Arc 2; Friends on the Other Side: Chapter 9, Sugarcube Corner

        Paige and I decided to head on over to Sugarcube corner for some food. She squealed in joy when I said she could have anything she wanted. We were currently sitting in a booth with Paige eating away at a banana split.

        I looked at Paige when a thought came to mind, “Quick question,” She looked at me with chocolate all over her face. “why’d you appear alone anyways? Wasn’t Dean with you?”

        She nodded, “Yeah, but he kinda broke down into a rage when I mentioned Krokotopia.”

        “Why would he do that?”

        She looked me in the eyes, “It’s based off of Egypt but with salamanders and crocodiles.”

        I twitched, “Nevermind... I see why he broke down now.”

        “CROCODIIIIIIIILE!!!!” Dean’s voice exclaimed in rage as he appeared next to us, breathing heavily, “Sorry...” he said, “I needed to get that out of my system...”

        I looked at him as Paige wrapped him in a hug, “Trust me... I know that feel bro.”

        “Unlike you though, I don’t break down at the lack of logic.”

        “Ha ha...” I looked at Paige, “Wasn’t, oh who was it, Kate? Isn't she coming soon?”

        Dean nodded, “I sent the letter to Celestia. She should be on her way right now.”

        Beth walked in the front door panting slightly, “Damn it Dean... Don’t run off like that.”

        Dean laughed, “Oh come on Nature girl, can’t keep up with little old me?”

        “You got faster since our last run.”

        “I guess so, huh?” Dean scratched the back of his head.

        Sarah’s head suddenly popped out from under the table, “HEY GUYS HOW’S IT GOING?”

        “AAAAHHH!”

        I screamed and ended up holding Dean in my arms, “WHAT THE FUCK!?”

        Paige grinned, “Hey Sarah!”

        Sarah turned her head toward Paige and smiled, “Oh hey, it’s like we didn’t just see you.”

        Beth blinked a few times, “How did you...?”

        Sarah disappeared under the table, then suddenly dropped down from the ceiling, “Don’t know how, but I can use shadows as transportation now. It’s fucking awesome.”

        Paige’s grin got bigger, “Cool.”

        “Put me down already...” Dean said, sounding annoyed. I did so, and he adjusted his tie and hat, “Damn it Sarah... Did you have to do that?”

        “Yep. Oh, hold on a second...” Sarah jumped under the table, then after a few moments dropped down from the ceiling again, this time carrying Arlosia and Alexandra, “Almost forgot these two.”

        Alexandra wobbled a bit as she regained her footing, “Bitte, tun Sie das nicht wieder...”

        Sarah glared at her, “Quod si occidam te et facies... Great now you’ve got me doing it...”

        I looked at them, “No Latin or German. We already did this earlier.”

        Dean looked at Alexandra, “And who is this?”

        Alexandra glanced at him, then did a double take “Wait... Are you Dean Marcelo?”

        Dean raised an eyebrow, “Yeah...”

        She smiled and stuck her hand out, “Well, it’s great to finally get to meet you! Mein name ist Alexandra Eisenberg, zweite der Eisenberg Familie, der führende Deutsche Mafia.”

        Dean laughed, “Shit, I haven’t done business with you guys in a long time. I remember seeing you when I was a kid!” He shook her hand happily.

        She chuckled, “Yes, I remember that. You used to be such a cute kid.”

        “Damn, I remember when I sponsored that tournament and you actually came and fucking visited to see it, that was a huge surprise.”

        Alexandra nodded, “That was an interesting thing you did with that tournament, I was quite impressed with it.”

        “It got me money, but it also helped whoever made it to the finals in getting an education.” Dean nodded, “Man, it’s been awhile since I’ve thought about anything from that part of my life...” He then paled, “Please don’t tell me you’ve heard about my dirty bomb incident...”

        Beth snickered a bit.

        Alexandra looked up in confusion, “Dirty bomb? I don’t see how that makes sense, radioactive explosive devices were the Russian’s specialty...”

        “Oh thank god...” Dean sighed in relief.

        “What?” Alexandra looked slightly angered, “Don’t tell me you actually lowered yourself to using those terrorist’s tactics?”

        “It’s nothing like that... Let’s just say I scarred a couple of cops for life for eating some bad cheese...” Dean grimaced.

        “I... Do not think I want to know. Anyway, how is your mother doing? Last time I saw her... Hell, I don’t even really remember anymore.”

        Dean froze, “I... I don’t know. I haven’t seen her since I died... Oh man...” Dean sighed as he got up and left the building.

        Beth blinked, “Hold on a minute...” She walked after him.

        I watched them leave before looking at the others, “Well... That was... Strange.”

        Sarah nodded, “Yep. Anyway, I just came here to introduce Alexandra and Dean, so now that that’s done...” She grabbed Alexandra and Arlosia, then jumped under the table, “See ya!”

        I sighed as they left, leaving Paige and I alone in the shop.

        Suddenly a girl with long brown hair walked into the room and glowered at the counter. “Need... sugar....” She sort of... shuffled, kinda like a zombie, over and looked at the cupcakes on display. “Two cupcakes please....”

        Paige tilted her head a bit before... Fuck it ‘Leafing’ next to her. “Hi!”

        The girl looked at her and grunted. “Hey...” She grabbed one of the cupcakes after paying for both and gave the other to Paige. “Don’t really know why I got two... so here.” Paige took the cupcake and the girl zombied her way to the table.

        I blinked, “Hello.”

        She took a bite and looked at me. “Hey.”

        “Why did you come in like a zombie and ask for sugar?”

        She stopped eating and looked me in the eyes. “Alex.”

        “Oh... What did he do.”

        “Some sort of spell... it’s making me feel rather tired. Thought some sugar woul-” She didn’t finish her sentence as her head fell into what was left of her cupcake.

        I quickly grabbed her shoulders and propped her up against the backrest, she had a bit of frosting stuck to her cheek as she snored.

        Paige poked her, “Huh... strange.”

        I sighed in annoyance, “This sudden vanishing of people is getting on my nerves.”

        James walked in about then and looked around. “Hey, has anyone se-” He stopped as he caught sight of the girl and started snickering. “Wow... Alex’s spell worked on the wrong target.” Her head flopped onto the cupcake again and James started laughing. “I need a freaking camera!”

        Paige paused and turned to look at him, “Wait... Who are you?”

        He clutched his sides as he slowly got off the floor. “Oh... that’s way too funny.” He got up and brushed off his pants. “Anyways, to answer your question. I’m James Hindenburg. Please, just call me James.”

        She Leafed in front of him, “I’m Paige! Paige Beckett!”

        James leaned back in surprise and blinked and muttered something under his breath. “Well It’s nice to meet you Paige.” He looked at me and grinned. “Sup, Michael.”

        I waved, “Not much... I just had to deal with a little girl that can turn into leafs and a vampire.”

        James grinned. “Darn, you get the cool stuff. I just got my sister and a girl with pink hair. Speaking of which...” He got up and sat next to the sleeping girl and pointed at her. “Meet my sister.”

        I nodded, “If only she was awake.”

        Her head suddenly shot up and looked around wide eyed. “I’M AWAKE!” She noticed we were all looking at her and glowed softly. “...That didn’t happen....”

        James snickered. “You wish.” She smacked him upside the head, “Ow.”

        Paige grinned, “Welcome back to the world of the living.” She paused and blinked, “Oh... Wait.”

        The girl laughed tiredly as she looked at James. “Now I see why you can’t get mad at all those kids in Appleloosa. They’re too freaking adorable.”

        Paige blinked, “Appleloosa? Strange name... Almost as bad as Dragonspyre.”

        James nodded. “Yep, This place is littered by pony and apple puns.”’

        I looked at him, “Hollow Shades. It’s a town.”

        His eye twitched. “I spend weeks here and only hear of stupidly names towns and such, while you find the one freaking town that has a normal name.”

        I shrugged, “Not really found, just told to go by Death.” James’ head slammed into the table.

        His sister looked at him before sighing. “He always makes a big deal about small stuff.” She looked at me and smiled. “Name’s Amy.”

        “Michael... The girl’s Paige”

        She waved, “Hello!”

        Amy waved back before she seemed to get an idea. “Say... you like light tricks?”

        James head turned just enough I could see him glower at his sister. “Don’t. I’m tired from the CMC. Please let me rest.”

        Paige shrugged, “Not that much, they are cool but I have a pet that I play with.”

        Amy blinked a couple times as James rolled his head to where it was earlier. “Well... didn’t expect to hear that.”

        Paige gasped, “Oh god, I haven’t let him out yet!” She grabbed a small pouch and reached in before pulling out a... What the fuck!? Is that a green elephant in armor that’s holding a sword! I can’t even... What!?

        She petted it’s head, “Hey Max.”

        Amy was mirroring my expression as the elephant poked James in the head. “Huh...”

        Paige smiled, “He’s an oni.”

        James looked up not noticing the mini elephant that was still poking him. “Who owes me money?” He got poke in the eye and noticed the oni. “Oh... dang, no money. Just a mini elephant.” He rested his head back on the table. “It’s amazing how this place has made me immune to weird crap now...”

        Amy blankly stared at him. “You caused just as much when you were alive.”

        Paige looked at them, “I’ve met talking dogs, owls, crocodiles, salamanders, cats, rats, ghosts, undead ghouls, fish, lobsters, dragon people, unicorns, pigs, cows, goats, and dinosaurs. I beat you all in terms of strange.”

        James chuckled. “Guess I’ll just settle for third then. You and Alex got me beat.”

        Paige looked at him, “I met Alex... for a minute. Speaking of which you said he can cast spells?”

        “Yep.” James lifted his head and popped his neck. “I know for a fact he can. No details.”

        Amy grinned. “Aww, come on James! Don’t yo-” She was stopped as his hand slapped across her mouth.

        “No. Details.”

        I looked between them, “Um...?”

        James waved me off. “Don’t worry about it. Just make note to never let him read his spellbook on a train. Ever.”

        Paige grinned and pulled out a small book chained to her side, “Like this?”

        He flinched slightly before grinning nervously at the book. “Yeah... just like that... but bigger.”

        She put it back and tilted her head, “What’s his last name?”

        James tapped his chin. “I think it’s... Harris.” He got out of the seat and stretched. “But that’s not really important right now. I got to go find my friend Megan. Later.”

        Paige sighed but waved him off, “Seeya!”

        He walked to the door and stopped for a moment. “Also...” A small ball of light flew off his finger and landed in front of her, forming into a mini Celestia. “A parting gift.” Without another word he left the building.

        Amy looked at the mini for a moment. “Show off.”

        Paige looked at it before shrugging and putting it in her pocket with the oni, “Nice of him though.” The mini Celestia flew out of the pocket and landed on her head, looking down at her with a grin over the brim of her hat. “Oh... You want to play that way?”

        Paige pulled out a small wooden flute before playing a couple notes on it, making a bunch of flowers to grow on the mini Celestia. The mini scowled as it shook itself to rid the flowers from it’s mane.

        Amy was staring at the scene in mild amusement. “Those things always act differently every time.” She laughed a bit. “I remember when he made a mini Luna. Kept biting his ears.”

        I blinked before looking at the ring on my finger, “Hmm?” I closed my eyes and focused on the metal before, willing it, to bend and shape. I heard a small groan as I stopped feeling my ring, opening my eyes I saw a small silver statue standing on the table. “Huh... Cool.”

        Amy whistled. “Nice, I’ll try doing that later.”

        Paige looked at it and frowned, “Aww.” She snapped her fingers, causing a spark. “Wish I had powers like that.”

        Amy smiled. “Give it time. You’ll get some powers before you know it. I wasn’t a wraith for a week and I had my powers.”

        I nodded in agreement, “Yeah, Beth got hers two days ago.”

        Amy leaned back and scratched the side of her cheek. “Now that I think about it... Megan doesn’t have any powers yet either.”

        I got a really stupid idea. I turned to her, “We could ask Death to find a couple sentiments.”

        Amy blinked and started laughing. “I don’t think that will be necessary. James’ luck will attract one eventually.”

        Paige looked at both of us, “What’s a sentiment?”

        Amy looked at Paige before turning back to me. “Care to do the honors?”

        I nodded and looked at Paige, “A sentiment is a person who was brought back from beyond the grave and driven insane with a negative emotion. They always contains powers of some sort.”

        She blinked before grimacing, “Oh god... I think I fought one before I died.”

        Amy looked surprised. “Really?”

        She nodded, “Yeah... A while ago there was a teacher at Ravenwood called Malistaire. He went insane when his wife died and decided to awaken one of the first beings in the universe, and force it to bring her back. I defeated him and his spirit was put to rest, or so I thought. My last fight was against him again, brought back from the dead and completely unable to think of anything other than my demise.”

        Amy was gawking at Paige until she shook her head. “Well... That’s just... Woah.”

        Paige shrugged, “I guess he was the greatest necromancer in existence.”

        “Than congratulations on killing him.”

        Paige chuckled nervously, “Um... He didn’t die. Before I could finish him off the chunk of ice he was on floated off into The Spiral. He’s still out there, somewhere.”

        Amy’s eye was twitching slightly as her gaze ran through the wall behind us. “Still... out there?”

        “Morganthe made sure I didn’t kill him.”

        Amy was just staring at the wall behind us, not responding. A girl with pink hair walked in and saw her. “Amy, are you alright?” She waved a hand in front of her face, but Amy didn’t move. “Oh dear.”

        Paige looked at the new girl, “Hi!”

        The girl jumped in panic and turned to see Paige. “Oh... um, hello.”

        Paige blinked, “Oh... Sorry. My name’s Paige. What’s your’s?”

        The girl started fiddling with her braid and looked at the table nervously. “It’s Megan... It’s nice to meet you.”

        “Same.” Paige tilted on her feet, “So... Whatcha doing?”

        She looked at Amy for a moment. “I was looking for James. I can’t seem to find him anywhere after he ran out of the library.”

        Paige grinned, “I can find him...” She closed her eyes and concentrated on something before a bunch of leaves formed into James, and crashed into a wall.

        James fell to the ground and clutched his face. “MY NOSE! RIGHT IN THE FREAKING NOSE!!”

        Paige paled, “Sorry! Um...” She waved her hand and a green aura surrounded his face, healing the damage.

        James rubbed his nose and scrunched it a couple times before smiling. “Thank you, and you’re forgiven.” He looked over to Megan and smiled. “Oh, hey Meg! I was wondering where you were.”

        She was looking at him in slight shock. “Um... James?”

        “Yeah?”

        She leaned around him and looked at his back. “Why do you have wings?”

        He blinked a couple times before grinning. “Oh these?” He stood and HOLY CRAP THOSE ARE HUGE! “Just a trick I came up with a couple days ago. They work too.” The wings folded down onto his back and he grabbed a chair from a nearby table and sat in it backwards.

        Paige looked at the wings before... WHAT THE FUCK! Fucking white feathered wings popped out her back. I fell over and lost consciousness.

(Paige’s POV)

        James blinked a couple times before smiling. “Cool. I just got a flying buddy who isn’t a pegasus.”

        I grinned, “Nice to know I’m not the only one.” I looked at the unconscious Michael, “Um... I think we broke him.”

        Megan looked over him as he laid on the ground. “Oh my...” She grabbed his arm and started to sit him upright in the chair. “I hope he’s okay...”

        James smiled. “It’s not the first time I’ve seen something weird happen and make him pass out.”

        I blinked, “Huh... Care to share?”

        He shrugged. “Yeah... He started foaming at the mouth at the sight of some of the stuff that happened in Canterlot. It was rather amusing.”

        Amy smiled. “I think I saw that...”

        I sighed, “Great...”

        Amy’s smile faltered a bit. “So... you said something after you told me about... what’s his name again?”

        I frowned, “Malistaire.”

        She shivered a little and started to seem nervous. “Yeah... him...”

        I nodded, “Yeah... I said that Morganthe made sure he was kept alive.”

        “Do you... do you think they’re... anywhere near here?”

        I shrugged, “I don’t know about Malistaire, he could be anywhere. However Morganthe is wandering The Spiral, last I remember she was planning on rewriting the multiverse to her image.”

        James frowned slightly. “That sounds... rather sadistic.”

        I nodded, “Yeah... She’s called the Umbra Queen. She drowned an entire world because they declined giving her a spell. Cursed a kingdom because they wronged her, and destroyed a world for fun.”

        Megan was holding her hand against her mouth. “That... that’s horrible.”

        He seemed to tremble slightly. “That... is just wrong. She better pray she never meets me.” His wings seemed to get darker for a second.

        I looked at him, “Well don’t get your hopes up, she vowed to hunt me and bring my soul back from the grave so I could destroy Ravenwood.”

        Amy put a hand on my shoulder. “Hey, just know that if she does show up, You aren’t alone.” She smiled and gave me a thumbs up.

        I smiled sadly, “I’ve fought powerful foes that should have killed me in seconds, traveled across the multiverse to worlds I could only dream of. And now I’m here doing the same thing all over again.”

        James gave me a cocky grin. “I think you got one detail wrong there.”

        “Oh?” I looked at him, “Care to explain?”

        His grin grew as he grabbed both Megan and Amy by the shoulders and pulled them in. “You got us three to watch you’re back!”

        Amy grinned. “No way that I would let a little girl fight someone like that on her own.”

        Megan nodded. “What she has done is not right. So I’ll help as much as I can.”

        James made a quick glance at Michael. “Oh... and him too once he’s awake.”

        I giggled a little, “I’m glad that I chose this...”

        James turned to me. “What are friends for? Besides, I’m getting tired of that Hamlet guy constantly bugging me.”

        I tilted my head, “Hamlet?”

        He started rubbing the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Some crazed jester that is absolutely insane... He keeps sending these ‘Void Terrors’ to destroy me every now and then. I have no idea why though.”

        “Distraction. Malistaire did the same thing, he enlisted the help of a lot of evil creatures to keep me from learning his true intentions.”

        James nodded. “I thought something was going on behind the scenes...” He closed his eyes for a moment before smiling. “I’ll deal with that later though. For now, we shall head out!”

        Megan tilted her head in confusion. “Head out where?”

        He grinned and ran outside, wings at the ready. “TO ADVENTURE!!”

        Amy sighed and followed him. “I’ll be right back...”

        I grinned, “Huh... He’s silly.”

        Megan chuckled a bit. “He is, isn’t he?”

        Outside we heard something crash before Amy dragged James back in by his leg. His wings weren’t there anymore. “Caught him.”

        James grumbled from the ground. “That was mean...”

        I sighed, “Good job.”

        James looked up for a moment. “Say... I just realized something.”

        Megan looked at him. “What?”

        He grinned. “You haven’t really met Dean yet.”

        I raised a hand, “I did, he’s a bit sad right now. I am curious about Alex though.”

        James got up off the floor and grinned. “I think he’s still at the library. Want to go?”

        I shrugged, “Fine by me.”

        He marched to the door. “THEN OFF WE GO!” he stopped mid stride at the doorway and looked back. “But before I forget. Light Puppets.” A ball of light shot out of his finger and split into a small army of soldiers. The minis ran up to Michael and started to carry him away like cartoon ants. One even pulled out a trumpet. “Huh... The trumpet’s new.”

        I sighed, “I can get us there quickly. Grab my shoulders.” They all grabbed my shoulders and James’ puppets grabbed onto his pant leg, still holding on to Michael.

        I sighed and closed my eyes as the sensation of falling leaves on my skin came and vanished. I opened my eyes and grinned as we were standing in front of the library.

        Amy nodded. “Wow... Impressive.”

        Megan was looking around noticing the change in location. “Woah... that felt... weird.”

        I nodded, “That’s how I felt the first time.”

        James was rubbing his eye. “I think one hit my eye...” He pulled one out of his eye. “Oh... well then.” He just shrugged and tossed the leaf into the wind.