Author's Note

Readers are to be warned of sensitive and mature topics/themes.

Also, this takes place in the future of DisplacedWriter's story, so in case some of you comment what's up with the character "Muna", she's a future character, so don't get confused. She's still nightmare moon in the current story of "[Displaced] A Forced Hero Rewrite".

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, because it's only getting started from here.

...And Like The Times Before... Part 1 (cross-over with DisplacedWriter)

[Jeff's Equestria]

Scott could barely remember what happened. Last thing he remembered was getting on the roof of his shack, then he jumped into the Twili Portal. At first, it felt like he was rising through it, but soon started to feel a sense of panic as it felt like a falling dream, or like something was pulling him down.

Scott saw various colors and lights as he felt his body fall fast through the portal, but he didn’t bother screaming. Scott tried to get a grasp on what he was feeling, but everything felt so… foreign.

It didn’t even feel like he was holding himself together, but scattered into many particles. Scott was truly in awe as he let whatever happened take its course. He trusted Jeff well enough to know he wouldn’t leave a portal over his home if it would kill him, so he relaxed and let everything happen.

His body broke down into pixelated particles, piece by piece, like he was being disassembled. His pieces traveled through the portal, it was all such a strange new experience, yet he didn’t feel any inherent pain or discomfort. It was just… so new. All around him, Scott saw nothing but black and green rapidly moving past him and a weird sense as if floating and falling at the same time. Before the plumber knew it, he was already touching down on grass, finding himself somewhere quite familiar.

Scott looked up at the sky, noticing the small wooded clearing he was in. Scott got up and looked around, noticing a few small animals, and almost immediately, Scott felt a strange sense of deja vu. “Huh… this is a familiar sight. Either the portal thrusted me forward a couple hours, and dropped me back here… or the portal did send me to Jeff’s Equestria… the fact that I’m here, though, confuses me like never before.” Scott commented, analyzing the familiar location.

Cautiously, Scott readied his bat, channeling the magic into it as it crackled and sparked to life. Scott walked forward, looking for any signs of familiarity in the area. “Let’s see… if I keep going this way, and then turn left,” Scott did as he himself instructed, and lo and behold, he found the same small stream he used to see his reflection when he first used the Altnetrix. “Well I’ll be damned like a sinner in June. Well, this brings back memories… and an aching in my stomach, I can practically feel the air leaving my lungs… let’s hope I don’t repeat history with this world’s Applejack, I don’t think I could take it.” Scott remarked.

Scott continued down the path he remembered taking, even instinctively ducking behind some bushes, and looking out to where he expected to see the train tracks. As far as he could see, nothing seemed inherently different upon first glance.

However, the sounds of strange creatures nearby began to drag the alien hero’s attention in its direction, as well as the sounds of a fight and a high pitched scream followed by some kind of panicking words. Scott let a small smile form on his face and rolled his eyes. “Well, even in another world, hero time always seems to strike.” Scott remarked, gripping his bat tightly as he ventured forth to the fight in progress.

Scott moves through a bit of brush before coming up on quite the strange scene. Three bipedal goblin-like creatures were getting aggressive with a much smaller creature, one that seemed to have strange patterns on its body, and a leaf mask on its face… or, was the mask actually its face?

Scott wasn’t sure what to make of the situation, but it was clear that the odd creatures with blades were the aggressors. Scott stepped out of the brush and whistled to the creatures. “Don’t you even think about attacking that defenseless creature. Unless you want a thorough swatting, you back off, or by my authority as a Plumber, you three are busted on heavy assault charges.” Scott warned, brandishing his bat as he glared at the creatures.

One of the odd creatures snarls and points their blade in Scott’s direction, earning not even a twitch from the newcomer. “Filthy Hylian. Can’t keep nose out of business. Kill you and take your ears!” One of the creatures growled.

One of the other creatures stopped the other one, and pointed at Scott. “No, not Hylian. Look. No pointy ears. Can’t hear gods. Pointless creature not worth time. Back to business.” The other creature remarked.

The third creature snorted and glared at Scott, who was still undeterred by their remarks. “You. Not Hylian. What are you. Who are you. Ally to Hylian?” The creature questioned.

Scott gripped his bat tightly, letting it spark to life as he smirked. “You’re talking about Jeff, right? Well, it’s none of your business. Now, this is the last time I’ll say it, and after that, it’s going to be very difficult for you three to walk again if you don’t listen,” The odd creatures, upon hearing Jeff’s name, suddenly focus all of their attention onto Scott, brandishing their blades as they ready themselves for a fight. “This is the last warning you get. Back down and leave that poor creature alone, or you’re going to find out if monsters deserve the afterlife.” Scott threatened.

The creatures growled, all while the smaller creature ran towards a rock and hid behind it. Scott scoffed. “I knew this was going to happen. Well, if you three are going to get in my way, on top of your assault charges… let’s add an attempt to assault a Plumber Cadet to that list.” Scott gravely remarked.

Scott ran forward and readied his bat, all while the odd goblin creatures readied themselves for a brawl. Scott slid across the ground like he was trying to get to home base and smacked the creature he was running towards into the stomach with his bat. The creature was stunned by the electrical charge, but another of the goblin creatures was able to catch Scott off guard for a moment, knocking the bat loose from his hands.

Scott gritted his teeth and jumped back onto his feet, and delivered a left hook into the goblin’s face, but just barely managed to get nicked by their blade. Scott already looked like he was a mess. Torn up and tattered clothes hanging off of his body, it’s not like one more cut in the cloth was going to matter.

Scott quickly made a mad dash for his bat, only for one of the goblin creatures to try and tackle him to the ground. Scott struggled to shake the creature off, but the creature was basically wailing on him, but that didn’t mean he was going to give up, not so soon.

Scott slowed his movements, all while the goblin on his back tried to steer him towards the other two, who had their blades brandished and ready to skewer the human with no hesitation. Scott smirked, and jumped backwards, using the goblin creature on his back as a means of cushioning the blow.

The goblin creature wheezed and groaned, feeling like something definitely broke on impact with the ground. It tried to reach for its blade, but Scott was quick to grab the blade himself. “I’m gonna borrow this for a moment,” Scott clutched the blade tightly, focusing hard on the blade itself. The two goblin creatures charged at him, intending to cut Scott down like the twig they thought him to be. Scott stopped focusing for a mere moment, and tried to push past the two charging creatures. Scott barely managed to push between them, but not without a couple scratches to his sides. “You are some strange looking creatures, and you’re tougher than you look, I’ll give you that. Your blade handling could use some work, though.” Scott commented.

The goblin creatures were getting irritated. This was clearly no Hylian they were dealing with, but the creature seems to clearly know what it’s doing. “Dumb creature! Stand still for stabbing! You not Hylian, but annoy us the same!!” one of the creatures roared out.

Scott smiled. “Well ain’t that nice, I remind you of my pal! I’ll admit, I’m no master swordsman, bats and pistols are more my forte, but if you think handling me in my regular form was bad, you haven’t even seen what I can turn into yet, and you’d probably be pissing yourselves if you did,” the goblin creatures were beyond angry, it was almost like discovering fool’s gold in a gold mine, they were furious, but they pondered on the human’s words for a moment. He could transform? How was that possible? They didn’t have enough time to ponder on that thought, and watched as the human planted the blade onto the ground, and began to twist the dial on that strange watch that was attached to his wrist. “Allow me to teach you oddballs a thing called karma. Do something good, something good happens to you. Do something bad… well, I’m sure you’ll get the idea once I’ve taught you your lesson.” Scott stated, landing on his newest addition to his roster.

Scott popped the core up and pushed it down, enveloping himself in a turquoise light. As the flash of light died down, the goblin creatures, as well as the smaller leaf mask faced creature were in shock and awe at the creature that stood before them, one that Scott was only now using for the first time.

The hulking goliath of this creature, standing around eight, to eight-and-a-half feet tall, comprised entirely of Moonstone gems and moonstone deposits. Sleek in its frame, but still incredibly bulky. Moonstone spheres grew out of the alien’s body, its sleek white marbled skin patterned with blue-gray markings, all while clad in its suit, one befitting of such a peaceful species, now being used for combative purposes.

Its turquoise eyes were fixated on the two goblin creatures, who were beyond angry… they were scared. “I-Impossible! C-Creature not exist!! How turn into Armos!?” One of the creatures sputtered out in fear.

The goblin creature on the ground slowly got up, but upon seeing the Hecatrelom that towered over him and the other two members of his kind, he already felt like something physically shattered, and now… something else seemed to break. His will to fight. The injured goblin creature quickly crawled away from the scene, all while the other two were left to fend for themselves.

The third goblin creature was understandably pissed beyond belief. This odd non-Hylian creature made lightwork of one of their species, and now it’s shown that this thing was practically toying with them, revealing one of its many forms. “GRRAAAAHH!!!! NOT MATTER!! Not going to lose. Not going to die! You cheat!! Bokoblins won’t stand it!!” The Bokoblin roared out in a fit of rage.

The transformed hero could feel the emotions running wild in the three Bokoblins. Fear, confusion, anger. “Let’s calm down, or I’ll have to do something drastic.” The alien spoke out. Its voice was smooth, angelic, calm in its tone.

The alien started to walk towards the two Bokoblins, recognizing that their leader had already crawled away to flee the fight they lost. The Bokoblins tried to stab the alien, but soon found that their blades snapped in half upon first contact, rendering their blades worthless.

The alien narrowed its eyes in mild frustration, and put its hands on their heads, letting the moonstone spheres in his hands glow bright. “I. said. Calm Down.” The alien repeated, its voice becoming deeper and more stern, like a father putting their foot down when their child disobeys.

The moonstone spheres begin to glow, and an ethereal white mist begins to leak from the spheres in his hands, coating over the Bokoblins as they start to finally calm down. For the two creatures, it was a foreign feeling, a sensation they never felt before. For the first time in a long time, it felt like their minds were finally clear. They dropped their weapons and slowly backed away, beholding the creature as if they were staring at a god they long since forgot existed.

The alien looked at its hands, seeing that the orbs in his hands were now red, as if seething and burning with an animalistic rage. “Interesting. I can absorb emotional energy… I’m like one of those cheap color changing mood stones, only better…” The alien looked at the Bokoblins, seeing that they were just in awe of the environment around them. Scott got an idea, and cleared his throat, getting the two Bokoblins’ attention. “Hear me. I am… uh… Moodstone, and by my authority as a Plumber operative, I hereby put you both under arrest for your crimes. You are to turn yourselves in to the law enforcement of this land, and work hard to earn forgiveness from those you have wronged. Tell them that an ally of Jeff’s has sent you their way to make things right.” Moodstone announced.

One of the Bokoblins, despite feeling a sense of peace within their head, seemed discontent on doing what the alien just commanded of them. “Do we have to? Now we have clearer head, can think better. No longer hear commands, why follow yours?” The Bokoblin complained.

The bokoblin standing next to him then smacked him upside the head. “Quiet. The mood god blesses us with clearer minds. No more demands, no more sleepless nights for patrols. Let us go and do as expected of us. The mood god gave us blessing… could easily take it away.” The other bokoblin warned.

The Bokoblin froze at the thought, and soon began to see what his comrade was seeing. A chance to start anew, and to not be clobbered into submission. The Bokoblins bowed to Moodstone in an appreciative manner. “M-many thanks, mood god. We are grateful for blessing. Won’t take granted.” The bokoblin stated.

The two Bokoblins started walking in the opposite path that the third bokoblin went, and soon enough, the smaller leaf mask faced creature eventually came out of hiding, completely impressed and in awe at Scott’s actions. “A… Are they… gone?” the small creature asks.

Moodstone kneels down to the small creature, and despite not having a mouth, it does seem to try and look friendly to it. “Heheh… those two won’t be causing problems for anyone anymore, but I can’t say the same for the one that crawled away… he’ll likely rear his pig faced mug out later, but I’m sure Jeff can handle it,” The small creature seems to giggle, and approaches the large moonstone alien. “Are you alright? You weren’t injured too bad, were you?” Moodstone asked.

The small creature nodded its head. “I’m alright. I’ve never seen anything like you, though. But, if you know of him, the hero, then you must be a capable fighter yourself, if you believe in him,” Moodstone smiled, knowing that Jeff seemed to be quite the talk of the town. “I’m Deko. I was trying to spread the seeds of Everfree, like I was supposed to.” Deko introduced.

Moodstone’s curiosity peaked at the mention of Everfree. “Everfree? Like the Everfree Forest?” Deko nodded its head again, and the alien hero was beginning to grow equally as curious as he was concerned. “If you don’t mind me asking, little one… why would you want to spread Everfree?” Moodstone inquired.

Deko could see the concern in the alien’s eyes, as well as a burning curiosity. Deko was hesitant to speak further, but it did save their life, so they decided to explain. “She’s nothing bad, I assure you. Everfree is a mother, one that cares and nurtures life sewn with her seeds.” Deko explained.

This just made the alien hero more curious. Deko referred to the Everfree as a she, like it’s alive. “Forgive me for not being educated on such matters, I didn't mean to offend. Back where I come from, the Everfree Forest is a chaotic and dangerous place, home to many dangerous beasts, and I’m thankful that the only dangerous beast I’ve faced in the Everfree, was a mourning dragon.” Moodstone explained.

Deko laughed and patted the alien’s large hand. “All is forgiven. I don’t understand what you’re implying though, the only Everfree I know is her. If you want, I can make sure Everfree recognizes you as an ally, since you saved Deko.” Deko offered.

Before Moodstone could respond, the Altnetrix started to beep, signifying that the transformation time had ended. In a flash of white light, Scott was returned to his normal form, much to Deko’s surprise. “W-Woah! Y-You changed your form! So Deko wasn’t seeing things. Hmm… you don’t have pointy ears, so you’re not a Hylian. What are you, mister?” Deko asked.

Scott smiled. “I’m Scott Baristo, Plumber Cadet, and Wielder of the Altnetrix, a device that can turn me into a bunch of alien superheroes. Back where I come from, I act as the sole member of the Plumbers. It’s a group of law enforcement that deals with extraordinary threats and keeps the peace. I gave Jeff my badge and made him an honorary member. Speaking of which, what direction do I go in to find him?” Scott inquired.

Deko pondered for a bit, and came up with an idea. “You could go to Canterlot. Plenty of ponies and other manner of creatures there who likely saw him. Not sure how they’ll react to you, though, just follow the same direction those two monsters you fixed, and you’ll be on the right path.” Deko explained.

Scott thought about that for a moment, but then he remembered that he brought his mask. “Well, if push comes to shove, I’ll have a proper disguise, but I’ll save it unless I really need it. Thanks again, Deko. By the way, what exactly are you? I’ve never seen anything like you before.” Scott asked.

Deko bowed his head. “Why, I’m a Korok! Can’t you tell?” Deko stated.

Scott shrugged his shoulders. “I wouldn’t know, Koroks and whatever those pig faced goblins were, they don’t exist where I come from. When I met Jeff, it was the first time I ever met or encountered a Hylian. Everything here is kinda new and uncharted territory for me.” Scott explained.

Deko was a bit surprised by Scott’s words. “WHA!? W-We don’t exist?! How?! Y-You must come from a dangerous place, mister Scott.” Deko exclaimed in disbelief.

Scott chuckled at the Korok’s reaction. “It’s got its perks, the only con is that I haven’t found a way home. But, enough about me. I don’t know my way around, so what say you come with, and be my navigator, help me get to Canterlot?” Scott asked.

Deko hesitated for a moment, but finally gave his answer. “I’ll gladly help, but only after I’m done with spreading Everfree seed. After that, I’ll gladly help you.” Deko stated.

Scott shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, and how long will that take?” Scott asked.

Deko takes a moment to remember when he started that day, and seemed to come up with an answer. “About an hour, I was in the middle of spreading Everfree seeds, but then I was being attacked by those nasty bokoblins.” Deko explained.

Scott was a bit worried, knowing he’d have to wait an hour for this little guy to spread a bunch of seeds, but then an idea came to the Plumber. “Here’s a thought. Why don’t you let me help you out? Cuts down the time it’ll take to do this on your own, and you don’t have to wander around on your own and risk getting attacked again. I help you, you help me. How’s that sound?” Scott asked, smiling a bit.

Deko was a bit surprised to know this human, this total stranger, was willing to stay and help, but at the same time, it made him happy. “Thanks for the offer, mister! I just wish there was a way to make sure all of these seeds are spread. Got any ideas, mister?” Deko asked.

Scott was a bit stumped, and using the Altnetrix was out of the question, since it was recharging. ‘Hmm… spreading seeds in a timely fashion and cutting down the time to do it all by hand. Come on, Baristo, you have a brain. Use it to think of an idea,’ Scott felt a breeze blow by, as well as a small piece of a dandelion floating in the wind. Scott’s eyes widened, and a smile formed across his face. “Mother nature, she’s the solution.” Scott remarked.

Scott walked down the path a bit, and noticed a few dandelions growing in the weeds. “Deko, come over here and bring the seeds. I got an idea!” Deko quickly hobbled over to where Scott was standing, and noticed him pointing at some dandelions. “If we put some of these seeds on the dandelions, the breeze will pick up, and the seeds will be scattered much farther distances. We can use these dandelions as an example, a proof of concept,” Scott plucked one of the dandelions and held it down at Deko’s level. Deko carefully waved his little nub like appendage over the dandelion, showing what looked to be numerous seeds. “Observe closely,” Scott felt the breeze again, and watched as the seeds clung to the discarded pieces of dandelion fluff that flew upwards, watching as the wind carried the seeds into the air. Deko watched on as Scott knelt down. “See? And with a few more dandelions, we can sprinkle those seeds on there, and let nature do the rest.” Scott explained.

Deko was amazed by Scott’s solution. ”Wow, I didn’t even consider that! You must be a real genius back where you come from! Though, I have to ask, who’s ‘Mother Nature’?” Deko asked.

Scott raised an eyebrow at the Korok’s question, and decided to elaborate further. “Mother nature is, well, a force of nature, responsible for the plants, animals, insects, as well as beings like you or I, she’s the natural order of things. I’m almost convinced that maybe your Everfree may just be this world’s Mother nature, with how you’ve described them, so I thought you must’ve known.” Scott explained.

Deko thought about what Scott said, and seemed silent for a moment, but it looked like it was focusing on something. Scott wasn’t sure what Deko was doing, but before he could ask, Deko looked up at Scott and seemed rather jovial. “I just told Everfree about this idea for what you call, “Mother Nature”, and it would seem that she’s intrigued by such a concept.” Deko stated.

Scott was a bit confused. He saw Deko focusing on something he couldn’t see, and almost assumed the poor thing was staring off into space. “Uh… how did you do that?” Scott asked curiously.

Deko pointed its little nubs at its head. “Koroks have a connection to Everfree. You really aren’t from here, are you? Where do you come from, and what are you?” Deko asked.

Scott sighed, and put on a patient smile. “How about we walk and talk, you can ask me questions, and we can still get a move on to Canterlot.” Scott suggested.

Deko was soon picked up by Scott, and placed on his shoulder. Scott began to walk, and decided to answer Deko’s questions. “In a strange roundabout way, I come from another Equestria, one full of life forms that exist, live and thrive beyond the stars,” Deko was still amazed at the response, but was also curious. Another Equestria, could such a thing exist? “And to answer the question on what I am. I’m a human, from Planet Earth. We humans are typically a powerless and magicless species, but we can learn and adapt to new things pretty well. We’re as basic as basic can be, but we make the most of it and keep pushing forward. Some of us use extraordinary gifts and gadgets to help others in need, while other humans are typically villainous, or somewhere in-between.” Scott explained.

Deko continued to listen to Scott’s words as he walked along the path, though he wasn’t sure if Canterlot was really far away, he was glad to pass the time with a traveling buddy.

After several hours of walking, and noticing that the sky was getting a wee bit darker, Scott and Deko were still casually chatting away. “--And then the princess developed this odd complicated feeling for magister Tennyson. It’s still funny to look back on, but it just proves to me that Ben really does have an effect on those around him. For better, or worse, it really depends.” Scott explained.

Deko was very confused, but still amazed. “Wow, this Ben Tennyson individual sounds really brave, if not kinda immature at times. You said he also went through time?” Deko inquired.

Scott nodded his head. “Yeah, but it all gets very complicated, more complicated than the story of how an alien frog princess, and another alien princess with strength to rival Hercules both fell in love with the Hero of Heroes in my world.” Scott cautioned.

Deko looked at Scott’s watch, or as he learned during their talks, the Altnetrix, and was pretty curious. “So, that watch can turn you into those star monsters, like that Ben Tennyson guy can?” Deko asked.

Scott once again nodded his head. “That’s the long and short of it. I’m just more limited to my choices of transformations, I don’t even have a complete arsenal of ten yet, but I’m working hard to remedy that. Why do you ask?” Scott asked.

Deko looked down at his nub appendages, then at Scott himself. “Can you turn into anything?” Deko asked.

Scott shrugged his shoulders. “I mean… maybe? If the thing I wanna turn into has DNA that’s different enough from my own, then it’s possible I could. Take you, for example, a Korok. Your DNA would likely be different enough from my own, and I could become the prime example of what a Korok should be, from its looks to its powers and abilities,” Deko was definitely amazed with that idea, but Scott continued to talk. “Take Jeff as an example, too. If I had Hylian DNA within the Altnetrix, I’d be able to do all the things a Hylian can do, and maybe more. Ben was able to use his aliens in unique ways, I don’t see why I couldn’t do the same myself.” Scott explained.

Deko was rather surprised at the idea of a Hylian stronger than Jeff, but simply chuckled, believing it to be an extension of the truth. “That watch must be real strong. Better hope no evil forces plan to seek it out.” Deko remarked.

Scott laughed nervously. He wasn’t going to tell Deko that it was kinda too late for that to not happen, but he didn’t have it in him, so he kept it to himself. “A-Anyways, we’ve been walking for a while, are we sure that Canterlot’s this way?” Scott asked, noticing the sky getting darker.

Deko looked around and noticed that there was a lack of travelers on the road. Scott decided to step off the path a bit, and looked out into the distance, hoping to find some indication of Canterlot nearby. After a few minutes of looking out, Scott manages to see a large castle on the side of a mountain, but from where he was standing, it was ridiculously far away.

Scott felt very disappointed. “Well, hours of walking and we’ve barely budged a mile… oh boy, we’re in for some serious stuff, aren’t we?” Scott remarked.

Deko started to shake, quivering as he clung to Scott’s head. The pair look up and notice the moon rising over the mountain in the distance, and Scott nearly had a panic attack at the sight of it. “Maybe it’s time to hunker down, we can lay against one of the trees for the night.” Scott remarked, feeling a dreadful sense of unease.

Deko shook his head. “That would be best, but stay on your guard. The night time is a very dangerous time to be outside. The Wolfos will be out hunting, and the Stalponies will come back from their graves to attack the living!” Deko frantically cautioned the alien hero.

Scott raised an eyebrow at Deko’s word of caution. “What the heck is a Wolfos? What the heck is a Stalpony?!” Scott questioned.

Deko just stared at Scott for a moment, realizing that Scott’s claim of being in another equestria might’ve been more truthful than expected. “Wolfos are bipedal dog monsters, they typically come out at night and hunt for prey, they’re a nasty bunch,” Scott nodded as Deko kept talking. “Stalponies are a very dangerous breed of monster. They’re the skeletal remains of ponies long since deceased, and they can be very aggressive towards the living. The Ponalfos are earth ponies, so they’re still physically strong. Stalicorns are unicorns, so their magic is pretty dangerous in general, and the Stalgasus are pegasi. They have no feathers, but they can still fly and be quite the dangerous foe! It’s terrible!” Deko exclaimed in fright.

Scott was at a loss for words. Resurrected skeletal remains of ponies, and they’re still just as dangerous and capable as the ones back in his Equestria. “Yeah, that’ll do it, that’s a pretty good reason to stay inside at night.” Scott remarked, genuinely horrified by such a monstrous manner of defiling the deceased.

Deko started to shake, eventually falling into Scott’s arms. “What do we do?” Deko asked.

Scott looked up at the trees, and did have one idea in mind. “Well, maybe we don’t have to directly confront these nasty creatures. We can still use the tree, but if we climb up and sleep on its branches, they can’t get to us, and we just gotta be still and quiet, so they don’t notice us.” Scott suggested.

Deko nodded his head, and the pair started to climb one of the nearby trees. Scott carefully made sure that he was not being watched from afar, constantly stopping to look around for any prying eyes before continuing his ascent. Eventually, Scott and Deko manage to climb to the branches and relax for a moment.

Scott looked down below, noticing a lack of activity, but still kept on his guard. Scott surveyed the bottom of the tree for a good few minutes, and finally began to relax, knowing that he and Deko were safe for the time being.

Scott yawned and laid against the tree, closing his eyes. Deko, meanwhile, was looking at the bright and full moon in the sky, slowly drifting asleep underneath the lunar light.

Scott would eventually fall asleep as well, finally feeling like he can enjoy a peaceful night sleep since his displacement.

[Dreamscape]

Scott’s eyes snapped open, a familiar numbness washed over him as he stood in the same strange place. A farm house he used to call home, but is now decayed and withered by the passage of time.

Scott walked slowly around the area, expecting to see a monster in the corner of his eye, lurking and stalking him, like a Wolfos looking for prey.

Before Scott could register what happened next, several skeletal hooves and hands broke through the ground beneath him. Each skeleton seemed to wear an ethereal mask, a spiritual covering over their skulls that looked like his allies, and the family he’s lost.

Rainbow, Applejack, Technorg, Flint, Pitch, even Princess Luna, it was like a nightmare entwined with something vile. His mother and father even sought to attack him.

He saw a lot more of these skeletal monsters, a bunch of them wore Plumber uniforms, only covered in rust and were damaged beyond repair.

Scott tried to ready his bat, but found that he didn’t have it. He reached for his Hylian mask, but found the same result. Scott looked to the Altnetrix, noticing it withered, sparking and busted beyond repair.

Scott backed away from the slowly approaching army of stalponies and other skeletal imitations, only to back into someone who’s been staring at him since he arrived.

Scott turned around, seeing Ben Tennyson, only, he looked dead. His eyes were dull, almost colorless, his skin was losing pigmentation, becoming almost gray. He wore what looked like a tunic, but stylized and colored with his typical ensemble. He had what looked like a forced grin on his face, and his hair looked matted, messed up… permanently soaked and drenched in water.

Ben’s smile faltered a moment, and he stared staggers at Scott. “Is this all you can offer? You got an Omnitrix of your own, and you’re turning tail when things are getting heated… Why, why are you disappointing me, kid… Why are you disappointing me, Scott?“ Scott tried to move away, but the skeletal army was surrounding him. Ben seemed to teleport forward. Not step, teleport. With every minute that passed, Ben got closer, and closer. “I drowned in my responsibilities because of you, all because I’ve been trying to rescue you, but you can’t even save these ponies like I could’ve… Why are you being so stupid, why are you not giving me an answer?! I’m your commanding officer, Baristo! Give. Me. An ANSWER!!” Ben roared out.

Scott fell to his knees, covering his ears as the army descended on him. Scott’s breathing was getting heavy and ragged, but he tried to keep himself calm, trying to remember that this was just a nightmare, but it was far more difficult to push past the distorted wails of the damned that came from every skeletal imitation that lunged at him.

Scott finally caved in. “I’M JUST DOING MY JOB! WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT FROM ME!?” Scott exclaimed.

“BEGONE, THOU DISTURBING SPECTER OF THE NIGHT! MAKE THEE THY JOURNEY BACK TO THE FORSAKEN ABYSS FROM WHENCE THOU ART SPAWNED!!” A voice exploded throughout the dreamscape as energy erupted from the corners of the area. Everyone burned away quickly turning to dust. Serenity returned to the farmhouse, returning it to the way Scott remembered fondly.

Scott felt a slight ringing in his ears, but despite that, and the tears in his eyes blurring his vision, he was stunned by how new his childhood home looked. The cracks in the wood floors looked like they had been sealed up, and the metal support beams didn’t look rusted all to hell, but fresh out of the factory.

Scott sniffed and looked over at a door, one he recognized all too well, opened it slightly, seeing himself, playing with some toys inspired by Ben Tennyson’s alien forms.

Scott backed away, and looked to the front door, seeing a pony standing and staring at him. “P-Princess Luna?” Scott asked.

“Methinks it be most amusing that none have addressed me with such a moniker in a great many moons. Verily, I am known as Muna, the divine ancestor from whence sprang forth Luna and the dread Nightmare Moon.” Muna said as she stepped into the light.

Scott swallowed hard and tried to find the right words, and constantly tried to wipe away the tears in his eyes. “Y-You’re an Alicorn in this world. I… I shouldn’t be surprised, b-but I am kinda reeling right now from… that. I’m sorry if I’m not bowing, taking a knee, or showing any kind of formal show of respect, just… processing.” Scott sputtered, his mind felt like it got squeezed like a kitchen sponge.

“Hush, I beseech thee, and refrain from speaking. Draw in deep calming breaths, thou mustn't succumb to panic now.” Muna suggested. It took Scott a while to realize that she spoke with two voices in unison, one sounding beautiful and the other a little bit haunting.

Scott followed Luna’s instructions, drawing in deep breaths and exhaling. He felt himself becoming calmer, though he was still a little rattled by the nightmare itself. “You… kinda sound different. You sound like beauty personified, but at the same time, you sound as if… you’re not of the mortal plain… I- I wasn’t expecting to meet you like this, I would’ve hoped to have a bit more dignity, and less tears… I suppose it’s easy for me to tell you that I’m like Jeff, in the sense that I’m a displaced. Do you know about them, Princess Lu- Muna?” Scott asked, quickly trying to correct himself.

“Indeed, we are of the ilk of a Goddess, though in truth, we are diminished from the grandeur we once held at the very genesis of Equus's craftsmanship. Aye, we have become cognizant of the entities thou referrest to as the Displaced. Jeff, a fellow conversant, didst elucidate upon their nature ere this encounter, yet our gaze hath never before fallen upon one such as thee. Thou presentest an image of Hylian lineage, and yet thou art devoid of the stature, the pointed ears, and the distinctive eyes which are their hallmark.” Muna said as she got close to study Scott’s features, although a bit too uncomfortably close for Scott’s liking.

Scott pointed at himself. “Well, that’s because I’m a human from Earth, this is what some humans look like. If I had the Hylian mask on me that Jeff made for me, I could look a little bit more like what you’re probably used to, but that involves likely listening to Nayru again, and I’m sure she’s got better things to do,” Scott thought about what else he could say, but did notice that he wasn’t usually so aware of his nightmares after Luna’s interference. “So, is this what your alicorn magic makes you more capable of? Instead of just saving people from their nightmares, it’s gone from a nightmare to a lucid dream? Fascinating.” Scott stated, clearly amazed.

“"Verily, the nocturnal terrors we face are of our own making; born of malice and envy from a time long since past. With earnest endeavor, we strive to purge the remnants of this grievous burden, yet lamentably, they have multiplied with an exasperating vigor.” Muna explained, then paused when Nayru’s name was mentioned. “..A name I have not heard in so many eons. When did you last hear her?” Muna inquired.

Scott shrugged his shoulders. “Back in my Equestria, it was likely two to maybe three and a half weeks ago, give or take? It was during me and Jeff’s first encounter with one another. He gave me a Picto Box, which looks like a real fancy camera, taught me the Thunder Blade spell, to which I turned into the Thunder Bat, gave me some Deku seeds that I’ve been taking meticulous and hard-earned care of, trained me to use a sword, and finally, he carved the Hylian mask for me, just in case my watch, the Altnetrix, ever stops functioning, as it’s my main source of shapeshifting. I can assure you, I’m no changeling, I’m not a threat to no one, besides Evil itself. It was from remembering that encounter, that it’s the reason why I’m here.” Scott explained.

Muna let out a humming laugh of amusement. “Well of course thou art no changeling; none can hide their true selves within our domain. Jeff is of quite a noble heart to bestowed upon thee gifts.”

Suddenly there is a brief flash over Scott’s vision. Scott flinched and seemed to be caught off guard. “Woah! Princess, with all due respect, warn a guy next time you do that, almost thought I was dying in my sleep.” Scott remarked.

“..Remarkable, thou can alter thy form with such a thing.” Muna said impressed, then paused upon hearing Scott’s next words. “Neigh, you weren’t dying, merely a quick look though thy mind. Apologies.” Muna stated.

Scott nodded his head. “No immediate harm, no foul. Water under the bridge, as they say. On the topic of the Altnetrix, yeah, I can change myself into a bunch of aliens. So far, I have seven forms available. If you think my device is impressive, just know that this is a bootleg version of the real deal. You’d be impressed by half the stuff magister Tennyson has done.” Scott stated.

“Still, to have so many forms and powers at thy, and yet not be a Hylian is still impressive.” Muna said with a nod.

Scott smiled and sat down on the floor. “It’s just another normal day for me. Even knowing I’m stuck as a displaced individual, I’m hoping that by continuing to do my job as a Plumber, I can bring the most common part of my old life to Equestria, and maybe start up an Equestrian sector… anything to help me cope, and keep myself busy.” Scott remarked.

“...Plumber?” Muna asked with a tilt of her head.

Scott couldn’t help but snicker a bit. “You looked into my head, but you didn’t see my past as a Plumber Cadet?” Scott questioned.

“We only delve into the subject of thy Altnetrix, or ‘watch’.” Muna corrected.

Scott smiled and sighed, a slightly pained look in his eyes. “Well, I’ll abridge this the best I can. The Plumbers, back in my old world, are a secret government group that handles otherworldly threats. Magical, Supernatural, Extraterrestrial, Extraordinary, you name it. Anything that seems too strange, even for a place like Equestria, the Plumbers take care of it. Think of us like a police force, but we’re stronger than the government, and we’ve been in space. As of recently, like two to three and a half weeks ago, when I first met Jeff, I gave him my badge. It was my way of making him an honorary member of the Plumbers. We’re the good guys, even if we’ve had a few bad people go AWOL, we still did our jobs accordingly and effectively.” Scott explained.

“Good to see there are heroes of fables far away than just simply Jeff alone, it tells me Equestria is in good hoof-” Muna paused to clear throat. “Hands, in good hands.”

Scott chuckled and gave Muna a thumbs up. “It’s nice to know that I haven’t pissed you off, and the same can be said about my Luna. It’s honestly fascinating that history between mine and Jeff’s equestrias are so different. You’re an Alicorn, and my Luna gave up her Alicorn status to avoid temptation… I’ve only scratched the surface of what Jeff's Equestria is like, and it’s just real nice to know that we didn’t get on the wrong foot or hoof.” Scott reassured.

“Equus has quite alot of history, and before that; Hyrule’s history back when it used to be around about… Fifteen thousand years?” Muna said as she furrowed her brows trying to remember so far back.

Scott looked dumbfounded, like his brain just shut off. “Fifteen thousand!? The longest I’ve heard about Equestria’s past was fourteen thousand years less! Are Alicorns immortal beings?!” Scott questioned.

“We might be wrong though as we were trapped on the moon for one thousand of those years, and it can give you such a crick in the neck. Yes we art immortal, we ‘did’ mention we were once an ilk of a Goddess before we took on a mortal shell to be among our creations.” Muna said before softly giggling; her voice echoing throughout the dreamscape.

Scott was simultaneously impressed and curiouser. “Fascinating. I had a personal theory that the Alicorn state was merely a magical mutation, I wasn’t aware immortality was such an important variable!” Scott remarked.

“Alicornhood is only attuned through two ways; you’re either already art one at the birth of the universe exploding into being, or you face something far greater than yourself; to show absolute to overcome it. An example of that is of Celestia’s niece Cadance, princess of twilight when she and the hero took down the usurper king who used to hold the power to reshape Equus, thus leading to her ascension.” Muna explained.

Scott was very intrigued by how the alicorn stuff worked in Jeff’s Equestria, but then Scott remembered why he was here. “Princess, if you don’t mind me asking… Me and Deko, the Korok I saved from a couple of bokoblins, we’re on our way to Canterlot… I’m hoping to find Jeff and ask him for help, in regards to a serious, and in your case, familiar problem in my Equestria. Do you think you could… I don’t know… pass on a message to let him know I used the Twili Portal to… come here, and I’ll meet him in Canterlot?” Scott sheepishly asked.

“Hmm.. that I can if there isn’t a monster attack for him to take care of. Last week it was a strange sandworm and the week before that it was a sea monster.” Muna explained as she used her magic to manifest a couple of images.

Scott simply smiled. “And much like my Equestria, there’s never a dull moment in Jeff’s home turf. I can only hope I get lucky and there isn’t a monster attack, because this is kinda urgent and important,” Scott soon got up and looked at the front entrance. At first, he was going to step closer, until a familiar figure stepped into view. The man that looked a lot like Scott, only, stranger. His hair was white, his skin was as dark as a casting shadow. It’s eyes stared directly into Scott’s, nothing more than a beaming pair of red spheres. It showed no malice, yet something sinister still persists.

“...I sense this is something not of Nightmare, but of a mental scar. We won’t be able to erase this one, Scott, but we can try to help the best we can.” Muna said as he planted a hoof into the dream grounds.

Scott sighed. “There’s no point. Even if you could do something, whether it’s my Luna, or you, it won’t slow it down or repress it… I don’t even know what this thing is, but every time I’ve had a nightmare be… healed, pushed back, or fended off… that thing will always show up, and when it does… it usually means one thing,” Scott walked forward, now mere inches away from this dark reflection of himself. And he tapped his cheek, as if expecting a punch to be thrown. “It’s time to wake up.” Scott stated.

The figure readied a punch, and Scott didn’t fight back or struggle, something about this lack of resistance made it hesitate, but not for long. Scott was struck and sent flying, the dreamscape was crumbling.

Scott snapped his eyes open, he noticed that Deko was on his chest, sleeping peacefully. Scott smiled softly and carefully held his friend close while slowly climbing down from the tree.

Scott looked out to the sunrise, welcoming a new day, and a chance to keep pushing forward. The human slowly walked forward, carrying the sleeping Korok in his arms, and made his way towards the distant castle up ahead. “Canterlot, here we come.” Scott quietly stated.

Scott could barely handle the idea of walking any further, it’s been a rather long walk, hours of passing by lush green fields, and following the train tracks like a hitchhiker. At least he was well rested, otherwise he’d be complaining till the cows came home. Deko was calmly sitting on the back of Scott’s neck, looking out at the environment from a taller view. “So, how far do you think we have left to go before we get to Canterlot? Because we’ve been walking for hours, and it has felt like we haven’t gone anywhere.” Scott remarked, trying to shield his eyes from the brightness of the sun.

Deko looked ahead, and noticed a tunnel coming into view. “I see a tunnel, must be large enough for those trains to go through!” Deko pointed out.

Scott looked over and saw the mountain he saw yesterday, as well as the train tracks he was following that continued into the tunnel. “Huh… maybe it wasn’t as long as I thought, it just felt like it. Time to hope I can finally talk to Jeff, if I find him!” Scott remarked.

With what energy he had, Scott held onto Deko and broke out into a sprint, and managed to make it, but soon found that his hopes were dashed into the rocks when he saw more stairs. Scott’s eye twitched, he groaned in frustration, but he just decided to keep going, no matter how much his feet ached. “Oh great, more stairs… might as well throw Vilgax my way, what’s another set of broken bones.” Scott griped.

Scott made sure to say his goodbyes to Deko, and continued on his own, steadily walked up the flight of stairs, but was thankful for the shade that was provided from the sun’s rays. Scott eventually found himself on a smooth concrete path leading upwards, and could hear the sound of multiple voices, likely ponies waiting for the next train. Scott quickly rushed up the path, and found himself in a pretty sophisticated train station. Brick paths, multiple track lines, around ten to be exact, and it was chocked full of ponies, as well as a couple other species native to this world. Gorons, some kind of bipedal fish humanoid, a small merchant wearing a fancy cone hat and leaf stache, as well as some bipedal avian creatures, each one resembling some kind of species of bird.

Scott whistled, clearly impressed by the state of the place. Unfortunately, his whistle caught the attention of every single pony in the station. Trains stopped moving, all movement just seized, and Scott was being stared at by an innumerable amount of eyes, each one judging him.

Everyone was surprised and confused by Scott’s presence. “Is that the Hylian? He looks so different, and he’s dressed in strange tatters.” One pony speaks up.

Scott slowly walks forward, trying to make things less awkward. “No, can’t be. His ears aren’t pointy, but maybe it’s one of those fancy masks. Goro.” A Goron remarks.

Scott notices another set of stairs going up, and tries to move through the small crowd of ponies carefully. “He’s so strange looking, I doubt that’s because of a mask. Has to be someone new, he doesn’t carry the sword he has.” A Zora pointed out.

Scott slowly inches closer and closer to the stairway, only to have his path blocked by two golden spears being formed into an X shape. The human looks down at the guards, who are eyeing the human suspiciously. “Hey there, I don’t suppose you’d be willing to let me pass?” Scott politely asked.

The two guardsponies gave Scott a long hard look as if he was an alien.. Which wasn’t too far off from the truth. One of them ignited their horn, casting some kind of spell that made Scott’s body flash in blues and purples. “...Not a changeling.. What business do you have in Canterlot?” The guard questioned.

Scott sighed in relief. “Well, I’ll be honest with ya, as a fellow lawman myself. I’m here to ask for help, not from your princesses, but from a Hylian named Jeff. We met and he was able to train me and give me what I needed to handle an extraterrestrial threat that could’ve caused more than just problems for my world,” the guards raised their brows in suspicion, but Scott kept his composure. “See, that threat I apprehended… ended up getting stolen away by changelings, and with his tech in their hands, it’s already going to be an issue when that threat’s boss comes calling. Jeff might be the only one who can provide me some aide in gathering research so I can stop it. Put yourself in my shoes… err, horseshoes, soldier, if you had friends who could be wiped out by a dangerous threat, wouldn’t you do anything and everything you could just to stop the bloodshed?” Scott explained. Everything he said was technically true, but he wasn’t really counting on luck to be on his side, he was still hoping for the best.

“If it is so urgent to request of Celestia’s Champion, then why haven’t you sent him a letter via dragon fire?” The guard questioned.

Scott’s face twisted into that of pure dumbfoundedness. “That’s a thing here?! First I’m ever hearing about it! It’s my first time here in Jeff’s world, things are very different, and judging by the numerous eyes I still have on me,” Scott looks back to see a couple ponies in the steadily forming crowd sneering and glaring at him with disgusted expressions on their faces. “Some things haven’t changed, not that it matters.” Scott stated briefly.

“...Yes, Jeff’s dragon, although despite being slow in learning the spell, receives letters sent by princesses, kings, royalty, Dukes and Duchesses, and sometimes on rare occasions by the Dragonlord of the Dragon Isles.” The guard explained.

Scott was thoroughly at a loss. This was all a first for him to hear it. “You said Jeff had a dragon?” The guard nodded his head. “The first encounter I had with a dragon was when it was in a fit of rage, solely because it was mourning its mate and dead children. Anyone can pull the race card, but it doesn’t matter what species you are, no one deserves that,” Scott tried to think of a way past, but by this point, it was either fight or flight, and he did not want to risk a political incident. “Look, this is very important. I didn’t know a damn thing about getting messages from dragon fire, I would’ve asked Princess Luna about that before I came here, not like it would’ve mattered, different worlds after all, wouldn’t be sure if it’d work. I only got here because Jeff was kind enough to leave a Twili Portal over my home, it’s how I got here! Please, my world could be at stake. I just got friends, I can’t lose them so soon!” Scott pleaded.

“It's alright, boys, he can come through.” A voice spoke out, causing the guards to turn around. Low and behold there she was, Muna in the physical realm. She looked almost the same but her twin voices were now one voice.

Scott looked at Muna, and bowed his head. “Many thanks, Princess. Hey, your voices are one now, and you’re not using the olde English like you were in the dreamscape!” Scott thanked.

“I only speak that old tongue when we’re in the dreamworld, or if my other half wants to speak.” Muna said with a nod as the guards moved out of the way to allow Scott through.

Scott stepped forward. “So, which half am I speaking to now? Or is it both? This might confuse me for a bit…” Scott quipped, chuckling a bit.

“Me of course.” She said with a soft giggle. “I don’t let her speak out in public, our.. past deeds is still fresh on everyponies mind, well until Nightmare Night arrives, then it's fun and games rather than fear and dread.” Muna explained.

Scott nodded his head in understanding. “Yeah, the whole mare in the moon thing. That’s still a problem in my world, it hasn’t happened yet, but I have two weeks left to find a solution… it’s why I’m here, actually.” Scott said, looking at Muna, his expression serious and concerned.

Muna’s eyes narrowed into slits for a moment. “..How serious is it?” she asked in concern.

Scott hesitated for a moment, but decided to come out with the truth. “If it helps anything, it’s not you, err, my Luna, nor is it Celestia. It’s someone they knew, Eclipsed Blackheart, she’s been constantly creating a Blood Moon phenomenon at a constant rate, and she’s only now hiring armed bounty hunters to look for ways to escape or take me out… I was told of one possible way to stop her, but I know next to nothing about them, other than from what Jeff, Nayru and my Luna were able to tell me.” Scott explained.

Muna softly cringed the names they were given, while a soft hiss escaped the corner of her mouth, hinting that Nightmare Moon did not approve of such names, especially this otherself’s actions. “Well, there is a way, but.. Let us get to the castle and speak in private..”

Scott nodded his head, and followed Muna’s lead. Scott looked down momentarily at the Altnetrix, then noticed Deko was gone, but instead of concern, he was determined. He won’t let his Equestria down, he won’t let his friends down. He has a job to do, and he’ll get it done.

He needed to learn more about the Elements of Harmony.