Cyber Sam

Chapters

Episode 2: Friendship Rebuilt
Episode 3: The Big Battle Royale
Interlude 1: Plucking The Strings
Interlude 2: Music Soothes the Savage Beast
Episode 1: A New Brand of DigiDestined

Episode 2: Friendship Rebuilt

The Next Day
48 Hours Remaining
Canterlot High Library

Upon waking up, I immediately noticed Twilight and Spike were gone, all that here was a hastily scribbled note, it said:

Dear Sam,
Spike and I decided to let you sleep in for now until we come back, if you wake up before we return, feel free to take a look around, and keep an eye out for Sunset Shimmer, with us separated, there's no telling what she will do. I know it's dangerous, but we need to get votes for the Fall Formal and retrieve my crown, we'll meet up again later.

--Twilight Sparkle

AW, HELL NO!! I thought, knowing that yelling would get me kicked out of the library.

I threw the dusty covers off and ran out of the library, searching for Twilight and Spike, and not realizing where I was going until I felt a hand grip my wrist and pull me into a different hallway, then slam me into a locker, making me groan.

"Going somewhere?"

Fire Head?! What does SHE want?!

"Well, since not going to answer me, I'll cut right to the chase." she pulled out her phone and played a video of...ME?! Fighting those evil Digimon?! "You clearly possess some sort of transformation magic, and you're going to tell me how you got it."

"Fuck you...!" I said in defiance, despite the pain.

My left leg exploded in more immense pain than before as she stomped on it, "Wrong answer! I'm not giving you a choice, I'm demanding an answer, the right answer!"

I grit my teeth, totally unwilling to give this bitch what she wants.

"Tell me, or the other leg is next, and then the arms, then your gut, and lastly your head! Now speak!"

I spit on her boots and say, "You got your answer, bitch...!"

Sunset raised her foot to stomp on my other leg--

BRRRRRRIIIIIIINNNG!!!

She stopped herself upon hearing school bell, then scowled and put her foot down, "You got lucky this time, punk. But next time, I won't be so merciful."

With that, she walked away as if her little interrogation never happened, and I limped as best as I could to the nurse's office.

20 Minutes Later
Canterlot High Soccer Field

After finally getting to the nurse, she gave me some pain pills, which took forever to kick in, and sent me on my way once the aching stopped. I eventually found Twilight and the other girls on the soccer field, with the former panting while lying on the grass and the latter staring down at her, then helping her up and agreeing to help her beat Sunset Shimmer at becoming Fall Formal Princess.

"So this is where you've been." I call out, making Twilight go rigid.

She slowly turned around to see me and my royally pissed face, and became nervous, "Hey! Sam! How are you--"

"I just got my ass handed to me in the hallway by Fire Head, like, twenty minutes ago while I was looking for you!"

"'Fire Head'?" Rainbow asked.

"Sunset Shimmer." I answered before turning back to Twilight, "Did you really think splitting up would solve anything?"

"But, I..."

"I understand you're in a hurry, but we need to stick together as well as work together if we're gonna knock ol' Fire Head off her pedestal. Agreed?"

"Um...okay."

But little did we know that Fire Head and her cronies were snapping pictures of the whole soccer game with the former grinning maliciously.

Some Time Later
Canterlot City - Sweet Shoppe

After I had gotten my chocolate milkshake, Twilight was getting her own drink, asking for extra oats, which confused the woman behind the counter, but Twilight changed her mind and allowed her to make it normally, avoiding suspicion as she received her drink and bumped into Flash, spilling it.

"We gotta stop bumping into each other like this." Flash said as he and Twilight went to grab the dropped cup, and touched each other's hands.

"You know me, always trying to make a big SPLASH around here! 'Cause my drink splashed, on the ground!" Twilight replied before giggling nervously, making me smirk at the exchange.

Ahh, so that's how it is, huh? I thought before I briefly chuckled.

Twilight returned to our group and started twirling a lock of her hair while blushing, which Rarity took notice of, "Don't even think about it. You're already trying to get her crown, who knows what Sunset Shimmer will do if you end up getting her ex-boyfriend too?"

Twilight tried to stammer a response, but ended inquiring about Flash being Sunset's ex-boyfriend, which Fluttershy obliged, "Flash Sentry broke up with her three weeks ago. I'm just surprised she hasn't done something awful to him yet."

Flash walked by while getting his own drink, smiling at Twilight all the while, who replied, "Maybe she's waiting until she has the power to do something really awful."

I deadpan, "Yeah, that's very comforting to know."

Applejack decided to use this moment to take charge, "Alright, y'all, the dance is tomorrow and we still don't have the votes we need for Twilight to be Fall Formal Princess. Right now, folks only know her from the video Sunset Shimmer posted online, we need to help them see her differently."

Before we could properly brainstorm, a familiar voice spoke rather closely, "Can I make a suggestion?"

"AHHH!!!" we all screamed, but I stopped when noticed who it was.

"Merchant? Why are you here?"

"You know this creeper?! He nearly gave us heart attacks!" Rainbow yelled, gasping for air.

"I'm here to lend you lot a hand," the Merchant answered, ignoring Rainbow’s petty insult, then conjured a pile of pony ear headbands and strap-on pony tails, "Use these as a sign of unity; there were once used to show school spirit, until Sunset Shimmer came along and...well, you know the rest. She was the one who divided you, and Twilight Sparkle is the one who reunited you, so let everyone know it."

We all began to think on his words, then smiled as they rang true and put on the aforementioned items.

"Hmm..." I hum with a smile.

"Whatcha planning, Sammy?" Pinkie asks.

"I think I have an idea on how to boost Twilight's popularity..."

The Next Day
24 Hours Remaining
Canterlot High School - Cafeteria

During lunchtime, everyone had gotten their food and started eating when the girls began the plan I came up with, Pinkie started tapping a lunch tray nearby, and the other girls added their own sounds to the rhythm as Spike turned on a boombox next to him, and they began to sing and dance.

[Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity]

Hey, hey, everybody
We've got something to say
We may seem as different
As the night is from day
But you look a little deeper
And you will see
That I'm just like you
And you're just like me.
Yeah!

Hey, hey, everybody
We're here to shout
That the magic of friendship
Is what it's all about
Yeah,
We thought we were different
As the night is from the day
Until Twilight Sparkle
Helped us see another way

So get up get down
If you're gonna come around
We can work together
Helping Twilight win the crown
So get up get down
'Cause it's gonna make a sound
If we work together
Helping Twilight Sparkle
Win the crown!

[Pinkie Pie]

Hey, hey hands up now,
We're sending a message
To the crowd
Hands wave up
Then come down
We party together
All around

[Rarity]

Generous, honesty,

[Applejack]

Laughter, kindness, loyalty

[Fluttershy]

Twilight helped us each to see

[Rainbow Dash]

All that we can be!

[Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity]

[Twilight Sparkle]

I'm gonna be myself
No matter what I do
And if we're different yeah
I want you to be true to you

If you follow me
We'll put our differences aside
We'll stick together and
Start working on that school pride!

[All students]

Jump up make a sound (Hey!)
Stomp your hooves turn around
Start now, make a change,
Gonna come around
Jump up make a sound (Hey!)
Stomp your hooves turn around
Canterlot Wondercolts
Help her win the crown!

Jump up make a sound (Hey!)
Stomp your hooves turn around
Start now, make a change,
Gonna come around

I saw all this from just outside the cafeteria and I was happy everyone in the school were actually getting along for once, I got ready to leave, since I didn't like to sing or dance all that much.

I'm sure they'll manage without me for a little bit. After all, I stink at musical situations...

"Take those off!"

I heard ol' Fire Head boss her cronies around again, and decided to peek around the corner and see what she was up to this time.

"I have something I need you to do." she said before she sneered maliciously.

I don't like that look in her eye...

I followed Snips and Snails after Sunset gave them the order to go to the gym and "make a mess of things" as she put it, then left, I had a feeling about what she was up to, and I wasn't gonna let it happen. Once I caught up with them, I grabbed them, knocked them unconscious, and locked them into a janitor's closet for the time being as I dusted off my hands.

"There, crisis averted." I said as I walk away from the scene.

Unknown Area
Unknown Location
??? POV

"Oh, no you don't, kid," I said, watching Samuel walk off into another hallway, "you don't get to change the script. Cerberumon! Front and center!"

In a plume of green flame the aforementioned Digimon, Cerberumon, appeared.

"Yes, master?" he asked me.

"Thrash the Canterlot High Gymnasium, and report back to me."

"Umm...may I ask why?"

"I wish to see what this 'Sunset Shimmer' has planned for that magical anomaly called a crown."

"At once, Lord Godwin."

Cerberumon disappeared in another plume of green flame as I returned attention to holographic screens in front of me.

"Should've known Samuel would be here, but I never anticipated that traitorous Merchant would be here as well...but no matter." I chuckled, "That D-Watch shall be mine. And even if I don't get it...I have a certain little...'gift' for our digivolving friend."

I let a low and deep evil laugh as I watched the student leave their classes and those seven girls walk past Miss Shimmer and her rather nervous-looking cohorts...

Canterlot High School - Vice Principal Luna's Office
Samuel's POV

Twilight and I were dragged into Vice Principal Luna's office on some pretense of trashing the gym with pictures to prove it. But I don't understand! I stopped Snips and Snails and locked them in a closet, who else could have done it?! Twilight began to despair until Flash barged and showed Luna the doctored remains of the original photos that made it look like Twilight and I were the ones who did it. Luna then said we were pretty much free to go due to the new evidence and Twilight rushed over to Flash and hugged him in sheer gratitude, the sight made me chuckle.

Heh, yeah, those two got it bad for each other. I thought.

Luna mentioned that she and her sister Principal Celestia will have to postpone the Fall Formal dance for tomorrow night because of the damage to the gym, which still boggles my mind, and left the room to inform her of the latest development.

Just as Flash began to ask Twilight out to the dance, my mind finally caught with all that was said, Wait...TOMORROW night?! Shoot!!

Twilight seemed to realize the same thing as she repeated "no" over and over and ran out in a hurry, sending Flash the wrong message.

"One 'no' would've been fine!" Flash called out, sadly.

I pat his shoulder, "She probably had something else on her mind when she said that, dude. Let me talk to her."

He sighs, "Okay. Thanks, man."

"Anytime."

After that, I ran after Twilight to try and calm her down for a bit.

Several Minutes of Searching Later
Canterlot Boutique

After looking just about everywhere in the city, I finally found Twilight as she was talking to her friends about the Fall Formal was postponed because Snips and Snails ruined Pinkie's decorations, which I still have doubts on, but stated that it HAD to happen tonight. Pinkie was repeating "WHAT?!" every time Twilight mentioned what was going on, but was stopped by Applejack as Twilight began to reveal the truth about herself, and surprisingly, Pinkie beat her to it.

"You're from an alternate world and you're a pony princess there and the crown actually has a magical element embedded in it that helps power up other magical elements, and without it they don't work anymore, and you need them all to help protect your magical world, and if you don't get the crown tonight, you'll be stuck in this world and you won't be able to get back for, like, a really, really long time!" she concludes with a "squee".

Struck silent, Twilight, me, and even Spike held our jaws open at Pinkie's incredible deduction skills, but as for the other girls, Pinkie's words were slow to sink in.

"Yeeeeaaah, I'm pretty sure that ISN'T the reason." Rainbow dismisses.

"Nope, she's pretty much spot on." Spike says, revealing his secret.

"HE CAN TALK?!" Rarity shrieks.

"Oh yeah! And back where I'm from, I'm not even a dog; I'm a ferocious, fire-breathing DRAGON!"

Well...that's new information." I think in my head.

Fluttershy then gushed about how amazing it is to meet a talking animal and asked what Spike what he was thinking right now with a big smile, but the latter focused on Rarity, asking for a scratch behind his ears, and Rarity was to shocked to properly respond, so Spike decided it would be better to wait until later. Twilight proceeded to ask Pinkie how she knew all that, and she simply replied that it was "just a hunch".

"Just a hunch", my ass! That was dead on the mark!

"Wait a minute!" Applejack interrupted, "Lemme git this straight: yer a pony?"

"You're a princess?" Rarity uttered in awe.

"You're from another world?" Fluttershy asked, curiously.

Twilight blushed and gulped as she nodded nervously while scratching the back of her head.

"That...is...AWESOME!!" Rainbow declared.

The girls then crowded Twilight with eager curiosity, but too bad I had to break this little pow-wow up.

"Hey!" they all turned to me, "Look, I understand that you all have a million questions, but we have a bit of a crisis on our hands."

"The ruined gym?" Twilight asked.

"Not just that, but who REALLY ruined it. I know you girls are gonna say it was Snips and Snails, but I intercepted them and locked them in a janitor's closet before they could do anything, and no doubt Sunset found them sometime afterwards. But who ruined the gym when I had the dunderhead duo preoccupied? That's what I wanna know."

But no one had any answers, all we could do was speculate, until Twilight rallied us to the gym to fix it up, and we had some help from the students along the way.

Gymnasium Closet
Sunset's POV

I was very annoyed, yet relieved at the same time as I saw the students begin to leave after repairing the damage done to the gym, speaking of which, I turned back to my stupid servants, "You're lucky she was able to pull this off! Next time I ask you to make a mess of things, try and show a LITTLE restraint!"

Snails seemed like he wanted to say something, but a look from Snips told him not to. Whatever, I'm sure it wasn't important.

"I want this Fall Formal to happen tonight just as much as she does." I say with a smirk as I closed the door, but then something was bothering me, "Also, where'd you guys get the green fire from? That was a bit overkill."

Snips and Snails now looked confused.

"Oh, forget it. I'm sure I'll find the answers tonight."

Unknown Area
Unknown Location
Godwin's POV

I sat upon my chair, watching the events unfold, even in that stuffy, little hiding place they call a closet.

"...And you'll get them in due time, my dear." I then chuckle before turning to Cerberumon, "Good work. Now, prepare for the assault on Canterlot High tonight. Bring any Digimon you see fit to take on this task."

"Understood, Lord Godwin." Cerberumon said and walked out of the room.

I turn back to my screens and smirk deviously, "Let's see you beat me this time."

Episode 3: The Big Battle Royale

12 Hours Remaining
Canterlot Boutique
Samuel's POV

We were all walking back into the boutique when Fluttershy spoke up, "I still can't believe we pulled that off."

"I can! We're awesome!" Rainbow added.

"Modesty much, Rainbow?" I asked.

"Enough chatter, everyone," Rarity interrupted, "we need to get ready, and we need to look fabulous!"

Unknown Area
Unknown Location
Godwin's POV

"Pitiful fools. They don't even realize the bigger picture here." I mockingly said.

"Lord Godwin."

Cerberumon appeared before me once again with a few Digimon hidden in the shadows.

"I see you've prepared as per my orders." I took notice.

"Yes, my lord."

"Hmm..." I look a moment to see who was in the shadows, then gasped lightly...and chuckled, "I see...so you're bringing...THEM."

"I recall you said you had a 'gift' for the boy, so I thought a sneak preview would be appropriate."

"Hah, fair enough." I turn back to my screens, "Go then, oversee the assault as temporary commander."

"Yes, master."

Cerberumon and the three other Digimon left the room as I continued to observe my prey.

"Kid...you have NO idea what you've gotten yourself into."

Another screen appeared out of nowhere with the silhouette of another Digimon, //Master.// a distorted voice spoke, masking its identity.

I scowl, "This had better be good."

//The "project" is nearly complete, but we've run out of Digimon data.//

"How far complete?"

//Best guess: 72%.//

"Excellent. Return to the Digital World. FIND more Digimon data."

//Understood.//

"Oh, and..." I stopped him before he hung up, "...keep our 'top scientists' in the dark about you-know-who. I don't want a rebellion on my hands."

//Again, understood, my lord.//

The screen blinked out as the boy and girls were headed for the school building.

Canterlot High School - Front Entrance
Samuel's POV

We exited the limo we rented for the dance and headed inside to enjoy ourselves at the Fall Formal, but Twilight stopped when Flash called her name and approached her. He proceeded to ask Twilight for at least one dance, and Twilight tried to explain that she wasn't trying to say no to Flash, but then said she'd love to dance with him. Flash allowed her in first as he followed.

The party was in full swing; the lights were flashing, everybody was enjoying themselves, and even Flash's band was performing on stage. But...something was missing.

"Anybody seen Sunset Shimmer?!" Twilight called over the loud music.

"Probably too embarrassed to show!" Rainbow answered, "She's GOTTA know you won by a landslide!"

"Maybe..."

I don't think so, I thought as I danced with the girls, I know her type; people like her don't give up that easily, especially without a fight.

The music died down as Principal Celestia took the stage and thanked everyone for their great work on repairing the gym, then proceeded to announce the newest Fall Formal Princess.

"...Twilight Sparkle!" she declared.

Everyone cheered as Twilight went on stage to receive her prize: the magic crown. She began to wave at the crowd, when suddenly...

"Twilight, heeeellp!"

"Spike?!" Twilight said.

I turned and saw the dunderhead duo lugging Spike out of the gym.

"That's it! You're dead, punks! Dead!" I shouted as Twilight and I ran after them with our friends following shortly after.

We all ran through the halls in this little game of cat and mouse, even passed Trixie as she stood at the vending machine, until we ended up outside with Fire Head holding up a sledgehammer near the statue.

"That's close enough!" she ordered, making us stop in our tracks.

"Twilight!" Spike reached out with a paw, but was held back by those idiots.

"Don't hurt him!" Twilight demanded.

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. I'm not a monster, Twilight." she glanced at her cronies, "Let him go."

Those morons were confused at first, but set him down as he ran back to Twilight.

"Emerald Blaze!"

Until a GIANT ASS BLACK DOG came out of nowhere and blocked his path with green fire?!

"What the hell?!" I shouted in surprise.

The dog turned to me, "Well, isn't this a surprise? The heir to the Southwest family AND the D-Watch to boot! Master will be very pleased!"

"Who or what are you?! And who's this 'master'?!"

"That would be me."

We all turned to the wall of green flames as they cooled down to reveal a man in a black coat walking towards us.

All of us went on the defensive upon seeing this "master" guy, and who could blame us?

"Who are you, creep-a-zoid?!" Rainbow angrily asked.

"I am Godwin. But personally, I greatly prefer to be called Lord Godwin, though I'm not picky." he answered.

My first instinct was to go for my D-Watch, and that's what I did, which made this Godwin guy chuckle.

"Did you really just reach for your digivice? Foolish boy."

"Digivice?" Twilight wondered.

"Cerberumon!"

"Understood." the black dog said and readied another Emerald Blaze attack towards Spike, making us gasp.

"Hand over the D-Watch, or the mutt is burnt toast."

I growl at him.

Fire Head decided to add her two bits, "While we're on the subject of negotiations; give me the crown and you can go back to Equestria tonight. Or keep it, and never go home!" she readied the hammer at the portal, making Twilight gasp.

"This isn't up for debate." Godwin said, "Choose! The D-Watch, or your friend's little pet?"

I had no choice, I pressed the release toggle on the D-Watch, unlatching it from my arm and tossed it to the bastard.

"Good boy." Godwin waved Cerberumon away so Spike could return to us.

"Tick-tock, Twilight, we haven't got all night, the portal will be closing on its own in less than an hour." Fire Head made perfectly clear, "So. What's your answer?"

Twilight took the crown off her head, looking at it conflictedly, and made her decision.

"No!"

"What?!" Fire Head didn't take kindly to that response, "Equestria, your friends, lost to you forever! Don't you see what I'm about to do to the portal?!"

"Yes, but I've also been able to see what you can do here WITHOUT magic," Twilight began with passion, "Equestria will find a way to survive without my Element of Harmony, this place might not, if I allow it to fall into YOUR hands! So go ahead, destroy the portal! You are NOT getting this crown!"

Begrudgingly, Fire Head relented, "Fine. You win." she dropped the hammer behind her, nearly hitting those idiots in the process.

Twilight was surprised, but let out a sigh of relief.

"Don't pat yourselves on the back just yet."

The girls turned to Godwin, who had just finished attaching the D-Watch to his arm.

"Time to see what this can REALLY do." he pressed the on button, but the D-Watch sparked and fizzled sporadically before forcefully removing itself from his arm and into the Merchant's, who had somehow appeared from nowhere, "What?! HOW?!"

"It's quite simple, really," The Merchant began as he handed the D-Watch back to me, "The D-Watch has a special fail-safe built within it that records the DNA file of the first being who wears it, so anyone who doesn't match that DNA cannot properly use it."

"...Heh...Heheheheh..." his laughing confused us for a moment, "...So...that is how it's going to be..."

"That is how it MUST be."

"...Fine then." Godwin snapped his fingers, making Cerberumon charge at us.

"Portals of Darkness!"

Parts of the ground disappeared into black circles leading to some dark world, the girls managed to dodge them, but I wasn't so lucky and fell in as Cerberumon followed after me.

Twilight's POV

I don't what just happened; one minute, Sam was there, and now he's not! Sunset Shimmer, however, took advantage of my surprise and shock and knocked the crown off my head, she then pulled me away from it so she could grab it, but I held her back long enough for Spike to snatch the crown in his mouth and run away.

"Grab him, you fools!" Sunset ordered Snips and Snails.

They chase after Spike, who goes faster, but Sunset pushed them both out of her way for being too slow. Spike whimpered as he tried to open the main doors and Sunset caught up to him, ready to take the crown while sneering maliciously.

"Spike! SPIIIIKE!!" Rainbow called out, hands in the air.

Spike took the hint and whipped his head to side, tossing the crown to Rainbow, who caught it with ease, but Snips and Snails tried to take it from her.

"Fluttershy!" Rainbow threw it to her friend.

The crown bounced off of Fluttershy's hip when she flinched, but still caught it. Sunset, Snips, Snails, and the rest of us tried to run towards Fluttershy, which in turn made her freeze up in fear, Applejack thought fast and pulled out her lasso that she conveniently brought with her to the Fall Formal, and snatched up Fluttershy, but she dropped the crown and allowed Snips to catch it. Pinkie being Pinkie, she appeared behind him out of nowhere and grabbed the crown, tossing it back to us and engaging a game of "keep-away" until I caught it and threw it haphazardly. Unfortunately, Sunset Shimmer finally caught it.

"I'll take that!" Sunset declared before chuckling evilly, "At last!"

Spike growled at her, but I picked him up before he could charge at her. At that moment, those "Portals of Darkness" reopened and let out Cerberumon and...Sam?!

Samuel's POV

All I could see was black (no, not like THAT, friggin' racists), the area around me was pure darkness, but I didn't get to think on it any more as I felt claws digging into my skin.

"Let's see how you fight in my world: DARKNESS!" I heard Cerberumon say.

I reach for the D-Watch, turn it on, and dial in a random Digimon to help me, then slam the button down, feeling the fractal codes transform me, which knocked the dog monster off me.

//Digivolution.//

After the cocoon of fractal codes dissipated, I called out the name of the Digimon I turned into.

"GREYMON!!"

"Hah! You may have transformed, but you're in MY WORLD!! You're finished!" Cerberumon gloated in the dark.

"Fire Wall!" I called out, creating a wall of flames and lighting up the area, "Found ya!" I charged towards Cerberumon with my horns at the ready, "Great Horns Attack!" I impaled the beast with one of my horns, making him roar in pain, and got ready to blast a way out of here, "Nova Blast!" I let loose a massive fireball and blew a hole in the darkness, reopening the portal back home.

I leapt out with Cerberumon falling off my horn upon entering the real world and saw him disappearing into fractal codes. A loud, slow clapping filled the air. I turned to see Godwin, who was the one who was slow-clapping.

"Bravo, young Samuel, Bra-vo."

"It's over, Godwin!" I say with Greymon's voice, "I just trashed Cerberumon, you've got nothing left!"

He just laughed before adding his words in the mix, "You know, it's cute that you think you've won. You really think this is over?"

"What are you saying?!"

"Sam!"

I turned to Twilight when she called me, and saw ol' Fire Head with the crown and a malicious smile.

"More power than I could ever imagine!" she said as she put the crown on her head.

Godwin began to count down, "3. 2. 1. And action."

Suddenly, Fire Head got surrounded by glowing green energy rings and a beam of what looks like dark energy erupted from her as she hovered into the air, slowly, but surely, her body began to change; her skin turned blood red, her outfit became fiery-looking, and she grew some sort of tail as she was covered in dark magic.

"How?! Twilight won the crown!" I asked in disbelief.

"Certainly." Godwin began, "But Miss Shimmer nabbed it as you were fighting Cerberumon. Not only that, but I have a few...reinforcements."

Just as he said that, three new Digimon appeared behind him in cocoons of fractal codes.

"Well, you seem busy. I'll leave you to it. Bye!" Godwin waved as he vanished in a cocoon of black fractal codes.

"Wait!" I said, but a demonic laugh stopped me as I turned around and see Fire Head becoming a literal demon woman.

Fire Head smiled deviously and blasted her cronies with some dual green beam from both her hands, turning them into demons as well.

"This is gonna be so cool!" Snips said as Snails let out a hiss with his new snake-like tongue...gross.

They began to advance on the girls and I tried to stop them, but the new fire Digimon stopped me with his flames. I turned around to face them, but the fire guy sucker punched me, "Pyro Punch!" he said.

"Thunder Fist!" the electric, bug-looking one said, punching the ground and sending electricity at me, shocking my body and making me scream in pain.

"Brute Strike!" the creepy one said, charging at me with his arm-swords and slicing through me.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!" I could massive amounts of pain coursing through my body as I screeched in agony.

My transformation couldn't take any more abuse and, in a burst of code, reverted me back to normal as the three surrounded me.

I could barely hear Fire Head laughing, "Aw, so much for your little boy toy, Twilight."

I couldn't hear anything else as I passed out from the overload of pain...

Several Minutes Later...

I awoke with a start to see Twilight and the girls floating and glowing with magical power and my D-Watch reacting to it.

"The magic contained in my Element was able to unite with those that helped create it!" Twilight declared.

I turned on my digivice and slammed the button down on the first transformation that came into view.

//Digivolution.//

In a burst of blue code, I changed into a new form.

"Magiamon!!"

"Whoa," I say in a feminine voice, "This is unexpected."

Twilight and the girls transformed into pony-like version of themselves; tall ears, super long ponytails, and for Fluttershy and Rainbow, wings...surprisingly.

"Together with the crown, they create a power unlike you can imagine," Twilight declared as Fire Head struggled to retain control of her demonic powers, "But it is a power you don't have the ability to control! The crown may be upon your head, Sunset Shimmer, but you cannot wield it, for you do not possess the most powerful magic of all: The Magic of Friendship!"

The girls began charging up their power as I suddenly had an idea on how to beat the three new Digimon, "Sweet Seduction!" I struck a flirty pose, smiled at them, and winked, making them turn against one another with hearts in their eyes and kicking up a dust cloud in the process, "That should do it."

Just then, they let loose their friendship magic on Fire Head, who was surrounded by a rainbow tornado, "What...is...happening?!"

"Here, and in Equestria, it is the only magic that can truly unite us all!" Twilight declared as a separate beam of light shot at the students, whom of which had at some point been brainwashed, and returned them to normal just before catching the dunderhead duo and trapping them in rainbow twisters as well.

As the light became too strong to see through, I could hear the three Digimon shout in unbridled agony as they were engulfed by it, making them dissipate into fractal codes. Once the light faded, I could see that I was changed back to my human form and the D-Watch gained a few new transformations.

(stop music)

The girls were knocked out and began to wake up with Spike jumping into Twilight's arms, but their victory was brief as we all saw the crater the magic left behind. Boy, I do NOT envy whoever has to clean this up. Twilight stood up and walked over to the hole in the ground as did the rest of us and the students, and what I saw shocked me: Fire Head, crying her eyes out.

"You'll never rule in Equestria!" Twilight said, "Any power you may've had in this world is gone! Tonight, you've shown everyone who you really are...you've shown them what is in your heart!"

"I...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! I didn't know there was another way!" Fire-ahem, Sunset Shimmer said, tearfully.

"The Magic of Friendship doesn't JUST exist in Equestria...it's everywhere." Twilight turned to see her friends hugging and smiling, "You can seek it out, or you can forever be alone. The choice is yours."

Sunset struggled to climb out of the crater, but succeeded, "But...But all I've done since being here is driving everyone apart. I don't know the first thing about friendship."

Twilight and I grabbed her hands and pulled her to her feet, "I bet we could teach you." I offered.

"Those are my girls! ...And Sam. Uh, whoo-hoo!" Spike said.

"Did that dog just talk? Whoa, weird." one of the students said.

Spike look incredulous and said, "Seriously? A talking dog is the weird thing about all this?"

"No kidding." I comment.

"I, for one, think you're adorable." Rarity said, picking Spike up and petting him.

"Oh yeah..." Spike uttered.

Principal Celestia approached Twilight with the crown in her hands, "I believe this...belongs to you." Twilight knelt down in front of her, "A true princess in any world leads, not by forcing others to bow before her, but by inspiring others to stand with her. We've all seen you're capable of doing just that, I hope you do too...Princess Twilight."

Twilight smiled, "I do."

Everyone cheered for the girls and I as Twilight stood back up.

"Would now be a completely awkward time to ask you for that dance?" Flash asked her with a hopeful smile.

Twilight nervously accepted and we all went back to the Fall Formal and celebrated; Rainbow flew around with an orange skinned, purple haired Freshman as Twilight was dancing like she had four legs...no, really, she was. Flash decided to join her and they looked like they had a lot of fun. Just then, a girl wearing shades held up a camera to take our picture and we met back up for it. Once our picture was taken, it was time for Twilight and Spike to return home with the rest of us wishing her well.

"You'll look out for her, won't you?" Twilight asked us, talking about Sunset.

"Of course we will," Rarity said, then added, "though I expect some sort of apology for last spring's debacle."

"I have a feeling she'll be handing out a lot of apologies." Twilight answered as Sunset was handed a brick spatula as her (former) cronies pushed a wheelbarrow full of bricks.

"We'd better get going." Spike suggested.

Twilight nodded, "I know we've only met for a short time, but I'm gonna miss you all so much."

I decided to say something, "When the portal opens again, don't forget to look us up, okay?"

"I will. Thank you for all your help, Sam."

I smile, "Anytime."

Twilight takes a breath and walks back to the base of the statue with Spike following her.

"That crown really does suit you, Princess Twilight." Spike said as he winked.

"You know what, Spike? I am feeling a bit more comfortable wearing it."

"And the wings?"

"I've been walking around on two legs and picking things up with THESE!" Twilight raises her hands, "Wings? I'm THRILLED that's all I'll be dealing with back in Equestria!"

The two walked through the portal just as the moon reached its peak in the sky, reverting the other girls back to their normal selves. Pinkie rushed to the portal intent to go after Twilight, but face-planted into the surface and landed on her ass.

"Ohh, bummer!" she moaned.

I couldn't help but chuckle at Pinkie's antics, but then I frowned in thought. I know this was supposed to be a victory, but Godwin was still out there, and knew that things from here on out were going to be tough.

Unknown Location
Godwin's POV

I watched as those simpletons celebrated their little "victory", tonight wasn't my best moment, but I certainly learned a lot more than I originally thought.

"Boss."

I turned to see a figure in the shadows, "This had better be good."

"...He's ready."

I smirk under my hood, "Excellent. Go. Oversee preparations."

"Yes, my lord."

The figure left me with my thoughts as I continued to view everything from my monitors.

"Out of all the things I've learned today, this lesson is by far my favorite."

I smile sinisterly.

"That every dog will have his day. And mine is coming damn soon."

Author's Note

New Digivolves Unlocked!
Cerberumon
Magiamon
Agunimon
Beetlemon
Duskmon

P.S. Props for anyone who can guess the multiple references I made on this chapter :twilightsmile:

Interlude 1: Plucking The Strings

Canterlot City Mall - Instrument Store
Samuel's POV

I was waiting in the mall's instrument store for the girls so we could get Rainbow a new guitar, and while I was browsing, I found a relatively new violin on a shelf. I had some time to kill, so I picked it and the bow up to see if I still had it; I used to be quite the violinist before I was pulled here, some people even said I'd give Lindsey Sterling a run for her money...well, almost. But before I could play a note, I saw that the girls had arrived, only without Sunset Shimmer, guess she's either still rebuilding the school's front entrance or she's still wary of us.

"Rainbow Dash, I simply don't understand why you can't just play the guitar you have." Rarity says, only for Rainbow to open her guitar case and reveal that her old guitar is all busted up, making Rarity gasp, "Now I understand."

"How 'bout this one?" Pinkie rushed over with a purple tiger themed guitar.

"No." Rainbow declined.

"Lookie here!" Pinkie then held up a banjo.

"No..."

"Super groovy!" Pinkie showed her a tuba.

"NO, Pinkie."

"Well, whatcha lookin' fer?" Applejack asked her.

"That's the problem!" Rainbow began, "I need something that looks as awesome as I'm gonna make it sound!" she then gasped in awe as she laid her eyes on a red double-necked guitar with a lightning bolts and stars on it, it was almost like love at first sight...or something like that. Rainbow reached out to take it, but someone else had the same idea: Trixie Lulamoon, Canterlot High's resident braggart of a magician, grabbed the other neck, "Hands off my guitar, Trixie!" she ordered as she pulled it to her.

"I touched it first, Rainbow Dash!" Trixie argued, pulling it back.

"Sounds ta me like this is ah makin' fer ah nice, friendly competition." Applejack suggested.

"All right!" Rainbow fist-pumped, "Let's see who plays best!"

"A shred-off?" Trixie smirked.

"Shred ON!" Rainbow declared with determination.

Pinkie handed Rainbow a guitar as Trixie grabbed her own and they did their best to outplay each other, with Rainbow beginning to transform into her half-pegasus form, or as they call it "Pony-Up", and immediately beat Trixie in the shred-off in a blast of rainbow color, like a sonic boom. We all cheered for her as she admired her new transformation surfacing again.

"Check me out!" she said as Vinyl Scratch, the music store clerk, handed Rainbow the double-necked guitar, but she hesitated and looked at the one she was playing, which was now tricked out probably due to her residual magic, "Uhh...she can have it. I think this is the one that REALLY speaks to me." Rainbow decided, nuzzling against the instrument.

Trixie was shocked, but smirked, as she grabbed the double-necked guitar from Vinyl and loudly declared, "The Great and Powerful Trixie ALWAYS wins in the end!!" she then laughed loudly and triumphantly, until we walked past her.

"I doubt it." Rainbow said as she paid for her guitar.

"Hey, 'Braggy McBraggerson'," I nicknamed Trixie, "You might wanna check your 'prize'. Might be out of your price range, hehehe..."

Trixie did so, and saw the price tag was a whopping $12,000, which I SERIOUSLY doubt she can afford.

"Twelve-thousand dollars?!" Trixie shouted in shock and despair, before glaring at us and yelling, "You'll pay for this, Rainbow Dash!!"

Pinkie suddenly came back and said, "No, silly! If you want it, YOU have to pay for it!" she said, cheerfully oblivious as she winked at no one in particular.

As we made our way to our next destination, none of us noticed that my D-Watch chimed back in the store, trying to inform me of a new transformation that added itself into my ever-growing selection collection...

Author's Note

New Digivolves Unlocked!
TimberGarurumon

Interlude 2: Music Soothes the Savage Beast

Canterlot City Animal Shelter - Hamster Area
Samuel's POV

Rarity and I were being guided by Fluttershy through the local animal shelter to where the hamsters were being kept. It's been a couple days after Rainbow and Trixie's "shred-off" at the instrument store and I had offered to help Fluttershy at the shelter when she brought it up; she kept trying to hand out flyers to students at school to gather more volunteers, but there were no takers, so I offered my own services because she needed help...and I'm an animal lover almost to a fault. Don't judge me.

We made it inside the hamster's room of the shelter when Fluttershy flicked the lights on and spoke, "Thanks for coming Rarity, and you too, Sam. The rescue center needs all the help it can get."

"Oh but of course, Darling." Rarity said, petting a little puppy and kitten, "Helping cute little puppies and kitties will never go out of style!"

"Fully agreed, I love animals!" I said, "And I've my fair share of different animals for pets at different points in my life: dogs, cats, gerbils, fish, ferrets, rabbits, pigs, you name it!"

"Really?!" Fluttershy asked, fascinated.

"I kid you not!"

Fluttershy squee'd at the prospect of another animal lover in her circle of friends, but then blushed and recomposed herself, "A-Anyway," she began, "Once a year, a lucky volunteer gets to clean the hamster habitat! I signed up for it months ago to see if I'd get it!"

To me, that didn't sit right; clean the hamster habitat once a year?? Back when I had gerbils and ferrets, I always had to make sure everything was clean for the little guys and gals. ALWAYS. Not to mention, setting up their food and water whenever they run low.

"Um...Fluttershy?" I began before she could call the hamsters out of their home, "There ARE other workers here who clean the hamster's home, right? I mean, they don't let it get dirty over the course of the year, right?"

Fluttershy gasped, "Oh, no, of COURSE not! Normally the volunteers aren't allowed to disturb the hamsters in fear of letting them loose throughout the building, so the people who work here normally clean it out once a week, but once a year, a volunteer can do it."

I let out a sigh of relief, "Okay, good. Got worried for a second there."

Fluttershy opened one of the tunnel doors and called to the little ones, "Houuusecleaniiing!"

Rarity suddenly looked really nervous, "Ooh, uh, Fluttershy, Darling, aren't hamsters, uh, rodents?"

The hamsters began making their way out of the habitat as Fluttershy answered, "They sure are, but they're cute and cuddly like bunnies!" the hamsters began exiting the habitat and I couldn't but smile at them, "Okay every-hamster, follow Rarity and Sam into the next room! They'll take good care of you while I give your home a good scrub!"

"Actually, do you mind if lend a hand?" I offered, tinkering with my D-Watch, "I think I have something in here that might help."

"Are you sure?" Fluttershy asked, "Then Rarity will have to tend to the hamsters by herself."

"Don't worry, if my hunch is right, this'll only take a few minutes."

"Well...okay then."

"Thanks!" I pull the door near closed when I told Rarity, "Hang tight, we'll be done in no time!" then I closed the door completely.

"So, um, what transformation, do you think will help?"

I turn on the digivice, select a fish-looking silhouette, and tell Fluttershy, "Just watch." with that, I slam down the big upside-down triangle button.

//Digivolution.//

I was surrounded by a cocoon of data code as I was changed into a rather odd-looking mammal-like fish.

"Dolphmon!"

"Wow, that's a new one!" Fluttershy remarked.

"Actually I had it for a while," I respond, "haven't needed this one until now."

"Why not?"

I suddenly began to choke a bit, "...This one needs water to survive..."

"Oh goodness!"

"I'm fine...!" I cough some, "Let's just make this quick...! Water Wave...!" I controlled it to the point where it wasn't a full-on tsunami and focused it into and through the tunnels of the habitat to clean out all of the filth. Once it was done, the D-Watch could sense I was at my limit and transformed me back as I was breathing in sweet, sweet oxygen, "Oh, thank God!"

"Are you okay?!"

"Yeah, the D-Watch can sense when I'm at the end of my rope when I'm in one of its digivolutions, and turn me back to normal as a safety precaution."

"Amazing...your parents really knew what they were doing."

"Yeah...they did..."

Just then, we heard banging on the wall and saw Rarity looking scared while random objects were being thrown every which way. We came out and saw the other room was in chaos.

"Rarity! What happened?!" Fluttershy asked her.

"Yeah! They were fine just a minute ago!" I added, looking a little freaked out.

Rarity then went on a tangent about what had occurred, but I'll keep it simple; she couldn't help but accessorize one of the hamsters, then the others wanted in on that action, and now we have a massive hamster feud over clothing.

"...Also, I named them." Rarity finished.

I facepalmed. No shit...

Fluttershy tried to talk some sense into them, but none of them were having it, so Rarity emptied her backpack and went to scoop up the hamsters, Fluttershy and I went to do the same, then Fluttershy's tambourine fell out, rattling and hypnotizing the hamsters for a moment.

I was then hit with an idea, "Just what the doctor ordered. Fluttershy, take your instrument and play! Go full-on pied piper!"

She took the hint and played her tambourine with such skill and talent, and she even danced as she played! Just as the hamsters were entranced by the music, Fluttershy began to pony-up like Rainbow did back in the music store, wings and all! And with that, all the hamsters were back in their habitat and Fluttershy closed the door...well, almost all of them.

"Huh! I never would've guessed that hamsters could be so touchy about fashion!" Rarity commented.

At that moment, the big hamster that Rarity managed to scoop up stuck his head out and snapped his paws three times. As the girls were getting him back in the other room, we failed to noticed my D-Watch chime again with another new power...

Author's Note

New Digivolves Unlocked!
Lepidomon

Episode 1: A New Brand of DigiDestined

Samuel Southwest, age 16, occupation: high school student and potential computer coder, status: dimensionally misplaced.

Yeah, that's me, Samuel, or Sam to my friends, narrating my current lifestyle. I bet you're wondering how I ended up this way, right? Well, if you guys can just give me a few minutes of your time, I can totally explain how this happened. Let's rewind a bit, shall we?

2 Weeks Ago
Florida, USA, Earth

I had a great life; great friends, a loving family, an awesome education towards computer coding, happiness galore, I thought nothing could ruin this, this greatness I felt.

Boy, was I naïve.

My parents both went missing all of a sudden; I came home to find nobody home, at first I didn't think much on it, but I didn't find a note as to where they went, and as soon as the sun went down, I knew something was wrong. I called the police and they searched for my parents for an entire week before they called off the search, stating to the media that they couldn't devote all of their resources for the time being until other cases have been dealt with, needless to say, I was devastated. I slowly went into a depression, only doing the bare minimum of self-care, personal hygiene, and the like, I hardly showed up at school and when I did, everything I worked on felt half-hearted, even my coding skills, until eventually I heard that the police force were looking into finding my next of kin to figure what to do with me, since I'm a minor and can't be left to live by myself, that was the day that everything changed.

4 Days Later

My next of kin was eventually found and the court date was near, very near, I was wandering around my house when I spotted something out of place: a simple cardboard box with a note on top of it. I took the note and read it:

I know of your missing parents, and I know how much you miss them. I don't know, however, where they are or why they disappeared, but I also know that the device, or rather "Digivice", within this box is the key to finding your parents, as well as the reason for their disappearance. It is known quite aptly as a "D-Watch", and has a multitude of applications you can use, especially the "Digivolve" function. I understand that you have a million and one questions right now, but time is of the essence and I can't explain everything right this second. Put on the D-Watch and we'll meet for a Q&A session soon enough.

From the desk of the Merchant

I could only stare at the note, then the box, then the note, and then the box again. With some hesitation, I reach for the box and open it, and inside it was a very strange watch; the wristband was like an iron clamp while the face was a big, clunky upside-down triangle with a blank screen. Once I felt I stared at it long enough like an idiot, I started to put it on--

"Goburi Bomb!"

I swiftly turned to see a massive ball of fire flying towards me, I grabbed the watch and quickly jumped out of the way before running for my life from the flames now eating my house and whoever or whatever caused them.

"Come back, coward! Give us D-Watch!" the same voice that shouted before ordered.

I didn't comply, I simply ran into the city and didn't stop, I even increased my pace when I heard the city folk behind me screaming in terror. I finally stopped in an alleyway to catch my breath, away from any prying eyes, especially my pursuer. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding...

"Boulder Throw!"

SMASH!!

Only to see a gigantic boulder level the building I was hiding behind and then some, I slowly turned around in fear and wished I didn't; there was an army of green goblin-looking creatures, I didn't call them actual goblins because there was no goblin I knew in mythology that could make fireballs and conjure boulders.

"We got you now, human! Surrender D-Watch and die!" one of them ordered.

"YEAH!!" they all cheered.

"Who or what are you guys?! And don't you mean 'surrender OR die'?!"

"We are Goblimon! And Goblimon take no prisoners! Give us D-Watch!"

I weighed my options here; either put on the D-Watch and hope something saves my ass, or give it to these..."Goblimon" and die regardless of what I do.

It wasn't really a hard choice.

As fast as I could, I whipped the D-Watch onto my left arm, which make the Goblimon greatly anxious as well as agitated.

"He put D-Watch on! Kill human!"

Then they all raise a hand up and conjured a smaller fireball and shouted: "GOBLIN STRIKE!"

They all threw their fireballs at what seemed to be Mach speeds, I knew I wouldn't be able to dodge something that fast, so I raised my arms up hoping to block them, not noticing the bright glow on my watch as lit up the area. Once the light died down, I was nowhere around, even after the fireballs hit the wall behind where I once stood.

"Drat! Human get away! What now?!" one of the Goblimon asked.

Suddenly, the sound of police sirens rung out and slowly began to get louder.

"Grumble later, escape now! Boss will not be pleased."

In strips of computer code, all of the Goblimon vanished, the only signs that they were there was the carnage they left in their wake before the cops showed up.

Unknown Location

"Mmmmm...ugh...w-where am I...?" I groan as I slowly regain consciousness.

Once I had woken up, I suddenly remembered the predicament I was in, making my eyes snap open and I swiftly sat up, I looked myself over to make sure I wasn't burned or dead or anything in between, and thankfully I was not, I was very much alive and well. Though that begs the question: how did I survive that onslaught? With those fireball that quick, I should be cinders right now, yet I'm not.

"Curious, are you?" a voice spoke.

I whipped myself around to see a man hunched over with his arms behind his back, wearing a light grey garb that covers his head and face. Everything about this guy screamed "shady" and "sketchy".

He raised his hands in front of him, "Do not be alarmed, I am not your enemy. I am the one who brought you here before you became incinerated."

"Hmm...okay, but who are you?" I asked.

"Did the note not say? I am the Merchant."

I held back a gasp, "You??? YOU'RE the Merchant guy who sent me this watch?"

He nods, "Yes, but it is no ordinary watch, as you may have already heard, it is called a D-Watch, a digivice not known to many in the Digital World, and was created by your missing parents."

"Wait...mom and dad...MADE this thing?"

"Indeed, and I believe that was what made them disappear; the mere creation of that digivice simply painted a target on their backs for whoever either wanted the watch or wanted them to create one for their kidnappers...at least, that's what I think."

"And you're sure?"

"Mmm...not entirely. As I said, there's a lot of things I don't know about these circumstances, but I believe that D-Watch may be the key for the answers you seek."

I began to think for a moment; I was attacked by some weirdo goblin things all because of this D-Watch, and once I put it on, I vanished and end up somewhere else away from danger. Then, this Merchant, the same guy who sent me said watch, says that this device, or digivice as he calls it, may be the key for the answers I want AND to find my parents. But there's still one thing nagging at me...

"Merchant...where exactly did you take me?" I ask him.

He shook his head lightly, "I'm afraid it was too dangerous to simply leave you in your world, so I brought you to a new one to try and hide you until you properly learned how to use the D-Watch. I know it's only a matter of time before those who seek it find your current hiding place, but this was a security measure to buy us some time."

"Well, what is this world? And what do you mean 'learn to use the D-Watch'?"

"In order, this is a different version of Earth than what you are used to, trust me, you'll see soon enough, and the D-Watch is a VERY complex piece of technology; it has many functions, one of them allowing you to 'Digivolve' into Digimon that are above Rookie level."

"'Digivolve'?"

"The D-Watch latches to the user and binds their genetic structure with the fractal codes of Digimon collected into the digivice, making the user 'Digivolve' into whatever Digimon they choose...for a short while anyway."

"What are Digimon?" I ask, scratching my head in confusion.

"It's a shortened term for 'Digital Monsters', they originate from the Digital World."

"And those goblins I faced, they were Digimon too?"

"Yes, Goblimon to be exact. They are evil Digimon, who more than likely serve whoever kidnapped your parents and wants the D-Watch for themselves."

I was struck silent by this. How could anyone possibly respond to all this, especially if they were in my shoes?

"No more questions? Good. Now we must train you, to teach you how to properly use the D-Watch."

"Hey, one last thing: how many Digimon are in this watch?"

"Roughly? At least 10,000."

"10,000?!"

"Yes, but many of the fractal codes as well as the greater functions of the digivice have been locked, so you only have access to a certain number of Digimon."

I sigh deeply, "Great."

"It was a necessary protocol to prevent the digivice at full power from getting into the hands of pure evil."

"I guess I can understand that...doesn't make it a less bitter pill to swallow."

Just then, a feminine scream resounded from nearby at a large building.

"You think...?"

"No, they couldn't have found us that quickly."

"Either way, someone needs help!"

The Merchant and I ran towards the direction of the girly scream, not knowing what possible dangers lie in wait for us...

A Few Minutes Later
Large Unknown Building

Upon arriving, we noticed a teenage girl talking to a...well, talking dog; she had lavender skin, purple eyes, indigo blue hair with purple and pink streaks through it, wearing a button-up blouse, a red bowtie, a purple skirt with a starburst marked on it, and purple boots with plaid purple socks. The dog was next; he had lavender fur, green, almost reptilian eyes, deep green tuft of fur atop his head, sea green floppy ears, a bright green underbelly, white splotches near his backside, and wearing a spiked collar with a heart-marked dog tag. We overheard them talking about how "different" the girl looked, who we learned her name was "Twilight", then the Merchant whispered in my ear.

"That girl is a princess of another world full of magical, talking ponies, and her full name is Twilight Sparkle."

I just nodded, trying to be a quiet as I can so they don't notice us. Then we heard something about them searching the "castle", which happens to be the building in front of us.

"Go help her up, before she makes a fool of herself." the Merchant tells me.

"And you?" I ask.

"I'll be watching, from afar. VERY afar."

"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence."

I decided to play along with the Merchant and make myself known to the mysterious duo.

"Hey, are you okay?" I ask Twilight.

"Um, yes?" she answers, uncertainly.

I held out a hand, "Here, let's get you up."

With hesitance, she reached for my hand and I quickly pulled her up, not realizing how strong I was, or how light she was, and wound up with her in my arms.

"Uh, sorry, really need to gauge my power level." I try explain, blushing a bit.

She blushed a bit as well before getting off me, "Y-Yes..."

Things got a bit awkward until I decided to strike up a conversation, "So, are you new here? Because I'm new here myself, and I've been wanting to see what's inside that building."

"Huh? Oh, right, yes, let's go then."

The three of us walked up to the double doors of the large building and, like the gentleman mom raised me to be, held the door open for Twilight and her dog, who I learned to be Spike when they observed the trophies and such in a glass case, which they believed to be artifacts stolen by someone from some place called "Equestria". It was then that I got a good look at one of these trophies, and realized something immediately.

Is this place...a high school?

BRRRRRRIIIIIIINNNG!!!

The halls suddenly became filled to the brim with students of every color, and no, not THAT kind of color, I mean everybody was LITERALLY every color of the rainbow and then some, I kid you not! Twilight, Spike, and I quickly got separated and I stumbled through the hallways trying to find them, but eventually I found something else, and it wasn't pleasant.

"Oh, I'm really sorry," a timid voice spoke, "I just saw it right there, and thought I should give it to her. I didn't know you had dropped it."

"Well, I did," a harsh, commanding voice barked out, "and I was about to get it until you swooped in and ruined everything. You shouldn't pick up things that don't belong to you."

I looked to see a pink haired girl being harassed by a girl with fiery hair, the former mumbled something I couldn't hear, which made the latter slam her palms into the lockers on each side of the poor girl.

"Excuse me?!"

The scared girl tried to mumble an apology, but I wouldn't let that bloody sociopath have that satisfaction.

"Are you through...freak?" I insulted.

Everyone in the hall gasped in shock as Fire Head turned to face me, "What did you say?!"

"You heard me, freak. Are. You. Through?" I reiterated as she stalked up to me as I stood my ground.

We stared each other down for a few second until she smirked, "You must be new here. I can speak to anyone any way I want."

"Says the fire-headed sociopath."

She then glared at me, "I'd watch your tongue if I were you, kid."

"Give me an excuse as to why I should, otherwise get lost before I make you get lost."

She then made a puppy-dog face, "You wouldn't hit a poor, wittle girl like me, would you?"

I reached my hand forward and flicked the tip of her nose, startling her, "I just did."

She raised her hand to her nose and growled, "...Consider that a freebie, kid. 'Cause next time, you won't get a second chance."

"Ohh, I'm a-shaking in my boots." I wobbled my legs a bit before pointing to the adjacent hallway, "Now beat it."

She sneered before walking past--oh look, Twilight and Spike are here, I've been looking all over for them.

"I can't believe you did that." the pink haired girl said in awe.

"Sorry, but there's a lot of things I hate, and two of them is bullies and bullying." I said as Twilight and Spike approached.

"Well, it's just that no one ever stands up to Sunset Shimmer."

"Sunset Shimmer?!" Twilight uttered in shock.

"You know her?"

"Sort of..."

"Not really." I answer as well.

"I don't think I've seen you two around before. Did you two transfer to Canterlot High from another school?" the timid girl asked us.

"Um...yeah, that's it. I'm Samuel Southwest, but my friends call me Sam, and this is Twilight." I introduce us as Twilight waves.

"I'm...Fluttershy..." she mumbles out.

"Um, sorry, we couldn't hear you."

"It's Fluttershy!" she squeaks out again.

"Fluttershy? Well, that's a pretty cute nam--"

"Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy interrupts as she spots Spike and rushes past us, "Who's this sweet little guy?"

"That's Spike, my...dog." Twilight says, rather hesitantly.

"Oh, he's so cute!" Fluttershy digs out a doggie treat from her backpack, "Go on, eat up, little pup."

Spike nibbles it, then goes to full on eating as Fluttershy speaks again.

"Oh, wouldn't you give anything to know what they're really thinking?"

"He usually just tells me." Twilight said, offhandedly.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

I decided to step in before something slips out, "She means she's been teaching him her own version of sign language to understand what he saying, and he's plenty smart, right, Twilight?" I elbow her side and motion a hand signal to play along.

"Uh, right! Of course!" she then cleared her throat, "Anyway, Sunset Shimmer said you picked something up, something that belonged to her, it wasn't a crown, was it?"

A crown? I thought, then I remembered that Twilight's a princess from another world, Hmm...I better keep my eyes and ears open about things regarding that crown, it seems pretty important.

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I didn't notice Twilight and Fluttershy finishing up their chat.

"Principal Celestia?" Twilight asked, confused, "She's the ruler here?"

"You could say that. Well, technically, she and Vice Principal Luna do make the rules."

"Where is she now?"

"Probably in her office." Twilight and Spike both ran in separate directions, only to come back when they realized they don't know the layout here, "Third door on your right."

"Thank you!" Twilight said as she and Spike ran off, this time in the right way.

"Oh, wait!" Fluttershy stopped them, "You're not exactly allowed to have pets on school grounds. You might wanna tuck him into your backpack. That's what I do." just then, a bunch of little animals came out to play.

"Whoa..." I muttered, impressed by this girl's ability to befriend wild creatures.

BRRRRRRIIIIIIINNNG!!!

"Oh, no! I'm late for class!" Fluttershy said before swiftly gathering her animal buddies and running off to her classroom.

"We'd better get going too, before somebody thinks we're either trespassing or skipping classes." I say to Twilight.

"Right, let's go."

Twilight stashed Spike into her bag and we all headed for the principal's office to learn more about this crown she mentioned.

??? POV

An unknown figure was watching the two teenagers as they walked off to wherever they were going, deliberately ignoring his two brothers arguing.

"I'm getting him first!"

"Says you!"

"Nuh-uh!"

"Uh-huh!"

"Shut it!" the unknown figure whisper-shouted at his brothers, "We don't want them to know we're here!"

"But why not report this to the boss?"

"Yeah!"

"Because, this is to earn brownie points," the unknown figure answered, "If we can beat that kid and get the D-Watch, we'll be promoted for sure! Are you guys with me or not?"

"We're the Mushroomon Brothers! Of course we're with you!"

"Yup!"

"Good!" the unknown figure, now known as the leading Mushroomon, said, "Better get ready, kid! You're in for it now!"

"YEAH!!" they all cheered.

Sam's POV
Principal Celestia's Office

A trio of knocks echoed in the office.

"Enter." a mature woman's voice said.

I tried to keep Twilight as normal as possible when we entered the principal's office, we at first began to talk about the crown that was given to her by Fluttershy, then the topic changed to the Fall Formal and Fall Formal Princess, Twilight then asked how she could run for the title after an almost embarrassing moment when she brought up some "Grand Galloping Gala", most likely from her world. After getting the intel we need, we left the office on our merry way when Spike stopped us, asking why we didn't tell her the truth and simply ask for the crown back.

"It's obvious, little man," I interjected, "I'm pretty sure that if you told the principal where you came from and why you needed the crown, she'd probably think Twilight was, for lack of better term, 'cuckoo in the coconut'." I twirled a finger next to my head as I said that last bit.

Spike sighed, "I guess you're right."

"Wait," Twilight began, "how do you know where we came from?"

"I'll answer your questions AFTER we get some time to breathe." I say, buying myself some time.

"Fine." she relented, "Then it looks like I have no choice but to become Princess of the Canterlot High Fall Formal. And that's just what I'm gonna do!" she declared with her arms in the air.

"And how exactly do you plan on doing that?" Spike interrupted the moment.

"I have no idea!" Twilight declared again.

I sigh, "Look, let's just head for lunch, I think I have an idea of how we can do what we need to."

"Okay, let's go."

Twilight walked away with Spike tucking himself back into her backpack, while I stayed behind for a moment, once I knew she was out of earshot, I took a deep breath.

"Welp. We're boned."

I began my own trek to the cafeteria, not knowing that the Merchant was watching this whole time.

"Poor lad. The depression still has a firm grip on you, doesn't it?"

Lunch Period
Canterlot High Cafeteria

After joining up with Twilight and Spike again, I explained to them that we needed to talk to our only ally in this school for intel: Fluttershy. Unfortunately, we got split up due to the lunch line separating us and I got my lunch sooner than the two girls. Stuck without a table to sit at, I chose an empty table near the back of the cafeteria, and ate my lunch in silence...that is, until three female preteenagers sat at my lonely table with me.

"Hey there, mister! Ma name's Apple Bloom! That there is Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo!"

"Hey there!" Sweetie greeted.

"Yo." Scootaloo simply said.

"Hey there to you as well, I'm Samuel Southwest, Sam to my friends." I began, "So, just out of curiosity, why did you girls wanna sit with me? I'm not exactly a chick magnet."

"Well," Sweetie began, "you seemed kinda lonely over here, so we thought you'd want some company."

I chuckled a bit, "Well, you guessed right."

"So, what's with the funny-looking watch?" Scootaloo asked, bluntly.

"Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom scolded.

"What? It's a legitimate question."

"And rude too!" Sweetie added.

"It's okay," I began to explain, "I can't go into full detail, but...I was told that this watch was the key to finding my parents. You see, they went missing over a week ago, and I'm trying to find them. I think they got into something they couldn't get themselves out of on their own."

"Really?" Scootaloo asked, wondering if I was some kind of super-secret spy.

"Wow..." Apple Bloom seemed saddened, "Ah, uh...Ah hope ya find 'em…"

"Yeah!" Sweetie began, "Who would do such a thing, making people's parents disappear?!"

I sigh, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"So you know who did it?" Scootaloo asked.

"In a way, yes, but they have ways of covering their tracks."

Apple Bloom grumbled, "Slippery, little varmints…"

"You don't know the half of it."

BRRRRRRIIIIIIINNNG!!!

I finished off the last of my food and tried to meet up with Twilight and Spike, who told me that to apply for the Fall Formal Crown, she needed to consult the head of the party planning committee, whom of which should be in the gym preparing the room for the dance, so that's our next move.

10 Minutes Later
Canterlot High Gymnasium

The doors to the gym opened as we headed inside, "Fluttershy said she'd probably be in here." Twilight said.

"I hope so, I don't even want to think about what'll happen if Fire Head gets her grimy, little mitts on that crown." I agreed.

"Incoming!!!" a child-like voice chimed as a rainstorm of streamers covered us from head to toe.

I was able to get a good look at her once I got out of my little streamer cocoon prison; her skin was light pink, her poofy hair was a type of dark pink, and her eyes were a baby blue, wearing a blue jacket over a white shirt with a heart marked on it, a pink skirt marked with three balloons, and wearing baby blue boots with pink bowties on them. This girl seems to like too much pink and has had a few sweets too many.

She was blowing up a balloon when Twilight freed herself and walked up to her, "Hello, my name's Twilight Sparkle and--" when she got a good look at the girl herself, she seemed to immediately know who it is, "Pinkie Pie?"

The aforementioned Pinkie Pie partially let the balloon go and the air hissed out in her face as she gripped Twilight tightly, "Are you psychic?!"

"Uh, no I don't think so. Unless, of course, that's something you can do here." Twilight answered, sheepishly.

Pinkie sighed as she let Twilight go, "Not usually." she then skipped along to blow up a new balloon.

Twilight dusted herself off as she got up, "Fluttershy told this was where I could find the head of the Fall Formal Planning Committee."

I suddenly felt quite a bit of tension from Pinkie when she spoke again, "Fluttershy, huh?" she tied off the balloon she had, "Don't let the whole shy thing fool you, she can be a real meanie."

"You two aren't friends...?" Twilight uttered in shock.

"Hmm...something doesn't seem right about what Pinkie just said..." I whispered to myself.

Pinkie smiled again as if Fluttershy was a mere afterthought, "Waited a bit to get your name on the ballot, huh? The dance is the day after tomorrow."

"I'm brand new here." Twilight said.

"What am I, a plate of grits?" I called.

"Ooh! TWO new faces!" Pinkie cheered, then looked serious, "I thought you two didn't look familiar." she got up close and inspected the two of us, "Though, now that I'm really looking at you guys..."

"Uh, personal space, please?" I say softly, not liking the sudden invasion.

Pinkie backed off, then spoke, "Do you have a twin sister who lives in the city, has a pet dog named Spike that looks JUST like that one?"

Spike was playing with a balloon when Twilight answered, "Uhh...maybe?"

Pinkie shrugged, "Thought so." she then dug out a clipboard and a pen from her poofy hair, "Anyhoo, just gotta sign here, and you're officially up for the coveted Princess of the Fall Formal crown!"

...I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!! I screamed in my head when I saw Pinkie pull things out of her hair, which more than likely defies the laws of physics and even nature.

Twilight hesitated, then grabbed the pen in her mouth, but chose to put it in her hand, and scribble her name, which is rather crappy-looking I might add.

"Wow! You have really bad handwriting!" Pinkie said, "It's like you've never held a pen before."

Twilight chuckled nervously, "Is it?"

A doors to the gym opened and a voice called out, "Did someone order a dozen case o' fizzy apple cider?"

Pinkie then charged at the person lugging a huge stack of crates carrying the aforementioned items with childish glee as I got a better look at her once she sat them down; she had tan skin, green eyes, and straw blonde hair, wearing a green and white shirt, denim skirt, a Stetson hat, and brown cowgirl boots with apples marked on them. This girl's appearance screamed "hard worker", not just "farmer".

"Could ya bring in th' rest?" she said to someone lugging another stack of crates.

"Eeyup." came a male voice as the cowgirl hefted one of his crates.

He had tan skin as well, deep green eyes, and orange-red hair, wearing a red jacket over a white shirt, denim pants, and brown cowboy boots. I think this guy has enough strength to snap me in two...I better stay on his good side.

The cowgirl walked towards Twilight and I and immediately recognized us, "Hey, Ah know you two."

"You do?" Twilight asked.

"Sure, you're the new guy and gal who gave Sunset Shimmer the what-for today!" she popped the cap off of a bottle of cider with her teeth and proceeded to drink it.

"Heh, guess we got a rep now, huh?" I say, not really wanting to be the center of attention.

"Twilight Sparkle's gonna be running against Sunset Shimmer for Princess of the Fall Formal." Pinkie added, making the cowgirl do a spit take.

"Ah'd think twice 'bout that. Oh sure, she'll approach ya, all friendly-like..." the cowgirl then drew on a couple of balloons, resembling Fire Head and Twilight, "'I sure am looking forward for some friendly competition!' 'That's so good to hear!'" she then spun Fire Head's around to reveal a taped-on needle, "But then, here comes th' backstabbin'." and she popped Twilight's balloon for good emphasis, "About the least the person ya can trust less than Sunset Shimmer is Rainbow Dash."

"Uh, Rainbow who-now?" I ask, stupidly.

"She's, like, the Captain of every team at Canterlot High." Pinkie answered, bouncing on another balloon, before popping it.

Again, SO MANY QUESTIONS!! I scream in my head once again.

"She's also th' captain of sayin' she's gunna do somethin' fer ya, then turning around and even botherin' ta show up!" the cowgirl accused.

First Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, now the cowgirl and this Rainbow Dash? Something stinks around here, and I bet it's coming from ol' Fire Head. I theorize mentally.

"Thanks for the advice, Applejack, but this is something I really have to do." Twilight interjected.

Huh? Time out, what? How'd she know her name?

"Eh, suit yourself." it was at that point that what "Applejack" heard finally caught up with her, "Say, how'd ya know ma name was Applejack?"

Twilight suddenly got really anxious and tried to make up an excuse, "Didn't you say...?"

"Eenope." the cowboy said as Pinkie drank a bottle of cider.

Twilight hastily said her good-byes and made a run for it with Spike, but I stayed behind, hoping she didn't notice.

I pray to God that she didn't arouse TOO much suspicion... I think, gauging Pinkie and Applejack's reactions.

"That one's trying to hide a secret, but I am TOTALLY onto her!" Pinkie declared to Applejack.

Top tier work there, Twilight.

"She's psychic!" Pinkie whispered loudly.

"Eh, if you say so..." Applejack agreed, uncertainly.

Uh, never mind...

SLAM!!

"This. Looks. Terrible!"

Oh goodie, Fire Head's here. I groan in my head.

"There should be more streamers by the stage and fewer balloons." she ordered, popping a couple in one go.

"Yeah! Streamers!" a short, pudgy underclassman barked, ripping a streamer in half.

"And fewer balloons!" a tall, scrawny underclassman agreed, trying to squeeze a balloon, only to fail miserably.

Yeesh, we got a whole gaggle of idiots here. What's next? A vine-swinging ape man?

"Fizzy apple cider?! Ugh! This is my coronation, not a hoedown!"

Applejack immediately took offense to that, "Well, now, it ain't necessarily gunna be YOUR coronation this time around!"

Fire Head quickly got in her face, "Oh? Is that so?" she then proceeded to put Applejack's head over her face, "You country folk really AREN'T that bright. It's no wonder that people say such awful things about you. Of course it's going to be my coronation. I'm running unopposed."

"Wipe that crap outta your eyes, dick-stain!" I call out.

"Who said tha--oh. It's you."

"Surprised?" I asked, "I guess I'm the only one in this whole school who's got a pair of man-sized balls."

"Ew...!" the dunderhead duo groaned.

"Shut it, turd-monkeys, the adult and the childish cunt are talking."

Fire Head was seething by this point, "Call me another name one more time..."

"Or what? You'll hit me? Go ahead, do it. It will be YOU who is found guilty, once the principals hear about it."

Pinkie got in between us to stop an upcoming battle and said, "On an unrelated note, the new girl just signed up!"

Sunset snatched the clipboard out of Pinkie's hand to look at it, "What?!"

"I know! Her handwriting IS really bad!" Pinkie added in a cheerful voice...for some reason.

Sunset lowered the document to reveal a rather pissed expression, "Where is this 'Twilight Sparkle'?"

With that, I decided to make myself scarce before she let loose her anger on me and head outside to blow off some steam.

A Few Minutes Later
Canterlot High Soccer Field

The moment I stepped onto the field next to the school, I sat down on the bleachers and began tinkering with the D-Watch, trying to figure out its many features. But before I could find out anything, I heard a voice yell out:

"Mushroom Mash!"

Then there was an explosion, and the next thing I knew, I was on the ground in absolute pain. I looked up to see who threw that bomb, and saw three mushroom-looking creatures.

"Ha-ha! I knew this human kid was weak, but I didn't think it'd be THIS easy!" one of them said.

The two other ones laughed in triumph at their leader's words, but they wouldn't be laughing for long; slowly, despite being in pain, I reached for my D-Watch and activated the "Digivolution" function, scrolling the touch screen to any random Digimon.

"Hey! What's he doing?!"

One of the lackey's noticed what I was trying to do, and with no more time left, I tapped the first form that came into view on the screen.

//Digivolution.// a computerized voice echoed from the digivice before I was consumed with fractal codes.

The mushroom monsters wisely took a few steps back, even more so when the Digivolving process had finished, I was slightly taller than I was before, my skin had turned red, I had claws on my hands, arms, and feet, a tail, and even a pair of horns, I also could almost FEEL the fire in my breath now, then all of a sudden, I called out the name of the Digimon I became:

"Growlmon!!"

The two lackeys trembled at me while their leader tried to stand strong, "C-C'mon, Mushroomon! We can't let this kid get the best of us! All together!"

With the other two rallied, the three now-named Mushroomon came together and launched all of their mushroom bombs at once.

"Fungus Cruncher!"

When they made contact and exploded, I barely felt a tingle from the attack now that I Digivolved, and the fear the Mushroomon felt before returned with a vengeance when the dust cleared and saw that I was in one piece.

"What?!"

"My turn." I said, my voice being quite different, "Exhaust Flame!"

With a roar, I let loose a powerful blaze of fire at the Mushroomon, making them scream in agony. When the flames died down, I noticed that they were now barely hanging on to whatever life they had left.

"Rggggh!! Mushroomon, group up!!"

The three Mushroomon jumped on top of each other into a tower and shouted: "SLIDE EVOLUTION!!!"

A stream of fractal codes enveloped them and quickly turning them into a rather large, dead-looking tree with eyes.

"WOODMON!!!"

Woodmon? That's...kinda unoriginal. And now he's charging at me!

"BRANCH BASH!!" he roared as he tried to stab me with the points of his arms.

I thought on my feet and clashed against him with my claws, unleashing another move, "Dragon Slash!" the claws on my arms lit up with plasma energy and I sliced through one of his larger branch arms, leaving him with only one left aside from his little ones.

"YOU LITTLE!! LEAF SLIDER!!!"

Several sharp-looking leaves flew at me at ridiculous speeds, but I had another idea for my plasma-enhanced arm claws, "Raiden Blade!" I reared one of my arms back and swung, unleashing a wave of plasma energy at the leaves, which burned them to cinders, and flew all the way to Woodmon, who now looked very afraid that the tables have greatly turned.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"

The moment the attack made contact, Woodmon reverted back into the three Mushroomon from before, who were starting to vanish as their fractal codes were being erased.

The leader groaned and glared up at me, "You...really think this is over? There are others...others far stronger than us Mushroomon, or even Woodmon...unless you...utilize the full power of the D-Watch...you...are...finishhhhhed..."

(stop music)

And just like that, the Mushroomon were no more, as if they were never here. The fractal codes surrounded me again and I was morphed back into my old human self. I began to ponder what the leading Mushroomon said; yes, I know all too well this was far from over, but the fact that there are others that are stronger? And that I need to utilize the full power of the D-Watch? I figured the Merchant might have some answers, so I decided to stop dillydallying and try to find him again, not noticing the D-Watch chimed with a new power.

Mere Seconds Ago
Snips' POV

After he walked off Snails and I were still in shock; this kid, this rebellious nobody, had some kind of special power that makes him transform into weird creatures! I knew that Twilight girl was weird when she acted like she had no idea what a computer was, but this DEFINITELY takes the cake! I looked the Snails and he and I nodded, knowing what we had to do now.

We had to tell Sunset Shimmer.

Canterlot High Library
Samuel's POV

For a good while now, I couldn't find hide nor hair of the Merchant, so now I chose to head to the library to brush up on this world's knowledge as well as relieve some stress, even before I was forced to leave home, the library always had a comfortable place in my heart. Soon enough, I ran into Twilight and Spike again and helped them with some of their research about this new world.

"Attention students, the library will be closing in five minutes." the library intercom spoke.

It was then that Twilight realized something, "I haven't even thought about where we're going to sleep yet."

Shoot! That thought never crossed my mind either! What am I gonna do?!

Before I could properly panic, Spike started to wander off, "Way ahead of ya."

Twilight and I looked at each other in confusion before following the talking dog...man, that sounded weird. Eventually, we now found ourselves in the very back of the ocean of bookshelves to a rather dusty, hastily put together...bed made out of books? What?

"It's a little...dusty, but nobody comes back here, so..." Spike reasoned.

"It's perfect, Spike." Twilight says.

"It's certainly better than nothing, that's for sure." I agree.

Twilight and Spike got into reading a yearbook and found all of the girls, even that Rainbow Dash girl, they seemed to be friends once upon a time, but something changed, and Twilight and I both had the same thought: Sunset Shimmer. Spike tried to explain to Twilight that the girls had to take a backseat for their current mission of getting Twilight's crown back and she tiredly agreed. But still...the situation with those former friends...it has to be dealt with sooner rather than later, and I'm gonna explain that to these two very firmly.

We're fixing the mess Sunset Shimmer created tomorrow.

Author's Note

New Digivolve Unlocked!
Woodmon