Jonathan ‘JP’ Paine was a normal human before meeting the Merchant. After purchasing a pair of .38 caliber pistols, shoulder and thigh holsters; he strapped them on under his vest, before replacing his trench coat.
“Hm. New attire for a character; that's unexpected. You might have altered your character in unexpected ways. You'll have to figure out how on your own,” the merchant mused
With that complete, the Merchant sent him to an anthro version of Equestria right into the Everfree Forest.
● EQUESTRIA ●
“You're finished, Nightmare Moon,” Twilight said, as her friends nodded
“Do you really think a group of puny meisters can defeat me,” Nightmare Moon taunted “I bet your souls taste delicious.”
"Of course we can. We have the power of friendship,” the girls said in unison
The group proceeded to use the Elements of Harmony to defeat Nightmare Moon, and return Luna to normal. In the process, the strain on the Elements to remove Nightmare Moon caused their destruction. Afterwards, they were joined by another guest.
“Dear sister, you have returned,” Celestia said hugging Luna “The kishin changed you so much.”
“Sister? Kishin? What are you talking about,” Rainbow Dash asked skeptically
“Explanations can wait until later. Right now, I'd like to get Luna home,” Celestia replied
The next morning JP was startled by splashing in the nearby pond. Looking over to see the visitor, he found himself staring at a black cat with a pointed hat that seemed familiar.
“Hey, Kid,” the cat said
“Who are you?”
“I'm Blair; a Displaced like yourself. Do you remember anything before entering Equestria,” Blair asked
“Just that I bought a few items from the Merchant. As to names; just call me ‘Death the Kid’. I don’t remember my old name.”
“Neither do I. You're going to need to get your own weapon partners. I know two that might work,” Blair replied
“Now that I think about it; there are a couple things I remember.”
“What's that,” Blair asked
“The merchant mentioned something about altering my character in different ways; whatever that means.”
“And the other,” she added
“I never watched ‘My Little Pony’. I know absolutely nothing about this world.”
“I could help you with that. Right now; we're in the Everfree Forest. Nearby is the town of Ponyville and the rulers of the world live in a place called Canterlot,” she explained
“Just how long have you been here for?”
“About a month,” was the response
“Shit. I sense something nearby.”
After saying that, a figure launched itself at Kid with the intent of assaulting him. Kid barely had the wherewithal to get his hands up to defend himself before launching a return kick to the ribs that caused his attacker to retreat.
“What the hell was that,” Kid asked
“You're a Grim Reaper, aren't you? Shouldn't you recognize a kishin,” Blair asked jokingly
“Not when I don't even know the extent of my abilities.”
● CELESTIA & LUNA ●
Celestia decided to use her Soul Perception to check on her citizens and spotted an anomaly that stood out. The soul in question was almost as powerful as hers; but was similar to an old friend from another realm.
“Sister? What's wrong,” Luna asked
“A strange soul just arrived. I'm going to meet its owner,” Celestia replied
“Perhaps you should wait a day. Let them get adjusted to Equestria before you visit,” Luna suggested
“You're right,” Celestia said with a sigh
● KID & BLAIR ●
“You mentioned a couple that might be able to help me,” Kid commented
“Cloud Chaser and Flitter. Twin pegasi,” Blair answered “Let's go. I'll introduce you.”
With Blair leading, the two left the forest and headed out and into Ponyville before stopping at a house occupied by a pair of twins that differed in hairstyle. Kid suspected these to be the ponies in question.
“Blair; who's your friend,” one of the twins asked
“Allow me to apologize for my sister's rudeness. My name is Cloud Chaser and that is my sister Flitter,” Cloud Chaser said
“Greetings. My name is Death the Kid. You can call me ‘Kid’ for short,” he said with a bow
“What's with the bulge under your jacket,” Flitter asked
“I'll show you.”
“Why don't you two come in,” Cloud Chaser asked
As Kid and Blair walked inside; he calmly unbuttoned his black vest and removed the pistols. The sisters picked them up and started examining them.
“What exactly are these,” Flitter asked
“Pistols. A type of weapon that fires projectiles.”
“I just heard something moving outside. That doesn't look good,” Chaser replied
“I'll try to get rid of it.”
The kishin from earlier came back for revenge. Kid was sent flying back about twenty feet into a building, while Blair took charge.
“Chaser, Flitter; do me a favor. See that lever where your index finger is? Pull that back towards you,” Blair directed
The girls did as instructed and were surprised when two blasts hit their target and managed to destroy it. In the process of doing so, they managed to resonate, causing the guns to be absorbed into them.
“Kid; are you alright,” Blair asked
“Peachy. I've heard the saying about hitting the midmorning wall, but this is ridiculous,” Kid replied, pulling himself out
“What's that thing over there,” Chaser asked
“That is a kishin egg. It's yours to take,” Kid said as Cloud Caser reluctantly swallowed the soul
“What happened to the objects you gave us,” Flitter asked
“Allow me to answer that. You resonated; or bonded with those pistols. In another way, the two of you ARE the pistols,” Blair explained
“Well, I speak for my sister and I when I ask one question. What now,” Cloud Chaser asked
“With your permission, I'd like to ask the two of you to become my weapon partners,” JP asked
“Yes. We agree,” Flitter replied "Besides; your weapons are bonded with us."
“Well, you're probably going to need somewhere to stay. We have a room that my ex-boyfriend Thunderlane used to stay in,” Cloud Chaser added
“Thank you both very much for your hospitality,” Kid said bowing
“You don't have to bow to us,” Flitter replied
“Sorry. Force of habit.”
After spending the first night in Equestria, Kid was glad to have a place to stay, and hoped to be one of its protectors.
● CELESTIA & LUNA ●
“Luna; could you take over duties for the day? I'm going to take a chariot to Ponyville to see a few people, including our new guest,” Celestia said
“Of course, sister. I'm guessing Twilight and the others are first,” Luna replied, as Celestia nodded
● CELESTIA & MANE-SIX ●
“Princess Celestia! What are you doing here,” Twilight asked curiously
“I came to see a few people, but stopped by to explain some things to you and your friends here,” Celestia said
“What did you need to explain, Princess Celestia,” Rarity asked
“I came here informally. You don’t need to address me with a title,” Celestia replied
“How's about what you said yesterday. Something about kishins; whatever they are,” Rainbow Dash asked
“Kishins are the souls of those that have been corrupted. It is the job of meisters and weapons to destroy them and collect their souls. That is the purpose of the Death Weapon Meister Academy. My school was actually suggested by an old friend,” Celestia explained
“I'm afraid to tell you that the Elements of Harmony have been destroyed,” Twilight said
“They served their purpose. By the way; Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie, the three of you are weapons,” Celestia replied
“I'm guessing that means the rest of us are meisters,” Fluttershy asked
“Indeed,” Celestia confirmed
“Who is your friend that suggested the school,” Applejack asked
“The Grim Reaper; Lord Death,” Celestia replied
“You mean that figure that wields a scythe,” Twilight asked
“The very same. Quite some time ago; we agreed to set up a branch here, but only now am I officially opening it. There have been reports of witches over the years, but none of them have been identified,” Celestia said
“What's a witch? Are they covered in warts with green skin and wear black pointy hats,” Pinkie asked
“Nothing like that. Witches have strong magic and are able to use the ability of Soul Protect.”
“Can't you use Soul Perception to find them,” Twilight asked
“Not when they hide in plain sight. Right; princess,” Dash replied as Celestia nodded
“How'd you know that,” Fluttershy asked
“I'm not that stupid. I actually pay attention,” Dash retorted
“I'd like to officially invite you all to attend the DWMA. It is held in Canterlot Castle. You'd be staying in one of the abandoned houses in Canterlot,” Celestia said
“Are my parents still there,” a scared Twilight asked
“They are. In fact, they're the only ones to stay. Send me a message if you need time to discuss this.”
“We'll do it,” they said together
“Very well. I'll see you girls at the academy in two weeks. I'm going to see to my other group,” Celestia said departing
“Wait. I do have something I'd like to know before you go. What happened with your sister,” Twilight asked quickly
It started over a thousand years ago. We were hunting down a kishin when Luna took off alone. When I caught up to her, she was eating a normal pony soul,” Celestia explained
“She killed an innocent pony,” Fluttershy asked
"Unfortunately yes. It was the guilt of killing the pony that drove her to become a kishin. I was forced to banish her to the moon,” Celestia finished
“I hope we really did free her from the kishin,” Rarity commented
● DEATH the KID ●
After finishing their breakfast of pancakes, the group was startled by a knock at the door.
“Princess Celestia? N-n-nice to see you,” a stuttering Cloud Chaser said
“Would the four of you be so kind as to follow me? There are some things that need to be discussed in private,” Celestia asked
Reluctantly, they boarded the nearby carriage and were flown to the castle. Once there, Kid was surprised to see such architecture. As they entered the throne room, another female was waiting for them.
“Luna, let's head to the library. There's someone that ought to join us,” Celestia said vaguely
The princesses led everyone down the hall to a library that contained a fireplace with a ceiling-length mirror on the opposite wall. Everyone grabbed a chair while Celestia approached the mirror.
“42-42-564. Whenever you want to, knock on Death's door,” Celestia recited
The reflection of the room suddenly changed to that of a light blue room with crosses scattered around and an archway of guillotines as an entrance. Standing in the center of the room was a tall black figure with a white face or mask that featured a round upper followed by three points at the bottom and two black eye holes.
“Celestia, Luna; long time no see. You look like my son, but Kid is standing here. And I see you have the Lines of Sanzu complete. Sorry for my rudeness, I am Lord Death, the Grim Reaper,” he said cheerfully
“I do see a resemblance between us. Those must be your weapon partners there. Have you found out your abilities yet,” Death the Kid asked standing next to his father “By the way; nice trench coat.”
“Actually, no. All I can remember is buying my .38 caliber pistols, the shoulder and thigh holsters from the Merchant before I ended up here,” Kid replied “The jacket was my personal touch to differentiate us.”
“Same here. I bought a plush of Blair's cat form from the Merchant and ended up here,” Blair added
“I know the Merchant you speak of. He is a being that can sometimes grant second chances to others, while forcing others against their will,” Lord Death explained
“Death; do you mind sending over a few Death Scythes to assist with the academy,” Celestia asked
“Of course. Professor Stein, one of the other Death Scythes and another weapon that deserves a second chance,” Death replied
“Father; if it's alright to call you that, make sure Stein doesn't experiment on anyone here,” Kid asked
“I promise not to experiment on anyone,” Dr. Franken Stein said turning the giant screw in his head
“Who's the Death Scythe?”
“Justin Law. He should be back soon. I'll send the three to you as soon as I can,” Death answered
“Thank you very much, Death. It's been a pleasure,” Celestia said before Lord Death Disappeared “Kid; I'd like to formally invite you to the DWMA along with your weapons, Cloud Chaser and Flitter.”
“My sister and I will see you there,” Chaser said
“Same here. When does class start,” Kid asked
“We start in two weeks,” Celestia replied
“Just out of curiosity; is there any meat eaten here?”
“We do have meat on occasion. You'll find eggs are plentiful, here in Equestria,” Celestia said “Fish is also extremely commonplace.”
“One more thing before we leave. Do you know a tailor and shoemaker I could visit?”
“You'll want to visit Rarity at the Carousel Boutique for clothing,” Cloud Chaser said
“And Shoe Shine should be able to make you another pair,” Flitter added
“Before you leave, I'd like to give you this,” Luna said handing Kid a bag
“Normally, we wouldn't do this; but inside is 1,000 bits for you to use. We just ask you not to tell anyone about that,” Celestia added
“I promise. Thank you very much.”
Once the group returned to Ponyville, Kid made a pit stop at the house to drop off his shoulder and thigh holsters before immediately heading over to the boutique to see the owner.
“Hello and welcome to Carousel Boutique. I'm Rarity and what can I do for you,” she said as Kid headed inside
“Nice to meet you. My name is Death the Kid. I'd like to get a couple of outfits made.”
“I so hate to be rude, but do you mind if I just called you ‘Kid’? What kind of outfits were you wanting to get made,” Rarity asked
“Go ahead on calling me ‘Kid’. As for the clothes, I wanted to have two similar outfits made to what I'm wearing. One in khaki while the other would be in white, being designed for cold weather.”
“Of course, Kid. I’m going to need you to change into these for right now,” Rarity said motioning to a shirt and pants next to her
Kid grabbed the clothes and headed behind the divider and stripped. As he put on the new clothes, they were surprisingly comfortable and loose fitting.
“It will take me a little while to have the designs drawn up for both outfits and a few days to have them finished. This will be a challenge to replicate your jacket,” Rarity explained “Go ahead and keep those clothes. They seem to fit you pretty well.”
“Thank you very much for this,” Kid said with a bow
Upon leaving, he headed to the shoe shop next door to get a couple new pairs made.
“If you're looking to get shoes made, I'm the pony for the job. Name’s Shoe Shine,” the owner said
“I know my feet are much different than yours, but I was hoping you could make a couple different pairs of shoes for me.”
“Here's some paper for you to use so you could draw out the design you'd like,” Shoe Shine said
Kid proceeded to draw out in exact detail the kind of heavy-duty boots he was hoping to have made. A second drawing was made for a pair of casual shoes to wear.
“This pair should be pretty simple to make. In fact, I should be done in a day or so. These boots are certainly going to be complicated. To ensure a proper fit for both, you're going to have to remove your shoes,” Shoe Shine explained
As Kid did as he was told, Shoe Shine was able to get the shape of the feet and the proper height to make sure they were to Kid’s liking.
“How do you want these boots fastened,” Shine asked
“Laces on both, if you don't mind.”
“I'll notify you in a week or so when they are finished so you can pay,” Shoe Shine said
“Thank you very much.”
“Kid, I've finished with the initial outline of your new clothes. I thought you'd like these back,” Rarity said handing him his folded up clothes “For your white jacket, what kind of fasteners would you like?”
“Heavy-duty buckles, if you have them, please.”
“I do have something close to it. As for making it for cold weather, that's going to be a surprise,” Rarity answered
“So; you've gotten your errands done,” Cloud Chaser commented as he nodded “Getting hungry?”
“As a matter of fact,” Kid replied as his stomach growled “I am.”
“To Sugercube Corner,” Flitter said cheerfully “Our treat. Come on, Blair.”
Rarity noticed the black cat trailing the girls transform into a buxom female and seemed surprised.
“Rarity? You alright,” Chaser asked
“Pardon me; but not counting the princesses, you have the biggest breasts I've seen,” Rarity said quickly, before realizing what she said as she clamped a hand over her mouth
“Thank you. I'm Blair by the way,” she said “Kid, I'll return your clothes for you and meet you at the bakery afterwards.”
With the twins leading, the three headed over to the bakery while Blair would meet them momentarily. Once inside, Kid was surprised by the amount of desserts there and was immediately met by a pink pony who had his head between her breasts as she hugged him tightly.
“Who are you? I'm Pinkie Pie,” she said
“Can't breathe,” Kid gasped
“Oh sorry,” Pinkie said releasing the hug
“Name's Death the Kid.”
“So, what can I get you,” Pinkie asked, changing the subject
“Our usual,” Flitter replied
“Alright, I have an order for two oat muffins. What about you Kid,” Pinkie asked
“May I get a chocolate chip muffin, please.”
“Anything to drink,” Pinkie added
“Milk please,” Kid replied
“Juice for us,” Chaser said
“You got it. Here's the muffins and drinks,” Pinkie said returning with a tray a few moments later
“Hey, what about me,” Blair asked
“Of course. What do you want,” Flitter asked
“Whatever Kid's having,” Blair replied
“Alright. Chocolate chip muffin and milk,” Pinkie said already bringing a tray
“After we eat, could you direct me to the library,” Kid asked
“Just down the street. You can't miss the treehouse,” Chaser replied
Once Flitter paid the 25 bits for their meal, Kid and Blair headed to the library.
“I'm here to make sure nothing happens,” Blair whispered
“Welcome to Golden Oak Library. My name is Twilight Sparkle, student of Princess Celestia. Who are the two of you,” Twilight asked
“I'm Blair and this is Death the Kid,” Blair said casually
“What exactly are you as it's obvious you're not ponies,” Twilight asked
“Do you mind if we entered properly before bombarding us with questions,” Kid asked curiously
“Of course. Take a seat on the couch,” Twilight said cheerfully
As the two headed inside, Twilight decided to continue her questioning.
“Back to my previous question; what exactly are you,” Twilight reiterated
“Originally we were humans. A being known only as the Merchant sent us here after buying an object related to a particular character,” Kid explained
“The only problem we have, is that we can't recall anything about our old lives,” Blair added
“Kid; is your father really the Grim Reaper,” Twilight asked directly
“As I have adopted the character of ‘Death the Kid’ as my own; yes Lord Death is my father.”
“I thought so. Using my Soul Perception; I can tell that your soul is much different than others. I wanted to confirm it,” Twilight said with a sigh
“Do you happen to have any history books, by any chance?”
“I do, but I'd like to ask you both something. Do you mind if I examined you for science,” Twilight replied
“What kind of examination,” Blair asked
“I wanted to see how different your bodies are to ours,” Twilight said sheepishly
“Well basic anatomy is the same. Females have breasts and the same lower regions. Our only difference is we wear clothes as per human logic; while you don't,” Blair explained
“We also have feet instead of hooves, but other than that; we're pretty similar,” Kid finished
“The third cabinet, second shelf from the bottom contains history books. It's arranged by subject,” Twilight replied
“Thank you very much.”
“Do you happen to have anything on cats,” Blair asked curiously
“Why do you want that,” Twilight asked as Blair casually transformed
“This is why. Meow,” Blair said before changing back
“Would you like something to drink,” Twilight asked
“Water, if you don't mind.”
“Same. I had milk earlier,” Blair replied
Twilight returned moments later, only to find Kid was on his fifth book out of the entire cabinet. About an hour later, the entire collection of history books was finished to Twilight’s surprise.
“How did you manage to do that? Normally it takes me at least a couple days to read that much,” a shocked Twilight asked
“I'm able to absorb information easily. Besides, I prefer to know as much about an area as I can. If I used my Soul Perception, I might be able to find long range problems.”
“I'm guessing you're attending the academy then,” Twilight asked
“Yes. My weapon partners will be joining me. Blair left?”
“Yeah, you were so into the books you couldn't hear telling you,” Twilight replied
“Thank you for the hospitality.”
Kid realized it was much later than he thought and headed home. The twins were sitting on the couch and apparently fell asleep.
“Hey Kid. You've finally pulled your head out of the books,” Blair said shaking her hips seductively
Kid calmly left the room and headed to the back. Moments later, he returned holding the trench coat, which was thrown at Blair.
“Cover yourself up, please. I don't need to see your private bits,” Kid said as she stuck her tongue out in response
“You didn't care about the others,” she argued
“You said it earlier, though. We wear clothes being human, originally. Besides, you don't see anyone's privates.”
“That's because we're wearing specifically designed underwear,” Cloud Chaser replied “It covers us enough. We do still wear clothes, though.”
“Sorry about any rudeness,” Kid said apologetically
“No apology necessary. You didn't know,” Flitter added
● CELESTIA ●
The doors to the throne room opened and allowed the last person Celestia hoped to see; the head of the Equestria Education Counsel, Vladimir Neighsay.
“Vladimir; what can I do for you,” Celestia asked
“It's Chancellor Neighsay to you, Princess. I have on good authority you are planning on creating a school,” Neighsay replied coldly
“I am. I have a few teachers arriving soon,” Celestia said
“Well, I will have to keep an eye on you to make sure no rules are being broken,” he said sarcastically
“Is that all? I have an important meeting to attend,” Celestia asked
After Neighsay left in a huff, Luna decided to voice her opinion to her older sister.
“I have a bad feeling about him. There's just something I can't grasp,” Luna said
“I actually agree. He has a power that doesn't feel normal. Hopefully Kid feels the same way,” Celestia replied
“How can you trust him so easily? You saw for yourself the actual son of Lord Death. He admitted to being sent here,” Luna asked
“I am aware of that fact. Perhaps his knowledge wouldn't be bad to utilize, and he could give an unbiased opinion on a person.”
“Well, we should go. Death did want to talk to us,” Luna said
Both princesses headed to their private library, making sure they weren't followed. Once inside the room, Celestia made sure to magically lock the door and soundproof it, to prevent unwanted eavesdropping.
“42-42-564. Whenever you want to, knock on Death's door,” Luna recited
“Hiya, hiya,” Lord Death said cheerfully “What's up?”
“We have a problem. It seems there is a witch close to us,” Celestia said
“Are you sure? This is a serious allegation,” Death replied
“I'm not entirely sure, but I was hoping Kid would be able to help,” Celestia replied
“I'm sure my other-world son should be able to help. He might have abilities that my son doesn't,” Death said
“With classes starting in two weeks; when would you be able to send over the instructors,” Luna asked
“Justin should be returning within the next day. I received an update from him. The other weapon poses a challenge as he did technically die and I promised to give him a new body after he returns here,” Death explained “It will definitely be before your academy starts in two weeks.”
“Thank you, old friend,” Celestia said before he departed
“I received word that the other groups are sending over a delegate to attend class. Rutherford is sending over his daughter, Yona. Grandpa Gruff has his nephew Gallus. Thorax is sending his daughter Ocellus. Queen Ember plans on bringing her daughter, Solder. Even Queen Novo is sending Silverstream here,” Luna said
“I believe a pony by the name of Sandbar is supposed to be their guide.”
“Are you sure Vlad’s a witch? What proof do you have,” Luna asked
“Honestly, at this point I'm not entirely sure. How did he know that I was creating the academy,” Celestia asked
“Perhaps he has a spy reporting back to him? There are too many residents in the castle to question them all,” Luna replied
“Then we speak nothing about our plans. Only those Death brings over and Kid will know anything. Hopefully by taking such measures can we change what information he gets.”
“Agreed,” Luna decided
● NEIGHSAY ●
“How dare she attempt to open a school without my permission!?”
“Even the princesses’ education must be overseen by you (us),” a counsel member replied
“I wonder if they'll ever figure out that I have a spy in their midst in the castle that's my slave? Same goes for the rest of you,” Neighsay asked rhetorically