A Journey of a Stranger

Chapters

Chapter 1 Alohas
Chapter 2 Road to Ponyville
Chapter 3 Effects of Staging
Chapter 4 The Local Perks
Chapter 5 Eating with the Apples
Chapter 6 1st Dawn on the job
Chapter 7 The Party of Surprises
Chapter 8 Welcome to Double Face
Chapter 9 Tea Time for Freaks and Animals
Chapter 10 Ice News
Chapter 11 Fresh Ice Anyone?
Chapter 12: New Day, New Problems
Chapter 13 A guide seeking help
Chapter 14: The Fight of Misdirection
Chapter 15: Others?
Chapter 16: Goblins working

Chapter 1 Alohas

In the town of Hollow Shades, there is something that walks amongst them. The ponies in the town know don’t what it is, so they nicknamed it, “The Stranger”, but his real name was Leon. The Stranger was almost 6 feet tall, walked on 2 legs, slightly muscular, green eyes, tan skin, and only had hair from his chin to the top of his head. The only clues of where the Stranger came from, were a steel shield and sword, a few books, and an iron helmet.

The common story of how the Stranger got in the town, was that he was found by map makers. They found him and other artifacts, in a destroyed building during one of their expeditions far away from the town. Often, the map makers were too busy to have a child of their own. They took him in and raised him.

The map makers studied the artifacts and discovered proof of a new intelligent race either from another land or world. Different theories were made of what happened to his house and his family. But, after 16 years, no one kno\ew for sure what happened? So, the Stranger grew up in the town, almost like the others.

His parents believed that the Stranger was ready to go to Canterlot, on his own, for both a journey of self-discovery, and into adulthood for whatever he was. The map makers wait for their Stranger to come home.

The Stranger is in the middle of the local fire swamp with a big backpack on, looking for someone. The Stranger spots a Chimera stuck between the 2 trees. The Stranger names each of the 3 headed Chimera: Clara (the goat head), China (the tiger head), and Rose (the snake head).

The Clara awkwardly says, “Hi, Leon.”, to the Stranger.

Leon says, after a deep breath,“You girls tried to scare the Apples out of their pies, again?”

Clara says and China mumbles, “Yes.”

Leon drops his backpack, and pulls out a crowbar, “Good thing, I always pack this.”

The Stranger looks at the stuck creature, and wonders where to start to free them from the trees. He sees Rose, and frees her from the branches, first.

Leon yells at Rose while shaking it, “Rose wake up!”

Rose wakes up and almost bites Leon. Rose shouts as Leon lets go of her, “What was that for?”

Leon apologizes, “Sorry, Rose, but I had to wake you up quickly.”

He gets kicked and the Clara cries out, “We need some help in front.”

As he walks in front of the Chimera, “OK, I deserved that.”, Leon promises

Leon says as he tries to free the China’s fangs from the tree with his crowbar, “I’ll get you free China.”

The Chimera eventually breaks the tree and gets free. Clara replies, “Thanks for helping us, again.”

As he rubs his side, “Don’t kick me so hard next time, Clara.”, Leon complained

Rose says, “That wasss from me. So are you here to talk…?”

China asked, “To wrestle…?”

Clara sadly said, “To say you goodbye to you before another expedition.”

Leon pulls out three pots and bags of ingredients from his backpack. The three heads exhale in disappointment.

“What wrong?”, Leon wonders as he prepared three gumbos.

Sadly, Rose says, “You’re family barely got back a few dayssss ago.”

China begs Leon, “It is the first time, we are able to get together in a long while.”

Clara comforts China and Rose, “Girls, I’m sure this next trip is important, if he has to leave so soon.”

Clara turns quickly to Leon and asks, “So, Leon, wheeere are you going aaanywaaays?”

Leon explains as he sets up three poles, “I’m going to Canterlot to find some ‘Special’ ponies that will tell me what I really am.”

China is puzzled, “You’re Leon the Stranger. Why do you need to go…?”

Leon interrupts, “I know I’m The Stranger. Its sounds cool but it’s a filler name for what species I am. This is a big deal for me. This trip is both; the first time I am on my own, and I will find my true origins.”

As Leon heats up the gumbos with a fire gushier, Clara asks him, “Since it’s the first time you’re by yourself… can we come?”

China answers, “It will great to see the land away from this swamp and take a break from dodging fire.”

Leon says, “I’m sorry, but you can’t come.”

All together the Chimera shouts, “What?!”

Leon grabs the gumbos, and places it in front of the Chimera. Clara insists, “Leon you promised we could on your first expedition without the family.”

Leon feeling bad says, “I know but…”

Rose looks into Leon’s eyes, uses her hypnotic power and commands, “You will keep your promise and take us to Canterlot.”

Leon says, “I will keep my promise and take you to…” He slaps himself and shouts to Rose, “Hey, don’t do that me!”

Rose continues ask, “Why aren’t you taking us?”

Trying to be helpful, Leon responds, “I will explain as you eat, You need something in your belly after your failed hunt.”

China starts digging in while Clara and Rose are trying eat while giving Leon their full attention.

To protect his friends, Leon says, “Canterlot is the capital of Equestria, which means it is an important city full, of guards, and will most likely have a lot of the monster hunters. I've heard scary stories about the newly crowned Princess Twilight. She is still the leader of monsters hunters called the Bearers of Harmony. They use magic to make monsters into mindless drones, stone, or even starve them to death. She can summon them at anytime. I've even heard rumors that the hunters live in the town, where I have to get a train to reach Canterlot. So I am…”

Rose sharply interrupts, “How do you know if thossse rumorsss are true?”

Leon tries to convince them, “I don’t but…”

Upset, China says, “If there is nothing to back up your rumors, how do we know if you not trying to scare us away us from your trip?”

Clara agrees with China, “She does have a point.”

In a snap, Rose says, “I agree.”

Leon tries harder to convince them, “I’m looking out for both... um all of us. I don’t want you get hurt, or be caged, or worse. I don’t want to be thrown in jail or run away because of being suspected of under your power.”

Getting more impatient, Clara says, “That ridiculous! How can we make you…?” She looks at Rose, and Rose agrees “Oh, yeaaah.”

Stressed out Leon says, “It’s a good thing that you haven’t killed anypony, or attacked any big bit valued convoys. Remember those are the only reasons…”

All together, the Chimera say to Leon in an annoyed tone, “That are keeping the monster hunters away.”

Leon looks at his new pocket watch, and then begs to the Chimera, “Please can you girls concentrate on finishing your gumbos, I need to go home soon.”

When the Chimera finished their meal, Leon collects his pots, poles, and bags, and then gets ready to leave. Leon pulls out his hand and asks the Chimera, “Can I have a good bye palm slap?”

China replies, “Happy to.”

Before Leon and China could slap their palms, Clara interrupts, “How come just you get to do it.”

Leon begs, “Girls don’t fight, now. Let’s do 2 palm slaps.”

Rose replies, “What about me?”

Leon asks, “Can you even control a paw?”

Rose concentrates on moving a paw, and it moves slowly

Leon says, “OK, let’s go left, right, left with China first and no complaining. I don’t have time for it. OK on the count of 3, 1… 2… 3.”

They do 3 fast palm slaps together.

Leon waves while trying to hide sadness, “See you girls within a week.”

The Chimera says while trying to their sadness, “Bye, Leon!”

Meanwhile back in the of Shady Hollows...

As Leon hurries home, the map makers have 2 guests stay over for the night.

The orange colored guest (Applejack), says to a dark blue unicorn, with purple hair, blue eyes, and a magical eye cutie mark. “Thanks for havin’ us for the night, Ms. Blue Eyes."

Blue Eyes says, “No problem… may I ask you for something, Applejack?”

Applejack replies, “Sure.”

Blue Eyes asks Applejack, “Can you escort my sons to Ponyville? He wants to go to Canterlot to…”

Applejack answers, “Say no more… it’s the least we could do since you always take our family in when you’re in town.”

The younger guest says to Applejack, “I hope we get to see it.”

Applejack asks her sister, “Apple Bloom, what are you talking about?”

Apple Bloom replies as she looks out a window, “The Stranger, I heard it’s the town livin’ wonder. It's like nothing I even seen… well, havin’ seen a lot of things out of Ponyville. But, it would be nice to see something that wouldn’t try to hurt us.”

Blues Eyes interrupts, “About that… The Stranger is…”

Apple Bloom sees a tall figure walking in the street, and asks Blue Eyes, “Is that The Stranger?"

Blue Eyes and Applejack move up to the window, and see nothing outside.

Apple Bloom says, “But, I just…”

Apple Bloom was interrupted by a slam of a door. They turn to see Leon trying to catch his breath. He turns to Blue Eyes, and says, “Sorry, I’m late Mom.”

Blue Eyes says, “You should really watch your time, so you can enjoy the local events or at least come home on time. You know we only stay here a little while.”

Leon answers, “Yes, mom.”

As he walks to the dining room, Apple Bloom asks in excitement, “Are you The Stranger?”

Leon says, “Yeah.”

Before Apple Bloom could say anything else, a big tough looking tan pony, with a black compass, Cutie Mark (Iron Compass) asks, “You been in Fire Belly Swamp, again? I told you again, and again, not to go there… Don’t even answer. I can smell the sooth on you. I don’t care if you have that teleport scroll on you, stay away from that place! Got it!”

Leon answers in annoyed tone, “Got it.”

Iron Compass gets into Leon’s face, “Look me in the eyes when you say that.”

Blue Eyes reminded Iron Compass, “Dear, not in front of our guest.”

Iron Compass walks back to his seat, mumbling in anger. As they are sitting down Applejack asks Blue Eyes, “Ms. Blue Eyes, can you tell Apple Bloom about the magic scrolls you make?”

Blue Eyes responds, “It’s better to show her one of my scrolls... Iron can you get the food out?”

Iron Compass agrees, “Yes dear.”

Iron Compass goes into the Kitchen and gets the food. Blue Eyes pulls out a scroll and opens it. The scroll has glowing words and a picture of a shield with a fist on it.

Blue Eyes explains, “This is basic protection spell. It protects you from physical harm for 5 minutes.”

Apple Bloom says in an amazed yet regretful tone, “I wish I had that, when I was attacked that Chimera.”

Leon and Blue Eyes opened their eyes in shock.

Applejack says proudly, “Good thing I got there in time and saved my little sister.”

Applejack and Apple Bloom gave each other a big hug. Leon tries to hold back his frustration and disappointment against the Chimera.

Blue Eyes suggests , “I better give both of you a protection scroll,l just in case you see that awful Chimera. Thank Celestia, you didn’t become its first Pony kill.”

The Apples asked in a confused tone, “First?”

Blue Eyes reassures everyone, “There is no confirmed kill, from the last Chimera of Fire Belly Swamp.”

Apple Bloom curiously asks, “What happened to the other Chimeras?”

Leon responds, “They were killed by hunters, or moved way.”

Iron Compass comes in with food and says, “Let’s dig in.”

As they ate, everyone start sharing stories, except for Leon, who just stuffing his face Although Leon wanted share stories, his parents beat him to it, since the only other adventures that Leon was on, were family adventuring into areas to map out.

After an hour or 2, everyone got tried and went to bed. As Apple Bloom walked to the guest room, she saw something in a dark room.

Apple Bloom sees a pair of goat horns, and a snake head, and screams at the top of her lungs, “Chimera!” Leon walks into the room and turns on the lamp, to reveal a snake helmet, a brown shield with curved metal horns coming out of it, and black ax with a black and orange grip. Everyone else rushes in to see what was going on. After checking out what just happened, Iron Compass and Blue Eyes go back to bed. Apple Bloom sighs in relief.

Applejack looks at the armor and ax, and asks Leon, “Why does ya gear look like the Chimera in the swamp?”

Leon says after a deep yawn, “Can I tell you on the road? It’s been a long day, and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be difficult trip tomorrow.”

Applejack agrees, “Ok.”

Applejack turns to Apple Bloom, who is staring at the equipment, and says, “Come Apple Bloom, we got to let Le’n sleep, and rest up for t’morrow.”

Apple Bloom goes quietly with Applejack to the guest room without saying a word. Leon goes in his room, changes clothes, rushes into bed and quickly falls asleep. Tomorrow is a long journey.

Chapter 2 Road to Ponyville

As the sun rises over Hollow Shades, the Apples pack up the supplies in their wagon. Leon gathers his gear, puts on flaming red clothes, and starts to pack up his own supplies. Blue Eyes comes into Leon's room and drops a cylinder container in front of him.

Puzzled, Leon turns to Blue Eyes and asks her, “What is this?”

Blue Eyes answers, “It’s a new scroll case, I put in some scrolls that you might need, and some scrolls for emergencies, that I hope you won’t need. The best part is that this case is self organizing, and it can give you the scroll that you need by saying the spell. Come on, try it!”

Leon says, “Ok, Mom.”

Leon turns to the scroll case, “Ok, scroll case, I need a Magic Protection Shield, please.”

A scroll pops out of side, waiting to be taken. Leon says with excitement, “Wow, This is a great case! This will really save me some time. Thanks Mom.”

Blue Eyes gives Leon a pouch of Bits and says, “You’ll need this when you go into Canterlot. Things are expensive there. Trust me, I use to live there.”

Leon gratefully replies, “Thanks Mom.”

Leon finishes packing, and goes to the door. Leon and Blue Eyes share a good bye hug at the exit of the house. Before Leon could leave, Iron Compass gives Leon the family compass and says, “You’ll need the ‘Guide of Fate’ in this adventure. Remember, it doesn’t always point North but it always points where you need to go. This compass saved this family more times than we can count.”

Leon says to Iron Compass as he holds the “Guide of Fate” in his hand, “I can’t take…”

"I'm not taking 'no' for an answer," Iron Compass pushes Leon out the door, “Leon you don’t have time for sappy goodbyes. You've got to go, now.”

Applejack and Apple Bloom finished packing up their supplies. Applejack sees Leon and states, “We are ready when you are.”

Leon says, “Let’s go.” He turns back to his home, waves his hand and says one last goodbye before the party of travelers leave Hollow Shades.

The trio of travelers stop at the end of the town. Applejack says, “Le’n, since you’re the map maker, you pick the way to Ponyville.”

Leon responds in an awkward tone, “Umm… Ok, but I need to see your map to your home first, before I pick a safe way to Ponyville.”

Applejack gives Leon a map to Ponyville Leon compares it to an updated local map. Leon’s eyes open in shock when he sees a small, but important detail.

Apple Bloom asks, “What’s wrong Le’n.”

Leon studies his map and states, “There is a new railroad station northeast from here, that my parents didn’t tell me about.”

Not 100% sure if Leon's claim was true, Applejack looks at the local map and replies, “We could have taken a train here instead of walkin’ all the way here, riskin’ our lives.”

Leon says after getting over his shock, “OK, we have two ways to get there. Either going through the Fire Belly Swamp, or the long path around it. So basically, the fast way or the safe way.”

Applejack answered, “The safe way, of course.”

Leon starts walking down a path and says, “OK follow me to…” he looks at the map “Byu station. It’s one of ‘those’ names.”

The map path had 2 views; a view of Fire Belly Swamp’s border, and a long grassland going towards the far Foal Mountain. The party of travelers were stopped by a broken bridge. The bridge was over a wide river of water going into Fire Belly Swamp.

Confidently Applejack says, “No, problem we just walk in the river.”

Leon says, “There a reason why they build over a gassier river.”

Streams of steam come out of the river. Applejack says, “How are we going to get to Byu station, now?”

Leon looks at the Fire Belly Swamp, and decides, “We'll go the fast way.”

Applejack disagrees, “Let’s find another way.” She was very unconformable with the idea going back in the swamp.

Leon and Apple Bloom are already going into the swamp. Applejack sighs and follows them in, anyways. Leon carefully guides the Apples through Fire Belly Swamp with ‘minor’ damage to the cart. They didn’t see the Chimera, but they had a feeling that someone was watching them.

When the trio finally got out of this mess, they finally see the railroad station, and rush towards it. Within minutes, they get onto the train going towards Ponyville, with the Ponies staring at Leon. Leon gets escorted to a box room by one of the station workers, and Applejack and Apple Bloom follow him.

The station worker asks, when he shows Leon the box room, “Here’s your room Stranger. So, where are you going?”

Leon replies, “To Canterlot.”

The worker explained, “Sorry to disappoint you, but this train station doesn’t have a train that goes to Canterlot. We can drop you off in Ponyville and give you a transfix for a train to Canterlot.”

Leon responds, “Thank you.”

The worker says, “Somepony will be here to give us the transfix.” The worker leaves the train car.

As Leon enters into the room, Apple Bloom says to him, “That’s great, you get stay with us longer.” Leon takes off his helmet and shield and puts his pack on the bench.

He says to the Apples, “Yeah… Wait, have you 2 been to Canterlot?”

Apple Bloom says, “First tell me why you wear that umm…?”

Leon explains, “This Flame Gassier armor, helps me to bring out my inner warrior. Sometimes, when you make detailed maps, you get into fights you don’t start, but have to finish.”

Applejack asks, “I think she means, why does some of it looks like the Chimera from the swamp?”

Leon answers, “When I was looking for a symbol of my warrior spirit and an inspiration to stay in the fight: I found my symbol after watching the Chimera work. The Chimera works as one for all of their lives although, they control different parts of the body and are different animals. Most Ponies see a monster while I see it as a symbol of unity… Umm, a bond between 3 species of animals that know how to use their strengths, and cover their weakness, most of the time. The armor is supposed to show off the strengths of my metal gear, Intimidate, I mean scare bad things away. And, my red clothes are suppose represent the fire within me. I use the swamp's more official name because it sounds a lot better than the local name.”

Apple Bloom has a look of inspiration, and Applejack has a look of curiosity.

Applejack asks Leon, “How does dressing up like a monster, makes you feel braver?”

Leon pulls out 2 books-one book was labeled, “The Famous Coats of Arms” and the other labeled, “Guide to Finding Your Inner Warrior”. Leon gives them to the Apples.

Leon continues to explain, “These books were responsible for my coat of arms and a local role playing game. Well, the role playing game made chores more fun to do, most of the time.”

Apple Bloom asks Leon, “You played dress up when you did your chores?”

Applejack says while trying not to laugh, “Now when I think about it, wearin’ costumes while ya do ya chores is a funny idea.”

Leon says to Applejack, “Like you wearing that hat all the time.”

Applejack laughs and then agrees, “Ok, ya got me.”

Apple Bloom remembers something and asks Leon, “Hey Leon, if the Chimeras were such a probl’m, how come there is still left one.”

Applejack is shocked that Apple Bloom is asking such a question.

Leon responds with a grin on his face, “From what I heard the Chimera went into hiding when the hunters came into the swamp looking for them. When the hunters left our part of Equestria, the Chimera came out of hiding and claimed all of Fire Belly Swamp as their territory. The hunters never came back because the Chimera never proved to be real a hazard, just an obstacle for travelers on occasion. Their arguing cost them any chances to have a big pay on their heads, or to being at least decent trophies.”

The train starts moving, and something starts glowing in Leon’s backpack.Leon pulls out the Guide of Fate, and says to the Apples, “Excuse me, I have to go, and see something?”

Apple Bloom asks, “See what?”

Leon says as he leaves the room, “I don’t know.”

When Leon closes the door, the Apples look at each in confusion.

Leon follows the needle of the Guide of Fate to the box car with the Apple’s cart. The needle points to a big crate with a tag with his name on it. Leon sees air holes on it. He barley hears breathing over the sound of the train’s clicking wheels. He peeks through the holes and sees yellow eyes piercing through the darkness of the crate.

Leon recognizes the silhouette and says, “Girls is that you?” 2 of the eyes try to hypnotize Leon, and a voice says, “You’ll leave thissss box car and forget you saw us.”

Leon slaps himself and asks, “Why are you girls doing this? You have always respected our borders on my other trips?”

China says, “You use to have to go with your parents, and like the other Ponies in your town, they were afraid of us. It would have been painful for all of us…”

Clara continues, “But, mostly us.”

Rose told Leon, “We wanted to get out the swamp, so we forced you to keep your promise.”

Clara tells Leon as he looks around the car for a pony listening, “That was their ideaaaa… I didn’t want to a part of it. but they beat me, 2 to 1.”

China agrees, “It’s a good plan.”

Rose also says, “It’s foolproof.”

Leon shushes the Chimera, as he walks to the other side of the car.

Clara asks in concern, “What's going on out there?”

Leon says as he comes back, “I was checking if any Pony was listening. The worse thing that could happen to me back home was a serious spanking. But out here, I might get served the same punishment as you or worse.He continues in a sarcastic tone, Sorry, about being selfish. So what is your so called fool-proof plan?”

Rose explains, “It was to use my power to get the poniesss to forget usss, and ussse them, if we need to catch up to you.”

China explains, “You probably need our help, because one of your family’s favorites saying…”

The Chimera says together, “No one travels alone. Always walk with numbers or be doomed.”

Leon grunts in frustration for him telling them that. Leon starts brain storming with the Chimera on a plan what they will do when they reach Ponyville.

After some time, Applejack gets concerned, and starts looking for Leon. Leon eventually bumps into Applejack.

She says, “Where were ya?”

Leon says, “The compass led me to a beautiful sight. And I had an interesting conversation with another passenger about what to do at the beaches in Las Pegasus?”

Applejack gives him a face of disbelief and says, “Really?”

“Any place a map maker doesn't have a map for is a place of opportunity and wonder.”

“Ok. We’re almost at Ponyville, and I want to check on ya. A look at the cart won’t hurt.”

Leon insists as he blocks the door, “I’ll do it.”

“Ok, see ya back in the room, then.”

Leon rushes back to the box car. When he gets there a voice says on the speakers, “Attention passengers, we will be in Ponyville in a few minutes.”

Leon gets close to the crate and whispers to the Chimera, “We are almost there, You girls remember the plan?”

China answered, “Yes, we wrestle and we win…”

Leon interrupts, “No, I have to win and then tie you up with rope, unless you want to be turn into stone. Got it?”

China was not happy as Leon grabbed some rope from the cart, “Fine, but I don’t like losing.”

Leon announces with his rope ready, “Get ready to break the box when the train…”

The train stops and the Chimera breaks the crate and starts wrestling Leon. The box door opens, and the fight goes outside. A loud crowd surrounds the fight. After a few minutes, Leon finally gets to tie the heads together and Applejack rushes in and ties the limbs together. Apple Bloom gives Leon his helmet and shield, but the fight was already won.

Leon turns the Apples and says, “Thanks for helping, You know a place where we can keep it for a little while… but, not let any of the Bearers of Harmony know about this.”

Worried Apple Bloom asks, “Are ya bleedin’?”

Applejack says, “You need to go the hospital, now!”

Leon now feels the blood coming out from a scratch on his face, and says in pain, “I want to see where that thing is going to stay. It will help me relax knowing personally where it’s going to be locked up.”

Applejack says, “Don’t worry about it, me and my friends will take care of this.” she turns to Apple Bloom “Apple Bloom please take Le’n to the hospital, Now!”

Apple Bloom takes Leon’s hand and leads him to the hospital. Leon puts another hand over his wound, takes a good look at the chimera and, hopes to see his good friends, again soon.

Chapter 3 Effects of Staging

Leon is covering his bleeding wound with his hands, as Apple Bloom guides him to the hospital. They bump into her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

Puzzled, Scootaloo asks Apple Bloom, “What are you doing?"

Apple Bloom says, “I’m helping ‘The Stranger’ get to the hospital.”

Scootaloo gets an idea and suggests, “Why don’t we help him during Twilight Time and get our Doctor Cutie Marks.”

Leon opens his hands covering his mouth and pleads to the ponies, “I need real docs for my bleeding face! Can Apple Bloom take me to the hospital?”

Apple Bloom says to her pony friends, “Sorry girls, but I’m in big enough trouble for takin’ the delivery, on my own. So, I have to go.

Tell Twilight I’m goin’ to be late for our time.”

Apple Bloom and Leon leave the group and continue going rushing to the Hospital.

Sweetie Belle states, “I never have seen anything like that stranger in town.”

Pinkie Pie comes out of nowhere, and asks Sweetie Belle, “Is there a new pony that I missed at the train station?”

Sweetie Belle points to the direction of the hospital, “Maybe, I saw the new pony or whatever it was, went that way but…”

Pinkie Pie explains as she leaves, “I got to get the welcome wagon ready, and meet the new pony.”

Sweetie and Scootaloo look at each other, and rush to Twilight’s house, when they remember about Twilight Time .

As Apple Bloom and Leon are a couple feet away from the hospital, Pinkie Pie and her party wagon jumps in front of them and She yells, "surprise!"

Pinkie happily says to Leon as confetti comes out of the wagon, “Welcome to Ponyville I’m Pinkie Pie and who are you?”

Leon says, “Leon. Can you…?”

Pinkie Pie interrupts, “Great to meet Leon Canou, let’s have cake.”

“No. My name is just Leon.”

Pinkie Pie goes to the wagon to get a cake out of the oven. Leon tries to go around the welcome wagon, but Pinkie stops him with a delicious chocolate cake in her hooves.

Leon explains, “I got some place to be…”

Pinkie Pie asks with curiosity, “Why are you covering your face? I don’t care what you look like. I want to be friends.”

Leon requests, as Pinkie pushes down his hands, “Don’t touch...”

Leon’s hands lower, to reveal his gashed face.

Pinkie asks innocently, “Is that strawberry or cherry jam on your face?”

One of the nurses rushes out of the hospital with Apple Bloom, and sees Pinkie Pie and Leon.

The nurse says to Pinkie, “Pinkie dear, stop welcoming the patients, especially when he is bleeding. This is worse that you distrusting newborns.”

Pinkie replies, “But, it was their birthday.”

The nurse says as she is pushing Pinkie out of the way, “If a somepony is in pain in a new in town, greet him later. But, for now, get out of here!”

Pinkie says to Leon, “Bye, Leon Canou.”

The Nurse says as she escorts him into the hospital, “Sorry, about that Pinkie Pie. She has a big heart, but she is ‘slow’. I'll get a room for you, Mr. Leon. So, what are you?”

Leon answers, “A stranger.”

After an hour, Leon is in a room, lying back on a bed, with a mask on his face. Apple Bloom comes in, and checks on him. Apple Bloom places his back on a comfortable chair.

Leon says as he relaxes, “It’s amazing how fast and painless magic surgery is. I’m glad they had a recovery mask in my size… considering.”

Apple Bloom says to him, “Applejack will be here soon, Leon. She wanted to make sure that Chimera was locked up at Fluttershy’s. We don’t to be face to face with again… or is it face to face to face to face… or 3 faces to face. What do you think, Leon?”

Leon states, “I’m glad they didn’t use the Elements of Harmony on them… I mean the ways the elements were used to make a creature into stone, teleport somepony to a certain death, or any other unmentionable acts.”

Apple Bloom asks in a confused tone, “Are you afraid of the Elements of Harmony?”

Leon shakes his head. Apple Bloom comforts him, “Don’t worry. The Elements are back in their tree.”

Leon asked in a puzzled tone, “What?”

Apple Bloom sighs and continues, “That’s the same thin’ I said when my sister told me that. Hey, why are ya afraid of the Elements of Harmony?”

“That sort of power makes some ponies nervous, even when it supposes to protect all of the ponies in Equestria.” Leon looks down and sighs.

It takes a few seconds, but Apple Bloom gets an idea, and gasps. She says in anger, “My sister and her friends won’t have used the Elements on strangers, for no reasons.”

Leon replies in shock, “Applejack and her friends are the Barbers of Harmony?” He images the terrible things they might do and wonders under his breath, “What have I done?”

Worried, Apple Bloom asks, “Are you o.k.?”

Leon replies as he arms himself for a fight, “Where is Fluttershy’s house? I need to get there now!”

Apple Bloom responds, “Her house is to the right on the hospital’s road. It’s full of animals. But what about you wounds?”

Leon explains, “They said I only had a face wound, and I have protection for that.”

Leon runs out of the hospital, and then sprints down the road, to save his friends.

Seconds later, Leon pulls out his scroll case, and orders, “I need a magic protection scroll, please.”

The scroll case dispenses out the scroll, Leon puts away the case and then the scroll reads out loud, “Zauberschild (Magic Shield ).” The paper turns to magic and goes into his skin, and makes his armor to protect Leon from magical harm.

Within minutes Fluttershy’s cottage was just a couple of feet away. Leon crouches behind his shield, and sprints onto the property.

The Mane 6 is in front of the Chimera’s iron and wooden habit. Twilight is preparing a spell to use on the Chimera. Fluttershy puts

herself in front of the creature, and she says, “Sorry Twilight, but I don’t trust you using your magic on innocent animals.”

Twilight says in a calm voice, “Don’t worry, the spell I’m going to use is…”

Suddenly a voice says, “No sudden moves! Cancel the spell. And, the sword goes away.”

Twilight sees a black blade near her throat and cancels the spell. As promised the blade goes away.

Applejack asks to Leon, “Le’n, why did you do that?”

Rainbow Dash asks, “Applejack, you know this thing?”

Leon replies in a tough and serious tone, “I want to check on the beast that wounded me. Looks like I came to prevent an accident, by magic.”

Twilight says in frustration, “What? Magic is safe if it under the hoof of somepony responsible and who knows how to use.”

Her friends give out confused looks on their faces. Some of them make awkward body poses. Fluttershy gets some guts to say, “Twilight usually when use to fix a problem, it goes wrong. No offence, Twilight.”

Twilight responds in denial, “When has magic made a problem worse?”

The rest of Mane 6 start listing the times that Twilight made a problem including making parasprites eat more than food, the time she went back in time to tell herself not to worry about the future while looked all beat up, and the recent Flutterbat fiasco.

Twilight is embarrassed when she hear her Element backfiring on the ponies she tried to help.

Leon doesn’t know whenther to fear her magic abilities or to laugh at them. Even Chimera laughed a few times

After the ponies are done listing the problems Twilight made, Twilight says, “I’ll do some more studying on the spell.” She quickly teleports away in embarrassment. Twilight’s friends feel bad about complaining, and went to the library, to clear things up, with Twilight.

After a few minutes, the Chimera’s heads and Leon look around to see if the coast is clear.

With no other pony in sight, Leon asks the Chimera, “Is this Fluttershy pony treating you girls alright?”

In excitement, Chimera gets slimes on all of their faces. Clara says, “Its greaaat here!”

Rose says, “Fluttershy gives us some personal space to move around. She gives water and food while she keeps us safe from thosssse other ponies doing harm to us.”

China says to make Leon feel better, “She is not as good of a cook like you or as fun to wrestle.”

Clara responds to China, “Fluttershy doesn’t like to fight.

China says, “Exactly, she doesn’t fight.”

Rose takes a good long look at Leon, and asks him, “Did you get a new armor piece, or something?”

Leon replies, “One of you girls helped me get this after giving a scratch to my face. Don’t worry, not serious. I was damaged and now, I have a Zebra face.”

Clara asks him, “Whaaat do you mean by Zebra face?”

Leon removes his helmet and mask, to reveal that his face now has stripes of lighter skin on it.

Leon looks ridiculous, but Clara and Rose try not laugh.

China, felling guilty, fesses up, “Sorry, Leon, I was trying to make the fight look real. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Leon calmly replied, “Don't worry about it, my face will return to normal within 2 days. I’ll stay in Ponyville until you girls can go home, or if I take you to Canterlot, without anypony panicking.”

Clara says, “Sorry, Leon, for delaaaying your journey.”

Leon responds, “As long as you’re safe, and don’t mess with any of the pony folk it's ok. I have to go get my things at the hospital, and find a place to stay.”

Clara asks as Leon puts his mask back on, “Can we get a palm slap, before you go?”

Leon regretfully says, “Not now, I don’t want any pony seeing us, and get the wrong ideas. We have been lucky, so far. I don’t want to mess it up.”

Leon rushes back to the hospital, without looking back. The Chimera walks to the other side of their habitation and pretend nothing is wrong. Unknown to either of them, Apple Bloom was hiding behind barrels of bird seed. She used another route off the property, and runs off to tell her friends, what she saw and heard.

Chapter 4 The Local Perks

As Leon is getting out of the hospital with his backpack, he thanks the doctor for letting him keep his mask, and tries to find Applejack to ask if he can stay on the farm for a while. Something starts vibirating in one of the pockets of his sword belt. Leon pulls out the Guide of Fate.

He says, “Not now… I have to find the Apples, and ask if I can stay with them for a while?”

The Guide of Fate glows angrily. Leon decides to look at his pocket watch and sees that he has some time to spare.

Leon says, “Ok, I have some time. So, where do you want me to go?”

The Guide of Fate leads him into one of the houses in town. Leon stops in front of the front door and moves around, just in case the house was blocking the way but the compass pointed to the house. Leon goes back to the door and knocks on it.

A beige pony, with dark blue and pink hair, answers the door.

Leon tries talking without sounding awkward, “Hello Ma’am. I’m Leon and I was guided here, for some reason. So, who are you?”

The pony couldn’t believe what was she seeing right in front of her. The mare says in shock, “You exist?”

Leon, trying not to sound insulted, “I’m living and breathing, so I must exist.”

A voice says as it comes to the door, “Who’s at the door, Sweetie Drops?”

A cyan unicorn comes at the door, sees Leon, and gasps in excitement. The unicorn says, “Can you please come in?”

Leon replies, “Sure” and walks into the house.

The unicorn leads Leon to a couch and then he sits down. Leon says, “Thanks for letting me in. My name is Leon, what’s your's?”

The unicorn says excitedly, “My… my name is Lyra Heartistrings. It’s so cool that you are here! I have so many questions. I am trying to learn everything about your kind.”

Leon is surprised and asks Lyra, “You know about my kind?”

Lyra explains,“I know about some of the human race culture… and now I finally get to see one in the flesh. I know more than those snobs in Canterlot, who would call you a myth, but I always knew that you were real.”

Leon interrupts, “I would like to learn more about my kind, but I have to check if my friends in town will let me stay with them.”

Lyra offers, “If they don’t, I can make some room in the basement.”

Sweetie Drops says, “Lyra, we barely know this stranger, and you want him to bunk with us?”

Leon says, “I only what to learn from Ms. Lyra, since my resources of my kind are very limited. I would be grateful if you would be my teacher.”

Lyra answers in excitement, “I would love to be your teacher and have the opportunity to spend time with you.”

“Let’s start in 2 days, so I can settle in… Oh, and don’t worry about my mask, it will be off within those 2 days.”

Curious Lyra asks, “So what happened to your face? What do you really look like?”

“I got a zebra face after a fight. I’ll take it off when it recovers.”

Leon says as he walks out the door, “See you in 2 days.”

Lyra and Sweetie drops, “Bye.”

When Leon gets outside, he looks at his pocket watch. Seeing that the afternoon is going to be sundown soon, he looks for a map of Ponyville to find the Apple’s farm. But he is slowed down by his hunger.

After getting the map, Leon finally gives into hunger and goes into what appears as a theme candy store. He goes into the store and quickly realizes it’s a bakery. Every pony inside the bakery stares at him with fear and/or curiously. When his stomach growls, the ponies in line break away hoping not to get eaten. Leon sighs and goes up to the counter.

Mr. Cake asks in a stunned tone, “Welcome to… to Sugarcube Corner. What… what do you want to… to order?”

Leon replies, “Do you have glazed doughnuts, by any chance?”

Mr. Cake nods his head.

Leon says, “I’ll take a dozen of them.”

Mr. Cake quickly gets the dozen, gives it to Leon and pushes him out. He says quickly, “Don’t come back.”

Leon brushes himself off, and walks away like nothing happened.

Leon quickly finds a tree and huddles under it. He eats donuts as he studies the map. As Leon pays closer attention at the map, he

sees that the princess Twilight lives in a library tree. He slowly turns and sees a regular tree. Leon sighs in relief and looks for the landmarks, and quickly spots the Princess’s Library. He quickly figures out how to get the Apples’ farm and makes a run for it.

When Leon gets in view of the Apples’ farm, he sees a valley of apple trees. The view is so great; he forgets the Apple pun for a few minutes, while watching the view.

Within a few minutes, Leon is interrupted by an elderly voice, “Are ya here to sight see, or buy some apples?”

Leon snaps out of it and sees an elderly green pony in front of him. He replies, “Hello, I’m Leon Iron Needle. I need a place to stay for a while. Since…”

The elderly pony says, “You’re an Iron Needle? Wait. I remember you now. Y’er that creature Blue Eyes and Iron Compass took in. The last time I saw ya, is when I was on my last delivery to Hollow Shades. Y’er was the size of my old hat. And now, y’er the size of a princess.”

Leon says, “Thanks, I think so… can I stay a few days Ms…. umm?”

The elderly pony says, “Ponies around ‘ere call me Granny Smith. Any member of Iron Needles is welcome to stay with us. Follow me please, I show where, y’ll be stayin’ at. I can’t remember if it was a spare room or shack.”

Granny Smith and Leon go into the farm. After a while, Granny Smith remembers they have emergency facilities on one of the orchard’s hills. She takes Leon there and says when they get there, “Well, pick a place to rest your head in the Apple Barrel. This place was supposed to be the original spot for Ponyville, but because of the new train system, we had to move it. We use this place when the town gets destroyed or something bad happens to our home.”

Leon says, “Thank you for getting me my own place. Can I map out the farm in the morning?”

Granny Smith says, “Yes you can as long you get me a copy. In my old age, I forget where some things are, sometimes.”

Leon says with a smile on his face, “Thanks again.”

She replied, “Come down to the house nearby the barn when the dinner bell rings, alright.”

Granny Smith walks back to the Apple’s farm while Leon checks out the wooden town and finds recent "improvements" in and out the structures. He picks a one story building on the border of the empty town with a watchtower nearby it. Leon cleans up his temporary place and the watchtower.

When Leon barely move in, he climbs up the watchtower and looks all over the farm, with his binocular and spots landmarks for his map.

After a couple minutes, Leon spots something light blue, speeding through the sky. He quickly cleans the lens and checks the same spot and it was gone. Before Leon could wonder what he saw, he hears a loud bell echoing through the farm. He leaves the tower to join Apples for dinner, and ask them a few questions.

Chapter 5 Eating with the Apples

The Sun in setting down as the moon begins to appear. Leon walks down the trail to get his free meal from the Apples. Applejack sees Leon and stops him.

She says to him, “Since it’s yer first time in this Apple farm, I’ll lead you to we lay our heads in this place.”

Leon says, “Lead the way.”

Applejack says as she leads Leon to her house, “I hope ya don’t mind I invited my friends and cousin over to eat with us.”

“As long they don’t they turn me into stone, or alter me in any way as I’m eating.”

Applejack says to reassure him, “Ya need to meet them properly. Besides we don’t have the Elements of Harmony, so you don’t have to fear us anymore.”

“So Apple Bloom told you about my fear of Ponyville’s monster hunters? You and your friends have done terrifying and great things, but great power is still great power. Good intentions can lead to dangerous consequences really fast; the greater power somepony has, the greater the danger he or she is at risk of problems happening. I try to be brave, but not to think about it, to show some respect for you guys.”

Applejack says while trying to keep a straight face, “Uuum… Here we are.”

She shows Leon, her house and opens the door. The door opens to Pinkie Pie saying, “Surprise!”

Leon awkwardly waves to Pinkie and he directly goes to the table. Leon waits patiently for the food.

Pinkie asks Leon, “What are you doing?”

Leon replies, “Waiting for the food to be served.”

Pinkie giggles and then says, “It’s a party so the food is over there.” She points to the food.

Leon asks,“What the occasion?”

Pinkie continues, “This party is to celebrate the safe return of Applejack and Apple Bloom and to welcome you into town. I hope this is a better time than earlier.”

Leon replies, “I think the safe return of the Apple sisters is more important than meeting me. But, I hope there is enough cake to go around.”

“Of course, there's going to be enough cake. I made sure of it.”, Pinkie confrmed

As Leon gets up to get his food he bumps into Princess Twilight.

He says to the royal, “Excuse me your Highness, but I’m glad I’ve bumped into you. I apologize for threatening your life earlier. Sometimes, it’s good to use magic as a shortcut, but other times, that shortcut can be worse than the normal journey itself.”

Twilight says as she blushes in embarrassment, “If somepony would have told me that in Canterlot...”

“I learned in time, when you use the same solution for most problems, you will use it even when it is wrong. Those who refuse to… sorry about that, sometimes my wisdom oozes out.”

Leon says, “No problem. You appear to be calm for somepony who is supposed to be afraid of me and my friends.

“You and the ex-bearers of Harmony don’t look anything like I have imagined. Sometimes, the right thing is the hardest to do.”

A loud horn sounds and everyone looks at Pinkie Pie. She announces, “The desserts are here.”

As the desserts come in, Leon quickly gets his food and rushes to the table to talk with the Apples. He quickly eats his food.

Applejack sees him and says, “Slow down Stranger, y’er not in a hurry… are ya?”

Leon says as he eating, “When you’re a map maker… you learn how to eat fast… to get back on the job... and on your feet.”

Applejack inquires, “I don’t recall you eating like this back in Hollow Shades.”

He says as he finishes, “I still have to make some touches to my wooden tent.”

Applejack feels insulted and says, “Ya consider’n the room Granny Smith gave ya a tent.

“One, the Needles considers any type of temporary place, a tent. Two, Granny gave me a house to stay in the emergency town.”

It takes a couple of seconds to remember what Leon is talking about.

Applejack’s eyes open and she says, “That’s vampire fruit bat territory… I totally forgot about the place before making that territory.”

Leon says with no worry, “They’re juice suckers, not blood suckers. The only things I have to worry about are their sucked apple cores and their droppings.”

Applejack offers, “I can help you move closer to us and the road tomorrow.”

Leon says with a smile, “Sounds like a deal, let’s shake on it.”

He pulls out his hand and waits for Applejack. She awkwardly tries to do a hoof bump.

Leon explains to Applejack, “Put your hoof in my hand.”

Applejack awkwardly agrees and they finally shake on the deal.

Applejack asks, “Was that necessary?”

Leon says, “It makes the deal more official to me.”

Apple Bloom sees Leon and tries to talk to him, but Rarity cuts in front of her and asks Leon, “What are your clothes made of?”

Leon says, “It’s Rebound Reed, the lightest and best material for armor against any physical harm.”

A voice asks, “Can I have a try at it?”

Leon turns around to see Big Mac, a red stallion. He’s the biggest pony Leon has ever seen.

Leon says, “Let’s do this outside so we don’t break anything.”

When they go outside, the sun is barely setting. The Big Mac and Leon get ready.

Applejack goes to Leon and says to him, “Are ya sure ya don't want to be sent in the hospital again, because Big Mac is the strongest out of all the Apples.”

Leon says with great confidante, “Don’t worry, I won’t feel a thing.” He lightly knocks his armor and Big Mac, “You ready?”

Big Mac says, “Yeeup.”

Big Mac gives a hard kick to Leon’s chest. His legs bounce off of Leon’s clothes, and he flips over.

Leon says to Big Mac, “You have experienced the power of Rebound Reed.”

Most of the crowd was surprised. Rarity gets an inspired look on her face.

Rarity goes up to Leon and asks, “Where can a Mare get this Rebound Reed?”

Leon asks her, “If you can show me a great tailor in this town, I’ll share the Rebound Reed with you. I really need more ‘quality’ clothes.”

Rarity gasps and then says, “Sapphire’s order! I almost forgot!” She runs off home.

Applejack quickly says, “That’s Rarity, she the town’s fashion designer. She makes some of the fanciest clothes ever.”

Leon says, “Is she the only tailor in town?”

Pinkie Pie jumps up and down while saying, “I know everypony in town, so I know the answer.” She thinks as she bounces.

After a few minuties, she answers, “Rarity is the only pony that has a clothes making business, but there are a couple ponies that knit like Fluttershy and Granny Smith.” She points to them.

Leon says surprised, “Wow. Uh thanks.”

Leon looks around seeing that it is getting dark. He asks Applejack, “Applejack, I need to go back to the camp, so can I get a lantern and 4 pies, please.”

Applejack says, “Ya barely got here.”

Pinkie Pie says, “Can you stay here a little bit longer please, Mr. Canou?”

Leon says, “One, My last name is Iron Needle, not Canou and two, Granny Smith gave me a job to map the farm. So, I’m going to need a lot of energy to do the job, So I can get an early start on the job.”

Applejack gives Leon a lantern. Pinkie Pie gives Leon a box of pies.

Applejack whispers into Leon’s ear, “How much is this going to cost us?”

Leon says as he lights the lantern, “7 Bits per day on the job. I’ll work as fast as I can.”

Applejack says, “It’s going to take at least 4 days for ya to map out this farm.”

Leon says as he pulls out a scroll out of his pocket, “We’ll see.”

He opens the scroll and reads out loud, “Web- Weg (Web Way).” He becomes a flash of light and disappears.”

Apple Bloom stomps her hoof on the ground and says under her breath, “Darn it.”

A light flashes near Fluttershy’s Cottage and it catches the attention of the nearby animals. Leon quickly takes cover and waits for the animals to calm down. A loud roar silences the other animals. Leon takes a peek and sees the Chimera giving a signal to come closer. Leon goes up to the Chimera.

He says as gets pies out of the box, “I came to check on you girls. Thanks for the roar, China.”

All three of Chimera’s mouths drool as they see the pies. Leon says, “This is my way of congratulating you girls for not being turned into stone. But let's not make this a habit.”

China asks, “What do mean?”

Leon says as he gives them the pies, “I mean next time; I advise you to stay in the swamp. Don’t make some stupid plan and hope it works.”

China and Rose have embarrassed looks on their face. Clara reinsures Leon, “I will try harder for it not to happen again.”

They eat the pies with grins on their faces.

Rose says to Leon, “The tassste of thessse pies are to kill for.”

Leon stops eating his pie, turns to Rose, and says in a stern tone, “Don’t do that here. We don’t want to push our luck. Besides, I don’t think this Fluttershy pony can cover attacks.”

Rose says, “I'm jussst usssing the expression, Leon.”

Leon says, “I hope so.”

Clara says as she finishes her pie, “Speaking about Fluttershy, I think she can help walk amongst the ponies. Or at least trust her with our secret.”

China says, “I don’t think that she can help us get the ponies to like us but I think we can trust with our secret.”

Rose says, “We trust her after being so kind to us.”

Leon says, “You three agreeing on something? That’s rare. Ok, I'll talk to her as soon as I can. But for now, keep this a secret and you girls stay out of trouble.”

The Chimera say together, “O.k.”

Within seconds, they finish the pies and clean up. After a few palm slaps, Leon teleports back to his tent, and sleeps easier knowing that he and his friends are safe.

Chapter 6 1st Dawn on the job

It was a calm morning in the Apple farm. Applejack got up and got ready for the day. She went to Leon’s tent with big sable bags on her back, to help him move into the guest room.

When Applejack sees the wooden structure, she sees Leon (in a grey foreign uniform and his helmet on) with his back pack and a few suit cases.

She says Leon, “Y’er a fast pack’r.”

Leon responds proudly, “An Iron Needle needs to learn how to pack up his or her things fast as he or she moves in. It’s mandatory for map makers.”

Applejack requests, “Do ya even need my help?”

Leon declares, “If you think you can carry my armor and shield for me.”

Applejack responds with great confidence, “You insult me, Le’n.”

Applejack gets the armor and shield and balances them on her back. Leon tries to talk to Applejack on the way to the family house, but she is too busy balancing the shield on her back.

When they get to the farm, Applejack shows Leon his new room, and places his things on the bed. Leon drops his bags, but before he has a chance to move in, the meal bell rings, and Applejack rallies Leon to the meal table.

Within minutes, the Apples and Leon are sitting at the table. It has apple pancakes, a bowl full of apples, a platter of eggs, apple juice, plates, and utensils

The Apples start getting food as Leon grabs a rolled up napkin from one of his pockets, and unrolls to reveal a fork and knife (with shiny rubies at their ends).

Applejack asks Leon, “Umm, Le’n…”

Leon interrupts, “Don’t worry, I still eat fast with these fancy things.”

Applejack continues, “No, not that. It’s about my cousin Pinkie Pie.”

Leon says in shock, “That pink nut is your cousin?”

Applejack says, “She is my fourth cousin, twice removed, by a fifth cousin. Don’t insult any part of my family, even if we have our ‘problems’.”

Puzzled, Leon inquires, “I can’t believe somepony like Pinkie Pie is part of the Apple family tree.”

“Like you being a part of the Iron Needles family…,” snapped Applejack.

After an uncomfortable pause, Leon says, “I’ll shut up, now.”

Applejack takes a breath and proudly says, “Pinkie Pie is going to throw ya another Welcome to Ponyville party at lunch in the barn. No m’tter how long it takes, please stay there, Le’n.”

Leon confirms as he is getting apple juice, “Alright. I’ll stay at the party this time.”

Applejack whispers in Leon’s ear, “For both ya’s sakes.”

Before Leon could pour any apple juice in his glass, Pinkie Pie comes out of the pitcher with one of Applejack’s hats.

Pinkie Pie replies in a cowgirl ascent, “See you at high noon.”

Pinkie accidentally breaks Leon’s glass and plate, as she is getting the rest of herself out of the pitcher.

Leon insists, “In the name of Celestia, please don’t do something like this at the party.”

Pinkie Pie replies to Leon, “Ok.”

Pinkie Pie turns to Applejack and requests, “Since I’m here, can I join you for breakfast, please?”

Applejack answers, “Of course, ya can, cousin. Let me get the spare juice.”

As Pinkie Pie joins the Apples and Leon, Leon tries to ignore the extra guest as he eats his food.

When Leon is done, he quickly leaves the dining room and gathers mapping supplies, to start mapping the farm. By 9 am, Leon mapped out the mouth of the farm, all of the building and fields in its area.

Leon took a break, to do a few things, before he went into the vampire fruit bat territory, including checking on his face. Leon’s stripes are thin as yarn and he is enjoying his healing results.

Leon used this opportunity to explore the old wooden town, and look for any secrets in the town. He mapped out the path toward the old town, but the scent of apples on his shirt, got the attention of the vampire fruit bats. Leon runs to the wooden town.

After a couple of bites, the vampire fruit bats didn’t like the taste of Leon’s clothes and left him alone. Leon’s shirt is destroyed in the front and everything else including his skin was barely touched. He investigates the town closely for anything he missed on his first trip. Leon finds a great view from inside of the unfinished town clock. The only things in the clock tower are stairs, clock windows, and a few gears.

Leon looks through the window, and enjoys the view. He hears relaxing bell chimes. After a few minutes a loud ringing that can scare an army rings, Leon reacts by fleeing back to the mouth of the farm.

Chapter 7 The Party of Surprises

At the mouth of the Apple farm, Pinkie Pie just gets the party ready in the barn.

Pinkie Pie sees Applejack near the meal bell, and says, “The party’s ready! I hope Leon likes it enough that he’ll stay for all of it this time.”

“I’m sure that Le’n will stay through the whole party this time,” as Applejack rings the meal bell.

“He can’t hear that.” Pinkie Pie pulls out her megaphone, puts it nearby the bell, and rings it.

The loud ring makes the ground feel like its shaking, when the bell stops, Applejack still hears the ringing in her ears.

“Now, he heard it,” said Pinkie. “Let’s get back inside, and wait for Leon.”

Pinkie walks in the barn, while Applejack tries to stand still, “What was that?”

After 10 minutes, Leon goes into his room, changes into his armor, and gets ready for a fight. He walks around, wondering where every pony is and who rang the war bell?

After a few more minutes, Leon slowly opens the barn door. The ponies hiding in the barn, pop out and scream, “Surprise”!

Leon swings his ax at the nearest pony. But he stops his ax, as he saw that the pony wasn't equipped with battle gear, nor was she looking for a fight.

“Geez, never surprise an armed stranger.” Leon says collecting himself.

With the sword so close to the pony’s neck, she faints in fear. The guests are nervous and/or scared of Leon. Some of them are huddled together.

Confused, Applejack goes up to Leon and asks, “Why are ya wear’n your armor at a party?”

“I heard the Call to Arms… I mean the Rally Defender bell or the Incoming Attacker bell, or whatever Ponyville calls it.” Leon answers.

Pinkie Pie laughs, “That wasn’t a warning bell. That was the meal bell.”

Leon looks at the bell outside, and then looks back at Pinkie. Leon points at the bell, “No way did that bell make the roar I heard earlier.”

Pinkie Pie giggles, pulls out her big megaphone. “I used my mega megaphone over the bell, to make you hear it.”

Leon felt embarrassed, but looked confused. He puts his ax away, “From what I saw this morning, I believe you.”

Pinkie Pie says with a smile on her face, “What are we waiting for? Let’s party!”

The party awkwardly starts. Leon tries to wake up the fainted pony. After a couple of minutes, the pony wakes up to see Leon’s mask.

Leon apologizes, “Please, don’t faint again, I just want to apologize for scaring you, and almost killing you.”

“I’m just grateful for still breathing,” explained the awaking pony.

Leon roars in laughter.

The pony looks at him confused, “I didn’t make a joke.”

Leon calms down and takes a deep breath, “I’m sorry, I developed a dark sense of humor doing my job.”

“Do you work at a graveyard?” asked a confused pony.

A voice out of nowhere shouted, “He’s a map maker, Mrs. Cake.”

Everyone turned around and see Pinkie Pie standing there with a warm slime.

“Umm…Thanks Pinkie,” Leon says a little irritated

“Oh, how rude of me, I’m Mrs. Cup Cake.”

Leon says, “I’m Leon, of the Iron Compass Family.”

“Well, it’s good to see you two are alright.” Pinkie gushes, as she hops away to enjoy the party.

“I have to apologize for my husband’s actions earlier,” Mrs. Cake explained “We don’t mean to be racist, but I think you sacred my husband in your... scary armor?”

“I get the racist thing a lot, and in my line of work, if you’re not equipped to fight, you're equipped to die. Can we sit down? I believe it’s better for both of us.”

Leon and Mrs. Cake walk towards the banquet tables; a few ponies leave a table and take the open seats.

Mrs. Cake says, “I hope those ponies…”

Leon interrupts, “There’s always a table for a mysterious stranger.”

“I think we all thought that you were dangerous.” Mrs. Cake said with semi-smile.

Leon says with a smile, “When you have a weapon, you’re both dangerous and not a threat. It’s a joke that no pony laughs at.”

Leon feels his chair changing into something else, as a voice from nowhere says, “But, I find it hilarious.”

Mrs. Cake steps back. Leon quickly gets out of his chair, and nervously pulls out his ax. They see a creature made of various parts from other animals.

Mrs. Cake says, “Mr. Discord!” As she tries to catch her breath.

“Why must you always pop out of nowhere?” asks, Cake

The creature smiles, “It’s a habit of mine. But, I have to talk to some pony named Leon. Have you seen him?”

Leon grabs his bits bag, puts 7 bits in a napkin, and gives it to Mrs. Cake.

“I hope this enough for the doughnuts I got earlier,” explained Leon.

Mrs. Cake grabs the napkin and says with her mouth full, “I’ll see you later.”

She rushes to another part of the party.

Leon looks at Discord, “I’m Leon, what do you want?”

“I’m just doing a favor for Fluttershy.”

Discord uses his magical snaps, to make a mirror appear, and go through a bunch of styles of clothes.

“What are you doing?” Leon ask Discord

Discord finally decides to wear upper class attire. He says in fancy tone, “Fluttershy wanted me to give you an invention, for her tea party at 5 pm. She wanted to personally try to give you this, but she is backed up with wounded and sick animals at her cottage.”

Discord gives Leon the invitation card. Leon puts away his ax, and grabs the invitation for Fluttershy’s tea party.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Leon says, “Besides I have been meaning to talk with her.”

“See you later… by the way I like the mask.” Discord teleports away.

After what felt an hour, Leon finds Lyra, at the party with a hat and coat on.

Leon goes up to her, “Hello Miss Heartstrings. Have you been busy with…research?”

Lyra says nervously, “Yes.”

“So, who have you been spying on,” inquired Leon?

Lyra takes a step back, “Well umm…”

A notebook falls out of her coat. Leon picks it up, and takes a peek inside it. He discovers a few notes on him.

“Ok, you got me.” Lyra admits, “I was studying you earlier. I notice you have an interest in the emergency town.”

“I think something…” Leon is interrupted.

Suddenly, A light blue and pink haired Pegasus mare comes up to Leon, “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak to you for a little while outside. Well… if you have time for it?”

“For what,” wonders Leon?

The Pegasus states, “I need to make a mannequin of you for Rarity. It’s for your clothing line. I’ll pay you to do it.”

Leon asks, “Before we begin, what’s your name?”

The Pegasus answers, “My name is Skyla.”

“Ok let’s go…” Leon turns to Lyra, “We’ll continue this talk later.”

Leon and Skyla go outside. Lyra checks her notebook, and sighs in relief. Applejack sees Leon leaving, and stops him at the door.

Applejack curiously asks Leon, “Leon where ya goin’?”

Leon says to Applejack, “I’m just going to model for my mannequin real quick.”

Leon turns to Skyla, “This is going to be quick, right?”

Skyla says as she opens the door, “My sisters, will get a plastic double in 30 minutes or less.”

As the door opens, a mailmare rushes in, and gives Pinkie Pie a letter. She reads it, and gets excited.

Pinkie Pie says to the party guests, “It’s time for the piñata.”

Pinkie quickly sets up the piñata and insists, “Leon’s first.”

Leon looks to Skyla, “This won’t take long.”

Pinkie gets the piñata hung up in the air, and looks for Leon, “Hey, Leon…”

Leon quickly pulls out his ax, and makes a big hole in the piñata. The candy pours out all over the floor.

The party guests jump in the candy, as soon as the ax was put on its holder.

A small pile of candy was given to Leon as a “peaceful” gesture. Leon puts the candy in a spare bag.

Pinkie Pie pulls out 3 cakes (only one with candles) and gives Leon 2 of the cakes, “Knowing you have a big stomach, I made you 2 cakes.”

“I am not that hungry, today.” Leon says, “Besides, I have some place to go before I go back to work.”

Pinkie Pie asks, “Can you please blow out the candles before you go, pretty please?”

“Alright,” agrees Leon.

Leon blows out the candles, and Applejack screams in pain.

Everyone turns around to see Applejack rubbing her cutie mark, and Skyla apologizing.

Applejack looks at Skyla, “Just be careful next time. I need that leg to buck apples.”

Skyla says to Leon, “Can we go now?”

“After you,” as Leon escorts Skyla out of the party.

Skyla and Leon leave for the costume shop, while Pinkie Pie bounces home to prepare for a special guest.

Chapter 8 Welcome to Double Face

Skyla leads Leon to a blue store with 2 masks (a pony’s face and a shiny eagle’s face) as a sign.

Leon asks Skyla, “Is that a new sign?”

Skyla responds, “Well, half of its new. The griffon use to be a dragon, but it use to scare away customers, instead of bringing them in. Anyway… Welcome to Double Face costume shop, ‘the shop where the other you is waiting.’”

They go into the shop and see costumes of famous ponies, normally used customs, and accessories for custom costumes.

A white and brown hyppogryph, with a pony and an eagle face (back to back) greets Leon and Skyla, “Welcome to the Double Face…”

Skyla explains, “I already did that, Dawn.”

Leon inquirers as he looks at Dawn, “Mind if I check the quality of the costume.”

Dawn and Skyla give Leon permission to touch the costume. Leon touches a few parts of the costume. He felt real feathers and fur, even the beak and mouth felt like it you could eat and talk with them.

Leon says, “I think I should go to girls for my clothes.”

Dawn remembers something, pulls Leon’s arm and suggests, “We have to show you to Shinx.”

Skyla says, “Clam down, Dawn. He can get there by himself...”

Leon looks at a nearby rack of griffin costumes and says to the girls, “Give me a minute. I want to check out another costume.”

Skyla replies, “Sure.”

Dawn says, “Don’t take too long.”

Leon goes up to one of the griffin costume and feels it. The feathers and the beak seemed a little off, and the fur that was lower quality. He wonders if it’s an older design but wonders why it looks so new.

As Leon goes to meet Shinx, he notices big shards of pink crystals in middle of the room and scattered across the walls.

A blue unicorn with reddish hair, directs to Leon, “Hello sir may I help you?”

Dawn points, “That’s him, Shinx.”

Leon ask the mares, “Do you girls have anything that goes with this…?”

Leon pulls a secret flap of his armor, to reveal a greenish blue badge with a silver crown with a few holes in it.

The mares have shocked looks on their faces, and Shinx quickly recovers and says to Leon, “We have something in the back. Hey, Skyla, can you help me?”

Leon, Skyla and Shinx go to the back, while Dawn tends the store. They go into the storage room, and lock the door behind them. Skyla and Shinx change into changelings.

Skyla explains, “It’s good to meet another changeling, but I never expected a royal guard to come here.”

Leon responds, “Sorry to disappoint you. I’m not a changeling. but I am one of the map makers who work with the royal changelings.”

Shinx questions Leon, “Why do you look like you’re going to kill somepony?”

Leon replies, “It's very dangerous in these times. You don’t what’s behind a corner and if it will kill you or not.”

Leon clears his throat and replies, “Don’t you girls need me for something?”

Shinx says, “Oh, yes that!”

Shinx uses her magic to get the plastic and metal for the mannequin.

Skyla changes back into her pony form and states, “See you two in 30 minutes.”

Shinx responds, “You, I hate it when you put…”

Skyla quickly goes out the door and closes it. Skyla grunts in frustration.

Shinx gives Leon a pair of boxer with a belt and she asks him, “Take off your armor and wear this… it’s easier for me to scruple you more accurate manikin.”

Leon agrees, “Alright.”

Leon swaps his armor for the boxers with a belt and tightens the belt. While taking off his armor, it revealed barely healed scars, burnt marks, and bruises all over his body. Shinx sprays Leon with a scent covering spray.

Shinx asks, “Leon, do you want me to add on your… battle souvenirs?”

“No thanks,” Leon replies boldly.

“Are you sure?” insists Shinx.

Leon confidently said to Shinx, “I’m sure.”

Shinx continues, “This will take me a few hours in this form but I have a form that can finish this in a half an hour or 40 minutes tops, but it’s not a pretty sight.”

Leon explains, “I think I can handle the sight of that form you’re talking about. I have to get use to it considering what I see in my job.”

Shinx warned, “Alright remember I did warn you.”

Shinx’s body is growing bigger; more limbs are coming out of it (each one made for a part of the manikin process), a second head comes out of the body and goes over Leon’s head and 10 eyes come out of it to get different angles.

As Leon witness Shinx’s from, he tries resist the urge to grab his ax and hurt Shinx out of fear. He closes his eyes, takes some deep breathes and lifts up his arms and stretches his fingers.

Shinx’s 2nd head shouts, “Stop! That’s a great pose, hold it.”

Two more eyes come out of that skull to catch the detail of the arms.”

Shinx’s 1st head says with confidence, “Oh yeah, I’m doing 2 models.”

She uses her magic to get more plastic and metal and grows copies of her limbs, and a 3rd head.

Shinx asks as she gets to work, “So, how did you get that seal?”

Leon explains as he tries to ignore the eyes, “Well, I got if from the Princess Willow.”

Inquiring, Shinx says, “I would like to hear how that happen but your head moves too much when you talk. So can you stand there and be silent until I finish your head and torso?

Leon who was motionless said nothing, and holds his pose.

“Thank you,” Shinx says gratefully

Shinx blends and shapes the metal with fire, claws, muscle, and water and chips and smoothes the plastic into Leon’s body parts. Leon’s eyes look around the room to witness the organic machine at work. She quickly, but expertly makes Leon's heads and torso.

Shinx’s 2nd head explains, “You can talk now. So how do you know our princess?”

Leon continued, “Since you probably have a lot of things and you’ll be done soon, I’ll try to sum it up. It was my 1st trip with my folks to map out a mine. When we got there, it turned out to be a changeling hive. Queen Chrysalis wanted my folks to map out her hive since the hive had a lot of tunnels and her changelings kept getting lost. My parents went along with it for the pay and not to angry them.”

Leon clears his throat and continues, “I think I was in their version of a park. The rules they gave were simple; stay in the park and don’t disturb the princess. The princess has 6 legs so I pictured her as a scary creature so I stayed away from her.”

Shinx stops and her eyes angrily look at Leon.

Leon explains, “I was a… a hatching.”

Shinx says upset, “Just be careful of what you say next.”

She goes back to work and Leon takes a deep breathe.

Leon continues, “Umm… oh yeah, I saw a chubby looking changeling playing dress up. We quickly became friends. On the 3rd trip I found out that I was hanging out with the princess after she ripped one of her costumes and the 5th and 6th legs came out. We somehow stayed friends and when I was getting old enough to go on my own, she gave the seal so I can visit her without getting my flank kicked by the guards.”

Shinx says, “I’m done, do you like them?”

She puts the arms and legs on the torso and connects one of the legs of each model to their base. Both models have a pose, one a gentleman’s pose and the other, a warrior pose.

Shinx’s body goes back to her normal changeling form.

Leon carefully looks at the completed models. He is impressed at the accuracy and poses.

Shinx responds, “It’s been great to make these models with my best form.”

Leon shakes his head, and then puts on his armor.

Before Leon leaves the room, Shinx says while she is lying on a makeshift bed, “Oh, Leon tell my sisters, I’m going to be taking a nap.”

She instantly falls asleep, and Leon walks out of the door, and closes it silently.

Leon sees Dawn and goes up to her and says, “Your sister is taking a nap after her ‘special’ work.”

Dawn gets a small bag and gives it to Leon and explains, “Here's payment for being a model and we have some ideas and we might have some prototype clothes by tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” confirms Leon.

Leon rushes out of the door, jogs to the farm, and hopes he can get some work before his appointment.

Chapter 9 Tea Time for Freaks and Animals

In the Apple Farm, Leon is working on the Apple Farm map. After adding a couple of details on the map, Leon looks at his pocket watch. Its 5:21.

He feels something behind him. Leon quickly reaches for his ax across the table. A lion paw slams on his arm to prevent Leon from using the ax.

A voice says firmly, “First, you’re late to the tea party, and now, you’re going to kill the messenger.”

Leon explains as he lets go of the ax, “Sorry, Discord, I don’t like ponies sneaking up on me.”

“Well, ready or not…”

Discord snaps his fingers. They teleport to Fluttershy’s Cottage.

“We’re here!”

Leon looks around, and that sees Fluttershy is serving his Chimera friend(s) tea in 3 different cups. The other animal guests are at a different

table, away from the Chimera.

Fluttershy sees Leon and says, “Hi, Leon, Triabelle was just trelling us about how you 2 umm… 4 met.”

Leon takes a seat.

Discord sarcastically snaps at Fluttershy, “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

Fluttershy says, “Oh, I’m sorry. Thank you, Discord for bringing Leon, here.”

“Anything for you, Fluttershy,” replies Discord.

Leon turns to the Chimera, “You told her that name?”

Clara (the goat head) replies, “Yes, it’s our real name. We haven’t used it in years.”

Rose (the snake head) explains, “You don’t even use our real name, but you gave us dumb little nicknames.”

Frustrated, Leon says, “It easier to talk with you girls individually.”

Clara reminds Rose, “You mind complaining, later. We have something to do right now.”

Clara points to Fluttershy and Discord with her head. Rose gives Leon an angry stare.

Fluttershy asks, “Triabelle, is there something wrong?”

Clara replies, “She just misses being called our real name.”

Discord interrupts, “Weren't you going to tell a story?”

Leon explains, “There are 2 sides of this story. I’m not sure if we can tell it properly without one butting with the other.”

Discord says with excitment, “I have an idea. I can edit it in a movie with my magic and film.”

Leon wonders, “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.”

Triabelle’s heads nod to each other in agreement.

China (the tiger head) excitedly says, “Sounds like fun. How does it work?”

Discord explains, “It’s easy, the only thing I have to do is put my paw or claw over your heads and make a copy of your memory.”

Clara asks, “Will this hurt?”

Discord’s lion paw streeches across the table and splits into 3 paws; each lion paw lands on one of Triabelle’s head. The heads’ eyes began to show different colors as the strange energy goes to his paw. Fluttershy sits there, not knowing how to react to this situation, while Leon grabs a hiker’s mini pickax from a hidden place in his boot, and waiting for an excuse to use it against Discord.

After the energy stops flowing, the paws turn back into a single paw, and Discord pulls it back. Triabelle’s eyes return to normal.

China inquires, “When are you going to start?”

Fluttershy sighs in relief and Leon asks Triabelle, “You girls don’t remember the energy sucking paws over your heads?”

China asks, “What?”

Clara responds, “No.”

Rose giggles, “You must be seeing things.”

Leon turns to Fluttershy and asks her, “I’m not the only one…”

An eagle claw pops up behind Leon’s head and starts sucking energy from Leon’s head. Triabelle tries to intimidate Discord to let Leon go.

Fluttershy taps Discord’s shoulder and says, “Discord, I know that spell is harmless but he didn’t give you his permission.”

Discord replies, “Don’t worry, I’m almost done.”

Triabelle grabs Discord’s neck and China threatens him, “Let him go!”

Discord says with a big smile, “I’m done, anyways.”

The eagle claw stops gathering energy, and returns to its owner.

Leon shakes his head. He looks at the scene, and asks, “What just happened?”

Triabelle lets go of Discord’s neck, and turns their bulky body towards Leon.

Clara asks, “Aaaaare you aaaalright, Leon?”

Leon answers, “I think I’m fine. Are you girls ok?”

Triabelle tell Leon that they are fine.

Discord turns to Fluttershy, “Sorry, Fluttershy, but I have to leave earlier to get started on my movie.”

Fluttershy responds, “Discord, you have to apologize to our guests, and get Leon’s permission before making that movie.”

Discord rolls his eyes and says, “Ok, Fluttershy.”

Discord says to Leon and Triabelle, “I’m sorry for spooking you and using my memory extraction methods.”

Triabelle’s heads are chattering to each other.

Leon replies, “Since it was painless, I guess I can forgive you.”

Discord asks Leon, “Can I use your memory for my movie?”

Leon requires, “I would like to see one of your works, before I say yes or no.”

China apologies to Discord, “Sorry, for attacking you.”

Discord responds, “Don’t worry, I’m use to it.”

Discord asks Fluttershy with big eyes, “Can I put up a portable theater outside? Please!”

Fluttershy politely replies, “Ok, but don’t put on the chicken coop again.”

Discord rushes outside to get his movie set ready.

Fluttershy asks Leon, “So, Mr. Leon, why do you use nicknames instead of Triabelle’s real name?”

Leon answers, “Simple. Three heads equals 3 different personalities and tastes. They’re not a hive-mind driven brute.”

China asks, “Hive-mind?”

Leon goes, “I think ‘Hive-mind’ has 2 definitions:

The first one is that 1 master mind controls a group of separate drone bodies; like a queen bee and her worker bees. They must obey the master mind without question.

The second definition is 1 master mind controlling its entire body. It has complete control of all of its extra heads and uses them as extra limbs.”

Rose asks Leon, “Wait a minute. Are you calling two of us mindless?”

Leon responds, “If you were mindless, we wouldn’t be here.”

The Chimera and Leon just sit there in silence.

Fluttershy grabs the tea pot and snack plate, and says, “I’ll warm up the tea and get more snacks.”

Fluttershy rushes to the kitchen.

Leon looks around the room and notices most of the animals from the other table are gone, except for a raccoon hogging the tea cakes.

Leon takes a look at his pocket watch and its face shows 5: 43.

As he gets up Leon explains, “Looks like the tea party is over.”

“Where are you going?” asks China.

“Since the tea party looks like it ended, I have to go back to the Apple Farm,” explains Leon.

Clara pleads, “Can you stay here for a little longer?”

Leon continued as he walks to the kitchen, “I’m doing a map job for the Apple family and I want to finish it, as soon as possible.”

Triabelle gets up and blocks his way.

China begs with a forced smile, “Are you sure, you have to go, right now?”

In an annoyed tone Leon snaps back, “Are we really going to do this? We ‘all’ know who’s going to win.”

Triabelle shouts intensely, “Not today!”

Leon charges under the 2 front heads of the chimera. But, the rear legs close, and Rose is ready to strike him. All of Triabelle’s heads smile victorious.

Standing in Leon’s way, Clara insists, “You’re not getting bbby…”

Leon pushes the chimera’s lower half back, and flips them over, slamming them on their back. The raccoon on the other table cheers in excitement.

Clara shouts as she’s flipped over, “uuuussss….”

Leon imminently back flips towards the kitchen. But, he accidently slams half of his back on the doorway and falls on his face.

Fluttershy sees the scuffle and asks, “What happened in here?”

Leon quickly recovers and explains, “The girls wanted to wrestle, before I leave.”

Fluttershy boldly said, “Please don’t wrestle in the house. I don’t like saying that. So, please don’t break that rule.”

“Sorry, we usually wrestle back at the swamp. As I was saying, I have to leave and get back to work making a map of Sweet Apple Acres for the Apples,” replied Leon.

Fluttershy asked, “Wait weren't you suppose to watch one of his...”

“I remembered how much work I have to do but I’ll do my best to get back here tomorrow to watch it,” explained Leon as he walks out.

“Wait..” stated Fluttershy.

Leon rushes out the door waving, and gladly saying goodbye to Fluttershy and Triabelle. Leon starts to walk back to the Apple farm and hopes he makes it there in one piece.

Fluttershy says to herself, "Discord is not going to like this."

Chapter 10 Ice News

Leon is walking back to Sweet Apple Acres on a road surround by grass and bushes. He is grumbling about not having his scroll case.

Complaining under his breath Leon cried, “Great! I’m walking in Ponyville without magic or my ax.”

He pulls out a strange looking dagger from his front shirt pocket.

“At least I have my dragon forged dagger… or least that’s what that weapon Sellspony said it was.”

As Leon walks a few more steps, an arrow flies through the air and hits him on the head. Leon collapses down on the ground and his mask beings to turn into ice.

Within moments, a pony walks up to him, and investigates Leon’s body.

The pony smiles and in excitement, “I got him, I did something those great hunters couldn't do. I thought that ice arrow would have gotten more of…”

Leon jumps on the unsuspecting pony, and grabs her with a dagger near her throat.

“Ah! A zombie!”, yelled the confused pony.

Leon chuckles, “For an upcoming great hunter, you fell for the easiest trick for survival.”

“How did you…?”

Leon continued, “I saw you in Monster Fighters Monthly. The Ice Dancer, right? A Pegasus, who likes the cold, is a Silver Medal Hoof Skater, and an ice archer who helped a frontier town ice a Dragon. I believe that’s what you have said in your article, correct?”

Ice Dancer asks in a nervous tone, “How come you’re talking, instead of killing me?”

“If we weren’t here in Ponyville’s border, you would be a mess on the ground. I heard the stories of what happens here, if you don’t play by the rules. There are laws defending Ponies, Breezies, and Woodland creatures, but none for my kind. Hell, my kind are prized trophies for you scum, since there are ‘very’ few of us.”

“You are as tricky as the other one in Rainbow Falls, with his invisible tricks and being untouchable. I never had a chance to touch him or her… I not too sure, to be honest.”

Leon gets a surprised look on his face, and eases his arm with the dagger and stares at it. “I can do that?”

Ice Dancer tries to attack Leon, but he reflects the attack and counters it by getting on the pony’s back and choke-holding her.

Leon says as he struggles to stay on Ice Dancer’s back, “Just to make sure you don't try to kill me, as I’m walking out of here.”

Leon drops his dagger, and presses down hard with his other hand, on certain parts of her skull.

Within moments, Ice Dancer’s eyes close and her body is motionless. Leon checks her snout to make that she is still alive. Warm air comes out of her nose and Leon sighs in relief. He rolls her body off the road, picks up his dagger and makes run for it.

After half a mile, Leon sees a mounted ice bow pointing to the street. He goes up to the bow, cuts it in half and breaks the nearby arrows with his boots. Leon remembers his ice covered mask, and tries to removes it. But, he was unsuccessful.

After a couple of attempts, Leon gives up on trying to remove the mask himself and rushes to Sweet Apple Acres, before the ice freezes his mouth and the rest of his head..

Chapter 11 Fresh Ice Anyone?

Sweet Apple Acres is so quiet that you can hear the apples falling in their baskets. As it was getting dark and Applejack and Big Mac store the last of their harvest and head back to their comfortable home.

As Big Mac and Applejack walk into the house, an orange filly zooms by them. The filly rushes to the kitchen with a piece of firewood in her mouth. Applejack and Big Mac follow the filly and find Leon with a frozen face sitting on a chair with a big bucket of steaming hot water. The

Cutie Mark Crusaders and Granny Smith are trying to help Leon get defrosted.

Applejack asks Leon, “What happened?”

Leon mumbles but no one understands him.

“Huh?”

Leon angrily mumbles and points at his face.

The melting mask on his face falls off and goes into the steam bucket. Leon’s facial scars are gone but are replaced with a cold. He sneezes within seconds of the mask falling off. The ponies back off a little.

Leon says, “I need my scroll case, now… (achoo) … please.”

Sweetie Belle asks, “Your what…?”

Apple Bloom says as she rushes off, “I’ll get it.”

Applejack asks, “I don’t think a scroll is what you…”

Apple Bloom comes back with the case in her mouth and gives it to Leon.

Leon asks the scroll case, “Can I have a cure all?”

A scroll pops out of the case and Leon opens and reads it out loud after a sneeze, “Krankheit verschwunden sein (Illness be gone.)”

The scroll turns into glowing aurora and goes into Leon’s head, hands and feet making them glow. Leon quickly grabs a towel from a table and quickly dries his feet and then puts his boots on.

As Leon gets up and tries going outside, the Cutie Mark Crusaders hold him down or at least trying to. As the lights travel through his body (the head and hands lights travel to his chest and his feet scale up his legs), he drags his legs to the door.

Granny Smith asks, “Where are ya going?”

Leon turns to Granny Smith looking healthy and answers quickly, “Outside, This cure spell has an unusually ‘smelly’ method for getting rid of illnesses. Unless you want to be in the blast zone let me out.”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders let go and say things out of disgust and Leon runs out of the door. The adults are puzzled as to what that spell really does to cure Leon or any other pony. Big Mac hopes that the outhouse doesn’t explode.

Within moments, a flash of light is seen in the orchard. The little fillies and the Apples wonder what that was. They see Leon running back to the house. Leon pushes the door open and comes in.

Leon starts walking in place and says excitedly, “Woooo! Nothing like a cure all to cure what ills you and then give you a burst of energy.”

Applejack asks, “Couldn’t ya have used that on yaself earlier?”

“Apparently there’s a difference between illness and injures, they are both messes but one is a simple clean up job while the other, need usable parts to truly fix the damage.” He looks at the fillies, “Oh yes I must tip my little nurses and we need somepony to escort them home.”

Leon rushes to grab his bit bag and when he comes back Applejack puts her hoof in front of him and asks him, “What happened to ya that ya need them to help ya in the first place?”

Leon says, “Oh right, that.”

He gets on a chair.

Even though Leon couldn’t sit still he told them his story. “I was walking back here after Fluttershy’s tea party. A frost arrow hits my medical mask and I played dead to see who the owner was.”

Scootaloo asks, “Why play dead if it was an accident?”

“For me, an event like that accident is the second option because, unlike you folks, you’ll be born ponies; one err… three of the dominant races on this planet. While for me, I am born where most of everything wants me and…”

Leon lightly coughs, after noticing the shocked looks on the ponies’ faces.

Leon wraps up, “A hunter pony tried to kill me, I tried to come here on my own, and then these wonderful fillies found and guided me here. Some details are better left unsaid.”

Applejack asks sternly, “Why are ya treatin’ it like it’s nothin’? Why we shouldn’t we report this crime?”

Leon says as he walks to his room, “Even if she goes to jail, more of them will come.”

Applejack goes in front of him and says, “You can’t walk away from this.”

Leon says, as pushes Applejack out of his way, “I walked away from these things more times that I can count. I am tried; I need to finish a couple of details on the map, tip my nurses, and then go to bed.”

Scootaloo asks out loud, “We’re going to paid?”

Leon rushes to his room and then Applejack follows in pursuit.

Applejack says, “You don’t look tried to me.”

Leon says before shutting the door, “The magic burst of energy will ware off soon and I have to make the best of it.”

Leon quickly gives Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle 3 bits each and marks off a few bits form the map making bill.

Leon uses the last of his energy to make more progress on the Apples’ map, ignoring Applejack and then collapses halfway in bed. Applejack helped the knocked out Stranger.

Applekjack whispers in Leon’s ear, “Ya can’t avoid our talk at the breakfast table. I’ll make sure off it.”

Chapter 12: New Day, New Problems

Morning arrived at Sweet Apple Acres and the Apple family is eating their breakfast. Leon comes into the kitchen with his hand gripping on a magnifying glass. Apple Bloom greets him as he sits down.

Leon asks her, “So what’s today menu.”

Apple Bloom says, “Apple waffles, apples, and eggs.”

Before Leon could get something to eat, Applejack says, “Morn’ Leon, I have a few questions I want to...”

Leon sighs and then says, “It is usual for ponies to kill me and/or capture me because I’m ‘a prize of a lifetime’. I don’t like to report these attacks because it advertises me to other hunters where I am and some of them know to play around the law to ‘get’ me. Now let me enjoy of what might be my last meal before kicking the bucket.”

Applejack backed off. Big Mac and Granny Smith didn’t want to say anything and awkwardly are their meals. Apple Bloom had a few simple questions but she didn’t feel like it was a good time to ask them.

Leon quickly eats his breakfast, gears up and, then goes off to the Apple Orchard.

Before he gets deep in the forest, he is stopped by Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom says with her mouth, “Hey Leon, mail for ya.”

Apple Bloom gives Leon 2 letters. Leon sits on a nearby old stump. He sees the letters are from Lyra and “a friend.”

Apple Bloom asks him, “Who’s a friend?”

Leon asks her, “Don’t you have to go to school?”

She says, “Alright, see ya later.”

Apple Bloom gallops off to school. Leon rips open Lyra’s letter. It says, Dear Leon, Don’t forget about out first lesson today. I’ll be waiting for you.

Leon carefully inspects the letter; he feels the letter, and then pokes a small hole in it. After seeing nothing come out, he opens the envelope and points the letter at an apple tree. After seeing or hearing nothing happen, Leon see that the letter has a few holes at the edges and then he smells it. He smells a familiar scent.

Leon says to himself, “It’s from Willow.”

Even though some of the a are scratched out, Leon attempts to read it anyway. It says, Dear b Stranger, I hear you were in Ponyville, You met a rare ch pony called a hydralings. It is one in many… I can’t talk much about that pony. Anyways, I’m going to be there at… You now what, I will send a s note when I get there. I have to keep the details a surprise. See you soon. Yo From, a friend.

Leon says to himself, “a hydraling…?” He quickly figures it out. “Oh them.”

He puts down the letter and sees what appears to be a metal stranger with a metal suit and mask painted on it.

The metal stranger says in a surprising organic voice, “Hello Mr. Leon of the Iron Needle family, I’m Dice 29. My human leader wants to meet you personally as soon as possible.”

Leon jumps a little and says, “What the Tartarus?”

Dice 29 asks, “Aren’t you looking for other humans? We will be more effective than any other resource at your disposal. I will take over for you until my Emperor says otherwise.”

Leon asks, “We?”

2 metal baseball players (without numbers) and 2 metal heavy weights with vests and pants and blue mittens come out of hiding. At a second glance, Leon notices the metal baseball players are holding luggage.

Leon asks, “Whose bags are those?”

Dice says, “Yours!”

Leon says, “But I have some things to do here before I can go.”

Dice says, “I will take care of that for you.”

Leon says, “So you’re going to play like that. Fine, I will…”

Leon tries to grab his ax and then his scroll case but they]re both gone. He sees them both in Dice 29’s hands, but before he could attack, a baseball hits his helmet and somehow stuns him. Dice turns invisible while the heavy weights come in for the attack. Leon snaps out of his stunned condition and charges with his shield into one of heavyweights and slams him into a tree. Leon and the heavyweight fight with their fists and have a test of strength on Leon’s shield.

The other heavyweight charges at Leon from behind and the two baseball players play rock paper scissors with each other. The 2nd heavyweight gets a hit on Leon’s back before Leon counter punches. Leon quickly finds himself uncontrollably laughing and pointing at a tree, freeing the cornered heavyweight.

Suddenly, 2 darts fly through the air and hit the back armor but they only stick on it. The back heavyweight uses the darts to rip a flap in Leon’s back armor and then hits Leon back again to continue the curse of laughing. 2 more darts hits Leon’s flesh.

Leon gets drowsy and his laughs slowly fade away until he drops on the ground unconscious.

Dice reappears and says, “I guess he’s nothing without his ax and magic. Then again, no creature is ready for us.”

The damaged heavyweight says, as he is holding his jaw, “You weren’t the one being punched by him.”

He turns to a tree and says, “Thank you, snipers.”

The metal snipers in the tree give him their thumbs up.

Dice says on their built in communication chat box, “S7, help Host 4 back to base and S22, help Host 2 with the human.”

S7 responds, “Roger.”

S22 says, “Alright.”

Dice 29 says as he takes Leon’s shield, “If you gentleman excuse me I have a role to play.”

Dice uses a strange flip device to turn himself into Leon. Dice equips Leon’s stolen gear and heads back to the farm. The other metal Strangers take Leon deeper into the forest. Something jumps out of Leon’s pocket and rolls to the farm.

Chapter 13 A guide seeking help

The Guide of Fate stealthy rolls after the fake Leon. The fake Leon walks over a side of a seesaw and as soon as the guide rolls over it, it suddenly launches in the air. The fake Leon glances behind himself to see Big Mac on one side of the seesaw while he places a rag doll on the other side. The fake Leon smiles as he looks away and hides a schedule in one of his pockets.

The Guide of Fate flies over the fence and lands in a passing by delivery cart being pulled by a mailstallion with new glasses. The guide is trapped in the letter bag unable to get out.

After a couple deliveries, the bag opens and the guide finally escapes the bag but into a purple claw.

The claw’s owner (Spike) gives the compass back to thr mailstallion and says, “Here’s you’re compass back.”

The mailstallion says, “That’s not mine and there’s no tag in it.”

The guide tries to roll away but Spike grabs it. The guide struggles so much that Spike has to hold it with both of his claws.

Spike says to the compass, “I’ve got to take you to Twilight.”

He rushes back to his home and after a few minutes, the compass stops struggling.

Spike says as he gets in his home, “Twilight! Twil…”

The compass thrusts itself on Spike’s forehead and magically attaches to it. Spike screams as the compass becomes a third eye and then Spike becomes silent.

Hoofsteps are heard coming down stairs. As a purple alicorn comes into view, Spike quickly grabs his foot and starts jumping with his third eye closed.

Twilight comes in the room and asks, “Spike, What’s wrong?”

Spike replies while jumping, “I hit my foot on the door.”

Twilight asks, “Do you need some soothing cream?”

Spike says as he walks up stairs, “I can walk this off and sitting on my bed for a minute, couldn’t hurt.”

Twilight says, “Ok if you say so, but don’t forget to finish your list for the day, my Number 1 Assistant.”

Spike says, “I’ll be quick.”

Spike, going into his bed, curls up and opens his new eye. He sees visions of what might and will happen today scattered all over the room.

He says to himself, “hmm, this is less than usual.”

Spike concentrates and pulls in a vision. It shows Leon being put inside of a crate by the metal men. The crate makes a strange glow as it closes. The glow disappears as quickly as it appeared. The metal men are getting prepared for a march to the Everfree Forest and then, the vision ends.

Spike pulls in a few more visions and learns that the metal men have some friends in the background and there is going to be a team of hunters that are going to ambush to them.

Spike quickly thinks of a plan and he quickly writes a letter to his roommate.

Dear Twilight,

I am trying out a magic scroll or two I got from a traveling sellspony. I will be back soon.

From, Spike

P.S. Don’t drink the carrot juice, it’s too bubbly.

Spike’s new eye gathers magic and teleports him away from his tree home.

Within moments, Twilight gallops upstairs and sees Spike is gone. She finds his letter that dropped on the floor and she reads it.

After reading the letter, Twilight looks at it confused and asks herself, too bubbly? She uses her magic to get a glass of carrot juice, looks at it, and then smells it.

Twilight says to herself, “It seems fine to me.”

She drinks some of it and licks her lips at the great taste. Suddenly, she burps out a few orange bubbles out of her mouth and drops the glass.

Meanwhile nearby Fluttershy’s cottage, Spike appears in a show of glowing silver light. Spike feels burning on his third eye and part of his brain. He groans on the ground in pain but tries to hide the sound of pain with his claws.

Spike says under his breath, “Owww, I forgot abooout how much telepor… por… porting with a non mag…gical creature was.

Spike struggles to get to Fluttershy’s cottage.

After a couple of steps, Spike sees Discord and says, “Wait Dis…”

Discord teleports away.

Spike says as he slams his fist on the ground, “Damn Leon’s impatience.”

Spike struggles to get to the fence and says to himself, “Now I have to save him, the hard way.”

Spike looks around for a few allies and eventually see something big coming out of the Cottage. He smiles after seeing the body’s faces.

Spike says softly, “Perfect.”

Chapter 14: The Fight of Misdirection

Inside of Fluttershy’s house, The Chimera (Triabelle) is going outside to chop some wood. The heads are talking with each other.

China (the tiger head) says, “I hated doing all of that cleaning.”

Clara (the goat head) says, “It is the least we can do since we are staying here. Beside I kind of liked doing thaaat. Maybe we should staaart doing more cleaning in our…”

Spike walks up to them and says, “Hello.”

The heads turn to him in curiosity.

China asks, “What do you want?”

Rose (the snake head) says, “Hello.”

Clara says, “Oh umm… hi.”

Spike says with worry, “I come with bad news, Leon is…”

Clara says, “We all reaaaady know aaabout Discord’s visit to him.”

Rose says, “It lessss it makesss up….”

Spike says, “That’s the problem the Leon at Sweet Apple Acres is a fake.”

Rose says, “Of course, he…”

Spike interrupts, “It’s not a… Leon got captured by metal creatures and they’re taking him to the Everfree Forest and would like some help rescuing him.”

China says with a smile, “It would be nice saving him for once.”

Clara asks, “What’s the plan?”

Spike says, “I have to give you something but close your eyes. I get nervous when casting spells.”

Rose asks, “How come…?”

China says, “Shut up and close your eyes. Let’s get this over with.”

The Chimera’s eyes close and Spike starts his “spell”.

Spike says as he removes his magic eye and throws it at the Chimera, “Babilo Sighist.”

The eye turns into a compass and sticks itself the Chimera coat. Spike goes back to normal and passes out.”

The Chimera hears a mysterious female voice in Triabelle’s heads.

The voice says, “I am your magical guide for today. I can use my magic to show you where to go and where your enemies are even with your eyes closed.”

China says, “Fighting with my eyes closed! I can’t wait to try that on Leon.”

Clara opens her eyes and sees Spike passed out.

The voice says, “Don’t worry about him. In fact put him in a barrel, he likes to sleep on wood for some reason.”

Rose says as Clara puts Spike in a nearby barrel, “I have a log at the swamp and I love sleeping in it.”

China forces the body to move towards the glowing path. The rest of Triabelle quickly follows China’s lead.

Within minutes, a group of robots suddenly appear out of thin air with a crate and a strange device with long legs nearby the Everfree forest. The group walks towards the forest.

One of the baseball bots complains, “I hate this part of the mission.”

The broken heavyweight says, “Don’t worry about them. They will be gone in moments. I bet my family business shotgun on it.”

The baseball bot says, “If this part takes less than 5 minutes you will get my crit cola.”

“Deal.”

They shake their hands on the deal.

Meanwhile, in trees almost a mile away, a group of hunter ponies are ready to ambush the incoming robots.

One of them spots them and he says to his friends, “Here they come with the rare prized gift, wrapped in wood.”

Another one whispers, “Let’s thank Shroud for this lead.”

Shroud says with a smile, “I hope everything goes to plan.”

Unknowingly, the ambushers are being watched by dim glowing eyes with plans for them to become the prey.

Triabelle is getting close to the future battlefield. The trail of lights suddenly ends.

China says, “Where are the lights…”

Rose says softly, “Sssshhhh. There’s something in the trees.”

The voice says, “3 actually and you might want to break them quickly but silently.”

The light show, 3 skinny targets wearing rectangular baseball caps.

The Chimera quickly jumps in the tree and breaks 2 of them and the third one jumped out of the way with some damage on it. The target turns out to be a metal baseball player. It pulls out a frying pan and runs around to find and hit the Chimera.

The voice warns the Chimera, “Break him before he hits you.”

China says as she opens her eyes, “That will be easy.”

Triabelle jumps at the bot but it gets a few swings before it get wrecked. The pan’s banging alerts the other bots and they start using their battle cries and gunfire quickly fills the air.

The voice says, “Oh no. We… we have to improvise now.”

China asks, “Do you mean just break more of these things?”

“We also need the wooden box some of them are guarding and the key to it.”

“Can’t we just break it with…?”

Clara says, “We don’t want to wound Leon again.”

The voice says, “That’s right and I see an opening to the box but getting the key might be harder than it looks.”

A glowing path appears and Triabelle follows it. The path ends and they see the robots finishing out.

Rose whispers to the group, “Leon’s body heat is low; we need to take him to Fluttershy’s.”

Clara looks closely at the box and how it’s locked and whispers a plan to China.

The voice says, “That might work.”

With stealth they go behind the crate and then they hear the battle is over and then some chatter with the pony survivor.

The pony survivor says to a tuxedo bots, “Shroud, I though we were friends.”

Shroud says, “We still are, that’s why you are going to be our messenger pony. Tell the rest of the group of amateurs, ‘Don’t hunt Mankind anymore or we will go for the rest of you.’ I’m afraid I can’t save you next time, Mr. Core. So please take that warning to heart.”

The Chimera makes behind the crate and gets spotted by a tuxedo and a baseball bot and notices the compass on them. The tuxedo bot hands baseball bot a sapping device and texts him a plan.

The baseball bot whispers, “Gotcha ya.”

The BB bot drinks some soda from a blue can and then charges at them with blurrily speed.

As the bot charges at the Chimera, he gets tagged with a red magic light.

The voice screams “Stop him!”

Before the body of sisters could do anything, The BB bot uses the sapping device to sap them, and takes the falling compass and rans away. They quickly recover and Clara uses her paw and her horns to grab the box by its chains.

Clara whispers to China, “We will open it at Fluttershy’s.”

Rose asks, “What about the key?”

China says, “We already have one. Let’s go.”

Triabelle rushes out of there but the bots do not pursue them.

Shroud finishes his chat, “You can leave now. If you are willing to be…”

The bots make an opening for Mr. Core.

Mr. Core says, “After what you did, The Silver Blades will never forget this and I will never forgive you.”

Shroud says as he pulls out a glowing revolver, “Go before, I get ordered to eliminate you.”

Mr. Core leaves as fast his hooves can take him.

A Bb bot goes up to Shroud and says, “Sir I… I mean we got the Guide of Fate that Dice failed to recover.”

One of the bots says, “Umm, Sir… the package is gone.”

Shroud says, “It is great that we have the artifact but we need time to recover.”

“But…”

“Let’s regroup at the camp.”

All of the bots go deeper in the forest.

Meanwhile back with the Chimera, they are out of the Everfree and they have a strange moaning from the box.

Clara puts the box down and China breaks two of the links in the chain with her teeth. The lock and chains fall off and the crate slowly opens.

A mechanical Scottish voice, “Error, What happened.”

Triabelle sees what comes out of it and are shocked at what is coming out.

Clara asks the thing, “Leon is that you?”

The Owner looked like a metal Shipyard Cyclops.

It says, “Yes, Can’t ya lasses remember me?”

Leon covers his mouth with the worry of not recognizing his own voice and accent. He looks at his hands.

Leon asks in great worry, “What happened… no wait what are we going to do about this?”

Chapter 15: Others?

In a mountain somewhere in East Equestria, A city made of metal and stone filled with robots, humans (which skins are ranged from black to blue), and goblins (little green long pointy nosed creatures that are no more than 3 feet tall). This city is a mix of stainless steel buildings and stone structures and statues with a few military camps and factories and a palace as the centerpiece. The place is huge with long hallways with big and small rooms (each with their own parts to play in the palace, city, and the future fate of Equestria). This city even has many defenses either hidden or out in the open waiting for something that not supposed to be there to show with walls and gates dividing the people from the outside dangers.

The ruler of this city is a black man with a fancy blue jumpsuit, gray gloves and boots and a golden helmet with 3 star shaped rubies and drink holders with straws as his personal crown. The ruler called himself, Emperor Vulcan.

Emperor Vulcan is walking out a room labeled sensor viewing room with one of his assistants (A metal Cyclops shipyard worker).

The assistant says, “That show was fairly decent.”

Vulcan says, “Keep trying. That show has a bad influence.”

“Please explain, sir.”

“I don’t like it showing that as you have someone who is bad it will make your dreams and deep desires will come true as long as you don’t tell anybody or do nothing to change bad person’s habits. Have that show reviewed again.”

The assistant types down the complaint and sends it in email form to the sensor department. He gets notifications from the operations room. He reads them quickly.

The assistant says proudly, “We got them, Sir.”

Vulcan asks, “Alive?”

“Yes. They are in the medical center being upgrade with the respawn system and the uber devices with their new hearts.”

“They are using the new knockout gas on them, right?”

The assistant sends a message to the medic bots and they confirm the use of knockout gas.

The assistant says, “Aye, they are using it.”

Vulcan says in relief, “Good that is a painful process… it doesn’t help when you see your old heart explodes.”

“I got skipped that second part.”

Vulcan goes to his silver throne and sits in it. The rest of his assistants (mostly other robots) are talking about the plans for the new arrivals.

He turns to his metal doctor assistant and asks him, “Doc Uber tell me what we know about our new guys?”

Doctor Uber pulls out his clipboard and scans it.

After the clipboard is scanned, Doctor Uber shows the Emperor a picture of a big looking bald brute with messed up teeth in his slime.

Doctor Uber reads the information in his German accent,

“Subject 1: Lock the Slave.

He is 9 feet and 3 inches tall and weights 823 pounds and an ounce.

Skin color: Mostly dark brown with white “spots”

Hair color: none because he has no hair anywhere on him.

He has the pointed star of Iron Talons in the Griffin territory on his head. It resembles a Star of David

Current job: Door guard.

Favorite weapon: Club

Light drinker of Wine.

Recommend role of the Empire: Solider or Manual Labor.”

Vulcan looks at him and asks, “I did tell you to find humans and bring them back here alive, right?”

“My emperor, it is a human. We checked his DNA and it is mostly human.”

“Mostly?”

“We have a theory that this subject is a subspecies. The DNA tells us that built for a different gravity or to be some sort of super soldier with a thick body at the cost of intelligence.”

“Dam, you guys brought back a super soldier? I am impressed. No seriously, that is an awesome thing to do. Someone give that team some medals and a choice of great prizes.”

An assistant looked like soldier says, “I do it.” He grabs 2 small lockboxes and storms out of the throne room.

The Emperor looks back to Doctor Uber and asks, “Who is next?”

Doctor Uber flips to the next sheet has a picture of a young woman with burn and scar marks, red eyes, a red Mohawk, and black lips.

He reads her info,

“Subject 2: The Hydra’s pet

She is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weights 151 pounds and 7 ounces.

Hair color: Red

She has a bunch of scars and brunt marks. We assume that the scars are from discipline. We don’t have proof for or against the theory because most our bots on this operation… never reported back. She speaks in a dragon’s language so she will be difficult to understand. She has only one boob and the other appears to be ripped off.

Current job: Unknown

Favorite weapon: fists

Recommend job: Unknown”

Vulcan says, “She is safe in our borders now. Someone give those brave troops medals, a month break, and get them a strange weapon or hat each.”

Vulcan pulls out a strange little key from one of his pockets.

The metal baseball assistant grabs the key and says, “I got it.”

He dashes out of the throne room.

Doctor Uber says, “You’re very generous today, sir.”

The Emperor says, “I want to inspire the troops not to kill anyone that I want back alive unless I say otherwise. Speaking about death why didn’t they come back, we have the respawn systems, don’t we?”

Doc Uber says with regret, “That group was under the command of AL4…”

“Captain Spear Head. I thought I send him to be retrained by another commander.”

“You did, sir but Commander B… Brock tried to do a stealth mission to get the girl before the respawn system was set up but he got crushed.”

The Emperor gets up and screams “I want to talk with that captain now!”

Doc Uber grabs his ruler’s arm and says, “Sir, don’t you want to see the last human we got before you ‘slap’ some sense into Spear Head.”

“Alright.”

The Emperor sits back in his chair and is ready to jump off of it at a moment notice. “Who is the last human our teams captured?”

Doctor Uber flips the clipboard to show the Emperor a picture of Leon. Before they could read the information on Leon, a Scottish knight robot comes in with his single eye turned red.

The knight says angry, “My Emperor, I want… sorry ask you approval for a team to save one of my flying knights from a monster’s claws.”

Vulcan pushes the clipboard out of his face and asks, “What are you talking about?”

“One of my knights, ‘The Tree Frog’ was hidden inside the decoy crate in one of the recent operations but he got captured by a three-headed beast. He somehow tricked that thing to think he was a human that he switched places with. He is not a spy bot, I am worried that he won’t last long.”

“Where is its lair… wait, what is it?”

Doctor Uber gets a file for his memory banks and prints it out from the hidden printer in his metal lab coat. He tears the paper off the printer and shows it to Vulcan. It is a picture of the Chimera (Triabelle).

Vulcan comments, “This looks like one of our first cloning experiments. I am not sure why this thing would care about keep a human alive.”

A voice of a creepy wind says, “Maybe it wants to eat him.”

A goblin in a brown suit with green marks jumps from the ceiling and softly. The Emperor and his court turn to the goblin.

The goblin says, “I am your new bodyguard personally chosen by my elders and my general to protect you.”

The Emperor says, “Your one of those forest goblins right?”

The goblin, “Yes I am, oh, power and merciful Emperor.”

“You guys are the stealthy ones, right?”

“You need me to go and save the knight.”

“Grab a team on the way out.”

“Yes, my Emperor.”

The goblin leaves as fast as he came in.

The Emperor says as he put his hands together, “Well that was easy.”

One of the assistances says, “Sir, The forest and stone goblins have a ‘completive’ history. Do you know that’s how their stalemate war began? Come to think about, it is funny that war ends because of some angry weeds.”

“Just give a notice to stone goblin troops to stay away from that area until further notice.”

“Yes, sir.”

The assistants send the message but some of them are unsure that the stone goblins will listen to orders well since the forest are still allowed near Ponyville and neither side wants to give the other any form of advantage.

The Emperor says as he gets up, “Now, I want to get my angry out before I meet the other humans. Crit-cola me.”

A baseball bot throws Vulcan a purple soda can from across the room and he storms out of the room with most of the assistants following him in worry while 2 stay back to maintain the hidden civilization.

Chapter 16: Goblins working

In a fruit bat sanctuary in the Apple farm of Ponyville, A big gray and bulky metal suit with blue test tube tattooed on the chest plate and blue pictures of its attacks and gadgets on its arms and back. It is using on its foldable radar disk coming out its back. The man is in the suit is smiling through the visor. He has a team of 4 bulky stone goblins guarding him.

The bats and goblins around the suit are feeling dizzy.

The man in the suit says as he looks at the dizzy bats, “The Nerve Numb-er is working perfectly.”

One of the goblin bodyguards says, “It is workin’ too much.”

A goblin with a radio pack on his back gets a message emailed to him. He pulls out a handheld monitor from his pack and struggles to reads it.

The radio goblin yells to the man in the suit, “Shut off that Zappa, doc!”

The man in the suit turns off the radar disk and it goes back in the suit. The goblins and bats are slowly recovering.

The radio struggles to read but before he understands the message, a goblin in tribal clothes with light armor vest, boots, ammo pack and a poorly painted revolver.

The goblin says, “For those don’t who, I am Captain Yellow Blood, one of the fastest stone goblins who ever lived and need you runts, to go and fight a chimera…” He puts his hand on his head. “Why does my head hurt?!”

The man in the suit says, “I’m sorry it was from one of my toys. I am Dr. Metalton and this is my Tesla armor.”

“We need you and that metal skin and beat up an eastern Chimera. It has one of our shiny boys and another group of goblins will get him out.”

One of the other goblins asks “What do we do?”

The Captain says, “That easy…”

Dr. Metalton interrupts, “Since I am fighting the chimera I want to bring it back alive. It will help a lot in our genetics research.”

The Captain responds, “Normally, I would just go with my plan but since you have zappy powers. I let you fight him alone but if you’re losing badly we’ll come in and kill it. Let’s go now.”

The radio goblin says, “Alright boys, lets to the teleporter.”

The Captain says, “No, where are going on foot it is a secret mission.”

Dr. Metalton is rewiring one arm at a time.

He says, “That will give me enough time to make my attacks go from kill to stun.”

Captain Yellow Blood leads the sneaky march to Fluttershy’s cottage.

When the squad gets to the cottage, the squad hides in the garden. They notice that the Chimera is coming to the front. The squad huddles together to retell the plan.

The Captain says quietly, “You with the skull helmet follow me, Shiny boy you fight the monster. The rest of you lot to make sure no one else mess up the shiny boy’s fight.”

The rest of the goblins agree with the plan.

Doctor Melton whispers, “I’m not a… I’ll go first.”

Dr. Metalton charges toward the Chimera with a fully charged stun fist. The Chimera was ready to dodge the attack. The attack leaves a big dent with ashes marks on the cottage. Both fight and dodge without any time to speak.

The Captain and his goblin sneak to the back door while the rest of the squad sits back and watch the fighting while eating their emergency rations and apples that they picked from the apple orchard.

The fighting grabs the attention of the animals inside and a metal Leon that is lying down on a bed using the distraction to sneak out.

The metal Leon sneaks out to the back door to bump into Captain Yellow Blood and his skull trooper.

The Metal Leon says, “Thanks for the distraction. I have a teleporter in a nearby crate, I just have to turn it on and we can get home.”

The Captain smiles and says, “That was easier than I planned. Get that tele ready.”

The metal Leon gets the teleporter ready. It seemed like an easy win for the stone goblins but the team of forest goblins that were supposed rescue the metal trooper arrive. The leader of the forest goblin group is upset.

The leader of the forest goblin team, “I though the Emperor ordered all stone goblins out of this area so that don’t mess us up.”

“I am the chosen stone goblin bodyguard to the Emperor.”

“I am the chosen forest goblin bodyguard to the Emperor.”

The skull goblin scream to the Metal Leon, “Turn it on faster!”

The Forest and Stone Goblins stare at each other intensely as the teleporter sets up.

The Skull goblin says to his captain, “Can we fight later, maybe in the arena?”

Yellow Blood says, “That sounds like a perfect idea so I can show off the power of the Stone goblins in front of the Emperor himself.”

The forest goblin captain says, “We will be the winners in that fight.”

As the teleporter finishes, the chimera notices the fake Leon with the goblins. They were distracted long enough for Dr. Metalton to hit them with a charged up fist attack. The attack stuns the Chimera’s body and the Melton picks up the body and waits for his turn. He smiles with the thoughts of possible research from the monster the he caught.

Everyone gets in line for teleporter expect for Melton reporting his new “finding” with the help of the radio goblin and a few other goblins threatening the local witnesses to keep what a secret or else. Each one of them on top of the teleporter glows as it sends them away.

When the teleporter sends most of the troops including the Chimera, a few goblins were left behind to gather pieces of the soon to be detonated teleporter and hides in the woods to their hidden base.