Paradise Lost: Daughter of Gensokyo

Chapters

Chapter 2: Shocking Recollections
Chapter 3: Return to Everfree
Chapter 4: Familiar Faces
Chapter 5: Of Dolls and Fairies
Chapter 6: A Memory Awakens
Chapter 7: Pieces of Mind
Chapter 8: A Regular Burglar
Chapter ⑨: THE STRONGEST
Chapter 10: What in Sam Hill?
Chapter 11: Thorned Rose
Chapter 12: A Token of my Own
Chapter 13: Double Feature
Chapter 14: Kill the Invasion
Chapter 15: Kill the Conflict
Chapter 1: Daughter of Gensokyo

Chapter 2: Shocking Recollections

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Chapter 3: Return to Everfree

Author's Note

Before the chapter, I just wanted to say: the gore tag was added because of this chapter's content. I wasn't sure whether or not I could get away with what I have without the gore tag, and because of my uncertainty, I decided it was better to be safe than sorry, thus the gore tag.

Anyway, a bit more action in this chapter!

Chapter 3: Return to Everfree

Rainbow Dash and I are standing at the entrance to the Everfree Forest. The sun is still low in the sky, the early morning shadows stretching long towards the West.

“Here we are,” I say to Shanghai, who's hanging onto my right shoulder, as usual, “ready to start a day of adventure.”

“Mmm…” Shanghai says, half-heartedly, “I'm still not sure about this…”

“Don't worry,” Rainbow Dash says confidently, finally getting used to Shanghai, “Alex is awesome! We'll be fine.”

I laugh a little, “Oh, so I'm the one who's going to play the hero?” I answer with a humorous tone.

“Well, I can't summon lightning at will,” Rainbow Dash says back, her tone light-hearted, but with a hint of awe underneath, “but we're burning daylight standing here talking. Let's go!”

With that, Rainbow Dash eagerly runs into the forest. I watch her for a moment, a smile on my face, before I shake my head and follow her.

As we walk through the forest, I note the lack of Timberwolves, and find it strange. I guess my little stunt last night made them wary of me?

We eventually reach a marshy stream, which has a large, mossy rock in the middle. The rock is convenient for crossing, but something about it is nagging at me…

Rainbow Dash looks at me, not noticing the expression of thought on my face. “What are you waiting for?” she asks cheerfully, “let's keep going!” With that, Rainbow Dash approaches the stream.

My eyes snap wide open as I finally realize why the rock is bothering me, and I shout out to Rainbow Dash, “that's not a normal rock!”

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash responds, confused, as she lands on the 'rock'.

When she lands, the being pretending to be a rock shifts, forcing Rainbow Dash to take to the air to avoid being tossed into the murky water. The thing rises up in the water, revealing itself to be a large, rocky crocodile.

“Whoa!” Rainbow Dash says as she's thrown off. She then notices the crocodile-like creature. “How'd you know that was a Cragadile?” she asks me.

I notice the so-called 'Cragadile' preparing to leap at Rainbow Dash, “survive now, questions later!”

Rainbow Dash gets the hint and dodges to the side just in time to avoid the snapping jaws of the Cragadile, which then splashes back down into the stream. Rainbow Dash's dodge brought her to the opposite side of the stream, and the Cragadile eyes her from the water, apparently either uninterested in leaving, or unable to leave, the stream. It turns its gaze to me, and I realize I still need to cross the stream.

“Just zap it!” Rainbow Dash calls.

“Unless you want an angry Ursa Minor after us again,” I remind Rainbow Dash, “lightning is out of the question!”

“Oh yeah.”

I weigh my options as the Cragadile continues to eye me. I realize that since it's made of stone, it must be very heavy. Even though it made an incredible leap trying to reach Rainbow Dash, a plan to exploit its weight forms in my mind.

“Well, here goes nothing.”

Reverse Sign「Turn Over」

The magic circle forms around the Cragadile, and then it's flipped onto its back, which catches it by surprise. Not wanting to waste my opportunity, I cross the stream quickly.

On the other side, I turn around just in time to see the Cragadile finish rolling upright, before it turns toward me, and I swear I see spite in its glare.

“Now that that's done,” Rainbow Dash says from next to me, “do you mind explaining yourself?”

I had forgotten that Rainbow Dash doesn't know much about Gensokyo. “I can faintly sense the power of nearby living beings,” I respond, “it's a skill that many Yokai from Gensokyo have. It's not very powerful though, so I'm actually a bit surprised I could tell that rock was alive.”

Rainbow Dash gives me a look of slight disbelief before responding, “well, look who's just full of tricks.”

“And I'm still on the weak end of the spectrum when it comes to the residents of Gensokyo,” I retort, continuing through the forest with Rainbow Dash. She looks amazed by this comment.

“Really?” she says, “is the average person in… where you're from, really so strong?”

“Yeah,” I say in response, “I've heard of someone who has the ability to destroy anyth-”

I stop speaking and moving suddenly when I hear a strange noise just ahead, “wait,” I say to Rainbow Dash, “there's something just up ahead.”

Rainbow Dash looks at me for a few moments, before a mischievous grin - which is becoming a familiar sight to me - forms on her face, “let's go check it out, then.”

Before I can stop her, Rainbow Dash is already rushing ahead, and I'm forced to follow her to make sure she doesn't get herself hurt.

I catch up to Rainbow Dash, who is crouching behind some bushes. I crouch next to her, and noticing her intent gaze, follow her eyes to a large beast.

The creature has the body, legs and head of a lion, its hind legs being mostly unremarkable, but its forelegs and fore paws are very large and strong-looking. It has a pair of large bat wings on its back and bat ears on its head. Finally, it has a big scorpion tail, with a mean-looking stinger.

“What is that?” I ask nobody in particular, incredibly confused.

“That,” Rainbow Dash starts, “is a Manticore.”

The Manticore is padding forward slowly, making noises to its left and right as it goes. The noises sound kind of like a mixture of low growling and steady clicking. Absent-mindedly, my gaze drifts to the Manticore's bat ears. I stare at the bat ears, listening to the strange clicking-growling noise…

Suddenly the connection between the two is made in my mind as my eyes widen in realization. I quickly and silently pull Rainbow Dash down so that we're both completely behind the bush.

“W-” I don't even let Rainbow Dash get past the first syllable as I put my hand over her mouth as silently as possible. I lean in towards her ear, and in as quiet of a voice as possible that Rainbow Dash can still hear, I whisper into her ear.

“Don't make a single noise. It's using echolocation to search for prey.”

The two of us silently listen to the sounds of the Manticore's paws on the ground and its echolocation-like growling from behind the bush. Suddenly, the growling stops.

As the sound of its paws grows slightly louder with each step, I realize what's happening. I turn to Rainbow Dash and whisper, “it found us.”

Rainbow Dash looks at me with a surprised expression on her face… and I realize too late that the footsteps stopped, and in the next instant, the Manticore lunges at us through the bush with a roar.

I barely manage to dive out of the way, the Manticore's claw grazing the back of my leg. I get up quickly and turn to face the Manticore, on the verge of using a Spellcard before I remember that I'm avoiding lightning magic, which means I can't go on the offensive.

The Manticore turns to me, snarling. I swallow as I attempt to stare it down, struggling to keep the nervousness off my face. I look over the Manticore in more detail, and realize that it isn't as muscular and healthy looking as I first thought. In fact, it looks very lean and underweight. I begin to feel bad for the poor Manticore as I realize that it's probably starving.

After a moment, the side-effects of my pity make themselves known as the adrenaline from earlier drains away. Suddenly the pain from the 'scratch' on my leg - which turns out to be more severe than what it felt like earlier - forcefully comes to my attention in my mind, and I inhale sharply through my teeth as my leg is no longer able to support my weight and I fall to the ground, clutching the injury.

Rainbow Dash notices this from the far side of the Manticore, and - thinking quickly - swoops past it, scooping me up and flying away. I can hear the Manticore crashing through the forest in pursuit.

I try to ask for our destination, my voice strained through the pain, “Ungh, where are you-”

“Shush,” Rainbow Dash cuts me off, “just save your energy. I'm bringing you to Fluttershy. She should be able to fix you right up.”

Rainbow Dash flies through the forest for a while, the Manticore crashing after us the whole time, slowly falling behind due to Rainbow Dash's speed, until the edge of the forest comes into sight. Just past the edge of the forest I see a house, which seems to be Rainbow Dash's destination, so I assume that house is where this 'Fluttershy' lives.

The house appears to have a grassy roof, and the front yard is littered with holes, which appear to be for small, subterranean animals. There are bird houses scattered all over the house itself as well as a tree in the front yard. The path coming from the front door of the house leads to a bridge over a stream. Looking under the bridge, I notice a tiny dock-like structure leading to a space under the bridge. Out front is a feminine-looking pony, who must be Fluttershy.

Fluttershy has yellow hair, and a pink mane and tail, the mane curling up at the ends. Her outfit consists of a green, wool sweater - which has slits in the back for some wings - blue jeans and a butterfly hair clip in her mane. Rainbow Dash comes to a screeching halt in front of Fluttershy, who recoils in surprise… or fright… or maybe both.

Rainbow Dash begins speaking quickly, “Alex's leg is injured, and we've got an angry Manticore after us, and-”

GRROOOOO!!!

The Manticore comes crashing out of the forest with an enormous roar, cutting off Rainbow Dash. Startled, Fluttershy looks over at the Manticore, which is taking a moment to look her over as it bares its teeth with a low growl.

To my surprise, Fluttershy steps between us and the Manticore, and gives it… a look that I can't effectively describe. All I can say is, even from behind, just by looking at her, I can feel my willpower fall away. I can't exactly blame the Manticore as it slowly backs up before lowering itself to the ground, placing its head between its paws in silence.

“Now that you've calmed down,” Fluttershy says in a voice that's a lot sweeter and quieter than I was expecting, considering what just happened, “I'll go get you some food.”

Fluttershy enters her house, and a few moments later comes out with… what appears to be raw chicken from a butcher? I take another look at all the bird houses, the holes all over the lawn, and remember the tiny pier. Thinking about it, I decide that she must love animals of all kinds, and - judging by that, uh, Stare of hers - must also know how to deal with animals of all kinds. I turn back to the Manticore to see it finishing the last of the chicken, before it turns with a soft purr and goes back into the forest.

After that is said and done, Fluttershy turns to us, “you said something about an injured leg, Rainb-” Fluttershy stops short with a gasp when she sees my leg, “oh my gosh!”

“Yeah,” I say to Fluttershy, “the Manticore did this.”

“The poor thing was hungry,” Fluttershy says without looking up, “you can't blame it for trying to get some food.” She inspects my injured leg for a few more moments before speaking again, “but your leg looks different from anything I've seen before. I'll still try my best to treat it anyway. Rainbow Dash, could you please bring her inside?” Rainbow Dash nods and follows Fluttershy into her house, letting me stand while offering her shoulder for support since I still can't put weight on my bad leg.

The inside of her house has more bird houses, and there are small staircases and doorways scattered about, along with a variety of other objects for a variety of animals. It's obvious to me that she loves animals.

Fluttershy tells us to wait in the living room, then leaves the room. While waiting for her, I finally realize that Shanghai is missing, “wait, where's Shanghai?”

“Oh,” Rainbow Dash responds, “I remember seeing her fly away when the Manticore first attacked us. I'm sure she's just at my house.”

“Well, if she's not, we have to look for her,” I say to Rainbow Dash. Before Rainbow Dash can respond though, Fluttershy comes back into the room with some disinfectant and gauze. She expertly treats the wound on my leg, and I have to wonder if she works as a paramedic.

After Fluttershy finishes, she speaks to me, “now that your injury has been tended to, I don't think you've introduced yourself yet. Do you mind telling me your name?”

“Oh, right,” I say, having forgotten about that, “my name is Alexandria Kijin.”

“I hope you don't mind me saying Miss Kijin,” Fluttershy says shyly, and incredibly formally, “but you look really different from us ponies, and you don't look like any other animal I've seen before.”

“You can just call me Alex,” I begin, “but as for my species, I'm half-human and half-Yokai.”

“I don't think I've heard of a Yokai before,” Fluttershy says, “but you seem like you don't want to go into that topic, so I'll leave it be.” She then turns to Rainbow Dash, “you should get home Rainbow Dash. Miss Ki- Um, Alex, needs to rest her leg. I think it's a good idea for her to stay here until she recovers.”

Rainbow Dash gives me a worried look. “Alright, if you say so, Shy,” Rainbow Dash says finally in a worried tone, “I'll see you later Alex.” With that, and a quick wave, Rainbow Dash leaves.

For most of the afternoon, I try and make some small talk with Fluttershy, though my attempts aren't very successful. Later, I'm watching the sunset outside one of the front windows when there's a tiny knock on the front door. Confused by how tiny the knock was, I answer it… and Shanghai flings herself at me, sobbing with tears streaming down her small face.

“Alexandria!” Shanghai says, her voice overflowing with relief, “I'm sorry for running away like that, but… Rainbow Dash came home alone, and when I asked her why, she said you were hurt! I was really worried!”

I see Fluttershy come into the room from the corner of my eye. She stops short when she sees Shanghai. “Come on Shanghai,” I say to Shanghai, trying to calm her down, “there's no need to cry. I'm going to be just fine, thanks to Fluttershy.”

Shanghai lets go, wiping at her eyes as she calms down. “Oh yeah,” she says, “Rainbow Dash mentioned a Fluttershy.”

I turn to Fluttershy, “well this is Fluttershy. Fluttershy, this is Shanghai. She used to be a doll, but for reasons that we don't yet know, she came to life a couple days ago.”

Fluttershy looks at Shanghai with an intrigued look on her face, “well, it's nice to meet you Shanghai. You look very well made. The doll maker who made you must have been very talented.”

Shanghai blushes and fidgets a little, embarrassed by the praise. “Alice was definitely very talented,” I say to Fluttershy, “her dolls are the best in all of Gensokyo, the place where I was born.”

Fluttershy looks at me and says, “her dolls must make all the children very happy.”

I think back to the shows Alice would put on for all the people of the Human Village, and how after we became friends, I would come to every single one. These memories cause me to finally realize just how much I actually miss Alice and the other people that I got to know in Gensokyo, the homesickness setting in. For once, I'm thankful for having my thoughts interrupted as Fluttershy speaks up.

“But it's getting late,” she says to me, “you really need to get your rest. I'll bring you to one of the guest rooms.”

As it turns out, there are several guest rooms in Fluttershy's house. I'm brought to one, and Fluttershy leaves after saying good night. I finally realize just how exhausted I actually am. I climb into bed with Shanghai, we say our good nights, and - for the third night in a row - I fall asleep almost instantly.

End of Chapter 3

Chapter 4: Familiar Faces

I wake up to the sound of birds chirping, and sunlight streaming in through the window. I sit up and yawn with a stretch, and unlike two mornings ago, I'm fully aware of where I am. I'm feeling much better now that I've had some sleep, though my leg is still a little sore.

I look down next to myself to see that Shanghai is still asleep. I decide that I'll step outside to watch the sunrise, and since I plan to come right back in afterwards, I also decide to leave Shanghai alone. I leave the guest room, and as I pass through the living room, I see Fluttershy awake, putting bird seed into some bird feeders.

“Um,” I start gently, though I still startle Fluttershy as she jumps a little. “I'm feeling a lot better today. I was just going to step out front and watch the sunrise. I'll come right back in afterwards.”

“Oh, um, alright,” Fluttershy answers quietly. “I'm glad that you're feeling better.”

I smile at her kind words as I step out the front door and watch the sunrise. I stand there for a few moments in silence, when a female voice off to the side catches my attention.

“Oof!”

(I'm pretty sure I recognize that voice…) I think as I turn in the direction of the voice… and am shocked by who I see lying on the ground by the trees of the Everfree Forest.

She has long blonde hair, and a large, black witch's hat. The hat has a large pink bow on it, and some pink frills under the rim. She's also wearing a black and pink dress. The skirt of the dress has two layers: the layer on the bottom is black, with pink frills on the hem; the top layer is only a semi-circle on the front, and is pink with frills on the edge. The sleeves are short and pink, and the front of the dress' torso is pink with buttons down the front. On top of the dress she's wearing a black shirt with straps over the shoulders, and she also has black boots on her feet. A broom is on the ground next to her.

I definitely recognize who this is, and she definitely shouldn't be in Equestria.

“Yeesh, wasn't expectin' such a rough landin',” she says, her manner of speaking being very informal.

After a few moments of silence, I finally find my voice, and I can't help but shout, “Marisa!?”

Marisa looks over at me, surprised by my sudden shout. Fluttershy also rushes outside in response to my shout, but stops when she sees Marisa. After a few moments, Marisa's look of surprise is replaced by a grin.

“Hey, I'd recognize those mismatched eyes any day,” she says, rising to her feet with broom in hand, before her smile drops away in favour of a confused frown as she continues. “But what're you doin' here Alex?” Without giving me time to respond, she looks around and keeps speaking. “Actually, where's 'here' anyway?”

“This is a place called Equestria,” I say to Marisa. “But I have no idea how I got here, or why I'm here.” I decide not to share the foreign memories I seem to have, since I doubt anybody would believe that some weirdo named Magic Man supposedly warped me here anyway. I'm having trouble believing it myself.

“Equestria, huh?” Marisa says. “You sure seem to know a lot about this place.”

“Well, this is the fourth day of my time here,” I answer, somewhat defensively.

Our conversation is interrupted suddenly when Rainbow Dash comes flying over. “Hey Alex, I see you-” Rainbow Dash cuts off when she notices Marisa, before speaking back up. “Who're you?”

Marisa smirks as she answers. “I'm Marisa Kirisame, a human magician.” She then leans towards Rainbow Dash sassily as she continues. “But who, and what, are you?”

Rainbow Dash answers proudly, with a flourish of her wings, “I'm Rainbow Dash, and I'm a Pegasus!”

“A Pegasus?” Marisa asks, clearly confused. “Aren't those suppose'ta be horses with wings? I mean, you've got the wings, but you don't look like any horse I've ever seen.”

I can see that this is going nowhere fast, so I interject. “Don't worry about it for now Marisa.” I then decide to ask Marisa something that's on my mind. “But, how did you get here?”

Marisa turns to me, a grin not too different from the ones I've seen on Rainbow Dash spreads on her face. “Alex, you should know that a Gensokian like me won't give up important information like that so easily.”

I know exactly where this is going, and I don't want it to go there. “Marisa, don't. Can't we just have a civil-”

“Nope!” Marisa cuts me off. “If you want the information that badly, you'll haffta beat me in a Danmaku Contest, right here, right now!”

I sigh heavily as I realize I'm not going to get the information any other way. “Fine…”

Marisa's face lights up. “Heh heh! That's the spirit! I hope you're ready for this, I'm not gonna go easy on you!”

Just as we're about to start, Fluttershy speaks up. “Um… What's a 'Danmaku Contest'?”

I remember that Equestria doesn't have Danmaku Contests, so I try to explain the best I can. “Well, in a Danmaku Contest, one person shoots the other with Danmaku. Danmaku is a bunch of objects, known as bullets, organized in elaborate, complex patterns-”

Rainbow Dash cuts me off. “Bullets?” she says, flustered. “As in kill!?”

“No no no,” I say to Rainbow Dash, shaking my head. “Danmaku bullets are non-lethal, meaning they can't kill. There's no reason to be worried. But getting back to the explanation: one person shoots the other person with elaborate, complex patterns of non-lethal Danmaku bullets. The second person has to dodge these patterns in order to be victorious. However, because of the complexity of the patterns, there's an extra rule which is absolutely necessary, otherwise it would be impossible for the second person to win: Simply coming into contact with a bullet isn't enough to count for a loss. Instead, a loss only happens if a bullet passes through a small point in the center of your body called the 'focus point'. Because you can't see this point, all Danmaku make a distinctive noise when passing through the focus point. Finally, a very common term used in Danmaku Contests - which would be helpful to know - is 'grazing'. A graze is when a bullet comes into contact with your body, but misses your focus point.”

Marisa speaks up impatiently, tapping her foot. “You done now? Good, let's get this started.” With that, Marisa enthusiastically - but unnecessarily - declares, “I officially challenge you to a Danmaku Contest! If you win, I tell you how I got here. If I win, I ge'ta keep it a secret.”

The two of us rise up into the air, and a barely visible blue box surrounds us, representing the borders of the in-bounds space. This space is the confines of the Danmaku Contest: any Danmaku bullets will vanish instantly the moment they leave the blue box. Marisa finally takes notice of the gauze wrapped around my leg.

“Oh wait, you're injured,” she says, while I wonder how blind she must be if she missed that. “In that case, I guess I lied earlier. I'll go easy on you this time 'cause your leg is injured, but next time, I won't hold back, injury or not.” (Gee, thanks) I think to myself sarcastically. “But this Danmaku Contest starts now,” Marisa says enthusiastically, before shooting a thick barrage of star-shaped bullets at me.

I clear my thoughts and focus on the bullets. I note the trajectory of each one, ignoring the ones that will go out-of-bounds, and I expertly weave between the ones that get near me. Even though I could shoot back at Marisa to theoretically finish this quicker, I know from experience that I can't focus on dodging and shooting at the same time: either I'm shooting and forget to dodge, or I'm dodging and forget to shoot. Because of this, I resort to my usual strategy: waiting out each pattern, which only lasts a certain amount of time. Back in Gensokyo, this strategy - dubbed the 'Timeout Style' - became my signature strategy for Danmaku Contests.

As Marisa's first pattern continues on, the density and severity of the pattern gradually increases. Marisa gives me a somewhat playful, yet very determined, look as she taunts me. “You're not doin' as well as I remember. Heh heh, have you been forgettin' to practice?” I ignore her taunting as I continue to put all my focus into dodging as I'm eventually forced to graze the bullets in order to avoid losing.

Just as it seems that grazing won't be possible anymore, the pattern times out, and all the bullets disappear. I breath a sigh of relief as I catch my breath.

“I'd forgotten about your Timeout Style,” Marisa says, sounding slightly disappointed. “But I'm not done yet. It's not a Danmaku Contest if I don't use a Spellcard! Since I promised to go easy on you this time, I'll only use a single volley of a single Spellcard, and then be done.” A somewhat disturbing grin is plastered on Marisa's face as she says this, and I realize exactly which Spellcard she plans to use. Knowing that the Spellcard is a straight, wide shot, I quickly fly to one edge of the in-bounds area so I can avoid it by going to the opposite side. Marisa pulls out a small object in the shape of an octagonal prism: her Mini-Hakkero.

“Alright, ready or not, here it comes!”

Marisa whispers a spell into the Mini-Hakkero, and then points it right at me. Slits on the Mini-Hakkero's front begin to glow. After a few tense moments, I see the thin, white line of the warning tracer appear - signifying the center of the path the attack will follow - going from the Mini-Hakkero and passing straight through me.

Love Sign「Master Spark」

I fly as quickly as I can away from the little white line, and make it out of range just in time for an enormous beam of rainbow-coloured light to shoot from the Mini-Hakkero, grazing both of my feet. The beam - Marisa's signature Master Spark - is almost three meters thick, and overall very intimidating. The beam persists for several seconds before dissipating, and after it does, the blue box disappears, leaving the two of us to return to the ground.

Rainbow Dash comes up to me quickly. “Are you okay?”

“I'm fine,” I respond. “I had to deal with this kind of stuff on a daily basis in Gensokyo. I might be getting kind of rusty though.”

Marisa speaks up, shaking her head with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. “As always, I just can't seem to hit you,” she looks up at me with a grin before continuing. “But one of these days I'll win a Danmaku Contest against you, I promise you that.”

“You say that every time, Marisa,” I say in response. “But I won, so you have to tell me how you got here.”

Marisa sighs. “Yeah, yeah, I haven't forgot.” Leaning against her broom, she explains what happened to her in a casual tone. “I was searchin' for mushrooms in the Forest of Magic for some spells, but then I came across a strange, gap-lookin' thing just hangin' in the air.”

This confuses me. “A 'gap-looking thing'? What do you mean?”

Marisa shrugs. “It looked kinda like one of Yukari's gaps, 'cept the inside didn't quite look the same, so it couldn't've been one of hers. Anyway, I was curious and decided to see where it lead. I jumped in, and found myself here.” I mull over this, but then Marisa speaks back up, looking at the Everfree Forest. “But it doesn't seem like I'll be able to go back anytime soon, so I'll be headin' off now. I'm gonna need to find a place to build a new house, and this forest here looks like a good candidate.”

Rainbow Dash looks at Marisa in surprise. “But, the Everfree Forest is full of all sorts of dangerous monsters.”

Marisa smirks as she looks over her shoulder. “I use'ta haffta fight gods almost on a daily basis. I'll be fine. If anythin', maybe the 'monsters' of this so-called 'Everfree Forest' will keep me occupied.” With that, she makes her way into the Everfree Forest.

Rainbow Dash looks at me. “Gods?”

I sigh, continuing to look in the direction Marisa went as I answer. “That was an exaggeration. But she is very strong. I have no doubt that she can take care of herself just fine.”

Fluttershy finally speaks up quietly. “Um… Maybe you should come back in and rest after that fight?”

I look up to the sky and see that the sun is almost overhead, meaning it's almost noon. I hear my stomach growl, and I answer with a blush. “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.”

Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and I all step inside, and I'm met by a slightly upset Shanghai who comes from the direction of the front window. “You left me again.”

I look at Shanghai. “I'm sorry. This morning after I woke up, I was going to watch the sunrise, and then come right back to wake you. I wasn't expecting Marisa to appear like that.” Shanghai doesn't respond, pouting. I sigh as Rainbow Dash speaks up.

“Let's leave her be for now and get some lunch.” I nod as we follow Fluttershy to the dining room.

After eating some lunch, I enter the living room to find Shanghai staring out the window. I call out to her.

“Shanghai?”

She turns to look, but then after realizing who called her, she turns back to the window. I sigh and sit on the floor next to her.

“Look Shanghai, I'm sorry. I was planning on coming right back, I promise.” Shanghai just stays silent and doesn't move. The way Shanghai is ignoring me nags at the back of my mind, like I'm missing something. I think about why she's still so upset despite my apologizing. After thinking it through, I figure it out: it's not a problem of whether or not I was going to come back, it's a problem of leaving her behind in the first place. I speak to Shanghai again. “I'm sorry for upsetting you. I realize now that you're upset with me for leaving you behind again. I should have woke you up whether I was planning to come right back or not.” Shanghai finally looks at me. After a few moments of silence, she speaks.

“Thank you for understanding. Just, please don't leave me behind again.”

“I promise.”

Our conversation is cut short by a knock on Fluttershy's door. Confused, I answer the door. I'm completely taken aback by who I find on the other side.

They look like a human, and are definitely female. She has shoulder-length, wavy blonde hair. She has a bow-less red ribbon on her head, which wraps across the top of her head, and goes down behind her ears. She's wearing a mostly-blue dress with short, white sleeves, and a pink ribbon tied around the waist. Over her shoulders, she has a small, white shoulder shawl, and she has a pink ribbon tied in the front hanging loosely around her neck. She's carrying a black book which is secured shut by a red ribbon which is wrapped around the book in a way reminiscent of a Christmas gift, and she has some thin string wrapped around her left forearm, attached to some metal rings worn on the index and middle fingers of her left hand.

We both exclaim in shock at the same time.

“Alice!?” “Alex!?”

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy rush into the room in response to our shouts, Rainbow Dash speaking in a 'ready to kick ass' tone, “what's going on!?” Rainbow Dash falls silent when she sees Alice. I'm the first to speak up.

“Alice, what are you doing here?” I can't hide my bewilderment as I ask the question.

“I don't know,” Alice says defensively. “I was walking through the Forest of Magic, but I wasn't paying attention and tripped on a root. When I stood back up, I was over there.” She points behind herself, and I notice that she's pointing in the direction of where Marisa suddenly appeared. It's not difficult for me to put two and two together, and I conclude that when Alice tripped, she probably happened to fall right into the same gap that Marisa described. Alice speaks up again. “I'm not sure what you're doing here Alex, but I'm glad I ran into a friendly face here, wherever this is.”

I decide that I'll explain everything to Alice, but the open doorway wouldn't the best place to do so. “How about you come inside, and I can explain what I know.” Alice comes in and notices Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. I take a moment to introduce them to each other. “Alice, this is Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, this is Alice Margatroid, my friend from Gensokyo.”

“Oh,” Alice says, slightly confused. “It's nice to meet you, I guess.”

“Uh, yeah,” Rainbow Dash answers somewhat lamely, while Fluttershy silently moves behind Rainbow Dash. “Sorry about Shy,” Rainbow Dash continues. “She's a bit, well, shy.”

I speak to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow Dash, I'd appreciate it if you could help with explaining things to Alice.”

Rainbow Dash is caught slightly off guard as she answers. “Oh, um, alright.”

I explain everything I know to Alice, and Rainbow Dash fills in the missing pieces. Once everything is explained to Alice, she sits in silence for several minutes, letting it all sink in. Finally, she speaks up.

“I… think I understand everything,” she says hesitantly, before looking at Shanghai and continuing. “And I might have some insight on what happened with Shanghai, but…” She trails off and looks out the window. I look outside as well, and I see that the sun is starting to set. I look back to Alice as she speaks up again. “It's getting late, and I don't have anywhere to stay.”

Rainbow Dash speaks up in response. “You're a doll maker, right?” This seems to be a rhetorical question, as Rainbow Dash doesn't wait for an answer. “Maybe Rarity would let you stay with her.”

I look at Rainbow Dash. “This is the first I've heard of this 'Rarity'.”

Rainbow Dash looks at me. “Oh yeah, you haven't met her yet, have you? Well then, you should come and meet her too.”

Deciding that I ultimately don't have anything better to do, I follow Rainbow Dash and Alice. Eventually, we stop in front of a shop. Alice and I both give Rainbow Dash a confused look. “Why are we at a shop?” Alice asks Rainbow Dash, echoing my thoughts.

Rainbow Dash looks at us as she responds. “This is the Carousel Boutique, Rarity's clothing shop. It's also where she lives.” Rainbow Dash steps inside, and - after a quick glance at each other - Alice and I follow her in. Rainbow Dash calls out into the shop. “Sorry for popping in when it's so late, but it's for an important reason! Could I speak to you please?”

In response to Rainbow Dash's shouting, a feminine voice calls back, “yes, yes! Calm down Rainbow Dash, I'll be there in just a moment!” After a few seconds, a very sophisticated looking pony - who must be Rarity - comes into the room.

She has white fur, and a long, curly, violet mane and tail. She's wearing a short, black pencil skirt, and a light blue, short-sleeved blouse. She has bracelets of what appear to be crystal beads on both her wrists, and rings with crystals embedded into them on several of her fingers. There's also a somewhat large crystal on the side of her pencil skirt's waist. The most prominent detail to Alice and I, however, is the single horn on her forehead. Even though Rainbow Dash explained to us that ponies with horns are only Unicorns, we simply can't help that the sight of that horn brings Oni to mind. Our thoughts are interrupted by a shocked exclamation from Rarity.

“My word!” Rarity's expression is an odd mixture of shock and horror as she looks at Alice, and I'm trying to figure out what's so horrifying when Rarity continues. “You are quite right Rainbow Dash, this is very important.”

Rarity walks over to Alice. “Wh-what?” Alice asks in confusion.

Rarity is looking over Alice's clothing as she responds. “Your attire. It just looks so… Old.”

Alice is even more confused by this. “Bu-”

Rarity cuts her off. “No need to worry, I'll help you fix it.” With that, Rarity begins to herd Alice - who's too confused at this point to form a complete word - towards the back of the shop.

I give Rainbow Dash a 'do something!' look. She shrugs silently, giving me an apologetic look. I stare at Rainbow Dash for a moment in exasperation. Then I set my mind: I'm not going to let my friend get - literally - pushed around like this.

I step in front of Rarity, purpose clear in my motions. She stops in surprise, then - in an impatient tone - says, “excuse me, but you are in my way.”

I put my hands on my hips as I answer. “Have you ever considered you might be imposing yourself onto others?”

Rarity looks at me silently for a few moments, with a combination of surprise and confusion on her face, before answering in an equally surprised and confused tone. “I beg your pardon?”

I gesture to Alice as I make my point. “Have you considered that maybe her choice in clothing has a purpose?” Rarity looks at Alice's outfit in confusion. I continue after a moment. “I'd like for you to tell me: in your opinion, what does she resemble in that outfit?”

Rarity looks over Alice's clothes for a few more seconds before responding. “She looks like one of those old Victorian era dolls. It's-”

“Exactly,” I cut her off before she can continue so I can get my point across. “That clothing makes her look like a doll.” I look at Rarity, slightly accusingly, as I continue. “Were you aware that she makes dolls? Specifically, dolls in the 'Victorian era' style.”

Rarity looks at Alice with a shocked look on her face. “A doll maker? You are a doll maker?”

“Yes,” Alice says in a - forged - tone of frustration, finally catching on to what I'm doing. “And I wear this outfit to make it easier to tell that I am, so I'd rather not wear something else.”

Rarity speaks to Alice in an apologetic tone, an apologetic expression on her face. “My apologies.”

Rainbow Dash finally comes over, giving me an impressed look. “Anyway, can we get to the reason why we're here now?”

Rarity seems a bit surprised by Rainbow Dash before she responds. “Ah, yes, what was it you needed Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash sighs, and takes a moment to introduce us to Rarity before she explains why we're here. Rarity responds enthusiastically. “Of course Alice can stay here. Perhaps I could even try designing some clothing inspired by the Victorian era.”

Alice smiles at Rarity and bows slightly. “Thank you for letting me stay here.”

Rarity looks at Alice. “You can stay free of charge for the first few days, but after that, you will have to start paying rent. I have a business to run after all!”

Alice looks at Rarity. “Rent? Um, I don't have much yen on me…”

Rarity is taken aback. “You only have foreign currency? Well, I suppose you could work in the shop full-time instead of paying for the rent… but it is getting late, we can work this out in the morning.”

Rarity leaves with Alice, presumably to lead Alice to her new room. Rainbow Dash and I return to Rainbow Dash's house, and I wordlessly go to my room, climb into bed, and say goodnight to Shanghai. Shanghai falls asleep right away, but I - for once - don't. I lay there, thinking about what's happened these past few days. I consider how much I'm enjoying Equestria and Ponyville. I realize that I'm happy here, especially now that Alice is here as well. I remember my encounter with Marisa this morning, and smile as I imagine how much excitement she'll bring. As I listen to Shanghai's quiet breathing, I also think about how I enjoy having her around despite the hassle she's been so far. I yawn, and turn onto my side, closing my eyes. I fall asleep to the calming rhythm of Shanghai's tiny breaths, a smile on my face.

End of Chapter 4

Chapter 5: Of Dolls and Fairies

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 6: A Memory Awakens

Author's Note

Yeah, chapter 6 came around pretty quickly, but that can be attributed to the fact that I'd been working on it for a little while before chapter 5 went up.

Also, this chapter has my story crossing paths with the story of one of the other 3 writers doing this project alongside me: RedRandom! This chapter is done in the style of his chapters: a journal entry written by his character, Benjamin Valentine. Expect spelling and grammar mistakes as well as some slight inaccuracies, but understand that they are all intentional to give the feeling of an authentic journal entry.

Anyway, chapter 7 will be a continuation of this chapter - therefore another collaboration with RedRandom - so look forward to that if you're enjoying the story!

Chapter 6: A Memory Awakens

17/4/456

Well, have you ever had that feeling that something that was so weird happen to you..that you think could never happen again at such a magnitude? Whelp, I think I just had that feeling. I don’t even remember what the hell happened clearly but..I’ll try to write it down..I hope.

I remember that I was busy thinking in the bunk that Tavi and Scratch had given me, staring at the bottom of the top bunk which had the sleeping form of Tyson inside it. I remember reminiscing over the events that had led me to being allowed to attend this journey that these four were going on. I honestly felt like a freeloader, I felt..like a leech. It was like I has popped up out of nowhere and was sucking on these folks good will like a leech sucking on an open wound. Was that wrong? I’m not sure myself...but I felt wrong, that’s for sure.

I remember that, I was smiling for whatever reason, a warm dinner that Scratch had provided was still in my gullet and I remember patting my stomach lightly, having enjoyed the good meal I closed my eyes for a moment and thought about it, coming to the conclusion that even if I was a leech, I was a protective leech..a leech that would defend it’s bloodbags to the end. I knew that..I saw those two mares as different from any other being I had seen.

I mean, Tyson was...decent, just as protective as me and I tell you he could do much more damage than I could ever hope to pump out. But, I don’t think I can see anything other than another leech protecting the same blood, even if that leech wasn’t draining that blood like I was. I could see in his eyes that he didn’t care for Tavi and Scratch in the way I did..I something more, something more passionate and loving, especially with Tavi..to tell you the truth, I think I saw love in his eyes, not the love that a father would give, that love being what I gave to the two mares. But, it was the type of love that someone who have for a woman that lets them know that they want to spend the rest of their life with that woman...and that was the kind of love I saw..though, I’m not sure how Tavi feels, don’t even know if she knows about it.

Then, I felt something, I can’t quite explain it but it felt kind of..tingly, almost pleasant even. I opened my eyes and saw that I was surrounded by a light, purplish aura that smelled of lavender. My eyes went wide as I lifted my arm and saw that my hand was disappearing, the rest of my arms following suit.

“What the fu-” I remember stating before my mouth also disappeared, I looked around frantically, falling out of the bed only to discover that my legs were gone too, but there was no sign of injury or even pain, they were just gone. It even felt like I still had them as I could feel them, I could feel the hard, wooden floor my hand was on even though I was laying on a carpet, my hand was somewhere else. I tried to call out to someone, anyone but all that came out was nothing as my entire body disappeared and I blacked out.

I regained consciousness after a while of having to suffer more of that dark, terrible abyss that was known as being knocked out cold. I remember my hearing was fuzzy, my sight blurry as I could have sworn that I was being talked to by someone.

“Come on, Valentine,” was the first thing I could eventually make out, the voice was that voice I had fallen for in a non romantic way(I cannot stress that out enough), it was Scratch.

“..S-Scratch?” I remember asked, looking around as frantically as I could but my strength was not up to snuff. But then, I turned to see a face that caused my eyes to widen and my nostrils to flare...lavender…

“Yeah, It’s me Val,” Scratch said in a tone that was meant to calm me down as my gaze locked onto the form of a purple mare who was looking at me with confusion, intrigue even. The sight of both the horn on her head and the folded up wings on her back indicated to me that she was, as Scratch and Tavi put it, an Alicorn. “Now..you need to get a grip and calm do-”

But, it was too late, for as she almost finished those words my fist had already landed onto the mare’s cheek with force. This sent the mare tumbling back, letting out a shocked gasp of surprise as she feel onto her rump, her back against the wall with a few books falling onto her in an almost comedic fashion now that I look back on it. But, at the time my blood was pumping and my face had a scowl as I reached for my belt, the dagger that Tyson had given me a few days ago still being in it’s spot.

Now, it was most likely due to the connection made from the portal and this pony smelling of lavender, but I could tell you now that at the time I really did think that this alicorn was going to harm me and my friends, something I couldn’t let happen. But, before I could get the knife out of my belt, the feeling of hands trying to stop me. “Valentine!” Vinyl shouted as she failed to hold me down onto the table, me falling off as a result. “Calm down!”

“What!? Who is she?! What happened!? Where are we?!” I remember shouting at the top of my damn lungs, getting up and leaning onto the table I had fallen off of, a pain in my hip.

Scratch then proceeded to slap me in the face, hard...I can still feel the sting and taste the blood even as I write this. “I said..calm..down,” she said slowly, her tone cold and almost distant.

“But..Lavender..” I remember coming up with, and now I think I deserve that second slap she gave me, I can still taste the blood in my mouth from the force of it...ow.

“Val, stop being stupid,” Vinyl said as she helped me to keep my balance. “That mare you just knocked out was Twilight Sparkle...Princess of Friendship.”

This news caused my eyes to widen, and I think I would have punched myself in the gut if I had known this sooner. “P-Princess?” I asked again, I think my voice sounded like a scared eleven-year-old who just found out that he had messed up big time.

Scratch chuckled. “..Yep, Princess,” she repeated with an almost sadistic smirk on her muzzle. “Let’s hope you’re lucky enough to not be thrown into the dungeon for a billion years and made immortal so you can stay there for all of your sentence.”
I remember quaking in my boots, the same feeling of dread I had gotten from the forest so many days ago coming back to my mind as I looked at the body of the Princess of Friendship.

Thankfully she was still asleep/knocked out, her closed eyes and slightly open mouth giving her a rather cute atmosphere about her, an adorable, rather petite mare. This, combined with how Vinyl’s voice had come back to it’s normal, not sadistic way, I began to calm down slowly, the paranoid and stressed expression on my tired face slowly turning into one I would feel while sitting down at a fire with my best friends and loved ones.

But, that calmness and almost enlightened experience fell short when the sound of the door opening, Vinyl and I snapping our heads towards the noise. What stood there was a feminine figure, around five foot seven inches in height, though I’m not entirely sure if I could even guess the weight (not to say she was fat or anything mind you, she was actually pretty slim, I’m just not good at seeing the weight on someone). Her hair came down to her shoulders, the auburn colour of it sticking out against the crystal walls and floor she stood on. What confused me was the different coloured irises she had in her eyes, the one being her left eye was purple while her right eye was a crimson that stared into my very soul, even though her face didn’t give off such intent.

She opened the door fully from its half closed state and walked inside, her face turning from concern to shock at the sight of the knocked out Alicorn. “What the hell…?” she asked, turning her gaze from Twilight to us, me in particular and I could have sworn that she muttered “Why do I feel like I known this man?” under her breath. I stayed back, not sure how to handle this situation as I had long since learned to never underestimate anything in this world.

But, instead of this girl rushing to attack me like I had expected, she carefully walked up to us, looking confused but not hostile just yet. In this instance of temporary calmness, I noticed the small white horns just sticking out of her hair, indicating that this girl wasn’t human. Her attire was a long white dress that ended just below the knee, a red and blue ribbon tied around the waist with the the bow of the ribbon being visible at behind her. The actual dress itself had designs that seemed strange to me then and even now. The skirt had a stylized electricity pattern all over it in blue. I wouldn’t say that I found it particularly pretty, but I’d be lying if I said it looked bad.

“You know..” Vinyl stated as she suddenly went for the door. “I think I’ll let you two get to know each other for a bit,” she explained, thankful they couldn’t see her frightful expression as she exited the room.

I would have been angry with her like I am a bit now, but to be honest I was too busy feeling scared out of my mind as I looked at this girl. “Um…” I remember saying as I tried to regain my composure. “..W-who are you?”

She seemed to just stare at me silently, almost as im she was examining my entire form. She then looked up into my eyes before answering with. “My name is Alexandria Kijin, who are you?”

I looked at her for a second before sighing, leaning onto the wooden table I had been lying on. “Is it strange that for some reason I remember myself having two separate names?” I had asked, looking tired and honestly just glad I had just met someone who was the closest thing I’d probably find to a human.

Alexandria stood there, silently for several moments, I could see shock on her face as she stared. After what felt like forever in that long silence she spoke up. “I’m not sure if this is the same thing,” she started, looking up at me with confusion on her round face. “But, I know that I’m Alexandria but for some reason, I sometimes feel like my name is suppose to be John Grant. I don’t even know who that is.”

This, sent what I can only recall as the feeling of lightning going off in my mind as memories came to me. The scene was unfocused at best with blurry outlines of figures all over the damn place. One of the figures came up to me and put their..hand, I guess? On my shoulder. “Come on Clay, just a few more stalls and we can go back to the hotel.”

“Sure, whatever you say, John,” I remember responding, though I didn’t actually speak it, but it also felt like I was smiling when I knew I had the biggest frown on my face at the time. As soon as the memory came to me, it left, leaving me dazed and confused as the last time it had happened. I looked to her, sighing before I began. “..I know what my actual name is, I know I’m Clayton Bigsby..but for some reason I don’t give that name when I am asked..I give Benjamin Valentine,” I explained.

As I said my explanation, Alexandria’s eyes widened with surprised, at the name of my actual name. “I know that name...Clayton,” she said, looking confused by all of this. “But, I swear that it’s not my memory. I’m really confused.”

“Trust me, Kid..so am I..” I said with another sigh. Looking to the ground. “..I remember a John Grant..maybe we somehow knew each other or something? Um..before you had the sex change, though,” I added, somehow managing the joke in this confusing situation.

Unfortunately, the girl’s face made it look like I had offended her, something I regret now but you know how it is, can’t change it. “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve always been Alexandria and never once have once have I been a guy.” she began before a soft rustling sound could be heard behind her. Then the strangeness of the situation became even worse as a small, doll-like thing arose from behind the girl, landing on her right shoulder..and it looked quite upset let me tell you.

“Are you being mean to Alexandria?” it asked, accusingly before said Alexandria turned to it with a small smile.

“Relax Shanghai, there’s no reason to hurt him,” she reassured before she turned back to face me, her facing showing that she had calmed down a bit, something I was very thankful for even today. “Maybe I somehow have the memories of this John Grant person?”

“..I..I’m not sure what to think..” I admitted, looking at her for a small while before looking back to the still unconscious Twilight. “Can you help me get her to a couch or bed?” I remember asking.

“Sure,” Alexandria responded to me as she then began to walk over to Twilight, me following just behind her as I looked very confused at the situation. That thing, Shanghai was it? I can’t really remember to be honest so let’s just stick with that. Anyway, it was looking at me, giving me a kind of look that was filled with curiosity, almost as if she had never seen a..me before. Though, I don’t actually know whether or not she has.

I then went to Twilight’s upper half, taking her forearms into my hands while Alexandria took her legs, hoisting her up into the air. I looked around for a place to put her. Not wanting the most likely pissed off alicorn to wake up with a sore back, I avoided the table I had awoken from as we then moved around carefully, like we were both holding an oversized baby in our arms.

Eventually, we settled(well, more like, I settled, I think Alexandria didn’t speak throughout that entire time) on the couch, gently placing Twilight’s body atop of it and letting her rest. “..What now?” I remember asking.

Alexandria looked as if she had just now had an opportunity to speak up after thinking long and hard about something, like a kid would when they try their best to think of an answer and are all like, super excited when they get picked, you know? Actually, now that I think about it was that what she was like? Maybe not, I’m probably wrong. But anyway, she finally spoke up. Saying. “Well, we’ve only really talked about our mental problems, with names and memories that aren’t our own. Why not introduce the real us to each other now? You can start.”

The thought honestly scared me, I had never really told anyone about myself before, or at least to an extent as I thought she would probably like to know. After sighing and giving myself a mental peptalk. I began to explain how I was born in a world in ruin, a place where demons and monsters of all kinds roamed the world. A world where it was survival of the fittest in most cases.

I told her about my daughters, how I loved them so much, that I would do anything for them. I mean anything. This meant killing someone, stealing from someone less fortunate, when I say anything, I mean anything to keep them not only alive, but also happy. As I was explaining this, I could see a small change in Alexandria’s expression, though I wasn’t sure what it was at the time. But now, as I sit in this chair and write this, I can only guess it to be...Jealousy? Envy? One of the two.

Look, I really don’t like talking about myself, I really don’t and I’ve already had to go through that with telling her my life story. So, I shall skip it, not only for my own happiness and good will but for yours as well, I don’t think reading several journals to get the basis of my life would be very exciting.

Alexandria starts by explaining that she comes from a place called… well it was some long Japanese name, where Japanese mythical creatures called ‘Yokai’ are a common sight. She goes on to explain that she's actually half human, and that her mother (who has some Japanese name I can't be bothered to try and remember) is some kind of Yokai with a long name. She says that her mother was a terrible person, locking her away from the world since birth. She goes on about the hardships she had to go through because of who her mother was, but I'll spare you the long explanation just incase she finds this and so she won’t try to kill me.

After this, we simply just stood there, or at least that’s how I remember it. We kept standing there with not much to say, having already told the other their life in it’s entirety. After a long while, I noticed that the sun had gone down. “It’s getting late,” I remember noting.

Alexandria looked out the window as soon as I noted this, her eyes going wide with surprise. “Jeez, you’re right,” she said with small frown. “I need to get back home.”

I remember seeing her turn to leave, opening the door and almost leaving. Then she turned to me. “I wish I could help you find a place to stay, but I’ve already been out too late as it is,” she then said before leaving.

With not much to do, I then went back to the cold, hard table I had woken up on, after a few minutes, I remember falling into a dreamless, restless sleep.

End of Chapter 6

Chapter 7: Pieces of Mind

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 8: A Regular Burglar

Author's Note

Chapter 8 is finally here! Woo! Though, I haven't necessarily gotten over my writer's block yet: I just managed to finish this while slogging through said writer's block. I've already got an idea for chapter ~~⑨~~- cough cough I mean, chapter 9, but it might take some time for me to finish it due to the writer's block.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 8: A Regular Burglar

I'm staring out the front window of Rainbow Dash's house, looking at nothing in particular. It's still early morning. Rainbow Dash's pet turtle, Tank, is nearby, hovering lazily. I was a bit surprised when I first saw him, but I got over the shock quickly. When I told Rainbow Dash about Reimu's turtle, Genjii, who has the ability to fly naturally, her jealousy was obvious, but I could tell that it was overshadowed by her pride for Tank. I had made a mental note to ask her at some point why she was so fond of Tank. I begin thinking about the past two days. Yesterday was, well, crazy. Literally. The day before that, I met someone who seems to be in a situation similar to mine. His name was Valentine. I find myself wondering if I'll meet Valentine again, as well as if there are any other people like Valentine and I here in Equestria. I jump when a sudden knock at the door interrupts my thoughts. I move to the door, wondering who would be knocking this early. My confusion quickly becomes surprise when I open the door to see Patchouli standing - or rather floating - there. I consider the fact that Patchouli highly dislikes going outside - especially on sunny days like today - and immediately come to the conclusion that she must be here so early for a very urgent reason.

“There's been a burglary at my library,” she says simply, her tone and expression making it clear that she's very angry about it.

I'm taken aback. “Huh? Why would you report that here?”

“Sakuya and the shrine maiden are both in Gensokyo still, and I don't get along with the doll maker very well. Therefore, you are the only Gensokian I can go to for help.”

I consider the implications of what Patchouli just said. I immediately come to the conclusion that Marisa must have 'borrowed' some books. I knew that would happen sooner or later considering the reputation Marisa had back in Gensokyo. “So you want me to get your books back from Marisa?”

“Please.”

I sigh. “Alright. They do belong to you after all.” I make my way to Shanghai, who's napping on the small side table next to the window and nudge her lightly. “Time to wake up.”

Shanghai is awake in a matter of seconds, before she takes her spot on my right shoulder. “Where are we going?”

I grin as I answer in a lighthearted tone, “seems we're going to be resolving an 'incident' today.”

Stepping outside, I notice that Patchouli already left. Shrugging, I decide I'll just get right to finding Marisa. I know that she's already built herself a house in the Everfree Forest, so I decide that going there first would be my best bet.

I reach the forest quickly. After flying through the forest for a few minutes - flight is much faster than walking - I stop as I encounter a familiar - but unexpected - figure, who is facing away from me.

She is somewhat short, with light blue hair and dark blue eyes. She's wearing a short-sleeved, white shirt under a dark blue, shoulder-strap dress. She has white, knee-high socks; simple, brown shoes; a red ribbon around her neck, and a turquoise ribbon in her hair. She has wings on her back made up of large ice crystals. I already know who this is: it's the Ice Fairy, Cirno. Everyone in Gensokyo knows Cirno: she's the strongest Fairy in Gensokyo after all.

“There aren't many Fairies around all of a sudden,” she says. “What's going on?”

Even though her question wasn't directed at me, I still begin to think of how to phrase my answer in a way she would understand. While I'm thinking, I decide to grab her attention first. “Excuse me?”

Cirno turns to look at me. With a thoughtful expression, she says, “you look kind of familiar, but… do I know you?”

Sighing, I answer, “I believe we've met before. Does the name Alexandria sound familiar?”

She thinks for almost a minute, repeating my name to herself before her face lights up with realization and she says, “oh yeah! You're the half-human that's a lot nicer than people think, right?”

“Yes… that's me,” I say, slightly exasperated.

She then seems to remember something. “Why can't I find any other Fairies?”

I think about how to explain the situation to her for a few moments. I decide to just tell it to her straight. “Well, it's because you're not in Gensokyo anymore.”

“Huh?” Cirno says, very confused, “I don't get it. How am I not in Gensokyo anymore?”

“I… don't know how you got here, but I do know that 'here' isn't in Gensokyo,” I answer.

Cirno starts to get very frustrated as she responds, “you aren't making any sense! What do you mean 'here' isn't in Gensokyo!? Is this a riddle!? I hate riddles! I can never understand them!”

I try to calm her down. “It's not a-”

Cirno cuts me off, clearly beyond reasoning with at this point. “You're making fun of me, aren't you!? I, the strongest, will teach you a lesson for making fun of me! I'll cryo-freeze you together with some English beef!!”

With that, Cirno begins to shoot a large amount of ice shards at me. Despite being a Fairy, there are quite a lot of ice shards and they're packed together with surprising density. “Don't worry, you focus on dodging. I'll handle the shooting,” Shanghai reassures me as she begins shooting her small bolts of electricity from my shoulder.

However, I'm caught by surprise when I watch Shanghai's bullets get frozen solid when they come into contact with Cirno's ice bullets. “Shanghai, wait,” I say to her, “your bullets are just getting frozen by Cirno's bullets.”

As Shanghai stops shooting, Cirno laughs. “Of course they are!” Cirno says, matter-of-factly, “there's nothing I, the strongest, can't freeze!”

At this point, I'm beginning to wonder if I've somehow gotten in over my head, but then Cirno draws my attention as she speaks back up. “But you've been dodging all my bullets. I think I'll have to end up using my most powerful attack to finish you off!” I barely have any time to think about what she means before she uses a Spellcard.

Ice Sign「Icicle Fall」

I'm caught completely off guard as a near-literal blizzard of ice shards comes in from the sides. I try to weave between the bullets, but I don't think ahead far enough and find myself walled in.

Pichuuu~n

As the bullets vanish, I find myself surprised by the fact that I lost to a Fairy. Cirno, however, has a beaming smile on her face. “Ha ha ha ha! And that's why you don't mess with the strongest!”

I sigh as I speak to Cirno. “I will admit that you're much stronger than I was expecting.” Cirno's smile widens at this. I continue, “and I'm sorry for confusing you. But I really need to get past, so do you mind if I continue forward?”

Cirno considers what I said for a few moments. Finally, she says, “well… you did apologize, so I guess it's okay.”

I sigh in relief. “Thanks Cirno.” With that, I continue deeper into the forest towards Marisa's house. But I know that Cirno is stuck here in Equestria, and that someone will eventually have to explain that to her. I decide that I'll ask Patchouli to try explaining it to Cirno once I get the books back from Marisa.

It doesn't take long to get to Marisa's house. Once there, I knock on the door.

“Yeah, I'm comin',” Marisa says from inside. After waiting a few moments, the door opens while Marisa says to herself, “strange to have a visitor all the way out here.” She then notices who's outside her door, and a large smile spreads across her face. “Well, if it isn't Alex. You here for a rematch?”

“Actually,” I begin, “I'm here to recover the books that were stolen from Patchouli.”

The smile drops off Marisa's face. “Wha…? She figured that out quickly.” Marisa looks at me as she continues, “I'm guessin' Patchy put you up to this?”

I nod as I say, “the books belong to Patchouli. Her interests just so happen to align with what I believe: stealing is wrong.”

Marisa grins slightly as she answers, “hey, I'm only borrowin' them. Patchy'll live longer than me, so she gets the books back once I kick the bucket.”

I narrow my eyes at Marisa. “It's not borrowing. 'Borrowing' requires that the party being borrowed from gives consent. Patchouli did not give you consent, so it can't be 'borrowing'. You stole the books Marisa. I'd like for you to return them now.”

Marisa frowns at me. After a few moments, her frown is replaced by a large, mischievous smile. “So you are here for a rematch.”

“What?” I say, confused. “I thought I told you I was here to retrieve Patchouli's books.”

Marisa's smile widens as she answers, “yeah, but do you really expect me to give 'em up, just like that?”

Realizing what Marisa is implying, I let out a heavy, exasperated sigh. “I don't know why I didn't see this coming,” I say out loud.

Marisa looks very pleased with herself. “He he! That's right! If you want the books that badly, you'll haffta beat me!” Marisa's expression becomes more mischievous as she adds, “and this time, I won't allow you to win by Timeout.”

Marisa steps outside and closes the door behind her, while I put some distance between us. Marisa turns to me with a grin still plastered on her face. “Also, we're in the middle of nowhere, so there's little risk of collateral damage. So no arena border either.”

With that, Marisa begins to shoot at me. I dodge the admittedly simple pattern. I know that Marisa's trying to wear me out, saving her complex patterns for later. I look at Shanghai and nod. Marisa doesn't know that Shanghai can shoot for me, so she thinks she's got me beat by banning Timeout. But Shanghai and I are going to give her a little surprise.

Shanghai waits a few moments, then suddenly releases a volley of bolts at Marisa. We caught Marisa off guard, just as planned but…

“Whoa!” Marisa exclaims as she barely manages to sidestep the volley. “Well, that's a surprise. You've learned how to shoot and dodge at the same time. Ah well, as long as you can't hit me, that won't help you anyway! But it looks like I'm gonna haffta get serious.” With that, Marisa begins shooting again, using more complex patterns. Shanghai shoots at Marisa in the typical fashion, our element of surprise lost. I give Shanghai a few pointers, such as leading her shots, and using 'bait bullets' to chase Marisa where Shanghai wants her to be.

Shanghai takes my advice and is quick to learn how to use it - at least somewhat - effectively, however Marisa avoids most of Shanghai's bullets anyway due to having more experience. We continue shooting at each other, making little progress towards hitting each other for quite a while.

Eventually, Marisa sighs in exasperation and stops shooting. “This is goin' nowhere,” she says. “I think it's about time I go all in and end this now.” Marisa then pulls out her Mini-Hakkero. She whispers a spell into it and points it at me.

Marisa grins as the Mini-Hakkero charges up. “I've been experimentin', and I've managed to get rid of the guide line. Good luck dodgin' this!” My eyes widen at this. I shake my head and focus on watching the Mini-Hakkero. The glow from inside intensifies as it charges up, and I attempt to use the intensity of the glow to estimate when it will fire. I wait, and then at what I believe to be the last second, I move to the side as quickly as I can, and-

Love Sign「Master Spark」

Pichuuu~n

“What was that for!?”

The beam had barely missed my focus point… but apparently, poor Cirno had been right behind me, and she took the full force of the beam.

“I haven't even done anything to you recently!” Cirno shouts at Marisa, clearly furious. Cirno then rushes Marisa - who is still stunned with surprise - and then whacks the back of Marisa's head while shouting, “you bully!!”

“Ow!”

This causes the Mini-Hakkero to get flung out of Marisa's hand, and it lands at my feet. During the fight, I realized that I would get worn out long before Shanghai would be able to hit Marisa enough times. I decide that retrieving Patchouli's books is my first priority, meaning I need to beat Marisa however I can. With that decision, I pick up the Mini-Hakkero.

At this point, Cirno storms off. Marisa rubs the back of her head. I think quickly, knowing I need to do something with the Mini-Hakkero fast if I'm going to win. I don't know what spell Marisa uses, so I can't just hit her with a Master Spark. Panicking, I just do the first thing that comes to mind: I whisper my generic lightning spell into the Mini-Hakkero, then point it at Marisa.

The front of the Mini-Hakkero begins crackling with electricity, which finally catches Marisa's attention. Her eyes widen as she realizes what I'm holding, but the shock seems to keep her frozen in place. The intensity of the crackling electricity increases quickly. Just when the crackling electricity becomes so intense that I'm expecting the Mini-Hakkero to explode…

Lightning Sign「Mighty Thunderbolt」

A massive - and I mean massive - 2-foot-thick lightning bolt fires from the Mini-Hakkero right at Marisa.

Pichuuu~n

“Ack!” I drop the Mini-Hakkero when it sears my hand, the plants that it lands on smoking due to the heat.

Marisa comes over to me, completely covered by a thin layer of soot. She stops in front of me and stares at me for a moment, then she looks down at the smoking Mini-Hakkero before looking back to me. “Whoa,” is all she says.

After a few moments of silence, she speaks back up. “I don't know if that counts as cheatin'… but that was so awesome, I don't care. You can have the books.” She then enters her house. While I'm standing outside, waiting, I notice that the sun is starting to set. After a few minutes, Marisa comes back outside with a stack of about twelve books and gives them to me. I thank her and begin making my way to the Library of Knowledge.

Once there, I head inside and put the stack of books on the nearest table. Patchouli comes over to me. “That was faster than I was expecting.” She looks at all the book titles before standing up with a surprised expression on her face. “Not only are all the books from today's burglary here, but a few from past burglaries that happened in Gensokyo are here as well. I'm impressed.” I blink in surprise. The lightning bolt from the Mini-Hakkero earlier must have left quite the impression on Marisa. Patchouli speaks again. “I'm in your debt. If there is something you need from me, please ask and I'll accomplish it to the best of my ability.”

Remembering my thoughts from this morning after the encounter with Cirno, I speak up. “Actually, there is something that I'd like to ask of you.” When Patchouli nods, listening, I continue, “this morning, while traveling through the Everfree Forest towards the house that Marisa built for herself there, I encountered Cirno.” Patchouli's eyebrows rise slightly at the mention of Cirno. I continue, “she seemed very confused, and I tried explaining to her that she wasn't in Gensokyo anymore, but I guess the way I put it went over her head. Do you think you could try to get through to her?”

Patchouli sighs. “I did say 'something', which would imply that you could ask anything of me… I'll see what I can do, but considering that it is Cirno, I cannot promise anything.”

“That's fine,” I say, “I'll be happy as long as you can get her to understand that she's not in Gensokyo.”

Patchouli and I say goodbye to each other, then I return home. Rainbow Dash is waiting for me when I get home.

“So, what were you doing all day?” she asks me casually.

I blush slightly when I realize that I'd forgotten to tell her that I was leaving this morning. “Well, Marisa stole some of Patchouli's books, and Patchouli asked me to get them back,” I answer.

Rainbow Dash blinks at me, giving me a funny look before responding. “The way you say that makes it sound like it's no big deal. Stealing is wrong, I'm surprised you're being so dismissive about it.”

“Marisa was always 'borrowing' Patchouli's books back in Gensokyo,” I explain. “I'm more surprised that it took so long for Marisa to get back into the habit.” I chuckle a little before continuing, “I'm going to expect Marisa to 'borrow' from the Library of Knowledge at least once a week from now on.”

Rainbow Dash still looks a little skeptical as she answers, “well, it seems you got the books back just fine.”

I frown. “Actually, I'm way too out of practice. If I didn't get a lucky break like I did, I probably would have lost to Marisa. First thing tomorrow, I'm going to need to start practicing.” I smile again as I walk towards my room. “Anyway, it's late, so I'm heading to bed. Goodnight!”

“Goodnight!”

End of Chapter 8

Chapter ⑨: THE STRONGEST

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 10: What in Sam Hill?

Last night I had spent a while sorting through what had happened between Cirno and Medicine. After getting it straightened out in my mind, I realize that despite how much of an ass Medicine was being, I still feel a little sorry for her being cryo-frozen together with some English beef. That must be embarrassing. I decide to go and check on Medicine before continuing to practice with Marisa and Cirno. I tell Rainbow Dash my plans for the day, then head out towards the Everfree Forest.

On my way through the forest, the morning sun shines off something partially hidden in the underbrush. I land next to it and pick it up. “What in Hakugyokurou…?” I mutter to myself in confusion. The object is something I don't recognize, but the memories that belong to 'John' tell me that the object is called a 'pin'.

A sudden message enters my mind, playing out like a recorded message; I am the shadow the darkness fears, the malice that quails evil. Call my name if you fight for justice, but beware the wrath of darkness if you chose wrong, for it is you who will face the dark clone. I am Psycho Ranger.

“What…?” I say in response to the message, somewhat confused. “Psycho Ranger…?” A portal opens up next to me and out steps a young man with reddish-brown hair and hazel eyes. He's wearing a black jacket with green and white accents, baggy black pants, shoes to match, and a green shirt with the same symbol as the pin on it.

“You called?” The young man says in a seemingly relaxed fashion, though his voice sounds a bit tense as the portal closes behind him.

Putting together the information I know from the message, and the events that happened afterwards, I manage to get a grasp on the situation, if only a little bit. “Are you… Psycho Ranger?” I ask, still a bit confused. “Also… what happened just now? What was that portal? And, why did a message play through my mind after picking up the pin?” I ask the man, hoping to get some clarity in my mind.

The man blinks a bit at the onslaught of questions and opens his mouth only to be interrupted as another voice speaks up. Oh, we actually get to teach someone about Displaced!

The man sighs and throws his hand into the air. “Thanks, Chris,” he mutters before looking back to me. “Ignore him, he has a habit of making off-topic remarks. Name's Sam Jaeger, and yes, I am the Psycho Ranger. As for your other questions, maybe we should get to somewhere that's not crawling with monsters?”

I blush slightly when I realize that we're still standing in the middle of the Everfree Forest. “Right. I know a safe place nearby, on the edge of the forest. We can talk there.” I lead him through the forest until we reach Fluttershy's house.

Sam is quiet as we approach the little cottage, a sad look starting to cross his face the closer we get. “So… you picked Fluttershy's house? Got to say, it's nice to see this place in one piece.”

I stop outside on the lawn. I give him a look as I ask, “what do you mean 'in one piece'?”

Sam looks up and gives me a small frown. “Be happy you don’t know the feeling of an all out war,” he says cryptically.

“War?” I say to myself. “I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that, but… my intuition tells me I'll understand better after you answer my questions.”

“Right,” Sam says taking his hands out of his pockets and rubbing them together for a moment. “Let's start from the beginning. The reason I came through the portal after you got a hold of that pin is because I am what's called a 'Displaced'.” He pauses for a second to let that sink in.

“Okay…” I say slowly. “Next, what's a 'Displaced'?”

“Easy enough,” Sam answers giving a shrug. “You and I are Displaced. People who were taken from our world, given powers, and sent to different universes.”

“'Our world'?” I ask in confusion.

Sam's face screws up in confusion as well. “You… don't remember your old world? You don't remember Earth?” He asks.

'That's a new one,' Chris once more comments, drawing an irritated shake of Sam's head.

I become very confused. “I… do remember my old world. But my old world is Gensokyo, not 'Earth'.”

Suddenly, a different voice pushes to the front of my mind. 'Earth is where I'm from! I was turned into you by that Magic Man guy! You're not actually you, you're me.'

I suddenly find myself unable to speak out loud. 'Huh? But, I was born in Gensokyo! I wasn't the product of magic.' I respond mentally.

The voice, who is without a doubt John Grant, retorts, 'those are your memories. But you've seen my memories, you know that what I'm saying is true.'

I consider this. John is right: there's no way to deny that I was originally him, created through magic by this Magic Man. But I consider the situation further. 'You're right, I was originally you.'

'Yes, exactly-' John begins.

'BUT-' I interrupt. 'That doesn't change the fact that I'm now Alexandria. I'm not you anymore.'

There is silence for a few moments. Then John responds. 'You know, that's true. And… to be honest, I probably don't have the mental strength to handle your memories in addition to mine anyway.'

John goes silent. 'John?' No answer. 'John? What do you mean by that?'

John finally answers. 'I'm giving you control, as well as my memories. As long as you understand that you were me originally, then I'll be alright.'

This time when John goes silent, I snap back into focus. I remember the whole conversation. I'm still Alexandria, but originally, I was John Grant. All his memories are in the back of my mind, and I can access any of them whenever I need them. I finally notice that Sam is still standing there, looking at me. “Um…” I begin awkwardly. “I had an epiphany just now. I'm still Alexandria Kijin of Gensokyo, but as it turns out, I was originally John Grant of Earth. I'm pretty sure I understand what a 'Displaced' is now.”

Sam is silent for a moment as he looks me over a bit, a worried expression on his face. “Okay…,” he states, taking a few steps forward. “Now that that's out of the way, I think we should talk about Tokens.”

“'Tokens'…” I mutter to myself, now completely transitioned into a 'learning' mindset.

“Yep, Tokens,” the young man says, nodding his head. “Tokens are basically the calling cards of Displaced. They can be anything from badges to medallions to actual calling cards. Each Displaced's Token is unique and will usually come with some form of message telling you who or what they are.” He pauses to give me a chance to get everything straight.

“Alright…” I say as I process this information. Suddenly, I have a thought. “Do I have a Token?”

Sam chuckles. “Probably not,” he replies in good humor. “See, a Token is made when a Displaced takes an item, again anything that they think represents them, and transfers a little of their power or essence into it. We then throw it into the void to multiply and be spread across the multiverse to be picked up by other Displaced. That's why most Tokens are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.”

I nod slowly, beginning to understand everything better. “Okay, I think I'm starting to get a grasp on all this… But, what's 'the void'?”

At this, Sam stops and gives a nervous laugh, reaching a hand up and scratching behind his ear. “That… I actually have no answer for,” he says slowly. “A place between places is the best description I can give.”

Why can't you just say you don't know? Chris asks, a small silver orb finally appearing over Sam's shoulder, the young man's eyebrow twitching a bit.

“Actually,” I begin, “the way you put it, I think I can sort of understand what the void is.” I think it over a little more. “But, just in case, is there anything else related to the void you can tell me about?”

Sam shakes his head. “I don't think there's very many that do know a lot about the void,” he explains, giving a little sigh before muttering to himself. “Another one of my many shortcomings.”

I think about this. “Well… Maybe you don't know much about the void itself, but is there anything related to the void I should know about?”

Again, he shakes his head. “All I know is that we and our Tokens travel through the void to get from one universe to another,” he elaborates in an almost frustrated tone. “We don't stay there and probably couldn't survive there if we could.”

Sam, Chris says soothingly, the little orb coming a bit closer to him. Keep your cool. She's just curious.

Sam lets out a little sigh, his eyes going to the ground before looking to the orb and nodding. “Sorry, uh… wow, I don't even know your name,” he apologizes before trailing off a bit.

“Oh,” I say lamely, before blushing a little in embarrassment. “I should be the one apologizing for not introducing myself in the first place. My name is Alexandria-” I cut off, reluctant to give my troublesome family name. I close my eyes and breath in. “Sorry, my last name usually causes me trouble, but that's with people from Gensokyo. You're not from Gensokyo, so I don't have any reason to be worried, but… old habits die hard, I guess.” I take a deep breath and let it out before I continue. “Anyway, my name is Alexandria Kijin.”

“Alexandria, huh?” Sam repeats as he brings a hand up to his jaw bone with his knuckles. “Always kinda liked that name. Anyway,” he waved his hand away, “anything else you want to know?”

I think for a few moments. “I'm not sure. Is there anything else related to the topic of Displaced I'd want to know?”

“Um…,” the man hums before the ball of light suddenly backs up and rams his shoulder, drawing his attention. The orb seems to nod towards me, Sam giving it a confused look, prompting more nodding from the light until Sam makes an 'oh' face. “Definitely, definitely be careful when meeting new Displaced. Not all of them are friendly. In fact, some of them are very, very evil.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper, coming forward and holding out the page to me. “This guy, for instance, takes great pleasure in hunting Displaced.”

I take the page and look at what's written on it: it seems to be some kind of wanted poster. There's a picture of some sort of alien with a second of a young man beside it, the text underneath reading, “WANTED: Basco”.

“Basco…” I say, reading off the poster. “I guess I'm glad I didn't get someone like him from my first Token.”

Sam nods his head. “This guy is serious bad news bears,” he says, his eyes full of worry. “If you see him, don't try to fight, just run as far and as fast as you can then call me. I'll be here with some help before you can even get the words out.”

“Alright, I understand,” I say seriously. “Is there anything else?”

Sam hesitates a moment, a sad look entering his eye. “...Yeah,” he says slowly, looking up at me, his expression looking almost desperate. “If you go to a world that's at war with Herobrine… could you find Queen Dryad and check up on her and a filly named Silver Fray?”

I can tell that Sam sees this as very important. “Alright, I'll be sure to do that if I find myself there. So, that's everything?”

Sam lets out a small, relieved breath before nodding. “That's everything I can think of off the top of my head,” he says, seeming like a weight lifted off of him.

Suddenly, a familiar voice comes from the direction of the Everfree Forest. “All you humans are the same: brainless idiots. You've forgotten one thing.”

I turn quickly. Medicine is standing nearby, her hair looking a bit damp. I answer cautiously. “And what exactly did he forget?”

Medicine grins sadistically as she responds. “That dangerous people aren't exclusive to other worlds.” I realize that for Medicine to know what Sam said, she must have been eavesdropping for quite a while. I snap back to attention as she continues. “Why would you need to summon someone to kill you, when I'm about to get my revenge?” Medicine's glassy eyes sparkle ominously. “This time, I'll finally kill you.”

Sam steps past me, putting himself between me and Medicine. I barely catch the stern, cold look on his face as he passes by. “No one's killing anyone today,” he says with a tone of authority that leaves no room for argument as the air itself grows heavier around him.

Medicine frowns in dismissive disappointment. She sighs before speaking up. “You want to play 'prince in shining armour'? Just step aside. There's nothing you can do anyway: I'm a Yokai, you're a human. Do the math.”

I decide to give Sam a warning. “Be careful before you decide to fight her. That's Medicine Melancholy. She has the ability to manipulate poison. She'll use clouds of neurotoxins to sap your strength and dull your senses, then kill you while you're disoriented.”

Sam seems to hesitate a moment before glancing back at me. “Poison?” He asks before a mirthless chuckle escapes his lips and he turns back. “She's going to have to try really hard to kill me then. And…” He suddenly thrusts his hand up, index finger pointing up and what looks like yellow lightning dancing over him. Three circles of the electricity flow through the earth and stop in front and to the sides of her before huge bolts of lightning explode from the ground. “She may want to watch herself…”

Medicine takes to the air, rising a couple feet off the ground, then expertly weaves between the bolts. She then pretends to yawn. “Really? That kind of dodging is child's play.”

I remember that Sam doesn't know about Gensokyo. “She's right, unfortunately. She's from Gensokyo, and in Gensokyo, there's a system in place used to resolve conflicts. With that system, you have to have very good reflexes to be able to go up against even the weakest of Fairies.”

Sam lets out a little 'hm' before green electricity joins the yellow and he starts to float into the air after Medicine. “Well then I'll get to have a little fun…” His voice sounds… empty.

Medicine seems somewhat surprised. “Huh. You can fly too. Who knew? That's rare among humans, but if you don't have the dodging skills, then it doesn't matter.” With that, Medicine fires off a highly complex bullet pattern with poison clouds mixed in.

I make sure to explain everything that's necessary to Sam to give him the best chance possible. “Sam! The poison clouds are easy to identify, but those other objects she released are known in Gensokyo as bullets! Usually, due to the rules attached to the system, they're not supposed to be lethal, but Medicine is using lethal bullets because we're not in Gensokyo!”

Sam nods his head as he hears this before putting his right hand over his left wrist and pulled out sharply, a lethal blue and silver axe forming seemingly out of thin air. He waits for the bullets to reach him before he becomes little more than a blur of electricity, easily avoiding the bullets as lances of ice shoot from the end of the axe, going through the poison clouds and freezing them solid. All the while, the man moved closer and closer to Medicine.

Medicine looks annoyed as the frozen clouds drop heavily to the ground. “First the damn Ice Fairy, and now some random human.” Having noticed Sam's approach, Medicine backs away as she continues to shoot more bullets.

Sam continues forward, having to dodge faster and faster until he eventually has to back out of the bullets' path and stop, breathing heavily. All the electricity around him dies down except the green, his eyes narrowed dangerously. “This is just annoying,” he growls out before gray lightning sparks out around him, shadowy mist flowing from his eyes. With that, he starts towards Medicine once more.

Medicine's expression tells me that she knows that Sam is up to something, but she doesn't know what. As she watches, some of her bullets pass straight through Sam, and her eyes widen. Not sure what exactly she's thinking, I watch as she glances around. Suddenly she seems to realize something. Then, she rushes toward me at a surprisingly fast speed.

Sam's eyes widen and he changes paths, flying to intercept Medicine, but he's not nearly as fast as he was before.

Medicine reaches me before I can react, and she grabs my arm and puts her other palm against the bottom of my lower jaw, almost like a criminal would put a gun to a hostage. She turns to look at Sam with a sadistic smile. “Game over.”

“No! Stop!”

Medicine turns to look at Shanghai with a surprised expression. Her expression quickly changes to annoyance. “Ugh, this brainwashing sickens me…”

Shanghai grabs onto Medicine's wrist and tries to pull her hand from my jaw. “You can't kill her!”

Medicine squeezes her eyes shut and, in a strained voice, says, “what's with you? I'm setting you free!”

Tears start to run down Shanghai's cheeks. “But killing her won't free me!”

This catches Medicine by surprise. “And why not?”

“I-” Shanghai struggles a little to choke out her words. “I can't survive without Alexandria. I really am a Fairy. A very rare one. My essence of life comes straight from Alexandria. Without Alexandria, I'd die too! So, you can't kill her! Please understand!”

This shocks Medicine to such a degree that she lets go. She stares in silence for several seconds, then looks at the small doll-like creature she's always with. Then, she whispers under her breath, so quietly I barely hear it, “there's another Fairy like Ms. Su…?”

“'Another Fairy'…?” I say in confusion.

“Back away,” Sam's voice says behind Medicine. There's absolutely no play left in his voice, the tone sounding like a death sentence.

Medicine just stands there in silence. Just when I think that Sam might do something, Medicine finally speaks. “The Fairy's right. I can't kill her.”

There is silence for several tense moments before several mechanical clicks sound out and Sam walks out from behind Medicine and around until he stops, facing me. “...You okay?” He asks, his voice softer than it had been since meeting him.

“…Yeah,” I say to him. “But… to be honest, I want to know if Medicine is okay.” I look at Medicine.

Medicine looks a bit apologetic as she speaks to me. “I could never kill another doll. Even if yours is a Fairy now, it's obvious that it was a doll once. If killing you kills her, then I can't possibly kill you in good conscience. And…” She pauses for a moment. She turns away slightly before continuing. “I can't kill a member of such a rare species, doll or not. For the longest time, I thought Ms. Su was the only Fairy like that.”

My eyes widen at the implications. “You mean, Ms. Su is a Fairy? And she's tied to your life force?” Medicine nods. “If she's a Fairy, why doesn't she speak?”

Medicine hesitates. “Because she's a mute.” I feel like I understand Medicine better than I could before. Medicine then frowns, most of the softness leaving her expression as she looks at me. “Enough of the sappy crap. I'll let you off this time, but I'll still beat you.” Medicine grins. It's different than the ones from earlier… friendlier. “But I'll do it fairly. No killing.” She then turns and leaves.

A huge sigh escapes Sam as a buzzing fills the space. The heaviness of the air starts to lighten as well.

I look at Sam for a few moments, then look in the direction Medicine went as I speak to him. “I don't think she'll be as much of a problem anymore. She may be rude, but… it seems like she's just misunderstood.”

Sam nods and looks up towards where she walked off, a distant look in his eyes. “...Good,” he says before straightening up and smoothing out his jacket with a quick jerk of the edges. “I always prefer a change of heart to… the alternative.”

I glance towards Sam. I feel like I understand him better, if only a little bit. “I'm hoping that I can eventually make a friend out of her,” I say to him as I look away again.

A small chuckle echoes from him and I feel a short pat on my shoulder. “I think with a little time, you'll do just that,” he says, a level of reassurance in his tone.

Or she'll just keep being prickly.

“Chris!”

What?

I can't help but smile as I answer Chris. “To be honest, I feel like if I do become friends with Medicine, she'll be the type who just can't help but be a bit of an ass. But, I think that makes for a somewhat charming, unique trait, you know?”

Kinda like you, bro!

A soft growl of irritation escapes Sam as he crosses his arms with a huff. “I'm not an ass…,” he mutters in a quiet voice, almost like a pouting child.

I can't help it as I try to stifle my laughter.

A small smile forms on Sam's face as he uncrosses his arms and puts his hands back down to his waist. His stern demeanor changes to a very relaxed one in a matter of moments. “You know, this is just what I needed,” he muttered, giving me a strange look.

I manage to stop laughing. I speak to him, a smile still on my face. “Well, in that case, I'm glad I could help.” I look up into the sky, and see the setting sun. My smile drops away. “It's already that late?”

“Hm?” Sam replies looking up into the sky himself. “Oh, yeah, it is pretty late. Well in that case,” he looks back down at me, “you should probably send me home.”

I give Sam a confused look. “…How would I do that?”

“Real easy,” Sam said, lifting and flipping his hand back and forth for a second. “Just say, 'Sam Jaeger, our contract is complete' or something like that. Portal opens and I skidaddle back on home.” He makes finger puppet do walking motions through the air as he says the last bit.

“So, it's as easy as telling you that you can go back?” Sam nods. With a shrug, I say, “alright. Maybe I'll see you again.” I then clear my throat. “Sam Jaeger, you may return home.”

A portal opens up a small ways behind Sam and he turns his head to look over his shoulder. “Yep, that'll do'er,” he says before looking back at me. “Remember, if you ever need anything, just use my Token and give me a shout.” With that, he gives me another friendly pat on the back before turning and walking towards the swirling gateway. “Take care of yourself, Alex,” he calls, waving goodbye behind him.

“You too,” I say, waving back. He drops his hand just before he enters the portal, the doorway closing immediately after he's clear. I put Sam's Token into my pocket and return home.

“How'd it go with the doll?” Rainbow Dash asks once I'm inside.

I smile as I answer. “We managed to sort out our differences… for the most part, at least.”

“Huh,” Rainbow Dash says. “Well, congrats then.”

“Anyway, I think I'll be off to bed now,” I say through a yawn.

“Alright,” Rainbow Dash says. “'Night.”

“Goodnight.”

End of Chapter 10

Author's Note

Character development, yay! Also, this chapter was written in collaboration with Pyro Mance, since one of his Displaced characters appears in this chapter.
The name "Ms. Su" I got from a Touhou fangame called "The Genius of Sappheiros".
Finally, expect Alexandria to create her own Token soon.

Chapter 11: Thorned Rose

Immediately after waking up, I find Rainbow Dash and explain everything I learned yesterday to her. After I finish, Rainbow Dash looks at me in silence for a few moments.

“I'm going to be blunt,” she finally says to me. “I'm definitely not the brainy type. Most of that stuff about Tokens and… Displaced? Anyway, most of that stuff went way over my head.” I nod awkwardly, not sure how else to respond to that. Rainbow Dash continues. “But… I understood enough to know that you'll probably make one of these Tokens eventually, and once it's made, you might be called away without warning.” I nod in understanding, then Rainbow Dash continues. “Whenever that happens, make sure you don't do anything stupid. And I mean nothing stupid. It sounds like there are some really dangerous places out there, and I'm technically still supposed to be a sort of guardian for you. I'd never forgive myself if you went off and died because I was too carefree.”

“Don't worry,” I say reassuringly to Rainbow Dash. “I'll be careful.”

Rainbow Dash lets out a sigh of relief and nods. “Good.” She then grins as she changes topics. “It's nice to hear that you and that doll have something in common though,” she says.

I smile as I answer. “'That doll' has a name: Medicine Melancholy.”

“That's a bit long,” Rainbow Dash says. “How about I just call her Meddy?”

I sigh and shake my head, a smile still on my face. “Sure. But, it is nice to know that there's another Fairy like Shanghai. I'm hoping to be friends with Medicine eventually.”

Rainbow Dash nods. “Anyway, what are you going to do today?”

“I'll probably try to find Medicine and talk with her,” I say.

Rainbow Dash grins. “Heh, alright. I hope you and Meddy become good friends.”

“Thanks,” I say before I step outside, waving to Rainbow Dash.

I begin making my way towards the Everfree Forest, but before I can make it very far, something yellow below me catches my attention. I look down and see… sunflowers. Lots and lots of sunflowers. A huge field of them right below Rainbow Dash's house.

Something about the field of sunflowers nags at me. For some reason, the sight of them makes me feel uneasy. My curiosity gets the better of me though, and I head down to investigate.

I stop my descent just above the tops of the tallest sunflowers. I slowly float forward above the flowers, looking for any clues that could tell me why these flowers are here. I instinctively avoid coming into contact with any of the flowers, but I just can't remember the reason why. Why? I think in frustration, I know the significance of these flowers. Why can't I remember it!?

A figure comes into view among the flowers. I stop short, my train of thought coming to a screeching halt the moment I see her.

She has green hair and red eyes. Her outfit consists of a white, long-sleeved button-up shirt, a red plaid vest and a long, red plaid skirt. She's carrying a pale violet parasol.

I instantly recognize her, and everything in my mind becomes clear. This is Yuuka Kazami. If she thinks you're trying to hurt her flowers, then she'll bring you within an inch of death in less than a heartbeat… without the Spellcard system of Gensokyo, she would undoubtedly kill you. I'm not sure if she'd kill anyone here in Equestria, and that scares me a little.

Yuuka finally notices me. “Ah, Alexandria,” she says in a pleasant, casual tone, a warm smile on her face. “Did you come to admire the flowers?” A hint of malice enters her voice as she continues. “I trust you didn't hurt any?”

“Of course not,” I say to her, maybe a little quickly. “The flowers never did anything to me. I have no reason to hurt them.”

“Of course,” Yuuka says, giving me a pleasant smile, though I find it somewhat chilling.

I decide that it's time to move on, since Yuuka shouldn't be a problem as long as everyone respects her flowers. I decide that just leaving would be rude, so I think of a polite way to tell her that I have plans. “I was just wondering,” I begin, “I'm looking for Medicine. Have you seen her?”

The expression on Yuuka's face tells me that she apparently finds this amusing. “That's quite a coincidence,” she starts. “Medicine came through here just a little while ago.” Yuuka then turns and points as she continues. “She should still be just a little ways in that direction.”

“I see,” I say, a little confused. “Thanks Yuuka.”

“Any time,” Yuuka says in her usual pleasant tone.

I travel in the direction Yuuka pointed me in for a little bit. Suddenly, the flowers below me change from sunflowers to small, white, bell-shaped flowers hanging down from bent-over stalks.

I stop and look behind me, seeing the sunflowers there. There's a clear line where the field of sunflowers ends and the field of white flowers begins. I hadn't noticed this other field of flowers before, because the sunflowers had grabbed my attention before I saw this field. I recognize these white flowers: they're Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. Now I understand why Yuuka told me to come this way. I continue forward, deeper into the Lily-of-the-Valley field.

It doesn't take long before I see Medicine further ahead. She's not facing me, instead she seems to be staring into the distance, possibly lost in thought. I approach her, still in midair above the flowers, not wanting to anger Yuuka. I clear my throat to get her attention.

Medicine jumps a little before turning around. She relaxes once she sees me. “Oh, it's you. You startled me, dammit,” she says a little upset. “But, what are you doing here?”

“I just wanted to talk with you,” I say to her. “Maybe try and get to know each other a bit better?”

Medicine glares at me for several moments. I begin to think maybe I misinterpreted her. Then she sighs and her expression softens just a little. “I…” she begins before hesitating. After a couple more moments of silence, she asks a question. “Why?”

I'm surprised and confused by this. “I don't know what you're trying to ask,” I say in confusion.

“Why are you trying to be friendly with me?” she says to me. She looks genuinely confused and frustrated. “I tried to kill you. Everyone hates me. So, why do you want to be friends with me?”

I blink at this. I realize that what she said sounds similar to my situation had been. “Because,” I start, “I know what it feels like to be hated and to have no friends.” Medicine looks at me in surprise. I continue. “Because I'm Seija's daughter, nobody wanted anything to do with me. Everyone hated me by default. But then Alice decided to give me a chance. It's because of her that I was able to make more friends. I don't care that you tried to kill me, I don't care that you've been a jerk, I don't care how many people hate you. I want to give you a chance to redeem yourself, a chance to make some friends.”

Medicine stands in silence, staring at me. After a few moments, she begins to tear up a little. “I…” she begins, “I've… never been treated nicely before. I… don't know what to do.”

I smile. “Saying 'thank you' is all you have to do,” I tell her.

Medicine wipes the tears from her eyes. “Um… thank you… I guess,” she says awkwardly. She then looks at me with a frown. But I can tell that it's half-hearted: just a front to make her seem mean. “But we can't talk.”

This catches me off guard. “Why not?”

She smirks before answering. “We still haven't had a true rematch yet. We can't talk until we've done that.”

“Right…” I say, slightly exasperated.

“It'll be us and our Fairies,” she says. “A battle between two like Yokai.” Then she adds, “a fair, non-lethal battle.”

I stop Medicine just before she begins shooting at me. “Wait!”

Medicine gives me an irritated look. “What?”

I gesture to the flowers. “Shouldn't we do something to protect the flowers?”

“They're Lily-of-the-Valley. My poison won't hurt them,” she answers in confusion.

“But what about my attacks?” I ask her.

“Oh,” she says in realization. “Right.” Medicine thinks for a few moments. Then, she rises up above the flowers. After that, she creates a blue Danmaku border over the flowers. “There,” she says. “That should be enough.” She then turns to me. “Now we can have our rematch.”

With that, Medicine then begins shooting bullets and poison clouds at me. I note that the bullets that hit the Danmaku border get reflected instead of nullified. Shanghai shoots at Medicine while I dodge, though Medicine has definitely been practicing since she dodges Shanghai's bullets fairly easily.

Eventually, after a while of dodging each other's bullets, I find myself starting to get worn out. Medicine seems to notice this, and attacks with an extra complex pattern. I try to dodge it, but because of my weariness, I make a poor judgment and find myself trapped. I panic and - not wanting to lose - I decide to use a Spellcard.

Repulsion Sign「Push Away」

At the last moment, a magnetic field is created, centered around myself. All the bullets that approach me are pushed away. This catches Medicine by surprise, and she is unable to dodge her own bullets.

Pichuuu~n

“What in Hakugyokurou was that!?” Medicine shouts in bewilderment as she returns back to the ground, the Danmaku border disappearing.

“That,” I answer, tiredly, “was my magnetism magic.”

“Magic?” Medicine asks in confusion. “I didn't know you could use magic.”

I decide to explain to Medicine about my capabilities, explaining my lightning magic, my magnetism magic and the ability I inherited from my mother. Medicine listens very intently. After I finish my explanation, Medicine looks thoughtful.

“So, would that mean your dad could use magic?” Medicine asks suddenly.

“I guess so,” I answer. “Nobody really knows anything about my father except that the traits I couldn't have gotten from Seija came from him. We know that he was a human that could use magic, that he probably had brown hair, and had purple eyes. Other than that, nobody but Seija knows anything about him.”

“Huh,” Medicine says. “I didn't know that you'd never met your dad.”

“Because I never met him, I don't really think about my father much,” I say to Medicine. I look up and notice that the sun is low in the sky. I look back to Medicine. “Anyway, it's getting late. I should probably be getting home.”

“Oh. Uh, alright,” Medicine says awkwardly.

I grin at Medicine. “But I'll be sure to come talk with you from time to time.”

Medicine looks away awkwardly. “Uh, yeah, sure.”

I smile as I leave to return home. It'll probably take a while, but I have a feeling that Medicine will eventually get used to being friends.

End of Chapter 11

Author's Note

Here it is, chapter 11. Finally, the true rematch with Medicine. Also, half the reason I brought Yuuka in was to give Medicine a Lily-of-the-Valley field to hang out in. Also, a little bit of additional backstory for Alexandria.
I decided to just omit end-of-day conversations between Alexandria and Rainbow Dash unless something important would be mentioned.
Chapter 12 is already a WIP, so if you enjoyed this chapter, look forward to that.

Chapter 12: A Token of my Own

It's been two weeks since Yuuka showed up: a full month since I first got displaced here. The Gensokians call Yuuka's field of sunflowers the Garden of the Sun, but the ponies have simply been calling it the Sunflower Field. I've been going out to Marisa's house to practice with Marisa and Cirno fairly regularly, and I'd say I'm not nearly as rusty as I had been. I've also been going to the Lily-of-the-Valley Field often to talk with Medicine as well, though most times she challenges me to a rematch before she lets me talk with her. Despite that, we've gotten to know each other much better. She won't admit it, but I think she's starting to see me as a real friend. Recently, it's been starting to get just a little bit colder out, signifying the approach of Autumn. I'm currently on the outskirts of Ponyville, a particular pin in hand. The past two weeks, I've been thinking about making my own Token, and what I want it to be, something I think represents me. Yesterday, I finally made my decision. Unfortunately, I haven't the slightest clue where to begin, so I thought I would ask for some help.

I hold the pin in my hands in front of me and - in a clear voice - I say, “Psycho Ranger.”

A portal opens up not too far away and Sam steps out, looking no different than the first time he was called. “That was quick,” he comments as he walks forward and the portal closes. “Whatcha need?”

“Well,” I begin, “in the two weeks since you explained Displaced and Tokens to me, I've been putting a lot of thought into what I want my Token to be. I've finally decided what it'll be, but I realized that I don't actually know the exact process of making a Token.”

Sam lets out a surprised whistle as he comes to sit beside me. “Okay, maybe it wasn't quick,” he mutters before clearing his throat. “Anyway, it's really easy. Do you have your item?”

“Well, not quite yet,” I answer, a little embarrassed. “I only just decided yesterday, so I haven't really had a chance to get it yet.”

Sam nods his head before looking at me. “Okay,” he says. “So, where do we need to go?”

“We'll have to go to the Carousel Boutique to get it from a friend of mine,” I answer.

“Oh…,” he replies, keeping up a small half-smile as he looks away, but the usual calm in his eyes shifts to something sad before he can turn away in time. “Uh, lead on, then.”

After a quick moment of hesitation as I look at him, I turn and make my way into town, leading him toward the Carousel Boutique. Sam walks along behind me, staying silent as he trudges along.

“...Is that the Golden Oaks?” He suddenly speaks up.

I turn to look. I see him looking at the Library of Knowledge. “Oh,” I begin. “Yeah, it is. Patchouli rebuilt it. Because of that, everyone's taken to calling this one the Library of Knowledge.”

Sam nods his head before turning to look towards Twilight's castle. “You wouldn't happen to know what season you got dropped in, would you?”

“Seeing as it's been starting to get colder recently, probably Summer,” I answer.

Sam lets out a chuckle. “Not that kind of season,” he says. “What season of the show did you land in?”

“Show?” I ask, confused. “I don't understand.”

Sam stares for a moment with a weird look before just smiling and waving his hand. “Nevermind,” he says, lowering his hand. “It's not important. C'mon, I'm wasting daylight.”

I shrug before continuing to the Carousel Boutique. I head inside and find Alice. She looks up as we approach.

“Who's that?” she asks, confused, looking at Sam.

“It's a long story for another time,” I tell her. “But his name is Sam.” After a quick wave from Sam, I decide to continue. “Anyway, I'm actually here to make a purchase.”

This surprises Alice. “Really? That's new. So, what are you looking to buy?”

I smile as I answer. “I want to buy two Mini-Shanghais.”

Alice sighs when she hears this. “Those became really popular really fast, huh? There's a display over here.” She then leads me to the display. I pick out two of the miniature Shanghai Dolls and then pay Alice for them right from my pocket.

After that, I head back outside. I turn to Sam. “This is what I decided my Token would be.”

“Alright,” he says with a nod. “Now it's as simple as taking one of those dolls and transferring some of your energy to it while speaking the message you want other Displaced to hear.”

I nod and hold one of the dolls in both hands. I will my energy into it, and as I feel it channeling to the doll, I begin speaking. “if you are in need of help, don't hesitate to call for me. However, understand that under no circumstances will I ever kill anything. If I can be of assistance, just speak the words 'Daughter of Gensokyo' and I will be there to help in any way I can.” With that, I stop channeling my power into the doll.

Sam simply nods his head. “And bodda boom, you have a Token,” he says as he puts his right hand over his left wrist, silver electricity leaping from his fingers as gridlines of the same colour form a shape. He pulls his hand away as a silver saber forms. “Now to just send it out.” With that, a shadowy aura bursts out from him, joined by dark red and yellow electricity, his hair standing on end as the whites of his eyes fill with the same energy that surrounds him. A quick slice through the air, and a portal to the void opens.

After staring at the portal for a couple moments, I toss the Token inside. The portal closes around the mini doll before a second, smaller portal appears near Sam's shoulder. He holds his hand out and catches the mini doll. “And with that, you're good to go,” he says, putting the doll in his jacket pocket.

“That… was quick,” I say, looking at the second portal as it closes.

“Told ya it was easy,” Sam says with a little smile before nodding towards my hand and the other doll. “So, what's with the other doll?”

I hold up the other doll with a slight grin. “Rainbow Dash asked me to get her one. I asked her why she didn't just get it herself, and she said it's because she 'has a reputation of being cool' to keep.”

Sam is silent and stone-faced for a moment… right before a strained smile makes its way to his face. “Rainbow… wanted you,” he says, obviously struggling to keep in his laughter. “To get her… a doll? All so she… could preserve her rep?”

“Yep,” I say simply with a big smile on my face.

Sam seems to almost spew forth with laughter, but holds it back, holding his hand over his mouth for a few seconds until he finally removes it and takes a few deep breaths. He turns to speak, though a large smile still stretched his features. “Okay, so anything else you needed?” He asks.

I think for a few moments. “Maybe you'd want to just hang around this world for the rest of the day? Walk and talk a bit maybe?”

Sam shrugs his shoulders. “Sure,” he answers simply. “What do you want to talk about?”

As we start walking towards Rainbow Dash's house, there are a lot of things I want to ask him. “Last time you were here, you mentioned something about a war. What exactly is happening in your world?”

The smile Sam had been holding fades away at the question. “It's, um… it's a long story,” he admits with a sigh. “To shorten the story, an evil machine empire came to my Equis close to ten years ago and attacked Canterlot while their defenses were low…. Almost the entire world is under their control and the few resistance fighters are making a valiant effort, but still… our odds still don't look good.”

I think about this for a few moments. I remember that Sam already has one of my Tokens. I turn to him. “Well, since you've already got one of my Tokens, I want you to know that you shouldn't be afraid to call me. I'll be willing to help anytime.”

Sam takes a few moments before he looks towards me with a little smile. “Thanks, Alex,” he says before turning his gaze forward once more. “Though… what's your stance on destroying robots?”

“Depends on whether they have souls or not,” I answer easily. “If a non-organic object with a soul is destroyed, then the soul is still sent to Hakugyokurou. This means that destroying something with a soul is no different than killing. As long as none of the robots have souls, I won't have any problems with destroying them.”

Sam nods. “Then all's clear in your morals,” he says. “These things definitely don't have a soul, not when they can be copy and pasted like some kind of demented computer document.”

I nod in understanding. “Yeah, in my experience, it's impossible to clone a soul. I'd have no reason to spare soulless machines designed for the express purpose of conquest.”

After I say that, the Garden of the Sun comes into view further ahead. “You know, never did ask why you had horns,” Sam suddenly asks, turning backwards as he walks so he is facing me.

I think about how to go about my explanation. I decide to figure out the extent of his knowledge first. “Have you ever heard of 'Yokai'?”

“Aren't those like Japanese monsters or something?” He answers, bringing a finger up to scratch at his jaw.

“Yeah, pretty much,” I say with a nod, somewhat impressed. “The place I came from, Gensokyo, is home to all sorts of different Yokai. As it happens, I'm half human and half Yokai.”

Sam nods his head as he processes this. “Okay, so does that mean you have special powers?” He asks, his eyes curious.

“In Gensokyo we say 'abilities,' but yes, I do have a couple,” I answer. “Because of my mixed lineage, I was able to have more abilities than most Gensokians. From my mother, I inherited 'the ability to turn over absolutely anything'. Everyone just shortens it to 'the ability to flip anything'. From my father, I inherited 'the ability to use lightning and magnetism magic,'” I explain.

Sam lets out a low, impressed whistle as he continues to walk backwards. “Nice,” he says simply. “So, you can 'turn over anything'? Meaning you can reverse… anything?”

“With simple versions of the ability, yes,” I say. “But due to being half human, there are size limits on what I can use more complicated varieties on. The more complex, the smaller the limit.”

“Okay…,” he says slowly, his face fading deep into thought. “That's… rather impressive.”

“I guess so,” I say. “But it's rare to get any kind of offensive use out of it. I usually have to rely on my lightning magic when it comes to offense. My flip ability and magnetism magic are better suited for defensive and supportive use.”

“Sounds to me like you've really gotten the handle on what you can do,” Sam states before lifting his own hand. “That probably gives you a leg up on me.”

I put my hand on my chin and look down in thought. “Maybe,” I say absently. “But we don't know that for sure…”

Sam nods distractedly before giving a little shrug. “I mean, there's always the choice of having a friendly-” he cuts off as he stumbles slightly and a low ‘snap’ sounds through the air.

I freeze instantly, the sound resounding in my head like a snapping bone. Yuuka almost seems to materialize behind Sam, her eyes nearly shooting daggers into the back of his head with her deadly glare.

“You idiot human,” she says with an icy growl. “You should have been watching where you were going.”

Sam turns quickly, a panicked look on his face as he raises his hands passively. “I'm so sorry, miss,” he apologizes quickly. “I wasn't looking where I was going, but maybe I can fix it.”

Yuuka looks extremely irritated as she squeezes her eyes shut and answers. “You don't 'fix' a destroyed plant. You grow a new one from a seed, and it's just as painstaking as it was for the old one. You will have to pay the price for all the hard work you've undone.”

Sam is still for a moment before he drops his hands and lets out a sigh. “There's no talking this out, is there?” He questions, his tone a little tired.

“Of course not,” Yuuka answers, her voice overflowing with malice. “You've destroyed one of my precious flowers. I simply cannot let that go unpunished.” Yuuka then opens her eyes. I can easily picture the fires of rage burning in them as she continues. “You had better pray to whatever Gods you can that there will be enough of your essence left to be sent to Hakugyokurou once I am finished with you!”

Sam says nothing for a moment before he brings his hand up to hold the bridge of his nose and lets out another, much heavier, sigh. “Right,” he says, taking his hand from his nose. “Let's get this over with.”

Yuuka takes action just as Sam finishes his sentence. She lunges forward, colliding with Sam and shoving him away from the Garden of the Sun with surprisingly incredible force. Immediately after that, she sets up a dome-shaped Danmaku border enclosing the entire field of sunflowers.

The human's eyes widen quite a bit as he is pushed back, hand going to his chest momentarily. “Guess there's no holding back, either,” he mutters before standing straight and strong. “Fine then.” He steps forward with his left leg aggressively, his right arm held at a ninety degree angle back as his left fore and middle fingers rest on a device. “Go,” he growls before he steps forward with his right foot, throwing his right fist forward and out, left hand coming to rest against his right shoulder. “Psycho!” A flash of black energy surrounds Sam's body, the energy shattering and leaving behind black under armor. Green lightning shoots away from his wrists, lower legs, and torso, twisted armor plates being drawn in to settle on those areas. Sam jerks his hands and lets more green energy erupt from them before moving them up and around, passing them over his face as a green grid pattern forms over his head. Once his arms come to rest, a green, finned helmet forms, black lenses sliding into place over his eyes to finish the transformation, leaving Sam far different than before.

My eyes widen in surprise as I notice that Sam looks very similar to one of the pictures of Basco on the wanted poster he showed me. Not sure what to think of this, I cautiously put some space between me and the battle.

“Hmph,” Yuuka says, unamused. “If you are trying to intimidate me, it isn't working. Appearances mean nothing. Power is everything!” With that, Yuuka then attacks with a large number of bullets that seem to be nothing more than sparkling light. They're all concentrated towards Sam.

Sam's reaction is a very similar one to the one he had with Medicine. In a flash of green lightning, kamas with decorated green handles and blades in the shape of extended bat wings form in his hands before the same green energy dances around him. The young man takes off dodging to the side, becoming little more than an electrical blur as he tries to close the distance between them.

Yuuka's expression seems to change for a split second, almost as if she was reminded of something unpleasant. She then changes tactics. She turns and patiently tracks the moving blur for a few moments, before pulling out a Spellcard.

Power Sign「Powerful Spark」

With almost no warning whatsoever, an immense beam identical to Marisa's Master Spark is fired from Yuuka's hands. Yuuka had led her shot, and she scores a direct hit on Sam, who was moving too quickly to react.

The strike slams into the ranger, leaving him to get zapped with the enormous amounts of energy… before it starts to flow into the now gold squares on his arm and leg guards. “Oh, yeah!” He shouts, his body arching back a bit as he absorbs the power. “Juice. Me. UP!” As the last of the power sinks into him, he throws his hands forward, a beam twice as big leaping forth to charge at Yuuka.

Yuuka's eyes widen in surprise before she dives to the side, barely avoiding the attack. As she stands up, she worriedly takes stock of the situation. Sam is already charging at her, green and gold electricity dancing over his form as he runs.

Yuuka very quickly realizes what Sam is doing, but instead of making a move to dodge, she stays put and braces herself. At the last possible moment, Yuuka grabs Sam by the waist, and using his momentum to her advantage… she suplexes him.

The sound of cracking glass rips through the air as a field around Sam flashes into existence, the rest of his body going limp.

Yuuka stands up and dusts herself off. “Have a nice day,” she says icily with a forced smile before she turns and walks back into the Garden of the Sun.

I rush over to Sam. “Sam!” I shout. “Sam, are you alright!?”

A low groan meets my question as the armored human starts to sit up. “...Ow,” he says, reaching a hand back to rub his neck.

I sigh in relief. “Well, if you can speak, then you'll live.” I then punch Sam's shoulder in frustration, not hard, but not lightly as I speak to him. “You idiot! What were you thinking, trying to fight Yuuka like that!? She's one of the strongest Yokai in all of Gensokyo! You could have just as easily been killed!”

Sam raises a finger. “One, I doubt she could kill me,” he says. “It seems to me like most of you guys' abilities are elemental, thus I can absorb them. Two… she didn't look all that powerful at first…”

I sigh before I answer. “Looks can be deceiving,” I tell him.

“You'd think I'd learn that by now,” the man mutters before standing to his feet and walking towards the field of flowers again.

I quickly step in front of him. “I'd think that you'd have learned your lesson after that. I won't let you pick another fight with Yuuka.”

Sam stops and looks at me through the black lenses of his helmet. “I don't plan on starting a fight,” he says before moving past me and going to the edge of the field and kneeling down in front of the flower he had stepped on. “Just repairing my mistake.” He puts his hand down on the ground in front of the flower, the squares on his wrist and leg armor changing to pink as electricity of the same color dances over his hand. The energy travels through the ground and over the flower, the damage starting to repair itself as the flower begins to stand back up.

I stare in awe at the sunflower, completely speechless. Sam stands back to his feet muttering something along the lines of, “sorry, little guy,” before he turns and walks back towards me, green grid lines going over his armor before it dissipates, the belt turning to electricity and traveling up his body and back down his right arm to settle on his wrist and become the strange device again.

As he walks back towards me, something behind him catches my eye. I notice the top of a pale violet parasol just peeking over the tops of the sunflowers. After a couple moments, it twists around and moves away deeper into the field. I decide not to comment on it as I turn back to Sam as he comes to a stop in front of me. “That was incredible,” I tell him, the awe in my voice genuine.

The man lets out a little chuckle before responding. “I've come to see all life as precious,” he says. “The last battle with King Mondo's forces taught me that. It's probably the only reason I've got a pair of timberwolf pups sleeping in my room.”

“Timberwolves…” I say quietly, remembering the image of that one timberwolf burning to ash after getting struck by my lightning.

Sam just nods his head. “Midnight had a machine captain march through the Everfree and systematically kill any flora and fauna it came across,” he explains. “Rose and Veral got orphaned as a result. Chris took them in to heal Veral's broken leg, and they haven't left yet.”

I frown in anger at this. “That's just not right,” I say. “I want you to call me to your world so I can scrap some of those robots some time before you end the war there.”

A little chuckle echoes from Sam again before he looks up at me again. “I don't think we'll have a problem with that,” he replies with a small smile.

“Alexandria,” Shanghai suddenly speaks up from my shoulder. “It's getting late. Maybe we should be getting home soon.”

I look up to see that Shanghai is right: the sun is setting. “Ah, time always seems to go by so quickly whenever I get on a topic that interests me.” I turn to Sam. “Shanghai's right. I should probably be getting home now. Maybe next time we meet, you'll be the one to call me.”

“Probably,” he says, his smile growing a little. “At least I got to confirm a theory of mine.”

I nod my head. “Alright, I'll see you again sometime. You're free to return to your world.”

A portal opens up nearby and the ranger glances over his shoulder at the doorway before turning back. “Thanks for the call back, Alex,” he says. “Coming here is actually really relaxing. Until next time.” With that, he starts towards the portal… but before he can step through, someone else shows up.

“Psst, Alex,” a voice whispers in my ear.

“Who-!?” I say in surprise as I jerk away and turn quickly, my arm raised, ready to use a Spellcard at a moment's notice.

A small silver ball of light floats in the air beside me. “Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you,” Chris says, a grin in his voice. “Could you do me a favor and not tell Sam I was here?”

I turn to look at Sam, who miraculously hadn't heard my shout. I turn back to Chris. “Um, sure. But do you mind me asking why?”

“Sam really wants a way to separate from me,” the orb replies, his tone becoming sad. “I just… I don't want his spirits getting crushed.”

“Ah. Alright, I understand,” I say nodding in understanding.

“But, it'd be better if you could just get along,” Shanghai adds. “If you two are tied together like me and Alexandria, then that's the best thing to do.”

“We do, for the most part,” Chris answers. “But twenty-one years being a passenger in someone else's body, wouldn't you want a way out, too?”

“In my opinion,” I begin, “the best option is to just come to terms with it and try to reach a state of harmony. I managed to do it with John, the human that got displaced from his Earth and transformed into me.”

The little ball is quiet for a while before Chris replies. “Thanks, Alex,” he says before the silver sphere starts to float towards Sam as his foot was the last thing to enter the portal. “We'll see you later!” With that, the orb disappears into the portal just before it closes.

With that out of the way, and most of the sun hidden below the horizon, I finally make my way back home.

End of Chapter 12

Author's Note

Suplex

Chapter 13: Double Feature

I'm at home with Rainbow Dash at the dining room table, dinner prepared. I'm telling her about what I'd been doing today.

"First thing in the morning, as you know, I went out towards Sweet Apple Acres to help Applejack with replanting," I start, receiving a nod from Rainbow Dash. "Well, while I was on my way there, I ended up being called by someone using my Token."

"Really?" Rainbow Dash says. "How could you tell?"

"I actually heard them call out 'Daughter of Gensokyo'," I answer. "It was faint, but I still heard it. Anyway, all I had to do was make the decision to answer the call and an opening appeared which took me to them. Once over there, I met a man named Connor who had supposedly been recently revived after being a fossil for 65 million years." Rainbow Dash opens her mouth, but I interrupt, already knowing her question. "I don't know, so don't ask." Rainbow Dash just closes her mouth and nods, slowly and awkwardly. "Anyway, while there, I helped Connor defend a city from some evil wizard named Sombra-"

"Sombra!?" Rainbow Dash shouts, interrupting me. "That's a big deal! Sombra's supposed to be, like, super powerful!"

"Well, maybe he wasn't trying very hard, because it was a short, somewhat underwhelming attack before he gave up," I answer. "Anyway, it was during that attack that I learned about Shanghai's ability to inherit other people's abilities. So far it seems like she can't inherit the full scope of an ability, only one use of the ability if it has multiple uses, but it's still really interesting." Rainbow Dash looks at Shanghai, her facial expression telling me that she's impressed. "Anyway, Shanghai inherited the ability to create walls of stone from Connor. I told Connor about Displaced and Tokens, then helped him make a Token of his own. After that, he returned me back to this world. It was still morning when I got back, but before I could even make a move, I was called a second time by someone else. In that world, I met Maiko and Rom. They had called me because they were being harassed by a thug. Shortly after meeting them, the thug that was harassing them gave me the bruise on my head. It was around that time that Shanghai inherited a really amazing ability called 'HDD' which allows her to transform to gain a boost in power. With Shanghai's help and her new form, that brat got her comeuppance. Anyway, after that I helped Rom reunite with her older sister, and in doing so, encountered people I know from Gensokyo, including Yukari, who was the mastermind behind a big scheme of troublemaking, and thwarted their plans. Once that was said and done, and I returned back to this world, it was already evening."

"Sounds like you had quite a day," Rainbow Dash says.

"You can say that again," I answer. "I do hope I can see all three of them again sometime though. They all seemed like nice people."

"I'm sure you will," Rainbow Dash reassures me. "If they've still got your Token, then they should be able to call you again whenever, right? Anyway, you should eat your dinner before it gets cold."

I blush slightly. "Ah, r-right."

End of Chapter 13

Author's Note

A short chapter this time, but these things did actually happen! The first can be found in my friend Naturefang's story, Red Thunder! The second time Alexandria was called can be found in my other story, CPU of Equis, however I won't link to that one quite yet, because the URL is going to change soon.
Anyway, please check those out!

Chapter 14: Kill the Invasion

Alexandria had already gotten up and gone to Sweet Apple Acres. She'd promised Applejack that she would help replant the trees, and had been forced to put it off for a few days due to circumstances, however she was finally available to help, and so she went to do just that first thing in the morning. When she got there, she saw that quite a lot of trees had already been replanted. Despite that, there were many more that still needed to be replaced.

Alexandria did a scan of the orchard from the air to find Applejack quickly. She did find her quickly, but was surprised by a very familiar figure next to her. Alexandria made her descent down to help Applejack… and to ask Medicine what she was doing here.

“Medicine?” Alexandria asked the doll in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

Medicine stood upright and turned around to look at Alexandria. “Oh, Alex! I'm here helping to replant the trees. I… feel really bad about destroying them to be honest, so I just wanted to do what I could to help make up for what I did, you know?”

Alexandria was silent for a few moments before a grin spread across her face. “That sounds like a good choice. We'll need all the help we can get; there are a lot of trees to plant, so the more the merrier.”

The trio spent the majority of the morning planting saplings into the ground, and once it was almost noon the three split up to go and grab some lunch.

Alexandria had decided to grab some food from her favourite cafe, but while walking down the street, she tripped on something and barely managed to remain standing. She decided to investigate the ground to see what she had tripped on. After a few moments, she realized that six of the stones in the street's cobble were sticking up. She also noted that all six were perfect spheres, and all the exact same size.

“These stones are really odd…” Alexandria said to herself. She thought for a few moments and decided to pull them out of the street so that nobody else would trip on them by accident. After she pulled the first one out, the other five instantly dislodged themselves, and all six floated in a ring behind her. “What…?” she said, looking over her shoulder. She then noticed that all six of the spheres had strange markings, each one having a different symbol. “Maybe they're magical in some way…?” she wondered to herself out loud. “I could bring them to Marisa and ask her about it… but first I'll need to do something about these,” she said, looking at the spheres. “They're kind of unsightly. I'll see if Princess Twilight can do something about this.” With that, Alexandria made her way to Twilight's Castle.

Alexandria quickly found Twilight in the library as usual. She approached the princess, clearing her throat loudly to announce her presence. Twilight looked up at Alexandria, and after a moment her eyes widened when she noticed the six spheres behind her.

“Alexandria,” Twilight began, “what are those?”

“I have no idea,” Alexandria answered honestly. “All I know is that I found them embedded in the street, and they started floating like this when I pulled one loose. I can't seem to put them away at all, so I was wondering if you could give me something to put them in? They're pretty unsightly as you can see.”

“Well…” Twilight started, turning around. “I made a magic pouch which was designed to carry a lot of things without taking up much space, which it pulls off perfectly. Unfortunately, the weight of all its contents doesn't get dampened in the slightest, so I can't use it to carry books with me like I planned to. I don't have any use for it, so as long as those spheres don't weigh very much, then the magic pouch should work perfectly for you.” Right after she finished saying this, Twilight turned back around and handed a small pouch to Alexandria.

Alexandria hung the pouch to the right of her waist, and then grabbed each sphere and placed them inside one by one. The size of the pouch didn't increase in the slightest as Alexandria put the spheres inside, remaining completely deflated as if it were empty. The weight of the six spheres thankfully wasn't very much, so it didn't hinder Alexandria's movement at all. “Perfect,” she said to Twilight. “Thanks Princess Twilight.”

“Don't worry about it,” Twilight answered. “Though I might want to study those spheres in the near future, so come by sometime if that's okay with you.”

“I'll keep that in mind,” Alexandria answered.

Just as Alexandria turned to leave, what seemed to be a portal with a turquoise border appeared in the library. Through the portal was a small desert town… and it seemed as if it was nighttime.

“Appleloosa…?” Twilight muttered to herself in confusion as three figures came through the portal.

“My love, where are we?” asked a short, small angel with golden wings, short brown hair, snow white skin, and a long, white, strange corset with coat tails that went down to her knees and very long sleeves that went down past her hands. It had gold trim and pink laces tying the corset together.

Alexandria, Shanghai and Twilight all blinked in bewilderment at the sight of what seemed to be a literal angel in front of them, unsure of what to say. The angel noticed this, looking to them.

“...Is that… A demon?” the angel asked, frowning at Alexandria.

It took Alexandria a moment to realize what the angel said. “Oh, er, no, I'm not a demon,” she said to the angel. The angel sighed in relief, relaxing.

The young man with his arm around a soft purple-pink mare with a purple and turquoise mane, a small white dragon with dark gray feathers clinging to her back. “Oh, that was no fun,” the man said, rubbing the messy brown hair from his eyes despite the bit of honey blonde that stuck up into the air over his left eye. He raised his green gaze… until it landed on Alexandria. “John?”

“Uh, sort of,” Alexandria answered, caught by surprise. “I'm Alexandria Kijin, though John has given me his memories… I'm guessing you knew him?”

“Yeah, we were friends,” the man answered, getting to his feet, something black and scaley dragging on the ground under his brown, fur lined coat. “It's me, Hikan- I mean, Jeremy, but I go by Hikan no-” The man named Hikan's explanation cut short as he was suddenly slammed from behind, hitting a bookshelf as a huge mass of black chitin pinned him by the back of his neck, his boots hanging three feet over the ground.

“Hikan!” the mare shouted, the portal closing as she lifted her hand to prepare a magic blast. But the angel reached him before the mare even could, and, summoning a halberd, rushed over and thrusted the end of it, the spear, through the creature's throat in one swift, fluid movement. She glared up at the creature.

“Farewell, filin,” she growled, before swiftly moving the halberd through its neck and cutting the head off, which fell and rolled to the floor in front of Alexandria.

Alexandria quickly used her foot to roll the head away from her, wanting nothing to do with it. “What in Hakugyokurou was that?” she asked.

The mare's eyes went to the Yokai before they widened as they landed on Twilight. In a flash of light, the pink unicorn was in front of her, grabbing onto her wrists in fright. “Twilight-Changelings-Coming-Entire hive-!” She said frantically, her hands moving through the air as she tried to explain.

Alexandria's eyes widened. “There's a whole hive of those Changeling things coming here!?”

“That's not good at all,” Twilight said. “But… why would they suddenly invade like this?” Twilight's brows furrowed in thought for a few moments before she shook her head and looked at Alexandria. “Alexandria, I'd like to ask you to help defend against the invasion. Try and enlist the help of your friends if possible.”

“Right,” Alexandria said to Twilight with a quick nod. Twilight then turned to the others as Alexandria rushed out of the room.

“I want all of you to go and help as well, alright?” she said to the three of them.

“That sounds fine to me. Helping the innocent and weak is a High Angel's calling, after all,” the angel said, pulling the body of the Changeling off of Hikan after making the halberd disappear.

Hikan rolled over and rubbed his head before nodding. “Will do,” he affirmed as he got shakily to his feet. “Besides, if I remember John, he's a pacifist mostly. Starlight, you should probably stay here and catch up Twilight while you get your strength back.”

“Pfft, what are you talking about? I'm fine,” Starlight said, waving a hand at him before she tried to step towards them… only to lose her balance and fall towards the floor. The angel forced back a snicker as she did this.

Twilight grabbed Starlight's arms from behind and pulled her back upright. “No, Starlight, you are definitely not fine. You're going to stay here and rest.” After a moment, Twilight added, “and since when did you want to be on the front lines of a battle?”

Starlight groaned as the little dragon on her shoulder looked at her worriedly. “It's a long story, Twi…,” she answered as Hikan started on his way out of the library, following after Alexandria.

The angel looked to Starlight, then Hikan, and followed him, not wanting to spend time with Starlight.

Hikan made it outside just in time to watch Alexandria take to the air and fly in the direction of the Carousel Boutique. The angel approached Hikan, looking up and seeing Alexandria fly off.

“Do you think her and these, 'others', will be enough, my love?” she queried.

Hikan was quiet for a second as he watched Alexandria fly. “...I sure hope so…,” he answered before he took off his coat, letting his black and orange wings unfurl as he tied it around his waist. He took a few nervous glances at them before running forward and jumping into the air, his take off more than a little clumsy as he followed after the Yokai. The High angel giggled at this and followed after him, taking flight as well.

Once at the Carousel Boutique, Alexandria went inside and made a beeline for Alice. Alice looked up from what she was doing and, when she saw how serious Alexandria looked, put everything down. “Alex?” she asked, slightly concerned.

“Alice, I need you to help me, please,” Alexandria said to Alice, urgency clear in her voice.

“Alright, with what?” Alice asked.

“Defending against invading forces,” Alexandria answered. “C'mon, we need more help,” Alexandria continued, motioning Alice to follow, who complied and followed Alexandria outside. Not long after the two walked outside, a blur of motion slammed into the ground with a thud and an, “ACK!” Hikan lay on the ground unmoving, his draconic wings twitching here or there.

Alexandria approached Hikan. “You okay there Hikan?” she asked him, concern in her voice. The High Angel landed gracefully next to Hikan, giggling a bit at his landing.

“Maybe I should teach you how to fly some time, my love,” the angel said, helping Hikan up.

Alexandria looked at the angel. “I don't think I've gotten your name yet,” she said. “Do you mind sharing?”

“Oh, excuse me for my bad manners,” the angel said, turning to face Alexandria and doing a curtsy. “Arela Biore, Lady of House Biore and High Angel. Nice to meet you, Miss…?”

“Alexandria Kijin, half-human half-Yokai,” Alexandria answered. She then turned to Alice. “And this is my first, and best, friend.”

“Alice Margatroid, Magician and expert doll maker,” Alice said with a curtsy of her own. “I figure the man's name is Hikan?”

“That would in fact be me,” the man in question answered, rubbing his neck. “Hikan Kanshi, master assassin of the Revolutionary Army's special unit, Night Raid.”

“And my darling Devoted,” Arela said, hugging his arm with a smile.

“'Devoted',” Alexandria repeated. “What exactly would that mean?”

“It is like what you humans would call marriage, only different in that it lasts even after death, as well as a few other things,” Arela explained.

“Alright, I understand,” Alexandria answered. “Anyway, if you can get your flying under control, Hikan, we need to go around and get as much help as we can before the Changelings get here,” Alexandria went on to say.

“Aha, aha, aha,” Hikan fake laughed, letting his wings fold and unfurl a few times. “I can keep up just fine… just need to work on the landing….” Arela giggled.

“You're adorable when you're trying to be tough, my love,” Arela said, kissing Hikan's cheek, having to stand up on her toes, but she did it nonetheless.

“Alright, if you can keep up, then do so,” Alexandria said. “I plan on doing my best to protect this place, so I'm going to leave you behind to gather my friends quicker if you can't keep up.” With that, Alexandria took flight again, with Alice quickly following suit, the two heading off towards the Everfree Forest.

Hikan mumbled something, glancing at Arela for a second before performing his awkward running take off once more, though it wasn't as bad as the first. Arela giggled again as she followed after. As she did, she corrected her Devoted on his wing position and much more so that he could more easily fly without wobbling or crashing.

Alexandria and Alice then made a dive under the foliage a little bit further ahead. Once they'd landed on the forest floor, they found themselves in front of Marisa's house. Alexandria knocked on the door, which was quickly answered by Cirno. “Alexandria, are you here for more practice?” she asked.

“Not this time, Cirno,” Alexandria answered. “I need both you and Marisa to come help me with something. Make sure to tell Marisa that it's extremely urgent, alright?”

“Yeah, sure, hang on,” Cirno said before turning and rushing into the house. Cirno could be heard shouting “Marisa!” from inside. A loud rustling sounded out as more than a few leaves fell out of the trees followed by frustrated grunts and growls.

“Damn trees and their damn limbs and their damn- grrr- ow! Damn it!” Alexandria put her hand over her face and just shook her head at this. Arela giggled as she came down with Hikan, who was covered in leaves and foliage, Arela giggling at him all the while.

“I told you to use your wings to slow down, my love,” she said with a small laugh as she picked off the leaves and thistles and the like from Hikan's clothes.

“Yeah, I tried that and ended up getting them stuck on the tree branches,” the assassin muttered, picking out a few twigs from his hair before giving a sigh. “Sorry, just… sorry.”

“Maybe you should have tried decelerating before you reached the canopy?” Alexandria suggested, slight frustration in her voice.

Hikan shot a look towards Alex, giving a little frown. “Gee, thanks, I'll remember that next time I fly into a forest at god knows how fast,” he replied, his tone gruff and aggravated.

Alexandria had a rather pissed look on her face, as she grated her teeth slightly with her eyes squeezed shut, and her hands balled into fists. She suddenly raised one of her arms quickly.

Frustration「Flip」

In a split second, Hikan found himself flipped upside down. The man's eyes widened before he grew a scowl on his face, his lips curling into a snarl. His arm flicked out, a cannon forming before a small, concussive blast flipped him back over.

“Are we really doing this now!?” Hikan shouted, stepping up to Alexandria. Arela growled, speeding over to Alexandria in a flurry of motion and gold feathers, halberd summoned and tip pointed at her throat.

“Explain, fala,” she said threateningly. “Lest I show your friends your headless corpse.”

Alice looked like she was ready to attack at a moment's notice. Alexandria put her hands up. “Alright, calm down. It was a harmless gesture. Just a release of frustration. I meant him no harm.” As Alexandria explained this, Shanghai had stood up and was looking at the halberd with worried eyes.

Hikan's eyes flicked from Alex to Shanghai for several seconds before he straightened up and let out a long, hot breath. “We don't have time to let out our frustrations,” he said, his cold tone far from the heat in his green eyes. “If you need to release your frustrations so badly, wait for the coming battle. Don't waste your energy fighting the people that are supposed to be your friends.”

Alexandria sighed. “Okay, I understand. I'll try to keep my emotions under control,” she said.

“What in Hakugyokurou's goin' on out here?” came a voice from the house. Standing in the doorway was Marisa, broomstick in hand. Cirno was standing to the side behind her, looking out from under her arm.

The assassin's eyes drifted from one of Alex's friends to the next, finally stopping on Alexandria herself. “What kind of a team are you putting together?” He asked, confusion clear on his face and in his voice. Arela slowly removed her halberd from Alexandria's throat, but kept her glare on the woman.

Alexandria put her hands back down with a sigh of relief. Shanghai also relaxed. “I'm putting together a team of people that are stronger than they look,” Alexandria responded. “They're all people that I know I can trust to help when it's needed.” She then turned to the two girls in the doorway. “C'mon, I need you two to come with me. There's an impending invasion on its way, and I'm gathering everyone to help defend against it.”

“Sounds like an incident,” Marisa said. “Alright, I'll help.”

“I don't really get a lot of what you said,” Cirno added, “but if it'll help, then I, Cirno, the strongest, will go with you!”

Arela looked at the other two women and grunted before walking back over to Hikan and leaning into him as she hugged his arm, halberd having disappeared. Hikan wrapped his other arm around her momentarily before he looked at Alex. “If you say they can handle it, then let's skip the convincing and keep moving. Juno's forces aren't going to waste time in Appleloosa.”

“Of course,” Alexandria said. “Alright, we've got one more stop to make.” After saying that, Alexandria took back to the air, leaving through the forest canopy with Alice, Cirno and Marisa following her.

“Come, my love, let us not tarry,” Arela said, spreading her golden wings.

Hikan nodded, letting his wings fold out as he looked to the trees… before he paused and let his wings contract. “...Y'know, maybe you should go first,” he said. “Maybe I can learn something from watching you.” Arela giggled, reaching up and kissing his cheek.

“Very well, my love,” she said, before flapping her wings and lifting off the ground, then maneuvering through the canopy expertly. Hikan's eyes watched her every movement to the tiniest detail before he started to run after her, jumping up and rebounding off and up the trees until he reached the highest branch that would support him before tensing up and jumping into the air, wings taking his weight as they grabbed the air.

As the two exited the forest canopy, they found Marisa sitting sideways on her broomstick in a casual and somewhat carefree manner, having lagged behind the others, her intentions becoming clear as she spoke out to the two. “I haven't seen you two before,” she said, her speech casual. “I'm Marisa Kirisame, just a normal magician. Mind tellin' me who you are?” Arela turned to the woman and performed a curtsy midair.

“Arela Biore,” Arela greeted.

“Hikan KaAHnshi,” Hikan answered, wobbling mid flight as he tried to multitask. It didn't work.

Marisa swooped down swiftly and steadied Hikan. “Careful,” she said in a serious tone. “Make sure you understand your limits, and don't cross 'em. If you can't talk and fly at the same time, then don't.” Arela flew over, giving her Devoted another kiss on the cheek.

“Indeed, my love. I can teach you more as we go,” she told him with a warm smile.

Hikan nodded his head, refocusing on flying but giving one last murmur. “Pushing my limits is how I've survived….”

“Well, if you push your limits too often, you'll just break yourself,” Marisa answered. “So I'd suggest takin' it a bit easier.” Marisa's serious expression was then replaced with a small grin. “Anyway, it was nice meetin' you and all, but I'm gonna catch up with the others now.” With that, Marisa accelerated and made for the others, who were making for a large field of sunflowers up ahead. Arela followed after her, gold wings flapping as she did. Hikan did his best to keep up.

Arela noted a parasol down in the field below, and, having not seen one in millennia, smiled wide.

“Is that a parasol? I love those! Who's is it?” Arela asked Alice, pointing to it.

Alice glanced down where Arela was pointing. “That's Yuuka's parasol,” she said. “Yuuka is incredibly strong, but wouldn't help us if we asked. She only cares about maintaining her field of sunflowers.” Arela frowned at this.

“Oh… Alright then,” Arela said as they kept flying.

“Don't damage any of her flowers either,” Marisa chimed in. “You'll barely have enough time to regret it. Trust me on this.” Arela nodded.

“Noted,” she said.

As the group kept going, they surpassed the far edge of the sunflower field, which gave way to an equally as impressive field of Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. Alexandria angled down a bit, making a descent towards a figure with blonde hair and a red dress: Medicine.

“Ah, I should have known…” Alice mumbled to herself.

Hikan's eyes narrow at that as they began to descend. “Should've known what?” He asked.

“Should have known that Alex would ask Medicine Melancholy to help,” Alice answered. “Her and I…” Alice paused for a moment, trying to think of how to put it. “We don't get along very well. At all, really.”

Alexandria suddenly butted in. “Sorry, but the two of you are going to have to put aside your differences for now. Protecting Ponyville should take precedence over that stuff, okay?” Alice just grumbled to herself under her breath.

Hikan chuckled a bit before flying a bit closer to Arela. “Almost sounds like you and Starlight,” he muttered just loud enough for her to hear past his mischievous smile.

“Hmph, just because I do not like that fala doesn't mean I wouldn't be able to fight alongside her,” Arela said, turning her nose up at the mention of Starlight.

“What's that word mean?” Marisa asked. “You know, fala.” Arela blinked.

“Oh, apologies, I forget that you humans don't know about angel customs and culture,” Arela cleared her throat. “Fala, is the angel word for horned beings, typically translating to 'horned child stealer', but there is more to it.”

Alexandria twitched almost imperceptibly in response to the implications that the word was derogatory. She then decelerated as they approached Medicine. “Medicine,” Alexandria started, “I'd like to ask you to help me with something important. Do you think-”

Medicine turned around as Alexandria was speaking, but then cut her off when she noticed Alice. “You,” she said. “No, I refuse to work together with her. There's no way in Hakugyokurou that I'd ever help that damned doll maker.”

“Medicine,” Alexandria said, her tone having a hint of frustration, “I don't care about that right now. You're going to need to put that conflict aside for now, unless you want to risk everyone living here dying.”

“Is that supposed to be a threat?” Medicine asked. “Because I don't think I like your damn ton-”

“Um, um…!” Shanghai cut her off suddenly, her voice sounding urgent. “The sky behind us looks all black. Isn't that a bad thing?” Everyone quickly turned to see that the sky to the South had what appeared to be a huge, pitch-black cloud. And it was approaching rather quickly.

“Changelings,” Hikan murmured, his scowl forming. He turned to Alexandria and Medicine. “We're out of time. Those bastards will be on top of Ponyville in no time, and they will kill everyone here.”

“So that's what you meant,” Medicine said. “Fine. For now, I guess I can tolerate being on the same side as Alice. No guarantees that I'll be anywhere near her while fighting though.”

“That's fine,” Alexandria said. “As long as you help us.” Alexandria then turned toward the incoming swarm of Changelings. “Alright then, you ready Shanghai?” she asked, looking to Shanghai.

“You should know by now that I'm always ready to help you Alexandria,” Shanghai answered.

“Alright then, let's go,” Alexandria said, flying off towards the swarm, the help she had enlisted following her. Arela followed as well, having not landed to avoid stepping on the flowers, and took off after Alexandria. Hikan was the last to follow, but the sound of mechanical whirring soon changed that as his clawed gauntlets formed, spreading over his arms and back where the armor formed twin boosters.

The assassin sped up to get next to Alexandria. “I really hope your friends are up to this,” he said, glancing at her. “We need every ounce of power and every tool we have to win this.”

Alexandria glanced back at Hikan. “Like I said before, they're all more powerful than they might look,” she said. “It would be better if I could have gotten Patchouli and Yuuka to help, but Patchouli wouldn't necessarily be up to the task, and Yuuka couldn't care less, as long as the Changelings don't ruin her garden.”

Hikan gave a little huff of laughter. “If that be the case, someone should probably warn the Changelings,” he said. “They'll beeline right for the garden.”

Alexandria was silent for several moments. Finally, she said, “nobody say a word about Yuuka's garden to the Changelings. Let them walk into their own doom if they want to.”

Alice gave Alexandria a look. “That's… really evil, Alex. Are you feeling alright?”

“If this is going to be as much trouble as Hikan says it will be, then we're going to need to take out as many Changelings as possible, with as little effort as possible, by any means necessary. That includes allowing them to piss off Yuuka. If we're lucky, it might even spur Yuuka into giving us her assistance,” Alexandria explained.

“'War is for not the righteous, but the survival of many,'” Arela suddenly quoted.

“And only the strong survive,” Hikan added, his tone becoming a little deeper from earlier as his scowl seemed to burrow into his face.

Alexandria looked at Arela. “I agree with that quote. Sometimes, you need to get your hands a little dirty when the odds are ag-URK!” Alexandria was suddenly cut off when a Changeling broke from the swarm and rushed her, slamming into her. The impact caused one of the gray spheres from earlier to fall from the pouch at her waist. Caught by surprise, Alexandria panicked and grabbed the first thing her eyes fell on: the sphere. She then used it to bludgeon the Changeling.

ZZZZZT!

Upon colliding with the Changeling, the sphere released an electric discharge that paralyzed the insect. The Changeling then proceeded to plummet towards the ground, unable to move.

“Wha…?” Alexandria said in confusion, looking at the sphere in her hand.

“Alex!” Hikan called, flying towards her with a worried look. “Are you- where the hell did you get that?” Hikan's voice shifted from worried to slightly aggressive in seconds.

Alexandria looked at Hikan in surprise. “It was embedded in the street next to five others like it,” she said. “They were all sticking up, and I tripped on one, so I pulled them out so nobody else would trip on them. Why do you seem so agitated over this sphere?”

Hikan grit his teeth quietly for a moment before he let his eyes go back to the fast approaching swarm. “Nevermind, I'll tell you later,” he answered, keeping his eyes off her. “Just one question. Are you in excruciating pain right now?”

“Ummm, no?” Alexandria answered, incredibly confused. “What kind of question is that?”

“The kind that could kill you if you don't tell the truth,” the assassin answered darkly. “If you're really not in pain, I'd recommend taking them all out of your pouch. They work better when used with mental commands.”

“Do you really think I would lie about something so serious?” Alexandria asked, starting to sound a little frustrated as she pulled the remaining spheres out and let them float in a ring behind her.

“To be fair, we haven't known you more than an hour or two,” Arela pointed out.

“And I've known too many fighters that would lie about their pain so they wouldn't get pulled off the front line,” Hikan finished, glancing at Alexandria only to quickly look away as anger flashed through his eyes.

“Well, if using these put me in excruciating pain, then the first thing I would do is stop using them. The second thing I would do is fall back to recover. I'm not an idiot,” Alexandria shot back.

“Very well. For now, let us argue after the battle is finished and these cretins are gone,” Arela said, speeding ahead of them all in a flurry of golden feathers, halberd in hand and blinding golden glow encompassing her as she flew.

“Crash course,” Hikan said to Alexandria, flicking his claws out. “Don't let those things touch anyone you care about or they will die.” With that, he rushed forward, boosters blazing as he rushed forward with a roar.

“Good to know,” Alexandria said before turning to Shanghai. “Alright Shanghai, we're going to need as much power as possible. How about you activate that HDD you inherited now?” Shanghai nodded before being engulfed by a ball of light several moments later, the light dissipating after a few more seconds. The Shanghai that was left behind had vivid yellow hair instead of platinum blonde, and vivid yellow eyes instead of blue, her eyes also having power symbols in the middles. Her clothes had changed from her old-fashioned blue dress and black dress shoes to much more modern attire: a white zip-up hoodie with yellow cuffs, hem, collar and a loose yellow circuitry lattice, white shorts with yellow leg cuffs, and white sneakers with yellow accenting. She had also become a bit more… mature in the chest area, and the zipper of her hoodie was unzipped a little, revealing a small bit of cleavage.

“Alright, let's squash some bugs,” she said, her voice a bit deeper, sounding more mature. She admittedly also sounded as if she were somewhat more competent than before.

Arela landed in the town square of Ponyville, halberd raised and gleaming, pure gold armor on, making her look bulkier than normal, and adding a good bit to her height. She looked up at the swarm and roared her challenge.

“Come at me, you simpletons! I, Arela Biore, shall give you a swift trip to Triyte's Wastes!” Arela challenged, twirling her halberd threateningly. A number of Changelings landed in front of her, surrounding her fully and hissing and chattering in their tongue. Arela smirked at this. When one lunged at her, she cleaved its head off with one fell swoop, then swung at it, knocking the head into the horde around her. “Come on! I know a wrinkly old Dwarf who could fight better than that!”

With that, the Changelings around her swarmed her, aiming to overwhelm her with numbers. But she simply whirled her halberd, hacking into them all like a saw blade, and leaving a pile of limbs and bodies all around her. Those that remained looked at their dead comrades in shock.

“You… You bitch!” a Changeling in armor yelled, charging her. Arela simply thrusted into his chest as he charged, impaling him. She then raised him up, and flung him across the street.

“Who's next?” she asked, voice echoing from within her armor.

Meanwhile, up in the sky, Alexandria was experimenting with the other five spheres to see what they could do. She had already determined one that caused whatever it hit to rapidly decay, and had decided to avoid using that one. She grabbed the next one and flung it at a scout that tried to rush at her. Upon contact, the scout was frozen solid, the icy insect falling out of the sky and shattering into a million pieces on the street next to Arela. Shanghai was nearby, fighting on her own, zapping Changelings with small lightning bolts. Alexandria's friends were also doing their part in their own ways: Alice was commandeering a small army of dolls that looked much like Shanghai before she transformed; Marisa was frying the bugs with small lasers; Cirno was freezing the insects, causing a pseudo-hailstorm of the 'Lingsicles on the street below; Medicine was producing clouds of poison. The entire group of them was making moderate progress against the Changelings.

Hikan rushed past Alexandria, his arms out as he dragged a pair of soldiers through the sky. He stopped abruptly, throwing them forward before disappearing and reappearing behind them, swirling through the air as his blade like arm-wings flashed, separating limb from body with no trouble. The man came to a stop and quickly flipped through the air as a scout tried to impale him with its sharp claws. He twisted and raised his leg before slamming it down on the Changeling’s head, a sickening squelch sounding through the air as the body shot towards the ground. Righting himself, the hunter raised his arm quickly, the barrel of his arm cannon stopping another soldier short. The Changeling's eyes widened in fear, looking between the weapon and the suddenly smirking man before its world was filled by an orange light.

Arela was literally tearing the Changelings on the ground to pieces, each movement like a flowing note in a song, each kill a symphony in an opera, and no matter how many times they surrounded her, she always tore them limb from limb, pushing them back. By now a hefty amount of corpses littered the street, Changeling blood running through the cracks in the cobbles like rainwater. Frozen Changelings fell from the skies like hail thanks to Cirno. Then, out of nowhere, a massive Changeling slammed down in front of her.

Arela grinned as she motioned it forwards in challenge, and it roared ferally as it met said challenge, stampeding for her, aiming to make her into angel paste. Arela started to make a number of arcane gestures none of those present had seen before, and all of a sudden, she sped towards the brute in a blur of motion, golden feathers being the only trace of her movement. She impaled the brute with her halberd, then did the same again, and again, and again, making it a pincushion, and then, she disappeared and reappeared behind it, and uttered a phrase full of holy power.

“Angel's Call,” she said simply, and the brute's body exploded with golden light, showering all the other changelings around her with spears of light from that very explosion.

Alexandria threw the next sphere, which collided with a soldier… and made a resounding KABOOM! This caught the attention of everyone nearby for several moments, Changeling or otherwise.

Taking the distraction, Hikan flashed forward, boosters blazing as he held his blade arm wings out. He slashed through countless Changelings without resistance before green light filled the side of his vision. The hunter acted quickly, wrapping himself in his wings and spinning as green fire slammed into him from three directions, the same number of soldiers flying towards him.The cocoon of wings suddenly stopped in midair, the soldiers coming to hover in front of it as the green flames of their magic engulfed the assassin. Moments stretched on before the flames finally stopped, leaving the orange sails blackened and smoking.

“...Did we get it?” One of the Changelings questioned in a skittering voice. A small click sounded out and the other two went wide eyed as the head of the speaker exploded, followed by two more clicks. The other two lost their heads as well and three more bodies fell to meet the ground as three wil-o'-wisps floated back to the unraveling hunter.

Arela looked up at the swarm still in the sky, before zooming up to meet them. Once in front of them, she decided to break out one of the innate skills her teachers had taught her, and that had been passed down from High Angel to High Angel. She spread her wings wide, made a number of complex arcane gestures, then uttered a prayer.

“Oh Lord of Holy Light, let thine disciple grant unto these fiends thine unshattering resolve to squash and make evildoers repent…” she opened her eyes and suddenly a light emerged from her wings, her eyes glowed, and a halo appeared around her head.

“Light's Might!” she roared, and a stream of pure lightning and thunder ripped through the swarm, taking out a good portion of it. It was still intact, but they were more than a little shocked at the attack, even more so were her companions. Arela was panting hard, sweat lining her brow as she glided back down to the earth.

Alexandria shook her head to regain her composure and used this distraction as an opportunity to target one of the stronger Changelings. She grabbed the next sphere and threw it at a soldier, which was engulfed in flames upon the sphere impacting it.

Hikan, seeing Arela's attack, got his own idea and zoomed high into the sky, straight up and through the center of the swarm. The orange sails of his arm wings glowed dangerously before he spun, twin waves of energy tearing through the Changelings before his boosters fired up once more, pushing him through the remaining layers until he burst out of the other side above them.

“This is gonna hurt,” Hikan muttered to himself before twisting to face downwards at the army as the top layer began to rush towards him. “Ace of Clubs, Meteor Falling.” Dorkifu's energy channels burned with amber light as armor formed over his legs, boots, and the edges of his back wings. Cannons took shape over his wings and wrists as the boosters suddenly jerked up, pointing their own guns at the coming hoard. He held his hands out to either side, hollowed barrels having formed in his palms and the bottom of his now taloned feet, the energy of Dorkifu glowing white before a loud boom shook the sky. White lasers rained down from the sky as every one of his weapons fired off at once, the burning energy slamming into the Changeling forces.

This kept up for several minutes before the firing ceased, the young man slumping forward and beginning to fall as his armor retracted. He was nearing unconsciousness when something lit up in turquoise swallowed him.

A quartet of soldiers rushed Alexandria at once, so she grabbed the last sphere and threw it at one of the middle ones. Upon impact, all four of the Changelings were flung away by a whirlwind. “Good to know everything these can do,” Alexandria commented to herself. “These might actually come in handy.”

Arela panted a bit, slowly getting her breathing under control. When she did, she stood back up and readied herself to fight more. A Changeling rushed at her from behind, but she could hear its approach and simply slammed the butt of her halberd into its gut, then spun around and knocked it aside. More came at her from the sides, shooting magic beams at her, but they just glanced off of her armor.

“W-What are you?!” one of them cried, taking a step back. She appeared in front of the Changeling, impaling it with her halberd.

“Your end,” she said simply as she flung them into the other, then used her wings to propel herself forward and then slam her halberd through both of their guts, killing the one beneath the one she flung.

The battle raged, the Changelings doing everything they could to get to the citizens of Ponyville, only to be stopped by the heroes. Suddenly, the insectoids fell back, ceasing their assault as they all regrouped… which was the last thing they should have done. At the other end of Ponyville, a light sparked at the top of Twilight's castle, only barely noticeable… before a huge beam of turquoise magic ripped through the air and slammed into the swarm. Bodies that weren't incinerated dropped to the ground as burning husks, the survivors scrambling to get as far from the blast as possible. After a second or two more, the beam died away, leaving the Changeling forces far more than crippled.

Now that the Changelings no longer posed a threat, Alexandria returned the spheres to the pouch, and Shanghai reverted back to her usual form, taking her place on Alexandria's shoulder again. Arela was finishing off the few remaining Changelings, and when she had finished, she looked around for Hikan.

“My love? Where are you?” she asked, searching for her Devoted.

“I think I saw him fall into a turquoise ring just before that big beam attack happened,” Alice said.

“That beam…” Marisa said, shaking her head. “It put my own Master Spark to shame.”

“Turquoise ring?” Arela wondered, before she remembered how her and Hikan had gotten here and growled. She spread her wings and shot towards the castle, set on keeping Starlight from trying anything funny with her Devoted. Her armor disappeared as she flew to the castle.

Alexandria decided to follow so she could make sure Hikan was okay. She'd need to head over and find Twilight so she could report that the invasion had been thwarted anyway. The other girls with her followed.

That's when another portal opened up and Arela found herself suddenly flying into Hikan. The assassin tumbled to the ground backwards, letting out an “Oomph!” as the air rushed from his lungs. “Ooooo… did you really miss me that much?” He questioned through a pained voice. Alexandria and the others came through the portal as well, finally making a landing onto solid ground.

“What kind of Angel would I be if I didn't?” Arela said, nuzzling him. “That fala didn't try anything, did she?” Alexandria winced slightly at the mention of the derogatory term.

“'Course not,” the hunter answered, wrapping his arms around Arela before grunting in pain. “Okay, my everything still hurts….”

“Guess it's a good thing I managed that spell then,” Starlight said, appearing in a flash of light, Cataclysm on her shoulder and the Staff of Secrets in her hand. “Not bad for a fala, huh?”

“It's fala, there is a lilt to it, a harmony. Though I suppose I can't expect a younger race to understand my people's language,” Arela shot back before nuzzling Hikan more.

Starlight let out a huff. “Whatever,” she muttered… she suddenly let out a tired breath and deflated onto her backside. “Got… more than… you did…,” she panted, the little Nil Dragon coming over her shoulder to sit in her lap, looking up at her worriedly.

“Are you okay?” Alexandria asked her.

Starlight looked up at Alexandria and gave a weak smile that didn't last long. “Just… tired,” she answered breathily. “Jumping Hikan here from there, that blast, and then jumping the rest of you here before teleporting… that's more magic than I think I've ever done at one time….”

“Well, you make sure to rest up then,” Marisa said. “And maybe try talkin' a bit less, save your energy,” she added.

“That would certainly bring me peace,” Arela remarked.

Starlight glared at the angel for a moment before letting out a breath and slumping a bit, closing her eyes. As much as she didn't want to, she was going to have to let Arela win this one.

“I'm going to go and tell Princess Twilight that we've thwarted the Changeling invasion,” Alexandria said.

“Sounds like a plan,” Hikan grunted, sitting up slowly and with more than a few grimaces. “I think it's time for a well deserved na-” The castle rumbled and shook as a boom sounded through Ponyville, cutting the man off.

Alexandria stopped short in the doorway of the room. “That could not have been a good noise,” she commented after a moment, turning back around and heading back towards the others.

“And just when we thought it was over…,” Hikan muttered, getting to his feet. Arela got off of him, summoning her halberd once more.

“We can handle it, I'm sure,” Arela said confidently.

“Let's hope so,” Starlight replied, getting to her hooves and levitating Cataclysm off of her. Her armor and sword appeared in a flurry of portals before the small Nil Dragon jumped back up onto her shoulder.

Alexandria walked over to the portal that was still open from when they all entered. “Convenient that you forgot to close this, huh?” she said before jumping through the portal to hover in midair on the other side. Alexandria's four friends did the same. Arela followed them all outside as well, armor returning to her form. Hikan and Starlight were last behind. And what they saw made them stop.

A huge brute walked down the road of Ponyville, dragging a soldier by its head as the smaller Changeling thrashed, kicked and clawed to get away. On the other side of the brute walked another soldier, but he was different. He was taller, and his horn was longer and more intricate, black robes with green accents were covering his armor.

“Juno,” Hikan's sudden growl was feral and full of anger, surprising at least Starlight.

“Why's that one bug strugglin' like that?” Marisa asked. “It doesn't look very happy.”

“Insubordination, most likely. Or they did not meet expectations,” Arela suggested.

“Go home, Juno,” Hikan called out, swooping down to the ground a small ways in front of the Changelings. “Your forces are in tatters and you can't beat all of us with just yourself, a brute, and an unwilling soldier.”

The Changelings came to a halt, staring at the assassin, the brute shaking the soldier roughly, drawing out a pained feminine cry from the smaller insectoid. “...I finally get to meet you in the flesh and you insult me?” The robed Changeling, Juno, questioned in a multi-toned and regal voice.

“There's eight of us, and technically two of you,” Alice pointed out as the rest of the group caught up with Hikan. “That soldier probably won't fight, and a few of us are capable of killing a brute fairly easily without assistance. If I were you, I'd make the smart choice and retreat.”

“I don't know, I rather enjoyed meting out punishment to these sinners,” Arela mused.

Juno looked to each of them… and smirked. “You think I would defile my hands on the likes of you?” He questioned, stepping forward to stand in front of the other two, the soldier's eyes following him with fear. “In all reality… you'll only be facing one of us.”

Hikan's eyes narrowed, a chill running over his spine at the breeder's tone. “What's that supposed to mean…?” He questioned, almost nervous about the answer.

Juno chuckled before looking up at the hunter once more. “You've been in the mind of one of our scouts,” he purred, still wearing his smile. “You should know that breeders are the second most powerful class in the Changeling race… but do you know how a breeder is created?”

As the hunter and Starlight shared a look of confusion, Juno continued. “A breeder is a fusion of two Changelings. The process is quite bloody and painful… especially for the submissive one. Only queens and other breeders can perform the ceremony, but a queen usually keeps her breeders at bay by ripping the knowledge from their minds… but I'm the mistake. Breeders are usually fused from two of the same class, but I am two. Soldier and drone, fighter and mage. I stole the information back, and now you shall suffer that knowledge!” With that, the robed Changeling spun around and threw his arms into the air, a ring of green fire surrounding the three Changelings.

Shanghai sensed that something really bad was happening, and decided to lunge for the robed Changeling to try and stop him. However, her lunge was stopped by a barrier, and she recoiled back, getting flung at Alexandria. Alexandria's eyes widened, and she put her hands up, catching Shanghai just before the Fairy slammed into her face. “Shanghai, are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Shanghai answered, taking flight. “Thank you for catching me Alexandria.” Shanghai then retook her position on Alexandria's shoulder, though she still eyed the Changelings worriedly.

“A barrier…” Arela noted, eyeing it carefully. Her eyes seemed to shimmer as she looked it over, before she frowned and looked to her Devoted. “Maybe your Spirit Weapon could break through?”

Hikan cast a glance at her before shrugging. “Worth a shot,” he replied before he swung his hand out, focusing on his inner power. He felt it surge forward and through his arm and out of his hand… forming a hot pink scythe. “...What the actual hell?”

“Hikan!” Starlight's shout rocked the hunter back to attention.

“Right!” He shouted before rocketing forward and slamming the scythe into the barrier. The magical shield and weapon sparked against one another, the assassin gritting his teeth before the buildup of force exploded, knocking Hikan back. The man landed with a hard thud before he slid the rest of the way to stop at the group's feet, his scythe fading away. “....Owwww….”

Alexandria and her friends decided that the display they just witnessed was enough to tell them not to mess with the barrier. None of them made any move to attack. Not even Cirno. Arela rushed over to Hikan, making sure he was alright.

“My love, are you okay?” she asked worriedly.

“...No…” Hikan admitted, his tongue coming between his lips where it met the blood from the gash found there. “...That hurt. A lot… and I've been punched by a giant suit of mech armor…”

“Here, let me heal you, my love. Everything will be alright,” she said, bringing her hands to his chest and uttering a few words. “Healing Light.” A golden glow covered his form, and he was back in tip-top shape.

Hikan gave a bit of a groan as he sat up. “Thanks, Arie,” he said, looking up at her… before a scream drew the group's attention back to the swirling circle of flame.

“Master, plea-”

“Shut up, filth!” Juno shouted, a crunching thud and second cry sounding out as he kicked the groveling changeling back towards the brute that stood behind it.

The soldier sniffled as it looked up at Juno, holding a hand to their stomach where green ichor started to seep through the new cracks in her chitin. “Please… I don't want to die….”

“Ohhh,” Juno said giving her a sympathetic look that matched his tone as he stepped up to her and crouched down in front of her and put a finger under her chin. “You're not going to die… just suffer.” The Changeling's eyes went wide as green whips of energy suddenly wrapped around her and started pulling her towards the waiting brute.

The soldier screamed, cried and thrashed as she was dragged backwards and forced into contact with the much larger Changeling's chest. Upon contact, more green flames leapt forth from the areas of contact, the soldier screaming out in pain as the brute gave a roar into the sky. The soldier continued to scream, plead, and struggle until her voice was silenced as her head was consumed by the flames, her reaching hand being the last thing to disappear. The brute began to grow in size and change until the large shoulder armor was spiked, its claws much bigger and the armor on its torso, arms, legs, and head growing harder and giving a metallic sheen. The last thing to change was its horn, the appendage growing larger to the point that it almost looked like an enormous blade.

Alexandria pulled the paralyzing sphere out of her pouch, preparing for battle with the huge breeder, all the comrades she'd gathered also getting into battle stances. Shanghai looked at Alexandria. “Don't transform yet,” Alexandria told her. “I don't want you tiring yourself too soon.” Shanghai just nodded at this, looking back to the massive insectoid.

“Let us not harm the poor creature too much, we may be able to convert them to our side,” Arela told the others, readying her halberd and getting in her own stance, wings spread.

“For once we're in agreement,” Starlight muttered as she placed a blunting spell on her sword. She stared for a moment before her eyes went wide. “Hikan, can you-”

“Yes,” Hikan interrupted, a hard, analytical look in his eyes as he watched the flames slowly die down. “But I'm going to need it to stand still and we can not do any worse damage than blunt or stunning. Which means,” he took out his tristaff, flicking it expertly until it clicked into staff form and tossed it to Arela. “It's best if we stay away from sharp, pointy things.” Arela gave it a once over when she caught it before nodding, dispersing her halberd.

Marisa blinked. “So, what'll we do?” she asked Hikan. “Punch or kick or somethin'? Our Danmaku attacks can't really be made blunt.”

“Try to subdue them, and hold back your power,” Arela suggested as she circled the breeder slowly.

“Heh, loser,” Medicine taunted Marisa. “I don't know what you're going to do, but I can just use paralyzing poison.” Marisa just glared at the doll.

“Just keep it still long enough for me to get in deep,” Hikan said, before he took a deep breath. “Ace of Hearts, Master of Things.” Dorkifu once again whirred to life, armor forming over his torso, forearms, and head. On his shoulders and wrists grew mounds of armor, the will-o'-wisps coming out of the ends part way as an orange visor formed over his eyes before the energy channels of his armor began to brighten from orange to white.

Arela nodded, before rushing over to the breeder and slamming the tristaff into the back of it's head. When it made to swat at her, she propelled herself back and away from it with her wings.

Alexandria then flung the sphere at it, and the ensuing zap of electricity stopped it in place for several moments.

As it broke free from the paralysis, Medicine rushed up to it and shot a large cloud of poison towards the breeder's head.

The breeder roared and large wings shot from its back, launching it into the air and blowing away Medicine's cloud before its horn glowed in green flame, igniting its claws before sweeping out two waves of fiery magic at the group. It turned to charge Arela only to stop and lift a claw to guard against the concussive magic blast Starlight shot at it.

Arela rushed into the fray once more, landing strike after strike with the tristaff, leaving a number of bruises on the chitin.

Alexandria and her group dodged the two flaming waves, finding it beyond simple compared to what they were used to. After that, Alexandria took the whirlwind sphere out of her pouch and threw it, hoping to ground the enemy. However, the breeder was beginning to wisen up, creating a small barrier of magic which reflected the sphere back at Alexandria, who then caught it, nothing happening. The barrier disappeared after it had reflected the sphere away. Alexandria stopped to think of a new tactic she could use in order to hit the breeder.

Marisa hadn't been attacking up to this point, unsure of what to do. She glanced at Cirno… and then came to a realization. She went over to Cirno. “Hey, Cirno,” she said, grabbing the Fairy's attention. “I have an idea. I'm gonna shoot bullets at you, and then I want you to freeze 'em, okay?”

Cirno nodded with a smile. “Okay, that's easy,” she answered.

Marisa then backed up and shot a few star-shaped objects at Cirno, who then proceeded to freeze them solid. “Now hit those at the bug,” Marisa said.

“Here, let me,” Alice said, coming over. She had several dolls that she was commandeering hit the frozen stars, launching them at the insectoid. They slammed into the breeder, shattering from the force of impact.

“Hah!” Marisa laughed. “Alright, let's keep it up,” she said, receiving nods from the other two.

The breeder gave a roar, lifting a claw and catching Starlight's now blunt sword as she tried to get in close alongside Arela. The unicorn's eyes widened as the enormous Changeling lifted her up by the sword. “Oh, shi-” Starlight's exclamation was cut off as the monster used her as a battering ram and threw her into Arela before turning its furious gaze onto the group that had shot it.

Demonstrating the speed that only comes from a brute breeder, the beast lunged forward far faster than anticipated. Before it could reach them, a blur shot in from their side and Hikan leaped into the air, twisting until he brought his leg down in a flying axe kick, slamming it into the ground. The hunter hit the ground just as the massive body rebounded off the earth, spinning and delivering a powerful roundhouse that sent the breeder skidding across the ground. It came to a stop several yards away before it started getting back to its feet, a feral hiss issuing from its maw.

As the beast finished standing up, Alexandria had a thought. She looked at Shanghai. “I'd like you to go around behind the Changeling,” Alexandria said. “I'm going to throw something to you, and I want you to hit it into the Changeling's back, okay?” Shanghai nodded, flying around the huge breeder, unnoticed due to her tiny size in comparison to the hulking insectoid. Alexandria then gripped the paralyzing sphere, before lobbing it at a high angle. The sphere sailed through the air, arcing over the Changeling's head, all the way to the waiting Fairy, who then rammed the sphere with her shoulder, sending it into the target's back, causing a shock of electricity that held it in place.

Arela quickly pushed Starlight off of her, before using her wings to propel herself forward towards the breeder, smacking it in the head so hard that it tumbled over.

The Changeling started to push itself back to its feet only to be slammed back into the ground, the earth shaking as Hikan used the breeder as a springboard. “Starlight, Arela, keep it pinned!” The assassin shouted as he sailed into the air, twisting as he aimed his wrist at the beast's back. The sound of a zipline ripped through the air as tendrils shot from the will-o'-wisp mounted on his arm, wrapping around the neck, waist, and shoulders of the Changeling before yanking him back down to slam into its back once more, leveling it and cracking the terrain underneath it.

“Roger!” Starlight answered, rushing to one of its sides and letting her magic start to wrap around its arm, torso, and leg to hold that side in place.

Arela nodded, uttering a prayer in a foreign language, before shouting, “Astral Bind!” and a number of golden ropes wrapped around the breeder's other side.

The breeder roared and started to try and pull out of the restrictions, Hikan's teeth grinding together as more tendrils came out of the other will-o'-wisps before the twelve shot forward and stabbed into the Changeling's back, tossing out green blood that splattered the ground and anyone close by. The Changeling roared out in pain, the dual tone of its voice splitting as the more feminine part screamed out.

The beast continued to thrash and fight as its body started to disintegrate, lifeblood pooling out beneath it. Hikan just stood his ground as best he could as the wisps' tendrils continued to writhe. Seconds rolled by like an eternity before, with a surprised shout and the sound of cracking chitin, Hikan fell, disappearing from view. The beast let out one more scream of pain, the higher pitch having died off long before, before it gave one last throw and laid still.

“My love!” Arela cried, spell breaking as she searched for her Devoted. “My love, where are you?”

Cirno went up to the motionless body and slammed her shoulder against it. The degraded chitin gave way to the force of Cirno's shoulder, and she fell inside of the beast as the carcass crumbled, burying her.

“Cirno!” Marisa shouted, running over to the crumbled carcass. As she made it over, part of the rubble started shaking, before Cirno's head popped up out of it, covered in Changeling bits and green insect blood.

“Grooooooss…” Cirno said, shaking the bits off.

“I have to agree,” a muffled voice replied before a concussive blast a little ways behind Cirno uncovered Hikan covered in the same squishy insect bits as he supported the unconscious soldier with his other arm and lap. Arela tackled him in a hug when she saw him, nuzzling him.

“Don't scare me like that! You had me worried!” Arela said.

Hikan gave a pained hiss before he gave a little chuckle and hugged her with his free arm. “Sorry, Arie,” he answered with short breath. “The bastard came apart a lot easier than I anticipated.”

Marisa helped Cirno out of the remains. Cirno's dress was soaked with insect blood and her whole body was covered in the little insect bits. “I'm gonna make you wash when we get home,” Marisa said.

“You don't have to tell me twice,” Cirno said. “This is just nasty.”

“Oh…” Arela looked at her wings, now covered in insect blood, while her armor was knee deep in the crumbling corpse. “I believe I shall require bathing as well… My wings will need special attention, too.”

Hikan chuckled again before he lifted his hand and spread and closed his fingers, watching the green slime string out between them like webbing. “Yeah, I think we're all going to need to clean up after this one,” he muttered before an almost soundless yelp drew his attention back to the Changeling he was supporting. “Help me get her out of here.”

“I'd rather not get my clothes or my dolls dirty with that stuff,” Alice said.

Alexandria looked at Alice and sighed. She then went to give Hikan a hand. The assassin lifted the Changeling gently out of the mess, holding her out to the Yokai. Alexandria attempted to lift the soldier, with little success. “Alice, Medicine, do you think you could-”

“Sorry.”

“Not happening.”

Alexandria closed her eyes and sighed again. She braced herself to try again… But then the soldier was suddenly levitated up into the air.

“I apologize for my tardiness,” came a woman's voice from nearby.

Everyone turned to look. The woman had long, dark purple hair and eyes that were a vivid purple colour. She was wearing a pale purple gown and cap, and she had red and blue tags tied like bows in her hair.

“Patchouli!” Alice said in surprise.

“'Tardiness' is an understatement,” Marisa said, annoyed. “All the fightin's done already.”

“But you still managed to attain victory, even without my aid, yes?” Patchouli answered, gently lowering the unconscious Changeling to the ground.

“Um, guys?” Hikan's eyes turned as he tried to swipe off the goo from his shirt, his eyes narrowing at Starlight's worried tone. They only widened back when he saw Starlight in Juno's hold, one arm around her neck and torso to hold her in place as he held two claws in front of her eyes, poised to sink into the soft flesh.

“Excuse me,” an icy cold voice that sent a chill down everyone's spine - including Juno's - said from just behind Juno. “But I would suggest that you keep a tighter leash on your beasts next time…” Behind Juno was a woman with shoulder-length green hair and red eyes. She was wearing a white blouse under a red plaid vest, as well as a red plaid skirt… And she was also holding a very familiar pale purple parasol. “They trampled my sunflowers. They're all dead now. I'm feeling generous right now, however, so instead of killing you, I'll simply show you the way out of town… Painfully.” As she said that final word, Yuuka grabbed Juno's arm, very forcefully, causing him to drop Starlight. Patchouli's magic caught Starlight before she hit the ground, and Starlight was safely deposited next to the others. Yuuka then closed her parasol, and let go of the breeder's arm. She then took the handle of her parasol in both hands and reared it back like a bat. “Don't ever show your face around here again, or I will kill you,” she growled before swinging her parasol with all her might. There was a crunch as it connected with the Changeling, and he was sent flying towards the distance, out of sight. “Hmph,” Yuuka said, opening her parasol again and resting it over her shoulder before she turned and walked away.

Hikan stared and blinked at the retreating figure, eyes wide. “Alex… who was that…?”

“I assume that was the Yuuka the others warned us of, my love,” Arela told him.

“Yeah, that was Yuuka alright,” Alexandria said.

“You got front-row seats to a display of her wrath,” Marisa chimed in. “And lucky for you, you weren't on the receivin' end.” Marisa then looked off in the direction Juno had disappeared in. “I actually feel kinda sorry for the poor sap,” she said.

“I am honestly in awe of her right now. She reminds me of the Northern Lion,” Arela said, watching as Yuuka left.

Starlight stared after her for a moment before a bright flash had her appear next to the green haired Yokai. “Hey…” she said.

“Yes…?” Yuuka asked dismissively, stopping to look at Starlight from the corner of her eye.

“Thank you,” the unicorn said. “Really.”

“I didn't do it for you,” Yuuka said looking away and continuing to walk. “That fool allowed his subordinates to ruin my flowers. You had nothing to do with it, so I simply removed you from the cross fire.”

Starlight was a little off-put by the Yokai's coldness, but all the same turned to watch her as she left. “Whether you meant it or not, you did save me,” she said before she turned around and started back towards the others.

“Yuuka doesn't care about your life,” Marisa said to Starlight as she came back. “If you went and damaged one of her flowers right now, she wouldn't hesitate to kill you on the spot.”

“That sounds…lonely,” Arela noted. “All by herself with nothing but flowers… It reminds me of my lord.”

“Yuuka is an odd individual,” Patchouli said. “Alone with nothing more than flowers is just how she likes things.” Arela frowned, but slowly nodded.

Starlight was quiet for a moment before she opened her mouth only to be interrupted by a groan. Hikan looked towards the Changeling on the ground, his hands going to his pockets. “...What are we going to do with her?” He asked.

“I assume she is not an enemy?” Patchouli asked.

Hikan was quiet for a moment, eyes flashing through hundreds of emotions. Frowning, Starlight stepped next to him and put a hand on his arm. “...What did you see?” She asked softly, looking at him with worried eyes.

Hikan took in a deep breath and looked up at her. “...Everything,” he answered quietly before going over and scooping the Changeling up. “We should get her some medical attention and somewhere soft to rest while we figure something out….”

“I can offer a place to rest,” Patchouli said.

“I could bring some stuff over to Patchouli's to make a soft surface,” Alice added. There was silence for a few moments.

“Anyone here a doctor?” Marisa asked. She received various forms of 'no' from Alexandria and the rest of her friends. Marisa then looked at Hikan, Starlight and Arela. “How about you? Any of you know anythin' about medical practice?”

“I do. All High Angels are required to study medicinal practices from a young age, and I was one of the top students in my class,” Arela said.

“Then I guess we have a plan,” the hunter said, wincing as the Changeling pressed into his sore arm. “Lead on, Miss Patchouli.”

“Yes, of course,” Patchouli said, turning and leading the way to her library. Alexandria followed as well. Alice went off towards the Carousel Boutique, Medicine left to go and do her own thing, and Marisa and Cirno left to wash up.

As the group approached Patchouli's home, Starlight and Hikan couldn't help but give confused looks. “...Didn't Tirek… destroy the Golden Oaks…?” Starlight questioned. “I distinctly remember Twilight tearing up over that once…”

“I'm unaware of how the original one was destroyed, however I had the residents here aid me in drawing blueprints for it, and then with some enlisted help, I had it rebuilt,” Patchouli answered. “It is now my home, however it still functions as a library. I openly admit that I feel right at home surrounded by books.”

“Sounds like Grimly. He practically lives in Erevale's Archives,” Arela noted.

“An archive…” Patchouli said. “I would be interested in reading the books there one day.” Patchouli then opened the door and let the four in.

“Well, I'm certain my lord wouldn't mind showing you the Archives at some point. There are many tomes from Lleiya's old days that I'm sure would interest you. The fala here can attest to that,” Arela pointed out, jerking a thumb at Starlight, Alexandria wincing at the word again.

“I'm not even going to dignify that with a response,” Starlight said, turning her nose away from the angel.

Hikan sighed and rolled his eyes before he stepped up beside Patchouli. “This could take a while,” he muttered. “Where do you want me to lay her?”

“We will first need to wait for the doll maker to bring the cushioning,” Patchouli said. “However, if you are alright with placing her on a solid, wooden surface, then any of the library tables will do.”

Hikan nodded and went over to the tables and laid her down gently… before promptly falling out backwards. Arela rushed over to him, catching him before he fell to the floor.

“My love? My love!” Arela cried. When he didn't respond, she placed her ear to his chest, and breathed a sigh of relief when she heard his heartbeat. “Oh thank the Lightbringer…” She said as she held him close.

“Looks like he's exhausted,” Alexandria said. “He'll need somewhere to rest as well from the looks of things.”

“He could be out for a while,” Starlight warned, coming over to stand nearby. “The last time he used Hearts, he needed three hours of rest before he was ready to go again.”

“If you're talking about that Ace of Hearts he used earlier,” Alexandria responded, “then he'll probably need quite a bit more than three hours of rest, since he also used an Ace of Clubs before that.”

“Thank goodness he's alright,” Arela said, brushing a few strands of hair from his face.

“Hmmm…” Patchouli said. “Marisa is currently housing Cirno, and the doll maker is living at the Carousel Boutique, so I'll allow him to rest here as well.”

Starlight shifted her hoof for a moment before speaking up. “I wouldn't want to crowd you,” she said to Patchouli. “I've still got my room in Twilight's castle so I should probably get going.”

“I see,” Patchouli said. “Farewell then.”

“See you,” Alexandria said as her and Shanghai both waved to Starlight.

Starlight gave a small smile and wave before her eyes fell on Arela and Hikan, her smile fading. “...Arela….” Arela raised her head.

“What?” she asked evenly.

Starlight gave an annoyed look before she took a small breath, her look of worry returning. “Take care of him,” she said before leaving the library.

“Could you not have given her a farewell?” Patchouli asked Arela after several moments. Arela said nothing for a moment as she watched Hikan sleep.

“...I suppose I could have tried to be more civil,” Arela conceded.

The library doors then opened again as Alice came in carrying an arm full of clothing. “I've got the bedding,” she called out. Patchouli simply shook her head with a frown.

“Here, let me help you,” Alexandria said. Patchouli lifted the soldier magically as Alexandria and Alice spread the clothing over the tabletop. Once it was in place, the Changeling was lowered back down to rest on the cushioning.

“There we go,” Alice said. “I'll be going now, since it's getting late out. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye Alice,” Alexandria said. After Alice left, Alexandria was silent for a few moments. “I know that I'm already staying somewhere, but…” she looked over at Hikan for a few seconds before looking to Patchouli. “I'd like to stay here and make sure Hikan's okay, if that's alright with you Patchouli.”

“Yes, that's fine,” Patchouli said. “I rarely use my bed, so as long as you don't make too much of a commotion, I have no issue with you staying here.”

“Thanks Patchouli,” Alexandria said. She then turned to Arela. “C'mon Arela, let's get Hikan to Patchouli's bed.”

Arela slowly nodded, picking Hikan's torso up. Alexandria grabbed Hikan's legs and the two brought him to Patchouli's bed, setting him in it. Alexandria looked at Hikan for a few moments. “I sure hope he's alright,” she said. “He appears to have pushed himself rather hard today.”

Arela nodded. “My love is known for that,” she said, moving a few strands of hair away from his face. She smiled as she did this.

“I see,” Alexandria said in response, giving a small smile. She then went over to a chair that was nearby and sat in it. “Anyway, I'm going to get some sleep. I'm sure Hikan will be feeling better in the morning.” She then yawned and stretched as Shanghai floated down from her shoulder and lied down in her lap. Alexandria then sat back in the chair and closed her eyes, leaning her head forward a bit. “Goodnight,” she said.

“Good night,” Arela replied. After a few minutes, Arela decided to take a bath, and went looking for it. When she did and had finished cleaning herself, she climbed into bed with Hikan and cuddled up next to him, kissing his cheek as her wings wrapped around him.

End of Chapter 14

Author's Note

Hoo boy, here it is, chapter 14. I know the wait was really damn long, but it should be worth it, since this chapter is a crossover with my good buddy Pyro Mance's story, Paradise Lost: Kill the Memory. On top of that, the crossover lasts two chapters, so his characters will still be here in the next chapter.

Speaking of the next chapter, chapter 15 was also completed in conjunction with this one, which is part of the reason why this took so long.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the crossover!

Chapter 15: Kill the Conflict

The next morning, the commotion of tables being turned over and the lower floor getting turned into a mad house woke Hikan from his exhaustion induced slumber. With a groan of pain, he moved his hand up to rub his face, several cracks sounding out as his joints popped one after another.

Alexandria finally woke up, having been more exhausted yesterday than she'd thought. She suddenly jumped up from the chair she had been sleeping in when she heard the crashing from downstairs, Shanghai being dumped off her lap. Shanghai's eyes snapped open, and she began floating before hitting the floor, chasing after Alexandria who had rushed downstairs to see what was going on.

Once downstairs, Alexandria saw that the Changeling they'd saved yesterday had woken up... And was freaking out, big time. Patchouli was attempting to approach her to calm her down, but the Changeling kept flipping furniture into Patchouli's way, impeding her progress. Alexandria looked to Shanghai. “I don't like the look of this situation, so could you go over with Patchouli just in case she needs help?” she asked. “It'll take me too long to navigate all this overturned furniture, so you'll have to do it for me.”

“Okay,” Shanghai answered, quickly flying over to Patchouli and grabbing her shoulder. “I'm here in case you need some help,” she explained to Patchouli after receiving a quizzical glance.

“I see,” Patchouli said. “Thank you.” Patchouli then continued her attempts to reach the Changeling, pushing the overturned furniture out of her way.

Suddenly, the Changeling hissed as it released green flames at Patchouli. However, Patchouli responded quickly and expertly using her elemental magic, extinguishing the flames in midair with a splash of water, Shanghai watching intently. The Changeling's eyes widened even more than they already had been when it saw how easily the attack had been thwarted, and tucked herself into a corner between an overturned table and chair. It was at that moment that Hikan and Arela came downstairs. The Changeling's gaze flitted between all of them as she bared her fangs and spread her wings in an attempt to look more threatening.

Alexandria sighed in relief, glad that the Changeling had stopped freaking out. Shanghai then let go of Patchouli's shoulder and returned to Alexandria's. Patchouli looked over the devastation that was the first floor, a large frown on her face. “I'll have to spend the better part of the morning cleaning this…” she muttered to herself, shaking her head.

“I see our guest has made a mess in her fear-induced state,” Arela noted, looking around. “And I'm going to assume trying to calm her down the normal way isn't working, either.”

Hikan stared at the Changeling as her eyes went from one speaker to the other, a feral hiss slowly escaping her lips. “Four-seven-eight-two,” he said, the Changeling's eyes turning immediately to him in some form of recognition. “That's enough. No one here is going to hurt you.”

The Changeling stared at him for a moment before she blinked and her wings slowly sank a little. “...Was… Is that me…?” She asked, her voice not having the same dual tone as other Changelings.

“...It was, once,” Hikan answered lowly as he started to walk towards her slowly. “Now… Four-seven-eight-two is a memory.” She continued to let her wings fall and lose her aggressive stance until the hunter stood in front of her. Gently, he lifted a hand and brought it around her shoulders before he led her to an overturned chair, using a single hand to turn it back over before sitting her down in it. Arela smiled at this, seeing her Devoted acting so kindly to one he did not know. It warmed her heart.

Hikan backed up a bit before he picked up another chair and sat in it. He looked quietly at the Changeling before he spoke. “What do you remember?” He asked.

The soldier squirmed a little, letting her eyes drift away from his before answering. “...Pain… and darkness,” she started before shaking her head. “No… everything was blurry. I was fighting… but I wasn't in control. Th-then-” Her eyes widened and she wrapped her arms around herself, shaking as some part of her memories started to flood back all at once. “Oh, sweet mother, it hurt! It hurt so much!” Patchouli tensed slightly at the outburst, but didn't do anything, instead waiting to see if the Changeling would make a move first.

Arela frowned at this, walking over and wrapping a wing around the Changeling, her golden wings nearly enveloping her. “Hush, tylin, hush. All is well now, worry not.”

The soldier tensed up a bit at the angel's touch, her eyes wide as a few built up tears rolled down her cheeks. Suddenly, the Changeling surged forward, wrapping her arms around the angel as she cried unbridled into Arela's shoulder. Arela smiled warmly as she wrapped both wings around the Changeling, letting her cry into her chest.

“Calm, tylin, all is well,” Arela assured, rocking her back and forth. The Changeling continued to cry for several moments before she finally took a deep breath and stopped.

“...I can't go back…,” she said through a choked voice. “I can feel it… I'm not connected to the colony anymore… My queen has surely proclaimed me dead….” Arela frowned, rubbing the poor girl's back as she looked to Hikan.

Hikan's eyes seemed unchanged, the coldness of his assassin's training showing through. “...Where will you go?” he asked, his tone sharing no form of comfort with the soldier.

The Changeling sniffed as she shook her head, eyes looking at the ground. “I… I don't know,” she answered shakily. “Without the colony… no Changeling can survive alone in the wilderness… not even brutes….”

“...” Arela paused for a moment, thinking. “What if she were to stay with us, my love?”

Hikan was quiet for a moment before he straightened up in his chair, crossing his arms and giving a stern look. “Not possible,” he answered harshly, drawing a scared look from the Changeling only for him to give a soft look. “Not without a name, that is.” Arela smiled at him.

“I have an idea, if you would indulge me, my love,” Arela began.

The Changeling looked up at the angel, tilting her head in confusion before Hikan gave a smile and nodded. “Of course, go ahead.”

“Why don't we call her… Allis?” Arela suggested. “It was the name of a great Cleric before I was even born.”

The Changeling scrunched up her nose a bit, her ear flicking back for a moment, Hikan giving a little chuckle at the soldier's reaction. “I'm not sure she likes that one, Arie,” he said with humor in his voice. Arela frowned.

“Shell,” Shanghai said. “She's got a really hard shell, right?” Alexandria couldn't help but grin at Shanghai's innocent, simple logic.

The Changeling looked up and blinked at the little doll before giving a soft little smile. “I really like th-” A bang cut her off as Hikan left and his chair tumbled to the ground. He threw the door open and pushed past a wide eyed Starlight, her knuckles raised to knock as she held a white cardboard box.

Alexandria was stunned, unable to say anything. “It appears that something Shanghai said has upset him,” Patchouli commented. “Although I'm unsure as to what.”

Shanghai looked at Patchouli with an apologetic expression. “Um… I'm sorry,” she said.

“No no, it's not your fault Shanghai,” Alexandria spoke up, finding her voice. “You didn't do anything wrong, I'm sure. Maybe we should leave him be for a few moments. We can ask him about it once we've given him a chance to calm down.” She then gave Starlight a quizzical look. “What's in the box?”

“I, um,” Starlight started, still blinking a bit before she stepped into the library. “I brought pastries from Sugarcube Corner…. What happened?”

Alexandria looked behind her at the mess. She then turned back to Starlight. “The Changeling kind of freaked out when she woke up,” she explained. “We got the situation under control, and were trying to decide on a name to give her. Hikan stormed out after Shanghai suggested 'Shell', but we're not sure why yet.”

Starlight's confused expression dropped and she looked towards the floor with a sad frown. “Oh…” she said quietly, stepping forward and using her magic to pick up a table and setting the box down onto it.

Arela released the Changeling, making for the door. “I'm going to see if he's alright,” she said firmly.

“Arela, wait,” Starlight said softly, moving to meet her at the door before she could leave. “He… he really needs some time right now… just this once… trust me?” Arela paused for a long moment, one foot forward.

“I would suggest taking that advice,” Patchouli said, beginning to stand the other tables and chairs back into their initial positions. “In my opinion, he should have some time alone to relax and calm down.”

“In addition to that,” Alexandria said, turning to Arela, “you'll probably want to hear the explanation as to why he's so upset, and I feel like Hikan won't want to talk about it, even with you.” Alexandria then turned to Starlight. “You obviously seem to know the reason why Hikan is so upset. Maybe you could explain it to us.”

Arela remained quiet, before, after a long while, she sighed and walked over, sitting back down with crossed arms.

Starlight was silent for a few moments. Before she could begin explaining though, the door to the library was opened. “So how's th-” Marisa said before cutting off when she saw the scene in front of her, feeling the seriousness of the atmosphere. “I'll, uh, just stand over here quietly,” she said, coming inside and closing the door, standing to the side of the entrance as Cirno followed her.

“Wh-” Cirno began to ask Marisa, before Marisa cut her off with a sharp 'sh!'.

Starlight looked to the pair then to the others scattered about the room. She gave a heavy sigh and took a seat, her eyes on her knees where her hands clutched at her pants. “Hikan's past is not an easy one and it's not my place to tell you the entire story… but it starts when he was just a boy. His village was ransacked by soldiers and they killed everyone, including his parents.”

“He survived by hiding and after burying his village, he hunted the men down. He tried to fight one of them and cut a scar into his eye before the others jumped him. They… beat him and left him to die before an old man found him and took him back to his own home where Hikan stayed for a year and bonded with the man's granddaughter. ...He and Taigari left after his want for revenge became too much and they set out to find a Teigu, a weapon of immense power. ...She became his first love and together they found and restored Dorkifu… but on the way back, six years after they left, ...she was killed by monsters.”

“Hikan couldn't go back to the village after that, so he went to the capital… and started killing military personnel. That's when he was approached by Najenda and she trained him to be an assassin. They began a group called Night Raid… and that's when he met his second love… Sheele.” The name sounded exactly the same as the name Shanghai had suggested earlier, the Changeling looking at the unicorn for a moment before scooting a bit closer to Arela.

“I…” Alexandria started, speechless at the tale she just heard. She ultimately just shook her head and said 'wow' under her breath. Marisa was silent, looking towards the floor with a frown as she pulled her hat down over her face, putting a finger over Cirno's mouth before the winged girl could make a sound. Patchouli had stopped cleaning up to listen partway through, and shook her head slightly as she slowly resumed her previous task.

Arela was quiet, shaking as she clutched her arms tightly. Starlight looked worriedly at the angel before she kept going. “...Hikan became so… so attached to her. She… showed him light that he blocked out for years. ...But then, he came back from a solo mission and found out that a new member of the group, Tatsumi, had killed the one target he wanted more than any… Captain Ogre, the man that he had given the scar and had led the group that destroyed his home. Hikan was… enraged… but Sheele stopped him from leaving. He… he bought a ring… he was going to propose but he… got sent on another mission…. Wh-when he came back, she… she was….”

“....She was gone.”

Marisa, Cirno and Alexandria all jumped as they heard this from the doorway. They looked to the door… to see Hikan there. Arela remained where she was, still shaking, face hidden by shadow as it was lowered. Hikan looked at the ground, a dead look in his eyes. “....She was on a mission… She and her partner had killed their target and were coming back when they were ambushed… by another Teigu user… she died protecting Mine and the Teigu, it….. There was nothing left to bury….” He looked up from the ground, eyes misted over as they looked at Arela. “I'm sorry, I should hav-”

A powerful force impacted his stomach, and he looked down to see Arela crying hard into his chest. Her wings were tightly wrapped around him as she cried. Hikan stared for a moment before he wrapped his arms around her, his wings doing the same as they lowered on his back. His tears came down in a flood, the man not uttering a word or sound. Patchouli simply continued to fix the furniture, though she had definitely heard the tale as she lowered her head slightly. Alexandria and Marisa just allowed the two to let it out, and Cirno had enough sense to remain quiet without being told for once.

Hikan continued to hold onto the angel for a long while longer before he looked up at Arela and kissed her forehead. “Thank you… Arie…” he said quietly. Arela squeezed him tighter, wiping her tears away.

“Anytime, my love,” she said softly, kissing him on the lips. Hikan kissed her back before he pulled back, giving her a happy smile before a shuffle caught his attention. He looked up to see the soldier Changeling had gotten to her hooves and had taken a step back, freezing as his gaze fell on her. Hikan gave Arela a look before he went over to the Changeling. She shrank back a little before he stopped in front of her, and the two stared at each other.

After a moment, Hikan sighed and looked at her with a different expression. “...My past… should not affect your future…” he started. “...Did you like the name?” The Changeling was still for a long moment before she hesitantly nodded her head. Hikan continued to stare at her before he gave the smallest of smiles. “Then it's yours.”

Arela smiled, walking over to Hikan and hugging his arm as she smiled warmly at the Changeling. “Welcome to the family, ty Shell.”

Alexandria then walked over to Hikan. “Uh, now that that's been sorted out, there's something I've had on my mind for a bit now that I want to ask you about Hikan,” she said.

“Uh,” Hikan said before he was surprised as the Changeling, Shell, hugged onto Arela. “Yeah… what's up?”

Alexandria then pulled one of the spheres from her pouch. “This and the five other spheres… They're a Teigu, aren't they?”

Hikan was quiet for a moment before he nodded his head. “The Ace Solution: Die Leaguer…,” he said quietly. “The orb Teigu.”

“I see…” Alexandria said, looking at the orb in her hand. “So it's called Ace Solution…” She then looked up at Hikan again. “Would the orbs also have names?”

Hikan nodded his head. “The Storm Orb, Explosion Orb, Flame, Ice, Lightning, and Rot,” he said quietly. “At least… that's what Champ called them….”

“Lightning Orb…” Alexandria said, looking back to the orb - the Lightning Orb - in her hand.

Hikan nodded his head. “You're really lucky,” he said. “Teigu are picky about their users. Had you picked up Die Leaguer and it not accepted you… you'd probably be dead right now.”

“It's a good thing it didn't reject her then,” Marisa finally spoke up. “I know Alice'd be devastated. I'd probably get a bit teary-eyed too.”

“Ah, that's right,” Alexandria said, putting the Lightning Orb back into her pouch. “Marisa, I have something I wanted to tell you about, and I thought that I might as well do it now since you're right here.”

“Shoot,” Marisa answered.

“The other day, I found out that Shanghai can inherit other people's abilities,” Alexandria said. “It only seems to happen if she's in physical contact with them when she sees them use an ability.”

“I'm havin' trouble buyin' that,” Marisa responded. “I want proof.”

“Hmph,” Alexandria said. “Fine. How about we try and have Shanghai inherit your Master Spark? If she does, that should be proof enough.”

“Sure, let's do it right now,” Marisa said. “C'mere,” she said to Shanghai, patting her shoulder, Shanghai complying and grabbing on. “Now, watch closely,” Marisa said, pulling out an octagonal device from under her hat. She then whispered into it and pointed it at an upward angle. After a few moments of energy building up within it, the spell was released.

Love Sign「Master Spark」

A massive beam came out of the face of the device, somehow barely managing not to hit anything in the library. After a few seconds, the beam dissipated. “Alright, now you try and hit me with one,” Marisa said to Shanghai, putting the device back under her hat. Shanghai then went back over to Alexandria before turning towards Marisa. “Though, I really doubt you'll be able to pull it-”

Shanghai「Mini Spark」

Marisa was cut off by a miniature version of her Master Spark blowing her hat right off her head. She stood there, wide-eyed and blinking for a few moments. “Well damn, whadya know? She actually did it,” Marisa said, picking her hat up off the floor and putting it back on.

“....Could you guys give us some warning next time?” Hikan stood in front of Arela and Shell, arms and wings held out. “Those were… more than a little bigger than I was expecting….”

“That reminds me of the Heaven's Wraths back home… Only much less destructive,” Arela noted, peeking her head out from behind Hikan. “Also, like my love said, please do warn us next time.”

“Alright, my bad,” Marisa said.

“Woooooow!!” Cirno shouted, rushing over to Alexandria and Shanghai. “I had no idea your Fairy could do that!”

“If you show her how to freeze somethin' with her on your shoulder, I'm sure she could learn how to freeze things too,” Marisa noted.

“Really!?” Cirno asked. “That's so cool! C'mon Shanghai, I'm gonna show you how to freeze something!” Cirno then grabbed Shanghai's hand and ran out of the library, presumably to find something suitable to freeze.

Starlight, having hid behind a table, peeked out. “Is, uh, is Shanghai going to be okay with her?” She asked worriedly.

“Well, as long as Cirno doesn't bring her too far away from me, she shouldn't be able to kill her,” Alexandria said. “Though, I should probably follow them just to be sure that they don't get too far away.” Alexandria then quickly left the library to follow Cirno.

“I should probably go too,” Marisa said. “Keep Cirno outta trouble.” Marisa then went after Alexandria.

Arela looked to her Devoted. “What should we do now, my love?”

Hikan was quiet for a moment before he answered. “Honestly, I could use some new clothes and a bath. After that… we need to get ready to go to Canterlot.”

Starlight stood from her crouching position with a confused look. “Why Canterlot?” She asked, stepping forward.

“That's Juno's next move,” Hikan answered, drawing a confused look from Shell.

“...You were in our link…,” the Changeling muttered. “You've seen inside the hive mind….” Hikan turned to look at her for a moment before giving a slow nod.

“I would like some new clothes, too. These ones are a bit… dirty,” Arela said, motioning to the bloodstains on her clothes.

“I would suggest the Carousel Boutique if you are looking to purchase new attire,” Patchouli spoke up, having finished cleaning the library. “Although the doll maker is there, many of Ponyville's residents praise it as the best clothing shop in town.”

“Thank you, Patchouli,” Hikan said, letting his wings fold back in… only to give one last surprise. Shell's colors had changed without the presence of green flame. The hardened dark blue plates of thick chitin turned to a darker purple, almost black, while the rest of her changed to a paler purple, close to lavender. The final change was in her eyes which had turned to a deep violet. The man stared at the Changeling as she blinked at him.

“...What?” She asked, her tone confused. “Is there something wrong…?”

“You… Changed appearances, almost as seamlessly as the Dream Knights,” Arela pointed out, gesturing to Shell's new look.

Shell blinked at the angel. “I could not have,” she said, lifting her hand. “I did not activate my-” She stopped when she spotted her own appendage, staring at it in surprise. “I-I don't understand….”

“Interesting…” Patchouli said quietly, watching intently.

Hikan stared at Shell for a long moment before he gave a long, tired breath. “Just one more mystery…” he said quietly. “We should get going. The sooner we can get to Canterlot, the sooner we head off Juno.”

“Agreed. Let us be off,” Arela said, making for the door. They started towards the door, walking out, but when Shell came to it, she stopped and looked nervously outside.

“Is there a problem?” Patchouli asked Shell.

“Um… I… the ponies…” she stumbled, her eyes drifting nervously around.

Patchouli was silent for a moment. “Are you worried about how the residents will react to you after your kind attacked yesterday?” she asked.

Shell nodded her head slowly, the fear starting to become a little more obvious in her faded eyes. Hikan looked at her strangely. “Can't you just disguise yourself?” He asked, causing her to fidget a little.

“It's… a little more complicated,” she said quietly.

“Well, as long as we're here, no one will lay a hand on you, tylin,” Arela assured with a smile.

“I-it's not that…,” she said, shuffling her hooves. “I… don't have any clothes… an-and when we transform, we… we're, um… naked….” Arela blinked.

“Oh,” she said simply, eyes wide.

Hikan's eyes searched Shell for a moment before he gave a little sigh and let his coat drop from his shoulders. “Wisps,” he ordered, throwing the coat into the air in Shell's direction, his four will-o'-wisps forming and rushing the jacket. They circled around it, whirring sounds and lights buzzing out. When Shell caught it, she held a slightly short blouse and skirt made from the coat.

“Why did you…?” She started, looking up at him before he gave a small smile.

“I need a new one, anyway,” he said, letting his wings stretch out. “Can't just keep hiding these things forever.” Arela giggled as she traced a finger along one of his wings.

“Indeed. Much too attractive to hide,” she said with a smile.

Hikan chuckled before he pulled her close and gave her a little kiss before looking back up at Shell. “Go inside and get changed. We'll wait for you.” The Changeling looked down at the clothing then back at him before nodding and disappearing back inside. A few minutes later, a slate blue earth pony with deep purple eyes and mane walked out wearing the skirt and blouse that the wisps had formed from Hikan's coat.

“Is… is this okay?” She asked, Shell's voice coming through if not a bit softer. Arela smiled, walking over to her.

“It's wonderful, Shell. You look beautiful,” Arela complimented, adjusting the blouse on Shell like a mother would their child.

“Just like a Tanuki…” Patchouli commented quietly. “Except without the need of a leaf…”

“I'm… sorry…” Shell said, blinking at the librarian. “What's a Tanuki…?”

“Japanese raccoon of sorts,” Hikan answered. “Supposedly they have mystical abilities… just don't ask about some of the myths.”

“Well, either way, this tylin is adorable,” Arela complimented, smiling at Shell as she finished adjusting her blouse.

Shell smiled a bit before suddenly giving the angel a quick hug before backing up again. “Thank you, Arela,” she said before she cocked her head to the side. “But… what does tylin mean?” Arela giggled.

“Oh, it means 'little one', or 'young one', in Angelic,” Arela explained.

“But I'm close to a hundred years old…” the soldier said, her eyes blinking in confusion. Arela giggled again.

“That's still young by Angel standards, tylin,” Arela told her.

“One hundred years is young by the standards of your kind as well?” Patchouli asked. “If that's true, then what is your age?”

“Well, I'm still young by Angel standards as well, as most I knew lived to be ten thousand and still looked young. I only reached the age of adolescent two centuries ago, at the age of five-hundred,” Arela explained.

“Five hundred, two centu- Then you are seven hundred years of age,” Patchouli said. Arela nodded.

“Seven hundred and eighty one, to be exact,” Arela said with a proud smile, hands on her hips.

Hikan blinked at each of them in turn. “...And in one fell swoop, you guys have made me feel like a little boy again,” he muttered, putting his hand to his eyes and shaking his head.

“My age happens to be a little more than a full century as well,” Patchouli said. “Though even one hundred years is somewhat young by Yokai standards.”

Hikan gave another sigh before Starlight giggled and pushed his arm with her knuckles. “Oh, come on,” she said with a smile. “You're still older than I am, but I don't see why it's such a big deal.”

“With age comes experience,” Patchouli stated to Starlight. “And experience brings wisdom. Therefore, the more aged an individual, the wiser they would be.”

“Indeed. But that doesn't mean we can't have fun with the tylins,” Arela agreed, walking over and giving a swift kiss to her Devoted. “Right, my love?” She fluttered her eyelashes. Patchouli simply shook her head at this, a slight hint of a smile on her face.

Hikan gave a little groan, but smiled nonetheless. “That's going to stick, isn't it?” He asked, pulling her into a little embrace. Arela giggled.

“Most certainly, my ty Devoted,” Arela purred, kissing him again.

Hikan rolled his eyes jokingly, returning the kiss before straightening up. “We should get going before the sun gets any further along,” he said.

“Right,” Arela said as she turned to the door, arms wrapped around one of his. “Come on, we have some clothing to obtain.”

Shell gave a little smile and a nod before following after them as Hikan started to walk towards town. As they walked outside, Arela nuzzled lovingly into Hikan, still holding his arm.

As they approached the Carousel Boutique, they saw Alexandria, Marisa, Cirno and Alice out front… and it seemed like Alice was giving Cirno an earful. “This can't be good,” Starlight muttered, Hikan shaking his head in agreement.

“What in Hakugyokurou were you thinking!?” they heard Alice shout at Cirno. “How is anybody supposed to get in when the doors are frozen shut!?”

“Should we… wait 'till they're done?” Arela asked her Devoted.

“I… think that would be a very good idea,” Hikan answered, looking between Alice - who was still shouting - and Cirno, weary of the beings that were so closely related to Yuuka.

Marisa then grabbed Cirno by the back of her dress' collar, beginning to drag her away, the group just close enough to hear Marisa tell Cirno that she was grounded for the next three days, followed by Cirno's despaired 'NOOOOOOO!!'. Alexandria watched the two leave, Shanghai on her shoulder. Alice huffed and turned to stare at the frozen doors, her arms crossed. Alexandria then turned to see the four standing down the street, her eyes landing on Shell, who she didn't recognize due to the disguise.

“...Should we be concerned for the blue one?” Shell questioned, tilting her head.

“I'm sure she can handle herself,” Arela said. “Although… We do need to get clothes…”

Hikan looked over the scene for a moment before he started forward. “I think I can handle that,” he assured his Devoted, giving her a little smile.

Alice noticed his approach out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head to look at him. “If you're here to buy some clothes, you'll have to come back later,” she told him, her expression and tone moderately frustrated. “Due to a baka Ice Fairy, the doors are sealed shut right now.”

“I imagine that's making Rarity more than a little anxious,” Hikan said, a confident tone in his voice as Dorkifu revved to life and a visor formed in front of his eyes and over his ears. “Funny thing, ice and stone,” he started, walking up to the door as he reached into his pouch and pulled out a tiny pick and a small hammer. “In their own right, they're very strong building materials. But, with the right touch, and the perfect spot….” His visor traveled over the doors, the pick tapping against the ice and jerking his head in different directions. He then stopped and crouched down, putting the pick and hammer to the ice before tapping the pick into the ice sharply. Cracks spider webbed out, and the ice fell away. “They're as fragile as glass.”

Alice just looked at the doors wide-eyed, unable to say a word. “That was…” Alexandria started, before falling silent as well, unable to find the words to describe just what that was. Arela giggled, walking over to Hikan and kissing his cheek after lifting the visor.

“Amazing as always, my love,” she said with a smile.

Hikan gave a chuckle. “Being a smith was my first profession,” he said. “Dorkifu just makes it way too easy.” Alice just continued to stand staring at the door, dumbfounded.

“Are you guys going to get clothes or cuddle all day?” Starlight asked, looking at Hikan and Arela. “You did say you wanted to be out of here today.” Arela stood up, pulling Hikan with her as she shot a look to Starlight.

“You're just jealous,” she said.

“Tch,” Starlight said, looking away. “Yeah, okay. Let's just get some clothes and get to the train station before noon or else we'll get to Canterlot after the sun goes down.”

Hikan took a look up at the sun for a moment before looking back down. “She's right, we really should get a move on.” Arela simply grinned at Starlight, knowing she'd won, before turning back to the door.

“Let us do so, then, my love,” she said, leaning against him. Hikan couldn't make up his mind of whether he wanted to sigh or chuckle… so he compromised and shook his head before walking towards the door.

“You two are going to be the death of me…” he muttered before opening and holding the door for them, Shell being the first to slip in as she noticed someponies walk by, look at her, and start whispering to each other.

Alexandria stayed out front, an expression of deep thought on her face.

As the four entered, Rarity came out from the store's back room, having heard customers come in. “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, how may-” she then cut off when she saw Arela's blood crusted clothes. “Oh, nonono, that won't do, that won't do at all,” she said, shaking her head with a frown. “Come come, allow me to help you find some cleaner attire,” she said, ushering Arela towards a change room. Arela blinked as she was ushered in, away from her Devoted.

“Oh, um, okay,” she said, surprised at the sudden and informal greeting.

Hikan gave a little chuckle before he started to look around. Shell looked more than a little nervous as she backed into a corner and kept to herself.

“Umm…” Arela said nervously, playing with her hands as Rarity looked at her expectantly. “S-So I have to… strip?”

“Of course you do, dear,” Rarity responded. “I can't put the clean outfit over top that soiled one.” Arela blushed and slowly nodded, untying the string on the corset and shrugging the clothes off, revealing her golden panties and bra. Her wings spread out as she took it off, revealing their golden splendor.

Rarity's eyes widened when she saw the wings. “My word,” she said under her breath, however she recovered her composure quickly as she began thinking up the perfect outfit for Arela. After a few moments, she seemed to figure out what to do. “Alright darling, you just wait right there. I'll have you looking presentable again before you know it.” She then went to get the things she was going to need.

Back on the Carousel Boutique's main floor, Hikan came to a stop, Shell still trembling a bit in the corner. “...You okay?” He asked suddenly, making the Changeling jump.

She looked at him with wide eyes for a moment before she answered. “N-not really,” she said. “How long will the unicorn keep Lady Arela?”

Hikan turned his head and gave her a questioning look. “Rarity's a master of her craft, it shouldn't take long,” he replied, turning his body to follow his gaze. “You seem to be really attached to her.”

Shell blinked at him before looking towards the floor. “She's been kind,” she said softly. “And….”

“You have my thoughts and memories.” The sudden statement shocked the Changeling who looked up quickly. She nodded with a scared expression forming on her face, but before Hikan could say anything else, Rarity opened the change room curtain as she and Arela stepped out, Arela wearing a completely new outfit.

Arela was now wearing a pristine white, short-sleeved blouse, which had slits in the back for her wings, and a skirt that reached to her knees. The skirt's colour was a sort of pale honey colour, looking much like gold. Arela's hair had also been made slightly wavy, a hair clip having been put in it off to the side. The hair clip had a small design on it made from gemstones: there were two angel wing shapes made from topazes, the two wings originating from a single opal at the center of the design.

“D-Do I look okay?” she asked, nervously gripping the hem of her new skirt.

“Not 'okay' dear,” Rarity said. “You look wonderful. It's an outfit made with my impeccable fashion sense after all.” Arela blushed, looking to Hikan, still gripping her skirt.

Hikan smiled and stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her. “You look beautiful,” he said, giving her a kiss. Arela blushed more, but leaned into the kiss.

Hikan let the kiss trail on for a few moments before he pulled back. He stepped and turned to look towards Shell. “Your turn if you're ready, Shell,” he said, giving her a little smile.

The mare tapped the tips of her fingers together nervously. “I-if you think so…,” she said nervously. Arela, now assured that she didn't look weird, smiled at Shell.

“You'll be okay, mai tylin,” Arela assured.

Shell gave a little smile and nodded her head to Arela's words before beginning to walk forwards towards Rarity. “Should… would it be better if I… took on my natural state?” She asked.

Hikan looked between the mare and Rarity for a second before he looked back at Shell and gave her a little smile. “I'm sure we can trust Rarity,” he said before looking at the unicorn. “So long as she understands you're a gentle soul.” The disguised Changeling hesitated a moment before she nodded. She closed her eyes tight and green flames swirled around her, the gray-blue mare seeming to burn away and leave behind a Changeling in the makeshift skirt and blouse. She looked up at Rarity with a scared look and brought her arms up to hug herself nervously.

Rarity's eyes widened in surprise when she saw the Changeling. It took her several seconds before she shook her head and regained her composure. “Well, you seem harmless enough…” she said slowly. “Alright, I'll see what I can do.” Rarity then went towards the back room to find some clothing. “While I go and find some clothing, how about you get yourself into a change room dear?” she said over her shoulder to Shell. The Changeling nodded her head a bit, walking into the changing room quietly.

After a minute or so, Rarity then brought some clothing from the back room into the change room with Shell. After several more moments, the curtain was opened again to reveal the Changeling in a simple blue outfit. It was comprised of a pale blue, short-sleeved shirt, the sleeve cuffs being slightly ruffled, as well as a pair of darker blue cut-off pants that reached just past the knees. The outfit was complete with a necklace that had a small scarab charm, the scarab being a small, etched sapphire.

Shell fidgeted nervously with the scarab charm, her eyes darting up and down between the floor and the others. “U-um, what do you think?” She asked, looking up at Arela, then Hikan, and back to the angel. Arela smiled, walking over and giving the Changeling a kiss on the forehead.

“Beautiful, my tylin,” she said warmly. The Changeling closed her eyes and smiled a bit as she kissed her before looked back up with a gleam in her eyes. Hikan smiled as well as he watched the scene.

The sound of someone clearing their throat shook them out of the happy moment. “We still have a train to catch,” Starlight reminded as Shell and Hikan looked towards her. “If we don't hurry, we will miss our train.”

“Right,” Hikan said, giving a nod before turning to Rarity. “How fast can you make a long coat that'll let my wings through?”

Rarity gave him a look. “Do you not know who you're talking to?” she said. “I guarantee five minutes at most, or my name isn't Rarity.” She then went into the back room to make the long coat in question. It was only three minutes before she came back with a brown-orange long coat that had slits in the back for wings. She then handed it to Hikan. “Don't worry about paying right now,” she said. “I wouldn't want you to miss your train. I'll just have you pay for the clothing at a later date.”

Hikan shook his head. “No way,” he said before reaching into his pouch. He rummaged for a moment or two to the sound of loud jingling before pulling out a handful of gold coins, precious jewels, and a pearl necklace. “Will this work?” Rarity stared in silence for a few moments.

“Y-Yes, that's more than enough,” she finally answered before taking the valuables from Hikan.

The assassin nodded. “Thanks, Rarity,” he said before turning towards the door and slipping on the coat, his wings coming through with no problem. “Okay, gang, let's get going.”

“But-” Starlight started only to be cut off.

“I'll give my other clothes a spit-shine along the way, don't worry,” the hunter said already headed for the door, causing the pink unicorn to fume.

“That's not what I was going to ask…” she murmured as she followed him.

When they stepped outside, they ran into Alice, who was finally about to enter. “Oh, uh, thanks for getting the door open,” she said awkwardly to Hikan.

“Uh, you're welcome…?” He answered awkwardly, getting out of the way and holding the door for her to enter.

As Alice went to enter, Alexandria - who was also still outside - spoke up. “You said that you had a train to catch,” she said. “And if I remember correctly, you said that it's headed to a place called Canterlot. Do you mind if I ask why you want to go there?”

Hikan shrugged his shoulders. “Not at all,” he replied. “When I use Master of Things I can basically 'hack' into just about any network or start to construct or deconstruct it. When I… connected to the breeder, I was able to sort of ride my way to Juno's thoughts. I didn't get much except the word 'Canterlot' over and over again. The first time I connected to a Changeling and found him, his thoughts surrounded around 'Ponyville' and we can see what happened here, though I doubt he's going to try such a rough tactic like he did here.”

Alexandria was silent for a few moments, though not due to thought or surprise. Instead, she seemed to have an expression of… almost determination. “I…” Alexandria began. “I just can't let someone like him run around freely. He attacked this town for possibly little to no reason, and I don't know why he's planning on attacking this Canterlot, but I frankly don't care. I don't want to let him. Please, let me come with you so I can help. I promise I won't be a burden.”

Hikan looked the girl over for a moment before he raised an eyebrow. “You sure you can handle it?” he asked.

“I'll handle whatever I need to,” Alexandria answered stubbornly.

“I hope you're right about that.” A voice suddenly said from behind Alexandria. Alexandria turned around quickly, her arm poised, ready to attack at a moment's notice… only to see Starlight there behind her.

“You startled me,” she said to Starlight, slowly relaxing. “I was about ready to hit you with a lightning bolt you know.”

“She could take it,” Hikan said, patting her shoulder suddenly. “But just so you know, that's what a rookie can do.”

Alexandria turned back to look at Hikan. “Well, I have my ability that I inherited from my mother as well as two types of magic at my disposal,” she began. “In addition to that, I've got Ace Solution now, and Shanghai has a few abilities of her own that will prove to be useful. I should be able to hold my own.”

Hikan gave a little shrug. “You're still going to need to learn a few things,” he said before looking towards Shell and Arela. “That actually applies to all of us. We're stepping into completely new territory.”

Alexandria gave a small grin. “Exactly, we're all in the same boat,” she said. “Plus, even if you say no, I'm planning on just flying after the train and following you anyway.”

“Never said no, Alex,” the assassin said. “But we will have to learn the terrain, some of us need to build up our physical strength, you need to figure the ins and outs of Die Leaguer… and we really need a place to stay….”

“Don't worry,” Alexandria said. “I'll be sure to pull my own weight. I can be a diligent worker.”

“That I can attest to,” Alice suddenly said, coming back out of the Carousel Boutique. “I only heard the beginning and a bit of the end of that conversation, but… I understand that Alex is going to be leaving with you guys to chase after that insect-like guy from yesterday?”

Hikan looks at Alice as Shell, having taken on her mare disguise, winces at the doll maker's description. “It appears that way,” he answered before looking back at Alexandria. “Not that I think we have much choice in the matter.”

Alice was silent for a couple moments. During this time, the group noticed that she seemed to be holding something in her hands, but she was gripping it in such a way that her hands hid it from view. She then walked over to Alexandria. “Um…” she started. “So, this is kind of a parting gift. You know how all my dolls have various weapons that they wield?” Alexandria nodded. “Well, Shanghai also has a weapon of her own.” At this, Alice opened her hands and held one out to Alexandria. In it was a very small, sheathed broadsword. “This is Shanghai's own broadsword,” Alice said, before speaking directly to Shanghai. “I want you to take it with you.” Shanghai then floated down to pick up the broadsword, slinging the sheath over her shoulder so that the strap went across her front diagonally. It fit her perfectly. Alice was silent for a few moments again. “Please promise me you'll come back safely,” she said to Alexandria. “I… don't know what I'd do if I lost my best friend…”

“Don't worry Alice,” Alexandria answered, putting her hand on Alice's shoulder. “I won't get myself killed, alright? And thanks for Shanghai's broadsword. I'm sure it'll be helpful.” Alexandria then turned to Hikan. “Anyway, we have a train to catch, right?”

Hikan went to answer before he was lifted up in a turquoise aura and started to be hauled away. “Yes, yes we do,” Starlight said as she started to walk towards the station, Hikan in tow. “And if we spend any more time sitting around talking, we'll have to wait for the late train.” Alexandria smiled and began following them.

“Bye Alice!” she said over her shoulder, waving. “I promise I'll come back safe!” Arela grumbled as Starlight carried her Devoted off, not liking the way she so roughly treated him, but not arguing as she could see that they did need to hurry up. Shell hurried after the group, sticking close to Arela as the group made their way to the train station.

The trip to the station was relatively uneventful. It wasn't long before they had their tickets and were waiting outside for the train to roll in. Hikan let out a tired sigh and sat on the bench… before his brow twitched. He opened one eye and realized how close Starlight was standing to Arela. For a moment, he watched them. “...Shell?” He said.

“Hm?” The mare answered, poking her head out from behind Alex.

“Could you stand there, please?” He asked, pointing directly between the unicorn and angel. The Changeling gave him a confused look before stepping between them. “Thank you.” With that, Hikan leaned his head back and closed his eyes, waiting for the train to come through.

“So… fala,” Arela began, addressing Starlight.

The unicorn leaned forward and looked past Shell as Hikan sank on the bench and gave a groan. “What?” She asked irritably, a frown on her face.

“...How was the Trial of Godly Eyes?” Arela asked, making Starlight pale and look away. Arela grinned.

“Th-that's not funny,” Starlight said quietly, a shudder in her voice that actually made Hikan open his eyes and caused Alexandria to look at the two women. Cataclysm climbed up onto Starlight's shoulder, giving her a worried look for several moments. Shell winced and backed away from the unicorn, starting to rub her arm that had been closest to Starlight.

“Well, I'm honestly just surprised you survived. Most who took the trial died on the spot from the sheer amount of information and shock,” Arela continued.

Starlight didn't seem to respond, just kept her eyes off of the angel, her shoulders suddenly giving a little shake, drawing a disgruntled rumble from the Nil Dragon on her shoulder.

Arela's grin grew, up until Hikan butted in. “Arie, that's enough,” the assassin said, stepping up behind the angel and putting a hand on her shoulder before walking to Starlight.

“Star, she-” the man was cut off quickly when the unicorn lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him, the sounds of her sobs muffled as she cried into him. Hikan's face was that of surprise for several moments before he gave a sad little frown and wrapped his arms around her, too, gently smoothing out her mane as stress tangles started to try and take root. Alexandria watched this in silence for a couple moments before glancing at Arela, a hint of disapproval in her expression. Arela stared at the scene for a straight ten seconds, then looked away, realizing she had gone too far. She slowly walked away and sat down on an empty bench away from them all, ashamed of herself.

Starlight continued to cry until the train pulled into the station, at which point Hikan pushed on her shoulders a bit to get her to lean back and reveal her puffy red eyes. “You okay?” He asked softly, receiving a nod from the mare. He nodded his head and rubbed her shoulder. “Okay. Why don't you and Alex go find us a few seats?” Starlight nodded again and turned to board the train.

Alexandria looked at Hikan for a few moments before going over to the train as well. When she got to the door, she stopped and turned, looking back at Ponyville. She stood like that for a couple seconds before whispering “I swear I'll come back safe and victorious…” After that, she turned back and boarded as well to help Starlight find some seats. Arela didn't say anything, looking down at her feet. Shell stood by nervously looking between Arela and Hikan. Her gaze jerked to a halt on the man as he put a hand on her arm.

“Could you please go with the others?” He asked, giving her a soft look. The disguised Changeling was silent for a moment before nodding slowly. She threw one last look at the angel before following Starlight and Alexandria onto the train. Hikan watched her go before he gave a small sigh and walked over to Arela. After a moment, he lifted a hand and put it on her back under her shoulder.

“I…” Arela seemed to choke on her words. “I… I don't know what came over me. I didn't mean to make her cry…” She said softly. She hugged herself. “Gods, what is wrong with me? I've never been this way before!”

Hikan was quiet for a moment before he wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her back softly. “Sometimes… we let the worst of ourselves come out when we least expect it…” he said quietly.

“That doesn't make it right, though… Gods, this…” her eyes widened in fear. “Oh Gods… This is just like my brother's taivente. Gods… Oh Gods…” She started to tremble.

“Hey,” he said softly, pulling back a little and rubbing her shoulder. “I'm not sure what this taivente is but I know one thing. You hurt somebody… but you're not a bad person. You realize that things went too far and I know you won't do it again… and I know you know what the right thing to do is….”

“You don't understand. A taivente is the absolute worst thing to happen to an angel. Even more so for a high angel like me. Back home, if it happened, I would be disowned, wiped from the annals, and exiled to the Frigid Wastes to die alone!” Arela said, seeming quite scared now. Her wings were fully folded now, and her hands were so tightly digging into her flesh her knuckles were white.

Hikan gave a worried look before taking one of her hands in his own and gently rubbing the back of it. “But you're not there anymore,” he said softly. “You're here, with me, and around here we call it a mistake. And mistakes are forgivable. You and Starlight are so much alike that this was bound to happen and I'm honestly surprised it took this long. But right now, the only thing you can do is apologize….” Arela hung her head again. After a short while, she rushed towards him in a blur of movement, golden feathers flying, and tackled him to the ground in a compromising position.

“You'll be there to support me, right?” she asked softly.

Hikan looked up and nodded at her, his face leaving no room for doubt. “Of course,” he answered quietly. “Forever and always, and without hesitation.” She smiled lightly, giving him a fierce yet quick kiss before getting off of him.

“Thank you,” she almost whispered.

Hikan smiled warmly up at her before getting to his feet. “You're welcome, my angel,” he answered softly, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and kissing the top of her head. “Now c'mon, don't wanna miss a train we're standing right in front of, right?” She nodded, following him into the train.

On the train, Starlight had found a seat and was quietly petting Cataclysm's feathers, the Nil Dragon dozing in her lap while Shell sat nearby, trying to avoid eye contact with other passengers. Alexandria was sitting across from Starlight, Shanghai having taken a seat on a nearby bench. Alexandria saw the two come in and waved them over. “Shanghai kept your seats warm for you,” she said to them as they approached, a small smile on her face. It was fairly obvious that she was trying to brighten the mood from before. Arela nodded with a light smile, before looking to Starlight. Slowly, she approached her, hands behind her back.

Starlight kept her eyes glued on the floor, her hand moving to scratch underneath the demon dragon's chin.

“...Starlight,” Arela said softly, surprising the unicorn as she had never addressed her by name before.

The unicorn looked up at the angel, a myriad of emotions flashing through her eyes. She still said nothing, but she gave Arela the attention she requested. Arela looked her straight in the eyes, then sighed deeply, scuffing a foot on the floor.

“...I'm sorry,” she said simply.

Starlight stared at her for a moment before her eyes sank back to the floor, silence ruling the air. “...Twilight once told me that forgiveness is the key to friendship…” she said quietly before giving a strangled sigh. “But… I find it hard.” She looked back up at the angel with tired, sad eyes. “Is it even possible for us to be friends? I just… I just don't understand….”

“I…” Arela seemed lost as well. Though, after a good moment of silence and the conductor telling the passengers the train was about to move, she had an idea. “Well… Much as I hate to admit it… You ponies have, what was it? Herds?” She shook her head. “Regardless, I think I can… learn to live with the idea of us being in one. I can't guarantee I'll be as pleasant, but… I'll try. I don't want my taivente to happen, ever. If this is how I can avoid it…” She reached a hand to Starlight, and made a genuine smile. “All the better.”

Starlight was quiet for a moment. Her silence permeated the air as she looked at the hand… before she looked away and gave a soft chuckle. “I'm not sure herd is what you meant,” she said with humor in her voice before she lifted her hand to meet Arela's. “But… I think we can work it out….” Arela smiled, pulling her up and, to the unicorn's further surprise, she was pulled into a hug, wings and all. She noted they felt… warmer, than arms.

“I hope so, you dirty fala,” Arela joked.

Starlight didn't move for a moment before she gave a little smile and returned the hug. Hikan smiled as well, happy to see his friend and Devoted finally making some sort of progress with one another. Arela slowly let go, before she seemed to remember something else.

“Oh! My lord wanted me to give this to you, and said you should share it with the…'Yokai half-breed'?” Arela said - eliciting a fairly noticeable wince from Alexandria, though Alexandria remained silent - before shrugging it off and pulling a large, purple book out of thin air, covered in arcane symbols that made Starlight's eyes go starry. Starlight took the book before throwing another one armed hug around the angel. She practically bounced back into her seat and pulled the book open. After a moment, the last part of Arela's sentence seemed to register.

She gave a sheepish grin before she looked at Alexandria and patted the seat next to her. “Sorry, I, um… get excited,” she apologized. “Care to learn a new language and some magic…?” Alexandria glanced at the book quickly, a bit of curiosity in her expression.

“Sure,” she answered as she went to sit next to Starlight, Shanghai following and settling on Alexandria's shoulder. As Alexandria sat down she looked to Arela. “Also, um… Please don't call me… 'half-breed'…” she said somewhat awkwardly. “It's… kind of a… very rude term for half-Yokai…” Arela blinked.

“Oh! Um, sorry, I was just quoting my lord,” Arela said, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly.

“No, it's okay,” Alexandria responded. “You didn't know any better. As long as you don't call me that again, then it's fine.” Arela nodded as the two silently read the book. After trying to read the script for ten minutes, Alexandria realized that she didn't understand any of the archaic and strangely glowing words.

Starlight gave a little smile before she began to teach the Yokai the ins and outs she had learned during her time in Erevale. Hikan took his seat and sat back with a happy smile, leaning his head back. Arela chimed in from time to time, correcting the two when they made a mistake in pronunciation or vernacular, and making a few basic arcane gestures to demonstrate the spells. Shell was quiet for most of the trip, keeping close to Arela as the train rushed across the Equestrian landscape, Canterlot's silhouette looming in the distance and waiting for their arrival.

End of Chapter 15

Author's Note

And here's your double upload!

At this point, Alexandria will be accompanying Hikan, and will be following the events of Paradise Lost: Kill the Memory. However, that story has some... darker and more mature themes to it, so... this is the final chapter of Paradise Lost: Daughter of Gensokyo. However, Alexandria's adventure is only just beginning. This story will continue in the direct sequel Paradise Lost: Daughter of Terra, which will have the mature rating. This sequel should hopefully be submitted sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this story, and I sincerely hope you enjoy its sequel! Until next time!

Chapter 1: Daughter of Gensokyo

Author's Note

This story is part of a four-branch collaboration with RedRandom, Naturefang and Pyro Mance. This is only the perspective of my character. This story also has a prologue, and a lot of things might not make sense if you don't read the prologue first. If you haven't already read the prologue, I suggest that you go read it before reading this chapter.

"Ooh, ooh, here it is, right here!"
Prologue
...Uh... Thanks...?

Also, I understand if you find this first chapter boring, but I needed to set up the groundwork. I promise things will be more interesting in later chapters.

Chapter 1: Daughter of Gensokyo

Voices. As I slowly begin to come to, that's the first thing I hear, if hazy. The voices slowly come into focus as I come closer to consciousness.

“...can't jus' leave her lyin' there on th' ground.”

“Yeah, but… where should we even bring her?”

Both voices sound female, and one has a heavy southern accent, but… who are they talking about? I finally register the bright sunlight through my eyelids, and I crack my eyes open, shielding them with my arm as I sit up with a groan.

“Wait, she's waking up!”

With my eyes adjusted to the light, I look over to where the two voices were coming from… and am not very surprised that the two don't appear human. They stand upright on two legs, and have hands, but their bodies are completely covered with hair, they have manes that go down their back, as well as tails, they have hooves instead of feet and small snouts on their faces. I also notice that they don't seem much taller than 4 feet. I'm… not sure what creature to define them as.

One of them has orange hair, with a darker orange mane, and wears a brown cowboy hat with a Red Apple pin, a red plaid short-sleeved button-up shirt and overalls, admittedly looking a lot like a farmer.

The other has sky-blue hair and a rainbow-coloured mane. She's wearing a sky-blue graphic tee with a picture of a lightning bolt on the front, as well as some cutoff jeans that end halfway down her shins. The orange one speaks up.

“Hey there Pardner, you awrite?” she says in her thick accent.

“Um… yeah, I guess…” I say, somewhat confused as I look around, not recognizing my surroundings.

“Well then, if you're not hurt, I'll be on my way!” the blue one says, turning around, giving me a clear view of the two slits on the back of her shirt, where two wings protrude out.

Just as she goes to take off, the orange one grabs her tail. “Woooaaah, Nelly,” the orange one says, pulling the other one down in a comedic fashion, “Ah wasn't th' only one ta find her here on th' ground, you did too, so Ah'm not about ta go an' let you dump yer responsibilities on somepony else,” she scolded. Pony? Are these supposed to be ponies? They don't look like any ponies I've seen, but I get over it quickly and accept that these are ponies.

Since I don't recognize where I am, I decide to ask the two ponies. I go to speak, but I realize that the two had started bickering while I was lost in thought. I decide to just interject.

“Ahem, excuse me?” I start, the two ponies jumping slightly, then realizing I'm still here. Their cheeks go red slightly from embarrassment. “I don't recognize this place. Where in Gensokyo is this?”

The two ponies give me a funny look, before the blue one speaks up. “What the hell is a 'gensoh-kee-oh'?”

Now I give the pony a funny look as I answer, “It's not a thing, it's a place. I was born in Gensokyo, and I live there. It's not supposed to be possible to leave, so I have to still be in Gensokyo, right?”

“Well, I've never heard of it,” the blue pony responds, “Are you sure you're OK?”

“Of course she is,” the orange pony snaps, “If she said she's awright, then she's awright.” The orange pony turns to me, “Sahrry 'bout mah friend Rainbow Dash's rudeness, she can be a mite thick-skulled at times. Mah name's Applejack, pleasure ta meet'cha,” the pony named Applejack says to me.

“Oh! Uh-” I start before getting cut off by the pony Applejack called Rainbow Dash. “Who are you calling 'thick-skulled'!?”

“You.”

“Well how about I use this 'thick skull' of mine and give you a good headbutt right in your-”

“Can you please stop bickering for more than one second and let me finish!?” I say, now getting very irritated by their bickering. There are a few moments of stunned silence before the two look away, their cheeks burning with embarrassment while they mutter apologies. I exhale heavily, calming myself down before I continue.

“My name is Alexandria Kijin, and I'm half-human/half-Yokai,” I begin.

“Question,” Rainbow Dash interrupts me, “what's a 'yolk-eye'? Is it a part of an egg?”

“It's not 'yolk-eye,' it's 'Yokai,' and no, it's not part of an egg. A Yokai is a type of creature that most people believe isn't real.”

“You mean like the Boogieman?”

“Ummm… sure.”

At this point, I'm getting a little tired of trying to get through to Rainbow Dash, so I give up on explaining myself and ask what I have on my mind, “could I maybe talk to someone who knows a lot about magic?”

The word 'magic' seems to get their attention. “If you're looking for someone who knows about magic,” Rainbow Dash says, “then Twi's definitely the pony you wanna see.”

Applejack nods as the two begin walking, prompting me to follow, “fer once, Ah agree. Twahlaht lives in th' jahnt castle just outsahd'a town, and is always researchin' magic. If she can't answer yer questions 'bout magic, then very few ponies in all of Equestria can.”

I make a mental note that I'm in a place called 'Equestria,' before thinking that this 'Twilight' sounds a lot like a certain, purple-clothed magician back in Gensokyo who lives in a library and has so far spent her entire life reading the books there. Her last name - 'Knowledge' - definitely isn't for show.

My thoughts are interrupted by a loud gasp - which I swear is intentionally made to sound as obnoxious as possible - and then a new pony is standing in front of me.

She has pink hair, with a fluffy magenta mane. She's wearing a yellow long-sleeved shirt under a blue t-shirt, a magenta skirt with a picture of some party balloons on the hip and a yellow belt. Where did she come from? I didn't even hear her make a sound as she approached. I decide it's not worth worrying about, and instead focus on trying to survive the hyperactive bombardment I'm receiving.

“IdontrecognizeyoubutIrecognizeeveryponyinPonyvillesosinceIdontrecognizeyouyoumustbenewaroundheremeaningyoudonthaveanyfriendsyetsoIllbeyourfriendandIlovepartiesweshouldtotallyhaveawelcometoPonyvillepartylatermynamesPinkiePiewhatsyourname?”

My mind is reeling as I try to sort through the whirlwind of speech I just fell victim to. Thankfully, Applejack speaks up, and essentially 'translates' for me.

“This is Pinkie Pie. Pinkie, this is Alixandreeuh Kee-jean. She's not used ta Ponyville, and still a little lost, so please trah not ta confuse her.”

“Oooooohhhhhh, oki-doki-loki sorry. So your name's Alexandria Kijin? Wow, what a cute doll!” she says referring to Shanghai, the doll in my pocket. “It looks so life-like! It's almost as if it could come to life tonight! Anyway, I hope we can be the best of friends!”

With that, Pinkie Pie skips away. Her analogy about Shanghai's appearance went way over my head, but secretly, I'm impressed that she was able to pronounce my family name perfectly, especially since the only time she'd heard it was from Applejack, whose thick accent had ruined the pronunciation. I'm wondering how she did it when Rainbow Dash speaks up.

“First rule of Pinkie Pie: don't question anything she does. Ever.”

Confused, I nod slowly. As I look around at the town, called 'Ponyville,' I keep having this nagging feeling at the back of my mind, which gets stronger whenever someone mentions friends. Is there something I'm forgetting?

My thoughts are interrupted once again as a distinctive, crystalline building whose appearance is reminiscent of a tree comes into view. Rainbow Dash smirks at my awed expression.

“That's Twilight's castle.”

I shake my head to regain my composure. “O-Oh, I see,” I stammer, as I feel my cheeks warm up slightly.

Once we get to the front door, I stop so the two ponies can knock, but to my surprise, Applejack just walks right in. “Princess Twahlaht!” she calls loudly, while I wonder if manners are more lax in Equestria than in Gensokyo, remembering a certain vampire who would not hesitate to give you a painful lesson for being rude in her mansion - which earned her the nickname 'Scarlet Devil'.

“One moment Applejack!” comes the reply from another room, “Spike will be there shortly!”

After a few seconds, someone enters the room. I take a good look at them. They're short, about 2 feet tall, walks upright, covered in purple scales and a pale green underbelly. They have a row of green dorsal scales down their back and a tail that has an arrowhead-shaped tip. They're wearing a dark green t-shirt with a purple hoodie over it, and jeans. They look just like…

“A DRAGON!?” I exclaim, as the realization hits me like a truck. I quickly get down on one knee and bow my head, apologizing profusely, “Please forgive my rudeness! I hadn't the slightest idea!”

The dragon is oddly taken by surprise, while Rainbow Dash speaks to me in a confused voice, “Um… it's just Spike. You don't ha-”

I give Rainbow Dash a sharp look as I interrupt her, “It's not 'just' anything! It's a dragon, the single most divine creature of them all!”

Applejack speaks up, “Is this some kinda religious thing?”

I blink in confusion before responding, “religious? You don't consider dragons divine in Equestria?”

“Not anywhere near as much as you seem to,” Rainbow Dash answers with a raised eyebrow.

“O-Oh…” I slowly stand back up, my cheeks burning in embarrassment.

“DID I SAY YOU CAN STAND!?” Spike snaps at me, and I yelp getting back down on one knee.

“Don' toy with this poor girl's beliefs! It ain't funny!” Applejack scolds Spike in my defense.

“Sorry…” Spike mumbles as I warily stand back up, “Anyway what did you want?”

I gather my courage and answer the question as casually as I can, “Um… I was hoping to speak with an expert on magic…”

“In that case, you'll have to speak with Twilight herself,” Spike answers cheerfully. He then turns around and leads us down a few hallways until we enter a room with rows of large bookshelves, which remind me of the Scarlet Devil Mansion's own library.

At the end of the room is a pony that seems about a foot taller than the others, though still six or seven inches shorter than me. Their back is turned to me, so I can only make out the violet hair, dark purple mane and tail with violet streaks, as well as their outfit. Said outfit consists of a silver tiara with a six-pointed star jewel on it, a seemingly silk pale pink t-shirt with frills on the cuffs and hem, and a brick coloured skirt. Judging by the tiara, this must be Princess Twilight.

Spike calls out to her casually, “Twilight, someone's here to ask you something about magic. I've already brought them to speak with you.”

Princess Twilight turns around… and the first thing I notice is the single horn in the middle of her forehead. My first thought at this sight is 'Oni'. Oni aren't inherently evil, and are in fact often very nice, but if you get on the wrong side of them when they're angry, you won't even live long enough to regret your life choices. Knowing this, I decide to just go with things, but also avoid making Princess Twilight angry at all costs.

“I don't think I recognize you,” she starts, “do you mind introducing yourself?”

“Oh! Um, yes. I mean, no I don't mind,” I fumble with my words, shouting at myself in my head for screwing up already, but noticing the slight grin my awkwardness got out of Princess Twilight, “Um, my name is Alexandria Kijin, and I'm half-human/half-Amanojaku-” I start absent-mindedly, before I catch myself saying my mother's exact species instead of generalizing to 'Yokai'.

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash says with a confused look, “I thought you were supposed to be half yolk-eye?”

“It's 'Yokai,' Rainbow Dash,” Princess Twilight corrects, impressing me with her knowledge already, “but I think I've heard 'Amanojaku' somewhere before. Hang on.”

With that, her horn starts glowing with magic power as books start being levitated off the shelves to Princess Twilight one by one, her checking the titles, then returning them to their spots. This continues for several seconds until she seemingly finds the correct book, at which point she flips through the pages looking for the right passage.

“Here we go,” Princess Twilight says as she finds the desired passage, before reading it to herself in her head. After she finishes, she returns the book to its place, and the horn on her head stops glowing.

“The book says that an Amanojaku is a subspecies of Oni, a type of Yokai,” Princess Twilight begins, summarizing what she read, “however, it also said that they're most known for being able to find people's emotional weaknesses and exploiting them to provoke those people into doing terrible things.”

My heart drops as I hear this, and I look away, saying to myself in a sad voice, not meaning to speak out loud, “I was really starting to think I could finally escape my mother's reputation for good here…”

“Your mother?” Princess Twilight asks, then in a voice containing a hint of pity, “could you explain everything to me?”

I look at Princess Twilight, then nod. “I was born in a place called Gensokyo, somewhere separated from the rest of the world by a spiritual barrier. My father was some unknown human magician, and my mother, Seija Kijin, an Amanojaku. My mother thought differently than other people. Backwards. What should have made her happy, instead made her sad, and vice-versa. When I was born, she decided she would keep me hidden away from the entirety of Gensokyo for my whole life. I would have never known anything besides the one room I was born in. After sixteen years, I finally decided to escape, fueled by innocent curiosity. However, I learned the hard way that my mother was the only person in all of Gensokyo who wasn't forgiven for any crimes they committed. She was the only outlaw in all of Gensokian history. An outlaw in a place you can't escape from. I had a lot of trouble making friends. It would go well until I told them my name. Then they would associate me with the biggest outlaw they knew, and would either run away and avoid me… or try to kill me on the spot.” I subconsciously pull Shanghai out of my pocket and hug her to myself as I continue, “The only real friend I was able to make was a magician named Alice Margetroid who worked as a doll maker. Even though Shanghai, the doll she gave me, is a symbol of our friendship, when she first learned my name… just like many others before her, she also tried to kill me. Once I inexplicably found myself here in Equestria, I thought I could have a fresh start. But I guess that's gone now, huh?”

There's dead silence for what seems like eons, but is probably only several seconds, before Princess Twilight breaks the silence, “Well, you don't seem to be an evil person, so we'll give you a chance.”

At this, I look at Princess Twilight with a smile spreading across my face. “Thank you!” I say. After that, I realize I'm clutching Shanghai in my hands, and with my cheeks heating up, I put her back in my pocket.

Princess Twilight smiles, then reminds us why we're here in the first place, “so, what was it you wanted to ask me about?”

“Oh yeah!” I say, having completely forgotten while remembering my dark past, “I wanted to know if there was any magic related reason why I'm in Equestria, and not Gensokyo.”

Princess Twilight furrows her brow in thought, and answers a few seconds later, “nothing immediately comes to mind. I'll need some time to do some research.”

“That's okay,” I say, before absently looking at the beautiful sunset outside a nearby windooo… Wait, sunset? “Crap, it's already that late?” I say, worried, “I still don't have anywhere to stay for the night.”

“That's right,” Princess Twilight says, “you'll need somewhere to stay at night while you're here, huh? Hmmm…” Princess Twilight thinks for a few moments.

“Rainbow Dash,” she starts suddenly, “until I can think of a permanent residence, I want you to let Alexandria stay at your house, okay?”

Rainbow Dash is taken aback, “But-”

“I'm an Alicorn Princess,” Princess Twilight interjects, “I don't want to hear any 'but's.”

Rainbow Dash slumps her shoulders in defeat, “Fine…”

“Then it's settled,” Princess Twilight says, “I'll look into reasons why you're here, Alexandria, and you'll be taking up temporary residence at Rainbow Dash's house until I can find somewhere more suitable for you.”

“Alright,” I respond cheerfully, finally getting the fresh start I always wanted, “and thank you.”

“You're welcome,” Princess Twilight says, after which, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and I leave the castle.

Outside, Applejack says her farewells and heads home, leaving me alone with Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash turns to me with a mischievous grin on her face.

“Well, I'll see you at my house,” she says as she begins to hover. “If you can find it and get there, that is.”

With that and a laugh, she takes off, flying through the air. That asshole! She planned this all along, didn't she?

My anger fades away as I remember something. A grin spreads across my face, and I bend my knees before jumping into the air… and flying in pursuit of Rainbow Dash, who I can still see in the distance. She's not going to be happy when I teach her that all Yokai from Gensokyo can fly.

I slow down just behind her, and after a few seconds, suddenly say, “So, where are we going?”

This startles Rainbow Dash, and she looks back, seeing me. “Wait, you can fly too!?”

“All Yokai from Gensokyo can fly!”

“Damn it! I'll just have to lose you then…” She says. Lose me? What does-

Suddenly, she takes off at an incredible speed. I know I can't catch her, so I quickly rake through my mind, desperately trying to think of what I can do… when I remember the ability I inherited from my mother.

“Well, if there's one thing about my mom that I'm grateful for, I guess it's the ability I inherited.”

Reverse Sign「Turn Over」

A magic circle - indicating the target of my Spellcard - appears around Rainbow Dash, who is already a tiny point in the distance, even though only a few seconds have passed. In a couple more seconds, she comes screeching to a halt not too far in front of me, facing me.

“What… the hell…?” she says incredibly confused, “I'm supposed to be going the other way, dammit.” She turns around to take off again, and I have to do some quick thinking to prevent an endless loop of this from happening…

Reverse Sign「Disorienting Spin」

Another magic circle appears around Rainbow Dash, and before she can take off, the Spellcard takes effect, spinning her ruthlessly for a few seconds.

After it finishes, she looks around, clearly dizzy. “Um… if you're there, then I go in the opposite direction… unless you moved… in which case… ummm…” she looks around, seeing nothing but sheets of clouds in all directions this high in the air.

“Why are you so against me staying at your house?” I ask, not moving from my position, which I hadn't moved from since using the first Spellcard in order to keep a point of reference.

“I'm not, it's just-”

“Don't lie to me! If you weren't against me staying at your house, then you would have led me there instead of leaving me to do it myself!”

“But I'm not against it! I was bored and thought I would prank you!”

“Well, I don't think it's funny,” I say, barely managing to keep a stern face as I realize I would probably have done the same thing in her situation, “in fact, I find it kind of mean.”

“Alright, I'm sorry,” Rainbow Dash says, “just let me figure out which direction to go, and I'll bring you there…”

“I haven't moved this whole time, so it's in that direction,” I say, pointing in the correct direction.

“Seriously!?” Rainbow Dash exclaims, exasperated, “Damn it!”

This time, I can't help but smile, which is fine, since Rainbow Dash isn't looking, too busy leading me to her house.

After a while, Rainbow Dash's house finally comes into view. The fact that it seems to be completely made of clouds impresses me, and the rainbow waterfalls out front are truly beautiful. Despite this, the image of such a large, floating building brings back memories of the Shining Needle Castle, which had been my forced home for sixteen years, and the continued home of Seija Kijin, my mother.

Rainbow Dash notices the distant look on my face, “is everything alright?”

I snap back to the present, “Oh. Ummm… to be honest, your house reminds me of the Shining Needle Castle in Gensokyo. It's the only floating building in all of Gensokyo… and also where my mom currently lives, not to mention where I spent the first sixteen years of my life locked away.”

“Oh,” Rainbow Dash says, not entirely sure how to respond, “well… if it makes you feel better, you can step outside whenever you need to, alright?”

“Oh, um, alright, thanks,” I say, admittedly a bit surprised by Rainbow Dash's consideration.

The sun had already long since set once we reach the front door. Rainbow Dash opens the door and gestures inside, “make yourself at home, I guess.”

I enter and look around. Except for the fact that the walls, ceilings and floors seem to be completely made of cloud, the inside looks like an average house. “The mattresses are filled with cumulus,” Rainbow Dash says as she walks past me, “it makes them really comfy. Follow me, your room is this way.”

I follow Rainbow Dash down the hall, to a room on the right side. “This is the guest room,” she says to me, “it's already night, so you should get some sleep. I know I'm beat.”

With a stretch and a yawn, she walks away, presumably to her room. I enter the guest room to find a bed and a bedside table, and not much else. I shrug, and pull Shanghai out of my pocket, placing her on the table before climbing into bed. “She's right, this is really comfy,” I say, already feeling myself fall asleep. I turn to Shanghai. “Goodnight,” I say before closing my eyes.

“Goodnight.”

………Huh? My eyes snap open, and I see Shanghai looking at me. “Is something wrong?” she says, “I thought you were going to sleep?”

I stare at her for a few moments, then answer, dumbfounded, “you weren't alive before.”

Shanghai puts her fist to her lower lip, and looks down in thought, before saying, “I guess not. Maybe the large amount of magic in this place did something?” I contemplate this, but I'm too tired to get anywhere. Shanghai speaks up again, “but I'm too tired to be sure.”

“Tired?” I ask, “didn't you just come to life?”

“I don't understand any more than you do,” Shanghai answers, before standing up and stretching with a yawn, “is it okay if I sleep with you tonight? It's gotta be more comfortable than this wooden table.”

“Um… sure,” I say, still having trouble grasping that my doll just came to life and had a casual conversation with me. While I'm thinking this, Shanghai floats over to the other side of me and scootches under the covers near my arms. I decide to get some sleep and think about it in the morning.

“Goodnight, Shanghai.”

“Goodnight, Alexandria.”

I fall asleep almost right away.

End of Chapter 1