> The Misfits
>  by Cyber System
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Meet the Misfits
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In every family, there’s always the runt; in every flock of white sheep, there’s always a black one; and in every civilization, there’s always a misfit. Even in a place of perfect harmony such as Equestria, there will be a pony or two who stands out from the rest, who doesn’t fit in; a misfit, so to speak. Such as Cyber System, an ocean blue colored unicorn with a dark turquoise mane, who after an accident involving lightning strikes, suffered brain damage and was left unable to use magic, even the most simple spells were impossible for him. His horn useless, Cyber thought his life was ruined until a new path in the road became unlocked to him, technology.

Even though he was now a handicapped unicorn, Cyber System was able to create countless inventions and discoveries with his incredible scientific mind, one of which was a gadget in his back which had four flexible mechanical arms that were attached to his nervous system, allowing him to control them as if they were regular limbs.

Although never regretting the decisions he made and earning his motherboard cutie mark, he was still shunned and teased due to his inability to use magic and weird arms that jutted out of his back. But Cyber stood strong and set off to find a place where technology and outcasts like himself were appreciated. That is when he met his team, The Misfits, which are special ponies that were alienated and became outcasts in their own town. Eventually The Misfits weren’t just a team, they were best friends. However, The Misfits were still feared and shunned, making it impossible for the group to make much progress. So as they wander around Equestria they keep an eye out for some way they can reach Canterlot to meet Princess Celestia, who may just be their only hope in being accepted to ponykind, all while searching for new members they come across in their aimless journey across Equestria.

“Okay, I think this is a good place to stop for the night,” said Cyber, pulling a cart which contained food, tents, sleeping bags, anything they needed on their quest for Canterlot.

“Alright, I’ll be right back,” replied the beige coat and brown mane pegasus, Dusty, who shortly after dove into the ground and drilled a hole so easily it was like diving and swimming through water as he disappeared into the ground.

“About time!” complained Fang, yawning and exposing his sharp, jagged teeth, perfect for tearing apart meat, which was his preferred diet, which was normal for a predator like himself, though, with a stone grey coat and dark grey mane. Aside from his larger, more muscular structure and cutie mark resembling a readied bear trap, his teeth and diet were the most terrifying (and nauseating) feature about the carnivorous misfit.

“So, Cyber,” said a gentle, feminine voice. “Are we close to Canterlot yet?” Cyber looked and smiled at his near black friend with jade green mane, Mixy, who hovered a short distance from the ground as an emerald green aura glowed around her oddly crooked horn, while the same colored aura was around some rocks, wood, and dry grass as they levitated into the position of a campfire. Cyber liked Mixy in not just a way of friendship, but as a way to show all of Equestria that everypony should be accepted as normal citizens, even Mixy, the only pony-changeling hybrid in existence.

“Let me see,” replied Cyber as two of his robotic hands reached into his saddlebag, pulled out a telescope, then placed it around his eye, just barely in the distance he could see a small town ahead. “I think I see a town,” he said before noticing a large castle off in the distance. “Wait a minute... Is that? It might be... Canterlot!” he said excitedly as his arms retracted the telescope and put it away in his saddlebag, then looked behind with a smile to see Fang and Mixy jumping around in happiness.

Shortly after Fang and Mixy’s celebration, Dusty popped up from his hole carrying a chunk of flint in his mouth, which Cyber took with a thanks, then struck it against his metal arm to create a spark and ignite the campfire.

Dusty covered up his hole. “What’s with all the dancing?” he asked.

“There’s a town over there, and I think it might have a way to reach Canterlot!”

Dusty smiled. “Canterlot!?” he exclaimed.

“I know, right?” said Fang. “Finally, a chance to meet Princess Celestia so she can save my tribe from starving.”

“Not to mention she could help show all of Equestria that we’re not, and never should be outcasts,” added Cyber.

Dusty felt excited. “Well, what are we waiting for?”

Mixy stopped Dusty from overreacting. “Dinner,” she answered as Cyber pulled out a pot from the cart, which he suspended over the fire with a spit and began to work on a stew with two hands while the other two pulled out a piece of raw meat from an ice box. The very sight of the bloody animal flesh made Fang’s mouth water, but resisted the urge to eat it as Cyber placed it in a little ‘cooking oven’ that was suspended next to the pot to cook.

“By my calculations, the two meals should reach maximum cooking time simultaneously in approximately 30 minutes,” Cyber said as his robotic arms finished the stew, and got blank stares from his comrades after they failed to understand his scientific vocabulary.

“Cyber, please lay low on the science talk,” reminded Dusty as Fang drooled a stream waiting for the steak to cook.

Cyber rolled his eyes. “It’ll be ready in thirty minutes,” sitting down as he waited, using his robotic hands to tinker with whatever gadget was in his saddlebag.

Fifteen minutes later, Dusty was the first to speak. “So, what do you guys want to see in this new town? I personally want to see somepony who shares my pain, or a unicorn with electrokinesis, or a psychic earth pony that can read minds or turn invisible or something.”

“Yeah, but wouldn’t they know our secrets?” pointed Cyber.

“Which is why they would be a misfit.”

Cyber scratched his chin in thought, then shrugged. “Hm... Fair point, as for me, I don’t care what kind of misfit we get if there is one. Remember, the purpose of our group was to make outcasts feel welcome, not to start a super-powered team to overthrow Celestia.”

Mixy grinned at the idea. “Doesn’t seem like a bad idea, actually,” she joked.

Cyber chuckled. “Anyway, what I’d rather expect is a place that won’t look at us like we’re something that crawled out of the Everfree Forest.”

“I hear you on that,” replied Mixy. “Remember that time we visited Hoofington?”

Dusty nodded. “Yeah, who knew ponies could evacuate that fast.”

“I think I saw one wearing a hazmat suit,” said Cyber.

“A hazmat suit? What?” Dusty was confused. “Where’d they even get one of those?”

“Not sure, what about you, Fang?”

“Uh, uhuuhuh,” Fang moaned, staring at the meat, sizzling in the oven.

Dusty rolled his eyes. “I know that your tribe is starving and all, but do you really need to act like that every time you see a piece of meat?”

“Ugh, uhs, sorry,” Fang moaned again before Cyber’s arms pulled out bowls and a ladle from the cart.

“Whatever, dinner’s done anyway,” he announced as three of his robotic hands worked to pour the soup into bowls while the fourth grabbed the meat and tossed it to Fang, who caught it in his mouth and began to tear it up like a wild animal attacking its prey.

“Cyber, I don’t know how you do it, but these are delicious!” said Mixy, levitating the bowl with her magic.

Cyber waved his arms about for show. “It’s all in the hands.”

Dusty slurped from his soup. “Maybe you could give me some of those hands,” he suggested.

“Trust me, I would, but I found out that magic seems to... Reject neural transmitters.”

“So, that’s a no?”

“Not unless you somehow lose all your magic in a freak lightning accident like I did.”

Dusty shifted uncomfortably at the thought. “I think I’ll stick with digging for now, it is my destiny,” Dusty points to his cutie mark, which was a shovel and a pickaxe.

“Speaking of which,” said Fang through his half-eaten steak. “How is it that only you can dig through solid rock?”

“I dunno, guess I’m just lucky or something. Maybe it’s in my genes.”

Fang wolfed down the rest of his steak. “Yeah, a pegasus has the right genetic makeup to be able to survive underground.”

“Says the carnivorous earth pony.”

“Hey, in my defense, I’m the result of evolution, you are a mutant.”

“Watch that razor sharp mouth of yours, Fang, if it takes me thirty seconds to drill through a boulder, I can break your skull in less than two.”

“Actually, it would take you 1.429 seconds to be exact,” Cyber commented.

“You see? Only one point... Whatever he said seconds, and you’d be dead.”

“I’m pretty sure I can rip out your heart in less than that with just my teeth.” Fang bore his teeth as the two bystanders grimaced at the image.

Mixy intervened. “As much as I would love to hear about how long it would take for you to kill each other,” she said, sarcastic. “Some of us are trying to enjoy our meal without losing our appetite.”

“Ah, let them do it,” said Cyber. “They’ve been competing about everything ever since they met, even if it’s about who can kill who in what time.”

“I don't have a problem with what they’re competing about, I just don’t want to get nauseous because of it.”

“That’s kind of weird, I thought you could feel other ponies’ sympathy,” said Dusty.

“What makes you think that?”

“Well, your cutie mark is a mirror, so I thought it means you reflect feelings from others or something cheesy like that.”

Mixy facehoofed. “First of all: that was bad. Second: it doesn’t mean that I have sympathy, it means I can change my look like a changeling.”

“Only not completely.”

Mixy rolled her eyes. “Okay, yes, but I can change some parts and my voice, I just chose a mirror as my cutie mark because mirrors show others who they really are, no matter what they look like.”

“Would that be your cutie mark story or how your parents met?” said Dusty.

“At least my cutie mark story doesn’t involve becoming traumatized, thus depriving me of the one thing my kind is known for,” countered Mixy.

Dusty smiled and shrugged, knowing he’s been beaten. “Touché.”

“Anyway,” Cyber said, “I wonder how we can get to Canterlot from this new town.”

“Not sure,” said Fang. “What’s the name of that place, anyway?”

“I don’t know, it would be easier once I finish my EPS.”

The others gave confused looks. “EPS?” they asked.

“EPS, Equestrian Positioning System, it will allow us to not only see where we are, but also it will provide useful traveling directions,” Cyber reached in his saddlebag and pulled out the small black rectangle device he was working on. “There’s just one step left.”

“What’s that?” asked Mixy, then Cyber rubbed the back of his neck out of nervousness.

“I, uh... I need Celestia and Luna’s permission to launch a satellite into orbit to provide accurate location, and I’m worried about their reaction of a ponymade item orbiting Equestria.”

“Why don’t you use those wings you were working on to do it?” asked Fang as Cyber put the EPS back in his saddlebag.

“I told you the wings require a thrust to fly, and it hasn’t been properly modified to maintain stationary or vertical flight, besides it’s still just a prototype. Furthermore, none of the individuals here have the capability or the adaption to remain conscious within the vacuum of space outside of our atmosphere.”

“Cyber, you’re talking science again,” reminded Dusty as Cyber rolled his eyes.

“It’s not ready yet and we can’t breathe in space but I’m working on it,” Cyber put simply.

“Well, Dusty can breathe in dust, is it the same? Maybe he can put your thingamabob up there,” suggests Fang making Dusty’s face wince with notice and fear.

“And go up there? Up where it’s high? No, no way, I don’t care if the fate of Equestria is at stake I am not going up there!”

“Oh yeah, I forgot you’re scared of heights, but what about Mixy?”

“If a pony can’t live up there, I doubt a changeling could.”

“Mixy’s right,” said Cyber. “We need Luna to do it, being the only one to have survived on the moon for a thousand years”

That got Fang’s attention. “A thousand years?” he exclaimed. “Jeez she’s old, are all the princesses that old on the mainland?”

“Celestia is,” said Cyber. “Princess Twilight is around our age, Princess Cadence is several years older than Twilight.”

Dusty slurped the last of his dinner and placed his empty bowl on a nearby rock. “Anyway, so when are we leaving?”

“First thing tomorrow,” confirmed Cyber as Mixy placed her bowl on top of Dusty’s, and Cyber on top of the stack.

The four misfits watched as the sun set over the horizon and the moon rose to take its place, sprinkling the sky with twinkling stars. The four couldn’t help but look in awe at the beautiful array that the night brought; although, sleep eventually caught up to them as Dusty rapidly beat his hooves on the dirt, gathered up the dust cloud, then hopped on it for a good night’s sleep; Mixy crawled into her sleeping bag; and Fang simply fell over on his side and fell asleep, in an awkward albeit relatively comfortable position.

With his friends asleep, Cyber found this a good opportunity to wash the dishes in the nearby stream. Deftly he gathered up the bowls his friends left and balancing them on top of each other. While doing so he also grabbed a small cloth from the cart and went on his way to the running water. Once there he quickly washed the residue off each of them, making sure to avoid scraping any of them with his metal hands and possibly waking his friends.

With the dishes washed, Cyber wiped his short turquoise blue mane from his eyes and came to realize that he felt a little light headed, a condition he comes down with from time to time. With a sigh, Cyber reached into a deep compartment within his saddlebag and pulled out a syringe, and another box with a small screen similar to his EPS but smaller and white. Cyber poked his foreleg with the syringe, wincing at the pain but brushing it aside as he watched it fill up with blood and a thick, black, oily residue.

Cyber grimaced at the sight he never got familiar with. “If the others knew about this, they would freak once they find out my inventions could kill,” he muttered as he stuck the needle in a small hole box and injected the contaminated blood while a third arm cleaned the puncture wound with a piece of cotton.

Shortly the device came to life and displayed results of the blood he inserted in it, with a depressed sigh, Cyber looked at what it showed to him.

BLOOD POISONING: 47%

“Just a minor drawback for these machines,” Cyber said to himself. “Computer, initiate blood filter, transport residue to back output,” the response he got was a few beeps, whirring, then a brief period of feeling numb, dizzy and lightheaded that made him lie down as his device redirected his blood flow to filter and dialyze his blood. Then shortly as feeling and blood flow returned, Cyber felt fit as a fiddle.

Getting back on his hooves, Cyber looked at his back to see a small, cylindrical glass container rise from his back that was full of the black, viscous liquid that was previously mixed with his blood.

“I’ve done this for fifteen years and I still don’t know what this stuff is,” he muttered as he removed the container from the machine, placed it in his saddlebag for future use, then deeply inhaled to relax as he was about to sleep.

“In the name of the princess, you are under arrest,” said a gruff, male voice behind Cyber, who jumped up out of surprise.

Cyber began to turn around. “I didn’t do anything! I’m completely-” he stopped and relaxed at the sight of Mixy behind him, giggling at how easy it was to frighten him with a simple change in her voice. “Very funny, Mixy,” he frowned.

“Oh, come on, don’t be so uptight, Cyber,” Mixy said. “At least it wasn’t like the time at nightmare night,” she put on a shocked expression as her voice dramatically changed to sound exactly like Cyber’s “’No! Don’t kill me! I’m too young to die, Nightmare Moon!’ You really acted like a foal then, I think you even leaked a little,” her voice returned to normal after doing her impression of Cyber.

Cyber blushed. “I told you, that was the machine, not me!” his eyes flickered a little.

Mixy laughed again. “Oh, calm down, Cyber, it was just a joke,” she assured, making Cyber sulk in embarrassment, but once her yellow green, slightly serpentine eyes met his yellow ones, Cyber couldn’t help but smile as well.

Cyber chuckled. “I guess I was acting a bit foalish back then.”

“You still act foalish, brainiac,” Mixy nudged Cyber.

“So do you, pretender,” the two shared a laugh. “So what kept you up? Is Fang snoring again?”

“Nah, I just couldn’t sleep,” Mixy smiled.

“So, are you excited to meet the princesses?”

“Well, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, but personally I would rather seek misfits like us.”

Mixy was confused. “So why are we determined to see the princess so bad?”

“Fang’s tribe is in a famine, they’re beginning to run out of food, with only a very small supply from a neighboring tribe, and Fang believes that Celestia can help with that.”

“Will they be alright?”

“Fang told me that there should be enough meat for a few more years, but even then there’s still the threat of pestilence and plague, though Fang’s kind are natural born survivors, so we can take our time, but we should see the princess as soon as possible.”

“Why does Dusty want to go so badly then?”

“Dusty is Fang’s best friend, he’ll do anything to support him, also Dusty has the same reason as you: to simply ask her to show Equestria we’re not something to be feared or mocked.”

“What about you, do you have any plans for the princess?”

Cyber nodded. “Of course, I plan on showing Celestia my inventions to help Equestria.”

“Just as long as you don’t send Equestria into nuclear warfare.”

“Don’t worry, I stopped experimenting with nuclear radioactivity ever since the accident.”

“Accident? What happened?” Mixy asked, concerned.

Cyber frowned uncomfortably at the memory. “I’d rather not talk about it.”

“That bad?”

“Let’s just say that nuclear energy is now banned in over half of Equestria.”

“Yikes, when did this happen?”

“Some time before I met Dusty,” Cyber desperately looked for a way to change the subject. “So, I heard that changelings feed off of love, do you do that? Not to offend you or anything.”

Mixy giggled. “Nothing you say could offend me, and yes, I can feed off of love, but I just do what my dad does and just use my own love or the love my parents have for me.”

“I just thought that you would be a bit nervous, given the changelings’ reputation.”

“I understand, and to be honest, I am a little nervous, I can’t really copy as good as my dad, but I’m glad that my friends will be there to help me if I need it,” Mixy nuzzled Cyber.

Cyber smiled at her. “Anytime, though I’ll have to talk with your father to know how the whole ‘using your own love’ thing works.”

“So, Cyber?”

“Yes?”

“Well, I’m... I’m going to bed, good night.”

“Alright, good night,” Cyber waved to Mixy as she left to the camp. Cyber simply looked at the moon in wonder, letting out a slight gasp as he saw a shooting star streak across the sky.

‘My only wish is for ponies to treat us like civilians instead of monsters.’ Cyber thought as he lay his head down and slowly drifted to sleep.
> Chapter 2: Welcome to Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Misfits were confused as they entered the town to see nopony there.

Dusty spoke up after glancing around. "Did they see us and evacuate already?"

Cyber shook his head. "Celestia just rose the sun, everypony's just getting up or something. Look there's one now," Cyber pointed to a pink mare with poofy hair and balloon cutie mark, who was staring at them as they approached her. Cyber extended a hand to shake. "Greetings, my name is Cyber-" he was cut off as she sprung up into the air, let out a loud gasping noise, then fled away in a blur. "-System? That was weird."

"Did Fang show her his teeth?" said Dusty.

Fang shook his head. "I had my muzzle shut ever since we came in here, wherever here is."

"Maybe somepony else can tell us," said Mixy, looking around before spying another mare, this time foam green and a unicorn, sitting on a bench in an odd, upright position, reading a book. 

Mixy pointed to the pony. "There's one." 

Cyber approached her. "Excuse me, we're new here, what's this town's name?"

The unicorn didn't leave her gaze from the book, but still responded. "Ponyville."

Cyber looked at the book she was reading. "'Mythical Creatures and More'? I haven't read that version before."

"Really? Twilight has all the versions."

The mare got Dusty's attention. "Twilight? As in Princess Twilight?"

The mare lifted her head up from the book. "Yeah, if you want, she lives in the library right over theuuuuuuhhhhhhh..." her jaw dropped the moment she laid her eyes on Cyber, who facepalmed.

"Ugh, not again, I hate it when that happens," he said.

Fang stepped up to the mare. "Look, could you just show us where Princess Twilight is? We've been through a lot and just need a place to stay for a while without all of... this," the mare didn't speak, nor did she lift her gaze from Cyber as she slowly lifted her hoof up and point to a large tree.

"Er... thanks," Cyber said as the four followed the green unicorn's direction.

Dusty moved up to Cyber's ear. "Looks like she's got a crush on you," he teased, making Cyber back off.

"What are you talking about? She probably never saw misfits before."

"Sure it's that, and I'm Princess Celestia," he joked. "You must have a crush on her too, right?"

"What? No! She was just shocked, just like that pink pony before."

Fang spoke up. "I don't know, did you see the look in her eyes? They looked pretty lovey-dovey to me."

"How would you know that?" Cyber replied.

"I saw the same glow when Dusty heard the name Rainbow-"

"Fang, shut up, I thought I told you that was from hatred," Dusty snapped.

Mixy and Cyber joined in this time. "Right," they all laughed as they became out of earshot from the mare they were just talking to moments ago.

"Hands..." she mumbled to herself. "...He has hands-- I gotta tell Bon-Bon."





Bon-Bon just finished handing a cake to a customer as she waved goodbye to him. "Thank you, come again!" the stallion nodded and began to walk out the door with the pastry on his back before being intercepted and pushed down by Lyra, Bon-Bon's possibly insane, yet loveable, human obsessed roommate.

Lyra ran in front of her roommate screaming, "BON-BON!" as the cream colored earth pony facehoofed at whatever shenanigan Lyra got into this time while the stallion picked himself and the cake up and left grumbling.

"Lyra, for the last time, I told you there are no humans in the Everfree Forest."

Lyra shook her head frantically before speaking in rapid, excited, indistinct gibberish before she was shut up by Bon-Bon's hoof in her mouth.

"Lyra! Calm down and talk slowly, please?" Lyra nodded before Bon-Bon removed her hoof, then Lyra took a deep breath.

"Ok, so this morning I was reading my favorite book, and then this new pony comes along and, well, he's got hands!" Bon-Bon gave an unimpressed look.

"Lyra, I think this human obsession of yours is getting to your head."

"What, no! He had hands, I'm serious!"

"Lyra, I know we're best friends and all, and I will support you in anything you do, but if this has something to do with your 'human research' I would rather have you leave me out of it."

"But-"

"No, I don't care. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work. Let me know when you can talk to me without mentioning humans, or at least when you stop overreacting whenever you hear that word," Bon-Bon trotted to the kitchen, grumbling things like 'stupid humans' and 'next thing you know you'll be claiming you were born a human'. Lyra opened her mouth to argue, but couldn't find the words and instead just stormed to her bedroom.





The Misfits came close to a large tree as Fang teased Dusty "Mare-lover!"

Dusty sneered. "Fang..." he growled.

"Rainbow-hugger!"

"Fang, shut up."

"Aw, come on, you know you want her, Dusty."

"How about instead I remind you about Silver Wind?"

Fang's smile disappeared. "This conversation is over."

Dusty made a mischievous smile. "Gladly."

Mixy was confused. "Who's Silver Wind?"

Cyber observed the tree with curiosity. "Some mare Fang had his eyes on back in Saddle Arabia, he took her out on a date, did not end well, but he's still head over hooves for her. Anyway, with that aside, did that mare point us in the right direction?"

"This is where she pointed. So, a tree, Princess Twilight lives in a tree," said Dusty, confused.

"That's a major safety hazard during a thunderstorm, and termites, and fire, but I digress, when did we start judging?" Cyber knocked on the door, which was answered by a short, purple and green lizard, followed by a few minutes of staring from both parties.

A voice came from inside. "Spike! Who is it?" then a lavender alicorn came into view, she gave disapproving look at the lizard. "Spike, stop staring at them," she turned her attention to the misfits. "I'm sorry for my assistant, he doesn't usually- woah."

Cyber broke from his trance. "It's alright, we get that look a lot. We're the ones who should apologize for staring, we never saw a dragon before."

Dusty spoke up. "Yes we have."

"Okay, yes we have, but not one this young."

"Right, so come on in," she said as Cyber and the rest of the misfits followed her inside. "Spike, could you get us some refreshments, please?"

"Uh, sure, Twilight," Spike said. Without taking his eyes off of the Misfits, he left into the kitchen.

"So, what can I help you with?" asked the lavender alicorn.

"Well, allow us to introduce ourselves, I am Cyber System, and this is Fang, Dusty, and Mixy. Together, we are The Misfits," Cyber introduced.

"I'm Twilight Sparkle, and not to be rude or anything, but what are those?" Twilight gestured to Cyber's robotic arms.

"These? They're robotic arms I invented, why do you ask?"

"It's just that, you're a unicorn, why do you have those?"

"I can't use magic."

Twilight almost gasped with surprise. "I'm sorry, what?"

"You heard me correctly, I can't use magic. I was struck by lightning and suffered brain damage," Cyber tapped his head for emphasis as Twilight placed a hoof over her mouth.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry."

"Ah, don't be, the lack of magic invited me to a bright, technological path, as you can see," Cyber pointed to his cutie mark, Spike looked at it in curiosity after coming in with cups of tea.

"What is it?" Spike asked as Twilight took a cup of tea with her magic.

"It's a motherboard, a technological device which can provide almost limitless amounts of coding and control that is capable of controlling even the most complex of systems, ranging from sizes exceptionally miniscule, to approximately as large as a house."

Dusty came between them and took a cup for himself. "Sorry about that, princess, Cyber sometimes lets his brains get ahead of him and starts speaking in science."

"It's alright, Dusty, I understand him."

An owl nearby spoke. "Hoo."

Fang looked at the owl. "Cyber."

"Hoo," the owl repeated.

"Cyber," Fang repeated, annoyed.

"Hoo," the owl said again before Fang growled and bared his teeth, making the owl fly away, hooting in fear as he perched onto Twilight.

"Woah, I never saw anypony scare Owlowiscious like that," Twilight said, amazed.

"Oh, it's probably because I'm carnivorous," Fang opened his mouth and pointed at his sharp teeth, which Twilight looked at with the very rare look of awe and wonder.

"That's, amazing! I've never known a mutation like this could happen, you must be one of a kind."

"Well, I'm not, and it's not mutation, it's evolution, the first of my clan was stranded on a deserted island with hardly any plantlife, but plenty of meat, then one thing led to another, and now there is a whole tribe of carnivorous earth ponies with hunting instincts like 'life radar' and 'camouflage' and other cool abilities used for hunting."

"But, how did you get here if you grew up on an island?"

"Well, my parents and I wanted to see what else was out there besides what was on the island, so we were given a boat and we set sail, only for a storm to hit and we shipwrecked off the coast of Seaddle, where I met Cyber, while my parents stayed by the shore."

"And nopony else came with you?" Fang shook his head.

"Like I said, there was barely any plantlife, so what was left only built a boat large enough for three ponies and a supply of food, which we had to sacrifice shortly after the famine struck us."

Twilight's eyes grew wide with concern. "A famine?" Fang nodded.

"Yeah, there was enough meat but it's not permanent, and we can't plant it in the ground like you plant eaters do, that's why I need Princess Celestia more than anything. All my family has to do is supply my tribe with food other than the sparce amount of fish supplying to us from a friend of ours, and even fish aren't found everywhere like flowers and grass."

"Wow, Fang, I had no idea that there are lives in danger."

"Nopony else does either, every time I try to tell them, they run away in fear or call me a monster once they see my teeth. Some ponies can be so paranoid."

"I remember when things were like that around here," Twilight sipped from the tea with Fang, who immediately spat it back out from dsigust.

"That was disgusting, what kind of tea is this?"

"Herbal tea," Spike answered as Fang tried to get the taste off his tongue.

Mixy moved up to Spike. "Uh, Spike? Plants make Fang sick."

"Woah, sorry."

"It's alright," Fang said. "It's not the first time somepony gave me plants. Once it was intentionally put in to try to poison me."

"You can't get around without somepony giving you the evil eye, can you?" Spike asked.

Mixy shook her head. "It's what makes us Misfits, though."

"Speaking of which, what makes you and Dusty misfits?" Twilight asked, taking another sip from her cup as Dusty and Mixy exchange looks, as though having a silent argument over which one was going to tell their back story first.

Dusty sighed. "Alright I'll do it, better get it over with," he faced Twilight. "So, pretty much here's how my story goes: I grew up in Cloudsdale, like most other pegasi, but a few things about me were different, I was interested in the ground, I had unusually strong legs, and I barely even tried to fly, and it all started when I met a certain pegasus mare who shall not be named. She was the first to tease me about my lack of flight, and she even dared me to try to fly, only I failed, miserably, and I was sent falling, falling, nopony to help me as I felt terrified by my upcoming death, screaming for help, nopony around, and then, and then..." Dusty started twitching and hyperventilating as the images of the event flashed in his mind.

"Dusty, are you ok?" asked Twilight.

"Falling... screaming... no... no, no no nonono falling, falling!" Dusty started to panic and sweat, and it was clear of that as Cyber placed a hand on Dusty's shoulder.

"Dusty, Dusty, calm down, you're not falling, get a hold of yourself," Cyber comforted Dusty, who gradually calmed down from his panic attack.

"Sorry, sometimes that event can get to me," Dusty says before taking a deep breath. "Anyway, to make a long and terrifying story short, I crashed into the earth, buried underground in a cave, the only lights came from the hole I just made, nopony was around and I was alone, stuck under there for several days."

"Weren't you scared?"

"To be honest, I wasn't nearly half as scared underground as I was when I was falling, but I managed to survive until some kind of explosion caused a cave in, blocking out all traces of light and cutting the cave's sized less than half afterwards. I was completely trapped, but soon I did what any other young colt would do if they were alone in the dark with no room: I threw a tantrum. But by banging on the stone walls I found out I could dig through it like pudding, so that's how I got out. And when I finally saw the light of day, I found my parents, who tirelessly were searching for me after the cave-in, and I found out I earned my cutie mark.

"Anyway, I can't tell you the joy we felt when my family was reunited, but I also can't tell you the embarrassment my parents must've felt once their pegasus son climbed out of the ground with a digging cutie mark and refusing to go back to Cloudsdale because he was scared of falling. I can't even walk on normal clouds anymore after that, but I make up for it after I found out I can walk on and breathe in clouds of dust," Dusty lay down and sipped from his tea, relieved that he finished telling his unique, yet terrifying story.

Mixy walked to Twilight. "I suppose it's my turn, but promise me that you won't freak out."

"Why would we freak out?" said Spike.

"Well, I am..." she hesitated and looked at Cyber, who gestured to get on with it before she took a deep breath. "I'm a changeling hybrid," she finally said, then expected screaming or gasping, but instead Spike just broke out laughing while Twilight was unsure whether to believe her or not.

"That's a good one, ha ha, a changeling hybrid, yeah right."

"Actually, Spike, I think she's serious."

"Twilight, come on, we know what changelings are, why in Equestria would they tie the knot with a pony just to raise a foal?"

"Tie the knot with a pony just to raise a foal?" Mixy echoed in Spike's voice, which got the little drake's attention.

"Uh, did you say that?" Spike turned around towards Mixy to see her coat has turned purple and her mane turned a different shade of green, somewhat like a strange, ponified version of Spike.

"I don't know, what do you think?" Mixy continued in Spike's voice.

"That's really creepy, can you please stop that?"

Mixy's coat changed to beige and her voice matched Dusty's. "How about now?"

"Okay, okay, I believe you, just don't use somepony else's voice, it's really weird." 

Mixy giggled in her normal voice as her coat returned to near black. "I love doing that."

"An actual changeling hybrid," Twilight said, with several mixed emotions. "How is this possible?"

"I dunno, Mom and Dad never actually told me how they met, all I know is they met, dated for a while, got married, Dad found out he was feeding off his own love but decided to stay once he found out true love is much better than artificial love, then Mom found out about Dad's 'origin' after I was born, and despite being run out of town and Dad becoming a wanted fugitive, they stayed together because they loved each other."

"Are your parents still around?" Twilight asked, hopefully, then was filled with excitement as Mixy nodded.

"Not sure exactly where they are right now, but if they still use the seasonal houses, they should be near Las Pegasus by now." Mixy gave a toothy smile as Twilight nodded with understanding.

"I must say, those were very interesting stories," Twilight said.

Dusty interjected, "Some better than others."

"Maybe you all could meet my friends sometime, Cyber."

"That would be great, perhaps at dinner, and thanks for the tea. We'll be on our way now, see you later," Cyber gave a polite bow and trotted out of the library followed by the rest of the misfits.

Spike walked up to Twilight after the misfits left. "Should we tell Celestia about them?"

Twilight nodded. "If what Fang says is true, we need to help out, take a note." Spike left before returning shortly with a quill and some paper, ready for Twilight to begin as she cleared her throat. "Dear Princess Celestia, just recently I ran into a group of special ponies who call themselves 'The Misfits'. One of them has come to my attention in need of desperate help. His name is Fang, who is a part of a tribe of carnivorous ponies that are in the midst of a great famine, I hope that you can help them. Yours truly, Twilight Sparkle." Spike finished and within seconds he rolled it up and exhaled green flames at it, the ashes flew through the air, out the window, and on its way to Canterlot.





Lyra played her lyre in her room, the gentle melody soothed the anger and annoyance right out of her. Perhaps she was a bit forceful on Bon-Bon with her human studies, but that stallion she met this morning just made her want to tell somepony right there. Now Lyra really wanted to meet him, know his name, then if he does enjoy humans as much as she did, then she could spend her studies with him and Bon-Bon won't have to worry about Lyra barging in claiming she may or may not have seen a human, it's a win-win!

Lyra continued playing until her stomach started begging for food, so she packed up the lyre, walked down the stairs, finding her roommate at the counter again.

"Hey," Lyra said, "I just wanted to say sorry about earlier, I was really excited about that stallion."

Bon-Bon smiled. "It's alright, sometimes I just hear the word 'human' one too many times, that's all."

"Alright, so I'm heading to get some lunch, you want anything?"

Bon-Bon shook her head. "No thank you, I'm good, but could you stop by Sweet Apple Acres while you're out there?"

"On it." and with that, Lyra trotted out the door and made her way to the diner, where she was surprised to see Time Turner, and that stallion again, both were laughing.

"And I said, 'that's no witch, that's my mum'!" Time Turner said as both him and that stallion broke out in laughter, anypony that wasn't looking at them were now, though neither of them minded.

"Hoo, Doctor, that was hilarious, it was nice meeting you," said the unnamed blue stallion as Time Turner began to leave.

"Likewise, Cyber, and please, call me Time Turner," and with that, Time Turner left as Lyra took his previous seat and watched the stallion return to his sandwich.

Lyra spoke up. "Hey, I don't think we got a chance to properly meet each other before."

The stallion looked up and swallowed the food in his mouth before speaking. "Oh, it's you! I would've introduced myself but you were too busy being flabbergasted."

"Right, sorry about that, I just never thought I'd see an actual pony with hands."

"Don't be sorry, I get that look everywhere I go, I'm Cyber System," Cyber extended his hand to shake.

"Lyra Heartstrings, nice to meet you," Lyra took the hand with her hoof and resisted the urge to squeal with joy that she was actually touching a real, albeit mechanical human hand. "So, are you an anthropologist, too?" she asked.

Cyber searched his memory for the meaning of the word. "Oh, you mean humans? Not exactly, their existence never really mattered to me. Although, I am intrigued by their culture and machinery. I even saw many, and I mean many uses for their appendages, specifically the hand. It provides dexterous grabbing and partial-precision pointing, much better than magic."

"So, you would rather have hands instead of magic?"

Cyber chuckled. "Actually, I don't just prefer hands over magic, I have hands instead of magic."

Lyra was confused. "I don't get it."

"I mean I have no magic in me, absolutely none, but the scientific knowledge I have instead makes that whole experience worth it," Cyber stated proudly.

"What could do that?"

"Lightning strike."

"That almost makes me want to stand out in the rain to be struck by lightning," Lyra smiled as Cyber broke out laughing.

"I really like you, Lyra, you're weird, observant, but smart, fearless, and foalish at the same time, how do you pull it off?"

"Well, my roommate Bon-Bon said, 'I always have a hard time knowing whether you want to have a normal day, or search every nook and cranny of Equestria for humans' I guess that's what she means by that."

"Could be, and I completely agree with her, you are unpredictable."

"Is that bad?"

"Unpredictable? Bad? I lead a team of alienated ponies with abilities nopony thought were possible, I love unpredictable!" Lyra continued to chat the day away, completely ignoring her complaining stomach as she joyfully listened to Cyber talk about inventions he made and over fifty methods of blowing stuff up while she talked about all the times she thought she saw a human only for it to be a minotaur or a tree or a rock.
> Chapter 3: What could go wrong?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Canterlot, Princess Celestia just finished explaining Twilight's letter to her younger sister, Luna.

"This is an interesting story, though I've never heard of this kind of tribe before, nor have I heard of these 'misfits'," Luna said.

"This is very interesting," Celestia agreed. "But I don't recall anything that could have cause ponies to be stranded on an island and evolve into a carnivorous species, perhaps Discord had something to do with it."

"Oh, I sincerely doubt it," came a familiar, yet mischevious voice. "If I did I would have made them chase after turkey legs on a rope all over the place, or maybe put them in a field of grass coated pigs. No! I got it, having their teeth fall out and dance on a chicken that flies upside down and backward while it molts. Oh, I should write this down, it is golden!"

"Discord, have you heard about these misfits?" asked Luna.

"Afraid not, Luna, but now that I have I need to write down what forms of chaos I can cause on them," Discord said gleefuly before taking out a notepad and a pencil out of his ear. "Now let's see, I'll take those arms off that smart pony and have them come to life and slap him silly," Discord started scribbling in the notepad, looking like he was taking notes when in reality he was just playing a game of tic-tac-toe against himself. "And that one pegasus, what for him?" he tapped the pencil eraser on his chin in thought as Celestia rolled her eyes.

"Discord, this is important. We could be introduced to a new kind of pony that has never been seen before!"

"Fine," Discord threw the notepad and pencil backwards. "What do you need me to do, oh Princess?"

"Simply tell the ponies in my air force to search for this tribe of Predators," Discord saluted before teleporting away.

"Sister, I don't understand, why aren't you doing this?" asked Luna.

Celestia smiled. "I think you know very well why, these misfits may perhaps be what we were looking for."

"Do you mean, we finally found a way to help 'them'?"

Celestia nodded. "Come, sister, it's time we finally paid a visit to our friends Solar Eclipse, and Moonlight Shadow"





"Cyber, you have to try these apples, they are the best in Equestria," Lyra said as she brought her new friend to Sweet Apple Acres.

Cyber looked around, admiring the apple trees as they passed by. "I must admit, these are very impressive looking apple trees," he said as an orange earth pony came into view.

"Howdy, Lyra, how's it going?"

"Hi, Applejack, I came to get some apples for Bon-Bon. Oh yeah, and meet my new friend."

Cyber introduced himself. "Hello, Applejack, my name is Cyber System."

"What's that you got on your back?" Applejack asked. "Some kind of electrical doodad or something?"

"Actually yes, they have neural transmitters that I have connected to my central nervous system so I can-" he facepalmed after noticing Applejack's confused expression. "Oh, why do I even bother, I can control them like extra limbs."

"I see, so why do you do that?"

"He said he can't use magic after having brain damage."

"It was mildly traumatizing, but I got over it with my love for technology, these arms were one of my first inventions, it was hard and took a long time but once I built them I earned my cutie mark and never used my hooves for anything besides walking."

"Well, that's a cutie mark story I never thought I'd hear from a unicorn."

"You should hear Dusty's cutie mark story, it involves psychological trauma."

"Who's Dusty?"

"He's a friend of mine, a pegasus that's scared of heights but he drills through ground like butter."

"A pegasus scared of heights? That's unusual."

"I know right?" said Lyra. "He even has his own group of misfits, with Cyber here as their leader."

"Why does your group need a leader?" asked Applejack.

Cyber shrugged. "I don't know, I guess it's because they need somepony to look up to in their time of need, which happens a lot to a misfit. But who could blame them? When you grow up nearly exiled from the outside world, you begin to question whether somepony wants to be your friend, or if they want to run you out of town for being a monster."

"Well, you don't need to worry a bit, we've had our fair share of weirdness here in Ponyville."

"That's good to hear, and you don't need to worry about us either, Mixy and Fang wouldn't hurt anypony."

"Why would we be worried about that?"

"Well, Fang eats meat and Mixy's a changeling hybrid."

Applejack and Lyra were a little shocked at that. "A changeling... what?" said Lyra.

"Yeah, we get that reaction a lot, but like I said, she won't hurt you."

"Might wanna tell Rainbow Dash about her or she'll think she's a spy," said Applejack as the name rang a bell in Cyber's memory.

"I'm sorry, but did you say Rainbow Dash?"

"Yeah, she's a friend of mine. Have you heard of her? Not surprised actually, bein' the only one who performed the sonic rainboom, she gets all the attention."

Cyber shook his head. "No, it's not that, Dusty has held a grudge on her ever since she made him jump off of Cloudsdale, which caused his fear of heights."

Applejack's eyes grew with alarm. "What? Rainbow wouldn't do a thing like that!"

"Maybe not anymore, but Dusty doesn't know that, I'm worried that he will hurt her the moment he gets."

"We have to keep that from happening," said Lyra. "Where are they?"

"Dusty would be where he could easily make a cloud of dust, or at least somewhere calm, maybe outside of town."

Applejack thought about it. "I got it, Lyra, tell Big Mac where we're goin', help yourself to some apples while you're here. Cyber, follow me," Lyra and Cyber gave an understanding nod as Applejack left with Cyber not far behind.

They ended up at a hilly area. "They're not here!" said Cyber.

"I wouldn't say that," said Applejack, pointing upward, where Cyber could barely make out two pegasi, both were falling but one was moving around and flailing about.

"Oh no, we're too late, he's falling."

"But why is Rainbow doing this?"

"We can discuss cause and effect later, right now there must be some way to save Dusty."

"Can't he just dig?"

"Not when he's panicking," Cyber said as he searched through his saddlebag. "Think of it like flying, he does it like an instinct, but when it's clouded by a strong emotion or reaction, in this case fear, he can't focus and is unable to dig."

"And we're just standin' around while your friend's life is at stake?"

"Don't pressure me! I'm looking!" 





Earlier...

"Come back here, squirrel!" Fang shouted as his prey began to run away in fear, but the carnivorous pony was just as fast and had no trouble keeping up through the forest. Eventually the squirrel got the advantage when it scurried into a tree.

"Rats!" Fang shouted, then looked around for something useful, finding a large rock, he devilishly grinned as he stepped on it and lay down perfectly still.

The squirrel looked from it's hiding spot, seeing nopony was there, it scampered down the tree carefully, standing in front of a rock as it tried to calm down after almost being eaten by a pony, unaware that two eyes sprouted from the rock, and then...

CHOMP!

Fang's jaws clenched on the little rodent, as it tried to run away, but Fang already shook his head vigorously and began to chomp harder, then it wasn't long before the squirrel dropped dead, then Fang happily dropped it on the ground and picked the meat off the carcass.

"Camouflage, works every time," Fang said, satisfied before turning around to see a yellow pegasus with pink mane staring at him, with a look that was unsure whether he was a monster about to eat her, or just another creature of the forest.

"Uh, sorry you had to see that," Fang said, stepping forward, but the mare stepped back in response. "Look it isn't what it looks like," the mare's eyes darted to the squirrel's carcass. "Okay, it is what it looks like, but you have the wrong idea, I won't eat you, promise," Fang stepped again, but the mare continued backwards, not saying a word. "Come on, I don't bi-" Fang caught himself before reconsidering the statement. "I mean, I won't hurt you, I'm not a monster, my name's Fang," all he got in response was an awkward silence.

A sudden high pitched voice rang out. "Hey, Fluttershy, what are you looking at?" shortly a familiar pink pony hopped next to the pegasus, then looked at Fang, then smiled and waved. "Hi, mister! Have we met before?"

"Actually, I think that we met when I first arrived this morning."

"Oh yeah, I'm Pinkie Pie, this is Fluttershy."

Fang stepped up to them. "I'm Fang."

Pinkie Pie looked curious and forced Fang's mouth open to look at his teeth. "Wow, what big teeth you have, and sharp too!"

"Aaahaaaahhaahah," Fang moaned as Pinkie held his mouth open.

"Oh, sorry," Pinkie Pie released Fang's jaw. "What was that?"

"I said that I'm carnivorous."

"What does that mean?"

"I eat meat."

"Ew, so you don't eat veggies?"

Fang shook his head. "No, they make me sick."

Fluttershy spoke up. "Um... do you... eat ponies?"

"No, I've never eaten a pony."

"Can you still eat cake?" asked Pinkie.

"Yes."

"You're fine by me," Pinkie put on a large grin and bounced off, then Fang looked at Fluttershy.

"Does she normally act like that?" he asked, but the only response he got was a nervous mumble and Fluttershy running off to Pinkie Pie, who was distracted by something else.

"Fluttershy, what's that?" Pinkie asked.

"W-What's what?"

"That, right there, don't you see it?" she pointed off into the distance

"I don't see anything."

"Here, how about now," Pinkie Pie handed Fluttershy a telescope, which she took and looked in the direction Pinkie was pointing.

"It looks like Rainbow Dash. But who's that with her?" the name got Fang's attention.

Pinkie took the telescope back and looked through it. "He looks scared. Is he all right?

The mention of the pony with Rainbow Dash made Fang frantically run over to the two mares. "Let me see that!" he said before taking the telescope and looking through it, where he could see a cyan mare carrying a beige pegasus stallion who looked absolutely terrified. The realization hit Fang like a sack of bricks. "DUSTY!" he shouted before zooming out of the forest and made his way to Dusty's landing point.





Mixy sat down at a bench and took a relaxing deep breath.

'Today's going to be good, I can feel it' she thought. 'I just can't wait to see everypony and not have them run away in fear just because my dad is a changeling. They think that just because changelings are evil it means me and my dad are, but we're not! Only Cyber understands me, he understands everypony, no matter how strange or odd they are, Cyber never turns his back and is there to help ponies in need, like I was. I just wanted a friend, and Dad said that I wouldn't fit in, I thought that he was trying to keep me in, but he was trying to protect me. I still remember that day when I first met Cyber, Fang, and Dusty.'

"It's nice of you to let us stay for the night," Cyber said to the couple in front of them, Mirror Shard, a male baby blue unicorn pony, and Dandelion Meadow, a golden yellow unicorn mare. 

"It's no problem, Cyber, anything after you helped me."

"Hey, Dad? Who is it?" asked Mixy as she came down the stairs.

"Just some passerbys in need of a place to stay, so they'll be sleeping in the guest room tonight," said Dandelion.

"Oh, have you eaten yet?"

"Do you have any meat?" asked Fang, earning confused looks from the homeowners.

"Uh, meat?" asked Mirror Shard.

"We'll explain later," said Dusty as Dandelion got to work on dinner.

...

"You're a... changeling?" Cyber gasped as he saw Mirror change into one of the most feared and hated creatures in Equestria.

"Cyber! What are you doing?"

"Wondering what's going on, that's what I'm doing," Cyber answered.

"No, no, you're just dreaming, or tired, just go back to bed," Mirror Shard chuckled nervously and looked saccharin, but Cyber wasn't convinced.

"You're not fooling me with that, Mirror Shard, if that even is your real name."

"It is, honest! Please, please, don't tell the princess, my wife and daughter are all I have left, I can't afford to lose them," Mirror Shard begged as tears started streaming down his face.

"Bring your wife out here," Cyber said, then Mirror nodded and trotted into his room, shortly both him and Dandelion emerged with the same nervous and desperate look.

"Please, we beg you, don't take us apart," Dandelion said.

"First a few questions, one: will you hurt me?"

"We don't want to, but we will take action if you want to take us apart," answered Mirror.

"Two:" Cyber turned to Dandelion. "How long have you known what he was?"

"Ever since Mixy was born."

"Three: is your daughter adopted?" the couple shook their heads, and Cyber was intrigued. "So she's a hybrid?" the two nodded. "And she has no friends?"

Mirror shook his head. "She tried to once, but everypony ran away, she hardly left the house since."

"Final question: would you allow your daughter to come with me?"

The two were confused. "You want to... marry her?" asked Dandelion.

"Uh... no, as I mentioned before, I have a group of oddball ponies, we wander Equestria in search of ponies who need help, in other words we give ponies the friends they couldn't get before, and I feel like your daughter would make a perfect member, she's one of a kind, a special, a misfit even." Cyber smiled

"I would?" Mixy asked from her hiding place.

"Mixy, how long where you there?" asked Mirror.

"I heard the whole thing, Dad, and I agree with him, if I travel Equestria I can help show ponies what I am on the inside. We might even be able to clear your name, Dad."

The married couple looked at each other in thought before Mirror spoke. "Alright, but first, we need to see if we can trust you."

"Understandable, Mr. Shard."

Several days later...

"Mixy, please approach," Cyber said as the changeling hybrid stepped up. "Do you pledge to be brave and have the courage to be seen?"

"Yes," answered Mixy.

"Do you swear to never hide your true look in front of others?" said Fang.

"Yes."

"And do you pledge to always accept differences and never look down at yourself?" said Dusty.

"Yes."

"Then, as sure as my love for technology is strong," Cyber began. "I hereby announce you, Mixy, as an official member of The Misf-"

CRASH!

Mixy woke up from her daydreaming as somepony crashed into her, which truned out to be Fang.

"Fang, where's the fire?" she asked

Fang got off his hybrid friend. "Mixy! It's an emergency! It's Dusty! He's in trouble!"

"Trouble? What do you mean?"

"He's falling! Come on!" Mixy didn't need to hear anymore as Fang dashed past her with her following.

After some time of running, Mixy and Fang made it to a hilly area, where they see Cyber with an orange mare.

"Fang! Mixy! I'm so glad you two made it."

"We came as soon as we saw Dusty," said Fang. "Mixy, you think you can fly up and catch him?"

Mixy shook her head. "He's going too fast!"

"Fang, just tell me where Dusty's going to land."

Fang looked at the falling pegasus, then at the ground, then he made an X in the dirt. Cyber put the disk he was holding in the center then pressed the button, instantly it came to life and drilled into the ground while simultaniously extending upward in the shape of a funnel.

"What happens now?" asked Applejack.

"We wait."





Earlier again...

Dusty relaxed on his dust cloud looking up at the partly cloudy sky, pondering recent events.

'We met an actual princess', he thought. 'Just a few steps away from having ponies look at us not with fear, but with hope that nopony will be exiled or outcasted because of who they are or what they do, or-'

"Gang way!"

"Huh?" Dusty looked up just before being tackled by something moving too fast for Dusty to identify, all he knew was it was a pegasus, and he started tumbling around.

Dusty managed to get up. "Hey! Watch where you're going, you crazy-" Dusty stopped after seeing what crashed into him, a cyan mare with rainbow-hued mane, or to Dusty, a mare he haven't seen in a long time.

"R-Rainbow Dash?" Dusty asked as Rainbow also got up.

"How do you know my- wait a minute, Dusty? Is that you?"

"Yeah, it's me."

Rainbow sighed with relief. "Well, that takes a lot off my chest, I thought you died back when we were foals."

"No, but in the past years I've been gone, I've always wanted to give you something."

"Really?" Rainbow rolled her eyes but leaned in anyway to get what Dusty was giving her, expecting something romantic, but what she got was a sucker punch to the face that sent her tumbling down the hill before flying back upward.

"What the hay was that for?" she demanded.

"Oh, where do I begin? How about the time it all started when I fell off of Cloudsdale and crashed into the ground, which left me afraid to fly or do anything related to heights, or how about after that when I was trapped underground for days. You're lucky an explosion made me realize my destiny to dig."

"What are you talking about?"

"You heard me, ever since you dared me to jump off Cloudsdale, I'm scared of heights, I can't walk on clouds, and I dig instead of flying!"

"What?! That's impossible, and how does this have anything to do with me?!"

"You know very well, Rainbow Crash, that out of of all the bullies and jerks that picked on me, you were the worst."

"Watch it, punk, you're talking to the element of loyalty, fastest pegasus in Equestria, and future Wonderbolt member."

"And give me a reason why I should believe those excuses, I don't care about those stuck-up showponies you call the Wonderbolts, nor do I care about speed, and to be honest, I've seen Spike for less amount of time than you and already he's shown more loyalty than you by a longshot, Rainbow Crash."

Rainbow fumed, anger surging through her at the bombardment of insults Dusty threw at her. "Say that again," she threatened.

Dusty repeated slowly and firmly. "Rain. Bow. Cuh-rash."

"That's it!" Rainbow Dash shouted before flying into the air, then divebombed straight at Dusty, who stood his ground before pounding at the ground and digging out of the way at the last minute, making Rainbow Dash fly to the hole. "Come out of there and fight, you coward!" she shouted into the dark hole.

Dusty's voice echoed out of it. "If you insist!" then shortly Dusty shot up from underneath Rainbow Dash and jabbed her in the chest, just before diving back into the ground as RD stood up, ignoring the fact she was tasting a little blood and she had an injured torso.

"No fair!" Rainbow shouted before Dusty's head popped out of a new hole made next to her.

"Aw, what's wrong? Having trouble?" Dusty taunted as Rainbow tried to punch him, but missed as he simply moved back into the hole. "Missed me!"

Rainbow Dash needed to think of something fast, she obviously couldn't fight Dusty like this, she had to fight fire with fire. She grinned as a large rain cloud hovered overhead, then flew after it.

"What? Have you given up already?" said Dusty as Rainbow dragged the cloud to the fight scene.

"Nope, just thought you needed a bath, that's all."

"Wait, what? A bath? What are you-" Dusty was interrupted once Rainbow Dash released the water from the cloud, jetting into one of Dusty's holes, then it wasn't long before the other holes turned into geysers, spouting water out, with one of them containing Dusty, whom Rainbow zoomed at and kicked square in the chest, sending him across the hillside, soaking wet and coughing up water.

"How does that feel, Dusty?"

"Very *cough* clever, Rainbow Crash, *cough, cough* but you'll have to be better than that!"

"You mean like this?" Rainbow Dash said as she dashed toward Dusty and sent him airborne, Dusty was about to use his air time to drill into the ground until he realized how high he was, which caused him to panic and miss his moment of safety, though Rainbow was too angry to see his fear.

"Well, that's odd," Rainbow Dash taunted. "A pegasus who doesn't use his wings."

"Yeah, they haven't gotten much of a workout since we met, haven't you been listening?" Dusty replied, spatting out some dirt and mud.

"Well then, let's just see how good your wings really are after all this time." Rainbow Dash made an evil grin.

"Wait, do you mean, you don't mean!" Dusty shouted in fear as Rainbow Dash slowly nodded. "No, no, no, no, no, don't! Please!"

"Too late!" Rainbow zoomed at her opponent and grabbed him before he could dig to safety, then proceeded to fly both of them upward, much to Dusty's dismay, until they were both so high, ponies on the ground were almost invisible.

"P-please! P-p-please! D-d-don't d-do it! P-please!" Dusty begged as fear became the only emotion he knew. "You win! You win! I g-give up! Just p-put m-me down!"

"Alright," said Rainbow Dash with pride as she carried him over to a nearby cloud, and despite his constant begging for her to stop, she placed him on the cloud and almost immediately he fell through and was sent falling, much to her surprise.

"Help me! Help me! Somepony! Please!" Dusty screamed while his life began to flash before his eyes while Rainbow Dash tried to fly after him.

'Wait, he wasn't kidding?' she thought. 'Great, now I feel bad again,' she flew towards the falling pegasus as if she was trying to do a sonic rainboom. "Hold on, Dusty! I'm coming!" gradually she approached the falling beige pegasus. 

She got closer but the ground was catching up fast, then she hit the brakes in surprise as Dusty fell into a strange machine that extended into the ground, and around it was one of her friends and three other ponies.
> Chapter 4: Things calm down
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Come on, come on," Cyber said anxiously as Dusty came closer and closer until he fell into the funnel. "Got him!" he said with slight relief.

"What is this thing?" asked Applejack.

"It's a device I made in case Dusty were to fall from a high distance, I never thought I'd use it though. It works by forcing Dusty to drill into the ground where he is most comfortable and controlled."

Mixy was worried. "Will he be alright?"

Fang answered with worry as well. "I hope so, he's my best friend out of the Misfits."

That was when Rainbow Dash flew in. "Is he alright? Is Dusty alive?"

"We're not completely sure, Dusty needs to calm down first," answered Cyber. "And even that may take some time. Especially since he just went through a traumatic event like that."

As Cyber explained, Applejack viewed Rainbow with concern. "Hey, why are you all beat up?" Rainbow Dash hesitated. Although before she could explain, the distinct sound of teleportation was heard and Twilight appeared.

"I saw Dusty, is he alright?" Twilight asked.

"That's what we're waiting to find out about," answered Mixy.

"Uh, Cyber?" Applejack asked. "How hot can your gizmos get?"

"Well I've never had any of them overheat before, but I'd say they shouldn't get any hotter than a piece of metal that has been sitting out in the hot summer sun all day."

"So it's not normal for them to be melting?"

Cyber's eyes went wide. "Did you just say it's melting?" Cyber looked at the machine to see it actually start to droop down as drops started to fall from it, one of them hit Cyber in the forehead. "What is this stuff, Mercury?"

"No, it's vanilla," said Mixy.

Cyber was skeptic at first but decided to allow a drop of his melting machine fall into his mouth, tasting just like vanilla ice cream. "How'd you know that, Mixy?"

"I accidentally swallowed some."

"Speaking of swallowing," said Fang. "Anypony else feel queasy?" shortly he gagged and threw up... ribbons?

"What the heck is going on?" asked Cyber.

"I think I know," said Twilight. "Discord, what are you doing here?"

Cyber looked toward where Twilight was facing to see the god of chaos and disharmony himself.

"Oh, I'm just here to meet these misfits, also I'm bored, and you know how I get when I'm bored," Discord said as he pulled the rest of the ribbon out of Fang's mouth.

"We know how you get when you're not bored too," said Applejack as Discord used the ribbon like a lasso, wrapping around the melting device. Then he pulled, making it bend like a melting chocolate bar before turning into a giant puddle which flowed into Discord's mouth, much to Cyber's confusion.

"Anyway, I thought that maybe now would be a good time to get to know you all."

"Did you do anything with Dusty?" said Fang, baring his teeth at Discord and growling, but then was hit by a rolled up newspaper.

"Don't be so paranoid, Fang, your friend is fine, in fact..." Discord then pulled out a large toilet plunger out of the newspaper, then placed it onto the hole Dusty was in and started pumping. In no time at all he finished and lifted the plunger off the hole, and standing in its place was Dusty, who was very confused.

"What just happened?" Dusty said.

"Now that the whole party's here," Discord said as he pretended to roll up his sleeves. "Let's get them warmed up to me with a little bit of chaos."

"Discord, they've been through a lot lately, so please don't try one of your shenanigans," Twilight said.

Discord scoffed. "You princesses always ruin my fun. If anypony needs me, I'll be with Fluttershy," and just like that he disappeared.

"Well, I have absolutely no idea what happened," said Mixy.

Rainbow moved up to Dusty. "Hey, Dusty, sorry about the whole incident that happened earlier," she only got a look from Dusty that showed he was in no mood to talk.

"Dusty..." said Cyber. "What is she talking about?"

"And why are you both injured?" added Twilight.

Rainbow hesitated. "Well... I um..."

"She's the reason I fell," Dusty said, causing most of the ponies there to gasp.

"Rainbow, is this true?" asked Twilight, making Rainbow Dash slump down in regret and sorrow.

"Yeah, I did, I'm sorry. He tried to tell me, but I thought he was fooling around and didn't listen, I'm really sorry, could you forgive me, Dusty?"

Dusty glared at Rainbow before digging back into the ground.

Cyber put a hand on Rainbow Dash's shoulder for sympathy. "Rainbow Dash, as part of a group that has been picked on and teased a lot, we live by the phrase 'forgive and forget'. Although Dusty sometimes holds a grudge and has a hard time forgiving certain events. Though in his defense I would have a difficult time forgiving somepony that nearly killed me, even if one of those times gave me my cutie mark."

"What the hay does that all mean?" she asked.

"It means that we may forgive you, but it's going to be tough for you to get Dusty to talk to you tomorrow," clarified Mixy.

"And just so you know," snarled Fang. "If you ever do that again, you get to find out the hard way why my cutie mark is a bear trap, if you get my drift."

Rainbow shakily nodded to show she understood Fang's threat, then turned to her friends. "And you forgive me too, right?"

After a moment of thought, the two mares smiled and nodded.

"Also, could you please Pinkie promise to keep this whole mess a secret from the other girls?"

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye," the two said as the mimed out the movements accordingly.

"What was that?" asked Cyber.

"It's this thing Pinkie invented that ensures a promise will be kept, no matter what."

"Right, anyway, with all that aside, let's resume our previous activities and pretend none of this ever happened," said Cyber.





Meanwhile, Luna had just arrived at a place of unknown location and origin, darkness in every direction. Luna felt alone, but she knew that she wasn't.

"I know you're here, show yourself," she called out, but no response came. "Moonlight Shadow, please do not make this hard on yourself."

A very melancholic sigh rang through the area. "I guess I have no choice," then shortly a mare rose up from the shadows in front of Luna, wearing a black robe that covered most of her body but her equally black hooves while her face was completely shrouded out by her hood, save for two blank, white, very depressed eyes that seemed to glow within the hood.

"What do you want?" Moonlight said, her voice as depressed and melancholy as anypony could get.

"I have extraordinary news, you don't have to live like this any longer," Luna answered.

"Why not? It's the only place I can be, alone. It's been the same for years, ponies see me, then my power, then they run away. It's who I am and who I always will be."

"But, Moonlight, nopony wants to be alone, believe me, I've been alone for a thousand years."

"Lucky you then, but I'm just going to stay with the one thing that can't run away no matter what, shadows. Shadows always stay with me, and I stay with them, even becoming and controlling shadows."

"Moonlight, you know that Celestia and I want to stay by you."

"You're different, you're princesses, you have to do it."

"It doesn't matter, you may actually make some friends now."

"Give me a good reason why and I will go."

"You won't be lonely," Luna said, though it made no effect in changing Moonlight's mind.

"I said a good reason."

"Please, Moonlight, you know very well that both me and Celestia want you to be happy."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better? I lost happiness a long time ago, same time I lost my belief in making friends, you know that. So thanks for visiting, now leave me alone," and with that, Moonlight seeped back into the darkness.

"Moonlight, please," no answer. "Very well, I will leave you, but I will be back once I get more information on the misfits," and then Luna flew away, leaving Moonlight Shadow alone... again... just the way she wants.





Mixy trotted over to where Twilight said she would find Pinkie Pie, a large shop that read 'Sugar Cube Corner'. The smell of freshly baked goods that came from inside lured the hybrid in, where she saw nopony there. "Hello? Anypony here?" she called out before shortly a mare appeared from behind the back door with poofy hair and completely covered in flour.

"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie!" the mare said. "Aren't you one of the new ponies in town?"

"Yes, I'm Mixy, have we met?"

"I think so," Pinkie said before remembering that she was completely white from flour. "Oh yeah, sorry about this. I'm busy watching twins and they like it when I do this, hold on," Pinkie then quickly shook off the flour and cleaned herself, regaining her normal pink color that Mixy recognized.

"Wait a minute, twins? Are they...?" Mixy asked, making Pinkie giggle.

"No, silly, they're not mine, they're the Cakes'. I'm just watching their foals while they're away, but it's really hard to bake for a party and watch foals at the same time."

Mixy had an idea. "Do you think I could watch the foals for you while you work?"

"Really? That would be super-duper nice! Thank you!"

"It's no problem, Pinkie."

"Okey dokey lokey, Mixy, righty this-ey way-ey," Pinkie bounced into the back and upstairs with Mixy following as she was led into a room with a crib and a few toys scattered about the room. Pinkie showed Mixy to the crib where she saw a filly unicorn and a colt pegasus, both looked at the changeling hybrid in confusion.

"Their names are Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake, if they start crying, just dump flour all over yourself," Pinkie informed as she bounced back to the kitchen to resume her work.

Mixy smiled and nuzzled Pumpkin Cake. "You two are just so cute!"

"Oh and be careful, Pound Cakes a grabber!" Pinkie called out.

"He's a what?" Mixy said before her horn was grabbed by Pound Cake. "Aah! No, Pound Cake! Let go!" Mixy pulled back to try and free herself from the surprisingly strong toddler. Finally Pound Cake let go and sent Mixy flying across the room and into the wall. Then she used her wings to straighten herself as she returned to the twins, who were giggling at Mixy's expense. "Alright, you might just be a problem, Pound Cake, but Pumpkin may not be so hard," almost as if to prove her wrong, Pumpkin's horn glowed before Mixy was hit on the head by a barrage of wooden toy blocks. "Spoke too soon," she muttered as she rubbed the pain and the twins giggled and cooed again. "Well let's get you to something to play with."

Squeak!

"That you can't use to hit me on the head with this time," she growled.

Mixy searched around the playroom and brought various toys to the twins, but each of them didn't work. A toy train, Pound Cake broke that; puppets, Pumpkin wouldn't stop chewing on them; a boat, Pound Cake broke that too; blocks just got launched at her head like last time, until Mixy couldn't take it.

"Enough! Jeeze it's hard taking care of foals, they just make a mess, so if you're going to do that, I'm not going to tolerate it."

Mixy's temper subsided as she saw the twins scrunch up their faces on the verge of crying. "Oh no, I'm sorry, I just... please don't cry." only it was too late as the foals instantly burst into tears and sobbed, Mixy looked for a bag of flour to follow Pinkie's advice, but she had a possibly better idea that she should've tried at the very start.

Mixy hid her face from the twins by looking away. "Ladies and gentlecolts," she said through the twins' crying. "May I present to you... the amazing Mixy!" then Mixy shot her face back at the crying foals, only it wasn't an ordinary game of peekaboo. Using her changeling powers, Mixy changed her face into twisted, grotesque, but humorous shape, which got the foals' attention before she did it again, and again, and again each time with a rather hilarious look and sound effect, which caused the twins to laugh at the hybrid. Mixy continued until she heard Pinkie's voice behind her.

"Aw, no fair, how come it didn't work when I tried funny faces?" Mixy turned to face Pinkie to see that she was with another mare that was a white unicorn with a purple, neatly curled mane. The sight of Mixy's face made Pinkie break down laughing and the other mare grimace.

"Darling, I'd hate to be a bother," the white unicorn said. "But I believe there is something wrong with your face." that made Mixy realize that she still had her changeling powers were still in effect, and she almost looked like she had the face of a pig in serious need of a dentist appointment. 

Mixy shook off the transformation. "Better?"

The other mare nodded. "Yes, quite."

"Mixy, this is my friend, Rarity. Rarity, Mixy," Pinkie introduced.

"Nice to meet you, Rarity," Mixy said.

"Likewise, Mixy," Rarity said. "And may I ask how did you do that without using a spell?"

"I'm part changeling," Mixy said, which shocked Rarity while Pinkie was too happy to care.

"You're joking," Rarity said with a gasp, but Mixy shook her head.

"Nope, Mom's a unicorn and Dad's a changeling."

"Does that mean you can shapeshift?" Pinkie asked eagerly.

Mixy shrugged. "Sorta?"

"Ooh! Do me! Do me!"

Mixy smiled as her mane and coat changed pink and her cutie mark matched Pinkie's, though several features remained the same.

"Hmm, your kinda right, but I'm pretty sure I'm not an alicorn."

"I'm only part changeling."

"Oh, can you do voices?"

"Of course, silly!" Mixy answered in Pinkie's voice. "It's my favorite thing about being a changeling hybrid," she finished her Pinkie impression with a big toothy grin.

"Does Twilight know about this?" Rarity asked.

"Of course, darling, in fact she was the first pony I've ever gotten to know here in Ponyville," Mixy replied this time mimicking Rarity, who gave a disapproving look.

"Please don't do that," Rarity said, making Mixy give an apologetic smile and return to normal.

"Sorry, I just love doing that so much that sometimes I get carried away."

"Who wouldn't?" said Pinkie.

"I can think of a few," Rarity muttered before taking out a small knife from her saddlebag. "Anyway, here's that carver you requested, I want it back as soon as you're done with it."

"Okey dokey loki," Pinkie said as she took the carver from Rarity, who left shortly. "Now, Mixy, why don't you tell me about your friends you came into Ponyville with."





Celestia arrived at a place that she has only visited once before to drop off a certain stallion, but now was the time to search for this stallion. Using magic to protect herself from the sun's heat and radiation, she began to scan the area.

"Solar Eclipse, are you here?" she called out, though she already knew the answer as a teenage voice was heard behind her

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Princess 'I care about the land I rule more than my own adopted son'!" Celestia turned to the voice to see an albino unicorn stallion, with a red and orange mane that glowed and flickered as if made of fire, and a cutie mark that looked like a black sun that had a bright yellow corona around it.

"Solar Eclipse, we already discussed that your pyromania and temper has gotten out of control and you were placed here for your own good, be grateful I haven't let you die."

"Why should I? Nopony respects me, they look at me and run away. They're just jealous, jealous that I can control fire and heat with a single thought, jealous that I have the sun's heat at my will, jealous that I am your heir."

Celestia shook her head. "You are mistaken, it is not that they are jealous, but in fact, they are afraid. They are afraid because you turn into a flaming ball of burning fury and rage because of a mere insult, afraid by the fact that you burn everything that you touch, and afraid that if nothing was done, you would have burned all of Equestria."

"What makes you say that?" Eclipse demanded.

"When I found you, you were just a foal, motherless and alone, I tried to help, but all refused after most of them saw the blanket you were wrapped in burn into ash at the touch, others nearly got third degree burns for the same reason."

"And you agreed with them, I was young, I wanted somepony to love, somepony to call 'Mom' and you almost had it, I almost trusted you, but because of some damage, you decide to do what you did to your sister and sent me to the sun."

"You burned over half of Hoofington when you were just a juvenile, if action was not taken immediately it would've gotten worse, and I regretted doing that decision just as much as what I did to my sister, but she's back now and completely changed."

Solar Eclipse scoffed. "Well, wooptie-doo, thanks for the trip down memory lane. Now what's the real reason you came here?" 

"I recently gotten information about a group that would appreciate a pony like you."

"What do you mean?"

"They are called 'The Misfits'."

Eclipse began to flare up with anger. "Are you saying I'm some kind of outcast?!"

"No, Eclipse, please listen-"

"I think I've listened enough from you!" Eclipse shouted as his entire body became enveloped by fire that emerged from his horn.

"If you insist," Celestia sighed. "But once I meet these misfits, and you calm down, I will be back."

"FINE, JUST LEAVE ME! JUST LIKE YOU DID BEFORE AND EVERY OTHER PONY THAT'S SEEN ME!" Solar Eclipse shouted as Celestia flew away.

'I wish you would understand that this is for your own good and safety,' Celestia thought





Celestia and Luna both arrived at Canterlot castle, both with the same news to tell.

"Eclipse refused," Celestian said, her head drooping ever so slightly.

"As did Moonlight, perhaps we left them for too long."

"No, Moonlight Shadow volunteered to be put there so she can be alone, and Solar Eclipse was put on the sun for the protection of himself and Equestria."

"Perhaps if they were introduced to the Misfits, they would reconsider." 

"That may just be a wise decision, Luna, I would like to know about these Misfits anyway," Celestia used her magic to take a quill and paper, then instantly began writing a letter to her former pupil.

"Except that the train is broken," informed Luna.

"Which gives us enough time to have Moonlight and Eclipse 'lighten up' before the Misfits arrive." Celestia said as the letter rolled itself up and suddenly burst into flames as the ashes made their way to Ponyville.





Lyra began wandering around Ponyville, she became bored sometime after giving those apples to Bon-Bon, maybe she could find Cyber, or maybe the other Misfits. They shouldn't be hard to find, Mixy was part changeling and Fang must have sharp teeth, Dusty might be a problem.

Continuing her walk, the sight of the blue, armed unicorn caught her eye outside of Sugar Cube Corner, sitting with Twilight and three other ponies, she saw one of them had green mane and black hide, plus she looked like an alicorn, obviously it was Mixy, maybe the others were Fang and Dusty.

"Hey, Cyber!" she called out, gaining her friend's attention, who waved as she approached the table.

"Hey, Lyra," said Cyber. "Lyra, these are the rest of the Misfits, Mixy, Fang, and Dusty. Guys, this is my friend, Lyra."

"What's up, Lyra?" greeted Mixy, smiling.

"Hey," said Dusty.

"Any friend of Cyber is a friend of mine," said Fang with a smile.

"Wow, you two are already friends?" said Twilight. "That was fast."

"I know, I'm surprised how very few ponies are staring at us too!" said Dusty.

"Well, we have had quite a few misconceptions around here."

"Like what?" asked Mixy.

"Well, there was this time when a zebra named Zecora was thought to be some kind of witch that cursed us, when really it was just some poison joke that my friends and I stepped through."

"I've heard about those plants," said Cyber. "Once we accidentally stepped through some, you should've seen what it did to us. If I recall correctly I kept sneezing so hard I would be launched against the wall, Mixy changed color and voices so many times and so fast I can't even describe it, Dusty could only talk backwards, and Fang-" he was cut off by Fang waving his hoof at his neck, telling Cyber to stop talking. "-Fang... would rather not talk about it," he finished.

"What, what happened? Tell me!" said Lyra.

"He sounded wike a cute, widdle, fiwwy," Dusty spoke up pressing his hooves on his cheeks for a childish picture, making the two non-misfits giggle at the thought of what Fang would sound like.

Fang tried to hide his blush. "I told you to never bring it up." he muttered.

"At least you could recognize your own voice back then," said Mixy.

"Did he actually talk like that?" said Twilight.

"Uh-huh, and he even said wouds wike dis too!" Dusty said again with the same childish tone, which made the girls giggle again.

"Alright, yeah we get it, I sounded funny," said Fang as they heard the familiar sound of the purple and green baby dragon.

"Hey, Twilight!" Spike exclaimed, holding a rolled up paper in his claw. "Celestia sent you a letter, and it's urgent!"

"Well, what's it say?" said Twilight eagerly as Spike opened the letter and cleared his throat to begin.

"My dearest Twilight," he started. "I apologize for the delay, but I had to check up on important matters. Anyway, I have not heard of these misfits, but I would like to meet them, perhaps they could help me with something I am having trouble with, have them ride the next train to Canterlot whenever possible. Sincerely, Princess Celestia."

"Princess Celestia wants us?" said Mixy, excited.

"This is amazing!" said Cyber. "When's the next train?"

"It's a few days from now," answered Twilight, much to the Misfits' dismay. "Sorry, but the engine broke down and it's having repairs."

"Why don't I fix it?" said Cyber.

"Its still in Canterlot so it might already be fixed by the time you arrive, sorry Cyber."

"Well, later is better than never," said Mixy.

"Speak for yourself," said Fang, slumping down. Twilight looked at the time, almost six thirty, and almost time for the party.

"Hey Fang, if it makes you feel any better, we could go by my house for a party," she said.

"Really? What kind of party?" said Dusty.

Lyra chuckled. "That would ruin the surprise, you have to see it for yourself, come on."
> Chapter 5: The party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Misfits followed Twilight, Lyra, and Spike to the library where their surprise was waiting. Not before long the sun began to set and the moon came into clear view in the sky with the library.

"Alright, we're here," said Cyber. "What's this surprise about?"

"Step inside," Twilight said. Cyber shrugged, then grabbed the knob with one of his mechanical hands, turned it, stepped inside with the other Misfits curious as to why it was dark, and then...

"Surprise!" the lights came on and ponies popped out of every possible hiding place, if Cyber didn't have his blood purified the night before, he would've had a heart attack, but he simply was surprised while Fang almost activated his hunter instincts before realizing it was a harmless surprise party by seeing the giant banner that said 'welcome to Ponyville, Misfits!' on it, and under it were four large cakes with miniature sculptures of the misfits on top made of frosting.

"This is amazing!" said Dusty as the music was turned on. "Who planned this?"

"Pinkie Pie, who else?" answered Twilight.

"Pinkie plans the greatest parties in all Equestria," adds Lyra.

"Did she make these cakes, too?" asked Dusty, looking at the cake with a frosting sculpture of himself. Twilight nodded.

"This is amazing!" said Fang. "Hey, guys look, I'm a cannibal!" he took a large bite out of his sculpture as he the other misfits laughed.

"So that's what she needed the info and sculpting knife for," said Mixy.

"I must say, the quality on these sculptures is impressive, every detail is correct," said Cyber, inspecting his frosting sculpture while also cutting a piece of cake for himself.

"Of course, silly," came Pinkie's voice from some random location next to Cyber. "Why wouldn't I do it for somepony like you?"

Cyber nearly dropped his cake out of surprise. "Gah! Pinkie, I swear if you scare me like that over four times a day I will have a heart attack!"

"Sorry," Pinkie Pie apologized with a toothy grin and a 'squee'.

"Don't mind her, that's just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie," said Twilight. "Although why is there actual sculptures of the misfits instead of what you usually do?"

"I just thought for somepony like the Misfits, they needed special cakes for special ponies!"

The rest of the night was followed by cake eating, party games that Cyber and Mixy dominated at using their 'special abilities', slight arguing about whether they were cheating or not, Dusty getting sick from eating Fang's cake, which was somehow meat flavored; and Fang entering an extremely high sugar rush and crashed on the couch.

"That may have been the best party I've ever attended, nopony even seemed concerned about any of our differences," Cyber said after a majority of the guests left and most of the night has gone by.

"Yeah, the 'welcome to Ponyville' parties are always the largest," responded Twilight

"So, where's Lyra?"

"She crashed next to Fang and Bon-Bon took her home."

"Speaking of home, where are we going to stay? I mean we have a cart that unfolds into a house, although come to think of it we haven't seen it ever since we came in."

Pinkie bounced around between them and spoke in a sing-song voice. "I helped with that!" She said. "I put your house in an empty lot near the center of Ponyville."

Cyber opened his mouth to argue, but closed his mouth and simply blamed it on 'Pinkie logic'. "Well then, I will be heading there with Fang, could you tell the other Misfits where we're going?"

"Okey-dokey-lokey, Cyber!" Pinkie said as she bounced off.

Cyber trotted over to Fang, who was deep asleep. "Fang, Fang, come on," he nudged his carnivorous friend.

"Marine... Don't want another fish..." Fang muttered before drifting asleep again, making Cyber roll his eyes and pick up Fang in his arms before heading out.

After a while of trotting through Ponyville with Fang in his arms, he found the house they were staying in for a while. The cart was one of Cyber's favorite inventions, providing easy camping supplies for single night times, and instant household appliances for several day stays. The only downsides were the occasional need to refill the water tanks and the rather cramped small size, but Cyber works on that daily in his lab, which is also an adaption for the cart.

Cyber opened the door to find everything just the way it was last time the house was in use.

"Strange, sometimes things are out of place or disturbed or-" he inturrupted his own train of thought by shaking his head. "Pinkie logic, just blame it on Pinkie logic."

Cyber trotted to the upstairs of the house, found Fang's room, then place the carnivore on his bed, making him start to move in a running motion on his sleep. 'Well, I know what I'll try to make soon' he thought as he wondered what carnivores dream about, then trotted to his own room, which was decorated with all sorts of technology and electricity. Cyber then lay on his bed and fell asleep almost instantly.





Moonlight Shadow wandered around a world, her world, her world where she could be without being feared. It was lonely, but she didn't care, it's what she wanted, though even this made her wonder its purpose. She made everything out of darkness and shadow, which was plentiful in this place, which she called the shadow realm, she could enter and exit the realm as long as she touched her shadow.

She walked past her shadow buildings, if they were in the overworld they would be physical entities made from the shadows of others, it was complicated to tell the difference between the shadow and real realm, so Moonlight never thought deep into it, because even if she did know and understand, what would be the point? Further understanding the powers that made ponies run away? It was like her opinion on adding citizens to her "shadow town": useless.

Moonlight Shadow let out a depressing sigh before seeing a black figure fly in from the white sky. Since everything in the real realm gained a negative contrast when viewed from the shadow realm, the figure was obviously Celestia.

"What happened to leaving me alone?" muttered Moonlight. "Whatever, let's get this over with." She then phased back into the real realm to talk with the sun princess.

"Hello, Moonlight, it's been quite a long time since we saw each other, wasn't it?" Celestia said.

"Cut the icebreakers and get to the point," Moonlight Shadow replied.

"Very well then, I believe my sister told you about some ponies you might want to see,"

"Don't tell me that you're going to do it too, are you?"

"No, The Misfits won't be here for another couple days, I simply want to invite you to Canterlot, you haven't eaten in months, aren't you hungry?"

"The shadows provide my nourishment, besides, what's the point of leaving?"

"The same as staying here the rest of your life," Moonlight thought this over, then shrugged.

"Fine, if it will help you leave me alone or whatever."

Celestia smiled. "Alright then, hold on tight," Celestia's horn lit up, then Moonlight was coated in a white glow that made her wince before she was teleported away.

'That went by easier than I thought,' Celestia thought. 'I hope Luna is having the same amount of luck with Eclipse.'





Cyber slept peacefully on his stomach, then as the sunlight shined through the window he started to stir in his sleep, which caused a rare event to occur: Cyber's unconscious yet active mind triggered his mechanical arms to move and somehow literally slap him out of his slumber.

"Gah!" he shouted in pain as his hand, ironically the one that slapped him, rubbed the pain center on his face. "Dang it, I thought I stopped doing that, at least they woke me up in the morning this time," he stood up and streatched a little before trotting downstairs to the kitchen to cook breakfast, only to see Mixy beat him.

"Morning!" Mixy said, using her magic to place pancakes onto a plate that she handed to Cyber.

"Good morning, Mixy," Cyber replied. "How'd you sleep?"

"Barely, Dusty and I filled up on a lot of that cake last night, which is in the fridge just so you know. Also that stuff can cause weird dreams if you eat it before sleeping, I dreamt that some weird dirt monster ate Equestria before spitting it out and doing it again."

"Weird," Cyber agreed as he poured some syrup on his pancakes to start eating. "And speaking of filling upon sugar, is Fang up yet?"

Mixy nodded. "Yeah, he and Dusty already left to see what Applejack said about having the best apples in Equestria."

"Why Fang?"

Mixy shrugged. "He was bored and you were asleep, I guess."

"Alright, well I'll be in my lab if you need me."

"Working on something new?"

"Nah, just tinkering, I haven't come up with anything that could be of dire use at the moment."

"Alright, good luck!" Mixy said as Cyber left into his lab, then she mentally hit herself.

'Stupid, stupid, stupid!' she thought. 'When are you going to tell him? You've known him for years and not once have you told him your feelings towards him, but I guess there's a good reason, Cyber never really was one to look for romance, in fact I'm pretty sure he'd look at a romantic, candlelight scenery in the moonlight the same way he looks at an ordinary restaurant, completely oblivious to the love. Sometimes I wonder if that's the work of the lightning that hit him or if it's just him. Either way, he never looks at things as good or bad, just ordinary, there would have to be something serious about something to change Cyber's opinion about it. But that's why I like him, since the day we met I had a crush on him, but would he be weirded out about it or would he even care? I am so confused, but that might just be what love does to you.'

It was at that moment when someone knocked on the door, who turned out to be Lyra.

"Hey, Mixy," said Lyra.

"Hi, Lyra, what's up?"

"I saw smoke coming from your house, is something wrong?"

"No, that's just Cyber, he's in his lab, you want to come see?"

"Is he working on something important?"

"No, he's just tinkering, come on, I've got nothing to do anyway."

"Alright, if it's ok with him," Lyra entered and closed the door behind her.

"So, where are Fang and Dusty?"

"They're out getting apples, now the lab's this way," the two trotted to a door under the stairs, Mixy placed here eye up to a small orb, which scanned her eye before glowing green and the door opened.

"What was that?" asked Lyra.

"Some kind of security measure Cyber put in, says it's to keep out thieves, but I think he's just being paranoid." the mares walked into the room, gadgets and gizmos were all over the place, and standing next to a large machine wearing goggles and his face in a circuit panel, was Cyber System.

"Hey, Cyber," said Lyra, the surprise made Cyber jerk his head up and hit it against the top and yelling in pain as he rubbed his head.

"OW! Dang it!" he exclaimed.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, hold on," Cyber turned around and took off his goggles, Lyra could see his face spotted by oil and grease. "Hey Lyra, what brings you here?"

"I saw smoke."

"Oh, don't worry about that, I just had something blow up in my face again, no big deal."

"Right, so does that happen often?"

"About every time I tinker, but don't worry, I always have protection."

"What is this thing anyway?" asked Mixy, pointing to the machine that Cyber was just working on.

"That is a water distillation machine, it takes water vapor from the atmosphere and turns into fresh drinking water."

"Does it work?"

"Sorta, it has a few bugs that make it take anything from the atmosphere. You know, chemicals, dust, bacteria, etc. And turns all that into a liquid, nasty, so I was just working on-" Cyber was interrupted by the door opening and Dusty coming in.

"Hey, Cyber, can I borrow your heat vision goggles?" Dusty asked.

"Why?"

"I'm playing hide and seek with Fang and these three fillies, but I can't find Fang anywhere, so I was hoping you would be able to help."

"You know that you don't need to use heat vision to find Fang, right?"

"Yeah, but we were so caught up in the game, neither of us wanted to lose, also the fillies said it might earn them 'detective' cutie marks or something."

"Wait," said Lyra. "Are they a small white unicorn, a yellow earth pony with a bow, and an orange pegasus?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"They're the 'Cutie Mark Crusaiders', Sweetie Bell, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo, they're always trying some crazy shenanigans to earn their cutie mark, so Cyber, don't let them in your lab."

"Noted, alright, let's find Fang," Cyber put away the goggles he was wearing and grabbed another pair that had blue lenses and a few circuitry on the sides as he headed out with his friends.





Luna just arrived at the sun, using the magic her sister taught her for protection not just from the sun, but also from Solar Eclipse, whom she searched for before it was him who found her.

"Welcome back princess, I'll have you know that-" he stopped and noticed Luna as he put on a confused look. "Who are you?"

"I am Princess Luna, Celestia's sister."

"Oh, yeah, I heard of you, you're that one that got sent to the moon, right? How's it like there? Can't be worse than this place."

"Actually, it's not that different," Luna muttered. "Anyway, that is not why I came here, I believe Tia told you-"

"About the Misfits, yeah, those band of outcasts that think they're better than others."

"And what makes you think that?

"Well, why else would they pick a name like 'the Misfits', kinda lame actually. Also why would they all join together? To overthrow you and Celestia?"

"Or perhaps to show others like themselves that there is nothing to fear about the outside world?"

Eclipse was cornered. "I-- I just-- but--" he stammered.

"Eclipse, my sister told me about you, and you seemed to have been such a loving colt, always helping others and doing what's right, I even heard several stories about you playing in the fireplace often, most of the time while it was lit and just play in the flames."

"Have you come to talk about me, or my foalhood?" Eclipse hissed.

"A little of both, actually. From what I know from Celestia, you always wanted a friend, you even trotted up to the first pony you saw and asked to be their friend. But a lot of them were scared of being burned."

"But-- but--"

"Eclipse, I may have not known you for very long, but I understand you completely, I know what its like to be feared because of my actions, and if you were to do what I did-"

"SHUT UP!" Eclipse shouted as he was covered from head to hoof in fire "JUST SHUT UP! I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY OF THAT! I DID WHAT I COULD AND LOOK AT WHERE IT GOT ME!... SO SHUT UP AND LEAVE ME ALONE... Just leave me alone." Eclipse ran away from the moon princess, who noticed something else on Solar Eclipse's face.

'Was he... Crying?' she thought as she left to Canterlot to give the pyrokinetic unicorn some space. Althewhile Solar Eclipse was trying to fight back the tears on his face, but failing miserably and stomping on the sun's surface in rage.

"Stupid Luna, stupid Celestia, stupid ponies!" he shouted. "Who needs friends? I don't, I don't even want some, not anymore, not after what happened that one time," tears started streaming down his face, which was now free of fire as he fell into a flashback.

"Hi! I'm Solar Eclipse, would you like to be friends?" a young Solar Eclipse approached a small group of ponies around his age, who backed away slightly.

The only one willing to stop and say something was an earth pony colt, who awkwardly rubbed his leg. "Um... Yeah uh... Sorry, kid. We can't talk right now."

"No, wait! Look what I can do!" Eclipse jumped up in the air, as he landed a giant ring of fire emerged around him and came dangerously close to the other ponies, who backed away even more. "And this," Eclipse said happily as he picked up a leaf with his magic, then touched it against his skin. Instantly the leaf caught on fire and burned away.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Eclipse held out his hoof, but did not get the result he expected.

"This foal's nuts!" one said.

"Don't touch him!" shouted another.

"Don't get near me, you freak!" shouted the third before all three ran away, leaving behind Solar Eclipse depressed and slumping down.

"Why does nopony want to be my friend?" he said, almost about to cry.

"I'll be your friend," said a sweet, gentle voice.

"Who are you?" Eclipse looked at the speaker, a bright orange pegasus filly around his age.

"My name is Breeze Blower, but you can call me Breezie, everypony does."

"Alright, so you aren't scared of me?"

Breezie shook her head. "Why would I be scared? Your powers are cool!"

"You think so?"

"Yeah! You wanna go play?"

"Sure!"

...

"Breezie, get away from him," said Whirlwind, an elderly, grey pegasus stallion.

"No, Daddy, he's my friend."

"He's dangerous, get away from him."

"I'm not dangerous!" Eclipse firmly said.

"Zip it! You hurt my daughter, stay away!"

"It was an honest mistake, he didn't mean to burn me, he can't control it!"

"I don't care, he will hurt all of us if he doesn't leave!"

"He will hurt all of us if you don't calm down!" Breezie argued

"No! I already lost your mother, I'm not losing you to this freak!"

"I am not a freak!" Eclipse shouted, already the air around them started to get warmer.

"Yes you are! Your a freak made from fire and you must be finished."

"No! I won't! Your daughter's a good friend and I won't let some old stallion get in the way!" their rage blinded them from the ongoing events as objects started catching on fire.

"Daddy...? Eclipse...?" Breezie tried to warn them.

"I am not keeping her from friends! I am keeping her safe from freaks like you!"

"Daddy? Eclipse?"

"I told you already-" Eclipse started to say.

"Daddy! Eclipse!" Breezie dashed toward the door before it caught on fire as well.

"I. AM NOT. A. FREAK!" Eclipse began to be covered in fire until...

Crash!

"AAAAAaaahh!" Breezie screamed in pain as burning planks of wood crashed onto her, gaining the attention of both stallions, both of them ran toward the pile.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no!" Eclipse shouted as he removed the wooden planks with his magic, eventually coming to his friend, laying singed in a puddle of blood, completely lifeless. "Nnnoooooooo!"

Eclipse turned to Whirlwind, who was too stunned to acknowledge Eclipse. "You did this! This is all your fault! You didn't let Breezie be my friend and now she's gone! And it's all. your. FAULT!" flames erupted from every which way, burning everything in their path.

What happened next, was known as the Great Fire of Hoofington.

Eclipse broke out of his memory, still crying. 'Breezie, you were the only one who understood me,' he thought. 'Why did you have to die? Why you, it's all your dad's fault, he didn't let you play with me and now he too died in the same fire... Which I caused because  I  couldn't control my  anger. Maybe it's not his fault you're dead, maybe it's mine. I wish you were still here so I can tell you how sorry I am.'
> Chapter 6: Look within yourself
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Where is he?" asked Apple Bloom as she and her friends searched around for Fang.

Cyber answered with some heat vision goggles, "Fang has always been good at hiding using camouflage, for all we know he could be right in front of us this whole time."

"So, he can be invisible?" said Scootaloo, placing her head in an empty log.

"Sort of," said Cyber, "he can only hide with objects the same color as he is, so look on rocks or anything gray."

"Hey, maybe we could get Rainbow Dash to-" Scootaloo started to suggest.

"No," Dusty cut her off.

"Why?"

"Because for someone like her, she would probably leave Fang here alone."

Mixy flew towards Scootaloo before she could argue. "Scootaloo, Dusty and Rainbow do not see eye to eye, so it's best to not mention her while he's around, ya got it?"

Scootaloo sighed and nodded. "I guess, but how can somepony hate Rainbow Dash, she's so cool, awesome, and amazing!"

"You forgot 'stuck-up, egotistic, and devious,' Scootaloo," replied Dusty. Scootaloo was about to say something before Mixy stopped her, shaking her head, so Scootaloo just dropped it and continued searching.

Lyra groaned. "Ugh, how can one pony be so hard to find?"

"Don't forget," said Cyber "he was made for survival, so camouflage is one of his best tools."

"I think I found somethin'," said Apple Bloom pointing to a rock in front of her.

"Apple Bloom, we checked that rock several times already," said Sweetie Belle.

"But why is it snoring?" everypony trotted over to the rock and listened closely, a faint snoring noise was heard from it.

"He must have slipped into a hibernation state," Cyber said, "that's why my goggles couldn't find him, good ear, Apple Bloom." he poked the sleeping predator, shortly two eyes sprouted from the stone as it unfolded into Fang, who yawned.

"Hey guys, what's up?" said Fang. "Sorry about that, sometimes I do that when I'm camouflaging for a really long time and not for hunting."

"How did you do that?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"It's a little thing known as evolution, basically a species is placed in an area where they have a hard time to stay alive. Then over several years, the species changes and makes staying alive easier."

"Cool! Is that how Dusty is able to dig?" asked Apple Bloom.

"Nah, I can dig because of a mutation."

"Mutation?" asked Scootaloo, confused. "Isn't that when you get some sort of super power or extra limb or something?"

"No," said Cyber. "A mutation occurs when a false gene is used while-" he stopped himself as he found out what he was getting into and who he was talking to. "On second thought, it's complicated, you'll understand when you're older."

"Okaaay..." said Sweetie Belle. "So would that mean Mixy is a-"

"Yes! Now moving on, Lyra told me that you're trying to earn your cutie marks right?" The CMC nodded. "How would you like to earn your cutie marks in electrical engineering?"

"You mean like working with trains and stuff?" asked Scootaloo.

"No, I mean working with electricity and technology, even inventing a thing or two, like these arms I have."

"That sounds cool!" said Apple Bloom.

"Yeah, I want arms like that!" said Scootaloo.

"Maybe we could invent other cool things!" said Sweetie Belle.

"If you have to potential, yes. I have a lab at my house that I would be happy to-"

"YAY! CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS!" the CMC shouted before running off.

"Ow, my eardrums!" exclaimed Cyber.

"What have you done?" asked Lyra.

"What? I had to do something and they were getting into unfitting topics. Besides, it's not like they can blow up Equestria, right?"

The suggestion made Lyra visibly uncomfortable. Either from the idea of it or not wanting to tell Cyber just how possible it was. "You should probably go and make sure they don't," she said, Cyber nodded in agreement and ran off to his lab.

Once he was out of sight, Fang turned to Dusty, "Ten bits says the next time we see him, he'll have soot all over his face."

"You're on!" Dusty replied.





Moonlight Shadow arrived at the place she hasn't been to in a long time, Canterlot. As she trotted through the halls, she got some glances by ponies, but they just shrugged off the suspicion. Obviously only looking at her cloak because they haven't seen her powers yet...

She ended up in a garden where she found Luna.

Luna spoke to her. "It is quite a beautiful day, don't you think, Moonlight?"

"Meh," was all Moonlight could reply as she sat down next to the moon princess. "Beauty is just a way to gain attention or love towards yourself or someplace. It doesn't have any impact on anypony's destiny."

Luna smiled. "Every moment I spend with you, I learn something new. You seem to think that there is a purpose for everything, and everypony but you knows what it is, and though that may be true, one must not take it in a way that they must search for the answers by other means instead of searching and discovering for themselves."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you may know what others think of the world and yourself, but what do you think of them?"

"I... I don't know, nopony has that answer."

"Nopony but you, Moonlight Shadow. When you first used your abilities over darkness and shadow, did you discover their existence, or did somepony tell you that you had them?"

"I... discovered them... but that's when everypony shunned me out, like the freak of nature that I am. So I thought that doing what I thought would just leave me shunned."

"So do you wish to accept it and hide in that cloak for eternity, or go out and prove that you are much more than that?"

"Am I much more?"

Luna chuckled. "That is for you to discover, a pony doesn't earn their cutie mark simply by sitting around and waiting for it to come to them, they have to search. Now come, it is time for lunch."





Solar Eclipse pondered recent events, wondering what the right thing to do was. "Breezie, I miss you, but I wish that you have a happy afterlife," he said to nopony in particular.

Eclipse heard the familiar voice of the sun princess. "Is something troubling you, Eclipse?"

"Celestia, there is, your sister came to me, and she reminded me of Breezie."

"Ah, yes, I remember Breezie. It's a shame that she's gone," Eclipse resisted his body from igniting.

"I was able to reconsider that event, and I want to go to Canterlot. I want to start over and meet ponies without torching them alive, I want to meet the Misfits."

"And why is that?"

"You said that the Misfits accept ponies who are troubled, and I have never been more troubled in my life, if there is anypony who could accept me, it's them. It's what Breezie would want."

Celestia smiled. "I'm glad you think that way," and shortly, both were teleported to Canterlot.





"Cyber, what does this do?" asked Apple Bloom.

"That is a generator connected to solar panels which change sunlight into electricity."

"What's this?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"That is a computer that displays levels of dangerous chemicals and substances."

"What's this?" asked Scootaloo.

"That's a microwave, it heats up food."

"Oh, so when can we invent something?" the CMC looked at him eagerly.

"Just a moment, there are a couple steps before you can invent something. First, think of a problem in your life."

The CMC thought. "Well, Silver Spoon and Diamond tiara are always teasing us about being blank flanks," said Scootaloo.

"Uh, how about a problem that doesn't involve vengeance," said Cyber.

"Oh, I know!" said Sweetie Belle. "Opal's always clawing up the furniture and Rarity's fabric, and it's really bothering her."

"That sounds good, so now we think of ways to solve it."

"Maybe we could put something on her claws," said Scootaloo

"Or we could put her outside," suggested Sweetie Belle.

"Or we could distract her with somethin'," said Apple Bloom.

"Perfect!" said Cyber. "So now that that's solved, what do cats love?"

"Mice?" 

"Furniture?"

"Other cats?"

"I got it, catnip!" said Apple Bloom.

"That sounds perfect! You have a knack for engineering, Apple Bloom," Cyber said as Apple Bloom smiled. "So, now we get on to business."





Fang trotted over to the door of Cyber's lab, then knocked on it.

"Cyber, Twilight and her friends are inviting us to a picnic, you wanna come?"

Cyber's voice came from inside. "Yeah, Fang just give me a mom- no, Apple Bloom that shouldn't go there!"

BANG!

Shortly Cyber emerged from the lab dazed and covered in soot as smoke came out of the lab with the CMC, who were also covered in soot and trying their best to look innocent.

"Well, I just discovered that catnip could be used as an explosive," Cyber said, slightly hoarse. "Anyway, that was a good try, girls, but don't see that as a failure, but instead a discovery of doing something wrong."

"Nah, it was a failure," said Scootaloo.

"Let's go do something else!" said Sweetie Belle.

"You could talk to Dusty, maybe he could show you how he digs and how you could do it too," suggested Fang.

"I wouldn't mind gettin' dirty," said Apple Bloom.

"Neither would I, and I could help Rarity if I could dig like Dusty," said Sweetie Belle.

"Let's go!" Scootaloo said.

"And tell him he owes me ten bits when you see him!" Fang called out as the CMC ran off to find Dusty.

"Well, they certainly are energetic," said Cyber. "So Dusty's not there?"

"No, guess why."

"Rainbow Dash?" Cyber guessed, Fang nodded. "Of course, anyway, let's not keep the girls waiting."





Solar Eclipse wandered about Canterlot castle, letting the memories sink in. Remembering the good times helped him hold back the fires that ignite with his anger, then Celestia called for him. "Eclipse, could you come over here? There's somepony we'd like you to meet."

"Coming!" Eclipse said and then dashed to the dining hall, where he saw Celestia, Luna, and a new pony in a black hood. "Who is this?" asked Eclipse.

Luna introduced the new pony to him. "Solar Eclipse, this is Moonlight Shadow, she has had similar troubles as you did and wants a friend." 

"I never said that," said Moonlight, "but hello."

"Why don't you join us, Eclipse?" offered Celestia.

"Well, I don't want anything to burn," Eclipse replied.

"No worries, we enchanted every flammable object to be resistant to your burning skin."

"Oh, uh, thanks," Eclipse sat down across from Moonlight.

"So, you burn things by touching them?" asked Moonlight.

"Well most of the time, mostly with fabric or dry grass, or other wicks, but I can control fires with my mind to keep them from getting out of control."

"I control darkness and shadows."

"So, would that make us polar opposites or something?"

"Yeah, sure, whatever."

"You aren't that talkative, are you?"

"I don't see why you would care about that."

"I'm just trying to pick up conversation."

"Well stop, your not getting anywhere."

Eclipse took a deep breath to calm down as he could feel his skin get hotter from building rage. "Anyway, when are The Misfits getting here?"

"The train is broken, it is still a few days before they can get here," answered Celestia as some ponies came in with dishes and plates.

"Oh, I see, well, looks like lunch is here."





"Thank you so much for having me over for lunch, Fluttershy," said Discord as Fluttershy poured some tea for the both of them.

"It's no trouble, Discord," said Fluttershy.

"Though, I must ask, why is it that your friends are having a picnic and you aren't there?"

"Oh, I shouldn't tell."

"No, no, it's fine, what harm could a few words cause?"

"Well..."

"Don't answer that."

"Oh, okay, I guess I could say it," Fluttershy swallowed her nervousness and spoke. "Well, um... you know those ponies? The ones that just came in yesterday."

"Oh, you mean the Misfits? Yeah, what about them?"

"Well, there's this one pony that's a part of them, he's got sharp teeth, and camouflage, and-"

"Oh, you mean Fang. Yes, is there something- wait don't tell me, you have a crush on him, don't you?"

Fluttershy recoiled from the sudden assumption. "Oh, goodness, no! Actually, he really scares me."

"Fang? How could he be scary? I mean I've heard about a wolf in sheep's clothing but he's more like a sheep in wolf's clothing if you know what I mean." he turned into just that to show his point.

"I saw him eat a squirrel, a cute little squirrel! Do you know how that squirrel's parents felt when they saw that squirrel dead and eaten by a pony? What if he eats an even cuter animal, or a pony, *gasp* or Angel." Fluttershy whimpered at the thought as Discord changed out of his 'sheep in wolf's clothing' disguise.

"If you ask me, he'd be doing most of us a favor if he ate Angel," Discord muttered under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Oh, nothing," Discord put on his best innocent face.

"Alright, anyway, Pinkie trusts him, but I'm not sure if I should. I'm so confused, he seems nice, but the way he looks and hunts is just so scary I don't think I could even approach him."

"What about the changeling hybrid?"

Fluttershy gasped. "One of them is part changeling? Please tell me the other ones aren't like that too."

"No, they're not. One of them is a unicorn with arms and technology, and the other one is a pegasus that's scared of heights."

"Scared of heights?"

"Yeah, he says he fell out of Cloudsdale and crashed into the ground."

"I can understand falling from Cloudsdale, that was really scary, but I'm not scared of heights... that much anyway."

"You also didn't spend several days alone and underground."

"Goodness, is he alright?"

"He's fine, in fact he is a digging champ! His wings seem to be paralyzed from disuse but have you seen him dig? He does it like it's nothing. Also he seems to have a quarrel with Rainbow Dash, claims she's the one who made him fall."

Fluttershy gasped again. "Rainbow Dash? She would never do that!"

Discord shrugged. "Oh, I don't know, you're gonna have to talk to them if you want the whole story," he then drank his cup. Not the tea, the actual cup itself before getting up. "Well, thanks again for that delicious lunch, see you later," and with that, Discord teleported away.
> Chapter 7: Seeking guidance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, Lieutenant Storm Chaser was the first to wake up out of the rest of his pegasus troop, though it was small, they have covered most of the ocean looking for this 'tribe of meat eating earth ponies' that Celestia told them to find. However they have been looking for two days straight before stopping on a small island to rest for the night. Storm Chaser woke up the rest of his soldiers.

"Wake up, stallions!" he barked, the ponies around him gradually and groggily. "We've got a tribe to find, there are lives at stake!"

"But Lieutenant, we've been searching for two days, maybe it's fake," complained Thunder Smack

"Negative, soldier! Celestia would never lie to us."

"What about Discord?" suggested Wind Rider, Storm Chaser thought it over.

"Plausible suggestion. Very well, we shall search one last day, then return to Celestia for confirmation and rest, now let's move!"

The soldiers saluted. "Sir, yes, sir!" and with that, they took off into the sky, completely unaware of the aquamarine mare that watched them from under the water.

'They're searching for a tribe of carnivorous ponies?' she thought. 'Are they talking about the predators? I have to tell Xanthos and Trident.'





Solar Eclipse woke up to the smell of smoke. 'Is something burning?' he thought before relaxing a little. 'Oh yeah, I'm the one who's burning.' shortly Eclipse got up from his bed, gaining a strong feeling of nostalgia from what he remembered back as a colt, only for all those memories to trace their way towards Breezie and what he did to her, causing his body to flare up before cooling down again. 'Why can't I get her out of my mind? Every time I think of my foalhood, I end up thinking about her, then what I did, then I have to struggle to keep things from lighting on fire because of my anger, not just toward Whirlwind, but toward myself too, I miss you so much.'

Eclipse's emotional rambling was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," Eclipse called before a nursemare came in.

"Solar Eclipse, your breakfast is ready," she said.

"Alright, tell Celestia I'll be there in a bit," Eclipse replied getting up from his new fireproof bed and stretching as the nursemare left. Shortly his mane regained its flaming effect as he stepped outside his room, where he was face to face with Moonlight Shadow.

"Morning, Moonlight," said Eclipse.

"Hi," Moonlight replied, then left.

"Well that was a nice conversation," Eclipse muttered sarcastically before following her and trying again. "So, do you sleep in that cloak?"

"Yes."

"Do you ever take it off?"

"No."

"Even if it's dirty?"

"Shadows prevent it from filth and wearing."

"Is that why you never take it off?"

"That's personal," Moonlight simply replied, then awkward silence.

"So... um, how about this weather?" Eclipse awkwardly said, Moonlight wasn't impressed.

"Why are you so determined in talking to me?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

Eclipse sighed. "Fine, if you insist. A long time ago, Celestia found me as a foal, alone. She couldn't leave me there, so she looked around for somepony that would take me in, however while some simply refused, others would be horrified by how I burn everything and everyone I touch, so she took me in as her own-"

"Skip to the real reason," Moonlight rudely interrupted, as Eclipse resisted catching on fire again.

"Anyway," he continued, "some time later, when I was a colt, I wanted nothing more than to make friends, so while Celestia was teaching her new student, who's name escapes me, Sunset something, whatever. Anyway, while she was teaching Sunset what's-her-face, I was in Hoofington trying to make friends. That was when I met Breezie..."

"I didn't ask for names."

Eclipse's skin grew hotter from rage. "Unless you want that cloak of yours turned into ash, I suggest you stop rudely interrupting me."

Moonlight rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

"Now, as I was saying, I met this pegasus named Breeze Blower, and we were the best of friends, we did everything together, played, talked, even joked together. Her dad always had a close eye on me, but it never seemed to matter, until I got a little too close to her."

"Are you saying that you-" she was interrupted when Eclipse shot her an angry look, his eyes almost literally burning with anger.

"NO! I'M NOT, YOU-!" Eclipse cut himself off by taking a deep breath and calming down. "No, I don't mean that, I mean that I literally got too close, as in she touched me and got burned. And as it turns out her mom died from a murder some time ago, which made her dad enter 'over-protective mode' and seeing how I am able to hurt him and his daughter made him turn up the protection. He called me a freak, a monster, and he didn't want anything to do with me and Breezie being together. 

"I could've just let it go and find some other way, but I got mad instead, setting everything on fire, including over half of Hoofington, several ponies died. Even..." Eclipse tried to hold back a tear. "...Even Breezie, that was when I got out of control, torching everything that tried to stop me. Celestia knew that the only thing to do was send me where I can calm down and learn to control my flames. She sent me to the sun, where I remembered Breezie with the help of Luna, then reconsidered everything, I spent years being mad at everything I thought was trying to keep me from Breezie, when I was really mad at myself, so I'm trying to make friends again, for her sake."

"Wow, that was more sappy than it should have been," Moonlight said. Then Eclipse lost it as his hooves and mane caught ablaze while he faced Moonlight Shadow.

Eclipse breathed heavily through his clenched teeth. "You know, I have put up with ponies who call me names, made fun of me, even thought of me as a monster, but I have never, not in my entire life, have met a pony so dull, so inconsiderate, so rude, and just so... so... so heartless! You don't even know what it's like to lose your best friend in an accident you caused. I'd bet you have never even had a friend before, AND DON'T SAY THE SHADOWS ARE YOUR ONLY COMPANION!" Eclipse yelled as the patch of shadow under Moonlight started to move and materialize into a giant pillar which hit Eclipse in the jaw.

"You may have had your friend taken away from you, but at least you had a friend, I was an outcast my entire life!" Moonlight yelled, hints of strong negative emotions within her eyes. "I spent my foalhood alone, hungry, nopony to love or accept as family, I was lucky to have my sanity intact because I hardly knew who I was, I knew nothing about myself, nothing but my ability to control shadows and darkness with a thought. But it only made things worse for wanting to fit in with other ponies in society, which I already failed at in the first place, so I thought everypony knew who I was and took their word for it, and still I don't know who I am, so there! Are you happy now? Now leave me alone!" Eclipse just watched as the shadow pillar melted into the ground and back under Moonlight, who seeped into the shadow like it was a portal. The shadow still remained, and it started moving away, but Eclipse made no attempt to follow it, instead he just huffed and continued on his way to join Celestia and Luna for breakfast, thinking about the tone that Moonlight spoke in as he calmed down.

'I may not know much about you, Moonlight,' he thought. 'But that last thing you told me showed something about you, you can feel sadness.'





Lyra and Cyber looked at the many blueprints that Cyber had. Each one was laid out in front of them and displayed all sorts of different designs and sketches.

"You drew all these yourself?" asked Lyra.

Cyber nodded. "Yep, every single one of them."

"How do you do it?"

"Well, I just look at an object, wonder how it works, think about what can cause it to work, and then bam! It comes to my mind as a blueprint that I can copy down."

"Is that how you built your arms?"

"Well, like most other projects, some are done mostly by trial-and-error if I don't have all of the required measurments, but it always turns out perfect in the end."

"Any projects you need help with?"

"I have two, actually," Cyber rummaged through the pile of blueprints, setting each to the side until only two remained: one with an equine robot and the other a pair of wings. "I am currently working on a set of wings that could be used by unicorns and earth ponies, though I am missing certain calculations. The wings only provide forward momentum, they don't work for all body weights, and there's still the threat involving the afterburners causing fires."

Lyra thought about it for a moment. "Maybe you could use a motion detector inside the wings, I've always seen pegasi arch themselves in a vertical position when hovering."

Cyber thought about it for a moment. "And with an added sensor that detects minor muscle movement, it could be adjusted to alter it's power level and allow the user to hover, slow down, speed up, and stop. Why didn't I think of it before? Lyra, you're a genius!"

"Well, I dabbled a bit with certain muscle detecting machines for a bit," Lyra admitted.

"Tried to make a human hand for yourself?" Cyber guessed while writing down Lyra's new addition to the wings on the blueprint.

Lyra nodded. "Yeah, it didn't work out so well, even if it did it's nothing compared to yours. To be honest it was just a device you put over your hooves. In hindsight, it wasn't really much of a good idea at the time, and Bon-Bon knew it, she tried to tell me but I never listen to her."

"You just need a little... inspiration as it were."

"I can imagine, I don't even know the first thing about neural devices, but I have so much ideas and ways to do them that Bon-Bon says I have to do them somewhere else."

"How many of them involve humans?" Cyber joked as both he and Lyra broke into laughter. "Anyway, so onto this other blueprint, it's a robot that I've been working on for some time now. His name is Clockwork, and building his frame and body is easy, it's his programming that's the hard part."

"What do you mean by that?"

"As best as I can explain, Clockwork has a full flexible body, functioning properties, even a coating of sleek metal that protects him from weather and water, but there's one thing he's missing that all ponies have."

"What? Blood? A brain?" Lyra guessed.

Cyber shook his head. "No, those two are easy to substitute, I'm talking about a heart, emotions. Right now he's just a husk with no life in it. Clockwork will only do what he is programmed to do, with no concern for himself or thought of his own action. In other words he lacks a personality, but I will build Clockwork the first chance I get."

"Well, I know that you can do it, you're the smartest pony I know. Don't give up," Lyra comforted Cyber, who looked at her and smiled before both returned to work on Cyber's unfinished projects. All while completely unaware that they were being watched by a certain changeling hybrid.

'They're awfully close,' Mixy thought. 'But they can't be that close, can they? No, no, they're just friends, I remember back Cyber and I did that to each other, but would that mean Lyra has a crush on him too? No, no, no, no Mixy, you can't demand his love, that would be what a changeling would do, and you're more pony than changeling on the inside. But still, I hope Cyber falls for me.'





Twilight Sparkle brought Fang into the library, ready to document the new species Fang was going to bring to Equestria.

"Thanks again for using your time to be here, Fang," said Twilight.

"Beats sitting around doing nothing," Fang replied

"Can I get you anything? I don't think Owlowiscious would mind giving some of his mice."

"No thanks, mice don't have so much meat on them."

"Alright then," Twilight's horn glowed and a book flew in front of her and opened up. It contained detailed descriptions on pegasi, unicorns, earth ponies, and alicorns, but with a bit of magic, new blank pages emerged in the book as Twilight also got a quill and ink.

"So, Fang, begin and I will write it down."

Fang scratched his chin thought. "Let's see, we call ourselves 'predators' and we always consider ourselves as top of the food chain, but when we are below, we try to find a way to get back on top. Anyway, obviously us predators have razor sharp canines as teeth to easily tear through bone and flesh. Our main focus is survival, so we know how to ration food and water, though we can go weeks without it."

"Also, if I may ask, pegasi use magic to fly, earth ponies use magic for increased strength and stamina, unicorns have magic that can be used for spells, but what can predators use magic for?" asked Twilight.

"From what I've been told by Chief Xanthos, predators can use magic to blend in to our environment, detect life and find what Cyber calls 'approximate landing point' so basically, we can tell when and where birds land after we kill them, that's about it. Our strength and body structure is completely natural, we have to work to get strong."

"And when you sense life, what does it look like?" 

"Think of it like blurry, red blobs. Sometimes I know who it is, sometimes I don't."

"Do you know how that works?"

"Cyber tried explaining it, but I started falling asleep halfway and forgot it."

"So, could you tell me where Spike is?" Fang nodded and closed his eyes while concentrating.

"I think he's downstairs," Fang answered, opening his eyes to see Twilight nod.

"That is amazing, a whole new species and all we had to do was sail across the ocean, which reminds me, who is Xanthos?"

"Xanthos is the chief of the predators, being the strongest, wisest, and most skilled hunter, he watches over all of us, though none of the predators know about Celestia or Luna. Come to think of it, I'm not even sure if they know what unicorns or pegasi are. I hope they're alright."

"Don't worry, Fang, I sent a letter to Celestia. If I know her, she's probably sending a search for them."

"You mean it?"

Twilight nodded. "I've been her personal student for years, I'm sure she'll show kindness towards predators."

"Twilight, thank you, I can't thank you enough for this."

Twilight smiled. "It's the least I can do."
> Chapter 8: Meeting the newcomers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight Sparkle slept peacefully as the morning sun arose, waking her up with the sunlight through her windows, only it wasn't that which woke her up. In reality she set an alarm to wake her in the morning because the train was finally fixed and she was ready to join the Misfits on their way to Canterlot. Imediately she got up and got herself ready for the day.

"Mm... morning already?" she could hear Spike's voice come down the stairs as she ate her breakfast.

"Oh, Spike, good morning, I'll be heading to Canterlot with the Misfits for a while, you're in charge while I'm gone!"

"Yeah, sure... whatever," the young drake tiredly said.

"Also, could you tell Rarity where we're going?"

Spike's eyes shot open. "Really? Sure thing, Twilight."

Twilight chuckled. "No problem, why don't you tell Applejack and Fluttershy about this too while I'll tell  Rainbow, Pinkie, and The Misfits."

"You got it!" Spike saluted before running off to do his duties.

In no less than half an hour, Twilight was trotting to The Misfits' home to wake them up and remind them.

"Cyber!" she called while knocking on the door. "Come on! You didn't forget, did you?" that was when the door was opened by Fang.

"Oh, hey, Twilight," Fang said with a smile. "Cyber's here, he just fell asleep in his lab again working too hard, we were just starting breakfast, would you like to join?"

"No thank you, I already ate, I just came to remind you about when the train will be here."

"At ten thirty sharp, we know, wouldn't miss it for the world," said Fang. "We'll see you there."

"Alright," Twilight waved goodbye to Fang as she went over to Rainbow Dash's cloud home.

"Rainbow Dash, you up yet?" she said, knocking on the door, which was answered by Rainbow, extremely tired.

"What's this all about?" Rainbow asked, yawning.

"Rainbow, don't you remember? The train's fixed, The Misfits and I will be riding it to Canterlot, I just wanted to let you know."

"Oh yeah, that," Rainbow rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. "Hey, Twilight? What do you think somepony like me could do to earn another pony's trust after they did something really bad but they didn't mean it?"

"It's about Dusty, isn't it?" Rainbow nodded admittedly.

"All I want to do is show him how sorry I am for what I did to him all those years ago, and three days ago, but the only thing he's given me is the cold shoulder."

Twilight put a hoof on her friend. "I'm sure he'll warm up to you eventually, just give him time, now come on, let's tell Pinkie Pie."





Spike aproached Fluttershy's cottage and knocked on the door, shortly the yellow pegasus peeked out the door before noticing Spike, then she opened it much more visibly.

"Good morning, Spike," she said. "What brings you here?"

"I just came to let you know about The Misfits and they'll be leaving for Canterlot with Twilight."

"Oh, right, The Misfits... yay..." Fluttershy said weakly.

"Is something wrong?"

"It's just one of the Misfits, Fang, I'd hate to be rude but he really scares me, a lot."

"Fang? How could he be scary? I mean, sure he has sharp teeth, eats meat, and has a whole tribe just like him," Fluttershy winced in fear and backed up a little with a slight wimper. "Oh, sorry."

"It's alright, but Fang is just so ferocious, he ate a squirrel right in front of me!"

"Don't you feed squirrels to your meat eating animals?"

"Well, ok yes, but those are already dead! He ate a live squirrel. And just thinking about it makes me want to run away and hide or keep Angel away from him."

'What would things be like if that little stubborn ball of fluff was eaten?' Spike thought, but then shook away the temptation of wanting to know. "Hey, Fang's a nice guy, he was probably just hungry, Twilight said that his tribe's hungry because of a famine."

"A... a famine?"

"Yeah, not sure what that is either, but it must be something pretty bad."

Fluttershy thought about it for a minute before reassuring herself and standing firm. "Alright," she said. "I'll stop being afraid of him... I hope..."

"Alright," said Spike. "Anyway just came to let you know about where they're going, see you soon!"





"So,	The Misfits are coming today?" asked Solar Eclipse as the four ate breakfast, Celestia nodded.

"Twilight Sparkle should be taking the Misfits on the train as we speak."

"Who's Twilight Sparkle?" asked Moonlight Shadow.

"Twilight Sparkle is Celestia's previous student, she is the newest princess and represent the element of magic," informed Luna.

"Oh yeah, what happened to that other student last time I was here, what was her name again? Sunshine Glimmer, or something like that?"

Celestia chuckled. "That's a story for another day, Eclipse," Eclipse was confused, but shrugged and took a bite of his oatmeal.

"So, while we wait for these 'Misfits'," said Moonlight. "Tell me what makes her some kind of 'element'."





Cyber System could barely hold himself as he and the rest of The Misfits waited at the train station. "This is so exciting I feel so... so..."

"Nerve-cited?" suggested Pinkie.

"I don't even know what that means, but I agree with you," said Cyber.

"I see it coming!" Fang exclaimed, as out in the distance, the train's whistle could be heard and the train itself came into view, it wasn't long before the engine stopped at the station.

"All aboard for Canterlot!" called the conductor and instantly ponies started entering the train cars.

"Hey, Cyber," Cyber turned around to see Lyra. "Good luck."

"Thanks, see you soon," Cyber replied, smiling.

"Cyber, what are you waiting for?" called out Fang, Cyber waved goodbye as he got onto the train.

'Canterlot, here we come,' Cyber thought as the train left the station. 'I can hardly contain the excitement I am feeling right now.'





Meanwhile, on a distant island, Chief Xanthos came back from his hunt, sighing with disapointment as he trotted through the main hall.

"No luck again?" asked his wife, Deinos, Xanthos nodded.

"This famine is taking a beating on us," he replied. "How many have died so far?"

"Still none, thankfully, we're lucky the hippocampi are helping us."

"Yes, but we can't rely on their fish forever, even that won't last a lifetime."

"Don't worry, we'll find a way soon."

"I'm not worrying, what I'm trying to do is keep this tribe alive."

"And you will, I know it," she kissed him on the cheek, he couldn't help but smile.

"So, where are the kids?"

"Lampie is playing with her friend and Podargos is trying to fish again."

Xanthos chuckled. "That colt is always trying to do what is right, he will make a great heir to the tribe," this was when Xanthos' best friend/ advisor, Lockjaw came in.

"Chief Xanthos! Chief Xanthos, I have urgent news, King Trident requests your attention now!"

Xanthos sighed. "Better than sitting around here starving," he said before trotting outside, then to the beach, where an old hippocampus with royal blue coat and baby blue mane and goatee waited for him.

"Hello, King Trident," said Xanthos, "what do you need me to do this time?"

"Nothing, I have extraordinary news. Do you remember Fang, the one you sent with his family to save us from the famine?"

"Yes, I remember him clearly, I wonder how he's doing."

"It seems he may have succeeded, we have visitors from the mainland," that got Xanthos' attention.

"You better not be joking," Trident shook his head.

"You know very well that I do not joke about these conditions. Now come, my daughter is speaking to them," Trident dove into the water and started swimming a certain direction with Xanthos following on the shore, some time later, they came across several ponies with wings, talking to the aquamarine  hippocampus princess, Marine.

"Thank you, Marine," said Trident. "We will take it from here."

"Alright, Dad!" Marine said before swimming off, then the winged ponies looked towards Xanthos and Trident.

"So, are you two the leaders of the tribes?" one of them asked, the two royals nodded.

"I am Chief Xanthos, head protector of the predators."

"And I am King Trident, ruler of the seas and the hippocampi, are you the leader of the winged ponies?"

The winged pony shook his head. "No, I am Lieutenant Storm Chaser, I serve Princess Celestia. And I'm a pegasus."

"Celestia? Who is that?"

"We will inform you soon, but are you familiar with the pony known as 'Fang'?"

"My daughter is very good friends with Fang," answered Trident.

"And Fang is the volunteer to seek out and end my famine," added Xanthos. "Did he send you?"

"Not exactly, but Celestia was told about Fang and sent my soldiers and me to find you. She wants to help."

The royals looked at each other. "Should we trust them?" asked Xanthos.

"It may be our only chance, what other option is there? Besides, Fang wouldn't help if it wasn't for a worthy cause."

Xanthos sighed with defeat. "As always, Trident, you're right," Xanthos looked to the pegasi. "Tell your princess we're willing to accept her help."





Twilight and the Misfits couldn't wait another second as the train pulled to Canterlot and they just headed straight for the castle, with Fang ahead by a long shot, Dusty making his way via underground, Mixy flew just behind Dusty, leaving both Twilight and Cyber behind them, but they didn't care, the castle was just ahead. Shortly they all skidded to a stop in front of the castle gates to ready themselves, and get past the guards.

"We have business with Princess Celestia, let us through," said Twilight, making the two stoic guards look at each other, then step aside, allowing access to the main hall.

As they trotted through the castle, The Misfits couldn't help but smile as they entered the throne room and sitting on their thrones were the princesses of the sun and moon themselves, Celestia and Luna. The Misfits politefully bowed as they approached, except Fang, who had no idea what he should be doing.

"I suppose you are The Misfits?" said Celestia.

"Y-yes, Princess, I am Cyber System, a technological unicorn with no magic. This is Dusty, a pegasus who is scared of heights and digs through the earth at insane speeds. Over here is Fang, a carnivorous pony who is part of a whole new species called 'predators'. And finally, this is Mixy."

"And what would make her a misfit?" asked Luna.

"I'm... I'm... a changeling hybrid," answered Mixy, nervously. Instantly the smiles on the princesses' faces vanished in place of an unsure look.

"You're a hybrid?" asked Celestia. Mixy nodded. "Do your parents love each other?"

Mixy nodded again. "Yes, they love each other a lot, and Mom knew about Dad being a changeling after I was born, I'm not really supposed to tell you that, though."

"And why not?"

"My dad's scared of you, he's scared of Canterlot after I was born, he has become a wanted fugitive," Mixy was unsure where the conversation was headed.

"And what makes him scared? That he will be punished?" asked Luna.

Mixy shook her head. "My dad would never do something like that, what he's scared of is if he's caught, you'll tear our family apart, separate us because he's a changeling, and you will keep us from being with the ones we love," Celestia thought for a moment.

"What is your father's name?"

"M-Mirror Shard."

Celestia searched through her memory for the name. "I remember an arrest record for a changeling who impersonated a pony named 'Mirror Shard', who's wife was just giving birth to a filly, and if I recall correctly the changeling failed to foalnap the newborn and got away, but the mare and the foal were also gone the very next day... is this you?"

"Depends, do you know the mare's name?"

"It was Dandelion Meadow, is that your mother?" Mixy shakily nodded and was about to cry. 

"Please, Celestia, don't take my dad away, I love him so much."

"Calm down, Mixy, your father is safe," said Luna.

"We promise he won't be harmed or taken, but I would like to meet him sometime."

Mixy smiled as tears came from her eyes, but not out of sorrow, but instead out of happiness.

"Um, Princess?" Fang said. "I'm sorry I interrupted this moment, but I have a tribe that is in the middle of a famine, and I would like to know how they are."

"Ah, yes," said Celestia. "Twilight told me about that, and I have sent some search parties to look, but I haven't received any info about them yet."

Fang didn't know whether to be upset or overjoyed as Celestia and Luna looked at Dusty and Cyber. "And what would you two like?"

"Hm? Us?" asked Cyber and Dusty, who looked at each other before Cyber spoke up. "If it's not too much trouble, I would request that you could help us, simply show Equestria that we are nothing to be feared."

Celestia and Luna smiled. "Actually I think you already have," said Luna.

Cyber was confused. "I'm sorry, but I don't understand."

"You will soon, Cyber," said Celestia. "Just remember who started the Misfits and why. Anyway, what about you, Dusty?"

"Only thing I can think of is that you needed help."

"Oh yeah," said Twilight and Cyber, almost simultaniously as Celestia and Luna nodded.

"You see, we have each met a pony who are in dire need of help, they don't know whether they can successfully chat with other ponies," said Celestia.

"My sister and I believe that you misfits could help 'straighten them out' as it were," added Luna. "We have managed to soften them out a bit to come here and meet you."

"Well, helping ponies in need is what we do," said Cyber. "So, who are they?" Cyber was answered by a glowing ball of fire appearing next to Celestia, before vanishing and leaving behind an albino white unicorn with burning mane. While also a piece of Luna's shadow broke off and moved next to the albino unicorn, then a pony wearing a hooded cape phased from the shadow.

"Misfits, this is Solar Eclipse..." began Celestia.

"...And Moonlight Shadow," finished Luna.

"What's up?" said Eclipse.

"Hey," said Moonlight.

The Misfits and Twilight stared at the two ponies in awe, mouths agape.

"I told you we shouldn't have done it," said Moonlight. "They're just like the rest."

"Wait, so you two have been keeping ponies with you? Where was I when this happened?" asked Twilight.

"Why don't we talk about it while the Misfits get to know Eclipse and Moonlight," Celestia said as Luna, Twilight, and herself left the room. Celestia mouthed 'good luck' before closing the door.

"So, anyway," began Cyber. "What makes you two misfits?"

"I control shadows," answered Moonlight almost monotone.

"I sorta burn everything I touch," added Eclipse.

"I can relate to that, I'm not really the best cook either," said Dusty.

"No, I mean I literally burn anything I touch, go on, place your hoof on my back," Eclipse gestured to his back, Fang shrugged and did so.

"I don't see what's so baaa-AAAAAHH! JEEZE THAT IS HOT!" Fang took his hoof off of Eclipse in a rush and started waving it about painfully, then Mixy came to his aid and wrapped his slightly blistered hoof in a bandage from Cyber's first-aid kit.

"Yeah, also sometimes I set things on fire every time I'm angry."

"So prepare for a campfire every half hour," said Moonlight as Eclipse shot her a glare.

"And speaking of you," said Cyber, this time to Moonlight. "What can you do with shadows? Could you show us?"

Moonlight rolled her eyes. "Fine, sure, whatever," then Moonlight concentrated as every patch of shadow within the room moved over and molded together before emerging from the ground as a large structure made of darkness.

"This is amazing!" said Mixy.

"Unbelievable," said Dusty.

"My hoof still hurts, and that is not easy to do," said Fang.

"Um, what does that all mean?" asked Eclipse.

"Who cares?" said Moonlight as the shadows from her structure break apart and all the shadow fragments returned to their original places.

"It means one of you is an outcast by society, the other is an outcast by pure choice and self proclimation," Cyber began as he smiled. "You'll make great members of the Misfits."
> Chapter 9: Enrollment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The pyrokinetic unicorn and dark mare stared at the Misfits, confused about what they just heard.

"You might be mistaken," said Moonlight Shadow.

Cyber shook his head. "Not at all, Moonlight, in fact I look forward to you joining our team."

"You're kidding, aren't you?" said Solar Eclipse.

Mixy flew over to the two. "Cyber never kids when talking about misfits, and you two would make great friends."

Eclipse blinked a few more times out of befuddlement. "That... wasn't the reaction I expected..."

"I remember that feeling," said Dusty.

"You aren't frightened by my fire, or even Moonlight's darkness?"

"And you aren't concerned about my arms, Fang's sharp teeth or even Mixy being part changeling?" Cyber pointed out.

"He makes a good point, but why would I even want to make friends if I couldn't some time ago?" asked Moonlight.

Cyber pondered the question. "Well, everypony needs someone to support them, to help them, to make them feel special. It really isn't safe to bottle up your emotions and thoughts and leave them out hoping nopony will notice them, you need to express yourself and discover who you are. Do you even know who you are?"

Moonlight was about to answer, then her normal melancholic expression turned more depressed as she slumped downward. "No, no I don't," she said. "What... what do you all think I am?"

The Misfits exchanged looks with one another before Dusty spoke. "I think you are a normal pony with powers only those who see past the cover can appreciate."

Mixy stepped forward. "I say you are a fellow misfit with hidden potential."

It was Fang's turn. "You seem to be the kind who never asked yourself 'what do I want to do with my life?'."

Eclipse spoke next. "You may be heartless and rude, but I get the feeling you only act that way to hide how much you want a friend."

Cyber was last, placing his hand on Moonlight's shoulder for support. "And as for me, I think that everything is so mysterious to you that you can't decide whether to run and hide, or do something about it, and even though you chose the former, it is not too late to turn around. See past the monster ponies see on you and discover what you can really do, don't hide your powers from the world, instead use them to show how special you really are."

Though nopony could see it, tears began to well up around Moonlight's eyes, then normally what she would only think to herself, what Moonlight Shadow said next was clearly audible around the room.

"Nopony has ever said that to me before."

"And that is why it is important to make friends," said Mixy. "I remember that nopony would accept me because of my father being a changeling, it made me feel unwanted, alone, only my parents to support me, but then I met Cyber."

"And I remember how many times I was teased because of how little I used my wings," said Dusty. "Occasionally I even forgot how to use them. Then after I became scared of heights, the teasing just increased, and I felt like nopony but my parents and little sister to have, but when I met Cyber, everything changed."

"Not to mention how many times I tried to tell ponies about my tribe being in a famine, but the moment I opened my mouth or eat one piece of bacon, ponies would assume I'm some kind of cannibal and run off. But when I opened my mouth to Cyber and Dusty, they only moved to get a better view on them, and when he opened their mouths, they didn't scream, only asked questions about how I lived."

"What could I say?" Cyber replied. "It's the least I could do for my best friends."

Eclipse could barely hold back his emotions, tears started to emerge from his eyes before evaporating into steam. "You really respect each other, don't you?"

"Of course, none of us would even be here if it wasn't for this magicless unicorn before you," said Fang.

Eclipse looked away from them, racked with guilt. "I... I'm sorry, I can't join you... I just can't."

Mixy was surprised. "What? Why not?"

"Because..." Eclipse hesitated. "...Because you seem so happy that you wouldn't want a murderer with you," this caused shock amongst the Misfits.

Cyber spoke to him. "What kind of death did you cause?"

"I'll put it to you this way, I have a slight anger issue, one insult and my heat increases. One harmless prank and my flames start to show. One jerk move and I'm lit like a match. And if you keep me from my best friend, I could burn down Equestria and I almost did for that very reason. Have you heard about The Great Fire of Hoofington?"

Cyber's eyes went wide. "That was you?! I thought it was because of an accident with a fireplace."

Eclipse shook his head. "Celestia just said that to keep my name clear, the real cause was a friendly pegasus, her overprotective father, and my anger management issues."

"But you feel sorry for that, right?"

"I've never been as sorry I my life, I wish I could tell her that, you don't happen to know an orange pegasus named Breeze Blower, do you?" The Misfits shook their heads. "Good."

Dusty trotted up to him. "Come on, don't think of it like that, think of it like you only started what ended her... no, wait. How about instead look at it like you gave her a new beginning? No, that's worse."

"I think what he's trying to say was it was an accident and what's done is done, no turning back," said Mixy. "Besides, I'm sure that Breeze Blower could forgive you if she knew about what new friends you made."

Eclipse looked at all the ponies smiling at him, eagerly awaiting is response.  Their faces reminded Eclipse of Breezie when he first met her. "You think so?"

"I know so," Mixy replied with a smile. "Besides, if you care for your friend that badly, she isn't really gone forever," Eclipse smiled.

"I guess you're right. And thank you."

"So with that aside, do you two promise to always express yourself in times of need?" began Cyber, the two nodded.

"Do you promise to never hide yourself from other ponies?" added Fang, with another nod as a response.

"Will you accept differences, whether it be of yourself or the world around you?" said Dusty. Once again, Moonlight and Eclipse nodded.

"And finally, do you pledge in treating other ponies as a friend?" finished Mixy, again with a nod.

"Then as sure as my technology is strong, Solar Eclipse and Moonlight Shadow, welcome to The Misfits," Solar Eclipse smiled, and Cyber didn't need to see past the hood to know Moonlight was too.

"But, will this mean I have to take off my hood?" asked Moonlight. "I prefer it on, it feels safe."

Cyber chuckled. "Whatever floats your boat, Moonlight."

Moonlight felt something inside that she has never felt in a long time, a sort of warm, comforting feeling. It was new, but she liked it. Was this... happiness?

Moonlight's thoughts were interrupted by the doors opening and the three princesses coming in, along with a light grey pegasus stallion wearing royal armor.

"I assume things went well?" said Celestia.

Cyber nodded. "Yes, Princess, we talked a little and now Eclipse and Moonlight are official members of the Misfits."

"Excellent," said Luna. "And furthermore we have news for Fang."

Fang's ears perked up. "Really?"

"This is lieutenant Storm Chaser," Celestia introduced. "He was sent on a search."

"Yes, and you are Fang?" asked Storm Chaser, Fang nodded. "I was sent with my soldiers to search for your tribe, and we have finally found them."

Fang was wide-eyed and amazed. "Y-you did?"

"Yes, your chief, Xanthos has shown us around, also there seems to be another tribe nearby of aquatic ponies."

"Aquatic ponies?" said Eclipse, confused.

"Fang's tribe has been neighboring water-dwelling hippocampi," answered Cyber.

Fang's jaw dropped in disappointed surprise. "That was supposed to be a surprise when we meet my family. How did you know about that?"

"You'd be surprised how much you talk in your sleep," said Dusty.

"Also, who's Marine?" asked Mixy.

"Ahem," Storm Chaser harrumphed, earning The Misfits' attention.

"Oh, right, sorry," said Fang. "So anything else that you need to say?"

"Yes, we want to ask you what you suggest we should do."

"Huh, I don't know."

Twilight stepped up. "I have an idea, get the best carpenters in Equestria and have them build large ships, we will bring all the predators here using it, where they can have their own area where they can hunt."

"Yeah, what she said," said Fang, then Storm Chaser saluted and left.

"So, with that aside, the train doesn't get back for another few hours, so how about some lunch?" Suggested Twilight.

"I'm cool for some food," said Fang.

"Me too," added Mixy.

"Sure," answered Moonlight.

"Very well, be back here by twelve then," said Celestia before the group started to leave. "And Cyber?" Cyber stopped and faced the princesses.

"Yes, Princess?"

"Solar Eclipse and Moonlight Shadow have been unchanged for years. Whenever I tried to talk to Eclipse, he would react in a fit of rage. When I talked to Moonlight, she would either ignore me or phase into her shadow realm to be alone, and I doubt Twilight would receive any different reaction. I had to get help from my sister to just get them here, but you brought them to friendship in less than a day."

"What are you saying, Princess?"

"She's saying that you, Cyber System, have a most valuable gift," answered Luna.

"Well, I do consider my scientific intelligence to be abnormal, but I don't see what-" he was cut off by Luna.

"No, while your knowledge is boundless, your heart reaches areas nopony thought were possible, you have the ability to see past the surface of anything, not just machines, but ponies as well, when one pony is denied friendship by others, you will be there to help because you can see the kindness within them and will be their friend, no matter what."

"Think about it," Celestia added, "a motherboard as you explained can be the most simple or pathetic looking piece of machinery there is, but when put in the right place under the right conditions, that small motherboard can make robots that do unthinkable wonders."

"Wow, I never thought about it that way, now that I think about it the day I got my cutie mark was also the day I built my arms, and not too long before that I helped a filly from being bullied because I knew she could do lots of things... if she programmed herself to do so," a small glimmer emerged in Cyber's eyes as he remembered the amount of junior members there were for The Misfits. All those colts and fillies that had some deformity, missing limbs, or were simply picked on for some stupid reason, Cyber was there to help them realize that they could do much more than sit around like they were hopeless.

The number of misfits added up to six, but the amount of junior members who weren't as shunned as The Misfits but still needed Cyber's help were countless.

"Do you see, Cyber?" said Celestia. "You want to ask me to help you show that you aren't ponies who should be shunned, when in reality you're doing that just by being yourself."

Cyber smiled. "Thanks, Princess."

"My pleasure, now shouldn't you head off with your friends?"

"Oh, right, so long!" Cyber called out as he left.

"He is truly remarkable," said Luna.

"Not just him, sister," said Celestia. "All of the Misfits can see what other ponies cannot."





"Hey, Cyber, what took you so long?" asked Dusty as Cyber rejoined the group back at the main hallway of the Canterlot castle.

"Sorry, Celestia wanted to tell me a few things, so what's first on the agenda?"

"Why don't we let the new ponies choose?" suggested Mixy, gesturing to Moonlight and Eclipse.

"What, us? I don't know, I'm still trying to figure out what I can and can't touch without catching anything on fire," said Eclipse.

"You're asking the wrong pony about decisions," replied Moonlight.

"I think I may know a spell that can help with your problem, Eclipse," Twilight said. "If you could come with me, I'll show you."

Fang stopped everypony. "Wait, hold on, do you guys smell something burning?"

"That's probably me," answered Eclipse.

"No, not that, I mean food burning, with a hint of..." he licked his lips. "...Bacon."

The Misfits and Twilight were confused, until they heard the sound of sizzling and somepony whistling behind Eclipse, who, much to Twilight's dismay, turned out to be Discord, frying bacon on Eclipse's back, much to his annoyance.

"Discord, what are you doing here?" demanded Twilight.

"What, can't I spend some time with my favorite princess and her new, rather unusual friends, the hot-headed firestarter, and the hood wearing blank slate. I can hardly contain myself thinking what kinds of chaos I can do with them, well at least you, Solar Eclipse, I don't even know what to do do with you, Moonlight, maybe I'll just remove that hood of yours."

"Do it and die," Moonlight threatened, but Discord simply giggled from giddiness.

"Ooh, feisty, I like that, maybe you won't be so boring after all."

"Who is this and why is he making me flare up by looking at him?" Eclipse said.

"This is Discord, god of chaos and disharmony," Twilight introduced as Discord pridefully posed.

"The one and only," he said.

"Thank goodness," Twilight mumbled. "Anyway, I think your flames are acting up is because ever since he was reformed, he's become much more annoying than a menace."

"Oh, please, I'm just getting started on 'annoying'."

"I'm fine with him," said Dusty. "But if he uses me to make statues, he's toast."

"No, don't say that, you might give him ideas," said Mixy.

"Too late," snickered Discord, before Fang growled at him. "My, what big teeth you have, I can see why Fluttershy is scared of you."

Fang stopped his growling. "She... she's scared of me? That adorable little pegasus is scared of me?"

"Terrified, she recently told me that she had a hard time figuring out whether you are friend or foe."

"It's easy to get Fluttershy scared," said Twilight. "But it isn't to get her scared for this long, what did you do?"

"I ate a squirrel right in front of her," Fang admitted, Twilight winced. "Yeah... not the best first impression."

"Well, I guess that would do it. She loves all animals, so from her eyes when you ate the squirrel it was like eating a family member."

"Oh, no," said Cyber, placing a hand over his mouth as Mixy and Eclipse did the same with their hooves. Dusty and Fang had similar winced reactions while Moonlight didn't seem to care.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, I had no idea, I was hungry and the squirrel was there and my hunter instincts kicked in, I am so sorry."

"I'm not the one you should be telling that to," said Twilight.

"You're right, the moment we get to Ponyville, I am going to go straight to Fluttershy and tell her that I'm sorry."

Twilight smiled. "That should be good enough, now follow me, we probably should help Eclipse with his problem before somepony gets burned, or worse."
> Chapter 10: Through everypony's eyes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Lyra came back to her house after doing her latest performance, seeing Bon-Bon sitting bored at the counter, reading a book.

"Slow day?" asked Lyra. Bon-Bon nodded.

"Yeah, hardly anypony's come in today. Sometimes I blame Sugar Cube Corner for this."

"Hey, don't say that, sure Sugar Cube Corner has better tasting sweets but that's just because Pinkie works there. Besides everypony knows you give out goods for much cheaper."

"Yeah, I guess. Although that reminds me, you have been spending a lot of time with Cyber, why is that?"

"Oh, uh... you know, he's a misfit, he needs comfort and help."

"I've seen Cyber a few times over the past few days, he doesn't seem like the kind who needs help, more like the kind who gives help."

"Well, Cyber's just a good friend that's all."

"I can tell, so where is he now?"

"He's at Canterlot with the other Misfits, apparently the Princess needs him for something."

"Hm, you know I haven't met those misfits before, maybe you could show me them."

"That's a great idea! I'll bring them here once they get back," Lyra said as as she trotted up to her room and began to practice on her lyre, though something was off... no matter what she always thought about Cyber, she didn't know if it was his arms or how intelligent he is, or if it was just him in general, but he always seemed to understand her, just like the other misfits... probably just her.

Okay, now she was bored. With a sigh she put her lyre away and trotted downstairs, still no customers, and Bon-Bon was taking out her boredom by reading. So Lyra just left the store and trotted outside to see if she could find something to do.





"Alright, Eclipse, just stand there and I'll do the rest," Twilight said as she read over a scroll.

"Are you sure this will work?" asked Eclipse, nervous.

"Of course I'm sure," replied Twilight.

"Trust her," said Cyber. "She's an alicorn princess and the element of magic, don't worry."

"If you say so."

Twilight took a deep breath and concentrated. Shortly a beam of icy blue light erupted from Twilight's horn and hit Solar Eclipse, who felt surprisingly cold. But the feeling went away just as quickly as the spell. Eclipse nearly fell over from the effect.

"Um... did it work?" asked Mixy. Twilight responded by taking a scroll and placing it against Eclipse.

To everypony's surprise, nothing happened.

"It... it work!" Eclipse said happily. "Yeah! Yes!" Eclipse's victory was short lived by the scroll catching on fire, then was put out by Twilight. "Oh, nevermind."

"Actually, it did work, your body temperature is still too hot for the spell, but at least you can touch things without burning them, as long as you stay calm, that is."

"Oh, well thanks anyway, I guess."

"If we are done here, I suggest that we could do something else," said Moonlight.

"Let's just do whatever and meet up back at the castle at twelve," suggested Cyber. The other Misfits agreed and they all set off on their own way. Twilight decided to head over to the Canterlot library with Cyber and Eclipse, where they each had their fair share of reading.

"I still can't believe how much has happened while Moonlight and I were gone," said Eclipse. "You becoming a princess, Discord, Nightmare Moon, it's like I missed out on so much while on the sun," Twilight looked up from her book in awe.

"You were on the sun!? You have to tell me what that is like up there."

"Mostly hot, gassy, with a lot of radiation, nothing special, really."

"Oh."

"Still interesting nonetheless," said Cyber.

Eclipse looked up to see Twilight was reading a history book. "That book's wrong, you know."

"Excuse me? History books aren't wrong, they're never wrong."

"Unless it's about the great fire of Hoofington."

"What about it? Somepony did something wrong with their fireplace and then it burned down most of Hoofington, everypony knows that."

"But what everypony doesn't know is the real reason of the fire is because one pony got angry at his best friend's overprotective dad."

"What kind of cruel pony would do that?"

"Your looking at that kind of pony," Eclipse said.

Twilight was speechless, only managing to say, "oh, I'm sorry about that."

"It's alright, what's done is done. You know that is also my cutie mark story."

Cyber looked up from his book. "Really?"

"Yep, burned down most of Hoofington, then emerged from the ashes with a cutie mark," he pointed to his eclipsed sun cutie mark. "Although you don't know any pegasi named Breeze Blower, do you?"

Twilight shook her head. "No, why?"

"Uh, no reason," Eclipse replied and continued with his reading.





For the first time in Moonlight's life, she had no idea what she should do, where to go, or whether what she's feeling is depression or boredom. She pondered the possibilities until she heard the voice of two colts.

"Come on, Mittens! Come on down!" one of them called. Moonlight looked at the two foals, one of them was a bright yellow unicorn and the other was a violet blue earth pony, neither of them had a cutie mark yet and both were looking up at a tree where a large tabby cat lay stuck on a branch.

"He's not coming down, should we get somepony?" the unicorn asked.

"No! I can do it, hold on my mom said this is what they do at Sweet Apple Acres," the young earth pony turned around and lifted his hind legs, ready to buck at the tree, only to be distracted by the sight of Moonlight.

"Hi, miss!" the unicorn said. "We're trying to get this cat down, but we don't know how."

"Would you like me to help?" asked Moonlight.

"Sure!" said the earth pony, then stepped away from Moonlight to give her some room as she used her magic to grab the shadows of the tree and the colts, then clumped them all together to make a large rising pillar.

The sight of their shadows being taken made the foals flinch, and the sight of this made Moonlight flinch. She was ready to put away the shadows and leave, but she was a misfit now, and she had to do what was right. With a sigh, Moonlight continued to raise the pillar until it, reached the cat, which hesitantly got on, then the pillar lowered into the ground as the cat stood there, until the feline hopped onto the earth pony's back.

"That was amazing, thank you!" the unicorn said as Moonlight put back the shadows. The earth pony looked at his shadow, then his friend's.

"Hey, that's my shadow!" the earth pony shouted.

"No, it's not!" the unicorn argued.

"Yes, it is!"

"No it's not!"

"Is too!"

"Is not!"

"Is too!" Moonlight watched the two argue as they trotted away. For the first time since she became a misfit, they didn't run away at the sight of her power. It was probably just something colts do at a young age.





Marine swam happily through the waters, without a care in the world. She knew it was only a matter of time before she could see her best friend, Fang again. Makes her almost wish that she came with him, but alas, she couldn't even if she tried, she would merely suffocate from the air that the surface brought, it was her only barrier from exploring it, where she wouldn't have to worry about getting her finned tail caught in seaweed or sitting around being bored, sure she was a princess with all the privileges a hippocampus like herself could only dream about.

The aquamarine hippocampus continued to swim about, letting her sapphire mane flap as she kept looking at the surface and wishing she could at least go to the predator village without starting to suffocate, but Marine always wanted to try new things, which is probably why her cutie mark was a clam, opening up to reveal a pearl inside. The closest she ever got to meeting somepony on the surface was those pegsi she talked to that morning, but they said some very interesting things, like about how there were with horns, and other princesses like herself, that only made Marine want to go to the surface more, she just wished she could be part of that world so to speak.

That was when she heard her dad calling her, quickly she swam toward the palace through the city where she met her dad, King Trident. Her mom, Amphitrite. Her older brother, Aquarius. And her younger brother, Oceanus. All at the dinner table as they ate lunch. Marine looked at her father, the old hippocampus with royal blue coat and dark blue mane, eyes, and goatee, along with a trident cutie mark that was just above his tail, which acted as the lower half of his body like most hippocampi instead of the hind legs that surface dwellers had.

"So, Dad," Marine said. "What's going on with the pegasi?"

"They left to talk with their princess, but they will return once they have news."

Aquarius lit up with excitement. "Are you saying we don't have to share our food with the predators anymore?" the prince asked. His coat a bright sky blue and his mane sapphire, much like his sister's but a darker shade, with a cutie mark of piranha jaws.

"Not exacly, Aquarius," said the baby blue with indigo maned hippocampus queen that was his mom. "We're still sharing our food, just until things get sorted out, we still have to ration our food," Amphitrite looked at him with her calming, blue-green eyes.

"Alright," said Aquarius before returning to his fish.

"Marine?" Marine turned her attention to her little brother, who looked at her with large, baby blue eyes. "When will Fang be back?" Oceanus asked, Marine looked at the blue hippocampus who had a mixture of dark and light blue in his mane and was still too young to have a cutie mark.

"Soon, Oceanus, soon enough," Marine answered, she remembered how much her brothers played with Fang. Playing several games like hide-and-seek, catch the flag, and even ring toss on occasion, so they were both as happy about Fang's family coming back as much as she was.





Mirror Shard started tending to the crops while his wife was inside cleaning. Things have been slightly difficult since they started a farm, if you're a changeling hiding from civilization, what else could you do? Besides, farm work is rather calming, even for a changeling. Although it is very quiet since his daughter left with that Cyber stallion, almost makes him wonder how things are for them.

The silence was broken by an almost hissing voice Mirror Shard thought and wished he'd never hear again.

"Vibrant Echo?" it said. "Is that you? We thought we'd never see you again, it's been too long." Mirror Shard looked at the changelings behind him, and unfortunately remembered the name, even though changelings looked similar, they could tell each other apart.

"But not long enough, Ambush," said Mirror Shard, with a stern face. "And that's not my name anymore, I go by Mirror Shard now."

"Your voice has lost its tone, are you alright?" asked the changeling known as Noxus.

"I've never been better, Noxus."

"If that is so, why are you still here, living with these ponies instead of Chrysalis?"

"Because I don't belong with Chrysalis."

"Nonsense, you simply got lost, we'll take you back, Echo," said the last changeling that was named Bestial Aura.

Mirror Shard pointed his plow at his former colleagues. "You won't be taking me anywhere, and my name is Mirror Shard!"

"What has gotten into you, Echo? Have you been feeding on enough love?"

"It's Mirror Shard! And yes, I'm feeding off love, I'm feeding off my own love that I have for my family," that made the changelings hiss.

"You actually fell in love with a pony?" Ambush exclaimed

"Yes, that's right, I fell in love with a pony and I'm glad I did! Now I'm happily married with a wife and daughter, and just so you know she really is my own flesh and blood, not adopted," the changelings hissed again. "Oh, shut up!"

"You... you are a traitor!" said Aura.

"You don't deserve to be part of the hive," said Noxus.

"Yeah, I'm a traitor, I'm a traitor and I like it, so now you can head back to that cesspool you call a hive and tell your retched Chrysalis that I am no longer serving her! And furthermore, if she or any one of you so much as transforms into my beloved wife or daughter, I will personally hunt you down to the far reaches of Equestria and tear you apart limb from limb, do I make myself clear?"

The changelings looked at each other before Ambush said, "You will pay for this," and they flew away.

"I'd like to see you try!" shouted Mirror Shard, waving his hoof angrily.

He heard Dandelion Meadow's voice from inside the house. "Honey? Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing, dear!" he called out. "I just had to get rid of some 'unwanted guests'," then he returned to his farm work, as if nothing happened.





Fang, Dusty, and Mixy couldn't figure out what to do for the next fifteen minutes, so they just played 20 questions to pass the time.

"Alright, are you thinking of a food?" asked Dusty, Fang nodded.

"Is it made of meat?" asked Mixy, once again, Fang nodded.

"Is it bacon?"

"Shoot!" Fang said.

"Next time, don't pick something so obvious. Alright, my turn," said Dusty.

"Are you thinking of a food?" asked Mixy, but Dusty shook his head.

"Is it alive?" asked Fang, this time Dusty nodded.

"Is it a plant?" again, a nod.

"Does it have wood?" Dusty shook his head.

"Can you get hurt from it?" Mixy asked. Dusty nodded.

"Is it a venus flytrap?" Fang asked Dusty shook his head.

"Is it a cactus?"

"That's it!"

"Well that wasn't as fun as I thought," said Fang.

"How about wack-a-mole?" Mixy suggested.

"Not after what happened last time," Dusty said. "How about we go see what Fang can sniff up in trash cans."

"That idea seems worse than it sounds," Fang said. "You wanna go see what Twilight's doing?"

Mixy and Dusty shrugged. "Sure."





Celestia and Luna awaited the Misfits to come back for lunch, passing the time by talking.

"So, is it true that the fireplace was Solar Eclipse's favorite playing spot as a colt?" asked Luna. Celestia nodded.

"Oh, very much, at a young age he would toss around the ashes before rolling around in them, he especially loved it when it was already lit."

"So, he played in the fire?"

"Precisely, you should have seen the looks on the nursemares' faces when we first found out, one said he crawled there before another said it was already lit, then after a slight panic we found him inside the flames, giggling happily."

"Sounds like Eclipse had a fun foalhood."

"Yes, although he loved burning things. Usually if he saw something that looked flammable, next thing you know it's on fire, though his temper made things extremely hard when he is deprived of things he wants, it's the same reason why this castle is protected from any kind of fire."

"I wish things were similar when I met Moonlight Shadow, she was already a young mare when I saw her, and she ran away. But I caught up with her and she let me take her, claiming I'll 'leave her like all the rest.' Of course I didn't, but when she found out about what alicorn magic could do, her instant request was to take her someplace where she can be alone. I didn't want to do it, but she insisted and wouldn't back down."

"I understand, sister, sending Eclipse to the sun was one of the hardest things I have ever done, he was like a son to me, and I think he thought of me as his mother, until I had to send him," Celestia replied with sympathy. "Though that reminds me, have you ever seen Moonlight's cutie mark, or even what kind of pony she is?"

Luna thought for a moment. "No, I have not, she was always too depressed or shy to let anypony see."

"And it was that depression and Eclipse's temper that made me worry."

"But they seem happy now," Luna said.

Celestia smiled. "That they do, sister. That they do. Makes me wonder if Moonlight will ever show her true self."

"She will, just give her time. All she needs are true friends to encourage her."
> Chapter 11: Return to Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rest of the hour and lunch were so uneventful that it was nearly forgotten by the time they got on the train to travel back to Ponyville.

"So, just a quick question, Eclipse," began Twilight as she and the Misfits took their seats not too far from each other. "What sort of emotions trigger your flames?"

Eclipse thought for a moment. "Mostly ones like surprise, fear, too much happiness, and excitement, but they're most active with anger and annoyance. Saddness seems to cool me down."

"So, you need to keep calm?"

"I guess, but I've learned to control flames, so I should be able to stop any fires before they cause too much damage."

"Also, why does your heat become most active with anger?"

Eclipse shrugged. "I dunno, I guess for the other emotions it's just a defensive instinct or accidental effect."

"Interesting," she turned to Moonlight Shadow. "And as for you, Moonlight, how long have you had those dark powers?"

"As long as I remember," Moonlight said simply.

"And why do you wear that cloak?"

"It keeps me from being noticed."

"But nopony knows what kind of pony you are, or what your cutie mark is, why would you keep it a secret?"

Moonlight narrowed her eyes at Twilight. "That's personal and none of your business."

"Oookaay," Twilight said, backing off the subject as she could hear the train whistle and then take off.

"So, Twilight, what's on the agenda once we get to Ponyville?" asked Cyber.

"Actually, I was more wondering what do you think we should do once we get back."

Cyber opened his mouth to speak, but closed it and thought for a moment. "I haven't thought of it yet, I guess we'll be wandering Equestria again looking for misfits."

"How about this, maybe you could stay in Ponyville for a while until the ships are finished so Celestia knows where you are to tell you."

"I don't know, there are a lot of ponies with need of help, they could need us."

"Don't worry about it. Besides, it will give Moonlight and Eclipse a chance to get used to being around other ponies, and don't forget about Lyra."

Cyber shrugged. "I guess, what do you guys think?"

"I'm cool with staying in Ponyville for a while," said Mixy.

"You seem to be close to Lyra, so I'll do you a favor and bite the bullet with Rainbow Crash," said Dusty.

"I want to have the guards know where we are if it means I get to see my tribe again," said Fang.

"Alright," Cyber said. "I guess it will give me some time to work on my experiments anyway."





Dust Devil returned home from his shift as a weather pony, he had to fly to the earth since that was where they had to move ever since his son, Dusty became afraid of heights. But it was a small price to pay for the dirt brown pegasus with dark brown mane and eyes and a dust devil cutie mark.

"Honey, Sandy, I'm home!" he announced as his daughter, Sandy came into view.

Sandy, his youngest child, was a sandy yellow colored pegasus with light brown mane and eyes and a sand castle cutie mark. "Hey, Dad," she said.

"Hey, Sandy, where's your mother?"

"She's running errands, is there any word from Dusty?" it didn't concern Dust Devil much, it was normal for a filly her age to look up to her older brother.

Dust Devil shook his head. "No, your brother's still with Cyber."

"Alright," Sandy said sullenly, she really missed Dusty, he missed a lot ever since he left, Sandy getting her cutie mark, her best friend, even Dust Devil's promotion. So many events without Dusty because he and Cyber left to find other ponies who needed help.

But Dust Devil did like Cyber, he gave Dusty a friend when he had trouble, he can still remember the days when it all happened...

"Dusty! Dusty, where are you?!" Dust Devil called out on the ground with his wife and daughter, after several days of searching for his son. He felt like he may have a chance at finally finding Dusty after seeing the sonic rainboom two days ago.

"I thought that the sonic rainboom was a sign," said Prancer.

"It is, I know it, just keep looking, he has to be here somewhere."

"Mommy? Daddy? The ground is shaking," said Sandy at a very young age with no cutie mark. Her parents trotted up to her, noticing too that something was moving under the ground, then shortly a small lump emerged from the ground, which grew, and grew, until it broke and revealed a beige pegasus colt, who shielded his eyes from the blinding light, then as he got used to the light, he looked at the couple and filly with great love as he recognized who they were as much as they recognized him. It was Dusty.

"Mom? Dad?" Dusty asked as they became much clearer to him, shortly all Dust Devil, Prancer, and Dusty could do is hug each other.

"We were so worried!" said Prancer, about to cry of happiness now that her son was back.

"What happened?" asked Dust Devil.

"It's a long story, Dad, I'll tell you later."

"Mommy, Daddy, look!" exclaimed Sandy, pointing to Dusty's flank, which now had a shovel and pickaxe crossing over each other.

"My cutie mark..." said Dusty in awe.

"His special talent... is digging?" asked Dust Devil, confused.

"Yeah! Watch this!" Dusty broke from the hug and started pounding at the ground, within seconds he dug into the earth and popped back out a few meters away.

"But... he's a pegasus, pegasi are supposed to fly, not dig!" said Dust Devil.

"Oh, let him dig," said Prancer. "Nopony said cutie marks were supposed to make sense, now hop on, Dusty, I'm going to make your favorite dinner tonight," Prancer gestured toward her back and Dusty started to come, but he stopped, looked shocked, then backed away slowly, quivering and shaking his head.

"Is there something wrong?" asked Prancer.

"I'm scared... I don't wanna fall again," Dusty replied.

"Dusty, there's nothing to be afraid of, you're a pegasus, you won't fall," said Dust Devil, but Dusty shook his head again.

"No, too scary."

"Dusty please-" Prancer started to say.

"Don't worry, I got this," Dust Devil said. "Dusty, I want you to close your eyes and keep thinking 'the cloud is hard,' and no matter what, just keep your eyes closed and keep thinking that so you won't fall, you can do that, right?" Dusty hesitated before nodding and obeyed his father, closing his eyes, whispering 'the cloud is hard' under his breath. Dust Devil grabbed Dusty and slowly started to fly upward towards Cloudsdale. Soon they made it to the pegasus homeland.

Dust Devil landed on Cloudsdale and gradually placed his son on the clouds, who was still whispering the phrase. Carefully Dusty's hooves touched the cloud, then Dust Devil let go.

Then Dusty slipped straight through.

"DUSTY!" shouted Dust Devil as he started chasing after his son, who opened his eyes to see what was going on, then started to panic before trying again with the phrase, hoping that he would be saved.

The speed from both pegasi caused winds on the ground to pick up a cloud of dust, which quite miraculously made Dusty land safely.

Prancer's breathing lowered as she calmed down from the heart attack she almost had, clutching Sandy to the point where she could barely breathe. Then Dust Devil came down and went into the dust cloud... before coming out again coughing.

"There's too much dust, I can't get in," he said.

"Dusty! Are you in there?!" called out Sandy into the cloud.

A small, terrified voice came out. "Yes." 

Shortly Dusty emerged from the Cloud... from the top, much like a pegasus would from a normal cloud.

...

Dust Devil has received news from the psychiatrist that Dusty can't walk on clouds anymore, though strangely he could walk on and breathe dust clouds. Those weren't all that surprised Dust Devil, but also the doctor told him that Dusty is now severely acrophobic, and no known therapy could break him out of it.

Already he and Prancer moved into a new house in Fillydelphia, and Dusty tried to make friends, but instead was teased. Dust Devil didn't know what to do now, but he tried what he could to make Dusty feel better. 

"Hey, why don't we go outside to the park, maybe get some ice cream, what do you say to that?" Dust Devil suggested to his son, who spent most of his time in his room or with Sandy since he couldn't make any friends.

"Yeah, sure, I guess," Dusty replied before him and his dad trotted out the door and they were at the park just sitting on a bench while Dust Devil read the paper and Dusty just slumped down, dangling his hoof off the side of the bench.

"Excuse me sir," spoke up a voice. "I hate to get into business I'm not supposed to be in, but why is your son depressed?"

"He can't make any friends, why do you say-" he was stopped when he saw who he was talking to, a blue unicorn colt around Dusty's age with metal... things that came out of his back and moved like limbs.

"Why do I say what?" the colt asked.

"Nevermind, who are you?"

"My name is Cyber System, nice to meet you."

"I'm Dust Devil, this is my son, Dusty."

"Just get it over with," said Dusty.

"Get what over with?" asked Cyber.

"The teasing, the mocking, just do it."

"Why in the wide world of Equestria would I do that?"

"Dusty fell off of Cloudsdale and has been scared of heights ever since," Dust Devil explained, "it caused him to become teased and he's having a very hard time fitting in." Cyber just stared.

"I am intrigued by your story but I still don't have a reason to mock you."

Dusty's head perked up. "You won't make fun of me?"

Cyber shook his head. "Of course not, I was teased and picked on myself, I have no magic, I'm a total braniac, and I've got these!" he started waving his extra limbs around for show and emphasis. "But none of that stopped me, in fact I was looking for ponies that want to be accepted as who they are."

"What do you mean?" asked Dusty.

"I mean do you want to be the first member of The Misfits?"

Dusty jumped off the bench. "That sounds great!" he exclaimed. "Hey, my dad and I are gonna get ice cream later, you wanna come?"

"Sure!" said Cyber.

"Dad?" Dust Devil broke from his daydream by the sound of Sandy's voice. "Are you alright?"

"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine, just got caught up in old memories."

"Oh, alright," Sandy replied before returning to what she was doing.





The Misfits and Twilight stepped off the the train to be greeted by Twilight's five friends and Lyra.

"Yay! They're back!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, bouncing around them. "Now I'll get started on the 'welcome back to Ponyville' party, ooh! But who are those two with her? Are they new. That means I'll have to plan two parties, one for returning to Ponyville and another for coming to Ponyville for the first time, yay!" Twilight stopped Pinkie.

"Pinkie, I don't think these two want a party just yet," she said.

"Aww, why not?" Pinkie complained.

"They just got here after being alone for a long time and don't want anything extreme for the next few days."

"How long were they gone?" asked Applejack.

"I've been away ever since I was a colt, I'm Solar Eclipse by the way."

"I've only been gone for a couple months," Moonlight added. "I'm Moonlight Shadow."

"Excuse me, Ms. Shadow, must you wear that hood over yourself?" said Rarity to Moonlight. "It's very blank, no style on it and nopony can see your face, well except for those eyes, it's rather creepy."

"Well get used to it, it's not coming off," replied Moonlight.

"Eh, don't mind her, Rarity, she just needs to get used to being with other ponies," said Cyber.

"Forget the hood," said Rainbow Dash. "Does anypony smell something burning?"

"Sorry, that's me," answered Eclipse. "I start smoking when I'm nervous."

Applejack was confused. "You start... smoking?"

"I heard about that," said Lyra. "It was this thing that humans would do, it makes them feel good but it's really unhealthy," that just caused more confusion.

"How about I show you what I mean, away from a crowd?" suggested Eclipse.

"Hold on," spoke up Fang. "First I have to say something to Fluttershy," this made Fluttershy wince and try to hide behind Pinkie Pie, who had the expression of confusion, but utter enjoyment for no known reason.

"M-m-me? R-r-really?" asked Fluttershy, shaking in fear

Fang nodded. "Discord told me about what you think of me. You're scared, aren't you?" Fluttershy hesitated before she nodded. "I want to tell you that you don't have to be. Look I'm sorry that I ate that squirrel but I had no idea how much you cared for it. If I knew otherwise I wouldn't have done it, but now I do and won't do that again, honest, and you don't have to worry about me, if anything you should be worried about Eclipse."

"Hey! I'm right here!" Eclipse growled, making his skin grow hotter before stopping when he saw Pinkie roasting marshmallows on him to make s'mores.

"Anyway," Fang continued. "Again, I'm really sorry, could you forgive me?"

Fluttershy hesitated. "Actually, I'm the one who should be sorry, I was too shy and scared to ask why you did it. And I guess I was a bit worried that you would eat my friend Angel, he's a rabbit. Anyway, after Spike told me about your tribe being in a famine, I thought about what else could you do. So if I forgive you, could you forgive me?"

Fang smiled. "Of course."

"Yay! Forgiveness!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie as she bounced around the two.

"Now there's just one last thing that needs forgiving," said Twilight, looking at Dusty.

"Nice try, Twilight," Dusty replied. "But I see no reason to forgive Rainbow Crash for trauma."

"What are you talking about?" asked Moonlight.

"I'll explain later, Moonlight," said Cyber. "Why don't you and Eclipse have Twilight and her friends show you around? I've got some renovations to do."
> Chapter 12: Settling in
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cyber lay in front of him a blank blueprint, ready to make plans. 'Let's see, Eclipse may cause some fires, so I'll have to take that into account, but what material to use?' he thought, then through his eyes, the entire room around him turned into a blank blue room, with white sketch lines showing obstacles, currently it simply just looked like an empty room. 

'First, where in the house should I place Eclipse's room? Upstairs should be fine, just next to Dusty's room. Now for the complicated part: what to use for the interior? Perhaps some fireproof wallpaper, and fabric. With the bed a reasonable distance away from the door and window,' instantly as Cyber visualized, the sketched room began to turn and a bed, window, and ceiling lights were sketched in. 'that should be good, I'll discuss details with Eclipse later,' shortly the room faded away and Cyber was back in the house, where he sketched what he saw onto a blueprint then pulled out the second.

'Now for Moonlight,' he thought, then the sketch room appeared again. 'It should be just above my lab and...' only a plain bed and door was sketched in. 'Yeah, that should be good for Moonlight,' once again, the room vanished and Cyber sketched it onto the second blueprint.

"Well, that was shorter than expected," he said to himself, looking at the clock. "Must be some time before they come back," Cyber then thought about recent events, meeting Eclipse and Moonlight, meeting Lyra, seeing the princess, and the party. The party, it made Cyber chuckle at the thought of that night, it was the time when Cyber learned about 'Pinkie logic', it did amazing things: defy the laws of physics, allow her to teleport, and even pull things out of thin air; it must also be what keeps Pinkie from getting diabetes, concerning the amount of sugar she consumes. He really needs to scan her brain sometime to see what goes on in that crumbled up grey matter inside her skull, but what would he use?

Once again, the room turned into blueprint material and Cyber began began visualizing a device that reads other pony's mind, editing and changing certain things that prove necessary, however it was all interrupted by a sudden headache that made the visual fizzle away.

"Gah!" Cyber exclaimed before trotting into his lab, clutching his head with a hand. He placed a hoof on a sensor that was on a large computer. "Computer, run chemical toxin reading." he commanded, then with a slight prick from the computer, his blood was being read and scanned, shortly the screen flashed.

BLOOD POISONING: 10%;
CHEMICAL TOXIN: UNKNOWN

Cyber sighed despair, still he had no idea what kind of toxin contaminated his blood. It came with his arms, and he didn't know what generated the toxin. All he knows is that it builds up over time and if not treated it will replace his blood and kill him. So far there are several different symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, lightheadedness, headaches, shortness of breath, and many others that appear in random order as the toxin builds up. But as long as it had no consequence, he saw no reason to worry about it, but if any of his friends were to find out, who knows what they would do? Especially with Eclipse now a part of the team, he could be torched alive!

Though he may deserve it, after all he isn't exactly trustworthy when it comes to experimenting with weapons. Cyber even remembered the day he accidentally invented a nuclear bomb. He says to the other misfits that it went off in an empty field, when in reality it set off in the middle of a town that nopony has ever heard of because of the bomb. Cyber didn't want to relive that day, even though he got everypony out alive, it was too painful to think of the horrors it could cause if the bomb got into the wrong hooves or place, it was why he never experimented with weapons or anything dangerous ever again and settled on simple projects that could do good, like Clockwork.

Clockwork, every time Cyber works on it he gets closer to giving the robot pony a heart. Might as well continue now since he has time.





About halfway through the tour, Solar Eclipse gave an extremely annoyed look at Pinkie Pie. "Pinkie?"

"Yes?" Pinkie responded.

"Would you be so kind and please STOP USING MY MANE TO ROAST MARSHMALLOWS!?"

"Aw, but you make a great campfire to make s'mores. It has just the right amount of heat without the yucky taste of charcoal."

"I don't see how using my mane is any different from-" Eclipse was inturrupted by Pinkie shoving a s'more into his mouth, which seemed to calm him down a bit from the taste. "Okay, you can do it, but only if I let you, but not now."

"Okey, dokey, loki." Pinkie said as she bounced away with the tray of s'mores. "Anypony else want some?"

"Maybe later, Pinkie," said Applejack. "I was thinkin' that we should show the misfits to Sweet Apple Acres, I don't think they got to try some of the apples there."

Fang grimaced. "Bleh, no thanks."

"But why not?" asked Rarity.

"I can't eat plants, they make me sick, cause I'm a predator."

"Oh, right, you're the one who eats meat."

"Too bad on that, you're missing out," said Rainbow Dash. "They have the best cider you've ever tasted! Wait, can you drink cider?"

"Is it made directly from apples?"

"Yeah."

"Then no, I can't."

"I almost feel sorry for you, our apples are the best in Equestria."

"It's alright, we predators are just as happy for our diet, besides, there's just something fun about hunting that's merged with our advanced strength and stamina, I've even been told I might be stronger than an earth pony."

"And maybe even faster than a pegasus, Rainbow Crash," said Dusty.

"Is that some kind of challenge?"

"What? No, if it was, then I would be competing, I can dig through dirt pretty fast."

"Why don't we see how fast you can go?" said Applejack.

"It is on!" said Dusty. "First one to Sweet Apple Acres wins!"

"Your on!" Fang said as the four took their positions and Pinkie bounced in front of them.

"On your marks..." Pinkie began. "Get set..." all four racers looked steady towards their destination. "Go!" Dusty, Rainbow, Fang, and Applejack took off instantly, leaving behind a cloud of dust and a hole because of Dusty.

"Do they always act like this?" asked Mixy.

"Pretty much," responded Twilight.

"They compete over everything," added Lyra.

"Kinda reminds me of Fang and Dusty."

"Come on, I want to see who won," said Eclipse as the rest of them took off towards Sweet Apple Acres to see who won.

It took a bit but they found the racers by the barn at Sweet Apple Acres, all of them slightly winded out, except Fang.

"What... took you... so long?" asked Dusty upon seeing the rest of the ponies.

"We aren't exactly made for running, you know," said Moonlight.

"I still don't see how Fang is still goin'," said Applejack.

"When you're a predator, you sometimes have to run a lot to catch your prey."

"Who won anyway?" asked Twilight.

"It was a tie," said Rainbow Dash. "But I'm pretty sure I was in first."

"Only somepony with an ego as big as yours could say that, Rainbow Crash," commented Dusty.

"What makes you say that? You were in the ground," said Applejack

"Why don't we just stop arguing and-" Twilight was cut off by a sound coming from the other side of the barn.

"Yay! Cutie Mark Crusaders firefighters!"

"What was that?" asked Moonlight.

"Wait a minute, firefighters?" said Twilight "But nothing's on fire-" she stopped when she saw Eclipse, who had smoke coming off him like a flame. "Eclipse, run."

Eclipse was confused. "What?"

"Run."

"Why?"

Applejack got the message, remembering what Twilight said about Eclipse's temper. "Twilight's right, Eclipse, you better get out of here before my little sister mistakes you for-" she was cut off by the sound of the CMC.

"There! That pony's on fire!"

"Ready, aim, water!"

"Wait, I'm not-" Eclipse tried to say before being hit and launched against a tree by a powerful jet of water being controlled by the Cutie Mark Crusaders holding a fire hose, which quickly lost control and sprayed water everywhere before being stopped by Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack while the Misfits came to Eclipse.

"Eclipse, are you ok?" asked Mixy, Eclipse responded by groaning, looking up at the CMC, then putting on a furious look. Shortly the water on him boiled and evaporated as he stood up. Then clenching his teeth, he approached the three fillies.

"What were you three thinking!?" Eclipse shouted as flames began to emerge from his hooves and horn. "Didn't it cross your mind once that the fire could have been just a simple candle, or a campfire!?" gradually Eclipse's body became coated in fire as he approached the fillies, his eyes became red and glowing, similar to Moonlight's eyes but much more angry.

"W-w-we're sorry!" said Apple Bloom. 

"W-we th-th-thought you w-were on f-fire!" added Scootaloo.

"D-d-don't burn us! Please!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Oh yeah!? Is that right? Well look what happened! YOU WANTED FIRE? I'LL GIVE YOU FIRE, YOU LITTLE BRATS!"

"Eclipse, stop!" shouted Twilight.

"Don't you dare hurt my sister!" Applejack threatened.

"Or mine!" added Rarity.

"And stay away from Scootaloo!" shouted Rainbow Dash.

"YOU STAY OUT OF THIS! MY BUSINESS IS WITH THESE- HEY!" Eclipse was inturrupted as a blanket of darkness started spinning around him, which got faster and faster, sucking out the oxygen inside and dousing the flames. Within just a few minutes Eclipse fell unconscious. The cloak was removed, then it broke apart and went to where everypony's shadow was.

"What just happened?" asked Fang.

"I don't know, but that was cool!" said Pinkie. "He was like 'BAM!' And then he was like 'ow, you really made me mad,' and then he was like 'rawr, I'm on fire, I'm gonna get you!' and they were like 'help us!' then that was like 'Fwoosh!' and Eclipse was like 'hey, what's going on?' then he was like 'flop!' and now he's like 'zzzzzzzzz'. Who did that anyway?"

Moonlight spoke up. "I did."

"What did you do?" asked Mixy.

"I used all of your shadows to make a construct that spun around Eclipse, creating a vortex that turned him unconsious."

"Wow, I didn't know you were an egghead," said Rainbow Dash.

"There is a lot of things you don't know about me, let's leave it at that." that was when Granny Smith and Big Mac came in.

"We heard screaming and fire," said Granny Smith as she looked around the field, seeing the CMC cowering in fear, Eclipse unconscious, and everything soaking wet.

Granny Smith and Big Mac looked at Applejack who said, "I guess I have some explaining to do."

"Eeyup," Big Mac simply replied.





Venus, a light peach unicorn mare sat at the kitchen table across from her husband, Cinnabar, a mercury grey unicorn stallion, talking the day away while Cinnabar read the paper.

"Look at this, sweetheart, it seems there's a new species of pony," said Cinnabar. "Princess Celestia has sent guards to seek out a tribe of carnivorous ponies known as 'predators' after being informed about them by local predator, Fang, who is a member of a group known as 'The Misfits' consisting of Fang himself, Dusty, Mixy, newest members Solar Eclipse and Moonlight Shadow, and their leader, Cyber System."

Venus' head looked up at the sound of their son's name. "Looks like our little Cyber got his wish after all," she said. "And didn't he send us a letter about those two? I'm not sure who Moonlight Shadow or Solar Eclipse are."

"Neither do I, but I'm sure we'll find out eventually," Cinnabar said, remembering his son always sent letters, telling them about what's going on or newest members to The Misfits.

"I still can't believe how long it's been since he left for the first time, remember that day?"

Cinnabar chuckled. "How could I not?"

"Cyber! Cyber System!" Cinnabar called out into the night, as one of the most violent storms in Equestria went on.

"Dad?" he heard the young colt's voice near his treehouse.

"Cyber, get over here, it's not safe!"

"No, I'm scared, these winds are too fast."

"Cyber, don't worry, you'll be safe, I promise!" called out Venus.

"But Mom, I can't, I don't wanna be struck by lightning."

"Cyber, I will come to you, you come to me, and we'll both walk inside, okay?" suggested Cinnabar.

Cyber hesitated. "Okay," he said, then both him and Cinnabar walked out into the wind and rain and approached each other, several meters away.

Twelve meters... eleven meters...

They pushed through the wind and rain.

Ten meters... nine meters...

Cinnabar got closer toward his son.

Eight meters... seven meters...

Cyber smiled as his dad was closer.

Six meters... five meters... four... three... two...

KABOOM!!

Lightning emerged from the clouds and struck Cyber straight in the horn, who was crying out in pain and electrocution.

"CYBER!" both Cinnabar and Venus dashed toward their son after the lightning left, seeing that Cyber was laying on the ground, they levitated him inside, where Venus did a check on Cyber.

She sighed in relief. "He's alive, but unconscious, but we can't take him to the hospital in this storm."

"Then I guess we'll have to wait."

...

The moment the storm passed, they took their still unconscious son straight to the hospital, where they received shocking news.

"You two are extremely lucky that he survived, it's almost a miracle. However this miracle isn't for free," the doctor showed them a scan of Cyber's brain, everything seemed normal, except for a large black smudge near his forehead. "As you can see, the frontal areas of his brain are fried, specifically the region associated with focusing magic."

Venus gasped. "Are you saying...?"

The doctor nodded. "We tried everything to find even the slightest trace of magic in him, all we found was the kind that shows a pony's cutie mark. So as much as it hurts me to say this... but your son will never use magic again."

"Is that all?" asked Cinnabar, holding back his emotions.

"Other than the possibility of slight changes in personality, but bring him back here every week or so just to be on the safe side."

...

"Cinnabar, I'm worried," said Venus.

"Of what?" asked Cinnabar.

"It's Cyber, after the accident he seemed to take it well, but later he started to become depressed and spend his time in his room, now he's happy and mostly in his treehouse doing who-knows-what."

"You're right, I'll go check on him..." Cinnabar trotted over to his son's treehouse, where he heard suspicious noises inside and Cyber muttering.

"Come on... come on... gotta stay conscious..."

"Cyber, Cyber, what are you doing?" Cinnabar asked, tying to open the door to find it locked.

"Dad? Uh, it's not a good time right now."

"Cyber what are you doing?" Cinnabar asked again.

"Dad, I can't come right now."

"Cyber System, you better open this door or I will teleport in."

"Dad I can't!"

"Is this because you can't use magic?"

"No, I will explain everything later, but I finally got this to work, so I can't-AUGH!" hearing Cyber yell in pain made Cinnabar teleport in.

"Cyber, you better have a good explanation for- what in the world?" he looked around to see everything coated in metal, flashing lights, and glass screens. Now he knew why he expanded his treehouse, wandering around a bit, he finally found Cyber, unconscious and strapped to some kind of table while mechanical claws placed a large cast over his midsection, which now had a metal plate across his back and four weird, metal limbs coming from it.

"Cyber, Cyber? Are you alright, what is this? What have you been doing in here?" Cinnabar asked as his son opened his eyes.

"Mmm? What? Oh uh, hey, Dad," Cyber said nervously. "Did it work?"

"Did what work?"

"Nevermind," Cyber looked at his back and smiled at the sight of it. "Yes, it was a success! Now for calibration," Cyber focused with all his might and Cinnabar was mildly shocked when one of the metal limbs lightly twitched. "This could take some getting used to."

"Cyber, what are these? What did you do?"

"Well, remember all those times I checked out books on mythical creatures? One of them surprised me, they're called 'humans' and they have limbs on their upper body that have a five fingered hand on it, they have so much control and dexterity that could make up for my lack of magic."

"Cyber, why didn't you tell me?"

"Well, seeing how you were a bit overprotective and how you and Mom don't want my brain to get hurt any more, I don't think you would've let me build something with neural transmitters."

"Neural... what?"

"Neural transmitters, they connect to my central nervous system and sense periods of electric pulses and react to them, but seeing how my nervous system is connected to my brain, you probably wouldn't allow it."

"And you're right, I don't allow it, and you are going to take that off right now and we are going to have a talk with your mother about how long you are grounded for."

"No."

"What?"

"No, Dad, I'm not taking them off, not having magic left me teased and picked on, I don't want that."

"So you think this will stop it?"

"No, but I did meet a filly who was in need of help because she was picked on, and I showed her there's nothing to be afraid of, so I'm going to embrace what I am, I'm going to show Equestria that I am a misfit and I don't care what anypony says."

Cinnabar thought for a moment. "Do you really think you want this?"

Cyber nodded. "Yes, Dad, I do, it's my destiny, look!" he pointed to his flank, which now had a square with all kinds of circuitry and gizmos. "That is a motherboard, my cutie mark, I live for technology, Dad."

Cinnabar sighed. "I'll go talk with your mother."

...

"Do you really have to go?" asked Venus, Cyber nodded.

"There are ponies out there who need my help, I want to show Equestria that misfits like myself are not something to fear or tease or pick on, but instead we're just another face in the crowd, just easier to point out."

"So, that's what you're calling your group, 'The Misfits'? Cause it really suites you," said Cinnabar.

"Pretty much. I'll miss you."

"We'll miss you too," said Venus.

"And Cyber?"

"Yeah, Dad?"

"I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad," and with a final hug good-bye, Cyber System set off to find other misfits.

Cinnabar chuckled as the memory came to an end. "Yep, those were the good ol' days."

"Makes me wonder what he's doing right now."





"Cyber, we're home!" called out Mixy as The Misfits entered the house, shortly Cyber emerged from his lab.

"Hey, what time is it?"

"Almost ten," answered Dusty.

"Really? I lost track of time again. Anyway, Eclipse, your room is right next to the stairs to the left, Moonlight, yours is the straight left turn, Fang and Dusty will show you, let me know if there's any decorations you want to add."

"Right this way," Dusty said as he and Fang directed the new members to their rooms while Mixy and Cyber stayed behind.

"So, how many guest rooms are left?" asked Mixy.

"Two," Cyber answered. "One across from my lab and one next to Moonlight's room."

"I guess we'll have to expand soon."

"I'm already working on it," Cyber replied with a yawn. "Well, I'm going to bed, good night," then he trotted up to his room.

"...good night... Cyber."
> Chapter 13: Love and war
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight, Lyra, and Cyber stood in Cyber's lab, looking at Cyber's current blueprints, specifically the wings and Clockwork.

Twilight looked at Clockwork's designs. "So all you're missing is a personality?"

Cyber nodded. "Clockwork will be one of my greatest creations once he's complete, but there's still some complications, regarding emotions. I want Clockwork to have his own individual personality, with fully functioning emotions that he will react to, namely happiness, sadness, and anger."

"What about the other ones?" asked Lyra. "What about confusion, excitement, jealousy... love?"

Cyber stopped. "Love? Of course, I guess. Clockwork needs to show attachment towards his family and friends."

Lyra shook her head. "No, I mean romantic love, as in relationships?"

Cyber hesitated. "What? Well I-I-I don't know, it-it's a very awkward topic but-"

Twilight interrupted Cyber's rambling. "I think Cyber's trying to say we'll work on complex emotions last," Cyber nodded quickly.

Lyra shrugged. "Maybe he would need to have a way to relate emotions to tone or memories."

"Plausible, but he could only have so much memory before being too full," Cyber replied.

"Only he would need to know what memories to overwrite," added Twilight.

"Hey, I gotta use the little filly's room, where is the-" spoke up Lyra.

"The bathroom's right next to the kitchen," Cyber guided.

"Thanks," Lyra said before zooming off. Once she was out of earshot, Twilight faced Cyber.

"Admit it..." she said, Cyber looked confused at her.

"Admit what?"

"You have a crush on her, don't you?" that made Cyber back off.

"What? Are you insane? I'm not in love with Lyra, she's just a really good friend, that's all. Even if I was, how would I even know it? I know about love and romance as much as I have magic, little to nothing."

"I guess, but you two are really getting close, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I suppose we are, but not in the level of romance. Besides, I don't think I'm ready to have a romantic relationship."

Twilight shrugged. "If you say so, now what are we going to do about Clockwork recognizing faces?"





Rainbow Dash flew across the sky, trying to get the guilt out of her head, but the thought about how she treated Dusty kept coming back into her mind.

'Gah, this is so confusing!' she thought. 'If only I was nicer to Dusty, none of this would've happened... but Dusty would stay a blank flank and never meet Cyber! Augh! On one hoof if I was nice to him he would forgive me for what I did to him, but he wouldn't see his destiny and be friendless forever. And on the other hoof if I was a jerk to him he would see his destiny, meet Cyber and his other friends, but he would hate me his entire life. What am I going to do!?'

She continued second guessing herself until as she scanned the ground she noticed Dusty, laying on a dust cloud and sleeping, with Fang and Fluttershy nearby, having a picnic. 'It's now or never,' she thought as she flew towards Dusty, gently landing on the ground. 'Heh, he kinda reminds me of... me when I'm sleeping on a cloud, but with more dust.'

She took a deep breath, then trotted to Dusty until her head was right over his, causing him to wake up, but frown as his eyes met Rainbow Dash, who tried to look as best as she could to keep him from leaving.

"Hey, Dusty..." Rainbow said, Dusty only grunted in response. "So, had a nice nap?"

"I was until you showed up, what do you want?" Dusty said, almost demanding.

"Well, can I just say that I'm sorry and we put this whole thing behind us?"

"Yeah, you can say that, and you did, now go," Dusty said, getting off his cloud.

"But-"

"You know what? Nevermind, you won't leave anyway."

"But Dusty, wait!" Rainbow shouted as Dusty already started to dig into the ground. "No please wait!" Dusty didn't listen, he was already halfway in.

Before Rainbow Dash could get any closer, Fang stepped in by grabbing Dusty by the tail and forcefully dragging him out, despite his cries of pain.

"Ow! Why'd you do that, Fang?!"

"Dusty, I think you need to hear what Rainbow Dash has to say," said Fluttershy.

"Why? I thought you were my friends, why are you supporting her?" Dusty said.

"We are your friends," said Fang. "But we are also sick about your grudge against Rainbow Dash, we're here to make friends, not enemies, that's why you joined The Misfits, right?"

Dusty groaned then faced Rainbow. "Fine, what is it, Rainbow Crash?"

"Look, before I do this, I don't want this to just go through your head, so could you please pay attention?" Dusty rolled his eyes but nodded. "Alright, so I wanted to say that I'm sorry, I really am, I didn't want to cause you to be afraid of heights, but I also don't want you to be picked on. To be honest, I thought you were able to fly and I didn't want you to be teased like Fluttershy was, in fact I wanted you two to be my friend, that's why I pushed you to work hard in being able to fly, but I guess I pushed you too hard and in the wrong way."

"Yeah, and now my wings are paralyzed from disuse." Dusty gestured to one of his unkempt wings with his hoof for emphasis.

"But if you think about it, I did you a favor, you love being underground more than anything, and that continued going uphill all the way to when you met Cyber, and Fang. So really I helped discover your destiny." 

The anger in Dusty's face seemed to lax a little from it. "But why did you do it? Why did you even consider it a good idea? I was terrified while falling and I'm still terrified now."

"Well, in all honesty Dusty, it's because back when we were foals... I liked you."

Dusty's eyes widened from surprise and blushed. "Like, like-like me?" Rainbow smiled and nodded.

"Look, I understand if you still hate me, I messed up and you paid for it. But I don't want to hate you, so if things are going to go smoothly between us, can we at least be friends?"

Dusty thought for a moment. "No," he said. Rainbow's smile disappeared. "I mean, how could I? I was stuck down there for days and I didn't  see or hear you. When I finally got out of there, you weren't there to look for me.  Only my family cared enough to look. And now here you are thinking that it will make it all better just because you had a crush on me? No!"

"I know. You're right, I shouldn't be asking for your forgiveness. It doesn't matter that what happened made you who you are, what I did was wrong and what I did after that was wrong. All I want to do now is end this cycle of hate before it gets out of control like last time. You have every right to hate me, but if this keeps going you won't be able to look at a rainbow without flying into a rage." 

"You... definitely have a point there." Dusty sighed as he thought about the number of times he soured the mood just because one of The Misfits reminded him of Rainbow. "But, because I'm a misfit now... I guess I'm willing to put a few things behind us..."

Dusty extended his hoof, "Waddaya say, Rainbow Dash, frenemies?"

Rainbow looked at his outstretched hoof, with a look in his eyes that though wasn't a look of malice or forgiveness, was just enough to make Rainbow respond by wrapping her hoof around his, knowing both of them resisted the urge to turn it into an arm wrestling  competition.

With a witty glare and a smile, Dusty went back to the hole he was digging before turning back. "Don't you dare think this is over, Rainbow Crash."

Rainbow responded with an equally competitive look. "Wouldn't dream of it, Blusty."

"You're going to have to work on that," and with that, Dusty hit Rainbow, but not in a vengeance way, more of a friendly kind, then he dug back into the ground.

"Are you really in love with Dusty?" asked Fang.

"Well, when we were foals, yes. But not anymore, he's not really my type, I prefer stallions who fly."

"I'm just glad that this fight is all worked out," said Fluttershy.

"Well, sort of," Fang said. "Dusty might still act rude to Rainbow, but at least he'll stay by her without complaining this time."

"But wouldn't you prefer him acting nicely?" Fluttershy asked.

"Actually, Fluttershy," Rainbow said. "I think I like this better."





Diomedes waited patiently by the riverside, perfectly still. Only the best eyes in Equestria would only be able to barely make out the dark gray predator as he lay against the rocks. Even his rope snare cutie mark was hidden by the predator's camouflage. Then it happened, a rabbit aimlessly bounced in front of Diomedes, who used his ability to sense life to know where his prey was. The rabbit acted natural, completely unaware at it imminent demise.

CHOMP!

The rabbit died instantly from a combination of blood loss and shock as Diomedes' jaws clenched on the brittle body. Then he opened his eyes and trotted toward his home, where he was greeted by his wife, Artemis, a dull brown predator mare with a mousetrap cutie mark.

"Hello, Artemis!" Diomedes said through his teeth.

"Hi, darling," she responded. "Another catch? That's the third one today."

"Is it bothering you?"

"Of course not, I just want there to be food for when the others arrive."

"Don't worry about a thing, rabbits and animals are here like wildfire, the others will have plenty to eat once they get here on the mainland."

Artemis giggled. "I guess so, but when will they get here?"

"I still don't know, Fang hasn't sent anything yet letting us know."

"Well maybe he has, but it's just in the pile of letters we got, and you just don't know how to read."

Diomedes chuckled. "You can't read either."

"But at least I know how to prepare food instead of just eating it directly and almost getting sick from some kind of disease."

"And that's why I love you," Diomedes said, kissing his wife. "Besides, that hardly happens."

"Fang has been bedridden from illness more times than I can count. I swear he takes after you."

"But he's got your compassion, remember when he volunteered to be sent here?"

"I don't think it's possible to."

Back on the island, Chief Xanthos called an important grouping of all the predators, each of them looked at their light grey predator leader with a dual crossing spear cutie mark.

"Attention all predators," Xanthos began. "As most of you have noticed, dark days are ahead of us, food is dwindling, and we are already relying on food brought to us by the hippocampi," this caused murmuring amongst the predators, but it was quickly silenced by Xanthos putting his hoof up. "Fortunately, some hippocampi scouts have seen a giant land that is filled with food, however it is also inhabited, by some ponies that eat plants."

The son of Xanthos stepped up, Podargos, a predator stallion with a coat of lighter shade than his father and a crosshairs cutie mark. "We believe that because these ponies eat plants, they shouldn't mind lending us some fauna if it means the sake of a species, but we can't be too sure, they could mistake us for cannibals or hunters trying to kill them. Because of this it may be difficult to do this, but if you choose to do this, you may take your time to settle down, learn some things if you may, but the moment opportunity strikes, you must do it for the tribe, understood?" The predators nodded. "Good, so my father has used the last of the wood to built a boat to sail to this mainland to ask these ponies if they could be kind enough to allow us the food we need to get out of the upcoming famine, there is enough for one family, and it may not be easy to get back here. All we ask is for a volunteer."

Once again, murmuring spread across the predators, none of them wishing to go, out of fear, nervousness, or sea-sickness. However around the center of the crowd, one hoof shot up. "Yes, you, step forward," Xanthos said, shortly the pony in question stepped toward Xanthos, a young grey colt with a bear trap cutie mark. "What is your name?" Xanthos asked.

The colt answered with a stern face and no hesitation. "My name is Fang."

"Fang, do you realize what you will be sacrificing by doing this?" asked Podargos

"As long as this tribe stays on Equestria, I don't care if I die while doing this."

The wife of Xanthos smiled, Deinos, a predator mare with a deep brown color and pithole trap cutie mark. "He's just like his mother."

Xanthos nodded. "Speaking of her, will she and her husband step up?" Artemis and Diomedes were a little more hesitant than their son, but they proceeded anyway. "And you are Artemis and Diomedes, am I correct?" the couple nodded. "Do you wish to do this with your son?" the two exchanged looks thoughtfully, then once they saw their son's hopeful eyes, they sternly looked ahead and nodded. "Very well then, you will set sail in the morning, say your goodbyes because once you set sail, you'll be on your own. Predators, dismissed."

...

"Fang are you sure you want to do this?" asked Artemis.

Her son nodded. "I know what I must do, if nopony will take action then I will, there will be a famine and I don't want to die this way, I want to die with my foals looking up to me, and their foals looking up to them, I want to go down knowing I did something important for Equestria and this tribe, it is what I must do."

"But you heard what Xanthos said, they could mistake you for a cannibal or something," warned Diomedes.

"We will become cannibals if this isn't solved. Also it's funny, Dad."

"What's funny?"

"You're the one who taught me how to hunt, how to stand up for myself in times of trouble, and how to not be afraid of anything, but yet you are scared of other ponies that probably don't even have hunter instincts. And Mom, you helped me up when I fell down, you showed me what to do when I was sick. And still you won't stand up for the tribe even in the time of need, that is why it is funny."

Diomedes and Artemis exchanged looks with their son before all three started to laugh at how mature Fang was compared to his own parents. Once the laughing died down, Diomedes placed a hoof on his son's shoulder.

"Fang, words can't describe how proud of you I am for you. Now let's get some rest, we have a big day ahead of us."

...

The three were already on the boat with three days passed, and who knows how far away from home, which wasn't able to be seen anymore, neither were there any hippocami or any kind of life, they checked.

"Twenty two buckets of meat on the wall, twenty two buckets of meat..." Diomedes sang, while his wife and son tried to find something to do on the very small and mildy unstable boat to pass the time. "...you open the latch, and down the hatch, twenty one buckets of meat on the wall. Twenty one buckets of meat on the wall..."

"Dad, Dad, wait!" Fang said, interrupting his father's continuous song.

"Twenty buckets of- huh?" Diomedes said, paying attention to his son while Artemis was silently thankful that he stopped.

"Dad, look," Fang pointed ahead, where dark storm clouds rolled in, not before long they were hit by waves of violent water and lightning.

"Brace yourselves!" Artemis shouted.

"I don't think this boat can brace itself any longer!" Diomedes shouted in reply, before seeing the boat already starting to fall apart. "Uh oh, hold on and don't let go!"

CREEEEAAAK, SNAP!

The three predators were sent flying every which way, not knowing what's going on or where they're going. All they could hear is the rain, the waves, and each other screaming before everything turned black.

"Sir..." a voice called out in the darkness. "Sir, are you okay? Sir? Mister?" finally, Diomedes opened his eyes to find himself face to face with a mare, obviously from the mainland because of her light green coat and dark green mane, much different from any predator mare, which all had different shades of brown to blend in with the earth. The mare sighed in relief when Diomedes opened his eyes. "Oh, thank goodness you're alright, are you okay? What happened?"

"My family got shipwrecked, speaking of them, where are they?" Diomedes answered.

"Is that them?" the mare pointed to the familiar and calming sight of Fang and Artemis, broken pieces of wood lay around them.

"Yeah, that's them. Ow, my head."

"Oh, hold on, let me get you something for that."

"No, no, it's alright," Diomedes yawned, clearly showing his rows of sharp teeth, which made the mare gasp.

"What... what is wrong with your teeth?"

"Nothing's wrong with them, I'm a predator, it's normal," this made the mare back away.

"Wh-what are you?"

"I am a predator, I eat meat and hunt, which reminds me, I am very hungry right now," his stomach growled and it caused the mare to back away even more. Then Diomedes licked his lips out of hunger, but it seems the mare got the wrong message after she ran away screaming.

Diomedes called to her. "Wait, I'm not going to..." it was too late, she was already gone and probably spreading false rumors about the predators. "...Eat you," Diomedes finished, sighing, then trotted over to his son and wife, nudging them awake.

"Huh? What's going on?" Fang asked, the young colt yawned as he stood up.

"Diomedes? What's going on? Where are we?" asked Artemis, also getting up.

"I think we're on the mainland," answered Diomedes, with a mixture of pride and dismay, but clearly Fang felt pure joy.

"Alright!" Fang exclaimed, jumping around. "Come on, we've got to find a way to save the tribe!"

"I don't think it'll be that easy, son," Diomedes said.

Fang stopped his celebration in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I just gave our first impression, and it didn't go so well."

"I was worried of this," said Artemis.

"Oh well, there's no way back right now, might as well make ourselves comfortable."

...

They have already built a house, settled down and had a feast to eat, something a predator could only dream of, but the worry that brought to them by thinking about their tribe made enjoying this near impossible. They tried several times to get other ponies attention, but the only thing they could get was that they needed help from this 'Princess Celestia', but they had no idea who she was or how to get to her, no matter how many times they tried to ask other ponies to help, they would just run away in fear.

They were about to give up hope when they heard two voices.

"Dusty, I told you to go before we left," the first one said.

"I didn't have to go then, besides I thought I could hold it," replied the second.

"Ugh, look, there's a house, you can stop there and then we could-" he was cut off by rapid knocking at the door, which Diomedes answered after putting on a scarf to hide his teeth. On the other side was a ocean blue unicorn with weird limbs attached to his back and a beige pegasus that looked extremely jittery.

"Hi there," the unicorn said. "We were just wandering by and-" the unicorn started to say.

"Can I use your bathroom?!" the pegasus quickly interrupted.

"It's uh... right over-" Diomedes pointed the way and immediately the pegasus zipped past him and into the room.

"Sorry about him, I told him to go before we left Fillydelphia."

"Fillydel-?" Diomedes caught himself. "I mean, it's alright, we understand."

"You know, you are the first ones not to be awestruck by my arms."

"Uh, we've had our experiences with the unusual."

The unicorn sniffed the air before plugging his nose. "Ugh, what is that stench? Hold on, for your hospitality. I'll be glad to make you an air freshener," he started heading to the kitchen.

"No, don't!" Diomedes shouted, but it was already too late, the unicorn saw the meat on the table, and Fang's face was in his food, tearing his way through it.

"What is going on here?" the unicorn asked. Diomedes tried to think of a plan, but seeing how the secret's blown, he removed the scarf and showed his teeth.

"We are predators, we eat meat," Diomedes answered, sullenly.

"Is that a pony?" the unicorn asked, pointing to the meat pile on the table.

"No, we would never do that," answered Artemis.

The unicorn opened his mouth, they were expecting a scream, but they were mildy surprised at what did come out.

"Are there more of you?"

"Uh, yeah, but they're far away, on an island, and in a famine," answered Fang.

"Wait, a famine? Haven't you told somepony?"

"We tried, but nopony would listen, they just run away in fear."

"So you have a hard time fitting in to society?"

"You could say that, why?" finally, the pegasus came back before the unicorn could answer.

"Sorry it took a while, whatever I ate did not agree with me. What's going on?" the pegasus' jaw dropped after seeing the meat. "Cyber, what's going on?" he repeated.

"Dusty, I think we found a new member."

"New member?" asked Fang.

"Oh, right, I'm Cyber System, this is Dusty," Cyber introduced.

"I'm Fang, these are my parents Diomedes and Artemis."

"Nice to meet you," Cyber said. "Anyway, I lead a group called 'The Misfits', we are a group of ponies who just want to fit in and were teased by other ponies."

"Do you know where and who Princess Celestia is?" asked Fang.

Cyber nodded. "Of course, she is the one who can help us show Equestria what we really are."

"I want to join you, if it's alright with you," Fang looked at his parents.

"Do you want to do this?" asked Artemis.

"Yes, Mom, remember what Xanthos said, we need to take any opportunity we can get."

Diomedes smiled. "You know Fang, out of all of this, I have never been so proud of you, go with these misfits, and save the tribe, we are counting on you, and we love you."

"I love you too," Fang hugged his parents, then faced Cyber.

"Ready to go?" Cyber asked, Fang nodded.

"Let's go," Fang replied.

"Welcome to The Misfits," said Dusty.

"I wonder how our Fang is doing," said Diomedes as he finished his flashback.
> Chapter 14: Calm gatherings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Solar Eclipse and Moonlight Shadow rested on a hill, just relaxing with the occasional question from Eclipse, only for Moonlight to respond with "yes", "no", "I don't care", a glare, or no answer at all. Eventually Eclipse gave up on questions, until it was Moonlight who asked the question.

"What do you think of these misfits?" she asked.

"I don't know, we've only been with them for a day, but it beats isolation on the sun."

"Speak for yourself, I would have preferred it."

"Why? Did you lose your temper and burn down a city?"

"No, I just want to."

"Only I was sent there to calm down and control my flames, why were you sent to isolation?"

"I just wanted to, no question about that."

"Doubt it."

"What?"

"I believe there are a lot of questions about it, 'why did you want to?', 'what happened to your foalhood?', 'where did your emotions go?', 'why are you so private to others?'."

Moonlight pondered this, Eclipse had a point, and right now there was no escaping it.

"If I tell you what you need to know, will you keep it a secret?"

"I may," Eclipse answered.

"Alright, but this is all that I will say," she took a deep breath and began. "As far back as I can remember, I was alone. I was confused, I didn't know what anything was or where to go. I had tp learn how to read, write, and talk by eavesdropping on other ponies. Then when I was finally discovered, I panicked, that was when I discovered my ability over shadows by accidentally hitting him with his own shadow. After I saw how many ponies were looking at me, they were just as scared as I was, calling me things like a freak, a mutant, and a shadowmancer. Problem was that was the first and at the time only thing I was called, so I took their word for it, and then I hid in the shadows ever since, in my own shadow realm where I could be myself and nopony could see me.

"Celestia did somehow find me, but after an unsuccessful attempt at bringing me somewhere else, I didn't see her for a long time, but I did later see Luna, who took me in for a few months before I saw her alicorn powers. I asked her to take me somewhere I could be alone, she refused at first but I insisted. Eventually she took me to a place made entirely of shadows, where I stayed alone for months, you know the rest."

"So you basically don't want to stand out?" Eclipse asked.

"In a way, yes. But after hearing what Cyber said about me, I considered a change. I will show what I can do now to other ponies."

"Any other changes you plan on making? Removing your cloak perhaps?"

Moonlight was about to answer with "no, none of your business, so stay out of it!" But instead she caught herself and said something else.

"Yes, but only when the time is right, I'm not quite ready yet, maybe once everypony knows my name and what I can do."

"I'm sure Cyber would say 'whatever you feel is right' and personally, I agree with him," said Eclipse.

"Thanks, and you know what? So do I."





Celestia and Luna looked at the construction on the large boat, the scaffolding has already been placed and already the ship was starting to take shape.

A wood brown earth pony with a five o'clock shadow, hard hat, bright orange vest, and cutie mark resembling a saw cutting through a wooden plank stepped up to the princesses.

"The ships are already in the works and should be finished in about a week or so," he said.

"Thank you, Sawdust," said Celestia as Sawdust returned to his post, then she turned to her sister. "It is almost time to send Fang to his homelands."

"I look forward to this, but should we introduce ourselves to them before having Twilight Sparkle and the misfits head over there?"

"It may be a good idea, I should bring along Cadence too for lunch with these predators."

"Don't forget the hippocampi. Though what about Twilight? She would want to come."

"I want them to be a surprise for Twilight, now we must prepare if we are going to make a good impression on the predators and hippocampi."

Luna nodded. "I'll inform Cadence, you send a letter to the predators," Celestia nodded before Luna took off, then Celestia took out a parchment and cast a spell on it, instantly it began to glow as Celestia cleared her throat.

"Greetings, Xanthos, I am Princess Celestia. I plan on having a nice dinner with you, your family and the hippocampi rulers as a way to understand you and your culture better as a good first impression so we may be friends. I am excited on meeting you at last, Fang has told me so much about how things are at your tribe and I wish to help you. I hope to see you, Princess Celestia." As she concluded, the scroll rolled up and teleported away to the predator tribe in a similar way to how she sent letters to Twilight, only this was more one-way and had to be voice recorded due to predators not knowing how to read, but it was much better than sending pegasi back and forth.

'It's only a matter of time,' Celestia thought.





Mixy stopped at Golden Oaks Library, reading a book about changelings.

Changelings are dangerous creatures that dwell deep in the badlands of Equestria. Changelings have the ability to change their looks into anypony they want, becoming an exact copy of another pony. These creatures are heartless and instead get love by taking it from other ponies...

"That's wrong," Mixy commented as she continued reading.

Changelings seem to be unable to ingest regular food, therefore love is their only source of survival...

"That's wrong," Mixy said again.

There are a few ways to spot a changeling. Including loved ones acting strangely and starting to get much more close than usual, the feeling of fatigue and emptiness while said loved one continues like normal, and constant usage of excuses. 

Every changeling is a direct offspring of their queen, Crysalis, therefore they follow her blindly and loyaly, stopping at nothing to protect their queen. Remember, no changeling can be trusted.

"Okay, this one is the most wrong, have they even met my dad?"

Spike answered as he dusted the shelves, "I don't think anypony has."

"Okay, maybe not, but this book has changelings all wrong."

"What has what all wrong?" asked Twilight as she entered.

"Oh, hey Twilight, it's just this book on changelings, it's got a few errors in it."

"There must be many different things about changelings we don't know about now that I know about your dad."

"You have no idea," Mixy replied. "So where were you?"

"Over with Cyber, his inventions are amazing, he says he's almost there to completing Clockwork."

"Ah yes, Clockwork. You should have seen him when he first came up with the idea, he wouldn't stop talking about it."

"I can imagine, he and Lyra kept exchanging ideas about what emotions to give Clockwork, kinda makes me wonder when he'll be completed, I would love to meet him."

"Yeah... and about Lyra, does she seem... attracted to Cyber at all?"

"Hm? I don't think so, why?"

"Uh, no reason."

Twilight was skeptical. "Are you sure?"

"Yep, positive," Twilight gave Mixy an unconvinced look. "Well, maybe there is, I sorta have a slight crush on Cyber."

"I knew it!"

"How did you know?"

"Let's just say it becomes really easy to tell if your assistant has a crush on another pony."

"What? Who said that? I never had a... um... I'll be going now..." Spike said as he nervously left.

"Anyway," Twilight continued. "Does he even know about this?"

"Well, no, he doesn't," Mixy answered.

"Why not? Are you nervous?"

"That, and also Cyber never really has any opinion on romance, the only time he was ever concerned about it was when he met my parents and it was just a way to make sure it was normal. If I tell him who knows what'll happen?"

"The only way to know is if you tell him yourself."

"I guess, but when is the right time time to tell him?"

"I'm not really the one to ask, that is for you to decide."

"You're right, I just need to decide for myself. It's just with being half changeling, love becomes a very complicated subject."

"I understand."

"Also, could you promise to keep this crush away. At least until it becomes out?"

Twilight smiled. "Pinkie promise. 'Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye'." She said as she and Mixy mimed the movements.





Xanthos and his family joined Trident's in the southern regions of the island, where they awaited the arrival of the special princesses. They all sat around a table, with the hippocampi in special water filled tanks to keep them from suffocating

"When will they be here?" asked Aquarius, slightly impatient.

"Be patient, Aquarius," said Amphitrite. "They will be here."

"There they are," spoke up the daughter of Xanthos, Lampie, a naturally brown predator mare with a bait lure cutie mark. Lampie pointed to the sky where two carriages decended, each contained two ponies in them. As they approached the ground, the four ponies looked around at the scenery before Trident approached them with a little help from Xanthos.

"You must be Celestia," assumed Xanthos, the white alicorn smiled and nodded.

"Yes, this is my sister, Luna, and this is Princess Cadence and her husband, Shining Armor."

"I am Chief Xanthos, this is King Trident," introduced Xanthos. "And I'm pretty sure we were told there are four princesses."

"Princess Twilight has other business to attend to at the moment," said Luna.

"Thank you so much for your hospitality," said Cadence.

"It is our pleasure, anything for the ponies who helped end the famine, which reminds me, it is time to eat," the Princesses were shown to the large table as the predator and hippocampus rulers took their seats.

"Before our meal is prepared, perhaps we should introduce you to our families," said Trident. "This is my wife, Amphitrite; my two sons, Aquarius and Oceanus; and my daughter, Marine." the hippocampus princes and princess waved at their guests.

"And this is my wife, Deinos; my son, Podargos; and my daughter, Lampie," Introduced Xanthos.

"It is an honor to meet members of a new species," said Shining.

"Likewise," said Podargos. "Now I shall have some food in a second."

"That will not be necessary," said Celestia, using her magic to levitate several dishes in front of each pony, then as the lid was removed the predators were amazed at the sight of the large pile of really rare meat in front of them, while the hippocampi had some fish and the new guests had some kind of oat hay casserole dish that neither predator nor hippocampus could make out.

"Princess, I don't know what to say," said Deinos as she and the rest of the predators resisted the urge to gorge themselves in the meat. "You didn't have to do this."

"Actually, what we now see about new species is completely amazing, consider it our gift to you as friends," said Shining, instantly the predators shoved their faces in the pile and dug in.

"Well, that is interesting," commented Cadence, slightly grimacing at the sight.

"They're carnivores in the middle of a famine, what are you gonna do?" said Marine.

"Apologies for our behavior," said Xanthos, who was the first to stop shoving his face. "It has just been so long since we had such bloody, fleshy meat like this."

Shining nearly threw up. "I think I lost my appetite."

"Er... right," said Luna. "Since you're a bit busy with your... meal, I suppose we could just ask the hippocampi about the culture here."

"It might be for the best, though I would keep an eye on them in case they choke," said Trident.

"So, about the hippocampus culture," began Amphitrite. "We rule in a civilized manner with a kingdom, we can't go above ground or else we suffocate from the air."

"In other words, we have gills!" said Marine.

"And a question for my sister," said Shining Armor. "Where are your gills?"

The hippocampi exchanged looks before shrugging.

"We never actually knew," said Aquarius. "As long as at least our tail or our head is in water, we can breathe."

"And what about beliefs?" asked Cadence. "What did you think rose the sun and moon before you met Celestia?"

"We always thought it was natural," responded Trident, then Celestia turned to the predators, who already ate two thirds of their meal before calming down and were able to talk.

"And what about the predators?"

Xanthos swallowed the food in his mouth. "Us predators like to be on top of the food chain, we may live as a tribe but we always respect each other like family."

Podargos spoke up. "And we rule by a way of competition, if one predator shows to be stronger, faster, wiser, and more skilled than the current chief, they take over the right, if nopony shows to be worthy of the title, then the title of chief is passed down to the next generation once the chief passes away or is unable to continue. So if my father were to die or grow too old, I would continue as chief."

"If that is what stallions do, what about the mares?" asked Celestia.

Deinos answered. "The wife or daughter of the chief may assume the title if the chief dies foalless or if the firstborn is a mare, but normally the mare supports the chief and aids him in times of need."

"You seem to respect all ponies equally," said Luna.

"Of course," said Podargos. "It is a big responsibility to be chief, though sometimes I wonder if Fang is more worthy of the title than me."

The name got Oceanus' attention. "Where is Fang?"

"Fang is currently in Ponyville with the other misfits."

"Will we get to see him again?" asked Marine.

"The boats to sail here are being constructed as we speak," answered Luna.

"Wait, misfits?" asked Xanthos.

"Yes, Fang is part of a group of ponies who don't fit in, but want to be treated like they do. He seems to enjoy it."

"That sounds interesting, I want to hear more about what Fang has done," said Deinos.

"It's actually a very interesting story..." Celestia said as she began telling them how she met The Misfits and what good they have done for other ponies and Equestria.
> Chapter 15: Love is blind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cyber and Lyra finished their dinners at the diner, talking the day away.

"And then I said 'if you put that sodium in water, something amazing will happen!' And so Fang did it and guess what it did," Cyber said, Lyra listened with deep interest.

"It blew up in his face?" she guessed, Cyber nodded quickly.

"And then he chased me for two hours before Dusty stopped him, and he never touched my stuff again!" Cyber concluded as he and Lyra broke out laughing.

"Ah, that was a good one," said Lyra.

"You should hear about the time when Dusty wouldn't stop taking my lunch, it's even better," Cyber replied as he paid the bill, then the two walked outside, where it was already getting dark.

"I really had fun today, Cyber," Lyra said.

"So did I, Lyra," then the two stared at each other in the night, Cyber noticed something about Lyra that he never noticed before as he began to lean closer towards his friend, who continued staring. Cyber then looked at Lyra very closely and finally realized that what he thought he saw was real.

"You got something in your teeth," Cyber said. 

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's right here," he pointed to the spot where some lettuce got lodged between her teeth, which Lyra freed with her tongue.

"Did I get it?"

"Yeah, it's gone. Well, see you tomorrow!" Cyber waved as he left toward his house.

"See you!" Lyra called back, waving.

Cyber arrived at the house to find Eclipse on the couch, reading a book, which levitated in front of him with a blazing red orange aura around it and his horn

"Hey, Eclipse, what are you doing up?"

"Hm? Hey, the smell of smoke kept me up. Which reminds me, I need something to keep that from happening, you think you could do that?"

"Shouldn't be much of a problem," Cyber joined Eclipse on the couch. "So, what'cha reading?"

Eclipse squinted at the book. "I don't know, I'm almost halfway through and I still don't understand what's going on. Mind if I burn this?"

Cyber took a brief look at the spine before nodding. "Go ahead, I've been meaning to get rid of that one for a long time but never got the chance." Eclipse smiled as he simply touched it with his hoof, causing the book to burst into flames and then ash. Eclipse and Cyber chuckled at the sight of a bad book being burned.

"If you want a good story, try one like 'Daring Do,' or  'Garry Trotter,' that's a good one."

Eclipse shrugged. He didn't give that much interest in further reading. "I might check them out sometime. By the way, what kept you?"

"Oh, dinner with Lyra went on for longer than I thought."

Eclipse gave a teasing grin. "Ah, I see. Spent a little too much time with your marefriend?"

Cyber rolled his eyes. "It's not like that, we're just friends."

"Isn't that how it starts out?"

"What makes you the expert on love, you and Moonlight have only been here two days!"

"Hey, at least I came closer to having a marefriend than Moonlight."

"Maybe it's because all the mares consider you hot!" that just made Eclipse shake his head slowly.

"That was so bad, you need to come up with a new word to describe how bad that was."

Cyber shrugged, satisfied that he's diverted the conversation away from romance. "Eh, can't blame a guy for trying, can you? Anyway, how are you enjoying things outside of isolation?"

"I'll be honest, nopony's ever treated me with so much kindness other than Breezie, but I'd rather not talk about her after what I did."

Cyber placed his hand on Eclipse for comfort, it was safe because of Twilight's spell and Eclipse feeling sadness. "Eclipse, I promise the moment we reach Hoofington, our first stop is the cemetery so you can express how you feel."

"You sure? I don't know about that..."

"Trust me, as someone who's seen his grandparents die right in front of him, I will tell you that visiting a grave is almost like meeting them in person, and even if it takes years to get there, I'm sure Breezie is looking down on you and smiling, maybe even with your parents."

Cyber winced as he saw Eclipse enter an emotional trance. "Oh, I'm sorry if I got into something uncomfortable."

"No, no, it's alright... I just never thought about who my parents were and whether they were still alive or not."

"What do you think?"

"I don't know, there are all kinds of possibilities, did they abandon me because of my powers? Or were they just trying to protect me? Did I burn them to death, or are they still alive?"

"I'm sure wherever they are, they'd be proud of you if they knew what great friends you've made."

"Thanks, Cyber, you're a great friend."

"Likewise, Eclipse, good night," Cyber and Eclipse trotted up to their rooms and fell asleep almost instantly.





The next day Mixy approached Rarity's house. Knocking on the door she deeply wished Rarity would answer.

"Just a minute!" came Rarity's voice from inside, then shortly Rarity opened the door. "Oh, hello, Mixy, what brings you here?"

"Twilight said I should talk to you for advice, is now a good time?"

"Oh, certainly, come on in," Rarity let Mixy inside.

"Right this way as I brew up some tea so we may-"

"MEEEEEEEEOOOOOW!"

"No, Opal, come back!" Rarity was interrupted by a white cat and Sweetie Belle, with the former soaking wet.

"Sweetie Belle, what is the meaning of this?" Rarity demanded as the cat started to dash across the room, clawing nearly everything in sight.

"Sorry, Rarity," Sweetie Belle said. "I tried to give Opal a bath but she just freaked out before I could do anything."

Opal continued to dash across the room, screeching and wiling as she did so, until she directed herself towards Mixy, who altered her voice and let out a sound that was just like Fang growling, which managed to stop the berserk cat and allow Rarity to grab her with her magic.

"So sorry about that, Mixy, you know how cats are with water and baths."

"Not really, but I'm glad to help, though you might want to keep her under control."

"Of course," Rarity replied, using some more magic to dry off Opal, then placed the cat on a couch, which made Opal curl up as Rarity started the tea and Sweetie Belle went up to her room. "Now as I was saying, what did you need advice about, fashion? Looks? Though for a changeling hybrid I guess that last one's not much of an issue."

Mixy shook her head. "Actually, I need advice on love."

Rarity rose an eyebrow. "Love? But you're a changeling hybrid, surely you must understand at least some details about love."

"First: that's just a stereotype. Second: it's not love itself that I want to understand, it's being in love I want to understand."

"Ooh, that changes everything, so who's the stallion that stole your heart?"

"It's Cyber, I have a crush on Cyber."

Rarity squealed in glee. "That is wonderful, how long have you and Cyber been a couple?"

"We're not, he doesn't know," Mixy admitted as Rarity poured the tea.

"But why not, darling? He has to know or else it will just destroy you from the inside when it's too late."

"Cyber has been the most oblivious when it comes to romance. Once we came across two ponies that were a couple, and Cyber simply acted like they were only best friends."

"Hm, I can see how that can be a problem, but that shouldn't stop you from telling him."

"Only a problem, I think Lyra's beating me."

Rarity gave a confused look. "I don't think I understand, Darling."

"It's Lyra, he's been hanging out with her more and more ever since we came here and I'm worried he might fall in love with her instead of me!" Mixy was nearly standing on her seat.

"Alright, first of all: please calm down. Next: I don't think it is a good idea to demand Cyber's love like that, it is certainly uncouth."

Mixy sat back down and sighed, slightly embarrassed. "Your right, I don't know what's getting over me, it might be my changeling genes that are doing this."

"And furthermore, I understand your sorrow, so I'll tell you what, I'm free today so I'll tag along with Cyber and Lyra the next time they spend time together and see how they act around each other."

"I don't think that's a good idea, Cyber and Lyra spend much of their time in Cyber's lab, and I don't think you appreciate being covered in oil, grease, or soot from things blowing up in your face."

"Quite right," Rarity thought for a moment. "I got it, I'll just invite them to a picnic."

"That should be good, I guess. Just let me know if they're in love or not."

"Of course, anything for a friend."

"Thanks so much, Rarity."

"No problem, now I must get things ready."





"Alright, let's test this," Cyber said as he and Lyra plugged in several power cords into an unfinished metal equine skull.

"Power on!" Lyra announced as she pulled a switch, instantly the skull's eyes lit up to show unmoving pupils that looked forward.

"So far so good," Cyber said as he and Lyra positioned themselves in front of the robot head. "What is your name?" Cyber asked.

A very monotone voice came from the robot's head. "Clockwork."

"Alright, voice detection working," Cyber said as he wrote it on a clipboard. "Now onto visual recognition, what is my name?"

"Cyber System."

"And her name?" Cyber gestured to Lyra.

"Lyra Heartstrings."

"Looks like that's working," said Lyra as Cyber picked up a tape recorder.

"Now, Clockwork, I will play voices, name the speaker based on what you hear," Cyber pressed a button and a familiar voice came out.

"Cyber, why are you recording me?"

"Twilight Sparkle," Clockwork answered, then Cyber pressed another button and another, albeit much more quiet voice came out.

"Cyber... what are you doing?"

"Fluttershy," Clockwork answered again as two voices emerged from the recorder.

"What are you doing with that tape recorder?"

"Probably something related to voices or something."

"Fang and Dusty respectively," Clockwork replied.

"Time for a bit more of a challenge," Cyber said, pressing the button as a very excited and happy voice emerged with the tone changing randomly and constantly.

"Ooh, are you recording my voice? I love it when I record my voice it's like I'm having a chat with myself! Ooh, ooh, let's do that, ok. Hello, me!"

It took a second before Clockwork answered. "Pinkie Pie."

"Alright, time for the final test," Cyber said as Lyra gave him a confused look.

"I thought we had more voices than that," she said.

"We do, but the next several recordings are just of Pinkie talking to herself and I don't want to go through all of them. Anyway, time for the big moment, Clockwork, how do you feel?"

Clockwork took thirty seconds before sparks started to fly. "ERROR, ERROR! ERROR #516. UNKNOWN FILE FORMAT. ERROR #291 NO FILE LABELED 'EMOTIONS' FOUND. ERROR #123..."

"Lyra, turn it off!" Cyber shouted, keeping the sparks from hitting anything as Lyra pulled the switch again.

"ERROR #4...9...1..." Clockwork blared as he gradually turned off, making Cyber remove his goggles with a sigh.

"I could have sworn we put in the right file format for his emotions."

"Maybe we just need to find a way to have his tone change with memories," Lyra suggested.

"Perhaps, but we might need to-" Cyber was interrupted by a sharp pain in his head, making him clutch it.

"Cyber, are you ok?" asked Lyra, concerned.

"Yeah, I just didn't get much sleep, lack of sleep can cause headaches and lack of focus," Cyber lied, knowing the real reason was the toxin in his blood.

Lyra bought it. "Alright, so should we get something to eat first? I'm getting kinda hungry."

"Yeah, me too, plus I could use the time to 'mentally recharge'," Cyber and Lyra trotted outside, where they ran into Rarity.

"Oh, Cyber, Lyra, how lovely meeting you here, I was just about to talk to you."

"What'cha need, Rarity?" asked Cyber.

"I was wondering if you two would like to join me on a picnic."

"Sure, sounds like fun," said Cyber.

"I'm in," said Lyra.

"Wonderful, come on, this way," Rarity said as she brought Cyber and Lyra to a picnic area she set up, shortly they sat down and began eating sandwiches.

"You know Rarity, now that we're here, I probably should tell you this," said Cyber.

"What is it?"

"Careful with your fabric around Eclipse, he burns everything he touches, like literally burns, one touch and fire ignites."

"Oh, I'll keep that in mind, darling."

"By the way, what's the deal with Moonlight?" asked Lyra. "She keeps herself in her cloak and won't take it off, plus she's so secretive."

"Moonlight has had a rough foalhood, that's about all I know, but it's probably better to leave her alone than bombard her with questions too personal to answer."

"Oh, and before I forget, you two" said Rarity. "How strong would you say your friendship is with each other?"

"It's pretty strong," answered Lyra.

"I treat her like I do with the other misfits," said Cyber.

"Yes, but have you considered going further in building up your friendship? 'To the next level' as you would say."

Cyber thought about it for a second, then gasped in realization. "Of course, Rarity, you're right!"

"About what?" asked Lyra.

"I can't believe I never saw this earlier, but thanks to Rarity I know I can trust you enough to say this, so would you like to..." Rarity waited in anticipation at what Cyber was about to say. "Would you like to... be registered in my lab's scanner to gain permanent access?"

"Cyber I knew you had- what?" Rarity was astonished by how Cyber mistaken her hint. 'Mixy was right, he is oblivious.' she thought.

"I completely forgot about that, of course!" responded Lyra.

'And so is she,' Rarity thought. 'Well, they don't appear to be a couple, but it wouldn't be a surprise if they were.'





Mixy was filled with excitement as she saw Rarity come to her from the picnic with Cyber and Lyra.

"Well, are they in love?" Mixy asked.

"I must say you weren't kidding when you said they were oblivious, but from the looks of things they aren't a couple, but they're headed in the right direction. I suggest telling him soon or else you'll end up tearing yourself apart."

"Oh, well thanks for the help, Rarity."

"My pleasure, Mixy," what seemed like understanding was really more confusion than ever for the changeling hybrid, maybe she just needed to spend a bit more time with Cyber like Lyra. Yes, that was the answer, Cyber just needed to understand her more.





Two weeks have passed, and there have already been a few noticeable differences. Moonlight has become a bit more social and even shared a bit of her powers in a show, which everypony loved. Eclipse started taking anger management classes and has already seen results. Cyber and Lyra together worked on Clockwork and managed to get him to express slight boredom, annoyance, and sarcasm, as well as allowing his eyes to change and show various emotions if needed despite Clockwork's lack of mouth. Heart and Hooves day was tomorrow and for some reason it made Mixy act strangely by spending more time with Cyber despite not having a clue what he's doing or how to do it herself, she also started to push Lyra out of the picture for some reason. Although, while Cyber remained oblivious (albeit confused) towards Mixy's behavior, the other misfits quickly noticed that something was wrong.

"Mixy, what are you doing?" asked Fang, seeing Mixy with large, square, nerdy glasses.

"What? Can't I change my look once in a while?" Mixy said.

"It's not just that, you've been acting strange lately," said Dusty.

"Strange? How?"

"Where do we begin?" said Eclipse. "How about when you started to try help Cyber with his projects instead of anything else, how you are starting to act like somepony other than yourself, and I'm pretty sure that is not your usual cutie mark," Eclipse pointed to Mixy's flank, which had a lyre on it, but a brief shock of embarrassment made Mixy change it back to its normal mirror shape.

"Mixy, we're here to help you, and it's more than obvious that you have something going on," said Dusty.

"I don't know what you are talking about, I'm just trying a new approach that's all," Mixy argued.

"She lies," said Moonlight, who has gradually become more talkative over the past couple days. "There is a aura of dark energy around her that I sense, filled with desires, jealousy, madness, and lust."

"You can do that?" asked Fang.

"Are we talking about me, or Mixy?" glared Moonlight, still as secretive as ever.

"Right, anyway, Mixy there is no denying it, so spill it."

Mixy hesitated and remained silent, she looked at her friends, each of them glaring at her like she is the culprit of a murder, so with a sigh, she spoke up.

"Fine, I admit it! I have a crush on Cyber, and I love him; I love him until the very end. Normally I could keep it under control but ever since he met Lyra I've become jealous! And I don't know what to do!" Mixy was trying to hold back her emotions.

"And you think that the best solution is to push her out of Cyber's life and try to take her place?" asked Dusty.

"I... I... I don't know! I've never been so confused in my entire life, what am I supposed to do?"

"Look, I'm sure that none of us here know a thing about romance," said Fang. "So this is a problem you have to overcome yourself."

"I tried, but it just left me stressed out even more," replied Mixy.

The other misfits exchanged looks before Dusty sighed. "I may be the only one here who knows about changelings, and even then I don't know much, but what I do know let's me ask this: will you let things go and let whatever happens happen like a pony, or demand Cyber's love on yourself like a changeling?"

"Dusty, not all changelings are like that!"

"You know what I mean! So we're going to let you decide what you should do. And Heart and Hooves day is tomorrow, so you should probably make up your mind fast," and with that, The Misfits left, leaving Mixy alone to tend to her own thoughts.





"We're getting closer, but there's still the problem of Clockwork's happiness and reactions," said Lyra as she shut down a now half-finished Clockwork.

"Yeah, sure," said Cyber, distant.

"Is something wrong?"

"Hm? Actually, yes, it's Mixy, she's been acting strange lately, like how she was always trying to help out with the experiments."

"Didn't she say you wouldn't let her help out?" 

Cyber shook his head. "It's not that I won't let her, it's because she doesn't know how to help. She said it herself, 'I would love to help you out, but I don't know the first thing about programming,' quote unquote."

"Now that you mention it, she was pushing me out, is there something you two are talking about?"

"Not that I know of, there has to be some reason for this behavior, but I can't figure it out."

"She will tell you, she's your best friend, I'm sure of it."

"I guess, but I still want to know what's wrong."

"Just give her time, trust me, I know what this is like," Cyber looked at Lyra and smiled.

"I guess you're right. So now where were we?"





The next day...

"Can you believe it's already Heart and Hooves day?" asked Twilight.

"I know, and to think it's only been sixteen chapters!" Pinkie exclaimed with a *squee* which left Twilight confused.

"Sixteen... chapters? Pinkie, this is real life, not some kind of literature."

"That's what you think!" Pinkie said in a sing-song voice as Twilight scratched her head in confusion, but shrugged it off.

"Right... so anyway, anypony asked for some sweets yet?"

"Nope," the distinct sound of the door opening was heard. "Nevermind, hi, Cyber!"

Twilight turned to see the familiar technological unicorn approach the counter. "Hi Cyber," she said.

"Hey, Twilight. Hi, Pinkie," Cyber replied.

"So, want anything for a special somepony?" asked Pinkie.

"No, not really, just give me a large cake to share with all the misfits and Lyra."

"Okey doki loki! Be right with you!" Pinkie then bounced into the kitchen where instantly, aromas of various flavors emerged.

"I swear, if somepony were to look inside her brain, they would either see unimaginable happiness, randomness, or horror, maybe all of the above," Cyber said.

"Well, it's Pinkie Pie, who knows what goes on in there?" Twilight responded.

"Never before have I been so curious, but so scared at the same time, I mean where did she even get meat flavored cake?"

"I've learned not to question her. So anyway, how far are you to completing Clockwork?"

"Lyra and I are getting there, right now we're getting him to express rage, which isn't a good thing to add on the same day as hooves. Which reminds me, Mixy has been acting weird lately, do you have any idea what's wrong?"

"Well, I made a Pinkie promise and I don't want to break it," Twilight responded.

"Why, what happens if you break it?"

"You don't wanna know!" Pinkie called out from the kitchen.

"And there's that curiosity/horrified feeling again. Anyway, I understand, I just need to ask Mixy herself."

"That is the best idea," Twilight smiled as she brought in a very large cake that was evenly separated into sections, with each of the Misfits' and Lyra's cutie mark on a section made with icing, except Moonlight's, which was blank.

"Each section has your favorite flavor," Pinkie said. "By the way, what's Moonlight's cutie mark?"

"I don't know, nopony does, but I think she prefers it to be that way."

"Okay, thirty bits please!" Cyber reached into his bit pouch and with one hand, he pulled out the money and handed it to Pinkie. "Thank you, have a nice day!" Pinkie and Cyber waved to each other as the techno unicorn left.





Later that night, Cyber opened the fridge and pulled out the cake to begin the party they have every year during Heart and Hooves day.

"Who wants cake?" Cyber announced as he placed the large cake on the table and they started eating.

"Do other ponies celebrate Heart and Hooves day like this?" asked Eclipse.

"Not really, normally we would just spend time with our special somepony," said Lyra. "I think humans celebrate something similar, Valen-tin day, I think?"

"I don't know, but the way us Misfits celebrate it is we just have fun with a party and cake in the nearest town," said Dusty. "It's actually really fun!"

"Maybe it's because you don't have a crush on somepony," said Lyra.

"Yeah... maybe..." mumbled Mixy. "Um... Cyber...?"

"Yeah?" Cyber responded through his half eaten cake.

"Umm... I... I... I gotta go!" she drastically said as she ran into the bathroom.

"O... kay...?" Cyber shrugged.

Mixy washed away the stress in the sink. "Come on, Mixy," she told herself. "Today is Heart and Hooves day, the day of romance and love, you can do this, you can tell Cyber how you feel."

As Mixy encouraged herself, Cyber faced Lyra. "Hey, Lyra..."

"Yeah?"

"Out of all the towns and cities I've been to, I have never met a town as friendly as this one, and never have I met a pony so friendly, so smart, and so human-obsessed as you. I mean, I have never even come close to making Clockwork even show the slightest emotion by myself, so I just wanted to say... I'm glad you're my friend."

Lyra smiled. "So am I, Cyber, so am I. Happy Heart and Hooves day," when they could've just returned to their cakes, they suddenly found themselves leaning closer to each other, slowly Lyra wrapped her hooves around Cyber while he did the same to Lyra with his arms.

…and that was when Mixy returned to see that very thing which shocked her so much even her mirror cutie mark shattered.

Mixy felt as though everything around her was sucked in a void, the way Cyber and Lyra were hugging each other was so gentle, so heartwarming, so... romantic... she couldn't believe it, she missed her chance, now he was with Lyra. And now she won't be with him. Everything seemed meaningless as tears streamed down her face and she ran out the door crying, as she ran through the night, she couldn't stop thinking about it. Eventually she found herself on a hill, where she stopped.

'It's too late, I failed! I failed, he's with her now, and I never told him how much he means to me, how could I be so stupid!?' she thought as her tears nearly blinded her vision. 'I don't know what to do now, I'm so confused, more confused than ever. Why did I have to be the daughter of the one thing that understands love the least? Why am I such a misfit? If I was just born to normal ponies, none of this would happen! I would have told Cyber how I feel and we wouldn't be in this mess, what do I do? What do I do? What. Do. I. Do!?'

"Mixy? Are you okay?"

Mixy turned around to see Cyber and Lyra behind her.

"What are you two doing here?" she asked.

"We saw you crying, are you alright?" answered Lyra.

Mixy sniffed and shook her head, wiping away whatever tears were on her face. "No, I'm not alright, I'm not alright after what you did."

Cyber rose an eyebrow, exchanging his gaze with both mares while keeping a look of slight guilt. "What did we do? Did we do something wrong?" asked Cyber. Out of concern for his friend he approached her almost apologetically. "Mixy, if there's something going on, I'm sure we can work this out."

Mixy fell silent. To her it felt as though it was just the two of them, not even noticing Lyra to the side. Everything felt set up, from Heart and Hooves day, to the night sky, it would almost be romantic had Mixy's eyes not been swollen with tears. Still, she felt it was necessary to speak.

"Cyber, it's... you didn't do anything wrong, I just jumped to conclusions. I'm sorry for all of this, I'm sorry for how I've been acting lately, but I just can't stand the thought of you and Lyra without me."

Cyber sat down in front of her. "Mixy, I know I've been spending a lot of time with Lyra, but that doesn't mean you're any less of a friend to me."

Mixy shook her head, "No, I don't care how much of a friend she is."

"Then what's the problem? Mixy, I can't solve this if I don't know what's wrong. Come on, you can trust me."

Cyber smiled at her, only causing Mixy to uncomfortably rub her hoof. "It's because... well... ever since I met you... I... I love you."

Cyber gave a confused look. "I don't think I understand. Isn't it normal to love your friends?"

Mixy shook her head. "No, I mean I really love you. Like how my parents love each other."

Cyber barely reacted. Lyra had to cover her mouth to keep herself from gasping. She felt like leaving, yet her curiosity convinced her to stay, after all she was involved, if only on the side. After a few seconds of thinking, Cyber hung his mouth open and blushed. "You... really?" Mixy nodded.

"I loved you ever since we met, you always knew what to say to me, you never pushed me out because of my changeling side, you treated me with respect, but you never knew what love really was, so I was worried about what you would say if I told you. Then when I saw you hanging out with Lyra, that just got me confused and I didn't know what to do, but the truth is I always wanted to be your marefriend." Mixy felt like kissing him right there. The moment just seemed too perfect, yet there was still something deep down telling her to stop. It wasn't anxiety, but reason. With her feelings now open, it was Cyber's turn to make the decision that would determine their relationship.

"Mixy... I had no idea... but now that I know about this... I must say that I think we are much better as just friends. And I have a good reason: I don't even want a marefriend. Even if I were to have one, I'd want her to see things without romance and just focus on the fun, I'd want her to look at a date the same way as they look at a normal activity. Don't get me wrong, you are a great mare, one of a kind, and I like that, but I don't think I'm ready for romance just yet."

"I... I understand..." Mixy said, sullenly.

"But, if it makes you feel any better..." Mixy felt all four of Cyber's metal mechanical arms wrap around her in a hug before she did the same. "You'll always be a misfit to me, just let love come to you instead of looking in every nook and cranny for it."

Mixy smiled. "I'm sorry for my actions, could you forgive me for what I've done?"

Cyber smiled at her and nodded. "Of course, you're my best friend. I could never hold a grudge against you."

"Aww, I forgive you too, Mixy," said Lyra, joining in on the hug.

"Thank you, Lyra."

"Just promise me you won't do something like this again and just express yourself next time, okay?"

Mixy nodded. "Pinkie promise. 'Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye'." Both Cyber and Mixy mimed the movements accordingly.

"Now come on, we have a party to get to."





"Honey, you haven't eaten your dinner, is something wrong?" Dandelion Meadow asked.

Mirror Shard looked up at his wife. "Nothing's wrong, dear, I'm just worried about Mixy, that's all."

"Are you worried that she will tell about you being a changeling?"

"Sort of, but mostly because back when she was accepted into The Misfits, I noticed that she was brimming with young love."

"So she has a crush, where's the harm?"

"When a changeling goes through true love, they're technically breaking away from the hive and out of Crysalis' command, then they go through a dramatic confusion which makes even the simplest decisions difficult and they begin to question what's right. They can break free from it and it makes going through love much easier. Of course, being a changeling I had limited will to start with, so it was easier to overcome like a simple 'yes, I'm sure' or 'no, I'm not'. Mixy though..."

"She'll be fine, I know it."

Mirror sighed and smiled. "You're right, I'm worrying too much. If Mixy has a problem she knows who to talk to, she's a smart mare."

"I always say she takes after you for that," Dandelion chuckled. "So, when did you experience that 'period of confusion'?"

"It happened when you told me I was going to be a father," Mirror Shard smiled and returned to his dinner, keeping his daughter at the back of his mind.





"So long, Cyber!" called out Lyra as she left the house, most of the Misfits were already asleep either from exhaustion, sugar crash, or just plain sleep, only Moonlight, Mixy, and Cyber were still awake.

"It's nice to see you act like a normal pony instead of a love-sick animal, Mixy," said Cyber.

"Feels nice too," Mixy responded. "Kinda feels like a mystery I never knew the answer to just got solved."

"Alright, good night!" Cyber said as he trotted up to his room, yawning.

"So, you told him?" asked Moonlight.

"Yeah, it feels nice getting something off your chest."

"Could be because all the dark energy I saw pulsing from you is now gone."

Mixy shrugged. "I'm just glad Cyber and I are still best friends."

"From the looks of that stallion, the only way to lose his friendship is to kill somepony."

"What about Eclipse?"

"Then to kill somepony close to him. On purpose too."

"That may be the only way to lose Cyber's friendship. Well, good night!"

"Likewise."
> Chapter 17: Enter, Clockwork
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Xanthos called a meeting in the center of the island with exciting news, and it was clear by the chief's expression.

"My fellow predators," he announced. "Princess Celestia has given me news, the boat is nearly complete. In just a few days, not only will Fang, the new hero of the predators, and his family return, but also our days of hunger shall come to an end as the famine that has struck us for years shall be over at last!"

Loud could not begin to describe the level of cheering that was unleashed by all the predators at the news of the famine ending. Xanthos couldn't even get them to stop no matter what he did, he had to wait until the excitement died out just to continue his message. "Now, furthermore, a boat will arrive with food, but we will need a regular supply, so those who wish to live on the mainland have permission to. I am just as excited as all of you, once the boat arrives, we shall feast with Fang as an honorable guest! That will be all for now." the predators scattered and were already talking about what things will be like once the boats arrive and the famine ends.

Xanthos then walked to the bay where he was greeted by Trident, who looked concerned. "This will be a big change," said the hippocampus king, "having predators on the mainland, next thing you know hippocampi will be sleeping with earth ponies."

"Perhaps," replied Xanthos, "but it is a change for the better, my friend. Aren't you excited to see Fang return after all this time?"

"I know Marine is, I can't tell you how many times I had to stop her from swimming out and trying to find Fang herself despite hearing that he will be coming in just a few days."

Xanthos chuckled. "That princess has built a very strong relationship with him."

Trident nodded, remembering all the games the two would play together back when they were young. "Quite right, Marine and Fang have done so many things together even as foals. I am mildly surprised that they aren't in love yet."

Xanthos chuckled again. "And they say you have no sense of humor, Trident, though that may very well be possible."

"And none of our concern," assured Trident.

"Not even if you found your own daughter loving a land dweller?"

"Marine is a grown hippocampus mare, if she decides to love a land dweller, I trust her."

"I marvel at your leadership, Trident."

"As do I, old friend," Trident said as Lockjaw approached Xanthos from behind.

"Chief, you have another message from Celestia," he said.

"Thank you, Lock, I shall be on my way, Trident."

Trident nodded before he and his friend left to their separate ways.





"Aaah! I'm not a barbecue!" Fang woke up from a crazy dream in a panic, then calmed down as he got up. 'Pinkie, what do you put in those cakes?' he wondered as he trotted outside to be greeted by Eclipse and Dusty, both with similar expressions. "So, what did you two dream about?" asked Fang.

"Breezie coming back from the dead as a zombie and getting really close to me," answered Eclipse.

"Equestria being turned inside-out and we all lived as mole-ponies," said Dusty. "What about you?"

"A piece of steak turned me into a barbecue and tried to grill itself on me," said Fang.

"What does that party pony put in those cakes?" asked Eclipse.

"Don't know, don't want to," said Dusty as they trotted downstairs. "Those cakes are too good to be tainted."

"Yeah, gotta hand it to you, there," replied Fang, thinking about the meat-flavored cake made his mouth water before they noticed Cyber and Mixy in the kitchen making breakfast with a big smile on their faces.

"What's got you two I such a good mood?" asked Dusty. "Did you make it all night without having a dream made from Pinkie's cake?"

"Even better!" Cyber said. "After Mixy admitted her secret to me, she's been really helpful, even helping me a little with Clockwork. I am quite literally *this* close to completing him and he should be up and running by tomorrow morning!"

"So, you told him?" asked Fang, looking at Mixy, who nodded.

"Yep! And I feel much better, I don't know why I didn't take your advice before."

"You look much better, too," said Eclipse.

"Hey, where's Moonlight?" asked Fang.

"Over here," they turned around to see the darkness controlling pony right behind them.

"You really have a way with blending in, we should compete sometime in camouflage," said Fang, sitting down at the table with the other misfits as Cyber and Mixy brought in several plates of eggs.

Moonlight shrugged. "It's what I do," she said before joining her friends as they all started eating.

"So, what's the plan for today, Cyber? Gonna hang out with Lyra again?" said Eclipse.

"No, not really, I was thinking along the lines of working on Clockwork."

"I'm going to be with Twilight," said Mixy. "I have to tell her and Rarity about what I said last night."

"Mind if Fang and I join you?" asked Dusty. "We promised Rarity we'd help out with gem collecting."

"Why is Fang helping?" asked Cyber.

"Diamond dogs," Fang replied.

"Aaah, what about you and Moonlight, Eclipse?" asked Cyber.

Eclipse shrugged. "Maybe I'll stay with Applejack, got nothing else to do."

"I'll join you for the same reason," added Moonlight.

"Alright then, have fun," Cyber wolfed down his breakfast before dashing into his lab to continue working on the robotic pony.





"Diomedes..." Artemis gently said to her sleeping husband.

"Nnrgnn."

"Diomedes, wake up.."

"Nnngr... honey, can it wait until later, I'm exhausted from hunting."

"But it's about the tribe, and Fang," Diomedes' eyes shot open.

"I'm awake! I'm awake! What is it?"

"Come, you must see this," Artemis showed Diomedes outside, where they were greeted by a white stallion in royal armor.

"Are you Diomedes? Fang's father?" he asked, Diomedes nodded.

"I come from the Princess over in Canterlot to deliver a message, there is a ship being constructed, it will be finished within a few days and will be sent to Predator Island with you, Fang, The Misfits, and Princess Twilight on board. Princess Celestia wants you to hunt as much meat as possible to be sent to Predator Island to begin the supply."

Diomedes looked at his wife. "Fang found a way to end the famine?" Artemis smiled and nodded. Diomedes saluted. "Right away!" then he dashed into the forest with his wife to begin hunting.





Rarity used her magic and Fang's detection skills to find gems underground with Dusty collecting the ones that were deep underground.

"Left," Fang said into the hole, he could sense Dusty's life energy move closer toward the destination. "Right, down, left, your other left."

"Got it!" Dusty called out, then shortly emerged from the ground with a large sapphire, ruby, and diamond.

As Dusty shook off the dirt in his coat, Rarity placed the gems in her bag, marveling at how full it already was. "I must say, with your help, I've never collected nearly as much gems as this alone."

"Well, it helps pass the time," said Fang.

"Plus it's not every day where you can punch a diamond dog in the face. Who knew it was so entertaining?" Dusty added.

"Well, if they're causing either of you trouble, just let me know," said Rarity. "I have a way to persuade diamond dogs."

"Don't worry, predators are born to handle challenges, fighting diamond dogs will be like hunting a rodent."

"That's good to hear, now let's keep going, I think I sense more gems."

Dusty and Fang rolled their eyes before Dusty dug back underground.





"So, how are things now that you told him?" Twilight asked as Mixy helped her shelf books.

"Much better, I feel refreshed."

"That's good to hear, by the way, how far is he in completing Clockwork?"

"He said Clockwork should be finished by tomorrow morning."

"Really!? That's exciting I can't wait to meet him."

"Meet who?" asked Spike.

"Cyber is building a robot pony named Clockwork."

"What's so good about a robot anyway? Don't we have a few robots?"

"Spike, this could be a breakthrough in scientific discovery! Clockwork will be able to make his own choices, have free will, emotions, pretty much like a pony made out of metal, nopony's ever done that before."

"Until now!" said the familiar voice of Cyber at the door, with Lyra behind him.

"Cyber, what are you doing here?" asked Twilight.

"Well, I finished Clockwork's midsection when I thought, 'maybe I could use some help' then after I did a brief set of calculations I figured that with the combined intellect of me, you, and Lyra, we could cut Clockwork's programming finishing by more than half, or in other words, this afternoon!"

"Really?"

Lyra approached them. "Yeah! What are you waiting for? Come on!"

"Bye, Spike, I gotta go, see ya!" Twilight said quickly before flying off with Cyber and Lyra to finish the equine robot.

Spike looked up at Mixy. "I've never seen Twilight so excited about anything other than tests, studying, or anything to do with the princess."

"Well, they're eggheads, it's kinda their job to be excited over science," Mixy answered.

Spike shrugged and returned to dusting.





Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle stood in the middle of a field of ash, they were the only ones not singed as they looked at a very disappointed Applejack and Solar Eclipse.

"I guess our cutie marks ain't for pyrotechnics," said Apple Bloom.

"You think!?" responded Applejack. "You're just lucky Eclipse was here to stop the fire before anythin' was damaged! Thanks again, Eclipse."

"No problem, all it took was a simple thought and it was like blowing out a birthday candle."

"Now, I don't want you messin' with fire no more, got it?"

"Got it," replied the CMC as they walked away.

"Where'd they even get that stuff, anyway?" Applejack asked.

"Don't know. Hey, did you see where Moonlight went?" the two looked around before seeing Moonlight Shadow rise from the ashes.

"I hid in the shadow realm to keep from being hit by the fire, also there's Rainbow Dash."

"How'd you know I was here?" asked Rainbow from a storm cloud just above them.

"I sensed your mischievousness on trying to prank us."

"Wait, she sensed what?" asked Applejack, confused.

"Moonlight would rather not talk about it," Eclipse said.

"I guess."

"So, what are you two doing?" asked Eclipse.

"Nothing I'm just bored," answered Rainbow.

"And I already finished my chores for today," added Applejack.

"We just came to have something to do," said Moonlight.

"Well, ya ain't gonna find somethin' here," said Applejack.

"Well, how about this: I hear that Fang will be going back to his tribe, are you thinking on going?"

Applejack shrugged. "I don't think so, I got the farm to take care of, plus the whole meat-eatin' thing makes me sick just thinkin' about it."

"Nah," said Rainbow. "We've already got a predator that's tough, vicious, and can turn invisible! How awesome is that?"

"You know that it isn't invisibility, just camouflage, right?" Moonlight said.

Rainbow shrugged. "Tomato, to-mah-to. When's that boat supposed to be ready, anyway?"

"About a few days from now," answered Eclipse.





"Here we go..." Cyber said as he, Lyra, and Twilight got in front of the now fully assembled robot pony, who's mane and coat were made of bronze and an engraved cutie mark of two interlocking gears. "Clockwork, activate."

On command, Clockwork's eyes lit up and looked around the room as he stood up, then his eyes flashed a little as if blinking. "Greetings, I am Clockwork," he said without the monotone from the first times he was activated.

"Clockwork, how do you feel?" asked Cyber. Clockwork thought a moment to be sure before answering.

"I feel... happy, I'm very happy indeed that I can feel happiness," this brought a smile to everypony, except Clockwork, who didn't have a mouth although the look in his eyes was more than enough.

"Clockwork, if you had the ability to kill somepony, would you?" asked Lyra, making Clockwork's eyes shrink from surprise.

"Heavens, no! Why would you even ask me that?"

"Uh, just wanted to test your morals, sorry."

"Oh, I see, but you didn't need to ask me if I would kill anypony, I was programmed to be on my best behavior. Although, I guess I would if I was designed for murder."

"This is amazing!" Twilight exclaimed. "It works! It really works."

"Er, I'd hate to ruin your celebration, Princess Twilight Sparkle, but please do not call me 'it'. I was programmed as a stallion, and therefore I should be addressed as one, robot or not! Besides, would you call some pony 'it' like some kind of inanimate object?" Clockwork said, making Twilight blush with embarrassment at how rude she sounded.

"Sorry, Clockwork, and please, just call me Twilight."

Clockwork's eyes showed happiness. "Very well, Twilight."

"Hey, now's not the time for chit-chat, now's the time for a party!"

"I couldn't agree more!" Pinkie said.

Everypony screamed as Pinkie came out of nowhere. "GAAAH!"

"AAAAH! To you too!" Pinkie replied with a smile.

"Pinkie? How did you get past my security system?" Cyber said.

"That doesn't matter now, I've got a birthday party to plan for this pony who was born today!"

"Technically I was made today, Pinkie," said Clockwork.

"Ooh! How'd you know my name? Are you a psychic? Tell me what I'm thinking," Pinkie said.

"Uh... parties?" Clockwork guessed.

"Wow, you're good. Did Cyber make you that way?"

"Actually, he isn't psychic, he's just very smart. I put in all of your personalities in him so it's like he knows you," said Cyber.

"Well, if you're not giving him mind-reading powers, you could've at least given him a mouth, how is he gonna eat cake now?"

"Actually, I don't want to eat cake, I'm fine," this made Pinkie stop and zip extremely close up to him.

"What kind of pony doesn't want cake!?" Pinkie demanded before being pulled away by Lyra and Twilight.

"Cyber are you sure you downloaded her personality into me?" Clockwork asked.

"Honestly, I didn't even bother with Pinkie, I just said she likes parties, friends, and cake. She's just too unpredictable."

"Ah, that reminds me, I've got a party to plan!" Pinkie said then dashed away.

"How long do you think it'll take for Pinkie to plan the party?" asked Lyra.

"I'd give it two hours, tops," replied Twilight.

Cyber chuckled. "Come on, we need to show all of Ponyville its newest inhabitant, the currently only robot pony, Clockwork."

"Splendid!" Clockwork said happily.
> Chapter 18: Look into the past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and Cyber got their friends together to inform them about Clockwork, who was wandering around Ponyville getting to know everything.

"So, you finally did it, huh?" asked Dusty.

Twilight nodded. "Yeah! This is amazing! And it looks like Clockwork is already adjusting to Ponyville too."

"Who's Clockwork?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Clockwork is a highly technologically advanced automaton with complete mental capabilities and processing, giving him the ability to willfully make decisions as if he were a normal pony," answered Cyber, making Rainbow scratch her head.

"Yeah, I don't speak egghead."

"Figures," commented Dusty earning him a glare from Rainbow.

"You didn't understand him either!"

"I understood more than you, Rainbow Crash."

Fang harrumphed to stop the two pegasi from fighting.

"As I was saying," Cyber continued. "Clockwork is basically a robot with personality, and as such do not treat him like he doesn't, instead just treat him like a normal pony."

"But won't we need ta keep him away from water?" asked Applejack.

Lyra shook her head. "No, Clockwork's waterproof, fireproof, weatherproof, basically we made him resistant to almost anything that could seriously damage him in any way."

"Um... is that him?" asked Fluttershy, pointing towards the incoming mechanical pony.

"Yes, that's Clockwork," answered Cyber, waving to his creation, who waved back and approached the group.

"Greetings!" Clockwork said happily. "I am Clockwork, and you must be the rest of the elements of harmony and The Misfits. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Fang, Dusty, Mixy, Moonlight Shadow, and Solar Eclipse. I've already met Pinkie Pie back when I was activated."

Fluttershy backed away. "How- how do you know my name?"

"Calm down, Fluttershy. Cyber must've told him after turnin' on," said Applejack.

"Actually," Clockwork said, "I have your personality descriptions installed in my hard drive, so it's like we're already friends."

"And that's the best part!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Well, I don't mind his personality, but did you really have to use bronze for his coat?" asked Rarity.

"What's wrong with my coat?" asked Clockwork.

"Nothing, dear, just if Cyber was going to make you out of metal, he could have just used platinum or gold."

"Platinum was too expensive and gold is too heavy, bronze was the perfect fit being resistant and looking good," Cyber replied.

"I suppose those would be an issue, but if you want to 'spice' up Clockwork's design, my door's always open."

"Thanks but no thanks, Rarity," replied Clockwork

Rarity shrugged. "If you say so, Darling."

"Well, can he do cool stuff like shoot lasers or something?" asked Rainbow, Cyber could see Dusty roll his eyes.

"Eh, no. Clockwork doesn't need weaponry, besides I don't make weapons anyway," Cyber said.

"Nor would I even want to be filled with weapons, I'm comfortable being just a simple pony automaton," Clockwork added.

"Well, how strong is he?" asked Applejack. "I've heard that y'all robots can buck all the apples in Sweet Apple Acres in one day."

"Well as far as strength goes, I'm not sure. But I do have a near limitless stamina. So I can run nonstop for days and not be the slightest tired as long as I'm in the sun."

"Are... are you dangerous?" asked Fluttershy.

"If I so much as punch a pony intending to do harm, then may Celestia herself drag me to Tartarus." Fluttershy smiled.

"Now onto the real question," said Pinkie. "When are you coming to your party? It's ready for you and nopony's there yet!"

"I think I might want just a quiet afternoon, but thanks, Pinkie."

"Come on, Clock-wreck," said Rainbow. "Pinkie's parties are legendary."

"It's Clockwork," corrected the automaton.

"Whatever," Rainbow replied.

"Actually, I don't think Moonlight and I experienced Pinkie's parties yet," said Eclipse.

"How many ponies will be there?" asked Moonlight.

"None, just all of you," Pinkie answered. "I knew how much you don't like being with lots of ponies, so I'm making it a small, private party."

"Then I'll be there."

"Where is it?" asked Dusty.

"At your house, silly!"

Cyber winced. "I never said you could have the party at our house."

"How about now?" Pinkie asked.

"Yes?"

"Okay, let's go, the readers are waiting to see what happens!"

Pinkie hopped away, leaving the others confused.

"Should we ask about that?" asked Mixy.

"No, just don't, it's better that way," replied Twilight as they all trotted to The Misfits' home for the party.





After a short trot towards the Misfits' home, the party started immediately, even including three cakes with small sculptures of the newest members on them, much like what Pinkie did when the original four misfits arrived. Then as the rest of the day passed, the Misfits had fun. Except Moonlight, who mostly just sat around eating cake, this was noticed by Twilight.

"So, Moonlight," Twilight said. "You must be using magic to control the fork, right? So does that make you a unicorn?" Moonlight said nothing. "No? How about a pegasus? Earth pony? Alicorn even?" Moonlight just kept eating her cake. "Can't you say something about yourself?"

Moonlight finally answered. "I don't like being asked personal questions."

"What about your foalhood?"

"That counts as personal."

Twilight realized she wasn't going to get any information out of her and sighed. "Okay, okay, change in topic, what do you think of this party?"

"Meh, it's alright."

"Is that all? Just 'alright'? This is Pinkie's party."

"In case you haven't noticed, I don't really have much of an opinion for anything."

"But everypony has their own way to think about everything."

"Everypony but me."

"Well, maybe I could help you with something."

"Help me? With what? Finding a way to get my cloak off, or maybe getting me to spill my secrets to Equestria."

"Or finding your parents," Twilight suggested, this made Moonlight stop.

Moonlight spoke with a noticeable lack of monotone in exchange for nervousness, "M-my parents? Why would I want to find them?"

"Haven't you ever wondered who they are? Who gave you your powers and why you have them? Why you are alone all these years?"

"My parents abandoned me, they left me alone, and my powers came mysteriously, and both are the reasons I was outcasted and are the reason I'm alone."

"But your powers are also the reason you met Cyber and are such good friends with him," Twilight countered. Moonlight was stuck, she looked over at the cybernetic unicorn that brought her into The Misfits, who was having a good laugh with Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow, Mixy, and Fang.

"I... I... I... I need some time to think," Moonlight then phased into her shadow realm to be relatively alone.

'What do I do, what do I say?' she thought. 'Nopony's ever asked me that question before, it's the one I can't make my way out of with a simple "yes", or "no". Still, she's a princess, and she is smart, perhaps it may be time I finally looked into things I don't know and become more social, maybe even take off my- no, not yet, explaining my foalhood to this princess maybe, but taking off my cloak, no. Still, I'll have to tell somepony someday, so I'll make it this pony and now.' with her mind made up, she phased back into the real realm and faced Twilight.

"I'll tell you," she said. "But first, let's go somewhere private."

"I think I may know someplace," said Twilight.





Deep in the Everfree Forest just past midnight, in the Castle of the Two Sisters, Princess Twilight Sparkle arrived in the most shaded area, where she was about to be told the story of a lifetime.

"Ok, I'm here!" she called out into the darkness. "Moonlight Shadow, where are you?"

Shortly the familiar black cloaked pony phased in from the shadow realm. "I almost thought you wouldn't arrive," said Moonlight.

"I wouldn't miss this for anything, what is your story?"

"Before I begin, just Pinkie promise not to tell anypony about this."

Twilight smiled and nodded. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

"Alright then, let's start from the beginning..." using the darkness, she created a small filly, hopping around happily. "The furthest I can remember, I was curious about everything, if it looked weird, I looked at it, closely, which of course led to disastrous results," the shadow filly stopped at a nearby flower and looked at it closely before a shadow bee emerged from it and stung the filly right in the forehead before being chased into a tree hole, which the filly emerged from again being chased by an army of shadow squirrels.

"So, because nature seemed to hate me, I figured that life in the city would be better, I was wrong." They rose up in the air on shadow pillars as they could see dozens of shadow ponies in a busy street, only the one that stood out was the shadow filly from before. "I was incredibly shy, I tried to blend in, and I seemed to have done a good job, because ponies didn't even seem to know I existed, until one time..." the shadow filly bumped head on into a shadow stallion, who started saying incoherent words that seemed to scare the filly. Until...

BAM!!

A small shadow pillar emerged from the ground and hit the pony right in the face, sending him flying and hurtling towards the ground, earning the attention of everypony there.

"All those eyes on me, I couldn't bear it, it was too much for me, I wanted to get away, to understand, to learn, and to be alone, that was when this happened," shortly the shadow filly started to cry, and cry she did until finally she started to phase into her shadow as she ran away sobbing.

"Soon I managed to master my powers, but using them only made things worse to get ponies to appreciate me, and I thought that they were right, since after I lost the only thing that I had from my parents, I felt like I knew nothing."

"What did you lose?" asked Twilight as they returned to the ground, shortly a shadow amulet flew in front of Moonlight.

"It was an amulet, it could have been opened, but I didn't know about my powers before I lost it, so I couldn't open it. And come to think of it, opening that locket was the only thing I wanted to do, truly, but since it's gone, I lost my purpose."

"Not really, that locket is out there and probably so are your parents."

"You really think so?"

Twilight nodded. "I'll make sure that the locket will be found for you."

"Oh, I guess. So, I guess this is where I say... thank you."

"No problem, Moonlight."

"Alright, now continuing on..." Moonlight continued as more shadows rose from the ground to take the form of a forest, with the shadow filly wandering through, only it was now a mare and walking much more sullenly.

"I spent most of my time in the shadow realm, just aimlessly about, filled to the brim with depression."

"But weren't you hungry? Cold? You must have had some way to survive."

Moonlight shook her head. "I don't know why, but every time I came close to death, I always somehow became regenerated and fully healed, which is why I never considered suicide an option, even though depression filled me."

Twilight felt sorry for the mare, she lost her parents, the remnant of her parents, and spent most of her life alone and depressed. "Moonlight, I am so sorry..."

"It's alright, I have gotten used to it anyway. Now, let's move on." the shadow mare continued walking, until a large, shadow version of Princess Luna came and landed in front of the shadow mare. "Soon after you and your 'elements of harmony' defeated Nightmare Moon, I was visited by Luna who claimed she feels my pain, but at first I didn't listen, so she managed to convince me by saying there is no point in wandering Equestria, which somewhat managed to get me to go, so we teleported to Canterlot.

"At Canterlot, Luna tried whatever she could to make me happy, and every time, it failed and I just sat around thinking or doing nothing even Celestia tried her part in bringing out my locked up emotions, but had just as much success. However, a month later I discovered Luna's great alicorn power, while others would feel amazed, astonished, jealous, even power hungry, I felt desirous. I asked Luna to take me someplace where I can be alone for the rest of my life. She refused, and told me to ask for something else. I countered by saying the she and Celestia wanted to make me happy, and being alone is the closest I can get to being happy."

"She really fell for it?"

Moonlight nodded. "Pretty much, along with several others that I don't remember. Nevertheless, in the end Luna agreed and took me to a dark place where I was alone, Luna occasionally visited me, but I just stayed in the shadow realm until she left."

"Where did she send you?"

"I don't know, but I didn't care, I was alone at last, and that was all that mattered to me. Even though I felt just as empty as I did before I arrived, at least I didn't have eyes staring at me."

"And what made you leave?" Twilight asked, still feeling sorry for Moonlight.

"Celestia came and told me that staying there was just as pointless as going to Canterlot, so I accepted, then after a few days, I met The Misfits, joined them, and here I am now. I thought that things wouldn't be different if I met The Misfits, but Cyber said some things I have never heard before. He told me that I could be who I wanted to be, and I just took the wrong path, but it is not too late to turn around and try again. Hearing this actually made me feel... happy... and comforted."

Twilight couldn't help but smile and hug Moonlight, much to her surprise. "Yeah, that does sound like Cyber to me."

"Right... now could you let go of me?"

Twilight released Moonlight, blushing. "Er... sorry, Moonlight."

"It's alright, now let's go home."

"I couldn't agree more."

"And Twilight?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks... for this... for being here... and listening to my story."

"Anything for a friend."

"Yeah... we're... friends..."

"Best friends, Moonlight," Twilight corrected.
> Chapter 19: A new face
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fang stirred, he groaned and he mumbled, then his eyes shot open.

"Argh!" he said to himself. He couldn't sleep, he was filled with so much energy and excitement he wanted to leave. In two days The Misfits and Twilight Sparkle will be boarding a ship to sail off to Predator Island, where Fang was going to see his tribe for the first time in years. Now it was past midnight and he could barely keep his eyes closed.

Fang tried to sleep again, until his stomach made his eyes open. "Fine, you win," he mumbled, getting out of his bed and out of the house. He headed towards a spot of the Everfree Forest where Fluttershy told him he could hunt when he needed to, then he positioned himself on a rock, closed his eyes, then was perfectly still.

'Why can I close my eyes to detect life, but not to sleep?' he thought. 'I don't understand these things, maybe I could ask Cyber. Then again, maybe not... he'll probably just go on in a long lecture about how the brain processes thoughts and sleep compared to instincts or something scientific like- wait, what's that?' Fang saw a large figure appear in front of him, he couldn't make out the shape of the life aura but whatever it was, it was alive... barely, and very thin too, but prey was prey. Fang opened his eyes for a brief moment to see what it was. The creature was covered in mud and leaves, probably to protect itself from danger, but obviously it never met any predators.

The creature made some double takes before snacking on some nearby berries, this was his chance to go in for the kill, he slowly stood up from his hiding spot, approached the creature, opened his mouth to attack, he can practically taste the blood now, he was inches away from the creature, and then...

...his stomach growled.

The creature turned around saw him and his open trap mouth, gasped, then ran. The chase was on, Fang darted towards his prey, having it in his sight. The creature tried using the forest to its advantage, but Fang managed to keep up just as easily. As Fang ran after the creature he noticed something erratic about its movements, as if it had been injured, but this was only an advantage to predators, however the creature moved remarkably fast. Until it looked back and not noticed where it was going, then tripped over a root and got its leg caught.

As the creature tried to free itself, Fang pounced onto the creature's chest, growling. Fang could see the look of terror in the creature's eyes, but all prey had that. Fang then opened his mouth again to take it down, when Fang was just about to attack, the creature thrust its upper appendages at Fang, not as a sign of attack, or defense, but as a way to say "stop!"

"P-p-p-please! D-d-d-don't hurt-t-t-t m-m-m-me!" it shouted in a terrified, female voice, making Fang stop.

"You... you can talk?" asked Fang, the creature nodded.

"Yes! I can! And I'm not a monster, all I'm trying to do is find a h- a home!"

Fang stepped off the creature. "Why are you trying to find a home?"

"Nopony wants me, they think I'm a monster! But I'm not! Honest!"

"Then what are you?"

"Umm... a satyr..." she mumbled.

"What?"

"I'm a satyr."

Fang raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What the heck is a satyr?"

"I would... rather not say..."

Fang shrugged. "And why would other ponies think you're a monster? Other than the fact that you're covered in mud."

"I don't know, but the moment ponies saw me, they ran away in fear, but I didn't know they would send some pony to attack me."

"Oh, right, that..." Fang said sheepishly. "Look I thought you were a creature of the forest, I didn't mean to attack you, I was just hunting."

"H-hunting?"

"Yeah, you see, I'm not really one who fits in either, because I'm clearly not a pegasus, earth pony or unicorn, I'm a predator."

"P-p-p-predator?" she seemed scared by the word.

"Yeah, but I won't hurt you... anymore at least."

"Not like I could go anywhere, I'm not a survivor, I can't live on my own, I had my legs broken more times than I can count and even now they can't take anymore, I have so many wounds I might look like a bloody mess, maybe I'll just wait for the mud to infect them and kill me that way."

"Not likely, mud actually makes for a good bandage, just remove any insects or plants and apply as a pulpy mixture and you could get to town."

That got the satyr's attention. "How do you know that?"

"Predators are natural born survivors, we started on a deserted island after all."

"That's nice, now once I get my foot free, I'll just leave."

"Hold on, you said that you want to be just liked in society, right?"

"Well... I... I don't know... but it would be nice to not be called a monster."

"How about you join me?"

"What?"

Fang nodded. "Yep, I'm a part of a group known as 'The Misfits' we are ponies who don't fit in but we just want to be accepted, just look at me, I'm a meat eating pony accused of being a cannibal with a tribe in the middle of a famine."

"A... famine?" the satyr asked, Fang nodded.

"Yeah, we can't eat plants and we've pretty much eaten all the animals on the island, I tried to tell somepony but nopony would listen, except Cyber System, he's the leader of The Misfits, he doesn't look at the surface of ponies. He saw past my ferocious teeth and saw a good friend inside, and I'm sure he'll do the same for you, we just need to take you over there and-"

"No!" the satyr shouted.

"Why, what's wrong? Your foot?"

The satyr shook her head. "No, it's not that, what if he sees me the same as all the other ponies, what if he's really looking to take me away? How do I know if I can trust you? Please, if I'm going to meet him, bring him over here."

"I see, you're scared, no problem, I can do that, just please wash up if you're going to meet him, he has to see what you look like."

"...Alright..." the satyr hesitated.

"See you here later!" Fang said as he started running off, but then stopped and turned around to free the satyr of the root using his teeth. "I almost forgot, I'm Fang, what's your name?"

The satyr stood up as she spoke, standing noticeably taller than Fang. "My name... is Pixel Berry."





"Fang, can this wait until later?" complained Dusty as he and the other misfits followed Fang.

"If Fang says it's important, then it's important."

"I have no problem seeing something cool, but did we have to do it so early?" said Mixy, yawning.

"This better be good, I get cranky if I don't get sleep," said Eclipse.

"It is, trust me!" Fang said as he slowed down upon reaching the Everfree forest.

"Why are we at the Everfree Forest?" asked Cyber.

"You'll see, come on!" Fang replied.

"If this is the Castle of the two sisters, then I saw it already," said Moonlight.

"Wait, castle of the what?"

"Nevermind."

They finally stopped as they reached an area, where Fang closed his eyes and looked around.

"Pixel! Come on out! I know your there! I can sense life!" Fang called out, then after a few minutes of waiting a figure emerged from the bushes, a tall white figure covered in cuts, scrapes, and wounds with long, pastel pink with blue streaks hair and an assortment of leaves and plants that wrapped around her chest and waist like clothing. And these weren't all what surprised the misfits, what surprised them the most was the two wings on her back, and she had the lower body of a pony, and upper body with limbs exactly like Cyber's arms, but thinner, smaller, and biological, she kept most of her face hidden by her hair.

"This is Pixel Berry," Fang introduced, "and she is a satyr."

Pixel did nothing, she just stared at The Misfits, wondering what she should do, her legs screamed for her to run, but her mind told her to stay. The silence was broken by Cyber.

"Um... hi, I'm Cyber System, and these are The Misfits," Cyber said as each of The Misfits introduced themselves.

"I'm Dusty."

"I'm Solar Eclipse."

"I'm Moonlight Shadow."

"I'm Mixy."

"And I'm Clockwork."

"I assume you already know Fang," Cyber continued, Pixel nodded. "I don't really know much about satyrs. Clockwork, any details?"

"Satyrs are creatures that are half human, half goat, they are known to be drunken party animals that spend their time drinking and playing jokes. There are none seen in Equestria," Clockwork said, which seemed to have hurt Pixel's feelings and was about to cry. "Or at least that's what's programmed in me, it could be false! Which I'm sure it is, seeing how you are more pony than goat, and you don't show the slightest trace of alcoholism," Clockwork said desperately trying to apologize.

"Sorry about that," Cyber said. "You know how most ponies can be, they think one slightly alcoholic drink turns you into a drunken idiot, I'm sure you aren't a drunken party animal."

Pixel finally spoke up. "No, I don't care about that," she sniffled. "You said there are none in Equestria... that means... there aren't any left but me. I'm all alone." Pixel then started to cry into her hands.

The Misfits felt their sympathies, even Moonlight.

"Aw, that's just sad," said Mixy.

"I know what it's like to be alone," added Moonlight.

"Cyber, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Dusty said.

Cyber nodded. "I think we all are."

Pixel continued to cry until Cyber placed a hand on her shoulder, making her look up, her face wet with tears.

"Pixel Berry," Cyber began, "I'm not even going to do the oath this time."

"Aww, I like doing the oath," Dusty complained before Mixy shushed him.

"Anyway," Cyber continued. "You seem to be in desperate need of a family, and though I cannot guarantee you a family of satyrs, I can give you the next best thing."

Pixel sniffled. "What?"

"Friends," Cyber answered. "Pixel Berry, would you like to travel Equestria to show that even though you are different, you should not be feared. In other words: would you like to be a misfit?"

Pixel stared at him for a long time before wrapping her arms around him in a hug, and though she was still crying, she nodded.

"Shh, shh, it's ok, you're with friends now."

Shortly the hug was then joined by the other misfits, Fang, Dusty, Mixy, Eclipse, Moonlight, Clockwork... Pinkie.

"Hugs are always nice, huh?" Pinkie asked, much to everypony's surprised.

"Gah!" everypony screamed as Pixel ran and hid behind a tree, clutching her chest and breathing heavily like she was having a heart attack.

"Pinkie, what did I say about surprising me!?" said Cyber.

"You said 'Pinkie, if you surprise me like that more than four times a day, I will have a heart attack!' I only surprised you twice today."

"You scared away Pixel!" said Dusty.

"No I didn't, she's right here! Ooh, why do you have arms? Are you smart like Cyber too? Can I have arms like that? I bet I can make six times as much cake with arms! What are you?" Pinkie bombarded Pixel with questions as the satyr backed away. "Oh, you're a satyr? What's a satyr?" Pinkie asked after reading the previous narration, which surprised and confused The Misfits before Cyber grabbed her and closed her muzzle.

"Pinkie, if you're going to ask her questions, please say them slowly and separately, she is incredibly shy and needs to take things slow, okay?" Pinkie nodded before Cyber let her go, then she returned to Pixel.

"Wwwwwhhhhhyyyyyyy. Dooooooo. Yoooouuu. Haaaave. Wwwiiinngsss?" Pinkie asked quite literally slowly, making Cyber facepalm.

"Look, Pinkie, just ask her one question at a time, got it?"

"Got it!" Pinkie said, turning back to Pixel. "Do you want some cake? You really look like you could use some cake... and a doctor!" Pixel hesitated before nodding, then Pinkie dashed off.

"Don't worry about her," Cyber said. "Pinkie can be a bit... random."

"Is she always so... close?" asked Pixel.

"Sometimes," said Mixy. "But once you get to know her, she's the most friendly and funny pony you've met."

"I don't know... what about the other ponies? What will they think?" Pixel asked.

"Only one way to find out, you need to go for yourself," Cyber said, making Pixel wince.

"N-n-n-no!"

"Oh right, you're shy... how about this, I'll introduce you to a few ponies that will appreciate you for who you are, then you'll see there's nothing to be scared of."

Pixel hesitated again before nodding.

"Got it, guys, I'll be right back, if Pinkie returns, keep her from getting too close."

Dusty and Fang nodded in understanding as Cyber left into Ponyville.





"Cyber, is this necessary?" asked Twilight as she and Cyber trotted to the Everfree Forest, with Lyra, who was chained up and muzzled.

"Trust me, you'll thank me later, sorry again, Lyra," Cyber said as Lyra glared at him, expecting an explanation.

Later the three reached inside the forest, where they found The Misfits.

"Where's Pixel?" asked Cyber.

"She heard the chains and hid in those bushes," Fang replied, pointing to some bushes.

"Who's Pixel?" asked Twilight.

"You'll see, come on out, Pixel, I have some friends I want you to meet."

Twilight and Lyra looked confused at the bushes as Pixel poked her head out. The very sight of the satyr made Lyra's eyes double in size before she started bouncing around and very excited and muffles shouting emerged from her muzzle. Twilight just looked at Pixel in amazement.

"Are you a human?" asked Twilight, Pixel shook her head.

"Actually she's a satyr," said Dusty as Lyra began to calm down.

"Sorry again, Lyra," said Cyber, taking off Lyra's restraints.

"It's alright, Bon-Bon would have done the same," Lyra replied. "It's just... wow! An actual human!"

"Satyr," corrected Fang.

"Wha-?" Lyra asked, confused as Pixel showed the rest of herself from the bushes. "Oh," she said, half-disappointed.

"An actual satyr," Twilight said, dumbfounded and amazed. "I thought I would never see the day."

"You aren't... scared of me?" asked Pixel.

"Why would I be scared of you?" said Lyra. "You are awesome, I've always wanted to see a human, but a satyr is close enough."

"But what about the other ponies?"

"Everypony in Ponyville respects things that are different, how else would The Misfits fit in so well?" said Twilight.

"You sure?" asked Pixel.

Twilight nodded. "I'm sure, Pixel, you have nothing to be afraid of."

Pixel began to cry of happiness. "Nopony's ever treated me this way."

"And all you have to do is believe in yourself and you will continue to be treated with this much kindness."

"So, Pixel Berry," said Cyber. "Would you like to live with The Misfits?"

Pixel answered with hardly any hesitation. "Yes. But could we wait until tonight to go? I'm kinda nervous."

Cyber chuckled. "Whatever you want, Pixel."
> Chapter 20: All aboard for Predator Island
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is Pixel's first day as a misfit, and one day until they leave for Predator Island. Currently The Misfits were trying to find a way for Pixel to at least make eye contact with another pony.

Cyber talked with Pixel at the Misfit home. "Hey, I know that you are trying to get used to living in Ponyville, but you need to get over the first hurdle. Is there some way for you to relieve your stress?" Cyber asked.

Pixel thought for a moment. "Well, I sometimes listen to music, that always seems to calm me down."

Cyber concentrated and pictured a small, rectangular device capable of storing and playing music whenever Pixel wanted. "I got it, hold on for a second," Cyber then entered his lab and got to work, Pixel could hear sparks, typing and mechanical whirring from inside before Cyber came back out holding the white device he imagined. "This is the Instrumental Portable Audio Device, or IPod for short."

"But wouldn't it be IPad?" Pixel asked.

"Well, technically speaking, yes, but IPod sounds more fitting."

Pixel took the IPod and looked at it, seeing wires coming from the top that stopped at small flat nubs and a black square above a black circle. "You just came up with this?"

Cyber nodded. "It's my special talent, I think of what I want to make, imagine it, then Poof! I know how to make it from scrap metal," 

"You are a genius!"

"Tell me something I don't know," Cyber chuckled. "Alright now this little button here turns it on..." Cyber then showed Pixel how to work her new device, what it can do and how to play music. "...So if you want more on here, ask me or Clockwork, and if it doesn't turn on, try sticking it in the sun for a while because of it being solar powered, but if that doesn't work talk with me or Clockwork, same goes for if you break it."

Pixel nodded in understanding and placed the speakers in her ears. She stepped up to the front door as she selected one of Vinyl Scratch's best albums, then opened the door as she hit 'play'.

Music filled her ears as she stepped out into the world, as the upbeat tone played, for the first time in her life, she wasn't scared, she had no care in the world that stopped her from enjoying this experience. She just kept walking and smiling, feeling as though she was in her own world where she could be herself and there was nopony to worry about. She really has to thank Cyber for this.

The exercise and music allowed Pixel to think, and she thought about The Misfits, she thought about what they said to her, mostly one thing ran through her mind. 'I know what it's like to be alone.' that was said by Moonlight Shadow. Do Pixel and Moonlight really have a similar past of fearful isolation? There was one way to find out... but she seems so secretive, what if she won't say?"

The music gave her the confidence to change her mind as she walked over to her new home, finding Cyber inside working on a machine before noticing her and waving. Pixel paused the music and took out the speakers to talk.

"So, how are you enjoying that?" asked Cyber.

"I love it, thank you," Pixel replied.

"No problem."

"Hey, Cyber?"

"Yeah?"

"Where is Moonlight? I need to talk to her."





Moonlight Shadow rested on a hill, thinking about Pixel, she was alone during her youth too. Could she understand Moonlight's pain? Could Pixel actually help her with her past? Moonlight didn't know, but yet at the same time she wanted to.

She was answered by Pixel herself approaching.

"Hey, Moonlight," Pixel said, holding a small device.

"Hello, Pixel," Moonlight replied. "Did Cyber make you that?"

Pixel looked at the device in her hand and nodded. "Yeah, he made it to help me with my anxiety, it really works."

"What does it do?"

"Just plays music, that's it, you want to try?"

"No thank you."

"Oh, alright," Pixel sat down next to Moonlight. "Hey, I wanted to talk to you."

"Really?"

Pixel nodded. "Yeah, about what you said when we first met, you said you know what it's like being alone, what did you mean by that?"

"I just grew up alone, no explanation," Moonlight replied.

"But why do I feel like there's more to that? You're hiding something, aren't you?"

Moonlight stayed silent.

Pixel noticed that she may have gone into something personal. "Oh, I'm sorry if I got too close, it's just-" Moonlight stopped her.

"Wait, actually, I think that I could explain some things, but only if you tell me your past."

"Alright, well I don't know who my parents are or why I am alone, all I know is that I woke up in the middle of the forest when I was very young, not knowing who or where I was, what was going on, the only memories I had were that my name is Pixel Berry, and that I am a satyr. I tried looking for other satyrs too, but only got chased out by everpony, I felt like I couldn't trust anypony. I was alone, but I did discover that I can do this:" she held up her hand and it started to glow pink, shortly a rock nearby started to get the same aura with the occasional pixels radiating off it, then it started to levitate a few inches in the air before falling back down. Moonlight looked at Pixel, who had her finger on her mouth in a 'shush' manner, telling Moonlight to keep it a secret.

"Does that mean you can fly?" asked Moonlight, looking at Pixel's wings.

Pixel shrugged. "I think so, I don't know, I never tried."

"But why show it to me when you don't trust?"

"I don't know, but I feel llike because you and I share the same pain, we can share secrets and know they will be safe."

"So you look at me as a... friend? But we just met yesterday!"

Pixel chuckled. "Pretty much, but I know you can look at me the same way, we abandoned orphans have to stick together."

Moonlight thought for a moment. "You know what? I do look at you that way, and because of that, I think I can show you this," she said as a pure black aura emerged around another rock that was then tossed out in the distance.





The next day...

Fang jumped around and tried to wake up The Misfits like a colt on Hearth's Warming Eve morning.

"Come on! Come on! Come on guys! Get up! Get up! Get up! Get up!" Fang shouted. "We're going to Predator Island today! Let's go! Come on!"

Fang then ran into Dusty's room. "Dusty! Come on! We gotta go!"

Dusty only stirred. "Sandy... go back to bed... you can open your presents when Mom and Dad wake up..." he muttered before Fang pulled the sheets from under Dusty that sent him tumbling off the bed. "Gah! Dude, what the heck?!"

"Dusty, we gotta go! Predator Island!"

Dusty stood up as he rubbed his eyes. "Fang, you do realize that you sound like a foal about to go on some kind of trip to a fair or something, right?"

Fang stopped jumping and blushed, seeing how foalish he acted. "Sorry, I'm just really excited to see my tribe again, it has been too long since I saw them."

"Right," Dusty yawned. "So since I'm awake, how about some breakfast?"

"Great, you start cooking and-"

Dust stopped him. "Woah, woah, calm down, you must really want to go if you want me to cook. Look, you go blow off that energy by hunting or whatever you do while I get Clockwork, he probably has cooking recipes programmed in him or something."

Fang nodded and zoomed outside while Dusty trotted into Cyber's lab, then looked at the deactivated robot, connected to a large machine to recharge overnight. "Hey, Clockwork!" Dusty said, activating the automaton, who looked at Dusty.

"Dusty? Do you know it is 5:21 in the morning?" Clockwork asked, getting off the machine he was hooked to.

"Yeah, I know, Fang is really excited about meeting his tribe, so I sent him off to blow off that extra steam. By the way, you have any cookbooks in that brain of yours?"

"Yes, I know a variety of recipes."

"What about breakfast?" Clockwork nodded. "Great, you think you could fix us up something?"

Clockwork considered it before nodding. "Sure, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to go back to bed," Dusty replied with a yawn, trotting up to his room as Clockwork rolled his eyes and trotted to the kitchen.





"Fang, slow down!" Mixy warned as Fang wolfed down his pancakes. "You're going to-" she was interrupted when Fang stopped eating and clutched his throat. "Too late," she said nonchalantly.

As Fang strained and spasmed, Pixel looked at each of the Misfits, growing more anxious at their lack of reaction. "Is he choking? He's choking! Why aren't we doing anything?"

"Predators have over fifty times the amount of muscles in their throat compared to normal ponies," Cyber informed. "This allows them to revive from choking spasms and regurgitate the problem, probably in case they swallow a bone or something."

"Wait, does that mean that he-" Pixel was answered when Fang cringed and threw up the large wad of chewed up pancakes that choked him onto his plate and continued breathing, making Pixel and Eclipse grimace. 

"Eeewww," they complained.

"Hey, it may be gross, but it's a real lifesaver," Fang said before eating the chewed up food again.

"Predators are disgusting with food," said Eclipse.

"We would say the same about you plant eaters."

"Oh...kay...?" said Eclipse, desperately trying to find a way to change the subject. "Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing Fang's tribe.

"Well, I don't know, what will they say around me?" Pixel asked.

"The only Predators who know what's on the mainland are me, my family, and maybe Chief Xanthos, they'll think you're just a common inhabitant," Fang said.

"Really? They'll just act like I'm no problem?" Fang nodded, Pixel smiled.

"What's also interesting is that Twilight will be joining us,"

Mixy spoke up. "Not to mention we get to meet this 'Marine' Fang's always talking about in his sleep."

"I sleep-talk that much?" Fang asked.

"We could make a movie out of the amount of times you sleep-talk," Dusty replied.

"I'm thinking on staying behind," Clockwork said. "Somepony needs to start on the renovations for the house since The group is getting much larger. Besides, I'm not sure how a tribal society will behave around new-age technology such as myself."

"Alright, you've got the plans and directions in your database, right?" Cyber asked, Clockwork nodded.

"Alright, we should get ready."





It was a few hours later when The Misfits met Twilight at the train station, ready to leave to the west and board the boats to sail off to Predator Island.

"This is so exciting," Twilight said as they took their seats on the train. "I finally get to see the home of the predators and hippocampi!"

"And today may just be the day the famine ends for the tribe," said Fang as they all got on the train and took their seats.

"Hey, where's Clockwork?" Twilight asked.

"He's staying behind and will be starting on expanding the house since we're starting to run out of rooms," Cyber answered.

"Won't it take a while?"

Cyber shrugged. "Maybe, but this is the third time the house has been expanded, so I downloaded the directions and plans into Clockwork."

"I can understand why you need to keep remodeling, lately The Misfits have been growing very fast, you've already added Moonlight, Eclipse, Pixel, and Clockwork!"

"Well, Clockwork isn't an official member, being a robot and only a few days old, he hasn't been shunned out by the public or sought out for comfort, which makes him a minor member."

Twilight was confused. "Minor members?" she asked.

"Well, you see, there are three types of misfits," began Dusty. "First there's the official members, that's us, who have been shunned out and need a friend. Then there's the minor members, where ponies are different but haven't been shunned or outcasted, like Clockwork or Lyra. Finally, there's the junior members, which are just ponies with disabilities or mental disorders that only make having a normal life difficult or impossible, all we do is show them that there's nothing to worry about, sometimes give them a way to fix their problems, then give them a friend and a badge, Cyber, could you show her?"

Cyber reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a small, golden badge that read "The Misfits Junior Member," across the center.

"We've given out so much, I lost track. Who knew that there were so many ponies who needed help fitting in?" Cyber said, putting the badge back in his saddlebag as the train whistle blew and it set off.





Xanthos, Celestia, Luna, and Trident waited at the main dining area of Xanthos' large hut. "This is it... this is the day..." Xanthos said, thinking about what Celestia had told him about Fang coming back to Predator Island to end the famine once and for all.

Trident swam around in his tank. "I am excited as well, my friend."

"Yes, this is a new beginning for not just predators, but all ponykind as well," Celestia said. "Being introduced to a new species in the land and sea."

"Perhaps there could even be ponies underground, or in space," Luna suggested.

Celestia chuckled. "One can only hope, sister."

"But it wouldn't be a surprise if that were true, Celestia," Xanthos replied.

"Quite right, Xanthos."





After stepping off the train and heading for the docks, the Misfits and Twilight approached the large boat, which was much larger than a house and had mountains of meat in boxes, protected by a spell to keep from spoiling.

Fang took a deep breath. "You smell that? That is the smell of a new beginning."

Eclipse plugged his nose from the smell. "Smells more like a pile of raw meat, Fang."

Fang opened his mouth before being interrupted by a voice only he, Cyber, and Dusty knew.

"You sure? Smells more like lunch to me."

Everypony turned to the source to see a predator stallion and mare that Fang ran up to. "Mom! Dad!" he exclaimed as he hugged his parents. "I did it, I stopped the famine, I got Celestia to help."

"You sure did, Fang," said Fang's mother as they broke from the hug. "And it is great to see Cyber and Dusty again after all this time."

"It's nice to see you too, Artemis," Dusty said.

"I am thrilled to see the homeland of the predators," added Cyber

"Oh yeah, meet the new members of The Misfits, I wouldn't be here without them. Guys, these are my parents, Diomedes, and Artemis."

"Nice to meet you," Mixy said. "I'm Mixy."

"My name is Solar Eclipse," Eclipse said, shaking hooves with Diomedes.

"Are all unicorns this warm?" asked Diomedes.

"No, just me, but watch this," Eclipse looked away and concentrated, shortly a jet of fire emerged from his horn that surprised Diomedes, Artemis, and Pixel.

"You can do that?" exclaimed Pixel. "You're like a living barbecue!"

"Don't say barbecue in front of my dad," Fang said, pointing to Diomedes, who was salivating.

"Huh? Oh, right, sorry, I dazed out for a second, so what about the rest of you, what are your names?"

"Oh, I'm... Pixel Berry... sir," Pixel answered.

"My name is Moonlight Shadow."

"There's also Clockwork, but he's back in Ponyville," Cyber said. "I'm not sure how predators will act around an automaton."

Diomedes raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What's an aw-tom-it-ton?" he asked.

"Never mind that," Twilight said. "I'm Twilight Sparkle."

"Are you a misfit too?" Diomedes said, looking at Twilight's wings and horn.

"Oh, no Diomedes, I'm an actual princess."

"Oh, well um..." Diomedes acted confused before leaning to his wife. "Honey, what are we supposed to do when we meet a princess again?" he whispered, Artemis shrugged as Twilight giggled.

"It's alright, Diomedes, you don't need to act formal, I am glad to be introduced to a new species."

"It's nice to see our little carnivore all grown up and making friends with princesses," Artemis said, nuzzling her son, much to his annoyance.

"Mom, don't embarrass me in front of my friends," he complained, "we have to go to Predator Island."

"Fang's right, Xanthos won't be waiting forever," said Cyber as they all stepped onto the boat before it set sail.

"How about a little song to speed up the time?" Diomedes suggested at the wheel, but his wife and son shook their heads.





Meanwhile in Canterlot, a dark grey earth pony stallion with black mane approached a stall for apples that was being run by a pegasus mare.

"Hello there," the stallion said, gaining the mare's attention.

"Hey there, handsome, what can I do for you?" the mare replied.

"Are these apples fresh?"

The mare nodded. "Straight from Appleloosa!"

"From how long ago?"

"I got this shipment this morning, why?"

"You sure? This apple doesn't look very ripe," he pointed to the ripest looking apple in the batch.

The mare was confused. "Impossible, it's very red and ripe."

"Looks can be deceiving," the stallion said. The mare shrugged and ate the apple he pointed to before wincing and spitting it out.

"That was rotten! How'd that happen?"

The stallion smiled. "Well you can't trust some ponies and their deals, such as that," the stallion pointed to another apple as several worms poked out of it, making the mare shriek and kick the wormed apple away, then sigh.

"Oh, first I burn my breakfast, then I lose my bits, then I somehow got gum in my mane when I was nowhere near any gum and my apples turn out to be rancid, now this! Can today get any worse?"

The stallion smiled. 'And in three... two... one...' he thought as a bird flew in out of nowhere and started attacking the mare, who screamed.

"AAAAAAAHH! GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF!" she screamed as she ran away before being followed by two more birds, then the stallion laughed and looked around. Seeing that nopony was near, he swiftly took the apples from the stall and trotted away, eating one as he did so.

'Looks like that mare was right, these do taste fresh,' he thought and chuckled, before sighing. "Well that's another day of thieving, it's fun and all, but I can't help but feel very lonely," he said to himself as he trotted through Canterlot.

"Hey, did you hear about The Misfits?" the stallion overheard another stallion, who was talking to his friend, the grey stallion approached silently to eavesdrop.

"Yeah, what about them?"

"I hear that they've got a pony that's half changeling."

"Half changeling? That's impossible."

"I don't know, seems pretty likely to me."

"But why would a group accept a half-changeling, don't they know what those creeps have done?"

"Apparently they accept anypony who wants to fit in, no matter what they are."

"Wow, I guess that make sense, they have a meat eating pony too."

"Gross, what kind of- AURGH!" one stallion placed his hoof on his eye.

"What's wrong?"

"Something got in my eye!" 

"Let me see- AAH!" the other stallion suddenly fell down as his legs became boneless. "I can't feel my legs, what is going on?"

The grey stallion continued on his way. "Hmm, The Misfits, they accept ponies who want to fit in, like what happened to me..." he remembered the pestilences, plagues, and disasters he brought to his home of Saddle Arabia. "Stupid curse," he muttered, looking at his cutie mark, which was the eye of misfortune in Saddle Arabia. "Maybe they could see past my curse. Excuse me," he stopped a unicorn mare. "Do you know about The Misfits?"

"Of course, it's the talk of Canterlot!"

"Do you know where The Misfits are?"

The mare thought for a moment. "Last time I remember, they are staying in Ponyville with Princess Twilight Sparkle."

"Alright thanks," the stallion said as the mare nodded and continued walking. "And watch out for that ice slick," he muttered before his curse started to do its job and make a patch of ice appear out of nowhere that made the mare he was just talking to slip and slide.

"So, Ponyville..." he said to himself, "Misfits, I hope you accept curses and bad luck, because my name is Laa-Mohr, son of nopony and nopony in this world."
> Chapter 21: Knowing the natives
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It took the rest of the day to cross the waters, which was full of singing, games, and bonding. Then as the day began to close, Predator Island became near, and Fang could barely contain himself as his home got closer, and closer. Soon the village itself was visible on the large island, which Twilight compared to being over twice the size of The Crystal Empire, with the village being just larger than Canterlot, and only a short trot away from the shore as they docked.

"Fang, you weren't kidding," Twilight said as her hooves touched the rocky island. "This terrain couldn't grow grass even if it wanted to, and where are all the animals?"

"We ate them all," Diomedes answered.

"But what kind of animals were there?"

Diomedes shrugged. "I dunno, we're survivors, we eat animals, not study them."

"But those animals could have been one of a kind!"

"Well, what are you gonna do now?" Diomedes smiled as Twilight rolled her eyes and groaned, then noticed Fang going near the water.

"Fang, what are you doing?" she asked.

"Just calling a friend," Fang answered before putting his face in the water, saying something, then taking it out. "I think you will like her, Twilight."

"Who?" Twilight asked before she and The Misfits noticed something in the water, moving too fast to know what it was before it approached the shore and leaped out of the water and at Fang, now showing as an aquamarine mare with a large fish tail for hind legs.

"Fang! You're back! I knew you would! I knew it! Knew it! Knew- *gasp* can't breathe!" Fang chuckled as he put the mare that was hugging him back in the water. "Thank you!"

"I take it you're Marine?" Cyber asked.

Marine smiled and nodded. "Yep! Princess Marine, at your service."

"You're a princess too?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah! Does that mean you are royalty too?"

"Sort of? I'm a princess but I don't rule over anything. My brother's married to Cadence though."

"I thought you were a princess, you've got a horn and wings, are you Celestia's daughter? What's your name?"

"No, but I used to be her personal student, and I'm Twilight Sparkle."

"So she was a teacher and a princess. Hm, you mainlanders are weird."

"Yeah, I know," Fang agreed. "Also, meet my friends, The Misfits," Fang introduced each of The Misfits to his hippocampus friend. "This is Cyber System, Solar Eclipse, Moonlight Shadow, Dusty, Pixel Berry, and Mixy."

"Are you a princess too?" Marine asked Mixy, who giggled.

"No, I'm a changeling hybrid."

Marine had no idea what she said, but still smiled. "What's a changeling?"

"I'll explain later, Marine," Fang said. "Doesn't Xanthos have an event planned today?"

"Oh, right, come on! And take that meat with you."

Using a bit of magic, the group was able to take all crates of meat and follow Marine along the shore. Soon they reached the village after Fang helped Marine inside her tank along the east side of the island, where already they encountered Celestia, Luna, Xanthos, and Trident at the village entrance.

"It's about time you got here," Celestia said.

Xanthos looked at the crates of meat. "And you brought... meat..." he began drooling before Luna broke him out of his food induced trance by nudging him. "Huh? Oh right, let's head to the village center, predators are waiting."

Fang followed Xanthos to the center of the tribe, where The Misfits, Twilight, Fang's parents, and all leaders stepped onto the stage used for tribal meetings. "Where is everypony?" asked Twilight.

"They are either in their houses or somewhere on the island, hold on," Xanthos said before he cleared his throat and let out a loud, almost roaring noise that brought all the predators there, and it was clear all of them waited in anticipation for Xanthos' words.

"My fellow predators," he began. "Today is a day where we rejoice, thanks to our hero right here, we now have food to last us for many years and the famine is now officially over!"

Trident poked his head from his tank to all the guests. "You might want to cover your ears," he said before an extremely loud uproar of cheering and yelling broke out.

"SILENCE!" Luna boomed in her Royal Canterlot Voice, which was somehow loud enough to quiet the predators, though many were obviously twitching with excitement. "Xanthos, you may continue," Luna said to Xanthos.

"Er... right, now if Podargos would say his speech."

Podargos smiled. "Actually, father, I think that Fang would like to say a few things."

Fang winced as Podargos gestured him to step up and say a speech. Fang looked at his parents and friends, all of them telling him to go on, so Fang took a deep breath and stepped up.

All the predators looked at Fang hopefully, they looked at him as if he was their hero. "Well, gosh..." he started. "I don't know what to say, but I don't really need all this attention. I mean, I understand I just saved an entire species from extinction, but I couldn't have done it without Cyber System, right here!" Cyber waved at the predators, who cheered again as Cyber stepped up. "Not to mention my best friend in all Equestria, Dusty!" Dusty stepped up. "And of course, Mixy, Solar Eclipse, Moonlight Shadow, and even though we just met two to three days ago, Pixel Berry!" Only Mixy and Eclipse stepped up as Mixy whispered something to Fang, who blushed. "I would also like to apologize to Moonlight and Pixel for putting them in the spotlight... my bad," he chuckled nervously.

Trident faced Fang. "Well, we all understand, Fang, now onto a few questions, why did you volunteer to be sent to the mainland in the first place?"

"Well, nopony would volunteer for it, and I knew that if action wasn't taken, this whole tribe could be killed out, and I didn't want that to happen."

"So you would rather die than have this tribe suffer?" Luna asked.

"If it means that this tribe will stay on Equestria until the end of time, yes."

"Now onto the real question," Podargos said. "What will you do now that your duty has been fulfilled?"

Fang was about to answer before closing his mouth. "Honestly, I have no idea, I've had my goals set on saving the tribe I don't know."

"I'll tell you what he's gonna do," Cyber said. "He's going to do what he's done before meeting Celestia and travel Equestria, looking for misfits with each of his friends by his side."

"Is that what you want?" asked Podargos.

Fang chuckled. "What can I say? I'm a misfit, it's what I do."

"If you insist..." Xanthos turned to Fang's parents. "And what about you?"

"I think we'll just stay here while our son does his little misfit business," answered Diomedes.

"Very well, but before any of this can be done, we shall feast for the first time in years!"





Clockwork went over the plans for the construction of the expansions when a knock came from the door.

"Coming!" Clockwork called out as he opened the door, seeing a grey pegasus mare with crossed eyes and a package.

"I got a package of scrap metal and other electro stuff for... Clockwork?"

Clockwork recognized the face within his databanks. "That's me... Ditzy 'Derpy' Doo. Um... which would you prefer to be called?"

"Either is fine!" Derpy answered, handing him the large package, which Clockwork took before Derpy held out a clipboard with a few documents. "Sign here, please!" Clockwork signed it using an attachment in his hoof, then Derpy waved and left.

"Let's see..." Clockwork said as he opened the package, obviously for Cyber, but he needed it to start on the house's renovations. Cyber was indeed a genius with this kind of subject, he even modified the house to open up in certain areas to allow expansion, but the expansion was all in the user. Fortunately being a robot, Clockwork could work non-stop all day and night and not get the slightest tired, and now with the materials, he immediately got to work.





Laa-Mohr trotted across the plains, he would take the train, but the last time he did it broke down, so he had to go on hoof. He was only a mile or two away from Canterlot. 'This walk is troublesome, but I have no other option, I hope these 'Misfits' will have some way to break my curse, or at least manage to withstand it. Especially after what happened back in Saddle Arabia...'

Laa-Mohr noticed deep despair in Caliph, his foster father and the Vizier to the Sultan of Saddle Arabia. "Caliph, what's going on? Is there something wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing, Laa-Mohr, I just... need to speak with the Sultan right now. I'll be back." Caliph left out the door of the room to the Sultan's throne room. Laa-Mohr pondered what this could mean for him, lately across not just in Saddle Arabia, but all across the area there have been plagues, locust swarms, famines and disasters of all kinds. Normally citizens would accuse themselves of their wrongdoings, but what made things outside his favor was the fact that it all happened the day he got his cutie mark, which didn't appear after he performed a task, all he did was wake up to a new famine and there it was on his flank, which much to his dismay was the Saddle Arabian eye of misfortune, which according to Saddle Arabian belief causes bad luck and disasters to fall upon anypony who so much as comes near the one who bears the eye.

He had to know, he had to see what they were talking about. Swiftly he slid out of the door and into the throne room unseen, but was able to hear Caliph and the Sultan perfectly.

"You know what you must do," the Sultan said.

"I know, but I don't want to, it could hurt him forever."

"And if he stays here he could hurt our entire city with his curse. He must leave."

"But, Sultan, there must be another way!"

"I understand you care for the colt, and many of us do too, but if he isn't gone by the end of the month, he may cause disasters far greater than what he is causing now and make it impossible for us to survive them."

"If that is so then I shall go with him!"

"No, I cannot bear it if you were injured or killed because of that colt. Besides, the curse only affects others not him, if he is alone we would be safe."

"But the world is dangerous, is it truly wise to have him go out in the open all by himself?"

"I don't know, but now is not the time, you must tell Laa-Mohr that he must leave Saddle Arabia, and never return."

"But Sultan-" Caliph tried to say but was interrupted.

"No 'but's, you must go tell Laa-Mohr and escort him... or I will do it myself."

There was a period of silence before Caliph sighed. "I... I understand... I'll... go tell him... but I won't like it... and neither will he."

Laa-Mohr quickly ran back in his room, trying to hide the deep sadness he felt to make it look like he wasn't there.

"Laa-Mohr... I need to speak with you..."

"What is it?" Laa-Mohr asked, noticing his voice was cracking.

"I know you were there..."

"How?"

"Several servants slipped on a bar of soap before I got here, so do you know what I said?" Laa-Mohr nodded as tears welled up in his eyes. "Good, now I don't have to explain it twice.

"You don't really want to send me away, do you?" Laa-Mohr asked.

Tears started to emerge from Caliph's eyes as well. "Of course I don't, I would rather sit through these disasters than watch you leave forever."

"But... I love you... you can't send me away!"

"I love you too, but I don't have an other choice," Caliph hugged his adopted son. "I'm so sorry."

Tears were forming in Laa-Moor's eyes even as he broke from his daydream, he couldn't take it anymore.

'I don't understand! Why must I live alone? I have already contracted a dark side to my personality from the shunning and isolation. Fortunately I have been able to control it, but what will happen if I fail and my dark side breaks loose again? What do I do, what do I-'

"Hey, look out!"

Laa-Mohr's thoughts were interrupted by a grey pegasus mare crashing into him. Getting up on his hooves, he saw the pegasus had some bubbles for a cutie mark, and bright yellow eyes, just like him, but were crossed.

"Sorry," the mare said. "Sometimes I can barely see a darn thing with my condition," she pointed to her eyes.

"It's alright, I understand," Laa-Mohr replied.

"Really? What caused you trouble?"

"I would rather not talk about it."

"Why?"

"I... just don't want to."

"Alright, I'm Ditzy Doo, but you can just call me Derpy."

"I'm Laa-Mohr."

"Are you from Saddle Arabia?"

"Yes, but I didn't... fit in as you could say."

"I understand, this one time I-" Derpy stopped and winced, shortly her eyes started to twitch.

'She's going to become blind, isn't she?' Laa-Mohr thought as Derpy closed her eyes and shook her head, when she opened them, her eyes were completely straight like a normal pony.

"That was weird," she said. "Well, I gotta go, nice meeting you Laa-Mohr!" she said as she flew off, leaving Laa-Mohr shocked.

"That was weird," he said to himself. "My curse never did something good for anypony, and just when I thought I understood it," Laa-Mohr then trotted on his way.





As the other ponies enjoyed the celebration feast, Cyber had a nice chat with Marine.

"You know, Fang talked a lot about you," Cyber said.

Marine smiled. "He did?"

"Well, mostly in his sleep, but yes."

Marine stopped smiling, but ended up laughing. "Would that be considered funny, or creepy?"

"Depends how you look at it."

"I wish I could have gone with him, but I can't leave the water without suffocating, it's no fair!"

"I'm sorry to hear that, I would help you if I could, but I don't know... wait... I do!"

Marine pressed against the glass of her tank in anticipation. "What, what is it?"

"Wait, hold on, move your body a little, like a land-dweller standing."

Marine had no idea what he was doing but obeyed. "Cyber what are you doing?"

"Designing you some legs," Cyber replied as he sketched out the invention in his mind.

"Are you saying I could..."

"Yep, once I finish it, you might be able to walk on land."

"But... I can't breathe on land!"

"That won't be much of a problem, I'll just have Twilight use a spell or something, or make a mask full of water, or just put a fish bowl on your head," Marine looked at him with confusion. "You'll see what I mean."

"Cyber... do you mean it?"

"Anything for the best friend of a misfit."

"So, I'm going to be a misfit?"

"Yes... and no. You don't have the desire to fit in, more like the desire to wander around Equestria, which we do, but your water reliability keeps you restrained from doing so. So you're not exactly a misfit Misfit, but you can become a part of The Misfits, although you're not treated like a misfit. Does that make sense?"

Marine stared at him, confused, her eyebrow raised and her mouth agape. She was only able to reply with, "Uhhh...." as she tried to decipher what he just said.

Cyber swatted his hand to dismiss the subject. "Nevermind, misfit's more of title anyway. I'll just get to the point and say I'll find a way to have you walk on land."

Marine smiled, but it was short lived after a brief period of thought. "I don't know what to say... thank you, but can I talk with my dad about this?"

Cyber smiled and nodded. "Of course!"

An awkward silence followed as Marine looked at the edges of her immobile tank for emphasis on her predicament. She spoke up after Cyber still didn't understand after some seconds, "Um... a little help?"

Cyber blushed at his negligence and awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh right, right."





Trident looked at his daughter in shock. "You want to... what?"

"I want to go on land, Dad. Cyber said he'd build me a device that let's me do it, then I can finally be with Fang for real."

Trident floated around in his tank in thought. "Are you sure you want this? You are a princess."

"And what does being a princess have to do with living on land? I want to do this."

Trident thought more deeply. "Let me talk with your mother and brother first, then we will decide."





Fang looked at all the predators as they danced and ate until they threw up, pondering on what to do.

"You have saved the tribe and are declared a hero amongst your kind..." he heard Podargos' voice behind him. "...Why aren't you joining in the celebration?"

"I don't know, Podargos, I'm just wondering what I'm going to be doing now that my goal is complete."

"I'm sure you'll find a way. These 'misfits' that you have brought along with you have certainly proved their worth and are welcome here anytime."

"Thanks, but why doesn't your father declare this? He's the chief."

"Perhaps, but my father is growing old and I have been given more privileges. I feel as though my time to be declared chief is near, but I did not come to discuss this, I came to ask you of your next goal."

"You know, I think I'm happy the way I am now. I'm a misfit who shows Equestria that we should not be feared."

Podargos smiled. "You truly are one of a kind, Fang. I have never seen a predator more thoughtful or considerate as you, which makes me feel happy about building a statue of you in your name."

"Really? A statue?"

"It's the least we could do for a predator who saved his species from starvation."

"Wow, I don't know what to say."

"Then don't say anything, instead just dig in, there's plenty now."

Both predators smiled and nodded before trotting to the buffet.





The celebration lasted for hours, so long that it continued through the night before predators started dropping asleep from excess eating and exhaustion, then when there were too few predators left to enjoy, Fang took The Misfits in his old house, which has been taken care of during their departure.

However later that night, Pixel couldn't sleep, so she just stood at the shore and looked at the horizon in wonder.

'These predators and hippocampi accept me as a satyr,' she thought. 'Why isn't everypony like that?'

She jumped once Moonlight's voice came from behind her. "You are full of confusion, why is that?"

"Moonlight, you scared me, but... how did you know about my confusion?"

"I can sense negative emotions. Now, tell me what is confusing you."

"It's just... these predators and hippocampi don't care whether I'm a satyr or a pony, or some freak, and they're so nice when I show myself to them, but when I show myself to other ponies, they run away like I'm some kind of alien trying to abduct them or something. Why aren't they like these predators? Why are the ones who are the most vicious to prey the most gentle to whatever's different?"

"Sometimes you can't change other ponies' minds, but in the full view I don't actually know. What I can see from everything I have experienced is these predators seem as though they believe whatever is out there, due to them not knowing what's on the mainland, especially since they had a famine that could have ended their race, leaving them willing to accept anything."

"I see, you are very wise, Moonlight."

"I know... but that is all I will share... for now."

"I understand... so what do you think of the hippocampi?"

"They are certainly unique, but why is it that they dwell with the predators and not the rest of Equestria?"

"Some things nopony can answer, Moonlight."
> Chapter 22: Set sail for Equestria
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trident explained about what Marine told him to Aquarius and Amphitrite, both were looking in shock.

"Marine... wants to... live on the land?" asked Amphitrite.

Trident nodded. "She asked me if she could, apparently the blue unicorn builds machinery. He says that he can build some legs for her."

"Isn't she the slightest bit worried she'll suffocate?"

"I don't know, he says he has those details covered."

"I don't see any reason why we can't trust him," said Aquarius. "He not only built his arms but also helped the predators out of their famine."

"Aquarius has a point, Trident, if we can trust Cyber System, we can trust Marine that she will stay alive."

Trident nodded. "I suppose that is true, I will talk with him in the morning before he departs to ask him if he will keep his word."

"And of Marine?"

"If he proves trustworthy, she may go."





The next day...

Fang woke up from the ground, and looking around he saw that his friends were all still in their sleeping bags. Then he heard sizzeling from the kitchen, who turned out to be his mom.

"Hey, Mom!" Fang said, Artemis looked and waved.

"Good morning, Fang."

"What's for breakfast?"

"Bacon and eggs," Artemis answered, making Fang salivate.

"Too long since have I had your eggs, Mom!"

Fang heard Dusty's voice. "I can tell, those smell good!"

"Hey, Dusty, good morning."

Dusty yawned. "Mornin'," he replied before trotting over next to Fang. "By the way, Cyber's awake too, he's just doing... actually I have no idea what he's doing."

"Probably something scientific, where is he?"

"Outside, I'm headed there, can't stand the smell of bacon anymore."

"Don't knock it till you try it," Fang smiled as he and Dusty trotted outside, to find Cyber sketching on his blueprints.

"Cyber, what are you sketching this time?" Dusty asked.

Cyber looked at his friends. "Some legs for Marine, I plan on helping her travel Equestria."

Fang's face lit up. "Are you serious?! That is awesome! Marine would love it."

"I know, but I can't build it right here, so we'll have to put Marine on the boat and in my lab for me to build it."

"But I saw you building something earlier," Dusty added.

"Oh, you mean this?" Cyber held up a small device that was wrapped around one of his arms. "This is a communicator, I've always wanted to build one but never had the chance to, it will allow me to talk to other misfits if we're separated."

"So you built it last night?"

"Mostly on the boat."

"And you brought your gadgets with you."

"Never without them."

"How long did you sleep?"

"Two to three hours," Cyber said, smiling.

"Cyber, you really need to-" Dusty was interrupted by a voice coming out of the communicator.

"Testing, testing, Cyber can you hear me?"

Cyber held the device to his mouth. "Roger that, Clockwork, can you hear me?"

"Yes, I can, both communicators are fully functional."

"Great, what's the process on the house?"

"Near complete, I got a few ponies to help out, it should be ready by the time you get back."

"What should be ready?" asked Twilight, who just stepped outside, obviously tired.

"Oh, good morning, Twilight, I was just talking to Clockwork using the new communicator."

"Good morning, Twilight!" Clockwork said through the communicator.

"Oh, good morning... Clockwork," Twilight said, unsure before the familiar voice of a certain party pony came out.

"Twilight? Cyber? What are you two doing in this little box?"

"Pinkie, we're not in the box, we're still on Predator Island, this is just a communicator."

"I was wondering why you sounded like Clockwork."

"I do not sound like that," Clockwork added.

"Never mind that, Pinkie, start planning a party." Cyber said.

"Ocean themed, fish flavored cake, got it!"

"How did you-" Fang tried to say before a weird twanging, vibrant sound came from the other end.

"Hey, is anypony standing near a door?" Pinkie asked.

"Why would you ask that?" Cyber asked.

Then the door to Fang's house was opened by Eclipse and hit Dusty right in the muzzle.

"Aaah!" Dusty yelled in pain.

"Gah! Oh my gosh, Dusty I am so sorry," Eclipse apologized.

"How did she know that?" asked Cyber.

"Pinkie has a 'Pinkie sense' that let's her detect danger, forgot to tell you."

Cyber was wide-eyed at the fact. "Clockwork, make a note to scan Pinkie's brain."

"One step ahead of you," Clockwork responded before communications were turned off.

"That Pinkie Pie is more unpredictable than my anger," Eclipse said. "Anyway, breakfast is ready." The ponies outside trotted inside and at the table, already the rest of The Misfits were awake. All non-predators only ate the eggs while the predators and Pixel happily ate bacon.

"I still can't thank you enough for what you've done for us," said Diomedes.

"It's the least I could do for a friend," Cyber replied as he ate his food.

"And Podargos said we're welcome here anytime," said Fang.

"I thought Xanthos was head of the tribe, why is he doing what his dad does?" said Pixel as she ate some bacon.

"Xanthos is getting old, so he's giving Podargos more and more privileges to prepare him for his time as chief," answered Fang, Pixel shrugged and started listening to her music as Diomedes and Artemis finished their breakfast and left to talk with Xanthos about the tribe, leaving The Misfits and Twilight to discuss with each other.

"We just saved a tribe from starvation, helped ponies become accepted, and we met Princess Celestia!" said Mixy. "Who knows what good we'll do next?"

Twilight answered her as she cleaned her plate. "Well, as of now you need to help your dad's fear of Canterlot, find out Eclipse's, Pixel's and Moonlight's parents, and of course the normal 'search Equestria for misfits' business."

"Speaking of which, I've been thinking, we've been gaining new members left and right," said Cyber. "I mean we already have added Eclipse, Moonlight, Clockwork, Pixel, and soon Marine and it's only been a month! Perhaps we need some way to easily gather."

"You mean like a base?" suggested Twilight.

"Pretty much, or at least a way to always be ready for new members when they are needed."

Twilight though for a while before getting an idea. "How about you stay in Ponyville?" she suggested.

"Ponyvile? I guess, but how are we going to help ponies in need?"

"Perhaps Luna could help," said Moonlight. "If she finds a pony who is having trouble she could send the details to us through something, like what Celestia does with Spike."

"That's actually a really good idea!" said Dusty.

"Plus it let's us stay with our friends, like Lyra," Fang added.

"Plausible solution," Cyber said. "I'll have to suggest the idea to Luna the next time we see her, but until then we'll continue our regular routine," he then cleaned his plate and began to head outside. "I'll see you guys later, I've got to speak with Trident about Marine."

"Hey, wait for me!" Fang said as he darted after Cyber.





Cyber and Fang watched the ocean as the hippocampus king rose from the waters.

Trident was the first to speak. "I suspect you're here to talk about Marine?" the two land dwellers nodded.

"Yes, your daughter seems really excited about joining us on our journey," Cyber said.

"And I have discussed this with my wife and son, I have only known you for two days and already you seem trustworthy, and I have seen Fang's work all his foalhood, and he's trustworthy."

"Are you that concerned about us?" asked Fang.

Trident shook his head. "No, I am concerned for Marine, if she were to suffocate and die on land I don't know what I would do with myself."

"Your daughter will be safe, Trident. I already have her breathing gear planned out."

Trident sighed. "I am putting my trust in you, if she dies while on your journey, don't bother coming back."

"I understand, your highness, so do you allow Marine to travel with us?"

Trident slowly and almost reluctantly nodded, "Yes, I do. Take good care of her."





Marine was already in her tank ready to be placed on the boat, which was setting sail in fifteen minutes.

"Do you understand what you're doing?" asked Trident.

"Yes, Dad, I can handle it," Marine answered.

"I'm putting a lot of trust that you'll be careful."

"I'm going with Fang, I'll be fine."

"Just be careful out there."

"I will," Marine said, slightly annoyed.

"And remember-"

"Dad! I got it, stop worrying about me."

Trident looked at his wife, then his sons, then Marine as he sighed. "Good luck."

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Amphitrite added.

"Try not to make out with Fang too much," Aquarius said, surprising his sister.

Marine turned a slight pink after hearing the comment. "Aquarius!" she yelled in annoyance.

Her brother laughed at her expense, smiling as he said, "I'm just kidding, good luck."

Oceanus looked at Marine, his large, worried eyes making her exchange with Aquarius almost nonexistent. "Will you be back?" he asked

Marine smiled at her younger brother and nodded, "I'll come back to visit, I promise," she answered as Fang came over.

"Ready to go?" he asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Marine said before saying goodbye to her family, then Fang grabbed Marine's tank and helped her move as the royal hippocampus family dove back into the water, with Aquarius and Oceanus the last to see her depart.

"I'm so excited," Marine said as she and Fang arrived onto the ship.

"I can understand, this is how I felt when I was coming back here."

With the help of Twilight, Mixy, and Eclipse using their magic, Marine was placed onto the boat with The Misfits, Twilight, and several other predators that decided to travel to the mainland to continue supplying food to Predator Island. Shortly after Fang said his farewell to his parents and joined his friends the boat set off again to return to the mainland and a new beginning for the hippocampus princess.





Laa-Mohr continued his travel across the plains toward Ponyville, he stopped following the train tracks after the train passed by him, which caused the smokestack to backfire and shoot smoke at the conductor's face. No matter, he could see what must be Ponyville ahead.

As he continued, he came closer to a grove of apple trees in rows, from his experiences as a thief, it was obvious that they belonged to somepony. He was about to move on and continue towards Ponyville... but his stomach said otherwise.

'I'm sure they won't mind if a few apples are missing, there's so many of them. Besides, it's for a good cause,' he thought as he came closer, already there was an orange mare wearing a stetson picking up a few apples on the ground, nopony else.

He came closer without the mare noticing, then he stopped when he was a reasonable distance away for his curse to start working.

'Let's see if that hat protects your head at all,' he thought as he smirked, then...

BONK!BONK!BONK!

Three apples fell right onto the mare's head, who looked around before shrugging and returning to her work.

BONK!BONK!BONK!

Once again, right on the noggin. The mare looked around more confused. "What the-" she asked.

BONK!BONK!BONK!

The mare looked more annoyed. "Who's there?"

BONK!BONK!BONK!

"Alright, now this ain't funny! Y'all better show yourself!" she waved a hoof at her imaginary foe.

BONK!BONK!BONK!

The mare growled and faced the tree the apples seemed to be coming from, then she rose her hind legs and bucked the tree.

CREEAAK... SNAP!

Instead of whatever threw apples at her, a large branch fell from the tree and fell on the mare, knocking her unconcious.

Laa-Mohr couldn't help but laugh as he approached the mare, removed the branch off of her, then taking a few apples for himself and continuing toward Ponyville.

Ponyville was only a short distance away, and he knew it was Ponyville by a newspaper that a stallion was reading.

Although the word 'Ponyville' was the only part he caught before the newspaper suddenly burst into flames and burned away.

Now that he knows that he is in Ponyville, Laa-Mohr decided to rest a bit on a bench. Only to begin to doze off until a voice woke him up.

"Excuse me, sir, sorry for waking you so soon, but is that the Saddle Arabian eye of misfortune?"

Laa-Mohr opened his eyes to see a zebra looking at him.

"Yeah, it is, why do you ask?"

"My name is Zecora and this is true, I know magic and wish to help you."

Laa-Mohr's head perked up. "You're joking, aren't you?"

Zecora shook her head. "I feel sorry for you, my Saddle Arabian friend, so I plan to use what I know to bring your curse to an end."

Laa-Mohr thought for a moment before shrugging. "I got nothing else to lose. I'm Laa-Mohr, by the way," he said as he got up.

"Now along the way I hope you don't mind, if I ask some questions to make the cure easier to find."

"Ask away," Laa-Mohr said as he followed Zecora.

"First, Laa-Mohr, regarding your curse, when near more ponies does it get better or worse?" Zecora asked.

"So far it depends how many know about it. The more that know, the worse it can get. Though overall I honestly have no idea."

"This one about your curse too, does it affect other ponies or only you?"

"Just other ponies, it does nothing when I'm alone."

"And now your homeland where you were from, did your curse make it hard to become welcome?"

"Big time."

"I assume that your curse brought much misery, but how did it affect your family?"

"Well, I don't really have a family. I'm an orphan, but I was adopted by the Vizier to the Sultan of Saddle Arabia."

"And did the curse drag your reputation through the mud, and leave you rejected from the royal blood?"

"Well, yes and no, I didn't have my curse until I got my cutie mark, and until that happened I was actually quite popular amongst the other ponies. But when my curse did come, I was shunned by everypony because of the disasters I caused, that was when I had to be sent away."

"And being within the royal family tree, does that mean at least somepony tried to keep you with a plea?"

"There was one, Caliph, my foster father, he was the only one who tried to keep me in Saddle Arabia, but as you can see he didn't impact much."

"And what of your past before he failed to prevail, do you wish to tell me in greater detail?"

"I'd rather not talk about it after knowing what I caused, and I thought you were asking me about my curse."

Zecora was about to answer as they entered a forest when she slipped in some mud. "Apologies for that, though I may have deserved it, I tried to ask you questions outside of your limit. Anyway, as I was saying before I slipped in muck, are the events caused by your curse magic, or simply bad luck?"

"A little of both, sometimes it's only bad luck, sometimes it's magical and things come out of nowhere," Laa-Mohr answered before they stopped some distance away from a hut.

"If you don't mind but this is my hut, for this to be successful, your curse cannot interrupt. Just stay right here and I'll be back in a bit, then you may use the cure to make the curse quit."

Laa-Mohr shrugged. "Whatever you say," he said as he sat down and Zecora trotted into her home.

'If this works, maybe I can finally return to Saddle Arabia, but I can only hope for the best.' he thought.
> Chapter 23: The cursed misfit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Laa-Mohr waited for what felt like hours before Zecora finally emerged from her hut with a small phial.

"I apologize for having you wait so long, but once you drink this, you will know I'm not wrong," Zecora tried to give the phial over to Laa-Mohr, only for it to slip and break on the ground.

Laa-Mohr looked at the shattered glass in horror as Zecora chuckled. "Silly Laa-Mohr, did you think I didn't prepare? When dealing with curses, you must always have a spare," Zecora then pulled out a second phial, which Laa-Mohr immediately took and downed the contents. Nothing happened.

"Did it work?" he asked.

"I'm not sure, to be honest. This magic is far beyond my ranks, so your curse will still work, but it will only do pranks."

Laa-Mohr was confused. "Huh?"

"I could not remove the curse forever, it is completely natural magic, but at least you won't have to worry about anything tragic."

"So what you're saying is I won't cause plagues, famines, and pestilences anymore?"

Zecora nodded. "The tragedies that your curse has struck can now be mistaken for simple bad luck. As for the worse side that makes it forever shower, the worst it can do is minor and lasts at most twenty four hours. I'm sorry I could not remove it all together, but it would be like removing a cutie mark forever."

"Oh, well thanks anyway, but will this wear off?"

Zecora shook her head. "I made the recipe special and here is why: it will last forever until the day you die."

Laa-Mohr smiled. "I thank you, at least I won't cause disasters to Ponyville like I did in Saddle Arabia."

"That is truely something of concern, nopony would want their home to burn."

"Yeah, but still I gotta be careful, even around The Misfits."

"I have heard of this group before, aren't they the ones who help increase other ponies' confidence more?"

"I think so, I hope they can see past my curse."

"I'm sure they will, Laa-Mohr, and though I don't know a lot, these ponies will accept you, cursed or not."

"Let's hope so, but it won't be a surprise if they don't."

Zecora's smile disappeared at Laa-Mohr's pessimism. "It seems that this curse has changed your point of view, but come inside and rest until the day is anew."

Laa-Mohr shrugged and followed Zecora inside her hut, instantly several bottles fell from their shelves and shattered on the ground once the door closed. "Well, I guess that proves my curse is in effect," Laa-Mohr muttered.

Zecora smiled at him. "True that these broken bottles is tragic, but don't you see that none of them contained any magic. And as you can see soon with these misfits to find, nothing of value was broken..."

SMASH!

"...Nevermind."

"Sorry about that."

"It's quite alright, you have no control over your curse, at least events could not get much worse."

"You really shouldn't say that around me, you know?"





It was already night when The Misfits, Twilight, and Marine finally arrived at Ponyville, all ready to just fall asleep. After a quick goodbye to Twilight, The Misfits trotted over to their home. As Cyber opened the door, he almost wished Pinkie did not start the party already. Thankfully she did not.

"Nothing beats the feeling of returning home, am I right?" Cyber said as he walked into the home, already things were noticeably bigger, with more rooms.

Dusty whistled at how well Clockwork upgraded the house. "Wow, Clockwork outdid himself, where is that robot anyway?"

"Probably recharging, he may be a robot and solar powered but even he has his limits," Cyber answered.

Pixel yawned. "Who knew predators could party that hard?"

"You should see them when they're competing," Fang replied.

"Yeah, sure, I'm going to bed," Eclipse said, trotting up to his room.

"Speaking of which, where am I going to sleep?" asked Marine.

Cyber nearly dozed off. "Hm? I don't know, just sleep in Fang's room or something. I'm too tired to think. Let's go up to our rooms and finally get some shut-eye."

The Misfits did just that as each of them went to their respective rooms and fell asleep.





That morning, Cyber woke up early to work with Marine and Clockwork, Pixel hung out with Moonlight, Dusty and Fang left to help Applejack, and Eclipse and Mixy spent the day with Twilight. Everything seemed normal, until Fang and Dusty got to Sweet Apple Acres to find Applejack with her head wrapped in a bandage.

"Woah, Applejack, what happened?" asked Fang.

"I don't know, all that happened was I was pickin' apples off the ground when somepony started throwin' apples at me, then when I tried to get em out of the tree, I was hit by a branch an' woke up in the hospital with a splittin' headache, still hurts."

"Eeyup," Big Mac confirmed.

"What kind of pony would do a darn thing like that?" Granny Smith said.

"I don't know, but there's something strange going on," Fang said. "But for now you should probably just rest your head, we'll take care of the apples."

"Well that's mighty kind of you, sugarcube, but I'm alright, mah head's just a little sore, is all."

Fang and Dusty shrugged. "If you say so."





"Hey, Eclipse?" asked Twilight.

"Yeah?"

"Weren't you taking anger management classes?"

"Yeah."

"Why aren't you there?"

"I stopped after I burned the teacher several times just before Pixel joined The Misfits."

"Yikes, you really need to control your anger, who knows what could happen if you're furious."

"My guess is The Great Fire of Ponyville," Mixy said

"Well, he's doing good for a hot head," Spike said on a ladder as he placed books on a high shelf.

"Don't push your luck, Spike," Eclipse said, glaring at the baby dragon.

Spike gave an apologetic grin, "Sorry."

"But Spike's right," Twilight said. "You've managed to handle it so far. But if you don't get that anger under control soon, you could cause something worse than the Great Fire of Hoofington."

Then the door opened to show a grey stallion, who walked in and approached Twilight.

"Do you have any books on natural curses?" he asked.

Twilight searched her memory. "I think I do, Mixy, the book is right next to you, could you bring it over?"

Mixy nodded and looked on the self before using her magic to pull a book out. "Is this it? 'Curses and Cutie marks'?"

Twilight nodded. "That's it."

Mixy started levitating the book over to Twilight when...

"AAACHOO!" a jet of fire erupted from Eclipse's mouth and hit the book, instantly it caught on fire.

"Eclipse!" Twilight scolded.

"Sorry, I'll put it out!" Eclipse shouted before focusing on the burning book, shortly the flames died out. The book was very singed but relatively intact as Twilight levitated it over to her.

"I'm very sorry about that, he can't control his anger," Twilight said as she flipped through it to make sure it was still relatively readable.

"I sneezed! You can't control that!" Eclipse shouted. "What does sneezing have to do with anger?!.

"Anyway, what's your name?"

"Laa-Mohr."

Twilight handed Laa-Mohr the book. "Here you go, again really sorry about that, you can return it whenever you want, and Eclipse will be paying for it," Eclipse rolled his eyes and groaned.

"By the way, do you happen to know where The Misfits are in this town?" Laa-Mohr asked.

"Actually there are two members right here," Twilight gestured to Eclipse and Mixy.

"Thank you," Laa-Mohr trotted to the two. "So, you're misfits?"

Mixy nodded. "Yeah, I'm Mixy, and this is Solar Eclipse."

"Why do you ask?" asked Eclipse.

"Do you accept ponies in need of help?"

The two misfits nodded. "Why?"

"Five... four... three... two..."

"WOOAAH!" Spike yelled as he fell of the ladder he was on. "I'm ok!"

"So, you're some kind of jinx?" asked Mixy.

"You could say that."

"I don't know," Eclipse said. "Simple bad luck may not be misfit material."

"Oh, trust me, I have done much worse before."

"Well, have you burned down most of Hoofington like I did?"

"Have you caused plagues, pestilences, locust swarms and many other disasters like I did?"

Mixy and Eclipse stared at Laa-Mohr in shock, thinking the same thing. "We gotta see Cyber."





"When is it ready?" Marine asked excited.

"In a minute, Marine," Cyber replied as he continued construction before Clockwork stumbled in rather clumsy and glitchy.

"C-C-C-C-C-Cyb-b-b-ber, th-th-th-there is-s-s-s s-s-s-som-me-mep-p-p-p-pon-n-ny-y-y wait-t-t-t-ting f-f-f-for y-y-y-you," Clockwork stuttered.

"Clockwork, are you alright?"

"I-I-I-I-I d-d-d-don't-t-t-t kn-kn-kn-know-w-w."

"Hm, run a viral scan and initiate a reboot. I'll be there in a second," Clockwork shakily nodded as Cyber trotted out of his lab to be greeted by Eclipse, Mixy, and a new pony.

"Are you Cyber?" the stallion asked, Cyber nodded.

"Yes, I am Cyber System, who are you?"

"I am Laa-Mohr, son of nopony and nopony in this world."

"Sure, so what brings you here?"

"I wish to join your group of misfits, I have been shunned out because of my curse and only wish to be with ponies who don't mind it."

"Curse? Why can't Twilight help you with that?"

"I already got some help from Zecora but she said that my curse is natural, so it's like removing a cutie mark, which is hard."

Cyber nodded. "Yeah, I hear you, I suffered brain damage and not even a lightning strike can get rid of my cutie mark."

"Yeah, as of now my curse is impossible to remove, Zecora only managed to weaken it, and I still cause problems, like what happened to your metal friend."

"You made Clockwork glitch?"

"Yeah, but it should be temporary, and most likely not going to happen again anytime soon, but I would be careful around me if I were you."

"Well, your curse shouldn't be a problem, I mean we've got Eclipse and he's controlled himself so far."

"Hey!" Eclipse shouted.

"He can't control his anger?" Laa-Mohr asked.

Mixy nodded. "Yeah, he even burned down most of Hoofington because somepony wouldn't let him get to his marefriend."

"I'm standing right here!" Eclipse said through clenched teeth as his mane seemed to grow in size and smoke emerged from his nostrils.

"Perhaps I could help," Laa-Mohr suggested.

Eclipse's flames dimmed from confusion. "Come again?"

"I know what it is like to be out of control, after the shunning and running away gave me a bit of a 'dual personality' or something. I can either be my normal self or a vengeful warrior powered by blind rage. Fortunately I've controlled this and it's like flipping a switch, if you let me in, I could help Eclipse manage his rage."

Cyber smiled. "I think you will make a great misfit, so welcome!"

"So, I'm in?"

Cyber nodded and smiled. "Of course!" Laa-Mohr couldn't help but smile in return.

Mixy was confused. "What, no oath?"

"There's too many members for the oath to work out, so I'm probably just going to change it to paperwork or something soon, anyway, I'm sure you'll fit in just fine Laa-Mohr, whether or not you have a curse. It would just be like a common case of bad luck, we'll get over it."

Laa-Mohr was speechless, nopony has ever talked to him that way after his curse arrived. But if he had to reply in any way he would say, "Thank you."

Cyber smiled. "No problem, why don't you let Eclipse and Mixy show you around while I get back to business?"

Eclipse and Mixy led Laa-Mohr on a tour through Ponyville and introducing him to the other misfits members as Cyber entered his lab again.

"What took you so long?" Marine complained.

"I just had to introduce a new member of The Misfits, that's all," Cyber said as he returned to his work.





With nearly all the apples harvested, Applejack decided to rest her head in the barn with Granny Smith after it started pounding.

"Hey, ain't that Eclipse and Mixy?" asked Apple Bloom, pointing to the pyrokinetic unicorn and Changeling hybrid.

"Eeyup," confirmed Big Mac.

"Who's that pony with them?" asked Fang.

"I think that's what they're going to tell us," Dusty added, waving to his fellow misfits.

"Hey, Apple Bloom," Eclipse said. "What's the commotion going to be this time? Every time I'm near you, there seems to be some kind of thing that I'm involved in that nearly burns down Sweet Apple Acres."

"Well, my friends and I were gonna see if we could earn our cutie marks in fire dancin' if you could-" she was stopped as Eclipse made a very menacing glare at her, making her chuckle nervously. "Heh heh, or maybe not."

"Better for all of us," said Mixy. "Anyway, I'd like you all to meet Laa-Mohr, the newest member of The Misfits."

"Hey, I'm Fang."

"And I'm Dusty, what makes you a misfit?"

"I'm a jinx," Laa-Mohr answered.

"Ain't that what someponies call me an' my friends that sometimes?" asked Apple Bloom.

"Nnope," Big Mac said.

"Good, because I've caused pestilences, plagues, and famines with my jinx."

"What's this about a pestilence?" Applejack asked as she emerged from the barn.

"AJ, what's a pestilence?" Apple Bloom asked

"It's when a disease comes an' infects everypony for a very long time," Applejack answered before clutching her bandaged head again in pain, which seemed to have rung a bell in Laa-Mohr's memory.

"I thought I saw you from somewhere, sorry about that head injury by the way."

Applejack looked up at him fiercely. "What, you did this?" she fumed. "Ooh, I'd whack you all the way to the Crystal Empire if my head wasn't poundin'," the rage made her head hurt again.

"Look, it's not really my fault, I'm cursed!" Laa-Mohr argued.

"There is no such thing as curses!"

"Says the pony who thought poison joke was a curse," Apple Bloom muttered.

"If curses aren't real, then how did I knock you out by just standing there?"

"I don't know, you took some apples an' threw em at me?"

"I didn't even go near your apples until after you were knocked out."

"And you stole apples!? You're so lucky that my head ain't workin' with me right now."

"If I was lucky, I wouldn't even be here!"

"Well, I oughta-"

"SHUT UP!" Eclipse roared as he burst into flames for a brief moment.

Mixy spoke up once their attention was directed away from each other, "I'm sure that each side has their own story to tell, but let's start with Laa-Mohr."

Laa-Mohr nodded. "Look, yes I am a thief, but I have a good reason. I was one of the most popular colts in Saddle Arabia, I was smart, handsome, and a really good sword fighter. But everything changed when I got my cutie mark."

"What? They realized you were just a fake?" Applejack said.

Laa-Mohr shook his head. "No, I was the real deal, and I was also an orphan, adopted by the right-hoof stallion to the Sultan, I never loved anypony more than I loved him as a family. But then when one day I woke up and I had my cutie mark. While other ponies have hunting, apple bucking or even digging for a cutie mark, mine was different," he pointed to his cutie mark. "This is the Saddle Arabian eye of misfortune, anypony who has it is cursed with disaster and bad luck, which is what happened to me as disasters fell upon my home and city all thanks to my cutie mark. Because of my curse, I had to be exiled, and it still followed me and hurt everypony I was near. I was hungry, alone, lost, and the only ponies I could look up to were back in the one place I couldn't even step in!

"I was lucky to have met Zecora, who weakened my curse, but it's still here as we speak, so if you wonder why I do what I do, just look at my flank!" Laa-Mohr quickly calmed down as everypony looked at him in sympathy.

"I- I- I'm sorry, Laa-Mohr, I had no idea you had a rough life," Applejack said.

Laa-Mohr nodded. "First a peasant, then royalty, then a hermit, that is why I am nopony in this world."

"Well, you sure are somepony to The Misfits!" Apple Bloom said.

"Eeyup," Big Mac confirmed.

Laa-Mohr looked at Mixy, Eclipse, Dusty, and Fang, each were smiling at him. "I know, that is why I am glad to be a misfit."

"It's why all of us are glad to be misfits, Laa-Mohr!" Dusty added.

"I suppose that is true," Laa-Mohr smiled. "Now, wasn't there other members that you wanted me to meet?"
> Chapter 24: First steps
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Alright, Marine," Cyber began. "I think I got your legs worked out, but as for how you will breathe... that's another story."

Marine looked at him in disbelief. "You mean this was all for nothing?"

"No, no, it's not that, I just need to take into account how you will be able to breathe and eat food without it getting soggy, where are your gills?"

Marine shrugged. "Can't Twilight cast a spell to have me breathe air or something?"

"Well, I asked her, she said that there is a spell that can grant a pony the ability to breathe underwater, but the other way around... I don't know if such spell exists, so unless I find out where your gills are, all I have are your legs, but on the bright side I modified them to fold up so you could easily switch from land to sea mode at will."

Marine gave a disinterested look as she sulked to the bottom of her tank. "That's not very helpful if I'm going to be stuck here."

"I know you're upset, but there isn't much I can do right now. I've already contacted Lyra so we just need to wait for her to get here."

"In fact, she's here now," Clockwork said as the door opened and the sea foam green unicorn stepped in.

"Sorry I'm a bit late, my lyre strings just suddenly broke and I had to replace them."

"You must have met Laa-Mohr, he's our new member and a bit of a jinx. But don't worry about him, I would like you to meet my new friend and Misfit minor member, Marine."

Lyra looked at Marine, who waved. "What are you?" Lyra asked.

Marine smiled. "I'm a hippocampus."

"And she wants to walk?"

Clockwork nodded. "Yes, but she can't breathe air. That is where you come in." Lyra nodded with understanding.

"I see, so you want to make a way to have Marine breathe?" Cyber nodded. "Where are her gills?"

Cyber shrugged. "We don't know, I tried running scans but I got nothing."

Lyra thought. "Hmm... maybe you're thinking is too narrow?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean you're focused on her gills when maybe it's more conditional?" Lyra turned toward Marine "How far above water can you go and still breathe?"

Marine went silent as she thought. Eventually she just started rising out of her tank until she stopped about halfway. "About this much," she said, letting Cyber, Lyra, and Clockwork think.

Cyber snapped his fingers. "I got it!" he exclaimed as he pulled put some blueprints and began to sketch out the idea, which was a pair of robotic legs that were activated through tail movements, they were full of water and had a built in filter and pump with tubes that were also full of water that extended up the hippocampus' body and wrapped around her neck.

"That may actually work!" Clockwork said.

"Ooh, this is exciting!" Lyra agreed.

"I'm going to be able to breathe and walk on land!" Marine could hardly contain herself.

"This is so exciting!" Pinkie said, by now, nopony was screaming anymore, but still surprised by her sudden and unexplained appearance.

"Seriously, how did you get past my security system?" Cyber asked.

"You left the door unlocked," Pinkie said.

Clockwork was confused. "But that door can't be-" he was interrupted by Pinkie running up to Marine.

"Ooh! Are you some kind of mer-pony?"

Marine giggled. "No, I'm a hippocampus."

"Oh, why are you in this tank?" Pinkie asked as she tapped on the glass. The sound made Marine grimace as she held the sides of her head in pain.

"Aaah! Don't do that!"

Pinkie stepped back from the tank, giving an apologetic smile. "Sorry."

"It's alright, and I can't breathe outside of water."

"Hm, so I guess you're the one for the ocean styled cake, Marine. Then that means the other cake is for Laa-Mohr! Yay! I gotta get ready, the party should be ready very soon!"

Marine was confused. "Wait a minute, I never told you my name before," she tried to say but Pinkie didn't listen.

"Don't question her, she's unpredictable," Cyber said. "Pinkie, could you tell Fang to meet us in the Everfree forest by a lake, he'll want to be there to see Marine take her first steps."

"Okey, dokey, lokey!" Pinkie said before she bounced away while Cyber, Lyra, and Clockwork began working on Marine's legs.





The rest of The Misfits continued Laa-Mohr's tour around Ponyville. Already Moonlight and Pixel joined the group.

"And that's the spot where Dusty and I like to punch diamond dogs during our free time," Fang said to Laa-Mohr.

"Diamond dogs?" asked Eclipse, Moonlight, and Laa-Mohr.

"They're these dogs that search for gems," answered Dusty. "I'm not really sure why though, they're kinda stupid, which makes it easy to punch them without second thought."

"I'll have to give that a try sometime," Laa-Mohr said with a grin.

"I see no purpose in hitting mutts on the head, they will hardly notice anything and it may just enforce violence," Moonlight said blankly.

"Wow, you really have a way of taking the fun out of things," Eclipse said. Moonlight rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, that's about it for Ponyville," Mixy said.

"What about outside of Ponyville?" Laa-Mohr asked.

The other misfits thought before shrugging.

"We usually just sight-see or we're not in other places long enough to know our way around them," Fang said. "Come to think of it, this has been the longest we've ever stayed, and now that we've done everything we need here, I think it might be almost time to leave."

"I have wanted to go to Hoofington... for personal reasons," Eclipse said.

"Likewise," Moonlight said.

"You want to go to Hoofington?" asked Pixel.

"No, my reasons are personal."

"Isn't everything personal for you?" said Eclipse. Moonlight just rolled her eyes again.

"Anyway, I think that it may soon be time for us to continue our quest," said Dusty.

"But first we need to attend Pinkie's party," Mixy added.

"What?" Laa-Mohr asked.

"Well apparently every time somepony arrives at Ponyville for the first time, Pinkie Pie throws a party for them, which means that there will be a party for you and Marine."

"Just be careful how much of her cake you eat before bed," Dusty said. "That stuff messes with your head and gives you weird dreams."

"That is unusual, I have never heard of anything that could affect dreams."

"Well, Pinkie's an unusual pony, but can you hate a pony with a smile that large and personality that friendly?"

"I'll have to see what you mean when I meet her."

"How about we meet now?" Pinkie asked, startling Laa-Mohr.

"What the- where did you come from?"

"Well, I was born on a rock farm and-"

"No, that's not what I- nevermind."

"Okay!" Pinkie replied smiling.

"Do you have any idea how she did that?"

Mixy shrugged. "It's better not to question her."

"I heard that you were leaving soon, why are you?" Pinkie asked, slightly upset.

"There's still ponies who need our help in Equestria, and we can't help them by staying in Ponyville forever," Dusty answered.

Pinkie slumped down. "Aww, I was having so much fun with you here."

"Look, don't worry, we'll be back in Ponyville soon, we just have other things to go to," Eclipse said.

"But you know what that means," Pinkie began. "A 'farewell' party! Let me know when you're leaving, all our friends will be there should be ready by this evening. Oh, and by the way, I was just talking to Cyber, he wanted me to tell you that-" she was interrupted when her tail started twitching and she was able to just barely dodge an ice chunk that fell from the sky, much to Laa-Mohr's surprise.

"You can tell what my curse will do?" he exclaimed.

"You have a curse? So that's why I have a weird gut feeling around you, my Pinkie Sense can see your curse. Anyway, Fang, Cyber wanted me to tell you to meet him in the Everfree forest, something about Marine, come on follow me!"

"I'm never going to understand you," Laa-Mohr said as Pinkie bounced away with Fang not far behind.

"I don't think that anypony will understand her," Mixy added.





With the machine built and put onto Marine, she waited with Cyber, Clockwork, and Lyra over at a lake in the Everfree Forest just in case the machine failed.

Soon Fang arrived. "I came as soon as I could, is this what I think it is?"

Cyber nodded as he looked at Marine. "Are you ready?" he asked, Marine nodded excitedly, then Lyra used her magic to grab the tank Marine was in and pour its contents into the lake.

"Alright, now we will take you out of the water, and you let us know the moment you have a hard time breathing, alright?" Clockwork instructed.

"Got it," Marine said as both Cyber and Fang helped her out of the lake, with Lyra keeping the hippocampus' balance.

Marine had confidence as her front hooves and tail left the water, but was still very nervous, as evident by her shaky breathing... breathing...

She could still breathe! Her body was out of the water but with Cyber's machine she could still use the water it supplied her to breathe. The hippocampus princess couldn't help but smile.

"How do you feel, Marine?" Cyber asked, and his response was a giant hug from her.

"Thank you!" Marine said, right before falling over, and chuckling a little. "I guess I need more practice, so how do I use this?"

"The legs' movement are controlled by your tail," Lyra answered. Marine swayed her tail like she was swimming, instantly the mechanical legs reacted and started moving in a trotting way, much to her excitement.

After quite some time of practicing, Marine finally got the hang of walking, turning, even moving backwards, when Laa-Mohr found his way to the group.

"So, you're this 'Marine' I've been hearing about," Laa-Mohr said.

"Yeah, who are you?" Marine asked.

"Marine, Lyra, this is Laa-Mohr, the newest member of The Misfits," Cyber introduced.

"Sorry about your instrument, by the way."

Lyra winced. "What!?"

"He's got a curse," Fang explained. "Which probably means he shouldn't be near Marine or his curse will sabotage the machine and suffocate her."

"Relax, after what Zecora did I'm pretty sure my curse can't kill anypony."

"Wait, did your curse break my lyre?" Lyra asked.

"Yeah, sorry about that," Laa-Mohr replied, leaving Lyra jaw-dropped. "Hey, at least it was only the strings."

"Speaking of potatoes..." Clockwork said, surprisingly. "... I mean sprinklers. No, pineapple! Ground eater! Monkey juice backwash!?"

"Clockwork, are you ok?" asked Marine.

Clockwork shook his head. "Pickle barrel cherry sweet tart! Peanut butter!"

"Laa-Mohr, did you do this?" Lyra asked.

Laa-Mohr shook his head. "I know what my curse does, this is not it."

"Maybe he has some kind of problem in his-" Fang was stopped by Cyber's hand slapping him across his head. "Ah! Cyber, why did you do that?"

"I didn't do anything!" Cyber said as his hand slapped him too.

"Black platypus!" Clockwork said, pointing above Cyber, where strings were perfectly visible and attached to Cyber's hands, which were connected to a marionette handle, which was in the talon of... Discord.

"Long time, no see, am I right misfits?" the draconequus said.

"What do you want, Discord?" Fang demanded.

"That's Discord?!" Lyra exclaimed.

"Ah yes, hello, Lyra, a pleasure meeting the marefriend of The Misfits leader," Discord said with a bow, making Lyra blush and Cyber groan.

"But I'm not his-" Lyra was about to say.

"Anyway, I wanted to meet these new ponies, I've already met the satyr, couldn't get a word out of her though, but I know I could get something out of these three, especially the robot."

"Cheese egg salad clock," Clockwork said.

"And I can't wait to stir up some chaos with them, just a thought Marine, can you breathe in soda water and apple cider? I want to cause chaos but I don't want to kill you," Marine winced.

"If I had my sword right now..." Laa-Mohr muttered.

"Oh, you're some kind of swordstallion? Well, let's see what you can do," Discord put on fencing gear and pointing a floppy rubber sword at Laa-Mohr. "En garde!"

BONG!

Somehow an anvil fell right on top of Discord, flattening his face, which he pulled back into position as everypony laughed.

"That wasn't funny," Discord said, unimpressed. "I think I now understand your-"

BONG!

Again with the anvil. "Ok, that's enough," Discord said, annoyed.

BONG!

Same thing happened, this time with a boulder. "Well played, Laa-Mohr," Discord said.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, I'm not doing anything," Laa-Mohr said with a smirk.

Discord rolled his eyes... before being hit with a safe. "Fine, I know when I'm not wanted."

"Not really," Fang said under his breath.

"Anyway, I'll be going."

"Sunshine yak potato skins?" Clockwork said.

"Oh right, your voice," Discord said before pressing a panel on Clockwork's neck, which made a cassette tape eject out of it before Discord inserted a new one and teleported away.

"That was more weird than I expected," Clockwork said.

"Don't think about it, just don't, let's go home," Cyber said as the group left for The Misfits home.





The rest of The Misfits met up at the front door to the house.

"Why do I get the feeling we're going to find a party on the other side of the door?" said Mixy.

"Probably because of Pinkie," replied Dusty as Cyber grabbed the knob and opened the door as the sound of noisemakers filled the air, the inside was decorated with streamers and balloons, with a few cakes in the middle, each with various flavors.

Shortly each of the elements of harmony emerged from their hiding places.

"Wow, what are you doing here?" Eclipse said.

"Pinkie said that y'all will be leavin' soon," Applejack said.

"So we thought that this should be extra special for you, darling," Rarity said.

"Wait, you guys are leaving?" asked Lyra.

"Yeah, but not until a few days from now, so we got some time to hang out," Cyber said.

"So why are you just standing around when we've got games to play and beat Dusty at?" Rainbow said.

"Oh, you're just asking for it now, Rainbow Crash," Dusty said.

"Let's get it on!" Pixel exclaimed excited.

Following that, Laa-Mohr, Marine, and Pixel enjoyed the party like never before. It was the greatest day of their lives. And Laa-Mohr's curse did not activate all throughout the party, which lasted until the sun set. Then after several more games, everypony went to their beds as the first day of Laa-Mohr's and Marine's new beginnings came to an end.
> Chapter 25: A little bit of history
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

That next morning, Cheerilee presented Laa-Mohr to the class as part of their geography and culture lesson.

"So, Laa-Mohr, could you tell us about yourself and what life was like in Saddle Arabia," Cheerilee said.

"Well, I don't want to be here very long, but I will tell you that I was part of royalty back there."

"Ooh, a royal, what position were you?"

"I was the adopted son of the Vizier to the Sultan."

"Ah, the Vizier and the Sultan," Cheerilee said. "Does anypony know what those two titles are?"

After a moment of silence, a young colt in the back rose his front hoof. "Isn't the Sultan like the king and the Vizier is the next in command?"

Laa-Mohr nodded. "That's right, now any questions before I have to go?"

Silver Spoon rose her hoof. "Were you always this handsome?"

"Uh, why don't we ask a real question, he probably got that way through royal treatments and taking good care of himself," Cheerilee said.

"Actually, I was always handsome," Laa-Mohr said. "I don't know why but nothing would tarnish my appearance, in fact before I was adopted I was extremely popular," Silver Spoon looked with very deep interest while Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes.

"Er... right, any more questions?" Cheerilee said.

Sweetie Belle rose her hoof. "How did you get your cutie mark?"

"Oh, that's a good one, it must be a tale of adventure for such a good swordstallion."

"I woke up, that's it."

Cheerilee looked at him in confusion. "That's it?"

"Yep, I woke up and there it was, worst day of my life."

Scootaloo rose her hoof. "But how can a cutie mark be the worst day of your life?"

"Because with this cutie mark came my curse. This is the Saddle Arabian eye of misfortune, anypony who has it gets cursed with bad luck, I caused plagues and famines that made me get kicked out."

Diamond Tiara rose her hoof. "How do you know it was you? And why do you want to go so badly?"

"Well, I was the only one not affected by the disasters, and problems followed everywhere I went. Also I want to go so that I don't hurt any of you with the curse."

"Don't worry, you won't hurt us," Silver Spoon said. "Curses aren't real."

"Yes it is!" Apple Bloom said. "He hurt my sister with it!"

"On accident!" Laa-Mohr added.

"Don't be stupid," Diamond Tiara said to Apple Bloom. "Everypony knows curses aren't real, he probably doesn't want to be around blank flanks like you three because he's royal an-" by that point, Diamond Tiara's mouth kept moving, but no sound came out, this was quickly recognized by Diamond Tiara after she looked confused, then touched her throat, then looked like she was about to panic.

"Still don't think curses are real?" Laa-Mohr asked as from the look on Diamond Tiara's face suggested she would be screaming. "Don't worry, it should only last a day, maybe more, but it's not permanent. Furthermore, just so you know, I happen to respect blank flanks for having so much opportunity to discover their destiny."

"Well, that was... interesting," Cheerilee said.

"Yeah, now may I go before I accidently set somepony's homework on fire?"

"If there are no further questions..." no reply. "Very well then, thank you for your time, Laa-Mohr."

"It's not a problem, thank you for having me, Cheerilee, and sorry for that 'demonstration' of my curse."

"It's alright, Diamond Tiara has caused problems for the other students," Cheerilee said. If Diamond Tiara could talk right now, she would have yelled. Laa-Mohr then left as Apple Bloom turned toward her friends.

"Are you thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?" she whispered.

"We should bring Laa-Mohr near Diamond Tiara more often?" Sweetie Belle guessed.

"I was thinkin' more of using this time wisely while Diamond Tiara's mute."





Twilight got her book ready to interview Marine, similar to what she did with Fang back when The Misfits first arrived.

"So let me get this straight," Spike said when he served the two mares some refreshments. "In just over a month we met a predator, a satyr, and now a hippocampus. What's next, a centaur?"

"Calm down, Spike, everypony knows there isn't such thing as centaurs," Twilight assured.

"Yeah, that's what you said about satyrs and meat-eating ponies," Spike muttered as he sat down next to Twilight, who got the book she documented predator information in, and used her magic to add pages to make room for a hippocampus section.

"Anyway, Marine, tell me about your kind, what is a hippocampus?"

Marine thought for a moment. "Well, think of us like pegasi, but in the sea, or something like that. We don't really know much about what we can do, all that we know is we can't breathe air, we can eat fish, and we can swim very fast."

Twilight stared at the shortness of her notes. "That's it?"

Marine shrugged. "We're very easy going, no care in the world, we don't need to worry about plants like earth ponies, we never need to use magic for anything important like unicorns, we don't need to watch weather like pegasi, and we have plenty of food and don't need to always hunt like predators, it gets kinda boring, even for a princess."

"Do you know about what hippocampi are able to do or make that other ponies find impossible?"

Marine thought for a while. "We can make a lot of waterproof stuff, I guess."

Twilight nodded and recorded it in the book. "And what do you know you can use magic for?"

Marine thought again. "Well, I think we have some kind of sonar that we never use, but that's about it so far."

"What about the fact that you can breathe in water?"

"Cyber said that it was completely natural, I don't know the whole thing about organs."

"I'll have to take an MRI, then," Twilight said, making Marine confused.

"MRI?"

"Magical Resonance Imaging, it allows us to see what's inside other ponies. I already did one of Fang," Twilight showed Marine the segment on predators, which had a picture showing the inside of a predator, not a lot was different compared to a normal earth pony, except certain details such as the stomach being a different shape, several muscles being new, and a complex bone structure that resists fracturing.

"You're going to that with me?" Marine asked.

Twilight nodded. "Precisely."

Marine shrugged. "Alright, but I'm going to need to get my tank if you don't want this machine in the way."





Mixy, Pixel, Eclipse and Moonlight enjoyed a nice picnic in a field.

"I can't believe you made this without burning anything, Eclipse," Pixel joked as took a bite out of her sandwich.

"Very funny, I just used my magic, I am a unicorn, you know." a burning, orange red aura emerged from Eclipse's horn and the pitcher as he poured himself some water in a cup.

"By the way, if water were to splash on you, would it just turn into steam?" Mixy asked.

Eclipse gave a look like he'd rather not answer any more questions out of annoyance. "Yes."

"Okay, so what about you, Moonlight?"

"You aren't getting me to reveal anything of my past," Moonlight said.

"Oh, so Pixel, how was your foalhood?"

"I grew up in the woods, not much else to say, what about you? You have a changeling dad!"

"Me? Um, well, there isn't much to say about my foalhood, but alright," Mixy took a deep breath before beginning. "So, I guess I grew up like most other fillies, things were normal, I had chores, I helped my parents, and played with my dad if I had the time. Most of my chores were just tending to the crops, helping out my parents, the usual stuff."

"You have a farm?" Pixel asked.

"Well, how else am I going to get food when my dad's a wanted changeling? I have no other option. Besides there's something about farmwork that is kinda relaxing. I don't know if it's because I like it or that I would be an earth pony if my dad wasn't a changeling, if that makes any sense at all."

"It doesn't," Moonlight said.

"Anyway, I didn't know much about the outside world, my parents told me to stay away. One time some foals came by and they were scared of me when I offered to play. That was when my dad told me about what changelings are. I didn't want to accept it, I believed not all changelings were bad..."

"Then what happened?" Eclipse asked.

"Chrysalis happened, she invaded the Crystal Empire and I asked my dad about her, he told me that not all changelings can see true love like he can, and that I should never, ever, ever consider Chrysalis as my grandmother, nor any of the other changelings as my aunts or uncles."

"Do changelings even have genders?" Pixel asked, Mixy shrugged.

"I guess they choose whatever they want," Mixy answered, letting the idea stew in her mind before shrugging it off.

"You know, ponies could learn a lot about changelings just from your existence," Pixel said. "Like why did Chrysalis attack the Crystal Empire? Why are they able to transform? What the heck is up with those holes?"

"Woah, woah, woah!" Mixy stopped the curious satyr. "I know you're curious, but my dad didn't tell me everything about changelings, you know."

"Oh, right, sorry."

"It's alright, Pixel. Now, as I was saying, after I learned more about changelings, I understood why my parents kept me near the house a lot, to protect me, but still I wanted nothing more than to show Equestria that not all changelings are evil, or at least not just my dad, who's name is Mirror Shard, and since a mirror shows you the way you are, I thought it reflected me perfectly, so that's what I chose as my cutie mark."

"Interesting," said Pixel "what about you, Eclipse, you're the only one who hasn't talked about their past."

Eclipse shrugged. "Alright," he said. "Well, I won't be as good as Mixy but here I go, so I grew up in Canterlot Castle, and because I had a *slight* case of pyromania, I was a bit too dangerous and would spend most of my time gazing out the window, which is where I saw my first crush, she was this lavender unicorn, and she would always enter and exit the library with a new book, I didn't get much details about her from where I was, but I knew she didn't have a cutie mark yet and she had a pink streak in her mane." this made Mixy and Pixel giggle. "What?"

"Nothing, nothing, just continue," Mixy said.

"Ok, anyway, I never knew her name, but I'm sure she's lovely in person, only I never was able to find her after I mastered most of my fire powers and was allowed to go wherever I want as long as I came back once Celestia was done teaching her student, Sunlight... Miller? Eh, doesn't matter. Anyway, one time I decided to go to Hoofington while Celestia was teaching 'whatever her name is', I decided to make some friends in Hoofington, then I met Breezie, we played for a while, I accidentally burned her, her dad got in the way, The Great Fire of Hoofington, and then you know the rest with getting my eclipsed sun cutie mark, being sent to the sun, meeting you guys, not really eventful after that."

"What does that cutie mark even mean?" Moonlight asked.

Eclipse shrugged. "I dunno."

"Well, I think that I read in a book that an eclipse is the sign of the end of Equestria, causing great fires and destruction, and since you got it after burning down Hoofington..." Pixel said.

"Are you saying my destiny is to cause death and destruction wherever I go?" Eclipse said, not sure whether to feel angry or insulted.

Pixel shrugged. "I have no idea, nopony has actually seen an eclipse and probably never will with Celestia and Luna controlling the sun and moon."

"Besides, everypony knows that even though you have a bit of a temper, you can do much more than cause death and destruction," Mixy said.

Eclipse sighed. "You're right, I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, I'm sure that there's something more to what my destiny and why I have my powers, I just don't know it yet."

"I feel the same way, Eclipse," Moonlight said.





"I still can't believe you're leaving," Lyra said as she and Cyber enjoyed lunch.

"Yeah me too, but we won't be gone forever, we'll be back."

"I'm sure you will. So, something that I always wondered, what were things like after your 'accident'?"

Cyber was confused. "Accident?"

"You know..." she tapped her horn. Cyber still didn't get the hint and just stared. "The lightning strike! What were things like after the lightning strike?"

"Oh that! Well, let's see, I know I woke up at a hospital with bandages all over my head and a splitting headache, and when I tried to use levitation I nearly had a seizure, or was it a coma? I can't remember, anyway, the doctor told me I had to be very careful from then on, also I had weekly doctor appointments and therapy for a month."

"Sounds kinda boring," Lyra commented.

"It was, and because I didn't show signs of personality change or difficulty speaking, I still went to the same school, but I was excused from every magic lesson. During those times I would go to the library, read something, or just stare off into space. Then I was staring at the ceiling lights, wondering how do they work, then suddenly the world turned into a blueprint as I thought about what I knew, starting from what caused the lights to glow all the way to the power source. After that I could see everything electronic within the walls, every wire, generator, and diode was visible to me.

"I thought I was just dreaming after the school bell woke me up, but questioning how the bell and fire alarm worked proved me wrong. That was just the beginning to my technological career, I was also able to see problems after I saw a faulty wire in a toy that made it work, I can even accurately estimate if batteries are fully charged! Anyway, as time went on, I found I can imagine what I want to build, which is how I built these," he waved his arms. "So, after a bit of talking with my parents and constant mentioning that I'll be fine, they accepted them."

"Wow, that is very interesting!"

"Now tell me about you," Cyber said, taking a bite of his sandwich.

It was Lyra's turn to be confused. "What?"

"How did you get so interested in humans?"

"Oh, it's not really that great."

"Only one way to know."

"Alright," Lyra smiled as she began. "So, you know how I can play the lyre, right?" Cyber nodded. "I thought about how can hooves play the lyre so well? Were they even designed for ponies? Then I thought about other objects we use every day, doorknobs, shovels, hammers, saws, were they even made for ponies, I mean at least half of those have to be used by a unicorn just to be used correctly. So I did a bit of research, and I saw about humans in some old, dusty books. Their hands just looked so perfect for everything, there has to be a reason why most things could be used by humans and not ponies.

"I knew that they had to come from something from the past, but nopony would accept that humans were real, I couldn't give up, I know they exist or at least existed some point in Equestria's history."

"Is that why you sit upright?" Cyber asked, Lyra nodded.

"I saw a picture of a human sitting like that, tried it out, surprisingly comfortable. Anyway, I would give anything to see a real human, or even at least have one real human hand, that's why I was so excited when I met you."

Cyber smiled. "You know what I just realized?"

"What?"

"I completely forgot about the wings."

"Of course! When are you going to get started on that?"

"Probably the next time I'm in Ponyville."

"Too bad we couldn't get started on that," Lyra pouted.

"At least we completed Clockwork, and a breakthrough like that towers over something like wings."

"True. Though I am going to miss you once you're gone."

"Likewise, but it's what I do."

"And that's why you're my best friend."
> Chapter 26: Goodbyes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia and Luna discussed events with each other at Canterlot Castle.

Luna turned to her sister. "There is something odd going on."

"What is?" Celestia asked.

"Remember the amount of unexplained calamities that have been appearing in Canterlot?"

"And what about them?"

"For some unknown reason, they have just stopped, no reason for their disappearance."

Celestia thought for a moment. "I think I have the reason. When I last visited Saddle Arabia, I was told about a stallion named 'Laa-Mohr' who is cursed with bad luck, then after months of plagues, famines, locusts, and pestilences, Laa-Mohr was sent out of Saddle Arabia and exiled, from what I know he spent his days on foal mountain, stealing from vendors in Canterlot."

"And you knew where he was but never stopped him?"

"Yes, I knew of his deeds, but Laa-Mohr has good reasons to remain free. If I were to have him stay in the castle as a sign of hospitality or arrest him for his crimes, his curse will cause the disasters of Saddle Arabia to be brought upon us in Canterlot. It seemed to be the best decision to make. Besides, I assume he is in a happier place."

"With The Misfits?" Luna guessed, Celestia nodded.

"From what I know, tomorrow is their final day,  and they shall be departing in the morning."

"And what will you make of this, sister?"

"I believe The Misfits deserve a bit of a... reward for their work and what's to come in the future."

Luna smiled. "I understand, should we present it to them personally tomorrow before they leave?"

Celestia nodded. "If Laa-Mohr really is a misfit now, it proves that they show great kindness among them, mainly the first four. Plus, I think it is about time to check on how Eclipse and Moonlight are doing as misfits."





Eclipse walked into Rarity's shop, as she looked to see who it was, she was slightly nervous at the albino, pyrokinetic unicorn.

"Eclipse! What a... pleasant surprise, what brings you here? Oh, it doesn't matter, come on in, but don't touch anything," she said rather rushed.

"Relax, Rarity, I just came to pick up my saddlebag, did you use the fireproof leather?"

"Oh, yes! Uh... just give me a moment, please don't touch anything," Rarity left into the next room as Sweetie Belle came in.

"You know, you should see her when she's got a big project and you say 'it's not that big of a deal'. It's kinda fun to watch for the first few minutes, then you just feel bad and want to help her," Eclipse smiled and chuckled, since he was waiting for Rarity, he thought it would be interesting to mess with the filly a bit.

"Hey, Sweetie Belle," Eclipse said, the young unicorn filly looked at him as he pulled out a single bit from his pouch and showed it to Sweetie Belle on his hoof. "You see this bit?" he asked.

"Are you going to pull it out of my ear?" Sweetie Belle guessed. Eclipse laughed as he shook his head.

"No, I want to make you a bet. You can have it, all you have to do is pick it up off the ground," the pyrokinetic unicorn dropped the bit onto the floor.

"Really? That's it? Easy!" Sweetie Belle said as she picked up the bit in her mouth confidently, then she proceeded to wince out of pain and drop it onto the floor, clutching her mouth. "Ow! Hot hot hot hot hot!" she exclaimed, then after a few more failed attempts, Sweetie Belle focused as a light yellow green aura flickered around her horn and the bit, which levitated up in the air slowly as Eclipse smiled.

"Good job," he said as he touched the bit with his horn. "You can touch it now, it's cool."

Sweetie Belle smiled and grabbed the bit. "Thank you, Eclipse!" she said as she trotted to her room and Rarity came in with a large saddlebag that had an odd luster and his eclipsed sun cutie mark stitched on it.

"Sorry it took so long, you know how hard it is to find fireproof leather," she said.

"Right," Eclipse replied as he took his new saddlebag and payed the price for it. "Oh, and don't be so worried, if I wanted to burn your boutique, you would have smelled smoke ages ago."

Rarity sighed. "I'm sorry, Eclipse, I'm just a little anxious that's all. Cyber warned me about you, so I'm just being a little careful, I have a big project I'm working on at the moment and you smell like a campfire for goodness sake!"

Eclipse shrugged. "As long as you don't make me angry, you're safe."

"I understand. So, I hear that you're going to be leaving tomorrow."

"That's what Cyber says, personally I'm looking forward to seeing Equestria."

"Well, I'm going to miss Dusty and Fang's help, I've never found as much gems as I did before you misfits arrived, at least I still have Spike to help."

"Sure, well thanks for the saddlebag," Eclipse waved as he left.





Meanwhile over at Golden Oaks Library, Twilight enjoyed some time with Mixy, Marine, Moonlight, Cyber, and Clockwork.

"Are you really leaving tomorrow?" asked Twilight.

Cyber nodded. "That's the plan, sorry we couldn't stay longer, we would if we could but there are other ponies out there who need our help in Equestria, and we can't help them out by just staying in Ponyville."

Twilight nodded. "I understand. Though I wish that we could keep in touch even when you're gone, you've always been a big scientific help. Maybe we could use the communicator that you used to talk with Clockwork back at Predator Island."

"Or something better," Cyber suggested as Clockwork pulled out a small device about the size of a hoof with a large screen and a few buttons on the side.

"This is my visual communicator. Just turn it on and if we're available, we'll answer and solve any problem you need, but only if it's a needed situation, I don't want to be contacted in the middle of our job just to chat."

Twilight nodded. "Got it," she replied. "Thanks."

"It's the least we could do for our friends, I already gave one to Lyra."

Moonlight finally spoke up. "Speaking of her, did you already talk to her about our departure?"

"Yeah, she's going to miss us. Although personally, I'm going to miss her too."

"I'm sure we all will, after all technically she's my mother," Clockwork said.

"I helped make you too," Twilight added.

"So, who would Clockwork's parents be?" Spike asked, confused.

"I have no idea," Marine said.

"I think it would be best if we just left that spot on the family tree blank," Mixy said.





At the Misfit home, Fang, Laa-Mohr, and Pixel sat around the house, each doing their own individual activities. Fang was sleeping, Pixel was listening to her music and Laa-Mohr was reading the newspaper.

Shortly the silence was broken by the doorbell.

"I got it," Laa-Mohr announced as he trotted to the door. Opening it he came face to face with Rarity.

"Oh, hello, who are you?" Rarity asked.

"I am Laa-Mohr, I am nopony in this world."

"Oh, yes! I remember you now. My sister Sweetie Belle wouldn't stop talking about how you 'cursed' one of her classmates, isn't that absurd?"

"Actually, I did do that."

Rarity stammered. "You did what? Why in Equestria would you do such a horrible thing like that?"

"Hey, I have no control over my curse. Besides, it only made her mute for a day or so, it won't be forever. Though if you ask me she deserved it."

"Right, so I came for Pixel, is she here?"

Laa-Mohr nodded and pointed to Pixel Berry as she listened to her music.

"Come on in, I'll get Pixel's attention," Rarity nodded and stepped inside as Laa-Mohr stood next to Pixel, shortly Pixel's headphones started to crackle and emit feedback, causing her to take them off and look at Laa-Mohr angrily.

"Darn it, Laa-Mohr! You know I hate it when you do that!"

"We have a guest," Laa-Mohr pointed to Rarity as Pixel corrected herself.

"Oh, sorry, sometimes I just like to listen to music while I got nothing else to do," Pixel put down her IPod and let its new auto-repair system take effect.

"Huh?... whozat?... whadadoo?" Fang muttered in his sleep.

"I thought you had no control over your curse," Rarity said.

"I said it was uncontrollable, not unpredictable." Laa-Mohr said.

"I see. Anyway, Laa-Mohr, if you would be so kind and step a reasonable distance to keep this from ending in catastrophe, would you?" Rarity asked. Laa-Mohr rolled his eyes but did so and trotted next to Fang.

"Now, Pixel, I understand that you have certain 'features' being a satyr," Rarity began and already Pixel was blushing. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'll just skip to the point, are those leaves getting a little tiresome to wear all the time?"

"Kinda... yeah," Pixel said.

"Well then, since you are leaving tomorrow, I was wondering if you would like-"

"AAAURGH! AACHOO!" Fang exclaimed as he darted awake and interrupted Rarity.

"Fang, are you alright?" asked Pixel.

"Yeah, that was my fault," Laa-Mohr admitted. "My curse made a fly crawl into Fang's nose."

"It's still in there!" Fang shouted as he continuously blew his nose to get the insect out.

"Er... right," Rarity said, holding back a grimace as she saw the bug fly out of the predator's nose. "Anyway, being your friend, I took the liberty of designing you some more comfortable clothing than those leaves a you're wearing."

"What do you mean?" Pixel asked as Rarity pulled out a box from her saddle bag with her magic.

"Ta-da!" she announced.

"Ta-da?" Fang asked, scratching his head in confusion, making Laa-Mohr roll his eyes.

Pixel took the box and opened it, inside was a pair of dark blue denim pants, white shirt, and strawberry pink hoodie that had a picture of a strawberry dissolving into pixels on the upper left. "Rarity... this is wonderful, how did you get the design?"

"Well, I had a little help from Lyra," replied Rarity as Pixel hugged her.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Pixel exclaimed.

"You're very welcome," Rarity replied. "Now don't just stand there, darling, try them on!" Pixel smiled and nodded before dashing into the bathroom.

"I will never understand mares and their clothing," Fang said.

"Neither will I, Fang," Laa-Mohr agreed.

"But I thought you were royalty."

"I was, but I just never had an interest in clothing."

"Why? Did they all catch on fire or become infested or something?" Fang guessed.

"Very funny," Laa-Mohr replied before Pixel emerged from the bathroom with her new clothing.

"So, how do I look?" asked Pixel, putting her hands in her pockets.

"You look... wow," answered Laa-Mohr.

"Don't ask me about fashion, I never have the answer," said Fang.

"You look lovely, darling," Rarity said.

"Thanks," Pixel said, smiling.

"Now, if you two would like, I could make some for you too," Rarity looked at Laa-Mohr and Fang.

"No thank you, I'm fine," Laa-Mohr said.

"I don't want anything messing with my camouflage," Fang added. "Also fabric is very itchy to me."

"If you say so, now, how about we show everypony else your new look?"

Pixel shook her head. "No thanks, I think I'll just show the other misfits when they get here, do I need to pay for this?"

"Oh, it's already paid for, enjoy!" Rarity waved as she left.





Dusty, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack just completed another race with Pinkie Pie at the end. Each one of the racers panting and looked like they were about to pass out.

"So... Pinkie... who... who won?" Applejack wheezed.

"Another tie!" Pinkie answered.

"What? How could that be possible?" Rainbow said. "I beat both of them by a long shot!"

"Hm? Oh, did the race start? I was talking to Gummy, he keeps bringing me ties," Pinkie stepped aside to show a large pile of neckties, with Gummy on top.

"What? Why was Gummy even bringing you ties anyway?" Applejack asked.

"I told him to get my stopwatch but he must have misheard me."

"So you're saying that every time you said it was a tie, Gummy was just bringing you a necktie?" Dusty said.

"Umm..." Pinkie looked at the large pile as if counting. "How many times did you race?"

The three racers only groaned and collapsed. 

"I don't think that's a number," Pinkie said.

"Why do you have so much neckties, anyway?" Dusty groaned. "Ah, it doesn't matter, I'm too tired to to think about logic, that's Cyber's job."

"Plus it's gettin' late, I think we should all head home, we got ourselves a big day tomorrow." Applejack added.

Dusty nodded. "Yeah, I gotta leave Ponyville tomorrow morning."

"Well, it was nice while you were here," Rainbow said.

"Aw, and I was having so much fun with all of you here!" Pinkie complained.

"You know they're not gonna be gone forever, Pinkie, right?" Applejack informed.

"I know that, and there's going to be a big 'welcome back to Ponyville' party when you do," Pinkie said with a smile as the group separated to head home.

Dusty got home to see a small celebration put up already, with all of The Misfits there, though being exhausted, Dusty didn't do much but sat around and chatted with Fang.

After some time, Cyber banged on his glass to get everypony's attention.

"Misfits," Cyber began. "Tomorrow is a big day where we leave Ponyville to continue our quest, we have come a long way since our first arrival and as such I'd like to propose a toast to new beginnings, new friends, and to misfits everywhere!"

"To misfits!" everypony echoed raising their glass or hoof.

As the night went on, all that could be thought about was what to do after leaving as The Misfits' final day in Ponyville came to an end.





Today was the big day, it was The Misfits' final day in Ponyville, so they each spent the last of their Ponyville hours with their friends as they prepared to leave that morning. The misfit home was already in its cart form and ready to leave Ponyville at the edge of town and the elements of harmony and Lyra were saying their goodbyes.

"So which parts of Equestria have you not visited yet?" asked Twilight.

"Not sure, there's all sorts of places that we haven't been to, and ponies in need of our help," Cyber answered.

"I almost wish I could go with you," Lyra added.

"Don't worry, we'll be back someday," Dusty said.

"And I'll be ready to beat you when you do," Rainbow replied.

"Did you forget anything before you go?" asked Fluttershy.

"I already checked," Clockwork answered. "We aren't missing anything."

A gentle voice emerged not to far away. "Actually, there is something we need to give you before you depart."

The Misfits, elements of harmony, and Lyra turned to see Princess Celestia and Luna standing nearby.

"Princess, what are you doing here?" Twilight said at the sight of the sun and moon princesses.

"We heard of your doings, and it seems that it has reached to other regions of Equestria," Celestia answered. "Particularly Laa-Mohr."

Laa-Mohr looked at Celestia in notice. "How did you know?"

"It's quite easy when calamities in Canterlot have stopped so suddenly," she said.

"And I see you have added a few new recruits to your team," Luna said. "Tell me, what are your names?"

Clockwork stepped up. "My name is Clockwork, I was built by Cyber."

Pixel did not move but answered. "M-m-m-my name's P-Pixel B-B-Berry... Princess."

"And what are you?"

"I'm a... satyr."

"It's been quite a while since we last saw a satyr before," Luna said as Pixel moved back a little, almost running into Pinkie.

"And I trust that these three ponies have had a fine time adjusting to their new life," Celestia said, looking at Solar Eclipse, Moonlight Shadow, and Marine.

"I can't say I've ever been happier," Eclipse said, smiling.

"I never thought I would say this, but it beats being alone," Moonlight said.

"I'm walking on land! I wish my dad could see me now," Marine added.

Celestia and Luna smiled. "You have come a long way, and each of you have potential within you that you have each demonstrated," Celestia said, earning confusion.

"I don't think we understand," Mixy said.

"There is a reason why you were destined to be together,"

"Are you saying they are elements of harmony in a way?" asked Twilight.

Celestia chuckled. "No, Twilight, but yet at the same time you are right."

"Now I'm confused," Rarity said.

"Think of it this way: Cyber is able to see kindess within other ponies, Mixy can feel sympathy for ponies who are troubled, Dusty knows who to forgive and who to view as an enemy if given enough information, and Fang gives kindness that is only outmatched by Fluttershy, even though his figure shows the most ferocious sights."

"Wow, I guess we're doing much more than helping ponies in need," Fang said.

"Quite right, and we think that you deserve a reward," Luna added.

"Oh, well thank you, Princess, but we don't need any rewards," said Cyber.

"Actually, you will want this one," Celestia and Luna's horn started to glow before they blasted a beam at The Misfits' cart entrance, which emitted a bright light.

Once the light subsided, the cart's entrance had a sun engraved on one side, and a moon on the other. Everypony stared at it in awe.

"When ponies see them, they will know that you are accepted by us," Luna said. "Then maybe they will be able to at least listen to what you have to say."

"Princess, I don't know what to say," Cyber said.

"Don't say anything!" Pinkie exclaimed. "There are ponies out there that need a misfit party and you're not there!"

"It's best if you keep doing what's right for Equestria," added Twilight.

"I'm gonna miss you guys, maybe not Dusty," Rainbow said.

"Likewise," Dusty replied with a smile.

Rarity trotted up to Laa-Mohr. "Laa-Mohr, if you're ever in Saddle Arabia, could you pick up some of your royal attire for me?"

"Uh, sure, Rarity," Laa-Mohr replied.

"You're a really nice stallion, Fang," said Fluttershy. "Even if you are scary." Fang smiled.

"Y'all visit again sometime, ya hear?" Applejack said.

Cyber nodded. "We'll visit when we get the chance."

"And Cyber?" Lyra asked.

"Yeah?"

Lyra smiled at him. "Good luck, I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too," Cyber said as the two unicorns hugged out of friendship.

Then with a couple final nods, waves, and some more goodbyes later, The Misfits left Ponyville to continue their journey across Equestria to help ponies in need. Only now with new members, friends, and experiences, The Misfits have only started a new beginning together.