//------------------------------// // Rift meeting // Story: My Little Pokémon // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Ponyville. Canterlot. Right now, another one of Cold Colt's magic lessons are underway with assistance from his teacher, Princess Twilight Sparkle. He sat on a table with an assortment of books as he's actually been studying since yesterday, leading up to today. And of course, he can't ever get tired simply because he is a Rift Pony. He is incapable of feeling exhausted and never has to worry about overworking himself. He essentially has an infinite supply of energy. And that pleased Twilight for sure. "Well, Cold. You've made great progress." Twilight went up to him. "I think I can say you might end up finishing sooner than expected." "You think so? Wait...am I gonna have to leave soon?" "Well, if you want to. I mean, Starlight's not ready to leave yet. So you don't have to worry too much about it, okay?" "Oh, sure! Besides, I don't think I wanna leave here anyway. I mean, I know all about Ponyville ad Equestria and all that..." "I get it, I get it." Twilight patted the little colt on the head a few times, understanding his worries. She had a similar experience when Princess Celestia sent her here and Starlight had one too weeks back. "Oh, I should totally tell Apple Bloom! Do you think she's gonna be more impressed and into me if she finds out about this? I could become like you and be popular, right?!" "Uh...Sure. You go ahead..." Twilight gave a slow-paced nod. "Yes! I'll be right back!" In a spurt of excitement, he teleported himself out of the castle to meet with Apple Bloom. The Apple Family was like his own family since Applejack accepted him. And all of Ponyville too of course. "Has he already left?" Entering the room was Nyx, who wanted to speak with Cold Colt personally. "Off to impress Apple Bloom like always." Twilight explained. "Did you need something from him?" "Well, I was hoping I could give him this. He wished for it during the second Pokemon Festival." Nyx showed Twilight a stylized Pokemon gear for young trainers. Stylized Pokedexes, Poke Balls and quality of life objects and more. "I had to gather up as many Pokedollars as I could." "For this?" Twilight pointed her hoof at the gear. "Bit fancy, don't you think?" "He said he wanted to look the part when taking part in Pokemon Battles. So, I decided to buy this for him. The price was abysmal in all honesty." "That's sweet of you, Nyx!" Twilight nodded in approval. Seeing Nyx do this for Cold Colt made it seem like a sibling relationship. In a way, it almost was. Although Nyx sees Twilight as her mother figure, Cold mostly sees Applejack as that mother figure overall. "I'm sure Cold would love this when he gets back." "He will. By the way, about that Holon Region? Anything new of it?" "Oh, right. We should be getting to Holon to see what it's like." Twilight said. "There's also Jirachi. So far, my tracker hasn't found any new Psychic readings. Or even Steel readings. I thought Mew was elusive...But in any case, we'll find Jirachi for sure. I just hope it's before everything returns to normal." "Do we know when that happens?" "Well...Cold said that the Rift would end everything during something known as the Battle of the Bell." Twilight began reminiscing. "Battle of the Bell?" "Right. But apparently, since the timeline has changed, that outcome won't be the same anymore. Now we certainly don't know when the Rift may leave. Which is uh...pretty nerve-wracking." Twilight chuckled nervously with her heart rate speeding up a bit. "We'll make sure that never happens, right, Twi- Mother?" Nyx went up to Twilight, giving her a reassuring smile. Her optimism was certainly shining more than ever after they won the invasion. "Yes! We sure will!" Sweet Apple Acres. "Well, look at you! Already going up right now." Applejack spoke to Cold after he told everyone about his recent accomplishments. "Yeah. I feel pretty good about myself right now. What do you think, Apple Bloom? Pretty neat, isn't it?" Cold grinned, trying to impress the little earth pony. He even flexed his hoof for extra points. "Mhm. Good job, Cold." And Apple Bloom agreed. Seeing that approval made Cold feel at ease. Inside of his own mind, he let out a verbal cheer of success. "And, you know, if I graduate or something like that, I could head off somewhere big in Equestria. I could become my own pony someday! Turns out we Rift ponies age. Well...The Rift allowed me to age. That's why I'm a colt looks like." "Ya do now, huh?" Applejack's interest was piqued. "Well, guess we're gonna see you become a mighty fine stallion later on, huh?" "Uh-huh. I hope I get a longer mane. And boy, Emerald's gonna be so proud of me after this. Next thing you know, I'll be the best Rift Pony around and can do whatever I want." "Ooh! Can you give me a horn!" Apple Bloom pleaded. "Think you can fix this back?" Granny Smith leaned in as she also had her own plea. Uh, sure, sure. I can do that. I can do anything!" Cold raised his hooves, knowing he'll have great power in the future. "Better not get carried away with it, ya hear?" But Applejack was there to make sure Cold doesn't abuse his power. She wouldn't want a repeat of their first meeting but worse. "I won't, I won't." Cold stuck his tongue out while flailing his hoof. "Hey. You wanna see what I can do now with all my magic?" "Would I?!" Apple Bloom pranced on the spot. She was eager to see this for herself out of everyone else. Applejack, Granny Smith and Big Mac would be busy, but that's fine with Cold Colt. More time with Apple Bloom is a plus in his book. Out in the fields. Emerald Aura's home. Afternoon. Speaking of Emerald Aura, she was currently relaxing at her own home. However, this time, she wasn't alone. Ever since she had that playdate with Cold Colt, Maud and the others, she's felt a bit more open to others. Mainly over Superfight and that is about it. She's still far from truly interacting with everyone out there. Both in this world and the Pokemon World. However, when it comes to her favourite card game, it's a step in the right direction. At this moment, she was actually playing Superfight with some Pokemon that live near these fields. She invited them over and they were willing to have some fun. However, playing a card game with Pokemon is harder than it looks. So, to fix that, she gave the Pokemon some sentience for quality of life. And of course, she made the card game feel more real by making the scenarios real. Just because she can. However, after that fun little game, the Pokemon had left the house with Emerald removing their amplified sentience. After that, it was just her. But he was in a happier mood after an entertaining team. However, she was about to receive new visitors to her home. And this was shown by a knock on her door. Emerald quickly turned, trotting over to the door. And once she opened it, the visitors were revealed. Pegasi soldiers from Pegalysium. They had arrived on this land via a chariot. Immediately, there were 5 of them standing in front of Emerald Aura. "Excuse us. Emerald Aura right?" "Hm? Yeah? What is it? what do you want?" Emerald spoke to the soldiers. "Right. Sorry for the intrusion. But we're here under important matters and a request. A request from his majesty, current King of Pegalysium, King Paramount." "...Who?" Emerald squinted her eyes, not knowing a thing about King Paramount despite the knowledge she had been given. "It is for the safety of this universe. We are aware that you are a Rift Pony, correct?" "Yeah. What about it?" "Read this, if you will." The soldier then showed Emerald Aura one of the many sentient letters. The letter flew out of the pegasus' helmet, revealing itself to the Rift Pony. It opened up in front of her eyes with the worse materializing. She then read the words on the letter as fast she could. She did this by allowing herself to speed read with some Rift magic so that she could get it over with. The letter mentioned the possibility of the Pokemon bringing about the destruction of this universe. And the letter even mentioned how King Paramount required some power from the Rift to fix this. After all, those with Rift energy or magic can practically do whatever they want, much like Discord's Chaos Magic. King Paramount was aware of Emerald Aura from what his soldiers tell him. And he needed her help. Along with Queen Luminary. "Uh-huh...The destruction of the universe? Really?" "Really. You must understand the king's request and worry. Your amazing magic can help solve this approaching disaster if you assist us." "Yeah, right. Like that's gonna happen. I've seen this song and dance before. And it won't work." "You assume we're lying? This is no matter where we lie." "That so? Well, let me test that theory quickly." To see if they were lying or not, Emerald used her Rift magic, outlining the soldiers in her emerald-coloured light. She would bring the truth out of them. The pegasi were helpless as they had no defence against Rift Magic. Very few do except for the Pokemon, just recently Celestia, Ash and other Rift related beings. After doing so, she tapped into their minds, forcing them to speak the truth and only the truth. And to her surprise, this was the response. "What we're saying is true. The entire universe will perish under the Pokemon's existence inevitably. Unless something is done to stop it. As in changing fate." He said without spewing a lie. "No way...you're really telling the truth. The universe will end because of the Pokemon?" Emerald lowered her magic, revealing a shocked expression on her face. "That's why we came here by the king's orders. His request is to have you help change this fate so that our universe isn't obliterated. However, it may be destroyed. The king believes that the power of the Rift can change fate, so he wishes to do so. Even if it takes him a while to control it." "I don't get it. How are Pokemon gonna destroy the universe? And why?" "Our royal advisor witnessed this with his ability to have visions. The Pokemon will destroy the universe. We don't know how or when this will happen. But it could if things continue the way they are. Please understand the concern of the king for the safety of everyone out there." "Hmmm..." Emerald thought about this for a moment. It would be a shame for this universe to be obliterated. After all, Cold loves it here. He's found himself a nice new home with friends and a family of sorts. Emerald does enjoy seeing Cold happy, and to have all of this just be destroyed would be devastating. Emerald already knows that Ash and the others are focused on Jirachi to keep everything as it is before the Rift leaves. However, with how elusive Jirachi is, that may not happen in-time before everything ends. And since the due date for when the Pokemon will destroy everything is unknown, the tension was reaching critical mass. Emerald wanted to keep things how they were. And unfortunately, her magic wasn't able to change fate considering how the Rift put those limitations on its creations. But, she concluded, asking one more question. "I can't change fate...but your king. You said that he'll try and find a way to control my magic, right?" "Yes. Though, it's unknown how he'll do so." The soldier answered. To be extra cautious, Emerald Aura wanted to see what this King Paramount was. Her comic book reading has led to her imagining various archetypes. She dug into the mind of the pegasi, checking what memories they have of King Paramount and how trustworthy he could be. By digging into their mind, she found records of the king alongside Queen Luminary in some visions. King Paramount was seen as a great-hearted, benevolent and steadfast ruler. He had an intimidating and fearsome pony to look at with those sharp eyes and fairly regal mane. But, beaming out of that stance and expression was a congenial soul. He was strict yes. And he was not afraid to speak his mind or hesitate to tell the truth. But he was admirable either way. This was everything Emerald Aura saw from the soldiers' minds and seeing memories of the king. She even saw him spending time with his wife and son. Luminary and Shooting Star. Truly, he did want to save the universe. "Alright." Emerald sighed. "Let me talk to this king of yours." "You are free to come to Pegalysium any time. No rush." "How am I gonna get to Pegalysium if I don't know where it is?" "...Good point." The soldiers nodded as they were willing to take the unicorn to Pegalysium and King Paramount. However, despite seeing into their minds and learning about King Paramount's, Emerald was still cautious. When she gets to Pegalysium, she'll make sure to stay on guard. At least, that would be the case if the real version of herself was going. As she walked behind the guards towards the chariot, Emerald Aura used her Rift energy to create a clone inside of her. She phased through the clone, making her movements silent as she then slid back into her home. The clone would head to Pegalysium instead. Pegalysium. Sky Monarch. Afternoon. Speaking of which, King Paramount was currently in his throne room, looking at a map of Pegalysium. This map had everything in Pegalysium. Every nook and cranny. Pegalysium was so vast that it was just as large as Equestria. Possibly more considering how expansive the skies are in comparison to how much Equestria covers. However, the map might have to change. After the invasion and other occurrences involving the Pokemon, parts of Pegalysium were now either heavily damaged or destroyed, much to the king's dismay. He saw Pokemon as catalysts for certain destruction. But Paramount believed in changing fate over everything. Even if fate was something not to be trifled with, some would and have altered it. In fact, the drastic change of this timeline is a result of fate being changed due to the actions of Ash, Ghetsis and everyone else. Paramount was looking to do the same, but one that changes everything back into what it was supposed to be. The true timeline. And that may come true as entering the room was the guest of honour. The soldiers took the easiest and quickest shortcut to get here as Emerald Aura had arrived. "Your majesty. Here she is." The soldier introduced the Rift Pony. Except, this was just a clone. The real one was far too cautious to really show up. "Excellent." King Paramount said as the soldiers left the room. The clone of Emerald Aura then lightly trotted into the room with the doors closing. She couldn't sense anything foreboding in this room. Despite not being the real Emerald Aura, she still had natural senses and everything. "So. This is Pegalysium? Can't believe I never knew about a place like this." Emerald said. "So, you're King Paramount?" "Yes. Welcome. I'm glad you could make it, Emerald Aura." He stood tall. "My soldiers have told you everything, haven't they?" "Yeah. Truth and everything. So your advisor saw this whole universe being destroyed by the Pokemon? Seriously?" "As serious as I can look." And he did look serious. Whether happy, stoic or upset. "These strange creatures known as Pokemon bring an approaching calamity that will doom us all. The day when it will happen is unknown. But most likely, one major event will result in it." "Oh." Emerald thought for a second. Ever since this world crossed over with the Pokemon World, scenarios that are on a destructive scale have been popping up. Whether it's Eternatus, the invasion, Ghetsis' attack on the Changeling Hive and especially Passion's overload. "Yeah. They can get pretty destructive." "That's why I summoned you here. You are a creation for the Rift, correct?" "Rift Pony's what I am." "Then, you have the power to fix this, do you not?" "Uhh..." Emerald grizzled her teeth nervously, fearful of giving a direct response to the king. But she went for it anyway. "See uhh...when the Rift made us, it gave us limitations. I mean, I can do anything sure, but I can't mess with fate. Sorry about that." "I see." King Paramount sighed. "But deep down, your Rift magic can achieve it, right?" "It's in its nature. But no way the Rift's gonna allow me to do that." Emerald chuckled, giving off a light shrug. "Then, what about me?" Paramount pointed his hoof at himself. "Perhaps I can bring out the rest of that magic?" "Uh...Seriously?" She gave another chuckle. "You really think you can do that? I mean, how are you even gonna do that?" "I didn't study magic for no reason. I studied it to protect my subjects and what they hold dear. Learning every spell in Pegalysium to shield them. If by chance, you can give out some of your Rift magic to me. I can use it to keep this universe from being destroyed by the Pokemon. Changing everything." "Oh, something like this?" To show the king, Emerald created a glowing sphere of Rift energy that laid before his eyes. It had the same blue and purple appearance as the Rift. "Exactly." "Not sure I can trust anyone with a power like this," Emerald said. "After all, even if the universe does end, there's always Jirachi that can handle things." "Celestia spoke of Jirachi and how it would prevent everything. But I don't believe they'll find Jirachi in time. Not at all." He shook his head in disapproval. "If you can please lend some of that magic, I can fix everything much sooner than when this Jirachi creature will show up." "Hm." Emerald squinted her eyes as she wanted to see how the king really felt. Once more, she used her magic to bring out the truth. She wanted to see if King Paramount had good intentions. The king stood there, having his body outlined. But he was not phased at all. Emerald then observed his expression, looking into him. What she found was as followed. King Paramount definitely wanted to prevent the destruction of this universe. It wasn't just the soldiers exaggerating and making their ruler seem that great. However, as she had her magic around her, she felt a slight tingle in her mind, causing Emerald to lose focus. It was as if she couldn't keep her magic around the king for much longer. "Ow!" "Apologies. My magic can be fairly volatile if not careful." Paramount bowed his head. "It's fine. At least I know you're serious about this. But, I can't really guarantee all of this. I mean, magic can't even touch Rift magic. So I don't see how-" But to her surprise, with his wings glowing a golden colour, he outlined the sphere in his magic, shocking the pegasus. To see a pony that is not related to the Rift in any way interact with Rift magic was actually stunning to her. Then again, she hasn't seen Celestia yet. Paramount then raised the sphere, walking along with it. "You were saying?" "H-How? What?!" Emerald shook her head. "Since when!" "For the first few months of the Rift's appearance, we realized that magic did not affect it. So, to fix that, I just went above and beyond. That is my Cutie Mark." And of course, his name being Paramount made more sense. Plus his Cutie Mark. A talent that allows him to surpass obstacles and limitations that he would naturally have. Seemingly with magic alone. Truly a special kind of mark. "O-Oh...W-Well uhh...it's still tough to change fate!" "Maybe. But I won't know until I try. Once I understand this magic, I revert and change everything to how it was before. Our universe will be safe." "Wait...W-What do you mean by revert? What's there to revert?" That's when Emerald felt the atmosphere changing as she stuttered. "The original timeline. Without the Pokemon. That is what I wish to bring back. All of this destruction can be avoided if we work as one to return things to how they were." "Hold on!" Emerald exclaimed. "You're thinking of doing that?! But then..." She soon thought about Cold Colt. If everything returns to normal, then Cold will cease to exist with this timeline never existing in the first place. "You'll erase Cold from existence! And me as well!" "Hm?" "I was made by the Rift. And if it leaves, I'll cease to exist as well. Including a great friend of mine. You're going to erase us if you change this timeline, you know that?!" "Really? Then I'll change that as well." "Huh?" Emerald pulled back. "I'll make sure that you and your friend remain, even with the Rift's departure. You have my words." Paramount gave a new promise with honesty. He did not lie once. "Well...T-That's nice and all but...Cold loves the Pokemon! I mean, he'll still have his family and everything but-" "Like Celestia. You would prioritize these Pokemon over everything else?" Paramount narrowed his eyes. "They will end up causing the end of this universe and the friend that you hold so dear." "I..." Emerald scrunched her face, thinking about it for a second. King Paramount made a point. He saw Pokemon as irrelevant and believed they had no need in this timeline at all. However, much like Celestia and practically every other trainer, bonds have been made with the Pokemon. Bonds that they would hate to leave behind. "I know what you're saying, but the Pokemon, they're friends too. And I know for a fact nopony down at Equestria would want to give up on their friends." "Friends, you say? I understand friendship is important. However..." Paramount then suddenly made the Rift energy enter his body by having it zoom at lightspeed in him. "The fate of everyone else in this universe is more important. No questions asked." "I won't let you change fate! Jirachi's gonna be the one to fix everything!" She pointed her hoof at Paramount aggressively. "What you're doing is kinda good but it's got some major drawbacks." "Hm. Say what you will. My mind has been made up. Besides. You can leave now, clone." "Wait, what?" Immediately, he found out that she was a clone. And with the usage of his own magic, King Paramount had covered the Rift Pony in his golden magic. Before she knew it, the clone of Emerald Aura had disappeared into a puff of smoke by the king's magic. "But I'll keep my promise to the real you. No doubt about it." King Paramount said to himself. Even if his decisions would seem off to those who would want the Pokemon to stay, he still kept his ideals. He understood the importance of friendship and how wonderful it can be. But unfortunately, King Paramount prioritises the existence of everything over friendship. With him now having Rift magic at his disposal, he now sees himself as able to fix everything. To return everything to what it used to be. As the journey continues. Chapter 499 End.