Chapter 2

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“Mareberra… Smash!” I yell, landing a sidekick against the body of a hydra.

It goes soaring through the forest, crashing through several trees, before landing with a mighty thud in a small ravine.

I land, cricking my neck, giving the four headed creature a dissatisfied look. “Dude, I didn’t even get passed 2%, and you thought you could become a dominant creature? That’s just sad.”

I turning around, I look up at the sky through the trees.

“Okay, Zecora,” I call out loudly, “hydra’s been dealt with. Bag and tag and transport.”

Still wonder how she does that.

Stretching, I head along the path back towards Ponyville.

It’s been a few weeks since I arrived in Equestria as Deku’s granddaughter.

In that time, everything aside from the finale’s events have played out pretty much as you’d expect. My presence didn’t really change anything.

Only significant change was my making sure Spike didn’t chock when he meant to light the torch at the Equestria Games, thus preventing Twilight from unintentionally making things worse.

Spike still saved the day there, since his feeling worthless during the original events didn’t happen, so he was already there and ready to help.

Unlike in the original events, though, I was the one to get him up to the frozen cloud to melt it with his fire breath.

Now, I’m just waiting for the finale’s events to happen. Can’t lie, I’ve been looking forward to testing my metal against Tirek… though feigning ignorance hasn’t been easy.

I mean, I know I need to let events mostly play out so Twilight can get her key, open the chest, unlock Rainbow Power, beat Tirek and get her castle… but it doesn’t feel very hero like to just let that happen.

A hero with prior knowledge should use it to keep everyone safe, but… I know these events have to play out, for Equestria’s future safety.

The finale should already be in motion, since Twilight and the other’s left yesterday for the Crystal Empire to meet the Duke and Duchess of Maretonia, though how long until Tirek comes to Ponyville is unclear.

Thankfully, since my Quirk isn’t based on magic, Tirek can’t take it away… which is definitely a good thing.

The idea of Tirek with One For All is downright terrifying.

As for how I’ve been fitting in all this time, I’ve been living with Twilight and Spike.

It has been a bit crowded, but I know, once Twilight gets her castle, living arrangements will be a lot easier.

While I’m wearing my Hero Costume, it isn’t my only clothing now.

The surprise Twilight had for me after I got out of the infirmary was a visit to Rarity’s boutique once we got back to Ponyville, where I learned Rarity had made me several outfits.

However, they were specially designed for me.

By that I mean, if I ever have to go overboard using my Quirk while not in my Hero Costume, they won’t just tear right away.

She designed them using a special type of thread made from my mana… which Twilight had taken while I’d been out cold, explaining why I’d been out for so long.

By using different gemstones, Twilight had extracted different colours of thread, thus allowing Rarity to make a variety of different clothes, including extra versions of my Hero Costume, should mine get too damaged.

Each colour also represents a different level to which my clothes should be able to last against my Quirk’s power, though she was unclear on what each one’s level was.

As for the names of my attacks, thanks to some of my memories returning, while where I lived exactly is still unclear, I know I lived somehwere in Australia, so decided to name my attacks after places in its Equestria counterpart, Austailia.

Ponyville adapted to my presence pretty quickly.

Of course, it helped that I was willing to do a lot of heavy lifting around the town, something I could do pretty well, even without my Quirk to some degree.

Like All Might said in MHA’s second episode, “Heroes were those who helped the community, even if it was boring”.

Plus, the more physical labour I do around town, the less I have to excise to help my body get stronger so I can handle more of One For All’s power.

I stop by a café and order a sandwich. Thankfully, they do have options that aren’t pony food, such as sandwiches with spreads, like peanut butter, jam and so on.

“Hey, Deku!” I turn from the bite I’ve just taken out of my hazelnut spread sandwich as the CMC come over, their eyes promising questions.

I swallow and smile. “What’s up, my little ponies?”

I’m inwardly smirking.

Scootaloo looks to her friends, then me. “How come you didn’t go to the Crystal Empire with Rainbow Dash and the others?”

“Yeah. Ah’d o’ thought they’d wan’ a hero around, in case the Empire were attacked or sumthin’,” Apple Bloom adds.

I shake my head, smiling. “Trust me, the Empire’s totally safe.” Well, from Tirek, at any rate. He never once went there during the finale.

Suddenly, a loud screech rings out, causing us to look around.

What the heck? That sounded like the Roc from the episode where Spike gets his wings… but that doesn’t make any sense. Why is it here now? Spike’s got at least three years before he starts his Molt, plus, he’s all the way in the Empire, so why would it be looking for him here.

Scanning the sky, I eventually notice a dot in the distance. That must be the Roc. It’s hovering around White Tail Woods for some reason.

“You three, stay here,” I say, standing up, scarfing my sandwich and channeling 10%. “I’ll see why that Roc’s here early.”

“Early?” Sweetie asks.

I blanch, losing my hold on my Quirk. Crap.

I wave it off, then charge up again and dash off, my speed way too fast for the three of them to follow (and, a quick check makes me relieved to see they didn’t pull an Izuku and grab my legs, getting pulled along for the ride).

Within less than a minute I’m at White Tail Woods.

I hide behind a tree as the Roc flies over. It’s definitely looking for something.

But, if it’s not Spike, the only other logical guess would be another adolescent dragon going through their Molt.

Though… who?

I wait until the giant bird has moved farther away, it still looking for its prey, before coming from behind the tree.

I look around, scanning the area for anything that looks like a dragon.

It takes a while, but I eventually notice a small bit of purple sticking out from a bush not too far from where the Roc was looking.

Carefully, I make my way over to the bush, being sure to keep my eye on the sky and hidden from view in case the Roc happens to look back in this direction as it searches.

I reach the bush and lean down.

“It’s safe. It’s gone.”

At once, a voice yelps and a figure tumbles out of the bushes.

For a split second, I think it’s Scootaloo and I’m about to scold her, before I realize who it is.

She’s not meant to show up til season eight, so the idea I could meet her sooner never even crossed my mind.

Sitting on her butt, rubbing her head, is none other than Smolder.

She’s a little pudgier than her first appearance in season eight and she has red scales dotting around her normally purely orange form. Plus, she’s missing her wings.

“Smolder?” I say without thinking.

At once, her head shoot to me and our eyes meet… and I’m shocked by the fear I see in them… and the bags under them. When was the last time she got any sleep?

“Wh-wh-what are you?!” she stutters, quickly backing away.

I realise just how scared she is and I give her a warm smile. “What am I? Here to help, Smolder.”

“H-how do you know my name?” she demands in what was clearly supposed to be an intimidating tone, but she’s clearly too tired and too scared to make it work.

I blink. Crap. Hadn’t thought of that.

After a moment, I just shake my head. “Lucky guess. You’re a dragon, so I assumed your name had to have something to do with fire.”

She deadpans at me. “Well, that’s not rude to assume at all.”

I see what she must be thinking, but decide not to correct her right now.

I stand up, holding out a hand. “You’re Molting, right? That Roc’s gonna be back. Would be best to get you to safety.”

She scowls at me, though the effect is lost with that tired look in her eyes. “I don’t need help from any puny… puny… whatever you are.”

She clearly noticed I’m towering over her as she spoke, making her the puny one, but didn’t know how else to finish that intended insult.

It also didn’t help that her voice went quiet due to the effects of the Molt.

I don’t say anything and just indicate for her to follow.

“I said,” she growls, her voice still quiet, “I don’t. Need. HELP!”

A sudden screech follows her voice rising unexpectedly.

Turning around, I see the Roc is heading back our way.

“No!” Smolder cries, turning to run, but trips on her tail and flops on her stomach.

I glance at her, before turning and glaring up at the approaching giant bird.

I aim my hand up at the Roc, reading to flick. “Smolder, hold on to my leg as tightly as you can!”

“What are you talking about?” she yells at me as she hurries to stand, looking at me like I’m crazy. “What’s flicking at that thing going to do? It eats dragons!”

“Just do it!” I demand.

She must be too tired to fight back the notion, because she grabs onto my leg, digging her claws in as hard as possible.

I wince at the pain, but ignore it, focusing on the Roc.

“Beat it, ya buzzard!” I yell, reading my fingers. “Hobarn… Smash!”

I flick, sending an immediate gust of wind shooting forward, the force billowing all around us, myself having to focus to keep my footing, Smolder’s claws keeping their hold in my leg.

The Roc is sent flying back through the air, barely righting itself.

It turns, glaring at me.

“So, 10% not enough, huh?” I ask, grinning. “Let’s try 20% then. Hobarn… SMASH!”

I flick again, the blowback even harder this time, two trees nearby literally being ripped out of the ground and sent flying into several others, causing them to fall too.

Smolder is still barely holding on through the force of the gale being created by my smash. I can actually feel her claws moving slightly as she starts losing her grip.

Thankfully, 20% was more than enough.

The Roc is sent flying off Team Rocket style, literally going on out sight.

Once the winds have died down, I relax, noticing I don’t feel pain in my leg.

Looking down, I see Smolder is gone.

Scanning the area, I see her walking off, heading into the woods.

I’m about to call out to her, before I stop myself.

She’s a dragon. She probably doesn’t understand I had come to save her, not simply defending myself against the Roc.

Shaking my head, I zip over, stopping in front of her.

My sudden appearance startles her and she falls back.

I smirk, folding my arms. “Smolder, I can tell you haven’t had a good sleep in a while. You need a rest. C’mon. I know a cave where you can safely rest.”

“Why… why should I trust you?” she asks grogilly. Clearly the adrenaline rush keeping her going while trying to avoid the Roc is fading fast. She’ll be out in a few moments.

I smile warmly. “Well, I did just save you from that Roc. Plus, you felt how easily your claws pierced my skin. If I tried anything shifty, you could easily slice into me.”

She just stares blearily at me.

Chuckling, I lean down, picking her arm and holding her under one arm.

She feebly struggles under my arm, but I can tell her heart isn’t in it. She’s too tired.

Using my Quirk to increase my speed, I take her to the cave under the Castle of the Two Sisters.

Soon as we are standing in front of the Tree of Harmony, I feel Smolder go limp in my arm, followed by a loud snoring sound.

Shaking my head, I lower her gently onto the ground and lean against the cave wall, watching her sleep.

I glance to the Tree. “I wonder how much her falling asleep just then was her exhaustion and how much was your calming presence?”

The Tree makes no response and I just smirk, turning to watch the cave entrance.

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Smolder slowly opens her eyes and looks around blearily.

Her eyes fall on me resting against the cave wall, smiling at her.

She leaps up, glaring up me. “What’re you doing here? Um… where… is here?”

She looks around, her jaw falling open when she sees the Tree of Harmony.

“Well, seems like some dragon had a good night’s sleep,” I chuckle, stand up and stretching.

The Scootaloo coloured dragon closes her jaw and turns to me, confused. “Good night’s sleep?” She looks around and sees the cave entrance. “But… it’s daylight.”

I nod, stretching my arms against each other. “Eeyup. You slept right through the rest of yesterday til afternoon today. You must’ve been awake a seriously long time trying to avoid that Roc.”

She narrows her eyes at me, folding her arms. “What’s your game?”

I fold my own arms, cocking my head. “Game?”

She puts her fists to her sides. “Why would a… whatever you are, help a dragon?”

I shrug. “Do I need a reason to want to help a kid in danger?”

She folds her arms again. “Where I’m from, nobody does anything for anybody without wanting something back.” She then glances at the Tree, cocking an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” I give a warm smile.

She just looks more confused.

“So,” I say, heading towards the entrance, “you planning on heading back to the Dragon Lands on your own or would you like an escort until you can somewhat get those winds under control?”

She opens her mouth to retort, before pausing. “Wings?”

She glances to either side, only now seeming to notice the flapping limbs that weren’t on her back when she fell asleep.

She’d finished her Molt while she’d been sleeping, but I chose to let her rest and wake up on her own.

I’d gone into town before nightfall and gotten some things, going back into town this morning and returning after.

Upon seeming to acknowledge the new appendages are indeed attached to her, Smolder’s wings stop flapping and she flops to the ground.

“I know dragons don’t like getting help from us non scaly creatures, but I think you could put your pride aside for a little while so I can make sure you get home safely,” I say, stopping at the cave entrance and turning around to face her. “And I’ll only stay with you until we reach the Draogn Lands so no dragon sees you with me, okay. Pinkie Promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” I finish, doing the motions as I say them.

Smolder gives me a very perplexed look as she gets up, dusting herself off. “What in the world was that?”

I smile, holding up a finger. “A Pinkie Promise. Only the most insane being who is weary of life would even dare think of breaking one.”

She gives me a sideways look. “Why? What happens if you do?”

Unbidden, every dark and twisted theory about Pinkie Pie passing through my mind, making me visibly shudder. “You don’t wanna know.”

Apparently the look I give her is enough to convince her because, while still stand offish, she immedietly hurries over. “Alright, alright. But only as far as the Dragon Lands. Last thing I need is any dragon seeing me with a pink… Seriously, what are you, anyway?”

Inwardly, I’m suddenly curious. Dragons are the longest living species in Equestria next to Discord, what with Dragon Lord Torch being the same size in Gauntlet of Fire as he was back in the time The Royal Legion, so… could her species have any knowledge of humans?

I mean, it’s been a theory for quite a while that, before the ponies became the dominant species, humans could’ve existed in Equestria… though the chances of that theory being true became weaker and weaker as each season progressed, but still…

I look to Smolder as we start walking up the stairs out of the area. “Do you know anything about a species called human beings?”

No words are needed. The blank stare she gives me is proof enough.

She doesn’t know jack.

I shake my head. “Yeah, figured. Guess I’m the first human any dragon’s ever seen.” I snicker. “I guess that is kind of an honour… or dishonour, considering our species.”

Smolder gives me an odd look, but says nothing as we make our way through the Everfree, her using her nose to smell our way to the Dragon Lands.

It takes about a day and a half on foot, but we do eventually get to the boarder between Equestria and the Dragon Lands, though not without running into several monsters along the way, including a hydra, a different Roc than the one from before and a Tasilworm.

Smolder clearly still had a lingering scent of the smell that attracts the predators of fledgling dragons, though I don’t think it’s very strong.

She was certainly impressed watching me dispatch the monsters with relative ease. Unlike that first Roc, I didn’t even have to go past 10%, though I did have to go 12% against the Tasilworm.

“Are all hee-you-mans like you?” Smolder asks as we stand at the border. “Because, if they are, your kind are pretty cool. I bet our races would get along.”

It’s kinda sad how both wrong and right she is there.

I shake my head. “Nope. Not normally.”

Well, I guess in the world my body came from they are, but that’s not what Smolder means.

She shrugs. “Aw well. You’re cool at least.” She holds out a fist and I bump it. “You’re not bad for not being a dragon, Deku. See you around?”

I nod, grinning. “Count on it.”

Granted, not likely for a couple years, but that’s beside the point.

She salutes, flaps her wings and flies over the border, likely heading back home to her family.

Smiling, I turn back to face Equestria, my expression hardening and charge up One For All until I feel the strain that indicates my limit… though it oddly feels further away than before.

I mean, I know I’ve been training a lot in the weeks since I arrived in Equestria, but I feel like I’m further along than I actually should be. Even with all the training I’ve done, I shouldn’t have done more than make 20% as painless as anything less, but, if I had to guess, I can at least go to 22% now before feeling a strain… and that feels like too much progression.

I haven’t had to max out my Quirk in all this time since most monsters I came up against in the Everfree pushed me to need to go to 16% at the most. In fact, the Roc and other dragon predators are the first monsters I actually had to put up a fight for… aside from the hydras. Man, they’re piss weak.

Something is definitely going on with One For All, but I’ll have to worry about that later.

On our way to the border, Smolder had questioned why the sun and moon had acted weird and I’d just brushed it off as the princesses having gotten a bit drunk… but, inwardly, I knew that meant Twilight now has all the Alicorn Magic currently in Equestria inside her, meaning Tirek will be in Ponyville very soon.

“Time to see how much distance I can cover,” I say, bracing myself and then running full tilt, my body charged with 22%.

I’m determined to make it back to Ponyville before Tirek.

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A figure in a black hoodie walked into the post office, bumping into a blonde with grey skin.

“Sorry,” she said, before rushing out the door.

The figure ignored her, walking up to the front desk.

“A package for Smart Mouth?” a male voice asked from under the hoodie.

The woman behind the counter typed something into her computer, then smiled and nodded, going into the back, coming out with a small box.

The figure side with relief, taking the package and thanking her, before walking hurriedly out of the building and down the street.

That was too close. It was a good thing he’d realized where the package was going and called ahead.

If the box and its contents had ended up in the hands of anyone else, there was no telling how bad things could’ve gotten, not just for the moronic sap who go the package, but him.

He shuddered at the thought of the boss using his Quirk on him.

They needed to keep a close eye on the Quirks they’d already dispersed and that was tricky enough in a world where they had to keep the concept of Quirks secret to not spoil the boss’s plans.

A bunch of random Quirks getting lost in the mail would be an absolute nightmare.

Author's Note

Wasn't originally planning on uploading today, but here we are.

Okay, i ended up working on this chapter today because, last night, i found out there's either a problem with my DVD player or its remote, because the remote stopping responding whenever i pressed any buttons (and, no, it isn't a battery power issue, i switched to new batteries and it didn't change anything).

This kinda depressed me as, unless i can get a new remote for it, my choices for what i can watch on my DVD player have now become rather limited.

granted, it seems i can use the play button on the player itself similar to the enter button on the remote, so i can at least watch most DVDs on it, even Disney shouldn't be too much of an issue if the play button can work like the remote's enter button when selecting the language when the DVD first boots up, since most of my DVD's have Fast Play, so the movie will play automatically, along with a few selected special features.

still, it really bummed me out, so i decided to try taking my mind off it it by writing a new chapter to this.

at first, i wanted to write the fight with Tirek immediately, before i realize i was a little too bummed out for that.

i struggled at first what to do with this chapter with it being before the fight with Tirek and Rainbow Rocks, before i thought about Deku just flicking something out of the sky with a lazy smash.

that then turned into the idea of her saving someone from the thing in the sky, but couldn't think of who... then the Roc came to mind.

of course, with Spike still several years away from his Molt, it wouldn't make sense... unless it was another young dragon that it would make sense for, which is when i realised Smolder would fit well.

She's still pretty close to Spike's size when we meet her and there's several years between season 4 to 8, marked easily enough thanks to the Hearth's Warming episodes, so her Molting several seasons before him makes a lot of sense.

Originally i planned on finishing the chapter with the fight against Tirek, but i'm pretty drained right now, so it wouldn't be very good.

plus, it probably will work better being nearer the beginning of next chapter before transitioning into EQG for the events of Rainbow Rocks.

Hmm. Who might that blonde grey girl have been who bumped into that obvious member of the League of Villains? He have been too late?

anyway, i'm tired, so i'll stop here before i start rambling.

hope you all are having a good day, night, whatever.

hope you enjoyed the chapter and, til next time, stay safe, stay clean and see you later everybody