It’s been around a week since Luna, Ed, Twilight, Polearm, Dusk, and Nat had left for Sora’s transmutation. I wasn’t really worried about the state of things here as I could manage the lowering and raising of the sun and moon on my own with no problems at all. Night court could be suspended with little hassle to as Luna never had to deal with to many of the nobles’ issues. They had all but gotten over Ed’s presence and were clamoring to meet with my brother to best see how his work could better line their pockets. While Ed was willing to meet with more of the more gracious nobles he absolutely refused to see the ones who only saw him as a means to make money.

I was really worried about Ed as Luna had informed me that his nightmares had been worsening since the incidents of the wedding. To make matters worse Sora and Nat’s presence here had made a much larger impact then what they and Ed had originally predicted. Ever since those first two pokemon appeared at Sweet Apple Acres more and more of them have been appearing all around Equestria. Luckily it started before Ed’s group left and with Nat, Sora, and Dusk’s help we were able to get enough of information on the creatures to form a type of Pokemon rescue squad made of ponies with an affinity for nature and animals headed by Fluttershy. Everything was working out as most of the pokemon were more than willing to partner with ponies and help in our daily lives. There are those who choose to stay away to the mainly stick to the Forests, mountains, plains, and larger bodies of water.

I was still worried as according to Nat there were the more dangerous Pokemon were the legendaries and rare types like Selene. They could only be dealt with, by getting help from more powerful pokemon or by someone more powerful than the pokemon. Thanks to Ed, the elite guards were able to quiet some of the more violent encounters with the pokemon and even earn their respect enough to gain partners from said incidents.

There was another matter on my mind though. Before Ed left he’d come to me and asked what had happened to the remains of Nightmare Moon. I asked him why he wanted to know as Luna was Nightmare Moon and I would think he would want to bring up the events of the subject as they might upset him. My brother pushed through with only an expression of stone an on his face and concern in his eyes. There was something he wasn’t telling me and I wasn’t going to push it. Ed would tell me if it was of major importance at the right time.

“Ed, why are you interest in the remnants of the evil that took over Luna all of a sudden? Shouldn’t you be getting ready to go to Nat’s brother’s world?” I asked raising my brow.

“I’m all set as far as my needs go, Tia. Now stop dancing around my questions,” He demanded. “What exactly did you do with the leftover fragments of Nightmare Moon’s armor and any other remnants of her?” That includes any fabrics from clothing or otherwise.”

“Ed why are you asking me about this? I would think you of all ponies wouldn’t want anything to do with that creature at all. It nearly took Luna away from us both. I know you’ve been working to conquer your own demons but that doesn’t mean Luna should have to face Moon in the same way,” I shot at my brother as he crossed his arms.

“I have no intentions of forcing Luna to face Nightmare Moon, Tia. She has been doing an excellent job of coming to terms with her past mistakes on her own. I, as her husband, can only support her in those times and help when she asks for it. If I see there is a time when I need to step in and do something without her consent I will. Believe me, I’ve already tried to I face her demon in the dream realm by using the Baku’s dream walking ability but she was far too powerful for me to face alone, especially given my weakened state of mind at the time. Then I met another version of Moon in another reality and almost killed her out of pure anger. If both encounters and my own actions to my demons have taught me anything it’s that only you can face your demons and move forward.” Ed says with a sigh as he looks to the window depicting Nightmare Moon’s defeat at the hands of the Elements of Harmony.

“Ed, I’m sorry I just had to know your intentions. I know you wouldn’t be asking me about Nightmare’s remnants if you didn’t have a good reason. Sadly, I must inform you that they were stolen from the pony I entrusted them to some time ago before Discords release. His name is Craft Caster and he is the current vice headmaster of my school.” I said looking to him as I look to the floor in worry.

“I was afraid that might be the case. Tia this has to do with a story from my home that someone wrote base of the show. Things are still different from in this world and I don’t know all of the details but I can tell you to be cautious while I’m gone. The ponies that stole the remains are a cult devoted to Nightmare Moon that calls themselves the Children of the Night. From what I remember they will try and revive Nightmare Moon sometime in the very near future but they won’t be able to for know as Twilight will be coming with me and the others. Have a couple of the Elite Night Guards stationed in Ponyville, for now, to watch over the Library suspicious activity while we’re gone. They can stay at the shop for now,” Ed says as he started to pace.

“Ed, what does Twilight have to do with this? Does this cult plan to use her in some way? Is she supposed to be some form of sacrifice to resurrect Nightmare Moon?” I asked in horror.

“I’m afraid so Tia. They plan to foalnap her and use her blood and the remains of Nightmare Moon catalysts in a ritual that utilizes several forms of different magics and ancients spells in a sequence of combinations to revive their queen. I plan to stop it when it starts but the problem is I have no idea when it will all go down as the timeline can always go awry. I do know this will occur before the return of the Empire. So it should be very soon. I intend to be staying in Ponyville once I return. I have things that need tending to there in order to start up the other automail shops,” Ed explained as he and I walked out of my room.

I walked off to the throne room while Ed walked to meet up the group out front but before we parted he said one last thing.

“Don’t tell Luna or Twilight about this just yet. If we’re able to prevent this before it’s meant to then good and then we can tell them,” Ed whispered to me.

“And if we can’t?” I asked as quietly as I could.

“Then things get a little complicated and we’ll take some heat from Luna and maybe Twilight. If we can prevent the ritual from taking place then no problems then I’ll tell Luna everything and if not and we can stop it just as it starts then just as well we’ll have the same result. Just keep things under wraps until I can get back Tia. I’ll see ya in about a week or so. Give or take,” Ed says running out the main door.

“Be safe brother and keep Luna safe too,” I said waving goodbye.

I was attending to the rest of my duties for the day when Shining Armor and Spike, who was covered in scrapes and scratches, came rushing into the throne room. If Spike was here that could only mean that something had happened in Ponyville. ‘Why now? Just before Ed was supposed to return.’

“Spike. Shining Armor. What is going on?” I asked as the ran up to me.

“There a new pokemon that have just appeared in Ponyville one looks like a red dragon and the other look like some sort of black and yellow armored lizard with a huge head like a shield. The red one saw a filly with her Growlithe out playing and immediately attacked and the fled into the Everfree. I managed to catch up and that’s when I saw the yellow one defending the filly and the Growlithe,” Explained Spike.

“He tried to help but was blasted with attacks from the to pokemon. That's when he came here using Ed’s transporter,” Shining picked up allowing Spike to catch his breath again. “ I send the Elite guard that have partners to see if the can at least calm the fight down.”

“Excellent idea Captain. Spike, I’m sorry to ask but can you return to Ponyville to keep tabs until the guards and their partners arrive?” I asked in haste.

“Will do,” Spike says with a salute.

Just then a huge wave of power came over all of us in the room. We all looked towards Ponyville as several large powers had suddenly appeared. ‘Oh no. What else is going to go wrong? I can’t defend my ponies against beings with this much power at there disposal. Wait, I know these powers. Twilight, Luna, and Polearm but the last one was, familiar yet foreign.’ My eyes shot open when I realized that it was Edward.

“They’ve returned,” I said to Spike and Shining.

Edward and his group came through the void portal and ended up in the Library. The all started to stretch and let out their sighs. The felt good to be back in their own world. While everyone was unpacking they heard a loud pop. The group turned to see Celestia, Spike, and Shining Armor all standing in the center of the Library. Everyone was confused as to why Spike looked do banged up bur before anyone could ask the young drake spoke directly to Edward.

“New pokemon appeared... attacked filly and her Growlithe.... in Everfree… other pokemon protecting them… need you to stop it,” Spike said while flailing his arms.

“On it,” Edward says rushing out the door.

‘Great, not even home five damn minutes and I already have to deal with some form of crap. Need to talk with Tia later to see if there’s any news on the Children of The Night. Right now it’s rescue time.’
I rushed through town to the Everfree using my Sloth speed. ‘Truth unsealing my Stone Of Compassion made me even faster and thanks to that fight with Celestia I have even greater control. Now let's find our little ones and troublemakers.’

I ran all over the forest searching in sections as fast as I could with my Ultimate Eye. I fund the group in question in a gully at the base of Mt. Canterhorn. What I saw totally shocked me as the pokemon came into full view. There was a red Aerodactyl facing off with a Bastiodon who defending the filly, Dinky Hooves, and her Growlithe. It was pretty come for this type of situation when the pokemon first started appearing but with Nat’s help, we were able to get teams set up to deal with it before the wild ones started rampaging. We still have these problems from time to time were a wild pokemon attacks, someone, straight away. I took out my A.R. to scan the pokemon.

Aerodactyl Lvl 35 Male
Aerial Ace, Mist Ball, Fly, Double Team

Bastidon Lvl 32 Female
Protect, Light Screen, Bide, Knock-off

“I bet it’s protecting Dinky out of maternal instinct. She’s pretty banged up. I don’t think she’ll last much longer in this battle and the Aerodactyl won’t be merciful either,” I say as the Aerodactyl is charging a Mist ball. “Gods this is gonna hurt like hell.”

I rush in and take the full force of the Mist Ball which knocks me back straight into Bastiodon’s Protect.

“Uncle Ed!” shouts Dinky as she rushed to my side.

“I’m fine Dinks,” I say getting and ruffling her mane a bit to calm her down. “Here use this berry on our big yellow friend here. I’ll take down red head over there.”

I walk up to the other pokemon who was clearly unwilling to let up its assault as it flapped its wing to keep itself in the air.

“So you like to pick on young one do ya? Unfortunately for you, I hate that and you picked somepony close to me. So now you pay,” I said holding up my right arm as red electricity sparked from it.

RAH!
“Crimson Lightning!” I shouted as red lightning flew from my hand hit the Aerodactyl before it could react. “I don’t like fighting pokemon personally because there’s no sport in it. But you don’t mess with my friends.”

I made a red crystal Poke’ball and threw it at the Aerodactyl. The Pokemon was instantly sucked end and then the ball hit the ground writhing back and forth for a few seconds before stopping.

“I’ll let you go later on after you’ve had a chance to cool off for a bit and we get some data on you,” I said pick the ball up off the ground. “Now on to you,” I said looking to the b=Bastidon now on its feet again. “Thank you for defending Dinky from the big jerk. How would you like to come with me and be my partner?”

Bastio. Bastiodon

“Excellent, and don’t worry I’m not going to use a poke’ball on you. I only use them on the ones I have to restrain for a while and once they calmed down enough I let them go,” I explained as I rubbed the Bastidon on her head. “Come on Dinky. Let's get you back home. I know your parents are worried and I’d rather not have Tim throw another hissy fit. He’ll be worked up enough as is with the details of what went down and don’t worry you’re not in trouble either.”

“Okay, Uncle Ed. Come on Growly,” Dinky said taking my hand as we went back into town, pokemon in tow.

I dropped Dinky off at her home and made my way back to the Library. I needed to speak with Tia about the cult. I was sure that they were going to make their move very soon and I wanted to be sure to prevent their plans from coming to fruition. I doubted I’d be able to prevent Nyx’s creation but I might be able to prevent her rise as the second Nightmare Moon at least. Things were a bit of as far as characters went in this version of Equestria but I won’t sweat the details. Right now, I looked to Bastiodon and then to the poke’ball containing Aerodactyl, I need to get back to the Library and get these two treated.

‘Who would’ve thought my first pokemon would be a defense base one, funny.’

I walked through the door of the library to see Tia listening to Luna about her adventure in the other world and meeting the alternate versions of themselves. Then she got to the part where Celestia and I fought each other, ‘I know I just saw Tia shiver a bit’. Twi was treating Spike’s wounds while Pole told him his part of the the adventures and that Twi had asked him to move in. Spike got a big laugh from Twi telling him how I convinced him to move in with rocks. Tia then noticed I’d returned.

“Ed, were you able to get everything taken care of with the rogue pokemon and that little filly?” Tia as trying to hide her fear.

“All taken care of, and this is my new partner Bastiodon. She was the one protecting Dinky and Growly. I caught the Aerodactyl in this poke’ball for the time being. Here Twi, I need you to take these two down to the treatment center for their wounds. They aren’t bad shape. Pole, Spike, Luna you guys can go with her please, I need to talk with Tia alone for a bit,” I said in a serious tone as I give Twilight the poke’ball.

“All right Ed, I’ll see you at the shop tonight then. I’ll go with Twilight to the hospital and then I’m off to the castle for a bath and to change out my clothes. I’ll also see to some of the royal duties for you Tia,” Luna said as she waved goodbye as the group exited the library.

“ You were right when you said the Children of the Night wouldn’t be active at all during your absence Ed. They were for a bit right after you left, but haven’t been since. All they did was watch the Library from afar according to the guards but they stopping when Twilight stopped coming around after the first two days,” Tia started to explain before I couldn’t even ask.

“Alright, that answers my questions. I’ll be staying here in Ponyville for the time being to keep an eye and Twilight and to help with the shop and future projects and plans I have. Luna will be in between here and Canterlot on and off during this period. I plan on having her stay in Canterlot, for the most part, to keep her out of the whole cult and Nightmare Moon resurrection business. Tia, I don’t know how this will all play out but I’m hoping it will be for the better. I don’t really remember much of the story but I do remember that Nightmare is revived in some way,” I said partially telling Tia the truth. ‘Gods Thank you Aj isn’t here.’

To tell the truth I did want Nyx to be created as I think it would help Luna move forward in coming to terms with her past and I think it would also be a good thing for Twilight. If she had Nyx in her life she’d be able to experience so much more out in life then just being a bookworm or student. Not that she isn’t already getting to experience a lot, especially with Polearm in her life. Twi has come a long way since I was freed from my tomb but she is still missing a lot too and the Nyx could help with that and it could help Polearm too. Nyx could possibly bring them together as a real family.

‘Sorry for lying to you Tia and Luna. Sorry for letting you get foalnapped Twilight but I think Nyx could really benefit this world.’

“I’ll keep an eye on things and Twilight will have Polearm with her at night too. He’s moving in to here in the next couple of days,” I say try to ease Tia worries a bit. ‘Man I really have been riding the idiot train lately. Not to mention the bastard train to.’

Then I heard my creed in the back of my mind as a portal appeared behind me.

“Great not even back a day and have to leave again. I’ll be back soon. Tia, tell Luna I got summoned and I’ll be back in a few hours probably no later than a day. I'm not going to stay long,” I said walking into the portal.

“Okay Ed but please be careful over there,” Tia says as the portal closes.

Next Chapter: War of the Crystal Bots Estimated time remaining: 42 Hours, 52 Minutes