Chapter Eleven - non-canon omake
They responded by giving her a salute to which she returned. She then turned her attention back towards the pony in front of her. “We need a statement, madam,” the mare said, taking a step closer to Gentle.
Gentle’s reply was interrupted when the air next to her suddenly turned glassy. Everypony present turned to look, and more than a few eyes widened as a tall figure stepped out, wearing what appeared to be a black and silver armor, while his head resembled a skull with large, smokey black eyes. He wore a white scarf around his neck, and a white fedora.
The figure pointed to the Internal Affairs agents. "You want a statement? I'll give you a statement: Go to Tartarus."
"Wha-how dare you!" Strict Code gave him an offended look. "We're-"
"Agents of an organization that is one of the most hated and obstructive in the majority of universes that I've visited," the figure replied. "Internal Affairs may have been founded for a good reason, but unfortunately, the majority of its incarnations have a tendency to harass the good guys who are trying to get things done and interfere in matters that are are none of their business. Now get out before I throw you out."
Strict Code, for once, decided discretion was the better part of valor and opted to leave, her fellows trailing after.
The figure shook his head. "That was a nasty piece of business... sorry you had to see me in one of my worse moods, but IA is one of those groups that just pisses me off every time I see them in action."
"Quite." Gentle peered at him suspiciously. "Who and what are you, anyway?"
“That depends on what you mean by ‘who and what’.” The figure somehow managed to smile, even though the mouth on his helmet never moved. “Biologically, I'm a human being under this armor - ask the Bearers, they've run into my species before. As for who... call me Reel." The man quirked his head. "Private investigator, Kamen Rider and universal traveler. I've popped into other versions of this Equestria before; even took out the Nightmare myself in one of them, though it was only good in that one universe - I can’t affect the core timeline, just side versions. And I know you and your Captains are all good ponies who’ve more than earned my respect, Captain General."
“That’s good to know.” Gentle Step raised an eyebrow. “But what brings you here and now?”
Reel shrugged. “I like this universe, in its myriad small variations. I like Equestria in general. I’ve observed and dropped into more than a few versions of it - heck, one’s my home when I’m not popping around the multiverse. And I happened to catch those guys harassing you and got annoyed enough to poke my nose in and have words with them.” He frowned. “IA may mean well, but they’re the bane of all heroic police and military organizations everywhere and one of those groups that brings out the worst in me.”
“That’s an understandable reaction, though I’m afraid this won’t be the end of it.” Gentle Step looked at him. “Technically, I am breaking the rules-”
“And you’re following your heart,” Reel interrupted her. “You and Memorizing Gaze belong together. Trust me on this.”
Gentle looked away, barely hiding the blush on her face.
Reel tilted his head. “Much as I’d like to stick around, I need to move on soon. But there are a few other things you should all know.”
“Oh?” Sweet Surprise raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah. First off, during their time on the run, the Bearers learned some interesting information about their predecessors and a lot of their so-called enemies. You remember the story of the Blue Sorceress?”
“I do,” Standing Wall volunteered. “The one who fought the Magi of Stars with an army of star beasts?”
Reel nodded. “Except that story, and a lot of others, were… misunderstood over the years. For instance, the Blue Sorceress was really… how shall I put it? A bragging showmare who accidentally inspired a couple of colts to lure an Ursa Minor to Ponyville, and was blamed for all the damage it did before the Magi of Stars calmed it down and sent it home, saving the Sorceress’ life in the process. When the Magi of Stars and her fellow Bearers died during what one universe I know calls Chrysalis’ Folly, the Blue Sorceress vowed to honor her for her heroism and really turned her life around.”
The others looked at him in surprise. “Really?” Violet asked.
“Really. And the new Bearers know this - in fact, they’re probably going to tell you about her soon, when you go to talk to Page.”
Violet quirked an ear. “Why me in particular?” she asked suspiciously.
“Because, my lady enchantrix and Magi Supreme, the Blue Sorceress’ true name was Trixie Lulamoon.” He paused as her eyes widened. “And if you’re thinking she’s your ancestor, you’re absolutely right.”
“I-how-” Violet shook her head. “That’s…”
“Unbelievable?” Reel nodded sagely. “Entirely the truth though. It’s been a thousand years since that incident, and King Blueblood the First was operating on incomplete information when he shared the stories with the rest of Equestria. The combination distorted the true version of things, though hopefully that can be fixed eventually.”
The other Captains and Mist Flight all looked at him. “That is… certainly interesting information,” Blazen Sun finally said. “And I suppose the new Bearers know more of them?”
“Absolutely. By the way, Captain Lulamoon?” Reel gazed at her. “For the record, Trixie’s proud of you and what you’ve accomplished.”
Violet smiled. “Thank you, er… Reel.”
“One more thing, before I go.” Reel held up a finger. “The Nightmare may have been dealt with, but there are other dangers out there. The transition into this new era won’t be easy… but the end results will be worth it, I promise.”
As the air turned reflective again, he gave them all a friendly smile. “Until next time, everypony. There’s no telling when or if I’ll be back… but I’ll be keeping an eye on things as best as I can. Take care, all of you!”
Stepping through the reflective surface, he was gone.
“Well,” Mist Flight remarked. “That was unexpected.”
“Yes,” Gentle Step agreed. “Yes, it was.”