Age Of Devil Fruitsby Madforce EntertainmentChaptersChapter 2: The Lord Of Cinder and The Lady of FireChapter 3: Weakness.Chapter 4: Aftermath: BlameChapter 5: Aftermath: Multiverse?Chapter 6: Snow HollowChapter 7: Battle for Snow HollowChapter 8: NerxcoPrologueChapter 1: The Cinder Lord and a Tomboy.Chapter 2: The Lord Of Cinder and The Lady of FireSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 3: Weakness.Author's Note Hey guy’s, this the first Chapter I’m uploading with Solar Force. Flora Blossom is the Editor who’s been helping me, I do hope I can maintain Quality of future Chapter’s, by my own, and the Grammar isn’t too bad. Also I most confess, I’m dyslexic, if you see any mistakes please tell me. Thank you for your patience and support. Chapter 3: Weakness. Isaac stared at the fire girl named Sunset Shimmer, he was still ready for a fight. “Listen, I just want to talk to you.” Sunset pulled out a newspaper from her jacket. “Cinder Lord.” She showed Isaac his wanted poster from the newspaper. “So, you heard about the humans in the Crystal Empire?” Isaac asked. “Yeah, I did, and I wanted to ask you how you got this bounty,” Sunset said. “So, what did you do to get this bounty?” She asked. “That’s a long story…” Scootaloo comes out of the hut and sees Sunset. “Isaac is everything okay?” She asked. “Yeah, I think so,” Isaac replied. “Look, we should get moving, that stallion is running to town. It’s only a matter of time until he tells the whole town you’re here.” Sunset told Isaac. “She’s right, that fool will return, and he won’t be coming alone,” Zecora said, also exiting the Hut. “We leave immediately.” Isaac and Scootaloo were surprised when Zecora said us instead of you. “You're coming with us, Zecora?” Scootaloo asked. “Yes, that fool will inform the royal guard that I’ve helped Isaac,” Zecora replied. “As of now, I have become an accomplice of the Cinder Lord. Also, you might need my medical expertise.” She explains. “You right, Zecora will be in danger if she stays here,” Isaac said, agreeing with Zecora, Isaac looked at Sunset. “Could you keep a watch for pitchforks and torches?” He asked Sunset. “Cliche but I’ll keep an eye out for you,” Sunset replied, looking for a place to keep watch. Scootaloo helps Zecora to pack for her journey with Isaac, to the Crystal Empire. BlueBlood ran through the forest towards the town. “I can’t believe this! There are two of those freaks! Those Morons I hired ran out on me! I’ll get help from the royal guard, and I’ll get my revenge on that bastard and his friends.” BlueBlood exited the forest and ran towards the town at full speed to get help to capture Isaac and Sunset. Twilight and her friends were at the train station waiting for the search party. Rainbow Dash was pacing up and down the station. “How much longer are they going to be?” She asked, wanting to start searching for Isaac. Fluttershy stood from her seat to stop Rainbow Dash from passing. “I know you can’t wait to look for the Cinder Lord, but you have to wait just a little longer.” She said, to Rainbow Dash. “She’s right, Sugarcube,” Applejack said standing from her seat. “The Everfree Forest is too big for the six of us to search alone, once the search party gets here, we’ll comb the forest, and that Cinder Lord.” “Yeah, you two are right, I just wish the train would get here already.” Rainbow Dash said. Rarity looked down the line and saw the train coming. “Looks like you have your wish darling.” Rarity said, informing her friends of the train's arrival. The train pulled up to the Station and the doors opened to let out the passengers. The group were just civilians, then several Guardsmen from the Castle. A tall Unicorn Mare with a half-broken horn and the other half is metal Her coat was a dark orchid colour, her Maine was styled in a pinky mohawk, her eyes were moderate opal with a scar over her right eye, and her armour was black. Twilight and the others were surprised to see the Tempest Shadow of all ponies. “Tempest Shadow? You're leading the search party?” Twilight asked. “Yes, Princess Celestia asked me to help you find the Cinder Lord.” Tempest reached into her bag and pulled out a file. “I’ve read the report of the Cinder, is it true that he can transform into cinders and ashes?” “Yes, it’s true. I shot that varment in his leg, and the bullet just went through him, and that didn’t slow him down.” Applejack explains to Tempest. “He also exploded into ashes, flew past me and escaped through a closing door.” Rainbow Dash added. “When we first saw him Fluttershy thought he was a ghost.” Pinkie Pie said, adding a bit of information about Isaac. “Why would you tell her that?” Fluttershy asked Pinkie Pie, with a sad face. “Just felt like it.” Pinkie Pie replied, with a smile. “I see,” Tempest said, rubbing her chin. “Okay, where have you all searched?” “Everywhere, instead of the Everfree Forest,” Twilight replied. “Alright, can you take us there?” Tempest asked Twilight and her friends. “Of course, follow us,” Twilight said to Tempest about to show her to the Everfree Forest. “Alright follow their lead!” Tempest told her Search Party. Twilight and the others lead Tempest and her search party to the Everfree Forest to find Isaac, who was waiting at Zecora’s hut with Sunset. Isaac was waiting for Zecora and Scootaloo, as he waited Isaac had some thoughts come to his mind. “That girl, she said she was Sunset Shimmer, and she has the Flame-Flame Fruit. It must have been the Lobelia Organization that sent her here. Her name’s a little odd, Sunset Shimmer, what kind of name is that? Sunset said she wanted to talk to me about something. I’ll have to talk to her as soon as possible.” Isaac thought to himself. Zecora exited her hut with her Haven bag with everything she needed for the journey. Scootaloo was behind Zecora, she ran to Isaac holding his Haven bag. Isaac noticed Scootaloo running towards him. “Here Isaac,” Scootaloo said, offering his Haven bag. “Thanks, Scootaloo,” Isaac said, taking the bag from Scootaloo and putting it over his shoulder. “Is the Float-Float Fruit still inside?” “Yeah, it’s still inside,” Scootaloo replied. Zecora walks to Scootaloo’s side, and Isaac sees Zecora with her own Haven bag. “Oh, Zecora, you're using your own Haven bag?” He asked. “Yes, simply because it wouldn’t be fair for you to carry my belongings,” Zecora replied. “I wouldn’t mind Zecora,” Isaac said, to Zecora. “I know you wouldn’t, but I feel more comfortable if I carry my luggage,” Zecora said, throwing her bag over her shoulder. Scootaloo looked for Sunset but she was nowhere to be found. “Where’s that girl?” Scootaloo asked. “I’m not sure, I’ve asked her to keep watch just in case,” Isaac replied. “So, what do you plan to do with her?” Zecora asked. “I don’t know, she said we needed to talk, so I figured I should hear her out,” Isaac replied to Zecora’s question. “Do you trust her?” Scootaloo asked. “I mean you read the newspaper, about what happened to the Crystal Empire.” “The individual used the power of the Wind, and Sunset used the power of fire. I think we should give her a chance, and I have the power of cinders. So, if she tries anything I can go toe to toe against her.” Isaac said, to Scootaloo with a smile. Scootaloo looked at the ground for a second. “If you're sure Isaac, we’ll do it your way.” She said, agreeing with Isaac’s plan. “So how do we inform our friend about our departure?” Zecora asked Isaac. “I’ll just call her.” Isaac puts his hands by his mouth. “HEY, SUNSET!” Zecora and Scootaloo jumped when Isaac called out. “WE’RE LEAVING NOW!” Sunset jumped from the tree she was hiding in. “Okay, I’m pretty sure everyone from the Crystal Empire heard you,” Sunset said, walking to Isaac and the others. “So, we’re leaving?” She asked. “Yes, we're going now,” Isaac replied. “So, whatever you want to talk to me about, we can talk about it on the way,” Isaac said. “Alright, we’ll talk later,” Sunset said, to Isaac. “So how do we exit the forest?” She asked. “I know the fastest way out of the forest, follow me,” Zecora told the group. Isaac, Scootaloo, and Sunset followed Zecora through the Everfree Forest. Twilight with her friends and the search party led by Tempest Shadow, have arrived at the entrance of the Everfree Forest. Tempest gets a chill running up her spine. Twilight notices the way Tempest looks at the forest. “Are you okay?” Twilight asked Tempest. “The last time I came here my horn was broken,” Tempest replied, rubbing her repaired horn. “Are you going to be alright to help us with the search?” Twilight asked again. “Yes, I will be, so where should we start searching first?” Tempest asked. “How about the castle of the Two Sisters?” Rarity suggested Twilight and Tempest. “Thinking about it, it’s the only place within the Everfree that would be safe enough to hide,” Applejack said, thinking like a Pony on the run. “Maybe, what about Zecora’s hut?” Fluttershy asked. “Zecora?” Tempest asked. “She’s a Zebra who lives inside the Everfree Forest.” Rainbow Dash told Tempest. “Some pony lives in the Everfree Forest?” Tempest asked in surprise. “Oh yeah Zecora is a voodoo witch Doctor, and when we first met her, we all thought she was a witch who eats ponies and…” Pinkie Pie was cut off by Applejack when she covered Pinkies mouth. “Yeah, best I’d stop you now, or we’ll be here all day,” Applejack said, covering Pinkie’s mouth who was still talking with Applejack’s hand over it. “Right?” Tempest said, with a raised eyebrow. “Okay listen up, we're starting our search with the old castle inside the Everfree Forest!” Tempest told the search. “Our task is to find the Cinder Lord and capture him alive and unharmed if possible.” As Tempest continues to instruct the search party BlueBlood saw them by the Everfree, he knew who they were looking for. “Perfect!” He walks towards the search party. “Alright let’s…” Tempest saw BlueBlood approaching the group. “Who’s that?” She asked. Every pony looked at where Tempest was looking, and Rarity instantly knew who was approaching them. “Oh no it’s BlueBlood.” She said, with a face of disgust. “What's he doing here ?” Asked, Rainbow Dash. “Also, why is he so dirty?” Fluttershy asked. BlueBlood pushed his way towards Tempest. “You're here for that freak?” He asked Tempest. “And what’s it to you?” Tempest questioned BlueBlood. “I know where he's hiding, and he’s not alone.” After his statement members of the search party began to mutter to each. “What do you mean by he’s not alone?” Tempest asked BlueBlood. “There’s two of them, and they're being helped by a savage and an orange-coat tomboy!” BlueBlood stated once more. “Savage? Do you mean Zecora?” Twilight asked BlueBlood. “Don't know what savage's name is but she is a zebra,” BlueBlood answered Twilight. “Orange coat?” Rainbow Dash thought to herself. She placed her hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “Twilight, I need to check something.” Rainbow Dash told Twilight. Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash. “What? What’s more important than finding the Cinder Lord?” Twilight asked Rainbow Dash. “I think BlueBlood just told us Scootaloo is involved. I need to make sure she isn’t.” Rainbow Dash explains to Twilight. “Be quick okay,” Twilight told Rainbow Dash. “Thanks, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash ran towards Scootaloo’s house at full speed. Twilight tapped at Tempest's arm; Tempest looked at Twilight. “If the Cinder Lord is at Zecora’s she might be in danger, we have to go to help her.” “Alright, we’ll head to Zecora’s Hut first,” Tempest said to Twilight. “Change of plans! I will go to Zecora’s hut with Princess Twilight and her friends! The rest of you head to the old castle and look for the Cinder Lord! If you find him, shoot a flare, and I’ll do the same if I find him.” Tempest told her search party. “NOW MOVE OUT!” “YES MA'AM!” The entire search party said in unison. Tempest looked at Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie Pie take BlueBlood somewhere, and keep him out of our way,” Tempest instructed Pinkie Pie. “Okey-dokey.” Pinkie Pie said with a cheery grin. Tempest with Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack headed to Zecora’s hut. The search party headed towards the old Castle. Leaving Pinkie Pie with BlueBlood. Pinkie Pie looked at BlueBlood with a happy smile. “Okay, BlueBlue let’s go to…” From out of nowhere BlueBlood punches Pinkie Pie in her face, knocking her out. “Never call me that again! Filth!” BlueBlood hissed at the unconscious Pinkie Pie. BlueBlood ran after Tempest and the others leaving Pinkie Pie lying unconscious on the ground. Rainbow Dash ran towards Scootaloo’s house, once she reached the front door Rainbow Dash knocked on it. “HEY SCOOTALOO! OPEN THE DOOR! I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!” Rainbow Dash called, she waited for a moment. She knocks again harder this time. “SCOOTALOO! SCOOTALOO!” Rainbow Dash quickly searched for the emergency key Scootaloo had hidden. The second she found it, Rainbow Dash unlocked the door and opened it, entering Scootaloo‘s home. “SCOOTALOO!” Rainbow Dash called out; she looked downstairs first. Then she searched upstairs for any sign of Scootaloo. “Where is she?” Rainbow Dash looked in her room and saw the dresser drawers opened, and the closet was also opened. “She took all of her clothes.” Rainbow Dash Resumes looking for Scootaloo. She ran back downstairs and looked around more, she came across a bin with a picture inside. Rainbow Dash reached in and pulled out the picture and looked at it. “I remember this day.” A tear formed in her eye. “Where did you go?” Rainbow Dash asked herself. She placed the picture on the table and left Scootaloo’s home. Rainbow Dash locked the door behind her. “I’ll find you Scootaloo.” Rainbow Dash declared, as she spread her wings and took flight towards the Everfree Forest. Tempest leads Twilight and her friends reach their destination. “Is this Zecora’s hut?” Tempest asked Twilight and her friends. “Yes, this is Zecora’s hut,” Twilight answered, Tempest's question. “Let’s see if she’s still here.” Tempest approached the door and knocked the door open from Tempest’s knocking. Tempest looked inside and saw the hut was empty. “There’s no pony inside.” She said to Twilight and the others. “Did…did he kidnap her?” Fluttershy asked, thinking of the worst. “From what I can tell there wasn't a struggle of any kind,” Tempest replied, she looked at the ground. “And there are multiple footprints on the ground leading in different directions. I can’t tell which way the Cinder Lord went.” “So, what do we do now?” Applejack asked. “Several footprints are leading towards the north.” Tempest looks at the other footprints. “And there’s more heading in several other directions.” Tempest looked at Fluttershy. “Fluttershy you can speak to animals, right?” “Yes, I can,” Fluttershy replied to Tempest. “Can you ask them if they saw the Cinder Lord?” Tempest requested Fluttershy to ask the animals. “Yes, I’ll go ask the animals if they saw anything,” Fluttershy said, looking for any local wildlife. “Boda Boda Boda,” Tempest reached into her armour and pulled out a baby Transponder Snail, she answered the call. *Click.* “This is Tempest Shadow.” She said, to the baby Transponder Snail. “This is Lighting Bolt Ma’am, me and the search party have found evidence within the old castle.” The Stellian tells Tempest through the Snail. “What kind of evidence?” Tempest asked. “There’s appears there was someone here, there were footprints in the dust on the ground. Also, we believe he has a Haven Bag.” Lightning Bolt replied. “A Haven Bag?” Tempest asked again. “We found a spot inside one of the bedrooms, and the footprints both end and begin with that spot.” Lightning Bolt, explains to Tempest. “I see, continue your search and report back to me if you find anything else,” Tempest told Lighting Bolt. “Yes Ma’am!” The baby Transponder Snail said as it closed its eyes and clicked. Tempest placed The baby Transponder Snail back in her Armor. “Okay.” She looked at Twilight. “I’m going to follow these footprints that are heading north, and you three wait for Fluttershy.” She told Twilight, Applejack and Rarity. “Are you sure Tempest darling?” Rarity asked, Tempest. “Yes, don’t worry I can handle this guy,” Tempest said to Rarity. “When I was chasing him, I shot him in his leg, and the bullet went straight through,” Applejack stated. “She's right, and the Cinder Lord probably has more abilities we haven’t seen yet,” Twilight said, to Tempest. “Okay, have you three forgotten I took down Celestia, Luna, and Cadence? Whatever the Cinder Lord throws at me.” Tempest said to the girls. Twilight, Rarity and Applejack looked at each other. “She does have a point, Sugarcubes,” Applejack said to her friends. “She did use those black stone things to imprison the Princesses.” Rarity stated. “Do you have any of those rocks left?” Twilight asked. “I only have a couple of Obsidian Orbs leftover. I don’t plan to use them on the Cinder Lord, mostly because I don’t know what it might do to a creature like him. Celestia told me to inform the Cinder Lord that her word still holds value, so I planned to bring him back to the castle without the need for violence or the Obsidian Orbs.” Tempest explains to Twilight and her friends. Twilight and her friends looked at each other once more. Tempest saw the concern in their eyes. “Listen if I find him, I’ll use my Transponder Snail to contact you,” Tempest said to the girls. “Even if you did contact us, I don’t feel right sending you on your own,” Twilight said. “Alright, Twilight.” Tempest looked at Applejack. “Applejack you’re coming with me.” “Got ya,” Applejack said, quickly checking her revolvers. “Alright we’ll go track down the Cinder Lord, and you two wait for Fluttershy,” Tempest told Twilight and Rarity. “Let’s go Applejack.” “Right behind you,” Applejack said, nodding her head at Tempest. Tempest and Applejack left Twilight and Rarity waiting for Fluttershy to return. Isaac, Sunset and Scootaloo followed Zecora through the Everfree Forest. “Hey, Zecora!” Isaac called to the Zebra. “Yes?” Zecora called back. “Once we’re out of this Forest, will we be at the Crystal Empire?” Isaac asked. “I’m afraid it’s not that simple, to get to the Crystal Empire. We must take a train or an airship.” Zecora replied. “But how are we going to get Isaac and Sunset on a train or ship? The security guards will check our bags.” Scootaloo asked. “Hmm, I never put any thought into this,” Zecora said, only just remembering that little issue. “That is a problem,” Sunset added. Isaac does have a solution for him and his group to get to the Crystal Empire but it involves Scootaloo eating the Float-Float Fruit. When he bit into the Cinder-Cinder Fruit he did it out of necessity, but the decision was hers and only hers. But Isaac can’t think of another solution for them to reach the Crystal Empire. “Hey, Isaac,” Scootaloo called to Isaac, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Yeah?” Isaac replied. “Didn’t that book say the Float-Float allows the user to make themselves and objects fly?” Scootaloo asked. “Yes, it does give such power,” Isaac replied, to Scootaloo. “Well, if I eat the Float-Float Fruit, I can get us to the Crystal Empire,” Scootaloo stated. “But if you eat it, you’ll end up with a bounty like me,” Isaac said to Scootaloo. “He’s right. Once you’ve eaten the fruit you’ll never swim again, and you’ll probably get a bounty on your head. Also, I and Isaac ate our fruits out of necessity.” Sunset told Scootaloo. “I already know that!” Scootaloo yelled at Sunset. “Isaac told me everything about the Devil Fruit.” “I did tell but…” Isaac stopped when a loud boom was heard. “What was that!?” Isaac asked, looking at the sky. “It sounded like a sonic boom,” Sunset said looking at the sky. Scootaloo looked at the sky knowing what made that sound. “A Rain-boom? No, does that mean?” A Rainbow could be seen overhead taking sharp turns in the sky. “Shit Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo grabbed Isaac’s hand. “We need to find more cover!” She said, pulling Isaac to follow her. Sunset and Zecora follow behind Isaac and Scootaloo. Sunset looked at the zig-zagging Rainbow for a moment. “That must be Rainbow Dash.” She thought to herself and continued to follow Scootaloo. Tempest and Applejack were following the trail that Isaac and his made. When Rainbow Dash flew over with a Rain-boom. “What in tarnation is she doing!?” Applejack questioned looking at the sky. “Whatever she’s doing, isn’t helping us in any way!” Tempest looked at Applejack. “Can you contact her?” “I’m afraid not she’s going too fast for a signal to reach her,” Applejack explains to Tempest. “Well, we need to contact her, she’s attracting too much attention to herself. If the Cinder Lord sees….” Tempest when Isaac and his group suddenly came out of the bushes. “Ohhh that's convenient,” Tempest said, looking at Isaac and his group. Isaac quickly pulled Scootaloo back and stood in front of her. Applejack saw Scootaloo and was confused. “Scootaloo? What in the name of Celestia are you doing with the Cinder Lord?” Applejack questioned the Tomboy. “You know that mare?” Tempest asked, Applejack. “She’s a friend of my sister,” Applejack replied. Isaac remembered Applejack from the Castle he escaped when he arrived in this world. “Is she one of those friends you told me about?” Isaac asked Scootaloo. “No, she's the sister of one of my former friends,” Scootaloo replied. “Former?” Applejack asked in confusion. “Applebloom didn’t tell me you stopped being friends.” “That isn’t relevant now,” Sunset said, stepping into view. She looked at Applejack who in return looked at her. “So, what do we do now?” Sunset asked Isaac. “Now sure,” Isaac replied, keeping his eyes on the unfamiliar Tempest. Zecora grabbed Scootaloo’s shoulder and pulled the Tomboy next to her. “Stay next to me,” Zecora told Scootaloo. “Why Zecora?” Scootaloo asked. “You’ll only get in the way if Isaac and Sunset decide to challenge Applejack and Tempest Shadow,” Zecora explains to Scootaloo waiting to see what happens next. “Wait!” Tempest spoke up to break the attention. All eyes were on her. “Cinder Lord.” Isaac looked at Tempest. “I was sent here to bring you back to Celestia.” “And why are you telling me this?” Isaac asked Tempest. “Because the Princess asked me to give you a message,” Tempest replied. “And what’s that massage?” Sunset asked on Isaac’s behalf. Tempest takes a deep breath through her nose. “Princess Celestia said…” An arrow flew past Tempest and struck Isaac in his head. “WHAT THE HELL!” Isaac screams in anger. BlueBlood ran out of the brushes with another arrow loaded. “We’re going to put your head above our fireplace!” BlueBlood yells like a madman. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME!” Isaac yells burning the arrow to Cinders. Tempest and Applejack were shocked by BlueBlood's stupidity. “We’re out of here!” Sunset said, igniting her arm. “No wait!” Tempest tried to regain control of the situation. “FIREWALL!” Sunset called crafting a wall of flames between her group, and Tempest’s group. “Come on!” Sunset said, to Isaac and the others. The group ran from the firewall to get away from Tempest’s group. “What do we do now?” Applejack asked Tempest. “We can’t do anything thanks to that wall of fire, and that fool,” Tempest answered Applejack. BlueBlood tried to get past the firewall but failed immediately. “Damn it! He’s getting away!” He yells. Rainbow Dash flying in the air sees the firewall. “Who started a forest fire?” She asked herself as she grabbed some clouds to make it rain. Once she gathered enough clouds Rainbow Dash pounded away at the clouds and it begins to rain on the fire. Applejack and Tempest see the rain falling from the sky. “Thank Celestia Rainbow Dash was flying overhead,” Applejack said, holding her hat on her head. “Yeah, good thing she was close by.” Tempest agreed with Applejack. Once the fire was put out Rainbow Dash flew down to see what caused the fire. She lands in front of Applejack and Tempest. “What happened?” She asked the two mares. Before Tempest could answer BlueBlood grabbed Rainbow Dash by her arm. “GET YOUR USELESS FLANK BACK IN THE AIR AND FIND THE…” “FOUND YOU!” Pinkie Pie came out of nowhere and began to give BlueBlood the beat down of a lifetime. “YOU SUCKER PUNCHED ME, AND YOU GIVE ME A BLACK EYE YOU JERK!” Pinkie Pie rants as she continues to beat BlueBlood in anger. “Pinkie, I think he had enough.” Rainbow Dash said pulling the enraged pony away from BlueBlood, Pinkie Pie kicked BlueBlood as she was being pulled away. “JERK!” Pixie Pie yelled once more. Applejack saw Pinkie’s black eye and pulled out some rope. “You’ve caused us enough grief today, pretty boy.” She said tying up BlueBlood. “AJ! What Caused the Fire?” Rainbow Dash asked. “The Cinder Lord’s new friend,” Applejack replied. “She’s some kind of fire starter.” “So, we have a cinder guy and now a firwoman! What’s next?” Rainbow Dash rambled to herself. “Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Zecora are with Cinder Lord,” Applejack informed Rainbow Dash about Who she saw with the Cinder Lord. “What!? Scootaloo’s with the Cinder Lord!?” Rainbow Dash asked Applejack in shock. “Which way did they go?” Rainbow Dash asked Applejack once more. “Not sure yet but….” Rainbow Dash spread her wings and took flight. “Dang, it’s Rainbow!” Applejack yelled at her friend. Tempest walks to Applejack. “Take BlueBlood and Pinkie Pie to Twilight and the others. I’ll pursue the Cinder Lord.” Tempest said to Applejack. “Alright, Tempest,” Applejack said, picking up the unconscious now Black & BlueBlood. “Y’all sure you want to go alone?” “Yes, it’s for the best that I go after the Cinder Lord alone,” Tempest replied, and then she soon ran to pursue Isaac’s group. Isaac and his group ran back the way they came. As they ran Scootaloo looked at Isaac. “Are you okay?” She asked in concern. “Yeah, I’m fine, my body turned into Cinders as the arrow got too close,” Isaac replied to Scootaloo. Then Rainbow Dash punched the rain clouds above them, making it rain, and everyone got wet. “Ahhh, dang it I hate getting wet!” Isaac stated after getting rained on. “Hey, look on the bright side. There’s no way Rainbow Dash will find us now.” Sunset said with a smile. Scootaloo realized something about what Sunset just said. “Wait, how do you know Rainbow Dash’s name?” She asked Sunset. Sunset messed up a little. “I heard her name before.” Sunset quickly answered Scootaloo’s question. Rainbow Dash flew above the forest looking not for Isaac but for Scootaloo. “Scootaloo where are you?” Rainbow Dash said, looking for her surrogate sister. At that moment she saw a sign of Scootaloo with Isaac and the others. “THERE!” Rainbow Dash dived down towards Isaac at full speed. Scootaloo can hear something in the air, she looked up and saw Rainbow Dash coming. “Oh no, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash lands behind Isaac's group folding in her wings, she stood up and looked at Isaac wit glare. She saw Scootaloo next to him. “Scootaloo, why are you with the Cinder Lord?” Rainbow Dash asked Scootaloo. Scootaloo stayed silent, Rainbow Dash turned her attention to Isaac. “Something you want to say?” Isaac asked Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash glared at Isaac and she saw Zecora and another human. “Zecora you're here too?” She asked the zebra. “Yes, I am, but not for the reason you are thinking,” Zecora answered Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash turned her attention back to Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, step away from the Cinder Lord right now.” She ordered Scootaloo. “No Rainbow Dash, I’m saying with Isaac, and I’m never coming back,” Scootaloo told Rainbow Dash. Rainbow looked at Isaac once more. “What did you say or do to convince Scootaloo to go with you?” Rainbow Dash questioned Isaac. “Scootaloo asked if she could come with me, and I said it was her choice. Scootaloo made her own decision to come with me as well as Zecora.” Isaac told Rainbow Dash. “Why don’t I believe you?” Rainbow Dash asked Isaac again. “I don’t know, and I don’t care what you believe,” Isaac answered Rainbow Dash. “Isaac, don’t provoke her,” Sunset told Isaac. “We need to get to the Crystal Empires,” Sunset whispered to him. “I know,” Isaac whispered back. Rainbow Dash sees them whispering but she doesn’t know what they are whispering about. She looked at Scootaloo and made eye contact, but Scootaloo looked away from Rainbow Dash. “You know what screw what Celestia said! He’s a dead man!” Rainbow Dash charged at Isaac at full force, she grabbed him and flew through the woods pushing Isaac into everything in their path. After a few moments, Rainbow Dash threw Isaac from her. After Isaac hits the ground Rainbow Dash sees him in pain. “Ahh what the hell?” Isaac said in pain. “I’m a Logia type. Why didn’t my body turn into Cinder’s?” Isaac asked himself, struggling to get back on his feet. Rainbow Dash was a little confused at this herself. She noticed Isaac was wet, probably from the rain she made before. “You're wet.” Rainbow Dash pointed out. “You can’t transform when you're wet.” She started to Isaac. “Alright, I get it now. I share the same weakness as Crocodile.” Isaac begins to heat his body, and steam floats off his body. “All I need to do is dry off, and I’m back to normal.” Isaac declared to Rainbow Dash drying himself off. “And all I need to do is make it rain again.” Rainbow Dash said to Isaac, smiling. She spreads her wings and flies up towards the clouds, once she gets close enough, she begs to make it rain again. “Ahhh shit,” Isaac said, seeing the falling rain. Rainbow Dash lands in front of Isaac. “Now let’s see if you can escape now.” Rainbow Dash said with another smile. “Hmmm.” Isaac scolded Rainbow Dash. “So how long will it rain?” He asked. “Long enough.” Rainbow Dash replied, getting ready for a fight. Isaac takes off his Haven Bag and places it on the ground. “I can see where this is heading.” He said getting ready to fight Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash ran towards Isaac pulling her arm back to throw a punch. Scootaloo, Zecora, and Sunset ran to find Isaac and Rainbow Dash. As they ran Tempest managed to catch up with Isaac’s group. Sunset saw Tempest and stopped. “You again.” Zecora and Scootaloo also stopped. “Yes, me again,” Tempest said, looking at Sunset. “Find Isaac, I’ll keep this cherry rockstar occupied,” Sunset said to Zecora and Scootaloo. Flames consume her left arm. “Come Scootaloo,” Zecora said, grabbing Scootaloo’s hand. Pulling her away from the soon-invoicing battle between Sunset and Tempest. Isaac block’s a right hook from Rainbow Dash, then he throws a left uppercut. Rainbow Dash leans back to avoid Isaac’s uppercut. “Looks like to me you have no combat experience.” Rainbow Dash decided with a victorious smirk. “Without your devil fruit powers, you're powerless.” She said getting ready for another attack. “Yeah, you're right,” Isaac said, telling the truth to Rainbow Dash. “Before I came here, I didn’t like to get into fights.” Isaac gets ready to resume fighting with Rainbow Dash. “But don’t think I’m a pushover, I’m a good brawler.” Isaac declared with his smirk. “Oh really? Let’s see how good you are.” Rainbow Dash said, running towards Isaac to resume the fight. Scootaloo and Zecora finally found Isaac’s haven bag. Scootaloo picked up the Haven Bag. “Where’s Isaac?” She asked Zecora. “He must be close by,” Zecora said to Scootaloo looking for Isaac and Rainbow Dash. Zecora and Scootaloo continued to look for Isaac and Rainbow Dash through the downpour. “What’s with all this rain?” Scootaloo asked. “I’m not sure why would Rainbow Dash summon this much rain?” Said trying to keep the rain from her eyes. “COME CINDER LORD! IS THAT ALL YOU’VE GOT?” Rainbow Dash’s voice can be heard close by. “That was Rainbow Dash’s voice!” Scootaloo said, looking at where the voice came from. “Quote for a moment,” Zecora told Scootaloo. They waited to hear Rainbow Dash and Isaac. “FLYING IS CHEATING!” Isaac called Rainbow Dash. “That way!” Zecora said, pointing to where the voice came from. The two of them ran towards where Isaac and Rainbow Dash were fighting. Scootaloo and Zecora find Isaac fighting Rainbow Dash inside the downpour. But for some reason, he wasn’t using his Devil Fruit powers. “Why isn’t Isaac using his Cinder Powers?” Scootaloo asked. “I’m afraid I do know,” Zecora replied, in confusion. “This is most confusing.” Scootaloo looked at Isaac struggling to fight Rainbow Dash in the Downpour. “Wait, why is Rainbow Dash fighting Isaac in the rain?” “It must give her an advantage over him,” Zecora said while watching the fight between Isaac and Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo looked closer at the fight. “The rain is stopping Isaac from transforming,” Scootaloo said, realizing why Rainbow Dash is fighting Isaac in the Rain. “If that’s the case Isaac won’t last much longer against Rainbow Dash,” Zecora said, continuing to watch Isaac fight against Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo opened the heaven bag and jumped inside. Zecora saw Scootaloo going inside the heaven bag. “Where are you going?” She asked the young tomboy. Moments later Scootaloo climbed out of the Haven Bag with the Float-Float Fruit. “Scootaloo, are you going to eat that fruit?” Zecora asked. “I’m the only one who can make the rain stop!” Scootaloo told Zecora. “Isaac said this can let me fly without wings.” Scootaloo looked at the Devil Fruit in her hands. “But we don’t know if you can obtain any powers from the Fruit,” Zecora said to Scootaloo. “Only one way to find out,” Scootaloo said, without hesitation, she takes a bite of the Float-Float Fruit. Scootaloo almost vomited from the vile taste of the fruit. “Oh God, this thing is beyond revolting!” She thought to herself, forcing the Fruit down her throat. Zecora watched Scootaloo eat the Float-Float Fruit. “How are you feeling?” She asked in concern, not knowing what might happen to Scootaloo. “Except for the vile taste in my mouth, I feel fine,” Scootaloo replied, checking her body. “Okay let’s see if I can fly.” Scootaloo looked at the sky and remembered when she was young. The day when she first tried to fly. (Flashback) Scootaloo with several other fillies and colts at a flight at flight school for beginners. A mare dressed in a Wonderbolts uniform stood in front of the young flyers. “Alright kids, who’s ready to start flying?” The mare said with an energetic tone. “Meeeeee!” Scootaloo and the other foals called out in excitement. “Good to hear! First, you spread your wings as far as you can, then look to the clouds above. Then flap your wings as hard as you can, next thing you’ll know you're flying….” (Present) Scootaloo remembers that day and the Wonderbolts’ instructions on how to fly. “Look to the clouds above, and flap your wings as hard as you can.” Scootaloo imagined having her missing wings flapping behind her, harder and faster giving her the strength to take flight. “I don’t know if I can fly or not. But I hope….” “Scootaloo you're hovering off the ground,” Zecora said to Scootaloo pointing at her feet. Scootaloo looked at the ground and saw her feet in the air. “I…I’m off the ground.” Scootaloo said with a shaky voice, she took a deep breath and looked at the sky. “Okay, here I go.” Scootaloo flew towards the clouds above. As she flew, Scootaloo pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. The lifelong dream was finally hers, Scootaloo’s body shakes from emotions hitting her at once. Tears begin to form in her eyes. “No!” She told her eyes. “I have to make the rain stop. After me, Zecora, Sunset, and Isaac leave. Then I’ll have my emotional episode.” She said to herself getting closer to the clouds. Once close enough Scootaloo breaks up the rain clouds to stop the rain. Rainbow Dash and Isaac continue their fight against each other. Rainbow Dash swings a kick towards Isaac’s stomach, Isaac block’s the kick and grabs Rainbow Dash’s leg and throws her from him. Rainbow Dash picked herself up from the ground. “Okay you got some skill I’ll give you that, and only that.” Rainbow Dash said, spitting out some blood. “I bit my cheek.” “Keep telling yourself that,” Isaac said to Rainbow Dash getting ready for another round. The rain finally stops, realizing this, Isaac smiled. “What!?” Rainbow Dash looked at the rain cloud she made. “That cloud was meant to keep raining for at least an hour.” She said looking at the despairing cloud. “So, what now?” Isaac asked Rainbow Dash. “Are we going to continue fighting?” Rainbow Dash just opened her wings and flew towards the clouds. “Oh, well that answered my question.” Zecora runs towards Isaac. “Isaac we must leave.” She told him. “We won’t get far; she’ll find us in no time,” Isaac said to Zecora. “No, she won’t, Scootaloo will keep her occupied for a while,” Zecora said to Isaac. “What? How can Scootaloo… she’s eaten the Float-Float Fruit, hasn't she?” Isaac asked Zecora. “Yes, she did, and she’s up there waiting for Rainbow Dash,” Zecora explains to Isaac. “We do not need to stay here now,” Isaac said to Zecora. “Not now, come, Scootaloo will catch up with us after she’s done,” Zecora said to Isaac “Yeah, you're right, let's go find Sunset,” Isaac said to Zecora leaving the fighting site. Rainbow Dash reached the clouds and noticed something was off. “How did this cloud fall apart?” She asked, looking at the former rain cloud. “Okay, time to make it rain again.” “That’s not going to happen Dash.” Rainbow Dash looked to see Scootaloo sitting on a cloud. “Scootaloo? How did you get up here?” She asked Scootaloo. “Did you stop the downpour?” “Yeah, I did, and how I got here.” Scootaloo stood up and stepped off the cloud she was sitting on, and stood in the air. “This is how.” Rainbow Dash was shocked and confused. “How…. How are you flying? Your wings were removed.” “I can fly without my wings, thanks to the Float-Float Fruit,” Scootaloo said, answering Rainbow Dash’s questions. “Float-Float Fruit? You’ve eaten one of those Devil Fruits?” Rainbow Dash asked Scootaloo in shock. “Yes, I did, and thanks to it I can finally fly,” Scootaloo replied. Rainbow Dash takes a breath and stares at Scootaloo. “Did he make you eat that Fruit?” “No, it was my choice, and I’m choosing to keep Isaac safe from you Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo told Rainbow Dash as she pulled out her Tonfa. “I don’t want to fight Scootaloo.” Rainbow Dash said to Scootaloo. “Trust me, I wouldn’t want to fight me either,” Scootaloo said, ready to fight Rainbow Dash. Sunset and Tempest were in the heat of battle against each other. Sunset threw a fire lance at Tempest who rolled out of the way and threw an Obsidian Orb at Sunset. Sunset transformed into flames, and the Orb passed through her. The orb hits a tree and covers it in Obsidian. “Obsidian Orb? When did Celestia start using those?” Sunset asked herself. “Hmmm?” Tempest heard Sunset’s question. “Did you say the Princess’s name?” She asked Sunset. “How do you know her name?” Tempest realized something. “You say you said her name, it’s like you know her personally. Who are you exactly? Answer me human!” Tempest demanded answers from Sunset. “Even if I did tell you, you wouldn’t believe me,” Sunset said to Tempest. “And why wouldn’t I believe you?” Tempest asked again. “Because it’s a little insane I find it hard to believe myself,” Sunset replied. Tempest doesn’t believe Sunset is lying to her, but Sunset is not answering any of her questions. “So, what now?” Tempest asked once more. “We finished what we started,” Sunset replied, setting her arm on fire. “Very well,” Tempest said, summoning a magic circle and a sword came out of the circle. Tempest grabs the sword and unsheathes it. “We’ll finish this fight.” “And once we’re done, I’ll find out what your secrets are, Human.” Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash were having Close-quarters combat. Rainbow Dash swung her leg at Scootaloo who avoided the attack by flipping upside down and threw her down kick. Rainbow Dash flew back to avoid Scootaloo’s kick. “You're at a disadvantage here Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo said, getting back upright. “You have to use your wings to stay in the air. But I don’t have wings to flap, and I can stand on the very air itself.” Scootaloo declared to her old mentor. “And you think that gives you an advantage?” Rainbow Dash said to Scootaloo. “You’ve eaten one of those Devil Fruits!” Rainbow Dash yelled at her. “So what? Thanks to that Devil Fruit I can finally fly, or did you want me to continue to look up to you from the ground?” Scootaloo asked Rainbow Dash. “Of course, I wanted you to fly! I wanted to fly with you in the Wonderbolts!” Rainbow Dash said to Scootaloo. “But it doesn’t matter now, I’ll have to take both you and the Cinder Lord to Celestia.” A small tear fell from her eye. “I truly never thought I would never fight you.” Rainbow Dash said getting ready to resume fighting with Scootaloo. “Same here, but to be honest. We can’t see into the future.” Scootaloo said, also ready to resume fighting. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo flew towards each other, Scootaloo threw the first attack by swinging her left Tonfa at Rainbow Dash’s head, who ducked down and punched Scootaloo in her stomach but she was holding back. Scootaloo swung with her Tonfa hitting Rainbow Dash’s back, and sending her down. Rainbow regained her flight, Scootaloo dived down towards Rainbow and swung her right Tonfa down at her shoulder. Rainbow Dash blocked the attack and disarmed Scootaloo’s right hand, and she threw Tonfa away. Scootaloo charged towards her leading with the left Tonfa, Rainbow moved to her left out of the way, and Scootaloo followed by swinging in the same direction. Rainbow once again disarmed Scootaloo and threw away her last Tonfa. “You can’t fight me now without your…” Scootaloo punched Rainbow Dash in her right cheek sending her flying. “Ahhhh! That hurt Scootaloo!” “Of course, it hurts we’re fighting here! And I know you’ve been holding back! Are you trying to insult me!?” Scootaloo yells at Rainbow Dash. “I’m not insulting you Scootaloo, I just don't want to fight you!” Rainbow Dash answered Scootaloo, spitting out some blood. “Well, too bad Dash. This is a real fight and everything goes in a real fight.” Scootaloo snapped her fingers and her Tonfa flew towards Rainbow Dash from behind. Rainbow can hear something coming towards her, she looks and sees Scootaloo’s Tonfa flying towards her at high speed. “What the...!” Rainbow dodged the flying Tonfa, and the two weapons returned to Scootaloo flying around her. “How is that possible?” “Like it? This is a little trick I’ve recently learned, no matter how many times or how far away you throw my Tonfa I can bring them back to me.” Scootaloo declared, as her weapons continued to orbit around her body. “So ready for round two?” Scootaloo asked, charging towards Rainbow Dash with both Tonfas following her. Isaac and Zecora found Sunset fighting Tempest. Tempest with her sword cuts through Sunset’s flames and she manages to catch Sunset with the tip of the blade. Sunset’s left forearm was bleeding. “Well, that’s unexpected.” She said while using her flame to seal the wound. “I don’t think her sword is made of Seastone, maybe we Logia’s have a weakness to magic.” “Didn’t expect to get cut by my sword, did you ?” Tempest asked Sunset with a smile. “Not really,” Sunset said, Finishing sealing her wound. “So, what’s that sword made of?” She asked Tempest. “I never asked, why?” Tempest asked back. “Just curious,” Sunset replied, creating another fire lance. “Sunset, is everything okay?” Isaac called out. “Grand, wait, what happened to Rainbow Dash?” Sunset asks Isaac. “She’s in the sky, and Scootaloo is with her,” Isaac replied. “She knows Rainbow Dash’s name and then says her name like one would say like friends. Who is this girl?” Tempest thought to herself. “Well, I guess we’re done here,” Sunset said to Tempest. “What!? You're leaving? We’re in the middle of a fight here!” Tempest yelled at Sunset. “We’ll to be honest, I was only fighting you just to give Zecora and Scootaloo time to find Isaac. Since Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash are in the sky, I don’t need to continue fighting you.” Sunset explains. “So, we’re leaving.” “Like Tartarus you are!” Tempest ran towards Sunset and Isaac, but she stopped when she saw little green fireballs. “What are these?” “Like them? There may fireflies' bombs, be careful one of those little fireballs pack a mean punch.” Sunset informed Tempest of her fireflies. “See ya!” Sunset with Isaac and Zecora left Tempest behind. Tempest steps away from the fireflies' bombs once she was far enough, Tempest grabbed a rock and threw it at the fireflies. Tempest hides behind a tree and the rock hits one of the fireflies and explodes, causing a chain of explosions. “Dam! She wasn’t joking!” Tempest said, looking at the destination left by the fireflies. Tempest ran after Sunset and Isaac to stop them from escaping with Zecora. Rainbow Dash flew away from Scootaloo’s flying Tonfa, she managed to outfly them but Scootaloo landed a roundhouse kick to the left side. Rainbow Dash lost her balance for a second then regained it, and flew towards Scootaloo. Only two stopped by the Tonfa once more. “Again!?” Rainbow Dash yelled, avoiding the flying Tonfa. “Yep, again Dash, again!” Scootaloo said, using her Tonfa against Rainbow Dash. “That’s cheating Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash yelled, still avoiding the Tonfa. “Crating?” Scootaloo summoned back her Tonfa. “Didn’t you do the same thing with Isaac? You made it rain to stop Isaac from transforming into his Cinder form, you even flew above him to give yourself another advantage.” Scootaloo started with Rainbow Dash. “That's difficult! Wait, his name is Isaac?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Yeah. Wait, you seriously didn’t know his name?” Scootaloo asked back. “Well, it's not like he introduced herself!” Rainbow Dash said. “Well, that doesn't meter now.” Scootaloo puts away her Tonfa. “I’ll fight you fairly now.” She said getting ready for hand-to-hand combat. “Huh, alright Scootaloo, BRING IT!” Rainbow Dash said, charging towards Scootaloo. “Here I come!” Scootaloo said also charging towards Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo goes for a diving drop kick and Rainbow Dash blocked Scootaloo's kick. She grabs Scootaloo's right ankle and is about to throw her, Scootaloo grabs Rainbow Dash’s right wing. Rainbow begins to lose Altitude. “Scootaloo let go!” Rainbow Dash told her. “You first Dash!” Scootaloo yells, as both she and Rainbow Dash fall towards the ground. As they fell Rainbow Dash tried to release her wing from Scootaloo’s grip, and Scootaloo using her free foot pushes Rainbow Dash’s hand trying to loosen Rainbow Dash’s grip on her ankle. Moments from hitting the ground Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash broke free from each other. Scootaloo used her Float powers to stop falling, but Rainbow Dash tried to turn to stop herself from falling, unfortunately, she wasn’t fast enough. Rainbow Dash hits the ground hard. Scootaloo landed on the ground looking at Rainbow Dash. “OWWW WOW, that hurt a lot.” Rainbow Dash said, slowly getting back to her feet. Her left wing folded back but a sharp jolt of pain shoots throughout her back from the right wing. “AHHH! MY WING.” Rainbow Dash looked at her right wing and saw it was broken. “OH, CELESTIA MY WING’S BROKEN!” “Huh, so what now Dash?” Scootaloo asked. “You can’t fly now.” “But I can still fight?” “Can you?” Scootaloo asked again. Rainbow Dash gets back into a fighting stance, but there were multiple spots of Pain throughout her body. “AHHH!” Rainbow Dash almost fell back on the ground. Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash with pity in her eyes. “We’re done here, Dash,” Scootaloo said, begging to float off the ground. “You can’t just leave Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “I’m not going to fight you, not like this,” Scootaloo said, floating into the air. “Scootaloo wait!” Rainbow Dash called, and the two of them made eye contact. “Please don’t go.” Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash, she noticed Isaac, Zecora and Sunset running towards them. “I’m sorry Dash, but I can’t stay here anymore.” Scootaloo flew over Rainbow Dash towards Isaac and the others. “GET INSIDE ZECORA’S HAVEN BAG!” She called Isaac's group. “You heard her, get in the bag!” Zecora told Isaac and Sunset, the two of them, jumped inside the Haven Bag Zecora soon followed. Tempest only just this moment caught up with Isaac and the others. Scootaloo swooped in and picked up the Haven Bag from the ground. Tempest saw Scootaloo fly away with the Haven Bag. “What!? Since when could Scootaloo fly?” She questioned watching Scootaloo fly away. “SCOOTALOO!” Rainbow Dash called out. Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash from the corner of her eye. “Goodbye Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo continues to fly away towards the Crystal Empire. Rainbow Dash tries to flap her wing to catch Scootaloo, but her broken wing just gives her pain. “AHHH!” Tempest ran to Rainbow Dash’s side. “Rainbow Dash!” Tempest saw Rainbow Dash struggling to stand. “What happened to you?” She asked. “This doesn’t matter!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “I need to stop Scootaloo!” “What? You're hurt!” “I don’t care about that now!” Rainbow Dash yells once more. Tempest saw that Rainbow Dash wasn’t going to stop trying to fly. “Sorry Dash.” “Huh?” Tempest knocked Rainbow Dash out. “Let’s get you back to the others.” Tempest picked up the unconscious Rainbow Dash and carried her back to the others. Twilight and the others waited for Tempest and Rainbow Dash to return. “I hope they’re okay,” Fluttershy said to her friends. “I’m sure they'll be okay,” Applejack said to Fluttershy. “I don’t like this, one of us should have gone with her after the Cinder Lord,” Twilight said to her friends. “What could we have done to help?” Applejack asked. “The last time I met the Cinder Lord, I shot through his leg and that did nothing to stop him.” She stated. “I know but…” Twilight stopped talking when a stick snapped. Tempest Show walked out of the bushes carrying Rainbow Dash over her shoulder. Everyone gasped. “What happened!?” They all yelled at once. “I don’t know. We need to get her to a hospital now.” Tempest looked at the group. “Wait where are the others?” “Your search party took them back to town,” Twilight replied. “Alright good, Twilight can you use a teleportation spell?” Tempest asked. “Yes, I think I can take us back to town,” Twilight said, getting ready to use a teleportation spell. “Alright, every pony comes together.” Every pony stood close to Twilight and in a split second, she teleported herself and the others back to town. After some time flying, Scootaloo found a place to land. Scootaloo was inside the Haven Bag with Zecora, Sunset, and Isaac. Zecora was checking Isaac’s body. “How am I looking?” Asked Isaac. “You're mostly buried, but you’ll be fine,” Zecora told Isaac. “Alright, thanks Zecora.” Isaac looked at Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, how long will it take "To reach the Crystal Empire?” He asked, Scootaloo didn’t answer immediately. “Scootaloo?” “Sorry, what?” She replied, answering her friend. “Are you okay Scootaloo?” Sunset asked, her voice laced with concern. “Yeah, I’m okay,” Scootaloo assured me gently. Zecora opened a bottle and gave it to Isaac. “Here, drink this.” She said, giving him the vial. “What is it?” Isaac asked, eyeing the small vial of liquid. “Just something to numb the pain,” Zecora replied with a smile. Isaac took the bottle and drank some of its contents. “OH, Peppermint,” Isaac said, surprised and happy at the taste. “It’s been a long day. How about we get some rest and resume our journey to the Crystal Empire?” Zecora suggested to the group. “Sounds like a plan to me,” Sunset said. “I’ll help Isaac into his Haven Bag.” “And I and Scootaloo will stay in my Haven Bag,” Zecora said. Sunset helped Isaac into his Haven Bag as Zecora and Scootaloo stayed inside her Haven Bag. The group used the time to rest before they resumed their journey to the Crystal Empire. To be continued…. Chapter 4: Aftermath: BlameAfter her fight against Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash was laying in a hospital bed. She stares at the ceiling, she couldn’t stop thinking about Scootaloo. Elsewhere in the hospital, her friends were in the cafeteria sitting at a round table. They were all silent. “Ok, I can’t take this anymore,” Applejack said, breaking the silence. “We need to know what the Cinder Lord did to her!” She said to the others. “You heard what Tempest said,” Twilight said to Applejack. “She said Scootaloo did that to her,” Fluttershy said, quoting what Tempest told them. “And y’all believe that?” Applejack questioned her friends. “We have to.” Pinkie Pie spoke up with a delighted tone. “Why would she lie?” “I don’t know. But I just can't accept that Scootaloo would do that to Rainbow Dash! She grew up with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle!” Applejack said, ruffling her hair. “I know how you feel, Darling.” Rarity said to Applejack, understanding her feelings. “But Tempest wouldn’t just make up something like that, and also we don’t know why Scootaloo did what she did, and yelling about it doesn’t help any of us.” She told Applejack. Applejack calms down. “You're right, but I can’t help how I feel.” She said, slumping on the table. “We feel the same,” Fluttershy said. “But for now we can’t do anything but wait for Tempest to finish reporting to Celestia.” “Hmmm, Maybe we should go see if Rainbow Dash is okay.” Pinkie Pie said. “Yeah, let’s see how she's doing,” Fluttershy said agreeing with Pinkie Pie. “Yeah, we should see how Rainbow Dash is doing,” Twilight said, standing from her chair. And the other girls also stood from their chairs, then they walked towards Rainbow’s room. Rainbow Dash continues to look at the ceiling for the moment she can’t feel any pain, it’s unknown if it’s to do with painkillers or perhaps Rainbow’s mind refused to let her feel the pain because of Scootaloo. She finally turned her head and looked out the window and looked at the clouds above. “Scootaloo, is this how you felt?” Rainbow Dash thoughts to herself looking at the sky. She remembers when Scootaloo was younger. “One day Rainbow Dash I’ll fly with you, and the WonderBolt!” Rainbow Dash remembers what Scootaloo once said to her. “Yeah, and I’ll be looking forward to that kiddo!” Rainbow Dash remembers her words. “It’s the Cinder Lord’s fault!” Rainbow Dash takes a breath. “No, it's too easy to blame him.” She thinks for a moment. “Or maybe it’s my fault.” She said to herself thinking more. “But someone is to blame right? Who?” “Sorry Rainbow but we need you.” She heard Twilight’s voice in her hand. “Wait, did I just think of Twilight’s voice? Why?” Rainbow Dash asked herself. “I’m sorry Dash, you need to help with another friendship problem.” She heard Twilight’s voice again. “Why can’t I stop hearing her voice?” Rainbow Dash asked herself once more. “Sorry Dash we need you, Sorry but this is important, Sorry Dash, Sorry Dash, Sorry Dash.” Rainbow Dash keeps hearing Twilight's voice over and over again. “I’m blaming Twilight.” She said to herself. “I’m blaming her, come to think of it every time I wanted to spend time with her Twilight always said, sorry Dash we need you and I would just put their needs above Scootaloo’s. Thinking about it more, when did Applejack and Rarity see their sisters?” Just at this second the door to her room opens. “Hey Rainbow Dash, are you feeling better?” Rarity asked, being the first one in the room. “We were getting worried about you.” Pinkie Pie said, with her cheery smile. One by one Rainbow Dash’s friends entered the room, but Rainbow Dash remained silent. “Rainbow, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked her childhood friend. “I've been thinking a lot about Scootaloo.” Rainbow Dash answered with a toneless voice. “I know it’s hard to accept what happened, we’re all having trouble accepting the facts.” Twilight said, to Rainbow Dash. “I just don’t understand why she would join the Cinder Lord. What did he say to convince her to join him?” “I might have an idea.” Everyone looked at Rainbow Dash. “Or should I say, I might have an idea?” She looks at Twilight. “Scootaloo said to me, she always wanted to fly. And Scootaloo said she wanted to travel the world.” Rainbow said to her friends. She takes a breath. “Twilight do you remember when I asked if you guys could search for the Cinder Lord without me? Do you remember what you said to me?” Twilight was confused by Rainbow Dash’s question. “I said we needed you to help us.” She answered Rainbow’s question. “Rainbow Dash, why are you asking me this?” “Every time I asked you if I could spend time with Scootaloo, you always said, you guys needed me. And I would just go along with whatever problem you have.” The girls looked at Each other, then they looked at Rainbow Dash. “I keep coming to the same conclusion over and over again, if you just let me spend that day with her maybe Scootaloo wouldn’t have joined the Cinder Lord. She would still be here with me.” Rainbow Dash said, clutching her hand into a fist. “Rainbow Dash, are you blaming me for Scootaloo’s decision?” Twilight asked Rainbow Dash in more confusion, who remained silent. “You can’t be serious!? Scootaloo made her own decision to join the Cinder Lord! I can’t believe you would even think to blame me…” “Applejack! Rarity!” Rainbow Dash cuts off Twilight. “When have you last seen your sisters?” She asked Applejack and Rarity. “Umm.” Rarity and Applejack just looked at each other. “Please, just answer honestly.” Rainbow Dash said to them. Applejack takes a deep breath. “It's been a long time since I last saw her,” Applejack answered. “Same, I can’t remember when I last saw Sweetie Belle.” Rarity added. “And what about you Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow Dash asked the other two. “I haven’t seen my family in a while, since my brother finally found an actual job,” Fluttershy replied. “I missed my sister Marble’s wedding.” Pinkie Pie answered, without thinking she covered her mouth knowing how all would look at her. “Wait! Your sister Marble got married?” Twilight asked in shock. “When?” “A year ago.” Pinkie Pie mumbled. “Why didn’t you tell us?” Rarity asked. “Because Twilight needed you.” Rainbow Dash answered for Pinkie Pie. Everyone was silent again. “Pinkie Pie.” Twilight broke the silence. “When did your sister get married?” “During the friendship problem in Griffonstone.” Pinkie Pie replied. “I remember, we all went there to help the griffons and the dragons stop fighting over land rights,” Applejack stated. “And if memory serves, Pinkie Pie wasn’t much help.” Rarity added. “And, it was me and Applejack who found a solution that both sides could be happy with,” Fluttershy said. “So Pinkie Pie wasn’t needed.” Rainbow Dash said. “And thanks to that, Pinkie Pie missed Marbles' big day.” Rainbow Dash looks at Twilight. “Every time we asked you if we could spend time with our loved ones, you always said you needed us.” “But wait a second.” Twilight said, to Rainbow Dash. “If I had known about Marbles' wedding I would have let Pinkie go. Also, it’s unfair to just blame me over matters I did not know of….” With quick speed, Rainbow Dash threw the nearest object, which happened to be a small vase with some flowers. Everyone was stunned by Rainbow Dash’s sudden action. “Get out.” Rainbow Dash told Twilight. “What.” “Did I stutter?” Rainbow Dash asked rhetorically. “I said, GET OUT!” She screams at Twilight grabbing another object and throwing it at her. “GET OUT OF HERE! RIGHT NOW!” Rainbow Dash screams at Twilight with blind anger. Applejack caught it midair. “THAT’S ENOUGH DASH!” She yelled at Rainbow Dash. “I know you're not in a good place right now! But screams, and throwing stuff at Twilight will never solve ANYTHING!” Applejack yells at Rainbow Dash. The room was quiet after what Applejack yelled at Rainbow Dash. “Just get out of my room! All of you.” Rainbow Dash yells at her friends once more. “Alright y’all, let’s just leave Rainbow Dash,” Applejack said to the others. “Yes, let's leave Rainbow Dash’s room.” Rarity said, placing her hand on Twilight’s shoulder. Gently pushing her out. One by one everyone leaves Rainbow Dash’s room, and once more Rainbow Dash is left alone in her room. Twilight and the others sat outside the hospital on some benches. Everyone was processing why Rainbow Dash was blamed for Scootaloo’s discussion to join the Cinder Lord. After some time has passed Applejack finally speaks. “Ok, I’ll say it.” Everyone looks at Applejack. “Rainbow Dash isn’t in her right mind now. We shouldn’t take anything she says seriously.” Applejack said to her friends. “But she did have a point.” Rarity said. “Whenever Twilight said she needed us we just helped her without argument.” “So she's right, isn’t she?” Twilight said, squeezing her knees. “It is my fault Scootaloo left and joined the Cinder Lord,” Twilight said, sounding like she was about to freak out. “It’s not your fault Twilight.” Pinkie Pie said to Twilight trying to keep her calm. Fluttershy pulled out a cigarette and began to smoke. “I need this right now.” She said taking a puff. Everyone looked at Fluttershy with surprised looks on their faces. “Fluttershy is that a cigarette!?” Rarity asked, a little confused at the sight of Fluttershy with a Cigarette. “Yes, it is,” Fluttershy answered, taking another drag of the cigarette. “Since when have you started Smoking?” Pinkie Pie asked in actual surprise. “Wow I’m surprised by this.” “I started back in high school during the exams.” Fluttershy finished her Cigarette and threw the remains in a trash can. “I was dealing with a lot of stress at the time and Gilda helped with Cigarettes. She even said I looked cool with one in my mouth.” She walks to stand in front of her friends. “I only smoke one whenever I get stressed out.” “You get stressed?” Rarity asked. “Sometimes. Now I’ve done some thinking about this and I think we all should take responsibility. Twilight for constantly needing our help and not making sure we were free to help, and us for not standing our ground when something came up with our personal lives. So when Rainbow Dash is better we all must have a sit down and talk.” Fluttershy said to her friends. “Agreed?” “That sounds like a good idea.” Rarity said, with a smile. “Yep, I’m for that,” Applejack said, tilting her hat. “Yeah, that’s a great idea.” Pinkie Pie said, she looks at Twilight who reminds silent. Pinkie Pie placed her hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “Everything with Rainbow Dash will be fine.” Pinkie Pie said to her friend. Twilight smiled at what Pinkie Pie told her. “Yeah, thanks, girls.” Approaching them was Tempest Shadow after finishing her report to Celestia. “Twilight I finished reporting to Celestia, and she wishes to speak to you,” Tempest informed Twilight. “Thank you, Tempest, I’ll go talk to her,” Twilight said to Tempest and left her friends to talk to Celestia. (10 minutes ago.) Tempest was in an isolated room sitting at a table on the table was a box with a strap. She flipped the latch of the box, it unfolded and inside was a white Transponder Snail with Celestia’s mark on one side of its shell, and a turn dial on the other side. Tempest uses the turn dial to call Celestia, as she instructed the number the snail made bop, bod, beeps, and noises. After she finished dialling the number the snail started to go, “Boda Boda, Boda Boda, Boda Boda, Click.” “This is Celestia, who is this?” The Transponder Snail said, with Celestia’s voice. “This is Tempest Shadow, I’m calling you to inform you about the Cinder Lord,” Tempest said, to the Receiver. “And what happened?” Celestia asked. “It’s not good Princess Celestia,” Tempest tells Celestia everything that happened with Isaac, Scootaloo, and Rainbow Dash. But she did not tell Celestia about Sunset Shimmer. “And for the moment I’m at the hospital with Twilight and her friends. I also sent my search party to look for clues to where the Cinder Lord is heading. He was heavily wounded by Rainbow Dash and he’ll need time to recover, so if we’re lucky enough we might find them.” Tempest said to Celestia. “Hmm, this is a lot to take in,” Celestia said, after hearing Tempest’s report. “First, that Human obtained power from a Devil Fruit, and now Scootaloo has obtained powers from one. Tempest, needless to say, nobody else must know that ponies can obtain powers from the Devil Fruits. Understand?” “Yes, I completely understand Princess Celestia,” Tempest replied. “And if she is available I would like to talk to Twilight,” Celestia said to Tempest. “I’ll go find her and we’ll call you back,” Tempest replied, hanging the Receivers back on the Snail’s shell. Then leaves the room to get Twilight. (Present time.) Twilight entered the same room the Tempest used to contact Celestia. She sat in front of the sleeping Snail and called Celestia. After a few moments, Celestia answered the call. “This is Celestia, who is this?” She asked. “It’s Twilight, you wanted to speak to me?” Twilight replied. “Ahh Twilight, how are you? And how is Rainbow Dash?” Celestia asked. Twilight sighed at the question from her mentor. “Things could be a lot better,” Twilight replied. “Rainbow Dash blames for Scootaloo joining the Cinder Lord. And to be honest, I think it is my fault for taking so much of her time, and for taking up all my friends' time.” Twilight told Celestia with tears about to form. “Twilight, calm yourself,” Celestia said to Twilight. “Yes, I will Celestia,” Twilight said, taking a breath and calming herself down. “Tell me what happened with Rainbow Dash,” Celestia asked Twilight to tell her what happened between them. Twilight takes a moment to gather herself. “Rainbow Dash said I took too much of her and the others' time, she blamed me for Scootaloo’s choosing to join the Cinder Lord. And I found out Pinkie Pie’s sister was recently married.” “She was?” “Yes, and Pinkie missed it because of me. It was during the dragons, and Gryphon's dispute, and to be honest Pinkie wasn’t much help during that. Twilight said, telling Celestia what happened. “I see.” Celestia was silent for a moment. “Perhaps I placed too much responsibility on you, and your friend's shoulders. I think you and your friends need to talk things through. Twilight I want you and your friends to leave the Cinder Lord’s capture to Tempest for now.” Celestia said to Twilight. “Are you sure Princess?” Twilight asked. “Yes, I’m beyond sure my faithful student,” Celestia replied. “Also I’m afraid I must talk to Rainbow Dash.” “What about?” “Scootaloo, she’s the first Pony who has obtained powers from a Devil Fruit, and if word of this starts circulating this may cause a power struggle. So I may have to place a bounty on her.” Celestia explains to Twilight. “And you want Rainbow’s blessing to place this bounty?” Twilight asked, in shock. “I think I should talk to her about this, it’s only fair I talk to her first,” Celestia told Twilight. “I see, she might hate you for this decision,” Twilight stated. “I know, but she would have hated me more if I never informed her,” Celestia replied. “Hmm, okay, should I be there when you talk to her?” Twilight asked. “No, I’ll ask Tempest,” Celestia replied softly. “Okay, I’ll tell her.” “Thank you Twilight.” Celestia and Twilight disconnected their call. Twilight left the room and Tempest was sitting outside. “How did it go?” “Fine, Celestia wants to talk to Rainbow Dash,” Twilight told Tempest. “Okay, what are you going to do?” Tempest asked again. “Celestia wants me and my friends to take some time off, and leave the Cinder Lord to you,” Twilight replied. “I see, then you and your friends should go home. Celestia and I will talk to Rainbow Dash.” Tempest said, suggesting for Twilight and her friends go home. “Yeah, I’ll go let the girls know. Good luck with Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said to Tempest. “Thanks, I’ll see you later we’re done talking to Rainbow Dash,” Tempest said to Twilight. “Thanks, I’ll get going now,” Twilight said, leaving and waving goodbye. “Take care, Princess,” Tempest said, to Twilight who waved goodbye. Tempest enters the room to collect her Transponder Snail. Rainbow Dash stared at the wall where she threw the vase at Twilight, she just looked at the wall. “I know why I threw that vase, but I didn’t know what drove me to it.” Rainbow Dash said to herself. There was a knock at the door, and the door opened. Tempest stepped inside. “Hey Rainbow, how are you feeling?” She asked. “I’m feeling better, physically at least.” Rainbow Dash replied. “Why are you here?” “Princess Celestia wanted to talk to you about…something important,” Tempest replied, setting her case on a table and opening it to reveal her Transponder Snail. “Are you ready to speak to her?” “Umm…Sure.” Rainbow Dash said to Tempest who began to dial Celestia’s number. After a few moments, Celestia answered the call. “This is Celestia, am I talking to Rainbow Dash?” Celestia asked. “Yes, it’s me.” Rainbow Dash replied. “How are you feeling?“ Celestia starts the conversation by asking Rainbow Dash how she was feeling. “I’m feeling better, why do you want to talk to me?” Rainbow Dash asked, having a somewhat idea why Celestia wanted to talk to her. “That’s good to hear, Rainbow Dash. I need to talk to you about….Scootaloo.” Celestia said to Rainbow Dash. “Huh, you want to talk about Scootaloo? And not Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked in confusion. “Yes, the ordeal between you and Twilight stays between the two of you,” Celestia replied. “Okay, why do you want to talk about Scootaloo?” Rainbow Dash asked again. “Tempest informed me that Scootaloo has eaten a Devil Fruit.” Rainbow Dash's hands clenched into fists. “And she’s the first Pony to eat a Devil Fruit and gain powers. Rainbow Dash, I’m afraid I must place a bounty on Scootaloo’s capture.” Celestia explains and waits for Rainbow Dash’s response. “WHAT!? WHY WOULD YOU PLACE A BOUNTY ON SCOOTALOO!?” Rainbow Dash yells at Celestia. “Allow me to explain please,” Celestia asked Rainbow Dash to let her explain her reasons for her decision. Rainbow Dash takes a breath. “Okay, I’m listening.” Rainbow Dash replied, grinding her teeth. “Her reasons for eating the Devil Fruit are still unknown to us, but she’s the first pony to have options powers from a Devil Fruit. But if she can option powers from a Devil Fruit then others can as well, this could start a power struggle between all my citizens. I can see now in my mind's eye, Pony and other creatures fighting for the Devil Fruits killing one another, these Fruits are treated as trophies paid for in the blood. War will rise from Scootaloo being the first Pony who has Devil Fruit powers.” Celestia explains to Rainbow Dash who goes wide-eyed upon hearing this. “Rainbow Dash, I don’t take pleasure in making this decision. I feel sick to my stomach, but I have to do what I must. I must protect my citizens from all threats even from their greed. You practically raised Scootaloo yourself, and I thought I should inform you before I go through with decisions.” Celestia finished explaining. Rainbow Dash imagines Pony fighting like animals for the Devil Fruits, picturing Scootaloo being hunted by power-hungry maniacs. Then sees her body impaled by swords, Spears, and her body laying in a pool of her blood. “I can’t believe that could happen.” Rainbow Dash said, shaking. “I know, I couldn’t believe it either. But I’ve lived long enough to know that power corrupts the minds of countless Ponies. This is the only option we have to end this before it starts.” Celestia told Rainbow Dash. “I see.” Rainbow Dash takes a second to think. “Okay, do it.” Rainbow Dash said giving her blessings to Celestia. “Thank you, Rainbow Dash. I shall contact you when the posters are ready for circulation, for your approval. I must go now, I’ll speak to you soon.” The snail closes its eyes meaning the call has ended. “That’s a lot to take in,” Tempest said, putting her snail back in the case. “Yeah, could I be left alone for a while?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Of course.” Tempest leaves the room. Rainbow Dash thinks to herself once more. “Scootaloo, you're in a world of trouble now, and I don’t think I can save you.” To be continued… Chapter 5: Aftermath: Multiverse?Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 6: Snow HollowAuthor's Note Hey guy’s, happy Easter! Here’s the new Chapter, I hope you enjoy it. Also if you see any mistakes, please don’t hesitate to tell me. OC’s from Cyrus and Starkiler, hopefully I’ll add more in the later chapters. Thank you for your support and patience. I try do another update before the end of the year. Chapter 6: Snow Hollow The Next morning Isaac’s group were getting ready to resume their journey to the Crystal Empire. When Zecora placed a map on the table. “Everyone, may I have your attention.” Everyone stops what they were doing and looks at Zecora. “I’ve done some research, and I have discovered a small town called Snow Hollow.” She points to the town on her map. “I suggest we head there first.” Caitlyn looks at the map. “Why? I thought we were supposed to head to this Crystal Empire place.” She asked the Zebra. “Isaac needs help.” Scootaloo answered, ” And there’s probably a Doctor who can help him!” “Even so there’s probably a Doctor in the Empire,” Caitlyn argued. “Your right there’s probably a doctor within the Empire, but Scootaloo is right,” Sunset said, agreeing with Scootaloo. “Isaac’s condition comes first.” Caitlyn looks at Sunset and Scootaloo, she turns to Isaac. Who was sitting at the table, also looking at the map? “What about you?” She asked him. “What do you think we should do?” Isaac takes a moment to think, they need to get to the Crystal Empire. But if the sickle user wasn't alone Isaac knew he’ll be a liability, even with his Logia powers. “Let’s head to Snow Hollow.” He declares. Caitlyn raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think we’re ready yet. Plus I’m deadweight at the moment.” He explains. “I don’t want to be a burden to you guys, definitely in battle.” “Alright, I’m outvoted here,” Caitlyn said, with an eye roll, before sitting down. “So how long will it take us to reach Snow Hollow?” She asked. “A couple of hours,” Zecora replied, rolling up the map. “If we start flying now we’ll reach there before midday.” She gave the map to Scootaloo. “Right Zecora.” Scootaloo takes the map. “I’ll start flying now.” She uses her float power and flew out of the Haven Bag. Scootaloo flew out of the bag and picked it off the ground. She looks at the map. “Okay,” She checked her compress. “That way.” She flew towards Snow Hollow at full speed. “Don’t worry Isaac, I’ll get you the help you’ll need.” [centre]~ One Hour later.~[/centre] Zecora made some medicine for Isaac. “Here Isaac, take this.” She said giving Isaac his medicine. “Thank you Zecora.” Isaac takes the medicine, and shivers from the bitter taste. "Aww no Peppermint." He said with a frown. “Forgive me, Isaac.” Zecora sits down. “I’m afraid, I ran out of your precious Peppermint.” “It’s fine Zecora.” Isaac nods in understanding. “But this bitter taste won’t go away for a while.” Caitlyn stretches her arms. “How much longer?” She asked. “Not a clue,” Sunset answered. “You’ll need to ask Scootaloo.” She stretched her arms too. “Men, I’m getting restless waiting to reach Snow Hollow.” Caitlyn sighed. Something came to Isaac’s mind. He looks at Zecora. “Say Zecora, what can you tell us about Snow Hollow?” Zecora hums to herself and thinks. “Well, to be honest. I’ve never been there myself, so my knowledge is limited. What I do know it was a thriving mining town, but the mine is now dry and closed down. Ponies still live there, but to be honest it may be a ghost town.” Zecora explains what Snow Hollow is. Sunset looks at Zecora. “An old mining town, that might be a ghost town?” She asked the Zebra. “Are you sure Ponies are still living there?” “She's right, we might be heading to a ghost town.” Caitlyn said, “Isn’t there somewhere else we can go?” “No, just Snow Hollow, and the Crystal Empire.” Zecora replied, “If there was another place I could think of, I would have told you.” “But it could be “ “Enough guys.” Isaac spoke up, “This decision was mine to make, and if it is a ghost town, I’ll be the one who suffers here.” Isaac takes a sharp breath from discomfort. “We’ll cross that bridge when we reach it, okay?” He looks at the girls. Sunset ran her figures through her hair, she couldn’t argue with Isaac. “Isaac’s right.” She said to Caitlyn, she looks at Isaac. “I’ll follow your lead.” “It’s your choice, so do whatever,” Caitlyn said, with a huff. “Wow, you're a ray of Sunshine,” Sunset said, to the Cat-girl. “I’m better than a rainy day,” Caitlyn replied, looking leaning back on her chair. “Okay, how about some tea to pass the time?” Zecora offers Sunset and Isaac a beverage. “I’d like some,” Sunset said, taking the offer. “Same,” Isaac said, also taking the offer. Caitlyn didn’t reply. “Would you like some tea?” Zecora asked the cat-girl. “Huh?” Caitlyn looks at Zecora. “Yeah, sure, whatever.” She replied with a dismissive tone. “Okay, I shall make the brew,” Zecora said, leaving the table. Sunset looks at Caitlyn. “You know, you could say thank you.” She told the cat-girl. “Huh?” Caitlyn looks at Sunset. “Thank who?” She asked in confusion. “Zecora,” Isaac answered. “She’s making you some tea.” “She asked if I wanted one, and I said yes.” Caitlyn argued, “I don’t see a problem here.” “The problem is you're being ungrateful, by not thanking Zecora,” Sunset argued back. “Also she is a Doctor,” Isaac added. “You should always be nice to your Doctors. Caitlyn rolled her eyes at Isaac and Sunset, who just looked at each other and shook their heads. Caitlyn sat back in her chair thinking about what Sunset and Isaac said to her. After a few silent moments, Zecora returned with the beverages on a tray. She passed the first cup to Sunset. “Here Sunset.” “Thank you Zecora.” Sunset thanks Zecora. Zecora passed the next cup to Isaac. “Here Isaac.” Isaac takes his cup. “Thank you Zecora.” Zecora passed the last cup to Caitlyn. “Here Caitlyn.” Caitlyn takes the cup from Zecora. “Thanks, Zecora.” Zecora smiled, “You're welcome Caitlyn.” Zecora sits on her chair, she sips her tea. “Good tea and good company. Who could ask more?” Isaac sips his tea. “It could use some peppermint.” He said with a frown. Sunset sips her tea. “I don’t need anything else.” She said with a relaxed tone. Caitlyn sipped her tea and didn’t like the taste. “Maybe something else.” She mumbled to herself. Zecora, Isaac, sunset, and Caitlyn sat at the table drinking their tea. Scootaloo flows towards Snow Hollow, she looks at her map. “We should be getting close.” She looks at the horizon. “Where is it?” Scootaloo saw a tower of smoke. “There!” She flew towards the smoke tower. Scootaloo lands close to Snow Hollow, she looks at the old mining town. The town looked abandoned, from the damaged homes and ruined buildings. “I don’t think anyone lives here anymore.” She said, placing the haven bag on the ground and opening it, to enter the bag. Scootaloo entered the bag where Isaac and the others were waiting for her. Scootaloo lands inside and Bushes the snow off, Isaac and the others see her. “Hey, Scootaloo.” Sunset greeted the tomboy. “Have you found Snow Snow Hollow?” “Well, I think I have.” Scootaloo replied, “I’ve found an old town but it looks to be abandoned.” Scootaloo looks at Zecora. “I think we’ve hit a dead end here Zecora.” “Are you sure Scootaloo?” Isaac asked, in discomfort. “Yeah, the whole town trashed,” Scootaloo replied, not looking at Isaac, even though no one held her Responsible for what happened to Isaac, Scootaloo still felt guilty. “Looks like I was right,” Caitlyn announced. “You're not helping Caitlyn!” Sunset scales at the cat-girl. Zecora stands and grabs her coat. “Scootaloo,” the tomboy looks at Zecora. “You, me and Caitlyn are going to search the town.” She threw a coat at Caitlyn. Caitlyn catches the coat. “Hey! Why should I come along?” She questioned Zecora. “Simple.” Zecora puts on her coat. “It’s because you're not human,” Zecora explains to the cat-girl. “We could use your cat-like instinct.” “Yeah, I might attract the wrong attention,” Sunset added. “I’m dead weight.” Isaac also stated. Caitlyn could argue with the group and rolled her eyes. “Ugh fine! I’ll go!” She said, acting like a stubborn teen. Putting her coat on. “I, Scootaloo and Caitlyn shall search the town.” Zecora looks at Sunset and Isaac. “We shall inform you if we find a doctor's office.” “We’ll wait here,” Sunset said, understanding Zecora's plan. Isaac looks at the zebra. “Do you think there is still a doctor in Snow Hollow?” He asked. Zecora looks at Isaac. “I do not know Isaac, but we’ll search for one.” Zecora looks at Scootaloo and Caitlyn. “Ready?” She asked them. “Yeah, I’m ready,” Caitlyn replied, putting on her coat. Scootaloo remains silent, still not looking at Isaac. Zecora noticed this and walked to the young tomboy. “Scootaloo.” Zecora placed her hand on Scootaloo’s shoulder. Zecora’s hand snapped Scootaloo back to reality. “Huh?” She looks at Zecora. “Scootaloo, do you want to stay here?” Zecora asked in a gentle tone. “You have been flying all day.” Scootaloo has indeed been flying all day, and it would be nice if she could relax inside the haven bag, but Isaac was there, and she can’t bear to be in the same place as him. “No, I can still help.” Scootaloo stutters her reply. Zecora looks at Scootaloo with a raised eyebrow. “Only if you are sure Scootaloo, please don’t overwork yourself.” “Don’t worry Zecora I won’t,” Scootaloo replied, with an innocent smile. “Well, shall we get going?” She asked eager to leave the bag. “Yeah, let’s get going,” Caitlyn said, ready to leave the haven beg. “Very well.” Zecora stands in the centre of the bag, she knelt and opened the trap door. She pulled out the ladder that reached the bag's opening. Scootaloo flew towards the opening. “See you guys outside.” She said leaving the bag. Zecora watched Scootaloo rush out of the haven bag. “Scootaloo, you're still blaming yourself.” Caitlyn was climbing the ladder. “Coming?” She asked Zecora. Zecora looks at the cat-girl. “Of course.” She looks at Isaac and Sunset. “We’ll be as quick as we can.” “We’ll be fine Zecora,” Sunset replied, reassuring Zecora they’ll be fine. “Just be careful Zecora,” Isaac said, watching Zecora start climbing. Once Caitlyn and Zecora left the bag Sunset looked at Isaac. “How are you?” “I’ve felt better,” Isaac replied, trying to relax. Sunset gently placed her hand on Isaac’s shoulder. “I hope we, find a doctor in this town.” Isaac looked at Sunset. “Me too.” He sighed, “Me too.” He nods. Scootaloo waited for Zecora and Caitlyn, she sat down on a rock. Scootaloo sighed and placed her face in her hands. “Ohh, man!” She sighed, “Why can’t I get rid of this guilt?” She takes a breath and looks to the sky. “I have my wish, but it doesn’t feel right.” She sighed again, Scootaloo looked to the Snow Hollow. “I hope there’s…” She saw movement in the town. “Huh?” Zecora and Caitlyn climbed out of the haven bag. Caitlyn was the first one out, soon followed by Zecora, she noticed Scootaloo looking towards the town. Zecora stood next to Scootaloo who didn’t notice her. “See something?” “Whoa!” Scootaloo jumps floating in the for a moment. “The hell! Zecora!” Scootaloo yells at the zebra, as she lands “Don’t scare me like that!” Scootaloo pats her chest to calm her heart. Zecora giggles at the young tomboy. “I think you're overreacting a little Scootaloo.” “It’s not funny Zecora!” Caitlyn was standing by the haven bag watching Scootaloo and Zecora. “Hmmmmm,” “I am not overreacting!” Scootaloo yells again. “I say you are overreacting.” Zecora stated, “Overreacting like this isn’t good for your health.” “I am acting normally!” Scootaloo declares to Zecora. A small argument started between Zecora and Scootaloo. Caitlyn watched this with a deadpan stare, she picked up the haven-bag and walked towards “HEY!” Caitlyn called, to get the two Equestrian’s attention who looked at the cat-girl. “I’m getting cold, can we go to Snow Hollow already?” Caitlyn asked with an annoyed tone. “Oh yes.” Zecora looks sheepishly. “Forgive us, Caitlyn.” “Yeah sorry,” Scootaloo said, rubbing the back of her head. “Okay, did you see anything?” Zecora asked Scootaloo. “Well, I thought I did.” Scootaloo replied, “I caught a glimpse of something, but it might have been my imagination.” Caitlyn looks at the town. “Or someone is hiding.” “Maybe,” Zecora agreed. “But why would they need to hide?” “I don’t know, but there’s one way to find out,” Caitlyn said, to her Companions. “We’re going in.” Scootaloo looks at the cat-girl. “Just like that? We’re just gonna waltz in?” She asked, in confusion. “It does sound a little reckless.” Zecora agreed. “Are you sure that’s the wisest choice?” She asked. Caitlyn looks at Zecora and Scootaloo. “To be honest, walking from the front isn’t the smartest decision. But sneaking in would send the wrong message.” She explains to the Equestrians. “Hmmmm.” Zecora thinks about what Caitlyn told them. “She does have a point,” Scootaloo said, to Zecora. “True she does.” Agreed Zecora. “But I still think it’s reckless.” “Relax Zecora, if anything happens, Scootaloo here can fly us out,” Caitlyn said, putting her arm around Scootaloo's shoulders. “She’s right Zecora,” Scootaloo said, agreeing again with Caitlyn. Zecora thinks again. “True, okay, let’s play it safe, we do not know who in that town.” “Okay, let’s get going, my feet are cold,” Caitlyn said, starting to walk towards the town. Zecora and Scootaloo followed Caitlyn into Snow Hollow. After a few minutes Caitlyn, Scootaloo, and Zecora stood at the entrance of Snow Hollow. The welcome sign was filled with holes. “This is ominous,” Zecora stated. “Yep, very ominous,” Scootaloo said, looking at the sign. Caitlyn stepped into the town and saw what looked like a snow-covered battlefield. “Looks like some shit went down here.” Scootaloo steps next to Caitlyn. “What do you think happened here?” She asked. “An attack.” Caitlyn simply answered, “And from all this damage, it was a big assault.” Caitlyn remembers the attack on Famore, she remembers Adora turning her back on her and the Horde, she sighed, looking depressed. Scootaloo noticed Caitlyn sighing. “Are you okay?” She asked. “I’m good let’s move,” Caitlyn replied, walking into the town. Zecora looks at the ruined town.“Who lead this assault? What could Snow Hollow have, to warrant this much devastation?“ she asked. “Who knows.” Caitlyn steps towards the buildings. “Whoever did this was looking for something, and they tore their way through this town.” She studies the buildings. “Hmmm, what made the small holes?” “Probably made by guns,” Scootaloo answered. Caitlyn was confused, she never heard of guns before. “Guns?” “You never heard of them?” Zecora asked. “No, we don’t have them where I’m from,” Caitlyn replied. “I see, it’s a type of weapon that shoots small projectiles.” Zecora tried to explain. “Like a bow?” Caitlyn asked, think of that archer who fights with Adora. “Not exactly, but it's the same basic principle,” Zecora answered. “I see, I think I get it,” Caitlyn said, looking at the holes. “Come on, let's see if anyone is still here.” Caitlyn walks into the town with Scootaloo and Zecora. As they walked they saw more damage and destruction. “Do you think anyone is still here?” Scootaloo asked. “I do not know,” Zecora replied, looking at the town. “I don’t believe anyone would still be here after this.” Caitlyn started to notice chains laying everywhere. “Hmmmm, there’s a lot of chains laying around.” She scaled at the chains. “You okay Caitlyn?” Scootaloo asked, walking towards the cat. “Hmmm,” Caitlyn looked closer and saw a chain move. “Stop!” She told Zecora and Scootaloo, and they both looked at her. “Walk towards me, right now.” Zecora looks at the cat-girl in confusion. “Why?” “Just do it!” Caitlyn orders. Scootaloo and Zecora looked at Caitlyn who was looking at the chains. Scootaloo looked at the chains, they look at the chains and saw them move, Scootaloo quickly opened her bag. Zecora looks at the tomboy and slowly walks towards Scootaloo’s haven bag. “Get ready to jump into the bag,” Scootaloo whispered, to the zebra, who nodded. Caitlyn also walks towards them. “Just stay calm, don’t…..” The chains leapt towards them. “GET IN THE BAG!” Zecora and Caitlyn ran to the bag that Scootaloo held, but the chains lassoed them, Caitlyn, Zecora, and Scootaloo hung in the air by the chains. “Damn it!” Caitlyn yells, trying to escape the chains. “How are these chains moving!?” Scootaloo yelled, also trying to break free. Zecora’s ears twitch. “Something coming.” She said looking ahead. Caitlyn and Scootaloo also looked in the same direction. They can see a creature made of chains walking towards them. Caitlyn has never seen a creature like this before. “What is that thing?” “Some Kind of chain monster,” Zecora stated, looking at the chain creature. “Is this thing responsible for all this damage?” Scootaloo asked, looking at the chain monster. “What do you want?” The creature didn’t answer but it grabbed the three and imprisoned them in its body. The creature begins to walk. “Where are you taking us!?” Caitlyn demanded to know where the creature was taking them. But the creature didn’t answer. “I think it’s not a real creature,” Scootaloo said, looking at the creature. Zecora looks at the creature. “I believe it’s a golem.” She said, to the others. “A golem?” Caitlyn never heard of such a creature. “What’s a golem?” She asked Zecora. “It is a manmade creature.” Zecora answered, “They are created by an individual to serve them. This golem is following an order.” “So we can’t convince him to let us go?” Scootaloo asked. “No, it has no will of its own,” Zecora replied, “So we’re stuck here?” Caitlyn asked. “Looks like we’re going for a ride.” Scootaloo said, looking where the golem was taking them, she saw the mine was getting closer “Is it taking us to the mine?” “Looks like it,” Caitlyn said, looking at the mine. “Once this creature releases us, we might have to fight its master,” Zecora told Caitlyn and Scootaloo. After some time they reached the mine entrance, which was sealed with a white substance. “What is that?” Scootaloo asked. “It looks like wax,” Zecora stated. “That’s a lot of wax.” Caitlyn declared, looking at the wall of wax. The golem knocked on the wall and a door opened. The golem walks into the mine, and the three saw the townsfolk inside. “Wait, are they hiding here?” Scootaloo asked. Caitlyn looks at the townsfolk. “They look scared, and some of them are injured, and they have homemade weapons. Yep, they're hiding.” She declared. The chain golem stops walking. “Hey, what did you bring me?” Asked a male voice, the girls looked and saw the golem’s master. A man standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall, with black hair with orange highlights, brownish-gold Goatee stubble, black overcoat, gloves, shoes w/grey sock wraps, dark-coloured camo pants, with Amber eyes. Chains fell from his body and formed into a chair, he sat down. “So who are you three?” The Chain man asked them. “We nobodies,” Caitlyn answered. “We are just looking for a doctor.” “A doctor? For whom?” The chairman asked. “A friend,” Scootaloo answered. “Which-“ “Look, we’re not answering any more questions, until this creature lets us go!” Caitlyn yelled. “Hmm, let them go.” The golem broke apart and released Caitlyn, Scootaloo and Zecora. “Thank you,” Zecora said to the chairman. The chained man looks at them. “Alright, from the way you're all dressed. You're not with the snow pirates.” “Snow pirates?” Zecora asked, in confusion. “I’ve never heard of them.” “They sound like their snow-themed pirates,” Scootaloo said, picturing how they would look in her mind's eye. Caitlyn looks at the chairman. “So these snow pirates attacked this town? Why?” She asked. “Not sure, we and the others just got here before the first attack.” The chairman replied, “They attacked about four times, and they keep coming back.” “Why?” Scootaloo asked. “What do they want here?” “There’s gold here.” Answered a female voice. The three looked and saw a mare unicorn in a lab coat, entering the room with a box full of moss, her coat was pale and her mane was a pastel of purple, pink and blue. Her mane and tail are curly. Her eyes are blue. “Potion Nova?” Zecora identified the unicorn. “Zecora?” The mare known as Potion Nova said. “What are you doing here?” She asked, putting the box and walking to the zebra. “You know her Nova?” The chained man asked. “I have known Zecora since I was a Filly.” Potion Nova replied to the human. “Oh cool.” The chain-man said, letting down his prisoners. “Potion Nova, why are you here?” Zecora asked, “I thought you lived within the Crystal Empire.” “I do,” Potion Nova grabs the box, and shows its contents. “I came here for this moss.” Zecora looks at the moss growing on the cave walls. “Oh, I see.” “So why are you here?” Potion Nova asked again. “We came here to see a doctor, for a friend of ours,” Zecora explains. “Zecora?” Caitlyn said, grabbing the zebra to one side. “Are you sure we can trust her?” She whispered. Zecora raised an eyebrow. “I can somewhat understand why you asked, but I’ve known Potion Nova since I was a filly.” She stated. “Also Potion Nove is a doctor.” Caitlyn’s eyes widened. “She is?” “Yes, trust me she’s a skilled doctor,” Zecora replied. “She can help Isaac.” “Hmmm, I see,” Caitlyn thanks for a second. “Okay, we’ll follow your lead here.” Zecora returned to Potion Nova. “I need your help.” “Right, come with me.” Potion Nova leaves the room with Zecora. “Well since your friend knows Nova, I’m sure you two are okay.” The chained man said. “I’m Cyrus.” He offered a handshake. “Caitlyn.” Caitlyn introduced herself. “You a Zoan?” Cyrus asked. “No, just a cat girl,” Caitlyn replied. “Really? You're an actual cat girl?” Cyrus asked, “Yep.” “Huh, now I've seen everything. Cyrus said to himself, he, looks at Scootaloo. “And you are?” “Scootaloo.” The tomboy answered. “Nice to meet you.” Cyrus opened a door. “I’ll give you the tour.” Scootaloo and Caitlyn followed Cyrus. Zecora was in the makeshift doctor's office. “So what happened Zecora?” Potion Nova asked. Zecora took a moment to choose her words. “A friend of mine called Isaac was seriously hurt.” “Really!?” Potion Nova grabs her medical bag. “Where is he?” “I’m this haven-bag,” Zecora said, holding the bag. “Oh okay.” Potion Nova said, looking at the bag. “Are you going to let me in?” “Potion Nova, he’s the Lord of Cinder,” Zecora told Potion Nova, who looked back at her in confusion. “Who’s the Lord of Cinder?” Potion Nova asked. Zecora was surprised after hearing Potion Nova’s question. “You haven’t heard of him?” She asked. “No, we’ve been stuck here for a while, so we didn’t get any news here.” Potions Nova replied, looking at her potions. “I’m having trouble looking for ingredients for my potions.” Zecora sees the Shortage of potions. “I can see.” She said, with a grim tone. “Thankfully you found that moss.” “Yep thankfully.” Potion Nova looks at her potions, and she turns back to Zecora. “So tell me more about this Lord of Cinder.” “I shall introduce you to him.” Zecora opens Isaac’s heaven bag. “Follow me.” They entered the bag. Isaac was trying to rest on his bed. “Ahhhhh, Damn it.” Sunset can hear him, and she enters his room to see if she can help him. “Hey Isaac, need anything?” She asked. Isaac looks at Sunset. “Thanks, Sunset, but I don’t think you can help me.” Sunset sighed, “Yeah, sorry Isaac.” “It’s fine Sunset, it’s not your fault,” Isaac said, trying to relax. They heard the bag open and Zecora and Potion Nova entered. “I think your doctor is here,” Sunset said smiling. “Oh?” Isaac struggles to sit up. “Help me up.” He asked Sunset. Sunset offers her hand to Isaac. “Here.” Isaac took her hand and was helped off his bed. Sunset supports Isaac over her shoulder. “Thanks, Sunset.” Isaac thanks his friend. “Anytime my lord,” Sunset replied, with a joke, she helped Isaac into the mine room. To meet Zecora and the doctor. Zecora and Potion Nova stood in the main room. They saw Sunset and Isaac. “Is this him?” Potion Nova asked, opening her bag. “Yes, this is Isaac,” Zecora said, grabbing a chair. “Place him here, Sunset.” Sunset placed Isaac on the chair as gently as possible. Potion Nova placed her bag on the table. “Okay, tell me what happened?” Isaac looked at Zecora. “Tell her what happened.” She said to him, Isaac looked at Potion Nova. “A Pegasus called Rainbow Dash uses me as a battering ram through the Everfree Forest, and beats seven tones out of me.” Potion Nova looked confused. “Rainbow Dash? Why would she do that?” “It’s complicated,” Zecora answered, “I see, I’m going to need to use some magic to give you a full check-up.” Potion Nova told Isaac, she looks at Sunset and Zecora. “This will take a while.” “Then me and Sunset. Shall leave you to your work.” Zecora said, to Potion Nova. “Yeah, we’ll just get in the way.” Sunset looked at Isaac. “See ya, Isaac.” “See ya.” Isaac waved goodbye to Sunset and Zecora, who left the bag. Cyrus was showing Caitlyn and Scootaloo the mine. It was filled with makeshift tents and shelters made from wax. Sunset looked at the wax building. “Who made the wax houses?” She asked. “A guy called Pedro Calixto, he eaten the Wax-Wax fruit.” Cyrus replied, “In fact, he was here first before we arrived.” “We?” Scootaloo asked, “We who?” “Me, Fiona and Brook,” Cyrus replied. They walked passed the food tent. “Hungry?” They take a second to check their tummies. “I could have a bite,” Caitlyn said. “Me too.” Scootaloo agreed. Cyrus opened the tent door. “Hey Fiona, what's on the menu?” “Cave stew!” Called a female voice. Caitlyn and Scootaloo entered the tent inside was a makeshift cafe with wax tables, chairs, and a counter for bowls and plates. A woman about 1.5 meters tall, with black hair with slightly silver tips, wearing a black muscle shirt, dark grey sweats, blackish blue fingerless gloves with metal plating on the back of each, blue-ish black open-toe and open heel slipper shoes, showing those respective parts of her socks. The woman was standing next to a stove stirring something in a pot. Cyrus smells the soup. “Smells good Fiona.” “Hopefully it will taste good,” Fiona said, continuing to stir the pot, she saw Scootaloo and Caitlyn. “Huh, new faces?” “Yep,” Cyrus answered, “Caitlyn,” Caitlyn introduced herself. “Scootaloo.” Scootaloo introduced herself with a wave. “Nice to meet you,” Fiona said, pouring some soup into two bowls. “Here it will warm you up.” She told them while pressing the bowls to the cat and Pegas. “Thanks,” Caitlyn said, taking her bowl. Scootaloo took the other bowl. “Thank you.” “Let me know what you think,” Fiona said, stirring more. “Hey, what about me?” Cyrus asked, Reaching for some soup. Fiona hits Cyrus’s hand with the lid. “You get your share later!” She told him, “Now go finish your Patrol!” “Fine Fiona,” Cyrus grumbles, with an empty tummy. “See ya.” Cyrus lifted the tent. Scootaloo eats the soup. “It’s okay, but I think Isaac could make something better.” Caitlyn looked at the soup and stirred the soup with her spoon. How can this liquid be a food? She only had eaten ration bars, she remembers how bland and tasteless they were. She sighed, “What should I do? Should I try it?” “Your soup’s going cold Caitlyn,” Scootaloo said to the cat-girl. “Huh?” “Your soup,” Scootaloo pointed to Caitlyn’s bowl. “It’s getting cold.” Caitlyn looks at her soup. “Oh!? Right.” She said, “Sorry I was thinking too much.” She started to eat the soup by copying Scootaloo. She brings it to her lip and puts the spoon in her mouth. The moment the warm liquid touched her tongue, she was ecstatic by the flavour! The vegetables, the herbs, it took her to heaven! She finished much faster than Scootaloo. “Ahhhhhh!” Caitlyn said, releasing some steam from her mouth. “Wow, you must have been hungry,” Scootaloo stated, continuing to eat her soup. Caitlyn looks at her empty bowl. “Wow, I’ve never eaten anything that fast before.” This was a first for her, when it was meantime, she would eat slowly to make it last longer. “Hmmmm.” She remembers how bland the food bars tasted, and yet that liquid held so much flavour. Caitlyn sighs. ” I guess, it was the flavour that made me eat that soup fast. “Hey, don't forget to return the bowls,” Fiona told the girls. “Better do that,” Caitlyn said, taking her bowl back to Fiona. “Here’s back the bowl.” Fiona takes the bowl from Caitlyn. “Was it good?” She asked. “It was,” Caitlyn replied. “It was the first time I had soup.” “Ohh, well I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Fiona said, putting the bowl to be washed. “So you're a Zoan Type?” Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “No, just a cat girl.” She replied. “Wait an actual cat-girl?” “Yep, I haven’t eaten one of those fruits yet,” Caitlyn explains to Fiona. “Oh, I did think I’d see an actual cat girl.” Fiona looks at Caitlyn. “Can I play with your ears?” “What!?” Caitlyn blushes and covers her ears. “Hell no!” “Not even for Cyrus’s share?” Fiona bribes, with her cooking. “No!” Caitlyn yelled, still covering her ears. “Why do you want to play with them?” She asked, blushing more. “You reminded me of my pet cat,” Fiona said, “Oh.” Caitlyn removed her hands. “Really?” “Yep, you have the same eyes as her,” Fiona said, “Really?” Caitlyn asked again. “She died.” “What!? I reminded you of your pet!” Caitlyn yelled. “Kinda.” “Humans are bizarre creatures,” Caitlyn said to herself, In disbelief at how bizarre humans are. “Yep, humans are weird creatures.” Fiona shrugged, with a smile. Then the tent door opened and Cyrus entered with Sunset and Zecora. “And here they are,” Cyrus said, letting Sunset and Zecora enter. “Thanks, Cyrus,” Sunset said, with a smile. “Indeed, thank you,” Zecora said to Cyrus. “Any time you two,” Cyrus said with his smile. “Hey, you're meant to be on patrol!” Fiona yells at Cyrus. “I was on my way!” Cyrus yelled back, about to leave. “Hey, can I join you?” Caitlyn asked Cyrus, wanting to get away from Fiona and her dead cat story. “Sure, it’s nice to have company,” Cyrus said, accepting the cat-girl request. Caitlyn power walks towards Cyrus. “See ya guys.” She said, leaving with Cyrus on his patrol. Fiona saw Sunset. “Hey, another human.” She said with a smile. “I’m Fiona.” Sunset gave a greeting wave. “Sunset.” “And I am Zecora.” The zebra introduced herself to Fiona. “Nice to meet you,” Fiona said to Sunset and Zecora. “Nice to see another human,” Sunset said, with a smile. “Indeed it is nice seeing more humans,” Zecora said, looking at Fiona. “See something you like?” Fiona asked. Zecora stopped looking. “My apologies, I’m still new to humankind.” She explains. “I’m still getting used to pony kind,” Fiona said, pouring two bowls. “Hungry?” “Yep!” Sunset said, taking a bowl. “While yes, I am,” Zecora said, also taking a bowl. They sat with Scootaloo. “Hey, how’s Isaac?” She asked, worried about Isaac. “Potion Nova is with him now.” Zecora answered, “Trust me, she’ll heal him.” “Yeah, don’t worry.” Sunset said, “Zecora knows her, so I have complete faith in her.” Scootaloo looked at her half-eaten bowl of soup, Sunset took her hand. “He’ll be fine.” Zecora took her other hand. “You have nothing to fear, Scootaloo.” Scootaloo smiled. “Hopefully she’ll help him.” She smiled at the two women. “Now let us eat our soups before it goes cold,” Zecora said smiling, the three of them ate their soup. Within Isaac’s haven-bag Potion Nova was mixing a potion. “So how bad am I?” Isaac asked. “Would you prefer the truth or lie?” Potion Nova asked. “Truth.” “It’s bad,” Potion Nova begins to explain. “Rainbow Dash did some serious damage to your body. I’ll be bold enough to say, it was like she was going to kill you.” “I see,” Isaac said. “So do you have something that can help?” “This potion is strong, it will fix you up, but….” “But?” “You’ll be in for a rough night.” Potion Nova said. “Bone regeneration isn’t pleasant.” Isaac nodded after hearing what Potion Nova told him. “Okay, no pain, no gain, or in this case regain.” Potion Nova goggles. “True, it’s nice to see another brave face.” She said, finishing the potion. “It’s ready, here.” She gave the potion to Isaac. “I added some sleeping ingredients to this potion, so hopefully you’ll sheep through the regeneration.” “Thank you, Potion Nova.” Isaac looks at the potion. “Will this help?” “It will.” Potion Nova replied. “But wait for my return before you drink it.” She said pulling out the ladder. “I’ll be back soon.” Potion Nova climbed out. Isaac looked at the potion in his hand. “You're going to be a roller coaster.” Caitlyn was with Cyrus on his patrol, she kept as close as needed. “So, what do we do on your patrol?” Caitlyn asked. “Nothing much,” Cyrus said. “First I’ll walk along the wax wall, to check for cracks, then after I’ll check on my golems.” “Then what?” Caitlyn asked. “Then if I find any cracks I’ll tell Pedro, and I’ll show him where they are,” Cyrus explains. “I see, so what’s the plan?” Caitlyn asked again. “Hmmmm.” Cyrus stops walking. “Plan?” “For the Snow Pirates,” Caitlyn said, also stopping walking. “Not sure,” Cyrus replied. “We just never thought of one, but we need to at some point.” He sighed. “Why haven’t you thought of one yet?” Cait asked. “Hmmmmm, I don’t know.” Cyrus admitted, “Ever since we got here, we’ve been keeping these ponies safe from the pirates.” He sighed. “But we need to do something about those pirates.” “Do they have a leader?” Caitlyn asked. “Guessing so.” Cyrus said, “But we’ve only seen the grunts though.” “I see, so we need to find the boss, do we know where they camp?” Caitlyn asked. “Nope, we got no idea where they are.” Cyrus said, “We tried to follow their tracks, but every time they attacked they never left a trail.” “Really?” Caitlyn was surprised by this. “How is that possible?” She asked. “Not sure, Fiona thinks there’s a power holder with them,” Cyrus explains. “Power holder?” “That’s what we call anyone with a devil fruit power,” Cyrus explains. “I see, so there might be someone with a devil fruit power?” Caitlyn asked. “That’s what Fiona thinks, Brook trying to find them now, but odds are he’ll come back empty-handed again,” Cyrus replied, looking up. “There’s one.” He pointed to a crack. “That’s three.” He writes it down. “Come on, we need to finish checking for cracks.” He said resuming his patrol. “Yeah, we can talk later,” Caitlyn said, following Cyrus. as they walk she saw another crack. “There’s another one there.” She pointed. “Alright, I’ll add it to the list.” Cyrus wrote it down. “Hey, if you can think of a plan that would be helpful.” Caitlyn smiled a little, hearing they needed her help. “Sure.” Sunset and Scootaloo were walking through the camp when they saw Caitlyn with Cyrus. “Hey!” Sunset called. “Hey!” Caitlyn called back. Sunset saw another human with white skin, with medium body, smooth black hair, and dark brown eyes, wearing a green fedora international hat with a yellow stripe wrapped from the base, a little like Isaac’s, wearing sunglasses with an orange frame, and wore a black shirt Short sleeve, with dark blue shorts, and a white stripe on the sides and finally a black slipper with a green stripe. She saw Cyrus talking to him. Scootaloo jogged ahead. “Hey, how did the patrol go?” She asked, “Okay, we found some damage to the wall, Cyrus is talking to the wax man to fix it.” Caitlyn looks at Scootaloo and saw Sunset approaching. “Huh?” She noted someone missing. “Where’s Zecora?” “She’s with Potion Nova and Isaac in the haven-beg,” Sunset answered, causing up with Scootaloo. “I see.” Caitlyn nods. “So what has Potion Nova said about Isaac?” Scootaloo looked at the ground still feeling guilty. Sunset and Caitlyn noticed Scootaloo's expression. “Potion Nova said she made a potion that can help him, she also said he’ll be asleep for a while,” Sunset explains. “Ahhh, well hopefully he’ll be fine soon.” Caitlyn nodded. Cyrus walks to Caitlyn with the new human. “Hey, I just told Pedro about the damage to the wall,” Cyrus said, pointing to the man he was talking to. “Hi I’m Pedro Calixto, I’m the wax man.” He introduced himself. “Sunset Shimmer, I’m the flame girl.” Sunset introduced herself. “Scootaloo, I’m the float pony.” Scootaloo introduced herself. “Wow, flame and float. I’m impressed.” Pedro said with a smile. “Say what cat fruit did you eat?” He asked Caitlyn. “I never asked. “None, I’m an actual Cat-girl,” Caitlyn replied, leaning against a wall. “An actual Cat-girl nice.” Pedro Smiled, again. “Say you guys are going to fix the Wax wall. can I help you guys?” Sunset asked. “I’m a flame girl.” “Well, your flame can be helpful for the wax wall,” Pedro said to Sunset. “Sure, the more the merrier.” “Always love to lend a helping flame,” Sunset said, lighting some flame on her figure tip. “I’ll tag along if you need me to,” Cyrus said stretching his arms. “Sure.” Pedro accepts Cyrus’s offer. “What about us?” Caitlyn asked the group. “Fiona asked me to get some fruit from the underground tree,” Cyrus said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Could you too, get some for me?” He asked. “Sure we have nothing else to do.” Caitlyn declared. “Want to join me?” She asked Scootaloo. Scootaloo didn’t answer. “Hey,” Caitlyn pat notched her elbow. “Huh?” Scootaloo snapped out of her thoughts. “What?” “I asked if you would join me,” Caitlyn remembers Scootaloo. “Oh, Sure. I’ll help.” Scootaloo said, twiddling her thumbs. “So where’s the tree?” Caitlyn asked. “Here’s a map.” Cyrus gave Caitlyn a map. “Just follow it and you’ll find it.” Caitlyn looks at it. “Okay, it’s straightforward.” She put the map away. “Okay, we’ll gather up your fruit.” She turned to Scootaloo. “Ready?” “Yep.” She quickly replied. They left for the tree, and Sunset, with the boys, left to help fix the wall. Caitlyn and Scootaloo made their way towards the underground ground trees. “We’re almost there,” Caitlyn said, looking at the map. Scootaloo was silent. “Hey.” Caitlyn tapped the tomboy. “Huh?” “Didn’t you hear what I said?” Caitlyn asked. “Yeah, I did sorry,” Scootaloo replied quickly. Caitlyn has seen that face before enough times. “What’s up?” “Hmmm?” “I've seen that face before, so what’s going on?” Caitlyn asked again, putting the map away. Scootaloo was silent. “It’s about that guy Isaac, right?” “Yeah, it is,” Scootaloo admitted, nodding. “So what’s going on?” Caitlyn asked, once more. Scootaloo sighed. “It’s my fault.” “How?” “Rainbow Dash attacked Isaac because of me,” Scootaloo explained. “Really?” Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, they reached the trees. “Okay, let’s resume this after we get the fruit.” “Okay.” Scootaloo and Caitlyn gathered the ripe Tangerines from the trees, and after they filled the basket, Caitlyn sat on the ground. “Sit with me for a second.” Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. “On the ground?” “Yeah, unless you see any chairs around here,” Caitlyn asked reticle. “Now, sit with me for a moment.” Scootaloo sat on the ground In front of Caitlyn. “Okay, now let’s talk.” Scootaloo sighed. “Okay, let’s talk.” “So how do you blame yourself for Isaac’s condition?” Scootaloo sighed, “Rainbow Dash attacked Isaac because she was convinced he manipulated me, to eat my devil fruit and join him.” Scootaloo sat into the foetal position. “I told her, I choose to eat my devil fruit, but she didn’t believe me, we fought and I hurt her.” A tear formed. “I hurt her so badly.” “It’s not just Isaac you're feeling guilty for, it's both him and Rainbow Dash,” Caitlyn said seeing Scootaloo’s true guilt. “I think you’re right,” Scootaloo said placing her forehead on her knees. “You're feeling guilty for Isaac getting hurt and for hurting Rainbow Dash.” “Yeah, I do,” Scootaloo admitted. “Okay, start from the beginning,” Caitlyn told Scootaloo. Scootaloo looked at Caitlyn. “Huh?” “I need to know everything about you and this Rainbow Dash.” “You want to know?” Scootaloo asked. “Yeah, I need a good understanding of the situation,” Caitlyn replied. “Ohh, but what about the Tangerines?” Scootaloo asked. “We need to get it back.” Caitlyn stood up. “Then walk and talk.” Caitlyn picked up the basket. Scootaloo also stood up. “Okay, it’s-” a Tangerine fell and hit Scootaloo’s head. “Ouch.” Scootaloo rubs her head. “You okay?” Caitlyn asked. “Yeah I’m okay, it’s more surprised me, then-” another Tangerine and they all fell from the tree. Scootaloo and Caitlyn stepped away from the tree as the leaves began to die. “What’s going on?” Caitlyn asked. “I-I don’t know,” Scootaloo replied. They watched the tree grow a new fruit, and as the fruit grew the tree was withering away, the fruit took a shape like a lowercase N, and swirling patterns began to cover the fruit. “Wait,” Scootaloo said, remembering when she found her float fruit. “Have you seen this before?” Caitlyn asked Scootaloo. “I found my fruit on a dead tree,” Scootaloo replied. The fruit finished forming, taking the life force from the tree. “You found your fruit on a dead tree?” Caitlyn asked, turning a little pale. “Yeah,” Scootaloo replied, floating to take the fruit from the now-dead tree. “I found mine in the evergreen forest, and I thought it was a new kind of fruit. Isaac told my devil fruits only grow off dead trees.” “That’s insane,” Caitlyn said in a mix of shock and surprise. “Let’s take this fruit back to Isaac and the others,” Scootaloo suggested, holding the fruit in her hands. “Yeah let’s.” Caitlyn agreed, holding out the basket. “Put it in here.” Scootaloo nodded and placed the fruit inside her basket, she looked at the dead tree. “Still can’t believe what we saw.” “Yeah, that was quite the show,” Caitlyn said as she swung the basket on her back. “Let's get going.” “Yeah let’s.” Scootaloo and Caitlyn made their way back to the mining camp. Sunset was with Cyrus and Pedro, she watching Pedro repair his wall. “Hmmmmmm.” Cyrus looked at the flame girl. “Something up Sunset?” He asked. Sunset looked at Cyrus. “I’m just thinking.” She replied. “How long has this wall been up?” “Almost a week,” Pedro answered, “I see, and how much punishment can it take?” Sunset asked again. “Quite a bit,” Pedro answered, finishing his repairs. “But I’m not sure about the mine though.” “Yeah this entrance is huge but the surrounding walls can’t be repaired, unlike Pedro’s wax wall,” Cyrus stated. “Yeah.” Pedro sighed. “My wax can only do so much to absorb the shockwaves, but the mine is old and the supports, can hold for much longer.” Sunset looked at the wall and thought. “May-” There was a knock on the wall, and Sunset ignited her arm. “Hold on,” Cyrus said, holding out his hand. He looks at Pedro and nods. Pedro nodded back and opened a small opening, and looked outside. “It’s Brook.” He identified who it was knocking on. Pedro made the hold into a door and a skeleton stepped in. “Yohohohohoho. It’s cold outside, so cold it chills you to the bone! Yohohohohohohoho!” An extremely tall skeleton dressed in formal attire complete with a top hat and cane. Standing at 266 cm (8'8½") in height, he is the second tallest member of the Straw Hat crew, having been edged out by Jinbe. Despite having no skin, he still has an afro which he says is because his hair has very strong roots. His style was that of a gentleman consisting of a coat, top hat, trousers and afro, which were black, while the inner linings of his coat were yellow-orange. The cravat that was tied in between his coat and around his neck was blue. The outer covering of He had a cane which he carries was purple. Also, due to his many years of seclusion, his clothes were somewhat tattered. Sunset couldn’t believe her eyes, the Musician of the Strawhats pirates was standing in front of her. “Oh?” Brook tidied himself up. “Hello, young miss, I am Brook.” Introducing himself by lifting his hat like a gentleman. “Nice to meet you, I'm Sunset.” Sunset introduced herself to the skeleton. “Now…” “Here it comes,” Cyrus mumbled. “Would you mind showing me your panties?” Brook asked, wanting to see Sunset’s underwear. Sunset gave Brook a high kick. “NO WAY CREEP!” “A simple no would have serviced!” Brook cried hitting as a swell grew where Sunset kicked him. Pedro walked to Brook. “You never learn Brook.” He said, offering his hand to help the skeleton up. Brook takes the helping hand. "Thank you." Pedro helped Brook off the ground. "How did it go, this time?" Cyrus asked, feeling like he already knew the answer. Brook looks at Cyrus. "Unfortunately I haven't found them." He answered with a sigh. "This is quite troublesome, I can't understand how they're staying hidden so well." Pedro and Cyrus sighed. "Could it be the Clear-Clear fruit?" Sunset said to herself. Brook looks at Sunset with a confused look. "The Clear-Clear fruit?" “It’s a fruit that makes you and everything around you invisible,” Sunset explains to Brook. “Ohhhhh.” Brook placed his hand on his chin. “Perhaps that’s the reason I can’t find them.” “It’s the only thing that makes sense to me.” Cyrus declared. “Yeah,” Pedro agreed. “But if that is the case there could be a lot of Pirates out there.” He stated. Cyrus smiled, “Sounds like a good time to me.” He said, clicking his knuckles. “I can have my golems take care of them.” “Even so, we should tell Fiona about Sunset’s thoughts about the clear fruit,” Pedro suggested, to the group. “I agree.” Brook nodded, “Also I can see what panties she’s wearing-” Sunset kicks Brook again in his head. “KNOCK IT OFF, PERVERT!” “Soooooooo mean!” Brook cried hitting the wall and then sliding it to the ground. “Nice kick,” Cyrus said, clapping at Sunset’s kick. “Thanks,” Sunset replied, straightening herself up. “To be honest I might be overreacting a little. I mean I know how much Brook likes panties.” Pedro used his Wax to pick Brook off the ground. “Okay, before Brook says anything else about women's underwear, let's head back to camp." He suggested, "Yeah," Cyrus agreed. "Fiona is probably wondering what's taking us so long." Sunset nods, “Yeah, let’s go guys.” She followed Cyrus and Pedro back to camp. Fiona was in her tent sitting on a chair, relaxing from soup making. She was rubbing her shoulder “Man, who knew working a soup kitchen would be this demanding.” The tent door opened, Fiona looked and saw Scootaloo and Caitlyn. “Hey girls, how did the heaviest go?” "It was interesting, to say the least," Scootaloo answered first, by putting down her basket. “Yeah, you won’t believe what we witnessed,” Caitlyn added, putting her basket down. Fiona was curious and stood from her chair. “What happened?” She asked. Scootaloo showed the new devil fruit. “We saw a tree bearing this fruit.” She replied. Fiona was both shocked and surprised. “You saw this fruit come off a tree?” She asked again. “Yeah,” Caitlyn answered. “It was like the fruit was sucking the life from the tree.” “So it’s true,” Fiona mumbled to herself. Caitlyn heard Fiona. “What's true?” She asked, looking at Fiona. “When a devil fruit is born, there are two methods.” Fiona replied, “The first is the power goes to the nearest same fruit after the power holder dies.” Caitlyn and Scootaloo already have an idea of what the second method is. “We have already seen the second method,” Caitlyn said, looking at the fruit. “You have,” Fiona stated. “But to be honest the second method was mostly a rumor.” Fiona pulled out her little booklet. “Let's find out which one this fruit is.” Before Fiona could get started to look up the fruit. Cyrus returns with Sunset, and Brook, who was being carried by Pedro. “Hey, Fiona! We’re back!” Cyrus announced. “I can see that,” Fiona said, putting her booklet. “And Brook’s back, why is Pedro carrying him?” Sunset blushed and rub’s the back of her head. “I kicked him twice.” She admitted, smiling. “I can guess why.” Fiona laughed, Scootaloo and Caitlyn just looked at each other, with raised eyebrows. “Alright put him down.” Pedro puts down Brook. “Thank you, Pedro” Caitlyn and Scootaloo stepped towards Brook. “Wow, never seen a moving skeleton before,” Caitlyn said, looking closely at Brook. Scootaloo looks at Brook. “This is kinda creepy, seeing what’s under human skin.” “Oh my.” Brook straightened himself up. “Would you two ladies show me your panties?” Scootaloo and Caitlyn just stared at the skeleton. “NO WAY CREEP!” They yelled high kicking Brook's head on both sides making his skull pop open. “Both sides…..” Brook fell to his knees. “Talk about cracking my skull.” He fell flat on his face, and a shell rolled out. Everyone saw the shell and everyone who saw One Piece already knows what that shell is. Brook grabs the shell. “Better put you back where you belong.” He placed the shell back in his open skull and closed it. “There we go.” Caitlyn's eyes widened. “Wait, where's your brain?” Brook stood from the ground. “It’s gone, like the rest of my organs.” He answered. “So what was that shell?” Scootaloo asked. Brook sat down. “Just an old treasure of mine.” He replied. “Treasure? How can a shell be considered a Treasure?” Caitlyn asked. Sunset placed her hand on Caitlyn's shoulder. “Anything can be Treasure, from Shells to books to anything else, it’s in the eye of the beholder.” She explains to the cat-girl. “If you say so.” Caitlyn shrugged. “Okay, let’s get to business,” Fiona said to the group. “Brook, How did the search go?” “Same as always I’m afraid,” Brook replied, “Hmm, this is getting tiresome now,” Fiona said, rubbing her forehead. “Sunset believes someone is using the clear-clear fruit,” Pedro adds. Fiona looks at Pedro. “The clear fruit?” She asked, “Yep,” Cyrus nodded. “What’s the clear fruit?” Scootaloo asked. “It’s a fruit that grants invisibility,” Sunset answered. “Ohhhh.” Caitlyn’s eyes sparkled, she liked the idea of turning invisible. “There’s a fruit that can do that?” She asked. “There is,” Sunset replied, with a smile. “So someone is using this fruit to keep the pirates invisible?” Scootaloo asked. “It seems so.” Brook replied, “It's the only reason why I can’t find them.” “So what now?” Fiona asked. There was silence for a moment, “I have an idea.” Sunset broke the silence. All eyes were on her. “I and Isaac have heat powers, my flame, his Cinder’s. We can melt the snow and find where they are hiding.” She explains to the group. “So you and Isaac will melt the snow?” Fiona asked. “Not a bad idea.” Brook hummed. “I’m for it.” Cyrus smiled, clicking his knocks. “I’m itching to fight those pirates.” “I agree with this plan.” Pedro nods. “Plus, I want to leave this mine.” Fiona nodded. “I feel the same way.” She said she looks at Sunset. “Talk to your friend about your plan.” “I will.” Sunset nodded. Fiona looks at the clock. “Okay, it’s late.” She said to the group. “Let's call it a night.” “I make some golems to petrol the town,” Cyrus said, before leaving. “We better head back to our heaven bags,” Sunset said, rubbing her eyes. Scootaloo felt stiff. “Yeah, I’m ready to call it a day.” Fiona looks at the new devil fruit. “Here Caitlyn, take this for safekeeping.” She gave the cat-girl the U-shape fruit. “You two found it after all.” Caitlyn took the fruit from Fiona. “Thanks, Fiona.” Scootaloo opened her haven bag. “You guys can go in first.” She told her friends. “I’ll look for a place to put this bag.” “You can leave your bag in my tent.” Fiona offered. “Really?” Scootaloo asked. “You don’t mind?” Sunset asked. “Nah, I don’t mind,” Fiona said, taking the haven bag from Scootaloo. “You guys get some rest and I’ll look for a place put to this.” Fiona opens the bag and Sunset, Scootaloo and Caitlyn jump inside, and Fiona takes the haven bag back to her tent. Sunset and the others land inside Zecora’s bag. “I’m going to talk to Isaac about my plan,” Sunset said, grabbing Isaac's bag, and entering it. Caitlyn looked at the devil fruit she and Scootaloo found. “I’m going to put this with my fruit.” She said, entering Isaac’s bag. “Hey, I’m coming too,” Scootaloo said, also entering Isaac’s bag. Inside Isaac’s bag Zecora and Potion Nova, we’re having a conversation, while Isaac sleeps. They Sunset and the others land. “Looks like we have company.” Potion Nova declared. “I shall boil the pot,” Zecora said, getting off her chair, and walking to the stove. “Is everyone ok?” Potion Nova asked. “Yep, everyone’s fine,” Sunset replied. “How’s Isaac?” Scootaloo asked. “He's fine, just sleeping.” Potion Nova replied, Scootaloo sighed in relief. “Well, I better get back to my patience.” Potion Nova said getting off her chair. “Zecora, remember what I told you about Isaac’s care.” “I will Potion Nova,” Zecora replied, starting to make some tea. Potion Nova expected the ladder and left the haven bag. “I’ll check on Isaac tomorrow.” She said, before leaving. “See ya Potion Nova!” Sunset called. “Thanks for everything!” Scootaloo called. “Take care!” Caitlyn called. She takes the new devil fruit and puts it with hers. “I’ll find out which one you are later.” “So tell me, what happened?” Zecora asked. Scootaloo told Zecora about the new devil fruit that she and Caitlyn found, and Sunset told her about the repairs, Brook, and her plan to find and fight the snow pirates. "I see," Zecora poured the tea into the cups. "We have a new devil fruit, we have pirates to fight?" She asked, giving the cups to her friends. “So what do you think of my plan Zecora?” Sunset asked. “Hmmm,” Zecora takes a sip of her tea. “I don’t believe we should rush Isaac back into combat, not that soon at least.” Sunset nodded. “You have a point Zecora,” Sunset admitted not fully thinking about Isaac’s condition. Zecora saw the time. “Oh my, is it that late?” She said, surprised by the time. “After our tea, we all should call a night and get some rest.” She suggested to the girls. “Sounds like a plan to me,” Caitlyn said with a yawn. “Yeah, I’m tired myself.” Scootaloo agreed, also yawning. “Oh no,” Sunset said, yawning. “Caitlyn started a yawning chain.” She yawned again. Zecora raised an eyebrow. “A chain-” she yawns as well. “I understand what you mean.” “Okay, I’m heading to bed.” Caitlyn declared before yawning again. “I’m off too,” Sunset said, yawning again, making her sleepy. “I better get going myself,” Scootaloo said, heading to bed. Zecora grabs the cups and places them into the sink, she went to Isaac’s room to check on him. “Hopefully you will recover by morning.” She whispered before heading to bed, Everyone slept until the next day. To be continued…. Chapter 7: Battle for Snow HollowIt’s been a few days since Isaac and the others arrived at Snow Hollow, throughout their stay Isaac’s injuries were treated by Potion Nova. Within a tent Isaac was doing some routine light stretches to keep his body motivated and warm, Potion Nova watched over him, taking notes. Potion Nova finished writing. "You should be fully healed soon," Potion said, walking to her workbench. “I’ll make you another potion to help with your joints.” “Thank you Nova.” Isaac said, finishing his stretches. “Can't wait to get back to normal.” He was eager to get to the Crystal Empire. “Is it safe to enter?” Called Scootaloo from the entrance. ”It’s safe.” Isaac replied, stretching his legs. Scootaloo entered the tent. “Hey Isaac.” She looked at Isaac and she was happy to see him back on his feet. “Feeling better?” "Lots better," Isaac replied, putting his coat on. “Nova said, I will be fully healed soon.” “Great!” Scootaloo cheered, “I’ll let everyone know.” Scootaloo quickly turned and almost flew. “Oh!” Scootaloo turned back around, remembering the reason why she came to Nova’s tent. “Sunset wanted to talk to you about something.” Scootaloo told Isaac before leaving. “Ah, to be young and full of youth.” Isaac smiled. “Am I free to go?” "You are," Nova replied, giving Isaac another potion. “Drink this.” "Thanks," Isaac said, drinking the sourness sucked his eyes out. "So...Sour!" He groaned, twisting his face. “Sorry.” Nova said, “Ran out of sweeteners.” “It’s ok.” Isaac said, straightening his face. “Thanks for your help.” Isaac said, returning the bottle. "Of course Isaac," Nova replied, “Now off with you, Sunset’s waiting for you.” “I’m going, I’m going.” Isaac smiled and left to see Sunset. Isaac found Sunset by her tent talking to Brook. "Hey Sunset," Isaac called out, "Scoots told me you wanted to talk?" “I did.” Sunset said. “Talk more later Brook.” "Alright," Brook nodded as he turned to leave. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He turned to face Sunset. “Would you mind showing me your panties?” Sunset kicked Brook in his head, "No way!" She yelled. Brook hits the floor with a bump forming. “So mean!” He cried. Isaac rolled his eyes, “Just like the anime.” He thought smiling. He still couldn't get over how amazing it was, seeing an actual One Piece character. Sunset straightened herself up. “Okay, now I deal with that.” She looked at Isaac. “Come with me.” “Ok.” Isaac followed Sunset. “See ya Brook.” Brook rose from the ground. “Of course, I’ll see you later.” He said waving, “Well I would if I had eyes! YOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOH!” Isaac and Sunset laughed from the cringy joke. “Classic.” Isaac smiled. “Yeah, classic.” Sunset smiled. Sunset took Isaac to the Wax wall. “So what’s up Sunset?” Isaac asked, looking at the wall. “We need to help these Ponies.” Sunset looked at Isaac. “They can’t last here for much longer.” “Yeah, you’re right.” Isaac nods, "But how can we do that?" He asked, “Brook looked for the pirates several times.” “I know,” Sunset replied, “I was thinking Scootaloo could fly and do an aerial search.” “And what would that accomplish?” Isaac Asked, “Well she could look for hot spots in the air from fires,” Sunset replied, “Or maybe she might see something Brook missed. "Hmmmm," Isaac moved his body checking. “There is only one issue, Scootaloo is a greenhorn when it comes to flying.” "Yeah," Sunset nods, “You’re right, But it’s the only plan I have.” Isaac used his cinder powers to make a chair, and sat down. “We talk to her first, and see if she can undertake this task.” Isaac suggested making a cinder chair for Sunset. “What were you talking to Brook about?” “The same thing I just told you.” Sunset said, sitting down. “He likes the idea.” “It is a sound plan,” Isaac rubs his chin. “But once we find them it’s gonna be a full on brawl.” “Yep.” Sunset nods, sitting forward on her chair. “But this needs to end.” “I know, have you talked to anyone else about this?” Isaac asked. “Not yet.” Sunset admits, “I wanted to ask you first.” “Oh?” Isaac was a little surprised by Sunset’s response. “Why ask me first?” “I've known you longer than Cyrus, Fiona and Pedro.” Sunset replied, “I don’t fully trust them yet.” “Well that’s a kick to the teeth.” Pedro said from above. Sunset and Isaac looked up, and saw Pedro performing maintenance on his wall. “Hey Pedro.” Isaac greeted. “How long were you there?” Sunset asked, with a raised brow. “I heard most of your plans.” Pedro answered, sliding down his wall. “So you don’t fully trust us yet?” He asked, kinda hurt from Sunset’s statement. “It’s nothing personal.” Sunset replied, “But we barely know each other.” She stood from her chair. “No offense.” “None-taken.” Pedro replied, “But we’re not your enemies. If we wanted to attack you, we would have already done it.” Isaac stood from his chair. “He does have a point.” He said, placing his hand on Sunset’s shoulders. “Yeah, he does.” Sunset Admitted. “Sorry.” “It’s fine.’ Pedro said, “So what’s the plan now?” “I think we should talk to Cyrus and Fiona about this plan.” Isaac answered, “Also Scootaloo, and Caitlyn.” “Why Caitlyn?” Sunset asked, “She was a captain, so she might have some ideas.” Isaac replied, “Ok.” Sunset nods, “I’ll talk to Cyrus and Fiona.” “And I’ll talk to Caitlyn and Scootaloo.” Isaac declares, “Fiona is in the cooking tent, and Cyrus is by the entrance.” Pedro told Isaac and Sunset. “Thanks Pedro.” Sunset smiled. “I’ll be off now.” Sunset said leaving Isaac with Pedro. “Catch you later!” “Catch you later Sunset.” Isaac called, he looked at Pedro. “Any ideas where Caitlyn is?” Pedro placed his hand on his chin and thought. “Caitlyn…..hmmm, don’t think I saw her today.” He thinks more, but nothing comes to mind. “Sorry Isaac, I have no idea where she is.” “It’s fine Pedro.” Isaac said, patting his shoulder. “I just look for her, and ask around.” Isaac turned the chairs back into cinders and reabsorbed them. “I’m gonna get going.” “See you later Isaac.” Pedro said, climbing the wall to resume repairs. “See ya Pedro.” Isaac left Pedro to his wall. Sunset walked to Fiona’s tant first as she approached Fiona’s tent. She could smell the aroma of soup in the air, but the aroma was weaker than usual. “Hmmmm, we’re running low on supplies.” Sunset said, from the aroma alone she could tell the food supply was nearing its end. “We need to leave this place.” She declared with a determined look. Sunset entered the tent and once again saw Fiona behind her cooking pot. Fiona saw Sunset stepping in. “Hey Sunset.” She greeted, “Sorry, but the soup isn’t ready yet.” “I’m not here for soup.” Sunset walked toward Fiona and sat in front of her. “Be honest, how much food is left?” Fiona looked at Sunset and sighed. “How did you know?” She asked, “The aroma was weaker than usual.” Sunset replied. “Wow you got a good sniffer.” Fiona laughed. “So how much is left?” Sunset asked, once again. “Roughly enough till breakfast tomorrow.” Fiona answered, “Most of the vegetables are beginning to turn, and we ran out of meat yesterday.” “I see.” Sunset sighed. “Listen, I’m going to have Scootaloo and Brook find the bandit camp, if they find them- “I'm in.” Fiona answered before letting Sunset finish her sentence. Sunset blinked, “Wow, you didn’t even hesitate.” She said, smiling. “Eager to get out here?” “Me and Cyrus both.” Fiona replied, adding more carrots to the soup. “He’s been talking about getting out of here, and beating the shit out of bandits, so on and so forth.” Fiona tastes some of the soup, sighed. “Bad?” Sunset asked. “Yep, more like boiled water.” Fiona sighed. “So when do you plan this operation?” “I was thinking tomorrow.” Sunset replied, “But if the food supply this bad, maybe we should start sooner.” “Yeah, sooner means better.” Fiona nods, mixing the soup some more. “Ok, I’m gonna go find Cyrus.” Sunset said, standing up. “Do you need anything?” She asked before leaving. “No.” Fiona replied, “Unless you have a stash of food.” She giggled, making light of the situation. “Nope.” Sunset smiled, “But I’ll see if Cyrus does.” She said walking toward the door. “See you later.” “See ya.” Fiona waved, continuing to make soup. Meanwhile Isaac was walking through the cold tunnels looking for Caitlyn. As he walked, he noticed his body felt better, he prayed he’ll be fully recovered by tomorrow, he hated feeling like this, he wanted to be normal again. Isaac sighes releasing a foggy breath from his mouth. “I really hate this.” He sneezes, “I better not be coming down with a cold.” He sneezes again. “Sounds like it to me.” Isaac heard Caitlyn's voice, he saw her just around the corner. “You ok Isaac?” She asked, passing him a tissue. “Not really.” Isaac replied, blowing his nose. “Thanks.” “Anytime.” Caitlyn said, wiping her own nose. “Cold getting to you too?” Isaac asked, “Yep.” Caitlyn replied, “So what brings you here?” “Sunset got a plan, and we wanted to run by you first.” Isaac replied, sniffing. “Huh?” Caitlyn was confused, why would they need to ask her thoughts on the matter. “Why?” “Simple,” Isaac replied, “Because you’re a famar captain, and we guessed you've been involved in a couple of battles.” Isaac sneezed again, and Caitlyn passed another tissue. “Thank you,” He blew his nose again. “So we wanted to ask you first.” “I see,” Caitlyn hums. “Ok, let’s head back and find Sunset.” “Yeah let’s.” Isaac said before sneezing once again, and Caitlyn giving him another tissue. “Thank you.” He blew his nose again. Sunset reached the mine’s entrance, she saw Cyrus sitting by the waxy vault style door. By him was a fire to keep him warm, he honestly hated this task, but no one else could undertake it like him. Fiona was the anointed chef, and Pedro was maintaining the defensive structure, so this was his cross to bear. Sunset approached Cyrus. “Hey Chain man, How are you?” She asked with the sunniest smile. Cyrus raised an eyebrow at Sunset. “Chilly.” He replied, “Why are you here?” “We got a- Sunset stop from hearing a whistling sound. “What’s that?” Cyrus grabs Sunset and wraps them both in a chain ball, and the door was blown to pieces. The explosion was heard everywhere, and the Ponies began to panic, while the humans ran to the entrance. Isaac used his Cinder powers to make roller ash skates. Caitlyn saw Isaac skating away picking some speed. “H-HEY!” She yelled, as she quickly switched from two legs to four. She ran after Isaac like an actual cat. “Wait for me!” Isaac saw Caitlyn catching up to him. “Whoa, you can run like that?” He ask, surprised to see Caitlyn on all fours. Caitlyn looked at him while running. “Of course I can,” She replied, “I am part cat.” She looked forward as they turned a corner. “Why? Didn’t you think I could?” Isaac shrugged, “I didn’t want to presume you could.” He replied, Caitlyn looked at Isaac, she thought he was still recovering from injuries. “Say, I thought you were still hurting.” “I am.” Isaac replied, “But they’re attacking us here, I can’t just standby and let you guys fight alone.” “Ok, just don’t push yourself.” Caitlyn told him, “Don’t worry, I’ll just support you guys.” Isaac replied, “Good.” Caitlyn said, as her ears twitched. “I can hear fighting.” She announces, “I’m going on head.” Caitlyn told Isaac spontaneously increasing her speed. Isaac watched Caitlyn leave his line of sight, at amazing speeds. “Wow, she’s like a Cheetah.” He picked up the pace to catch up. Sunset and Cyrus were in a literal heated battle against the pirates. Cyrus with chain boxing gloves punching the pirates one by one. “Wow, they're out in force.” He stared, making a chain baseball bat. Sunset shoots the pirates with her flaming finger pistols. “I know, have ever attempted an attack like this before?” ”Nope!” Cyrus called, pushing against three pirates. “This is a first.” He broke the lock and swung his bat at the pirates, sending them flying. He looked at the entrance, seeing the pirates entering small groups at a time. “But they’re also playing the long game.” Sunset used her fireflies and blasted a small number of the pirates. “Something tells me, they’re waiting on a heavy hitter.” “Seems so.” Cyrus agrees, swinging his sword. Soon Caitlyn reached the entrance seeing the battle. “Hmmm,” She scoops the unfolding battle, she scoops the battle, she scoops for any leaders, but instead she notices the odd green collars around some of the pirates. “What are these?” Isaac catches up to Caitlyn and sees the battle. “Whoa, this is quite the fight.” He started, he looked at Caitlyn who seemed focused on something. “Should we help Sunset and Cyrus?” “Not yet.” Caitlyn replied, she pointed to the collars. “I don’t like the look of those collars.” Isaac looked and saw the familiar green collars. “The Pet-Pet power.” He growled, “Pet-Pet?” Caitlyn looked at Isaac. “It’s a power that allows you to put a collar on any creature, and make it your obedient pet.” Isaac explains, “I see, so those guys are slaves?” Caitlyn asked, seeing the pirates fighting Sunset and Cyrus. “Definitely.” Isaac replied, “We need to find the Power holder.” “Why?” Caitlyn asked, “If we find him, and beat him into submission, the collars will disappear, freeing them.” Isaac answered, “I see.” Caitlyn smiles and clicks her knuckles and neck. “Time to hunt!” She pounced down entering the fight. Isaac saw her scratching and clawing her way through towards Sunset and Cyrus. “Wow,” Isaac smiled, “She’s good.” He produced cinders from his hand and made a rifle. “I’ll be acting as support.” Isaac takes aim and shoots the pirates with soft ash bullets. As he shoots he looks for the Pet-Pet holder. “Come out coward.” He mumbles shooting his cinder rifle. Caitlyn reached Sunset and Cyrus. “Hey guys.” She called kicking a pirate down. ”Hey Caitlyn.” Sunset replied, shooting more fire shots. “Sup.” Cyrus replied, whipping some pirates. “Damn! Why don’t they back off!?” He yelled, getting frustrated from the pirates throwing themselves at him and Sunset. “Yeah, can’t they see they won’t win?” Sunset yelled getting stabbed, she looked at the pirate. “Dude, I’m made of fire.” She heated the blade, forcing the man to drop it. “Hey, do you know about the Pet-Pet fruit?” Caitlyn asked, ducking a swinging sword. “Yeah.” They both responded. Sunset saw some of them pirate’s with green collars. “Slaves!?” “Huh.” Cyrus saw the collars too. “Have we been fighting slaves this whole time!” He yelled holding back a little. “DAMN IT!” “So there’s a power holder here!?” Sunset asked. “Yep.” Caitlyn replied, kicking a guy down. “Isaac said if we beat him up, they’ll be set free.” “That’s Paramecia 101.” Sunset replied. “Everyone knows that.” Cyrus added, making chain shields. “So where is the coward hiding?” “Isaac’s looking.” Caitlyn replied, “Since he’s sniping.” A pirate was shot. “Thank you!” She signals a thumbs up to Isaac. Isaac sees Caitlyn’s thumbs up, and resumes looking for the Pet-Pet holder. “Where is he?” Soon Fiona and Pedro arrive on the scene. “What’s the situation?” Fiona asked, “So far, Sunset, Cyrus and Caitlyn are doing ok for now.” Isaac shoots another pirate. “But they’re holding back.” “Why?” Pedro asked, “The Pet-Pet user is forcing them to fight.” Isaac replied with another snot. “I see,” Fiona said, stretching her arms. “Pedro help me restrain them.” “Right behind you.” Pedro said, lighting his cowlick, completing the candle man look. “Let's make some candles.” He said jumping in the battle. Fiona groaned. “Cringe man!” She yelled jumping down. Isaac laughed, and saw a glimpse of a familiar man outside the door. “Wait, he looks familiar.” Isaac pushed off the ground and used his Cinder powers to fly to the entrance. Outside he saw nothing but the ruined town and snow. “Hmmm, where did- AH! Then Isaac had an idea. “ECLIPSE VEIL!” Issac unleashed his veil of Ash and cinders, “Now to bring it back.” Issac pulled the ashes back into his body, leaving enough to show the invisible invaders. “DAMN IT!” Yelled a man with ash on his invisible body. “I can see you!” Isaac called, “Show yourselves!” He orders the pirates. “Fine!” Said a snarky sounding man. “Uncloak us!” He ordered. Soon Isaac saw the pirates, there was a mixed group of men and women, some of them looked like pirates from the show, and he saw some from the modern day. But some really stood out, but now Isaac was scanning for the power holder. Pushing through the group a regular sized man with broad shoulders, thin arms, and a square jaw. He has ears with large earlobes, large teeth, and purple eyes. He has curly eyebrows, a black mustache, and a black goatee. When he brings out his own full power, his hair is shown to be purple. He wears a blue, fur-lined jacket with a blue and white ring-leader's outfit. He also wears a red bow tie and a green monocle. Isaac knew this man from the show, he remembered his name. “BREED!” “PETTOTOTO, Oh you know me?” Breed chuckles, “I must be quite famous.” “Not really.” Isaac replied with a deadpan expression. Breed eye twitch from Isaac’s reply. “So how do you know my name?” Isaac hums thinking how to answer, this Breed could be the same Breed from the show, or perhaps another Breed from another universe. “I heard a guy wearing a straw hat kicked your ass!” Isaac answered, He saw Breed's face turning red from pure anger and rage. “KILL HIM!” He ordered his slaves. A man wearing a full suit of armor walked forward, and dashed towards Isaac. A young Dragonborn about Scootaloo’s age stepped forward, his body showing some athletic muscle, perhaps he was a sports player. His outfit was Chinese themed with orange being the main color with a Chinese dragon as the finish. On his belt was a sketchbook, he began to draw something, he held out the book and weapons fell from the pages. Isaac saw the pirates pick up the weapons. “Ok, more power holders.” He said, igniting his cinders. “Play it safe man.” He told himself, as the pirates ran towards him. “Yohohohhohohohoh.” From out of nowhere Brook appears between Isaac and the pirates. “Brook?” Isaac said, surprised to see the skeleton. “Hello Isaac,” Brook greeted, raising his hat like a gentleman. “I heard the explosion and came to investigate.” Isaac nods and sees the pirates getting closer. “Ummm Brook?” “Also, Scootaloo was looking for you, she was very worried about you.” Brook said not noticing the pirates running towards them. “Brook?” Issac points behind the skeleton. “We got company.” “Oh worry not my friend.” Brook begins to sheath his sword, Isaac didn’t notice his sword was out, and he knew what was coming. “Three verse humming,” Brook’s sword was almost sheathing his sword. “Arrow not slashed!” He sheathed his sword and a spontaneous rush of air made the pirates fall to the ground at once. Isaac went star eyed from seeing Brooks iconic moment from the show. Sunset and the others joined Isaac and saw the aftermath of Brooks' special attack. “I missed the Three verse humming arrow not slashed!” Sunset moaned missing Brook’s iconic special. Breed grinds his teeth in anger, he grabs a girl. “RUSH THEM!” He orders whipping his men. The pirates, forced by the collars they ran towards Isaac and the others. Cyrus smiled, and clicked his fingers. “OK, show time!” He threw his chains wrapping up the pirates. Fiona used her binds to cuff them. “Leave them to us!” She called, capturing more pirates. “Subdue Breed!” Sunset, Caitlyn and Pedro nod and run towards Breed with his power holders at arm’s reach. Isaac makes some cinder kunai and throws them at the pirates, once close enough they blow making a smokescreen. Cyrus and Fiona used the smokescreen to capture the pirates. Sunset used her flames to boost her speed, she ignited a flame fist. Then she was stopped by a lightning strike. Sunset saw man inside the lighting, he was a Pale skin, above average height, slightly chubby, deep blue eyes, shoulder length brown hair, short and curly reddish brown beard, large scar on back of right hand, wears black jeans, brown/tan heavy work boots, purple t-shirt, white/blue sweater jacket with a reflective Canadian Flag patch on right shoulder. ”Sorry.” He said, “I have no choice.” The lighting man said, creating more lighting. “I know.” Sunset replied, igniting her flame. “I won’t hold it against you.” The two clashed, Caitlyn ran towards Breed, but an ink wolf jumped in her path. “GHA!” She stopped and saw the Dragonborn with his sketchbook, making more ink wolves. “Damn it!” “Sorry.” The ink man said, making more ink creatures, he sent them to attack Caitlyn. Caitlyn was forced back, and Pedro used his wax to stop them. “I got this.” He smiled, using his wax to a wax mecha. Caitlyn was impressed by the wax mecha. “Cool.” Caitlyn saw an opening and ran towards Breed. But two sickles she saw a young woman with medium-brown skin and dark-red eyes. Her hair is a light, mint-green with a straight fringe and bangs as well as two long locks on each side in the back. On her lower back were two holsters for her weapons. The sickle girl swings her weapons on a chin, and swung it at Caitlyn, who ducked out of the way. “Ok I got ya.” Caitlyn dashed towards her, the girl quickly dropped her weapons, she placed her hands to a rectangle with her fingers and thumbs. “Imprison!” A rectangle beam shot from her rectangle, the beam hit Caitlyn and trapped her in a card. “WHAT THE!” Caitlyn tried to claw her way out of the card. “LET ME OUT!” The girl picked up the card and placed it in her pocket. “HEY!” The girl picked her next target, she saw Sunset and made the same rectangle. “Imprison!” She shoots her beam, Sunset saw the beam and used her Logia powers to avoid the beam, but the bean got the Thunder man instead, Sunset saw him become a card. “Paramecia that shoots beams huh?” This gives Sunset a brilliant idea. She runs as the girl keeps shooting her beam again and again. Sunset ran past the ink man and he was trapped in a card, she jumped into the air shooting flames from her zooming towards Breed, the girl kept shooting her beam. Breed saw what Sunset was planning. “Sto- '' a black cinder bullet flew by his face, it blew, making a cinder smoke making him choke. Sunset slide between his legs and the sickle girl trapped him in a card. Once captured the green collars fall apart freeing Breed’s victims. The battle was over, all were celebrating, Sunset smiled her plan worked. But then again Breed was only a mini boss. She shrugged and looked for his card. “Huh?” Sunset couldn’t see it. “Where is he?” Sunset looked more and still he was nowhere to be found. “Damn it!” As Sunset continues her search the card girl releases Caitlyn from her prison. Caitlyn moved her feeling weird from being turned 2D, then back to 3D. “That was weird.” She said, feeling normal again. “Release!” The card girl called, releasing the others from their cards. Caitlyn looked at the card girl, she looked guilty and ashamed for what she did during her enslavement. For some reason Caitlyn wanted to help her. Perhaps she has gone a little soft from her current company. “Hmmmm, what would Adora do?” She thinks for a moment and sighed. Caitlyn walked to the card girl and offered her hand. “Hey,” She said, “I’m Caitlyn.” The card girl was confused by Caitlyn’s hand, “Ummmm are you introducing yourself?” She asked, “Yep.” Caitlyn replied, straight to the point. “Why?” “To show there’s no hard feelings.” Caitlyn replied once more. “You're not on by chance.” Caitlyn lowered her arm. “And I’m being nice.” The card looked at Caitlyn and smiled, with a little blush. “You right, I was forced here.” She said, “But are you sure you wanna forgive me?” Caitlyn smiled, and raised her hand once again. “Yeah, I’ll for you.” The Card girl took Caitlyn’s hand and shakes hands with her. “Emerald.” The Card girl introduced herself. “Emerald Sustrai.” “Nice to meet you.” Caitlyn said smiling, Emerald returned the smile with her own smile. “Nice to meet you too.” Sunset saw Caitlyn making a former enemy into a friend, this brought a tear to her eye. “A classic One Piece moment!” “Hey,” Sunset snapped back to reality, she turned and saw the Thunder man. “Sorry for trying to fry you.” He apologized. “It’s cool.” Sunset replied not bothered by the Thundermans attack. “You were forced by Bre- DAMN IT!” She yelled returning to her search for Breeds card. “Where is he!?” The Thunderman was confused seeing Sunset turning up the snow. “Did you lose something?” “Breed was turned into a card.” Sunset replied, “I’m trying to find him.” “Oh.” The Thunderman joined her search. “I’ll help you.” “Thanks.” Sunset said, pointing to another area. “I’ll look here, can you look over there?” “Ok.” The Thunderman said walking to the area. “By the way, the names Marethyu D. Pearson.” He introduced himself. “D? Like One piece D?” Sunset begins to think of the possibilities, but she pushes them to one side for now, she needs to find Breed. “Nice to meet you, I'm Sunset.” “Pleasure to meet you.” Marethyu smiled looking for Breed with Sunset. Emerald and Caitlyn saw them and approached them. “Lost something?” Caitlyn asked. “Can’t find Breed’s card.” Sunset replied, “Probably he took him.” Said a fifth voice. Sunset and the others looked at the Dragon artist. “Who?” Sunset asked, “I don't know his name, but he wears a uniform of some kind.” The artist replied. “He made us invisible.” “I see…” Sunset looked for any signs of the invisible man. “I know two people with the clear-clear fruit Absalom and Shiryu of the Rain.” This was troubling. “Ok, let’s rejoin Isaac and the others.” She said to the group, who nodded in agreement. Sunset took them back to the entrance. Far away from the snow hollow a man declocks himself, he is a tall man, with a dark navel trench coat with gold buttons and brown belt with a gold buckle, on the coat’s collar were skulls, on his upper arms were red sash with skulls. His hands were dark brown gloves and matching boots. On his shoulders was another Waite coat, he wore a black military hat, with a skull in the center. The man pulled out a card and looked at it. “Nice prison you have Breed.” He laughed, “GET ME OUT OF HERE!” Breed barked, “Sorry but I’m no longer your pet.” The man laughed again, he noticed some smoke. “Hmmmm.” He pocketed Breed, and walked to the smoke. “SHIRYU!” Breed yelled inside the trench pocket. He soon reached a makeshift camp with a man in a thick winter coat. The man saw the remains of a huge animal next to the man. “Take another step.” The man said eating some meat, not looking at Shiryu. “Is that an invitation?” Asked Shiryu asked, “Depends on you.” Asked the man eating more meat. “What’s your name?” “Shiryu.” Shiryu introduced himself. Shiryu?” The man said, placing down his meat. “As in Shiryu of the rain?” “You heard of me?” Shiryu said, walking towards the fire. He stopped frozen. “Huh?” “Sorry but I know who you are.” The man said, floating off the ground. “String-String.” “Yep.” The man said, smiling like a hyena. He lands back on the ground. “I want to make an offer.” “What kind of offer?” Shiryu asked. “The Lobelia Organisation sent us here to test our potential.” The sting man began. “So let’s show them how much potential we have, by building an empire.” Shiryu smiled, “And how do you plan to build this empire?” “First I’ll need craw, then secure funds by any means.” The String man uses his powers to pull a cup to himself, and takes a sip. “Then after those two steps are done, then we remove the competition.” “In what way?” Shiryu asked, begging to like this man. The string man pulled out the card with Breed trapped inside. He looked at him. “Breed? The pet guy?” “Listen to me.” Breed quickly said, seeing this as a chance to escape this prison. “Release me from this card and I’ll help you tame Shiryu of the rain. With- The string man laughed. “Why tame? When I can make a partnership.” He said, growing Breed into fire, laughing at his screams. “Like that basically.” He answered, looking at Shiryu still giggling. Shiryu looked at the string, he can see the bloodthirst in his eyes. “How many have you killed so far?” “Roughly 40.” The string man replied, still smiling. “So you in?” “Yeah.” Shiryu replied smiling, “I’m in.” “Wonderful!” The string man smiled, releasing Shiryu and putting a cigar in mouth. “Have a cigar.” He cut and lit it with his string. Shiryu takes a drag from the cigar and blows a plume of smoke. “So, what's next boss?” Before the string man answers they heard voices. “Come on!” Called a male voice. “Where can we run?” Asked a female voice. “We’ll figure that out later!” Called another voice. The string man removed his coat, and revealed himself. average height with a scar by his lips like the forced smile. Black long coat with a homemade three piece suit stitched from other clothes. Short black haircut with a red hair dye. Left eye blue that blood shot with a tattoo of a raven right eye hazel. “Wanna have some fun?” The string man asked, clicking his joints. “Of course,” Shiryu replied smiling, “May I know my boss's name?” The string man looked at Shiryu and gave him a katana. “Nerxco.” “Nerxco,” Shiryu said, drawing his new blade. “This will do for now.” The two killers walked to the group, trusty for blood and carnage. Isaac and the others were back in the main, they were cheers and celebrations from the inhabitants of Snow Hollow. Their nightmare had ended, they were finally free. Some of the former attackers stayed to help rebuild the town, but most ran away. But, who could blame them? They didn’t want to attack this town, and once freed they could run as far as they could. Brook played some music for the occasion, Fiona cooked a fast with the new food supply, Cyrus was dancing on a table. Sunset used her flames to entertain the kids, while Pedro kept them away from flames. Isaac was sitting at the sidelines watching the festivities, he noticed some of those who stayed, keeping to themselves. He saw Caitlyn walking to them, she sat next to the green haired girl. Scootaloo sat next to Isaac. “Hey, you ok?” “I’m fine.” Isaac replied, he looked at the celebration. “It's nice seeing so many smiles.” “It is,” Scootaloo smiled. “Are we leaving tomorrow?” She asked. “Maybe,” Isaac replied, “thinking about it, the Sickle user is probably long gone by now, and I need some more time to recover.” He leaned back. “Also these guys could use our help rebuilding.” “Yeah.” Scootaloo nods, “I think we talk it over with the others first.” Isaac said he looked at Scootaloo. “Are you ok?” Scootaloo led back next to him. “I’m ok now, a lot of shit has happened in a short time.” She sighed, thinking of what happened. “Yeah, perhaps too much had happened.” Isaac agreed, “I think we need a break.” “That’ll be nice.” Scootaloo said standing up. “Wanna dance?” “Nah I’m just gonna stay here.” Issac replied, “Perhaps one of the new guys over there might like to dance.” He pointed to the group who stayed. “Yeah, I think they’ll like that.” Scootaloo smiled, “Sure, you’re gonna be ok?” She asked before leaving Isaac. “I'll be fine, make some new friends.” Isaac told Scootaloo, “Ok, I’ll come check on you later.” Scootaloo said before walking towards the group, with Caitlyn. Zecora saw Isaac sitting alone, and walked over to him with drinks. “Thirsty?” She asked, offering him a drink. “I am,” Isaac replied, taking one of them. He was about to drink some, but immediately stopped. “Wait, does this have any special ingredients?” Zecora smiled and sat next to him. “No, just something sweet.” She takes a swig from her cup. Isaac drinks some of his beverage, he looks at Zecora. “So how are things?” “Going ok,” Zecora replied, “Do you have any plans?” “We're gonna stay and help rebuild.” Isaa replied. Zecora was a little surprised by this answer. “May, I ask why?” “The sickle user is probably long gone, and I need some more time to recover.” Isaac began, “Also I feel like we need a break from running and being on edge.” “A moment of relaxation is good for the soul.” Zecora said, drinking more of her beverage. “I believe this may be the best decision.” “Hopefully it will be.” Issac said, drinking some more, he saw Scootaloo dancing with the dragon. “She looks like she is having fun.” “Children her age should be having fun.” Zecora agrees, finishing her drink. “Would you like another round?” Isaac finished his drink. “Sure.” He replied standing up, “I could use another drink or two.” “Perhaps I could have one or two more drinks myself.” Zecora stood and walked with Isaac to the refreshments. The party lasted through the night, for this was the night celebration, a night to remember. Isaac and his friends enjoyed the party, dancing, singing, laughing the hours away. To Be Continued….. Chapter 8: NerxcoSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.PrologueMy name is Lancer D Isaac. In case you are confused about my name, My father was Japanese, so my name is backward. Yeah, I know, it still doesn’t sound very Japanese, does it? It’s very confusing, I know. So, moving on, I live on my own in a flat. I volunteer at my local church which also operates as a cafe for the food bank, and I also deliver the local newspaper. During my free time, I would play Online Games, watch YouTube Videos, and watch Anime. My top 3 all-time Favourites are YU-GI-OH, Inuyasha, and One Piece. One day, I was just surfing the net, when I heard a knock at the door. I opened the door and saw a postman standing outside with a package for me. I took the package from the postman. “I haven’t ordered anything recently.” I placed the box on my dining table and opened it. Inside the box was a large Black Fruit, with red swirl patterns all over it, resembling a lump of coal which had started to burn. “This looks like a Devil fruit from One Piece.” Next to the Fruit, I saw a letter with a Blue Wax seal. The emblem looked like a Lobelia flower, and there was also a leather-bound Book next to the Fruit as well. I opened the letter and began to read it. Greetings and Salutations Mr Isaac, you have been randomly selected to be sent to another world. The Fruit inside the box is the Kaibun Kaibun No Mi, better known as the Cinder Cinder Fruit. It will grant you the power to transform your body into, as well as create and control, heated Ashes and Cinders at will. To obtain this power, all you need to do is take a bite of the fruit and swallow it. Fair warning, It will make your stomach turn inside out, but it will be worth it. When you choose to eat the fruit is up to you, there is no rush. With that said, you will be sent to the new world at midnight tonight, so be prepared. In this package, we have also provided an encyclopedia on Devil Fruits, so you can read up on all information to do with your new Devil Fruit. Now, it would be around this point you’ll be wondering why. We at the Lobelia Organisation have decided to test the capability of Humanity, by sending individuals to another world. The Devil Fruit was provided by our Japanese Branch. Please use this moment to organise all unfinished businesses and contact family and friends. Yours sincerely Lapis Lobelia “What a load of horse shit,” I muttered under my breath as I rolled my eyes, throwing the letter back in the box. “They must think I’m a fucking moron.” I carried on with my day like any other, but I couldn’t stop thinking about getting sent to a different world, as it did sound exciting. Once my day was over, just for some fun, I decided to dress like an anime character. I wore a black Victorian-style waistcoat over a red long-sleeved button shirt with cufflinks that looked like the Jolly Roger of the Kuja Pirates, Boa Hancock’s pirate crew from One Piece, blue jeans which were torn halfway up the left foreleg, and topped off with a dark grey 1940s style red trench coat with pockets, and a Crimson red wide-brimmed fedora. On my feet were a pair of black sneakers. And finally, hanging from the pockets of the waistcoat, was a golden chain. “I look like a right Idiot,” I said to myself with a light-hearted chuckle as I looked at myself in the mirror. “Hmm, I think I need something else.” I snapped my figures. “Ohh I know.” At the last Comic-Con, I purchased Vash's Sunglasses from Trigun. I put the Sunglasses on to complete my look. “They're perfect.” I then looked over at the box that held the Devil Fruit, and just for fun, I decided to act like I’m in the world of One Piece. I looked at myself in the mirror and gave a deep sneer. “Remember me, Straw Hat!” I shouted in a deep voice. “I’m back, and now I have my own Devil Fruit! With this, vengeance is mine!” I then laughed at myself. “OK, that was fun.” I then sat in my chair, thinking about that letter again. I then grabbed the Devil Fruit from the box and held it up, examining it closely. “It feels like just any kind of normal fruit,” I said as I continued studying it. After looking at the fruit for a bit, I looked at the time. It was 23:58. “Wow, it’s that late?” I stood up, put the Devil Fruit back into the box, and stretched. “Well, bedtime, I think.” I was about to head to the bathroom to change into my PJs, but the second the clock struck midnight, a strange sensation took over my body, as to my wide, stunned eyes, my room began to warp and ripple around me, and I was losing strength like all the energy was being drained from my whole body. “What...what’s going on here?” I struggled to say. For unknown reasons, I quickly grabbed the box with the letter and the Devil Fruit in it. I grasped it close to my chest, as I felt my body being pulled away from my home. I didn’t know what was going to become of me. I also didn’t know where I was going. But I did know something, the Lobelia Organisation was behind this. In the kingdom of Equestria, at Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia was hosting the annual Grand Galloping Gala. She stood on a high balcony, overlooking the Royal garden, as she looked up at the Summer night sky. She was a tall, white furry anthro pony, With pony ears poking from the top of her head, and a long white horn on her forehead. She also has wings that reach 2 metres across. She wore a white dress with a golden finish which showed off her soldiers, and on her feet were a pair of white high-heeled shoes with a golden finish. Her mane and tail were multi-coloured, with streaks of green, pink, and blue, which flowed around her in a non-existent breeze. On her head, she wore a golden tiara, with purple jewels embedded into it, and a matching necklace with the same design. Her eyes were a light shade of pink. The dress hugged her body, showing off her perfect hourglass figure, and the deep cleavage of her D-cup breasts. “I knew I would find you here sister,” said a young, but stern female voice. Celestia turned and saw her younger sister, Princess Luna, who was also an anthro pony, with night blue fur, pony ears poking at the top of her head, and a night blue horn on her forehead. Like her sister, her wings were also 2 meters long. She was wearing a dark, night blue Royal military outfit, that was traditionally worn by Princes, with a cape that was also dark blue, and she had a cross-guard rapier on her left hip. The sword’s guard had a crested moon engraved into it. The blade was about 73 inches in length. Her body had an hourglass figure, similar to her sister’s, and her breasts were c-cups. Her hair was dark, royal blue, which shimmered like the night sky, and her eyes were a slightly lighter blue. Luna approached her elder sister with two glasses of wine in her hands. She handed one of the Wine glasses to her sister. Celestia took the glass with a warm smile and a nod. “Thank you, Luna,” She said, before taking a sip of the wine. Luna nods, before leaning against the ledge next to her sister and taking a few sips from her glass. “The night sky is beautiful tonight,” Celestia said with admiration in her voice. “Yes, nights are the most beautiful during the Summer,” Luna said proudly, taking another sip of wine. “This has been a good year,” Said Celestia, sipping her wine. “Yes, it has indeed been a very good year,” Luna said, agreeing with her sister. “Let us hope the next year will be just as good and peaceful,” Celestia said, raising her glass to Luna. “Yes, sister, let us hope for a bright future,” Luna said with a smile, raising her glass to meet Celestia’s. The two sisters were about to clink their glasses in a toast, when suddenly, Celestia froze, as she felt something, a Demonic force, that made her tense up so much, she squeezed her glass hard, until it broke in her hand, soaking her hand in wine and blood, sending it spilling to the ground. “Sister?!” Luna shouted in shock at her Sister's sudden, unexpected action. “Are you alright?!” Instead of answering, Celestia turned and looked down at the garden with narrowed eyes, before she opened her wings wide, and took off, flying at full speed towards the garden. “Sister, where are you going!” Luna called after her sister. At that moment, a white-furred male anthro pony with dark blue hair and a white horn, who was dressed in a red military uniform with the same design as Luna’s outfit, came rushing onto the balcony before halting and saluting to his princess. “Princess Luna! My wife and Sister said they felt a Demonic presence a moment ago!” He reported to her. “Shining Armor, gather a squad and order them to the Garden!” Luna ordered, before spreading her wings, and also taking off, flying at high speed to catch up to her sister. Following Princess Luna’s orders, Shining Armor ran back inside to gather a squid to join the Princesses in the Royal Garden. Isaac’s eyes fluttered slowly open as he awoke, letting out a groan as he sat up. Looking around to get his bearings, he saw he was now outside, in what appeared to be a garden of some kind, with many beds of flowers. “Oh god, my head is killing me,” He muttered to himself as he rubbed his head with his hand. He then got onto his feet and picked up the box which sat beside him with the Cinder Cinder Fruit inside. “Okay, first I need to figure out where I am.” He looked around the garden and saw the tall towers of a castle, which wasn’t far away from him. “Is that a castle?” He asked himself, puzzled. Meanwhile, Celestia landed in the garden to find the source of the Demonic presence. She began her search through the garden, keeping all of her senses on high alert for any sign of danger. “I can feel it, and it’s close,” She said to herself in a low, apprehensive voice, as she walked through the garden, trying to find the source of the Demonic presence. “What, no signal?!” Said an unfamiliar male voice. Celestia quickly headed in the direction of the voice. She paused as she came to a small clearing, and saw a human, who was dressed in an unusual outfit. He seemed distressed about something, and he was panicking about having no signal, but he didn’t have a Transponder Snail. Also, she could sense no demonic aura coming from him, so what was the source of it? “Ok, I’ll just put those in my pockets,” The Human said, placing one of two items in his coat pocket. “And I don’t know where I’m putting you,” He said to something inside a box. As Celestia watched him reach into the box he was carrying, he pulled out a strangely shaped Black Fruit that looked like a lump of Coal with burning swirl patterns. Celestia’s eyes widened in alarm as she saw a strong Demonic aura oozing from the fruit. “You, there!” Celestia called out as she stepped out to confront the unknown human. Isaac froze in place, before slowly turning to look at whoever was confronting him, and his eyes widened as he saw a tall pony woman with large white wings, staring at him with narrowed, suspicious eyes. He couldn’t help noticing that her hand was bleeding slightly, but then locked eyes with her as she looked back at him with a deadly glare. “IS SHE AN ANGEL?! WAIT, OH GOD, I BEING DEAD, AND SHE’S HERE TO GIVE ME MY FINAL JUDGMENT! JUST FROM THE WAY SHE’S LOOKING AT ME, I'M GOING STRAIGHT TO HELL!” He thought to himself as he panicked. “Tell me, human,” Celestia said with narrowed eyes, “That object in your hand,” She pointed at the Fruit. “What is it?” “Uhh, are you an Angle?” Isaac asked nervously. “Answer my question!” Celestia snapped. Not wanting to invoke the Angel's wrath, Isaac raised the Fruit in his hand. “Why do you need to know?” He asked back, trying to sound brave. “I can feel a Demonic presence from it,” Celestia explained to him. “Now tell me, what is it!?” she demanded forcefully. “Okay, Okay, I’ll tell you!” Isaac shouted back, “This is a Devil Fruit!” Celestia's eyes widened in shock as Isaac went on to explain. “A fruit created by the Sea Devil himself, and by taking a single bite, I will be granted power from it!” “I see,” Celestia said with a deep frown, as she summoned a magic circle that was made from a golden aura, and a golden staff with the Sun emblem at the top appeared from it. Celestia pointed her staff warningly at Isaac. “Surrender that fruit to me and you shall not be harmed,” She told Isaac, trying to negotiate with him. At that moment, Isaac remembered the letter from Lapis Lobelia. “Wait, they said I was getting sent to another world. Is this it?” he thought to himself. “I’m afraid I can’t do that,” He replied. Then a beam of golden light flew past his shoulder. “Whoa!” He exclaimed in alarm. “That was your first and last warning,” Celestia warned Isaac, already igniting her staff again. Flying above, Luna saw Celestia after she fired her golden beam from the air. She quickly lands behind Celestia and sees the man she is pointing her staff at. Luna quickly draws her sword and points it at Isaac. “Sister, who is this creature?” She asked, keeping both her eyes, and her sword pointed at Isaac. “I do not know, but that Fruit in his hand is the source of the Demonic presence that I sensed,” Celestia replied in a cautious voice, not taking her eyes off Isaac. “Now there’s another one,” Isaac thought as he scanned the second Angle with his eyes. “Ohh, I like her sword.” He then shook his head to clear it of those thoughts. “Focus, Isaac, the first Angle lady just shoot a fucking laser at you! I need to escape from here!” He slowly tried to take a step back. “DO NOT MOVE!” Luna suddenly ordered Isaac with the full force of the Royal Canterlot Voice, still holding up her sword threateningly, making Isaac freeze in his tracks, not daring to move a muscle. Almost immediately after Luna ordered Isaac, Shining Armor arrived with his squadron. “Princess, we heard your voice, is everything alright?” He asked urgently, before seeing that the two princesses were taking up aggressive stances, as Luna aimed her sword at Isaac. “Surround him!” Shining Armor ordered his squad of guardsmen. Following Shining Armor’s orders, the guards surrounded Isaac with spears, swords and firearms, ready to attack Isaac at a moment’s notice. Isaac was now surrounded by golden armoured anthro pony men and women, pointing spears, and swords, and some of them had guns, and others had staffs and wands pointing at him, and some of them had wings. “This doesn’t look good. I guess I only have one option here,” He thought to himself, before making eye contact with Celestia. “If I surrender the Fruit, do I have your word that no harm will come to me?” He asked. At this, Celestia looked at him closely for a moment, before lowering her staff, took a more relaxed stance, and raised her bleeding hand. At the gesture, Luna, Shining Armor, and the other guards also lowered their weapons. “You have my word,” Celestia said with a firm nod. Isaac looked at the Guardsmen who had lowered their weapons cautiously, before locking eyes with Celestia once more. “Okay, I surrender my...Ugh!” Isaac began to say as he raised his hands in surrender, only to grunt in pain as an arrow came flying toward him, and embedded itself in his left shoulder. “AHHHHH!” He screamed in agony as he collapsed to his knees, dropping the Fruit, and he grasped at his shoulder as it now dripped with blood. Everyone gasped in shock as they looked around to see where the arrow came from, as Isaac now glared at Celestia with a mix of anger and pain. “YOU GAVE ME YOUR WORD!” He yelled, and in his fury, he quickly grabbed up the Cinder-Cinder Fruit, took a bite of it, and quickly swallowed it, trying hard to ignore the indescribably foul taste. “Oh god, this tastes like rotten shit!” He thought with a grimace as he finished his bite. “Get him!” Shining Armor ordered his guards. The squad, with their swords and spears raised, charged at Isaac, impaling his body. Celestia and Luna were in shock from the squad’s attack. “What do you think you're doing…” Celestia yelled before she was abruptly interrupted. “Wow, they weren't joking about the Devil Fruit Power,” Isaac said, chuckling to himself, as he looked down at his body, seeing that where the squad's weapons pierced him, instead of dripping with blood, a mixture of Ashes and Cinders fell came falling from his wounds, and he also felt no pain from those wounds. However, the original wound in his shoulder still bled and ached. “I...I can't feel anything,” one of the guards stuttered, and then their weapons began to heat up, forcing the Guardsman to drop their weapons. The weapon, still heated, fell to the ground, burning the grass, and the hole in Isaac’s body vanished without a trace. Not even his clothes were damaged. Seeing this, the rest of the squad backed slowly and nervously away from him, at a complete loss about what had just happened. “Let’s see if this freak can handle a bullet!” Yelled one of the guards as he raised his rifle and fired, aiming at Isaac’s head. The bullet flew through the air and landed in Isaac’s left eye. “Got him!” Then the guard gasped in shock. “That’s impossible!” “How is this possible?!” Asked Shining Armor, with a terrified look. “The swords and spears went right through his body without inflicting any damage...and the bullet entered right through his eye!” Luna asked in utter shock. “How can he still be alive?!” “Don’t you guys get it yet?” Asked Isaac with a smug tone, as molten metal dripped from his eye. “My body’s no longer made of flesh and bone. It’s made,” he paused briefly, as his eye regenerated back to normal, and completely unharmed, “of Cinders!” “I can see it, now,” Celestia said with wide eyes, “This strange power he now wields. It was granted to him the moment he ate the Fruit.” “Indeed,” Isaac said with a smug smile, “And with this new power,” Isaac placed his sunglasses and his Fordra back on his head. “I’ll escape from here.” “W…what are you?” Asked a guardswoman shaking at Isaac. Isaac smiled as he thought for a moment, and another Guardsman with a wand shot an icicle at Isaac’s back, but upon impact, it melted in seconds. “You asked what I am?” He gave a wicked smile. “You may call me the LORD OF CINDER!” Isaac raised his left hand into the air. “Eclipse Veil!” Isaac’s body exploded into a black cloud of Ashes and Cinders which engulfed the garden, both blinding and choking all who were present, demonstrating the power of the Cinder-Cinder Fruit. Everyone coughed and sputtered their lungs out from the Black cloud of burning hot dust, but just as quickly as it had come, the cloud of ashes cleared as it lifted away from the garden. “Is... everyone... alright?” Shining Armor asked as he cleared his throat of the last of the Ashes. “Where is he?” Inquired Luna as she looked at where Isaac had been standing, and saw the arrow that originally struck him lying on the burnt grass next to the other weapons that were a little melted, the sharp head still coated in his blood. “Look. That is the arrow which initially struck him.” Shining Armor picked up the arrow from the ground only to drop it immediately. “Ahh, it’s hot!” He yelled. He then summoned a magic circle made of a blue aura, and a wand emerged from the circle for him to use. With the wand, he levitated the arrow off the ground to examine it. “How could he remove this from his shoulder so easily?” He asked. “It's made of metal.” “His body is made of Ashes and Cinders now, because of the Fruit he has eaten,” Celestia answered, “That’s how he removed the arrow from his shoulder, the same way as he let your guards' weapons pass harmlessly through his body and almost melted inside his body, and how the bullet melted inside his eye socket.” She then frowned deeply as she turned to her sister and Shining Armor. “Luna, Shining Armor. Spread out and search the castle and the grounds. You must find him, and fast. I want him brought to me alive!” She ordered them urgently. “And find out who shot that arrow!” “Understood, Princess,” Shining Armor said with a salute, before turning to his squad. “Search everywhere! Leave no stone unturned! And search the chimney as well!” He ordered his squad, who saluted and headed off to begin the search. “Sister, look at this. He left the remains of the Fruit,” Luna said, pointing to the remains of the Fruit on the ground. “Take it to the gardener. I want to know what this Fruit is,” Celestia told her sister. “I understand, sister,” Luna said, using her wand to grab the Fruits' remains with her magic, and carried them away. At the castle, within the main ballroom, there was much chatter from all the guests. “What is going on?” Asked a female voice “I don’t know,” Replied a male voice. “Maybe this is an event of some kind,” Said another, younger male voice. Amongst the crowd, was a lavender anthro pony with wings and a horn, dark purple eyes, and purple hair with a lavender streak. She wore a purple dress with a star constellation embroidered onto it. Her name was Twilight, and she shivered slightly as she was still processing the Demonic presence she felt before. “Are you okay, Twilight?” Asked a young yellow anthro pony with wings, long pink hair, blue/green eyes, and wearing a green dress which was patterned with flowers and green shoes. “Yeah, I’ll be fine, Fluttershy,” Twilight replied to her friend with a smile. Another young woman who was an orange-furred anthro pony, named Applejack, who had blonde hair, and green eyes, was in a light blue dress with red apples embroidered on it, and wearing brown cowboy boots, frowned as she noticed something about the guards. “Is it just me, or are the guards running all over the place?” She asked. “Hmm, Applejack is right, I have noticed this myself,” said a young white anthro pony with a horn, named Rarity, who wore a pure white dress with black stiletto heels. She had blue eyes, Her hair is a dark shade of purple with a perfectly curled style. “Yeah, what’s going on?” Asked a young tomboy blue-furred anthro pony with wings named Rainbow Dash. She had crimson eyes, and her hair was also all the colours of the Rainbow. She wore a pilot uniform with a Rainbow lighting emblem embroidered on her back. “Ohh, they must be going to a secret party!” Pink furred anthro pony named Pinkie Pie said excitedly. She had blue eyes, and pink cotton candy hair, and wore a light blue dress with a children’s party theme to It. “I doubt it, Pinkie,” Said Rainbow Dash. Just then, a beautiful older light pink furred anthro pony with wings and a horn, long multi-coloured hair and light pink eyes named Cadence, came over to Twilight. She wore a Crystal blue dress, with crystal hearts added to her outfit. “Twilight, do you know where your brother is?” She asked, looking concerned. “No, I haven’t seen him for some time now,” Twilight replied. “I think he’s gone to see Celestia and Luna.” “I’m starting to get worried about him,” Cadence said, looking more concerned. “Maybe we should go look for him,” Suggested Fluttershy. “Yeah, let’s go find him and find out what’s going on,” Rainbow Dash said, already zooming off to start her search for Shining Armor. “And she’s off,” Applejack said, rolling her eyes at the athletic mare’s antics. “Better go after her.” She headed off after Rainbow Dash. After that, the other women began their search for Shining Armor. Not long after, Twilight and Cadance found Shining Armor talking to some of the Guards. “How haven’t you found him yet?” He said with a stern look. “He has a hole in his shoulder which is bleeding, so he can’t have gotten too far. Now, spread out and search everywhere, including every chimney and every fireplace. Leave no stone unturned,” He ordered. Twilight and Cadance heard him giving out his orders as they approached, and once the guards had dispersed, Twilight spoke up. “Big brother, what’s going on?”She asked. “Is there an emergency?” “Unfortunately, there is,” Shining Armor said to his wife and sister. “There is a human on the loose, and we’re trying to capture him,” He explained. “What!? A human here? Did he come through the mirror?” Twilight asked her brother about the human. “What did he do to warrant his capture?” Asked Cadence with a worried look. “He was in possession of a strange type of Fruit, and this Fruit was the source of the Demonic presence you both felt before,” He explained to them. “What?” Cadence said, now even more worried. “But how did he escape from you and the Guards?” “He ate some of the Fruit and he gained a strange Demonic power which let him create a huge black smokescreen which he used to slip away,” He told them. Twilight and Cadance looked at him with shock, just as a Guardswoman ran up to him. “Sir!” She said, saluting him. “Did you find him?” He asked her. “No, we’re still searching for him, but we did find out who shot the arrow,” She explained. “Who was it?” Asked Shining Armor. “It was Prince Blue Blood, sir,” She answered with a sigh and a roll of her eyes. Shining Armor rubbed his eyes with a long-suffering groan. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will not be happy about this,” He said, with much frustration and annoyance. “Alright, keep looking for the human.” “Yes sir!” The guardswoman said with a salute and ran off to resume the search for Isaac. “BlueBlood,” Shining Armor said, grinding his teeth in frustration. “Cadence, Twilight I'm going to help find the Human. Please return to the ballroom, and keep the guest calm,” Shining Armor said to his wife and sister. “Yes, just please be careful, Shining Armor,” Cadence said, to her husband. “Shining Armor, my friends are looking for you. They don’t know about the human,” Twilight informed her brother. “Alright, I’ll let the search party know about your friends,” Shining Armor said, leaving his wife and sister to search for Isaac. “Come on Twilight, we can leave this to your brother,” Cadence said, placing her hand on her sister-in-law's shoulder. “You’re right, Cadence,” Twilight said with a small smile to her sist-in-law. “Shining Armor can take care of himself. Let’s go and tell the others what’s happening.” They both headed back to the ballroom. Meanwhile, Applejack and Rarity were in the west wing of the castle looking for Shining Armor. “Applejack I do not believe Shining Armor is in this wing,” Rarity said with a shake of her head. “To be honest, Rarity, I just needed an excuse to get away from the Gala,” Applejack said with a sigh, being her honest self as always. “Darling, I know get-togethers like these are not your cup of tea, but…” Rarity began, only to stop talking abruptly and gasp in shock. “Are you okay?” Asked Applejack in concern. “Someone spilt red paint on this carpet!” Rarity explained in disgust, pointing at a red spot on the carpet. “The red ruins the beautiful Emerald!” Applejack rolled her eyes at her friend’s antics, before examining the red splat closely. “Rarity, that’s not paint, it’s blood,” She said, her voice now filled with worry and caution. “Wait, this is blood?!” Rarity screamed. “This beautiful carpet is ruined!” “Really? That’s what you're screaming about? Someone may need help!” Applejack yelled at Rarity in expiration. “Oh, yes, of course. You're right, darling,” Rarity said, looking at Applejack apologetically. “Look, there’s a blood trail. Let’s follow it and find who’s hurt,” Applejack said, before following the trail of blood. The two of them followed the blood trail and came to a stop as they stared up at what they saw. Floating in front of them was a cloud of Ashes and Cinders that was floating through the middle of the corridor. The strangest thing was the trickle of blood dripping from it. “Is that cloud bleeding?” Asked Applejack, scratching her head in utter confusion. “That is most certainly not a normal cloud,” Rarity said, staring up at the cloud. After his daring escape, Isaac was now in a hallway, regenerating his body. Uncannily, he had discovered that his hair had changed colour from dirty blonde to Charcoal. “Wow, I can’t believe that worked,” He said, as he gathered the parts of his body. Most of his body had now returned to him, but he was still missing his right leg and his left arm. Just then, another Ash cloud floated over to him. “Oh, what part are you?” He asked the cloud. The cloud floated towards the space where his leg should be. “Ahh, you're my lag,” he said in relief, as the cloud reformed back into his leg. Applejack and Rarity had followed the bleeding cloud to the same hallway where Isaac was hiding. They both hid behind the corner and peered around, seeing him as he reformed his body. “Who...or what in the wide world of Equestria is that thing?” Asked Applejack with wide eyes. “I don’t know, but I will say this. His outfit is simply atrocious,” Rarity said with a distasteful scowl. Applejack rolled her eyes. “Hey, Rarity, look at his arm,” She said as she pointed. Rarity looked closely at Isaac’s arm, seeing only Ashes and Cinders falling from out of his shoulder where his arm should be. “Oh, my goodness. What’s wrong with his arm?” She asked in shock. “Heck if I know. I mean it looks like magic but I don’t see a horn or magic circle, and I don’t see any amulets on him.” Applejack said, looking at Isaac. “Well, what are we supposed to do now?” Rarity asked. As they both watched, the black cloud they had followed floated towards Isaac. “Ohh, you must be my arm,” he said with relief in his voice. The cloud floated to the joint of his shoulder and morphed back into his left arm. When his arm had fully reformed, the pain from his earlier injury in his shoulder returned. “Ahh, my arm! I should've left it as a cloud,” Isaac said as he grimaced in pain. “So, that’s it. The bleeding cloud was a part of him,” Applejack declared. “So is he using magic?” She asked Rarity. “I don’t know, but I’m going to give that tramp a piece of my mind!” Rarity huffed suddenly, as she headed round the corner and marched towards Isaac. “You, sir!” Isaac looked up at her with shocked, wide eyes. “Do you have any idea how much decor you have ruined?!” She scolded him angrily. Applejack came out of hiding and walked up to Rarity with a frown. “Y’all need to stay calm, Rarity,” She said placatingly. “So, any ideas why he’s here?” She asked. “I don’t know, but his dress sense is outrageous!” Rarity replied in disgust, “It hurts my eyes just looking at his horrendous outfit!” Applejack rolled her eyes, before she could say anymore, two guards came running into the same corridor from the other direction, and saw Isaac. “There he is!” One of them shouted, as they raised their weapons and ran towards him. “Uh oh! Time to run!” Isaac shouted, making a sprint towards Applejack and Rarity. “ECLIPSE VAIL!” He yelled, transforming his body into Ashes and Cinder once more, as he flew past the two women, and the two guards charged after him. “Ohh, I needed this,” Applejack said with an excited smile, as she unzipped her skirt, letting it drop to the floor, revealing her long, smooth, yet slightly muscular legs, and showing off her Daisy Dukes shorts that she had been wearing under the skirt. She also wore two gun holsters, with her cutie mark engraved on the handles, on her upper thighs, which held two custom revolvers. Freed of the restring skirt, Applejack gave chase after the Guards. “Applejack! Darling, we agreed, no firearms!” Rarity called after her indignantly, picking up the discarded skirt and chasing after the honest cowgirl. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were close to the west wing. “I know there’s a secret party around here somewhere,” Pinkie Pie said enthusiastically, looking in every nook and cranny for any sign of a party. “Umm, Pinkie, I don’t think there is a secret party,” Said Fluttershy softly and hesitantly, not wanting to disappoint her friend. “That’s what they want you to think!” Pinkie said in a conspiratorial voice as she poked Fluttershy in the forehead. Just then, they both looked up and stared as Isaac, in his Cinder form, came billowing down the hallway at full speed towards them. “EEEP! A GHOST!” Fluttershy screamed in fright. Isaac flew past the two mares, before turning back into his human form, and carried on running. “Wow, that was a super duper cool trick!” Said Pinkie Pie, clapping excitedly at Isaac's performance, but Fluttershy was so scared, she simply fated. At that moment, the two Guards ran past them, as Applejack jumped over the prone Fluttershy. Then Rarity came running up, trying to catch up with them. “Hi Rarity, is there a secret party going on?” Pinkie asked in an oblivious voice. “No, Darling!” Rarity replied, running past them. Fluttershy then regained consciousness and sat up. “Are they gone?” She asked with a whimper. Isaac ran for his life, as he was being chased by the guards and Applejack. She drew closer, as she pulled out one of her revolvers. “Out of my way boys!” She said, pushing the Guards out of her way. She aimed at one of his legs. Isaac kept looking ahead, as he came out of the corridor, and saw the main entrance to the castle, and he quickly dashed it. Applejack then shoots at him, and the bullet passes through his leg. “Got ya!” She triumphantly said, but she stared wide as Isaac kept on running. “What the?!” She shot at him a few more times, but the bullets simply passed harmlessly through his body. “In case you haven’t noticed, you can’t hit me!” Isaac yelled at the cowgirl as he ran on. “What?! If that’s true, then how can your arm be bleeding?” She shouted back. Just then, Rainbow Dash came zooming past the two of them and stood firmly in front of the closing door. “Oh, no way you're getting past me!” she said with a smirk. “That’s what you think!” Isaac smirked back as she ran towards Rainbow Dash. “ECLIPSE VAIL!” He shouted as he transformed his body into Cinders, and flew past her. “What the? How…?” Applejack stuttered as she crashed into Rainbow Dash, knocking them both to the ground. Isaac, in his Cinder form, slipped past the closing doors and escaped the castle. “Get off me, AJ!” Rainbow said in annoyance, pushing Applejack off her. “Sorry, Rainbow,” Applejack apologised. After he got a good distance away, Isaac turned back into his human form, and he kept on running through the city, until he entered the railway station, and saw a departing train. He quickly jumped aboard as it was leaving. He headed inside the last train car, which was a cargo car, which meant no ponies to worry about. “OK, the first thing I need to do is sort this out,” He said to himself, rubbing the bloody spot on his shoulder, which made him wince in pain, as he could also feel his body losing strength. “I need to get medical attention in the next town.” He slumped down against the wall and soon passed out from exhaustion. Back at the castle, Celestia was in her room, and a maid had just finished bandaging her hand. The door then opened and Luna stepped in. “Sister, all of the guests have been sent home, I have ordered the Guards to search the city, and my vanguard is helping with the search,” She reported. “Good, if they find anything, I want to be the first to know,” Celestia replied with an exhausted look. “Yes, Sister. I will inform them immediately,” Luna said with a returning nod. Shining Armor then entered the room and stood to attention with a salute. “Princesses, we have discovered the identity of who shot the arrow,” He reported, seeming very tense. “Who was it?” Asked Celestia in a cold voice which made everyone in the room shiver slightly. “It was Prince BlueBlood,” Shining Armor replied, trying his hardest to maintain his professional demeanour. “He showed off his archery skills to a young lady he was trying to court, and when he saw us with the Terran, he shot an arrow at him,” He explained. “And, why did he do that?” Celestia asked again, her voice low but heated. “When I asked him, he said, and I quote, “I merely performed my duty as a defender of the people, so my actions were perfectly justified,” Shining Armor replied, barely hiding his irritation. “I see,” Celestia sighed in exhaustion, rubbing her forehead as she felt a migraine coming on. “Send him to meet me in the throne room, and send for Twilight to meet me in the throne room as well,” she ordered Shining Armor and Luna. “Yes, sister,” Luna replied. “Yes, Princess,” Shining Armor replied with another salute. Later, within the throne room, Celestia sat on her throne, waiting for Prince BlueBlood, a deep, disappointed frown on her face. Just then, a young male white-furred Anthro pony with a blond mane, light blue eyes and a horn entered the throne room swaggering with a flamboyant style. “Aunty Celestia, I have come to receive my reward for saving you from the assassin,” He said with a pompous, cocky tone. Celestia rose from her throne, and walked slowly towards him, with her hands behind her back. “And how did you know he was an assassin?” She asked with a low, but tense voice. “Well, he was surrounded, and he had a bomb,” He answered with an arrogant smirk. “How did you know he had a bomb?” Celestia asked again, barely containing her rage. “He was holding a round black object with a fuse,” Blueblood said with a shrug. “I see,” Celestia said as she stopped in front of him, as he looked back at her expectantly. Then, from out of nowhere, Celestia clenched her fist and straight up punched him in his face, breaking his nose, and knocking him to the ground. He howled pathetically in pain as she glared down at him with red-hot fury. “You ignorant moron! That human had my word that if he surrendered, no harm would come to him, and he was going to surrender, but thanks to your stupidity, we now have an empowered human on the loose! If anyone is hurt or killed by him, their blood will be on your hands! From this moment forth, you are hereby stripped of your rank, title, and status! Now, get out of my sight, you pathetic excuse of a man!” She hissed at him. “But...but what about the crown?” he asked in a whiny voice. “What crown?” Celestia asked him with a raised eyebrow. “The crown that my family held on to for generations,” He replied, trying to regain his composure as he got back to his feet, and still covered his nose. “As the only heir of the BlueBlood Bloodline, it’s mine by birthright.” “The only crown that was ever suitable for you was a fool's crown,” Celestia hissed in anger. “GUARDS! Take this Moana Jester away!” Then two Guards marched up to BlueBlood, and dragged him out of the throne room, with him kicking and screaming the whole way, and demanding his crown. Once he was gone, Celestia turned to one of her staff. “That crown he was talking about. I want it found, confiscated, then have it melted down, have it turned into Bits, and divided amongst the staff. ” She then walked back to the throne and sat down on it. “And send for a cleaner to clean up this mess.” “Yes, Princess,” said the staff member bowing at Celestia. At that moment, Twilight entered the throne room. “Princess Celestia, what happened to BlueBlood?” She asked. “Let's just say he tripped over his ego and broke his nose,” Celestia replied with a casual shrug. “Now, Twilight. I want you and your friends to stay the night here at the castle.” “Yes, I agree with you, Princess Celestia,” Twilight replied with a nod. “I’ll inform my friends about this.” “Also I need you to check the mirror as soon as possible. We need to know if this human came from the other world.” Celestia said to her student. Shining Armor then entered the room and saluted Celestia. “Ah, Shining Armor, good timing,” Celestia said with a nod. “We need to search the whole city, and we need to distribute posters of the human. I am willing to offer a 10,000 Bit reward for his capture. If any of them find him, tell your men to inform him my word still has value, and if he surrenders, no more harm will come to him,” She ordered him. “And if he resists?” Shining Armor asked. “Then use force, but only if it’s necessary,” Celestia replied. “Very well, I will give the orders, and then send for a mug artist,” Shining Armor said as he saluted once more, and then left the throne room. “It has been a long night. You should get some sleep,” Celestia said to Twilight. Twilight nodded and left the room. Luna then entered and walked up to her sister. “Tia, you should also get some rest as well. I will take the night watch,” Luna said with a caring look. “Yes, I will. Thank you, Luna. If there are any developments, don’t hesitate to call me,” Celestia said with a warm, grateful smile. “I will. Now, go, Tia. I shall cover for you,” Luna smiled back. Celestia rose from the throne, leaving Luna in charge, and headed to her bed chambers. Once she got there, and closed the door behind her, she used her magic to change into her sleeping gown. Celestia then lay down in her bed, thinking about the rogue human. “If he is the first, then there are going to be more of those so-called Devil Fruits. I pray that this does not lead to a war,” she said to herself with worry, before she snuggled into her pillow, and slowly fell asleep. To Be Continued... Author's Note The is my first One Piece story I hope you all enjoy it. Chapter 1: The Cinder Lord and a Tomboy.Author's Note In this chapter Isaac finds himself in the Everfree Forest to seal his wound, and reserves help from a witch Doctor. Chapter 1: The Cinder Lord and a Tomboy. Isaac was still asleep on the train when the train came to a stop at its next destination. The sudden movement made him knock his arm, waking him up from the pain. “Ahh, god!” He gasped, as he rubbed his shoulder before he looked around the train car. “So, it wasn't a dream,” He said, as he struggled to stand up. He saw a box with a Red Cross on it, headed toward it, and managed to open it, finding first aid boxes. “Hmm, I’m not a fan of stealing, but, if need’s must.” Isaac grabbed one of the first aid cases but froze as he heard other train car doors being opened, and urgent voices. “Uh oh. They must be looking for me,” he said under his breath. He quickly closed the First Aid box, and headed over to one of the train car doors, opening it just a crack to peek out, seeing a forest. He looked up and down the train, seeing no one in sight, before sliding out of the car, closing the door behind him. He then quietly headed along the train, to peek around the other side, and saw a small town, with more anthropomorphic Ponies of all types going about their business. “Okay, first I’ll treat this hole in my shoulder. Then I’ll try to figure out where I am.” He then turned and ran towards the forest. Within the Forest, there was a Hut, which was built into a tree, and adorned with masks and potion bottles. The front door of the hut suddenly burst open, and a young mare, with purple eyes, and maroon hair came running out of the hut, with tears in her eyes and looking distraught. As the girl ran off into the forest, another, older, zebra mare with a dark coat, which was adorned with dark stripes, and a swirl pattern on her thighs, came out of the Hut. Her eyes were a lighter shade of blue, and her hair was grey and white, styled into a Mohawk. She was wearing a tribal-style tw-piece, along with golden earrings, five tribal rings around her neck, and five similar rings on her upper left arm. “Poor child, I wish I could do something for you. I truly do,” she said with sadness in her voice. After running out of the older mare’s Hut, the younger, tomboyish mare ran on with her eyes tightly closed, still crying heavily. “I hate you, Zecora!” She yelled in a mix of blind rage and utter despair. She ran and ran, until she came to a stop, and clutched at her chest as she tried to catch her breath. Once her breathing had slowed down, she let out a heavy sigh. “What can I do now?” She asked herself sadly. But then, she looked up as she heard a growl from behind her. She quickly grabbed her weapons, which were a pair of Tonfas. “Timberwolves!” She said, looking in all directions for where the mysterious beast was. She turned around just in time to see three Timberwolves emerge from the bushes, slowly getting closer to her, growling and snarling viciously, as she got ready for a fight. She stood her ground as the three wolves pounced at her. Meanwhile, Isaac was walking through the forest. “Come to think of it, maybe I shouldn’t have come to this Forest,” He said to himself, struggling with his arm. He stopped suddenly when he heard the screams of a girl. “A girl in trouble!” He broke into a run towards the screams. He came to a stop as he saw a young female Pony, fighting with what looked like wolves made of wood and leaves. She was wearing a fighter-style outfit, made up of an orange tank top, and black biker shorts with purple stripes, while her hands and feet were wrapped in bandages. She was trying her hardest to fight off the wooden wolves with her Tonfas. “I have to help her,” Isaac said, before running toward her. At that moment, one of the wolves jumped on the mare from behind. She grunted in pain, before looking in terror at the gaping wooden jaws about to rip her apart. “BLACK CANNON!” Isaac yelled, raising his right arm, and shooting his fist at the wolf, smashing it to pieces. Isaac came to a stop in front of her. “Are you alright?” He asked. The girl stared up at him, before getting back to her feet. “Who are you? And what are you” She asked. “A friend,” Isaac replied, before turning around just in time to see the other two wolves running up to attack him. “BLACK HAMMER!” He yelled as he transformed his right hand into a huge Ashy hammer, and slammed it down on the last two wolves, shattering them to pieces. After he had finished off the wolves, Isaac turned back to the tomboy Pony. “Are you okay?” He asked once more. “Um, yeah, I’m fine, but who are you exactly?” Scootaloo asked. “My name is…” Isaac began… only for his head to suddenly feel light. “I think I’m…” he then collapsed to the ground and passed out. “Hey, what’s wrong!?” Scootaloo shouted as she got to her knees and shook him by the shoulders. When he didn’t respond, she became more worried, especially when she noticed the blood still dribbling from his shoulder. “You're wounded, and you still fought off those wolves to save me?” She said, feeling grateful before she picked him up off the ground. “I gotta get you back to Zecora, she’s the only person who can help you,” She dashed as quickly as she could back to Zecora’s Hut. Inside her hut, Zecora was mixing something in her Cauldron. “This will soon be ready,” she said with a satisfied smile as she stirred her brew. At that moment, her peace was broken when her door was kicked open. “Zecora, we need help!” Scootaloo cried as she carried Coren inside. “Oh my, what happened?” Zecora asked as she looked over the young tomboy Pony and the injured Man. “I was attacked by Timberwolves, and this guy saved me, but he’s bleeding a lot of blood,” Scootaloo explained in a panic. “Put him on the table,” Zecora told her. Following Zecora’s instructions, she placed Isaac on the table. Zecora then removed his coat, hat, sunglasses, and his waist jacket, and then she removed his cufflinks and his long-sleeved shirt. “He likes to be covered,” she stated. “Scootaloo, go wash the blood out of his clothes,” She asked her. “Okay,” Scootaloo nodded, before grabbing Isaac’s clothes and leaving Zecora to her task. Scootaloo then takes Isaac’s clothes to wash them, while she removes anything in the pockets. “A pocket watch, a letter, and a little book. I think that’s everything.” She put his stuff to one side before she placed his clothes in soapy water and began to clean away the blood. Later on, Scootaloo hung Isaac’s clothes to dry and entered Zecora’s Hut who had just finished stitching Isaac’s wound. “He lost a lot of blood, but I believe he’ll live,” She said, much to Scootoloo’s relief. “I managed to wash out the blood from his clothes,” Scootaloo said as she hung Isaac’s coat to dry. Zecora was puzzled how this man with a hole in his shoulder managed to save Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, How did he save you?” she asked. “Well, he transformed his hand into a hammer...” Scootaloo said before she paused for a second to think. “That was made of Ashes or was it Cinders?” She tried to remember. “Hmm, this creature can use magic, but he has no horn or any amulets, and I don’t see any other means of using magic, and upon my travels, I have never come across a creature of this variety before. Very interesting,” Zecora said as she sat down on a stump. “So where do you think he’s from?” Scootaloo wondered. “I am most uncertain,” Zecora replied and looked back down at Isaac. “What secrets will you have to share with us?” She asked in a mysterious voice. She then looked back at Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, go to town and grab another shirt for our friend,” she instructed. “Okay, I’ll be as fast as I can,” Scootaloo said, running out of the hut, and towards town. Soon, Scootaloo returned to Zecora’s Hut with a shirt for Isaac. She reentered the Hut, as Zecora was moving Isaac to her bed. “Zecora, what are you doing with him?” She asked. “His body temperature has dropped,” Zecora explained, looking worried as she put him into her bed. “We need to raise it back up.” She then looked at Scootaloo with a serious look. “How old are you again?” she asked. “I’m 18, why?” Scootaloo asked back. Instead of answering, Zecora undid and removed her skirt. “We’ll have to lay with him to bring his temperature back up.” Under the skirt was a small loincloth. She then slid under the sheets, snuggling closely with Isaac. “I’ll lay on his left, and you take his right,” She told Scootaloo. “Wait, Zecora, isn’t this a little sudden?” Scootaloo asked in a slight panic as she blushed a little. “If you're going to repay him for saving your life, you must do this,” Zecora said seriously and with narrowed eyes. Scootaloo couldn’t argue with Zecora. Blushing heavily, she stripped down to her underwear and headed over to the bed, and climbed under the covers. “He better not get any ideas,” She said with a deep frown as she lay down next to Isaac and snuggled in close to keep him warm. Isaac slowly reawakened, letting out a groan as his head felt heavy. “Did I pass out again? Wait, where am I?” He thought to himself. He turned his head to the right and saw Scootaloo sleeping peacefully next to him, which made him smile. “Oh, it’s her. I’m glad she’s safe,” he thought with relief...before his eyes widened in alarm. “Wait, is she naked?!” Isaac then felt something on his left, turned his head to look, and saw Zecora, also sleeping soundly. “Wait, who's she!? How did I get here?! Two girls, one on each arm...hold on...I’m a plain guy in my 20s with dark hair. Crap, is this the start of a harem!? If that’s so, my life Is going to be a living hell!” His mind was now racing. Zecora then wakes up, seeing Isaac awake, and looking panicky. “Ah, you are up. How do you feel?” She asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she sat up. Isaac couldn’t help but look at her breasts as they were hugged by her tight top. “I’m fine,” He answered, blushing heavily. “Ah, that is good,” Zecora said with a smile as she slipped out of bed, making Isaac blush even more as she showed off her long shapely legs, and put her tribal skirt back on. She then looked at the clock. “Noon already?” She said stretching. “I shall brew us some tea to replenish our energy,” she said as she left the room. Not long after, Scootaloo awoke. She sat up straight, and there was some drool dripping from her mouth. “Aw, man. When did I fall asleep?” She asked, wiping the drool from her mouth, as she looked around. “Wait, this is Zecora’s Hut, and I’m in her bed.” She then turned her head, and, upon seeing Isaac, remembered why she was in Zecora’s bed. “Uh, hello,” Isaac said with a little wave and an awkward smile. “Uh, yeah, hi,” Scootaloo says, smiling just as awkwardly, before getting out of the bed, and putting her clothes back on. “Just putting this out there, I only slept next to you because Zecora told me to. So the life debt I owed you is paid,” She said as she pulled up her shorts. “Life debt?” Isaac asked as he sat up. “You know when you saved me from those Timber Wolves,” Scootaloo said as she grabbed the shirt she got for him. “Put this on. Your other clothes are still drying,” She said, throwing the shirt at him before she left the room. Isaac put the shirt on, before wincing slightly, as his arm was still hurting. “This shirt’s a little tight,” He said before he headed down the stairs, where Zecora was making the tea, and Scootaloo was sitting at the table. He approached the table and took a seat. “Here, drink this, it will restore your strength and stamina,” Zecora said, placing a cup of tea on the table. “Thank you,” Isaac said gratefully, raising the cup to his lips and taking a sip. “Ooh, nice, peppermint,” he smiled, “Here is one for you as well, Scootaloo,” Zecora said, giving another cup to Scootaloo. “Thanks, Zecora,” Scotaloo replied with a smile before taking a sip of her tea. Zecora then sat down and drank some of her tea. “That was a good nap, and this is good tea,” She said with a happy grin. “Hey, just curious, but, why were we all in bed together?” Isaac asked with a slight blush. “Your body temperature dropped dangerously low. So, I put you in my bed, and I and Scootaloo lay with you to raise it back up again by sharing our body heat,” Zecora explained. “Ohh, okay, just curious,” Isaac said, “Thank God this isn’t a Haram Situation!” He thought to himself in great relief. “Hey, here’s your stuff,” Scootaloo said, passing Isaac his belongings. “Thank you,” He said with a smile as he took his stuff back. “Tell me, how did you get that hole in your shoulder?” Zecora asked, “Well, I woke up in a garden by a castle, and this Pony woman with huge white wings came along, and wanted me to surrender to her. She gave me her word that I wouldn’t get hurt. I was going to surrender, when an arrow came from out of nowhere, and hit my shoulder. Immediately after that, I ate my Devil Fruit to use its power to escape from the castle. You already know the rest,” Isaac explained. “I see, and what is a ‘Devil Fruit’?” Zecora asked curiously. “It’s a kind of fruit created by the Sea Devil, and there are all kinds of them. The one I ate was called the Cinder-Cinder fruit, which is a Logia Type. Now, I can turn my body into Ashes and Cinders at will,” Isaac explained before he frowned as he noticed something. “Wait, I’m answering your questions rather fast, like I just can’t help but tell the truth.” “So, you noticed. You have drunk a truth serum. I used some Peppermint to hide the taste,” Zecora explained. “Why would you do that?” Isaac asked, feeling rather insulted that she had deceived him. “I needed to know how you got wounded, also, you are a foreign creature to this land. If it's any consolation, me and Scootaloo also drank the same tea,” Zecora replied reassuringly. “WHAT THE HELL ZECORA!?” Scootaloo yelled indignantly. “YOU SECRETLY DRUGGED US?!” “Calm down, Scootaloo. It would have been unfair to our guest if he was the only one who drank the truth tea,” Zecora said with a calming smile, taking another sip of her tea. “You can ask any question from me if you like.” “Okay, so who are you? Also, why did you help me in the first place?” Isaac asked the Zebra. “My name is Zecora, and I helped you because you saved young Scootaloo from the Timber Wolves,” She replied with a thankful smile. “Oh, okay. So, where are we?” Isaac asked again as he looked around the hut. “We are within the Everfree Forest, or, if you meant this kingdom, this is Equestria,” Zecora explained. “Equestria? So I did get sent to another world. I need to find the Lobelia Organisation and get some answers about that experiment of theirs. But why did they send me to a world filled with...well...pony people? It doesn't make sense,” Isaac thought to himself. “OK, I need to be blunt. What are you?” Scootaloo said with a frown. “Scootaloo,” Zecora said in a disapproving tone. “You could have asked that question a bit less bluntly.” “I’m sorry, Zecora,” Scootaloo said, crossing her arms. “But this is bothering me. I need to know what he is.” “It’s fine Zecora,” Isaac said, not minding Scootaloo’s bluntness. “I was about to ask you both the same question. I’m what’s known as a human.” “A human?” Scootaloo said with a raised eyebrow. “Have you ever heard of Humans?” She asked Zecora. “In all my travels I have never come across or have heard of such creatures,” Zecora said with a thoughtful look. “You said you woke up near a castle. Tell me, how did you come to be near the said castle?” “Well, that’s a very weird story to tell,” Isaac said. “All I can tell you is that I got this package and a letter from the Lobelia Organization, and after opening and reading said letter, next I knew, I was waking up in this huge garden near this castle.” “Lobelia?” Scootaloo asked. “You mean like the flower?” “I am not familiar with that organisation?” Zecora said with a confused look. “I never asked you this, but what is your name?” she asked Isaac. “My name is Lancer D Isaac,” Isaac replied. “Lancer? That is a most unusual name,” Zecora declared. “Lancer is my family name. The country my father comes from, they say their name backwards,” Isaac explained. “Ahh, I see. I have heard of some cultures where they refer to themselves by their last name first. Well, in any case, Scootaloo, I think it would be best if you take Isaac to your home, and let him stay with you until he has fully healed,” Zecora said with a smile. “WHAT?! WHY?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in shock, slamming her hands down on the table. “He has nowhere else to go, and you could use the company,” Zecora answered as she gave the young mare a slightly stern look. “Scootaloo, he is a newcomer to this land, and he has nowhere else to go and he knows no one. Also, do not forget that he saved your life when you encountered those Timberwolves.” “Ugh, fine!” Scootaloo huffed reluctantly, getting flustered. “Let’s just go!” She turned and walked to the door. “Scootaloo, please wait a moment. Isaac will need medicine. I shall make some for him,” Zecora told her as she reached the door. Scootaloo didn’t reply, she just left the Hut. “Now, you stay there. This won’t take me long.” Zecora then said to Isaac as she stood up from the table, and headed over to her cauldron to begin to make some medicine for him. Isaac waited for both Scootaloo and Zecora, once more thinking about the Lobelia Organisation. “Where do I even begin to look for them? It's not like there’s going to be a map that shows me how to find them. Hmmm.” As he was lost in thought, Zecora had just finished making the medicine. “Here you are. Now, mix the powder with water before going to bed, and rub this on your wound on both sides. Have Scootaloo help you do the back end,” She instructed him and gave him a small leather pouch. “Thanks, Zecora, but I can’t pay for this,” Isaac said with a shake of his head. “I have little need for money,” Zecora said with a smile. “However,” she went on, her smile becoming a saddened frown. “There is one way you can repay me. By becoming Scootaloo’s friend.” “Okay, but doesn’t she have any friends of her own?” Isaac asked curiously. “She did, at one time,” Zecora said sadly. “But that is a story that is not mine to share. Just please be her friend. That child needs one right now,” she implored. “Um, OK, Zecora,” Isaac replied, feeling concerned about whatever was going on with Scootaloo. The door then opened, and Scootaloo came back inside. “Hey, are you ready, yet?” She asked impatiently. “Yes he is,” Zecora reassured her. “There is no need for such rudeness towards our guest, Scootaloo.” Scootaloo sighed. “Sorry, Zecora,” she said with an apoplectic nod, before looking back up at Isaac. “Well, come on, then,” She stuttered anxiously, wanting to go, making Zecora roll her eyes. “Yeah, alright,” Isaac said as he stood up. “Thank you for everything, Zecora,” He said gratefully, as he then left her Hut and headed after Scootaloo. “Farewell children,” Zecora said with a warm smile as she waved goodbye. Scootaloo and Isaac made their way to her home on the outskirts of Ponyville. When they entered the building, Isaac stopped and stared in disbelief. Everywhere he looked, everything was a mess like a storm had swept through the place, and everything was covered with a fine layer of dust. It was almost like the house had been left empty and neglected for quite some time. “So, er, this is your house?” he asked cautiously, trying not to sound put off. “Yeah, it is! You got a problem with it?!” Scootaloo asked angrily. “No, just thinking out loud,” Isaac replied defensively. “Whatever!” Scootaloo snapped, rolling her eyes, as she walked toward the stairs. “Stay right there, I’ll get you some bedding,” She ordered him with narrowed eyes. After Scootaloo went upstairs, Isaac waited for her, as he looked around the place. “Wow, this place looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in ages,” He thought.He was still looking when he saw a picture of Scootaloo with someone else on the mantelpiece. “Hmm?” He grabbed the frame and examined the picture closely. “Wait, I saw her at the castle,” He thought. The picture was of the younger pony with Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo was holding a trophy, as she was smiling with delight. “She sure looks happy here,” He said. “HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” Scootaloo yelled at him furiously as she came back down the stairs. “Sorry, I was looking around, and…” Isaac tried to explain. “PUT THAT DOWN!” Scootaloo yelled again, pointing at the picture frame in his hand. Isaac quickly put the frame down. “Look, you can have the couch. Once you're better you can leave,” She said with a huff, before walking over to him. She looked down at the picture with a look of utter disdain, before picking it up and throwing it into a nearby bin. “Good riddance,” She hissed with disgust. “I’m going out, don't wait up.” She headed for the door and slammed it on her way out. Once she was gone, Isaac took the picture from the bin and looked at it closely again, wondering why Scootaloo seemed to have so much hatred for it. It was then he noticed something he hadn’t noticed before. “Wait, she has wings in this picture. But she doesn't have wings now. So what happened to them?” He said with a thoughtful frown, wondering about Scootaloo’s past. As he waited for Scootaloo to return, Isaac decided to help out the troubled young ponygirl by doing some cleaning up. Eventually, Scootaloo finally returned home. “Hey, I’m back,” She said, before pausing to look around the room, surprised at how much cleaner and tidier everything was. “Did you clean my house while I was out?” She asked. “Yeah, I didn’t have anything to do, so I thought I’d do some cleaning for you,” Isaac replied with a shrug. “Uh, thanks,” she said with a small smile. “Look, there's some food in the kitchen. If you get hungry, just help yourself.” She then headed back upstairs. “I don’t know what Zecora was thinking about this whole friend thing,” Isaac thought to himself doubtfully. Later that day, Scootaloo was laying on her bed, thinking about the human downstairs. “Why did Zecora want that guy staying in my house?” She asked herself with a slight scowl before she took a sniff of something in the air. “What is that? Is he cooking something?” She got off her bed, left her room, and went to see what Isaac was doing. Downstairs in the kitchen, Isaac was making Spaghetti for the two of them. “Sadly I had to make a vegetarian one, mostly because my host is a Pony, and last I checked there’s no such thing as a carnivorous horse. I wish it wasn’t vegetarian but you got to work with what you’ve got. Now, I just need to finish the Garlic Bread, then it will be ready,” He said, serving the Spaghetti. Scootaloo then entered the kitchen and saw Isaac as he finished the cooking. “You're making Spaghetti?” She asked. Isaac turned and smiled at her. “Yep, and I made Garlic Bread as well,” He replied. “My favourite, how did you know?” Scootaloo asked, smiling back despite herself. “I didn’t, but I saw that you had the ingredients to make it, so I decided to make enough for the two of us,” Isaac said, checking on the Garlic Bread. “You’re just in time, too. I think it’s ready.” Isaac lifted out the Garlic Bread from the oven and placed it on one side. Scootaloo sat down at the table, and Isaac divided the meal between them, before serving the Spaghetti to Scootaloo. “Thanks,” She said bluntly. They ate their meal in silence, to begin with, and it was rather awkward for both of them. But finally, Scootaloo broke the silence. “So, where are you from?” She asked. Isaac didn’t know how to answer this question, but he finally decided to just tell the truth. “I’m from a place called Britain,” He answered. “Hmm, Britain? I’ve never heard of it,” Scootaloo said. “Where is it, exactly?” “It’s a very long way from here,” Isaac replied. “Say, Scootaloo, what can you tell me about Equestria?” “Well, currently we’re in a town called Ponyville,” Scootaloo started. “The nearest major town to here in Canterlot. That’s where that castle is located, the one you told me and Zecora about.” “Canterlot. So that must be the name of the town I escaped from,” Isaac thought to himself. “So, on that note, who’s the Reigning Monarch?” “Well, that’s obvious. Princess Celestia and her sister, Princess Luna, of course,” Scootaloo said, beginning to sound bored. “Wait, just the two Princesses?” Isaac asked with a raised eyebrow. “There’s no King or even a Queen?” “Nope. Just the two Princesses,” Scootaloo said, rolling her eyes. “So this kingdom is ruled by two Princesses, but has no King or Queen?” Isaac thought to himself. “Well, that’s just...bizarre.” He then thought back to when he first arrived in this new world, and the pony two women who confronted him. “Those two were both in charge from the way they were ordering those guards around. And the names would fit them. They must have been Celestia and Luna.” He frowned in annoyance. “Nice going, Isaac. Not even been in this world a day, and you’ve already pissed off both of its ruling Monarchs.” He shook his head and went back to eating. Soon, they finished their meal. “Mm, that was good,” said a now happy Scootaloo as she rubbed her now full belly in satisfaction. “I'm glad you enjoyed it,” Isaac said with a smile. “Oh, hey, guess what,” Scootaloo said, “I found this weird-looking fruit growing on a dead tree while I was out.” She went through a bag and pulled out what looked like a huge grapefruit with a strange swirl pattern covering it and with a curly stem. “How about we share this between us,” She offered. Isaac blanched in shock. He didn’t know which one, but he knew that this was a Devil Fruit. “Scootaloo, I don’t think you should eat that,” He said in warning. “Huh? Why not?” Scootaloo asked in confusion. Isaac gave her a very serious look. “Because that’s a Devil Fruit,” He explained. “Created by the Sea Devil himself. If you eat a Devil Fruit, it will grant you a unique power, but you will also be cursed. You’ll lose the ability to swim for the rest of your life, and you’ll forever be rejected by the sea. For example, I ate the Cinder-Cinder Fruit, and now I can turn my body into hot cinders and ashes. You saw me do it when I saved you from those...Timberwolves, did you call them?” “Whoa!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “So, you’re saying you ate one of these Fruits, and that’s how you saved me from the Timberwolves? That does answer my questions. I was wondering how a creature like you could use such weird magic like that, even though you don’t have a horn.” She then gave him a curious look and asked, “Hey, what’s your Cutie Mark look like?” “My...what?” Isaac asked in bewilderment. “Oh, so you don’t have Cutie Marks where you come from?” Scootaloo asked. “Uhh...what’s a Cutie Mark?” Isaac said with a raised eyebrow. “Here, I’ll show you,” Scootaloo said, as she stood up, pulled up her shirt to reach the rim of her shorts, and began to pull them down. “Whoa, what are you doing?!” Isaac exclaimed in shock and embarrassment as his eyes bugged out and he blushed heavily, before quickly looking away. “Hey, relax,” Scootaloo said with a teasing smirk, “You’re cute, but you’re not that cute.” She continued pulling down her shorts, revealing the side of her flank, where there was what looked like a Tattoo of a shield, with three stripes of red, white, and maroon, and in the centre was the image of a wing, with a lightning bolt emblazoned on it. “This is a Cutie Mark. Or rather, it’s my Cutie Mark,” She said with a hint of pride in her voice. “Every Pony has a Cutie Mark, and no two Marks are the same.” She then cleared her throat, before muttering, “Well, for the most part.” “Oh, so these Cutie Marks are like Tattoos,” Isaac said. “What?” Scootaloo said. “No, they’re not Tattoo they’re our Marks. They are part of us.” She then smirked again as she gave her hips a shake, and said, “And you know, you’re lucky you get to see it. We’re not supposed to show our Marks to any boys until we get married.” “What?!” Isaac shouted in shock, but then looked up as Scootalloo broke out laughing. “Nah, dude,” she said in amusement as she pulled her shorts back up. “I’m just messing with you.” “Alright, alright, you got me,” Isaac said, rolling his eyes. “Look, like I said, we don’t have these Cutie Marks where I come from.” He then got an idea, to pay her out. “Here, I’ll show you,” he said as he stood up and reached for his pants. “Whoa, hey, what are you doing?!” Scootaloo exclaimed, as she blushed and covered her eyes with her hands. “Relax, you’re cute, but you’re not that cute,” Isaac said with a smirk, using her own words against her. He pulled down his pants just enough to show off his thigh. “See, it’s blank. Nothing there.” Scootaloo reluctantly peered through her opened fingers and then lowered her hands as she stared in surprise for a moment, before looking up at Isaac’s face in confusion. “Uhh...is this part of the joke, or what?” she asked with a raised eyebrow. “Uh, what?” Isaac asked. “What are you talking about?” “Isaac, if you don’t have a Cutie Mark, then what do you call that?” Scootaloo said as she pointed at his thigh. Taken aback, Isaac looked down at his exposed thigh and gasped in shock at what he saw. Emblazoned on his upper leg, was what looked like a Tattoo of a pile of burning Cinders and ashes. “Whoa, what the hell is that?!” He exclaimed in shock and surprise. “You don’t know?” Asked Scootaloo. “No! That wasn’t there before!” Isaac said. “Then how did it get there?” Scootaloo asked. “I don’t know!” Isaac replied. “Wait a minute,” Scootaloo said in realization. “Didn’t you say that you ate the Cinder Cinder Fruit, which lets you turn into cinders and ashes?” “Yes, but what does that have to do with… oh,” Isaac said, before trailing off as the penny dropped. “Yeah, Isaac, you got that Mark after you ate your Devil Fruit,” Scootaloo said, her face splitting in a wide smile. “You don’t have a Cutie Mark. You have a...uh…” She clicked her fingers to think of a name. “A Devil Mark! That’s so cool!” “They never told me about this in that letter,” Isaac said despondently, before he slumped down into his chair, slammed his face into his hands, and moaned in disbelief. “Aww,” Scootalloo said with a smirk as she leaned forward and patted him on the head. “There, there.” This made Isaac look up at her with a scowl. “Don’t patronise me, woman,” he said sourly. Scootaloo then sat back in her chair, and her attention returned to the bizarre Fruit on the table in front of her. “Anyway, back on topic. So, you’re saying that if I eat this Fruit, I can turn into Ashes and Cinders like you?” She asked. “No, there’s only one Cinder-Cinder Fruit. That’s a completely different Fruit. No two Devil Fruits are ever the same,” Isaac explained. “Ohh, I get it. So, which one is it?” Scootaloo asked. “I don’t know, but I can find out,” Isaac said and pulled out the book he had received with his Fruit. “Thanks to my Devil Fruit Encyclopedia,” He said with a smile, holding the book in the air. He then opened the book and began looking through it to find out which Devil Fruit this was. “Hey, can I ask a question?” He asked. “What about?” Scootaloo asked, her eyebrows raised cautiously. “About that picture of you and-” he stopped abruptly when Scootaloo suddenly slammed her fist on the table. “THAT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!” She screamed, her eyes burning with rage. Isaac stared at her in stunned silence, before he continued to look through the book. “I’m sorry, I was just…” he began but stopped when there was a knock on the door. “Scootaloo, it’s me, Rainbow Dash! I know you’re in there! I heard you yelling!” A female voice on the other side shouted. “Is she the one from the photo?” Asked Isaac. “Quick, you have to hide, now,” Scootaloo told him in alarm. Isaac activated his power, turning his whole body into Ashes, and disappeared, while Scootaloo ran to the door. She reluctantly opened the door, and Rainbow walked in. “Hey, Scoot, how’s it going?” She asked with a smile. “What do you want, Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo asked sourly. “Well, I thought I’d check on you,” Rainbow said in a caring tone. She looked around and saw that the house looked cleaner than usual. “Have you been cleaning up here?” She asked. “No,” Scootaloo said defensively. “So, do you have a guest here or something?” Rainbow asked curiously. “Look, why are you here, Dash?” Scootaloo said bitterly. “Alright, listen, something’s come up again, so I can’t…” Rainbow stopped when Scootaloo punched the wall hard. “There's always something!” She snapped angrily. “Scoots,” Rainbow said softly. “Just go, Dash,” Scootaloo said forcefully. “Look Scootaloo, there’s a Guy with weird powers running around out there. He can turn into Ashes and Cinders. Once we find him, I promise to spend some time with you, and we can…” Rainbow stopped talking when Scootaloo interrupted her once more. “You keep saying that, but then something else comes up. Ever since my wings were removed, I’ve lost everything. I don’t see you, Applebloom, or Sweetie Belle anymore. Just get out of my house,” Scootaloo said, trying hard to hold back her tears, as she opened the front door, wanting Rainbow Dash to just leave. With a sorrowful look on her face, Rainbow walked out the door. “Scootaloo, I’m so sorry. But seriously, if you see this Ashe's guy, report it. The sooner we get this guy, the better,” she said, and then she left Scootaloo’s house. Isaac had heard every word, and while he was hiding, he was still going through the book and found the list of known Devil Fruit names. Scootaloo then walked back into the kitchen. “Hey, she's gone. You can come out now,” She said. Isaac reformed his body and faced her again. “Are you okay?” He asked. “I’m fine, but you might want to lay low for a while,” Scootaloo said cautiously. “Maybe I should go back to the forest,” Isaac suggested. “No, Zecora said you still need to heal that wound,” Scootaloo replied. “Just stay here till your shoulder has healed.” “I don’t want to cause you any problems,” Isaac said as he started to clean the table. “Look, you’re not causing me any trouble,” Scootaloo said reassuringly. “What happened between me and Dash is personal.” She paused, before saying quietly and sadly, “Very personal.” She shook her head. “So, what are we going to do with this Devil Fruit?” she asked, gesturing to the Devil Fruit on the table. “Probably best if I keep a hold of it,” Isaac said, before looking at Scootaloo thoughtfully. “Not unless you want to eat it,” he offered. “What?” Scootaloo said in surprise. “I don’t even know what kind of Fruit it is, so I don’t know what kind of power it gives. I mean, I could end up with something really weird, or something useless, so, sorry, but no thanks.” “Yeah, there’s some pretty dumb ones out there,” Isaac muttered under his breath. “Don’t blame you.” “Before I even think about eating this thing,” Scootaloo went on, “why don’t you try and find out which one it is first? I want to know exactly what I’m getting if I do eat it.” “Fair enough. Sure,” Isaac agreed. As he cleaned the kitchen, he thought about the Devil Fruit, and about those girls who were looking for him. “There’s no choice. I’ll just cause more trouble for her if I stay. I’ll have to leave this town,” He thought to himself. Within Twilight’s Castle, five of the girls were gathered around the crystal table, when Rainbow Dash entered the throne room. “Oh, Rainbow, you’re back,” Said Fluttershy. “How’s Scootaloo, darling?” Asked Rarity with concern. Rainbow Dash just walked towards Twilight without answering, as Twilight looked up at her with worry. “Um, Rainbow Dash, is everything okay?” She asked worriedly. “Twilight, can you and the girls find the Ashes guy without me?” Rainbow asked. “Why? Did something happen to Scootaloo?” Twilight asked again. “No, she’s fine...mostly,” Rainbow Dash said hesitantly, before saying, “But, it’s just that I haven’t spent any time with her since her wings were removed, and she has no one else but me, and most of my time is spent helping you guys out. Between that and my time spent with the Wonderbolts, I just don’t have any time for her.” “I understand, Rainbow,” Twilight said in a caring voice, “And I would like to let you spend all the time you need with Scootaloo. But Celestia wants us to find the Cinder Lord. The sooner you get him, the sooner you can spend all the time you want with Scootaloo.” “Ohh, we are looking for a Noble Man are we?” Rarity said in a teasing voice. “No, it’s a self-given title,” Twilight said. “Ohhh,” Rarity said in a disappointed tone and with a sad frown. “Oh, alright, Twilight, the sooner the better.” Rainbow agreed reluctantly. “Okay, girls, here's the plan,” Twilight began, “Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, go to Cloudsdale and ask around. Someone there might have seen him. Everyone else goes to town and looks for any clues.” “What about you?” Asked Pinkie. “I and Spike are going to do some research on Devil Fruits,” Twilight replied. “Well, we best just get started,” Applejack said as she stood up and walked out of the room, the other four girls following her. Not long after the girls left, Spike entered the room. He was a young humanoid dragon with purple scales covering parts of his body, green hair, and green eyes. He was wearing a purple hoodie with matching pants, and green shoes. In his hands, he was carrying a large white snail, with a sun emblem on its shell, and what looked like a phone receiver attached to the top of its shell. “Hey, Twilight, you got a call from Princess Celestia,” He said while holding out the snail to her, as it made an odd ringing noise. “Thank you, Spike,” Twilight said as she grabbed the receiver. “Hello, Princess Celestia.” “Twilight, have you found him yet?” Asked Celestia’s serious voice from the snail’s mouth. “No, I haven’t,” Twilight replied in disappointment, “I have just sent the girls to find any clues to his whereabouts.” “I see,” Celestia replied. “Also, I’m about to start my research into these Devil Fruits,” Twilight continued. “Well, fortunately, as it happens, I have good news on that front. We have managed to gather some information about Devil Fruits,” Celestia went on. “I asked a girl named Wallflower Blush, who happens to be studying plants, to study the remains of the Fruit that the Cinder Lord has eaten. According to her, the fruit has no seed-bearing structure, and once bitten into, the Fruit almost immediately began to rot away, but that is all we know for the moment.” “Hmm, I see,” Twilight said in deep thought, “If it began to rot as soon as part of it was eaten, then by that logic, the Fruit in question can only be eaten by one person, meaning that only one person can have the power granted by that Fruit. But, wait,” She went on in slight confusion, “If it has no seed-bearing structure, how can it be called a Fruit?” “Yes, that is a good question, Twilight,” Celestia said, “However, it is quite clear that these Devil Fruits are very unnatural. However, how they grow is not our concern at this time. Our main concern is the potential threat they pose from the bizarre, and as we’ve seen, dangerous powers they grant to those who consume them. Needless to say, we must find him. At present, he knows more about these Fruits than anyone else. Now listen carefully, Twilight. If you find him, inform him that my word still has value. If he surrenders, no more harm will come to him.” “I understand, Princess,” Twilight replied in understanding of her fellow Princess’ request. “I promise I will not fail you. Once I have found him, I will inform him of your ultimatum. I’ll report back as soon as possible.” She was about to place the receiver back on top of the snail’s shell when she brought it back to her mouth. “Oh, one more thing. Is there anything you can tell me that would help me with my research into Devil Fruits?” There was a moment's pause before Celestia spoke again. “Yes, I believe there is. Before he escaped from Canterlot Castle, the Cinder Lord said that Devil Fruits were created by a being known as the Sea Devil. Maybe you should start your research there.” “The Sea Devil,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “Thank you, Princess.” She then placed the receiver back on top of the Snail’s shell, and the snail closed its eyes like it was sleeping. She then looked up at Spike. “Spike, we have a lot of work to do. Can you go to Sugar Cube Corner and get some coffee, please? We are going to need it,” She said with an apprehensive frown, dreading the work to come. “Sure, Twilight, I won't be long. Oh, before I go, I found some books about Demonic items,” He said, before making his way out of the room. “Thanks, Spike,” Twilight smiled. “And with the change, get yourself something nice.” She got up from her throne and walked off to the library. It was now dark outside, and Isaac was sitting on the couch in Scootaloo’s living room, thinking about his next move. “Hey, what’s on your mind?” Asked Scootaloo as she sat down next to him. “Just thinking,” He replied. “What about?” She asked again. “What my next move will be,” He said when he suddenly had an idea. “Say, have you got a map of the world?” He asked. “Hmm, I might, let me look around,” Scootaloo said, as she stood up and walked towards a door at the back of the room. This room was her Parent's Study. She reached out to open the door but hesitated. Isaac, who was watching her from the couch, noticed her pause and wondered what was up. Scootalloo stayed still for a moment longer, before opening the door and stepping inside. The room looked like it hadn't been touched for quite some time. After looking through the piles of books and notes about far-off lands and discoveries her parents had made on their expeditions, she found what she was looking for. “Never thought I’d come in here for anything again,” she whispered bitterly as she left the room. She finally came back to Isaac, carrying a rolled-up map. “Found one,” She said and unrolled it on the table. “Okay, so, where are we on the map?” Isaac asked as he scanned the map. “Hmm, I think we’re here,” Scootaloo said, pointing to near the centre of the large landmass, which showed the little town, named Ponyville, which was close to a mountain at the centre of the landmass. On the side of the mountain, was what looked like a white castle, named Canterlot. That must be where he escaped from. “Ok, Scootaloo, I know this country is called Equestria. What about the surrounding kingdoms? What are they called?” Isaac asked again. “Well, several different Kingdoms are surroundingEquestria,” Scootaloo said, “There’s the Dragon Lands, Griffinstone, Yakyakistan...oh, and there’s also the Crystal Empire up near the Frozen North.” “Wait a minute,” Isaac asked with raised eyebrows, “you have Dragons and Griffins here?” “Well, not exactly. The Dragon Lands are ruled by the Draco, and Griffinstone is the home of the Avians,” Scootaloo explained. “Dracos and Avians?” Isaac asked curiously. “What are they like? Are they like you?” “Soft of,” Scootaloo said, before explaining, “You see, it’s like this. Dracos are kind of like us Equestrians, but they are more like you than us. But, they have scales that cover different parts of their bodies, they have wings, but they are more like large bat wings than birds wings, and they have long scaly tails, like reptiles. Some of them even have horns. Avians, on the other hand, are more like you too but are much more birdlike. They have feathers all over their bodies, they have pads on the bottoms of their feet, so they don’t bother wearing shoes, and they protect them when they land. And also, their hands have Lion claws. And get this. They can retract their wings.” She then let out a sigh. “A fact that I can’t help but be envious of,” She thought morosely to herself. “So, anyway, you also mentioned this Crystal Empire place,” Isaac went on. “What can you tell me about it?” “Oh, yeah, right,” Scootaloo said, glad about the change of subject. “The Crystal Empire is an amazing, beautiful place, and, as the name describes, it’s all made entirely out of crystal, and it’s the home of the Crystalites.” “Crystalites?” Isaac asked with a bewildered look. “What are they like?” “Well, basically, they’re just like us Equestrians,” Scootaloo explained. “They’re made up of Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns, just like us, but with one key difference. Their hair, skin and eyes are really shiny like they are all made of crystal too.” “Really? Wow,” Isaac said in slight awe, as he imagined what these Crystalites might look like. “A place called The Crystal Empire, where everything is made of crystal, and the people who live there look like they are made of crystal too. Sounds like something Rebecca Sugar would dream up,” He thought to himself. “Er, quick question,” Scootaloo said, “Why do you need to know all this stuff, anyway?” “Because I have to leave this place soon. There’s this group of people I’m trying to find.” Isaac said as he thought of the letter that came with the Cinder Cinder Fruit from the mysterious Lapis Lobelia. “You only just got here, and you’re already thinking of leaving?” Scootaloo asked. “Look, Scootaloo,” Isaac said, giving her a stern look. “As that friend of yours, Rainbow Dash said, I’m a wanted man. If I stay here too much longer, they are bound to track me down, and that would not just be bad for me, but for you too. If you got caught up in my mess, what would your parents say?” Scootaloo's face twisted into a bitter scowl, and she tutted in disgust. “My parents don’t have anything to say these days,” she said disdainfully. “Wait,” Isaac said as worry seeped into his voice, “don’t tell me your parents are-.” “No, they’re not dead!” Scootaloo snapped. “They’re just too busy galavanting around the world to have any time to do with me!” “Well,” Isaac said slowly, “what about your friends?” “Friends?!” Scootaloo practically spat out the word like it was poison in her mouth. “What friends?! Those two bitches abandoned me a long time ago too!” “Umm, OK,” Isaac said in a wavering voice, now feeling very uncomfortable, and completely at a loss on how to proceed from here without upsetting the very troubled girl in front of him even more. Before she could say anymore, Scootaloo took a deep breath to calm herself, before giving Coren an apologetic look. “Hey, look, sorry about that. Family and friends are kind of a sensitive topic for me.” “No no no,” Isaac said hurriedly, hoping to break the tension, “I completely understand, it’s OK.” “OK, right. Thanks,” Scootaloo said, relieved he wasn't mad at her. “But still, you shouldn’t leave yet, not with that hole in your shoulder.” Isaac looked between her and his shoulder, before sighing in defeat. “OK, you’re right,” he said. “I’ll stay until my wounds have fully healed.” He then looked around the room and saw the clock. “Wow, it’s already that late.” Scootaloo then saw the time too. “Whoa, you’re right. Yeah, better call it a night then,” She said as she got up and headed for the stairs. “Hey, just before you go, Zecora told me to ask you to help put this on my back,” Isaac said before he pulled out a bottle of balm from the pouch Zecora gave him. “Oh OK, let’s get this over with,” Scootaloo said, making her way to the couch. Isaac then took his shirt off, while Scootaloo applied the balm on the back wound. “OK, done,” She said, before letting out a yawn. “Geez, I’m tired. I’m going to bed now.” She stood up and walked towards the stairs again. “I’ll see you in the morning,” She said before she disappeared upstairs. After she had gone, Isaac took his medicine from Zecora and then sat back on the couch as he stared at the map. “Hmm, The Crystal Empire...Griffinstone...The Dragon Lands,” He thought. “I am in another world, aren’t I? Was sending me to another world part of their experiment? At that moment, he groaned as his head started to hurt. “I’m giving myself a headache from all this thinking. It’s about time I got some sleep myself. I’ll come up with a plan in the morning.” He lay down on the couch and quickly fell asleep. Meanwhile, Twilight and Spike were in her library, going through book after book. “Ugh! Nothing! Not one of these books has anything about Devil Fruits! This is unbelievable!” Twilight said in frustration. “Yeah, it's odd. Not a single one of these books has any information about Devil Fruits,” Spike said, agreeing with Twilight, and almost as frustrated as her. Twilight sighed heavily and was just reaching for yet another book when the Transponder Snail began to ring. “Padda, Padda, Padda.” Twilight picked up the receiver. “Click!” “Hello?” She said into the receiver. “Hey Twi, it’s Rainbow,” Rainbow’s voice answered. “I and Fluttershy asked around, and no one has seen the guy.” “Alright, Rainbow, thank you. I think we’ve done all we can for today. Tell the others we’ll resume the search for him tomorrow,” Twilight replied. “I’ll see you two in the morning.” “Gotcha, Twi. See ya tomorrow,” Rainbow said, before hanging up. “Click!” Twilight hung up the receiver, and then she decided to call Celestia. “May as well tell her the bad news,” she said in disappointment, before picking up the receiver again and turning the dial to put in the number for Celestia’s direct line. After a few rings, Celestia answered. “Hello?” “Princess Celestia, it’s Twilight,” She said. “Have you found him?” Celestia asked, getting straight to the point. “No, not yet, I’m afraid. Also, I have gone through my whole library, and found no further information on Devil Fruits,” Twilight reported. “Hmm, I see,” Celestia said, and Twilight can hear the disappointment in her voice. “We must keep looking for him. He’s the only one who knows anything about these Devil Fruits,” she told Twilight. “I understand, Princess. Leave it to us,” Twilight replied, understanding her task. “Thank you, Twilight. Know that I am truly grateful to you and your friends for all your efforts,” Celestia said, before hanging up. “Click!” Twilight hung up once more and turned to look at Spike. “Okay Spike, let’s call it a night,” She said, rubbing her tired eyes. “Sure, Twilight,” He said, stretching his arms and yawning. That said, Twilight and Spike left the library to go to bed, knowing that tomorrow they’ll have more work to do. Within the throne room of Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia was looking at the map of the city, with Red Crosses covering different parts of the map. Just then, Shining Armor came marching into the room and saluted her. “Your Highness, I have a report for you,” He said seriously. “Let’s hear it, Shining Armor,” Celestia replied, her eyes glued to the map. “We searched the back alleys, and all abandoned buildings in the city, and we still haven’t found him,” Reported Shining Armor. “What about the sewers?” Asked Celestia, still not taking her eyes off the map. “We haven’t looked there yet, Princess,” He replied. “Search there next,” Celestia ordered, “We can't leave no stone unturned. If he’s desperate, he might take his chances hiding there,” She explained. “Understood, Your Highness,” Shining Armor said, before leaving the room to carry out his orders. As Shining Armor left, Luna entered the room, a deep frown on her face. “Sister, my Vanguard has searched the surrounding areas. He has not been found yet, I am afraid,” She reported. “I see. Thank you, Luna,” Celestia said with a long, weary sigh. “Sister, shall I send my Vanguard to the neighbouring towns?” Luna asked. “No, leave them here. I want them within arms reach. Just in case that man isn’t the only Devil Fruit user within our kingdom,” Celestia said as she rubbed her eyes from her exhaustion. “Understood, Sister,” Luna said, before looking at her sister curiously. “Tell me, Sister, why are you so desperate to find this man?” She asked. “I need to know more about these Devil Fruits, and that man is our only lead,” Celestia replied. Luna then chuckled at her sister. “What's so funny, Luna?” Celestia asked in annoyance. “Whom are you trying to convince, me or yourself?” Luna asked with an amused smirk. “Excuse me?” Celestia said with a raised eyebrow. “Tia, I’m your sister, and I can read you like a book,” Luna said with a grin. “You don’t want to find him because of the Devil Fruits, you want to find him over the fact that BlueBlood broke your word.” These words, Isaac’s words then echoed in Celestia's mind. “You gave me your word!” She remembered his final angry shout before he made his escape. She took a deep breath, and let it out in a long, heavy sigh. “You’re right, Luna,” she said. She looked up at her sister. “My word is my bond, and when BlueBlood pierced his shoulder with that arrow, he broke my word. If BlueBlood had not shot that arrow at him, he would not have felt threatened enough to eat that Fruit, he would simply have handed it over to me, and all of this could have been avoided.” She then sat down on her throne and placed her chin in her hands. “You know something else, Luna?” she said. “I have gone over the events of last night over and over again in my mind, and do you know what the first words I remember hearing the Cinder Lord say were?” “No, sister, I do not believe you have told me,” Luna said curiously. “What did he say?” Celestia leaned forward and gave her sister a serious look. “I heard him shout out the words, ‘What? No signal?’, and when he first saw me, his reaction was one of great confusion and panic as if he had never laid eyes on an Alicorn before,a, when we first encountered each other, he asked if I was an Angel,” she explained. “Have you heard of such a creature as this Angel, Luna?” “Hmm, Angel,” Luna said thoughtfully, “I have never heard of such a creature, Sister. Perhaps they are the monarchs of his homeland like we Alicorns are the Monarchs of our Kingdom.” “Hmm, maybe so, Luna,” Celestia said, “for now, all we know is that something doesn’t add up with this Cinder Lord. He is just as much a mystery as the Devil Fruits.” “Do you believe that there could be a Kingdom filled with others of his kind, and the Monarchy of his land is made up of these Angels?” Luna asked with intrigue. “Yes, for the moment, that is what I presume,” Celestia said, before placing her hands over her face, and sighing heavily in exhaustion. Luna then walked up to her sister and took hold of her hands, pulling them away from her face, as Celestia looked at her with a mix of exhaustion, worry, and sorrow in her eyes. “We need to find him, Luna. We need to learn about these Devil Fruits, and I need to apologise to him,” Celestia told her younger sibling. “I truly understand your feelings, Tia, and we will find him sooner or later,” Luna said reassuringly, now fully understanding her sister's feelings about the Cinder Lord. She then smiled and said jokingly, “And when we do find him, you could always make him an Alicorn, or maybe try and see about making one of these Angels as an apology gift,” Despite how she felt, Celestia couldn’t help smiling and giggling. “Since when were you the funny sister, Luna?” She asked in amusement. “Only when I need to be,” Luna said with a warm smile. She then stood up and turned to leave. “I will relieve you for the night shift as always, Sister,” she said as she left the Throne Room. Once Luna was gone, Celestia sighed once more as she looked at the map again. “Where can he be hiding?” She thought to herself. To Be Continued...
Chapter 2: The Lord Of Cinder and The Lady of FireSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 3: Weakness.Author's Note Hey guy’s, this the first Chapter I’m uploading with Solar Force. Flora Blossom is the Editor who’s been helping me, I do hope I can maintain Quality of future Chapter’s, by my own, and the Grammar isn’t too bad. Also I most confess, I’m dyslexic, if you see any mistakes please tell me. Thank you for your patience and support. Chapter 3: Weakness. Isaac stared at the fire girl named Sunset Shimmer, he was still ready for a fight. “Listen, I just want to talk to you.” Sunset pulled out a newspaper from her jacket. “Cinder Lord.” She showed Isaac his wanted poster from the newspaper. “So, you heard about the humans in the Crystal Empire?” Isaac asked. “Yeah, I did, and I wanted to ask you how you got this bounty,” Sunset said. “So, what did you do to get this bounty?” She asked. “That’s a long story…” Scootaloo comes out of the hut and sees Sunset. “Isaac is everything okay?” She asked. “Yeah, I think so,” Isaac replied. “Look, we should get moving, that stallion is running to town. It’s only a matter of time until he tells the whole town you’re here.” Sunset told Isaac. “She’s right, that fool will return, and he won’t be coming alone,” Zecora said, also exiting the Hut. “We leave immediately.” Isaac and Scootaloo were surprised when Zecora said us instead of you. “You're coming with us, Zecora?” Scootaloo asked. “Yes, that fool will inform the royal guard that I’ve helped Isaac,” Zecora replied. “As of now, I have become an accomplice of the Cinder Lord. Also, you might need my medical expertise.” She explains. “You right, Zecora will be in danger if she stays here,” Isaac said, agreeing with Zecora, Isaac looked at Sunset. “Could you keep a watch for pitchforks and torches?” He asked Sunset. “Cliche but I’ll keep an eye out for you,” Sunset replied, looking for a place to keep watch. Scootaloo helps Zecora to pack for her journey with Isaac, to the Crystal Empire. BlueBlood ran through the forest towards the town. “I can’t believe this! There are two of those freaks! Those Morons I hired ran out on me! I’ll get help from the royal guard, and I’ll get my revenge on that bastard and his friends.” BlueBlood exited the forest and ran towards the town at full speed to get help to capture Isaac and Sunset. Twilight and her friends were at the train station waiting for the search party. Rainbow Dash was pacing up and down the station. “How much longer are they going to be?” She asked, wanting to start searching for Isaac. Fluttershy stood from her seat to stop Rainbow Dash from passing. “I know you can’t wait to look for the Cinder Lord, but you have to wait just a little longer.” She said, to Rainbow Dash. “She’s right, Sugarcube,” Applejack said standing from her seat. “The Everfree Forest is too big for the six of us to search alone, once the search party gets here, we’ll comb the forest, and that Cinder Lord.” “Yeah, you two are right, I just wish the train would get here already.” Rainbow Dash said. Rarity looked down the line and saw the train coming. “Looks like you have your wish darling.” Rarity said, informing her friends of the train's arrival. The train pulled up to the Station and the doors opened to let out the passengers. The group were just civilians, then several Guardsmen from the Castle. A tall Unicorn Mare with a half-broken horn and the other half is metal Her coat was a dark orchid colour, her Maine was styled in a pinky mohawk, her eyes were moderate opal with a scar over her right eye, and her armour was black. Twilight and the others were surprised to see the Tempest Shadow of all ponies. “Tempest Shadow? You're leading the search party?” Twilight asked. “Yes, Princess Celestia asked me to help you find the Cinder Lord.” Tempest reached into her bag and pulled out a file. “I’ve read the report of the Cinder, is it true that he can transform into cinders and ashes?” “Yes, it’s true. I shot that varment in his leg, and the bullet just went through him, and that didn’t slow him down.” Applejack explains to Tempest. “He also exploded into ashes, flew past me and escaped through a closing door.” Rainbow Dash added. “When we first saw him Fluttershy thought he was a ghost.” Pinkie Pie said, adding a bit of information about Isaac. “Why would you tell her that?” Fluttershy asked Pinkie Pie, with a sad face. “Just felt like it.” Pinkie Pie replied, with a smile. “I see,” Tempest said, rubbing her chin. “Okay, where have you all searched?” “Everywhere, instead of the Everfree Forest,” Twilight replied. “Alright, can you take us there?” Tempest asked Twilight and her friends. “Of course, follow us,” Twilight said to Tempest about to show her to the Everfree Forest. “Alright follow their lead!” Tempest told her Search Party. Twilight and the others lead Tempest and her search party to the Everfree Forest to find Isaac, who was waiting at Zecora’s hut with Sunset. Isaac was waiting for Zecora and Scootaloo, as he waited Isaac had some thoughts come to his mind. “That girl, she said she was Sunset Shimmer, and she has the Flame-Flame Fruit. It must have been the Lobelia Organization that sent her here. Her name’s a little odd, Sunset Shimmer, what kind of name is that? Sunset said she wanted to talk to me about something. I’ll have to talk to her as soon as possible.” Isaac thought to himself. Zecora exited her hut with her Haven bag with everything she needed for the journey. Scootaloo was behind Zecora, she ran to Isaac holding his Haven bag. Isaac noticed Scootaloo running towards him. “Here Isaac,” Scootaloo said, offering his Haven bag. “Thanks, Scootaloo,” Isaac said, taking the bag from Scootaloo and putting it over his shoulder. “Is the Float-Float Fruit still inside?” “Yeah, it’s still inside,” Scootaloo replied. Zecora walks to Scootaloo’s side, and Isaac sees Zecora with her own Haven bag. “Oh, Zecora, you're using your own Haven bag?” He asked. “Yes, simply because it wouldn’t be fair for you to carry my belongings,” Zecora replied. “I wouldn’t mind Zecora,” Isaac said, to Zecora. “I know you wouldn’t, but I feel more comfortable if I carry my luggage,” Zecora said, throwing her bag over her shoulder. Scootaloo looked for Sunset but she was nowhere to be found. “Where’s that girl?” Scootaloo asked. “I’m not sure, I’ve asked her to keep watch just in case,” Isaac replied. “So, what do you plan to do with her?” Zecora asked. “I don’t know, she said we needed to talk, so I figured I should hear her out,” Isaac replied to Zecora’s question. “Do you trust her?” Scootaloo asked. “I mean you read the newspaper, about what happened to the Crystal Empire.” “The individual used the power of the Wind, and Sunset used the power of fire. I think we should give her a chance, and I have the power of cinders. So, if she tries anything I can go toe to toe against her.” Isaac said, to Scootaloo with a smile. Scootaloo looked at the ground for a second. “If you're sure Isaac, we’ll do it your way.” She said, agreeing with Isaac’s plan. “So how do we inform our friend about our departure?” Zecora asked Isaac. “I’ll just call her.” Isaac puts his hands by his mouth. “HEY, SUNSET!” Zecora and Scootaloo jumped when Isaac called out. “WE’RE LEAVING NOW!” Sunset jumped from the tree she was hiding in. “Okay, I’m pretty sure everyone from the Crystal Empire heard you,” Sunset said, walking to Isaac and the others. “So, we’re leaving?” She asked. “Yes, we're going now,” Isaac replied. “So, whatever you want to talk to me about, we can talk about it on the way,” Isaac said. “Alright, we’ll talk later,” Sunset said, to Isaac. “So how do we exit the forest?” She asked. “I know the fastest way out of the forest, follow me,” Zecora told the group. Isaac, Scootaloo, and Sunset followed Zecora through the Everfree Forest. Twilight with her friends and the search party led by Tempest Shadow, have arrived at the entrance of the Everfree Forest. Tempest gets a chill running up her spine. Twilight notices the way Tempest looks at the forest. “Are you okay?” Twilight asked Tempest. “The last time I came here my horn was broken,” Tempest replied, rubbing her repaired horn. “Are you going to be alright to help us with the search?” Twilight asked again. “Yes, I will be, so where should we start searching first?” Tempest asked. “How about the castle of the Two Sisters?” Rarity suggested Twilight and Tempest. “Thinking about it, it’s the only place within the Everfree that would be safe enough to hide,” Applejack said, thinking like a Pony on the run. “Maybe, what about Zecora’s hut?” Fluttershy asked. “Zecora?” Tempest asked. “She’s a Zebra who lives inside the Everfree Forest.” Rainbow Dash told Tempest. “Some pony lives in the Everfree Forest?” Tempest asked in surprise. “Oh yeah Zecora is a voodoo witch Doctor, and when we first met her, we all thought she was a witch who eats ponies and…” Pinkie Pie was cut off by Applejack when she covered Pinkies mouth. “Yeah, best I’d stop you now, or we’ll be here all day,” Applejack said, covering Pinkie’s mouth who was still talking with Applejack’s hand over it. “Right?” Tempest said, with a raised eyebrow. “Okay listen up, we're starting our search with the old castle inside the Everfree Forest!” Tempest told the search. “Our task is to find the Cinder Lord and capture him alive and unharmed if possible.” As Tempest continues to instruct the search party BlueBlood saw them by the Everfree, he knew who they were looking for. “Perfect!” He walks towards the search party. “Alright let’s…” Tempest saw BlueBlood approaching the group. “Who’s that?” She asked. Every pony looked at where Tempest was looking, and Rarity instantly knew who was approaching them. “Oh no it’s BlueBlood.” She said, with a face of disgust. “What's he doing here ?” Asked, Rainbow Dash. “Also, why is he so dirty?” Fluttershy asked. BlueBlood pushed his way towards Tempest. “You're here for that freak?” He asked Tempest. “And what’s it to you?” Tempest questioned BlueBlood. “I know where he's hiding, and he’s not alone.” After his statement members of the search party began to mutter to each. “What do you mean by he’s not alone?” Tempest asked BlueBlood. “There’s two of them, and they're being helped by a savage and an orange-coat tomboy!” BlueBlood stated once more. “Savage? Do you mean Zecora?” Twilight asked BlueBlood. “Don't know what savage's name is but she is a zebra,” BlueBlood answered Twilight. “Orange coat?” Rainbow Dash thought to herself. She placed her hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “Twilight, I need to check something.” Rainbow Dash told Twilight. Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash. “What? What’s more important than finding the Cinder Lord?” Twilight asked Rainbow Dash. “I think BlueBlood just told us Scootaloo is involved. I need to make sure she isn’t.” Rainbow Dash explains to Twilight. “Be quick okay,” Twilight told Rainbow Dash. “Thanks, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash ran towards Scootaloo’s house at full speed. Twilight tapped at Tempest's arm; Tempest looked at Twilight. “If the Cinder Lord is at Zecora’s she might be in danger, we have to go to help her.” “Alright, we’ll head to Zecora’s Hut first,” Tempest said to Twilight. “Change of plans! I will go to Zecora’s hut with Princess Twilight and her friends! The rest of you head to the old castle and look for the Cinder Lord! If you find him, shoot a flare, and I’ll do the same if I find him.” Tempest told her search party. “NOW MOVE OUT!” “YES MA'AM!” The entire search party said in unison. Tempest looked at Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie Pie take BlueBlood somewhere, and keep him out of our way,” Tempest instructed Pinkie Pie. “Okey-dokey.” Pinkie Pie said with a cheery grin. Tempest with Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack headed to Zecora’s hut. The search party headed towards the old Castle. Leaving Pinkie Pie with BlueBlood. Pinkie Pie looked at BlueBlood with a happy smile. “Okay, BlueBlue let’s go to…” From out of nowhere BlueBlood punches Pinkie Pie in her face, knocking her out. “Never call me that again! Filth!” BlueBlood hissed at the unconscious Pinkie Pie. BlueBlood ran after Tempest and the others leaving Pinkie Pie lying unconscious on the ground. Rainbow Dash ran towards Scootaloo’s house, once she reached the front door Rainbow Dash knocked on it. “HEY SCOOTALOO! OPEN THE DOOR! I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!” Rainbow Dash called, she waited for a moment. She knocks again harder this time. “SCOOTALOO! SCOOTALOO!” Rainbow Dash quickly searched for the emergency key Scootaloo had hidden. The second she found it, Rainbow Dash unlocked the door and opened it, entering Scootaloo‘s home. “SCOOTALOO!” Rainbow Dash called out; she looked downstairs first. Then she searched upstairs for any sign of Scootaloo. “Where is she?” Rainbow Dash looked in her room and saw the dresser drawers opened, and the closet was also opened. “She took all of her clothes.” Rainbow Dash Resumes looking for Scootaloo. She ran back downstairs and looked around more, she came across a bin with a picture inside. Rainbow Dash reached in and pulled out the picture and looked at it. “I remember this day.” A tear formed in her eye. “Where did you go?” Rainbow Dash asked herself. She placed the picture on the table and left Scootaloo’s home. Rainbow Dash locked the door behind her. “I’ll find you Scootaloo.” Rainbow Dash declared, as she spread her wings and took flight towards the Everfree Forest. Tempest leads Twilight and her friends reach their destination. “Is this Zecora’s hut?” Tempest asked Twilight and her friends. “Yes, this is Zecora’s hut,” Twilight answered, Tempest's question. “Let’s see if she’s still here.” Tempest approached the door and knocked the door open from Tempest’s knocking. Tempest looked inside and saw the hut was empty. “There’s no pony inside.” She said to Twilight and the others. “Did…did he kidnap her?” Fluttershy asked, thinking of the worst. “From what I can tell there wasn't a struggle of any kind,” Tempest replied, she looked at the ground. “And there are multiple footprints on the ground leading in different directions. I can’t tell which way the Cinder Lord went.” “So, what do we do now?” Applejack asked. “Several footprints are leading towards the north.” Tempest looks at the other footprints. “And there’s more heading in several other directions.” Tempest looked at Fluttershy. “Fluttershy you can speak to animals, right?” “Yes, I can,” Fluttershy replied to Tempest. “Can you ask them if they saw the Cinder Lord?” Tempest requested Fluttershy to ask the animals. “Yes, I’ll go ask the animals if they saw anything,” Fluttershy said, looking for any local wildlife. “Boda Boda Boda,” Tempest reached into her armour and pulled out a baby Transponder Snail, she answered the call. *Click.* “This is Tempest Shadow.” She said, to the baby Transponder Snail. “This is Lighting Bolt Ma’am, me and the search party have found evidence within the old castle.” The Stellian tells Tempest through the Snail. “What kind of evidence?” Tempest asked. “There’s appears there was someone here, there were footprints in the dust on the ground. Also, we believe he has a Haven Bag.” Lightning Bolt replied. “A Haven Bag?” Tempest asked again. “We found a spot inside one of the bedrooms, and the footprints both end and begin with that spot.” Lightning Bolt, explains to Tempest. “I see, continue your search and report back to me if you find anything else,” Tempest told Lighting Bolt. “Yes Ma’am!” The baby Transponder Snail said as it closed its eyes and clicked. Tempest placed The baby Transponder Snail back in her Armor. “Okay.” She looked at Twilight. “I’m going to follow these footprints that are heading north, and you three wait for Fluttershy.” She told Twilight, Applejack and Rarity. “Are you sure Tempest darling?” Rarity asked, Tempest. “Yes, don’t worry I can handle this guy,” Tempest said to Rarity. “When I was chasing him, I shot him in his leg, and the bullet went straight through,” Applejack stated. “She's right, and the Cinder Lord probably has more abilities we haven’t seen yet,” Twilight said, to Tempest. “Okay, have you three forgotten I took down Celestia, Luna, and Cadence? Whatever the Cinder Lord throws at me.” Tempest said to the girls. Twilight, Rarity and Applejack looked at each other. “She does have a point, Sugarcubes,” Applejack said to her friends. “She did use those black stone things to imprison the Princesses.” Rarity stated. “Do you have any of those rocks left?” Twilight asked. “I only have a couple of Obsidian Orbs leftover. I don’t plan to use them on the Cinder Lord, mostly because I don’t know what it might do to a creature like him. Celestia told me to inform the Cinder Lord that her word still holds value, so I planned to bring him back to the castle without the need for violence or the Obsidian Orbs.” Tempest explains to Twilight and her friends. Twilight and her friends looked at each other once more. Tempest saw the concern in their eyes. “Listen if I find him, I’ll use my Transponder Snail to contact you,” Tempest said to the girls. “Even if you did contact us, I don’t feel right sending you on your own,” Twilight said. “Alright, Twilight.” Tempest looked at Applejack. “Applejack you’re coming with me.” “Got ya,” Applejack said, quickly checking her revolvers. “Alright we’ll go track down the Cinder Lord, and you two wait for Fluttershy,” Tempest told Twilight and Rarity. “Let’s go Applejack.” “Right behind you,” Applejack said, nodding her head at Tempest. Tempest and Applejack left Twilight and Rarity waiting for Fluttershy to return. Isaac, Sunset and Scootaloo followed Zecora through the Everfree Forest. “Hey, Zecora!” Isaac called to the Zebra. “Yes?” Zecora called back. “Once we’re out of this Forest, will we be at the Crystal Empire?” Isaac asked. “I’m afraid it’s not that simple, to get to the Crystal Empire. We must take a train or an airship.” Zecora replied. “But how are we going to get Isaac and Sunset on a train or ship? The security guards will check our bags.” Scootaloo asked. “Hmm, I never put any thought into this,” Zecora said, only just remembering that little issue. “That is a problem,” Sunset added. Isaac does have a solution for him and his group to get to the Crystal Empire but it involves Scootaloo eating the Float-Float Fruit. When he bit into the Cinder-Cinder Fruit he did it out of necessity, but the decision was hers and only hers. But Isaac can’t think of another solution for them to reach the Crystal Empire. “Hey, Isaac,” Scootaloo called to Isaac, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Yeah?” Isaac replied. “Didn’t that book say the Float-Float allows the user to make themselves and objects fly?” Scootaloo asked. “Yes, it does give such power,” Isaac replied, to Scootaloo. “Well, if I eat the Float-Float Fruit, I can get us to the Crystal Empire,” Scootaloo stated. “But if you eat it, you’ll end up with a bounty like me,” Isaac said to Scootaloo. “He’s right. Once you’ve eaten the fruit you’ll never swim again, and you’ll probably get a bounty on your head. Also, I and Isaac ate our fruits out of necessity.” Sunset told Scootaloo. “I already know that!” Scootaloo yelled at Sunset. “Isaac told me everything about the Devil Fruit.” “I did tell but…” Isaac stopped when a loud boom was heard. “What was that!?” Isaac asked, looking at the sky. “It sounded like a sonic boom,” Sunset said looking at the sky. Scootaloo looked at the sky knowing what made that sound. “A Rain-boom? No, does that mean?” A Rainbow could be seen overhead taking sharp turns in the sky. “Shit Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo grabbed Isaac’s hand. “We need to find more cover!” She said, pulling Isaac to follow her. Sunset and Zecora follow behind Isaac and Scootaloo. Sunset looked at the zig-zagging Rainbow for a moment. “That must be Rainbow Dash.” She thought to herself and continued to follow Scootaloo. Tempest and Applejack were following the trail that Isaac and his made. When Rainbow Dash flew over with a Rain-boom. “What in tarnation is she doing!?” Applejack questioned looking at the sky. “Whatever she’s doing, isn’t helping us in any way!” Tempest looked at Applejack. “Can you contact her?” “I’m afraid not she’s going too fast for a signal to reach her,” Applejack explains to Tempest. “Well, we need to contact her, she’s attracting too much attention to herself. If the Cinder Lord sees….” Tempest when Isaac and his group suddenly came out of the bushes. “Ohhh that's convenient,” Tempest said, looking at Isaac and his group. Isaac quickly pulled Scootaloo back and stood in front of her. Applejack saw Scootaloo and was confused. “Scootaloo? What in the name of Celestia are you doing with the Cinder Lord?” Applejack questioned the Tomboy. “You know that mare?” Tempest asked, Applejack. “She’s a friend of my sister,” Applejack replied. Isaac remembered Applejack from the Castle he escaped when he arrived in this world. “Is she one of those friends you told me about?” Isaac asked Scootaloo. “No, she's the sister of one of my former friends,” Scootaloo replied. “Former?” Applejack asked in confusion. “Applebloom didn’t tell me you stopped being friends.” “That isn’t relevant now,” Sunset said, stepping into view. She looked at Applejack who in return looked at her. “So, what do we do now?” Sunset asked Isaac. “Now sure,” Isaac replied, keeping his eyes on the unfamiliar Tempest. Zecora grabbed Scootaloo’s shoulder and pulled the Tomboy next to her. “Stay next to me,” Zecora told Scootaloo. “Why Zecora?” Scootaloo asked. “You’ll only get in the way if Isaac and Sunset decide to challenge Applejack and Tempest Shadow,” Zecora explains to Scootaloo waiting to see what happens next. “Wait!” Tempest spoke up to break the attention. All eyes were on her. “Cinder Lord.” Isaac looked at Tempest. “I was sent here to bring you back to Celestia.” “And why are you telling me this?” Isaac asked Tempest. “Because the Princess asked me to give you a message,” Tempest replied. “And what’s that massage?” Sunset asked on Isaac’s behalf. Tempest takes a deep breath through her nose. “Princess Celestia said…” An arrow flew past Tempest and struck Isaac in his head. “WHAT THE HELL!” Isaac screams in anger. BlueBlood ran out of the brushes with another arrow loaded. “We’re going to put your head above our fireplace!” BlueBlood yells like a madman. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME!” Isaac yells burning the arrow to Cinders. Tempest and Applejack were shocked by BlueBlood's stupidity. “We’re out of here!” Sunset said, igniting her arm. “No wait!” Tempest tried to regain control of the situation. “FIREWALL!” Sunset called crafting a wall of flames between her group, and Tempest’s group. “Come on!” Sunset said, to Isaac and the others. The group ran from the firewall to get away from Tempest’s group. “What do we do now?” Applejack asked Tempest. “We can’t do anything thanks to that wall of fire, and that fool,” Tempest answered Applejack. BlueBlood tried to get past the firewall but failed immediately. “Damn it! He’s getting away!” He yells. Rainbow Dash flying in the air sees the firewall. “Who started a forest fire?” She asked herself as she grabbed some clouds to make it rain. Once she gathered enough clouds Rainbow Dash pounded away at the clouds and it begins to rain on the fire. Applejack and Tempest see the rain falling from the sky. “Thank Celestia Rainbow Dash was flying overhead,” Applejack said, holding her hat on her head. “Yeah, good thing she was close by.” Tempest agreed with Applejack. Once the fire was put out Rainbow Dash flew down to see what caused the fire. She lands in front of Applejack and Tempest. “What happened?” She asked the two mares. Before Tempest could answer BlueBlood grabbed Rainbow Dash by her arm. “GET YOUR USELESS FLANK BACK IN THE AIR AND FIND THE…” “FOUND YOU!” Pinkie Pie came out of nowhere and began to give BlueBlood the beat down of a lifetime. “YOU SUCKER PUNCHED ME, AND YOU GIVE ME A BLACK EYE YOU JERK!” Pinkie Pie rants as she continues to beat BlueBlood in anger. “Pinkie, I think he had enough.” Rainbow Dash said pulling the enraged pony away from BlueBlood, Pinkie Pie kicked BlueBlood as she was being pulled away. “JERK!” Pixie Pie yelled once more. Applejack saw Pinkie’s black eye and pulled out some rope. “You’ve caused us enough grief today, pretty boy.” She said tying up BlueBlood. “AJ! What Caused the Fire?” Rainbow Dash asked. “The Cinder Lord’s new friend,” Applejack replied. “She’s some kind of fire starter.” “So, we have a cinder guy and now a firwoman! What’s next?” Rainbow Dash rambled to herself. “Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Zecora are with Cinder Lord,” Applejack informed Rainbow Dash about Who she saw with the Cinder Lord. “What!? Scootaloo’s with the Cinder Lord!?” Rainbow Dash asked Applejack in shock. “Which way did they go?” Rainbow Dash asked Applejack once more. “Not sure yet but….” Rainbow Dash spread her wings and took flight. “Dang, it’s Rainbow!” Applejack yelled at her friend. Tempest walks to Applejack. “Take BlueBlood and Pinkie Pie to Twilight and the others. I’ll pursue the Cinder Lord.” Tempest said to Applejack. “Alright, Tempest,” Applejack said, picking up the unconscious now Black & BlueBlood. “Y’all sure you want to go alone?” “Yes, it’s for the best that I go after the Cinder Lord alone,” Tempest replied, and then she soon ran to pursue Isaac’s group. Isaac and his group ran back the way they came. As they ran Scootaloo looked at Isaac. “Are you okay?” She asked in concern. “Yeah, I’m fine, my body turned into Cinders as the arrow got too close,” Isaac replied to Scootaloo. Then Rainbow Dash punched the rain clouds above them, making it rain, and everyone got wet. “Ahhh, dang it I hate getting wet!” Isaac stated after getting rained on. “Hey, look on the bright side. There’s no way Rainbow Dash will find us now.” Sunset said with a smile. Scootaloo realized something about what Sunset just said. “Wait, how do you know Rainbow Dash’s name?” She asked Sunset. Sunset messed up a little. “I heard her name before.” Sunset quickly answered Scootaloo’s question. Rainbow Dash flew above the forest looking not for Isaac but for Scootaloo. “Scootaloo where are you?” Rainbow Dash said, looking for her surrogate sister. At that moment she saw a sign of Scootaloo with Isaac and the others. “THERE!” Rainbow Dash dived down towards Isaac at full speed. Scootaloo can hear something in the air, she looked up and saw Rainbow Dash coming. “Oh no, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash lands behind Isaac's group folding in her wings, she stood up and looked at Isaac wit glare. She saw Scootaloo next to him. “Scootaloo, why are you with the Cinder Lord?” Rainbow Dash asked Scootaloo. Scootaloo stayed silent, Rainbow Dash turned her attention to Isaac. “Something you want to say?” Isaac asked Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash glared at Isaac and she saw Zecora and another human. “Zecora you're here too?” She asked the zebra. “Yes, I am, but not for the reason you are thinking,” Zecora answered Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash turned her attention back to Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, step away from the Cinder Lord right now.” She ordered Scootaloo. “No Rainbow Dash, I’m saying with Isaac, and I’m never coming back,” Scootaloo told Rainbow Dash. Rainbow looked at Isaac once more. “What did you say or do to convince Scootaloo to go with you?” Rainbow Dash questioned Isaac. “Scootaloo asked if she could come with me, and I said it was her choice. Scootaloo made her own decision to come with me as well as Zecora.” Isaac told Rainbow Dash. “Why don’t I believe you?” Rainbow Dash asked Isaac again. “I don’t know, and I don’t care what you believe,” Isaac answered Rainbow Dash. “Isaac, don’t provoke her,” Sunset told Isaac. “We need to get to the Crystal Empires,” Sunset whispered to him. “I know,” Isaac whispered back. Rainbow Dash sees them whispering but she doesn’t know what they are whispering about. She looked at Scootaloo and made eye contact, but Scootaloo looked away from Rainbow Dash. “You know what screw what Celestia said! He’s a dead man!” Rainbow Dash charged at Isaac at full force, she grabbed him and flew through the woods pushing Isaac into everything in their path. After a few moments, Rainbow Dash threw Isaac from her. After Isaac hits the ground Rainbow Dash sees him in pain. “Ahh what the hell?” Isaac said in pain. “I’m a Logia type. Why didn’t my body turn into Cinder’s?” Isaac asked himself, struggling to get back on his feet. Rainbow Dash was a little confused at this herself. She noticed Isaac was wet, probably from the rain she made before. “You're wet.” Rainbow Dash pointed out. “You can’t transform when you're wet.” She started to Isaac. “Alright, I get it now. I share the same weakness as Crocodile.” Isaac begins to heat his body, and steam floats off his body. “All I need to do is dry off, and I’m back to normal.” Isaac declared to Rainbow Dash drying himself off. “And all I need to do is make it rain again.” Rainbow Dash said to Isaac, smiling. She spreads her wings and flies up towards the clouds, once she gets close enough, she begs to make it rain again. “Ahhh shit,” Isaac said, seeing the falling rain. Rainbow Dash lands in front of Isaac. “Now let’s see if you can escape now.” Rainbow Dash said with another smile. “Hmmm.” Isaac scolded Rainbow Dash. “So how long will it rain?” He asked. “Long enough.” Rainbow Dash replied, getting ready for a fight. Isaac takes off his Haven Bag and places it on the ground. “I can see where this is heading.” He said getting ready to fight Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash ran towards Isaac pulling her arm back to throw a punch. Scootaloo, Zecora, and Sunset ran to find Isaac and Rainbow Dash. As they ran Tempest managed to catch up with Isaac’s group. Sunset saw Tempest and stopped. “You again.” Zecora and Scootaloo also stopped. “Yes, me again,” Tempest said, looking at Sunset. “Find Isaac, I’ll keep this cherry rockstar occupied,” Sunset said to Zecora and Scootaloo. Flames consume her left arm. “Come Scootaloo,” Zecora said, grabbing Scootaloo’s hand. Pulling her away from the soon-invoicing battle between Sunset and Tempest. Isaac block’s a right hook from Rainbow Dash, then he throws a left uppercut. Rainbow Dash leans back to avoid Isaac’s uppercut. “Looks like to me you have no combat experience.” Rainbow Dash decided with a victorious smirk. “Without your devil fruit powers, you're powerless.” She said getting ready for another attack. “Yeah, you're right,” Isaac said, telling the truth to Rainbow Dash. “Before I came here, I didn’t like to get into fights.” Isaac gets ready to resume fighting with Rainbow Dash. “But don’t think I’m a pushover, I’m a good brawler.” Isaac declared with his smirk. “Oh really? Let’s see how good you are.” Rainbow Dash said, running towards Isaac to resume the fight. Scootaloo and Zecora finally found Isaac’s haven bag. Scootaloo picked up the Haven Bag. “Where’s Isaac?” She asked Zecora. “He must be close by,” Zecora said to Scootaloo looking for Isaac and Rainbow Dash. Zecora and Scootaloo continued to look for Isaac and Rainbow Dash through the downpour. “What’s with all this rain?” Scootaloo asked. “I’m not sure why would Rainbow Dash summon this much rain?” Said trying to keep the rain from her eyes. “COME CINDER LORD! IS THAT ALL YOU’VE GOT?” Rainbow Dash’s voice can be heard close by. “That was Rainbow Dash’s voice!” Scootaloo said, looking at where the voice came from. “Quote for a moment,” Zecora told Scootaloo. They waited to hear Rainbow Dash and Isaac. “FLYING IS CHEATING!” Isaac called Rainbow Dash. “That way!” Zecora said, pointing to where the voice came from. The two of them ran towards where Isaac and Rainbow Dash were fighting. Scootaloo and Zecora find Isaac fighting Rainbow Dash inside the downpour. But for some reason, he wasn’t using his Devil Fruit powers. “Why isn’t Isaac using his Cinder Powers?” Scootaloo asked. “I’m afraid I do know,” Zecora replied, in confusion. “This is most confusing.” Scootaloo looked at Isaac struggling to fight Rainbow Dash in the Downpour. “Wait, why is Rainbow Dash fighting Isaac in the rain?” “It must give her an advantage over him,” Zecora said while watching the fight between Isaac and Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo looked closer at the fight. “The rain is stopping Isaac from transforming,” Scootaloo said, realizing why Rainbow Dash is fighting Isaac in the Rain. “If that’s the case Isaac won’t last much longer against Rainbow Dash,” Zecora said, continuing to watch Isaac fight against Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo opened the heaven bag and jumped inside. Zecora saw Scootaloo going inside the heaven bag. “Where are you going?” She asked the young tomboy. Moments later Scootaloo climbed out of the Haven Bag with the Float-Float Fruit. “Scootaloo, are you going to eat that fruit?” Zecora asked. “I’m the only one who can make the rain stop!” Scootaloo told Zecora. “Isaac said this can let me fly without wings.” Scootaloo looked at the Devil Fruit in her hands. “But we don’t know if you can obtain any powers from the Fruit,” Zecora said to Scootaloo. “Only one way to find out,” Scootaloo said, without hesitation, she takes a bite of the Float-Float Fruit. Scootaloo almost vomited from the vile taste of the fruit. “Oh God, this thing is beyond revolting!” She thought to herself, forcing the Fruit down her throat. Zecora watched Scootaloo eat the Float-Float Fruit. “How are you feeling?” She asked in concern, not knowing what might happen to Scootaloo. “Except for the vile taste in my mouth, I feel fine,” Scootaloo replied, checking her body. “Okay let’s see if I can fly.” Scootaloo looked at the sky and remembered when she was young. The day when she first tried to fly. (Flashback) Scootaloo with several other fillies and colts at a flight at flight school for beginners. A mare dressed in a Wonderbolts uniform stood in front of the young flyers. “Alright kids, who’s ready to start flying?” The mare said with an energetic tone. “Meeeeee!” Scootaloo and the other foals called out in excitement. “Good to hear! First, you spread your wings as far as you can, then look to the clouds above. Then flap your wings as hard as you can, next thing you’ll know you're flying….” (Present) Scootaloo remembers that day and the Wonderbolts’ instructions on how to fly. “Look to the clouds above, and flap your wings as hard as you can.” Scootaloo imagined having her missing wings flapping behind her, harder and faster giving her the strength to take flight. “I don’t know if I can fly or not. But I hope….” “Scootaloo you're hovering off the ground,” Zecora said to Scootaloo pointing at her feet. Scootaloo looked at the ground and saw her feet in the air. “I…I’m off the ground.” Scootaloo said with a shaky voice, she took a deep breath and looked at the sky. “Okay, here I go.” Scootaloo flew towards the clouds above. As she flew, Scootaloo pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. The lifelong dream was finally hers, Scootaloo’s body shakes from emotions hitting her at once. Tears begin to form in her eyes. “No!” She told her eyes. “I have to make the rain stop. After me, Zecora, Sunset, and Isaac leave. Then I’ll have my emotional episode.” She said to herself getting closer to the clouds. Once close enough Scootaloo breaks up the rain clouds to stop the rain. Rainbow Dash and Isaac continue their fight against each other. Rainbow Dash swings a kick towards Isaac’s stomach, Isaac block’s the kick and grabs Rainbow Dash’s leg and throws her from him. Rainbow Dash picked herself up from the ground. “Okay you got some skill I’ll give you that, and only that.” Rainbow Dash said, spitting out some blood. “I bit my cheek.” “Keep telling yourself that,” Isaac said to Rainbow Dash getting ready for another round. The rain finally stops, realizing this, Isaac smiled. “What!?” Rainbow Dash looked at the rain cloud she made. “That cloud was meant to keep raining for at least an hour.” She said looking at the despairing cloud. “So, what now?” Isaac asked Rainbow Dash. “Are we going to continue fighting?” Rainbow Dash just opened her wings and flew towards the clouds. “Oh, well that answered my question.” Zecora runs towards Isaac. “Isaac we must leave.” She told him. “We won’t get far; she’ll find us in no time,” Isaac said to Zecora. “No, she won’t, Scootaloo will keep her occupied for a while,” Zecora said to Isaac. “What? How can Scootaloo… she’s eaten the Float-Float Fruit, hasn't she?” Isaac asked Zecora. “Yes, she did, and she’s up there waiting for Rainbow Dash,” Zecora explains to Isaac. “We do not need to stay here now,” Isaac said to Zecora. “Not now, come, Scootaloo will catch up with us after she’s done,” Zecora said to Isaac “Yeah, you're right, let's go find Sunset,” Isaac said to Zecora leaving the fighting site. Rainbow Dash reached the clouds and noticed something was off. “How did this cloud fall apart?” She asked, looking at the former rain cloud. “Okay, time to make it rain again.” “That’s not going to happen Dash.” Rainbow Dash looked to see Scootaloo sitting on a cloud. “Scootaloo? How did you get up here?” She asked Scootaloo. “Did you stop the downpour?” “Yeah, I did, and how I got here.” Scootaloo stood up and stepped off the cloud she was sitting on, and stood in the air. “This is how.” Rainbow Dash was shocked and confused. “How…. How are you flying? Your wings were removed.” “I can fly without my wings, thanks to the Float-Float Fruit,” Scootaloo said, answering Rainbow Dash’s questions. “Float-Float Fruit? You’ve eaten one of those Devil Fruits?” Rainbow Dash asked Scootaloo in shock. “Yes, I did, and thanks to it I can finally fly,” Scootaloo replied. Rainbow Dash takes a breath and stares at Scootaloo. “Did he make you eat that Fruit?” “No, it was my choice, and I’m choosing to keep Isaac safe from you Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo told Rainbow Dash as she pulled out her Tonfa. “I don’t want to fight Scootaloo.” Rainbow Dash said to Scootaloo. “Trust me, I wouldn’t want to fight me either,” Scootaloo said, ready to fight Rainbow Dash. Sunset and Tempest were in the heat of battle against each other. Sunset threw a fire lance at Tempest who rolled out of the way and threw an Obsidian Orb at Sunset. Sunset transformed into flames, and the Orb passed through her. The orb hits a tree and covers it in Obsidian. “Obsidian Orb? When did Celestia start using those?” Sunset asked herself. “Hmmm?” Tempest heard Sunset’s question. “Did you say the Princess’s name?” She asked Sunset. “How do you know her name?” Tempest realized something. “You say you said her name, it’s like you know her personally. Who are you exactly? Answer me human!” Tempest demanded answers from Sunset. “Even if I did tell you, you wouldn’t believe me,” Sunset said to Tempest. “And why wouldn’t I believe you?” Tempest asked again. “Because it’s a little insane I find it hard to believe myself,” Sunset replied. Tempest doesn’t believe Sunset is lying to her, but Sunset is not answering any of her questions. “So, what now?” Tempest asked once more. “We finished what we started,” Sunset replied, setting her arm on fire. “Very well,” Tempest said, summoning a magic circle and a sword came out of the circle. Tempest grabs the sword and unsheathes it. “We’ll finish this fight.” “And once we’re done, I’ll find out what your secrets are, Human.” Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash were having Close-quarters combat. Rainbow Dash swung her leg at Scootaloo who avoided the attack by flipping upside down and threw her down kick. Rainbow Dash flew back to avoid Scootaloo’s kick. “You're at a disadvantage here Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo said, getting back upright. “You have to use your wings to stay in the air. But I don’t have wings to flap, and I can stand on the very air itself.” Scootaloo declared to her old mentor. “And you think that gives you an advantage?” Rainbow Dash said to Scootaloo. “You’ve eaten one of those Devil Fruits!” Rainbow Dash yelled at her. “So what? Thanks to that Devil Fruit I can finally fly, or did you want me to continue to look up to you from the ground?” Scootaloo asked Rainbow Dash. “Of course, I wanted you to fly! I wanted to fly with you in the Wonderbolts!” Rainbow Dash said to Scootaloo. “But it doesn’t matter now, I’ll have to take both you and the Cinder Lord to Celestia.” A small tear fell from her eye. “I truly never thought I would never fight you.” Rainbow Dash said getting ready to resume fighting with Scootaloo. “Same here, but to be honest. We can’t see into the future.” Scootaloo said, also ready to resume fighting. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo flew towards each other, Scootaloo threw the first attack by swinging her left Tonfa at Rainbow Dash’s head, who ducked down and punched Scootaloo in her stomach but she was holding back. Scootaloo swung with her Tonfa hitting Rainbow Dash’s back, and sending her down. Rainbow regained her flight, Scootaloo dived down towards Rainbow and swung her right Tonfa down at her shoulder. Rainbow Dash blocked the attack and disarmed Scootaloo’s right hand, and she threw Tonfa away. Scootaloo charged towards her leading with the left Tonfa, Rainbow moved to her left out of the way, and Scootaloo followed by swinging in the same direction. Rainbow once again disarmed Scootaloo and threw away her last Tonfa. “You can’t fight me now without your…” Scootaloo punched Rainbow Dash in her right cheek sending her flying. “Ahhhh! That hurt Scootaloo!” “Of course, it hurts we’re fighting here! And I know you’ve been holding back! Are you trying to insult me!?” Scootaloo yells at Rainbow Dash. “I’m not insulting you Scootaloo, I just don't want to fight you!” Rainbow Dash answered Scootaloo, spitting out some blood. “Well, too bad Dash. This is a real fight and everything goes in a real fight.” Scootaloo snapped her fingers and her Tonfa flew towards Rainbow Dash from behind. Rainbow can hear something coming towards her, she looks and sees Scootaloo’s Tonfa flying towards her at high speed. “What the...!” Rainbow dodged the flying Tonfa, and the two weapons returned to Scootaloo flying around her. “How is that possible?” “Like it? This is a little trick I’ve recently learned, no matter how many times or how far away you throw my Tonfa I can bring them back to me.” Scootaloo declared, as her weapons continued to orbit around her body. “So ready for round two?” Scootaloo asked, charging towards Rainbow Dash with both Tonfas following her. Isaac and Zecora found Sunset fighting Tempest. Tempest with her sword cuts through Sunset’s flames and she manages to catch Sunset with the tip of the blade. Sunset’s left forearm was bleeding. “Well, that’s unexpected.” She said while using her flame to seal the wound. “I don’t think her sword is made of Seastone, maybe we Logia’s have a weakness to magic.” “Didn’t expect to get cut by my sword, did you ?” Tempest asked Sunset with a smile. “Not really,” Sunset said, Finishing sealing her wound. “So, what’s that sword made of?” She asked Tempest. “I never asked, why?” Tempest asked back. “Just curious,” Sunset replied, creating another fire lance. “Sunset, is everything okay?” Isaac called out. “Grand, wait, what happened to Rainbow Dash?” Sunset asks Isaac. “She’s in the sky, and Scootaloo is with her,” Isaac replied. “She knows Rainbow Dash’s name and then says her name like one would say like friends. Who is this girl?” Tempest thought to herself. “Well, I guess we’re done here,” Sunset said to Tempest. “What!? You're leaving? We’re in the middle of a fight here!” Tempest yelled at Sunset. “We’ll to be honest, I was only fighting you just to give Zecora and Scootaloo time to find Isaac. Since Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash are in the sky, I don’t need to continue fighting you.” Sunset explains. “So, we’re leaving.” “Like Tartarus you are!” Tempest ran towards Sunset and Isaac, but she stopped when she saw little green fireballs. “What are these?” “Like them? There may fireflies' bombs, be careful one of those little fireballs pack a mean punch.” Sunset informed Tempest of her fireflies. “See ya!” Sunset with Isaac and Zecora left Tempest behind. Tempest steps away from the fireflies' bombs once she was far enough, Tempest grabbed a rock and threw it at the fireflies. Tempest hides behind a tree and the rock hits one of the fireflies and explodes, causing a chain of explosions. “Dam! She wasn’t joking!” Tempest said, looking at the destination left by the fireflies. Tempest ran after Sunset and Isaac to stop them from escaping with Zecora. Rainbow Dash flew away from Scootaloo’s flying Tonfa, she managed to outfly them but Scootaloo landed a roundhouse kick to the left side. Rainbow Dash lost her balance for a second then regained it, and flew towards Scootaloo. Only two stopped by the Tonfa once more. “Again!?” Rainbow Dash yelled, avoiding the flying Tonfa. “Yep, again Dash, again!” Scootaloo said, using her Tonfa against Rainbow Dash. “That’s cheating Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash yelled, still avoiding the Tonfa. “Crating?” Scootaloo summoned back her Tonfa. “Didn’t you do the same thing with Isaac? You made it rain to stop Isaac from transforming into his Cinder form, you even flew above him to give yourself another advantage.” Scootaloo started with Rainbow Dash. “That's difficult! Wait, his name is Isaac?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Yeah. Wait, you seriously didn’t know his name?” Scootaloo asked back. “Well, it's not like he introduced herself!” Rainbow Dash said. “Well, that doesn't meter now.” Scootaloo puts away her Tonfa. “I’ll fight you fairly now.” She said getting ready for hand-to-hand combat. “Huh, alright Scootaloo, BRING IT!” Rainbow Dash said, charging towards Scootaloo. “Here I come!” Scootaloo said also charging towards Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo goes for a diving drop kick and Rainbow Dash blocked Scootaloo's kick. She grabs Scootaloo's right ankle and is about to throw her, Scootaloo grabs Rainbow Dash’s right wing. Rainbow begins to lose Altitude. “Scootaloo let go!” Rainbow Dash told her. “You first Dash!” Scootaloo yells, as both she and Rainbow Dash fall towards the ground. As they fell Rainbow Dash tried to release her wing from Scootaloo’s grip, and Scootaloo using her free foot pushes Rainbow Dash’s hand trying to loosen Rainbow Dash’s grip on her ankle. Moments from hitting the ground Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash broke free from each other. Scootaloo used her Float powers to stop falling, but Rainbow Dash tried to turn to stop herself from falling, unfortunately, she wasn’t fast enough. Rainbow Dash hits the ground hard. Scootaloo landed on the ground looking at Rainbow Dash. “OWWW WOW, that hurt a lot.” Rainbow Dash said, slowly getting back to her feet. Her left wing folded back but a sharp jolt of pain shoots throughout her back from the right wing. “AHHH! MY WING.” Rainbow Dash looked at her right wing and saw it was broken. “OH, CELESTIA MY WING’S BROKEN!” “Huh, so what now Dash?” Scootaloo asked. “You can’t fly now.” “But I can still fight?” “Can you?” Scootaloo asked again. Rainbow Dash gets back into a fighting stance, but there were multiple spots of Pain throughout her body. “AHHH!” Rainbow Dash almost fell back on the ground. Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash with pity in her eyes. “We’re done here, Dash,” Scootaloo said, begging to float off the ground. “You can’t just leave Scootaloo!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “I’m not going to fight you, not like this,” Scootaloo said, floating into the air. “Scootaloo wait!” Rainbow Dash called, and the two of them made eye contact. “Please don’t go.” Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash, she noticed Isaac, Zecora and Sunset running towards them. “I’m sorry Dash, but I can’t stay here anymore.” Scootaloo flew over Rainbow Dash towards Isaac and the others. “GET INSIDE ZECORA’S HAVEN BAG!” She called Isaac's group. “You heard her, get in the bag!” Zecora told Isaac and Sunset, the two of them, jumped inside the Haven Bag Zecora soon followed. Tempest only just this moment caught up with Isaac and the others. Scootaloo swooped in and picked up the Haven Bag from the ground. Tempest saw Scootaloo fly away with the Haven Bag. “What!? Since when could Scootaloo fly?” She questioned watching Scootaloo fly away. “SCOOTALOO!” Rainbow Dash called out. Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash from the corner of her eye. “Goodbye Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo continues to fly away towards the Crystal Empire. Rainbow Dash tries to flap her wing to catch Scootaloo, but her broken wing just gives her pain. “AHHH!” Tempest ran to Rainbow Dash’s side. “Rainbow Dash!” Tempest saw Rainbow Dash struggling to stand. “What happened to you?” She asked. “This doesn’t matter!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “I need to stop Scootaloo!” “What? You're hurt!” “I don’t care about that now!” Rainbow Dash yells once more. Tempest saw that Rainbow Dash wasn’t going to stop trying to fly. “Sorry Dash.” “Huh?” Tempest knocked Rainbow Dash out. “Let’s get you back to the others.” Tempest picked up the unconscious Rainbow Dash and carried her back to the others. Twilight and the others waited for Tempest and Rainbow Dash to return. “I hope they’re okay,” Fluttershy said to her friends. “I’m sure they'll be okay,” Applejack said to Fluttershy. “I don’t like this, one of us should have gone with her after the Cinder Lord,” Twilight said to her friends. “What could we have done to help?” Applejack asked. “The last time I met the Cinder Lord, I shot through his leg and that did nothing to stop him.” She stated. “I know but…” Twilight stopped talking when a stick snapped. Tempest Show walked out of the bushes carrying Rainbow Dash over her shoulder. Everyone gasped. “What happened!?” They all yelled at once. “I don’t know. We need to get her to a hospital now.” Tempest looked at the group. “Wait where are the others?” “Your search party took them back to town,” Twilight replied. “Alright good, Twilight can you use a teleportation spell?” Tempest asked. “Yes, I think I can take us back to town,” Twilight said, getting ready to use a teleportation spell. “Alright, every pony comes together.” Every pony stood close to Twilight and in a split second, she teleported herself and the others back to town. After some time flying, Scootaloo found a place to land. Scootaloo was inside the Haven Bag with Zecora, Sunset, and Isaac. Zecora was checking Isaac’s body. “How am I looking?” Asked Isaac. “You're mostly buried, but you’ll be fine,” Zecora told Isaac. “Alright, thanks Zecora.” Isaac looked at Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, how long will it take "To reach the Crystal Empire?” He asked, Scootaloo didn’t answer immediately. “Scootaloo?” “Sorry, what?” She replied, answering her friend. “Are you okay Scootaloo?” Sunset asked, her voice laced with concern. “Yeah, I’m okay,” Scootaloo assured me gently. Zecora opened a bottle and gave it to Isaac. “Here, drink this.” She said, giving him the vial. “What is it?” Isaac asked, eyeing the small vial of liquid. “Just something to numb the pain,” Zecora replied with a smile. Isaac took the bottle and drank some of its contents. “OH, Peppermint,” Isaac said, surprised and happy at the taste. “It’s been a long day. How about we get some rest and resume our journey to the Crystal Empire?” Zecora suggested to the group. “Sounds like a plan to me,” Sunset said. “I’ll help Isaac into his Haven Bag.” “And I and Scootaloo will stay in my Haven Bag,” Zecora said. Sunset helped Isaac into his Haven Bag as Zecora and Scootaloo stayed inside her Haven Bag. The group used the time to rest before they resumed their journey to the Crystal Empire. To be continued….
Chapter 4: Aftermath: BlameAfter her fight against Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash was laying in a hospital bed. She stares at the ceiling, she couldn’t stop thinking about Scootaloo. Elsewhere in the hospital, her friends were in the cafeteria sitting at a round table. They were all silent. “Ok, I can’t take this anymore,” Applejack said, breaking the silence. “We need to know what the Cinder Lord did to her!” She said to the others. “You heard what Tempest said,” Twilight said to Applejack. “She said Scootaloo did that to her,” Fluttershy said, quoting what Tempest told them. “And y’all believe that?” Applejack questioned her friends. “We have to.” Pinkie Pie spoke up with a delighted tone. “Why would she lie?” “I don’t know. But I just can't accept that Scootaloo would do that to Rainbow Dash! She grew up with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle!” Applejack said, ruffling her hair. “I know how you feel, Darling.” Rarity said to Applejack, understanding her feelings. “But Tempest wouldn’t just make up something like that, and also we don’t know why Scootaloo did what she did, and yelling about it doesn’t help any of us.” She told Applejack. Applejack calms down. “You're right, but I can’t help how I feel.” She said, slumping on the table. “We feel the same,” Fluttershy said. “But for now we can’t do anything but wait for Tempest to finish reporting to Celestia.” “Hmmm, Maybe we should go see if Rainbow Dash is okay.” Pinkie Pie said. “Yeah, let’s see how she's doing,” Fluttershy said agreeing with Pinkie Pie. “Yeah, we should see how Rainbow Dash is doing,” Twilight said, standing from her chair. And the other girls also stood from their chairs, then they walked towards Rainbow’s room. Rainbow Dash continues to look at the ceiling for the moment she can’t feel any pain, it’s unknown if it’s to do with painkillers or perhaps Rainbow’s mind refused to let her feel the pain because of Scootaloo. She finally turned her head and looked out the window and looked at the clouds above. “Scootaloo, is this how you felt?” Rainbow Dash thoughts to herself looking at the sky. She remembers when Scootaloo was younger. “One day Rainbow Dash I’ll fly with you, and the WonderBolt!” Rainbow Dash remembers what Scootaloo once said to her. “Yeah, and I’ll be looking forward to that kiddo!” Rainbow Dash remembers her words. “It’s the Cinder Lord’s fault!” Rainbow Dash takes a breath. “No, it's too easy to blame him.” She thinks for a moment. “Or maybe it’s my fault.” She said to herself thinking more. “But someone is to blame right? Who?” “Sorry Rainbow but we need you.” She heard Twilight’s voice in her hand. “Wait, did I just think of Twilight’s voice? Why?” Rainbow Dash asked herself. “I’m sorry Dash, you need to help with another friendship problem.” She heard Twilight’s voice again. “Why can’t I stop hearing her voice?” Rainbow Dash asked herself once more. “Sorry Dash we need you, Sorry but this is important, Sorry Dash, Sorry Dash, Sorry Dash.” Rainbow Dash keeps hearing Twilight's voice over and over again. “I’m blaming Twilight.” She said to herself. “I’m blaming her, come to think of it every time I wanted to spend time with her Twilight always said, sorry Dash we need you and I would just put their needs above Scootaloo’s. Thinking about it more, when did Applejack and Rarity see their sisters?” Just at this second the door to her room opens. “Hey Rainbow Dash, are you feeling better?” Rarity asked, being the first one in the room. “We were getting worried about you.” Pinkie Pie said, with her cheery smile. One by one Rainbow Dash’s friends entered the room, but Rainbow Dash remained silent. “Rainbow, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked her childhood friend. “I've been thinking a lot about Scootaloo.” Rainbow Dash answered with a toneless voice. “I know it’s hard to accept what happened, we’re all having trouble accepting the facts.” Twilight said, to Rainbow Dash. “I just don’t understand why she would join the Cinder Lord. What did he say to convince her to join him?” “I might have an idea.” Everyone looked at Rainbow Dash. “Or should I say, I might have an idea?” She looks at Twilight. “Scootaloo said to me, she always wanted to fly. And Scootaloo said she wanted to travel the world.” Rainbow said to her friends. She takes a breath. “Twilight do you remember when I asked if you guys could search for the Cinder Lord without me? Do you remember what you said to me?” Twilight was confused by Rainbow Dash’s question. “I said we needed you to help us.” She answered Rainbow’s question. “Rainbow Dash, why are you asking me this?” “Every time I asked you if I could spend time with Scootaloo, you always said, you guys needed me. And I would just go along with whatever problem you have.” The girls looked at Each other, then they looked at Rainbow Dash. “I keep coming to the same conclusion over and over again, if you just let me spend that day with her maybe Scootaloo wouldn’t have joined the Cinder Lord. She would still be here with me.” Rainbow Dash said, clutching her hand into a fist. “Rainbow Dash, are you blaming me for Scootaloo’s decision?” Twilight asked Rainbow Dash in more confusion, who remained silent. “You can’t be serious!? Scootaloo made her own decision to join the Cinder Lord! I can’t believe you would even think to blame me…” “Applejack! Rarity!” Rainbow Dash cuts off Twilight. “When have you last seen your sisters?” She asked Applejack and Rarity. “Umm.” Rarity and Applejack just looked at each other. “Please, just answer honestly.” Rainbow Dash said to them. Applejack takes a deep breath. “It's been a long time since I last saw her,” Applejack answered. “Same, I can’t remember when I last saw Sweetie Belle.” Rarity added. “And what about you Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow Dash asked the other two. “I haven’t seen my family in a while, since my brother finally found an actual job,” Fluttershy replied. “I missed my sister Marble’s wedding.” Pinkie Pie answered, without thinking she covered her mouth knowing how all would look at her. “Wait! Your sister Marble got married?” Twilight asked in shock. “When?” “A year ago.” Pinkie Pie mumbled. “Why didn’t you tell us?” Rarity asked. “Because Twilight needed you.” Rainbow Dash answered for Pinkie Pie. Everyone was silent again. “Pinkie Pie.” Twilight broke the silence. “When did your sister get married?” “During the friendship problem in Griffonstone.” Pinkie Pie replied. “I remember, we all went there to help the griffons and the dragons stop fighting over land rights,” Applejack stated. “And if memory serves, Pinkie Pie wasn’t much help.” Rarity added. “And, it was me and Applejack who found a solution that both sides could be happy with,” Fluttershy said. “So Pinkie Pie wasn’t needed.” Rainbow Dash said. “And thanks to that, Pinkie Pie missed Marbles' big day.” Rainbow Dash looks at Twilight. “Every time we asked you if we could spend time with our loved ones, you always said you needed us.” “But wait a second.” Twilight said, to Rainbow Dash. “If I had known about Marbles' wedding I would have let Pinkie go. Also, it’s unfair to just blame me over matters I did not know of….” With quick speed, Rainbow Dash threw the nearest object, which happened to be a small vase with some flowers. Everyone was stunned by Rainbow Dash’s sudden action. “Get out.” Rainbow Dash told Twilight. “What.” “Did I stutter?” Rainbow Dash asked rhetorically. “I said, GET OUT!” She screams at Twilight grabbing another object and throwing it at her. “GET OUT OF HERE! RIGHT NOW!” Rainbow Dash screams at Twilight with blind anger. Applejack caught it midair. “THAT’S ENOUGH DASH!” She yelled at Rainbow Dash. “I know you're not in a good place right now! But screams, and throwing stuff at Twilight will never solve ANYTHING!” Applejack yells at Rainbow Dash. The room was quiet after what Applejack yelled at Rainbow Dash. “Just get out of my room! All of you.” Rainbow Dash yells at her friends once more. “Alright y’all, let’s just leave Rainbow Dash,” Applejack said to the others. “Yes, let's leave Rainbow Dash’s room.” Rarity said, placing her hand on Twilight’s shoulder. Gently pushing her out. One by one everyone leaves Rainbow Dash’s room, and once more Rainbow Dash is left alone in her room. Twilight and the others sat outside the hospital on some benches. Everyone was processing why Rainbow Dash was blamed for Scootaloo’s discussion to join the Cinder Lord. After some time has passed Applejack finally speaks. “Ok, I’ll say it.” Everyone looks at Applejack. “Rainbow Dash isn’t in her right mind now. We shouldn’t take anything she says seriously.” Applejack said to her friends. “But she did have a point.” Rarity said. “Whenever Twilight said she needed us we just helped her without argument.” “So she's right, isn’t she?” Twilight said, squeezing her knees. “It is my fault Scootaloo left and joined the Cinder Lord,” Twilight said, sounding like she was about to freak out. “It’s not your fault Twilight.” Pinkie Pie said to Twilight trying to keep her calm. Fluttershy pulled out a cigarette and began to smoke. “I need this right now.” She said taking a puff. Everyone looked at Fluttershy with surprised looks on their faces. “Fluttershy is that a cigarette!?” Rarity asked, a little confused at the sight of Fluttershy with a Cigarette. “Yes, it is,” Fluttershy answered, taking another drag of the cigarette. “Since when have you started Smoking?” Pinkie Pie asked in actual surprise. “Wow I’m surprised by this.” “I started back in high school during the exams.” Fluttershy finished her Cigarette and threw the remains in a trash can. “I was dealing with a lot of stress at the time and Gilda helped with Cigarettes. She even said I looked cool with one in my mouth.” She walks to stand in front of her friends. “I only smoke one whenever I get stressed out.” “You get stressed?” Rarity asked. “Sometimes. Now I’ve done some thinking about this and I think we all should take responsibility. Twilight for constantly needing our help and not making sure we were free to help, and us for not standing our ground when something came up with our personal lives. So when Rainbow Dash is better we all must have a sit down and talk.” Fluttershy said to her friends. “Agreed?” “That sounds like a good idea.” Rarity said, with a smile. “Yep, I’m for that,” Applejack said, tilting her hat. “Yeah, that’s a great idea.” Pinkie Pie said, she looks at Twilight who reminds silent. Pinkie Pie placed her hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “Everything with Rainbow Dash will be fine.” Pinkie Pie said to her friend. Twilight smiled at what Pinkie Pie told her. “Yeah, thanks, girls.” Approaching them was Tempest Shadow after finishing her report to Celestia. “Twilight I finished reporting to Celestia, and she wishes to speak to you,” Tempest informed Twilight. “Thank you, Tempest, I’ll go talk to her,” Twilight said to Tempest and left her friends to talk to Celestia. (10 minutes ago.) Tempest was in an isolated room sitting at a table on the table was a box with a strap. She flipped the latch of the box, it unfolded and inside was a white Transponder Snail with Celestia’s mark on one side of its shell, and a turn dial on the other side. Tempest uses the turn dial to call Celestia, as she instructed the number the snail made bop, bod, beeps, and noises. After she finished dialling the number the snail started to go, “Boda Boda, Boda Boda, Boda Boda, Click.” “This is Celestia, who is this?” The Transponder Snail said, with Celestia’s voice. “This is Tempest Shadow, I’m calling you to inform you about the Cinder Lord,” Tempest said, to the Receiver. “And what happened?” Celestia asked. “It’s not good Princess Celestia,” Tempest tells Celestia everything that happened with Isaac, Scootaloo, and Rainbow Dash. But she did not tell Celestia about Sunset Shimmer. “And for the moment I’m at the hospital with Twilight and her friends. I also sent my search party to look for clues to where the Cinder Lord is heading. He was heavily wounded by Rainbow Dash and he’ll need time to recover, so if we’re lucky enough we might find them.” Tempest said to Celestia. “Hmm, this is a lot to take in,” Celestia said, after hearing Tempest’s report. “First, that Human obtained power from a Devil Fruit, and now Scootaloo has obtained powers from one. Tempest, needless to say, nobody else must know that ponies can obtain powers from the Devil Fruits. Understand?” “Yes, I completely understand Princess Celestia,” Tempest replied. “And if she is available I would like to talk to Twilight,” Celestia said to Tempest. “I’ll go find her and we’ll call you back,” Tempest replied, hanging the Receivers back on the Snail’s shell. Then leaves the room to get Twilight. (Present time.) Twilight entered the same room the Tempest used to contact Celestia. She sat in front of the sleeping Snail and called Celestia. After a few moments, Celestia answered the call. “This is Celestia, who is this?” She asked. “It’s Twilight, you wanted to speak to me?” Twilight replied. “Ahh Twilight, how are you? And how is Rainbow Dash?” Celestia asked. Twilight sighed at the question from her mentor. “Things could be a lot better,” Twilight replied. “Rainbow Dash blames for Scootaloo joining the Cinder Lord. And to be honest, I think it is my fault for taking so much of her time, and for taking up all my friends' time.” Twilight told Celestia with tears about to form. “Twilight, calm yourself,” Celestia said to Twilight. “Yes, I will Celestia,” Twilight said, taking a breath and calming herself down. “Tell me what happened with Rainbow Dash,” Celestia asked Twilight to tell her what happened between them. Twilight takes a moment to gather herself. “Rainbow Dash said I took too much of her and the others' time, she blamed me for Scootaloo’s choosing to join the Cinder Lord. And I found out Pinkie Pie’s sister was recently married.” “She was?” “Yes, and Pinkie missed it because of me. It was during the dragons, and Gryphon's dispute, and to be honest Pinkie wasn’t much help during that. Twilight said, telling Celestia what happened. “I see.” Celestia was silent for a moment. “Perhaps I placed too much responsibility on you, and your friend's shoulders. I think you and your friends need to talk things through. Twilight I want you and your friends to leave the Cinder Lord’s capture to Tempest for now.” Celestia said to Twilight. “Are you sure Princess?” Twilight asked. “Yes, I’m beyond sure my faithful student,” Celestia replied. “Also I’m afraid I must talk to Rainbow Dash.” “What about?” “Scootaloo, she’s the first Pony who has obtained powers from a Devil Fruit, and if word of this starts circulating this may cause a power struggle. So I may have to place a bounty on her.” Celestia explains to Twilight. “And you want Rainbow’s blessing to place this bounty?” Twilight asked, in shock. “I think I should talk to her about this, it’s only fair I talk to her first,” Celestia told Twilight. “I see, she might hate you for this decision,” Twilight stated. “I know, but she would have hated me more if I never informed her,” Celestia replied. “Hmm, okay, should I be there when you talk to her?” Twilight asked. “No, I’ll ask Tempest,” Celestia replied softly. “Okay, I’ll tell her.” “Thank you Twilight.” Celestia and Twilight disconnected their call. Twilight left the room and Tempest was sitting outside. “How did it go?” “Fine, Celestia wants to talk to Rainbow Dash,” Twilight told Tempest. “Okay, what are you going to do?” Tempest asked again. “Celestia wants me and my friends to take some time off, and leave the Cinder Lord to you,” Twilight replied. “I see, then you and your friends should go home. Celestia and I will talk to Rainbow Dash.” Tempest said, suggesting for Twilight and her friends go home. “Yeah, I’ll go let the girls know. Good luck with Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said to Tempest. “Thanks, I’ll see you later we’re done talking to Rainbow Dash,” Tempest said to Twilight. “Thanks, I’ll get going now,” Twilight said, leaving and waving goodbye. “Take care, Princess,” Tempest said, to Twilight who waved goodbye. Tempest enters the room to collect her Transponder Snail. Rainbow Dash stared at the wall where she threw the vase at Twilight, she just looked at the wall. “I know why I threw that vase, but I didn’t know what drove me to it.” Rainbow Dash said to herself. There was a knock at the door, and the door opened. Tempest stepped inside. “Hey Rainbow, how are you feeling?” She asked. “I’m feeling better, physically at least.” Rainbow Dash replied. “Why are you here?” “Princess Celestia wanted to talk to you about…something important,” Tempest replied, setting her case on a table and opening it to reveal her Transponder Snail. “Are you ready to speak to her?” “Umm…Sure.” Rainbow Dash said to Tempest who began to dial Celestia’s number. After a few moments, Celestia answered the call. “This is Celestia, am I talking to Rainbow Dash?” Celestia asked. “Yes, it’s me.” Rainbow Dash replied. “How are you feeling?“ Celestia starts the conversation by asking Rainbow Dash how she was feeling. “I’m feeling better, why do you want to talk to me?” Rainbow Dash asked, having a somewhat idea why Celestia wanted to talk to her. “That’s good to hear, Rainbow Dash. I need to talk to you about….Scootaloo.” Celestia said to Rainbow Dash. “Huh, you want to talk about Scootaloo? And not Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked in confusion. “Yes, the ordeal between you and Twilight stays between the two of you,” Celestia replied. “Okay, why do you want to talk about Scootaloo?” Rainbow Dash asked again. “Tempest informed me that Scootaloo has eaten a Devil Fruit.” Rainbow Dash's hands clenched into fists. “And she’s the first Pony to eat a Devil Fruit and gain powers. Rainbow Dash, I’m afraid I must place a bounty on Scootaloo’s capture.” Celestia explains and waits for Rainbow Dash’s response. “WHAT!? WHY WOULD YOU PLACE A BOUNTY ON SCOOTALOO!?” Rainbow Dash yells at Celestia. “Allow me to explain please,” Celestia asked Rainbow Dash to let her explain her reasons for her decision. Rainbow Dash takes a breath. “Okay, I’m listening.” Rainbow Dash replied, grinding her teeth. “Her reasons for eating the Devil Fruit are still unknown to us, but she’s the first pony to have options powers from a Devil Fruit. But if she can option powers from a Devil Fruit then others can as well, this could start a power struggle between all my citizens. I can see now in my mind's eye, Pony and other creatures fighting for the Devil Fruits killing one another, these Fruits are treated as trophies paid for in the blood. War will rise from Scootaloo being the first Pony who has Devil Fruit powers.” Celestia explains to Rainbow Dash who goes wide-eyed upon hearing this. “Rainbow Dash, I don’t take pleasure in making this decision. I feel sick to my stomach, but I have to do what I must. I must protect my citizens from all threats even from their greed. You practically raised Scootaloo yourself, and I thought I should inform you before I go through with decisions.” Celestia finished explaining. Rainbow Dash imagines Pony fighting like animals for the Devil Fruits, picturing Scootaloo being hunted by power-hungry maniacs. Then sees her body impaled by swords, Spears, and her body laying in a pool of her blood. “I can’t believe that could happen.” Rainbow Dash said, shaking. “I know, I couldn’t believe it either. But I’ve lived long enough to know that power corrupts the minds of countless Ponies. This is the only option we have to end this before it starts.” Celestia told Rainbow Dash. “I see.” Rainbow Dash takes a second to think. “Okay, do it.” Rainbow Dash said giving her blessings to Celestia. “Thank you, Rainbow Dash. I shall contact you when the posters are ready for circulation, for your approval. I must go now, I’ll speak to you soon.” The snail closes its eyes meaning the call has ended. “That’s a lot to take in,” Tempest said, putting her snail back in the case. “Yeah, could I be left alone for a while?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Of course.” Tempest leaves the room. Rainbow Dash thinks to herself once more. “Scootaloo, you're in a world of trouble now, and I don’t think I can save you.” To be continued…
Chapter 5: Aftermath: Multiverse?Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 6: Snow HollowAuthor's Note Hey guy’s, happy Easter! Here’s the new Chapter, I hope you enjoy it. Also if you see any mistakes, please don’t hesitate to tell me. OC’s from Cyrus and Starkiler, hopefully I’ll add more in the later chapters. Thank you for your support and patience. I try do another update before the end of the year. Chapter 6: Snow Hollow The Next morning Isaac’s group were getting ready to resume their journey to the Crystal Empire. When Zecora placed a map on the table. “Everyone, may I have your attention.” Everyone stops what they were doing and looks at Zecora. “I’ve done some research, and I have discovered a small town called Snow Hollow.” She points to the town on her map. “I suggest we head there first.” Caitlyn looks at the map. “Why? I thought we were supposed to head to this Crystal Empire place.” She asked the Zebra. “Isaac needs help.” Scootaloo answered, ” And there’s probably a Doctor who can help him!” “Even so there’s probably a Doctor in the Empire,” Caitlyn argued. “Your right there’s probably a doctor within the Empire, but Scootaloo is right,” Sunset said, agreeing with Scootaloo. “Isaac’s condition comes first.” Caitlyn looks at Sunset and Scootaloo, she turns to Isaac. Who was sitting at the table, also looking at the map? “What about you?” She asked him. “What do you think we should do?” Isaac takes a moment to think, they need to get to the Crystal Empire. But if the sickle user wasn't alone Isaac knew he’ll be a liability, even with his Logia powers. “Let’s head to Snow Hollow.” He declares. Caitlyn raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think we’re ready yet. Plus I’m deadweight at the moment.” He explains. “I don’t want to be a burden to you guys, definitely in battle.” “Alright, I’m outvoted here,” Caitlyn said, with an eye roll, before sitting down. “So how long will it take us to reach Snow Hollow?” She asked. “A couple of hours,” Zecora replied, rolling up the map. “If we start flying now we’ll reach there before midday.” She gave the map to Scootaloo. “Right Zecora.” Scootaloo takes the map. “I’ll start flying now.” She uses her float power and flew out of the Haven Bag. Scootaloo flew out of the bag and picked it off the ground. She looks at the map. “Okay,” She checked her compress. “That way.” She flew towards Snow Hollow at full speed. “Don’t worry Isaac, I’ll get you the help you’ll need.” [centre]~ One Hour later.~[/centre] Zecora made some medicine for Isaac. “Here Isaac, take this.” She said giving Isaac his medicine. “Thank you Zecora.” Isaac takes the medicine, and shivers from the bitter taste. "Aww no Peppermint." He said with a frown. “Forgive me, Isaac.” Zecora sits down. “I’m afraid, I ran out of your precious Peppermint.” “It’s fine Zecora.” Isaac nods in understanding. “But this bitter taste won’t go away for a while.” Caitlyn stretches her arms. “How much longer?” She asked. “Not a clue,” Sunset answered. “You’ll need to ask Scootaloo.” She stretched her arms too. “Men, I’m getting restless waiting to reach Snow Hollow.” Caitlyn sighed. Something came to Isaac’s mind. He looks at Zecora. “Say Zecora, what can you tell us about Snow Hollow?” Zecora hums to herself and thinks. “Well, to be honest. I’ve never been there myself, so my knowledge is limited. What I do know it was a thriving mining town, but the mine is now dry and closed down. Ponies still live there, but to be honest it may be a ghost town.” Zecora explains what Snow Hollow is. Sunset looks at Zecora. “An old mining town, that might be a ghost town?” She asked the Zebra. “Are you sure Ponies are still living there?” “She's right, we might be heading to a ghost town.” Caitlyn said, “Isn’t there somewhere else we can go?” “No, just Snow Hollow, and the Crystal Empire.” Zecora replied, “If there was another place I could think of, I would have told you.” “But it could be “ “Enough guys.” Isaac spoke up, “This decision was mine to make, and if it is a ghost town, I’ll be the one who suffers here.” Isaac takes a sharp breath from discomfort. “We’ll cross that bridge when we reach it, okay?” He looks at the girls. Sunset ran her figures through her hair, she couldn’t argue with Isaac. “Isaac’s right.” She said to Caitlyn, she looks at Isaac. “I’ll follow your lead.” “It’s your choice, so do whatever,” Caitlyn said, with a huff. “Wow, you're a ray of Sunshine,” Sunset said, to the Cat-girl. “I’m better than a rainy day,” Caitlyn replied, looking leaning back on her chair. “Okay, how about some tea to pass the time?” Zecora offers Sunset and Isaac a beverage. “I’d like some,” Sunset said, taking the offer. “Same,” Isaac said, also taking the offer. Caitlyn didn’t reply. “Would you like some tea?” Zecora asked the cat-girl. “Huh?” Caitlyn looks at Zecora. “Yeah, sure, whatever.” She replied with a dismissive tone. “Okay, I shall make the brew,” Zecora said, leaving the table. Sunset looks at Caitlyn. “You know, you could say thank you.” She told the cat-girl. “Huh?” Caitlyn looks at Sunset. “Thank who?” She asked in confusion. “Zecora,” Isaac answered. “She’s making you some tea.” “She asked if I wanted one, and I said yes.” Caitlyn argued, “I don’t see a problem here.” “The problem is you're being ungrateful, by not thanking Zecora,” Sunset argued back. “Also she is a Doctor,” Isaac added. “You should always be nice to your Doctors. Caitlyn rolled her eyes at Isaac and Sunset, who just looked at each other and shook their heads. Caitlyn sat back in her chair thinking about what Sunset and Isaac said to her. After a few silent moments, Zecora returned with the beverages on a tray. She passed the first cup to Sunset. “Here Sunset.” “Thank you Zecora.” Sunset thanks Zecora. Zecora passed the next cup to Isaac. “Here Isaac.” Isaac takes his cup. “Thank you Zecora.” Zecora passed the last cup to Caitlyn. “Here Caitlyn.” Caitlyn takes the cup from Zecora. “Thanks, Zecora.” Zecora smiled, “You're welcome Caitlyn.” Zecora sits on her chair, she sips her tea. “Good tea and good company. Who could ask more?” Isaac sips his tea. “It could use some peppermint.” He said with a frown. Sunset sips her tea. “I don’t need anything else.” She said with a relaxed tone. Caitlyn sipped her tea and didn’t like the taste. “Maybe something else.” She mumbled to herself. Zecora, Isaac, sunset, and Caitlyn sat at the table drinking their tea. Scootaloo flows towards Snow Hollow, she looks at her map. “We should be getting close.” She looks at the horizon. “Where is it?” Scootaloo saw a tower of smoke. “There!” She flew towards the smoke tower. Scootaloo lands close to Snow Hollow, she looks at the old mining town. The town looked abandoned, from the damaged homes and ruined buildings. “I don’t think anyone lives here anymore.” She said, placing the haven bag on the ground and opening it, to enter the bag. Scootaloo entered the bag where Isaac and the others were waiting for her. Scootaloo lands inside and Bushes the snow off, Isaac and the others see her. “Hey, Scootaloo.” Sunset greeted the tomboy. “Have you found Snow Snow Hollow?” “Well, I think I have.” Scootaloo replied, “I’ve found an old town but it looks to be abandoned.” Scootaloo looks at Zecora. “I think we’ve hit a dead end here Zecora.” “Are you sure Scootaloo?” Isaac asked, in discomfort. “Yeah, the whole town trashed,” Scootaloo replied, not looking at Isaac, even though no one held her Responsible for what happened to Isaac, Scootaloo still felt guilty. “Looks like I was right,” Caitlyn announced. “You're not helping Caitlyn!” Sunset scales at the cat-girl. Zecora stands and grabs her coat. “Scootaloo,” the tomboy looks at Zecora. “You, me and Caitlyn are going to search the town.” She threw a coat at Caitlyn. Caitlyn catches the coat. “Hey! Why should I come along?” She questioned Zecora. “Simple.” Zecora puts on her coat. “It’s because you're not human,” Zecora explains to the cat-girl. “We could use your cat-like instinct.” “Yeah, I might attract the wrong attention,” Sunset added. “I’m dead weight.” Isaac also stated. Caitlyn could argue with the group and rolled her eyes. “Ugh fine! I’ll go!” She said, acting like a stubborn teen. Putting her coat on. “I, Scootaloo and Caitlyn shall search the town.” Zecora looks at Sunset and Isaac. “We shall inform you if we find a doctor's office.” “We’ll wait here,” Sunset said, understanding Zecora's plan. Isaac looks at the zebra. “Do you think there is still a doctor in Snow Hollow?” He asked. Zecora looks at Isaac. “I do not know Isaac, but we’ll search for one.” Zecora looks at Scootaloo and Caitlyn. “Ready?” She asked them. “Yeah, I’m ready,” Caitlyn replied, putting on her coat. Scootaloo remains silent, still not looking at Isaac. Zecora noticed this and walked to the young tomboy. “Scootaloo.” Zecora placed her hand on Scootaloo’s shoulder. Zecora’s hand snapped Scootaloo back to reality. “Huh?” She looks at Zecora. “Scootaloo, do you want to stay here?” Zecora asked in a gentle tone. “You have been flying all day.” Scootaloo has indeed been flying all day, and it would be nice if she could relax inside the haven bag, but Isaac was there, and she can’t bear to be in the same place as him. “No, I can still help.” Scootaloo stutters her reply. Zecora looks at Scootaloo with a raised eyebrow. “Only if you are sure Scootaloo, please don’t overwork yourself.” “Don’t worry Zecora I won’t,” Scootaloo replied, with an innocent smile. “Well, shall we get going?” She asked eager to leave the bag. “Yeah, let’s get going,” Caitlyn said, ready to leave the haven beg. “Very well.” Zecora stands in the centre of the bag, she knelt and opened the trap door. She pulled out the ladder that reached the bag's opening. Scootaloo flew towards the opening. “See you guys outside.” She said leaving the bag. Zecora watched Scootaloo rush out of the haven bag. “Scootaloo, you're still blaming yourself.” Caitlyn was climbing the ladder. “Coming?” She asked Zecora. Zecora looks at the cat-girl. “Of course.” She looks at Isaac and Sunset. “We’ll be as quick as we can.” “We’ll be fine Zecora,” Sunset replied, reassuring Zecora they’ll be fine. “Just be careful Zecora,” Isaac said, watching Zecora start climbing. Once Caitlyn and Zecora left the bag Sunset looked at Isaac. “How are you?” “I’ve felt better,” Isaac replied, trying to relax. Sunset gently placed her hand on Isaac’s shoulder. “I hope we, find a doctor in this town.” Isaac looked at Sunset. “Me too.” He sighed, “Me too.” He nods. Scootaloo waited for Zecora and Caitlyn, she sat down on a rock. Scootaloo sighed and placed her face in her hands. “Ohh, man!” She sighed, “Why can’t I get rid of this guilt?” She takes a breath and looks to the sky. “I have my wish, but it doesn’t feel right.” She sighed again, Scootaloo looked to the Snow Hollow. “I hope there’s…” She saw movement in the town. “Huh?” Zecora and Caitlyn climbed out of the haven bag. Caitlyn was the first one out, soon followed by Zecora, she noticed Scootaloo looking towards the town. Zecora stood next to Scootaloo who didn’t notice her. “See something?” “Whoa!” Scootaloo jumps floating in the for a moment. “The hell! Zecora!” Scootaloo yells at the zebra, as she lands “Don’t scare me like that!” Scootaloo pats her chest to calm her heart. Zecora giggles at the young tomboy. “I think you're overreacting a little Scootaloo.” “It’s not funny Zecora!” Caitlyn was standing by the haven bag watching Scootaloo and Zecora. “Hmmmmm,” “I am not overreacting!” Scootaloo yells again. “I say you are overreacting.” Zecora stated, “Overreacting like this isn’t good for your health.” “I am acting normally!” Scootaloo declares to Zecora. A small argument started between Zecora and Scootaloo. Caitlyn watched this with a deadpan stare, she picked up the haven-bag and walked towards “HEY!” Caitlyn called, to get the two Equestrian’s attention who looked at the cat-girl. “I’m getting cold, can we go to Snow Hollow already?” Caitlyn asked with an annoyed tone. “Oh yes.” Zecora looks sheepishly. “Forgive us, Caitlyn.” “Yeah sorry,” Scootaloo said, rubbing the back of her head. “Okay, did you see anything?” Zecora asked Scootaloo. “Well, I thought I did.” Scootaloo replied, “I caught a glimpse of something, but it might have been my imagination.” Caitlyn looks at the town. “Or someone is hiding.” “Maybe,” Zecora agreed. “But why would they need to hide?” “I don’t know, but there’s one way to find out,” Caitlyn said, to her Companions. “We’re going in.” Scootaloo looks at the cat-girl. “Just like that? We’re just gonna waltz in?” She asked, in confusion. “It does sound a little reckless.” Zecora agreed. “Are you sure that’s the wisest choice?” She asked. Caitlyn looks at Zecora and Scootaloo. “To be honest, walking from the front isn’t the smartest decision. But sneaking in would send the wrong message.” She explains to the Equestrians. “Hmmmm.” Zecora thinks about what Caitlyn told them. “She does have a point,” Scootaloo said, to Zecora. “True she does.” Agreed Zecora. “But I still think it’s reckless.” “Relax Zecora, if anything happens, Scootaloo here can fly us out,” Caitlyn said, putting her arm around Scootaloo's shoulders. “She’s right Zecora,” Scootaloo said, agreeing again with Caitlyn. Zecora thinks again. “True, okay, let’s play it safe, we do not know who in that town.” “Okay, let’s get going, my feet are cold,” Caitlyn said, starting to walk towards the town. Zecora and Scootaloo followed Caitlyn into Snow Hollow. After a few minutes Caitlyn, Scootaloo, and Zecora stood at the entrance of Snow Hollow. The welcome sign was filled with holes. “This is ominous,” Zecora stated. “Yep, very ominous,” Scootaloo said, looking at the sign. Caitlyn stepped into the town and saw what looked like a snow-covered battlefield. “Looks like some shit went down here.” Scootaloo steps next to Caitlyn. “What do you think happened here?” She asked. “An attack.” Caitlyn simply answered, “And from all this damage, it was a big assault.” Caitlyn remembers the attack on Famore, she remembers Adora turning her back on her and the Horde, she sighed, looking depressed. Scootaloo noticed Caitlyn sighing. “Are you okay?” She asked. “I’m good let’s move,” Caitlyn replied, walking into the town. Zecora looks at the ruined town.“Who lead this assault? What could Snow Hollow have, to warrant this much devastation?“ she asked. “Who knows.” Caitlyn steps towards the buildings. “Whoever did this was looking for something, and they tore their way through this town.” She studies the buildings. “Hmmm, what made the small holes?” “Probably made by guns,” Scootaloo answered. Caitlyn was confused, she never heard of guns before. “Guns?” “You never heard of them?” Zecora asked. “No, we don’t have them where I’m from,” Caitlyn replied. “I see, it’s a type of weapon that shoots small projectiles.” Zecora tried to explain. “Like a bow?” Caitlyn asked, think of that archer who fights with Adora. “Not exactly, but it's the same basic principle,” Zecora answered. “I see, I think I get it,” Caitlyn said, looking at the holes. “Come on, let's see if anyone is still here.” Caitlyn walks into the town with Scootaloo and Zecora. As they walked they saw more damage and destruction. “Do you think anyone is still here?” Scootaloo asked. “I do not know,” Zecora replied, looking at the town. “I don’t believe anyone would still be here after this.” Caitlyn started to notice chains laying everywhere. “Hmmmm, there’s a lot of chains laying around.” She scaled at the chains. “You okay Caitlyn?” Scootaloo asked, walking towards the cat. “Hmmm,” Caitlyn looked closer and saw a chain move. “Stop!” She told Zecora and Scootaloo, and they both looked at her. “Walk towards me, right now.” Zecora looks at the cat-girl in confusion. “Why?” “Just do it!” Caitlyn orders. Scootaloo and Zecora looked at Caitlyn who was looking at the chains. Scootaloo looked at the chains, they look at the chains and saw them move, Scootaloo quickly opened her bag. Zecora looks at the tomboy and slowly walks towards Scootaloo’s haven bag. “Get ready to jump into the bag,” Scootaloo whispered, to the zebra, who nodded. Caitlyn also walks towards them. “Just stay calm, don’t…..” The chains leapt towards them. “GET IN THE BAG!” Zecora and Caitlyn ran to the bag that Scootaloo held, but the chains lassoed them, Caitlyn, Zecora, and Scootaloo hung in the air by the chains. “Damn it!” Caitlyn yells, trying to escape the chains. “How are these chains moving!?” Scootaloo yelled, also trying to break free. Zecora’s ears twitch. “Something coming.” She said looking ahead. Caitlyn and Scootaloo also looked in the same direction. They can see a creature made of chains walking towards them. Caitlyn has never seen a creature like this before. “What is that thing?” “Some Kind of chain monster,” Zecora stated, looking at the chain creature. “Is this thing responsible for all this damage?” Scootaloo asked, looking at the chain monster. “What do you want?” The creature didn’t answer but it grabbed the three and imprisoned them in its body. The creature begins to walk. “Where are you taking us!?” Caitlyn demanded to know where the creature was taking them. But the creature didn’t answer. “I think it’s not a real creature,” Scootaloo said, looking at the creature. Zecora looks at the creature. “I believe it’s a golem.” She said, to the others. “A golem?” Caitlyn never heard of such a creature. “What’s a golem?” She asked Zecora. “It is a manmade creature.” Zecora answered, “They are created by an individual to serve them. This golem is following an order.” “So we can’t convince him to let us go?” Scootaloo asked. “No, it has no will of its own,” Zecora replied, “So we’re stuck here?” Caitlyn asked. “Looks like we’re going for a ride.” Scootaloo said, looking where the golem was taking them, she saw the mine was getting closer “Is it taking us to the mine?” “Looks like it,” Caitlyn said, looking at the mine. “Once this creature releases us, we might have to fight its master,” Zecora told Caitlyn and Scootaloo. After some time they reached the mine entrance, which was sealed with a white substance. “What is that?” Scootaloo asked. “It looks like wax,” Zecora stated. “That’s a lot of wax.” Caitlyn declared, looking at the wall of wax. The golem knocked on the wall and a door opened. The golem walks into the mine, and the three saw the townsfolk inside. “Wait, are they hiding here?” Scootaloo asked. Caitlyn looks at the townsfolk. “They look scared, and some of them are injured, and they have homemade weapons. Yep, they're hiding.” She declared. The chain golem stops walking. “Hey, what did you bring me?” Asked a male voice, the girls looked and saw the golem’s master. A man standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall, with black hair with orange highlights, brownish-gold Goatee stubble, black overcoat, gloves, shoes w/grey sock wraps, dark-coloured camo pants, with Amber eyes. Chains fell from his body and formed into a chair, he sat down. “So who are you three?” The Chain man asked them. “We nobodies,” Caitlyn answered. “We are just looking for a doctor.” “A doctor? For whom?” The chairman asked. “A friend,” Scootaloo answered. “Which-“ “Look, we’re not answering any more questions, until this creature lets us go!” Caitlyn yelled. “Hmm, let them go.” The golem broke apart and released Caitlyn, Scootaloo and Zecora. “Thank you,” Zecora said to the chairman. The chained man looks at them. “Alright, from the way you're all dressed. You're not with the snow pirates.” “Snow pirates?” Zecora asked, in confusion. “I’ve never heard of them.” “They sound like their snow-themed pirates,” Scootaloo said, picturing how they would look in her mind's eye. Caitlyn looks at the chairman. “So these snow pirates attacked this town? Why?” She asked. “Not sure, we and the others just got here before the first attack.” The chairman replied, “They attacked about four times, and they keep coming back.” “Why?” Scootaloo asked. “What do they want here?” “There’s gold here.” Answered a female voice. The three looked and saw a mare unicorn in a lab coat, entering the room with a box full of moss, her coat was pale and her mane was a pastel of purple, pink and blue. Her mane and tail are curly. Her eyes are blue. “Potion Nova?” Zecora identified the unicorn. “Zecora?” The mare known as Potion Nova said. “What are you doing here?” She asked, putting the box and walking to the zebra. “You know her Nova?” The chained man asked. “I have known Zecora since I was a Filly.” Potion Nova replied to the human. “Oh cool.” The chain-man said, letting down his prisoners. “Potion Nova, why are you here?” Zecora asked, “I thought you lived within the Crystal Empire.” “I do,” Potion Nova grabs the box, and shows its contents. “I came here for this moss.” Zecora looks at the moss growing on the cave walls. “Oh, I see.” “So why are you here?” Potion Nova asked again. “We came here to see a doctor, for a friend of ours,” Zecora explains. “Zecora?” Caitlyn said, grabbing the zebra to one side. “Are you sure we can trust her?” She whispered. Zecora raised an eyebrow. “I can somewhat understand why you asked, but I’ve known Potion Nova since I was a filly.” She stated. “Also Potion Nove is a doctor.” Caitlyn’s eyes widened. “She is?” “Yes, trust me she’s a skilled doctor,” Zecora replied. “She can help Isaac.” “Hmmm, I see,” Caitlyn thanks for a second. “Okay, we’ll follow your lead here.” Zecora returned to Potion Nova. “I need your help.” “Right, come with me.” Potion Nova leaves the room with Zecora. “Well since your friend knows Nova, I’m sure you two are okay.” The chained man said. “I’m Cyrus.” He offered a handshake. “Caitlyn.” Caitlyn introduced herself. “You a Zoan?” Cyrus asked. “No, just a cat girl,” Caitlyn replied. “Really? You're an actual cat girl?” Cyrus asked, “Yep.” “Huh, now I've seen everything. Cyrus said to himself, he, looks at Scootaloo. “And you are?” “Scootaloo.” The tomboy answered. “Nice to meet you.” Cyrus opened a door. “I’ll give you the tour.” Scootaloo and Caitlyn followed Cyrus. Zecora was in the makeshift doctor's office. “So what happened Zecora?” Potion Nova asked. Zecora took a moment to choose her words. “A friend of mine called Isaac was seriously hurt.” “Really!?” Potion Nova grabs her medical bag. “Where is he?” “I’m this haven-bag,” Zecora said, holding the bag. “Oh okay.” Potion Nova said, looking at the bag. “Are you going to let me in?” “Potion Nova, he’s the Lord of Cinder,” Zecora told Potion Nova, who looked back at her in confusion. “Who’s the Lord of Cinder?” Potion Nova asked. Zecora was surprised after hearing Potion Nova’s question. “You haven’t heard of him?” She asked. “No, we’ve been stuck here for a while, so we didn’t get any news here.” Potions Nova replied, looking at her potions. “I’m having trouble looking for ingredients for my potions.” Zecora sees the Shortage of potions. “I can see.” She said, with a grim tone. “Thankfully you found that moss.” “Yep thankfully.” Potion Nova looks at her potions, and she turns back to Zecora. “So tell me more about this Lord of Cinder.” “I shall introduce you to him.” Zecora opens Isaac’s heaven bag. “Follow me.” They entered the bag. Isaac was trying to rest on his bed. “Ahhhhh, Damn it.” Sunset can hear him, and she enters his room to see if she can help him. “Hey Isaac, need anything?” She asked. Isaac looks at Sunset. “Thanks, Sunset, but I don’t think you can help me.” Sunset sighed, “Yeah, sorry Isaac.” “It’s fine Sunset, it’s not your fault,” Isaac said, trying to relax. They heard the bag open and Zecora and Potion Nova entered. “I think your doctor is here,” Sunset said smiling. “Oh?” Isaac struggles to sit up. “Help me up.” He asked Sunset. Sunset offers her hand to Isaac. “Here.” Isaac took her hand and was helped off his bed. Sunset supports Isaac over her shoulder. “Thanks, Sunset.” Isaac thanks his friend. “Anytime my lord,” Sunset replied, with a joke, she helped Isaac into the mine room. To meet Zecora and the doctor. Zecora and Potion Nova stood in the main room. They saw Sunset and Isaac. “Is this him?” Potion Nova asked, opening her bag. “Yes, this is Isaac,” Zecora said, grabbing a chair. “Place him here, Sunset.” Sunset placed Isaac on the chair as gently as possible. Potion Nova placed her bag on the table. “Okay, tell me what happened?” Isaac looked at Zecora. “Tell her what happened.” She said to him, Isaac looked at Potion Nova. “A Pegasus called Rainbow Dash uses me as a battering ram through the Everfree Forest, and beats seven tones out of me.” Potion Nova looked confused. “Rainbow Dash? Why would she do that?” “It’s complicated,” Zecora answered, “I see, I’m going to need to use some magic to give you a full check-up.” Potion Nova told Isaac, she looks at Sunset and Zecora. “This will take a while.” “Then me and Sunset. Shall leave you to your work.” Zecora said, to Potion Nova. “Yeah, we’ll just get in the way.” Sunset looked at Isaac. “See ya, Isaac.” “See ya.” Isaac waved goodbye to Sunset and Zecora, who left the bag. Cyrus was showing Caitlyn and Scootaloo the mine. It was filled with makeshift tents and shelters made from wax. Sunset looked at the wax building. “Who made the wax houses?” She asked. “A guy called Pedro Calixto, he eaten the Wax-Wax fruit.” Cyrus replied, “In fact, he was here first before we arrived.” “We?” Scootaloo asked, “We who?” “Me, Fiona and Brook,” Cyrus replied. They walked passed the food tent. “Hungry?” They take a second to check their tummies. “I could have a bite,” Caitlyn said. “Me too.” Scootaloo agreed. Cyrus opened the tent door. “Hey Fiona, what's on the menu?” “Cave stew!” Called a female voice. Caitlyn and Scootaloo entered the tent inside was a makeshift cafe with wax tables, chairs, and a counter for bowls and plates. A woman about 1.5 meters tall, with black hair with slightly silver tips, wearing a black muscle shirt, dark grey sweats, blackish blue fingerless gloves with metal plating on the back of each, blue-ish black open-toe and open heel slipper shoes, showing those respective parts of her socks. The woman was standing next to a stove stirring something in a pot. Cyrus smells the soup. “Smells good Fiona.” “Hopefully it will taste good,” Fiona said, continuing to stir the pot, she saw Scootaloo and Caitlyn. “Huh, new faces?” “Yep,” Cyrus answered, “Caitlyn,” Caitlyn introduced herself. “Scootaloo.” Scootaloo introduced herself with a wave. “Nice to meet you,” Fiona said, pouring some soup into two bowls. “Here it will warm you up.” She told them while pressing the bowls to the cat and Pegas. “Thanks,” Caitlyn said, taking her bowl. Scootaloo took the other bowl. “Thank you.” “Let me know what you think,” Fiona said, stirring more. “Hey, what about me?” Cyrus asked, Reaching for some soup. Fiona hits Cyrus’s hand with the lid. “You get your share later!” She told him, “Now go finish your Patrol!” “Fine Fiona,” Cyrus grumbles, with an empty tummy. “See ya.” Cyrus lifted the tent. Scootaloo eats the soup. “It’s okay, but I think Isaac could make something better.” Caitlyn looked at the soup and stirred the soup with her spoon. How can this liquid be a food? She only had eaten ration bars, she remembers how bland and tasteless they were. She sighed, “What should I do? Should I try it?” “Your soup’s going cold Caitlyn,” Scootaloo said to the cat-girl. “Huh?” “Your soup,” Scootaloo pointed to Caitlyn’s bowl. “It’s getting cold.” Caitlyn looks at her soup. “Oh!? Right.” She said, “Sorry I was thinking too much.” She started to eat the soup by copying Scootaloo. She brings it to her lip and puts the spoon in her mouth. The moment the warm liquid touched her tongue, she was ecstatic by the flavour! The vegetables, the herbs, it took her to heaven! She finished much faster than Scootaloo. “Ahhhhhh!” Caitlyn said, releasing some steam from her mouth. “Wow, you must have been hungry,” Scootaloo stated, continuing to eat her soup. Caitlyn looks at her empty bowl. “Wow, I’ve never eaten anything that fast before.” This was a first for her, when it was meantime, she would eat slowly to make it last longer. “Hmmmm.” She remembers how bland the food bars tasted, and yet that liquid held so much flavour. Caitlyn sighs. ” I guess, it was the flavour that made me eat that soup fast. “Hey, don't forget to return the bowls,” Fiona told the girls. “Better do that,” Caitlyn said, taking her bowl back to Fiona. “Here’s back the bowl.” Fiona takes the bowl from Caitlyn. “Was it good?” She asked. “It was,” Caitlyn replied. “It was the first time I had soup.” “Ohh, well I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Fiona said, putting the bowl to be washed. “So you're a Zoan Type?” Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “No, just a cat girl.” She replied. “Wait an actual cat-girl?” “Yep, I haven’t eaten one of those fruits yet,” Caitlyn explains to Fiona. “Oh, I did think I’d see an actual cat girl.” Fiona looks at Caitlyn. “Can I play with your ears?” “What!?” Caitlyn blushes and covers her ears. “Hell no!” “Not even for Cyrus’s share?” Fiona bribes, with her cooking. “No!” Caitlyn yelled, still covering her ears. “Why do you want to play with them?” She asked, blushing more. “You reminded me of my pet cat,” Fiona said, “Oh.” Caitlyn removed her hands. “Really?” “Yep, you have the same eyes as her,” Fiona said, “Really?” Caitlyn asked again. “She died.” “What!? I reminded you of your pet!” Caitlyn yelled. “Kinda.” “Humans are bizarre creatures,” Caitlyn said to herself, In disbelief at how bizarre humans are. “Yep, humans are weird creatures.” Fiona shrugged, with a smile. Then the tent door opened and Cyrus entered with Sunset and Zecora. “And here they are,” Cyrus said, letting Sunset and Zecora enter. “Thanks, Cyrus,” Sunset said, with a smile. “Indeed, thank you,” Zecora said to Cyrus. “Any time you two,” Cyrus said with his smile. “Hey, you're meant to be on patrol!” Fiona yells at Cyrus. “I was on my way!” Cyrus yelled back, about to leave. “Hey, can I join you?” Caitlyn asked Cyrus, wanting to get away from Fiona and her dead cat story. “Sure, it’s nice to have company,” Cyrus said, accepting the cat-girl request. Caitlyn power walks towards Cyrus. “See ya guys.” She said, leaving with Cyrus on his patrol. Fiona saw Sunset. “Hey, another human.” She said with a smile. “I’m Fiona.” Sunset gave a greeting wave. “Sunset.” “And I am Zecora.” The zebra introduced herself to Fiona. “Nice to meet you,” Fiona said to Sunset and Zecora. “Nice to see another human,” Sunset said, with a smile. “Indeed it is nice seeing more humans,” Zecora said, looking at Fiona. “See something you like?” Fiona asked. Zecora stopped looking. “My apologies, I’m still new to humankind.” She explains. “I’m still getting used to pony kind,” Fiona said, pouring two bowls. “Hungry?” “Yep!” Sunset said, taking a bowl. “While yes, I am,” Zecora said, also taking a bowl. They sat with Scootaloo. “Hey, how’s Isaac?” She asked, worried about Isaac. “Potion Nova is with him now.” Zecora answered, “Trust me, she’ll heal him.” “Yeah, don’t worry.” Sunset said, “Zecora knows her, so I have complete faith in her.” Scootaloo looked at her half-eaten bowl of soup, Sunset took her hand. “He’ll be fine.” Zecora took her other hand. “You have nothing to fear, Scootaloo.” Scootaloo smiled. “Hopefully she’ll help him.” She smiled at the two women. “Now let us eat our soups before it goes cold,” Zecora said smiling, the three of them ate their soup. Within Isaac’s haven-bag Potion Nova was mixing a potion. “So how bad am I?” Isaac asked. “Would you prefer the truth or lie?” Potion Nova asked. “Truth.” “It’s bad,” Potion Nova begins to explain. “Rainbow Dash did some serious damage to your body. I’ll be bold enough to say, it was like she was going to kill you.” “I see,” Isaac said. “So do you have something that can help?” “This potion is strong, it will fix you up, but….” “But?” “You’ll be in for a rough night.” Potion Nova said. “Bone regeneration isn’t pleasant.” Isaac nodded after hearing what Potion Nova told him. “Okay, no pain, no gain, or in this case regain.” Potion Nova goggles. “True, it’s nice to see another brave face.” She said, finishing the potion. “It’s ready, here.” She gave the potion to Isaac. “I added some sleeping ingredients to this potion, so hopefully you’ll sheep through the regeneration.” “Thank you, Potion Nova.” Isaac looks at the potion. “Will this help?” “It will.” Potion Nova replied. “But wait for my return before you drink it.” She said pulling out the ladder. “I’ll be back soon.” Potion Nova climbed out. Isaac looked at the potion in his hand. “You're going to be a roller coaster.” Caitlyn was with Cyrus on his patrol, she kept as close as needed. “So, what do we do on your patrol?” Caitlyn asked. “Nothing much,” Cyrus said. “First I’ll walk along the wax wall, to check for cracks, then after I’ll check on my golems.” “Then what?” Caitlyn asked. “Then if I find any cracks I’ll tell Pedro, and I’ll show him where they are,” Cyrus explains. “I see, so what’s the plan?” Caitlyn asked again. “Hmmmm.” Cyrus stops walking. “Plan?” “For the Snow Pirates,” Caitlyn said, also stopping walking. “Not sure,” Cyrus replied. “We just never thought of one, but we need to at some point.” He sighed. “Why haven’t you thought of one yet?” Cait asked. “Hmmmmm, I don’t know.” Cyrus admitted, “Ever since we got here, we’ve been keeping these ponies safe from the pirates.” He sighed. “But we need to do something about those pirates.” “Do they have a leader?” Caitlyn asked. “Guessing so.” Cyrus said, “But we’ve only seen the grunts though.” “I see, so we need to find the boss, do we know where they camp?” Caitlyn asked. “Nope, we got no idea where they are.” Cyrus said, “We tried to follow their tracks, but every time they attacked they never left a trail.” “Really?” Caitlyn was surprised by this. “How is that possible?” She asked. “Not sure, Fiona thinks there’s a power holder with them,” Cyrus explains. “Power holder?” “That’s what we call anyone with a devil fruit power,” Cyrus explains. “I see, so there might be someone with a devil fruit power?” Caitlyn asked. “That’s what Fiona thinks, Brook trying to find them now, but odds are he’ll come back empty-handed again,” Cyrus replied, looking up. “There’s one.” He pointed to a crack. “That’s three.” He writes it down. “Come on, we need to finish checking for cracks.” He said resuming his patrol. “Yeah, we can talk later,” Caitlyn said, following Cyrus. as they walk she saw another crack. “There’s another one there.” She pointed. “Alright, I’ll add it to the list.” Cyrus wrote it down. “Hey, if you can think of a plan that would be helpful.” Caitlyn smiled a little, hearing they needed her help. “Sure.” Sunset and Scootaloo were walking through the camp when they saw Caitlyn with Cyrus. “Hey!” Sunset called. “Hey!” Caitlyn called back. Sunset saw another human with white skin, with medium body, smooth black hair, and dark brown eyes, wearing a green fedora international hat with a yellow stripe wrapped from the base, a little like Isaac’s, wearing sunglasses with an orange frame, and wore a black shirt Short sleeve, with dark blue shorts, and a white stripe on the sides and finally a black slipper with a green stripe. She saw Cyrus talking to him. Scootaloo jogged ahead. “Hey, how did the patrol go?” She asked, “Okay, we found some damage to the wall, Cyrus is talking to the wax man to fix it.” Caitlyn looks at Scootaloo and saw Sunset approaching. “Huh?” She noted someone missing. “Where’s Zecora?” “She’s with Potion Nova and Isaac in the haven-beg,” Sunset answered, causing up with Scootaloo. “I see.” Caitlyn nods. “So what has Potion Nova said about Isaac?” Scootaloo looked at the ground still feeling guilty. Sunset and Caitlyn noticed Scootaloo's expression. “Potion Nova said she made a potion that can help him, she also said he’ll be asleep for a while,” Sunset explains. “Ahhh, well hopefully he’ll be fine soon.” Caitlyn nodded. Cyrus walks to Caitlyn with the new human. “Hey, I just told Pedro about the damage to the wall,” Cyrus said, pointing to the man he was talking to. “Hi I’m Pedro Calixto, I’m the wax man.” He introduced himself. “Sunset Shimmer, I’m the flame girl.” Sunset introduced herself. “Scootaloo, I’m the float pony.” Scootaloo introduced herself. “Wow, flame and float. I’m impressed.” Pedro said with a smile. “Say what cat fruit did you eat?” He asked Caitlyn. “I never asked. “None, I’m an actual Cat-girl,” Caitlyn replied, leaning against a wall. “An actual Cat-girl nice.” Pedro Smiled, again. “Say you guys are going to fix the Wax wall. can I help you guys?” Sunset asked. “I’m a flame girl.” “Well, your flame can be helpful for the wax wall,” Pedro said to Sunset. “Sure, the more the merrier.” “Always love to lend a helping flame,” Sunset said, lighting some flame on her figure tip. “I’ll tag along if you need me to,” Cyrus said stretching his arms. “Sure.” Pedro accepts Cyrus’s offer. “What about us?” Caitlyn asked the group. “Fiona asked me to get some fruit from the underground tree,” Cyrus said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Could you too, get some for me?” He asked. “Sure we have nothing else to do.” Caitlyn declared. “Want to join me?” She asked Scootaloo. Scootaloo didn’t answer. “Hey,” Caitlyn pat notched her elbow. “Huh?” Scootaloo snapped out of her thoughts. “What?” “I asked if you would join me,” Caitlyn remembers Scootaloo. “Oh, Sure. I’ll help.” Scootaloo said, twiddling her thumbs. “So where’s the tree?” Caitlyn asked. “Here’s a map.” Cyrus gave Caitlyn a map. “Just follow it and you’ll find it.” Caitlyn looks at it. “Okay, it’s straightforward.” She put the map away. “Okay, we’ll gather up your fruit.” She turned to Scootaloo. “Ready?” “Yep.” She quickly replied. They left for the tree, and Sunset, with the boys, left to help fix the wall. Caitlyn and Scootaloo made their way towards the underground ground trees. “We’re almost there,” Caitlyn said, looking at the map. Scootaloo was silent. “Hey.” Caitlyn tapped the tomboy. “Huh?” “Didn’t you hear what I said?” Caitlyn asked. “Yeah, I did sorry,” Scootaloo replied quickly. Caitlyn has seen that face before enough times. “What’s up?” “Hmmm?” “I've seen that face before, so what’s going on?” Caitlyn asked again, putting the map away. Scootaloo was silent. “It’s about that guy Isaac, right?” “Yeah, it is,” Scootaloo admitted, nodding. “So what’s going on?” Caitlyn asked, once more. Scootaloo sighed. “It’s my fault.” “How?” “Rainbow Dash attacked Isaac because of me,” Scootaloo explained. “Really?” Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, they reached the trees. “Okay, let’s resume this after we get the fruit.” “Okay.” Scootaloo and Caitlyn gathered the ripe Tangerines from the trees, and after they filled the basket, Caitlyn sat on the ground. “Sit with me for a second.” Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. “On the ground?” “Yeah, unless you see any chairs around here,” Caitlyn asked reticle. “Now, sit with me for a moment.” Scootaloo sat on the ground In front of Caitlyn. “Okay, now let’s talk.” Scootaloo sighed. “Okay, let’s talk.” “So how do you blame yourself for Isaac’s condition?” Scootaloo sighed, “Rainbow Dash attacked Isaac because she was convinced he manipulated me, to eat my devil fruit and join him.” Scootaloo sat into the foetal position. “I told her, I choose to eat my devil fruit, but she didn’t believe me, we fought and I hurt her.” A tear formed. “I hurt her so badly.” “It’s not just Isaac you're feeling guilty for, it's both him and Rainbow Dash,” Caitlyn said seeing Scootaloo’s true guilt. “I think you’re right,” Scootaloo said placing her forehead on her knees. “You're feeling guilty for Isaac getting hurt and for hurting Rainbow Dash.” “Yeah, I do,” Scootaloo admitted. “Okay, start from the beginning,” Caitlyn told Scootaloo. Scootaloo looked at Caitlyn. “Huh?” “I need to know everything about you and this Rainbow Dash.” “You want to know?” Scootaloo asked. “Yeah, I need a good understanding of the situation,” Caitlyn replied. “Ohh, but what about the Tangerines?” Scootaloo asked. “We need to get it back.” Caitlyn stood up. “Then walk and talk.” Caitlyn picked up the basket. Scootaloo also stood up. “Okay, it’s-” a Tangerine fell and hit Scootaloo’s head. “Ouch.” Scootaloo rubs her head. “You okay?” Caitlyn asked. “Yeah I’m okay, it’s more surprised me, then-” another Tangerine and they all fell from the tree. Scootaloo and Caitlyn stepped away from the tree as the leaves began to die. “What’s going on?” Caitlyn asked. “I-I don’t know,” Scootaloo replied. They watched the tree grow a new fruit, and as the fruit grew the tree was withering away, the fruit took a shape like a lowercase N, and swirling patterns began to cover the fruit. “Wait,” Scootaloo said, remembering when she found her float fruit. “Have you seen this before?” Caitlyn asked Scootaloo. “I found my fruit on a dead tree,” Scootaloo replied. The fruit finished forming, taking the life force from the tree. “You found your fruit on a dead tree?” Caitlyn asked, turning a little pale. “Yeah,” Scootaloo replied, floating to take the fruit from the now-dead tree. “I found mine in the evergreen forest, and I thought it was a new kind of fruit. Isaac told my devil fruits only grow off dead trees.” “That’s insane,” Caitlyn said in a mix of shock and surprise. “Let’s take this fruit back to Isaac and the others,” Scootaloo suggested, holding the fruit in her hands. “Yeah let’s.” Caitlyn agreed, holding out the basket. “Put it in here.” Scootaloo nodded and placed the fruit inside her basket, she looked at the dead tree. “Still can’t believe what we saw.” “Yeah, that was quite the show,” Caitlyn said as she swung the basket on her back. “Let's get going.” “Yeah let’s.” Scootaloo and Caitlyn made their way back to the mining camp. Sunset was with Cyrus and Pedro, she watching Pedro repair his wall. “Hmmmmmm.” Cyrus looked at the flame girl. “Something up Sunset?” He asked. Sunset looked at Cyrus. “I’m just thinking.” She replied. “How long has this wall been up?” “Almost a week,” Pedro answered, “I see, and how much punishment can it take?” Sunset asked again. “Quite a bit,” Pedro answered, finishing his repairs. “But I’m not sure about the mine though.” “Yeah this entrance is huge but the surrounding walls can’t be repaired, unlike Pedro’s wax wall,” Cyrus stated. “Yeah.” Pedro sighed. “My wax can only do so much to absorb the shockwaves, but the mine is old and the supports, can hold for much longer.” Sunset looked at the wall and thought. “May-” There was a knock on the wall, and Sunset ignited her arm. “Hold on,” Cyrus said, holding out his hand. He looks at Pedro and nods. Pedro nodded back and opened a small opening, and looked outside. “It’s Brook.” He identified who it was knocking on. Pedro made the hold into a door and a skeleton stepped in. “Yohohohohoho. It’s cold outside, so cold it chills you to the bone! Yohohohohohohoho!” An extremely tall skeleton dressed in formal attire complete with a top hat and cane. Standing at 266 cm (8'8½") in height, he is the second tallest member of the Straw Hat crew, having been edged out by Jinbe. Despite having no skin, he still has an afro which he says is because his hair has very strong roots. His style was that of a gentleman consisting of a coat, top hat, trousers and afro, which were black, while the inner linings of his coat were yellow-orange. The cravat that was tied in between his coat and around his neck was blue. The outer covering of He had a cane which he carries was purple. Also, due to his many years of seclusion, his clothes were somewhat tattered. Sunset couldn’t believe her eyes, the Musician of the Strawhats pirates was standing in front of her. “Oh?” Brook tidied himself up. “Hello, young miss, I am Brook.” Introducing himself by lifting his hat like a gentleman. “Nice to meet you, I'm Sunset.” Sunset introduced herself to the skeleton. “Now…” “Here it comes,” Cyrus mumbled. “Would you mind showing me your panties?” Brook asked, wanting to see Sunset’s underwear. Sunset gave Brook a high kick. “NO WAY CREEP!” “A simple no would have serviced!” Brook cried hitting as a swell grew where Sunset kicked him. Pedro walked to Brook. “You never learn Brook.” He said, offering his hand to help the skeleton up. Brook takes the helping hand. "Thank you." Pedro helped Brook off the ground. "How did it go, this time?" Cyrus asked, feeling like he already knew the answer. Brook looks at Cyrus. "Unfortunately I haven't found them." He answered with a sigh. "This is quite troublesome, I can't understand how they're staying hidden so well." Pedro and Cyrus sighed. "Could it be the Clear-Clear fruit?" Sunset said to herself. Brook looks at Sunset with a confused look. "The Clear-Clear fruit?" “It’s a fruit that makes you and everything around you invisible,” Sunset explains to Brook. “Ohhhhh.” Brook placed his hand on his chin. “Perhaps that’s the reason I can’t find them.” “It’s the only thing that makes sense to me.” Cyrus declared. “Yeah,” Pedro agreed. “But if that is the case there could be a lot of Pirates out there.” He stated. Cyrus smiled, “Sounds like a good time to me.” He said, clicking his knuckles. “I can have my golems take care of them.” “Even so, we should tell Fiona about Sunset’s thoughts about the clear fruit,” Pedro suggested, to the group. “I agree.” Brook nodded, “Also I can see what panties she’s wearing-” Sunset kicks Brook again in his head. “KNOCK IT OFF, PERVERT!” “Soooooooo mean!” Brook cried hitting the wall and then sliding it to the ground. “Nice kick,” Cyrus said, clapping at Sunset’s kick. “Thanks,” Sunset replied, straightening herself up. “To be honest I might be overreacting a little. I mean I know how much Brook likes panties.” Pedro used his Wax to pick Brook off the ground. “Okay, before Brook says anything else about women's underwear, let's head back to camp." He suggested, "Yeah," Cyrus agreed. "Fiona is probably wondering what's taking us so long." Sunset nods, “Yeah, let’s go guys.” She followed Cyrus and Pedro back to camp. Fiona was in her tent sitting on a chair, relaxing from soup making. She was rubbing her shoulder “Man, who knew working a soup kitchen would be this demanding.” The tent door opened, Fiona looked and saw Scootaloo and Caitlyn. “Hey girls, how did the heaviest go?” "It was interesting, to say the least," Scootaloo answered first, by putting down her basket. “Yeah, you won’t believe what we witnessed,” Caitlyn added, putting her basket down. Fiona was curious and stood from her chair. “What happened?” She asked. Scootaloo showed the new devil fruit. “We saw a tree bearing this fruit.” She replied. Fiona was both shocked and surprised. “You saw this fruit come off a tree?” She asked again. “Yeah,” Caitlyn answered. “It was like the fruit was sucking the life from the tree.” “So it’s true,” Fiona mumbled to herself. Caitlyn heard Fiona. “What's true?” She asked, looking at Fiona. “When a devil fruit is born, there are two methods.” Fiona replied, “The first is the power goes to the nearest same fruit after the power holder dies.” Caitlyn and Scootaloo already have an idea of what the second method is. “We have already seen the second method,” Caitlyn said, looking at the fruit. “You have,” Fiona stated. “But to be honest the second method was mostly a rumor.” Fiona pulled out her little booklet. “Let's find out which one this fruit is.” Before Fiona could get started to look up the fruit. Cyrus returns with Sunset, and Brook, who was being carried by Pedro. “Hey, Fiona! We’re back!” Cyrus announced. “I can see that,” Fiona said, putting her booklet. “And Brook’s back, why is Pedro carrying him?” Sunset blushed and rub’s the back of her head. “I kicked him twice.” She admitted, smiling. “I can guess why.” Fiona laughed, Scootaloo and Caitlyn just looked at each other, with raised eyebrows. “Alright put him down.” Pedro puts down Brook. “Thank you, Pedro” Caitlyn and Scootaloo stepped towards Brook. “Wow, never seen a moving skeleton before,” Caitlyn said, looking closely at Brook. Scootaloo looks at Brook. “This is kinda creepy, seeing what’s under human skin.” “Oh my.” Brook straightened himself up. “Would you two ladies show me your panties?” Scootaloo and Caitlyn just stared at the skeleton. “NO WAY CREEP!” They yelled high kicking Brook's head on both sides making his skull pop open. “Both sides…..” Brook fell to his knees. “Talk about cracking my skull.” He fell flat on his face, and a shell rolled out. Everyone saw the shell and everyone who saw One Piece already knows what that shell is. Brook grabs the shell. “Better put you back where you belong.” He placed the shell back in his open skull and closed it. “There we go.” Caitlyn's eyes widened. “Wait, where's your brain?” Brook stood from the ground. “It’s gone, like the rest of my organs.” He answered. “So what was that shell?” Scootaloo asked. Brook sat down. “Just an old treasure of mine.” He replied. “Treasure? How can a shell be considered a Treasure?” Caitlyn asked. Sunset placed her hand on Caitlyn's shoulder. “Anything can be Treasure, from Shells to books to anything else, it’s in the eye of the beholder.” She explains to the cat-girl. “If you say so.” Caitlyn shrugged. “Okay, let’s get to business,” Fiona said to the group. “Brook, How did the search go?” “Same as always I’m afraid,” Brook replied, “Hmm, this is getting tiresome now,” Fiona said, rubbing her forehead. “Sunset believes someone is using the clear-clear fruit,” Pedro adds. Fiona looks at Pedro. “The clear fruit?” She asked, “Yep,” Cyrus nodded. “What’s the clear fruit?” Scootaloo asked. “It’s a fruit that grants invisibility,” Sunset answered. “Ohhhh.” Caitlyn’s eyes sparkled, she liked the idea of turning invisible. “There’s a fruit that can do that?” She asked. “There is,” Sunset replied, with a smile. “So someone is using this fruit to keep the pirates invisible?” Scootaloo asked. “It seems so.” Brook replied, “It's the only reason why I can’t find them.” “So what now?” Fiona asked. There was silence for a moment, “I have an idea.” Sunset broke the silence. All eyes were on her. “I and Isaac have heat powers, my flame, his Cinder’s. We can melt the snow and find where they are hiding.” She explains to the group. “So you and Isaac will melt the snow?” Fiona asked. “Not a bad idea.” Brook hummed. “I’m for it.” Cyrus smiled, clicking his knocks. “I’m itching to fight those pirates.” “I agree with this plan.” Pedro nods. “Plus, I want to leave this mine.” Fiona nodded. “I feel the same way.” She said she looks at Sunset. “Talk to your friend about your plan.” “I will.” Sunset nodded. Fiona looks at the clock. “Okay, it’s late.” She said to the group. “Let's call it a night.” “I make some golems to petrol the town,” Cyrus said, before leaving. “We better head back to our heaven bags,” Sunset said, rubbing her eyes. Scootaloo felt stiff. “Yeah, I’m ready to call it a day.” Fiona looks at the new devil fruit. “Here Caitlyn, take this for safekeeping.” She gave the cat-girl the U-shape fruit. “You two found it after all.” Caitlyn took the fruit from Fiona. “Thanks, Fiona.” Scootaloo opened her haven bag. “You guys can go in first.” She told her friends. “I’ll look for a place to put this bag.” “You can leave your bag in my tent.” Fiona offered. “Really?” Scootaloo asked. “You don’t mind?” Sunset asked. “Nah, I don’t mind,” Fiona said, taking the haven bag from Scootaloo. “You guys get some rest and I’ll look for a place put to this.” Fiona opens the bag and Sunset, Scootaloo and Caitlyn jump inside, and Fiona takes the haven bag back to her tent. Sunset and the others land inside Zecora’s bag. “I’m going to talk to Isaac about my plan,” Sunset said, grabbing Isaac's bag, and entering it. Caitlyn looked at the devil fruit she and Scootaloo found. “I’m going to put this with my fruit.” She said, entering Isaac’s bag. “Hey, I’m coming too,” Scootaloo said, also entering Isaac’s bag. Inside Isaac’s bag Zecora and Potion Nova, we’re having a conversation, while Isaac sleeps. They Sunset and the others land. “Looks like we have company.” Potion Nova declared. “I shall boil the pot,” Zecora said, getting off her chair, and walking to the stove. “Is everyone ok?” Potion Nova asked. “Yep, everyone’s fine,” Sunset replied. “How’s Isaac?” Scootaloo asked. “He's fine, just sleeping.” Potion Nova replied, Scootaloo sighed in relief. “Well, I better get back to my patience.” Potion Nova said getting off her chair. “Zecora, remember what I told you about Isaac’s care.” “I will Potion Nova,” Zecora replied, starting to make some tea. Potion Nova expected the ladder and left the haven bag. “I’ll check on Isaac tomorrow.” She said, before leaving. “See ya Potion Nova!” Sunset called. “Thanks for everything!” Scootaloo called. “Take care!” Caitlyn called. She takes the new devil fruit and puts it with hers. “I’ll find out which one you are later.” “So tell me, what happened?” Zecora asked. Scootaloo told Zecora about the new devil fruit that she and Caitlyn found, and Sunset told her about the repairs, Brook, and her plan to find and fight the snow pirates. "I see," Zecora poured the tea into the cups. "We have a new devil fruit, we have pirates to fight?" She asked, giving the cups to her friends. “So what do you think of my plan Zecora?” Sunset asked. “Hmmm,” Zecora takes a sip of her tea. “I don’t believe we should rush Isaac back into combat, not that soon at least.” Sunset nodded. “You have a point Zecora,” Sunset admitted not fully thinking about Isaac’s condition. Zecora saw the time. “Oh my, is it that late?” She said, surprised by the time. “After our tea, we all should call a night and get some rest.” She suggested to the girls. “Sounds like a plan to me,” Caitlyn said with a yawn. “Yeah, I’m tired myself.” Scootaloo agreed, also yawning. “Oh no,” Sunset said, yawning. “Caitlyn started a yawning chain.” She yawned again. Zecora raised an eyebrow. “A chain-” she yawns as well. “I understand what you mean.” “Okay, I’m heading to bed.” Caitlyn declared before yawning again. “I’m off too,” Sunset said, yawning again, making her sleepy. “I better get going myself,” Scootaloo said, heading to bed. Zecora grabs the cups and places them into the sink, she went to Isaac’s room to check on him. “Hopefully you will recover by morning.” She whispered before heading to bed, Everyone slept until the next day. To be continued….
Chapter 7: Battle for Snow HollowIt’s been a few days since Isaac and the others arrived at Snow Hollow, throughout their stay Isaac’s injuries were treated by Potion Nova. Within a tent Isaac was doing some routine light stretches to keep his body motivated and warm, Potion Nova watched over him, taking notes. Potion Nova finished writing. "You should be fully healed soon," Potion said, walking to her workbench. “I’ll make you another potion to help with your joints.” “Thank you Nova.” Isaac said, finishing his stretches. “Can't wait to get back to normal.” He was eager to get to the Crystal Empire. “Is it safe to enter?” Called Scootaloo from the entrance. ”It’s safe.” Isaac replied, stretching his legs. Scootaloo entered the tent. “Hey Isaac.” She looked at Isaac and she was happy to see him back on his feet. “Feeling better?” "Lots better," Isaac replied, putting his coat on. “Nova said, I will be fully healed soon.” “Great!” Scootaloo cheered, “I’ll let everyone know.” Scootaloo quickly turned and almost flew. “Oh!” Scootaloo turned back around, remembering the reason why she came to Nova’s tent. “Sunset wanted to talk to you about something.” Scootaloo told Isaac before leaving. “Ah, to be young and full of youth.” Isaac smiled. “Am I free to go?” "You are," Nova replied, giving Isaac another potion. “Drink this.” "Thanks," Isaac said, drinking the sourness sucked his eyes out. "So...Sour!" He groaned, twisting his face. “Sorry.” Nova said, “Ran out of sweeteners.” “It’s ok.” Isaac said, straightening his face. “Thanks for your help.” Isaac said, returning the bottle. "Of course Isaac," Nova replied, “Now off with you, Sunset’s waiting for you.” “I’m going, I’m going.” Isaac smiled and left to see Sunset. Isaac found Sunset by her tent talking to Brook. "Hey Sunset," Isaac called out, "Scoots told me you wanted to talk?" “I did.” Sunset said. “Talk more later Brook.” "Alright," Brook nodded as he turned to leave. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He turned to face Sunset. “Would you mind showing me your panties?” Sunset kicked Brook in his head, "No way!" She yelled. Brook hits the floor with a bump forming. “So mean!” He cried. Isaac rolled his eyes, “Just like the anime.” He thought smiling. He still couldn't get over how amazing it was, seeing an actual One Piece character. Sunset straightened herself up. “Okay, now I deal with that.” She looked at Isaac. “Come with me.” “Ok.” Isaac followed Sunset. “See ya Brook.” Brook rose from the ground. “Of course, I’ll see you later.” He said waving, “Well I would if I had eyes! YOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOH!” Isaac and Sunset laughed from the cringy joke. “Classic.” Isaac smiled. “Yeah, classic.” Sunset smiled. Sunset took Isaac to the Wax wall. “So what’s up Sunset?” Isaac asked, looking at the wall. “We need to help these Ponies.” Sunset looked at Isaac. “They can’t last here for much longer.” “Yeah, you’re right.” Isaac nods, "But how can we do that?" He asked, “Brook looked for the pirates several times.” “I know,” Sunset replied, “I was thinking Scootaloo could fly and do an aerial search.” “And what would that accomplish?” Isaac Asked, “Well she could look for hot spots in the air from fires,” Sunset replied, “Or maybe she might see something Brook missed. "Hmmmm," Isaac moved his body checking. “There is only one issue, Scootaloo is a greenhorn when it comes to flying.” "Yeah," Sunset nods, “You’re right, But it’s the only plan I have.” Isaac used his cinder powers to make a chair, and sat down. “We talk to her first, and see if she can undertake this task.” Isaac suggested making a cinder chair for Sunset. “What were you talking to Brook about?” “The same thing I just told you.” Sunset said, sitting down. “He likes the idea.” “It is a sound plan,” Isaac rubs his chin. “But once we find them it’s gonna be a full on brawl.” “Yep.” Sunset nods, sitting forward on her chair. “But this needs to end.” “I know, have you talked to anyone else about this?” Isaac asked. “Not yet.” Sunset admits, “I wanted to ask you first.” “Oh?” Isaac was a little surprised by Sunset’s response. “Why ask me first?” “I've known you longer than Cyrus, Fiona and Pedro.” Sunset replied, “I don’t fully trust them yet.” “Well that’s a kick to the teeth.” Pedro said from above. Sunset and Isaac looked up, and saw Pedro performing maintenance on his wall. “Hey Pedro.” Isaac greeted. “How long were you there?” Sunset asked, with a raised brow. “I heard most of your plans.” Pedro answered, sliding down his wall. “So you don’t fully trust us yet?” He asked, kinda hurt from Sunset’s statement. “It’s nothing personal.” Sunset replied, “But we barely know each other.” She stood from her chair. “No offense.” “None-taken.” Pedro replied, “But we’re not your enemies. If we wanted to attack you, we would have already done it.” Isaac stood from his chair. “He does have a point.” He said, placing his hand on Sunset’s shoulders. “Yeah, he does.” Sunset Admitted. “Sorry.” “It’s fine.’ Pedro said, “So what’s the plan now?” “I think we should talk to Cyrus and Fiona about this plan.” Isaac answered, “Also Scootaloo, and Caitlyn.” “Why Caitlyn?” Sunset asked, “She was a captain, so she might have some ideas.” Isaac replied, “Ok.” Sunset nods, “I’ll talk to Cyrus and Fiona.” “And I’ll talk to Caitlyn and Scootaloo.” Isaac declares, “Fiona is in the cooking tent, and Cyrus is by the entrance.” Pedro told Isaac and Sunset. “Thanks Pedro.” Sunset smiled. “I’ll be off now.” Sunset said leaving Isaac with Pedro. “Catch you later!” “Catch you later Sunset.” Isaac called, he looked at Pedro. “Any ideas where Caitlyn is?” Pedro placed his hand on his chin and thought. “Caitlyn…..hmmm, don’t think I saw her today.” He thinks more, but nothing comes to mind. “Sorry Isaac, I have no idea where she is.” “It’s fine Pedro.” Isaac said, patting his shoulder. “I just look for her, and ask around.” Isaac turned the chairs back into cinders and reabsorbed them. “I’m gonna get going.” “See you later Isaac.” Pedro said, climbing the wall to resume repairs. “See ya Pedro.” Isaac left Pedro to his wall. Sunset walked to Fiona’s tant first as she approached Fiona’s tent. She could smell the aroma of soup in the air, but the aroma was weaker than usual. “Hmmmm, we’re running low on supplies.” Sunset said, from the aroma alone she could tell the food supply was nearing its end. “We need to leave this place.” She declared with a determined look. Sunset entered the tent and once again saw Fiona behind her cooking pot. Fiona saw Sunset stepping in. “Hey Sunset.” She greeted, “Sorry, but the soup isn’t ready yet.” “I’m not here for soup.” Sunset walked toward Fiona and sat in front of her. “Be honest, how much food is left?” Fiona looked at Sunset and sighed. “How did you know?” She asked, “The aroma was weaker than usual.” Sunset replied. “Wow you got a good sniffer.” Fiona laughed. “So how much is left?” Sunset asked, once again. “Roughly enough till breakfast tomorrow.” Fiona answered, “Most of the vegetables are beginning to turn, and we ran out of meat yesterday.” “I see.” Sunset sighed. “Listen, I’m going to have Scootaloo and Brook find the bandit camp, if they find them- “I'm in.” Fiona answered before letting Sunset finish her sentence. Sunset blinked, “Wow, you didn’t even hesitate.” She said, smiling. “Eager to get out here?” “Me and Cyrus both.” Fiona replied, adding more carrots to the soup. “He’s been talking about getting out of here, and beating the shit out of bandits, so on and so forth.” Fiona tastes some of the soup, sighed. “Bad?” Sunset asked. “Yep, more like boiled water.” Fiona sighed. “So when do you plan this operation?” “I was thinking tomorrow.” Sunset replied, “But if the food supply this bad, maybe we should start sooner.” “Yeah, sooner means better.” Fiona nods, mixing the soup some more. “Ok, I’m gonna go find Cyrus.” Sunset said, standing up. “Do you need anything?” She asked before leaving. “No.” Fiona replied, “Unless you have a stash of food.” She giggled, making light of the situation. “Nope.” Sunset smiled, “But I’ll see if Cyrus does.” She said walking toward the door. “See you later.” “See ya.” Fiona waved, continuing to make soup. Meanwhile Isaac was walking through the cold tunnels looking for Caitlyn. As he walked, he noticed his body felt better, he prayed he’ll be fully recovered by tomorrow, he hated feeling like this, he wanted to be normal again. Isaac sighes releasing a foggy breath from his mouth. “I really hate this.” He sneezes, “I better not be coming down with a cold.” He sneezes again. “Sounds like it to me.” Isaac heard Caitlyn's voice, he saw her just around the corner. “You ok Isaac?” She asked, passing him a tissue. “Not really.” Isaac replied, blowing his nose. “Thanks.” “Anytime.” Caitlyn said, wiping her own nose. “Cold getting to you too?” Isaac asked, “Yep.” Caitlyn replied, “So what brings you here?” “Sunset got a plan, and we wanted to run by you first.” Isaac replied, sniffing. “Huh?” Caitlyn was confused, why would they need to ask her thoughts on the matter. “Why?” “Simple,” Isaac replied, “Because you’re a famar captain, and we guessed you've been involved in a couple of battles.” Isaac sneezed again, and Caitlyn passed another tissue. “Thank you,” He blew his nose again. “So we wanted to ask you first.” “I see,” Caitlyn hums. “Ok, let’s head back and find Sunset.” “Yeah let’s.” Isaac said before sneezing once again, and Caitlyn giving him another tissue. “Thank you.” He blew his nose again. Sunset reached the mine’s entrance, she saw Cyrus sitting by the waxy vault style door. By him was a fire to keep him warm, he honestly hated this task, but no one else could undertake it like him. Fiona was the anointed chef, and Pedro was maintaining the defensive structure, so this was his cross to bear. Sunset approached Cyrus. “Hey Chain man, How are you?” She asked with the sunniest smile. Cyrus raised an eyebrow at Sunset. “Chilly.” He replied, “Why are you here?” “We got a- Sunset stop from hearing a whistling sound. “What’s that?” Cyrus grabs Sunset and wraps them both in a chain ball, and the door was blown to pieces. The explosion was heard everywhere, and the Ponies began to panic, while the humans ran to the entrance. Isaac used his Cinder powers to make roller ash skates. Caitlyn saw Isaac skating away picking some speed. “H-HEY!” She yelled, as she quickly switched from two legs to four. She ran after Isaac like an actual cat. “Wait for me!” Isaac saw Caitlyn catching up to him. “Whoa, you can run like that?” He ask, surprised to see Caitlyn on all fours. Caitlyn looked at him while running. “Of course I can,” She replied, “I am part cat.” She looked forward as they turned a corner. “Why? Didn’t you think I could?” Isaac shrugged, “I didn’t want to presume you could.” He replied, Caitlyn looked at Isaac, she thought he was still recovering from injuries. “Say, I thought you were still hurting.” “I am.” Isaac replied, “But they’re attacking us here, I can’t just standby and let you guys fight alone.” “Ok, just don’t push yourself.” Caitlyn told him, “Don’t worry, I’ll just support you guys.” Isaac replied, “Good.” Caitlyn said, as her ears twitched. “I can hear fighting.” She announces, “I’m going on head.” Caitlyn told Isaac spontaneously increasing her speed. Isaac watched Caitlyn leave his line of sight, at amazing speeds. “Wow, she’s like a Cheetah.” He picked up the pace to catch up. Sunset and Cyrus were in a literal heated battle against the pirates. Cyrus with chain boxing gloves punching the pirates one by one. “Wow, they're out in force.” He stared, making a chain baseball bat. Sunset shoots the pirates with her flaming finger pistols. “I know, have ever attempted an attack like this before?” ”Nope!” Cyrus called, pushing against three pirates. “This is a first.” He broke the lock and swung his bat at the pirates, sending them flying. He looked at the entrance, seeing the pirates entering small groups at a time. “But they’re also playing the long game.” Sunset used her fireflies and blasted a small number of the pirates. “Something tells me, they’re waiting on a heavy hitter.” “Seems so.” Cyrus agrees, swinging his sword. Soon Caitlyn reached the entrance seeing the battle. “Hmmm,” She scoops the unfolding battle, she scoops the battle, she scoops for any leaders, but instead she notices the odd green collars around some of the pirates. “What are these?” Isaac catches up to Caitlyn and sees the battle. “Whoa, this is quite the fight.” He started, he looked at Caitlyn who seemed focused on something. “Should we help Sunset and Cyrus?” “Not yet.” Caitlyn replied, she pointed to the collars. “I don’t like the look of those collars.” Isaac looked and saw the familiar green collars. “The Pet-Pet power.” He growled, “Pet-Pet?” Caitlyn looked at Isaac. “It’s a power that allows you to put a collar on any creature, and make it your obedient pet.” Isaac explains, “I see, so those guys are slaves?” Caitlyn asked, seeing the pirates fighting Sunset and Cyrus. “Definitely.” Isaac replied, “We need to find the Power holder.” “Why?” Caitlyn asked, “If we find him, and beat him into submission, the collars will disappear, freeing them.” Isaac answered, “I see.” Caitlyn smiles and clicks her knuckles and neck. “Time to hunt!” She pounced down entering the fight. Isaac saw her scratching and clawing her way through towards Sunset and Cyrus. “Wow,” Isaac smiled, “She’s good.” He produced cinders from his hand and made a rifle. “I’ll be acting as support.” Isaac takes aim and shoots the pirates with soft ash bullets. As he shoots he looks for the Pet-Pet holder. “Come out coward.” He mumbles shooting his cinder rifle. Caitlyn reached Sunset and Cyrus. “Hey guys.” She called kicking a pirate down. ”Hey Caitlyn.” Sunset replied, shooting more fire shots. “Sup.” Cyrus replied, whipping some pirates. “Damn! Why don’t they back off!?” He yelled, getting frustrated from the pirates throwing themselves at him and Sunset. “Yeah, can’t they see they won’t win?” Sunset yelled getting stabbed, she looked at the pirate. “Dude, I’m made of fire.” She heated the blade, forcing the man to drop it. “Hey, do you know about the Pet-Pet fruit?” Caitlyn asked, ducking a swinging sword. “Yeah.” They both responded. Sunset saw some of them pirate’s with green collars. “Slaves!?” “Huh.” Cyrus saw the collars too. “Have we been fighting slaves this whole time!” He yelled holding back a little. “DAMN IT!” “So there’s a power holder here!?” Sunset asked. “Yep.” Caitlyn replied, kicking a guy down. “Isaac said if we beat him up, they’ll be set free.” “That’s Paramecia 101.” Sunset replied. “Everyone knows that.” Cyrus added, making chain shields. “So where is the coward hiding?” “Isaac’s looking.” Caitlyn replied, “Since he’s sniping.” A pirate was shot. “Thank you!” She signals a thumbs up to Isaac. Isaac sees Caitlyn’s thumbs up, and resumes looking for the Pet-Pet holder. “Where is he?” Soon Fiona and Pedro arrive on the scene. “What’s the situation?” Fiona asked, “So far, Sunset, Cyrus and Caitlyn are doing ok for now.” Isaac shoots another pirate. “But they’re holding back.” “Why?” Pedro asked, “The Pet-Pet user is forcing them to fight.” Isaac replied with another snot. “I see,” Fiona said, stretching her arms. “Pedro help me restrain them.” “Right behind you.” Pedro said, lighting his cowlick, completing the candle man look. “Let's make some candles.” He said jumping in the battle. Fiona groaned. “Cringe man!” She yelled jumping down. Isaac laughed, and saw a glimpse of a familiar man outside the door. “Wait, he looks familiar.” Isaac pushed off the ground and used his Cinder powers to fly to the entrance. Outside he saw nothing but the ruined town and snow. “Hmmm, where did- AH! Then Isaac had an idea. “ECLIPSE VEIL!” Issac unleashed his veil of Ash and cinders, “Now to bring it back.” Issac pulled the ashes back into his body, leaving enough to show the invisible invaders. “DAMN IT!” Yelled a man with ash on his invisible body. “I can see you!” Isaac called, “Show yourselves!” He orders the pirates. “Fine!” Said a snarky sounding man. “Uncloak us!” He ordered. Soon Isaac saw the pirates, there was a mixed group of men and women, some of them looked like pirates from the show, and he saw some from the modern day. But some really stood out, but now Isaac was scanning for the power holder. Pushing through the group a regular sized man with broad shoulders, thin arms, and a square jaw. He has ears with large earlobes, large teeth, and purple eyes. He has curly eyebrows, a black mustache, and a black goatee. When he brings out his own full power, his hair is shown to be purple. He wears a blue, fur-lined jacket with a blue and white ring-leader's outfit. He also wears a red bow tie and a green monocle. Isaac knew this man from the show, he remembered his name. “BREED!” “PETTOTOTO, Oh you know me?” Breed chuckles, “I must be quite famous.” “Not really.” Isaac replied with a deadpan expression. Breed eye twitch from Isaac’s reply. “So how do you know my name?” Isaac hums thinking how to answer, this Breed could be the same Breed from the show, or perhaps another Breed from another universe. “I heard a guy wearing a straw hat kicked your ass!” Isaac answered, He saw Breed's face turning red from pure anger and rage. “KILL HIM!” He ordered his slaves. A man wearing a full suit of armor walked forward, and dashed towards Isaac. A young Dragonborn about Scootaloo’s age stepped forward, his body showing some athletic muscle, perhaps he was a sports player. His outfit was Chinese themed with orange being the main color with a Chinese dragon as the finish. On his belt was a sketchbook, he began to draw something, he held out the book and weapons fell from the pages. Isaac saw the pirates pick up the weapons. “Ok, more power holders.” He said, igniting his cinders. “Play it safe man.” He told himself, as the pirates ran towards him. “Yohohohhohohohoh.” From out of nowhere Brook appears between Isaac and the pirates. “Brook?” Isaac said, surprised to see the skeleton. “Hello Isaac,” Brook greeted, raising his hat like a gentleman. “I heard the explosion and came to investigate.” Isaac nods and sees the pirates getting closer. “Ummm Brook?” “Also, Scootaloo was looking for you, she was very worried about you.” Brook said not noticing the pirates running towards them. “Brook?” Issac points behind the skeleton. “We got company.” “Oh worry not my friend.” Brook begins to sheath his sword, Isaac didn’t notice his sword was out, and he knew what was coming. “Three verse humming,” Brook’s sword was almost sheathing his sword. “Arrow not slashed!” He sheathed his sword and a spontaneous rush of air made the pirates fall to the ground at once. Isaac went star eyed from seeing Brooks iconic moment from the show. Sunset and the others joined Isaac and saw the aftermath of Brooks' special attack. “I missed the Three verse humming arrow not slashed!” Sunset moaned missing Brook’s iconic special. Breed grinds his teeth in anger, he grabs a girl. “RUSH THEM!” He orders whipping his men. The pirates, forced by the collars they ran towards Isaac and the others. Cyrus smiled, and clicked his fingers. “OK, show time!” He threw his chains wrapping up the pirates. Fiona used her binds to cuff them. “Leave them to us!” She called, capturing more pirates. “Subdue Breed!” Sunset, Caitlyn and Pedro nod and run towards Breed with his power holders at arm’s reach. Isaac makes some cinder kunai and throws them at the pirates, once close enough they blow making a smokescreen. Cyrus and Fiona used the smokescreen to capture the pirates. Sunset used her flames to boost her speed, she ignited a flame fist. Then she was stopped by a lightning strike. Sunset saw man inside the lighting, he was a Pale skin, above average height, slightly chubby, deep blue eyes, shoulder length brown hair, short and curly reddish brown beard, large scar on back of right hand, wears black jeans, brown/tan heavy work boots, purple t-shirt, white/blue sweater jacket with a reflective Canadian Flag patch on right shoulder. ”Sorry.” He said, “I have no choice.” The lighting man said, creating more lighting. “I know.” Sunset replied, igniting her flame. “I won’t hold it against you.” The two clashed, Caitlyn ran towards Breed, but an ink wolf jumped in her path. “GHA!” She stopped and saw the Dragonborn with his sketchbook, making more ink wolves. “Damn it!” “Sorry.” The ink man said, making more ink creatures, he sent them to attack Caitlyn. Caitlyn was forced back, and Pedro used his wax to stop them. “I got this.” He smiled, using his wax to a wax mecha. Caitlyn was impressed by the wax mecha. “Cool.” Caitlyn saw an opening and ran towards Breed. But two sickles she saw a young woman with medium-brown skin and dark-red eyes. Her hair is a light, mint-green with a straight fringe and bangs as well as two long locks on each side in the back. On her lower back were two holsters for her weapons. The sickle girl swings her weapons on a chin, and swung it at Caitlyn, who ducked out of the way. “Ok I got ya.” Caitlyn dashed towards her, the girl quickly dropped her weapons, she placed her hands to a rectangle with her fingers and thumbs. “Imprison!” A rectangle beam shot from her rectangle, the beam hit Caitlyn and trapped her in a card. “WHAT THE!” Caitlyn tried to claw her way out of the card. “LET ME OUT!” The girl picked up the card and placed it in her pocket. “HEY!” The girl picked her next target, she saw Sunset and made the same rectangle. “Imprison!” She shoots her beam, Sunset saw the beam and used her Logia powers to avoid the beam, but the bean got the Thunder man instead, Sunset saw him become a card. “Paramecia that shoots beams huh?” This gives Sunset a brilliant idea. She runs as the girl keeps shooting her beam again and again. Sunset ran past the ink man and he was trapped in a card, she jumped into the air shooting flames from her zooming towards Breed, the girl kept shooting her beam. Breed saw what Sunset was planning. “Sto- '' a black cinder bullet flew by his face, it blew, making a cinder smoke making him choke. Sunset slide between his legs and the sickle girl trapped him in a card. Once captured the green collars fall apart freeing Breed’s victims. The battle was over, all were celebrating, Sunset smiled her plan worked. But then again Breed was only a mini boss. She shrugged and looked for his card. “Huh?” Sunset couldn’t see it. “Where is he?” Sunset looked more and still he was nowhere to be found. “Damn it!” As Sunset continues her search the card girl releases Caitlyn from her prison. Caitlyn moved her feeling weird from being turned 2D, then back to 3D. “That was weird.” She said, feeling normal again. “Release!” The card girl called, releasing the others from their cards. Caitlyn looked at the card girl, she looked guilty and ashamed for what she did during her enslavement. For some reason Caitlyn wanted to help her. Perhaps she has gone a little soft from her current company. “Hmmmm, what would Adora do?” She thinks for a moment and sighed. Caitlyn walked to the card girl and offered her hand. “Hey,” She said, “I’m Caitlyn.” The card girl was confused by Caitlyn’s hand, “Ummmm are you introducing yourself?” She asked, “Yep.” Caitlyn replied, straight to the point. “Why?” “To show there’s no hard feelings.” Caitlyn replied once more. “You're not on by chance.” Caitlyn lowered her arm. “And I’m being nice.” The card looked at Caitlyn and smiled, with a little blush. “You right, I was forced here.” She said, “But are you sure you wanna forgive me?” Caitlyn smiled, and raised her hand once again. “Yeah, I’ll for you.” The Card girl took Caitlyn’s hand and shakes hands with her. “Emerald.” The Card girl introduced herself. “Emerald Sustrai.” “Nice to meet you.” Caitlyn said smiling, Emerald returned the smile with her own smile. “Nice to meet you too.” Sunset saw Caitlyn making a former enemy into a friend, this brought a tear to her eye. “A classic One Piece moment!” “Hey,” Sunset snapped back to reality, she turned and saw the Thunder man. “Sorry for trying to fry you.” He apologized. “It’s cool.” Sunset replied not bothered by the Thundermans attack. “You were forced by Bre- DAMN IT!” She yelled returning to her search for Breeds card. “Where is he!?” The Thunderman was confused seeing Sunset turning up the snow. “Did you lose something?” “Breed was turned into a card.” Sunset replied, “I’m trying to find him.” “Oh.” The Thunderman joined her search. “I’ll help you.” “Thanks.” Sunset said, pointing to another area. “I’ll look here, can you look over there?” “Ok.” The Thunderman said walking to the area. “By the way, the names Marethyu D. Pearson.” He introduced himself. “D? Like One piece D?” Sunset begins to think of the possibilities, but she pushes them to one side for now, she needs to find Breed. “Nice to meet you, I'm Sunset.” “Pleasure to meet you.” Marethyu smiled looking for Breed with Sunset. Emerald and Caitlyn saw them and approached them. “Lost something?” Caitlyn asked. “Can’t find Breed’s card.” Sunset replied, “Probably he took him.” Said a fifth voice. Sunset and the others looked at the Dragon artist. “Who?” Sunset asked, “I don't know his name, but he wears a uniform of some kind.” The artist replied. “He made us invisible.” “I see…” Sunset looked for any signs of the invisible man. “I know two people with the clear-clear fruit Absalom and Shiryu of the Rain.” This was troubling. “Ok, let’s rejoin Isaac and the others.” She said to the group, who nodded in agreement. Sunset took them back to the entrance. Far away from the snow hollow a man declocks himself, he is a tall man, with a dark navel trench coat with gold buttons and brown belt with a gold buckle, on the coat’s collar were skulls, on his upper arms were red sash with skulls. His hands were dark brown gloves and matching boots. On his shoulders was another Waite coat, he wore a black military hat, with a skull in the center. The man pulled out a card and looked at it. “Nice prison you have Breed.” He laughed, “GET ME OUT OF HERE!” Breed barked, “Sorry but I’m no longer your pet.” The man laughed again, he noticed some smoke. “Hmmmm.” He pocketed Breed, and walked to the smoke. “SHIRYU!” Breed yelled inside the trench pocket. He soon reached a makeshift camp with a man in a thick winter coat. The man saw the remains of a huge animal next to the man. “Take another step.” The man said eating some meat, not looking at Shiryu. “Is that an invitation?” Asked Shiryu asked, “Depends on you.” Asked the man eating more meat. “What’s your name?” “Shiryu.” Shiryu introduced himself. Shiryu?” The man said, placing down his meat. “As in Shiryu of the rain?” “You heard of me?” Shiryu said, walking towards the fire. He stopped frozen. “Huh?” “Sorry but I know who you are.” The man said, floating off the ground. “String-String.” “Yep.” The man said, smiling like a hyena. He lands back on the ground. “I want to make an offer.” “What kind of offer?” Shiryu asked. “The Lobelia Organisation sent us here to test our potential.” The sting man began. “So let’s show them how much potential we have, by building an empire.” Shiryu smiled, “And how do you plan to build this empire?” “First I’ll need craw, then secure funds by any means.” The String man uses his powers to pull a cup to himself, and takes a sip. “Then after those two steps are done, then we remove the competition.” “In what way?” Shiryu asked, begging to like this man. The string man pulled out the card with Breed trapped inside. He looked at him. “Breed? The pet guy?” “Listen to me.” Breed quickly said, seeing this as a chance to escape this prison. “Release me from this card and I’ll help you tame Shiryu of the rain. With- The string man laughed. “Why tame? When I can make a partnership.” He said, growing Breed into fire, laughing at his screams. “Like that basically.” He answered, looking at Shiryu still giggling. Shiryu looked at the string, he can see the bloodthirst in his eyes. “How many have you killed so far?” “Roughly 40.” The string man replied, still smiling. “So you in?” “Yeah.” Shiryu replied smiling, “I’m in.” “Wonderful!” The string man smiled, releasing Shiryu and putting a cigar in mouth. “Have a cigar.” He cut and lit it with his string. Shiryu takes a drag from the cigar and blows a plume of smoke. “So, what's next boss?” Before the string man answers they heard voices. “Come on!” Called a male voice. “Where can we run?” Asked a female voice. “We’ll figure that out later!” Called another voice. The string man removed his coat, and revealed himself. average height with a scar by his lips like the forced smile. Black long coat with a homemade three piece suit stitched from other clothes. Short black haircut with a red hair dye. Left eye blue that blood shot with a tattoo of a raven right eye hazel. “Wanna have some fun?” The string man asked, clicking his joints. “Of course,” Shiryu replied smiling, “May I know my boss's name?” The string man looked at Shiryu and gave him a katana. “Nerxco.” “Nerxco,” Shiryu said, drawing his new blade. “This will do for now.” The two killers walked to the group, trusty for blood and carnage. Isaac and the others were back in the main, they were cheers and celebrations from the inhabitants of Snow Hollow. Their nightmare had ended, they were finally free. Some of the former attackers stayed to help rebuild the town, but most ran away. But, who could blame them? They didn’t want to attack this town, and once freed they could run as far as they could. Brook played some music for the occasion, Fiona cooked a fast with the new food supply, Cyrus was dancing on a table. Sunset used her flames to entertain the kids, while Pedro kept them away from flames. Isaac was sitting at the sidelines watching the festivities, he noticed some of those who stayed, keeping to themselves. He saw Caitlyn walking to them, she sat next to the green haired girl. Scootaloo sat next to Isaac. “Hey, you ok?” “I’m fine.” Isaac replied, he looked at the celebration. “It's nice seeing so many smiles.” “It is,” Scootaloo smiled. “Are we leaving tomorrow?” She asked. “Maybe,” Isaac replied, “thinking about it, the Sickle user is probably long gone by now, and I need some more time to recover.” He leaned back. “Also these guys could use our help rebuilding.” “Yeah.” Scootaloo nods, “I think we talk it over with the others first.” Isaac said he looked at Scootaloo. “Are you ok?” Scootaloo led back next to him. “I’m ok now, a lot of shit has happened in a short time.” She sighed, thinking of what happened. “Yeah, perhaps too much had happened.” Isaac agreed, “I think we need a break.” “That’ll be nice.” Scootaloo said standing up. “Wanna dance?” “Nah I’m just gonna stay here.” Issac replied, “Perhaps one of the new guys over there might like to dance.” He pointed to the group who stayed. “Yeah, I think they’ll like that.” Scootaloo smiled, “Sure, you’re gonna be ok?” She asked before leaving Isaac. “I'll be fine, make some new friends.” Isaac told Scootaloo, “Ok, I’ll come check on you later.” Scootaloo said before walking towards the group, with Caitlyn. Zecora saw Isaac sitting alone, and walked over to him with drinks. “Thirsty?” She asked, offering him a drink. “I am,” Isaac replied, taking one of them. He was about to drink some, but immediately stopped. “Wait, does this have any special ingredients?” Zecora smiled and sat next to him. “No, just something sweet.” She takes a swig from her cup. Isaac drinks some of his beverage, he looks at Zecora. “So how are things?” “Going ok,” Zecora replied, “Do you have any plans?” “We're gonna stay and help rebuild.” Isaa replied. Zecora was a little surprised by this answer. “May, I ask why?” “The sickle user is probably long gone, and I need some more time to recover.” Isaac began, “Also I feel like we need a break from running and being on edge.” “A moment of relaxation is good for the soul.” Zecora said, drinking more of her beverage. “I believe this may be the best decision.” “Hopefully it will be.” Issac said, drinking some more, he saw Scootaloo dancing with the dragon. “She looks like she is having fun.” “Children her age should be having fun.” Zecora agrees, finishing her drink. “Would you like another round?” Isaac finished his drink. “Sure.” He replied standing up, “I could use another drink or two.” “Perhaps I could have one or two more drinks myself.” Zecora stood and walked with Isaac to the refreshments. The party lasted through the night, for this was the night celebration, a night to remember. Isaac and his friends enjoyed the party, dancing, singing, laughing the hours away. To Be Continued…..
PrologueMy name is Lancer D Isaac. In case you are confused about my name, My father was Japanese, so my name is backward. Yeah, I know, it still doesn’t sound very Japanese, does it? It’s very confusing, I know. So, moving on, I live on my own in a flat. I volunteer at my local church which also operates as a cafe for the food bank, and I also deliver the local newspaper. During my free time, I would play Online Games, watch YouTube Videos, and watch Anime. My top 3 all-time Favourites are YU-GI-OH, Inuyasha, and One Piece. One day, I was just surfing the net, when I heard a knock at the door. I opened the door and saw a postman standing outside with a package for me. I took the package from the postman. “I haven’t ordered anything recently.” I placed the box on my dining table and opened it. Inside the box was a large Black Fruit, with red swirl patterns all over it, resembling a lump of coal which had started to burn. “This looks like a Devil fruit from One Piece.” Next to the Fruit, I saw a letter with a Blue Wax seal. The emblem looked like a Lobelia flower, and there was also a leather-bound Book next to the Fruit as well. I opened the letter and began to read it. Greetings and Salutations Mr Isaac, you have been randomly selected to be sent to another world. The Fruit inside the box is the Kaibun Kaibun No Mi, better known as the Cinder Cinder Fruit. It will grant you the power to transform your body into, as well as create and control, heated Ashes and Cinders at will. To obtain this power, all you need to do is take a bite of the fruit and swallow it. Fair warning, It will make your stomach turn inside out, but it will be worth it. When you choose to eat the fruit is up to you, there is no rush. With that said, you will be sent to the new world at midnight tonight, so be prepared. In this package, we have also provided an encyclopedia on Devil Fruits, so you can read up on all information to do with your new Devil Fruit. Now, it would be around this point you’ll be wondering why. We at the Lobelia Organisation have decided to test the capability of Humanity, by sending individuals to another world. The Devil Fruit was provided by our Japanese Branch. Please use this moment to organise all unfinished businesses and contact family and friends. Yours sincerely Lapis Lobelia “What a load of horse shit,” I muttered under my breath as I rolled my eyes, throwing the letter back in the box. “They must think I’m a fucking moron.” I carried on with my day like any other, but I couldn’t stop thinking about getting sent to a different world, as it did sound exciting. Once my day was over, just for some fun, I decided to dress like an anime character. I wore a black Victorian-style waistcoat over a red long-sleeved button shirt with cufflinks that looked like the Jolly Roger of the Kuja Pirates, Boa Hancock’s pirate crew from One Piece, blue jeans which were torn halfway up the left foreleg, and topped off with a dark grey 1940s style red trench coat with pockets, and a Crimson red wide-brimmed fedora. On my feet were a pair of black sneakers. And finally, hanging from the pockets of the waistcoat, was a golden chain. “I look like a right Idiot,” I said to myself with a light-hearted chuckle as I looked at myself in the mirror. “Hmm, I think I need something else.” I snapped my figures. “Ohh I know.” At the last Comic-Con, I purchased Vash's Sunglasses from Trigun. I put the Sunglasses on to complete my look. “They're perfect.” I then looked over at the box that held the Devil Fruit, and just for fun, I decided to act like I’m in the world of One Piece. I looked at myself in the mirror and gave a deep sneer. “Remember me, Straw Hat!” I shouted in a deep voice. “I’m back, and now I have my own Devil Fruit! With this, vengeance is mine!” I then laughed at myself. “OK, that was fun.” I then sat in my chair, thinking about that letter again. I then grabbed the Devil Fruit from the box and held it up, examining it closely. “It feels like just any kind of normal fruit,” I said as I continued studying it. After looking at the fruit for a bit, I looked at the time. It was 23:58. “Wow, it’s that late?” I stood up, put the Devil Fruit back into the box, and stretched. “Well, bedtime, I think.” I was about to head to the bathroom to change into my PJs, but the second the clock struck midnight, a strange sensation took over my body, as to my wide, stunned eyes, my room began to warp and ripple around me, and I was losing strength like all the energy was being drained from my whole body. “What...what’s going on here?” I struggled to say. For unknown reasons, I quickly grabbed the box with the letter and the Devil Fruit in it. I grasped it close to my chest, as I felt my body being pulled away from my home. I didn’t know what was going to become of me. I also didn’t know where I was going. But I did know something, the Lobelia Organisation was behind this. In the kingdom of Equestria, at Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia was hosting the annual Grand Galloping Gala. She stood on a high balcony, overlooking the Royal garden, as she looked up at the Summer night sky. She was a tall, white furry anthro pony, With pony ears poking from the top of her head, and a long white horn on her forehead. She also has wings that reach 2 metres across. She wore a white dress with a golden finish which showed off her soldiers, and on her feet were a pair of white high-heeled shoes with a golden finish. Her mane and tail were multi-coloured, with streaks of green, pink, and blue, which flowed around her in a non-existent breeze. On her head, she wore a golden tiara, with purple jewels embedded into it, and a matching necklace with the same design. Her eyes were a light shade of pink. The dress hugged her body, showing off her perfect hourglass figure, and the deep cleavage of her D-cup breasts. “I knew I would find you here sister,” said a young, but stern female voice. Celestia turned and saw her younger sister, Princess Luna, who was also an anthro pony, with night blue fur, pony ears poking at the top of her head, and a night blue horn on her forehead. Like her sister, her wings were also 2 meters long. She was wearing a dark, night blue Royal military outfit, that was traditionally worn by Princes, with a cape that was also dark blue, and she had a cross-guard rapier on her left hip. The sword’s guard had a crested moon engraved into it. The blade was about 73 inches in length. Her body had an hourglass figure, similar to her sister’s, and her breasts were c-cups. Her hair was dark, royal blue, which shimmered like the night sky, and her eyes were a slightly lighter blue. Luna approached her elder sister with two glasses of wine in her hands. She handed one of the Wine glasses to her sister. Celestia took the glass with a warm smile and a nod. “Thank you, Luna,” She said, before taking a sip of the wine. Luna nods, before leaning against the ledge next to her sister and taking a few sips from her glass. “The night sky is beautiful tonight,” Celestia said with admiration in her voice. “Yes, nights are the most beautiful during the Summer,” Luna said proudly, taking another sip of wine. “This has been a good year,” Said Celestia, sipping her wine. “Yes, it has indeed been a very good year,” Luna said, agreeing with her sister. “Let us hope the next year will be just as good and peaceful,” Celestia said, raising her glass to Luna. “Yes, sister, let us hope for a bright future,” Luna said with a smile, raising her glass to meet Celestia’s. The two sisters were about to clink their glasses in a toast, when suddenly, Celestia froze, as she felt something, a Demonic force, that made her tense up so much, she squeezed her glass hard, until it broke in her hand, soaking her hand in wine and blood, sending it spilling to the ground. “Sister?!” Luna shouted in shock at her Sister's sudden, unexpected action. “Are you alright?!” Instead of answering, Celestia turned and looked down at the garden with narrowed eyes, before she opened her wings wide, and took off, flying at full speed towards the garden. “Sister, where are you going!” Luna called after her sister. At that moment, a white-furred male anthro pony with dark blue hair and a white horn, who was dressed in a red military uniform with the same design as Luna’s outfit, came rushing onto the balcony before halting and saluting to his princess. “Princess Luna! My wife and Sister said they felt a Demonic presence a moment ago!” He reported to her. “Shining Armor, gather a squad and order them to the Garden!” Luna ordered, before spreading her wings, and also taking off, flying at high speed to catch up to her sister. Following Princess Luna’s orders, Shining Armor ran back inside to gather a squid to join the Princesses in the Royal Garden. Isaac’s eyes fluttered slowly open as he awoke, letting out a groan as he sat up. Looking around to get his bearings, he saw he was now outside, in what appeared to be a garden of some kind, with many beds of flowers. “Oh god, my head is killing me,” He muttered to himself as he rubbed his head with his hand. He then got onto his feet and picked up the box which sat beside him with the Cinder Cinder Fruit inside. “Okay, first I need to figure out where I am.” He looked around the garden and saw the tall towers of a castle, which wasn’t far away from him. “Is that a castle?” He asked himself, puzzled. Meanwhile, Celestia landed in the garden to find the source of the Demonic presence. She began her search through the garden, keeping all of her senses on high alert for any sign of danger. “I can feel it, and it’s close,” She said to herself in a low, apprehensive voice, as she walked through the garden, trying to find the source of the Demonic presence. “What, no signal?!” Said an unfamiliar male voice. Celestia quickly headed in the direction of the voice. She paused as she came to a small clearing, and saw a human, who was dressed in an unusual outfit. He seemed distressed about something, and he was panicking about having no signal, but he didn’t have a Transponder Snail. Also, she could sense no demonic aura coming from him, so what was the source of it? “Ok, I’ll just put those in my pockets,” The Human said, placing one of two items in his coat pocket. “And I don’t know where I’m putting you,” He said to something inside a box. As Celestia watched him reach into the box he was carrying, he pulled out a strangely shaped Black Fruit that looked like a lump of Coal with burning swirl patterns. Celestia’s eyes widened in alarm as she saw a strong Demonic aura oozing from the fruit. “You, there!” Celestia called out as she stepped out to confront the unknown human. Isaac froze in place, before slowly turning to look at whoever was confronting him, and his eyes widened as he saw a tall pony woman with large white wings, staring at him with narrowed, suspicious eyes. He couldn’t help noticing that her hand was bleeding slightly, but then locked eyes with her as she looked back at him with a deadly glare. “IS SHE AN ANGEL?! WAIT, OH GOD, I BEING DEAD, AND SHE’S HERE TO GIVE ME MY FINAL JUDGMENT! JUST FROM THE WAY SHE’S LOOKING AT ME, I'M GOING STRAIGHT TO HELL!” He thought to himself as he panicked. “Tell me, human,” Celestia said with narrowed eyes, “That object in your hand,” She pointed at the Fruit. “What is it?” “Uhh, are you an Angle?” Isaac asked nervously. “Answer my question!” Celestia snapped. Not wanting to invoke the Angel's wrath, Isaac raised the Fruit in his hand. “Why do you need to know?” He asked back, trying to sound brave. “I can feel a Demonic presence from it,” Celestia explained to him. “Now tell me, what is it!?” she demanded forcefully. “Okay, Okay, I’ll tell you!” Isaac shouted back, “This is a Devil Fruit!” Celestia's eyes widened in shock as Isaac went on to explain. “A fruit created by the Sea Devil himself, and by taking a single bite, I will be granted power from it!” “I see,” Celestia said with a deep frown, as she summoned a magic circle that was made from a golden aura, and a golden staff with the Sun emblem at the top appeared from it. Celestia pointed her staff warningly at Isaac. “Surrender that fruit to me and you shall not be harmed,” She told Isaac, trying to negotiate with him. At that moment, Isaac remembered the letter from Lapis Lobelia. “Wait, they said I was getting sent to another world. Is this it?” he thought to himself. “I’m afraid I can’t do that,” He replied. Then a beam of golden light flew past his shoulder. “Whoa!” He exclaimed in alarm. “That was your first and last warning,” Celestia warned Isaac, already igniting her staff again. Flying above, Luna saw Celestia after she fired her golden beam from the air. She quickly lands behind Celestia and sees the man she is pointing her staff at. Luna quickly draws her sword and points it at Isaac. “Sister, who is this creature?” She asked, keeping both her eyes, and her sword pointed at Isaac. “I do not know, but that Fruit in his hand is the source of the Demonic presence that I sensed,” Celestia replied in a cautious voice, not taking her eyes off Isaac. “Now there’s another one,” Isaac thought as he scanned the second Angle with his eyes. “Ohh, I like her sword.” He then shook his head to clear it of those thoughts. “Focus, Isaac, the first Angle lady just shoot a fucking laser at you! I need to escape from here!” He slowly tried to take a step back. “DO NOT MOVE!” Luna suddenly ordered Isaac with the full force of the Royal Canterlot Voice, still holding up her sword threateningly, making Isaac freeze in his tracks, not daring to move a muscle. Almost immediately after Luna ordered Isaac, Shining Armor arrived with his squadron. “Princess, we heard your voice, is everything alright?” He asked urgently, before seeing that the two princesses were taking up aggressive stances, as Luna aimed her sword at Isaac. “Surround him!” Shining Armor ordered his squad of guardsmen. Following Shining Armor’s orders, the guards surrounded Isaac with spears, swords and firearms, ready to attack Isaac at a moment’s notice. Isaac was now surrounded by golden armoured anthro pony men and women, pointing spears, and swords, and some of them had guns, and others had staffs and wands pointing at him, and some of them had wings. “This doesn’t look good. I guess I only have one option here,” He thought to himself, before making eye contact with Celestia. “If I surrender the Fruit, do I have your word that no harm will come to me?” He asked. At this, Celestia looked at him closely for a moment, before lowering her staff, took a more relaxed stance, and raised her bleeding hand. At the gesture, Luna, Shining Armor, and the other guards also lowered their weapons. “You have my word,” Celestia said with a firm nod. Isaac looked at the Guardsmen who had lowered their weapons cautiously, before locking eyes with Celestia once more. “Okay, I surrender my...Ugh!” Isaac began to say as he raised his hands in surrender, only to grunt in pain as an arrow came flying toward him, and embedded itself in his left shoulder. “AHHHHH!” He screamed in agony as he collapsed to his knees, dropping the Fruit, and he grasped at his shoulder as it now dripped with blood. Everyone gasped in shock as they looked around to see where the arrow came from, as Isaac now glared at Celestia with a mix of anger and pain. “YOU GAVE ME YOUR WORD!” He yelled, and in his fury, he quickly grabbed up the Cinder-Cinder Fruit, took a bite of it, and quickly swallowed it, trying hard to ignore the indescribably foul taste. “Oh god, this tastes like rotten shit!” He thought with a grimace as he finished his bite. “Get him!” Shining Armor ordered his guards. The squad, with their swords and spears raised, charged at Isaac, impaling his body. Celestia and Luna were in shock from the squad’s attack. “What do you think you're doing…” Celestia yelled before she was abruptly interrupted. “Wow, they weren't joking about the Devil Fruit Power,” Isaac said, chuckling to himself, as he looked down at his body, seeing that where the squad's weapons pierced him, instead of dripping with blood, a mixture of Ashes and Cinders fell came falling from his wounds, and he also felt no pain from those wounds. However, the original wound in his shoulder still bled and ached. “I...I can't feel anything,” one of the guards stuttered, and then their weapons began to heat up, forcing the Guardsman to drop their weapons. The weapon, still heated, fell to the ground, burning the grass, and the hole in Isaac’s body vanished without a trace. Not even his clothes were damaged. Seeing this, the rest of the squad backed slowly and nervously away from him, at a complete loss about what had just happened. “Let’s see if this freak can handle a bullet!” Yelled one of the guards as he raised his rifle and fired, aiming at Isaac’s head. The bullet flew through the air and landed in Isaac’s left eye. “Got him!” Then the guard gasped in shock. “That’s impossible!” “How is this possible?!” Asked Shining Armor, with a terrified look. “The swords and spears went right through his body without inflicting any damage...and the bullet entered right through his eye!” Luna asked in utter shock. “How can he still be alive?!” “Don’t you guys get it yet?” Asked Isaac with a smug tone, as molten metal dripped from his eye. “My body’s no longer made of flesh and bone. It’s made,” he paused briefly, as his eye regenerated back to normal, and completely unharmed, “of Cinders!” “I can see it, now,” Celestia said with wide eyes, “This strange power he now wields. It was granted to him the moment he ate the Fruit.” “Indeed,” Isaac said with a smug smile, “And with this new power,” Isaac placed his sunglasses and his Fordra back on his head. “I’ll escape from here.” “W…what are you?” Asked a guardswoman shaking at Isaac. Isaac smiled as he thought for a moment, and another Guardsman with a wand shot an icicle at Isaac’s back, but upon impact, it melted in seconds. “You asked what I am?” He gave a wicked smile. “You may call me the LORD OF CINDER!” Isaac raised his left hand into the air. “Eclipse Veil!” Isaac’s body exploded into a black cloud of Ashes and Cinders which engulfed the garden, both blinding and choking all who were present, demonstrating the power of the Cinder-Cinder Fruit. Everyone coughed and sputtered their lungs out from the Black cloud of burning hot dust, but just as quickly as it had come, the cloud of ashes cleared as it lifted away from the garden. “Is... everyone... alright?” Shining Armor asked as he cleared his throat of the last of the Ashes. “Where is he?” Inquired Luna as she looked at where Isaac had been standing, and saw the arrow that originally struck him lying on the burnt grass next to the other weapons that were a little melted, the sharp head still coated in his blood. “Look. That is the arrow which initially struck him.” Shining Armor picked up the arrow from the ground only to drop it immediately. “Ahh, it’s hot!” He yelled. He then summoned a magic circle made of a blue aura, and a wand emerged from the circle for him to use. With the wand, he levitated the arrow off the ground to examine it. “How could he remove this from his shoulder so easily?” He asked. “It's made of metal.” “His body is made of Ashes and Cinders now, because of the Fruit he has eaten,” Celestia answered, “That’s how he removed the arrow from his shoulder, the same way as he let your guards' weapons pass harmlessly through his body and almost melted inside his body, and how the bullet melted inside his eye socket.” She then frowned deeply as she turned to her sister and Shining Armor. “Luna, Shining Armor. Spread out and search the castle and the grounds. You must find him, and fast. I want him brought to me alive!” She ordered them urgently. “And find out who shot that arrow!” “Understood, Princess,” Shining Armor said with a salute, before turning to his squad. “Search everywhere! Leave no stone unturned! And search the chimney as well!” He ordered his squad, who saluted and headed off to begin the search. “Sister, look at this. He left the remains of the Fruit,” Luna said, pointing to the remains of the Fruit on the ground. “Take it to the gardener. I want to know what this Fruit is,” Celestia told her sister. “I understand, sister,” Luna said, using her wand to grab the Fruits' remains with her magic, and carried them away. At the castle, within the main ballroom, there was much chatter from all the guests. “What is going on?” Asked a female voice “I don’t know,” Replied a male voice. “Maybe this is an event of some kind,” Said another, younger male voice. Amongst the crowd, was a lavender anthro pony with wings and a horn, dark purple eyes, and purple hair with a lavender streak. She wore a purple dress with a star constellation embroidered onto it. Her name was Twilight, and she shivered slightly as she was still processing the Demonic presence she felt before. “Are you okay, Twilight?” Asked a young yellow anthro pony with wings, long pink hair, blue/green eyes, and wearing a green dress which was patterned with flowers and green shoes. “Yeah, I’ll be fine, Fluttershy,” Twilight replied to her friend with a smile. Another young woman who was an orange-furred anthro pony, named Applejack, who had blonde hair, and green eyes, was in a light blue dress with red apples embroidered on it, and wearing brown cowboy boots, frowned as she noticed something about the guards. “Is it just me, or are the guards running all over the place?” She asked. “Hmm, Applejack is right, I have noticed this myself,” said a young white anthro pony with a horn, named Rarity, who wore a pure white dress with black stiletto heels. She had blue eyes, Her hair is a dark shade of purple with a perfectly curled style. “Yeah, what’s going on?” Asked a young tomboy blue-furred anthro pony with wings named Rainbow Dash. She had crimson eyes, and her hair was also all the colours of the Rainbow. She wore a pilot uniform with a Rainbow lighting emblem embroidered on her back. “Ohh, they must be going to a secret party!” Pink furred anthro pony named Pinkie Pie said excitedly. She had blue eyes, and pink cotton candy hair, and wore a light blue dress with a children’s party theme to It. “I doubt it, Pinkie,” Said Rainbow Dash. Just then, a beautiful older light pink furred anthro pony with wings and a horn, long multi-coloured hair and light pink eyes named Cadence, came over to Twilight. She wore a Crystal blue dress, with crystal hearts added to her outfit. “Twilight, do you know where your brother is?” She asked, looking concerned. “No, I haven’t seen him for some time now,” Twilight replied. “I think he’s gone to see Celestia and Luna.” “I’m starting to get worried about him,” Cadence said, looking more concerned. “Maybe we should go look for him,” Suggested Fluttershy. “Yeah, let’s go find him and find out what’s going on,” Rainbow Dash said, already zooming off to start her search for Shining Armor. “And she’s off,” Applejack said, rolling her eyes at the athletic mare’s antics. “Better go after her.” She headed off after Rainbow Dash. After that, the other women began their search for Shining Armor. Not long after, Twilight and Cadance found Shining Armor talking to some of the Guards. “How haven’t you found him yet?” He said with a stern look. “He has a hole in his shoulder which is bleeding, so he can’t have gotten too far. Now, spread out and search everywhere, including every chimney and every fireplace. Leave no stone unturned,” He ordered. Twilight and Cadance heard him giving out his orders as they approached, and once the guards had dispersed, Twilight spoke up. “Big brother, what’s going on?”She asked. “Is there an emergency?” “Unfortunately, there is,” Shining Armor said to his wife and sister. “There is a human on the loose, and we’re trying to capture him,” He explained. “What!? A human here? Did he come through the mirror?” Twilight asked her brother about the human. “What did he do to warrant his capture?” Asked Cadence with a worried look. “He was in possession of a strange type of Fruit, and this Fruit was the source of the Demonic presence you both felt before,” He explained to them. “What?” Cadence said, now even more worried. “But how did he escape from you and the Guards?” “He ate some of the Fruit and he gained a strange Demonic power which let him create a huge black smokescreen which he used to slip away,” He told them. Twilight and Cadance looked at him with shock, just as a Guardswoman ran up to him. “Sir!” She said, saluting him. “Did you find him?” He asked her. “No, we’re still searching for him, but we did find out who shot the arrow,” She explained. “Who was it?” Asked Shining Armor. “It was Prince Blue Blood, sir,” She answered with a sigh and a roll of her eyes. Shining Armor rubbed his eyes with a long-suffering groan. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will not be happy about this,” He said, with much frustration and annoyance. “Alright, keep looking for the human.” “Yes sir!” The guardswoman said with a salute and ran off to resume the search for Isaac. “BlueBlood,” Shining Armor said, grinding his teeth in frustration. “Cadence, Twilight I'm going to help find the Human. Please return to the ballroom, and keep the guest calm,” Shining Armor said to his wife and sister. “Yes, just please be careful, Shining Armor,” Cadence said, to her husband. “Shining Armor, my friends are looking for you. They don’t know about the human,” Twilight informed her brother. “Alright, I’ll let the search party know about your friends,” Shining Armor said, leaving his wife and sister to search for Isaac. “Come on Twilight, we can leave this to your brother,” Cadence said, placing her hand on her sister-in-law's shoulder. “You’re right, Cadence,” Twilight said with a small smile to her sist-in-law. “Shining Armor can take care of himself. Let’s go and tell the others what’s happening.” They both headed back to the ballroom. Meanwhile, Applejack and Rarity were in the west wing of the castle looking for Shining Armor. “Applejack I do not believe Shining Armor is in this wing,” Rarity said with a shake of her head. “To be honest, Rarity, I just needed an excuse to get away from the Gala,” Applejack said with a sigh, being her honest self as always. “Darling, I know get-togethers like these are not your cup of tea, but…” Rarity began, only to stop talking abruptly and gasp in shock. “Are you okay?” Asked Applejack in concern. “Someone spilt red paint on this carpet!” Rarity explained in disgust, pointing at a red spot on the carpet. “The red ruins the beautiful Emerald!” Applejack rolled her eyes at her friend’s antics, before examining the red splat closely. “Rarity, that’s not paint, it’s blood,” She said, her voice now filled with worry and caution. “Wait, this is blood?!” Rarity screamed. “This beautiful carpet is ruined!” “Really? That’s what you're screaming about? Someone may need help!” Applejack yelled at Rarity in expiration. “Oh, yes, of course. You're right, darling,” Rarity said, looking at Applejack apologetically. “Look, there’s a blood trail. Let’s follow it and find who’s hurt,” Applejack said, before following the trail of blood. The two of them followed the blood trail and came to a stop as they stared up at what they saw. Floating in front of them was a cloud of Ashes and Cinders that was floating through the middle of the corridor. The strangest thing was the trickle of blood dripping from it. “Is that cloud bleeding?” Asked Applejack, scratching her head in utter confusion. “That is most certainly not a normal cloud,” Rarity said, staring up at the cloud. After his daring escape, Isaac was now in a hallway, regenerating his body. Uncannily, he had discovered that his hair had changed colour from dirty blonde to Charcoal. “Wow, I can’t believe that worked,” He said, as he gathered the parts of his body. Most of his body had now returned to him, but he was still missing his right leg and his left arm. Just then, another Ash cloud floated over to him. “Oh, what part are you?” He asked the cloud. The cloud floated towards the space where his leg should be. “Ahh, you're my lag,” he said in relief, as the cloud reformed back into his leg. Applejack and Rarity had followed the bleeding cloud to the same hallway where Isaac was hiding. They both hid behind the corner and peered around, seeing him as he reformed his body. “Who...or what in the wide world of Equestria is that thing?” Asked Applejack with wide eyes. “I don’t know, but I will say this. His outfit is simply atrocious,” Rarity said with a distasteful scowl. Applejack rolled her eyes. “Hey, Rarity, look at his arm,” She said as she pointed. Rarity looked closely at Isaac’s arm, seeing only Ashes and Cinders falling from out of his shoulder where his arm should be. “Oh, my goodness. What’s wrong with his arm?” She asked in shock. “Heck if I know. I mean it looks like magic but I don’t see a horn or magic circle, and I don’t see any amulets on him.” Applejack said, looking at Isaac. “Well, what are we supposed to do now?” Rarity asked. As they both watched, the black cloud they had followed floated towards Isaac. “Ohh, you must be my arm,” he said with relief in his voice. The cloud floated to the joint of his shoulder and morphed back into his left arm. When his arm had fully reformed, the pain from his earlier injury in his shoulder returned. “Ahh, my arm! I should've left it as a cloud,” Isaac said as he grimaced in pain. “So, that’s it. The bleeding cloud was a part of him,” Applejack declared. “So is he using magic?” She asked Rarity. “I don’t know, but I’m going to give that tramp a piece of my mind!” Rarity huffed suddenly, as she headed round the corner and marched towards Isaac. “You, sir!” Isaac looked up at her with shocked, wide eyes. “Do you have any idea how much decor you have ruined?!” She scolded him angrily. Applejack came out of hiding and walked up to Rarity with a frown. “Y’all need to stay calm, Rarity,” She said placatingly. “So, any ideas why he’s here?” She asked. “I don’t know, but his dress sense is outrageous!” Rarity replied in disgust, “It hurts my eyes just looking at his horrendous outfit!” Applejack rolled her eyes, before she could say anymore, two guards came running into the same corridor from the other direction, and saw Isaac. “There he is!” One of them shouted, as they raised their weapons and ran towards him. “Uh oh! Time to run!” Isaac shouted, making a sprint towards Applejack and Rarity. “ECLIPSE VAIL!” He yelled, transforming his body into Ashes and Cinder once more, as he flew past the two women, and the two guards charged after him. “Ohh, I needed this,” Applejack said with an excited smile, as she unzipped her skirt, letting it drop to the floor, revealing her long, smooth, yet slightly muscular legs, and showing off her Daisy Dukes shorts that she had been wearing under the skirt. She also wore two gun holsters, with her cutie mark engraved on the handles, on her upper thighs, which held two custom revolvers. Freed of the restring skirt, Applejack gave chase after the Guards. “Applejack! Darling, we agreed, no firearms!” Rarity called after her indignantly, picking up the discarded skirt and chasing after the honest cowgirl. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were close to the west wing. “I know there’s a secret party around here somewhere,” Pinkie Pie said enthusiastically, looking in every nook and cranny for any sign of a party. “Umm, Pinkie, I don’t think there is a secret party,” Said Fluttershy softly and hesitantly, not wanting to disappoint her friend. “That’s what they want you to think!” Pinkie said in a conspiratorial voice as she poked Fluttershy in the forehead. Just then, they both looked up and stared as Isaac, in his Cinder form, came billowing down the hallway at full speed towards them. “EEEP! A GHOST!” Fluttershy screamed in fright. Isaac flew past the two mares, before turning back into his human form, and carried on running. “Wow, that was a super duper cool trick!” Said Pinkie Pie, clapping excitedly at Isaac's performance, but Fluttershy was so scared, she simply fated. At that moment, the two Guards ran past them, as Applejack jumped over the prone Fluttershy. Then Rarity came running up, trying to catch up with them. “Hi Rarity, is there a secret party going on?” Pinkie asked in an oblivious voice. “No, Darling!” Rarity replied, running past them. Fluttershy then regained consciousness and sat up. “Are they gone?” She asked with a whimper. Isaac ran for his life, as he was being chased by the guards and Applejack. She drew closer, as she pulled out one of her revolvers. “Out of my way boys!” She said, pushing the Guards out of her way. She aimed at one of his legs. Isaac kept looking ahead, as he came out of the corridor, and saw the main entrance to the castle, and he quickly dashed it. Applejack then shoots at him, and the bullet passes through his leg. “Got ya!” She triumphantly said, but she stared wide as Isaac kept on running. “What the?!” She shot at him a few more times, but the bullets simply passed harmlessly through his body. “In case you haven’t noticed, you can’t hit me!” Isaac yelled at the cowgirl as he ran on. “What?! If that’s true, then how can your arm be bleeding?” She shouted back. Just then, Rainbow Dash came zooming past the two of them and stood firmly in front of the closing door. “Oh, no way you're getting past me!” she said with a smirk. “That’s what you think!” Isaac smirked back as she ran towards Rainbow Dash. “ECLIPSE VAIL!” He shouted as he transformed his body into Cinders, and flew past her. “What the? How…?” Applejack stuttered as she crashed into Rainbow Dash, knocking them both to the ground. Isaac, in his Cinder form, slipped past the closing doors and escaped the castle. “Get off me, AJ!” Rainbow said in annoyance, pushing Applejack off her. “Sorry, Rainbow,” Applejack apologised. After he got a good distance away, Isaac turned back into his human form, and he kept on running through the city, until he entered the railway station, and saw a departing train. He quickly jumped aboard as it was leaving. He headed inside the last train car, which was a cargo car, which meant no ponies to worry about. “OK, the first thing I need to do is sort this out,” He said to himself, rubbing the bloody spot on his shoulder, which made him wince in pain, as he could also feel his body losing strength. “I need to get medical attention in the next town.” He slumped down against the wall and soon passed out from exhaustion. Back at the castle, Celestia was in her room, and a maid had just finished bandaging her hand. The door then opened and Luna stepped in. “Sister, all of the guests have been sent home, I have ordered the Guards to search the city, and my vanguard is helping with the search,” She reported. “Good, if they find anything, I want to be the first to know,” Celestia replied with an exhausted look. “Yes, Sister. I will inform them immediately,” Luna said with a returning nod. Shining Armor then entered the room and stood to attention with a salute. “Princesses, we have discovered the identity of who shot the arrow,” He reported, seeming very tense. “Who was it?” Asked Celestia in a cold voice which made everyone in the room shiver slightly. “It was Prince BlueBlood,” Shining Armor replied, trying his hardest to maintain his professional demeanour. “He showed off his archery skills to a young lady he was trying to court, and when he saw us with the Terran, he shot an arrow at him,” He explained. “And, why did he do that?” Celestia asked again, her voice low but heated. “When I asked him, he said, and I quote, “I merely performed my duty as a defender of the people, so my actions were perfectly justified,” Shining Armor replied, barely hiding his irritation. “I see,” Celestia sighed in exhaustion, rubbing her forehead as she felt a migraine coming on. “Send him to meet me in the throne room, and send for Twilight to meet me in the throne room as well,” she ordered Shining Armor and Luna. “Yes, sister,” Luna replied. “Yes, Princess,” Shining Armor replied with another salute. Later, within the throne room, Celestia sat on her throne, waiting for Prince BlueBlood, a deep, disappointed frown on her face. Just then, a young male white-furred Anthro pony with a blond mane, light blue eyes and a horn entered the throne room swaggering with a flamboyant style. “Aunty Celestia, I have come to receive my reward for saving you from the assassin,” He said with a pompous, cocky tone. Celestia rose from her throne, and walked slowly towards him, with her hands behind her back. “And how did you know he was an assassin?” She asked with a low, but tense voice. “Well, he was surrounded, and he had a bomb,” He answered with an arrogant smirk. “How did you know he had a bomb?” Celestia asked again, barely containing her rage. “He was holding a round black object with a fuse,” Blueblood said with a shrug. “I see,” Celestia said as she stopped in front of him, as he looked back at her expectantly. Then, from out of nowhere, Celestia clenched her fist and straight up punched him in his face, breaking his nose, and knocking him to the ground. He howled pathetically in pain as she glared down at him with red-hot fury. “You ignorant moron! That human had my word that if he surrendered, no harm would come to him, and he was going to surrender, but thanks to your stupidity, we now have an empowered human on the loose! If anyone is hurt or killed by him, their blood will be on your hands! From this moment forth, you are hereby stripped of your rank, title, and status! Now, get out of my sight, you pathetic excuse of a man!” She hissed at him. “But...but what about the crown?” he asked in a whiny voice. “What crown?” Celestia asked him with a raised eyebrow. “The crown that my family held on to for generations,” He replied, trying to regain his composure as he got back to his feet, and still covered his nose. “As the only heir of the BlueBlood Bloodline, it’s mine by birthright.” “The only crown that was ever suitable for you was a fool's crown,” Celestia hissed in anger. “GUARDS! Take this Moana Jester away!” Then two Guards marched up to BlueBlood, and dragged him out of the throne room, with him kicking and screaming the whole way, and demanding his crown. Once he was gone, Celestia turned to one of her staff. “That crown he was talking about. I want it found, confiscated, then have it melted down, have it turned into Bits, and divided amongst the staff. ” She then walked back to the throne and sat down on it. “And send for a cleaner to clean up this mess.” “Yes, Princess,” said the staff member bowing at Celestia. At that moment, Twilight entered the throne room. “Princess Celestia, what happened to BlueBlood?” She asked. “Let's just say he tripped over his ego and broke his nose,” Celestia replied with a casual shrug. “Now, Twilight. I want you and your friends to stay the night here at the castle.” “Yes, I agree with you, Princess Celestia,” Twilight replied with a nod. “I’ll inform my friends about this.” “Also I need you to check the mirror as soon as possible. We need to know if this human came from the other world.” Celestia said to her student. Shining Armor then entered the room and saluted Celestia. “Ah, Shining Armor, good timing,” Celestia said with a nod. “We need to search the whole city, and we need to distribute posters of the human. I am willing to offer a 10,000 Bit reward for his capture. If any of them find him, tell your men to inform him my word still has value, and if he surrenders, no more harm will come to him,” She ordered him. “And if he resists?” Shining Armor asked. “Then use force, but only if it’s necessary,” Celestia replied. “Very well, I will give the orders, and then send for a mug artist,” Shining Armor said as he saluted once more, and then left the throne room. “It has been a long night. You should get some sleep,” Celestia said to Twilight. Twilight nodded and left the room. Luna then entered and walked up to her sister. “Tia, you should also get some rest as well. I will take the night watch,” Luna said with a caring look. “Yes, I will. Thank you, Luna. If there are any developments, don’t hesitate to call me,” Celestia said with a warm, grateful smile. “I will. Now, go, Tia. I shall cover for you,” Luna smiled back. Celestia rose from the throne, leaving Luna in charge, and headed to her bed chambers. Once she got there, and closed the door behind her, she used her magic to change into her sleeping gown. Celestia then lay down in her bed, thinking about the rogue human. “If he is the first, then there are going to be more of those so-called Devil Fruits. I pray that this does not lead to a war,” she said to herself with worry, before she snuggled into her pillow, and slowly fell asleep. To Be Continued... Author's Note The is my first One Piece story I hope you all enjoy it.
Chapter 1: The Cinder Lord and a Tomboy.Author's Note In this chapter Isaac finds himself in the Everfree Forest to seal his wound, and reserves help from a witch Doctor. Chapter 1: The Cinder Lord and a Tomboy. Isaac was still asleep on the train when the train came to a stop at its next destination. The sudden movement made him knock his arm, waking him up from the pain. “Ahh, god!” He gasped, as he rubbed his shoulder before he looked around the train car. “So, it wasn't a dream,” He said, as he struggled to stand up. He saw a box with a Red Cross on it, headed toward it, and managed to open it, finding first aid boxes. “Hmm, I’m not a fan of stealing, but, if need’s must.” Isaac grabbed one of the first aid cases but froze as he heard other train car doors being opened, and urgent voices. “Uh oh. They must be looking for me,” he said under his breath. He quickly closed the First Aid box, and headed over to one of the train car doors, opening it just a crack to peek out, seeing a forest. He looked up and down the train, seeing no one in sight, before sliding out of the car, closing the door behind him. He then quietly headed along the train, to peek around the other side, and saw a small town, with more anthropomorphic Ponies of all types going about their business. “Okay, first I’ll treat this hole in my shoulder. Then I’ll try to figure out where I am.” He then turned and ran towards the forest. Within the Forest, there was a Hut, which was built into a tree, and adorned with masks and potion bottles. The front door of the hut suddenly burst open, and a young mare, with purple eyes, and maroon hair came running out of the hut, with tears in her eyes and looking distraught. As the girl ran off into the forest, another, older, zebra mare with a dark coat, which was adorned with dark stripes, and a swirl pattern on her thighs, came out of the Hut. Her eyes were a lighter shade of blue, and her hair was grey and white, styled into a Mohawk. She was wearing a tribal-style tw-piece, along with golden earrings, five tribal rings around her neck, and five similar rings on her upper left arm. “Poor child, I wish I could do something for you. I truly do,” she said with sadness in her voice. After running out of the older mare’s Hut, the younger, tomboyish mare ran on with her eyes tightly closed, still crying heavily. “I hate you, Zecora!” She yelled in a mix of blind rage and utter despair. She ran and ran, until she came to a stop, and clutched at her chest as she tried to catch her breath. Once her breathing had slowed down, she let out a heavy sigh. “What can I do now?” She asked herself sadly. But then, she looked up as she heard a growl from behind her. She quickly grabbed her weapons, which were a pair of Tonfas. “Timberwolves!” She said, looking in all directions for where the mysterious beast was. She turned around just in time to see three Timberwolves emerge from the bushes, slowly getting closer to her, growling and snarling viciously, as she got ready for a fight. She stood her ground as the three wolves pounced at her. Meanwhile, Isaac was walking through the forest. “Come to think of it, maybe I shouldn’t have come to this Forest,” He said to himself, struggling with his arm. He stopped suddenly when he heard the screams of a girl. “A girl in trouble!” He broke into a run towards the screams. He came to a stop as he saw a young female Pony, fighting with what looked like wolves made of wood and leaves. She was wearing a fighter-style outfit, made up of an orange tank top, and black biker shorts with purple stripes, while her hands and feet were wrapped in bandages. She was trying her hardest to fight off the wooden wolves with her Tonfas. “I have to help her,” Isaac said, before running toward her. At that moment, one of the wolves jumped on the mare from behind. She grunted in pain, before looking in terror at the gaping wooden jaws about to rip her apart. “BLACK CANNON!” Isaac yelled, raising his right arm, and shooting his fist at the wolf, smashing it to pieces. Isaac came to a stop in front of her. “Are you alright?” He asked. The girl stared up at him, before getting back to her feet. “Who are you? And what are you” She asked. “A friend,” Isaac replied, before turning around just in time to see the other two wolves running up to attack him. “BLACK HAMMER!” He yelled as he transformed his right hand into a huge Ashy hammer, and slammed it down on the last two wolves, shattering them to pieces. After he had finished off the wolves, Isaac turned back to the tomboy Pony. “Are you okay?” He asked once more. “Um, yeah, I’m fine, but who are you exactly?” Scootaloo asked. “My name is…” Isaac began… only for his head to suddenly feel light. “I think I’m…” he then collapsed to the ground and passed out. “Hey, what’s wrong!?” Scootaloo shouted as she got to her knees and shook him by the shoulders. When he didn’t respond, she became more worried, especially when she noticed the blood still dribbling from his shoulder. “You're wounded, and you still fought off those wolves to save me?” She said, feeling grateful before she picked him up off the ground. “I gotta get you back to Zecora, she’s the only person who can help you,” She dashed as quickly as she could back to Zecora’s Hut. Inside her hut, Zecora was mixing something in her Cauldron. “This will soon be ready,” she said with a satisfied smile as she stirred her brew. At that moment, her peace was broken when her door was kicked open. “Zecora, we need help!” Scootaloo cried as she carried Coren inside. “Oh my, what happened?” Zecora asked as she looked over the young tomboy Pony and the injured Man. “I was attacked by Timberwolves, and this guy saved me, but he’s bleeding a lot of blood,” Scootaloo explained in a panic. “Put him on the table,” Zecora told her. Following Zecora’s instructions, she placed Isaac on the table. Zecora then removed his coat, hat, sunglasses, and his waist jacket, and then she removed his cufflinks and his long-sleeved shirt. “He likes to be covered,” she stated. “Scootaloo, go wash the blood out of his clothes,” She asked her. “Okay,” Scootaloo nodded, before grabbing Isaac’s clothes and leaving Zecora to her task. Scootaloo then takes Isaac’s clothes to wash them, while she removes anything in the pockets. “A pocket watch, a letter, and a little book. I think that’s everything.” She put his stuff to one side before she placed his clothes in soapy water and began to clean away the blood. Later on, Scootaloo hung Isaac’s clothes to dry and entered Zecora’s Hut who had just finished stitching Isaac’s wound. “He lost a lot of blood, but I believe he’ll live,” She said, much to Scootoloo’s relief. “I managed to wash out the blood from his clothes,” Scootaloo said as she hung Isaac’s coat to dry. Zecora was puzzled how this man with a hole in his shoulder managed to save Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, How did he save you?” she asked. “Well, he transformed his hand into a hammer...” Scootaloo said before she paused for a second to think. “That was made of Ashes or was it Cinders?” She tried to remember. “Hmm, this creature can use magic, but he has no horn or any amulets, and I don’t see any other means of using magic, and upon my travels, I have never come across a creature of this variety before. Very interesting,” Zecora said as she sat down on a stump. “So where do you think he’s from?” Scootaloo wondered. “I am most uncertain,” Zecora replied and looked back down at Isaac. “What secrets will you have to share with us?” She asked in a mysterious voice. She then looked back at Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, go to town and grab another shirt for our friend,” she instructed. “Okay, I’ll be as fast as I can,” Scootaloo said, running out of the hut, and towards town. Soon, Scootaloo returned to Zecora’s Hut with a shirt for Isaac. She reentered the Hut, as Zecora was moving Isaac to her bed. “Zecora, what are you doing with him?” She asked. “His body temperature has dropped,” Zecora explained, looking worried as she put him into her bed. “We need to raise it back up.” She then looked at Scootaloo with a serious look. “How old are you again?” she asked. “I’m 18, why?” Scootaloo asked back. Instead of answering, Zecora undid and removed her skirt. “We’ll have to lay with him to bring his temperature back up.” Under the skirt was a small loincloth. She then slid under the sheets, snuggling closely with Isaac. “I’ll lay on his left, and you take his right,” She told Scootaloo. “Wait, Zecora, isn’t this a little sudden?” Scootaloo asked in a slight panic as she blushed a little. “If you're going to repay him for saving your life, you must do this,” Zecora said seriously and with narrowed eyes. Scootaloo couldn’t argue with Zecora. Blushing heavily, she stripped down to her underwear and headed over to the bed, and climbed under the covers. “He better not get any ideas,” She said with a deep frown as she lay down next to Isaac and snuggled in close to keep him warm. Isaac slowly reawakened, letting out a groan as his head felt heavy. “Did I pass out again? Wait, where am I?” He thought to himself. He turned his head to the right and saw Scootaloo sleeping peacefully next to him, which made him smile. “Oh, it’s her. I’m glad she’s safe,” he thought with relief...before his eyes widened in alarm. “Wait, is she naked?!” Isaac then felt something on his left, turned his head to look, and saw Zecora, also sleeping soundly. “Wait, who's she!? How did I get here?! Two girls, one on each arm...hold on...I’m a plain guy in my 20s with dark hair. Crap, is this the start of a harem!? If that’s so, my life Is going to be a living hell!” His mind was now racing. Zecora then wakes up, seeing Isaac awake, and looking panicky. “Ah, you are up. How do you feel?” She asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she sat up. Isaac couldn’t help but look at her breasts as they were hugged by her tight top. “I’m fine,” He answered, blushing heavily. “Ah, that is good,” Zecora said with a smile as she slipped out of bed, making Isaac blush even more as she showed off her long shapely legs, and put her tribal skirt back on. She then looked at the clock. “Noon already?” She said stretching. “I shall brew us some tea to replenish our energy,” she said as she left the room. Not long after, Scootaloo awoke. She sat up straight, and there was some drool dripping from her mouth. “Aw, man. When did I fall asleep?” She asked, wiping the drool from her mouth, as she looked around. “Wait, this is Zecora’s Hut, and I’m in her bed.” She then turned her head, and, upon seeing Isaac, remembered why she was in Zecora’s bed. “Uh, hello,” Isaac said with a little wave and an awkward smile. “Uh, yeah, hi,” Scootaloo says, smiling just as awkwardly, before getting out of the bed, and putting her clothes back on. “Just putting this out there, I only slept next to you because Zecora told me to. So the life debt I owed you is paid,” She said as she pulled up her shorts. “Life debt?” Isaac asked as he sat up. “You know when you saved me from those Timber Wolves,” Scootaloo said as she grabbed the shirt she got for him. “Put this on. Your other clothes are still drying,” She said, throwing the shirt at him before she left the room. Isaac put the shirt on, before wincing slightly, as his arm was still hurting. “This shirt’s a little tight,” He said before he headed down the stairs, where Zecora was making the tea, and Scootaloo was sitting at the table. He approached the table and took a seat. “Here, drink this, it will restore your strength and stamina,” Zecora said, placing a cup of tea on the table. “Thank you,” Isaac said gratefully, raising the cup to his lips and taking a sip. “Ooh, nice, peppermint,” he smiled, “Here is one for you as well, Scootaloo,” Zecora said, giving another cup to Scootaloo. “Thanks, Zecora,” Scotaloo replied with a smile before taking a sip of her tea. Zecora then sat down and drank some of her tea. “That was a good nap, and this is good tea,” She said with a happy grin. “Hey, just curious, but, why were we all in bed together?” Isaac asked with a slight blush. “Your body temperature dropped dangerously low. So, I put you in my bed, and I and Scootaloo lay with you to raise it back up again by sharing our body heat,” Zecora explained. “Ohh, okay, just curious,” Isaac said, “Thank God this isn’t a Haram Situation!” He thought to himself in great relief. “Hey, here’s your stuff,” Scootaloo said, passing Isaac his belongings. “Thank you,” He said with a smile as he took his stuff back. “Tell me, how did you get that hole in your shoulder?” Zecora asked, “Well, I woke up in a garden by a castle, and this Pony woman with huge white wings came along, and wanted me to surrender to her. She gave me her word that I wouldn’t get hurt. I was going to surrender, when an arrow came from out of nowhere, and hit my shoulder. Immediately after that, I ate my Devil Fruit to use its power to escape from the castle. You already know the rest,” Isaac explained. “I see, and what is a ‘Devil Fruit’?” Zecora asked curiously. “It’s a kind of fruit created by the Sea Devil, and there are all kinds of them. The one I ate was called the Cinder-Cinder fruit, which is a Logia Type. Now, I can turn my body into Ashes and Cinders at will,” Isaac explained before he frowned as he noticed something. “Wait, I’m answering your questions rather fast, like I just can’t help but tell the truth.” “So, you noticed. You have drunk a truth serum. I used some Peppermint to hide the taste,” Zecora explained. “Why would you do that?” Isaac asked, feeling rather insulted that she had deceived him. “I needed to know how you got wounded, also, you are a foreign creature to this land. If it's any consolation, me and Scootaloo also drank the same tea,” Zecora replied reassuringly. “WHAT THE HELL ZECORA!?” Scootaloo yelled indignantly. “YOU SECRETLY DRUGGED US?!” “Calm down, Scootaloo. It would have been unfair to our guest if he was the only one who drank the truth tea,” Zecora said with a calming smile, taking another sip of her tea. “You can ask any question from me if you like.” “Okay, so who are you? Also, why did you help me in the first place?” Isaac asked the Zebra. “My name is Zecora, and I helped you because you saved young Scootaloo from the Timber Wolves,” She replied with a thankful smile. “Oh, okay. So, where are we?” Isaac asked again as he looked around the hut. “We are within the Everfree Forest, or, if you meant this kingdom, this is Equestria,” Zecora explained. “Equestria? So I did get sent to another world. I need to find the Lobelia Organisation and get some answers about that experiment of theirs. But why did they send me to a world filled with...well...pony people? It doesn't make sense,” Isaac thought to himself. “OK, I need to be blunt. What are you?” Scootaloo said with a frown. “Scootaloo,” Zecora said in a disapproving tone. “You could have asked that question a bit less bluntly.” “I’m sorry, Zecora,” Scootaloo said, crossing her arms. “But this is bothering me. I need to know what he is.” “It’s fine Zecora,” Isaac said, not minding Scootaloo’s bluntness. “I was about to ask you both the same question. I’m what’s known as a human.” “A human?” Scootaloo said with a raised eyebrow. “Have you ever heard of Humans?” She asked Zecora. “In all my travels I have never come across or have heard of such creatures,” Zecora said with a thoughtful look. “You said you woke up near a castle. Tell me, how did you come to be near the said castle?” “Well, that’s a very weird story to tell,” Isaac said. “All I can tell you is that I got this package and a letter from the Lobelia Organization, and after opening and reading said letter, next I knew, I was waking up in this huge garden near this castle.” “Lobelia?” Scootaloo asked. “You mean like the flower?” “I am not familiar with that organisation?” Zecora said with a confused look. “I never asked you this, but what is your name?” she asked Isaac. “My name is Lancer D Isaac,” Isaac replied. “Lancer? That is a most unusual name,” Zecora declared. “Lancer is my family name. The country my father comes from, they say their name backwards,” Isaac explained. “Ahh, I see. I have heard of some cultures where they refer to themselves by their last name first. Well, in any case, Scootaloo, I think it would be best if you take Isaac to your home, and let him stay with you until he has fully healed,” Zecora said with a smile. “WHAT?! WHY?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in shock, slamming her hands down on the table. “He has nowhere else to go, and you could use the company,” Zecora answered as she gave the young mare a slightly stern look. “Scootaloo, he is a newcomer to this land, and he has nowhere else to go and he knows no one. Also, do not forget that he saved your life when you encountered those Timberwolves.” “Ugh, fine!” Scootaloo huffed reluctantly, getting flustered. “Let’s just go!” She turned and walked to the door. “Scootaloo, please wait a moment. Isaac will need medicine. I shall make some for him,” Zecora told her as she reached the door. Scootaloo didn’t reply, she just left the Hut. “Now, you stay there. This won’t take me long.” Zecora then said to Isaac as she stood up from the table, and headed over to her cauldron to begin to make some medicine for him. Isaac waited for both Scootaloo and Zecora, once more thinking about the Lobelia Organisation. “Where do I even begin to look for them? It's not like there’s going to be a map that shows me how to find them. Hmmm.” As he was lost in thought, Zecora had just finished making the medicine. “Here you are. Now, mix the powder with water before going to bed, and rub this on your wound on both sides. Have Scootaloo help you do the back end,” She instructed him and gave him a small leather pouch. “Thanks, Zecora, but I can’t pay for this,” Isaac said with a shake of his head. “I have little need for money,” Zecora said with a smile. “However,” she went on, her smile becoming a saddened frown. “There is one way you can repay me. By becoming Scootaloo’s friend.” “Okay, but doesn’t she have any friends of her own?” Isaac asked curiously. “She did, at one time,” Zecora said sadly. “But that is a story that is not mine to share. Just please be her friend. That child needs one right now,” she implored. “Um, OK, Zecora,” Isaac replied, feeling concerned about whatever was going on with Scootaloo. The door then opened, and Scootaloo came back inside. “Hey, are you ready, yet?” She asked impatiently. “Yes he is,” Zecora reassured her. “There is no need for such rudeness towards our guest, Scootaloo.” Scootaloo sighed. “Sorry, Zecora,” she said with an apoplectic nod, before looking back up at Isaac. “Well, come on, then,” She stuttered anxiously, wanting to go, making Zecora roll her eyes. “Yeah, alright,” Isaac said as he stood up. “Thank you for everything, Zecora,” He said gratefully, as he then left her Hut and headed after Scootaloo. “Farewell children,” Zecora said with a warm smile as she waved goodbye. Scootaloo and Isaac made their way to her home on the outskirts of Ponyville. When they entered the building, Isaac stopped and stared in disbelief. Everywhere he looked, everything was a mess like a storm had swept through the place, and everything was covered with a fine layer of dust. It was almost like the house had been left empty and neglected for quite some time. “So, er, this is your house?” he asked cautiously, trying not to sound put off. “Yeah, it is! You got a problem with it?!” Scootaloo asked angrily. “No, just thinking out loud,” Isaac replied defensively. “Whatever!” Scootaloo snapped, rolling her eyes, as she walked toward the stairs. “Stay right there, I’ll get you some bedding,” She ordered him with narrowed eyes. After Scootaloo went upstairs, Isaac waited for her, as he looked around the place. “Wow, this place looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in ages,” He thought.He was still looking when he saw a picture of Scootaloo with someone else on the mantelpiece. “Hmm?” He grabbed the frame and examined the picture closely. “Wait, I saw her at the castle,” He thought. The picture was of the younger pony with Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo was holding a trophy, as she was smiling with delight. “She sure looks happy here,” He said. “HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” Scootaloo yelled at him furiously as she came back down the stairs. “Sorry, I was looking around, and…” Isaac tried to explain. “PUT THAT DOWN!” Scootaloo yelled again, pointing at the picture frame in his hand. Isaac quickly put the frame down. “Look, you can have the couch. Once you're better you can leave,” She said with a huff, before walking over to him. She looked down at the picture with a look of utter disdain, before picking it up and throwing it into a nearby bin. “Good riddance,” She hissed with disgust. “I’m going out, don't wait up.” She headed for the door and slammed it on her way out. Once she was gone, Isaac took the picture from the bin and looked at it closely again, wondering why Scootaloo seemed to have so much hatred for it. It was then he noticed something he hadn’t noticed before. “Wait, she has wings in this picture. But she doesn't have wings now. So what happened to them?” He said with a thoughtful frown, wondering about Scootaloo’s past. As he waited for Scootaloo to return, Isaac decided to help out the troubled young ponygirl by doing some cleaning up. Eventually, Scootaloo finally returned home. “Hey, I’m back,” She said, before pausing to look around the room, surprised at how much cleaner and tidier everything was. “Did you clean my house while I was out?” She asked. “Yeah, I didn’t have anything to do, so I thought I’d do some cleaning for you,” Isaac replied with a shrug. “Uh, thanks,” she said with a small smile. “Look, there's some food in the kitchen. If you get hungry, just help yourself.” She then headed back upstairs. “I don’t know what Zecora was thinking about this whole friend thing,” Isaac thought to himself doubtfully. Later that day, Scootaloo was laying on her bed, thinking about the human downstairs. “Why did Zecora want that guy staying in my house?” She asked herself with a slight scowl before she took a sniff of something in the air. “What is that? Is he cooking something?” She got off her bed, left her room, and went to see what Isaac was doing. Downstairs in the kitchen, Isaac was making Spaghetti for the two of them. “Sadly I had to make a vegetarian one, mostly because my host is a Pony, and last I checked there’s no such thing as a carnivorous horse. I wish it wasn’t vegetarian but you got to work with what you’ve got. Now, I just need to finish the Garlic Bread, then it will be ready,” He said, serving the Spaghetti. Scootaloo then entered the kitchen and saw Isaac as he finished the cooking. “You're making Spaghetti?” She asked. Isaac turned and smiled at her. “Yep, and I made Garlic Bread as well,” He replied. “My favourite, how did you know?” Scootaloo asked, smiling back despite herself. “I didn’t, but I saw that you had the ingredients to make it, so I decided to make enough for the two of us,” Isaac said, checking on the Garlic Bread. “You’re just in time, too. I think it’s ready.” Isaac lifted out the Garlic Bread from the oven and placed it on one side. Scootaloo sat down at the table, and Isaac divided the meal between them, before serving the Spaghetti to Scootaloo. “Thanks,” She said bluntly. They ate their meal in silence, to begin with, and it was rather awkward for both of them. But finally, Scootaloo broke the silence. “So, where are you from?” She asked. Isaac didn’t know how to answer this question, but he finally decided to just tell the truth. “I’m from a place called Britain,” He answered. “Hmm, Britain? I’ve never heard of it,” Scootaloo said. “Where is it, exactly?” “It’s a very long way from here,” Isaac replied. “Say, Scootaloo, what can you tell me about Equestria?” “Well, currently we’re in a town called Ponyville,” Scootaloo started. “The nearest major town to here in Canterlot. That’s where that castle is located, the one you told me and Zecora about.” “Canterlot. So that must be the name of the town I escaped from,” Isaac thought to himself. “So, on that note, who’s the Reigning Monarch?” “Well, that’s obvious. Princess Celestia and her sister, Princess Luna, of course,” Scootaloo said, beginning to sound bored. “Wait, just the two Princesses?” Isaac asked with a raised eyebrow. “There’s no King or even a Queen?” “Nope. Just the two Princesses,” Scootaloo said, rolling her eyes. “So this kingdom is ruled by two Princesses, but has no King or Queen?” Isaac thought to himself. “Well, that’s just...bizarre.” He then thought back to when he first arrived in this new world, and the pony two women who confronted him. “Those two were both in charge from the way they were ordering those guards around. And the names would fit them. They must have been Celestia and Luna.” He frowned in annoyance. “Nice going, Isaac. Not even been in this world a day, and you’ve already pissed off both of its ruling Monarchs.” He shook his head and went back to eating. Soon, they finished their meal. “Mm, that was good,” said a now happy Scootaloo as she rubbed her now full belly in satisfaction. “I'm glad you enjoyed it,” Isaac said with a smile. “Oh, hey, guess what,” Scootaloo said, “I found this weird-looking fruit growing on a dead tree while I was out.” She went through a bag and pulled out what looked like a huge grapefruit with a strange swirl pattern covering it and with a curly stem. “How about we share this between us,” She offered. Isaac blanched in shock. He didn’t know which one, but he knew that this was a Devil Fruit. “Scootaloo, I don’t think you should eat that,” He said in warning. “Huh? Why not?” Scootaloo asked in confusion. Isaac gave her a very serious look. “Because that’s a Devil Fruit,” He explained. “Created by the Sea Devil himself. If you eat a Devil Fruit, it will grant you a unique power, but you will also be cursed. You’ll lose the ability to swim for the rest of your life, and you’ll forever be rejected by the sea. For example, I ate the Cinder-Cinder Fruit, and now I can turn my body into hot cinders and ashes. You saw me do it when I saved you from those...Timberwolves, did you call them?” “Whoa!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “So, you’re saying you ate one of these Fruits, and that’s how you saved me from the Timberwolves? That does answer my questions. I was wondering how a creature like you could use such weird magic like that, even though you don’t have a horn.” She then gave him a curious look and asked, “Hey, what’s your Cutie Mark look like?” “My...what?” Isaac asked in bewilderment. “Oh, so you don’t have Cutie Marks where you come from?” Scootaloo asked. “Uhh...what’s a Cutie Mark?” Isaac said with a raised eyebrow. “Here, I’ll show you,” Scootaloo said, as she stood up, pulled up her shirt to reach the rim of her shorts, and began to pull them down. “Whoa, what are you doing?!” Isaac exclaimed in shock and embarrassment as his eyes bugged out and he blushed heavily, before quickly looking away. “Hey, relax,” Scootaloo said with a teasing smirk, “You’re cute, but you’re not that cute.” She continued pulling down her shorts, revealing the side of her flank, where there was what looked like a Tattoo of a shield, with three stripes of red, white, and maroon, and in the centre was the image of a wing, with a lightning bolt emblazoned on it. “This is a Cutie Mark. Or rather, it’s my Cutie Mark,” She said with a hint of pride in her voice. “Every Pony has a Cutie Mark, and no two Marks are the same.” She then cleared her throat, before muttering, “Well, for the most part.” “Oh, so these Cutie Marks are like Tattoos,” Isaac said. “What?” Scootaloo said. “No, they’re not Tattoo they’re our Marks. They are part of us.” She then smirked again as she gave her hips a shake, and said, “And you know, you’re lucky you get to see it. We’re not supposed to show our Marks to any boys until we get married.” “What?!” Isaac shouted in shock, but then looked up as Scootalloo broke out laughing. “Nah, dude,” she said in amusement as she pulled her shorts back up. “I’m just messing with you.” “Alright, alright, you got me,” Isaac said, rolling his eyes. “Look, like I said, we don’t have these Cutie Marks where I come from.” He then got an idea, to pay her out. “Here, I’ll show you,” he said as he stood up and reached for his pants. “Whoa, hey, what are you doing?!” Scootaloo exclaimed, as she blushed and covered her eyes with her hands. “Relax, you’re cute, but you’re not that cute,” Isaac said with a smirk, using her own words against her. He pulled down his pants just enough to show off his thigh. “See, it’s blank. Nothing there.” Scootaloo reluctantly peered through her opened fingers and then lowered her hands as she stared in surprise for a moment, before looking up at Isaac’s face in confusion. “Uhh...is this part of the joke, or what?” she asked with a raised eyebrow. “Uh, what?” Isaac asked. “What are you talking about?” “Isaac, if you don’t have a Cutie Mark, then what do you call that?” Scootaloo said as she pointed at his thigh. Taken aback, Isaac looked down at his exposed thigh and gasped in shock at what he saw. Emblazoned on his upper leg, was what looked like a Tattoo of a pile of burning Cinders and ashes. “Whoa, what the hell is that?!” He exclaimed in shock and surprise. “You don’t know?” Asked Scootaloo. “No! That wasn’t there before!” Isaac said. “Then how did it get there?” Scootaloo asked. “I don’t know!” Isaac replied. “Wait a minute,” Scootaloo said in realization. “Didn’t you say that you ate the Cinder Cinder Fruit, which lets you turn into cinders and ashes?” “Yes, but what does that have to do with… oh,” Isaac said, before trailing off as the penny dropped. “Yeah, Isaac, you got that Mark after you ate your Devil Fruit,” Scootaloo said, her face splitting in a wide smile. “You don’t have a Cutie Mark. You have a...uh…” She clicked her fingers to think of a name. “A Devil Mark! That’s so cool!” “They never told me about this in that letter,” Isaac said despondently, before he slumped down into his chair, slammed his face into his hands, and moaned in disbelief. “Aww,” Scootalloo said with a smirk as she leaned forward and patted him on the head. “There, there.” This made Isaac look up at her with a scowl. “Don’t patronise me, woman,” he said sourly. Scootaloo then sat back in her chair, and her attention returned to the bizarre Fruit on the table in front of her. “Anyway, back on topic. So, you’re saying that if I eat this Fruit, I can turn into Ashes and Cinders like you?” She asked. “No, there’s only one Cinder-Cinder Fruit. That’s a completely different Fruit. No two Devil Fruits are ever the same,” Isaac explained. “Ohh, I get it. So, which one is it?” Scootaloo asked. “I don’t know, but I can find out,” Isaac said and pulled out the book he had received with his Fruit. “Thanks to my Devil Fruit Encyclopedia,” He said with a smile, holding the book in the air. He then opened the book and began looking through it to find out which Devil Fruit this was. “Hey, can I ask a question?” He asked. “What about?” Scootaloo asked, her eyebrows raised cautiously. “About that picture of you and-” he stopped abruptly when Scootaloo suddenly slammed her fist on the table. “THAT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!” She screamed, her eyes burning with rage. Isaac stared at her in stunned silence, before he continued to look through the book. “I’m sorry, I was just…” he began but stopped when there was a knock on the door. “Scootaloo, it’s me, Rainbow Dash! I know you’re in there! I heard you yelling!” A female voice on the other side shouted. “Is she the one from the photo?” Asked Isaac. “Quick, you have to hide, now,” Scootaloo told him in alarm. Isaac activated his power, turning his whole body into Ashes, and disappeared, while Scootaloo ran to the door. She reluctantly opened the door, and Rainbow walked in. “Hey, Scoot, how’s it going?” She asked with a smile. “What do you want, Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo asked sourly. “Well, I thought I’d check on you,” Rainbow said in a caring tone. She looked around and saw that the house looked cleaner than usual. “Have you been cleaning up here?” She asked. “No,” Scootaloo said defensively. “So, do you have a guest here or something?” Rainbow asked curiously. “Look, why are you here, Dash?” Scootaloo said bitterly. “Alright, listen, something’s come up again, so I can’t…” Rainbow stopped when Scootaloo punched the wall hard. “There's always something!” She snapped angrily. “Scoots,” Rainbow said softly. “Just go, Dash,” Scootaloo said forcefully. “Look Scootaloo, there’s a Guy with weird powers running around out there. He can turn into Ashes and Cinders. Once we find him, I promise to spend some time with you, and we can…” Rainbow stopped talking when Scootaloo interrupted her once more. “You keep saying that, but then something else comes up. Ever since my wings were removed, I’ve lost everything. I don’t see you, Applebloom, or Sweetie Belle anymore. Just get out of my house,” Scootaloo said, trying hard to hold back her tears, as she opened the front door, wanting Rainbow Dash to just leave. With a sorrowful look on her face, Rainbow walked out the door. “Scootaloo, I’m so sorry. But seriously, if you see this Ashe's guy, report it. The sooner we get this guy, the better,” she said, and then she left Scootaloo’s house. Isaac had heard every word, and while he was hiding, he was still going through the book and found the list of known Devil Fruit names. Scootaloo then walked back into the kitchen. “Hey, she's gone. You can come out now,” She said. Isaac reformed his body and faced her again. “Are you okay?” He asked. “I’m fine, but you might want to lay low for a while,” Scootaloo said cautiously. “Maybe I should go back to the forest,” Isaac suggested. “No, Zecora said you still need to heal that wound,” Scootaloo replied. “Just stay here till your shoulder has healed.” “I don’t want to cause you any problems,” Isaac said as he started to clean the table. “Look, you’re not causing me any trouble,” Scootaloo said reassuringly. “What happened between me and Dash is personal.” She paused, before saying quietly and sadly, “Very personal.” She shook her head. “So, what are we going to do with this Devil Fruit?” she asked, gesturing to the Devil Fruit on the table. “Probably best if I keep a hold of it,” Isaac said, before looking at Scootaloo thoughtfully. “Not unless you want to eat it,” he offered. “What?” Scootaloo said in surprise. “I don’t even know what kind of Fruit it is, so I don’t know what kind of power it gives. I mean, I could end up with something really weird, or something useless, so, sorry, but no thanks.” “Yeah, there’s some pretty dumb ones out there,” Isaac muttered under his breath. “Don’t blame you.” “Before I even think about eating this thing,” Scootaloo went on, “why don’t you try and find out which one it is first? I want to know exactly what I’m getting if I do eat it.” “Fair enough. Sure,” Isaac agreed. As he cleaned the kitchen, he thought about the Devil Fruit, and about those girls who were looking for him. “There’s no choice. I’ll just cause more trouble for her if I stay. I’ll have to leave this town,” He thought to himself. Within Twilight’s Castle, five of the girls were gathered around the crystal table, when Rainbow Dash entered the throne room. “Oh, Rainbow, you’re back,” Said Fluttershy. “How’s Scootaloo, darling?” Asked Rarity with concern. Rainbow Dash just walked towards Twilight without answering, as Twilight looked up at her with worry. “Um, Rainbow Dash, is everything okay?” She asked worriedly. “Twilight, can you and the girls find the Ashes guy without me?” Rainbow asked. “Why? Did something happen to Scootaloo?” Twilight asked again. “No, she’s fine...mostly,” Rainbow Dash said hesitantly, before saying, “But, it’s just that I haven’t spent any time with her since her wings were removed, and she has no one else but me, and most of my time is spent helping you guys out. Between that and my time spent with the Wonderbolts, I just don’t have any time for her.” “I understand, Rainbow,” Twilight said in a caring voice, “And I would like to let you spend all the time you need with Scootaloo. But Celestia wants us to find the Cinder Lord. The sooner you get him, the sooner you can spend all the time you want with Scootaloo.” “Ohh, we are looking for a Noble Man are we?” Rarity said in a teasing voice. “No, it’s a self-given title,” Twilight said. “Ohhh,” Rarity said in a disappointed tone and with a sad frown. “Oh, alright, Twilight, the sooner the better.” Rainbow agreed reluctantly. “Okay, girls, here's the plan,” Twilight began, “Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, go to Cloudsdale and ask around. Someone there might have seen him. Everyone else goes to town and looks for any clues.” “What about you?” Asked Pinkie. “I and Spike are going to do some research on Devil Fruits,” Twilight replied. “Well, we best just get started,” Applejack said as she stood up and walked out of the room, the other four girls following her. Not long after the girls left, Spike entered the room. He was a young humanoid dragon with purple scales covering parts of his body, green hair, and green eyes. He was wearing a purple hoodie with matching pants, and green shoes. In his hands, he was carrying a large white snail, with a sun emblem on its shell, and what looked like a phone receiver attached to the top of its shell. “Hey, Twilight, you got a call from Princess Celestia,” He said while holding out the snail to her, as it made an odd ringing noise. “Thank you, Spike,” Twilight said as she grabbed the receiver. “Hello, Princess Celestia.” “Twilight, have you found him yet?” Asked Celestia’s serious voice from the snail’s mouth. “No, I haven’t,” Twilight replied in disappointment, “I have just sent the girls to find any clues to his whereabouts.” “I see,” Celestia replied. “Also, I’m about to start my research into these Devil Fruits,” Twilight continued. “Well, fortunately, as it happens, I have good news on that front. We have managed to gather some information about Devil Fruits,” Celestia went on. “I asked a girl named Wallflower Blush, who happens to be studying plants, to study the remains of the Fruit that the Cinder Lord has eaten. According to her, the fruit has no seed-bearing structure, and once bitten into, the Fruit almost immediately began to rot away, but that is all we know for the moment.” “Hmm, I see,” Twilight said in deep thought, “If it began to rot as soon as part of it was eaten, then by that logic, the Fruit in question can only be eaten by one person, meaning that only one person can have the power granted by that Fruit. But, wait,” She went on in slight confusion, “If it has no seed-bearing structure, how can it be called a Fruit?” “Yes, that is a good question, Twilight,” Celestia said, “However, it is quite clear that these Devil Fruits are very unnatural. However, how they grow is not our concern at this time. Our main concern is the potential threat they pose from the bizarre, and as we’ve seen, dangerous powers they grant to those who consume them. Needless to say, we must find him. At present, he knows more about these Fruits than anyone else. Now listen carefully, Twilight. If you find him, inform him that my word still has value. If he surrenders, no more harm will come to him.” “I understand, Princess,” Twilight replied in understanding of her fellow Princess’ request. “I promise I will not fail you. Once I have found him, I will inform him of your ultimatum. I’ll report back as soon as possible.” She was about to place the receiver back on top of the snail’s shell when she brought it back to her mouth. “Oh, one more thing. Is there anything you can tell me that would help me with my research into Devil Fruits?” There was a moment's pause before Celestia spoke again. “Yes, I believe there is. Before he escaped from Canterlot Castle, the Cinder Lord said that Devil Fruits were created by a being known as the Sea Devil. Maybe you should start your research there.” “The Sea Devil,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “Thank you, Princess.” She then placed the receiver back on top of the Snail’s shell, and the snail closed its eyes like it was sleeping. She then looked up at Spike. “Spike, we have a lot of work to do. Can you go to Sugar Cube Corner and get some coffee, please? We are going to need it,” She said with an apprehensive frown, dreading the work to come. “Sure, Twilight, I won't be long. Oh, before I go, I found some books about Demonic items,” He said, before making his way out of the room. “Thanks, Spike,” Twilight smiled. “And with the change, get yourself something nice.” She got up from her throne and walked off to the library. It was now dark outside, and Isaac was sitting on the couch in Scootaloo’s living room, thinking about his next move. “Hey, what’s on your mind?” Asked Scootaloo as she sat down next to him. “Just thinking,” He replied. “What about?” She asked again. “What my next move will be,” He said when he suddenly had an idea. “Say, have you got a map of the world?” He asked. “Hmm, I might, let me look around,” Scootaloo said, as she stood up and walked towards a door at the back of the room. This room was her Parent's Study. She reached out to open the door but hesitated. Isaac, who was watching her from the couch, noticed her pause and wondered what was up. Scootalloo stayed still for a moment longer, before opening the door and stepping inside. The room looked like it hadn't been touched for quite some time. After looking through the piles of books and notes about far-off lands and discoveries her parents had made on their expeditions, she found what she was looking for. “Never thought I’d come in here for anything again,” she whispered bitterly as she left the room. She finally came back to Isaac, carrying a rolled-up map. “Found one,” She said and unrolled it on the table. “Okay, so, where are we on the map?” Isaac asked as he scanned the map. “Hmm, I think we’re here,” Scootaloo said, pointing to near the centre of the large landmass, which showed the little town, named Ponyville, which was close to a mountain at the centre of the landmass. On the side of the mountain, was what looked like a white castle, named Canterlot. That must be where he escaped from. “Ok, Scootaloo, I know this country is called Equestria. What about the surrounding kingdoms? What are they called?” Isaac asked again. “Well, several different Kingdoms are surroundingEquestria,” Scootaloo said, “There’s the Dragon Lands, Griffinstone, Yakyakistan...oh, and there’s also the Crystal Empire up near the Frozen North.” “Wait a minute,” Isaac asked with raised eyebrows, “you have Dragons and Griffins here?” “Well, not exactly. The Dragon Lands are ruled by the Draco, and Griffinstone is the home of the Avians,” Scootaloo explained. “Dracos and Avians?” Isaac asked curiously. “What are they like? Are they like you?” “Soft of,” Scootaloo said, before explaining, “You see, it’s like this. Dracos are kind of like us Equestrians, but they are more like you than us. But, they have scales that cover different parts of their bodies, they have wings, but they are more like large bat wings than birds wings, and they have long scaly tails, like reptiles. Some of them even have horns. Avians, on the other hand, are more like you too but are much more birdlike. They have feathers all over their bodies, they have pads on the bottoms of their feet, so they don’t bother wearing shoes, and they protect them when they land. And also, their hands have Lion claws. And get this. They can retract their wings.” She then let out a sigh. “A fact that I can’t help but be envious of,” She thought morosely to herself. “So, anyway, you also mentioned this Crystal Empire place,” Isaac went on. “What can you tell me about it?” “Oh, yeah, right,” Scootaloo said, glad about the change of subject. “The Crystal Empire is an amazing, beautiful place, and, as the name describes, it’s all made entirely out of crystal, and it’s the home of the Crystalites.” “Crystalites?” Isaac asked with a bewildered look. “What are they like?” “Well, basically, they’re just like us Equestrians,” Scootaloo explained. “They’re made up of Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns, just like us, but with one key difference. Their hair, skin and eyes are really shiny like they are all made of crystal too.” “Really? Wow,” Isaac said in slight awe, as he imagined what these Crystalites might look like. “A place called The Crystal Empire, where everything is made of crystal, and the people who live there look like they are made of crystal too. Sounds like something Rebecca Sugar would dream up,” He thought to himself. “Er, quick question,” Scootaloo said, “Why do you need to know all this stuff, anyway?” “Because I have to leave this place soon. There’s this group of people I’m trying to find.” Isaac said as he thought of the letter that came with the Cinder Cinder Fruit from the mysterious Lapis Lobelia. “You only just got here, and you’re already thinking of leaving?” Scootaloo asked. “Look, Scootaloo,” Isaac said, giving her a stern look. “As that friend of yours, Rainbow Dash said, I’m a wanted man. If I stay here too much longer, they are bound to track me down, and that would not just be bad for me, but for you too. If you got caught up in my mess, what would your parents say?” Scootaloo's face twisted into a bitter scowl, and she tutted in disgust. “My parents don’t have anything to say these days,” she said disdainfully. “Wait,” Isaac said as worry seeped into his voice, “don’t tell me your parents are-.” “No, they’re not dead!” Scootaloo snapped. “They’re just too busy galavanting around the world to have any time to do with me!” “Well,” Isaac said slowly, “what about your friends?” “Friends?!” Scootaloo practically spat out the word like it was poison in her mouth. “What friends?! Those two bitches abandoned me a long time ago too!” “Umm, OK,” Isaac said in a wavering voice, now feeling very uncomfortable, and completely at a loss on how to proceed from here without upsetting the very troubled girl in front of him even more. Before she could say anymore, Scootaloo took a deep breath to calm herself, before giving Coren an apologetic look. “Hey, look, sorry about that. Family and friends are kind of a sensitive topic for me.” “No no no,” Isaac said hurriedly, hoping to break the tension, “I completely understand, it’s OK.” “OK, right. Thanks,” Scootaloo said, relieved he wasn't mad at her. “But still, you shouldn’t leave yet, not with that hole in your shoulder.” Isaac looked between her and his shoulder, before sighing in defeat. “OK, you’re right,” he said. “I’ll stay until my wounds have fully healed.” He then looked around the room and saw the clock. “Wow, it’s already that late.” Scootaloo then saw the time too. “Whoa, you’re right. Yeah, better call it a night then,” She said as she got up and headed for the stairs. “Hey, just before you go, Zecora told me to ask you to help put this on my back,” Isaac said before he pulled out a bottle of balm from the pouch Zecora gave him. “Oh OK, let’s get this over with,” Scootaloo said, making her way to the couch. Isaac then took his shirt off, while Scootaloo applied the balm on the back wound. “OK, done,” She said, before letting out a yawn. “Geez, I’m tired. I’m going to bed now.” She stood up and walked towards the stairs again. “I’ll see you in the morning,” She said before she disappeared upstairs. After she had gone, Isaac took his medicine from Zecora and then sat back on the couch as he stared at the map. “Hmm, The Crystal Empire...Griffinstone...The Dragon Lands,” He thought. “I am in another world, aren’t I? Was sending me to another world part of their experiment? At that moment, he groaned as his head started to hurt. “I’m giving myself a headache from all this thinking. It’s about time I got some sleep myself. I’ll come up with a plan in the morning.” He lay down on the couch and quickly fell asleep. Meanwhile, Twilight and Spike were in her library, going through book after book. “Ugh! Nothing! Not one of these books has anything about Devil Fruits! This is unbelievable!” Twilight said in frustration. “Yeah, it's odd. Not a single one of these books has any information about Devil Fruits,” Spike said, agreeing with Twilight, and almost as frustrated as her. Twilight sighed heavily and was just reaching for yet another book when the Transponder Snail began to ring. “Padda, Padda, Padda.” Twilight picked up the receiver. “Click!” “Hello?” She said into the receiver. “Hey Twi, it’s Rainbow,” Rainbow’s voice answered. “I and Fluttershy asked around, and no one has seen the guy.” “Alright, Rainbow, thank you. I think we’ve done all we can for today. Tell the others we’ll resume the search for him tomorrow,” Twilight replied. “I’ll see you two in the morning.” “Gotcha, Twi. See ya tomorrow,” Rainbow said, before hanging up. “Click!” Twilight hung up the receiver, and then she decided to call Celestia. “May as well tell her the bad news,” she said in disappointment, before picking up the receiver again and turning the dial to put in the number for Celestia’s direct line. After a few rings, Celestia answered. “Hello?” “Princess Celestia, it’s Twilight,” She said. “Have you found him?” Celestia asked, getting straight to the point. “No, not yet, I’m afraid. Also, I have gone through my whole library, and found no further information on Devil Fruits,” Twilight reported. “Hmm, I see,” Celestia said, and Twilight can hear the disappointment in her voice. “We must keep looking for him. He’s the only one who knows anything about these Devil Fruits,” she told Twilight. “I understand, Princess. Leave it to us,” Twilight replied, understanding her task. “Thank you, Twilight. Know that I am truly grateful to you and your friends for all your efforts,” Celestia said, before hanging up. “Click!” Twilight hung up once more and turned to look at Spike. “Okay Spike, let’s call it a night,” She said, rubbing her tired eyes. “Sure, Twilight,” He said, stretching his arms and yawning. That said, Twilight and Spike left the library to go to bed, knowing that tomorrow they’ll have more work to do. Within the throne room of Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia was looking at the map of the city, with Red Crosses covering different parts of the map. Just then, Shining Armor came marching into the room and saluted her. “Your Highness, I have a report for you,” He said seriously. “Let’s hear it, Shining Armor,” Celestia replied, her eyes glued to the map. “We searched the back alleys, and all abandoned buildings in the city, and we still haven’t found him,” Reported Shining Armor. “What about the sewers?” Asked Celestia, still not taking her eyes off the map. “We haven’t looked there yet, Princess,” He replied. “Search there next,” Celestia ordered, “We can't leave no stone unturned. If he’s desperate, he might take his chances hiding there,” She explained. “Understood, Your Highness,” Shining Armor said, before leaving the room to carry out his orders. As Shining Armor left, Luna entered the room, a deep frown on her face. “Sister, my Vanguard has searched the surrounding areas. He has not been found yet, I am afraid,” She reported. “I see. Thank you, Luna,” Celestia said with a long, weary sigh. “Sister, shall I send my Vanguard to the neighbouring towns?” Luna asked. “No, leave them here. I want them within arms reach. Just in case that man isn’t the only Devil Fruit user within our kingdom,” Celestia said as she rubbed her eyes from her exhaustion. “Understood, Sister,” Luna said, before looking at her sister curiously. “Tell me, Sister, why are you so desperate to find this man?” She asked. “I need to know more about these Devil Fruits, and that man is our only lead,” Celestia replied. Luna then chuckled at her sister. “What's so funny, Luna?” Celestia asked in annoyance. “Whom are you trying to convince, me or yourself?” Luna asked with an amused smirk. “Excuse me?” Celestia said with a raised eyebrow. “Tia, I’m your sister, and I can read you like a book,” Luna said with a grin. “You don’t want to find him because of the Devil Fruits, you want to find him over the fact that BlueBlood broke your word.” These words, Isaac’s words then echoed in Celestia's mind. “You gave me your word!” She remembered his final angry shout before he made his escape. She took a deep breath, and let it out in a long, heavy sigh. “You’re right, Luna,” she said. She looked up at her sister. “My word is my bond, and when BlueBlood pierced his shoulder with that arrow, he broke my word. If BlueBlood had not shot that arrow at him, he would not have felt threatened enough to eat that Fruit, he would simply have handed it over to me, and all of this could have been avoided.” She then sat down on her throne and placed her chin in her hands. “You know something else, Luna?” she said. “I have gone over the events of last night over and over again in my mind, and do you know what the first words I remember hearing the Cinder Lord say were?” “No, sister, I do not believe you have told me,” Luna said curiously. “What did he say?” Celestia leaned forward and gave her sister a serious look. “I heard him shout out the words, ‘What? No signal?’, and when he first saw me, his reaction was one of great confusion and panic as if he had never laid eyes on an Alicorn before,a, when we first encountered each other, he asked if I was an Angel,” she explained. “Have you heard of such a creature as this Angel, Luna?” “Hmm, Angel,” Luna said thoughtfully, “I have never heard of such a creature, Sister. Perhaps they are the monarchs of his homeland like we Alicorns are the Monarchs of our Kingdom.” “Hmm, maybe so, Luna,” Celestia said, “for now, all we know is that something doesn’t add up with this Cinder Lord. He is just as much a mystery as the Devil Fruits.” “Do you believe that there could be a Kingdom filled with others of his kind, and the Monarchy of his land is made up of these Angels?” Luna asked with intrigue. “Yes, for the moment, that is what I presume,” Celestia said, before placing her hands over her face, and sighing heavily in exhaustion. Luna then walked up to her sister and took hold of her hands, pulling them away from her face, as Celestia looked at her with a mix of exhaustion, worry, and sorrow in her eyes. “We need to find him, Luna. We need to learn about these Devil Fruits, and I need to apologise to him,” Celestia told her younger sibling. “I truly understand your feelings, Tia, and we will find him sooner or later,” Luna said reassuringly, now fully understanding her sister's feelings about the Cinder Lord. She then smiled and said jokingly, “And when we do find him, you could always make him an Alicorn, or maybe try and see about making one of these Angels as an apology gift,” Despite how she felt, Celestia couldn’t help smiling and giggling. “Since when were you the funny sister, Luna?” She asked in amusement. “Only when I need to be,” Luna said with a warm smile. She then stood up and turned to leave. “I will relieve you for the night shift as always, Sister,” she said as she left the Throne Room. Once Luna was gone, Celestia sighed once more as she looked at the map again. “Where can he be hiding?” She thought to herself. To Be Continued...
