My Little Pokémon: Grander World

Equestria. At the very outskirts of Ponyville. Unilight Palace. Afternoon.

Calem fell through the gateway after being dragged through by Lucas. And immediately, he found himself within Unilight Palace. Calem almost fell over, only to be caught by a grasp of magic. Specifically, magic from Trixie Lulamoon, who was present within the palace.

"W-What...?" Calem blinked, a little caught off guard by that. Lucas just up and appeared, snatching him through the gateway, and entering the main universe.

"Sorry about that, man. Had to grab you quick before those Institute folks could." Lucas said to him, his hand glowing with Rift Energy before fading away. Naturally, he was now much better at opening gateways, not needing to worry about any fatigue to his body. All thanks to the soul of Palka within him.

"W-What is all of this?" Naturally, Calem was a bit out of the loop here, unaware of the creation of One Light, this massive team of humans, ponies, Pokemon and other species. But now, he was about to be caught up.

"Oooh...So they all really do have the same face." A pony took a look at Calem. "All 10 of them? Creepy."

"Creepy? To me that's lucky. Imagine that when making a PokeStar Studios film. I'd milk doppelganger or evil twin and clone stories easily!" Another pony boasted.

"Is this the Equestria I've been hearing about from you, Lucas?" Cale asked when looking at all the folks here. It seemed that he had not yet appeared in the main universe until now.

"Yeah. This is the place." Lucas confirmed. "Where it all connects. I ended up dragging you here since the Arcane Institute were getting pretty close. Princess Celestia requested that I try and find you as soon as possible, so I did just that. Being able to open gateways is pretty nifty, eh?"

"You knew where I was? How?"

"I actually didn't need anyone to tell me where you are." Lucas tapped his head. "You see...I've been busy for a while. I figured that since I've got the Soul of Palkia in me, might as well work on it to make things easier. And so I did. I got it up to the point where I could sense where you, Ash and the others are. I could just feel you out there."

"Oooh..." Calem nodded in understanding.

"But there's another reason I brought you here. It's to get all of us counterparts even closer. We'er all in agreement that it would be way better if each of us stuck by each other instead of being far apart."

"Wait, so all of you are here?"

"Not all of us, but me, Red, Ethan, Brendan, Hilbert...in spirit anyways and Nate. you and...Well, Ash is coming in just a little later." Lucas explained, saying that the 7 of them are here. "We're getting ready to reall bring an end to the Institute pretty soon."

"Mhm." Speaking up was Trixie. "I have a feeling that their next plan will be a big one. The Institute is most likely going to try and trap you all in one place. The Great and Powerful Trixie can sense that. Don't ask me how. But we're not gonna let that happen." Trixie said with a smirk. "You can count on that."

"Hey, Calem." Calem would turn to see Ethan, waving to him. "It's good to see ya man."

"Likewise. I'm still a bit lost, but I'm getting it." Calem gave Ethan a quick fist bump. "I have a lot to tell you all. Boy have I been places..." Calem said, wanting to let all of them in on what he's seen. At least what he remembered from the worlds he's visited.

"It's gonna take a while to prepare, but don't worry. You can count on us to help." Ethan said to him.

"You sure? I mean...this is gonna be a lot."

"Pssh." Ethan scoffed, laughing. "Don't worry about it, dude. Trust me. We got this." Ethan then put an arm around him and gave a gentle noggie to Calem. Calem was a bit confused, but he just went with it. "Besides, I want you to check out the world a bit more. It's pretty cool. You'll love it." Ethan said, smiling. "It's the main one after all. Right, Red?"

"..." Red agreed, saying nothing as always.

"Princess Celestia's the one who's planning the big attack on the Arcane Institute actually." Mayor Mare, who was present in here, would speak. "She says that once you show up, there will only be two counterparts left. Elio and Victor, if I recall."

"Their the last two. I already know where they are. Both are here in this universe, so they're easier to reach. But because they're here, the Arcane Institute's a bit intimidated to go after them right now. If they come here, they'll be knee-deep in enemy territory." Lucas explained to Calem, as well as everyone else.

"Then that's where we come in." Roseluck said, standing up. "We can help make sure that they don't find out that those two are here."

"How?" Trixie asked.

"We could probably hide them, or maybe get some kind of magical protection for them." Roseluck suggested. "If they can't be found, they can't be hurt."

"I like that idea," Spitfire said. "I think if we work together, we can keep them hidden."

"But what if they do get found out?" Amethyst Star asked, voicing her concerns. She knew that the Institute was ruthless and wouldn't give up easily. "We're going to need to be ready for anything."

"Not too soon now, everypony." Mayor Mare halted them. "While we are gearing up, we can't rush it. After all, Princess Luna herself is currently hard at work. She's infiltrated the Soul Crystal itself, entering the item itself within another dimension. She will sabotage their ultimate weapon from within, preventing any future theft of souls from the Institute's hands."

"So, we just gotta wait and see what happens." Ethan said, nodding at Calem. "I'm sure everything will work itself out."

"Okay." Calem said, trusting in them. After all, what choice did he have?

"Alright, that's settled. Everypony else is getting ready. Queen Chrysalis and her changelings are preparing themselves as we speak. They're coming along with us to aid in our little sneak attack." Mayor Mare said. She looked at the faces of all the people around her. "This will be a dangerous encounter, as always, but we're going to do our best to stop them before they get their hands on Elio and Victor."

"I just hope we can do it," Trixie added, looking at the faces of those around her. "We've faced some tough odds before, but this one...mmm...it's more annoying than anything."

"Get some rest everyone. We'd like for you all to be at your best for when we attack. The Arcane Institute won't stand a chance against us. We'll be ready for anything. And, Calem, if you need anything, we'll be here to help. We'll do what we can to protect you." Mayor Mare smiled.

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." Calem nodded, grateful for their help. It was nice to know that there were others like him, willing to fight for the same thing. "I just wish...we could end this madness sooner. Plus, I wanna go home."

"We'll do everything we can to end this," Ethan said. "We've got your back, Calem."

"Whew..." In another room of the palace, Brock was hard at work, getting himself ready as well. He and a few others were in this room as well, doing what they could to get ready for the battle ahead. He had been training hard, and he was determined to make sure that the Institute didn't get away with what they were doing.

"Working hard, everypony?" Harmony had entered the room, looking around at everyone. She smiled at the group, happy to see that they were all working hard. She had decided to check up on them and make sure that everyone was doing okay. She could feel the tension in the room, and she was determined to help ease it. "You guys look like you're getting ready for war."

"I mean...kinda sorta." Brock replied. "We've got to do everything we can to stop the Arcane Institute. For everyone's sake. And especially Ash's."

"Oh, I see," Harmony said. "Well, I'm sure that you guys can handle this. You've been through worse." She smiled reassuringly. "I hope it's not wearing all of you down."

"Nah." They all said. Truth be told, by now, they're very used to wild events such as this. From defeating the Twilight Imperium, the Solar Empire, the Dread League and so on, nothing could faze them at this point.

Harmony smiled at them. "Really? Then you all must be seasoned in a way. After this, are you even going to keep One Light active?"

"For sure. One Light won't just be for stopping the Arcane Institute and Prisma, it'll be for any threat." Brock added. "Whether that's Team Plasma or someone we don't know about yet. But after this...way after this, I'd like to focus on other things."

"Oh? Like?"

"Well, all of this action just makes me want to find the perfect girl for me one day!" Brock enthused. "All this made me realize that I might not get that chance one day, so I'd love for it to finally happen."

"Why? Do you struggle?"

"Struggle? Eehh..." Brock held the back of his head, scratching it. Struggling was an understatement. In every region he's been in, whenever a girl strikes his fancy, he goes all out to try and court them, but fails and ends up continuing on the journey instead with his friends. Sometimes he did manage to attract the affection of some of them, but alas, he was pulled away from them.

"Hmm..." Harmony narrowed her eyes, focusing intently on Brock's aura as he recounted his story. She saw the bright orange color that represented his passion for romance, but also noticed the faint blue hues that indicated his lack of confidence in finding the right one. "Oh! That's awful!"

"Eh?" Brock jerked back.

"It's so tragic...A love life that's never fulfilled...I can't imagine that." Harmony said sadly.

"Eh, I wouldn't really call it a tragedy, but..." Brock rubbed his neck, chuckling nervously. He didn't want to make her feel bad.

"And for that long too? That just won't do." She shook her head before having her eyes flash. "Hm! It's decided! As the embodiments of the Elements of Harmony, I must do this."

"D-Do what?" He asked as Harmony suddenly teleported in front of him, startling the Pokemon Doctor. "Gh!"

"Brock! I'll glady be the one to be head over heels for you!" Harmony announced, causing everyone in the room to look over at them in surprise and shock. But none more so than Brock, who looked absolutely stunned.

"Y-YOU WILL?!" He exclaimed.

"Of course! Since I am the embodiment of all 5 Elements, everything I embody and specialize in is heightened. It's my duty to make others happy to the best of my abilities." Harmony declared, the Pinkie Pie in her clearly speaking. "Show them kindness and be loyal. I'm already loyal to Princess Twilight, but I think I can take it a step further. Brock! For how you've been unlucky and mistreated, I'll gladly be your lover! And in no time, I'll show you how much I'll adore you." Harmony promised, taking his hands into hers as he continued to be stunned.

"H-Hold on! That kind of stuff is not really my style but..." Brock stammered.

"If you want, I could try and take on the form of a human if that makes you any better!" Harmony exclaimed, her eyes filled with hearts.

"Uh, no. That's not necessary." He said with a nervous smile.

"Oh! So me being a pony is okay? Wonderful!" Harmony cheered, before wrapping her hooves around Brock, hugging him and nuzzling her snout against his face. Brock had been blindsided. Now he was the one receiving this same treatment, but his body wasn't sure how to properly react since it has never happened before. His cheeks turned red and his eyes started to swirl.

Canterlot. Canterlot Castle.

Twilight Sparkle had arrived at Canterlot, managing to write down everything from the book, getting the nitty gritty details and all. Everything about Selene and the truth about the resets were now imprinted in a small book she made.

Celestia looked at the paperwork and the book with wide eyes, utterly stunned by what Twilight had found.

"So, it was his own mother." She murmured, shocked at what she had read. Twilight Sparkle nodded sadly and looked down at her hooves. "What a sacrifice."

"I'm just glad I was able to get it all written and imprinted in my memory." Twilight Sparkle said quietly.

"Tragic, yes. And I'm guessing this only wants to boost your attempt at befriending Prisma, is that right?" Celestia questioned, aware of Twilight's extra plan to try and persuade Prisma.

"Mhm." Twilight confirmed.

"Hm. Well, that's sweet of you indeed Twilight. One of your best traits. But you must be careful. Unlike someone like Discord or even more recently, Twilight Moonlight, I doubt Prisma will be on the same level of persuasion." Celestia shook his head. "From what I've read here and taking all of Prisma's 88.8 billion lives into account, his sanity is far too gone."

"But maybe that's what we need." Twilight argued. "Maybe all he needs is to be loved. I mean, it's obvious his mother was willing to keep him alive and it was the reason why the resets kept happening." Twilight pointed out. "Maybe he needs some positive reinforcement. Someone to talk to him. To listen to him."

"And maybe he doesn't want any of that." Celestia replied. "He's killed billions of people in different realities. He's done it many times. And he'll continue to do it. What makes you think he'd want any of that?" She asked. "He might not even remember his own mother, or anything for that matter. From what's been documented in that book, the resets were to keep the Star Tyrant from succeeding. All thanks to that Thyrian character. He's playing a part in these resets."

"He might not remember Selene, but Selene remembers him. I hope." Twilight said. "And if he remembers, maybe just maybe he could turn over a new leaf."

"I don't know, Twilight..." But even Celestia was sceptical about this. "Prisma is different from everyone we've dealt with. This isn't like Discord or anypony we've dealt with. He's given into despair. Sombra or Chrysalis, or even Twilight Moonlight. That Despair of his is unmatched, that much I can easily know."

"But he wasn't always like that." Twilight argued. "He was just like Ash, but the resets, and the fact his mother was trapped and in pain. All of that..."

"It's horrible, but if you ask me, it might take a miracle to convince him. I'm not saying it's impossible, but I am saying it's not the easiest thing. You know how I feel about him. His rage, anger and despair is unmatched." Celestia sighed. "I'm not saying this to be mean. I'm saying this because I'm worried for you. If you attempt to persuade him, if things go wrong, he can and will gravely harm you. Or worse."

"I understand..." Twilight lowered her head. "But...I hope that Twilight Luminaria knows about this."

"Does she not?"

"I don't know. After all, when I tried reading the Book of the Luminaria Lineage, it prevented me from knowing about Selene. In fact, it's Selene who used her magic on it even after her sacrifice. She made sure that no one else could read it for the sake of their own sanity and to make sure someone like Thyrian would never know the contents inside. I assume Twilight Luminaria was never able to read those parts either, but after Delia read it out, maybe she's heard it from within me. I'm still unsure." She explained.

"I see... Well, you know the consequences. Just be careful." Celestia said. "Prisma is more dangerous than we can imagine, and his power is something not to underestimate."

"Right..." Twilight said.

"As for what we're about to do next, it's time we blindsided the Arcane Institute. I've come up with a plan that will do just that. We'll let them come to us, but into a trap." Celestia looked at the window, staring off into the horizon. "We'll lure them in, and make sure they'll get a taste of their own medicine." She smirked.

"Really? What's the plan?"

"Hm." Celestia smiled, looking back at her.

Universe 42.

Back in the Labyrinth-like universe, the Arcane Institute failed to find Calem in the Labyrinth, realizing that he had not just left the place but this universe entirely. "As expected. he left."

"Are you kidding me?!" Flawless shouted, groaning with frustration. "Ugh! I can't believe this!"

"I don't think it's that hard to believe, sis. He was here. He's not here now. That means he's gone. Duh." Violet said.

"What do you think we should do?" Phantasia asked their leader.

"Give chase. But that won't be an issue. They're in the main universe this time."

"T-The main one! Oooh..." Flawless grimaced at that. "Heading back there is asking for trouble. We had a bit of an easier time going to other worlds that aren't familiar with us. Plus, the Nebel Plateau was totally neutral. If it's anywhere in Canterlot or the Crystal Empire, that means the entire world will be after us." She pointed out.

"I know. So does the Professor. However, my recent upgrade has allowed me a few perks that will benefical. One of which comes fro Sombra's side." Alpha looked back at the BlueLight Sisters. "Sombra has been within Ash for a set amount of time. And because of that, the Institute was able to take the magic, allowing me to look into the memories of the past, even if I don't possess the mind. In other words, I can see through Sombra's eyes. And by extension, Ash Ketchum's."

"Seriously?!" Phantasia gasped.

"Because of this, I will know what Ash Ketchum and Sombra are doing at the time. Which means I'll know his every move, what he's doing at the moment and where he's heading. All I need to do is concentrate and I will see through Sombra's own mind." She said with confidence. "

"Lucky...I want something like that..." Violet pouted.

"Whether you like it or not, we will be entering the main universe. It is enemy territory at its core. However, we've wasted enough time playing this game of cat and mouse." Alpha continued. "The Professor wants this over soon. And in that universe, something special he can use can be found..."

Saying nothing else, the Arcane Institute prepared to depart to the main universe, first needing to head back to the Institute to make sure they have everything ready. They were planning another massive attack, similar to the one they did at the Nebel Plateau. It wasn't just One Light gearing up, but also the Arcane Institute. All this to bring a stop to one man. Prisma.

It was not a matter of who defeats who, but rather, who can stop Prisma. Who would be strong enough and efficient enough to stop Prisma's return or even stop him entirely if he does return?

As the journey continues.

Chapter 718 End.