The Kalos Challenge

Chapters

Prologue - The Challenge
Chapter 1: A Promise is a Promise
Chapter 2: Realisations
Chapter 3: Flight of the Rising Sun
Chapter 4: Rescues & Reconnaissance
Chapter 5: Recovery
Chapter 6: Omens of Change

Prologue - The Challenge

“Ah, lovely.”

Celestia set down her cup of tea as she looked over the edge of the balcony, the great city of Canterlot and the sprawling valley of central Equestria creating a beautiful sight before her in the morning light. The vibrant colours of the potted plants near the balcony’s edge gave it a more natural feel and added a lovely, if slightly magically enhanced, aroma. A sigh of contentment escaped the princess. More often than not she would be stuck either at an official meeting or off to one of Equestria’s main cities or locales on business, meaning she was robbed a pleasure she ensured for her little ponies; basking in the radiant morning light.

I must remember to thank Luna somehow for offering to help, she thought to herself before setting her sights on the plate on the alabaster table before her, a slice of cake half eaten. A smile graced her lips. Perhaps if she were to indulge, maybe she wouldn’t tease me about it as much. Imagine the tabloids chasing her around about cake for once. A knocking on the windowed balcony doors broke Celestia from her train of thought, and she turned to see a messenger approach with a bow.

“I’m terribly sorry to interrupt you, Your Highness, but this just arrived for you.” The messenger reached into his saddles bags and pulled out a scroll, one which Celestia took in her magic with a nod in thanks. As he turned back inside, Celestia looked over the scroll. There was no seal, but strangely it was wrapped in what seemed to be liquorish.

“Perhaps it’s from Pinkie Pie,” she mused to herself. Deep down, she hoped it was a friendship report. It had been at least a year since her last report, and she knew Twilight and her friends were now well versed in the ways of friendship and harmony and writing to her about every lesson learned didn’t seem necessary anymore. But, if she was being brutally honest, she missed receiving those letters, seeing those six amazing ponies grow.

So, with a flick of her magic, she opened the scroll.

“TA-DA!!!”

The sounds of party whistles rang out and streamers and confetti materialised out of thin air as out of the scroll grew a familiar serpentine form.

“Why hello Celestia,” a grinning draconequus greeted her. “Just thought I’d pop in and see how everyone’s favourite princess was doing. I brought snacks.” With that he pulled a tray from behind his back, one laden with what looked to be cucumber sandwiches.

So much for my peaceful morning, Celestia thought to herself before donning the placating smile she wore oh so well. “Thank you Discord, but as you can see,” nodding her head to her cake, “I’m afraid I’ve already eaten. But, I could arrange some tea for you if you’d like.”

“Oh, how gracious of you, though it seems I’ve brought my own.” Discord smirked as he now pulled from behind his back the waiter who had served Celestia earlier in the morning, still holding a steaming pot of tea. Holding the poor pony by the tail, Discord poured himself some tea into a floating cup before releasing the scared pony onto the balcony and drinking the cup itself. Seemingly done with this little showboating, Discord threw the undrinked tea into the air behind him, exploding like fireworks.

“So,” Discord continued as he lounged on air next to Celestia. “All quiet on the royal duties front I see.”

“Yes,” Celestia nodded, doing her best not to roll her eyes at the previous grandiose display. “Luna graciously offered to perform my duties this morning after I raised the sun. It’s pleasing to see her growing more confident with taking on more responsibility.”

“Yes, how wonderful for her. It has to be good for her public image taking on more responsibility. I’m amazed she actually talked you into it.” This drew a questioning eyebrow raise from the princess, though if Discord noticed, he didn’t care. “I mean, after delegating everything else to Twilight and her friends, one has to wonder if there’s any role left in Equestria for you.”

“What are you implying Discord?” Celestia rose to her hooves now, an uncommon frown forming upon her normally serene features.

“What?” Discord put his claws up in defence. “I’m just pointing out the obvious. I mean; Twilight and her friends have saved Equestria from Nightmare Moon, from me, from the Changelings, King Sombra, my little vines and Tirek, the majority of those times you told them to do so rather than just doing it yourself.”

“You know my hooves were tied in those circumstances,” Celestia retorted. “I was unable to use the Elements of Harmony against Nightmare Moon or you. It was Shining Armor’s love for Cadence that enabled Chrysalis to defeat me, and Sombra’s return was the perfect opportunity for Twilight to prove herself worthy of ascension.”

Discord’s wry smirk showed his enjoyment. “Oh, I’m not doubting all those things happened Celestia. I’m merely pointing out that, since Twilight’s adventures began, you haven’t been able to defeat a single threat to Equestria on your own.” The temperature had steadily been rising on the balcony, and it took great control for Celestia not to accidentally set the potted plants alight in annoyance. As if in response to this, an electric fan manifested and began spinning cool air at Discord’s face.

“You’re trying my patience Discord,” Celestia warned him. “What do you want?”

“Why, merely give you an opportunity to prove me wrong,” Discord said whilst feigning innocence. “I propose a challenge, to see if you can restore harmony without calling for assistance from Twilight and co.

“I’ll send you to a once-harmonious place, and all you have to do is follow your former protégé’s lead and solve it, preferably within what feels like half an hour or so.”

“Where will you be sending me?” Her question was answered by a loud buzzer sound.

“Oh, so sorry,” Discord teased whilst wearing a suit with an attached microphone. “That’d be spoiling all the fun. However, I promise I won’t be sending you anywhere… too dangerous. Also, you won't be able to return here until the challenge is finished, and NO calling for help from 'Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.'” That last part he spoke while shapeshifting his head into Twilights.

Celestia ignored this and considered his proposition for a moment. “I take it you’ll be sending me there the second I agree?”

“Well,” Discord flicked through the pages of a work diary. “I suppose I could send you there in your sleep if you’re that desperate to stall.”

“I merely wish to ensure Equestria’s well cared for in my absence.” She was certain Twilight, Fluttershy and the others could reign Discord in should he try anything. He may've been reformed by Fluttershy, but the incident with Tirek still lingered in the back of Celestia's mind.

“And you think I’m not up to the job?” Celestia merely raised a doubtful eyebrow at the draconequus. “Geez Celestia, you always know how to suck the fun out of everything. Fine; nothing bad will happen to Equestria while you’re away.”

Celestia stared Discord long and hard in his gold and crimson eyes. It was always a challenge to tell when he was being sincere without Fluttershy’s assistance, but she knew he was no longer the type to say hurtful words for no reason. He always had a reason. But regarding Equestria’s safety, she saw nothing that carried ill intent in his demented gaze, other than arrogant over-confidence, that is.

“Very well Discord. I accept.”

Author's Note

So I've been wanting to write this story for ages, but never knew how best to get the ball rolling. Sometimes I thought it should be Twilight and Starlight sampling a spell or Celestia (or perhaps even Luna) getting randomly flung from Equestria.
But it finally clicked for Discord to pull the trigger and now I can finally get this story started. Hopefully you all enjoyed this little sample and stick around for the rest of the story.

Chapter 1: A Promise is a Promise

“Oh, come on,” Flora muttered to herself, floating across the forest floor. “There’s got to be some around here somewhere.”

The Floette stretched down, maintaining a firm grip on the yellow flower that she took everywhere. Sweeping her pale hand through the undergrowth of trees, she was growing more disappointed each time her hand pulled up nothing but dirt. She’d been searching for hours and tried every place in the forest she could think of, yet still nothing.

A rustling of leaves made Flora stop and scan her surroundings, gripping her flower like a weapon. Tense seconds went by with nothing moving save Flora’s scanning eyes and barely-controlled breathing. A big sigh for one as small as her escaped her lips when she finally realised she was alone. Flora had never been this close to the forest’s northern borders before; everyone else back in the village warned her it was too dangerous.

Maybe they were right, she thought as a frigid northern breeze sifted through the trees. She looked back towards the south, knowing it’d be so much easier and probably smarter to just go home and try tomorrow morning. But a conversation from the previous day resurfaced, steeling her resolve.

“A promise is a promise.” Psyching herself up, she took hold of her flower and floated further north through the trees, her eyes scanning the forest floor as well as every nook and tree base. After a few minutes, another frigid gust nearly blew her over. Steadying herself against a tree, Flora looked up ahead.

Immediately she wished she had gone back to the village.

There, off in the distance and under a seemingly perpetual blanket of snow clouds, stood Snowbelle City. The former human city was surrounded by a large chain fence topped with sharpened razor wire. Beneath the fence’s outer side was a large ditch, and searchlights prowled across the perimeter like hungry Houndooms.

But most of all were the flags, especially the one softly fluttering from the tallest building in the centre of town; A red background bordered by two black bars on the side and a Y symbol with frayed edges and a crown adorned the centre.

All the determination Flora had before evaporated. Now she understood the warnings from the village elders. Glancing around nervously, she slowly started easing back into the woods, praying to Arceus that she wouldn’t be noticed.

Then, the city exploded in a crescendo of noise.

Ducking behind the tree’s roots, Flora looked back to see the searchlights wildly swaying across the city borders as a klaxon alarm blared. Flora thought she could see large silhouettes atop the closest buildings, but then a searchlight stopped moving around and focussed on the fence, wordlessly urging the figures into action. One look made her realise why.

There, emerging from a hole dug beneath the fence, were two humans – a woman and her daughter it seemed – and a Sandshrew. The humans were dirty, wearing basic grey prison clothes with a metal band secured firmly to their ankles, broken chains dangling off of it. The three broke into a sprint, running for the forest as fast as their legs would carry them. The young girl tripped, forcing the woman to turn back for her before something crashed into the ground behind them, throwing up a cloud of powdery snow.

Flora gasped in terror at the sight. Stepping forward from the cloud were two Abomasnows, each wearing a dark red shoulder pauldron. The first one to emerge roared, charging forward as it’s fist glowed green. The mother cradled her child, fear locking her in place. But the strike missed when the Sandshrew slashed at the face of the soldier, the blow landing just beside the humans. With a yell at the mother, the Sandshrew turned back and lunged at the Abomasnow, while the mother took the opportunity to run for the forest.

Despite every shred of logic and fear telling her she needed to leave and fast, Flora floated in place, begging the woman to run faster. She was heading in her general direction, and as she grew closer Flora swore she could see the smears on her face, the knots in her haphazardly lengthened hair and the fear in her eyes.

“Come on,” Flora whispered, subconsciously drifting away from the tree and waving her flower to get their attention. “Over here!” The woman, panicked, saw the waving yellow flower and redoubled her efforts.

Only to fall backwards, the girl falling from her grasp as the second Abomasnow yanked her back by her blonde hair. Flora’s mouth opened in horror as the large Pokémon raised its free hand, a large spear of ice appearing in the air above it. The woman’s eyes filled with terror, the girl getting up and pounding on the soldier to release her to no avail. Flora had moved a few feet into the open, not knowing what to do but trying anyway. Her help wasn’t needed, though, as the Sandshrew, now bloodied with an eye swelled shut, leapt up and attacked. The Abomasnow let go of the woman, dodging the glowing purple claws of the smaller Pokémon.

As they fought, the woman quickly scooped up the girl and ran, soon reaching the forest. As they reached her, Flora quickly fell in beside the two as they kept running further into the forest. Only once the borders of the forest were out of sight did they stop to catch their breath, the woman letting the girl down before collapsing to her knees.

“Are… Are you okay?” Flora finally asked. She knew it was a stupid question, but she didn’t know how else to start a conversation with this human.

“I’ll… be alright.” She panted in reply, looking up at the Floette with nothing but gratitude. “Thank you.”

“Oh, well, I didn’t do anything.” Flora bashfully smiled, putting a hand behind her head.

The woman shook her head. “No, you gave us a path forward.” She then pulled something that looked like a dark playing card from her pocket and gave it to the girl. “Can you look after this for Mummy?” The girl looked at the card before giving her mother a pleading look. “Don’t worry. You’ll be safe, I promise. One way or another, I’ll protect you, so can you be a brave girl and do this for me?” Eventually the girl nodded before being encompassed in a hug. “That’s my girl.”

A snapping twig made Flora and the humans flinch, the three quickly looking for the cause of the noise. Flora, gripping her flower tightly, didn’t see anything but trees. But then she heard something else; a weird, shifting sound.

“Run-ARGH!”

Flora turned back and nearly screamed.

The woman had pushed her daughter forward mere moments before being struck from behind. Looking back, Flora saw the wooden, terrifying form of a Trevenant emerging from a pool of shadows behind the woman, its claw raised upwards and lightly coated in human blood.

The scream of the woman rattling through the terror quickly consuming her mind, Flora quickly swung her flower in an arc, the action summoning a gust of sparkling wind the buffeted the ghost Pokémon back. She then tugged at the girl’s shoulder, but she shook Flora off, running to her mother before being stopped with a gaze.

“I promise I’ll find you,” the woman bellowed. “Now go!” Tears in her eyes, the girl didn’t argue before turning to join Flora in fleeing further into the woods.

“After them!” Flora heard the Trevenant below behind them. “They have the item.” Then came a sound that filled Flora with another wave of fear.

The sound of a flame igniting.

The two ducked beneath a fallen tree just before it exploded in a burst of blue flame. Flora looked back to see a second Trevenant chasing after them, readying another azure fireball.

“Lucky. Lucky. Lucky!” Flora chanted to herself, a response coming in a shimmering light around herself and the girl for a moment as they kept running. Despite twisting and turning through the woods, the booming explosions were a sign their pursuer wouldn’t give up so easily.

Which made it all the more concerning when, coming to a small clearing, the sounds stopped. Flora stopped, turning to place the girl between herself and an actual tree. All while she was scanning the tree line, her flower shook in her grip. Despite being more than capable of battling as any Pokémon, Flora knew she would be outclassed in a fight like this. Looking back behind her she saw the girl bent over, hugging her knees and incapable of holding back her tears any longer.

“H-Hey, don’t cry.” Flora said, trying to calm the young human. “I’ll get you out of here, I promise.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, bug.”

Flora spun to find the voice, but instead got an up-close look at a wooden claw wreathed in shadows flying at her face. The impact sent the tiny Pokémon flying into another tree, collapsing on the ground and losing grasp of her flower. She shook her head, trying to clear the stars in her vision, but horror crept back into her consciousness when she looked up. There, the Trevenant held the girl high off the ground, its claw clamped down around her neck. She scraped and pounded but there was little chance of him letting go.

No, she silently pleaded. Arceus… Someone, anyone. Please, help us! Flora watched on as the Trevenant raised its other arm, readying another Shadow Claw.

“Please help us!” Flora screamed.

A bright light sparked in the centre of the clearing, answering her plea.

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

You had to make things difficult one last time, didn’t you Discord?

Celestia shook off the impact of the teleport spell. Despite being asleep beforehand, it was clear she wouldn’t get the calm awakening she was hoping for in this new land. Looking up, however, questions instantly multiplied. To her left lay a small… creature, somewhat similar to a Breezie in stature, whilst to her right a living tree seemed to be strangling a smaller, bipedal creature. Celestia quickly recognised it as a human from Twilight’s reports of her time at Canterlot High.

She also realised the severity of the situation she had just intruded upon.

“Ahem,” Celestia composed herself. “Greetings. Is there a problem here?”

“There won’t be a problem if you leave now, freak.” The living tree shot back, levelling a hostile gaze from it’s single, glowing eye.

Celestia turned to face this being, reminiscent of Timberwolves. “I’m sorry, but I find that hard to accept with you strangling someone. Perhaps if you could put her down and we could discuss this-”

Celestia never got to finish, as the tree launched a blue fireball at her, creating a large explosion. Smoke billowed around her, but when Celestia stepped through the smoke unsinged, the tree noticed and quickly turned, releasing the girl and giving the princess its full attention.

“I don’t wish to fight you,” Celestia spoke calmly. “I only wish to understand what’s happening.”

“What’s happened is you’ve stuck your nose where it doesn’t belong,” the tree shouted back, though from the tone of what sounded like a male voice was that he was unnerved. “Now, stay out of my business before I end you.” Celestia noticed the girl run over to the smaller creature, checking to see if it was okay. She also saw the tree noticed this too, quickly glancing to his right before focussing back on herself.

“I don’t wish to start a fight with the first group I’ve met,” she said, deliberately stepping between the human girl and the tree. “But I will not allow you to harm these two any further than it appears you already have.”

“Then die!”

With a roar, the tree lunged at her with a claw swirling in shadows. But shock somehow manifested itself onto his wooden features when his attack was halted by a sphere of translucent, golden light. Celestia’s horn still glowing, she flung her head upwards, shattering the barrier and flinging the tree back a few feet. She watched it get up, not moving a muscle herself. Thrusting its arms at her, a storm of seemingly razor sharp leaves flew from the clusters on each of its wrists. In response, Celestia alighted her horn once more; this time stopping the leaves mid-air before they could make contact. Seeing the surprise on the creature’s face, Celestia then added more power to her spell, igniting the still suspended leaves in a blanket of orange flames. At this the girl and her companion watched on in silent awe, while the tree stepped back in fear.

“I offer you this one last chance; cease fighting and perhaps we can work out a solution. Together.” The tree looked at her for a moment or two before fleeing back into the woods that surrounded them all. Celestia sighed, snuffing out the flames before softening her expression and turning to the two before her. “Are you two alright?”

The two merely continued staring in awe, and for a moment Celestia feared they too would run in terror at this new arrival. Instead, the human girl, tears streaming down her face, ran to Celestia and hugged her tightly. Recognising this as fear, Celestia slowly sat down and wrapped her wings around the crying child.

“There, there,” she shushed. “It’s all over now. You’re safe.” At this, the girl looked up in shock at Celestia before breaking into more sobs, burying her face into Celestia’s chest.

“Um,” a new voice spoke up, and Celestia looked over to see the small creature hover closer, now holding a yellow flower just taller than itself. “T-Thank you miss. If, if you hadn’t shown up…”

“The battle’s over,” Celestia silenced the creature’s fears before looking over both her and the girl. “You can relax now.”

The creature breathed a sigh of relief. “Sorry, my name’s Flora. What’s yours?”

“My name is Celestia. A pleasure to meet you.” The princess then looked down to the human, who was settling down now. “And what might your name be?” The girl went to speak, but no sound escaped her lips. A hand touched her throat before breaking from Celestia’s embrace and knelt down, drawing lines in the sand.

“Your name’s Summer?” Flora asked, to which the girl nodded. “And you can’t speak?” At this, a shake of the head.

The name made Celestia start taking notice of Summer’s features. Namely, how similar they were to someone else she knows. Summer had fair skin, teal eyes and a messy tangle of red hair, with a splash of yellow in the swirling fringe before her face.

“If I may,” Celestia stood, facing Flora. “Why was that tree attacking you?”

“Well…” Flora dithered, but one look at Celestia’s reassuring face she gained more confidence. “She and her mother escaped from Snowbelle City. Her mother gave her something before telling us to run, and that Trevenant was trying to get her back, I think.” Summer pulled something from her dull clothes to show Celetsia; looking like a card of sorts.

“And where is her mother now?” Celestia asked, though the two looking down gave the princess her answer. Understanding, she trotted over to Summer’s side and placed a reassuring wing around the young girl’s shoulders. “I’m sorry. But don’t worry; I’ll protect you, I promise.” Looking wide eyed at Celestia again, a small smile finally emerged as she hugged the princess once more.

“Flora,” Celestia asked. “Is there somewhere we can rest safely? If she escaped and was pursued, I feel as though it’d be best not to linger.”

“Oh, uh, okay.” Flora responded before hovering around a little, thinking. “Well, we could head back to the village. I mean, I’ll probably get into heaps of trouble bringing you two there, but any where’s better than here, right?”

Celestia nodded. “I’ll explained what happened. Thank you, Flora.”

“Right then,” Flora perked up, looking around their surroundings intently before drifting off towards one edge of the clearing. “I’m pretty sure it’s this way. I’ll know for certain when we get closer. Come on.” With that, she slipped through the trees. Smiling, Celestia stood and gently levitated Summer onto her back.

“Hold on tight now,” Summer nodded and did so as Celestia set off at a gallop after Flora through the forest.

Well, no turning back now.

Author's Note

And so it begins!

I'd quickly like to say thank you all for the positive responses to the story thus far. I'll be honest; I was expecting this story to get shredded with critiqueswhen I uploaded it. To see it be recieved so well is really uplifting, and definitely inspiring me to keep working on it.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Riku

Chapter 2: Realisations

“Ah, here we are. Sorry about that wrong turn earlier… And the other one.”

Celestia nodded in thanks to the slightly blushing Flora and stepped forward as she and Summer gazed out at what their small companion called home. Celestia had been expecting something familiar, perhaps a town not too dissimilar to Ponyville. Instead, Flora’s ‘village’ was scant more than a large meadow with thin paths cut through the tall yellow flowers. There were patches in the flowers, some of which housed simple wooden shelters, and at the far end of the area Celestia spied an open cave emerging from a large rocky outcrop.

“Flora? Flora!” Celestia looked back down to see their companion caught in a fierce hug from a creature that looked identical to Flora. The only way Celesta could tell them apart was this newcomer was holding a blue flower, rather than a yellow one.

“Oh, hey Merriweather,” Flora replied with a smile. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong was that you scared us half to death, young Floette.” Celestia looked up at the new, sterner voice. It came from a creature similar to Flora, but larger, with a bouquet’s worth of blue flowers around its head and two long leaves pointing up from its ‘feet’ as it floated towards them. Celestia noticed a few other creatures also approaching them; a few resembled pink balloons with a tuft of curly hair, ears and big blue eyes. There were what appeared to be a family of bears with circular and moon-shaped markings on their fur, and a flock of blue birds with clouds for wings. Some gave the princess curious glances, but the majority were focussed on Flora’s return.

“Oh… sorry Mum.” Flora looked away from her mother’s disappointed gaze.

“Honestly Flora,” her mother went on. “What were you thinking going into the forest without telling anyone? You could’ve been seriously hurt in there. And Arceus help you if you went near the far borders of the forest.”

“I didn’t… I mean…” Flora stuttered, trying her best to shield herself with her flower against her mother’s gaze. Knowing it wasn’t her fault, Celestia stepped forward.

“I’m sorry,” she began, finally gaining the attention of Flora’s mother, and the rest of the crowd. “My name is Celestia. I’m the reason she was gone for so long.”

“Is that so?” Flora’s mother asked with an eye raised in curiosity.

“Yes. You see, I’ve only just arrived in this region and I’m afraid I got a bit lost. I was quite thankful Flora found us and led us somewhere safe.”

Flora’s mother looked down to her daughter. “Is this true Flora?” Flora looked to Celestia once before nodding. “Well then,” her mother sighed. “I’m sorry Flora, but next time you must tell me before going into the forest again. Understood?” Flora simply nodded, visibly relieved.

“And to you, Celestia, I thank you.” A smile graced the mother’s lips. “My name is Gloriosa.” Gloriosa held out her slender white hand, one Celestia took in her hoof and shook.

“Hey,” squawked one of the blue birds in a young voice. “She got a human with her!”

Suddenly all attention zeroed in on the young girl riding on Celestia’s back, trying her best to hide in the princess’ morning-hued mane. The gathered crowd began murmuring.

“Why are you travelling with a human?” Asked one of the older bears.

“What if the Empire knows she’s here?” One of the pink balloons cried out theatrically, reminding Celestia of an alabaster fashionista she knew.

“Care to explain, Celestia?” Gloriosa asked. Her tone was curious, yet guarded, as the bears had been.

“I found her lost on my way through the forest,” Celestia replied, lying to coincide with her alibi for Flora. “I was hoping to reunite her with her family, or at least find a safe place for her to stay.”

“Well, that place isn’t here.”

The chatter fell silent as the crowd turned to face the voice, as did Celestia. Hovering towards them was a new, more serious creature. A shimmering blue aura surrounded its greyish body, no doubt a levitation spell. As it landed before them, eyes that matched the colour of its long lavender tail bore a hole through the three before fixing upon Flora.

“Flora,” it spoke telepathically in a male voice, its mouth held in what seemed a permanent scowl as it kept its tone stern yet calm. “You know going too far into the woods is forbidden. You put yourself in great danger. And now you’ve brought two strangers here, one of them an Empire slave. Why?”

“I-I…” Flora stuttered, looking away from the intense creature’s glare. “I… I’m sorry, Mewtwo. It’s just…” She looked down, embarrassment playing across her face.

“Excuse me,” Celestia interjected, meeting the creature’s gaze. “There has been a misunderstanding. I’m the reason Flora was gone for so long, and-”

“I will hear your story in a moment,” the creature interrupted, sparing the princess a glance before turning back to Flora. “You are never to leave this village without informing either myself or your mother. Understood?”

The small thing didn’t utter another word, merely nodding her head in admonishment.

“As for you,” he now turned to Celestia. “You and I are going to have a talk. Privately.”

“And if I were to refuse?” She asked. The impertinence of this creature was starting to bother Celestia, but thankfully she had experience dealing with difficult leaders, such as Dragon Lord Torch.

“Then you and your human would find yourselves back in those woods and at the Empire’s mercy.”

The being called Mewtwo, not even sparing a backward glance, encompassed itself in blue light once more, levitating back towards the cave at the far edge of the meadow. Recomposing herself with a quick breath, Celestia gently lifted Summer down to the ground with a touch of magic.

“Wait here with Gloriosa and Flora,” she said with a soft smile. “I’ll be back.” Summer, however, shook her head. Terror flooding her eyes with tears, she rushed forward and hugged Celestia’s foreleg, her intention clear.

“It’s okay Summer,” Gloriosa spoke up, placing a hand on the young girl’s shoulder. “You can stay with Flora, Merryweather and I while you wait for Celestia.”

Celestia nuzzled the top of Summer’s head, regaining the girl’s attention. “I’ll be back. I promise.” Summer looked long and hard into Celestia’s eyes before finally nodding, releasing the princess’ leg and stepping back beside Flora.

With a nod to Gloriosa, Celestia took flight. The sounds of awe from the crowd provided a small smile to Celestia before she buried it beneath her poker face. Mewtwo stood waiting at the cave’s entrance, but entered once she grew close. Pausing for a moment, she noticed how smooth the structure’s walls were; rather than the jagged cave walls like those favoured by dragons, this cave seemed carved by an artisan with impeccable precision. A smile played on her lips as she entered, imagining a certain pony falling in love with this cave if an expository birthday card from Pinkie Pie last year was any indication. The tunnel continued for a short while before opening up into a large area. The whole space was barren, surprising the princess. Mewtwo stopped in the centre of the cave, turning to face Celestia and reveal his expression of controlled scorn hadn’t changed.

“Now,” he began. “Why are you here?”

“I’m here on a mission,” she calmly explained, anticipating this question. “I have been sent to try and restore harmony to this land.”

Mewtwo’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I thought someone as strong as you wouldn’t be this naïve.”

“And how is that naïve?” This seemed to leave the creature speechless for a moment, though whether it was from shock or anger Celestia wasn’t sure.

“…Where are you from?” he asked, changing subject quickly. This gave Celestia a small moment of pause. Discord didn’t thoroughly explain the rules other than she wasn’t allowed aid or to return until her task was done. There was no mention of whether she should mention Equestria or not. Then again, one look at Mewtwo seemed to confirm he wasn’t one to suffer liars well.

Honesty is a virtue, Celestia thought to herself before meeting her hosts’ gaze. “I’m from the kingdom of Equestria, where I rule alongside my younger sister Luna.”

“And the humans in your kingdom?”

“Well, there aren’t-” Celesta stopped, Mewtwo’s unspoken question beginning to sink in. Her eyes widening as she took an uncertain step backwards, Celestia quickly closed them in concentration, lighting her horn to feel for the magical ley lines which unicorns manipulated for their spells. Relief rushed throughout her body as she sensed their presence, yet they felt… strange. There was no doubt they were there, as her usage of magic earlier had proven, but the energy flowing from them felt more visceral. More… primal, than the ley lines of Equestria. Opening her eyes, the princess saw Mewtwo in a battle-ready stance, his rounded hands cradling a sphere of light blue energy.

“I am merely finding the answers you seek,” she explained calmly, extinguishing her magic to demonstrate. Mewtwo held his stance for a moment before relaxing, the sphere fading away. Yet his glare never left her. With the threat dealt with Celestia lit her horn once more, lifting her head high as she extended her magical senses skyward. For a minute or two she remained this way, focussing as Mewtwo merely watched. Finally, she reached her target; the sun. Slowly, her magical grasp encircled it as she always had.

A flare of pain cancelled the connection, stunning Celestia for a moment.

“What?” Celestia asked before her mind connected the dots.

It wasn’t her sun.

The burning star she had guided for millennia would never reject her magic in such a way. It never had before. The only explanation as to why it would deny her would be it wasn’t hers.

“I’m on another world,” she stated, looking wide-eyed in shock to Mewtwo. His only reaction was the softening of his gaze. “And I cannot return home until I complete my task.”

“And this task is?” Mewtwo’s tone showed a fraction more compassion than earlier.

Celestia took a calming breath. “As I said; I aim to restore harmony to this land.”

Mewtwo’s hard gaze returned. “Then you’ll never see your home again.”

“And why is that?” Celestia’s patience was starting to wear thin at her host’s negativity. “Why is my task such a waste of time to you?”

“Because the entire Kalos region is at war.”

Celestia’s shock returned, dropping her back on her haunches. It took her a few moments to collect herself. She knew Discord would’ve picked a difficult challenge for her, yet this seemed insurmountable even by his chaotic standards. But she collected herself once more, using Cadence’s breathing technique before looking back to the creature before her.

“…There must be a way. Is there any way peace could be brokered?”

Mewtwo simply shook his head. “The Yvalt Empire to our north doesn’t care about peace, only domination.” He then turned his head away, his dark expression darkening further. “And no one creature, no matter how powerful, stands a chance against them on their own.” Celestia could tell there was more to it, but didn’t press the matter.

“There is a kingdom to the west,” he continued, relaxing a little himself. “There you may find answers and allies for your cause, as well as a safe place for your human companion.”

“She can’t remain here?”

“Having a human here, especially an Empire slave, would give them justification to attack us. I will not allow this sanctuary I’ve created to become a battlefield. The two of you may stay the night, but you must leave by sunrise.”

“Well… Thank you.” Celestia rose to her hooves before offering a short bow. “For both your hospitality and… helping me realise the scale of my task.” Mewtwo merely nodded before turning to face the back wall of the cave. With that, Celestia turned for the exit.

“Princess,” Mewtwo called out just as Celestia was about to step outside, his back still turned to her. “…In your kingdom, are you the most powerful?”

“…That depends, I guess."

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

“Wait, let me get this straight; you’re a princess from another world?”

A nod from their equine guest left Flora and her family speechless around their campfire. With the last lights of day having just faded over the mountainous horizon, Gloriosa brought out more berries from an old trainer bag for everyone. Most of which Summer was practically inhaling when not listening to Celestia’s story.

“Then, where’s your crown?” Merriweather asked. Celestia brought a hoof to her head, revealing that indeed her crown wasn’t there. She also noticed her torc and shoes were missing as well.

“I guess I must have lost them while travelling here.” She replied with a kind smile. Merriweather smiled back before joining Flora and Summer in their meal.

“So,” Gloriosa began. “You can’t return until you restore harmony to all of Kalos?”

Celestia nodded again. “Mewtwo made it clear the difficulty of what lays before me.”

“Oh, no,” Flora’s mother shook her head. “I didn’t mean to dissuade you. It’s just… this war’s been going for so long now, it almost feels like a fairy tale that it could just end.”

Celestia spared a look to the young human girl, leaning back against her side. “How long has this war been going, if you don’t mind my asking? Mewtwo wasn’t very forthcoming on the subject.”

“I supposed he wouldn’t be, guessing what happened to him.”

“What do you mean, Mum?” Flora asked, wanting to stay a part of the conversation.

“Hmm? Oh, you’d have to ask him yourself.”

The Floette looked away, the scolding from earlier still fresh in her mind. “I’m not sure he’d like to see me anytime soon.”

“Oh Flora,” Gloriosa soothed, floating next to her daughter and placing a hand on her shoulder. “It’s true that both Mewtwo and I are disappointed you went into the woods by yourself, but that was because we were worried about you. If anything happened to you…” She left it unsaid, instead hugging Flora in a warm hug.

“Thank you again,” she turned to Celestia. “For bringing my daughter home.”

“No trouble at all.” The princess then spared a glance to the star-filled sky. “But, I suppose this little one and I need to head to sleep if we’re to leave by sunrise.”

“Sunrise?” Flora asked, floating out of her mother’s embrace. “You can’t stay any longer?”

Celestia shook her head. “The two of us staying puts the village in jeopardy, and I gave Mewtwo my word we’d leave by then. I’m sorry Flora, but I’m grateful to you for your help.”

Flora’s mood dimmed before Gloriosa put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s for the best Flora. Besides, Celestia can take care of herself. I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

“We will, won’t we?” Celestia asked, turning to Summer, who answered with a content yawn.

“Well, I wish you all the best Celestia.” The Florges extended her hand.

“And to you as well, Gloriosa.” Celestia stretched out her hoof in acceptance.

And all the while, Flora looked on, her mind racing.

Author's Note

Sorry this one took so long, and if this chapter wasn't as polished as the previous one. Sadly, that's the way it is when you're writing on the fly.
Unlike most of my stories, I've haven't planned this one out chapter by chapter. Rather, I was so excited to finally get the ball rolling that I didn't stop to plan. I do have an idea of the story's endgame, but the journey there's a blank for the most part. Now, I'm not saying that's an entirely bad thing, since I'm able to work faster (somewhat). But considering my track record on writing stories like this, I'm not sure how well It'll work.
Oh well. I guess you guys will let me know if I slip up. Besides, this makes it fun watching you guys guess what'll happen next, since I may/may not know as well.
Anyway, thanks for reading.

Chapter 3: Flight of the Rising Sun

It was times like this Flora was grateful she didn’t need to walk.

A soft wind blew through the village, carrying a chill from the frosty north. As the stars decorated the sky like a masterful painting, the young Floette hovered as quietly as she could past all of the sleeping families, heading for one of the southern shelters while trying to remain unseen. She barely cleared the canopy of tall flowers, daring not to dive under should she wake a Pokémon sleeping just below. But staying above meant she remained visible to the group of Noctowls that guarded the village at night.

Finally, she found it. There, sleeping soundly beside his Leafeon father Sage, lay Evin; an Eevee and one of her close friends. Moving as quietly as she could, Flora gently brushed Evin’s nose with her flower. She froze at one point, fearing she’d woken Sage when he was merely shifting slightly in his sleep. Cautiously resuming, Evin finally started opening his weary brown eyes. Upon seeing her, he woke up a little bit more, but Flora gestured for him to be quiet and follow her. Once Evin carefully extricated himself from near his father, he followed Flora to a shaded tree near the southwest village border.

“Flora,” he yawned. “Why’d you wake me up? Can’t this wait until morning?”

“No,” Flora hissed back at him. “And be quiet. We don’t want anyone else knowing we’re up this late.”

“Okay… but why?”

Flora sighed, her agitation fading. “Well, I… I wanted to apologise. For breaking my promise.” This caught Evin off guard, erasing all trace of sleep from his expression.

“It’s just… I went into the forest yesterday looking for moss, and I guess I got lost. And that’s when I got into trouble.”

“…Aaand why were you-” Evin started before it clicked. “…Flora? You mean…?”

“Yeah,” Flora looked away, rubbing her arm embarrassedly. “It’s just that… You look up to Sage so much, and you’ve always said how cool it would be for you to evolve into a Leafeon like him, so I thought I’d go and…” She trailed off, her cheeks reddening. Evin just processed this as another cool breeze tried to ease the awkward silence.

Finally, it broke when Evin started laughing.

“Shush,” Flora hissed, lightly bopping him on the head with her flower. “What’s so funny?”

“That I have a friend crazy enough to risk getting caught by the Empire to get me some dumb moss.”

“Oh, shut up,” she huffed, though Evin’s smile was infectious and soon she was quietly giggling as well.

“But seriously Flora,” Evin settled down. “I appreciate you’d do that, but the truth is I haven’t decided what I want to evolve into yet. I know you promised to help, but I’ll let you know when I need it, alright? Just… promise me you won’t hurt yourself trying to help me again, okay?” Flora sighed, but nodded.

“Right.” Evin said with a smile. “So… is that it, or was there something else?”

“Well…” Flora stalled, twirling her flower in her hands. Here came the part she was truly worried about. “I… I’ve decided I’m… leaving… With Celestia tomorrow.” Evin stood frozen for all of a second before shaking his head and opening his mouth. Anything he would’ve shouted was muffled by Flora covering his mouth.

“Please Evin, let me explain.”

“But why?” Evin struggled to keep his voice down. “You just got back, and didn’t you hear what your mum and Mewtwo said? Despite the fact this Celestia lady’s nice and cool-looking, why leave?”

“She needs my help, and I promised to look after Summer. A promise is a promise, after all.”

“But Flora-”

“And I also…” She stopped, reining in her volume. “I want to find Leon.”

That was all it took to morph Evin’s face from one of confusion to anger. “What? You want to go out looking for him? He left us behind Flora. If he wanted anything to do with us, he’d have never left.”

“I have to try Ev,” she meekly replied. Evin merely groaned and smack a paw to his forehead. “Until I know for sure, I have to believe I can convince him to come back. I promise I’ll bring Leon home.”

“Honestly, this is the first time I wish you broke your promises.” Evin snidely remarked, earning a glare from Flora. “There’s no way I can talk you out of this, is there?”

“I wouldn’t have woken you up otherwise. I know you’ve got your reasons, but I need to do this. Can I trust you to keep this secret for me? Please?” Despite not knowing the move, Evin could swear Flora was trying to use Baby-doll Eyes on him.

“Alright, fine.” He sighed, fixing her with a determined stare. “But I want you to promise me you’ll be safe.”

Flora flashed him a big smile and gave the Eevee a big hug. “I promise.” Evin returned the hug and the two remained that way for a moment before he pulled away.

“Well,” Evin said with a small smile. “We’d better get back before someone notices we’re missing.”

“Right, See ya Evin. And thanks.”

“Stay safe Flora.”

With that, both youngsters hurried back to their respective family shelters as quickly and quietly as possible. Despite all the secrecy, Flora’s hopes were at an all-time high. This was one promise she’d keep with all her might. Nothing can stop me now!

“Flora?”

The Floette froze as she arrived just before her family’s shelter, her mother angrily staring her down with arms crossed. Flora’s hopes decided now would be an excellent time to partake in skydiving. Without a parachute.

“Uh… Hi Mum.”

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

The soft rustling of leaves and the odd snore were the only sounds that greeted Celestia as she awoke. Lifting her head, she looked up at the sky, seeing the colours of the approaching dawn that decorated her mane slowly paint the sky. A light glow enveloped her horn, reaching out high above before being met with a brief sting.

Right, Celestia’s waking mind realised. It’s not mine.

It had been millennia since Celestia had not needed to raise the sun. It felt strange to her, like a part of her, however small, was missing. She then became aware of a weight against her side, and looked down to see Summer sleeping soundly, using Gloriosa’s bag as a pillow and her wing as a blanket. A small smile emerged on the princess’ muzzle as she bent down and nuzzled against Summer’s head.

“Time to wake up,” she said softly as the girl stirred, slowly moving with a large yawn for one so small. The two stood up, Celestia stretching before taking in one last look around the village. Most of the gathered creatures were sleeping in familial groups beneath wooden shelters, while others were content to sleep hidden amongst the tall flowers.

“You should hurry.” Celestia turned to the familiar voice, seeing Mewtwo and Gloriosa standing beside each other, the former wearing his near-constant stern expression while Gloriosa’s was tired but hopeful. “The Empire often does patrols, but given your presence here there’s no telling what they’ll try.” Celestia nodded, bending down to allow Summer to climb across her back. Standing up again, Gloriosa handed the young girl the bag after placing a few more berries into one of the pockets and a bundle of sheets into another.

Celestia looked around. “Where’s Flora?”

“Gloriosa caught her trying to stow away in the bag,” Mewtwo explained. “She’ll stay in my cave until you’re safely on your way.” This brought a sad smile to the princess, but she knew Mewtwo wasn’t doing this out of spite.

“Tell her I’m sorry she couldn’t come along, but that I’ll come back to visit someday.” Mewtwo nodded.

“May Arceus watch over you.” Gloriosa said with a respectful bow. Celestia tilted her head in confusion a fraction at the phrase, but soon shook it off and nodded in return.

“Thank you, both of you, for your assistance.” She bowed her head before turning back to Summer. “Hold on tight now.” Summer, looking a bit more alert, nodded grabbed hold of Celestia’s billowing mane. Celestia then faced away from the ever-brightening horizon.

With a flap of her wings, they were away.

Summer leaned close to Celestia and tightened her grip and they climbed higher and higher, effortlessly clearing the trees and flying towards the western edge of the valley while the sky brightened beautifully before them. As they levelled off, Celestia began to focus; her eyes scanning the leafy canopy below for any signs of danger. So far, nothing. She imagined it would be quite a while before they reached their destination, so she looked back to check on Summer. The young human was looking all around them as she flew, a smile a bright as the approaching sun clear to see behind them.

“I take it you’ve never flown before, Summer?” Celestia asked, breaking the silence. Summer, caught off guard by the question, shook her head.

“You know Summer,” she continued with a smile. “I haven’t really gotten to know you properly yet. So, do you mind if I ask a few questions?”

A shake of the head. “Very well. So, how old are you?” Making sure she had a firm grip on Celestia’s coat, Summer lifted a hand and held out all five fingers before flashing only two. “You’re seven then?” A nod.

“Interesting.” Almost as old as Sunset and Twilight when they became my students, she thought to herself. “Alright. Now, what’s-” She stopped as Summer pointed forwards, a silent scream on her lips. Celestia immediately swung her head forward to meet the threat.

Just in time to catch a blast of shadows with her face.

An explosion of smoke blinded her and pain seared across her muzzle as Celestia felt herself fall for a moment or two. Coming to, she swiftly righted herself with a few wingbeats. Instantly looking, she found Summer dangling from her neck, and with a small flare from her horn the girl was once again on her back. The whistle of something flying through the air gave Celestia enough of a warning, and this time the attack aimed at her impacted with her golden shield instead.

When the smoke cleared, Celestia finally got a clear looked at her assailants. There were five of them; small dark birds that had hooked beaks and feathers in the shape of hats. Each one of them wore a red scarf, the Y emblem of the Empire clear to see. As she analysed them, they began spreading out, surrounding the alicorn.

“I don’t want to fight you,” Celestia called out. “We have no quarrel with your empire.” This earned a mix of confused glances and snickers.

“Too bad!” Celestia edged backwards with a flap, barely dodging a dark shape as it flew right where she had been. The birds surrounding her chose this time to act, spewing forth a thick haze from their beaks that began to encircle her.

Just as she was readying a spell to counteract them, Celestia noticed Summer point down quickly. She followed the child’s direction and instantly teleported, reappearing a good fifty metres away. Looking back, she saw the tail end of an attack blast through her previous position; a beam of dark circles soaring skywards. At the origin of the beam, Celestia saw a slightly different bird; this one, like the others, had dark feathers that looked to form a hat, but also white plumage beneath its beak and a red sash running over its shoulder.

“Hold on,” Celestia said to Summer after a sigh and turned westwards, pouring on as much speed as her wings would allow. Summer leant in close, gripping tightly at the princess’ coat as their avian pursuers gave chase. With the wind roaring in her ears, Celestia considered it a miracle she heard the attack in time, as she suddenly banked right and barely dodged a flurry of azure fireballs. Looking down, Celestia caught glimpses of those tree creatures, Trevenants, Gloriosa had called them. A blast of what appeared to be dark lightning flew by, reminding her of the birds chasing them as well.

“Stand down!” Celestia called out, her order amplified by the royal Canterlot voice. “I merely seek passage to the west. I don’t want to fight you!”

Her command was met with a fireball connecting with her chest, though it may as well have been a spitball for all it did against her. This pause, however, gave the birds a chance to gain ground towards them, and they blasted out more attacks at her. Ducking one and blocking another with a shield spell, Celestia’s mind raced for a way out of this. Out of the corner of her eye she glimpsed the sun, cresting over the now distant eastern mountains.

Sure of her path forward, Celestia held Summer close within a golden aura as she soared, straight upwards. The birds were still in pursuit, releasing dark blasts at her as she bobbed and weaved while climbing higher and higher. All the while, she expanded her magical senses skyward.

I know you are not my charge, but please. Just this once, I ask for your aid. Please?

Finally coming to a stop, she poured her magic into a spherical shield and waited. The birds, meanwhile, soon caught up and began swarming around the stationary princess, needling the shield with various energy attacks and strikes from their wings and beaks. Minutes rolled by and yet the shield held, Celestia waiting for her solution to hopefully arrive.

“You can’t stay in there forever doll,” the leader said with a smug smile, the other birds halting their attacks for him. “Just come along quietly and we’ll forget this all happened. One little human’s not worth fighting a pointless battle over after all.” Tension and silence hung in the air for a few moments as Summer looked around them in fear.

But Celestia opened her eyes, and it took a great deal of self-control not to return the bird’s over-confident smile with one of her own.

“Summer,” she said softly. “When I tell you to, close your eyes and don’t open them until I say so. Understand?” A rapid glance behind her was all Celestia could afford, but she saw the brave girl nod.

“I’m terribly sorry,” she turned back to the leader. “But I could never turn her over to the likes of you. If you want her, come and claim her. Summer, now!”

As Summer followed her instructions, Celestia’s wings snapped shut and she drove straight down.

“Get them!” The leader yelled, and with a few squawks the attacks and chase resumed. Celestia positioned her body, streamlining herself as much as possible as she felt a somewhat familiar energy flow into her while she fell.
Concentrating, she began charging the spell and hoping her assailants would continue their terrible aim. Faster and faster she dived, the energy within her mixing with her spell and building power as the forested terrain below was approaching rapidly. Glancing westwards, Celestia committed the side of the mountain to memory

Then, close to a hundred metres above the forest floor, she made her move.

“Procidens Stella!”

A flash of light as bright as the sun exploded from Celestia’s coat, and she diverted as much magic as she dared to dampen the effects on Summer. A few seconds later the light vanished, though a glance upwards showed the plan had worked. The birds were either falling towards the forest floor or flapping in place in a daze. Celestia caught those that fell in her magic, gently lowering them to the forest floor before turning towards the mountain and casting another teleportation spell.

When Celestia opened her eyes again, she was looking east from a rocky outcrop on the mountain, the still airborne agents of the Empire fluttering as tiny dots in the distance. The chase seemingly over, she lay down and released her hold on Summer.

“You… can open... your eyes now,” Celestia panted, a weary smile appearing with Summer looking unharmed. The girl did so, confusion running across her face at where they were. She gingerly hopped off Celestia’s back, though she fell to her knees as she took it all in.

“I’m sorry about all of that Summer,” Celestia continued. “I should’ve just sent you here, but I couldn’t take the risk of leaving you alone. Are you okay?” Summer eventually looked back at the alicorn with a smile, getting up and hugging Celestia’s neck; an embrace the princess returned with a wing around the young girl. What a strong individual you are.

“How touching.”

Within seconds, a golden dome ignited around Celestia and Summer, the alicorn’s eyes scanning the ledge they stood upon for the voice’s owner.

Said owner was a new, strange creature. It stood not ten metres away and appeared to be wearing a long black ball dress with white bows running down the front. Its hair, at least Celestia thought it similar to a mane, was held in four horizontal circles on either side of its head. But three things stood out the most to the princess; the piercing gaze from its blue eyes, the smile it bore on it lavender face, and the precious-looking necklace it wore. One with a familiar red Y emblem hanging from it.

“Who are you?” Celestia asked, her patience razor thin as she widened her stance, a wing acting as an additional barrier between Summer and this new threat.

“I do apologise,” she, at least from the voice Celestia assumed it was female, began. “Both for my sudden appearance, and for the lack of respect my subordinates have shown you.” She then bowed low. “I am Lady Tethyles, an esteemed member of the Yvalt Empire’s Triumvirate. May I ask your name?”

“…Princess Celestia,” she replied after a pause. “Diarch of Equestria and Princess of the Sun.”

“A princess?” Tethyles cocked her head with a small smile, standing up once more. “Well, again I must apologise for your treatment thus far. Murkrows aren’t exactly the brightest of Pokémon, and I’m afraid Honchkrows are only slightly better. But in times of conflict such as these, you cannot fault their devotion to protect us from possible threats. Wouldn’t you agree, Your Highness?” Celestia remained silent, her shield holding strong and Tethyles held firmly within her glare.

The newcomer sighed. “There’s no need to fear an attack from me, Princess.” At this, Tethyles winked out of sight in the blink of an eye, reappearing a moment later from a circular device resting on the ground. “You see? A hologram. I had it planted here, as well as many others along the mountain range, in the hope of speaking with you.”

“And if I had simply continued on?” Celestia asked, finally lowering her shield.

“Then we wouldn’t be able to have this enlightening conversation, now would we?” Tethyles smiled. “Now as a newcomer to this region, I’m certain you have many questions. As a start to repay you for the troubles my subordinates have caused, I will answer as many questions as I can.” While she still didn’t fully trust Tethyles yet, Celestia couldn’t deny this was a perfect opportunity to learn about the conflict gripping this land.

“Well,” she began, relaxing her stance but ensuring she stood between Summer and Tethyles. “I’d like to know more about the war in this land. For what reason did you go to war to begin with?”

Tethyles sighed. “Well, it began over a hundred and fifty years ago. There was a great and terrible weapon on the western coast of the Kalos region, and a group of vile humans,” the word looked as if it disgusted her to say it, “had seized it in the hopes of remaking the world in their image. The weapon drew its power from the sealed form of the legendary Pokémon Yveltal, our Emperor and liberator.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Liberator?”

“Yes. You see; before the war, humans treated Pokémon as nothing more than pets at best, and as tools to further their own success at worst. They forced us into brutal battles against one another for their own amusement and pursuit of glory. For centuries it was this way, all across the globe. And the worst part…” Tethyles’ expression darkened. “The worst part was we Pokémon blindly accepted this as the way the world was supposed to be.

“But when those humans tried to use Lord Yveltal’s power to fire the weapon, he broke free of the restraints that bound him. Seeing their ambitions clearly, He swept them aside and took control of the weapon himself. With a single, terrible blast, the weapon and the base surrounding it were destroyed. The energies released from the explosion were spread all across the region, and from these energies came our ability to communicate with humans far more easily than before.”

“But if the weapon was destroyed, then why continue this conflict?”

“Because the humans didn’t learn.” Aggression began filtering into Tethyles’ story. “They continued to use Pokémon like slaves, and even struck against us when we were recuperating. That… was inexcusable. So, Lord Yveltal began our crusade; to liberate Pokémon from humans that still suffer from oppression, and to unite the Kalos region once more.”

A frown crossed Celestia’s brow. “And so, rather than broker peace, you wage a near-genocidal war against your foes for over a century. Is that correct?”

“We give the humans every chance to surrender, I assure you. But humanity is a stubborn race. Surely you have borne witness to the lengths they will go to in order to get their way?”

“What I have seen,” Celestia said sternly, moving towards the image, “is your soldiers blatantly attacking those you deem a threat. I have seen the fear in others your empire has instilled, as well as the pain it has caused.” A quick glance back to Summer, looking on with nervous curiosity, to see if she was okay. “And, as you have demonstrated, a clear disrespect for me given I have been attacked and spoken to as if I’m a fool.”

Tethyles’ face morphed into one of annoyance before rapidly shifting to shock. “What? Princess, I have shown you nothing but courtesy and respect.”

“I have presided over my court for over a millennia Tethyles. I know when someone is trying to get on my good side. Unfortunately for you,” Celestia stepped back beside Summer, a wing wrapped around her shoulder. “You forfeited my co-operation with your pursuit of Summer. Now; why are you after her?” Tethyles remained frozen, her stare showing Celestia she was right; this Pokemon didn’t respect her. She only seemed interested in whatever reason her soldiers had been attacking Summer for.

“Alright then,” Tethyles sighed, her friendly visage falling for a more focussed one. “That girl has stolen a computer drive from my personal terminal. I demand it back. If you hand it over, I will… overlook this confrontation and let you keep your beloved new pet.”

“Silence!” Celestia shouted, dropping back to her wide stance. “I will not have you speak of Summer so dismissively.”

Tethyles merely levelled a flat stare back at the alicorn. “Well then… It would seem we’re done here.” She then reached for something unseen in the hologram. “Bring me the girl. Deal with her guardian as you wish.” With that, Tethyles blinked out of sight. Knowing danger was most likely nearby, Celestia took hold of Summer with her magic and lifted her onto her back.

And turned to see a claw shrouded in teal energy collide with her muzzle.

Author's Note

Sorry for the massive delay, but hopefully this was worth the wait.
Also sorry to those who weren’t happy with how little I gave away before. The end of the chapter has been updated to offer a little more context.

Riku

Chapter 4: Rescues & Reconnaissance

“Ugh, what’s happening?” Flora grunted, tangled in a cramped mess of sheets. The blinding light from earlier, coupled with the bags contents jostling from all the movement from outside was making her think this wasn’t the best way to sneak along with Celestia and Summer. Pulling her flower along, the young Floette heard a tense discussion outside as she found the closed zipper of the bag.

“Who’s Celestia talking to?” She mused to herself as she swung her flower around, the stem end edging towards one end of the zipper.

That’s when she heard the crack of an attack, as well as Celestia’s cry of pain.

“Celestia?!” Not wasting anymore time, Flora rammed the stem into the tiny gap left by the zipper and pushed. The stem, despite some resistance, found a way through. Flora immediately pulled the flower back out and opened the bag before rushing out.

What she saw sent a chill down her spine.

Celestia, sporting a nasty cut across her left cheek and standing before a terrified Summer, was shooting golden beams from her horns at the new agent sent after them. Said agent was a Druddigon, a red ribbon tied to its left arm the only indication it served the Empire. Celestia unleashed another blast towards the dragon, but this seemed to do nothing save energise the monster even more, a grin stretching across the hardened face.

With a flap of its rigid looking wings the Druddigon took flight, its speed surprising even Celestia as it swung a scaly fist at the princess. Celestia ducked, swiftly spinning around on her forehooves to deliver an almighty buck to the dragon’s chest. The sound of the blow thundered out across the mountainous surroundings Flora found the group in, but again the Druddigon grinned. Grabbing Celestia’s legs, Flora noticed a look of shock wash briefly across the pony’s face before she was swung over the dragon’s head and slammed hard into the ground.

Scared for her friend, Flora moved beside Summer and, summoning all the might her tiny body could muster, swung her flower at the Druddigon’s back, the sparkling gust of Fairy Wind rushing forward. The attack struck the Druddigon square in the back, forcing it to step forward from the impact. Swiftly the dragon’s red head looked back at her, it’s yellow eyes widening for a brief moment at the sight of the fairy type. With this lapse in judgement, the beast found itself surrounded in a golden aura., Flora watched, mouth agape as, with a flick of her head, Celestia tossed the dragon high into the sky. Both Pokémon and human rushed over to the princess as she unevenly rose to her hooves.

“Celestia, are you okay?” Flora asked, trembling slightly as Summer gave Celestia a hug.

Confusion crossed Celestia’s features. “F-Flora? What are you doing – Get down!”

Celestia’s horn blazed to life once more, a golden dome encompassing the three as an azure stream of fire rained down from above. Through the roar of the attack running over the shield, Flora looked up to see the same Druddigon diving towards them, it’s claws glowing a dark shade. Without warning, Summer held Flora close, the young Floette noticing fear in those teal eyes of hers as they both looked back to Celestia. The strain on her face suddenly intensified as the Night Slash was barely deflected though the shield began baring web-like cracks. Roaring in frustration the Druddigon, a male from the sound of it, slashed again and again, each attack fracturing the shield more and more. The end of the barrage brought Celestia to a knee. Flora tried to squirm her way out of the hug to help, but Summer held firm.

“Summer,” Flora yelled. “Let me go! Celestia needs help!” She thought the girl had gone deaf from the roar of all the attacks, but the slightest shake of her head disproved this. Summer simply stood there, staring with concern but also a sliver of determination as Celestia stood back up. Following her gaze, Flora found the Druddigon had backed up before charging, both claws primed to deliver another Night Slash.

In a flash of light, a wave of dizziness overtook Flora. Summer seemed less affected as Celestia teleported the three of them a few metres away, the Druddigon collapsing a now empty dome.

“Summer, run!” Celestia yelled before rocketing forward at the dragon.

“What? No!” Flora yelled as Summer turned and ran, leaving Flora to squirm until she could peak over Summer’s shoulder.

Noticing her approach, the Druddigon swung a shadow-engulfed claw at her. But Celestia ducked the attack gracefully, pivoting on her front hooves to deliver a kick to its chin. The sound of the impact rang out across the mountaintop, lifting the dragon a foot of the ground. He grabbed hold of her tail and swung her overhead as he did before, but this time Celestia was ready. In a flash of golden light, she reappeared diving behind the dragon, delivering another kick powerful enough to send him to the ground. Flora cheered, causing Summer to pause and look back. Celestia landed, her stance wide as she watched the Druddigon slowly stumble to his feet.

“Stand down!” Celestia yelled, her fatigue making itself known with each pant. “Let us pass!”

The Druddigon simply glowered at her, slamming his tail three times on the ground. A moment later, the ground shook. From it crawled out five metallic shapes, a splash of red strapped across their backs as they took their place surrounding the dragon. A chill ran down Flora’s spine as she recognised them, her mother’s descriptions summing them up perfectly.

Durants.

Flora had always assumed they were nothing but monsters from a fairy tale, evil beasts sent to punish naughty little fairy-type Pokémon. Her mother had warned her there was a chance she could run into them on this journey, but she wasn’t prepared to see them this soon, if at all. She could feel each breath becoming shallower as she took in the five that had appeared, seeing each wore additional armour on their backs in the red of the Empire. Red like their eyes, which were now focussed on Flora and her friends.

“Secure the human and kill the fairy.” The Druddigon ordered, a scaly claw pointed to where Flora floated; frozen in fear. “The horse is mine.” Without a word, the Durants dug back underground, trails of displaced rocks and dirt showing their rapid advance.

“No!” Celestia yelled, turning back towards the pair just as the Druddigon finished his leap and landed in front of her. She tried swooping past but Flora watched on in horror as, with glowing white teeth, he bit down on her right wing. Her own momentum carrying her forward, Flora’s eyes widened as she heard a crack. Celestia screamed in agony as the dragon held on with his teeth, swinging a Dragon Claw at her throat to slam her to the ground.

“CELESTIA!” Flora screamed but the mounds closing in on them suddenly burst open, the metallic bug Pokémon snapping their mandibles in sick delight. Panic flooding her system, Flora hastily swung her flower to launch a Razor Leaf attack at them. All she could do was float there in shock as the leaves merely bounced off the Durants like water off a Golduck’s back. Consumed by fear, Flora didn’t even notice as one of the metal horrors charged up a silver sphere of energy between its mandibles until it hit her.

Pain flared across her entire body, the intensity spiking across her back as she crashed to the ground. Her vision was blurry at best, the panic currently as dulled as her hearing was muffled from the attack. Losing all sense of time, it took all of Flora’s strength to wearily shake the grogginess away and take in what was happening.

She once again found herself clutched tightly against Summer’s chest, the girl running as fast as she could in a back and forth manner. Flora’s weakened mind was having trouble figuring out why until an eruption of dirt and stone erupted a mere few feet from Summer. The blast knocked the human off her feet, the jolt of falling over knocking Flora out of her grasp. Looking up Flora once again saw the Durants slowly advance, seemingly enjoying the look of hopelessness upon her face. As she tried crawling towards her flower, laying just out of reach, Summer stood arms outstretched in-between her and the steel monsters.

“S-Summer,” she weakly called out. “Run… G-Get away!” Summer did nothing of the sort, standing her ground against the aggressors as they formed a semi-circle, trapping them on a rocky outcrop on the western side of the mountain.

“Metal Sound, now!” The centre Durant called out, and as one the insects unleashed an ear-splitting sound. It scraped against the already throbbing pain in Flora’s head, and through the noise she saw Summer drop to her knees, hands covering her ears in vain. Flora’s vision blurred, the noise drowning out everything else as the lead Durant stepped past the slumping girl and towards her.

…No… Flora thought weakly as the Durant charged another shining sphere, this one at point-blank range. I… I can’t be this useless… I need to… help…

As the noise ate away at her ebbing consciousness, Flora thought she heard a faint voice cry out.

“Spitfire, use Flame Charge!”

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

Pain. It surged throughout Celestia’s body as she desperately dodged the dragon’s attacks. Her right wing was undoubtedly broken and she was only just avoiding falling into shock, nothing but adrenaline and her survival instincts keeping her awake. Her mind also ached; it was as if someone was hammering in a railroad spike into where her horn was. It had been an immense amount of time since she had used this much magic at once, and the pain threatened to pull her under as much as the shock.

But she could focus on neither; the dragon wouldn’t give her the chance. Celestia had barely staggered to her hooves before he appeared before her once more, delivering a stiff, emerald-glowing uppercut followed by a tail slap to her chest. The impact sent her crashing into a small outcrop of rocks, the pain from her broken wing enough to elicit a scream and immobilise her. The dragon capitalised; pinning her against the rocks with both claws around her throat.

“Pathetic,” he growled, unamused. “To think Command thought of you as a threat. Any last words?” Celestia knew he was toying with her. She couldn’t speak; his grip threatening to suffocate her. Opening his maw, the dragon charged another breath attack. She tried to summon her magic, any kind of spell to ward off his attack. But the dragon responded by gripping her throat tighter, as well as slamming his tail into her wounded wing. Her headache wasn’t making it easy either; each attempt at casting was like stretching her mind over hot coals.

At the last moment Celestia kicked with all the might her hind legs could muster, bringing forth a draconic roar of pain as the dragons’ attack was angled away, his knee bent backwards. Acting quickly, Celestia landed, pivoted and delivered a buck to the dragons’ throat. But the pain returned, lapsing Celestia’s concentration. A small stone rolling under hoof was all it took for the princess to slip, falling on top of her limp wing. Pain washed over her anew, Celestia’s injured throat robbing her scream of sound. Her vision was blackening at the edges, sheer willpower the only thing righting it. She tried to move but her body was starting to grow weak.

“How dare you…” Her ears picked up the dragons’ voice close by, yet he sounded fainter, further away. “I’m gonna skin you alive for tha-”

A blast of cold air flowed over her, followed by another roar from the dragon. Celestia couldn’t find the strength to move her head, merely shifting her gaze upwards to their new arrivals.

The first thing she saw was another human pointing a device at the dragon. He wore orange and black clothing and a cap to match. Above him floated what appeared to be a phoenix, and beside him a beige-armoured creature with spikes on the large shield on its back. Finally, bringing some small measure of both relief and concern to Celestia, she saw a weary Summer watching from behind the newcomer, clutching an unmoving Flora to her chest.

“A Ranger?” The dragon growled. Celestia glanced back to see the beast clutching his left shoulder, small shards of ice hidden beneath.

“Stand down”, the ranger yelled, pointing his angular device at the dragon. “This is your only warning!”

The dragon responded by firing another azure stream of flames at the group. Celestia’s warning cry to Summer and Flora died in her throat when the armoured creature stepped forward, a spiky shield forming from its arms blocking the attack. The phoenix swooped forward, darting around the dragon before striking it with wings that glowed with silver light. The dragon swung glowing claws at the bird but it always weaved out of reach. The dragon tried to take flight, but fell to a knee, a roar of agony erupting from him as he clutched at his broken leg.

A barrage of ice slammed into the dragons’ back, sending him toppling forward and freezing his wings. As he stood back up, the armoured creature was upon him, its hands joined together and arms glowing white as it swung them into the underside of the dragons’ jaw and sent him flying. The armoured one then inhaled before spitting forth large glowing green projectiles into the sky. Celestia couldn’t see where they were going, but she heard multiple explosions off in the distance.

Summer was soon kneeling by Celestia’s side, concern and fear filling the young girl’s teary teal eyes. Flora, though unawake, was still breathing.

“Thank goodness… you two are alright.” Celestia murmured, unconsciousness claiming her as well.

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

“Alright, you pathetic human. Listen up!”

Ressel sighed, downing his tools and turning to see his guest. A smirk emerged across his face at the sight of a familiar looking Karrablast glaring at him from the laboratory doorway.

“Ah, Carver,” he replied with sarcastic delight. “To what do I owe the ‘pleasure’ of your visit?”

“Don’t play smart with me boy!” The bug Pokémon yelled back, flailing his tiny little arms. “I could slice you to ribbons in an instant!”

“And then you’d have to explain to Lady Tethyles why she requires a new lead researcher. If that were to happen and I was her, I’d feed you to the Heatmors. I have wondered from time to time how roasted Karrablast tastes.” Ressel’s smile grew. Oh, how he enjoyed getting a rise out of the tiny little nuisance. How such a weak and self-aggrandizing Pokémon was accepted into the Empire’s fold was beyond even his understanding.

“Now,” he continued, getting up from his workstation. “I take it our fair lady wishes to speak with me, correct?”

Carver went from angry to flabbergasted and back again within the span of a few seconds at this. “Y-Yes. As a matter of fact, she does. So, get your useless rear end to her personal laboratory right now or I’ll… uh… make a complaint!” Ressel couldn’t help but chuckle at Carver’s correction and new threat. Not wasting a retort against the likes of him, the young researcher rose from his stool and strolled out into the hall, Carver agitatedly following him.

Looking out the window, Ressel looked down at his fellow humans toiling away in the frigid conditions that earned Snowbelle City its name. He imagined they were probably freezing to death; the grey long sleeve shirt and pants issued to each prisoner were thin and at times uncomfortable. It was for that reason Ressel preferred wearing the science coat provided to him instead of his shirt. It wasn’t going to keep him any warmer, but it was far more comfortable. As he stared out at the slaves Ressel sighed, pushing his glasses back up his nose before running a hand over his short blonde hair, a tuft of his light blue fringe sticking straight back up. And as always whenever he saw himself, his golden eyes drifted down to the dark metal collar around his neck.

“Nervous boy?” Carver asked, attempting to get under his skin once more. “I heard you still haven’t finished this stupid project of yours.”

“Not really,” Ressel said nonchalantly as they came to a stop before a large set of red sliding doors, the black Y surrounded by three spheres of light and a golden wreath completing the symbol of the Triumvirate. “But then again, at least I’m not a mere errand boy.” Ressel’s smirk returned as Carver looked set to explode, but both stifled their emotions as the doors opened and they walked in.

The laboratory always amazed Ressel. The entire back wall was covered in machines, some of which even he didn’t know their function. There were examination tables lining both side walls, some with sheets drawn over body-shaped lumps, as well as two doors along the left wall between large bookshelves. In the centre of the machines was a computer terminal, with no less than twenty-five screens towering above the keyboard. It was before the computer that Tethyles stood, her back to them as she watched the footage and data displayed on various different screens at once.

“I brought the human as you requested, Your Grace.” Carver said with a low bow. Tethyles barely paid him any attention, turning to wave Ressel over. He joined her side without a word, now devoting his focus to her and her alone as the closing door left Carver out of their discussion. Tethyles’ eyes glowed with a blue light, her psychic powers working the keyboard to bring up new images on the screens.

“Tell me; what do you make of this Pokémon?” She asked, pointing to the equine creature displayed on multiple screens. Ressel focussed first on a screen displaying basic information; she looked like a mutated Rapidash with a strange misty mane and tail and wings. He also saw the computer display its apparent name; Celestia. Next came the screens displaying this creature conversing with Lady Tethyles atop a mountain range. Though the sound was muted, Ressel read the subtitles as the discussion continued, as well as examining this Celestia’s posture; protective of a Floette and a human girl. He recognised the girl but paid her no mind. She wasn’t the one Tethyles wanted to know about. Finally came the images of Celestia in battle; both against a flock of Murkrows and a Honchkrow, and then against a lone Druddigon. Even zoomed in, the height the camera recorded from told him the footage was captured by a Fearow spy at high altitude. This made analysing the battle a tad tricky, but he followed the flow none the less, intrigued at this new Pokémon’s strength.

“Well?” Tethyles asked after five minutes of patiently waiting. Ressel nodded to himself, gathering his thoughts before turning to face her.

“Bear in mind, My Lady,” Ressel began. “With such limited data, I can only make assumptions in regards to this Celestia. Now, what do you wish to know?”

“How strong is she, and what weaknesses does she possess? Her typing and move set as well. Now that she has shown herself to be an enemy of the Empire, we must be ready for her to appear again.”

“Hmm,” Ressel looked back to the computer screens and brought a hand to his chin. “For starters, she’s definitely psychic type, with fire as a secondary typing. I did hear a rumour that a weird Rapidash scared away one of our Trevenants, correct?” Tethyles nodded, her expression neutral and guarded. “Well, apparently he tried to strike her with Razor Leaf and she threatened to send the leaves back, only they were on fire. Couple this with this strange variation of Flash she used against the Murkrows and her being part fire type makes sense.

“For her move set, alongside the already established Psychic and modified Flash, she has also displayed Teleport, Psybeam and… Barrier… Wait.”

“Now you notice it,” Tethyles replied, addressing his forming question. “No Pokémon in history has ever known more than four techniques at once. Not even His Majesty has displayed such mastery.”

“Perhaps it is common for Pokémon of her region to have evolved beyond the four-move limit, or maybe she is a legendary Pokémon? She could’ve also been a mutated Rapidash and this is a side effect of the transformation.”

“No legendary Pokemon could possibly be so inept against a single foe.” Tethyles pointed to the screen showing the Druddigon fight. “And Kalos was one of the most advanced regions before the war. I doubt there’s another research lab that has the capacity to perform such procedures outside our jurisdiction.”

Ressel’s brow furrowed. “The only other explanation is that she’s an Ultra Beast. While it’s true the only recorded examples of Ultra Beasts in this dimension were found in the Alola region, it’s not uncommon for Pokémon-like beings to enter our dimension. After all; all of the more powerful legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh reside in different dimensions.”

Tethyles nodded. “While I’m still uncertain as to what to designate her as, I imagine your hypothesis is the closest we will get to an answer for now.”

The two fell into silence, Ressel taking note of where Tethyles’ gaze fell; the screen displaying Celestia being carried away by what looked like a Chesnaught, a Ranger and a Talonflame escorting the young girl down the western side of the mountain and towards the sanctuary of Santalune Forest.

“How long since they escaped?” He asked nonchalantly.

“Just over an hour ago.” Tethyles sighed in frustration before locking her gaze onto the young man. “And I would very much appreciate some good news right about now. So, give me an update on Project Ghetsis.”

Of course she’d remember, he thought angrily, keeping his expression calm if not a little remorseful he offered her a small bow. “Progress is coming along, My Lady, albeit slowly. It seems the problem lies within the human subjects you keep delivering to me. They lack the power to survive the experiment. They lack… well, for lack of a better term, the will to pull through and survive.”

“Is that so?” Slowly, Tethyles’ mouth curled into a grim smile. Ressel had seen it many a time; right before pain would begin for whichever human had wronged or upset her. “Then perhaps I already have your solution.” With her eyes glowing once more and an arm outstretched, she opened one of the far doors to the left, a human woman being telekinetically dragged out of the shadows of the hallway by her chained wrists and falling to the ground.

“After all, it must take an awful amount of willpower to help someone escape from Snowbelle City.”

Author's Note

So... this took longer than expected.
As always, any and all constructive criticism is welcomed. I imagine I’ve missed a few things seeing as I always seem to get into the groove of writing in the dead of night.

Anyways, hope you enjoyed it.

Chapter 5: Recovery

“I think… We’re safe… For now.”

Nathaniel panted, leaning next to a tree as sunlight filtered through the canopy above. Looking back, he felt relief slowly ebb over him as his whole team had made it down the mountainside as well. Definitely not how Nathaniel expected to spend the day; saving refugees from the Empire and then running like hell down the mountainside with Durant teams popping up all over. Holstering his Omni-Blaster he took off his cap, wiping away the sweat as he caught his breath.

“It isn’t over yet.” Nathaniel looked back at the calm but focussed Chessy. “Just because we made it to the woods, doesn’t mean we’re out of danger. For all we know, Empire reinforcements are on their way.” The Chesnaught very carefully laid the equine Pokémon down by a tree near Nathaniel, and he noticed the young girl hovering as close as she dared, holding onto the unconscious Floette tightly.

“Yeah,” a spunky voice chimed in as Spitfire landed on Nathaniel’s shoulder. “But I say let me at ‘em. After all, those bugs weren’t much of a battle.”

“Having the type advantage is only going to get you so far, Spits.” Chessy stood back up. “It won’t always be that easy.”

“You realise I have type advantage over you too, right?” A smug smile adorned the Talonflames’ beak.

“Okay guys, let’s focus.” Nathaniel spoke up, nipping their argument before it could start. “Chessy’s right; we’re not out of this yet. Spitfire, head up top and keep an eye out. If you see anything headed our way, sound the alarm.” A feathered salute and the avian Pokémon disappeared into the trees. With that done, Nathaniel turned back to his stoic grass type. “Chessy, guard our east flank. I want to cover our bases should anything get past Spitfire.” With a nod Chessy turned and moved back the way they came from, eyes scanning their surroundings.

Their security concerns sorted for the time being, Nathaniel turned his focus to the girl and the two unconscious Pokémon. Unsure whether or not it was the exhaustion talking, he wasn’t too sure what to make of the trio. The girl was clearly a slave, a fact that left a sad pang inside the ranger. Despite this though, he had seen her bravery; standing between the Floette and the Durants. Said Floette he wouldn’t know more about until she got better. Thankfully though, the fairy types’ injuries didn’t look too bad. Then there was the strange Pokémon. Kneeling down, Nathaniel slung his backpack off his shoulders as he got a better look. Rapidash comparisons aside, his gaze soon locked onto the injuries; bruises and minor cuts all over, particularly around the throat, as well as the right wing. Given how many times he’d had to fix up Spitfire during their training sessions he knew a broken wing when he saw one. With these thoughts in mind he dug his hand into his bag.

Only three? Nathaniel grimaced as the three basic potions revealed themselves as his only medicines on hand. A glance back at the equine worsened his worries. She needs a Pokémon Centre. Quickly reaching for his belt, Nathaniel took hold of a pokéball and threw it up. The ball opened mid-air, releasing a bolt of white energy that solidified into the feline-esque third member of his party.

“Whoa… What happened?” The Espion looked around, immediately noticing two injured Pokémon.

“I’ll explain later,” Nathaniel replied, pulling one of the potions out of the bag and shuffling closer to the unknown equine. “Right now though, we need long sticks to make a splint for this one’s wing. Be careful as you go; we’re still unsure if the Empire’s on our tail.” The Espion nodded and was about to turn towards away before spotting something. At the same time, Nathaniel felt a tug on his sleeve to see the girl now wearing a determined face. She pointed to herself, then to the Espion before holding the Floette closer to him.

Nathaniel looked between her and his third party member. “You… You want to help get the sticks?” A nod and holding the Floette forward again the girl’s only responses. The ranger sighed but nodded, taking the unconscious fairy type from her. I probably shouldn’t, but beggars can’t be choosers. “Alright, she goes with you. Keep her safe Twilight.”

“Understood.” Twilight replied before moving further into the forest flanked by the girl. With the two on their way, Nathaniel got to work playing medic. The Folette would be simple enough; a few sprays from the potion upon her bruises and a bit of rest would do her some good. Laying her down, he then turned to her mysterious accomplice. The rest of the bottle was spent on the Pokémon’s injured neck alone, and a good amount of the second bottle went to the rest of her cuts and bruises. After a few minutes, with Nathaniel finishing up the last of the equine’s bandages, familiar heavy footfalls told him a conversation was imminent.

“So…” Chessy asked, the uncommon tone of uncertainty filling his voice as he maintained his eastward gaze. “What do you make of this?”

“Define this?” Nathaniel sighed in response, moving to lean against the tree next to the injured Pokémon.

“All of it, I guess.” Chessy raised his armoured shoulders in a shrug. “The fact these two Pokémon were escorting a lone prisoner, or that the Empire deemed them enough of a threat to send a Druddigon to take them out? And then there’s her.” He then gestured to the equine. “Who and what is she? Where’s she from and why is she here? There’re too many unknowns in play for my liking, Nath. Something big’s going on.”

“Yeah,” Nathaniel replied, looking back at his partner as Twilight and the girl returned. “I guess we’ll just have to wait for now though. Right now, our priority’s getting these three to safety.” Chessy merely nodded in response as Spitfire fluttered down and perched on the grass type’s shoulder. “Anything?”

The avian Pokémon shook her head. “Any Empire troops I could see are still on or around the mountain. Maybe they’ve given up?”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Twilight spoke up, floating a few very straight sticks over to Nathaniel in a thin blue aura. “Perhaps they’re just waiting for night to follow us?”

“Or maybe they think we have reinforcements.” Chessy added.

“Whatever the reason,” Nathaniel cut in, pulling bandages out of his bag and constructing a makeshift splint for the equine’s wing. “We can’t afford to wait here for them to catch up. This one needs a proper medic if there’s any chance of making a full recovery.” He then stood up before handing the resting Floette back to the girl and giving her an encouraging smile. Turning back to his team, his features regained their focus.

“We head for South Sanctum. It’s our best bet to get these three to safety.

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

Consciousness faded in slowly for Celestia, the darkness receding like waves from the shore.

With this gradual awaking, however, the pain also returned. Her body felt sore all over. Her wing felt strangely rigid but stung like a thousand Twittermites nonetheless. Her neck shared these symptoms to a slightly lesser degree, but all of these pains were nothing compared to what felt like a railroad spike being hammered into her skull just beneath her horn. Celestia instinctively flinched, yet this only brought a new wave of agony upon her.

She felt herself moving yet her pain-riddled mind couldn’t figure out how or why. She tried forcing her eyes open but the orange-tinted glare from her surroundings and the pain from her head magnified and she slammed them shut again. Despite this she felt her movement stop and, in spite of the agony flowing throughout her body, she also felt something take hold of her hoof. This time taking great care, Celestia opened her eyes again. The bright glare from earlier died down as the colourful shape before her started coming together. Celestia was being held off the ground, yet that mattered little to her.

For there, looking at her with hope while holding her hoof, was Summer.

A smile crossed her muzzle and a thought her mind as darkness reclaimed her.

She’s still safe… Thank Mother…

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

When Celestia next awoke, the pain was gone.

Well, gone might not have been the correct term given the wince of pain upon opening her eyes again. It was still there, as was the stiffness in her wing, but more a numbing soreness than the searing agony she suffered before.

Once she could open her eyes again, Celestia found herself laying on her side under the covers of a bed. Without moving she could see the walls were divided in two; cream on the top with a royal blue beneath. The wall opposite to her displayed a simple wooden door, while a matching bedside table was adorned with a vase holding flowers; white carnations if Celestia wasn’t mistaken.

There was also a chair pulled up right next to the bed, upon both of which slept Summer. The sun was slowly filling the room, framing her peaceful face within her scarlet and golden hair. The princess also noticed a somewhat familiar orange and black jacket draped over her shoulders.

Celestia smiled as she lifted her head to see her better. And here I thought I was the one who promised to protect her… Then her smiled faded as she leant back into the pillow. I guess Discord was right. I lack the strength to protect those I ca-

“Ah, you’re awake.”

Celestia’s thoughts were disrupted by a human woman quietly entering the room clutching a clipboard. She assumed this human was a nurse given the pink and white uniform she was wearing and the caring look in her blue eyes, while beneath her hat she wore her pink hair back in two loops. Following her inside was the human she had seen before; the ranger – she thought that’s what he was called – who had saved Summer. Getting a better look of him now, he looked to have a lean but strong frame beneath his pale skin and orange and black clothing. Relief was the main emotion that filled his blue-grey eyes as he leant against the wall next to the door.

“My name is Nurse Joy. How are you feeling?” The nurse asked, speaking softly in curtesy for Summer.

“More well rested than before.” Celestia smiled, her voice sounding rough as she spoke. “Thank you for tending to me, and thank you for saving us.”

The ranger smiled back. “We just happened to be in the neighbourhood. I’ll admit though, I was a little worried we wouldn’t get here in time to help.”

“What do you mean? How long have I-” Before Celestia could finish she felt the sheets move, and looked to see Summer slowly wake up. Slowly rubbing the sleep from her eyes, the young girl looked up and her fatigue rapidly vanished as she saw Celestia returning her gaze.

“Good morning.” Celestia said softly. A smile that transcended joy broke out across Summers’ face as she scrambled onto the bed and, despite slight hesitation at the bandages, gave the alicorn a gentle hug, one Celestia returned. “I’m sorry if I worried you.” She knew the girl wouldn’t respond, but felt moisture creeping in between Summers’ cheek and her coat.

“She’s been by your side the entire time.” Nurse Joy spoke up, drawing Celestia’s attention back to her two visitors. “She refused to be separated from you.”

“Yeah,” the ranger chimed in. “For a kid, she can throw one almighty temper tantrum when she wants. Stomped on my foot when I held her back from following you into surgery.” At this, Summer turned and playfully stuck her tongue out at him, an action he returned. While the sight of the little girl acting her age was a welcome one, a nagging feeling of something missing suddenly brought another matter to Celestia’s attention.

“Flora.” She glanced around the room, her growing concern gaining everyone’s attention once more. “Where is she?”

“Oh. You mean your Floette friend?” Nurse Joy asked, checking her clipboard at Celestia’s nod. “We gave her a look over while you were under. Nothing more than a few scrapes and bruises and she’s been approved to move around the centre for the last few hours. That said…” The nurses’ gaze faltered slightly, but she steadied herself with a breath and continued. “She’s likely experiencing some degree of mental anguish from what happened. I’d advise talking to her when she comes to visit.”

“May I see her now?”

“Sure. I’ll find her.” Before anyone could raise an objection, the ranger walked out of the room.

“Well,” Nurse Joy went on. “As for your condition, we’ll need you to rest for the next couple of days while we continue monitoring your injuries. However, you’ll need to wear that cast for at least a month, and I’d be hesitant to use any psychic abilities if what I’ve heard about your battle was true.”

Celestia nodded, looking to her wing. “I might be able to assist in healing it. Once I’ve regained my strength, of course.”

“Oh? I wasn’t aware you knew Recover.” A quick glance to a watch on her wrist caught Nurse Joys’ attention, robbing the princess an opening to ask any follow-up questions. “Sorry, I’m afraid I’ve got other patients to see now, but don’t hesitate press the button if you need anything and we’ll be here as soon as we can.”

“Of course. Thank you for everything you’ve done, Nurse Joy.” With a smile, the nurse turned and left as well, leaving the princess alone with her young human friend. Looking back to her, she caught Summer still wearing her smile as she sat back on the edge of the bed. A flash of colour upon Summer, however, made something new apparent to Celestia. The young girl’s grey prison uniform was replaced by a sky-blue dress, a sunflower yellow vest and black boots.

“You’re wearing new clothes. Did that ranger give them to you?” Summer shook her head before hopping off the bed and rushing to a desk against the wall near the foot of the bed. Hurrying back to Celestia’s side, she proudly displayed a pencil and notepad and pointed to the jacket still draped on her chair, then opened it and drew a simple cross.

“Ah. He gave you the notepad and Nurse Joy gave you the clothes?” She nodded in response before she started scribbling in her notebook. Showing it to the alicorn once more, the page read “Do you like them?” Celestia nodded. “They suit you. Have you done any more drawings? I wouldn’t mind seeing them.” With Summer’s enthusiastic nodding they spent the next few minutes going through notebook, Celestia noting many of them had the two of them in some form of bliss. By the time they reached the end of Summer’s previous drawings, the door opened again.

There, floating sheepishly in the doorway with the ranger behind her, was Flora.

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

A sigh escaped Flora’s small frame as she leaned against the windowsill, looking down at the central plaza of South Sanctum’s Aquacorde District. Below her, groups of humans garbed in ranger uniforms and their Pokémon companions milled about with their duties, held discussions or took what chances they could to rest. Flying types stood vigil on the rooftops while large Pokémon and armoured humans guarded the bridge leading north. The sound of the door opening brought her back to reality as she quickly spun around to see the ranger entering, a smile upon his face.

“Oh, sorry. Was I interrupting something?”

Flora shook her head. “No, just thinking about some stuff. Is something wrong, Mr Cross?”

The ranger chuckled. “I’ve told you; call me Nathaniel, or Nath. Anyway, your friend’s woken up and she’s wondering where you are.” For a brief moment the news brought a smile to Floras’ face, only for the memories of the battle and seeing Celestias’ injuries afterwards to erase it just as quickly. She looked down, guilt and shame flooding her small body as she weakly spun her flowers’ stem in her hands. Approaching footsteps were followed by a creak in the bed. Raising her gaze, Flora saw Nathaniel sitting there, looking back at her with concern.

“Don’t you want to go see her?”

“Of course I do!” Flora shot back, realising she nearly yelled her response. She shrank behind her flower as she continued. “I-I mean… I’m just not sure whether… whether she’d want to see me.”

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow in confusion. “But she just said she wanted to though.”

“No. I mean… I’m not sure if she’ll be glad to see me.” Facing the ranger again, Flora saw him just looking at her, waiting for her to continue. “I… wasn’t meant to come along with her on this journey. And because of me…” She struggled to continue, flashes of the Druddigon and the Durants appearing in her minds’ eye.

“Hey.” Nathaniel moved off the bed, now kneeling to be at eye level with the Floette. “I’m sure she’s not mad. Well… maybe not too mad. I think she just wants to see you safe.”

“But she would’ve been safer if I-”

“Do not blame yourself for what happened out there.” Nathaniel’s voice never rose in volume, but did grow firmer. “It’s the Empire’s fault your friend got hurt, not yours. And, speaking from personal experience, it’s better to just get these sorts of things over with quickly.” Flora thought over the ranger’s words. Guilt still fuelled her fears and begged her to refuse. Looking back at Nathaniel cracking a smile, however, instilled a sense of calm back into her system.

“O-Okay,” she spoke up, though more to herself than anyone else. “Let’s go see her.”

With a nod from Nathaniel the two exited her room and walked down the hall, passing a more armoured human quietly discussing something with Nurse Joy. She even had to float out of the way slightly to avoid bumping into an Audino scolding a trio of Fletchlings by an open window. But all too soon she was led to an open door.

Inside where Celestia and Summer.

For a few moments, no one moved. Flora simply stared at Celestia, emotions battling within her as the pony returned her gaze. With a smile and a nudge forward from Nathaniel, the Floette finally entered the room, still twirling her flower in her hands.

“U-Um,” Flora mumbled, breaking the silence. “I… Celestia, I-” Before she could continue, Summer leapt off the bed and encompassed her in a hug. By the time she managed to escape the young girl’s grasp, she was on the bed right next to Celestia. Shooting a side glance at the smiling Summer, the Pokémon turned her attention to her other-worldly friend. “I… I wanted to say I’m, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I snuck away with you and distracted you in the fight and…” Tears began building up and Flora struggled to wipe them away, but once she was done, she felt Celestia’s hoof resting against her cheek. Looking up at her, Flora saw not a shred of anger. Only relief and compassion.

“I’m just glad you’re safe.” With that, the floodgates opened and the tears began streaming down Flora’s face unimpeded as her guilt melted away. She floated forward and hugged Celestia’s chest as tightly as she could, weeping into the alicorn’s fur. Flora wasn’t sure how long she spent wetting the princess’ fur, but eventually she broke the hug to see Celestia’s kind face still watching her.

“I… I was kind of worried you were mad at me.”

“I doubt your mother would approve of me punishing you in her place.” Celestia’s expression went from caring to neutral as naturally as water over stone. “Though I would like to hear why you believed tagging along was a good idea.”

Flora nervously rubbed her arm. “Well… I’ve lived in the village my whole life. I wanted to see the rest of the region. I know Mum wanted to keep me safe, but what’s the point if I feel like I’m living in a cage? Plus, I wanted to help you. You saved me, and I wanted to make it up to you for doing that.”

“You don’t owe me anything Flora-”

“Yes, I do.” Flora interrupted. “You finally gave me the motivation to leave, the way to make a mission of my own possible.”

“A mission?”

“I thought you said your village was neutral?” Nathaniel asked, leaning against the doorframe.

“We are.” Flora glanced back at him. “But this is something for me.” She turned back to Celestia, taking a steadying breath. “A few years ago, one of my friends, Leon, wanted to leave the village. He was angry, felt like we were trapped. One day he did, went near the place where Summer was locked up, came back with a big smile on his face like he was proud of it. Then when the older Pokémon got mad at him, he got mad back. He left, saying he’d find others who’d appreciate him.

“When I saw how sad it made his brother Evin, I promised him that one day I’d bring Leon back. A promise is a promise, and I always keep my promises. So, I’m staying with you.”

Celestia met Flora’s gaze for a few moments before nodding. “Very well. I’m just glad you’re safe Flora.” She then turned to look over at Nathaniel. “And I’d like to thank you again for keeping these two safe.”

Nathaniel smiled and saluted to the injured princess. “My pleasure. Though, if I may so bold to ask, what’s your next move?”

Celestia looked to Summer, who had simply been observing the past few moments on the edge of Celestia’s bed. “My first priority is to find somewhere safe for Summer.” Flora looked to the young girl and saw something approaching a frown upon her face. Celestia, however, looked back to Nathaniel. “After that, I was told there was a kingdom to the west that opposed the Empire and could tell me the truth of what’s happening in this land. I’d like to meet with its leaders if at all possible.”

Nathaniel brought a hand to his chin in thought. “Well, I know the place you’re asking about, but it won’t be easy getting there. Especially with your injuries right now.” The thoughtful look on the ranger’s face brightened when met Celestia’s gaze again. “But I’m pretty sure we can find a place for the little fire spitter over there. I’ll see what I can do.”

With that, he walked down the hall. Silence prevailed once more as Flora wasn’t sure what to say, and she imagined neither did Celestia. Summer was the one who took the initiative, moving up the bed to get into a comfier spot by the princess and give her another hug. Flora floated over and joined in before Celestia brought a hoof around the both of them, their silence becoming a comfortable, tranquil one.

Author's Note

First off, I want to apologise for the lack of chapter updates. Things have been pretty stressful and hectic IRL for me this past year and it's been difficult feeling motivated to keep the story going, despite the fact I still want this story to succeed.

Another thing I want to apologise for is the mistakes/pacing. It's just there are cool-sounding set pieces for later in the story and it's always hard for me to figure out how to get to those points in both a timely and satisfactory manner. This leads me to make pretty basic mistakes. It also doesn't help I don't have anyone else to help proof-read before I publish chapters, but I guess that's on me.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and don't be afraid to call out any mistakes or other constructive criticisms you feel this story needs.

Chapter 6: Omens of Change

“Astounding.”

That one word stood out among the low hum of machines within Ressel’s lab. It also fit perfectly with what he looked upon that snowy morning. Whilst the other humans of Snowbelle City slaved away with menial tasks under the harsh glare of their Pokémon overlords, here the young man sat in his laboratory gazing at the sentence that could finally change his life.

Subject Compatibility: 100%

A small smile emerging on his face, Ressel turned to face the large stasis tube leaning against the wall next to his workstation. Inside rested the woman Tethyles had delivered the other day, her very existence confirming his work was not in vain and his dream to move forward could finally be realised.

“Thank you.” Ressel whispered as he placed a hand on the glass, though little warmth towards the subject could be heard in his voice. “You are going to change everything.”

“Care to explain what you mean by that?”

With the tranquillity of the moment now ruined, Ressel turned his gaze to see Carver standing in the doorway once more. Again, the look of overconfident superiority adorned the bug type’s face, like he had Ressel backed into a corner of some kind. He groaned, mentally rolled his eyes at such stupidity.

“Merely that with the project now closer to completion, the Empire is also that much closer to absolute victory. I could explain to you the details but,” Ressel then turned in his chair back to the computer screen with a familiar smirk, “I’m unsure whether you’d understand any of it.”

Ressel waited for the half-baked response, for Carver to once again make a fool of himself ripe for the humiliating. But it never came. The only sound that could be heard was the closing of the laboratory doors. Looking back Ressel was surprised to see that the Karrablast had not only held his tongue, but had come inside and was now observing the stasis tube, the smug look still there.

“If I may ask,” Carver continued, not deigning to look at Ressel while addressing him. “Why would someone like you even offer to serve the Empire, and why would Her Grace even bother to show you, a human, mercy?”

Unsure of Carvers’ intentions, Ressel answered on the side of caution. “I imagine she saw the potential in this project, and is aware only I know how to ensure the viability and success of it. If I were killed, it would surely render this all worthless.”

“Well, you know the old saying; no one is irreplaceable.” The smirk that crossed Carvers’ insectoid features as he said that immediately put Ressel on edge. The scientist rose slowly from his seat and moved to one of the computers on the other side of the lab. Before his hands touched the keyboard, the human looked back to find Carvers’ gaze was still firmly set upon him. Slightly unnerved, Ressel turned to face him once more.

“Why are you here, Carver?” In response the bug type slowly crossed the distance, that unnerving smile still on full display. Ressel began backing up, only for the wall of his lab to meet his back within a few steps.

“Oh, I just wanted to figure out why your pathetic life has been spared for so long.” He stopped a foot from Ressel, eyes not drifting from the humans. “And from what I can gather, you just completed the part of this project that’s been giving you and Her Grace so much trouble, am I right?” Instinct forced the human to spare a quick glance at the subject, still safely floating in her tube unaware of the situation outside. Looking back, the smirk Carver wore became a lot more sinister.

“On behalf of the Empire, I’d like to thank you for your generous-”

Carver didn’t get to finish his monologue as he punted the diminutive bug clear across the lab before bolting for the computer by the tube. After a few quick keystrokes and smashing the screen for good measure, Ressel ran straight for the exit. Movement flickered out of the corner of his eye and the scientist ducked just as Carver launched through where his head would’ve been, the insects’ horn glowing from a technique. The bug slammed into the wall as Ressel bolted down the hallway.

Here’s hoping “Her Ladyship” isn’t as perceptive as she likes to believe, Ressel thought as he ran, weaving around corners and being thankful to Arceus that he hadn’t encountered anyone else just yet.

As if to answer him, a low buzzing noise rapidly grew louder and louder behind him. As he turned back to look, Ressel just managed to see a shockwave of a greenish tint with bug-like motes of light as it crashed into him, knocking the human down. Shaking his head, Ressel looked back up to see Carver running towards him, horn aglow once more and the confident smirk had been replaced with an expression of murderous rage. The Karrablast leapt into the air, his Fury Attack only missing due to the boy rolling to the wall of the hall. The Pokémon pulled his horn out of the floor and went to strike again, but Ressel caught him by the body and threw him back down the hall.

A small stinging pain stabbed into Ressels’ hand, and he looked down to see a gash on the bottom of his fist from where he smashed his screen. The moment of observation proved costly as this ache was replaced by a more searing inferno from his neck as arcs of electricity surged throughout his body. Collapsing to the floor, he gripped at the now burning collar encompassing his neck as two crimson-armoured Toxicroak guards stood in the hall corner before him, one of the poisonous amphibians holding a shock collar trigger.

“I’ve waited a long time for this, you filthy human!” Struggling through the pain, Ressel looked back towards Carver; his tiny limbs trying to wipe some of the boys’ blood from his face as he approached, his horn glowing for what Ressel assumed would be the final blow. “You’ve made a fool of me for the last time!”

“Quiet a bold thing to say, given you do such a good job of it yourself.”

At once, all three Pokémon froze in shock. Relief and exhaustion flooded Ressels’ body as the collar was deactivated, a blue glow now surrounding the trigger that floated away from the Toxicroak guards and beyond his vision. With some effort Ressel managed to prop himself up an elbow to see his apparent saviour.

Lady Tethyles.

“M-My Lady?” Carver stuttered in confusion as the two poison types bowed. “W-W-What are you-” He didn’t get to finish his question, as he joined the trigger in a levitated state while the powerful Gothitelle simply moved over to her human servant; looking over him as her eyes glowed blue. Despite their illuminated state, Ressel could track her eyes movements; first examining his injured hand, the shock collar and finally meeting his gaze, one he held firmly.

“What happened?” She asked, her tone all but demanding nothing short of the truth.

“The-The human filth…” Carver struggled, Tethyles’ telekinetic grip seemingly concentrated around the Karrablasts’ throat. “He… he tried to kill me a… and purge the research before escaping!”

Tethyles turned back to her floating insect, moving to look him right in the eye. “Then how is it that Ressel is injured and there are craters from where you’ve clearly launched attacks?”

“He… did it himself. Like I said… sabotage.”

Tethyles’ frown deepened. “Yet again you display your idiocy without prompt.” At Carvers’ confused expression, she sighed. “You think I would be foolish enough to bring a human servant into my employ without ensuring I would know if they were in trouble? I receive a psychic warning should he ever come to harm. How do you think I knew where to find you, and in such a short time?”

Had he not been mere minutes from death, Ressel might’ve enjoyed the talking down being delivered. Exhausted as he was and given his mistress’ fury, he could only watch as all the colour in the small blue bug type looked to drain away in fear.

“My-My Lady, I-” Any excuses Carver tried to sputter out were silenced as Tethyles tightened her grip around his throat. She then turned her attention to the two Toxicroak guards still kneeling in the hallway.

“Escort Ressel back to his lab.” Her tone permitted no argument, her glowing gaze more frozen than the surroundings of Snowbelle City. “Should he come to harm, you shall suffer the same fate.”

The last Ressel saw of Carver was the now terrified bug type look at him with undiluted fear as he and Tethyles disappeared in a flash of blue light.

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

The two Pokémon exited their teleport in a darkened expanse, though a light high above them flicked on as if detecting their presence. Upon arriving, Carver was finally freed, coughing and grasping for his neck as he tried to regain his breath.

“Do you know why I chose you as an assistant, Carver?” Tethyles asked, her voice cold and stare piercing. “At times, I too need to remind myself of the reason why. It wasn’t because of your intellect, but rather your decision to never question me. Such loyalty is greatly appreciated, especially during these trying times.” She moved to stand before him, tilting his gaze up to meet hers by way of Psychic.

“But do not think it’s escaped my notice that your ego has grown to an insufferable degree over the past few years, to the point where you have seen yourself as my right hand, and this was all before you allowed Project Ghetsis to undermine your usefulness.”

“But, Ressel’s a human!” Carver cried out, desperation flooding his voice. “He seeks to betray you! He doesn’t deserve your charity!”

“I’ve no doubt he will try in due time but, until he approaches that point, he’s more useful to me alive. Ressels’ project will turn the tide of the war while simultaneously solving our problems here in Snowbelle. In all honesty, Carver, the only one I’ve been charitable in keeping around is you. Despite your pitiful envy towards a human, I’ve kept you around because I developed a certain delight in watching your inane squabbling with Ressel. But alas, you’ve grown tiresome and untrustworthy.

“Furthermore, you tried to take the boys’ life. Something which belongs to me. But stealing from me isn’t the worst mistake you’ve made today.” With that she bent down to look him dead in the eye. “You took action on my behalf without my permission. I have no use nor patience for subordinates who take such reckless and potentially damaging actions in my name.”

“NO!” Carver bowed down before Tethyles, fearful tears forming in his yellow eyes. “Please, My Lady! Please give me a chance to redeem myself! I’ll do anything!” For a few moments an ominous silence filled the chamber, Tethyles merely standing back up and staring as the Karrablast prostrated himself before her.

“Anything?” She asked, her cold tone unchanged. At Carvers’ hasty nodding, a smile spread itself across the Gothitelles’ features. “Very well, Carver. But be warned; this will be your last chance.”

“Oh, thank you My Lady!” Carver called out with unabashed relief. “You shall not regret this. I will not let you down, I promise.”

It was only then he noticed her smile, and a chill swept over him as she looked off into the darkness. “Oh, Kerberos?” At her call, the sound of a clawed quadruped echoed throughout the chamber. Looking behind him, Carvers’ eyes widened in fear as the notorious Houndoom soldier entered the edge of the light, a smile matching the cruelty of Tethyles’ adorning his muzzle.

“Yes, My Lady?” He answered, and Carver suddenly began noticing more shadows moving towards the light, similar in shape but smaller.

“I do hope you and your pack enjoy the morsel I’ve brought you. Please don’t hold back.”

“Of course, My Lady. Though…” Kerberos’ chuckling head swung left and right looking to the increasing number of Houndour that were now forming a circle around Carver and Tethyles. “Given the portion size, I don’t think there’ll be enough to go ‘round.”

“I trust you’ll come up with something.”

“My… My Lady…?” Carver finally spoke up, dread the primary emotion present in his voice.

“Your task, Carver, is to escape this room with your life. Should you succeed, all shall be forgiven. But in case you don’t, I thank you for your contributions to the Empire.”

“MY LAD-”

The last Tethyles saw of Carver before engaging the teleporter in her necklace was his panicked face, his tiny limbs reaching for her, and the large pack of Houndour charging forward with drooling fangs agape.

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

No sooner had Ressel sat back down in his laboratory that Lady Tethyles blinked into the room in a burst of blue light. Her eyes shifted to his injured hand, which he was beginning to wrap in bandages.

“Ressel,” she began, and the tone told Ressel nothing short of honesty would be tolerated. “I would like to know whether Carvers’… poor decision have impacted Project Ghetsis in any way.” The young man nodded and shifted over to an undamaged computer screen, bringing up the project files.

The blank project files.

He made the effort to search the computer thoroughly, even sifting through the hard drives very code to add to the display. “Re-Regrettably, My Lady,” Ressel replied, being sure to convey a measure of shakiness in his voice and keeping his eyes wide with fear. “It would seem that Carvers’ attacks must have corrupted the system. I… can’t find the files anywhere…”

Tethyles was a Pokémon who, more often than not Ressel had observed, had considerable control over her emotions. So, it was slightly unnerving to see one of her eyes twitch at this news, followed by a very terse “What?”

“But there is still hope for the project, My Lady.” He quickly went on. “Before Carver came in here, I had just finished a complete compatibility check for our little volunteer. She was more resistant to the initial tests than any other subject, and her DNA shows no symptoms of rejection as the others had. In short, My Lady, this woman is fully compatible for the next stage of Project Ghetsis.”

Tethyles simply looked to the unconscious woman, who had no idea what she had survived earlier, before returning her stare to Ressel. “And the missing files that would aid us in this task?”

“The files are not completely lost to us. I have another copy of them, right here.” Ressel emphasised his point with a finger tapping his temple. “I have worked on this long enough to know the stages from memory alone, and I’m confident I can finish this without the files we lost.”

“The files you lost.” Tethyles corrected, closing the distance between the two.

“The files Carver lost.” Ressel countered. “Regardless of his blunder, we are ready to proceed to the next stage. To that end…” Ressel then moved over to the desk where he had been running the tests before this fiasco and collected a tablet from it before handing it to the Gothitelle. “These are the DNA samples I will require for the next stage. I would also suggest that, for future test subjects, we utilise prisoners of war or rowdier prisoners. Their strong will could be the key to a viable turnover of success for this project.”

Tethyles just listened, looking over the list he had prepared. A moment of silence reigned between the two as Ressel fought the natural urge to panic. He had borne witness to Tethyles’ cruelty before, and knew that if he misspoke at this critical moment, he could easily be joining the foolish Karrablast in whatever punishment he now likely suffered through.

Finally, she met his focussed gaze with one of her own. “Quite the powerful list you have here.”

“I merely wish for the success of this project, My Lady.”

At this, the Pokémon smiled. “As do I. Though I do wonder how smashing a computer screen with your fist is beneficial to this project.” Ressel struggled desperately to keep the shock off of his face as Tethyles handed the tablet back to him. “A commendable strategy; ensuring your survival by making yourself vital to this projects’ success, even more so than before. I will ensure you get your samples and I expect you to bring Ghetsis to fruition.

“But mark my words, Ressel. The moment this project is proven viable on the battlefield, I will have you transcribe every detail in regards to the process, and then you will be nothing more than what you were before.” A nod to the window caused Ressel to look out from it, and see the other humans toiling away in the frigid courtyard below. “Or perhaps, I could have you join in Carvers’ punishment, so that you too learn the price for crossing me.”

“…I understand, My Lady.” Ressel muttered, the frustration simmering away just beneath the surface.

As Tethyles smiled a blue light popped into the room, revealing an Abra wearing a red sash trimmed with gold and holding a scroll in its hand. “My apologies for the intrusion, Lady Tethyles,” the smaller psychic type greeted the two. “But I bring you a message from the Citadel.”

The Citadel? Ressel wondered as Tethyles floated the scroll over and opened it. The Abra merely stood and waited patiently until that small smile of superiority returned to Tethyles’ features.

“Inform Lord Yveltal that we shall attend.” She then handed the scroll back to the messenger, now wearing a confused expression but nodding nonetheless and disappearing in another flash.

“Ressel,” she went on, not bothering to face the young researcher and instead devoting her attention to the unconscious test subject. “It seems you might need to transcribe the process earlier than planned. Construct a concise but simplistic summary of the project thus far, as well as its projected outcome and output once fully implemented.”

“May I ask why, My Lady?”

Tethyles turned back to him, her confidence restored. “A meeting of the Triumvirate has been called, and unless you wish to meet Kerberos and his colleagues, I’d recommend you act quickly. You have three days.” With a hand placed on her necklace she disappeared once more, leaving Ressel alone with his unsociable test subject.

“Astounding.” He groaned.

\ \_(-o-)_/ /

“Merriweather, you’re going to be late.” Gloriosa chided her Floette daughter as she handed her a few leaf-wrapped berries and nudged her out of their family shelter. “I’m sure Miss Winona wouldn’t appreciate you being late twice in one week.”

“But I miss Flora.” The young fairy type shot back. “When is she coming back?”

The Florges sighed. “I’m not sure, but there’s nothing we can do about that now. She’ll come back when she’s ready.” A frown fell upon Merriweather’s face at the answer, but it was countered by Gloriosa giving her a hug. “She’ll be fine Merri, and I imagine she wouldn’t want you following her example and getting into trouble, would she?”

“No.” Came the timid response.

Gloriosa gave her daughter a quick peck on the head. “Now go on. You don’t want Miss Winona inflating and flying away, right?” This brought a small laugh to the young ones’ face and, after a tight hug, she floated off further into the village towards a shelter where a group of younger Pokémon were gathered around a Wigglytuff. The smile at seeing her daughter happy faded as Gloriosas’ thoughts turned to her other daughter, and she stared aimlessly into the sky. Flora… I hope to Arceus that you’re okay… And that I made the right choice.

A rustling of the long grass brought her out of her reverie, as stepping through was none other than Mewtwo.

“We need to talk.” His telepathic message was said more as a statement than asking for permission. Knowing this was coming at some point, Gloriosa merely nodded and got up, floating behind Mewtwo towards his cave. Some of the other villagers gave the two a knowing look, while others pointedly focussed on other tasks. Gloriosa didn’t blame them. Many considered her Mewtwos’ right hand, and despite their working relationship there were times they disagreed on what was best for the village. This is one of those times, I guess.

Once safely away from prying eyes and ears, Mewtwo turned to face her, though she had seen his intense expression enough times to not be as phased by it than others. Sighing, he crossed his arms as his long tail flicked.

“This is about Flora, isn’t it?” She asked before he could begin.

“Correct.” He kept his tone calm and controlled, as per usual. “Why did you do it?”

“Do what?” She shot back, keeping her posture and voice just as under control as his. “I agreed with your decision that she remain in the cave.”

“Then would you care to explain where she is right now?”

“…With Celestia.”

“Why?”

“You did say she wasn’t to leave the village without either your or my permission. I gave her mine.”

“That still doesn’t answer my question.”

That stopped her for a moment. She understood where Mewtwo was coming from. He merely wanted to keep her, and all within the village for that matter, safe. So why did she let Flora go? Her mental search for answers brought her back to the night before last, when she caught Flora out in the village.

“Uh… Hi Mum.” Flora said sheepishly just outside the family shelter, looking back at her angered mother. Gloriosas’ glare could put most Flamethrowers to shame such was its intensity; a trait she had seemingly picked up from Mewtwo.

“Flora, what are you doing?” The question was asked calmly and slowly, yet the simmering anger and disappointment was clear to hear in her voice.

“W-Well I… You see…” Flora stumbled over her words, each argument no doubt dying on her tongue. After a while, she simply sighed and looking pleadingly back at her mother. “I was saying goodbye to Evin.”

“Goodbye?” Gloriosa echoed, despite having a fair idea as to where she was going with this.

Flora took in a long, steadying breath. “Yes. I’m going with Celestia. I’m going to help her… and find Leon.”

This surprised the Florges, as her stern expression softened slightly. “Leon? Flora, he left years ago. No one knows where he is. There’s no guarantee you’ll even find him if you go with Celestia.”

“Mum-” Flora tried, but Gloriosa went on as she closed the distance between them.

“And what if Celestia isn’t there to protect you? There is a war going on outside this village and I don’t want you getting hurt. Mewtwo keeps all of us safe here-”

“Mum!” Flora tried again, this time gaining the Florges’ attention. Gloriosa, shocked by the volume of Floras’ voice, quickly whipped her head around to see if her yell had woken anyone. Thankfully, apart from the shifting of positions, no one else seemed to hear the outburst. She looked back and landed before her daughter, who wore a rare expression of anger herself. “Mum, I know you and Mewtwo want what’s best for me, for all of us. But this place… It feels like a cage. I don’t want to be safe if it means I never get to see the world, while there’s still a world left to see.

“Plus,” she looked her mother in the eye, the anger melting away. "'A promise is a promise. To break a promise is one of the worst things you can do, but keeping one shows how kind and strong you can be.' You taught us that, remember?” Gloriosa sat stunned for a moment. Years before, whenever she had made her daughters a promise, she would always stress how vital it was to keep it, no matter what stood in your way. “When Leon left, Evin was really sad. I promised him I’d bring Leon back one day. Please Mum. If I don’t leave now, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to keep this promise.” Gloriosa simply held Floras’ gaze, the two falling into a long silence before bringing her daughter into a tight embrace.

Gloriosa returned to the present, seeing Mewtwo still waiting patiently for an answer. A sliver of empathy was hidden within his gaze, and she discovered why when a tear rolled down her cheek into the bouquet of red flowers surrounding her neck. Wiping her eyes, she returned his stare; full of emotion, yet firm and unbreaking.

“Because… Because I can’t hide her forever. We can’t protect Flora forever, Mewtwo. As a parent, I can only prepare her for what lies ahead.” She shook her head with a small chuckle. “Somehow, I forgot that, and it was Flora that reminded me of that lesson.

Her gaze hardened as she closed the distance towards the powerful psychic type. “Everyone values the protection you offer us Mewtwo, Flora included. But her dreams were always going to take her beyond this village, and I highly doubt nothing short of Arceus himself would keep Flora from leaving. She promised to find Leon and bring him home.”

Mewtwos’ expression softened before a cynical eyebrow raised at the mention of Leon; a look Gloriosa had rarely, if ever, seen from the village leader. “As I recall, he abandoned us.”

“I know,” she sighed, a small wave of weariness washing over her now the heavier aspects of the conversation seemed behind them. “But you know how she is about promises. There’s nothing we can do about it now.”

Mewtwo finally uncrossed his arms, his shoulders sagging before looking at her once more with a more vulnerable look; something only she would ever see. “And if this brings the wrath of the Empire on top of us?”

Gloriosa simply smiled and placed a petite white hand on Mewtwos’ shoulder. “Then it’s a good thing we have you protecting us.” To this Mewtwo sighed, but soon placed one of his hands over the one on his shoulder and smiled himself.

“Mewtwo?”

The shout from the caves’ entrance shattered the tender moment between the two, and Mewtwos’ stoic expression rehardened as he moved to head outside, Gloriosas’ gaze tracking him. “What is it, Archimedes?

“We’ve got something of a situation. You’d better take a look at this.” The Noctowl replied, flying out of sight with his leader following him past the cave mouth.

Blasted owl, Gloriosa thought to herself before exiting the cave. But as she re-entered the sunlight, she bumped into something. Looking up, she began growing concerned, as Mewtwos’ normally stern visage was gone. In its place was a look of sheer, unfiltered shock. She looked down and soon saw why.

Standing at the base of the caves’ hill, surrounded by the denizens of the village, was a human. Despite the age that was displayed by the grizzly grey beard he bore, this man stood tall and unfazed at the sheer number of Pokémon around him. His eyes were hidden by an old hat with a faded logo Gloriosa had never seen before, and his hands were thrust into the pockets of his dusty red trench coat. On his shoulder sat a Pikachu, from her best guess probably as old as the man was, but he was smiling as he met Mewtwos’ gaze.

“Hey there Mewtwo. Been a long time.”