Poke Eques

The Nightmare

Twilight sucked in air as her lungs burned. Her hooves were stomping away at the dirt as she ran for all her life. She peeked behind her shoulder to see the shadows still coming after her. She quickened her pace to avoid them at all cost. She turned her head back to the front to watch as a wall of shadows appear before her. She spied a corner and turned down it. She knew what would happen if she got caught.

Her mind raced with how it all ended. How everything went from peaceful to death and destruction. A world once filled with happiness went to one filled with sadness and despair. Harmony this time could not stop the coming darkness. The darkness took Equestria in weeks and Eques in months. Nopony or creature was safe from it; all were under its control. Not even the princesses could stop the evil that now controls Eques.

Twilight turned again and didn't see a wooden barrel in her path. By the time she turned her head, she already hit the barrel and went hard to the ground. She struck her head on the ground and watched as stars spun around her vision. She couldn't see a thing as her vision was completely blurry, but she could hear footsteps coming near her. She looked to see a pair of boots right in front of her. A snap of a finger and up she went in a blue aura. Twilight was now facing the pony or in this case person that destroyed everything, Jake.

He wore a black shirt and pants as well as a large black overcoat. His eyes now the same as the admins of Team Catastrophe. He was one of them, the traitor that brought the world to its knees. The hero Equestria who protected them now a member and leader of Team Catastrophe. Next to him was his Gardevoir and Meowstic, both Shadow Pokemon now. Twilight fought against Gardevoir's psychic abilities, but she couldn't break them. Psychic Pokemon proved that they could outmatch magic, no matter how powerful the user.

Jake smiled as he ran a hand across her face. He traced every feature on her face.

"Why, Jake, why did you betray us?" She asked

Jake looked at her as he moved his hand away from her, "Because my dear Twilight, you ponies could never give me what I wanted."

"And that would be?" Asked Twilight

"A family. In Team Catastrophe, I feel at home with those that look like me. I can finally be normal and not have to deal with the fact that I'm the only human in a world filled with colorful ponies who think that the power of friendship will save them." Said Jake

"But what about everything our friends did for you, everything that we did together?" Asked Twilight

"Oh that, that was a way to get to know the ponies around me. So that when I felt it was time to join, I could bring you all down. And how easy it was when you all tried to bring me back thinking that friendship would save me, I guess it didn't." Said Jake

He laughed before turning back to Twilight, "But no worries, I'm going to repay your friendship to me."

He snapped his fingers, and Gardevoir brought them back to Jake's castle. Ponies worked around the clock cleaning and making sure the castle was spotless. The Castle that once housed the princesses of Equestria now housed the ruler of the world. Twilight watched as two Catastrophe members pushed open a door and brought her to the throne room. The windows that once showed the stories of Equestria and the triumphs over evil not replaced by Jake sitting in a chair ruling over all the nations as they bowed to him. Shackles covered them. In front of the throne room sat the helmets of all of Quantum, defeated in two years by Jake.

Jake snapped his fingers and out came a table with shackles and straps. Gardevoir put Twilight down before Team Catastrophe members strapped her hooves down, extended her wings and strapped them down. One member placed a ring over her horn, making sure she couldn't do magic. Gardevoir released her aura, and now Twilight was free to look at the contraption.

Jake walked up to her and rubbed his fingers down her spine. The action caused shivers to run down her body. She could feel his gaze staring at her sex as her tail was tied up to expose it. Twilight squirmed as she tried to break free, but she couldn't. She felt his fingers trace around her cutie mark before going up her spine and into the feathers of her wings. Oh, how she dreamed what it would feel like to have his fingers do that to her, but not like this. He stopped as moved away from her.

"Now before we begin, I might as well show you how you'll look at the end." Said Jake

He snapped his fingers and out from the corners of the rooms came Celestia and Luna. Their wings shoved inside rubber sleeves to prevent flight and the growth of new feathers. Their horns cut off to prevent them from using magic. A scar in the shape of an 'X' covered their cutie marks, and finally on their chest was the words, 'Property of Lord Jake.'

"No, you wouldn't dare." Said Twilight

"Oh but he does, Twilight." Said Celestia

"Yes, you'll love being Jake's property. All he's ever talked about is having you." Said Luna

"That's right as payment for your friendship; I decided to keep you as one of my many personal whores." Said Jake

"Please Jake, you don't have to do this, you can still change!" Screamed Twilight

"No Twilight, I won't. You already tried and failed. Now, I think it's time to get you outfitted for your new life in my kingdom and your servitude to me." Said Jake

Jake snapped his fingers, and a Team Catastrophe pushed Twilight's head down and placed a saw on her horn. Twilight looked at Jake as he sat on his throne with Celestia and Luna at his side. She squirmed as she felt the saw touch her horn, on the other side of the inhibitor ring. Then she felt it; the saw beginning to cut her horn away. She felt another pair of hands starting to pluck her feathers. She also felt a knife cut into the flesh of her flanks. She screamed out in pain as she was becoming Jake's property.

***

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs as she jumped up from her bed. She started to hyperventilate as she tried to catch her breath. A cold sweat dripped down her face and soaked her fur. She then heard her door slam open and in came Jake holding Spike.

"Twilight what's wrong, is somepony in here. No worries I brought a weapon." Said Jake

Jake hoisted Spike in the air and spun him around before seeing that everything was ok. All there was, was Twilight taking in deep breaths and sweat rolling down her face. Jake set Spike down and walked over to her. He got down and placed a hand on her fur, which he felt was wet.

"You ok, Twilight?" Asked Jake

"Yeah, we heard you screaming like somepony was attacking you." Said Spike

Twilight moved her eyes to see Jake. He wasn't like her nightmare; his eyes showed his kind and calm nature. She lunged at him and began to shack like a leaf. She gripped Jake as hard as her hooves would let her. Jake wrapped his hands around Twilight and began to rub them across her sweat soaked fur.

"It's ok, Twilight, it was all a dream. I'm here for you now." Said Jake

Twilight began to calm in Jake's grip because she knew that the Jake in her nightmare was not the one she knew. He would never turn his back to her or her friends. He would never turn to Catastrophe and seek to rule it or turn her into a sex slave. But the nightmare felt different; it felt almost real.

"It's going to be ok, Twilight." Said Jake

"Man, she must have had a bad nightmare." Said Spike

"Is she like this when she normally has a nightmare?" Asked Jake

"No, Luna appears when a pony has a nightmare and destroys it. She makes sure all ponies of Equestria have a restful sleep." Said Spike

"Huh, that's interesting." Said Jake

After a few more minutes, Twilight seemed to get herself under control. She pulled away from Jake. She looked up at his concerned look.

"Thank you." She said

"No problem, I'm always happy to help out a friend." Said Jake

She smiled as went back to hugging him. He smiled as he returned it. Jake could still see whatever happened last night spoked her. He was sure that if Twilight had a nightmare and if Spike was right, and he was, Luna would have appeared before Twilight and banished the nightmare away. It made Jake wonder why Luna didn't appear. Jake broke the hug and smiled at Twilight.

"I think you need a long hot shower. You get that done; I'll throw your sheets in the washer." Said Jake

"Why do my sheets need to go to the washer?" Asked Twilight

"Twilight, um, you wet the bed." Said Spike

Twilight moved her gaze to the large wet spot near her plot. She blushed as she never wet the bed as a mare. She had a routine of using the bathroom before she went to bed. She couldn't believe her assistant and friend saw that she wet the bed like a little filly.

"Hey, it's ok." Twilight turned back to Jake, "Everypony wets the bed now and then. No doubt your body was on a fight or flight instinct, and your body decided to fly away."

"But I'm a grown mare; I shouldn't be wetting the bed." Said Twilight

"It's fine Twilight. Trust me; I think no less of you because of your accident." Said Jake

"Thanks, Jake, and I think I could use that hot shower." Said Twilight

She got out of the covers and rushed to the bathroom as not to let Jake or Spike see her pee covered plot or tail. She closed and locked the bathroom door and began to turn on the shower. Spike grabbed the hamper and Jake removed Twilight's sheets and covers and threw them into the basket. He took it and went downstairs to the laundry room.

***

Jake threw Twilight's bedding into the large wash basin and grabbed some soap and tossed it into the water. He stirred the water to mix the soap with it.

"So is Twilight ok?"

Jake turned to see Gardevoir enter the room, "Yeah, I got her calmed down. She must have had a terrible nightmare; it caused her to pee the bed."

"It must have been." Said Gardevoir

Jake was about to go to work when a knock came to the door. Jake stopped and walked to the door. He wasn't expecting anypony, and no pony knocked to enter the library when it was open. He got up and opened the door to see a mare he had never seen before standing before him. She had a midnight blue coat and a mane that resembled the night sky that swayed without the wind. She had cyan eyes and a moon cutie mark. She had on black jewelry and crown. She also had a pair of wings and a horn, making her an alicorn.

"Um, hello." Said Jake

"You must be the one called Jake." Said the alicorn

"Yes, and you would be?" Asked Jake

"I'm Princess Luna; you know my sister, Princess Celestia." Said Luna

"Oh, well hello, Luna. I was wondering when I would meet the princess of the beautiful nights here." Said Jake

Luna blushed, "Yes, well I'm here because I must speak with you."

"About what?" Asked Jake

"Nightmares." Said Luna

***

A puff of smoke drifted into the air. The smell of tobacco filled the air around the valley that sat splitting Ponyville from the Everfree Forest. Martin stood looking at the town as the residents went about there day, if not a little worried or out of it. He drew the cigarette from his mouth as he blew out the smoke.

Martin smiled as he placed the cigarette back into his mouth. He enjoyed the sight of all the ponies looking over their shoulders or freaking out at the slightest sound or movement. Perfect, just perfect. He smiled as looked to see Darkrai appear next to him.

"Well done, Darkrai, well done." Said Martin

"I aim to please." Said Darkrai

"Yes, last night was a perfect field test of your powers. It's amazing what you can do, and the princess of the moon can't do a thing to stop the nightmares. Oh, what a glorious day today is." Said Martin

"I did find something interesting." Said Darkrai

"What's that?" Asked Martin

"The purple princess's nightmare was about the human turning to Team Catastrophe and ruling over the world as a king. I found it odd her fear goes to the human betraying her and those around him." Said Darkrai

Martin blew out the smoke from his cigarette before putting it back into his mouth. He rolled the end in his teeth as he thought about it. Before turning to Catastrophe, Martin used to be a top-notch detective. He solved many cases that seemed impossible and saved many lives. But he now used his skills to serve Father as an elite of Team Catastrophe.

"Interesting, I find her fear quite interesting. I think I might be able to use that to our advantage." Said Martin

"How?" Asked Darkrai

"Oh, you'll see." Said Martin

He dropped the last bit of his cigarette to the ground and stomped it out with his boot. I think Darkrai gave me the perfect leverage against dear old Jake. Martin smiled as he returned Darkrai and disappeared to lay out his new plan.

***

"So let me get this straight, everypony across Ponyville all had a nightmare last night." Said Jake

"Yes." Said Luna

Luna sat in a chair sipping some tea Spike made for her. Twilight sat next to Jake eating breakfast. She stayed as close to Jake as she could. Jake didn't mind as the nightmare probably was still haunting her. Spike sat at the other end of Twilight. The Pokemon sat around or leaned on things.

"How can that be, Jake and I didn't have nightmares?" Said Spike

"Yes, that was odd that only you two weren't affected." Said Luna

"But for the whole town to all have nightmares. Do you have any idea why?" Asked Jake

"No, which is why I came to you." Said Luna

"Why Jake, princess?" Asked Twilight

"Because I have a theory. My theory is that a Pokemon is causing these nightmares since before Pokemon appeared on this planet, nopony could cause nightmares without me knowing." Said Luna

"A Pokemon that can cause nightmares," Jake scratched his hair as searched his memories. "Well, I do recall Darkrai being able to cause nightmares."

"Darkrai." Said Twilight

Jake pulled out his Pokedex and hopped it had an entry and found it. He showed everybody in the room before pressing play on the recording of information of Darkrai.

"Darkrai the Pitch-Black Pokemon. It chases people and Pokémon from its territory by causing them to experience deep, nightmarish slumbers."

"That would seem to fit the bill." Said Luna

"But why couldn't you get involved, princess?" Asked Twilight

"Celestia and I have discovered that magic doesn't seem to affect Pokemon abilities or moves." Said Luna

"But the question is why Darkrai would attack the ponies of Ponyville. It doesn't seem to be any reason for him to do so." Said Jake

"I agree." Said Luna

"So what now?" Asked Twilight

"We must find Darkrai before he attacks again. Constant nightmares can damage one's mental health as well as psychical health from not being able to get a good night's rest, which reminds me." Luna gave off a big yawn, "I must return to my bed to sleep. I thank you, Jake, for this information. I will speak to my sister about Darkrai, and I will return tonight to speak once more."

"Ok, Luna." Said Jake

Luna nodded before disappearing in a flash of white. Everybody in the room blinked and rubbed their eyes to remove the spots from Luna's teleportation.

"Well, now what?" Asked Spike

"We wait for Darkrai to strike again tonight." Said Jake

***

The night had fallen over Ponyville, and as Luna promised, she returned. Jake and she spoke a while on what to do. They both agreed that Jake would be their line of defense against Darkrai once he appears. Luna would watch over the dreams of the citizens of Ponyville and wake Jake the second Darkrai began his reign of terror. Jake nodded as he entered the library and locked the door. Twilight was on the couch reading a book. Her eyes were heavy as she gave off a cute little yawn.

"Come on, Twilight, let's hit the hay." Said Jake

"Jake, I don't want to experience what I did last night again." Said Twilight

Jake walked up and ran his hands through her mane, "You won't. Luna will wake me the second Darkrai attacks Ponyville. Once we have Darkrai, we'll end this once and for all."

"You promise." Said Twilight

"I promise." Said Jake

Twilight smiled as she closed up the book and placed it on her shelf. She walked up the stairs with Jake, and the two said goodnight. They each went into their rooms. Twilight got under her new covers since her others were drying. She curled up and closed her eyes and began to sleep. She fell right to sleep in hopes of a have a restful nights sleep, too bad someone else had plans for the young princess of Equestria.

***

"Jake wake up! Jake wake up!"

Jake cracked his eyes open to see it was nine in the morning. Why can't Twilight let me sleep in on the weekends? He rubbed his eyes and looked to see Twilight, but instead a panicking Spike.

"Jake get up!" Screamed Spike

"What is it, Spike?" Asked Jake

"Its Twilight, I think something's wrong with her!" Exclaimed Spike

Jake didn't have to hear another word to jump out of bed and rush to see Twilight tossing and turning. Sweat rolling down her face, her back hooves kicking, and she was breathing heavily. She would murmur in her sleep. Jake tried to shake her awake but nothing. Soon Twilight let out a blood-curdling scream as she flailed her hooves around. She continued until she suddenly stopped.

"Jake what's wrong with her, why won't she wake up?" Asked Spike

Jake could tell Spike was scared as was he. He had never seen anything like this. Soon Luna appeared and looked at Twilight.

"I think I have your answer, Darkrai." Said Luna

"What?" Asked Jake

"But you didn't wake Jake up." Said Spike

"It seems this time Darkrai targeted Twilight outright." Said Luna

"What?!" Exclaimed Jake

"Yes, and I'm not sure why. But right now, Twilight is in a forever lasting nightmare." Luna looked down at Twilight as she tossed and turned, "And we need to free her from soon, or she'll have server mental damage."

"Can't you calm her down or something?" Asked Spike

"No, because of what I said before." Said Luna

"How long before she starts taking mental damage?" Asked Jake

"I'm not sure how horrible her nightmare is, but from the way she looks right now, I would say she's already taking mental damage. I can't tell how much or how bad, but I do know that unless we act tonight and defeat Darkrai and have him reverse it, Twilight will take serve mental damage." Said Luna

"Then what are we waiting for, let's go." Said Spike

"That won't work." Said Jake

"What won't work?" Asked Luna

"Darkrai can't reverse what he does. Only a Pokemon called Cresselia can. She is Darkrai's opposite as she brings good dreams as well as being a Pokemon of love. People say that a feather from Cresselia can bring out anyone from a nightmare, even one brought on by Darkrai. But I doubt we'll find Cresselia in time to reverse what Darkrai has done to Twilight." Said Jake

"So you're saying there is nothing we can do." Said Spike

"Yes, unless Cresselia is here in Eques then we have no hope." Said Jake

Spike began to cry and ran up and grabbed Jake's leg. He patted him on the head. Jake looked back at Twilight as she continued to live in her haunting nightmare. I'm sorry, Twilight. Jake felt a few tears run down his cheek.

"Master, you might want to read this."

Everypony turned to see Gardevoir holding a letter made out to Jake. It was already open showing that Gardevoir already read it. He took it in his hands and read it out loud.

Dear Jake,

If you wish to save the pretty princess, then meet me tonight out in the fields outside Ponyville. Bring one Pokemon with you, which everyone you want. If you can beat me in a Pokemon battle, I'll bestow upon you, a feather of Cresselia, a feather that can reverse Darkrai's effects on your friend. It's your choice, and oh, please bring an audience, it'll be more fun that way. But do understand, if you aren't here tonight, then I'll be gone, and you'll never find a way to cure your friend. The time is midnight sharp, hope to see you.

"It seems like somepony is calling us out." Said Luna

"Yes, and I have a feeling they might behind all of this." Said Jake

"But why target Twilight after attacking all of Ponyville?" Asked Gardevoir

"I'm not sure, but somepony has there reasons." Said Jake

"But what if the pony who wrote the note is lying?" Asked Spike

Jake looked at the letter in his hands and looked back at Twilight. He promised her that she would be safe, and he was going to uphold that promise.

"Who cares, I'm doing it one way or another." Said Jake

"Glad to hear, I shall accompany you tonight." Said Luna

"And I'm going as well." Said Spike

"Glad to hear, now I need some time alone to think about who I'm using tonight." Said Jake

The other two nodded as Jake left with Gardevoir behind him. Luna looked at Twilight as she continued to squirm and fight back against her nightmare. Hold on Twilight, we will bring you the cure soon.

***

Jake rubbed Twilight's hoof as she continued to kick and squirm. Jake had his gear on, ready for the fight to come. His Snag Machine resting on his arm, in case he needed it. He knew which Pokemon he was using and that Pokemon was ready to give everything it has to save Twilight.

Jake looked at the clock to see it was nearing 11:45 pm. I guess it's time to go. Jake got up and placed Twilight's hoof down. He moved her mane out of her face and rubbed his hand down her face. He leaned down and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"I'll make this right, Twilight, I promise." Said Jake

He got up and left the room, leaving the door open. He walked down to the central area and saw Spike and Luna were ready to head out. Empoleon stood next to the two of them.

"Take care of Twilight, and alert me if anything changes." Said Jake

"Will do master." Said Gardevoir

Jake turned to the others, "You all ready."

They all nodded, and the group began their walk off to the valley outside of Ponyville. Gardevoir and the other Pokemon watched as they all left. Gardevoir clenched her hand over her heart as she felt something was off, completely off. She worried for her master, but she promised to watch over Twilight for him. She wished he picked her instead of Empoleon. Master, stay strong for I fear you face a significant threat. She sighed as she closed the door of the library and waited for the triumphant return of her master.

***

The group made it right on time to the valley outside Ponyville. The only primary light was coming from Luna's full moon. A gentle wind passed the group as they waited. Soon a voice spoke out to them from the darkness.

"I see you came." Martin appeared before them as he pulled out a box of cigarettes. He opened it and pulled a fresh one out. He stuck it in his mouth before closing and tucking away the box, "I was hoping you would."

"By your look, your with Team Catastrophe." Stated Jake

Martin pulled out a lighter and lit his cigarette, "You got that one right kid. The names Martin, and I'm one of the two elites of Team Catastrophe."

"Elites?" Asked Jake

"Yes, there are two of us, me and a man named Izzy. We serve as the heavy hitting trainers of Team Catastrophe. We do our master's wishes that are way out of the league of the admins of Catastrophe." Said Martin

"So I'm guessing everything for the past two days is your doing." Said Jake

"Right again. But enough talk, you came here for one purpose, to save the princess forever trapped in her nightmare." Said Martin

"So I assume you're keeping to your side of the promise." Said Jake

Martin pulled a beautifully colored feather from his jacket, "Here it is, probably the only feather of Cresselia in all Eques." Martin put it back in his pocket, "Now who did you bring to challenge me?"

"Empoleon." Empoleon walked in front of Jake, "Here's who I chose."

"I see, your Empoleon that you found back in that park in Manehattan. Well, I guess I should show you my Pokemon. But I mean, if you haven't figured it all out yet that would surprise me." Said Martin

He grabbed a Poke Ball from his belt and tossed it into the air. It opened up and unleashed upon the group Jake's worst fear. For there in front of them, all was Darkrai but as a Shadow Pokemon.

"Feast your eyes upon the beauty of a Shadow Legendary Pokemon." Said Martin

"A Shadow Legendary!" Exclaimed Jake

"But that's impossible!" Exclaimed Luna

"Oh it was, but thanks to Izzy, we were able to shadow a legendary Pokemon. Now Jake if you wish to save your friend, all you have to do is defeat Darkrai here in a Pokemon battle. Oh, and all the attacks are Darkrai's choice." Martin pulled a card from his pocket and tossed it to the ground. It gave off a dark pulse across the battlefield, "Oh, and I decided to spice things up a little bit. Now, I believe it is time to begin the match."

"Yes dear human, shall we begin," said Darkrai in a sinister male voice.

Darkrai's voice sent shivers down Jake's, Luna's, Spike's, and Empoleon's spines. Jake shook off his fear and activated his Aura Reader.

"Yes, I think it's time." Said Jake

"Good, now Darkrai, show our friend the true power of a Shadow Legendary!" Exclaimed Martin

"Prepare for my wraith, human!" Exclaimed Darkrai

"Empoleon start out by attacking with Aqua Jet." Said Jake

Empoleon covered himself in a vale of water and went out towards Darkrai. Darkrai raised his right hand and formed a shield by using the move Protect. The barrier kept Darkrai safe from Empoleon's attack. Empoleon landed next to Jake as Darkrai placed his hands together and formed a Shadow Ball. Darkrai launched the sphere of dark energy at Empoleon.

"Dodge," Empoleon moved out of the way of the attack. "Now follow that up with Metal Claw."

Empoleon ran forwards as the tips of his fins began to glow a white color. Empoleon leaped into the air and came down at Darkrai. Darkrai moved out of the way of the attack as Empoleon struck the ground.

"Follow that up with Drill Peck." Said Jake

Empoleon jumped towards Darkrai and began to spin like a top. The attack struck Darkrai pushing the Pitch-Black Pokemon towards Martin. Martin grinned as he watched Empoleon land back next to Jake. I must say, he sure is giving this fight everything he's got, too bad it won't help. Martin took out his cigarette and puffed out the smoke as Darkrai got himself back together.

Darkrai raised his right hand and out came a wave of dark energy towards Empoleon.

"Counter with Hydro Pump." Said Jake

Empoleon released a massive burst of water. The water bashed and stopped the Dark Pulse that Darkrai sent at Empoleon. But once everything settled, Darkrai was no longer present. Empoleon looked around, and Jake watched as the shadow behind Empoleon began to move.

"Empoleon dodge!" Screamed Jake

But Empoleon was unable to dodge in time, and Darkrai struck the Emperor Pokemon with Feint Attack. Empoleon screamed from the attack, and soon Darkrai returned to Martin. Martin removed his cigarette and gave a wicked smile as he raised three fingers on his right hand. He ticked them down and then pointed to Jake. Jake blinked his eyes before a shooting pain went through his body. He dropped to one knee and covered his mouth as he began to cough. He moved his hand away and saw a small amount of blood covering it. What the hell?!

Jake was slow to get back to his feet. His body felt oddly heavy as he was finally able to get back to normal. He covered his mouth again as he coughed up a little more blood.

"I see you felt my little surprise." Said Martin

"Little surprise." Said Jake

"You remember when I threw down that card that pulsed black across our field of battle." Jake nodded his head, "Well that's what you felt. It's called the Curse Card. It curses the field so that when your Pokemon takes damage, you take it as well, but far more intense than what your Pokemon feels. Oh, and might I mention that the pain never stops and will continue to intensify with each attack that strikes Empoleon." Martin placed his cigarette back in his mouth, "Now I think it's time to continue this fight. Darkrai, show Jake what happens when you mess with Team Catastrophe."

"I will certainly will." Said Darkrai

"Luna, can't you do something?" Asked Spike

"Sadly no. When Martin played the Curse Card, I felt the presence of black magic. The powers of black magic far exceed the power of alicorn magic. " Said Luna

"Then is there anything we can do?" Asked Spike

"At the moment, all we can do is cheer Jake on and wait for him to defeat Darkrai." Said Luna

Jake huffed as the pain still coursed through his body. Damn, Martin wasn't kidding about the pain not going away. I need to be on my toes because I don't want to know what happens when I take another attack. But that isn't going to be easy when considering I'm taking on a Shadow Legendary. But I won't stop fighting until I get that feather and fulfill my promise to Twilight, even if I have to take on more pain.

"Empoleon, Rain Dance." Said jake

Empoleon roars up at the sky, and dark clouds began to form over the night sky. Then a single drop of rain fell from the sky and landed on Luna's snout. She looked up at the sky as it began to rain. She brought her horn to life to cover her and Spike from the rain. The rain caused Martin's cigarette to go out. He took it out and let it fall to the ground.

"I see you're trying to boost your Water Type attacks to get an advantage over Darkrai. Well, it should keep your hopes up high before you learn you have no chance to win." Said Martin

"We'll see about that. Empoleon follow that up with Bubble Beam." Said Jake

Empoleon closed his mouth before opening and releasing a beam of bubbles. Martin smirked as Darkrai used Dark Pulse to stop the attack. Perfect.

"Whirlpool, now!" Exclaimed Jake

Empoleon began to spin in place as he spewed out water, which he crafted into a large pool of water. Empoleon stopped and took hold of the pool of spinning water and chucked it at Darkrai. The Whirlpool struck the Pitch-Black Pokemon and trapping it in the spinning vortex of water.

"Now follow that attack up with Drill Peck." Said Jake

Empoleon's beak began to glow white and extended before he spun like and top and flew through the air. Empoleon hit the spinning water, which further accelerated Empoleon. Empoleon used the Whirlpool to allow him to strike Darkrai multiple times.

"Enough!" Darkrai screamed

Darkrai raised his right hand to the stormy sky and down came a bolt of lightning. The bolt struck the Whirlpool destroying it. Darkrai then pointed one his fingers at Empoleon and out came another bolt of lightning, hitting Empoleon. The Electric Type move caused double the damage to Empoleon. Empoleon struck the ground and Jake mentally prepared himself, but the pain he received was far worse than he expected, and for a brief moment, Jake felt his heart stop. He went down on all fours as he coughed up a large amount of blood. What happened to me? I feel far worse than before and for a second there, did my heart stop. Martin began to laugh as he looked at the struggling Jake.

"I see you felt the effects of what happens when you take another attack, plus the final effect of the Curse Card." Said Martin

"Which is?" Asked Jake as he tried to get to his feet.

"Death." Said Martin

"What!" Screamed Luna

"You heard me right if Empoleon faints, the pain Jake will feel will be enough to kill him outright. From that look on your face, Jake, I would say you felt a slight bit of that." Said Martin

"Jake, what does he mean?" Asked Luna

"For a brief moment, I felt my heart stop before it started up again." Said Jake

"Luna you can't let this continue!" Exclaimed Spike

"There's nothing you can do princess of the night; my master made sure that the Curse Card would only stop if on sides Pokemon can no longer fight. Either Darkrai must faint for Jake to live and survive this fight." Said Martin

Luna growled under breath at Martin's statement. I had my suspicion that I wouldn't be able to interfere, and it seems I was correct. I can only watch and pray that Jake finds a way to win this battle. Luna watched as blood dripped from Jake's mouth as he coughed violently. She could see the toll that the last attack took on his body. Stay strong Jake, and don't give up.

"But I will consider stopping this fight if you join us, Jake." Said Martin

"I would rather die than join you or Team Catastrophe. Plus you can stop asking because I will never join Team Catastrophe." Said Jake

"Oh well, Darkrai finish off this Pokemon trainer once and for all." Said Martin

"With pleasure." Said Darkrai

I need to think of something fast because Empoleon can't take much more damage. I need a new plan if I'm going to beat Darkrai. Otherwise, I'm not going to make it through the night. Jake bit his lip as he looked at Empoleon. He looked up at Darkrai and had to blink his left eye to make sure his failing body wasn't sending mixed symbols to his brain. But there it was, a faint aura coming from Darkrai. A Shadow Aura, which means I can purify him at the Tree of Harmony, which also means I can catch Darkrai with the Snag Machine. But I first have to deal a little more damge.

"Empoleon you still good to fight." Said Jake

"Emp."

"Ok, then let's show them no mercy. Attack with Metal Claw." Said Jake

Empoleon ran forward as the tips of his fins began to glow white. Darkrai raised his right hand and out came a bolt of lightning.

"Block that with Metal Claw." Empoleon sent out his right fin to counter the Thunderbolt, "Follow up with Hydro Pump."

Empoleon closed his mouth and opened it to unleash a torrent of water at Darkrai. Darkrai wasn't expecting that attack and got hit with the Hydro Pump.

"Quickly now, Drill Peck." Said Jake

Empoleon's beak grew white and long before he was once again spinning like a top towards Darkrai. Darkrai was still shaking off the last attack and didn't dodge in time to get out of the way of Empoleon's attack. Empoleon flipped away from Darkrai.

"You'll pay for that." Said Darkrai

Darkrai moved quickly up to Empoleon as a black aura covered both of his fists. Darkrai began to pummel the living hell out Empoleon with Payback. Darkrai struck Empoleon one last time in the face to cause the Emporer Pokemon to fall to the ground. Jake then felt it, the Curse Card sending the pain of attack through his body. He screamed only for a minor of a second before he fell to his knees and finally onto his stomach. There he laid for a solid couple of seconds before he began to cough violently again and push himself back up.

"Fuck!" He screamed

"No doubt about it, your Empoleon is close to fainting if your body went out for a couple of seconds." Said Martin

Jake tried with all his might to get back on his feet. His arms shook as he tried to get to his knees. My body feels extremely heavy. He continued until he got to his knees and finally to his feet. He coughed violently again as blood spilled out of his mouth. Jake then grabbed his knees as he vomited up a small amount of blood. Crap I can feel my body falling apart. I need to end this now, or I'm a dead man.

Jake looked at Darkrai and saw the Shadow Aura was stronger than before. I have no other option left as Empoleon will faint from another attack from Darkrai, and I'll be put in the ground soon after. Jake grabbed his knees again as he once again vomited more blood. He wiped his mouth as he breathed in long heavy breaths.

"I think it's time to end this match once and for all." Said Jake

"I would agree, but I doubt you have any way to defeat Darkrai." Said Martin

"Oh I have a way, and you're about to see it." Said Jake

"You can't be series about thinking of catching Darkrai with your Snag Machine. Darkrai is a perfect Shadow Pokemon; he can't use the Snag Machine to catch him. But go on ahead and try." Said Martin

Jake raised his right hand, and a Poke Ball appeared in it. He clenched it tight as he concentrated on the perfect throw. I have no other options, and I'm not going to let Twilight down. Jake, using the last of his strength, put everything into the toss of the Poke Ball.

"Go Poke Ball! Snag that Pokemon!" Screamed Jake

The Poke Ball soared through the air and hit Darkrai in the head. The Poke Ball went up into the air and opened up. Darkrai returned into red energy and entered the Poke Ball. The sphere closed and landed on the muddy earth as the rain was coming to an end. The Poke Ball began to shack back and forth. The red dot in front of the Poke Ball started to blink as it rocked back and forth.

Jake bit his lip and chewed the inside of his right cheek. If this doesn't work, it's over for me. Plus Twilight will be forever trapped inside her nightmare with no way out. Luna bit her lip as Spike chewed on the end of her claws. Empoleon huffed as he watched the Poke Ball. Martin watched as he waited for the time when Darkrai would come out and finish off Jake.

What felt like hours, but only was a couple of seconds the Poke Ball stopped moving. Martin smiled that Jake's attempt to catch the Shadow Legendary Pokemon failed, but instead, a pop sound went off around the area. An all too familiar sound to Jake because that symbolized that the catch was successful. It was all over; Jake had caught Darkrai and ended the battle.

Martin couldn't believe his eyes as he looked at the Poke Ball resting in the mud. Jake caught him, Jake snagged Darkrai from me. Martin growled as he took out a new cigarette and placed it into his mouth. He removed his lighter and lite the end. Martin put the lighter away and raised his left arm, which called back the Curse Card. He grabbed the card before placing it back in his pocket. Izzy won't be happy to know Jake was able to snag Darkrai, which he swore was a perfect Shadow Pokemon. But then again, this was only a field test for Izzy's new machine. Luna galloped up to Jake as he struggled to keep to his feet. Luna got next to him to allow him to brace himself against her. She used her magic to take hold of the Poke Ball and placed it in Spike's hands.

"You lost Martin, now give me the Lunar Wing." Said Jake

Martin pulled out the wing from his coat pocket, "You know I could leave right now and not give you the wing. I could let you watch as your friend forever slept in her nightmare. But," Martin placed the feather on the grass, "I believe in honoring a deal. The feather is yours fair and square."

Martin turned into smoke leaving the princess of the night, Spike, Jake, and Empoleon in the valley. Spike ran up to the feather took ahold of it and returned. He handed the feather to Jake, who looked at it. Jake smiled before the pain of the Curse Card completely caught up with him. He felt his world growing dark, and he went tumbling into the ground. But Empoleon caught him before he struck the muddy earth. Empoleon picked him up and looked at Luna.

"I believe it's time we return to the library." Said Luna

***

Twilight slowly opened her eyes as gentle rays of the sun struck her fur. She blinked her eyes and looked around to see she was in her bedroom. She slowly pushed herself up and rubbed her head. I feel odd this morning. She jumped out of bed and went to the bathroom. She came out and went down the stairs. She stepped into the kitchen and found Princess Luna sipping a cup of coffee.

Luna turned to Twilight and smiled at her, "Good morning Twilight."

"Morning Princess Luna." Said Twilight

"You feeling well this morning?" Asked Luna

"Well, my head does feel weird." Said Twilight

"Then sit, I believe we have much to discuss." Said Luna

Luna told Twilight everything that happened to her yesterday and about Jake battling Darkrai and nearly losing his life. She caused Twilight to panic about the state of Jake, but Luna quickly calmed down Twilight by telling that he was upstairs resting his bed but told her to let him take it easy as his body would be sore for a few days. After Luna got everything she needed out of her system, she walked out and left Twilight and Spike in the kitchen.

Twilight finished her breakfast and went back up the stairs. She opened Jake's door to see him resting peacefully on his bed. His chest was moving up and down in a calm fashion. She walked up to him and smiled as she placed a hoof against of his hands.

"Thank you, Jake."

She gave off a yawn and decided that she could use some more sleep herself. She brought her horn to life and removed the covers. She covered herself in her purple aura. She lifted herself right into place next to Jake. She released the aura around her and then used her magic to place the covers over them. She gently put her head on his chest as she snuggled close to him. She smiled as she began to close her eyes. Jake's gentle breathing started to put her back to sleep. It wasn't long before she fell asleep next to her hero.

***

Luna walked up to the Tree of Harmony. She stood before the tree and used her magic to pull up the Poke Ball that held Darkrai. The Tree of Harmony brought forth a flower and Luna placed the Poke Ball in the middle of the flower. The petals closed around the Poke Ball. Then another flower appeared and wrapped around the other flower. She watched as each petal filled with a black color. It wasn't long before the petals fell to the ground and all that was left was the Poke Ball. She took it in her magic as the last of the flower fell to the ground.

She tossed the Poke Ball up into the air. It opened up and released a bright light, which took the form of Darkrai. The energy disappeared as Darkrai now floated before Luna. The princess of the night looked at the Pitch-Black Pokemon. The two stared at each other before Luna reached out her right hoof. Darkrai looked at it before reaching his left hand and taking ahold of Luna's hoof.

"Welcome to Equestria, Darkrai."