My Little Arkastin

by Verdigris

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Main 6, Princess Luna, Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Comedy, Other, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Crossover
Length: 19871

Humans aren't the only ones who end up in Equestria

Humans in Equestria. It's almost a chiche, really, but humans aren't the only beings that end up there. Sometimes they come from farther away than Earth. Not just in space, but also in time. What happens when a being nopony knows anything about accidentally comes in, and tells what he's seen and done? Confusion, and eventually understanding. One may hope.
A parallel story to Beauty Is Where You Find It, set between Nathan Traveler's Omnius' Travels: Equestria and Eternal Twilight.

Arkasti are the creation of Diosden Rodriguez, AKA Digodragon here, Digo Dragon on DevArt and digoraccoon on LiveJournal.
Cover art (c) 2008 Diosden Rodriguez.

Published 2012-12-30 20:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-25 03:03:26 UTC

We Are No Longer Allowed to Play with Portals

Chapter 1

(((())))

“So, what do you think is in here?” Kesslokiowa asked, tapping on the half-familiar metal door.

Rodrigo didn’t say anything as he began working on the lock. I hate these things, he thought. “Will you stop that?” he groused, and the Xerdan stopped his tapping. “You might as well ask what’s going to happen tomorrow,” he added.

“I can do that,” Sister Tabitha commented. “I’ll need a few hours, of course,” she finished with a smile.

Mina, the Drache Fighter/Samurai, looked at her and said, “Let’s don’t. I’d rather find out on my own.”

Rodrigo manipulated the mechanism for a few minutes, swearing to himself quietly. The locks seemed to be more complicated with each TESLA facility they visited, but they never found them in the order they were built. It made no sense, but not much in Dracadia seemed to any more.

“I’m surprised we never heard of this one before,” Sycorax, the Machina, commented. “We should have found it on the way west. Right?”

“Ah, if Carl hadn’t gotten to us first, we’d have never known about them,” Rodrigo said as the last tumbler fell into place. “Ha, got you again, Max.” He pushed the sliding doors apart. “I am invincible.”

“Say that to Jin,” Mina countered with a smile.

“No, you got it backwards. When we first met, that was it. I never thought twice about it.”

“And look what that got you,” Kesslokiowa said with a smile.

“You’re the one with the nut-job brother,” Kang retorted. “I knew what I was getting into when we married.”

“All right, let’s all calm down,” Tabitha said. “Arguing isn’t helping. Are we going to wait here all day?”

“Okay, but the usual. I have point, to check for traps. Keep your eyes peeled. Those last Machina were tougher than the usual,” the Arkastin said, rubbing his shoulder.

“You do your job, we’ll do ours,” Mina replied, drawing her swords. “Let’s go.”

They walked down a long hallway, turned a corner, then stepped through another door into a large round, domed room. “Could they stop with these?” Kesslokiowa griped. “Like we don’t know this is the big one.”

“Actually, we don’t,” Sycorax pointed out. “Remember all the stuff we missed near Jisuto.”

“Yeah, I could still kick myself about that, but we kinda had a deadline,” Rodrigo said. “Hmm, this is different,” he added, looking at the half-familiar console that stood in front of a large round pedestal in the room’s center. “Don’t touch anything, okay? This looks a lot like the portal control from the Adventure City underground.”

“Aw, what could happen?” Kesslokiowa said teasingly. “This place looks as dead as the others.”

“Yeah, but they weren’t. That’s the point,” Mina replied nervously. “Want to look around, Rodrigo?”

“Sure.” The Rogue carefully searched the room, and stopped when his senses told him the wall wasn’t as solid as it looked. “Ah, here we are. Gimme a second.” His paws searched around the edges, and he found a small panel, which slid open. He recognized the controls, and touched the button to open the door he’d found. There was a click, but the door barely moved. “Gimme a hand, Mina.”

The Drache sheathed her swords and pushed where he pointed, and together they slid the door aside, grit and dust making the rollers squeal and grind. They peered in, and several boxes, crates and containers appeared in their lights. “Jackpot,” Kang said with a smile. “I’ll look for more while you guys ransack.”

“I’m still surprised at what we’ve found in these facilities,” Tabitha said as she held the light. “They were meant to re-build society after the Cataclysm?”

“That’s the recorded word from Arturo himself,” Sycorax answered. “Oh, hey, I got magic, and lots of it. I think you’re right, this is the jackpot.”

“What about the console?” Kesslokiowa asked impatiently.

“That can wait until we can figure out what it does. If it’s a portal device like the others, it’s got to go. We already know better than to play with these things. That last one nearly got us killed.”

“That was nearly a year ago,” Mina reminded him.

“Yeah, so? I kinda like my fur where and the way it is. So does Jin,” Rodrigo replied as he continued searching. “Come on, start looting, so we can get out of here. I don’t think we lost the others.”

“Oh, yeah, right,” Sycorax said, then faded from sight.

“Yay, Captain Air Biscuit,” Tabitha said. Rodrigo ignored her as Mina asked, “Since when does a member of the Order of Saint Cuthbert talk like that?”

“Since not long after I met you.”

Rodrigo snorted to himself, just before he found another hidden door. “Got another one.” He operated the mechanism, then jumped back as he heard several clicks in rapid succession. About a half-dozen darts whizzed past him to ricochet off the far wall as the door opened. “This one must be important,” he said. He looked around the room, noticing the doors were about 120 degrees apart. “Might be one more, so watch out.”

Mina pulled a stray dart from her armor. “Nah, ya think?”

“Sorry.” Rodrigo continued his search as they finished looking through the storage room. “What do we have, so far?” he asked.

“A half-dozen scrolls, two wands, three potions, a matching pair of short swords, a very nice looking rapier, two quivers of arrows and … this, whatever it is,” Mina reported, holding up a strange device they’d never seen before. It consisted of two rounded white parts – one larger than the other – on either end of a black half-metal, half-clear tube. It had three odd claw-like protrusions surrounding the large round opening in what appeared to be the front. “What is it?”

“Check the container it was in. There might be some instructions; there usually were,” Kang replied as he found what he thought was the last door. This time he searched for traps, but found nothing, then operated the door. It opened, but the room beyond was bare, as though something was supposed to be there, but wasn’t stored before the Cataclysm happened. “This one’s empty. Gimme a minute, while I search.”

“When you finish, we’ll divvy-up, then check the next,” Kesslokiowa said. “Hey, Sycorax, wanna identify this stuff?”

“Someone needs to watch the door,” the Machina replied as he faded into sight. “Okay, set it out,” he said as he slipped a monocle over one eye and looked at the take for a few minutes. “What, no coins?”

“We never found much of that in the other facilities,” Mina reminded him. He nodded, and resumed his study as Mina and Kesslokiowa moved to the next storage room.

“Okay, three scrolls of Cure Serious Wounds, two Fireball and one – wow, Wall of Force. Nice.” He paused, then continued, “The wands are Melf’s Acid Arrow and Cure Moderate Wounds. Sweet. The swords are paired +3 Maiming Blurstrike weapons. Nasty. The rapier is +3 Deadly Precision, Dispelling. Nice. The arrows are +4 Flame and +4 Shocking, while the potions are all Cure Critical Wounds. Beautiful.” He stared at the strange device for five minutes, then said, “I have no idea what this is. It’s magical, but I can’t identify the type beyond strong Conjuration and Transmutation, and I’m not sure about that. It doesn’t really feel magical.”

“I found the instructions,” Mina said from inside the room. “Oh, great, they’re in Arkastin.”

“I’ll check it out. What's in the next room?” Rodrigo said.

“I think this is the bank,” Kesslokiowa said. “I’m just estimating, but I’d say about twenty-five-hundred silver pieces, two thousand gold, and fifteen-hundred platinum.” He whistled. “I’m not sure, but I think we have five mithral bars, too.”

“Yep, we hit the jackpot,” Tabitha said with a grin as she looked back from her watch on the hall.

Rodrigo finished searching the last room, and came out looking thoughtful. “Nothing else, but I had the feeling there should have been.” He shrugged. “They can’t all be winners. Okay, let’s divide up, and let me look at the instructions.”

“Here you go,” Mina said. “Anyone mind if I get the wand of Cure Moderate? I keep getting hit.”

“Not a problem,” Tabitha replied. “I’ll take the Cure Serious scrolls, and the potions.” She looked at the short swords unpleasantly. “Keep those away from me.”

“I’ll take the rapier,” Kang said as he read. “I don’t think anyone else is proficient.” He looked up at the others significantly. “Still.”

“Not my style,” Kesslokiowa countered. “Matched blades are, though.”

“Nope. All yours,” Sycorax replied, handing it over, along with three scrolls. “We know how much you like throwing fireballs, and no one else can cast arcane spells.” He picked up the other wand. “Acid Arrow, come to papa.”

“I’m not even going to think about a Machina being a dad,” Kesslokiowa said as he took the paired swords. He divided up the coins and bars. “Everything came out nice and even. For a change.” Everyone packed away their acquisitions with practiced ease, then looked at Rodrigo. After a few minutes he looked up, his expression mixed curiosity and anticipation.

“Okay, this says that’s a hand-held portal device. Aim at a surface, pull the first trigger and one end appears. The other can be anywhere, as long as it’s in line-of-sight. Hmm,” Rodrigo said as he picked it up. He glanced at the papers, then moved a switch. The tube lit with a blue glow as small red lights on the “claws” blinked to life. He read the papers briefly, then said, “Ah, you can pick up heavy objects with the claw field. Okay, let’s see what happens. Step back.”

Everyone backed ten feet away from him, and Rodrigo pulled the first trigger, aiming at a close point on the curving wall. A blue oval appeared, its interior a swirling grey. He pointed at the opposite wall, pulled the second trigger and an orange oval appeared. He walked to the blue oval and looked in. “Hey, wow, I can see my back.” He carefully stuck his arm in, and it popped out the orange oval. “Okay, here goes.” He stepped through, appearing none the worse at the far wall. “Oh, could we have used this a year ago,” he said wonderingly. “All those long gaps.”

“What about doors?” Mina asked as Kesslokiowa wandered over to the console.

Rodrigo looked at the instructions after stepping back through and shutting off the device, causing the portal to vanish. “Nope. Has to be line-of-sight, but if you can see through to aim, you should be able to get past it.”

“And we’ll take it,” said a familiar voice. Everyone turned to look, and standing in the door was a familiar Syldrin, Rundell by name, backed-up by six others. “The Nightingales have plans for that device.”

“I’ll bet,” Mina said as she drew her swords. Rodrigo stashed the device and instructions in his bag of holding, then raised his paws; magical energy surrounded them as Sycorax floated to the ceiling, and Tabitha drew her heavy mace. Kesslokiowa ducked behind the console and took out his Fire Bow.

“Not happening,” Rodrigo said. “Guess we know what happened to you after the bang, Short Legs. So, when did you go from thief to assassin?”

“About the same time everyone else got what they were after or deserved. Hand it over,” said one of the humans.

“You’d have an easier time getting laid by Astraxia,” the Arkasti replied. “She’s a dragon, and she’s picky, too.”

The man scowled, then the group rushed in, spreading out to engage everyone separately. A fire bolt from Kesslokiowa caught Rundell dead-center, and he staggered, then an Eldrich Blast from Sycorax planted him on the floor, unmoving, but still breathing. Rodrigo hit the Elf mage with Hold Person, which ruined his spell and froze him in place. Mina took two attacks stoically, then swatted her opponent to the floor with five quick hits. Tabitha’s chant ended, and everyone on her side was suddenly empowered beyond species norms. It was looking good.

At least until the mage finally broke free and launched a Fireball at Kang, who had – unfortunately – moved close to the console without realizing it. He was a little focused on staying alive. His evasion saved him from the explosion, but the console took some damage, causing the device to suddenly activate. So much for what you said, Kess, he thought as a large round blue circle opened, and the air began rushing through, dragging everyone toward the opening as the outside door began to close.

“You idiot!” Rundell shouted.

“Could you do better!” his comrade screamed back.

“He did before he ended up with you!” Rodrigo snapped as he drew the hand-held device and managed to place a blue oval on the wall behind the door just before it closed. “Let’s get out of here!” he added as he placed the orange oval on the wall nearest the rest of his crew. He edged toward the opening, watching the opposition carefully. So of course he didn’t see the mage throw a spell at him; more accurately, the floor beside him. The Grease spell was perfectly timed, and Rodrigo’s feet slipped out from under him, the rushing air carrying him toward the gaping hole. He flailed, but couldn’t stop, and was whisked through. “I regret nothing!” were the last words anyone heard from him.

Sycorax watched as the portal opening flashed, and the lights on the console changed as each person was dragged through. Thanks to their weight, he and Mina managed to help the other two to the exit. “What about Rodrigo?” he half-shouted. The console began to make a strange, ominous keening as smoke poured from it.

“I think he’s beyond our help,” Tabitha replied as she made quick motions of benediction. “Whoever watches over him, please help. He is a good soul,” she finished as they fought their way to their escape. A moment later, there was a small explosion, and the noises stopped, as did the rush of air. They walked back inside through the fading portal to find the device wrecked, the opening in empty air gone.

“Where do you think he went?” Kesslokiowa asked as he touched the now-useless console.

“I’d like to think someplace friendly,” Tabitha replied as she looked at the space above the pedestal. “Hopefully, Lucky and Kalista’s world. It seemed much like ours, and they could help him return.”

“Yeah, I hope so too, but our luck never seems to run that way,” Mina said. “Now for the tough part: Someone’s got to go to Adventure City and tell his family.”

“I’ll do it,” Sycorax volunteered. “I’m immune to Arkasti Mom Head-slaps.” The others face-palmed, and he said in confusion, “What? It’s true.” He thought a moment, then asked, “Hey, Mina, do you think I could borrow Astraxia?”

(((())))

Rodrigo found himself falling, at least until the ring of Feather Fall activated. I am so glad I got that, he thought as he looked down at the unfamiliar landscape. Where am I? He looked around, and saw nothing familiar, except – in the distance there was a town, inhabited by brightly-colored ponies. “Oh, please don’t tell me I’m in her world. Well, if I am, maybe they can help me get back.” He relaxed and enjoyed the slow trip down. At least until the manticore stepped out of the trees and stopped below him. “Oh, you have got to be kidding.”

(((())))

Twilight sat at her desk reading, as usual. It was another beautiful day in Ponyville, and she enjoyed it as she always did. Spike was out, running errands, then was off, probably to be with Rarity. She smiled. He’ll never give up. A knock at the door got her attention, and she reluctantly set the book aside to answer it. The door opened to reveal Fluttershy, who she noted was wearing her saddlebags. “Oh, hi, Fluttershy. What brings you here? Do you need another nature book?”

The Pegasus smiled gently and shook her head. “Actually, I think we need to get the others together, if that’s not a problem,” she replied, her expression turning serious. “Something’s disturbing the animals in the Everfree. All I could get from them was something fell from the sky, and the trouble started. I couldn’t get much of a description, and it reminded me of a Diamond Dog.”

“Diamond Dogs don’t fall from the sky,” Twilight said, then grinned slightly. “Not unless they’re thrown in the air.” Her expression changed to a much more serious one. “Okay, I’ll find Rarity and Pinkie while you get Dash, then we’ll collect Applejack on the way. We can see what’s happening, then decide what to do.”

“I hope it doesn’t hurt the animals.” Fluttershy’s face hardened, as did her voice. “It wouldn’t like me if it did.”

“Okay, calm down. Let’s find the others and get out there.” Fluttershy nodded and took wing, while Twilight grabbed her “adventuring” saddlebags, checked their contents and trotted out the door after leaving a note for Spike. I hope this isn’t too bad. I don’t want to have to drag Omnius or Verdigris into this, never mind the Princesses, she thought. They have enough to deal with.

Her first stop was Sugarcube Corner. She opened the door, and had to stop briefly due to the wonderful smells. A deep inhale was obligatory, and her stomach growled. “Hi, Twilight!” Pinkie said as she popped up in front of the Unicorn, seemingly from nowhere. “Are ya hungry? I understand stomach growls, and it sure sounds like ya are!”

“Y-you understand them?” Twilight asked hesitantly. This is weird, even for Pinkie, she thought.

“Oh, sure. Some are the ‘I’m sorta hungry’ kind all the way through the ‘FEED ME!’ kind,” the party pony said brightly. She put a hoof to her chin in thought. “Yours was the ‘I didn’t know I was hungry until just now’ kind. Didn’t ya eat breakfast?”

“That was a while ago,” Sparkle admitted sheepishly. “Look, I’m here for something else. Fluttershy told me there’s something going on in the Everfree, and the animals are being disturbed. We need you to come along.” Twilight eyed a few delicious-looking apple fritters on the counter longingly. “Um, could you bring something we can eat on the move? We don’t have much time.”

“Okie-dokie-Loki. Just a sec.” Pinkie bounced over the counter and into the back, then re-appeared wearing a pair of saddlebags that seemed to bulge with everything on the bakery’s menu. “Okay, ready.”

Twilight eyed the bags dubiously. They looked too heavy for even Big Macintosh, but Pinkie didn’t seem to notice. “How do you carry those? They’ve got to be heavy.”

“Oh, I know, but I don’t think about it, ‘cause if I did, I couldn’t do anything, and we don’t want that, do we?”

Twilight felt a headache coming on, and told herself, It’s Pinkie being Pinkie. I don’t want to burst into flame again. “All right. We need to find Rarity. Fluttershy’s picking up Dash, and we’ll get Applejack on the way,” she said as she led the way outside. “Oh, just a moment.” She took another deep inhale of the wonderful smell, then moved on. “Ah, that’s so refreshing.”

“Here, this’ll do more.” Pinkie took one of the apple fritters from her saddlebags and held it out where Twilight could grab it.

“Oh, thanks.” Twilight took a bite, and tears came to her eyes. It was soooo good, and warm. “Wait, how is it still warm?”

“Oh, Verdigris told me about something Blackwolf had to keep stuff warm or cold, and copied it for us. It’s great for deliveries, and take-out,” Pinkie replied with a grin. “Sales nearly doubled, and he’s probably half-drowning in bits.” She giggled. “Good thing he knows how to swim.”

Twilight sighed, then continued to eat. The wonderful flavor drove away her headache and cares, and it seemed her hooves were lighter. Pinkie, never change, she thought. They continued on to the Carousel Boutique, and Twilight knocked. Rarity appeared in the window, and her expression grew concerned. “What is it, Twilight? Hello, Pinkie,” she said as the door opened.

Twilight told her what Fluttershy had reported, and added, “I don’t know for sure, but if the Everfree gets any wilder, we may have the creatures coming out. That’s worst-case, but we need to check it out. I know you really don’t like Diamond Dogs, but somehow I don’t think that’s what we might be dealing with.”

Rarity’s expression soured briefly at the mention of the Dogs, but she nodded. “I’ll be right out.” She left the door, and was back quickly. “Ready.” She wore her “traveling” hat, sunglasses and a suspiciously-familiar set of saddlebags.

“Is it just me, or do we all keep a set of bags packed for just such situations?” Twilight asked, her face getting slightly warm.

“Silly, we all do. Too much stuff we need, right Rarity?”

“Well, yes,” the Fashionista replied. “We have so many things that require us to leave, and we can’t waste time. You of all ponies should understand that, Twilight,” Rarity added with a knowing grin.

They moved on, trotting at a good pace, when a familiar voice called from above, “Hey, guys! Here we are!” They paused as Dash and Fluttershy glided down and hovered beside them. “ ‘Shy told me what’s going on. We need to get moving.”

“Sweet Apple Acres is on the way, and we’ll collect Applejack,” Rarity answered evenly. “We can’t rush off unprepared.”

“Aw, c’mon, we’re already awesome!”

“Dash, you know how many times Applejack’s come through for us when we needed her. We’re a team,” Twilight reminded her.

Rainbow’s face fell, and she replied grudgingly, “Okay, okay. Wait, do I smell muffins?” Pinkie tossed two, and Dash caught them handily. “Oh, wow. Ever since Omnius turned me on to banana-nut, they’re my favorite. Thanks, Pinkie.”

“He does seem to have that effect,” Rarity noted, looking at Twilight side-long.

“Let’s focus,” Twilight replied, keeping her voice even. They walked only a few dozen yards when they saw Applejack at the junction that led to the Everfree, leaning against a tree, munching on an apple. Her saddle bags were easily visible. “How’d you know?”

“A not-so-little Alicorn told me somethin’ was up,” the Earth pony replied with a smile, nodding toward Verdigris’ house. “Let me know on his way to Canterlot.”

“Why was Verdigris going there? He doesn’t have duty today,” Rarity asked.

“Said the Princesses called him, prob’ly what he was talkin’ about.” Applejack finished her snack and turned towards the Everfree. “Let’s go. Time’s a-wastin’.”

The others exchanged looks and continued on. They moved at a slightly faster pace, coming to a trot before too long. Soon, they reached Fluttershy’s cottage, which some believed was too close to the Everfree, but was still perfect for Fluttershy’s purposes. “Any idea how far inside it was?” Twilight asked as they continued into the forest.

“About a half-mile in, from what I could tell,” ‘Shy replied softly as she looked around. “Let’s see, where – there.” She trotted to the side of the path to a tree, in which roosted several birds of all kinds. Twilight counted twenty total, and several birds of prey. None seemed inclined to follow their instincts, and she wondered if it was Fluttershy’s influence.

“Um, excuse me, do you have any news?” the Nature pony asked gently. Instead of all at once, they sung/twittered/talked to her in turn, and she listened intently.

“It’s hard to believe tweeting could be a way of talking,” Dash commented as she watched. “I can’t make anything out of it.”

“Ah can, sorta,” Applejack said. “They’re telling her they saw … him again, this time closer to us. Ah think.” She listened as the hawks added their squawks and calls, then said, “Figger it proper, ain’t a Diamond Dog, but somethin’ else. Kinda makes me think o’ human – like Nathan – but has fur. Looks like a cat.” She tilted her head to one side in confusion. “Ain’t never heard o’ the like.” She looked at the others. “Y’all?”

“No, but I obviously don’t go outside Ponyville very much,” Rarity said.

“No idea,” Dash added.

“Nopey-dopey,” Pinkie said.

“Twi?”

Sparkle had her eyes closed, and her face was pinched with effort. “It sounds vaguely familiar, but I can’t make it come to me. Something from long ago, I think; Equis and another world meeting, but I can’t be sure.” She let out a sigh and opened her eyes. “I know it’s up here,” she finished, tapping her head with a hoof.

“Don’ worry, Twi. It’ll come to ya,” Applejack said encouragingly as Fluttershy turned back to them. “What’ve ya got, ‘Shy?”

“Well, I heard you, and you’re not that far off. He’s human-like, but appears to be a cat-type. I’ve never heard of anything like that, and there’s more. He has only four fingers, and antennae on his head. He’s carrying a lot of weapons, and can use magic, but he hasn’t hurt anything. Mostly he’s scared animals away, at least the ones that could be a threat, if he couldn’t avoid them,” Fluttershy told them as they continued on.

“Even the manticore?” Dash asked skeptically.

“Mm-hm.” Fluttershy smiled happily. “No harm done, and he’s really agile. He dodges well.”

“Well, that’s good. Maybe we can help him. Any idea where he is exactly?” Twilight asked.

“Right here,” said a voice from above.

(((())))

Rodrigo looked down as the maticore looked up. He knew something about the creatures, but only from reading. That was more than enough for him. Hmm, this one’s more lion-like, and has a scorpion tail. Interesting, but also good, ‘cause I can’t dodge the ugly ones’ tail spikes, he thought. He looked at the portal gun – for lack of a better name – then looked at the ground. The manticore seemed content to wait, and he could use that. If I time this right, I can not only escape, I can move toward the town. Colorful ponies are easier to deal with than this thing.

Rodrigo readied a spell, just in case, and “fired” the gun at a clearing fifty yards away. He breathed a sigh when the blue oval appeared. Okay, it works on almost any surface. He aimed again, and the orange end appeared below him; it was strange to see blue sky beneath him in the middle of a grassy space. He took a breath and removed the ring, then gripped the “gun” tightly as he fell. The manticore looked at him in confusion, and missed when it swiped at him. He fell through and found himself upside-down and rising. Oh, yeah. Facing and momentum doesn’t change.

He aimed to one side and pulled the second trigger, and the Manticore’s stunned face vanished to be replaced by sky. Rodrigo braced and fell through head-first, then looked around as he rose, oriented properly. Another clearing caught his eye, and it was closer to the town. He pulled the second trigger, placing the orange end there, and fell through. He brought the blue end to his location and looked around, but found there were no more clearings. He also saw the manticore flying his way, roaring angrily. He passed through again, this time upright, and put the ring on, then dismissed the portal. Oh, this is gonna be close, he thought as he looked down. He waited, glancing at the manticore every few seconds. Really close.

He touched down as the beast reached the clearing’s edge, and dove to one side, then rolled away as the manticore landed. He came to his feet, dropped the device and raised his paws. The magical energy flared around them, startling hunter and hunted, and Rodrigo felt a feral grin come onto his face. “Okay, let’s see how this works. Feeling lucky?”

The manticore paused uncertainly. He’d seen Unicorns use magic, but nothing like this had ever happened. He was unsure of himself, and circled cautiously, as nothing had ever challenged him before. Rodrigo stayed put, turning to keep the manticore in sight. Their eyes locked, and the “psych-out” began. Who flinches first? Oh, so this is what playing poker is like. Could be fun.

The manticore bounded forward, and Rodrigo ran to meet it, holding the spell as he tumbled under his opponent, who landed on nothing. When the beast turned, a ball of fire launched from the Arkastin’s paw to splatter on the ground just short of its feet. It looked at Rodrigo even more uncertainly as his paws came up. “I’ve got more where that came from, tough guy,” he growled. “Like I said, feeling lucky?”

They stood there for a while, frozen, then the manticore sprang, spreading its wings to try to trap his prey. Rodrigo concentrated, made a few strange motions, muttered something unintelligible and something splashed onto the manticore. It crashed to the ground, suddenly very weak, and the Rogue ran around it, stopping to retrieve the portal gun, then took off at a run. “Huh, so it needs magic to work right. Interesting.”

He looked up, noting how the shadows fell and orienting toward the town. After about fifteen minutes, he slowed to a walk and went deathly silent as he sought cover. I can’t leave it behind by running. That plays to its strengths. I’ve got to out-smart it. He ghosted through the underbrush, thinking furiously after putting the portal gun away. Hiding won’t help. It’ll smell me. Can’t stay on foot, it’s faster, and I know I can’t out-fight it. If I only had a Fly spell, but I might as well wish for something else. What do I do? He looked up as the shadows deepened, and noticed how close the trees were to each other, and how tall they were. Yeah, all I have to do is stay out of its reach from the ground, but low enough to stay in the thickest places it can’t go. I can do this.

He swarmed up the nearest tree, then paused to listen when he was about twenty-five feet up. The manticore was groaning, but it wasn’t the kind that said it was finished. He also didn’t know what else was in this forest, just as he didn’t know where he was. One thing he was sure of, it wasn’t Kalista’s world. Arkasti buildings were very distinctive, and there were no signs of Elves or Syldri in the forest. Another was how much ambient magic there was. Now that he had time to notice, it seemed to tingle on his skin, even through his boots. This world seemed saturated in magic, which explained why his spells were more potent.

Growling noises from below made him look down, and he saw wolves. They must have heard the fight, and caught my scent. He peered down, and blinked. It was impossible, but the wolves seemed to be made of wood. What the – how? What kind of world did I fall into?

Another growl made the wolves tense, then lope away; the manticore had recovered, and it sounded really mad. Time to go. Rodrigo moved carefully among the branches, skulking from tree limb to tree limb, hoping to lose the manticore where he’d climbed up. He didn’t stop to look, but kept going, barely making noise as he moved. He heard snuffling and a confused growl, and smiled. He paused, then moved again when the wind stirred the leaves. He kept it up for over an hour, then stopped to rest. About that time, a squeak caught his attention, and Temp poked his head from the pocket in his cloak. The ferret looked at him questioningly, and Rodrigo made a silent shushing gesture. “Quiet, Temp. We’ve got an angry manticore looking for us,” he whispered.

Temp climbed up onto his shoulder and looked, then retreated to his hiding place. Never could say he was completely stupid, Rodrigo thought. The growls didn’t come any closer, which was good. Another breeze rattled the leaves, and Rodrigo was off again. He noticed the trees were further apart, and thinning. Oh, good. I think I’m almost out of the woods, figuratively and literally. Another half-hour, and he rested; climbing like this was nerve-wracking and exhausting.

After a while, he heard voices. They sounded young and female, and he looked out from his perch to see six horses – no, ponies. He remembered Lucky had referred to herself that way. He listened to them, then saw them emerge onto a path he didn’t notice before. He started, mostly because they bore a resemblance to the ponies he and the others had fought in Castle Ravenloft. One stopped and appeared to be speaking to the birds nearby; he remembered seeing them flying overhead. Are they talking to her? Yeah, they are. Well, meph. This might be it.

He listened as they continued on, and guessed they weren’t the same ponies. He relaxed. When the lavender mare said, “Well that’s good. Maybe we can help him. Any idea where he is exactly?” he shrugged and said, “Right here.”

(((())))

When the voice spoke, Fluttershy started with an almost signature “Eep!” Everypony looked up to see who it was, and there was the creature the birds had described.

Twilight and Rarity took a defensive stance and their horns glowed, while Dash flew up to confront him. The tree limbs hindered her, and she backed away, hovering nearby and glaring. Applejack seemed to be considering whether and how to buck him out of the tree. They stayed that way for about a minute, until Fluttershy said, “Wait. Let me try, first. Please?”

Twilight nodded, but her horn still glowed, while Dash moved aside while staying close. ‘Shy flew as close as she dared, then hovered, looking the being over before saying, “Hi. I’m Fluttershy. Who are you?”

The creature looked at her cautiously, then replied, “My name’s Rodrigo. What’s going on?”

“We heard when you came to Equestria, and we thought you might need our help.” She smiled shyly. “Could you come down? We don’t mean any harm. If you don’t mind, that is.”

Rodrigo looked at her, and she didn’t look like she would harm a fly. The problem was, he’d seen more than a few things that looked harmless, but turned out to be deadly. He looked down at the other mares. “Give me some room, okay? I just lost a manticore a few hours ago, and I don’t know if he’ll stay lost.”

Fluttershy smiled again, and Rodrigo blinked. She seemed so gentle and adorable, and he wondered how she managed to survive. “Oh, he’s just a kitten. He’s only playing. He doesn’t mean it.”

A kitten? Only playing? Rodrigo thought for a moment, and he had to nod. It did seem that way, now that he thought about it. If he’d been serious, he’d have gone for the kill right away. “If you say so. All right, I’m coming down.” He looked down, checked the distance, then made an acrobatic leap, tucked into the impact and rolled to his feet in front of the Unicorns, who gaped. “Oh, sorry.”

Dash was in his face in an instant, and opened with her usual line of questioning: “Who are you? What are you doing here? Are you a spy?”

Rodrigo found the whole tirade funny, and couldn’t help laughing; cute ponies aren’t very intimidating to a veteran adventurer. He put out a paw and pushed her back by the face, laughing even harder at her surprised expression. Dash stopped and looked at him like he’d gone crazy, then settled to the ground as Fluttershy did. A moment later, Pinkie was laughing, too.

“You silly filly, he’s not a spy. They dress in all black and move real carefully, like they’re walking on eggs. They don’t jump out of trees like that, and they sure don’t laugh.” Dash face-hoofed, then began to chuckle.

When they calmed down, Twilight extinguished her horn and walked a little closer. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. Nice to meet you, Rodrigo,” she said, offering a hoof. He looked at it for a moment, then understood and shook. “Fluttershy told us something was going on, and we came to investigate.” She tilted her head to one side, which made him smile. “You don’t seem surprised to see us. Most creatures from the outside are.”

“Twi, ya talk too much,” Applejack scolded.

“No, it’s all right. I’ve seen ponies before, just not quite so friendly,” Rodrigo said. When they blinked, he said, “Well, four tried to kill me and my friends, but I don’t think they were your kind of ponies. The last one kept getting in the way, until we actually talked to her.”

“Who were they?” Applejack asked.

“One was called Unique. Didn’t get the other three’s names; we didn’t have time. The last one was named Lucky.”

The farm pony – that’s how she sounded to Rodrigo’s ear – looked at him in surprise. “Lucky Dreams? She lives in Ponyville. Never been anywhere.”

“I doubt it’s her. She was familiar with Arkasti,” Rodrigo said. When they looked a him curiously, he added, “That’s what my people are called.”

Twilight studied him while he and Applejack talked. Human-like, all right. Everything just the way Fluttershy described, except for his markings, and how he’s dressed, she thought. And Arkasti seems familiar, too, she thought. “Well, we should get out of the forest. It’s not exactly safe here, and I’d like to ask a few questions, if you don’t mind,” she said.

“That’s fine by me, as long as Little Miss In-Your-Face keeps her distance,” he said, giving Rainbow Dash a half-serious glare.

“Hey, it was just a misunderstanding,” Dash said dismissively. “It happens a lot.”

“No, really?” Rodrigo looked at the others. “We haven’t all been introduced.”

“Oh, this is Applejack, this is Pinkie Pie, this is Rarity and that’s Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said, nodding to each pony as she introduced them. “You already know Fluttershy.” She noticed him start when he heard Rarity’s name. “Is there something wrong?”

“I believe it’s because Rarity and Unique are similar words,” the fashionista answered, looking at Rodrigo questioningly. He nodded. “Well, please let me make it clear we are not those ponies. None of us have been anywhere outside Equestria, never mind away from Equis. Some haven’t been outside Ponyville, unless there was a reason.” She stepped forward, offering her hoof. “A pleasure.”

Rodrigo took it, and on some urge kissed it. “Sorry about that. My world’s a rough place. Lucky said it was – what was it? Oh, yeah, an orgy of pain. Something like that.”

“Cloud Kicker’d like him,” Applejack said to Pinkie, who started laughing.

“What?”

“Never mind. It’s a long, uncomfortable story,” Twilight said, deflecting the conversation. “We should go. The Everfree Forest isn’t a good place most of the time, and it’s worse at night. We’ve been there more than once.”

Rodrigo looked back, and shivered. “No argument here. All right. I’m kinda at your mercy.” Pinkie laughed again, and he said, “Okay, stop it. I know exactly what that laugh means.”

“Hee-hee, sorry. I didn’t mean it.” Rodrigo sighed and shook his head. There’s no way to stay mad at her.

“How do you know, exactly?” Rarity asked. Rodrigo removed the glove from his left paw and held it up, and they saw the paired rings on the middle finger. “Ah, not a special somepony, your wife.”

“Got it in one,” Rodrigo answered with a smile. “She has an interesting sense of humor.”

“Shut it, A.J.,” Dash warned as the farm pony started to say something.

“Wasn’ gonna – ” Pinkie pushed on her nose with a hoof and made honking noises. “Will ya stop it?”

Twilight shook her head in exasperation while Rodrigo chuckled. “Interesting friends you’ve got,” he said as they started walking.

“You don’t know the half of it.”

(((())))

About an hour later, they were crossing the bridge back into Ponyville. Rodrigo looked at the buildings with interest, noting some similarities between human and pony architecture. A few ponies stopped and looked at them, then continued on their way, almost as though strange creatures walking into town was an everyday occurrence. “Hmm, no one seems overly interested,” he said.

“Well, not as much as you’d think,” Twilight replied. “Everypony’s friendly, but most don’t push it. We’ve had unusual appearances before, but we try to send them home as soon as we can.” She stopped, and the other mares gathered around. “I’m pretty sure you don’t have a place to stay, so if you like you can stay with me for a while. I’ve got room,” she added, cutting Rodrigo off as he began to protest.

“I was about to say all I need is a clear piece of ground. This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had to set up my tent,” he said. “But if you insist,” he finished with a grin, which Twilight returned. “I’m sure you’ve got lots of questions.”

“An’ not just her,” Applejack added.

“All right. Everypony drop off your bags and we’ll meet at the Library.” Rarity, Fluttershy, Dash and Pinkie nodded, and left. Rodrigo watched as Pinkie bounced away, shaking his head. “What is it?”

“I’m sure I didn’t meet anyone like her. I’d definitely remember,” he said.

Twilight suppressed a laugh. “Nopony ever forgets Pinkie Pie. Are you sure you don’t want to drop off your saddlebags, Applejack?” The farm pony shook her head slowly, never taking her eyes off Rodrigo, who crossed his arms and scowled at her. “Look, I know you want to keep an eye on me, but I’ll be all right.”

“ ‘Long as he promises ta b’have himself, okay,” A.J. replied stubbornly.

“I’d take anything I say with a grain of salt,” Rodrigo said. “One of my professions has a reputation of doing whatever, and not being too honest about it. Like getting into things I shouldn’t that people want to keep locked up.”

“Wait, you’re a thief?”

“One who doesn’t steal, Twilight. I didn’t get into the work for that. I‘m more interested in the artifacts and technology I’ll find along the way than any money I could pilfer. Not that I’ll turn down a nice treasure, of course. The goodies were a nice bonus, but that’s about it,” Rodrigo said. “I never practiced those skills more than I absolutely needed to.”

Applejack watched and listened to him, then nodded to herself. “Okay, ya mean it. Can hear it in your voice, an’ that’s good enough. Be right back, Twi.” She turned and trotted away.

“She’s all right,” Twilight said sheepishly. “She means well, and you’ll never meet a more honest pony anywhere.” Rodrigo nodded, and she continued, “Okay. Let’s go. Oh, yeah, have you eaten?”

“Not since breakfast. That seems like a long time ago,” Rodrigo admitted as his stomach rumbled.

“Um, what do you eat? Human food?” He nodded, and Twilight looked a little nervous. “Well, since you look something like a cat, I had to ask.”

Rodrigo leaned over and gave Twilight a hug, startling her. “Don’t worry, you’re safe.” He smiled.

Twilight did her best not to look at his fangs as she said, “I think I’ve got something you can eat. Come on.”

Rodrigo followed, thinking, Okay, I am no longer allowed to spook the ponies. He looked at the library in disbelief. “You live in a literal tree house? I’m not sure I believe it.”

“Why not?” Twilight said as she opened the door.

“It might be normal here, but it’s not back home. It would take a long time just to grow the tree, then more to hollow it out without killing it, and a lot of magic to do that,” Rodrigo said. He studied the structure as though trying to put the process together in his head.

Twilight smiled almost evilly. “Wait’ll you see the inside. “Come on.” Rodrigo followed, his expression curious.

As he stepped inside, he stopped and looked around, his eyes wide with amazement. “Wow,” he breathed as he looked at the bookshelves. “Are all those yours?”

Twilight looked at his expression and giggled softly. “No, this is the Library. I live up above.” She giggled again. “Not what you’re used to, I take it.”

“No, not even close. Give me a machine I’ve never seen before, an instruction book and a good set of tools, or just a book in a language I haven’t seen before and I’m good for a week or two.” His eyes roamed as he smiled. “Hmm, where to start.”

“Start here,” Twilight said as she walked to the kitchen after putting her bags away. “Let’s see, what have I got?” she asked as she opened and peered into a few cabinets. She looked back to ask a question and stopped when she saw Temp on Rodrigo’s shoulder. “Where did that ferret come from?”

“Oh, this is Temp, and he was in here,” Kang replied, showing the pocket on the inside of his cloak. “It’s a permanent spell called Familiar Pocket that gives him a place to hide.” Twilight’s eyes widened in surprise when Temp began squeaking at Rodrigo, and the Arkastin nodded.

“Wait, did he just talk to you?”

“I guess it’s time for the question/answer session. It’s okay, I’ll just chew on some rations.” Rodrigo sat at the table and took what looked like a brick from his pack, cut a few slices off with a knife, then began munching on it after pouring a little water onto it. “Come on, I know you’re going to ask.”

Twilight looked at the “brick”. “What’s it made of?”

“Vegetables, grains and meat, cooked-down until it’s mostly dry and heavily seasoned to help preserve it.” He noticed when Twilight shuddered when he said meat. “Oh, I’m sorry. I can wait.”

“No, it’s all right.” Sort of. Twilight retrieved a quill, ink well, a book and several sheets of parchment and joined him at the table after taking some fruit out of a cupboard; it would do for now. “So how can a ferret talk?”

Temp glared at her until Rodrigo began scratching his head. “Well, first of all, I have two ‘professions’. One is Rogue. The other is Sorcerer. I cast spells, but I don’t learn magic the way Mages do. Mine’s intuitive and inborn, instead of gained through study and lots of practice. It’s based on charisma, or force of personality, instead of intellect. That’s why most Sorcerors are memorable. We leave an impression, and we’re hard to forget.

“Anyway, Mages and Sorcerors have an animal companion – a magical beast – called a familiar. They’re more than that, though. We gain from each other. Temp’s about as tough as I am, and I gain in agility and awareness. He’s smarter than any animal, though not as smart as the average person, be it human, Arkasti or pony. As I gain in power, so does he, and he gains abilities, including speaking with me. It sounds like gibberish, but we understand each other fine. He sometimes acts as my eyes and ears, but mostly he stays in the pocket, out of sight. I’ve had to use him to do things me and my crew couldn’t, like cross a bridge that couldn’t hold us. That was early on. Later, I’ll be able to have him cast spells.” Rodrigo grew thoughtful. “Although, because the magic here is stronger than back home, maybe I can do more than I thought.” While Rodrigo spoke, Temp watched Twilight as she made notes. He padded to the edge of the parchment, looked at it and chattered at the Arkastin. “He said that ink smells good. What’s it made of?”

“Um, I don’t know. I buy it; I don’t know how to make it.” Temp walked to the inkwell and stuck his nose in, then shook his head with what appeared to be a look of disgust. “Well, that’s what you get for being a snoop.”

“C’mere, you little pest.” Rodrigo gave Temp a piece of rations, and he settled down to eat. “Anything else?”

“Where does magic come from in your world?”

“It’s something like it is here, but not as strong. You use the ambient mana field, same as us. As I said, for me, it’s intuitive. I do it almost without thinking, though I have to use words, movements and sometimes materials for it to work. The other components for the spell power and focus it. If I didn’t use them, it could get ugly. If you took a person’s internal energy to power a spell, it would weaken them seriously. A high-powered spell could kill them.” He shrugged at her appalled expression. “That’s how my world works, Twilight,” he said as Pinkie Pie bounced inside, carrying a large box, which she set on the table.

“Hi, you two. Anypony hungry?” She watched as Temp abandoned the rations and began to inspect the box with interest. “Ooh, cute.” She giggled as he ferret tried unsuccessfully to open the box. “I guess so.”

“I am. Breakfast was I don’t know how long ago,” Kang replied.

“Oh, good. Here,” Pinkie said, dumping the box’s contents. Rodrigo caught about half-a-dozen cupcakes before they fell into his lap. Temp emerged from beneath the pile of baked goods and looked around greedily. He snatched an apple fritter and about dove off the table. There was more room on the floor, a commodity the table lacked at the moment.

“Pinkie,” Twilight sighed. “You didn’t have to bring all this.”

“Yeah, I did, ‘cause you know the rest of the gals are gonna be here. C’mon, a new face, and – oops, I forgot about the ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party,” she said, her mane deflating.

Rodrigo started chuckling. “I see what you meant, Twilight. It’s okay, Pinkie. I’m not really much for parties. I prefer quieter celebrations.”

Pinkie tilted her head to one side, studying him. “You sound a lot like Verdigris.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“Oh, it’s good. He’s a little too serious, but he’s a good friend.”

“All right. So, what other questions, Twilight?”

“Um, let’s see. You mentioned other races.”

“Oh, yeah. Just a second.” Rodrigo reached into his pack and pulled out a medium-sized sack, then rummaged inside for a few minutes. “I have got to clean this thing out. We tend to just throw stuff into them.”

Twilight looked at Pinkie, who watched with interest. “I thought you were the only one who could do that,” she said. Pinkie just shrugged. “Is that bag magical?”

“Oh, yeah. We call them bags of holding, and they come in four types. This one holds about seventy cubic feet, or two hundred fifty pounds of stuff, but make sure no sharp, pointy things can pierce it. Break the bag, and it’s ruined, and you’ll lose everything in the ethereal plane.”

“The what?” Dash said as she passed through the window. She grabbed another muffin from the pile, and reclined in mid-air, munching on it. The Arkasti looked at her for a minute, then shook his head.

“I can see I’ll be explaining a few things over and over,” Rodrigo grumbled as he took out a large book. “Here we go. This is what I call the Dracadia Gazetteer. It gives you an overview of the continent, at least what’s up to date.” He turned a few pages. “We’ve got seven ‘Name-Giving’ races: Humans, Elves, Drache, Machina, Arkasti, Syldri and Xerda.

“We’re kinda familiar with Humans,” Dash said. “What are the rest?”

“I’m going to just touch on things, or we’ll be here all day, and hungry,” he replied, then bit into a cupcake. “Oh, wow. That’s good.”

Pinkie smiled happily. “Try a muffin. Omnius likes banana-nut.”

“I can smell them, and I’m sure they're good,” the Arkastin replied as Temp climbed up and seized another fritter. “Hey, leave some for everypony else – did I just say that? Meph!”

“Language,” Pinkie chided.

“You understood that?”

“No, but I can read italics.”

Rodrigo stared at her for a few minutes. “But that – you didn’t – I – Oh, forget it. Trying to figure you out would be like trying to understand Kess’ motives.”

“That’s right,” Dash agreed. She thought a second, then asked, “Wait, who’s that?”

Rodrigo looked at her, then said, “Kesslokiowa was an unarmed combat type called a monk, at least at first. He’s a Xerdan, which is a race of humanoid – human-like – fox people. They have excellent hearing, resistance to poisons and tend to live in the wilderness. Some travel about the countryside, though we saw one village. They tend to be druids, some rangers, so Kess was unusual. Later, he became a dervish, which combines swordplay with dance. Interesting.”

“What about the Drache?” Twilight said as Rarity came in with Spike in tow.

“They’re human-like, but have very strong draconic characteristics. Big and tall, and have a strong sense of honor and law-and-order. Some have breath weapons. To Arkasti, they’re militaristic and unimaginative. We get along, but only because of the weapons we’ve developed.” He glanced at Rarity, then did a double-take when he saw Spike. “Is that a dragon?”

“Yep, sure am,” Spike replied. “What the hay are you?”

“You’re almost too cute to deal with, and I’m an Arkastin.” He glanced at Twilight, who was watching him expectantly. “Okay, I can take a hint. Arkasti are human-like, but we obviously resemble cats. We can live almost anywhere, but we’re most at home underground.”

“Underground?” Rarity asked, her expression horrified. “Why would you live there?”

“Because we’re Dracadia’s machine technology source, and you find most metal ores underground, or in mountains. That’s why we have these,” he said, brushing a paw over his antennae. “We can navigate by feeling air currents, and that’s how I can find hidden or concealed passages and doors.”

“I noticed your spots. Do all Arkasti have them?” Twilight asked.

“No, this is decorative inking, like tattoos.” The mares and dragon paled. “Yeah, I know what you mean. Usually, we’re just one color all over, but the mountain variant – me, for example – have masks and ringed tails. It’s not very common, though.

“We have two significant population types, mountain and coastal. Coastal have ‘cooler’ coloring while the mountain have ‘warmer’.” He opened the book, showing the differences: The mountain type was colored in various shades of brown, while the coastal had coloring that was close to that of ponies. “Hair’s the big surprise for everyone else. Coastal have green, gold and periwinkle mostly, while mountain have browns, blacks and some reds. Both have blonde. Eyes run mostly in greens and blues, with purple showing up occasionally.” He took out a medallion and opened it to show a charcoal-black, gold-haired Arkastin with emerald eyes. “This is Jin. She’s fairly typical for a coastal,” he explained as Fluttershy and Applejack arrived.

Twilight noticed the brief, sad expression as he looked at the picture. “You miss her.”

“Yeah, and there’s another reason I’m not going into, right now. It’s not important.” He stopped and took a muffin, and said, “And I’ll stop here while everyone eats. If Twilight was hungry, I’ll bet some of you still are.”

After everyone had a few treats, Spike asked, “What did you mean by too cute?”

“I’ve seen a few baby dragons, and they’re not so human-like or child-like. It’s a little hard to explain. Wyrmlings look more like adult dragons, and they’re fearsomely intelligent, smarter than most people. They’re still young and vulnerable, though, but they’re seldom away from the adults. After about fifty years, they come into their own, at least as far as being able to defend themselves from single opponents. Nobody wants to take on anything older than juvenile on their own, unless they’re crazy, because by then the dragons usually win. They’re too tough, strong, smart and magical.”

“Are you saying Spike could become dangerous?” Rarity asked, incredulous. “That’s ridiculous.”

“So says somepony who’s only seen him. I’ve seen full adult dragons, and even when seriously injured they’re dangerous. The one I’m thinking of nearly wiped us out, Rarity. He was at bay in his den, and you always take a serious chance in that situation. Any creature in that place has no reason to hold back, and he sure didn’t.” The others looked at him, wide-eyed in what appeared to be shock. “Obviously, dragons aren’t the same here.”

“Uh, no,” Dash replied. “They’re mean bullies, but nopony gets really hurt. Never mind – ” she swallowed convulsively “ – killed.”

“Wow, I fell into what I’d call paradise. Let me guess, nopony locks their doors.” They nodded, except for Spike, who was playing with Temp by letting him chew on his claws. “Hmm, maybe Lucky comes from a world in-between mine and this one. That would explain a few things.”

“How so?” Applejack asked.

“She’s familiar with Arkasti, humans, Xerda, Syldri and Machina, for one. Until I saw her and the others, I’d never seen ponies of your kind before. The horses and ponies I’m used to are kinda like Applejack and Pinkie. We’ve got Unicorns and Pegasai, but they look more like horses, and don’t talk. What I’m used to seeing are ordinary or magical animals. I’d call you ‘people’ if you didn’t call yourselves ponies.” They looked at him as though scandalized, and he said, “What?”

“You just said – ” Twilight broke off, embarrassed.

Rodrigo thought a moment, then face-pawed after realizing one of the punning references that seemed to permeate this world. “I’m sorry. I really am.”

“It’s okay,” Pinkie replied, smiling. “You didn’t mean anything.” She put a hoof to her chin as she thought. “That explains why the few humans who come here look confused half the time.” She giggled. “Do they ever look silly, too.”

“Yeah, an’ they always seem ta fall outta the sky,” Applejack added. “Don’ get that one.”

Rodrigo chuckled as Temp grabbed and began chewing on the farm pony’s … ponytail. What do ponies call those? he wondered, then laughed as Applejack grabbed the ferret by the scruff of the neck – How do they do that without fingers? – and glared at him. “Cut that out, consarn ya.”

“If he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t come near you,” the Arkastin replied. “So, every … pony ready for me to go on, or is that enough for today?”

“You can explain it later, but I’d like to read that,” Twilight said, nodding at the Gazetteer. “I’m sure you’d like to learn more about Equestria,” she added as she took a book from a nearby shelf. Rodrigo stared briefly, then accepted the book, which was titled Equestria for Donkeys. It looked well-worn.

“Phew, can’t you do anything about his odor?” Rarity said as she caught a whiff of Temp’s scent. Seeing her nose wrinkle was interesting.

“No, and I wouldn’t, because that’s kind of a defense for him. If you’ve ever been underground, you know the smell of dirt kinda buries everything else, so his is strong.” Six groans and face-hooves later, Rodrigo smiled. “Sorry. I sometimes do that without realizing it, but not this time. I just had to.”

“Well, guess we can go,” Applejack said. “Interested in lookin’ around Ponyville? Might as well, since you’re gonna prob’ly be here a while, ‘til we figger out how to get ya back home.” She looked a Twilight. “Might wanna send the Princesses a report, Twi.”

“Oh! Yes, I’d better.” The Unicorn took a sheet of parchment, and the quill moved across it with a light scratching. “You go ahead, Rodrigo. Oh, yes, what’s your full name? I’ll need that.”

“Rodrigo Riolobos Kang, and it’s my married name. It was Rodrigo Cardeza Riolobos before.”

“The males take on the females’ family name?” Rarity asked as Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy left after nodding their goodbyes. “That’s unusual.”

“Reversed gender roles, and the females tend to be bigger and stronger. The biggest Arkastin we ever saw was a female named Miluda Zalmus. She was about six-two, and weighed around two hundred pounds. We average between five and five and a half feet, and weigh between one-ten and one-seventy, normally.” He noticed Twilight’s scribbling, smiled and said, “You just can’t turn it off, can you?”

Twilight giggled sheepishly. “No, not really. Okay, I’ve got that, and I’ll look at this after I write the report.” She looked at him, then said, “You might want to have one of us with you until the other ponies get used to seeing you. Beings from the outside tend to make us nervous, until we get to know them.”

Rodrigo nodded. “I can see that. I’m not interested in causing trouble, unless I have to. Let’s go, Applejack.”

Twilight watched as they left, then looked at Rarity. “What do you think?”

“He’s polite enough, but I can’t get over what he described so off-hoofedly. His world must be in almost anarchy,” the fashionista replied with a shiver. “But he seems to have a good heart, and so I’d say he’ll be a good friend.”

Twilight nodded, then resumed her writing. “We’ll have time to talk, I’m sure.”

(((())))

Rodrigo walked at Applejack’s side, occasionally glancing at her side-long. The ponies here behaved a lot like humans, and he wondered why. He’d have to ask Twilight, when he had a free hour, and she wasn’t being the obsessive scholar. He’d seen plenty of those in Adventure City. He shook off the pang of home-sickness, then asked, “So, where first?”

“Thought Ah’d show ya the farm, first, then Ponyville,” she replied. They walked on for a minute, then she asked, “Said ya was a Sorcerer. What’s that mean?”

“Wow, good hearing. Okay, Mages are like Twilight. They learn through long study and practice. Sorcerers are like most Unicorns, if I figure it right. Our magic’s in-born, and we hone it through practice. We don’t learn spells with books, but mostly by seeing what others do. Once we reach a certain power level, we just know it. We’re not as versatile as a Mage, but we’ve got more spells per day, so it kind of evens out. Mages aren’t much for fighting – they spend too much time studying – but Sorcerers are. We have to be, because neither of us is very tough. Lots of times we take on another profession to make up for that, and add skills we don’t usually have. That’s why I’m a Rogue, too. I’m interested in what we had in the past, and both work well toward learning about that time.” He fell silent. “I’m not sure I like what I’ve learned, A.J. You mind if I call you that? It’s easier.”

“No problem. Why not?”

“Some things I always thought were the truth weren’t. Some really nasty things happened, and I don’t want to talk about it until we’re all together.” He stopped in his tracks when a chartreuse-coated, pink-and-purple maned Pegasus trotted by with a smile. “Lucky?”

She stopped, turned back and looked at him curiously. “Do I know you?”

Rodrigo looked at her for a minute, then said, “No, but I met a pony a lot like you. It’s kinda weird for me, too.”

Lucky Dreams looked at the strange creature with Applejack, then shook her head. “I don’t see how. I’ve never been out of the Ponyville and Cloudsdale area.”

“It’s tough to explain, but if you want, I’ll tell you what I can.” Lucky nodded. “Okay. I’m just starting to learn the area myself. Let me know.”

Lucky nodded, and trotted away. Hmm, he’s strange, but he’s with Applejack, so he must be okay, she thought. We’ll see.

Applejack looked at Rodrigo for a moment. “Not what ya were expectin’?”

“Nope. Not even close.”

Author's Note

A/N: This story takes place a few years past season 3, to keep from confusing things more than they need to be. Same setting as before (Omnius’ Travels: Equestria), for the same reason.
Rodrigo is my current D&D character; Kesslokiowa, Mina, Tabitha and Sycorax are other players’. The characterizations are as close as I can get them without going overboard. All the situations referred to happened in-game previously. I’ll be making several references to Things Mr Welch is No Longer Allowed to Do in an RPG, and my own Skippy's Gaming List throughout. It’s been that way since the start. Enjoy?

Acknowledgements: Pinkie saying “No, but I can read italics” was lifted from A New Point of View by CyberV; it’s too good not to use. Brief Demolition Man and Incredible Hulk references. Lucky Dreams is a figure from the Ponyville mystery pack available in Europe. No idea how the GM got that one.

I Am No Longer Allowed to Create a Scenario That Can Be Summed-up As “In Case of Tiamat, Assemble Artifact.”

Chapter 2

(((())))

Applejack looked at Rodrigo sympathetically. He seemed lost, and somehow she didn’t think the encounter with Lucky helped. “Well, what say we keep on? Lots to see an’ do in Ponyville.”

Rodrigo nodded, then shook himself. “It was a long-shot, anyway. Sure, let’s go.” They walked on, then he asked, “By the way, where would I go to exchange my money for whatever you use? I don’t think they’re close.”

“Town Hall. What’ve ya got?” They stopped as he took out a pawful of coins, and she looked at them. “Hmm, Ah see what ya mean. Gold an’ silver we can work with, but don’t know if Ah ever saw platinum used.”

“We use gold and silver the most, while platinum’s mostly to carry a large amount more easily. For really big amounts, we use trade goods or gems.”

Applejack snorted with amusement. “Don’ say that aroun’ Rarity; she likes gems, an’ her talent is findin’ ‘em.”

“Heh. She’d be in demand. Talent? Everyone – uh, everypony has one?”

“Yep,” Applejack replied with a nod. “Our Cutie Marks tell it,” she finished, turning so he could see her flank. “All the Apples have somethin’ like it, but ain’t all the same. My brother Big Macintosh’s looks like mine, but it’s bigger.”

“Is everypony’s name related to what they do? It sure sounds that way.”

“Some, but not always,” she replied as they continued walking. “The only ones I can think o’ that doesn’t is Omnius an’ Verdigris, but there’s a story behind that.”

“That’s fine,” Kang said as he held up a paw. “I don’t need to learn everything in a day. I’m not sure I could, either.”

“That’s okay. Took Omnius a while, an’ weren’t just him. He says there’s other Equestrias, an’ humans end up there, ‘cept they mostly end up as ponies,” Applejack said as they walked along. She shook her head. “Don’ see how they get along, havin’ ta learn all that. No, had a time learnin’ how ta get along as a human, once. Almost forgot about that.”

“Really? When?” Rodrigo tried to picture her as a human, and smiled at the image that he was sure was close: Sun-browned, athletic, blonde and freckled.

“A few years back, after Omnius went outta control,” she replied. “Had ta go take a break, an’ get straightened out. Learned a lot.”

“I’ll bet. I can’t imagine not having fur or antennae, and getting used to one extra finger.”

“Try havin’ hands an’ feet, and walkin’ on two legs for the first time in your life.” Rodrigo shook his head in sympathy. “Got better, but not soon.” Applejack looked at him for a long moment. “If’n ya got fur, why ya wear clothes?”

“Body modesty, mostly, plus some humans can be rude. But we keep to loose-fitting stuff with short sleeves, pants-legs and skirts because we have fur. Your coat keeps you from getting sun-burned, right?” Applejack nodded. “Kinda the same, but it does get a little chilly underground, so our fur’s heavier.” Rodrigo stopped speaking as Sweet Apple Acres came into view. “Wow. How many trees is that?”

Applejack smiled. Every stranger asked that, and she gave he same answer. “Don’ rightly know. Never counted ‘em, but know where they all are. Every kind o’ apple there is.”

“I’ll have to take your word for it,” the Arkastin replied as they resumed walking. As they passed down the road between the farm and the Forest, Rodrigo’s eyes widened. “I’ve never seen an orchard this size before. Must be a lot of work.”

“Some, but only at harvest time. Have ta show ya apple-buckin’,” she replied as a large red stallion with a collar trotted up to the fence. “That’s my brother, Big Macintosh,” she said as she turned to meet him. “Everythin’ okay, Mac?”

“Eeyup,” the stallion replied. “Who’s this?”

“Rodrigo Kang. I’m new in the area.” He held out a paw, and Mac shook it.

“Howdy.” Mac looked at him for a long moment. “Ain’t from here?”

“No, but it’s pretty obvious,” Rodrigo replied with a smile. He turned to Applejack. “Doesn’t say much, does he?”

“Nope,” she replied with a grin, and got a scowl in return. “Aw, c’mon, don’t take it personal. Ain’t like ya ain’t been trolled b’fore.”

“Oh, I’ve been trolled, but they were real trolls.” Applejack and Big Mac looked at him as though they were waiting for him to say it was a joke, but he didn’t. “No, seriously, my world’s a lot nastier than – I think Rarity called it Equis. I’ve been hurt a lot, and nearly killed a few times.” He paused and his expression saddened. “I lost someone close to me. I got her back, but it’s still painful.”

Applejack looked at him, then said, “Jin.” He nodded. “Ah’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s kinda my fault, but I don’t know if I could have stopped it. From what Lunaria said, there was nothing anyone could do. It just had to play out.”

“Ya know Princess Luna?”

Rodrigo looked at her, then shook his head. “Not if she’s a pony. Lunaria’s an Arkasti goddess. Her domains are the night, invention and inspiration.”

Applejack looked at him, then asked, “She got a sister?”

“Solaria, goddess of day, knowledge and intellect.” Applejack’s expression of surprise made him ask, “What?”

“Sounds a lot like Celestia and Luna,” she replied. “Almost exactly, other’n them bein’ Arkasti. What do they look like?”

“Solaria has snow-white fur, light blue eyes and long gold hair. Lunaria has deep-midnight fur, violet eyes and long silver hair.” When Applejack blinked, he said, “No way.”

“Swap th’ eyes, and they’re close.” She put a hoof to her chin, thinking. “No fights?”

“No, they work together a lot, ‘cause one without the other means nothing, really. Inspiration isn’t much good without knowledge,” Kang replied.

“Hmm,” Mac said. “Close enough.”

“Sounds like ya met ‘em.”

“Just Lunaria. She helped me get Jin back, but it cost me. I used to have an older sister, but that was before we made the bargain. Nobody but me knows what happened, and I’m still not sure how I feel about it all. I know I don’t want to tell anyone, because I don’t know what’ll happen,” Rodrigo confessed. Wow, it feels good to finally talk about it, he thought.

The ponies’ eyes widened in what appeared to be shock. “Ya cain’t mean it,” Applejack said.

“I didn’t know what changed until I got home. I had to pretend I got hit in the head a lot, and once I heard my family’s side, well, I had a lot of thinking to do.” He sighed. “Be careful what you ask for, you might get it.”

“Sounds like somethin’ Blackwolf said.”

Rodrigo started. “Why does that seem familiar?” He shrugged after a moment. “I’ll figure it out.” He looked at the orchard. “You said you wanted to show me around. Let’s get to it.”

“Sure. C’mon,” Applejack said before jumping the fence. She looked back, watching as he followed. “Ya okay?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t like thinking about what happened. I wasn’t in a good place up to that meeting.”

“Don’t blame ya. It’d bother me, too,” she replied softly. She glanced at Big Macintosh, who only said, “Eeyup.”

Rodrigo shook off the mood with some effort. “Well, I’m not going to let it bother me. Lead on,” he said softly. Applejack nodded, and they continued on.

Mac watched them go, and shook his head. Ain’t right, he thought. Ain’t right at all.

(((())))

Twilight sat at the table, lost in the Dracadia book. She stopped to take notes on occasion, but mostly read in fascination. It wasn’t always good fascination; some was outright horrid.

Rodrigo’s world was worse than anything she’d ever encountered or heard of, outside history books. Even Nightmare Moon’s worst seemed to pale against what she was reading. Death, destruction and chaos seemed to be the order of the world, and she couldn’t believe he took it in stride, except she could understand why, with what she and the other Element Bearers had gone through. But still, even Discord is mild compared to what Rodrigo’s seen, she thought with a shiver. She finished the chapter, and closed the tome with a shaking hoof. She didn’t want to think about it. Some was too horrible.

“Twi? Are you okay?” Spike’s question shook her out of her somewhat bleak mood.

“No, not really, Spike. Rodrigo’s world makes Equis seem like paradise, just like he said. It’s bad. I don’t see how he copes.”

Spike nodded. “Rarity told me some of what happened this morning. He grew up with it, so he can deal with it, I guess. I can’t see how, either. I can’t be – ” His stomach rumbled, and a jet of flame belched out. A scroll bearing Celestia’s Mark appeared, and he caught it. “I have the feeling I know what this is about,” he said. “It’s the Royal seal, not the usual.”

Twilight sighed as she accepted the message, then opened and read it. Twice, as she wasn’t quite sure it said what it did. “The Princesses are going to be here tomorrow, and they want to talk to Rodrigo. I guess it’s not that hard to figure out why. They’re Princesses, after all. They probably felt him when he appeared.” Twilight sighed again. “I’ll write my own reply; you should check to see that we’re ready for them.” Spike nodded, and began inspecting the Library.

Twilight took a sheet of parchment and wrote,

Your Highnesses,

I have read and understand. I will inform Rodrigo, and hopefully everything will go well.

He seems lost, but he hides it well. I think he’s still adjusting to what happened, as though he doesn’t quite believe it. Something like Omnius, now that I think about it. We’ll be ready for your arrival tomorrow.

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle

She read it through twice, then sealed it. She turned to find Spike waiting at the table-side. “Am I that predictable?” she asked with a smile. He nodded, and she replied, “Okay. Here.” She watched as he sent the message with a puff of flame, then rubbed her forehead with a hoof. “Well, that’s that.”

“What’s wrong, Twi?”

“I don’t know why, but I have this sense of foreboding that I can’t get rid of,” she replied. “I don’t know, Spike. I just don’t know.”

(((())))

“Well, that’s that,” Celestia said after she read Twilight’s reply. “Are you sure, Michael?” He nodded, and she asked, “Why aren’t you in human form? Wouldn’t that make it easier?”

“Not likely,” the “Pegasus” replied. “In fact, it could make it worse. I’ve met Rodrigo in my own travels, and I do my best not to draw attention to my friends. It’s why I’m seldom here, or anywhere, for long.” He looked west, towards Ponyville, then south towards Oceanside. “Equestria isn’t ready for some of my enemies.”

“You keep saying that, Uncle Mike,” Verdigris commented. “Are they really that bad?”

“Not individually, but they seldom travel alone. They’re about as bad as Changelings.” He paused, then said, “The problem is, you said you felt more than one come through, Celestia. I’ve some idea what’s on Terra. I’d say it’s more humans and humanoids, but they’re bad enough. I’ll need to talk to Rodrigo, and though I’d rather not appear, I may have no choice. I’ve almost over-stayed my ‘safe’ visiting time, and I can’t do that. They’ll follow my trail, and I won’t have them here.”

“Then you’d better go now,” Celestia said. “You’ve got three days left.”

Michael smiled. “You can’t get rid of me quickly enough, eh?”

“I wish you could stay longer, too, but I won’t risk my ponies.” The Day Princess sighed. “I console myself by knowing you’ll be back.”

“Then we’ll take our leave now.” He looked at Verdigris, who was decked-out in his armor, and snorted. “Should I be official as well, or can I be myself?”

“I think you can be yourself. Rodrigo would appreciate a friend he knows, even though he’s making friends here. He can’t stay, and neither can the others.”

Michael nodded. “Right, then.” He glanced at his adoptive nephew. “Let’s go. By your leave, of course,” he finished with a smile, which Celestia returned.

“Of course. I’ll have a squad of Guards at your disposal,” Celestia replied.

Michael nodded, and stepped out onto the balcony. Verdigris watched, then said, “I don’t know, god-mother. I have this feeling something bad’s going to happen.”

“That’s why you’re both going. If what Michael told me about Terra is true, this could be a bigger threat to Equestria than anything else. We have our own problems; I don’t want any imported from Outside. I’m not questioning him, but as I’ve said before, even Princesses have their limits. I don’t want any more coming in than we’ve already got.”

Her god-son nodded. “Okay. We’ll talk to Rodrigo first, then prepare for you and Luna.” He walked forward and nuzzled her. “Don’t worry. We’ll all straighten this out. Sometime again, god-mother.” He bowed, then joined his “uncle” on the balcony. They nodded to each other and took wing.

Celestia’s worried expression didn’t fade. “Its not this, it’s what may come later. Once the door is opened, it’s hard to close.”

(((())))

Rodrigo watched as Applejack demonstrated apple-bucking. He was sure that what he was seeing was impossible anywhere else. Every apple on the tree dropped into the baskets as though falling down invisible chutes. Why can’t I believe it? I’ve seen crazier things.

Applejack looked at him and chuckled. “Ya oughta see your face.”

Rodrigo rolled his eyes and nodded. “Oh, I know what it looks like. The first few months, I had it on so long I knew how it felt. Nobody understands what adventuring is until they get started, and even after a year I’m still surprised. I’ve heard from others that doesn’t stop. You never really stop seeing strange things. There’s always something new.” He looked around. “Like here,” he finished with a wry grin.

“Yeah, Ah can see that.” Applejack grabbed a basket with her teeth. “Wellph, c’mon. These won’ phut pfemselfes away.”

Rodrigo followed suit, then paused. “Hmm, maybe.” He concentrated, then smiled. “Wait a second.” Applejack stopped and looked at him. He concentrated, then made a few motions and muttered some gibberish – to her ears – and pointed. A barely-visible, three-foot diameter disk appeared, floating three feet above the ground, and he smiled tiredly. “Okay, let’s try this,” he said, loading the other three baskets.

Applejack looked on in consternation. The disk was holding more apples than she and Big Mac could carry. She set the basket she held down and asked, “Ya sure it’ll hold all this?”

“Only if all this is less than six hundred pounds.” Applejack shrugged and placed the basket on the disk. It held its position. “Okay, show me the way. It’ll follow me.”

The farm pony looked at the disk, then shrugged and turned. She set off, occasionally looking back. The baskets floated in thin air, keeping up with them. “Best not let Twilight see that. She’ll go half-crazy tryin’ ta figure it out.”

“I’m not surprised. Anything new gets anyone’s attention. I’ll bet if I showed it to her, she’d be able to cast it by the end of the day, if she’s as good as she seems.”

“More’n good, sugarcube,” Applejack said as they approached the barn. “Most powerful Unicorn in Equestria, an’ the smartest. She’s Princess Celestia’s student, an’ that’s sayin’ somethin’. She’s done things nopony else can, or they’d be afraid to try.” She opened the doors, and Rodrigo looked at the inside, which seemed bigger than the outside. Maybe it’s just how it looks up close, he thought. Applejack started unloading with his help. “She’s the one who figured out Nightmare Moon would be back, when nopony else believed she was real.”

“Wait, you mentioned Luna,” the Arkastin said as he unloaded the last basket.

Applejack nodded. “Yep, one an’ the same. Have ta go to Canterlot ta hear it, but she won’t tell the story. Still too painful, even after six, seven years.” She nodded towards the road, and he looked to see a house about a hundred yards away. “Verdigris got beaten up pretty badly, keepin’ her busy so we could find the Elements of Harmony.”

“Wait, should you be telling me this? You don’t know anything about me.”

Applejack smiled. “Got a feelin’ about ya, sugarcube. You’re a good one. Don’ mind workin’. Bad ones always go for the easy way, y’know?” she finished with a wink.

Rodrigo smiled. “Yeah, I know, but not all lazy people are bad, A.J. You’d be surprised how many lazy people get things done that make the work easier for everyone.”

She looked at him in confusion. “How?”

“The quickest, easiest way to do something, and still get it right. Most efficient. That’s how I usually work, but sometimes you’ve got to break out the work gloves ‘cause there’s no other way.”

Applejack smiled. “Don’ mind hard work here,” she said as she easily pushed the door closed with one hoof. “Makes it easier after a while, y’hear?”

Rodrigo chuckled. “Wow. I sort of feel at home. That’s an almost Arkasti attitude.”

“Well, nice ta know we ain’t all that different,” Applejack replied with a smile. She looked past Rodrigo and looked startled. “Hey, what do they want?” she asked.

Rodrigo turned to see two Pegasai – no, wait that wasn’t it. One Pegasus and something else. The armored stallion appeared to be a winged Unicorn, and he tried to recall what they were called as they landed and made their way to where he and Applejack stood. His coloring reminded him of weathered copper, and he saw the metallic patch on his chest around the edges of his pectoral plate. Interesting.

“Verdigris. Nice ta see ya again,” she said as she hugged the – Alicorn. That’s what he is, Kang thought. She followed up with the Pegasus. “Good ta see ya, Blackwolf.”

“Thanks A.J.,” Verdigris replied. He looked at Rodrigo. “So, what have we got here?”

“I know him,” the brown Pegasus replied. Rodrigo blinked, as he recognized the voice. “Not out here, lad. We need to talk.” His tone was ominous, but not threatening.

“Let’s go into the barn,” Applejack said as she led the way. Once inside, she asked, “What’s goin’ on?”

“Michael?” Rodrigo asked. “Is that you?” He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The person he knew was human, not a pony.

“It’s me.” The Pegasus looked at him steadily, then tilted his head to one side. “Just how by Bahamut's beard did you get here?”

Rodrigo rubbed his palm across his face. “It’s kind of a long story. I’ll try to make it quick.” He told them how he and his friends had found the TESLA facility and discovered the portal device, then found the stored treasures, followed by the Nightingales’ arrival and the subsequent fight. Applejack listened, and didn’t seem very surprised, other than at first. “Last thing I know, I’m being pulled through by the airflow. That’s when I got here. I can tell the rest later.”

Michael considered what he’d told them. “Would you be surprised to know you’re not the only one to come through?”

Rodrigo rolled his eyes. “I should have guessed. Rundell’s lighter than I am. So was the Elf.”

“What kind o’ folks are they?” Applejack asked.

“Not nice,” Michael replied. “They’re assassins. They kill people for a living, and worse, they decide who dies, using their own odd criteria.” Applejack gave him a flat look. “Sorry. They choose who dies. They have their own ideas on why, instead of following instructions.”

“Wait, they kill people? For a livin’?”

“I told you I don’t come from a nice place,” Rodrigo said. “Great. How many?”

“Six. Are you the only one of your group?”

“Yeah. I was closest, and that thropka of a mage threw a Grease spell under my feet.”

“Language, ‘Rigo,” Michael said, using the childhood pet name Rufina used to. “Use variations of ‘buck’, like everypony else does.”

The Arkastin stared at him. “You’ve gotta be kidding.” The Pegasus closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. “Wonderful. So who came through?”

“All but the Mauler, and be glad for it. He’s not good company, at any time. Fortunately, he went somewhere else. Do you care where?” Rodrigo shook his head. “All right, then.”

“Do the Princesses know?” Applejack asked. “Kinda funny if they didn’.”

“They know. Twilight sent a message, explaining in brief. They’re interested in meeting you, needless to say.”

Rodrigo looked at Verdigris, whose armor made him suspicious. “Why are you along?”

“Princess Celestia isn’t as trusting and benevolent as the ponies think she is. She’s had to get her hooves dirty more than once. I’m here to make sure you don’t cause any trouble, but if Uncle Mike says you’re okay, I won’t ask for your gear.” He leaned down and looked Rodrigo squarely in the eyes. “I’m taking a big chance on you. Don’t make me regret it.”

Rodrigo’s first instinct was to push back, but he could feel and almost see the Alicorn’s aura, and while it was down quite a ways from a dragon’s, it was still the most powerful he’d seen anywhere else. “If I give my word, can I just put my ranged weapons away? I haven’t lived through what I have by handing over my gear without a fight.”

Verdigris looked at the “Pegasus”, who nodded. “Okay, I can go with that.” He looked at the Arkastin curiously. “You seem okay with meeting royalty,” he prompted.

“I’ve met a few kings, princes and even an Emperor. Most were fairly laid-back, especially Silverstar, but most Arkasti are.”

“O-okay.” Verdigris turned to Applejack. “You might want to get the girls together, A.J. We don’t know what’s going to happen, but we have to be ready. From what Uncle Mike said, these people are rough customers.”

Applejack nodded. “Ah’ll head back when you’re on your way. Should I tell Twi you were here, sugarcube?”

He smiled. “Couldn’t hurt. We’re not going anywhere. The Princesses are coming here. Shining Armor’s been a little paranoid since the Changelings invaded.” He looked at Rodrigo. “Ready?”

“Just about.”

Michael looked at Verdigris. “Lead on. Rodrigo and I need to chat.”

“All right. See you next time, A.J.” The mare winked and trotted towards the house. “Huh. She’s loosened up a little. Good. Okay, next stop the Library.” Verdigris turned and walked into town.

Michael looked at Rodrigo. “Hop on.”

“Bare-back? I can walk.”

“I insist. Put down a blanket to pad your delicate little arse, you nancy-boy.” After Rodrigo was seated, Michael said, “Right, off we go.”

Rodrigo leaned forward and held onto Michael’s mane as they started. After a few minutes, Michael said, “Right, you said you found a hand-held portal device?”

“I’ve still got it.”

“Then they’ll continue their mission. I have to wonder why they want it. It’s limited, compared to equivalent spells,” Michael said.

“Anyone can use it, once they read the instructions, or someone teaches them,” Kang replied.

“I have to wonder what Max was thinking, but it’s beside the point. What happened to Rundell?”

“I don’t know. We got separated when Skullshank’s fortress detonated. We were literally scattered to the four winds,” Rodrigo answered. “All I know is he’s not the same Syldrin I knew a year ago, and there’s a rumor he killed someone we knew a few months back. One of Miluda’s crew. She wasn’t very happy about that.”

“I assume you’re going to tell her, once you’re back home.”

Rodrigo didn’t answer for a few moments. “I don’t know. She was so upset, I don’t know if I’ll catch it for being with Short Legs, or bringing the news. I’d have to find out if it was true.”

“Hmm, yes. Well, that’s in the future. The other reason Celestia wants to meet you is to get a sense of your aura, which should allow her to detect and hopefully track them. I’m not comfortable with the Nightingales in Equestria, Rodrigo. They could do tremendous damage.”

“Yeah, they could.” Rodrigo spent the rest of the ride thinking. Well, they can’t be too far behind. They’ve got trains, he thought as he heard the whistle. He chuckled when various ponies stopped and stared when they saw him riding Michael.

“No, they weren’t ready for that,” the Pegasus said as he stopped near Sugarcube Corner. “I’m feeling a bit peckish. You?”

“Pinkie Pie brought what looked like a hundred pounds of baked goods. What do you think?”

“I think I’d like some coffee. Verdigris?”

“When have I ever turned down food?” His grin faded. “Well, there was that time Sweetie Belle tried cooking lunch. I needed a skylight there, anyway.”

Rodrigo stared at him for a moment after dismounting. “I … really don’t want to know.”

“You’re better off,” the Alicorn replied as they entered the shop.

“Oh, hi everypony!” Pinkie said as she hugged them all in rapid succession. “Right over here.” She led the way to a table, then left.

“Oh, yeah, don’t touch the cake,” Verdigris said.

“Why?”

“Don’t say it,” Michael said when Pinkie brought a pot of coffee and three slices of cake. “Oh, that should be fine. It’s the whole cake you have to be wary of.”

“Why, is she gonna pop out of it?” Rodrigo joked.

“Yes,” they replied simultaneously.

The Arkastin looked at them for a long moment. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

“Eeyup,” Verdigris replied with a smug grin.

Pinkie popped up from behind Verdigris, holding a few wrapped apple fritters. “Here! For the road.”

“But what am I going to eat?” They stared at Kang for a moment, then broke up laughing.

Pinkie gave Rodrigo another hug. “I like him, he’s silly.”

“Pin-kie,” Michael said warningly.

“Aw, c’mon, Blackwolf. I’ve got plenty of duct tape.”

The Pegasus face-hoofed. “I surrender. Only Sean can out-random you, and he needs help.” Pinkie smiled and left them to attend to the counter.

“Well, time for why we came here,” Verdigris said. “The Princesses are worried about what else might have come through, or what else might come through later.”

“Oh, yeah, thanks for reminding me,” Kang complained. “I can’t be completely sure, but I remember seeing two Fighters, one Rogue and one Mage. I couldn’t really tell what else. They demanded the device, we said no, and that’s when the fight started. It was over no more than a minute later, when the idiot threw a fireball spell and missed me. He didn’t miss the control console.”

“So, what you’re saying is it’s only the six,” Verdigris said. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“Six adventurers can be a lot of trouble,” Rodrigo countered. “We were, even with some serious mistakes. I think the worst threat we had to deal with was ...” he trailed off as he thought. “Six Avatars, and the Planar access device Skullshank built.”

“Skullshank’s been dead twenty years or more,” Michael said.

“His other son Teklokiowa – Kess’ brother – took over, and continued his work. He wanted to access the Planes and prove the gods either weren’t real, or weren’t what everyone thought they were. I was more worried about what might come through to Terra, and I sure wish I’d been wrong. As bad as I thought it would be, we weren’t ready to see Orchus, Vecna or Demogorgon. We’d already stopped Tiamat, and thought that was it.”

“Who are they?” Verdigris asked.

“Bad, bad news,” Blackwolf answered. “I’ve run into them once or twice each, and they are nothing you’re prepared for. They make the Nightmare or Discord seem like nice, fluffy little kittens by comparison. They are absolutely evil, beyond anything seen here, nephew.”

“ ‘Nephew’?” Rodrigo repeated, not believing what he’d just heard.

“Adoptive.”

“If you say so.”

“What’s your world like?” Verdigris asked.

“I should have had the Gazetteer copied. Well, it’s not as pleasant as Equis. The races get along as well as you can expect, unless there’s some kind of argument over something. Borders, usually, though the Elves out west decided they were going to conquer the continent. We managed to stop that by taking away the technology they’d discovered.”

“Where’d it come from? I know what Max built, but no weapons that I recall beyond the fire bows,” Michael asked after a sip of coffee.

“Kalista and Lucky’s world. From what little Lucky told us, it was like Terra, but with ponies. I think it’s a world somewhere between here and there, mostly because, like I told Applejack and the others, she was familiar with all the races. The capsules all fell out of the sky, from what we could tell and learned later,” Rodrigo said between bites. “Wow, this is good. Anyway, once the Dominion was disarmed, everything went back to normal, more or less. We were on our way home when we found the TESLA facility. The rest you know.”

“ ‘TESLA’. What’s that mean?” Verdigris asked.

“It’s an acronym for Terrene Experimental Science and Labor Athenium. Basically, a fancy way to say 'science laboratory',” Michael replied. “It was run by Maximilian Arturo, an Elf scientist, inventor and entrepreneur for Aperture Science Corporation. He was a strange one, but brilliant. Half of Rodrigo’s gear came from those facilities.” When the Arkasti looked at him, the Pegasus continued, “I was there, long before the Cataclysm. He apparently knew it was coming, and prepared, years in advance.”

“What happened?”

Michael and Rodrigo looked away with almost identical expressions of tragic sadness. “There was an invasion by alien creatures,” Rodrigo began haltingly. “They looked like giant spiders, and had servants that looked like a cross between a Yeti and a rabbit called ‘kra-dahn’, but nowhere as cuddly. The bad ones were known as CATs for Cannibalistic Alien Threats that weren’t just tough, they could cause a death effect. We nearly bought it when we found one alive.” Michael looked at him sharply. “I’m here, ain’t I?”

“But they won, right?”

Rodrigo’s expression changed to extreme bitterness. “No, nobody won. The critters were nigh-on unstoppable. Arturo managed to set up a weapon system that could stop them, but Operation Second Sun did something I never thought could happen: It ‘detonated’ the planet’s magic. It killed the things … and eight billion people. Think about it. It’s been something like three thousand years since, and we’re up to maybe two million on Dracadia.”

“Max built and stocked the facilities to help re-build society. Tools, information, technology, weapons – everything needed to do it, but the world changed, and the sites were buried. The only reason Rodrigo and his friends found them was at first by pure accident, then with clues gleaned from the sites they explored,” Michael continued. He shook his head. “What a bloody mess.”

“Could those creatures still be out there?” Verdigris asked after overcoming his shock.

“No, I think they had to leave their home world to survive a disaster. It was an all-or-nothing invasion.” Rodrigo’s expression soured even more. “We just barely made it.” He grew thoughtful. “Hmm, I wonder if Kalista’s world was one of his projects. We found a note in the facility near Jisuto that said, ‘I did not return’. I’ve got to wonder if it was his wife Vilina. She was chief of Research and Development. It makes sense.”

Verdigris just looked a them for a long while. He’d been through a lot, but nothing like what the pair just described so … off-hoofedly. “Are other worlds as bad?”

“Some are worse, whilst others are better. Equis is one of the best, which is why I keep coming back, lad,” Michael replied with a weak smile. “What bothered me is I know whence that world came. When Rodrigo told me about the ‘UCAS runs on Dunkin’ slogan, I about fell down in surprise.”

“But it’s over, right?”

“We think so,” the Arkastin said. “At least for now. A month passed before we were asked to head out west; I barely had time to get married, and two weeks is a very short honeymoon.”

The Alicorn nodded. “It sure is,” he agreed.

Pinkie Pie returned to the table, her behavior slightly subdued. “Sorry about that,” she told Rodrigo. “I know I can’t help, but I’d like to.”

“It’s all right, Pinkie. I got what I wanted, mostly, and it’s not bad. I don’t know if you could, and maybe you shouldn’t. Terra’s nothing like Equis, and it should stay that way.”

“Okay, enough of this maudlin stuff,” Verdigris said.

“Agreed,” Michael added.

“Yeah, I’d say so,” Rodrigo agreed. “So, when do I meet the Princesses, and how should I act? I don’t know anything about them, other than their names.”

“Treat them with respect, but don’t bow and scrape,” Michael replied, glad for the subject change. “They hate that. I suppose they’re a bit like Silverstar, but not quite as laid-back. You’ll meet them tomorrow.”

“All right.”

Michael paid for their food, and led the way out as Pinkie hugged Verdigris. As they walked back to the Library, Rodrigo asked, “What’s up here? I know you told me about every story ever written was its own universe, but come on. This looks like it was written for five-year-old human girls.” Michael’s laughter made him facepaw. “This is Rufina’s revenge for throwing her over for Lunaria, isn’t it?”

“It could very well be. ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’, but I doubt the author had Arkasti in mind when he wrote that. She is the Laughing Rogue, and why would she let the chance to troll pass her by? Be glad she’s not angry.”

“Maybe I should have retired.” Rodrigo looked around, and noticed Lucky standing along their path, watching him. “What’s with her? We just met today, and now she’s staring at me.”

The brown-and-black Pegasus glanced over and shrugged. “You’re asking me? I may be the expert compared to you, but I’ve never said I knew more than a cursory glance’s worth. How did you and the other Lucky get on?”

“We could tolerate each other. Once we learned she was trying to help Kalista, my attitude changed.” His eyes met hers, and a strange expression crossed her face. “There’s nothing about cross-species relationships, I hope.”

“Actually, there is. Omnius and Twilight have been growing closer, and I know for a fact he’s a transformed human. I’m not sure they’re aware of it. I’ve heard rumours of others, but that’s all.” Michael looked at him with a slight grin. “Worried?”

“It’s a little creepy,” Rodrigo admitted. “I’m married, but I don’t know if that means anything here.”

“Ponies behave somewhat like humans, so you have few worries on that score. Just beware of Lyra. She’s obsessed with humans, and if she knew you’d traveled with any, she’d annoy you with endless questions and utterly ridiculous theories worth of any conspiracy nutter.” Michael chuckled as Verdigris trotted up to join them. “Pity the poor human who came here.”

“Rodrigo said a few of the Nightingales were human, Uncle Mike,” Verdigris reminded him.

“Oh, yes. See what age does to you. A few centuries pass, and you can’t remember your own name.” He rolled his eyes. “Should I make my way to the bone yard?”

“You’re laying it on thicker than Rundell ever could.” Rodrigo raised a paw to knock, but Michael pushed the Library door open.

“If you knock, she’ll yell. This is a library, even though she lives above it,” the Pegasus explained. “Twilight, we’re back.”

The Unicorn peered out from behind a tall stack of books. “Oh, good. I’ve got some questions.”

“And that’s my cue to depart,” Michael said quietly. “I can’t stay, Rodrigo. I’ve been here nearly too long. Verdigris and Twilight will look after you, no doubt.”

“Nice of you to ask,” the Alicorn commented. “Although, if I know Twi like I think I do, you’ll never get any sleep, and neither will she. You might be better off staying with me.”

“Right. I’ll see you when I return. Sometime again, lads,” Michael said as he slipped outside and closed the door.

“Sometime again,” Rodrigo said as Twilight trotted towards him. “Before you start, can we sit down? I think we’ll both feel better.”

“Oh, sure. Do you want to stay, or do you have to go, Verdi?”

“I don’t have any duty, so I guess I’m watching Rodrigo. I’ll stay, but remember what Princess Celestia told you. Naps if you’re up all night.” He noticed Rodrigo’s smile. “Oh, you’re familiar with obsessed scholars, too.”

“I could have been one, but I managed to get away from the books every now and then. It’s not all studying in Arkasti schools.” Rodrigo walked at Twilight’s side and sat on a nearby chair when they reached the large, paper-covered table. “Wait, where did you get to vulcanology? It’s not in the Gazetteer.”

“Oh, I was checking what could have built those mountains,” Twilight answered, pointing at a map with her hoof.

“Uh, that never mattered, unless we had caves or passages to explore,” the Arkastin replied cautiously. What did I fall into?

Verdigris suppressed a chuckle. If Rodrigo was once an intrepid explorer, he was sure Twilight could cure him of that. If not, when Daring Do heard of him, that would probably do it. Poor guy.

(((())))

Luna trotted down from her rooms, followed by her Guards. She’d had an interesting dream, one that seemed very real; unfortunately, the last time that happened Verdigris had nearly killed a Rus gangster. She wanted to be sure, and she was in search of Celestia. As she reached the Court Hall doors, Blaze and Tango stood to attention, and the doors opened by themselves. She was obviously expected.

“Celly, I had – ” she began.

“A very realistic dream,” Celestia finished for her. When Luna nodded, Celestia hoofed over a message from Twilight. “I’d like you to tell me, Luna. You always capture the details, and sometimes you know more than I do.” As Luna read the missive, Celestia sighed. I only hope it’s as bad as Michael was thinking, instead of worse, she thought. She looked as Luna looked up from the message, her face grim. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes, there is. They’re to the north, near the Aerie, probably a week’s march away. They’ll reach Condorosa within four days. We can’t let that happen, Celly. I saw – ” Luna paused, closed her eyes and took a breath “ – I saw dead ponies. More than two dozen. That’s what woke me,” the Night Princess said reluctantly, her face twisted with disgust. “I had a glimpse of more, but that’s all.”

“Only you and Verdigris know its exact location, Lulu. I don’t know if I can send any Guards with you. There have been rumors of trouble in Zebrica that might spill over here, and – ” Celestia stopped and looked to the east. “I wonder. Is that blasted Traveler of Evil still laid-up?”

“Torrentican? I have no idea. The last time he and Omnius contested, he was badly hurt, but perhaps not enough to make him go to a home-world.” She paused, a hoof to her chin. “It does seem to fit his profile, and he swore revenge on Verdigris for sending him away,” she said with an unpleasant smile.

“I wish I could be sure. We need to talk with Rodrigo soon, but we can’t leave until tomorrow.”

“You can’t, but I can,” Luna replied. Her expression turned wistful. “I would love to see Verdigris again, Celly.”

“Didn’t I ask you not to call me that?” Celestia grumbled.

“You reverted and called me ‘Woona’. Twice. And it never bothered you before.”

Celestia sighed. “I don’t know; it just seems wrong, and I can’t say why.” She looked at the message again. “Maybe it’s because it’s a name a filly uses, and you’re not a filly anymore, Lulu. I keep forgetting that, and I’m sorry.”

Luna nuzzled her sister. “It’s all right, but how is ‘Woona’ better? It’s another name a filly uses, is it not?”

Celestia nodded, acceding to Luna’s logic. “I can’t promise it’ll work, but I’ll try.” She nodded, as though making a decision. “Yes, you should go. They need to know, so they can plan how to counter this threat.”

“Aye, Verdigris would rush off to defend his own, and who knows what might happen? We know nothing of these Nightingales.” Luna nodded to Celestia. “I will go now. I leave my Guards to you, ‘Tia. I only need Hammer and Anvil.”

Celestia nuzzled her sister. “All right. Be careful, Lulu. I’ll be there first thing in the morning. Good luck.”

Luna stood straight, looking at her with an imperious glare Celestia knew well. “Luck has nought to do with it, ‘Tia. I will start the ground-work, and hopefully we’ll be ready upon your arrival. Sometime again.” She raised her head and her horn glowed. A moment later, she was gone.

“Be careful, Lulu.”

(((())))

Rodrigo was reading Twilight’s notes and making a few corrections when he felt it. A build-up of magic that felt familiar. “Someone’s teleporting in,” he said.

“Who’d be – ” Twilight began when a bright flash illuminated the room. “P-Princess Luna!”

“It’s good to see you again, Twilight.” She looked at Rodrigo curiously. “Hmm, not quite what I was expecting. I thought you’d be taller.”

Rodrigo looked at the Princess, taking in her appearance. He bowed slightly. “Good afternoon, your Highness. I could say the same thing,” he replied with a little smile. He’d expected her to be taller, too, but they were looking each other in the eye. “I guess we were expecting too much?”

Luna smiled. “Perhaps.” She looked at Verdigris, and her eyes lit up. “A moment, please.” She trotted over and hugged the stallion with a sigh. “Ah, it has been too long, Verdigris. I’ve missed you.”

“Same here.” His smile faded, and he asked, “Are you here alone? What about your Guards?”

“They are on their way. Despite what the nobles might think, you and I know we can take care of ourselves.” She smiled mischievously. “And with you here, I am not unguarded.”

“You wouldn’t believe she’s over fifteen hundred years old, would you?” Verdigris said to Twilight, who giggled.

“I sure wouldn’t,” Rodrigo said. Wow. That old and still looks like a kid. Filly. Whatever.

“Of course not. Like you, I am more than I appear to be,” she replied in fluent Arkastin, which made Rodrigo start and stare. “Aye, we have encountered your kind, and may have impersonated Lunaria and Solaria without realizing it.”

Rodrigo tilted his head to one side and smiled. “Or maybe you didn’t. You sound a lot like her, and I met her, once. Maybe there’s more to what Michael says than I thought.”

Luna nodded. “I would enjoy continuing down this line, but I’ve come for a more serious reason.” She looked at Verdigris. “I demand your complete obedience, Verdigris. You are my friend, and the love of my life, but you are still my Guard. You will do nothing until I tell you. Understood?”

Verdigris’, Twilight’s and Rodrigo’s eyes widened. None had ever seen or heard her behave as a Royal. For the ponies, it was unnerving. “I hear and I obey, Highness,” the Alicorn said quietly. “My Oath is in force.”

“Twilight, I must swear you to secrecy, not only for the importance of what I am about to tell you, but also for your own protection.”

Twilight looked at the Night Princess curiously, but nodded and said, “You have my promise, Luna.”

She looked at Rodrigo and smiled. “I need say nothing about secrecy to you; I can see a fellow lover of the Night. You know what happens under the moon’s face stays there.”

“Yes, your Highness. What is it?” Rodrigo said seriously. Something told him there would be bad news.

“Very well. The Nightingales arrived seven days from the Aerie.” Verdigris started angrily, and she said, “Enough. They know not where they are, but I had a terrible dream. They killed several ponies, and I glimpsed many more. However, it is not set in stone. They are not there yet, and I would stop them before they became a threat.”

“I could go right now and take care of it,” Verdigris said.

“And Celestia and I forbid it. You will not disobey ‘Tia; we both know it.”

“You’re really annoying when you’re right,” Verdigris groused.

“You don’t know what they can do, Verdigris,” Rodrigo said. He pulled his longbow out of the bag of holding. “I’m really good with this, and you can probably see its aura. I call it Magekiller, ‘cause it’s enchanted to harm arcane spell-casters. Their rogue’s probably as good, if not better. He’s probably focused more than I have. Their mage isn’t bad, either. The only advantage we have is we’re teaming-up; at least I think so. They probably have advantages we don’t know about; I don’t know that much about the Nightingales. Magic weapons aren’t common, but they’re not hard to find if you have the coin and time to have them made. You don’t want to run into a wand of magic missiles, for example.”

Verdigris looked at him and the bow for a minute, then nodded reluctantly. “Yeah, okay. We need to figure out what they’re planning to do.” He paused. “What if they can’t go back on their own? You said it was a device. That means they don’t know exactly how they got here, right?”

“I’d be surprised if they did. I didn’t have time to check. I was concentrating on them, and I was off my feet quickly. The first instinct is survival,” the Arkastin replied. “If I didn’t have time, neither did they. That and the devices are too strange. They’re so old they’re like new discoveries. Nobody’s seen them for our entire history since the Cataclysm. They may as well have come from another world. Actually, they are. Nothing’s like it was, really.”

Luna nodded. “Aye, 'tis true. I feel the same, as a thousand years’ absence has the same effect. It was a long, difficult adjustment, and that was to ordinary things.”

“What are they likely to carry?” Twilight asked. “You said two fighters, one rogue and a mage. That could tell us what to expect. I said it could,” she said when Rodrigo opened his mouth.

“Okay. Fighters tend to do most of the front-line fighting. They have the heaviest armor, most powerful melee weapons and are the toughest in a stand-up fight. Some are good with bows, but most are ‘sword-and-board’ types. Rogues like me don’t go head-on, but come at them from the sides or rear. We tend to do a lot of bow-work, mostly from the shadows.” Verdigris looked at him with a scowl. “Hey, we’re not set up for or trained for that kind of fighting, and heavy armor gets in the way of our main line of work. Mages and sorcerers are worse off, ‘cause armor is too constricting, normally. What I’m wearing is enchanted to be lighter and easier to move in, while still protecting as well as heavier armors.

“Something else to think about is magic weapons. I don’t have much that’s mundane, it’s all enchanted to give me a better chance of hitting them through the armor. Some are more powerful, obviously. Magekiller’s been enchanted to target arcane spell-casters. My rapier’s been magicked to make it easy to slip through chinks in armor, and to deliver a spell-like attack power when it hits. Added to that, the metal’s been changed to bypass certain creatures’ damage resistance, or immunity to normal weapons.

“And then we have magic items. This ring – ” he pointed to the ruby-topped band “ – stores spells I can turn loose on call. It’s great for spells I can’t cast myself, but I can put them into the ring from a spell scroll, and I keep a few scrolls to paw. I’ll get to those in a little while,” he said to Twilight, who was about to ask. “This ring lets me fall without having to worry about being injured. This ring improves my defense a lot. I’ve got a couple more that protect me from specific threats.

“These boots improve my ability to move silently. The cloak adds more protection. These wands fire missiles of force that don’t do a lot of damage, but never miss. This wand identifies items without me having to use up a spell slot. This one improves your natural armor, or gives it to you. And there’s more, lots more.”

“Scrolls are basically spells put onto parchment, and depending on what they do, anyone – or anypony – can use them. Some can’t be cast by anyone but an arcane caster, but they’re still useful. Healing scrolls are easiest for anyone, ‘cause they’re made to be used.”

“Can any spell be put on them?” Verdigris asked.

“Yep, and you can make a few nasty traps that way. Read the scroll, you set it off. Some will destroy whatever it’s protecting, some won’t. It’s meant to stop people like me from taking stuff someone wants to keep,” he finished with a nasty grin. “Keeps me on my toes, so I don’t get soft.”

“Doesn’t that make adventuring dangerous?”

“It does, but each profession has certain perks, for lack of a better word. I can dodge like no one’s business, while mages and clerics have tremendous willpower, and fighters are tough as nails or old trees. Some spells work better than others, but not always perfectly.” Kang grinned again. “Keeps life interesting.”

“I’d imagine,” Luna replied drily. “What are the Nightingales likely to do?”

Rodrigo frowned thoughtfully. “Once they get back together, they’ll look for food, then scout out the land, learn what’s out there, and probably make contact. I can’t say they’d be nice about it. They work outside the law, even if assassins are almost-legal.”

“Almost?” Twilight said, her eyes wide.

“People in power – or who want to stay in power – use them to remove, ah, minor obstacles,” the Arkastin replied. He didn’t seem comfortable talking about it. “They’re used politically, for the most part. Some are religiously motivated, but that’s by fanatical groups who want to take over, or change society to match what they believe it should be.” He sighed. “Michael knows more about them than I ever will.”

“He cannot stay very long, and has departed,” Luna replied soberly. “No doubt he has told you of his problems.” Rodrigo nodded. “They are, from what you have said, the latter kind?” Another nod. Luna sighed. “That bodes ill. If they are, they will not see ponies as thinking, feeling beings, or so it seems.”

“I can’t tell you. I don’t know what motivates them, and I don’t want to know.”

“Assassins,” Verdigris mused aloud. “They strike at night, don’t they?”

“Any time, actually. They use disguise, misdirection, concealment and stealth; everything I do, but to get close to their target. I just steal stuff,” Rodrigo said distastefully. “I know, I’m splitting hairs, but I don’t kill unless I have to; or unless someone really pisses me off.”

“Jin,” Luna said. When Rodrigo stared at her, she continued, “While I do not match Lunaria completely, we are enough alike that we can communicate. Most Goddesses of a particular portfolio are. We met and talked a short time ago, in the Dream Realm. It was a relief to speak something other than Equish; I needed to practice my Arkastin. I thought it was a chance meeting, but now I know better. We are, other than our origins, the same.” She looked at him sadly. “And I saw your dreams, though I did not know it at the time. She was very special.”

Rodrigo nodded. “Applejack thought I was talking about you when I mentioned her. I guess she was right.”

Luna nodded. “As I said, what may come is not set in stone. We must warn them, Verdigris.”

“I don’t know if Golden will listen to me. We didn’t part on the best of terms. I think still she’s upset about how I told her that Eaglefeather wasn’t her problem any more.” He shook his head. “Bucking leaders and their stiff necks. And their case of ‘leadership syndrome’. The only good thing is you and Celestia don’t have it.”

Luna smiled, and it wasn’t a pleasant one. “Prithee tell, my love, how didst thou reach that conclusion? To what evidence canst thou point? Pray tell, what cause hast thou to say that?” Verdigris looked at her in surprise. “Exactly. None. We have it, but unlike others, we control it, not the opposite. Golden Eagle is still young for a mortal, despite her apparent age, and you have less experience than she. You have learned much, quickly and well, but you are still younger than Twilight. Age brings wisdom, but also arrogance and conceit. So does learning. Thou needs remember there is more yet to learn.”

Verdigris bowed his head, blushing slightly. “I’m sorry. It still bothers me.”

“Prevent it from happening again, and thou might be forgiven.” Luna drew out a chair, and a map of Equestria appeared. “That aside, we must prepare. Shall we?”

Author's Note

I shouldn't need to explain a lot, but - questions? PM.
Past incidents given took place in gaming. Some details might be off, but the essential facts are still there. Colored by Rodrigo's viewpoint, of course.
Terrene is from Digodragon's web comic, which is currently on hiatus, until he figures out how to fix the plot.