“I’m bored.” Scootaloo sighed, leaning out the window on the side of their treehouse. The three of them were trying to find something to do since they found their cutie marks. So far, they help a pony understand that he should be a cook, not a food taster. That was about it and ever since the town got destroyed, they were spending most of the time at the treehouse due to the school being blown up, again.

“Maybe we should see if anyone needs help?’ Apple Bloom suggested, bouncing a ball back and forth.

“No, my sister said we need to stay out of the way.” Sweetie Bell pointed out. “Besides, there some kind of portal near town and all the grownups want us to stay away from it.” The three sighed in union and then continue to do pointless things. Finally, Apple Bloom threw the ball away and turn to her friends.

“Let play hide and see or something.” She said, heading towards the steps. “We been coup up here forever. We can used the orchard or go see if Pinkie Pie is cooking anything good.”

“Or we could talk to the pony standing behind the trees over there.” Scootaloo said, motioning to outside. The other two look to see a glimpse of some pony ducking behind some branches.

“Who do you think it was?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Let’s go find out.” Scootaloo answered.
(Outside the treehouse.)

Fruit Flower was trying to stay as still as possible behind the tree. Why was she doing this? She knew the risk if she got caught by Silent One but Music’s words trouble her more then she let on. If the rebels are planning something, she wanted to have one more glimpse of…

“Hey, there!” A voice called out from behind Fruit Flower and she jump back in surprise, tripping over some roots. She turn to see Scootaloo hanging from a branch with Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom popping from around the other side of the tree. “Why are you watching us?” Scootaloo asked as she drop down from the tree branch, fluttering her wings to slow her descend.

“I wasn’t…I mean, I didn’t.” Fruit stutter out but then stood up quickly and brush off the dust on her cloak. “I wasn’t watching you, I was just taking a walk.”

“That was the worst lie I ever heard.” Scootaloo said. Fruit rolled her eyes and starting to walk away.
“I shouldn’t have come out here.” Fruit thought. “There is no way these three will stay quiet of seeing me and Silent One will now know for sure I was disobeying orders.” She was so lost it her thoughts that she about ran into Sweetie Bell, who was suddenly in front of her.
“What’s your name?” Sweetie Bell ask, knocking Fruit out of her thoughts. Fruit turn around only to stop in her path by Scootaloo. Fruit sighed and sat on the ground, clearly annoyed.
“My name is Fruit Flower and I need to leave. My friends are expecting me.” Fruit said and started to get up but the three block her path again, looking up with curiosity.
“Are you like a gardener or something?” Apple Bloom asked.
“No, I study under my teacher, Compassion One. I’m her apprentice and she is guiding me in the way of the Holy Warrior.” Fruit Flower answered and turn around only to be block by Scootaloo.
“Are you like some cool fighter or something?” Scootaloo asked excitedly, punching the air. Fruit smiled slightly, she forgotten how quick Scootaloo could be. A flood of memories came back and she shook her head of them. She didn’t need to be reminded.
“I’m not a cool fighter or something. I have been train to fight with some weapons but the Compassion One tends to teach about peace.” Fruit was looking around, hoping she could leave before more ponies could see her.
“If your teacher is about peace, why did she teach you how to fight?” Sweetie Bell asked. Fruit frown slightly and turn to face Sweetie Bell.
“She always was able to figure things out quicker” Fruit thought.
“I was taught to fight because in my world, there are ponies who want to hurt me and my teacher wanted to protect me.” She answered. The three went wide eye and started to fire off questions rapidly. They didn’t know that Fruit Flower was from the portal and they wanted to know as much as possible. Fruit try to answer what she could. She didn’t notice two figure were watching the whole exchange

(A few feet away from the treehouse.)

Apple Jack was working the fields and was hoping to gather some supply for her friends’ trip. She was taking a batch of Granny Apples when she saw her sister and friends surrounding that one traveler, Fruit Flower. By the looks of how they are acting, they were bugging her. Apple Jack was about to call out when she saw some pony else was watching the exchange. It was the one wearing the mask and seem to be just standing there.

Apple Jack watch as it started to paw at the ground and it snorted out a puff of air. Then, as quick as a whip, it shot from where it was standing and headed straight for the four. Apple Jack drop the apples and started to run. She didn’t know why it was running but she had a bad feeling.
(Back at the Treehouse.)

“No, we don’t have a Discord. He disappear a long time ago.” Fruit Flower answered Sweetie Bell question. She was about to answered another that Scootaloo asked when she look over their heads and spotted something moving towards them. She squinted to see what was heading for them and soon as she recognized what was coming, she pushed the three behind her. “Just stay behind me and don’t make a sound.” She whisper as the Silent One slide to a stop right in front of her.

“Silent One, I was just telling these young foals that…” Fruit started but was cut off when the Silent One slap her across the face, sending her to the ground. She hit the ground hard and was a little dazed. She look up to see the Silent One lording over her, the mask shining in the sun. She felt her fear growing and was hoping that it would be over quickly.

“Hey, leave her alone!” Apple Bloom shouted at the Silent One. It quickly turn to the three and started to approach them slowly. The three started to back away and Fruit Flower was struggling to get up from her fall. The Silent One was almost on top of the three when a rope wrap around its chest.

“You stay away from my sister!” Apple Jack said, pulling as hard as she can on the rope. The Silent One was barely moved but it stop moving towards them and turn to face Apple Jack. Apple Jack stood her ground but the Silent One didn’t even seem to care. It turn its attention back to Fruit Flower. Apple Jack step in front of it again, blocking from seeing Fruit.

“I don’t know what weird customs you have but where I come from.” Apple Jack said, keeping the Silent One from moving on Fruit Flower again. “You don’t hit the pony that you are suppose protect and you don’t go after strangers.” The Silent One cock its head to the side and then raised its hoof in a striking posed.

“Silent One, step down!” Fruit Flower shouted. It lower hoof and step away from Apple Jack. “I’m sorry. It thought I was in danger and reacted accordingly. I should’ve never left my camp. We will be leaving now.” Fruit Flower dust herself off and motion for Silent One to follow. The two walked away, leaving Apple Jack and the three foals speechless.
(Outside the portal, four hours later)

“I’m telling you, girls. There is something off about all this.” Apple Jack said as the group started prepping for the trip. Rarity was packing everything under the sun while Pinkie was packing baking supplies. Starlight was listening while packing some paper. “That Silent One was about to kill her and it didn’t look too friendly to me and my sister.”

“I agree with Apple Jack.” Rainbow Dash said. “I get the feeling there is more going on than their letting on. I mean, why can’t Twilight go? Who would want to hurt her?” Every pony let this settle in as they continue packing. As Starlight pick up her pack, she saw two other pony were walking over. One was a yellow unicorn and the other was a cherry red pegasi.

“Record Keeper, Sky Watcher. What are you ponies doing here?” Starlight asked the two as they approach.

“For science!” Sky Watcher cheered, receiving a glare from Record Keeper.

“What she meant to say.” Record Keeper explained. “Was we were sent by Doctor Hooves to see how they work their time magic. Also, any other technology that we might need to look at but that’s a secret.” The two walk over and look up at the portal. “So, do they know that we’re coming or are we a surprise?”

“We explain how we like a tour of their world before any agreement or alliance and they said that it was alright. They also want to give a gift to the princesses before the tour.” Starlight explain.

“Let just hope that it is a gift.” Rainbow Dash said. There was a sudden flash from the portal and the group turn to see that two ponies coming out, carrying a long wooden box between them. They set it on the ground and back away as Fruit Flower step up to the box.

“Is Princess Luna still here?” Fruit Flower asked the group. Before any of them could answer, Luna descended from the sky and landed beside right next to Apple Jack.

“I was told you have a gift to give to my sister And I?” Luna stated.

“It more of a gift for you but I believe your sister will be thankful for it too.” Fruit Flower said, kicking the box to open it. The lid swung open and Fruit Flower pull out a long silver object. It gleamed in the afternoon light and blinded the group for a moment. They all look to see it was a leg, almost identical to the one Luna lost.

“It was forged based on the spec of our Luna but I still think it will fit.” Fruit Flower said as she place it on the ground. Luna limped over to it and pick it up with her magic. As if it knew what to do, the leg simmered and floated to her injured limb. As soon as the metal hit flesh, Luna felt a coolness wash over her. She watch as the metal merge and almost was able to feel from the new limb.

“It’s a brand new magic we developed.” Fruit explained. “It to help ponies that lost limbs in accidents. So to show trust, we brought you one of the many technology advances we have develop.” Twilight notice that although Fruit was smiling, she couldn’t help but feel that Fruit was hiding something. Before Twilight could ponder on it any more, Fruit turn to Record Keeper and Sky Watcher.

“I don’t believe we have met.” Fruit Flower raised a hood to the two. Sky Watcher knock on it while Record Keeper kept to himself.

“I’m Sky Watcher and this my friend, Record Keeper. We volunteer to go on the tour for time related reason.” Sky Watcher said cheerfully. Record Keeper put a hoof to his face and shook it slowly.

“What she meant is, we are wanting to look at the time spells you used to open these portals and other magic ability. We hope this is alright.” Record Keeper explain. Fruit Flower look a little concerned then nodded.

“Alright, but you have to follow the same rules as these three.” Fruit said, pointing to Pinkie, Rarity and Starlight. “And they are as follow. You can’t travel without a guide. We need to keep you protected because in several of our planes, there is a crime element we have trouble getting rid of. The second rule will be not to take any of our items without asking, due to the fact that many of them are dangerous. The third and final rule, do not question anything the holiness says. She is our most respected leader and she does everything for a reason. Follow these rules and I believe this trip will be fine.” She turn around and headed to the portal.

“Well, that’s not going to make it hard to figure out if their bad or not.” Rainbow Dash mutter.

“We’ll be fine.” Pinkie Pie said as she pick up her pack. “Besides, if they try anything sneaky, I’ll just pull out the good old Pinkie sense.” She pat her head a couple of time when saying this and started to follow after Fruit Flower. Rarity sighed and follow with Starlight not far behind. Before they walked through the portal, Starlight turn to face the rest of the group.

“Remember, be careful. They might try to do something while we’re gone.” Starlight said.

“I was going to say the same to you.” Twilight responded. “We have no idea what you’re getting yourselves into.”

“Come on, girls.” Pinkie said. “What’s the worse that can happen?”

(Inside Alpha Plain)

“So she disobey.” Compassion One said, looking at the Silent One. They were in a state building that was built near their portal entrance. It nodded and Compassion sighed. “That is disappointing. I’ll deal with her when she gets back. Did the gift get to Luna?” Again, the Silent One nodded. Compassion nodded and turn to the holy followers. “Do you think I should do what I promised or wait?” There were slight whispers and a giggle as they discuss. Finally, Compassion turn back to the Silent One. “Bring her in here.”

The Silent One bowed and left the room. Twenty minutes later, Fruit Flower came inside follow by the Silent One. Fruit bowed to Compassion as soon as the door closed.

“They are here and waiting to meet you, my holiness.” Fruit said, her face nearly press against the ground in respect. Compassion nodded and walk over to a chair. As she sat down, she place on a hoof claw on her right front hoof and attach a knife on to it. Then she pick up an apple and started to cut off piece of it. She open her mask mouth piece, threw one piece inside and started to chew slowly.

“My dear Fruit, what is your opinions on this plane? Should we convert it like the rest or should we leave it be?” Compassion asked, slowly chewing the apple in her mouth. Fruit look a little shock and raised her head to look up at Compassion.

“I believe we don’t have to convert them. They seem harmless enough and they still have the princesses. We do need a trade route and it might calm the rebels.” She answered. Compassion nodded and got off the chair, walking towards Fruit. She toss the apple in the air and caught it again with her left hoof. She then wrap her arm around and held the apple in front of Fruit’s face.

“I do consider this thought. Fruit?” Compassion offer the apple to her. Fruit shook her head no and Compassion continue. “You know what I like about these hoof claws?” She lift up the device and started to flex her arm, causing the knife to slowly come out. “It allowed me to handle such delict items such as knives and forks. You know how they work, right?” Fruit suddenly felt presser being force on the back of her head and she was force closer to the blade. Compassion drop the apple to the ground and let it roll away.

“It works because every gear works together, not against each other.” Compassion said, in a voice similar to talking to a small foul. “The gears allow me to just flex my hoof and the blade come out as slow as I want it to.” She flex a little the slower causing the tip of the blade to slowly extend to Fruit’s eye. Sweat was starting to pour off of her at this point as she try to struggle out of Compassion grip but it was too tight. The blade was so close that if Fruit had blink, it would have cut right through the eye lid. She was trying her best not to.

“But you want to know the most important thing about this device?” Compassion asked, keeping the same tone throughout. “If one of these gears get broken or in this case, got out of place. I can just have it replace. I want you to remember that Fruit, about how easily things can be replace.” With that, she threw Fruit to the ground and retracted the blade back into the device. “Now as for you punishment for disobeying my orders.”

Fruit crawl on to the ground to Compassion hooves and started to beg. “Please, I’m sorry. Please, it was an accident. Don’t hurt anyone, please.” Compassion brush back her mane and lift Fruit eyes to her mask.

“Oh, my dear sweet Fruit. I understand your pain and how this must feel. But I want you to know this, I don’t care.” Compassion whisper into Fruit’s ear. “I told you not to leave the camp site and you didn’t listen. I believe I told you what would happen to the next pony you talk to without my permission.”

“No, please.” Fruit begged, tears starting to well up in her eyes.

“I am summoning Razorback.” Compassion said.

Author's Note

Now to see the true face of compassion, metaphorically speaking. And for those of you wondering why i sent Starlight instead of Twilight to investigate the other world. Can we remember how well that went last time?