Gojo tapped his foot on the wooden floor, and the soft thumps filled the room with a rhythmic volume. He leaned back into his chair, folding his arms as a groan left his throat.

“He’s here too?” Gojo clicked his tongue. “What’s this? A get-together party?”

Ocellus turns to the sorcerer, whining in the chair. “Who’s he?”

“An imaginary fierce god with two arms and two faces, but he was an incarnated sorcerer being born many years ago. Looks like he’s taken over someone else in this era.”

“So, Twilight’s body is being controlled by this sorcerer? There’s a chance we can free her, right?” Silverstream leaned in, eyes twinkling with hope. “ You can free her, right!?”

“That’s not necessarily the case here if you’re banking on the fact I saved Flash’s group without making contact with their helmets. As my guess about them being communication devices was correct, overriding the functions of said helmets by overwhelming them with information seemed to be another way I could free them without having to make physical contact.”

“What do you mean by overwhelming information?” Silverstream asked, deflating a little when the prospect of saving Twilight was out of the question.

“It’s not something you could replicate, so don’t worry about it.” Gojo crosses his leg over the other, arms still crossed as he huffs. “Furthermore, incarnation is, from what I’ve seen, not the same as mind control. The soul of the incarnated occupies and control one’s body while the other is overtaking the mind via the helmet. That probably explains how Flash and his crew got to us so fast, adding onto the fact that there wasn’t anything back in Klugetown to imply a means to transmit information to that dictator.”

“That’s probably it.” Flash agreed.

“Now that we’d establish which bad guy I’m gonna be punching, care to fill me in on who’s this pony Sukuna took over? Twilight, was it?”
“She’s an alicorn princess. She used to hold the title of Princess of Friendship.” Ocellus said.

“Friendship? That’s got to be some cosmic irony.” Gojo spoke,

“Moving along…” Ocellus interrupted, “Her magic abilities are a generational talent, and even before she ascended, she was a prodigy among unicorns in the field of magic. And now, she’s possessed by this demon sorcerer you spoke about.”

“Yeah, I get the picture.” Gojo picked at his ear before getting a better look at his pinkie nail while digging at it with his thumb. “This isn’t going to be easy.”

“No doubt it’s going to be difficult, it's been years since all this transpired, after all. No one could match her might.”

“You sound uncertain, Mr.Gojo,” Silverstream added.

“I wouldn’t call it uncertain; maybe curious is more of an adept word.”

“Then, who’s stronger, him or you?”

“Maybe it’ll cause me some trouble, taking into account magic in all this.”

“But would you lose?”

Gojo flicked his pinkie to the ground and pointed his finger at the worried friends. A confident smile on his face. “Nah, I’d win.”

“I don’t doubt your abilities, Mr. Gojo.” Flash piqued, “After all, you did defeat Rockhoof and I.”

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but Rockhoof isn’t all that strong. Maybe you put up more of a challenge thanks to that trick of yours. But… wait… tell me, have you ever met anyone with a scar on their face? Specifically, across their forehead like stitches?”

“Sorry, I don’t have any memories of any creature you’re describing.”

“Just my luck.”

“Um, if you’re talking about scars, we know someone that matches your description…” Silverstream looked over to Ocellus, who returned her gaze with a raised eyebrow.

“You don’t mean…” Ocellus muttered.

“Who,” Gojo asked.

“Her name is Rainbow Dash, and she is our mentor and friend. She’s currently in Cloudsdale working with The Resistance against Sombra with Princess Celestia.”

“So we got two places to visit… great…” Gojo whined, scratching the back of his head. “If that’s the case, where do we head first?”

“I’m not one to question your ways, Mr. Gojo… but,” Ocellus asked, “Why do you want to meet this individual?”

“They’re the ones that locked me up in that Prison, Ocellus.” Gojo leaned into his palm, muffling his speech. “And they tricked me into it using a technique they had of taking over a person’s body by switching brains with the host. By removing the top of their skull and having it stuck together with stitches, they can actively take the host’s body as their own. And from what I’ve seen, their memories, too.” The strongest grits his teeth, brows furrowing, growling. “But that was a long time ago; I messed up once; that won’t happen again.”

“I-I…” Silverstream patted Gojo on the back, which surprised him. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”

“Don’t be, that’s entirely on me. Like I said, they’re dead the moment I catch them.” Gojo got up from his seat, and a sense of unease filled the air. It seems to bring up a past the sorcerer wasn’t so fond of, causing his energy to spiral. Even Flash broke a sweat or two from this. “Rest up, buddy. We’ll move out once more of your pegasus friends wake up.”

Gojo walked out of the room, followed behind by Ocellus and Silverstream. Both gave a quick nod and wave before exiting and leaving Flash to his devices. Flash plopped his head onto the pillow, staring up at the wooden bunk bed ceiling with sleepy eyes.

“He looks so much like Yuji,” Flash mumbled, turning to lie on his side as his eyes felt heavier and heavier. “Are they from the same species…?” Without putting too much thought into it, Flash closes his eyes and begins to enter the dream realm, his chest slowly rising and falling.

“Get those crates moving!” Flash yelled at the multiple pegasi huddled around the crates aboard the ship, some banding together to get the crates moving while the not-so-physically gifted ones carried the smaller supply crates. “C’mon! Move it!”

A pegasus dropped the crate onto the deck, stumbling and leaning onto it with a huff and puff. “Soarin! Get your bum off the ground and move those crates!”

“Sorry, Sir!” Soarin called back, sweat dripping from his chin, exhausted. “I’m still tired!”

“Here, let me help you out.” Came another pegasus, situating herself next to him with a wing digging beneath his crate. “On my count… one, two, three!”

On three, the two pulled the crate up as they shared the burden. Soarin took a little to stabilise himself, before turning to the mare next to him with a relieved smile.

“Thanks, Spitfire.” He said, taking a step forward.

“Don’t thank me,” Spitfire replied, “We wouldn’t be here if not for Mr. Gojo over there.”

Gojo watched on from the sidelines as the pegasi walked past him with a nod. He returned the gesture, glancing around as the ones who had fun destroying the ship were doing all the heavy work now. Still, recovering in less than a day was something that Gojo couldn’t wrap his head around. His best guestimate was that the ponies would be incapacitated for two months, but here they were, already up and moving about in less than twenty-four hours.

Another familiar face walked past Gojo, holding a crate in her magical grasp. Ocellus lumbered on, careful not to drop her cargo.

“Need some help?” Gojo offered.

“It’s all right; I got it. You were hauling around our luggage for a day or two. It’s my turn to take over.”

“Don’t break anything!”

“I won’t.”

Ocellus leapt off the edge, her wings fluttering with speed as she flew down to the open fields. Gojo fidgeted on the spot, arms folded. He turns over to the lines of pegasus flying into the forest away from the ship. He’s not being disrespectful when he thinks this, but they really do look like worker ants carrying food back to the colony. All traveling in single file lines.

"Heh," Gojo chuckled, turning to the last pegasus carrying a crate. He stopped just short of Flash, looking down at him. "Are we done here?"

"That's the last of them," Flash replied, spreading his wings. The sound of motorized wheels revved at the bladed tips of his wings.

“You’re still keeping that armour?” Gojo piqued, “Here I thought that thing give you ponies PTSD.”

“As much as I hate to admit it, this armour has technology far surpassing anything in Canterlot’s current armoury. If I could use it against Sombra’s army, so be it.”

“I thought you had your warrior’s pride.” Gojo jumped off the edge, floating next to Flash as they glided down to the ground.

“I believe the saying is, “All’s fair in love and war”. I tried to live by that warrior’s honour. And look at where that landed me, on the front lines and used as a pawn by Sombra to expand his reach further into Equestria.”

As Flash finished, the two landed on the grass patches without much difficulty, walking behind the long line of pegasus into the small forest separating The Badlands from the inland civilisation… or what’s left.

“Are there any more of you guys that Sombra still has? Pegasus, I mean.”

“No, my contingent are the only ones that could fly. Our primary jobs were to expand our airforces large enough to overtake Cloudsdale. Picking off any pegasus against the army and subjecting them to torture to get any information we could before forcing them to join our ranks.” Flash sighed, ducking under a low-hanging branch. “And I’m glad you stopped that before it was too late.”

“I didn’t do much.” Gojo walked through the low-hanging branch, the infinite space tearing the branch off the tree as he continued. “You guys came to me, but one thing about that bugs me: why did Sombra send such a small group to us? Especially the one he was developing, and not to mention your group, which are the only ones that could fly, right?”

“…You’re right,” Flash admitted, rubbing his chin with a mechanised wing. “It’s not adding up.” The pillar tried to recall any memory he could, closing his eyes for enhanced concentration. But all he got in return was a piercing headache as he tried to stifle a groan. “Sorry, I can’t remember anything useful…”
“It’s fine. We’ll figure it out on the way there.”

Stumbling across a small clearing, a lake with considerable width laid before the two, sparkles danced across the reflective surface while the hues of the night sky painted themselves across the still waters. Flash spread his wings, needing only to flap once to gain enough altitude to reach the middle of the lake, gliding the rest of the way across the other side. Gojo continued his walk forward, his shoes stepping on the mirror surface and generating a small ripple that flowed outwards.

Each following step was accompanied by a ripple as Gojo gracefully and leisurely strolled across the lake. The Pillar waited for Gojo on the opposite side of the large body of water for a moment before continuing their walk into the trees. Flash readjusted the barrel on his back, tightening the straps with great articulation of his wingtips.

“You still have the strength to lug that thing around?” Gojo asked,

“I’m fine.”

“What?”

“I know you’re checking on my well-being, Mr. Gojo. You don’t have to hide it.”

Gojo brought his hands up to the back of his head, leaning back a little as he walked. “This is certainly a first. What makes you say that?”

“Your eyes are too kind, Mr. Gojo.”

“Is that so? And it amplifies my beauty and good looks?”

“Ha. Ha." Flash laughs with a raised brow. Something which Gojo hasn't seen before. "I’ve seen the eyes of many warriors and soldiers back in my time. Moreso after I was mind controlled. The eyes of the angered, the despised, and the saddened. And yet, yours are some of the kindest I’ve seen…” Flash paused, eyes softening. “Wow, I’ve never thought I’d say “back in my time”.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Gojo patted Flash on the back. “We old-timers gotta look out for each other!”

“If you’re old, then I’m ancient.”

“We’re both relics.”

The two share a laugh as the rest of an hour’s worth of walking blended into a mixture of exchange of stories and information regarding Equestria. From this, Gojo discovered more species inhabiting the lands and neighbouring nations. His curiosity is piqued at the notion of all these mythical creatures and the like existing and roaming about.

“Nobara and Yuji would kill to meet these guys.” The thought crossed Gojo’s mind.

A sudden crack of a branch and shuffle of leaves guided their attention forward, eyes up. From the bushes next to a large tree just in front of them, Silverstream emerged from the foliage, her fur catching some stray leaves as she passed through. A large barrel was strapped to her back as a rope tied it close to her midsection, a branch getting caught in the process.

“There you guys are!” She chirped, ripping the barrel free of the branch.

“Something up?” Gojo asked.

“There’s a train station just up ahead in the clearing. The rest of the group has already settled down there. I came back to check on you.”

Right on cue, a dragged-out train whistle pierced the air further down the path, causing the nearby birds to fly away while the critters lying dormant in the trees scurried deeper into the forest.

“Speak of the devil! Let’s go!” Silverstream exclaimed.

The trio picked up their pace, pushing through the bushes and emerging into the open clearing. In the distance, they saw the headlight of a train and a plume of black smoke rising from its smokestack. They raced to the train station near them, running up the small flight of stairs and regrouping with the rest of them.

“You made it!” Forest spoke, “Where are the pegasi though?”

Gojo shrugged, “No idea.”

“Just in time, too.” Ocellus added, “The train’s coming.”

“All right, everyone. Listen up!” Flash announced, his leadership voice grabbing the entire group’s attention. “It’s highly likely that Sombra’s troops are aboard this train, so. Here’s the plan: we’ll pretend to take you guys hostage while the pegasus group sneaks aboard from above and takes control of the train. Once we’re done, we’ll neutralize the remaining troops outside of the carriages and take the entire train over. Is that understood?”

A series of nods bounced from pony to pony as Flash turned to Gojo. “Sorry, Gojo. Can you hide in the station for a bit?”

“Y’know. I could just take control of the train for us.” Gojo offered.

“I’d like to keep the train in one piece for travel and such.”

“…Okay.”

“Here she comes.”

The air was filled with the anticipation of the train's arrival. The group stood at the edge of the clearing, their eyes fixed on the horizon. The distant whistle of the train grew louder as it approached, carrying with it a sense of dread and wait.

As the train drew closer, its powerful engine roared to life, sending vibrations through the ground. The group could feel the earth trembling beneath their feet, hooves, and claws. The train's headlight pierced the darkness, illuminating the clearing with its blinding light.

With a deafening screech, the train thundered past the station. The ground shook violently as the massive locomotive rumbled by. The air was filled with the sound of clanking metal, hissing steam, and the rhythmic chugging of the engine. The train's powerful momentum seemed to draw the group in as if they were being pulled along with it by the wind currents.

The train sped past in a blur, the yellow light from the interior carriages flickering by as the train left behind a trail of smoke and dust. The group stood in stunned silence, their minds reeling from the sheer power and speed of the locomotive as they exchanged glances at one another.

“Sergeant Flash!” Soarin called, peaking his head upside down from the roof of the station. “Do I… uh… sneak on now?”

“Gosh darn it!” Flash cussed, “Everyone race for the train! Gojo!”

Gojo burst through the door of the station with a powerful heel kick, the sound echoing against the walls as he propelled himself forward. He skidded to a stop right where they were gathered, a confident smile on his face. “Already way ahead of you!” he exclaimed,

Without wasting a moment, he reached down and grabbed Forest and another earth pony by the arms. With a sudden burst of energy, he sprinted toward the back of the train, leaving a trail of astonished onlookers in his wake. The world around him transformed into a vibrant blur; the greens of the trees, the browns of the earth, and the grays of the station melded together into a single, cohesive swirl of colours.

As they dashed along, the rhythmic sound of feet hitting the ground mixed with the distant chugging of the train, creating a symphony of urgency. The cool breeze whipped through their manes and hair, invigorating them with each heartbeat.

Finally, they reached the back carriage. He jumped onto the rear balcony, carefully placing them onto the platform as the ground rumbled from the tracks. Flash and the others were right behind him, carrying more of the cabin crew from the fallen ship. Gojo extended his long arms toward them, and Flash humbly, albeit not-so-gracefully, accepted his help as the sorcerer pulled them aboard. The tumbled next to the wall in a heap as Gojo pulled more and more of the group aboard. The last of them was Silverstream and Ocellus, who had pushed the rest of the flyers forward first before themselves.

Gojo extended his hand, a reassuring gesture amidst the chaos. However, Ocellus noticed from the corner of her eye that Silverstream was losing speed, her wings flapping desperately as she tried to regain her balance. With a surge of determination, Ocellus spun around and, with a flick of her magic, grasped Silverstream's wrist, propelling her forward. Gojo's strong grip enveloped the hippogriff just in time, but Ocellus felt her strength wane, and she collapsed onto the tracks, the world around her spinning as she bellowed in pain.

“Ocellus!” Silverstream cried out, panic strung in her voice.

With a swift motion, Gojo shot out with his other hand, and suddenly, the air around it twisted and warped, forming a singularity that drew in everything nearby. Ocellus felt a force beyond her comprehension tugging at her, lifting her effortlessly from the ground. In an instant, she found herself cradled in Gojo’s embrace, his arm steady and protective around her.

“You okay?” Gojo asked,

“Yeah… t-thank you…” Ocellus mumbled, the searing pain spreading from the contact point on her back still fresh from the impact.

“Don’t mention it.” Gojo set them down, approaching the door. “Cabin crew, you guys take care and protect Ocellus. Silverstream, rendevous with the Pegasus assault team. I’ll clear everyone in the carriages.”

Reaching out a hand, he reached for the metal-reinforced door that connected to the rest of the train and gripped its surface with effortless strength. The steel yielded to his touch, bending like dough in a baker’s hands. Twisting in a circular motion, he tore it free from its hinges and sent it flying off the tracks with a decisive flick as he stepped into the carriage. The first thing to hit him was the wrecked smell of waste and piss. Turning his head to the side to get a breath of fresh air, he ventured into the unknown. But upon scanning the scene, what he saw stunned him.

Rows upon rows of unicorns, their faces contorted into vacant expressions, sat motionless beneath the oppressive weight of Sombra's helmets. But the headwear looked bulkier in size as thick cables extended from the back of their heads and extended to the ceiling. The unicorns' heads were tilted back in a trance-like state, their eyes fixed on the unseen sky. From the ceiling, translucent tubes descended, connecting to their mouths like feeding devices.

The scene was punctuated by occasional jolts and shudders as the unicorns' magic was extracted from their horns and channelled through the cables. Magic currents flowed up and down the tubes. While dark, viscous deposits were forced into the unicorns' mouths. The prisoners swallowed these deposits without hesitation, their bodies withering and wasting away in the damp and soiled seats of the train. Flies buzzing overhead of the stationary ponies.

“What is this…?” Gojo muttered,

“Mr. Gojo!?” Silverstream called out.

Gojo whipped his head around. “Don’t come in!”

“What!? Why!?”

“Just don’t! Don’t make me repeat myself!”

“O-okay! Uh, Flash and the rest found something sticking out on the roof of the carriage!” Silverstream paused, then continued. “They said it looked like those radio antennas on those broadcasting towers! They said it’s running with magical current and don’t know what it does!”

“Antennas…?” It took Gojo a minute to digest what they meant, but when he did. The cold realisation of what was happening struck him so hard he could feel his heart dropping. “I’d underestimated this Sombra guy…” Gojo grits his teeth.

No wonder he hadn’t found any transmitters so far; he was a fool to think those tiny helmets held so much power to be able to transmit information to nations far by their lonesome. Of course, there has to be some sort of intermediary for these sorts of things. But Gojo never thought it’d be groups of unicorns as the transmitter. The reality of this world begins to sink in as Gojo’s confident smile is wiped off his face in an instant. This was a learning point for the strongest. He was naïve. No matter the world, curses will always persist.

Author's Note

I kind of really wanna write RDR2/Cyberpunk 2077/Blue Lock crossovers. My hands are itchy. Really itchy.