We're Nakama!by ZaralannChaptersWhat Awaits Ahead...A Long Way Home...Bright New World.What Awaits Ahead...Fluttershy was having a wonderful time. She was sitting on the big blanket with her animal-friends and they were having a tea-party. She was sitting on her checkered tablecloths, near her was a purple set for tea parties, with green pot for sugar and a medium basket full of apples from Sweet Apple Acres given to her by Applejack as a present. Around her were her animal-friends and each of them was having a good time, each of them was smiling. Mr.Bear was having a slice of bread with mead. Angel, her pet bunny was chewing on apples from the basket, a bit too much for him, but Fluttershy could pass it of this time. Mr.Ferret was having a cup of tea. Ms.Chipmunk and Ms.Squirrel were eating a toast with blueberry jam. Fluttershy herself was having a glass of milk. Everything was just so... peaceful and wonderful. She just wanted to be here and do nothing but savor the feeling of this idyll. There wasn't a cloud on the sky, it was probably due to Rainbow Dash, her skills in Weather-Magic were unparalleled in Ponyville. Maybe... Maybe Fluttershy should try it too? "**n*****..." The small breeze brought a whisper. Fluttershy looked around. 'What was that?' She looked at her friends, but they apparently were obvious to the voice. 'I could *swear** that I heard something.'* She looked around again. The voice... She didn't like it at all. There was something about it, something familiar, but at the same time it sounded... wrong for some reason. It wasn't... Fluttershy struggled to find the right word to describe it, but nothing came to mind. One more time looking around, she decided to drop the matter. 'Where was I? Oh yeh, I wanted to try some Weather-Magic with Rainbow Dash.' She remembered her line of thoughts. It will be interesting to at least try. She wasn't in any position to actually be good at it, because of the lack of practice and actual training, but Rainbow would be able to help her with that, she was her best friend, it will be fun and she will have time for herself. 'Why didn't I try it earlier? I'm not afraid of highs anymore and...' Fluttershy tried to remember the reason she never tried to apply her Weather-Magic, not counting her walking on clouds. 'I... I don't know. I just was always busy with helping animals, scared to try or having one of the adventures with Twilight.' Well, now she will make sure to try, and even show others that she wasn't as bad as she was in the flight camp, if her assistance in creating of the tornado to deliver the water to Cloudsdale was any indication. She trained and she actually helped! That feeling, the feeling of accomplishment that flooded her on that day, it scared her at the beginning, but right now she wanted to feel it once more. "K*n*****..." Fluttershy jumped on her hoofs and looked around. This time the voice was louder and she almost could hear what it was saying, or at least part of it. A shudder went through her body from the voice. It wasn't right at all, it was like... She again failed to find a right description for it. It was sweet and inviting, but more like a bright colors of a poisonous snake, rather that friendly call. Whatever was making this voice, she really didn't want to meet it. Fluttershy could find the origin of the voice, because she wasn't concentrating on the voice when it started to... "K*nd****" She turned to the left, to the side from which the sound came. With the corner of her left eye she could see that nobody else seemed to hear it. Whatever it was, she really didn't want to stay here and find out. She turned to her friends and put up the most kind and friendly smile that she could. "Friends, lets move from here and to my home, I'm afraid that..." She stopped when she noticed that no one was listening to her. She tried again. "Everyone, a little bit of attention please..." Again they didn't even twitch, like they couldn't hear her. This was becoming strange, but Fluttershy wasn't finished. She knew that a lot of Ponies and animals sometimes ignored her because of her timid voice and the lack of any commanding presence, not counting the incident with Iron Will where she had to literally scream to get her point through. Fluttershy felt a bit of annoyance starting to sip through her friendly smile. She ignored it because if it will make them hear her, she will use it to get the point through. "K*nd***s..." Louder, it was getting louder. She looked again in the direction from which the voice came and saw a small speck of yellow in the distance, and it was moving toward them. Fluttershy didn't know how she knew that, but something in her guts was telling her that this light won't bring anything good with it. She turned to her friends again, and decided that a different approach must be used here. She stepped forward and tried to touch Mr.Bear with her hoof... but if went right through him! Fluttershy jumped back. "What... What is happening here?!" She cried out. This was something she was unprepared for. She looked at her hoof like it was the first time she saw it. Suddenly she felt a light breeze again and the light around her dimmed. She looked up and saw that all of her friends were standing and looking at her with blank expressions. And their eyes were glowing acid-yellow. "What...?!" She gasped and stepped back. "K*nd*e*s..." Hissed the voice again. Fluttershy could hear it from the same direction as earlier, and much more pronounced this time. Without looking away she tried to see how close the light was from the corner of her eye while backing away from her friends, or at least whom she thought were her friends. Either they were under control, or this was just an imposters, she didn't know, but didn't want to take any chances. But one thing was for sure, the smiles and feelings on their faces earlier were genie, and that left her with the first option only, "Get out..." She said. Not loud, not harsh, but right now she was for the first time alone against someone. She was afraid, yes, but she couldn't run, because her friends were still here and they needed her help. She wanted this thing out off here, away from her friends, away from her, so it won't be able to hurt anyone anymore. She wasn't Rainbow Dash with her brave, if a little boisterous character. She wasn't Applejack, who kept going with the ironclad conviction in herself. She was Fluttershy. She was meek. She was kind. She was... useless. She really wasn't in any position to argue with the truth of her position. Twilight was the leader of their group, the one who always came up with a good plan and made sure that they work together like a team. She was the one who was a Magical-prodigy and Celestia's precious student, when there was trouble other Ponies didn't go to the Mayor, they went to Twilight for help, and help they got. She wasn't always right, but she was always in-control, something others in their group lacked. The commanding presence that made it impossible to ignore her, when she was addressing to others. Like that time when Fluttershy tried to warn everyone about the smoke from the mountain, only to be ignored, while Twilight got everyone to listen to her without as much as rising her voice a little. Rainbow Dash was a bit brash and rough around the edges but Fluttershy could ask for a better friend. Maybe rainbow-maned Pegasus couldn't properly express her feelings sometime, and wasn't good at admitting her mistakes, but she was someone you could rely on in your hardest times. He unparalleled skill in flying and second-to-none speed were making her an irreplaceable member of the team. She was the one who will go through any hardships for her friends and do it with that cocky grin on her face. She was brave and bold and had that strange ability to make you sure on you step, make you feel protect, that she will alway will guard you back and never abound you. Applejack was stubborn, a tad bit blunt and headstrong cowpony that made it absolute clear that she won't have her will swayed away but anyone or anything, who was like a pillar holding you up, unyielding and unbreakable. She was strong and experienced in what she was doing and had that air around her that made you trust her, that she would walk forward right beside you no matter what happen. Fluttershy wasn't very outgoing, but she was a good observer, it naturally came to her as an animal caretaker, and she saw how the dynamic in their group worked, and how the first one, who Twilight freed from Discord's corruption was Applejack. Maybe only subconsciously, but the purple unicorn knew who will be the most useful and the most reliable in the situation like that. Fluttershy wasn't anything of this things. She wasn't a leader, she was too meek and weak-willed for that position. She was easily bent to the whims of others, and when she tried to be more confident, she turned into a bully. She wasn't such a good flier, not a natural talent like Rainbow Dash. She was afraid of highs when she was little and it made it hard for her to even spread her wings, the bullying from her year-mates didn't make it any better. She was a tad bit clumsy, shy and even a bit antisocial in her behavior. She wasn't reliable, because she was too afraid and meek for it. Again, that episode with the dragon made her understand that she was a coward, a useless coward. The only thing that came out of the whole ordeal is the fact that she had one of her outbursts and somehow pulled through the experience. Another thing was her so-called outbursts of bravery, which in fact were just an overflow of her suppressed emotions reaching boiling point and it was pure luck that the dragon was the one who was on the receiving end of her meltdown. If someone else was their, one of her friends for example, she didn't know what would've happened. "K*nd*ess..." And again that voice reminded her how pathetic she was. 'So what?' A little voice in the back of her mind whispered, the voice strangely reminded her of her own. "Get out." Flutter shy said more firmly. So what if she wasn't a naturally-born leader? So what if she wasn't bold and brave? So what if she wasn't the most reliable? "K*ndness..." Hissed the voice and the shine in her animal-friends eye doubled in intensity. "I said, get!" Said Fluttershy. She could already hear what the voice was saying and she didn't care. The beacon of acid-yellow light was just several feet from her and she could see something in the center of of the light, but didn't care enough to investigate. There wasn't Twilight here who will solve all the problems in an instant. There wasn't Princess Celestia here, to who you can run and cry. There wasn't Elements of Harmony that they can fire at any problem like a proverbial panacea. There was only her, her friends and someone who she was absolutely sure was going to hurt them. The sheer presence of the thing in front of her was making Fluttershy want to vomit. It was wrong. It was twisted. It was an abomination. She won't let it pass! She was going to protect her friends, she was going to protect them like she should have been doing from the beginning! Every time she was scared, every time she was meek, every time she was useless, someone took the blunt of the problem for her. But enough is enough. What kind of friend she was to always hide behind the others!? Not a bucking good one, that's for sure! All of her frustration with herself, all of her anger at herself, all of the loathing she accumulated while thinking about her actions, she took them all and pushed them outside. Years of suppressed anger aggression roared through her like a fire, filling her veins with molten metal, making her tremble Something was rising inside of her, something powerful. The feeling was similar to the times when she used the Stare, but infinitely more pronounced and... dense. But when this power almost reached the surface, something blacked its way out. Like a 'last barrier' on its pass to freedom. The feeling of the 'barrier' was familiar too, but Fluttershy didn't care. She dove dipper in the power and pushed. Whatever was holding it back wasn't apparently yielding that simply, but it only was able to prorogue the inevitable. *Crack*Crack*Crack* The barrier broke with the sound of shattering glass. "Kindness..." Hissed the voice. "Get *OUT*!" Screamed Fluttershy. Like a tsunami, a wave of something erupted from Fluttershy, A gale of wind, created by the sudden release of power blew away everything that was brought by that malicious thing. "Kindness!" It hissed, trying to overpower Fluttershy. But it was like fighting a Force of Nature, and the thing stood no chance against it. The power, the might of Fluttershy spirit and will washed over the abomination and started to grind it into powder, breaking it down, shattering every part, not leaving anything behind. For a second, just for one second, Fluttershy could have swore that she felt like Applejack and Rainbow Dash were standing near her, proud, loyal, supporting and never leaving her like the true friends they should have been from the beginning. And then she felt like someone poured a waterfall on her. Rainbow Dash was peacefully lying on the cloud and just gazing into the sky. No matter what did she try, what position she used, she couldn't get comfortable. It was strange, because normally she normally she wasn't very fussy about her sleeping arrangements. Right now she felt like she was missing something important, and couldn't get her hoof on it. Maybe Fluttershy would know? She was pretty good listener and she really need a break from her routine of fussing over animal. Dash snorted. Yeh, and she needed some time to actually do something than training, sleeping and going on adventure with her friends. She really wasn't into boring things like tea-parties or something, but some good chat with her best friend would be more than welcomed. Or go visit Applejack? That was awesome idea too. Hanging around with cowpony was a very interesting thing to do actually, considering how they actually somehow went from throwing horseshoes to the Iron Pony competition. How did it happened, Dash didn't know, but at least it ended without any hard feelings. Well, she still felt bad taste in he mouth from the way she behaved and how she actually used her wings to win, while Applejack was relying only on her skill and talent. And the whole race after that they were bickering and trying to outdo each-other, while they should have been having fun by spending time in the friendly company. This was really wrong, and she should really apologize to her friend about it. "*o******..." Suddenly she heard a whisper. Dash wasn't as paranoid as some Ponies, but she was pretty sure that whatever was speaking should be here. Jumping on her hooves, she looked around, spreading her wings, ready to take off at any moment. She wasn't scared and she really wasn't even intimidated, but something was wrong and her guts were screaming at her about it. And she trusted her guts, because they saved her more times than she could count. Whatever it was, it wasn't friendly, and she wasn't taking any chances. 'I need to check on my friends, make sure that everything is alright.' She thought. Normally, she would've confronted the danger head on, but that would be pretty dumb, because if she would be captured or overwhelmed, then there would be no one to warn the others. Part of Dash's mind actually wondered why the Hay did she even consider taking something unknown on without as much as a hint about its nature or origin. She scanned the sky with her narrowed eyes... There! She could see it, the little spec of yellow color on the blue sky, that was moving toward her. "*o*a****..." Another hiss, this one louder. "Get out." That voice she did recognize. 'Fluttershy!' Dash though frantically. She jumped from her cloud and tried to fly to the direction from which Fluttershy's voice came. She stopped midair. Something was holding her, like dog on a leash. She turned around. It was getting closer. The only thing that could explain why wasn't she able to move was Magic. And a pretty powerful one. Dash wasn't dumb by any stretch of the word, and when needed she could be pretty smart, but the problem was that with adrenaline pumping in her veins and the lack of any actual need to come up with something that was more complex than two sticks tied together, she kind of liked playing her role. Yeh, she didn't make some Egghead's speeches, didn't come up with plans and didn't want to actually. Why? That was the question that she couldn't answer. Maybe because she never had to? Yeh, Twilight was a good leader and all, and pretty much managed to nail all the problems on the spot, but that didn't mean that Dash should be actually the dull one here. She ignored some of Twilight's rumbling because the mare seriously needed to learn to shorten her explanations. Dash was sure, that Twilight would probably blab through the damn invasion if she wasn't disturbed. That's why she called the Unicorn Egghead, and not as much as an insult to her IQ. So Dash didn't use her brain because Twilight did it for her, and actually did a far better job, than the Pegasus could herself. So, gearing up her mind, while trying to calm down, Dash actually thought about what was happening. "*o*a***y..." This time she could hear it more clearly. She wasn't a Unicorn, so no Magical way to solve this. Her Weather-Magic was pretty useless without an actual weather around her, and being frozen in one spot actually made it a lot worse because she even couldn't reach a cloud for something to fight with. Sonic Rainboom? Unaccessible when frozen on a spot. Elements of Harmony? She didn't have the damn thing with her! So, she was useless? ... ... ... 'No...' Something whispered in the back of her mind, sounding suspiciously like her own voice. Like Hay she was going to give up just like that! She will protect her friends! She will make sure that they are alright! She will do it, and nothing will stop her! "Lo*a**y..." Another hiss, and a lot closer than the last. "I don't know who or what you are..." Began Dash. She started to accelerate her movements and instantly felt like something was holding her back, an invisible leash that didn't let her move from the spot. "Some piece of Magic, or some freak of Nature..." She was actually moving! She strained her wings and felt as if she was trying to pull a whole house all by herself, whatever was holding her had a pretty good grip and was strong, but when did it actually stop her? She wasn't a Unicorn, but she had a basic understanding of Magic and its workings, so to hold something in place with Magic you'll need enough power to compensate if someone will try to actually move it. It was pretty simple and straightforward, but then cam a tricky part. Magic, when applied on something can't be corrected during the actual casting. So, to correct or change the Spell, you'll need to actually cast another Spell to change the first one with it. Second part was that each Spell had its own 'breaking point', which is established when the Spell is casted. Yes, there were exceptions, like Telekinesis, but what even it was, it wasn't Telekinesis. Dash was subjected to that particular Spell to many time to not recognize the difference. And the best part? She didn't feel the thing getting stronger. So, she will need to overpower the Spell and make it reach its limit, so she will be able to go and help Fluttershy. "But there is one thing you don't know about me..." Dash gritted her teeth, the Spell wasn't getting stronger, but it was pretty strong on itself. "Lo*al*y..." The hissing voice was more demanding now. Dash wasn't sure about the origin of this thing, but she was sure that it wasn't anything good. The feel she was getting from it made her shudder, and double the efforts of breaking free. There was something familiar about it, but she could place her hoof on it. It was like a distant memory that was slipping away each time she got close enough to actually see it. It was on the tip of her tongue, but absolutely refused to turn into actual comprehensible speech. It wanted something from her, and wanted it now. The twisting feeling in Dash's guts was only getting worse from each moment. What was it anyway? She didn't know how but she could feel it, and the twisted and malicious feeling it was giving her didn't sit well with her. The feeling was coming right from the center of the light, which was getting closer and closer. One look over her shoulder gave Dash enough time to see something inside the light, but she couldn't see what it actually was. Again, there was that strange sense of familiarity that Dash couldn't shake off, but could at least ignore to concentrate of the main issue. "Lo*alty..." The malicious thing almost reached her. Yes, she was making progress and moving forward, inch by inch, but it still wasn't enough! It was still gaining upon her faster than she was moving away from it. So, that was the end? She won't be able to save her friend? She was going to loose someone to some shitty light?! She tried it only once, and ended up falling down from the sky, being lucky that there was a lake in which she landed. Any living being had a physical limit of it's capabilities. Yes, it can be increased by physical training, but even than the body will still be limited by the fact that it's made from flesh and bone. There's only so much stress muscles can handle before they'll start to be ripped apart from the sheer pressure. A teared muscle is painful and Dash knew it from a personal experience. It's like someone stabbed you with a white-hot poker right under the skin, leaving a very nasty memory behind. She still remembered, like her whole body burned with agony, as she pulled herself out from the pound, and onto dry land, heaving and spitting water to make sure that none left in her lungs. She had to ask Ditzy for help to get to her home, and made the mare swear to never tell anyone about it. The whole incident was a report-worth lesson for her, about how arrogance and carelessness could be someone's undoing. But that's not all, the limit also keeps you bones intact. The speed and pressure on your bones makes them crack, even if just a little, they are slowly becoming splintered. She was lucky enough to make it out without any actual fractures, and just some soreness and cracks, that healed pretty fast. She could swear, that when she was overstepping her limit, she heard them breaking. She was afraid. She was afraid of loosing her wings forever. Her wings were her most precious possession, because they made her who she was. Her Cutie Mark was given by her wings, her Sonic Rainboom, her special talent. Without them she... won't be herself. But, what would she choose? If she will break her limit than she will probably will be able to help her friend, but she would probably loose her wings, the thing that made her herself. She was going to beat herself black and blue after this whole ordeal if over for even considering that a question. She accelerated even more, the thought about loosing her dear friend overshadowing all the pain that was cursing through her body at the moment. It was like a fog was lifted from he mind, that made her thoughts sluggish and undirected. She knew what she has to do, she will be damned before she fails. "Even if I'll rip every muscle in my body apart..." She gritted her teeth. Unbelievable conviction was flowing through her, making her ignore everything but the thought of saving her friend and beating up whoever hurt her. "Even if I loose my wings..." She strained her muscles to the limit. She could feel her Magic flaring, trying to keep up with its owner and failing. Magic made Pegasuses so strong in the air, Magic was the reason they could do so many wonderful things in the sky, Magic made the resistant enough to withstand almost anything that they could encounter. The moment Magic started to fail, was the moment Pegasus could rely on it for protection from the sheer amount of accumulated effect of all factors affecting Pegasuses body. "Even if I grind all my bones into dust..." Dash didn't care, she was pushing even further. She could feel as she passed the point where she started to break down the last time. It still wasn't enough, and she wasn't going to slow down. She could feel that she was moving and it was the only thing that mattered. "Loyalty!" It screeched. Dash could almost physically feel how that thing is trying to touch her. From the corner of her eye she could see acid-yellow light trying to reach her. So close, but yet still unable to actually reach even the tip of her tail. Well, whatever it was planning, it was out of luck! "I! WILL! NEVER! GIVE UP!" She roared and pushed herself over the limit. *TWAK* There was a snapping sound and Dash was free! Her theory was that the Spell created an isolated field with her in the center and each time she tried to move, the field create a counter-force in the opposite direction of her movement, therefor rendering her immobile. She over powered the Spell, moving fast enough for it to fail and shatter like glass. And then she felt as if she dive-bombed into cold lake... again. Applejack was doing her normal everyday duty of overseeing her family's orchard. normal slow and, dare she say it, lazy day. Apple Bloom was away on a trip with Big Mac and Granny Smith to deliver a pretty big batch of apples. The little firecracker was happy to be send on her first official family-business trip. Applejack had to suppress a grin, because letting it out would mean not getting rid of it till the end of the day. Apple Bloom was as enthusiastic as ever, and the only bad thing about the hole affair was that she was unable to take her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle with her, but there was only three invitations and sending Cutie Mark Crusaders on a business trip spelled disaster and certain amount of property damage. Their escapades were literally legendary around Ponyville. They tried almost everything but what they were obviously good at. Anyone could already tell them in what they were talented, but nopony did simply because the whole idea about Cutie Mark Crusaders was not only finding their Cutie Mark, but having fun and bonding with each other. Applejack could still remember when they tried to be farmers. They were actually reasonably good at it, and animal liked them, but considering that after every job they ended up dirty one way or another. After feeding pigs they actually were dirtier than said animals, and only most of it were actual dirt. Big Mac came more as a muscle-power than a negotiator. He is a very kind, calm and easy-going with temper that almost never was actually rise, but his nature a a stallion of few words made him not a very good diplomat. Yeh, he was a terrific listener and more than just good at giving a practical advise, but when it was required to enter a verbal type of a contest he was kind of lacking. But Granny Smith made up for it with her fire, that wasn't appropriate for her age and a great amount of experience. She may complain, she may play for an old and feeble old lady, but there was a pretty sharp mind in that head of hers, and Applejack was sure that they will be alright. Maybe she should take a break and go visit her friends? Getting one win out of Rainbow Dash sounded good actually! They already had their Iron Pony competition, even if Applejack still thought that it wasn't fare to use wings, she acknowledged that Dash was better in some of the physical aspects, their race in the Running of the Leaves was more of battle of wits and cheating tactics than an actual running. It was... shameful. What kind of a friend Apple jack was to even lower herself to that level? Weren't she and Dash friends that went through some really tough stuff together? Weren't dash on of the Ponies she trusted with her life? There was just so many things that went wrong in that two events, that she really didn't want to count. Well, she owned Dash some pretty big apology. The whole 'Mare-Do-Well' incident also came to mind. What the Hay was wrong with them? Twilight came up with as idea that actually hurt her friend, and Applejack went along with it? Did Applejack overdid it with sider? Did she injured her head? That was just wrong, and another apology that she owned Dash. Twilight wasn't better in that regard. How could she came up with a plan that would publicly humiliate one of her friends? Applejack knew that Twilight was a tad bit sheltered filly, but that wasn't an excuse for make such a big mistake after so much time together with them! What happened with the simple talk? Too simple? "*o****..." She suddenly herd a whisper. She turned around, looking for a source. That... was pretty strange. Her family wasn't returning until tomorrow, none of her friends were going to visit today and Winona didn't have the ability to actually speak. Applejack looked around again. She was sure that something changed in her surrounding, but could quiet tell what. "Get out." Suddenly Applejack heard. 'Fluttershy!' She instantly recognize the voice of a timid Pegasus. Well, she will deal with the strange voices later, right now she had to deal with whatever happened to her friend. "*o*e***..." Another whisper, this time louder. But Applejack ignored it and rushed to the exit of Sweet Apple Acres. She could already see the gates. She knew where Fluttershy was, considering that she personally delivered the apples for her tea-party. Sprinting full-throttle she already could see the gates. 'Darn it, I hope nothing bad happened.' She thought. Applejack wasn't the most insightful Pony, but she could tell that Fluttershy wasn't weak by any definition of the word. Many would argue, but saying something about the fact won't change the fact itself, Fluttershy had strength that came not in the form of a physical power or speed, sharp mind or witty tongue, her strength came in spirit and will. Applejack wasn't someone who could claim to be master of character-reading, but she could judge Ponies by their actions pretty good, even better after the whole ordeal with Zecora, and she was damn impressed with what she could see in Fluttershy when she wasn't the normal timid self. First time was when they were going after Nightmare Moon. Fluttershy just went and tamed a damn Manticore without as much as blinking! Applejack wasn't sure how did it happened, but the shy Pegasus just walked up to the enraged created and make it behave like a house-cat in less than a minute, while it took five others to receive a couple of lumps to even slow it down, special talent or not. In Applejack's eye it was more than just impressive! And what about that episode with the sleeping Dragon? She actually glared it into submission! Applejack saw some pretty impressive things in her life, but that was just unbelievable. The shy and timid Fluttershy made a Dragon back down by scolding it! Applejack wasn't quite sure about Kindness, but the the bravery was there for all to see. How she could act so helpless when she can be considered the bravest of them all! It was just like with Pinkie who did all that physically impossible things that no one already care to understand, no one tried to understand how Fluttershy could just switch between meek and helpless to brave and unyielding. Or the one time she overpowered Cockatrice's stare with pure willpower. When Apple Bloom told her about the whole ordeal, she was thinking that the filly was exaggerating, but when Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle actually fully supported her story and later check with Twilight and Fluttershy sealed the fact that it actually happened. If Applejack didn't know any better, she would've thought that Fluttershy was even a Pegasus. Twilight, the Magical-Prodigy, the student of Princess Celestia actually failed, her Magic and knowledge were rendered useless. Fluttershy beat the pest and resisted being turned into stone with will *alone***! "*o*e*t*..." And this strange voice again. 'I don't have time for this!' Thought Applejack. 'I have to...' *WHAM* And she ran straight into a wall. Swaying on her hooves a little, she shook her head to clear it from ringing sound. "Who the Hay put a wall..." She looked up and saw what stopped her. An orange transparent barrier was in her way, right where the land of Sweet Apple Acres was ending. She looked around and saw that the thing was surrounding her farm from all sides. That barrier was a little bit similar to the one that Twilight made, but more... dull and the feeling Applejack was getting from it made her feel uneasy. There was just something not right with it, she couldn't put her hove on it, but something about was both familiar and almost evil. Like someone took something good and twisted it to the point of of it being unrecognizable. Applejack wasn't a Pony who so easily gave up. "Don't know what the Hay is this, but I know that you're in my way to help my friend." She said, and without any second thoughts bucked the barrier with all he might. *WOUN* Ripples spread from the point of impact but soon died down. This didn't stopped the made from trying again. *WOUN* But with the same result. *WOUN* *WOUN* *WOUN* *WOUN* 'Tough thing.' Thought Applejack. Well, maybe Applejack wasn't an Egghead, she still was pretty smart and understood that the barrier was pretty much immune to her attacks. Well, it was like it just absorbed her attacks and spread then in all directions, it was like bucking jelly. Well, if Twilight was here she wouldn't even need to think things through, because her Magic will be able to deal with whatever it was. But the point was that Twilight wasn't here, so Applejack was stuck. She didn't have Magic to help her, at least not the one that was needed here, but she wasn't all brawl and no brain, like some would've thought. 'If I cant break through it by normal means, then I'll have to make it so it can't spread the damage fast enough.' She took several steps backward. 'And that means I will need to apply much more than just a single strike and then keep applying it to keep up the effect.' "*o*e*ty..." Something hissed not far away. Applejack turned around and saw what was making the strange sound. It was acid-yellow colored light that was slowly moving toward her. And it made her feel the same way the barrier did. "So, it is your doing?" Asked through gritted teeth Applejack. She didn't get the answer, and she didn't need one, she already knew. But it didn't make her situation better, quiet the opposite, it made the situation worse. It meant that she was locked in her with this thing and there wasn't any way out. One thing that she learned when dealing with any Magical foe, is that the lack of physical body meant that it can't be harmed by any normal mean. Yeh, there was exceptions, like Windigo, who could actually be burned or the Timberwolves that could be harmed by destroying their wooden bodies, but there wasn't any time for her to test anything, and she didn't know what will happen if she'll touch it, so the only way out was to break the barrier. Turning around and ignoring the light for the moment, she charged right at the barrier. She wasn't that far from it, but with experience of many hours of hard work she was at her full speed when her head struck the Magical Construction. *WOUNS* The sound was different a little, but she didn't care, she was pushing forward with all her might. The barrier didn't even bulged. It was like trying to move a mountain, an immovable object which won't yield its position to anyone. Well, who said that it would be easy? Pushing harder Applejack felt as her hooves started to dig into the ground, shoving that apparently the earth gave up before the barrier did. Any other Pony would've started the futile attempts and tried to find a different approach. Maybe it was a good idea, because maybe there was some other way to pass this obstacle, but the problem was that Applejack lacked the time to do anything else. So she kept pushing. In front of her eyes the image of Fluttershy appeared. Was she that weak that her own inability will cost her a friend? "*one*ty..." Closer, even more closer than before. Will she just let that thing stop her from helping her friend? Was it her limit? Was she a complete phony? Pathetic. Pathetic! Pathetic! Pathetic! 'Am I *that** pathetic?!'* She screamed in her mind. ... ... ... 'No...' Something snapped insider her from this word. She didn't know, if she imagined that, or if it really happened, but that whisper sounded like her own voice. And I reminded her something. Not in words, but in feeling that it brought with it. Denial. She refused to give up! She felt, as the fire that was almost gone inside of her roared back to life with new vigor. She refused to back down! The pain in her muscles from the strain she was putting them through became a barely noticeable ache, a background noise. She refused to abound her friend! She pushed harder than she thought she could. She will break this thing! She will help Fluttershy. She will beat up this thing black and blue for threatening her friends! It bulged. Even so slightly but the barrier slightly bulged forward. The first step, a tiny step forward was made. And where is the first, there is alway the second. She pressed more, and felt the barrier giving even more ground. "Hone*ty..." The voice was almost behind her and there was anger in it now. "You know, partner." Applejack said through gritted teeth. She took another step forward, making the barrier give even more ground. Each step she took, eat little victory she achieved filled her with even more strength to keep going. "You made a pretty big mistake." Her resolve was as hard as steel, she will not give up. She could almost feel the light from that thing almost reaching. Whatever it was, it wanted her. Well, it was out of luck then! "You threatened my friend by preventing me from helping her." Applejack didn't know where her resolve was coming from, but she liked it. This is how a true friend act when someone close to her is in danger! There isn't need for any pathetic reasoning or over-thinking it. Pure and simple. She will help her friend, no matter what! "Hone*ty..." She could almost hear what it was saying. And she didn't care. There is something about friendship that you can't learn through day-to-day life, something that you couldn't acknowledge until you'll be pressed to your limit, there is something that will never become obvious until you're threatened to loose something that precious to you. You must win. If she won't win, she wouldn't be able save her friend. Nothing else was acceptable, only victory. Applejack won't be able to live if she will let her friend die, because it wouldn't be her anymore, it will be a traitor that lived while her friend didn't. She never let her friends down, and wasn't planning on starting right now! One more step, the barrier bulged a little again. And one more, even more progress was made. And another one. And another. And another. She was pushing right through the damn thing, not giving up an inch. She was overpowering it not because of some secret trick or Magic, not because of some Magical trinket or Rainbow of Friendship. She was marching forward on pure guts, will and refusal to yield! " No one threats my friend..." She growled. "Honesty!" The voice was more of a angry screech, than a whisper. "...and GET AWAY WITH IT IN ONE PIECE!" She roared. The barrier bulged one more time. *Crack* *Crack*Crack* *Crack*Crack*Crack* Cracks started to appear around the place where Applejack was pushing. *CRASH* The barrier broke. Like a strained glass, it shattered into thousand pieces, raining down on Applejack, who shot forward, toward the place where she knew Fluttershy was. And suddenly she felt like she put her face into bucket of cold water. Tomic woke up right before the first rays of the sun appeared from over the horizon. 'Ah, again I'm waking up outside...' He looked around and found out that apparently he fell asleep on veranda of his house. 'At least no one tried to wake me up while I was sleeping, last time it happened... Yeh, lets not repeat the that.' He looked to the side and saw an empty bottle of Sake and his pipe. Smirking, he shook his head, stood up and stretched, getting some snapping sounds from his bones, making sure that he still was in a good condition to take on whatever this day will throw at him. Yawning, he picked up the bottle, put the pipe in the chest-pocket of his shirt. "Time to check how the brats are doing." Muttered own releasing another yawn. Walking in the house he saw the girls still sleeping. Pink-haired one was sleeping on the bed and apparently didn't have much of a peaceful night because she was muttering something while tossing and turning on the bed. The blondy was using spare futton that Miako brought with her and was already half out of it, untranslatable mumbling was absent but her facial expression made the old retired pirate crack a smirk, it was like she trying to bite through something. Rainbow-haired gaki was using the big bear-skin that was lied near the fireplace, and looked like she fell asleep during an attempt of crawl-swimming. Well, the last one actually gave him an idea... Suddenly a wave of something that made Tomic instinctively put his guard up passed him. He narrowed his eyes. 'This was *Haoshoku Haki, weak and uncontrolled blast, but still noticeable. It must come from not so far away to actually* be noticed.' he looked around trying to pinpoint the source, and when he did. 'The pink-haired brat?' His eyes widened. 'Well, this **is a surprise! Apparently there is something interesting in this children than just the looks and crazy background story.' People who had Haoshoku Haki were one in the million, and you couldn't actually obtain it, you needed to be born with the ability to utilize this specific type of Haki. To think that one of the brats that literally fell onto him out of nowhere had the legendary thing. This was some kind of sign from above, or a very cruel joke, he didn't decided which was actually worse. He will need to look into it more carefully, but right now he had a plan to accomplish. Moving much more silently than any man of his size and age has right to he picked up a bucket of water, that Miako made him keep near the fireplace in case the bear-skin would actually catch on fire. Tomic couldn't figure out why was she so worried about it, the damn thing was incombustible, he actually extinguished the flames once by covering them with the dam skin, and not even a scorch mark. The bucket was full of cold water. The smirk that was on the old man's face would have been a far better wake-up call than what he was planning, but they couldn't see him, so... *WOOSH* He gave the sleeping trio a good morning shower in bed. Tomic couldn't help but laugh at the sight of three girls sitting around his table and picking at their food without any enthusiasm. He was sitting at the head of the table, Rainbow-brat and Blondy-brat were on the right side of him, whiel the Pink-brat was on the left. They weren't able to dry themselves properly, and their clothes were in no condition to be worn, so they were now in so old rags that Miako brought with her, after gave him an earful about childish behavior. Brat's clothes were drying on the outside, handing from the rope that was stretched between a tree and veranda. "You can stop laughing now." Muttered Dash, as she chewed on the piece of cabbage, her twitching eyebrow was good enough reason for Tomic to laugh even harder. "Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha! Wet... Ha-ha... blue... Bwa-ha-ha-ha... chicken!" Old man's amusement came from the fact that right as she woke up Dash reflexively tried to fly up, to get away from whatever was attacking her. Considering that her speed in the moment of shock was pretty impressive she impacted the celling with the top of her head with pretty big force. It was followed by her fall down on the floor and then running around like a wet chicken waving her wings frantically unable to actually take off because of the pain in her head and disorientation from the collision itself. Applejack was actually fairing far better, she did jump up thought, but when she frantically looked around and found the reason for her condition she showed her dissatisfaction with his actions by kicking him in the shin... and doubling over in pain. It was like kicking steel, she actually thought that she probably broke a bone or at least fractured it in some way. Fluttershy reacted the most interesting way. Yes, she yelped and woke up, but when she understood what was happening, and saw Dash running around and Applejack rolling on the floor she... giggled. The action shocked her but only after they actually started breakfast, and now she was thinking about her actions and th reasons for them. Rainbow Dash was confused. Normally she would be angry about the whole ordeal with the water and bucket, she knows how a prank can hurt someone, but she only felt a mild irritation. Even if the old... man was laughing at her, and her head throbbed with pain occasionally, she still could see the reason why she wasn't as angry with him as she should be. She learned one important thing about pranks and that they shouldn't get anyone hurt, Pinkie taught her well about it. But right now she actually find it a bit funny herself. This whole morning was strange, and for some reason, after waking up and getting a cold shower with a head-shot she was feeling a lot better than yesterday, like a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders, and a fog was dispelled from her mind. She felt lighter, more free than ever, and somehow it made her smile at the antics of the old man who helped them and feed them. The initial distrust that she felt was gone and she actually couldn't find wash was the reason for it in the first place. 'Ah, who cares!' She thought and smiled, it was time to actually relax and have some fun. "Shut up, old geezer!" She roared without an ounce of negative emotion in her voice. She didn't know why she did it, or why was she feeling so good, but for now she didn't care. She was with her friends, and even not a full band, they still were together and it was all that mattered! Applejack wasn't fairing better. She actually attacked a person who was kind enough to give the shelter in their time of need. And he just laughed it off! She wasn't even holding back and that kick could actually hurt someone pretty badly, but instead of angry he was amused by it! She didn't understand it! Her reaction was way too violent for the situation, any other... person would probably be angry at her, even if she only reacted to the prank, she went overboard. But, the strangest thing about it, was that she was actually feeling a bit... amused by it? She couldn't understand. Even the cold and wet wake-up call didn't distract her enough to miss the fact that for some reason she was feeling far better than yesterday and not only physically, but mentally too. It was like someone someone pulled the plug on the drain and disposed of all the syrup inside of her. She could think far clearer, the strange feeling of distrust that she felt yesterday was gone to... Speaking of which, she could pinpoint it, but for some reason the feeling was like it didn't actually belonged to her in the first place, but it was impossible. Maybe it was her tired mind playing with her? Right now she felt wonderful and the smile just won't leave her face. "Shut up, old geezer!" Dash's outburst took Applejack by surprise, but for some reason she didn't felt the need to scold her friend. There just wasn't any negative feeling in he speech, none at all. She didn't know why, but what she did next was on a pure impulse, without actually thinking about it. "Close your trap, gramps, or I'll kick your ass!" The outburst came out as if by itself, and Applejack didn't know why she actually said it, but one thing she was sure about. She was having fun! She actually was having fun while yelling at the old man who woke them up by splashing them with cold water. How could she have fun? It didn't even sound like a friendly challenge that she and Dash exchanged from time to time. It wasn't even the fun that she had on Pinkie's parties, no, here it was different. It had the shrill that she couldn't qiuet place, but it was making it hard not to smile. She liked it. Fluttershy was having an internal dialog with herself. When she woke up, stopped spitting water and calmed down, she looked around and found the reason for the morning shower. Mr.Tomic was standing near her bed with empty bucket in hand and laughing really hard. Applejack was rolling on the floor and clutching her leg with a grimace of pain of her face, her attempt at kicking their host in the shin failed and backfired horribly. Rainbow Dash was running in circles, waving her wings around like crazy and holding her head in obvious pain, shocked by the sudden waterfall, she apparently jumped pretty hard to impact the celling with enough force for Fluttershy to actually hear it! But, for some reason Fluttershy wasn't really worried about them, she actually find the whole situation... funny? She actually was amused by their pain? It was like something was lifted from her mind and all the worries that plagued her heart just... evaporated! She was still herself, she was sure of it, but right now she couldn't feel the constant nervous tingle inside herself, not a trace of usual fear that tormented her for years. It was like she lost something that weighted her down and now she could spread her wings and fly! Well, not really, because Dash already proved that flying inside the house could be dangerous... She giggled. Right now she was sitting at the table and sipping tea from what can only be described as clay cup. A very good tea actually! She wasn't familiar with it, but she really wanted to know if she could learn how to make it. Mr.Tomic was still roaring with laugh, and Fluttershy didn't find herself uncomfortable or feeling downcast because of it, instead she had an urge to actually laugh with him! It was crazy, but at the same time thrilling, like... like she was free and wanted to laugh about it, smile and just have fun, the air around the table was rich with mirth, and it was for almost empowering for the young... girl. Her smile was getting bigger, and suddenly the dam broke and she burst into fit of giggles. "Shut up, old geezer!" Roared Dash. "Close your trap, gramps, or I'll kick your ass!" Added Applejack. Fluttershy didn't know why, but it only made the whole situation funnier! She almost spilled her tea from the shaking the giggling was producing. "What did you say, brats?!" Roared Mr.Tomic. "You apparently wasn't taught how to respect you elders!" And suddenly he was behind them, faster than anyone could see. "Let me rectify that!" And with one sweeping motion he made both Dash and Applejack dive face-first in their plates. You could almost see the lumps forming on the back of their heads. Fluttershy was expecting the familiar tingle of worry to enter her heart, that will urge her to rush to their side and try to make them feel better, but it was strangely absent. Instead of it she felt something different. He giggling turned into a full-blown laugh. Dash and Applejack groggily rose from their plates with pieces of food sticking to their faces and glaring daggers at her. "Traitor." They muttered at the same time. Fluttershy stopped her laughing for a moment. That comment, the comment such as that said with such a scowls would normally turn her into a shaking mess, begging for forgiveness and making herself feel miserable. But right now it only made her burst of laughing even harder from the ridiculous look of her two friends had right now. The piece of egg stuck on Applejack's brow was more than enough for to last for hour! When Fluttershy suddenly stopped laughing both Rainbow Dash and Applejack felt their hearts dropped. They in no way of form wanted to hurt Fluttershy's feelings and knowing how sensitive she was, there was a good chance of them sending her into a crying fit. The word left their mouthes without any actual thought behind it, on a spur of the moment so to say, and if it will hurt Fluttershy, they didn't even want to think about what will happen. And suddenly she burst into another fit of laugh, making them smile too. They were sitting at the table, two of them had their faces decorated with their breakfast and the back of their head aching, but for some reason they were still laughing and smiling. They didn't know what awaits them ahead, but they will face it together no matter what, because they were friends and will never abandon each other! Tomic was sitting at the head of the table again and smiling, looking at the three laughing children. They really was something special! Yes, his methods weren't the most gentle, but who cared if the results were worth it? The tension that was so thick in the air yesterday was gone without a trace and there wasn't that strange conflicted looks in brats' eyes, and that was a big plus in old pirate's book! His musing were cut short and he was hit on the back of his head. He still couldn't figure out just how Miako was able to get around his Kenbunshoku Haki, but he wasn't able to sense her presence even when she was standing next to him! The she-devil wouldn't spill her secret no matter how much he tried to pry it from her! "I see that you decided to go your own way and make them feel better but hitting them on the head?" She asked, not loud enough for the brats to hear, while they were talking between themselves. Well, it was more if Dash and Applejack trying to make Fluttershy stop laughing at them and get all the food and their face and hair. Tomic smirked, this was just too damn funny! "The results speak for themselves." He answered. He heard a tired sigh from behind him and them Miako walked into view and sat down on the free chair. "Well,at least you didn't knock them out." She muttered. "Stop laughing!" Came the yell from Dash and Applejack, still with their faces slightly covered with food. "Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!" Laughed Tomic. In Equestria, in the Golden Oak Library, hidden inside the book, the Elements of Harmony, more specifically Kindness, Honesty and Loyalty, suddenly flared with the same acid-yellow color, and then became normal again. But if someone would look closer, they will be able to see the malicious glow coming from the inside the gems of the mentioned necklaces. "Kindness..." "Loyalty..." "Honesty..." Three malicious whispers can be heard, but there was no one to hear them. Not far away from Las Pegasus a lone Pony was sitting near the fire shivering under a cloak. Pony was silently crying while watching the fire dancing around the wood. 'I don't want to be alone anymore.' Thought the Pony. A Long Way Home... "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Lao-tzu "What the Hell did you think you were doing?!" Roared Tomic. He was standing in front of the sitting girl, with a huge vein pulsing over his right eye. His shadowed eyes, that girl could swear somehow glowed red, and his sheer size made the towering over her old man a sigh to behold. Rainbow Dash was sitting and nursing several large bumps on her head an wincing each time she touched them. She was dripping wet and looked like she couldn't decide to either look at the man with anger for the bumps, fearful because of his terrifying presence or guilty because she almost died if not the the retired pirate. Right now she was wearing a yellow top, blue shorts and black sandals. It was almost two weeks since Ponies-turned-girls were throw in this world, and the girls didn't even begin to understand what the insane place they landed in. The first thing was the problem of them getting around because they apparently never walked on two legs instead of four for a prolonged amount of time before. That actually caused Tomic to have almost an infinite source of entertainment. Him sitting, smoking and laughing his ass off while girls were trying to walk around his house and either falling or trying to dodge green beans that he was throwing at them for every attempt of cheating. Well, cheating was thing like using something to support them, trying to walk on all four, helping each other, or, for Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, to use wings to stabilize themselves upright. Well, aside from having a couple of nightmares about being assaulted by giant green beans that were trying to kill them with smoking-pipes that they were carrying without actual limbs that were required to accomplish the act, girls learned to walk really fast. And run too! The damn things hurt! How a bean can break a wooden branch as thick as a human arm?! That shouldn't be possible, but apparently Tomic didn't care and only threw more for each complain he got. In the end girls were tired, sore, annoyed and bruised in different places but very satisfied in their progress. It actually surprised Dash and Applejack that even when she was hit with the 'Beans-of-Doom' Fluttershy almost didn't cry at all. Well, there were tears, but they were mostly from pain and from all the dust that got in her eyes from the amount of time she managed to kiss the ground. Fluttershy was actually more confused than her to friends. Yes, she was sore and her head was throbbing painfully, and that was considering that she got hit the least of the trio. Well, Dash and AJ wouldn't be hit that hard if they didn't try to give back a rude or cheeky comment for every bean that hit them. The formally shy girl was actually using this time to think things through. From the moment she woke up from that strange dream she felt... different, like she was free from some kind of a cage, where she was cramped and could barely move or breath and now she was free and could move without feeling restricted! Well, at least that what she felt happened with her emotions and some part of her... self. Yes, she still could feel fear, but it wasn't an overwhelming terror that made her curl up in a ball and shake like a leaf from the sigh of her own shadow. She actually felt very stupid when she remembered that it actually happened once... or twice. The point here was that she felt like she wasn't afraid of everything around her anymore, the fear, that made her into a bit of a hermit who preferred the company of animals than other Ponies, was gone. She didn't know what happened and she didn't care. Right now she knew only one thing for sure: the arrival here changed her and she was happy with the changes. Right now Dash was being scolded by the old man for her attempt at performing Sonic Rainboom, the skill that, in Tomic's opinion, made her more-or-less a one-trick-pony, pun not intended. Yes, if everything that she told him about the thing was true, than it really was achievement to be proud of, but she really should have taken into account that her body was different right now, heavier and lacked the natural capabilities of her old one, so her first attempt ended with her crash landing into the sea. Which was actually a blessing, considering the speed she was going, maybe not even near her former limit, was enough to turn her into pancake if she collided with the solid ground. "I would have been alright!" Argued Dash back, only succeeding in making the old man more angry. "I was this close to actually pulling it off!" For emphasis she showed him how close she was by her index and big fingers. "This close you were only to the grave!" Roared Tomic and smacked her once more for a good measure. Dash felt like a small filly being scolded for something stupid. Well, she probably deserved it, but still! Worse was only old man's lessons about eating like a human, where you either eat like a human, or starve. Yeh, old fart could came up with some pretty good motivators when it was needed. And even through the pain, hunger and verbal assault, the trio could help but like the pirate. When they didn't screw up, he was funny to be around, dinners were always filled with laugh and stories of his past, that he apparently had an infinite amount. Even when Dash and Applejack argued with him, there was absolutely no malice or any other negative feelings between them. The fun that they were having was so much more... real than what they usually had in Equestria, there was just no way for them to compare the two. In Equestria, each party or fun-time they had was somehow less... fulfilling and felt like it should be there like a part of their life, not like routine but close. This was completely different: more draining, more physical and more real. It was very hard to explain, but that was what they could tell about it. And they loved it! Applejack, Dash and Fluttershy were walking to Tomic's house with two full bags of food each that they bought in the local shop. Applejack was wearing white shirt, jeans, black shoes and her Stetson, Fluttershy was wearing black T-shirt with red vest over it, black pants and black boots, Dash was in her yellow top, blue shorts and black sandals combo with an addition of cyan bandanna over her forehead. Well, they were carrying vegetables and fruits because girls still couldn't stomach the whole 'humans-eat-meat' thing very well. They didn't have any prejudice about carnivores or omnivores, but the fact that each of them actually were one of the second group made them feel uneasy and relived at the same time. Uneasy because they had the potential to eat meat and their body will actually process it, and relived because it wasn't necessary for them to eat meat to survive like a carnivore. The big surprise came when Dash wasn't actually against the idea of someone eating meat. Well, she explained that being former friend with Gilda, she had a discussion with the Griffon about her diet and actually understood her point about the differences in their culture and upbringing. At least Miako was understanding about the whole thing a volunteered to be the one who bought meat along with Tomic, who just grunted in response, but didn't say anything. "Grrrrrrrrrrar..." Girls heard something growing from the right. The trot wasn't very well covered from the sides, so it was kind of hard to hide, but possible. They stopped and looked at the nearby bush. After about a minute it twitched and then three big wolfs stepped from it. First one was a big grey wolf with a a scar on its muzzle, but its size was only second in the group. Second was the smallest one but still pretty big, his fur was also grey, but a shade darker than the first one. The third one was the biggest and scariest of the three, with the amount of scars and the snarl on its muzzle. It was obviously a hunting group. And apparently girls was on a menu. Very slowly they lowered the bags down on the ground and released them, wolves didn't eat anything that was inside so girls wouldn't need to worry about it being ransacked. Not it was only the question of who will attack first. Without a warning the middle-sized wolf pounced on Applejack. She was able to jump back and to the left dodging the attack, She really had to thank whatever higher forces there were here, that all her bucking from the time at home gave her some really good back-legs' strength and that it apparently passed on in this form. Wolf wasn't finished, and as soon as its, and Applejack was sure that it was male by the sheer size and rough appearance alone, forelegs touched the ground it lunged, trying to catch her right ankle with its maw. Maybe she had only a couple of weeks worth of training at her disposal, but it was a couple of weeks with Tomic as her instructor, so there was no way that she would loose her footing that easily! Lifting her left leg up, making the beast miss, she brought it down hard on its head. Wolf's head met dirt with a thud. Using her heel on its head for leverage she pushed herself back a little and landed on her feet, not even out of breath. Yes, she could buck someone anymore, considering that her body wasn't made for it, but using her legs to fight was still pretty much possible, but she was trying to learn how to use her arms which inherited her forelegs' strength with the same efficiency as before the transformation. Wolf huffed and stood back up, shaking its head. When it finished clearing the little daze that her kick gave him, it looked at her, the stare wasn't a good on. This time it went for her neck and far faster than the first time. 'What with the animals here?!' Screamed Applejack in her head as she barely was able to save her throat from being ripped open. The damn thing was as tall as she was! That meant that it didn't need to actually loose contact with the ground to be face-to-face with her! From what Tomic and Miako told the trio, animals here was less than friendly and more times than not tried to kill each-other or humans that were either brave or stupid enough to enter the forest. Well, not that the last part actually happened often with how much meat was sold daily... Wolf started to turn its head, while its neck was still outstretched but was met with punch to the left side of the head, that made it actually dazed for a second! While it was recovering, Applejack didn't slow down and kicked it with her left leg right in the nose. Wolf let out a yelp of pain from the attack, and jumped back being shaken from the daze by the pain in its snout. 'Well done, Applejack! You successfully pissed it off!' Mentally berating herself, she jumped back, trying to gain at least some distance from now enraged beast. She was almost successful, as in the last moment wold jumped forward and slashed at her with its right paw. Sharp claws put a gash on her right shoulder, making Applejack gasp from sudden pain. Smelling blood that came from the wound, the wolf only doubled its effort to kill her, making it harder to dodge each blow. Applejack was actually pretty even with the wolf in terms of speed. but the wound made it harder to concentrate. It was the first she was wounded that badly. Yes, working on a farm, she was subjected to danger of such profession, and she wasn't a stranger to some small cuts, light bruises or even a little blood, but a wound this big... It was first time she was wounded this serious. She forced down the new level of pain and lashed out with a left leg, the kick connected to the wolfs right shoulder making it grunt in pain, but the beast wasn't dazed and lunged forward, smashing its head in Applejack's chest, making her loose her breath. She flew backwards and smashed into a tree, sliding down to the ground, a little blood could be seen on the tree bark. Shaking her head to clear away the daze, the girl stood up. 'This is getting really bad really fast.' Thought Applejack, looking as wolf stood there, growling at her, waiting for its pray to give it an opening. 'This wouldn't be this hard if I had my real body right now.' She took away her eyes from the wolf only for a moment to check if there was any hope of her escaping. The action was a mistake, because wolf instantly took the opportunity and dashed forward, aiming for her left shoulder. Applejack noticed the beast coming almost too late, but was able to react with enough speed to dodge. Wolf's jaws closed on a branch that was right behind his target. Girl's eyes widened when the branch broke and shattered under the power of the wolf's teeth and jaw-muscles. That bite would have ripped her arm off! While her opponent was trying to spit out the splinters, she attacked. She delivered one powerful punch from her right one into it's left eye, making the animal howl in pain. But she wasn't finished. While the wolf was trying to work out what happened with its eye, she delivered a kick into its neck, making it gag, Applejack's right leg making it hard to breath for the animal. Feeling that her luck was almost up, she jumped back right in time to escape a very powerful bite from the half-blinded, enraged and slightly dazed animal, that just attacked what was in its way or causing it pain, and she was right on top of the list. Dodging the wild swipes and bites from the berserk animal, Applejack tried to think of a way out of this situation. She really didn't have that many options right now, considering that getting away from it and running to the safety was out from the start.She wasn't sure she could outrun wolf on a long distances while carrying two bags with her. Wolf tried to bite her in her right thigh and was too close to achieving the desired effect for her comfort. She didn't waisted an opening and punched it hard with her right fist right between its eyes. This actually turned out to be even better than she expected, as wolf jumped back from being hit and therefor left Applejack with room for maneuver. She lunged forward, punching with her left fist in its right temple, right one in the nose, and then kick from the right into the jaw. She pushed so much force into the last attack that wolf actually was thrown back a little. Pressing her advantage she jumped up and pulled her left leg back. "Get lost!" She screamed and kicked with all her power right into wolf's left side. The was a cracking sound, the power of the kick apparently fractured several ribs. The wolf flew backwards and hit the tree. Applejack landed on her feet and took several deep breathes. This was a lot harder than fighting a Manticore, that's for sure. She gazed at the wound on her left shoulder and blinked. The pain was still there was more in the form of a very strong but dull ache, sharp spike only caused by an attempt of actually moving her arm. 'My first battle-wound...' Thought Applejack, not knowing how to react to it. Suddenly she heard rustling. With a sinking feeling of dread she turned around and saw that the wolf was getting up, a bit of blood escaping its mouth and spasms from the pain running through its body, but the beast was still standing on its pawns without sway. It slowly turned its head in her direction, the look of pure rage in its eyes wasn't something that the girl wanted to see right now. She readied herself, and the wolf jumped forward. Applejack in a better condition and could actually move with more freedom, at least in theory, but apparently the blind rage that drove the wolf forward making it forget about the pain and concentrate all its being on killing her. One thing that Applejack learned from her brief encounter with Manticore was that anger and pain make you sloppy, if not for the insane difference in physical power, the Pony wouldn't even need help with the Everfree Beast. Wolf one the other hand was probably stronger than her, but their speed was pretty equal, end she was sure that right now she was the least wounded one. Wolf suddenly changed his target, and instead of aiming for her torso, bit down on her left knee. Taken by surprise she wasn't able to actually dodge, and felt as the big jaws closed around her leg. The pain was far stronger than from the gash on her shoulder, the teeth penetrated skin and muscles like knife wet paper. Applejack screamed. Wolf apparently wasn't interested in killing her at the moment and with one jerk of its head and unclenching its jaws sent her flying into the nearest tree. The collision was far stronger than the previous one, the taste of blood in her mouth made Applejack choke. The pain in her back, her left knee and her right shoulder was stronger than any other that she could recall in her whole life. The blood that was flowing from the wounds started painting her shirt and her left leg red, her vision was blurry and her her head was spinning. Her eyelids were becoming heavy. The idea of a nice nap to make it feel better was more and more appealing to her... 'Why... was I fighting in the first place?' Suddenly one of the recent memories flashed before her eyes. "What is the reason to fight?" Asked Tomic, while drinking his Sake. This was the question that girls wanted to be answered. In Equestria fighting was the last thing you wanted to do, because of the peaceful lifestyle and the lack of any serious conflict in the history. The lessons can be learned from mistakes only if the mistakes were made in the first place. The real war wasn't something even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were familiar with, and the most conflicts were solved by simply talking thing through. Here thing were different. Blood was spilled for absolutely no reason, and fighting was the way to solve problems when they came up. The three girls were here for about four days now and still couldn't stomach it, the amount of violence was shocking for them. "For your dream." Answered the old pirate simply and took another gulp from the bottle. "Everyone must find their own reason and fight for it no matter what. I fought for my dream and me friends, because I wanted to protect them both." "You fought... to protect?" Asked Applejack. "Yep, but I got a question for you now." Said Tomic, "Ah, yeh?" Applejack suddenly received a very painful poke in the forehead. "Who said you could rest?!" Roared Tomic, throwing his Beans-of-Doom at the retreating form of Applejack. 'Fight to protect, eh?' The thought stung. She knew she was strong, that she could protect her friends from anything that could harm them... But that was back in Equestria. Here she wasn't strong, wasn't skilled and couldn't protect anyone. That dream that she had not long time ago came to mind, was everything that she said just a lie? Like Hell! She forced herself to stand up, with willpower alone forcing the nausea down and concentrating on the wolf, which was slowly walking towards her. So it thought that she was done for? Well, she going to disappoint the dumb beast then. Using her good leg she jumped forward, rising her left hand to shield herself from the raws of sharp teeth that wolf bared when saw her moving. It bit down on the left elbow and the pain raced throw her whole body, but she forced herself to concentrate on dealing with the more serious problem than a bite-mark. Maybe it had her left hand, but her right one was still there and in a pretty good condition. She put all her anger in it. Anger at herself for getting beaten by this fleabag, for even thinking about surrendering, for even considering defeat! She was responsible for her for her friends, she going to make sure they were safe and there was no way that she will give up that easily. All the anger boosted by the adrenaline running through her body and combined with her pretty impressive by civilian standards physical strength, was put into one punch that she delivered into wolf's temple. *CRACK* The sound of something breaking was heard and wolf released its hold on her arm from the force of the punch. The attack was strong enough to send it flying for several meters and even when it landed it rolled a couple of times and only then stopped. Applejack was standing, taking deep breathes and looking at her opponent, it didn't move. Only after a minute she released a sigh and looked herself over. She was a mess. He right shoulder was bleeding and the wound was seen through the torn clothes, three deep finger-wide gashes were there for everyone to see. The wound on her left keen was a bit better, considering that there was less torn flesh and the wounds themselves were punctured, meaning less blood were escaping her body through them. But her left elbow was a mess, considering that the wolf apparently had time to actually gnaw on it a little, leaving it in a poor state of a half-eaten steak. Her right fist was also in blood, but this was more wolf's than hers. She sighed and limped toward the bags, it was time to get home and receive some damn medical attention. When the first wolf went after Applejack, the smallest one ran at Rainbow Dash, but she wasn't the fastest Pony in Equestria for nothing, so the moment it moved in her direction, she took into the air and hovered several feet over the ground. "What the matter furball, can't get me here?" She mocked the wolf that was standing on the ground directly under her. It growled in response. Suddenly it looked forward and took of running full speed. 'What the Hay?' She thought. That wasn't normal. Being the one who could fight in the air, meant that she had an advantage over some of the earth-walking predators, and sometimes she... abused this fact. Her arrogance, even if not pronounced, was still there, but for the last two weeks she was repeatedly broken from it by the old pirate, leaving her a fair bit less avid to boast. Still, old habits die hard. When she flew up, she was sure that the wolf will try to jump up and catch her, so she could use her maneuverability and hit him, making the fall much more painful, but instead it ran towards the... tree? Yep, the wolf was running towards tree. And then, when it reached the tree, the wolf started... to run up?! Dash gaped. The wolf used it momentum to run up the tree and the use the branches to get higher. She was so shocked that almost missed the moment when her opponent used the tree to jump right at her. 'How the Hay it's so smart!' She thought frantically as she dove out of the way, making the wolf miss her. It landed on the branch of the nearest tree and jumped at her again. 'No way it is going to defeat me in the air!' She thought. Bending backwards she let it fly over her, and kicked the wolf in the stomach, hard. The kick connected, but the result was less than what Dash was hoping for. The power of her attack just made the wolf flip over its head once and crash into the tree, that it intended to land on, but the branches were strong enough to not let the bugger fall down. Not wanting to deal with the incredibly smart wolf more than it was needed, Dash shot forward reading her fist to punch the twerp's lights out. But apparently wolf was made from a tougher stuff and right before the punch connected, he used one of the branches as a joist and pushed itself backwards, making Dash miss and hit the tree instead. Th force of the attack mack that bark break creating a miniature crater, but girl's attention was more of the wolf who lunged at her with open jaw. Using her wings' full power she pulled herself back, barely escaping the deadly teeth. Wolf didn't slow down and used the tree as a support-surface to push itself at her at blinding speed targeting her unguarded leg that was still in range of its jump. Dash, seeing her enemy's charge, twisted backwards in the air, making a full turn and avoiding the bite, but making the wolf respond by curling up in a ball and hitting her in the chest with it full weight. She flew backward and hit the tree, crying out in pain and her wings were pinned down by her own body, but it wasn't even the worst part. The wolf was right after her as it landed a bit lower than her, almost falling but saving itself by biting the branch and stopping the descent. Dash, stunned by pain from her wings and force of the collision wasn't fast enough to regain her bearings to get away but the new pain the bloomed in her ankle was enough to snap her out of her daze. She cried out again and tried to fly away, ignoring the ache in her wings, but something was holding her leg, looking down she saw the wolf bitting down on her ankle, blood dripping from it maw. Not waisting time she used her other leg to kick it right in the eye, making it yelp in pain and release her. Flying backwards and stabilizing herself far enough to not be in wolf range, she looked down at her ruined leg. It was bleeding pretty badly and her sandal was now more red than black from blood. 'This is bad.' She thought. Her stamina was as good as when she was a Pegasus but her body far heavier and she couldn't just fly everywhere without getting tired, so a wounded leg was pretty bad for her. She heard growling and looked at her foe. The wolf, now on the ground, was looking at her with one good and one slightly swollen eyes. Then it turned to the side and Dash had to curse, as she noticed its new target, wolf was going to attack Applejack, who was having a hard time of her own. She couldn't let that happen. With a burst of speed she charged down at the wolf, trying to take it by surprise, but apparently it either heard her or was ready for the attack because it ducked right when she was going to ram into its side, making Dash miss. Wolf didn't let the opportunity pass and jumped after her, when she was turning around to face it again. Dash wasn't ready for the full-body tackle, and wolf clamped its jaws on her left shoulder. She almost lost her balance from the pain and new weight, but evened herself in the air. It was hard to hold in the air with the additional weight and pain coursing through her body, but she wasn't the best flier in Equestria for nothing. Wolf was trying to rip a peace of flesh while also scratching her with its claws, and Dash was punching it repeatedly in the side with her right fist, while using the left hand to choke the damn thing. Both were having hard time, wolf holding onto Dash while being punched into ribs and choked and she flying with bruised wings and a pretty big gatecrasher on her. 'This... is getting really bad!' She thought through pain and haze. She couldn't let the bastard go, because it will go after her friends and the only thing that standing between them and it was her! She knew that with two wolfs teaming up, they will reap either Applejack or Fluttershy apart. That will not happen! She knew that she could be wounded pretty badly in this fight if she won't just fly away. She knew that there was a good possibility of loosing a wing or both because of the strain she was putting on them. She knew she could bleed to death. Did she care? "Now, what have we learned?" Asked Rainbow Dash, while frying in front of standing on the field Fluttershy. "Loss of control." She answered. "Good." Nodded Dash. "Screaming and hollering." "Yes." Another nod. "And most importantly?" "Passion!" Answered the she Pegasus. "Right!" Dash landed in front of her friend. "So, now that you know the elements of a good cheer, let's hear one." Fluttershy took a deep breath. "Yay." And basically said it. "... Ugh." Dash facehoofed. "You're gonna cheer for me like that? Louder." "Yay." A bit better. "Louder!" "Yay." No difference. "LOUDER!" Fluttershy took a very deep breath and... "Yaaay." It was even quieter than before. "Ugh..." Mumbled Dash as she... *Thud* ...fell on her back. "Too loud?" Asked Fluttershy. No in the slightest! Dash forced herself to ignore the pain, and started to rise higher, still punching the ugly bastard that was growling trying to rip a chunk of her flesh. Nearing the required height, she used her right hand to punch it right into the swollen eye, making it howl in pain and release her, but she didn't release it. Her left hand was still clutching wolf's throat, making it harder for the beast to breath, while it was trashing around. Without holding back Dash punched the wolf in the stomach, hard. The beast choked and flew forward as Dash released her foe. Not giving the wolf a chance to regain full awareness, she flew forward at full speed, ignoring the burning pain in her wings. When she was right in front of it, she lifted her right leg and dropped it on the wolf's head with all her strength, sending it towards the ground. *THUD*CRACK* Its body reached the earth, creating a crated. Dash released a sigh and started lowering herself down, making sure to keep eye on the still form of her opponent. After she touched the ground and the wolf didn't even twitched, she took a so much needed deep breath and grimaced when the pain shot through her bruised chest, maybe even something was fractured. She turned and looked as Applejack finished her opponent off with a hit to the head. "Meh... Mine was twenty percent cooler." Chuckled Dash, but again grimaced as another wave of pain reminded her that breathing was a chore right now, never mind actually talking. Fluttershy was staring at her opponent, while the big wolf stared back. She really didn't like fighting, but seeing her dear friends hurt was the one that she actually hated. The idea alone made her angry and she will be damned if she was going to let them get hurt because of her. There was one thing that she learned in this two weeks, that took deep roots in her mind, heart and soul. "What is more important to you? Your friends? Or the ones that will try to hurt your friends?" Asked Tomic, when he found out about her pacifistic outlook on life. "Fighting sometimes is the only answer and if you don't like it, you will hate yourself hundred times more for not fighting and your inaction resulting in your friends' deaths." Old man was right. The wolf readied itself. Tomic was right and she knew that she will never forgive herself if her dislike for violence will lead to someone's dear to her death. The beast jumped at her. She will fight. It was almost on her. And she will win! Faster, than wolf could react Fluttershy cocked her fist back and punched it in the temple with enough force to send it flying. Because if she won't win, she won't be able to protect anyone! Wolf flew for several meters, but was able to spin in the air and land on its pawns. It growled at her as a trickle of blood ran down from the place of the impact, Fluttershy stared back. Without any warning the wolf charged again, but more careful this time, making sure not to encounter its opponent's fist again. In a sudden burst of speed wolf was right in front of the girl, but she was ready and dodged to the right. Landing, wolf used its powerful legs to launch itself after her. Fluttershy wasn't prepared for such agility from such a big creature and could only jump to escape its jaws. While in the air, she saw how it landed and instantly turned, ready to catch her on the way down. There was just one problem with its plan, there was no way down. Fluttershy used her wings to launch herself right at the wolf, who was surprised by girl's speed and wasn't ready to receive a spinning kick to the side. It skidded on the ground, leaving trails with its feet on the ground, but still standing. Most citizens of Ponyville would have been absolutely stunned by the display of fighting capabilities that demonstrated the former shy mare. She was fast, strong and determent to win, something that couldn't be seen in the former incarnation. There was only one answer. Potential. All three girls had potential for growth, even grater than some famous pirates of the Era. Rainbow Dash and Applejack was already tapping into theirs, while Fluttershy not far behind, and that was before they arrived in this world. Now, when the dying spark of their spirit, almost fully extinguished by the peaceful and tranquil air of Equestria, was brought out and flared into roaring inferno, they were growing faster, than anyone could imagine! Wolf shook itself and turned towards, now standing on the ground, Fluttershy. Why Dash loved to fly and fight using air-maneuvers, Fluttershy had far more experience with walking and standing on her... legs. She wasn't going to waste any time and rushed forward, wolf responding not a moment later. The two was on each other in a moment, Fluttershy punching wolf in the jaw, but it was able to shift to the right in the last moment, and bit down on her outstretched arm. Pain, like she never knew before, exploded in her elbow from wolf's teeth piercing her skin and muscles, tearing the flesh apart. Fluttershy cried out in pain, but didn't stop, because in this time slowing down meant loosing her arm forever. Her left fist shot forward, impacting wolf's throat and making the beast choke and release her arm. She didn't stop and sent a kick into its muzzle with her right leg, wolf wasn't able to react while still getting its windpipe into working order. The hit connected and made wolf snap its head to the side, leaving it dazed, but not enough to not jump backwards from next punch that was aimed at its nose. Getting its mind back on track, wolf rushed forward again. Fluttershy jumped, flying up to dodge the attack, but wolf apparently was smarted than its appearance showed and jumped after her far faster than girl could think it could. She wasn't able to dodge and wolf's head made contact with her chest, making her ribcage creak dangerously and sending her into sailing towards the ground. The impact with the earth was hard and made her loose her breath, but she wasn't too stunned to not dodge the wolf, which apparently decided to crush her under its weight and body-slammed down on her. Rolling to the side she heard to sound of its landing and was really glad for her well-timed escape. Fluttershy jumped on her feet and looked at the wolf, which was already charging at her, the fall not even slowing the damn thing down. It was too close for her to try and fly away, there was now time to dodge, so the only thing she could do... Fluttershy dove right into wolf's attack, surprising it with a bold move. She delivered a strong uppercut right into its chin, snapping wolf's mouth shut and making it rise its head, her left fist already on its way targeting beast's chest. The punch made the wolf stumble back and cough, but apparently it wasn't enough to stop the damn thing from attacking again, this time faster and more fiercely than before. Fluttershy was able to dodge the bite, that would've teared her throat out, but the wolf was apparently getting smarter because it cocked its head to the left and slammed its forehead into her temple, dazing her and leaving an opening for the beast to attack. Next hit fell on Fluttershy's side making her fly for several meters and fall on the ground. The direct headbutt with a weight of one overgrown wolf behind it almost made her loose conscious. She was pretty sure something inside her was damaged, intact organs doesn't hurt like that! She was barely able to see the wolf jumping at her. Rolling to the side and on her stomach, she pushed herself fast enough to be on her feet the moment wolf turned its head into her direction. She was bloody, tired and almost out cold, while the beast was good enough to keep going till the night and maybe even longer! Fluttershy felt anger, it was like molten metal spreading through her body. She was going to loose to this thing?! She was going to fail her friends again?! She sprung forward, too fast for the wolf to dodge and punched it right into its right side. The beast actually rose from the ground from her strike and flew for several meters, but it wasn't enough. When it landed she was already on it, delivering a bone-shattering straight-kick right into its stomach, making it slid further forward. She was going for the third strike in a raw, but apparently the beast had enough and turned its head and in a show of phenomenal back-legs' strength jumped forward, ramming its forehead into Fluttershy's chest. While she was stunned by the headbutt, wolf bit down on her left arm and with a powerful pull threw her into nearest tree, making it's bark actually break under the strain of the collision. Fluttershy rose slowly, still in daze and pain from the last attack. 'I... can't hear?' She thought. There wasn't any sounds reaching her ears, everything was quiet, the only thing that she could hear was the thunderous sound of her beating heart. 'What is this feeling?' She took a deep breath. She could feel something, right under her skin. She didn't know what it was and didn't care, because right now the only thing that mattered was winning this fight. All doubts and uncertainties drained from her mind and she felt the strange feeling intensifying. 'I will *win*.' One line ran through her mind and like a switch turned something fundamental in her being on. Like a small spring turning into a geyser, something snapped inside her and like liquid fire spread through her body. She wasn't tired anymore, she didn't feel pain or daze form the fight, she was standing and ready to fight again with new fire in her. Everything slowed down. Wolf was moving like in a slow-motion, making its easy to dodge, to fly away. to even just sidestep the attack, but that wasn't what she did. She lifted her right arm, bending it in her abused elbow and clenched it into a fist. She took all her anger, all her frustration and annoyance and poured it into this fist. The wolf was almost upon her and ready to bite into her torso. "Never again." Hissed through gritted teeth Fluttershy and punched wolf right into its head. The blow was powerful enough to instantly send the beast down, its head colliding with the ground and creating a pretty big crated. The force was so big that it was seen to a naked eye as from the dent on wolf's head leaked a small amount of blood, it was obvious that it wasn't going anywhere. Fluttershy made a couple of deep breaths and turned to walk back to where her bags were, not having any doubts about Dash or Applejack winning their fights, her right arm hanging uselessly to her side. "And tell me why we couldn't interfere and help them?!" Asked Miako, while pulling Tomic's ear. They were standing on top of the tree with a wonderful view on the place of the fight. Miako wanted to mutilate the old bastard for the stunt he just pulled, but at least wanted to hear his reason. "Well, it was a good way to teach them a lesson and show the gab between them and the rest of the world." Answered Tomic, but the fact that the pain in his ear became worse told him that it was the wrong answer. "Do you know why I'm helping them?" He asked in a serious tone. "You're finally going senile?" Asked Miako. "As if!" He snorted. "They don't have a way back." He said after a pause. "And?" Miako was getting frustrated, but released his ear hoping that it will make him think faster. "Their Dreams, friends and families were left wherever they came from." He continued. "Now they are alone, in a world that would have teared them apart and spitted out the bloody remains without any remorse if they will try and live like they used to." Miako could only nod, this was pretty obvious and actually a bit sad. But it still didn't answer her question! "Get to the point please." She urged him. "They won't stay here forever, you know." The smirk appeared on his face. Miako saw this smirk a couple of times and she knew what it meant. He mind was working overtime trying to come up with the most devious and twisted thing that old man can come up with. Suddenly it hit her. "You wouldn't!" She wanted to throttle him right now. "Oh, I most certainly will!" He said as a grin started spreading on his face, the glint in his eyes was downright scary. "You're planning to..." She couldn't even say it. "Yep!" She didn't have to, Tomic knew that she understood his intentions. "They will make it, I can feel it in my guts!" "So, you are throwing them to the proverbial wolfs because of the indigestion?" She growled at him. "Oh, stop it!" He waved her off. "I will make sure that they will pull through!" "You better!" She hissed at him. "I wouldn't be able to live knowing that I helped you murder three innocent girls." "I swear on my immortal soul!" He smirked. "What soul? You sold yours to the Devil for the infinite stock of tobacco." She quipped. "But seriously, I will strangle you in your sleep if you will make me assist you in sending them to their death." She threatened. "Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!" He laughed. Miako was sitting on the bed and applying the bandages to Applejack's leg, while the other two girls were resting already taken care of. She at least was able to patch up the most sever wounds and make sure there won't be any infection, but the fact that girls could actually move around with such wounds spoke volumes about how tough they are! "So, how was you little adventure?" Asked Tomic as he entered the room. He got glares from all three of the girls. "I feel like I flew right into a brick wall at full speed." Finally mumbled Rainbow Dash. "Like a tree fell on me." Added Applejack. "Like I was a chew toy to a wolf." Finished Fluttershy. The other two looked at her but then chuckled, the joke was in the lack of the joke. Tomic on the other hand looked them over. The wounds on them were pretty much harmless and only looked bad. Considering that they were in a fight with wolves that would have ripped any normal civilian or even a fresh Marine to shreds without even taking a hit, their wounds weren't even worth noticing. But more importantly, Fluttershy used Busoshoku Haki. In her last attack she used a tiny amount of it to empower her fist and knock the wolf out. No normal hit with her physical strength could have caused such amount of damage to the wolf that big, she was tapping into it without actually noticing and that showed how great her potential was. "And that was pathetic." Said Tomic. The three turned to him with wide eyes. "Your asses were handed to you but some puppies!" "Hey! They were wolfs..." Started Applejack. "That is not an excuse!" Barked Tomic with a smirk. "I saw rookies doing far better than that! You three were sloppy, wasted time and strength on pointless moves and couldn't even avoid being injured!" Well, he wasn't completely truthful here, the way the put down the wolves was pretty impressive for someone as weak as them. "Hey, we kick their asses!" Argued Dash. "And you look like it was you who got the ass-kicking!" Answered the old former pirate. "... Than change it." Said Fluttershy. Tomic looked at her and saw the determined look in her eyes. "We're not stupid, we know that there is almost no chance of us returning home." The other two looked solemnly down. "But that doesn't mean that it is impossible!" She had that stern look that made plainly obvious what she was going to say. "We maybe a tad bit naive and optimistic, but it doesn't mean that we don't know when its time to face reality. When we first arrived here we were frightened and lost, we didn't know what happened and why we looked like this." She gestured to her body. "But the today I was afraid because I could loose my two friends because if I lost the wolf would have mauled them next. If I wasn't strong enough, I would have been even worse than dead, I would have been responsible for my friends demise. Before coming here I was pathetic, afraid and weak. Right now I'm still weak, but I'm going to do everything in my power to not loose anyone important to me anymore. I already lost three of my closest friends because of the accident, loosing two more will happen only over my cold dead body." She stood up from the bed and fell on her knees in front of Tomic, not having enough strength to actually stand. "We understand that our morals and usual ways of dealing with our problems will get us killed here, there is a lot of problems and situations here that can't be solved by simply talking things through and violence is the answer." She lowered her head and you could see as a tear fell on the wooden floor. "No matter how much you hide it, you're strong." She said, tears streaming down her face. "You moved faster than we could see and had enough force to break a tree with a bean. Please..." She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. "Help us get strong too. I don't want to loose anyone again." The last part she whispered. "For a shy brat you talk to much." Said Tomic and turned to leave the room. "Be ready, because the training will be far worse than actual fights! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!" He finished over his shoulder and left the room laughing, not seeing the three smiling at him. "So, you were planning this whole thing... how long?" Asked Miako, as she stood beside Tomic on the veranda. "Eh, from the moment I saw the Pink-Brat using Haoshoku Haki." He answered, taking a drag from his pipe. "So, what is your goal? I know that you're going to release them on the unsuspecting world to 'take it by storm', but what will you gain from it?" She was honestly curious. "I was there." Said Tomic. "I heard him." The sun was mercilessly beating down on the crowd that was waiting for one thing. They were all standing on the main plaza of Loguetown, watching as Gold D. Rodger, the legendary 'Pirate King' was climbing on the Execution Platform. His hands were in wooden cuffs and he was missing his hat, but the black mane on his head and curved black mustache along with a long red captain's coat. Beneath his coat, he wore a blue shirt and had a green sash around his waist. He had a white cravat around his neck, wore dark blue pants, and also he wore what appeared to be black sea boots. His words from long ago still rang in the ears of the people. "Inherited Will, the Destiny of the Age, the Dreams of People. As long as people continue to pursue the meaning of Freedom, this things will never cease!" Tomic was sitting on the roof of one of the buildings, drinking from the bottle of the best Sake he could get his hands on and watching as the living legend was taking his final steps. On the top of the platform, two soldiers in a formal wear were holding a Nagamaki each. After a small chat with one of his executioners Rodger faced the crowd and sat down, the grin on his face didn't disappear even for a moment. They were preparing for the final act. Executioners crossed the blade in front of him. "Hey! Pirate King!" Yelled someone from the crowd. "What did you do with your treasure? Its somewhere on the Grand Line, Isn't it?" Tomic grinned at the question. "You have it, don't you? The greatest treasure in the world!?" "Insolent! Hold your tongue!" Yelled one of the soldiers, that were going to execute Rodger. "Your one special treasure?" The speaker ignored the order. "ONE PIECE!" Roger chuckled, and then started laughing. "My treasure?" He asked. Each of his words, even not loud, could be heard everywhere on the plaza. "Alright, that's enough!" Barked the guard, reading the weapon. "If you want it, I'll let you have it!" Roger didn't stopped, his grin getting wider. "Go look for it. I left all of it at** that place*!*" "Execute!" Yelled the guard and both executioners stabbed Roger. Silence. The whole plaza fell in silence. Everyone who came here to watch the end of the *Pirate King*, were shocked, because what was suppose to be the end of the greatest pirate... ... started The Golden Age of Piracy! Tomic was laughing as he saw that even in his death, the *Pirate King** was still smiling!* Soon the rain fell, as if the Heavens themselves blessed the new Era. Tomic was smiling widely from the memory. "You're planning to send them after that thing?" Miako was actually gaping like a fish. Apparently the old man finally gone senile. To think that he could actually send the brats after the most wanted prize in the whole world was maddening! She will need to find some kind of a Doctor who specialized in mental illnesses... "No, I'm planning on giving them the reason to set sail, and find their way home!" He smirked. Miako though about the whole thing and suddenly it hit her like a ton of bricks. "You want them to find their way around the sea and find the reason to move forward." She said. "The may never get home, and you want to bet on a chance that they will find something worth living for here..." She stared at him. If Tomic will say to her that he came up with a method to make babies eat their way out of women's womb, she would probably look at him in less shock than now. "I don't know what you're talking about." He laughed, but the became serious. "Also, can you do me a favor?" Miako shook her head to snap from her daze and looked at him with a rised eyebrow. When he used this tone it meant business, and she really didn't want to know what he wanted from her at the moment. "It depends on what do I get in return." She answered. "A favor from me." He said simply. Miako's eyes narrowed. If he was actually giving her a free favor, that meant that he wanted that will be pain-in-the-ass level of difficulty to accomplish. "Alright." There wasn't anything she can bargain here on. "What do you need?" "Well, I think that this three will need a... healthier diet." He smirked and pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. Miako took the paper and read it, her eyes bulged comically and she almost choked on her spit. "Are you insane?!" She was able to get out of her mouth. "To get this you'll need to actually know where to look and be absolutely sure that no one..." "I know both." He interrupted her. "...How?" Miako was almost catatonic from the sheer shock of his request. "I was keeping tabs on a certain warehouse." He answered with a smile. "Oh, no... You're kidding!?" She wanted to pounder him so much. "It will be easier to break in Impel Down!" She was going the throttle him. "Oh, don't be like that!" He was grinning at her. "I know that you can pull it off! They will never know what hit them and you'll be able to test how rusty you are." And she punched him in the face, hard. The force of the strike made Tomic wobble on his feet, but only for a second. "It will be my ass that will get itself killed, not yours!" She almost screamed at him, but making an effort to lower her volume to not wake up the girls. "But the risk worth it!" Tomic did the best to dodge the next strike, that would have made him sing soprano, if it connected. Miako was going to throttle him, and that was final. She really didn't care what insane idea was in his head, but there was no way she will try to pull it off! It was more than just impossible! "Putting you down will be much easier!" She barked, trying to grab his throat. "That wasn't a 'No'!" He quipped and dodged another her attempt at throttling him. "Don't slow down!" Barked Tomic, making sure that three girls were doing push-ups without slacking off. The rocks that were tied to their backs weren't helping them in holding the insane temp that old man wanted from them. Two months passed from their encounter with the wolfs and girls were training under the former pirate like their lives depend on it. And they hated it with passion. Apparently Tomic was insane, because they had to ran around the house with rocks tied to their arms, legs, back and waist, do push-up and sit-ups with the same rocks and finally climb the trees with them! Whatever idea was in the old man's head apparently wasn't working, because even after weeks of training they couldn't adjust to the weight of the rocks on their bodies. They didn't know that each time Tomic could see that they were starting to adjust to the weights, he will swap them for a bit heavier set. One more thing happened, was that Miako left and didn't still didn't came back. When asked. Tomic answered that she was running an errand for him, and will return soon. Considering that she was the one that bought most of the food and cooked, girls had to learn to actually learn how to cook properly. Applejack wasn't familiar with any recipe that didn't have apples in them, Fluttershy was good, but her recipes were mostly for animals that she fed and Dash wasn't even asked because of her obvious lack in skill and talent in the field. Tomic only knew how to cook meat, so there wasn't any way for girls to actually get away from it beside start cooking themselves. Tomic apparently made it a mission of his life to make girls try and actually eat meat, but that was more or less a war of characters. Girls were stubborn and told him that they could survive as a vegetarians, while he told that that they will always be a scrawny brats without help from proper food. Well, Tomic just started to put some mean into anything that was considered food in the house and bought food himself, so the girls won't have any alternatives. Rainbow Dash broke first. She was too hungry to care and in her half-dazed state actually ate some pork that Tomic cooked for dinner. She was on her fifth piece when Fluttershy came in and gasped, while Tomic finally roared with laugh, seeing as he was holding back to not accidentally snap Dash from her zombie-like state. She was actually not that mortified by the whole affair and actually admitted that it was tasty. The point here was that the animals in this world weren't remotely as sentinel as in Equestria, with several exceptions. She was prideful enough to admit that she actually like the taste of meat and wanted some more. Applejack actually was next in that regard, and followed Dash after some persuasion. His main problem was that she actually knew several cows back home and spoke with them, but here it was different. She was more that a bit green after first bite and had to force it down, but others came more naturally to her and soon she could eat meat without feeling like she actually was betraying herself. She was human now, and she was omnivore, she had to deal with it like a grown up and not some brat as Tomic said. Fluttershy was as reluctant as ever and the sheer idea made her actually physically sick. When asked how she was able to fight a wolf, she answered that she was protecting her friends and wolf was attacking first, so it was in need of a lesson in good manners. Tomic wasn't really that upset, he took it more like a challenge and made some pretty big efforts to explain to Fluttershy that in a 'dog-eat-dog' world sometimes you need to actually eat meat, because there isn't anything else to fill you empty stomach, but she was unyielding in her position. It was fifth month in their training and Tomic actually discovered a very interesting thing. Apparently Rainbow Dash was very talented when it came to swordsmanship. He was actually testing if they could handle an opponent with a bladed weapon and used a training wooden sword to show them what happened with a unarmed person when they are fighting someone wielding a weapon. Fluttershy and Applejack refused and said that they preferred their own arms and legs to the weapon, while Dash actually took two swords and actually demonstrated some potential, considering that it was her first time with them, in the and she was hooked on the idea and asked for training in swordsmanship. Tomic wasn't a Master, not by a long shot, but he knew basics enough to bring Dash on a level where she wasn't imitating a drunken monkey with a stick while having a stroke. She was restlessly training from then one in her new favorite art, that actually came second to flying. "Are you nuts?" Tomic heard Miako's voice from Den Den Mushi he was using to tell Miako about kids' progress. "Nope, it even wouldn't be that hard to get." He answered. "She obviously has a talent, why not to support it?" "You know that I'll have to be away for another month or two to actually get them?" Miako asked. "Not a problem, just make sure you'll come back whole and in a good enough condition to cook." He said with a smirk. "... Asshole." She answered and cut the call. "Alright brats! Today will be you test!" Said Tomic proudly, while walking into the forest with three girls following him. "I was trying to make something out of you and now I want to sea th result of six months of light training." 'He call that *light** training?!'* The thought ran through girls' heads. "And how are you gonna test us?" Asked Applejack. She became a tad bit taller and with some actual visible muscles on her frame, her curves were more pronounced and her hair was a bit longer than before and was pulled into a ponytail with a red bow. She was wearing a light yellow top with white outline, short cream-colored shorts and black sandals. Her Stetson was on her head. "I really hope it's not another of his marathons." Mumbled Rainbow Dash. She also grew a tad bit, but was still noticeably shorter than Applejack, her hair grew a bit and she actually liked it, her curves also was more pronounced, but without making her loose the athletic build. She was leaner than Applejack but still could demonstrate some tough muscles on her body. She was wearing black breeches, black boots, white T-shirt and over it blue sleeveless jacket. She was also wearing a dark blue goggles on her head that she bought in the local shop. On both of her sides were tied two training Katanas with white guards, black handles and sheaths that she took the habit of carrying around, her training was enough to actually use them with some proficiency, but she still would be considered a novice by anyone who trained more than a year or so. "Or another survival training." Added Fluttershy. She actually grew more than the other two and was now tallest in the group, with the most pronounced curves. She kept her hair the same length and made sure to cut it when it got too long. She also gained muscles on her frame and even more than Applejack, because she was actually training harder than other two. When Dash and Applejack were basically almost paralyzed from the hard training, she forced herself to make keep going, because of her determination to protect her friends and make sure that she will never loose them. She was wearing long black pants, black boots and red shirt, on her hands were black gloves that she like for some reason, even her friends couldn't get it. "Oh, I think you'll like it!" Answered Tomic. "We will be able to hear it right about..." "ROOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAWR!" Came a roar from the forest in front of them, its power actually making the leaves to fall from the trees. "... now." Finished Tomic with a smirk. 'What the hell was *that*?!' Thought three friends as they heard the sound of someone very big coming their way. Bright New World.She opened her eyes and blinked. 'What... What happened?' "Come one, Fluttershy, it will be fantastic!" Said a Unicorn. She had a pale light-grayish-mulberry colored coat, sapphire blue mane, with violet and rose streaks. Her Cutie Mark was in the form of six-pointed bright red star with five similar bight white and far smaller stars surrounding it. Her eyes were normally violet, but right now they were two glowing orbs of magical power, which in combination with her, glowing in brilliant raspberry light, horn gave off an aura of mystical power and actually worried the second Pony on the big grassy meadow. "I..., I don't know Twilight, isn't it dangerous?" Ask Fluttershy. She was a Pegasus with pale light-grayish-golden coat, pale light-grayish-rose mane and cyan eyes. Her Cutie Mark was in the form of three pink and cyan butterflies. 'Now... I remember, I was with Twilight and she wanted to try out the new spell.' Thought Fluttershy, as she tried to stand up on her hoofs. Something wasn't right, her body felt wrong and she couldn't tell why. 'What happened next?' "AH! Move, Fluttershy!" Screamed a familiar voice. Fluttershy didn't have time to move when somepony collided with her. The mess distracted Twilight from her spell, but at the same moment the magical aura on her horn apparently reached crescendo and erupted in a bright flash of light. 'And now I'm here...' Thought Pegasus. Fluttershy remembered that Twilight Sparkle, her very dear friend was trying to cast a very old spell for 'Locked-Teleportation'. Fluttershy didn't understand fully the whole concept, but apparently it was going to bring her to her home, where Twilight earlier created a 'Marker' which worked as a final destination for the spell. Of course is was far mow complex than that, but Fluttershy didn't got the rest of the explanation. "And what do you think you're doing?" The new voice surprised Fluttershy. She turned around and saw the one who was speaking. And fainted from the combination of the mental stress, shock from the transportation by the spell and from the very intimidating giant figure that was standing not far away. Tomic S. Droil saw too darn many things in his life to be surprised by anything, but three girls appearing on the clearing where he usually was training to keep himself in shape was in the Top Ten instantly. Tomic was old, and very tall man. In his seventy five years of life he was at least as tall as Garp, one of the people in the Marines who he actually respected and had very muscular build. He had grey hair that was cut short and stuck in all directions from under his yellow bandanna, dull-green eyes and short beard just on the end of his chin. He was wearing brown shirt with long sleeves, green shorts and flip-flops. The shirt wasn't buttoned up, so everyone could see his muscular chest, six-pack and a disturbing amount of scars that could be seen almost all over his exposed skin. In his life he was a snot-nosed brat for fifteen years years, a Bounty Hunter for ten and then forty years, the best in his life, he was a Pirate. Right now he was ten years into retirement and that was really driving him up the wall. He didn't die when he crossed Reverse Mountain, he didn't die when the ship he was on almost crashed into a damn gigantic whale when they were riding down from said mountain. Sea King couldn't take him on and live to tell the tale! The Marines couldn't catch him, and he could easily beat a Vice Admiral in one-on-one fight, even if he would come out of it with some scars to remember. Damn his bounty was 200,000,000 Beli! And he was stuck on the small island in the East Blue because he really didn't want to deal with any of the Justice-lapdogs or Bounty Hunters that will surely try to claim his head or bounty respectably. The headache of getting away from them was worse than the boredom of sitting on this island. Kuroki Island was really far from any normal trade roads and didn't have any value for World Government so there really wasn't any point for Marines to come here at all, making the retirement more peaceful and relaxing... ... and dreadfully boring. And apparently Heaves heard his plea and now he was looking at the result of not specifying hi prays. This was not what he wanted to deal with at the moment. He was hoping for some dumb rookie pirate to come and try to throw his weight around or something, even some no-name Bounty Hunter would be better than three snot-nosed *brats***! 'This shit is not gonna fly...' Thought Tomic. First girl was a blond-haired tanned one with Stetson hat on her head. Her hair was long enough to reach her butt, with the part of the end being held together by a red ribbon, while her top was pretty short and sticking a tad bit upward from under her Stetson, two bands were framing her face. She was wearing a white blouse with green on top with a rolled-up sleeves, low-thigh length denim-skirt held up with a brown belt with red apple-shaped buckle. On her feet were brown boots almost reaching her knees with red apples on them. She also three freckles under each eye. 'What the fuck with all the apples?' Thought Tomic. 'Is she some kind of a farmer from apple-orchard? Damn long way she must be from home if the last time I ate a the damn thing was two years ago!' She was actually the most normal of the trio, considering that her tan can be the result of the long time under the sun. The other two took the cake with the cherry on top. Wings. They had fucking *wings***! 'What the hell? They doesn't look like the ones that the citizens of the Skypiea have. And the clothes doesn't match too...' Tomic didn't really wanted to come close, at least not until he could at least be sure that they won't attack right away. It will be really a headache to deal with the mess if they will try to actually fight him. It's not like some snot-nosed brats could take him on or something, but he really wasn't into beating up defenseless girls, not his thing. The first one of the winged couple was also tanned girl but a lighter shade than the cowboy-wannabe one. She also had light pink hair with a butterfly-shaped hairpin in it, that was apparently there only for decoration considering that her long mane with curling ends was as bouffant as it could be. She was wearing a white sleeveless shirt, grin skirt with three butterflies of different colors, pink underskirt which was seen only an inch of, green boots almost reaching her knees and apparently pink socks, that did reach he knees. A pair of butter-yellow wings were sprouting from her back, apparently too small to actually do something other than being a strange addition to the set of strange things about the girl. Maybe her body was lighter than than normal and the wings were able to actually lift her instead of just creating a breeze? Tomic turned to the third girl. 'Yep, this is just peachy...' Tomic really was going to facepalm from this one. The last one was making the first two look like a pieces of grey mass. Her tan was even lighter but still visible even for the naked eye. She was wearing blue knee-hight boots with white bootlaces, multicolored horizontally-striped half-hoses, black skin-tight shorts under vertically wide-striped purple and white skirt. She also had white T-shirt with black collar and with an emblem of the cloud and a red-yellow-blue lightning striking down from it on the chest. Over the T-shirt she was wearing a blue hight-collar jacket with short sleeves. She was also wearing red-yellow-blue wristbands one both hands. What was actually even more outstanding about the girl even than a pair of a very light cerulean wings on her back, was her hair. The damn mop, going down to her butt was like a fucking *rainbow**! It hurt to even *look at the damn thing! There was red, orange, yellow, green, blue and even purple colors in her mane and as much as Tomic could say, they were natural! 'This shit just took the cake! What the fuck with the hair?! Did her mother stood over the pot of gold, dropped her pants and bent over for God's sake?' He got a headache from even looking at the multicolored abomination. Suddenly the pink-haired one stirred. She shakily tried to pull her self up blinking around, apparently unable to focus her eyes properly at the moment. "And what do you think you're doing?" Ask Tomic. Really, what the hell was she doing? Considering how clean their clothes were, the girls were not a from a poor surroundings and the lack of any scarring and altogether flawless skin told Tomic that they apparently didn't have a real fight or done any hard work in their entire lives! Well, the one in Stetson had some muscles at least on her, even if barely visible, but the other two were sticks. The girl turned to him so fast that he thought her neck was going to snap... and fainted. 'Somehow, I'm not surprised.' Thought Tomic and facepalmed. Removing his hand from his face he looked up and if his guess was right, the time that will take to drag this three to his house, check them for wounds, or better make someone check them for any wounds, he will be too late for his morning workout. 'Just great...' He released a heavy sigh. "So, where did you say you found this three?" Asked a young woman with short light-brown hair watching over three sleeping girls. They were put in beds as soon as Tomic turned up at her home and dragged her to look over them. Miako wasn't really impressed with the was the old goat just dropped the three on the floor near the door like some bags. Well, the one in Stetson was in bed, while the rainbow-haired one was sleeping in the hammock and the pink-haired one was resting on the bear-skin that was lying on the floor. 'He really need to learn how to interact with other people who *isn't** made from rocks, at least not their brain.'* She wasn't really angry with the old man, because getting angry with the him is like trying to carve your own skull open: painful and unproductive. So instead she turned her attention on the three poor ladies. Miako wasn't that tall, had light-brown hair and green eyes. She was wearing a black shirt, white jeans and sandals. There was a tattoo of a pink parrot with a matchstick in its beak on her left shoulder. Many asked what does it mean, but she never answered because she really would better keep it a secret. The tattoo meant that she was a saboteur. As a former mercenary she really didn't won't anyone trying to dig up all the dirt that shouldn't see the light of the day any sooner than never, so if someone got too curious she just told them that it was 'Legacy of the Misspent Youth' and it was almost always enough to shut them up. In her line of work she saw many things that really killed her ability to be surprised, but right now she was a close as could be to actually rising eyebrow. For the last five years of her life she worked in a bar saw some colorful characters and when you add the list of them she saw on her job, there really wasn't any type of a person that she didn't met at some point of time. At least till today. The three girls were really something, considering that there was apparently nothing that could link them with any group that she saw in her life. After checking them over for almost an hour and making sure that they were not physically harmed in any way, she tried to get the full story from the old man, but the 'appeared in the bright light' crap he was telling her was really getting on her nerves at the moment. The absolute lack of any physical damage to their body was more than astonishing to her, considering that everyone over time accumulation some amount of little scars from day-to-day life, this three were absolutely clean, like they were born just today! This was an impossibility. The only other thing she could think of is that one of them had the ability of a Akuma no Mi(Devil Fruit) that could heal. 'Naoru-Naoru no Mi(Heal-Heal Fruit) maybe?' She thought. She wasn't a Doctor, but she was far better than Tomic in that department. His First-Aid skill were limited to Spit-on-the-wound-to-make-it-better, which really wasn't some he should be proud of! But, what can you ask from a man who consider a damn sword stuck in hid guts a little scratch? He couldn't take care of a paper cut because it wasn't worth be concerned about in his eyes, but for vanilla mortals a large gash on their arm was far more than a paper cut. Also he called her because she was one of not so many people who can tolerate him, knew of his past and won't spill the bean if asked what the hermit wanted. Well, he wasn't really a hermit, just not very sociable. Tomic wasn't able to answer because one of the girls, the one with blond hair, stirred. 'At last *some** questions could be answered.'* Thought Miako. The girl blinked awake, her eyes were sap-green color, and looked around. When she Miako, her eyes widened. "What the Hay are you?!" She blurred out. 'Okay... This was an... unique way of questioning someone's name. And what with the 'Hay'?' Thought Miako. 'Better calm her down, until old goat will try to do it himself, and *that** is not something anyone will want in this situation.'*. Putting on her friendliest smile she answered. "Hello, my name is Miako and I'm the one that was taking care of you while you were unconscious." She said. Applejack woke up feeling as if she was bucking apples for three day straight without any rest. The soreness of her body was familiar, but too strong to be normal. She really wanted to just fall back asleep right now, but the strange feeling that she should be worried about something just would let her. Opening her eyes she saw a wooden celling. Not her room's celling. This instantly brought her to full awareness and apparently triggered the memories that were making her worry. She was with Rainbow Dash, who was carrying her to Twilight because she sprained her left front leg and couldn't run fast enough and they both wanted to see what new Spell Twili wanted to demonstrate them. Apparently it was something fantastic and really cool, but they were still late and that wasn't good in Applejack's book. When they were nearing the meadow where the others were, something completely unexpected happened, a bird crashed into Rainbow's face. She was distracted by their talk and didn't see the little thing, and when she lost her balance they dove into half-controlled fall with the damn bird apparently trying to take one of Dash's eyes with it as a trophy. Between holding holding Applejack and trying not to permanently loose eyesight Rainbow could control her fall very well and they crash right into Fluttershy. Then there was a flash of light and then darkness. Well, at least something good apparently came up from the whole ordeal, her leg didn't hurt at all. Maybe they got a doctor to look at it? But the problem was that the celling that she was seeing right now wasn't even Hospital's or her room's, just an unfamiliar set planks. The bed on which she was lying was soft but no very comfortable and a bit bumpy like it was made not for her. She turned to the left and saw a simple bookcase with some book in it, but mostly some random staff, half of witch she didn't even know the origin of. next was a weird chair that looked like someone just cut of a piece of a giant tree and cut recess in it to sit in and it was really big one to boot. Whoever was the owned of this place was the size of a teen-dragon at least! In-front of an improvised chair there was a table that at least looked normal but a good tad bigger than normal by Pony-standards. Applejack turned to look at the right and almost choked. Standing near the bed on which she was lying was... She really didn't know what it was, but it was there! It had some light-brown mane on top of its head, two green eyes and no fur except for mentioned mane. Its muzzle was a bit like monkey's with the nose more straight and lips more pronounced. There was some clothes on her: black shirt and black... whatever was covering her legs. She had... claws, but now like Spike, Twilight's loyal assistant, but more... fleshy for the lack of better word, with just a little bone-like... scales, one on the tip of each claw. "What the Hay are you?!" Maybe Applejack could be a bit less rude, but the shock from the whole set of events was too much for the mare. It smiled at her, she could make out a pair of sharp canines, meaning that whatever it was, it wasn't herbivore. "Hello, my name is Miako and I'm the one that was taking care of you while you were unconscious." It said in a very feminine voice. Applejack was really glad at the moment that the... female let her rude behavior slide. Well, at least she could answer with her own name to be polite. "Em, my name Applejack and sorry for being rude." She sounded like Fluttershy right now. 'Oh no! Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash!' She almost forgot about her friends! As if hearing her thoughts the female said. "Your friends are alright, they are resting too right now." 'At least some good news.' Thought Applejack and then looked at her hoof, that was sprained to make sure it was alright. She blinked. Then blinked again. And then she screamed. Miako really couldn't decide which diagnose is better: insanity or brain-damage? Their guest, Applejack, was apparently a... Pony. There was something really funny about the whole situation, but Miako just could pinpoint what exactly. After making sure that Applejack stopped screaming blue-murder and trying to bite her fingers off, she helped her to the table and made some tea. 'This is just going to be one big mess, I *know** it.'* Thought Miako. Applejacks whole tale took at least an hour and a half and made Miako question girl's sanity more times than not. Either the girl was nuts, or someone screw her over with some kind of brainwashing. There was just no way that what she was telling was true. A whole country full of ponies? That was just plain ridiculous. If there was such a land and apparently the island wasn't even small by any definition of the word, than at least some information must be available about it. There was some things that were possible, considering even the sheer craziness of the Grand Line and some which were just impossible because they just didn't make sense! Earth-Ponies that apparently were the closest thing to normal ponies that Miako saw in her life, were powered by passive Magic that made them stronger and faster than any other Pony. Alright, putting the whole 'World-of-Ponies' aside, the Magic actually existed. Magic, as in children's books, like the real Magic that made something happen without the help of any outside factor beside itself. Miako had to use every ounce of her willpower to keep the blank face, or she would've been rolling on the ground a laughing her ass of. But it even wasn't the end! Pegasuses were apparently able to walk on clouds, and she was talking about normal clouds and now the ones from Sky Island, manipulate weather to a certain extent and even create natural phenomenons. The idea of someone actually manufacturing a rainbow in a liquid form was just too much and Miako had to stiff a giggle that threated to escape her mouth and cover it with teacup. And finally Unicorns were a reality bending magicians. Miako's brain actually went into reboot from the sheer pressure of the desire to laugh. The fits of Magic that Applejack described to her were some of the most insane that Miako actually heard in her life. Teleportation? Transmutation? Name it! There was also a Higher Breed, so to say, Alicorns, who were a mix of the other three types with all the bonuses and big power-boost. Also they were somewhat bigger than normal Ponies and counted only in two. Princess Celestia, the one that was responsible to rise the sun, and Princess Luna, who logically was responsible for moon's movements. The society wasn't better. Apparently it was a big fluffy pacifistic Paradise with such minor conflicts that it wasn't even worth mentioning. The only noteworthy events were the incident with on the the co-rulers of the country, the 'Princess of the Moon' going bonkers because no-one wanted to be awake at night to see her moon and stars, so throwing what can only be described as a 'Royal Temper-Tantrum' she turned 'Evil' and was sent to the moon. Well, considering that she wanted to make it so the night would last forever and therefor commit a genocide, because most of the plants can't grow without sunlight, she was considerably less intimidating than, say, one of the Shichibukai. The Government's lapdog would've teared the Villain-Wannabe apart without as much as a scratch. If the World Government was threated with such a thing as making a half of the world suffer such a fate, they would probably send an Admiral to deal with the Princess. Nightmare Moon who? Kizaru would have been the most appropriate for the job, and considering that he's like a charging bull with little to none tolerance to bullshit, the Pony would have been ashes faster than she could blink. Then there was Discord. Something called Draconequus, who had 'the head of a pony and a body of all sorts of other things', which actually made him as some kind of a poorly made chimera with creator being drunk or high most of the time of actual creating. But what Applejack said about his powers actually sounded interesting. The so-called 'Spirit of Disharmony' had a god-like power over reality and with some proper motivation he could actually conquer the world, but the love for pathetic jokes and general lack in intelligence department actually made him more of a joke than a real threat. Even the 'Dark Age' where he ruled over the Equestria, the country of Ponies, was more of him screwing everything over for shit and giggles without any actual harm being done. Sooner or later he would just get bored and leave to find some new entertainment. But the most interesting part from Applejack tale was the 'Elements of Harmony', which apparently did nothing. Well, not nothing per se, but the only thing that they could do was to shoot big-ass rainbow at the enemy, which didn't harm a 'Good' person, and fix and 'Evil' one. Apparently the whole idea was about the fact that everyone deserves a Second Chance, and there is some good in everyone, but that was so naive, that Miako actually thought that it was a joke. The Elements were restoring 'Order' and considering that the only one that actually was harmed by them was Discord because of him being a 'Disorder' in flesh, and the only thing they've done was lock the twerp in stone! Why not kill the bugger if he's so much of a threat? Well, apparently killing was Evil and wasn't something this Ponies actually even considered as a possible solution. From what Applejack told her, there was six Ponies that used the Elements and she was one herself. Magic was apparently the Element that united the others into rainbow-canon, The Element symbolized the 'Magic of Friendship', which signified the power they obtained from gaining the better understanding of friendship and strengthening the bond between each-other. The whole concept was ridiculously naive to the point of stupidity and held absolutely no weight in a real fight, considering that any normal person will just kill them while they will be charging they rainbow-canon. Honesty was Applejacks Element and was more or less straightforward, all about being truthful and honest to others and making so all the truth you tell will sound believable. Well, at least Miako now knew why Applejack was so talkative. Kindness was Fluttershy's, the pink-haired girl's Element, what actually just meant that she was all-forgiving and basically spineless. The little piece of information that she did something called 'Stare' was actually made Miako remember one of Tomic's rumbles about Haki. Question for later. Laughter was basically the ability to be a joker and make everyone laugh and be the heart of the company. Generosity was the ability to give something without wanting something in return, basically being a tool. Loyalty was actually more or less self-explained. As a whole they will probably explode from overload if ever come into contact with the atmosphere of the Grand Line, considering that the whole place one big disorder. The whole thing had a pretty big charging time and someone with even one braincell will see that by killing even one of the users while they are defenseless would be the most logical way to defeat them. Without all six of them the Elements are useless and so the rainbow-canon won't fire. Pretty useless thing in a real world. Than Applejack told her about some of their adventures, if they could be called such. Miako actually pretty much tunned the girl out. The only way such an island could exist if it was in Calm Belt, which would explain the whole weather-managing thing. But then again, some thing just didn't make sense! What the hell with the 'rising' moon and sun by two Princesses? This just took the cake! The sheer power to move the celestial bodies was insane, and Applejack actually talked about it with straight face. Miako could read people with ease and the girl was absolutely sure that she was telling the truth. The place was so soft, spineless and toothless that if even the most weak pirate crew will land their, they will create a new level of 'Evil' by just not caring about actually killing the Ponies off. The Magic won't save anyone from the bullet to the head if you don't know that it is coming. "This... is the most insane thing I ever heard, but somehow the sheer detail in which you are telling me it make me actually believe you." Sighed Miako. Suddenly she heard a scream and a sound of something hitting the floor. "Apparently your friends are awake, lets calm them down before they will try to fly away." 'This is getting even more ridiculous as the time pass. Good thing that I sent Tomic to the city so he would buy something to eat.' She thought. Tomic was walking through the main street of the village searching for the stand with vegetables that he was asked to get. Considering that his skill as a cook were barely enough to cook something that was running or swimming around before he killed it, he was really wasn't in a position to argue. Also, he wasn't going to be the one who will give the brats an explanation about their current whereabouts, and a short walk was far better than a headache of babysitting three annoying twerps that would probably cry because of broken nail. There was a lot of things that the old pirate was sure about, and one of them was that he was in no way or form a children-person. The snot-nosed brats were always complained about everything and there was a big possibility of him just knocking them out to shut the whining out. Something that Miako was against, telling him that he was too harsh about the whole thing. 'Ha, as if!' Thought Tomic. He wouldn't even hit them that hard, a love-tap at best, there is no reason to worry! And if his gut-feeling was right, he'll get plenty of reasons to knock some sense into the three princesses' heads, he even smiled at the thought. And with this cheerful thought he neared the stand with the best vegetables in the village. Being more of an eat-on-foot type of a person, he just bought what Miako asked him to without bothering to think what was going to be made from it, he really wasn't one to question free service, and Miako's cooking was pretty good. After paying for the food, he turned around and walked home. The road to his home was through the thick forest which was apparently full of some nasty buggers who really liked to annoy him. One time some dumb bear tried to eat him, not the smartest thing to do, its skin right now was doing good work as a carpet. Suddenly Tomic heard growling from the left. 'Brave puppies.' He thought with a smirk. The wolfs were pretty dumb and never actually learned their lesson. He detected their presence about half-an-hour ago and didn't know if they were going to actually attack or the point that attacking him was a bad idea actually reached their brains at last. Suddenly, one wolf jumped from the bushes, aiming to rip former pirate's throat out. Without even flinching Tomic rose his hand and backhanded the animal in the side of its head fast enough to send it flying back to the bushes. 'Not even a warm-up.' Sighed Tomic. Two more jumped from behind the trees to his right, but he just leaned back without even slowing down and they flew over his chest. Swatting them aside with his left hand without even releasing the bag of groceries, Tomic yawned. This was getting boring fast. Without breaking his stride he jumped over one wolf who tried to bite-tackle his left ankle and landed on the animal's head, burrowing its snot in the ground and knocking its lights out. "And that's all that was there..." Smirked Tomic and without a care in the world started walking forward. Miako long ago found out the most of the plans never survived past starting point, so she really wasn't surprised when she had to calm down the other two girls. The multicolor-haired one was flying in circles and trying to look herself over, while the pink-haired one was... out cold. Again. 'How the Hell can anyone be *this** meek?'* Thought Miako. After calming down the other two, and two well-placed chops on the head of Rainbow Dash to make her calm down, Miako set them at the table with Applejack to make sure that either they were all insane or suffering from some form of mass-hysteria. Well, at least she was able to compare their characters while trying to get some answers. Applejack was straight-forward and a tad bit simple person, who clearly appreciated her friends. From her tale Miako could see that she was a brave and hard-working person.and one of the more mature of the trio, even with some headstrong moments. Rainbow Dash was a boasting, brash, self-confident and sometimes lazy immature child with big ego. But at the same time she was a loyal fried with big heart that never will abandon her friends. Flutter shy was a timid thing who was afraid of her own shadow and Miako had to strain her ears to ever hear the shy girl was actually saying something. Apparently she was very kind but a tad bit of a soft for any type of a confrontation. Right now they were all siting around the table, drinking tea and talking, while Miako was filling them in on the location they were in. 'I really hope that Tomic will come back soon.' Thought the former mercenary. Applejack was sitting and looking in her cup of tea. Human, that was the term to describe what she was turned into. It was quiet a shock for a cowpony to woke in the unfamiliar bipedal body that felt so much like her own. Well, at least she kept her eyes and mane, some reminder of whom she was. She looked at her finders on the left arm and flexed them. Controlling them was apparently easier than she thought and took her only about half-an-hour to get the idea of how to grab things with them and how to properly move them to operate the objects around her. Well, they actually were pretty neat, considering how flexible and agile they were. 'Twili would probably have an episode and give her leg to just *study** them,'* She thought. Walking was another thing that came quiet fast to her, considering that her new body apparently had a new balance all worked out but itself. Strange, but you didn't question a blessing when you're given one. Yes, she fell down several time, but the... woman, Miako helped her to the table and gave her a warm cup of tea to calm her nerves. Tea was strange and with unfamiliar taste, but actually not that bad and helped in calming down. Next thing Applejack knew was that Miako questioned the place where she came from. Seeing that the woman not only helped her and her friends, but even took it upon herself to insure that they were properly treated and actually shared food, Applejack didn't have anything about telling her about Equestria. Truthfully, Applejack was mostly was telling everything on reflex, while her mind wondered back to her home. Apple Bloom, her little sister. Granny Smith, her grandmother that had more fire in her than some young mares. Big McIntosh, or Big Mac as all his friends and family called him, her older brother who wasn't much for a talk but always was a good listener. How was her family doing? By Miako's words they were out cold for several hours and Twilight would've already told her family about the incident. Were they worried? Were they looking for her? Applejack was always making sure that everything on the farm was going alright, because it was her life, her home and her destiny according to her Cutie Mark. What about her friends? Twilight was probably running around library trying to find anything that could help her to find them. Applejack wasn't a specialist in Magic, far from it, but she understood that countering an accident and returning them home may take some time, if that is even possible in the first place. But she had faith in Twilight, and if there was a way to get them back home, she will find it no matter what. Spike would be assisting Twilight in everything, being the little loyal friend that he was. Rarity will probably help with searching trough the huge amount of books, and keep her appearance regal and clean as always. This thought actually brought smile on Applejack's face. Pinkie Pie will run around, helping and getting ready to throw a 'Welcome-Back-After-Teleportation-Mishap'-party in their face, or probably coming up with the idea of various adventures that the trio could participate in. Pink party-Pony was all about being an unpredictable force of pure fun and joy, that brought smiles upon faces of the people around her. And now, after Miako filled her on the place that they apparently was in, Applejack didn't even know if returning home was a possibility, considering how much she was currently at odds with the world they were in. If compared to Equestria, this place was Tartarus or even worse. First was the fact that the weather here was a natural phenomenon that wasn't controlled by anyone only a very skilled Navigators could slightly predict it, but nothing more. The fact that no-one was controlling the sun and the moon was another concept that Applejack had to swallow because because she was pretty sure that if no-one heard of Princess Celestia or Princess Luna, then they were either an unknown in the big wide world, or they simply didn't exist here. The geography here wasn't better, because there wasn't even any big land here, just a bunch of islands that were scattered around the waters. This world was separated into several Oceans. First was East Blue, the one in which they were currently in, also known as the weakest of the seas. This actually confused Applejack until she was told the reason for the title. Any pirate that was considered tough in this sea was actually not even average by the standards of other seas. East Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border called the Red Line. Next was West Blue, about which Miako knew not so much, just that some important person originated from there. West Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border with the Red Line. Also, in that ocean was the legendary island Ohara, that had the Tree of Knowledge, a 5,000 year old gigantic library tree surrounded by houses. Applejack could easily compare it to Golden Oak Library, but far bigger. Twili would have fainted while foaming from the mouth from the sole idea that the place like that exists! And then she would gone on a rampage when someone will mention that it was destroyed without any real reason. North Blue was also not well known about, but only because Miako never actually visited it. North Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border with the Red Line. To this date, the storyline has not said much about the North Blue. One of the most famous stories from the North Blue is the tale of Montblanc Noland, an explorer from Lvneel. Over 400 years ago, Noland left to explore the Grand Line, traveling many places from Vira to Jaya. Upon his return home, he lied to everyone about his journey to Jaya and seeing the City of Gold. The King heard about the City of Gold and asked Noland to take him there. Noland tricked the King into going to Jaya only to find the City of Gold was not there. Upon his return, the king sentenced Noland to death and he was executed, his last words being: "That's it! The city of gold must have sunk into the sea!" Applejack actually gulped from the last part. There was something strange about this tale, but the fact that a person was executed made her shudder. She understood the concept of death and that everyone will die in the end, but considering how easy Miako told about it made her sick a little. Life was precious and killing was never an answer to any problem. What about compassion and mercy? Were this concepts so alien here that no one actually thought about just giving Noland a chance to explain his actions and maybe some punishment even was in order if it was just a one big prank, but a murder? No, never. Princess Celestia would have make sure that Noland learned his lesson and... But the King in the story wasn't Princess Celestia. It hit her like a rock to the head. All this time she was trying to apply her logic to the place that had absolutely different values and believes, but here it was different. When at home some things could be solved by understanding and talking, here people spilled blood to make their point clear. In Equestria death was a tragic event, here it was a very real and familiar for everyone occurrence. Applejack took a deep breath and kept listening, no-matter how sick some of the moment of the story were making her. South Blue was also not a very popular sea without any valuable information about it. South Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border with the Red Line. At least there wasn't any life-shattering thing from this one. Next part actually surprised Applejack. Red Line, a long continent that stretches across the entire world, from North to South. While the continent appears impossible for any boat wishing to cross between the seas or to certain sections of the Grand Line, there are certain pass points at which a ship can cross between the Blues: up and down the waterways across Reverse Mountain, typically used to enter the Grand Line by pirates, by gaining Government's permission from the Holy Government Land of Mariejois, or by submerging into Fishman Island which is placed around a hole that links directly between Paradise and the New World]. The Red Line is like a group of islands connected together. The Red Line that crosses the Grand Line has its own Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall 'Islands'. The Red Line bears the World Capital, Mariejois, and is said to be 10,000 meters deep from ocean level to Fishman Island, and at the same time is high enough above sea level to be considered impassible, and is indestructible, meaning that no one can pass over it or under it without using either of the entrances. The sheer idea of something that colossal actually existing made Applejack go blank for several moments. The titanic mountain that actually separated world in two pieces was something that was far from normal in her opinion. There was just nothing to compare it with in Equestria, there just wasn't something so fundamental and colossal that not everyone will dare to challenge it. Her shock was short because apparently Miako wasn't finished in the slightest. Calm Belts are two areas that are just north and south of the Grand Line. These areas almost never have ocean currents or winds blowing, and are also nesting grounds for Sea Kings. They are very effective barriers for those trying to enter the Grand Line. The only notable place on them is the Great Gaol, Impel Down, is built in the middle of the Calm Belt, upon the seafloor. Because of the heavy security and Sea Kings, it is almost impossible to break in or out of it. Apparently Sea Kings are sea creatures which are generally much larger than normal sea creatures. They are found in great numbers along the Calm Belt around the Grand Line, although in rare occasions they can be found in other places throughout the world. They consist of radically different physiques and builds, so unique that no two individual Sea Kings have been recorded as being of similar build. They are serpent-like in appearance. Some may have arms and legs and one particular Sea King even was noted to look like an over-sized frog. Despite this, they are normally different enough to be determined from other types of sea monsters. Miako didn't know much about them because the most logical thing to do was either flee or kill it, because they wouldn't pass the opportunity to eat you. Grand Line, the ocean current that is surrounded by the Calm Belts and follows an imaginary line that runs from north-west to south-east across the middle of the world and perpendicular to the Red Line. These two lines divide the rest of the Blue Sea into the Blues: North Blue, East Blue, West Blue, and South Blue. This stretch of ocean is said to be the most dangerous place in the world, and is commonly referred to as the 'Pirates' Graveyard' by people from the four Blues because of this reputation, but referred to as Paradise for those few who make it to the second half, showing it is all relative. Despite the reputation of the Grand Line being dangerous and chaotic, many normal people manage a living on individual islands regardless, having adapted to their home land. This indicates that it is actually traveling within the Line itself that is dangerous, as it virtually guarantees facing unpredictable climates and dangerous wildlife. However, there are also several islands, or portions of the islands, which are considered dangerous in their own right, and thus, they are either uninhabited, or the citizens have taken precaution to the threat. The Grand Line is divided by the Red Line into two halves. The first half, stretching from Reverse Mountain to the polar opposite point of the Red Line, is known as Paradise. The second half, which starts beyond the second Red Line point to the backside of Reverse Mountain, is known as the New World. Applejack had to remind herself that she needed air to actually live, because this part of the explanation was more or less the most terrifying experience in her life, and she face a real life dragon! She even missed the other part of the explanation Miako was giving. The thought about an ocean that was more like a raging beast that feasted on poor souls that either were dumb or brave enough to step right into it's mouth. Right now she understood just how much of a 'Safe Heavens' Equestria really was. The monsters that could swallow the whole ship and were by far more dangerous than any Dragon she could've imagine were by far not the scariest part here. She could die. Easily. Just like that. Applejack never felt her mortality as much as now. In Equestria she always felt something that was telling her that everything was going to be alright, and that she shouldn't worry about dieing. No matter how close she and her friends cam to the edge, they always pulled through, and not once did she or anyone else looked back and wondered how are they even alive. But right now, the feeling was gone, the calmness that was provided by it was also gone and Applejack felt all the fear and uncertainty that was there. And then she looked at her friends. Fluttershy was looking between her and Rainbow, who was in her own turn sharing glances with other two girls. Fluttershy was terrified. Pure and simple. The world was breaking down right in-front of her and she didn't know what to do. She was almost catatonic from the decription of the world in which they found themselves in. Killing. Someone in this world could actually kill without remorse. The thought alone made the poor girl shake from terror. How? How? How? How could someone take someone else's life like that? It wasn't right! Fluttershy was very happy with her life and didn't want anything to change. But then Twilight came and shy Pegasus' life turned upside-down. Evil Divinities. Dragons. Chaotic Gods. Everything was changing so fast that Fluttershy just couldn't handle it. After the whole mess with Iron Will, she actually took a couple of books and read them to find out why she was so aggressive and rude when the only thing she wanted was to be a bit more confident. She now knew. For years she suppressed all her negative emotions, making them go away to always stay kind and friendly. She had no one to help her slowly and naturally develop emotionally, grow a backbone, so to speak. She never showed her annoyance, anger or any other form of negativity towards others. And Iron Will brought it all out in one go. She couldn't control herself. She didn't know how to work with the new and unfamiliar feelings that made her feel strong, confident, unbeatable. She lost control. But right now something was different. She could feel it, that little fire inside herself that almost burned her that one time, now was stronger, warmer and wasn't as distant as before. It wasn't on the same scale as the roaring flames that Iron Will brought out, but not a little spark that was earlier. She didn't know the reason for it, but even then she was glad that she still had hope to be as strong as the others. She didn't like being left behind, even when her fear actually rooted her to the spot, she still wanted to do something, but just couldn't overpower herself. Why couldn't she brought out the same fire as others did? She was worried about her animal-friends, but also she knew that Twilight won't leave them and was quiet capable of taking care of them. She knew that they will be alright. Something was telling her that they will be fine and that she doesn't need to worry. Her friends will be alright, and she will see them again. Yes, she was worried, but she wasn't a usual wreck that would need to be picked up piece by piece to actually force her to think. Right now she felt her worries were there but not as pronounced as before, not so overpowering loud. They didn't become less sever, but there wasn't that... persistent as before and didn't cloud her mind. She felt... lighter right now than for a long time in her life. She listened to what Miako was telling them and tried to memorize every important fact. Sea Clouds, large water-like clouds. They form seas in the sky. One can almost sail on it as if it were water except that Sea Clouds are slightly less dense than water, and as such, things that are drop into it will sink faster than in normal water. Another difference of seas made of Sea Clouds from seas made of water is that there is no sea floor. They reminded Fluttershy of Cloudsdale, with the obvious exception being the fact that everyone could sail on them, even on the normal ships without any Magic. This was an absurd concept for her, considering that even if she wasn't a specialist like Rainbow Dash, she was quiet knowledgeable about Weather-Magic and knew how the system worked as a whole, so the sheer impossibility of the whole concept made her... curious? That was... unexpected. The first time in her life she... She wanted to go somewhere where there was a possibility of danger! She didn't know what the feeling rising in her chest was, but the little fire inside her was burning brighter than before. White Sea, the lower part of sky ocean, located 7000 meters above the Blue Sea, comprised of Sea Cloud. It also had strange, rubbery clouds that bounce objects off of them and can be used as trampolines for those who are creative. Fluttershy actually smiled, even a little but still a little smile made its way to her face. A sea, a whole sea up there, in the skies. Right now she didn't feel the same fear as in her childhood, right now there was like something was bubbling inside her, not strong and not even that noticeable, but for Fluttershy who never felt anything like that it was deafening roar. The White-White Sea is the upper part of sky ocean. It is located 10,000 meters above the Blues Sea. Skypiea, among other sky islands is located here. It really was like Cloudsdale, but now not only Pegasuses could walk there and not fall down. She... She didn't know what to think about the whole thing, but right now she really didn't care. Closing her eyes, Fluttershy took a deep breath and looked at her friends. Applejack had the same eyes that she had when they were facing Discord. Rainbow Dash was sitting on her chair and trying to ignore a really painful bump on her head, Miako's 'encouragement' to be calm and quiet. Well, she hoped that she at least could get something to eat soon, tea was pretty good, even if she won't openly admit it, but nothing would replace a good old full-belly meal. After waking up, having a panic-attack, getting hit in the head and then given a very 'Egghead' lecture, she really didn't care anymore. So what if they were now humans? She still had her wings and they still were friends, so there really wasn't anything to worry about at the moment. She was still Rainbow Dash, the most awesome flier in Equestria, and the addition of fingers that apparently were far more useful than they appear to be in the beginning, just make her more awesome! She was the same inside, so why it mattered so much what was changed on the outside? The whole incident with Zecora and Poison Joke taught Rainbow a good lesson... and probably gave her a concussion from all the collisions she had with other Ponies and objects. They will get through this, get to the end of this awesome adventure and then remember it with smiles on their faces. Dash was sure that they will get through this whole mess, she will make sure of it. Rainbow knew, that she wasn't a Leader material, this was Twilight's thing, but that didn't mean that she could take actions when it was needed. She was good at what she did, and that was supporting her friends through thick and thin, through fire, ice and copper pipes! She didn't know why, but at the moment it was eve more clear to her, that she must protect her friends and stand tall right beside them. It's like some fog was removed from her mind that was making it harder to concentrate on her goal. For the first time she saw all of her friends for what they were, a family. 'How could I miss it?' She thought. 'It was obvious from the beginning but out of my reach for some reason, right on the tip of my tongue.' Her frustration with herself grew. 'I'm a dumb featherbrain and a bad friend if I couldn't see it.' Right now and right here she made a silent oath to never abandon her friends, no matter what. And it never felt more fitting in her mind. But something from Miako's speech actually interested Rainbow Dash. World Government, a political organization comprised of the majority of the world at large and ruled by the Gorosei. It was established 800 years ago. The Marines serve as their primary military organization, headed by the Fleet Admiral, while the Cipher Pol operate behind the scenes, either through sabotage, reconnaissance, spying, espionage and/or assassination; their most powerful enemies are largely pirates and revolutionaries. The Commander-in-Chief oversees both the Marines and Cipher Pol as well as the Shichibukai, at least officially, and is second only to the Gorosei. Impel Down serves as the World Government's maximum-security prison. The World Government is largely a corrupt entity, particularly through the pitiless use of their Absolute Justice doctrine and the depravity of their aristocratic World Nobles. Dash was having a hard time actually comprehending such a big revelation. She never was into any form of politics, but this one took the cake. A global political system that made the point of making the itself look good. Dash wasn't dumb, no matter what anyone thought, and the whole thing smelled bad for her. A whole devision the had a clock-and-dagger approach? Like hell this was right! Gorosei, the heads of the World Government, and as such, they essentially rule the entire world. They are the five men who rule above the Marines, Cipher Pol, and the ones who made a pact with the Shichibukai. From what Miako said, it was a bunch of old farts that only care about the image of their organization and not about the real status of things. This left bad taste in Dash's mouth. Marines, World Government's military sea force, tasked with law enforcement, international security and military operations. The Marines are one of the three great powers, alongside the Shichibukai and the Yonko. They are present in all the seas around the world, as evidenced by their branch offices. The focus of the plurality of their assets is on the far more dangerous Grand Line, as their main headquarters, Marineford, is located there. So, basically they were an army in Dash's opinion, just a glorified army and nothing more. You can call rock a banana, but it won't make it a banana. Cipher Pol is a series of World Government organizations. Miako had a run in with them and could only tell that they were scum and nothing more that didn't care about anything that crossed their pass as long as they will be able to finish their mission. Dash really didn't like the idea of some 'spy-in-the-clock' having a clean shot at her right though someone else. Considering that they would probably consider all other a collateral damage went without saying. Shichibukai, the full title being Royal Shichibukai, are seven, though this number could fluctuate, powerful and notorious pirates who have allied themselves with the World Government. The Shichibukai is an organization of seven pirates turned privateers in the service of the World Government. Although they work for the World Government, the Shichibukai themselves do not care about or respect the Government or even other Shichibukai, and are often considered by the Marines to be no different from any other pirate. On the other hand, they are known as 'government dogs' and are despised by other pirates, but are still feared and respected for their infamous reputation and strength which they gained before, and even after they become Shichibukai. Dash couldn't place her... finger on it, but something here sounded really wrong. The more she heard about local authorities, the less hope for them she had. Considering some thing that she was informed of, they were sometimes even worse than pirates. Yonko, the four most notorious and most powerful pirate captains in the world, by the World Government, but are neither allies nor enemies of one another, preferring to remain autonomous under most circumstances. These four individually reside within the second half of the Grand Line known as the New World, exerting impressive influence/control over dozens of other pirate crews and self-governing islands. Dash was more than impressed. Someone who could claim an independence through sheer might? This was astonishing, considering that there was literally a whole world against them, and they still stand tall and proud. Pirate is anyone who raises a Jolly Roger, whether they commit an act of piracy or not. This is not, however, usually enough to give anyone a bounty, but is enough to be arrested by the Marines. Unofficially there are two types of pirates. First type is Peace Main: a pirate who goes on adventures and does not really care about amassing treasure or fighting other pirates. That is not to say that they will not steal treasure from others if it is there and the chance is open, but their primary goal is usually not to own it and greed is generally not their motivation. More often than not, a peace main pirate sees his or her own crew as their most valuable treasure. Second type is Morganeer: they fight for treasure and personal ambition. They are greedy and love to fight just to cause other people pain and misery. Dash actually was interested in the first one. From how Miako described them, she could get the whole description in one word: Dreamers. They were chasing their dreams over the world, not caring about any rules or limitations, flaring their symbol for all to see and fighting for their freedom. A bit like Daring Doo actually, if Dash was right. It was like a dream-come-true! Traveling, seeking adventures and finding treasures, fighting bad guys and scaring with the loot from the beaten enemies! 'The never-ending adventure...' The thought appeared in Rainbow Dash's had faster than she could comprehend it. 'It sound... actually pretty neat!' She looked at Applejack and Fluttershy. Meanwhile, in Equestria, in the Golden Oak Library, hidden inside the book, the Elements of Harmony, more specifically Kindness, Honesty and Loyalty, started to pulsate ominously with acid-yellow color, but no one was there to see it. "You know, Miako, you could have been a bit less informative and give them a short version." Said a rough voice from behind the trio of girls. Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy turned around to see a literally gigantic figure towering over them, they could only gape. "It was you who asked me to fully answer all of their question, sorry for being good at what I do." Answered Miako without missing a bit. "Too true." Said the man, as walked over to the biggest chair and sit down. "Well, brats, I think an introduction is in order." His smile wasn't what anyone could call even remotely friendly. After finishing the introduction, they had dinner and the girls were sent to bed, so they could fully rest from the very stressed day. Dinner by itself was kind of a funny event, considering that Miako had to teach girls how to eat using your hands and all the little things about actually eating like a human. The last part came up when Applejack tried to eat salad... with her mouth. Well at least Tomic was laughing his ass off from the whole ordeal. Girls found out that no matter how hard they tried, they just couldn't get really angry at the old man. He was rude, blunt and didn't even know what the word 'tact' meant, and apparently made it his goal in life to point any possible way of Dash getting her hair color, so of the ideas were actually pretty funny in Applejack opinion, even Fluttershy couldn't hide a little smile. While Miako was berating Tomic for his antics, girls tasted their first food in the new place. And it was actually pretty good! A simple salad, some stewed vegetables and some juice for the girls and they were full. Good thing that Miako signaled Tomic that girls were apparently a hard-core vegetarians, so he won't accidentally drop a bomb on them. She really wasn't looking forward to explaining them that humans are omnivores. Tomic was sitting near the entrance of his house and smoking a pipe. It was a rare occasion that he used it, because it meant that he was deep in thoughts. His house was pretty simple, a two story wooden cottage without any fancy decorations or additions, just a box with door, windows and a roof. "So, why did you ask me to answer all their questions and basically interrogate them in a soft form?" Asked Miako, as she joined him near the door with a bottle of Sake in hand. Tomic released a cloud of smoke. "Were they telling the truth?" He grunted. "Hard to say, but at least they believed in what they were telling." Answered Miako and took a sip from the bottle. "So, you're not sure?" Asked Tomic while rising his left eyebrow. "Nope, they were basically telling the same thing, so either they a professionals that could pulled one over me, or they are insane." She answered with a shrug. "You didn't even considered that they are telling the truth?" This time he actually turned to look at her. "... Are you serious? Talking Ponies?" She chuckled. "Their madness could be contagious apparently." After a minute of silence, she still could feel Tomic's gaze on her. "Alright." She sighed. "No, I don't believe that their story is true, and they didn't even eat Akuma no Mi, considering how freely touched the forks and knives made from Kairoseki." Kairoseki is a naturally occurring, though apparently rare, substance that can cancel out Devil Fruit powers and weaken Akuma no Mi users. "Why do you even own them?" "Hm, so you didn't believe a word they said..." Muttered Tomic looking in the forest again. "... You are going to ignore my question, aren't you?" Mumbled Miako before facepalming with a free hand. And again they were silent. "I believe them." Grunted Tomic. "... Really?" Asked Miako almost choking on her Sake. "Yep, because they tale is so insane it could actually be true! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!" He laughed. "... You're insane." Mutered Miako with a tired voice, but a small smile appeared on her face.
What Awaits Ahead...Fluttershy was having a wonderful time. She was sitting on the big blanket with her animal-friends and they were having a tea-party. She was sitting on her checkered tablecloths, near her was a purple set for tea parties, with green pot for sugar and a medium basket full of apples from Sweet Apple Acres given to her by Applejack as a present. Around her were her animal-friends and each of them was having a good time, each of them was smiling. Mr.Bear was having a slice of bread with mead. Angel, her pet bunny was chewing on apples from the basket, a bit too much for him, but Fluttershy could pass it of this time. Mr.Ferret was having a cup of tea. Ms.Chipmunk and Ms.Squirrel were eating a toast with blueberry jam. Fluttershy herself was having a glass of milk. Everything was just so... peaceful and wonderful. She just wanted to be here and do nothing but savor the feeling of this idyll. There wasn't a cloud on the sky, it was probably due to Rainbow Dash, her skills in Weather-Magic were unparalleled in Ponyville. Maybe... Maybe Fluttershy should try it too? "**n*****..." The small breeze brought a whisper. Fluttershy looked around. 'What was that?' She looked at her friends, but they apparently were obvious to the voice. 'I could *swear** that I heard something.'* She looked around again. The voice... She didn't like it at all. There was something about it, something familiar, but at the same time it sounded... wrong for some reason. It wasn't... Fluttershy struggled to find the right word to describe it, but nothing came to mind. One more time looking around, she decided to drop the matter. 'Where was I? Oh yeh, I wanted to try some Weather-Magic with Rainbow Dash.' She remembered her line of thoughts. It will be interesting to at least try. She wasn't in any position to actually be good at it, because of the lack of practice and actual training, but Rainbow would be able to help her with that, she was her best friend, it will be fun and she will have time for herself. 'Why didn't I try it earlier? I'm not afraid of highs anymore and...' Fluttershy tried to remember the reason she never tried to apply her Weather-Magic, not counting her walking on clouds. 'I... I don't know. I just was always busy with helping animals, scared to try or having one of the adventures with Twilight.' Well, now she will make sure to try, and even show others that she wasn't as bad as she was in the flight camp, if her assistance in creating of the tornado to deliver the water to Cloudsdale was any indication. She trained and she actually helped! That feeling, the feeling of accomplishment that flooded her on that day, it scared her at the beginning, but right now she wanted to feel it once more. "K*n*****..." Fluttershy jumped on her hoofs and looked around. This time the voice was louder and she almost could hear what it was saying, or at least part of it. A shudder went through her body from the voice. It wasn't right at all, it was like... She again failed to find a right description for it. It was sweet and inviting, but more like a bright colors of a poisonous snake, rather that friendly call. Whatever was making this voice, she really didn't want to meet it. Fluttershy could find the origin of the voice, because she wasn't concentrating on the voice when it started to... "K*nd****" She turned to the left, to the side from which the sound came. With the corner of her left eye she could see that nobody else seemed to hear it. Whatever it was, she really didn't want to stay here and find out. She turned to her friends and put up the most kind and friendly smile that she could. "Friends, lets move from here and to my home, I'm afraid that..." She stopped when she noticed that no one was listening to her. She tried again. "Everyone, a little bit of attention please..." Again they didn't even twitch, like they couldn't hear her. This was becoming strange, but Fluttershy wasn't finished. She knew that a lot of Ponies and animals sometimes ignored her because of her timid voice and the lack of any commanding presence, not counting the incident with Iron Will where she had to literally scream to get her point through. Fluttershy felt a bit of annoyance starting to sip through her friendly smile. She ignored it because if it will make them hear her, she will use it to get the point through. "K*nd***s..." Louder, it was getting louder. She looked again in the direction from which the voice came and saw a small speck of yellow in the distance, and it was moving toward them. Fluttershy didn't know how she knew that, but something in her guts was telling her that this light won't bring anything good with it. She turned to her friends again, and decided that a different approach must be used here. She stepped forward and tried to touch Mr.Bear with her hoof... but if went right through him! Fluttershy jumped back. "What... What is happening here?!" She cried out. This was something she was unprepared for. She looked at her hoof like it was the first time she saw it. Suddenly she felt a light breeze again and the light around her dimmed. She looked up and saw that all of her friends were standing and looking at her with blank expressions. And their eyes were glowing acid-yellow. "What...?!" She gasped and stepped back. "K*nd*e*s..." Hissed the voice again. Fluttershy could hear it from the same direction as earlier, and much more pronounced this time. Without looking away she tried to see how close the light was from the corner of her eye while backing away from her friends, or at least whom she thought were her friends. Either they were under control, or this was just an imposters, she didn't know, but didn't want to take any chances. But one thing was for sure, the smiles and feelings on their faces earlier were genie, and that left her with the first option only, "Get out..." She said. Not loud, not harsh, but right now she was for the first time alone against someone. She was afraid, yes, but she couldn't run, because her friends were still here and they needed her help. She wanted this thing out off here, away from her friends, away from her, so it won't be able to hurt anyone anymore. She wasn't Rainbow Dash with her brave, if a little boisterous character. She wasn't Applejack, who kept going with the ironclad conviction in herself. She was Fluttershy. She was meek. She was kind. She was... useless. She really wasn't in any position to argue with the truth of her position. Twilight was the leader of their group, the one who always came up with a good plan and made sure that they work together like a team. She was the one who was a Magical-prodigy and Celestia's precious student, when there was trouble other Ponies didn't go to the Mayor, they went to Twilight for help, and help they got. She wasn't always right, but she was always in-control, something others in their group lacked. The commanding presence that made it impossible to ignore her, when she was addressing to others. Like that time when Fluttershy tried to warn everyone about the smoke from the mountain, only to be ignored, while Twilight got everyone to listen to her without as much as rising her voice a little. Rainbow Dash was a bit brash and rough around the edges but Fluttershy could ask for a better friend. Maybe rainbow-maned Pegasus couldn't properly express her feelings sometime, and wasn't good at admitting her mistakes, but she was someone you could rely on in your hardest times. He unparalleled skill in flying and second-to-none speed were making her an irreplaceable member of the team. She was the one who will go through any hardships for her friends and do it with that cocky grin on her face. She was brave and bold and had that strange ability to make you sure on you step, make you feel protect, that she will alway will guard you back and never abound you. Applejack was stubborn, a tad bit blunt and headstrong cowpony that made it absolute clear that she won't have her will swayed away but anyone or anything, who was like a pillar holding you up, unyielding and unbreakable. She was strong and experienced in what she was doing and had that air around her that made you trust her, that she would walk forward right beside you no matter what happen. Fluttershy wasn't very outgoing, but she was a good observer, it naturally came to her as an animal caretaker, and she saw how the dynamic in their group worked, and how the first one, who Twilight freed from Discord's corruption was Applejack. Maybe only subconsciously, but the purple unicorn knew who will be the most useful and the most reliable in the situation like that. Fluttershy wasn't anything of this things. She wasn't a leader, she was too meek and weak-willed for that position. She was easily bent to the whims of others, and when she tried to be more confident, she turned into a bully. She wasn't such a good flier, not a natural talent like Rainbow Dash. She was afraid of highs when she was little and it made it hard for her to even spread her wings, the bullying from her year-mates didn't make it any better. She was a tad bit clumsy, shy and even a bit antisocial in her behavior. She wasn't reliable, because she was too afraid and meek for it. Again, that episode with the dragon made her understand that she was a coward, a useless coward. The only thing that came out of the whole ordeal is the fact that she had one of her outbursts and somehow pulled through the experience. Another thing was her so-called outbursts of bravery, which in fact were just an overflow of her suppressed emotions reaching boiling point and it was pure luck that the dragon was the one who was on the receiving end of her meltdown. If someone else was their, one of her friends for example, she didn't know what would've happened. "K*nd*ess..." And again that voice reminded her how pathetic she was. 'So what?' A little voice in the back of her mind whispered, the voice strangely reminded her of her own. "Get out." Flutter shy said more firmly. So what if she wasn't a naturally-born leader? So what if she wasn't bold and brave? So what if she wasn't the most reliable? "K*ndness..." Hissed the voice and the shine in her animal-friends eye doubled in intensity. "I said, get!" Said Fluttershy. She could already hear what the voice was saying and she didn't care. The beacon of acid-yellow light was just several feet from her and she could see something in the center of of the light, but didn't care enough to investigate. There wasn't Twilight here who will solve all the problems in an instant. There wasn't Princess Celestia here, to who you can run and cry. There wasn't Elements of Harmony that they can fire at any problem like a proverbial panacea. There was only her, her friends and someone who she was absolutely sure was going to hurt them. The sheer presence of the thing in front of her was making Fluttershy want to vomit. It was wrong. It was twisted. It was an abomination. She won't let it pass! She was going to protect her friends, she was going to protect them like she should have been doing from the beginning! Every time she was scared, every time she was meek, every time she was useless, someone took the blunt of the problem for her. But enough is enough. What kind of friend she was to always hide behind the others!? Not a bucking good one, that's for sure! All of her frustration with herself, all of her anger at herself, all of the loathing she accumulated while thinking about her actions, she took them all and pushed them outside. Years of suppressed anger aggression roared through her like a fire, filling her veins with molten metal, making her tremble Something was rising inside of her, something powerful. The feeling was similar to the times when she used the Stare, but infinitely more pronounced and... dense. But when this power almost reached the surface, something blacked its way out. Like a 'last barrier' on its pass to freedom. The feeling of the 'barrier' was familiar too, but Fluttershy didn't care. She dove dipper in the power and pushed. Whatever was holding it back wasn't apparently yielding that simply, but it only was able to prorogue the inevitable. *Crack*Crack*Crack* The barrier broke with the sound of shattering glass. "Kindness..." Hissed the voice. "Get *OUT*!" Screamed Fluttershy. Like a tsunami, a wave of something erupted from Fluttershy, A gale of wind, created by the sudden release of power blew away everything that was brought by that malicious thing. "Kindness!" It hissed, trying to overpower Fluttershy. But it was like fighting a Force of Nature, and the thing stood no chance against it. The power, the might of Fluttershy spirit and will washed over the abomination and started to grind it into powder, breaking it down, shattering every part, not leaving anything behind. For a second, just for one second, Fluttershy could have swore that she felt like Applejack and Rainbow Dash were standing near her, proud, loyal, supporting and never leaving her like the true friends they should have been from the beginning. And then she felt like someone poured a waterfall on her. Rainbow Dash was peacefully lying on the cloud and just gazing into the sky. No matter what did she try, what position she used, she couldn't get comfortable. It was strange, because normally she normally she wasn't very fussy about her sleeping arrangements. Right now she felt like she was missing something important, and couldn't get her hoof on it. Maybe Fluttershy would know? She was pretty good listener and she really need a break from her routine of fussing over animal. Dash snorted. Yeh, and she needed some time to actually do something than training, sleeping and going on adventure with her friends. She really wasn't into boring things like tea-parties or something, but some good chat with her best friend would be more than welcomed. Or go visit Applejack? That was awesome idea too. Hanging around with cowpony was a very interesting thing to do actually, considering how they actually somehow went from throwing horseshoes to the Iron Pony competition. How did it happened, Dash didn't know, but at least it ended without any hard feelings. Well, she still felt bad taste in he mouth from the way she behaved and how she actually used her wings to win, while Applejack was relying only on her skill and talent. And the whole race after that they were bickering and trying to outdo each-other, while they should have been having fun by spending time in the friendly company. This was really wrong, and she should really apologize to her friend about it. "*o******..." Suddenly she heard a whisper. Dash wasn't as paranoid as some Ponies, but she was pretty sure that whatever was speaking should be here. Jumping on her hooves, she looked around, spreading her wings, ready to take off at any moment. She wasn't scared and she really wasn't even intimidated, but something was wrong and her guts were screaming at her about it. And she trusted her guts, because they saved her more times than she could count. Whatever it was, it wasn't friendly, and she wasn't taking any chances. 'I need to check on my friends, make sure that everything is alright.' She thought. Normally, she would've confronted the danger head on, but that would be pretty dumb, because if she would be captured or overwhelmed, then there would be no one to warn the others. Part of Dash's mind actually wondered why the Hay did she even consider taking something unknown on without as much as a hint about its nature or origin. She scanned the sky with her narrowed eyes... There! She could see it, the little spec of yellow color on the blue sky, that was moving toward her. "*o*a****..." Another hiss, this one louder. "Get out." That voice she did recognize. 'Fluttershy!' Dash though frantically. She jumped from her cloud and tried to fly to the direction from which Fluttershy's voice came. She stopped midair. Something was holding her, like dog on a leash. She turned around. It was getting closer. The only thing that could explain why wasn't she able to move was Magic. And a pretty powerful one. Dash wasn't dumb by any stretch of the word, and when needed she could be pretty smart, but the problem was that with adrenaline pumping in her veins and the lack of any actual need to come up with something that was more complex than two sticks tied together, she kind of liked playing her role. Yeh, she didn't make some Egghead's speeches, didn't come up with plans and didn't want to actually. Why? That was the question that she couldn't answer. Maybe because she never had to? Yeh, Twilight was a good leader and all, and pretty much managed to nail all the problems on the spot, but that didn't mean that Dash should be actually the dull one here. She ignored some of Twilight's rumbling because the mare seriously needed to learn to shorten her explanations. Dash was sure, that Twilight would probably blab through the damn invasion if she wasn't disturbed. That's why she called the Unicorn Egghead, and not as much as an insult to her IQ. So Dash didn't use her brain because Twilight did it for her, and actually did a far better job, than the Pegasus could herself. So, gearing up her mind, while trying to calm down, Dash actually thought about what was happening. "*o*a***y..." This time she could hear it more clearly. She wasn't a Unicorn, so no Magical way to solve this. Her Weather-Magic was pretty useless without an actual weather around her, and being frozen in one spot actually made it a lot worse because she even couldn't reach a cloud for something to fight with. Sonic Rainboom? Unaccessible when frozen on a spot. Elements of Harmony? She didn't have the damn thing with her! So, she was useless? ... ... ... 'No...' Something whispered in the back of her mind, sounding suspiciously like her own voice. Like Hay she was going to give up just like that! She will protect her friends! She will make sure that they are alright! She will do it, and nothing will stop her! "Lo*a**y..." Another hiss, and a lot closer than the last. "I don't know who or what you are..." Began Dash. She started to accelerate her movements and instantly felt like something was holding her back, an invisible leash that didn't let her move from the spot. "Some piece of Magic, or some freak of Nature..." She was actually moving! She strained her wings and felt as if she was trying to pull a whole house all by herself, whatever was holding her had a pretty good grip and was strong, but when did it actually stop her? She wasn't a Unicorn, but she had a basic understanding of Magic and its workings, so to hold something in place with Magic you'll need enough power to compensate if someone will try to actually move it. It was pretty simple and straightforward, but then cam a tricky part. Magic, when applied on something can't be corrected during the actual casting. So, to correct or change the Spell, you'll need to actually cast another Spell to change the first one with it. Second part was that each Spell had its own 'breaking point', which is established when the Spell is casted. Yes, there were exceptions, like Telekinesis, but what even it was, it wasn't Telekinesis. Dash was subjected to that particular Spell to many time to not recognize the difference. And the best part? She didn't feel the thing getting stronger. So, she will need to overpower the Spell and make it reach its limit, so she will be able to go and help Fluttershy. "But there is one thing you don't know about me..." Dash gritted her teeth, the Spell wasn't getting stronger, but it was pretty strong on itself. "Lo*al*y..." The hissing voice was more demanding now. Dash wasn't sure about the origin of this thing, but she was sure that it wasn't anything good. The feel she was getting from it made her shudder, and double the efforts of breaking free. There was something familiar about it, but she could place her hoof on it. It was like a distant memory that was slipping away each time she got close enough to actually see it. It was on the tip of her tongue, but absolutely refused to turn into actual comprehensible speech. It wanted something from her, and wanted it now. The twisting feeling in Dash's guts was only getting worse from each moment. What was it anyway? She didn't know how but she could feel it, and the twisted and malicious feeling it was giving her didn't sit well with her. The feeling was coming right from the center of the light, which was getting closer and closer. One look over her shoulder gave Dash enough time to see something inside the light, but she couldn't see what it actually was. Again, there was that strange sense of familiarity that Dash couldn't shake off, but could at least ignore to concentrate of the main issue. "Lo*alty..." The malicious thing almost reached her. Yes, she was making progress and moving forward, inch by inch, but it still wasn't enough! It was still gaining upon her faster than she was moving away from it. So, that was the end? She won't be able to save her friend? She was going to loose someone to some shitty light?! She tried it only once, and ended up falling down from the sky, being lucky that there was a lake in which she landed. Any living being had a physical limit of it's capabilities. Yes, it can be increased by physical training, but even than the body will still be limited by the fact that it's made from flesh and bone. There's only so much stress muscles can handle before they'll start to be ripped apart from the sheer pressure. A teared muscle is painful and Dash knew it from a personal experience. It's like someone stabbed you with a white-hot poker right under the skin, leaving a very nasty memory behind. She still remembered, like her whole body burned with agony, as she pulled herself out from the pound, and onto dry land, heaving and spitting water to make sure that none left in her lungs. She had to ask Ditzy for help to get to her home, and made the mare swear to never tell anyone about it. The whole incident was a report-worth lesson for her, about how arrogance and carelessness could be someone's undoing. But that's not all, the limit also keeps you bones intact. The speed and pressure on your bones makes them crack, even if just a little, they are slowly becoming splintered. She was lucky enough to make it out without any actual fractures, and just some soreness and cracks, that healed pretty fast. She could swear, that when she was overstepping her limit, she heard them breaking. She was afraid. She was afraid of loosing her wings forever. Her wings were her most precious possession, because they made her who she was. Her Cutie Mark was given by her wings, her Sonic Rainboom, her special talent. Without them she... won't be herself. But, what would she choose? If she will break her limit than she will probably will be able to help her friend, but she would probably loose her wings, the thing that made her herself. She was going to beat herself black and blue after this whole ordeal if over for even considering that a question. She accelerated even more, the thought about loosing her dear friend overshadowing all the pain that was cursing through her body at the moment. It was like a fog was lifted from he mind, that made her thoughts sluggish and undirected. She knew what she has to do, she will be damned before she fails. "Even if I'll rip every muscle in my body apart..." She gritted her teeth. Unbelievable conviction was flowing through her, making her ignore everything but the thought of saving her friend and beating up whoever hurt her. "Even if I loose my wings..." She strained her muscles to the limit. She could feel her Magic flaring, trying to keep up with its owner and failing. Magic made Pegasuses so strong in the air, Magic was the reason they could do so many wonderful things in the sky, Magic made the resistant enough to withstand almost anything that they could encounter. The moment Magic started to fail, was the moment Pegasus could rely on it for protection from the sheer amount of accumulated effect of all factors affecting Pegasuses body. "Even if I grind all my bones into dust..." Dash didn't care, she was pushing even further. She could feel as she passed the point where she started to break down the last time. It still wasn't enough, and she wasn't going to slow down. She could feel that she was moving and it was the only thing that mattered. "Loyalty!" It screeched. Dash could almost physically feel how that thing is trying to touch her. From the corner of her eye she could see acid-yellow light trying to reach her. So close, but yet still unable to actually reach even the tip of her tail. Well, whatever it was planning, it was out of luck! "I! WILL! NEVER! GIVE UP!" She roared and pushed herself over the limit. *TWAK* There was a snapping sound and Dash was free! Her theory was that the Spell created an isolated field with her in the center and each time she tried to move, the field create a counter-force in the opposite direction of her movement, therefor rendering her immobile. She over powered the Spell, moving fast enough for it to fail and shatter like glass. And then she felt as if she dive-bombed into cold lake... again. Applejack was doing her normal everyday duty of overseeing her family's orchard. normal slow and, dare she say it, lazy day. Apple Bloom was away on a trip with Big Mac and Granny Smith to deliver a pretty big batch of apples. The little firecracker was happy to be send on her first official family-business trip. Applejack had to suppress a grin, because letting it out would mean not getting rid of it till the end of the day. Apple Bloom was as enthusiastic as ever, and the only bad thing about the hole affair was that she was unable to take her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle with her, but there was only three invitations and sending Cutie Mark Crusaders on a business trip spelled disaster and certain amount of property damage. Their escapades were literally legendary around Ponyville. They tried almost everything but what they were obviously good at. Anyone could already tell them in what they were talented, but nopony did simply because the whole idea about Cutie Mark Crusaders was not only finding their Cutie Mark, but having fun and bonding with each other. Applejack could still remember when they tried to be farmers. They were actually reasonably good at it, and animal liked them, but considering that after every job they ended up dirty one way or another. After feeding pigs they actually were dirtier than said animals, and only most of it were actual dirt. Big Mac came more as a muscle-power than a negotiator. He is a very kind, calm and easy-going with temper that almost never was actually rise, but his nature a a stallion of few words made him not a very good diplomat. Yeh, he was a terrific listener and more than just good at giving a practical advise, but when it was required to enter a verbal type of a contest he was kind of lacking. But Granny Smith made up for it with her fire, that wasn't appropriate for her age and a great amount of experience. She may complain, she may play for an old and feeble old lady, but there was a pretty sharp mind in that head of hers, and Applejack was sure that they will be alright. Maybe she should take a break and go visit her friends? Getting one win out of Rainbow Dash sounded good actually! They already had their Iron Pony competition, even if Applejack still thought that it wasn't fare to use wings, she acknowledged that Dash was better in some of the physical aspects, their race in the Running of the Leaves was more of battle of wits and cheating tactics than an actual running. It was... shameful. What kind of a friend Apple jack was to even lower herself to that level? Weren't she and Dash friends that went through some really tough stuff together? Weren't dash on of the Ponies she trusted with her life? There was just so many things that went wrong in that two events, that she really didn't want to count. Well, she owned Dash some pretty big apology. The whole 'Mare-Do-Well' incident also came to mind. What the Hay was wrong with them? Twilight came up with as idea that actually hurt her friend, and Applejack went along with it? Did Applejack overdid it with sider? Did she injured her head? That was just wrong, and another apology that she owned Dash. Twilight wasn't better in that regard. How could she came up with a plan that would publicly humiliate one of her friends? Applejack knew that Twilight was a tad bit sheltered filly, but that wasn't an excuse for make such a big mistake after so much time together with them! What happened with the simple talk? Too simple? "*o****..." She suddenly herd a whisper. She turned around, looking for a source. That... was pretty strange. Her family wasn't returning until tomorrow, none of her friends were going to visit today and Winona didn't have the ability to actually speak. Applejack looked around again. She was sure that something changed in her surrounding, but could quiet tell what. "Get out." Suddenly Applejack heard. 'Fluttershy!' She instantly recognize the voice of a timid Pegasus. Well, she will deal with the strange voices later, right now she had to deal with whatever happened to her friend. "*o*e***..." Another whisper, this time louder. But Applejack ignored it and rushed to the exit of Sweet Apple Acres. She could already see the gates. She knew where Fluttershy was, considering that she personally delivered the apples for her tea-party. Sprinting full-throttle she already could see the gates. 'Darn it, I hope nothing bad happened.' She thought. Applejack wasn't the most insightful Pony, but she could tell that Fluttershy wasn't weak by any definition of the word. Many would argue, but saying something about the fact won't change the fact itself, Fluttershy had strength that came not in the form of a physical power or speed, sharp mind or witty tongue, her strength came in spirit and will. Applejack wasn't someone who could claim to be master of character-reading, but she could judge Ponies by their actions pretty good, even better after the whole ordeal with Zecora, and she was damn impressed with what she could see in Fluttershy when she wasn't the normal timid self. First time was when they were going after Nightmare Moon. Fluttershy just went and tamed a damn Manticore without as much as blinking! Applejack wasn't sure how did it happened, but the shy Pegasus just walked up to the enraged created and make it behave like a house-cat in less than a minute, while it took five others to receive a couple of lumps to even slow it down, special talent or not. In Applejack's eye it was more than just impressive! And what about that episode with the sleeping Dragon? She actually glared it into submission! Applejack saw some pretty impressive things in her life, but that was just unbelievable. The shy and timid Fluttershy made a Dragon back down by scolding it! Applejack wasn't quite sure about Kindness, but the the bravery was there for all to see. How she could act so helpless when she can be considered the bravest of them all! It was just like with Pinkie who did all that physically impossible things that no one already care to understand, no one tried to understand how Fluttershy could just switch between meek and helpless to brave and unyielding. Or the one time she overpowered Cockatrice's stare with pure willpower. When Apple Bloom told her about the whole ordeal, she was thinking that the filly was exaggerating, but when Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle actually fully supported her story and later check with Twilight and Fluttershy sealed the fact that it actually happened. If Applejack didn't know any better, she would've thought that Fluttershy was even a Pegasus. Twilight, the Magical-Prodigy, the student of Princess Celestia actually failed, her Magic and knowledge were rendered useless. Fluttershy beat the pest and resisted being turned into stone with will *alone***! "*o*e*t*..." And this strange voice again. 'I don't have time for this!' Thought Applejack. 'I have to...' *WHAM* And she ran straight into a wall. Swaying on her hooves a little, she shook her head to clear it from ringing sound. "Who the Hay put a wall..." She looked up and saw what stopped her. An orange transparent barrier was in her way, right where the land of Sweet Apple Acres was ending. She looked around and saw that the thing was surrounding her farm from all sides. That barrier was a little bit similar to the one that Twilight made, but more... dull and the feeling Applejack was getting from it made her feel uneasy. There was just something not right with it, she couldn't put her hove on it, but something about was both familiar and almost evil. Like someone took something good and twisted it to the point of of it being unrecognizable. Applejack wasn't a Pony who so easily gave up. "Don't know what the Hay is this, but I know that you're in my way to help my friend." She said, and without any second thoughts bucked the barrier with all he might. *WOUN* Ripples spread from the point of impact but soon died down. This didn't stopped the made from trying again. *WOUN* But with the same result. *WOUN* *WOUN* *WOUN* *WOUN* 'Tough thing.' Thought Applejack. Well, maybe Applejack wasn't an Egghead, she still was pretty smart and understood that the barrier was pretty much immune to her attacks. Well, it was like it just absorbed her attacks and spread then in all directions, it was like bucking jelly. Well, if Twilight was here she wouldn't even need to think things through, because her Magic will be able to deal with whatever it was. But the point was that Twilight wasn't here, so Applejack was stuck. She didn't have Magic to help her, at least not the one that was needed here, but she wasn't all brawl and no brain, like some would've thought. 'If I cant break through it by normal means, then I'll have to make it so it can't spread the damage fast enough.' She took several steps backward. 'And that means I will need to apply much more than just a single strike and then keep applying it to keep up the effect.' "*o*e*ty..." Something hissed not far away. Applejack turned around and saw what was making the strange sound. It was acid-yellow colored light that was slowly moving toward her. And it made her feel the same way the barrier did. "So, it is your doing?" Asked through gritted teeth Applejack. She didn't get the answer, and she didn't need one, she already knew. But it didn't make her situation better, quiet the opposite, it made the situation worse. It meant that she was locked in her with this thing and there wasn't any way out. One thing that she learned when dealing with any Magical foe, is that the lack of physical body meant that it can't be harmed by any normal mean. Yeh, there was exceptions, like Windigo, who could actually be burned or the Timberwolves that could be harmed by destroying their wooden bodies, but there wasn't any time for her to test anything, and she didn't know what will happen if she'll touch it, so the only way out was to break the barrier. Turning around and ignoring the light for the moment, she charged right at the barrier. She wasn't that far from it, but with experience of many hours of hard work she was at her full speed when her head struck the Magical Construction. *WOUNS* The sound was different a little, but she didn't care, she was pushing forward with all her might. The barrier didn't even bulged. It was like trying to move a mountain, an immovable object which won't yield its position to anyone. Well, who said that it would be easy? Pushing harder Applejack felt as her hooves started to dig into the ground, shoving that apparently the earth gave up before the barrier did. Any other Pony would've started the futile attempts and tried to find a different approach. Maybe it was a good idea, because maybe there was some other way to pass this obstacle, but the problem was that Applejack lacked the time to do anything else. So she kept pushing. In front of her eyes the image of Fluttershy appeared. Was she that weak that her own inability will cost her a friend? "*one*ty..." Closer, even more closer than before. Will she just let that thing stop her from helping her friend? Was it her limit? Was she a complete phony? Pathetic. Pathetic! Pathetic! Pathetic! 'Am I *that** pathetic?!'* She screamed in her mind. ... ... ... 'No...' Something snapped insider her from this word. She didn't know, if she imagined that, or if it really happened, but that whisper sounded like her own voice. And I reminded her something. Not in words, but in feeling that it brought with it. Denial. She refused to give up! She felt, as the fire that was almost gone inside of her roared back to life with new vigor. She refused to back down! The pain in her muscles from the strain she was putting them through became a barely noticeable ache, a background noise. She refused to abound her friend! She pushed harder than she thought she could. She will break this thing! She will help Fluttershy. She will beat up this thing black and blue for threatening her friends! It bulged. Even so slightly but the barrier slightly bulged forward. The first step, a tiny step forward was made. And where is the first, there is alway the second. She pressed more, and felt the barrier giving even more ground. "Hone*ty..." The voice was almost behind her and there was anger in it now. "You know, partner." Applejack said through gritted teeth. She took another step forward, making the barrier give even more ground. Each step she took, eat little victory she achieved filled her with even more strength to keep going. "You made a pretty big mistake." Her resolve was as hard as steel, she will not give up. She could almost feel the light from that thing almost reaching. Whatever it was, it wanted her. Well, it was out of luck then! "You threatened my friend by preventing me from helping her." Applejack didn't know where her resolve was coming from, but she liked it. This is how a true friend act when someone close to her is in danger! There isn't need for any pathetic reasoning or over-thinking it. Pure and simple. She will help her friend, no matter what! "Hone*ty..." She could almost hear what it was saying. And she didn't care. There is something about friendship that you can't learn through day-to-day life, something that you couldn't acknowledge until you'll be pressed to your limit, there is something that will never become obvious until you're threatened to loose something that precious to you. You must win. If she won't win, she wouldn't be able save her friend. Nothing else was acceptable, only victory. Applejack won't be able to live if she will let her friend die, because it wouldn't be her anymore, it will be a traitor that lived while her friend didn't. She never let her friends down, and wasn't planning on starting right now! One more step, the barrier bulged a little again. And one more, even more progress was made. And another one. And another. And another. She was pushing right through the damn thing, not giving up an inch. She was overpowering it not because of some secret trick or Magic, not because of some Magical trinket or Rainbow of Friendship. She was marching forward on pure guts, will and refusal to yield! " No one threats my friend..." She growled. "Honesty!" The voice was more of a angry screech, than a whisper. "...and GET AWAY WITH IT IN ONE PIECE!" She roared. The barrier bulged one more time. *Crack* *Crack*Crack* *Crack*Crack*Crack* Cracks started to appear around the place where Applejack was pushing. *CRASH* The barrier broke. Like a strained glass, it shattered into thousand pieces, raining down on Applejack, who shot forward, toward the place where she knew Fluttershy was. And suddenly she felt like she put her face into bucket of cold water. Tomic woke up right before the first rays of the sun appeared from over the horizon. 'Ah, again I'm waking up outside...' He looked around and found out that apparently he fell asleep on veranda of his house. 'At least no one tried to wake me up while I was sleeping, last time it happened... Yeh, lets not repeat the that.' He looked to the side and saw an empty bottle of Sake and his pipe. Smirking, he shook his head, stood up and stretched, getting some snapping sounds from his bones, making sure that he still was in a good condition to take on whatever this day will throw at him. Yawning, he picked up the bottle, put the pipe in the chest-pocket of his shirt. "Time to check how the brats are doing." Muttered own releasing another yawn. Walking in the house he saw the girls still sleeping. Pink-haired one was sleeping on the bed and apparently didn't have much of a peaceful night because she was muttering something while tossing and turning on the bed. The blondy was using spare futton that Miako brought with her and was already half out of it, untranslatable mumbling was absent but her facial expression made the old retired pirate crack a smirk, it was like she trying to bite through something. Rainbow-haired gaki was using the big bear-skin that was lied near the fireplace, and looked like she fell asleep during an attempt of crawl-swimming. Well, the last one actually gave him an idea... Suddenly a wave of something that made Tomic instinctively put his guard up passed him. He narrowed his eyes. 'This was *Haoshoku Haki, weak and uncontrolled blast, but still noticeable. It must come from not so far away to actually* be noticed.' he looked around trying to pinpoint the source, and when he did. 'The pink-haired brat?' His eyes widened. 'Well, this **is a surprise! Apparently there is something interesting in this children than just the looks and crazy background story.' People who had Haoshoku Haki were one in the million, and you couldn't actually obtain it, you needed to be born with the ability to utilize this specific type of Haki. To think that one of the brats that literally fell onto him out of nowhere had the legendary thing. This was some kind of sign from above, or a very cruel joke, he didn't decided which was actually worse. He will need to look into it more carefully, but right now he had a plan to accomplish. Moving much more silently than any man of his size and age has right to he picked up a bucket of water, that Miako made him keep near the fireplace in case the bear-skin would actually catch on fire. Tomic couldn't figure out why was she so worried about it, the damn thing was incombustible, he actually extinguished the flames once by covering them with the dam skin, and not even a scorch mark. The bucket was full of cold water. The smirk that was on the old man's face would have been a far better wake-up call than what he was planning, but they couldn't see him, so... *WOOSH* He gave the sleeping trio a good morning shower in bed. Tomic couldn't help but laugh at the sight of three girls sitting around his table and picking at their food without any enthusiasm. He was sitting at the head of the table, Rainbow-brat and Blondy-brat were on the right side of him, whiel the Pink-brat was on the left. They weren't able to dry themselves properly, and their clothes were in no condition to be worn, so they were now in so old rags that Miako brought with her, after gave him an earful about childish behavior. Brat's clothes were drying on the outside, handing from the rope that was stretched between a tree and veranda. "You can stop laughing now." Muttered Dash, as she chewed on the piece of cabbage, her twitching eyebrow was good enough reason for Tomic to laugh even harder. "Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha! Wet... Ha-ha... blue... Bwa-ha-ha-ha... chicken!" Old man's amusement came from the fact that right as she woke up Dash reflexively tried to fly up, to get away from whatever was attacking her. Considering that her speed in the moment of shock was pretty impressive she impacted the celling with the top of her head with pretty big force. It was followed by her fall down on the floor and then running around like a wet chicken waving her wings frantically unable to actually take off because of the pain in her head and disorientation from the collision itself. Applejack was actually fairing far better, she did jump up thought, but when she frantically looked around and found the reason for her condition she showed her dissatisfaction with his actions by kicking him in the shin... and doubling over in pain. It was like kicking steel, she actually thought that she probably broke a bone or at least fractured it in some way. Fluttershy reacted the most interesting way. Yes, she yelped and woke up, but when she understood what was happening, and saw Dash running around and Applejack rolling on the floor she... giggled. The action shocked her but only after they actually started breakfast, and now she was thinking about her actions and th reasons for them. Rainbow Dash was confused. Normally she would be angry about the whole ordeal with the water and bucket, she knows how a prank can hurt someone, but she only felt a mild irritation. Even if the old... man was laughing at her, and her head throbbed with pain occasionally, she still could see the reason why she wasn't as angry with him as she should be. She learned one important thing about pranks and that they shouldn't get anyone hurt, Pinkie taught her well about it. But right now she actually find it a bit funny herself. This whole morning was strange, and for some reason, after waking up and getting a cold shower with a head-shot she was feeling a lot better than yesterday, like a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders, and a fog was dispelled from her mind. She felt lighter, more free than ever, and somehow it made her smile at the antics of the old man who helped them and feed them. The initial distrust that she felt was gone and she actually couldn't find wash was the reason for it in the first place. 'Ah, who cares!' She thought and smiled, it was time to actually relax and have some fun. "Shut up, old geezer!" She roared without an ounce of negative emotion in her voice. She didn't know why she did it, or why was she feeling so good, but for now she didn't care. She was with her friends, and even not a full band, they still were together and it was all that mattered! Applejack wasn't fairing better. She actually attacked a person who was kind enough to give the shelter in their time of need. And he just laughed it off! She wasn't even holding back and that kick could actually hurt someone pretty badly, but instead of angry he was amused by it! She didn't understand it! Her reaction was way too violent for the situation, any other... person would probably be angry at her, even if she only reacted to the prank, she went overboard. But, the strangest thing about it, was that she was actually feeling a bit... amused by it? She couldn't understand. Even the cold and wet wake-up call didn't distract her enough to miss the fact that for some reason she was feeling far better than yesterday and not only physically, but mentally too. It was like someone someone pulled the plug on the drain and disposed of all the syrup inside of her. She could think far clearer, the strange feeling of distrust that she felt yesterday was gone to... Speaking of which, she could pinpoint it, but for some reason the feeling was like it didn't actually belonged to her in the first place, but it was impossible. Maybe it was her tired mind playing with her? Right now she felt wonderful and the smile just won't leave her face. "Shut up, old geezer!" Dash's outburst took Applejack by surprise, but for some reason she didn't felt the need to scold her friend. There just wasn't any negative feeling in he speech, none at all. She didn't know why, but what she did next was on a pure impulse, without actually thinking about it. "Close your trap, gramps, or I'll kick your ass!" The outburst came out as if by itself, and Applejack didn't know why she actually said it, but one thing she was sure about. She was having fun! She actually was having fun while yelling at the old man who woke them up by splashing them with cold water. How could she have fun? It didn't even sound like a friendly challenge that she and Dash exchanged from time to time. It wasn't even the fun that she had on Pinkie's parties, no, here it was different. It had the shrill that she couldn't qiuet place, but it was making it hard not to smile. She liked it. Fluttershy was having an internal dialog with herself. When she woke up, stopped spitting water and calmed down, she looked around and found the reason for the morning shower. Mr.Tomic was standing near her bed with empty bucket in hand and laughing really hard. Applejack was rolling on the floor and clutching her leg with a grimace of pain of her face, her attempt at kicking their host in the shin failed and backfired horribly. Rainbow Dash was running in circles, waving her wings around like crazy and holding her head in obvious pain, shocked by the sudden waterfall, she apparently jumped pretty hard to impact the celling with enough force for Fluttershy to actually hear it! But, for some reason Fluttershy wasn't really worried about them, she actually find the whole situation... funny? She actually was amused by their pain? It was like something was lifted from her mind and all the worries that plagued her heart just... evaporated! She was still herself, she was sure of it, but right now she couldn't feel the constant nervous tingle inside herself, not a trace of usual fear that tormented her for years. It was like she lost something that weighted her down and now she could spread her wings and fly! Well, not really, because Dash already proved that flying inside the house could be dangerous... She giggled. Right now she was sitting at the table and sipping tea from what can only be described as clay cup. A very good tea actually! She wasn't familiar with it, but she really wanted to know if she could learn how to make it. Mr.Tomic was still roaring with laugh, and Fluttershy didn't find herself uncomfortable or feeling downcast because of it, instead she had an urge to actually laugh with him! It was crazy, but at the same time thrilling, like... like she was free and wanted to laugh about it, smile and just have fun, the air around the table was rich with mirth, and it was for almost empowering for the young... girl. Her smile was getting bigger, and suddenly the dam broke and she burst into fit of giggles. "Shut up, old geezer!" Roared Dash. "Close your trap, gramps, or I'll kick your ass!" Added Applejack. Fluttershy didn't know why, but it only made the whole situation funnier! She almost spilled her tea from the shaking the giggling was producing. "What did you say, brats?!" Roared Mr.Tomic. "You apparently wasn't taught how to respect you elders!" And suddenly he was behind them, faster than anyone could see. "Let me rectify that!" And with one sweeping motion he made both Dash and Applejack dive face-first in their plates. You could almost see the lumps forming on the back of their heads. Fluttershy was expecting the familiar tingle of worry to enter her heart, that will urge her to rush to their side and try to make them feel better, but it was strangely absent. Instead of it she felt something different. He giggling turned into a full-blown laugh. Dash and Applejack groggily rose from their plates with pieces of food sticking to their faces and glaring daggers at her. "Traitor." They muttered at the same time. Fluttershy stopped her laughing for a moment. That comment, the comment such as that said with such a scowls would normally turn her into a shaking mess, begging for forgiveness and making herself feel miserable. But right now it only made her burst of laughing even harder from the ridiculous look of her two friends had right now. The piece of egg stuck on Applejack's brow was more than enough for to last for hour! When Fluttershy suddenly stopped laughing both Rainbow Dash and Applejack felt their hearts dropped. They in no way of form wanted to hurt Fluttershy's feelings and knowing how sensitive she was, there was a good chance of them sending her into a crying fit. The word left their mouthes without any actual thought behind it, on a spur of the moment so to say, and if it will hurt Fluttershy, they didn't even want to think about what will happen. And suddenly she burst into another fit of laugh, making them smile too. They were sitting at the table, two of them had their faces decorated with their breakfast and the back of their head aching, but for some reason they were still laughing and smiling. They didn't know what awaits them ahead, but they will face it together no matter what, because they were friends and will never abandon each other! Tomic was sitting at the head of the table again and smiling, looking at the three laughing children. They really was something special! Yes, his methods weren't the most gentle, but who cared if the results were worth it? The tension that was so thick in the air yesterday was gone without a trace and there wasn't that strange conflicted looks in brats' eyes, and that was a big plus in old pirate's book! His musing were cut short and he was hit on the back of his head. He still couldn't figure out just how Miako was able to get around his Kenbunshoku Haki, but he wasn't able to sense her presence even when she was standing next to him! The she-devil wouldn't spill her secret no matter how much he tried to pry it from her! "I see that you decided to go your own way and make them feel better but hitting them on the head?" She asked, not loud enough for the brats to hear, while they were talking between themselves. Well, it was more if Dash and Applejack trying to make Fluttershy stop laughing at them and get all the food and their face and hair. Tomic smirked, this was just too damn funny! "The results speak for themselves." He answered. He heard a tired sigh from behind him and them Miako walked into view and sat down on the free chair. "Well,at least you didn't knock them out." She muttered. "Stop laughing!" Came the yell from Dash and Applejack, still with their faces slightly covered with food. "Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!" Laughed Tomic. In Equestria, in the Golden Oak Library, hidden inside the book, the Elements of Harmony, more specifically Kindness, Honesty and Loyalty, suddenly flared with the same acid-yellow color, and then became normal again. But if someone would look closer, they will be able to see the malicious glow coming from the inside the gems of the mentioned necklaces. "Kindness..." "Loyalty..." "Honesty..." Three malicious whispers can be heard, but there was no one to hear them. Not far away from Las Pegasus a lone Pony was sitting near the fire shivering under a cloak. Pony was silently crying while watching the fire dancing around the wood. 'I don't want to be alone anymore.' Thought the Pony.
A Long Way Home... "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Lao-tzu "What the Hell did you think you were doing?!" Roared Tomic. He was standing in front of the sitting girl, with a huge vein pulsing over his right eye. His shadowed eyes, that girl could swear somehow glowed red, and his sheer size made the towering over her old man a sigh to behold. Rainbow Dash was sitting and nursing several large bumps on her head an wincing each time she touched them. She was dripping wet and looked like she couldn't decide to either look at the man with anger for the bumps, fearful because of his terrifying presence or guilty because she almost died if not the the retired pirate. Right now she was wearing a yellow top, blue shorts and black sandals. It was almost two weeks since Ponies-turned-girls were throw in this world, and the girls didn't even begin to understand what the insane place they landed in. The first thing was the problem of them getting around because they apparently never walked on two legs instead of four for a prolonged amount of time before. That actually caused Tomic to have almost an infinite source of entertainment. Him sitting, smoking and laughing his ass off while girls were trying to walk around his house and either falling or trying to dodge green beans that he was throwing at them for every attempt of cheating. Well, cheating was thing like using something to support them, trying to walk on all four, helping each other, or, for Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, to use wings to stabilize themselves upright. Well, aside from having a couple of nightmares about being assaulted by giant green beans that were trying to kill them with smoking-pipes that they were carrying without actual limbs that were required to accomplish the act, girls learned to walk really fast. And run too! The damn things hurt! How a bean can break a wooden branch as thick as a human arm?! That shouldn't be possible, but apparently Tomic didn't care and only threw more for each complain he got. In the end girls were tired, sore, annoyed and bruised in different places but very satisfied in their progress. It actually surprised Dash and Applejack that even when she was hit with the 'Beans-of-Doom' Fluttershy almost didn't cry at all. Well, there were tears, but they were mostly from pain and from all the dust that got in her eyes from the amount of time she managed to kiss the ground. Fluttershy was actually more confused than her to friends. Yes, she was sore and her head was throbbing painfully, and that was considering that she got hit the least of the trio. Well, Dash and AJ wouldn't be hit that hard if they didn't try to give back a rude or cheeky comment for every bean that hit them. The formally shy girl was actually using this time to think things through. From the moment she woke up from that strange dream she felt... different, like she was free from some kind of a cage, where she was cramped and could barely move or breath and now she was free and could move without feeling restricted! Well, at least that what she felt happened with her emotions and some part of her... self. Yes, she still could feel fear, but it wasn't an overwhelming terror that made her curl up in a ball and shake like a leaf from the sigh of her own shadow. She actually felt very stupid when she remembered that it actually happened once... or twice. The point here was that she felt like she wasn't afraid of everything around her anymore, the fear, that made her into a bit of a hermit who preferred the company of animals than other Ponies, was gone. She didn't know what happened and she didn't care. Right now she knew only one thing for sure: the arrival here changed her and she was happy with the changes. Right now Dash was being scolded by the old man for her attempt at performing Sonic Rainboom, the skill that, in Tomic's opinion, made her more-or-less a one-trick-pony, pun not intended. Yes, if everything that she told him about the thing was true, than it really was achievement to be proud of, but she really should have taken into account that her body was different right now, heavier and lacked the natural capabilities of her old one, so her first attempt ended with her crash landing into the sea. Which was actually a blessing, considering the speed she was going, maybe not even near her former limit, was enough to turn her into pancake if she collided with the solid ground. "I would have been alright!" Argued Dash back, only succeeding in making the old man more angry. "I was this close to actually pulling it off!" For emphasis she showed him how close she was by her index and big fingers. "This close you were only to the grave!" Roared Tomic and smacked her once more for a good measure. Dash felt like a small filly being scolded for something stupid. Well, she probably deserved it, but still! Worse was only old man's lessons about eating like a human, where you either eat like a human, or starve. Yeh, old fart could came up with some pretty good motivators when it was needed. And even through the pain, hunger and verbal assault, the trio could help but like the pirate. When they didn't screw up, he was funny to be around, dinners were always filled with laugh and stories of his past, that he apparently had an infinite amount. Even when Dash and Applejack argued with him, there was absolutely no malice or any other negative feelings between them. The fun that they were having was so much more... real than what they usually had in Equestria, there was just no way for them to compare the two. In Equestria, each party or fun-time they had was somehow less... fulfilling and felt like it should be there like a part of their life, not like routine but close. This was completely different: more draining, more physical and more real. It was very hard to explain, but that was what they could tell about it. And they loved it! Applejack, Dash and Fluttershy were walking to Tomic's house with two full bags of food each that they bought in the local shop. Applejack was wearing white shirt, jeans, black shoes and her Stetson, Fluttershy was wearing black T-shirt with red vest over it, black pants and black boots, Dash was in her yellow top, blue shorts and black sandals combo with an addition of cyan bandanna over her forehead. Well, they were carrying vegetables and fruits because girls still couldn't stomach the whole 'humans-eat-meat' thing very well. They didn't have any prejudice about carnivores or omnivores, but the fact that each of them actually were one of the second group made them feel uneasy and relived at the same time. Uneasy because they had the potential to eat meat and their body will actually process it, and relived because it wasn't necessary for them to eat meat to survive like a carnivore. The big surprise came when Dash wasn't actually against the idea of someone eating meat. Well, she explained that being former friend with Gilda, she had a discussion with the Griffon about her diet and actually understood her point about the differences in their culture and upbringing. At least Miako was understanding about the whole thing a volunteered to be the one who bought meat along with Tomic, who just grunted in response, but didn't say anything. "Grrrrrrrrrrar..." Girls heard something growing from the right. The trot wasn't very well covered from the sides, so it was kind of hard to hide, but possible. They stopped and looked at the nearby bush. After about a minute it twitched and then three big wolfs stepped from it. First one was a big grey wolf with a a scar on its muzzle, but its size was only second in the group. Second was the smallest one but still pretty big, his fur was also grey, but a shade darker than the first one. The third one was the biggest and scariest of the three, with the amount of scars and the snarl on its muzzle. It was obviously a hunting group. And apparently girls was on a menu. Very slowly they lowered the bags down on the ground and released them, wolves didn't eat anything that was inside so girls wouldn't need to worry about it being ransacked. Not it was only the question of who will attack first. Without a warning the middle-sized wolf pounced on Applejack. She was able to jump back and to the left dodging the attack, She really had to thank whatever higher forces there were here, that all her bucking from the time at home gave her some really good back-legs' strength and that it apparently passed on in this form. Wolf wasn't finished, and as soon as its, and Applejack was sure that it was male by the sheer size and rough appearance alone, forelegs touched the ground it lunged, trying to catch her right ankle with its maw. Maybe she had only a couple of weeks worth of training at her disposal, but it was a couple of weeks with Tomic as her instructor, so there was no way that she would loose her footing that easily! Lifting her left leg up, making the beast miss, she brought it down hard on its head. Wolf's head met dirt with a thud. Using her heel on its head for leverage she pushed herself back a little and landed on her feet, not even out of breath. Yes, she could buck someone anymore, considering that her body wasn't made for it, but using her legs to fight was still pretty much possible, but she was trying to learn how to use her arms which inherited her forelegs' strength with the same efficiency as before the transformation. Wolf huffed and stood back up, shaking its head. When it finished clearing the little daze that her kick gave him, it looked at her, the stare wasn't a good on. This time it went for her neck and far faster than the first time. 'What with the animals here?!' Screamed Applejack in her head as she barely was able to save her throat from being ripped open. The damn thing was as tall as she was! That meant that it didn't need to actually loose contact with the ground to be face-to-face with her! From what Tomic and Miako told the trio, animals here was less than friendly and more times than not tried to kill each-other or humans that were either brave or stupid enough to enter the forest. Well, not that the last part actually happened often with how much meat was sold daily... Wolf started to turn its head, while its neck was still outstretched but was met with punch to the left side of the head, that made it actually dazed for a second! While it was recovering, Applejack didn't slow down and kicked it with her left leg right in the nose. Wolf let out a yelp of pain from the attack, and jumped back being shaken from the daze by the pain in its snout. 'Well done, Applejack! You successfully pissed it off!' Mentally berating herself, she jumped back, trying to gain at least some distance from now enraged beast. She was almost successful, as in the last moment wold jumped forward and slashed at her with its right paw. Sharp claws put a gash on her right shoulder, making Applejack gasp from sudden pain. Smelling blood that came from the wound, the wolf only doubled its effort to kill her, making it harder to dodge each blow. Applejack was actually pretty even with the wolf in terms of speed. but the wound made it harder to concentrate. It was the first she was wounded that badly. Yes, working on a farm, she was subjected to danger of such profession, and she wasn't a stranger to some small cuts, light bruises or even a little blood, but a wound this big... It was first time she was wounded this serious. She forced down the new level of pain and lashed out with a left leg, the kick connected to the wolfs right shoulder making it grunt in pain, but the beast wasn't dazed and lunged forward, smashing its head in Applejack's chest, making her loose her breath. She flew backwards and smashed into a tree, sliding down to the ground, a little blood could be seen on the tree bark. Shaking her head to clear away the daze, the girl stood up. 'This is getting really bad really fast.' Thought Applejack, looking as wolf stood there, growling at her, waiting for its pray to give it an opening. 'This wouldn't be this hard if I had my real body right now.' She took away her eyes from the wolf only for a moment to check if there was any hope of her escaping. The action was a mistake, because wolf instantly took the opportunity and dashed forward, aiming for her left shoulder. Applejack noticed the beast coming almost too late, but was able to react with enough speed to dodge. Wolf's jaws closed on a branch that was right behind his target. Girl's eyes widened when the branch broke and shattered under the power of the wolf's teeth and jaw-muscles. That bite would have ripped her arm off! While her opponent was trying to spit out the splinters, she attacked. She delivered one powerful punch from her right one into it's left eye, making the animal howl in pain. But she wasn't finished. While the wolf was trying to work out what happened with its eye, she delivered a kick into its neck, making it gag, Applejack's right leg making it hard to breath for the animal. Feeling that her luck was almost up, she jumped back right in time to escape a very powerful bite from the half-blinded, enraged and slightly dazed animal, that just attacked what was in its way or causing it pain, and she was right on top of the list. Dodging the wild swipes and bites from the berserk animal, Applejack tried to think of a way out of this situation. She really didn't have that many options right now, considering that getting away from it and running to the safety was out from the start.She wasn't sure she could outrun wolf on a long distances while carrying two bags with her. Wolf tried to bite her in her right thigh and was too close to achieving the desired effect for her comfort. She didn't waisted an opening and punched it hard with her right fist right between its eyes. This actually turned out to be even better than she expected, as wolf jumped back from being hit and therefor left Applejack with room for maneuver. She lunged forward, punching with her left fist in its right temple, right one in the nose, and then kick from the right into the jaw. She pushed so much force into the last attack that wolf actually was thrown back a little. Pressing her advantage she jumped up and pulled her left leg back. "Get lost!" She screamed and kicked with all her power right into wolf's left side. The was a cracking sound, the power of the kick apparently fractured several ribs. The wolf flew backwards and hit the tree. Applejack landed on her feet and took several deep breathes. This was a lot harder than fighting a Manticore, that's for sure. She gazed at the wound on her left shoulder and blinked. The pain was still there was more in the form of a very strong but dull ache, sharp spike only caused by an attempt of actually moving her arm. 'My first battle-wound...' Thought Applejack, not knowing how to react to it. Suddenly she heard rustling. With a sinking feeling of dread she turned around and saw that the wolf was getting up, a bit of blood escaping its mouth and spasms from the pain running through its body, but the beast was still standing on its pawns without sway. It slowly turned its head in her direction, the look of pure rage in its eyes wasn't something that the girl wanted to see right now. She readied herself, and the wolf jumped forward. Applejack in a better condition and could actually move with more freedom, at least in theory, but apparently the blind rage that drove the wolf forward making it forget about the pain and concentrate all its being on killing her. One thing that Applejack learned from her brief encounter with Manticore was that anger and pain make you sloppy, if not for the insane difference in physical power, the Pony wouldn't even need help with the Everfree Beast. Wolf one the other hand was probably stronger than her, but their speed was pretty equal, end she was sure that right now she was the least wounded one. Wolf suddenly changed his target, and instead of aiming for her torso, bit down on her left knee. Taken by surprise she wasn't able to actually dodge, and felt as the big jaws closed around her leg. The pain was far stronger than from the gash on her shoulder, the teeth penetrated skin and muscles like knife wet paper. Applejack screamed. Wolf apparently wasn't interested in killing her at the moment and with one jerk of its head and unclenching its jaws sent her flying into the nearest tree. The collision was far stronger than the previous one, the taste of blood in her mouth made Applejack choke. The pain in her back, her left knee and her right shoulder was stronger than any other that she could recall in her whole life. The blood that was flowing from the wounds started painting her shirt and her left leg red, her vision was blurry and her her head was spinning. Her eyelids were becoming heavy. The idea of a nice nap to make it feel better was more and more appealing to her... 'Why... was I fighting in the first place?' Suddenly one of the recent memories flashed before her eyes. "What is the reason to fight?" Asked Tomic, while drinking his Sake. This was the question that girls wanted to be answered. In Equestria fighting was the last thing you wanted to do, because of the peaceful lifestyle and the lack of any serious conflict in the history. The lessons can be learned from mistakes only if the mistakes were made in the first place. The real war wasn't something even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were familiar with, and the most conflicts were solved by simply talking thing through. Here thing were different. Blood was spilled for absolutely no reason, and fighting was the way to solve problems when they came up. The three girls were here for about four days now and still couldn't stomach it, the amount of violence was shocking for them. "For your dream." Answered the old pirate simply and took another gulp from the bottle. "Everyone must find their own reason and fight for it no matter what. I fought for my dream and me friends, because I wanted to protect them both." "You fought... to protect?" Asked Applejack. "Yep, but I got a question for you now." Said Tomic, "Ah, yeh?" Applejack suddenly received a very painful poke in the forehead. "Who said you could rest?!" Roared Tomic, throwing his Beans-of-Doom at the retreating form of Applejack. 'Fight to protect, eh?' The thought stung. She knew she was strong, that she could protect her friends from anything that could harm them... But that was back in Equestria. Here she wasn't strong, wasn't skilled and couldn't protect anyone. That dream that she had not long time ago came to mind, was everything that she said just a lie? Like Hell! She forced herself to stand up, with willpower alone forcing the nausea down and concentrating on the wolf, which was slowly walking towards her. So it thought that she was done for? Well, she going to disappoint the dumb beast then. Using her good leg she jumped forward, rising her left hand to shield herself from the raws of sharp teeth that wolf bared when saw her moving. It bit down on the left elbow and the pain raced throw her whole body, but she forced herself to concentrate on dealing with the more serious problem than a bite-mark. Maybe it had her left hand, but her right one was still there and in a pretty good condition. She put all her anger in it. Anger at herself for getting beaten by this fleabag, for even thinking about surrendering, for even considering defeat! She was responsible for her for her friends, she going to make sure they were safe and there was no way that she will give up that easily. All the anger boosted by the adrenaline running through her body and combined with her pretty impressive by civilian standards physical strength, was put into one punch that she delivered into wolf's temple. *CRACK* The sound of something breaking was heard and wolf released its hold on her arm from the force of the punch. The attack was strong enough to send it flying for several meters and even when it landed it rolled a couple of times and only then stopped. Applejack was standing, taking deep breathes and looking at her opponent, it didn't move. Only after a minute she released a sigh and looked herself over. She was a mess. He right shoulder was bleeding and the wound was seen through the torn clothes, three deep finger-wide gashes were there for everyone to see. The wound on her left keen was a bit better, considering that there was less torn flesh and the wounds themselves were punctured, meaning less blood were escaping her body through them. But her left elbow was a mess, considering that the wolf apparently had time to actually gnaw on it a little, leaving it in a poor state of a half-eaten steak. Her right fist was also in blood, but this was more wolf's than hers. She sighed and limped toward the bags, it was time to get home and receive some damn medical attention. When the first wolf went after Applejack, the smallest one ran at Rainbow Dash, but she wasn't the fastest Pony in Equestria for nothing, so the moment it moved in her direction, she took into the air and hovered several feet over the ground. "What the matter furball, can't get me here?" She mocked the wolf that was standing on the ground directly under her. It growled in response. Suddenly it looked forward and took of running full speed. 'What the Hay?' She thought. That wasn't normal. Being the one who could fight in the air, meant that she had an advantage over some of the earth-walking predators, and sometimes she... abused this fact. Her arrogance, even if not pronounced, was still there, but for the last two weeks she was repeatedly broken from it by the old pirate, leaving her a fair bit less avid to boast. Still, old habits die hard. When she flew up, she was sure that the wolf will try to jump up and catch her, so she could use her maneuverability and hit him, making the fall much more painful, but instead it ran towards the... tree? Yep, the wolf was running towards tree. And then, when it reached the tree, the wolf started... to run up?! Dash gaped. The wolf used it momentum to run up the tree and the use the branches to get higher. She was so shocked that almost missed the moment when her opponent used the tree to jump right at her. 'How the Hay it's so smart!' She thought frantically as she dove out of the way, making the wolf miss her. It landed on the branch of the nearest tree and jumped at her again. 'No way it is going to defeat me in the air!' She thought. Bending backwards she let it fly over her, and kicked the wolf in the stomach, hard. The kick connected, but the result was less than what Dash was hoping for. The power of her attack just made the wolf flip over its head once and crash into the tree, that it intended to land on, but the branches were strong enough to not let the bugger fall down. Not wanting to deal with the incredibly smart wolf more than it was needed, Dash shot forward reading her fist to punch the twerp's lights out. But apparently wolf was made from a tougher stuff and right before the punch connected, he used one of the branches as a joist and pushed itself backwards, making Dash miss and hit the tree instead. Th force of the attack mack that bark break creating a miniature crater, but girl's attention was more of the wolf who lunged at her with open jaw. Using her wings' full power she pulled herself back, barely escaping the deadly teeth. Wolf didn't slow down and used the tree as a support-surface to push itself at her at blinding speed targeting her unguarded leg that was still in range of its jump. Dash, seeing her enemy's charge, twisted backwards in the air, making a full turn and avoiding the bite, but making the wolf respond by curling up in a ball and hitting her in the chest with it full weight. She flew backward and hit the tree, crying out in pain and her wings were pinned down by her own body, but it wasn't even the worst part. The wolf was right after her as it landed a bit lower than her, almost falling but saving itself by biting the branch and stopping the descent. Dash, stunned by pain from her wings and force of the collision wasn't fast enough to regain her bearings to get away but the new pain the bloomed in her ankle was enough to snap her out of her daze. She cried out again and tried to fly away, ignoring the ache in her wings, but something was holding her leg, looking down she saw the wolf bitting down on her ankle, blood dripping from it maw. Not waisting time she used her other leg to kick it right in the eye, making it yelp in pain and release her. Flying backwards and stabilizing herself far enough to not be in wolf range, she looked down at her ruined leg. It was bleeding pretty badly and her sandal was now more red than black from blood. 'This is bad.' She thought. Her stamina was as good as when she was a Pegasus but her body far heavier and she couldn't just fly everywhere without getting tired, so a wounded leg was pretty bad for her. She heard growling and looked at her foe. The wolf, now on the ground, was looking at her with one good and one slightly swollen eyes. Then it turned to the side and Dash had to curse, as she noticed its new target, wolf was going to attack Applejack, who was having a hard time of her own. She couldn't let that happen. With a burst of speed she charged down at the wolf, trying to take it by surprise, but apparently it either heard her or was ready for the attack because it ducked right when she was going to ram into its side, making Dash miss. Wolf didn't let the opportunity pass and jumped after her, when she was turning around to face it again. Dash wasn't ready for the full-body tackle, and wolf clamped its jaws on her left shoulder. She almost lost her balance from the pain and new weight, but evened herself in the air. It was hard to hold in the air with the additional weight and pain coursing through her body, but she wasn't the best flier in Equestria for nothing. Wolf was trying to rip a peace of flesh while also scratching her with its claws, and Dash was punching it repeatedly in the side with her right fist, while using the left hand to choke the damn thing. Both were having hard time, wolf holding onto Dash while being punched into ribs and choked and she flying with bruised wings and a pretty big gatecrasher on her. 'This... is getting really bad!' She thought through pain and haze. She couldn't let the bastard go, because it will go after her friends and the only thing that standing between them and it was her! She knew that with two wolfs teaming up, they will reap either Applejack or Fluttershy apart. That will not happen! She knew that she could be wounded pretty badly in this fight if she won't just fly away. She knew that there was a good possibility of loosing a wing or both because of the strain she was putting on them. She knew she could bleed to death. Did she care? "Now, what have we learned?" Asked Rainbow Dash, while frying in front of standing on the field Fluttershy. "Loss of control." She answered. "Good." Nodded Dash. "Screaming and hollering." "Yes." Another nod. "And most importantly?" "Passion!" Answered the she Pegasus. "Right!" Dash landed in front of her friend. "So, now that you know the elements of a good cheer, let's hear one." Fluttershy took a deep breath. "Yay." And basically said it. "... Ugh." Dash facehoofed. "You're gonna cheer for me like that? Louder." "Yay." A bit better. "Louder!" "Yay." No difference. "LOUDER!" Fluttershy took a very deep breath and... "Yaaay." It was even quieter than before. "Ugh..." Mumbled Dash as she... *Thud* ...fell on her back. "Too loud?" Asked Fluttershy. No in the slightest! Dash forced herself to ignore the pain, and started to rise higher, still punching the ugly bastard that was growling trying to rip a chunk of her flesh. Nearing the required height, she used her right hand to punch it right into the swollen eye, making it howl in pain and release her, but she didn't release it. Her left hand was still clutching wolf's throat, making it harder for the beast to breath, while it was trashing around. Without holding back Dash punched the wolf in the stomach, hard. The beast choked and flew forward as Dash released her foe. Not giving the wolf a chance to regain full awareness, she flew forward at full speed, ignoring the burning pain in her wings. When she was right in front of it, she lifted her right leg and dropped it on the wolf's head with all her strength, sending it towards the ground. *THUD*CRACK* Its body reached the earth, creating a crated. Dash released a sigh and started lowering herself down, making sure to keep eye on the still form of her opponent. After she touched the ground and the wolf didn't even twitched, she took a so much needed deep breath and grimaced when the pain shot through her bruised chest, maybe even something was fractured. She turned and looked as Applejack finished her opponent off with a hit to the head. "Meh... Mine was twenty percent cooler." Chuckled Dash, but again grimaced as another wave of pain reminded her that breathing was a chore right now, never mind actually talking. Fluttershy was staring at her opponent, while the big wolf stared back. She really didn't like fighting, but seeing her dear friends hurt was the one that she actually hated. The idea alone made her angry and she will be damned if she was going to let them get hurt because of her. There was one thing that she learned in this two weeks, that took deep roots in her mind, heart and soul. "What is more important to you? Your friends? Or the ones that will try to hurt your friends?" Asked Tomic, when he found out about her pacifistic outlook on life. "Fighting sometimes is the only answer and if you don't like it, you will hate yourself hundred times more for not fighting and your inaction resulting in your friends' deaths." Old man was right. The wolf readied itself. Tomic was right and she knew that she will never forgive herself if her dislike for violence will lead to someone's dear to her death. The beast jumped at her. She will fight. It was almost on her. And she will win! Faster, than wolf could react Fluttershy cocked her fist back and punched it in the temple with enough force to send it flying. Because if she won't win, she won't be able to protect anyone! Wolf flew for several meters, but was able to spin in the air and land on its pawns. It growled at her as a trickle of blood ran down from the place of the impact, Fluttershy stared back. Without any warning the wolf charged again, but more careful this time, making sure not to encounter its opponent's fist again. In a sudden burst of speed wolf was right in front of the girl, but she was ready and dodged to the right. Landing, wolf used its powerful legs to launch itself after her. Fluttershy wasn't prepared for such agility from such a big creature and could only jump to escape its jaws. While in the air, she saw how it landed and instantly turned, ready to catch her on the way down. There was just one problem with its plan, there was no way down. Fluttershy used her wings to launch herself right at the wolf, who was surprised by girl's speed and wasn't ready to receive a spinning kick to the side. It skidded on the ground, leaving trails with its feet on the ground, but still standing. Most citizens of Ponyville would have been absolutely stunned by the display of fighting capabilities that demonstrated the former shy mare. She was fast, strong and determent to win, something that couldn't be seen in the former incarnation. There was only one answer. Potential. All three girls had potential for growth, even grater than some famous pirates of the Era. Rainbow Dash and Applejack was already tapping into theirs, while Fluttershy not far behind, and that was before they arrived in this world. Now, when the dying spark of their spirit, almost fully extinguished by the peaceful and tranquil air of Equestria, was brought out and flared into roaring inferno, they were growing faster, than anyone could imagine! Wolf shook itself and turned towards, now standing on the ground, Fluttershy. Why Dash loved to fly and fight using air-maneuvers, Fluttershy had far more experience with walking and standing on her... legs. She wasn't going to waste any time and rushed forward, wolf responding not a moment later. The two was on each other in a moment, Fluttershy punching wolf in the jaw, but it was able to shift to the right in the last moment, and bit down on her outstretched arm. Pain, like she never knew before, exploded in her elbow from wolf's teeth piercing her skin and muscles, tearing the flesh apart. Fluttershy cried out in pain, but didn't stop, because in this time slowing down meant loosing her arm forever. Her left fist shot forward, impacting wolf's throat and making the beast choke and release her arm. She didn't stop and sent a kick into its muzzle with her right leg, wolf wasn't able to react while still getting its windpipe into working order. The hit connected and made wolf snap its head to the side, leaving it dazed, but not enough to not jump backwards from next punch that was aimed at its nose. Getting its mind back on track, wolf rushed forward again. Fluttershy jumped, flying up to dodge the attack, but wolf apparently was smarted than its appearance showed and jumped after her far faster than girl could think it could. She wasn't able to dodge and wolf's head made contact with her chest, making her ribcage creak dangerously and sending her into sailing towards the ground. The impact with the earth was hard and made her loose her breath, but she wasn't too stunned to not dodge the wolf, which apparently decided to crush her under its weight and body-slammed down on her. Rolling to the side she heard to sound of its landing and was really glad for her well-timed escape. Fluttershy jumped on her feet and looked at the wolf, which was already charging at her, the fall not even slowing the damn thing down. It was too close for her to try and fly away, there was now time to dodge, so the only thing she could do... Fluttershy dove right into wolf's attack, surprising it with a bold move. She delivered a strong uppercut right into its chin, snapping wolf's mouth shut and making it rise its head, her left fist already on its way targeting beast's chest. The punch made the wolf stumble back and cough, but apparently it wasn't enough to stop the damn thing from attacking again, this time faster and more fiercely than before. Fluttershy was able to dodge the bite, that would've teared her throat out, but the wolf was apparently getting smarter because it cocked its head to the left and slammed its forehead into her temple, dazing her and leaving an opening for the beast to attack. Next hit fell on Fluttershy's side making her fly for several meters and fall on the ground. The direct headbutt with a weight of one overgrown wolf behind it almost made her loose conscious. She was pretty sure something inside her was damaged, intact organs doesn't hurt like that! She was barely able to see the wolf jumping at her. Rolling to the side and on her stomach, she pushed herself fast enough to be on her feet the moment wolf turned its head into her direction. She was bloody, tired and almost out cold, while the beast was good enough to keep going till the night and maybe even longer! Fluttershy felt anger, it was like molten metal spreading through her body. She was going to loose to this thing?! She was going to fail her friends again?! She sprung forward, too fast for the wolf to dodge and punched it right into its right side. The beast actually rose from the ground from her strike and flew for several meters, but it wasn't enough. When it landed she was already on it, delivering a bone-shattering straight-kick right into its stomach, making it slid further forward. She was going for the third strike in a raw, but apparently the beast had enough and turned its head and in a show of phenomenal back-legs' strength jumped forward, ramming its forehead into Fluttershy's chest. While she was stunned by the headbutt, wolf bit down on her left arm and with a powerful pull threw her into nearest tree, making it's bark actually break under the strain of the collision. Fluttershy rose slowly, still in daze and pain from the last attack. 'I... can't hear?' She thought. There wasn't any sounds reaching her ears, everything was quiet, the only thing that she could hear was the thunderous sound of her beating heart. 'What is this feeling?' She took a deep breath. She could feel something, right under her skin. She didn't know what it was and didn't care, because right now the only thing that mattered was winning this fight. All doubts and uncertainties drained from her mind and she felt the strange feeling intensifying. 'I will *win*.' One line ran through her mind and like a switch turned something fundamental in her being on. Like a small spring turning into a geyser, something snapped inside her and like liquid fire spread through her body. She wasn't tired anymore, she didn't feel pain or daze form the fight, she was standing and ready to fight again with new fire in her. Everything slowed down. Wolf was moving like in a slow-motion, making its easy to dodge, to fly away. to even just sidestep the attack, but that wasn't what she did. She lifted her right arm, bending it in her abused elbow and clenched it into a fist. She took all her anger, all her frustration and annoyance and poured it into this fist. The wolf was almost upon her and ready to bite into her torso. "Never again." Hissed through gritted teeth Fluttershy and punched wolf right into its head. The blow was powerful enough to instantly send the beast down, its head colliding with the ground and creating a pretty big crated. The force was so big that it was seen to a naked eye as from the dent on wolf's head leaked a small amount of blood, it was obvious that it wasn't going anywhere. Fluttershy made a couple of deep breaths and turned to walk back to where her bags were, not having any doubts about Dash or Applejack winning their fights, her right arm hanging uselessly to her side. "And tell me why we couldn't interfere and help them?!" Asked Miako, while pulling Tomic's ear. They were standing on top of the tree with a wonderful view on the place of the fight. Miako wanted to mutilate the old bastard for the stunt he just pulled, but at least wanted to hear his reason. "Well, it was a good way to teach them a lesson and show the gab between them and the rest of the world." Answered Tomic, but the fact that the pain in his ear became worse told him that it was the wrong answer. "Do you know why I'm helping them?" He asked in a serious tone. "You're finally going senile?" Asked Miako. "As if!" He snorted. "They don't have a way back." He said after a pause. "And?" Miako was getting frustrated, but released his ear hoping that it will make him think faster. "Their Dreams, friends and families were left wherever they came from." He continued. "Now they are alone, in a world that would have teared them apart and spitted out the bloody remains without any remorse if they will try and live like they used to." Miako could only nod, this was pretty obvious and actually a bit sad. But it still didn't answer her question! "Get to the point please." She urged him. "They won't stay here forever, you know." The smirk appeared on his face. Miako saw this smirk a couple of times and she knew what it meant. He mind was working overtime trying to come up with the most devious and twisted thing that old man can come up with. Suddenly it hit her. "You wouldn't!" She wanted to throttle him right now. "Oh, I most certainly will!" He said as a grin started spreading on his face, the glint in his eyes was downright scary. "You're planning to..." She couldn't even say it. "Yep!" She didn't have to, Tomic knew that she understood his intentions. "They will make it, I can feel it in my guts!" "So, you are throwing them to the proverbial wolfs because of the indigestion?" She growled at him. "Oh, stop it!" He waved her off. "I will make sure that they will pull through!" "You better!" She hissed at him. "I wouldn't be able to live knowing that I helped you murder three innocent girls." "I swear on my immortal soul!" He smirked. "What soul? You sold yours to the Devil for the infinite stock of tobacco." She quipped. "But seriously, I will strangle you in your sleep if you will make me assist you in sending them to their death." She threatened. "Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!" He laughed. Miako was sitting on the bed and applying the bandages to Applejack's leg, while the other two girls were resting already taken care of. She at least was able to patch up the most sever wounds and make sure there won't be any infection, but the fact that girls could actually move around with such wounds spoke volumes about how tough they are! "So, how was you little adventure?" Asked Tomic as he entered the room. He got glares from all three of the girls. "I feel like I flew right into a brick wall at full speed." Finally mumbled Rainbow Dash. "Like a tree fell on me." Added Applejack. "Like I was a chew toy to a wolf." Finished Fluttershy. The other two looked at her but then chuckled, the joke was in the lack of the joke. Tomic on the other hand looked them over. The wounds on them were pretty much harmless and only looked bad. Considering that they were in a fight with wolves that would have ripped any normal civilian or even a fresh Marine to shreds without even taking a hit, their wounds weren't even worth noticing. But more importantly, Fluttershy used Busoshoku Haki. In her last attack she used a tiny amount of it to empower her fist and knock the wolf out. No normal hit with her physical strength could have caused such amount of damage to the wolf that big, she was tapping into it without actually noticing and that showed how great her potential was. "And that was pathetic." Said Tomic. The three turned to him with wide eyes. "Your asses were handed to you but some puppies!" "Hey! They were wolfs..." Started Applejack. "That is not an excuse!" Barked Tomic with a smirk. "I saw rookies doing far better than that! You three were sloppy, wasted time and strength on pointless moves and couldn't even avoid being injured!" Well, he wasn't completely truthful here, the way the put down the wolves was pretty impressive for someone as weak as them. "Hey, we kick their asses!" Argued Dash. "And you look like it was you who got the ass-kicking!" Answered the old former pirate. "... Than change it." Said Fluttershy. Tomic looked at her and saw the determined look in her eyes. "We're not stupid, we know that there is almost no chance of us returning home." The other two looked solemnly down. "But that doesn't mean that it is impossible!" She had that stern look that made plainly obvious what she was going to say. "We maybe a tad bit naive and optimistic, but it doesn't mean that we don't know when its time to face reality. When we first arrived here we were frightened and lost, we didn't know what happened and why we looked like this." She gestured to her body. "But the today I was afraid because I could loose my two friends because if I lost the wolf would have mauled them next. If I wasn't strong enough, I would have been even worse than dead, I would have been responsible for my friends demise. Before coming here I was pathetic, afraid and weak. Right now I'm still weak, but I'm going to do everything in my power to not loose anyone important to me anymore. I already lost three of my closest friends because of the accident, loosing two more will happen only over my cold dead body." She stood up from the bed and fell on her knees in front of Tomic, not having enough strength to actually stand. "We understand that our morals and usual ways of dealing with our problems will get us killed here, there is a lot of problems and situations here that can't be solved by simply talking things through and violence is the answer." She lowered her head and you could see as a tear fell on the wooden floor. "No matter how much you hide it, you're strong." She said, tears streaming down her face. "You moved faster than we could see and had enough force to break a tree with a bean. Please..." She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. "Help us get strong too. I don't want to loose anyone again." The last part she whispered. "For a shy brat you talk to much." Said Tomic and turned to leave the room. "Be ready, because the training will be far worse than actual fights! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!" He finished over his shoulder and left the room laughing, not seeing the three smiling at him. "So, you were planning this whole thing... how long?" Asked Miako, as she stood beside Tomic on the veranda. "Eh, from the moment I saw the Pink-Brat using Haoshoku Haki." He answered, taking a drag from his pipe. "So, what is your goal? I know that you're going to release them on the unsuspecting world to 'take it by storm', but what will you gain from it?" She was honestly curious. "I was there." Said Tomic. "I heard him." The sun was mercilessly beating down on the crowd that was waiting for one thing. They were all standing on the main plaza of Loguetown, watching as Gold D. Rodger, the legendary 'Pirate King' was climbing on the Execution Platform. His hands were in wooden cuffs and he was missing his hat, but the black mane on his head and curved black mustache along with a long red captain's coat. Beneath his coat, he wore a blue shirt and had a green sash around his waist. He had a white cravat around his neck, wore dark blue pants, and also he wore what appeared to be black sea boots. His words from long ago still rang in the ears of the people. "Inherited Will, the Destiny of the Age, the Dreams of People. As long as people continue to pursue the meaning of Freedom, this things will never cease!" Tomic was sitting on the roof of one of the buildings, drinking from the bottle of the best Sake he could get his hands on and watching as the living legend was taking his final steps. On the top of the platform, two soldiers in a formal wear were holding a Nagamaki each. After a small chat with one of his executioners Rodger faced the crowd and sat down, the grin on his face didn't disappear even for a moment. They were preparing for the final act. Executioners crossed the blade in front of him. "Hey! Pirate King!" Yelled someone from the crowd. "What did you do with your treasure? Its somewhere on the Grand Line, Isn't it?" Tomic grinned at the question. "You have it, don't you? The greatest treasure in the world!?" "Insolent! Hold your tongue!" Yelled one of the soldiers, that were going to execute Rodger. "Your one special treasure?" The speaker ignored the order. "ONE PIECE!" Roger chuckled, and then started laughing. "My treasure?" He asked. Each of his words, even not loud, could be heard everywhere on the plaza. "Alright, that's enough!" Barked the guard, reading the weapon. "If you want it, I'll let you have it!" Roger didn't stopped, his grin getting wider. "Go look for it. I left all of it at** that place*!*" "Execute!" Yelled the guard and both executioners stabbed Roger. Silence. The whole plaza fell in silence. Everyone who came here to watch the end of the *Pirate King*, were shocked, because what was suppose to be the end of the greatest pirate... ... started The Golden Age of Piracy! Tomic was laughing as he saw that even in his death, the *Pirate King** was still smiling!* Soon the rain fell, as if the Heavens themselves blessed the new Era. Tomic was smiling widely from the memory. "You're planning to send them after that thing?" Miako was actually gaping like a fish. Apparently the old man finally gone senile. To think that he could actually send the brats after the most wanted prize in the whole world was maddening! She will need to find some kind of a Doctor who specialized in mental illnesses... "No, I'm planning on giving them the reason to set sail, and find their way home!" He smirked. Miako though about the whole thing and suddenly it hit her like a ton of bricks. "You want them to find their way around the sea and find the reason to move forward." She said. "The may never get home, and you want to bet on a chance that they will find something worth living for here..." She stared at him. If Tomic will say to her that he came up with a method to make babies eat their way out of women's womb, she would probably look at him in less shock than now. "I don't know what you're talking about." He laughed, but the became serious. "Also, can you do me a favor?" Miako shook her head to snap from her daze and looked at him with a rised eyebrow. When he used this tone it meant business, and she really didn't want to know what he wanted from her at the moment. "It depends on what do I get in return." She answered. "A favor from me." He said simply. Miako's eyes narrowed. If he was actually giving her a free favor, that meant that he wanted that will be pain-in-the-ass level of difficulty to accomplish. "Alright." There wasn't anything she can bargain here on. "What do you need?" "Well, I think that this three will need a... healthier diet." He smirked and pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. Miako took the paper and read it, her eyes bulged comically and she almost choked on her spit. "Are you insane?!" She was able to get out of her mouth. "To get this you'll need to actually know where to look and be absolutely sure that no one..." "I know both." He interrupted her. "...How?" Miako was almost catatonic from the sheer shock of his request. "I was keeping tabs on a certain warehouse." He answered with a smile. "Oh, no... You're kidding!?" She wanted to pounder him so much. "It will be easier to break in Impel Down!" She was going the throttle him. "Oh, don't be like that!" He was grinning at her. "I know that you can pull it off! They will never know what hit them and you'll be able to test how rusty you are." And she punched him in the face, hard. The force of the strike made Tomic wobble on his feet, but only for a second. "It will be my ass that will get itself killed, not yours!" She almost screamed at him, but making an effort to lower her volume to not wake up the girls. "But the risk worth it!" Tomic did the best to dodge the next strike, that would have made him sing soprano, if it connected. Miako was going to throttle him, and that was final. She really didn't care what insane idea was in his head, but there was no way she will try to pull it off! It was more than just impossible! "Putting you down will be much easier!" She barked, trying to grab his throat. "That wasn't a 'No'!" He quipped and dodged another her attempt at throttling him. "Don't slow down!" Barked Tomic, making sure that three girls were doing push-ups without slacking off. The rocks that were tied to their backs weren't helping them in holding the insane temp that old man wanted from them. Two months passed from their encounter with the wolfs and girls were training under the former pirate like their lives depend on it. And they hated it with passion. Apparently Tomic was insane, because they had to ran around the house with rocks tied to their arms, legs, back and waist, do push-up and sit-ups with the same rocks and finally climb the trees with them! Whatever idea was in the old man's head apparently wasn't working, because even after weeks of training they couldn't adjust to the weight of the rocks on their bodies. They didn't know that each time Tomic could see that they were starting to adjust to the weights, he will swap them for a bit heavier set. One more thing happened, was that Miako left and didn't still didn't came back. When asked. Tomic answered that she was running an errand for him, and will return soon. Considering that she was the one that bought most of the food and cooked, girls had to learn to actually learn how to cook properly. Applejack wasn't familiar with any recipe that didn't have apples in them, Fluttershy was good, but her recipes were mostly for animals that she fed and Dash wasn't even asked because of her obvious lack in skill and talent in the field. Tomic only knew how to cook meat, so there wasn't any way for girls to actually get away from it beside start cooking themselves. Tomic apparently made it a mission of his life to make girls try and actually eat meat, but that was more or less a war of characters. Girls were stubborn and told him that they could survive as a vegetarians, while he told that that they will always be a scrawny brats without help from proper food. Well, Tomic just started to put some mean into anything that was considered food in the house and bought food himself, so the girls won't have any alternatives. Rainbow Dash broke first. She was too hungry to care and in her half-dazed state actually ate some pork that Tomic cooked for dinner. She was on her fifth piece when Fluttershy came in and gasped, while Tomic finally roared with laugh, seeing as he was holding back to not accidentally snap Dash from her zombie-like state. She was actually not that mortified by the whole affair and actually admitted that it was tasty. The point here was that the animals in this world weren't remotely as sentinel as in Equestria, with several exceptions. She was prideful enough to admit that she actually like the taste of meat and wanted some more. Applejack actually was next in that regard, and followed Dash after some persuasion. His main problem was that she actually knew several cows back home and spoke with them, but here it was different. She was more that a bit green after first bite and had to force it down, but others came more naturally to her and soon she could eat meat without feeling like she actually was betraying herself. She was human now, and she was omnivore, she had to deal with it like a grown up and not some brat as Tomic said. Fluttershy was as reluctant as ever and the sheer idea made her actually physically sick. When asked how she was able to fight a wolf, she answered that she was protecting her friends and wolf was attacking first, so it was in need of a lesson in good manners. Tomic wasn't really that upset, he took it more like a challenge and made some pretty big efforts to explain to Fluttershy that in a 'dog-eat-dog' world sometimes you need to actually eat meat, because there isn't anything else to fill you empty stomach, but she was unyielding in her position. It was fifth month in their training and Tomic actually discovered a very interesting thing. Apparently Rainbow Dash was very talented when it came to swordsmanship. He was actually testing if they could handle an opponent with a bladed weapon and used a training wooden sword to show them what happened with a unarmed person when they are fighting someone wielding a weapon. Fluttershy and Applejack refused and said that they preferred their own arms and legs to the weapon, while Dash actually took two swords and actually demonstrated some potential, considering that it was her first time with them, in the and she was hooked on the idea and asked for training in swordsmanship. Tomic wasn't a Master, not by a long shot, but he knew basics enough to bring Dash on a level where she wasn't imitating a drunken monkey with a stick while having a stroke. She was restlessly training from then one in her new favorite art, that actually came second to flying. "Are you nuts?" Tomic heard Miako's voice from Den Den Mushi he was using to tell Miako about kids' progress. "Nope, it even wouldn't be that hard to get." He answered. "She obviously has a talent, why not to support it?" "You know that I'll have to be away for another month or two to actually get them?" Miako asked. "Not a problem, just make sure you'll come back whole and in a good enough condition to cook." He said with a smirk. "... Asshole." She answered and cut the call. "Alright brats! Today will be you test!" Said Tomic proudly, while walking into the forest with three girls following him. "I was trying to make something out of you and now I want to sea th result of six months of light training." 'He call that *light** training?!'* The thought ran through girls' heads. "And how are you gonna test us?" Asked Applejack. She became a tad bit taller and with some actual visible muscles on her frame, her curves were more pronounced and her hair was a bit longer than before and was pulled into a ponytail with a red bow. She was wearing a light yellow top with white outline, short cream-colored shorts and black sandals. Her Stetson was on her head. "I really hope it's not another of his marathons." Mumbled Rainbow Dash. She also grew a tad bit, but was still noticeably shorter than Applejack, her hair grew a bit and she actually liked it, her curves also was more pronounced, but without making her loose the athletic build. She was leaner than Applejack but still could demonstrate some tough muscles on her body. She was wearing black breeches, black boots, white T-shirt and over it blue sleeveless jacket. She was also wearing a dark blue goggles on her head that she bought in the local shop. On both of her sides were tied two training Katanas with white guards, black handles and sheaths that she took the habit of carrying around, her training was enough to actually use them with some proficiency, but she still would be considered a novice by anyone who trained more than a year or so. "Or another survival training." Added Fluttershy. She actually grew more than the other two and was now tallest in the group, with the most pronounced curves. She kept her hair the same length and made sure to cut it when it got too long. She also gained muscles on her frame and even more than Applejack, because she was actually training harder than other two. When Dash and Applejack were basically almost paralyzed from the hard training, she forced herself to make keep going, because of her determination to protect her friends and make sure that she will never loose them. She was wearing long black pants, black boots and red shirt, on her hands were black gloves that she like for some reason, even her friends couldn't get it. "Oh, I think you'll like it!" Answered Tomic. "We will be able to hear it right about..." "ROOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAWR!" Came a roar from the forest in front of them, its power actually making the leaves to fall from the trees. "... now." Finished Tomic with a smirk. 'What the hell was *that*?!' Thought three friends as they heard the sound of someone very big coming their way.
Bright New World.She opened her eyes and blinked. 'What... What happened?' "Come one, Fluttershy, it will be fantastic!" Said a Unicorn. She had a pale light-grayish-mulberry colored coat, sapphire blue mane, with violet and rose streaks. Her Cutie Mark was in the form of six-pointed bright red star with five similar bight white and far smaller stars surrounding it. Her eyes were normally violet, but right now they were two glowing orbs of magical power, which in combination with her, glowing in brilliant raspberry light, horn gave off an aura of mystical power and actually worried the second Pony on the big grassy meadow. "I..., I don't know Twilight, isn't it dangerous?" Ask Fluttershy. She was a Pegasus with pale light-grayish-golden coat, pale light-grayish-rose mane and cyan eyes. Her Cutie Mark was in the form of three pink and cyan butterflies. 'Now... I remember, I was with Twilight and she wanted to try out the new spell.' Thought Fluttershy, as she tried to stand up on her hoofs. Something wasn't right, her body felt wrong and she couldn't tell why. 'What happened next?' "AH! Move, Fluttershy!" Screamed a familiar voice. Fluttershy didn't have time to move when somepony collided with her. The mess distracted Twilight from her spell, but at the same moment the magical aura on her horn apparently reached crescendo and erupted in a bright flash of light. 'And now I'm here...' Thought Pegasus. Fluttershy remembered that Twilight Sparkle, her very dear friend was trying to cast a very old spell for 'Locked-Teleportation'. Fluttershy didn't understand fully the whole concept, but apparently it was going to bring her to her home, where Twilight earlier created a 'Marker' which worked as a final destination for the spell. Of course is was far mow complex than that, but Fluttershy didn't got the rest of the explanation. "And what do you think you're doing?" The new voice surprised Fluttershy. She turned around and saw the one who was speaking. And fainted from the combination of the mental stress, shock from the transportation by the spell and from the very intimidating giant figure that was standing not far away. Tomic S. Droil saw too darn many things in his life to be surprised by anything, but three girls appearing on the clearing where he usually was training to keep himself in shape was in the Top Ten instantly. Tomic was old, and very tall man. In his seventy five years of life he was at least as tall as Garp, one of the people in the Marines who he actually respected and had very muscular build. He had grey hair that was cut short and stuck in all directions from under his yellow bandanna, dull-green eyes and short beard just on the end of his chin. He was wearing brown shirt with long sleeves, green shorts and flip-flops. The shirt wasn't buttoned up, so everyone could see his muscular chest, six-pack and a disturbing amount of scars that could be seen almost all over his exposed skin. In his life he was a snot-nosed brat for fifteen years years, a Bounty Hunter for ten and then forty years, the best in his life, he was a Pirate. Right now he was ten years into retirement and that was really driving him up the wall. He didn't die when he crossed Reverse Mountain, he didn't die when the ship he was on almost crashed into a damn gigantic whale when they were riding down from said mountain. Sea King couldn't take him on and live to tell the tale! The Marines couldn't catch him, and he could easily beat a Vice Admiral in one-on-one fight, even if he would come out of it with some scars to remember. Damn his bounty was 200,000,000 Beli! And he was stuck on the small island in the East Blue because he really didn't want to deal with any of the Justice-lapdogs or Bounty Hunters that will surely try to claim his head or bounty respectably. The headache of getting away from them was worse than the boredom of sitting on this island. Kuroki Island was really far from any normal trade roads and didn't have any value for World Government so there really wasn't any point for Marines to come here at all, making the retirement more peaceful and relaxing... ... and dreadfully boring. And apparently Heaves heard his plea and now he was looking at the result of not specifying hi prays. This was not what he wanted to deal with at the moment. He was hoping for some dumb rookie pirate to come and try to throw his weight around or something, even some no-name Bounty Hunter would be better than three snot-nosed *brats***! 'This shit is not gonna fly...' Thought Tomic. First girl was a blond-haired tanned one with Stetson hat on her head. Her hair was long enough to reach her butt, with the part of the end being held together by a red ribbon, while her top was pretty short and sticking a tad bit upward from under her Stetson, two bands were framing her face. She was wearing a white blouse with green on top with a rolled-up sleeves, low-thigh length denim-skirt held up with a brown belt with red apple-shaped buckle. On her feet were brown boots almost reaching her knees with red apples on them. She also three freckles under each eye. 'What the fuck with all the apples?' Thought Tomic. 'Is she some kind of a farmer from apple-orchard? Damn long way she must be from home if the last time I ate a the damn thing was two years ago!' She was actually the most normal of the trio, considering that her tan can be the result of the long time under the sun. The other two took the cake with the cherry on top. Wings. They had fucking *wings***! 'What the hell? They doesn't look like the ones that the citizens of the Skypiea have. And the clothes doesn't match too...' Tomic didn't really wanted to come close, at least not until he could at least be sure that they won't attack right away. It will be really a headache to deal with the mess if they will try to actually fight him. It's not like some snot-nosed brats could take him on or something, but he really wasn't into beating up defenseless girls, not his thing. The first one of the winged couple was also tanned girl but a lighter shade than the cowboy-wannabe one. She also had light pink hair with a butterfly-shaped hairpin in it, that was apparently there only for decoration considering that her long mane with curling ends was as bouffant as it could be. She was wearing a white sleeveless shirt, grin skirt with three butterflies of different colors, pink underskirt which was seen only an inch of, green boots almost reaching her knees and apparently pink socks, that did reach he knees. A pair of butter-yellow wings were sprouting from her back, apparently too small to actually do something other than being a strange addition to the set of strange things about the girl. Maybe her body was lighter than than normal and the wings were able to actually lift her instead of just creating a breeze? Tomic turned to the third girl. 'Yep, this is just peachy...' Tomic really was going to facepalm from this one. The last one was making the first two look like a pieces of grey mass. Her tan was even lighter but still visible even for the naked eye. She was wearing blue knee-hight boots with white bootlaces, multicolored horizontally-striped half-hoses, black skin-tight shorts under vertically wide-striped purple and white skirt. She also had white T-shirt with black collar and with an emblem of the cloud and a red-yellow-blue lightning striking down from it on the chest. Over the T-shirt she was wearing a blue hight-collar jacket with short sleeves. She was also wearing red-yellow-blue wristbands one both hands. What was actually even more outstanding about the girl even than a pair of a very light cerulean wings on her back, was her hair. The damn mop, going down to her butt was like a fucking *rainbow**! It hurt to even *look at the damn thing! There was red, orange, yellow, green, blue and even purple colors in her mane and as much as Tomic could say, they were natural! 'This shit just took the cake! What the fuck with the hair?! Did her mother stood over the pot of gold, dropped her pants and bent over for God's sake?' He got a headache from even looking at the multicolored abomination. Suddenly the pink-haired one stirred. She shakily tried to pull her self up blinking around, apparently unable to focus her eyes properly at the moment. "And what do you think you're doing?" Ask Tomic. Really, what the hell was she doing? Considering how clean their clothes were, the girls were not a from a poor surroundings and the lack of any scarring and altogether flawless skin told Tomic that they apparently didn't have a real fight or done any hard work in their entire lives! Well, the one in Stetson had some muscles at least on her, even if barely visible, but the other two were sticks. The girl turned to him so fast that he thought her neck was going to snap... and fainted. 'Somehow, I'm not surprised.' Thought Tomic and facepalmed. Removing his hand from his face he looked up and if his guess was right, the time that will take to drag this three to his house, check them for wounds, or better make someone check them for any wounds, he will be too late for his morning workout. 'Just great...' He released a heavy sigh. "So, where did you say you found this three?" Asked a young woman with short light-brown hair watching over three sleeping girls. They were put in beds as soon as Tomic turned up at her home and dragged her to look over them. Miako wasn't really impressed with the was the old goat just dropped the three on the floor near the door like some bags. Well, the one in Stetson was in bed, while the rainbow-haired one was sleeping in the hammock and the pink-haired one was resting on the bear-skin that was lying on the floor. 'He really need to learn how to interact with other people who *isn't** made from rocks, at least not their brain.'* She wasn't really angry with the old man, because getting angry with the him is like trying to carve your own skull open: painful and unproductive. So instead she turned her attention on the three poor ladies. Miako wasn't that tall, had light-brown hair and green eyes. She was wearing a black shirt, white jeans and sandals. There was a tattoo of a pink parrot with a matchstick in its beak on her left shoulder. Many asked what does it mean, but she never answered because she really would better keep it a secret. The tattoo meant that she was a saboteur. As a former mercenary she really didn't won't anyone trying to dig up all the dirt that shouldn't see the light of the day any sooner than never, so if someone got too curious she just told them that it was 'Legacy of the Misspent Youth' and it was almost always enough to shut them up. In her line of work she saw many things that really killed her ability to be surprised, but right now she was a close as could be to actually rising eyebrow. For the last five years of her life she worked in a bar saw some colorful characters and when you add the list of them she saw on her job, there really wasn't any type of a person that she didn't met at some point of time. At least till today. The three girls were really something, considering that there was apparently nothing that could link them with any group that she saw in her life. After checking them over for almost an hour and making sure that they were not physically harmed in any way, she tried to get the full story from the old man, but the 'appeared in the bright light' crap he was telling her was really getting on her nerves at the moment. The absolute lack of any physical damage to their body was more than astonishing to her, considering that everyone over time accumulation some amount of little scars from day-to-day life, this three were absolutely clean, like they were born just today! This was an impossibility. The only other thing she could think of is that one of them had the ability of a Akuma no Mi(Devil Fruit) that could heal. 'Naoru-Naoru no Mi(Heal-Heal Fruit) maybe?' She thought. She wasn't a Doctor, but she was far better than Tomic in that department. His First-Aid skill were limited to Spit-on-the-wound-to-make-it-better, which really wasn't some he should be proud of! But, what can you ask from a man who consider a damn sword stuck in hid guts a little scratch? He couldn't take care of a paper cut because it wasn't worth be concerned about in his eyes, but for vanilla mortals a large gash on their arm was far more than a paper cut. Also he called her because she was one of not so many people who can tolerate him, knew of his past and won't spill the bean if asked what the hermit wanted. Well, he wasn't really a hermit, just not very sociable. Tomic wasn't able to answer because one of the girls, the one with blond hair, stirred. 'At last *some** questions could be answered.'* Thought Miako. The girl blinked awake, her eyes were sap-green color, and looked around. When she Miako, her eyes widened. "What the Hay are you?!" She blurred out. 'Okay... This was an... unique way of questioning someone's name. And what with the 'Hay'?' Thought Miako. 'Better calm her down, until old goat will try to do it himself, and *that** is not something anyone will want in this situation.'*. Putting on her friendliest smile she answered. "Hello, my name is Miako and I'm the one that was taking care of you while you were unconscious." She said. Applejack woke up feeling as if she was bucking apples for three day straight without any rest. The soreness of her body was familiar, but too strong to be normal. She really wanted to just fall back asleep right now, but the strange feeling that she should be worried about something just would let her. Opening her eyes she saw a wooden celling. Not her room's celling. This instantly brought her to full awareness and apparently triggered the memories that were making her worry. She was with Rainbow Dash, who was carrying her to Twilight because she sprained her left front leg and couldn't run fast enough and they both wanted to see what new Spell Twili wanted to demonstrate them. Apparently it was something fantastic and really cool, but they were still late and that wasn't good in Applejack's book. When they were nearing the meadow where the others were, something completely unexpected happened, a bird crashed into Rainbow's face. She was distracted by their talk and didn't see the little thing, and when she lost her balance they dove into half-controlled fall with the damn bird apparently trying to take one of Dash's eyes with it as a trophy. Between holding holding Applejack and trying not to permanently loose eyesight Rainbow could control her fall very well and they crash right into Fluttershy. Then there was a flash of light and then darkness. Well, at least something good apparently came up from the whole ordeal, her leg didn't hurt at all. Maybe they got a doctor to look at it? But the problem was that the celling that she was seeing right now wasn't even Hospital's or her room's, just an unfamiliar set planks. The bed on which she was lying was soft but no very comfortable and a bit bumpy like it was made not for her. She turned to the left and saw a simple bookcase with some book in it, but mostly some random staff, half of witch she didn't even know the origin of. next was a weird chair that looked like someone just cut of a piece of a giant tree and cut recess in it to sit in and it was really big one to boot. Whoever was the owned of this place was the size of a teen-dragon at least! In-front of an improvised chair there was a table that at least looked normal but a good tad bigger than normal by Pony-standards. Applejack turned to look at the right and almost choked. Standing near the bed on which she was lying was... She really didn't know what it was, but it was there! It had some light-brown mane on top of its head, two green eyes and no fur except for mentioned mane. Its muzzle was a bit like monkey's with the nose more straight and lips more pronounced. There was some clothes on her: black shirt and black... whatever was covering her legs. She had... claws, but now like Spike, Twilight's loyal assistant, but more... fleshy for the lack of better word, with just a little bone-like... scales, one on the tip of each claw. "What the Hay are you?!" Maybe Applejack could be a bit less rude, but the shock from the whole set of events was too much for the mare. It smiled at her, she could make out a pair of sharp canines, meaning that whatever it was, it wasn't herbivore. "Hello, my name is Miako and I'm the one that was taking care of you while you were unconscious." It said in a very feminine voice. Applejack was really glad at the moment that the... female let her rude behavior slide. Well, at least she could answer with her own name to be polite. "Em, my name Applejack and sorry for being rude." She sounded like Fluttershy right now. 'Oh no! Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash!' She almost forgot about her friends! As if hearing her thoughts the female said. "Your friends are alright, they are resting too right now." 'At least some good news.' Thought Applejack and then looked at her hoof, that was sprained to make sure it was alright. She blinked. Then blinked again. And then she screamed. Miako really couldn't decide which diagnose is better: insanity or brain-damage? Their guest, Applejack, was apparently a... Pony. There was something really funny about the whole situation, but Miako just could pinpoint what exactly. After making sure that Applejack stopped screaming blue-murder and trying to bite her fingers off, she helped her to the table and made some tea. 'This is just going to be one big mess, I *know** it.'* Thought Miako. Applejacks whole tale took at least an hour and a half and made Miako question girl's sanity more times than not. Either the girl was nuts, or someone screw her over with some kind of brainwashing. There was just no way that what she was telling was true. A whole country full of ponies? That was just plain ridiculous. If there was such a land and apparently the island wasn't even small by any definition of the word, than at least some information must be available about it. There was some things that were possible, considering even the sheer craziness of the Grand Line and some which were just impossible because they just didn't make sense! Earth-Ponies that apparently were the closest thing to normal ponies that Miako saw in her life, were powered by passive Magic that made them stronger and faster than any other Pony. Alright, putting the whole 'World-of-Ponies' aside, the Magic actually existed. Magic, as in children's books, like the real Magic that made something happen without the help of any outside factor beside itself. Miako had to use every ounce of her willpower to keep the blank face, or she would've been rolling on the ground a laughing her ass of. But it even wasn't the end! Pegasuses were apparently able to walk on clouds, and she was talking about normal clouds and now the ones from Sky Island, manipulate weather to a certain extent and even create natural phenomenons. The idea of someone actually manufacturing a rainbow in a liquid form was just too much and Miako had to stiff a giggle that threated to escape her mouth and cover it with teacup. And finally Unicorns were a reality bending magicians. Miako's brain actually went into reboot from the sheer pressure of the desire to laugh. The fits of Magic that Applejack described to her were some of the most insane that Miako actually heard in her life. Teleportation? Transmutation? Name it! There was also a Higher Breed, so to say, Alicorns, who were a mix of the other three types with all the bonuses and big power-boost. Also they were somewhat bigger than normal Ponies and counted only in two. Princess Celestia, the one that was responsible to rise the sun, and Princess Luna, who logically was responsible for moon's movements. The society wasn't better. Apparently it was a big fluffy pacifistic Paradise with such minor conflicts that it wasn't even worth mentioning. The only noteworthy events were the incident with on the the co-rulers of the country, the 'Princess of the Moon' going bonkers because no-one wanted to be awake at night to see her moon and stars, so throwing what can only be described as a 'Royal Temper-Tantrum' she turned 'Evil' and was sent to the moon. Well, considering that she wanted to make it so the night would last forever and therefor commit a genocide, because most of the plants can't grow without sunlight, she was considerably less intimidating than, say, one of the Shichibukai. The Government's lapdog would've teared the Villain-Wannabe apart without as much as a scratch. If the World Government was threated with such a thing as making a half of the world suffer such a fate, they would probably send an Admiral to deal with the Princess. Nightmare Moon who? Kizaru would have been the most appropriate for the job, and considering that he's like a charging bull with little to none tolerance to bullshit, the Pony would have been ashes faster than she could blink. Then there was Discord. Something called Draconequus, who had 'the head of a pony and a body of all sorts of other things', which actually made him as some kind of a poorly made chimera with creator being drunk or high most of the time of actual creating. But what Applejack said about his powers actually sounded interesting. The so-called 'Spirit of Disharmony' had a god-like power over reality and with some proper motivation he could actually conquer the world, but the love for pathetic jokes and general lack in intelligence department actually made him more of a joke than a real threat. Even the 'Dark Age' where he ruled over the Equestria, the country of Ponies, was more of him screwing everything over for shit and giggles without any actual harm being done. Sooner or later he would just get bored and leave to find some new entertainment. But the most interesting part from Applejack tale was the 'Elements of Harmony', which apparently did nothing. Well, not nothing per se, but the only thing that they could do was to shoot big-ass rainbow at the enemy, which didn't harm a 'Good' person, and fix and 'Evil' one. Apparently the whole idea was about the fact that everyone deserves a Second Chance, and there is some good in everyone, but that was so naive, that Miako actually thought that it was a joke. The Elements were restoring 'Order' and considering that the only one that actually was harmed by them was Discord because of him being a 'Disorder' in flesh, and the only thing they've done was lock the twerp in stone! Why not kill the bugger if he's so much of a threat? Well, apparently killing was Evil and wasn't something this Ponies actually even considered as a possible solution. From what Applejack told her, there was six Ponies that used the Elements and she was one herself. Magic was apparently the Element that united the others into rainbow-canon, The Element symbolized the 'Magic of Friendship', which signified the power they obtained from gaining the better understanding of friendship and strengthening the bond between each-other. The whole concept was ridiculously naive to the point of stupidity and held absolutely no weight in a real fight, considering that any normal person will just kill them while they will be charging they rainbow-canon. Honesty was Applejacks Element and was more or less straightforward, all about being truthful and honest to others and making so all the truth you tell will sound believable. Well, at least Miako now knew why Applejack was so talkative. Kindness was Fluttershy's, the pink-haired girl's Element, what actually just meant that she was all-forgiving and basically spineless. The little piece of information that she did something called 'Stare' was actually made Miako remember one of Tomic's rumbles about Haki. Question for later. Laughter was basically the ability to be a joker and make everyone laugh and be the heart of the company. Generosity was the ability to give something without wanting something in return, basically being a tool. Loyalty was actually more or less self-explained. As a whole they will probably explode from overload if ever come into contact with the atmosphere of the Grand Line, considering that the whole place one big disorder. The whole thing had a pretty big charging time and someone with even one braincell will see that by killing even one of the users while they are defenseless would be the most logical way to defeat them. Without all six of them the Elements are useless and so the rainbow-canon won't fire. Pretty useless thing in a real world. Than Applejack told her about some of their adventures, if they could be called such. Miako actually pretty much tunned the girl out. The only way such an island could exist if it was in Calm Belt, which would explain the whole weather-managing thing. But then again, some thing just didn't make sense! What the hell with the 'rising' moon and sun by two Princesses? This just took the cake! The sheer power to move the celestial bodies was insane, and Applejack actually talked about it with straight face. Miako could read people with ease and the girl was absolutely sure that she was telling the truth. The place was so soft, spineless and toothless that if even the most weak pirate crew will land their, they will create a new level of 'Evil' by just not caring about actually killing the Ponies off. The Magic won't save anyone from the bullet to the head if you don't know that it is coming. "This... is the most insane thing I ever heard, but somehow the sheer detail in which you are telling me it make me actually believe you." Sighed Miako. Suddenly she heard a scream and a sound of something hitting the floor. "Apparently your friends are awake, lets calm them down before they will try to fly away." 'This is getting even more ridiculous as the time pass. Good thing that I sent Tomic to the city so he would buy something to eat.' She thought. Tomic was walking through the main street of the village searching for the stand with vegetables that he was asked to get. Considering that his skill as a cook were barely enough to cook something that was running or swimming around before he killed it, he was really wasn't in a position to argue. Also, he wasn't going to be the one who will give the brats an explanation about their current whereabouts, and a short walk was far better than a headache of babysitting three annoying twerps that would probably cry because of broken nail. There was a lot of things that the old pirate was sure about, and one of them was that he was in no way or form a children-person. The snot-nosed brats were always complained about everything and there was a big possibility of him just knocking them out to shut the whining out. Something that Miako was against, telling him that he was too harsh about the whole thing. 'Ha, as if!' Thought Tomic. He wouldn't even hit them that hard, a love-tap at best, there is no reason to worry! And if his gut-feeling was right, he'll get plenty of reasons to knock some sense into the three princesses' heads, he even smiled at the thought. And with this cheerful thought he neared the stand with the best vegetables in the village. Being more of an eat-on-foot type of a person, he just bought what Miako asked him to without bothering to think what was going to be made from it, he really wasn't one to question free service, and Miako's cooking was pretty good. After paying for the food, he turned around and walked home. The road to his home was through the thick forest which was apparently full of some nasty buggers who really liked to annoy him. One time some dumb bear tried to eat him, not the smartest thing to do, its skin right now was doing good work as a carpet. Suddenly Tomic heard growling from the left. 'Brave puppies.' He thought with a smirk. The wolfs were pretty dumb and never actually learned their lesson. He detected their presence about half-an-hour ago and didn't know if they were going to actually attack or the point that attacking him was a bad idea actually reached their brains at last. Suddenly, one wolf jumped from the bushes, aiming to rip former pirate's throat out. Without even flinching Tomic rose his hand and backhanded the animal in the side of its head fast enough to send it flying back to the bushes. 'Not even a warm-up.' Sighed Tomic. Two more jumped from behind the trees to his right, but he just leaned back without even slowing down and they flew over his chest. Swatting them aside with his left hand without even releasing the bag of groceries, Tomic yawned. This was getting boring fast. Without breaking his stride he jumped over one wolf who tried to bite-tackle his left ankle and landed on the animal's head, burrowing its snot in the ground and knocking its lights out. "And that's all that was there..." Smirked Tomic and without a care in the world started walking forward. Miako long ago found out the most of the plans never survived past starting point, so she really wasn't surprised when she had to calm down the other two girls. The multicolor-haired one was flying in circles and trying to look herself over, while the pink-haired one was... out cold. Again. 'How the Hell can anyone be *this** meek?'* Thought Miako. After calming down the other two, and two well-placed chops on the head of Rainbow Dash to make her calm down, Miako set them at the table with Applejack to make sure that either they were all insane or suffering from some form of mass-hysteria. Well, at least she was able to compare their characters while trying to get some answers. Applejack was straight-forward and a tad bit simple person, who clearly appreciated her friends. From her tale Miako could see that she was a brave and hard-working person.and one of the more mature of the trio, even with some headstrong moments. Rainbow Dash was a boasting, brash, self-confident and sometimes lazy immature child with big ego. But at the same time she was a loyal fried with big heart that never will abandon her friends. Flutter shy was a timid thing who was afraid of her own shadow and Miako had to strain her ears to ever hear the shy girl was actually saying something. Apparently she was very kind but a tad bit of a soft for any type of a confrontation. Right now they were all siting around the table, drinking tea and talking, while Miako was filling them in on the location they were in. 'I really hope that Tomic will come back soon.' Thought the former mercenary. Applejack was sitting and looking in her cup of tea. Human, that was the term to describe what she was turned into. It was quiet a shock for a cowpony to woke in the unfamiliar bipedal body that felt so much like her own. Well, at least she kept her eyes and mane, some reminder of whom she was. She looked at her finders on the left arm and flexed them. Controlling them was apparently easier than she thought and took her only about half-an-hour to get the idea of how to grab things with them and how to properly move them to operate the objects around her. Well, they actually were pretty neat, considering how flexible and agile they were. 'Twili would probably have an episode and give her leg to just *study** them,'* She thought. Walking was another thing that came quiet fast to her, considering that her new body apparently had a new balance all worked out but itself. Strange, but you didn't question a blessing when you're given one. Yes, she fell down several time, but the... woman, Miako helped her to the table and gave her a warm cup of tea to calm her nerves. Tea was strange and with unfamiliar taste, but actually not that bad and helped in calming down. Next thing Applejack knew was that Miako questioned the place where she came from. Seeing that the woman not only helped her and her friends, but even took it upon herself to insure that they were properly treated and actually shared food, Applejack didn't have anything about telling her about Equestria. Truthfully, Applejack was mostly was telling everything on reflex, while her mind wondered back to her home. Apple Bloom, her little sister. Granny Smith, her grandmother that had more fire in her than some young mares. Big McIntosh, or Big Mac as all his friends and family called him, her older brother who wasn't much for a talk but always was a good listener. How was her family doing? By Miako's words they were out cold for several hours and Twilight would've already told her family about the incident. Were they worried? Were they looking for her? Applejack was always making sure that everything on the farm was going alright, because it was her life, her home and her destiny according to her Cutie Mark. What about her friends? Twilight was probably running around library trying to find anything that could help her to find them. Applejack wasn't a specialist in Magic, far from it, but she understood that countering an accident and returning them home may take some time, if that is even possible in the first place. But she had faith in Twilight, and if there was a way to get them back home, she will find it no matter what. Spike would be assisting Twilight in everything, being the little loyal friend that he was. Rarity will probably help with searching trough the huge amount of books, and keep her appearance regal and clean as always. This thought actually brought smile on Applejack's face. Pinkie Pie will run around, helping and getting ready to throw a 'Welcome-Back-After-Teleportation-Mishap'-party in their face, or probably coming up with the idea of various adventures that the trio could participate in. Pink party-Pony was all about being an unpredictable force of pure fun and joy, that brought smiles upon faces of the people around her. And now, after Miako filled her on the place that they apparently was in, Applejack didn't even know if returning home was a possibility, considering how much she was currently at odds with the world they were in. If compared to Equestria, this place was Tartarus or even worse. First was the fact that the weather here was a natural phenomenon that wasn't controlled by anyone only a very skilled Navigators could slightly predict it, but nothing more. The fact that no-one was controlling the sun and the moon was another concept that Applejack had to swallow because because she was pretty sure that if no-one heard of Princess Celestia or Princess Luna, then they were either an unknown in the big wide world, or they simply didn't exist here. The geography here wasn't better, because there wasn't even any big land here, just a bunch of islands that were scattered around the waters. This world was separated into several Oceans. First was East Blue, the one in which they were currently in, also known as the weakest of the seas. This actually confused Applejack until she was told the reason for the title. Any pirate that was considered tough in this sea was actually not even average by the standards of other seas. East Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border called the Red Line. Next was West Blue, about which Miako knew not so much, just that some important person originated from there. West Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border with the Red Line. Also, in that ocean was the legendary island Ohara, that had the Tree of Knowledge, a 5,000 year old gigantic library tree surrounded by houses. Applejack could easily compare it to Golden Oak Library, but far bigger. Twili would have fainted while foaming from the mouth from the sole idea that the place like that exists! And then she would gone on a rampage when someone will mention that it was destroyed without any real reason. North Blue was also not well known about, but only because Miako never actually visited it. North Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border with the Red Line. To this date, the storyline has not said much about the North Blue. One of the most famous stories from the North Blue is the tale of Montblanc Noland, an explorer from Lvneel. Over 400 years ago, Noland left to explore the Grand Line, traveling many places from Vira to Jaya. Upon his return home, he lied to everyone about his journey to Jaya and seeing the City of Gold. The King heard about the City of Gold and asked Noland to take him there. Noland tricked the King into going to Jaya only to find the City of Gold was not there. Upon his return, the king sentenced Noland to death and he was executed, his last words being: "That's it! The city of gold must have sunk into the sea!" Applejack actually gulped from the last part. There was something strange about this tale, but the fact that a person was executed made her shudder. She understood the concept of death and that everyone will die in the end, but considering how easy Miako told about it made her sick a little. Life was precious and killing was never an answer to any problem. What about compassion and mercy? Were this concepts so alien here that no one actually thought about just giving Noland a chance to explain his actions and maybe some punishment even was in order if it was just a one big prank, but a murder? No, never. Princess Celestia would have make sure that Noland learned his lesson and... But the King in the story wasn't Princess Celestia. It hit her like a rock to the head. All this time she was trying to apply her logic to the place that had absolutely different values and believes, but here it was different. When at home some things could be solved by understanding and talking, here people spilled blood to make their point clear. In Equestria death was a tragic event, here it was a very real and familiar for everyone occurrence. Applejack took a deep breath and kept listening, no-matter how sick some of the moment of the story were making her. South Blue was also not a very popular sea without any valuable information about it. South Blue, like its sister seas, comprises almost entirely of ocean, with a few scattered islands and a border with the Red Line. At least there wasn't any life-shattering thing from this one. Next part actually surprised Applejack. Red Line, a long continent that stretches across the entire world, from North to South. While the continent appears impossible for any boat wishing to cross between the seas or to certain sections of the Grand Line, there are certain pass points at which a ship can cross between the Blues: up and down the waterways across Reverse Mountain, typically used to enter the Grand Line by pirates, by gaining Government's permission from the Holy Government Land of Mariejois, or by submerging into Fishman Island which is placed around a hole that links directly between Paradise and the New World]. The Red Line is like a group of islands connected together. The Red Line that crosses the Grand Line has its own Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall 'Islands'. The Red Line bears the World Capital, Mariejois, and is said to be 10,000 meters deep from ocean level to Fishman Island, and at the same time is high enough above sea level to be considered impassible, and is indestructible, meaning that no one can pass over it or under it without using either of the entrances. The sheer idea of something that colossal actually existing made Applejack go blank for several moments. The titanic mountain that actually separated world in two pieces was something that was far from normal in her opinion. There was just nothing to compare it with in Equestria, there just wasn't something so fundamental and colossal that not everyone will dare to challenge it. Her shock was short because apparently Miako wasn't finished in the slightest. Calm Belts are two areas that are just north and south of the Grand Line. These areas almost never have ocean currents or winds blowing, and are also nesting grounds for Sea Kings. They are very effective barriers for those trying to enter the Grand Line. The only notable place on them is the Great Gaol, Impel Down, is built in the middle of the Calm Belt, upon the seafloor. Because of the heavy security and Sea Kings, it is almost impossible to break in or out of it. Apparently Sea Kings are sea creatures which are generally much larger than normal sea creatures. They are found in great numbers along the Calm Belt around the Grand Line, although in rare occasions they can be found in other places throughout the world. They consist of radically different physiques and builds, so unique that no two individual Sea Kings have been recorded as being of similar build. They are serpent-like in appearance. Some may have arms and legs and one particular Sea King even was noted to look like an over-sized frog. Despite this, they are normally different enough to be determined from other types of sea monsters. Miako didn't know much about them because the most logical thing to do was either flee or kill it, because they wouldn't pass the opportunity to eat you. Grand Line, the ocean current that is surrounded by the Calm Belts and follows an imaginary line that runs from north-west to south-east across the middle of the world and perpendicular to the Red Line. These two lines divide the rest of the Blue Sea into the Blues: North Blue, East Blue, West Blue, and South Blue. This stretch of ocean is said to be the most dangerous place in the world, and is commonly referred to as the 'Pirates' Graveyard' by people from the four Blues because of this reputation, but referred to as Paradise for those few who make it to the second half, showing it is all relative. Despite the reputation of the Grand Line being dangerous and chaotic, many normal people manage a living on individual islands regardless, having adapted to their home land. This indicates that it is actually traveling within the Line itself that is dangerous, as it virtually guarantees facing unpredictable climates and dangerous wildlife. However, there are also several islands, or portions of the islands, which are considered dangerous in their own right, and thus, they are either uninhabited, or the citizens have taken precaution to the threat. The Grand Line is divided by the Red Line into two halves. The first half, stretching from Reverse Mountain to the polar opposite point of the Red Line, is known as Paradise. The second half, which starts beyond the second Red Line point to the backside of Reverse Mountain, is known as the New World. Applejack had to remind herself that she needed air to actually live, because this part of the explanation was more or less the most terrifying experience in her life, and she face a real life dragon! She even missed the other part of the explanation Miako was giving. The thought about an ocean that was more like a raging beast that feasted on poor souls that either were dumb or brave enough to step right into it's mouth. Right now she understood just how much of a 'Safe Heavens' Equestria really was. The monsters that could swallow the whole ship and were by far more dangerous than any Dragon she could've imagine were by far not the scariest part here. She could die. Easily. Just like that. Applejack never felt her mortality as much as now. In Equestria she always felt something that was telling her that everything was going to be alright, and that she shouldn't worry about dieing. No matter how close she and her friends cam to the edge, they always pulled through, and not once did she or anyone else looked back and wondered how are they even alive. But right now, the feeling was gone, the calmness that was provided by it was also gone and Applejack felt all the fear and uncertainty that was there. And then she looked at her friends. Fluttershy was looking between her and Rainbow, who was in her own turn sharing glances with other two girls. Fluttershy was terrified. Pure and simple. The world was breaking down right in-front of her and she didn't know what to do. She was almost catatonic from the decription of the world in which they found themselves in. Killing. Someone in this world could actually kill without remorse. The thought alone made the poor girl shake from terror. How? How? How? How could someone take someone else's life like that? It wasn't right! Fluttershy was very happy with her life and didn't want anything to change. But then Twilight came and shy Pegasus' life turned upside-down. Evil Divinities. Dragons. Chaotic Gods. Everything was changing so fast that Fluttershy just couldn't handle it. After the whole mess with Iron Will, she actually took a couple of books and read them to find out why she was so aggressive and rude when the only thing she wanted was to be a bit more confident. She now knew. For years she suppressed all her negative emotions, making them go away to always stay kind and friendly. She had no one to help her slowly and naturally develop emotionally, grow a backbone, so to speak. She never showed her annoyance, anger or any other form of negativity towards others. And Iron Will brought it all out in one go. She couldn't control herself. She didn't know how to work with the new and unfamiliar feelings that made her feel strong, confident, unbeatable. She lost control. But right now something was different. She could feel it, that little fire inside herself that almost burned her that one time, now was stronger, warmer and wasn't as distant as before. It wasn't on the same scale as the roaring flames that Iron Will brought out, but not a little spark that was earlier. She didn't know the reason for it, but even then she was glad that she still had hope to be as strong as the others. She didn't like being left behind, even when her fear actually rooted her to the spot, she still wanted to do something, but just couldn't overpower herself. Why couldn't she brought out the same fire as others did? She was worried about her animal-friends, but also she knew that Twilight won't leave them and was quiet capable of taking care of them. She knew that they will be alright. Something was telling her that they will be fine and that she doesn't need to worry. Her friends will be alright, and she will see them again. Yes, she was worried, but she wasn't a usual wreck that would need to be picked up piece by piece to actually force her to think. Right now she felt her worries were there but not as pronounced as before, not so overpowering loud. They didn't become less sever, but there wasn't that... persistent as before and didn't cloud her mind. She felt... lighter right now than for a long time in her life. She listened to what Miako was telling them and tried to memorize every important fact. Sea Clouds, large water-like clouds. They form seas in the sky. One can almost sail on it as if it were water except that Sea Clouds are slightly less dense than water, and as such, things that are drop into it will sink faster than in normal water. Another difference of seas made of Sea Clouds from seas made of water is that there is no sea floor. They reminded Fluttershy of Cloudsdale, with the obvious exception being the fact that everyone could sail on them, even on the normal ships without any Magic. This was an absurd concept for her, considering that even if she wasn't a specialist like Rainbow Dash, she was quiet knowledgeable about Weather-Magic and knew how the system worked as a whole, so the sheer impossibility of the whole concept made her... curious? That was... unexpected. The first time in her life she... She wanted to go somewhere where there was a possibility of danger! She didn't know what the feeling rising in her chest was, but the little fire inside her was burning brighter than before. White Sea, the lower part of sky ocean, located 7000 meters above the Blue Sea, comprised of Sea Cloud. It also had strange, rubbery clouds that bounce objects off of them and can be used as trampolines for those who are creative. Fluttershy actually smiled, even a little but still a little smile made its way to her face. A sea, a whole sea up there, in the skies. Right now she didn't feel the same fear as in her childhood, right now there was like something was bubbling inside her, not strong and not even that noticeable, but for Fluttershy who never felt anything like that it was deafening roar. The White-White Sea is the upper part of sky ocean. It is located 10,000 meters above the Blues Sea. Skypiea, among other sky islands is located here. It really was like Cloudsdale, but now not only Pegasuses could walk there and not fall down. She... She didn't know what to think about the whole thing, but right now she really didn't care. Closing her eyes, Fluttershy took a deep breath and looked at her friends. Applejack had the same eyes that she had when they were facing Discord. Rainbow Dash was sitting on her chair and trying to ignore a really painful bump on her head, Miako's 'encouragement' to be calm and quiet. Well, she hoped that she at least could get something to eat soon, tea was pretty good, even if she won't openly admit it, but nothing would replace a good old full-belly meal. After waking up, having a panic-attack, getting hit in the head and then given a very 'Egghead' lecture, she really didn't care anymore. So what if they were now humans? She still had her wings and they still were friends, so there really wasn't anything to worry about at the moment. She was still Rainbow Dash, the most awesome flier in Equestria, and the addition of fingers that apparently were far more useful than they appear to be in the beginning, just make her more awesome! She was the same inside, so why it mattered so much what was changed on the outside? The whole incident with Zecora and Poison Joke taught Rainbow a good lesson... and probably gave her a concussion from all the collisions she had with other Ponies and objects. They will get through this, get to the end of this awesome adventure and then remember it with smiles on their faces. Dash was sure that they will get through this whole mess, she will make sure of it. Rainbow knew, that she wasn't a Leader material, this was Twilight's thing, but that didn't mean that she could take actions when it was needed. She was good at what she did, and that was supporting her friends through thick and thin, through fire, ice and copper pipes! She didn't know why, but at the moment it was eve more clear to her, that she must protect her friends and stand tall right beside them. It's like some fog was removed from her mind that was making it harder to concentrate on her goal. For the first time she saw all of her friends for what they were, a family. 'How could I miss it?' She thought. 'It was obvious from the beginning but out of my reach for some reason, right on the tip of my tongue.' Her frustration with herself grew. 'I'm a dumb featherbrain and a bad friend if I couldn't see it.' Right now and right here she made a silent oath to never abandon her friends, no matter what. And it never felt more fitting in her mind. But something from Miako's speech actually interested Rainbow Dash. World Government, a political organization comprised of the majority of the world at large and ruled by the Gorosei. It was established 800 years ago. The Marines serve as their primary military organization, headed by the Fleet Admiral, while the Cipher Pol operate behind the scenes, either through sabotage, reconnaissance, spying, espionage and/or assassination; their most powerful enemies are largely pirates and revolutionaries. The Commander-in-Chief oversees both the Marines and Cipher Pol as well as the Shichibukai, at least officially, and is second only to the Gorosei. Impel Down serves as the World Government's maximum-security prison. The World Government is largely a corrupt entity, particularly through the pitiless use of their Absolute Justice doctrine and the depravity of their aristocratic World Nobles. Dash was having a hard time actually comprehending such a big revelation. She never was into any form of politics, but this one took the cake. A global political system that made the point of making the itself look good. Dash wasn't dumb, no matter what anyone thought, and the whole thing smelled bad for her. A whole devision the had a clock-and-dagger approach? Like hell this was right! Gorosei, the heads of the World Government, and as such, they essentially rule the entire world. They are the five men who rule above the Marines, Cipher Pol, and the ones who made a pact with the Shichibukai. From what Miako said, it was a bunch of old farts that only care about the image of their organization and not about the real status of things. This left bad taste in Dash's mouth. Marines, World Government's military sea force, tasked with law enforcement, international security and military operations. The Marines are one of the three great powers, alongside the Shichibukai and the Yonko. They are present in all the seas around the world, as evidenced by their branch offices. The focus of the plurality of their assets is on the far more dangerous Grand Line, as their main headquarters, Marineford, is located there. So, basically they were an army in Dash's opinion, just a glorified army and nothing more. You can call rock a banana, but it won't make it a banana. Cipher Pol is a series of World Government organizations. Miako had a run in with them and could only tell that they were scum and nothing more that didn't care about anything that crossed their pass as long as they will be able to finish their mission. Dash really didn't like the idea of some 'spy-in-the-clock' having a clean shot at her right though someone else. Considering that they would probably consider all other a collateral damage went without saying. Shichibukai, the full title being Royal Shichibukai, are seven, though this number could fluctuate, powerful and notorious pirates who have allied themselves with the World Government. The Shichibukai is an organization of seven pirates turned privateers in the service of the World Government. Although they work for the World Government, the Shichibukai themselves do not care about or respect the Government or even other Shichibukai, and are often considered by the Marines to be no different from any other pirate. On the other hand, they are known as 'government dogs' and are despised by other pirates, but are still feared and respected for their infamous reputation and strength which they gained before, and even after they become Shichibukai. Dash couldn't place her... finger on it, but something here sounded really wrong. The more she heard about local authorities, the less hope for them she had. Considering some thing that she was informed of, they were sometimes even worse than pirates. Yonko, the four most notorious and most powerful pirate captains in the world, by the World Government, but are neither allies nor enemies of one another, preferring to remain autonomous under most circumstances. These four individually reside within the second half of the Grand Line known as the New World, exerting impressive influence/control over dozens of other pirate crews and self-governing islands. Dash was more than impressed. Someone who could claim an independence through sheer might? This was astonishing, considering that there was literally a whole world against them, and they still stand tall and proud. Pirate is anyone who raises a Jolly Roger, whether they commit an act of piracy or not. This is not, however, usually enough to give anyone a bounty, but is enough to be arrested by the Marines. Unofficially there are two types of pirates. First type is Peace Main: a pirate who goes on adventures and does not really care about amassing treasure or fighting other pirates. That is not to say that they will not steal treasure from others if it is there and the chance is open, but their primary goal is usually not to own it and greed is generally not their motivation. More often than not, a peace main pirate sees his or her own crew as their most valuable treasure. Second type is Morganeer: they fight for treasure and personal ambition. They are greedy and love to fight just to cause other people pain and misery. Dash actually was interested in the first one. From how Miako described them, she could get the whole description in one word: Dreamers. They were chasing their dreams over the world, not caring about any rules or limitations, flaring their symbol for all to see and fighting for their freedom. A bit like Daring Doo actually, if Dash was right. It was like a dream-come-true! Traveling, seeking adventures and finding treasures, fighting bad guys and scaring with the loot from the beaten enemies! 'The never-ending adventure...' The thought appeared in Rainbow Dash's had faster than she could comprehend it. 'It sound... actually pretty neat!' She looked at Applejack and Fluttershy. Meanwhile, in Equestria, in the Golden Oak Library, hidden inside the book, the Elements of Harmony, more specifically Kindness, Honesty and Loyalty, started to pulsate ominously with acid-yellow color, but no one was there to see it. "You know, Miako, you could have been a bit less informative and give them a short version." Said a rough voice from behind the trio of girls. Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy turned around to see a literally gigantic figure towering over them, they could only gape. "It was you who asked me to fully answer all of their question, sorry for being good at what I do." Answered Miako without missing a bit. "Too true." Said the man, as walked over to the biggest chair and sit down. "Well, brats, I think an introduction is in order." His smile wasn't what anyone could call even remotely friendly. After finishing the introduction, they had dinner and the girls were sent to bed, so they could fully rest from the very stressed day. Dinner by itself was kind of a funny event, considering that Miako had to teach girls how to eat using your hands and all the little things about actually eating like a human. The last part came up when Applejack tried to eat salad... with her mouth. Well at least Tomic was laughing his ass off from the whole ordeal. Girls found out that no matter how hard they tried, they just couldn't get really angry at the old man. He was rude, blunt and didn't even know what the word 'tact' meant, and apparently made it his goal in life to point any possible way of Dash getting her hair color, so of the ideas were actually pretty funny in Applejack opinion, even Fluttershy couldn't hide a little smile. While Miako was berating Tomic for his antics, girls tasted their first food in the new place. And it was actually pretty good! A simple salad, some stewed vegetables and some juice for the girls and they were full. Good thing that Miako signaled Tomic that girls were apparently a hard-core vegetarians, so he won't accidentally drop a bomb on them. She really wasn't looking forward to explaining them that humans are omnivores. Tomic was sitting near the entrance of his house and smoking a pipe. It was a rare occasion that he used it, because it meant that he was deep in thoughts. His house was pretty simple, a two story wooden cottage without any fancy decorations or additions, just a box with door, windows and a roof. "So, why did you ask me to answer all their questions and basically interrogate them in a soft form?" Asked Miako, as she joined him near the door with a bottle of Sake in hand. Tomic released a cloud of smoke. "Were they telling the truth?" He grunted. "Hard to say, but at least they believed in what they were telling." Answered Miako and took a sip from the bottle. "So, you're not sure?" Asked Tomic while rising his left eyebrow. "Nope, they were basically telling the same thing, so either they a professionals that could pulled one over me, or they are insane." She answered with a shrug. "You didn't even considered that they are telling the truth?" This time he actually turned to look at her. "... Are you serious? Talking Ponies?" She chuckled. "Their madness could be contagious apparently." After a minute of silence, she still could feel Tomic's gaze on her. "Alright." She sighed. "No, I don't believe that their story is true, and they didn't even eat Akuma no Mi, considering how freely touched the forks and knives made from Kairoseki." Kairoseki is a naturally occurring, though apparently rare, substance that can cancel out Devil Fruit powers and weaken Akuma no Mi users. "Why do you even own them?" "Hm, so you didn't believe a word they said..." Muttered Tomic looking in the forest again. "... You are going to ignore my question, aren't you?" Mumbled Miako before facepalming with a free hand. And again they were silent. "I believe them." Grunted Tomic. "... Really?" Asked Miako almost choking on her Sake. "Yep, because they tale is so insane it could actually be true! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!" He laughed. "... You're insane." Mutered Miako with a tired voice, but a small smile appeared on her face.
