The Consequences of Being a Hero

Scott and Jeff leave the boutique, and Jeff takes the lead, with Scott following close behind. The duo move east of town, with Scott still feeling ponies eyes on him, staring as he passes by them. As they continue to move forward, they eventually end up arriving at a building with a sign that read “Canon Express”.

Scott raised an eyebrow at the sign. “Huh… I guess we’re at the right place…” Scott watched Jeff walk into the building, and Scott sighed as he followed suite. “Well, if this is how it ends, via cannon fire, at least I went out with a bang.” Scott remarked.

As the duo arrived inside the building, Scott saw two creatures behind the desk, a bird-like humanoid and an earth pony who was standing on some kind of platform with mechanically legs. “Oi Jeff, here again to use the canon?” the earth pony asked.

“Trip for two this time, he’s new to taking the canon.” Jeff explained as he started shuffling through his pouch.

Scott waved to the workers, trying to look more optimistic. “Nice to meet, and don’t worry, I’m not here for trouble, just to clarify. It’s work related.” Scott stated.

“No worries, we’ll get your airlegs working in no time!” The winged humanoid said.

Jeff nodded. “Scott, this is Emerald Bristle-”

“Yo.” Emerald said with a salute of his hoof.

“-and Maslivi, a Rito, by the way.” Jeff finished their introductions.

Scott nodded and held out his hand for a handshake. “Nice to meet you both, I’m Scott Baristo. I’ve run into my fair share of earth ponies, but it’s always a privilege to meet a new species. Hopefully life here in Equestria has been safe and relatively peaceful, if you overlook the monster attacks.” Scott introduced.

“You're damn righ' cheers to this guy righ' now.” Emerald said with a gesture of his goof toward Jeff.

“I’m just doing my job whenever the mane six isn’t emerald.” Jeff said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.

Scott smiled and nudged Jeff’s side a bit. “Come on, don’t be so modest, you’ve clearly done a lot to help others, be proud of that, just don’t lose your head,” Scott looked back at Emerald and Maslivi. “Speaking of… this is my first time going through cannon travel. How exactly does this work?” Scott asked, feeling uncertain.

“Its real simple, you ge' comfortable inside the canon, and this here half bird half canon will take aim and launch you into cloudsdale. Don' worry ‘bout the landing, the clouds there are super soft!” Emerald explained with excitement in his voice.

“Figuring out this ancient thing took us a lot of work, trial and error, and a lot of bruises with us as the test dummies.” Maslivi said as he gestured to the room next door.

Scott simply blinked, trying to figure out if he heard these two right, then he looked at Jeff. “Well, not like we got any other choices. You said there’s no owl statue, and I don’t have a flyer, so… I guess we’re going into the cannon… Celestia, help me.” Scott remarked nervously.

“Don'' you worry abou' your pretty lil' head, we'll ge' you there!” Emerald said as he grabbed a crank on the mobile device, making its mechanically legs move itself forward into the next room with Maslivi following behind.

Scott looked to Jeff. “Well, lead the way. Anything I should do before that thing goes off with us inside it?” Scott asked.

“Just don’t think about it.” Jeff said with a nod as he followed the other two.

Scott frowned. “Gee, thanks.” Scott said sarcastically. Scott tried to focus on the deep breaths and keep his composure, following Jeff as they continued to walk.

As they entered the next room, Scott saw what looked like a cannon made of stone sitting with bird legs, it was even sitting like one too. Jeff walked over to what looked like a chain dangling from its back, and with a soft pull, Jeff was yanked inside. A second chain slid out and dangled, as if waiting for Scott. Scott sighed and walked over to the chain, and with a soft pull, he was pulled inside as well.

The two were inside some kind of small round room that was a little on the cramped side. There were two seats in the middle of the room. Jeff quickly sat down and prepared himself for the ride. Scott, on the other hand, was just trying to keep himself calm. “I’m having second thoughts about-”

“Left off in three.”
“Two.”
“ONE!”

The whole room shook as the canon moved about and rotated its body. There was a moment of silence before it started to vibrate along with what sounded like energy building up. Suddenly the front opened up and there they went being shot through the air super high up.

Scott yelled out as he went flying through the air. Scott could feel the wind blowing in his face, the lack of solid ground beneath his feet, seeing clouds at his eye level, it was a very crazy thing to experience. It was like skydiving, but in reverse. Meanwhile Jeff still remained in his seating position being as cool as a cucumber. “How are you so unfazed by this!?” Scott exclaimed, flailing around in the air.

“Sora’s training a number of years back, he basically dropped me in a loop through portals just so I wouldn’t be bothered by this, it was also to help me with fighting mid-air aerials or a very long skydive. Sora is basically a Displaced, I’d say of what but I doubt you’d know what Kingdom Hearts is.” Jeff explained as he turned to look at Scott; his hood and hair whipping with the wind.

Scott let out a frustrated groan. “You’d definitely be right about that, pal!” Scott exclaimed.

The duo continue to ascend through the air, until what looks like a city standing among the clouds comes into view.

“There it is, Cloudsdale, city of the sky where most of the pegasi live at. Buckle your legs, we’re about to touchdown.” Jeff warned Scott as he bowed his legs.

Scott immediately curled himself up into a ball, bracing for the landing. Jeff manages to land on the cloud feet first, where Scott gets a bit stuck halfway through the cloud, as he tries to keep himself from falling off the edge

“Oh hey, an alien pancake.” Jeff said jokingly in an attempt to enlighten the mood.

Scott seemed to yell in frustration, with it all muffled because his face was in the cloud. Scott eventually pulls his face free, showing he now had a glorious cloud stache on his face. Unamused, he shakes off the excess cloud on his face, and gets back onto his feet. “I bet you felt that way the first time, otherwise, I call hacks,” Scott looked above, seeing tons of pegasi flying around the air. “I do have to admit, though, this place… is pretty trippy.” Scott remarked.

“Nope, Sora’s training came first before the canon trip, no haxs here.” Jeff said as he purposely misspoke the word hacks.

Scott frowned at Jeff’s response, but he decided to simply let it go. “So, what’s up here in Cloudsdale, other than what looks like a hippy’s dream come true?” Scott asked.

“I mean.. don’t freak out, but…” Jeff pauses to allow Scott to look around, noticing many stone houses floating on the clouds with no supports holding them up, even the roofing on the houses had clouds.

Scott was very confused. “How, and I swear if you say magic, these ponies are going to see a rare opportunity to see an elf fight an alien robot.” Scott remarked, completely baffled by how the houses are even standing.

The Hylian smiled. “I mean eventually you’ll be seeing this again back in your world and get the same exact answers.” Jeff said with a chuckle as he held up his arms in a half shrug and half held in defense.

Scott’s eye twitched, he groaned in frustration. “We haven’t even been here in a minute, and I’m already asking questions… let’s get a move on. What should I expect to see, a rainbow factory, because why not?” Scott remarked.

“I mean it's where they all come from instead of being formed by rain droplets and air.” Jeff said as he gestured to a building that was making the rainbow.

Scott looked back at Jeff. “Magic just dictates everything in Equestria, doesn’t it? Dare I wonder what the afterlife is like, when it’s not being disturbed? Maybe later… let’s go.” Scott remarked, feeling like he was driving himself nuts with questions.

Hey, magic is universal with the only limitation being.. Whatever system is in place.” Jeff said with a shrug.

The pair continued forward, walking through Cloudsdale, all while Pegasi continued to fly around, some dressed up in some kind of work uniform. “So, just where exactly do we have to go, to get to your Rainbow Dash? Because I’m not gonna lie, a couple of these houses look the exact same to me.” Scott inquired.

“Wow, racist toward houses much?” Jeff said jokingly with a snicker, earning a bemused expression from the human. “No, she lives in the Cloudominium, which is kind of tower shaped.” Jeff corrected.

Scott chooses to not respond to that, solely for the sake of his sanity. “I’m guessing a Cloudominium is like a Condominium? That oughta be fun, hopefully it’s not as hard to navigate,” Scott couldn’t help but notice how soft the clouds were beneath his bare feet, it was like walking on a pillow made of dreams. “So, what is your Dash like? You met mine, and she likely told you a bit about herself.” Scott asked.

“Very competitive, always aiming to be the fastest pegasi across Equestria, and responsible for something called the Rainboom, and I kid you not that's what they called it.” Jeff said, before hopping over a small hole in the cloud.

Scott rubbed his face and groaned. “Why am I not surprised… My Dash hasn’t mentioned anything like a ‘Rainboom’ or anything similar, so maybe it hasn't happened yet where I come from.” Scott remarked.

“When it does, its gonna have a kind of…” Jeff pauses to think as he rotates his hand. “A domino effect depending on who sees it.” Jeff hesitates.

Scott looked at Jeff with a mixed look of confusion and curiosity. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Scott asked.

“According to Celestia, it’ll lead to many ponies being fated to meet and become friends, cause you know harmonic magic.” Jeff explained with a shrug.

Scott’s mental fortitude was being stretched thin, but his resolve to keep going is still as strong as ever. “So this is what it’s like, slowly going insane… I have a lot to discuss with my Celestia, and I’m definitely not taking no for an answer, but that’s for when I get back home,” Scott looked around, barely seeing any sign of the Cloudominium. “How much farther do we have to go to get to the place your Dash is staying in?” Scott asked.

“Just around this corner aaand… here it is!” Jeff pauses to hold his arms out as if to say 'tada'.

Scott looks to where Jeff is holding his arms out, and is absolutely shocked by how big the building was. His jaw dropped when he finally saw it. “I thought it was a Condominium, not a tower! How can she afford a tower!? Your Dash must be loaded!” Scott exclaimed.

“She takes part in a lot of races and wins quite a lot, not to say she’s the absolute best. There’s been times she’d get depressed or distracted by things” Jeff said as he resists the urge to mention her head in the clouds.

Scott manages to finally close his mouth and snap out of how huge her home was. “So… how do we get up there? I don’t have a flying alien, and again, none of those owl statues in sight.” Scott asked.

Jeff took a step and paused, Scott had to rapidly blink as he saw the clouds form out into a mist-like bridge toward her home. Scott threw his hands into the air and simply walked forward across the bridge. “Sure, why not, that works.” Scott remarked, clearly done questioning how things work anymore.

“You really need to open up your mind more, Scott..” Jeff suggests, concerned for Scott’s mental well being.

Scott gestured to the door. “Just knock on her door, I need a moment… freaking mist bridge, what did I expect.” Scott remarked, feeling frustrated, but on the bright side, at least his head wasn’t hurting this time.

Jeff raises his hand, giving the door a firm knock. The pair waited for a moment, the muffled sound of something flying around from inside the residence could easily be heard, as well as the sound of something falling over. “Just a moment!!” The sound of a muffled raspy voice called out.

Scott looked over at the door. “I’m not sure what I expected, but I guess voices and how they sound just stay the same.” Scott quietly commented.

The sound of glass clinking could be heard, and soon enough, the door slowly opened up, revealing a very tired and exhausted light blue pegasus. Aside from some physical details that have remained the same, the only differences Scott noticed was the lack of clothing, and a bigger set of wings.

Scott moved his head to the side, glancing at what the interior of the home looked like. Tons of empty glass bottles. “Sheesh… looking at that hurts my liver on its own.” Scott remarked with concern.

“Pegasi are built a little differently.” Jeff said, then looked as if he was bracing for impact.

Scott raised an eyebrow at the Hylian’s sudden bracing, but before he could question it further, the blue pegasus suddenly pushed forward and roughly bear hugs Jeff with her wings. “HEeeey! Good to see ya, Jeff!” The pegasus gives the Hylian a bit of a harsh pat on the back before noticing the other humanoid figure on her property. “Who- Who’s this square?” Dash commented.

Jeff rapidly expelled his air at Dash’s usual rough greetings. “G-good to see you too.” he said through a wheeze. He takes a moment to get his air back. “This is Scott, a friend of mine.” Jeff introduced.

Scott opened his mouth to introduce himself, but before he could, the pegasus immediately pulled him into a hug, earning an audible and deserved groan of pain. He could already see another hospital visit in his future. “Nice to meet. You look a bit like Jeff, just… kinda more basic. What can you do?” The pegasus questioned.

Scott was barely able to free himself from the tight and rough constricting he was enveloped in, and could feel his upper body aching. “Well, if by basic, you mean human, then yeah… man, even my Dash isn’t that rough, you got some serious strength,” Scott thrusted his arms out to his sides, a mild crack sounding out as Scott seemed to relax. “As for what I can do, I can turn into aliens.” Scott explained briefly.

“Its a lot like how my magic and masks work, except more... advanced.” Jeff said, avoiding the whole concept of explaining about the watch’s tech.

Scott nodded his head. “More or less, yes. I have a time limit on my forms, whereas with the masks, anyone could stay in a specific form for as long as they want. In short, similar concepts, different means of transforming, one method lasts indefinitely longer than the other,” Scott could smell cider, and was once again drawn to the unfathomable amount of glass bottles he saw inside. “You mind if we come in, ask a couple questions, or… is now a bad time for you?” Scott asked.

Dash raises a hoof. “Nah, nah, it’s all good. Come in, a few bottles isn’t gonna be much of an issue,” Dash looks through her home and can’t help but notice the few piles of bottles. “Or ten, maybe tons…” A nervous chuckle escapes the pegasus, but she pushes the door open and flies inside. “It’s fine, I’ll clean it up later, just watch your step, barefoot.” Dash called out.

Scott sighed and looked at Jeff. “Can you say moderation? Cause I don’t think she can…” Scott remarked, slowly stepping inside the home.

“YYeaaaa, since she got a taste of Applejack’s Cider, she’s been kind of hooked.” Jeff whispered as he entered alongside Scott. Inside was as lavishing as the outside.. Well, other than the random piles of bottles, papers, and confetti. Scott eventually realizes that a party was had here, especially with the banners hung up saying ‘#1 racer’.

Scott was rather confused by the banner. “She’s a racer? Huh… I guess with speed like that, you gotta capitalize on what you’re known for,” The alien hero carefully maneuvered through the bottles, eventually making it to what was the sofa, carefully placing a few bottles that covered the cushions on the ground beside its frame, and taking a seat. “Must’ve been quite the party, you’re certainly different from what my Dash is like, going off of… not just the bottles.” Scott stated, trying to lessen the harsh judgement of his words.

That got the pegasus’ attention. “Hold up. MY Dash? What, is someone trying to copy my awesomeness out of jealousy?” Dash remarked.

Scott looked at the bottles scattered everywhere, and decided to not get into a pissing match today. “How are you able to drink so much? Your liver must be as strong as a Tetramand, and as persistent as an Appoplexian. You ponies function in a way I’ll never understand, even if I can somehow figure out how to turn into any variant of your species.” Scott remarked.

“Ex-nay on the alien ame-nay. She really doesn't know what any of those are..” Jeff remarked as Dash gave Scott a confused look.

Scott facepalmed and sighed. “They’re alien species that come from my world, tough, aggressive, combative, and stubborn as shit. Nuff said on that topic,” Scott leaned back and let himself try to remember why he was here. “Look, we didn’t come here just to discuss the differences between you and my Dash. I’m here to learn a bit more about this world’s elements of harmony, since I’m dealing with my own mare in the moon at the moment. We already discussed a few things with Applejack, and Jeff was hoping that maybe a bit of loyalty will be able to shine a light on things happening in my world.” Scott explained.

Dash seemed a bit stunned in silence. For a moment, Scott was just concerned with how quiet she was, it was like you could hear a pin drop. “Y-You’re joking. You’re dealing with that too? Don’t worry, just let the me in your world take care of Luna, and it’ll be fine.” Dash casually remarked.

Scott looked at Jeff for a moment. “You wanna tell her, or should I?” Scott asked, a deadpan expression on the Plumber’s face.

“Nooot the same Nightmare Moon you’re thinking of, Dash. Besides, she’s still in the mask, remember? Song Of Healing and all that?” Jeff said as he rotated his hand.

Dash seemed to look a bit confused, then she looked at Scott. “Wait, you’re serious? W-Well… I-I’m still sure your me can handle it… right?” Dash questioned.

Scott stayed silent for a moment. It felt like an eternity, but a few seconds still feels like too long. “I can turn into aliens, and I'm not even sure I can stop her. With or without the elements, take your pick, still sounds like a losing fight if I’m doing this alone. It’s why I’m here,” Scott pulled out that same piece of paper and a pencil, scribbling down the six attributes that represent the power of friendship, and showed it to Dash. “I need to figure out who will wield the elements in my world, I need every advantage I can get. My Dash is pretty capable, she’s got that royal guard training, and long before I showed up, it’s done her a lot of good, but even then, I have my concerns.” Scott explained.

Dash examined the piece of paper, noticing her initials by the word “Loyalty”. “Not gonna lie to you, I’m a bit disappointed that this other me you’re talking about, she doesn’t sound as awesome as I was hoping,” Scott furrowed his brow out of mild frustration. “But, I’ll try my best to tell you what I know… what is it exactly you want me to explain again?” Dash asked.

Scott got up, walked over to Dash and looked down at her, staring into her eyes. “What does it mean to be loyal? How did you pass your test to embody loyalty?” Scott questioned.

Dash thought hard about the human's question, but was able to come up with a proper answer. “It's about never turning your back on those who need you, even when danger is around every corner, you never abandon someone to handle it themselves. And most importantly, treat your friends as if they’re the most valuable thing in your life.. Well, unless they lose your loyalty.” Dash explained.

Scott let Dash’s words bounce around in his head as he thought back to those who he valued, those who have kept and earned his loyalty… as well as to the changeling who lost it. Scott nodded his head, not uttering another word, and returned to his spot on the sofa. “It’s ironic. I didn’t even let my friends know I’d be gone for a bit, only Princess Luna knows of where I could likely be. I told her to send out letters, to inform them, just in case I was gone for longer than anticipated… but despite how much I value them, I didn’t even have the guts to tell them myself. They deserved to know, they helped me out a good chunk since I ended up displaced, but they had a lot on their plates already, with that celebration coming around… I thought…” Scott’s words trailed off, a dry chuckle escaped his lips as he covered his face with his hands.

Dash flew over to Scott’s side and pulled his hands away. “Hey, hey! Don’t make that face, only Fluttershy makes that face! Get a grip,” Scott scowled at the pegasus, but it didn’t last long when he saw the mare’s expression. The determined look in her eyes pierced through him. “So what, you made a mistake, you can still go back and they’ll still help you, unless they’re incredibly prickly and hard to convince,” Dash could see that Scott was not exactly feeling any better, but she decided to take a bit more heed with her words. “Look, I get it, you feel like you messed up big time and you feel like it’s gonna be a witch hunt when you get back, but it’s not as bad as you’re letting yourself believe. Sure, ya messed up not telling your friends you’d be gone a bit, but if your world’s me is anything like me, it’ll take more than that for her loyalty to waver.” Dash explained.

“And if I may add my two cents? Just imagine your loyalty to your friend, Ben Tennyson.” Jeff said considering how much Scott talks about him.

Scott let a small smirk form on his face, both baffled and happy at the prospect of being friends with his hero, but the Hylian did have a point. He’s been loyal to his dedication of doing his job, doing what’s right, helping others, but Dash also had a point. Maybe it wouldn’t be the end of the world when he got back, with everyone being mad at him, but if his new friends were still loyal to him after everything that’s happened already, maybe everything’ll be fine.

The alien hero nodded his head. “Maybe you both are right… I slipped up with not being honest, as in not telling them at all myself, and with loyalty, not waiting a few more moments to explain in the first place, but if they’ve been willing to stay by my side, even after everything, then maybe… maybe everything will be fine.” Scott admitted.

Dash smiled and nudged Scott. “That’s what I’m talking about! Nothing like a pep talk and good friends to get yourself in a better head space!” Dash exclaimed.

Scott smiled and rolled his eyes as he sat back up and lightly nudged the pegasus off the couch. “Yeah yea, I guess I’ve been getting in my own head recently, and even more so since I got here. It’s still a huge bit to take in, but slowly, I’m managing. Just hoping I don’t run into any more trouble, and maybe, if Nayru’s looking out for me, like she’s definitely doing with Jeff, I’ll probably be home in one piece… relatively speaking.” Scott remarked.

Dash stood up, shaking herself as she unruffled a few of her feathers. “I do have to admit, your Dash might sound a little cooler than I give her credit for. I mean, to subject yourself to guard training, takes a serious set to be able to do any of that.” Dash remarked.

Scott smiled. “She’s pretty alright. She definitely cares a lot about Scootaloo’s safety. Seriously, that kid is usually just attached to her hip whenever I see them, it’s like a child clinging to their mom,” Scott chuckles as he thinks back to when he and Dash first met, it was quite the crazy introduction. “But, after the changeling attack in Ponyville, my Dash has definitely been taking things more seriously. A pony got killed, god rest her soul, but she’s taken a lot of responsibility for making sure Scootaloo stays safe. I don’t know if that kid actually has parents, she lives with her aunts and my Dash is more like a mother figure, if anything, but… she knows what she’s doing. That guard training definitely paid off when a dragon came through.” Scott remarked.

Jeff’s right ear twitched as Nayru’s laugh fills his ears at Scott mentioning God.

“The kids got spirit, I mean the Scootaloo of my world.” Dash clarified.

Scott chuckled. “Yeah, my Scootaloo’s no different, she’s definitely got the fire of a fighter for someone so young. Reminds me of myself, before tragedy struck.” Scott agreed.

Dash nodded her head, but she did catch that last part. Against her better judgement, she decides to let it go. “Well, this was an entertaining and educated talk, but I should probably get started on cleaning up this mess, it looks like a brothel without entertainment.” Dash remarked.

Scott nodded his head. “Yeah, it would be rather inopportune to have more visitors, and they see your home in such a state. Certainly won’t win you neighbor of the year, but you’ll definitely be known as the neighborhood party animal, so roughly the same thing.” Scott quipped.

Jeff couldn’t help but laugh while Dash was blushing purple. Dash stammers a bit, but manages to get a couple laughs out. “Okay, smart guy, you’re a riot, but you’re a bit late to the party, it’s basically over. I’ll see you guys later!” Dash stated.

Scott chuckled as he made his way over to the door. “Come on, Jeff, let’s leave her be to get her home back in order, we still got a few places to be,” Scott opens the door and looks back at the pegasus as he steps out. “Nice meeting ya, Dash!” Scott called out.

The pair walk out the door, closing it behind them and making sure they carefully step across the bridge. “Leeet’s see.. Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, and Pinkie Pie are the last few, at least this visit wasn’t depressing.” Jeff whispered to Scott.

Scott nodded his head in agreement. “Well, I’ve never met my world’s Fluttershy yet, if there is one, so let’s change things up a bit and go see her. I’ve heard my Rainbow Dash mention her a couple times, so I’m curious to know what I should expect.” Scott suggested.

“And this time, no canon.” Jeff said teasingly.

Scott let out a sigh of relief. “Thank god. I don’t know who this Sora is, or whatever in god’s name is Kingdom Hearts, but if I ever run into them, I’ll mention you and see where it goes.” Scott remarked, feeling less tense than he did before.

Jeff chuckled. “Just remember, his body is from a game, so don’t be surprised about his powers like the Keyblade and the spells he fires from them.” Jeff explained as he took out his ocarina.

Scott’s eye twitched, but he refused to ask for further elaboration. “Duly noted, now play that funky magic music, pal!” Scott stated.

With the ocarina piece in mouth and a song later, the two were whisked away toward the Everfree in a whirlwind of magic and air.

The two arrived near the mouth of the Everfree, near an Owl Statue. Scott would notice this one was older than the previous one and the only statue with song notes etched into its base. “Hey Jeff, what’s up with this statue? Looks like it has song notes marked on it.” Scott asked.

“This is where I learned the song of soaring so many years ago.” Jeff said as he placed his hand onto the statue. “And a day later after my Displacement.” Jeff said in a nostalgic tone of voice.

Scott’s eyes were so fixated on the song notes, the very idea that Jeff learned this song a day after he ended up displaced, was quite the impressive smack to the face. “Crazy… wait, you learned that a day after you came here? Talk about not wasting time, you must’ve known what you were doing, even back then.” Scott remarked, a bit surprised by the reveal.

“Knowing it? Yes, having the experience, no,” Jeff pauses to pull out his Picto camera, turning it on and flipping through pages, he soon shows Scott a picture of what looked to be.. Actually, Scott didn’t know what he was looking at, it looked like a cross between a crab and a spider wiith a single big gohma staring at the viewer from a distance. “Not the same Gohma but the picture is enough to explain what I fought back in Great Deku Tree’s Trunk, imagine this but much bigger, a queen basically..”

Scott was blinking slowly, trying to ascertain which way he needed to crane his neck to get the best angle at this oddball of a monster. “Jeff, either you managed to find one of Dr. Animo’s animal mutations gone horribly wrong, or… I’m likely looking at some kind of demon… knowing my luck, it’s somehow both. What the heck is a Gohma, and why does it sound like a set up to a bad joke about a one-eyed monster?” Scott questioned.

“Like I said, Queen Gohma, while sure taking one down is easy now but back then, all I had was a bow, arrows, sword, shield, this cloak, and the ocarina of time. She and her little babies could have killed me if the Triforce wasn’t fueling courage into me to survive it,” Jeff frowned at the old memory. “If you think that’s messed up, then you oughta see Bongo Bongo,” Jeff said as he slid to the next picture, which revealed quite a hideous creature with floating hands and appearing upside down looking down at the viewer with red eyes.. “I didn’t have the Lens Of Truth at the time and had to use my camera just to see the bastard.” Jeff explained.

Scott was just more concerned, but he decided it would be best to wait till he returned to his Equestria so he could safely look through the book Jeff provided, for the sake of his safety. “Your world continues to simultaneously intrigue me and freak me the hell out. I’m a bit more thankful to have not encountered these things when I first got here,” Scott shuddered at the idea of fighting such a creature on his own, but decided to focus more on the Everfree. “Well… let’s move on from creepy creatures, and go visit this ‘Fluttershy’ I’ve heard so much about.” Scott stated, wanting to change the topic.

Jeff places his camera back into his pouch, giving Scott a brief nod before turning to walk away from the Everfree Forest’s entrance and toward the hill. Soon, the two heroes arrive at what looked to be a cottage, a very quaint one at that. The area radiates absolute serenity.

Scott couldn’t help but admire how cozy the cottage looked, almost like something out of an old fairy tale. “Well, it’s a nice place, may as well approach and knock on the door,” Scott walked forward, and carefully knocked on the door. “Hopefully someone’s home, otherwise, this visit would have waited for later.” Scott remarked.

The sound of animals could be heard from the inside, Scott could barely believe what he was hearing at that moment, he could’ve sworn he heard a bear. Scott carefully backs away from the door, and cautiously hovers a hand over the Hylian mask hooked onto his hip.

“Also uh… word of caution.. Do NOT attack what you’ll see in there, Fluttershy has quite a number of exotic enemies she… surprisingly tamed.” Jeff should as he placed his hand on Scott’s shoulder.

Scott was very concerned, but it slowly devolved into sheer confusion. “Wh… what do you mean “tamed”?” Scott cautiously asked.

As Scott asked that question, the door burst open, while various monsters ran, flew, skittered, scuttled, or just lunged past the duo. A couple strange slime creatures with big weird looking eyes, some kind of one-eyed bat that flew right past Scott’s head, some kind of strange magician bird, bipedal lizards, some sort of burrowing creature, another one eyed creature, some sort of land squid, a centaur lion creature that just oozed with intimidation, some kind of rodent, some kind of odd sentient wrecking ball looking creature with sharp teeth, some kind of one eyed seed with legs, a plant creature with large teeth, some sort of rat shaped creature that scurried around, and finally, a creature that Deko once described as a Wolfos.

Scott stood there, pale in the face, stunned in silence. Finally, a yellow pegasus slowly makes their way to the open doorway. “O-Oh my… so sorry, they get a bit antsy… w-when they’ve eaten…” The pegasus said, her voice soft spoken and timid.

“...Is that a Gohma?? Uh.. Fluttershy, sweetie.. You are aware what a Gohma can become, right?” Jeff asked in concern.

Fluttershy nodded her head. “Oh, I know, but it needed help.. It was injured, scared, alone, it was horrible… I just had to help it, and it’s rather friendly once you get to know it,” The pegasus soon noticed the still stunned and silent alien hero, who had remained still as a statue after a bunch of monsters ran past him. “Oh my, is… is that a… friend of yours, Jeff?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes, this is Scott, a human from a far away land.” Jeff said as he got to the point, which wasn’t a lie.

Scott was practically petrified, his eyes wider than dinner plates, pale in the face, like all life had drained from him. “Um… is he okay? Oh my… he doesn’t look too good.” Fluttershy asked.

Jeff snapped a finger in front of Scott’s face, but getting no reaction. “...AAHHOHMYGODANALIENISATTACKING!” He exclaimed to get Scott out of the zone.

Scott snapped out of his frightened daze and nearly fell onto the ground, but managed to instinctively slam his hand on the Altnetrix, a habit he’s recently developed since his displacement. In a flash of turquoise light, Scott found himself on the ground, transformed into Smudge. “Uggh… am I dead?” The Lenopan asked, slowly picking its amorphous sludge body back up from the sudden startling yell.

“..ok, maybe not the best idea..” Jeff said with a soft cringe.

Jeff and Smudge looked at Fluttershy, now seeing her be initially surprised, but slowly, her expression became more and more excited, a big smile forming on her face as she flapped her wings with excitement.

Smudge slowly shapeshifted himself into his human form, dressed in a more uniform black and white jumpsuit with the Altnetrix dangling from a chain. “Uh… well, at least she didn’t faint… I would’ve figured with a name like FlutterSHY, I expected fainting…” Scott remarked.

“Not with animals and monsters, No, and.. Well, you certainly looked like one a moment.” Jeff said in amusement.

Scott looked over to where Fluttershy was, only to then be thoroughly surprised, and slightly startled, when she was now face to face with him. “Oh my gosh! That was incredible, remarkable, even! How did you do that, what are you exactly, you must come in, tell me everything!” Fluttershy questioned, practically eager to pick at Scott’s brain.

Scott smiled and laughed nervously, then glanced at Jeff. “What is happening?” Scott worriedly asked.

“She loves anything that’s new and exotic, like a new discovery of a new species. She acted the same way to me, even more so when she saw me turn into my wolf form.” Jeff explained.

Scott sighed, soon finding himself being pulled into the cottage. “So this is what it’s like being on the receiving end of one of those rom coms… why would anyone desire this, I’ll never know.” Scott remarked, no longer bothering to hold the disguise, letting Smudge return to his true form. Jeff let out a soft chuckle as he entered next.

“Just don’t overwhelm too much, Flutters.” Jeff said, using his nickname for her.

Smudge eventually felt Fluttershy let him go, despite a bit of his amorphous sludge body clinging a bit to her forelegs. “Sorry, Lenopans are typically very mucky,” Smudge decided to simply make himself smaller, to reduce any kind of mess he could likely make. “So, this is Smudge, my Lenopan form. Basically mud people, they’re amorphous sludge bodies make them capable of taking the shape of whatever they want. They’re useful for sneaking around and having a man on the inside for covert missions, but I have yet to do any of that myself.” Smudge briefly explained.

“Sounds like something from… whatever it is in your world that’s a monster taming game..” Jeff said with a frown since he couldn’t tell Scott about the Ditto.

Smudge raised what resembled an eyebrow. “You’ve got Pocket Quest in your world too? In my world, it’s a very underrated monster taming game, rarely made it past Japan, and became very niche among the residents of Undertown. Aliens love that game.” Smudge remarked.

"Something like that, but it's called Pokémon, short for Pocket Monster," Jeff explained then waved a hand to Fluttershy. "I'll explain more later."

Smudge chuckled. “Ahh, I see, different versions of how things are portrayed across different worlds. I would’ve gotten more into Pocket Quest myself, but it’s so tedious to grind and play to the meta. They set that up way too soon in the first iteration, and that likely made it fail in the states.” Smudge remarked.

Fluttershy listened intently, even if she was a bit lost at what the two displaced were talking about. “So, your world seems similar to what Jeff usually talks about, are you two from the same place?” Fluttershy asked.

“Well yes but actually no. Same earth, different reality.” Jeff explained.

Smudge nodded his head. “I don’t understand it myself sometimes, but it helps to have information on what someone else has seen outside our reality. For example, right now, I am residing in another Equestria. Mine doesn’t have all the plentiful monsters that your world has, but more so, aliens. Species of life that come from beyond the stars, some naturally reside in other dimensions, or even outside of creation itself. It’s easy for the info to overwhelm you, but as long as you take things one step at a time, it becomes easier to understand.” Smudge explains.

Jeff clears his throat, getting both Smudge and Fluttershy's attention. “Before this gets out of hand and you ask him a lot more questions about those Aliens, Flutters, we’re actually here for something important.” Jeff spoke quickly.

Smudge chuckled. “Right, thanks for the reminder,” The Altnetrix flashes and beeps out a few mechanical tones, and in a flash of white light, Scott is returned to his normal form. “Miss Fluttershy, I’d like to ask you some questions about the Elements of Harmony. My world is in a tough spot, the encroaching threat of the mare in the moon in my world is coming fast. I need information about how the elements work, or how you managed to pass your test to wield your element.” Scott explained.

Fluttershy seemed rather relaxed, and nodded her head. “Okay, I’ll try to answer them the best I can. What do you want to know?” Fluttershy asked.

Scott smiled. ‘Straight to the point, thank you, Fluttershy,’ Scott cleared his throat and mentally prepared himself. “The element you bear, how did you come to wield it, and how did you pass the test provided to wield it?” Scott asked.

Fluttershy got up and retrieved the medallion where she sat it down. She came back, showing it to Scott. It was a yellow coin, as big as her hoof, with her cutie mark engraved into its metal surface. A butterfly. “I always showed kindness to everyone, it didn’t matter if they were weak, or evil, a bit of kindness can go a long way, as long as you don’t let others abuse it,” Scott reached out and lightly grazed his thumb over the coin. He could feel the coin’s power, flashes of images of that day, the day he got displaced. He was injured, bleeding out, but a changeling was the one to save him. Though the feeling was brief, Scott couldn’t be more appreciative, knowing deep down, not all of them were bad. Scott smiled and looked up at Fluttershy, though he looked a bit surprised, seeing her look a bit sad. Scott gave the medallion back to Fluttershy, to which she held close to her chest. “There was a time where my kindness was abused, it was difficult, but I was able to use the medallion due to my desire to make the world a better place. To help everyone understand Kindness.” Fluttershy explained, a soft smile forming across her face.

Scott pulls the yellow pegasus into a hug, and though it shocks her at first, the pegasus returns the hug, both sharing a gentle embrace. Scott soon lets the mare go, and stands up. “I hope my Fluttershy is like you. Kind, but still brave enough to push on and share that kindness with others, whether or not she bears one of the elements.” Scott stated with a smile.

“I’m sure she will, if she finds good friends.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

Scott nods his head. “Well, if I ever meet her, I’ll gladly make sure everything works out. Good friends can be hard to come by, but it’s the ones who stick with you, that lasts for a long, long time,” Scott stretched and walked to the front door. “Well, miss Shy, thank you for your time, and for letting us in your lovely, cozy little home. I’ll be sure to remember everything you told me when I get back home. For now, Jeff and I do have to get going, places to be and such.” Scott stated.

“But for next time? Don’t end up frozen like a deer in the flashlight when you see my animal friends.” Fluttershy said.

Scott laughed. “Don’t count on it, but I’ll certainly try,” Scott opened the door. “Let’s get going, pal, we still have two more ponies, I think, to go and see.” Scott remarked

The whole room erupted with a series of grunts, growls, rumbles, and other noises of all the animals saying their goodbyes.

Scott and Jeff waved goodbye as they walked away. “Well, that was quite the introduction. If your Fluttershy’s like that, then I’m quite curious to see my world’s version myself. It’s honestly interesting to know she’s such a kind soul… also, that medallion must be made of some strong magic, coulda sworn I saw a past act of kindness flash before my eyes.” Scott remarked

“The medallions are very potent, especially when it turned Discord to stone, I suppose to give the mane six more time on how to reform him.” Jeff said with a nod as he made his way back to the owl statue. “So, we’ve got two left, The pink party pony pinkie pie, or the librarian Twilight Sparkle.” Jeff states.

Scott thought about the choices carefully. On one hand, he was curious about his universe’s version of Carniva, or Pinkie. On the other hand, he wasn’t sure what to expect with Twilight. Gleaming Dusk, back in Scott’s Equestria, was part unicorn and part zebra, so he expected differences, all the same.

Weighing his two options, he figured now was as good of a time as any, to meet with Twilight. “I guess we’re going to the library. I’m quite curious to know how different things are between Gleaming and Twilight. And, of course, to learn more about the elements.” Scott decided.

“Volv might be there to play with Spike, I just hope Twilight fireproofed the place, considering the last time Volv sneezed on a book.” Jeff said with a nervous chuckle before moving the ocarina mouthpiece to his lips.

Scott took a deep breath and sighed, giving a thumbs up as he readied himself for another magical song. With a whoosh of whirlwind, the two were gone.

Soon enough, the displaced duo suddenly arrived onto Twilight’s Balcony. “Twiiiiiliiiiight, I’m here.” Jeff called out, causing the sound of clopping to be heard, slowly raising in volume. Opening the glass doors, Twilight came skidding to a halt, looking very excited to see Jeff. Scott’s mouth dropped at the sight of her hair that looked partly flowing, looking similar to Muna’s, but it wasn’t flying with the air as free as hers. At her flank, it looked to be a mix of a large six sided pink star surrounded by smaller white sparkles, and two faded triangles, with the left-most one glowing.

Scott manually closed his mouth, almost baffled and amazed by the sight in front of him. “She- She’s a- Y-You-! She’s an alicorn here!? Like teacher, like student. Congrats.” Scott commented, giving Twilight a bit of applause.

Twilight let out a sound through her lips. “Please don’t tell me you’re another creature to ask for my autograph or praise me for something..” she said with annoyance.

Scott shook his head. “No… I’m from another Equestria, my Twilight isn’t an alicorn. Why are you so annoyed by, from what I can tell, is clearly a rare honor? I figured you’d be… well, excited, to stand on equal ground with your mentor. Am I missing something?” Scott asked.

“I’m sorry, come again? Another Equestria?” Twilight asked, completely forgetting the rest of Scott’s words.

Scott sighed. “Okay, to save a bunch of long winded explanations, I’m like Jeff, a displaced person. I am human. I was ripped from the world I know, which was already strange, and thrust into one of infinite possible variants of your world. Mine shares one thing in common with my old world… Aliens. I can change into aliens, too, does that help?” Scott explained.

“Nerding out in three.. two… one-” Jeff counted down.

And off she went, yanking off a variation of quills, ink, and paper parchments from their shelves coated in Twilight purple magic mixed with yellow sparkles.

Scott chuckled. “Oh yeah, she definitely reminds me a lot of Gleaming. Eager to learn,” Scott stepped forward and thought about his next words carefully. “Probably shouldn’t’ve opened up with that, but the song and dance stopped being fun the moment tension fell on me. Listen, I’m here for something important, mainly information on the Elements of Harmony, and how you proved yourself worthy to wield one of them. It’s important, and if you have questions, I’d like to ask that we keep them related to the topic.” Scott remarked.

The moment the elements of harmony were mentioned, all materials froze in mid-air. “...Oh Celestia..” she said with a soft groan. “Are you with the newsponies? Please don’t say yes..” Twilight bemoaned.

Scott shook his head no. “Back in my old world, before I was displaced, I was part of a special law enforcement team known as the Plumbers. We took care of a lot of magical, supernatural, extraterrestrial and extraordinary problems. This watch, the Altnetrix,” Scott showed Twilight his Omnitrix bootleg. “It sent me to the Equestria I’m familiar with. Before I met Jeff, I was the only Plumber active in Equestria, something I gladly decided to share the load with by making Jeff an honorary member, but that’s beside the point,” Scott thought about how to describe his situation, but he knew how to, he wasn’t stressing or overthinking. “I’m currently two weeks away from facing my variant of the Mare in the Moon. Good news, it’s not Luna, nor is it Celestia.. Bad news, I fear that from my own experience, it’s someone much worse. Eclipsed Blackheart, she manipulates the moon and creates a blood moon; it has a wide array of effects, from affecting dreams, to disturbing the dead. I need to know how you embody your element, and I need to know how you became worthy to wield it.” Scott explained, taking a deep breath as his face momentarily gained a slight light blue tint.

The human felt lightheaded and sat down for a moment, feeling a bit woozy, as well as minor aching in his lungs. “Oh man… I need to remember to breathe, next time I do that.” Scott gasped.

Twilight between her supplies, then back to Scott, then back to her supplies. She lets out a soft whine of defeat as helping another world was more important. Eventually she places them all back in their original sorted locations. “Being the element of magic, and waking up finding out you’re the incarnation of the ancient goddess Vespera, after I passed the temple's test was very overwhelming, and I’m still in denial of it..” she gently rubbed the back of her hoof. “I mean I’m happy I’m on pair with my teacher, but I kind of miss being a regular unicorn tending to my books, I mean Nayru’s knowledge it was bad enough I had to take down a mad titan Tirek to protect Ponyville, I would have lost my library if it wasn’t for Jeff’s quick thinking with that mirror shield.. Uh, what was your other questions?” Twilight asked.

Scott took a moment to get his breath back, and to process the information given. It was a lot to consider, and in a way, he understood her denial. He’d deny using his powers out of respect for Ben Tennyson if he went back with the Altnetrix, but still, doesn’t mean he couldn’t do anything good with it. He was a bit confused by the name Tirek, but figured it was just another monster from Jeff’s game, and moved on with his thoughts.

Scott sighed and smiled at the alicorn. “Hey, I get it. I can relate to the struggle, more than you know,” Twilight was confused for a moment, but then Scott gestured to the Altnetrix. “Before I ended up stuck with the Altnetrix, I was just someone doing my job. I got called in while I was getting ready to use one of many days off I’ve had to save up, because I got called in a lot,” Twilight was a bit lost, but Scott seemed calm, despite the saddened smile on his face. “In my world, there’s a hero, named Ben Tennyson. He’s the hero of heroes, equally comparable to a god amongst mortals, and that’s without hyperbole or exaggeration,” Scott activated the device, and slowly scrolled through the seven icons he had access to, for Twilight to observe. “I always wanted to be like him, but when I got displaced, and found myself stuck with the Altnetrix, I wanted nothing to do with it. I tried to remove it, but it didn't work. I could’ve gone my entire life in isolation within my Equestria, but I’d hate knowing I have power that can save people, do good for them, like Ben Tennyson did for the entire universe.” Scott explained.

Twilight was rather confused. “I fail to see how this correlates…” Twilight said worriedly.

“I think what Scott meant was that he can relate to you wanting to be normal, not wanting all of this power.” Jeff explained.

Scott smiled and snapped his fingers. “Right on the money, pal… I’m sure you felt that way once before, it’s just… it just makes sense to feel this way. You idolize someone, look up to them, want to be with them as they face impossible odds… but the moment you’re granted just that, it’s scary, foreign, viewed almost like a curse, rather than a blessing,” Scott let the Altnetrix return to its inactive mode, and looks back into Twilight’s eyes. “But, over time, you start to realize that with this power, you can do all sorts of things, grow in ways those you idolized never got that chance to do, to grow into your own and make this power unique to you… does that make sense? I think it does.” Scott explained.

“True, but I could do without the.. You know, newsponies at my door, fans wanting autographs or for me to ‘bless them’ or ‘kiss’ their foal’s forehead. It’s difficult to live my life without somepony breathing down my neck..” Twilight said with a frown.

Scott smiled. “I imagine that’s what Ben felt like. When his secret was revealed to the world, word around the academy was that the press was practically waiting at the front door of his home. He was around my age, at the time his secret got out, but he embraced his fame. It had its pros, and its cons, his ego might’ve been inflated a little, but he was able to balance things out. No one asked him to kiss their babies’ heads, or bless them like he’s an alien messiah, though he definitely gave a lot of autographs, he still used his powers to help people, even participating in charity events. Eventually, he realized that the fame, it wasn’t about him, it was about those who he helped live a better life,” Scott moved to Twilight’s side and sat next to her. “Think about it, I don’t know how a new princess is chosen in my Equestria, or in yours for that matter, but if the princesses ever feel like they can’t handle something, that’s your chance to step up and prove that your new uh… alicorn-ness, wasn’t the curse you thought it was, but a blessing in disguise. Heck, who knows, you could teach them a few new things. Power, regardless of how you get it, or end up stuck with it, requires balance, and I sincerely doubt you have an evil thought in your mind, or an inclination of evil in your soul, I don’t need magic to know that. Think about it like this, it’s a learning experience, and you won’t learn anything, if you refuse to put in the effort.” Scott explained.

"...Balance, just like the three pieces of the triforce..." Twilight paused to look back at her flank, and the glowing triforce piece that resonated due to Jeff being nearby, even Scott noticed the triforce on Jeff's right hand was glowing. “..As for how it is chosen, I.. I’m still researching about that, but I’ll need to get back to you at a later date. There’s still so much ancient history to recover.” Twilight stated.

Scott was a bit confused by whatever this "Triforce" was, but, like he said prior, one step at a time. “I see, well, I’m sure Jeff can lend a hand. He still has my badge that I gave him, and it has a universal translator, so, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can always rely on your friends for help,” Scott got up and stretched his back for a moment. “Man, I haven’t thought this clearly in a long while. Feels nice, no headaches. Is there anything you wanna ask me, just in case you’re curious?” Scott asked, looking towards Twilight.

“Too many to be honest. I mean Jeff talks about the worlds he goes into but he could never tell me everything.” Twilight stated.

“Because your book would end up way too thick.” Jeff said with a snicker.

“Oh hush!” Twilight exclaimed before throwing a couch pillow at the Hylian.

Scott smiled. “Well, I’ll share three bits of information for ya, so write this down,” Twilight used her magic to pick up a notepad and a pen, ready to begin scribing. “First off, Luna is an Earth Pony in my world. She willingly gave up her alicorn magic, but became in-tune with nature, thanks to her earth pony magic, to keep up her duties of helping ponies with their nightmares,” Twilight was surprised, but equally fascinated as she wrote down Scott’s words. “Second off, I’m not sure if I’d qualify it as important, but a pony in my world, named “Sunset Shimmer” is Celestia’s student, and your counterpart, Gleaming Dusk, is Luna’s student. Use that info for what you will, it’s up to you,” Twilight continued to write on the pad, and Scott decided to round things out with a simpler reveal. “Finally, the third bit of info, you aren’t an Alicorn, as I probably alluded to when I first saw you. But, that wasn’t the entire truth. In my world, you are part unicorn, and part zebra. Again, do what you will with that info.” Scott explained.

“Still a lot to fill but it’s a start.” Twilight said happily. “Is there anything else you’d like to know?” Twilight asked.

Scott thought long and hard about what else he could say, but then he remembered Jeff mentioning another name he didn’t recognize. “Jeff, who did you say Volv was here to play with, again?” Scott asked.

“Spike, a young short dragon. He’s.. somewhere in this library, or maybe reading elsewhere." Jeff responded.

Scott thought for a moment, but didn’t seem to remember any mention of a young dragon in his Ponyville, or in his Canterlot. “Huh… another name I have no recollection of… either there’s no Spike in my world, or maybe…” Scott trailed off as he tried to think.

"HEY! Volvagia, come on, get back here with my gem sandwich!" A voice called out as Volv zipped past Jeff with a sandwich in its mouth.

Scott looked at the doorway, seeing Volv zip by, as well as a small child sized dragon running close behind. Suddenly, Scott feels an odd sense of familiarity. “Hmm… the kid looks familiar, but I never saw him before till now… How did you end up caring for a dragon, miss Twilight?” Scott asked.

“Oh! That was a long time ago when I was given a test to hatch it. Didn’t go as planned, that is until I had my first magical surge to force it to hatch. Celestia came to the rescue to get it under control.” Twilight explained as she thought back that day.

“And it was during a Rainboom, which oddly also happened the same time I pulled the master sword from the pedestal of time.”.. Jeff said with a frown, even to this day it was still odd timing.

Scott thought about that word again. Rainboom. What was it? Scott was made curiouser and curiouser. “I have two final questions, if you don’t mind,” Scott decided to ease his way into such a question. “First question, forgive me if it’s personal, in any way… Where did they find his egg?” Scott inquired.

“I didn’t ask. Never thought about it at the time…” Twilight said as her ears lowered.

Scott felt odd, a strange tightness in his heart. It was like being concerned, scared, and angry all at once, but it was also like acting on his fight or flight instincts. “Ok… okay, so, last question, before we take our leave,” Scott didn’t feel right, he felt tense. “What is a Rainboom?” Scott asked, his body twitched slightly.

“It's a powerful rainbow shockwave that is made of extreme harmonic energy. Rainbow Dash is the only one who has done this before!” Twilight exclaimed. Jeff has been sitting just listening and letting them chat.

“I… I need some fresh air….” Scott said as he moved toward the balcony.

Scott leaned against the railing as he closed his eyes. He felt overwhelmed, but as he looked out to all of Ponyville from where he was, it felt like a healthy reminder that sometimes he just needs to relax, and just take it all in.

Scott thought about home. His old world, the Equestria he was displaced to, home seemed synonymous with both worlds, despite Equestria still feeling so new to him, despite the time that’s passed.

Scott took a deep breath of the fresh, calming crisp air of the outside, and could feel the tenseness in his body melt away. “I… I really should’ve taken one of those vacation days back home, long before I ended up in these kinds of situations… I’m starting to think I might be a chronic workaholic… damn it.” Scott quietly commented to himself.

Scott looked up to the sky, and could only imagine where he’d be if he didn’t get stuck with the Altnetrix. Probably still working his life away, burning himself out and then likely getting himself killed doing something equally as stupid as what got him in this mess.

Scott scoffed and chuckled, looking at the device’s turquoise glow. “I’ll find a way back… maybe not tomorrow, maybe not in years, but I’ll find a way… but, first things first. Business, the kind that I have with those who constantly do things that get the Plumbers’ attention,” Scott turned around and walked back inside. “I think this brings an end to our visit. One more pony to speak to, and I could definitely use a laugh or two after this.” Scott stated.

He felt like he was in shambles. Not physically, but his headspace is lacking in structure. He’s got information, but that information was useless if he wasn’t focusing, and right now, he needed a mild distraction from the constant trains of thought going around in his head.