//-------------------------------------------------------// No need for Equestria -by DemonWolf- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// No need for Help //-------------------------------------------------------// No need for Help Nuada arrived at the far side of the Everfree Forest as the sun rose into the air. “Time to see if, my house is still standing,” Nuada stated. Touching down at the edge of the lake, Nuada advanced upon a very large tree sitting in the middle of it. Condused as the old wood bridge looked well maintained. As he approached thin beams of light came out of the foliage and bounced off the lace surface towards the sky. Holding the sword hilt out Nuada touched the tree with it, “Hello Kirito sorry for being gone so long.” “All is forgiven my lord,” The tree spoke into his mind. At this point the three gems in the hilt began to glow along with the tree, “The connection is reformed all energy is returning to full strength.” “Good to hear, status of living quarters?” Nuada asked. “Subspace hole deteriorated during your time away, living quarters in a damaged state, all food stores spoiled, workshop in need of heavy repair, general overview; unlivable,” Kirito responded, a portal forming to the side of Nuada, “Would my lord like to perform a personal review?” “Thank you, while I’m there please prepare a summary of the general history you have seen with the high points focused on,” Nuada said pulling his hilt away, and stepping through the portal. “Yes my lord.” “Sister have you heard from Nuada?” Luna asked entering her sister’s room. “Not sense he was here a week ago,” Celestia said looking around her room through some papers in her room at the stationary. “Does thou think he shall forgive us? I’ve never seen him so angry before,” Luna asked taking a seat on Celestia’s bed watching her sister. “Ah ha,” Celestia stated pulling out 5 golden tickets and set them aside for a minute on the top of her desk. Taking a seat by her sister Celestia spoke, “Luna my dear sister, forgiveness is but a matter of time for those who seek to truly repent for the past. So long as you make the effort I’m sure he will forgive you. As for that rage, you remember what he told us of his homeland it may be that he had too much pent up and just needs to release it.” “We know this, we just wish for him to talk with us soon, we doth miss him much,” Luna stated, as Celestia nuzzled her. “I know sister, I missed you both for the last millennia, I think we just need to wait a little more time,” Celestia said. Nuada stepped out of the portal with a large empty sack across his back wearing a pale blue hand stitched tunic, and a pair of brown wrap pants, “Kirito I’ll be back later.” “Yes my lord,” The tree named Kirito replied. “Nurse what happened here?” Twilight Sparkle the purple unicorn asked walking into Ponyville hospital. “Looks like case of baked goods gone wrong,” the nurse pony with a red cross on her flank stated. “Not baked goods, baked bads,” the pink pony on a bed said, just prior to puking into a bucket. Moments later spasms rocked the pink mare on the bed. “Pinky are you okay,” Twilight asked about to leave. “There is a new not a pony coming to town I must greet them,” Pinky said trying to get out of bed. "Hold on Pinky, you're in no condition to get out of bed,"Twilight's point illustrated by the sick earth pony puke into a bucket. "But I have to meet the new not a pony," Pinky argued Twilight's magic holding her down, "if I don't then, gasp, ifIdon'tmeetthemtheywillthinkponiesinPonyvillearerudeanddon'tlikevisitors!" With a deadpan stare Twilight rolled her eyes, "How about this if you stay in bed I will go greet this new pony." "It's a new not a pony," Pinky said. "Okay I will meet this not a pony and then go talk to Applejack, about her needing help," Twilight stated, turning to leave. "Okay be as happy as you can be and smile, oh and he should be around Fluttershy's," Pinky said as she lied back down. “That mare is insane,” Twilight thought leaving quickly. Nuada arrived at the edge of the Everfree by noon and found the small village Kirito had told him of, 'Maybe I can get information from the owner of that cottage.' "Excuse me miss?" Nuada spoke up to a small yellow pegasus flying about feeding small animals. "Eeep," the butter yellow pony with pink hair froze up upon being startled by the voice. "Are you okay?" Nuada asked, the animals keeping a distance from him but keeping close to the pony. "Monster leave Fluttershy alone!" a yell came and a magic blast slammed into Nuada sending him sprawling into a tree. Looking up Nuada saw a very angry looking purple unicorn. As the stun was wearing off he began trying to find the monster only to see none. "Wait me?" Nuada asked dodging a beam of magic. Twilight must not have heard him as she continued to attack. "Please stop.... hold up.... STOP!" Nuada dodged her attacks expertly until he got in her face and yelled. "You can talk?" Twilight asked falling back on her flank. "Yes I can," Nuada stated glaring, "now then rude little pony I was about to ask this mare where I could get some fruit and some supplies." "I.. I'm sorry," Twilight stammered, rearing back. Nuada nodded and went to walk over to Fluttershy. Sitting calmly he waited for the yellow pony to move. "Um Fluttershy you have a visitor," Twilight said walking up to the pony. "..." Nuada thought he heard a response but was too quiet to make it out. "No it's not a monster at least he's not acting like one,"Twilight replied. "If it helps I'm called a human, and I just need directions," Nuada called over calmly. Twilight's ear flicked back for a moment, when she heard the term human. “...” Again Nuada heard a voice to quiet to understand from the one called Fluttershy.. “Okay I’ll cover it,” Twilight said to her friend before walking over to Nuada, “please forgive her she is very shy, and please accept my apologies I should not have attacked you like that.” “I forgive your friend, being shy is hard to get over. Now as for you attacking me that will take longer to forgive,” Nuada stated standing back up, beginning to walk “so as penance please guide me to a fruit seller and a hardware shop.” “Um okay, I was actually going to go meet my friend who is and apple farmer after I meet with somepony out here by…” realization dawned on Twilight, as she caught up to him “oh no you’re the not a pony I was supposed to meet out here for Pinkie Pie and I just screwed it up. She’s going to be so disappointed with me. I told…” Nuada listened to the little unicorn spaz out for about half a minute watching her mane start to fray and split. When she went into world ending due to this he bent over and flicked her ear. “Owch! What was that for?” Twilight asked rubbing her ear. “Calm down,” Nuada said, “let me settle your many fears. First I am not mad at you, annoyed but not mad, this has happened enough that I don’t really mind anymore. Second if you give me a formal greeting including your name and the name of this town, you will have ‘greeted me’ and I’m sure your friend will forgive you, lastly I really just need help getting around, let's say it’s been awhile since I was last in the area.” “Oh right sorry, that all makes sense and works,” Twilight agreed putting a hoof to her chest, “I am Twilight Sparkle personal student of Celestia, new Element of Magic, and librarian of the Golden Oak Ponyville library, this town is called Ponyville located in the center of Equestria.” When Twilight finished with a hoof wave at the town Nuada nodded, “That covers all of that, now please guide me to your apple farming friend.” “With pleasure while we walk can you explain who and what you are and why you came out of the Everfree forest?” Twilight asked. “Name is Nuada Lugh, species Human, I live in the forest,” Nuada stated walking. “Human? Live there! are you crazy there are tons of dangerous creatures out there,” Twilight yelled. “I am well aware but not much bothers me, as I can outrun most of it, and if I can’t out run it, most things I can beat,” Nuada said, “as for the human part, I am the only one in Equestria that I know of, as to how and why I got here I will not share with you, but know that I am generally a peaceful creature.” “For being peaceful you move like a well trained guard,” Twilight commented getting an eye raise from Nuada, “well you dodged all but my first attack with minimal movement all the while getting closer to me without me noticing. To dodge and move like that a pony has to be trained in combat usually.” “First a favor I ask, I am not a pony, so please use the term person, or body, that pony thing is speciesist, second just because I embrace peace doesn’t mean I can’t wage war,” Nuada said as he began to see apple trees, “Looks like we’re here.” “Oh right,” Twilight said looking about, “she should be out here bucking the trees.” “That her over their?” Nuada asked watching as and orange pony with a blonde mane and tail, wearing a stetson backed a cart load of apples into a bucket. Nuada rolled his eyes seeing the cart end up perpendicular to the ground and the pony in it fall asleep upside down. “Applejack,” Twilight said trotting up to the pony, with Nuada in tow. “Oh Twilight, look I know what you’re gonna say but I don’t need no help from no pony,” the one called Applejack said as she tried to wiggle the cart so she was back on the ground. Nuada watched this for only a moment before putting his hand on the cart and forced it over. “Thank you but I didn’t need your help…” Applejack paused in her conversation, “now what in tarnation is this Twilight?” “This is a human named Nuada Lugh, he’s come to see about getting some apples,” Twilight stated. “Well it’s nice to meet you mister Nuada but I’m a bit busy gotta buck these apples,” Applejack said walking over to a dead tree, and began kicking it. Nuada face palmed, “a pleasure to meet you miss Applejack as well, and if I may you are literally beating a dead tree.” “I knew that,” Applejack said before walking off. “She always like that?” Nuada asked Twilight. “She’s a born and raised farm pony, a good friend but stubborn as a mule,” she replied before looking over at a mule that had walked by, “no offence.” “None taken,” the mule said before continuing on his way. “I have and idea then, thank you for your time miss Twilight, you have guided me to a fruit seller, as such I forgive you for our first meeting,” Nuada stated turning to go. “Wait what are you going to do?” Twilight asked. “Getting some apples, don’t worry gonna do it totally legit,” Nuada stated and left Twilight there. “Miss Applejack,” Nuada called to the exhausted mare. “What do ya want?” Applejack asked. “Well I would like to get some apples from you, so I was hoping to either buy them from you real quick or make you a deal,” Nuada stated. “Yur not gonna leave me alone till I agree are ya?” Applejack said almost asleep. “Probably not, how about this, I will help you buck these apples until you’re done and I get a bushel of them?” Nuada asked. “I don’t need no help,” Applejack stated. “Not saying you do you look strong enough to buck this whole field,” he agreed, “I am merely offering to speed the process along.” “Look I ‘preciate what you’re trying to do stranger but I can handle this now leave me alone I got apples to buck,” Applejack ordered, kicking a tree. Nuada shrugged at her and walked away. Halfway back to the path he saw a very large red pony walking in his direction. “Hello,” he said nodding his head. “Sup,” Nuada replied walking past him. “Spike can you get me the book, ‘An Expanded Guide to the Creatures of Equus’,” Twilight called from her pile of books. “Here you go,” Spike said pulling a book from his shelf, only for it to be pulled by Twilight’s magic causing him to fall off the ladder into a pile of books. “Thanks Spike I know I’ve heard the term human before,” she said reading thru the book at break neck speeds. *Knock Knock Knock* “Spike!” “On it,” Spike said opening the library door, “sorry the library is... closed.” “Oh my apologies,” Nuada said, “Um is miss Twilight around?” “Um yeah one second, Twilight!” Spike ran of with the door open. “What Spike?” Twilight asked continuing to read. Spike moved her head to look at the door that Nuada was standing on the other side of, “Nuada what brings you by so late? Oh please come in.” “Thank you,” Nuada said ducking his head to enter the building, “I am here because, well you are the only pony I sorta know around here, and I got lost coming back to town and now it’s too late to go shopping. Would it trouble you if I slept on your floor.” “Like a sleep over?” Twilight’s eyes lit up. “Kinda but were I just sleep off to the side, and we leave each other alone,” Nuada said remembering the description of female sleepovers in his home world with a light shiver. “But we could do so much,” Twilight started grabbing a book, then realized the state of the room around her, “eh hehe, um sorry about the mess.” “No problem for me, how about I just help you and the small dragon over there cleanup?” Nuada asked. “I’m not small,” Spike said puffing his chest out. “Oh Spike this is Nuada, the human I told you about,” Twilight said as she began shelving books with her magic, “Nuada this is my assistant and friend Spike, he’s a baby dragon.” “Nice to meet you Spike, and I meant no insult but from my hight most ponies and such are small,” Nuada said as he looked at the second to top shelf of the library. “Just so long as you’re not trying to make fun of me,” Spike said in a huff picking books up. “I would never think of it,” Nuada said sorting books into alphabetical by title. The next morning found Nuada waking to the sound of Spike making pancakes and Twilight watching him intently. “Good Morning Twilight.” “Good morning, Nuada, can we talk?” Twilight asked hair seemingly unbrushed. “Sorry, I think I’ll take a raincheck, I still need to gather things today,” Nuada stated tossing the mostly empty bag over his shoulder. “Raincheck?” Twilight asked confused. “We’ll talk in a month,” Nuada said slipping out and running off. “Noooooo!” Nuada’s bag was mostly full at this point with some lumber sticking out of the top of the bag he had. He had been napping on the top of a building keeping out of sight of the skittish ponies. “The horror, the horror.” “It’s awful.” “A disaster. A horrible, horrible disaster.” Nuada looked down and saw and infestation of bunnies and one Twilight Sparkle heading in the direction of the apple farm. Nuada shrugged it off until he saw the shy little pony he’d first meet in a panic over the bunnies. Making sure his bag was secure he hopped down and calmly walked up to the yellow mare, “is there something I can do to help?” “Oh no the bunnies all got scared and now I need to get them to.. stop.. eating…. the….. town,” Fluttershy finally noticed the human behind her, “eep.” “Gather bunnies sounds easy enough,” Nuada said stretching a little and began calmly walking up to the bunnies and began gathering them in his arms. Fluttershy watch in amazement as Nuada would gather armloads of up to twenty bunnies and deposit them at her hooves telling them to stay. Moving at an unnatural speed soon all the bunnies were in a group. “How did you do this?” She asked as she began guiding the bunnies back to the woods. “Mastering the art of calm,” Nuada said keeping an eye out for stragglers, “many animals in this world seem to be receptive to emotions and the calmer one is the more at ease they are.” “Um how did you learn that, if you don’t mind me asking that is,” Fluttershy’s voice wavering. “Spent a few years living alone in a forest made friends,” Nuada said averting his eyes from the pony, “can’t speak the language but I like to think we understood each other.” “Um thank you for the help, I’m Fluttershy by the way,” she said as they left town. “Nuada we sorta met yesterday,” Nuada said, “well this looks under control see you around.” “Bye,” Fluttershy watched him walk back to town. “Can I help ya’ partner?” Applejack asked as Nuada arrived at the farm house. “Trying to get a bushel of apples,” he said setting his bag down, “I need to leave shortly, so I wanted to see if you’d be more receptive to dealing.” “Sorry ‘bout that, meh pride got a hold ah me tighter than one of them fru fru dresses,” Applejack said standing up, “but I’ve learned my lesson, lets see if we can make a deal.” “Okay, I want to get a bushel of apples, I’m a little short on money, so if I can I’d like to earn it,” Nuada said point to his bag. “Whew whe, that is one heavy looking bag, alright well bucking needs to be done, lets see ifen ya can buck a tree,” Applejack led him to some apple trees, “the goal is to buck the tree and knock apples down, I’m thinkin ya saw me workin yesterday.” “Yes I did,” Nuada said walking up to the tree, “gonna go for a different style though seeing as I’m not a pony.” “What ever suits ya best partner,” Applejack said nodding to him. Nuada took a low stance feet shoulder width apart, lowered center of gravity, and roundhouse kick. As his foot made contact with the tree, apples shook and fell into waiting baskets. Author's Note There is chapter two sorry for the delay, I only write occasionally, so this may take a while for chapter three. Please leave reviews and criticism, (Edit) cleaned up and changed somethings //-------------------------------------------------------// No need for Aliens //-------------------------------------------------------// No need for Aliens Nuada sat in his home, it was a simple oriental home, very open with many rooms. I wonder what happened to my family? Nuada was lazily eating an apple while he was staring at a piece of lumber. Well no use thinking about it, I can’t do much about it. Nuada tossed the core into a woven trash bin and got back to work fixing a large hole in the wall where the wood had rotted with age. “Luna I have news!” Celestia called holding a letter from Twilight. “What is it dearest sister?” Luna asked groggy waking from a nap. “It seems Nuada has met Twilight,” Celestia remarked happily handing the letter to Luna. “Dear Princess Celestia,” Luna began, “today I learned…. ask for help… friendship means helping… yours Twilight Sparkle…. PS can you help me with some research, a creature named Nuada came thru town calling himself a human, I’ve heard the term but can’t remember where. Sister is this true?” “My student would never lie, Nuada is still in Equestria, and sounds to be okay,” Celestia said happily. “This is good news, let us write a letter for her to give to him if she sees him,” Luna stated. “So this is the planet the energy comes from,” a dark figure stood looking out a window, observing the hemisphere planet with it’s two satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Seemingly at random the two orbs moved changing the hemisphere from bright day to dark night. “Hey Mister,” Nuada was called by a bouncing pink pony. “Can I help you?” he asked turning to face her. “Hi, My name’s Pinkie Pie, and I love meeting new friends, Twilight told me your name is Nuada that is so cool, hey sorry about Twilight’s greeting, between you and me she’s still too new at this sorta thing, anyways you left before I could meet you last time and throw you a welcome to Ponyville party, so are you free tonight?” the pink one spoke with such speed it took him a moment to grasp what she said. “I just came to town to get some supplies and then was going to head home,” Nuada said indicating his large bag full again of supplies, this time it looked like seeds and food. “Oh,” Pinkie Pie’s face fell. “But I suppose I can stay for a bit if you can help me find a couch to crash on,” Nuada said relenting to the pony’s pleading eyes. “Silly why would you want to crash that sounds painful, anyway I’ll see you tonight at Twilight’s I’m 100% sure she won’t mind,” with that Pinkie bounced off. “She is a strange one,” Nuada said to nobody in particular. Nuada arrived at the Twilight’s library before dusk and knocked. “It’s open,” a shout came sounding like Spike. “Sorry habit,” Nuada stated opening the door to find a frustrated Twilight complaining as Pinkie Pie threw streamers in seemingly random places. “But the book says that’s not how to throw a party,” Twilight said her hair curling at the ends. “When will you learn Twilight parties are for funsies, and should be random,” the pink mare said bouncing around pulling random things from her hair to make it more party like in the library. “Urrah, and why my library, why not Sugarcube Corner?” Twilight asked. “Cause he looks like the type who prefers a library and I knew he knew where here was, right Nuada?” Pinkie was suddenly in his face a smile ear to ear. “Yeah, I guess,” Nuada agreed taking a step back, “am I too early?” “Yes.” “No.” “Pinkie we haven’t finished setting up,” Twilight started to argue, “the book says everything should be ready before guests are to arrive.” “La, la, la, la, la, silly Twilight but we are done,” Pinkie Pie said pulling a cord causing a banner to drop. ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ was written on it in large letters. “Welcome!” Pinkie cheered as confetti fell out of the banner across the open mouthed Twilight.” Nuada snickered a little at Twilight’s face as other ponies started to show up for the party. Nuada spent the next two hours meeting and greeting ponies, getting the names of some shop vendors he was going to do business with later. “So who is this party for?” a blue pegasus asked Pinkie Pie while Nuada was walking over to her. “That would be me,” Nuada said extending his hand, “my name is Nuada Lugh, I am a human.” “Rainbow Dash, weather team manager for Ponyville, you’re an odd looking one,” she said extending her hoof which Nuada shook. “It’s nice to meet you,” Nuada said, “I’m intrigued I was under the impression that weather control was restricted to only the most senior and well trained pegasi, how did one so young as yourself become one?” “What you think I can’t handle my job?” Rainbow asked getting in Nuada’s face. “No, just surprised is all, a pony so young and small weren’t made weather manipulators until later in life,” Nuada stated “Now you’re calling me small, you’ve some nerve buster,” Rainbow replied, “let me show you just what this little filly can do.” A crowd formed around the two, as Rainbow flew back and prepared to charge him. “Are you two crazy?” Twilight asked walking between them. “Out of the way Twi, I need to teach this hornless minotaur a lesson.” “Rainbow!” “It’s okay Twilight,” Nuada said gently moving her aside, “I shall not be harmed by such brash actions.” “But,” Twilight stopped seeing Nuada shake his head. “Okay Miss Dash please come at me and show me that you’ve earned that title of yours,” Nuada stated taking basic stance with his right side forward and his left hand behind his back. Without further banter Rainbow charged at Nuada, hooves forward. Just as Rainbow was to hit Nuada she felt something grasp her hooves, the next second she slammed into the floor. “What?” She asked getting back up, and shaking the cobwebs out of her head. “That was such a weak attack,” Nuada said, “the speed and force were there but it was too predictable, so brash.” “I’ll have you know I am a black belt in karate,” Rainbow said changing stances. “Show me.” Rainbow stepped in and threw a kick at Nuada in a wide spin. Nuada used his height to flip over Rainbow’s attack and get behind her. “Still too predictable,” he said poking her in the back of her head. This caused her to throw an “elbow” at Nuada who caught it and waved his finger at her. Further enraged the cyan pegasus went for another kick only Nuada to intercept it with his hand, mostly locking Rainbow Dash down. “You know the moves but you are too short tempered, you are quite brash, and lack discipline. I am saddened to see my teachings have fallen so far,” Nuada said letting the mildly shocked pegasus go. “What do you mean your teachings?” Twilight asked amazed at the speed, each attack looking like a single flash in her eyes. “I taught Private Pansy the ropes after Hurricane refused to listen to me,” Nuada stated. “That can’t be right,” Twilight stated, “you would have to be well over a thousand years old.” “And that is exactly what he is,” a calm regal voice said causing everyone to stop and look at the door. Princess Celestia smiled as the whole room took a knee and bowed, except for two. “Princess I wasn’t expecting you,” Twilight said walking up to her. “Well I got this note earlier today from Spike,” Celestia giggled handing it to Twilight, “please everypony, don’t mind me, continue the party.” “Princess,” Nuada said walking away from Rainbow Dash after being ordered to have a rematch later. “Nuada it is good to see you are well,” Celestia stated, as Twilight read the note over and over. “Pinkie Pie invited you?” Nuada asked looking at the pink mare in question working on getting the party going again. “Yes I’m not sure how she knew too but she did,” Celestia stated, “may we talk?” “We’re already talking,” Nuada stated. “True, Twilight please be a dear and let everypony know we’ll be back in a moment Nuada and I are going for a walk,” Celestia said waking Twilight from her daze. “Um yes Princess right away,” Twilight agreed and bolted off. There was an uncomfortable silence as Celestia and Nuada walked out and around the tree house. Guards formed around the pair as they walked away in silence. “So,” Nuada said. “How have you been?” she asked. “Fixing my home, a thousand years will do a number on even the best construction,” Nuada stated, “today was just a shopping run.” “Nuada,” Celestia said looking at him sadly. “Don’t try it Celestia, guilting me didn’t work before and it won’t work now,” Nuada said. “Luna and I are both sorry, Luna’s been…” Celestia was cut off by a hand to her muzzle. Her guards tensing until they saw her give them the look. “Celestia that betrayal is still too fresh for me,” Nuada stated looking at her in anger. Celestia swore she saw a flash of red in them as he continued, “I was betrayed by my best friend, and spent a thousand years in her trap, taunted by her shadow. Were it not for you, I would have hurt Luna. I would have broken her, I feel that much rage when I see her.” “Nuada,” Celestia looked at him with pleading eyes, “please don’t, I miss my family and you’re a part of that, brother.” “I’m sorry Tia but I can’t,” Nuada said looking to the moon, “I just…” “Nuada?” “Duck,” Nuada said shoving the Princess to the side as a beam of energy cut thru the night, “who’s there?” “Oh ho, I didn’t think you had seen me,” a voice said from the shadows, “however that doesn’t mean much.” Nuada drew his weapon a soft blue illuminating the area, as the guards all formed up around Celestia. “Show yourself,” Nuada stated eyes wide looking thru the dim light. Dodging a beam of energy. “Not bad,” the shadows stated as a form revealed itself from the night. Before Nuada stood a 6 foot tall bipedal anthropomorphic tiger with white hair, wearing strange clothes, reminding Nuada of something. “What is your name?” Nuada asked his blade ready for an attack at any time. “Katago, I am the greatest researcher in the universe,” the feline stated laughing maniacally. This caused Nuada to facepalm and groan irritated. “Hey you should be honored that you are in my presence,” Katago stated, “for with finding this… hey,” Katago dodged back as Nuada attacked interrupting the start of a monologue. “Listen Kagato, leave before I have to end you,” Nuada said remembering the first true enemy his hero had to fight in the otherworld. “Katago you oaf and I shall not leave without my prize,” he said looking at Celestia who had a shield around her directing her guards to let Nuada handle this, much to their irritation. “What do you want with her?” Nuada asked swinging his sword in a charge. “With her power over mana, I will…” “Unlock the secrets of the ultimate force?” Nuada asked parrying an attack from an energy blade the tigerman had summoned, following with a kick to the tiger’s chest. “How do you know this?” Katago asked charging energy into a ball between his hands. “Heard it before,” Nuada said generating a small shield that deflected and diffused the energy beams from the collected energy. “Then have you seen this?” Katago asked as Nuada’s sword met home from a quick charge. The body divided in two but faded into shadows. “A simulacrum,” Nuada stated looking for the true body. Kraka-boom Nuada was thrown forward by an explosion, and rolled into a nearby tree nearly breaking it in half. As Nuada shock the daze from his mind he felt the air change around him, the warmth that had been there since he had stepped outside stopped. Looking up he saw the guards thrown across the battlefield and Celestia with a device over her horn and her eyes shut. “Bastard, what have you done to her?” Nuada asked reaching for his sword trying to stand, the explosion was stronger than he thought if it was affecting him this bad. “She’s alive, I’ll need her for my experiments later, weak fool,” Katago stated before he and Celestia teleported out of view. //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Allies //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Allies “That’s what happened,” Nuada said finishing explaining to Twilight what had just transpired, with the occasional input from the one guard that was conscious. All but Twilight's five closest friends and Spike had left when Nuada had first returned. Twilight shook her head, "you're telling me that an alien from beyond Equestria came down and kidnapped Princess Celestia? And that he probably has a 'ship' in orbit right now that we need to chase." "About sums it up," Nuada said clapping his hands together. At this point a small tear in the air formed before Nuada and a gold object flew out and stabbed Nuada in the chest knocking him over. Twilight froze up trying to figure out whether to ask if he was okay, if he was insane, or what just hit him. After a minute Nuada answered the first question by sitting up clutching his chest, "Damn that hurt." Spike's ears were covered and a small flame ignited Nuada's shirt before fizzing out, "What in tarnation is wrong with you, there's a child in ta room," Applejack chided him for his outburst. "Sorry that hurt worse than getting thrown into that tree," he pointed out taking a moment to look at the object that had struck him. It was a medallion of sorts, gold and in the shape of an inverted triangle. I am LT. Commander Sparkle, if you wish to be my friend, understand that I hold the six elements of harmony in high regards, I will come to the aid of those who require the aid of a friend. "Did any of you hear that?" Nuada asked as the voice of Twilight resounded in his head. "Hear what sugarcube?" Applejack asked, as the others were trying to restart the Twilight. "There was a voice in my head called itself LT. Commander Sparkle and sounded like Twilight," he said holding the medallion up. "What?" Twilight asked her brain finally rebooting. Twilight took the item in question and examined it, "Impossible this has my magic signature but this spell attached to it is far beyond me and I've never seen the item." "Multiverse theory," Nuada started realizing something, "here let me see that." "Lt Commander Twilight, I, Nuada, seek your aid, Princess Celestia has been taken and I need a space faring vessel to rescue her," Nuada called into the medallion. For a moment nothing happened other than Dash making cookoo gestures at Nuada. Give me 20 minutes, the medallion said into Nuada's head again. "Seems like we have help coming," Nuada said throwing the medallion on for safe keeping. "Anyone else think this guy is nuts?" Rainbow Dash asked. Still there? asked the medallion. "We're here," Nuada stated to the medallion. Sorry for the wait had to debrief and prep the jumper, get me a clear spot figure aircraft runway. "Okay clearing by town okay?" Nuada asked walking out of the library. Sounds good set the token on the grass and step away "Roger," Nuada said breaking into a run. The element bearers keeping pace with him. A few moments later Nuada stopped at the clearing and took the medallion off. "At the clearing," Nuada stated setting the medallion down. Energy arced off the medallion shooting purple sparks into the grass. Nine gray stones with red symbols appeared in the air just above the medallion, more stones spun out forming a perfect ring. Red runes spun around the stones before locking in place, then a blue poff shot out stabilizing into a blue wavy portal. Soon a large tube shaped object came flying out of the portal, did a loop around pass and set down gently in the field. Nuada retrieved the now warm medallion as the portal winked out of existence and approached the back of the ship, slowly recognizing the design. The back opened up to reveal a pony shape in body armor with guns strapped to it's sides. "Sparkle I presume?" Nuada asked extending a hand to the pony. "Yup," the figure said, before taking off it's helm. "Twilight!" The purple pony stared at the Bearers and sighed, "Just call me Sparkle, please makes this so much easier." "On a time limit here," Nuada said, "would you give me a lift there should be a ship in orbit here that doesn't belong." "We'll talk on the way," Sparkle said nodding to the ship, but blocked the bearers as they tried to get on the ship. "Hey what gives?" Rainbow asked. "Displaced only, I'm not taking you into a dangerous situation and trying to protect you," Sparkle said glaring at the ponies. "The princess is in danger we're coming along," Twilight said glaring at her double. "No you're not," Sparkle said glaring back, "you're not old enough for this." With that that door closed on the ponies faces. Seconds later the ship levitated from the ground and took off. "Well she was quite rude," Rarity said with a huff. "Twilight do you know what's going on?" Fluttershy asked from behind her hair. "No I don't, she was me in every way but she seemed so hurt," Twilight said. "She was older too," Applejack said, "and something was off about her." "Maybe it's a future version of Twilight that became an alicorn and was flung from her world into a dark world full of fighting?" Pinkie Pie asked, "or something else what do I know, lalalala." The group watched the pink mare bounce away, "you..." "Don't go down that road Twilight, you don't want to know," Applejack said, "let's head back and see if Luna has written back. "So what did you mean displaced only?" Nuada asked strapped into the passenger seat. "Displaced, capital D," Sparkle said, "what you are seeing as you have my token." "You mean this?" Nuada asked fingering the medallion. "Yeah, must be new to this, so I'm figuring like the others you were cosplaying as something bought an item from a strange merchant at a convention and ended up here?" "Nope, got a book online about my favorite anime, and it sent me here," Nuada said, "turned me into a Jurain and left me with supplies to start my own lab and Space Tree." "That's new," Sparkle stated, "most Displaced follow that rule, other than the power lotto guys." "Power lotto?" "Doesn't matter, anyways, so you understand parallel world theory?" Sparkle asked. "Yeah up to multiverse theory," Nuada stated, "so my guess is I'm not the only person sent to another world." "Yeah mostly it's humans sent to variants of my world, like you, recently a small group of ponies have been sent out to 'human' worlds, though most seem to be based on movies or games. I'm from what Mistress Change called the 'Mass effect' world," she explained. "That explains the armor and guns but why do you have a puddle jumper?" Nuada asked. "Story for a different time," Twilight said motioning to the front windows, "that the ship?" Before Nuada was an exact replica of the Sonja, from Tenchi Muyo, "yup." "Okay entering stealth mode," Sparkle said pressing a button with her magic. Nuada saw a glimmer of gold aura pass over the window and a red light on a console lit up. A few moments later the console beeped. "That can't be good," Twilight said, pressing a button, "we're being hailed." "Hello foolish pilot, I am Katago and either you break off from your path or I will destroy you," the voice said. "This Lt. Commander Sparkle of the SR2 Normandy, I order you to release all captives and surrender or face my justice," Sparkle replied. "Enjoy your death," Katago replied as the line cut. Sparkle started pressing some buttons and the gold shimmer faded. "Hang on, we're in for some chop," Sparkle told Nuada. "Yes ma'am," Nuada said holding tight to his seat. "We'll have to hold for 5 minutes to arrive," Sparkle said charging her horn, "anyway you can add power to the shields?" Nuada pulled out his sword hilt as the ship shook from the first of a barrage of shots, "if you can tap this power yes." "Toss it in here," Sparkle replied opening a compartment under the primary console. Nuada set the hilt in and the ship lurched forward. "Shields over charged, engines overloading, what the fuck is that?" Sparkle asked a small flame exiting her mouth with the curse. "The gems are supposedly from a Goddess who sealed her power into them, a Goddess whom was a Multi-dimensional power," Nuada explained, "or at least that's what they were in the show they're from." "Okay, ship should hold, contact in less that 2 minutes," Sparkle levitated her helm on, "prep for spacewalk." Nuada twisted the ring on his finger and changed into his Jurain battle armor. Hand hovering over the sword ready to grab it. Sparkle hit a pair of triggers causing two massive bolts of energy to launch from where Nuada figured wings should be. "Weapons overheating let's hope that was enough," Sparkle said. Smoke cleared and a massive hole in the side of the ship showed, three large levels visible. Sparkle landed the ship in the middle level. "Ready?" Sparkle asked reading her sniper rifle. "Ready," Nuada said sword at the ready. Author's Note Nuada's first Displaced, LTC Sparkle (https://www.fimfiction.net/story/266765/the-displacement-of-ponies-across-the-multiverse) soon I hope to have a token created for Nuada. //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Heroics //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Heroics “Okay Girls the princess hasn’t had much time to adjust to the present times,” Twilight told the others as they stood before the throne room. Fluttershy was cowering down behind Applejack, the carriage ride had not helped her nerves at all. “So what do we expect?” Rainbow asked. “Oh I bet she speaks with the traditional Equestrian dialect,” Rarity thought aloud, “completely refined and proper.” “You may enter,” one of the guards said opening the door. “Well girls let’s meet Luna properly,” Twilight said turning and leading the group in. It was late at night and while as expected there were no nobles in the area, however there were more guards than Celestia normally had on hand. “Please step forward,” a voice called from the throne. All the girls walked forward and saw the somewhat familiar form of Luna, though she had grown slightly. “Princess Luna we are here to give you a detailed report on what happened to Celestia,” Twilight stated. “My guards told me she was taken by some manner of cat creature,” Luna stated, “and Nuada was planning on rescuing her.” “Yes Princess, the creature Katago seems to be an alien from beyond the skies of Equestria from what Nuada explained. He believes the creature’s goal is to learn how to use magic to further research, what Nuada called the Unified Field theory,” Twilight explained, “as Nuada explained this to us an object literally appeared from nowhere and struck him in the chest. We later learned the object was a summoning object of some form as Nuada used it to bring forth a strange chariot that he said could make it into space.” “And inside was an Alicorn Twilight,” Pinkie Pie said bouncing. “Alicorn Twilight? Please explain this,” Luna said taking in everything as best she could. “Well you see looked like a grumpy Twilight wearing strange clothes with funny looking party cannons on her side. I glimpsed her wings under them as she told us Displaced only and closed the door on our faces. Then the ship just levitated straight up and then took off faster than Rainbow Dash into the sky,” Pinkie explained all this with exaggerated hoof gestures, constant moving around and ended with her foreleg over Luna’s shoulder. Luna nodded her understanding as Pinkie Pie let go and returned to the group of ponies whose mouths were all agape. “I see, this is more my sister’s and Starswirl’s area of expertise,” Luna said mulling over her thoughts, “I must think on this matter but you said Nuada is going to rescue my sister?” “Yes Princess,” Twilight said has her mouth began working again, “if you don’t mind how do you and Celestia know Nuada?” “That is a sad tale to tell, please let us retire to the tea room as I tell it,” Luna said nodding to one of the guards before leading the group to the tea room. “It was many years ago when Celestia and I were but Fillies.” Luna hid with her sister in a small cave, both alicorn fillies were starved and dirty. They grazed on near by plants and drank from a pond by the cave mouth but were afraid to go further than sight distance from the cave. Least they lose track of it and each other. “Luna are you up?” Celestia asked her pink mane flat and full of leaves. “Yes sister, what are we doing today?” Luna asked shaking herself trying to knock some of the filth off. “Today I wanted to go over the alphabet with you again,” Celestia said levitating a stick with her magic. “Can we eat first?” Luna said her tummy growling loudly. “Yes of course,” Celestia said setting the stick down by the cave wall. Both ponies heard a twig snap and ran back into their cave quickly. “Do you think they found us?” Luna asked as Celestia covered her sister watching the cave mouth. “I hope not no pony goes into the haunted forest,” Celestia stated as they waited. An eternity of waiting later it seemed a shadow appeared in the mouth of the cave, “hello is anyone there? anyone I’m lost and could use a hand.” “Luna stay here,” Celestia said moving off her sister. “Wait it could be a trap,” Luna said trying to stop her. “He sounds sincere, let’s trust him,” she said, “Hello?” “That’s what got us into this mess,” Luna muttered as her sister walked into the light. “Why hello little one,” the voice said as Celestia came forward. “Hello,” Celestia said staring at him, “you said you were lost?” “Yes, my name is Nuada and I’m trying to find my way home,” the large bipedal creature said. “Nice to meet you Mister Nuada, I’m Celestia,” she said bowing, “um I only know the direction of the nearest town will that help?” “If it’s to the west not likely I’m afraid,” Nuada said sitting down setting a saddle bag he had on his shoulders down. “Um why?” Celestia asked. “Those Unicorns there ran me out, called me monster and such,” Nuada said pulling out an apple. Celestia’s tummy growled loudly at the smell. “Would you like one?” Nuada asked offering the apple. “Thank you mister,” Celestia said taking it in her magic. Nuada flinched at this a little before calming. “Must be nice having magic,” Nuada mused, “seems to make things easier.” “Sometimes but magic can’t solve everything,” Celestia said sadly chewing on the apple, “I’d rather not ask this but may I have another?” “Of course, so what reasons does a filly like yourself have for being out here alone in a cave?” Nuada asked tossing her an apple. “Can you keep a secret?” she asked. “I know not a soul in this world whom I could tell, nor would I if given the chance,” Nuada said. “My sister and I are hiding from the King’s guard,” she told him. “Sister!” a small voice yelled from in the cave. “Luna what’s wrong?” Celestia asked. “Sister we don’t know this monster, he could work for the king or trying to lu..lu..lure us into a trap,” Luna said glaring at Nuada her horn charged. “He’s nice,” Celestia said, “look he gave me an apple and I have a second one for you here.” “They could be poisoned you can’t just trust strange monsters,” Luna said. “That’s it!” Nuada roared standing up, “you little one are being rude.” Luna released the spell she was charging and hit Nuada in the chest burning the garment he was wearing, but doing little else. “Luna,” Celestia cried out as Nuada closed the distance. “That hurt and was rude,” Nuada said rolling his sleeves back as he marched towards the little filly dodging spells she threw at him taking the occasional glacing shot. As he raised his fist Celestia stepped in front of Luna. “Please don’t hurt her, she’s young and been thru so much,” she said hoofs spread. Nuada looked calmly at Celestia, “all I was going to do was give her a spanking.” Both fillies looked at Nuada with shock, Luna eeped and then ran into the cave. “Spanking?” Celestia asked confused. “Yeah, I was taught when I did or said something wrong I would get spanked, you know a few butt swattings,” Nuada said sighing as he sat back down, “teaches that all actions have consequences and some hurt.” “I am aware of spankings, but don’t parents give those out?” Celestia asked. “Would you rather I hit her?” Nuada asked, “besides I’m figuring your parents aren’t around, to give them out.” “We never had parents,” Celestia stated sadly. “I’m sorry,” Nuada said gently stroking the filly’s head, “here.” Nuada emptied his bag of apples, before standing up and setting his bag on his shoulder, “see you around kids.” “Wait,” Celestia called out. “What is it?” Nuada asked. “Um you said you didn’t know anyone?” Celestia asked. “Yeah traveling alone,” Nuada said. “Well maybe we could be friends?” Celestia asked turning on the puppy eyes. "You wanna be friends with me?" Nuada asked confused. "Yes, you're nice, and Luna and I could use a friend. That I was thinking you could too if you didn't have any," she said. "Okay," Nuada said agreeing to it, "let's eat, Luna if you want there are apples out here." Everyone was quiet as Luna finished the story. "A few days later Nuada took us out into the world. He taught us how to defend ourselves, pushed us to learn new magics, and showed us that family doesn't have to be blood related," Luna stated. "Princess Luna," Twilight started but was unsure what to say. "I did something terrible to him as Nightmare Moon, and sealed him away for 1000 years. I betrayed my brother," Luna said crying. Pinkie was the first to hug her, soon after everypony including the terrified Fluttershy was hugging the crying princess. LT.CMD. Sparkle double checked her gear, ensuring the weapons were all in top shape, before releasing the hatch letting them out into the, now partially voided, ship. The hallway that was large enough to fit three of her ship easily was empty. “Expect resistance,” Nuada said stepping forward, “I’ll take forward point.” “I’m a ranged fighter anyways,” Sparkle responded before falling quite. Nuada strode forward, into the expansive hallway. A blast flew by Nuada as they arrived at an intersection, a large robotic cat head with a cannon in its mouth was floating there. "Why am I not surprised?" Nuada asked as he focused on the master key. An energy field manifested in front of him as a shot from the cat head bounced off of it. A second later the robot had a massive hole in it Nuada turned to see Sparkle with a sniper rifle in hoof. "Overkill much?" Nuada asked moving forward. "I saw a robot and thought it would have armor," she replied swapping to a smg, "figure they are all that weak?" "Most likely, if it's like the show my powers came from then I can probably beat them all bare handed," Nuada replied thinking back to the show. "Then let's not waste time," Sparkle said taking off at a trot. Nuada used his battle armor to float with her. "We're lost aren't we?" Nuada stated seeing ship maintenance access ways and machinery. "My omni-hoof says there is a life form this way," Sparkle said with a growl. "Okay, glad there aren’t any more of those kitty faced robots around here," Nuada said walking behind her. "Well this looks like the brig," Nuada said seeing sealed doors. Sparkle used her omni-hoof to hack a console and found the only prisoner file on saved. "Subject number: 8843 Name: Ushio Notes: survived mixture 67, no visual changes, however no use of mana detected. Hold for further observation," Sparkle read the file, "it goes it to tests and new mixtures. This guy is nuts." "I agree, let's go," Nuada said turning to leave. "Hey," Sparkle grabbed his shoulder with magic, "we can't just leave her?" "We don't have time to waste on this," Nuada said. *slap* Nuada looked at Sparkle, her hoof across her body, having not moved after slapping him. "What is wrong with you?" Sparkle asked, "there is a girl in there who needs help. Like your Celestia she is trapped and alone right now. She has been abused, tortured, and hurt. AND YOU WANT TO LEAVE HER HERE?" Nuada didn't respond for a minute as he glared at Sparkle. For a brief moment he saw the filly alicorn that he had met so many years ago. "Fine, which cell is she in?" Nuada asked. "Third on the right give me a minute to crack the lock," Sparkle said. "Don't bother," Nuada said triggering his sword, "If you can hear me girl stand away from the door!" Giving her a moment to move Nuada cleaved the door to pieces with a loud clang the door fell apart. Alarms began to blear as he stuck his head in. There was a young bunny girl in rags hiding in the corner under a blanket that only hid parts of her. "Ushio right?" Nuada asked walking to her as Sparkle watched the hall from the door. The girl flinched as Nuada's approach, trying to curl into a smaller ball. "Listen, I'm here to rescue my sister, Katago took her from me. Now if you want you can come with me, I'm going to beat him, save my sister and destroy this ship if I can," Nuada explained. "But if I don't stay here he'll hurt me," she said holding herself. "Not much time, I'm picking up inbound," Sparkle said. "Is that a talking pony?" Ushio asked her eyes wide. "Yeah I live planetside with a whole nation of them," Nuada stated. "If you beat him can I meet more ponies?" she asked. 'What is with girls and ponies?' Nuada thought to himself, "Yes but we have to leave now." "Okay," Ushio said wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. "Nuada cover the girl I'll clear a path," Sparkle said as she opened up fire into the wave of kittyfaces coming at them. "Right," Nuada said his sword at the ready. Ushio stayed close to him as they ran thru the kittyfaces destroying them all as they went. "How are you holding up," Sparkle asked the girl. "I'm okay miss pony," she replied, breathing hard from the running. "My name is LtC Twilight Sparkle, this is Nuada, let me know if you need a break," Sparkle said ignoring Nuada's eye roll. “I’ll be fine,” Ushio said keeping up with them. “Hey Ushio, do you know where the main control center is or the bridge?” Nuada asked cleaving thru a dozen kitty faces. “The bridge was mounted to the front top center of the ship,” she said, “but that’s all I know.” “Good enough, Sparkle can you reference our current position and give us a direction?” Nuada asked shredding more kittyfaces. “Calculating now.” “Insolent worm, how can they be getting past all of my defences?” Katago asked himself glaring at the screen floating before him. “Nuada is going to save me,” Celestia said glaring at the tiger man. She was sealed in a hourglass, the sand encasing her up to her neck and an inhibitor ring on her horn. “Not going to happen, even if he gets here, I now have enough data on your ‘magic’ I’ll just destroy him and the other two myself,” he said laughing maniacally. “Other two?” Celestia asked unable to see the screen. “The fool brought another, what was it? ah Alicorn is what you call them, and has freed my slave,” he said banishing the screen, “it matters not the data I get off you will make up for the loss of the slave.” “You’re a monster Katago,” Celestia glared. “Your opinion matters not,” he said as he sat at a giant pipe organ and began playing (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D3t07yNPlvXI&sa=D&ust=1458279763547000&usg=AFQjCNHOsunTuujc7NdpjIU5ki0JTTUXkA). “Those giant double doors should be it,” Sparkle said as they came to the end of the hallway, the kittyfaces had stopped coming at them and they had advanced calmly to catch their breath. “Weapons check, be ready,” Sparkle said doing a once over with her guns. “Ready,” Nuada said before whispering into Sparkle’s ear, “if things go bad or I tell you to leave, make sure you go, take Ushio with you, I’ll contact you thru token if needed.” “Roger, and hey be careful, we need every good Displaced alive in this multiverse,” Sparkle stated before nodding to Ushio to open the door. As the door opened the three were greeted by music playing, and a very large open room. Nuada did a quick sweep of the room, and saw Celestia in the large hour glass, and Katago at the organ. “Welcome to my ship, the Sonja,” Katago said rising as the music stopped, “now then I am afraid I’ll have to remove you from it.” “Kagato release Celestia now and I won’t remove you from this world,” Nuada threatened. “It’s Katago damnit!” Katago summoned an energy blade and swung it at Nuada who blocked it with his own blade. “Ya ya, just let Celestia go. I already know what is going to happen. I told you I’ve seen this all before.” Nuada explained as he parried the attacks. Sparkle dodged off to the side with Ushio, dropping her behind a pillar before teleporting across the bridge by the organ. Katago cried in pain as small arms fire burned into his back, the rounds left a silver fire trying to burn him before if fizzled out. Nuada closed in slashing at Katago only to be blocked at the last second. Katago then grabbed Nuada’s arm and threw him at Sparkle. The kinetic barrier of Sparkle’s armor protected her as Nuada and her slammed into the wall. Nuada’s battle armor cracked under the force, and Nuada coughed some blood up. Sparkle opened fire again driving Katago back just long enough for Nuada to get back up. “Get Celestia out of here,” Nuada coughed out charging Katago. “Roger,” Sparkle replied swapping to her sniper rifle. Rounds bounced off the glass of Celestia’s cage as Nuada kept Katago occupied. Celestia watched helpless, and confused. She recognized Twilight her faithful student, but she was an alicorn and she fired a weapon with the intent to kill with ease. “I’m not your Twilight,” Sparkle said over her gun fire, “I made sure your’s is still safe and innocent back planetside.” “I see, where did you come from then?” Celestia asked. Sparkle growled glaring at the glass and stopped shooting at it. “Another world, I’ll explain later with Nuada.” she said as she turned to Katago and sniped him in the back. The bullet tore thru his shields and wounded him slightly. “Insolent wretch,” Katago screamed throwing Nuada and charged Sparkle. Sparkle managed to block his sword attack with her omni-hoof blade. As she went to teleport away she noticed her magic being blocked, going for guns with telekinesis proved fruitless. “I’ve analyzed your magic and can now block it,” Katago said kicking her sending her flying over by Ushio, who was trying to block out the sounds of the battle. "Nuada problem," Sparkle said, guns inert on her sides, "active magic is being blocked, guns are at reduced power." "Yes my studies on your world has been most useful," Katago leaping back, "mana will lead me on the path to true energy. Watch this." Katago snapped his fingers and the master key went dead in Nuada's hands. "Sparkle got something to crack that cage?" Nuada asked staring down Katago winded from the fight. "All tech and magic is disabled, the bridge is under his total control," she explained grabbing Ushio’s attention. "I'll be there in a minute," Nuada stated gasping for air. Sparkle nodded and lead Ushio off the bridge. "What can you do boy? You have no weapon or power, you will die shortly, and yet you still oppose me," Katago smirked readying an energy blast. "I'll admit you have me in a bad spot," Nuada stated calming himself, "but Sparkle reminded me of something earlier." "Oh what's that boy?" "Years ago when I met a filly she showed me the power of friendship, and because of that I could remember who I truly was. I forgot for a while there but, now I remember who I am," he said, energy arcing around him, “I am Nuada the one whose sword can never lose!” "Foolish worm, die!" Katago released the charged attack. The giant energy ball flew straight and true, and blasted into Nuada. "Nuada!" Celestia cried out watching the energy ball explode. "Foolish boy," Katago stated before he felt something amiss, "what?" The smoke began to clear around Nuada, floating before him was two long shapes like shields made of light. One moved and washed over Nuada giving him ethereal combat robes and armor, the other compressed itself into a broadsword of light in Nuada's hand. "Impossible, all energy should be disabled beyond mine," Katago stated. "Light Hawk Wings, the life force of the gods, this Katago is the true ultimate energy," Nuada said taking a low stance prepared to end this in one blow, "and with it I will stop your reign of terror." "Just try it," Katago charged at the same time with his sword. Nuada brought his sword up high for a down cleave, leaving himself open with a jump. Katago didn't miss the chance and swung his sword as he used his ship to make a shield over his head. A flash of light later left Nuada on the other side of Katago, energy burning across his middle where the energy sword had hit him. "Light Hawk Wings, if I had only know of them," Katago stated turning to face Nuada. The energy on Nuada faded leaving him unmarked and unharmed. "You won boy," Katago stated as his body split in two and burned away to dust, the hourglass holding Celesta shattering and let her fall to the floor. "Nuada are you okay?" she asked as the power around him faded leaving him in his Jurai battle armor. “I'm fine," Nuada said grabbing his sword, "we need to leave though." "Why?" Celestia asked, looking around. That moment the ship shifted and half of the bridge shifted. "I may have cut the ship in half," Nuada said running. Celestia took off after him Sparkle target neutralized, need evac asap, Nuada thought to the token around his neck. Getting a position lock be there soon, was her reply as they ran. Luna watched the night sky as the elements slept on the tea room floor tiered from the late night and everything going on. She noticed a sudden flash of light that lit part of the sky for a moment followed by what looked like shooting stars from the point of origin. "What was that, Princess?" Twilight asked rubbing sleep from her eyes. "I don't know, I just hope everypony is okay?" Luna said, light streaking towards them. Luna took flight telling Twilight she would be right back. Author's Note Continuing to work with My brother and I's Displace from here (https://www.fimfiction.net/story/266765/the-displacement-of-ponies-across-the-multiverse) thank you all for the reviews I do read them and try to take things mentioned into account, even if I forget to reply //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Repercussions //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Repercussions Guards lined up around the chariot landing pad in the wee hours of the morning. Luna descended and landed as the the tube shaped ship landed in the center of the platform. Luna stood to the back as the door opened light flooded the dim area. “Luna!” Celestia cried out giving her sister a hug. Nuada followed her leaving the ship with Ushio attached to his arm and Sparkle at his side. “Sister it is good to see you safe,” Luna said hugging back, “thank you all you’ve done a great service to Equestria.” Nuada glared energy arcing around him before Ushio gave him a look of worry. Nuada paused looking confused for a moment before he calmed down and looked at Celestia, “I cannot stay, Sparkle if you wish you may stay until you are ready to return home. Ushio do you want to stay here or leave with me?” “Why can’t you stay here?” Ushio asked as everypony looked on. “One day I will tell you,” Nuada said energy crackling around his tightened fist. “Um I’ll go with you,” Ushio said feeling it was the best plan. “I’ll explain things,” Sparkle said nodding to him as he flew off with Ushio in his arms. With Nuada out of sight Sparkle turned to the group before her, “let’s get this over with.” Everypony was led inside where a breakfast feast was setup. Sparkle told everypony to stay quiet until she finished her story. Beginning from when she was summoned to when they got on her ship back to the planet. “That is how Nuada and I found Ushio and rescued Celestia,” Sparkle finished telling the story drinking down some orange juice. “Quite the epic story,” Luna commented as the element bearers were all struck silent by the news. “Wait Nuada killed this Katago, that’s horrible,” Twilight said, “who could take a life so callously.” “This is why I couldn’t take you with us,” Sparkle shot at her younger double, “in the multiverse there are things that love and friendship can’t stop. For ponies like myself and Nuada we have to be willing to end those threats. We don’t like it but it’s something we have to do.” “Excuse me, Sparkle,” Celestia said interrupting the two, “but could you now explain how you came to this world?” “Okay, because you’re going to need to know this,” Sparkle said pulling out a device from her armor, “I am now what is referred to as a Displaced. I am a individual who has by some means been ripped from my home world and placed in another world.” “Much like how Nuada described his arrival here,” Luna remarked. “Yes Nuada told me as much. Now there are many Displaced in many worlds, an infinite amount, many humans though recently us ponies have been getting displaced as well. I was taken from my world, and thrust into a world with advance technologies, referred to as the Mass Effect world by other Displaced. That world has a galactic spanning civilization under attack by a force called the Reapers,’ Sparkle explained. “What’s galactic mean?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Anypony here know much about space?” Sparkle asked. “Myself and Twilight probably know the most, and we learned of aliens last night,” Celestia explained. “Okay you know what a solar system is?” Sparkle asked. “A solar system is a collection of planets, moons, and one to two suns, from our observations they vary between heliocentric and geocentric, we have so far observed twenty systems in the sky,” Twilight explained, “astronomers believe that each star in the sky is actually the sun of another system, though some are something else unexplained. “Fairly consistent with my home, well imagine if you can that all the stars in the sky are systems and it is only one tenth of an area called a galaxy where they all orbit a central point. There are aliens that live covering pretty much the entire thing, and Reapers are strong enough to wipe us all out unless my Commander can stop them,” she explained wanting to drive a point home. “That is horrible,” Twilight stated. “Yes it is, now then, the thing about Displaced is that most of them are too strong for normal ponies to handle as I’m sure Nuada has shown Celestia on the ship,” Sparkle said, as Celestia nodded. “Nuada has always seemed so strong,” Luna said, looking surprised by the statement, “though during our rule a millennia ago, we had began to surpass him.” Celestia shook her head, “the power Nuada showed in his battle exceeded anything I’ve ever seen. The elements of harmony would be hard pressed to even slow him down with the power he was putting out. These Light Hawk Wings, they are a force to be reckoned with.” “Are you saying Nuada is stronger than both of you?” Twilight asked. “Not surprised,” Sparkle commented, “like I said Displaced are mostly overpowered, the powers they are given are just too much for Equestrians to deal with. However there is a way to stop invading forces from beyond your universe from getting in.” “There is?” they all asked. “I will show Celestia and Luna how to use this device, it’s a mobile data pad,” Sparkle said activating the disk device making images appear. “this has saved on it a folder created by a Displace who ascended to a godlike power level with true immortality. In it is how to shield your world. What you do with that information is up to you.” “Will you show me as well,” Twilight asked. “No, this is for Celestia and Luna to review first, they can share the information later if they want,” Sparkle said, “now then I need to go see Nuada, so if all of you will excuse yourselves so I can get this lesson out of the way.” Nuada touched down at his lake in the Everfree with Ushio and was greeted by his tree, “Ushio this is Kirito, Kirito this is Ushio she’ll be staying with us for a while.” The tree shot light beams out in response, leaving Ushio awed. “Yeah yeah I know,” Nuada replied to the tree, “also if you see a small spaceship, kinda tube like, it should be LtC Sparkle, she’s welcome to stop by.” The tree shot out a few more flashes of light beams and the portal to Nuada’s sanctum opened for Ushio and him. “Shall we?” Nuada asked leading Ushio in. Nuada quickly got Ushio settled into a room and left her to sleep when he felt a call from Kirito, ‘Sir we have a strange ship inbound matches the description you gave me to your friend’s vessel.’ ‘Hail her,’ Nuada requested as a display was projected in front of him, a loading bar and a phone icon accompanied by a ringtone. A moment or two later the screen displayed LtC Sparkle, “hey Nuada, I have a favor to ask before I head home.” “Anything in my power, I owe you for your help,” Nuada replied. “Fantastic, I need a place to sleep this off, I’ve been up for almost twenty-eight hours now, and I don’t want to have to fight with getting home right now,” she said the weariness of her body showing. “Yeah, I’ll have Kirito send you a map to my space tree. Once there just jump thru the portal Kirito will open for you,” Nuada stated, “I’ll prepare a bed for you.” “Thank you, I’ll be there in a moment,” she said as the map was displayed before her. “Okay,” Nuada said as the window cut out, ‘you heard it, please make sure she gets here. I’ll take care of the bedding.” ‘By your command sir,’ Kirito withdrew from Nuada’s mind and went about his assigned tasks. Nuada got up and began gathering bedding supplies, a straw futon, and some light blankets, and one of his hand woven straw pillows. A bell rang as Nuada watched Sparkle come thru a door that appeared in the courtyard. “Subspace?” Sparkle asked confused by the setting sun in the distance, considering it was early morning. “Yup, Kirito made this for me, perfect climate controls, controlled time cycles, and even a control on seasons,” Nuada explained. “Who is this Kirito?” Sparkle asked being lead into a room were Nuada had made a quick bed. “My tree half, I will explain later, you should sleep,” Nuada stated leaving her to sleep. “Officer we have detected an explosion in the special reservation area, the energy signatures are similar to Katago’s ship the Sonja, we need you to investigate the area quietly,” an anthromophic wolf in a police officer uniform stated on a screen. “Yes sir, First Class Detective Bestla is on the case,” a wolf lady stated with a salute. “Don’t let us down, we are sending you the case data on Katago, and whatever you do don’t make contact with the natives on the planet. It is under the highest restrictions so please don’t even think about it,” the officer stated. “Wouldn’t dare, sir, now relax I have this all under control,” she said hiding crossed fingers. “That’s what I’m afraid of,” he mumbled as the line cut out. “Okay Kurama, take us to the restricted area, I have research to conduct,” Bestla said breaking into a manic laugh. “Yes ma’am,” the ship’s AI stated with a quiet sigh. Nuada woke first, having Kirito wake him only four hours into his nap, leaving the others to sleep he went out to his small garden and began checking over his plants. A deep sigh left him as he realized he would have to make another trip to town, having forgotten his supplies at Twilight’s, and he didn’t have enough food for two. “That’s only if she stay with me,” Nuada said to nobody. “If who stays,” a female voice asked. Turning around Nuada saw Sparkle out of her armor, her wings up as she walked towards him. “Ushio, we saved her, and from what I remember of Mass Effect your place isn’t safe for a scared hurt girl,” Nuada stated, “so I am obligated to care for her until she chooses to leave, if she wishes to stay.” “Obligated?” Sparkle asked eyes narrowing, “don’t you mean you want to help her?” “Lieutenant Commander Sparkle, let me tell you something,” Nuada said glaring at her, “I spent one thousand years trapped in a ten foot square room, knowing that I could not age and death would not come for me. I had only a virtual AI for company and all she knew was combat skills. I literally spent one thousand years fighting everyday, my only companion a false existence. I was betrayed by one I called family, and left to rot forever. I am done with being nice, I have a job to do. I swore on my honor that I would protect Equestria and I’ll do just that but I don’t have to be nice about it.” Sparkle recoiled from the outburst, she figured he was hurt but didn’t realize how bad, “I am sorry.” “Don’t worry about it, it doesn’t concern you,” Nuada said turning away from her. Sparkle regarded the human, remembering how she felt when she had been forced to break apart the Geth hurting her new friends. Shaking her head to clear it she put a hoof on his shoulder, “Look you are hurt I get it. I’ve been there and still am trying to get past it. So if you ever want to talk about it contact me.” “You know I actually have one last favor to ask,” Nuada stated. “What can I do to help,” Sparkle asked. “If you meet a Displaced human can you send them my way, I would like to talk to them,” Nuada said for a moment his face showed the years of wryness, his eyes dull shadows showing little emotion or energy. ‘Sparkle this is Starswirl, Mistress has returned and got herself in a pickle, can you get ready and go meet with her?’ an older voice said filling Sparkle’s mind. ‘Got it, glad to hear she’s active again,’ she responded back, the other voice not responding. “What’s with the glowing?” Nuada asked, looking at the medallion around Twilight’s neck. “Just a friend calling me up,” Sparkle said, “anyway do you want to come with me, I’m about to get ready to meet a Displaced from classic earth.” “Let me talk with Ushio, maybe I can let her stay with Twilight and Spike,” Nuada said getting up, his face returned to his neutral expression. A little while later Nuada knocked on the Golden Oak Library. “I’m coming,” Spike’s voice called sounding tired and irritated. The door opened to reveal a very sleepy looking dragon. “Sorry to bother you Spike, but is Twilight home?” Nuada asked. “Yeah, Twi it’s Nuada,” Spike said waving Nuada and Ushio in. “Good, I have so many questions,” she said running up to him. “Hello Twilight, before questions can I ask a favor?” Nuada asked. “What do you need help with?” she asked confused and saw Ushio standing behind him. He rags were replaced with one of his hand woven tunics and some pants. “Sparkle is going to take me to meet a Displaced from earth, could Ushio stay here for a few days. In exchange I will sit down and tell you my story, like you’ve been asking when I come to town,” Nuada explained. “Um sure,” Twilight said taken back, Nuada had been avoiding talking to her about his past the last few times he came to town. “That’s good, Ushio this is Twilight Sparkle she’s this world’s version of Sparkle and this is her assistant Spike the Dragon,” Nuada said introducing her, “Twilight, Spike, this is Ushio she’s a new friend of mine whom Sparkle and I saved from Katago’s ship. She needs some friends and a place to stay, as Sparkle is taking me to meet some of her friends and help me meet some more DIsplaced. Please take good care of her.” “Sounds fun,” Twilight said, “I have so many questions for you.” “Eeeep,” Ushio said as Twilight latched on in a hug, “nice to meet you both.” “Okay I should be back soon, thank you,” Nuada said leaving, followed by lots of byes. “So this Mistress Change is from an Earth like mine?” Nuada asked getting into the shuttle. “From what I understand yes and no, she’s complicated,” Sparkle triggered the portal system. Gate stones flew out of the puddlejumper and formed a gate in the air. With a flash of blue the wormhole formed. Sparkle’s ship came thru the wormhole over Ponyville, making loud popping noises as it landing at the edge of town. “Nuada you going to be okay?” Sparkle asked looking at the pale human. “So much blood, so much death,” Nuada said not really moving. “Right, so I’ll go get Ushio,” Sparkle said leaving the puddle jumper. Taking a trot thru town she stayed in armor keeping her wings hidden. A few ponies gave her odd looks that she ignored as she walked by, use to being the odd one out. Knocking on the door to the Golden Oaks Library she felt a wave of nostalgia, remembering when she had lived in the same place in a world long gone to her. "Can I help you?" Spike asked. "I'm LtC Sparkle, I'm here to pick up Ushio for Nuada," she said glad her helm kept her face hidden as she began to tear up. "One second," Spike said leaving the door open as he called for Ushio and Twilight. Ushio came out of the kitchen wearing a cute sundress with an apron on. "Miss Sparkle welcome, where is Nuada?" Ushio asked concerned. "He's resting on my ship, he's had a long day," she replied. "Day? It has been a week here," Ushio stated. "Time dilation," she replied as the basement door opened. "Sparkle good to see you, I was curious if you could answer some questions," Twilight asked as she left the basement. "Depends, I need to leave soon so you get two questions," Sparkle replied. "Okay then," Twilight agreed, "how are you an Alicorn?" "Magic, beyond that not sharing you'll have to figure it out for yourself," Sparkle said dismissing her question. "Fine, it sounds like you know about human physiology would you share what you know?" She asked, "so if Ushio or Nuada get sick we can help." "Fair argument however neither are true humans at this point not sure if my data will help," she stated, "I will send some notes to you thru Nuada at a later time though." "Thank you, please visit again there is a lot I want to know about you and the Displaced," Twilight said as she levitated a bag to Sparkle, "a gift from Rarity for Ushio." "Miss Rarity gave me this dress and some other clothes," Ushio said with a blush. "Sounds like her, let's get going," Sparkle said as Ushio and her made their goodbyes. Spike gave her some last minute cleaning tips and Twilight told them to visit soon. Ushio was quiet as she walked beyond saying hi to ponies she recognized. Sparkle lead her to the ship where they found Nuada shaking in the fetal position. "Nuada?" Ushio cried out rushing to him. To find him unresponsive. "I knew this was going to happen. Ushio I can't stay any longer, can you use advanced tech?" Sparkle asked moving Nuada back into his seat. "Yes, my people were fairly advanced," Ushio said as Sparkle brought out a tech kit from a storage compartment. "This is a dream walking device, put the headband on two people and as they sleep they share dreams," Sparkle explained, "when you get home, put Nuada to bed by making him take one of the pills in there, then put the devices on and go to bed." "What happened to him?" Ushio asked as Sparkle began piloting the ship. "He helped fight in a small army. Nuada was okay as we fought the ghouls and enemies, however afterwards he started to get sick. My diagnosis is he's suffering a mental shock," she explained, "he needs mental help, however I can't stay, I have to go back to my world and fix my ship or there is going to be serious problems. So I need you to go and help him deal with this." "Understood," Ushio agreed. Sparkle set the ship down at the lake's edge, the ship cutting out and dropping the last foot, and help carry Nuada to his tree. Flashes of light meet them. "Hey Kirito, Nuada needs rest please take us to his sleeping area." The tree lit up again and a portal opened. Stepping thru, they found themselves in the little courtyard by the house. "Good luck, Ushio," Sparkle said leaving Nuada on a bed,leaning down and whispering, “you’re gonna be okay, be strong.” With that and a great deal of guilt Sparkle left. Ushio pulled out the equipment Sparkle left, and a pill from a bottle of them. Feeding the pill to Nuada she place the metal circlet on his head and took one on herself. “I hope this works,” she said laying down next to him. Nuada looked around, it was a battlefield, blood and bodies everywhere. Ponies and griffons everywhere looking at him. Standing over them all was Katago laughing. "What did you do?" Nuada asked his sword appearing in his hands. "Me? Don't you recognize this? These are the corpses of all that you killed just hours ago,” Katago laughed as the bodies began to move and shift. Swarming onto Nuada the ponies and griffons began to tear away at him their soulless eyes wide open, locked in place. “No help somebody help!” Nuada cried as the bodies began to cover him. All Katago did was laugh. She felt like she was drowning she couldn’t breath but she wasn’t dieing, cracking her eyes open she saw she was in the tank again. Stripped of her clothes and floating in this vat of lime green fluid. “Well then it’s time to see if you can gain magic,” a voice said to her not sure how she heard it. Looking she saw the tigerman, presiding over a computer console. He pressed a button and she heard a machine whir to life and she saw restraints lock onto her body. She felt pain as something bored into her back, thrashing but unable to escape. The burning pain of the drill stopped and she felt ice enter her veins. “This will flush your system out,” Katago explained, “I will then pump the blood of a mana user into you, and we’ll see what happens.” Ushio thrashed wildly as she felt fire enter her bloodstream, pain so intense she wished she could die. Every part of her body screamed in agony as the foreign blood entered her system. Nuada began clawing his way thru the bodies as they were tearing at him, climbing ever up, he gasped for air as he breached the surface of the corpses. Looking around he saw the scene had shifted as he was now also in a room where Katago was using a computer and a girl was in a tank of some kind. Ushio watched in horror as the back wall and floor of the room changed into a mass of flesh, ponies and strange half bird half lions swarming about. Looking closer she wanted to retch as she saw they were all rotting corpses. A human hand burst from the floor and Nuada began pulling himself up out of the bodies, his clothes were torn and his body covered in blood and wounds. His nice white hair now a deep crimson. Ushio tried to call him, to tell him to flee from this room, but no sound could escape her lips. “Ah the murderous boy returns,” Katago said shifting his attention away from the console. Nuada fell to his knees worn out from the fighting, “you’re right I am a murderer.” ‘No Nuada you saved my life, you acted out of need not vengeance,’ Ushio thought at him, struggling harder her restraints began to weaken. “I killed ponies and griffons alike out there, I killed you, I swore never to kill, and I did so so easily,” Nuada said sinking back into the bodies, tears streaming from his face. ‘No, no, NO!” Ushio’s restraints broke and the glass of the tank shattered. Ushio found herself in the cute white sundress Miss Rarity had given her. Nuada looked up and saw her standing free, “Ushio?” “Nuada, you freed me from Katago,” Ushio said stepping down the dream changing around her. Kneeling down the mass of flesh turned to a grassy meadow around her, “you saved myself, and Celestia. I’m sure you fought to defend lives not to take them.” “You’re right Ushio, thank you,” Nuada stopped crying and stood up. “You haven’t won yet,” Katago said his form shifting swirling to a dark miasma, “I will end you.” Nuada watched as the darkness faded away, before turning his attention to Ushio, “That’s a nice dress.” “Thank you Miss Rarity made it for me, she said that it was a travesty against fashion to be wearing those rags,” she said spinning around. “That was nice of her,” Nuada said with a smile, “now then this is feeling dreamish.” “Oh that’s right, Miss Sparkle said you were traumatized and lent me a dream sharing device.” “So this is a dream?” Nuada asked looking at the grassy meadow, “and we’re sharing it?” “Yup,” Ushio said the area shifting to a picnic. “Okay.” Nuada stretched waking up, feeling a weight on his side he looked down to find Ushio laying on him in the dress from his dream. Pulling the device from his head, Nuada gently moved Ushio off him and got up. Memories of the dream began to fade as he went about his morning chores. Nuada explained his trip to Kirito, meeting Mistress Change and getting enchanted by her friend Gilgimesh. Nuada even demonstrated the effect as a shovel hit him in the face. Kirito observed it as ambient energy spontaneous changing to matter, then fading away after hitting him. An hour later, Nuada went to wake Ushio. "Hey wake up," Nuada said shaking the young bunny girl. Slowly she stirred, realizing that Nuada was looking better, she jumped up and hugged him, "Nuada! You're okay!" "Not sure how okay, but I am doing better, thank you," Nuada held up the dream headband, "I'm kinda fuzzy on what happened." "Miss Sparkle said you were suffering from a kind of emotional shock, she couldn't stay, the ship was critically damaged. So she left me with this dream sharing device, so I could help you," she explained. "I must thank her later, and thank you, Ushio, I remember you came to me in my dream," Nuada said with a gentle smile. "You're welcome, so what is going to happen now?" She asked. "Right we never discussed the future," he said tapping a fist to his other hand, "well I have no way to contact deep space to find anyone to help you, so until something changes you are welcome to stay here." "Thank you," Ushio said giving him a hug, that he returned a bit awkward. "You're welcome, now then I left my stuff at Twilight's didn't I?" Nuada remarked thinking back to when Celestia was taken. "Yes I was going to grab it when Sparkle picked me up, but it was too heavy." "That’s fine, I'll go grab it today," Nuada said, "but first a proper tour." "Lady Bestla, I have finished the scan of the debris around the planet, it is Sonja the ship of the criminal researcher Katago. Reason for detonation, the ship was cut clean in half. Secondary and third energy residues detected sources unknown. End report," the Ai Kurama said as his wolf mistress was tinkering with her wrist communicator. "Bring up energy signatures two and three," she said setting the device down. A screen displayed both patterns side by side. "On three overlay our data on mana," she said recognizing the wavelength. "A match at seventy-five percent, isolating remaining twenty-five percent, close match to sub-light drive signatures. Conclusion energy belongs to a close range ship." "Okay now bring up the second signature on the large display," she said grinning. The display showed an impossible energy signature, it looked like it looped back on itself and was made of the four forces of physics and something else. "Displayed data is partial, scanners cannot make sense of energy signature." "Odd you should be able to read fourth dimensional energies, " Bestla said confused, "this is interesting." "Shall I compile a report for HQ," Kurama asked. "Do that, I'm going to take a skipper down to the surface and scan for this strange energy," she said picking up her wrist communicator pieces and tossed them in a bag, "see you later." "But ma'am, this is a special..." Kurama sighed as his mistress left the ship and began ignoring his hailings. Author's Note Edit: Remade the chapter and change the title in doing so. Following some advice, I moved the off world interactions out, they will be in the respective stories they belong in, including a chapter of Displaced Ponies. Hope fully this chapter flows better now, I personally like it better. //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Law Enforcement //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Law Enforcement Nuada touched down at the edge of town like normal, and began walking to Twilight's. Quickly he noticed the town was dead quiet and began to worry. He heard someone call him as he walked past Sugarcube corner. "Pssst, come hide," Pinkie Pie said yell whispering at him. With a raised eyebrow Nuada walked over to her, and was violently pulled into the bakery. Looking he saw the element bearers and a little filly hiding in the dark. "What's going on here?" Nuada asked sitting himself up right. "These girls are freaking out over a Zebra outside," Twilight said pointing out a window. Nuada saw a brown robed pony, pawing at the ground. "And the big deal is?" he asked, as Twilight sighed. Pinkie burst into a quiet song about an evil enchantress, and dancing, and other silly things. "Really you guys are spooked by her but let me into town just fine?" Nuada asked unimpressed. "Thats what ai was sayin," the filly said getting shushed by the older ponies. "And what is your name little one?" Nuada asked. "I'm Applebloom, Applejack's sister," she said. "Nice to meet you, I'm Nuada," he said. "Ai know you help on the farm for apple sometimes." "Yup, now then if you ladies will excuse me I'm going to speak with that zebra." "But you can't it's not safe," Pinkie said latching on to his chest trying to stop him. Nuada ignored her as he opened the door, swatting her hooves off his shirt, the material tearing. “Really, I go thru a fight against thousands of foes and come out without a single snag but one pony can rip it?” Nuada complained glaring at his shirt. “I’m sorry,” Pinky said looking sad her hair deflating, the others were startled by his outburst. The few times they hand interacted he was always so calm. “Forgiven, I shouldn’t have swatted your hooves off like that, now then,” Nuada patted her head that returned to full poof, and stepped outside. The girls all sucked in a breath except Applebloom and Twilight as Nuada walked closer to the zebra. [Greetings friend what brings you here?] Nuada spoke in a strange tongue the girls not recognizing it other than Twilight. “What did he say?” Rainbow asked. “I’m not sure it’s Zebracan I think, but a strange dialect,” Twilight said, “I never had the time to study foreign languages in depth.” [Your words are old creature, but seem to be in kindness. I am Zecora I’m looking for an herb shop, but they all seem closed,] the zebra known as Zecora replied. [I learned this tongue over a thousand years ago, glad to see it hasn’t changed too much,] Nuada answered, [I am Nuada the warrior of light, if your people still tell the legends.] [A bold claim to be he, but not have a heard of another human in the realm, to verify do you carry the sacred blade?] she asked. Nuada nodded and pulled out his sword hilt, triggering it and showing it to her. The girls were startled by this but quickly the blade returned to his pocket. The two spoke in Zebracan a while longer before Nuada waved over to Sugarcube corner. “Hello girls this is Zecora the zebra, may she come in for a snack and conversation?” Nuada asked his face telling them no wasn’t an answer. “O..of couurse,” Pinkie said scared. “For your care, I thank you mare,” Zecora said entering the building. Nuada bought some food from Pinkie Pie while Zecora sat in a booth and Twilight sat next to her the other girls all sat in the next booth over watching. “Hello Miss Zecora it’s nice to meet a zebra, I’m Twilight Sparkle, if I may ask what brings you to Equestria?” Twilight asked politely. “I am here to study the properties of local plants in the Everfree forest where my abode lies,” Zecora said as Nuada sat the food down. “A tad dangerous to live in that forest,” Nuada remarked. “And yet you choose to live there still,” Twilight replied. “I am probably the strongest person, on this planet,” Nuada said. “Take heed lest your pride bring you too your knee,” Zecora said sipping the tea. “I think I first taught that to your ancestors, but a pleasant reminder none the less, now then, Zecora I hear you’re having issues being let into town?” Nuada asked. “It is true, and makes me quite blue,” she said looking down cast. “Well then good thing we have Twilight here,” Nuada said nodding to the unicorn. “What about me?” Twilight asked confused. “Celestia sent you here to learn about friendship right?” Nuada asked. “Yes but I don’t remember telling you that,” Twilight said and caught Pinkie Pie trying to hide a panicky grin. “Yeah that party was very informative, so think you can help us out and get the town to help Zecora, she’s low on some herbs for her brews,” Nuada said looking over at the zebra who nodded. “Of course I can, Girls,” Twilight called the girls over, who came over slowly, Fluttershy being dragged over by Applejack by her tail. “What can we help you with Darling?” Rarity asked looking at Nuada’s shirt in mild disgust. “Help me get Zecora introduced into the town,” she said, “to think you girls are scared of such a nice pony.” THWEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDD “Uh what’s that noise?” Rainbow asked. “That sounds like an engine,” Nuada said before running outside. Following him out, the girls watched a metal craft flying thru the air out of control, fire coming out of the back. “A friend Nuada?” Rainbow asked watching it crash into the whitetail wood. “Not sure, Rainbow get your weather team out, there is going to be fires over there. Twilight, you stick with the girls here and continue helping Zecora. I’ll let you know if I need help,” Nuada said flicking his battle armour on and flew over in the direction of the smoke. “You heard the guy,” Twilight said nugging Rainbow Dash who nodded and flew off. Nuada touched down by the burning ship, the trees near by were on fire, and the ground was warm. However there was foam being shot from ports on the ship causing the ground to cool and the fires on the ship to go out. Keeping his sword ready he began looking for an opening, the ship seemed to be much larger than LtC Sparkle’s seeing as it made a hill where the front had burrowed under the ground. A section of the ship exploded out revealing a corridor, Nuada stood before it his sword at the ready as a ramp came out from below it and touched the ground. “Owowowowow,” a voice said from the corridor, “that smarts.” “Hello?” Nuada called, “are you okay?” “Yeah, I’ll be fine,” it said walking out into the light. Nuada was met by an anthromorphic she-wolf, judging by the ample chest on her. Mild shock took Nuada as he noticed her uniform. “Greetings Officer, may I ask what a Galaxy Police Officer is doing crashing a ship on to this world?” Nuada asked. “You know of the GXP?” she asked. “In a manner of speaking, I am Nuada Lugh guardian of the lands of Equestria,” he said putting his sword away but left his armor on. “I am First Class Detective Bestla of the GXP, I am here to investigate the case of a criminal named Katago,” she said dusting herself off. ‘This girl should be like Mihoshi, but not sure yet,’ Nuada thought looking her over, “I see and what about him are you investigating out here?” “His strange death, seems two days ago he was slain and his ship destroyed,” she said looking over Nuada’s reaction, ‘this guy knows something.’ “That would have been a friend of mine and I,” Nuada said, looking over his shoulder he saw a small group of pegasus flying over with gray clouds, “we should relocate, this area is about to get very wet. Are you able to fly by yourself?” “I can levitate short distances,” she said looking at the group, “are they moving rain clouds?” “I’ll explain later, give me your hand,” Nuada took her hand and lifted her over to beyond the side of the crater. “Hey Nuada is this the alien in the ship?” Rainbow Dash asked flying up a trail of rainbow behind her. “Yes she is Bestla of the GXP, a type of guard in space if you would,” Nuada said as Bestla’s mouth was agape in awe watching the ponies douse the area and push clouds around with their hooves. “She safe?” Rainbow asked taken back by the mouth of teeth and the clawed paws. “She should be,” Nuada said turning to her, “now Miss Bestla, what happened to your ship?” “I overclocked the engine output and they burned out the control systems upon hitting atmosphere. Manual override failed, I was only able to slow the ship slightly and land, lucky for me I’m made of stern stuff,” she said happily. Nuada sighed starting to see part of this was intentional. “What’s that all mean?” Rainbow asked. “It’s like if you dove too fast, got a muscle cramp, and at the last minute managed to pull flat to the ground and biffed it in a nice slide roll,” Nuada said dumbing it down for the athlete. “Ouch, good thing it was in that metal thing then,” she said nodding to the ship the others were looking over. “Nuada!” a voice called and caused Nuada to look up to find Celestia’s chariot and squad of guards following. “Tia, saw the crash?” Nuada asked as she landed. All the pegasus flew over and bowed. “Yes I did,” she said before turning to the ponies,”Hello everypony, good job putting the fire out, please return home and relax.” “Yes Princess,” Rainbow said motioning for the others to go, “Nuada fill us in later okay.” “Got it,” Nuada said waving to them. “Now then who is this?” Celestia asked, looking at the clothed wolf, “she looks similar to the diamond dogs.” “Princess Celestia this is Officer Bestla of the Galaxy Police, Bestla this is Princess Celestia of Equestria our highest ranking official,” Nuada said introducing them. “It is an honor to meet you Princess,” Bestla said bowing to a knee. “A pleasure to meet you as well, now please rise we have something to discuss of course,” she said motioning to a table and chairs she summoned out of nowhere. “Yes of course,” Bestla said taking a seat. Nuada sat down and took a sip of the tea a guard served them. “Now then what brings a traveler from space to our world?” Celestia asked taking a seat as well. “I was investigating a dangerous criminal named Katago whose ship was last seen headed in this direction. We received reports of an explosion thought to be his ship. After confirming it was his ship and he was dead, I came down to investigate the how. Nuada here said that was him and a friend,” she explained. “Yes, Katago foalnapped me two nights ago. Thanks to Nuada and a new friend of his they came up to his ship, and saved me,” Celestia said, “twas quite the spectacle.” “I also rescued a girl named Ushio, it seems he was running illegal experiments on mana,” Nuada added in. “Is that what caused him to foalnap you?” she asked, a smirk at the term formed. “Yes,” Celestia stated. “So this mana is that what let's you guys fly, move clouds, and such?” she asked. “We just refer to it as magic but yes,” Celestia said. “I knew magic was real,” Bestla stated happily, “those techs called me crazy well I’ll show them, mwahahahahahahaha!” Nuada leaned over to Celestia, “my gut says she’s okay, but she’s making it hard to justify.” “I can see that, is magic rare outside of Equestria and our world?” she replied. “From what I can gather it is,” Nuada’s eyes lit up with a thought and his face turned to a scowl, “Miss Bestla, a question.” “Ahem, yes what is it?” she asked. “This system wouldn’t happen to be a special protected zone, something along the lines of no contact with the natives?” Nuada asked raising his eyebrow. “Um,” Bestla began to sweat under her fur, “maybe.” “Sigh, too many similarities,” Nuada said running his hand down his face, “let me guess ship can’t fly and coms are down.” “Yup, how did you figure that?” she asked looking him over suspiciously. “I’ll explain later, would you care to stay at my place, at least until the communications relay is fixed?” Nuada asked his memories of the show becoming clearer and clearer. “I appreciate the offer but I should stick with my ship, it has space for me to sleep,” she stated. “Not a worry, Luna and I with some guards can move your ship to Nuada’s place,” Celestia stated. Nuada glared at her and was hit with a shovel in the face, causing him to curse and set some grass on fire. Stomping the fire out Nuada sighed and calmed himself, “that sounds like a plan if Bestla is okay with it.” The two looked at him confused, nodding in agreement. “Ignore the shovel, its… ack,” the shovel struck again, “a gift from a friend I made yesterday.” “Looks painful,” Bestla said noticing his nose turning red. “It is but, it’s to help me deal with… ack, a rage issue,” Nuada said blood starting to flow. Celestia summoned some tissue and let Nuada plug his nose. “You must tell me this story sometime,” Celestia said concerned. “Later, get your sister here and let's move this,” Nuada said rubbing his tender nose. A scroll of parchment later they sat waiting. During this time Bestla began having them answer questions of the Katago case. Nuada held back on the Displaced info saying he didn’t want to explain it, and might later. “Hail sister,” Luna said landing with two more squads of ponies, some being unicorns in chariots, “what do you need my help with?” “This is Bestla, she crashed her ship and needs it moved to Nuada’s place,” Celestia explained. “Well met Bestla,” Luna said, “we finally get so see your home Nuada?” “Yes you...ack, may….ack,” Nuada agreed, before placing an energy shield in front of his face blocking the onslaught of shovels. “What causes these attacks?” Luna asked. “A spell from a friend if his, he says, to help him with his rage,” Celestia said trying to ignore the clang of metal on energy shield. “Oh,” Luna said downcast, “let us be on our way then.” Together Celestia and Luna pulled the massive ship free from the ground, and let some pegasus guards tie ropes around it. The massive ship strained the ropes causing Celestia and Luna to reinforce the ropes with magic. Taking a lead rope from a guard Nuada assisted and began leading them into the Everfree Forest. "You live in the forest?" Luna asked confused. With a glare Nuada nodded at her, "before the forest became so wild, and you built the first castle, I planted my home." "Planted? You have a tree home?" Celestia asked, "but that enchanted kind of seed was formulated only 300 years ago by Aticus Growth. How do you have one?" "If you mean like the library or Fluttershy's cottage? I don't have one like that, you can see the top of it on the horizon from here, the big tall round one," Nuada said pointing at where Kirito's foliage rose over the tree line. "Your home is the sacred tree?" Celestia asked. "I guess, what do you mean sacred tree?" "After you disappeared, a strange tree was found in a lake growing out of a small island. Unicorns felt drawn to it when they came near to it, I observed first hand as the ageing Clover touched the tree and was infused with power unlike we knew, similar to your wings now that I think about it," Celestia explained, "Clover then explained she had seen the 'truth' and like yourself and Starswirl she helped change how we understood magic." "Strange, I'll ask Kirito about that," Nuada said as the lake came into view and they saw Ushio by the tree waving. Nuada waved back and directed the guards and Princesses where to set it down on the shore line. The ship sank into the sand and knocked a few trees over, as Celestia and Luna relaxed their magic and left the ropes where they laid. Sweat poured off the princesses particularly Luna who's magic wasn't at full strength. "Nuada what's going on?" Ushio asked coming over in a white dress with an apron over. "We have another house guest, Ushio this is Bestla, Bestla this is Ushio, the girl I rescued from Katago," Nuada introduced as Bestla got out of the ship. "Nice to meet you," Ushio said with a curtsy. "First Class Detective Bestla of the GXP, pleased to make your acquaintance," Bestla replied with a salute. "Good now then, Celestia, Luna, owwww, please excuse us I need to get Bestla settled in and still return to Ponyville for some supplies," Nuada said avoiding looking at the hurt moon princess. "Of course, please take this," Celestia pulled out a scroll, "an invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala. Details inside." "We'll see," Nuada said waving to her, a tear forming in his eyes. "Nuada?" Ushio looked up at him concerned. "Remembering my first party with those two, it was long ago but we had a lot of fun. I miss those times," Nuada said watching the retreating flock of ponies. "I'm sure you'll have those times again, it's never too late to make up," she said giving him a hug. "I know, I wish I knew why this rage won't go away, every... gah... time I think of her," Nuada said before calming himself and changing thoughts, "Bestla let's get you settled in." "Okay," she said a pack on her shoulders. Nuada showed her into Kirito's subspace and left her in a room to get situated, saying she was welcome to stay as long as she wanted. Leaving Nuada made it back to Ponyville late afternoon to find a large herd by the spa. Touching down he found a stallion of to the side with an hourglass cutie mark. "Sir, what's going on at the spa?" Nuada asked. "Zecora is showing Aloe and Lotus how to mix a special facial cream to reduce wrinkles, all the mares in Ponyville are in there, frivolous if you ask me," he said adjusting a clock he was working on. “I agree, thanks see you around,’ Nuada said walking away, and into the market. Author's Note Finished this on my phone, got a new job and have had not time to myself per say, and when I did I didn't feel like writting so sorry for the delay. Please review and vote, I don't know how the story is without feed back. //-------------------------------------------------------// No need for Demons //-------------------------------------------------------// No need for Demons In Equestria may wayside hoses existed between major cities and towns. Way points for travelers and caravans. Many young folk would use them as they traveled Equestria looking for work that matched their cutie mark. The prancing pony inn was one such house that sat between Ponyville and Trottingham. Normally a quiet inn, the last few hours many strange noise had been emanating from the building, until slowly the sounds died off and the inn went dark. “Now that was quite a meal.” a figure said with a smile as she left under the cover of night. In the house many stallions and mares lay passed out on the floor, their coats had turned grey and while they had smiles on their face, they were oddly all old looking, and looked malnourished. “Bestla do you really have to do this?” Nuada asked, he was being held in place by some flexible robot arm, with some head band with lights on his head flashing. ‘Have I seen this before?’ Nuada thought to himself wondering how he ended up here in a towel. “Of course it is, how else will I be able to figure out what you are unless I get a sample of everything,” she said laughing like a mad woman. ‘Oh crud I know what this is,’ Nuada thought as he remembered the old anime, “now now, I already told you who and what I am what more do you want?” “Well in the GXP registry we don’t have Humans or Juraians on file so you’re unique and new so I must learn everything about you.” “Ushio should have breakfast ready can we do this later,” Nuada said trying to reason with her as she got a very perverted grin. “But I need one more sample from you,” she said a shimmer in the air and her GXP uniform had been replaced with a long white doctor’s coat, a tight tank top showing off her ample bust, and a pair of spanks, leaving little to Nuada’s imagination. “No you don’t!” Nuada cried as she advanced on him. “Come on Nuada, I promise to be gentle,” she said with a grin, sliding a hand up his leg. “Noooo!” “Nuada! Bestla! Breakfast is ready, oh my,” Ushio covered her face as she blushed seeing the situation she walked in on. With a nervous chuckle Bestla removed her hand, “Breakfast sounds good let's forget all about this and go eat.” “Sister Bestla please leave Nuada’s innocence alone,” Ushio said with a bit of a glare. “Yes yes,” Bestla said hitting a button on her control system. Robotic arms relaxed and Nuada fell to the ground. Taking stock of the cave turned into mad scientist lab Nuada felt exhausted. Ever since he decided that he was gonna let Bestla stay he’d been assaulted every day in some form by her, ‘looking for data.’ “Nuada can you take me to town today?” Ushio asked as Nuada hid behind a screen near by and dressed in his normal tunic and pants. “Yeah I need to head that way anyway, apparently Rarity found out I was invited to the Gala and insists on making me a Tux,” Nuada explained rolling his eyes. “How did she find out?” “Twilight and I have been exchanging letters, this last month,” Bestla said remembering when Twilight and her friends stopped by just after she arrived. “Oh you two hit it off so well,” Ushio said happily skipping as Nuada and everyone walked to his home. “Yes now then, after breakfast Ushio and I will be taking off unless you wanna come Bestla?” Nuada asked. “I need to stay here and work on the ship, if I don’t respond soon then my bosses will send someone to look for me,” Bestla grimaced. She had come clean to Nuada and Ushio that she had broken a few rules with coming down to planet side, and some of the damage to her ship was intentional, but something had caused it overload more than she planned and now she really was stuck here. “Okay let me know if you need help,” Nuada said as they sat down to eat. After breakfast was done and the dishes cleared Nuada grabbed his bag and a few bits from his quickly dwindling supply, he may have to rethink his spending plans, Duncan hadn’t made it to him yet and he didn’t have a way to call Mistress Change beyond going through LtC Sparkle, who he didn’t really want to bother, right now, she had a galaxy to save after all. ‘Nuada you there?’ asked the mare in question as the medallion around Nuada’s neck began to glow. ‘Yeah I’m here what’s up?’ ‘Get me a clear spot Starswirl finished your communicator token.’ ‘Okay come on over,’ Nuada tossed his medallion high into the air and watched the multidimentional blue stargate form, before shooting out the puddle jumper. Waving to the ship Nuada caught the falling token. “Ah fresh air, I miss forests,” Sparkle said walking off the ship in her n7 pony variant armor, helmet off. “Sparkle welcome back, that took longer than expected,” Nuada said hoof bumping the mare. “Time dilation and Gage was really particular on the programming, I swear she was in her room for three weeks coding that thing.” Sparkle explained, “Ushio, how are you doing, sorry I couldn’t swing by sooner has Nuada been mean to you?” “No miss Sparkle, Nuada has been really nice since then.” Ushio beamed, “he even is letting another person stay here, even though she can be a bit rude.” “Oh?” Sparkle raised an eye at Nuada. “Bestla is a member of the Galaxy Police whom were after Katago, we saved them some work. Anyway she came down to investigate what happened and got stuck. I decided to let her stay till she got her ship working.” Nuada said shrugging, “Ushio and I were going to town to see Rarity wanna come with?” “Sounds good I have some time to spare, Commander told me I needed to take a break before I broke.” “I can see that, how goes the good fight?” Nuada asked. “The Collectors are eluding us, Commander has a plan it seems, but we need to reinforce the Normandy if we’re to do that.” Sparkle said leading Nuada and Ushio into the puddle jumper, “by the way how are you doing, after the last time?” “Better, Ushio has been helping me in my dreams deal with what happened. I can’t imagine you did much better the first time?” Nuada asked. “I was worse, I had lost my magic when I first arrived, and only got it back when I saw the Geth attacking my new friends. I kinda annihilated them all, it took the Commander and Garus three hours to get me to stop crying long enough for the Doctor to give me a physical.” Sparkle said grimacing at the memory, “After a while and some encouragement I got better.” “Never gets easier?” Nuada asked his heart tightening. “More like you grow numb to it, than anything, I still struggle with it as violence is against everything I was taught but, in this case it is Us or Them and I like my new friends.” Sparkle explained, “I focus on that.” “Thanks.” Nuada said leaning back. “Ushio how has things been going, all settled in?” Sparkle asked. “Yes everyone has been very nice to me, Miss Applejack keeps giving me extra apples when Nuada and I go shopping.” Ushio said happily, “and Mister Spike has taught me so much about cleaning and cooking, though some of his receipts are a little strange.” “That’s good to hear.” Sparkle said drifting the ship slowly down to the edge of town. When the doors opened, Ushio excused herself saying she would meet them for lunch at Sugarcube corner. “So Rarity’s?” Sparkle asked replacing her helmet. “Yeah, why the helmet?” Nuada asked. “Less confusion,” Sparkle said her voice slightly modulated through helm. “Okay, but I think you look better without it.” Nuada said. Sparkle glared at him, though glad the helmet covered her blush. “So you’re into ponies?” Sparkle asked trying to get him back. “I’m into life,” Nuada stated, “I spent over a hundred years here before my entombment, I came to appreciate beauty in all forms.” Sparkle noticed that Nuada’s body tensed at the mention of entombment, and a spark of dark red energy arced across his fist. “What happened?” Sparkle asked. “Sigh… Short Story, I grew up with the Princesses and was Betrayed by Nightmare-” *Clang* “Moon, and sealed for a thousand years.” Nuada said ignoring the shovel to the face. “I see, but Luna--” “I know that here,” He said point to his head, before moving his hand to his heart, “but it still hurts here.” “I’m sorry,” Sparkle said looking away, “I can’t say I know that feeling of betrayal.” “Lets leave it for now, We’re here.” Nuada said pointing to the gaudy dress maker’s shop. “Of course.” Nuada and Sparkle walked into the Carousel Boutique causing the bell to ring and “just a minute to sound,” from the back of the building. “Take your time,” Nuada called back. “So what have you been up to while I was gone?” Sparkle asked, “besides getting a new roommate?” “That would be the highlight of the last few months, Ushio regularly joins me with that dream device you let us. The nightmares re-manifest when she doesn’t and leaves me exhausted and withdrawn the next day,” Nuada explained. “I see well keep it till you get better,” Sparkle said her helm turning away from him. Nuada was about to ask her what was wrong when a very tired looking Rarity walked in from the back, “Thanks for waiting, oh Nuada how nice to see you here finally, oh and you brought Miss Sparkle along.” Sparkle looked at him and he felt her raise eyebrow. “I’ve been busy,” Nuada coughed looking away. “I’ll say your clothes look far worse than last I saw you a month ago.” Rarity commented a look of disgust on her face. Nuada looked at his tunic, the hand spun wool was unraveling, stained with sweat and dirt, and a large line of off color thread held the front together where Pinkie had managed to tear it. “Once I got my house and stuff fixed I was going to make a new one,” he said in defence and heard a snicker from Sparkle. “I’m sure my dear, I don’t understand why you don’t just have me make you some clothes it would be fun, Ushio really likes the ones I made for her.” Rarity said thinking back to the dresses she made for Ushio. The young bunny girl had ended up with quite a closet full of them, she got one almost every time she was in town. Nuada looked at her slightly hurt expression and sighed, “look I don’t like fancy looking things. I can wear a suit and dress up but I don’t like it, I need more practical clothes for my day to day.” “Well my dear I can do that though not today, may I ask what brings you here today?” She asked adjusting her sewing glasses. “Ushio said you wanted to help me with getting a suit for the Gala ready.” Nuada said taking more notice of the mare realizing how exhausted she looked. Her mane was in dire need of brushing, her coat was dirty from sweat, bags were under her eyes. Nuada began to question if this was as good time. “Of course dear, if you’ll give me a moment we can get your measurements.” Rarity said her horn glowing as a cloth tape floated over, her magic flickered and died dropping the tape on her as she started to faint. Sparkle caught her side as Nuada knelt down.and picked the tape up off of her. “I’m sorry about that.” Rarity said regaining her footing. “Rarity are you making Gala dresses for the girls?” Sparkle asked. “Why yes how did you know?” Rarity asked. “I’ve been through this once before.” Sparkle said. “Right crazy dimensional time stuff.” Nuada said, “I think I’ll wait on suit till you get some free time.” “Oh no I couldn’t do that, you came all the way out here from the forest, I couldn’t just turn you away.” Rarity said. “How about I measure Nuada for you, I’m familiar with humans like Nuada, and I learned about sewing from one of my Displaced friends,” Sparkle asked holding the tape in her magic, “you take a break and eat something while we use the workroom.” “But-” Rarity was cut off as Sparkle held an armored hoof to her face, “I insist, you need to take a break, I promise that I will get what you need for measurements and you can start on the Tux after the girl’s dresses are done.” “Okay, I suppose I can take a break.” Rarity said, “but just to eat something.” “That’s all I ask,” Sparkle said pushing her towards the kitchen in the back. Rarity left and Sparkle led Nuada up stairs. “You can sew?” Nuada asked confused as he stepped into the messy work room. “Fluttershy taught me on Starswirl’s ship, I was making a flag for the Squad and couldn’t make it look right. So Fluttershy showed me some tricks. We kinda rebonded over that, and she even helped me with some other projects.” Sparkle explained, “now strip.” “What?” Nuada asked as Sparkle held the tape measure in her magic. “Strip, to get accurate data I need to measure you without clothes. Other wise the tux could be loose in some areas and rub wrong.” Sparkle said calmly, “This is professional and nothing more.” “Um well.” Nuada fidgeted. “Look I know humans have a thing about clothes, but do me a favor and just drop your shorts already.” Sparkle said grabbing his clothes in her magic. “Hold on, there-” Nuada fell over as his clothes were taken from him. Sparkle’s eyes glazed over and her body went stiff. “-is something you should know.” Nuada said with a sigh as he set about removing his loincloth, this was very clean at least as he had made a couple dozen of them. Grabbing his clothes and piling them on a chair, he proceeded to knock on Sparkle’s helm until her head shook. “What just happened?” She asked seeing the now naked Human. “Freak out, a condition in this world.” Nuada stated, “for some reason undergarments seen on the body cause those attracted to that gender to ‘freak out’ and go into a catatonic state. I take it that’s not actually something you have in your Equestria?” “Um no, that’s a very strange effect.” Sparkle said picking the tape measure back up and grabbing a scroll and quill. “We have a couple, back in the day Tia and I came up with a theory with Starswirl, if this world was made by these incarnations of power from his book, then just maybe they also established some of the rules. Such as how the Sun and Moon must be moved by magic instead of by physics.” Nuada explained as Sparkle measured him. “That’s fascinating, do you know where that book is?” Sparkle asked, “I would love to study this world’s history and compare it to my own. Oh you lived in Classical Equestria right, can you tell me about that?” “It sucked.” Nuada said, “Nobles sucked, bandits sucked, villages sucked, and sleeping on rocks sucked. I will send a letter to Tia, and see if she still has Star’s old books somewhere, mind you the book can be difficult to read, seeing as it was written in Tartarus.” “Tartarus? Interesting, once I help the Commander take out the Reapers, I need to come here and study for a while, the demons of Tartarus in my world had no written word, and never did they travel between our worlds unless criminals.” Sparkle paused and Nuada heard her voice strain a little. “Anyways you’ve measured just about everything.” Nuada said as the tape had been floating around him along with Sparkle, “can I put my pants back on?” Nuada sat to the side thinking, talking about the old times had brought back painful memories. Sparkle and Rarity had begun talking about the Tux. Sparkle displayed some images on her Omni-hoof tool of what the humans of her world wore, and pointed out the military ones may be more appropriate for Nuada. Rarity loved it and made some quick sketches before a knock came to the workroom door. “Rarity I had an idea.” Twilight said through the door. “Yes dear, please come in.” Rarity said with a sigh and a forced grin. “Oh Nuada you’re here, and You!” Twilight pointed a hoof at Sparkle, “why are you here?” “Vacation.” Sparkle said nopony could see it but, she held a glare on her younger self. “Oh oh this is so great, can you come over, and we can discuss Magical theory, oh we can go over what books are in your world.” Twilight started to bounce. “I’m busy with some other thing.” Sparkle said getting up and leaving the room. “Was it something I said?” Twilight asked confused and a little saddened. “No, I don’t think it’s anything you did specifically.” Nuada said getting up himself, “I need to go meet Ushio for Lunch, we’ll talk later.” “Okay, take care. Now Rarity, how about constellations…” Twilight’s voice was cut off as Nuada left. Looking around he saw the sulking alicorn solder heading to Sugarcube corner. “Are you okay there Twilight?” Nuada asked putting a hand on her helmet. “I’m fine. Look there is Ushio.” Sparkle said brushing him off and trotted over to the bunny girl who was holding a big bag in her arms. “What’s that?” Nuada asked seeing it. “Some supplies,” Ushio said happily. “Okay, let’s eat.” Nuada said walking into the bakery. Pinkie greeted them from behind the counter as she helped a customer. Sparkle removed her helm to eat, but sat with her back to the room, and ignored everypony around her. Ushio had tried to start a conversation but it fell flat like the air around her. “Awe what a group of gloomy gusses, you should cheer up.” Pinkie Pie said popping up with three cupcakes. One purple with a pink star, on with white frosting and sprinkles, and one with pink icing and a cherry. “Oh carrot cake, my favorite.” Ushio said grabbing the white frosting one. “Thanks Pinkie.” Nuada said grabbing his cherry one. Sparkle stared at the cupcake, she already knew it was Snozzberry her secret favorite. Replacing her helm she got up, and with a quiet sorry she left the building. “What’s wrong with Sparkle?” Pinkie asked. Nuada slapped himself in the face, “Of course she’s home sick.” “Huh?” Ushio and Pinkie asked. We were doing great at Rarity’s till Twilight showed up, and asked about ‘her world’. I think Sparkle is home sick for her Equestria.” Nuada said getting up. “Sorry Pinkie, I’ll see you later, Ushio can you meet me by the ship?” “Yeah.” Ushio said giving Pinkie a hug and grabbing her bags, “see you later Pinks.” Nuada found Sparkle staring at the Golden Oaks library, and sat down next to her. “Sorry I should be happy, I’m on vacation, hanging out with new friends, and here I am sulking.” Sparkle said. “I use to cry myself to sleep.” Nuada said in reply, “must have been around about six months after I got here that I would cry every night.” Sparkle looked at him. “I was alone and everypony I met thought I was some monster. I was alone, traveling the countryside, foraging for food, hunting, and stealing to get by. I spent a winter in a cave near a town where I would steal food from ponies. Every night I would cry myself to sleep, and wish I was home in my world. I missed my family, and friends.” Nuada kept talking to her. “One day I came across a cave in the late spring, in it I found two fillies, and I was greeted with mostly open arms. One distrusted me for a while, but the other one she saw me and wanted to be my friend. I was amazed, what kind of pony was this filly that she would trust something so strange. We decided to travel together, I knew deep down that if I had left them, they would have died in that forest. But I think they knew that if they let me go, I would have died of loneliness. Soon I stopped having nightmares, and no longer did I cry myself to sleep. To this day I still miss my old world deep down in the bottom of my heart, but it’s thanks to those fillies that I now can say that this world is my home, and I even got to meet my current friends and family thanks to them.” Nuada finished his story. “Thanks Nuada, that helped some.” Sparkle said, under her helm a small smile formed. “The horror! The horror!” A pony screamed as loud commotion started their way. A stunning unicorn mare walked down the Main road of Ponyville, her crimson coat shined, and her orange hair glowed looking almost as though it was fire, but the thing that held every pony's eyes was the very daring black lingerie he wore over her plot. Stallions and mares all around her had their faces glazed over, drool dripping from the mouth of some. “Mwahahahaha, good come now bee my slaves!” She laughed as some of the ponies began to follow her like zombies. Some ponies saw this and panicked fleeing. “Yes your lustful eyes I can feel them, give me your power!” She said as more stallions and mares fell under her power. “Now you hold there ya varmin.” A pony in a stetson stood in front of her. “Oh my what a delicious looking pony. Why don’t you be a dear and come here.” The mare said beckoning her over. “Not gonna work, now then you release those ponies and give up a fore I make ya.” The orange pony said pawing the ground. “Not even if I do this?” The mare said as her body shifted and grew. Her hair shortened and muscles grew fuller, and the lacy black panties began to shift and loosen into shorts with little apples on them. Applejack felt her mind going blank. Nuada and Sparkle arrived to see a mob of ponies surrounding a single stallion, in… “Sparkle cover your eye!” Nuada said looking at his companion. Saddly he saw her stiffen up and then start walking towards the mob and joined the group. “Hey you what is the meaning of this?” Nuada asked muscling his way through the crowd. “Oh my another slave.” The stallion said his body began to shift. However much to it’s surprise, Nuada had vanished from its sight. Then she felt a breeze on her rump and saw her underwear was missing. “Look shapeshifter, I need you to drop your magic right now.” Nuada said holding the lacy black panties in his hand, blushing slightly. “Oh how daring removing a lacie’s underwear, such perversion.” She said giggling, “I like you, I think I’ll let you live as my slave.” “I only grabbed these so you wouldn’t freak me out, now let everyone go!” Nuada said trying to hold back a blush. “I’m afraid I can’t do that. I need them to give me all their lusty magical power.” She said, “why not come just come peacefully to me?” The mare had invaded his personal bubble and was stroking his chin with her hoof, while batting her eyes. “Never.” Nuada said slapping her away. “You bastard.” She said fire coming out of her mouth as she began to shift again. Her horn split in half and migrated to the sides of her head, curving back along her skull before making a quick turn to point straight up. From her coat a pair of wings grew, the bat like wings sharing a color with her coat. Lastly her tail twisted together forming a long thin tail ending in a spade. “Well well a Succubi, I haven’t seen your kind sense Celestia made that pact with the King of Tartarus.” Nuada said taking a battle stance. “How surprising somepony old enough to remember back then.” She said with a sneer, “however after I break you and make you my slave my next stop is to make Celestia ‘withdraw’ from that stupid treaty.” “I can’t let you do that.” Nuada said as he punched her in the face. The world spun as she tried to remember if she saw him move. Channeling magic she began to strengthen her body. It was a problem seeing as she needed as much as she could get, but already could tell this creature was no pushover. Whipping her tail around she caught Nuada in the chest as he approached from above. Landing on her hooves, she turned and managed to dodge a kick from Nuada aimed at her head. Flipping her tail up she caught his leg and tossed him into the fountain. A splash later, she turned and saw him standing up, not wanting to give him time, she flew forward and drove her hooves into his chest. Nuada fell as the creature knocked him under the water. He was surprised to find her tail around his neck choking him. Nuada ignored the pain as he rolled her off him with a well placed punch to the barrel. Surprised the mare tumbled and her tail loosened around his neck. Grabbing the offending appendage Nuada yanked hard pulling her towards him as he head butted her plot. Not giving up the advantage Nuada used his free arm to put her in a choke hold while locking his legs around her barrel keeping her wings pinned. Sitting in the fountain he held her as she struggled however her hooves found no purchase, and soon her body went slack. Nuada tossed her out of the fountain and climbed out just as the mob from before started coming to their senses. Around the same time, Twilight and Rarity arrived with Spike. Sparkle muscled her way over and summoned ropes to bind the Succubus. “What happened here?” Twilight asked seeing the soaked Nuada, tied up pony, and group of confused ponies. “One of the Succubi ponies came up from Tartarus for a visit.” Nuada coughed rubbing his neck. “But isn’t Cerberus guarding the gates?” Spike asked. “Yes no pony should have been able to get out.” Twilight said concerned, “Spike take a letter we must alert the Princesses.” “AHHHHHH!” The bound pony cried in pain as her flank began to smoke. “What’s happening?” Rarity asked seeing her writhe in pain.. “ARGH!” Nuada fell over holding his right shoulder as it too began to smoke. Sparkle removed his tunic and held his hand away. The skin was burning in the pattern of a small flame around a heart. The burning stopped as Sparkle watched and Nuada stopped fighting her. “What just happened here?” He asked examining the slightly tender brand. “Nonononononononononononono.” The succubi said looking at her flank in a panic. Right where a cutie mark should have been was the same brand as Nuada’s arm though larger. “Does anypony know what’s is going on here?” Applejack asked from the crowd. “I’m not sure, AJ can you disperse the crowd we’ll have Mayor Mare send out a bulletin on what happened as soon as we know.” Sparkle said holding the bound pony in her magic. “Library?” “Library.” Twilight agreed leading Nuada. Spike excused himself to go with Rarity to gather the rest of the girls. Author's Note Yes my slowness updates, not really edited, so forgive errors, point them out and I'll fix them. Goodnight all //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Engagements //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Engagements Everypony, except Rarity who rushed back to her shop remembering her work, and Spike who went to help, sat staring at the bound succubus, who had it seems had fainted. They were all sitting in Twilight’s library waiting for the mare to wake up while Sparkle examined Nuada’s arm. “What is she?” Rainbow Dash asked, poking a horn. “That is a Succubus, a demon from Tartarus that prays on the, ahem, lust energy, of other races.” Twilight said holding a book in her aura. “What’s she doing up here?” Applejack asked glaring at her. “It seems she was planning to enslave Tia, and make her void the treaty between the realms.” Nuada stated scratching his arm where the brand was. “What treaty?” Fluttershy asked. “According to this book, the treaty of Tartarus was signed over a thousand years ago not long after the two sisters took the throne of Equestria. Prior to this point denizens of Tartarus would come and go across the land attacking ponies and causing havoc. With the aid of one of their greatest generals whose name was lost to time Equestria managed to push a large force of demons back through the gateway. The King of Tartarus Vorak, then challenged the general to single combat. After being bested, he agreed to surrender.” Twilight read. “And he was quite the honorable warrior, and actually nice guy.” Nuada said remembering back, “Vorak is the one who lent Starswirl his book on the world’s origin, and worked with Tia to establish a trade agreement.” “What!” Everyone said looking at him like he had two heads. “Is it that surprising, you all know I knew the Sisters as young fillies.” Nuada said calmly, “I’d like to know why a succubus is disobeying the King?” “Because I had too.” A voice said quietly. Everyone turned to look at the bound figure who was looking up at the ceiling from her back, “You don’t know what it’s like down there. The strongest rule, those who are weak either become slaves or die.” “I spent a tour down there.” Nuada said, “I was under the impression that King Vorak was working on changing that.” “He was, but his power only really extends so far. Most demons were offended that he would bow to the Princesses and left to outer rim, far enough away that his power couldn’t reach them.” She said. “Right so why are you up here?” Nuada asked kneeling before her. “My family has lived just on the inside edge of the kingdom, by the rim, one day a very strong demon came through and kicked my family out of it’s home. The rim it seems is getting over populated and demons are vying for new turf, raids and such are becoming more common.” She explained, “however the demon decided not to kill us outright. He wanted us as pets, to sate his needs.” “My mother begged him to let us go, but he refused saying the only way was if he got out of Tartarus.” The succubus glared at Nuada, “Vorak is weak, so I snuck out the gate during a shipment. Hid as a pony and began amassing power.” “I see, so suc-” “Cinder my name is Cinder.” She said glaring at Nuada. “So Cinder what is this?” Nuada asked showing her his arm. “Brand of ownership.” She said, “see the one on my plot?” “Yes, it looks the same.” Sparkle said. “Ancient Succubus curse.” Cinder said, “if a non demon male is able to overcome a succubus’s power, and beat her in one on one combat, she must marry the stallion and live with him.” “WHAT!” Everyone cried out. “I thought Sexy here was some kind of demon, and I could overpower him, seeing as his magic is so weak, but no instead I get my flank handed to me.” She said sadly, “story of my life.” “Um what happens if I don’t want to marry you?” Nuada asked feeling uncomfortable. “Well for you nothing, for me I lose my powers and immortality, and would be forced to live my life as a magicless pony.” Cinder said. “Interesting, when does this start to happen?” Twilight asked. “I have one year to ‘whoo’ my owner.” She said, “anyway I failed call your princess and do what you will with me.” “Nuada?” Sparkle asked seeing him deep in thought. Nuada’s mind was in over drive thinking about things, he knew he was gonna have a harem due being like Tenchi, and from what little he had heard from the few Displaced their ‘shows’ influenced their worlds. That meant that this girl before him was probably going to be one of it, she wasn’t to bad he thought, decent fighter, looked nice, but what about this mark of ownership. “Cinder, if I do someday marry you, does the mark stay, and what is to keep you from leaving me then?” Nuada asked. “What?” Sparkle asked glaring at Cinder. “Once the marriage is consummated, the mark leaves, and the curse is broken. Nothing would be forcing me to stay with you.” She explained. “I see, but I have a year to decide.” Nuada thought aloud. “Um Sugarcube you can’t be seriously thinking of marrying that there pony, look at what she did to the folks around here.” Applejack interjected, “Yeah she was all mean and everypony was like a zombie.” Pinkie Pie added. “Yeah who cares if she loses her magic and becomes a normal pony, not our problem.” Rainbow Dash added. “They’re right you have no obligation to this demon.” Sparkle said glaring at Cinder. “She’s displaced.” Nuada said calmly. “What? No she’s not, Displaced are much different than her.” Sparkle said. “She may not be a capital D displaced, but she has lost her home, and yeah she did some bad things, but so have other ponies for worse reasons.” Nuada explained, “Cinder can you promise to not attack other ponies except in cases of self defense, and become a productive member of society.” “What choice do I have?” She asked nodding her head, “I swear on my on my soul as a succubus that I will not harm ponies except in self defense and become a productive member of society.” “Alright you can live with me for a year, and we’ll revisit this then.” Nuada said removing the rope from her. “WHAT!” Everypony yelled. “Man you girls are so easily surprised.” Nuada said rubbing his ears. Sparkle glared at him, but saw the honest relieved look on Cinder’s face. It reminded her of Ushio and then she sighed, it was the same thing, only this time Nuada had extended the hand, despite her telling him not to. The roles were reversed this time, the irony was not lost on her. “I still don’t much like this but, I’ll follow Nuada’s lead.” Sparkle said removing her helmet, “Lieutenant Commander Twilight Sparkle at your service.” Cinder looked between the two Twilights, “Um nice to meet you, why are there two of you?” “I’ll explain later, girls please introduce yourselves.” Sparkle said waving a hoof. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia and wielder of the Element of Magic.” Twilight said tentatively extending a hoof to shake. “A pleasure.” Cinder said disinterested as she shook the extended hoof. “I’m Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie said coming in for a hug crushing Cinder’s ribs. “Oh my this is gonna be so great, new pony not a pony friend, Oh I can throw a party!” Everyone watched as Pinkie dashed away leaving Cinder to deal with a now spinning room. After that the girls introduced themselves, except Fluttershy whom was still rather scared and ended up with Nuada introducing her. “Lastly I am Nuada Lugh, Guardian of Equestria, wielder of the Light Hawk Wings, and I guess your new fiance.” Nuada said shaking Cinder’s hoof. “And such a fine looking fiance too.” Cinder cooed as she shook his hand, “now what happens?” “Well, I need to meet with Ushio, and then Sparkle can we get a ride home?” Nuada asked. “Yeah.” Sparkle said putting her helmet back on. “Ya’ll be careful now.” Applejack warned, “and Cinder I’m watching you.” “Trust me it’s in my own best interest to behave.” Cinder said waving a hoof as she was led outside. “Nuada hang on.” Twilight said holding his sleeve with magic. “What’s up?” Nuada asked. “I can see you want to sympathise with her, but she’s still from Tartarus, you should be careful.” Twilight said with the girls nodding their heads in agreement. “I appreciate that warning Twilight, just remember never judge a book by it’s cover.” Nuada said with a look that told the girls to drop it, "Also please ask Pinkie Pie to hold off on the party for a few days." “Welcome to my home.” Nuada said standing before his sacred tree Kirito. “You live in a tree?” Cinder asked looking at the massive tree, “Where’s the door?” “Right here, Kirito please open up we have another house guest.” Nuada said causing a portal to open behind him. “Please everyone come on in.” Ushio squeezed past Nuada, and was followed by Sparkle carrying the bags in her magic. Cinder shrugged and jumped in followed by Nuada as the portal closed behind him. “This is inside that tree?” Cinder asked looking around the homestead. “In a sense it’s actually more like a miniature world that exists out of phase with our world, and the tree, who is known as Kirito, made it and opens the door back and forth.” Nuada explained, “I built the house by hand, it’s Neighponese in style you can say, because it was easier, and because Kirito controls this space, the area around the house is always a comfortable temperature, and he does a remarkable job with the seasons, when it comes to the farm areas.” “Farm areas?” Cinder asked confused. “Yup, about a quarter mile from the front gate is my farm land. I’ve got an orchard going and some other plants. Part of your responsibilities will be helping me tend to the plants.” Nuada explained. “Um I’ve never much worked with plants.” Cinder explained, “Down in Tartarus we mostly only had weeds we foraged.” “Well you’ll learn I’ll be right there to lend a hand.” Nuada said with a thumbs up, “Now then let’s get you a room.” “Can’t I share yours?” she asked with a sly grin. “Nope, Ushio, Bestla, and even Sparkle get their own rooms, it wouldn’t be fair for you not to get your own.” Nuada explained ignoring her attempt to seduce him. “Who’s Bestla?” Cinder asked following Nuada along the walkway between rooms. “She’s a space police officer, she’s out right now but you’ll meet her at dinner. She’s staying with us because her ship you saw outside is broken.” “That giant metal thing is a ship, wait space police, I’m getting confused.” Cinder said her head feeling light and fuzzy. “It’s okay we’ll take time and explain it all later, for now this is your room, right by Sparkle’s and Bestla’s. Why don’t you take a few to relax and get use to your situation, I’ll send Ushio to get you for dinner.” Nuada said leaving the confused mare in a plain room with what she decided was a very comfortable bed on the ground. “So she’s a demon?” Ushio asked as Sparkle helped her load perishables into the new refrigerator that Bestla had fabricated. “Yeah, I never dealt with her kind except once, and it want’s a good memory.” Sparkle said floating a bundle of carrots over, “I’m still surprised Nuada would just agree to letting her stay.” “Oh I think I know.” Ushio explained, “A little after he took in Bestla, Twilight came over and he explained to all of us what world he was from and how he got his power. Apparently this Tenchi Muyo story was one where the main character got an ‘accidental’ harem and lived with five very nice, very different ladies. When he spoke with Mistress Change right before that whole nasty fight, she mentioned things from his source character would bleed over. So he must figure that we’re his accidental harem, and it’s not worth fighting it.” “I’m not sure how I feel about that.” Sparkle said passing some lettuce over. “I wouldn’t worry, Nuada seems like the guy who wouldn’t put up with a bad person in his home. Sure Bestla takes some liberties but she is a nice person deep down.” Ushio said happily. “Right so who is this Bestla by the way you’ve mentioned her twice now.” “She’s a galaxy police officer, her ship is the one you saw outside, she’s been working on it since she got here trying to get a distress signal out. Nuada took her in without much thought like Cinder.” Ushio explained, “She’s like a troublesome older sister, always trying to analyze Nuada and figure out his power, in her off time.” “I see, maybe I can lend a hoof, I know a lot about technology now, and even how to merge it with magic, so maybe I can help her out. I’ve got about a week off, Commander needs me for the final push after that.” Sparkle explained. “Final push?” Ushio asked. “We found the Collectors origin point, Commander wants to take them out before they can do anymore harm. But he authorized a twenty four hour shore leave. I lucked out in that much more time passes here than it does in my world. Starswirl figures sixteen hours at home is around seven days here.” Sparkle explained. “Well that’s nice, you’ll come back by after it’s over?” Ushio asked a little fear playing across her face. She hadn’t spent a lot of time with Sparkle, but she still is one of the two that saved her from Katago. The thought of her dying in a war twisted at her heart. “I’ll make sure to come back over after it’s over.” Sparkle said with as much confidence as she could, despite knowing she could die at any point in the coming fight. Besta watched her cameras in confusion, she had just watched as a small aircraft came back from town carrying Nuada, Ushio, some very strange kind of pony she didn’t recognize, and what looked like Twilight but didn’t at the same time. Running the energy signature against her database she found it was the exact same as the secondary mystery signature from the explosion of Katago’s ship. “Interesting, so this must be that pony, from another dimension, that Nuada mentioned. I think I’ll observe her for a little while.” Bestla said to herself as she turned on a few cameras she had placed throughout the house in secret. Turing on all the different filters and scanning systems, a holographic three dimensional of the small home formed in the air before her. Dots representing all the residents formed showing locations. And readouts on energy levels started displaying. “Nuada I was looking for you.” Sparkle said entering the storage shed attached to the house. “What’s up?” Nuada asked as he pulled some carrots and potatoes out of a box. It had been some time and his farms had finally borne fruit so to speak. It had been a busy week for him as he had to harvest them all and take them home before they went bad in the ground. “I forgot to ask earlier, Starswirl is holding another communicator like this one, but he needs a message to attach to it, before sending it off to other Displaced.” Sparkle said. “Okay, would you mind sending it to him? I haven’t had a chance to learn how this one works.” Nuada stated holding the GXP communicator up. “Sure we’ll just record it on my omni-hoof. I also infused the communicator into the omni-hoof so we can communicate at any time.” Sparkle said holding up her left front hoof a screen with a record button was projected. “Okay how about this. Hello this is Nuada Lugh, Master of the Light Hawk Wings, and Guardian of Equestria. If you need assistance in any form and are of good alignment please contact me.” Sparkle nodded as she hit the stop button, “I’ll send it to Starswirl now, I wouldn’t be surprised if you got a call soon.” “We’ll see what happens.” Nuada nodded as he handed off a basket of vegetables to Sparkle’s magic and grabbed another basket loaded with different things. “Ushio, can you got get Bestla from her ship it’s about dinner time.” Nuada called from the kitchen the smell of a stew wafted through the doors drawing Sparkle and Cinder from their rooms to wait. “Okay!” She called back from where she was sweeping the floors. Ushio had just reached the little wooden arch that Nuada made as a point to use for the door in and out when Ushio saw a portal form and Bestal walk in. “Ushio what a surprise.” Bestla said with mock innocence, “I was just coming in to see Nuada.” “Uh hu, well dinner is ready, Nuada made vegetable stew tonight. We also have two guests.” Ushio said raising an eyebrow at the wolf girl. “Really I wonder who they are?” she said skipping past the little bunny girl and towards the house. “Bestla please behave, these two are gonna stay with us for a while.” Ushio said following her. “I’m shocked to think, you would think I wouldn’t be on my best behavior.” Bestla joked with a smirk, “I will be on my best behavior for these fine ladies.” Ushio frowned knowing she hadn’t mentioned anything about gender. “Okay everyone we have a new addition to the household and a guest for a week. So lets all introduce ourselves.” Nuada said as everyone seated themselves around a small table. Nuada thought about having to make a new one to accommodate everyone. “As we all know I am Nuada Lugh, I own this house so my rules are law here. Kirito is the spirit of the tree that maintains this space, he’s a Jurai Royal Tree, you can ask him for help with finding anything in this space. Be aware though if I ask him to block something from you it’s for your own good don’t try to circumnavigate it.” Ushio stood up and bowed, “I’m Ushio, I was rescued by Sparkle and Nuada a few months back. I’ve been taking care of the house chores like most of the cooking and cleaning. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” “Bestla of the GXP, Nuada let me stay here while I’m trying to fix my ship. It’s so nice to meet you both.” Bestla said winking at the two new girls. “Lieutenant Commander Twilight Sparkle of the SR2 Normandy, please call me Sparkle. I am a Displaced, one of a group of interdimensional travelers separated from our original worlds like Nuada here. I am visiting for a week before I return to my new home. It’s nice to meet you all.” Sparkle said nodding her head to Bestla. Cinder fidgeted beside Nuada, she felt self conscious and her normal self esteem felt greatly diminished. ‘It seems that mark has more effects to it,’ Cinder thought steeling herself. “I am Cinder the Succubus, Nuada defeated me in a fair fight and has won me as his new fiancee.” Ushio and Bestla looked at her and raised their eyebrows at Nuada. “Engaged in a day well well thats pretty quick.” Ushio stated forcing a smile, “congratulations.” “My my how interesting, you said he beat you in a fight and claimed you. How very manly.” Bestla said looking at Nuada with a bit of a glare, “Seeing as he is so powerful it must have been an easy thing for him.” “Yes he beat me quite soundly, and by the customs of my people he and I are to be wed within a year.” Cinder said tasting their jealousy in the air, even caught a small but strong taste off of Sparkle. Cinder relaxed into her old ways and continued to rub it in, “He was so manly the way he literally swept me off my feet before tieing me up.” “Really now, swept you off your feet?” Ushio asked cocking her head but glaring at Nuada. “Tied you up, my my you should have told me you wanted it the other way.” Bestla said with a smirk. “Um girls I think there is a misunderstanding here. Sparkle help me out?” Nuada asked before he saw the smirk on her muzzle. “But it’s all true, Nuada even now bears a mark on his right shoulder binding him to Cinder. It's a very important mark binding them together.” Sparkle said tossing her two bits in. Causing the other two girls to glare at him, the fury rising off of them. Nuada nursed his cheek where over lapping hand prints were forming. Everyone else was laughing as Sparkle properly explained what had happened. “So this was an accident, Nuada was just trying to stop you from enslaving Ponyville?” Bestla asked sipping some sake as they all ate. “Yes I’m embarrassed to admit, he beat me so quickly too, I had thought I had the power to take down Celestia only to find out I was sorely mistaken. I found out a little later that he was the general of the princesses that had beaten our King Vorak in the first place. If I can’t hold a candle to him how could I hope to even scratch Celestia.” Cinder sighed tasting the sake. It tasted different but good and decided to shoot it. “Now now Cinder sake is a sipping alcohol.” Sparkle said her face flush as she drank more sake, “You shouldn’t chug it. Hic. Excuse me.” “Yes Princess can't hold my liquor.” Cinder snarked back drinking some more, making loud slurping noises. "Now you stop that, I can hold my liquor just fine." Sparkle said stomping her hoof to make the point, but stumbled cutely ruining her attempt. “It looks like Cinder is gonna fit right in.” Ushio said as she offered Nuada another helping while apologizing for the slap. Author's Note So here we are, another chapter Cinder is making friends, and Nuada has finally joined the ranks of the Displaced properly. Go ahead and message me if you wanna cross over, though I have two lined up right now. //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Loneliness. //-------------------------------------------------------// No Need for Loneliness. “Is everyone ready?” Nuada asked as they stood on the beach. “I have a full charge on my blaster and a few tricks for these Collectors.” Bestla stated, patting her belt. She was in a tight fitting armored body suit with a belt full of supplies, she also told Nuada that she did have force field emitters in her shoulder pads that surrounded her with an invisible barrier that would stop most if not all attacks. “I swung by the Cake’s and filled up on ambient lust energy, I’m gonna be good for a while.” Cinder said she wore a similar body suit that Bestla had made for her. It hugged her curves in such a way that Nuada had to fight back a blush as Bestla had helped her into it. “Okay Ushio we’ll be back in a while.” Nuada said as he shifted in his Juraian battle armor, “I hope this is a short trip.” “Me too, I wish I could go with you.” Ushio said sadly. “I know, but for now watch the house. Twilight said her and her friends would come by tomorrow, and Celestia said she wanted to have some tea with you later today.” Nuada said with a nod, “Besides, we need you to watch the house for us.” “I know, be careful.” Ushio said as a portal opened behind them accompanied by some bells ringing twinkle twinkle little star. “We will be.” Nuada said as he walked through the portal. “We’ll be back before you know it.” Bestla said following. “Don’t worry we’re gonna kick some robot butt and bring back Sparkle.” Cinder said pulling Ushio into a hug before jumping through the portal and vanishing.