have seen this as a race but Rainbow Dash did. Seeing him inch closer and ahead of her gave her the motivation to go faster and faster just so that he wouldn't take the lead.

Both zoomed across the finish line and slowed down, Rainbow was catching her breath while Giratina stood up and stretched his wings.

“No, no, no!” Rainbow whined. “That was too close to tell! Let’s do it again.”

Giratina nodded his head, “If you insist.” He said.

The two started the course once again and as before, it ended off too close to tell. This resulted in another one, then another one, then another. 

It was the evening, Rainbow Dash was out of breath from all the racing she had done.

“One...More…!” She muttered out as she stood on her hooves.

“Rainbow Dash, I believe we should take a break and do this another day,” Giratina suggested. “You have been training me since the morning, I do not recall you ever eating or drinking something.”

Rainbow Dash groaned before her stomach grumbled. He was right, she had been so focused on training and teaching him that she was starving and exhausted. “Fine…! Next time, I’ll finish first!”

Giratina nodded his head. He watched as she returned to her home and waved goodbye before making his way back to Fluttershy’s home. 

Once he arrived, he saw Fluttershy busy feeding and caring for the animals. She spotted him as well and waved at him.

“Hello… Did everything… Did everything go well?” Asked Fluttershy.

“Yes,” Responded Giratina. He glanced over at the table and saw a meal left there. “I am assuming that this is for me?”

“Yes… I hope it's alright.”

“Thank you.” He took the plate before turning to Fluttershy. “I’ll be taking this to my room and finishing it there. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Oh, I don't… Enjoy…!”

Giratina simply nodded his head and entered his room. He settled the plate on the table before he began to eat. He did not need to eat at all although he thought it would be impolite to decline a meal made for him. As he ate, he glanced up at the sky once again, thinking of all the flying he had done today. His wings were a little sore although they were nothing too bothersome for him. However, he was glad to get the opportunity to fly. Learning in this new dimension was something he was interested in and he could not wait for new information to learn about this place known as Equestria. 
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the moon shining overhead, Giratina was able to sense something resonate deep within him. This sensation was familiar to the creature, something that offered him comfort in the new world he now inhabits. After waiting, it has finally arrived. The Griseous Orb.

Once the morning sun rose, Giratina did not hesitate to make his way out of Rainbow Dash’s abode, only to have Rainbow Dash herself stop him.

“Hold on, bud!” She began as she crossed her arms with an annoyed expression. “Where do you think you’re going?! We still have to race again!”

Giratina shook his head. “I must go. I can sense it.” He explains.

“You’re not going anywhere!” Rainbow huffed. “If you have to go somewhere, then we all gotta come with! Plus, what do you mean ‘I can sense it’?”

“The Griseous Orb.”

Rainbow Dash seemed confused. She soon shook her head and sighed. “Aaahh, it’s gonna be better if you explain when the group’s all together. Go to Twi’s place, I’ll go gather up everyone else!”

She soon flew out of her home, leaving a cloud puff where she stood. Giratina simply followed along with what she said, making his way towards the Golden Oak Library. 

He arrived at the door and knocked with his hooves. Spike opened the door and waved at Giratina.

“Yo! What brings you here?” He asked as he allowed Giratina to enter.

“Rainbow Dash said she wanted me to come here as she gathers up the rest of your group. All I wished to do was to leave to collect the Griseous Orb.” Giratina turned to see Twilight approach him with curiosity.

“A Griseous Orb? what’s that?” She questioned.

Giratina shook his head. “Rainbow Dash said it would be best if I were to explain once the rest have arrived.”

Twilight huffed, disappointed she was not able to receive an answer but she did agree that it was better to wait for the rest so they can hear the explanation. 

Minutes pass and finally, the rest of the main six arrive at the Library. All were confused yet curious, all Rainbow Dash told them was that Giratina wanted to leave.

“So, what's this ‘bout leavin’?” Applejack asked as she sat down on one of the chairs. 

“Giratina mentioned it was something involving an orb…” Twilight said.

“Yes, the Griseous Orb…” Giratina began to explain. "The Griseous Orb is a relic created by me to retain my Origin Forme when in case visiting the mortal realm, however, it also allows me to regain my former strength as the Representative of the Creation Trio. My brothers Dialga and Palkia created their own orbs too, though they don't change forms."

“Wait so,” Pinkie jumped in. “What you look like right now isn’t actually what you really look like?”

“Correct.”

“Will we get to see what you really look like!?” Rainbow asked with excitement.

“Perhaps-”

“Former power? Does that mean you don’t have all your powers?” Twilight added on.

“Yes, although I am slowly regaining it.”

“What does it look like? Is it as marvelous as the form you’re in now?” Rarity asked, jumping along with the train of questions.

“Both share many similarities.” Giratina soon cleared his throat, wishing to move along. “But now, I will depart to retrieve the Griseous Orb.”

“How do you even know where it is?” Twilight questioned, “And if so, where is it?”

“I can sense it,” Replied Giratina. “It's southeast from where we currently stand.”

“Southeast…” Twilight repeated.

“Well if we’re goin’ that direction,” Applejack began. “There’s a mighty high chance we have to cross the ocean.”

“So be it,” Giratina simply said.

“Well, we’re coming along too so we’ll need to rent a boat if we do cross that far,” Twilight began as she began pacing back and forth. “We’ll need to bring supplies too since surely that will take days. And I still would need to write to Princess Celestia about friendship and-”

“Twilight, calm down,” Spike said as he motioned the unicorn to stop pacing around. “I’m sure Princess Celestia would understand. Besides, maybe there’ll be a chance we come across others and learn more about friendship.”

Twilight took a deep breath. “Yeah, you’re right, Spike.”

“Besides,” Rainbow Dash said as she approached Twilight and placed a hood on her back. “I’m sure we’ll gather up all the supplies in no time, especially with the fastest Pegasus here in Ponyville.” She had a confident smirk plastered on her face, earning a playful sigh from the rest of the main six.

“Yeah… Don't worry, Twilight,” Fluttershy said with a soft smile. “You… You don’t have to worry too much, we’re here to help.”

Twilight nodded her head and smiled before Applejack stood up from the chair with a big grin. “Alright, every pony! Let’s plan out who’s gettin’ what-”

“Applejack, I think it’s best if Giratina stays with me and help with planning the route,” Said Twilight. “Since he’s the one who can sense it, it’ll be best if he gets an idea of the area and guides us there.”

Applejack nodded her head. “If you say so, Twilight.” She turned to the other four. “Come along, y’all! We’ll be back with everything in an hour!”

The rest leave the library, leaving Twilight, Spike, and Giratina there.

“Spike, the map?” Twilight asked as Spike runs up with the map already in hand.

“Way ahead of you.” He unfurls the scroll, showing Giratina the map before taking out an empty scroll and a piece of feather. “Twi, what should your letter to Princess Celestia say?”

Twilight pondered for a moment, beginning to pace back and forth as Spike readily writes down what she was saying. “Dear Princess Celestia. I hope this letter finds you well. My friends and I are planning to accompany Giratina as he searching for a relic known as the Griseous orb, something that he himself created. We will be traveling southeast and we may have to travel through the Celestial Sea if we have to go very far. Giratina said that this relic helps him retain his so-called ‘Origin Forme’ and helps regain his energy. We plan to leave soon, maybe after we have our lunch. If the travel takes a while, I’ll be sure to write about any experiences, especially about friendship. Sincerely, your student, Twilight”

As Spike finishes writing down the final sentence, he rolls up the scroll and ties it with a red ribbon before he holds it out and breathes out green flames which incinerate the letter. He blows the pile of ashes, allowing them to be picked up by the wind and sent off to Celestia.

Twilight turns to Giratina, who was busy studying the map as she and Spike were writing the letter. “Have you figured out what route we should take?” She asked.

Giratina simply nodded his head and dragged his hoof on the route he planned to take along with the main six. His hoof stops at the farthest island at the corner of the map. “The presence, it feels as if it is very far away,” He explains. “I suspect we may have to travel to this island.”

Twilight sighed. “Ah, guess we were right about having to use a boat.” She looked out from the window, seeing Rainbow Dash going from one place to another.

“I think I have figured out the right route to take,” Giratina said.

“Does it involve walking on hooves?”

“There are train tracks to a place called Baltimare, I believe it'd be easier to use that.”

Twilight sighed in relief. “Okay, so you really expect it’s going to be on that island?”

“Yes.”

She nodded her head in response. “Okay, we’ll tell the others when we have lunch, then we’ll go to the train station and get tickets to Baltimare. That should take maybe a day.”

Giratina nodded his head. “While you all have lunch, may I stay here and preoccupy myself with any books about that island?” Questioned Giratina.

“Uhm… Sure, I think Spike knows where all the books are for that island.” 

Spike immediately bounced up on his feet. “Yup! I do. Give me a second, big guy.” He ran off to a bookshelf and dragged the ladder over. He quickly climbed up to the middle of the bookshelf, grabbed a few books, and slid down before dropping them
off beside Giratina. “These are just a couple, I could go and search for some more if you still want to read more.” 

“That's alright, I am sure I will have these books finished once you all have finished eating.” He said as he picked up one of the books using his magic and began flipping through the pages.

“Alright,” Spike said before both he and Twilight were surprised by the door swinging open.

“We’re here with all the stuff!” Rainbow Dash declared proudly as she dropped them off by the side.

“We brought some lunch for every pony too,” Applejack added along as she handed Twilight and Spike a box filled with food.

“Thanks!” Twilight said, “Giratina figured out we’ll be needing the boat. The plan is to take the train to Baltimare and then take a boat to the island at the corner of the map.”

“Sounds fun! Luckily I brought some party games just in case we get bored!” Pinkie pie grinned as she took out her bag filled with a plethora of goodies, some that questionably fit inside that small bag of hers.

Twilight couldn't help but laugh. “Well then, we’ve got the cure for our boredom if we ever get it. But for now, let’s eat. Then we'll head out to the train station.”

The rest cheered as they walked towards the table. Fluttershy paused for a moment, turning to Giratina. “Giratina… Will you be eating with us…?”

Giratina shook his head. “I have no need to eat, do not worry about me. Go along and enjoy your meal.”

“If that's the case,” Rainbow Dash shouted, hearing him say that. “Can I have your portions?”

“Go ahead.”

“Woohoo! Thanks big guy!” Rainbow Dash grinned as she began to devour both her food and the food they bought for Giratina.

The main six and Spike all enjoyed their meal, sharing laughs and conversations while Giratina was preoccupied with learning more about the so called ‘Dragon’s Lair’. 

Half an hour passed and all the ponies were finished with their meal. “Alright, I think we’re all ready to go?” Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash couldn't resist the urge to burp, causing Rarity to shake her head from disgust. “Yup! All good to go!” She immediately got up and lifted herself off the ground, raring to go.

“Giratina, did you finish reading?” Spike asked, seeing as the Creature had just placed the book down.

“Yes, I take it we will leave now?” He asked.

“Yup, I bet we’re all just ‘bout ready with everythin’.” Applejack began to wear her saddle bags alongside the rest. 

“Alright! Off we go to the train station!” Pinkie pie immediately ran out of the library and began to hop with every step she took. The rest of them followed close behind her.

“We should be by Baltimore either late morning or early afternoon. Then we’ll have to deal with renting a boat.” Said Twilight.

“While we’re there, we should play some games! I brought a lot of board games and even some card games!” Pinkie Pie said cheerfully.

“Calm down, Pinkie,” Rarity said. “We’ll figure out what to play when we’re bored.”

After a few minutes of walking, the group arrived at the train station. They paid for the tickets and entered the train cart. Many eyes were on Giratina, he was much more bigger than the rest and his features did not help him blend in with the other ponies. Though, it did not seem to bother him. He was more focused on reading the extra books Twilight had brought along, knowing both would want to read something to occupy themselves.

The train began its long trip to Baltimare, a city in the far east of the region. Throughout the ride, the main six talked and played games, having Pinkie and Rainbow Dash winning a lot of the games. They weren't able to get Giratina to join any games. Sometimes, he would simply observe before returning to reading books. And sometimes, he would have conversations with Twilight or Spike about the book, maybe even Rainbow Dash who would simply brag about how she won the recent game they had played. 

Finally, the moon had risen. Many of the ponies began drifting off to sleep, including all of the main six. However, Giratina remained awake. He leaned against the window, allowing himself to bask in the moon’s light. Eventually, he began glowing a bright shade of platinum. He closed his eyes, relaxing himself. However, the brightness caused one pony to wake up. That being Twilight.

Her eyes struggle to open completely, causing her to squint at whatever was glowing. She could barely make out Giratina’s figure with the bright glow of his body. She wanted to speak up and ask. However, she felt as if it was better not to. Besides, it was close to midnight by now. There is always another day she could ask about the mysterious glow. 

With the platinum glow now fading away, Twilight was able to close her eyes, drifting off into deep slumber.