[Displaced] Ashes In the Wind

Autumn takes Cinder back to the river where she found her.

“Is this the place?” Cinder asked, looking at the river.

“Yes,” Autumn nods, “This is where I found you.”

“Okay.” Cinder looks around for her Midnight. “Can you help me search for my weapon?” Cinder asked Autumn.

“Of course,” Autumn said with a nod and smiled. “I’ll help you find your weapon,”

“Thank you.”

Cinder and Autumn searched everywhere, after some time Midnight can not be found.

“I can’t find it.” Autumn sighed, “I’m sorry Cinder.”

“It’s okay,” Cinder said, She looked at the river and kneeled down close to it. “Do you think my weapon could have been taken downstream?” She asked, placing her hand in the river, feeling the currents.

"Maybe..." Autumn said she thinks for a second. “There is a fishing village farther down.”

Cinder looked at Autumn. “Oh?” She stood up and looked at Autumn. “What is the village like?” She asked.

“It’s like my village,” Autumn shrugged, “Only difference is it’s by the river.”

“I see,” Cinder looked at the river. “Okay, can you lead the way?”

“Sure.” Autumn smiled. “Follow me.”

Cinder followed Autumn down the river. Cinder kept an eye on the river just in case she found her midnight.

“We’re here,” Autumn announced, Cinder looked at Autumn and saw a town with fishing nets reaching across the river. "Welcome to Silver River.”

“Silver river?” Cinder asked, looking at the river, she saw a fish with Silver scales. “Oh, it’s named after the fish.” Cinder giggled,

“This village used to be a mining village.” Autumn explains, “They used to pull Silver out of the river, so they named the village after the Silver they gathered.”

“Oh?” Cinder blushed thinking the village was named after the fish. “So what’s with the Silver Fish?” She asked,

“The fishers believe the fish who live in the river eat the Silver, to make themselves beautiful,” Autumn explains,

“Oh?” Cinder said fish from her original homeworld don’t eat metal, but then again she wasn’t in her original homeworld, so metal-eating fish must be average here. “Do you think my midnight is here?” Cinder asked, looking into the river once more.

“I think so,” Autumn replied, looking into the river.

“Hey, Autumn Blaze!” Called a male voice.

Autumn and Cinder looked across the river, and a shirtless fisherman showed his chiseled body to the world, repairing a fishing net.

“Hey, Sidon!” Autumn called waving at the fishman.

“Friend of yours?” Cinder asked, unable to look away from the shirtless fisherman.

“He trades with my village. His name is Sidon.” Autumn replied,

“I see,” Cinder nods, she notices Sidon repairing one of his nets. “Hey, he's repairing a net.”

“Maybe your weapons damage it.” Autumn said, “Let’s ask him.”

Cinder nods and looks for a bridge but she doesn't see one. “Is there a bridge further down?” She asked,

Autumn slimmed and placed her hand by her mouth. “HEY SIDON!” She called out.

Sidon looked across the river looking at Autumn. “WHAT’S UP!?” he called back.

“MY FRIEND AND I NEED TO ASK YOU SOMETHING!” Autumn called, “CAN YOU COME OVER!?”

“SURE!” Sidon stood from his net and dived into the river swimming like a fish towards Autumn and Cinder.

“How can he swim like that?” Cinder asked, watching Sidon swim against the current.

“You’ll see,” Autumn said, stepping back from the riverside, Cinder stepped back too.

Sidon jumped out of the water, his long black hair covering his face and body.
Sidon threw his hair back, showing his water-covered muscles, up close Cinder can see him more clearly.

Cinder fed her eyes looking at the all-natural male specimen in front of her, her eyes wandered to his abs. “Oh my god, you can grind meat on those guns.” Cinder said blushing, “Wait why did I say that? Why am I blushing!” This was confusing for Cinder since she was a guy not long ago. Maybe it had something to do with becoming Cinder, Maybe it’s another side effect of some kind.

Sidon laughed proudly. “You’re not the first person who said that to me!” He said, continuing to laugh. “So what brings you here?” Sidon asked Autumn and Cinder.

Cinder was snapped out of her thoughts. “Oh right.” She said, clearing her throat.
“Me and my friend Cinder.” Autumn points at Cinder, “Did a pair of twin swords damage your net?”

“Yeah, A pair of Identical swords did damage my net.” Sidon replied, “Is it yours?” He asked Cinder.

"Yes, they are mine," Cinder replied, “I’ll pay for the damages, but can I have my swords back?”

“Ah sorry to tell you this,” Sephron rubbed the back of his neck. “But I sold them.”

"Dammit!" Cinder swore, “who took them?”

“To just some lad from Steel Forest,” Sidon answered,

"Let's go, Autumn," Cinder said. She ran towards Steel Forest, but she didn’t know the way and returned to Autumn and Sidon. “Yeah, I have no idea where I’m going.” She said, rubbing the back of her head, blushing.

“A roughly two of three miles north of here," Autumn answered,

“The river can get you there faster.” Sidon declared, “I can give you a ride on my boat.”

“Really?” Cinder asked, “Why?”

“I kind of owe you for selling your swords.” Sidon explained, “It’s the least I can do.”

Cinder nods, “Okay, is that okay with you?” She asked Autumn.

“Of course, it would be fine with me,” Autumn replied.

“Okay,” Cinder looked at Sidon. “We’ll take your offer.”

“Alright, let me grab my boat.” Sidon drives into the river and swims back to his village.

“He is a great swimmer.” Cinder declared. “I wonder if he could teach me how to swim like that.”

“Doubt it.” Autumn said, “his hands and feet are webbed.”

Cinder looked at Autumn with wide eyes. “Really?” She asked,

“Yep.” Autumn nods. “Thanks to his webbed hands and feet he can swim like a fish.” She explains, “In fact, everyone in the village has webbed hands and feet.”

“Amazing.” Cinder hums, “So I can see them like the fish Faunus.”

Soon Sidon returns with his boat. “Okay, ready?” He asked his passengers.

“Yep,” Autumn said, stepping onto the boat, she turned and looked at Cinder who just looked at the water. “Are you going to be okay?”

Cinder was trembling a little, why? Sure she almost drowned, and sure she just got over a cold, but she’s stronger than fear, Cinder has survived worse, but Coren was never in danger like this before.

“Cinder?” Autumn asked again. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Cinder declared, stepping into the boat, Autumn helped Cinder onto the boat.

“Okay hold on,” Sidon said, rowing his boat down the river.

During the ride to Steel Forest, Cinder was curious about the name. “Autumn?”

“Yes?” Autumn hums,

“What can you tell me about Steel Forest?” Cinder asked,

“Well, it’s a blacksmith village.” Autumn began,

“A blacksmith village?” Cinder asked, “I’ve only seen Blacksmith villages in anime and manga.”

Autumn nods, “My village traditionally buys knives, swords, hammers, and armour from them.” Autumn explains, as they travel down the river.

After some time a metal leaf falls on the boat. “We’re here.” Sidon announced.

Cinder turned and saw their destination. “WOW.” She gasped, the whole town is made of metal trees and the townsfolk live inside them. “I’ve never seen a place like this anywhere.”

"I'm glad you like it," Autumn giggled.

“This place is amazing,” Cinder said, wanting to touch one of the trees. a metallic leaf falls and Cinder catches it. “Even the leaves are made of metal.” Cinder was truly in an anime world “It was like a fantasy world!” She turns to Autumn. “How is this possible?” Cinder asked.

“This Mountain was once a volcano.” Autumn answered, “According to legend, this volcano almost erupted, three Kirin’s knew this volcano would end the world, and they sacrificed themselves to seal its power. Then they became the land and us.”

“I see,” Cinder Hums. “So was one of them made of metal or something?” She asked, looking at the trees.

“No,” Autumn replied, “But the story says they had the power over metal, wood and water.”

Cinder remembers the difference between the three villages. “Ah I get it now.” She said smiling. “You’re from the wooden village, we just visited the water village and now we’re in the metal village.” She smiled like a child, this was beyond proof she is in another world.

“You look giddy.” Autumn said with a grin.

“Do I?” Cinder asked, still smiling.

“Yep you do.” Autumn said, “So ready to see the blacksmith?”

“Okay,” Cinder nods, taming her excitement. “Where's the blacksmith?”

"Just this way," Autumn said, pointing the way. “Sidon can you dock over there please.”

“Of course.” Sidon docked the boat, letting Cinder and Autumn disembark.

“I’ll wait here for you.” Sidon told them, grabbing his fishing rod.

“Thank you Sidon.” Autumn thanked the fisherman with a bow.

Cinder bowd too. “Thank you very much.”

“Ready to find the smith?” Autumn asked.

“Yes, lead the way.” Cinder said, following Autumn.

After some time of walking Autumn led Cinder to the smiths shop.
Cinder saw another tree house, with windows showing weapons, tools, and kitchen knives, she noticed smoke coming from a branch made into a chimney.

Coren, before becoming Cinder nice, wanted to be a Blacksmith. She was a mix of emotions, she desperately wanted to rush in.

“We should find your weapon here.” Autumn said, walking to the door.

“Oh right my bow.” Cinder said, blushing a little she actually forgot why they came here. “Alright, let’s head inside.”

They entered the workshop, Cinder gasped seeing the weapons, armor and even some firearms. “Whoa.” It was pretty impressive, when she was Coren she would have gone full weeb mode.

Cinder walked towards the firearms, “Wait! Business first!” Cinder shakes her head, clearing her mind of her curiosity. “Where’s found they keep the bows?” She wondered, looking for her Midnight.

“Looking for archery equipment?” Asked a female Voice.

Cinder turned and saw a woman about her age wearing thick leather overall, with short sleeves, she had welding goggles on her forehead. Her hair is Black and cut short. Standing behind a counter.

Looking at the woman she might be the smith, or the smith's apprentice. Cinder noticed some sweat on her face, she must have just finished working.

Cinder steps towards the counter. “Hi, I’m looking for twin swords that can attach into a bow.”

"Hmm, twin swords, and they attach into a bow?" The woman thought to herself, rubbing her chin. “Oh! I recall having a weapon like that.” The woman said remembering Cinder’s midnight.

"You do?!" Cinder smiled eagerly to reunite with her Midnight.

“But I sold them.” The smith said, with a sad look.

“Excuse me?” Cinder asked with an eye twitch.

“One of my regulars said the original owner died.” The smith explains, with a sorrowful tone. “I’m terribly sorry.”

Cinder takes a deep breath through her nose. “Who brought my sword’s?” She asked, exhaling her deep breath.

“The Orchid Twins.” The smith replied. “They brought them roughly an hour ago. You might be able to find them if you go now.”

Cinder nods, “Thank you.” Cinder Turned and saw Autumn looking at some arm blades, she smiled and walked to her. “See something you like?”’

Autumn turned and looked at Cinder. “I saw something I like.” She replied, “But they’re out of my price range.” Autumn shrugged. “Oh well, did you find your swords?”

“Unfortunately they were sold.” Cinder answered.

“Oh I’m so sorry.” Autumn said,

“But I know who brought them.” Cinder smiled,

“Oh? Who?”

“The Orchid Twins.” Cinder said, “The smith sa-” She saw Autumn deadpanning. “I’m guessing you know them.”

Autumn sighed. “I do, but I don’t like dealing with them.” She hangs her head, not wanting to see the twins.

Cinder pats her head. “I understand Autumn, just help me find them, and I’ll deal with them.” She said, smiling at her friend.

Autumn smiled, “Okay, if they just purchased the swords today, they’ll be showing them off.” She thinks for a second. “So perhaps the local tavern.”

“I see, do you know where it is?” Cinder asked.

“Yes, I do.” Autumn replied.

“Okay, take me to them.” Cinder said, “and on the way you can tell everything you know about the Twins.”

Autumn nods, and the two of them leave the workshop.

After some time of walking, Autumn led Cinder to the tavern.

Cinder stood outside looking at the building. Inside was her Midnight, and the twins.

Autumn held her hand. “Are you ok?” she asked.

“I’m okay.” Cinder replied, looking at Autumn. “I’m just eager to get back my swords.”

Autumn released Cinder’s hand. “Alright let’s get back your swords.”

“Yeah, let’s.” Cinder steps towards the door and enters the tavern.

Inside the tavern there was a bar and two areas, one for drinking and eating, and the second area had several gambling tables. Cinder and Autumn walked to an empty table, they sat down Cinder began scanning for her swords.

“Do you see them?” Cinder asked.

Autumn looked and she saw one of the twins. “I see them.”

“Where?”

“Gambling side.” Autumn replies.

Cinder looks. “Which one?”

“The sister is in a red kimono.” Autumn answered.

Cinders sees the red kimono woman. “I see her.” Cinder looked closer and saw her sword on her hip. “She has my sword.” She hissed her eyes burning, she saw them playing a game of cards. “How much do you have?”

Autumn looked at Cinder who kept her eyes on the red Orchid. “Why?”

“I’m going to play a game.” Cinder replied, feeling an odd sensation. Could this be the hunger Cinder was obsessed with?

Autumn looked at Cinder with concern. “What are you planning?”

Cinder looks at Autumn. “I’m going to win my swords back.”

“And you need my money to do so?” Autumn asked.

“Yes, I know I’m already in debt to you.” Cinder said, “You saved my life, you nursed me back to health, and you're going out of your way to help me retrieve my swords.” She sighed, feeling guilty for asking another favor from Autumn who has done more than Cinder could repay. “I hate asking for another favor, but I need you to do this last one last favor.”

Autumn breathed through her nose, and grabbed her pouch. “Here Cinder.” She gave her pouch to Cinder. “This is all I have left, please don’t use it all.”

Cinder takes the pouch. “Thank you.” She said looking inside, and taking half. “I’ll take half.” Cinder returns Autumn’s pouch.

“Thank you Cinder.” Autumn taking back her pouch, she saw Cinder leave the table. “Good luck Cinder.

“Thank you.” Cinder replied smiling, she made her way to the gambling tables.

Cinder found the twins playing poker with three others, she noticed the brother was wearing a blue kimono. The opposite from his sister. She saw them playing Texas hold 'em.

She knew how to play this game, she waited for a free chair. After some time of waiting one of the players left the table, Cinder smiled as this was her opportunity to win back her swords.

Cinder approached the free chair. “Hello.” She said, with a soft voice. “Can I join?”

The Orchids look at Cinder. “How much do you have?” Asked the red Orchid.

Cinder shows her borrowed money. “Only this.”

The blue Orchid smarked. “We could use some more spending money.” He looked at his sister. “What do you think?”

“I agree, more money sounds nice.” Said the red Orchid. “Join us.”

“Thank you.” Cinder sat down, she was more than ready to play this game.

Through the game Cinder has eliminated the other two players, now it was only her and the twins.

Cinder checked her hand, she checked her hand.

“4 aces? Now’s my chance to win back my swords.” Cinder pushed everything into the center of the table. “I’m all in.” The twins looked at each other, Cinder smiled. This was the perfect moment to strike while the iron was hot. “Problem?”

“No.” Said blue, “I’m all in.” He declared pushing in all his coins.

“And so am I.” Said Red, also pushing in her coins.

Cinder smiled again. “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid you don’t have enough to cover the pot.”

The twin looked at each other once more.

“I wager my new sword.” Sad red Orchid, placing her half of Midnight.

“And so do I.” Said blue Orchid, placing his half of Midnight.

The sister smiled. “Now you don’t have enough for the pot.”

The brother smiled. “So what will you do?”

Cinder placed her hand on her chin. “Then I’ll have to offer myself.”

The Twins looked at each other once more and smiled wickedly.
Cinder saw them smiling and seen enough Hentai to know what that smile meant.

“I could use a new maid.” Said the sister.

“So could I.” Said the brother.

“Well shall we end this game?” Cinder asked,

“Yes.” Said the twins.

The brother showed his hand, he had two Kings. The sister showed her hand, with two Queens.

“I believe we won.” Smiled the brother.

“I do too.” Smiled the sister. “So what’s your name? Maid.”

Cinder smiled, holding her hand. “Four of a kind.” She showed her hand, revealing her 4 aces. “I win.” She declead, taking her winnings, seeing the twins destroyed by her bright her such pleasure it was almost intoxicating. “Pleasure playing with you too.” Cinder left them and returned to Autumn in triumph.

The twins looked at Cinder, with anger and hatred. They’ll never forgive her for this humiliation.

Cinder didn’t notice the twins looking at her, because she was on cloud 9 from this feeling of being superior from others, it was insinuating to her, she looked at her prize.

“I’m going to give this to Autumn, she deserves this for everything she has done for me.” Cinder smiled, more imagining Autumn's reaction.

Autumn drinks some tea waiting for Cinder. “I hope she’s doing ok.”
Autumn takes a sip from her tea, she hears the sound of coins ruffling in a bag.
“Hmmm?” She turned and saw Cinder smiling like the cat who ate the canary.
“WOW!” She gasped

“Here Autumn.” Cinder places the swag on the table, she sat next to her.

“Wow Cinder.” Autumn said, looking at the bag. “You must have cleaned them out.”

“And then some.” Cinder placed her swords on the table next to the bag.

“You got them back.”

“Indeed,” Cinder smiled once more. “Finally reunited at last.”

“So what are you planning to do with your winnings?” Autumn asked

“I’m giving it to you.” Cinder replied, looking at Autumn, who jaw dropped from hearing Cinder’s answer. “Are you ok?”

Autumn closed her mouth, and shook her head. “Cinder you can’t give me this?”

“Why?” Cinder asked, “You have done so much for me, this is the least I can do.”

"I didn't do it with the expectation of being repaid!" Autumn protested,

“I know you didn’t.” Cinder declared, “But, it doesn’t feel right if I didn’t do something to thank you.” Cinder held her hand. “Please Autumn let me do this, to repay your kindness.”

"Fine. If you insist. But I insist that you keep half," Autumn countered. “Because you won quite the amount, for me to accept.”

“Okay if you insist.” Cinder nods. She picked up her bag. “Shall we return home?”

“Yes.” Autumn agreed standing from the table. “Let's return home before it gets dark.”

Cinder stood from the table too. “So quick question, how far are we?” She asked

“Not too far.” Autumn replied, “If we go by boat or raft, we’ll be back home in less than an hour.”

“Oh? So do we need to rent a boat?” Cinder asked,

“No Sidon should still be around.” Autumn replied. “Let's head to the river.”

“Okay.” Cinder nods.

They left the tavern, and returned to the river.

Cinder and Autumn returned to the river, seeing Sidon with quite the catch.
He saw the girls returning. “Hey!” He called, smiling, pulling out another fish.

“Hey!” Autumn waved back.

“Hello!” Cinder called holding the bag of money.

Sidon stood up, putting his lasting catch into the net, with the other fishes.
“Did you find your swords?” He asked,

“And more,” Cinder replied, holding her swag.

“I see.” Sidon laughed, proudly. “I’m happy for you.”

“Not as happy as I am.” Cinder laughed, with Sidon.

“Nice to see you two getting along so well.” Autumn smiled, “Sidon, would you be willing to take us back to my village?” She asked politely.

“Of course, it’ll be on my way home.” Sidon answered, “Let me place my catch in my box.” He said, pulling his net filled with fish. He poured the fish into a water tight box.
Afterwards he helped CInder and Autumn board his boat.

Soon they were setting sail down the river.

Within a short time Sion rowed Cinder and Autumn back to their village, just before nightfall.

“Here we are.” Sidon announced, “Fall village.”

Sidon docked his boat to let Cinder and Autumn disembark.

“Thank you Sidon.” Autumn said bowing a little.

“Thank you.” Cinder said, grabbing some money. “Here take this for your time.”

“Oh thank you.” Sidon said, taking the money, he grabs some fish. “Here, have this since it’s late.”

Autumn takes the fish. “Thank you Sidon, this will be nice with some harbs.”

“Ooo sounds nice.” Cinder Said with a tummy groan. “And she agrees.”

Autumn giggles. “Better get rosetted soon.”

“Can’t wait.” Cinder smiled. “Thanks again Sidon.”

“Anytime, have a nice night.” Sidon replied, rowing away.

Cinder and Autumn waved goodbye, the two walked back to Autumn’s home.

Later that night, Cinder and Autumn just finished the fish Sidon gave them.

“That was good.” Cinder declared with a happy tummy.

“Oh yeah.” Autumn agreed also with a happy tummy. “Thank you Sidon.”

“Yeah, thank you Sidon.” Cinder smiled,

“So what now?” Autumn asked.

Cinder looked at Autumn confused. “What do you mean?” She asked.

“Well you're fully recovered.” Autumn began, “You retrieved your swords, so what’s next?”

This took Cinder by surprise, she didn’t even think what to do next.

“I-I don’t know.” Cinder answered, “That never crossed my mind.”

“Oh?” Autumn was surprised, she thought Cinder would have some kind of plan. Or somewhere to return to. “Wh- she was cut off by knocking on her door. “Coming!” Autumn called, before leaving the table. “Be right back.”

“Take you time.” Cinder smiled, she took this moment to think. She didn’t know what to do, Salem sent her here without any instructions, also she’s not familiar with this world in any way, she remembers her stuff in the closet, perhaps she’ll find some clues there.

Autumn returns with some letters. “Sorry about that.” She apologized sitting down. “My neighbor had some letters for me.” She explained.

“Oh okay.” Cinder replied standing from the table. “Sorry but I need to look for something.” She explained before leaving the table.

“Oh ok.” Autumn said, watching Cinder went upstairs. “Talk later then.”

Cinder walked to her room, and once inside she went straight for the closet. She opens it and grabs her pouch, she grabs her scroll.

“Okay, hopefully I’ll find some answers from this.” Cinder studies the device, she somehow knew how to operate it. She opened the screen and saw the cube with 6 dots. “Okay,” She selected one of the dots showing photos, “hmmm.” She tapped another one, saying setting. “So they reveal what they are, after being selected?” She selected the next dot showing contents. “Contacts?” Cinder opened her contracts, seeing names of Cinder’s acquaintances. “Emerald, Mercury, Adam?” She saw some of Coren’s contacts. “Mom?” She was tempted to call home but she remembers Coren’s mom was a Bitch with a capital B, so she decided not to call her.

She decided to leave contact and looked for notes, “found you.” She opened it hoping for answers. Only to find the notes Coren made. “Crap.” She threw the Scroll on her bed and sat down. “Damn it.” She threw herself back, staring at the ceiling. “What now?”

Cinder had no idea what to do now, she had no idea where to go, nor did she know anyone from this world. “How-

“Cinder?” Autumn knocked at the door. “Are you ok?”

Cinder sat up. “I’m ok.” She replied.

“May I come in?” Autumn asked,

“Of course.”

Autumn entered the room with a letter. “I just received a letter from my friends Apple and Fluttershy.” She said cheerfully.

“Odd names.” Cinder thought to herself.

“They invited me to a festival held in Ponyville.”

“Ponyville!?”

“And I was wondering if you would like to accompany me.” Autumn explained, blushing a little. “If you would like to come with me.”

At this moment Cinder saw Autumn as an Angel from heaven, saving her from this dilemma. Also if she goes with Autumn to Ponyville, “Still a weird name.” Cinder might find some clues, or something.

“Yes.” Cinder said, standing from her bed. “I would love to accompany you.”

“Really?” Autumn said, with a happy smile. “Thank you.” She hugged Cinder.
Cinder blushed from the hug, but she hugs back. “Traveling with a friend makes the trip easier than alone.”

“Yes,” Cinder said, smiling. “Traveling with friends makes any journey easier.”

They ended the hug. “Alright, I’ll make a to-do list for the trip.” Autumn said before leaving. “Get an early night, we’ll be busy tomorrow.”

“Right.” Cinder agrees, seeing Autumn leave her room
Cinder sat on her bed and grabbed her scroll. “Huh, nice of Salem to upgrade my phone.” She said placing the scroll back into her pouch. “Alright time for night night.”

Cinder turned off the lights and slid into the soft embrace of the bed. She yawns and soon sleep takes her.

Tomorrow Cinder will accompany Autumn to Ponyville, and hopefully she’ll find some answers to why she was sent to this world, and why she became Cinder Fall.

To be continued….